#pearl clan super smug about it

[icys-junkyard]

Adaman: ...Are time capsules also that popular in the future?

Akari: lol no, literally no one wants to sit and wait for it. We can get mail in days to weeks depending on the distance. Who the hell wants to wait 10 or more years to get their own shit back

[qupidddd]

Legends arceus Adaman x reader

this is my first fic ever so if it’s dogshit don’t slice my kneecaps 😅 I wanted the wardens to interact a bit more and have some sort of a friendly rivalry so yea. Reader is kind of a tsun in this. Also the fight with Adaman is based on a true experience in-game lmao. enjoy!

You awoke at whatever ungodly hour it was to the sound of loud banging against the shoji door.

“Yoohoooo! Y/n!! Are you up yet? It’s me Arezu! I brought Mai and Sabi too!”

You abruptly slid the door open to see all 3 girls smiling brightly at your disheveled state. Hair tucked in a low bun as well as your night gown swaying back and forth.

“…Do you three have any idea what time it is? I just got ready for bed too… whatever, come on in since it’s obviously apparent I’m not sleeping any time soon.” You groaned.

“Aww don’t be like that y/n! My clairvoyance tells me your either going to jump for joy, or drag your heels at our news we’ve come to share teehee!” Sabi exclaimed.

“Yes, yes..we’ve come to tell you that tomorrow both clans will be holding a joint meeting to discuss relations and other boring clan politics. We thought’d it be interesting for you to come since you get to see you know who~” Mai teased.

Really? This again? Now, you were pretty much neck deep in denial that you had a microscopic sized crush on the diamond clan leader, but it was as clear as day to your 3 warden friends. They would never stop teasing you about it. Arezu always gushing on how cute a couple you’d be, Mai teasing you about dating her little brother would be a breath of fresh air, and Sabi claiming that her clairvoyance told her that you and him would play endlessly with her.

“Guys I appreciate it, but I do NOT care about that foolish, impatient, time-obsessed, bafoon! I mean, what’s with all the hot and cold behavior you’ve witnessed him doing to me huh? One minute, he talks down to me, saying how incompetent us galaxy folk are, and the next minute he gets all flirty! I really don’t understand what he’s trying to do. I won’t let him make a fool of me tomorrow that’s for sure.”

“You don’t see it Y/n? Really? Because it sounds like your in Lo-“

“R-REZU! DON’T YOU DARE FINISH THAT SENTENCE!” you shouted after putting a hand to cover her mouth.

“Even if he did, there’s no way I’d fall for someone so…so annoying! Anyway, I promised myself I’d never fall in love with someone again, with all the rejection and heartbreak I experienced in my world…”

At this, Mai and Sabi frowned and furrowed their eyebrows before bringing you into a bear hug. Geez, Mai really did have super strength..

“I can assure you that as his older sister, I’m sure Adaman means well, he just like to have fun with you from time to time that’s all. How about this? Tomorrow after the meetings over, we challenge all the boys from each clan to a battle? It’ll get your blood pumping as well as a chance to show your strength in front of Adaman.” Mai proposed.

“And it would give ME the chance to shut Melli the fuck up with all his high and mighty crap. Seriously, I want to punch him in the throat sometimes…” Arezu interjected.

“Heehee…good idea Mai! That Lian boy from the pearl clan is quite adorable, but he’s always so stubborn on shooing me away when I want to play with him! My clairvoyance tells me that he will lose and weep before me tomorrow!”

You were never one to turn down a challenge, so after discussing a myriad of battle strategies, the four of you decided to launch the grand plan after the clan meeting tomorrow. Since it was already late, you let the girls sleep in your home, rolling out the extra futons for them to sleep in.

Operation Eat Our Dust will go into full effect tomorrow!

You were starting to regret coming to this meeting.

Usually, whenever you were invited to clan meetings as a guest, you’d be earnestly paying attention to who was speaking, but today, you were more focused on trying your damndest not to smack Adaman’s smug dumb face into next week. If he keeps staring at you like that…

“Um…is there something on my face? What are you staring at me like that for?”

“Oh nothing y/n, just thinking about how adorable you are when your worked up- OW! What’d you pinch me for?!”

“That was for wasting your time on me. Pay attention to what mistress Calaba is saying bozo!”

“I could never waste my time on you y/n~”

“……..whatever.”

