#(and I guess I’ve messaged the sanctuary at least once a year since then. oh god do you think they hate me?)

[thetiggerappreciationblog]

hi friendos!! I know I haven’t been active here for a while, but just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that I reached out and got confirmation our boy is doing well <3

[avgoar]

Interview Series Ep.6

Welcome back to our interview series! Hello and I hope everyone is staying safe inside and outside of your homes. In our continuation of the Eternal Essence interview series, today we have a special mention. Another recently revealed character has agreed to meet with us today. With the new information we get today, I wonder if you all can guess which one it is. You probably already know who our last guest was. Nonetheless, here we go! We have our ten questions ready so let’s get into it. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit of what you do.

Arx: I am Arx Canbrir. I am Weithalan born and raised. I serve in the queen's army as a Wanderer to aid our allies when the need arises. At times I am tasked as a mentor to the younglings in the towns about the island.

Same as Calix. How did you come to know Calix?

Arx: I was his mentor. I trained him into his essence and was the first one to find him when he came to the island with barely any life in him.

So, I have to ask since you’ve known him for so long, how would you describe him?

Arx: I would say he is strong, thorough and tactical when focused but he lets his emotions get the best of him. Outside of battle he is just like any twenty-five year old. He has a woman he looks to court, he enjoys not doing anything as long as he can and he avoids me unless he needs advice. He makes me feel as old as I look.

That’s not fair! Well, what do you like to do when you don’t have to mentor or be a soldier? 

Arx: (sighs thoughtfully) I like to read by the ocean. Depending on my mood I enjoy the quiet of the forest around the camp, the courtyard or my room in the camp. Occasionally I go into town and sit in the fish shops. It’s very calming for me.

That sounds really peaceful. I have heard that Weithala is like a sanctuary for Shiera in the west. They have very different needs to varying degrees. Have you witnessed any hardships with so many of them coming to the island kingdom?

Arx: The difficulties they face are similar to our own. Finding what they can eat, trying to figure out how to take care of themselves and their families, learning what it means to live with people and Shiera different from them- they still have the same needs. Some Shiera come in thinking that they can muscle their way into our lives. We make sure to remind them that we are all equal here and there is no need to assert dominance. 

Ohh. Do you have to get involved sometimes? 

Arx: On occasion. Sometimes I have to advocate for the Shiera because a human got ahead of themselves and started the altercation.

Humans are just as troublesome.

Arx: Moreso, in my humble opinion.

Since you also travel a lot as a soldier, may I ask, is there somewhere you have been to that has really stuck with you?

Arx: (strokes beard thoughtfully) The places that follow me into my dreams often are the ones that have seen the changes of time. I have served in the queen’s army for a long time now and I have been to many places over the years. The changes are striking in some areas but the ones that haunt me have remnants of the past among the buildings built up for the future. 

I’ve seen places that I remember from when I was little and it’s either gone or been replaced and that feels bad for some reason. I didn’t go there a lot but it feels like I lost something. 

Arx: No matter how small the significance, that place becomes a part of you. It felt like a loss because it was. 

Weithala is so accepting and speaking with you I can see how level headed and thoughtful you are- it’s refreshing! I’m sure that some people take you all as a not very threatening opponent. Have you had someone look down on you in battle or otherwise just because you’re from Weithala?

Arx: (chuckles lightly) Oh, yes. To begin with, Weithala has isolated itself from the world so most people don’t consider Weithala as much and even our allies do not speak freely of our relations; however, I have heard rumors among the other kingdoms of Weithala’s whereabouts. We are seen as a peaceful kingdom with no spine to speak of. When moving on behalf of our allies, once the opposing forces learn of our origins, they become very prideful. It’s almost amusing. The battles do not end in their favor.

They are completely caught off guard because they assumed peaceful meant that you were weak. You all don’t fight or at least you couldn’t handle a real battle.

Arx: Everyone wants peace but our Queen Ambrosia understands that peace cannot come from well wishes and stubborn refusal to engage when necessary. 

Speaking of royalty, we have yet to hear about this queen. Could you tell us a little about her?

Arx: Queen Ambrosia is like a mother to everyone. She worries herself over us despite how busy she remains with her duties. She has always had a good head on her shoulders and I have always tried to help her when I can. I watched her grow up so I feel the need to support Her Majesty in any way that I can.

I can’t wait to meet her, honestly. There’s something else I have been curious about. There are stories coming out from everywhere about essence in different parts of the world and how they viewed it and how it is perceived. How is essence received in Weithala?

Arx: Essence is a vital part of Weithalan life. We have technology that is powered by our essence. In Weithala, our lifestyle breeds simplicity and contentment. It is a wonderful place to reflect and manifest one’s essence. We have all of the tools and trainers, or mentors, to properly train those who want to use their essence. There are those who do not want to use it. We force no one into that lifestyle. It is usually the younglings who seek us out for training.

This was a much more relaxing experience than the last interview. Thank you for that.

Arx: It was my pleasure.

Now, I will ask if you can give those reading a few words of wisdom, encouragement or whatever you may want to share. 

Arx: Do not let your age hold you back. If you have set a goal for your life do not let anyone else tell you otherwise. There are people that will tell you because you are a youngling you can’t do certain things or they feel the need to tell you how you should act or what you should be doing. They may think that your ideas are unconventional therefore worthless. There are all kinds of adults in this world and they were once younglings. Do what you must to become the adult you want to be. Someone who will support your endeavors will eventually find you along the way. Don’t give up.

Nice. There are a lot of people still aspiring to be and do despite our current situation so that was a very timely message for everyone. I’m sure someone will appreciate your encouraging words. With that we will end our interview session. Ten questions will bring Arx back or five questions will bring him back with another character. Next time will be our last interview in the Eternal Essence series and some exciting news will be shared then as well. I hope you all look forward to it! See you all next week.

[roll-for-dexterity]

D&D Story: Pastel’s Throne- Rise of Pastel

27 years ago... Grandivel, Mimore Spire, entrance to Dunmei Village.

The long trip under the mid-day sun was painful for the Drow. She had not long come to the surface for the first time, and her red eyes screamed at her when she looked to the outside world. Only her harp kept her company among the other souls traveling in the caravan as well. Alright, she’d been lying if she actually like these people, or if they liked her. But so long as they kept their hands off her belongings, and gaze never including her, she couldn’t care less. Her house sent her to this surface village to appease their god. Was a shame she had to suffer it, but as the youngest of the family it wasn’t arguable. When the caravan stopped at it’s destination she hopped out before anyone else did, bag of what few belongings she had and headed into town. To find the tavern was to find the man who agreed to give her sanctuary. ‘Hopefully the man still has a little consideration...’

- Dunmei Village, Silver Song Tavern.

Entering the building greeted her with the villages signature sight, villagers and warriors of various species and subraces mixed and mingling like a fresh salad. Lolth she was hungry... But she had to find the village leader, and set her lack of being a threat first.

