#Guardian: 'hey um maybe dON'T DO THAT???!?'

[thevoidstaredback]

It's always graveyards. Why is it always graveyards? They're creepy as hell and, well... that's it. On the bright side, the Protection Spirits watching the gates recognize him and realize the danger he's in. Well, maybe he wasn't in real danger because the Bats and Birds don't really do the whole purposefully harming civilians things, but they are scary as hell! Chasing him down like a bat straight outta hell- obviously he was gonna run! They cornered him! Maybe he'll invest in getting them lessons in how to interact with people in and out of costume?

Honestly, Nightwing, Danny expected better of you. At least Red Hood and Signal know how to treat innocents.

Here's the thing about Protection and Guardian Spirits, though. They don't like intruders. If you're running from something and you don't have time to ask permission to enter, you best say "thank you" and bring them shiny things on your next visit. If you do have time to ask permission, you ask permission. If they think you're a threat or rude, they won't let you enter whatever they're guarding.

"Thank you," Danny said as he slowed to a walk further into the graveyard, the sound of the gates slamming closed behind him confirmation that the Bat and his gaggle wouldn't be following him in.

Wasting no time, Danny pulled a piece of chalk from his pocket. It was a handy little thing he'd picked up during his stay in the House of Mysteries. Draw and door, tell it where you wanna go, open it, and go through! Beetlejuice style. Though, unlike what the Handbook for the Recently Deceased says, these doors won't actually open a door to the afterlife. He fixed that tiny glitch a while ago.

Anyway, a quick few chalk lines on the side of a mausoleum later, and Danny was opening a door to Fawcett, Philadelphia. Probably not the best choice, considering that he was trying to stay away from the Justice League, but it's better than Metropolis.

"Whoa." Damn it! He should've stayed home. "What was that, mister?"

Danny made sure the door closed behind him, praying for strength. Why did he feel like several deities were laughing at him? "Hey, kid. Can you, um, maybe not say anything about that?"

The kid, short brown hair and a red jacket stood out the most to Danny for some reason, seemed very amused. "You're gonna have to buy my silence."

Again, Danny let out a quiet, long suffering sigh. "Coffee is so not worth it." Looking at the kid, he said, "Alright, fine. I was getting coffee anyway, I'll buy ya lunch. Know any good places?"

Grinning, the kid cheered, "Hell yeah! Follow me!"

Resigned, Danny followed after the kid, easily keeping pace. About a block later, he figured he should probably get the kid's name. "I'm Danny."

"Billy."

"No last name?"

"Fae rules, dude. What's your excuse?"

He had to give it to him. "Touché."

Another three blocks of walking, Billy finally stopped at a cafe. It was a quaint place with stained white brick and a dark grey roof. There were metal chairs and tables outside the building surrounded by a wrought iron fence. The table umbrellas and the awning over the black door were light blue, matching the curtains in the inside.

The inside walls were painted baby blue with a white ceiling and a pinewood floor. The tables and chairs were all stained black with light pink cushions and table cloths. The curtains, as observed before, were all baby blue, tied back with baby pink ribbons. The lights were barely yellow, giving the room a warm feel. The counters were white with black paneling on the outside and white granite as the tops.

"Welcome in," the young man at the register greeted with a smile, "What can I get you two started with today?"

Danny envied the man. He'd obviously not been doing this long enough to gain the veteran's shine to his eye. He turned to look at the menu after telling Billy to get whatever he wanted. A mistake he'll probably pay for. "I'd like a large Red Eye, equal parts coffee and espresso, with cinnamon, honey, chocolate syrup, mint, and vodka, please."

The 'newbie' light in the man's eyes dimmed a little bit. "Um, we don't carry vodka." Glad that's the only thing he's worried about. Priorities.

Danny clicked his tongue. "Oh, well, it was worth a shot. I'd like everything else, though, please. Mix it at your own discretion."

"Alright," he was very valiant to go back to grinning, "Anything else?"

Danny motioned for Billy and the kid stepped up. "Can I get a large mocha, three chocolate chip cookies, and two sandwiches?"

The blond entered the order. "Of course! That'll be $25.37." A quick card swipe from Danny. "Thank you very much, we'll have your order out to you soon!"

The two didn't say a word as they chose a table in the corner. Danny let Billy take the seat that was open to the rest of the cafe so he wouldn't feel cornered. He had a good view of the door, though, so he wasn't complaining.

"So, how'd you do that?" Billy asked after they'd gotten their orders.

"How'd I do what?" Danny sipped his drink.

"How'd you walk outta that wall? It's solid!"

"Magic."

"I guessed that much."

"Then why'd you ask?"

