Writing at least 1k words every day until I can confidently claim that I'm consistent.

[waderer]

Day 1 of Writing at Least 1k Words Every Day Until I Can Confidently Claim that I'm Consistent

This is my attempt at holding myself accountable. This is not actually a complete work, a chapter or even an edited draft. It's just a chunk of raw words I typed. it's two days worth though. I started yesterday.
...
...
...


Hanabi's pace was a bit sluggish, and the vein throbbing in her temple without her byakugan activated was any indicator, she was dead tired, and in no mood to deal with any bullshit that was thrown at her this day.

Ano, the Hyuga branch family member tasked with being the ears, eyes and hands of the Hyuga heiress, tentatively took a step to the side of the door, bowing gracefully toward Hanabi.

"Please have a peaceful time off, lady Hanabi."

"Hmph," Hanabi scoffed, did not deign to argue, instead, walking out of the courtyard.

"Take the day off if you want," Hanabi added as she walked directly into the courtyard, not even bothering to take the stairs.

"I thank you for your grace, Lady Hanabi," Ano spoke from the room.

"Baah! Always with the niceties, ease up a little," Hanabi grumbled.

And Ano chuckled. Ano of the few years back woldn't have dared chuckle in front of the main family, much less to the direct heiress.

But ever since Lady Hinata issued the policy to remove the enslavement function of the cursed seal, and ever since she became the trusted attendand of Hanabi-A job she took no less pride in- she had eased up a little.

It was delightfully welcome change for Hanabi, who was always suffocated by the deference of most of her clansmen, often including those of the main family.

Ano just wished her young mistress would be able to wash away her fatigue with the night, and be able to get back to work tomorrow.

With Lady Hinata absolving her father of the clan leader position, and running off somewhere to find her love, all the responsibilities of the clan had fallen on Hanabi.

Ano would hate nothing more than Hanabi's absence tomorrow.

…

Hanabi walked the streets almost unnoticed.

Her gate was steady, the earlier sluggishness somewhat vanishing as she rounded the corner, listening to the titbits of conversation that was happening all around her.

She still didn't have a destination of choice. That was, until she heard an interesting piece of information.

"Yo, did you hear, 'The Legendary Sucker' is in the casino."

"The Legendary what?"

"S U C K E- Ouch!"

"You idiot! do you have any idea who you are talking about?! That's lady Tsunade's nickname!! That's the Senju clan head we're talking about, one of the 3 Sannin! Do you wish to ruin your life that badly?!"

"Come on man! Why be such a vibe killer? It's not like anyone outside heard us!"

"Yeah, the last one who made a similar comment was found the next day in a ditch with his stomach full of sewage water! Those fanboys will do anything man! It's better not to get involved."

Hanabi ignored the more miscellaneous parts of the conversation and focused on the main point.

Lady Tsunade was in the casino.

Well, now she had her destination.

Her pace quickened, her sluggish gait gaining a bit of energy.

…

"Well, I guess her title truly is deserved," The bald, handsome, barkeeper chimed in, his head resting on his knuckles, looking over at the table where money enough to fill the coffers of a minor ninja village was being drained from one side to another.

"Indeed," Hanabi couldn't help but agree. It was like a dam opening and water gushing out.

Form the moment she had entered the casino, ordered a beverage, till now, by her 13th​ refill, Lady Tsunade hadn't won a single match. And she was loosing a whole lot. A WHOLE LOT.

The man sitting across her even seemed a bit scared, at the amount of money he was hoarding in his side, occasionally looking around the casino as if looking for someone.

"MORE CHIPS!!!" Tsunade ordered, and poor Shizune had no choice but to exchange more money for more chips.

"I wonder when she'll stop," Hanabi said absentmindedly.

"I bet at least another million," the bald barkeep, chimed in, now looking a bit interested.

"Nah, I think more than 3 million," Hanabi gave the man a once-over as she said. She added, "Another round please."

"Anything for my fair lady!" the bald man, with the grace of a seasoned barkeep, poured her another shot.

"How about a bet? I bet the sannin will stop with another million down the drain," the barkeep suggested.

"I'll take that!" Hanabi didn't really know why, but she found herself finding pleasure in the not-so-productive conversation they were having. She took the glass in her hands, and continued, "But what's the wager."

"Well, I'll drink the whole bottle of this fine Whisky if I lose, and since Lady-" the bald barkeep trailed off;

And Hanabi continued, "Hanabi."

"It's a pleasure to meet you lady Hanabi, I'm Jeremiah." The man said with bow of his head, his shiny head reflecting the like of the warm spotlight, "Continuing, since Lady Hanabi already had her fair share of drink today, how about three consecutive shots?"

"An unfair wager, just the way I like it," Hanabi slowly sipped her drink, "I've been meaning to ask, don't you have a dress code to keep? As a bartender?"

