#;; amongst the monsters i am well hidden ( atmosphere )

[maidencfdeath]

[nateezfics]

I’ve been watching the anime Vampire Knight again and my mind is going insane. Like...I am absolutely crazy for spending so much time on this. Below the cut is me brainstorming and running away with an idea.

Imagine going to a private university where the student body is split in two parts. The day class and the night class. These two classes never cross as it is forbidden. The day class knows nothing more than that there is a night class, but the rest is a mystery. Not a single student of the light has seen a night time student. The daytime students do not know the the school’s dark secret. They do not know that the night class is full of vampires, vampires who wish to turn away from their evil natures. Though they are learning to keep their inner monsters at bay, they are still a potential danger to the day students, hence the separation.

You are the president of the women’s dormitories, and also part of the night watch. One night, after reprimanding two wandering students and sending them back to their dorm, you are confronted by two dashingly beautiful men. They wear uniforms with the school’s emblem, but you’ve never seen them before. It dawns on you that these must be students from the enigmatic night class. Their otherworldly beauty, their sharp fangs, their glowing eyes....everything about them seems...inhuman. Before you can blink, they close in on you, and then everything turns black.

When you awake, you realize much to your horror and confusion that you are not in your dorm. You’re in an unknown place. Soon you’re surrounded by a group of men, all who share the quality of dazzling beauty. As they gaze upon you with illuminated eyes, you realize that the night class is more than a class of students...it is a coven of vampires. You wonder what in the world you’ve been dragged into.

The Night Class

Hongjoong; Night class student president; president of the men’s dormitory (night class); level A/pure blood vampire

Hongjoong was the first student in Cross Academy’s night class

Befriended the Headmaster many years ago and the two shared a common interest: to see humans and vampires living harmoniously

Hongjoong originally fed on humans, but after meeting the Headmaster, decided to change his ways and fight against his own nature

Hongjoong helped give way to Headmaster’s dream of using Cross Academy as a way for vampires to better themselves

Hongjoong is several centuries old

He is a pure blood within level A, the top tier of the vampire class system, making him one of the most powerful and feared vampires around

The Kim family is one of the few remaining pure blood families

Saved the reader many years ago when she was only a small child from being killed by a vampire

Cared for her through the night and brought her to the Headmaster’s doorstep

Hongjoong follows the university’s strict rule of keeping himself and the night class hidden, despite wanting to check up on the reader who does not remember him

He is a kind vampire, but has a stained past which he tries to overcome

Is respected amongst both the school’s night class students and the vampire realm

Though he does get flack from the Vampire Council for trying to resist his vampire nature and being so friendly with humans

Seonghwa; Night class student secretary; right hand to the night class president; level A/pure blood vampire

Seonghwa is an old friend to Hongjoong, the two of them knowing each other for centuries

He is older than Hongjoong

Did not agree with Hongjoong’s theology at first, but eventually decided to join him at the academy

Seonghwa often acts as Hongjoong’s voice of reason, mostly because he helps keep the rest of the night class in check

If Hongjoong is away, Seonghwa acts as temporary president

Is a bit less ruthless than Hongjoong in terms of discipline, and he often gets called the “mother of the night class” due to his nurturing nature

He is a pure blooded vampire from the Park family, another powerful vampire line

He is not too fond of humans per se, but tries to follow along with Hongjoong, and tries to understand that their lives are precious

Him and Hongjoong both rely the least on blood pills (pills that act as a placebo to quench a vampire’s desire for actual blood from humans) due to having been in the academy the longest

Yunho; Day watcher/enforcer for the night class; hunter; level B/aristocratic vampire

Unlike the former two vampires, Yunho is not a pure blood

Meaning somewhere in his ancestry there are humans who’d been turned

Comes from a wealthy family, earning him the status of level B vampire

Has always been kind to humans somewhat, never preying on the innocent but instead preying on the evil, wrong doing humans like criminals

Befriends the Headmaster and joins the academy by his request

It doesn’t take long for Yunho to fall in line with the hope of one day living along side humans

Yunho watches over the night class section of campus and its dorms during the day to make sure no day students wander too close.

Carries out punishments to night class students at Hongjoong’s judgement

Often aids the Vampire Council in hunting and eliminating rogue level D vampires

Will also follow Hongjoong along side his missions to recruit more vampires into the academy

Is slowly trying to become less reliant on blood pills

Yeosang; Night class’ top student; scholar; level B/aristocratic vampire

Yeosang was recruited by Hongjoong to join, but at first was unwilling to join

He only decided to go to Cross Academy because of his ages old friend, Wooyoung

He’s an extremely picky eater

Always preyed on humans with a certain blood type and humans that came from high society families

After coming to the academy, Yeosang struggled with denying his bloodlust

His dislike for the blood pills didn’t help

Learned to keep it under control when he decided to just hunt for animals around the university’s campus

Is indifferent about wanting to be harmonious with humans

Despite this, he is the top student of the night class, having shown the most growth and progress

He’s a man of knowledge, loves to spend time in the library

He’s very sharp tongued, and often makes condescending quips about the other night class vampires, especially San

Does not use blood pills, rather he just feeds straight from animals

San; Night class transporter/gatekeeper; level C/common vampire

He’s in charge of leading the night class from their dorms to the main building

He makes sure all the day students are out of the building and classrooms

Usually has to wait for an all clear from the Headmaster

San was the first commoner, level C vampire to enroll at Cross Academy

Commoner vampires are normal, every day people, usually they are the vampires that walk amongst humans the most

San is incredibly powerful for a level C, and this is why Hongjoong recruited him

Isn’t quite sure how he feels about denying his vampire nature, but his respect for Hongjoong and his close lineage to humans compels him to try

Wooyoung is his companion, whether romantically or platonically is something the night class is always trying to find out

The two are inseparable

San came before Wooyoung, and when the latter first started at the academy, the two vampires quickly bonded over both being level C’s

San requires many blood pills a day

Being a level C means there is a lot of humanity in his lineage which also makes him most likely to go berserk and turn into a level D vampire, a mindless feral being

Mingi; Night class bookkeeper; scribe; level A/pure blood vampire

Mingi is somewhat of a right hand to the right hand

He often aids Seonghwa in managing the more tedious side parts of the night class, like paperwork

Mingi keeps record of all complaints, new students, dorm inspections, punishments, and schedules for each day

He also tends to the library as well as the music/recreation hall

Yunho is responsible for his presence at the academy

Mingi quickly earns respect from Hongjoong, and becomes Hongjoong’s left hand man with Seonghwa as his right

Mingi is tender hearted, and always struggled with his vampire nature

Feeding on humans was something he never enjoyed, a strange trait for a being with not a single ounce of humanity in his bloodline

Mingi often acts the source of cheer amongst the night class

He likes to compose, and sometimes he will play for the other vampires to allow everyone to unwind

The Song family was always close with the Jeong family, and because of this Yunho and Mingi have known each for a very long time

Does not rely on blood pills all that much, but takes them as soon as he feels any amount thirst for blood because he does not like the feeling of bloodlust and the way it reminds him of how evil his kind is

Wooyoung; Class socialite; level C/common vampire

Wooyoung is a common vampire like San, but this does not keep him from befriending vampires of all classes

He is very extroverted, and Hongjoong believes his love for socializing will one day help bring humans and vampires together

Wooyoung has no official role within the night class, but helps where he can

He maintains an upbeat atmosphere within the class along with Mingi

He often gets on the other vampires’ nerves, especially Seonghwa

He loves to cause mischief and naturally Seonghwa is the victim more often than not

Yeosang is a common target as well, but he remains aloof to his friend’s shenanigans

Wooyoung learned very quickly on to never pull anything on Hongjoong, he was scolded by the elder vampire so bad that he refused to leave his dorm room for a week

He’s always with San, and secretly loves it when Yeosang makes jests about them being a “couple”

Wooyoung often attempts to sneak around the day class dorms, just to take a peek, but Jongho always catches him

He takes blood pills regularly

Jongho; Day watcher/enforcer for the night class; hunter; level B/aristocratic vampire

Jongho has a reputation amongst the vampire realm of being a champion hunter

His strength knows very few rivals despite him being a fairly young vampire

Was commissioned by the Council centuries ago to be a hunter

Jongho mainly hunts level D vampires now, especially after enrolling at the university

But he used to hunt vampire hunters - humans who specialize in eliminating vampires of all levels

Jongho’s strength is normally enough of a deterrent to keep night class students from pulling anything stupid

Though Wooyoung often pushes his luck

With Yunho, the night class section of the campus is secure

Isn’t exactly onboard with Hongjoong and Headmaster’s ideals

He sees humans as lesser than

But Hongjoong is working with him, and slowly Jongho is beginning to reform

He may be the youngest, but everyone (even Hongjoong) is somewhat intimidated by him

The Day Class

Reader; Night watcher/enforcer for the day class; president of the women’s dormitory; human

When you were young, you were out with your family one evening

You were attacked by a strange man

He killed your parents right before your eyes

Before he could harm you, someone rescued you

Your savior had the same glowing eyes as the man who killed your parents, but for some reason, you trusted him

He was so kind to you, and even brought you to someone who could take care of you

You don’t remember him in the years to come, save for his glowing eyes

But as the years pass, you dream of his eyes, wondering if you’ll ever find him one day

The academy’s Headmaster raises you as his own, and naturally when it came time for you to attend university, you chose to attend Cross Academy

You take your role as dorm president seriously

And you never miss a shift as night watcher

With all your responsibilities, you don’t have much free time

But late at night while you rest, you ponder about the night class

Your father never tells you anything when you ask

Something tells you there’s more to it all, more to the story

Fortunately, or maybe not so fortunately, you find out the mystery soon enough

[autumnleaves1991-blog]

Day 16: Just Another Day- Din Djarin

Pairing: Din Djarin x Reader

Spoilers for season 2 episode 3. If you haven’t watched it please do because it’s amazing. Thank you for reading!

November Writing Challenge Masterlist 

Day 15: Just Walk Away - Ezra (Prospect) 

You stood looking out amongst the grey sky and the blue of the ocean water. Din stood at your side with the child in his pram. The wind blows cold and deep through your bones and you shiver. Din looks at you and says nothing, only pulling his cape gently to drape over your shoulders, pulling you closer to his side. His arm resting lightly around your waist. You shiver again, but not from the cold. The cape is warm and rough under your fingers as you drag it more over your shoulders. The child coos as he watches the waves move in a rough dance, each crashing over the other. 

“Stay close to me,” you hear Din whisper next to your ear, “I don’t like the way our ‘friend’ has been eyeing you since the Inn.” 

You look over his shoulder at the Quarren boatmen. None of them are really paying you any attention and you chalk it up to Din being paranoid. Still, you don’t move from his side. 

The Captain comes up on your left holding up some kind of long spear. “You ever see a mamacore eat? ...Quite a site, the child may take an interest.” Din looks down at you before turning his eyes toward the child who does look interested. “Come on over,” the Captain gestures. 

You wordlessly follow, still tucked close to Din’s side. “That’s close enough,” he says, keeping a close watch over the child. 

The quarren uses the spear to hover a net filled with fish over a large opening in the center of the ship. The metal grate creaks loudly as it moves away and you watch waiting for the creature to appear. The child leans over the side of the pram, eager to see. They press a button and the fish fall into the water, and float to the top. 

The water begins to bubble and you watch as tentacles begin to slowly appear up the sides. “She must be hungry, we usually feed her in the early morning. But, we were unable due to being in PORT!” The Captain shouts using the spear to push the pram into the water. 

You watch in horror as a huge monster with sharp teeth swallows the pram, “NO!” Din shouts pushing you backwards and jumping into the water. You are thrown into the waiting arms of one of the crew who holds you back. 

“Close it!! GO GO GO!” The Captain shouts, and you scream at him to stop. Your voice going hoarse from your cries. The crew members arms are tight around your own, as you thrash trying to get free. 

“NO! PLEASE! LET HIM GO!” you scream. 

“This beskar is ours! And this little bitch will catch us a high price.” the Captain lets out a chuckle peering down for a sign of the Mandalorian. 

Din surfaces and gasps for air against the metal grate hands holding tight to the bars, coughing furiously. You never stop fighting, kicking, punching doing everything you can to get free. 

“Drown him! Keep him down!” they shout, using their long spears to push your Mandalorian down into the water. He slips beneath the surface and they just watch, laughing.

“MANDO! NO!” You break free for a moment before a hand grabs your hair pulling you back making you scream in pain.

“Shut her up!” one of them shouts and a disgusting brown cloth is pushed into your mouth and tied tight as two more quarrens hold you down. Your eyesight is blurred from tears, your body sore from fighting, and your heart shattered watching your loved ones killed before you. 

The water breaks again as Mando resurfaces, coughing loudly and they shove their spears at him again. The sounds of metal hitting beskar and the thrashing of the water is drowned out as the blood pounds in your ear. You can feel the fabric tighten bruising around your wrists as you're restrained. 

“He didn’t sink!” 

“Finish him!” 

“Keep him down!” 

You never stop thrashing against your captors, screaming through the gag for Din and the child. 

Whoosh

Your eyes break from the water to look up as three mandalorians descend upon the ship. Dispatching with the quarrens quickly. The sounds of gunfire, grunts, and metal slicing through flesh. Your eyes are frantic as you crawl on your knees to the grate, screaming for Din. The sound of the grate slowly being pulled back has you leaning over the side precariously. Desperately searching for Din and the child. 

“Take my hand,” one of the others says and you watch with bated breath as Din is pulled from the water. You sob as he is gently lowered to a crate. 