‘There he is, finally! And he’s a surface Elf... shit...’ Walking up to him, she could feel weapons being readied. “Excuse me, but, could you be Gelrei?” “Indeed I am, From being the only Drow to ever come here so calmly, you must be Meiuna.” The Wood Elf smiled gently. “Straight from the Underdark.” The Drow shrugged, taking a seat at his gesture. “So, given the trip must have been tiring, I’ll get to the point for you. We do have a vacant house on the edge of the village, and rules have been established about treading there unwelcome. So grudging fighters coming to your door should be a smaller worry than before.”

The girl sighed in relief. She had a right to be glad that this surface Elf was so kind. She knew anyone would easily turned her away and thus doom her house, but this one was different. ‘Yeah, he was alright.’

“I’m grateful, thank you.” “Oh, it’s alright. I’m only doing as my great-grand father pledged before, to make a place where all is accepted, no matter of who or what you are. Now, I’m sure you’ll be needing a career to fulfill your time here, so what would you say your proficient in?” Gelrei smiled, asking another important question. “I am trained in the skill’s of a bard, preferably with a harp.” “A harp? None of our bards play one. To many guitars, accordions, and flutes you know?” Gelrei joked, showing her respect over the graceful instrument.

After being told a few more wise words, and bits of info, Meiuna headed off to the house Gelrei had left for her. ‘Heh, not a bad guy. Most tolerable of Elves I’ve met.’ The house wasn’t much, but was quite what she expected. A old, fairly worn home that had been empty for a time, waiting for a new owner. Opening her door with a creak and getting a look about the room she determined the work ahead of her. ‘They haven’t dusted, guess keeping out mice, and trouble some folk was their main concern. Could have oiled the door at least...’ Closing the door and setting her bag on the dining table she picked up a note next to a pair of keys.

‘Hey Meiuna, I know we may have spoke already but here’s the key and it’s spare. The place is all yours. Do us all a favor, and make it a proper home. Best wishes, -Gelrei’

“Thanks, I’ll try.” The Drow said to the empty air as if the Elf really was there. Putting the keys on the master bedroom dresser, and the rest of her things away Meiuna prepped for bed. The minute her body hit the mattress she felt uneasy. Of course it sets in. Of course it rushes back like a frightened child to their mother. She rolled onto her side, staring at the wall as she wished she could just fall asleep. Drow in her situation shouldn’t be homesick.

- The days that followed were awkward in the least, but Meiuna found a place in the village. The gears began to fit and smoothly turn as she worked at the tavern as a musician, and the villagers began to see she wasn’t a threat. Maybe she would succeed in her task yet. One day however...

The air one day was polluted with the calls of the guardsmen, breaking her musical work. Tavern patrons looked about to the entrance and windows, but none bothered getting up. Meiuna continues to play, a small slowing of their song, but never stopping. A hour at least passed, it was a hour right? She couldn’t recall, but after some time a newcomer entered the tavern. Her brows arched in confusion as she noted the winged human’s presence. Aasimar wouldn’t stoop this low, not without reason or not having a stuck up persona.  The man was a decent size, clothed in attire that was typical style of his kind, and his short hair was a stunning gold. His green eyes bore a seriousness that signaled his raised guard, as would any stranger in a unknown place. He seemed like a survivalist of sorts. What caught Meiuna the most aside from him simply being here was that he had two pale gold scarves around his neck and waist, and his right wing was black as night. Rather dainty and peculiar for particular reasons of their own, but she kept in mind a rule she long learned as a child: She knew nothing about this man. And despite getting friendly with the villagers and warriors already here, she didn’t plan on chatting this one up. The Drow wasn’t the only one who kept eyes on the newcomer as he spoke with the barkeeper. To her surprise a Tiefling and Dragonborn warrior approached her. I hope we don’t have a problem here...

“Bard, have you seen the troupe outside?” The Tiefling asked her. “No, why’d you ask?” These two seemed as a bold, noble, yet friendly duo. From their question she determined they came from whatever ruckus happened outside, and being the newest to move in she may have known these folk. Sad mistake yes, but if grasping for understanding you’ll ask everyone you can.

“We just came from assisting a whole group of them. He has quite a few friends. They are seeking temporary refuge for a few days.” The Dragonborn pipes up, stroking his scaled beard. “A unusual bunch, but they mean no harm thus far.”

Troupes of mixed matched races were this places specialty, so this isn’t a uncommon thing. “Just take a peak out the nearest window, you’ll see what we mean.” The Tiefling suggested.

The Drow did as suggested, and they didn’t lie. There she counted eight, no- nine. The ninth person was being carried by a blue Dragonborn, wrapped in a white silken cloth like a cocoon. Perhaps they were injured? Dead probably, but they would have said something then. The more she looked at the odd newcomers she felt strange inside herself. “It doesn’t concern me, not gonna be getting to know them anytime soon, so that’s that.” Meiuna summed up, turning to the guardsmen. “Indeed it isn’t. But it’s a spectacle to get new visitors like this.” “Can’t disagree with that.” The Drow agreed, going back to her chair and strummed up her harp once more, playing until her work was done and she could go home while ignoring the Aasimar from the group the whole time. But a odd feeling hung on her shoulders, and she couldn’t shake it. She refused to tell anyone she felt like that. Last thing she needed was to strike up a negative reputation so soon.

Nightfall came as always, Meiuna eating her small bit of a meal and going to her chamber for the night. The feeling still hung there, staring her in the face. Lolth she hated this feeling, that same feeling from when- NO! ...I, I don’t want to remember that... Sleep eventually came agonizingly slow with the thoughts of possibility still swirling.

- Meiuna woke to the sound of a commotion in town. She hated having to sit and putter with the thought any longer. Getting out of bed and getting dressed she headed out to see the troubles ahead. Stepping into the main area of the village granted the sound of shouting and panic. The bard almost took another step before she was pulled behind a overturned wagon. The one who held onto her was a red Dragonborn maiden, the store clerk she believed, hiding with a Eladrin mother and her two children. “Are you alright?” “Confused as hell. What’s going on Vavre?” Meiuna sighed, looking the woman in the eye. “The newcomers from yesterday, they started acting weird and breaking things. The guards were saying that they’ve even hurt some people. They were shouting about a someone named, Pastel, and things have been going downhill since.” The Dragonborn explained best she could. Peering over the wagon she saw what they meant in the area before the tavern. The Aasimar was standing next to a pinkish red Tiefling as she demonstrated their message, destroying a few buildings and nearly fatally injuring other villagers. “What being would want to inflict on us to such hellish acts?” The Eladrin woman pondered, clutching her children tightly. “No-” Meiuna began, looking over the overturned wagon. “Hell decided to come here, and it’s here to stay.”

[kenshi-vakarian7]

For the angst/fluff prompts, 74 for Mass Effect ship of your choice, please?