She glanced at the now quiet bar, where the other keeps were either wiping down the counter or drying glasses.

"I don't work here; I just volunteered since you seem to really need a drink, and the all the fine gentlemen were busy—what the hell?!"

Hanabi chuckled, "She went all in."

"That's 2 million! I knew the Senju were rich, but not by this much!"

"Well, most of Konoha's properties once belonged to the Senju clan. While not in their prime at the moment, more than 30% of real estate in the main district is under the name of the senju clan and their sole heiress."

"Ah! That much? No wonder, no wonder! And down the drain it goes."

A thud echoed, and the sannin faceplanted the table, the man in the opposite side sweating despite his sudden windfall.

"Well, it seems you lost, Eremiah!"

"Indeed, I have, but you haven't won yet! Judging from her current condition, It doesn't look like she'll continue!"

"Well, see about that."

Everyone in the casino waited with bated breath, waiting for the lady's next move. Shizune looked like she wanted to drag her teacher off at the moment, but was too afraid to approach with the dangerous aura emanating from her tutor.

After a moment of silence, Tsunade head rose, and she commanded in a tone that left no room for rebuttal.

"Shizune, change another million into chips," Tsunade abruptly turned toward The bald man in the bar, glaring as she said, "Just to have you drink the bottle you baldy."

"Wha- What did I do?!" Jeremiah protested, and Hanabi giggled.

Shizune seem to hesitate to hand over the chips to tsunade and the sannin snapped, "I'll stop if I don't win even with this, happy now?"

…

Another thud echoed thorugh the casino, and this time it was that of the table's leg giving way at the head planting of the sannin.

"Yep, that's a full bottle of whiskey for you!" Hanabi said with a cheerful tone.

"I guess," Jeremiah sighed, picked up a fresh bottle of northern whiskey from the shelves and walked around the counter, "But do you mind if we leave the place for a while? I think that lady is about to find trouble with me anytime."

Hanabi was only happy to oblige. And her booze indued giddiness did well to have her follow a stranger.

Under the commotion, they slipped away unnoticed.

Hanabi was a veteran ninja of the Hyuga Clan, and her expertise in stealth was only expected. But who was this bald stranger? For him to be so… proficient, that even the Hyuga clan heiress, such as herself had to resort to her Byakugan to keep track of his sneaky steps?

Hanabi was really curious now, as she kept up pace with the man as they sneaked.

They slowed their pace a few blocks away from the casino.

Konoha's night market was as bustling as ever, and the streets were packed with people.

It wasn't that hard for them to sneak away.

Hanabi, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling inside her, asked. "So, when are you going to drink it?"

"I don't know. It is illegal to drink on public places, maybe we should find another pu-"

"How about the Hokage rock?"

Jeremiah was about to suggest finding another pub or, someplace similar to keep his side of the bet, but Hanabi went ahead and suggested the sacred monument of the village.

"The Hokage rock? Isn't the entry to that place restricted?" Jeremiah was curious. Why was the huga clan heiress- if the ramblings of the drunken patron's were anything to go by- now asking him to go to the Hokage rock?

His thoughts flared, but he suppressed them. This was a fun night and fun things shouldn't be viewed with caution.

"Bah, it's not like it's the Hokage's office. Who cares. It's just some stupid rock with the stupid faces of some stupid geezers."

Hanabi seemed positively disdainful.

Jeremiah raised the bottle High and announced.

"To the Stupid Rock we go!!!!"

"YEEEAAAHHH!!!!! THAT's right!!!" Hanabi raved, her arms swinging.

Some startled passersby looked at them curiously and even an Uchiha Patrol officer raised his club at them.

"Hey! Drinking in public places is illegal."

And the two miscreants bolted, giggling like little children.

Sure, both being powerhouses, it wasn't easy for them to be drunk and lose their awareness.

But Alcohol could indeed chip away at the rough edges. No matter how powerful the individual is.

Before long, they were at the Hokage Rock, hiding behind a rock, evading the gaze of the ninja who had come up to patrol the cliff face.

"Damn, are there patrolmen stationed here?" Jeremiah mumbled under his breath.

"No, it's just a routine human check."

It's mostly the arrays that do the lookout work.

Jeremiah looked at the Tag that Hanabi had attached on the whiskey bottle.

He was fairly certain that this tag was helping them evade the detection of the said array.

Before long, the ninja, who looked positively bored out of his mind and sleepy, left.

Jeremiah and Hanabi stumbled out of their hiding place, both giggling.

Somehow, doing something so silly felt so…intoxicating.

Jeremiah was half done with the bottle.

"Want some?" Jeremiah asked, offering the bottle.

