#... why am I tearing up over a giant gem ball? | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mandareeboo · 4 years ago

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SU Music Rankings

Bc I can and I wanna start some Disk Horse rip. These are all in order of preference, with explanations, etc. It’s a long bitch. That said, I’m not counting little short jingles or small joke songs like Little Butler. This is the meat and potatoes of SU music- just under 30 songs. I might do the rest if people like my takes lol.

I scored it mostly on three bases- how dear it was to my heart, how much/often I relisten to it, and also what it means to the plot. That said, little fun songs don’t automatically go farther down than big, plot-heavy songs either! It’s a strange little balance.

Special Note: I don’t dislike any of this music! I love SU and that includes its bumps and glitches. I just pick favorite children lol.

1.) Change

Was there ever a more Steven moment than when he wiped the blood off his face and kissed it into sparkles? I think not.

If “Be Wherever You Are” is an ode to young Steven, then this is teen Steven’s. Talking about change, and how much and how little it can do. How he holds his arms up for Spinel to hug him, so trusting. How he seems able to just. Break into soft tears at will, and not to be manipulative- it’s just his kind nature. The warmth in his voice. Fuck yesssss.

2.) Change Your Mind

This song is only fifty five seconds and it’s EVERYTHING to me. It really felt like someone was speaking the words I’d always held deep inside of me, unsure of how to say. It feels like a goodbye to someone who never really loved me.

As much as I enjoyed Future, if this was the finale of SU, I would’ve been perfectly okay with that.

3.) Drift Away

This song gave me legitimate shivers the first time I heard it, and it still haunts me to this day. Spinel stayed, and waited, and all she got was a transmission thousands of years later. Fuck.

4.) Here We Are In The Future

THE MOVIE IS SU AS ITS BEST AND I WON’T BE SWAYED ON IT. Steven being a teen who loves his weird family but is growing just a bit sarcastic to their drama. The adorable love he and Connie share. His slow realization that he will always be working, always have things to do, is both somber and real. The Crystal Gems won’t be safe with one epic battle. They’ll be safe with years of hard work and love. HIS LITTLE HANDSHAKE WITH AMETHYST.

This is a helluva bop and a great way to summarize the main character’s backstories.

5.) Let’s Only Think About Love

Did ya’ll know that Zach Callison killed his throat with that last note? He gave his all for this performance in a vocal range he no longer comfortably do and by god did it SHINE. The FLAIR. The FORESHADOWING. All of the Gems all being awkward about Rose and Steven trying to bring them to the present. Peridot having a mini-existential crisis in a cute yellow dress. I love Zach Callison’s normal singing voice but man is that a fucking bop. Nothing will ever beat it.

6.) Here Comes A Thought

This bad boy helped me out a LOT with some mental issues I was dealing with in high school. I was unmedicated, unsupervised, and full of anxiety. I’d have break downs when I tried to speak about certain things. I couldn’t function. This song inspired me. It helped me feel okay with my intrusive thoughts.

And the episode! -chef’s kiss-. Once again bringing up the morally gray area of training child soldiers. Connie expanding her social group. Steven’s trauma hauling ass in that second half. The ANIMATION. Stevonnie’s gorgeous singing voice. GOD yes.

7.) It’s Over Isn’t It?

Just barely squeaking above Stronger Than You, this ballad is everything gorgeous. The whole episode is. I think Mr. Greg stands in the top five of my episodes for the entire show. It even got nominated!

There’s just so much about this song that I love. The gentle melancholy of Pearl’s voice. How the crew had to redo the shots for this bit bc Deedee went so fucking hard. The hard cuts between Pearl, remembering the love of her life, and Steven, who has begun to feel like he took her away. I’d recommend this song to anyone, regardless of what they do or don’t know about SU, simply bc it tugs so many heartstrings of love, loss, and responsibility.

8.) Stronger Than You

Did you realize this episode aired SEVEN years ago? This bitch was what got me into SU! Hearing about Ruby and Sapphire made my little gay heart so happy inside, and then getting a whole song confirming that they were a couple, that their love powered the strongest Gem on the team? Aaaaaaaaa

To this DAY I get excited when I hear Estelle start singing. This song is timeless. This song will live in media history. God I fucking love this song.

9.) Other Friends

I’m not the biggest musical person, so I hadn’t heard of Sarah Stiles before her casting as Spinel, but JESUS CHRIST the lady went hard. She went SO fucking hard. Sarah Stiles started on 100 and somehow just kept CLIMBING. You can just hear the sheer manic energy building in her voice, the anger and resentment. 10/10 Sarah Stiles is a queen.

10.) Independent Together

This made the list entirely bc the crew was like “you’re gonna get a himbo ass Steven-Greg fusion singing with Opal while Garnet flies across the moon on Lion while floating” and I am forever thankful to them for it

11.) Who We Are

Bismuth deserved more songs. ‘Nuff said.

12.) Peace and Love (On the Planet Earth)

It Could’ve been Great is EASILY one of my favorite s2 episodes. I love the entire concept of this song. Of Steven making music to reflect how much Earth means to him and his family. Of him teaching Peridot some self-care. Also Peridot’s singing voice is really cute and squeaky.

I know it’s silly, but I would’ve really enjoyed a flip around of this in Future! Like Peridot reminding Steven how much he loves music, that he needs to take time to relax for himself, maybe with a new verse or just a remix of the original song!

13.) Something Entirely New

I watched this episode as it aired, and I legitimately almost cried. I love Charlyne Yi’s voice so much ya’ll- her raspy, not perfect singing voice against Sapphire’s deep soothing lull is great.

And to have Ruby and Sapphire’s meeting be the way it was- for Ruby to bemoan Sapphire losing Homeworld, to being stuck with a single Ruby, while Sapphire is a noble who has always been taught everyone in her “caste” is vitally important (and has, in her own mind, taken that to mean every Gem, as she should) and how they come together and make each other happy. Good shit good shit.

14.) I’m Just a Comet

The fact that Greg’s music career never really blasted off pisses me off to this day bc Tom Scharpling’s voice is fucking BUTTER. Also the song really feels like a jab at his parents now that we know the kind of dynamic he had growing up. “This life in the stars if all I’ve ever known” is definitely him wiping away their existence after reminding them (and himself) the things they used to say about him.

15.) Do It For Her

This episode. This fucking episode. This episode got me permanently hooked on SU. I’d just binged season 1 and was kinda meh about it overall after the bop of Stronger Than You. “Oh,” I thought to myself, foolishly, “I’ll probably just casually watch this from time to time.”

Like three days later Sworn to the Sword aired and that was it. I was hooked! Pearl’s gentle training song turning darker and darker, Connie’s accompaniment from nervous to determined to fully into such a toxic mindset. The fact that SU had the BALLS to discuss the repercussions of training child soldiers, now and later. This episode was everything to me, STILL is everything to me.

Six years and well over 100 fanfics written later, I think it’s safe to say this show swallowed me whole and never let go.

16.) System/Boot.pearl_final(3)

I debated putting this on the list because it’s not anything crazy important, just a way to show things are Wrong, but I had to do it entirely bc Pearl is so damn SALTY.

Like telling us about the Gems makes sense, she felt like she was given a duty, but she went so damn petty. WHY is that Ruby alone. Gross. This Amethyst is a trash dump. Wtf are you people.

17.) Full Disclosure

This episode really feels like a turning point for SU. Before, the show had its dark moments- but now we’re in the thick of it, and it’s not going away. Full Disclosure felt like an rebuff to the idea of returning to any normal we’d established in season 1. Gems are actually a giant species now. Gems tried to kill us now. There’s this Yellow Diamond bitch who got namedropped. Something about a Cluster.

The song itself is BALLER, with its ingenious use of Steven’s ringtone and photos as he tries to decide whether to clue in Connie on all this nonsense. Meanwhile we, the audience, already know damn well Connie about to yeet some common sense into him.

18.) What’s the Use of Feeling Blue?

I’mma admit it- I’m a Yellow Diamond stan. I’ve always loved her- her anger, her poise, her hardworking nature. I actively argued against the “Yellow Shattered Pink” theories back in the day. But, man, when this arc leaked? I got so overexcited I was too jittery to watch it for like two days. It’s easily my favorite arc of the series. The sheer alien nature of the zoo, the Famethyst, and absolutely Patti Lupone’s beautiful ballad. Goddamn. Yellow singing to Blue to try and help her regain her old status, the warble in her voice as she reminds Blue she misses Pink too, the movement of the bubbles as she talks about attack. It gives me shivers to this day. FUCK.

19.) Tower of Mistakes

This is, fun fact, that only SU song I have completely memorized. The story itself is kinda funny! See, we lost internet at my house for a solid 5 to 6 months when these episodes aired, so I only got a very brief window to view them all. But this was the first Amethyst song in a long while, and I didn’t want to forget it! So I keep replaying it in my head for ages. And that’s still definitely a thing.

Anyway will never not be sad that this entire song was about making it up to Garnet for Amethyst’s perceived slights with Sugilite (which was a two-way road), only for Garnet to pressure her into fusion later when pissed and never discuss it again bc Garnet probably never thought twice about it and Amethyst has the emotional openness of a clam that’s just been told its ugly. Helluva way to make someone feel like shit, G. Helluva way to bottle that shit, Ames.

20.) On the Run

I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: Amethyst! Needed! More! Songs!

The dichotomy between Steven’s play and Amethyst’s honest desire to run away from home is so well-done, especially when you consider a lot of Steven and Amethyst’s actions are playing together. The song is also near and dear to me simply bc it’s my favorite Amethyst episode to exist (well, maybe second to What’s Your Problem, but not by much). Moments like these are all the proof I need that they were right to fuse first.

21.) Be Wherever You Are

This tune really just feels like an ode to who Steven was as a kid. Trapped on an island with no way home, and he’s just happy to be with his friends. The stars are beautiful and not oppressive. Also that one animatic with Lars and the Off Colors playing in the Homeworld Kindergarten to this music was iconic and made this song get stuck in my head for a solid month.

22.) Familiar

I ADORE how the crew use bright neon colors to show how alien Homeworld can be. And Steven recognizing that the Diamonds treat him how the CGs used to, and how prepared he is to “fix” a broken family. It’s a soft, gentle tune about melancholy. Also the Pebbles are beautiful.

23.) Let Me Drive My Van Into Your Heart

Such a cute little love ballad, but every time I listen to it now I just imagine the heart attack Rose must’ve had at the line “And if we look out of place/Well, baby, that's okay/I'll drive us into outer space.” like there’s a Vietnam war flashback if I ever heard one

24.) What Can I Do?

I’m kind of neutral on this one? Rose and Greg both have great voices, but the song itself lacks many lyrics. I think it was definitely a good way to show Rose’s flaws in thinking.

Also, I’m shocked they managed cram that much vaguely sexual innuendo into two minutes, followed by how Not Hetereo that dance between Rose and Pearl was, and not get their asses chewed by it. You go guys.

25.) Cookie Cat

I love a lot of the vibes this song has. The lyrics are so damn prophetic, but they also sound like the kind of weird 90s commercials I grew up on. It’s been like two decades since I saw the Shirley Temple commercial but I’ll be damned if I don’t remember “Animals crackers in my soup! Monkey and rabbits loop-de-loop.”

26.) Giant Woman

I am. NOT the biggest fan of Steven’s original singing voice. I feel bad saying that, since it was just Zach Callison as a kid, but he never jived well with me for some reason. So I wouldn’t listen to this on the fly.

The song itself is still really good though, with all sorts of fun animation of Amethyst and Pearl being bitchy to each other. It’s a bit sad in hindsight to see tiny Steven trying to get his moms to get along. Ahh, season 1.

27.) Strong in the Real Way

This song has SUCH a strong start. Pearl reflecting on Sugilite’s problems, but the show making sure to show us that Pearl’s lack of enthusiasm towards her also lends itself to jealousy as well as just general malaise. How much she cares about Steven, and wants him to grow up strong.

And then Steven just kinda. Ruins it? I appreciate his enthusiasm for tryna bulk up but to take what was starting as such a rich, personal song and broadcasting it to random strangers just makes me a bit sad. Almost a bit angry on her behalf?

28.) That Distant Shore

I KNOW this is gonna create some discourse, but I’m just not the biggest Lapis stan. I love her voice. I love the visuals of the song. And I get why she felt afraid and needed to flee.

But Lapis never got to take responsibility for her own actions. And, in the end, the song feels hollow to me- because we all know she’ll never talk to anyone about it, know she’ll burst back in and destroy the barn, and no one will ever question it. I like Lapis a lot, but I feel like her arc never was fully finished. She never got help. She never learned to feel safe.

29.) Dear Old Dad

I’ve yet to meet a single human being who likes this episode tbh. There’s some great discussion about what kind of parent Greg is from it, and what kind of dynamic he has with the Gems that he felt he had to fake an injury to hang out with his son. Honestly the first half was fine and dandy. It’s just that then they Greg just went out of his way to drag Steven away from missions and such. It never jived well with his character before or after.

Also, is it just me, or does Zach himself sound like he hates the song as he sings it? There’s no passion or heart in his voice. It sounds like they told him to read off cue cards and he did. Tom Scharpling’s best attempts didn’t save this one for being a skipper. But the episode, unfortunately, isn’t, so it gets a spot on here.

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howlingday · 4 years ago

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Ozpin: Greetings, travelers. You may know me, or you may not. That doesn't matter at the moment. What does matter is this tale I will tell you. It is filled with magic, adventure, and many memorable moments. If I may begin?

Long ago, and far away, in labyrinths of coral caves~,

A mystic crystal was forged in glass, with magic or something like that~.

It's powers had been used for good, and all had lived in brotherhood~,

Until the necromancer attacked, upon her Grimm of bone and black~.

Her black-red eyes with evil gleamed, She stole the crystal and she screamed~,

Now bow down men and all between, Or face the wrath of my magic beams~!

The knights and nobles of the land, Did all they could to stay her hand~,

But not a single blow was struck, For alas, she had the strongest luck~!

Yang: Hey, Professor Ozpin? No offense, but this story is kind of lame.

Nora: Yeah! This necromancer just shows up, and everyone just loses?!

Ozpin: It's called building tension.

Yang: Yeah, but everyone's gonna get bored of the story at this point, and not bother listening any further!

Nora: I bet Ruby could tell a better story!

Ruby: Huh?

Ozpin: Very well. (Tosses the book to Ruby) The story is yours, Miss Rose. (Leaves)

Ruby: B-But I-!

Yang: So, what happened next?

Ruby: Uh, um-!

Nora: It might help if you just read the book.

Ruby: But wasn't that what-?

Yang: C'mon, Rubes! Show us what you've got!

Ruby: Uh, okay then...

She grabbed the princess from her throne, Then trapped her in the crystal stone~.

The king called in his wizards four, And begged them and deeply implored~,

Search the forests, Search the seas, Search in all time and realities~,

Two champions are what I need, To bring my daughter back to me~!

Yes, my king, it shall be done! The wizards said, and so begun~,

A wondrous spell, that soon would find, The greatest men in space and time~!

And that's where our story begins, Our two heroes soon come in~,

There is no quest they can leave be, But only one of them can really speak~.

Meanwhile..

Jaune: I'm really glad you said yes to this meeting. I was kind of nervous you'd say no.

Neo: (Tilts her head)

Jaune: Well, it's just, I think you may have a problem with killing. Or should I say not killing, because-

Neo: (Waves at him, Points)

Jaune: Huh? (Looks behind him) Is that... a mystic space portal behind me? (Portal sucks them in) OH SHI-!

They awoke within a foreign land, Inside a castle oh so grand~,

There atop a throne of gold, Arose the king, so green and old~.

I've called you from the great beyond, To save my daughter with hair so blonde~,

You've sailed across the skies and stars, The Brothers brought you here without harm~!

Jaune: Actually, your majesty, you just sucked us through about sixteen different dimensions, and I have to be honest...

My arms are broken, And I don't know why my chest is smokin'~!

I will heal you with my staff, Tri-Hard works so long as you don't laugh~!

Now go! Ride toward the Sun! No, not to me! They may be our heroes now, But I fear their destiny~.

And so, they turned and rode past the castle walls, In shining codpiece armor that did cradle his chivalrous balls~!

Then skies grew dark, and the road grew narrow, But our heroes would never be lead astray~!

Neo brought her magic arrows, And she can use them to light their righteous way~!

Jaune: (Shot) ARGH! Neo, have you ever used a bow before? (THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!) OW! OKAY, I'M SORRY FOR ASKING! (Rips out the arrows, Throws them back to her) Alright then, LET'S RIDE!

Ruby: Am I doing good?

Yang: Great, Rubes! But did you really need to mention the "cradling his balls" thing?

Ruby: (Blushing) It's what the book says!

Nora: Is it just me, or does this hero sound vaguely familiar?

Yang: I'm sure it's nothing. So, what happened next?

The roads were twisted, and the air was thick, It was clear her domain was as evil as dick!

They passed through the gloom of the Forest of Fear, And the Pits of Disgust, and the Dark Swamp of Tears~!

Then off in the distance so clear, the cold, gray peak of Mt. Nasty appeared~!

Past the Fields of Annoyance, and Dragon Barf Junction, And the treacherous Cliffs of Erectile Dysfunction~!

Now Neo has erectile dysfunction! Only Neo, though~!

Jaune: I know; it's weird. (Neo shrugs)

They arrived at the Evil Queen's halls, and dismounted their trusty steeds with resolve~!

They hugged them goodbye and promised they'd never quit, Then they ran straight away, for they gave not a shit~!

The moonlight shined over the door, And over the gems and the skulls on the floor~.

They felt no terror at their end of the caves, For unless the Bells of Doom tolled, They knew they'd be saved~!

They knew they'd be saved~!

THEY KNEW THEY'D BE SA-~!

Jaune: (Bells of Doom toll, Surrounded by countless Grimm) Ah, fuck...

Yang: Well, they're boned. Unless they fought their way out.

Ruby: It says here the Silent Knight fought her way out and escaped.

Nora: But not the other one?

Ruby: He fought, but tripped on the first swing and knocked himself out.

Nora: Is he dead?

Ruby: Let's see...

Colored gemstones lit up the walls, and formed a rainbow trail up to a giant waterfall~.

There, the necromancer grinned, the Princess stood frozen, yet still so hot beside her~.

Jaune, Yang, Nora, Ruby: Damn...

Then he heard a voice inside his mind, It was the Princess, she said, Jaune Arc, your heart is kind~.

Only light can stop dark~. I know what she spoke of, That to defeat the necromancer, I need to use love~!

Jaune: Stand back, Neo! I'm going to hug her!

She immediately shattered both his legs, and threw him across the room, He probably should have brought some weapons, but now the fool is doomed!

But Neo picked him up, because they're such good friends, Then she used his body like a club to beat their enemy to death~!

He should be in more pain than could ever be spoken, But luckily he felt nothing because his back is totes broken~!

Oh, the necromancer was dead, and the crystal broke in three, They looked up into the light and saw the Princess was now free~!

Jaune: Neo, she's so beautiful! Roll me to her!

Neo: (Rolls her eyes, Throws Jaune at the Princess)

Nora: Hooray! The day is saved!

Yang: That fight could have been better. Gotta say, though, that Silent Knight dude kicked serious ass! Is he single?

Ruby: Well, there's still a few pages left to find out.

They journeyed back to the King, His lands now green with the life of Spring~,

He leapt up and wept at the sight, Of his girl as she carried our hero through the night~!

Heal this man, wizards~! He cried in delight, And they did! Brothers damned, they kept their magicing tight~!

Sadly it was time to leave, so the King said, Fix Neo's ED, and hooray for Neo's Best Team~!

Yang: Great story, Rubes! Nothing left to do but to put it on a shelf and never read it again.

Nora: I wonder what happened to those two after this? Maybe I should write a sequel.

Yang: What if there's already a sequel?

Nora: A sequel as good as good as what I write? Puh-lease! What do you think Ruby? (Ruby is silent) Ruby?

Ruby: (Points to a picture of Jaune walking around, as if it were a live video feed) Look...

Jaune: Neo, look! The portal back home is opening! (Turns to face everyone, Unknowingly facing RYN)

Now fare thee well, It seems that our journey is at an end. We will be here if you should ever need our help again~. (They walked away, but stopped to turn before they take their last step)

Neo: (Kills a guy, Smirks as she maintains her rep)

We all have our battles to fight, and a crystal cage to break through in our lives~.

