How the...

[Aeila]

It wasn't uncommon for the raven haired necromancer and the stark haired void user to do jobs independantly from one another, it's what their line of work called for on occasion. They were of course a strong duo but it didn't take away what they could do when they couldn't work with the other for one reason or another. Before they left they left something that could be understood only by the other so they knew not to be concerned if they were gone for an extended period of time, this also gave them a hint where to look if they vanished into the ether so to speak. When Aelia had returned home after visiting the spirit tree the place the pair called home was dark showing that Jin hadn't returned or he had and left once more. She didn't worry so much but went to look where she normally found his messages.

There hadn't been any so she thought he was just out for a wander to gain some supplies and would return before long, this was nothing out of the ordinary if they only expected to be away for a few hours. She still left a picture though given how she was socially, besides she was starting to think Jin liked collecting them. Hours turned to days and days to weeks, she was starting to get worried because this truly wasn't normal for him. Each time she wanted to go look for him Fredrick would remind her that he was capable of looking out for himself and she may end up causing more harm than good if they found him in certain circumstances. She always feared that she was a burden to him and hearing that she could cause trouble for him made her stay put.

That was until one day she had enough of waiting, her concern and worry for him had grown far to strong and so she headed to the black market. To be more exact she went to speak to the information brokers of the agents of Avarice. If you needed to know something they would likely have it, the issue was their information was never cheap and it wasn't always coin they asked for. Lucky for her when she and Jin were sent after the person who stole from the Agents neither of them had accepted coin, they each requested a favor to be called at a later date. Yul came and went but having a favor from these guys could be life changing if you asked for the right thing. She had just called in that favor, she wanted to know where her partner was. The agents didn't know exactly but gave a large area in the forsaken region he could be.

It wasn't what she was expecting but it had given her a starting point and so their debt to her had been repaid. They never did enjoy being in others debt and so attempted not to get into that situation. She started travelling through the evening avoiding the light of the day when she could but it wasn't always possible but she still pushed forward. She had forgotten her blindfold so she could feel her eyes hurting during the day especially when it bounced off the white snow. She wished she had either her blindfold or her veil and would likely be scolded by Jin for not having the former while he got rid of the latter telling her that it was one less shackle to her past. She had prevented it at first but as she got more comfortable with him she didn't stop him.

Her own sensory was extremely weak, she had no reason to strengthen it as she was reliant a lot of the time on her family of wraiths to help her with that field. Days had gone past since she started her journey and she was no closer to finding him, she really had hoped that he hadn't gone home because then it would be the missing trying to find the missing. She had two of her pixiesticks on her shoulders in the hopes they would be able to help sense him, but they had reported nothing, well, that was until they reported a kind of weirdness in a certain direction. She had asked them through their bond to go take a look and report back, they flew off and she ran after them so that they wouldn't fade. She was told of a large group of strange buildings and that there where people.

They also told her that they couldn't get a clear sense of the people. She had heard from Jin that some rogue families have their own estates just like nobles but because of their paths they had unique ways to keep themselves safe from intruders. She guessed this was one of those hidden estates and so moved towards it her pixiesticks moving onto her head as she got closer. She didn't need sensory to feel the change in mana after she crossed what seemed like an invisible threshold. At that moment she was more careful as she moved forward. She understood that even if she was in the right place if she was caught by anyone she could be in danger as she hadn't been welcomed in and so her mind switched to it's more logical side as she moved further past the point of no return.

She looked at each place and decided where she herself would put traps and where would be the most logical safe spot, this was a bit of hit and miss as she had to take into consideration the kind of trap and how strong it could be. She sent all five of her pixiesticks in different directions in the hopes that they might find Jin as she continued to look around. Seeing people she always found a way to a void them either by ducking behind walls or other objects, some times she even had to move onto the roof. Eventually she had gotten lost but her red spider lily had started to glow, this had caught her attention as it meant she was near something dead. This piqued her interest and so went  where the glow was shown to be at it's strongest.

