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terrabatriss · 2 months ago

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I know it's late, and it's not proof read, but here's the first chapter of my SCP-Trigun fanfic!!! I hope you like it! This chapter is 2852 words long and I miiiight have lost my head and just started typing the story as it came to me. I personally don't think I did too bad, but I haven't written many fanfics on my own so if you have any tips or tricks to help me improve my writing style, I'm all ears!

Oh! I also ended up deciding to write in Meryl's POV. Take note that this story takes elements from 98, Trimax, and Tristamp. If you haven't seen one or the other, that's ok! I won't be spoiling too much about each but I do highly suggest checking out the ones you haven't seen yet! Especially the Trimax manga!

And if ur unfamiliar with the SCP Foundation, never fear! It's Meryl's first day too and I do intend on making this educational for the Foundation and entertaining for Trigun fans!

And with that, I hope you enjoy!

Ch.1, Newbie

How did I get here?

That's a question I've been replaying in my mind for the past few days.

I'm not too sure what's happening, but it had something to do with an anomaly and several men in heavily armed suits with high-tech guns. I was a simple reporter and journalist, organizing my next headline for the Bernardelli News Agency. Who would've thought that just after submitting my report and preparing for bed that those strange men would appear at my doorstep?

They didn't explain much of anything and jumped straight to shooting me with what I can only assume was a tranquilizer dart.

The next thing I know I'm sitting in a white room with a clean white table separating me from this strange woman. Her thick raven hair is pulled into a messy bun and her fluffy bangs hang over her forehead. She's staring at me coldly and I can't shake how her amber eyes seem to pierce right through me…

She's dressed in what I can only describe as a lab coat and stiff office get up. She has an orange necktie tucked under her white collar, a gray pencil skirt, black heels, and an orange name tag with a strange logo on it and the name C. Hewley typed onto it.

On the table between us is a paper with my picture on it. My shorter, midnight hair is much more tame in the picture than the currently disheveled state it's in now. My name is printed in big bold letters alongside my general information;

Name; Meryl Stryfe

Age; 23

Height; 149cm

Gender; F

D.O.B; 02/14/XXXX

P.O.B; December, [REDACTED]

Below that is information about my personal history. Essentially the story of my entire life all squeezed into a three page packet.

Nervous, I start to fidget with the hem of my skirt. My white tunic falls snugly to my mid thigh which is covered with indigo leggings. I have a comfortable pair of white zip up heeled boots to match. It's my typical work outfit, and actually helps me feel less out of place in this environment of clean white walls and this woman who's only colors are monochrome and shades of orange. My grayish lavender eyes do not dare look away from this woman's stare…

Eventually, she looks down at my information booklet and sighs.

“Miss Stryfe. Allow me to apologize for the sudden intrusion of your home and unwanted transportation to this facility.”

She starts calmly, but I can hear the irritation in her voice. Her accent is a clear yet strong British that almost demands respect with every hard word.

“I am Director Clarice Hewley, the site director of Site 52. You are here due to a recent interaction with an SCP. Normally we'd give you an anesthetic and force you to forget the interaction, but an 05 member vouched for you after seeing your academic accomplishments. With that said, we'd like to offer you a job.”

She pulls out another packet and slides it over to me with a pen. It's an NDA agreement as well as what seems to be a job description. From what I'm reading, I'll essentially be made a researcher of anomalous objects and my experience as a reporter will be an asset in questioning some of the creatures. This is insane…

I'm about to decline the offer when I turned the page and saw the pay and benefits. Holy crap…

Safe to say it didn't take me long to read the packet and try to better understand my situation. I signed it and Miss Hewley seemed pleased enough, so she arranged for me to begin my training.

So that's what landed me here. They let me stay in my usual outfit, but have forced me to wear a white lab coat like what Miss Hewley had on. My name tag sits on my right shoulder just as hers did. I'm standing outside Site 47, having just returned from quitting my previous job. I was told to wait here for my instructor who will be giving me a short tour of what I'll have access to and generally explaining more of my job. He should be here soon…

“Hey, newbie. Wake up.”