But when hope is gone, We will be there to help and fight the fuck on~!

Yang: Whoa...

Nora: (Sniffs, Wipes away a tear) That's my leader...

Ruby: (Closes the book)

The End...

#rwby #nsp #ninja sex party #the mystic crystal #ozpin #yang xiao long #nora valkyrie #ruby rose #jaune arc #neopolitan #neptune vasilias #salem #sun wukong #sage ayana #scarlet david

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bearmyshielf · 5 years ago

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(Based on the phanthop au created by the lovely @roseltheteacup and @alittlewriter ! Hope you dont mind me doing this, but your au made me sad so I had to write something. Now it’s 1 AM, so off to sleep I go!)

—-

Phantump, the stump Pokemon. According to old tales, these Pokémon are stumps possessed by the spirits of children who died while lost in the forest.

—-

He likes his new trainer.

Lee is kind, and gentle, and he smiles like everything will be alright, now that he’s here. Lee doesn’t mind holding his hand, or peeling the crusts off his sandwiches, buys him chocolate ice cream and cookies and when the skies are clear, brings him to see the stars.

(Back in the forest, it had been dark, so dark. What sunlight he had seen was the little streams of gold that would peek through the leaves on good days, and darkness so complete it frightened him every other day. He had wandered, not knowing what he was missing, what he needed to find, just that he needed to find something. He had memorized every blade of tall grass. He had climbed every tree. He learned how to hide, how to keep quiet, how to make himself small. He learned what was safe to eat and wasn’t, how to see in the dark. He learned how to survive in a forest that seemed intent on swallowing him alive, and he had to do it alone.)

With Lee, he’s never alone. His trainer is always always there, a presence larger than life and just a smile bright as the sun. Lee takes him everywhere, and tells jokes, and makes curry just the way he likes it whenever he wants, wherever they are.

(Colorful mushrooms lighting up hidden paths and rocky mountains with gravel underfoot and the smell of salt by the ocean and rolling meadows filled with Woolos and clouds drifting by a giant window fat and lazy and gem encrusted walls and warm water and and and-

And Lee. He’s there. He’s always always there.)

—-

The first time he sees Lee battle, it’s at the very top of a tower that reaches the clouds.

He doesn’t recognize the other trainer, but they look scary, with the determined looking scowl tugging on their lips and the sharp look in their eyes. A part of him wants to curl up and hide, find a crevice and make himself small, the way he did back in the forest when the bigger Pokemon went by. He doesn’t though. Lee is right there, and he wants to be brave.

The fight is short. The fight is brutal. He watches, agape, as Charizard grows large, larger than any tree he’d ever seen, any pokemon he’d ever meet. He watches as the battle ends in a flash of orange fire, the ends of his leaves warming up as it rushes by.

The battle ends. His awe does not end with it.

Later, they make camp next to Lake Outrage, and Lee has gone to gather some berries. It’s just him and the rest of the team. He gives the others a friendly wave before he floats over to where Lee has left his things, hunting for the red and white balls that he’s always seen trainers with. It isn’t hard to find one, buried under strange pictures and a folded cape. He lifts it and chortles with glee, the sound echoing a hundred times over as he tosses it up and catches it again.

(He remembers the way Lee had done it, powerful arcs and deliberate movements. He remembers how he had felt- like his breath had been stolen- like there’s a sharp ache somewhere inside him, a dull throbbing that won’t go away, heat and ice making his vision blur. It hurt, but in a good way, and he wants that. He’s sure he does.)

It’s hard to imitate his trainer, but he tries, heaves the ball up to his chest and starts to turn around. He gets dizzy soon enough, and does that mean it’s time to let go? He does, and stumbles in midair as the ball leaves his hands to curve upwards gracefully and land on the grass some distance away.

Next to it, Lee, who drops the berries and plates he’s been holding, who’s hands rise up to cover his eyes as the dishes shatter, a thousand little shards sent in all directions. He watches, paralyzed, as his trainer’s shoulders tremble, like they’re caught in their own internal earthquake.

He rushes over, dives into Lee’s chest and clings to his shirt. Lee doesn’t hesistate- his hands come down to cradle him against their chest, shaking, shaking, shaking. He feels something drip on his branches and makes a low crooning noise, a rumbling purr he’d seen Meowths do to comfort their trainers, until Lee’s hands aren’t trembling so much and his shoulders art still.

Lee exhales. It’s a shaky, hollow sound, like someone has torn out his soul, and he never wants them to sound like that again, never, never again. He swears that, even as the rest of the team comes close and Charizard’s wings spread to curl around them.

(Later on he tries to pick up the shards left on the grass, but Lee stops him with red rimmed eyes. “It’s fine.” They murmur as he watches sadly. “You’ll cut yourself; let me do it.)

—-

“Phan?” He asks, confused. Lee smiles at him, pats the air next to him. They’re in the town with budews sleeping in the gardens and a large house nearby, looming.

(He doesn’t like that house. The last time Lee had brought him there, he had felt small: he had felt afraid, and alone, like he was back in the woods and all he could see were shadows. He had run away, and Lee had tore open the countryside looking for him, until his voice cracked and his shouts became whispers. He came back eventually, and Lee had hugged him so fiercely as they begged him to never leave like that again. It took five days before Lee could speak without coughing up blood. Five days of worry and guilt, and the knowledge that his trainer cared enough to look for him, to push himself that far. He doesn’t know why, but he feels like no one’s ever done that for him before.)

“I have someone for you to meet.” Lee smiles. There’s no stumble to their voice. He floats over, confused, as they continue. “Look, here they come now.”

He looks at the direction Lee is pointing and sees a Dubwool, being led by a woman with a shock of orange hair and followed by a Yamper. He looks at Lee, even more confused, but then the Dubwool tackles him.

There’s a commotion and flurry of movement around him, but his vision is filled with white wool and bright eyes, gleaming. The Dubwool nuzzles him, mindful of their horns. It’s you. They say, their voice trailing off to a celebratory bleat. It’s you! You’re back! You finally came back!

He wants to ask who they’re talking about. He wants to ask if they’ve met. Instead, he says nothing at all, as he buries his face in their coarse wool and wonders why this all feels so familiar.

—-

He’s been with Lee for three months when another new face appears.

The trainer looks young, and he doesn’t know them but- he feels like he should, for some reason. They look at him with wide wet eyes and it feels familiar, the way the Pokemon Lee had introduced him to had all felt familiar, like the woman with orange hair had felt familiar. Like it was something he’s forgotten, something he’d witnessed once in a dream.

“...Hey.” They whisper cautiously, picking at the edge of their sleeves with their nails. They’re still watching him with those wide wide eyes, huge and terrified. “Is it really you? Hop?”

That’s his name. He knows that at least, had been there when Lee called him that for the first time. He gives a shrill giggle, and they smile. He thinks that it’s a good expression on them.

“I thought I would never see you again.” The trainer’s lips wobble, and they use their hand to rub at the corners of their eyes. “We didn’t even get to say goodbye, yknow? I didn’t even notice you were gone, not until Leon did.”

He doesn’t understand what they’re trying to say. But he notices the way they’ve begun to curl inwards, eyes on the ground as they struggled to breathe. He knows what that means.

(He doesn’t know this trainer, with their sad smiles and shaking voice, but he knows already that he cant stand to see them cry.)

He floats forward as their eyes begin to droop, the weight of their tears pulling the edges down.

“And I stole your dream even though I didn’t really want to be champion, and I never said anything to you, and I didn’t look for you, I didn’t try and find you-“ they suck in a noisy breath, ribs rattling. “I was so happy to be number one I forgot about you, even though you were always there when I needed you, and I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry-“

He noses his way into their arms, as their frame is wracked with heavy sobs that seem to take everything out of them. “I’m sorry-“ They croak, voice cracking, and repeat. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry- Hop, I’m sorry.“

He doesn’t know what they’re apologizing for, but he decides he’s forgiven them for it. He buries his face into the crook of their neck and listens to the apologies whistling out from between their teeth.

—-

He’s watching his trainer battle his rival and he feels something like pride, something a little more bittersweet- he watches them trade blows and something in him rings hollow, like a strike against an empty glass of water.

“I’ve never met a Phantump before.” The little girl next to him says. He cocks his head. “There’s never been any near Hammerlocke. And anyway, you’re the only one that has purple leaves.”

Was he? He bats at the purple foliage peeking out of his stump, wondering. Maybe that made him special. The girl watches him through the corner of her eyes.

“Though, we’ve met before, haven’t we? I asked your friend to deliver a letter for me. You were there too. You helped.” She smiles and smiles and keeps smiling, but she’s gone perfectly still.

He blinks in confusion.

“I never thanked you for that.”

She reaches out and pats him on the side of his head, and still confused, he lets her. “It’s not too late for you. You have got to remember.”

“Hey!” Lee calls from below. He turns to look at him: he’s flushed and grinning from victory, as his rival sighs over their rotom phone. “Come on, let’s go!”

He begins to follow his trainer, but not before sparing one more look behind him.

The little girl is not there.

—-

There’s a trainer waving a feathered stick around.

He floats over to investigate, the chiming of the bell alluring despite himself. The trainer chuckles as he bats at the toy, arms moving to and fro to attack it.

“I heard who you are.” The Trainer mutters as the toy begins to slow. Their eyes stay locked on him. “I heard it from the Champion. You’re Hop, aren’t you?”

That’s his name, so he nods. The trainer huffs out a brittle laugh, looking away and running a hand through his mess of unruly curls.

“...It was my fault.”

They don’t wait for him to understand. They barrel on, the words leaving them in a rush.

“You- you were ten. I was ten. Shit, we were stupid little kids, and I... I said that to you, and you disappeared, and I’m so fucking sorry for that. It was my fault.” They sigh. “What I did was unforgivable.”

He watches as they fiddle with the collar of their pink shirt, unable to meet his eyes. For some reason, he feels a stab of deja vu.

“Just... I’m glad you’re happy now, at least.”

—-

In the end, all it takes is a realization.

He’s sitting in Lee’s help and the thought strikes him how many friends he has now; how many memories shared. He’s sitting on Lee’s lap and all he feels is safe: all he feels is content.

(He thinks of the familiar Pokemon and the trainer with huge eyes and everyone else he had met, and he thinks of lonely days in a wood filled with fog and thinks that he is happy with what he has now.)

“I love you.” He hears Lee whisper as they poke at the fire, and he- he wants to respond.

(He’s warm and safe and happy, surrounded by companions, watching the stars twinkle overhead, and he’s never felt farther than his origins before: like the years he had spent in those woods never happened, like he never had to learn how to be small and safe. The darkness seems so far away, with the campfire spitting embers into the distance. He’s here, and he’s happy, and it feels like a dream come true.)

“Love you too Lee.” He whispers, actually whispers, with a voice that isn’t a chorus of screams, and-

-something in his soul slides right into place, and clicks.

(He isn’t lost anymore.)

#pokemon sword and shield #pokemon swish #hop #leon #bede #phanthop au #angst #angst with a happy ending I PROMISE #i stayed up way too late for this

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hades-999 · 5 years ago

Text

Steven tag 🌟

Mr. Universe // Fragments

Hi. So..... Here we are, last two episode before the finale.......(about that; possibly it will be in two post, maybe not on the same day, but I will do it, don't worrie)

Let's see them:

✨

Mr. Universe

First, I noticed the lunch/snack what Greg did for Steven... What if I say, they use to eat it together.... Men are tipicaly bad cooks, and eat junk food

It was funny to see Greg sneak in.... And Steven simply levitate himself up😁

But, to be more serious; you could see something interesting; the spoons and the goat statues;

If you watch carafuly, you can realise, the spoons are strongly resemble to the Diamonds' essence glasses... Also, possibly those are part of a game; if you go somewhere in the world you can by one and put in the collection. Seemingly Steven's grandparents were a bunch of places.... Just like the Diamonds (concured planets......)

About the statues; in the SU seria (episode: Giant Woman) Steven "adopted" a goat, and named Steven Jr. So, those object could symbolised kids

All together; those were a nice and completed "family". And Steven liked it, even if he wasn't a part of it

Now, we finaly know why was so bad for Greg when he had to cut of his hair: it meant the freedom for him

Also: I understand Greg tried to help Steven with the song..... But he already brought up Steven by give him freedom.... Nobody can adopt something what is already his/her. Steven needed something what can set him free.....from family

Fact; The main character name is Steven Quartz Universe. Just to be clear; his upset feelings absulutly understandablle: he isn't a quartz and not "Universe". Even the title of the seria is a lie

About the photo; personally I think he deleted it. He was need for a somebody, who would be something poitive in his life, unlike his mother..... And now... He lost it. He can't accept his father's past, cause it would means he is just like his parents. He wanted to forget the past....

Side note; maybe it's just me, but why does young Greg looks like a BlueDiamond!au Steven?

💎💔

Fra-gmen-ts

So, let's start with my favorite part of the episode:

⭐

Steven; I just want to be alone [...]

Jasper: Phhhs.... If you really wanted to be alone, you're doing it wrong.

⭐

The next to the reader;

For the first time it sounds funny, and it is. But actually Jasper was right; when most of the people is trying to avoid some serious problems, they usually found somebody, who isn't important enought to hurt him/her with their oppinion

This way they can speak about their problem, without any consecuenses. But please, think it over; solve a problem with somebody, who doesn't even like you and doesn't involved in your problem; it's not a sollution. Your problem will be solved only seemingly, because (again) the other doesn't love you and doesn't know your chase. He/She can't help (now I'm not speaking about psychotherapists; but even they try to get information about the situation before start helping not just ram into it)

Just because somebody has/had similar problem(s) to you, it doesn't mean your problem can be solved in the same way. Feel free for try, maybe will help. But don't think it's the only sollution. Keep it in mind

I would point something out; Steven ate a fish. It's not big deal, but at this point he was vegetarian by choice.....

The fight was amazing

Hmmm..... Am I the only one who felt Dragon Ball vibe 🐉?

Wow..... I hoped the helmet will get horns.....but not like these.... Wow

After the title, I was sure this will hapen. But personally I hoped it will be permanent. To be honest, I don't want Steven be a killer..... But he would understand more that way what he did

Steven temporary become a Human-Diamond. Just look his eyes.....

Also, did you realised how much dammage was caused by Steven on Jasper? Just like poor Volleyball......

⭐

💎

Bonus;

So, Greg's letters were titled to Greg Universe. But if he just use the name, but not changed it, Steven real name is;

Steven Diamond DeMayo

It's just fun details, but on Greg room's door, and the letters' stamp you can see a white dove. This could be a reference to Dove Self-Esteem Project, a seria, where the characters try to give good advices and examples for a mentaly healthy life

Two thing;

Steven's tears can heals as well

If only the essence of the Diamonds' can bring back to life instant a corrupted, shatered gem with seemingly not serious dammage and closly healed corruption, what are they capable of Together?

⭐

So, I hope the finale will be as interesting as the previous episodes.... We will see. Until that; be happy. And if you are not, try to found somebody, who love you. Maybe you won't be happy. But you won't be sad alone

Homeworld bound // Everything is fine

Together forever // Growing pain

#su #Steven Universe #steven universe future #mr. universe #fragments #Steven tag #jasper #su greg #su diamonds #diamonds #pink steven #Human-Diamond #crazy steven

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magicstar16 · 4 years ago

Text

A cruel joke

NOTICE: This is a fanfic based on Spectralreplicas Puella magi au, I do not own the au. I also do not own the Puella magi madoka magica franchise or the Danganronpa franchise.

Summary: After a nasty fight and being kicked off of Shuichi’s team, Kokichi sets off on his own to fight a witch himself. He later discovers how disturbingly appropriate the witch and it’s labyrinth seem to be, given his situation

Third and also kinda second person narration, mostly second.

TW Character death

Also may or may not be slightly OOC but Kokichi’s going through a lot and he needs time to be an actual human being with feelies and not just a lying little shit nugget.

Kokichi ran through the labyrinth, panting heavily, knocking out familiars who got to close. The familiars were just little fuzzballs balancing on top of bouncy balls, so he could just knock them away as he would with the little balls that came with his mallet. He’d use one of the balls on his outfit, but that took magic, and with his soul gem already pretty murky, he couldn’t risk it. Besides, even if he could afford to take that risk, there weren’t many walls, the labyrinth took the form of an outdoor, cheap county carnival, so there wouldn’t be much to bounce on. In the distance he saw the witch, it was a black ball with cartoonish arms and legs, with a large, cartoony mouth for a face, riding a colorful unicycle. The witch’s cacophonous laughter echoed throughout the labyrinth. Kokichi ran towards the witch without hesitation, pushing off the familiars. The witch pedaled away, still laughing. “Stop running away, You stupid witch!” Kokichi yelled, in between breaths. “This would be so much easier if I was still on a team” he said to himself.

He stopped in his tracks

“Oh wait...” he muttered, his voice trailing off

“That’s right...”

*Flashback*

Kokichi jumped from platform to platform, knocking around his croquet balls as they bounced around as carelessly as he did, with a childlike laughter that only he could produce, while smashing the occasional familiar. The giant witch’s slow, rusty, mechanical wire-like arms kept trying to squash him, like a slow bear trying to squash an annoying little fly. “Come on, you overgrown toy! Give me your best shot!” He laughed, taunting the witch. Shuichi, Kaito, and Gonta, however, were not amused with Kokichi’s jokes at the witch.

“Stop screwing around Kokichi” Kaito yelled, trying to shoot away the rusty familiars in a nearly blind panic. Kaito’s arrows kept flying towards different directions, sometimes at the familiars, who kept getting closer and closer towards him as Kaito tried to distance himself.

Shuichi ducked the arrows and croquet balls that flew around the labyrinth. “Would Everyone stop screwing around?! PLEASE?!” Shuichi asked, desperately trying to find some sort of week point.

“Shuichi! Over here! Gonta may have found weak point!” Gonta called out to Shuichi, near the base of the witch. Near the base of the gigantic mechanical body, in a mess of wires and gears, Gonta seemed to have found a large, beating mechanical heart. Shuichi lit up! “Thanks Gonta!” Shuichi replied, Shuichi shot at the heart rapidly, the witch didn’t seem to notice, as it was busy with Kokichi.

Kokichi panted,”Is that all you got, rust bucket?” He asked, Now face to face wtih the witch. It’s glowing eyes glared right at him. It slowly opened it’s mouth, revealing what appeared to be a second mouth with a large cannon inside. Kokichi stared blankly. “Is that supposed to be a no?” he asked.

As Gonta was wailing on the witch’s heart with his butterfly net, he looked up at the witch, seeing if it had noticed him and Shuichi yet.

Good news: The witch didn’t notice them!

Bad news: It sure had noticed Kokichi.

Gonta saw the cannon emerging from it’s mouth, it started heating up, about to fire any second. In a moment of impulse, Gonta leaped away from the heart, and onto the platforms to where Kokichi was.

“Kokichiiiiiii!”

Kokichi stumbled back and looked up at Gonta, who taking the bright, fire like blast for the smaller boy. Kokichi was even more dumbfounded by larger boys action. “Why” Kokichi muttered. “Why are you doing this? You should be helping Shuichi.” Gonta grunted, trying to ground himself in place. “Because” Gonta replied, through pained grunts. “Gonta... g-gentleman. G-gentlemen... protect... others...” Gonta looked back at Kokichi and smiled, even though Gonta could feel his soul gem cracking. “Becoming... gentleman... was... G-gonta’s... wish... after... all...”

Two tortured screams echoed throughout the labyrinth, both followed by a crash and a crack as the labyrinth disappeared. It all happened so quickly. Kokichi fell onto the ground, feet first, not a perfect landing, but still a landing. Gonta was not so lucky, as he fell onto the ground limply, like a ragdoll dropped by a child.

Kokichi chuckled at the bug-lover, who had seemed to suddenly detransformed for some reason. “Klutz” He teased, trying to shove Gonta’s words in the back of his mind. Kokichi detransformed. “Come on ya big lug, we gotta meet with the others!” Gonta just laid there. “Don’t be so dramatic, I know your soul gem took a crapload of damage, but Shumai and Kaito will definitely share the grief seed if you beg enough!” Kokichi joked, trying to laugh, but all he could muster was a chuckle.

