#“you're seeing people die in your dreams? don't worry I've got your back”

[saucy-mesothelioma]

Shout out to siblings in horror movies that aren't actively witnessing the horrors but are supportive of the sibling that is no matter how weird it seems

[resident-dumb-fuck]

richard iii dashboard simulator. i thought it would be funny and here we are

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

what if i caused problems on purpose <3

0 notes

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

oh no... i cant believe the king is having my brother killed... oh noooo

#FUCK YOU GEORGE

3 notes

💥ladyanne Follow

man i miss my husband and father in law

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

hey

💥ladyanne

shut the fuck up you literally killed them??? get off my post

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

can i try rizzing you up

💥ladyanne

um. sure?

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE

💥ladyanne

i can't believe i'm saying this but this is kind of working.

🧍‍♂️gentleman-retainer

anyone else in this thread smoke weed

958 notes

🌹lancaster-official Follow

you all suck.

@/elizabeth-woodville your son will die and you will be deposed and youre gonna die SAD and ALONE.

@/river-severn @/dorset-sheep and @/billhastings you're gonna get executed

@/halfhearteddickjoke hm. FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU. nobody hang out with this conniving bitch i hate him i hate him so much and i am three seconds away from killing him constantly.

🐦fuckinghim Follow

get off tumblr margaret we're in court

🌹lancaster-official

he's not gonna want you as his boytoy forever

🐦fuckinghim

WE'RE NOT EVEN IN A RELATIONSHIP??????

🌹lancaster-official

i've seen you talk to him. i know what you are

5000 notes

🗼mr-london-tower Follow

just heard george duke of clarence say "snork mimi" aloud i'm gonna [remembers that suicide jokes do nothing for my mental health] request to be moved away from guarding his cell

🗼mr-london-tower

update: so it turns out the malmsey wine is unusable, for related reasons to this man.

#fuckin. dead body in the malmsey. cant have nice things around here #i hate my job so bad

94 notes

eddie-baby-deactivated

yayyy everybody is friends now :)

🐗halfhearted-dick-joke

dude you literally killed clarence??? you cant be having other people making friends youre a murderer

eddie-baby-deactivated

WHAT THE FUCK I THOUGHT I CANCELED THAT ORDER???

🐗halfhearted-dick-joke

you killed that guy man what the fuck. you cant be doing that

764 notes

👗elizabeth-woodville Follow

I regret to inform you all that the king has died.

5 notes

✨cecily-not-sicily Follow

dude my sons GOTTA stop dying. this is so fucked.

3 notes

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

i do so love to cause problems on purpose :)

#sorry to any family members of lords rivers, vaughan, and grey. um. you will not be seeing them anymore! <3

1285 notes

🐦fuckinghim Follow

preteens are so scary for no reason??? had to interact with two for work and like. they suck so bad. "i fear no uncles dead" shut the fuck up you smartass little shit. also had to explain to them the history of the tower of london which. i don't fucking know that shit! i don't know who built the tower of london! it sure as fuck wasn't julius caesar!

7 notes

#️⃣billhastings Follow

SOMEONE has got to stop waking me up in the middle of the night to hear their dreams

#️⃣billhastings

oh what the fuck.

607 notes

🍓bishop-ely Follow

crazy day at work today

#never go outside to get strawberries worst mistake of my life #came back in the room and they were accusing hastings of witchcraft. like sure yeah i guess

20 notes

🐦fuckinghim Follow

richard duke of gloucester should be king because not only are edward v and richard duke of york illegitimate but also so was edward iv. also richard duke of gloucester is just. kind of an all around good guy! as opposed to edward iv who ah. how do i put this in a manner that isn't horribly offensive. yeah okay figured it out. not a great person! unpleasant to be around!

also if you wanna know what was up with hastings he was a traitor don't worry about it.

954 notes

💥ladyanne Follow

RICHARD. RICHARD WHEN I CATCH YOU RICHARD. WHAT DO YOU MEAN KING OF ENGLAND

2 notes

🐦fuckinghim Follow

shit dude that one vine wasn't lying. what the fuck richard

#i have to leave immediately. jesus fucking christ man.

500 notes

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

yay king of england :) i will be very good at this i feel

#everybody's always like "what the fuck richard you can't kill two kids" or "why would you do that" and never like "was it fun having those preteens killed. it looked fun"

0 notes

🌹lancaster-official Follow

@/halfhearteddickjoke FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU

submitted by @/elizabeth-woodville

90 notes

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

wow everything is going so bad. what the entire shit @/fuckinghim

2 notes

🐦fuckinghim Follow

ughhh margaret was right. NOT ABOUT THE BOYTOY THING

307 notes

®️henry-twoder-or-something Follow

hi ive been here the whole time. ive done the math and i do technically have a claim to the throne :)

83 notes

🐗halfhearteddickjoke

i cant believe im saying this but i did just have an ebenezer scrooge moment. god i hate it here.

#maybe i am a bad person

54 notes

®️henry-twoder-or-something Follow

wow richard has died :) i cant believe i am the king now! yayyyy

2 notes

🚣‍♂️resident-dumb-fuck Follow

final message from op! sorry everyone. im so annoying about this forever

[fandomnerd9602]

Scarlet Webs

Wanda Maximoff x Spider-Man!Reader

For @tokufighter

She thought it was the end. Wanda Maximoff was supposed to die on that mountain along with the Scarlet Witch. And yet the next thing that Wanda remembers was falling.

Falling in the open air towards a series of buildings. Was it New York? How did this happen?!

Wanda found herself falling towards the ground faster and faster, her magic rendered useless. And then came a blur of red and blue, zipping into her view.

Suddenly the ground stopped growing near, "don't worry ma'am I got you" you reassured her before landing on top of the Empire State Building.

"You good?" you tried to ask her, calmly reassuring this mysterious and beautiful woman before you.

"Peter? You're here?" Wanda asked you.

"Sorry?" you asked back a little confused. "Who's Peter?"

"Peter Parker? Oh come on" Wanda rolled her eyes at you, "I know you, Spider-Man"

You removed your mask, exposing your face. Wanda gasped, "You're not Peter Parker"

"Sorry. I'm (Y/N), (Y/N) (L/N)" you gave a smile to her. Your smile, something about it seemed familiar.

And then it hit her like a ton of bricks. It was the same smile that haunted her dreams. The smile that graced the faces of her twin boys.

"I've never see someone like you before" you spoke, interrupting her thoughts.

"Ever hear of the Avengers?" she asked you, a small blush making its way across her face.

"Yeah. I'm a proud member" you smiled back.

Could this be it? Could you of all people be the key to the life she had with her boys?

"Since you're not from around here" you gave a nervous shrug, "maybe I could show you around."

You held out your hand to her, a simple little invite but one that held so much more with it. Wanda couldn't help but smile and take your hand.

"I'd like that" she whispered back.

She could see herself already falling in love with you.

[kimbapisnotsushi]

just imagine like. you're seventeen and desperate and angry and hurting for the truth. you're largely underground and unheard of and you have no power other than slapping on a mask and telling the truth over and over again, hoping that someone will hear. and you will NEVER, not in a MILLION YEARS, guess who DID hear! because the next day superman—not THE superman, it's his really cute son who you met literally a few days ago when he saved you from being shot, and you still have his fake hair—shows up in metropolis lugging a boat full of refugees that you thought would die out in the ocean because no country would dare go looking for them. and he burns the handcuffs off of them, and demands that they be treated with kindness and compassion, and doesn't seem to give a damn about how many international laws he just fucked up. like, wow.

and then you go to talk to him and tell him who you are and oh my god you're FLIRTING with superman. over his fake hair. and when you call him to protect a protest he comes right away, and he stands at the front, eyes blazing, and tells the police to ARREST HIM TOO? so THEN you go to bail him out and meet his dad (actual superman, but whatever) who invites you to dinner. and you get to meet LOIS FUCKING LANE. YOUR HERO. you then embarrass yourself in front of lois lane. the house explodes. superman ( jon, not clark) flies off to confront the guy who almost killed his entire family, and who also happens to be the evil president that overtook your country. superman comes back different. you watch through dimly-lit screens as he runs himself ragged all over the earth trying to save people. burning out like a dying star. he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders, you think. so you have him brought back to your dark apartment, a space just for you and now him, but not "him" as in "superman", it's "him" as in "jon kent"—because you're the one person he never has to worry about, and you want him to know that. he doesn't have to be superman with you. he can just be jon, and jon is beautiful and bright and everything you dreamed of.

"you've got the world," you say. "i've got you."

and hoLY SHIT YOU'RE KISSING HIM. YOU'RE KISSING JON KENT. AND HE LOOKS REALLY, REALLY HAPPY ABOUT IT. HOLY SHIT. you know, at this moment, that you trust this boy with your life. you're going to take on president bendix together and you're going to save your people. and so you make a whole plan that even ROBIN gets involved in (and holy shit you meet robin!! robin almost DECKED you!! and seems to like you? and approves of your relationship with jon?) and set sail for home. jon carries you into the sky. he doesn't want to drop you; you can see it on his face. it's cute. superman is used to catching people, after all, so you smile and let yourself fall. you'll see him on the other side. you believe in him. you have hope, for once in your life. you know he's right by your side. you know he'll be there when you call.

you love him.

and suddenly the battle is over, it's done with, bendix is gone and your people are free and you get to introduce jon to your mother! it's the best day of your life. but when you look around, you see that everyone is watching you. the whole world is, probably. they'll know who you are. they'll know who jay nakamura is.

you don't care. the truth doesn't have to hide anymore. and what is the truth, after all this time? what does jay nakamura have to tell the world?

jon takes your hand. you kiss him, and the truth is that you never want to stop.

[notmorbid]

the return [2/2].

dialogue prompts from twin peaks: the return (2017).

i told them if anything happened to me, it was you who did it.

how can you ever love me after what i did?

do you find me attractive?

what do we care about what the government thinks about who we marry? are we going to invite them to the wedding?

i can't stop thinking about last night.

it's true. it's all over the news.

i could throw a car farther than i'd trust that rat fuck.

now i know how brando felt.

you fuck us once, shame on us. you fuck us twice, shame on you.

these days, the glow is dying. what will be in the darkness that remains?

watch and listen to the dream of time and space. it all comes out now, flowing like a river. that which is and is not.

i know there's been trouble in there. we've all heard it.

you're staying with me tonight, okay?

i didn't know it was a gun.

you found something, didn't you?

there's fire where you are going.

can i smoke in here?

but smoking's bad for you.

do you know how good a cigarette would taste with this coffee?

smoke 'em if you got 'em.

i'm in your corner, champ. knock 'em dead.

i wanted to see you again. i've thought of you every day.

i have my life back again.

were you here when they first came?

your room seems different.

i'm trying to tell you that you have to watch out. things can happen. something happened to me.

is somebody in the house?

it's a goddamn bad story, isn't it?

if you need any help --- if you need anything --- i want you to call, okay? i mean it. help of any kind.

sometimes i really worry about you.

we don't have time for torture. i'm hungry.

what's on your mind tonight? you know i'm gonna tell you what's on mine.

the ninth level of hell will welcome you.

what kind of shit are you?

if you went missing, would you want people finishing their fucking homework before they looked for you?

you are nothing but a spineless, no-balls loser.

what fucking crystal ball are you looking into?

when you didn't come home last night, i thought the worst.

looks like we got ourselves a new contestant here.

what do i get if i win?

hope there's no murders this weekend.

you know you're not supposed to come here.

i need to know a good poison i could use. undetectable.

it makes me sick just to look at you.

i haven't slept in weeks. i've vomited blood. i can't live like this. i only want to die or change.

sit your butt down. it's no good eating alone.

love doesn't always turn a profit.

i love your show so much. you have done so much for me.

do you like it? do you really like it?

i feel like i'm somewhere else. have you ever had that feeling?

it's like i'm somewhere else and somebody else.

i always feel like myself. it may not always be the best feeling.

i'm not sure who i am, but i'm not me.

who am i supposed to trust but myself? and i don't even know who i am.

i want to stay, and i want to go. i want to do both.

we are like the dreamer who dreams and then lives inside the dream. but who is the dreamer?

who do you think that is there?

what happened to us back there?

it's my birthday. you gotta tell me the story.

it wasn't meant to be polite.

do you really want to fuck with this?

call 911. we got a dead one at the bar.

nice sweater. where'd you lift that?

i've been a selfish bitch to you all these years, and you've been a saint.

true love is giving the other what makes them happy.

i'll have a cup of coffee. and a cyanide tablet.

i thought you told me you didn't have any family.

oh. it's you.

i don't have your number.

you got a death wish?

it's like all our dreams are coming true.

the old team together again. nothing can stop us.

you know about death. that it's just a change, not an end.

there's some fear in letting go.

remember what i told you. i can't say more over the phone.

you're such a whiner. it's like being with a sick dog.

i just never really saw you before, the way i'm seeing you now. it's like i'm meeting a different person. who are you?

you hear that bird this morning?

i came as soon as i heard.

i will not soon forget your kindness and decency.

move over. i'll drive.

you've made my heart so full.

you'll see me soon. i'll walk through that door and i'll be home for good.

you've gone soft in your old age.

if i disappear like the others, do everything you can to find me.

i know you understand, but i'm still sorry.

the past dictates the future.

[name]. the one and only.

do you remember everything?

i hope i see all of you again. every one of you.

see you at the curtain call.

is it you? is it really you?

once we cross, it could all be different.

please don't try to find me.

i don't recognize you anymore.

usually, somebody like you comes around, i tell 'em to fuck off.

i gotta get out of dodge. it's a long story.

i tried to keep a clean house. keep everything organized.

in those days, i was too young to know any better.

sorry to bother you so late at night.

what year is this?

[cousmemes]

dialogue starters from DOCTOR WHO SEASON 9. feel free to edit for context / continues under the cut.

"Why do you always assume I'm lying?"

"An enemy's just a friend you don't really know yet."

"Wherever you go, there are people who care enough to find you."

"Anyone can hide from an enemy. No one from a friend."

"I did something wrong. I let somebody down when I should have been brave enough and strong enough to do better."

"You do realise you're still an idiot."

"Are you any good with a broadsword?"

"It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. Just don't run."

"He doesn't know we're here, does he?"

"When do I not see you?"

"Nobody dies here. Not one person, not one of my friends, do you understand?"

"You want to know how dangerous I am?"

"Is that supposed to frighten me?"

"If she is really dead, then you'd better be very, very careful how you tell me."

"What am I even looking for?"

"They don't have much respect for you, do they?"

"I'm so glad you didn't have to see that."

"I'm your friend. I'm your friend!"

"You know what? I've just had a very clever idea."

"How long do you think it's been down here?"

"What's wrong? You're not happy. Why aren't you happy? Tell me."

"Wait, wait. I don't think they're going to hurt us."

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Do you know what you need? You need a hobby."

"Where have you been? Everyone's been looking for you."

"We're coming back, aren't we?"