"Sure," Hanabi snatched the bottle and took a swig. It was a raw and undignified motion, but it was soo charming. A trickle of whiskey rolled down her neck, staining her robes, highlighting her glistening neck.

It was charming.

She crudely wiped her face with her sleeves, and Jeremiah felt even that was graceful.

She handed the bottle back.

"Hey, but doesn't that mean you didn't hold up your end of the bet? The bet was one whole bottle!"

Jeremiah looked down at the bottle, then at Hanabi, and foolishly grinned.

"Guilty! Maybe I should go down and get another bottle?"

Hanabi felt her heart pound a little harder.

The moonlight reflected off Jeremiah's shiny bald head, and the reflection made Hanabi want to sneeze.

For the first time in her whole life, Hanabi found a bald man attractive. Certainly, more attractive than the moron the clan had found for her. And certainly more attractive than whoever the bastard her stupid bitch of a sister had found herself infatuated with… she hoped.

She leaned in. and the moment caught Jeremiah's eye.

He turned and Hanabi pecked the man on the lips.

"…"

"…"

Silence reigned, and the man looked positively hungry for more.

Hanabi hoped.

But Jeremiah held himself back.

He touched his lips softly, and looked at Hanabi.

"You sure you aren't just drunk?" Jeremiah asked, and his voice lacking the confidence it normally carried.

"No," Hanabi's voice didn't waver.

"Good," this time, Jeremiah leaned in, capturing his lips in hers.

…

Sure, the clan wasn't pressuring her about marrying anyone. They had simply found her a match and had asked if Hanabi had taken a liking to him.

Did she? Hanabi didn't know.

She had asked her sister for an advice. After all, word was that she had indeed found her love.

'Well, it's your life, and no matter whatever choice you I will be there for you.'

'…'

It was her choice.

Was it.

It hadn't been too long since she was left with the ability to chose watever she wanted for herself.

Her entire childhood played out the way the clan wanted, her father wanted, for her to grow up as a figurehead clan leader.

She wasn't entirely familier with making choices herself. Even in her traiing to become a leader, all the choices she had to make were handpicked by the clan elders.

And she was comfortable with the way things were.

But her sister had come in, and 'liberated' the clan.

Now she was met with for too many choices she wasn't entirely comfortable with.

 

[waderer]

Day 1 of Writing 1k Words Every Day Until I Can Confidently Claim that I'm Consistent

This is my attempt at holding myself accountable. This is not actually a complete work, a chapter or even an edited draft. It's just a chunk of raw words I typed. it's two days worth though. I started yesterday.
...
...
...


Hanabi's pace was a bit sluggish, and the vein throbbing in her temple without her byakugan activated was any indicator, she was dead tired, and in no mood to deal with any bullshit that was thrown at her this day.

Ano, the Hyuga branch family member tasked with being the ears, eyes and hands of the Hyuga heiress, tentatively took a step to the side of the door, bowing gracefully toward Hanabi.

"Please have a peaceful time off, lady Hanabi."

"Hmph," Hanabi scoffed, did not deign to argue, instead, walking out of the courtyard.

"Take the day off if you want," Hanabi added as she walked directly into the courtyard, not even bothering to take the stairs.

"I thank you for your grace, Lady Hanabi," Ano spoke from the room.

"Baah! Always with the niceties, ease up a little," Hanabi grumbled.

And Ano chuckled. Ano of the few years back woldn't have dared chuckle in front of the main family, much less to the direct heiress.

But ever since Lady Hinata issued the policy to remove the enslavement function of the cursed seal, and ever since she became the trusted attendand of Hanabi-A job she took no less pride in- she had eased up a little.

It was delightfully welcome change for Hanabi, who was always suffocated by the deference of most of her clansmen, often including those of the main family.

Ano just wished her young mistress would be able to wash away her fatigue with the night, and be able to get back to work tomorrow.

With Lady Hinata absolving her father of the clan leader position, and running off somewhere to find her love, all the responsibilities of the clan had fallen on Hanabi.

Ano would hate nothing more than Hanabi's absence tomorrow.

…

Hanabi walked the streets almost unnoticed.

Her gate was steady, the earlier sluggishness somewhat vanishing as she rounded the corner, listening to the titbits of conversation that was happening all around her.

She still didn't have a destination of choice. That was, until she heard an interesting piece of information.

"Yo, did you hear, 'The Legendary Sucker' is in the casino."

"The Legendary what?"

"S U C K E- Ouch!"

"You idiot! do you have any idea who you are talking about?! That's lady Tsunade's nickname!! That's the Senju clan head we're talking about, one of the 3 Sannin! Do you wish to ruin your life that badly?!"

"Come on man! Why be such a vibe killer? It's not like anyone outside heard us!"

"Yeah, the last one who made a similar comment was found the next day in a ditch with his stomach full of sewage water! Those fanboys will do anything man! It's better not to get involved."