“C-come on idiot” Kokichi murmured, trying to maintain his carefree tone. “T-this isn’t funny” Kokichi kicked the body a little, with no response. “Is this payback for that time I pretended to be dead, and laughed when I saw you crying? Well, I get the point you’re trying to make now.” He said, trying to hold back a couple of tears that seemed to have pricked up. “It’s not very funny on the other end! Ya got me Gonta! You can get up and laugh at me now!” Still no response. Kokichi got on his knees, in an apologetic position “I-i-if you want an apology, I’m sorry! I really am! I understand that it’s not funny! I won’t do it again! Now Please! get! up!!” He cried as he banged his fists on the pavement. Kokichi felt some tears fall down his face, he just couldn’t hold back anymore.

Kaito and Shuichi, now back in their civilian forms, looked around for the grief seed from the witch Kaito looked under some parked cars, “Come on, stupid seed, stop screwing around. My sidekick needs you so he can clear his soul gem.” He said, frustrated. He looked under some more cars, hoping that nobody would be driving out to see four schoolboys (allegedly) screwing around in a parking lot. He REALLY wasn’t in the mood to get scolded by some stranger for playing in a parking lot in the middle of the evening, as he was already mentally preparing himself from the scolding he’d surely get from his grandparents for staying out way past dinner. That and hoping someone wouldn’t run over the seed if it was near a car wheel or something. Kaito ducked under a pickup truck and lit up as he saw a small, black glimmer. “There you are” He chuckled. He looked at the black seed with the gear-like design on it. He found it kinda cool that all grief seeds seemed to have their own symbol. He reached into the underside of the truck and grabbed it. He got up and waved to the others! “found it!” Kaito called out. Shuichi got up from looking under another car, dusting off his uniform and ran over to Kaito. “Alright, good work Kaito! Now we need to tell the others!” Shuichi and Kaito both walked to the side of the lot to avoid any cars, and the two began their search for Gonta and Kokichi.

Kokichi sobbed on his knees quietly, clutching his scarf tightly, begging Gonta to wake up. “P-please Gonta...” He whispered. “I’m sorry for tricking you, I’m sorry...” Kokichi looked up to see Shuichi and Kaito running back. “Shit they might have seen me” Kokichi thought. He turned away and wiped his tears and pulled himself together, and then leaned on a nearby car with his hands behind his head and his elbows up. Trying to look as relaxed as possible. “Took ya long enough.” Kokichi chuckled as they approached. Shuichi, being shuichi, seemed to immediately notice something was off. “What happend to Gonta?’” Shuichi asked. Kokichi, Shuichi, and Kaito looked down at Gonta, who wasn’t moving an inch. “Probably tired, he took a lot of damage after all, let’s help him up” Kaito suggested. Shuichi, and Kaito grabbed Gonta by the arms and lifted him up. Kokichi helped, uncomfortably pulling Gonta up by the feet. The trio took their green-haired teammate to a grassy area on the side of the lot. They laid Gonta on his back. Gonta’s eyes were closed, he had a pained expression stuck on his face. He was unmoving, and cold, like a statue. Shuichi checked the side of Gonta’s neck for a pulse. “H-his heart isn’t beating” Shuichi said worryingly.

Kokichi choked back some tears. This couldn’t be happening. Gonta couldn’t eb dead, and not because of him, right? Sure Kokichi may have lied, manipulated and took advantage of the gentle giant’s kindness and stupidity so he wouldn’t have to do as much work fighting witches, but Gonta always pulled through. He’d bounce back again right? This was just payback!

“It’s completely shattered” Kaito muttered.

“What is?” Shuichi asked

“Gonta’s soul gem... It’s completely destroyed!”

Those words sent a chill up Kokichi’s spine. Kaito held the light green soul gem in his hand. Pieces were scattered around in his palm.

Kaito looked down at his shaking palm. “You...” He muttered, clutching the remains of the gem. “YOU!” Katio shouted at Kokichi, as slammed his empty fist against another car, making Kokichi unknowingly flinch. “GONTA’S DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU! HE’S DEAD BECAUSE YOU SCREWED AROUND AND HE HAD TO SAVE YOU FROM YOUR OWN STUPIDITY! YOU! KILLED! GONTA!” Kaito screamed in between sobs, Slamming his fist against the car for emphasis on the last 3 words.

Kokichi looked down, not wanting to look up at the enraged taller boy, he’d rather die show himself in such a sorry state. Kokichi choked back tears, and he defeneded himself the only way he knew how.

“It was his fault” Kokichi lied. “He was being stupid again. All he does is waste time trying to save us indvidualy, or be selfless at all” Another lie. “We’re not friends, we’re teammates. We’re colleagues, hinting witches is our job, you don’t need to save teammates” Kokichi spewed out another lie. Kokichi looked up, with a fake smile on his face and a twisted feeling in his guts as he said the following words. “I don’t need him! I never needed him or any of you morons!” He could feel his heart shatter as he spewed out the lie. Like venom that he spit out and swallowed at the same time.

Kaito baweled with rage and punched the car, choking back sobs. “You monster” He whispered. “You lying, heartless, little monster” Kokichi maintained his smile despite that it felt like glass shards were being stabbed into his heart. “I don’t know why we ever let you on the team, all you do is make everything harder for us!” Kokichi maintained his composure, even though the words felt like knives in his chest. Kaito stormed off. Shuichi, who had been silently mourning over Gonta as the fight when down, approached Kokichi with a lump in his throat. “I’m sorry Kokichi, but Kaito’s right. You don’t corporate with are plans, aside from being a distraction to witches, you also not only take advantage of Gonta, but...” Shuichi hesitated, and choked out a sob “You’re not even grateful for his sacrifice” Shuichi wiped back his tears and looked at Kokichi, right in the eyes. “You’re kicked off the team Kokichi. We can’t be with you if you’re going to be like this” Shuichi looked away, “And, I don’t think we should speak for a while” Shuichi muttered, in a way that was clearly putting it lightly. Kokichi could tell that Shuichi meant that they didn’t want to be friends anymore. He could tell when someone was lying. That was his personal magic after all. Even then he didn’t need magic to know what Shuichi meant. This wasn’t the first that some told Kokichi that they didn’t want to be friends anymore. As Shuichi dragged Gonta’s body away, Kokichi held back his overwhelming amount of tears and yelled out one more lie, without any thought

“FINE! I DON’T NEED YOUR HELP! I DON’T NEED ANYONE’S HELP!”

Kokichi ran off, wishing that Shuichi would at least call out to him, but of course he didn’t.

Nobody would call out his name now

*End of flashback*

Kokichi aimlessly ran throughout the labyrinth as the painful memory flashed through his mind, tears blurred his vision. He could still hear the witch cackling in the labyrinth, the sound pulsed through his head, it almost hurt to listen to. “Shut up!” Kokichi yelled, as if the witch would listen. He batted away at more familiars, it almost seemed as if they were laughing too. In the distance he saw the witch, it seemed as though it was gesturing Kokichi to come towards it. Kokichi ran towards it with whatever strength he somehow had left. “GET! BACK! HERE!” Kokichi screamed, in between tired, stressed breaths. The witch kept laughing as it pedaled away, fast enough to keep away from Kokichi, but slow enough to stay in Kokichi’s sight. Kokichi chased the witch all the way into what seemed like a funhouse. Kokichi walked around the funhouse cautiously, in case the witch could have set up a surprise attack. He heard a little giggle from behind him, Kokichi turned around, to his surprise, there was nothing there. He kept walking through the funhouse, looking around at it’s seemingly endless maze of mirrors. Kokichi felt something tap on his shoulder, he turned around again, nothing.

Nothing but faint giggling

As he looked at all the mirrors in the funhouse, he could hear more giggling, trying to figure out where it was coming from. The mirrors frames seemed to be locked to wide, goofy smiles, in a similar to comedy masks, it was as if they were about to burst into laughter at any minute. He quickly walked through the halls of the the funhouse until he saw a single mirror in his way, surrounded by giggling familiars. Kokichi stopped and stared at what the mirror displayed.

It was him, crying and knocking around familiars, like he had been earlier. It was like the familiars had recorded him or something. There were even some mirrors laughing at it. (It seemed the mirrors were also familiars.) were all laughing at the “footage” (For lack of a better word) of Kokichi crying and knocking away at familiars with his mallet, like a bunch of children laughing at a funny clown on tv.

Kokichi picked a ball off of his hat and placed it on the floor. He lined up his mallet near the ball. He glared at the mirror playing the footage of him in such a sorry state. He hit the ball with all his might watching it crash into the mirror playing the footage of him, and then bounce from mirror to mirror, breaking them upon each impact. He smirked to himself as he watched the ball smash the mirrors into pieces. He left the hallway proud of himself, there wasn’t really a need to get the ball back, he could always summon more, the balls on his outfit grew back over a certain period of time.

However, as Kokichi walked away, he felt a blunt impact on the back of his head, causing him to stumble forward onto his stomach. He picked himself, back up, rubbing the back of his head. He looked down to see the ball he had hit earlier. He chuckled to himself, “At least nobody saw that”.

He realized what he said. He plopped the ball back onto his hat and walked away casually. (Sure he didn’t HAVE to retrieve his balls after hitting them, but it was still good to get them back whenever he could, every bounce made his mallet hits stronger after all). Hoping none of the mirrors recorded that. His hopes started to diminish as he went further into the funhouse, hearing more and more laughter as he got deeper. He could even see some of the mirror familiars laughing at him, writing insults on lower leveled mirrors for Kokichi to read, and even playing the footage of him getting hit by his own ball. Kokichi kept looking forward, he needed to preserve his magic to fight the witch, or any familiars that decided to gang up on him.

He trudged up to a large door with laughing mouths on it. He opened the door to see what appeared to be a circus ring, with the witch in the center, the seats were filled with familiars. They cheered as Kokichi entered, as if they were excited to see him. Kokichi glared at the witch, it bounced gleefully and gestured Kokichi to come towards it. Kokichi sprinted after the witch with his mallet. Kokichi swung with all his might, but the witch dodged. Kokichi kept trying to hit the witch, but it kept dodging. As Kokichi kept trying to hit the witch, the laughter from it and it’s familiars got louder and louder. Kokichi, stumbled around, desperately trying to hit the witch. Eventually Kokichi collapsed onto the ground, it was like he could barely be able to hear his own breathing over the laughter from the labyrinth. The witch rolled up to his pathetic form.

“Why?” Kokichi asked, more to himself to the witch. “Why would it bring me to the center of it’s own labyrinth?”

As if to answer his question, the witch opened it’s gaping mouth in a rectangular shape, like a tv screen. The familiars all went silent. Kokichi stared at the mouth in shock. It was a mirror playing footage of him, but not just any footage.

It was footage of his fight with Kaito.

It almost hurt to watch the recording, but the strange (Or worst) part was that the recording paused in between Kaito’s sentences, to give time for the familiars in the audience to laugh, like a sitcom.

“GONTA’S DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!” There was Laughter from the audience “HE’S DEAD BECAUSE YOU SCREWED AROUND AND HE HAD TO SAVE YOU FROM YOUR OWN STUPIDITY!” again, there was laughter. ”YOU! KILLED! GONTA!” There was not only laughter, but cheering from the crowd, almost as if the familiars were all saying “You tell him” in response. Kokichi watched his response in the recording. Wishing he could say how he really felt. Wishing he had the courage to say the truth.

The truth was, It was Kokichi’s fault.

The truth was, Kokichi was the stupid one, in a way

The truth was, Kokichi really did see them as friends.

The truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was the truth was...

“I need you” Kokichi whispered, pleadingly, “I need you”

Kokichi kept his head down as he tried to hold back tears. The recording continued the play, with the occasional laughter from the familiars. Until the recording finally ended, with the last scene. Himself, running away while crying.

As the recording stopped and the witch’s mouth returned to normal size, there was silence. Much to Kokichi’s relief. He looked up to face the witch.

The witch began to faintly giggle, the giggle grew into a mocking laughter, and then grew into a hysterical cackle, even pointing at Kokichi. It’s voice became deeper, and gained a demented echo to it. It’s familiars began to laugh to, the fuzzy ball balancing familiars pointed their tiny arms at Kokichi, while the mirror familiars wrote insults on their reflective surfaces, the on their frames now animated with laughter. With insults such as Crybaby, fool, liar, weakling, monster, and others. Kokichi stared at the at the crowd of familiars, all while tears poured out of his eyes. It all seemed so funny to them, his struggle, his misery, his despair, it was all so funny to these sick beings. It was all so funny that...

He started laughing too.

“Oh I get it now!” He shouted. “I get the joke now!” He yelled out to the crowd, crying and laughing at the same time. He turned to the witch, as if it could understand him.

“This is all a big joke!” He said. “This is a joke and I’m the punchline!” Kokichi laughed, feeling a little dumb that he didn’t get it sooner. “You’re some kind of a clown or circus witch” He explained. “You’re entire thing is making people laugh, or more accurately, making people do things to make YOU laugh!” He gestured towards is outfit. “My costume is basically a clown costume, and clowns make people laugh. One of the most common types of humor is seeing other people get hurt, like slapstick!” Kokichi felt kinda stupid for explaining the witch’s own gimmick to itself, but the explanation was more for his own benefit, it would be impossible to hear himself think with the cacophony of laughter from the witch and it’s familiars. “It all makes sense, the cheap carnival theme, the familiars, the funhouse, the circus tent center, The witch leading me here, the familiars being excited to see me.” He let out a deranged laugh, almost on par with the witch’s laughter. “This is all an act and I’m the main event! I’m the hilarious main event! This is all slapstick to you all! To you all, I’m just a clown putting on a show!” He picked up is mallet. “And the best part is, it’s kinda true in a way. It really is kinda funny!” He picked up his mallet and pounced onto the witch, smashing his mallet right on to unicycle, making sure it couldn’t get away. “So go ahead! Laugh at me!” Kokichi smashed his mallet on the witch, who was still laughing at him. “Laugh at the funny clown!” He smashed the mallet onto the witch again, knocking a few teeth out of it’s giant face- mouth.

“Laugh at the pathetic, crybaby, lying, heartless clown who can’t hold on to a single friend!” Kokichi than rapidly mashed his hammer on the witch, his laughing now indistinguishable to his gross sobbing.

Finally, after for what seemed like eternity of laughing, crying, and smashing, the witch was finally dead. The labyrinth disappeared, revealing the empty city crosswalk where it had spawned. Kokichi detransformed and collapsed onto the sidewalk, he panted, he could barely breathe. He picked up the grief seed and crawled onto a nearby bench at an empty bus stop and sighed. He looked at the grief seed’s pattern, it was a laughing mouth, just like the one on the witch. It was like even after defeat, the witch still laughed at Kokichi. The purple haired boy could still hear the witches laughter in his mind. Kokichi took his sould gem and placed the grief seed on it, watching a the murky blackness fade away. Kokichi felt as if a giant weight that had been left on his chest for hours and had finally been lifted. Kokichi took a deep breath in relief.

But why did he still hurt? He had no injuries (At least no major ones) and his soul gem was squeaky clean. Plus, how would he get home? It was almost 9:00, he should have been home an hour ago.

Kokichi didn’t really care anymore. He figured he’d just take the next bus, it would only be arriving in about ten minutes anyway. He could just say he got lost or something, It had happened before.

Kokichi stared at his soul gem, now in ring form, feeling tears prick up in his eyes. He curled up into a ball.

And finally cried.

#danganronpa #dangaronpa v3 #kokichi ouma #tw character death #puella magi madoka magica au #puella magi au #a witch being a bitch #Kokichi isn't a crybaby here #he just thinks he's one #also he's been through a lot in this fic #fanfiction #emotionally damaged kokichi #being meguca is suffering #kokichi actually feels feelings #Ya'll better like this I accidently missed a therapy appointment to write this #Took up almost a whole school day

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fairymadnessyeah · 5 years ago

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That Little Bit of Me inside of You

Summary: What if when White Diamond used her powers on Steven something different happened?

SPOILERS for Homeworld Bound. See the episode first.

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As soon as Spinnel left the room, White Diamond started to work. Different light bath the room in their light, changing until White was completely pink. She opened her eyes and slowly blinked, getting accustomed to the light.

"That's weird, shouldn't I be able to move your body," Steven said after he felt nothing from the change. He started flopping his arms and jumping up and down, to try to activate whatever he needed to activate, and finally get some awareness over what was happening to him. He tried more movements, but stopped once he noticed White was crying. "Oh no, Am I hurting you!? Is it my Diamond powers!?..."

"No! No!" White's body said with a different voice. A... familiar different voice. Steven couldn't help but think he heard it somewhere before. White wiped away her tears and kneeled in front of him to get closer. "Oh Steven, I never thought I would be able to meet you... or see you face to face..." White said as she smiled at him, a few tears coming out as she watched him.

"Mom...?" He asked confused, happy, sad. He was going a million emotions at a time. He was already having problems, he didn't need this again. He thought he had put This behind him, that he already had an answer for it. He wasn't his mom, he was Steven. Not Rose, not Pink. Steven... Right?

"STEVEN!" His mother's voice snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. "Please, stop thinking like that! You are Steven! You are your own person! There is still a little of me inside of you, White must have sensed that a pulled me through thinking it was you! Now please, slow your breathing!" He never noticed he was hyperventilating until she mentioned it. He saw his mother do exaggerate breathing gestures with White's body and tried to copy them. After a while, he calmed down. His mother let out a relieved sigh and smiled at him again.

She lowered her hand until it was right beside him, with the back of White's hand against the floor. Perceiving the silent question, he climbed on top of it and braced himself against one a pink finger when she moved the hand closer to her. Once he was in front of her, her smile got somehow wider. And prouder.

"...So... Ummm... What's up Mom...?" He said, looking at his feet. God, this is so awkward. What am I supposed to say to a mom? I never had one. And after everything she's done, everything I had to fix for her. What am I supposed to think of her?

But she seems to be able to read his thought, because as soon as he started remembering everything he had to go through because of her, she began talking again, making him look up to her.

"Steven, I'm sorry. I never meant for my actions to catch up with you. When I had you, I thought you would live a happy life with Greg and the Gems on Earth," She told him as the last of her tears dried.

"...Thanks. It's nice to hear that from you," He told her with a small smile. Then an idea crossed his mind in a flash. "You should come back with me. Pearl, Amethyst, Garnet, they all miss you... and, the rest of the Diamonds... they'll all be so happy to see you again"

Rose's smile became more melancholic. "Steven, I can't do that. It wouldn't be right for me to just highjack White's life away. She has a new purpose. A good one, even. I can't just steal that away from her" She explained to him with sadness in her eyes. She wish she could. There was nothing she wanted more than to see her son every day and spend time with him and her family back on earth. But she couldn't.

"Oh, right..." Steven sighed as he thought better about it. "But.. you could come to apologize-"

"I can't do that either" She disagreed.

"Why not?"

"Because I'm not sorry." She pointed out to him. "Every decision I took, every move I made, every battle I fought; they have all been choices I was ready and proud to make. Starting the rebellion, faking my shattering. I can't apologise for them if I'm not sorry about them. How could I be?..." She smiled at him again and petted his hair with giant fingers. "They all lead me to you."

He smiled a little wider at that and leaned into the comforting affection. Rose squinted her eyes at him, wetted her finger with her tongue and then stroked carefully his cheek, trying to clean him. Steven groaned at the embarrassing motion, but chuckled anyway. It was nice. He liked having a mom.

He had gone a lot of years being quietly envious on the sides as others celebrated Mother's day or did something with their mothers. He may have his dad and the gems and he would never replace their moments together. But somethings you had to experience. His mother consoling him, loving him in real life, face to face, was one of those.

"Anyways, you needed somebody to talk to?" She asked him cautiously and still a little awkward. "I don't know if I will have all the answers or solutions to your problems... But I have always been a good listener..."

Steven sighed and sat on the pink hand holding him. "It all started a couple of months ago...

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"So I came here to see if maybe the Diamonds could help me."

Rose in White's body hummed in understanding. She had listened to her son's tale of events that had been driven him mad quietly. Sometimes adding a, "That such a Garnet thing to do" or "She did that?".

They had changed positions and moved around to get more comfortable. From placing Steven in her shoulder, to sitting in front of each other. Now, Rose was laying down flat on the floor, with Steven on top of her, settled on top of her chest in a fetal position, as she caressed him lovingly. Her other hand placed on her tummy and ready to catch Steven if he slipped. It had happened and she had caught him. She was cuddling him like a baby when he was a 17-year-old teenager. But Steven did not care in the slightest.

