𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞

Ⅸ 𝒔𝒉𝒖-𝒉𝒂𝒏

KAZ AND BREY SAT BESIDE EACH OTHER AT THE SMALL TABLE IN HIS ROOM. Papers strewn about as they put together passports for the Crows plus Zoya and Toyla. In his other hand was a book of Shu relics, looking for any trace of the sword Toyla and Zoya spoke of. "Spect and Yara went to the Shu embassy and Maxim is digging up an old mission," Brey relayed, writing down the Shu letters of the name she gave herself.

Kaz nodded and set the book down. "This book is rubbish anyway," Kaz muttered, closing it with a small slam. Kaz pondered with himself for a moment before tapping his cane against the ground softly, drawing Brey's attention. "At the Emerald Palace, when we spoke in your... dimension," Kaz started and Breydon hummed. "You gave me this look, your eyes. I've never seen it before, with anyone."

Breydon chuckled dryly and went back to writing on the papers. "You mean when it looked like you crawled out of hell?" Breydon asked, shaking her head.

"I've seen hell, it's cold and dark," Kaz said and Breydon looked up.

"Okay let me rephrase," Breydon said, setting the ink pen down. "When you looked like you crawled out of a specialised hell. One I've seen before, one that tormented me. Hell's different for everyone." Kaz looked down but Brey kept her eyes on him. "You may not like it Kaz, and I don't like it much either, but I was scared for you."

"Why?" Kaz asked, shaking his head. "Why help me do this?"

"I don't know Kaz, but when you ask me to do something I somehow always do it, even when it's fucking stupid." Breydon brushed her fingers against each other and Kaz watched her. "Maxim should be back by now, Spect shouldn't be long either. I told them to meet up here."

𓅨

BREYDON STOOD NEXT TO ACE AT THE BAR. Ace had rummaged through Breydon's draws in search of something else to put on a shelf that wasn't another kife, instead they found a red silk blouse and immediately claimed it. Ace reasoned that they had only seen Brey wear black or grey.

"Ha-Eun says that you are Grisha," Toyla said and Brey's eyebrows shot up. She turned her head to Ace who stood on her left but they quickly shook their head. "Zoya also mentioned it, but both are reluctant to tell me what."

"You shouldn't mention Grisha so loudly," Breydon hissed in Shu. Brey turned to Toyla on her right and she didn't miss the surprise on Toyla's face. "The Kerch aren't as... excepting."

Kaz staunched down the stairs and Brey looked up. "The Neshyenyer at Ahmrat Jen is definitely a fake," Kaz announced, holding out the passport papers.

"Which we told you," Zoya snapped as she and Toyla each took a paper. "Perhaps now you tell us something we didn't know?"

Kaz walked around to the other side of the bar, pausing by Nina and Wylan. "According to my contacts, it's been stolen by a thief known as The Disciple." They both took a paper waiting for Kaz to continue. "He had a penchant for stealing Saint-related relics while on jobs."

"So he's a thief and a collector?" Wylan asked, flipping the paper in his hand.

"And retired," Kaz added. "But he has since put a few pieces of his collection on the black market."

"So, to get to him, we go to his fence," Toyla shrugged, taking another bite of whatever he was eating.

"Ohval Saran," Kaz answered. "She has a tea shop in Bhez Ju. To speak with her, we have to order yellow chrysanthemum tea, off-menu."

In Shu, Brey and Nina recited in a tandum, "Yellow chrysanthemum tea."

Toyla chuckled softly, smiling at Nina. "It pairs well with sesame rice cakes," Toyla said in Shu.

"Let's discuss. Tell me more," Nina ordered, speaking in Kerch once again. They stepped aside, laughing with each other. Footsteps sounded off the stairs and Kaz looked up. Jesper led Inej down the stairs, her anger boiling at the sight of Kaz. Kaz turned and snatched the paper from Wylan's hand making him jump slightly.

"Here," Brey said, catching Ace's attention. "I didn't want to use your Shu or Kerch name."

"Thanks," Ace said with a smile. Ace flicked the paper in their hand nervously and looked up at Breydon. "I was going to tell you my Shu name."

"You didn't need to. I get it, I've changed my own name so many times," Brey smiled, leaning forward on the counter.

"Well, what one do you like the most?" Ace asked, copping Breydon's movements.

"Which one do you like?" Ace laughed softly, turning their head away.

"Um, Breydon, sorry, can I ask you something?" Wyaln asked, walking next to her.

"I'll go pack," Ace said, standing and walking toward the stairs.

"For me or you?" Breydon called.

"Both I guess."

Brey laughed softly and turned back to Wyaln. "What do you need?"

"You speak Shu right?" Wylan asked, his hands knocking against the wood counter as he held his paper tight.

"Yeah."

"Could you tell me how to pronounce this?" Wylan held the paper out, looking up at her and then around then back to her.

"Once we get on Shu Han it won't matter," Breydon said with shrug. "Ace, Toyla, Nina and I will do most of the talking."

"But what if someone asked."

