#//Aileth

[constantfyre]

My Lovely Knight (Vestige!OC x Darien Gautier)

Fluffy time!! It's finished now. I tried to wrap my head around what I could do and decided, The Vestige isn't a perfect fighter. They still get injured. So here's Aileth getting injured and Darien helping her. AO3 version

Nocturnal’s realm sent a shiver up Aileth’s spine. It was cold, dark, and extremely nerve racking. 

Iachesis didn’t look well. He asked Aileth and Darien to scout up ahead, reassuring them that him and Valsirenn would catch up after the path was clear.

Aileth sighed. Something seemed like it’d go wrong at any moment, but some part of her still trusted Veya. Darien set his hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle and reassuring squeeze. They relaxed at his touch. Leave it to Darien to know when Aileth was nervous and immediately remedy it. 

“Old wizard doesn't look so good. I think the trip into Oblivion took a lot out of him,” Darien muttered, “But we're here, right? Can't he just say the magic words so we can find the Heart and get out of here? … No, I suppose not. That would be too simple.”

They smiled at him and led the way. 

Some of Nocturnal’s daedra attacked, but were quickly dealt with between the two of them. Darien stuck close to the Vestige’s side. Every time they fought something, Aileth was mesmerized by how well Darien was fighting. She knew he was a good fighter, but somehow he seemed even better than before. 

They shook those thoughts away. Now was not the time to get distracted by how great Darien was, nor by the lingering after image of him shirtless from before. Her mind began to wander once more. She still managed to hold her own during the fights, but the conversation from earlier still sat in their mind.

            “Do you always walk around strangers half-dressed?” Aileth joked, managing to finally tear their gaze away from his chest.

            Darien smiled, “Hey! I got stabbed a bunch, remember? You can't examine battle wounds with your armor on. Besides, this sea air is good for the skin. Ask anyone!”

            They smiled at him. He seemed exactly the same as before she lost him in Coldharbour. Divines, they loved this man.

            “I could get used to this..” Aileth blurted out, blushing as she realised what they had just said to Darien, their hand covering their mouth as she looked away from him. 

            If Darien was surprised, he didn’t show it, “I'll try not to distract you too much until after we've saved this world. After that? I don't have any plans if you don't,” he flirted, with a lovestruck smirk on his face.

            The Vestige cleared their throat and fidgeted awkwardly. ‘Damn it. Why'd you have to say that! And why'd he have to go and respond like that?! I'm gonna be thinking about this all day now’ they reprimanded themself. 

             “I- uh. I’ll see you in the Dreaming Cave!” She muttered, barely loud enough for Darien to hear, and they hurried off before they could embarrass herself again in front of him. 

            Aileth sighed, ‘That’ll have to wait until after we're out of here. I can't risk him getting hurt because of me. Stay focused…he was just being himself. It didn't mean anything!’ 

            “You alright?” Darien’s voice broke through their thoughts.

             “Hm? Oh, yeah,” The Vestige dismissed, embarrassed that she was distracted for so long, “yeah, I'm fine. Just…thinking. Sorry.”

             An adoring smile crossed his face. Aileth both loved and hated when he looked at them like that. She had missed it. 

             They continued on through Nocturnal's realm. Eventually, they reached the part of Nocturnal's realm that Iachesis needed to go to. Now came the part Aileth prayed would be the easiest.

           Ritemaster Iachesis recited the words that Veya had said would work. There was a noticeable shift in the air as the Heart was revealed to be inside of Iachesis. Aileth scooted closer to Darien as Mephala and Clavicus Vile appeared, and Darien stood slightly in front of them in response.

            Clavicus smirked, “Look, Mephala! The mortal hid the Heart inside his own body. How clever!”

            “Uh oh,” Darien remarked, “Mephala and Clavicus Vile. This could be bad…”

            “But why did Nocturnal keep this from us? No matter. I'll take the crystal now, Ritemaster.” Mephala hissed. 

            Iachesis was pulled between Mephala and Clavicus. Struggling against the two princes.

            ���My wards.. will protect me!” Iachesis strained out. 

            Aileth heard a portal open up and drew their sword. Suddenly, she and Darien had to fight off both Skaafin and Mephala's insects. They ended up back to back often, trying to keep each other and Valsirenn safe. Darien continuously called out whenever he could release Dawnbreakers power, easily finishing off whatever Daedra Aileth couldn't dispatch. However, it seemed almost endless as more daedra continued coming.

            “Where do all these Daedra keep coming from?!” Darien complained. 

            Valsirenn panicked, “Fight, Iachesis! Just hang on!” she yelled to Iachesis.

            “Val… promise me.. promise me you'll lead them if–” Iachesis pleaded, but Valsirenn cut him off.

            “Don't even say it, Iachesis! Just keep fighting!” 

            Mephala and Clavicus Vile refused to let the other have the Ritemaster still. Continuing their game of tug and war. The Daedra stopped coming suddenly, and a chill went up Aileth's spine. They suddenly had a very, very, bad feeling.

            “Mephala, stop that! I've got him,” Clavicus whined at his fellow Prince, “wait, what's–”

            A murder of crows flocked in a circle between the two Princes, and Nocturnal appeared. Aileth subconsciously stepped a little closer to Darien.

            “Nocturnal! How dare you interfere!” Mephala reprimanded.             

