#(I am also recovering from food poisoning and thoughts have been weird today)

[ayamari-no-goshi]

Weird things I’m thinking about at 3am again

You know, I’m aware that Batman and at least some of the Batfam have the mental fortitude to shake off types of brainwashing/drug induced hallucinations.

-> off the top of my head, I know both Bruce and Jason have overcome fear toxin, and I know Dick basically made a telepath cry cuz mental training

But, with all the crap that happens in Gotham and the fact it is canonically cursed, it does surprise me they don’t have wards against supernatural possession (at least to my knowledge). While we don’t tend to see too much in the way of the supernatural in the main Batman comics, we do know Gotham is a city who has a spirit from one of the Hellblazer comics.

Like, my brain is telling me that it wouldn’t be surprising for Gotham to try to manipulate her heroes. Or stronger ghosts trying to possess or at least influence the vigilantes in hopes of getting avenged. Or evil spirits/demons openly trying to possess those in the city.

And it as a result, I could see the vigilantes of the cities carrying a ward with them or painting it on their skin for protection.

Look, I know Bruce seems to naturally intimidate a lot of supernatural things, but they do exist in DC. And with Gotham being Gotham, it honestly surprises me the heroes of the city don’t encounter it more.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt 141

141

Keith was tucked up in bed, saline IV drip in his arm. Lance had been jerking them off when Keith threw up across him. Orgasm, puke, panicked Keith. Moment ruined. Getting Keith up, showered, the bedding stripped and changed, his boyfriend was finally asleep. So much for coming back with a level head... Matt wasn’t Keith sitting ever again. Still, he was kind of cute when he was sleeping and sprouting nonsense. It wasn’t even funny nonsense. Their twins had been upgraded to cupcakes... so that was kind of funny, but Keith obviously not his limits both alcohol wise and mentally.

Heading into the living room, Rieva was back. He really wished they use the front door rather than balcony hoping

“How’s yours?”

“Had to put an IV line. Yours?”

“Tequila hit and he’d acquainting himself with the toilet”

“Did Matt say much?”

“Only that Keith was pretty much babbling by the third shot and obliterated by the 5th shot...”

“Surprised he made it that long... Am I... I did this, didn’t I?”

“Matt did. He wasn’t supposed to take Keith drinking while Keith was upset”

“Keith was upset because of me”

They’d got a lot done with Keith and Matt gone. He’d drafted his will, two copies, one in case Keith didn’t come back, which was now shredded, the other Rieva acted as his witness for. He didn’t have much, but if something happened he wanted Keith and the twins to be provided for. Everything but the coffee machine left to his boyfriend, which went to Pidge as a joke. Keith would decide how to split his assets and if there was something in particular their two best friends wanted Lance was confident Keith would let them take it. Shiro and Curtis to raise their twins if something happened. He hadn’t told Keith, because Keith didn’t want to think about things going wrong. He had a copy of his mother’s will, she’d tried to leave him things but he knew his siblings would contest it. The one thing he knew Luis would want would be Mami’s wedding and engagement ring set, to pass on. He’d slipped it off her finger before they flew back to America, then slid it back on at the service. Even if Luis wanted it, it was where it belonged. Where their Papi had slid it into place all those decades ago.

“Keith was upset because you’ve barely had time to talk about anything properly. Matt did mention you may wish to avoid the hotel lounge. Keith got a bit vocal about your sex life”

Lance groaned. Drunk Keith was a slut. Matt should have known better

“He’s lucky he doesn’t have alcohol poisoning... He’s also lucky Coran sent me back with extra medical supplies. Grab an IV bag if Matt needs one”

Rieva shrugged a shoulder

“He can suffer. I expected more maturity”

“I don’t know... Pidge turns to alcohol to solve all her problems”

“Yes, well. I only popped over to see how you were handling Keith. I can smell vomit in the air”

“Puked all over me. Gotta admit, as gross as it was, it was nice to not be the one throwing up all the time”

Not that Lance wanted to see Keith throwing up. He was pissed at Matt for letting Keith get into this state. Rieva was lucky he could see her and only smell Matt. His ego wanted to punch their friend in the face. Rieva screwed her nose up at his words

“At least mine made it to the bathroom. My plans for a swim are cancelled. Shall I pick you up something for dinner?”

“Yeah. That’d actually be great. Keith’s going to need food to soak up all the alcohol in his system. He still smells like a walking tequila bottle”

“He’ll be feeling it tomorrow. Alright, I’ll pop back soon. You should try rest too. You’re looking a little washed out”

“Try washing Keith when he’s crying, apologising, and groping me all at the same time”

“Nope. That’s a hard pass. I really am sorry for Matt’s actions”

“It’s fine. I totally owe you for today, so I’ll call it even”

“On the plus side, Coran’s fitting the drinks bill...”

He didn’t see that as a plus side. He’d have to pay something towards the room tab before they checked out. The rooms were something like $350 a night and he’d already been there twoish months... or was it three? He didn’t quite know where Keith got three months from. Maybe drunk Keith would tell him?

“... anyway, I’ll see you soon!”

Rieva was back out the window and across the next balcony before Lance could sigh. They were going to get busted for it. All it’d take was someone looking up and opening their big mouths over it. Just another reason why supernaturals shouldn’t be mixing with humans.

Heading back to Keith, his boyfriend was still in the same position Lance had left him in. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he placed his hand on Keith’s hair, letting the soft locks flop over his fingers. He didn’t know what Keith was thinking. Him taking the bite? What kind of crap was that? Keith would probably die before turning. If he turned, he’d have none of the benefits that came with turning young. He was trying to sign up for a life he knew wasn’t as glamorous as Hollywood made believe. He wasn’t going to take Keith’s warmth from him. He wasn’t going to curse him to their weird life. He loved his breathing happy human boyfriend. The feel of his strong heartbeat. The softness of Keith’s warmth as if cocooned around him. His scent. His smile. His ability to function without coffee. Humans were fragile, but he wouldn’t let Keith take the bite. One lifetime with Human Keith was as good as a million with vampire Keith who risked insanity and the troubles of ego. The constant risk of blood borne infection. Their egos might not even get along. Keith’s might outright reject the parts of him he’d liked as a human, and Lance might never recover from the guilt he knew would come if he turned him.

Stroking Keith’s hair, he wished they’d stay like this. Together. He shouldn’t have kept things from Keith, but Keith severely miscalculated how low Lance was. He’d barely started recovering when Mami passed. Yeah, he knew Keith hadn’t had a fun time, but... yeah. He’d fucked things up. The pat on the head and the reassurance he craved came from Rieva. She’d gone to get herself a glass of water from the kitchenette, seeing all the injections and stuff Coran had him taking on top of fresh blood, that he now definitely assumed had been cut off thanks to Keith coming, though feeding from Keith was dangerous. A full feed would leave him weak, his body not able to keep up with his desires to feed Lance as much as he needed. He supposed vampires would simply call in pets to entertain other breeders, that wasn’t what he wanted at all. Love was worth more than blood. Could a human not love a vampire? Or was Keith struggling with the idea of mortality?

Then there was what he’d said. Marriage. Um. Lance wasn’t in a rush. He didn’t feel he had to be married to be with Keith. It went against his romantic heart, but he also didn’t want an engagement ring out of duty. Things like marriage should wait. They hadn’t been together a year, rushing to sign up for the rest of their lives without ironing out the teething problems asked for trouble. Werewolves were different with their concept of marriage. Vampires different again. Vampires generally didn’t marry humans. Humans were generally only ever pets. Keith was not his pet. Did Keith not see them as partners? Did he really see Lance as out of reach permanently if he didn’t take the bite? He hated the thought. The thought he’d drifted so far away from being human in his boyfriend’s eyes. Why couldn’t what they’d had and would have be enough?

*

Falling asleep against Keith, Rieva woke him gently. Matt hanging back, looking like shit

“I’ve brought dinner up if you’d like to join us”

It was food time already? His nap schedule ruined, and his body making it’s dislike known. He’d barely had anything to drink either. One day back with Keith and he acting like a kid

“Yeah... smells good”

“Chicken and rice. Extra for Keith”

“Thanks. I’ll give you the money...”

“We already decided we��re even. I know I told you to nap, yet, I can’t say you seem too rested”

“I got too caught up in taking care of him that I might have forgotten to eat”

Rieva took him by the arm, pulling Lance off Keith who whined in his sleep, patting around for him. Leaning back, Lance kissed Keith’s cheek, his boyfriend’s breath hideous, but trying to brush Keith’s teeth didn’t exactly work when his boyfriend wanted to suck on the toothbrush

“Babe, you awake?”

“Ngggh...”

Nope. He needed sleep. The more sleep the better. He was going to be hung over as fuck

“You just sleep. I’ll be back soon”

“Unmg”

“I know. You regret your life choices. It’s okay, just sleep it off”

“Mhndssf”

“I love you, too”

The three of them left Keith sleeping, Matt throwing himself down on the sofa with such force Lance was worried it was about to break

“I’m amazed you speak drunken Keith. He stopped making sense to me”

Lance shook his head

“Thanks for that. I don’t, and I don’t appreciate you getting him drunk”

“Trust me, dude. No more tequila for him. no mas tequila”

Matt’s Spanish was like nails on a chalk board, making him cringe. He’d even thrown in a very bad Spanish accent trying to sell the three words

“Did he try hitting on you? He’s a slut when he’s drunk”

“No. That would have been easier to deal with. It was all “I love Lance!”. “Lance likes it when I hold hips down and fuck him!”. “Lance is perfection!”. “Lance is life!”. I want my cupcakes!””

Lance groaned. He’d never be able to face any of the hotel staff again

“You shouldn’t have taken him drinking...”

“I know! He just seemed like he needed to let loose”

There was any number of things Matt could have taken Keith off and done...

“Then take him for Karaoke. Give him like two shots and he’ll get up there... Do you have any idea what he’s been saying?”

“That he’s serious about being with you?”

“That the wants to be bitten”

“Ah. He’ll get over that”

Matt waved it off dismissively

“That doesn’t seem like something he’ll just get over, Matt”

Not when Keith had this idea of forever being unnaturally long

“He had something like 8 shots. He won’t remember”

“That’s beside the point because I remember. Couldn’t you have picked something else to talk about?”

“Trust me, I tried”

Rieva interrupted the pair of them

“Aaaaaanyway, Lance, you need to eat. One full blood bag and your food”

“I will”

“You’ll do it now or you’ll forget”

“I don’t forget. It’d be so much easier if I did”

“I don’t care for your excuses, eat, now”

He wasn’t trying to make excuses. He’d come out to eat with his... pack. He was just trying to learn about what Keith had said while drunk. Not putting off eating. This was why he had a hard time accepting the help of his friends because, despite wanting the best for him, he now felt slightly smothered.