*Some time later*

“Ugh, I’m so glad the meeting is finally over, my legs were starting to fall asleep!” Arezu stretched out while watching the rest of the clan members slowly trickle out of the room, save for some of the wardens.

“Mhm! My clairvoyance tells me that listening to Smelli yap on anymore about his precious lord Electrode will make my hair fall out! …Or did it?” Sabi questioned.

“Why, the NERVE of you Sabi! Atleast I don’t have to take care of some flying over sized chicken! ᴬˡˢᵒ, ᴵ ᵈᵒ ⁿᵒᵗ ˢᵐᵉˡˡ…” Melli mumbled.

“You sure about that? Because I think your Skuntank’s horrid stench is starting to stick on you for good” Arezu shot back.

Mai quickly stepped in between the two to prevent them from clawing at each other like two wet purugly’s. “Anyways, it’s been awhile since we’ve all sparred together yes? Then how about we have ourselves a little showdown, the girls against the boys hm? Feel free to decline, unless of course, your skill in battle have declined.” Mai held a mischievous glint in her eyes you’d never seen before.

“Oh yes, what Mai said! You wouldn’t mind playing with us for a while right? My clairvoyance tells me that whether you all accept our challenge or not, you bozos will look like utter fools regardless! Teehee!”

“Oh your SO on! You girls need to be a taught a lesson on picking fights you can’t win.” Adaman jumped to his feet while clutching the pokeball that had his dear Leafeon inside. “I’m assuming Palina and Irida will be joining too yes?” Glancing to the two ladies sitting by the corner.

“Your damn right we are! It’ll give me and Lina the chance for our training to pay off!” Irida said while holding Palina’s hand.

“Irida, how many times have I told you to cut it out with that absurd nickname in public? I swear it’s one ear and out the other with you…” Palina said while slightly glaring at the blonde to her left, before softening her gaze at Iscan. “Iscan dear, will you be joining us to spar as well? I’m sure my lord Arcanine would love to pummel- I-I mean, have a family friendly spar with your lord Basculegion yes? You wouldn’t dream of refusing my request would you dear?”

“Th-that’s, well…Palina I don’t think-“ He started, before sweating bullets at the darkened expression on her face despite her smiling. “Of course not Palina dear, it’s not a problem at all! Hehe…ugh” Iscan said defeatedly. Indeed. Palina could be quite scary sometimes…

“Hmph. It hardly needs to be said, but I reckon my mightily awesome Kleavor would wipe the floor with all of you. Especially your Braviary Sabi, I’m sure you don’t need your ‘clairvoyance’ to tell you that?” Lian said while tilting is head, smirking down smugly at Sabi.

“Why you….” Sabi started before sticking her tongue out at the young man in anger. “Hmph!”

“Alright alright that’s enough.” Calaba cut in before walking to the front of the room. “I’ll leave you little whippersnappers to your on devices, just try not to break anything understood? Or else I’ll have Ursaluna come for all of you in your sleep.”

Everyone visibly shivered at that.

You stepped out unto the field with the girls, getting your respective pokemons ready for battle, out of the corner of your eye you swore you could see Adaman winking at you. Foolish boy, he should be more worried for the battles ahead.

After making sure her Glaceon was healed up and prepared, Irida shuffled over to where you and the other girls were standing.

“Are you all ready to go?” She questioned.

“Mhm! Braviary’s all set to go! My clairvoyance is telling me….we have this in the bag! ….But also may be telling me we should’ve thrown in the towel by now?…I wonder which is right? Teehee!”

“Nonsense Sabi.” Mai stood up from feeding her Munchlax to stand closer to the group. “I’m confident in our skill, we will be just fine.” Mai concluded.

“You bet! We’ve got girl power on our side after all! Right y/n?” Arezu said as she sneaked a glance at you.

You beamed back at her. Giggling a bit before standing up to hug her from behind. You could always count on Rez to lift your spirits.

You then turned to Palina, silently pondering on how her Arcanine would fair against Iscan’s Basculegion. You wondered what kind of strategy she had up her sleeve given the type disadvantage she had.

“I know what your thinking y/n, I’ll be just fine against Iscan. I’m sure he’ll give me a run for my money, although, perhaps he could let me win just this once…” She mumbled quietly.

After some of the excitement died down after the meeting, both sides agreed that the loser would have to give the victor a smooch….or something like that. Your not sure if Arezu came up with that idea or Adaman himself…

Mark my words…your going down today Adaman!

