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.
Post by Yua Zhongli on Jul 1, 2022 19:53:54 GMT -5
Yua had been becoming accustomed to some of the towns and villiages of Clover once more, she still didn't see the country as her home anymore. She knew better than to voice such words out loud as even if she believed herself alone she knew it was anything but the truth, at least not while she was on Clovian soil. Even if she was alone she knew still to be careful because walls had ears and those walls would sell her out for the right price. She had a few contacts in Clover that were loyal to her and the man that held her heart and it was to these people she would send her messages to him and recieve her messages from him. She never explained the real reason behind such a farce being required, she just said that her family was traditional and wouldn't accept that she had given her heart to him.
This was accepted quickly as the young noble knew what it was like to be in a traditional family and have expectations placed upon them. Luckily, his family liked her and had even accepted her into their home of course traditions were followed during the times she did stay there. She originally hated being sent away from the family believing she was being cast out for some unseen slight towards the family. Now? Now she seen it as a blessing that was ripped away from her. She believed her mother to be cruel and never wishing her to be happy, she didn't believe her mother knew about the man who held her heart or she would have heard about it by now and he would be far from alive. Certain things weren't permitted in their world, she knew this but still, she wished to gain it.
She knew her mother had allowed others in the family to have relationships but there were strict rules that her siblings had to abide by, even her uncle had to abide by them. He failed in those rules, his heavily pregnant wife saw under the mask and threatened to take his unborn children away. In doing that she had signed her death warrent as he slowly poisoned her, she had told people about him but they put it down to her being dilerious from what she remembered being told. He was spared having to land the killing bow as she was in such a fragile state by the time her cousin's Junjie and Luli were born that the births killed her. It was classed as a fatality though child birth, still her uncle was punished for being so reckless but it wasn't long lasting due to the infants.
Out of everyone in the family she believed she would be the one that would be automatically denied such a request, she was a prodigy when it came to espionage. She would wear whatever mask was needed to get her task done efficiently and so very rarly got the chance to take it off and be herself, even around her family the mask was on making her one of the harder people in the family to read. This played to her benefit currently, but, her mother was anything but a fool and so knew if she ever got married she would want to take the mask off and never put it back on essentially turning her back on the family she grew in for the family she would have created with an outsider. She herself knew as much as her mother loved each of them they were still assets and tools at her disposal and she wouldn't let any go without a fight.
She was slowly walking through the streets of Aries Garse, the weather was terrible at the time. There wasn't blustering winds or torrential rain but it was clear that it could happen at any moment. In her left hand she was holding a midnight blue with golden swirl yóuzhǐsǎn preventing herself from the rain that was falling. The gentle pitter patter of the raindrops was soothing to her. It reminded her of home... of him... and how homesick she felt. She was going to ask her mother to send her back, she as sure she could make some excuse where it would benefit the family but she knew if she did go that route she would have to tread carefully as if she didn't then it would raise questions she didn't want to be asked.
She could just leave but that would cause more issues than it was worth, she would be punished, he and his family would be put to the sword and she would resent her mother for it all while blaming herself. No, she had to do this properly if she wanted her mask to be removed and her weapons locked away for the rest of her life. She wouldn't ever betray her family by revealing any information, still she knew what happened to those who turned their backs and thus she knew what a dangerous game she was playing.
Word Count: 848
Last Edit: Oct 3, 2022 19:30:08 GMT -5 by Yua Zhongli
Post by Jin Zhongli on Jul 4, 2022 13:51:07 GMT -5
-Flashback-
One year ago...
Jin Zhongli absent of his usual dark circle sunglasses, and his black blindfold wearing a simple black jacket and pants with sandals walking through his families estate. His bright blue eyes had a certain level of focus to them, he only had this look when he was about to have a serious discussion with his mother. Which in fact he was on his way to do, walking towards the main counseling room.
Jin had a reputation in the family of being a little rebellious, not because he wasn't completely devoted to his family. But because he was extremely devoted to his family. He loved each member of his family with every fiber in his heart, he longed to see the Zhongli thrive and grow to unprecedented heights. The idea of betraying his family and his mother would never even enter his mind, and if it did he would take his own life. But because of his extreme devotion to his family and it's legacy and future, Jin was a young man of many ideas for that future. And this usually led to many many arguments with his mother, which is why he had the reputation of being rebellious and always in trouble and probably spent the most time in Lěnggōng.