Thanks to the feeling of being smothered, Lance was distant through dinner. Before he knew what happened he found his plate emptied. Matt and Rieva also having finished eating, with Matt looking too well after the greasy chicken

“If you’re going to puke, please try to make it to the bathroom”

The scent of Keith’s vomit was bad enough. He didn’t need Matt puking, he was liable to start vomiting at any moment as it was. The chicken looked good, tasted good, but the amount of oil coupled with the scent was definitely not good.

Matt nodded, chicken bone still his mouth

“I think I’m going to eat and run before you start sucking down that blood”

“Matthew!”

Matt shrugged

“He said to go if I’m feeling sick, I’m feeling sick, take care of meeee”

Eh. Close enough. He had Keith to nurse as it was

“I’m sorry, Lance. Matt’s banned from drinking until we get home”

Good luck with that one. Matt not drinking was like Keith not having coffee. If he wanted to drink, he would. That was just how Matt was

“What? Babe. Nooooo”

“You should have thought about that before you ruined our plans. You reap what you sow”

“Lance, please tell me we’re on the first plane out of here tomorrow”

He got it. He was interrupting their lives. Yep. He knew it. Rieva and Matt should be back in America. He’d lasted long enough on his own. He could manage

“You guys can go if you really want to, but I want to spend some more time here”

Rieva elbowed Matt

“Lance, we’re not leaving until you are ready”

Open wound. Pour in salt. Bam. Same feeling as what he felt at Rieva mothering him

“I’ll think about it some more. Thanks for the help earlier. It felt good to get things organised”

“You’re very welcome. Don’t stay up too late”

That meant no walk along the beach alone at night. Too bad for Rieva that he was going to. Lance supposed it was a bit weird, but to him it was like a treat for making it through the day. He could walk the beach, swim if he felt like it, breathe in the salt air and just let go

“Alright. Off you both go. I’ll take care of the clean up”

He’d said alright. Not that he’d promised to. It’d been far too long since he’d been swimming and he’d always loved the water. Going home meant returning to dry inland heat and not a pool in sight. Why couldn’t people just trust him to make the choices that made him happy and his head less busy? No one bothered him. He bothered no one. He always dressed warmly enough... He’d wake Keith up and let him know before he went. No one could be mad at him for that. This was why he’d been keeping so much to himself. Because he knew his mental health was being a little shit and his ego a flaring arsehole. He’d asked for time, not for love to be shoved down his throat at the first possible instance until it choked him.

[thrashton]

soaring light (chapter 7)

Summary: Don’t get attached, do not engage in any physical contact… The list of rules were long, but Lucas had never been the one to follow orders. In fact, he might have broken all of them in just a week, all because of the piercing eyes staring at him from the assignment in his hands, and the charming, mysterious boy they belonged to. Who wanted him dead, and why?

Chapter summary: Lucas deals with the aftermath of what he did at Eliott's party, and Manon tries to stop him from doing something incredibly stupid.

read on ao3 here

-

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Eliott!”

Eliott wasn’t listening. Eliott wasn’t bothered. Eliott was dancing around the room with the drink in his hand, happily grinning at the party guests. Lucas was following closely behind, heart beating hard enough to jump out of his chest. His vision was blurry and he didn’t know if it was because of the alcohol or the fact that he was about to kill Eliott. The noises seemed to blend in to a constant thumping sound in his ears and he couldn’t concentrate on anything else than Eliott in front of him.

“Eliott, wait!” Lucas yelled, but his voice was drowned by the screams and loud singing in the enormous living room. “Eliott!”

The older boy twitched his head to the side, finally catching Lucas’ voice in the crowd around them. He waved, a smirk playing on his lips. Lucas grabbed his arm, a bit too forcefully based on Eliott’s eyebrows furrowing, before he could slip away again.

“I’m sorry” , Lucas quickly recovered, taking his hand back from his arm. “I… can I have your drink?”

Eliott looked at him for a few moments, then a sweet, soft laugh let his lips. “You want my drink? I can make you a copy if you’d like. You could’ve asked.”

“I mean”, Lucas hesitated. Shit, he knew he shouldn’t. It would get him in so much fucknig trouble, he shouldn’t, he shouldn’t, he shouldn’t- “I think someone poisoned it.”

Eliott glanced down at his drink, and then he brought it up to his nose. For a terrifying moment, Lucas thought he was going to take a sip, but Eliott just sniffed it, confusion written across his face. “How do you know?” he asked, “doesn’t look or smell weird. Look, if you want one I can-”

“Eliott, please”, Lucas pleaded, it was too late to go back now. Fuck, he couldn't kill the guy at his own party. He would traumatise every guest and ruin countless of lives. No, he had to do it more sneakily. Besides, the dose he put in his drink would make him sick enough to faint in probably 20 minutes, which would just be a disaster. No, Eliott deserved to die peacefully, at least that Lucas could give him. “A guy took your drink and I didn’t think about it at first but now…”

“It’s fine, Lucas”, Eliott smiled, “it’s absolutely adorable that you-”

“Eliott! Please. Give me the drink.” He voice was sharp enough to cut through the music and Eliott met his eyes for a moment before nodding shortly, handing the drink over to Lucas.

“Okay”, he nodded, “okay. Let’s go make new ones?”

“Yeah”, Lucas nodded, his knuckled white from the pressure he put on the glass.

Eliott seemed to have totally forgot about what Lucas told him as the came back to the kitchen. Lucas quickly poured the liquor down the sink and proceeded to wash the glass extremely carefully. Eliott was busy whistling as he reached for two new cups to make the same drink in.

“Hand me the lemon juice?” he asked cheerfully, not a clue about what had been just a disastrous moment away.

Lucas, swallowing thickly, did as told. “Sure. Here.”

Eliott smiled at him, but Lucas couldn’t bring himself to smile back. For the first time ever, he had hesitated enough to stop someone from dying. For the first time ever, he had failed to do his job.

And he knew what happened to people who failed.

He still had almost two weeks. If no one found out what he did today - it would be fine. Fuck, it would be fine. There was no proof of what he did and the poison would disperse in the sink and unless  you knew what you were looking for, there would be no trace of it.

“Are you okay?” Eliott asked, “you look a bit pale.”

Eliott reached out to run his fingers down his arm, but Lucas flinched away. Clenching his jaw, he stared down at the floor, refusing to meet his eyes. “I got to go”, he said.

“What, really? Are you alright? Look, I’m sorry if I didn’t take the poison thing seriously, my friends-”

“Don’t touch me”, Lucas interrupted him as Eliott reached out to touch him again, “I gotta go. I gotta go, I-” He held up his hands as to defend himself from… from something, before stumbling back out towards the hallways.

Lucas barely remembered getting his shoes on before rushing down the stairs, ignoring Eliott’s confused voice as he shouted his name.

Fuck.

-

Lucas refused to leave his home for four days. He was torn between planning Eliott’s death and his own escape. He would be able to disappear for a while, maybe until they stopped searching for him if he failed his mission, and then he could come back and - no.

He could slip something into Eliott’s drink or food another time, he just had to find a way to do it without having to hang out with him because it made it all way too hard, so - no.

He didn’t get anywhere in his planning. And Yann got nowhere trying to drag his ass out of the door.

“Nope!” Lucas yelled as he wrapped his body around the sofa in every way he could, trying his best to hang on as Yann tried to force him up.

“Get up!” Yan yelled back.

“There’s no reason to go out, it’s raining!”

“You’re impossible”, Yann growled, finally releasing his grip around his waist, “you’re being a pouty baby. Where's the tough guy I know?”

Lucas glared at him. “You’re just playing me right now.”

A grin spread on his face, “I am. But seriously Lu, is this because of the party?”

“Still, no”, Lucas shrugged as Yann asked about Eliott’s party for the fifth time in the hour he had been at Lucas’ apartment.

“Don't believe you”, Yann sat down next to him, “what, Eliott fucked another?”

“Excuse me?” Lucas stared at him, “I don’t want-”

“Kidding, kidding! But seriously, did he?”

Lucas shrugged. “Don’t know. Probably, a lot of attractive people there. I left before I could find out.”

“You left?

Lucas didn’t meet his eyes. “Yeah.”

Yann huffed quietly and put a soft hand on his shoulder. Lucas didn’t know why the tears were burning in his eyes at the touch of his best friend.

“Why? Did he do something? Look, we don’t know the guy-”

“No, no”, Lucas shook his head, “I… I just chickened out and left. It’s my fault. Yann, I don’t know what this is.”

“What is?” His voice was so soft and understanding is started to piss Lucas off. He wanted someone to scream at him, tell him he was being a fucking idiot and had to pull himself together or he could put his own life - and the people he loved lives in danger.

“Eliott. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Alright”, Yann nodded a few times, “alright. I didn’t get to be there when you came out and when the whole process, but I’m sure as hell gonna be here though your first love.”

Lucas finally looked up to glare at him, but Yann was only smiling, clearly sending the I’m-kidding-but-I-made-you-look-message he was hoping for.

“Not funny”, Lucas rolled his eyes, “we haven’t spoke since. I was a dick.”

“Tell him.”

“That I was a dick? That’s not-”

“Yeah”, Yann smiled, “tell him that.”

Lucas stared at the phone clutched in his hands. Sitting and weeping like an idiot because of some lost crush was plain stupid, he knew he had to contact him if he was about to finish his contract in time. Lucas swallowed thickly, forcing his nerves down his stomach again while clicking up the message conversation with Eliott. They hadn’t said a word since the party. Lucas had considered asking how it went after he left, if it was any fun without him (maybe a winky face at the end), but never had the courage to do it. It was incredibly stupid considering he killed people for a living.

-

To: Eliott

I’m a dick.

-

“Did it!” Lucas threw the phone in front of him. Why was his heart beating so fast?

Yann grinned. “Good, now watch him and wait until he agrees.”

“Yeah, and- what? Agrees? I’m not-”

“Lucas. You kind of are. He gave you free alcohol and company and you just left.” Lucas stared at him and he had never in his life wanted to tell Yann the truth so much as he wanted in that moment. But I almost killed him! he wanted to yell. “Look”, Yann continued, “I know there’s something you’re not telling me and you don’t have to, I’m just saying if you want to talk to anyone, I’m here.”

“It’s not like that”, Lucas sighed, “it’s just… complicated.”