He had never done or feel anything like it before. As if he was wrapped in the coziest and warmest of blankets, that left him feeling safe and light. The last time he had felt like this was when he was a kid and his dad consoled him after a nightmare.

He liked it in here. He had torn open his heart to her, exhibited his fears and insecurities, his mistakes and embarrassments. But instead of feeling exposed, misunderstood or judged like he would feel with the gems or his dad, he felt like he could finally breathe. Maybe because he knew Rose had made a lot of mistakes? Because she was a part of him? Or maybe the simple reason that she was his mom and would love him no matter what made him feel more relaxed about his confession.

"Steven, what you have been going through is a lot." She said still gracing him tenderly. "Too much in my opinion. And you are so accustomed to being asked for help and putting your feelings aside that you don't know how to ask for help anymore." Steven felt her sat up and cradle him in her hand to look at each other again. "You have so many people that love you and cares for you. And you have asked them for aid, I know you have. But asking and letting them is very different."

Steven nodded and held onto his pink giant mother tighter. Pink embraced him tighter too. He loved having a mom.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" Rose hummed, signaling him to continue. "Why did you bubble Bismuth? And leave Spinnel in that garden?"

"Well," She balled herself up and left Steven on top of her knees. "When they first gave me Spinnel, I thought they were trying to get rid of me, give me something to entertain myself so that I would leave them alone... But then I realized that they saw me as Spinnel. I was a joke, an entertainment for them. They wanted me to be like Spinnel, always happy and content with what they gave me yet never complain or ask for more. To be treated like a Diamond, I had to leave her behind. And... she can be a little annoying sometimes." She whispered to him the last part and he chuckled in agreement.

"And Bismuth?... I was afraid she would shatter me on the spot if I told her I was Pink Diamond, when she showed me the breaking point. But I also didn't want her to go through the motions of shattering a gem... I had had gem shattered before, and it's one of the coldest and most horrific things someone can feel." Steven felt her shiver and she must have noticed his frightened expression at the mention of shattering, because without missing a bit, she began to calm him down. "Shhhh, It's okay," She told him as she stroked him warmly. "Remember, what happened with Jasper was an accident. Bismuth wasn't talking about an accident, she was determined to see her plan to the end... After everything, I couldn't face her."

Steven, having the newest urge to not see his mother sad, jumped to her face, and embraced her, trying to pass his happiness and joy to her. She giggled and moved her hands to support him. When he lessened his hold, she moved him away to see him better. When they were again face to face, she started to rub her thumb against his belly.

Steven was laughing and telling his mom to stop since he was very ticklish when the doors slid open. Yellow and Blue Diamond stepping in with Spinnel in Blue's hair loop around her gem. Both parties ceased their activities, with Blue and Yellow stopping their chat with Spinnel and Pink halting her tickling and standing up straight with a jump, hiding Steven behind her. Old habits die hard and she had been hiding Pebbles a good chunk of her life.

"Well, White, it seems like you have discovered a new ability within your new power. Fascinating" Yellow stated, her eyes observant with interest and curiosity.

"Yellow, please, we only came because Spinnel told us, you had been here for a while. I hope we weren't interrupting." Blue said and waited for an answer.

Rose raised her hands to make Steven face the other Diamonds with her. Mother and Son looked at each other confused and uncertain. Then, Rose giggled with Steven following her. She looked back to her sisters and said:

"You two haven't changed that much."

The reaction was immediate. Both Diamonds let out a gasp, their eyes widened in disbelief. Spinnel got rigid and the little bouncing he was doing perched in Blue stopped.

Rose turned back to Steven and with a sad sigh said "I guess this is my cue. Now, promise me you will let your family help you. All your family. Even your... Ummmm.... what was that word that Greg had taught me...OH... Ants... your Diamond Ants. They may not seem like it now, but they can be very wise."

Steven smiled but it faltered easily. He glanced at the pink face of White and felt tears slide down his cheeks. He swipes them away with his sleeve and hugs her thumb. "I'm going to miss you Mom" He told her as he squeezed his face against her digit. To try and stop her from seeing him cry.

"But, Steven, I'm not going anywhere. I'm always going to be beside you. There will always be a little of me inside you. Remember that, okay?" She told him as he slowly let go of her finger. She kissed him on the top of his head, White's giant lips reaching even to his forehead. On that kiss, she left every littlest emotion she felt for him. How proud she was, how happy. "I love you, Steven."

"I love you, too, Mom"

Rose lowered him to the ground and when she stood up, the pink slowly left White's body, bathing her again in her original flawless white. The large Diamond blinked twice before the water-works began.

Not only was White crying but Yellow, Blue, and Spinnel, that had been quietly astounded from the shock, snapped out of it and bombarded Steven with questions. They were all crying. Some leftover tears, some heavy tears and some light but very angry tears.

Steven tried to explain as best as he could. How White must have pulled out a little spark that was left of his mom, that they had talked and that she had helped him and cuddled him like nobody had ever before. The three Diamonds and Spinnel listened attentively, then the three younger gems looked at the eldest one and asked if she remembered anything.

"Not much..." White admitted. "I remember feeling, pain, sorrow, fear, but they were all overshadowed by love, joy, and... warmth." White sniffed and rubbed off the last of her tears. "I might be a bit tired from it, so I will go lie down for a while."

"I'll help you there" The only male offered her.

White nodded as a thank you, and headed towards the door, with Steve hot on her heal. "Steven," Yellow called him. "I was wondering how much time you will be staying. We can have a room prepared for you with all your human necessities"

"Yeah, that'll be nice. I kinda want to stay for a while longer"

#steven universe #steven universe future #fanfic #su steven #pink diamond #rose quartz #rose quarts is pink diamond #white diamond #mother-son meeting #au canon divergence

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thewritingstar · 5 years ago

Text

Enchanted For A Moment: Reds

Pairing: Blossom x Brick (Reds)

Fandom: PPG

Rating: Teen and up..slight cussing

Royal Au

Im literally dying for this au and i dedicate this to all the lovely people in our discord and im in love with our fandom.

I know I know ive been on a ppg high lately but im riding this one out for a long time. Also I did little to no research, idk the time period but its old so have at it. I hope that you enjoy!

Chapter One: Golden Doors and Spider Silk

She hated this castle, this stupid kingdom and all above, her. Princess Morbucks. The girl was so spoiled that her father, the king, named his daughter Princess as if she wasn’t going to be addressed like that otherwise. She didn’t know why she kept coming back to teach her these lessons. French, English, History, she didn’t bother to learn or practice in the slightest.

“Princess, not many women know how to read and write. Imagine how extraordinary that would be to be such a diverse leader.” She had told her, but at last, she never listened.

The only thing that could interest her was gowns and gems and of course the many suitors who came begging for her hand in marriage. Pathetic. She never believed that a love like that could be real. Affection starved from greed and looks was not something she wanted, nor should anyone. Maybe that's why this life of luxury disgusted her. Yes living in a giant palace with the fluffiest pillows and the freshest fruit sounded lovely, beats her small bedroom that she shares with her sisters, but was it worth it? Okay maybe she would become a royal for the library, maybe.

Her thoughts came back to her as Princess slammed the book shut. If she bends that book I swear. “I am done for today.” She huffed.

“We started ten minutes ago.” Blossom sighed and smoothed the headache that was starting to form. “Let's do history, today is about the different types of clothes and fabrics. Maybe you’ll enjoy this.”

“Why would I?”

“Because if you see something you like, you can have it custom made, plus i'll tell you where the most expensive silk is.” Got her.

Princess stared at her. Even though she was older than her by a year, she seemed to resemble more of her students she taught at the schoolhouse. Aka she was a brat.

“Fine but make it quick, the newest batch of suitors is coming today and I want to see my options.”

Blossom rolled her eyes. Princess was turning 20. She should have been married off at 18 but after complaining about wanting to have a little more freedom, dear old king daddy gave in. She always got what she wanted, those poor men.

“Okay well. Let's make a deal. I’ll leave you these two book, don’t make that face they are mostly pictures, and I’ll leave you for today. However when I come back tomorrow, you better be able to tell me five different fabrics and where they are from and we won’t have class for the rest of the week that way you can focus on the ball that's been held on Friday?”

The smile that grew on Princess' face was wicked. “Deal!” She stood and took the books. “I’m just happy I won’t have to see that hideous outfit for the rest of the week.” She pointed at Blossom's gown.

It was a light brown skirt with leather belt and a white blouse, Blossom thought it was rather lovely considering her little sister Bubbles had made it.

“Alright then.” She rolled her eyes, gosh she hated her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Princess was already out of the door before she could blink, but she didn’t care. She turned and placed the rest of the scrolls and books on the proper shelves of the private library. The king, who had never spared a single expense in his life, made sure that practically every title written was stuffed inside the room. And he gave Blossom personal access to any of the books since she was one of the few who could read and bothered to do so as well.

She skimmed the shelf, her fingers tracing over the many velvet blinds. So many stories to be read. She grabbed three different ones before slipping them into her satchel. She blew out the candles and pushed in the chairs before leaving the grand room.

The king had offered her a key to her own private quarters but she would rather stay with her father and sisters than let Princess yell at her at any hour she decided. Yes, much rather.

-- Princess could hardly contain herself as she stood next to her father in the courtyard. Before them,a dozen or so carriages were pulling up, each one containing a handsome suitor. Some are princes, others are men from rich families. Either way, they were all lining up to see the Princess and hopefully marry her.

“I don't know why we are here.” Boomer complained.

“Why the fuck do you care?” Butch asked. “You’re the youngest, you are off the hook.” He laughed.

Boomer laughed. The carriage stopped as it was in line to enter the gate. Boomer grabbed the handle and opened it up, ignoring the protests from his brothers. “Sorry boys but I’m going to ditch the collar and go see the local girls.” He winked and strolled off.

Butch propped his feet up on the empty space. “So big bro.” he slapped the back of his brother. “You think you’re gonna be the hot piece of ass to win the princesses heart?” He laughed. Brick rolled his eyes as the carriage rolled forward.

“She is rich.” he mumbled. “I mean I'm probably the best candidate.” Arrogant.

The carriage stopped once more and Brick looked to his brother who was impatiently tapping his leg. “You can go too. It's probably best that you don’t embarrass us and the entire kingdom.”

“Thanks bro.” Butch wiped a fake tear from his eyes. “My lady said she was docking at these ports so im gonna go try and get some by sundown-”

“Goodbye Butch.” And he was shoved out of the carriage.

Brick could finally take in the piece and quiet. They had only been traveling for three days and it was a miracle he hadn’t killed his brothers yet. Sometimes he hated this lifestyle. He was no prince but he and his brothers were adopted by an extremely rich guy who wanted to make a name for himself and create three prodigies. In the end he created a walking disaster who breaks everything and wolf whistles at anything with long legs and the other one is like a puppy constantly running around and yapping constantly. For Brick he is just an arrogant asshole who actually does what she's told, if there's something in it for him.

Which is why he was on his way to try and get married. He didn’t want to be because frankly, no woman ever met his standards. They could be beautiful and nice and chatty but there was something missing a certain depth. But with a princess at stake, he was hoping for a lady who was well off and smart.

--- He was wrong. She was nothing like he thought. Sure she was pretty but she was mean to her staff, which he understood cause he could be a pain in the ass. But her voice, that high pitched squeaking, he was sick of her already. The moment he stepped out of the claustrophobic nightmare of a ride, she was in his face already fanning over him.

Those bright yellow dresses clashed with her hair and the light beaming off of her crown almost took out his eyes. She had said about forty different things to him but he was done. He wanted to grab his brothers, turn around and escape this hell hole.

After a short conversation and her rushing to the next dopey guy, he was shown to his quarters, of course Princess, who names their child Princess? Was their tour guide.

“And this is the library. It's plain and boring but if you ever need a quiet space or to watch me brush up on my French, you are more than welcome to go there.” Her arm was looped between two men and Brick was happy he was at the back of the pack, what was there, twelve, ten boys? He was really doubting his chances but at this point, he didn’t care.

They began to pass those doors and as the last one there, they opened. The group ahead had turned the corner but he was taken down by that massive door. He fell with a thud and was about to scold the living daylights out of whoever dared to do that.

“What the hell is your-” he looked up. Pink. Vibrant pink like the sunsets and soft like a rose. He gulped as he lost his voice completely.

“Oh I am so sorry!” the woman said as she helped him up. “Usually no one was in these halls but perhaps I should be more careful.” She began to ramble.

All that hostile rage had dissipated as he watched her lips move. She was much different from Princess. Her hair was ginger like hers but it was softer and had more copper tones. She was taller than her too and matched his height better. Her voice, it was like butter and she spoke in such a way that he couldn't describe.

He looked down to see books laying there and picked them up, handing them to her. Why would she have books? Especially these titles, even from the looks of them they were difficult to read, even for him.

“Do you read?’ he asked. Of course she didn’t.

“Oh yes. I am actually Princess’s teacher.” She said but didn’t seem thrilled.

He was in awe. She was already something more than that damn spoiled brat. She didn’t wear anything special like the maids did. In fact they were more like commoner's clothes than anything.

“You don’t look like you belong here.” He blurted out and she scoffed.

“I beg your pardon.” She crossed her arms. She was used to Princess insulting her any chance she got but it would be a cold day in hell before she would allow someone else to do so. “Do you not think I could possibly be the royal teacher?” He felt her words like a threat.

“No it’s just, this is a high piece of literature.”

“It’s a simple book really.”

Oh. So she could read. Read well.

“Well yes but-”

“But nothing.” her words were like ice as she grabbed the books from his hands. Blossom looked at his badge. “I am so sorry I didn’t realize that you were a man of importance.” She sounded bitter. “I shouldn’t keep you. I wouldn't want the princess knowing that a peasant interrupted time with her boy toy.”

She turned and stomped off. Even as the pout sprouted onto her face she looked, dare he say stunning? The sophistication and elegance rivaled that of Princess and even though she had just destroyed his ego for a good few moments, he never felt more alive and thrilled. A woman standing up to his level when everyone was beneath him? Never heard of before but this new piece that has entered his game, he was loving every second of it.

He turned on his heel and found his way back to the group. He wasn’t here for the crown anymore.

-- Sometimes she wondered what would happen if she just left. Run away from this village and go see the world. Of course that's what her sister did. Kinda. She was a captain of one of the kingdom's ships, basically her job was to travel and trade with other places, she liked to call herself a pirate. Blossom gave up trying to change her mind.

She could join her sister but she hated ships anyways. Plus Buttercup had gotten hitched last year to some random guy she met at a port stop, Blossom had met him once before and thought she was crazy for marrying someone. But after a delightful five minute conversation, she decided that he was best for her. If anyone could handle her rebellious lifestyle and the seven seas, then he must be good.

She was thankful that today would be her last day with Princess, well until the next week, but she could catch up on reading and maybe take her students to the docks or the forest for a lesson. Her mind was wandering to far off places and before she knew it, she was entering the library.

She furrowed her brow as she noticed the chairs arranged facing her table. She dismissed whatever thought that was and began to set up Princess’s test as promised. She had pictures, drawn by Bubbles of course, and she placed them on the table.

“This should be easy.” And soon the doors opened. Blossoms eyes widened as the Princess walked in with that snobbish strut as a group of men followed behind. “Oh no.” Blossom whispered to herself. She agreed to test Princess, not the entire population of suitors.

“And this woman right here is my teacher. She's a poor peasant girl so ignore her scrap of clothing.” The room erupted in laughter as Princess’s annoying voice trailed through her ears. Princess was already testing her patience, who makes fun of someone with less money? An awful person that's who.

Blossom bit her tongue as Princess took her seat. The rows of men were now staring at them, whispering. She let her eyes rake over the small crowd when her eyes landed on a familiar pair. The man she hit with the door. She completely forgot that he was here for marriage purposes. Blossom shook her head and slammed a book shut, capturing everyone's attention.

If Princess wanted to be a bigger brat than usual, fine, she could play that game.

“Alright your majesty, are you ready for your test.” Blossom turned towards the group of men. “You see I believe it is important that a leader understands even the simplest things about other countries, especially the ones that could be potential partners. So this fine lad is incredibly bright so her test is simple. I laid our pictures of fabrics from many different places, some even from your own kingdoms. I have no doubt that she can match all twenty five.” She turned on her heel towards the princess who looked angry, good.

“You said five!” Her tone laced with fire.

Blossom was one good actress. She paused and took a step back, masking her voice. “Yes five for a warm up but you my soon queen, you must be able to name all of them right? I did teach you them after all.” She smirked. “But if you can't, that's okay, why don’t we do your five and the rest of these fine gentlemen can finish, after all, a leader should know these things.” If they wanted to be rude, then a challenge they must complete.

“Princess go ahead and match five and then will have the rest join.” She looked at the men. Scared looks were on their faces except for one, door man. He seemed relaxed and had a poker face on.

Princess huffed and walked up to the table. She recognized a few of the easy ones and placed them. Blossom watched as her hands shook and she looked up at her as she placed one down. Blossom saw she was moving to the wrong one and decided to play nice.

“Emerald kingdom is the same as the jewel.” She whispered and the princess moved the name towards the green one. She took a step back and smiled proudly.

“See easy peasy.” And she returned to her seat.

Blossom clasped her hands together. “Alright then, if any of you would like to try go for it, but if not, then you may be excused.”

None of the men stood and Blossom's polite smile fell. “Very well-” She watched as the door man, she should learn his name, stood and walked over.

“Quite a shame you could only name five your highness.” He said towards the princess who was now staring at him with a gaping mouth. Blossom raised her brows as she could not believe he would disrespect her like that. He quickly took the names and placed them in record time before their matching pictures.

He turned to see Blossom watching him. Her eyes held this twinkled that he couldn’t quite place and he made sure to switch two of the names last minute.

“Care to check my work Miss…”

“Blossom.” She finished and walked over to him. She stood next to him and looked over the table. She could feel his stare but unlike the others, she didn’t feel small or meak. She smiled softly as she picked up two of them.

“Very impressive but Camilla has velvet and Widows Valley has ivory silk.” Her eyes met his. She almost let out a gasp as she stared at a breathtaking deep red. She had never seen such enchanting eyes before.

“Silk like a spider. Forgive me for my mistake.” He took her hand and placed a delicate kiss to the top of her hand. She felt the flames rush to her cheeks and heard a gasp come from Princes mouth.

Her eyes shot open and she took her hand away fast and returned to her teacherly poise. “Yes well that is alright but very good. Princess you should learn something and apply yourself more, I'm not going to tell you again but a promise is a promise so i will be seeing you next week for your next lesson.” She quickly walked to the other table and grabbed her bag and shoved everything in it.

She knew the princess was going to throw a fit. How could he treat her like that? In front of Princess nonetheless. She was thankful to hear the sound of feet exiting. Someone had come up behind her and whispered in her ear.

“You’ll be lucky if you make next week you meddling whore.” Princess sneered and Blossom turned around to yell at her but the group of men were waiting by the door just watching to see the peasant girl slip up.

“I have no interest in your games Princess, maybe if you tried harder, you wouldn’t have to rely on your crown or body.” She could play dirty and the princess turned with a scoff.

“No man would ever love a woman like you, even if you can read, you are no prize.” She stomped off and let Blossom with a clenched jaw and matching fists.

The door slammed shut and now she was alone. “Stupid bitch.” She sneered. She rarely used foul language but in times like theses, she allowed it.

“She sure is.” Blossom dropped her book and her head snapped left.

Brick was still standing here as if he never moved but she swore she saw him leave. “I-I would never-” He held his hand up.

“I see the way she treats you Miss Blossom, it's okay to curse out the villain. And my apologies for causing such a scene.” He said bluntly.

“Somehow I don’t believe you.” She narrowed her eyes. “You seem like you know what you’re doing, no matter the consequences.”

He bit back a laugh and moved closer to her. “Oh I am. I have no interest with that spoiled girl. Not one maiden has ever impressed me enough to care.”

“How insightful.”

“That is until you.” he smirked and she felt her cheeks flush for the hundred times. He was showing his arrogant side. The one many girls fawned over because they mistook it for a form of lust but it rubbed Blossom the wrong way.

“Me correcting your simple mistake is not very impressive.”

“Who said I made the mistake? I know very well that Widows Peak is silk, that is my home base after all.” he stepped closer until he leaned on the desk with his arm. He peered down at her, almost like a challenge but she stood strong.

“Well unfortunately, I’ve never met a man who could qualify my own standards.”

“Never?” he leaned closer but she refused to give up. Their noses would touch if he came closer.