Jin walked into the counseling room, his mother Jukane was sitting in the main chair going over some details in the future with her must trusted advisors. She could tell from the looks of his face he wanted to speak with her, and it probably going to be another one of his ideas. Jukane knew all her children very very well, and loved them she never showed or would show them a sign that their mind as well as their other talents weren't important or valued. So she would never turn Jin away no matter what. "Jin you’re joining the council meeting today?" she asked him, knowing the families future meant allot to him, she always gave him the opportunity to join the meetings and that went for any of her children.
Jin nodded walking in giving a quick glance to the advisor's, he knew them and they knew him pretty well. They didn't get along much. The white haired rogue gave them a smug look and they just rolled their eyes. "Yes if you would allow it." he answered his mother's question in earnest. "Of course Jin you know you and any of your siblings are always welcome. But something is bothering you isn't it?" she replied looking back at her plans and then back at him.
She read him like a book Jin took a moment to pause, before walking forward and stating what was on his mind. "It's time to bring Yua back home." he said blatantly leaving his mother and the advisors looking at him.
-End Flashback-
Present day...
Jin was walking into Aries Garse with his blindfold over his eyes, although Aelia wasn't beside him he still got into the habit of wearing it. Being in Aries Garse was playing it close, he wasn't that far from being home. He missed home he truly did, but he knew he was doing what was best for the future not for him but for the family. It had been over a year ago since he had left suddenly, wanting to figure things out on his own and make his own connections. But never used his real name, since being out on his own only one person knew his real full name and that was Aelia.
Jin walked into the town and his high sensory skills easily picked up the location of his little sister Yua. He started to walk in her direction, he had last seen her months ago. She finally came back home from where she was staying, Jin had wanted her back home for quite some time. He wasted no time walking in her direction not hiding his presence.
Xue sighed a bit as he walked thru the back streets of Aries Garse in his usual outfit, the silver haired man was garb in attire more fitting of a commoner then a noble as he was wearing a white shirt with a black tunic over it, green pants and sandals. While most couldn't the dark mage also had a karambit under his tunic just in case he needed a weapon but he didn't imagine he would need it. Xue also had his grimoire under his tunic as well near his back so it was out of the way and not easy to spot, he look like any other civilian and most didn't give him a second glance as he headed towards the direction of the spot he was told that his siblings would be.'i wonder why mother decided to have be be the ones to come get them and escort them back oh well questions for later' he thought to himself as he turned the corner and he spotted his younger brother Jin and while it had been a while his younger sister Yua as well.
As he approached the dark mage did the same as Jin and didn't hide his presence since they were family it didn't seem like something that was necessary as he would speak once he was in hearing distance.”ah perfect you two are here that makes this easier” he mentioned his tone holding the usual apathy though the small smile on his face for a moment did show that he was glad to see them, though the rogue was known for his apathy it wasn't natural due to the limiter on the side of his neck which appeared as a plain tattoo so no questions were raised by anyone else. Xue had very dark tendencies and this was a way to keep both the family safe and himself from danger since he didn't want to get into trouble for harming his siblings by going over board. He would dip his head a bit at Yua in greeting not letting the light rainfall bother him as he addressed her.” Sister its been far too long you seem rather well and you as well brother” he commented looking at the two.his tone was quiet but enough that the two could hear since while no one was really out and about due to the weather it was still better to ere on the side of caution.
“I hope your two have been taking good care of yourselves having been so far from home you especially sister?” he questioned glancing at the two of them his gaze calm though the small smile still assured them that he was in a good mood, even though they were not little they were still his younger siblings and he did his best to look after them and teach them what he could.he turned his gaze to Jin “you seem a bit more rugged then last we saw each other I'm guessing life on the road is rougher then expected?” he said, he knew that Jin had left to wander the countryside and Yua had been away in a far land but he was sure he would hear plenty about both of them soon enough.
Post by Yua Zhongli on Jul 9, 2022 13:13:01 GMT -5
As she walked she picked up on two mana signatures towards her, she just closed her eyes and let out a frustrated yet silent sigh. So much for being left alone with her thoughts for a while longer, she knew she should stay put and let them come to her as it would only make things worse if she didn't. She listened to the gentle pitter-patter as the rain touched her umbrella, her eyes looking around the almost completely empty streets. She couldn't help but wonder if the people of clover were scared of light rain, where she had been people were still going through their normal daily life commitments. Then again, from what she had seen from the cultures the mindsets were far different. It just cemented the fact she honestly didn't want to be in this land any longer than she needed to be.