“Sure”, Yann shrugged, “just… don’t leave me behind. I’m gonna let you fix whatever you’re going through-”

Lucas phone buzzed. Yann fell quiet as the both stared down at Lucas’ scream.

-

From: Eliott

If you say so.

-

Lucas gasped och Yann chuckled. “Get going tiger”, Yann smiled, “I gotta pick up Chloé now but call if anything’s up. I wanna know how this goes.”

“You’ll be the first to know”, Lucas nodded, not able to take his eyes off the screen and the short, affirming message Eliott sent him. At least he replied, right? It was a start.

-

To: Eliott

I’m sorry I freaked and left.

-

Lucas waited patiently for a reply as Yann got his jacket on and waved him goodbye from the door. Silence fell in the room the moment it closed behind him and his echoing shoes died down in the hallway outside.

-

From: Eliott

No worries. Didn’t mean to pressure you into anything. I had a busy week, that’s why I didn’t contact you.

-

Lucas frowned. Eliott wasn’t mad at him? Okay, see, life could work his way sometimes too. This was progress.

-

From: Eliott

Also, you were right. Thanks for warning me.

-

Lucas was chewing on his lower lip, fingers hovering over the screen.

-

To: Eliott

You’re welcome. What do you mean?

-

The reply came quickly. Eliott was typing the moment after Lucas pressed send.

-

From: Eliott

Someone did try and poison me. Police found traces in my sink where you poured out the drink. I think you saved my life.

-

The air suddenly seemed to leave his lungs. The low humming of the cars outside seemed to disappear and the only thing echoing through his ears was his own, loud, frantic breathing.

-

From: Eliott

Sorry if that was a shock, but I really wanna thank you in person, if you’d like? Maybe you saw something that could help us find whoever did it?

-

Lucas barely noticed as the phone slipped through his fingers, falling from the couch down on the floor with a soft thump. He didn’t even realize he was crying before the first tear dropped down on the back of his hand. Oh no.

-

To: Eliott

Are you sure? I was probably overreacting.

-

From: Eliott

Thought so too but you seemed so worried I brought the police shortly after you left. They found traces of it.

-

He screwed up. In the only line of work where you, under no circumstances, were allowed to screw up; he screwed up. He- his phone called and his heart almost jumped out of his chest. It was Manon’s name written over the screen, and Lucas had to force himself down on the floor to pick his phone up. There was a small crack leading from one side to the other, probably from the drop.

It was buzzing in his hand for a good 15 seconds before Lucas realized Manon wasn’t going to stop calling unless he picked up.

Clearing his throat, trying to calm his poor heart, he answered. “Hi.”

“What did you do?” Manon’s voice was sharp and way too loud considering what she was referring to.

“Nothing”, Lucas croaxed.

“I met with the right hand”, Manon told him, referring to his boss’ closest employee, the same, scary woman that visited his apartment not too long ago, after his first date with Eliott.

“So?” Lucas tried to sound like he couldn’t be more bored.

“So”, Manon repeated, “she left in a fucking rush, saying something like I knew that boy would fuck up. And don’t you dare try and lie - I know it’s you.”

“I’m-”

“Lucas!” Manon was yelling, “tell me what the hell is going on!”

Lucas sank down in the couch, not able to stop his eyes tearing up from the sudden rush of confusion and pure sadness flowing through his body, darkening his mind. “I fucked up”. he sighed. “I think I fucked up bad.”

Manon’s voice was soft when she replied. “What happened?”

Lucas wiped the back of his hand under his eye. “I did what I had to”, he said, hesitating, “but then I… I didn’t.”

“Huh? You took your pills?” Took your (or give someone your) pills meant poisoning your target.

“Yeah”, Lucas nodded, defeated, “but then I took the glass out of his hand and threw it down the sink.”

“Down the sink”, Manon repeated slowly, “Lucas, are you kidding me?

He shook his head, realizing only after a second of silence that Manon couldn’t see his action. “Andthepolicefoundtraceofit”, he rushed out.

“The what?” Manon repeated slowly.

“Police”, Lucas groaned, “found traces of it. Eliott thanked me for saving his life.” He was fully aware he wasn’t speaking in codewords anymore, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Oh, Lucas”, Manon sighed, her vice filled with an understanding that somehow made Lucas angry.

“I’ll fix it”, Lucas said, “it’s fine. They can’t trace it to me or us anyways.”

“Fix it how?”

Lucas leaned back on the couch, staring up at the ceiling. He was too tired to feel scared or upset. It would be fine. Somehow, it would be fine. Everything would work out. He just had to wait. “I’ll talk to the right hand, tell her the truth. I’m sure they have some way of fixing this.”

“I hope so”, Manon groaned, “if you need somewhere to disappear, don’t hesitate to call me, alright?”

“Yeah, okay”, Lucas nodded, “what do you think they’ll say?”

He could hear Manon considering his question for a moment, “take away your contract, for starters. If you’re lucky get you underground for a while? I mean, this is your first mistake.”

“You don’t get two chances in this line of work.”

“But you’re good, Lucas”, she insisted, “you’re one of the best, everyone knows it. If anyone gets two chances, it’s definitely you.”

Her voice somehow didn’t convince him. “We’ll see. I’m just trying to figure out how to keep the contract.”

Manon fell silent. “You want to keep it?” she asked after a while, clearly surprised.

Lucas knew he should just shut the fuck up and end the call, but it felt so good to get his thoughts out to someone who understood what he was going through. He wanted, badly, to open up to Yann but it was risking both of their lives and it wasn’t worth it. “Yeah”, Lucas said.

“Oh no”, Manon groaned, voice filled with realization of what Lucas really meant by that. “You can’t save him, Lucas! He’s on our radar one way or another. If you don’t do it, someone else will.”

“I’m not gonna let him die”, Lucas shook his head, “I’ll fix this. Manon, it’s fine. I’ll fix it. I can pay those-”

“It’s not about payment! It’s about the client!”

Lucas parted his lips to argue against it, but the words caught in his throat. She was right. “You’re right”, he told her, “it’s about the client.”

“No, I don’t like that tone. What are you thinking?”

“I’m gonna find them”, Lucas decided, “I’ll find them and I’ll fix this.”

Manon sighed loudly, “you’re getting too deep into this, risking your life for someone you don’t even know.”

Lucas hid his face in his hands, rubbing his eyes, “I can’t give the pill to innocent people, Manon. I go for rapists, criminals, those who deserve it. Not Eliott.”

“You don’t know what he did, though. You don’t know if he’s innocent.”

It’s in his eyes, Lucas wanted to say, but he didn’t. That wouldn’t make any sense for anyone except for him. Lucas knew Eliott was innocent. There was absolutely no way he could have done anything to the deserve the end coming his way - and Lucas couldn’t let that happen. He was in this line of work because it had to be done. Someone had to go after the assholes who bought themselves out of jail or escaped their punishment in other ways. But no one had the right to kill someone who didn’t deserve it.

“I’m sure, Manon”, Lucas said sharply, “just… just don’t argue with me about this. And stay out of it, alright?”

Manon knew he was only thinking of her own good. “I won’t”, she sighed, “be careful, okay? I’m sure by the way she rushed away from me, she’s on her way to you. Survive her and take it from there.”

“I will. Good bye, Manon.”

“Good luck, Lucas”, she sighed sadly, ending the phone call before Lucas had the chance to say anything else.

He swallowed thickly, glancing over at the door. All he had to do now, was find who wanted Eliott dead and frame them for the poisoning at his party. And without a client, the contract would be broken and therefor Eliott didn’t have to die.

It was absolutely insane and Lucas should just run as far away as possible from Eliott and whatever mess he was about to get himself into, but something told him stay. He wasn’t sure what that something was just yet, but he would find out. As always.

But before he could do anything, Lucas shifted in the couch to a position where he had a clear visual at the apartment door, and waited. Waited for whatever the black clothed woman who just stepped out of the white limousine on the street below his window, would tell him.

[osmw1]

Poison-Wielding Fugitive   Chapter 26

“Uh, umm… Yukihisa?” “Hmm? What?”

I stop in between bites and look up at Arleaf and her parents.

“Are you okay… eating that much? Please don’t force yourself.”

Arleaf’s mom comes to her senses and brings me countless bottles of antidotes from the shop.

“Oh, I’m fine. In fact, I can’t get enough of this incredible flavor. Heck, I feel stronger than ever before.”

Let me check my status. Whoa… that’s crazy! All my stats have gone up, along with my health and mana regeneration. I even earn experience and skills quicker too. Oh, and my poison attacks do more damage… I can’t believe how many bonuses I’m getting. Just out of curiosity, I open up the menu and see what kind of poisons I can create.

Toxin of Arleaf’s Poison Cooking

The text is flickering a little, but I got a new option. Kinda cruel for a name. But it seems quite powerful, so I’d better not mess with it. I finished my plate while checking my status.

“Thanks for the meal.”

Mm. My body feels light and nimble. The fatigue that had built up seems to have disappeared as well. I feel so ready to go hunt in the swamp right now.

“Let me take a look at you, alright?”

Arleaf’s mom holds her hand to my forehead. I was told this afterwards, but apparently her class is Physician.

“Clean bill of health for you. No adverse effects or anything at all.” “C-Cohgray knows how to use storage magic. I bet he was just pretendin’ he was eatin’ it.” “Dear? Have you forgotten that our daughter’s cooking has Resist? He would be quite the monster if he were able to do that.”

Resist, huh? I didn’t know that was a thing. Does that mean I can’t store it? But what’s the reasoning behind it?

“Oh, uhh, that reminds me…”

Arleaf’s dad looks like he’s in deep thought as folds his arms together, muttering.

“It’s just some rumor I’ve heard from other adventurers, but they say you bathe in the swamp, Cohgray… I just laughed it off, but…”

Gah?! Don’t tell me I was being watched? It’s so unrealistic, it could be passed off as a joke. But now it might seem credible after all. Maybe I can brush it off with one of the Black Company Secret Techniques, Poker Face?

“You were floating face up when I found you too. Could it be…”

Arleaf follows up with a snipe, dealing critical damage! What should I do?! How do I brush them off now? Does magic solve everything? Help me, Veno!

‘… blub blub blub.’

Damn it! You useless dragon! I bet you’re just blowing bubbles right now, aren’t you?! I have no choice! Time to get serious!