            Nocturnal scoffed, “Get out of my realm Princes,” she banished them from her realm with a flick of her hands, “you are no longer welcome. The Heart belongs to me! We made a deal, didn't we, mortal?”

            “Iachesis?” Valsirenn questioned.

            The Ritemaster glared at Nocturnal, “I did what I had to do. I hid the Heart, even from you. The only way to retrieve it is to kill me!” 

            “Very well. I accept those terms!” Nocturnal smirked, tearing apart Iachesis and taking the Heart.

            Valsirenn gasped, “No!” 

            “We need to get out of here. Now.” Darien urged, readying Dawnbreaker. 

            Two of Nocturnal's Wraith-of-Crows, Aaderyna and Ddynedan, appeared. Aileth and Darien each were focused on one. Just as the Vestige was just about to finish off Ddynedan, Aaderyna swooped in and stabbed them from behind. It was a bad, deep wound, and Aileth could taste metallic in their mouth. She'd almost died before, and this was the exact same. Their body did its best to stay intact. With what little strength they had, she finished stabbing Ddynedan as the scythe left the left side of their stomach. Aileth looked at the wound, seeing why it had stung so much. Some bit of Nocturnal’s magic was embedded into the scythe, leaving her painful shadows behind on the wound.

            “AILETH!” Darien cried out, worried for them. 

            He released as much power from Dawnbreakers as he could and it killed Aaderyna. Darien rushed over to Aileth, kneeling down beside them. Darien placed a hand on their shoulder.

            “Aileth! Are you alright? C'mon hang in there, you gotta stay with me, okay?” Darien fretted, his sweet voice coated with concern. 

            She was breathing heavily, scanning for any bodies left from the Daedra that they could draw from to mend the wound. With no bodies in sight, they focused on just keeping pressure on it. She couldn't die in front of Darien, that's not a conversation they want to have with him and he was so concerned already that it hurt them how sweet he was being.

            Darien gripped Dawnbreaker and stood up. He didn't want to leave Aileth's side, but Nocturnal was still a threat to them. He made sure to stand in front of Val and Aileth.

            “Hold on, I'm getting us out of here!” Valsirenn called out.

            “Dawnbreaker will protect us,” Darien claimed nervously, using Dawnbreaker to cast a protective shield, “I hope..”

            Nocturnal laughed, “Meridia's vessel. You have no power here!” She ripped Dawnbreaker from his hands and corrupted it.

            “My sword! I just fixed that!” Darien whined, though quickly turning his attention back to Aileth.

            He picked them up bridal style as Valsirenn teleported them all out of the Evergloam. Aileth held onto him tightly, one arm wrapped around the back of his neck. She was injured, but that didn't stop them from blushing at the gesture.

             “Valsirenn… where's the Ritemaster?” Orianda asked. 

             Valsirenn looked away, “Nocturnal killed him. We- we couldn't stop her.”

             “No… that's not possible..” 

             “My friend, could you–” Valsirenn was about to ask Aileth, but Darien cut her off harshly.

             He shook his head, “They can fill Orianda in later. She needs to be healed. Now.” Darien glared.

             “He's right. Get her healed, we'll talk about it when they've recovered.” Orianda sighed.

             “Take them to the Ritemaster’s study. We can get the healers-” Valsirenn suggested.

             Aileth huffed, “No. I'll be fine–”

             Darien shook his head, “No. I'll heal them, Nocturnal's magic shouldn't be messed with if you don't know what you're doing. No offense. But I can use Meridia's light to do it safely.” He said, carrying Aileth out of the Dreaming Cave and to the Ritemaster's study.

             He sat them down and knelt before her. 

             “Darien.. I can heal myself, you don't need to do this.” Aileth argued, looking away from him.

             Darien gently grabbed their face, turning it to make her look at him. His eyes were filled with adoration, concern, and other emotions Aileth couldn't quite place. Their face was so warm, and she felt dizzy – probably due to blood loss, but also because of how sweet Darien was. 

             He caressed their cheek with his fingers, “Aileth… Sunshine, please. Just let me help you, it's okay,” Darien softly assured.

             Aileth just knew Darien could feel how her pulse quickened at the term of endearment. They gave in, easily convinced by his tone and the trust that they already had for him. ‘What have I done to deserve knowing such a wonderful man?’ Aileth thought. 

               Darien let go of them and gave them space, “You'll have to take your armour off so I can heal you better. I, uh, haven't really done this before on someone else.” He admitted.

               They sighed and removed the upper pieces of her armour. It was slightly embarrassing to do in front of the man she'd been crushing on for a few years, mostly due to all the scars they had. After the armour was off, they applied pressure to their wound again. 

                He smiled at her and knelt back down. He had taken off his chest plate anLd gauntlets to try and make things a little more comfortable for Aileth. Darien gently grabbed their hand, pulling it off their wound, and replacing it with his own. He focused on every good feeling he had about the Vestige and channeled it into his light. If he could heal himself, why wouldn't he be able to use Meridia's light to heal someone else that he cared for? Darien felt Aileth's breath hitch as he began to mend her wound. 

                It was a warm, fuzzy, and very relaxing feeling. Aileth didn't expect it. They leaned forward, eyes closed, and rested her head on Darien's shoulder as he continued to heal past the damage Nocturnal's magic had done. 

