In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
the weather was fair, and wonderfully calm for the morning of the day of great celebration. Enlai carried with him a long and golden en-laid red box, each corner covered in a capstone of solid gold molded by a gold making magician to resemble a half dragon half Pheonix creature. He held himself high despite the tear tracks that were on his face, they were dried but still were slightly visible to those who looked close enough. Behind him a palaquin of resplendent design was being carried by 8 servants, each buff and well built. Their faces covered by see through cloths that prevented anyone from seeing their faces or moods. They were each carrying a set of prayer beads and dark colored clothing that would make them look without feature besides their buff muscles showing through their sleeveless top. [break][break] The palaquin itself was made of iron wood and befit the status of the man who ahd sent it. The metal attachments were made of silver and highly polished bronze. Each side was carved with the four cardinal directions and were made to show just how skilled the maker of the palaquin was. The poles used to to support the human drawn vehicle were made of Solid iron simply to show off the mens ability to carry it. Each one was supported by 2 of the servants as they walked forward following behind Enlai without a word spoken, though it wasn’t like they could anyway, given that their tongues were removed and the stumps branded with an anti healing circle. These were the elite guards of Jirou after all, each one skilled in a separate style of fighting that would allow them to be the most useful as bodyguards to the young noble. But he was not within the palaquin they carried. It was empty besides the finest of materails for the journey back. [break][break] Enlai would arrive at the entrance to his destination and with a exchange of words the men would be allowed to pass, though a word of warning would be sent to the woman they were to be picking up. Enlai would stand and wait outside the main door, and await to be addressed. Each second that passed he knew his sisters life was in danger to his masters whims. He was afraid to even try to tell her about what he wanted, but if he did not bring the woman he was here to see his baby sister would be executed.
words[break]0417 [break] total[break]0417 [break] SP Earned[break]0000 [break] Stat Earned[break]0000 [break]
It had been at least a week since her torment at the hands of Jirou Yuiee had taken place, he wanted her to return after a few days even threatening to end the lives of his favoured servant and their sibling. She felt for the pair and their plight but even now she still remembered those hours of excruciating pain as the healing knife stabbed into her flesh and ripped her open only to heal before even a drop of blood could even escape. She still had nightmares about that day and she refused to deal with him even now, she should have been back on that infernal estate within three days but she hadn't. She was playing a dangerous game by calling the bluff of a person like him who would kidnap and torture a person while exclaiming that they were theirs alone now, she couldn't help but shudder.
So far, she had been left alone and she hadn't heard of any murders that had happened within the estate, then again she was quite sure that they likely would be swept under the rug. She hadn't met any others of the family and her knowledge of them was still very limited so she had to wonder if the entire family was like that. From what she could tell from the woman that had helped her and the male that came before her they were servants to Jirou's sister who cherished them. The higher grade of silk they were wearing proved that, if she didn't know any better she would have believed they were nobility especially considering the male was able to carry a sword into Jirou's personal area as an equal. She could then that it was a very complex relationship between the three but didn't want to even think about that mess.
She had just finished training and had been soaking in her tub when a knock came to the door, dressing in a yukata she would head to the door wondering who would be visiting her. She lived in the middle of nowhere as she liked her privacy. Opening the door she was surprised at who it was. Would she never be free of Jirou's reach, not even her own brother knew where she lived, yet somehow Jirou had found her, not once but twice, that was creepy for sure. She was about to close her door on Enlai's face but she noticed the tear tracks on his face "Why have you been crying?" she would ask not knowing what was wrong. She looked at the box in his hand and the empty palaquin and got a terrible feeling. "What is going on and why where you sent over your sister?" each passing second the dread grew.
Enlai had been waiting patiently for the door to open. Even if she was not home, or if it was opened by a servant, Jirou would have punished Enlai for failure as his sources had confirmed she was alone. But to Enlais thanks to the gods, she opened the door herself.he immediately knelt and held the box infront of him, his movement had been slow due to silently giving thanks and he knew she had seen his tear tracks. When she spoke her words, and the tone showed that she knew something was wrong Enlai nearly broke down crying. But his training as a servant held out and he simply lifted the box higher despite the growing pain in his arms. He told her with a shakey tone that his master wished for her to return to celebrate his choosing in the Magic Knights. He even apologized for his sister not being sent. But she had greatly displeased his master and as such was receiving punishment until the party began. [break][break] "The Party will not begin until you arrive... Lady Hotaru..." his voice cracked as he spoke, and once he was done speaking the servants holding the palaquinn up bent down and set it down with an ease of force that would demonstrate just how skilled they were. It didn’t even make a noise as they set it down. ":ady Hotaru….my Lord Master expects you to wear this outfit. He says… None other will be acceptable. Please…Do not let my beloved sister suffer any longer then needed…Please." the pleading in his voice was hard to miss. And he was on the verge of breaking down and crying. [break][break] Far away, Jirou made his way from the bathing room naked to his changing room. The servants who had washed him were all blind, though not because he had made them that way. They had been a gift from Fengge for obtaining the status of Magic Knight. His body was covered in training scars, But never in a place where it was visible to the family he was forced by blood to call his own. But even then he wished he bore the newest scars he had received from his spar with Ryoshi. But he had been unable to indulge in such an advancement. He was denied his most simple of pleasures in life due to his status as nobility. He had everything anyone could want but it meant nothing to him. Even this small victory he had fought for could have easily been accomplished by his biological father and mother paying to have him placed in a squad. But he had refused that, and told them he would earn the position. But even then,… why did he feel like he hadnt earned it. But as he dressed he wonderd if he would be able to change on failure he had recently had and he smiled because of it.
words[break]0491 [break] total[break]0836 [break] SP Earned[break]0000 [break] Stat Earned[break]0000 [break]
Hotaru looked shocked seeing the brother of Lanying at her door, she lived secluded si she could get over her trauma while training but it seemed even though she had moved he could still find her. It unsettled the solar mage quite a bit, she could have put an end to it and told her brother but, she felt odd that the first thing she would say to him was that she needed help. She was a proud Kusai woman and refused to let some shitheel noble take that away from her. She wasn't a doll and she had no intention of becoming one, she feared betrothal given that was how things were normally done back at home but from what she could tell the same was not done within Clover. Well, it was more it came down to the individual families over it being a tradition, she shuddered at the thought of becoming a bartering chip.
She watched Jirou's male servant Enlai instantly take to his knees and hold the box he was carrying above his head as he offered it to her. She looked at the box for a moment. "No." It really was that simple to her, she didn't want any sort of gift that man wanted to offer her. They weren't dating, not that she would want to after the torture that she had endured at the hands of the deranged noble. She watched as he merely lifted the box higher instead of answering her questions, it was a very odd situation that she honestly didn't want to find herself within. "I want nothing to do with that or the one who is sending me these gifts. Go away and leave me alone." She turned away and was about to close the door on the circus outside her home.