"I'm fine, by the way, in case you were worried."

"We need to get there. It's our only way out."

"You're sure they're not going to hurt us?"

"You seem to know an awful lot about me."

"I'm asking what I should say to you."

"I'm not ready yet. I don't want to think about that. Not yet."

"You didn't try very hard to stop her, though, did you?"

"You can't cheat time."

"No one is coming to save you."

"You're always talking about what you can and can't do but you never tell me the rules."

"We're time travellers. We tread softly. It's okay to make ripples, but not tidal waves."

"I had a dream you'd all died. It was so real, I thought I'd made it happen."

"There's nothing to fear, strange maiden."

"What's the one thing that gods never do? Gods never actually show up!"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you afraid."

"I have no reason to fear you."

"Not every misfortune that befalls us is down to you."

"We're not cowards. We do not run."

"Stay. You could help us. I know you could."

"A good death? Is that the best we can hope for?"

"I've got a hobby, thanks. It's you, by the way."

"Every time we do something like this, I keep thinking, what if something happens to you?"

"What do you think our chances are tomorrow?"

"I cannot keep you safe. I do not have the strength. But I will try to till the last beat of my heart."

"I'm sick of losing people."

"Look at you, with your eyes, and your never giving up, and your anger, and your kindness."

"One day, the memory of that will hurt so much that I won't be able to breathe."

"I do it for the adventure. Isn't that what life's all about?"

"Now is not the time to be showing off."

"How many people have you lost?"

"Why should I be responsible for you?"

"You're not like this. I know you're not."

"This is what you made of me."

"Did you miss me?"

"What's going on here? Fun and games?"

"I'm a friend. I've come to help."

"Don't do this. You know it's me. Don't let them trick you."

"I love you. I forgive you and I love you."

"You're talking nonsense to distract me from being really scared."

"You see, that's the problem. I am a brilliant liar. How are you ever going to know?"

"So, you must have thought I was dead for a while. How was that?"

"Do I look like I'm kidding? Is this a kidding face?"

"Is that your answer for everything?"

"Oh, admit it. I totally saved your life."

"What were you doing last night?"

"There is no nice way to say you're about to die."

"You enjoyed that way too much."

"You were upset, weren't you?"

"They look at me as if they want to kill me themselves."

"I did this to save you, you silly thing."

"Why do they always run?"

"So this is your life, then? Just bouncing around saving people?"

"Oh, she is the worst. I love her. Take that how you like."

"I swear, I never meant for anyone to get hurt."

"What were you thinking? Sacrificing yourself?"

"I can do whatever the hell I like."

"You've read the stories. You know who I am. In all of that time, did you ever hear anything about anyone who stopped me?"

"I did this, do you hear me? I did this. This is my fault."

"Listen, if this is the last I ever see of you, please, not like this."

"No. This - This isn't happening. This can't be happening."

"Why can't I be like you?"

"You're going to be alone now and you're very bad at that."

"Don't let this change you."

"Don't go. Stay with me."

"This is as brave as I know how to be."

"I know it's going to hurt you but, please, be a little proud of me."

"I can't keep doing this. I can't! I can't always do this! It's not fair!"

"You are not the only person who ever lost someone. It's the story of everybody. Get over it."

"Nothing's sad until it's over. Then everything is."

"Is this a story or did this really happen?"

"Isn't this going a little far?"

"I'll try not to break your jaw."

"Please, I don't want this."

"Look at me again. In the eye. Look at me. Just do it."

"Tell me what they did to you."

"People like me and you, we should say things to one another."

"You really are thick, aren't you?"

"You don't seem surprised to see me."

"I'm trying to keep you safe."

"Nobody's ever safe. I've never asked you for that. Ever."

"These have been the best years of my life and they are mine."

"So what happens now? Hey? Me and you, what do we do now?"

"Why don't we just fly away somewhere?"

"I don't think I could ever forget you."

"No. Stop it. You're saying goodbye. Don't say goodbye!"

"Run like hell, because you always need to. Laugh at everything, because it's always funny. Never be cruel and never be cowardly. And if you ever are, always make amends."

"I didn't mean to do this. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, that would be nice, wouldn't it?"

"Why does everybody think I am so scared?"

[jamsmemes]

(     *     INTERSTELLAR PROMPTS   !    

a self indulgent meme based on interstellar (part 2). feel free to change pronouns / details as needed  !

❛ we've got each other. ❜

❛ look at that perfect planet. we're not gonna find another one like her. ❜

❛ is a tiger evil because it rips a gazelle to pieces? ❜

❛ this crew represents the best aspects of humanity. ❜

❛ don't stay up too late. ❜

❛ we can't spare the resources. ❜

❛ i've been waiting a long time to be up here. ❜

❛ you are literally wasting your breath. ❜

❛ why are you whispering? ❜

❛ everything wants us dead. we're just not supposed to be here. ❜

❛ we're explorers, on the greatest ocean of all. ❜

❛ so we've got a pretty good idea what we're gonna find on the other side? ❜

❛ say it, don't spray it. ❜

❛ who put it here? who do we thank? ❜

❛ any trick to this? ❜

❛ the others made it, right? ❜

❛ thanks for the confidence boost. ❜

❛ they won't help you in here. ❜

❛ all we can do is record and observe. ❜

❛ that's easy for you to say. ❜

❛ you don't have anyone back on earth waiting for you, do you? ❜

❛ you have no idea what's easy for me. ❜

❛ going down there is going to cost us. ❜

❛ you don't find that every day. ❜

❛ no time for monkey business down there. ❜

❛ don't worry, i wouldn't leave you behind. ❜

❛ a literal heart of darkness... ❜

❛ don't say much, do you? ❜

❛ the answer's there, just no way to see it. ❜

❛ wanna get in fast, don't we? ❜

❛ hands where i can see them! ❜

❛ what're you waiting for? go! ❜

❛ those aren't mountains... they're waves. ❜

❛ you don't have time! ❜

❛ get back here! now! ❜

❛ i told you to leave me. ❜

❛ difference is, only one of us was thinking about the mission. ❜

❛ i was trying to do the right thing! ❜

❛ whats this gonna cost us? ❜

❛ we're not prepared for this. ❜

❛ you're a bunch of eggheads with the survival skills of a boy-scout troop. ❜

❛ we're stuck here till there won't be anyone left on earth to save. ❜

❛ don't just shake your head at me! ❜

❛ time is relative — it can stretch and it can squeeze — but it can't run backwards. ❜

❛ could they be talking to us from the future? ❜

❛ i'm sorry. i screwed up. ❜

❛ i wasn't much of a parent, but i understood the most important thing — let your kids feel safe. ❜

❛ i've waited years. ❜

❛ i thought i was prepared. ❜

❛ there's nothing here for us. ❜

❛ why didn't you sleep? ❜

❛ i stopped believing you were coming back. ❜

❛ something seems wrong about dreaming your life away. ❜

❛ we've been receiving, but nothing gets out. ❜

❛ just start at the beginning. ❜

❛ i've got a surprise for you. ❜

❛ you're not listening to this. i know that. ❜

❛ you're gone. you're never coming back. and i've known that for a long time. ❜

❛ it'd be a real good time for you to come back. ❜

❛ i didn't mean to intrude. ❜

❛ i've never seen you in here before. ❜

❛ i've never been in here before. ❜

❛ i just had something i wanted to get out. ❜

❛ i know they're still out there. ❜

❛ i'm not afraid of death. i'm afraid of time. ❜

❛ are you calling my life's work nonsense? ❜

❛ love isn't something we invented — it's observable, powerful. why shouldn't it mean something? ❜

❛ love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space. maybe we should trust that, even if we can’t yet understand it. ❜

❛ if you're wrong, you'll have a very personal decision to make. ❜

❛ you might have to decide between seeing your children again and the future of the human race. ❜

❛ all these years... all these people counted on me. i let you all down. ❜

❛ i'll finish what you started. ❜

❛ you left us here. to die. ❜

❛ pray you never learn just how good it can be to see another face. ❜

❛ you have literally raised me from the dead. ❜

❛ with our situation, there's not much hope of any other rescue. ❜

❛ tell us about your world. ❜

❛ some things aren't meant to be known. ❜

❛ we can care deeply, selflessly for people we know, but our empathy rarely extends beyond our line of sight. ❜

❛ we are the future. ❜

❛ i'm still trying to solve this. ❜

❛ you'd do this for us? ❜

❛ a trip into the unknown requires improvisation. ❜

❛ at the very moment of death, your mind pushes a little harder to survive. ❜

❛ none of this turned out the way it was supposed to. ❜

❛ i'm sorry — i can't let you leave. ❜

❛ you fucking coward. ❜

❛ you're gonna save the human race? really? how? ❜

❛ take your stuff and go. ❜

❛ don't — you'll kill us both. ❜

❛ please don't judge me — you were never tested like i was. ❜

❛ that survival instinct — that's what drove me. ❜

❛ you're feeling it, aren't you? ❜

❛ i'm sorry, i can't watch you go through this — i thought i could. ❜

❛ i'm still here. i'm here for you. ❜

❛ i'm sorry. we should've followed your instincts. ❜

❛ this is no time for caution. ❜

❛ there's good news and bad news. ❜

❛ the only way humans have ever figured out of getting somewhere is to leave something behind. ❜

❛ you have to leave something behind. ❜

❛ we don't have much time! ❜

❛ you goddamn fool. ❜

❛ everybody on earth is going to die! ❜

❛ take it slow. remember you're no spring chicken anymore. ❜

❛ you were extremely lucky. ❜

❛ nobody believed me, but i knew you'd come back. ❜

[afyrian]

ch. 10 - april 30 masterlist

    "i'm going to tell him, i am this time."

  "you're finally going to tell him?"

  "yeah, it's just a couple months until we'd be getting divorced. and honestly i'd rather just renew our vows," you lean back in hitoka's bed, holding a pillow close to you. 

  she laughs to herself, wondering when you got so corny. the way you talk about him now rivals anything you would say just a year ago. with shallow breaths, you boast about the things he does for you, the ways he cares for you. it's become so much more real for you than just a friendship or a crush that couldn't rear its marvelous head. 

  now you lay down on her bed, cheeks warm, heart pumping quickly at even the thought of him. and at this point you don't care if it's embarrassing. or if people want to laugh at your antics, because you've been waiting more than enough time, "you're truly a romantic now..."

  "rin makes it easy to be," you sit up so that you can be facing her, your arms still clinging to the large stuffed frog, "like i mean he's the best guy i've ever known. and even if i have to die of embarrassment to tell him and potentially ruin our friendship..."

  your voice trails off, reality kicking in and the hope of a happy relationship diminishing. you can hope and dream of a relationship with rintarō all you want, but ultimately, you have no idea what his feelings are. despite all of his kind actions and the love in his eyes that you interpret, you can't depict what his feelings are. 

  hitoka reaches over to touch your hand, grabbing ahold of your fingers. she knows when you spiral. and while she hasn't known you all of your life, she can most definitely see when you're stuck in your own mind, "y/n, babe, don't do that to yourself. i never would've connected with asuka if it weren't for me going out of my comfort zone."

  "yeah but she was so clearly in love with you, oh my gosh."

  "not to me dumbass! just like it's not obvious to you! y/n, you can't let fear control you, especially from falling in love with someone who loves you equally," she gives you a soft smile, eyes flickering between yours. 

  your eyebrows furrow as she calls you 'dumbass', something she rarely does. but her truthfulness does send a shiver up your spine, a hope that you'd begun to lack. "i love you, you know? i probably would never tell him if i couldn't talk to you," your eyes tear up slightly, you realizing that you do have the best friends you could ever ask for. 

  "don't cry! because if you do, then i will too! and i love you too. i want you to have every opportunity that i or kiyoko have, because you deserve it," hitoka drops the stuffed animal she's holding and reaches over, wrapping her arms around you, "and he does too, so don't break his heart."

 "oh my gosh, trust me, i will definitely not be breaking his heart," you laugh into her shoulder, hands gripping onto her large sweatshirt.

  as the two of you are holding each other for a little too long, the door opens. there stands kiyoko, a tray of popcorn and other snacks sprawled around it. in little bowls are sets of candy that range from chocolate to fruity chews. her eyes look between the two of you, a tad bit confused, “you guys doing okay in here?”

  you separate, hand reaching up to wipe the tears from your eyes. “yeah..” you laugh a little, “i was just telling hitoka that i think i’m going to tell rin.”

  “tell suna what?”

  “well that i’m in love with him!”

  “ooooh right, that. oh that’s exciting! oh congrats y/n, you deserve so much happiness oh wow,” kiyoko hurries over to the bed, setting the tray aside as she reaches you.

  “thanks ki! i was pretty worried about it, but enough about me and this crazy relationship i’m going through. we’re going to have fun tonight, watch the worst movies known to man, and sing terribly to karaoke,” you grab a chip from the tray, smiling to your two closest friends besides rintarō.

  now, the only thing you really need to do is get over the throbbing heart in your chest and your blood pressure raising…

a/n: i’m veeeery excited for the next chapter

[raysources]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌  𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄  𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒     —     a collection of one - liners taken from will wood's 2020 album, the normal album.   slightly edited for clarity.   change pronouns as necessary.   tw. death, mental illness / ableism, suicide, drugs, gender dysphoria.

trick or treat, merry christmas.

buy now or die!

the lights are on, but no one's home.

it takes a village to fake a whole culture.

home is where the heart is.

home is where the heart is, you're not homeless, but you're heartless.

i can tell that you know where paradise is.

a snowflake only matters in a blizzard.

why apologize for being blue and cold?

culture's not your friend.

well, lot, he had his lot in life, job his job, and i guess you too, will die.

hey, you're only mortal!

the devil made me do it, but i also kind of wanted to.

forget bored stiff, i got rigor mortis.

meaning can be such a pretty thing to keep.

i got facts and i'm not afraid to use 'em.

if sick is defined by what's different, then pull the plug out and let me die.

who i am i choose through all the things i do.

i hate poetry.

well that was fun, goodbye.

have you ever died in a nightmare?

could you take a look at me?

am i really that bad?

if you were in my shoes, you'd walk the same damn miles i do.

with my head up in the clouds, i can see so much ground.

it doesn't take a killer to murder, it only takes a reason to kill.

somebody help me!

the only ones in need of love are those who don't receive enough.

the only ones in need of love are those who don't receive enough, so evil ones should get a little more.

if the shoe fits would you walk that mile?

am i pretty now?

for some reason i find myself lost in what you think of me.

i wish i could be a girl.

i wish i could be a girl, and that way you'd wish i could be your girlfriend.

am i pretty enough to lie to?

i get dressed up in shadows one leg at a time.

i love how you're on my side when i cross that line.

say my name like a slur, but i've been called worse.

i am quantum physics, my witness brings me into existence.

am i pretty enough to love back?

am i pretty enough?

am i pretty enough to fucking die?

my daughter's growing up.

i don't wanna be at all like me.

stranger things than death can happen.

everybody's in on everybody's business.

i know mistletoe when i see it.

could you tell me how i'm right for you?

if they could see the future back when times were simple, would they kiss your cheek or yank the bandage off?

if everybody's different, how could anybody match?

everybody's all up in my god damn business.

this isn't my first kiss.

it's better to be lost than loved, now, isn't it?

this isn't my first anything.

i know exactly how i should finish it.

what's so wrong about what's wrong with me?

i'm just trying to do what's right by you.

you people make me sick.

who'd want to be human anyway?

why'd you come into this world or come out that way?

well, not "haha" funny, but y'know, funny.

i doubt that you would even if you could change.

you think it makes you special, but it makes you strange.

the things that make you special are the things that make you strange.

who'd want to belong to anyone?

five more minutes please? you wouldn't believe the dream i just had.

if it was going to kill you, it would have by now.

there's no more looking back, it's looking up or looking down.

you think ideas spread because they're good? no, they spread because people like them.

i guess it's just something people do.

you've lost your mind and almost lost your life before, so you'll be fine.

it's no good looking back, so try to look forward now.

how many years have you been on that couch?

lately you've been focusing too much on yourself.

back in my day we didn't need no feel - good pills and no psychiatrists.

what's a symptom, what's a flaw, can it be both?

they discovered a cure for the symptom of being alive.

lately i've been worried that you're losing yourself.

don't you make me waste my breath.

you're not your thoughts.

i live deliberately.

i'm a quitter.

won't follow my dreams, 'cause they all got me waking up screaming.

i'd rather be normal.

i suggest we keep this informal.

a normal human being wouldn't need to pretend to be normal.

love me normally.

i don't wanna get old.

i love you exactly the way that everybody else is.

i was nothing before, so i couldn't have asked to be born.

you better have one hell of a plan.

one day you're going to die.

what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but something will eventually!

at most a couple generations will remember the ways in which your life never mattered, so who cares if it's a waste?

your legacy's not yours to see.

you'll never know what it all means.

everything and everyone goes with the passage of time.

try not to think about it.

there's probably nothing after.

you only have one chance.

if you only have one chance, you oughta try your best to live as you like.