               They stayed this way for a while, even after Darien had finished mending their wound. He didn't pull away. Darien just let them lean on him, happy that she allowed him to help, he used his other hand to rub circles on her back. A sigh left Aileth as she relaxed further. 

               “How are you feeling?” Darien inquired softly. 

               Aileth hummed, “Better… Thank you. But, you didn't have to do that.” she replied.

               Darien gently moved Aileth off of him, placing the hand he used to heal them onto their cheek, and looked her in the eyes.

               “My dear lady, you've always done so much. I wanted to take one task off your shoulders. Besides, I- I couldn't just let you go off with a wound that bad,” Darien lowered his voice, “I was afraid I lost you back there at first… just like how I thought you died after releasing Meridia's light in Coldharbour.”

               “Darien…” 

               He smiled sadly, “Meridia told me you were alive, but the thought scared me. I guess what I'm saying is… Please, let people help you. And try to be careful, I know that's a lot to ask of you but.. You– you're my friend. You mean a lot to me.” Darien had unspoken words still, but he couldn't say what he actually meant. He just hoped Aileth could understand.

               “I'm sorry. I know I can be stubborn. I… I do really appreciate you, Darien. But you won't be rid of me that easily,” Aileth admitted, putting on a lighter tone, “you still owe me a good amount of drinks!”

               Darien chuckled, “And believe me, my lady, I will buy you those drinks. One day. For now, I'm afraid we don't have time,” he smirked.

               That damn smirk. Aileth swore it was her only weakness. They swore Darien himself was her only weakness, but a good one, one she didn't want to ever lose again. Not if they could help it. Aileth just then realized how close her and Darien's faces were, she felt his breath and he could feel hers. Their eyes glanced down at his lips. ‘I need to tell him.’ Aileth thought, bringing her eyes back to his.

               “Darien,” Aileth whispered, they wanted to say it louder but couldn't manage, “I.. I–” 

              ‘I love you. Just say “I love you”. It's not that hard!’ 

              “Hm?” Darien’s smirk was now just an adoring, curious smile. He patiently waited for what Aileth was trying to say, yet he seemed to already have an idea as to what it was. His eyes were filled with love and admiration. Their lips seemed ever closer to each other.

               Aileth pulled away, and Darien let them, “I need to go fill Oriandra in,” she stammered, their face incredibly flushed.

               Darien looked sad for a moment, but just a moment, “Right, right. Good idea. I'm, uh, glad that it worked. Healing you. I mean.” 

               They smiled, “I am too. I'll try to refrain from any more close calls. I promise.” 

               The Vestige put her armour back on and wiped their blood off their cheek, they only succeeded in smearing it more, she'd have to wash up before whatever next task is assigned by the Psijics. Aileth looked back one more time before leaving, Darien was awkwardly fidgeting with his armour and it was adorable, if he looked at her he'd see the longing in their eyes.

               ‘Nice one, Aileth. You fumbled it, all you had to say were those three words! … I need to tell him how much he means to me. Sometime before this is over. He needs to know... That I love him. My lovely knight.’

[nanakithewarrior]

💧

It was difficult to make out anything in the foul weather aside from the next step... And a lump of red.

The growing headache not stopping her from the unexpected detour towards it; something felt... distant? lost? familiar?

"...k... ki?..."

Alone in the Rain || Always Accepting~

The rain was so loud in his ears... so heavy on his back. It clung to his coat, too soaked wet to retain any of its natural insulation ability, and sank straight through his skin all the way to the bones. That's what it felt like, anyway.

Shrinking against the side of that abandoned truck he'd found, Nanaki sat pathetically, waiting for the weather to get any better... at least enough for him to make out a shelter anywhere. Who knew the world here could be so different from the one he'd known before his capture, a year prior?

Here there were people everywhere... and walls of concrete, and roads and buildings barring the path. And everywhere, ShinRa's guards to be avoided lest he's captured again.

And what of this one? Was she friend or foe?

Instinctively, the beast recoiled, a low growl rising from the back of his throat while his only working eye struggled to discern the figure through soaked wet fur.

[the-mainverse]

Welcome to the world 7 souls...

[calamitysshatteredson]

@projecth-aileth liked for a thing!

Records weren't impossible to find regarding Shinra operations, even some time after everything had been considered settled. Over and done. It depended entirely on their level of classification, however, and some of what he'd been searching for--

He knew it likely didn't exist. It was worth seeking anyway, for his own curiosity and to personally fully destroy anything which might lead to any of the tragedy happening again. It would have been bad enough to find records of what he saw in front of him, the subtle hum and several tiny flickering lights indicating that power still flowed here somehow. Most of the building was gone, but this... whatever this was...

"They tried again after all." The sounded like empty words in an empty room. Felt that way. Sephiroth reached out a hand to clear off the rest of the dust and debris obscuring the chamber's full label, then let it hover above instead. No contact. No certainty as to what he would do with whatever knowledge he gained. Destroy it, whatever it was, but... "They tried again." He repeated, tired. Angry. Tempted to tear the storage pod open; but he didn't have that strength anymore. Better to simply brush the paneling clean enough to make out words, code names, classifications; whatever ought not be remembered. Something else to take with him

[projecth-aileth]

“Could you help me with this?” 

