— Su Xing —
The chance to know his father was the greatest gift, the best blessing that Su Xing could ask for. He'd dreamed of it for as long as he could remember. Since he was just a babe on Mother's knee. Way back then, Mother would tell him stories. Stories of a man who shook up the Heavens with everything he did, of an impossible man who never settled for simple stagnation, of adventures and mischief that awed and exasperated even Mother.
Even now, years later, the tale of the Drunken Fist and the Kunpeng was one of Su Xing's favorites. It influenced the way he molded himself as a man. As Mother told it, there once was a great shapeshifting monster that terrorized a world as both fish and bird. It rampaged South and North. Its wings blocked out the world's sun, and its fins brought forth the shadows of the abyssal deep.
Visiting on a passing chance, the Drunken Fist found that he could not sleep. Not when the Kunpeng's wings beat an eternal whirlwind and its fins stirred a roaring whirlpool. The world's natives were too oppressed to raise any complaint. But the Drunken Fist wasn't so tolerant as to accept his mortal comforts being disrupted by the ruckus.
Late one night, the Drunken Fist sought out the Kunpeng, the Emperor of that world. He tracked it by its wingbeats, high, high, high into the air. Politely, the Drunken Fist asked for a scant night of peace. The Kunpeng scoffed and dove away from the Drunken Fist.
Once more, the Fist tracked the shapeshifting Beast Emperor. Down, down, down into the world's abyss. The fish-formed Kunpeng whipped up mighty waves and whirlpools underwater. It stirred tearing currents and ripping riptides to obstruct the Drunken Fist's journey. He let nothing stop him, for he was tired and quite annoyed without his mortal 'beauty sleep'.
In the deepest crevice, the Drunken Fist found the Kunpeng. Again, he asked politely. Humbly. 'Just one night,' the Drunken Fist requested. 'Then, I'll be out of your scales.' But the Kunpeng had never known censure or complaint. It bore the arrogance of an Emperor and the might to back it up. It squawked and screeched and drove the Drunken Fist off.
'Fine,' The Drunken Fist said, resolving himself. 'Be like that.'
Only once diplomacy had broken down did the Drunken Fist resort to forceful action. Deep in the ocean, he gulped just once. Around the Kunpeng for a li in every direction, the weight of the abyss disappeared. A small sea was swallowed in an instant by the Drunken Fist's insatiable thirst, while the rest of the ocean was held back by his power.
In its fish form, the Kunpeng was left beached and floundering at the bottom of its domain. Even shifting to its bird form, the Beast Emperor got nowhere. It could not swim through the Drunken Fist's pocket of air, and it could not fly through the abyss beyond. It was trapped and quickly grew rather frustrated.
The Drunken Fist paid its irritation and frustration no mind. He left the Kunpeng trapped there, a prisoner within both of its domains. A night passed, then. A night of good sleep. Refreshed by his taste of mortality, the Drunken Fist returned in good spirits. As requested, he only took a single night's sleep of the Kunpeng's time. Then, without any true harm done, any unnecessary violence, he put things right and went along his way.
A great Beast Emperor was humbled, made to taste humility, and taught that the Heavens were wider than any one being could ever know. That world would never forget that night of peace. But for the Drunken Fist… it was simply an uneventful Thursday.
That… That was Su Xing's father. One of many stories like it that he'd been told all his life. Mother spoke fondly of Sean Caine, the Drunken Fist and Master of Change. He left a legacy behind, a legacy for Su Xing to live up to. At times, it was a violent and glorious legacy. At others, it was one of cunning and restraint. In all honesty, Su Xing found himself preferring the latter.
He was well aware that preference of his could be considered somewhat unusual. A young man, powerful and in his prime, forgoing the tales of fist and sword for the tales of silver-tongued guile? It was… odd. Sister Chen certainly thought so. But his sister from another mother accepted him for his quirks. She knew him better than anyone else in the Heavens, and Su Xing couldn't imagine his life without her.