“Uh, yeah… the truth is that I’m a Poison-Wielder, an uncommon specialty class. Not only does poison not hurt me, it even makes me stronger. And I’m here in this village because of the proximity to the swamp. So that’s why I was able to eat all of that…”

That was a little harsh, but it’s the truth. I’m sure it’s okay telling them. In fact, they might suspect me more if I were to hide it from them. And since Bloodflower is a disease from a long time ago, they won’t be able to blame me for it either!

“What’d you just say?!” “That’s… but… hmm…”

Arleaf’s dad sinks into deeper thought. At least he understood why I was able to eat Arleaf’s cooking.

“I’m an expert with poison, so I know what’s safe and what’s not for human consumption. That’s also why that acquaintance of mine was so willing to train me.”

Finally, the father pats his daughter on the shoulder.

“Arleaf, this may just be fate. Cohgray… I’m sure he will accept all of you. Don’t let this slip by.” “What are you saying?”

Wasn’t he fine with his daughter marrying late?

“Cohgray. Don’t be a stranger anymore. From now on, call me your father-in-law.”

Well, it’s refreshing that he’s changed his attitude about me. But who was it that threatened me with poison again?

“I am very grateful, but Arleaf herself has not said agreed to this, so I’m afraid that I cannot accept your offer.”

We’ve already agreed to have Arleaf only assist me, not to mention that she’s only helping me while I’m here.

“Yukihisa… umm, my father has already given you his blessing… so please treat me well from now on.”

No, wait, time out. Sure, your father has given me permission, but this ain’t quite right. Plus, the one they call Cohgray of the Swamps just finished a plate of Arleaf’s Poison Cooking… they’ll start calling me Cohgray, the Poison Eater.

“Oh, who’da guessed?! Haha! I didn’t think there’d be anyone in this world to have such a talent to not only eat, but to finish all of Arleaf’s cooking! Ah-haha!”

I join them for a meal again; this time lunch. Arleaf’s mom is cooking for us all. Yeah, I feel fine. I can eat. In the midst of lunch, Arleaf’s father takes out a bottle of liquor from somewhere and starts knocking back drink after drink. He sure is happy. Why would he—a man who dotes on his daughter so much, he’s willing to chase away all his likely sons-in-law—be so happy to have found a potential groom for his daughter? I don’t think I’ll ever understand how he thinks.

“Aren’t you being a little too honest, dear?” “No way I can stop! We’ve found someone to accept Arleaf completely! She’ll no longer be accused of poisoning people anymore. She didn’t even have to sacrifice anything either. How can I not be happy?!”

He was probably against marrying his daughter off to protect her, but maybe also to protect her husband. So that she doesn’t come to any harm with her ability of Poison Cooking…

“One of these days, Father, I shall mix my cooking into yours.” “If you think yer up to it, bring it on! Haha!”

Don’t egg your daughter on. The murderous rage hiding behind that smile of Arleaf’s is terrifying.

“Mu.” ‘Unbelievable… the flavor was revolting. To be able to knock out a dragon… from time to time, humans are truly capable of great feats.’

Muu began to regain consciousness shortly afterwards and Veno did so only slightly sooner. Maybe he recovered quickly since he’s a Poison Dragon after all.

‘Just tasting it was enough. If I had eaten it, who knows what would have happened.’

Veno guessed what had happened while he was knocked out.

‘I would never recommend thee to let others know thy intent, but it could have gone worse, especially considering the bonuses thou had gained from the food.’

Well… If I ever need to go slay monsters, I could always go and have some of Arleaf’s cooking first. It’ll buff my abilities and give me a bonus to leveling up my skills too. No reason not to use it right up ‘til the enemy comes knocking at the door. I could also get Arleaf to pack me a bento. It’d be more effective than any half-assed potion.

Well, I can gloss the whole uncommon Poison-Wielder thing over. I didn’t say anything about having a dragon inside my mind. And it doesn’t really have anything to do with Veno anyway.

“Good grief… how shameful, drinking before your meal even started. Dinner’s ready.”

Arleaf’s mother begins to bring course after course out. Wow… there’s a soup with a bunch of different ingredients and something that resembles a pizza. It smells absolutely delicious.

“Then, let us pray first. Oh, you don’t need to mind us, Mr. Cohgray.” “No, please, go ahead.”

Arleaf’s family gets seated, rests their elbows on the dining table, and clasps their hand together.

“The Holy Dragon who slumbers in our world, we are able to join together here today for a meal at your mercy. We vow to do good with your gift, which we are about to receive.”

Arleaf’s whole family mutters the same words and pray together. They’re the type to pray before every meal, eh? I’m not much of a religious man and I don’t understand much. But I know that prayer important to them religious types, so I remain silent for them. And I’m guessing that it’s good that they’re praying to some holy dragon, since it’d have nothing to do with the country that’s after Veno’s head.

‘Aye, indeed. Followers of the Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil would dedicate their prayers to something like “Mother Nature, our tree” or something like that.’ “Muu muu muu…”

Muu plays along and mutters something too. You’re a sly dog, aren’t you? Acting all cute.

“Now then, let’s dig in. Mr. Cohgray, you go ahead as well.” “Hahaha. From now on, Cohgray’s got Arleaf’s cooking to look forward to. Don’t worry about it.” “Father, if you don’t cut that out, I will be angry at you.” “That’s right. It’s a big day for Arleaf, so hold back a little, won’t you?” “Ah-haha! I can’t help myself!”

I ignore Arleaf’s father being all jolly and start eating. Mm. This is indeed really delicious. Considering I’ve been eating tough steaks at the tavern and as well as my own cooking, this is miles better. It seems like this isn’t the cheap stuff either. Must be because I’m over for lunch.

Oh, yeah. I could also give them some steak that’s been marinated in Mollifying Poison. I may have used poison, but it tastes great after all. As long as I explain it clearly to them, it should be alright.

“Oh, I had almost forgotten. Sorry for interrupting the conversation, but Arleaf, you’re going to have to explain to Mr. Cohgray what you can do.”

Having been instructed by her mom, Arleaf goes all embarrassed and nods without making eye contact.

“Umm, right. Before I was a Chemist, I had been a unique first job. I’ve changed back to that job to aid you as a party member.” “Oh? You were specced into a weird class like I was, Arleaf?” “It would be more accurately described as unique to our lineage.” “That’s right. We have quite the weird clan! We’ve even got relatives who are clergymen, y’know?”

Arleaf’s father, that drunkard, says boastfully.

“This part is the one that is a little different. I’ve changed into a more magic-focused class called D-Psy Earth. I am level 13 with my D-Psy Earth and level 18 for my Chemist. Hopefully, I will be useful to you in battle.”

Hmm, I see… seems like Arleaf not only knows Poison Cooking but has foundations in magic as well. That initial D doesn’t stand for anything weird, like “Deadly,” does it? She does know Poison Cooking after all.

“And since I’ve learned Magic Sense before I was a Chemist, I am able to attack and heal with magic. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be of any use to you…” “And that D…?” “…”

Ah, Arleaf looked away.

“I… I was born with a skill called ‘Death-Beckoning Cooking’…”

previously: /ch001/ /ch002/ /ch003/ /ch004/ /ch005/ /ch006/ /ch007/ /ch008/ /ch009/ /ch010/ /ch011/ /ch012/ /ch013/ /ch014/ /ch015/ /ch016/ /ch017/ /ch018/ /ch019/ /ch020/ /ch021/ /ch022/ /ch023/ /ch024/ /ch025/ /ch026/ /next/ (full list of translated chapters) (discussion thread on Novel Updates) (please support me on Patreon or Paypal)

[thelastyearinmyforties]

T-Minus 2 Weeks: January

Two weeks from today is the day. The move from the 40s to the 50s. It’s starting to seem a little surreal. I don’t feel like I’m about to be 50. What would that feel like anyway? I’m pretty certain I don’t look 50...maybe I do. Maybe this is what someone who’s almost 50 years old looks like. Who’s to say? I’m positive I don’t act 50. I mean the very real fact is, I may have already lived more than half of my life. That’s weird. All I know is, it’s coming and I can’t do anything to stop it. Now, let’s talk about January...

Where do I even begin? January has never been a favorite, but for most of my life I tolerated it. But something happened in 2011 and January and I have been in a fight ever since. But this year...this year January is playing dirty and I am so ready to be done with it that I will sprint into February just to get out of it.

January 2011

First day of work after the holiday: Employee resigns, totally unexpectedly.

Second day back: Left my purse at home - mind you at that time I was commuting 32 miles to work.

Third day: Fell down the stairs at my house.

Last day of that first week back: Employee who resigned in December worked her last day.

I honestly had to take a couple of days off work and fly out of town for the weekend in an attempt to regroup. It mostly worked. But then the next January rolled around...

January 2012

During the first week of the month I had to have surgery to fix some girl problems that had been plaguing me for more than two months. I’ll spare you the details but suffice it to say, it wasn’t the most delightful way to start the year. A little over two weeks later I was diagnosed with pneumonia and had to cancel a trip to New York City and miss two weeks of work. In addition, in the middle of that, an employee resigned amidst some legal allegations.

Yeah. All of that sucked.

January 2013

Things at work went haywire and someone I trusted and respected threw me under the bus and then just stopped interacting with me completely. I honestly wasn’t sure I was going to have a job when things were over. In addition, a previous employee filed a lawsuit in which I was named. It was truly one of the most stressful times I’ve ever had at work and in my personal life.

So yeah. That January sucked even more than the one with pneumonia. 

January 2014

I decided to fight the next January by not being here for part of it so I planned a short trip to Denver to see my mom. That was all well and good until the weather delayed my flight back and I spent hours upon hours in the Denver airport. By the time I got back I was so sick that I thought I might die. But I had training the next day at work - a 4-day training to get certified in something - so in I went. It was a horrible day, one where another employee and I had a bad interaction, partially due to me not being 100% myself and partially due to me not understanding how to work with her. I went to the doctor the next day and was diagnosed with two separate infections, loaded up with drugs, and told to stay home the rest of the week. So yeah, I missed the training, felt terrible about how things ended with my coworkers, and could hardly function enough to even turn on the TV. 

January 2015

This was probably the least traumatic of the Januarys since 2011, likely because The Mother took things into control and came here. Still, work was unbearably stressful and I kept looking around the corner to see when the shoe was going to drop.

January 2016

The month started once again with an employee leaving, which is frankly just the worst way to start a year. But I took things down a different path that year, deciding to host an early birthday celebration for myself by flying in one of my favorite musicians to play a house show. My mom and Frank came out and frankly, now that I’m reading this, it seems clear I need The Mother to be here in order for January to be okay. If only I’d come to that revelation sooner...

