Author's Note: I had to scrap the beginning and start over with this match. It's not that great, but next week will be much better. Next week, we will check in on Russia and Vozrozhdeniye. We haven't seen them all season, have we? Also, I think I will have to change up my method of inspiration when I am writing this project. My sources come from horror podcasts, mindfuck movies/series, horror series (OG Twilight series this year), Durarara, and horror YouTube. It's just getting a little bit dull. I am thinking about mixing it up with some ASMR ambiance videos or playlist mixes on YouTube. I might even check out some limital spaces video. For now, enjoy this week's match.

Match Thirteen: Liao-Wang Clan:

-Ju-

I didn't have time to wrap my head around what I just heard.

Witches were targeting my son to be some knight in some war? Like hell I'm going to let that happen. Before today, I would've thought that all of this was bullshit. Now, I don't know what to make of this anymore. On top of that, Qi wants to protect my family. I still don't know about her. What does she really want from me? She said something about atonement.

I rubbed my forehead. This is doing my head in.

Now, I had to keep my husband and this weird woman with her to keep from killing each other. The black woman had her spear up, poised to stab somebody. Yao used his eyes to look around for his wok. Both dared each other to move.

"Stop!" I shouted.

"Noelle, stand down!" Qi shouted. The woman lowered her spear and stepped back. She still glared at him. Yao glared at my cousin.

"And what is she doing here?" he asked.

"Your son is in danger," Qi said. "I can help him." Yao glared at her.

"Why should we believe you?" he asked.

"You've been stalked by witches lately, haven't you?" my cousin asked. My husband froze.

"I don't know what you are talking about," he lied. My heart sank.

"Why would you say that?" I asked. Yao must have seen my face because he sighed and dropped his shoulders.

"Fine, what do you want with us?" he asked.

"Atonement," Qi said. Yao looked confused.

"For what?" he asked in a cold tone.

"Yao!" I said. My cousin lowered her head. Some mumbled something under her breath.

"Excuse me?" he asked, wrinkling his nose.

"My companions," Qi repeated. Noelle's grip tightened on her spear.

"What is that supposed to mind?" Yao asked. Qi didn't answer. My husband looked up at me just as confused. I didn't have an answer to give him.

-Qi-

My mother was a monster. I don't think that I can stress this enough. I just didn't know how much of a monster she was. It would take Noelle to make me see it. Actually, there were two others to hint something at me.

Looking back, I did see some red flags. Outside of my dolls, I never interacted with other children. I barely got out of the house either. It was mostly just lessons and playing with my dolls. I never thought that was strange.

My mother never beat me or anything like that. She wasn't exactly a warm person either. She trained me into the vessel I am today. That's right. I am a vessel.

I can't exactly put it in words. I will have to show you.

I used to work on knives. She tied knives to my feet and shoes. Not tiny ones either. Big ones at first. Think of foot binding, but worse. It was to "improve my balance". I never understood what she meant by that. I went along with no question. For a four-year-old, my feet were always aching because of those knives. I wasn't allowed to complain. I was never allowed to show any weakness. Yes, she was that kind of mother.

I don't really have happy memories of my childhood. In fact, I don't have some memories at all. It's not amnesia. I just might be repressing some things and I just don't know it. In fact, I keep seeing some memories that aren't mine at all. I have a guess as to whose they are.

I bowed my head.

"I do apologize," I said. "I am here to help your family." Yao gave me an angry scowl. I'm clearly not going to convince him with words. He folded his arms across his chest.

"And why do you think you would be good enough," he said. I didn't flinch.

"Allow me the chance to show you with my actions," I said. "I don't think I can convince you with words." I looked out of the corner of my eye. Noelle was at ease now. At least I don't have to worry about her attacking. Suddenly, I heard a baby crying upstairs. I turned back to Ju. She rose to her feet.

"I hope you'll excuse me," Ju said. She got up and left the table. Yao and I watched her leave the room. My focus returned to Yao. His eyes looked so cold.

"I am not your enemy," I said. "Please trust me."

"Where is your mother?" he asked.

"Dead," I said. He didn't respond. I don't blame him. My legacy has followed me here. I shouldn't be surprised. I heard whispering in my ear. Yes, I understand. I noticed Yao giving me a hard stare.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked. What he said next threw me for a loop. I hadn't expected him to know. But there it was.

"You're a vessel, aren't you?" he asked. I raised my eyebrow.

"Whatever do you mean?" I asked. I had the feeling that Noelle was moving her hand to her spear. We waited for his response.

-Ju-

I picked up Jing from his crib.

"Shhh, shhh, shhh," I whispered. "It's okay. It's okay. I'm here." He started to quiet down as I bounced him in my arms. I quickly scanned the room. Good, no one around. I looked down at my son. Seeing his little face calmed me down. I kissed him on the forehead.

"I won't let you be used as some fighter," I whispered to him. "No, I won't. No, I won't. I'm not going to let that happen." I bounced around my little angel as I walked around in his room. I felt myself smiling. It wouldn't be too bad to at least hear Qi out on what she plans to do.

I looked over at the clock on the wall. It's nearly ten already? Where has the morning gone? Maybe I could invite Qi to have lunch with us. Yao might not agree with that. I will have to talk to him later. I gently set Jing back into his crib. I gave him one more kiss on the forehead.

"I'll be back later," I whispered. A little smile spread across my face before I turned and walked out of the room.

When I made it back to the dining room, everyone was sitting around silent. I looked around with a confused look on my face.

"Is something wrong? Did something happen?" I asked. Qi stood up.

"There's something else I have to tell you," she said.

"What?" I asked, blinking. She opened her mouth to speak.