Unfortunately, the younger sister seemed to have gotten the idea in her mind that it was her duty to shore up his perceived flaws. It was a great shame, a disgraceful mark on Su Xing's record as her Elder Brother. But Sister Chen was more than eager to shoulder the violence that he 'hesitated' to do. And she was good at it. No true surprise from the daughter of She Who Comes With Dawn and Sunset… Other Mother Xiaodan was terrifying…
Su Xing could only roll his eyes and grumble, but ultimately accepted Sister Chen's initiative. In truth, he could do violence just as well as his sister. His 'hesitation' was not born of weakness but of purpose. He simply preferred restraint first, and violence only when his noble hand was forced.
That philosophy had not necessarily served him well as he forged the first steps of his path through the Heavens. Not always. It was tradition for all of Mother's children to take a task unto themselves. Once grown, they all set out from the Phoenix Mother's nest to seize and secure a legacy based on their own power, their own merits.
Each of Su Xing's distant half-brothers and sisters set out into the cosmos to claim a world for themselves. They were all tasked with establishing a royal bloodline there. By founding, by conquest, by marriage, or by any other means at their disposal. They received no true aid from Mother. Only advice. Everything else, they did themselves.
Su Xing's own undertaking of the task had been… perhaps more difficult and tedious than most, made so by his determination to make diplomacy — any diplomacy at this point… — work. But he certainly wasn't going to allow himself to be the first of Mother's children who failed. Still, the break from conquest that came with Mother's summons was welcome. And then… well, he'd been introduced to his father, who was casually on vacation after death and across countless realities.
Everything since had been something of a blur for Su Xing. A good blur. The best blur! But certainly overwhelming all the same. A stepmother (who just so happened to be Death Herself…), free and generous with her love and acceptance. Father and his approval, which Su Xing already found himself desperately craving. Then, a trip beyond the borders of reality to Father's bar, new friends, an immortal uncle, an unbelievable story from yet another reality, and wisdom profound enough to shake the Heavens.
'Reach Heaven by Violence'… W-Was Su Xing's philosophy wrong? Fundamentally flawed? When he raised his worries with Father, he'd just hummed and shared yet more profound wisdom.
"Well, violence is one universal language. Do you want to know another? One that might just be even more prominent than violence?"
Su Xing, of course, immediately perked up and listened.
"Lies, champ. Lies…" Father continued. "A man without a lie in his core is a poor man, indeed. For most things are lies. And they matter much more than truths. Men will do everything and anything to uphold their lies. They'll live and die for their lies, fight and oh-so-desperately try. Be they lies of inherent morality — good and evil — or lies of civility, righteousness, and enlightenment. The most noble concepts in existence are lies we as men strive to make real. Violence might be a universal language, but lies are perhaps greater, forcing violence into submission so civilization and society can exist at all."
Su Xing was awed and humbled as he listened closely to his father's wisdom. He internalized the lesson as best he could. What did it mean to lie? No… What was a lie? To that end, what was a truth…?
"A truth… is a bare thing…?" He ventured. Father listened just as patiently as he had, gently encouraging Su Xing to comprehend in his own way. "And lies… lies give form and structure to bare reality. They can be devious just as easily as they can be noble. And the lies we tell ourselves are the most important of all. The universe has no morality but that which we enforce upon it. That is a lie, yes?"
Father's smile was proud, and Su Xing's heart soared, "It just might be. There was an Art in Throne that everyone knew to some degree. The Art of Lying to the Face of God. The Art was our magic, our way of reshaping reality and molding it to our whims and makings, for good and for ill. Yet Lies of the Self can be just as powerful."
"I… think I understand," Su Xing said.
"You don't," Father chuckled. "Hell, I don't, not fully. But you'll get there in time, simply by living and upholding your personal lies. Just know, Su Xing. You don't always have to resort to violence when another universal language 'lies' in your mind and on your tongue."
"That is a relief," Su Xing exhaled slowly. "I would hate to spurn your wisdom, Father, of Reaching Heaven by Violence. I will heed it when I must. But I am also determined to establish my empire without resorting to all-consuming violence."