January 2017

Once again I took some time at the beginning of the year to visit Colorado and spend time with The Mother. That was all good, and actually, things were going well until I went to the doctor when I got home. This was a new doctor since I’d just switched to Kaiser and seeing someone new is always a little stressful, but it had to be done. During the course of that meeting I was told how overweight and unhealthy I was so yay! Happy New Year to me! I was put on new medication, told to eat better and to lose some weight. Meanwhile, when all my test results came back a few days later I was as healthy as I knew I was. But whatever. 

Later that same day I had to deal with the DMV, but I had an appointment so it wasn’t actually terrible. After that I had some lunch, did some shopping then came home. Sometime in the middle of the night is when the food poisoning hit, and quite honestly, it was the third time I’d had food poisoning in a year so I was wholly unamused. I was supposed to go back to work the next day but that didn’t happen and I ended up home the rest of the week. I mean really...

Oh, and did I mention? Two employees resigned before I even went to Colorado...because of course they did...

And now here we are in January of 2018...

I was really trying to have a better attitude about it, thinking maybe last year was the worst...that food poisoning was the real low point...oh how wrong I was.

I took the whole first week off this year thinking that if I didn’t even step foot into work until the second week it would be better. But to be fair, it was already stressful because my boss retired in December and I didn’t have a new one - still don’t. So the higher level boss (VP) is managing us on an interim basis and the unknown factor of that was already adding a level of stress I wasn’t excited about. But honestly, it was pretty okay when I went back to work. We had a great first meeting and I was feeling pretty good. Silly me.

One of the worst weeks of life began Thursday, January 11. I left work early to head to a concert in San Francisco, a concert that had been rescheduled from December. I was barely on the freeway when my Check Air Pressure light came on, and moments later I felt the tire going flat. When all was said and done I had a new tire and didn’t make it to the concert. Not fun. But I was mostly okay. I was able to get a refund on the concert and I didn’t get hurt, nor did anyone else. 

But the night wasn’t over. It became a joke, to be honest. I decided to get a good dinner, sit and relax, and move on from the tire drama, but that was just ridiculous thinking on my part. I couldn’t find a place to park between two parking lots for the first place I wanted to go so I changed my path. I parked at the next place only to get to the door to find it closed due to a plumbing problem. Because of course. I decided at that point to just get Chipotle and bring it home. As i was standing in line one of the workers announced that they were out of chips. Seriously?! I mean, that’s the primary reason I go there! I got right out of line and sat in my car for several minutes before deciding to go where I should have gone in the first place, my favorite local Mexican spot. Thankfully the food was good but even it wasn’t normal. They never brought me chips and salsa until I was already eating. I didn’t even want it at that point. It was just ridiculous.

Two days later, when the Sharks won the game in overtime, the guy sitting next to me somehow elbowed me in the head so hard that I got a concussion. Having had one before, I knew it instantly. It was certainly not intentional but man, did it hurt. I’m still not 100% recovered from that. If you’ve ever had a concussion then you know how it feels. If you haven’t, be thankful. It’s not fun. I’ve had a headache since then - yes, still even this morning - and my eye is still not back to normal. I had to cancel plans with two different friends a couple of days later, and also had to cancel going to another event later in the week. 

And then came Wednesday, the night of the event I decided not to go to because of the concussion. I felt crummy, the weather was gross, and I should have just taken myself home and gone to bed. But no. That would have been too simple. I went to one place for dinner and decided to sit in the bar because there wasn’t a wait. Except there was because I waited almost ten minutes and no one even said boo to me. One server walked by my table five or six times and never even looked at me. I left. Irritated. And hungry. I decided to avoid any other restaurants and decided to just go to the grocery store, a place I don’t enjoy. 

The store was pretty busy but I did self check-out and headed home. Part way home I realized I didn’t have my ring, the ring that was my aunt’s wedding ring, given to me by my grandparents about ten years ago, the ring worth more than all my other jewelry combined. I told myself not to panic, that it had probably fallen in the trunk, or one of my bags, so I carefully got out of the car, checked all around, emptied the bags, and looked around the trunk as much as I could in the dark. There was no ring. 

So I drove back to the store, parked in almost the same place and walked back in, looking as I did. At this point I was panicked. I talked to an employee to ask if anyone had turned in a ring and she directed me to another employee, a store manager. When I told her I’d lost a ring she asked what it looked like. I told her it was gold with diamonds, and she said she’d seen a gold ring on the ground and another woman picked it up as if it were hers. It was at this point my heart sank. I remembered the woman. She’d been at the self check-out in front of me, and she had a stroller filled with all kinds of things. She was kind of all over the place and I’m not sure she was all there. 

The manager went and looked at the security footage but couldn’t see enough to confirm it was my ring, but the timing was too coincidental for me. I gave her my contact information and told her I’d send her a photo of the ring when I got home. I walked all around the store, checking in all the sections I’d been to earlier, then walked to the car and made the hard call to my mom. 

As she can attest, that’s when I completely lost it. My aunt was her sister, her only sister, my only aunt. She died more than 20 years ago, far too young, and the ring held great sentimental value. My mom, of course, told me it was an accident but I was spiraling and could hardly breathe. January had played the worst hand of all this time and I wasn’t even sure I could drive home. I decided to call the police and report the ring as lost/stolen then waited for them to arrive so I could relive the whole thing again. 

Almost an hour and a half later, after there was no conclusive evidence that the ring had fallen off there or that the woman had stolen it, I was left with nothing but emptiness. I realize that sounds dramatic but that’s how I felt. I came home and found the photo, sent it to the woman at the store then posted it all over social media in the hopes that somewhere, somehow, it showed up, knowing deep in my soul that it was gone forever. Here’s the photo one more time...just in case...

I was calmer the next day but still felt empty. I couldn’t believe I’d been so careless. I blamed the concussion. I blamed January. But really, it was my fault. And even if the woman took it knowing it wasn’t hers, it was my fault for losing it in the first place. It’s been a few days now and I know it’s gone. I know it’s just a thing, and that no one blames me. I know people lose things all the time, many more valuable than this. I know I can’t replace it and I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that maybe that woman needed it more than I did. But it’s not easy and that’s why it’s taken me so many days to write about it. January has nearly destroyed me and there are still 10 days left. Honestly, it would just be cruel if anything else happened.

So there you have it. January is the actual worst and next year I literally may have to take the entire month off and hide away in a cabin in the mountains. We’ll see...

[karyuudoisnotafurry-blog]

Evolutionary History of Life

Hey all, I have been taking a course about the history of life this term and thought maybe people would like to know more about it.  God knows I love reading about it!  This information was collected in both parts from my course, and research online on my own time.  Note that as with all paleontology, all of these findings are based only on the evidence we currently possess, and are subject to change.  I hope you enjoy!

Living Rocks?!: Stromatolites

Possibly as early as 3.7 billion (!!!) years ago, bacteria and (green) algae became visible on the fossil record, due to this phenomena.  Still existing today in some brackish lakes, colonies of bacteria come together and gradually form a “rock” structure.  Only the outermost layers (centimeters) are composed of living organisms, with the rest being solid sediments from the surrounding area.  The world was covered in the things, peaking 1.25 billion years ago, then falling as they were eaten by newly evolved “complex” life.

The Goopy Times: Edicarian

What we could call animals first evolved roughly 600 million years ago.  With a few exceptions, nearly everything at this time had no hard body parts.  Most animals at this time were only a few millimeters in length, however the large flesh pancake seen center stage in the picture below, Dickinsonia, could grow up to almost 5 feet long!  Also growing to large sizes were Charnia, plant-like animals that could grow almost 7 feet tall from the seafloor.  They highly resemble an unrelated modern animal, the sea pen.

Not-coral-reefs and Hard Body Parts (finally): Tommotian (Early Cambrian)

The change from Precambrian to Cambrian is tied to the appearance of trace fossils (fossils depicting the activities of organisms, such as footprints) about 541 million years ago, specifically trace fossils in the sediments.  Before this, food was likely found through photosynthesis for those that lived in harmony with green algae, filter feeding, or just roaming the ocean floor for scraps.  Once animals evolved to look under the floor though, a new feeding mechanism was introduced to life.

Hard body parts, and thus more easily fossilized organisms, were diversified at this time.  One group of organisms in particular, the archaeocyathids (pictured, background), were almost entirely hard material, forming “cups” and filtering water carried through the tide, over time forming the first reefs of the world.

Life!!!!!Death!!Spines!?: Cambrian

From 541 to 485 million years ago, life began taking on many weird and wonderful forms.  Trilobites evolved early (two are present slightly up-left of the center of the image), nature’s super successful bottom-feeders (until they died (spoilers)).  Predation wasn’t seen in the fossil record until now, and nature came in swinging.  Meter long predators like Anomalocaris appeared (two are visible in the image), weird weird stuff like Opabinia swam about (one is in the center of the image).  The ocean became scary!  

Also appearing in this period is a big step towards us: vertebrates!  Pikaia was a small fishlike creature resembling a modern lancelet (down-left of the Opabinia).  It had no spine, but it had a notochord, a long bundle of nerves, which developed into the spines most of us are using at this moment.

Where I start relying on the internet Ordovician

After a 42 million year long mass extinction that wiped out 60% of marine life, life bounced back in a big way.  Trilobites survived the extinction event, and continued to flourish, diversifying into many odd and spiny forms to protect against a new predator, eurypterids and nautiloids.  

Eurypterids were large arthropods (the largest ever known!), related to arachnids, and were very successful predators, achieving worldwide distribution throughout their time on the planet.  Nautiloids we still have today to some extent, were once the main predators of the ocean for an era.  Some could grow to lengths of 11 feet, and somewhat questionable evidence hints at much larger individuals up to 36 feet (paleontology is hard).

Land!  Plants!  Bigger Better Fish!:  Silurian

After a particularly horrid series of extinction events in sequence lasting from 455 to 430 million years ago, killing 60% of all marine species, life recovered.  Our lovable trilobites were hit hard, but again they survived and thrived once more.  Their predators the eurypterids continued to grow and thrive as well, though now beginning to move their attention to less saline waters.  

Dry land had up to this point been relatively uninteresting, however in this period it began to quickly be taken over by recently evolved vascular plants.  Life on land at this point was present, but not yet diverse, consisting of various arachnids and millipede/centipede ancestors.

