The city of Fengdu, though always alive, came to life in a new way on this day. For it was a rare day–a day which all the inhabitants anxiously awaited. They yearned for these days more than any others. For today, the King was in town. 

For Caiji, this was just another day. She didn’t care much for the attention the other always drew when they were together. More often than not, she would choose to stay at the manor. She didn’t wish to accompany Zhi Yu on any of his conquests to town, not with how annoying and rambunctious the members of the city could be. She had hoped, as she often did, that perhaps today would be different. Perhaps, for once, the residents would remain calm. 

Caiji repeated silent pleas in her mind, asking that they would not be bothered today. As she walked barefoot through the city, she knew Zhi Yu would find displeasure with her lack of footwear. However, she was nothing if not stubborn. Her small hands clenched into the sides of her robes, eyes darting around her–a habit she had picked up in her previous life–unable to not keep a watchful eye on her surroundings after the amount of bullying and attacks she had previously faced. The city was different: not quieter, of course not. But people were scared of Zhi Yu, so they would never choose to mess with her either. 

The mantras continued as they neared the rear entrance to the city, far enough away from the manor now that she truly wished to turn back. Unlike the other residents, she liked the darkness and felt at home there. The peace and lack of disturbance was something she craved previously in her life and was only now granted the luxury of. But here, there was no longer the safety of darkness to conceal her. 

She was broken out of her thoughts and pleas by the first signs of what she had hoped to avoid this whole time. A loud yell of, “It’s the Master!” made her aware of what would be next to occur. 

Almost as if manifesting the idea, creatures, ghosts, and demons of all different shapes and sizes started to surround the two as they walked together. Some were a light blue in colour, some were nice looking and almost, you could say, presentable. Others carried a horrific smell of decaying flesh, one which made Caiji  want to cover her mouth and nose. She did not do this, of course. Not only did she wish to act out of politeness, but she also did not want to be seen like the disgusting creatures surrounding the two. She was and would be better than them.

Her eyes darted around restlessly as she took in those closest to her, noting that two of the creatures standing nearby were the men she had seen by the Manor before. Now they stood in the same robes, hands crossed aggressively while they sneered at all that were in front of them. They clearly thought they were better than the rest and weren’t acting with the same respect and admiration the others so freely gave to Zhi Yu. Perhaps, they were new to town.

“Master, do you need anything?”

“Allow me to get the Master something to eat.”

“Yes! The Master deserves everything!”

“Must respect our Lord!”

The various cries rang out, and though Caiji heard them her eyes were firmly fixed on the two men. They irked her, a glimpse of her previous life again coming back to haunt her. One of them rolled his eyes and muttered to his friend. “Who the fuck cares about the old man?”

The other responded, a sneer on his face, “Yeah and look at that small piece of trash beside him. Clearly he has no taste, not if he's going for ‘em younger.”

“At least she's fresh meat!” the other man chuckled, nudging his friend, dirty grey robes moving with the movement. 

They were disgusting. Caiji narrowed her eyes to glare fully at the two off to the side of the crowd. One of them stood tall, though he seemed skinny and lifeless. He had green eyes and peeling purple skin, along with one missing front tooth which could be seen through the grin he was sporting. The other had his hip cocked, arms still crossed as his own dirty white robes (or at least she guessed that they once were white before all of the dirt and grime that covered them was there) folded around him. This one had a bluish tint to the varying cracks in his skin. The pale skin peeled back and looked as though he had tried to glue the pieces together to create more of an attractive appearance, not that this had worked. Internally, Caiji rolled her eyes, disgusted that this trash was even allowed in the same space as Zhi Yu.

Zhi Yu was busy smiling at all the creatures surrounding him. Today he wore bright purple robes. He’d adorned himself with more silver than he would typically wear at home to the point that he jingled slightly whenever he moved. He thought it was needed; Caiji thought it ostentatious. He had on his typical black boots, though a fancier hairpiece adorned his hair and was neatly pinned to the top of his head, the rest running neatly down his back. He was the picture of elegance. An almost comical, at least to Caiji, contrast to those who surrounded him. Yet, he was polite, gently answering questions that were asked.