Round 1

Irida vs Lian

“Ugh, I can’t believe this! Losing to a child…and in the first round too!”

“Heh…”

Mai vs Adaman

“Not bad little brother, not bad at all. Though you don’t have to gloat so much about it..” （；￣ェ￣）

“That was child’s play! Better luck next time Mai!”

Arezu vs Melli

“Hah! Take that you two faced jackass! Uh- I mean…well fought!” (˶‾᷄ ⁻̫ ‾᷅˵)

“Adamannnn…! Please drag this spikey tomato by her ugly bangs in the next round! Avenge the great Melli!” (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)

Round 2

Sabi vs Lian “As it was foretold in my vision. I won! I won! I’m unstoppable!” ٩(˃̶͈̀௰˂̶͈́)و

”Tch! You only won because braviary kept using Esper Wing. That was just a fluke.”

Palina vs Iscan

“Oh, is that all? That was easier than I thought. Were you going easy on me Iscan?”

“Y-you kinda told me to…”

Arezu vs Adaman

“Ugh, how could Liligant lose? To a fellow grass type? Unbelievable…damn you Adaman you crafty bastard you…”

“Don’t sweat it Arezu! I’m sure we can agree that my Leafeon is the superior grass type pokemon here…”( ･᷄ὢ･᷅ )

Let’s take a look at the scoreboard shall we folks?

Wielders knocked out

Arezu❌

Mai❌

Lian❌

Iscan❌

Melli❌

Irida❌

Wielders remaining

Y/n⭕️

Palina ⭕️

Sabi⭕️

Adaman⭕️

Score:3-3

Well this was a surprise.

After all that planning, you were a bit disappointed that more than half your team ended up losing in such a fashion, Arezu and Mai looking down in shame as you despondently stared at them. You glanced to your right to see Palina and Iscan chatting away, while Sabi was…still gloating to Lian about her victory. So much for girl power..It all comes down to you and Adaman as the tiebreaker.

“Looks like we’re in the final round eh y/n? Don’t worry, I’m feeling quite merciful today, your free to give up while you still can~”

“In your dreams dumbass!” you barked, trying hard not to stutter in front of him.

”Your the one who should give up, your clearly out of your element here.”

Okay, here goes, the big finish. Showtime. The final destination. The end to all ends. Okay, you might be making this a bit more dramatic than it has to be, but you can’t help it. This is your one chance to show the diamond clan leader how strong, cunning, and skillful you are in battle. You’ve battled against a handful of opponents, there’s no WAY you could possibly lose this right?

Well…

“Alright, let’s show him what we’re made of Nia!” You yelled out, throwing your Alpha Gastrodon out to the field.

Wait…

Gastrodon???

Oh no.

Your confidence zapped straight out from your body as you realized who your lead was. Nia. Your tough as nails Alpha Gastrodon you had caught in the Cobalt Coastlands. Perhaps the strongest amongst your team, but against a grass type like Leafeon… your face looked white as a sheet, sweating bullets as you realized your inevitable downfall. Your companions could only watch on in horror.

“Uh oh! Uh oh! Y/n is in hot water now! Hmm…I’m not getting a vision of y/n winning this fight..” Sabi said gloomily.

“Ohhhhh…..HOLD ME MAI!! I CAN’T WATCH THIS!” Arezu shouted, clutching onto Mai’s arm while burying her head into her shoulder.

“Well I, the great Melli, certainly can!” He said before pulling a small bag of popcorn out and smacking on it, smugness written all over his face.”I almost feel bad for the poor girl… Almost.”

“Honestly y/n, how could you make such a rookie mistake? I was praying to almighty Palkia to see Adaman’s downfall at the hands of yourself. What a shame.” Irida sighed.

A nervous smile adorned your face, looking up at Adaman only to see the ginormous shit-eating grin he was giving you.

“Sorry y/n.” He took a step forward, displaying his signature peace sign pose at you. Commanding his Leafeon to use a strong style Leaf Blade at your Gastrodon.

“I win.”

Just like that, the battle was over before you could even make a move.

Words failing you, you could only look down at the ground in defeat, balling your hands into fists.

“Hey…” Adaman started, putting a hand on your shoulder. “I’m pretty you didn’t mean to send out Nia right? Because if so…”

You smacked his hand away. “If your here to rub it in, just leave alr- mmph!” Adaman cuts you off, pushing his warm lips against your soft ones. Sets of giggles and stares as well as ‘woahs!’ were heard from the sidelines.