Hanabi ignored the more miscellaneous parts of the conversation and focused on the main point.

Lady Tsunade was in the casino.

Well, now she had her destination.

Her pace quickened, her sluggish gait gaining a bit of energy.

…

"Well, I guess her title truly is deserved," The bald, handsome, barkeeper chimed in, his head resting on his knuckles, looking over at the table where money enough to fill the coffers of a minor ninja village was being drained from one side to another.

"Indeed," Hanabi couldn't help but agree. It was like a dam opening and water gushing out.

Form the moment she had entered the casino, ordered a beverage, till now, by her 13th​ refill, Lady Tsunade hadn't won a single match. And she was loosing a whole lot. A WHOLE LOT.

The man sitting across her even seemed a bit scared, at the amount of money he was hoarding in his side, occasionally looking around the casino as if looking for someone.

"MORE CHIPS!!!" Tsunade ordered, and poor Shizune had no choice but to exchange more money for more chips.

"I wonder when she'll stop," Hanabi said absentmindedly.

"I bet at least another million," the bald barkeep, chimed in, now looking a bit interested.

"Nah, I think more than 3 million," Hanabi gave the man a once-over as she said. She added, "Another round please."

"Anything for my fair lady!" the bald man, with the grace of a seasoned barkeep, poured her another shot.

"How about a bet? I bet the sannin will stop with another million down the drain," the barkeep suggested.

"I'll take that!" Hanabi didn't really know why, but she found herself finding pleasure in the not-so-productive conversation they were having. She took the glass in her hands, and continued, "But what's the wager."

"Well, I'll drink the whole bottle of this fine Whisky if I lose, and since Lady-" the bald barkeep trailed off;

And Hanabi continued, "Hanabi."

"It's a pleasure to meet you lady Hanabi, I'm Jeremiah." The man said with bow of his head, his shiny head reflecting the like of the warm spotlight, "Continuing, since Lady Hanabi already had her fair share of drink today, how about three consecutive shots?"

"An unfair wager, just the way I like it," Hanabi slowly sipped her drink, "I've been meaning to ask, don't you have a dress code to keep? As a bartender?"

She glanced at the now quiet bar, where the other keeps were either wiping down the counter or drying glasses.

"I don't work here; I just volunteered since you seem to really need a drink, and the all the fine gentlemen were busy—what the hell?!"

Hanabi chuckled, "She went all in."

"That's 2 million! I knew the Senju were rich, but not by this much!"

"Well, most of Konoha's properties once belonged to the Senju clan. While not in their prime at the moment, more than 30% of real estate in the main district is under the name of the senju clan and their sole heiress."

"Ah! That much? No wonder, no wonder! And down the drain it goes."

A thud echoed, and the sannin faceplanted the table, the man in the opposite side sweating despite his sudden windfall.

"Well, it seems you lost, Eremiah!"

"Indeed, I have, but you haven't won yet! Judging from her current condition, It doesn't look like she'll continue!"

"Well, see about that."

Everyone in the casino waited with bated breath, waiting for the lady's next move. Shizune looked like she wanted to drag her teacher off at the moment, but was too afraid to approach with the dangerous aura emanating from her tutor.

After a moment of silence, Tsunade head rose, and she commanded in a tone that left no room for rebuttal.

"Shizune, change another million into chips," Tsunade abruptly turned toward The bald man in the bar, glaring as she said, "Just to have you drink the bottle you baldy."

"Wha- What did I do?!" Jeremiah protested, and Hanabi giggled.

Shizune seem to hesitate to hand over the chips to tsunade and the sannin snapped, "I'll stop if I don't win even with this, happy now?"

…

Another thud echoed thorugh the casino, and this time it was that of the table's leg giving way at the head planting of the sannin.

"Yep, that's a full bottle of whiskey for you!" Hanabi said with a cheerful tone.

"I guess," Jeremiah sighed, picked up a fresh bottle of northern whiskey from the shelves and walked around the counter, "But do you mind if we leave the place for a while? I think that lady is about to find trouble with me anytime."

Hanabi was only happy to oblige. And her booze indued giddiness did well to have her follow a stranger.

Under the commotion, they slipped away unnoticed.

Hanabi was a veteran ninja of the Hyuga Clan, and her expertise in stealth was only expected. But who was this bald stranger? For him to be so… proficient, that even the Hyuga clan heiress, such as herself had to resort to her Byakugan to keep track of his sneaky steps?

Hanabi was really curious now, as she kept up pace with the man as they sneaked.

They slowed their pace a few blocks away from the casino.

Konoha's night market was as bustling as ever, and the streets were packed with people.

It wasn't that hard for them to sneak away.

Hanabi, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling inside her, asked. "So, when are you going to drink it?"