//From Leslie! :) left it broad for you//

Abandoning whatever activity had been happening at the moment; indifferent to the sounds of crashing, groans, or the chorus of flavored cussing wisely directed at him instead.

Silver, waist length hair streaming behind, joining the other on the opposite wall; metal crates clearly needing to be moved.

Easily lifting the loaded boxes onto the overhead shelves; inhuman strength hidden behind the slight frame and delicate features.

“Was that all?” Draconic eyes faintly directed down; small but unmistakable, she had gotten slightly taller since being released.

[roleplay-abiogenesis2]

"What the...?!" His professional side was already kicking and screaming for letting himself be thrown off by the surprise of what he had just witnessed. That speed, that power... and just where the hell had that blade come from? This girl was...

... Heh, it was obvious though, wasn't it? He knew what that man was capable of, after all. This was just another of Dr. Hojo's abominations.

Another name to make it on his list of things to worry about. How on Gaia was he even supposed to get rid of something like this...?

How many more people had suffered for the creation of Aileth, just like how he'd suffered due to the project responsible for... No, now was not the time.

The second beast was still a threat, and before it could fully turn around, Saruhiko was quick to throw one of his knives straight at its face. The blade sank into the soft fleshy side just at the corner of the left eye, sharp and precise like a needle. Only the briefest squirt of blood spurt out of the injured socket, and the street shook with the monster's shriek.

"Don't you turn your back on me, scum." He hissed to himself. Well, the creature's attention was on him at least. Now what was important was to avoid any incoming strike.

Concrete, metal, glass, all still familiar in its shapes if not… softer? The edges and lights nowhere near as… sharp as the Labs… but before… overhead, that dark ceiling- the empty endless feeling it gave off had been… unsettling. The constricting confines of the stations halls more familiar if not for the concentration of people. Still so many compared to any demonstration or surgery she’d experienced- nose wrinkling slightly as some limped past.

‘Fresh air’ trailing after scrambling stragglers into the area stunk; not like the blinding sting of chemicals or burning rot and infection in The Drum.

Nearly overwhelmingly new and so… awful…

Blood and humans, there was the distinct scent of fear from them all.

Turning the corner, the cries of people were immediately replaced by guttural yowls from a pair of creatures; one standing upright on hind legs. Blank red eyes flashing with irritation when they did not flee like the rest at the threatening display of height.

‘Unknown hostile’

She didn’t recognize the beasts; rather large and somewhat feline-like. There was something… about its build… Fangs and claws, meant to be precision killers but the bodies were much too bulky-

Whispers, prickling and stinging in her ear~

aRtIfIcIaL

DeFiCiEnT

DiSgUsTiNg desTrO

Painful jolt flashing to a memory of the -Lab-

Able to feel the Leering grin in the dark, the crawl of His disgusting breath fogging across the tanks glass

Static washing out the details, everything narrowing on the unnatural beasts. Rational thought becoming obscured- burning…

It was all broken by the delicate song of sharpened blades being drawn and his smooth motion in her peripheral- flattening the rising haze. Lasting only a fraction of a moment, it had been jarring and painful but she stood unmoving at his side. Calmer now and fully aware of the Handlers new posture; readied and anticipating an attack- it appeared he was not intending to run.

Tensions thick in the air and as much as the idea of killing these things felt… correct; this wasn’t a testing chamber and there were… priorities. There was still one uncertainty, she hadn’t had the opportunity to figure out what he was like: was this a handler that expected action- only when directly ordered or…

“Do what you can…”

She was gone, rocketing forward before he could engage, stone tile cracking under the force. The change sudden; his final words enough.

The standing beast tried to stomp its too large claws but was suddenly thrown back. Swallowed by an explosion of dust and debris. Swirling plume falling to reveal the creature pinned upright to a partially destroyed wall; metal blade impaling it through the chest. Aileths slim frame poised unbothered, hand wrapped around the handle of a sword. That same cold glare, from the Lab was slowly turned, not to him this time- but to the remaining animal.

Its had been partially shoved trying to leap ungracefully to the side. Body clumsily hitting the wall as it avoided her blasting past. Still spitting with rage and looking to fight; unaware of its partners death.

[pinkestmenace]

Knight Vision

Ohoho! Here they are! The sillies! I debated whether I should post this, but I think I managed to keep it largely spoiler free. (It is set after Galacta Knight settles in Dream Land.) But the eagle-eyed will find some crumbs in here. Fufufu...

(It looks like Galacta Knight has picked up some healthier hobbies. He even learned how to cook! Without burning everything this time! ...And with his stabby urges focused on his undead "roommate"/sparring partner Dark Meta Knight the rest of Dream Land is safe. Probably.)

You know, it's funny to me to make MK and DMK parallel each other and actually give them similar opinions. They're just too hardheaded to realise it yet. And until they —Nova forbid— sit down and say it out loud their bad blood won't resolve.

MK: Hmph. Galacta Knight certainly has a...lacking taste in partners. (Is my counterpart taking advantage of his guilt? I should have kept a better eye on him. If only I'd paid attention and realised he revived.)

DMK: Tsch. That feathered fool has terrible taste in men. (And that blue bastard's such a hypocrite. You never bothered to care about little messed up me before, why start now?)

GK: Ohoho! Look how small yet lively ye are from up here! Mine edgy enigmas! (Why can I not shake the feeling something terrible aileth them?)