You could barely form words, he really just kissed you? Just like that? You weren’t ready for that at all. Well, you did lose, but still…that was your first kiss.

“Awww y/n finally had her first kiss! So adorable!!” Arezu gushed happily.

“Wait… you’ve never kissed anyone before

y/n? That’s news to me…” Mai said teasingly, Palina and Irida nodding in agreement.

“N-no i haven’t…is that really so surprising?” You laughed bitterly. “So Adaman…does this mean that you..?”

“Yup. I like you a whole lot y/n. Turns out, you’re kind of terrible at trying to hide crushes you know. I knew about your feelings a while ago. I never said anything about it because I knew you’d never admit to it.” Adaman said sheepishly. “Sabi uh…blurted it out to me one day and I’ve known since.. heh.” He admitted, scratching his hair behind his head.

Whipping your head around to glare at Sabi, she whispered out a ‘sorry!’ before hiding behind Arezu. The latter just giggling softly at the interaction.

You promised yourself you wouldn’t fall in love again but… maybe it’s worth trying again. As for Sabi….

You’d have to give her a stern talking to later.

[reinepadova]

To Be Seen

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Pearls don't lie on the seashore. If you want one, you must dive for one.

...Light. So soft, and sweet. It surrounds me...

...Warmth. Radiant, and gentle. It brushes against my skin...

...Heart. Steady, and loud. It beats beneath my ear...

...Fingers. Unwavering, yet delicate. They caress through my hair...

...Voice...

...What voice?...

...Who?...

「...is closed...port...settled. Go get...」

「Who?」

「...rest...」

「Who are you?」

「...go get some rest.」

Stella reached out, slow and surreal, out to the space, both wide and close. Infinite, yet enclosed. Her thoughts echoed loudly, yet quietly, both near and far.

Where are the shadowed walls? I should not see.

Where is the cold? It should chill my flesh and soul.

Where are the jeers? They should be ringing and malicious.

「Why?」

「...」

「Why do you care?」

「...」

「Please. Who are you?」

「...」

Stella's eyes stuttered open,  gradual and confused, feeling engulfed, but not suffocating; strangely more secure. Her arms tightened instinctly, fingernails digging into strange grooves – did she fall asleep outside? Why is she hugging a tree? Didn't she make it to the village?

She felt disoriented, and not the usual kind – the kind where she would feel even more empty and tired, dependent on the stamina-boosting dishes instead of her own replenished energies. Nor is it the kind that makes her alert and paranoid, heart pounding like a frightened bird. Stupid green slime. Thing. I hope its choking in its dirt, she grumbled mutely, head burrowing more into the fuzzy moss the tree is probably covered in.

Overall, its such an unfamiliar feeling. This state of wakefulness and oblivion. She can't remember the last time she had a quiet morning like this. Or is it afternoon? Mei was pounding on something before I slept. She was giggling too. I'm glad she's smiling again. Her crying makes me uncomfortable. It's like how Selene looked before she let go.

Stella unconsciously frowned, shoulders tensing slightly, before relaxing back on her side when something nuzzled against her hair.

After a few more minutes of blank ruminating, her 'tree' moved slightly, making her blink back her lethargy, groggily raising her head. She winced, reaching up to rub carefully at the deep sleep lines on her cheek. Clearing her vision, she recognized jewel-like eyes staring back at her – a sight she's wondering would become a habit to see. The corner of her lips twitch up, feeling the weight of the guardian curl around her in a comfy cocoon, and realizing its tail served as her cushy, albeit ticklish pillow. She was about to say her thanks before she stopped, raising a brow instead. Why does it look so... grim?

She tilted her head, staring at somber eyes that studied her for a good long moment, not unlike the solemn paintings of her ancestors in her clan's compound, judging and eternal, captured in paints that lasted until her time –

Shaking her memories away, Stella began to wonder anew how old Mr. Guardian really is, how many people and places its seen, how many it helped or come across. Her thoughts cut off when it suddenly shook its own head, tapping at her nose with one of its whiskers, and teased her face with a small puff of breath. She blew back with her own at its snout, giggling when it tried to smother her with its large mane, pushing her head back in a gentle headbutt.