"I don't know. It is illegal to drink on public places, maybe we should find another pu-"

"How about the Hokage rock?"

Jeremiah was about to suggest finding another pub or, someplace similar to keep his side of the bet, but Hanabi went ahead and suggested the sacred monument of the village.

"The Hokage rock? Isn't the entry to that place restricted?" Jeremiah was curious. Why was the huga clan heiress- if the ramblings of the drunken patron's were anything to go by- now asking him to go to the Hokage rock?

His thoughts flared, but he suppressed them. This was a fun night and fun things shouldn't be viewed with caution.

"Bah, it's not like it's the Hokage's office. Who cares. It's just some stupid rock with the stupid faces of some stupid geezers."

Hanabi seemed positively disdainful.

Jeremiah raised the bottle High and announced.

"To the Stupid Rock we go!!!!"

"YEEEAAAHHH!!!!! THAT's right!!!" Hanabi raved, her arms swinging.

Some startled passersby looked at them curiously and even an Uchiha Patrol officer raised his club at them.

"Hey! Drinking in public places is illegal."

And the two miscreants bolted, giggling like little children.

Sure, both being powerhouses, it wasn't easy for them to be drunk and lose their awareness.

But Alcohol could indeed chip away at the rough edges. No matter how powerful the individual is.

Before long, they were at the Hokage Rock, hiding behind a rock, evading the gaze of the ninja who had come up to patrol the cliff face.

"Damn, are there patrolmen stationed here?" Jeremiah mumbled under his breath.

"No, it's just a routine human check."

It's mostly the arrays that do the lookout work.

Jeremiah looked at the Tag that Hanabi had attached on the whiskey bottle.

He was fairly certain that this tag was helping them evade the detection of the said array.

Before long, the ninja, who looked positively bored out of his mind and sleepy, left.

Jeremiah and Hanabi stumbled out of their hiding place, both giggling.

Somehow, doing something so silly felt so…intoxicating.

Jeremiah was half done with the bottle.

"Want some?" Jeremiah asked, offering the bottle.

"Sure," Hanabi snatched the bottle and took a swig. It was a raw and undignified motion, but it was soo charming. A trickle of whiskey rolled down her neck, staining her robes, highlighting her glistening neck.

It was charming.

She crudely wiped her face with her sleeves, and Jeremiah felt even that was graceful.

She handed the bottle back.

"Hey, but doesn't that mean you didn't hold up your end of the bet? The bet was one whole bottle!"

Jeremiah looked down at the bottle, then at Hanabi, and foolishly grinned.

"Guilty! Maybe I should go down and get another bottle?"

Hanabi felt her heart pound a little harder.

The moonlight reflected off Jeremiah's shiny bald head, and the reflection made Hanabi want to sneeze.

For the first time in her whole life, Hanabi found a bald man attractive. Certainly, more attractive than the moron the clan had found for her. And certainly more attractive than whoever the bastard her stupid bitch of a sister had found herself infatuated with… she hoped.

She leaned in. and the moment caught Jeremiah's eye.

He turned and Hanabi pecked the man on the lips.

"…"

"…"

Silence reigned, and the man looked positively hungry for more.

Hanabi hoped.

But Jeremiah held himself back.

He touched his lips softly, and looked at Hanabi.

"You sure you aren't just drunk?" Jeremiah asked, and his voice lacking the confidence it normally carried.

"No," Hanabi's voice didn't waver.

"Good," this time, Jeremiah leaned in, capturing his lips in hers.

…

Sure, the clan wasn't pressuring her about marrying anyone. They had simply found her a match and had asked if Hanabi had taken a liking to him.

Did she? Hanabi didn't know.

She had asked her sister for an advice. After all, word was that she had indeed found her love.

'Well, it's your life, and no matter whatever choice you I will be there for you.'

'…'

It was her choice.

Was it.

It hadn't been too long since she was left with the ability to chose watever she wanted for herself.

Her entire childhood played out the way the clan wanted, her father wanted, for her to grow up as a figurehead clan leader.

She wasn't entirely familier with making choices herself. Even in her traiing to become a leader, all the choices she had to make were handpicked by the clan elders.

And she was comfortable with the way things were.

But her sister had come in, and 'liberated' the clan.

Now she was met with for too many choices she wasn't entirely comfortable with.

Click to shrink...

So, Day 2 it is

As usual, her sleep was quiet. No one came to wake her up. And it would be in her design when to wake up, unless of course there was an emergency in the clan. But today, it seemed, was peaceful.

Hanabi wrapped herself tighter in her blanket, using what little awareness had surfaced from her sleep to position herself comfortably.

Despite the winter air creeping in, Hanabi felt herself not feeling the chill.

It was… warm.

Her bare back felt warm. The thing wrapped around her torso felt warm, exuding the gentle, soothing something that made one fall back asleep.