[persephonememes]

* (  STICK SEASON FOREVER BY NOAH KAHAN /  SENTENCE PROMPTS.

These may have been edited for clarity or length or to better apply for roleplaying.

" how you been? "

" what does it mean? "

" i am stuck between my anger and the blame that i can't face "

" i miss the way you laugh "

" but you know how it gets out here "

" you got all my love "

" if you need me dear, i'm the same as i was "

" it's all okay, there ain't a drop of bad blood "

" i just hope that your scars heal "

" i was scared to death "

" i'll never let you go "

" i don't get much sleep most nights "

" i'm seeing you in every dream "

" i'll love you when the oceans dry "

" i'll love you when the rivers freeze "

" don't you know there's a coffin buried under the garden "

" i'm in the process of clearing out cobwebs "

" someday i'm gonna be somebody people want "

" it's been a long year "

" would we survive in a horror movie? "

" i wanna love you 'till we're food for the worms to eat "

" i know every route in this county "

" i'll tell you where not to speed "

" honey, come over "

" no one will tempt you, we know you got sober "

" it's yours if you want it "

" i've been ready for you to come home "

" i didn't think to ask you where you'd gone "

" why'd you go? "

" i haven't drank in six months on the dot "

" don't you find it strange that you just went ahead and carried on? "

" the last time i drank i was face down passed out there on your lawn "

" are we all just pulling you down? "

" remember telling me that you thought you were cursed? "

" love is fast asleep on a dirt road with your head on my shoulder "

" those things I miss but know are never coming back "

" if i was empty space and you were formless shape we'd fit "

" i'm still angry at my parents for what their parents did to them "

" i know there are worse ways to stay alive "

" why is pain so damn impatient? "

" the last that i heard you were down in new orleans "

" i worry for you. you worry for me. "

" it's fine if we know we won't change "

" i'm leaving this town "

" i know that you're fearing the end "

" i only tell truth when I'm sure that I'm lying "

" how have you been and are you bored yet? "

" time moves so damn slow "

" i stopped caring about a month ago since then it's been smooth sailing "

" i would leave if only i could find a reason "

" i got dreams but i can't make myself believe them "

" i don't want to say goodbye "

" i'm still here with you "

" for a minute the world seems so simple "

" who was i to watch you wilt? "

" i promise to be there this time "

" i'm naming the stars in the sky after you "

" i'm remembering i promised to forget you now "

" it's all the same, anyways "

" i ain't proud of all the punches that i've thrown "

" i gave your name as my emergency phone call "

" i'd die for you "

" why do you do this to yourself? "

" this place had a heartbeat in its day "

" it just ain't that simple, it never was "

" we'll drink to new year's "

" i'm not ready to let go yet "

" now the weight of the world ain't so bad "

" i saw the end, it looks just like the middle "

" who am I to complain? "

" now the pain's different. it still exists, it just escapes different. "

" don't you cancel any plans "

" all lights turned off can be turned on "

" i'll drive all night "

" don't be discouraged "

" i've been exactly where you are "

" if you could see yourself like this, you'd have never tried it "

" won't you stay with me? "

" i even gave up driving after nightfall "

" i'm ain't angry at you, love "

" i'll be waiting for you "

" we spent so long just getting by "

" i'm not a city girl "

" it still has a lot of meaning to me because i grew up there "

" it's a small community of people that really look out for each other "

" last time i was in the back of a cop car, i fell in love "

" it's all the same anyway "

" let's drive for no reason "

" honey, it's starting to storm "

" i won't be alone for the rest of my life "

" i broke a bone that never healed in my hand "

" so when i hold you close, i might loosen my grip. but i won't ever let you go. "

" but i won't ever let you go "

" remember when we called the cops 'cause you got too high and you got scared? "

" could you imagine that? "

" i'm running out of tears to cry "

" maybe something's changing me "

" you love me and i don't know why "

" i only call you once a week "

" does it bite at your edges? "

" do you lie awake restless? "

" this town's the same as you left it "

" your page was blank, but i read it "

" i stare out that hallowed ocean as if to pick a fight "

" for the dreams my old man dreamt for me, lay on the other side "

" we're overdue for a revival "

" we spent so long just getting by "

" who the hell likes living just to die? "

[cainluvr69]

Main Story 2 Chapter 21 - Dyed by the World (Second Half)

Previous Chapter

6 - I've Finally Found You, My Bride

Kelvin: You're looking for the missing Queen?! She got cursed into a bird by an unknown wizard?! There's no way you can do that, it's going to be impossible!

Rustica: Thank you for your concern. But you needn't worry about it at all. Aria is to be my bride, you see. I need to find her as fast as I can. She must be scared out of her wits.

Kelvin: I'm telling you, it's impossible! Someone who knows as little about the ways of the real world as you is going to die within days out there! Huh? What's with that leather bag? It's full of gold coins…

Rustica: I encountered some people in trouble, so I'm lending this to them. They said they would return it in full by tomorrow.

Kelvin: Are you stupid?! There's no way they're going to return that! This is what makes you such an easy mark!!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: I've finally found you, my beloved bride…

Kelvin: …sniffle… I can't believe it… You really found her… Congratulations, Lord Rustica! This has really made me believe in the power of love.

Rustica: Thank you, Kelvin.

Western Villager: That nobleman traveled all this way just to find his bride who'd been turned into a bird, I hear.

Western Village Kid: Sis, is that bird a princess?

Western Village Sis: I don't know… I wonder if we'll get to see him turn her back into a human with magic?

Kelvin: Alright, let's put her into that birdcage. She said doing that will lift the curse, right? That witch your family trusts.

Rustica: Yes, she did. Come here, Aria. I'll take you back to the palace. Your family is waiting for you. I'll break the curse that's been placed on you. So please, come into this cage. <Amores Viesse>

Aria: …uh…ah… …Rustica…

Rustica: Aria! I knew I'd see you again.

Aria: …ah…Rus…

Rustica: …Aria…?

Kelvin: …Something's wrong… Lord Rustica…

Western Villager: Look! The princess just turned into a monster…! Oh, goddess, she's attacking! Everyone, run…!

Western Villager: Kyaaaa…!

Western Villager: Wahhhh…!

Rustica: Aria! It's me, Aria…!

Western Village Kid: Kya…! It hurts… Sis, help me… Sis…!

Rustica: Ah… …! <A…> <Amores Viesse>!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: …

I blinked slowly. It felt like I'd been dreaming for a long time. I couldn't tell when it had begun. Perhaps the dream I'd seen had been not a dream, but a memory… My eyelids felt heavy, so I let them close again. My head felt stuffed full of cotton, like a teddy bear's body. It was fluffy and soft, yes, but also heavy with water, soaked all the way through. There were white feathers dancing through the air. I wonder where the bird they were from was? I hadn't been able to catch sight of it even once. It felt as if I were witnessing the sand in an hourglass, individual moments of time slipping through my fingers. But it was very beautiful.

✦✧☾✧✦

Gilles: I will be going to her Majesty's bedchambers. I don't need an escort for that.

Soldier: Huh?

Gilles: What?

Soldier: Ah, no, never mind… As you wish, sir. Please excuse me.

Gilles: Be seeing you. … Oh, I see. She's an unwed girl right now. If I visit her bedchambers too thoughtlessly, unpleasant rumours will propagate, I suppose. Things were much more convenient before. Though Mistress Zara was uncomfortable with those circumstances…

✦✧☾✧✦

Gilles: Pardon the intrusion.

Portrait Rustica: Hello, Gilles.

Portrait Rustica: Good evening, Gilles.

Portrait Rustica: It's been a while. Have you been well?

Gilles: I've been busy. I met your real version, by the way. Where's Mistress Zara?

Portrait Rustica: She's laying down at the moment.

Portrait Rustica: She just returned from an outing of her own, but she seemed tired.

Portrait Rustica: I comforted her as best I could.

Gilles: I'm not surprised. She ascended the throne in front of a crowd of dignitaries from all around the continent. She's been conducting audience after audience. Even though up until now, she's been seeing people in that hidden room of hers in the palace. Though I've heard even his Majesty, may he rest in peace, barely spoke with her anymore. All she had for conversation were the lot of you.

Portrait Rustica: And you, Gilles.

Portrait Rustica: Zara enjoys talking to you, you know.

Portrait Rustica: But you can be a bit too harsh with her sometimes, so you should try to be more gentle with her.

Gilles: I will, I will. Hmm, so she's laying down… I imagine she wants to be alone. I've got a book I want to start in on, so perhaps I'll simply leave for the night.

Portrait Rustica: You should comfort her.

Portrait Rustica: Comforting her would be a better idea.

Portrait Rustica: You should comfort her gently.

Gilles: … Mistress Zara. It's Gilles. How are you feeling this evening? Did you get to talk with your sweetheart?

Zara: …I did.

Gilles: Oh, that's good to hear. And what did you talk about?

Zara: … …We didn't talk about anything. Nothing brought the conversation forward. It ended as soon as it started.

Gilles: And yet, you're the one protecting the peaceful passing of his days while keeping yourself to the shadows. You ensure that banks will always provide money for him to live comfortably, make sure he has a steady supply of people who want his experience as a musician, and should he come close to discovering your secret… You silence the people who would've leaked it to him.

Zara: …

Gilles: As if he's a single piece upon a game board, and you're the player who determines where he moves. Western Country's true Queen, Mistress Zara. The love story you pen is a truly fascinating one.

Zara: It's not "love".

Gilles: Even if it isn't, the fascination remains.

Portrait Rustica: It's Zara's atonement.

Portrait Rustica: Zara is a kind person, you know.

Portrait Rustica: Protecting me and developing this country is how she atones for what she's done to Aria.

Gilles: Call it whatever you want. After however many centuries of merely watching him, your story is finally getting more pages written. Please, let me listen to the end. Your melancholy, pitiful, ruthless, reticent story…

Portrait Rustica: That's too much.

Portrait Rustica: You're going too far.

Portrait Rustica: I think that's a bit much.

Zara: You have gone too far.

Gilles: My apologies. Your noble, daring, insatiable love story.

Zara: …

Portrait Rustica: You should talk to me instead.

Portrait Rustica: If I were to call it anything…

Portrait Rustica: I would call it a most wonderful time.

Gilles: Oho.

Portrait Rustica: Zara's resolution has been strengthened.

Portrait Rustica: So that she may protect me.

Portrait Rustica: She's collecting all the mana stones the world has to offer.

Gilles: All to destroy <the Great Calamity>.

Zara: … I never expected Lord Rustica to be chosen as a Sage's wizard… Or that he'd have that ancient, sinister crest of a black lily engraved upon his skin… I refuse to allow it. In the previous conflict, half of the Sage's wizards turned to stone. Even though they had the world's strongest wizard Oz with them, they still couldn't defeat <the Great Calamity>.

Portrait Rustica: I imagine I'll be the next one to turn to stone.

Portrait Rustica: Goodbye, Zara.

Portrait Rustica: I'll be returning to Aria's side first.

Zara: I won't let that happen. I'll protect you no matter what. And what will protect Lord Rustica from disaster? Tell him, Gilles.

Gilles: The Final Weapon, Ultima.

Zara: Correct. According to the theory, Ultima should fire with a force equivalent to the quality of the mana stones powering it. We must turn wizards to stone. And prepare their stones for Ultima…

Gilles: We must kill the Northern wizards.

Zara: And prepare their stones for Ultima…

Gilles: We must kill Oz.

Zara: And prepare his stone for Ultima… And destroy <the Great Calamity>. I cannot let the Sage's wizards, much less the ones from Central Country, make decisions on Lord Rustica's behalf. I will crush the Northern wizards, I will crush Oz, and I will crush <the Great Calamity>, all so that I can keep him safe.

Gilles: Exquisite. I applaud you.

Portrait Rustica: It's so reassuring to hear you say that, Zara.

Portrait Rustica: Thank you. It sounds absolutely lovely.

Portrait Rustica: I'm sure you'll be able to do it.

Zara: …This is my atonement. Aria would agree with me.

Gilles: I'm eagerly anticipating watching this story's progression. When should we expect the ever-essential Ultima to be completed? The Professor has provided us with a prototype, but isn't the real one already finished?

Zara: Why do you think that?

Gilles: Because I can't trust those two. Nova and Professor Hart. I especially can't get a good grasp of Nova.

Portrait Rustica: I've been feeling the same way, actually.

Portrait Rustica: But Nova is the one who told Zara that I'd been chosen as a Sage's wizard, wasn't he?

Portrait Rustica: But the researcher from Langrenus Island that Nova introduced us to has gone missing.

Zara: Hmm. If it comes to it, we'll part ways with him. Artificial wizards, military airships, and the Final Weapon, Ultima… Once we have them all at hand, we needn't continue to associate with undesirables.

Gilles: Of course.