“Never.” She stated and they were now in a showdown. Red to pink. Pink to red. Never had the other met a more worthy opponent.

“Well Miss Blossom, I think that I should prove you wrong with a date.”

“No thank you.” He blinked. Wait what?

“Excuse me? Do you know-”

“No I don’t and I simply do not care.” She snapped.

Blossom went back to her bag. “Like I told Princess, I have no interest in any of these men. Especially not ones who would stand by and let another belittle another. No thank you, i am quite happy on my own but there are a bunch of other fine maidens who would probably love your company.” She passed him and he grabbed her arm and spun her around, dipping her. The bright red ribbon holding her hair into a fine bun had unraveled and now fell to a long ponytail.

A small scream let her lips as she was now being held by her waist over the ground. “What are you.” Her eyes darkened.

“Brick. Call me Brick, none of that sir or lord crap either.” He brought her closer smoothly. His smile was large and his eyes narrowed as her cheeks puffed out and she looked a little angry. “You did hit me with a door and I don’t think the royal pain in the ass would appreciate it if she knew. So Miss Blossom, would you accompany me to the ball on Friday?”

No. no. no. no. Princess would kill her. Absolutely murder her with a strand of pearls. She could lose her job, her livelihood. The rumors she could spread. She would destroy her reputation for sure. Her mind was screaming telling her to push him away and tell him to go bother another lady.

“Fine but I demand to be wooed.” she spat and he smiled and returned her to the upright position. She felt flustered and in shock but also introduced. No one had ever dipped her or held her so gently.

“Oh you shall be wooed M’lady.” He winked and turned away to walk out the door.

She let out the breath she was holding when he was finally gone and pulled out her fan. “He is the...worst.” But she didn’t fully believe it. ---- Wednesday found herself in the school yard with her students. She was ecstatic to now have a bunch of little girls added to this year's class. After convincing many mothers that their daughters' futures could be brighter with some knowledge, they happily agreed. She was thankful that her own father taught her the basics and she tried to teach Bubbles and Buttercup how to read and write but you could only keep them interested before a pretty dress or a sailboat distracted them.

“Bye bye Miss Blossom!” Her students waved as they left the yard to return home. She loved and adored her students. Their bright minds and curious thoughts, she could never get sick of them and they were much better students than Princess ever was.

“Miss Blossom there is a fancy man in the classroom.” Robin's small hand clung to her dress.

“Fancy man?” She whispered to herself before sending Robin off towards her mother. She entered the room to find Brick leaning against her desk.

“May i help you?” She asked with her arms crossed. “I do believe Friday is the meeting time.”

He shrugged and handed her an arrangement of flowers. Her mouth fell open as she gazed at them. They were wrapped with a ribbon of fine quality, and was probably worth more than her own outfit.

“I am well aware of that but I never said i wouldn’t see you before.” he glanced at the flowers then back at her. “Have you never received flowers before.” he asked like it was a dumb question.

“Oh no.” She took them carefully and placed them in the vase that held a few flowers her students had picked, and they were dying.

“I'm genuinely surprised that men aren’t knocking on the door for your hand.”

He saw her eyes dull. “Not too many men are keen on a lady being smarter and taller than them.” She shrugged and for some reason that made him mad. She was a beautiful woman no doubt, her beauty could be that of a princess but she didn’t have that royal aura about her. No she was better but didn’t know it.

“A man threatened by a lady is no man at all. If he can not see that then he deserves nothing.”

She took in his words. Maybe this was his way of apologizing without out damaging his pride, she would probably do the same thing but she wouldn’t let him off so easily.

She hummed. “So Brick just the flowers or are you going to actually impress me?” She matched his cocky attitude and it has been a long time, or the first since he had ever felt frazzled by a woman. He was used to catching him off guard but even by her everything nice charm and sophisticated posture, he was certain that she would be the death of him.

Even though he had just met her, he was certain they were made for each other. Butch would kill him if he every said that out loud though. He smiled before taking her hand. “Then prepared to be impressed.”

I hope you enjoy and part 2 shall be up tomorrow

#ppg x rrb #reds fanfic #reds #blossom x brick #blossom ppg #ppg fanfic #thewritingstar #thepowerpuffgirls #therowdyruff boys #royal au #enemies to lovers

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angelanimedesaray · 5 years ago

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Survive Or Live Chapter 1: The Barren World

AN: Its a wee bit short cause it’s more of an introduction, but it’s not prologue material, sooooo here we are. Just ask if you would like to be tagged in future chapters for updates. Also, I will tag all updates #survive or live

Characters: OC (Mae Brooks)

Pairing: Levi x OC

Warnings: Apocalypse Typical Violence, Gross Zombie Descriptions, Language

Word Count: 3103

Masterlist Next Chapter --->

(Gif owner Dave Mosher on Gify)

The crunch of broken asphalt beneath her feet made enough sound Mae couldn’t help but cringe inwardly, worried that the sound would be just enough to attract attention to herself. At the moment, there wasn’t anything moving along the street other than herself, but that was only what her light brown eyes could see so far. Her calloused fingers shifted slightly along the bowstring she pulled tighter at the thought of what could be lurking out of sight in the shadows, the index finger of her other hand rolling over the wooden shaft of her knocked arrow. Her shoulder rolled, adjusting the left strap of her hiker’s backpack that had started to slide down her shoulder, managing by some miracle to avoid getting her shoulder-length auburn hair caught under the strap in the process.

At least it was still decently light for now, even if that would be a bad sign if she left with a light bag.

Eyes on the two story white house several paces ahead of her and to the left, Mae stepped around a stray rusted car bumper and quickly approached the building, eyes darting around for any sign of movement. A gurgling followed by the sound of shuffling feet drew her attention to the right side of the house just in time for Mae to see a Rotter shamble around the corner, not yet noticing her presence.

The walking corpse stumbled across the dead grass of the house’s front lawn, pustule spotted flesh hanging in strips or appearing shriveled and wasted on the once-human creature’s frame. Dried blood and fresh ooze from ruptured pustules smeared across the remains of sallow skin, frayed hair, and tattered clothes. This Rotter was missing an eye, which meant it wasn’t fresh since the larger parasites tried to move on to another host after about a month, and the eyes were their choice of exit.

More asphalt crunched under her foot, and the Rotter spun around off-balance but still upright, focusing on Mae and the noise she’d made. Its remaining foggy eye focused on her as she raised her takedown recurve bow, arrow already knocked and drawn and simply holding so she made sure she made her shot count. A rattling snarl regurgitated from its gaping mouth as it sudden lunged at her, twitching as its sprint hurried it towards her. The Rotter only made it three steps before Mae released her arrow, which sunk right into the open eye socket and through its head.

The snarling stopped with a gurgle, the Rotter collapsing to the ground as Mae hurried over, hoping her arrow would be retrievable.

“Shame on you, Dave, sneaking up on me like that, it’s rude,” she muttered under her breath, boot on its neck as she yanked the arrow back and quickly moved away in case any of the squiggly parasites tried to latch onto her as a host.

It looked like it could still be used. Good.

Another snarl--much closer now--had her quickly backing away from the sound, knocking and drawing the arrow as fast as she could, loosing the arrow on instinct more than aim. It sunk into the back of the advancing Rotter’s throat, which didn’t do any good killing it, unfortunately. As soon as her drawing hand was free of the arrow it reached for the machete at her waist, and she swung with as much force as possible, the blade slicing nicely into its forehead. It slumped forward and she backed away to avoid the Rotter falling on her, yanking the machete out along the way.

“Oh, Mary-Ann, you’re here, too? Why didn’t you say anything?” Mae continued, wiping the machete off in the grass and scowling at the now broken arrow still sticking out of its throat.

Perfect.

Still holding the machete firmly in hand, Mae made sure to air on the side of caution--more than usual, anyway--and do a quick check around the house to make sure there weren’t any more Rotters lurking around.

Thankfully she managed to loop back around to the front without seeing any more Rotters, glancing back at the two she’d already killed as if to make sure they were still dead.

“How are the kids?” she asked a little louder. With a grimace, Mae looked away and made her way up the steps to the house.

Okay, that’s a little too morbid, Mae, shut up.

The house creaked with her every step, causing her paranoia to rear its head again. Every sound made her twitch uncomfortably, her teeth on edge with every step.

She passed by the living room quickly, a goal of the kind of supplies she was looking for firmly in mind. She went to the kitchen, the obvious choice, scouring open cabinets and looking for anything that might still be good. It looked like someone had already searched the house, but there were a few bouillon cube packages shoved in the back, an open and spilled box telling her someone had tried to taste the powdery cubes to see if it was an edible, but quickly decided otherwise.

Their loss was her gain. Thank God she knew how to use these things.

“Maybe there is still a God,” she murmured, shoving the beef and chicken bouillon packages into her back, including the open box. She’d been hoping to find another box of some kind of pasta, rice, canned meat, but even though she’d scoured three streets of homes, so far no luck. She was starting to come to accept that this town had already been picked over. She’d still check all the houses (eventually) just to make sure she didn’t miss any hidden gems like the bouillon, but she wasn’t optimistic about what she’d find overall.

If all else failed, she could see if there was anything left over in the local ransacked convenience store.

Heading upstairs, Mae started with the bathroom to see if she could find anything more medically beneficial. She had a supply of meds she kept carefully guarded she’d had ever since this whole mess started, but it never hurt to try and find more.

There was a package of cotton balls under the sink, and she didn’t hesitate to pilfer the two washcloths and one towel, but she couldn’t find anything else she thought might be of use. She’d even take a pair of tweezers to help this scavenging trip feel a little more productive.

After that it was simply a matter of looking for any kind of scrap she could reuse. The bedrooms had some clean clothes inside them that she picked through sparingly, only packing the best into her backpack so she could use the cloth for any need that arose.

“You’d think a hoard of goats came through and ate everything, with how little there is around here,” Mae said softly, sighing as she left the house, bow in hand again and eyes scanning the street for any more Rotters. She gave the ones she’d killed earlier a wide berth when she saw that the pustules on their bodies were bursting and oozing now that the hosts were dead, not wanting to get too close and risk the ooze landing on her. It was only infectious if the parasites got to you, but the ooze did a good job of masking the smaller parasites, and it was better to be safe than sorry.

Which was why she was wearing a flannel, jeans, and boots despite it being mid-spring. It was better that as little skin was exposed as possible.

Mae wiped the sweat on her brow with her flannel sleeve, continuing through the small town’s residential area while she prattled on with utter nonsense to herself and any Rotter she came across.

“Do you think there’s any other perks to being covered head to toe in warm weather, despite all the sweat and the lowered risk of getting infected? Think it helps protect me from getting a sunburn? That’s an annoyance I don’t want to deal with during the apocalypse, though I doubt anyone is tearing apart any Wal-Marts trying to find sunscreen. Except maybe Rotters trying to get to Annabelle hiding behind the sunscreen. She probably should have tried to hide under the giant teddy bears. Or is it the circus where you find those? I wonder if I could make a giant ass teddy bear chair out of one of those. It’s not like there’s any dumbasses around to judge me for buying a giant teddy bear to sit in like a weird armchair...er, or like I’m going to be buying it, since money’s useless for anything but toilet paper or tissues these days.”

She quieted her ramblings and slowed down, eyes suddenly drawn to the abandoned daycare on her right. The cloudy glass was busted out and littered what once was probably a neatly trimmed lawn, quarantine sheets and caution tape fluttering weakly in the breeze. A filth-covered doll was ripped almost all the way through the middle, resting between two broken panes of glass still jutting out from the bottom of a window.

She tore her eyes away with a lump in her throat, mood souring rapidly as she noticed the legless Rotter trying to drag its way over to her, what had once been sunday-best clothes now dirt and blood stained tatters.

“You’d think I’d be used to seeing this kind of thing by now, but every now and then, you see one that just…” she started to say to the Rotter, but the words died down, tasting like ash in her mouth as she watched the thing’s filthy nails clawed its way towards her feet.

It’s come down to me talking absolute nonsense at mindless creatures that want to eat me, huh? Something I’m starting to do on the regular…

Mae angled her head up at the sky, squinting at the sun high above her in silence for several long moment until she couldn’t stare at the bright sky any longer.

“...God, I really am going crazy, aren’t I?”

No one answered. There was just the continued raspy growls of the Rotter whose fingers had almost reached her boots. Seeing its proximity, Mae unstrapped her machete again, scowling at the creature.

“It’s because you’re terrible company, Steve,” she said bitingly, ramming the machete into the creature’s head and waiting until it stopped twitching to pull it free, making a point not to glance back behind her towards the depressing scene of the daycare as she moved forward a little faster, wiping the machete off in the grass of the next home she saw.

By the time she left the residential district and started to pick her way through the ransacked stores of the abandoned town--a few arrows lighter than when she’d started, but her pack a little heavier--the sun was starting to set, warning her that she needed to start heading back.

It was amazing how many potentially useful meds were passed over in a panic when people were only looking for the familiar drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen in stores. It also gave Mae a reason to be overwhelmingly grateful for her occupation before the world went to shit. If it hadn’t been for her pre-apocalypse background, she wouldn’t know anything about most of the medications that were now stuffed into her pack. In the mess of abandoned useless nicknacks and crushed, spoiled foodstuffs, she’d also managed to find a bottle of iron supplements, and heading back into the employee break room where their lockers were, she managed to find elastic bandages, and a bottle of ibuprofen after picking a few padlocks on the employee lockers.

Not a bad haul at all. Far less food than she would have liked to find, but she had enough stored up it wouldn’t be a disaster if she had to wait to raid another town for food a little further down the line.

She kicked a stray stuffed basketball plush aside, pushing her hair back out of her face as she made her way back to the main road, machete once more in her free hand in case any infected had gathered outside. To her surprise, there was only one standing in the street, twitching along it’s jagged sprint towards her once it had noticed her. She swung her machete into its brain just like the rest, a small frown on her face as it dropped to the ground in front of her. She crouched down in front of it--still a safe distance away, though.

“Any idea where your friends are? I expected to see far more of you Rotters shambling around town,” she asked, even pausing a few seconds as if waiting for an answer. “It’s like they have somewhere better to be...I’m offended.”

Mae pushed back up to her full height of five feet six inches--and three quarters, never forget the three quarters that brought her so close to seven inches--shifting her hiking backpack to a more comfortable position. She put away the machete for now and returned to her bow, knocking an arrow but not drawing the string back all the way as she walked casually back the way she’d come, eyes scanning her surroundings and ears listening for the tell-tale sounds of Rotters. If she’d seen more coming into town, she would have been a lot more cautious, but because of how scarce they had been through town all day, she was a little more relaxed going back through the area she’d already cleared.

A little relaxed. She wasn’t stupid, Rotters could still show up when she least expected--they had a knack for doing that. She wouldn’t have survived this long if she had ever let her guard all the way down. Even now, she couldn’t decide if this stroke of luck with the scarcity in Rotters was invigorating or unsettling.

As she’d suspected, retracing her steps through town was even less eventful than when she’d foraged her way through it, with Mae only coming across the occasional Rotter here and there. Perhaps something had drawn the attention of most of the infected to the other side of town, and that was where they all were? Wherever they were, she wasn’t going to complain. She was simply going to throw her pack into the back seat of the truck with the two gasoline tanks she’d filled yesterday, and head back home to get some rest. After such a slow-going scavenging trip, she felt drained--the kind that came from constant disappointment and even some boredom.

Not to mention months since I saw another living person--and that was from a distance; I didn’t even get involved. Didn’t like the look of them…

She was finally understanding the true horror of being driven to madness from isolation. Talking to rotting corpses and the sky was only going to get her so far.

Dwelling on the thoughts of her own state of sanity only served to make her view the overall silence of the town as irksome, a scowl on her face when she reached the home garage she’d hidden her truck in while she scavenged around town, muttering unintelligible nonsense about a world record for the quiet game as she opened the back door and threw in her pack, slammed the back door shut, and climbed into the driver’s seat.

A glance at the fuel gage told her the four wheel drive vehicle only had a little less than half a tank left. Enough to get her back home, but she’d have to fill up once she arrived. At least she had two more tanks in the back seat.

She kept the windows down as she cruised back through the residential streets, partially to listen for any sounds of Rotters, and partially to let the cool breeze blessedly blow against her sweaty face.

With several streets left to go before the houses started spreading out instead of being so packed together, the edge of town mere minutes away, Mae finally heard the sound she’d been dreading. The distant sound of an angry hive of snarling Rotters, growing closer with alarming speed. She thought she heard it ahead of her and on her right, instinctively rolling up the passenger’s side window to keep Rotters from flinging themselves through the opening as her head turned towards the sound, eyes scanning her immediate surroundings as her foot put a little more pressure on the gas, ready to peel out of town the first visual sign she had of an approaching hoard.

Finally, her eyes spotted a roiling mass of bodies squeezing its way down one of the narrow alleys between homes, more in the next alley, and the next, and--

Mae’s foot was already pressing down on the gas to give the truck a burst of speed and race by the incoming hoard before she finished processing the sight of the second alley full of Rotters. The idle wonder crossed her mind if it had been the sound of her truck which had drawn their attention--which didn’t seem likely to her--or something else.

A sudden thud and bounce of the truck bed, plus the brief flash of a shadow being cast over the truck, caused Mae to tap on the brake of her truck for the briefest second before survival instincts reminded her there was a hoard descending on her, and now was not the time to stop the truck. But there could very well be a Rotter in her truck bed, and she did not want one of the infected to eat her while she was dri--

“Fuck!”

Rotters didn’t curse, especially not loud enough she could hear it in the driver’s seat as the truck shuddered from her momentary tap on the breaks and something seemed to violently shift in the truck bed.

Since the road ahead was temporarily open, Mae risked glancing back to see what was happening.

The survivalist in her noticed the terrifyingly sized hoard racing after her in a mass of unnaturally twitching bodies, with a few clinging to the edges of the truck bed and snapping their jaws furiously at something within.

The rest of her focused on the figure that was sitting up with its back to the truck’s cab, one hand removing itself from its place pressed against the back of the head of a man with black undercut hair, a black and green scarf tied around his face with the fabric covering everything below his eyes.

Steel grey blue eyes that, as his head turned just enough to regard Mae in the driver’s seat of the truck, focused on her with all it’s hardened intensity.

“Drive!”

Next Chapter --->

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that-one-weeb-buts-its-the-main · 5 years ago

Text

Thank you my love

Rui x female pillar reader. ♡

"I'll be off them! Thank you! Papa!" The girl smiled as she wore the usual uniform, except for her rank on the back.

"Of course. My child." Kagaya smiled softly, his eye lids dropping slightly to add to the softness of his expression.

Y/n smiled as she waved to her master, and boss. She was heading out on her own as usual.

To Mount Natagumo.

Where her best friend walked the mountain tops.

She walked out the headquarters as she hummed to herself. Her Haori a simple white for purity, and had some homemade buttons her and her friend hand made in the woods, her neck filled with beads, thin rope, and strong web, her friend tended to make her small welcoming gifts as she arrived with small snacks and stories. As she countied her journey through day and night, and another day, she made it to where she needed to be by mid day, the base of the mountain, she smiled as she looked at the sky, which

"Oh wow! It's going to rain! He'll be able to spend even more time with me then!" She smiled looking at the sky with a smile.

Looking back down she started walking into the dense forest.

"Insty Bittys spider. Went up the water spout!" She sang happily as she placed on foot infornt of another.

"Down came the water! And washed the spider out!" She smiled as she countied to walk up the mountain.

"Up! Came the sun! And dried up all the rain!" She smiled as she hopped over a stream from rock to rock and to the dirt ground again.

"And the itsy bits spider went up the water spout again!" Y/n hummed as she sang.

She countied to walk in the dense forest as she inclimed.

"Down came the blood and watched the spider raid!"

Making it to the opening she usually met her friend and set her small bag down along with her sword.

"And the spider was to late!" She sang as she laided on the floor looking up the thick greens above her, and how they kept the small meeting area dark.

"As usual!" She stated loudly.

Only there was no answer only the wind blowing the leaves to a russle. She sighed as she closed her eyes and let her breathing take It's course, there was no sound. No steps. No vibration thru the floor. Except. Breathing another person was near and fairly close opening her eyes she was met with her friend.

"Rui." She smiled softly. As she sat up slightly.

The teen was hanging upside down, using his usual web like strings as he pleased.

"Y/n, you've come earlier than expected." He stated.