He coughs, the water expelling from his lungs, “There's...a creature. It has the child!” 

“On it,” one shouts, diving back into the water. 

The third Mandalorian comes to your side using a large knife to cut through your bindings, you rip the gag from your mouth and stand on shaky legs, running over to Din. “The child,” he begs, “Help the child.” 

“Don’t worry brother, we’ve got this,” The mandalorian tells him, putting a hand on his shoulder. 

When he’s within reach you drop to your knees before him checking him over as best you can. His gloved hand comes to rest on your arm pulling you to his side silently. When you're satisfied he’s okay, you watch with bated breath for any sign of the Child. 

There is a flash of light beneath the water, and you hear the roar of the creature below. The Mandalorian breaks through the surface of the water holding a crushed pram in their hands. You gasp before they land gently placing the pram on the ground and ripping away the top. Handing the Child to Din carefully. 

You look down at the child held preciously in his left arm as he tightens his grip around you. Your clan of three reunited. His breath still comes out in pants as he tries to return his breathing to normal. “I have been searching for others of our kind,” he looks before the three mandalorians, “I’ve been quested to deliver this child...I was hoping that y- '' His voice cuts off as the three remove their helmets. 

His grip on you loosens as he places the child in your arms and pushes you both behind him. “Where did you get that armor?” his tone is threatening. 

“This armor has been in my family for three generations,” the woman asks confused. 

“You do not cover your face. You are not mandalorian.” 

The others look between each other before the man speaks up, “He’s one of them.” 

“Dank farrick,” she looks at him before going back to Din, “I am Bo-Katan of Clan Kryze. I was born on Mandalore and fought in the purge. I am the last of my line. And you...you are a child of the watch.” 

“The watch?” he whispers. 

“Children of the watch are a group of religious zealots who broke away from Mandalorian society. Their goal was to re-establish the ancient way.” She looks between you and the child, half hidden behind the broad shoulders of Din. 

Din takes a half a step closer and you hold your breath waiting for him to make a move, “There is only one way. The way of the Mandalore,” he turns toward you and reaches for you and the child, wrapping his cloak around you and picking you up bridal style, shooting off into the air. 

You land softly onto the dock and he doesn’t move to lower you. You snuggle closer to him and press your face into his neck breathing deeply. The faint explosion disturbs the peace and you look across the water to see the ship burst into flames. Three lines of smoke from the mandalorians leave the atmosphere. 

Din turns from the scene walking towards the crest. The shipyard is empty as you walk aboard. It doesn’t look any better than when you left it and Din sighs before gently lowering you to the ground. He takes the child from your arms and presses his helmet to his little green head, the child puts his hands gently on the helmet returning the embrace. Din slowly pulls him back and places him in the co-pilot's chair, pulling a small blanket over his body and he falls asleep almost instantly, exhausted from the ordeal. 

You struggle with what to say as the emotions from the day overcome you. You shake lightly before collapsing to the ground. Dins arms are quick to move around you holding you tightly to his beskar covered chest. “I...I could have lost you both today,” you sob, grabbing tightly to him. 

“But, you didn’t mesh’la we’re alright.” His touch grounds you and you hold him tightly, he lets out a small chuckle, “It was just another day…” 

“How can you say that? The child was eaten, you almost drowned! They were going to sell me…” 

“What?” his voice comes out low and deadly. 

“The quarren...they said they could get a fair price for me...they wanted to sell me Din,” you tell him quietly. 

His arm tightens around your waist before he is pulling away. You miss the warmth immediately and silent tears stream down your face. You watch as he carefully removes his gloves, each piece of armor joining him until he is left only in his undershirt and pants. His clothes are still dripping wet. 

“Din…you need to change clothes, you’ll catch a cold,” you mindlessly begin pulling on the fabric. 

“I’m alright…” he gently holds your wrist, “Come, we both could use some sleep.” 

You look around the cockpit and make your way to the passenger seat when the hand on your wrist tightens, you freeze. Your eyes slowly lift to meet the black visor, “Din…” 

“Lay with me,” his voice is quiet and low. You shiver at the sound before nodding wordlessly. Moving towards him as he lowers himself with a small grunt into the pilots chair. He pulls your hips to him and you straddle his waist, laying your head on his chest. He lowers the chair back as far as it will go and draws patterns across your back. You feel his heart pound in your ear. The warmth, his hands guiding over your back, and his heartbeat lures you off to sleep. 

Before the darkness overcomes you hear a whisper against your ear, almost so quiet you don’t hear, “rest well cyare, I’ll always protect you.”

[aomineavenue]

Homesick (Miya Atsumu x f!Reader) | 006. dinner disaster

Summary: Six years ago, L/N Y/N wouldn’t exactly say that she loves her life. It had always been problematic but her best friend, Miya Atsumu, since she was eight when she moved to Hyōgo, has always been there for her, and she wouldn’t change it for the world. However, things would always fall apart for her ever since, so she should have expected of such. Running away from her problems seemed like the easiest route to take at the time, so what happens when the past comes barging back into her life demanding answers? Will she be able to confront her demons?

Pairings: Miya Atsumu x f!Reader

Updates: irregular.

Genre: Angst, ANGST I LOVE ANGST, a lil bit of fluff here and there.

Warnings: Language, etc. (Will be mentioned once posted because I don’t want spoilers huehue)

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters except for the reader and my ideas. I do not claim any images used for content in this fic, everything goes out to their respective creators unless it is mentioned that it is mine.

Status: ongoing. | series masterlist

↩ confessions | dinner disaster | realizations  ↪

mia’s note(s): 

can you find the easter eggs in here? 

i am sorry, i am not very fond of this chapter lmao i told you guys im bad at writing that isn’t angst man 

i hope you guys enjoy anyway, lemme know what you guys think!! and tell me if you find the easter eggs mwa mwa

You nod eagerly as you shut the menu in your grip, completely ignoring Reiji’s protests from beside you as the rest of the individuals seated around the table either watch in amusement or curiosity. “I believe there is always a three special course meal that changes every day according to the chef, we’d absolutely love that.”

At the sight of Reiji’s features scrunched up in horror, you inwardly squealed in victory. 

Years have flown by, you’re both practically strangers at this point. Yes, strangers. Just two strangers who know every shameful secret, every hidden freckle, and even every fatal flaw in each other. Who were you kidding anyway? Six years have gone by just like that, but you knew it yourself, deep down that you still strongly cared for the man that now stood before you, his eyes the only thing you could focus on, not even the soft chatter of the other guests or the soft instrumental melody produced by the restaurant’s speakers could capture your attention and disrupt your thoughts. Mesmerized, that is what you are. What even. 

It has been six years and to this day, he still completely steals your breath away. 

Not that it should surprise you or anything. Despite everything, how he had hurt you back when you were both 17 and in your second year in senior high school back in 2013, or the hurtful words that spilled from his mouth from the running emotions that day back at the sports complex when the truth revealed itself, you couldn’t bring yourself to hate him or even be angry. You’ve thought of this a billion times since you left Hyōgo. You have imagined a billion scenarios, trying your best to prepare yourself because you knew. You knew that it was inevitable to stay hidden, to keep your secret hidden. A part of you always knew you were going to meet him again. Not that your reunion was delightful or anything. It was nowhere near such. No matter how many scenarios you created in your head, it had not been enough for you to prepare for any form of response. 

You hadn’t realized it at first when you had met him on that day because of the emotions running high through your veins, but now, standing in front of him, your eyes drank him up completely. Of course, you notice the differences from six years ago. It wasn’t as if he was going to stay how he had been back then, nor was it difficult to notice the changes from the boy you used to adore. Looking at him now, it was clear as day that he had grown up from the charming boy next door to a breathtaking man that you can’t seem to tear your gaze away. 

As your name rolls off of his tongue, you snap out of your trance, blinking a couple of times. Thankfully, you suppressed your emotions quick enough from allowing the warmth that wanted to creep across your cheeks. God, how embarrassing. Did he notice you were practically devouring him with your eyes? Hopefully not. 

However, despite his handsome features, you are suddenly reminded of the last conversation that the two of you shared and it was enough for you to push your mushy thoughts to the very back of your head. Ah, right. You remembered now, before being distracted by Atsumu’s ridiculously handsome face, you were going to give Asuma and Reiji a good smack. If only you had known of this setup, you would have never agreed. Jumping back to reality, you were about to take a step back, wanting to leave the premises, only to be held back by Reiji, gripping onto your arm to stop you. 

You were cut off from your protests, Reiji moving closer to whisper in your ear with the all too familiar tone he uses on you during arguments. Before he could even finish his sentence, you already knew that the excuses you have in mind were no use. There was no room for negotiations. “Stop being stubborn and sit down. Do this for your kids. It’s not like it’s a date or anything.” 

Grumbling underneath your breath at how much of an ass he was, he only replies with a chuckle as he releases his grip on your arm, neither of you realizing the green-eyed monster’s gaze that followed the whole interaction. The two of your friends took their seats, greeting the rest of the party, while you’re left standing there before Atsumu. As you stood there face to face, you didn’t realize the two occupants around the table sharing hushed whispers amongst each other, berating each other for bringing other people along. Meeting his gaze once more, you give him a small nod, “Atsumu. Shall we then?” 

He nods, his voice cracking slightly because of his nerves, “Yeah.” 

However, as you turn to greet the rest of the party, you feel your shoulders grow tense at the realization of what your two friends did once again. They had occupied seats around the table, leaving the only available seats next to each other for you and Atsumu. If it’s one thing you hated, it was when your friends become the meddling monkeys that they are. 

Not wanting to cause a scene, you inwardly groan and occupy the seat next to Reiji, leaving the seat next to you for Atsumu. In spite of your irritation, you find yourself flashing a half-hearted smile at the three across from you. 

“Hi!” the one in the middle greets you happily with an enormous smile plastered across his face, “I’m Hinata, it’s nice to meet you.” He extends his arm across the table, holding out his hand for you to shake, which you gladly take. 

“Nice to meet you too,” you respond with a nod of your head as you release your grip from his hand, just in time to retrieve the menu that the waiter had passed throughout the group. Flipping it open, you avoid the glances from Bokuto and Osamu, who looked as if they were itching an interaction from you, but because of your irritation, you definitely didn’t want to talk to them just yet, they probably had helped your friends in setting this up. “So Hinata-san, I’m assuming you're Bokuto’s teammate?” you ask before tearing your gaze away from his to examine the menu in your hands. You don’t notice the frown that briefly appeared on Atsumu’s lips. 

“Oh, Hinata’s just fine!” he waves his hand with a laugh, “Yes, I’m Bokuto and Atsumu’s teammate. We actually wanted to bring our friend Sakusa here too, but he said he has an emergency at some hospital.” 

"Hmm…" you hum, letting your eyes scan the menu, thinking you might as well enjoy the food, "Oh, I hope everything is okay with your friend Sakusa and it’s nothing too serious, but now that we're here, might as well enjoy and run Rei's wallet dry. Right, Rei?"

You tilt your head a bit, glancing over at Reiji from the corner of your eye with a sly smirk forming on your lips. Ah, the man could only let out a nervous chuckle, knowing full well what you were planning as he recalls a similar scenario a few months back in the very same restaurant that put a dent to his savings because of the ridiculous price of the meals you had ordered that night. Not tearing your gaze away from your best friend, you call for the waiter's attention, who quickly responds by walking over and pulling out his tiny notepad to jot down your table's order. 

"Hello, I'm Daiki and I'll be your waiter for the night." He greets with a friendly smile, not realizing the awkward atmosphere among the group, "What will we be having?" 

Clicking your tongue against the roof of your mouth, you give Reiji an innocent grin before turning your gaze over to the waiter to return his smile with your own, "Hello, Daiki. You see, my friends here aren't really sure what to order, but I told them not to worry since I've been here so many times, so I'll be ordering for everyone!" 

"Excellent, ma'am!" He nods his head, matching your enthusiasm.

You nod eagerly as you shut the menu in your grip, completely ignoring Reiji’s protests from beside you as the rest of the individuals seated around the table either watch in amusement or curiosity. “I believe there is always a three special course meal that changes every day according to the chef, we’d absolutely love that.” 

At the sight of Reiji’s features scrunched up in horror, you inwardly squealed in victory. 

It was going to be a long night.

Mayuzumi Asuma and Suwa Reiji were now considered dead.

To you, at least. And somehow, you knew that, despite them avoiding meeting your gaze alongside with the other three across from you who freely interacted with each other, they themselves knew what they were getting themselves into. They were digging their graves for this stunt they have pulled. 

You’d got to give Reiji credit, though. Despite pushing his buttons by ordering everyone the high priced three course meal, he wasn’t his usually squirmy and irritating self. You had at least expected sharing a heated argument with him after such a display, but instead of giving in, he continued to pursue his plan with the others. 

Oh, they think they were so slick, as if you hadn’t caught on with their little plan. Not a date, they say. It might as well be one, since they’re bluntly ignoring your attempts to converse with them. All was missing was some privacy. At first you hadn’t thought about it when you had tried to share a conversation with Hinata, it was only right for you to get to know someone; you were just being nice. However, before Hinata could respond to your question, Bokuto had dragged him into a conversation about volleyball. You brushed it aside, not thinking anything rude of it, as you knew Bokuto would often speak with anyone out of the blue. It was just how he is. 

You hadn’t even thought about it the second time around when this time; you tried conversing with Osamu, wanting to know about how his business is going so far. Except, the conversation between you and Osamu never happened due to the fact that Asuma had cut you off mid-sentence, engaging the man in a ridiculous conversation about healthy diets. Like, what the heck was that all about? Asuma and healthy diets just don’t sit well with you. Nevertheless, you brushed it aside, shifting your attention to the first course meal of the night that had been placed before you. 