Soon enough she saw her elder brother Jin, the first thing she noticed about the white-haired void mage was that he was currently wearing a blindfold. She was both confused and worried and so rushed over you him "J... Jun..." this was the name she commonly called him while they were together in public "Are you alright? What happened to your eyes? Does mother know?" her questions came quick pace, clearly she was concerned about the man. Her hand reached out steadily to bring up the blindfold so she could check his eyes. If he told her to stop she would pull her hand back if he didn't she would bring up the blindfold and then look cross for a brief moment before looking relieved. Regardless of what happened, she hoped he would let her know why he was wearing the blindfold if nothing other than to put her mind at ease.
"Delun is nearby." she whispered knowing full well he would have felt Xue's presence, she normally remained to the same names for her siblings if they were in public, of course, there were times she would deviate if required but it was so much easier to keep things straight more so if people you interacted with called you the same thing. She had heard of some of her siblings giving different names to people and those people meeting and calling them different names in front of the other. The slight wasn't easily forgiven and it was used as a lesson for others to learn from. She knew that people in her family frequently did such a thing still, but, they were very careful never to get into that kind of situation. It was still an unneeded risk to her and preferred to be safer than sorry. Even if people they knew heard her it was easily explained away as familial pet names.
"Hello Delun, you seem well." she said calmly to her older brother "What brings you out on this dreary day?" she would enquire knowing this wasn't a chance run-in. "I have been well enough." she didn't really want to go into much more than that, because she knew that where she wouldn't say anything about her life over in the far east she may still say something they wouldn't like and she would regret. She wasn't in the habit of making mistakes, especially mistakes that would have her spend time under her mother's decay touch in the Lěnggōng to be used as an example of what not to do for her siblings.
Word count: 574 Total Word count: 1,423
Last Edit: Oct 3, 2022 19:33:35 GMT -5 by Yua Zhongli
Post by Jin Zhongli on Aug 26, 2022 22:09:22 GMT -5
Jin made his way towards his little sister with a small smile on his face, he was happy to see her and in good health. But he did wonder why she wasn't in the estate, she had gotten back home after years of being away. He doubted mother would want her away from home to much now. So she was probably out here trying to get some time away, couldn't blame her. She spoke and said his fake name, and then asked about his eyes. Jin chuckled to himself, they are fine as he let her lift the blindfold up. His blue eyes were still there and as vibrant as always. "I'm just testing something is all." he replied to her, thinking about Aelia and her need for a blindfold.
She then told him about Xue, calling him Delun his own fake name. Jin smiled "I know. Looks like its time for me to go back home." he said softly. He was honestly surprised it took this long, about one year away from home. Mother wanted him back, enough time had passed probably. And just a few moments later Xue had shown up.
Xue was one of Jin's older brothers, if he were being honest. He prefered Xue bring him back over Kiro or Yungen. Varia too would have been very annoying. Kiro was just stoic and at times scary, though he would never truly hurt his younger siblings. Kiro just had a presence about him, that you didn't want to make him angry. And Yungen just liked to make things as difficult as he could.
Jin smiled at his brother Xue's comments and even laughed when he commented on his rugged appearance. "Haha. Yea I guess I do look more rugged than before. Life as a vagabond will do that to you." Jin joked about his appearance and situation. He grabbed his older brothers arm with a soft embrace and whispered. "I've missed you Xue Xue." he said honestly. Jin missed all his siblings, even the annoying ones. Not that Xue was one of the annoying ones, though he had his moments.
But their reunion was cut short, a very familiar presence made itself known. So much so, that Jin's eyes widened and then settled a few seconds later. It came from outside the town itself, signaling to all them that they should head to him. It was Kiro the eldest of all the Zhongli siblings the heir to the family after their mother. He guessed Xue wasn't alone then, which made sense. He always had a hunch Kiro was watching his every move. "Looks like big brother Kiro is here too, we shouldn't keep him waiting." Jin whispered to his bother and sibling as he walked out the Inn.
Heading outside of the town towards the forest, a tall figure dressed in a all black male kimono. A Katana at his hip, with his left arm resting on it. It was Kiro Zhongli and to Jin he looked exactly the same, a single stoic expression on his face. But this time he had a slight hint of irritation. Something annoyed him. When all three showed he spoke no one was around so it was ok to use real names. "Xue, Yua...Jin." that was his way of greeting them.
Jin smiled at his eldest brother. "Kiro it's good to see you again." he said simply. He wasn't nervous in fact he expected Kiro to be the one to bring him back home. But he didn't think mother would send Xue as well. He knew neither of his brothers would hurt him, unless he tried to resist them to much and gave them no choice.