“Alright, okay. I'm awake, I'm awake,” Stella grumbled, scratching on the bridge of its nose with careful fingers. “You're more cuddly than I thought a serpent should be.”

It reared back its head, snorting, as if indignant, but with eyes still glittering with play. Stella rolled her eyes, sitting up straight while taming down her bed hair. Her gaze fell lazily on the creature, noting absently its suddenly stiff form, a strange new glint in its eyes. Was it's pupils always that big? I could have sworn it was like little diamonds last night. Huh. Must be a predator thing. “I don't know what you are, honestly. That's how I always thought of you before.” She covered her yawn with a dainty hand, a habit from years of etiquette training coming into play despite her non-human bedmate. “I'll ask Mei later. She looked like she knew what you are,” she appeased, dryly smiling at its suddenly thoughtful demeanor.

After a long pause where she was tempted to lie down again, it snorted in agreement, uncurling completely from her before shrinking down his size. It gently spiraled up, drifting in a large circle around the room, before nodding its head to the changing screens. Stella's eyebrow twitched, mumbling about 'pushy, dramatic lizards' before doing as directed, keeping in mind what mischief Mei had been doing while she was down for the count all morning.

I hope its nothing expensive.

Checking to see the bed made, her pack readied, and patting at her last outfit for this trip, Stella walked out, stretching out the kinks to her shoulder when she immediately swerved her wide gaze to the small plot of land that was formerly the receiving area of the hut.

“Lalaaa~ Lookie! Mei mixed the things, like you said! Can we put the Lilies in now?��

Stella stared at the debris covered, char-filled, sandy mess that is formerly a floor, a blank smile frozen on her face. “That's. Great. Mei. How. Did you manage to get...all of this?” she asked faintly, doing a vague, circular gesture of her wrist.

“Oh! The village uncles and aunt helped Mei! Uhm, one uncle has a number in his name. The other uncle says his name is a cold blade. It's strange. But they helped Mei with the soft dirt and the soft rocks. Another uncle said Mei could have his extra wood. Then the aunt that cooks helped Mei cook the wood and rice huskies. She had plenty! She told Mei to not eat the rice huskies, or the wood though, even though she makes yummy dishes,” Mei babbled brightly, her whole body vibrating with energy.

“...ah. Then... they helped you bring it here?” Stella kneeled gingerly before the small mount, not knowing where she should look at first. She couldn't check the sand if its the proper consistency because its mixed in too much with the clay. She's not sure if the clay was pliable enough for the Lilies' roots. The husks were supposed to be smoked, but she can see some badly burnt ones. And the wood... well, she'll have to cut them down to a better size.

“Mhmm~ They super nice. The auntie that cooks even gave Mei a dish so Mei could give it to her Lala!”

Stella smiled gratefully, reaching out a hand to rub Mei's head affectionately. “Thanks, Mei. But give me an hour. I'll be able to sort the materials by then.”

Mei scrunched her brows adorably, pouting. “But Lala should eat first?”

“I know, Mei. But this isn't your house. Granny Ruoxin will come in anytime. She might trip and fall. You know Gran-gran was prone to that too with her poor vision.”

“Oh.” Mei looked down, thoroughly conflicted, playing with her hands as she tried to work through her little head the dilemma of feeding her special person as soon as possible, but also wanting to work on the Lilies as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Stella's mind whirled with thoughts of how to resolve this without making Mei cry, a vibrating energy surrounded them, shaking the two out of their heads before grasping each others hands in instinct.

A large, condensed piece of clay floated, expanding and contracting, with tiny particles of sand dropping immediately from it, while the rice husks flew upwards and away. Stella quickly ducked to cover Mei's eyes, tucking her little head under her chin, face turned away until the golden, mini vortex settled and cleared. Warily opening her eyes, Stella looked around, and gasped.

A pile of softened clay shaped like a cube sat near the wall, while a neat heap of sand was placed next to it in an elegant, gilded, brown pot Stella has never seen before. The rice husks though were still in a pile in front of her, as well as the wood, but its more manageable to sort through now with broom.

Mei squealed excitedly, hopping in place, turning awestruck eyes at the forgotten guardian floating behind them. Remnants of glowing particles circled the creature in slow curves. “Thank you, thank you, Bìxià! Lala can eat now.” Mei stated, more than asked, smile turning smug. Stella retaliated by tickling her ward's sides, making her squeal and laugh, before giving the lady a heatfelt neck hug with her tiny arms.