I like to imagine Dark Meta Knight can throw his voice if he wants to. He usually sounds similar to Meta Knight (especially when he's deadly serious), but with some small differences. (He alliterates more often and uses synonyms of what MK would say. He's also a bit snarkier, if that's even possible.) I like coming up with mirror/glass related curses for him. E.g.

Fool => Dullard (a dull mirror is useless)

Instead of swearing by Nova he might swear by the Mirror's Mercy.

"Ah, cracks."

"Oh, shatter me and scatter my shards!"

"Shards, not again."

"Not a splinter of a clue."

"Let me get this crystal clear."

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Birth of Isaac

1 And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as He had spoken.

2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

3 And Abraham called the name of his son who was born unto him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.

4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

5 And Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born unto him.

6 And Sarah said, “God hath made me laugh, so that all who hear will laugh with me.”

7 And she said, “Who would have said unto Abraham that Sarah should have given children suck? For I have borne him a son in his old age.”

8 And the child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.

10 Therefore she said unto Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.”

11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.

12 And God said unto Abraham, “Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman. In all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.”

14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water; and he gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15 And the water in the bottle was spent, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

16 And she went and sat down apart from him a good way off, as it were, a bowshot; for she said, “Let me not see the death of the child.” And she sat opposite him, and lifted up her voice and wept.

17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said unto her, “What aileth thee, Hagar? Fear not, for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

18 Arise; lift up the lad and hold him in thine hand, for I will make him a great nation.”

19 And God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

21 And he dwelt in the Wilderness of Paran, and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

22 And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the chief captain of his host, spoke unto Abraham, saying, “God is with thee in all that thou doest.

23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son; but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.”

24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.”

25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

26 And Abimelech said, “I know not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it until today.”

27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them unto Abimelech, and both of them made a covenant.

28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, “What mean these seven ewe lambs, which thou hast set by themselves?”

30 And he said, “These seven ewe lambs shalt thou take from my hand, that they may be a witness unto me that I have dug this well.”

31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba [that is, The well of the oath], because there they swore, both of them.

32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.

34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days. — Genesis 21 | 21st Century King James Version (KJV21) The Holy Bible; 21st Century King James Version Copyright © 1994 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. Cross References: Genesis 4:23; Genesis 14:6; Genesis 14:13; Genesis 15:1; Genesis 16:7; Genesis 16:10; Genesis 16:14; Genesis 17:17, 18 and 19; Genesis 18:11; Genesis 20:1-2; Genesis 21:23; Genesis 25:6; Genesis 26:15; Genesis 26:20; Genesis 26:28; Genesis 26:31; Genesis 28:15; Genesis 31:44; 1 Kings 17:12; Jeremiah 6:26; John 7:22; John 8:35; Acts 7:8; Romans 9:7; Galatians 4:29; Hebrews 6:15; Hebrews 13:8

Notes: Genesis 21 narrates the birth of Isaac, Abraham's son with Sarah, and the subsequent expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. It highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham and Sarah, despite Sarah's age and previous doubts. The chapter also demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when they are difficult.

[walkwithgod07]

21 And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.

7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.

8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.

12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow shot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.

17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

18 Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.

19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

24 And Abraham said, I will swear.

25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.

27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.

31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.

32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.

34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days.

[projecth-aileth]

The human continued struggling against the unyielding grip, from an all too delicate pale hand; adversary pausing for the first time since the fight began.

His shout bringing out some kind of response other than cold violence; masked head tilting slightly as it turned towards the blond.

Sparks jumped from gashed metal, the control helm had taken a severe amount of damage; the circlet obscuring the experiments face was barely functioning, leaving her mostly blind but also free of its interference.

The hanging silence broken by a voice, small and unused “…why not?”

OPEN RP | Muse: Cloud

“You can’t do this!!”

[constantfyre]

My friend sent me a meme and said it was my Vestige, Darien, and Gabrielle to Meridia. So here it is lmao.

[h4l0h0rn-died]

Aileth: O-ow...mmh...

Beaker: You alright?

Aileth: Y-yeah, it just hurt a little...

Beaker: Maybe Kindness is worried about you. This is her color, right? Heh.

Aileth: A-ahah. *Aileth looked down at her stomach. Kindness was indeed glowing way more. Aileth seemed happy as a small smile spread on her face.*

How cute.

[the-mainverse]

"The Strengths of their Souls Combined"

Aileth Zeia couldn’t help herself in a literal sense. She was constantly fatigued, bedridden, and overall weak. And it didn’t help with being pregnant for two years. It’s been 2 of them. Pregnancies don’t last that long. Which meant that her due date was unbeknownst to anyone. Even to herself. It puts her on edge every day. Though, at least she had Mace. They became friends a bit after Mace found her. Mace took her in and made sure she was well taken care of. It had its positives…but also its negatives.

She felt a bit of a burden to Mace. Even if she doesn’t talk or can’t see, Mace is a bit hard to read. A part of her feels Mace is taking care of her out of pity…like a doctor with just another patient. Mace made it clear it wasn’t the case. Though Aileth did believe her…

It was a lingering feeling.

One day, Aileth slipped out of sight, wanting to do something other than be bedridden and feel dependent. She was an independent person, believe it or not. She couldn’t be so dependent on Mace to the point where her independence could melt away. She didn’t want that. Especially if she was going to have a litter of babies.