They think they were so smart, trying to pull it off. Ah, but no. You had caught on with their little plan the third time around when you tried to join in Bokuto and Hinata’s conversation. You were instantly shot down by Reiji, shifting the conversation to another topic that only they could understand. 

They were dead men. All of them. 

Placing your chopsticks down, you turn your head towards Reiji’s direction with a false innocent smile curling upon your lips. “Reiji, dear.” 

Ah there it was, catching the nervous bob of his Adam’s apple in this throat with your gaze. "Yeah?"

"I hope you know—” 

Hinata cuts you off by standing up abruptly from his seat, waving frantically towards someone’s direction, “Ushijima-san!” 

You blink before turning your head to look at whoever Hinata was waving to, catching a glimpse of a tall, muscular man nodding towards Hinata’s direction in greeting, a woman trailing close behind him. Not wanting to be rude, you return to your previous position to face Hinata that was seated across from you, “Was that the Ushijima Wakatoshi?” 

Hinata nods as he sits back down, a huge smile on his face. “Yeah, I’m sure you know about him.” 

“I suppose,” you lift your shoulders up in a shrug as you pick up your chopsticks once more, completely forgetting to reprimand Reiji’s actions much to his relief, “I was volleyball manager back then in high school, so I would know a few things, including some players.” 

“Where did you go to school?” Hinata asks, tilting his head a bit as he looks at you curiously. You wonder, briefly, had Atsumu not mentioned you at all since the incident at the sports complex? Weird. 

As you were about to reply, the man seated on your left answers for you. “She went to the same school as me, Shouyou-kun. She was our manager.” 

Hinata stares at you for a second, blinking a couple of times before realization hits him, his eyes widening, “I remember you now! You were that pretty manager!” 

The men around the table chokes and sputters their food, causing you to scrunch up your nose in disgust. Atsumu is first to respond after clearing his throat, “What? I mean, yeah. She was our pretty manager.”  

“I remember her because it was the first time I saw Tsukishima look stupid over a girl,” Hinata chuckles, shaking his head. “But, how come I only saw you once? Were you a third year at the time?” 

Suddenly, the tension was back in the air. You catch from the corner of your eye, Atsumu growing tense from Hinata’s question, and you had to fight the urge to show your own emotions. Everyone else was silent, probably waiting for you or Atsumu to answer. “Ah, I left high school towards the end of our second year, and moved to Kanagawa. I had my hands full at the time, so I didn’t return to high school.” 

“But wh—” Hinata gets cut off by his own yelp, making you raise a brow in confusion. He turns his head towards Osamu’s direction, wincing slightly, “Osamu-san!” 

Osamu lets out a laugh, not looking anywhere near apologetic. “Ah, sorry buddy. I was reaching over Bokuto but you were in the way.” 

An awkward atmosphere engulfs around the table once more. This dinner was certainly not going according to Osamu and Reiji’s plan. Opting to avoid the awkward glances from the other individuals, you turn your attention over to focus on your food while Osamu and Reiji were sending glares towards each other once they realized your attention elsewhere. The two had talked with Atsumu earlier, devising a plan for the two of you to talk things through. Originally, Osamu suggested that the dinner should be just you and Atsumu, but Reiji declined such an idea because of two reasons. First, you would completely decline yourself to go to a dinner and leave Atsuhiro in the hospital despite your mother being present, Reiji knew you too well that the idea of dinner at a fancy restaurant without your sons was a big no. That is, unless a friend of yours were to force you by dragging you to the restaurant. And second, if you were to be left with Atsumu alone, Reiji fears that you would leave almost immediately. 

And he was right for both. If he hadn’t dragged you here himself, you wouldn’t have bothered to go. And if he hadn’t stopped you earlier, you would have ran out the moment you saw Atsumu. However, they hadn’t expected this. Reiji hadn’t expected Osamu to bring two other people, while Osamu hadn’t expected that Reiji was going to bring someone else along. Yes, it was a disaster. 

Reiji had opted to bring Asuma along, because he knew you were going to be suspicious if it were just the two of you going for dinner. You would have accused him of coddling you like a child, it was something he would do now and then when he wanted you to release all the emotions you had kept bottled up. It’s not that you didn’t appreciate him for it, he just knows that if he did such a thing during such an emotional time, you would push him away when Reiji wanted to speed things along. As much as Reiji disliked the father of his favorite twins, he wasn’t going to deprive the little boys any longer of the chance of finally getting to know their father. If he was going to force everything on you, he would do it. He, too, has grown tired of your decisions of run away. 

Osamu on the other hand, only decided to accompany his brother himself but as he and his brother were leaving the apartment, the other two barged out of Bokuto’s room claiming to be starving from the lack of food the past couple of hours because of some intense gaming session on the PlayStation 4 that Bokuto brought along with. Not being quick on their feet, the twins had blurted out they were going out to eat. They unfortunately could not decline the two balls of sunshine. 

Clearing his throat, hoping to shift the tension in the air. “Anyway,” Osamu starts before tearing his glaring gaze away from Reiji over to where Ushijima was seated across the room, “Who is that girl Ushijima is with?” 

“She kinda looks familiar,” Bokuto hums, placing his chopsticks down after finishing his first course meal, shifting his gaze over to Ushijima’s table. 

“That’s the heiress of the Akita Empire,” Asuma answers, “Pretty woman, she is. I didn’t know she was dating anyone.” 

Hinata lets out a gasp of excitement, his eyes going wide. “I wonder if Ushijima-san is really dating her!” 

“Maybe you can ask him at the party…” Bokuto suggests while the rest of his words are drowned out by you, growing bored with the night as you wonder when you can possibly leave. 

Despite drowning out the conversation around the table and focusing on the food, Atsumu pulls you in with his voice from the side, “Hey, I’m sorry about this. I told Osamu and Reiji it was a bad idea from the start.” 

Ah, so it was those two who had planned the whole thing out. You let out a sigh, turning your head to face him to answer, your voice low to keep the others out of the conversation, “There’s nothing that we can do now.” 

“Would you have preferred that it was just the two of us?” he asks, hope laced in his voice. 

Lightly nibbling on your bottom lip, you tear your gaze away from him. Did you? You actually wanted to talk to Atsumu after having the talk with your sons. You were going to express your disappointment towards Reiji and his plan full of flaws. Had they planned this for the two of you to talk? If so, this was stupid to begin with. Something so serious between the two of you and Atsumu should be discussed within private walls, and this was nowhere near private. So maybe, yes. Perhaps, if the two were you alone, then it would have been better. “I guess,” you finally admit, “Maybe the two of us can talk things through properly when this is over. I think it’s time. For now, I hope you can accept my apologies.” 

“And I hope you accept m—” 

Hinata’s loud voice booms excitedly, “Oh remember that party!” 

The two of you snap your attention over to Hinata, the disappointment clear in your features for the disruption. What were they talking about? However, curiosity gets the best of you and you entertain him anyway. “What party?” 

“The Christmas party last year!” Hinata announces with a chuckle, “At first, I was thinking why Reiji-san and Asuma-san here look so familiar then I remember I attended the party with Bo-kun and the others!” As if on cue, the moment those words left Hinata’s mouth, Atsumu and Bokuto visually stiffened, causing you to grow more curious. 

“Ah, that party.” you let out a laugh, nudging Reiji with your elbow, “He’s talking about your all-time favorite party.” 

A scowl makes its way to Reiji’s features, “Please, do not remind me of that horrendous party. I had to move rooms just because of that, and I replaced the mattress too.” 

“You’re so dramatic,” you drawled, laughing along with Asuma as you remember Reiji going crazy the next day after the party. “Just because your guests did the dirty on your bed—” Reiji cuts you off by pinching your side, which causes you to let out a yelp in both pain and surprise.

Osamu interjects with a grin, “Actually, I have a feeling that Sakusa would have died hearing such information. But I would be pissed off too, Reiji. That’s nasty. I would have moved out the whole place entirely.” 

“Right?” Reiji exclaims by throwing his hands in the air, “I couldn’t step inside the room without wanting to poke my eyes out.” 

“That’s why we no longer let Atsumu drink too much because he’ll probably do that again,” Hinata adds, laughing along. 

Once again, silence. 

“Wait, what?” Reiji asks, the first to break the silence. “That was you?” 

Bokuto smacks Hinata’s head before looking away awkwardly. Hinata, on the other hand, takes a minute to realize his mistake before flickering his gaze back and forth from Atsumu over to you, waiting for his mistake to backfire in his face. The rest of the individuals around the table turn their attention over to Atsumu, waiting for his response. 

You were the first to defend him, letting out a laugh. “Okay, enough of this. Let’s leave the past in the past. Let’s not make things awkward, it’s not like Atsumu and I are dating or anything,” 

“Tsumtsum!” a squeal echoes throughout the restaurant and all you could think now was “What now?” 

[hostess-of-horror]

The Stranger

[This is a retcon of my previous story, "An Unexpected Guest." I wanted to start all over because I didn't know where to take the story and it felt rather fast and sloppily written. It will have a similar plotline but approached in a different (and better) way. Also, M.B. is my self-insert OC, the character Jawaii belongs to @strawbunniiee and Phantom belongs to Nintendo/Ubisoft.]

For @strawbunniiee, @salamifuposey, @kindpopstar, and everyone else who wants to read it!

---

Jawaii: "Again, again!"

[Jawaii laughed as she is lifted up and thrown into the air. After a few seconds of airtime, she falls right back into Phantom's mitten-like paws. Her tiny frame perfectly fits into his palms like a little doll. Phantom giggles along with her, and hugs her into his chest.]

Phantom: "Whew! My arms are getting tired. How about we head on over to my theater?"

Jawaii: "Okay!"

[They begin to venture back into the theater. A dense, eerie fog looms over the land of Spooky Trails. The further they went, the thicker the fog became.]

Jawaii: "It's so foggy! I can't see anything."

Phantom: "Every now and then, Spooky Trails would become hidden by fog. And by the looks of things, it appears to be a full moon out tonight. What perfect timing, and how awfully fitting!"

Jawaii: "Yeah, it makes sense, considering how creepy the place is. I'm not scared though."

Phantom: "Heh... For many travelers, nights like this are the reason why so many of them often get lost. Some of them just head back to where they came from. But for me and the other inhabitants, a foggy night is normal. Think of it as like a rainy day for the citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom."

Jawaii: "I think it's cool! It's like we're floating on clouds!"

[Jawaii reaches out and waves her hand into the fog. A cool breeze chills her skin as white wisps pass through her fingers.]

Phantom: "It certainly does. I love the fog. It brings such a wonderful atmosphere for whenever I sing. Ethereal and otherworldly. I can blend easily amongst the fog and no one could see me!"

Jawaii: "Really?"

Phantom: "Yes! Despite my, well, rather massive size."

Jawaii: "You would be the ultimate champion of hide-and-seek!"

Phantom: "Oh well, I wouldn't say that... unless the competition is in Spooky Trails."

[Jawaii giggles. Suddenly, their conversation is cut short as Phantom abruptly stops.]

Jawaii: "What is it?"

Phantom: "The gate... I thought I closed it."

[Jawaii turns to see the silver gate that stands guard in front of Phantom's theater. She notices it has been left opened. Phantom gently lets her down to investigate.]

Phantom: "Someone must have pried it open." *turns to Jawaii* "Stay here."

[Phantom floats over through the gate and into his theater. Jawaii watches as he looks around, searching for any more signs of trespassing. She inches forward to investigate as well.]

Phantom: "Thieves... whoever opened the gate must be a thief! I don't know how they did it, though, it's a very heavy gate."

Jawaii: "There aren't any scratches, at least so far. Maybe they... crawled over the gate and opened it on the other side?"

Phantom: "Hmmm... Whatever happened, I do hope they didn't steal anything of value."

????: "Looking for this?"

[Phantom spins around to look behind. Standing across from him is a trio of thieves, grinning and chuckling menacingly. The shortest one in the front of the other two is holding a vinyl, spinning it in his hand. Jawaii runs over to Phantom to stand guard.]

Phantom: "Jawaii, no!"

Short Thief (#1): "Awww, look at dis, fellas! The big guy's gotta lil' baby doll to save his big behind! I think she wants to meet the Bandit Boys in person!"

Tall Thief (#2): "Yeah!"

Middle Thief (#3): "Hehehe, yeah, boss!"

Thief (#1): *mockingly* "Why hello there, little girl! Do you wanna play tea party with us and your friend over there?"

[The Bandit Boys cackle in unison. Jawaii growls and prepares her battle stance. Her hands shapeshifting into long sharp swords, glistening underneath the moonlight. The thieves immediately stop as they notice. Phantom prepares to fight alongside Jawaii.]

Thief (#3): "Da fuq?"

Jawaii: "I... don't..... LIKE TEA!!!"

[As she screeches, Jawaii leaps towards the Bandit Boys in an attack. She lands on the tall thief (#3) and the other two separate in defense. Thief (#1) holds the vinyl close and Thief (#2) goes to attack Phantom, but is immediately met with a musical sonic wave as Phantom belts out a hig note. He goes flying and lands farther back into the ground.]

Thief (#1): "You knucklehead! Get the girl!"

Thief (#3): "Get her offa me! She's poking me!"

Jawaii: *stabbing* "Give! Phantom! Back! His! Vinyl! THINGY!!!" *more stabbing*

[Thief (#1) groans and runs towards Jawaii. He flings her off of Thief (#3), sending her falling on the ground. Jawaii winced in pain; Phantom immediately picks her up to protect her. Thief (#2) gets up and joins the other two. Thief (#3) is covered in wounds but he still stands.]