“Age of Fish”: Devonian

Back in the ocean 419-358 million years ago, life kept getting bigger, with fish diversifying into many new groups, particularly the armored fish, placoderms.  The largest member, Dunkleosteus (second picture), and maybe my favorite animal, grew to sizes of 20 feet, and weighed up to 1 ton.  In addition to it’s size, it was heavily armored, and had a complex jaw mechanism that let it open and close it’s maw in just 50-60 milliseconds.  It’s theorized that this could create a suction to draw in prey, and then slice them with a 6000-7400 N bite focused along a sharp, scissor-like jaw.  In other words, a pretty scary fish.

Plant life on land also diversified in a major way, with rooted plants and leaves evolving.  These early “trees” were relatively very short compared to our modern variety, only several centimeters tall.  However, giant fungal spires, Prototaxites, grew up to over 8 meters tall.  However, all this photosynthesis led to lower carbon dioxide, possibly leading to some very unfortunate side affects.

Bugs, Sharks, and Frogs: Carboniferous

With another chain of extinction events out of the way, this one dealing a major blow to the trilobites they would never recover from (at this point the eurypterids were fairly content on land and in fresh water), life resumed it’s grind.  Trees became the titans we know today, and as a result of a material that allowed the increased height, were not able to be broken down for a long long time, meaning that when a tree fell, it stayed there.

Insects radiated, with the massive 8 foot Arthropleura (pictured) crawling the forests, as well as giant cockroaches and scorpions, and dragonflies in the air.  Amphibians, who had been present for a small while before, became common.  Reptiles, evolving from amphibians due to a more dry climate, began spreading. Meanwhile in the oceans, sharks radiated, with the placoderm competition gone.  298 million years ago, the carboniferous ended, and a new period began, one that’s name is closely related to death, devastation, and extinction.

Permian

It is unfortunate that at least in my mind the permian is so exclusively thought of in a mournful tone.  Many amazing animals evolved during this time, and the supercontinent Pangaea lives on in the public, unconnected to the wasteland it became.  In the center of Pangaea was a massive desert stained red by the sun.  Seeded plants and conifers replaced the previous swampy trees.  The most successful insects at this time were cockroach-like.

Synapsids, a group that like reptiles branched off from amphibians early on, diversified in this period, leading to such species as the famous Dimetrodon, and would later evolve into mammals.  Diapsids, which would one day become our beloved dinosaurs, also evolved at this time.  With the first large terrestrial carnivores and herbivores, the land finally began to somewhat resemble the world we know today.

Then it almost all ended.  Life itself on the surface of this planet, billions of years in the making, might have ended.  95% of ocean life died, 70% of all life on land.  It took the land 30 million years to recover from the Permian extinction.  Simply put, the world boiled.  Lava poured from the earth’s mantle for thousands of years, possibly releasing so much carbon dioxide that the global temperature would have increased by 5 degrees Celsius.  Another factor might have been oceanic venting of hydrogen sulfide, causing poisonous ocean in the deep, and then evaporating into the atmosphere to destroy ozone, allowing ultraviolet radiation to burn life.  The five degree temperature increase could thaw methane deposits, further increasing the heat by another five degrees.  It could have been caused by a supernova, there is also evidence of a giant meteorite striking the Earth at this time.

The worst catastrophe of life on our planet drew to a close, life recovered slowly, and soon after were the dinosaurs so that’s good.  It is 3 am now, I started this at 11:30.  To spare you all increasing plagiarism from wikipedia, I will take a rest, and begin anew later.  I hope you enjoyed learning, if my style wasn’t interesting at least you can google key terms and find better more accurate material.  Byeee

[j-e-green-blog]

The Demon Inheritance (6)

S I X

The dream does not take place in Croma, even after all the reading I did on that strange land from Dillan's notebooks for several days in a row. Even filled with information, I couldn’t conjure even an imaginary glimpse of that place. The dream I’m living now, however, is very as lucid. It is somewhere else, not Croma. Somewhere on earth. Yet, somewhere of great pain and sorrow; I can taste the resentment in the air, and it's like taking poison into my lungs. I can't even find the decency to cough it out. Something tells me I'm used to this place. There is a dark hallway, a red light glinting against the window. The curtains look black in the inky depths of night time; the place looks damned, like one of the circles of Hell. I’m alone, wandering. There is a draft, although the windows are closed and there is no door. Probably some faulty in the wall. From above, fat droplets of water are falling to the ground, mere seconds between them. There's also a leak in the ceiling somewhere. I look for a light switch with my air, but find none. I blink in the darkness, holding back a shaky breath. Either there are no light switches, or I have no wind. I wander into a room, where the flowing curtain waves me forward. Someone is singing. They sound familiar. The song unmistakingly “The Unforgiven” ; I couldn’t miss those lyrics anywhere. My brow pinches, and I step deeper into the room. “Is there anyone in here?” The singer stops abruptly. I glanced around the room, although my eyes were greeted by the pits of blackness replacing every object around me. A sudden cold rushed up my arms, sending them up in goosebumps. I attempted to warm them with my hands, glancing about for a source of light. The only source I could find was the red glint on the window, and the menacing stare of the moon outside. The shadows and the chill were getting to me. The further along I moved, the more bile lifted in my throat and I could taste the grief in the air. Under all that grief, however, was a pinch of hope. “I could kill you, if I wanted to,” I call in threat, afraid under the dominance in my tone. I don't want to dream about here! There is a shuffle followed by thuds. Someone rising up out of bed, their feet hitting the floor. “Who are you?” The menace in my tone slips. Fear, cool and icy, knotted on the inside of my throat. Where was this place? Who was there? Was I going to kill my mother once again, under this poor excuse of a roof? “Emma? Emma, are you awake?” It was Mary’s voice, damp with concern. The same voice who had been singing. “You’re up, Sis. Did you have those night terrors again? Are you recovered?” “I’m never recovered,” I answer without thinking, sticking my hands into a raggedy hoodie’s pockets. I didn’t even know I had those clothes on. “When did you get to my house?” I can hardly see in this place, so I am surprised when her tense arms suddenly clasp around me. Mary isn’t much of a hugger, either, so I have that going against my reasoning as well. I pat her knotted black curls with a hand. Half ignoring the embrace, I glance around. There is suddenly light. The place is ruined, speckles of light shining through cracked spaces in the wooden wall. It suddenly looks midday outside. The curtain stops flowing, lying still over the spider web-pattern cracks on the window. The bed is rough with yellow splotches over it, and the blankets are all just worn, crackly towels. Cobwebs litter the walls, as does the dust. For a moment, I wonder why my home looks so ruined. Then, I realised I have never seen this house before in my life. It isn’t the home I grew up in. It's somewhere completely different. Although it's strange, I can still see the woods of Millton outside - familiar, trees whispering branch-to-branch just on the other side of the window. "Emma,” says my best friend, “This is our home. We came here after the accident. Don't you remember?”