Stella's smirk turned affectionate, giving the little girl a squeeze in return. “Looks like Mr. Guardian is starting to spoil you. Okay. Give me ten minutes to prepare everything. Divide the food  for me, please?”

Mei giggled, surreptiously glancing at the creature who's now inquisitively looking over the planks of wood, before holding up three fingers at Stella's eye level. They shared a secret smile before Stella winked in agreement. The little girl pattered off before Stella walked over to the creature's curled form, with arms akimbo.

“So! You control anything related to the earth, do you?” Mr. Guardian glanced at her in amusement before nodding. “Well aren't you smug? But, I guess its more useful than what I can do,” Stella whispered lowly as she grabbed a broom to sweep the rice husks. But at the vigorous shake of the creature's muzzle, she realized Mr. Guardian understood exactly what she meant.

-{-}-

“You heard me sing last night,” the lady stated, a sad glimmer shining suddenly in her eyes. “That's how you found me.” Gazing at her quietly, Morax waited. He neither denied nor agreed, intuitively giving her space to think. She finally sighed, her words spilling like lava upon the surface of the earth – slow, with painful fire. “Singing isn't something I do for myself, or even for a living. It's...what I have to do, especially when forced.” She gulped, seemingly forcing her next words out before she runs out of air. “I am... not quite normal. For a human. But I mean no harm to anyone, I promise. Only to myself, when I sing. I – ” She cut herself off, turning away, becoming absentminded as she swept. Morax let her be, busying himself with slicing the planks with his claws, cutting them to the size of a Ley Line Sprout – the appropriate length he thinks she might need for the Lilies.

He is saddened at her distress, after comforting her in her sleep, having to slice through the dark shadows that caged her shining, pure soul – a sight he thought he would never see again. Her answers explained one question, but added upon hundreds – his intrigue for her may yet be extinguished.

Rising after finishing his work, he was surprised she stopped him from heading towards her quarters to conceal his presence, and directed him to the dining table instead. He could only stare as she smiled bashfully, yet charmingly, with the afternoon light complimenting her healthier complexion.

Surely a song of pure joy from her will welcome more praises.

He could only blink, taken aback by the direction of his thoughts, but not shameful of them either.

Sliding the etched ruminations at the back of his mind for now, he touched down gently on a vacant chair, adjusting his size so he fit better, keeping his head at the height of the table, but keeping his arms off of it.

She has shown great consideration for myself even without the girl present. It's best I also mind my manners as a good example.

When said little girl pushed a familiar plate made out of crispy mushrooms and lotus head, with a mouthwatering seasoning of Jueyun chili and plated on shiny green cabbages, he tilted his head and looked on at the delightful surprise, wondering why he was given a second offering in less than a week. Is there something they need more from me?

The lady then startled him from his focus with a short laugh, a wider smile gracing her beautiful face as she patiently explained. “Eat up. The spice on them isn't bad. It's pretty good overall. I will have to thank Ms. Bai before we set out back to the Harbor,” she mused out loud, before catching on, no doubt, to his still befuddled form. Her demeanor seem to soften, like Ice Flowers turned Mist when exposed to a flame, a stroke of understanding painted softly on the curve of her lips. “You're hungry too, right? I know you're used to taking care of others, like how you take care of me – don't think I didn't notice! But, you're also worth taking care of. Rest. You deserve it too,” she stated, as if its a proven fact in the world, before she faced little Mei, inquiring about his form and regarding something else he could no longer hear. His thoughts had turned blank, questions and suspicions fell away, like the fan leaves of the ginkgo trees surrounding his land, from the peak of his mountain forests, to the plains down below.

As Morax took careful bites of the meal, his meal, bearing in mind the placement of his fangs, the relaxed banter of the lady and the child as they discussed their plans held his entire attention, his own musings a mystery to them.

For now.

-{-}-

“Zhongli-xiānsheng! Welcome back, sir,” Ferrylady exclaimed in a breathy gasp, gloved hands almost dropping the ashy incense burner she was supposed to clean before its next use. She hastily set it on a nearby end table, bowing formally to the well-dressed gentleman with his back to her, nevermind the ashes now covering the bottom half of her uniform. When she didn't hear a reply, she took a confused peek. Strange. He never fails to greet back, no matter how late into the night.

What is he holding? Are those the customer logs? Oh no, have I forgotten to write something down again?