Thief (#1): "Alright... you two can put up a fight.... Heh, but not for long... We still got our loot!"

Thief (#2): "Hehehe, yeah, we got it!"

Thief (#3): "Hehe... heh... owww...."

Phantom: "Leave this place now!

Thief (#1): "Or what? You're gonna put on a performance? Sing a musical number like some Disney princess? Nah. I don't think so. In fact, you've got something else. Something that is very, very valuable. Inside that belly of yours... is a gramophone. A very expensive gramophone."

[Thief (#1) pulls out a knife. Phantom is taken aback and backs off slowly.]

Phantom: "How... do you know?"

Thief (#1): "I know a lotta things. That's why I'm the leader. Now... where to cut..."

[Before Thief (#1) gets a chance to do any damage, an explosion of shimmering light blinds him. After regaining his sight, he finds himself and the other two thieves surrounded by a strange aura. A magical curse was cast, trapping the Bandit Boys within its barrier. The barrier appears to be strange smoke, fading in between the colors neon purple and neon green.]

Jawaii: "Woah..."

Phantom: "What... on earth?"

[The silver gate creaks. Everyone turns. There standing at the entrance is an unfamiliar face, with her right hand lifted up in the air. In her hand is the same kind of aura the magical circle was emitting. She continues to walk towards the Bandit Boys.]

Jawaii: "Phantom, do you know who that is?"

Phantom: "I've never seen her before in my entire life."

[As the stranger continues to walk, she twirls her hands, bending the aura to her will. As she does, the magical circle twists and contorts into a mass of skeletal spirits. The Bandit Boys huddle together, avoiding their bony grasp. The spirits moan and wail into an anguished cacophony, cornering the thieves as they reach out and crawl towards them. The stranger laughs at their fear. She then bends the aura again, this time having the spirits hold them down while she walks up to them. Soon, raspy voices begin to call out.]

Spirits: "Cut them.... cut them open.... dissect them.... dissect them all.... their insides are valuable.....!"

Thief (#1): "W-wait a minute! Hold on there, now! We're just thieves! And it's only one measly vinyl! Isn't this all a bit extreme?"

Thief (#3): "Y-yeah! W-we.... we can give you money! You can have all of it!"

Thief (#2): *whimpering* "Just... just don't hurt us!"

[The stranger stares at the Bandit Boys, saying nothing. She then motions her hand, allowing herself to walk through the magical circle. The spirits all look at her and bow one by one. The Bandit Boys watch as each one respectfully worship her. Who is this woman, and what kind of sorcery is this? She walks up to Thief (#1) and kneels down, looking at him eye to eye.]

Stranger: "Do you really think apologizing or bribery is going to work?"

Thief (#1): "...."

Stranger: "I'm going to give you a choice. I want you and your 'gang' to leave. Not just them, but everyone. I suggest you give up your greedy ways and actually get a life for once. Or, if you'd rather not..."

[The stranger motions her hand again and the spirits transform into an amalgamation of monsters. They writhe and contort, baring their teeth, clawing their flesh, their eyes wild with hunger. Their howling echoes throughout the theater.]

Stranger: "... then take a chance. I dare you..."

[The Bandit Boys suddenly scurry away in fear. Thief (#1) hand over the vinyl and follows behind, never looking back once. The stranger sighs and stands up, examining the vinyl.]

Stranger: "I hope there aren't any scratches on it."

[She turns around and sees Phantom and Jawaii staring at her with wide eyes. A moment of silence between them all passes.]

Jawaii: "That was... AWESOME! How did you do that?! Tell me, tell me!"

Phantom: "...."

[Phantom remains speechless as Jawaii hops out from his arms and approaches the stranger. The stranger looks at Phantom, her excitement getting the best of her.]

Stranger: "I can't believe it... it's you! You're still here after all this time!"

Phantom: "Excuse me?"

Stranger: "I was looking for you! I heard in the Mushroom Kingdom many stories about you. Some say you were gone after Mario defeated you, and some say you were still around. A few believe that you're nothing but a ghost story. I had to find out for myself."

Jawaii: "A ghost story? But he's as real as I am!"

Phantom: "Madamoiselle, I greatly appreciate your help and for saving me and my friend, Jawaii, here. But, do forgive me, who are you?"

Jawaii: "Oh yeah! What's your name?"

Stranger: "Oh, uh... my bad! Should've introduced myself first... my name is M.B. Consider me as a really big fan." *smiles*

[saintvalentinex]

Blast from the Past

A/N: this was a paid writing commission from ____ who wanted to expand on their idea of Wendy’s mom! It was super fun to explore and I appreciate the opportunity! It goes from present day to flashbacks, flashbacks will be blended in and marked with italics.

Summary: an investigative reporter visits the town of gravity falls, oregon to look into the missing citizens. one stands out in particular.

Word Count: 3,230

My name is Eleanor Parker and I’m an investigative reporter from Portland, Oregon. I’ve been sent out to the sleepy town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, to try to connect the dots between strange happenings and the missing citizens of this town. In the entire list of names that I was given, one stood out in particular. Adeline Marie Girard, mother of 4 and wife of Dan Corduroy.

Born in the town of Gaspé, in the province of Québec, she was the youngest of 6, and the only girl. A demolitions expert by profession, a nature lover at heart, she found herself relocating to the Pacific Northwest for a job. She was friendly, confident, and a down to earth girl that got along with everyone in town. Despite all this, I know two things:

Adeline Girard was reported missing August 28th, 2006.

She was not the first, nor will she be the last.

I stepped into the diner on a foggy September morning, the smell of bacon and pancakes immediately hitting my nose. Stomach rumbling, I took myself and my files to an empty corner booth, relaxing amongst the atmosphere of mystery.

“Well it’s about time I see a new face!” I looked up from the photo of Adeline to be greeted by a kind old face, eyelid droopy and painted blue.

Susan.

“Well, I’m not staying in town long, but I’ve heard from everyone here that you’re the best waitress. So I decided to see what the fuss was all about.”

“Well that’s so kind! What can I get started for you, honey?”

I glanced over the menu and around the diner, noticing many of the same plates in front of the many different people. I felt Susan change, and I looked up. She was staring at the open file before me, right at Adeline.

“Do you know her?” My painted finger rested on her face, looking up at Susan with intent. She wouldn’t meet my eyes, but hurriedly glanced away from the photo.

“Your order?”

“Um… yeah could I please get a stack of pancakes, with blueberries instead of strawberries please. And uh… classic bacon, egg and sausage platter. Over easy. Thank you.”

Quickly scribbling, she ran to the kitchen to call the order, leaving me to Adeline’s unblinking face and the millions of notes of where she could be.

The windshield wipers looked like they were about to fly off the car in Adeline’s eyes. Her fingers were wrapped tight around the steering wheel, knuckles white with tension as she just tried to keep her focus on the road.

“It’s freezing…” Her mouth was set in a straight line, pressed together to try and keep her lips warm. The trapper hat was fixed firmly on her head, her blonde hair for once messy and out of control. Adeline reached for the heater before seeing brake lights, slamming on her own to keep from hitting the person in front of her.

Letting out a long and tired sigh, she heard her duffle bag fall from the backseat, hitting the floorboard with a dull thud. Her dynamite.

Reaching into the backseat, she kept her hand on the wheel as she fixed her bag, making sure to keep the charge in place. Quickly turning back around, she looked for any sort of road signs to find where she was located.

Oregon Border. 500 miles.

Just 500 miles to go, and then it was a new life, a new job.. a new everything. Adeline sighed to herself, tapping her fingers to the music as she enjoyed the slow crawl of the Washington freeway.

“Ma’am?” A gentle knocking on the window stirred Adeline awake, the smell of rain and pine coming through the cracked windows of her car. She looked up at the officer before her, a friendly enough looking fellow with too big of a smile.

“How can I help you?” Adeline asked with a slight crack in her voice, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“You know being pulled over asleep on the side of the road is illegal. You ain’t supposed to be doing that.”

“Oh… I’m sorry. I’m not exactly from around here and I just wanted to take a rest.”

“Where you from? Where are you headed to?”

“Québec, Canada. And I’m headed to Gravity Falls, Oregon for a job.”

The officer clapped the top of Adeline’s car, making her jump in her seat. He radioed to his partner, who got out of the passenger side of the cruiser.

“Well welcome to our town! You coulda just stopped about 5 minutes down that way and hit a motel! We can lead you that way if you need a guide and some safety in case you go back to sleep behind the wheel.”

“Uh…. no I think I’ll be fine officer….” Adeline paused, squinting to adjust to the early morning sun reflecting off his badge. “Blubs?”

“That’s my name! If you need anything just holler!” He walked back to his car, pulling his partner in before driving off ahead through the massive trees. She ignored the sinking feeling in her stomach, turning on her car and letting the engine run for a moment. Running her long fingers through her hair, she hummed to herself, getting back into a driving position to drive off.

Welcome to Gravity Falls.

The rain began almost immediately as she parked in front of the dingy diner, getting out and running through the door with a soft tinkling of the bell. Most of the counter was empty, minus a woman with a heavily painted face. The booths were another story.

Full of smiling and chattering faces, most looking up at Adeline when she walked in. She was used to all eyes being on her, but in this circumstance it felt.. different. Off. Heading to the corner of the restaurant, she took a booth to herself, putting her purse beside her.

“Well aren’t you just the prettiest flower that ever bloomed! I’m Susan, what can I get started for you?”

Adeline smiled softly at the woman before grabbing her matches out of her purse. With a cigar gently resting in between her teeth, she lit the stick on the bottom of her heel, lighting the cigar with a few puffs.

“Coffee, black. Um… do you have maple pancakes here?”

Susan kept staring at the woman before her, not quite sure what to make of this new customer.

“We have maple syrup for the pancakes?” She sounded unsure of herself, eyelid twitching a little as Adeline inhaled the rich maple smoke of her cigar.

“That’s fine. And eggs please, scrambled. No meat please.”

Susan walked away, calling out the order as the other customers chatted amongst themselves. The only person who came in here alone was that man who lived in the woods. No one really got a name from him, but they both seemed to be the same loner type.

As Susan came back with Adeline’s water, the blonde smiled up at her.

“Is there anything fun to do here? I have a demolition job here in a few days, and I was wondering of any… um… enjoyable activities?”

“Fishing! We also have downtown Gravity Falls. It’s not much but it’s something to do!”

“Thank you Ms. Susan, I appreciate the hospitality.” Adeline put out the cigar, smashing the tip of it into the cracked plastic ashtray that sat to her left. “Where’s the fishing spot?”

“Um… Lake Gravity Falls. About 5 miles from here.”

“Perfect.”

Susan and Adeline stared at each other before the younger woman quirked up an eyebrow. The waitress turned away, leaving her alone in the corner booth.

I sat in my car overlooking the lake, watching the people gathering around an older gentleman who seemed to be yelling about something. Quickly grabbing my notebook, I climbed out of my car, walking over with breakneck speed as I caught the end of his speech.

“I’m tellin’ ya! I saw a monster in the damn water!”

“Dad, you’re embarrassing me.”

What I could only assume was his son clapped his shoulder, pulling the man out of the crowd and leading him back to the bait shop by the shore of the lake. Everyone went back to their business, leaving me standing there completely out of place.

Lake Gravity Falls. One of the last places Adeline was spotted before she went missing.

I squinted my eyes, looking at the islands that seemed to sit in the middle, cliffs climbing and cutting into the sky. The boats littered the water, nature being the only noise filling my ears. Looking towards the shack, I let myself wander that way, away from the curious looks the townspeople gave me.

“Hello?” Opening the door, I listened to the staticky radio play in the corner, the smell of decaying meat filling my nose. Covering the lower half of my face, I let out a small gagging noise.

“What can I do for you?”

The man behind the counter’s face was hidden by hair and a giant hat. He was leaned against the glass top with one elbow, his body turned to face mine.

“Uh, I actually wanted to speak to your father. About his.. ravings.”

“Ah.” He spit out some dip, rubbing his bottom lip. “Let me get him. He’s out back.”

I watched him walk towards the door before quickly catching him with a cough.

“Actually I’ll just go talk to him. I might be able to get him to give me answers if it’s just us two.”

“All you’ll get from him, lady, is his crazy. But sure, go for it.”

Letting out a gentle sigh, I guided myself out the backdoor to be greeted by the smell of a cob pipe burning. The older gentleman sat in a rocking chair, staring into the woods as his lips twitched around the stem. Smoke billowed around him, almost giving him the aura of a wise sage.

“Hello?” I called out, closing the door behind me as I saw him jump slightly in his chair.

“Well I’ll be! You’re that reporter everyone’s talkin’ about in town!”

“I…” I let myself pause, squinting slightly. I don’t remember seeing this man in town, or even relatively close to the diner. He met my gaze, not breaking it as he took another puff. I waved away the smoke, giving a soft clearing of my throat.

“Yes. Yes I am. My name is Eleanor Parker and I was wondering if I could ask a few questions about an individual?”

“I can’t guarantee a remembrance but! I sure can try!” He let out a laugh, slapping his knee. “Who we talkin’ about?”

“Adeline Girard-Corduroy. She disappeared a couple years back but we don’t have any suspect of foul play.” I opened her case file, not noticing the man’s face starting to glaze over with disassociation. “She married Dan Corduroy and has 4 children with him. I’m looking for any eyewitnesses that might have seen her a few hours before her disappearance. The last recorded person I have was a day before-“

“The agents took her.”