Kiro had tiny smile on his face before walking forward towards Yua, he brought up his hand slowly and stroked her hair softly. "Mother is worrying about you Yua." he said simply and that was all he said to her. Kiro was man of little words, he said what needed to be said and that was it. He then turned towards Xue and Jin and slight irritation on his face showed again.
"Jin I was sent to watch over you shortly after your...departure." he said but Jin honestly wasn't surprised by this. "Mother wanted you back two months ago, but I failed to do so." Jin looked shocked to hear Kiro say that out loud, his eldest brother didn't fail at anything. Especially when given orders by mother. "Failed?"
Kiro then looked over to Xue. "So Xue's appearance here means mother has grown impatient...even with me." Jin still looked amazed by his eldest brothers words. Kiro was looked at as the leader of all his brothers and sisters, he failed at nothing. He was the perfect heir for the family, the perfect warrior, the perfect assassin. The fact that he would willingly fail at orders given to him by mother was baffling. Kiro walked over to Jin and softly removed the blindfold from his younger brother's face and handing it to him nicely folded. "It's time to go home." he said simply.
He looked over at Xue and nodded in his direction, letting Xue know he had done well. Kiro took a few steps back and placed his hand on his sword and in a blink of eye sliced into the open air creating a spatial portal back to the Zhongli Estate with an open hand he would let his younger siblings step in the portal first.
Post by Xue Zhongli on Aug 30, 2022 5:21:58 GMT -5
Xue gave his younger sister a small smile when she asked him what brought him out here on such a dreary day.”actually sister I had to come into town to collect a few things for mother once I do that I'm heading back home”he explained though it would be easy for her and Jin to pick apart the meaning since in truth he had been sent to bring them both back home but he couldnt outright say that with the chance someone was listening in on them. As Yua stated simply that she had been well enough the dark mage nodded in understanding.”im glad I missed you greatly sister” he said before hearing Jin respond to him after a few moments and joked about his appearance which made older sibling simply shake his head in amusement.”Just remember your taking care of yourself when your out and about being a vagabond is fine but keep your wits about you" he said reminding him that no matter what he needed to remain guarded outside of the family estate.
Upon being hugged and being called XueXue the rogue simply smiled and hugged him back before flicking him in”I missed you to Jun but remember we are in public so careful with names” he whispered back “also we will see how much you miss me when you visit home your over due for some remedial weapon lessons and dont think I will pull punches” he warned his eyes becoming a bit more focused at the end since he was one of the best weapon masters in the family, the dark mage was known for his collection of weapons and he often trained with them extensively until they were practically an extension of his body. Xue was also known for being one to train members of the family in the weapons they had a desire to learn and quite often by the end of most sessions his family members were on the ground with some light bruises and small cuts and he was fine if only sweating mildly.
At the Mention of their eldest brother Kiro being here as well even Xue seemed a bit surprised as the man in question approached and spoke their names indicating that they were alone due to the weather,”Brother interesting to see you out right now” he commented not in a rude way but more curious then anything. At the mention of Kiro failing to bring Jin back home two months ago made not Xue blink in surprise, he then mentioned that the dark mages presence had meant their mother was getting impatient and wouldnt wait any longer which made Xue simply sigh and shrug.”I was wondering why I was sent to come get these two I'm not the best tracker in the family but I do what I must though I did hear that there was something waiting for me upon my return” he mentioned, upon seeing Kiros nod of approval Xue gave one back in return before he would enter the portal to warp back to the estate leading the way for his siblings.
Post by Yua Zhongli on Oct 3, 2022 19:26:55 GMT -5
Yua went from concerned to relieved to finally being confused in a matter of seconds when she saw his same brilliant blue eyes underneath the blindfold. "Jun, why are you wearing a blindfold if you don't need it?" She could only think that this was some sort of training that he was undertaking but she couldn't think of a single job where any of them would need to pretend to be blind. Outside of subterfuge, it wasn't something that would ever be needed and though they could all do it normally it was her that was chosen given she had always seemed gifted in such skills. She could only sigh and bring it back down knowing if mother hadn't requested it then he had his own personal reasons and he wouldn't give up his secrets easily, then again, she didn't really think any of them did without cause.
Her confusion only seemed to get more apparent as he spoke about it being time for him to go home "Jun... what has been going on in my absence?" it was clear from what happened at the tree of Salamander during Yule and even now that there was something wrong. This concerned her, little did she know at that time just how long he had been absent from their family home. She could only watch her two elder brothers talking to one another and it worried her more "What are you talking about, the life of a vagabond?" it's true that their lives weren't exactly on the up and up but they still had their own code and rules that they made sure to abide by lest they deal with their mother's ire. She had been quite lucky to rarely have felt the cruel sting of their mother's magic but she still remembered amply the pain from the times she did.