Before long she found herself inside a graveyard, it was clear to her that it was well maintained and that someone clearly cherished everyone that found their peace their. It was a strange sight to see as most Clovians didn't take such care of those who passed. One thing she had noticed was an ornate crypt near the center and moved towards it almost as if she was being called to it. Once she got to the front of it she knelt on the ground near the sealed entrance and placed her grimoire to her left side and the red spider lily beside it. Her hand touched the cold marble her eyes closed "Touching through the veil, please come speak to me." she whispered like her prayer it was one of the few things she could speak that wasn't broken. It wasn't long before a woman stood in front of her, Aelia found her beautiful but she could feel her pain which saddened her.

Word Count: 1,215

[Jin Zhongli]

Kira's crypt gave off a slight hum, it was soft and peaceful. 


It had officially been three weeks since Jin's return back home to the Zhongli estate. Brought back home thanks to his brother Xue, something which Kiro had failed to do. The eldest child of the Zhongli and the next heir, closed the large doors of his bedroom behind him and walked throughout the estate. The advisor's, maids, butlers and the guards that were around would always acknowledge his presence. On the outside Kiro's demeanor was always a stern and cold one, but this wasn't his sole personality. Kiro was always well mannered and fair to everyone he came across no matter their status. He was a man of little words and everyone in the estate knew that, and no one took him lightly either. He never let his status get to his head, he remained humble and understanding. 

Kiro was wearing an all black male kimono with a long black silk made robe over it. He made his way to the kitchen area for his daily tea, and Yugen was in the kitchen eating some toast. "Kiroo isn't today supposed to be Jin's release from Lěnggōng?" Yugen asked him then taking a bite of his toast. Kiro answered him plainly "Yes I will be seeing to it myself." 

Yugen looked a little surprised but then shrugged. "Oh going to chat with him for a bit? Seems our little brother's time away has changed him a little. I didn't expect him to willingly do Lěnggōng for her I mean she's a stranger." Yugen said taking another bite of his toast. Kiro didn't respond he had his own thoughts that he would keep to himself for now. He simply sipped his tea and finished it, before heading out. 

Before Kiro headed to Lěnggōng to release his brother, he like always would make a stop at the graveyard to pay his respects to his twin sister Kira. Kira was the only Zhongli child that has passed away, and everyone in the family absolutely cherished her. Being Kiro's twin she actually older than him by two minutes which made her the heir until she passed. Kira was an excellent assassin, but even a more loving sister and daughter. Her passing had a great effect on the Zhongli as a whole. She was in a way polar opposites of Kiro but also somehow exactly the same. 

Kiro was making his way to the graveyard, when a guard dressed in all black alerted him of an intruder in the graveyard. Kiro made a simple gesture to stand down he would handle it. But he did not looked worried in the slightest, his sword wasn't with him nor was his grimoire at the ready. He had no intention of using either of them. He had a pretty good idea that this intruder wasn't a threat. Kiro walked into the graveyard and spotted her, it was Aelia Jin's partner again his face had no change or look of surprise. 

He approached slowly and did not attempt to hide his presence from her. Because of watching over his little brother Jin in the year that he had been away, he knew who Aelia was and while he didn't know everything about her he knew quite a few. He had suspected this, that she would find them somehow in order to find Jin. Even Jin said that she would find the estate to which others like Yugen doubted. But Kiro had seen what she was capable of when driven he had no doubts. The necromancer looked as if she paying her respects to Kira's grave, to which Kiro had no issues with. He walked up to his twin sister's crypt and paid his respects, before looking at the raven haired girl. "Aelia." he spoke her name to let her know that he knew who she was. 

After that loud running could be heard, it was Yugen with a long spear in hand. The red haired assassin was surprised to see a young women in the graveyard beside Kiro. Kiro would softly put a hand up in front of Aelia to defend her. "What is this?! Brother your going to defend an intruder!? Who is she?!" Yugen asked his voice was raised. Kiro simply responded "I will deal with the situation. Calm yourself Yugen. She's no threat. Leave us." 