Father nodded his understanding and sympathy, "There are an infinite number of ways to live, champ. And as you live, you'll inevitably forge one more. As will your sister and your stepsister. As has everyone who's ever been, and everyone who ever will."
"That said~…" Father broke into an ominous smirk, and Su Xing knew dread. "Let's talk about your conquest, champ. Just me and you."
"And me!" Vandal Savage — the immortal who declared himself Su Xing's uncle — cut in.
"I would ask that Sister join us. She is the most familiar with my task so far," Su Xing warily requested. And to curtail Father's legendary… 'Father-ness' and Uncle's enthusiasm… "Stepmother, as well."
"Sure," Father easily agreed… Too easily… "Call your mothers back over here as well. This is a moment of Family bonding."
Oh… Su Xing didn't know he could be so filled with excitement and dread at the same time… Their night at the Dead End had otherwise been winding down when Su Xing raised his worries to Father. It'd been a night of good times, but good times inevitably came to an end. The Elder Uncles were leaving. As were the Youngest Generation, being sent back to their proper places by Father. Likewise, the new friends they'd made here were settling in for the next day.
Everyone was sent off with fond farewells and promises to keep in touch. Soon enough, only Su Xing and his sister, Mother, Other Mother, Stepmother, Stepsister, Father, and Uncle Savage remained. A moment of Family, as Father had said. Uncle Savage was honored (reaching the point of speechlessness for once) to be included.
Then, Father clapped, and 'Family Bonding' began… centered on Su Xing to his delight and dismay, "Alright, Su Xing. Tell your dear ol' dad all about what you've done so far."
The paternal attention was a drug in Su Xing's veins. Despite the worry of disappointing the man he'd grown up hearing stories of, he couldn't contain his smile. He shouldn't have been so easy to please. He was grown. A man setting out into the world on his own terms. But… this was his father. And he cared enough to hear out Su Xing's troubles with focus and intent.
So, of course, Su Xing happily began at the beginning, "The world is known to the natives as Xiatalia. It is one of the many worlds between Base Earth and Ultimate Heaven. It lands on the lower end of the scale and is relatively small from what I've gathered. But to the natives, it is, of course, their entire world and all they've ever known.
"I began with a year spent integrating with the people of Xiatalia. I ventured wide and far, making my name and deeds known. I would not hope to rule without knowing the people I ruled and being known in turn. Adventures came and went. I established myself as a power in my own right, proven by my slaying of legendary monsters like the Basilisk and Chimera, and my taming of the legendary Cerberus. I did and earned favors, took on quests unfulfilled for centuries, and forged a reputation worthy of respect.
"The natives know me as if I were one of their own. The cultivators of Xiatalia are proud and philosophical, but I've placed myself at the peak of the lower world's power. I do still have peers, however. Old masters and kings and warlords. Thus, I decided that direct conquest was ill-advised, especially without a true army at my beck and call. So, when I set my sights on putting forth my claim — enacting 'conquest' in earnest — I aimed to do so by diplomacy and cunning, rather than outright force."
Father and Mother intently listened to the start of Su Xing's journey. As did Other Mother, Stepmother, and everyone else. They didn't judge or dismiss him in the least. Su Xing patiently (and somewhat anxiously) awaited their feedback.
Mother was the first, nodding with pride, "It is rare that I hear of my children's exploits while they are in progress. You've done much already, ā-Xing. Already, you can stand proud with your name known across a world, but do not lapse into complacency."
Uncle Savage nodded as well, more in consideration than familial pride, "Taking the time beforehand to integrate yourself and prepare was a good choice. An unknown conqueror will spend the first era of their rule putting down rebellions. A conqueror that comes with fame and respect will have a much easier time of things."
"Dude, I'm way outta my depth here," Stepsister Alice said. "But, like, good job, I think…?"
"You've proven yourself a hero," Other Mother Xiaodan praised softly. "It is a good foundation to begin working from."