She felt as if she was an outsider looking in at her own family at that moment and though it didn't show on her face she was honestly starting to wonder if she still had a place within her family. So much had changed in the last four years and though she was sending reports every three to five days she didn't really hear anything back other than what her orders were. 'All for the family.' she reminded herself, she had been isolated for four long years for the betterment of the family. She still believed she had done something awful and so this was her punishment. It likely hadn't been the case but she couldn't help how she felt even now, she was sent away when she was fifteen without any real support and so she had done what was needed to survive.
That was something she couldn't dwell on at the moment, she wouldn't allow her defences to drop... not again... not after what had happened when she was away. She covered her mouth with her hand and lightly laughed seeing Xue flick Jin on the forehead as he scolded him for not watching his mouth "He's right Jun, it may be raining but walls have ears or have you become sloppy and forgotten some of our earliest lessons?" she would ask, she knew it was no laughing matter and that any found to disregard such basic rules put in place for everyone's safety was bound for the cold palace. She couldn't help but shudder when she thought of that place, it meant for that time their mother's heart had turned cold towards them and so they had to repent, atone and show they understood their failure and wouldn't make the same mistake.
She remembered how different things were in the cold palace in comparison to the main home. Not only were you made an example of but your training became longer and more intense. Then there was the food, they were in no way starved as the food they were given always had what they needed to remain healthy and strong but she was quite sure that pig slop would have tasted better than that stuff... at least it would have had some sort of taste. She looked at Xue and smiled "I have missed everyone dearly." she was glad to be a chameleon at that moment if she hadn't been the smile would have been weaker and her words would have shown that where she did care for them it wasn't a full truth, at least not anymore, but then four years isolated would do that to anyone she was sure.
Her eyes went to where she felt the mana signature after Jin pointed out their eldest brother, this was the last thing she honestly needed as Karo was the one that no one really wanted to piss off. She wanted to go get her letter but knew that it was far too risky at that moment. "Please give me a moment, I was actually out on a personal errand and didn't expect to be diverted home so need to let my friend know." She said separating herself from her two brothers, she made sure that she was a good distance away before activating a spell from a scroll. A book appeared in front of her and she began to write in it, even if they could see what she was doing it would just seem like a shorthand code.
Once she got the reply which was in the same shorthand code she closed the book and it vanished in a puff of smoke and the scroll disintegrated. With that done she moved back to her two elder brothers "Sorry about that, it would have been rude of me not to inform my friend of my change of plans." she said walking towards Kiro knowing he wasn't the type to like being kept waiting. Yua swatted Kiro's hand away lightly as he moved to stroke her hair "Kiro..." she said almost pouty, in honesty she was in no mood at current for it but she knew better than to upset her eldest brother. She knew it was just his way of showing his affection and concern for her but it was because of him she had to change her plans. "Mother has no need to worry, I was taught well and returned with everything intact." she brought up the hand that she wasn't using to hold her umbrella and wiggled her fingers for a brief second.
It was then she heard something she never thought she would ever hear in her lifetime "Y... you failed?" she stuttered, she couldn't fake anything but her true thoughts on this one. Kiro had been perfect in everything he had done from training, helping others learn and even missions he was the perfect child and heir of the family. "Kiro... you never fail..." she showed utter disbelief on this matter and for anyone who knew Kiro it was easy to understand why that was the case. She felt like she was in some fevered dream at that moment as she had never heard mother ever get impatient with him either, so much had changed in the last four years and in honesty, she wasn't really liking it as it felt wrong to her.
She was still wondering about the blindfold but she was still too shocked to bring it up again given what she had just heard, She watched as the portal was opened and sighed as she resigned herself to the fact she couldn't avoid going back to the family home any longer. In honesty, she wasn't really feeling ready for such a thing but there was little she could do now and so walked through the portal knowing the sooner she could get this over and done with the sooner she could get back to what she was doing.
Word Count: 1,300 Total Word Count: 2,723
Last Edit: Oct 3, 2022 19:41:22 GMT -5 by Yua Zhongli
Post by Jin Zhongli on Dec 28, 2022 16:58:08 GMT -5
-Flashback-
Jukane's eyes had not changed but there was a brief pause in her movements, she then looked at Jin and back down to her papers. "Leave us." she said to her other council members, they all got up from their seats without question and exited the room leaving Jin and Jukane alone to speak.