I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard the voice of a gruff man and spun around to face him. He's a tall middle-aged man with messy brown hair and tired green eyes. A baibo-styled beard and dark mustache add to his tired uncle vibe and he's holding a small canteen in his left hand. His right hand is tucked away into the pocket of his own lab coat. Unlike Miss Hewley, his outfit is less out together and more disheveled. His light brown button up shirt is half tucked into black khakis and his orange tie is loose.

Either I'm staring at him funny or he's lost his patience, because I watch him take a swig of whatever's in his canteen and grunt.

“The name's Roberto. Are you the kid I'm supposed to be tutoring?”

I get he's my mentor, but being called a kid just strikes an irritating cord in me. I straighten up, not that it does much for my height, and stand as proudly as I can with a confident expression.

“Yes, sir. I am Meryl Stryfe, a new employee at this facility. I'm pleased to meet you, Doctor Roberto.”

I feel quite smug with this tone. I used it often when talking to authority figures back at Bernardelli, and it often helped me make it clear I was to be respected.

Roberto grunts and turns on his heel towards the facility. “Yeah, yeah. Just keep up, newbie.” He says as he walks away.

I silently glare at his back before following him inside.

We walk through some security gates and halls before entering a large room filled with computers, filing cabinets, and research equipment. Various people in lab coats are present and don't bother looking up when we enter. A purely professional environment, I see. At least compared to my mentor who looks like he just woke up with a hangover…

“This facility is more of a checkpoint for SCP transportation. You'll see all kinds coming and going, so be careful. Right now, we're holding some of the worst anomalies until they can be transported to their new containment sites. That said, be sure to keep a steady count on how many you see today. Do you know why I say that, kid?” Roberto explains as he walks up to what looks like a metal box big enough to fit an adult human.

I nod “It was mentioned in my contract. I can turn back on my decision to work here, but that option is void if I see a total of five anomalies. Right?” So glad I read the packet…

Roberto grunts in response “That's right, newbie. You can start your count with this one. Meet SCP-8153, otherwise known as Kuroneko.” He introduced before pressing a button on a side panel. A metal panel lifts, revealing a small black cat. It stirs and wakes up yawning and looking at us with its big green eyes. A cat. A black house cat. Is he serious?

Kuroneko sits up and licks its paw as I turn to Roberto with an unimpressed expression. “Um, sir? Mind telling me what's abnormal about this cat? Or is this really just a house cat and you just enjoy messing with new employees?” I ask him, very much unamused with this.

He smirks and picks up the cat by the scruff of its neck. He hands the cat to me who purrs in my arms as I hold it. “Didn't your contract tell you not to underestimate an SCP’s appearance? Kuroneko here has been alive for several centuries. We found him after a guy brought him to a vet claiming he shot the poor thing and it healed itself. The vet didn't believe him, so the guy shot the cat again to prove it and got arrested. We swooped in after the police report and contained SCP-8153.” He explains.

I guess my skepticism is painted on my face, because Roberto sighs and takes the cat from me. He sets it back into the metal capsule and pulls out a .41 caliber Derringer. I, of course, panic. Especially when he points it at the cat that just stares at him like it's used to having a gun barrel pointed at it!

“Whoa, hey! I get it! You don't have to prove it! Why are you carrying that?! I thought only the MTF were allowed to carry firearms!” I say, making a grab for the gun which he swiftly pulls out of my reach with a wheezing chuckle.

“Calm down, newbie. It's not loaded. You'll quickly find that in this line of work you can't rely on some oaf with a big gun to protect you at all times. We're supposed to protect SCPs, but we can't do that if they kill us first. Consider arming yourself in the future. But I'll admit your reaction was priceless.” He mocks me before putting the gun back in its hiding place, a specially made holster sewn into the underside of his lab coat.

I let out a relieved sigh and glare at him “that was just foul. And my name isn't newbie! It's Meryl Stryfe.” I remind him, crossing my arms as he laughs at me.