I felt my eyebrows furrow, looking up at the old man. He refused to make eye contact, and my fingers fidgeted with the papers.

“Agents? What agents are you talking about?”

He wouldn’t speak anymore, and I stood up, brushing off my pants.

“Well… thanks. I guess.”

He quickly grabbed my wrist, causing me to startle as he leaned forward in his chair.

“It’s not safe to be chasin’ ghosts around here, understood? Sometimes ghosts deserve to stay that way.”

Pulling my wrist away, I stared at him until he broke eye contact to look back into the trees. I didn’t want to know what he meant by that, and I didn’t want to know why he kept looking that way.

Adeline arrived at the lake, nearly empty except for a single boat treading the water. Her cigar hung from her lips, thick and treading smoke. For a moment, her green eyes sparkled as she remembered when her mother found out about her new habit. Always trying to fit in with her brothers, she said.

Holding it steady in between her lips, Adeline put her hair up into a bun, tucking it underneath her trapper hat.

“Alright, fishing it is.”

Walking to the cabin that sat beside the lake, she watched as a little boy ran out, a man with wild eyes stepping forward through the door.

“Now you get back here- Oh! Now what can I do for you on this fine afternoon?”

“Renting a fishing boat. You got one available?” Adeline held the cigar down, just in case the smell was offensive to the gentleman standing before her. He eyed her for a moment, taking in the strange choice of attire before stepping to the side.

“Please, come in. The boats are docked on the side but you can pay in here.”

She treaded carefully on the wood planks, making sure to not get her heel stuck in an eye of the wood. Pulling her wallet out along the way to the counter, she quickly pulled out a $20, handing it to the gentleman.

“For any damages caused.”

“Damages? Ma’am you haven’t even gone fishing yet!” He looked shocked to say the least, hand tight fisting the bill all the same.

“It’s just in case, Cherie.”

She strutted out, letting her cigar rest back in her mouth, walking through a cloud of smoke and out the door, going towards her car and then the boat.

The bag was resting on her knee as the other boat on the water came towards her own. She side eyed it, making sure it wasn’t anyone who was going to hit her rental or steal her catch. Whatever would be left of it that is.

“You don’t have a pole!”

The voice was aggressive in volume, but tender in tone. Adeline turned her head fully to catch the eye of the red headed man with kind amber eyes, freckles splotching his cheeks. A beard was growing in, a beanie tucked under his thigh.

“I know.”

“But…. you.. need a fishing pole?”

“Do I now.” Adeline raised an eyebrow at her future husband, a smirk growing on her lips. He could tell it wasn’t a question, but more of a genuine comment. He fiddled with his own fishing pole as he watched her take out a stick of dynamite, flicking her cigar quickly to light the fuse.

Boom.

Not only did the dynamite explode, but so did his heart.

Fish shot out of the water as Adeline laughed, landing in her boat and in his own. They locked eyes and he reached out his hand, a smile plastered on his face.

“Daniel! Daniel Corduroy! Everybody calls me Dan though!”

Adeline eyed his hand for a moment before reaching out her own.

“Adeline. Adeline Girard. No one calls me anything.”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and he couldn’t help himself. Dan absolutely had to make a fool of himself then and there.

“Want to go out to dinner with me?”

“So forward!” She laughed, Dan’s face going as red as his hair before she leaned over, puffing a little bit of maple smoke into his face before lighting another stick, tossing it over her shoulder. “What time?”

Months had gone by. Adeline was making money with her demolition job, her last one taking place in a week. An old church outside of town, beautiful, but an absolute mess.

As the young blonde sat next to her boyfriend, she leaned into his side, lacing her fingers through his own.

“Dan… I have a question for you.”

She stared at their interlocked hands before looking up at him, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“Yeah?”

“I have a job coming up here soon, and I don’t really have anything holding me back from going home. Except you.”

Dan looked at her, raising an eyebrow as he listened intently.

“Want to make this thing official? It’ll make it harder to leave… I might just ask for an official job here.”

“Are… are you asking me to marry you?”

“You’re so thick skulled! Yes! I’m asking if you’d like to marry me!”

Adeline laughed as Dan leaned in, capturing her lips in his own. Squeezing her hand tight, he nodded in agreement.

“Do you want rings? A ceremony?”

“Nothing too official… but you know that old church outside of town?”

“Of course I do. My parents got married there. Nearly everyone’s folks got married there.”

“It’s my last job. Blowing it up. Maybe… maybe we can have it there. After all, wouldn’t it be fitting? Our relationship began with a bang after all!”

Dan snorted, letting out a belly deep laugh as he looked at her.

“You’re absolutely crazy darlin’. But yes, let’s start off with a bang.”

It’s been years now since she arrived in town. Adeline settled with her new tight knit family, a young daughter heading the brood of four. Wendy. She always liked the name Wendy, and she wanted it for her daughter.

The daughter who was so much like her. The daughter with the same vibrant green eyes and tenacious attitude. She was going to be a little hell raiser and she knew it.

Adeline smiled to herself as she locked up the diner door, turning to wave to who she thought was Susan. The robed figure stared from under the streetlamp, their face completely hidden in the shadows.

“Hello?”

Before Adeline could say anything, her vision was blurred. Wrong place, wrong time.

Walking along the bustling sidewalks, I was met with curious looks from quite a few citizens. Things were strange in this town, but nothing stranger than this club that was held in reverence.

Remembering things here wasn’t a good idea, according to the man at the lake. In the last few hours I researched them. The society of the blind eye. Keepers of memories no one wanted, or who they assumed would not want them. Lapses of memory were fairly common with everyone I had spoken to so far.

But how? There’s no way of erasing memories. No logical way anyway.

I didn’t fail to notice the feeling of dread digging its way into my stomach as I crossed the threshold of the town’s history museum. I saw a shadow pass by, and ran for it, skidding against the tile as I saw it round the corner.

As my hand rested against the wall, my vision went blurry mid turn. Finding myself suddenly unable to see, I reached out, trying to find something, anything, to make this situation better.

“HELLO?!”

I didn’t find salvation. I found a pair of hands.

“Shh.”

Adeline and Eleanor moved as one now.

Strapped in the chair. Sworn to secrecy, an oath they both would not remember.

Only separated by time and one detrimental flaw in the beginning. These hands were experienced with the memory gun, those were not.

As the women stumbled out the doors and into the moonlight, blinking eyes staring out into the night, one would head back to her car, wondering and questioning why she was in this Podunk of a town to begin with. The other would fade from the lives of those she loved, found and forgotten by another who she never met.

[hoodie-lover]

Papyrus Amongst Genocide

Papyrus stood before the human, their knife sparkled in the dark atmosphere as they took small steps towards him. He heard the voice of his brother, Sans, telling him that he shouldn’t face them, that he’d be murdered like the rest. But Papyrus knew that somewhere, like some sixth sense, that they weren’t a bad person, that they had once been a friend, somehow. So as the snow came down, large flakes blinding as to the other’s faces, leaving only a silhouette present.

“HALT HUMAN!” Papyrus cried out, but the human only stepped closer.

“HEY, QUIT MOVING WHILE I'M TALKING TO YOU!” Papyrus cried out, sighing.

“I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, HAVE SOME THINGS TO SAY.” Papyrus said as he took a deep breath.

“FIRST: YOU´RE A FREAKING WEIRDO!” he said, smiling as he wondered how they might kill him.

“NOT ONLY DO YOU NOT LIKE PUZZLES.” He would have to make them better if he survived, this was such a great failure.

“BUT THE WAY YOU SHAMBLE ABOUT FROM PLACE TO PLACE…” A reaper without the hood he thought.

“THE WAY YOUR HANDS ARE COVERED IN DUSTY POWDER.” My friends, my neighbors, people I wanted to protect.

“IT FEELS…” A shiver went up his spine

“LIKE YOUR LIFE IS GOING DOWN A DANGEROUS PATH.” You murderer.

“HOWEVER!” I have to stay strong.

“I, PAPYRUS, SEE GREAT POTENTIAL WITHIN YOU!” You have to give up, please.

“EVERYONE CAN BE A GREAT PERSON IF THEY JUST TRY!” But you have to want to try, please want to try.

“AND ME, I HARDLY HAVE TO TRY AT ALL!!!” I have to keep up appearances, I need to be strong.

“NYEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH!!!” Papyrus said, letting out a shaky breath as he saw the human take another step.

“HEY, QUIT MOVING!” Papyrus cried out, his bones rattling ever so slightly as he looked what may be his death in the eyes.

“THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!” He said, holding back tears as he looked at them.

“HUMAN! I THINK YOU ARE IN NEED OF GUIDANCE!” Papyrus said, if he had guts he’d throw them up.

“SOMEONE NEEDS TO KEEP YOU ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW!” He said as he shook in terror.

“BUT WORRY NOT! I, PAPYRUS...” Please listen to me.

“WILL GLADLY BE YOUR FRIEND AND TUTOR!” Please, I beg you to listen to me. Accept my offer.

“I WILL TURN YOUR LIFE RIGHT AROUND!!!” Only if you let me, please let me.

The human took a few more quick steps towards him, and he had to hold himself back from flinching.

“I SEE YOU ARE APPROACHING.” He said, trying to not flee.

By now, he could see their face. It was emotionless, and calculating.

“ARE YOU OFFERING A HUF OF ACCEPTANCE?” He knew he was naive in his sayings, but he had to give them the benefit of the doubt.

“WOWIE!! MY LESSONS ARE ALREADY WORKING!!” Or leading me to my death.

“I, PAPYRUS, WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS!” He said as he opened his arms up and saw them walk up to him. He could touch them, and they could kill him with a single swish of their knife.

They stood before him, and they swung their knife with a fury.

A ping filled the cold and dry air as Papyrus was pulled away from the human and found himself by Sans.

“c’mon bro. let’s get out of here.” Sans said as he used a shortcut to get away from the human, smiling darkly, and enthusiastically.

They landed at Papyrus’ and Undyne’s meeting spot and the captain embraced them both.

“I am so glad you guys are ok! Papyrus what were you thinking?!” Undyne cried out and Papyrus sighed.

“I SWEAR, I THOUGHT I COULD HELP THEM. I’M SORRY UNDYNE...” Papyrus said and Undyne placed a hand on his shoulder.

“That doesn’t matter! We need to get everyone out of Waterfall and into Hotland! Alphys is ready to accept evacuees and I’ll send the guard after the human!” Undyne said, and Papyrus nodded.

“YES MA’AM!” Papyrus said and Undyne grabbed Sans’ hood as he tried to sneak off.

“You too Sans! You’re helping us out. With your shortcuts you can keep and eye on them and report back to me!” Undyne said and Sans sighed.

“whatever.” he said and Papyrus sighed.

Papyrus ran to Waterfall’s residential area and cried out.

“MURDEROUS HUMAN ON THE LOOSE! EVACUATE TO HOTLAND!” Papyrus cried out and people came running out and asking questions.

“PLEASE, DO GET ANY VALUABLES AND GET TO HOTLAND. THE ROYAL SCIENTIST WILL HELP YOU. BUT PLEASE GET OUT OF HERE.” Papyrus said and he began to help people get their things and tell them where to go.

Though he began to rush the monsters of Waterfall when he saw the guard rushing past him.

“GOOD LUCK!” He cried out, and they gave him a thumbs up.

“YOU WILL NEED IT.” Papyrus said as he went deeper into Waterfall to alert the citizens and help them evacuate.

Papyrus stood before the human, they were approaching the lab, Undyne had failed, people were evacuating and most of them were behind him. Cowering in fear. He stood before them, glaring. Sans’ warning had come at the right time, and everyone was safe, far away, or waiting to pounce. In the absence of Undyne, people looked to Papyrus, a good friend of hers and since Sans was so vital, and didn’t want a leadership role, Papyrus was a sensible choice.

“Papyrus, we need to kill them, you have fought them, what do they do?” A guard asked and Papyrus sighed.

“THEY RELY ON CLOSE RANGE COMBAT AND AIMED FOR MY NECK, CLEARLY NOT WANTING TO BOTHER THEMSELVES WITH A BATTLE.” Papyrus said.

“I see. So as long as we attack from far away we should be good? That’ll make it easy to kill them!” They said, and Papyrus had to suppress his gag reflex.

“YEAH...” He said and another guard came running.

“They’re here! I got a text from Sans!” They said, “Let’s give ‘em what they’ve dished out!” They cried out and when they left in a rush, Papyrus collapsed and nearly threw up, however that worked. But he got himself together and walked out of the room and to the area they claimed the human would go.

The memory was bitter in Papyrus’ mouth as he stared at the person who nearly became his killer.

He waited until the human was within attacking range of the hidden guard to speak.

“HALT HUMAN!” He was shaking, but he had to be strong.

“YOU HAVE COMMIT SEVERAL ATROCITIES, AND HAVE SMILED AS YOU DID SO. YOU HAVE SHOWN, NO OUNCE OF WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE. AND YOU CLEARLY WILL NOT STOP, SO, AS THE TEMPORARY CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD...” Papyrus said, choking on his words, he finished his decree.

“ARE TO BE CAPTURED, AND YOUR SOUL SHATTERED.” He said, and several attacks came firing at the human.

The human seemed prepared, dodging every attack with precision and skill that would have taken years to achieve. As Papyrus tried to slow them down, give others a chance to hit them, but everyone fell one by one. And they charged at Papyrus laughing and practically foaming at the mouth.

“DIE! DIE! DIE!” They screamed as they jumped in Papyrus’ battle body, clutching his shoulder pieces, and got right up in his face as the knife came down.