Yugen still looking surprised looked at the young woman and sighed. If his brother said it, he knew it was best to listen to him. "Fine. Wait...is this...is this her?! ... That is her isn't it? Oh wow Jin was right she did find us!" "Leave us." "Ok-ok. But mother is going to hear about this." Yugen said leaving the area with his spear over his shoulder. 

Kiro would look down at Aelia. "My apologies. You are no intruder. We've been expecting your arrival." Kiro said to her in a normal tone. He noticed her grimoire and the red spider lily, he then looked over at his sisters crypt. He was beginning to think she could communicate with the dead. But there was more important matter to discuss first. "Are you here for Jin?" he asked her in the same tone. 


WC - 878

Kiro 

SPOILER: Click to show

Yugen

SPOILER: Click to show

[Aeila]

Aelia smiled completely unaware of what was coming her way, she was content looking at the beautiful silent spirit in front of her. It was proof her magic was becoming stronger but at the same time, she wasn't yet strong enough to hear the long-since dead, at least, not yet. There was something but it was like trying to hear words through a tornado from a far-off distance. The moment she felt a presence she remained completely still, she knew she may stand a chance depending on who was coming her way she knew that it would be a waste of time to even try. This was Jin's family's estate and that meant if nothing else they had numbers against her. She may have not been the brightest candle but she knew that one against an unknown amount of people was just a death sentence, something she wasn't going to try and prove wrong.

Her hand remained on the cool marble that had grown warmer since her words had been heard. Soon enough Kiro made his presence known but she remained still, she didn't see him as a threat and he hadn't made any move to indicate otherwise. She didn't make any move as he paid his respects but looked up to him when her name was said "Kiro" she replied, it was the only word she had made out from the spirit. It was when others turned up and seemed like a threat she pulled her hand away the spirit fading as she picked up her grimoire and red spider lily as she stood to look at those who seemed to want to do her harm. She looked up at Kiro as he put a hand in front of her as if telling him to get to her then he'd have to be defeated first.

This notion was alien to her as other than Jin stepping in when he believed she required aid she only had her wraiths and she wouldn't allow harm to come to them even if they were fine with it. Even that blasted hat which reminded her so much of her own elder brother. She would watch the interaction silently, looking puzzled over the entire situation, she ended up at the graveyard by coincidence but then she had always been drawn to the dead it seemed. She had to wonder what the red head was talking about but that was quickly answered by Kiro when he left. She nodded her head to his words when asked the question, she knew it would be a waste of time to lie, besides, he had just gone against a member of his family to defend her so she believed he deserved the truth she remained quiet still.

Word Count: 459
Total Word Count: 1,674

[Jin Zhongli]

Kiro's eyes glanced over to his twin sister's crypt for a few moments, still thinking that Aeila had the ability to communicate with the dead. Not that he was trying to figure out her element, but if it was what he thought it was could it make things more complicated once his mother was involved. The young necromancer spoke his name, but she did get that from Jin or from Kira? 

The heir was not surprised that Aeila had only spoke one word, and that she barely spoke. Jin had informed him that her speech was limited and she was learning. While also being just a naturally quiet young woman. He also knew that her upbringing was in ways similar to their own but also entirely different. She was not given the same training in terms of education like they were, but Kiro did not want to assume things about her unless he could confirm it himself with her own approval. 

"I am on my way to get my brother Jin, you are free to join me if you wish since that is the reason of your visit." Kiro said simply extending the offer to her. Like her Kiro wasn't much of a talker, it simply was not in his persona. But because of the position he held as heir to the Zhongli he often had to be the one to do most of the speaking, and he did not take his role lightly. Even now he mentally prepared himself to communicate what was needed to Aeila. 