“Until I see you've grown up, you'll always be a newbie to me. A kid stuck with an old bag of drunk bones as a mentor.” He says before taking a swig as if to make a point.

I shake my head “On another note, you said this facility is a transportation checkpoint. Where is Kuroneko going?” I question, changing the subject.

Roberto grunts and looks at the cat who's gone back to sleep. “That information is above your clearance, I'm afraid. Your job here is to monitor the SCPs and ensure any new discoveries are documented and given to the team responsible for transporting them. Keep an eye on the anomalies until their designated truck arrives and give the departing team any new documents they might not already have. It's not your job to know where the anomalies are headed.”

I slowly nod and am about to ask another question when an MTF guard suddenly bursts into the room, startling the hard at work researchers. All eyes turn to the guard, including the curious eyes of Kuroneko. He's out of breath and panicked. One of the scientists seems to recognize him and grows upset “Where's your charge? Why is he not with you?!” Wow… no regard for the poor guard at all. Strait to scolding. Yikes…

The guard tried to catch his breath “We were… separated. Something's happening on a lower floor… he wanted to investigate… he told me to come here and alert Doctor Roberto!”

Roberto’s face turns serious with alarm and raises his canteen, signaling the guard. He walks over with myself in tow and places his free hand on the guard's shoulder. “Calm down, kid. What's so urgent your charge told you to get me? He never gives orders unless the situation is dire and he knows the penalties for going off on his own.” He tries to calm the guard down enough to speak like a father telling his son to take a breath and explain a new broken window.

The guard takes a deep breath before he begins “apparently a researcher got tied up with SCP-035 and has attempted to break containment. Doc wanted to go help try to save the researcher before it's too late and told me to alert you…” he says, still panicked but calm enough to speak clearly.

It's then that an alarm starts blaring, coating the white room in flashing red light. A robotic voice calls CONTAINMENT BREACH - CONTAINMENT BREACH - AN SCP HAS BROKEN CONTAINMENT - CONTAINMENT BREACH - its loud and frightens everyone present. People have begun to panic and Roberto hollars at everyone to stay calm. He turns to me, his body tense “Newbie, don't leave my side. And you,” he turns to the guard “What's your name, son?” He questions.

The guard flinches “G-Gabriel Luster, sir!”

Roberto nods “Gabe, you're with us. Your new job is to protect us until the breach is contained, do you understand?”

“Y-yes sir!”

Roberto grunts and takes a swig from his canteen “great, just what I needed. Two kids, a missing idiot, and a containment breach. C'mon, let's get to the communications room and send out an SOS.” He orders and leads me and Gabriel down the hall. Kuroneko seems to have decided to join us too, because it's following at our heels like a normal house cat following its owner.

A couple corners later and we approach a set of double doors that are slightly ajar. Roberto pauses a few feet from it and signals to Gabriel “Stand in front and be ready for anything. That door shouldn't be open…” he instructs.

Clearly scared, Gabriel holds his large gun ready and slowly approaches the door he nudges it open and the sight nearly makes me vomit…

Looks like the communications room was compromised, because all I see are several bodies with snapped necks. I see Roberto go pale even in the flashing red lights. “Doctor…? What happened here…?” I question carefully, trying to distract myself from looking at the dead researchers and guards.

Roberto takes a deep breath “173…” he mutters in horror. I look at Gabriel who shrugs at me before finally removing his helmet. He's a man in his early 20s with a slight stubble and fluffy ginger hair. His eyes are green and his freckles dot his nose and cheeks.

Roberto groans in frustration and pinches the bridge of his nose “Great. Just great. SCP-173 is the damn statue. Think of a weeping angel from one of those games kids play today but shaped like a concrete peanut and ugly enough to make a naked mole rat look pretty. If you see it, don't blink or take your eyes off it unless you wanna end up like them.” He says, gesturing to the dead people.

Gabriel fails to hide his snicker at the crude description and I just sigh “Awesome. An SCP that kills anything with eyes.” I say sarcastically. Roberto pushes past us and steps over a dead researcher and typing on a keyboard.