Sorry for the long delay @makocartwheels , but it’s finally done!  Hope you enjoy it. :)

“Hero”

Kira Ryder was finally home.  After working for over twoyears as Pathfinder, she was finally retiring from the role (whichshe passed down to Cora Harper) and settling on Kadara with herlover, Reyes Vidal.  Their long-distance relationship was no more. The most they had spent together during the last two years was amonth, so it was going to be nice to practically have all the time inthe world.  Well, maybe not allthe time since their respective work – him as the Charlatanand her as an Arbitrator between the angara and the Milky Way speciesliving on Kadara – would keep them busy.  But at least now, theycan come home with the other waiting for them nearly every night.

Even after all this time in Andromeda, Kira didn’t bringa lot of personal items with her to Reyes’s – no – theirlittle sanctuary hidden deep within the mountains of Kadara.  Shedidn’t have a lot to begin with – mostly clothes, weapons, and afew personal items she either collected since arriving here orbrought over from the Milky Way.  All of them fit into two largeboxes, except one Milky Way item encased in a metal tube that was along as her arm.  She hadn’t opened that tube at all since waking upfrom cryo.

Reyes helped her get settled before he had to leave fora few hours to wrap up some lingering business from theKadara-related mess they both dealt with not too long ago (and thereason she took on the Arbitrator role to begin with).  He wasn’texpecting any trouble, but Kira made sure to leave her omni-tool’smessage alert on just in case.

Once Reyes left, Kira decided to take a nice hot shower(and grateful that the water no longer smells like sulfur) andfollowed that with a nap on the living room couch.  She wasn’t surehow long she was asleep before she woke up to Reyes gently kissingher forehead.  She smiled to herself when he heard him stepping awayand planned to nap just a little longer…

Suddenly, a soft popping sound was heard, making Kira’seyes snap open.  At first, she thought Reyes opened up the bottle ofwine meant for the celebration dinner they planned for tonight.  Thenuntil she spotted him just across the room… opening the metal tubeshe brought over from the Milky Way.

Oh great… Kiramoaned in her head.  She sat up from the couch and glared in hisdirection.  She momentarily thought to stop him, but eventually letout a breath as she realized that any attempt to halt his curiositywould be in vain.  If she tried to stop him now, all it would do wasmake him even more curious over the mystery item.  Besides,he’s going to find out sooner or later anyway… might as well get itover with…

“Reyes… what are you doing?” Kira grumbled.

He was just in middle of turning the tube over when shespoke.  He gazed up at her with his amber eyes and she noticed thecuriosity in them – just as she expected.  “Well my dear, Ihappen to notice you hadn’t unpacked this yet, so I thought I’d��assist.”

“Uh huh…” Kira said suspiciously.  Then shedecided to make a guess over real intention.  “You’ve been wantingto pop that open since you laid eyes on it, haven’t you?”

Reyes chuckled.  “It is a curious thing - an unopenedtube sitting in this corner while you’ve long since unpackedeverything else – and I bet you haven’t opened this once since weleft the Milky Way.  If I had to bet, and you know by now I’m abetting man, I’d say there’s something valuable in here.”

Kira shrugged.  Thinking about, it’s highly likely thathe wasn’t wrong in his assumption.  “Maybe.  Perhaps it is one of akind here in Andromeda.”

“Now you have me even more intrigued,” Reyes saidwith a grin.  He then tilted his head thoughtfully.  “I’m surprisedyou’re just sitting there and letting me open this.”

“Yeah, well.. you’re going to see what it is sooner orlater.  Might as well get it out of the way now, especially if we’regoing to be living together permanently.  Besides, I’m too tired tofight you over it.”

Reyes laughed as he finished turning the tube over. “Shame, it would’ve been fun chasing you around while you try tokeep this away from me.”

“Sorry to disappoint you,” Kira mumbled in a teasingtone.

A rolled-up paper slipped out of the tube and Reyescaught the end with his free hand.  It looked brand new even aftermore than six-hundred years.  The tube encasing it was clearlydesigned to keep it in the condition it was in during the long travelthrough dark space.  Reyes pulled out the paper completely beforeplacing the tube back in the corner where he found it moments ago.

Kira watched his face as he unrolled the paper justenough to get a look at what it is.  Reyes remained intrigued as hestared at the printed picture in front of him.  Then slowly, his headtilted a little to the side before one corner of his lips turnedupward and his eyes sparked in recognition.

“Is this who I was think it is?” Reyes finallyasked.

Kira couldn’t help butglare at him.  “Reyes Vidal, you know exactlywho that is.”

“Remind me,” he added in mirth.

That made Kira rolleyes only because she knewhe was teasing her.  She tried to play it cool over her next words. “If you don’t know who Commander Adam Shepard is by now, then Ican’t help but question your abilities as the Charlatan.  Informationis your business after all.”

Now that smileof his turned mischievous.  “I didn’t think you’d be so… touchyover it.  Tsk tsk.  Andif I recall, people usually don’t use Shepard’s first name whenreferring to him.  I think you’re the first.”

Kira felt her face turned hot, suddenly feeling like ayoung teenager with a crush… again.  “So what?” she balked.

“You’re blushing.”

“No I’m not.”

“You were a fan girl of his, weren’t you?”

“…Shut up.”

Reyes laughed withamusement as he continued to admire the poster.  “I can hardlyblame you.  After all, he is the hero who saved Elysium, the firsthuman Spectre, and… very, verynice to look at.  You both have the same shade of blue eyes.”

“Not really,” Kira pointed out.  “The picturesdon’t do them justice.  His was actually a bit lighter and a lotnicer looking in person.”

That got a raisedeyebrow from Reyes as he turned to look at her.  “In… person? You actually met him?”

Kira stood up to join him.  “Look at the bottom of theposter.”

Reyes unrolled the poster more until he couldn’tanymore.  By now, Kira got a good look at the photography of the Heroof the Citadel.  Shepard was standing tall in his black armor withthe N7 stripe down his right arm, the same arm possessing a glowingomni-blade at his side.  His left arm was raised and holding an M-8Avenger.  Blue eyes looked past the camera and his dark brown hairwas cut short.  Behind him was the view of the Nebula from one of thearms of the Citadel, though Kira wasn’t sure exactly which arm it was(the background was likely photoshopped in anyway).

At the bottom of the poster on the right hand corner wasa note written in metallic silver ink…

Kira -

Never let an opportunity pass you by if you trulybelieve in your heart that it will make a positive difference in yourlife.

All the best,

Cmdr A. Shepard

14 Aug 2183

Reyes hummed a little after reading that.  “Seems likea decent guy if that note is anything to go by.”

“He was more humbled than I ever imagined him to begiven his status,” Kira mentioned as she leaned the side of herhead onto Reyes’s shoulder.  “When I met him, it was only supposedto last a few minutes, but… we ended up talking for almost anhour.”

“Really?  How did that happen?”