It wasn't the sensation of fabric; instead, it was the raw warmth of something she couldn't pinpoint.

Her subconscious mind didn't pinpoint the sensation; instead, it melted into it.

But, as a trained ninja, Hanabi's senses flared. and she abruptly opened her eyes.

Her body recovered instantly from the deep sleep, the relaxed flesh and muscles from the comfortable sleep tightened abruptly. Whatever was wrapped around body reacted imperceptibly.

But Hanabi didn't move recklessly.

Her byakugan flared, and everything kilometres in radius around her was observed by her senses.

And she flushed, her rigid body relaxing, her whole body flushing as if a tomato.

She was indeed in her own room, deep in the Hyuga compound. Her guards were there, everyone that should be in the compound were there. Expect the one addition that had her in his grasp.

Loose clothes were strung across her room, a faint smell lingering through the winter chill.

Hanabi's legs twitched, feeling the warm sensation between her legs.

Right. Yesterday.

'ArrrrghhH!!!' Hanabi groaned aloud in her mind.

She had done something stupid.

Entirely on her own accord, but one she now thought was stupid.

Yes, she was overwhelmed by everything that was happening around her. Yes, she was in need of some much-needed warmth. Yes… But she, a clan heiress, someone capable of standing on her own anywhere in the shinobi world, shouldn't be throwing herself to a man like this.

Especially one she barely knew. Even if the man had untold achievements to his name!!!

Her throughs were interrupted as the arm warped around her waist, snuggled against the underside of her bosom stirred, and the man rolled around with a deep breath.

She was freed.

A slight breeze seemed to stir in the room, and Hanabi once again felt the cold. This time, there wasn't the warmth she had quickly grown used to to keep it away.

Instead, through the slight gap between the two of them, cold air seemed to seep in.

Hanabi glanced at the clock. It was only 3 am.

It was long before dawn broke.

She brought herself closer to the man, adjusted his arms and used it as a pillow, wrapping his other arm around her waist, snuggling closer, this time hugging the man herself.

She had time. And once dawn broke, it wouldn't matter. What was a one-night stand for a clan heiress?

Jeremiah stirred, even though he was someone who could sleep through the commotion of the world ending. He noticed someone rearranging his arms.

A sigh welled up in him, but he suppressed it.

Instead, he held the woman snuggling close to him tighter, giving her the warmth she needed.

He should speak with Hinata.

…

Note: This is about 500 words of, say, a conclusion to the Hanabi x Jeremiah thing.
Jeremiah is a character I've been cooking for a while for my Naruto fanfic set in the Kaguya era. I have grand designs and all, to rewrite the entire history of the shinobi world, starting form the time when the God tree was planted, of course, with Kaguya as the love interest. Buttt, whenever I start writing, I'm hit with the sudden sense that, 'I'll never be able to complete it', 'I can do better if I thought a little more and wrote it later'... etc.. etc.. I've been procrastinating on it for... idk how long.

This daily thing is an attempt to curb that though and just get on with writing the thing my whole being yearns for.

that said, i haven't completed the quota of 1k words today. and I fully intend on following through my promise to myself. and I will be editing this one shot thingy and uploading it in a while.

 

[waderer]

Alright! It's still day 2; but this is the part two of day two.

This is my attempt at writing an original short story with a prompt I got from reddit.
The prompt is as follows; Long ago before they went different ways an elven and a human child made a promise to marry each other in a thousand years if they didn't find anyone else they love. Now a thousand years later the unmarried elf knows that humans can't life that long, but the lich still came to keep their promise.
...
I already had about a thousand words written on it, and I just wrote another 750~ words. I will mark what I wrote today separately. with that, I've completed today's quota.


....

Ch 1

The library was quiet, with only the rustle of pages turning.

A human boy and an elven girl sat opposite each other, immersed in their own book, not looking up.

The librarian was there, scribbling down in a book.

A cat wandered around the place, like a patrolman, walking through fixed route, like it was its routine.

After a while, the librarian closed his book, stood up, and looked at the two children reading contentedly.

It always brought a smile to Mr. Ivan's face to see law abiding knowledge seeking young children.

In his humble opinion, Elizabeth and Jonah were miles ahead of the brutes who only ever trained in martial arts, not bothering to even learn reading.

Mr. Ivan walked toward the door of the library, not disturbing the two children walking out as he nodded to the cat who had looked at him from the movement.

The door closed with the slight sound, and after a moment passed, Jonah looked up.

He tuted, and the cat, who was steadily patrolling the library came running to him.

Jonah didn't dare pat the fluffy cat, no matter how much his entire existence earned for it. Mr. Kregils didn't show kindness toward whoever dared to sully his perfectly pruned hair.