Kiro would await her answer which would most likely be a head nod, and if she did he would begin to walk at a normal pace. "I want to inform you before we reach Jin's location. He is serving his time in Lěnggōng. Lěnggōng for better or worse is a punishment that could fall on anyone that falls short of their expectations within our family. It is not something that we like to use, but it has proven it's uses over time." Kiro said to her slowly and carefully. As they were walking through the estate guards would acknowledge Kiro standing at attention. Since Aeila was walking with him none of the guards would consider a threat or a intruder. 

Kiro let a few moments go by before he continued in the same slow and careful tone. "I do not wish to overwhelm you. Buy my brother has stated he trusts you with his life. I will always trust the words of my family so I will trust you as well. He has also said you extremely capable and smart and that eventually you will find us, which is why your arrival was expected." Kiro added before coming to a stop and gathering his thoughts. 

"My next words please listen well. Jin's time in Lěnggōng is for two reasons. One his departure from home was...suspenseful. It made some people upset. And two to secure not only your safety when you arrive but your place in the future as well. If you wish it." Kiro said his tone just a tad bit more serious than before. Effectively what he was saying is Jin was securing Aeila's place in the family. 

Kiro had stopped just before some doors guarded by two men standing in front of two large doors. Kiro made a simple gesture with his hand, and the two guards began to push the large doors open and some cold misty air started to leak out. A few moments go by and Jin walks out stretching his arms and yawning. His hair a bit messy and wearing a tank top with some tattered pants and nothing on his feet, he looked like a mess.

But he was smiling in fact he looked happy, once he saw Aeila his smile only grew wider and it turned into a laugh. "See I told you! I told you she would find me!" Jin said in a shout walking up to them. He bent down towards Aeila. "Sorry if I made you worry." He looked up at a Kiro for a second. "My big brother found me and it was time for me to come back home. But I knew you would find me, cause we stick together." 


WC - 717

total wc- 1,595

[Aeila]

Aelia stood there silently, she had no idea what was going through the raven-haired male's head, then again, she was unsure if she would want to even if she could do so. Jin didn't say much about his family and she had never pushed the subject, it was the same when it came to her, although, Jin had met her older brother and her 'mother'. It wasn't overly surprising to her that she was now meeting some of his family now she found herself at his home. Hearing that he was going to Jin's location and the invitation she nodded a little. She was uncomfortable speaking around Jin and she saw him as a part of her family so there was no way she was going to speak too much around a stranger she didn't trust. Seeing him starting to walk she followed closely behind him though made sure to keep track of her surroundings subtly.

As they walked she would listen as Kiro spoke she understood what a Lěnggōng was even if it was used differently within the family than in the place it originated. It was something she had learned on one of her many tasks from her father. She never spoke to the imperial diplomat but she listened as he explained what a cold palace was to a noble. It didn't sound pleasant but it still seemed better than her own upbringing. She understood being punished for not keeping up to standards that were expected, but then, no matter if she reached the standards or not some flaw was found to punish her even if that flaw wasn't of her doing. She nodded showing she understood what the Lěnggōng was and why it would be used.

She trusted Jin with her life just as much as he trusted her with his. They had lived together for months and had more than enough chances to screw the other over if not kill them outright several times over but never had. Jin had made it very clear to her biological brother Ryoshi that when they had the talk he wanted that he would be there too. Now that she thought about it she hadn't seen her brother in a while and it unsettled her. Then again, if he was distracted by someone or something else it meant she would be left alone. It was a foreign concept to hear him speak of how he trusted his family's words as she didn't trust her living biological family's words. She once did until she understood that they saw her as nothing more than a tool they could use and abuse for their own pleasure and motives.