"Oh, you're just so lively and ambitious~!" Stepmother Didi happily gushed.
The praise was appreciated. Greatly so. But most of all, Su Xing wished to hear his father's thoughts on the matter.
Slowly, Father nodded, "I haven't heard any terrible choices so far. You made yourself known, both as someone not to fuck with and someone willing to lend aid. And when presented with the choice, you chose restraint over brute force, the slower but likely less costly option. Most people don't think about their royal legacies until the conquest is done. You've already begun. And you took the route that, historically, tends to last longer than overwhelming oppression by force."
Relief coursed through Su Xing's veins. Father approved. Father praised him. He hadn't crippled his conquest from the start, only to find out much too late. As Other Mother said, and Father agreed, Su Xing had laid himself a good, stable foundation to build from further.
Now… he just had to figure out how to begin that building, as Sister Chen then voiced with a well-intentioned half-whisper, "A good foundation, yes, but how does one lay the first stone atop…?"
Su Xing sighed, "Little Chen speaks shrewdly. I have stuck the first foothold… but I find myself troubled to find the second."
"Details, then, champ," Father encouraged. "What's the situation like on the ground? Who are we dealing with? What drives them? What do they have and what do they need? And how can you best use those things to your advantage?"
"Important information, yes! Details!" Uncle Savage agreed. "Are there existing alliances and rivalries you can play off each other? Are the factions internally stable? Can you win the common people onto your side? A successful conqueror must consider all of this!"
"Well…" Su Xing hesitated for just a moment to ensure he could articulate his knowledge. "The natives of Xiatalia mostly exist in two categories: the tribes and the city-states. The former are numerous and disparate. Decentralized and with greatly varying levels of civilization, advancement, and power. The latter are populous but only number half a dozen. They maintain equilibrium with each other as a matter of great priority. It is… a six-way contest that goes absolutely nowhere. And the city-states prefer it that way."
"You'll likely have to deal with the tribes individually," Stepmother Didi advised and then asked. "Have you been focusing your attempts on the city-states?"
"I have," Su Xing confirmed with frustration. "Like their maintained stalemate, I've gotten absolutely nowhere. It is nearly impossible to break into their game of politics, no matter the personal power I can bring to bear."
"So then… just stop trying," Stepsister Alice suggested with a shrug, her tone simple, nonchalant, and straight to the point without being cruel. "Stop smashing your head against the brick wall and just walk around it."
"I-!" Su Xing moved to argue… but brought himself up short. Laid out like that, there was an appeal in the simplicity.
Father agreed as well, "Yeah, I think that's your first real mistake here. It's where you're getting stuck. You might be well-known, respected, and powerful in Xiatalia, but you don't have an established power base that can disrupt the city-states' preferred status quo. Even if you break into their game alone, they'll just see you as a tool they can win over and wield, not a peer power."
Stepmother Didi nodded just once, "You're hyperfixating."
"Indeed!" Uncle Savage declared, grinning with menace on Su Xing's behalf. "As you've described the situation, the city-states only see the other city-states as their rivals. In a game of factions and nations, the six of them stand contentedly at the top, pushing and pulling amongst themselves. A single tribe couldn't hope to match them… But 6? 12? A coalition of 24 or more united under you?! One by one, you'll make the city-states quake and crumble! And they won't see their doom until it's already upon them!"
"I-I-…" Su Xing couldn't find his words, stunned by the shift of perspective laid out before him.
Sister Chen laid a gentle hand on his arm, saying softly, "Dealing with the city-states directly has shown itself to be futile, Elder Brother… Each of them sees you as nothing more than an advantage against their rivals. Even if you align with one, you'll just be drawn into the stalemate. The tribes, by comparison, are a path we haven't taken yet."
"That isn't to say this new path will be without difficulty, ā-Xing," Mother warned. "You will have to tailor your approach to each one individually, and once integrated, manage a coalition of differing cultures, old feuds and rivalries, and a great many egos. But you will certainly see progress this way."