It happened in a blur, like the world moved hundreds of times faster than what Papyrus could process. He felt the knife graze his heck, he felt specks of dust fly off of him, he felt death breathing down his neck as he was pulled underground by something.

As he felt the dirt rush past him he gasped for breath as he was dragged down further and further. When he was about to black out he was pulled to the surface and gasped for air.

“WHAT HAPPENED?” He asked and a chipper voice answered.

“Saving your idiotic life Papyrus.” Flowey said, snickering.

“T-THANK YOU FLOWEY. HOW DID YOU KNOW TO COME AND RESCUE ME?” Papyrus asked and Flowey answered swiftly.

“I saw that Snowdin was a ghost town and was worried about you. I’m so glad I was able to find you in time to save you.” Flowey said, tears forming in his eyes.

“THANK YOU FLOWEY.” Papyrus said and hugged Flowey. “YOU CAN TAKE THE VINES OFF MY WAIST NOW.” Papyrus said and Flowey freed him.

“Here you go Papyrus, now, you have to warn everyone! And imagine the face they'll make when they see you alive and well!” Flowey said and Papyrus smiled.

“WILL DO FLOWEY! CAN YOU COME TO THE LAB IN A WHILE? I WANT EVERYONE TO MEET THE PERSON WHO SAVED ME.” He said as he ran off.

“Chara, I’m sorry. But as long as you don’t know, I can still play with you and this world all I please.” Flowey said as he cackled, going back into the soil.

The human walked over the pile of dust that was once Papyrus and walked on, murderous gleam in their eye. Their LV hadn’t changed, he was alive. Hunting down their little escapee would be fun.

Papyrus met Sans in the hallway before Asgore’s throne room. “SANS, HAS ASGORE ABSORBED THE SOULS?” Papyrus asked, and Sans nodded.

“he’s waiting for the human. you can go meet ‘m if you want.” Sans said as he gestured to the large frame at the end of the door.

“SURE.” Papyrus said as he walked with Sans to the king.

“Oh! Hello Sans, and you must be his younger brother Papyrus, Undyne’s student. She told me so much about you, your kind heart and powerful magic. I could not have chosen a better monster to replace her.” Asgore said, shaking Papyrus’ hand.

“PLEASE SIR, I AM NO CAPTAIN.” Papyrus said.

“Please Papyrus, Undyne spoke the world of you. Your kind heart most of all, I wish we could have had you in the guard.” Asgore said, and gave a loud sigh. “Come, there is something I want to show you two.” Asgore said as he led them to the door at the back of the throne room.

There he led them to the barrier, where the six souls lay unabsorbed.

“why haven’t you absorbed them yet?! the human will be here any moment and you’ve been sitting here?” Sans screamed, and Asgore sighed.

“I want you two to do it. You have done so much for monsterkind today, and I do not wish to go to war with humanity anymore. Papyrus, how you have evaded the human is miraculous, and Sans, you have shown much bravery in tailing the human, I want you two to have the honor of killing the human.” Asgore said and Papyrus broke down crying.

“I DON’T WANT TO KILL THEM, I MAY HAVE SENTENCED THEM TO DEATH, BUT THEY ARE JUST A KID! IT FEELS SO WRONG AND CRUEL! I’M NOT SURE I CAN DO IT!” Papyrus screamed as he cried and Asgore nodded.

“I understand, but monsterkind is banking on this, and I fear the power of six human souls and what it may do. I know this is hard for you but I implore you to consider it.” Asgore said and Papyrus sobbed as Sans gave him a hug.

“pap, i’ll be fine. if you don’t think you can do it, don’t. no one is forcing you.” Sans said and Papyrus sighed.

“NO SANS, I’LL DO IT. I NEED TO PUT MY MORALS ASIDE AND HELP MONSTERKIND, IT’S MY DUTY.” He said as he stood.

“Thank you Papyrus.” Asgore said as the two brothers walked up to the souls.

“HELLO, WOULD IT BE OK IF WE, THIS IS GOING TO SOUND REALLY WEIRD, ABSORBED YOUR SOULS?” Papyrus asked and Sans chuckled.

“asking for consent even as we face oblivion? you’re pap alright.” Sans joked and Papyrus laughed.

“REALLY TERRIBLE BROTHER.” Papyrus said and the soul began to glow.

“IS THAT A YES?” Papyrus asked and they only glowed brighter.

The judgement hall was golden. Artificial light shone through the windows as the human walked down the halls, looking at the tall and short shadows of old friends.

“heya.” Sans said, smirking as Papyrus was silent, refusing to meet their eyes.

“you’ve been busy, huh?” Sans said, his eye lights turning yellow and teal, then purple.

The human didn’t flinch, but their expression fell.

“...” Sans was quiet as he took a breath and continued his monologue.

“so, i’ve got a question for ya.” Sans said, smiling a grim smile.

“do you think even the worst person can change…?” The human was silent.

“that everyone can be a good person, if they just try?” Papyrus let a small cry out.

“heh heh heh heh...” the laugh sent chills down the human’s spine.

“all right.” The human waited for the next part.

“well, here’s a better question.” everyone in the room tensed as they waited.

“do you wanna have a bad time?” The human twirled their knife on the tip of their finger.

“cause if you take another step forward...” The human tilted their head in intrigue.

“you are REALLY not going to like what happens next.” A dark and wicked grin grew on the child’s dust covered face.

Undaunted by Sans’ threat, they took a step forward, smiling expectantly.

“welp.” Sans said, shrugging as Papyrus looked at the human.

“sorry, old lady.” The human thought of Toriel, and they smiled fondly.

“this is why i never make promises.” the human scoffed as they awaited Sans’ attack.

Papyrus’ eyes burned a bright yellow, orange and green as he launched a flurry of bones to which were dodged effortlessly.

Sans unleashed blasters and threw the human around the room, but they gracefully flew as if they had wings and smiled.

Their attacks were blocked and dodged as the evenly matched foes batteled. But a swirl of fire caught the human off guard, a look of true fear donning their face and sparking hope within the trio. But a thought, a horrid thought entered Papyrus’ mind.

“OH GEE FLOWEY HASN’T SHOWN UP YET. THAT’S SUSPICIOUS!” And with the thought the trio were tangled up in a web of vines.

“You didn’t forget about your old friend Flowey did you?” Flowey sneered as he appeared by the human, who wore a crooked crack on their face, showing baby teeth and splintered lips.

“WHY-” Papyrus said but was silenced as agony rushed through him as the vines constricted him, his brother, and his king. It was impossible to move, and the human and Flowey dodged each attack with ease and fluidity.

“Quiet.” Flowey hissed, baring teeth like an animal would, and a feral one at that.

“Should their death’s be swift? Or should they suffer?” Flowey asked and the human let out a howl, empty and cold, devoid of life.

“Save Papyrus for now. Kill Asgore swiftly, and kill Sans slowly.” They said and with the smallest chuckle, Asgore was dust, flowey catching his soul and holding it tightly in his vines, and Sans’ ribs were being cracked.

“PLEASE! STOP!” Papyrus screamed but his own rubs were cracked and a sickening snap preceded one of Sans’ ribs falling to the ground and turning to dust upon impact with the golden floor.

Ribs and bones, later limbs followed as Sans was slowly chipped away to nothingness, all while his brother watched.

“PLEASE, STOP.” Papyrus begged as he watched his brother quite literally fall apart.

“You want this to stop? Well, ok.” The human said, and Flowey smiled.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN?” Papyrus asked, and everything went back.

[mrneighbourlove]

Shadow Hunt: Ch 2. Acquiring the Pieces

The prince still couldn’t believe his friend was dead. Last night Clara was taken from this world by the hands of a psychopath who tore her apart. Ralnor was determined to stitch the clues together. After getting over his shock of the body, the Gerudo checked the main floor again. He saw Clara’s clothes that were kicked off in the corner. No sign of a struggle in the main floor, so she wasn’t forced out of her clothing. Searching her pockets revealed nothing, so Ralnor checked her purse. He was sure if of it before, but looking inside, he saw that all her rupees were still here. So that meant the intruder only wanted her life, not her riches. What intrigued Ralnor was a note inside.

Opening the letter, he saw Clara was given a doctor note, by one Doctor Kai Neighbour. A psychiatrist by the looks of it. It instructed that it was his legal opinion for Ralnor to spend time with Clara for her mental well being. “I’ll look into you later…”

Ralnor took a final look at Clara’s dead, fearful eyes before the investigators pulled a tarp over her body. He’d remember this. The prince would hold onto this feeling of needing revenge, and he’d let it burn the bastard that did this. Ralnor made a pray to the three goddesses that Clara’s soul had a better fate now then it did at the end of her life. Once finished, Ralnor took a sigh and looked to the lead investigator. “Any witnesses?”

The man shook his head. “No. At least none that any thought would be a murder. Walls are muffled. We did question a neighbour on what they thought was a scream, but they assumed it was a night terror. After the eclipse, there has been many cases of people with nightmares sprouting up.”

“So no one cared she was being killed.”

“My prince, they didn’t know…”

“Well, what’s your next objective?”

“Standard procedure. We ask around, we search the surrounding area, and we do our best to piece together any clues to find who did this. It’ll be difficult though, with how stretched we can be. I’m sorry, I wish there was more I could offer.”

“I see. Good hunting to you gentlemen then…”

Standard procedure. To Ralnor, he knew that they’d most likely place this case under a cabinet labeled unsolved within a week, maybe two if enough protest was given. It was awful that the handsomely rich only had their deaths looked into. The common wealth were often simply over looked as casualties that could, and would, be forgotten. The prince hated the system. For a long time, he was seeing corruption in the royal courts, with noblemen being able to abuse their power and twist the lives of others. Yet now, he saw it wasn’t any better down at the common level. Ralnor heard of monsters able to shift through the cracks of society and tear people to death, but this psycho… he supposed was just another type of monster. Able to sneak past through the low amount of guards spread through out Hyrule, and simply steal lives. Ralnor knew his parents and his older brother wanted to have a safe Hyrule, but even they couldn’t control all the corruption. Ralnor needed to do something. As the 2nd prince, he could be hidden from the public eye and help the people in his own way. Klinge’s words echoed in his mind.

‘The world is full of those who are uncaring, and will do anything to hurt you. You must do anything to ensure the future of the Gerudo, of Hyrule, and your family. In this uncaring world, you must be smarter than the rest, and willing to go to lengths others won’t to protect this land. No matter the cost.’

Ralnor needed eyes and ears to survey the darkest corners and listen in on the mouths of his enemies. The prince knew a good place to start. Taking his horse, the prince rode off to southern border. Scattered around Hyrule were many taverns and small villages. One in particular was stationed near the canyon of Gerudo Valley. Everyone minded their own business, and at this establishment, business was to be shared in secret.

Entering the tavern, Ralnor threw his hood over his head, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention. A blonde Gerudo might be mistaken for some urban Hylian if he was lucky. The counterman was slowly cleaning his counter when he caught a glimpse of Ralnor. “What are you here for?”

“I’m here to find people who can be loyal enough to keep secrets, as well as find the secrets of others.”

“Hmmm, anyone can be loyal with the right enough of money.”

“I can be persuasive.”

“Very well. Travel up to the 4th level. You can look around there.”

Ralnor did as recommended, going up the steps. On the 2nd floor was the rowdiest floor, with drinking, dancing, and dares going around. The 3rd floor men and women exchanged money in games of gambling, some arm wrestling. Around tables Ralnor spotted your average mercenaries. Men and Women who would do any job. However, they were too loud for his taste. Upon reaching the 4th floor, Ralnor found the atmosphere more to his tastes. People silently drank and smoked at tables, talking amongst themselves. The prince saw one woman shake the hand of a man and give him a bag of money before walking off. No one harassed her as she walked away. Trusting his instincts, Ralnor walked to a corner in the right corner of the room.

A group of men and women had there robes up, discussing how they’d make ends meet for the following months, when Ralnor approached them. “Greetings. I have a proposition for you all.”

The group looked towards the prince, carefully studying his character. One of the men spoke up first. “Perhaps you’d like to take a seat and then tell us?”

Ralnor knew that sitting down could compromise his defences, so he elected to stand. “No thank you. Are you a group who can find out secrets when no one else is willing to look?”

The group communicated through silent glances at one another. They felt a tinge of hope at having work, but they wisely kept that spark to themselves. “Yes. You’re talking about spy work?”

“I am. Can you deduce who I am?”

The man talking wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be a joke, it was fairly obvious. When he spoke, he said so in a whisper. “You’re Prince Ralnor.”

“That is correct.”

“So, why does a prince like yourself want to hire a group such as us?”

Ralnor threw a bag of golden rupees onto the table for them to look over. When one of them peeked inside, their eyes beamed, the excitement being singled to their comrades through looks once again. “I’m here because growing up I have seen enemies of my family make back stabs and elaborate plans against our lives. I have stomached it for years, but no more. If I have the power to bring an end to calamity, it is my right and duty to do so.” Ralnor opened his hand to silence one of them from speaking, as he was not yet finished. “That all said, the reason I am here is to hire individuals of precise skill as my personal agents. I need to extend my reach as there is only so far one man can go. This is my offer. Work for me, be loyal to only me, and you will never need to find work else where for the rest of your lives.”

The group shifted, their minds racing. This was their golden ticket; how often would an opportunity present itself like this ever again? Two of the group started to converse. “Carter, we should-”

“Quiet. No names. Not yet. We need to talk about-”

“What is there to talk about? The man is offering us a service that will make us rich beyond our dreams. Not to mention, the benefit of a patriotic duty.”

