Choices

1 - Reversals

A/N:  So...the AU that no one asked for, but was written, anyway *runs away and hides*

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"Warrior Xiao Yan, pretty please?"

The delicate adonis of the Southern Realms, Green Demon Lord Yan Chiwu, stomped his mighty foot and scrunched his beautiful face into an adorable scowl. "Hell no."

"Why not?" Innocent eyes misted over with tears; coupled with the helpless furrowing of perfectly arched brows and the pouting of cherry red lips, the full effect was nothing short of irresistible. "Am I not your sworn sister? How could you even think of refusing me in my greatest time of need?"

Knowing full well the effect of that pitiful face on the frail-hearted, Yan turned his back to his so-called "friend" and stood his ground. "Xiaojiu, do you have any idea how stupid your request is? Fanyin Valley is a restricted place for us demons. Not to mention, it only opens every winter solstice, and only the most powerful beings could manage the spell to enter the valley. Why would I risk my hide to get into that dangerous place?"

"I told you, the Saha fruit that I need grows only in that valley. I have it on good authority that for this decade, its fruit can make mortals rise from the dead. I really, really, really need to get it, Xiaoyan. Won't you help me?"

Yan Chiwu sighed. "This is about that mortal general again, isn't it? The one you owe a life debt to?" Seeing her nod, he despaired, "Why can't you just let it go? It's not like you asked him to save your life. Why do you have to feel responsible for his choices?"

Bai Fengjiu, Princess of Qingqiu, shook her head at Yan's reaction. "We foxes always honor our debts. What does it matter whether the act was intentional or not, or whether the person is a mortal, god, or demon? A debt is a debt, it must be paid in kind."

"You gods make everything so complicated," Yan sneered, then snorted, "do you realize that if I help you, then you will be indebted to me in turn? It will be a cycle of never-ending debts. Do you really want that?"

Fengjiu rolled her eyes, as she often does in the face of Xiaoyan's dramatics as to the differences of gods and demons. As far as she is concerned, aside from their origins, there is not much difference between their clans.

"If you must know, I am already up to my eyeballs in debt. Besides, as my sworn brother, why do I need to owe you anything?" She perked up and said, "how about this? If you agree, I will cook for you in your palace from today until the winter solstice, in exchange for your bringing me to Fanyin Valley. That's six months of free, delectable meals, courtesy of the best cook in all the realms!"

Yan stilled. Xiaojiu's culinary skills are truly top-notch; not to mention, his palace chef had bailed since a month ago, and it will take a while before he could find a suitable replacement. But really, is the promise of three yummy, square meals a day worth the danger of entering Fanyin Valley, against orders?

"Fine," he said, mind made up. After all, he is Yan Chiwu, Green Demon Lord, one of the most vicious in all the realms. Certainly his picky palate and stomach is worth so much more than some stupid prohibition. "On one condition - you have to live in my palace from today till the valley opens. I don't want to have to fetch you from Qingqiu when it's time for my meals."