Brey's eyes wandered over Wylan's face. He was shakier than usual and his eyes scanned around the room quicker than ever. Brey took the note and laughed softly. "Kaz wrote this one, take that as you wish. Fen Hua, make the h sound a w and enunciate." Wylan repeated the name to himself and nodded. "It means youthful and energetic."

"What about yours?" Wyaln asked, his eyes finally pausing to look at Breydon.

"Chao-xing, the xi is a sh sound, means morning star."

𓅨

THEY ARRIVED IN SHU-HAN A LITTLE UNDER TWO DAYS LATER. The sky was a clear blue and dozens of sparkled golden fish swam in the waters by the docs. The buildings were tall, stacked high and close together. Most of the buildings were red or gold, and streamers and lanterns hung across the buildings and crossed over each of the paths. Their group was at a tourist destination, people from all across buying knickknacks.

"We have to go to the food corner," Ace said excitedly. Their smile was bright and happy and they fit in so well among the other Shu people. Ace's eyes were still darker, most vendors selling people goods had golden eyes. Ace looks better with dark eyes anyway.

Toyla led the way to a fountain-like structure adorned with candles and incense. Letters of good wishes were accompanied by fruit. Wyaln, Jesper and Kaz walked further on, watching as the others waited by the small fountain. Ace and Toyla kneeled, taking incense and praying to their family. Toyla thanked his parents and Ace wished well on their grandmother. Inej kneeled next to Ace, taking the incense as well. Zoya, Nina and Breydon watched them. Once Toyla had finished speaking, Zoya and Nina did the same. Ace looked up at Breydon, offering their hand. "I um, I'd rather not," Breydon said softly.

"It's bad luck if you don't," Toyla said, standing.

"All my luck is bad," Breydon replied.

"So you've never lost anyone you want to wish well?" Toyla questioned, resting his hand on his hip.

"Leave her," Inej muttered. Breydon smiled and nodded at Inej. Toyla shook his head and wandered off.

Ace blew out the candle and stood, Nina, Zoya and Inej doing the same. They walked over to the boys and stood around. "There is still time before the tea shop opens," Ace said. "Perhaps we should get some food, Shu treats are much better than Kerch's. No offence."

"It's true," Jesper laughed.

"I would love something sweet," Nina nodded.

"Well then, if you would like sweets, follow me," Toyla ordered. He stepped through the crowds, Nina, Zoya and Inej following.

Ace shrugged and walked the other way, Wylan, Jesper and Brey following them. Kaz muttered something about the tea shop before slipping away.

They walked to the markets where they spotted a stall selling duck and rice. Jesper and Ace over leaving Wylan and Brey on the side. Brey smelt the cooking meat and her stomach churned and she turned her head away. "Can we find something other than duck?" Wylan asked Brey.

"Please." They walked further down the stalls, spotting a fruit and meat shop, chicken coated in some orange sauce.

Wylan walked closer pointing upwards at the picture. The woman serving said something in Shu, then motioned to the writing, chicken and sauce than to chicken and pigs broth. Wylan stammered his hands shaking. Brey swallowed the pit lump in her throat and ordered the first option before quickly spinning away. The others had found Jesper and Ace and they made their way to Wylan and Breydon. "Don't you like chicken?" Wylan asked.

"Seriously?" Nina squeaked. "What about pork?"

Brey turned her face away grimacing slightly. "She doesn't eat meat," Jesper informed.

"A Kerch girl that doesn't eat meat?" Zoya laughed.

"You can have Ha-Eun's rice," Toyla offered and Ace nodded.

"I can smell the sauce," Brey said shaking her head, she shook out her hand, her fingers brushing as she counted time. "The tea shop should be open by now. Let's go." Breydon stepped away, Inej and Nina following her.

"She doesn't eat meat?" Ace asked, looking up at Jesper and he shook his head.

"Storing that information for when you make a dinner?" Toyla teased. Ace scoffed and flicked the bag of nuts he held, spilling them on the floor. "Hey!"

.

Toyla, Jesper and Ace sat around a small table, Shu drinks in hand as Wylan browsed through the stores. Jesper watched Wylan closer, his fingers tapping against the table. "Go on then, what did you do to him?" Toyla asked, setting his cup down. Jesper turned to Toyla with a look on his face and Ace laughed

"Clearly you've done something stupid," Ace agreed and Jesper turned to look at them.

"I did not do anything stupid," Jesper said shaking his head. Ace hummed in disbelief making Toyla laugh. "I said something stupid."

"There it is," Ace muttered.

"Well, how will you fix it?" Toyla asked.

Jesper scoffed, shaking his head. "If I knew that, then I wouldn't be talking to you two, would I?"

"Funny you should say that," Toyla smiled. "There is a poem-"

"That'll be incentive enough," Jesper said, cutting Toyla off. He took his drink and skulled the last of it before standing and rushing to Wylan.

"They all seem to hate poems and provinces," Ace said, shaking their head. "Well, except Breydon."

"You seem to talk about Breydon a lot," Toyla observed.

"I do not," Ace said with a laugh.

"What's going on there?"

"Nothing."

