vesselsbliss

Latest Posts by vesselsbliss

Dessert of the Night 🌱 Vegan Style

Threw this together to satisfy some cravings. Went for something similar to Italian hot chocolate. Subbed in almond milk, and topped it with vanilla ice cream (coconut milk based).

Not a headcanon. The Guild extends its apologies. There is a list of ideas to get to. When they’re penned with some semblance of coherency, all of you will be the first to know. Imagine giving this to your fictional character of choice (or they surprise you instead). Is it to seek support? A friendly chat perhaps.

Either way, who comes to mind?

What if Kenshi ended up back at his old village? With Takeda. Maybe, SF sends them on a mission and they pass through. Somehow, he recognizes his living relatives. Sento also picks up on the Takahashi bloodline. There’d be many questions for Kenshi at that reunion.

Takeda would think his family is BSing at first. No way was his dad that crazy.

While older Suchin tries to fill the silence as much as she can younger Suchin was quieter. Granted not a lot, I’d say she talked a normal amount, but she’s frustratingly good at small talk and can reel just about anybody into a conversation. A talent that she still has.

Kenshi on the other hand was a lot louder when he was younger. He was the loud, reckless kid who got into fights constantly. He cringes thinking back on it.

Unexpected Gestures

Headcanon: Dante—when he has the funds—will hop pizza parlors. On those rare occasions, he discovers a dish that provides the right type of sensory stimulation. He’ll get a take home order, or two (or ten), of said dish in the largest size available.

Morrison shows up with an influx of jobs. The broker emphasizes the need for a demon hunter, capable of discerning between demonic threats and mere humans in elaborate costumes. Though tempted to refuse, Dante decides to accept the entire list of jobs.

It’s his most productive day this year. Today’s clientele seems more appreciative. In addition to the payouts, the demon slayer receives items usually meant for trick-or-treaters. Bags of candy—including an entire basket of full size candy bars, a Tupperware with pasta, another container with a slice of cake, an entire foil pan with homemade brownies, a dozen sugar cookies, and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. Some of the affluent clients provide additional monetary compensation. It’s twilight by the time he gets back. He gets to work stashing the food items. Those close to him were more than welcome to dig in.

Dante summons Cavaliere again. Intending to use the rest of the day for his initial plans. He stops at a small pizza parlor across town; a tan building with a few tables sitting at the front outside. The sign reads “15th Street Pizzeria.” Flickering red and white letters are indicative of the need for repairs. Cavaliere disintegrates. He makes his way to the entrance. Torn black and orange decorations adorn the shattered windows.

“Sparda…” a reverberating growl drips with venom.

With a sigh, he summons the Devil Sword Dante.

“Die blood of Sparda!” It leaps above his head.

He makes short work of his assailant. Blood splatter, fur and viscera litter the surrounding area. The employees and customers are found cornered in the kitchen. Trapped by a muscular bat-like creature, almost as tall as the ceiling. It’s clawed hand reaches for one of the patrons, only for it’s head to be cleaved off.

Dante is lounging in his office chair, feet plopped on the desk, when Morrison pays another visit to Devil May Cry.

“Someone’s been looking for you,” the broker states. “The name “15th Street” ring any bells?”

Assuming it’s another bill for property damage, the question elicits a groan from Dante. Before he can say anything, a middle-aged man wearing black pants and a red t-shirt enters the building. He introduces himself as the owner of 15th Street Pizzeria, rambling about how he spent weeks searching for a tall, white-haired guy with a giant sword.

“You tracked me down because?”

“Well,” the man awkwardly scratches the back of his head, “to say thank you.”

Dante stands up from the couch. This had to be a prank.

The owner voices his appreciation for Dante saving the lives of his employees, the customers, and stopping the demons from destroying his business. He runs outside and returns carrying a couple boxes. After placing them on the desk, the owner mentions that he needs to go back to work. He bids the two men farewell, shaking both of their hands.

Dante carefully opens each box, making note of the toppings in each. Pepperoni. Cheese. Neapolitan. Chicago style deep dish with extra jalapeños, and no olives (courtesy of Morrison). The last one appears looks like a dessert, topped with caramelized pear slices and a white chocolate sauce.

Morrison notices Dante’s focus drift away from the pizza. “What’s the matter? Can’t process a random act of kindness.” He takes a drag of his cigar.

“Nah,” Dante turns to face him. “I just can’t decide where to dig in. That’s all.” He closes the pizza boxes and takes them to the kitchen. All five are placed in the oven at a low temperature, to keep them warm.