“My Lord, allow our finest ladies to serve you,” an older ghost spoke. He had a haggard but looked after appearance, simple black robes clean and a greying hair and beard visible to those who bothered to look. His brown eyes shone with a want to provide for his Master. Yet, once again, Zhi Yu declined. 

“I thank you, though it is not necessary. I do not seek companionship.”

The man bowed and immediately agreed. “Yes, yes of course my lord, this one meant nothing by it.” He raised his hands defensively before bowing and taking his leave.

It seemed Caiji was not the only one to have noticed this take place, as one of the two men from before decided to speak, no loudly than before but Caiji knew Zhi Yu was always aware of everything that was said in his domain. “Of course not, he has that young piece of ass.” His friend cackled and agreed with the other. It was at this point Caiji noticed a shift in Zhi Yu’s demeanour as he straightened, eyes falling to the younger man. 

“Can ya blame him,” the other responded, turning to look at Caiji. His eyes raked over her frame, making her fold slightly into herself under the attention. “I mean look at her, I would -”

Whatever the end of his crude sentence was going to be, no one could say. The words didn’t manage to leave his mouth before, quick as a whip, Zhi Yu had moved. Grasping the man by his throat and holding him in the air, a look of pure hatred and resentment glowed in the King’s eyes. 

The  surrounding creatures immediately took a step back, not wanting to anger their Lord further. Even the boy's friend moved to step out of the way, but he quickly found his arms bound behind his back by small but strong hands. Caiji, noticing the other’s movement, had reacted immediately.  Angling her foot toward the backs of his knees, she forced him to kneel, making their heights now similar from this position and holding his arms tightly to ensure he couldn’t run.

She moved her eyes back to the scene unfolding in front of her. Zhi Yu’s hand was tightening dramatically around the other man’s throat, cutting off any and all air supply and making his hands move to grasp at Zhi Yu’s. Of course, this was to no avail– Zhi Yu would never budge under such a small amount of strength. The man's eyes began to bulge slightly as his legs kicked in the air. 

“How dare you speak about her in such a manner.” Zhi Yu hissed through clenched teeth, his fist tightening further. “You vermin have no right.” A purple stream of almost smoke-like energy started pouring from Zhi Yu. This moment was when Caiji knew she would have to intervene, lest the others nearby be taken apart also. 

Caiji lifted the other man, just slightly off of the ground, enough so that she could reach where Zhi Yu was without having to let the other go. Her voice was soft, yet sharp enough to cut through the haze she knew the other was under. 

“Zhi Yu, enough. This is not worth your time.” 

Zhi Yu twisted his head to look at her, eyes still hard with rage. “He disrespected you. He doesn’t deserve to breathe.”

“Now is not the time or place. We can get Bolin to deal with them at the Manor.” She spoke calmly, letting her eyes flicker to the others standing nearby.

Zhi Yu exhaled before moving to grab the man’s hair, pressing two fingers to the crook of his neck, and throwing his now limp form over one shoulder. He turned and did the same to the man by Caiji’s feet, lifting him over the same shoulder, as he too fell limp. Caiji watched Zhi Yu, carefully monitoring his movements. It would do no good for him to go feral here, not in front of everyone. That could cause an uprising, which was not something she wished to see. 

She blinked up at Zhi Yu. He offered a hand. She took it, and allowed herself to be lifted. She understood that he needed her close right now, that he needed to know she was safe.

As they headed toward the Manor, she could only imagine the sight the four must make. She was cradled in one of Zhi Yu’s arms while the other arm held the two unconscious men steadily over his shoulder. She was unable to help the small huff of laughter that fell from her as a smile appeared across her face. He protected her… and that made her feel a happiness and warmth she hadn’t before. The sun began to fall into twilight–the last thing she saw as her eyes fluttered closed, exhausted from expending what little power she had, but happy and content in the other’s arms.