"I guess the party will never begin." she said with a shrug, she was clear she was having none of it. She heard the cracking in his voice and felt for him and his sister but it wasn't her job to cater to Jirou's whims. She was scared of the raven-haired male, she couldn't deny that and where she felt for their plight she didn't see why she needed to put herself into a situation where she was likely going to be drugged and tortured again. She looked over her shoulder seeing the palanquin being lowered "You'll never see me in one of those monstrosities." she said authority in her voice. It was clear she felt offended, it was as much part of her culture to be in one of those when travelling but she had always refused and walked even if it made her a target.
"I will not be wearing it because I'm not going, return to your master." she said her voice showing they were dismissed, she had almost completely closed her door when he heard his plea to not let his sister suffer. She closed her eyes and sighed knowing that she really had no choice but perhaps now he was a magic knight he would understand that he couldn't keep acting as he had. She opened the door and took the box putting it on the palanquin "Let's get going." she said, starting to walk towards the mists of the Yuiee estate. "I know what you said but outside of my normal clothing I need assistance to dress and for that, I need a female something none of you are." it was that simple, she was afraid of Jirou. To this day she still had nightmares of what happened to her, but here she was walking back into that monster’s den.
[attr="class","polarPOSTIT"] Enlai was shocked as his masters request was denied at first, But he continued to explain as best he could until Hotaru finally gave in and he said a verbal thank you and blessing under his breath so the other servants couldnt hear. He was now ever in her service as he had begun to realize just how terrible his master was. He had not always been like that, he had been kind to them once and it had been everything Enlai could do in his power to not lose his faith in his master over the years. But he kept turning to harming his sister, or threatening to do so if they were not on their best behaviour. It had been a long while since he had seen his master smile for any good reason, Enlai hoped and prayed each night to the gods that his master would find some reason to smile truly. [break][break] The servants stood silent and unmoving at their positions. Each looks forward like a soldier trained in obediance and conditioned to never give orders a second thought. As the pair walked past them with Enlais head down, the sickly sweet smell of funeral flowers came from the seervants bodies. While they may be living creatures, to call them more then walking corpses would be only a half truth. They had been trained and conditioned from birth to be perfect servants,and were only sent when Jirou needed to insure something was done. Enlai would help Hotaru by carrying the box for her, so that it would be a safer entry for both of them. With a simple command the servants would effortlessly lift the palaquin and with the smoothness of a machine would walk forward, making their way back to Jirous Personal Palace. [break][break] Jirou stood in his dressing room, his outfit was something to be envied. With silken golden thread composing the main colors of the outfit, long Eastern Longs woven into the fabric with purple and red linework went up and down his clothing. The four fingered claws of the dragons were not as impressive as the 5 fingered dragons of the Emperor, But he would not allow himself to be lower then four fingered. Today was his day,the chance to Celebrate his victory in securing a spot in one of the best and greatest Magic Knight Squads in the Kingdom. Not only that, but he would be securing his ability to protect Hino as well. He did love her, But he would also be damned if he allowed her to finalize any marriage with a commoner and dirty their blood line. As he began to leave his room, now fully dressed and ready for the party that would happen in a few hours time, a figure would open the door and before him stood the man he cherished and truly loved like a father. [break][break] “Fuqin…” His word was soft and respectful as he bowed in respect.
words[break]0497 [break] total[break]1333 [break] SP Earned[break]0001 [break] Stat Earned[break]0001 [break]
Hotaru’s nose wrinkled as she smelt the sickly scent of the servants that were carrying what was supposed to be her mode of transportation. It was so overwhelming that she had to bring up her sleeve and cover her nose and mouth. The problem was even that wasn't all that helpful as she could still smell the sickly scent of the red spider lilies that seemed to seep from their bodies. She couldn't understand why sending people who smelled of death to come to fetch her seemed like a good idea, it made her visibly shudder just thinking that if she sat in that thing she would end up being burned alive as it became her funeral pyre. "Out of all the scents he could have chosen to bathe them in... why funeral flowers? It's disturbing, to say the least." she wasn't shying away from her thoughts, she was used to speaking her mind after all.
When Enlai attempted to pick up the box from where she put it, she would stop him and shake his head "You will not be at fault, I assure you. There's no need for you to tire yourself out when it can be carried on that monstrosity." she said walking away from it, the overpowering scent it gave was legitimately making her want to dry heave. She knew that nobles enjoyed certain scents and that they enjoyed perfumes especially women but this was just far too much as she could be over a mile away and she was quite sure she would still be able to smell them. "He really doesn't understand how to be subtle does he." she said with a frustrated tone as she walked into her home and brought out a second box putting it next to the first, she was glad to be getting rid of it.
"It was the furisode that I was given when I was last at the estate. I wish to return it." she knew it could be seen as an insult but she didn't care, she just wanted it away from her. She would deal with whatever tantrum the shit heel of a noble would throw at her, she lived through his torture once at least this time it was going to be a banquet of sorts so he would have to behave himself as there would be people watching his movements or at least that was the hope. She had never been to a banquet held by those of the sleeping dragon so she had no idea what to expect, she had to admit she was anxious about the whole thing but her eyes went back to Enlai "You never did tell me why your sister wasn't sent." she said to him.
It would have made more sense to send the woman he had all but made her maid when she was on the estate to help her get ready for what was to come. All she knew from deep in her core was that something bad had happened and that's why a bunch of men had been sent to obtain her. She felt like she was being picked up at a store like some jewellery or perhaps being propositioned like some high-class concubine she shuddered at both thoughts. "He isn't going to try anything as he did before is he?" she asked, her voice shook a little but it was understandable given the hours of agonizing pain she had to live through at the twisted deranged hands of the one she was now being forced to visit. She didn't want anything to happen to Lanying.
The moment she requested Lanying to be her maid and Jirou granting the request it made the solar mage responsible for her, still, she didn't believe that the other was fully in her service merely when she was on the estate and that would stop today. If she was offered a gift she would request the siblings come to her service full-time, it was the best she could do to protect them both and make sure they lived happily. They had likely seen enough darkness in the time they had been in the service of Jirou so if she could put an end to it she would. She would then look to him for a moment "What if I could free you from the darkness but it likely means you would have new bindings so to speak." she would never force such a thing on the pair and even if she did gain them both they would have their freedoms. She just continued walking all the while unaware of what was awaiting her or what was currently going on within the estate.
Fengge returned the bow to the child he saw as his most cherished son. "Take a seat Weisheng, we have to have a conversation." His tone was respectful but it held the tone of an authoritative father showing it wasn't a request. Following the young noble he would take a seat across from him "I understand that you have invited Xiǎo xīngxīng to your celebration." he began, he made sure to use the name that his 'son' had chosen for the woman he had become enamoured with "I am proud you are taking steps for people to see you with your future bride but I also worry that your mask will slip with her in public and this is something neither of us can allow." he was quite stern on this.