“Pizza party tonight then?” Morrison enters the kitchen and notices Dante bringing out paper plates. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Love your headcanon ficlets!! The Paperwork one and the one with Takeda looking after Kenshi are so heartbreaking and adorable! Have you got any plans to write more? :D

Your compliment is appreciated.

Ideas are written as inspiration strikes. Or the they sit in development hell until, there’s a semblance of coherent thought. To answer your question, yes there will be more. Continue to feast your eyes on the rudimentary skill set of the Incompetent Writer’s Guild. ;)

A Moment of Surprise

Because they were friends beforehand, Takeda had already seen Jin with his hair down. The closest the ladies got, is when he was in the process of putting it up. It remains this way until one of their vacations together. Cassie and Jacqui get up in the morning, and find Jin reading a book on the couch. The monk is still in pajamas. His hair is out of its ponytail, cascading past his shoulders. He slept with it in a braided protective style the night before. Resulting in black shimmering beach waves. Both women double take. Jin glances up from his book.

“What?”

“I know several girls who would kill for that hair,” Jacqui interjects with a chuckle. “and then some.”

Jin continues staring at them perplexed. All three are interrupted by Takeda bringing out tea for them.

The next time he’s injured, the monk needs help brushing his hair. He relents to letting his friends assist. Cassie is fascinated as she brushes a section. “Holy, hell that’s soft,” she says, thumbing through the strands. She starts asking Jin for tips on maintenance. After all, she’s growing her hair out too.

Paperwork

Inspired by this old post.

Upon formation of the team, Cassie, Jacqui, Takeda and Jin are given paperwork to fill out. Said paperwork contains the dreaded “Emergency Contacts” section. Special Forces needed next of kin to notify in case anyone was incapacitated, and—if killed—someone to deliver the remains to.

Jin considers telling Secretary Blake, to only notify his family if he’s dead. At least he wouldn’t be alive to deal with their bullshit. No way in hell, would he stay under their watch injured (and have them bitch about his life choices). He considers adding Takeda’s information and calling it a day. And then he decides, that burden shouldn’t be placed on the ninja. He ends up writing a note to contact the Shaolin, should anything happen.

Some time after Shinnok’s attempted takeover of Earthrealm, Cassie’s team is on another mission. Reaching the extraction point proves more difficult than anticipated. Jin decides to put himself in harms way, so the rest of his team can escape.

His comrades refuse to leave him behind. They’re able to get to their injured teammate and drag him to extraction. Keeping pressure on his wounds until medical staff can look at him.

Jin regains consciousness at the hospital. Saying the monk is shocked, would be an understatement. Were they really so overjoyed to see him alive? Even General Blade drops by to check on him.

When Johnny comes to visit, the monk expects a stern lecture about his actions. The redness in his mentor’s eyes catches him off guard. It’s obvious he’s been crying. Instead of a lecture, Johnny squeezes his shoulder and asks, “How’re you holding up?”

Jin plans to recover at the Shaolin Temple when discharged. The actor has another idea and insists his word is final. Cassie’s team ends up at the Cage family vacation home. Johnny admits he wanted to surprise them. A reward for the string of successful missions.

Cut to a small house, surrounded by a wooden deck. It sits on a hill overlooking the beach. The cloudy sky is tinted with pink and orange hues. The deck leads to a screened in living room. Kung Jin is sitting on the couch. His friends converse in the kitchen; it makes for pleasant background noise. Observing the sunset, he comes to a realization. He’s found people that don’t force him to walk on eggshells. For the first time in years.

Warmth - A Snippet

In a cottage, Takeda and Kenshi recuperate from yet another training session. Meanwhile the former comes across some familiar items. Perfect to aid with the freezing temperatures.

The swordsman sat up in bed. Listening to his son rummage through his bag.

“You ever use an electric blanket?” Takeda asked.

“No. I don't think so,” Kenshi stifled a yawn as he stretched his taut muscles.

Takeda hastily unfolded one of the blankets.“Cassie had extras and insisted. She wouldn't take no for an answer.” He walked to the outlet near Kenshi’s bed and plugged in the blanket’s cord. “Are you cold?” He thumbed through the controller’s settings.

“I’ll, be alright.” Kenshi’s lower body was suddenly enveloped in fluffy fabric. “You don’t need to-”

“It’s okay, really.” Once he covered Kenshi’s legs, Takeda sat at his bedside. “So,” he was tentative with his words. “I'll make us some tea. Would you like that?”

Candlelight illuminated the swordsman's clouded, milky white gaze. He held his tongue momentarily. “Yes, I would. And Takeda,” he reached out and felt for his son’s shoulder. Steadying himself when he found it. “Thank you.”