"Jin I know the absence of your sister upsets you, but she is doing very important work for the family. I can assure she is safe and no real harm will come to her." Jukane said to her son, she already knew why this made him upset and she couldn't blame him for it. Jukane was a patient and fair leader especially to her children, she was willing to hear them out.
Jin let out a slightly frustrated sigh, he heard this before and he still didn't agree with it. "A member of the family has never been away this long, not Varia or Yugen or Xue. Heck not even Kiro! Mother were missing out on so much on her life, we should be there for her. She should be home with us."
"We all miss Yua Jin, especially me. But what she's doing is...so important for our future. I know you may not agree with it right now. But in time I think you and your brothers and sisters will understand. Now how is Saeka's training? Her grimoire ceremony is coming up soon, we were actually discussing the preparations." Jukane said lookin back at her plans for her youngest daughter.
"Why? Do you plan to send Saeka away too?!" Jin spoke this time a noticeable spike in his anger and tone. Causing Jukane to look at him with her stern eyes.
"Your tone Jin, watch it. Your emotions do not cloud your judgement, I have raised you better than that."
Jin took a breath and let it out. Even when trying to hide it, his face was still visibly upset. The white haired rogue rook a seat and buried his face in his hands. Jukane looked at him and then walked over to him stroking his white silver color hair. "When you were younger I would have sent you to the Lěnggōng for the rest of the night for that outburst. Do not let my value of your opinions and emotions let you think that I have gone soft. If something is truly troubling you my son, speak. But speak respectfully."
Jin took a moment and started to reply. "In our family there has only been two that has passed on, and in those two only one has been child of the Zhongli." Jin was speaking on Kira, her death made everyone feel sorrow even now to this day. "We've been able to not only survive but also thrive because we have stuck so close together. I fear with Yua being so far so long that..." Jin stopped as he wouldn't allow himself to finish the sentence. "But the ideas for the future of this family even amongst our greatest enemies, no one will ever oppose us. But we must all be here, at home."
Jukane sighed before taking a moment to respond to her son. "...Jin I don't know how many ways I can tell you, Yua's work is important for that very future that you and all of us have been working for. That end goal that you see may require some unorthodox methods." Jukane said letting the words linger so Jin can accept them.
-End Flashback-
Jin looked at his brother Kiro and nodded with a smirk on his face, he let his sister walk through the portal first as she was the youngest, then Jin would follow and Xue and lastly Kiro. Once through the portal the siblings would instantly be teleported right into the middle of the large conference room in the Zhongli estate. It was a large open room with elaborate decor, the largest chair in the far end of the room sat Jukane Zhongli their mother and leader of the Zhongli. One wouldn't be able to tell the look on her face though, at least not right now.
But she wasn't alone in this room, some of the other siblings were here as well. Yugen Zhongli was leaning on a wall nearby his long red hair tied up in it's usual ponytail. He had a curious look on his face, Yugen liked to tease the rest of his siblings the most but now wasn't the time for that. Once his eyes fell on Jin and Yua even he couldn't hide his smile. Only a second had passed before the doors behind everyone swung open and Varia entered the room loudly as per usual. Jukane gave a simple hand signal and one of the servants left the room and closed the door behind them leaving just the number of Zhongli members there, it wasn't all of them though.
"JIN! I should kick your ass right now!! Leaving the family like that! What is wrong with you!?" Varia started to shout at her little brother, going over to smack the back of his head. Out of everyone Varia is definitely the loudest and the most exuberant, she can be utterly silent when on a mission, but her natural personality was the opposite of that. Aside from Kiro , Xue and Yugen she is one of the oldest and like them she takes that seriously. But out of the four she's the one that is most likely going to be the loudest when dealing with her younger siblings. Jin in particular always needed some extra talking when he was younger that usually came from Varia. The eldest sister walked up to him gave him a look and turned her head to Yua and made a much different more empathetic face. "Yuaaa. You've just gotten back home." Varia reached over to kiss the top of Yua's head softly. "Your making mom and the rest of us worry about you."
Varia turned back towards Jin. "Jin you stink and you look like a mess. Did you even bathe the past year you were gone?" she said as she went over and sniffed him. Yugen laughed over at the side in his usual mocking tone. She then picked up his chin using her hand. "Your taller and you need a haircut." She said before hugging him tightly. "I've missed you don't ever do that again."