"If your mask falls even once at your banquet Weisheng you will no longer be heir to this family, you will be little more than the third born, even more useless than Junjie" he said his tone showing he wasn't playing around, he would lose favour in the eyes of the man that he viewed as a father. "You are my most competent son, my favoured child and I know you will succeed in this." he said with a smile "If Xiǎo xīngxīng misbehaves I know you will want to strike out but hold your temper, you must be subtle with your punishments in public." he said with a small smile "A small accidental nudge causing her scolding tea to fall on her hand while you act empathetic will punish her while shining you in a caring light to onlookers for example." he explained showing how he could go about it.
"Or leaning in reminding her that she isn't the one gaining punishment for her wrongdoings is another way. Xiǎo xīngxīng clearly cares for Lanying and Enlai so use them as tools to keep her collar tight and her leash short while in public." he was starting to give him tips on how to manipulate public scenarios to his benefit, he knew this would take a bit of time to widen the net but he thought starting small with a single person would be a good training exercise. "I have had the maids prepare the lotus palace for her as you requested. Are you up to something Weisheng?" he inquired, he had heard from his own daughter Luli that he was smitten and how happy he had been when she mentioned about her being his bride. He was wondering if he was going to try and pursue her in an official capacity and that was why one of the palaces was now being set aside for her.
Jirou knew the talk that was about to come would not be good. Fuqin very rarely needed to confront him on his behaviour and he knew this time was one he would need to take to heart as it was done in private. Without even hesitating jirou would sit like an obediant child as Fuqin sat across from him. There were little men in this world who could make Jirou feel like this, even his Biological father and mother could not humble him so. But he felt a small bit of pride as his adoptive father used the name he had chosen for his future prize and he could not help but smile and thank him for acknologing it. But as he went to continue speaking, he was cut off by Fuqins warning. Despite being proud that he was taking steps to promote the relationship he wished, Fuqin made it clear that failure to maintain his mask would not be acceptable. [break][break] The warning was clear and the threat made it so that Jirou knew he was not joking or playing. He could not afford to allow himself to slip up or he would lose his place not in jsut one family… But in both. To think he may be lower then Junjie, to be considered a THIRD born… jirou was not pleased with this threat, but he did not dare talk back. His mood lightened as he was once again reminded jsut how much better he was precieved then the other children of Fengge and he lsitened well as he explaine dhow best to subtly punish her if she misbehaved. He was right, he did have the leverage of two people she felt for, despite them being nothing but servants. He couldn’t help but smile and he nodded gently before giving a sly smile at the mention of the Lotus Palace. “What ever do you mean dear father? I would not force myself upon my future bride… I only want her to realize jsut how special she would be concidered if she lived here under my roof.” [break][break] Enlai could not help but understand her concerns, and while he could not understand his desire to douse them in funeral smells, he did know why. He explained it was to remind them that without him they were nothing but walking corpses. That they were expendible if they were not loyal. But he admitted that the smell made him sick when he was forced to be near it too much. Each step took them closer to the palaces. He chuckled a tthe comment on his masters subtley and he nodded in affirmation, before listening to her explain about the outfit she wished to return, and before he could ask more, she asked about his sister and he nearly broke down into tears once more. “She has been taken to the same chamber you were… she is to be held as his prisoner unless you arrive… but should you fail….she…she will…” he could not finish the words and he sobbed softly, the men carrying the palaquin did not react, and they would not. It was not their job to speak or to remember, only to do as ordered. “I do not know what he will do, But he will be on his best behaviour. He has guests coming he cannot scare away.” [break][break] As she spoke, and mentioned some way to save them. He would turn and bow so deeply and fiercely that his kowtow would slam his forehead against the ground. “Please! Evene if it means I must die save my sister from this darkness! My master… my master is not well and I fear for not only her but for his sister as well! I will do what ever I msut do to save her, if you know of a way I will follow.”
words[break]0652 [break] total[break]01985 [break] SP Earned[break]0001 [break] Stat Earned[break]0001 [break]
The elder male knew that this wasn't a conversation that his son wanted to have, it was in his child's posture but still it had to be done to protect him. He could have done this out in public but given the sensitive nature of what they were going to discuss it needed to be, he didn't want to even imagine what his lord and lady would think if they heard their steward instructing their son on hiding a side they didn't even know existed. Then again, that was on them. Had they been around throughout his life they may have been able to temper such evil behaviour out of the boy but they were more interested in their heir and doll to worry about their middle child. He had caught him after he had poisoned a servant out of curiosity, a normal person would have screamed but Fengge's family was not normal.
The Bai family that had served the Yuiee for generations were a family of shadows that put on a mask of other walks of life, he had checked over the man who had died and instead of telling his young lord off actually praised him for the choice of poison. From that point on he took the Yuiee middle child under his wing and treated him like his own child, this meant teaching him like he would his biological son and daughter which at times was harsh but that is how they learned not to make mistakes. He was fully aware that it wasn't Junjie that had broken the sword he once trained with, but, at the same time, he was still a failure in Fengge's eyes because he allowed someone to manage to do it and that is why Fengge would forever see him as such pretending that he didn't know the truth.
He left a few scars on his adoptive son to remind him of his own failings but it was never to the same extreme as Junjie and when Luli was punished she lived with the pain even after her skin was made to look perfect once again. Jirou's cunning had proven him worthy of being the heir to the Bai lineage even though he wasn't blood, as imagined this it didn't sit well with the biological children but they knew better than to question their father. He spoke his warnings and saw how Jirou reacted to being called a third child, he was already cast aside by one family, he was quite sure that the youth would do everything in his power to keep the favour from the person he classed as a father. He was doted on by Fengge that much was clear.
"I mean nothing my son, I am wondering if you intend for her to remain within her palace until the day you are wed with each other." His voice showed a genuine curiosity as to why the lotus palace was being 'gifted' to the disobedient Hotaru. "Its beauty is only second to your sister's palace, even the mistresses palace pales in comparison." he continued, he knew nothing sinister would take place as, as much as his son was a monster he still was taught to obey tradition like an honourable man and so it pleased Fengge to see him do so. "She should consider herself blessed that you even took interest in her my son." he said boosting the younger male's self-esteem which he believed was important, especially as he was not finding himself wanting a bride of his own that was less what would normally be acceptable for someone such as Jirou.
Hotaru listened to everything as they continued walking "He is sick and I'm going to make sure he gets the help that he requires because the gods only know he isn't getting it from anyone inside that place." she said coldly, she wanted to show the world what a heartless monster this man was regardless of how it affected her in the long run, there was more than just her this monster was affecting. She smiled touching his arm lightly "Even if I fail he will not kill her because then he'd lose his bargaining chip which is likely what he likely sees you both as." she could just tell by the treatment that these two went through this was exactly his mindset "He treats her worse than you for the sheer fact she was born a woman and he has a complex that says women are inferior to men." she said almost growling.