✦✧☾✧✦

Western Villager: The goats and chickens are all acting up… What's up, guys? Why're you making a fuss in the middle of the night? Is there a wolf? Or an intruder? …Wha…?! The grass and trees over here are all withered! Just earlier today they were photosynthesizing happily… What…? So much of my livestock has fallen over ill…! What's going on here?! Heeeey! Anyone! It's an emergency! Can anyone come over here…! Yeah, here. Sorry for yelling in the middle of the night like that. C'mon, look at this. … …What happened? Who are you? …A dog…? No… Oh, no… …ah…ahh…what's going on? I'm so dizzy all of a sudden… …! What's that…?! …Get away! Stay away from me! Uwaaaahhhh…!

7 - Even If It Changes The World

Cain: A "walking Hell", huh…

Arthur: Cain.

Cain: Your Majesty.

Arthur: Majesty… Ah, right. I asked you to call me that while we're in Messier Palace.

Cain: We wouldn't want them thinking you're so soft you can't even keep your servants in line, after all.

Arthur: If they think I'm naive, they'll try to take advantage of Central Country…or that's what Lord Figaro said, at least.

Cain: Figaro's got useful advice. He said he'd give me another lecture later. I gotta work hard finding what I want to do with myself so I can protect you and Central Country better.

Arthur: I appreciate it. But please don't forget. There are things that no one but you can do, Cain.

Arthur's words reminded me of what I'd done a few days ago. I tried to gain the confidence of the soldiers in a Western officers' club by acting the villain. It's not like I didn't get a good response to it, and it's not like I didn't learn something from it. But the bitterness I'd swallowed down with the alcohol didn't make my heart dance at all. I think I'd wanted to be useful so badly that I'd gotten really ahead of myself. Just like a newbie who'd barely swung a sword before pushing themself until their arms and back are screaming at them, I'd ignored what my heart had been screaming at me. It's an important kind of pain. It's a kind of suffering you have to endure if you want to be worth something. Arthur smiled at me. It felt like his blue eyes had seen straight through to what I was thinking about.

Arthur: You mustn't force your heart to do something that doesn't reflect who you really are. You should live according to your own principles, and as the days pass you by, merit will naturally be born from them.

Cain: Arthur…

Arthur: I believe in you, Cain. And I'm not the only one. Master Sage does, and so do the other Sage's wizards. If you're going to jump, then I will blindly leap into the sky behind you. And I will fall, my arms spread, with no broom or magic to catch me. Do you understand what I'm telling you?

When I couldn't answer, Arthur gently touched my hand. As if he'd given me something, something important, I placed my other hand on top of the first, and lifted them. His eyes, more vivid than the clearest blue sky, sparkled with light.

Arthur: It means I can trust you with my life, Cain. As much as if I'd made a promise to you. It's quite a thing to do. I know that now.

Cain: …

The beauty of Arthur's words made something deep in my chest grow warm, slowly but steadily. Belief in someone is the same as making a promise to them. Those words were like a shock to my system. The world had changed just then. I felt myself relax. I clasped Arthur's hand in both of mine and smiled at him.

Cain: …It really is…

Arthur brushed his fingers against my cheek and smiled brightly. And then he gallantly turned his back to me and walked away. He waved his hand a bit, and then looked back at me.

Arthur: I truly, sincerely wish that everyone in the world could be connected like this. Even if it's not forever. Just for a moment would be enough. But still overcoming nationality, race, age, and gender. And we will be friends.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: Lo--……Figaro…

Figaro: You do keep almost addressing me reverently. Are you confusing yourself?

Faust: … You saved my life. The lives of my students, as well. I should kneel in front of you and bow my head and apologize for all of the many times I've been discourteous. But at the same time… I'm also afraid of trusting you. I don't want to be betrayed again.

Figaro: …Yeah, I bet.

Faust: I was thinking about it the entire time I was recovering. About what you were thinking about when you threw me away. And then something clicked into place. Maybe I wasn't the one who was betrayed. Maybe I wasn't meeting what you were expecting of me.

Figaro: You've got a real thing for punishing yourself, don't you. Well, it is true you weren't meeting expectations, but…

Faust: …

Figaro: No, you're not the bad one in this equation. My upbringing and the failure of interpersonal relationships were just all building onto each other back then… I just arbitrarily put too many expectations on your shoulders. Like, "maybe he's here to save me," or something like that…

Faust: I wanted to live up to those expectations.

Figaro: …

Faust: And I got spoiled by you, too. Maybe it's because I never knew my father, but meeting someone who could guide me for the very first time…

Figaro: Ahh, I see… You were abandoned by your father. And I was the second time your father abandoned you. Of course you can't trust me, not when that's who I am to you.

Faust & Figaro: …

Faust: (There's no way an attitude change at this point is going to get his forgiveness…)

Figaro: (…Am I just really bad at making up with people…?) (If I want to regain his confidence, then I need to properly communicate with him. And then ask him to be my disciple again…)

Faust & Figaro: Um…

Figaro: Ah… Please, you go first.

Faust: Ah… Okay. … …This latest battle made me truly aware of how powerless I am. I don't want to lose anyone ever again. So even if it's just until the day we fight <the Great Calamity> again, that's fine. But would you be willing to teach me magic again?

Figaro: Huh…?!

Faust: …I knew it, that's asking too much…

Figaro: No… It's fine, it's totally fine. Are you sure…?

Faust: Will you teach me magic again?

Figaro: Of course I will.

Faust: …Thank you… It's shameful that I can't repay your kindness, Lord Figaro. I'm just being dependent on you…

Figaro: That's not true… I can't figure out how to make the words come out right, but I really am happy right now. Thank you for saying it, Faust… (I feel like I'm dreaming… I can't believe I'd get to be Faust's teacher again…)

Faust: (So he really won't say that he wants me to be his disciple again…) Allow me to express my gratitude, Lord Figaro. To one again have your encouragement and instruction is…

Figaro: Hold on a sec, Faust. Knock it off with the formalities. Just talk to me like you normally do.

Faust: Are you sure?

Figaro: I've got a lot of enemies, after all. It'd be best if people don't know we've got anything to do with each other. I'll expect it during lessons, though.

Faust: I unde… Got it. Good to be with you again.

Figaro: Don't get it twisted. It makes it twice as tasty for me, so it's not a bad thing.

Faust: Is…that right…

Figaro: Good luck on your investigation around Cortes.

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: My, my! So this is what kind of mechanism you're using here! Western Country is quite fascinating. Is there anywhere else I might take a look?

Sage's Lattice: Oh yes, Lord Snow! Please, come right this way with me.

White: …

Bradley: God damn, Figaro really knows how to treat a guy like a workhorse… What's the issue, White? I hardly ever see you on your own.

White: How apt. We do prefer to be together than to be alone. And yet, just look at Snow now. He's enjoying himself perfectly well without me. Had he not killed me, I'm most certain Snow would have come West in his pursuit of loneliness.

Bradley: Can I say something?

White: Yes.

Bradley: You should be savin' that kind of heavy conversation for Oz or Figaro.

White: You're so cold, Bradley dear…!

Bradley: The two of you are the weird ones here. Northern wizards're supposed to live proudly indepedent lives. No matter who you meet, no matter who you keep by your side, in the end, you still stand alone.

White: Hmmmmph… I wouldn't have expected the man who built an organization around himself to say something like that.

Bradley: I built it for my own benefit, not outta any kind of sentiment. Keepin' someone with you or tryin' to kill 'em is just proof you respect their soul. The essence of who they are.

White: And permitting that essence of who they are to change is part of that?

Bradley: It doesn't change, man. Someone's nature ain't that malleable. It just means there was more to 'em than you realized. That's what it means to have two different lives.

White: I don't want to hear about that sort of thing.

Bradley: Don't freakin' pout at me about it. You're gonna go from a regular ghost to a vengeful one.

White: I've already been one for ages now.

Bradley: Hey! Don't just up and vanish on me! Jeez… … …I get it, Eva. I'm not making a mistake.

✦✧☾✧✦

Child: Hey, hey! Heeeey, mister!

Isaac: …

Child: I said, hey!

Mother: Oh, don't pester him… I'm so sorry. And when you're helping us carry our things, too…

Isaac: …It's fine…

Mother: We were in such a pinch when our wagon's axle broke. I really can't thank you enough for offering to help us.

Child: Ahaha! Mom's acting all humble because this guy's soooo cool!

Mother: Dear! Don't say things like that! …I'm so sorry…

Isaac: …It's fine…

Mother: But, it really is true… I was startled by how handsome you are. Are you a traveling performer, maybe? Or an actor?

Isaac: … …All I did was wash my hair and body…and get new clothes. …I cut my hair and my nails…

Mother: Well, that's still upright of you. My son and husband hate cutting their nails for some reason.

Child: Hey, hey! Tell me your name, mister! Where are you from? What's your family like? Is everyone in your family huge too? What should I eat to get as big as you?

Isaac: …You shouldn't follow me…

Child: Whaaaat? C'mon, let's talk about stuff! What's the strongest thing you've met so far? What's the tastiest thing you ever ate? Hey, hey, why won't you tell me? Man. You're soooo mean, mister.

Isaac: …

Mother: Dear, you can't treat him like that. Apologize for being rude to him.

Child: But…

Mother: You love to talk to people, but not everyone you meet is going to love it too. For example, our companion here is very strong, but if we were to ask you to lift the same things he can, you wouldn't be able to, right? He could have thrown our broken wagon aside and shoved past us, but he chose not to do that. He's not being mean at all. In fact, he's treating you plenty nice. He's a very generous and upstanding person.

Child: …Okay…

Mother: Traveler, let me apologize to you in place of my son. Thank you from the bottom of my heart…

Isaac: …

Child: I'm sorry, mister… I… Um, I just wanted to talk to you more… I just felt a little lonely since you didn't reply. Thank you for carrying our things for us.

Isaac: … …Isaac.

Child: Huh…?

Isaac: My name. …Isaac.

Child: Mister Isaac!

Isaac: …Actually, I also… …Wanted to talk with people…who noticed what I was doing… …Even just a little bit… …Please, let me…

8 - Days Threaded With Merit

Figaro: All righty, Master Sage. Things are basically settled here, so we can talk now.

Akira: Basically settled?

Murr: Lord Figaro and I have been discussing our plans from this point forward since last night.

Figaro: That's a very pretty way of saying you left me to make all the big decisions.

Murr: It was a very stimulating night. By which I mean I narrowly escaped with my life.

Akira: I, um, I'd prefer it if you got along with one another.

Figaro: Shylock and Murr are already on their way to the City of Nectar. If they're trying to keep those two out of things around here, then with the two of them gone, they might start getting careless. And even if there's a trap waiting for the two of them, I have full confidence in their ability to survive it.

Murr: I'm honored.

Figaro: We've had the Eastern wizards leave the Western manor for the time being. We got a report of an incident near Cortes, so we told them to investigate it.

Murr: Easterners are very serious-minded, so they're not well-suited for political scheming and conspiracies. If we left them here, they'd just get used by our opponents.

Figaro: We sent Bradley to the Western military headquarters to put pressure on the head of the Magical Technology Corps. Western Country responds better to passion and raw emotions than things like "pride" or "loyalty". Which means the army is better strengthened by good, energetic morale. Without that morale, they're not as coordinated and start getting sloppy.

Akira: (Western Country is scary, but at the same time they're a very straightforwardly lively country…)

Figaro: On that subject, even though morale is pretty low in the East they do put effort into keeping themselves serious about what they're doing, and Central actively works to keep morale up. The South isn't especially eager to participate in conflict, and the North is the complete opposite. But because of that, they're very easy to fool with Murr's magic specialty.

Akira: Murr's specialty?

Murr: Provocation.

Akira: Oh…

Figaro: You stirred them up several times last night, didn't you?

Murr: Oh, no. I didn't use magic at all yesterday. Perhaps you're getting on in years, Lord Figaro?

Figaro: What was that?

Murr: One's patience tends to wane as they age, and all that.

Figaro: Y'know…

Murr: Oh my, it seems we've gotten off track. As Lord Figaro just explained, Western Country's soldiers get emboldened when morale is high. In this regard, General Barnett is an ideal commander. He's excellent at emboldening the soldiers' spirits.

Figaro: Should someone like that weaken, his troops will weaken, too. Bradley's the number one choice for showing who's on top here. He's got the charismatic commander thing down pat.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Yo.

Gilles: …You are…

Bradley: A Northern wizard. The one famous for being the King of Bandits, the one and only Bradley Bain. And you're the Western general, ain'tcha? You ain't stupid enough to underestimate me, yeah? So let's try to get along, brother.

Gilles: … I'd rather not, personally…

Bradley: You think you get to turn me down? I don't mind cleaning out this treasure trove you've dropped me into, y'know. So? What'cha gonna do?

Gilles: …I'll welcome the opportunity, I suppose. I have read your autobiography…

Bradley: I ain't the one who wrote that.

Gilles: My goodness…

Bradley: If y'wanna ask me somethin', just ask and I'll tell ya. But first things first, how about tellin' me which bar the West's best alcohol gets poured at?

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: If he overdoes it there's sure to be some backlash, but Bradley's very good at adjusting himself. Even if he gets too into things, in the end, he's still a prisoner. We're the ones holding the reins.

Akira: (Bradley's amazing for being able to match that general…)

Figaro: As for you, Master Sage, you're worried about the Sage's Lattice, aren't you?

Akira: Yes… It feels like something bad might happen to them once I return to Central…

Figaro: It does, doesn't it. So why not turn them into real, proper allies? At the moment they're being threatened into serving here to keep the Sage tied down, but… If we could adjust things so that they're fully on the Sage's side, then her Majesty would have so generously given us a fifty-man troop as a present. Not to mention how each and every one of them is tremendously skilled in their area of expertise.

Akira: But, how would we…

Figaro: We just have to undo the deception. It'll completely nullify the spell their conductor's got them under. If they align themselves against Western Country against the Queen's wishes while she's trying to boost her popularity with the people, the people will blame them and not her. And you're worried about that happening, right?

Akira: Yes… I don't want to trouble them or our allies in Central Country…

Figaro: I know you don't. But in point of fact, there's no reason whatsoever to blame them. It's nothing more than a psychological effect. The Western people have a lot of expectations of their freshly-crowned Queen. Given those high expectations, they'll think anyone who brings shame to their young Queen is the enemy. But their new Queen has no real substance to what she says just yet. She's got no experience, no proof of actual results. There's just the hope that something will be done for them, that something wonderful will happen.

Akira: …Now that you mention it, I think you're right… I've even heard people say she was just taking it easy in Cortes until now…

Figaro: Exactly. And on the other hand, you have real merit behind what you say, Master Sage. You've settled all sorts of incidents all over the world. You've got the concrete results she lacks. Not to mention that all of the Sage's wizards, including the Northern wizards, are willing to obey you, even coming all this way with you. That's merit the people can trust. They can put their faith in the way that you've lived in the days that came before today.