Kira couldn’t help smiling as she recalled the memory. “I was lucky enough to still have a particular childhood friend inmy life at the time.  After the Battle of the Citadel, she and I bothgot on the station and she, well… let it slip that her olderbrother was serving under Shepard.”  She laughed over her nextwords.  “I may have threatened to end our friendship if shedidn’t speak to her brother and convince him to set up a meeting.”

Reyes laughed.  “I didn’t realize you were such aconniving little devil.”

“Hey!” she called out as she lightly slapped hisarm.  “At that time, I waited seven years to meet him in person. Before that, I admired his heroism after he saved Elysium frompirates.  I mean, not many can face wave after wave of pirates ontheir own and survive.”

“I probably could,” Reyes nearly mumbled.

Kira snorted at the way he said that.  “Is thatjealousy I hear, Mr. Vidal?”

Reyes huffed.  “Hardly.  I’d get that kind of job donein the shadows.”

“Uh huh… but then you wouldn’t get the Star of Terralike he did.”

“Medals are overrated.”  An amused look suddenlylook came over Reyes’s face.  “You sure it wasn’t a teenage crushand not a hero worship?”

“…Shut up.  And the answer is both, for therecord.”

He laughed before Kira continued.  “Anyway, Shepardgot a bit banged up during battle so he was resting.  We met up at myfriend’s brother’s apartment and she accompanied me.  I was bothexcited and nervous because I was certain I was going to look like anidiot at some point, but… that didn’t happen.  We ended up talkingabout myself more than anything.  Believe it or not, he was actuallyinterested in what I had to say, always asking questions and neverlooking bored.  I’ve met celebrities before, but meeting him, it wasthe first time a celebrity didn’t look… disinterested.  It made merealize that day why those close to him are so loyal – because hecared about them, not because of what they can do.

“After the meeting ended, he was no longer just an oldteenage crush or a hero to get starry-eyed over.  Shepard became aninspiration, someone to aspire to.”  Kira frowned a little as shebecame more thoughtful.  “I doubt I came close as Pathfinder,but…”

At those last words, Reyes rolled up the poster beforeplacing it back in the tube it came in.  “But you have,” Reyespointed out as he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms aroundher waist.  “You’re an excellent leader, you made Heleus livable,created strong bonds between the angara and those from the Milky Way,and you helped those who needed it.  You’ve done things no one elsecould achieve, just like he did.”

Reyes placed a kiss on the side of Kira’s neck beforewhispering into her ear.  “But better.”

Kira chuckled as she rolled her eyes.  “How am I thebetter one?”

“For one thing… you’re better looking.”

Kira rolled her eyes again.  “Cheesy flatterer.”

Reyes laughed before adding, “You achieved theimpossible without the N7 rank.”

“To be fair, Luke and I received some N7 training fromDad,” Kira pointed out.  “Not exactly close to the real thing,but…”

“But you didn’t need it anyway, nor a medal for thatmatter,” Reyes said.  “Also, as much as I hate to bring it up, Ibet you gave him a run for his money when it comes to being broughtback from the dead if the rumors about him are anything to go by.”

“Maybe,” Kira said with a frown as thoughts overwhat possibly became of the Milky Way entered her mind from all therecordings she found in her father’s personal logs.  Before that, shehad thought that Commander Shepard had died, which happened just overa month after meeting him… but the logs said otherwise.  Even then,who knows if he – or anyone else she knew for that matter –managed to survive, end the invasion, and live out the remainder oftheir lives.  By now, the entire Initiative knew the truth and anyefforts to get in contact with the Milky Way currently remainsunsuccessful.

Kira’s thoughts stopped in their tracks when she felthis hold around her tighten.  “I didn’t-” he started to say.

Kira quickly shook her head as she reached her hands tograsp his own over her stomach.  She figured that he thought she wasthinking about all those close calls during the last two years of herlife.  “No, it’s fine.  I’m all right,” she assured him.

For a few moments, they remained silent and simply enjoybeing in each other’s arms.  Kira found herself staring at theirlittle sanctuary, still not believing that this was now home, and forgood.  Maybe eventually, the idea would sink in.  In the meantime,she couldn’t help but wonder where in their home would be a goodplace to hang up her Commander Shepard poster – once she got a niceframe for it of course.

The living room would be nice, sheconsidered.  Just as long as it doesn’t face the window and-

“By the way,” Reyes suddenly said, breaking thequiet.  “If we ever hit any hard times, a poster of Shepard, signedfor the Human Pathfinder, would fetched a lot of credits.”

As much as she appreciate the change in mood, Kiracouldn’t help but turn around in his arms to glare at him.  “Don’t. You.  Dare.”

Reyes laughed and Kira was about to protest more beforehe stopped her by pressing his lips to hers.  Whatever she was goingto say left her and she was soon returning the kiss.

[kemnam]

I Am Become

Summary: It's been three years. Zeref is gone, all of his books burned. Natsu is alive, and free to marry the girl of his dreams. But fate is cruel, and Natsu cannot escape what he really is, no matter how hard he tries. If he wants to save everybody from himself, he'll have to go back to the beginning. "Now I am become death, destroyer of worlds." Typical pairings.

Pairings: Typical pairings

FF.net chapt. 3 chapt. 5

Chapter 4: With Friends Like These

There had only been a few times in Laxus' life to date where he had been completely caught off-guard. The most recent one had been a little more than three years ago, when the guild of Fairy Tail had unanimously voted to elect him as the ninth master. The last thing he had expected was the encouragement and support he had received after initially turning down the position. He had thought that someone like Erza or Mirajane – or hell, even Lucy – would be better suited for the job. But everybody was adamant about him succeeding his grandfather. Ultimately, it had been Natsu that had talked him into it.

That had been the good kind of surprise. This was the bad kind.

Lucy had done most of the talking, but Laxus was gazing sternly at Natsu. The other man kept his eyes dropped and submissive, obviously feeling shy in the spotlight of Mirajane's and Laxus' eyes. To say that the Take-Over mage looked shocked would be a massive understatement. After the war, only a few people had been privy to the secret of Natsu's origins and special circumstances. A meeting consisting of Erza, Wendy, Gajeel, and a select few key members of Fairy Tail - including Mira - was called to fully disclose just exactly how Zeref had been taken down, and the consequences thereof. At the time, the threat of E.N.D.'s reappearance had been a bigger threat then than it was now.

"I see. Just when I thought it was staring to get boring around here," Laxus sighed. "Are you alright at least, Natsu?"

Natsu looked up at Laxus, taking in the Master's cocked eyebrow and set jaw. "Yeah, I'm okay now."

"Thank goodness," Mira breathed. "I never would have thought that one of Zeref's demons could still be around after all this time."

"Or that it would have such an adverse effect on you." Laxus clasped his hands under his chin as he leaned back in his chair. "The Leviathan's own etherious must have reawakened yours for some reason. But I guess the real question is, where the hell did that thing come from?"

Natsu rolled his eyes. "It's gone now. As long as another doesn't pop up, I should be good, right?"