"The fact this banquet will be in the open will mean nothing, her will know of ways to get away with his cruelty no doubt, even if their are eyes on him." that was the sad fact of the matter, monsters knew how to hide their tendencies when they needed to and still act out without people knowing. "I will attempt to gain you both into my service on and off the estate, I can not promise that he will agree but I will try." she said with a smile and faint voice as they entered the mist she felt her sleeve being held onto but this was so she could be guided safely, the moment they got through the mist he let go and walked he let go and walked her to where Jirou would likely be. "Congratulations on joining the Golden Dawn, I must say I was surprised." she was trying to be polite and bowed to him as was customary in both traditions "I'm surprised you would want to celebrate with me." this was truthful, but then she was meant to be on the estate a few days after when she was tortured but ignored the 'request' so this would likely have been a cover for that but she could have been wrong.
Jirou couldn’t help but smile like a happy child. His adoptive Father had been the only thing in his life that truely seemed to want him to be there. His parents ignored him, His siblings either did not interact with him, or they hide their true self behind masks. How ould he not become the way he was when even his own birth parents did not want to spend time with him? He craved validation of any kind, and without knowing it, he had found the one true source of validation he would ever get. The day he poisoned th eservant and watched them die like a child watching a piece of fire wood burn, he had felt warma nd happy inside. He had thought to himself. ‘I did this. I was important enough to make someone do this.’ and when he had been discovered, he was worried he would be punished, like he had been when his parents first discovered him looking at the maid servants who cleaned his room when he was a young child. It had not been of the nature they thought it was, he had wondered something else about them, though the memory was faded and long distant from the now he was in. ]break][break] He had been taken in, and treated with a kindness that was more parental then serventile, and he had been given a kindness his own blood had not given him. Had it also made him a monster? Possibly, but to jirou he would forever be grateful and loyal to his adoptive father. But his question did raise a good point. Why had he chosen the second most beautiful palace to be given to someone who did not want him? He smiled softly and gently put a hand on his adopted fathers lap as he spoke his reason. “I…want her to love me. You are the only one in my life to show me the Love I have wanted so badly… You have taught me, raised me…Saved me. But you cannot give me the love she can. The whores I have slept with cannot either, for all they seek is my gold and my time. They love me because I pay them well and they wish to continue being paid. If I am ever to understadn the true Meaning of love, then I must experiance the love a woman has in her heart for a man she loves as her equal. I could easily force her to love me the same way I do the whores. But you taught me a lesson that I have held to my entire life. It is why I do what I do to my servants who do not leave, as a reminder to myself to never forget it. ‘When you tear out a mans tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you are proving you are afraid of the things he may say.’. I have accepted I am a monster. You also taught me that. ‘Never forget what you are, for the world will surely not. Make it your greatest strengtha dn the world can never harm you.’. I will give her this world and all others if I must to win her heart…but more importantly… I will let her have the reigns to my mask…When this party is done…I…I will denounce my family name. And become your true son, I will become her servant…I will become her slave.” he looked at Fengge with a sadness that showed he meant what he said. “When this is done…the palace will be the last Gift of my former life I will give to her, and then after that… I will no longer be a Yuiee, That is… if you will have me still, despite me abusing your trust with the potion?”
Their last moment would be a private one, before a short time later he would be waiting for his future bride and mistress to arrive if all went well. He was nervous for once, and his darkness was eager to strike out at someone to fix it. Upon seeing her, his heart would flutter and he would chuckle at her comment before bowing deeper then she had. “You grace me with your presence alone, and no title would be worth the grace it would give before you. But thank you for your congradulations. I see you have not dressed yet, the party is not for some time, I shall allow your servant her place to dress you, Enlai will take you to the Lotus palace where she waits, Unharmed. I ask that you see her state of health as an apology and a token of good will to you that you had come. Take your time, the party will last a long time.” he would stand after speaking and smile at her softly, it…almost seemed genuine.
words[break]0816 [break] total[break]02801 [break] SP Earned[break]0002 [break] Stat Earned[break]0002 [break]
Jirou's adoptive father sat and watched his son intently as he reacted to what he was told, it was understandable he was less than happy about being told that he would be seen as a third child if he allowed his ever delicate mask to slip. He had taught Jirou well and knew he could function like any normal member of noble society but this girl seemed to be affecting him a lot more than he had ever seen and that worried him greatly. He didn't want to see the boy that he brought under his wing, nurtured and protected being removed from his family due to being a disgrace. The Bai family had served the Yuiee for generations as their assassins and that was doubtful to change, though, outside those who needed to know they seemed no different than someone of a different role and that was perfect for them.
"Love has little to do with marriage in our culture, you know this." the elder male would say before sighing knowing that his adoptive child was truly seeking to have someone accept him for who and what he was. "Your parents did not love each other at first, they had been betrothed to one another before they could even walk." he commented, he himself had still been very young and at his own father's side to learn when the betrothal had been made official. "Love is a fleeting emotion, my son. People pretend to love each other all the time to advance their own selfish motives." he paused for a moment thinking "That isn't to say that all love is fake, sometimes it just takes time to manifest itself in the disagreeable party." He had watched as Jirou's own parents played happy family for years though only due to duty but had slowly developed feelings for one another.
He knew that this was not the case for Jirou as he truly believed he loved the young woman he drugged and tortured not too long ago. He wished to possess her, to make her his doll and the elder man was quite sure it would end in the young woman's death as if his adoptive son couldn't have her, he believed he would kill her to prevent anyone else having the happiness he believed was his. As a father he wanted his children happy of course and so would do his best to do what he could to give them what they wished, more so in Jirou's case as he was still his lord due to being the second eldest to the family he and his family served. It was a very fine line he was walking but that was always the way for his family.
"I understand your wishes my son, but, I believe gaining her love will be much like your biological parents where it will grow over time." he said turning his gaze to look at the youth in front of him once more. "She is not equal you understand, you are a prince she is not a princess and even if she was you are still male." he explained to the youth reminding him of how things worked in their world, he was starting to suspect that the youth wasn't happy with their traditions but it was something he couldn't escape lest he would be entirely alone from everyone he cherished, of course, he could be reading that situation wrong. For the most part Jirou seemed content in his life he was merely seeking companionship that would depend more on how much he paid for the companion.
"You realize you needn't pay for companionship, any woman on this estate would be more than willing to become your concubine." he commented knowing that it would mean an easy if not dangerous lifestyle given how temperamental his son could be at times. He continued listening quietly that he would give her this world and any other to have her love which was a sentiment that many lovestruck men had spoken over the span of time and would continue to do so. It was when he spoke about giving her control of his mask, that he would give up his family and become the woman's slave the elder male looked at him sternly "You will do no such thing Weisheng." he said in a cold tone, it was clear that he was irritated at that notion. He had worked on helping him form and keep that mask for years and for some bewitching woman to come in and potentially unravel everything wouldn't... couldn't be allowed in his mind.
"You will never give control of that mask to anyone Weisheng, that puts you in a lot of danger and I will not permit it." His tone showed that this point wasn't up for debate and should never be mentioned again. "You are my true child, but, like every one of the Bai family, we must play our part in service to the Yuiee. if you walk away from them it would bring shame to me as you would have given up your duty." he explained, he knew that if Jirou stepped down there would be issues not only coming his way but that Jirou who had quite an easy life would likely not cope with the life of a servant, moreover, he wouldn't be able to deal with the fallout that would come his way due to how he treated servants.