Mace had accidentally fallen asleep, which made it easier for her to slip away unnoticed. Mostly. It was a bit of a struggle getting out of bed. And putting on some clothes. But even after 30 minutes, Mace hadn’t woken up. Maybe missing two hibernation seasons wasn’t good for her…She felt a bit guilty about that.

Aileth’s mind was clouded as she walked through a meadow she found, the greenery and little flowers giving her a sense of ease she hadn’t felt in a while. Slowly, her mind drifted back to a dark time when she was isolated in a bittersweet room decorated just for her comfort. The souls were dying and…her father didn’t care if she would. For the sake of the underground being free, Aileth was at the expense. She was not important to him. Aileth realized when she was strapped down and tested on before she was to carry those souls.

Aileth’s heart hurt from that fact….losing her father, someone she had loved for as long as she lived. He treated her like a princess. Taught her well. And then go against his own words, condemning her to this predicament. Furthermore, condemning her soon to be children. She had hope when she escaped at 6 months in. She was mobile enough to run and hide fast enough.

Unknowingly, tears started to drip from her sockets as she looked down distantly. Her eye lights shifted to grey. Her feet slid against the soft grass with every step. She sniffled and wiped her tears with the palms of her hands, realizing she was crying. She sighed heavily as she absentmindedly placed her hand on her belly.

“....You aren’t su-supposed to betray y-your kids like that d-dad…i-if you even were my d-dad…” She got sadder at that fact she didn’t dare consider him her father anymore. He was long gone…metaphorically and literally. All that was left was for her to pick up the pieces of a broken life. It wasn’t fair but…that’s all she could do. She sniffled and exhaled, looking up at the sky. She let more tears fall as she stopped in the middle of the quiet meadow.

The wind blew as she closed her eyes, trying to relax. She inhaled and exhaled. She had tried so hard to let go, many times during the two years. The past is over but there will be many scars and so many unfixed truths that will open more wounds or create new ones. Aileth isn’t afraid of that…she’s afraid of loss. And she’s lost a lot in those years.

….But she wasn’t going to let that past screw with her now. Whatever comes next for her, she could take it.

“...!!” She gasped as her eyes shot open. She lowered her head, looking out into the distance. The greenery seemed to…start turning duller. And duller…and duller…the wind picked up, and she covered her face with her arms. Then the wind abruptly stopped… She uncovered her face and saw that the meadow was now a still monochrome palette, instantly drenched with dread. Aileth looked down, sighing in relief when she didn’t lose color. Though she didn’t want to turn her back from the potential danger.

“...Out of all the damn days…” She whispered to herself. She wrapped an arm around her belly protectively as she looked around, her guard high. She slowly backed up, aiming to get out of there. But she backed up into something. She stumbled forward, turning around to see Blackout standing there with a blank expression. Aileth’s heart dropped as adrenaline kicked in. Before Blackout could stab her heart from behind, she scrambled out of the way, running. Blackout just watched her and dropped her fist. She then just melted away.

“Oh no no no-!” She stopped, switching directions as Blackout appeared in front of her. Blackout turned her body to where Aileth was running, finding entertainment. Aileth kept running, not looking back as she was. This was possibly the worst time to encounter Blackout. In the middle of her gloating, too?! Can’t a girl just have peace?!

“Ah-!!” Blackout appeared in front of her and whipped her arm out, sending a tentacle straight for her chest in an instant. A green barrier intercepted and blocked it, surrounding Aileth in a dome. Aileth backed up to the other wall of the dome and panted quickly. She watched as Blackout lowered her hand. Then flinched when she punched the barrier, cracking it slightly.

“Oh my- Oh my-!” Blackout backed up from the dome. The next thing Aileth knew, many tentacles launched from the ground behind Blackout. Aileth, out of instinct, fell to a sitting position and curled up in a protective ball, covering her arms with her hands and tail curling around herself, as the tentacles hit the dome with heavy strikes. Aileth panted, trying to figure out a way to escape. She knew the dome could only take so much damage.

“I-I wish Mace was h-he- Ghk-!” Aileth gripped her stomach, feeling a sharp pain. She realized something felt damp between her legs. She realized her water had broken, and she didn’t realize it from the adrenaline she experienced. Her heart sank more as her priority shifted in that moment. She knew the souls’ glow was weaker. She knew something would go wrong. At that point, they’d all be dead. Something burned in Aileth’s heart as she looked up at the dome, which was cracking more and more with each hit.

“You…are not…going to kill me here! I’ve endured too much to get here!” She outstretched her hand as her eye lights burned gold. Her hand shook from the pain she felt, but she wasn’t going to let that get in the way. “Mace has done a lot for me! I want her to hear from me how grateful I am! You’re not going to take that away!” Before the dome broke, it glowed a hot pinkish red, flashing as the cracks repaired themselves. Blackout doubled her efforts to try to break the done again, though it seemed it had gotten stronger than before.

Blackout’s face shifted in slight annoyance. “You can’t stay in there forever…” Her face progressively got more irritated as she watched Aileth adjust herself to accommodate her contractions. Her breathing was harsh, but the look of defiance annoyed her more.