“I'm sending the SOS and informing them about 173. If I remember right, 035 is two floors down from us. We need to find that idiot and evacuate while the MTF soldiers work to contain the escaped anomalies. Normally, an evacuation wouldn't be allowed. But you two are clearly inexperienced and I'm not gonna let you die so young.” Roberto clicks the send button and launches the SOS, praying it's answered soon enough. “First, let's get back to the main lab. We'll also need a weapon for this kid and we need to gather as many surviving researchers as possible. The more that survive, the better.” He instructs us, already pushing past and down the hall. Gabriel and I share a glance before rushing after him, Kuroneko bounding ahead at Roberto's heels.

When we return, I give in and turn towards a small nearby trashcan before throwing my lunch back up. The entire room which was previously filled with living researchers are now corpses with snapped necks. Gabriel and Roberto are stuff next to me and I look up and freeze at the hideous peanut SCP Roberto told us about.

I've officially seen two SCPs… and I'm certain this will be my last.

SCP-173 stands perfectly still in the center of the fresh chaos. Roberto gulps “Ok, kids… slowly back away and don't you dare blink… Gabe, when the kid and I are through the door, I want you to close it and break the lock panel to keep it locked shut. We can at least contain this bastard…” he orders the shaking guard who slowly nods.

On Roberto's cue, we all slowly back away while keeping our eyes unblinking on the statue. My eyes are begging to sting and water… I'm about to blink when Roberto says “Now!” And Gabriel shuts the door, breaking the panel to lock it. I nearly scream when loud bangs come from the other side, a sign of the SCP trying to get to us through the reinforced steel door…

I blink and rub my eyes, wiping away my frightened tears “We almost died…” I say out of horror as I try to calm my rapidly beating heart.

Gabriel nods, placing a hand over his own chest and looking like he just met death itself.

Roberto grunts and shakily pulls out a cigarette, lighting it with unsteady hands.

“Don’t complain… it was in your contract… you'll have more near death experiences until one actually kills you. Once you sign that contract and see five anomalies, you become Foundation property… that's what we all agreed to.”

Great…

To Be Continued...

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terrabatriss · 2 years ago

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Legends of Yingyue; The Hidden Monkey

Ch. 1

"Master, can we please stop for a moment? I'm hungry!" Whines Pigsy as the pilgrims continue their journey west to collect the Buddhist scriptures they were sent to find.

Tripitaka sighs "We will stop in a moment Pigsy." He reassures as Wukong jumps head to scout the area.

It has been nearly a whole month since the defeat of the demon ancestor, Yuandi, and the revival of the sacred tree which bore the Ginseng fruit. The pilgrims have set off to continue their journey after retrieving their horse and bidding farewell to their previous hosts. Now, they travel through a dense forest as the sun slowly crosses the sky and a hungry pig's stomach starts to growl. Wujing shakes his head "The sun will set soon. Let us hope we can find a place for the night." He says with a prayer to which Tripitaka nods.

From up ahead, Sun Wukong perches himself on a high branch and surveys the path. Letting out a huff, he hops down and joins the group. "Wukong, all is well with the path ahead?" Tripitaka questions as Wukong gives him a bored look.

"There's a small village up ahead. We can rest there, master." He says and looks over his shoulder back to the path. Wujing steps forward and stands next to the dragon horse Tripitaka rides upon.

"Considering our experiences on this journey, let's proceed with caution. It seems many of the villages, mountains, rivers, and so on which we encounter are not always in our favor."

Wukong nods. "Let's get going before Pigsy's stomach attracts a demon." He jokes and the pig in question gives off an offended scoff.

The pilgrims head down through the dense trees to the village and find 2 men blocking their path with spears. Behind them, a wooden gate marked the entrance to the houses and people beyond. "Halt! State your purpose for entering our village!" One of the guards orders. Wukong steps forward with a scowl and is about to say something when Tripitaka beats him to it.