For the last part, he would stand before striking Jirou hard enough that it would leave a bruise instantly on his cheek "Never and I mean NEVER disgrace yourself or this family again by uttering those words Weisheng!" there was anger in his eyes and voice as he spoke "No man of this family has or ever will be a slave to a woman for we are the strength that leads a family." he said sternly making his point clear "If you give away that strength then you most definitely would be no son of mine, as this family and your own would be doomed to perish and I would rather not waste anymore of my time on it." He remained standing, almost looming over the boy he saw as his own flesh and blood awaiting his answer before going forward.
He took a deep breath and knelt beside him healing the injury given as it wouldn't do for the guest of honour to look like he had just exited a brawl at such a celebration. He shook his head "Weisheng, if you step down from the Yuiee that gift would no longer be yours to allow her to have. The palaces are the property of the Yuiee." he explained showing that if he did do as he was suggesting him trying to show her what his love could provide would be nothing more than a shallow puddle that would be taken away at the moment he done such an act. "I raised you to think things through not to act on impulse." he said helping him to sit up knowing the strike would have knocked him down. "Weisheng, you are my son and tried cloak and shadows with me because you didn't believe I would approve." he said sitting back down.
"In honesty, had you told me your intent I would have still made it for you because it is better in a controlled environment than it happening where you could be found out." he admitted "I wish you happy Weisheng and if it must be through her fear in the beginning so she understands your kindness and love more and so will cherish you to have that over the fear and pain I will help you achieve this" his voice was softer as he had a heart to heart with the youth, it was then that Jirou's honored guest entered with Enlai and he bowed lower than her although stopped his son from doing what he knew was going to happen and so he only slightly bowed. "Weisheng, this is your home and the strength to your future family do now bow lower than her." he whispered so only Jirou would hear.
Hotaru listened to the sickly sweet words, to her it was nothing more than a facade and she wouldn't fall for it, of course, would play nice as it was his home and she knew better than to upset a host. More than that, however, she knew better than to get on the wrong side of the monster in front of her. "Of course I am not dressed, it is not something I am accustomed to and you sent men not women to fetch me with such a thing." it was clear that she was less than happy to be here or under such conditions but there was nothing she could do about it. "Why wasn't she sent in the first place? Why send your personal servant and the walking graveyard to my home instead of my maid and a carriage?" It was clear she was irritated even if she was trying to not show it, she was failing.
"I am thankful for your gift and hospitality Jirou, but I will decline them both." she knew it was less than optimal but she wanted nothing from him, not like that anyway. What was she expected to do in a palace? She wasn't a princess and didn't want people fussing over her. She honestly didn't want clothing from him, she was afraid like the last time he had her dress up it would compliment his own clothing and she really wanted nothing to do with that. "I will attend the banquet but in what I am wearing." she said calmly, the chances of it going her way she knew were slim to none but she had to attempt to put her foot down on things... Right?
[attr="class","polarPOSTIT"] He had spoken to him, and let himself speak in such a way that he knew he would not recieve it with open arms. It felt strange, to say words that betrayed everything he had ever felt. Yet so strong was his feeling for Hotaru that he felt these words leave his lips with ease. He had spent days thinking of her, thinking of ways to break and bend her to fill the hole in himself that burdened him so greatly. And yet… despit eit all he felt nothing for her besides the desire to possess her. Was that even love? He wasn’t sure if he knew, or if he even cared. The man he considered a father was right, love had little consequence of marriage in their culture, and yet still he felt like it was wrong. But was that just Childish thinking? Was his desire to have her love him genquine? Or was it simply to help make him feel normal? Like there werent spiders scratching at the insides of his mind. [break][break] The words Fuqin spoke were logical, his parent had no doubt little feeling for each other, and over the years they had worked toward making that a reality, if only in their own ways known only to them. Was he too destined to do this? To work his way backward from the ideal to how to make it a reality? Something tugged at his mind. A probbing hook that had finally found ground within his mind. It was also true that he didn’t have to pay for companionship. He could force himself upon any girl within his court. But even he had standards against fucking those he saw as animals. The cold and almost bitter tone Fuqin gave Jirou as he spoke of his plan made it almost entirely clear, even without the slap, however with that slap it was enough. The probing hook that had taken hold twisted and pulled. The anger and heat he felt from that slap was all he needed to kill that chilidish idea of love. [break][break] And yet, in its place where once some shining hope of normally had once been, a cancerous plant began to grow. It was a bitter choking weed that quickly crawled up the last remaining inches of the Flower once known as love, and in its place the weed grew even mightier thorns as well as sharp and cutting blades of grass along side it. What future may have existed had Fuqin not done this would never be known, But it was easiest to see that this path he was now going on would be darker and more cruel then any of those would have been. As the hand slapped his face, and before he could move it away. Jirou reached up and gently caressed it. As he looked up at his adoptive father a smile like a snake slithered out. His eyes were…. wrong. What little light had been there was now gone. In the lights place was a surfast grip by that cancerous plant now rooted within his soul. [break][break] He caressed the hand, the slap had been so forceful, he would have surely faltered before hand. Yet, even as the pain burned across his face and he felt it swell with a deep purple bruise, he had not moved more then his head, as his he had subconciously used his life force to anchor himself there. Had he already seen this outcome coming? Is that why he had been prepared subconciously to hold his ground? He felt the healing warmth go through his cheek as his injury was healed. He would remember this pain, had something just changed in his life? Before this… he had felt pain, and Yet… it had not felt this good in all that time. It was like a drug, that tantalized him. But even as the pain stretched though his head and was taken away once more, he internalized the words his father figure spoke. He was right, if he gave up his power for some woman.. some… meat he could easily get more of, then he would not deserve to be his son. That is what he had been taught after all right? That he was better then the others? That he was more human then them? [break][break] It was only a few short minutes after that in which his prey arrived. He stood when she arrived, But he did not bow an inch. Instead… he held his head higher, his nose a little more angled. Just enough to make it clear who was in charge here. He still spoke those hunied words, but after all his father had said, he would approch her slowly, non threateningly as she began to speak. He could tell she was upset. Such a poor little creature, upset at the niceties of human life. Such a cute wild animal shivering in her anger and trying to control her voice. He smiled that smile and gently stroked her cheeks. “Shhh… its okay. Your servant is recieving the final part of her release to you. A special ring, Made from Oricalcum, and enchanted with a water spell that will activate if I say the working prase regardless of distance. Fuqin made sure it was the best money could buy.” “Shhh… its okay. Your servant is recieving the final part of her release to you. A special ring, Made from Oricalcum, and enchanted with a water spell that will activate if I say the working prase regardless of distance. Fuqin made sure it was the best money could buy.” Enlai let out a shocked gasp and tried to tackle Jirou, only to be subdued by Fuqin in an instant. Enlai cursed and screamed at Jirou, who let him have his tantrum under the locking grip of Fuqin. “Hes right to call me things like that. When oricalcum and water react with the Fluids of the human body they become a terribly toxic poison. One which will kill her when it activates.” Fuqin silenced Enlai knocking him out. he then reached into his sleeve and rubbing the edge of the Ring he pulled from it. "You will do as i say here. If you want to be the one who is in control of her death then...." he pulled the ring up and showed it to her, it was made of solid oricalcum and etched with a water spell. "The Choice is yours Hotaru. Call it a gift. Trade places with her. Say the Magic words on this ring and it will be absorbed by your body, binding itself next to your heart by wrapping itself around your arterial entrance. once you do, her ring will turn to mana, no ill effect done. she will never even know she had it inside her. or....I turn Enlai into another playable chip in this game you seem to think were playing.