"That's entirely it, though, Natsu." Lucy spoke softly, leaning forward to catch his gaze. "What if there are more out there? If one demon was able to survive without Zeref, then who's to say there aren't others?"

"Just one was bad enough," Happy said from where he sat on Lucy's lap.

"Then we take them down, obviously." Natsu spread his hands, feigning nonchalance. "There are plenty of wizards in this guild capable of defeating Zeref's demons besides me!"

"Damn it Natsu, this is serious." Laxus abruptly stood from his chair, hands planted heavily on his desk. "What if the next demon that awakens is you?"

Natsu stiffened, the dark energy behind his heart stirring like it knew it was being talked about. Laxus glared down at Natsu with wide, challenging eyes. Lucy, Mira, and Happy watched in silence, the tension in the air rising. Natsu said nothing, but also didn't back down from Laxus' gaze. After a few slow moments, Laxus sighed once more and turned to Mira.

"Tell Freed that I'm going to visit gramps soon, and that he's free to come along."

"You know he will." Mira smiled gently.

"As for you three," he said as he turned back to the other mages. "I'm going with you to see Porlyusica. I won't be too long, so try not to get into too much trouble in the meantime. I expect that you'll agree with me that we keep this whole demon thing under wraps for now, at least until we get a better idea of what's going on."

With that, everyone stood and exited the Master's office. Lucy sidled up to Natsu as Happy jumped down from her lap. She nudged him gently with her shoulder, her expression clearly asking him if he was okay. Natsu smiled back in return, his hand automatically finding hers as they entered the main guild hall. As they left the quiet seclusion of the office and entered the bustling atmosphere of the guild, Lucy, Natsu, and Happy walked with Mirajane back to the bar where she approached Freed with Laxus' message. Natsu paused before taking a seat, eyes catching on someone across the room. Standing tall, Natsu shouted out and waved his hand in the air.

"Hey! Wendy!"

The young dragon slayer looked up, face lighting up at the sight of Natsu and Lucy. Carla looked over as well, standing up from her spot on the table they had been talking at to join Wendy as they crossed the hall.

Wendy was growing into a fine young woman. She was tall and slender, and was still unfathomably kind. Her use of her magic had also strengthened, and now she was a Dragon Slayer with as much might as Natsu and Gajeel. She had even developed a way to make her Troia spell effective on Natsu once more, if only for a short period of time. Her face had become more angular as the years went by, losing her childish looks, and as Wendy entered her late teens, she was already well on her way to becoming a powerful and beautiful mage. The only thing that still gave Wendy grief was that, unlike her Edolas counterpart, she still wasn't as… developed in the feminine area. Lucy had to constantly remind the younger woman that that wasn't technically a bad thing.

"Lucy, Natsu! Welcome back!" Lucy and Wendy embraced, both giggling. When she turned to Natsu, she stopped at the bandages on his face. "Are you okay? What happened?"

Natsu shrugged. "The boat exploded."

"Exploded?!" Wendy gaped at him.

"I don't know why you're surprised. Seems pretty typical to me." Carla smirked. She turned to her blue counterpart. "Did you get a chance to practice your transformation, Happy?"

Happy scratched the back of his head, smiling apologetically at Carla. "Things got a little hectic, you could say. I was more concentrated on staying alive!"

Natsu grunted at Happy's comment.

Happy had asked Carla to help him develop his own human transformation only a couple weeks ago. It was the bravest thing Happy had ever done, and Carla had to admire him for that. Happy had admitted that there were advantages to donning a human appearance, one of which was being able to get into buildings that were pet-free. Carla thought that was a stupid reason to want to learn, but agreed anyway. Having learned the basics from Mirajane a long time ago, Happy learned quickly under Carla's tutelage. But he was still struggling a little with certain, finer details.

"Let me get those for you," Wendy said, reaching one hand up to Natsu's face. "If it scars, it'll look like you have cat whiskers."

"That's what I said." Lucy elbowed Natsu's arm playfully. Natsu smiled suggestively at her.

"Don't pretend you don't think my scars are sexy." He leaned closer to her. "Isn't that why you're always biting me on my-"

A quick finger sharply to his ribs shut his mouth quickly. Natsu crumpled on his bar stool and groaned.

"Anyway," Lucy turned back to Wendy, though it was easy to tell that she was irked by the near-reveal. "Yes, we would love for you take care of those."

It took less than ten seconds. Natsu discarded the bandages and scratched the new skin.

"Feels like I've got a brand new face!" Natsu laughed.

A sudden draft from outside and the loud clang of the front door opening caused everyone to twist around. Laxus and Freed had just stepped out, no doubt heading for Kardia Cathedral. Freed was carrying a small bouquet of flowers. Lucy was almost surprised to see that Bixlow and Evergreen didn't join them as well.

The Thunder Legion had more or less disbanded when Laxus became master, since he wasn't going to be going on jobs anymore. Of course, they all remained close friends, and they still accompanied him to important meetings out of town. In between those, however, they branched out and teamed up with other members of the guild for jobs. Except for Freed. Remaining strong in his loyalty to Laxus, Freed had approached Mirajane and all but begged her to take him under her wing. He claimed he wanted to serve Laxus as master as well as Mira had served Makarov. She accepted with a big smile on her face. And that was how Freed became Mirajane 2.0.

"Maybe we should pay a visit to Master, too." Lucy said, a small sad smile on her face.

Wendy nodded. "It's been a while since I've gone as well. It'd be nice to pay my respects."

"We already are."

Everyone turned at Natsu's words, but his gaze was turned up, taking in the wooden rafters of the guild and the sunlight pouring in through the skylights. His face was serene, eyes thoughtful – a complete contrast to the alive and bustling atmosphere of the guild. The oh-so familiar ambience of the Fairy Tail building had come to mean something else to those members that had been part of the war. Though there had been much grief and anger following the conclusion of the invasion, the guild had also served as a sanctuary for its children – a place where they could all heal and overcome their sadness. There wasn't a single veteran that didn't have Makarov's last words completely memorized. New members didn't fully understand just how special the legacy they carried on their shoulders was, but that was part of the eternal mystery that Makarov and Mavis had envisioned for the guild. No one ever forgot that.

Natsu nodded once in finality, smiling at his fiancé and the other dragon slayer.

"We don't have to go to church to see Gramps. He's right here."

"Spoken like a true bonehead."

Natsu frowned and spun around at the voice, Lucy and Wendy giggling. "Way to shatter a beautiful moment, Gray!"

Gray grinned mischievously as he approached the bar, leaning against the aged wood. "Save all that mushy crap for your wedding day, eh Natsu?"

Natsu had surpassed Gray in height at some point in the last three years, but that wasn't to say that Gray wasn't tall, and he had made up for the lost inches with more muscle. He wasn't nearly as big as Elfman, but he filled out clothes a lot more. Once, he ripped the sleeves on his shirt just by crossing his arms. It was an accident, but it drove Juvia nuts. Gray had also started letting his dark facial hair grow into a close cropped goatee, to show that time had passed and that he wasn't a boy anymore.