"Honestly?" Stepsister Alice said. "Going for the tribes is going to require more diplomacy than aligning yourself with one city-state and being forced to make war with the rest."
"It… will, won't it…?" Su Xing considered aloud. The more he did, the greater the appeal grew. He'd been going about his conquest from the wrong angle, attacking a bulwark instead of an architectural oversight.
"More so than 'smashing your head against a brick wall when you could go around,' as Alice said," Sister Chen deadpanned.
"In the end, it's your choice," Father reminded. "We're just here to give you advice and point out what you might've missed. No matter what you do, know that I'll always be proud to call you my son."
"That, I will always remember, Father," Su Xing said, fighting to keep his voice from wavering through the sheer swell of emotion Father's words inspired. Pride — oh so sweet pride — and fondness — the love of a son for his father, already — and Su Xing had never felt more whole, more stable, more sure of himself.
"Noble, noble boy~…" Stepmother Didi cooed, reaching over to pull him into a loving hug. "You're going to fly. Just don't forget that you can always call upon us if you need help."
"I won't, Stepmother," Su Xing reassured, savoring Death's embrace.
"Hmn," Sister Chen wriggled her way — very ignobly — between them and into Death's embrace with a little pouting noise. "… Don't worry. I won't let him forget. The dutifully moral fool needs reminders from time to time."
"As you say, as I disagree," Su Xing rolled his eyes.
When they all pulled back from Death'sembrace, Su Xing saw that Father was wearing a smirk. A wicked and mischievous thing. Almost foxlike in one way, and just very, very amused by what was to come in another. Then, Su Xing knew dread… and excitement, for he'd certainly heard tales that began with just that smirk.
"Alright, champ, we're getting to the fun stuff now," Father said. "Me and your Uncle Savage are going to tell you the best way to establish yourself and an alliance over a great many disparate tribes."
"We will?" Uncle Savage blinked for only a moment before hopping on board with Father's mischief. "We WILL! Oh, I already have a working plan in mind! Knowing my rival and brother, his is undoubtedly similar!"
"I… don't understand," Su Xing voiced his wariness. "M-Mother…?"
"Do not look to me. Not now," Mother scoffed, not cruel but accepting of definite fate. "You are at the mercy of your father's wisdom. It is about time."
"Hey, Savage?" Father asked in good humor. "What's the most important aspect of conquering?"
"Breaking the will of the current ruler and getting their people on your side!" Savage declared.
"Let's save that for the city-states, not the tribes. Try the second most important aspect," Father deadpanned.
"Alliances and morale!" Savage answered the second request just as quickly as the first.
"And what's the best way to secure both alliances and morale, especially for a fledgling dynasty and royal line?" Father continued leadingly.
Savage's grin was wide and almost literally shining, "Why, marriages, of course! Everyone wants a piece of the royal line! And you should really start working towards a secure succession now, nephew."
The last was said almost chidingly. Su Xing barely noticed. His jaw was too busy dropping open. Horror was too busy blooming in his eyes. A terrible, terrible blush was too busy overtaking his cheeks. No! Tell him it was all a jest-?!
"There we are," Father nodded in satisfaction. "I hope you're ready to be popular, champ. You're going to win your coalition of tribes by selling your conquering body to the most powerful among them. I predict you'll end up with three wives, at least, and a good few concubines as well. You'll be by far the most eligible bachelor Xiatalia has ever seen. But afterward, the tribes will be invested in seeing you succeed. And I'll bet there's a good chance a boy like you finds love that way…"
"GOODNESS, that takes me back!" Savage laughed. "You'll find few women like tribal princesses, nephew, I guarantee it!"
Even Stepmother Didi nodded, "I support this course of action. All the tribal babes for my stepson."
"As do I," Mother agreed. "You're establishing a royal dynasty. You will, of course, need wives. And children. At least six of them, one for each city-state, while you build a capital in the center of them all."
"S-Six?!"