Instead, he took a pouch and place it in front of the cat.

Mr. Kregils sniffed it, nodded toward Jonah, picked it up and walked away.

Only then did Jonah dare to breathe aloud, and got back into his book.

The library required absolute silence, and Mr. Kregils enforced the rule. However, even the mighty Mr. Kregils wasn't above temptations.

Elizabeth, who had been covering her face with the book and peeking at the interaction, sighed in relief as the cat walked away, and put down her book.

She stood up, stretched, and started doing handstand pushups with perfect form.

For everyone else, Elizabeth was a perfect student, always immersed in her book, the sweet pupil of Mr. Ivan's. But Jonah knew just how much she hated studying, and just how much she loved martial arts.

"I thought he'd never leave," Elizabeth spoke while still focusing on her workout.

"Yeah, I thought he caught on."

"Nah, you're worrying too much. I don't think he even cares."

"No way. I'm very much sure he hates even the thought of his student pursuing martial arts. Even the other day, I saw him fighting with Mr. Verslis, arguing whether martial arts ot magic was superior."

"Bah, who cares about his opinion anyway?" there was a high note to Elizabeth's voice as she slowly lowered her form.

A comfortable silence passed as Elizabeth's breathing, Jonah's turning of pages and the ruste of Mr. Kregin's playing with the catnip pouch remained the only sound in the area.

Jonah, still focus on his book broke the silence.

"You know my uncle Divan right?"

"Uha."

"He got married the other day?"

"Really?! He got married? I thought he said he never wanted to marry!"

"I know right! I asked him that too!" Jonah looked up from his book, "and he said "people change with time, boy.""

Elizabeth chuckled at Jonah's weak attempt at imitating Uncle Divan.

"I don't get it!" Jonah continued, "Do you know how much it costs to arrange a wedding? I heard the engagement rings alone cost around a grand. I mean, why would anyone spend that much money on a damn ring! How much books could we buy with that?! I bet I'd be able to fill the bedroom library!"

"So you're against marriage?"

"No, but one could do it cheaper!"

Elizabeth snorted. She pushed up against the floor and lept, landing directly on the table, looking directly into Jonah's face.

Jonah looked Elizabeth straight in the eye, not a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Elizabeth jiggles, the sweat on her face fell on the book infront of jonah, her long ears twitching slightly.

"Say, If we, we both remain unmarried for the next, wellllll, thousand years, how about we marry each other?"

"Hmmm," Jonah hummed, "Alright, but only if you agree to do it minimally."

"Let's hold off on the details, who knows, maybe people really will change with time."

"Oh trust me Elle, I'll never change!"

…

Ch 2

Elizabeth's eyes fluttered open, the musky scent of old books and the vibrant colours of her spirits cluttering around overwhelming her senses for a moment.

The spirits, like chicks gathering around the mother bird, gathered around Elizabeth. Pushing and shoving, rubbing themselves against the elf who giggled.

People did change with life.

The Elizabeth had set her sights on becoming the greatest martial that ever lived. But here she was the greatest Archmage to have ever lived in the world, surrounding herself with books.

"How long has it been since we entered the library?" Elizabeth asked, her voice still a bit groggy, stifling a yawn.

"Three years and thirty two days, my lady."

The spirit, with a blob of fire for head and wearing a butler's suit answered.

"That long?" Elizabeth instantly sobered up.

"Why didn't any of you remind me?" the elf rubbed her forehead, "Wait, just to confirm, today's march 17th 3026?"

"According to the divine calendar, yes my lady."

Elizabeth stood up, a smile tugging on her lips as she stretched.

"Great, at least there's still a few days left."

She was the greatest mage in the world. She simply did not have the need to keep an alarm clock or activate any magic of the equivalent.

Her mind was perfectly capable of reminding her of deadlines, important dates along the line.

But, this time, her mental clock had failed her.

Why?

She thought to herself.

Sure, there had been moments in her life,where she ignored the deadlines, or schedules. But that had been because of her immeriveness in what she was studying and her lack of interest in the task.

But the subsequent task was something she had been looking forward to her whole life.

Sure, there was an overwhelming possibility that the day wouldn't go as the two naive children had planned that day.

But still, elizabeth wanted a closure on that chapter of her life.

Logic dictated that her simply wouldn't make it to their meeting the next week.

He was only a human, and there weren't any news on him ever since their entire family moved town.

She had searched a whole lot for him after she achieved her status. But even the greatest archmage of the known world had her limitations.

She hadn't found his whereabouts, 950 years prior, and her mind simply refused to believe that he was still waiting for her.

But she wanted to know. To reach a conclusion. So that her mind could be at ease.

…

Walking out, the shelves tall as the tallest skyscraper the empire had ever built parted wsys for her and her army of elemental spirits.