Wendy gasped. "You guys picked a date?!"

"No." Lucy leaned toward the younger woman, speaking softly, though still loud enough for all to hear in mock secrecy. "We can't settle on a date until someone decides who they want their best man to be!"

"I don't know why you're waiting on me to pick." Natsu crossed his arms and scowled. "I also don't see why I even need one to begin with!"

Lucy sighed. "We can't send out invitations to our friends in other guilds till we pick a date, and we can't pick a date till the wedding party had been decided. You had one job, Natsu, and you're slacking."

"I can be my own best man, dammit!"

"Quite being such a baby and ask me already." Gray sneered. "I'm dying for the opportunity to turn you down."

Natsu scowled. "That's exactly why I'm not asking you, perv."

"Don't listen to him, Natsu." Everyone turned as Juvia walked up behind Gray, grocery bags on her arms. She placed them on the bar, leaning backwards so she could smile at Natsu. "Despite what he says, Gray would love to be your best man. He told me himself. Isn't that right, darling?"

Gray puckered his lips in thought as Juvia stepped up beside him. "That's not exactly how I worded it. You finish running errands for Mirajane?"

"Mhm." Juvia nodded. Juvia took her hair out of it's pony tail, letting her wavy blue hair fall around her shoulders. "I also stopped by your place and grabbed that shirt you forgot to put on this morning."

Gray jumped, just now realizing that he was in fact shirtless. Taking the garment offered by Juvia with a sheepish grin, Gray wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her an affectionate squeeze.

"Thank you. I really appreciate that."

About two weeks after the war, Gray had taken Juvia away from the guild up to the lake within the mountains. There, he had finally given her his answer. While the Ice mage had admitted that he wasn't sure if he was really in love with Juvia, he did confess that the two of them had been through so much together, good and bad times, that he did feel something – and that he was willing to meet her halfway because of that. It might not have been exactly what Juvia had wanted to hear, but nevertheless, she couldn't have been happier. The two of them have been going steady ever since.

"So does that mean that you've chosen someone to be your maid of honor, Lucy?" Carla asked as Gray buttoned up his shirt.

"Yep! And it's going to be a surprise!" Lucy smiled and winked. "Only they know who they are!"

"I'll tell you right now, Carla, that it's not me," Wendy said with a shrug.

"I know who it is," Natsu smirked. Then his expression turned wary. "But I've been… delicately asked not to tell anyone if I want to keep my-"

"Too much information, Natsu." Happy sighed.

"Thanks for getting those groceries for me, Juvia." Mirajane stepped up to the bar and collected the bags. Turning to Natsu and Lucy, she said "I think it would be adorable if Gray was your best man! Nobody knows you better than him, Natsu. Except Lucy of course."

"Yeah. I mean who else are you gonna ask? Gildarts isn't here, Gajeel would rather chew his own foot off, and Elfman…" Gray didn't have to finish, knowing his point was made. Gray stepped up to Natsu, slinging his right arm over Natsu's shoulders. "And who knows? Maybe if you ask me really nicely, I might just-"

Gray gasped suddenly, snatching his arm back and cradling it close to his body. Natsu cocked an eyebrow, confused by Gray's sudden violent reaction along with everybody else. Gray said nothing as he looked down at his hand with a startled expression. He was panting softly. Juvia approached him and laid a hand on his back, softly calling his name and asking what was wrong. Slowly, Gray shifted his gaze back to Natsu, shock turning into suspicion. His left hand was holding his right, as if Natsu had burned him. Though the sleeves of his shirt covered his arms, Lucy saw a saw a small triangle of dark flesh creep out of the cuff on Gray's wrist. She felt a trickle of dread as she realized what had happened. Mirajane was faster though, and beat her to the punch.

"Lucy!" Mira almost shouted. Everyone turned to her. She was smiling, but the expression was strained, her eyes wide and focused on Lucy's face. "Didn't you tell me you and Natsu had to go pick out a cake today?"

Lucy blinked, realizing that Mira was giving her and Natsu an out. "O-oh! Yes! We do! Right now! Let's go!"

Natsu cocked an eyebrow. "Cake? I thought we already-"

"I'm having second thoughts." Lucy spoke quickly as she grabbed Natsu with one hand and snatched Happy off the ground with the other. The blue cat yelped as she hugged him close to her chest and dragged them towards the door. "I just remembered that I had a terrible experience with chocolate once, and I would hate to relive the trauma on my wedding day. Bye everyone! We'll see you later!"

"I'll tell Laxus to meet you!" Mira shouted after them.

The small group of mages watched as Lucy, Natsu, and Happy disappeared out the front doors. Wendy and Carla shared a look.

"What on earthland was that?" Carla said, turning to Mira. "What does Laxus have to do with wedding cake?"

Mira's only response was an uncertain chuckle. Juvia, watching Gray closely, titled her head at him.

"Gray? Are you alright?" She spoke quietly.

Gray just continued to stare out the front door where Natsu had just left. If Juvia didn't know any better, it would have seemed like Gray was scared. But Juvia did know better, and it shocked her to see that Gray was absolutely terrified.

"I don't know what just happened," Gray breathed as he met Juvia's eyes. He could feel the tattoo on his arm fade away again, as if it was never there. "But I really hope I'm wrong."

After Lucy had dragged Natsu and Happy a ways down the street and down another, she finally released them, heaving a sigh of relief. That could have quickly turned into a very bad situation. Thank the gods for Mirajane's quick thinking.

"Mind telling me what that was all about?" Natsu crossed his arms. "You love chocolate more than life itself, so I know this isn't about some stupid cake."

Lucy gave him an incredulous look before sighing. Natsu was a true detective, she thought dryly.

"I'm such and idiot. Why didn't I think about this sooner?" She mumbled to herself. Lucy straightened and gave Natsu a hard look – one of dread and ire. "When Gray touched you, I think his Devil Slayer magic must have reacted to you."

Natsu started at that. "Devil Slayer? But he hasn't used that spell in years. I thought it went away after the war."

"I think he did too, judging by the look on his face," Happy chimed in.

Lucy's eyebrows scrunched together in thought. "It can't be a good sign if Gray's power is coming back, especially after what happened with the Leviathan… but I could be wrong, right?"

Natsu didn't respond, thinking about the last time that he and Gray had clashed as demon and demon slayer. He still couldn't remember the entire fight, but he did know that it was bad – the worst fight that they had ever had. If Erza hadn't stopped them, they would have killed each other. Natsu sighed through his nose, resolving then and there that something like that would never happen again in the future. The etherious energy behind his heart quivered, like it was laughing at him.

"Come on," Natsu said, leading the way out of town. "Let's head to Porlyusica's."