Something about that felt really…incredible. I'd come from another world. I didn't know a single person here in this one. But despite the mystery of who I was, I still had some quality that made people trust in me regardless. The irreplaceably precious days I'd spent with them here were what made up my reputation. It felt miraculous.

Figaro: And so… Wah, Master Sage. Why are you crying?

Murr: My goodness, Figaro… You should be more clever than that. Please take my handkerchief, Master Sage.

Akira: …I'm sorry… I'm being such a crybaby lately…

Murr: Your tears fall because you view us through the lens of your open heart. There is no higher honor.

Murr handed off his handkerchief to me, and then took my hand in his, pressing his lips to my fingers. I smiled, still on the edge of tears. Murr beamed back, and then turned to look at Figaro.

Murr: I didn't use even a whit of my specialty, just so you know.

Figaro: I know you didn't.

Figaro nodded his head, though his face looked somewhat pained.

Figaro: Master Sage. I want to say once again that you are worth having faith in. But the Western people don't necessarily have that in their heads. So you should let them know it, as courteously as you can. What you mustn't do at times like this one is embarrass your target. Isn't that right, Murr?

Murr: Precisely so. Once one experiences heartbreak and humiliation, they'll stubbornly reject whatever it was that made them experience it in the first place. Unnecessary offense or insult needn't be part of mutual understanding. I don't mean this in a moralistic right-or-wrong sort of way, but in regards to how to efficiently adjust herd mentality. Figaro. If I were to say to you "You don't even know that?", what would you do?

Figaro: I'd think it's a tragedy someone as clever as you couldn't think of something more intelligent to say.

Murr: See? No motivation whatsoever to understand. And it's impossible to know how long it'll take for him to become positive about these things again once he's gotten all sulky about it. My goal is not to disgrace him, nor is it to turn him to stone. I want to understand him. And so I must properly and politely explain myself to him, keeping who he is and how he thinks in high regard.

Murr bowed politely to Figaro. Figaro just shrugged, smiling.

Murr: The people of this country expect much of their young Queen. They picture her bringing about a beautiful tomorrow, their hearts dancing in their chests. And when that time comes… What will she have done? Heavy crown upon her brow, she must have done more than simply sit in her big fancy chair. And her advertising fees mustn't go unpaid. She needs to pay the price for making our dear Sage a political signboard without permission. …well, being honest will only make things more complicated. You will be mired in a swamp of obligations.

Akira: That's true, isn't it… But… Then, what do we do…?

Murr: Why, it's simple. As we've been mentioning, the Queen is the star of the hour. You simply to need to match her.

Akira: Huh…? I do?!

Murr: Oh, yes. You will be Murr Hart Productions' newest star…

Figaro: With supervising director, Figaro Garcia.

Murr: We will turn you into a sensation. The process will be simple. First, you must praise the new Queen as generously as you can. The Western people are already enamored with their queen. Seeing another powerful figure praising her will make them adore you as well, Sage. And when the masses have their interest caught by the Sage, your reliability and achievements will become common knowledge. And when popularity and goodwill are equally split between you and and the Queen, that's when you will make a dignified but gentle proclamation. "Must I stay in a place like this?"

Figaro: "Thank you for letting us impose on you for so long. Please take care, everyone." That kind of thing.

I needed to become as popular as the Queen herself…

Akira: C…can I really become someone that impressive? I don't feel like I'm capable of it, personally…

Murr: Of course you can. Don't worry your pretty little head, my dearest Sage.

Figaro: Don't worry. Be confident in yourself. You're super cute, and you've got a great personality.

Akira: That's not what you usually tell me…

Murr: You don't, Figaro? Whyever not?

Figaro: I do tell you that! I say all sorts of wonderful things about you!

Murr: Master Sage. Your accomplishments form the trust people have in you. I did say that, but… It's also a reflection of your beauty. For example, your gentle smile, the kindness and care you extend to all those around you… The many challenges you've overcome, your steady and resolute nature, your inner strength, your dazzling eyes. The aura around you is colored by the sparkling emotions that have passed through your heart… And it is more beautiful than the most precious of gemstones.

Figaro: I agree with all of that, but… If I were going to say it, I wouldn't be so stuck up about it. The air around you is different from when you'd first arrived in this world. It's bright, it's brave, it's kind… And it's got melancholy and resolve in it, too. It's beautiful.

Murr: Now, Master Akira. Let us present you to the world.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: Nero.

Nero: Teach. Are y' all healed up?

Faust: I'm fine now. Have you heard about how we'll be leaving for Cortes soon?

Nero: Yep. The Sage apologized for askin' me to do somethin' while I'm still recovering, but I'd rather be up and movin' anyways. Otherwise I feel like I'd get caught up in some royal court conspiracy bullshit.

Faust: That's how I feel, too. I'm no good at political posturing, myself. Nero, I want to be upfront with you. The relationship I have with you is a comfortable one. The time I spend with you is the ideal way for my heart to mend when I'm tired of dealing with other people.

Nero: …Wh-what's all this all of a sudden… Haha… Y'plannin' on breakin' up with me?

Faust: Why would I do that? I'm complimenting you.

Nero: …Just, y'know, a feeling…

Faust: No… Maybe that's what you'll be saying to me in just a little bit.

Nero: Huh… I don' think I'd say that to you, but now I'm gettin' nervous…

Faust: Me, too…

Faust & Nero: …

Faust: Nero. We're going to be talking about something that isn't going to be fun for either of us.

Nero: Okay.

Faust: Without getting too deep into it, the relationship I've had with you has been a very comforting one. Being with you lets me forget how much of a pain I can be.

Nero: It's been the same for me, Faust.

Faust: …But. I've been reflecting on the battle we had a few days ago. If we want to be a team that can fight life-or-death battles like that… I think we should have a better understanding of one another's skills and pasts.

Nero: …Pasts, huh… Yeah… You're right.

Faust: …

Nero: I gotcha. I'll talk. I don't wanna keep lettin' myself feel hurt when I think about those guys.

Faust: …Alright.

Nero: But, for real, y'might wanna actually break up with me after this. I'm…fine with it, but what about you…?

Faust: …Nero…

Nero: Teach, what we've had up til now…might be completely different from now on. Like we're standin' on other sides of a thick line drawn in the sand. If you're good with that, so am I. Let's go.

Faust: Thank you. Nero, I want you to tell me what kinds of locations you have experience fighting in, what monsters you've fought, and what tactics you've used in the past. If possible, I'd also like a list of all the forms of magic you can use, as well your personal strengths and weaknesses, and likes and dislikes.

Nero: Hmuh? By my past, you meant, like…a battle resume kind of thing?

Faust: That's right.

Nero: What the hell! Say that first next time!

Faust: But someone suspicious finding out about the full extent of your magical capabilities could put your life in danger.

Nero: Who's suspicious? I've never doubted you or Heath or Shino.

Faust: Nero…

Nero: (That was close… If the conversation kept bein' heavy like that, I really would've started talkin' about other things…)

Faust: (Whew… Nero's such a goodhearted person…)

Nero: (Teach's super straitlaced, so he'd definitely never let it slide if he found out I used to be a bandit…)

Faust: Well then, let's conduct flawless preparations for heading to Cortes while exchanging information. <Salliuqnart Mulcredo>

Nero: Teach… Are you really gonna carry all that luggage with you?

Faust: Yes. I've recently realized that the more curseworking tools I have available to me at a moment's notice, the better.

Nero: (The battle before kinda traumatized him, huh…)

Shino: Faust, Nero. We're ready to go.

Heathcliff: That's a lot of luggage, isn't it?

Faust: Good timing, you two. Could all of you stand in a row here for a moment?

Heathcliff: M--Mr. Faust. You already applied sanctuary blossom pollen to both of us earlier.

Faust: I'm aware. It's better to cover all of our bases.

Shino: He's right, Heath. We don't need to worry if we're properly prepared. Last night I reviewed all the magic I thought we might need on this mission. I'm basically good there.

Heathcliff: That's really impressive?!

Nero: That's way too impressive?!

Faust: Alright, perfect.

Shino: Heh.

Nero: (Shino's kinda traumatized, too…) Well… I guess if you guys're doin' all this, we'll feel way more secure from now on.

Shino: Hey. Nero, you do it too. You almost died!

Faust: I'm going to dust you with shielding ash now.

Heathcliff: Oh, you have warding salt, too.

Nero: Waugh! Achoo…! …Tha--sniff, thanks!

9 - If the Truth Would Bring Sorrow

Arthur: Excuse me. … Lord Oz…isn't here… I was certain I felt his presence… …I wonder where he went…

✦✧☾✧✦

Oz: … Figaro, is it.

Figaro: What's wrong? Why are you on the roof? Also, I brought them along, but why are the twins in their painting…? I was thinking it was strange that they were in their painting during the day, but apparently you were the one who did it?

Oz: The painting is wet.

Figaro: They kept arguing with each other even in the painting, so I put them in the fountain for a while. I think they're unconscious. They both got nice and properly suffocated. Or maybe they thought they should've been, so they are, like a placebo effect.

Oz: Why…

Figaro: Why were they fighting? No idea. I should be asking you why you decided to trap them in their painting.

Oz: Because they started fighting.

Figaro: …

Oz: I did not desire to listen to them.

Figaro: Man, this sucks. I did the same thing you did. Anyways, way more importantly, wanna hear about my disciple? You do? You do?

Oz: … You have no disciple.

Figaro: Fufufu. I tooootally do. You should go and treasure your own disciple more, you know. I heard you're avoiding Arthur? Aww, you're just making the both of you so sad and lonely.

Oz: …Arthur is not my disciple.

Figaro: He should be. Hey, wanna hear about my disciple? Maybe it'll put you in the mood for one of your own.

Oz: That is unnecessary.

Figaro: Whaaaat? Why's that?

Oz: You were the one who said you didn't wish to speak of disciples. You also said it had been a very long time since you felt such inclinations.

Figaro: Whaaaat? Did I reeeaaally say that?

Painting Snow: …ugh, cough cough…!

Painting White: Cough cough…!

Painting Snow & White: I thought we were going to droooown!

Figaro: Yeah, you only thought you were.

Painting Snow: Figaro, you are a terrible child! Oh my, if it isn't Oz.

Painting White: Oz is another terrible child! Why are you climbing on the roof?

Oz: Stay quiet for now.

Painting Snow & White: Wahhhh, we got turned over…!

Oz: Figaro, I have something I wish to ask you.

Figaro: Sure, shoot.

Oz: How much have you told Faust?

Figaro: How much of what?

Oz: Of your crimes.

Figaro: …How about we talk about literally anything else…

Oz: Have you not told him?

Figaro: You mean what I did with you? Pretty sure he knows even if I don't say anything. And Faust is an adult, so…

Oz: How did he learn of it?

Figaro: What do you mean, "how"… You know, Oz, I'd rather we talk about something more fun than this, okay?

Oz: … Would you accept me telling Faust about what you have done?

Figaro: Absolutely not? Okay, I need you to take a good look at me. My disciple came back, so every little bit of me is happy. Oh, I get it… Arthur asked you directly about the old days, didn't he.

Oz: …He has not yet asked. However, I imagine he will ask me very soon.

Figaro: Are you going to tell him the truth?

Oz: … He said that it would make him sad. To find that the dreadful stories about me are true. Long ago, you told me that I must not make children sad.

Figaro: I sure did.

Oz: What if telling the truth makes a child sad?

Figaro: Even if it makes him sad, Arthur will still want the truth. That's the kind of kid he is.

Oz: … White.

Painting White: Oh, he turned us back up.

Painting Snow: We've just been staring at the withered leaves here on the roof.

Oz: For the two of you, the truth is something that led Snow to want to forsake White.

Figaro: Hey, don't make them start fighting again…

Oz: Did you want to hear that truth, White?

Painting White: To be honest, I do not know.

Painting Snow: …

Painting White: Thought at times I have wished things had simply ended without my knowing it… I have also been grateful it didn't end with me never knowing.

Painting Snow: Dearest Oz. You should simply tell Arthur to wait a bit longer. You'll tell him one day. But for now, he should be patient. It is a tale too harsh for children's ears.

Figaro: That's definitely true.

Oz: …

Painting White: Hohoho. It must be difficult for you, Oz. We were quite cruel to you when you were young. We, too, hold responsibility for your setting fire to the world.

Oz: Then, why… Why did we not begin by burning you?

Painting Snow: Hohoho. It is because we have both blessed and cursed you.

Painting White: It is because you would have felt lonely without us. It is because we love you very, very much. In our own ways.

Figaro: What a terrible conversation this is, truly.

Oz: …

✦✧☾✧✦

I was drifting about aimlessly through the Western manor's gardens, Saku-chan nestled on my shoulder. I was looking for Gregory. I found a bunch of birds resting in the shade of a tree and called to him softly, my voice low.

Akira: Gregory… Is Gregory here?

And then a voice just as quiet as mine responded, calling my name.

Gregory: Master Sage, Master Sage.

It was Gregory's voice. I turned my head and there Gregory was, fluttering in the air.

Gregory: My sincerest apologies. I swore to be your escort to repay you for what you did for me, but my place is always to remain outside…

Akira: It's just fine. I have all of the Sage's wizards here, plus Saku-chan, too.

Gregory: I've also found myself quite indebted to the Southern wizards.

Akira: The Southern wizards?

Gregory: Yes. Please follow me. I want you to see this too, Master Sage.

Gregory led the way into the heart of the gardens, and I followed. Tucked between the roots of a big tree whose branches were decorated with small red fruit were Lennox and Mitile.

Mitile: Master Sage!

Akira: Mitile, Lennox. Lennox, are your wounds okay now?

Lennox: Yes, thanks to you.

Mitile: Um, we made friends with Gregory, so we made him a birdhouse with magic. We wanted to make him a place where he could listen in on people in the palace while staying out of sight, so a birdhouse like this should be just perfect for him.

Akira: A birdhouse… You made it just for him?

Gregory: How rude. I have a place to sleep with a roof over my head now.

Akira: Y-you're right. I'm sorry.

Gregory: There's a bird that's a bit bad at being a bird around, you see. It seems it has no place to call home, so I tried to help it build a nest, but it doesn't seem to be able to relax there… Look, it's there in the window of the castle. It's hiding and keeping an eye on us. It seems to be incredibly timid.

Lennox: I wonder if it got attacked by an animal. It doesn't seem to be able to eat calmly either, and it's lost a lot of weight.

Mitile: So we made it a birdhouse so it can eat in peace!

Gregory: Thank you. You Southern wizards are truly as generous as the rumors say.

Mitile: Ehehe, I'm glad we could help. We already set up the house, so let's put a little bit of distance between it and us. It'll probably be easier for it to approach if there's no one around.

Lennox: Good idea. Let's go back to our lodgings. What will you do now, Master Sage?

Akira: There's something I want to talk to Gregory about. Gregory, would you be okay with coming to my room?