words[break]1157 [break] total[break]3958 [break] SP Earned[break]0003 [break] Stat Earned[break]0003 [break]
The elder male hated disciplining his children but he realized that at times it was needed as it was for their own good. It wasn't that he believed that the woman he was infatuated with was below his adoptive child but he knew that same child still had some tendencies that if not watched would see him in a jail cell or worse. He didn't want that for him and to give the reigns to something as important as his mask to a wildcard that would sell him out to make herself feel safe wasn't something he as a father couldn't allow. He believed that the younger man did care about the woman but his job as both steward of the family and father to his biological and adoptive children was to make sure they were safe from danger. "I know you care for her Weisheng..." he said calmly.
"But I need to make sure you are safe and if that means I need to be slightly harsher on this I shall." His voice was softer as he spoke these words, he wanted the boy to know that he was only doing this because he was worried for his future. "Also, you should never look down on your future bride as less than human, after all, she will be the mother of your children and my son and heir deserves the very best as his bride." he said with a smile. The elder man played the role of both mother and father to his children which meant knowing when it was fine to be gentler and give warmth and when things needed to be met with a stricter hand. It was clear from when he was young he should have been born as his child rather than his son Junjie and that's why he had taken the care he had.
"You will receive her heart in time you are a good choice for a husband and will give strong sons." he said stroking his ego a little, he had just torn him down a little so wanted to bring him up again. "She can and will learn her heart is yours and it will not beat for any other the way it will beat for you. It will just take time which is normal for betrothals." he said with a smile "As the tale, your sister sings says your hearts will seek out each other." His late wife had sung the same song to Junjie and Luli and they, in turn, had sung it to the youngest Yuiee child when she was restless.
It seemed like something that would be continued regardless, it seemed to bring her peace when her mind was troubled and from her last visit, he was quite surprised her voice hadn't gone horse from constantly singing. He could hear her sorrow, when he spoke to his children he was told she was longing for the one who sang the other half of the song. He could understand such a sentiment but it wasn't for her to decide who she was to marry, she was a princess and so would likely be sent to the palace in their homeland for the selection process. He believed that since leaving the estate she had forgotten herself and it needed to be retaught to her but that was not his job. He was aware that Jirou knew that she had fallen in love and to a commoner at that, from the aftermath of that knowledge it was clear that he was less than happy and he would correct his sister since their parents wouldn't.
He didn't move his hand as it was caressed "You should never enjoy the pain Weisheng, it is dangerous to allow yourself to enjoy such a thing. It could lead you to do something reckless to have the feeling once more... you remember this don't you?" he would enquire knowing he had felt the joy of such things in the past, he had been punished in such a way that the pain was no longer enjoyable but seen for what it was. It was something the elder male didn't want to apply once again as he remembered the screams and begging for the pain to stop but he hadn't stopped it, he allowed it to continue until the drug had left his system. "Would you like a repeat of the last time? I will not go as easy on dosage as I did last time because you are now a grown man." he said giving a warning as he removed his hand.
Everything had to be done and said in a certain way, it wasn't about instilling fear but having him acknowledge the consequences to himself if he continued down that path. It was then he noticed the look on his child's face, he had only ever seen such a twisted look on him when it came to his brothers. He still didn't fear him, he had no reason to as he was one of the very few people he respected and listened to "Your mask has fallen Weisheng" he informed the youth his tone still held the authority of a father. He saw the light had been buried but in honesty, he didn't believe there was any real light within the boy that was before him. It did have its own challenges but he had managed over the years.
"You've gotten stronger my son, you anticipate and prepare for what is coming. I am proud of you." he knew that he needed to give praise when deserved, he was a harsh tutor and father but he also knew that rewards and praise were needed to keep some semblance of balance. "Remember, you are going to devote yourself to Xiǎo xīngxīng and where she may not be of divine birth like yourself she is more than a servant and so needs delicate touches if she is to be a bride deserving of you." he reminded the other "She is a warrioress, she needs to be taught how to be a lady of court" he continued showing that he had a long journey ahead of him "Are you sure you wish to devote yourself to such a woman and not for a betrothal worthy of you?" he would ask just wanting to make sure this was what he truly wanted.
Hotaru noticed him posturing and tilting her head a little "Do you no longer greet as is tradition?" she would as she entered bowing slightly showing him respect as her host currently even if she didn't want to be there. Seeing him life a hand towards her face she slapped it away "It is against your traditions and mine to touch a woman you are not married to nor is in your family, please don't act so familiar with me." she was trembling remembering the last time he touched her and the intense pain that had come with it, she was well aware he wouldn't do that today, after all, there was a banquet being held in his honour for entering the Golden Dawn. He listened to what was being said to her but before she could take everything in Enlai reacted badly to the information.
It was then that the elder male not only restrained him but knocked him out, her eyes went between the three men but ended up landing on Jirou as he spoke once more. "Are you insane? That could kill her!" she shook her head hoping that the elder male would agree with her but he remained quiet just dropping the unconscious body of Enlai on the floor as if he was a sack of potatoes. Her eyes fell onto the ring he had brought out and was offered to her "You are unworthy to be a magic knight, you are a disgrace to the mantle you are wearing." she said her eyes went to Enlai for a moment, she said she would do her best to protect him and his sister so her eyes went back to the ring once more "I refuse to allow that near my heart and I also do not trust you to take it from her heart either." she said gently.
"I will trade my life for theirs..." she closed her eyes and turned her head away unhappy that she was being put in this situation but she was a woman of her word. "I will allow myself to become betrothed to you but they both become personal servants to me, you will have no power over them. This will be your wedding gift to me." she said tears falling as she clenched her hands till her knuckles were white and her nails were drawing blood from the palms of her hands. "If you agree to this I will be Xiǎo xīngxīng while I am here with you, I ask that you do not interfere with my duties as a magic knight but if I ever become pregnant I will remain out of the field and when I give birth I will remain home with the children as is the duties of a mother." she would keep to her word but she had no intention ever to become pregnant to him, she didn't want to bring anything evil into this world and with a father such as him even a delicate girl would be tainted. For now, all she needed to await his answer to see if he agreed to her counter offer.