"Do you like her?"

"Maybe."

"I think she likes you."

"Toyla..."

"Maybe you should-"

"Toyla enough," Ace hissed, spinning to face Toyla. "She and Jesper just ended things and I don't want to be the person who just snatched her up." Ace sighed and reached for her cup. "Feels like a shitty thing to do."

Toyla took a sip from his drink as well. "I do think she likes you," Toyla said anyway. "You're the only one she gave reasoning as to why she didn't want the food."

"That doesn't mean anything."

"You're wearing her clothes and her jewellery."

"A gift."

"A gift to someone she just met," Toyla reasoned. "Do you know what Tamar would say if she were here?"

"Ace!" Wylan called, moving around Jesper. "Sorry, Ace, could I get your help?"

What happened? Toyla mouthed and Jesper shrugged, throwing his arms up.

.

Breydon sat at the table beside Nina and Kaz. She sat closest to Nina, but still at arm's length. Inej was somewhere on the roof, Brey couldn't see her but it was no doubt she was there. Breydon had a rose water tea and a tray of small biscuits. She skimmed through the leather book, half listening to Nina and Kaz argue about tea, half reading along the lines of her mother's handwriting. It was all in perfect cursive, except the e's and n's.

A woman walked through the crowds and sat across from Kaz. Brey turned her head away, playing with the stings and loose paper in the book, focussing on listening to them speak.

Nina spoke first, using Shu as a start. "We were hoping you could put us in contact with one of your clients, The Disciple."

"Your pronunciation of our language is impressive... for a Ravkan," The Shu woman said, speaking in Ravkan.

Niona chuckled softly. "That is quite the ear you have. My husband and I are from Ketterdam, but my mother is Ravkan." Breydon smiled to herself. Hearing Nina call Kaz her husband was something she would never forget. "I inherited my affinity for Saint-related artifacts from her."

"Husband?" The woman said in disbelief. "Surprising. I thought the Kerch were more affectionate."

"Well, in private, he's all hands," Nina said slyly and Breydon laughed softly, taking the tea to hide it. "Isn't that right, Waffles?" Breydon nearly snorted.

"Does Waffles take issue with my culture's customs?" The woman asked. This day will be the end of Brey.

"Dear. We've come all this way... for this." From the corner of her eye, Breydon could see Kaz removing his gloves. Slowly. He placed them on top of each other and Breydon turned away again. This time her eyes moved up, spotting Inej on the roof.

"Anyway," Nina spoke up, returning to their business, "our contact mentioned that since The Disciple's retirement, he has periodically parted with some of his personal collection."

"You're looking for something specific," The woman recognised.

"The Neshyenyer," Kaz spoek up.

"The Neshyenyer is at Ahmrat Jen," The woman said softly.

"From what we understand, that one's a fake," Kaz continued. Brey bit her tongue, Kaz take this slowly.

"I wouldn't know anything about that," The woman pressed her hand to the top of the kettle and Breydon followed her gaze to the Shu woman in green who had served Breydon her tea.

"What if we told you The Disciple could name his price?" Nina offered.

"I'd say you have a surprising amount of disposable income... for thieves."

"We're not thieves," Nina said with a nervous chuckle, "we're, we're just collectors."

"I've worked with enough thieves to know them when I see them," The woman said sternly. "If you want the blade, you'll have to steal it from Ahmrat Jen." The woman stood quickly and Kaz followed, colliding with a woman. They spilled tea down his coat and Breydon's head snapped up, she slotted the book in her coat and watched Kaz spiral.

Kaz turned with heavy breathing, slamming his hands against the table. "Brekker, just breathe," Nina ordered, sliding her hand on top of his. Kaz tore his hand back, leaving his gloves and cane as he ran. Breydon looked up at Inej, nodding her onwards.

Nina looked up as well, watching Inej disappear. "Breydon-"

Breydon was gone. She had grabbed Kaz's cane gloves, disappearing into the crowds. Kaz pushed through people, some had tried to grab and steady him which only panicked him more. Breydon ran close, taking him by the shoulders and pulling them both to the wall. Kaz slid down against the wall that lead to a door. He gasped and his hand fumbled. Breydon slid the cane to him and blocked the door with a knife. Quickly she froze time, some stared as balls of green light appeared in her palms. You can't do this! They can see you! Breydon shook her head and dropped next to Kaz as everything slowed. He shuddered, his hat fell off and he sunk into himself as his head fell against the wall. He gripped his cane so tightly his skin changed color, he was clamy and could barely breath. Just this once.

Breydon shuffled back. She put her hand behind her to steady her on her knees and the others gripped Kaz's gloves tight. "You shouldn't- You shouldn't have done that," Kaz gasped, his voice broken as he stammered through his sentence. "You could be seen."

"Just this once," Breydon said softly, she straightened the gloves and placed them by his shoes before shuffling back again. Kaz snatched the gloves, holding that and his cane tightly. Kaz spared her another look and Brey turned away, leaning against the wall. 'Take as long as you need."

𓅨

❝ I am never bound by 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 ❞