"We are pilgrims headed west and wish for a safe place to sleep and refresh our supplies." He says, dismounting and bowing to the guards. The guards glance at each other for a moment before the 2nd guard speaks.

"State your names and how long you will be here." He demands and Tripitaka places his hands together.

"I am a monk who goes by Tang Sanzang, and these are my disciples Sha Wujing," Tripitaka gestures to Wujing who gives a small wave and smile. "... Zhu Bajie, or as we call him, Pigsy…" Pigsy nods his head to the guards. "... And the Monkey King Sun Wukong." Wukong remains still with a scowl as he examines the guards. "We and our horse will only be staying for 3 nights to help us regroup and relax a little before we take on the rest of our journey."

The guards nod, but the 1st guard keeps his eyes on Wukong. "You may enter. I strongly advise you not to cause trouble. If you do, the deity that protects us will make quick work of your punishment." He warns and the 2 step aside to allow the pilgrims through. Both guards keep their eyes on Wukong with both curiosity and bewilderment. After they pass, the demons can hear the guards whisper

"He looks like-"

"Hush! Do not compare the two! She is divine and he is nothing but trouble!"

"Spread word of their arrival-"

The 3 glance at each other in confusion. Pigsy snorts "I think they're talking about brother monkey!" Wujing nods and Wukong rolls his eyes.

"But who were they comparing him to? Surely there is no other monkey demon born from stone?" Wujing questions and flips through one of his many books.

Wukong lets out a tsk "What's it matter? It's none of our business. The only thing we should worry about is if this village isn't as peaceful as it looks. Besides, they never said 'she' is a monkey born from a rock. Just that I resemble her in some way. Don't jump to conclusions."

Wujing nods and looks up from his book. "I agree, brother. We have not had great luck with that over our journey."

Pigsy huffs "Never a village without a problem. I bet this 'deity' those guards spoke of isn't all that great and is actually an evil creature."

Wukong smirks at this "if that's the case we'll just do what we always do; take it down."

Tripitaka, who leads the horse by its reins up front, looks over his shoulder at his disciples. "What are you 3 speaking of?" The demons in question shake their heads and Wukong leaps ahead and turns to Tripitaka

"Nothing master, just useless banter." He reassures and Tripitaka nods as they look around for an inn. The villagers have already heard of their arrival and are looking on with worry, some fear, and curiosity at the pilgrims. The village itself is silent as the people stop their previous activities and turn to see who has entered the village.

A little ball suddenly rolls out in front of Wukong causing him to stop. A little girl around the age of 10 dressed in a cream colored top, a green skirt, and shoulder length black hair runs out to grab the ball before any of the adults could stop her. Tripitaka, Pigsy, and Wujing also stop to see why Wukong isn't moving. The monkey reaches down and grabs the ball before she can grab it and she looks up at him confused.

"Can I please have my ball?" She speaks and makes a grabbing motion towards the ball. Wukong raises an eyebrow and bends down to her level. He glances at the other villagers who are watching in anticipation before turning to the little girl.

"What's your name, kid?" He asks in a low voice and Tripitaka watches carefully. The little girl places her hands together and bows her head

"I am Jiki Luno. Daughter of the temple's caretaker." She introduces and Tripitaka steps forward with a bow of his own

"I see. Is your father a monk?" Jiki looks up at him and tilts her head

"I don't have a papa. Mama is a priestess though." The group exchange glances and Wukong gives a huff

"I'm surprised a little thing like you is the first to speak to us so far other than those two guards. Are you not afraid?" He says gruffly in an attempt to scare her. The girl looks even more confused. "Why should I be scared of someone who looks like Lady Fa Yingyue?"

This throws them all off guard. The area is silent for a moment before Wujing clears his throat "Jiki, could you please direct us to an inn? We are travelers passing through and need a place to rest." By this point, the villagers have gone back to their day after ensuring Jiki was safe. Jiki shakes her head.