Jukane then removed herself from her chair and started walking forward slowly. Her face now visible and she didn't look particularly angry, which was surprising. The first person she looked at was actually Xue. He had done what she had asked impeccably and for that he would be rewarded. Xue was the second oldest and after Kiro would technically be the next heir if it was needed, hence why she entrusted him with the task of not only bringing Jin back home but Yua and Kiro as well. "Thank you Xue for bringing your brothers and sister back home."
Her eyes then went to Jin, the white haired rogue was ready to receive his punishment. He was going to assume probably two months in Lěnggōng maybe longer . He was just hoping for the opportunity to let Aelia know what was going to happen to him. But instead as she got closer she simply embraced her son in her arms tightly as if she never going to let go. Causing Yugen, Varia and even Kiro to smile a little.
Jukane let go and looked at him grabbing his chin. "Varia is right you do smell and you need a haircut, but you did get a little taller. I am glad you are back home. We shall discuss your punishment shortly." The leader of the Zhongli turned to Yua next, Yua wasn't gone for long. The issue was she had just got back home and she wasn't spending her time at home. This was beginning to worry Jukane. She simply and gently rubbed Yua's long black hair "Why do you refuse to stay home with me now my precious Yua?"
The last person Jukane chose to address was Kiro, she was actually mildly disappointed in him. "Kiro you were tasked with bringing Jin home two months ago, I do not doubt you were able to find your younger brother. Why did you fail to bring him back?" this time Jukane's tone was serious everyone in the room would feel it and no one would be foolish enough to interrupt her. She made her way back to her seat and awaited his answer.
Kiro took a few steps forward, there no fear in his voice at all when he answered. "My task of bringing Jin back had failed for a particular number of reasons. One Jin's solo... adventures have been quite profitable for the house of the Zhongli as a whole. Despite his lack of reports, in my watch he has established himself a number of healthy alliances. One being House Ravencrest the other being newly reformed Eclipse Ravens. If I had taken him away earlier these note worthy connections he was making would have been squandered. Second..." Kiro took a moment to look at Jin and then proceeded to answer. "Jin has allied himself with a partner of sorts, but not in the typical sense. It is not a partnership based on shared funding or yul or even romantic. But it seems he has become her care taker in a way, a young women who can take care of herself but from what I gathered needs...guidance. They were at times inseparable almost like a little sister and caring big brother." Kiro finished his assessment leaving it at that, leaving Jukane allot to think about.
"Oh goody, Big Brother Jin and big Sis Yua is back!" Cheered a pink haired girl laying along a set of rafters within the Zhongli Estate, having decided to take a nap in the comforters of the outdoors while remain the shadows that cloaked all but a single leg hanging in the light. She yawn stretching as she fell off the rafter, flipping on the way down before landing on all fours stretching her limbs as she stood up fully. She was as tiny as a twig standing at a comfortable 5,0 Even holding an unknown weight of 80 lbs. She didn't have an ounce of considered fat just bone and muscle. [break][break] Saeka first moved slowly before allowing her walk to quicken into a run before darting into a sprint as she moved through the Zhongli Estate, Twisting and turning moving around the servants with ease. Sliding underneath a rolled up rug two servants were carrying allowing a light chuckle at the maneuver as she continued without missing a beat. She saw one of the stairway being a bit crowded as she took the stair railing to move past them. Sure she could have told the crowd to move but this was much more and a lot faster moving up and towards the conference room. [break][break] She slid to a stop right outside the door, quickly straightening herself up before taking a deep breath calming herself down before pushing open the doors "I heard the news?! Big bro Jin and big sis Yua back! Its like a great present!" She said jumping on her tip toes happily clapping her hands together as she ran over first Yua giving her a big hug before quickly turning moving over to Jin "I am so glad you both are back and alright! I was worried while you were gone!" She spoke Happily letting go of Jin as she smiled pulling her hands behind her back with a smile tilting her head from side to side ignoring the others in the room for now. She had a feeling that wasn't going to go well but her main concern was Jin and Yua's return. [break][break]
Post by Xue Zhongli on Jan 4, 2023 20:21:06 GMT -5
Hearing his sister quesitoned what he meant by the Jin being a vagabond Xue mearly gave a small chuckle a rarity for him.”its nothing sister he just has been rather adventurous lately and has been traveling around the land from what I have heard, I only have word of mouth to go by since I tend to stick closer to home” he explained which was true he tended to stick near home since he liked his comforts and keeping his skills with his weapons up which required constant training, Yua would then say that she missed everyone as well and while the dark mage was not able to pick up on her hidden emotions he mearly smiled and nodded happy to hear such an answer. What made the man suddenly wary was when his sister had mentioned that she was out on a personal errand and needed to let a friend know before forming a book and started to write in it, Xue was able to catch a little bit of what she was writing before she but he couldnt make out what was written but the need for such secracy was suspicous to him.