[ryujin-zanba]

this is a fic that my very dear friend @katherine-ciejek encouraged me to write (*´∀｀*) she had a huge hand in coming up w/ ideas for this so please check out her writing @imagine-some-fluffy-asks and credit her too ;3;

i’ll be posting this story in five installments. it’s reader/ebumi and is v plot heavy~ tw; for body image issues, angst, hurt/comfort & verbal abuse. the first chapter includes all of these things as well as his abuser before the reader appears but dw its a happy ending with lots of fluff  (•́ ��•̀)

“Heh, Masaru, you’re so cute.”

“Nah,” the blond grins slyly, leaning on the door frame with his eyes transfixed on his partner, “you’re the cute one!” “Come on babe, shirt off,” they playfully command. “I’ve been waiting to see my big, strong, rugby-playing boyfriend shirtless all week.” They say it with particular enunciation on those all-defining masculine features, and perhaps there’s a little too much pride in the term ‘rugby-playing boyfriend’ specifically. Ebumi is oblivious to any potential for ulterior motives, or the possibility that he is being used, however. It’s been a long time since the second-year delinquent has felt this much purpose and excitement in life. Being in a relationship has turned lonely nights with rented DVDs and cigarette breaks driven by fits of anxiety into a thing of the past. It is amazing how having one special person can flip everything around. They have become his idol; a thing of worship and Ebumi hasn’t ever considered himself a romantic before, but love has proven itself to be a many-splendored thing indeed. Perhaps this unabashed, unrestrained flood of devotion and dependence on one person is why it is so hard to put himself back together when he feels, for just an awful moment, that every fragment he used to build his world has been smashed, swept up, and put in the bin along with his heart. He quickly brushes aside the comment. He must have heard it wrong, or misinterpreted it. His love would never intentionally hurt him like that, of course they wouldn’t! It’s his fault, obviously. He’s an idiot after all; stupid Ebumi who’s only good for getting into fights and lending out money. Naturally he would take things the wrong way, that’s just his bad habits reappearing. “Oh… wow, I did not expect you to look like that,” they said with deliberate and apparent distaste.  “H— how do you mean?” Ebumi murmurs, his grip tightening on the hem of his shirt after at first being so eagerly removed. “Come here; let me take a closer look at you.”

He obliges. His partner is surely keen to disprove themselves and simply wants to reaffirm how much they adore him, just like they said. They had said that. ’Masaru, you’re so cute.’ He remembers it!

“Are those… oh my g— for real? Do you have stretch marks?! You do! Look!”

“Huh?” Ebumi flinches, looking down at his hips; dimpled where his partner’s fingertips press without care into the plush skin. “Oh gosh,” they chuckle then, “look at this belly as well, that’s not what it’s meant to be like.” “What do you mean? Why isn’t it?” Ebumi wonders, trying so hard not to react to it as if it’s an insult. 

Of course it isn’t, his love would never do anything to intentionally hurt him. It’s his fault: stupid Ebumi… who really feels like crying.

“Well, y'know… good looking rugby players are all fit and toned. No stretch marks or muffin tops,” they snicker. “Like Sekizan! He’s how I imagine a real rugby player to look!”

That cuts through him like a white hot blade angled straight at his heart, and he squirms uncomfortably as he tries to get out of their scrutinising grip.

Their fingers only press deeper into his hips when he retreats though, his partner squinting in a way that can only be described by him as hateful. Like they hate what they see, they hate how he is; they hate him, because he’s not Sekizan. “B— babe,” he tries weakly, his voice breaking as he pushes away their vicious hands. “Mm,” his partner responds thoughtfully as they relinquish their clawed hold and slump over the edge of the bed. “Well, you’re okay, I guess. Not quite there… but you’re alright.” “W— what can I do?” Ebumi pleads, almost immediately accepting this treatment when he comes to the conclusion that if he doesn’t try to appease his love then they will abandon him. “Mmmm,” they ponder in a listless tone. “Maybe just keep your shirt on to be honest. At least I can pretend you’re different under there then.” Ebumi’s heart is fragile, contrary to what others would expect of him, but this is more than enough to wound anyone immeasurably, and possibly even beyond repair. The aching weight in his chest sinks right into the pit of his stomach as a heavy, painful sadness branches out into his extremities. You said you loved me how I am, he wants to reason, but he’s become apathetic all of a sudden, his sense of conviction and self-esteem in complete tethers. “I… I should go home,” he manages to grind out through chattering teeth, tugging his shirt on and hiding his ugly, shameful body that has allegedly repulsed his partner so much. “Might be best, I’m not really in the mood now, y'know?” They say as if that’s perfectly reasonable and that he has utterly disappointed them. “I— I’ll call you,” Ebumi promises, hoping that if he walks away now and tries again tomorrow he’ll be graced with the realisation that this whole thing was nothing more than a nasty dream. “Oh you don’t have to babe, I’ll call you actually!” They lie smoothly, masking their malice with the sweet dressing of a pet-name. Ebumi tries his best to smile after he’s fully dressed himself again and is about to close the door behind him. “B— bye— goodnight,” he stutters, nodding before taking his leave. He’s glad it’s dark so that no one can see the bitter tears streaming down his burning cheeks as he leaves his partner’s house. He’s glad no one is ever home for him, either, when he curls up in bed, ignoring the note and the money from his mother. And he’s glad that no one cares that he’s crying himself to sleep without dinner.

That awful evening rudely persists in the fact that it was, tragically, reality. Ebumi has felt rotten for days; he hasn’t eaten, he hasn’t stopped crying, and he hasn’t been to school once.

He just lays in bed, not daring to walk past a mirror, and staring hopefully at the harsh bright screen of his phone, clinging to the possibility that he’ll get a text from his love that will alleviate his worries and his desperation. For three days though he receives nothing, except from his teammates reminding him of an upcoming match. He ignores them all, even Matsuo. There’s nothing and no one else that he needs as much as his partner. Even just a vacant, ‘hi there,’ would satiate him. But, funnily enough, not long after thinking this, he is blessed with something just like that… from you. He frowns at his phone, having thought he’d temporarily blocked any incoming messages from anyone besides his partner, but there you are on his lock-screen. It’s a picture message, and he deliberates over opening it; his thumb dancing above the home button before, for whatever reason he decides to, he actually clicks it.

'Made me think of you, isn’t it cute??’ Is the caption that accompanies a rather disgruntled looking tawny owl with ruffled feathers and one eye narrowed, squinting at the camera.

Regardless of the state he’s in and the misery he has allowed himself to succumb to, for the first time in three whole days, Ebumi smiles and begins to type back.

'Y bcoz he’s fuck ugly ?’

You get his message, and are quick to return it, knowing what a breakthrough this is given that no one else has heard from him.

'Nooo, he’s beautiful! (´；Д ；｀)’ you insist.

For a split second upon reading this, a flitter of genuine belief and gratefulness blossoms, and Ebumi almost begins to type out a desperate plea to know if you are serious and if you think that of him.

He shakes his head and scowls, berating himself quietly before he settles for, 'where did u c him ?’