She was no longer a completely obedient and mindless doll thanks to Jin's influence. There were still several chains that held strong but even those were slowly weakening. She was glad that he had the foresight to know she would hunt him down and warn his family of such a thing. Then again she also knew that if they hadn't been so understanding this meeting could have ended a different way. It seemed the redhead wanted to poke her full of holes earlier with his spear. As he stopped she would do the same and looked at him as he paused to gather his thoughts. She knew tilted her head as he spoke once more, he knew that Jin was missing his family at times but not wanting to pry or break their peace he never asked why he didn't return or why he left in the first place.

She didn't understand the first part of what was being said but then how could she, she didn't know the events that caused him to leave. She actually had no idea what suspenseful meant but didn't ask him, she'd ask Jin or Fredrick later what the word meant. From what she could see Jin's family cared deeply for one another so she could understand why they may be upset if one of their numbers left especially if it was due to negative reasons. She didn't understand how Jin going into punishment would give her safe passage into the estate but she was sure that someone would explain it to her. She had no real understanding of what he was talking about in regard to the future but that confusion was plastered on not only her face but the five fairies that were sitting on her as well. It was then she was the doors opened and the confusion quickly left.

She walked forward and closer to Jin she didn't make any sort of wave or greeting, she never had as she still didn't understand why they were important. "Yugen want fill with holes." she said calmly, her voice was also so quiet that only Jin would be able to hear her. Hearing that his big brother found him and that it was time to go home she looked saddened but nodded showing she understood. She moved her left hand behind her grimoire and brought out a small cherry wood box and handed it to him. when it was taken she hugged her grimoire to her chest and waved a little. She had never done such things as a greeting only when she was leaving as it seemed important to do so. Turning she started to walk away she believed due to him having returned home to his biological family that he would want to separate from her. It was clear now she hadn't understood some of what Kiro had said to her earlier.

Word Count: 931
Total Word Count: 2,605

[Jin Zhongli]

Although they have only been separated for three weeks, there was quite a bit Jin had to fill Aeila in on. He was sure his eldest brother tried but Aeila was not your average person, she didn't understand every word or every meaning. Things had to be done or said in more simple aways for her to truly understand. But this situation was going to be tricky. The necromancer approached him and said his brother wanted to fill her with holes which made Jin raise an eyebrow. Out of all his siblings Yugen was probably the most difficult to work with, he wasn't bad per say. Just difficult. 

"Yugen had found us shortly after I found her in the cemetery. He's probably already informed mother of her arrival. But it is safe to assume mother already knew." Kiro said to Jin in regards to Aeila's words. 

Jin nodded in agreement. "Yea mom is like that. I'll talk to Yugen." Jin then had the cherry wood box placed in his hands, she didn't say anything about it and then started to walk off. He looked at Kiro for a second to which his brother gave a small shrug not knowing what happened. "Hey where are you going? You leaving your new home already?" Jin said to Aeila. He then started to stretch his limbs more and took a deep breath in and let it out. It felt good getting some fresh air. He then looked at the box she handed him, he felt a weird but familiar energy come from the box. "You got me another gift huh?" 

He looked at Aeila again this time his face more focused. "Listen Aeila I don't want you to do anything you don't want to. So the final decision is yours to make. But Ive talked to my family and my mother and we would be interested in adopting you. Adopting means you would be part of our family this would be your home. I would be your big brother, and Kiro would also be a your big brother. There's other siblings you would have to meet of course some other brothers and sisters. Last but not least our mother whom has agreed to take you in, but she does want to meet you." Jin stopped there for now, he didn't want to overwhelm her but he was afraid he already had. "You don't have to answer right now, you can think about it. But I want to do this for you, so you can have a real place to call home and feel safe. Maybe one day you can consider all of us family." he added his hands holding the cherry red box. "I think you would like it." 




WC: 456 
Total WC: 2,051

[Aeila]

The raven-haired necromancer kept walking not knowing Yugene so having no idea if what was said was true but as far as she was concerned it was none of her business. It was just how she was raised, she could walk right through a riot as if it wasn't there just because it had nothing to do with her task. In fact, she had walked right past the ally that Echo killed Fredrick in because it had nothing to do with her. She only got involved after he was dead and that was to claim him as part of her family. She was grateful for Fredrick, however, she also met a reckless idiot that same night so it wasn't all pleasant but she hadn't seen him of late so she was counting her blessings. She didn't stop when Kuro and Jin spoke "Met Kira, she miss everyone." she said simply to the pair as she continued to walk.