***

The Saturday morning swelled with sunlight. The sudden brightness stung my eyes; I was expecting it to be very early, like when I normally woke up. Instead of the lilac-and-rose light of dawn greeting me, it was the arrow-sharp white-and-gold of daytime. I covered my eyes, squinting into my flesh. My eyelashes pricked my skin. With a groan, I rose out of bed, rubbing my eyes. School took a lot out of me, especially when I usually woke up early on weekends. No murder dreams, again. That's something I can get used to! Like it was part of a routine, my phone went off in its text tone. The small device seemed to tell people exactly when I woke up. Either that, or it psychically woke me moments before I got a message. Welp. Even if I need a few minutes more of sleep, I can’t complain. Sighing, I reached over with one popping arm, and clicked to see who was pestering me. The text read, “Hey, this is Fango. Oliver gave me your number after he got it from Mary. You awake?” Oliver didn’t have a phone. Why would he need my number? I yawned, agitated. It was one thing being woken up by Mary. It was an entirely different thing to be bothered by someone I hardly knew, someone I could hardly stand. For one thing, Fango was the Romeo to my Juliet for one school play, so all the people of our school (for the love of Croma, could they not think about sex and romance for one second?) thought we were dating. For another thing, he was part of Dillan's pop-boy group. Might as well answer him, anyways. It wasn't like I could avoid him at school. Wonder what’s keeping Mary from texting this morning. Maybe she’s sick today. That would suck. Narrowing my eyes, I replied, “No.” Moments later, “Good. :) You read Dillan’s book?” I stiffened, wondering if I should answer honestly to that. He had probably been part of Dillan the tacosexual’s plan, leaving the notebooks out for me to find. I didn’t exactly trust either of them with the whole ‘Croma’ business yet. I wasn't even sure it was real. Sure, I had powers, but how likely was it that I was being trained by demons from another dimension, demons that God supposedly loved? Even so, it would probably be best to get more answers on it. I could be discreet in answering him, getting answers in return. “Yes,” I texted Fango Mills, without much thought. I waited for his reply. In eager seconds came, “And? What do you think?” “Creative,” I lied. The center of my throat felt dry, like I'd swallowed a tumbleweed. I sent the message without much will to further explain my doubts. Although, it makes too much sense to be a prank. I shook the thought away like it was just an annoying bug crawling on my mind. Fango didn’t respond. I had no problem with his silence. He’d most likely think I was hysterical, believing that. After all, it probably wasn’t above him to prank me with Dillan. Then again, didn’t the book list Fango as an Extant? Whatever… I won't trust him until I get more proof… I slid to the edge of my bed and popped my back, stretching. It has to be a prank. You’re delusional, Emma. Instead of going to cook breakfast, I went over to my computer. I shoved aside my earlier stress involving Croma, and came to life with a new worry: my little unborn sibling. And so, for nearly an hour and a half, I sat on the computer questioning everything about babies from poop color to healthy birth. Everything from education to the influence of things mothers did while the child was nestled in the womb. My heart warmed at the thought of being a big sister, finally. I’d been waiting for the moment, and it was arriving… And I would be prepared. I slid off of the chair, ready to eat. My hollow stomach growled at me. However, before I could even open the door, Metallica played softly from my dresser. Maybe that was Fango texting me... Important or not, I was a little irritated to be bothered with food on my mind. Grumbling, I went over and clicked the text message open. “Emma, it’s Oliver. Check the news.” It was sent from Fango’s phone. "It's important, I swear." Fine. Whatever. It’s worth it, some television won’t hurt. I carried my phone with me into the kitchen. From over the counter, where I began brewing myself a cup of coffee, I could see the tv set clearly in the living room. The remote was beside the coffee maker, so I grabbed it and turned on the television. Heh... Looney Tunes. I shook my head. Boomerang was my Dad's favorite channel. Brought him back to his childhood, he said. I switched to the news with little effort to remember the channel number. “...and it was awful. Milton Alabama came under a devastating discovery today,” said the woman holding a microphone. Her uneven blonde hair floated on the wind, and she moved to tuck it behind her ear. Behind her was a map of Alabama, which zoomed in and became a map of Millton. I could see the school, the rows of streets we all lived on so close together, the woods, the park... There were ten bright red flecks on different part of the map, although I didn't pay attention to where they were. “Ten people have vanished in what law enforcement believes is a sort of trafficking movement. The red spots were where each victim was last seen. Each differ from sex to age, and have seemingly no connection except for beingin Millton, although we have reason to suspect others in other places. Mass disappearances have been all over. We encourage those around these areas to be on the lookout.” I poured the black coffee into my mug and walked over to get the creamer. Just once, I’d love it if there were no crimes. Why can’t I turn the news on and the lady be like, ‘Hey, look at this kitten. It was born after nobody fucking died’? Dear Croma, people and their violence and greed… I had the feeling ‘Dear Croma” was going to become a phrase for me, one of those weird saying I just picked up from people. Like "Jesus Christ on a wooden raptor," which I'd picked up recently. That one was from Mary. “First Grade teacher Jenna Fontenot along with her student Macy Flores have vanished. If it weren’t for eight similar movements, police would have suggested the teacher had kidnapped her student. Two brothers, Steven and Adam Grey, both male caucasians in third grade, have also been abducted.” Although it is tragic, why would Oliver call on me to witness this? To make me aware? In all honesty, I could easily harm a kidnapper with my air if I wasn’t able to harm them with my physical self. I dumped two spoonfuls of sugar in my coffee and began mixing. My eyes made their way back to the screen. Behind the woman flashed pictures of the victims, along with the map of where they had lest been seen. “Other victims include a homeless man named Sheldon Wright, a banker named Joseph Jill, a single mother and waitress Beth Foster, college student Phil Baker, infant William Grey, and Middle School student Mary Clarkson.” I spat out my coffee, choking, wide eyes trained on the blonde woman showing the pictures of each victim. Mary’s picture came up and, of course, I was in it. However, I was blurred out. The memory of my best friend’s eyes stared back at me with joy, her white teeth glinting at the camera with her smile. My own eyes met hers, welling with tears even as the picture flashed away. A hot, dry lump formed in the back of my throat. I stumbled backward, suddenly feeling weak. This isn’t real. “In each scene, there was a struggle. Each victim was taken from their home, and there were identical strange notes left at each scene.” This isn’t real. I’m asleep! I struggled to listen, but the woman's words were muffled in my ears. I dropped my coffee, and so it was shards of plastic and puddles of hot tan all over the floor. I swayed, dropping to my knees. The shattered mug’s pieces dug into my smooth, bare skin. But I didn’t care. “The notes each held a symbol of a deranged mark that looked like a three.” A picture of the note flashed behind the woman’s head. It looked like the symbol that had shown up often in my Croma dreams: a three-looking figure, an angle at the top, a loop at the bottom. However, this one was flipped. “A symbology expert is working on looking to see if this has an occult meaning. Some have theorized some kind of occult trafficking problem. If you have any information that could be helpful, call the number below. Next up, a shooting in Nashville has spiked the crime rate dramatically…” I covered my mouth, sure I was going to scream. However, it never came out. I was too weak to yell. My throat burned, and my eyelids shut so hard it felt like my eyes would pop under the pressure of my eyelids. The shattered plastic dug like knives into my skin, and so the kitchen floor was streaked with blood and coffee. The air mingled with sugar and copper. My face felt like I’d just dunked it in hot water. I wasn’t even sure where I was crying from anymore. Tears dribbled from every part of my face. For the first time since I was a small child, I prayed. I hated it, but I was so desperate… God, oh God, please let this be a sick prank. Please, this isn’t real. Please, let Mary be okay… Please, be okay… Mary… I hardly had strength to think. My mother walked into the kitchen, clambering the side of the wall. When she saw me, her eyes widened with fear and concern.  “Emma, are you alright? What’s going on?” Her eyes flicked to my blood on the floor. “Mary… She…” My voice crackled, and I became so quiet that I couldn’t even hear myself. “Mary’s been kidnapped…” I fell to all fours, eyes burning, feeling defeated. Tears welled from my eyes and slipped down my face like twin waterfalls. Of course, my mother didn’t hear me. She pulled me up from the red-and-cream puddle and held me to her chest. “Was it those night terrors?” She said it as if she didn’t expect to be answered. And she wasn’t. She pulled me over to the kitchen table, setting me down so that she could clean up the shards covering the floor. Mary is gone… After lost time, I went back into my room and isolated myself. I pulled my covers around me, grabbed my phone, ignored the five new messages, and pulled up my camera roll. Again and again, I flicked through pictures of my best friend and I. Gone… She can’t be gone yet… Gone… Swallowing the bile in my throat, my mind played out everything that could have been happening to her. Torture. Death. Rape. Selling. In that moment, I regretted every time I watched the news and felt nothing but hatred for humanity when a crime came up. After all, each victim was someone’s loved one. Someone’s mother, someone’s child, someone’s lover… I hugged my knees to my chest, shuddering against the wall. Someone's best friend. Someone's sister. With courage, I glanced over the unread messages. “You have the chance to win a brand new car from Nigeria! Just input your address, and we’ll choose an address at random to send the car to!” “hi emma this is delta did u watch the news?” “This is Dillan… I’m so sorry about what happened…” Fango sent, “I can’t imagine the pain you are going through right now. Now that the law won’t give up on the victims, and neither will we. We’ll fight this… Call me when you get this.” Oliver messaged, “If you want to talk, I’m just next door.” I was filled with a sudden rage. My blood was hotter than my tears, and hatred boiled inside of me. Whoever did this is going to feel a level of pain no human has ever felt before. There had to be something I could do before something actually happened to Mary. I called Fango, the urge to kill shivering through me. When he picked up, I didn’t even give him a chance to greet me. “Alright, mud boy, what do you have in mind?” My voice quivered. My throat was still dry from crying, but my anger forced my words foreword. "It better be worth my damn time." “If you weren’t aware, I have computer skills," He began, "Better computer skills than other people. I can research this from a lot of different websites. In addition, I can hack into the police record of the kidnappings without leaving a trace or cookies on my computer. There’s bound to be tons that they’re leaving out of the public report.” He said something else, but the line crackled, agitating me. Damned phone. “Alright,” I said in a growl. “How do I play into this?” Fango’s service-muffled voice sounded urgent. “I can string these crimes together. Matter of fact, I’m sure I already know who did it. However, I need to find out where they are keeping the victims. You’re the one of the most important parts of this operation. We figured that since you are closest to one of the victims, you have more reason than anyone to do this.” “We?” I questioned, gritting my teeth. Kill me if the tacosexual is going to get involved. Kill me after I kill the douchebag who took Mary… "Fine. Who else is helping us, mud boy?" I clenched the phone by my ear. “You think I’d go in alone?” scoffed Fango. “Dillan is helping me, and Delta will be helping you, along with Oliver. Although… We aren’t sure if he’s coming yet. He hasn’t replied to us. Will you go ask him to help?” “Whatever. Who do you think kidnapped Mary? And you know, Fango, calling them simply ‘victims’ won’t take away the fact that they’re human.” I ducked into my backpack, which was on the side of my bed, pulling out my class notes to write down more urgent information on the back of. “You wouldn’t believe me, would you? It has to do with some people in Dillan’s book.” “Lay it on me,” I challenged, heartbeat fluttering. Not this again. “Dark Generals. Gary Bluethorne. Salt. Satan. Death. Demons. You don’t believe me, but the symbol on the news proves it.” That was right. I’d seen that symbol in my dreams, my visions. I'd seen it, although I couldn't list the night terrors I'd seen it in. “Even if you don’t believe that Croma exists, you’ve seen that symbol before, haven’t you? You weren’t surprised when you saw it. I could tell. It’s the Croma symbol, adopted by the Kalos. The symbol in reverse is the Dark Army’s logo. Each of the ten that they kidnapped is a candidate for Minium. Each has a little bit of Faerie in their bloodline.” “You’re crazy,” I whispered. Nevertheless, my pen harpooned across the notebook paper. I took notes. Why am I going along with this? Why am I not ending this stupid call? “So, explain why they’d take a Minium.” The boy sighed, exasperated. “The Minium is the missing prophet. We, Croma, have a prophet of every kingdom, save for Minium. If the Dark Army can find and corrupt them first, there will be no war against them. They’d have already won.” There was a pause, and the line crackled. “What do you say? Will you work with me?” Mary would never stand against me, I thought. However, I just shifted my arm and muttered, “...Yes. For Mary. And Fango?” “Yes?” I took a deep breath, then said, “I believe this.” I ended the call, and crawled back against the blanket folded up on my bed. Did I really believe in Croma? It really explained everything. My air, the dreams. I was in the game this time. I was part of the kingdom. And I was ready to fight… For Mary. After I cried myself out.

***

I was in Croma again. I was sitting in the library, which had become Oliver’s adopted room; he didn't usually leave the library. There was a heat spread across everything. The tempurature felt wrong, not just hot. Then, in another way, it felt right. As if it had been missing for a really long time. Oliver was by my side, kneeling. His pale face was lit with a curious glow. I sat up as soon as my eyes met his, growling as I clench the arms of the chair I'd been sleeping in. “When did I get here?” His blue eyes widenes in surprise. “You’re awake. Completely awake.” He glanced up, over my shoulder, and nodded in the direction of other Apotropaics. All five of them were standing against the doorway, which leads out of the library and into the hallway. Gan and Caleb were beside each other, proud, arms crossed as they grinned. Carter and Mun are indifferent, eyes narrowed and rather irritable. Ace is suspicious, nibbling the insides of his tan cheek. I could see the bulge of his tongue under his flesh. "We're all delighted," Oliver said. “Yeah, I know. I’m awake.” I stood tall, beside the chair, standing just a hair-length away from Oliver. “What do you know about Mary?” “Quick to the point…” muttered Ace. My Apotropaic pushed himself off of the ground. Through the curtain of shock white hair, he frowned. “She is the Minium. It is certain. Of course, the celebrating will hold off until we actually have her. There’s proof the Dark Generals took her: she isn’t even in Croma, and we have discovered her. I hope she’s alright…” It wasn’t even like a dream to me anymore. Everything was vivid, and my thoughts all made sense. It was only an alternate reality. Completely awake. I pushed myself away from Oliver, muscles aching as if they'd been overworked. “The missing element is fire, right? That’s what this heat is. The castle is on fire outside. Just like the tornadoes that showed up when you found me.” “You don’t seem very shocked,” muttered Carter from beside Mun. I turned to him. His gray eyes were seething, and his dirty blonde hair was as messy as ever. His arms were still crossed, his shirt lining over his slim muscles. “No,” I agreed. “I’m determined. I’m going to save Mary.” An angry grin creased my face. “All you have to do is show me who to fight.”