Gregory: Yes, of course…

Gregory fell silent. There were other people coming close. He was almost killed by the new Queen once. I didn't want to risk anything else happening to him if he was discovered. It was important that he act like a regular bird sometimes. The people we encountered were gardeners tending to the palace gardens. They were gossiping about us interlopers in the Western manor.

Gardener: That Sage was honestly one handsome chap. His long white hair, especially…

Akira: (I wonder who they're talking about…)

Gardener: I saw one of the Northern wizards! He was carrying a long staff, and he had some real intensity. It was amazing.

Akira: (That person's part of Central now…)

Gardener: I saw the Southern wizards. They all seemed to be good, upright people.

Gardener: They really do, don't they! But they weren't much different from regular garden-variety rural humans. If all we're gonna do is get to glimpse them, I'd rather see the Northern wizards than the Southern ones. It'd give me something to talk about.

Gardener: Right, right.

Mitile: …

Gregory: How rude they were! Why, I'll go set them straight at once!

Lennox: No, no, definitely not! The fact that you're here even as a bird is a secret.

Gregory: I know that, but… …I'm so sorry, everyone. Western humans love attention. They're not so good at seeing the value in simpler, more quiet things, so they tend to prefer the big, loud, showy stuff…

Lennox: It's fine. They weren't wrong. But I'm still happy that you got upset on our behalf. Isn't that right, Mitile?

Mitile: Ah… Yes! That's right.

Gregory: Please don't mind them. The birdhouses you made were first-rate. I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.

Mitile: Don't worry, I wasn't gonna let it get to me! Let's go, Leno.

Lennox: Yeah…

Akira: Thank you for the birdhouses, you two!

Lennox: Of course.

Mitile: You're very welcome.

✦✧☾✧✦

Gregory: What did you want to talk about, Master Sage?

Akira: About Liliana. You said that the current Queen tried to kill you, right?

Gregory: Yes, she did… I can only make assumptions at this point in time, but the Queen is not Liliana.

Akira: So it's not that someone is controlling her, but that it's not her at all?

Gregory: It couldn't possibly be her. I admit my evidence is somewhat lacking, but… Liliana has a habit of playing with the hair at the base of her neck.

Akira: She does…?

Gregory: Like this, twisting it around her finger… But she also had difficulty pinning her hair up. I once saw her trying to massage it into place and covering it with hair oil.

Akira: Even princesses have it rough, huh…

Gregory: But I overheard her attendants talking about how the Queen no longer has that habit. I believe that, using magic or something else, someone has replaced Liliana.

Akira: How terrible… (But when I talked to them earlier, Oz and the others said something completely different…)

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Oz, Mithra, what did you think during the coronation?

Chloe: About the idea that the witch manipulating Western Country has turned herself into Princess Liliana…

Akira: Is the new Queen a wizard?

Oz: … No. I felt no presence of magic in her.

Mithra: I also felt nothing of the sort.

Akira: What about from the scepter? They say the scepter is what's cursing Western Country.

Mithra: You're asking if there was the presence of a curse? Not at all. Though it was positively dripping with human obsession and the presence of Western spirits. About as much as one could reasonably expect from something that old. Isn't that right, Oz.

Oz: Yes. However, I did feel the presence of magic in the tall blond man.

Akira: General Barnett?

Oz: Yes.

Mithra: Of course you did. He's a wizard, isn't he?

Akira: No, he isn't… He's the human head of the Magical Technology Corps. …Or, is he a wizard?

Mithra: He must be. Although I suppose he felt closer to a mana stone than a living wizard.

Akira: Shylock said the same thing…

Mithra: Regardless, the point is that Liliana is a human.

Chloe: Are you sure?

Mithra: Of course. I don't make mistakes.

Chloe: Then, can you feel the presence of any other wizards? Like around the palace, or maybe lurking around the tower…

Oz & Mithra: …

Oz: …I sense nothing…

Mithra: There's nothing to sense, no…

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: (Then… I wonder where she is.) (The witch controlling Western Country from the shadows, Zara…) It's hard to imagine both Oz and Mithra misreading the presence of magic…

Gregory: I see… Then I think I'd like to focus on continuous surveillance of the Queen from the sidelines for now.

Akira: Of course. Thank you very much. Is it okay if I ask one more thing?

Gregory: Yes, of course.

Akira: I'd like for you to tell me more about Liliana.

Gregory: About Liliana…?

Akira: Yes. So that when we leave the Western manor, we can do it in a way that won't upset the Western people… I've been told I should praise the new Queen as highly as I can.

Gregory: I see… So it's not about Liliana herself, but so that you may return to your home in Central, Master Sage.

Akira: But I do also want to make sure that everything concerning you is properly sorted out, too… That's what I've been thinking I want to do.

Gregory: Thank you very much.

Akira: I don't have any objections to this plan of commending the Queen, but… I don't know anything about Liliana herself, so I want to know more about who she is as a person. If I don't know that, then I'll just be praising her looks and nothing else… And I just can't help but feel that that's uncomfortably superficial. When your Liliana has safely and securely become Queen and is ruling over this country… If I were to say anything careless, that would just cause more problems for you down the line. So I want to know all of the parts of Liliana that you fell in love with… And even if it's not just her good parts. I want to know all of her. Would you be willing to tell me about her?

Gregory: …Master Sage… Thank you so much. I'm so happy to hear that. The Liliana showered with applause at the coronation ceremony is not Liliana. It felt as though the world had forgotten her, instead singing praises for someone who merely looks like her… So I am so very, very happy to hear that you want to remember Liliana as she truly is. Even when things are being so stressful for you, Master Sage…

Akira: So, are you okay with telling me about her, Gregory?

Gregory: Of course. I'd be happy to. I'll talk until dawn breaks if you'll let me.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …I can see feathers near the window… Rustica…

Owen: Your teacher's turned into something fun.

Chloe: Owen…

Owen: Who did it to him? You should tell me. Was it the general that smells like mana stones? Or her red-haired Majesty? Well, not that I care either way. You should take revenge. Why not use that magic of yours to put people in states of apparent death and humiliate and slaughter them all?

Chloe: …I'm not doing that. Although I will probably try to get payback somehow. But I don't want to do anything that I wouldn't want to tell Rustica about.

Owen: Hmph. Hypocrite.

Chloe: No, I don't think I'm a good kid, pretending to be one or otherwise. I've never thought of myself like that. What about you, Owen? Why are you still here instead of leaving?

Owen: Should I have?

Chloe: No, I didn't mean that. I'm sorry if I worded it weirdly. I was just thinking that I hadn't seen you around for a while. But…now you're here.

Owen: I'm just here to harass people. They'll get so nervous trying to figure out what terrible thing I'm going to do here that they won't be able to sleep. Maybe I'll kill her Majesty and all of those people swarming Master Sage. Killing humans is pretty boring, though.

Chloe: …So the Queen really is a human?

Owen: Is she a wizard? If she's a wizard, then she'll turn to stone if I kill her. Should we find out?

Chloe: … Gasp… I almost got sucked in. No, that's bad, we're not doing that.

Owen: Fufu. I like that part of you.

Chloe: If someone was reeeaaally good at hiding things, do you think they'd be able to hide their magic from Lord Oz?

Owen: Probably. We Northern wizards have strong magic, but we're not always good at sensing anything other than hostility. Wouldn't you Western wizards who love change and ferreting out details be better at that?

Chloe: That's what I thought, too. If Rustica was feeling better, I'd ask him, but… I wish Murr and Shylock were here…

Owen: Why aren't they?

Chloe: They were asked by the palace to go on a mission, so they're at the City of Nectar. I stayed behind because I'm worried about Rustica.

Owen: Hmmmm.

Chloe: … …So, if someone was hiding their magic, if they weren't being hostile, a Northern wizard wouldn't be able to notice them at all?

Owen: Hah? We would notice.

Chloe: Wh…which is it?

Owen: We would notice. We never let our prey get away from us.

Chloe: I see…

Owen: But, maybe, in the million to one chance that what we were chasing was a Western wizard who's good at changing themself… We might not notice…?

Chloe: …

Owen: But I would still notice. Oz and Mithra have no idea.

Chloe: Could you come with me?

Owen: Huh? No way.

Chloe: Please!

Owen: I said no!

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: …Why am I here…

Chloe: If I'm right, the Queen should be walking through this hall pretty soon. I thought you'd be able to spy on her. And then tell me if she's really a human or if she's a wizard.

Owen: Ask Murr or Shylock. If they didn't notice, that'd mean she's a human.

Chloe: But… She's here!

Liliana: …

Chloe: …Well?

Owen: …I can't tell. It's not about if she's a human or a witch… The smell of mana stones on that guy with her is too strong.

Chloe: Shylock said that, too… That he smells like used-up mana stones. When we almost ran into her a while ago, the general was with the Queen then, too. So that might've been why Murr and Shylock didn't notice.

Owen: If her Majesty is a wizard or not? Why not just kill her?

Chloe: Huh?

Owen: If she turns to stone, she's a wizard.

Chloe: … N-no, we can't do that.

Owen: Hmph.

Chloe: (Is she Zara…) (Is she really…the reason Rustica loses his memories…?) …For now, I guess I should talk to Murr and Shylock about it.

10 - Please, Remain As You Are

Shino: So this is Cortes… The new Queen's hometown.

Heathcliff: It seems like a nice, peaceful town. But something feels weird…

Faust: The air is stagnant. The local spirits are all in chaos.

Nero: It feels like some kinda contaminant got in here. …Hey, look. Ain't that the place? There's a crowd.

Shino: Let's check it out.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: This is terrible…

Shino: Walls and entire buildings have been torn down, and all the plants in the area are withered…

Heathcliff: …There's desiccated animal carcasses, too…

Nero: Weren't there any witnesses to whatever happened here?

Cortes Citizen: … There were, but…

Faust: Can we meet with them?

Cortes Citizen: …They were already almost dead when we found them… Right now their families are making their final goodbyes.

Shino: Were they badly injured?

Cortes Citizen: …Their wounds… It was as though they'd had the life sucked out of them, turning them aged and haggard… Last night, they kept crying the same thing out in their sleep. That they'd seen a monster made of poison…

Shino & Heathcliff: A monster made of poison?!

Cortes Citizen: Yes… At first, it was only the size of a rabbit, but as it kept following the street, it seemed to flicker, and it somehow grew to the size of a goat… And there were noises around it as the plants started to wither and animals collapsed around it… And by the time we'd realized that, it had vanished…

Faust: …Poison… Could you let me see the victims? I might be able to do something to help them.

Cortes Citizen: Yes, of course.

Faust: Sorry for the trouble.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: Excuse me. … Lord Oz still isn't here… …Ah well. I'll leave him a note. I'll write it on the window with magic so that only he'll be able to see it. …Lord Oz. Tomorrow, I return to Central Country. Before I do, I'd like to see you at least once, and speak with you. Your avoidance of me has left me feeling downcast. … Let me erase that part…

Oz: …

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Oz: …We are going someplace to be alone.

Arthur: Then, please, let me. I can at least take us to the sky together. <Pernoctant Nixzo>

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: The stars are so bright tonight. It reminds me of the sky in the North.

Oz: … I need to speak with you.

Arthur: …Yes. I do, too…

Oz: I will hear what you have to ask me only once you are fully grown.

Arthur: When I'm an adult…?

Oz: …? …Perhaps I misinterpreted. But that is fine.

Arthur: …Alright. Then it's fine for me, too. Because you'll stay at my side until I'm an adult.

Oz: I will.

Arthur: …

Oz: I am watching you.

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Oz: I was not born to meet you. I was born for my own sake. I do not seek to please you nor any other, nor have I ever lived to do so.

Arthur: …Yes…

Oz: And so, I have lived. One day, the things I have done during my life will bring you sorrow.

Arthur: …

Oz: I have never once desired to bring you sadness. Despite this, my very existence has grown to become something that has wounded your heart, leaving deep scars within you. This is why I have let go of your hand. Should you live in the world of man and forget me… The storm which you must weather would become naught but a gentle rain. That is what I believe.

Arthur: …

Oz: Yet… The loneliness I experienced only after I met you…was truly… …

Arthur: Lord Oz…

Oz: The…difficulty I had in arriving at the days spent with you cannot be put in words. …I imagine my words would not sufficiently convey it, regardless. I do not understand the things that have happened to me, either. Still… I have a request to make of you.

Arthur: …A request, Lord Oz…?

Oz: Yes. Should one day my existence pain you and bring you sorrow. I am the one you should resent for it. Not this world.

Arthur: …

Oz: You must not misunderstand. Please, stay as you are… Loving this world. Should your heart become discordant and as violent as a storm's wind… You must not break your friends, nor the world around you. For one day, you will find something to love… …And you will be able to unhesitatingly…extend your hand…and embrace it in your arms. I ask that you do not defile this world. Please, I ask that that alone is something you do not misinterpret in my words.

Arthur: …Lord Oz… …I can't. Even if it's something you ask of me, Lord Oz, I cannot accept that.

Oz: …Arthur…

Arthur: Were I forced to pick between you and the world, I would always pick you. Just as you lifted me from the snow when I was just a baby, no matter what happens… I will lift you from this world, Lord Oz.

Oz: …

Arthur: Alright, here.

Oz: …What's that pose for.

Arthur: Please hug me. Although it can't be like when you used to pick me up in your arms when I was little, since I'm much bigger now. Please don't overthink things. No matter who you may be, you are the only person who can be who you have been in my life. And you're the person who saved my life and taught me how much fun the magic I'd been forbidden from really is! …I-I'm just so glad that…you didn't decide to abandon me, too…

Oz: … …As if I could.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: …I wonder if that bird decided to go into the birdhouse we made? I'll go check up on it for a moment.

Mithra: Mitile.

Mitile: Mithra…

Mithra: That person isn't here, yes? I was looking for you.

Mitile: You were looking for me…?

Mithra: You said you wanted one, didn't you? A mana stone.

Mitile: …! I did…

Mithra: Shall I tell you how to eat one?

Mitile: Please!

Mithra: That means you want to eat one, right?

Mitile: Yes, I do. I thought over it a lot, but I've made up my mind. I want to become strong. I'm scared of getting hurt like Shino and Heathcliff did, but… I'm the son of the Great Witch, Tiletta. I'm a wizard. I'm not ordinary. I can do so much more than this.

Mithra: That's exactly right. You're the child of the Great Witch, Tiletta. You'll become a powerful wizard.

Mitile: I will…!

Mithra: And if you become a strong wizard, then Rutile's going to regret ever refusing to accept a mana stone from me. "Sorry, you were right, please give me a mana stone." He didn't know a thing when he rejected it. "I'm so sorry, Mithra. You were right. I was wrong." And then when he comes to me like that, I'll reject him ninety-nine times in a row. And if he asks me a hundredth, then I'll give him this little one. That'll teach him to turn down a gift from me. But for you, I'll give you one that's especially good.

Mitile: Will a better one make me stronger?