"Will you teach me?"

"No."

"You didn't even think about it!"

"Okay," He paused. "No."

"Not fair." he pouted.

Putting his drink on the table, Danny summed as much fake-it-till-you-make-it energy as he could. "Magic isn't a toy and takes years of practice to get a handle on, not to mention you have to actually have an aptitude for it before you can even try. Besides, I don't know you nearly well enough to trust you with anything else."

Billy finished the cookie he was eating. "I can do it! You just gotta teach me!"

Another sigh that Danny had stopped counting. "Look, you seem like a good kid, but I'm not gonna teach you magic."

"Why not!"

"However," he continued, ignoring the demand, "I'm not gonna leave ya fully defenselessness."

"What do you mean?" Billy backed away slightly, his eyes narrowing as he moved to be able to run quickly.

Another sip. "Based off of the dirt you're covered in, the grease in your hair, and the overall poor condition of your clothes, I'm gonna bet that you're a street kid. So," he pulled a small card from his pocket, very aware that Billy was watching his hand aptly, "I'm going to leave you with this."

Slowly, the brunet took it and turned it over. "What it is?"

The white card had the initials DP in the middle, circled by an Ouroboros. The initials were completely solid, but the snake of the Ouroboros was made up of tiny runes of protection and health and healing and good fortune.

"My calling card. If you're ever in danger, hold that to your chest and ask for help. I'll be there."

Still obviously suspicious, Billy took a moment to scrutinize the card. It was cute to watch the kid act like he knew what he was looking at or for. When he seemed satisfied, he shoved the card into the inner pocket sewn into his jacket. "Thanks."

"No problem, kid," Pulling out his phone, Danny saw the time and stood, "I've gotta go now. I assume I've sufficiently bought your silence on the whole magic thing?"

Billy grinned, "I guess, but you gotta come visit me, okay?"

He chuckled, "Sure thing. See ya."

Part 2 Part 4

(I don't drink coffee, so Idk how that shit works)

Tag list: @zaiothe4th

[mellowwillowy]

Let's talk about Yan! TWST!

The Yan that enjoys inflicting pain on you would be...

Riddle doesn't see the charm of hurting you and so are his card soldiers. But, that doesn't mean Riddle will not hurt you dear, oh noooo, do you remember the time your guardian punished you with something that hurt physically? A pinch on your forearm or a smack by the ruler? Take that double-fold.

"Now now, what did I say about standing straight?" Riddle fixes your posture with his staff before eyeing you from head to toe, "I assume you've been good today, you are safe from the... unsavory punishment, I'd say."

Cater can understand the charm of it, I mean, he enjoys biting you every now and then playfully! Now Imagine what if he does it with a different intention, hm?

Trey is, hm, 50/50. Just like Riddle except that part of him secretly loathes the fact that he wishes he could do more for you but that won't do good. He is not supposed to act like this.

The ADeuce duo? They are wholesome babies who just sometimes enjoy bullying you, just sometimes! Maybe a poke and prod here until it suddenly escalates into something that actually hurts you. Will immediately realize that and apologize to you nonstop.

Leona? You bet you got lots of bite marks and scratch marks! He treats you like his chewing toy and he loves it! Well, part of his sadistic side will sometimes take over and turn this into a much darker turn.

"Hey, come now, don't trouble me from having to find you, herbivore. Stop hiding unless you want me to drag you out with my fangs."

Ruggie and Jack don't really get it. Aren't they supposed to treasure and protect those who they love? Sure, the animalistic sides of marking might come every now and then but that's as far as it goes.

Alright, the Tweels are right off the bat. Any kind of pain honestly, physically and mentally. You get the drill. "What do you say if we turn you into a literal shrimp? Maybe... bend your back until you look like one, shrimpy?" "Kukuku, that is a great idea though I am worried about the aftereffects."

And the person who would be opposed to this would be the Octopus, Azul.

He prefers his angelfish to be unscratched unlike those brutes after all (Though he understands why they love seeing your fear-stricken expression, it truly has its own charm.) "You two! Stop playing around and go back to work if you have the time to bother them! ... Hey, are you alright?" Azul will check on you and tend to any bruises they leave after they are gone.

put that chain down! Real talk here though? Both Kalim and Jamil are on the same flavour but they leave different aftertaste.

Now I know Kalim is such a sunshine baby that is soooo sooo, free of threat and won't even have the thought of hurting you for fun. But what if he has no other choice but to do this...? Now he doesn't take any form of pleasure from this but what I'm trying to say is that he is not below from hurting you indirectly.