“My view points on who’s on the throne doesn’t matter. It shouldn’t to any of us…” He looked at the rupees, then back at the prince. “What are your rules?”

“Simple. You don’t get caught in your missions. You follow my orders to the letter. And you don’t disobey them, otherwise I will turn my generosity into a malice that will kill you.”

The group leader studied this young man. Prince Ralnor had an expression that didn’t waver. He could feel the aura off of the Gerudo, and using his third eye, he saw that Ralnor was a man with an intense darkness in his heart. He knew that he was the son of the Calamity in human form, the Great Ganondorf. The prince had been through many hardships of darkness, and all his word held true. “Very well Prince Ralnor. We accept your offer.” The man dropped his hood, and gave a light bow of his head, wanting to look Ralnor right in the eye. “I am Zanathos. My colleges and I are very skilled, I can assure you. What is the first task you wish of us?”

Ralnor was relieved that the business act of using these spies had gone over smoothly, so he wasted no time in revealing their assignment. Wasted time could get others killed right now. “Your first assignment will be different from what we will accomplish in the future. There’s been a killer who took the life of an associate of mine somewhere in Hyrule. I want you to gather any information you can that will lead to his capture and personal execution.”

Zanathos and his comrades nodded towards the prince. They were all professional enough to know the prince most likely meant a friend, but dared not bring it up. “Where and how did the murder take place my prince?”

“In Castle Town on the outskirts near one of the dried river beds. The victim was cut apart, her organs pinned to the walls, hung by her entrails, and her cat pulverized.” Ralnor watched in interest as one of the group tightened their fist at the mention of animal cruelty. “Whoever this was, they had an allure for pain in the victim and used a weapon that cut cleanly. I will be investigating with you. We don’t stop until we find this maniac.”

Ralnor stood up, and the rest of his newly acquired spies rose with him. “If you do locate him, let me know immediately.” With that, the prince was the first to leave.

Zanathos looked to his comrades, wanting to gauge their thoughts. “Well?”

Carter was counting the rupees in the bag. “This job will get us set for life if we perform well enough. I have no worries.”

Furihg, the women that spoke with Carter, seemed to be musing over the thoughts. “How do we know that the prince won’t simply arrest us for any illegal activity we do for him after this job is done?”

“Because Furihg, Prince Ralnor carries himself as man who has vision, as well as a man with integrity. We can trust his word.” Zanathos stood first in the group, placing a simple silver mask over his face. The rest joined their leader, getting ready to leave. “If we have faith in Master Ralnor, I’m sure that we will be rewarded for the rest of our lives.”

The rest of the group were confused by the term master, but they supposed it was somewhat appropriate. If they were going to work for Ralnor full time, master was most likely the term they’d use.

~

Kai was organizing his file folder of patients. Removing the papers belonging to Clara, the man paused, looking over her details. She was in his office only yesterday, her imprints on the pillows and cushions still there. News traveled quickly of her death, along with rumors of how truly barbaric it was.

Before the good doctor could dwell on his thought more, a knock came for him at the door. Putting down his profile on Clara, he opened it to be surprised by the presence of Ralnor. “Oh! Prince Ralnor. I wasn’t expecting your arrival.”

“Doctor Neighbour if I’m correct. First name Kai.”

“You are indeed correct. Is this about your sister? Would you like to book an appointment as well?”

“No. Perhaps it would be best if you took a seat. This is about Clara.” The way Ralnor presented his tone heavily, it gave a command to the psychologist. Kai was taken off guard, so sitting down came naturally as the next step. “I know she was here yesterday. You sent her to my quarters. Upon return to her home, she was slaughtered like an animal by some maniac.”

Ralnor watched the colour drain from Kai’s face. It was very convincing to the prince. The psychologist right hand trembled as he held it close to his chest with his left. “She… didn’t deserve such a fate. This world is too cruel.”

“Agreed. I’d like to ask you some questions.”

“Yes?”

“How long had Clara been a patient of yours?”

“Well, about eight months. She would come in to see me monthly.”

“Can you tell me why she came in to see you?”

“That would go against patient confidentiality.”

Ralnor narrowed his eyes down at the psychologist, and took a slow deep breath in. “She’s dead Doctor. Her body was gutted, cut into pieces, and left hung from her window. I’m trying to find a killer. So if patient confidentiality really means so much to you, I simply ask that tell me if you believe anyone would have wanted her dead.”

Kai shook his head, gripping the side of his couch. He seen enough dead bodies in the streets to get a clear picture of what might have happened to Clara. “No. She was sweet women. Her problems didn’t stem from other people wanting to hurt her.”

Ralnor didn’t think he was going to get any information he needed from the doctor. But it was a start. “Very well. If you change your mind, or find any information that could lead to a suspect, bring it to my attention.”

Kai watched as Ralnor carefully made his way out of his office. Placing both hands he ran them through his hair, wanting to calm down. Did Ralnor think that he killed Clara? This whole situation made him feel stressed. The councillor needed to blow off some steam.

~

Mr. Tucker was making his way home, having finished his wrestling lessons rather late into the night. Parents these days wanted their kids to be prepared for anything, especially in such trying times. Mr. Tucker was thinking to himself if he should organize another appointment, when he heard a dog whimpering around the corner in the alley next to him. Poor thing must haven’t eaten yet. Continuing his way towards his house, he threw his keys into the air, wanting to juggle them. On his fourth throw, he didn’t feel them land back into his hand. Curious, he looked up.

Sticking on the wall like a Skulltala was a man right above him in a black leather suit. Mr. Tucker couldn’t react in time as the figure jumped down, stabbing the key into his eye socket. The poor man gritted his teeth instead of screaming. The killer jumped down and quickly went behind his victim, covering his mouth so he couldn’t get a scream out. Mr. Tucker had the figure to fight back, but the element of surprise cost him. The killer took his sickle, slicing Mr. Tucker’s stomach clean open, spilling his cuts onto the floor. As Mr. Tucker tried to hold his guts in, his attacker took the key from his left eye, and used it to gauge out the right eye, leaving his victim blind.

Hunched over, the killer pushed Mr. Tucker over, quickly reaching in to pull out his intestines, when he heard a bark behind him. It was that hungry dog from before. The figure patted the guts, making a whining sound to the dog to approach. Dogs needed food after all. As the dog started to eat, the killer stole his victims’ eyes, caring little that the man was literally being eaten alive, even if he only had a few moments of life left.

Leaving the crime scene, the killer took note of someone getting a look at him from five blocks away, but they were far too long from him to do anything. Retreating into the sewers, the killer crawled his way on the ceiling to avoid the sewage water. It took about ten minutes, but they finally made it to their sanctuary. Going through the basement window, they placed their sickle on a rack, and carefully undressed from their leather suit. As soon as he was out of the suit, he stood upright like a man, feeling his naked body for any bruises. None that he could tell. The last thing he did for the night was take a shower, then prayed to a statue of a god. He had done well, but more work would need to be done to get back at those that hurt him. First he’d hurt them 10x over, only then they’d have the pleasure of dying.

[myspookysunshine]

Original Poetry Dump Post

These were written under dustyirish, my other url, so I promise I am not plagiarizing myself. Bad poetry, but what the fuck. It was heartfelt at least. : )

NYC

I got your number. NYC; confusion, cacophony, crazy smell of taxi exhaust inexplicably smothered by the smell of roasted beans mocha latte grande whatthefuckever just give me Coffee boring and hot you laugh and it sounds genuine but my hearing isn't what it used to be. the horde floods past, fighting for air threatening to sweep us up in the flow you stand firm and vanish them with a drawl southern magician in a Ramones tee your hand brushes my arm accident or promise? that pinky sure felt like promise. yeah I got your number better yet I got your smile.

*************************

Discordance

Every night, 9:00 a solo goose flies overhead, late to the party offering his lonesome song to the night he's easy to single out the notes are slightly strange; a hoarse, desperate honking not quite like the others waiting at the pond 9:00, on the nose, I hear his tone deaf journey I always look up and smile. I can relate.

******************

Yarrow

Dawnlight breaks across the land birds call on the hill but in the valley down below the farm lies strangely still cows low crossly, needing milked morning chores gone unattended wash forgotten on the line a rocking chair upended bright flowers bent and broken by a shadow come to pass something that is not paint spilled upon the blades of grass wheat sways gently in a breeze that reeks of secret sorrow and last night's sin lies waiting amongst the fields of yarrow.

****************

Grandmother

You laugh at the sky. The picture's in black and white, but I know that ugly blue bathing suit scuffed in the rear from years of poolside sitting one strap permanently twisted from some washing machine trauma I was mortified by it then; I would give anything to see it now. You laugh at the sky, carefree and wild/beautiful, wind whipping dark hair into something approaching chaos Bettie Page on the edge of a hurricane. Your arms reach for me; I, that sepia child, race for them. As I recall, there was an embrace and promises of baby bunnies but memories are funny things; they seek one another, merge, then hide themselves away in corners.

You're in color now, though the room is kept dim machines beep a monotonous rhythm that some dark part of me wishes would just go silent. I stand, arms outstretched, waiting for my embrace. Time and tubes and coma be damned. You're still laughing at the sky.

************************

Solitary Duck

Eighteen months and here in this youless reality tattered grocery lists become relics tears are shed over cow slippers a stray Butterfinger wrapper lies under the bed, coiled, ready to strike I would pick up a sword to protect a voicemail I would sell my soul to still believe in ghosts.

They said malignancy I became five again; all I wanted was my mommy I settled for sharing the news with a rectangle of sod and a solitary mallard on the duck pond.

Isn't it funny how shared laughter sounds like music the same joke, told alone, sounds like madness

I live to pluck words from the ether The most elusive (and the one I fear most) is goodbye.

Leprechaun

It was a day for celebrating. Exactly what was being celebrated she had forgotten (if she ever knew) but attendance seemed to be required.

So she went.

She took a deep breath, steeled herself and walked into the gathering.

A shirtless leprechaun sat in the corner, softly crooning The Doors 'Love Street', plucking out the notes on a tiny piano held in his lap.

He was no Jim Morrison, granted, but was anyone?

She stepped further into the room and the atmosphere changed.

Whisky bottles were festooned with shamrock stoppers, green beer flowed freely from taps, a musky green scent perfumed the air.

Pretty people getting ugly drunk.

A shoving match broke out between a tall man and a misplaced clown. She side-stepped the melee with ease.

She had crafted invisibility into an art form.

In the center of pushed-back chairs, couples danced to contemporary music. Their bodies moved to the pulsing rhythm but their eyes were dead.

She tried a bit of everything on offer, musky green burning between her fingers as she retraced her steps, back towards the known.

No one asked her to dance, and this was not necessarily a bad thing. She was afraid to be swept up in their nothingness.

There once was a yesterday bride seeking happiness somewhere inside she was dimly aware that the spark was still there But that fucker, it knew how to hide.

In the end, she returned to the leprechaun.

His head rested back against the plaster, hair flowing in loose curls to his shoulders. He had moved on to 'Soul Kitchen' and he was suddenly beautiful.

She slid to the floor beside him, lay a hand on his ankle and closed her eyes.

What she lacked in visibility she made up for in imagination.

********************

Three

His kiss is wildfire, eager and consuming Yours a gentle rain to temper the flames laid down together they alter my landscape forever make way for new growth

(you both taste of conviction)

His eyes shout for desperate truth Yours whisper questions and secret pain combined, they stare into the depths of me clear my path to perception

(you both see into the shadows)

your breaths mingle on my skin which touch is which has lost meaning there is no division here oneness rough and smooth sharp and drawl chaos and peace the differences blend into something nearing perfection Twenty fingers twine, seeking my heart

finding my soul

I take you both into myself and in doing so perhaps I can absorb his laughter and your tenderness

(you are both strength)

two men, one woman evolve into the unknown.

******************

Knotted Noose

I was there when the songs formed in basement band trial and error in beer and sweat and frustration in epiphany I slipped away then you Slipped Away I never heard the music that was formed after you lost yourself among the masks and pharmaceuticals you've been gone so long now memories have faded down to driving, pulsing bass a worn high school jersey and the places where you liked my tongue.

*******************

Cancer

I look in the mirror my silhouette is off-kilter I stand, lopsided and pining for something I never thought I would miss. Two hours under the knife equals twenty years of aging biology isn't supposed to work that way the math is wrong, goddammit. Now, even in my dreams, I am unwhole I am old there is hesitation in reaching hands there is hesitation in my reaching back If I could ask this disease one question it would be this : Was that truly necessary; couldn't you have left me my dreams?

***********

Cowboy Prince

Full Texas moon tinged with blood above a half-gone bottle of Jameson rolls in time with your hips your balled-up army jacket cradles my head your heartbeat cradles my senses your body is the only warmth I need against the chill in the air Zombie on vocals backed by coyotes we merge in this wonderland where a rusted out Silverado becomes a horse-drawn carriage you are my cowboy prince and a hi-top sneaker turns to glass.

******************

Yo--Ville

was what we called it I don't know why but it seemed to fit

(maybe it was a vibe thing)

music never ceased within its walls 24/7 lullaby the tunes created weren't good

(but the intentions were)

tofu was a confusing concept to my young mind and I rode on the back of a Harley in a miniskirt

(that scar is all I have left)

a drifter lived silent in the corner bedroom he carried his life in a backpack he could speak but chose not to

(and nobody thought it was strange)

The singer was a woman who dressed in tattered tie-sye she was angry and mysterious and beautiful

(I wanted her desperately)

Jesus was a man named Bob He never walked on water but we all believed he could

(if he could only find the ambition)

I was on a path back then and somewhere between there and here I strayed and lost myself.