As the four of them had entered the portal and appeared in the conference room with their mother at the far end Xue knew that something was about to happen he could feel it however his thoughts were cut short as one of his younger siblings Varia appeared and started to shout and Jin while the dark mage mearly pinched the bridge of his nose in slight annoyance.”Varia must you be so loud we are all within talking distance not shouting” he stated as he would glance at her.”and if your intending to beat him you can wait he has remedial training with me and you know how that normally goes” he said to his sister his calm gaze focused on her since most members of the family knew when it came to technique with weapons he was a slave driver. As Jukane approached and turned her gaze to him Xue met her gaze and as she thanked him for retrieving his brothers and sister the dark mage bowed his head respectfully.” it was no problem mother I'm glad to have them back safe and sound” he said his tone was calm as usual but there was some warmth to it at the mention of his siblings being safe.
While he was usually indifferent to most things he did have a soft spot for his family. As their mother would question to their elder brother Kiro why he had failed the eldest explained that Jin had been able to get membership into the newly formed Eclipse ravens and explained that had he taken him away before now he would not have obtained such things, he would also go on to explain the connection between him and a yougn woman who was in need of guidence comparing it to a brother and sister relationship, as he was about to speak he saw Saeka enter the room and he sighed a bit before watching his younger sibling act a bit rambunctious at the sight of long lost family members showing up.
Post by Yua Zhongli on Apr 7, 2023 20:32:46 GMT -5
Yua had walked through the portal first but made her way to the side as if to stand independently of the others in the room and those that were about to step through. She hadn't forgotten how large her family was but it was the first time in four years experienced some of their numbers and so it was a lot to take in. In honesty, she was feeling uncomfortable and overwhelmed being surrounded by so many people at once. It didn't help when one of her sisters decided to essentially crash into the room like a loud bull in a china shop. "I can already tell I'm going to get a headache." she said quietly with a sigh. She didn't want to be there, she had other things she deemed a little more crucial to her than her loud sister, bully of a brother and the sweet budding psychopath of a sister.
Yua had never been one for physical contact, she was brought up as a newborn within the family and was well adjusted for someone inside the family and yet she still disliked being touched by anyone unless it was really required. Her facial expressions remained neutral the entire time "Why does everyone insist on hugging, kissing my head and petting me when they know I do not like it?" she would ask letting out a frustrated sigh. She knew that they were happy to see her, far more than she was to see them after being away for four years. "I have been back in Clover for several months Varia as I told our brothers I was taught well and so there is no need to be concerned about my safety." She was starting to think they believed her made out of the same type of crystal you'd find nobility using for their wine glasses.
After speaking to several of her siblings their mother turned her attention to her, again she didn't want to be touched but she knew better than to rebuke her mother's show of affection. Soon enough the question she feared being asked was asked she took a moment to compose her answer as she knew this could go bad quickly. "I have been isolated for four long years and though I understand my duties to the family and that sacrifices have to be made, yet, I still felt isolated and abandoned while fulfilling those duties..." she began her voice was soft as she spoke "I thought it would be six months a year at most, I held out hope that I would receive a letter telling me it was time to return home. With each letter that came after that first year that hope died a little more." she was being completely honest.
"It was only at the beginning of the fourth year I had given up hope of returning and so I started to build a new life around my duties to the family. Just as I was fully settling down I received a letter telling me it was time to return home... that letter I once longed for I now held in my hands and I dreaded it but I dutifully left the life I had built behind as family comes first..." she closed her eyes for a moment "As for why I have not returned to the estate I do not feel comfortable with the idea of being here at current after being on my own for so long. I understand everyone has missed me and I have missed them but at current, I wish to live on my own as I am used to until I feel comfortable enough to return here."
She had been truthful and respectful the entire time she had spoken. She knew she was the best choice for what was needed, she knew that it was for the betterment of the family but it still didn't take away the hurt and abandonment she felt over the decision. She understood her words would hurt but she wouldn't lie to them about something like this. "Forgive my words if you find them harsh Mother but I respect you too much to lie to you about such a matter." all she could do now would be to wait for the response and deal with the fallout. "I would also request allowing me privacy when it comes to my current living space, I am happy enough to visit or meet people in town until I am ready to come back to the estate." she wasn't attempting to avoid the family she just wanting to take small steps until she was ready after all she was used to quiet and well although highly trained assassins they were still a family and some of them more than others were obnoxious or loud.