“....I WILL GET TO YOU,” Blackout shouted, banging her arms on the dome with a heavy hit. She dragged her claws down the dome, making a painful sound as she exhaled through her teeth. “You have what I need…You either give it to me…or DIE ALONE AND PITIFUL.” The tentacles wrapped around the dome and started squeezing it. It was tight. Aileth looked around, trying to find a way out. She got up the best she could with the help of the wall of the dome, exhaling from the pain. The dome cracked again, more rapidly this time.

“Y-You think- ow! Augh…You scare me? Think again! I’m getting out of here alive whether you fucking like it or not-!” The dome shattered. It seemed as if time slowed down as Aileth’s fate was about to be met. She quickly covered her stomach with both arms, aiming to protect her children.

“!!” Hands wrapped around her body as her weight seemed to shift. She heard a boom, though the next second, it sounded farther. Then she heard panting as the hold around her tightened. She looked up to see Mace, panting as she was looking over her shoulder at where she had rescued Aileth. It seemed Mace ran all the way here to even reach Aileth. Especially when it’s hibernation season. She was usually slower, but…the fact she was faster when Aileth was in immediate danger…It was admirable.

“M-Mace I- H-hah! Owh! Ow…Mace, I-I’m in labor…we need-!” Mace covered Aileth from the attacks Blackout threw. Black wedges. Some pierced Mace’s back and made her grunt in slight pain. Aileth felt something burn in her soul as her eye lights now glowed, one a deep blue and the other a mint green. She reached her hand over Mace’s shoulder as the same color magic manifested into a revolver. It glowed at the muzzle, a bullet of the combined light, and shot a tentacle that was coming down to crush them both. The tentacle exploded, saving them both, and Mace took that chance to start running with Aileth.

Mace, surveying what Aileth said and the situation at hand, she needed to get her back to their home. But her magic is still charging from being hindered by the winter. She needed at least another minute. Aileth's breathing became ragged as she gritted her teeth through the pain. Mace knew time was limited…But she needed just enough to get back. Mace quickly dodged the attacks coming their way. Mace was aiming for the forest, Aileth knew. Out in the open meadow, there was nowhere to hide. Aileth put her full trust in Mace, knowing Mace had a plan.

Mace successfully evaded Blackout’s attacks long enough to slip into the dull, dark forest. She quickly made her way deeper into the dark and then jumped up into the trees. She made sure to hide Aileth with as much of her body as she could and listened. Aileth buried her face in Mace’s chest, trying to stay quiet amidst the painful contractions she felt. One noise too loud and it’s over…Mace held Aileth’s head to her chest, rubbing her thumb soothingly against her skull, trying to provide some comfort and support. It was a bit stressful for both of them. Aileth couldn’t help but choke out a sob.

“S-Sorry Mace…d-don’t be mad…pl-please… please….” She whispered, loud enough for Mace to hear her. Mace could feel the guilt in Aileth’s voice. But in reality, Mace wasn’t mad at her at all. The whole time, for the while they were friends, she was more worrisome than angry. She knows she looks mad all the time, but it’s never at anyone. Mace couldn’t help but feel a pinch of guilt for letting that thought even make it to Aileth’s head. Mace licked Aileth’s head, letting her know she wasn’t mad. And it seemed to work. Aileth gripped Mace’s arm as she bared her teeth, breathing silently through the pain.

Mace noticed her contractions were closing in fast. She heard Blackout nearby and pushed Aileth’s head in her chest a little more, making sure Aileth and herself were completely hidden within the trees. She just needed another minute…

“You two are pissing me off…I hate having to fight for what I want. I might have to kill you both.” Blackout walked by, expressionless. Her feet crushed the grass beneath her with every step. Mace listened closely, paying attention to where she was. She was getting closer….Mace held Aileth tighter as she approached the tree. Blackout stopped right under them. Mace stayed completely still as Aileth practically held her breath, not daring to make any sound.

“....I’m not in the mood to play hide and seek.” Blackout turned her head slightly. Then, she heard a noise coming from nearby. “....And you’re not very good at it either.” She turned and started walking towards the noise. Aileth had flicked a small bone someplace else to create a distraction. When Blackout got far enough, Aileth groaned within Mace’s chest, her grip on her arm getting tighter. Mace licked her skull, trying to comfort her. She knew Aileth couldn’t stay quiet forever. They needed to go. Just a few more seconds…

Mace prepared to open a portal. Blackout stopped in her tracks when she heard a faint groan. She turned back to the tree. Mace heard her footsteps stopping and decided to fuck it all. She opened a portal with the little magical strength she had. She went through the portal quickly. Blackout reacted right when she saw the portal open, whipping her hand and sending paint to them. The black paint hit the back of Mace’s neck and instantly squeezed tightly, choking her as she went through. She fell with Aileth, though pivoting her body so she wouldn’t get hurt. Aileth fell on Mace and slid on her side across the dirt. Mace clawed at her throat, trying to pull the paint off.

“Mace!” Aileth crawled to Mace and tried to help her. Every time Mace pulled it off, it just reattached back. Aileth’s heart dropped. It’s going to kill Mace if- Aileth started panicking before she heard footsteps. She looked and saw Dire and Ravage coming over. Dire hopped over Mace and quickly pulled off the paint that was choking Mace. Before it had a chance to reform back around Mace’s throat, Dire threw it down and blew fire from her mouth, incinerating it until there was nothing left. Mace held her throat and coughed, panting. Mace had decided to land at the Rock Pit, knowing at least one of the sisters was there.