********************

Perspective

Yes, it's true.

There are scars under my fingertips when they whisper along your thigh I run my tongue over teeth that aren't aligned with precision I have to pause ecstasy for a moment to kiss stray tears from your cheeks My arms stay around you in sleep to ward off demons I can't see

It's all true.

But what you don't realize is that your imperfections make you my perfect.

***************

Lesson

don that mask, hide yourself away whisper sweet lies in my ear lay your heart bare to be trod upon drown yourself in fear side with monsters, fight the light let the decades take their toll be the bringer of Death if you must but never whore your soul.

************

To The Unknown

Here you sleep, under cold pink marble and sentiment - well-meant but generic - in lieu of identity. I never knew your heart; if it was nurtured with kindness or made to hide away and beat in fear. I never saw your smile; if it was a shy, sweet blossoming or if it burst like sun flare, lighting up your eyes. I never heard your voice; if it was soft and melodic or booming and brash, filled with mischief. But oh I wish I could hear it now, whispering a name to etch upon this stone.

*************

Effigy

The scent of you lingers on pillowslips the mattress still holds your shape I use an old flannel for a nightshirt an acoustic guitar for a teddy bear I'm left with all the pieces that don't make up a whole You are only here in effigy and I can't find a match.

**********

Zephyr

I was numb before I met you soul shot full of novocaine I'm numb after I left you it's a numbness of the brain you whispered soft instruction a curriculum to maintain you first taught me oblivion then you taught me pain nothing much left standing now only crumbling walls remain you came in like a zephyr and went out a hurricane.

***********

Wish

Last night I discovered your words tucked away among dusty knickknacks on a back garage shelf.

I wish I knew how they had come to be hidden. I wish they had found a more dignified resting place. I wish you could have spoken them aloud. I wish I didn't understand the whys. I wish I had opened that box earlier. I wish I had never opened that box.

Last night I found your goodbye and today I wish I was still unaware that a heart can break twice.

*************

Taboo

The only two left floating high and exhausted in a sea of beer-swept men couch springs prod your spine but he is familiar comfort his lap a favorite pillow a slight shift of your head a slight shift in your friendship and lips are tracing denim steel you know the unspoken language of him you are fluent in his groans this one screams fucking finally fingers catch in your hair ghost along your inked bicep interpreting the coded message

'Break glass in case of emergency'

his cock pulses against your tongue your own thrums in time a driving, crescendoing drum beat he belongs to someone else you don't belong even to yourself together, here, you belong Wrong? Forbidden? Taboo? you wouldn't know as the taste of him floods your mouth words have ceased to exist.

***********

Horse

We flew, you and I, across years wind in my hair, dust in my nostrils wildfire under my skin we rode on trails of deception under the illusion that I held the reins.

One day you balked and bucked me hooved death came down beside my head knocked some courage loose I corralled you, slammed the gate and limped away bruised but triumphant.

I never was good at mending fences.

You've broken free and galloped back whinnied softly against my ear and I can only savor the ride as I settle into this well-worn saddle molded to the shape of me.

*************

Just Be

I first saw you on your rooftop sanctuary hiding tears behind a cigarette you'd forgotten where you put your laughter but managed to find where I'd put my soul your shadow was beautiful Just Be, I whispered you sobbed against my shoulder smoke and cologne and tears and I fell, far more than the three stories to the ground fear of not being everything Just be, I whispered, and guided you into me and it was imperfect perfection I can be strong enough for both of us the sanctuary of my mind the lesson held even if we didn't I saw you yesterday, up on stage doubt in your eyes I closed my own and whispered Baby, just be.

**************

[forcebondedreylo]

Untitled Dark Rey (kinda) AU

Prologue

The planet looked just as she remembered. Amongst the expanse of trees, lakes, and meadows, there was a Resistance base hidden in plain sight. It would be impossible to find unless someone had insider knowledge. Rey had been there before with Luke Skywalker and General Leia. With her friends. Or so she thought.

“How close are we?” a man asked from behind a mask, the modulator twisting his voice into a monster’s. He used to be intimidating, even frightening, to her. Not anymore. Now she worried for him. Constantly.

“Close,” she said as they broke through the atmosphere and descended to the east. She felt a little queasy knowing that they would be there so soon. She continued nevertheless, “It’s just beyond that ridge of trees. There is a knoll beneath the largest tree - that is the main entrance.”

She gripped the edge of her seat, knuckles turning white with unease. She didn’t want to fight, but she knew it was necessary. More than anything else, she wished for this war to end.

So much disquiet in your mind, a voice rang out in her head. She avoided looking at the man in the mask. She knew what he wanted her to say. He wanted her to snap and tell him to get out of her head; it was his way of distracting her when she felt worried or upset. This force bond between them was still foreign to her, even though the connection had been forged a long while ago. Will you not let me in?

Leave me be, she requested, a feeling of exhaustion overwhelming her. To her surprise, he listened to her request and backed away from her mental shield. He knew this was hard for her. Her friends were down there, and she would likely have to fight them. Would they even recognize her? Her hair had grown long and was braided down her back. She wore black clothing to match the man sitting near her. Her friends thought that she was kidnapped, possibly even dead. They would be horrified to learn that she was now on the side of the First Order.

Well. Not entirely. Her only true loyalty was to the man who shared a force bond with her. As far as she was concerned, the rest of the First Order could burn and die -- not that they were aware of this. All she knew was that she could not allow any harm to befall Kylo Ren, and she would protect him at whatever cost.

So when the ship landed in a field filled with wildflowers, cloaked by towering evergreen trees, Rey stepped off beside him. Her saberstaff was clutched in her hand, prepared to defend her love -- even from her friends. From the only family she’d ever known.

She only hoped that they knew mercy.

I’ve been working on a Dark Reylo AU for a good year and a half, and am only now actually writing it. Originally I envisioned it as a long, multi-chapter fic starting as an AU to The Force Awakens, but I’ve not written a fic that long before. I’ve finally figured out how to structure it so that it has fewer chapters but is equally as meaningful. Can’t promise to get a lot done at the moment, I’m a grad student and it is fall break - though I have to get some work done by this Thursday, when classes resume.

What do you think? The story is definitely an angst-fest lol.

@sharpestsatire Thanks for continuing to chat with me about fic ideas!

[sun-shine-lolli-pops]

Oneshot-Tomtord-I Am Damaged

(A/N: A break from working on Masquerade, I hope you enjoy! I know heathers aus are everywhere and this has probably been done before, but this is pretty decent nonetheless.)

An unbearable heat spread across the neighborhood. The burning rubble crushing one, the fragments and building blocks and foundation of the trio’s life crushing a single soul. Dust billowed all across the lawn as blood spilled from bullet holes and scrapes and as black and blue bruises swelled and bloated the once spotless faces. A feeling of grief, shock, hatred, and utmost betrayal clung to the air, the atmosphere cold and desolate. Yet, among this cloud of despair, a spark of hope drew the attention of the confused yet mourning friends when the sound of brick against brick and metal against metal reached their ears and the broken yet enraged man shoved the broken house off of him. With him, he held an armed harpooned gun, aimed at the giant robot attempting to retreat.

“I…. am not your friend!”

A single harpoon was fired through the air, their only hope to bringing down weapon of mass destruction and world domination. Contempt laced his voice, a venom the stung the Norski harshly, yet he was determined not to let it show. He wouldn’t let any part of the past distract him from his goals. As if it was a literal portrayal of how it felt, the harpoon smashed through the robot, striking him right between the ribs. Red warning lights flashed and alarms blared, bracing the red clad Norwegian for impact. Panic surged through him, filling him with regret.

“Oh no-“

---

Tom raced up the hill, adrenaline coursing through his veins, eyes wide with terror and regret. He didn’t mean for this to happen, he just wanted to stop him! He wasn’t entirely sure what he was trying to do, it all happened off a whim, in the spur of the moment. Maybe he was just trying to scare him, or show him the repercussions of his plans. But now, Tord could be dead. And it would all be Tom’s fault.

Tears stung his eyes as they threatened to fall. His heart pounded and his legs ached as he raced up the hill towards the rubble. Small fires glowed here and there, but they didn’t phase Tom one bit. The pain in the cuts and scratched in his arms and legs was practically nonexistent. His only concern was the condition of his once-lover.

As he reached the top of the hill, his eyes scanned the debris. Metal lay strewn about on the hill, wires of red, green, purple, and blue were scattered as well. Blood stains littered the grass as well, causing a lump to form in Tom’s throat. But sure enough, scrap metal was shoved aside as Tord shakily stood up. He looked fragile, like one strong gust of wind could knock him over and carry him away, or one small blow would cause the end to his life. One leg was obviously broken; he put all support on his left leg. His left arm was damaged beyond repair, and the left side of his face was scarred so badly, he was almost unrecognizable. One of his normally red eyes was bordered boldly in gray, presumably blind. It was a pathetic sight honestly.

“Tord…” Tom didn’t even know where to start. Apologies needed to be made, but both men needed help first. “Tord, we need to get you help.” Desperation dripped from his voice.

“I am damaged. Far too damaged.” Tord finally looked up at him, shining with just as much regret. Tears stained his face. “But you’re not beyond repair.” His gaze shifted up and down Tom, examining his wounds.

Tom loved Tord once. And Tord loved him back. Hard to believe, but they were inseparable. Of course, it was a hidden relationship, they didn’t know what they’d do if Edd and Matt found out. They stole small pecks and kisses when the other two had their backs turned, made excuses to both be out of the house at the same time, and occasionally they subtly kicked out Edd and Matt, convincing them to go have fun without then.

“Stick around here, make things better.” Tord glanced over at the rubble, fire, and pain that was what their neighborhood was reduced to. Eduardo was still, holding Jon, sobbing, and Mark was calling an ambulance. Their faces still held shock, not yet registering their friend was gone. Desperate wails went unheard, but the Norski could still see the grief. Pity pierced through his heart. Tord sighed in defeat, something he had never had to face before in his life. “You beat me fair and square.”

Looking back, hiding the relationship was a stupid idea. Edd and Matt would have been thrilled, and the fighting amongst the ‘enemies’ would finally have ceased. Tord and Tom could still be happy, safe, together. They’d be free of pain and suffering, their only concern being the wellbeing of the other. Oh, what a life they could have had. If they hadn’t been so fearful of their housemates, none of this would have happened.

Tord knew he was going to die. He knew Pau and Pat weren’t going to come if he failed. He knew he couldn’t run, he could hardly stand as it was. His arm would need to be amputated, and he didn’t have the money for that. There was nowhere for him to go; there was no way in hell or heaven that Edd and Matt would take him back, if Tom didn’t kill him first. But he wasn’t going to make it off this hill alive. The beeping and blaring alarms hadn’t stopped. The robot was still active. And it was going to explode. The warnings only fell onto deaf ears, and the lights flashed to blind eyes, as neither boy wanted the cold reminder of the fate they wished to avoid.

“Please stand back now,” The Norski pleaded. Tom didn’t have to die with him, he didn’t deserve this. But Tord did. He’s ruined their lives. He’s a monster. “I don’t know what this thing will do” He admitted softly, attempting to stifle the fear in his voice.

Tom obliged, but he hardly seemed to know what he was doing. His face expressed the epitome of terror and suffering. Tears streaked his blood spattered face, the clear, salty tears turning red as the blood corrupted them.

“Hope you’ll miss me, wish you’d kiss me,” Tord smiled despite the circumstances. It was filled with remorse and heartache, yet you could still how much he cared about the other. “Then you’d know I worship you… I’d trade my life for yours…” He couldn’t hold back the sob that racked his body and escaped his lips.

“Oh my God…” The Brit finally managed to choke out, the weight of their current situation finally taking its toll on him.

“And once I disappear, clean up the mess down here...” Tord could hardly hear Tom pleading for him to not go. To not leave him. It was futile, all in vain. The blaring of the alarms were getting too frantic and too loud, beeping almost as fast as their hearts.

But then, they stopped. They gave out. Silence fell across the two broken boys, so many words unspoken yet so many things they wished they hadn’t said. Tord could hardly choke out any more words, but he had too. For Tom.

“Our love is God…” His eyes met with Tom’s, glazed with tears and relief, glad to finally tell him one last time how much Tom meant to him. He would die in peace, if you could even call it that. Maybe content is a better word, even though the mental wounds of what was about to happen would never heal for Tom.

“Say hi to God…” Tom breathed out. He didn’t believe in any sort of higher power, yet, he’d like to believe he’d be able to see Tord again in a better place. Tord had a good side. He’d have to make it into heaven.

Tom had hardly finished his sentence when the robot finally exploded, debris and smoke filling the air and showering over the blue clad man. He had to throw his arms over his head to keep himself protected. Glass scored his face, and iron shards ripped his hoodie sleeves. Ash and dust embedded themselves into his hair. The fires spread across the blood stained grass and powdery dust lay either gently sprinkled or in heavy coats on the torn up hill. Tom couldn’t stand to watch this scene anymore, the ringing of the screeching metal and bursting pipes only getting louder as he sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him down to his last remaining friends. They were sifting through the rubble, searching for anything salvageable. When they saw him coming, they lifted their heads, tear tracks staining their faces, yet joyful at seeing their friend in one piece, at least on the outside.

“Where were you? You could’ve died!” Edd, always a mother hen, cried, though his voice was raspy. Concern was just one of the words to describe the look on his face.

“You look like hell.” Matt added, apathetically. He didn’t mean to be mean, but he needed to take his anger out on someone, and that someone happened to be Tom.

“I just got back.”

[maidencfdeath]

[maidencfdeath]

tags 2/?