She couldn't hear her words and the young woman was far too long passed for her to claim as part of her family not that she would without permission as she cared and respected Jin so much. She could however get the feeling from the spectre, it was how she kind of understood the one that her biological brother seemed so scared of. It was when Jin spoke to her she stopped in her tracks and turned to look confused at him "New home?" she seemed unsure about what he meant or was talking about. "Have home... not want return... punishment await." she said knowing what was awaiting her if she was ever found by her elder brother and he dragged her back. It hadn't been her fault that she left her room but it wouldn't matter in their eyes, she would have still been guilty of the crime and expected to know better.

What would add to that was the fact she hadn't been looking for her brother to go home, in fact, she had been actively trying to avoid them which was rather hard as they were inside the same organization but she had managed thus far. She could only imagine just how irritated her brother must be with her by now and knew he wouldn't take it easy on her in the slightest if he got his claws on her again. She had always taken the punishments, she had never complained, remaining quiet and still until it was over knowing even a single sound of pain though pleasing to his ears would cause him to start the punishment from the start once more. The one thing he never dared do was mess with her grimoire, not after the first time he had done it.

her 'mama' had manifested and had punished him for his bad behaviour in an unforgiving manner but it got its point across. She had never intervened after that and after seeing how hurt the golden child was no one dared disrupt her grimoire. It was why even when she was bound it was left beside her just out of her reach but at eye level. It was almost as if so long as she knew it was safe then 'Mama' would remain inactive and docile. "Found in market on way here." she informed him as he brought up the gift she had gotten him "Cost three thousand yul. Man seem happy I buy. Look smug but he idiot. Clearly special. Look." she said pointing to the box so he might see the item inside. She wasn't the best at sensory and was still learning currency but she was smart enough to know when someone was trying to play her.

"Took to Agents for appraise. They say daemonic offer buy eighty-three thousand I say no." as he still used the dagger she got him and collected her drawings she was quite sure that even though a lot of money was offered he wouldn't part with the bracelet within the box. It was then that things took a serious expression which meant Jin wanted her to listen carefully to him and think about what was being said to her. She listened and as she was about to open her mouth and ask what adoption was it was as if Jin had read her mind and explained it to her after explaining that it would be a lot to take in and that it was her decision to make.

"But Ryoshi..." she seemed concerned that her brother was still on the loose and didn't want him to cause issues for them. It was true next to her he was an amateur at the craft but that didn't mean he was a slouch by any means. Against an average rogue, he would seem well above average. She also didn't believe he had the same connections she did within the black market but then again he did have a lot of coin as far as she knew and so could buy most information if not earn it as she had. That was a scary thought to her but then she doubted he would be able to get into here as easily as she had. She had no idea they were expecting her thanks to Jin warning them but it wouldn't have stopped her from getting to him regardless. Jin was her family, the only living person she viewed truly as such.

She would listen to the rest of his words and bite her bottom lip but was glad he said that she could think about it. It was a lot to take in. She didn't have anything written on her face but Jin would know her well enough that she was overwhelmed by everything "I think about." she knew Jin wouldn't help her in this decision but it wasn't as simple as deciding what she wanted to eat which she still had trouble with from time to time but was getting better at. This was something she really did need guidance on. She could ask Fredrick but was quite sure due to him disliking their lifestyle he'd be against it but it wasn't like he had many other people she could turn to, to help with such a thing. She would need to rely on her family she guessed or perhaps attempt to reach out to Kira again. For now, she just needed to observe. "she want meet now?" she would ask unsure.

Word Count: 1,073
Total Word Count: 3,678