"We don't have an inn since we don't get many travelers, but mama and I would gladly let you stay in the temple with us! You’re a monk, so I'm sure mama won't mind!" She says happily. Wukong hands her the ball which she gladly accepts and stands up to look amongst his companions. He looks to Tripitaka as if awaiting his word.

Tripitaka nods his head and bows to Jiki "we would be most honored."

Jiki laughs and runs off "C'mon! It's getting late, and Lady Fa Yingyue will be protecting us from demons!" She says excitedly and the group follows behind her closely.

The village is small, but prospering in health and materials. Overall, the village looks peaceful save for the fact some of the villagers are setting up for the night to keep unwanted visitors out. Pigsy walks closer to the front "Hey Jiki, what's with the talk of demons and all the villagers setting up like this?"

Jiki continues on with a smile "Demons have been attacking our village for many centuries. We are fortunate to have Lady Fa Yingyue, but she advises us to keep our homes closed at night in case a demon wanders past her. However, things have been off recently, more demons seem to have entered the village at night. She always makes quick work of them before sunrise and before they can damage anything, but it's still concerning."

She leads the group up a mossy, stone staircase to a beautiful wooden temple with talismans decorating the pillars and entrance. She opens the door to reveal an open space with some flowers, fruits, and other offerings on a table near the far back. Behind the table sits a statue of what appears to be a female monkey similar to Wukong.

Jiki steps forward and bows to the statue after lighting some incense. The horse finds a nice spot outside to lay down as the group enters.

Tripitaka steps forward and pays his respects as well, even though greatly confused. "Is this your deity?" He asks the little girl. She stands up and nods.

"This is the Sacred Stone temple, home to the great deity Fa Yingyue. She is our protector from the heavens." She explains and Wukong leaps forward to get a closer look at the statue.

"Wukong, please step away from the statue. We would not want harm to come to it." Tripitaka advises and Wukong glances at him.

"Why does she look like me, kid?" He demands.

Before Jiki can respond, another voice cuts in. "She is a stone monkey born many centuries ago. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you both were under the same circumstances of birth. Born from a stone atop a mountain and grew to obtain great powers. And last I checked, there should be no visitors at this time." Everyone turns towards the annoyed voice to see a woman dressed in a hanfu dress like Jiki's but light blue. The woman's long black hair flows to her waist and a section at the top is tied with a silver ribbon. Oh her hip, she carries a basket of herbs and vegetables.

Jiki laughs and runs to the woman "Mama your back!" She says, hugging her mother's leg.

Tripitaka steps forward and bows his head to her. "Our apologies for the sudden visit, but we seek shelter for the night and a place to rest. We would be most grateful if you allow us to spend 3 nights here."

The woman looks Tripitaka over "Huh… so, you are the pilgrims the village speaks of? Tales of your journey have spread far and wide enough to reach even our small village within this forest. I am Ming Luno, keeper of the temple and mother of Jiki. We have 2 spare rooms, but I will need a moment to clear them up so you may rest. When morning arrives, we will talk." She says with a bow. She walks over to a door to the far left of the statue and looks over her shoulder. "Jiki, keep an eye on our guests. No one is to leave past this hour. If I find that any of you were wandering outside at night I will have to send you off. Understood?" She says sternly to which the pilgrims nod and bow their heads.

She leaves the room with her basket and Jiki turns to them with bright, curious eyes. Before anyone can utter a word, she rushes off and disappears behind the statue.

Pigsy sits on the floor with a plop and Wujing sets his bag down. Wukong is still glaring at the statue in confusion. Tripitaka examines the room and sighs "Wukong, tell us what troubles you? You seem quite bewildered at the statue." Wukong turns to Tripitaka and drops his head a little as his tail flicks with irritation.

"It's nothing… just wondering why I didn't know about someone born just like me…" he says quietly. He gets closer to the statue and taps its head with his staff.

"Brother, I believe it is but a normal statue rather than the deity. I can sense no possible life from it." Wujing states as he flips through his books and scrolls. "I have nothing on me that holds information over Lady Fa Yingyue." He says regretfully and Tripitaka walks to stand behind Wukong.