Takeda checked him a few minutes later, only to find he dozed off. His chest rose and fell, in slow, even breaths. The ninja padded over to the bed. He turned off and unplugged the blanket. The pillows under Kenshi’s head and neck were adjusted; the movement did nothing to disturb his slumber. As he tucked him in, Takeda gently squeezed his father’s hand.

“Good night Dad.” He extinguished the candles.

Kenshi awoke to rustling coming from outside the room. Easing himself out of bed, he called Sento to him. He sauntered to the kitchen. Greeted by the sound of Takeda, pouring tea for the both of them.

Some Incoherent Thoughts on Suchin and the Aftermath of Her Demise

Because NRS sure as hell won’t fill in the blanks. The following is mostly hypotheses and... it’s just hypotheses.

Given her ability to hold her own against Red Dragon thugs, I wouldn’t consider her a slouch. She found out they were coming for her kid and hid him. Maybe she trained in secret when Takeda was at school or a friend’s house. Assuming she kept a low profile, she’d probably interact with others only out of necessity-most of the time. Takeda couldn’t have friends over at their place. He could go over to his friend’s homes (with her say so, and it took time for her to agree).

Aside from her mother and Takeda, how many people was she close with? Did she have other living relatives? Was she also from a family of warriors? Is Granny a secret badass?

What happened immediately after her corpse was discovered? Kenshi knew who the perpetrators were, and the motive behind the crime. Perhaps he thought there wouldn’t be a reason to call the police. And there was urgency to find Takeda. Did he even know the Thai EMS number? Either he placed a secret call to the emergency services and left. Or he told Suchin’s mom-when obtaining Takeda’s location- and she took care of everything.

What about the funeral? More than likely, due to the Red Dragon being hot on his trail, Kenshi didn’t attend. Picture him meeting Granny years later, Takeda in tow. He finds out she never scattered her daughter’s ashes. She kept them for Kenshi and her grandson bid farewell. That day is not easy for any one of them.

If we’re going for a AU version of events. Have Kenshi participate in preparing the body with Granny. Positioning Suchin’s hands in a prayer like gesture with flowers and incense. Before placing her in the coffin, he strokes her forehead and kisses her one last time. The funeral is a minuscule gathering. Kenshi tries to celebrate her life. The lingering guilt keeps him silent. He aids in transporting Suchin’s coffin to the crematorium. The chanting of the monks is nothing more than noise to him. He takes the time to cook a favorite meal hers, and uses it as an offering to be cremated. Finally, everyone places their items on the pyre. Once it’s Kenshi’s turn to pour water over Suchin (to wash away sins), his hands shake. Granny guides him. Together they pour the water over her face. Suchin’s favorite flowers are placed on top of the coffin. Kenshi sits by the funeral pyre until the cremation is complete. Imagine Takeda finding out his father attended the funeral, but he couldn’t. Oof.

Hun, how come you left this in the tags? This is amazing! What if Kenshi starts taking Takeda to his favorite places to grab a bite? Or he surprises the Kombat Kids with a some Outworld kebabs?

The Takahashis and Food

Well aware of the “Kenshi can’t cook for shit” jokes in the fandom. Hell yeah they’re funny. Hear me out for a moment though.

Due to his nomadic lifestyle and his current focus on defending Earthrealm, cooking is something done almost entirely out of necessity. After reuniting with his son, training is the main method of bonding. Until Takeda mentions his craving for desserts. And the swordsman remembers his childhood comfort foods.

They spend the day making Anko-red bean paste-from scratch, and using it in Anpan. Takeda already learned how to make it from Hanzo, but he’s still curious about his father’s take on the recipe. Kenshi is more than happy to have his son be his eyes, and his occasional helping hands. It leads to him bringing tea and homemade snacks to Takeda and vice versa.

To this day, neither of them can agree if Tsubu-an or Koshi-an is better.

The Takahashis and Food

Well aware of the “Kenshi can’t cook for shit” jokes in the fandom. Hell yeah they’re funny. Hear me out for a moment though.

Due to his nomadic lifestyle and his current focus on defending Earthrealm, cooking is something done almost entirely out of necessity. After reuniting with his son, training is the main method of bonding. Until Takeda mentions his craving for desserts. And the swordsman remembers his childhood comfort foods.

They spend the day making Anko-red bean paste-from scratch, and using it in Anpan. Takeda already learned how to make it from Hanzo, but he’s still curious about his father’s take on the recipe. Kenshi is more than happy to have his son be his eyes, and his occasional helping hands. It leads to him bringing tea and homemade snacks to Takeda and vice versa.

To this day, neither of them can agree if Tsubu-an or Koshi-an is better.