They walked and walked and walked, and the ethereal scene changed. Rows upon rows of bookshelves faded and they came before the only door in the entire library.

Elizabeth opened the door and walked out, the spirits cluttered around the door, trying to squeeze through, eventually starting a fight.

The old lady at the counter had a constipated smile on her face as she looked at the damage the spirits were causing at her humble establishment. Sure the things they were breaking weren't anything to write hom about, but she had to clean them up afterwards.

"I'll pay for the damages."

"That would hardly be appropriate my lady. Me and everything in my humble establishment is of service to you and your army. Please don't take it to heart."

"Stop with the flattery, Dina. Frankly, it's creeping me out."

Dina lowered her head.

"Anyway, I'll be out for a while this time. No one is allowed to enter my library. Of course if anyone insists, let them in. Can't save a soul set on dying an agonizing death."

"I will guard this place with my life, my lady."

"Stop it."

"I shall lay down my life–"

"No."

"May my life be the–"

"Yeah, no. I'm leaving." As soon as she finished speaking, Elizabeth vanished. Along with her, the spirits who were making a mess of the surroundings.

…
A/n: starting here is what I wrote today
...
The grand hall seemed to stretch endlessly, and rows of officials stood in formation, one by one submitting their memorial to the Eternal Emperor.

But the man seated in the throne was bored.

It was the same old same old. If not for the need to keep up the tradition, he wouldn't be listening to the nonsense suggestion, appeals and impeachments.

The nation was stable and firmly in his hands. But he couldn't just overexercise that authority.

He needed the nation to function as smoothly as it always had, and with minimal input from his part. For that, the pretence was necessary.

At that moment, the flame of the candle beside the emperor fluttered, the flame gaining a hint of red.

It caught the attention of the emperor's drooping eyes, making the sleepiness on his face vanish instantly.

He waved his hand, his majestic old voice ecchoing thought the walls of the great hall.

"Dismissed," the voice was cold and rational, devoid of much emotion.

The Young official reading aloud is memorial on disaster relief stopped and bowed, along with all the officials present.

The withdrew in an orderly fashion, not making a commotion.

Only once they left the great hall did a commotion erupt among the highest echelons of the empire.

What was so important that the emperor would dismiss them so abruptly? Many among them had, however, noticed the flickeling of the candle. And they knew what it meant.

A great upheaval was about to assail the world.

..

Inside the hall, the emperor listened as the candlelight once again flickered, and a voice as etherial as the stars in the sky spoke out.

"That witch is out of her lair, with her army. What do you intend to do?"

The emperor remained silent for a moment, a moment later, a grin spread across his features. With the long mustache and beard, it looked positively terrifying.

"What else? We've prepared for all these years; it's about time we get rid of that tree hugger.

"I'm expecting your assistance if needed." The emperor rumbled.

"Naturally."

…


The street wasn't as she remembered. There were changes.

It wasn't new to Elizabeth.

A thousand years was a long time, kingdoms popped up and disappeared every decade, and change was the constant.

Aside from some stable old countries which the Gods oversaw, there was nothing that time couldn't change.

Elizabeth, her spirits taking refuge in her hat, slowly walked toward the city gate.

If she so wished, she could appear in her hometown anytime she needed.

It was a matter of mere thought.

But there was still time before the agreed date, and Elizabeth fully intended to once again experience the dullness of mundane travel.

As she colossal city gates grew fainter in the distance, elizabeth noticed the rattle of a carriage.

There was no rhythmic noise of horse hoves hitting the road.

Elizabeth turned around and noticed a cart being pulled by one spider the size of a horse, with what appeared to be moss in in it's back.

Horse mat spider, used as a substitute for horses among the neutral nation. It was best for traversing rough terrain. Although people used it for how cheap they were to maintain.

It had a fungal mat on it's back, in which housed aphids. The spider sucked on the mana produced by these apids to survive, and it ate almost anything.

Elizabeth waved the carriage down and the old man manning the carriage was kind enough to give her a ride to the next town.

This was it.

This was the kind of muane experience she was hoping to enjoy.

The hills, trees, grass, and livestock all whizzed past slowly.

The carriage continued to crackle and the old man continued to cough intermittently.

The sun shined brightly at her dark cloaks, and the whatever bugs where in the hay mat of the carriage crawled out, hoping to bite the traveller.

Right.

This was the mundane life she wanted to experience.

'I should've flown straight!' Elizabeth sighed, took out what seemed to be a rubber ball, and started squeezing it like a stress ball.

What seemd like squeals came from the rubber ball with every squeeze, and Elizabeth felt herself growing calmer.

Gods were the most fun to play with.

They didn't have the ability to give up on themselves. They were resilient like that.
...

A/n: I believe I have a tendency to add padding. does it seem like it? is it taking away from the fun of reading?