'In the park~ they came for a day out with the bird sanctuary LOL’

He’s at a loss for how to reply to that. He has no energy to ask more questions that won’t really lead to much in the way of substantial conversation, but at the same time, he doesn’t want you to stop talking.

His heart jumps a little when he sees that you’re already writing another message though, and he gnaws his thumb in anticipation, a slight curl to the corner of his mouth.

'So hey! the guys said you’ve been off for a while, if you’re ill do you want any shopping bringing over or anything?’

You know full well that he isn't ill. That is just Ebumi’s default cover story for the times he takes off to brood or avoid people while he gets over something, but you humour the facade for his sake, knowing there’s probably a good reason for his distance.

'Nah thnx,’ he types with a smile, 'b back 2morrw ᕙ(•̀∀•́)ᕗ’

'Back to torment us so soon Ebucchi ψ(ಥ◇ಥ)Ψ’

The blond laughs out loud as he reads your final message, and he goes over the conversation several times, renewing his grin every instance he relives the interaction.

Tonight he finds the will to order himself food, and he goes to sleep surprisingly without a single thought of the message he’d been waiting on all this time, but of seeing you in class the next day instead. 

[nala-kenmore]

Death of Mhy Space

(Dramatic sci fi narrator voice: “Previous to Death of Mhy Space”)

“Thanks!” I’m relieved that Julian no longer seems to want to go on a pig crusade. It’s not like I disagree with him in principle, but I just need to find him somewhere safe and then get in touch with my brother, so I know that everything and everyone is ok!

Julian then calls me the pig’s “mama” and I sense that he thinks we’re married now?! Oh no, I’m not ready for marriage, let alone kids! “Oh, er, I consider you more like a little brother, you know? So I guess that makes me the cool aunt?” I reply awkwardly. Then I remember the conversation I had with Julian that time over dinner, so just to clarify I add. “We’re definitely not married!”

I’m about ready for this crazy day to be over, not to mention I’m exhausted, so I say to Julian and the pigs. “You know what comes after story time? Bedtime. Let’s get some sleep so we’re ready to face whatever life throws at us tomorrow.” I don’t know where we’ll go to find a new pig sanctuary, but not anywhere close to here, so I can decide in the morning, when I’m well-rested and have a clear head again.

Without waiting for Julian to reply, I head off to find myself a room. I figure Ziara’s would be the nicest one, and I don’t know, the thought of sleeping in some random hybrid’s bed is a little creepy, so I head there. I guess I’ll just have to add stealing her room for the night to the list of things I owe her for. Once I reach the room and look at the bed, however, I hesitate. Weren’t her and Michael dating at one point? What if they… ew, weird weird weird!

Whilst I’m debating which room I should go to instead, I hear a constant pinging noise. I notice a tablet on the nightstand- it must be Ziara’s personal tablet! I wonder if her or Michael are trying to contact me, after what just happened? I pick it up and see that Mhy Space is now at almost 5,000 notifications! Are these all messages to Ziara? Well, I’ve already spied on her page once, I might as well do it again to see what all the fuss is about.

I open the app, and feel like I’ve been slapped in the face and punched in the stomach at the same time. All the posts seem to be about me, and they’re all awful! There are hybrids calling me a pig- I like pigs, but I know the term is generally an insult- even posting pictures of green pigs or pigs with crowns on and saying that they’re me! I knew that they were scared of me, but I never knew they hated me this much! Is it because I left Michael at the station to save Julian? Does he hate me now too?? The hybrids never do anything he doesn’t want them to…

Tears stream down my face, and I feel a wave of total panic flood through my whole body. I sit on Ziara’s bed, all thoughts of its history forgotten, as I no longer feel able to stand. But I still can’t stop reading the app, I need to know more! Is there any way for me to fix this?

Some of the posts have audio links, and when I click on them I hear the stories I just made up to the hybrid captains. Oh no, they recorded me?! I thought they’d just say that they heard me, but they have proof! The panic worsens as I realise how horribly my plan has backfired! Everyone seems to hate me even more now, fully believing that I killed Julian and married Ra, and all the other ridiculous things I said! Even Gwen has liked all these posts… She must be having a field day with this! I knew she was waiting for an opportunity to screw me over, I just knew!

It gets even worse! There are news clips, official news clips broadcast to the entirety of Michael’s kingdom, talking about how I gave birth to monster piglets out of my chest! I click on one of them and see Billy! So it was him the captains were talking about! The news clip has a link to another interview he gave, and the hits just keep coming! He says that I’m a horrible monster with fangs and spider legs and claws, and that I mind-warped Tiberius into believing otherwise. So now no one will even believe Tib when he says that all these things aren’t true! What if he doesn’t even believe it himself? It’s not like I haven’t messed with his mind in the past…

Oh my gosh. It’s happening again. It’s really happening again! My whole family thinks I’m a freak and they hate me now, even Michael!

I check his page as a last-ditch attempt at hope, but it’s empty! Wouldn’t he defend me, if he still cared? I see his account come online, maybe he’s only just seeing all this now? I open up a chat box to try to talk to him: “Michael, I’m so sorry-“ All of a sudden, the website shuts down “for maintenance”. Did he just cut me out?!

(Dramatic sci fi narrator voice: “And now, Death of Mhy Space Continues”)

I start sobbing as all the old memories come back. Except this time it’s even worse, both because I’ve lost him and it feels like my fault!

I’ve done nothing but mess things up for him this past week, and every time I try to fix it, I just make a bigger mess! He conquered three whole galaxies while I was lost, but since I’ve come back all he’s had are losses and disasters! Maybe that’s why all his allies and hybrids never liked me from the start: they just knew somehow before I did that I wasn’t good for him! He was better off when I was Alana, and it looks like he’s finally realised it.

I can feel the internal battle as every fibre of my being screams both that I can’t lose him, but also that I can’t hurt him. If you really care about someone, then you have to do what’s best for them, no matter what happens to you, that’s what I’ve always tried to live by. He told me himself that he was still happy all those years I was missing… He just doesn’t need me in the same way that I need him.

I realise now that I can’t go home, I can’t… If the same thing happened, if I go back and he banishes me… makes me do that long walk down the dart bay… tells me that I’m dead to him so to never come back… I just couldn’t survive that again!

I’ll just have to live on the hive as best as I can. I know I have Julian and the pigs, but I’m not a part of their “oneness”, and I don’t want to feel like the black sheep (or well, pig) of the family. He just wants me to find him a planet and leave him be, I’m sure.

I put down the tablet, still in shock but almost numb to everything at the same time. I’m hardly able to believe that my life could have changed so much in such a short time, from an app that I don’t even have an account on.

I can’t go back to Michael or his kingdom… but I still want to tell everyone the truth! Maybe one day some of them could forgive me… or even if they don’t, at least I’ll know that I tried. I head to the bridge, and prepare to record my own message about what really happened on the station!