“Hm? Ah, thank you. It is good to be back,” the consultant finally said, acknowledging Ferrylady with a nod after he neatly placed down the book on the reception desk, and turned to smile at her warmly. Ferrylady had to smother a cough, both from the blessed sight as well as from the dust. But maybe more so from the former, than the latter, she internally sighed.

“Have you had a good trip, sir?” she inquired quietly, busying herself with the cleanup at the designated corner before she gets caught staring too long. Again.

“Mm. I supposed it is. Ha! And what a surprising gift it is indeed.” Ferrylady had to stop herself from snapping her head back to him, giving away her surprise at his unusually good mood.

Despite his youthful appearance, Zhongli-xiānsheng always exuded a serious demeanor. Aside from playing as the good host – to establish good relations – and a generous customer – within reason –  the normal face of the most knowledgeable consultant employed by the funeral parlor is earnest formality wrapped in respectful cordiality. The kind of bearing all undertakers strive for, as their hall is now well-known far and wide because of his measured suggestions for each type of rite, great and small.

That's not to say Ferrylady was content their consultant is perpetually unsmiling. But when he does...

She held her cleaning brush a little firmer, imagining the radiant glow of the consultant's handsome visage. Her heart might not be able to take it if she has to see it in person. There are just things that have their time and place.

The trip did do him better than expected. I must apologize to the Director as soon as she's back. She is wiser than her years would allude to. I still have much to learn.

She was surprised again when the dapper gentleman spoke next. “Ferrylady, can you tell me more about the current wake you are catering to. This is the third day, is it not?” Ferrylady heard the shuffled pages of the logs again, making her pause in her work.

“That is correct, sir. An old lady, recently passed. Quietly, in her sleep. She is survived by a granddaughter named Meilin,” Ferrylady explained concisely as she silently tidied up, looking up to give the consultant her undivided, yet confused, attention.

Very strange. He wasn't as interested in any of the other ordinary ceremonies before.

“Only one relative?” Zhongli-xiānsheng posed thoughtfully in his usual stance, giving the Ferrylady more questions than answers in her head. Maybe his inquiries have a deeper meaning. Could he be already aware about the Fatui? As expected of our most knowledgeable lecturer. She stood straighter and answered more readily.

“Yes. She is only a little girl though. She does have a guardian with her but they seem unrelated. They don't look alike at all. I can't tell where the lady is from. Her clothes don't look Sumerian or Inazuman, or even those of Liyue fashion, whether traditional or in vogue. But they reflect aspects of the mentioned nations regardless. It's actually an attractive combination, with the wearer herself being a beauty.” When the Ferrylady noticed the unreadable gleam in the consultant's gaze, as well as a a twitch in the corner of his lips, she blushed daintily, realizing she thought out loud.

“Apologies, sir. I digressed. To conclude, they paid generously for the full seven days. As such, the director said to respond accordingly.”

“Generously? Is the memorial plaque included in this?” he casually inquired, turning to gaze out the window, chin still placed lightly on his fingers.

Is the lady guardian a suspected Fatui member, I wonder? Ferrylady shook her head, biting her tongue. No. I shouldn't think this way. She and the girl are still good customers. It is not my place to judge them on this life.

Although, I still do not see why Zhongli-xiānsheng seems interested in this particular ceremony.

“Without, unfortunately. When I mean generous, I meant for everything except that. The guardian said she understood the cost of a certain material little Meilin wanted for the plaque. We assured her it's alright to leave it until later when she has enough Mora saved to commission its carving.”

The consultant hummed and asked no more, staring up at the passing clouds under the moonlit night. The peaceful tick of the clock surrounded the space as the Ferrylady gathered the incense sticks, joss paper, and other materials their clients might prefer during the procession. Moving to let herself out, she understood by now that this type of silence is what the consultant needs for his solitary thinking.

As she neared the door, it's a good thing she has a good hold on her items, especially the burner. She finally gave in to the urge of whirling around to stare at their most revered lecturer with wide eyes as he surprised her yet again with a genial smile and a simple, voiced request.

“May I assist you in the final days of this rite?”

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A/N: I finally have it where I want it to be! A long weekend sure helps a lot. I had to post this before my muse flew away into the void. 

Also, for future reference: don’t flirt during funerals, people. This my disclaimer.

If any one else would like to be tagged in this story if you are having problems seeing it, just let me know~

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Follower Tag:  @meladollsims