She gave him a closed eyed smile. "I can't come see my best friend?" Y/n asked.

Rui kept quiet as Y/n opened her eyes, seeing the teen was looking away from her.

"Rui? What's wrong?" Y/n asked.

"Nothing." He stated as he avoided any eye contact.

"You killed another human. Didn't you?" Y/n asked.

He stayed his usual silent self, which was a bit werid, even for these two.

"Rui. Please."

"I did."

"Rui."

He kept his nose completely out of Y/n's way. Unsure of what he should really say he kept quiet.

"Did you atleast thank him?" Y/n asked.

"Thank him?" Rui questioned.

"Well he did feed your family."

"I don't quiet remember seeing you eating with us." He spoke honestly.

"Aw you really do care about me!" She smiled.

"Have you eaten today?" He asked.

"I was just getting hungry."

She sat up, grabbing her back and opened it pulling out something wrapped.

"Come sit." She smiled patting the ground next to her.

Rui only listened after getting down from his web. He walked over and took a seat fairly close to her, as she unwrapped the food, which was the usual rice ball.

"Thank you! Papa!" She smiled as she nodded her head in thanks and took one in her hand taking a bite and chewing with a giant smile on her face.

"Here." She mummbled. Holding the food out for him to bite.

He looked at it as he leaned forward taking a small chunk out of the food with teeth as he ate it. She smiled as she herself took another bite. It was silent until Rui finshes his small peice.

"You. You have a father?" He asked.

She turned her head towards him and swallowed her food. "No." She answered.

"Who's Papa then?" He asked.

"Hmm? Papa? I just call him that. He calls all his students children, or child. We kinda are like a family though." She smiled as she took another bite finishing off her first rice ball.

"You all aren't blood tied?" He asked. She looked at him.

"No, for heaven sake! If my brothers were related to me I would of screwed off my own head!" Y/n declared, "Especially Toto! He thinks he's so bad ass! With his sword! He isn't even that cool! And little Miss Insect! She thinks shes all badass beating Toto up!" Y/n fuemed as she sat pouting like a child.

"So why don't you?" Rui asked.

"Why don't I?" Y/n asked. "I what?"

"Kill them. Come we don't fight." Rui stated.

"Rui. I'm flattered. But. I don't want them dead." She spoke.

"Yeah we have our downs. But we have a lot of ups." She smiled. "Pillow fights every Friday, with coffee mid night to read scary stories. And Toto's Haori is really warm, when it's the winter seasons. And Miss Insecet can do my hair very well. Cutey is always a lively one, she's good to take with. And Snake,.well..you can guess...heh. Kyo and Tengi, there always happy...especially when I'm sad. Mei makes good necklaces, he taught me alot. And uh Misty. He's uh. A diffrent one. When I pratice my balance he tends to snap gravel at me. There is one thing though..."

Rui listened. Another reason to have Y/n with him, a reason for her to join him-

"They never let me even look for a boyfriend! I want someone to love too!" She whined.

"A boyfriend?" He asked.

"Huh?" She asked and looked at him

"A boyfriend yeah. I'm already 16 and I'm not even aloud to look at boys."

"You're looking at me." Rui stated.

Y/n blinked, as she looked at Rui. "I am. Aren't I?" She smiled as she lifted her hand up.

He stated silent as her fingertips greeted his iceberg like skin as she brushed his hair out his face.

"Now there's that beatiful face." She smiled.

He stayed silent as he felt himself gravitate towards her, soon enough there heads touched as Y/n closed her eyes, breathing in softly as he did the same. For once, in his isolated life he felt not so alone, not so pressured, not so angry.

'I've found my family. Not my brother. Not my sister.' He thought as he lifted his hand up as he shook, afraid to scare her from the contact, he's never done something like this. 'Nor my mother, or nor my father. Not my grandma or my grandfather.'

'I've found my family, she was all I needed.'

Y/n smiled as she moved her head slightly.

"Rui. I love you."

He didn't freeze, he didn't sputter, he didn't force it out.

"I love you too. Y/n. You're all I have."

She smiled. Her eyes still closed as Rui felt her close in, lips inches away. Centimeters. Milemeters, but-

There was slight cry of sorrow, Y/n picked up on the sadness even over her own happiness.

"That's your mother!" Y/n called as she rushed up grabbing her sword and rushed off.

Only one thought was in his mind. Demon slayers. The veins popped on his head as he gritted his teeth looking down on the floor he noticed one of her gem stone earings they had crappily made together was on the floor. He picked it up as he held it in his hand, soon he put it in his own ear as he looked in the direction that you ran.

"I will get you back!"

=================================

Y/n breezed thru the trees one after one, after one. Her sword drawn and at her side to not block her vision.

"Please. Mother, be safe." Y/n whispered to her self. "Don't die yet-"

She shifted her feet to the side as she came to a hars stop, her eyes widened as she looked at the headless body on the ground. She gritted her teeth as she held her sword in hand still.

"You were the weakest one." Y/n whispered as she looked down at the floor. "I should of gotten here sooner."

She turned away as she ran off.

'Rui's a lower moon. The fifth one I believe They'd send more than one Pillar. I have to fight on both sides.'

She jumped into a tree as she jumped branch to branch. As she ran and leaped she realized large spheres of web.

'His family. Is killing them...what do I do.'

She jumped down.

"First form: Elemental Burst!"

A slice of colors appeared as soon they were gone. The cacoons burst open as people, dead and alive, hanging in between were laying on the floor as she ran off.

Everything was happening so fast, thread after thread showed up, she sliced and twisted as needed to avoid and create contact killing each line for good. She froze as she felt a wave of sadness fall over, but this one. This one was personal, she felt each person, each demon fall into a place of death. Except one, and he was near. They all were.

'You can't use this no matter what my child. You're extremely gifted, yet it can become a curse.' Kagaya spoke to her as she nodded. 'As promised, you may ask any question.'

'My father was a Demon as you say. How come I can go out in the sun?'

'You were always a curious one.'

Y/n sighed. "My family. I apoligize." She breathed as she used her sword to cut her hand and then cover her blade.

"Demon Blood Art: Fire before the storm."

In an instant she was ash and carried quickly with the wind which had picked up rapidly. Within seconds she was where she wished, someone in the middle of a sentence.

"O-one more..-"

It was a quick slice, painless and clean. Yet it took a mintue to set in.

"Y/N!"

The man with the sword eyes widened as he looked back, infact there she was Y/n.

"Rui...My...brothers and sisters..."

She fell to the floor as everybody was too in shock to move.

"Y/n." Rui spoke. "Y/n get up."

It was silent no movement no nothing. Dropping to the floor next to her he began to shake.

"Y/n." He spoke again.

"Y/n!" He yelled.

"Y/N!" He screamed.

He picked up her body, her neck almost in two. He held her head as tears ran down his eyes. He could still feel her body moving. Breathing was barely saving her, but by breathing blood rushed down her neck.

"Y/n."

His vision blurry and hazed due to tears still seen her smile thru the blur.

"G-Gyui...b....b-brother..."

The pillar man stepped forward.

"Dont you dare!" Rui shouted. "You've taken enough! Just leave!"

Rui looked down at Y/n. "Just leave..."

The man only stared at him.

"Just leave! I'm begging you..."

"It'll be moring soon." Gyui spoke as he looked down at the Y/n who laid quietly in Rui's arms, hoping not to rush her death.

"Then go. I'll die here."

"Rui...please....let m-me go." Y/n spoke softly.

"Her breathing in the only thing keeping her alive, she's had immense training. Give her to me." Gyui stated blunty.

"...Rui..."

The spider demon leaned down to hear her soft sweet voice. Her sword laid besides her."I love you. Rui. I always will. I'll see you later." She smiled as she used her last momments.

"Last Breath Demon art: Love in blood."

Rui's eyes widened as he felt the pure love from Y/n in her last momments, they shared there last breathes together as his neck was cut thru swiftly.

"I can't thank you enough, thank you. My Love."

#demon slayer #kimestu no yaiba #kamado tanjiro #Rui #Anime #quick read #fanfic #fandom #rui kimetsu no yaiba #wattpad #writer #animefanfic #oneshot

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shari-berri · 5 years ago

Text

Gems

Steven Stone x reader

Normal POV

Today was the day Steven was going to explore a cave for stones. He was determined to find all amazing stones the cave had to offer. What he didn't know was that he would run into Y/N L/N.

Your POV

I have been sitting here minding away at the cave walls for at least an hour. Looking over at my partner, I asked him what he thought.

"Sableye how long do you think we've been here for?" I asked.

"Sable!" He grunts, holding up almost two fingers. I nod and he goes back to "work".

There is a pile of precious gems behind me that he is guarding.

He sits back over them and begins to chew on one that I gave him.

With a heave, I manage to pull the crystal gem out of the wall. Getting a closer look at it, I realize that it is a thunder stone.

Hearing a crack, I whip my head up at the wall and see that the wall is starting to break. Grabbing my back and my Pokémon, I jump back away just as the top of the area I had been standing collapsed.

Coughing from the dust, I look sadly at the smashed remains of my gems I had worked hard to mine.

Sableye grunts unhappily but turns around and hugs me, telling me he is happy I am not injured.

I slide down the wall with my back, holding my head in my hands and weeping.

"Go get help please." I request, letting out my other Pokémon.

My Ninetales and Mawile pop out, ready to help.

"Stick together and find help. Bring them to me please. Be sure to not get lost. Ninetales, I am counting on you to track your way back to me." I command.

They all nod and head off.

As I wait, I look through my bag. In my bag I find a couple gems and stones. I pull out and lay down a fire stone, water stone, and leaf stone. Looking closer at one of my gems, I see that it is a mega stone.

Grabbing my pokedex, I look up which stone it is. I already have Mawilite and Sablenite, allowing both my Pokémon to mega evolve. I have a necklace and my Mawile has a ribbon containing her mega stone. Sableye has a bracelet containing his mega stone.

I examine the mega stone and see that it is Absolite. I smile from ear to ear. I left my Absol in its pokeball, not wanting the person to think that it meant disaster was coming and they wouldn't help me.

Grabbing a chipped great ball, I throw it into the air, releasing a bright blue white light.

My Absol appears standing tall and proud. He looks at me and churrs.

"Hey buddy, come look at this!" I beckon him over.

He walks over and looks at my hand, seeing the mega stone.

"This is Absolite! With this you can mega evolve like Mawile and Sableye!" I explain happily.

His face lights up and he dances around. As I am celebrating, I hear my Ninetales calling around along with a male voice.

"Ninetales! Over here girl!" I cry out.

Ninetales appears with Sableye riding her back. Mawile is walking beside her with a man with blue hair behind.

Taking a closer look, I gasp.

My Pokémon have brought Steven Stone the champion!

My Pokémon spot me and rush over, calling out happily. They then look at Absol and nuzzle him.

"Hey. I was wondering why there were Pokémon bringing me here. Do you need help?" Steven asks nicely.

"Y-yeah. I was mining for stones and got hurt. I was wondering if you knew the way out and would help me walk." I explain, blushing in embarrassment.

He laughs lightly and grabs my hand, pulling me up from my sitting position. I take my bag and gesture to my Pokémon to follow me closely.

Soon we see a bright light, the exit for the cave. Steven leads me out and once outside, brings me to the pokecenter. He wraps my ankle with bandages and then carries me to the park.

"I never got your name." I says expectantly.

"It's Y/N." I say.

"As payment for helping me, would you like to battle?" I ask, pumped up for the challenge.

He nods and leads me to a field.

Bringing Absol over to me, I grab his paw. Absol, this is a bracelet I made for you. I was hoping I would find you a mega stone. If you wear this, you can mega evolve. Steven doesn't know I can mega evolve my Pokémon yet, so we are going to surprise him during the battle." I exclaim, slipping the bracelet with the Absolite onto his wrist.

Going up, I ask if it is an all Pokémon battle. He nods and sends out his first Pokémon. I begin to have second doubts as he is the champion.

He sends out his Aggron.

I nod at Ninetales.

She steps up and crouches down ready for a right.

"Aggron use hyper beam!" He screams, Aggron growling and charging up, releasing a beam of light.

"Dodge it!" I yell.

Ninetales jumps swiftly to the side, missing the attack.

"Use dark pulse!" Ninetales opens her mouth and sends out a string of dark matter at Aggron. He gets hit and grunts before shaking it off and using hyper beam again. Ninetales gets hit and falls to the floor. She struggles to get up until she goes still. I then see that her eyes are swirls.

I call her back into her pokeball and call for Sableye.

Grabbing at my necklace, Sableye grabs his bracelet. Steven looks on confused.

"Sableye, connect our hearts and souls, reach into my love for you and mega evolve!" I scream out, light blasting from my necklace and his bracelet. Sableye is covered in bright lights until he is left with a giant red gem.

Steven suddenly opens his mouth and nods, realizing that he just mega evolved. Clenching his fist, He calls out a hyper beam.

Aggron's hyper beam shoots quickly at Sableye. I don't have time to call out a move so he takes it into his own tiny claws and tries to block with his gem. His gem gets a slight crack but is otherwise fine.

"Use low sweep!" I scream at Sableye.

He charges at Aggron, leg glowing, and kicks him. Aggron growls and falls to the ground.

"Again!" I cry

Aggron can't get up fast enough and gets hit, fainting.

Steven returns him and pulls out his last pokeball.

His shiny Metagross comes out, landing with a thud.

"Let's even out the playing field a little. Mega evolve!" He screams.

Metagross is covered in light and comes out in mega form.

"Use psychic!" Steven commands

Metagross nods and uses psychic, hitting Sableye.

"Foul play!"

Sableye nods and hits Metagross.

"Quickly! Use will-o-wisp!" I yell, pointing at Metagross.

Sableye launches wisps of fire, hitting Metagross and burning him severely.

Hurt by his burn, he lets out a weakened meteor mash.

Sableye is hit and faints.

I scowl and call out Mawile.

As she steps up, I grab my necklace and she grabs her ribbon. Steven's face is pure shock. He seems stunned that I have two Pokémon who can mega evolve. Well he is in for a surprise when he sees Absol mega evolve as well.

"Let's go Mawile! Mega evolve!" She gets the same treatment as Sableye and emerges with double jaws on the back of her head, now wearing maroon.

"Use bite!" I command, Mawile nodding and rushing at Metagross. Her two mouths glow and she launches at Metagross, latching onto him with them.

"Shake her off!" Steven commands, his Pokémon twisting to get mine off.

"Quickly use sucker punch!"

Mawile nods and her hand glows with darkness, punching Metagross directly.

She is then thrown off, hitting the ground hard.

"Metagross! Use flash cannon!" Steven says.

Metagross unleashed a flash of light at Mawile, hitting her in the face. She falls to the ground onto one knee, struggling to stand.

"Try! Please Mawile! Try to get up!" I beg, eyes tearing up.

She shakily stands up

"Dark pulse and shadow ball!" I cry out, my throat becoming hoarse.

She releases dark matter in a line and then a ball of dark matter immediately afterwards.

Metagross has no time to dodge and gets hit, roaring loudly.

Steven and his Metagross are equally stunned that my Mawile used a move directly after the first one.

Smirking, I challenge Steven, glaring at him.

"Psychic! Throw that Mawile into the ground!" Steven demands.

Mawile is lifted up with pink energy surrounding her. She is lifted into the air and then thrown harshly into the ground. Once he dust cloud clears up, Mawile is seen in her normal form, swirls dancing in her eyes.

Pulling out her pokeball, I return her.

Grabbing the chipped pokeball, I kiss it for luck.

Spinning around, I chuck it into the air, calling out my last pokemon.

Absol appears with a loud cry, taking a battle stance.

Steven looks at me, awaiting my next move.

Before grabbing my necklace, I reflect on this. Absol has never mega evolved before and I saw what Korrina's Lucario did. I just hoped my bond with Absol is stronger and he is able to reach my love and control his new power.

Clutching my necklace once again, I cry out for Absol.

"Absol, connect our hearts and souls for the first time! Let's do this! Mega evolve!"

Absol is surrounded in light like the others, emerging with white wings, more leg fur, a longer fringe, and a larger "horn."

If Steven's face when he saw Mawile evolve was shocked, his current face now would be S H O O K.

His jaw was dropped, scraping the floor. His Metagross mirrored the look, even in its beaten stage.

"No time for gawking! Control your power! Don't be like Korrina's Lucario. You can do this! Use shadow claw!" I scream, locking eyes with Absol.

"Sol!" He cries. His claws glow and he leaps at Metagross, slashing him violently.

He landed on the ground. Without my command, he used dark pulse.

The only thought in my head was about if he was going insane. What if he turned like Lucario?

Looking into his eyes, I saw his pupils slowly dilate.

"Listen to my voice Absol! Please listen! Use shadow ball!" I plead.

He goes to use shadow claw, shakes his head, and opens his mouth. From his throat launches a ball of black and purple, hurling towards Metagross. It makes a direct hit and he collapses onto the ground.

"Absol! You listened! Thank you! You can control it now! Use shadow ball with maximum power!" I screech, probably damaging anyone in five mile radius' ears.

Absol plants his feet firmly and roars his name, opening his mouth.

From his throat formed the largest shadow ball I have ever seen. It was growing bigger and bigger and did t seem to be stopping. When it was the size of his whole upper body, he launched it at Metagross. Metagross looked weakly at Steven and got hit, knocking him back. When looking, Metagross had fainted and turned back to his regular form.

Absol grinned wolfishly and trotted back to me.

He was covered in a bright light and returned back to his normal form.

I collapsed onto my knees, pulling Absol close to my chest and burying my face in his fur.

Hearing a cough, I looked up and saw Steven holding a hand out. Grabbing his hand, I was pulled up.

"Shall we proceed to the pokecenter?" He coos gently.

"We shall." I say simply.

We walk hand in hand, Absol trotting behind us.

Going into the pokecenter, I returned Absol and handed Nurse Joy my pokeballs.

She healed them and gave them back.

Steven decided to rent out a room and offered for me to stay with him.

Too tired to protest, I nodded.

Once in the room, I collapsed onto the king bed.

I immediately fell asleep.

(Y/N woke up with Steven's arm around her waist, her back to his chest)

#pokemonxreader #pokemon #imagine #oneshot #readerinsert #xreader #stevenstone #absol #metagross

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bisexualklausmikaelson · 6 years ago

Text

kiss me under the stars

a/n: au future fic/au after “change your mind” or Lapis has been alone her entire life, until she came to Earth (lapidot, lapis-centric)

―

(The galaxies are calling out to her like black cicadas in the night.

Lapis Lazuli has always been drawn to outer space - to worlds that go beyond just what she knows. Because she’s heard stories, about Earth. Of bodies of water filled with salt, and white sandy mountains that are cold as ice. Heated muddy hills that explode in fire. Skies that have clouds who cry.

She keeps it a secret though, because you see, the place she’s from has so many rules. She’s not allowed to dream.

She’s not allowed to want.

Lapis gazes out towards the planets - with desire).

―

Peridot is restless while everyone else is sleeping.

Strangely, this big, big house shaped like a giant woman - is suddenly starting to feel too small. With the Crystal Gems opening their doors to some of the newly healed corrupted gems, the Off-Colors, Bismuth, Pumpkin and Lapis, the place was becoming extremely crowded. There was no way of getting comfortable. So yeah, she couldn’t sleep at all. Which is not something she necessarily needed, but it was nice, every once in a while.

Peridot jumped out of the bathtub where she had been trying to rest. She made her way towards the door that led to the balcony. She was surprised to see that it was left open. And sitting there with her legs dangling over the edge was no one other than Lapis Lazuli.

“What are you doing up so late?” She blurts out, knowing that even though slumber was not necessary for any gem, it was something Lapis quite enjoyed.

There must be a good reason why she was avoiding it.

“The stars,” Lapis slowly says, “I can’t see them from here,” she mentions, thinking back to their days at the barn, to when she used to watch the galaxies burn bright as fire.

Peridot takes a seat beside her. “One of the unfortunate things that happens when the humans use these artificial lights so much,” she sighs. “I believe it’s called the ‘electricity’,” she firmly says.

“You mean the bulbs,” Lapis corrects her, sounding snarky.

She always knows more than she leads on - she’s always one thought ahead of Peridot.

“Right, those,” the green gem whispers instead, ignoring her torn heart.

She then notices the small smile plastered on Lapis’ lips and recalls how she used to wake up to that smile every single morning until one day, she didn’t.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” Peridot mumbles quietly.

