Watch

by Shukyou

Two soldiers stationed at an outpost tower keep an eye on the horizon.

"Perhaps they've forgotten about us."

"Don't be silly," said Jian, whittling at a knot he'd cut off the firewood. Bai had observed that Jian seemed to have no skill at whittling, and Jian had pointed out that he had nothing but time in which to improve. "They'll probably send our relief tomorrow."

Available for free at http://s2b2.livejournal.com/285241.html
and http://www.shousetsubangbang.com/mirr...
wiki entry: http://www.shousetsubangbang.com/wiki...
Shousetsu Bang*Bang vol 10 issue 50
~ 8000 words complete
Art by beili

24 pages, Online Fiction

First published August 23, 2014

About the author

I'm W2 (pronounced 'whit-two'), also known as ladysisyphus, shukyou, and Whitney Bishop.

You can find all my stories written as 'shukyou' at http://www.shousetsubangbang.com/mirr..., and you can find most of those same stories (without illustrations) plus some fanfic at http://archiveofourown.org/users/lady....

I'm also the editor-in-chief of http://shousetsubangbang.com/ , where we put out nine delightfully dirty issues of short stories and art a year! We're always looking for new participants, so if you're interested, check out the website.

I also do other things in my real life, hence the pseudonymity. But I promise I'm friendly!

Reviews

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Art at work.

I loved the way this story was built. Minimalist effect with a light shining on the important points in taciturn Bai and easy going Jian' s story.

Like a wisp of smoke Bai and Jian disappear into the mountains, forgotten by the world whilst living in their own little haven, I can still imagine them there.

[Meep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgotten men eking out a living and discovering home.
There's a melocholy about it, very understated, it certainly doesn't feel like a something written in a rush!

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice little story. I'd love to read more of these two.

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
I had forgotten to leave a review for this great short story. Also the illustrations by beili add to the slightly melancholic atmosphere. I loved how the relationship between Bai and Jian slowly develops in the remote outpost they have been stationed.

[peanut•m&ms · Rating 3 out of 5]

another gem.