"Likely more, as heirs to your future wives' tribes, too," Other Mother Xiaodan gave a little laugh, "… Good luck, ā-Xing."
"I-I'm not ready-!" Su Xing stuttered.
"Best get ready quickly," Stepsister Alice giggled.
Sister Chen slowly nodded, "… I wouldn't say no to new goodsisters."
"W-Why would they want me-?!" Su Xing felt as if he was on the verge of panicking.
"Champ," Father deadpanned. "Soon enough, you're going to rule a whole world, or a significant enough portion of it that the difference won't matter. One way or another, you're going to have to deal with marriage. Best to play the card now while you can get the most out of it. And this way, your wives will know you first as a conqueror, not just the new emperor. That'll make a difference in your relationships, trust me."
"Doesn't get much more 'diplomatic' than alliances by marriage," Stepsister Alice pointed out.
"Un," Sister Chen agreed. "You brought this 'evil' onto yourself with your stubbornness, Elder Brother."
"I-I just wanted to conquer a whole world in Mother's name…" Su Xing definitely didn't whine. "Is that truly too much to ask?"
Father laughed, "No, but it does come with a few prices. The first of which, in your case, will be having to woo yourself a few tribal princesses to tie their peoples to your cause. It won't be the last, though. Wait until you get to the bureaucracy…"
"Hold yourself proudly, nephew!" Uncle Savage advised. "Take on every task asked of you with MANLY GUSTO! And when you return to conquer the city-states in truth, drive and break their leaders before you with RADICAL DIPLOMACY!"
"R-Radical diplomacy…?" Su Xing asked, already dreading the explanation.
"YES!" Uncle Savage laughed. "They dared to make themselves your enemies instead of allies! And so, you will take their ladies, their queens, and their wives! Diplomacy! Make peace by aggressive seduction and cuckoldry! When you march upon their walls and their men sally out to meet you, have the wives already prepared to open the gates behind them! Shatter their spirits! Massacre their motivations! Make them regret ever turning you away! Siege and seize their city-states without spilling a drop of blood more than necessary and ensure the populace LOVES you for it!"
"… This is an 'all is fair in love and war' moment, isn't it?" Alice muttered.
"It's just efficient, if cruel," Father chuckled. "Consider taking those wives as mistresses and concubines. It should smooth things over on the city-state side of things to not be completely left out of your newfound royal dynasty."
"Oh, Heavens…! Oh, Dao of Daos…! Oh, Ancestors and my Royal Blood…!" Su Xing felt as if he was on the verge of hyperventilating.
He couldn't just turn away everyone's advice. Not even Uncle Savage's, for the ancient man knew what he was doing better than most anyone. If an immortal conqueror told you how to conquer… well, it was best to listen. But, Heavens! It was all so overwhelming! The time for action would soon be upon him, as soon as he returned to his claimed world. In truth, Su Xing wasn't sure he was ready…
Father saw his troubles, of course, gently soothing with simple words, "Chin up, champ. Just take it one step at a time."
With effort, Su Xing raised his chin with pride and confidence he wasn't wholly feeling.
"Breathe, ā-Xing," Mother instructed.
Su Xing did, taking in a deep, ragged breath.
"Through all of this, don't forget to enjoy the little things in Life," Stepmother Didi reminded.
Su Xing took the words to heart. The simple advice soothed a bit more of his frayed nerves.
"You can still choose your wives in the end," Other Mother Xiaodan said softly. "Choose not for strength, for it will come no matter what on your path. Choose for companionship, and those you believe you will grow to love."
That… helped quite a bit more. In the end, the choice was his. Su Xing wouldn't throw away the future happiness of himself and his wives for the sake of conquest and conquest alone.
"You seem cool enough," Stepsister Alice shrugged. "I don't think you've got anything to worry about. Not really."
It was the reassurance of the young, just as inexperienced as Su Xing currently felt… But because of that, Su Xing took solace in his newfound sister's words. He was 'cool' ('-enough', but Su Xing didn't pay that last word any mind).