“M-Mace! Mace, are you all right? Y-You’re not hurt, are you?” Aileth whined, inspecting Mace to make sure nothing was damaged. Mace sat up and put a thumbs up. Aileth sighed in relief and almost instantly cried out in pain, clutching her stomach. Ravage and Dire flinched, realizing what was happening.

“She…baby…babies…Macey, she’s- Home! Get... home!” Ravage, despite the clear worry, was excited for Aileth. Ravage and Dire both knew how long Aileth had been waiting for this. Mace quickly got up and lifted Aileth back in her arms. Dire opened a portal back to their home. Mace went through, looking back at Dire with a thankful look. Dire nodded once before she closed it.

Mace placed Aileth on the bed and went to get towels and water. Aileth leaned back on the pillows, looking down at her belly. She lifted her dress over her belly and saw the unusual glow of the seven souls. They weren’t their original colors, but they were glowing more than before. Aileth saw that as a great sign, knowing that that glow meant they were going to be healthy coming out. She couldn’t help but laugh breathlessly despite the pain. It was like they were new…livelier than before. Something she was worried about for the time their glow was dampened.

“Y-You’ll be alright a-afterall…safe and sound with us…I can’t wait to meet you all…” Aileth carressed her belly, smiling softly. Then another contraction ripped through her, and she groaned in pain again. “Yeah, I really can’t wait to meet you all! Grrhh!” Mace heard that from the other room and chuckled a bit from that, amused. She was glad they were thriving again. She was worried about the souls, too. Monitoring them so none of them would dust. She was just glad the due date had finally come…She had never heard of anyone being pregnant for 2 years…it was a bit fascinating to her. All in all though…

They had a lot of work to do from here.

[projecth-aileth]

Despite lacking evidence to the contrary, things in the science department were kept under increasingly tighter wraps; even to the extent of having a lab installed behind his personal office. Off the books and hidden from preying eyes…or so the professor had thought.

Cramped with equipment, most of the small room was dark; low-power humming of machines all around and shut down screens blank, save for one. The little panel for the single containment unit inside.

The glass was thick, several times more so than the usual models, casting a blueish light from within.

Few had interacted with this experiment or knew of the project and so far there had been no reaction to the uninvited entrance. Neither from a security system nor specimen; long silver hair spilled over the pale figure, sitting curled and motionless inside. Arms wrapped around folded legs, head resting on knees. Lidded eyes remaining still, distant, as it kept close watch of this… unknown… stalking just outside the reach of the glass's dim glow.

Occasionally placed here for… extensive periods, experience meant that energy conservation was important, but it was difficult to ignore such a distraction. Trying to place the voice but finding no memories of this one. Even with the audio taking on a terrible tinny quality, as it was fed into the otherwise sealed space.

Aside from Him all others were… the white-coats… timid tense

human breakable… unimportant.

This one though…

This one was unknown, tense… In a different way.

Draconic gaze suddenly locked to hazel the moment the stranger stepped closer to the panel; waiting.

@projecth-aileth liked for a starter

this is his latest - hojo's magnum opus -

another weapon bred by things heidegger isn't entirely certain one should dabble in.

a seemingly 'normal' one, whose mako glow gives her away. to anybody uninclined with the ways of a shinra experiment, they'd assume her innocent. oh odin, would they be wrong. although - she's yet to prove herself, heidegger would think, slow steps taken beside her holding unit - a cocked brow and a subtle eye on her ( should she try anything ).

"so-" hands coil behind his back, a firm hold of his gaze as he turns to face her "i hear you're quite proficient in combat training." his expression gives nought away, the hazel hues of his eyes dark, his lips unwaveringly still. "mind accompanying me to the training centre? i relish the chance to see these skills first hand."

[projecth-aileth]

Leslie would hold onto her hand as he'd lead her through the streets of Wall Market. "Come on. Let's go shopping." He'd say. "I got us some Gil to spend from that last job."

Empty.

Nothingness…

…

..

.

not alone…

in the darkness… creeping

Burning.

Choking, smothering

Pulling…

Looking down to see pale hand grasped… in another…

“…is that… alright?” Light and sound of the blaringly bright Market surged back into awareness, the nightmare dissolving.

[oleworm]

Sorry for the long ask bro I have once again been tormented by supernatural apparitions. But yes, the Fisher King, The Wounded One, the one awaiting for a hero to ask 'What aileth thee...?'. I kinda like it that subconsciously, so often fan-made 'fix-it's repeat a millennium old story - of a character troubled and wounded being ripped out of their torment by someone giving a damn, someone asking the right question. "What hurts you?".

There are many more who said it, but I had to laugh good-naturedly when I was reading this message of yours. It's the old phrase, made new by Wildean turn, "Give [a man] a mask, and he will tell you the truth."

And so many people are hurt.

Once I was having a conversation with a person and encouraging them to write, and they asked me, "But if someone reads it, won't they know what I think? Won't they know who I am? Won't they know what ails me?" Even if we are talking about a fictional story, not one meant to serve a commentary about society, ourselves, or so on, I don't think there's any way to avoid it, unless you commit to writing trash. Of course there are degrees of skill that can make the experience of reading more or less attractive, more or less challenging, but there's nothing I like less than a writer who outright tells you what they think you--the general public--would like to hear.