Mithra: Obviously. Though there's no way for a regular mana stone to make you as strong as I am. It has to be of particularly good quality. And I'm going to give you one of those particularly good ones. Just for you. Here, take it. It's the stone of a witch I killed who had lived for more than a thousand years.

Mitile: …A dead witch…

Mithra: She was so strong that Owen was aiming for her, too. Now, open your mouth.

Mitile: Do I eat it just…like this?

Mithra: Yes. Put it in your mouth, and it'll naturally become part of you. You'll understand when you try it.

Mitile: Okay… Then let's do it. … …nom.

Mithra: … Did it disappear in your mouth?

Mitile: Not yet.

Mithra: I see. Probably soon, then?

Mitile: Not yet…

Mithra: That's odd. Maybe try swallowing it?

Mitile: W-won't it clog my throat?

Mithra: If it got absorbed as soon as it did, that would be ideal, but…

Mitile: Is there some kind of trick to get it to happen?

Mithra: Trick… Perhaps feeling as if it belongs to you.

Mitile: Belongs to me… (This belongs to me.) (This is mine.) (It's mine.) (This is mine.) (I'm going to become a powerful wizard.) (I'm Tiletta's son!) (The son of the Great Witch!) (Everyone, everyone, will remember me!) (Look at me!) (I'm Mitile, son of Tiletta!) …ah… It vanished…

Mithra: Did you absorb it?

Mitile: Amazing… I totally get what you meant! It's part of me now…

Mithra: Isn't it? It's much easier to simply experience it than to try to explain with words.

Mitile: Yeah… …gh…!?

Mithra: What's wrong?

Mitile: Kh….agh…!

Mithra: Mitile? Mitile, what's wrong?

Mitile: Ah…ah…! Ahh, ahh, ahhhh…!

Mithra: Mitile?

Mitile: I feel hot…and…sleepy…I don't know…!

Mithra: What… What are you talking about? Did you eat something strange?

Mitile: Ah…ah… …

Mithra: …Are you okay now?

Mitile: … Hehe… Ehehe… Ahaha… Ahh-haha! Ahahaha! Hehe, ehehehe! Ahahaha!

Mithra: Mitile! Mitile!

Mitile: Gyahaha! Gwah gwah! No, no, no!! No! Help…!

Bradley: Look at me.

Mitile: …!

Mithra: Bradley.

Bradley: Mitile, look at me. Don't look away. Look right into my eyes.

Mitile: Ahh… Ahh!

Bradley: Right here. Don't look away! Mithra, you fed him a mana stone, didn't you? Eatin' a rock that's too strong for you gets you taken over by it.

Mithra: Excuse me?! That's not true. Nothing like that ever happened to me…

Bradley: That's because there's only one wizard stronger than you.

Mitile: Hehe, ehehe… Tadaaaa, tadaaaa. Wauuuugh…!

Mithra: What's going to happen to Mitile? Is he going to die?

Bradley: It's happened before. If you don't want him to die, start callin' his name. It'll help him remember himself.

Mithra: Mitile, Mitile…!

Bradley: Look at me! At me! Mitile!

Mitile: …!

Bradley: Respond, Mitile!

Mitile: …Right…!

Bradley: Who am I?

Mitile: …Brad…ley…

Bradley: Good job, kid. Think you can hold onto me? Here, wrap your arms around me.

Mitile: …I--I'm scared! My chest hurts…!

Bradley: You'll be okay. You're a strong kid. We're here for you, too. Mithra, keep your eyes on Mitile's face. And keep sayin' his name.

Mithra: Mitile, Mitile…

Mitile: Mithra, Mithra…! …Mithra! Mithra!! Ehehe! Ahahahaha!

Mithra: Mitile! Mitile! Don't struggle, you'll hurt yourself?

Bradley: …It's fine, he's fine. You go on back. I've got him.

Mitile: Ahh… Ahh… …Ahhhh…

Bradley: Name?

Mitile: …Bradley…

Bradley: Your name. Say it.

Mitile: … … …tile… Mitile… …

Mithra: Mitile!

Bradley: He's only passed out. But we gotta keep an eye on him all night. If it overtakes him in the middle of the night and he can't pull himself back, he'll turn to stone.

Mithra: What should I do?

Bradley: Keep callin' his name and remindin' him of who he is. The rest is up to him.

Mithra: …

Bradley: Haah… Adrenaline's goin' down… You're a real fucking idiot feeding a stone that strong to Mitile. Did you do it because he's Tiletta's kid?

Mithra: That has nothing to do with you.

Bradley: Guess not. Don't do that to Rutile. If you gotta, pick out a weak one…

Mithra: I won't. He rejected it.

Bradley: Turnin' down a stone from you is a hell of a waste. 'Least it means he ain't goin' through what Mitile did, but still…

Mithra: …

Bradley: Go tell Figaro what happened, Mithra. Just in case.

Mithra: There is no such case. I'll protect him.

Bradley: … Is that right.

Next Chapter

[taggedmemes]

SENTENCE MEME THE WOMBATS / FIX YOURSELF, NOT THE WORLD

spare me the drone of your conversation.

spare me my lack of sophistication.

i don't wanna sit around and just get high.

i'm all dressed up.

you walk in the room and my tongue gets tied.

it's such a heavenly sight.

i just hope i don't ruin this.

i just hope i don't ruin this, getting too fucked up to remember this.

you flip me upside down.

you take me out of my head.

i'm kind of getting into it.

you pull me out of my lows.

let's see where this shit goes.

i can't recall all the things you said.

i'm feeling pretty good about the two of us.

i've got a couple secrets.

dwelling on the past just kills the vibe.

one last slide down the rabbit hole.

there's still no room in paradise.

the kids aren't wrong.

i'm looking for a spark in the heart.

you can drag the years behind you, or you can let them go.

i see a tunnel at the end of the light.

i'm always a mess come the end of the night.

i'm forever locking myself in the glass of your rearview.

if you ever leave, i'm coming with you.

you know i'll do whatever you want me to.

i'll get out of bed.

i'm your reluctant optimist.

i'm stuck to the gum that's stuck on your shoe.

am i losing you in the dark?

no more breaking stuff.

no more acting up.

you only ever catch me out.

if you ever leave me, i'm coming with you.

you can scream like a banshee and still nothing comes.

i am ready for the high.

nothing works worse than the weekend fix.

i'm ready for the high life.

a kiss without a fist fight.

a bang without the dynamite.

i always think in extremes.

i should be pulling you close to me.

maybe generation x are the chosen ones.

they've got everything they need beneath their aching thumbs.

underneath the low there's a lower part.

no hotel guaranteed.

a professional learns from all their rookie moves.

there must be some method to the madness.

just one more smile and then i'll go.

this could be a holiday or an intersection where two roads fuse.

stop. i don't need to know.

fuck my sadness.

fuck our options.

fuck the life plan.

no more worry, i've killed it with both hands.

just give me something to light the fuse.

she was dreaming of her big break.

she constructed the right attitude.

the universe has got plans.

competition can dry you up.

people don't change people, time does.

we're all trying to get better.

we've all had quite enough of this pleasant displeasure.

i'd love to help you out.

i'd love to get us off this swing, this roundabout.

today i had a big idea.

there's no room for mistakes out here.

everybody wants to be the man.

everything i love is going to die.

keep your big mouth shut.

stop wasting my time.

icarus was my best friend.

i'm going to make him proud in the end.

there's no experimenting here.

no threesomes like we talked about when we were blacking out.

what a crazy pranged out year.

we spent most of it kissing teeth.

the moment starts to pass.

i start reverting back.

sell my spine to save my neck.

i'm starting to forget.

howl into the void again.

why don't you chop my tongue out and put my insides inside a jar.

you shake me up, you shake me down.

work's easy, but life's getting hard.

you don't speak for me.

could use some peer pressure.

you're so well put together.

tell me, sugar.

is there something i need to know?

pull the trigger.

pull me back from the edge.

pull me out of my head.

she is wildfire.

i could live in here forever.

let's find a drug to fix me.

guess i'm always blinded by the emperor's new clothes.

there's always something lurking down the rabbit hole.

in the back of your mind there's a crosshair.

don't wanna cause any trouble.

don't wanna poke the bear in the zoo.

drama becomes elastic then snaps back into place.

i saw your temperament running out the gate.

don't wanna stand in your way.

i'm pretty much worried about everything.

i worry that i'm worrying so much.

i worry too much.

multiples of three keep me warm, keep me stable.

superstition's a wasp at your picnic.

i'll say it again but without feeling.

i'll get what i think if i keep on thinking.

it's not paranoia if it's really there.

i'm not sure how much milk is enough milk.

bang my head against a wall.

i let the smallest of things ruin my day.

i'm the voicemail that you coulda shoulda checked sooner.

i'm the only obstruction in the way.

i don't wanna lose myself in someone else's game.

[dream-meister-translations]

DREAM MEISTER & THE RECOLLECTED BLACK FAIRY

PASSIONATE OCEAN GUILD STORY #1

━

URBANO : Alright, this meat's cooked! Here Emma, have some! 

EMMA : Thank you, Urbano. This meat is incredibly delicious!! 

ELMA : The old man from the town's butcher shop gave it to us for free. All I said was I'm gonna be having a barbecue and he was like, "take it." 

EMMA : You're a networking pro, Elma! 

SEARLE : Ooooh~! I want some of that meat too!

URBANO : Hey, get your paws off it! That meat was for Emma! It's what I call, "Urbano's Ultra Special Steak!" 

EMMA : How is it ultra special...?

SHEILA : It's ultra special because he made it for you, Emma. He said that he wanted to express his gratitude toward you. It is the season of love, is it not?

ELMA : Yup! This barbecue is also to express our gratitude to the people who joined Passionate Ocean! 

SHEILA : I'm good at making seafood dishes, but today I'll leave the steak to Urbano.

ELMA : We also made some Granita~! Eat as much as you want~!

EMMA : Hehe, alright. Thank you! 

SHEILA : I thought you were going to invite the locals to the barbecue, Elma? 

SEARLE : Barely anyone showed up.

EMMA : It was supposed to be an event to invite people to join Passionate Ocean...

ELMA : Yeah, I guess there wasn't a lot of interest. But, it's okay! This is fun too! So all's well that ends well! Let's make sure it's a lot of fun for the few people who did show up, kay~?

SHIELA : Haha, your carefree attitude is admirable. 

ELMA : I'm gonna go on a little patrol to make sure there are no disturbances! 

SEARLE : I'll go too~!!

EMMA : ........

SHEILA : You look like you're enjoying the peace.

EMMA : Hehe, you can tell?

EMMA : (I think the stock of alcohol is somewhere around here...)

GUY 1 : Hey! You're adorable~

EMMA : Huh...?

GUY 2 : I've been trying to talk to you this whole time, but those surfer guys are really protective of you, you know~?

EMMA : (Looks like he's pretty drunk.)

EMMA : I'm sorry. I'm working right now.

GUY 2 : Don't be so cold~ I just wanna have some fun~★ 

GUY 1 : What we have in mind is WAY more fun than work~

SHEILA : You two want to have some fun, you say? In that case, we'll entertain you until you die laughing.

GUY 1 & GUY 2 : Eeek!!

URBANO : Don't go troubling our precious Guild Keeper, got it?

SEARLE : It's not good to get drunk and bother others!

ELMA : We're not into your kind. But if you really wanna join Passionate Ocean, we'll give you guys some "special training" later, how about that?

URBANO : Haha! We won't let you out of the ocean! 

GUY 1 & GUY 2 : Helppp~!!

ELMA : Ah, they ran away. You okay, Emma?

SEARLE : We were all so worried~! After you went to check the alcohol stash, those guys followed you and we knew they were up to no good!

URBANO : Yeah, I had a bad feeling about it, so we all came back. It was the right call. Did they do anything weird to you?

EMMA : You guys showed up just in time, so I'm fine. Thank you so much.

SHIELA : Why did you take the initiative to check on the alcohol when you could have asked us?

ELMA : Emma, you gotta be careful, y'know? There are people out here who just wanna ruin your fun. I want today to be fun for you! You always work so hard for us, you deserve to relax.

SEARLE : I want to see Emma smiling~!!

SHEILA : After what just happened, try not to stray too far from us.

URBANO : If anything happens I'll protect you!! 

EMMA : (These guys are all so protective...It's kinda embarrassing, but it also feels really nice.)

EMMA : Thank you!

[twoidiotwriters1]

Daughter of Olympus (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: Hold tight guys we're getting some turbulence -Danny Words: 1,812 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter / Next Chapter Listen to: 'Running Up That Hill' -by Kate Bush

XLI: Source(s): Dude, Trust Me

A whole day goes by and Hades is nowhere to be seen, but I've made up my mind that I won't care anymore. I've fought and killed monsters, but it isn't enough.

"I feel like we should've told someone about this..." Lily mutters.

"Jake's helping us, we're fine."

"Ara..."

"What?" I snap at her impatiently.

Lily's worried, I'm not as giddy and positive as when the fight started, so she thinks I might do something reckless. But it's not like I'm announcing our impending deaths, it isn't that kind of change. I have a fierce disposition to keep going no matter the outcome.

Which of course, could be seen as "being reckless".

You see, an hour ago we found my parents in their Prius, right in front of where we'd fought that day. Percy almost lost it, it was the second time I had to absorb half of someone's breakdown in less than two days, so I'm pretty tired, but I refuse to take a break.

"I'm just making sure..." Lily pauses. "That you have the remotes to these things."

I point at the dino bag hanging on my shoulder. "'Course. C'mon, before Percy realizes I left."

I burst into tears pretty often, but I have an advantage over demigods like Percy and Lily: I process feelings faster. Right now it's like I'm in the zone, with all these people feeling all kinds of ways, I have the clearest mind.

Mom's right, feelings give me power.

We go back to the camping site where Percy's already looking for me, and he's angry.

He pulls me away from Lily. "Let's talk."

Everyone throws curious looks at us, Percy's never harsh with me, not even when we're training together.

"You're pinching me!" I whine.

Percy stops and stares at me, his eyes are like Greek fire. "What did you do?"

"I-I just went to place some bombs—"

"Not today," he interrupts me. "The other night—Jake said you disappeared for a whole hour. Spit it out."

"...I'm helping you win the war," my voice gets quiet.

"What did you do?"

"Judging by how you're acting, I think you know."

Percy's hands go to his hair as he turns away from me, his face red. This feels like being scolded by my dad. "You made a deal with Hades?" He asks in an angry whisper, turning back to face me. "What were you thinking?!"

I don't ask how he knows. Maybe he saw it in a dream. "He's been insulted, Percy. He doesn't want to help you, and we need him."

"You're stupid," he says like he's just realizing this now. "Mr. D told me..."

"What?"

"He asked me to tell you," Percy scowls. "That he wants to be considered too."

I can't hide the excitement in me. "I'm listening."

He grimaces at my reaction. "He said that having madness on your side is useful too."