[attr="class","polarPOSTIT"] Jirou listened as his adoptive father spoke. He was right after all, every word that came from his mouth was something that had been a lesson once before, and even then he had been right. As he suffered the ravages of that drug, he was forced to listen to his adoptive father speak and educate him. The pain served as a way to make the lesson stick. It helped to have something to focus on even if it was a scoldding. He had found him taking pleasure in the battle wounds he suffered at the hands of the guards that he forced to assault him. Yet the lesson that stood out this time was not the one of pain, but a new one. One of love. That their hearts would find each other In the end. But as he stood there now, looking her face to face and having eard his servants screams as he was knocked out made Jirou have a feeling of peace in his heart. She was here. She had come to him despite what he had done. Didn’t that mean she loved him too? [break][break] She had not arrested him, or had him arrested. She could have easily gone to her Brother and he would be a dead man. Yet… she did not. Doesnt that mean she had some feelings for him? If only fear then he could work with that. He had learned young that it was easy to mold loyalty in those who feared you. But he dared not ruin her too much, he did not need a mute wife. He needed one who would fight and resist him and make this dull boring life of endless excess worth something. He had told Fuqin that he had not needed the lesson of pain again, for he had not forgetton it the first time. Yet he was now at somewhat of a new understanding of what ‘Pain’ was. [break][break] He chuckled as she entered and called him on his behaviour. Ah, so you do know courtly behaviour. You did not at first strike me as one who knew her way around the noble life. You are far too… assertive for that assumption.” a simple slight, just one to get under her skin, to show he had been watching her behaviour and most likely found it very… untraditional for a woman of their culture. He made it clear she had been an interest of his for a long while. As she showed her unhappiness for his choice of action toward a simple servent girl, he couldn’t help but chuckle. He would play with the ring as she spoke, of him being a disgrace and that he was not fit for his mantle. ”oh, I fullyy agree with you. Magic Knights? Please. This world exists for the strong and the cunning. Those who can do what they most desire and get away with it, because they are uniquely themselves.” as she agreed to demands with a counter offer he would take it. Even as she balled her hands, he would gently take them. They were such delicate things, even with her strength. ”Then it is a Deal, They will be yours. And you shall be the sole owner of the ring that holds her heart. Think of her as your wife in a sense.” [break][break] He gently opened her hand, now able to touch her as they were betrothed. Even then, it was clear that he would not be happy if she continued to resist him. Between the two men it would be easy to gain the upper hand against her. Jirou had played his cards right, if not a bit sloppy at the start. He placed the ring upon her finger and gently kissed her hand, looking up at her. His face was naturally beautiful even as he was in the most vile of acts. He smiled at her and chuckled. “See? I will not deny you anything, that which I can give without taking from me I will do so willingly. You will want for nothing here as my bride. Yes, you and I may have first met with… issues,” he refered to the torture as such to downplay its significance. Another tactic of control. “But so long as you fulfill your wifely duties to me then I will treat you as if you were the empress. No pain, ever. On that a vow, I swear on my soul, that shall I cause you pain while you remain my ever faithful wife… I will sever my own limb.” [break][break] He pulled her in softly and locked eyes with her as he leaned in and whispered in her ear. “provide me a strong and dutiful child, and you shall never know pain ever again. This I swear as your husband-Betrothed.” there was not a hint of a lie in his words. He had no reason to lie. Either way he won. She would be a dutiful wife… or she would be his playmate int he dark and twisted caves under his palace.
words[break]0856 [break] total[break]4814 [break] SP Earned[break]0000 [break] Stat Earned[break]0000 [break]
Hotaru stood there silently for a moment, she had no idea what was going through their heads about her or anything else. It turned her stomach that she even had to be close to people so vile but she had no choice, she was here as his guest and she didn't want to think about what he would do to Enlai and his sister Lanying if she left at that moment. The two men were nothing but vipers hiding behind pleasant smiles, those facades would one day fall and people would see them for who they truly were. She didn't want to be around for the aftermath and she doubted that the family would get out of it unscathed but honestly to her they all deserved it for allowing such a monster to thrive in the way that he did. To her, they were all as guilty of these crimes as he was.
It was then that he spoke bringing her out of her thoughts "I know the way of nobility, but this is just general etiquette that both commoner and noble follow." she said shaking her head at his assumption that this was only something done in higher classes. "My family are nobles or didn't they teach you how to check such things?" she would ask her tone showing she was less than thrilled that he believed her family lower than his own. "We are also traders and warriors." she could fit all roles, she knew how to handle herself but at the same time, she could be a dainty lady sharing tea with others or talking about the vapidest things known to man as she had to do on countless occasions. It wasn't something she enjoyed but she knew at times she would have to do it for the benefit of her family.
"Assertive isn't bad in my line of work or how I've been taught." she said somewhat coldly, she didn't want to be here he legitimately scared her but given how she had been tortured by him it was easy to understand. He hadn't gotten under her skin like he had hoped, to her he had only shown his own stupidity to make such an assumption. She was caught off guard as he chuckled at how she reacted to his actions towards Lanying, more than that she was absolutely stunned into silence as he agreed that he wasn't fit to wear his mantle. It took her a long few minutes for her thoughts to come back into play "You are putting your entire family in danger by acting the way you are, besides, if you don't believe you are fit to wear a mantle then why do you continue the farce?" she couldn't help but ask.
To her surprise he agreed to her demands, that was something she thought she would have to fight him to get given the siblings. At least now they were out of danger, she still didn't like how she got their freedom, as the deal was agreed he took her balled hands into his. She again backed away while slapping his hand away from her own "We may be betrothed now but we are not married and this kind of behaviour is not permitted especially now, you forget yourself." hoping he would back off though was glad that the ring was in her possession. Ignoring him for the moment she moved over to the unconscious Enlai checking him over and making him more comfortable before trying to wake him if he did she would smile and hand him the ring "You're both safe now." she'd whisper, if he didn't she would wait until later before parting with the ring.
"I am not your bride currently..." she said her voice as calm as she could keep it given the distressing situation she found herself in. "There was very little I wanted before I met you..." she would continue almost making it seem like a compliment "Now that list has grown exponentially because of you." her freedom had more or less been taken from her as she had been backed into a corner to protect two innocent people who didn't deserve the treatment they had been handed. She still hadn't met her older brother yet and that bothered her as she knew she would now be kept on a much tighter leash if Jirou and the elder male had their ways. "Still, I am a person of my word regardless." her word was one of the things she valued.
"Issues?! Is that how you really want to play that narrative!" she seemed more than a little upset that he was trying to downplay what happened the last time she was forced to be here "You drugged and tortured me for hours!" She wasn't going to let him undermine the horrific experience that she had gone through. She was well aware that Enlai had played a part in her being drugged but wasn't so sure he was malicious in the plan, she wanted to believe he was just doing as any loyal servant would more so given his temper if he was even slightly disobeyed or told no. She had seen those carrying the palanquin and a few of the servants inside the palace he called his room, in honesty, it was distressing to her. How could no one see the giant red neon warning flags?