“Ask away,” Lapis replies.

The green gem balls her hands into fists and bites on her bottom lip. “Where did you go?” she wonders, out-loud. “When you left us, back then,” she goes on to say.

For a moment, Lapis is silent.

Peridot finds herself asking is she’s doing this out of guilt - if she felt any remorse what-so-ever for just leaving her like that.

“Oh,” Lapis slowly releases. “Nowhere, really,” she shrugs, finally meeting the green gem’s cold, hard gaze.

“C’mon,” Peridot jerks. “Don’t lie to me, Lapis,” she says, sounding angry.

The blue gem chooses that moment to look away from her again. “I went to places where the sun barely ever sets. I went to see the ocean, and icebergs, volcanoes, quick-sand, snowy mountains. I went to see clouds that cry all day and all night,” Lapis recites - remembering it all too clearly.

And to think she actually used to hate Earth.

“We have rain back here too, you know,” Peridot grits, with a bitter tone.

Lapis sighs again, resting her chin in her hands. “You’re upset with me,” she points out.

“Of course I am,” Peridot agrees. “Y-You didn’t even say goodbye,” her voice shakes with something, something she can’t quite put her finger on. Maybe it’s because of the fact that Peridot would burn the world down for Lapis Lazuli, she would bring on wars and tear apart souls.

“Peridot,” Lapis whispers, snapping her away form her thoughts. “I-I’m sorry, I should’ve been more considerate of your feelings,” she admits, looking sad again.

And, as upset as Peridot is with her, she always did hate it when Lapis would frown. “All I ask is a little warning next time,” she tells her. “I was stuck taking care of pumpkin all by myself, it’s a lot of work you know?”

To her surprise, Lapis laughs.

Peridot hadn’t heard that sound in a long time either.

“Don’t worry Peri,” she smirks, ruffling the other gem’s hair. “I promise you that there won’t be a next time,” she confirms, resting her finger’s over Peridot’s.

“You sure about that?” she says, blushing.

Lapis gazes back at those two lonely stars in the sky - one blue, and the other one, green.

“Absolutely,” she quips, grinning.

―

(And a few years later - she’s still kept her word.

Lapis is standing at the edge of everything, her surroundings lit up by the galaxies around her - and Peridot is sitting there, right by her side.

“Are you ready to see the world, Peri?” she sings, turning her head over her shoulder and offering her hand out.

“Yes Lapis,” Peridot doesn’t even hesitate to slip her fingers into her palm. ”I’m always ready,” and without thought, she follows her, to the ends of the Earth).

―

#lapidot #su #steven universe #lapis lazuli #peridot #lapidot drabbles #lapidot fanfiction #munea writes

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e350tb · 6 years ago

Text

Steven Universe: Marooned Together - Chapter Thirty

(thanks as always to @real-fakedoors for proofreading!)

Slowly, tentatively, they stepped into Yellow Diamond’s chamber.

The first thing Lapis could say about it was that it was big. There was a single, gigantic chair in the middle, surrounded by large statues and sculptures, symmetrically stationed around her throne (although there were none in front of her). The walls were lined by mosaics and murals, all of which were perfectly measured so that the room was a giant cube - save for the ceiling, which was a clear glass window into space. Upon the throne sat Yellow Diamond, slouching on her right elbow, her left hand glowing with dying yellow electricity that soon vanished completely - evidently, she had just finished using her powers.

“My Diamond, allow me to present Jasper 1YA and her… criminals.”

Yellow Pearl stood in front of the throne, bowing - she seemed slightly troubled, although Lapis couldn’t possibly fathom why.

Jasper threw her and Lars to their knees once more and saluted.

“My Diamond, I have brought the pirate before…”

“I don’t care about the pirate, Jasper,” said Yellow Diamond haughtily, “I am far more interested in the Lapis Lazuli.”

“Gee, thanks,” Lars muttered under his breath.

Yellow Diamond leaned forward, scrutinizing Lapis. She looked back at her, focusing on her enormous yellow eyes - focus the rage, focus the rage.

There was no immediate source of water that she could feel, but there had to be something, somewhere on the ship that she could use…

“Tell me, Lapis Lazuli,” asked Yellow Diamond, “Is this yours?”

She raised a small figure up from the arm of her chair by their collar, and Lapis gasped.

Stevonnie was barely conscious, their body covered in cuts and bruises and burn marks. They looked like they’d been through hell, and the mere sight of them sent white-hot rage spilling through Lapis’ body, almost blinding her. She was tempted to rip her shackles off right now and tear Yellow Diamond’s head from her body, grind her gem into dust.

“I’ll take it from your reaction that she is,” sniffed Yellow Diamond, “You know, it’s quite funny, I expected more from her - the great Rose Quartz, at my mercy, and you know what she does? She tells me not to harm you.”

She smirked.

“Really,” she continued, “No great ideological statements, no threats, no promise of a rescue. Just… ‘don’t hurt Lapis.’”

She shrugged.

“But she hasn’t talked yet,” she admitted, “Even when I do this…”

Her hand ran with electricity, the power running over Stevonnie’s body. They screamed, the sound echoing through the chamber, and Lapis couldn’t help but wince.

Yellow Diamond smirked again as she stopped electrocuting Stevonnie.

“So I suppose the only option now is to do what she says,” she said, “Hurt Lapis.”

“Hey, big banana, there’s just one problem with that!”

Yellow Diamond turned to Lars, a scowl crossing over her face.

“How dare you call me that!” she thundered, “And…”

“I can do what I want,” replied Lars, “Because I’m not actually a prisoner.”

He ripped his hand free of the shackles - deliberately weak, of course - and drew a blaster made from an old destabliser, pointing it at Yellow Diamond’s head.

“We’re a rescue party.”

He fired.

The beam bounced off of Yellow Diamond’s head in a demonstration of spectacular disappointment.

Yellow Diamond blinked. Lars, for his part, glanced nervously down at the blaster.

“Uh… this, uh, this normally works.”

“Does it?” Yellow Diamond’s tone dripped with condescension, “Well, allow me to return the favour.”

She pointed, and a beam of yellow electricity flowed from her index finger, striking Lars. He screamed, falling to his knees and dropping the blaster as he clutched his head.

Suddenly, the energy that flowed over him vanished. Jasper had jumped out in front of him, helmet on, head faced into the beam. She growled as her weapon held back the beam, just barely, her feet digging into the hard yellow floor. Her disguise melted away, revealing her normal pirate outfit, and the scars of her corruption.

“So, the Jasper is a traitor too,” sneered Yellow Diamond, “Well, let’s see if you can handle this.”

She casually hurled Stevonnie aside and threw both hands out, facing Jasper, the beam of destabilizing electricity increasing massively. Jasper screamed but held firm, her head held up high as she forced herself to stay upright.

Lapis had no time to watch this - she was already soaring up, reaching for Stevonnie. They crashed down to the floor before she got there, coming to a rest in a crater beneath one of the statues. Lapis landed next to them, grabbing them by the shoulders and shaking them.

“Stevonnie! Stevonnie, tell me you’re okay, please!”

Stevonnie opened their eyes and coughed.

“Ugh… hey, Lapis,” they said, “I… good to see you…”

“Stevonnie, we’re getting you out of here, I promise!”

“I… I’m sorry I couldn’t… I never…”

Their head fell back as they drifted into unconsciousness.

“Stevonnie! Stevonnie!”

The rage came again, all-consuming, overwhelming, and she felt like throwing herself right at Yellow Diamond, no matter how fruitless an effort would be -- even clawing at her with her fingernails, just to hurt her, just to make her suffer even a little before the Diamond swatted her like a...

No.

She closed her eyes. Jasper’s screams and Lars’ groans faded away.

In. Out. In. Out.

Stevonnie’s face. Their eyes. Their laugh.

In. Out. In. Out.

Focus the anger.

She could sense dampness not far away - an extraction chamber. That meant steam. Steam meant water. So where was the source? She followed the sensory trail, the feeling of moisture in the air, her fingers testing the admittedly thin atmosphere.

Stevonnie, bleeding and beaten, mouthing what they probably think are their last words. Were they what Lapis hoped they were? She pretended she knew, using that feeling.

There it was - a boiler room, and gallons and gallons of water supplying it. But it was so far away, and even for a Lapis Lazuli, summoning it through walls and bulkheads and shields would be a supremely difficult task. She wondered if it was even worth trying - but she could feel it, she could feel the water, and that water was hope.

Focus your rage.

Point A - the boiler room. Point B - Yellow Diamond.

All she needed was the fuel to move it such a distance - and that fuel was emotion. She tapped into the wells of hope for a future, of love for Stevonnie, of fear for their survival and pure, seething rage she felt at Yellow Diamond for threatening her best friend - no, that wasn’t enough - her reason to keep going.

She clenched her fist, and the floodgates opened.

There was a poof of smoke, and Jasper disappeared, her gem clattering loudly onto the floor. She had put up a fight - the dented floor where her feet had been proved that - but it seemed Yellow Diamond hadn’t even broken a sweat. She sniffed, looking on to Lars who had just gotten back to his feet, wincing and groaning.

“Any last words, pirate?” she asked casually.

“Do your worst,” Lars spat, “At least I’ll see my family again. I doubt you’ve even had something like that…”

“Don’t you dare,” growled Yellow Diamond, “Presume to know what I’ve had.”

She didn’t even bother with her powers this time. She stepped forward, her massive foot hovering over Lars…

The wall broke open.

A massive crest of water crashed into Yellow Diamond’s back, sweeping her off her feet. It swirled around, swerving and snaking away from Lars as it encircled the room in controlled motions. At the centre of the maelstrom, there hovered Lapis Lazuli, wings out, arms outstretched. In that moment, she was an angel of judgement, passing down retribution onto the sins of a dictator, her face set with a lethal sort of calm, her eyes awash with the flame of pure, undiluted, controlled fury.

Yellow Diamond burst from the water, her expression twisted into rage, but before she could raise a hand, a fist-shaped mass of water slammed into her, knocking her back down again. A watery chain formed around her neck, squeezing harder and harder and harder…

“You traitor…” she choked.

“My name is Lapis Lazuli,” she snarled, “And if you ever come near Stevonnie again, I’m going to make you wish I shattered you.”

“You don’t have the…”

Lapis stretched out her arms. The chain tightened swiftly and with great force.

Poof.

The room filled with yellow smoke, and there was a mighty clang as Yellow Diamond’s gem fell to the floor. Lapis landed in the middle of the room, the water still swirling around her, hair and dress whipped up by the winds created by the swirling tide.

Lars blinked.

“Okay, note to self,” he said, “Get a girlfriend who can do that.”

Lapis paid him little mind, picking up Stevonnie and holding them bridal style. She frowned - they were still out, but she could feel their breathing. They were alive.

Lars picked up Jasper’s gem, looking around for an exit. It was now that Lapis became aware of the sound of klaxons in the air. She could see Yellow Pearl too, huddled in a little ball next to the throne, shaking violently.

Lars tapped his collar, activating a comm link with the Sun Incinerator.

“Fluorite, I’ve got an idea…”

Running more on instinct and adrenaline than anything, Lapis quickly jogged over to Yellow Pearl and put a hand on her shoulder. She flinched, looking up at the blue gem.

“I know where Blue Diamond’s Pearl is,” she said.

“Blue?” Her eyes widened, the fear dulling by a few degrees. “But… but they said she was…”

“She’s on New Earth,” replied Lapis, “I… Stevonnie would want you to come with us.”

Yellow Pearl glanced from her Diamond’s discarded gem to Lapis’ extended hand. She whimpered, looking from Diamond to Lapis three more times.

Then, slowly and deliberately, she took Lapis’ hand.

“Lapis!” Lars called, walking over to them, “I got a plan! It’s a terrible one but it might work…”

The Sun Incinerator zipped up over the massive knuckles of Yellow Diamond’s ship, twisting and twirling to avoid anti-ship fire from the vessel’s defence batteries. None of the other ships fired - the danger of destroying their own flagship was too great. The Rutiles sat at the pilot’s seat, ducking and weaving the ship with an expertise developed from thirty years of flying it.

“Okay, ten seconds!” called Left-Rutile.

“Opening the ramp!” Right-Rutile added.

The Sun Incinerator dipped down, a loading ramp underneath the craft slowly lowering down. There would be mere seconds to pull this off - everything had to go according to plan.

Just ahead of them, there was a sudden explosion of water and shattered glass. The water, coalescing into a strange, almost amorphous bubble in the void of space, suddenly shot towards the Sun Incinerator like a giant asp, snaking towards the ramp and crashing into the loading bay. Swiftly, the Rutiles closed the ramp, and once it had been sealed, the water dissipated.

Lapis landed gracefully in the loading bay, still holding Stevonnie. Behind her, Lars and Yellow Pearl flopped to the ground like beached fish. Somewhere off to their left, Rhodonite sounded like she was sobbing -- in relief or fear, who knew?

“Guh…” Lars turned on his communicator again, “Fluorite, engines?”

“All… set…”

“Good! Rutiles! Nova Thrusters! Floor it!”

“Oh, a marvelous vision occurs! I forsee Captain Lars making a splash when he enters!”

The Rutiles slammed a finger on the button, and the Sun Incinerator twisted and distorted into a single pinpoint of space before shooting off into warp, right under the noses of Yellow Diamond’s fleet.

It was a sunny day on their little Island world, and it didn’t reflect Lapis’ mood at all.

Carefully, she and Lars maneuvered Stevonnie onto the mattress, laying her down gently. As Lars went to find a blanket, Lapis leaned over her barnmate - they still hadn’t stirred, and it had taken at least a day to get back to the Island. Humans didn’t sleep this long, did they?

But they were still breathing, so they couldn’t be dead. What was this? Lars had called it something, a word she’d never heard before.

Coma.

“Okay, here we go,” Lars said, throwing a ragged blanket over Stevonnie, “My work here is done.”

“You’re leaving?” asked Lapis.

“Yeah, I… there’s nothing here for me, you know?” replied Lars, “This is your place, not mine. We’re gonna drop lemon girl over on New Earth, and then I’ve got a new quest.”

He clenched his fists.

“I’m gonna find Project Chrysalis,” he declared.

“But Jasper said that was false…”

“I know it’s false hope,” replied Lars, “This isn’t about saving anyone. This is about revenge. And I know it’s unhealthy, but… if I shut it down, they can’t hurt anyone anymore, right?”

Lapis nodded.

“But… you don’t wanna wait for Stevonnie to wake up?” she asked.

Lars sighed.

“I spent all this time wondering if Steven was alive,” he said, “I… I don’t really know what to do with Stevonnie. And I know that’s what he chose, but… I dunno, I need some time to come to terms with that, with them.”

Lapis frowned.

“It’s not their problem to…”

“Yeah, I know, it’s mine,” Lars nodded, “That’s why I need to think. I mean, this isn’t goodbye, it’s just… see you later.”

He walked over to the door and grinned.

“You haven’t seen the last of Captain Lars, Lapis,” he declared.

He pointed his fingers, making a gun shape with his hands.

“Bingo bongo.”

He smirked once more and jumped down from the barn door.

“Uh… ‘bingo bongo,’ I guess,” muttered Lapis.

She turned back to Stevonnie, sighed, and sat down next to them. Now all she had left to do, she supposed, was wait for them to wake up.

However long that might take...

#steven universe #marooned together #lapis lazuli #lars barriga #jasper #yellow diamond

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itsthesinbin · 6 years ago

Text

Get Back Here (Draal/FemReader sfw)

Thank you to @skeletonshades for purchasing a slot!

This is just a simple fluff piece, with a bit of anger. No real warnings, aside from mentions of Vomit

Hope you guys enjoy!

“You have to stay here”. Those words knocked the breath out of you. Draal was gathering his weapons, on the way to save Jim from the Darklands. You grew angry.

“Why can’t I come? I can fight-” “Not… as well as we can,” he snapped, deflating a bit as he talked. He began towards the tunnel in your basement, and you stomped after him.

“You are NOT leaving me here while you go to the goddamn DARKLANDS, Draal!” He turned to you, grabbing your shoulders.

“I know you want to come, but I can’t let you. You’ve just… started your training- you couldn’t… I can’t-” He growled softly, the way he does when he can’t get his words out.

“You’re staying here,” he finally said, going into the tunnel. You called out to him, trying to follow, but he blocked the path with the large piece of wall he uses as a door. You glared at the offending piece of wall, trying to push it down.

He must’ve blocked it with something else, because it barely gave away. You pounded on the blockade.

“DRAAL! OPEN THIS TUNNEL RIGHT NOW!” You could hear his footsteps slow, before he sped off. Furious, distraught tears fell down your face.

“Get back here,” you hiccupped, dropping back onto your backside. You scrubbed at your face, taking a shaky breath.

“Please… Come back, Draal”.

You don’t know how long you sat on the floor, crying and being angry. You kicked the wall one last time, weakly.

You let out a quiet sob, rubbing your sore eyes. You stood, fists balled before stomping back upstairs.

How dare he just… just GO like that! You may not be as used to fighting as the other humans, but you’re a goddamn ADULT! You can, at the very least, defend yourself.

“But NOOOO,” you yelled, pulling out the tray of brownies you were going to surprise him with tonight, before the news of the Darklands became your topic of choice. You put on your favorite movie, sitting down and stuffing your face.

“He decides to leave me here and possibly get himself KILLED!” That complaint made you stop. God… he could die, if he goes into the Darklands. They could all die.

And it’s not like you could waltz into Trollmarket to figure out if something happened, nor could you walk up to a stranger’s house and ask if their child had come home.

You put the brownie in your hand down, feeling nauseous. You swallowed thickly, a new wave of despair and anger washing over you.

They could all die, or be stuck in the Darklands, and you’d never know for sure. You choked out a sob, putting your head in your hands.

And the last thing you two did was argue, and yell at each other. What if he doesn’t come back? What if he’s so angry, or concerned, that he can’t concentrate?

… God, what are you thinking?

Thinking all of that is just as bad as just… giving up and accepting his death.

You stare at the platter of brownies, before pulling out your phone. Draal’s face was your lock screen, and his confused- and slightly offended- stare greeted you.

You… can allow yourself to be angry, but you can’t give up.

You’ll talk with Draal when he gets back.

You don’t know when you fell asleep. All you know is you woke up with a horrible headache, brownie crumbs on your shirt, and an intense feeling of nausea.

Ugh… did you eat the entire fucking platter? Are you a goddamn fool?

Yes, you thought as you threw up into the nearest trash can. You, truly, are a goddamn fool.

Lazily, you went to brush your teeth and just… shower. And by shower, of course that means sitting in the tub while the water pelts you until it turns cold.

Did you doze in the shower? Yes. Did you wake up snorting some shower water and coughing? Of course not. You’re smarter than that.

You got out and got dressed in some pajamas. You plopped down on the couch, staring at the clock.

You slept about… four hours, so it was only 3 am. What the hell are you supposed to do? Worry yourself to another restless, queasy sleep?

You would go find the Killahead Bridge anyway, if you knew where it was located. You knew where it ORIGINALLY was, but not where it was moved to. If it’s in Trollmarket, you couldn’t get there, anyway. You don’t have a Horngazel, and anyone who does is already in Trollmarket, or in the Darklands.

Running your hands through your hair, your gaze fell on the single axe Draal left behind. Your axe, technically, even though he owned it first. He let you have it- gave it to you when you two got together.

He had prettied it up with hard gems and rocks on the handle, and carved some designs into the blade. A courtship gift, he had said, although he was very unhappy with the presentation. He was supposed to make it from scratch, he explained, but he just… wanted to get the awkward shit out of the way first.

He promised he’d make you one, eventually.

You picked up the axe, feeling the familiar weight settle in your hands. You gripped the handle tightly, tears stinging your sore eyes.

You’re going to hold him to that promise. But… for now, you need to sleep.

Or, at least, lay the fuck down for a few hours…

It was a full two days before something finally happened.

You were barely watching a movie at about ten at night when you heard noises from the basement. You gripped your axe, slowly moving to the stairs.

“Whoever’s down there, I have a fucking axe”. You slowly went down the stairs. Faintly, you heard a deep chuckle. You heard something heavy scrape across the floor, and your heart sped up.

Hurrying down the stairs, you caught sight of a large mass moving near the tunnel in the basement. It was opened, and the wall was being set to the side.

Your axe dropped onto your shoulder, where you were holding it.

Draal lumbered over to you, stopping nearby when fat tears fell down your face. The amused smile he had dropped, and he let out a worried keen.