Take it when he feels the need to chain you down, should he let the others do this dirty deed or should he do this himself? The idea of someone else hurting you makes him sick but so does the idea of him having to immobilize you!

"I'm really sorry but I just, have no choice! I'll make it up to you, name anything you want and I'll give it to you in a blink! Everything... but leaving me... then I will grant it to you like a magic lamp..."

In Jamil's case though he just resorted to this method should his paranoia reach a certain extent. What if you leave him even though he hasn't done anything much for you at all? Should he charm you with his UM or... should he just straight up immobilize you and lock you away in the dorm, away from privy eyes? Or maybe should he shamelessly ask for Kalim's assistance in sending you to Scalding Sands for the time being?

"Rest assured, Najma will be there for you."

The Hunter, Rook. Now listen to me, no he doesn't find any pleasure in the same way the Tweels do. Take him as a hunter, only wounding you to keep you immobile and that's all, he'd prefer to not wound you at all to ensure your beauty unscratched like a taxidermized animal!

The people who would go against this would be Vil and Epel! Come on now, really? He'd rather inflict emotional and mental pain than this! How is he supposed to cover the bruises, let alone if it remains as a scar?

"Rook! What did I tell you about not leaving any mark on them? Can't you just ever listen?" "Aha, I'm so sorry~! It's just that they have been hopping around like a rabbit so I had no choice but to treat them as one."

As for Epel, he just doesn't see the charm in causing any pain to his dearest darling at all. He prefers seeing you smiling and laughing rather than crying. Oh gosh, these sick fucks are questionable!

"Even so, you shouldn't retort to this method! Oh no... it hurts so much, right...?"

Do not touch Ortho in the wrong way but damn this murder bot is on the loose. He will most definitely be doing the dirty job here for Idia like dude, he will stun you right on the spot should his system detect any suspicious movements and signs of doing something dumb.

Idia on the other hand is pretty neutral about this. Yeah, comatose, knocked out cold. Cool. You shouldn't have done that, noob, can't you at least make a plan that will allow you to evade Ortho's sight of view? Not like the phone he gave you will not save him from this trouble though.

"You thought you could sneak out of an enemy base camp that easily? You gotta at least watch the walkthrough from start to finish, anyway, off we go... to the enemy's underground chamber."

He'd prefer things to be as solace as possible so I think he doesn't enjoy partaking in this trope with these sadistic bitches. (He's just a silly meow meow after all)

Lilia has a kink in marking you with his fangs and it shows~ That, is on the playful note, what about the much darker note? Moments when the fistfight you two share turns into an uncontrollable fight that allows him to cut you with his nails and punch you right in your guts, hard, until you choke out.

"Ah~? Sorry, did I go too hard? I forgot that your body is now just as fragile as a stuffed doll!" He'll shrug it off playfully while relishing in your state for a moment before helping you ^^ (Ah, he misses those good' ol days so dearly!)

Malleus, Silver, and Sebek though? They are shaking their heads at Lilia but can't say anything about it.

Malleus sees this as a way to keep you still next to him, maybe by spraining your ankle or slamming your head so that you are knocked out.

Silver on the other hand does not lay a single finger on you with the intention of hurting you, at all! Cinnamon baby! huhuhu.

Sebek? After watching Lilia and Malleus, he deems this to be some sort of disciplinary action! He takes pride in it while secretly pushing away the guilt of hurting you and the fact that he was enchanted by the teary sight of you.

Divider Credit: @edith-is-a-cat

I have favorites and it shows. (Lilia)

[strawberrymochin]

Springtime Fushiguros♪

Context-: exploring the memories of childhood of fushiguros, marking the spring time of you and satoru gojo.

Lost-: satoru loses Megumi while you all visit the firework festival

Your lips form a satisfactory smile as you finally finish tucking Megumi in a kimono with blue dragonflies printed all over, which once belonged to gojo.

Tsumiki was twirling, wearing her new yukata, adorned with sakura prints on the pink fabric, you guys brought her back shopping. You bought one for Megumi too, which was what he supposed to wear today— on Hanabi— the firework festival celebrated in Japan during the summer season.

He would have looked so cute in the kimono you initially chose for him, even with that grumpy face, like a squishy mochi, if not for gojo who threw out the shopping bag containing megumi's kimono mistaking it for trash.

"Aww! Megumiii!!!! He looks just like mee!!!" Gojo squealed in joy, coming into the kids bedroom to take a look at kids. "And oh my gawd! Miki!!!! You look like an angel! Just like—"

"Like me?" You cut gojo's sentence, grinning at him.

"Nah, I was talking about my self!"

"Wha— you're such a sucker!" You scoff at him, while tsumiki giggles.