"I don't need nor do I want to be treated like an empress because I am not one." she didn't want to be treated like the child of the divine and she believed that perhaps that's why he was so messed up, that he had been pretty much told that he was a gift from the heavens that could do as he pleased and there would be no backlash for it. In imperial courts, this was normally the case unless there was a lot of evidence behind the person accused. There, of course, was a few exceptions to the rule but those were very niche and had everything to do with the emperor and his harem. "You already failed that. YOU drugged me... YOU tortured me... YOU caused me pain and discomfort... YOU are my monster in the closet." she wasn't pulling any punches as she spoke on this matter.
"Well you could sever both your heads and your hands that would be wonderful." she said almost in a sickly sweet tone "Be careful who you are speaking to Xiǎo xīngxīng. He is a child descended from the heavens, your betrothed and even you must know how the pecking order works in regards to genders in our cultures. You do not have a higher status than him to try and balance or overshadow his power so he is well within his right to punish you if you step out of line." he warned, this gave the young woman pause as she knew he was right and the last thing she wanted to endure was that pain again, it wasn't like he could go after her servants as they were her 'property' solely even if their betrothal came to an end which was one silver lining she guessed.
"Weisheng, you shouldn't act so familiar with her in public until married due to traditions and she should start wearing veils if in public. No man should be allowed to be with her alone or be allowed to enter the inner sanctum of her palace unless there is an emergency or he is a eunuch" he said reminded him, the elder male knew his son knew these rules so it was more for her benefit. "I personally would make sure that only maids serve inside her palace, Enlai could be trained as a guard." he continued, she wasn't having any of that "Enlai will remain in my home with me without becoming a eunuch, he has the right to continue on his family line." she almost spat but kept her temper in check, he was her servant now and what happened to him was for her to decide.
She stood once more and walked over to Jirou only to be pulled in softly, the moment his eyes locked with hers she looked away, he would be able to feel her body trembling in his embrace. She listened to his words and knew exactly what they meant, she didn't want this, she would never want this but for now, she had to endure it. "That is our future worries, we have just gotten betrothed and you have a banquet to attend in your honour." she said just wanting to get back out in the public eye once more where it was safer. "You aren't yet dressed in a way befitting someone of your new station." the elder male said allowing for Jirou to make the final decision of whether she could attend how she was currently dressed or if she would have to change into the hanfu he sent her.
As she spoke, jirou could not help but fall further into romantic feelings for her. She was so hot blooded. He wanted her to be his doll, but he did not want to get rid of her inner fire. The reason he had wanted her in the first place. When he had met her at the Magic Knights Trials and she had spoken to him like he wasn’t the noble he was. He infuriated him…yet made his body tingle in delight and need. How would he break her yet not ruin her? It was such a fun thought that he had often found himself falling asleep to the ideas he made in his twisted mind. He wondered what beautiful noises she would make if he took the iron to her flesh, heated till it glowed like forged metal once more, he would trace love marks upon her body and flesh. Or perhaps… he mind stopped for a moment as she finalyl said something that made him come back to reality. [break][break] Yet he would wait, until she was finally done speaking her mind and was finally in her embrace. As his adoptive father spoke and reminded them both of the normal practice, Jirou gently raised a hand and every so softly touched her face. He felt her trembling. He felt her skin making goose bumps as is other hand gently moved to hold her arm. Yet even with that movement he moved it down to her hand softly and lifted it back up to his chest, placing it upon his heart. It was beating, not fast and wild like a beasts, but calm and undisturbed like a trained monk. He spoke to her with such a soft voice, it was almost like he wasn’t a horrible human being. It was also clear that what he was saying was only for his future wifes ears. He knew his adoptive father would ‘forget’ he had ever even heard the words, if he was even processing them at all with his skill as a Head Servent. [break][break] ”Feel this, Hotaru.” he pushed his chest out to let her feel it as best she could. He even moved his outfit to let her hand rest upon his bare skin. Yes he was breaking tradition. Yes, this was not normal. But what was? He had tortured her. Yet even so his heart beat no faster then it had before. “Yes…I am a monster. But I cannot help what I am. What I can do is use my power to better my family. I must do what they cannot. My father and mother have forgotten the old ways of our ancestors. How they were willing and able to be the monsters that made it so their family survived for nearly a century without a major issue arising that was not within our control. They think jsut because we are not in the homeland that the old enemies have forgotten, or that we are incapable of making new ones.” [break][break] “They have chosen my Brother as the Heir, but I no longer care for that. They allow my sister to do as she pleases beyond her means. They have failed her,. my dear sweet brother Ozma…He is too kind for his own or the families good. So I must be like this. It is why I was born like this.” he moved her hand over his chest, he was tell toned. Muscular. Yet his skin had strange bumps and marks. Scars. Scars he never allowed to be healed, because they were his and his alone. “There was a time I tried… I tried to be ‘Normal’ to be a good person. I took my favorite knife,I still have it, its blade shattered into a thousand pieces by Fuqin. I took it and used it on myself. Every time I felt the urge to hurt someone, to kill someone, I hurt myself. I thought, ‘If I hurt myself and not others will that fix me? Will that make me normal? Will I finally be able to make the urges go away?” he made her feel each and every one of his scars. Until he got to one where his liver was. It was wide, almost like… he had been gutted. ”One day, my sweet sister fouled up bad. She accidentlaly destroyed my prized painting. I was so furious. I almost…. I almost…” [break][break] He paused and breathed. ”So I ran from her instead. I could not hurt her. I hated what I felt. That burning in my gut for violence. So I took myself to the garden shed, ordering all of the servents away. Thankfully one of Fuqins agents went to get him. I gutted myself. I really truely did. Yet I still lived. My body healed as quickly as possible by Fuqin without my parents knowing. He saved me and shattered my knife beyond repair even by magic.” he let her hand go softly, he did not force her to remain touching him. ”I tried… I really did try to be good. Yes, I am a monster. But I am a Killable monster. One day, you, someone I don’t even know about yet, or hell even our child, one day I will be killed, making a hero. But before that I will use every ounce of power I have to make my family strong, and to keep it from rotting within or being destroyed from without.” he pulled her in and kissed her. Softly, not forcefully. But confident and full of passion. He broke it quickly after. ”Give me a strong Child, Hotaru, try every day to kill me if you can. Keep me on my feet and eager to grow. I want you to hate how much you love me just as much as I do for you now in this moment. Take your time, let it grow and fester into something worth dying from.” he let her go, and pulled away to turn away. [break][break] ”Attend or do not, I no longer care. You are mine, I need not show you off if I do not wish too.” he began to walk away and Fuqin quietly picked up Enlai and follow. He stopped at the door, the box the outfit was in was still in the room, as he turned the door handle he paused and then spoke. ”Though…I think perhaps I will be sorely missing your presence if you do not attend…“ he would then open the door and leave, to finish preparing for the party as the door closed behind Fuqin.
words[break]1110 [break] total[break]5924 [break] SP Earned[break]0005 [break] Stat Earned[break]0005 [break]
