𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧 !

「 𝟎 𝟎 𝟔 」

"I'm bound to the Great Rakshasa by soul." You sigh out, lifting your upper clothing and exposing the seal placed on the side of your waist.

"Is there no way to lift it?" Yi Zaha hums, bringing a hand to his chin and examining the mark made by hot forging steel. 

"I don't believe so. I was bound to my master the day they bought me from a slave auction."

Yi Zaha nods his head, "What happens if you follow another master or disobey the rakshasa?"

There were a lot of things you had hidden from him in the past life. He knew that, but never pressed any further, knowing you'd tell him anytime if he wanted to. He believed you were perhaps ashamed—embarassed of the past you endured,  but maybe it was his fault for not asking any questions. 

"Last time I tried, I felt all my bones break and my skin peel itself. I'd probably die a horrible death if I agreed to follow you." You sigh, crossing your legs, like it was a casual thing to experience. 

Red Monkey visibly deflates and Golden Pig looks at you in pity.

"But, it's fine. if Yi Zaha can succeed, then that means the curse might lift." You assure them, not wanting the hopeful mood to dampen.

'That's probably it. we met after the great rakshasa was killed by Moyong Baek, who was the poison demon at the time, and she didn't seem to have the seal mark on her then.'

You wonder why you've suddenly opened up to this man. Perhaps it was because you saw him use qi telekinesis with your own eyes or because he fed you delicious food, but he always seemed so soft and you couldn't help but indulge in the way he spoils you.

"For now, continue to follow the great rakshasa. I'll kill that bastard for sure so you don't have to endure his bullshit for another day."

You chuckle under your breath, "yes, I wi—!!"

A sudden throbbing pain shoots through out your body, seemingly coming from the seal on your waist. Your eyes blur and blood spills from your mouth. No matter how many times you've gone through this, your body will never get used to it. 

Yi Zaha acts quick, catching you before you fall onto the floor of the carriage, keeping you stable as you continue to cough out an alarming amount of blood. 

"The Great Rakshasa must be calling for Sister Mantis." Golden pig states, knowing the old man couldn't bear to have you stay outside for more than a week without reports.

"He's right." you groan, pushing Yi Zaha away and regaining composure.

"I have to leave. We'll see each other when we can." you quickly put on your mask before standing, wiping the blood that drips from your chin.

With that, you disappear from the carriage, rushing off to the Great Rakshasa. 

"If the Great Rakshasa is calling for sister, then that means the match between two of the top four heavenly generals will begin very soon."

Gold Boar was correct, because now, you're together with your brothers and your master, speeding towards the black rabbit union.

Thankfully you had gone a longer route, otherwise they would have suspected you if you came from the same direction you're speeding towards now.

"Sister Mantis, I heard you were sent out to investigate." green dragon greets you, matching your speed. His hair moves with the wind, tanned skin looking striking underneath the moonlight. 

You simply nod your head, quietly clearing your throat like it still hurt. 

Landing on the roofs of the buildings, you're not surprised when you see Yi Zaha already standing in the courtyard, wearing the rabbit mask of a heavenly general.

Piggy and Red Monkey are already within the crowd, and you're glad neither of them wore their masks. Perhaps it was to blend in and not garner the attention of their master. 

After you land, the Great Rakshasa arrives, and the heavenly generals immediately bow their heads, "we greet our master!"

"I came because I was bored." the Rakshasa explains.

 "Fight."

'Brother Rabbit' doesn't say anything and simply walks down the flight of stairs, hands behind his back, observing the heavenly generals who watch idly by the sade, then to you, who stands the closest to the Great Rakshasa. 

"Fourth." The Great Rakshasa turns toward White Rooster, "He's not someone you can handle. Step aside."

Your junior brother hides his humiliated expression look before bowing his head, "Yes."

"The match list is mistaken. White Tiger, Green Dragon, Red Snake...face him all at once."

You observe Yi Zahas composure, expecting him to hesitate given the amount of opponents he would have to deal with, but he remains calm. 

Whispers echo around the heavenly generals and the crowd as you watch your brothers step forward, head held high. If they work together and coordinate their movements, surely they could defeat one man. 

"Today, three of the four heavenly generals will face the fifth, who seems to be making rapid improvements in martial arts skills, all at once. This martial battle will be a deathmatch, so kill or be killed. I forbid the rest of the disciples from interfering in the martial battle."

You can almost feel the smile beneath Yi Zaha's mask as he raises his hand, "Master, may I speak?"

"Yes, fifth? Do you shamelessly have something to say?"

"The match list is a bit wrong."

You wonder what this crazy bastard is planning again, almost tapping your foot in anticipation as you await the match. Perhpas the previous fights you've seen Yi Zaha in were all for show—a shield to hide his true strength. 

"Really? Shall I take one out? Or should I add White Rooster? Do as you like."

There's a strange silence before Yi Zaha begins laughing, everyone staring at him in shock through their masks. He holds his stomach as he wheezes, like the situation he is in is ridiculous.

"In a deathmatch, the master should participate directly instead of pushing his disciples into it, you fucking geezer."

"..."

Was he born with not an ounce of sanity in his brain?