"Oii no swearing infront of the kids. Wasn't it a rule you made? Who's breaking it now?"

"Shut up!"

"Hey gumi, never thought you could pull off my kimono huh!" Gojo remarked, bending his torso down, to the kid's level to look into his eyes.

"Do you really have to throw it away?" Megumi grumbles, seemingly uninterested to respond to gojo's compliment.

"I told you, i thought it has trash in it."

"Who keeps trash in a shopping bag?" asks Megumi bitterly, turning his head away, noticing you picking up their now-discarded dresses into the laundry basket. However there was a faint blush tainting your plush cheeks, as your eyes crease shyly, excusing yourself out of the room.

"I do. It's basically saving money yk. You don't have to buy trash bags." Gojo says cupping his face, back to him, squeezing his cheeks.

~♡~

This was just a while ago, before gojo messed up. He's damn sure you would never forgive him for this. Nor tsumiki would. The sounds of people passing by; sounds of childrens laughing, running around; sounds of announcements buzzed through his ears.

He had lost Megumi in the crowd.

Now there are only two options:-

1. Tell the truth and beg for your forgiveness

2. Wander around trying to find Megumi

Before he could decide which option to choose—

"How long do you have to take to buy one lemon soda?" Gojo turns around to find you along with tsumiki, sucking on her popsicle.

"Oh...um—" gojo hesitates, panicking inside, as your eyebrows form a frown.

"Where's Megumi?"

"You see— he's....umm—

Announcement-:

A lost kid has been reported named Fushiguro Megumi, age 7 years, wearing a blue kimono with dragonfly prints along with a blue belt. His guardians are requested to gather near the lost and found centre near the main entrance. Thank you.

"Wow! I see how it is..."

"Listen—"

"Have fun doing the laundry the entire week!"

Gojo sighs in defeat, knowing better not to provoke you anymore following you on your way to rescue Megumi.

When you reach the lost and found centre you see Megumi, grim faced, clutching the lemon soda tight in his hands, among the bunch of other lost kids.

His eyes perk up with relief as soon as he saw your silloute, running to you ignoring gojo's existance.

"Next time don't loose my hand." Gojo says, getting hold of him again. " Or maybe next time you don't loose my hand trying to pose for those aunties simping over you."

You dart your eyes at gojo, upon hearing megumi's words, "what?"

"No..no babe. He's lying. I swear." Giving you his innocent pouty victim look trying to melt your heart with his cuteness. "I love you."

"Satoru"

"Yeah?" However, his cuteness didn't work melting you this time.

"Have fun doing the laundry and sleeping on the couch this entire week."

Gojo - (⁠ノ⁠ಥ⁠,⁠_⁠｣⁠ಥ⁠)⁠ノ

~♡~

Back home, you were helping megumi, take off his kimono, an unconscious smile tugged on your lips. Megumi tilted his head to the side as you unwrap his belt taking it off.

"Why are you smiling?" He asks.

"am i? Just remembered something sweet yk...." You reply, folding the belt taking in a deep breath.

"What?" You looked at Megumi, eyes glistening with curiosity. It's rare to see him with such soft expression except when he's asleep.

"This kimono you're wearing holds a precious memory to me." You smile, before continuing, "This was the kimono satoru was wearing when I saw him for the first time. You know that day he saved me from getting killed."

Megumi's eyes widened a bit as his lips parted in a small 'o'.

"It's strange how you're so similar to him. Yk, when he was of your age, this guy barely smiled. God he would have such terrifying blue eyes that kids would stay a mile away from him. Lol."

"Weren't you terrified?"

"Yes....but what I was terrified of was the sheer loneliness that lied behind his eyes, which were devoid of any emotion."

"Oh" Megumi didn't know what else to utter. It's hard for him to imagine gojo as someone who would stay dead serious.

"Though don't tell your sensei about it. He doesn't remembers that incident."

Megumi nods coming closer to you as you take off the kimono from him.

[randoimago]

Day 9 - Fake Dating

Fandom: Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Character(s): Link

Type of Request: 31 Days of Oc-Trope-R

Note(s): The requester wanted Reader helping Link fend off his suitors and I love this idea so much. Also, I make Link talk a tiny bit in this (like only a few words at a time) Also Also I felt so bad for Paya while writing this ngl (sorry Paya!!)

You blamed it on how nice he is to everyone. Oh, you need ten apples? He's doing it. One hundred crickets to impress a girl? Done. It's insane what he'll do (you're still annoyed that you watched him cut grass for hours to get the crickets to only actually give the guy ten).