"Let's see if the villagers can tell us more about her. If she were born the same as you, there's bound to be a known reason why you haven't heard of her." He says reassuringly and Wukong glances at the group before huffing and turning his back to the statue.

Not a moment later, Jiki runs back holding a small Jianzi. Everyone turns their attention to her as she starts to kick it into the air and keep it from falling to the ground. They watch as she laughs joyfully and skillfully kicks the toy into the air. She kicks it towards the group and it makes its way to the ground. Before it can hit the floor however, a furry foot catches and balances it on his toes. Wukong looks from the Jianzi to the girl and seems to get the hint as he kicks it back to her. She catches it on her own foot and tosses it back to him after alternating feet. The game goes back and forth and Wukong eventually takes the girls' tricks as a challenge and does some of his own. Tossing it from foot to foot and over his own head to catch it with a back kick before kicking it back to Jiki who catches it by letting it bounce off her forehead. She catches it with her foot and laughs as Wukong's companions clap at their small game.

Pigsy gets up "That looks easy! Pass it to me!" He says and Jiki happily complies, kicking it into the air and giving it a good kick in his direction. Pigsy tries to catch it with his foot, but his gut gets in the way. The Jianzi bounces off his belly and flies high into the air as everyone watches to see where it'll land. Before it can hit the ground however, it is caught by the foot of Ming who kicks it upwards and into her hand.

"I think that's enough playtime for tonight. Off to bed, Jiki." She says sternly and Jiki whines "But maaaamaaaaa! We were having fuuuun! And you don't play with me all that much anymore!"

She pouts and Tripitaka chuckles. "You have truly been blessed with a lively child." Ming looks over and nods with a kind smile.

"She can be quite the handful sometimes. I hope she hasn't caused you any inconvenience?" She questions looking over everyone.

Tripitaka shakes his head "She has been an angel. I must say I enjoyed watching their little game of Jianzi. Judging by how you caught it with skills similar to Jiki's, I assume you taught her to play?"

Ming nods "I showed her at a young age when she saw the village children play it. I used to play it with a friend of mine when I was younger, so I had no problem teaching her. On another note…" she changes the subject and looks down to Jiki who remains pouting. "Go to bed, Jiki." The little girl huffs and shakes her head as Wukong lets out a short, amused chuckle.

"Nah, bed times for losers, huh?" He jokes and Jiki looks at him with a happy nod as Ming sends him a quick glare.

She turns back to Jiki "Go to bed now, or you won't be playing tomorrow. I will hide all your toys." Jiki looks back with a shocked expression and runs to latch onto her mother's legs

"No! I'll be good! Don't hide my toys!"

Ming rolls her eyes and bends down to kiss her daughter's forehead and give her a tight hug before allowing Jiki to run off to her room. She then turns to the group and gives a small bow. "Follow me." She says and walks down the hallway with them all following. Wukong takes one last glance at the statue of Lady Fa Yingyue before turning back to follow his companions.

Ming comes up to 2 doors at the end of the hall right across from each other. The door on the far end holds a Yin and Yang carved into the wood. "My daughter and I sleep in that room if you need anything. Select your rooms from these 2 and get some rest. I wish to speak with you all at breakfast tomorrow. I will not take no for an answer."

Tripitaka nods his head and holds his hands in prayer. "We are most grateful for your hospitality. May the gods guard our dreams." Ming's nods and enters her room, closing the door behind her.

Pigsy goes to the room on the left. "I don't care who rooms with me. There's a promise of food in the morning, so I'm going to sleep." He grunts and goes in. Tripitaka goes to the door on the right without a word and Wujing follows after him leaving Wukong to go into the room on the left with Pigsy.

As they settle in for the night, the travelers remain in ignorant bliss as the village fills with demons and a single warrior fights them off under the cover of midnight. The only thing someone would see of them is a moon-lit silhouette and a pair of blazing, orange eyes.

Bonus! Here's a picture of Ming and Jiki. Sorry, I really suck at describing people 😅

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