[osmw1]

Poison-Wielding Fugitive   Chapter 11

We stepped out of the store to wander around this deserted village after finishing up our shopping. As soon as we do so, the countdown on Poison Condensation ends. I could put it to the test when we head out for the day tomorrow, but I’m itching to experiment with it now.

‘Whichever would be would be fine. You could say that we are wasting no time, but also, it would be good to have an understanding of your abilities.’

Hmm, either way would do, huh? Well, if I don’t do it today, I’ll do it tomorrow. I don’t think it makes that much of a difference. But, it’s piqued my curiosity is all. It seems like there are many types of poison… stuff like miasma too. What’s the difference between miasma and toxin anyway?

‘”Miasma” is air that fragile humans cannot withstand. “Toxin” is simply poison. Incidentally, monsters born in miasma are not necessarily immune to poison.’

That doesn’t sound quite right, but if that’s what the poison pro is saying, then I guess it must be true. So that means that though I can use poison, I may not necessarily be able to produce miasma?

‘I know not of the future, but that is true for now.’

Then, why don’t we go out and find a monster close by to test my skills? That way, even if something dangerous comes up, I can just run back to the village. With that said, Veno widens his field of perception. Plus, being stung by that mosquito was my fault for not paying attention.

‘Count on me.’

I look for a place near the village that would likely be inhabited by monsters and end up returning to the path Arleaf deliberately detoured around. I walk slightly down that path. Branching from the paved main road, this supposedly dangerous path had been paved at some point. However, running across was a bumpy trail made of packed dirt. That seems to be the trail left behind by monsters. If you wanted to fight something strong, you should probably head down that way. I look left and right to check for anything.

‘Hmm?’

Seemingly with a blip, Veno senses a monster.

Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat

I came across an intensely blue rodent the size of a capybara. Maybe it’s because I had experience fighting the wolves, but I feel pretty calm right now. It might also be because that guy just looks like a mouse.

Squeak!

Perceiving a threat, it comes over here to threaten me. Is something that small really going to attack me? Do monsters try to kill every living being they see? I wonder if this guy’s dangerous.

‘Unfortunately, this one pales in comparison to the Midnight Blue Wolf you have fought. This is not the monster of which the girl warned you. Their footprints differ as well.’

Veno then highlights the set of more dangerous footprints. At a glance, they seem to be in the shape of a deer’s hooves. They seem just like the ones I saw as a kid at the zoo. Anyway, back to the rat in front of us. Well, it seems like it’s just the right target to try my poison against.

‘A mischief of rats would be quite the bother, even to me. Heh heh… just like human scum.’

This guy… From time to time, Veno really despises humans. Dragons really think they’re above all else, eh?

Squeak!

With nimble footwork, the Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat closes in on me. But before it gets too close, I bring out my condensed swamp toxin. A fist-sized ball of poison appears in my hand. Just in case, triple tap! The first shot was fist-sized, but I produced as much as I could for the other two.

Squeeeak?!

Perhaps I was unprepared, but the rat evaded my first throw. I hit my second and third shot. Ooh, the second ball of poison I flung was nearly the size of a watermelon. The speed of the projectile wasn’t all too impressive. But, with such a big blob of highly condensed swamp toxin, the Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat had been thoroughly drenched. The big splash created a big puddle along with it too.

Squeak… squeeeak!

The Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat trembles after being covered from head to tail with poison. Then, with an angry cry, it charges towards me again. It seems like it’s still more than energetic. My attack did less than I thought it would…

‘The immediate effects are present, but it does not seem like it is a devastating blow.’

Its movement did become slightly sluggish, but it’s irritating how I couldn’t kill it in one shot. It won’t just die like that Spray Green Mosquito did, I guess. It would be easy to tell whether my poison worked if the rat started running around, trying to escape, like a cockroach after being sprayed with pesticide. Though how the Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat’s face is turning purple is an obvious sign.

Squeak! Squeak… squeak… wheeze… wheeze

If I left it like this, it would probably die, but it would take quite a while. The rat sees me drawing my sword and quickly squirms over to get the first strike. However, it makes contact with nought but my blade.

Squeeeak?!

The Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat was easily slain with the slightest swing of the sword. It leaves me with an unpleasant feeling though. It’s the same feeling from last time with the wolf, as if I’ve murdered a living being… A lot of first experiences since I’ve come to this world.

“Now then…”

It’s not pity in the slightest, but we shouldn’t put the carcass to waste. We should store it away with magic. I’m not too sure what I can do with a corpse showered with poison, but at least I can feed Veno with it. We should quickly leave this animal trail so that we don’t encounter anything more dangerous. Right after I do so, I see why they said dangerous monsters roam here.

‘Aye… it’s true. It would be too much for you at this time.’

Rose Grey Swordhorn

As its name suggests, this giant deer-like beast has got a pair of sword for antlers. Just by its sheer size, you can tell it’s the master of its domain. Even without measuring its large antlers, the body itself is about three meters long. It seems like it can move pretty quickly, too… I’d definitely be one-shotted if I were to be stabbed by those sword-like antlers.

‘Judging from what we have learned about you today… you would need to be at least level 30 to challenge this one. And like the Midnight Blue Wolves, it would take much sacrifice for you to go toe to toe with it.’

Getting rushed by those wolves would’ve been rough, huh? I bet they’re strong together as a pack.

‘Furthermore, there are more than just one. There are quite a few that have passed through here. It is likely that it would be a difficult endeavor, even if you are strong.’

Oof… the existence of something that dangerous isn’t a surprise to you at all. So, if you were fully recovered, how much of a fight would that be for you?

‘Are you blaspheming against me? It is obvious that I can defeat it in a single blow. I wouldn’t even need to get serious.’

I’m not sure how much of that is truth, but the magic casted on him really had bound him. Still… will the time to hunt that monster come?

‘I am sure there are people looking for its horn and other materials.’

I’d like to think that the materials from that swordhorn would sell for quite a bit of money. But speaking of which, I’m not planning on doing anything reckless. Fortunately, it’s walking away from us, down a path I’ve never seen before. It’s clearly above my level and I don’t want to go picking a fight I know I can’t win. Well, since the concept of levels exist in this world, if I keep on steadily getting stronger, I’m sure I’ll be able to be able to take him down before too long.

‘A wise decision.’

With that, we leave the swordhorn for another day. The sun had completely set by the time we reached the village, so we go back to our inn to rest.

A scene of people working farming equipment, medicine, and magic on a barren patch of land lies before my eyes. A man brimming with blinding light is ahead of me… or at least he seems to be full of positive energy. With a smile, he walks over to speak with me. Curiously, a conspicuous sword is strapped to his back.

“This is our dream—to create a nation of our own on land we can comfortably live on.” “Is that right? It’s a worthy goal.” “We, who have been prosecuted and chased away from our homes, are trying to cultivate this land to something livable. With this test case, we are aiming to live in a world without struggles.”

They chase such a noble dream. That’s right… this is just something I’ve heard but carrying out your plans requires you to be resolute and many comrades as well.

“I aim to build that future so that everyone can live in happiness. But you… I would like for you to remember what I’ve just told you. And whenever you feel like it, please tell whoever you see of my silly dream.” “How do I put it… you really can tell your foolish life story to anyone. However, they say that even fools can sometimes accomplish great feats and change the world. You should try your hardest. But, however silly this all may be, making sacrifices and giving generously towards a grand dream isn’t.”

For real, though… this setting sun really is something else…

With a sudden snap, a peculiar energy fills my body and I awaken.

‘Hmm? What is wrong?’

Hmm. There’s some weird energy is flowing into me and my legs hurts as if it’s cramping up… Maybe because it’s from all the vigorous exercise I did since coming to this world. I get out of bed, hoping that my muscles don’t ache. You don’t sleep, Veno?

‘My circadian rhythm differs to one of humans. I believe you could simply say I am not used to this kind of lifestyle yet.’

I can’t tell you exactly how a dragon’s cycle is, but I’d like to think that not doing anything and simply staying put all the time would be tough.

‘Not in the slightest. I can peek through your memories and not moving my body would mean I expend less energy. Food comes from what you hunt, so I am not starving either. Your worries are unnecessary.’

That right? Well, there are some parts I’d like to point out, but since you said you’re fine, I’ll drop it.

‘As well… you should take a gander at this.’

After being told that, I check out what Veno highlighted. This time, it’s my status screen.

Kogure Yukihisa Poison Earth Level 14 Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Poison Condensation, Class change available, Detect Poison

What is this? All of a sudden, I’ve levelled up to 14?!

‘I had noticed it whilst checking your vitals when you jolted awake. We ought to think about how this happened. Oh, and I wish they would pipe down already outside.’

He’s right. Still… all of this is happening and I don’t have spare time for research why. I’m starting to get slightly annoyed at it, but it beats having people after your head, so it’s not that bad in comparison. It really is loud outside though, hey? Is it because we’re so close to the tavern?

Ugh… this brings up bad memories of how idiots caused a huge ruckus when I stayed at a cheap hotel for a business trip, making me get no sleep at all. This isn’t so bad compared to that, I guess. But now, thinking back on that company, it wasn’t that bad either. Loud noises and cheap hotels just go hand in hand. Anyway, we should think of how this happened.

One: this was due to Forced Possession Summoning. Day by day, Veno’s power flows into me.

‘That is not impossible. Though it would be rather sudden.’

That’s true. I need to be on standby to measure the change for this to be my control case. But I can keep this as one of the hypotheses.

‘Two: perhaps the quintessence of monsters we hunted in the afternoon—the experience points we have earned—have to be stored in you in order to reach me.’

Well, to put it in gaming terms, it would be that I’ve formed a party with Veno. But Veno is bound to me by Forced Possession Summoning. And so, with him in that state, Veno can’t receive all the experience points he should be earning. Instead, the remainder goes to me. That is plausible too.

But I haven’t really fought anything that would give me so much experience either. I mean, normally in a game, novices wouldn’t be spawned around monsters that are too strong. So, then, where did all my levels come from?

previously: /ch001/ /ch002/ /ch003/ /ch004/ /ch005/ /ch006/ /ch007/ /ch008/ /ch009/ /ch010/ /ch011/ /next/ (full list of translated chapters) (discussion thread) (support Average Translations)