"Will you look at that," I mumble, my gaze drifting as I take in the news. "The gods really are paying attention to me..."

"Ara," he grabs my shoulders. "Stop. Whatever you're doing, it's a bad idea."

"No."

"Didn't you learn anything from—?"

"The prophecy says you have to die," I state bitterly. "I heard Jake and Will talking about it," I push his hands away from my body. "You're not dying if I can help it."

"They don't know anything!" He says in frustration.

"It doesn't matter, this isn't about just you, I promised Mike I would do this," I press, my voice cracking when I pronounce my friend's name. "I've made up my mind."

"What did you promise?" He demands. "What are you doing, Ara?"

"I'm bettering myself." 

Before our argument escalates, a roar and several short explosions reach us from the street I just arrived from. Percy's brows knit together. "That's my dream..."

"And those were my bombs," I point out. "Hopefully, we just killed a few dozen there."

He moves me to the side, urging me to safety.

"Take cover, Ara. They're bringing a Drakon."

Ara's standing in the middle of a field, and she doesn't know how she got there. She looks around anxiously, and for a moment fears she's been taken just like her brother, but then she hears his voice.

"Cyclopes. Centaurs. This is wrong. All wrong..."

Percy. She's found her brother!

"We need to get him back to the boat," a new voice utters. Ara realizes Percy's not alone, two kids are with him, a boy and a girl. "The sea will make him feel better."

"No argument," the unknown boy says. "There are too many of them. The camp... we have to warn the camp."

"They know," Percy whimpers. "Reyna knows."

Ara rushes to meet him and then freezes in her place. An army of monsters is passing by downhill, ahead of them. 

Ara concludes that she's dreaming a horrifying, but long-awaited demigod dream.

"The camp, yes. Vengeance!" Ara takes a moment to confirm, but it really is Ma Gasket in the crowd of monsters. "The orange and purple ones destroyed my home. Now Ma Gasket will destroy theirs! Do you hear me, Leo? Jason? Piper? I come to annihilate you! I will kill you, Arae Jackson!"

"Jason!" The girl next to Percy gasps, she's wearing a purple shirt, and Percy is too. "She fought Jason. He might still be alive!"

"Do those other names mean anything to you?" The unknown boy asks.

"I..." Percy closes his eyes. Suddenly he breathes in harshly, like someone punched him in the gut. "My sister!"

When the Ares cabin arrives, something feels off. Clarisse is glowing pink. I've seen Clarisse's soul light before, and hers is purple. 

Silena's was pink.

I feel dizzy once I understand what's happening. "That's not Clarisse."

The drakon attacks my sister, and Clarisse and Chris arrive soon after. I run towards them, if someone calls after me I can't hear it, everyone's screaming either way. The drakon doesn't see me, I'm nothing to this creature. 

When I reach Silena I fall to my knees crying. Clarisse leaves her side for just a moment, kills the drakon, and comes back. We carefully take the helmet off my sister's head and she confesses to being the spy.

She dies a hero anyway. Did what she had to, to make up for her wrongdoing. There is nothing else to say. 

It's lucky I wasn't given Pandora's box, cause this is my lowest moment, when I finally lost my girlhood. "Get up," I command Clarisse. "You'll help me fix this."

The older girl picks up a sword and a javelin. I grab Almighty but waver, something stops me this time, it feels like the wrong option. Instead, I search through my dino bag and pull the little square panel that controls the traps and bombs we've left scattered around the site. 

I climb into Clarisse's chariot. "Go that way," I point to the left.

"On it," she growls.

I use charmspeak to make sure the monsters follow us. Once we have them all in the alley, Clarisse makes the chariot fly over their heads and I press the square buttons, blowing up every creature below.

We get rid of 60% of the enemies that way. The 40% left is taken by the centaurs, the hunters, and some Ares campers. Only 10% manage to escape us, or at least that's what Lily tells me once I leave Clarisse so I can tend to the wounded.

Clarisse glows red by the time I leave her. I glow pink. Mom's sending a message: This is what an Aphrodite brings to the table, how we win wars.

I run into Pollux as he walks out of the Empire State. "Hey, man," I smile. "You look tough with that cast. How ya feeling?"

"Like a million bucks," he replies sarcastically.

"That's great dude, 'cause I need you."

He raises a brow. "Percy says I'm in no condition to keep fighting, he wanted me to go back to camp."

I try not to look annoyed. Percy knows Mr. D wants me to use Pollux, why is he trying to take him away from me? "I don't want you to fight," I respond. "You got your daddy's mad powers, right?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you make monsters have some kind of shared hallucination?"

He seems to like where this is going. "I can try."

"Good," I draw out Almighty. "That's all I can do too."

The semester ended faster than Ara thought possible. She's worked hard to keep her mind busy, but now that June has arrived, she's having palpitations.

After she told Annabeth about her dream, the older girl managed to hold some kind of dream communication with Percy thanks to the Hypnos cabin, and that seemed to jumpstart a domino effect of sorts, cause now all Ara sees in her dreams are Percy's bizarre adventures with the horse girl and the archer.

It isn't promising, every dream shows Percy in a different location, and she tries to assist Tyson so he finds their brother, but he isn't fast enough.

When Jason finally gets all of his memories back, he goes to Ara. "What's the name of that Hades kid you're friends with?" It's the first thing he asks.

Ara looks up from the control board of the ship, she's making sure everything works as it's supposed to. "Nico Di Angelo? He's not—"

"Him," Jason interrupts her. "Last September, he visited my camp."

Ara pauses, thinking she heard wrong. "What?"

"Nico Di Angelo," Jason says. "He came to us, and he wasn't alone. He brought his sister to live with us."

The girl's heart skips a bit. "Bianca?"

I don't have a hard time convincing Annabeth to let us use her Yankees cap, I don't even have to use charmspeak on her! Lily's waiting for me with Michael's bow and backpack, and a few trick arrows I made for her. She gives me a bedsheet that I wrap around me as a cape, and a large javelin.

I give Pollux Annabeth's cap. "Stay behind me and Lily at all times."

"You got it."

I whistle (meaning I use a whistle, I can't whistle on my own, remember?) and Blackjack comes down to help me. We just need him to make an entrance, but the amount of sugar cubes I had to promise so he wouldn't rat us out to Percy is outrageous.

"What are we doing, Ara?" Lily asks me, watching as I climb on top of the Pegasus.

"I'm playing dress up," I reply. "If you don't wanna, I can always ask someone else to be my right hand—"

"That's not an option." Her expression hardens, she reaches back and grabs an arrow from her quiver.

I gallop confidently into battle, Lily following right after. Behind me, I hear Pollux whispering in ancient Greek something about blurry thoughts and bending realities.

"Stand down!" I shout at the enemy. "Or I'll kill you all!"

Chiron makes a face like I personally stabbed him in the back. Everyone else starts to yell at me to retreat, but I don't go anywhere that it's not forward. 

If the monsters hadn't been tricked by Pollux, they would've killed me right away, but they were, and it's scared them to death for a good reason: 

The people they see standing between them and the Camp Half-blood army, are Achilles and Odysseus.

Next Chapter ->

Taglist.

@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @ash-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles

[notmorbid]

chain-gang all-stars.

dialogue prompts from chain-gang all-stars by nana kwame adjei-brenyah.

make them love a version of you.

if you can gather enough people into one voice, you can do anything.

ask for permission and you're giving them power.

everybody's looking for the same thing in a lot of different ways.

how do you feel right now? what's it like?

stoic as ever.

how'd you get into so much trouble?

you beautiful, heartless bitch.

talkative as always.

it's hard to forget the things that hurt you. you don't often forget the shape of your cage.

a good shave is a kind of love.

we all get good at crying quiet.

there's always more wicked, if you dig deep enough.

you'd be destroyed looking in the mirror, if you weren't already dead on the inside.

i hate what i am, but i love what i can do.

being near you makes me feel safe.

suck my dick, america.

if i go there tonight, i don't know if i'll come back.

christ still loves you, i'm sure.

the horror you make is yours forever.

who told you to go and do that?

you're too good ever to have any kind of worry.

why didn't you tell me when it happened?

i'm asking you to trust me.

i worry because someone has to.

i'm going away. i don't think i'm coming back.

i need some things to be for me and only me.

you're scared of what's new. you're scared of hidden intentions. you're scared of surprises.

it's not like you to be sloppy.

few things bring people closer together than killing as a pair.

i've been silent, but i've never been blind.

i didn't even vote for you.

i've died so many times now, i must be unkillable.

i went to hell and became an artist.

there is always, always a bottom you can't imagine.

it would be funny, if there weren't so much blood everywhere.

you're my emergency contact on everything.

i won't let them touch a hair on your head.

i don't care about you. i love you.

organization is life.

i didn't want to die, but i didn't want to be there.

if you remember your name, i think you'll be okay.

whoever holds the rod is always right.

don't be sorry. make ____ sorry.

everything seems slower than before.

don't hold back your hurt for me.

pain can disappear people.

what are you punishing yourself for?

use your personality. they'll love you.

do you think i'm a person that can be in the world? like, actually?

in a sick world, healthy is strange.

what were you dreaming about?

i don't guess. i know.

sometimes being a leader means carrying things alone.

if you don't have a code, you have nothing.

i didn't make the rules. they made me.

if not now, when?

don't tell me to relax.

be careful who you give your name to. you don't know how they're gonna use it.

what is said about you has power.

how's it feel to be home?

i've been angry for such a long time.

the thing we fear is already here. it's wrong not to try to do better.

literally everyone knows you're a lactose-free pescatarian.

breathe through it. you'll be okay.

i'm a talker. i always have been.

i did it because i could.

i wanted you to see who i was.

what i want for you is to see what you've done and forgive yourself.

forgive yourself. then you can start working on everybody else.

i tell you, and i can't un-tell you. you understand?

what do i have to be for you to trust me?

i thought being back would make me feel something, and it does, but not like i thought.

i feel like this place isn't my home.

if my mother were here, i would tell her to go to hell.

you've been very kind to me.

try to look at yourself and say 'i love you'. then see what happens.

you understand how i feel about you, right?

i don't know what this life is for, but i know it isn't nothing.

i'm happy i got to be part of your story.

it hurts, but it's still mine.

sometimes what hurts you is also what you need.

the bad news is, i forgive you. the good news is, i forgive you.

i know it hurts. see the hurt. feel the hurt. then move.

[ofpineapplesanddawns]

Big comfortable eldritch angel Aziraphale protecting Crowley after they get stuck in the park during a particularly intense storm?

My park boys~! :D

Warning: mentioned angelic body horror for Aziraphale (stomach mouth, multiple eyes and limbs, extremely long body...), mentioned injuries from a previous event

On with the fic!

--

"Well," Aziraphale started, "this is a bit of a predicament."

"You're tellin' me..." Crowley frowned, staring up at the dark sky, his glasses now being splattered by heavy drops of cold rain. "And of all the times for the stupid golf cart to die on us."

Aziraphale glanced back at the golf cart that Crowley had driven out to this location in the park. They had made an attempt to leave just moments ago when they had heard the rumble of thunder and Crowley realized that no one had charged the damn thing the day before.

He really wished they had taken the jeep, but Aziraphale had always wanted to ride in the cart he'd see people use on the camp grounds and... well... Crowley couldn't say no to those big, hazel puppy eyes.

Especially when fifteen suddenly showed up on Aziraphale's exposed skin.

"I don't think there's a chance in Hell we're gonna be able to get to your cabin in this weather, or back to the visitor center." Crowley said, wincing when the wind started to pick up and the rain came down like sharp points. "Shit!" He threw up his arms, trying to block the onslaught of hard rain.

"Oh, I've got you, my dear." Aziraphale said before Crowley shut his eyes at something started to glow bright, just for a few moments.

Then he felt something move around him, and the rain seemed to ease up. Crowley opened his eyes and lowered his arms, staring up at the massive form of the angel before him, dozens of eyes staring at him, a worried frown on his torso.

Is this better, dear? Aziraphale asked, voice echoing in Crowley's head.

"Y-yeah, much better." Crowley swallowed. It was still starling to see Aziraphale's true form, and he was getting flashbacks to a night that had happened weeks ago, the last time there was a massive storm like this.

The frown formed into a smile and Aziraphale reached down, carefully cupping Crowley closer to him, coiling his long body around the human like a snake. He was careful though, retracting some of his extra arms to not bump into Crowley. The angel was giving off a warmth that was comforting against the icy chill of the storm, and Crowley pressed himself against the warm coils, careful to avoid the eyes.

Aziraphale shifted above him and used his torso to cover over Crowley, his body glowing to illuminate them in the growing darkness as the rain came down harder. He used his own wings to shield himself from the rain and he sighed, the noise vibrating through the air.

Crowley shifted a bit and sat down on the ground, which was already dry again due to Aziraphale's angelic warmth. He felt his soaked clothes start to warm from the heat of the body he pressed himself against and he sigh contently. "You know, this reminds me of the night we first met."

Oh? Does it?

"Yeah. Me, out in the woods, caught up in a sudden storm. You, all angelic and Lovecraftian-wet dream."

Uhg, don't say that.

"Too late, it's said." Crowley smirked, looking at the closest eye, that stared back at him. "But yeah, you remember that night, angel?"

Of course I do! It was the first time I met you! I remember trying to tease you a bit from the trees, and then I seemed to startle you. You drove off in the storm and then you crashed!

Crowley winced. "Oh yeah, I did."

You poor thing, you were such a mess! Broken limbs and a nasty concussion! Luckily, I was there to patch you up and take you to my home for a good night's rest!

"You were also the reason I got into the crash." The human chuckled and Aziraphale gave him a look, which made him laugh more due to all the annoyed eyes looking at him and the pouty, giant mouth that technically could swallow him whole.

You are a ridiculous thing, you. An arm formed next to Crowley just to have a finger boop him on the nose, which only made Crowley laugh more.

Crowley grabbed the hand before it could retreat into the glowing body and gave the back of it a kiss, then deciding to interlace his fingers with it. "I'm your ridiculous thing, and you love it."

Aziraphale smiled, laughing a little. Of course I do, dear. But while it was terrifying to see you crash and get injured, I am happy to have gotten the chance to meet you. Though, I'm sure I would have happily enjoyed meeting you at the visitor center as well, but it probably wouldn't have been as memoriable.

"Yeah, and you wouldn't have had me in your bed so soon either." Crowley smirked. He got a small shove from another, newly formed hand.

They sat there quietly together as the storm raged on around them, enjoying the company of one another. Until Crowley realized that Aziraphale could have just miracled them to his cabin.

They decided to wait a few more minutes before doing just that, just to enjoy the moment.

--

The cuddling continued back at the cabin, with a roaring fire, food, and a bajillion blankets because yes.

Also, Aziraphale is still in angel form, just smaller so he can fit in his home, which means that Crowley ends up being wrapped around by his boyfriend as if he were a python.

It's very romantic and also very warm. <3