“I’m-” You whacked him with the handle of your axe, dropping the weapon onto the ground.

“Ow- Okay I know I deserved that-” You threw your arms around him, earning a small “oof” from the large Troll.

“God, I’m going to kill you, myself,” you huffed, hiccupping slightly. He began purring- a particular purr used when he tries to calm you down. He sat down, pulling you against him.

You pulled back a bit, leaning up and kissing his nose. The huff-snort that came out of him made a watery laugh leave you.

He began to get a little uncomfortable, as you continued to press kisses to his face. He did like the affection, he just… never knew how to accept it.

“Hey-” He called your name, trying to get you to stop.

“You left me to possibly die, sir, you’ll allow me to do this”. That made him stop. He grumbled, a weak churring noise coming from him as he looked away. You smirked slightly, kissing his cheek again.

“... Everyone’s okay, right,” you asked, and he came to full attention again. He nodded.

“Yes, everyone’s safe. Nothing… happened, while I was gone?” You smiled slightly. Of course, he comes back wounded and tired, and he’s more worried about you.

“Nothing happened, Draal. Everything was way too safe, here,” you said, giving him a pointed look.

“The only thing that happened is that I ate all of the brownies I had made for both of us”. He paused, knowing you got him.

“.... There’s no more?” You snickered slightly.

“No, there isn’t”. He cursed slightly, before picking you up. You squirmed slightly in his arm, watching him pick your axe up.

“Don’t know why you still have this thing,” he grumbled, taking you upstairs. “It’s hideous, and needs to be sharpened”.

“Then sharpen it,” you threw back, making him huff. “Besides, it was a gift. I’d never get rid of it, even if I can’t use it anymore”.

“Why?” “Because you gave it to me, you idiot”. You could tell he got flustered, from the little deep “mrr” that came from him.

You’ve learned that Trolls are basically giant rock cats, by this point.

He sat down in front of the tv, pulling you against him. You felt your eyes tear up again, and you wiped your eyes.

“Please stop crying,” he pleaded, pressing his forehead to the back of your head. You let out a laugh, hiccupping slightly.

“Sorry. I’m just… relieved”. You turned to face him, kissing him again. You knew he couldn’t really reciprocate, but he enjoys it anyway. Hence the loud, vibrating purr.

“I love you, Draal”. He grew flustered again, but he didn’t let that stop him from nuzzling into the side of your face. He’s probably happy you can’t see his face, at least.

“I love you, too,” he mumbled, giving your cheek a small lick.

“... Are there... more brownies we can make?” You let out a loud laugh, before standing.

“Yeah, come on. You can be my assistant”. “As long as I don’t have to move too much. My side hurts”. You smiled slightly, going to preheat the oven.

“Just don’t let me eat them all in a fit of anger”. He paused.

“Is that why it smells like old vomit?” Your face flushed, and he let out a small snort.

“That angry, huh?” “You know what-” He laughed, letting you smack his shoulder lightly. You huffed, smiling despite your embarrassment,

As much as you wanted to slap his smug little self, you were glad he was home. You gave him another quick kiss, before pulling out the baking trays.

Later that night, you were passed out in his lap. You were wrapped in a blanket, and a pillow sat behind your head- as it normally goes when you’re going to sit on him for a long time.

The movie you were playing had long since ended, and it had looped and started over again. Draal was perfectly content to let the movie play. His attention was on you, anyway.

He felt himself smile, even as you drooled on yourself. Little, sleepy mumblings came from you as you shifted. He leaned down, carefully nuzzling against the top of your head. He let out a small huff as your hair tickled his nose.

“Don’t worry,” he mumbled, picking you up to take you to your room. He’d never be this lovey-dovey when you were awake, but since you were asleep… he could be the big goober he truly was.

“No matter where I go, I’ll always come back to you”.

#trollhunters #draal #mod fic #fic #mine

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starshineskyandthepowerofrock · 4 years ago

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The Serpentine Forest

Part 12 of Starshine, Sky, and the Power of Rock.

When I was told we were gonna be "preparing" for this weekend's retreat, I'd figured there'd be more focus on how our Soul Players work. Don't get me wrong, there is. But I guess not everyone is as used to camping as I am, so instead we've been learning stuff like how to set up a tent and how to build a campfire. I find myself spacing out a lot because little of it is news to me.

The part I pay the most attention for is when we're given maps of the Serpentine Forest and told to study it. This is the only point where I try to talk to Gossamer, but she just says "I know what I'm doing" and leaves me to study it myself.

I'd say I have an idea of what I'm going to do come Saturday, or at least some semblance of one. But every time I turn to Gossamer, who for once can't find an excuse not to be next to me now that we're standing alone together in this clearing in the Serpentine Forest, my confidence dies a little.

I pull out the map from the knapsack we've been given and try to figure out where we are.

"Alright, so I see there's a cave over here that should keep us safe tonight-"

Gossamer snatches the map from me. "Are you kidding or just an idiot? I'm not camping in there."

I ball up my now-empty hands into fists. "Do you have any suggestions then?" I say through my teeth.

"We may as well stay here, if you ask me," she says.

"What, out in the open like this? Where who knows what can come get us whenever they want?"

"Have you considered that one of us is from around here and the other isn't? Maybe not every forest is just like the ones on your little island."

I scoff. "Oh, like you're the type to spend enough time in this forest to know what you're doing."

Gossamer smiles like she's got some great comeback, but she stops herself. Suddenly, she looks uncomfortable. I take that to mean I've won the argument.

💙💙💙

The sun is getting ready to set. I hope we reach the cave soon, before who knows what starts lurking in the shadows. I've got a compass in one hand while the other casually rests on my Soul Player, which is attached to my belt.

"My feet hurt, can we just stop?" Gossamer whines.

"If you complain about your stupid feet one more time..."

"You'll what? Prove me right and show everyone how much of a monster you are?"

"Everyone knows I'm a monster. That was never a secret."

"I'm not talking in the literal sense, wasn't that obvious?"

So they really do use the word monster as an insult then. I thought Boris had lied about that.

...Rough hands grabbing at me. A fist in my hair. Searing pain in my scalp. The scrape of an axe, inches from ending me. Boris's voice. His cold, uncaring voice...

Gossamer slaps me across the face. "Hellooo?" she says right in my face, shaking my shoulders. "Anyone there?"

I'm mute. I'm shaking. My body is soaked in icy sweat. In front of her of all people.

Gossamer squints in... I don't know what. Confusion? Concentration? Annoyance? Whatever it is, she's looking right in my eyes and I don't need that. Not when so much is showing.

I shrug her off, pick up the compass that I guess I dropped during that episode and keep going.

It's getting dark now, which means my eyes start glowing.

"How can you still see the compass?" Gossamer asks. I'm surprised by the curiosity in her voice, but when I look up I see she's still squinting in that way I don't like.

"Uh. My eyes glow in the dark. It's like... night vision or something."

The only sound after that for a while is our feet crunching grass and dead leaves. Then Gossamer says, "I'd wondered why vampire eyes do that. I'd figured it was some sort of identifier of danger. Like how poisonous animals are brightly colored. But vampires are predators, so-"

"I wouldn't say predators. More like parasites," I say. This is the first discussion of substance I've ever had with her.

"So you admit!" Gossamer shouts, pointing an accusing finger.

Alright, scratch what I just said. "Admit what?"

Gossamer scoffs. "If you don't understand what's wrong with being a parasite, I really don't know how to convince you otherwise."

Every muscle in my body tenses. My face is on fire. "DO YOU HAVE ROCKS WHERE YOUR BRAIN SHOULD BE?"

Gossamer jumps back, eyes as wide as her mouth.

"Ooooh, sorry, do I scare you? You scared the big bad vampire's gonna get you? Daddy isn't here to save you from me, is he?"

"Stop..." Gossamer whispers.

"What, are you surprised that insulting people to their face makes them upset? How dense can you-"

A wolf howls in the distance. A very specific howl that I've known since I was a little girl. No. No, he's not here. He can't be. I slowly look behind me. A wolf stands at the top of a hill, silhouetted by moonlight. The moon is full. How did I not notice the moon is full? He's joined by a pack's worth of other wolves. It looks like they're talking about something. Please, please don't notice us...

Their heads turn. Too many gold eyes aimed right at me and Gossamer.

We scramble for the bushes. Our hands clap over each other's mouths. I close my eyes, hoping the glow didn't give our position away. Who am I kidding, of course I gave our position away after that outburst!

Leaves crunch under paws, closer and closer to us. Our hands tighten over each other's mouths. Anxiety has kicked my lungs to life and into overdrive no matter how much I try to still them.

The paws stop. Noses sniff the air. Then they sniff the bushes.

Please... Please...

Paw steps restart and fade away. Everything in my body loosens up. We fall out of the bush and just lay there for a few seconds. Neither of us can muster the energy to get up. Gossamer can't even open her eyes.

My arm falls to my side and hits something wet. I pick up my arm to find a folded scrap of paper stuck to my hand. I peel it off. It looks like someone's been holding this in their mouth.

I sit up, turn to that hill again. There he is, off in the distance. He knows I'm here. He knows I know he's here. No points for guessing who dropped this then. I have half a mind to tear up his stupid note, whatever it says, and eat the pieces. Just to show I'm done with him.

But something stops me. Something I can't name makes me pocket the note while Gossamer's eyes are still closed.

Then he disappears over the hill.

💙💙💙

"They followed us here! Of course they followed us here! I never thought I'd see the Band of Darkness in Hillside!" Gossamer has been going like this for a while.

"I mean, a giant flying castle is pretty hard to miss. Seems easy to follow," I say.

Gossamer stares ahead, shaking her head. "I bet you brought them here."

"Me? I want nothing to do with them!"

"Even if that's somehow true, which I doubt, I wouldn't be surprised if they were after you anyway," Gossamer says. "My understanding is that the Band of Darkness isn't very kind to traitors."

I have no answer to that, because I've been thinking the exact same thing. Instead I ask, "So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying it's your fault we've got werewolves in the same woods as the Academy's entire population of First Years."

She just won't stop speaking my mind. That said, something about the word "fault" hits me harder than a brick to the head, but I'm less interested in retaliating than before. We've reached the cave anyway. It's bigger than expected.

"Well," Gossamer says, sitting on the ground with her arms crossed. "Have fun in there."

"Aren't you coming?"

Gossamer shakes her head. "You're not convincing me to spend the night in there."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Nope. I'll be waiting out here."

I chuckle joylessly. "Oh, no you're not."

She chuckles right back. "Oh, yes I am."

"Fine. Whatever," I say with a scowl. "You have fun out here. With all the werewolves." I turn my back on Gossamer, who suddenly looks way less comfortable with her choice, and make my way inside.

It's dark in here. And warm. Really warm. I'm wondering if another group had the same idea as me. Or if the Band of Darkness did.

The thought makes me stop for a second. But no. Even all those people wouldn't make the cave this warm. There's a faint, low rumble coming in from up ahead that makes my insides squirm. I can't tell if the sweat pooling in my pits is from nerves or just how freaking hot it's getting. Did I mention it's hot?

Vampire night vision only really works for stuff right in front of us, especially for someone like me who has bad sight to begin with, so I pull out a flashlight from the knapsack. The beam of light hits something shiny. Gems, maybe? No, it looks more like... gold. Gold?

The rumble gets suddenly louder, vibrating the ground and my feet on top of it. Metal clinks and jingles all around me. More gold, I'm guessing.

I point the the flashlight down at my feet. The gold's in coin form, which seems weird. No one just leaves money laying around in a cave. Hell, the only time I've seen anything like this is in books where the cave ends up home to a-

Another wave of vibrations, and a wave of heat to match that nearly knocks me to the ground. I whip the flashlight ahead of me. Oh. So that's why Gossamer didn't wanna come here.

Do you ever... hear a horrible, terrifying thing is real but figure you'll never deal with it so you've never been scared of it? Yeah, that's how I've always felt about dragons. Until right now.

Smoke trails idly from nostrils the size of my head. My flashlight dances around thankfully closed eyes to find shiny scales all over the head. I move it away to find more scales. And more scales. And more scales. This guy could swallow me whole and wouldn't even call me an appetizer.

A scream bubbles up from my belly and I catch it the second before it leaves my mouth.

Okay. Okay. Turn off the flashlight before you wake him. Now, just... turn around. Okay, now walk away. Real slow, just like-

The rumble I now realize is the dragon's snore hits me from behind, and this time it comes with a horrible flash of orange heat that practically scorches my back and sends me off my feet.

I don't have time for slow.

Red smoke engulfs my body. For a second or two it is my body. Then it's gone and I'm a bat, wings flapping wildly the direction I just came. That guy may be asleep now but I'm not taking any chances in case he decides to wake up.

Gossamer greets me at the entrance with crossed arms and a smug smile. By the time I shift back to normal I don't have the energy to stand, let alone wipe the smirk off her face. Instead I lay on the ground, arms and legs left wherever I let them land, trying to get my lungs to calm down to their normal stillness.

Gossamer leans over to get a better look. She giggles. "Well, it looks like-"

"Don't," I say.

"I'm just saying, I think we've both learned a lesson tonight. You learned that maybe you don't know everything. And I learned I was right in assuming I shouldn't trust a monster to know what she's-"

I kick her feet out from under her. She falls on me. She pushes herself away the same time I try to throw her off. Her eyes are wide with a hate I've seen in too many faces.

"Bloodsucker," she says.

Gossamer's perfectly curled hair, heavy mascara, and too-tight top tell me she's never thrown a punch her whole life. The elbow she drives into my stomach tells me otherwise.

Hair gets pulled. Ripped jeans get bigger holes. Girl fights normally involve nail stuff but guitarist nails don't really work for that so we settle for fists. There's an unspoken rule that we don't yell in case the werewolves come back or the dragon wakes up, but it doesn't really matter because right now we're each other's biggest threat.

We get to a point where Gossamer's knee is lodged between my shoulder blades and my arm is pulled way too far behind me.

"You ruined everything, freak!" she whisper-screams, yanking on every word. "I was gonna go to school with a normal band and make friends and fight the Band of Darkness like everyone else and be normal for once in my life!"

You can do it, Sky. Come on... Come on...

I yank my arm forward with all my strength. It's enough to knock her off of me but not enough to get her to let go. Alright, let's see how you like it. I grab her arm with my free hand and yank as hard as I can.

Gossamer gasps. "Stop!"

"That's not how fights work," I say before squeezing my eyes shut and yanking again. Something dislodges. Gossamer just barely holds back a scream. Ah crap, I've gone too far.

When I muster the guts to open my eyes and see the damage I've done, it's suddenly my turn to hold back a scream. I'm not holding an arm at all but a hunk of wood made to look like one. Eyes wide, I look up to find Gossamer missing an arm. She's staring at me in shock.

I hold the arm out. "Uh. Sorry."

Gossamer snatches the arm away and snaps it into the socket in her left shoulder. A green glow shoots through the grooves in the wood, pulsing to the beat of a jingle that Gossamer hums into her wooden wrist. The arm locks in place and is magically covered in peach colored skin that matches the rest of her body. She looks up at me, as serious as they come.

"You. Saw. Nothing."

"Agreed." For now, I mean, but she doesn't need to know that. I guess it'd be wrong to hold this over her - even if I don't see why a fake arm is a big deal - but it'd be nice to not have to take crap from her anymore in exchange for keeping her little secret.

💙💙💙

I offer to set up the tent and fire by myself to make up for the arm thing. Gossamer agrees before I even finish my sentence. We're both silent the whole time. I can't help catching a few glances of her as I go. She looks away as I go, arms crossed over her chest. I can't tell if it's the usual hatred or maybe insecurity.

When I'm done we both sit at the fire to protect ourselves from the year's first autumn chills. Gossamer faces it. I'm turned to the side because my eyes are sensitive. My back faces her.

"Well," I say, breaking the silence. "I'm hungry."

"Me too," Gossamer says real quiet. "I, uh... I believe they said food was included in the knapsack."

"I think you're right," I say. I go check and it's true. Well, if you wanna get technical at least. The only edible things I can find in there are marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. I toss the stuff in Gossamer's lap. "Looks like we're having s'mores for dinner."

"That's not dinner," she says.

"Would you rather go hunting?" I ask, making sure to bare my fangs on the word "hunting."

Gossamer scoots back in fear as if I'm not still hurting from our scuffle. "No."

"Then here," I say, and toss her one of the roasting sticks I found in the knapsack. She catches it one-handed.

We roast in silence. I purposefully catch mine on fire so the whole thing's charred by the time I blow it out and put it between the crackers and the chocolate. I eat it in two bites, not waiting for it to cool. It burns me the whole way down. Just how I like it.

I'm roasting my third one by the time Gossamer's done making her first. "Leave some for me," she says, back to her usual annoyed tone.

"It'd be a lot easier if you weren't taking forever," I say.

"I'm just making sure it's even. You're supposed to cook until golden brown, you know."

"What, are you in cahoots with the s'mores police?"

"I'm just doing it the normal way."

I remember what she was going on about while she was trying to dislocate my shoulder. "Right," I say. "'Cause you're normal."

It seems I've struck a nerve. Gossamer breathes sharply and turns to me. "It was an infection, okay?"

"What?"

"There was an infection in my shoulder joint that was left untreated for too long so I had to have my arm amputated. Is your curiosity satisfied?"

"I didn't say anything about your arm," I say.

Gossamer's anger is replaced with embarrassment. "Oh," she says and goes back to her s'more.

More silence. But now I do have something I'm curious about.

"Is this some kinda culture thing? Like, do elves have a problem with fake arms, or-"

"No, it's not cultural! It's... Oh, why am I talking about this with you?"

I shrug. "We're stuck with each other for four years. May as well get to know each other."

Gossamer takes forever and a half eating her s'more. Then she says, "It's... It's my sisters."

"Your sisters?"

"Yes. Well, more like Summer and my other sisters by extension." She sighs. "For as long as I can remember Summer has just craved attention."

"I'll believe that," I say.

Gossamer shakes her head. "You don't know the half of it. It's always what she wants to do, where she wants to go. You try to get a word in and you pay. She was always the most popular girl when we went to school in Hillside, so crossing her was social suicide."

"So... she doesn't like fake arms?" I ask

"I'm getting to that!" She twirls the stick in her left hand, the fake one. "I was really young when I lost my arm. And what's worse, it was my dominant one. While everyone else was learning how to spell, I was stuck on how to hold the pencil with my new hand. You can imagine the attention I garnered, from teachers and concerned classmates and obviously my parents."

"Ah," I say. "Attention. I'm guessing Summer wasn't too happy about that."

"Ugh!" Gossamer stabs another marshmallow and holds it over the fire. "She was insufferable! She couldn't even handle me receiving medical attention! She'd find a way to make everything about her and when that didn't work she'd just humiliate me. She's a total vampire!"

I'll let that one slide, this is too interesting.

"She labeled me a freak for having the audacity to lose an arm. Can you believe that? She took one small facet of who I am and made it out to be the only notable thing about me."

"Wonder what that feels like," I say.

Gossamer whips her head around to look at me. "Oh, don't you dare compare us!"

"Why not?"

"Because there's nothing to compare. We're totally different."

I swallow my fourth and last s'more. "Well, I might not have any evil sisters but I know a thing or two about being called a freak."

"Oh, so you've been bullied for being different?" Gossamer asks mockingly.

Wow. "Does 'Vampires don't belong in our school' ring a bell?"

Gossamer chews quietly then swallows. She mulls something over real hard. "I'd... never really thought of that as bullying before."

"Don't know what you thought it was."

Gossamer shrugs. "I don't know. I try to refrain from thinking when Summer is around. It's safer that way."

"Safe, huh?" I say and set one last marshmallow on fire. "Never was one for safe." I watch the white fluff bubble and blacken. Then I blow. "How about an illegal marshmallow?" I say, handing her the stick.

Gossamer's nose wrinkles. "How is this appetizing?"

"You won't know until you try," I say.

"...Okay." Gossamer blows on the marshmallow.

"No blowing," I say. "Eat it hot."

Gossamer whimpers. She opens up with hesitation then finally puts the marshmallow in her mouth. Her eyes are wide and her brow knit as she makes big, exaggerated chews. She winces after swallowing.

I smile. "How was that?"

Gossamer coughs. "It burns and tastes like ash."

"Didn't like it?"

She skewers another marshmallow and lights it up. "I never said that."

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