"I'll be with you, Elder Brother," Sister Chen asserted last. "I won't let any future goodsister take advantage of you. If you cannot trust them at first, trust that I will always stand with you."
With that, Su Xing finally settled. Not fully. But enough. His sister had been with him from the start, and she'd be with him until the end. He was not being cast alone into the unknown. Su Xing let out his first breath and took another, fortifying.
He bowed to everyone, "Thank you all for the guidance. I cannot promise to follow all of this advice, but I won't fail. Through Heaven and Hell, I will succeed and I will return to celebrate with Family."
Father smiled proudly, "That's my boy."
That simple reassurance and proud claim straightened Su Xing's back in his seat. Stepmother Didi's smile matched Father's in pride. Even Mother nodded in satisfaction. Then, Father turned his attention to Sister Chen. Su Xing nodded. She deserved just as many moments of Father's time as he did.
"What about you, Mercy?" Father asked.
Sister Chen cocked her head to the side, "Mercy?"
"Yeah, 'cause I suspect you have none," Father explained with audible amusement.
Su Xing nearly snorted in sudden laughter, "Not a single bit of it. Sister is ruthless and dangerous. Terrifying. If I didn't have her strength on my side, I might just spit blood and quit any endeavor against her outright."
"Mercy…" Sister Chen muttered, rolling the name on her tongue. "… I like it."
"I'm glad you do," Father smiled. "Now, what are you up to these days? Other than supporting your brother in conquest, of course."
With only her relative quietness showing her nerves, Sister Chen answered, "… I do origami."
"Adorable. Perfect," Stepmother Didi instantly assured.
Sister Chen relaxed at that and began to open up, "… It is my art. Has been for years, now. There is so much one can do with a single, unbroken page. Would-… Would you like a dragon, Stepmother…?"
"Yes! Goodness, yes!" Stepmother Didi beamed.
"Anything you make, Mercy, we'll cherish," Father smiled as well.
Sister Chen fell silent for a moment, then. Awed and processing the new experience of Father and Stepmother doting over her, Su Xing knew. He felt the same, after all. It hardly lasted forever. Almost instantaneously, in a flash of movement, she produced one of her origami pages and began folding.
She had Father and Stepmother's full attention as she walked them through the creation process, "Fold here… Crease… Another crease… Unfold and refold perpendicular-…"
It went on like that for a while. Su Xing spotted one of Other Mother Xiaodan's rare smiles as Father and Stepmother gave Sister Chen the focus she desperately needed and craved. Even Uncle Savage's smile wasn't as boisterous as usual. It was content. Almost soft. Su Xing felt his heart swell in the connection of the moment. Family. This was how it should be.
Outside of Father's bar, the sun rose on a world foreign to Su Xing. Not foreign for long, he hoped. Wherever Father and Stepmother made their home, Su Xing knew he and his sister would always be welcome.
But eventually, the time came to part ways. As comfortable as Family was, there was still work to be done. Father sent them all home with hugs and promises to meet again. Then, Su Xing and his sister returned to his claimed world. The world that awaited conquest… And Su Xing's marriages, too, now…
His first wife ended up almost choosing herself. A young woman of Obsidian Beauty with a powerful tribe at her back. A 'coven' as they called themselves… Immediately, Su Xing was taken by her darkness, by her mystery, by her macabre mind and sharp silver tongue.
It was only right, in the end. Like father, like son… Su Xing found that his apple didn't fall far from his father's tree at all…
IIIII
[AN: Not much actually happened in this chapter, but that was by design. It's fluff. And I felt we needed the buffer instead of diving straight into the next story.
That's coming in the next chapter, along with the return of Ciri and the Edgerunners. They've been kicking around the DC 'verse, doing gigs with Deathstroke, but I feel it's only right to bring them back for this next story world. Sean never lived in Cyberpunk… But he did live in A cyberpunk world. Just one with magic, dragons, elves, and spirits on top of the usual cyberpunk fair. Enter the Dragon, y'all. Shadowrun is up next.]