But then he was going to Karkariko Village next. He seemed nervous as you two traveled on the new horse he tackled and won over. Usually, he liked using his Sheika sleight, but you both quickly found out that you are not transported with him, and he had to hurry to get back to you before the Guardian shot you. It was not a fun time.

"What's wrong, Link?" You ask as your arms are wrapped around his waist while he directed the horse. He's quiet for a bit as he ponders the question. Or maybe he heard you and was choosing to be quiet like he sometimes does. A sigh is heard from him as he looks over his shoulder. You did not realize how closely you were holding him and tried to put some space between you.

"Be my girlfriend," he says. No lead in, no 'hey I have a favor', just a flat-out proposal and your jaw dropped. Link quickly realized his mistake and pink crossed his cheeks as he shook his head. "Pretend! Pretend to be my girlfriend!"

You had a million questions and were starting to ask before Link filled you in. Apparently almost every girl and woman (some men too) in Karkariko village has a crush on Link. Well, maybe not Impa, but that's still a large number. And Link does not know how many excuses he can give so he wants you to pretend to be his girlfriend just to keep them off of him.

And you agreed.

You don't know what came across your mind to agree, but you did. You and Link talked about things like how you started dating or other couple questions that might be asked. It was a bit weird, but ended up being fun? Mostly because he's a dork and you teased him quite a bit when he talked about how he didn't realize a lizalfo tail couldn't be used as food for some reason and a fairy had to save him after eating the dubious food.

When you make it to the village, you don't quite understand what Link needed help fending off. The people seemed nice, some kids wanted to play tag (and you found it adorable how Link did so), and there was a shrine that Link stole the apples from. It wasn't until you and Link went into a shop that you realized.

"Why hello, Link, here to fill up your quiver?" She practically purrs and your jaw drops at how much confidence she has while Link pushes you forward.

"Um, actually, we would like some arrows please," you say, and she glances to you in disappointment at you being between her and Link, who she still tries to eye as a piece of meat.

"And you are?" She asks, her tone a bit bored, but you can tell she tries her best to be nice to a new customer. Even if you're a bit annoyed with how she's treating you.

"His partner," you tell her, and she pauses as Link breathes a sigh of relief. She glances between the two of you and, without thinking, Link holds your hand.

Sure, he's held hands with you before. Mostly so you didn't fall off a cliff or when the wind was really bad. But this context felt different. Well, you're fake dating so it really shouldn't be that weird, but the issue is that you liked it.

You hear her mutter something about "typical men breaking a woman's heart" but you ignore it as Link buys up about every arrow in the store. You thank her as he drags you outside and sighs.

"'Fill up your quiver'." You are so quick to tease him, and his face goes a dark red as he puts his hands over his face to hide. You're interrupted from your next teasing as you hear a gasp and you glance over and see a, well, a very pretty girl.

"Hello Paya," Link greets politely to the girl while continuing to hide his face and her face gets redder than his is. And you realize that she likes him too. It's difficult not to realize it as Link gives you a look for help and you smile gently at the girl, Paya.

"Hi," you say, and she looks to you in confusion as her eyes glance between you and Link and how close you stand together. And you watch as her heart seems to shatter, but she keeps giving a smile. Your own heart aches with her reaction.

"Hello, I'm Paya. It was nice seeing you again, Link." It was sweet how she greeted you if only tears weren't forming in her eyes as she quickly walked off and Link sighed, muttering that he'll have to talk to her later.

You keep walking through the village with Link, continuing to be his fake girlfriend but the smile on your face felt faker. Your mind kept going back to the shattered look on Paya's face and you imagined yourself in her shoes. Link is your friend; one you've traveled with for so long. How would you react if he suddenly showed up with someone he looked really close to? You didn't like those thoughts.

Eventually you and him walk out of the village, going to where the fairy shrine is so he can catch some just in case. And you see the shining lights surrounding him and how handsome his face looks as he glances in the pool of the fountain. And you realize your "just friends" thoughts are full of crap.

You're silent as you two walk away from the fountain, following the path to a little overlook. Link sighs in relief as he sits on the ground, taking a break from the excitement while you stay standing and overthinking.

"What's wrong?" Link asks and you hate how perceptive he is. Or at least, when it comes to you, he seems overly preceptive. You force a smile and sit next to him.

"I was thinking of Paya, she looked heartbroken," you tell him and Link sighs at that.

"I know." Is his reply and you can hear the heaviness in his tone, as if he also feels guilt, but he doesn't say anything afterwards. Nothing about telling the truth or even hoping she'll be okay. You know earlier he said he'd talk to her, but you don't know what that entails. The only thing you're thinking of right now is, you don't want to end up like her, the poor girl.

"It'd be unfair if she learned that we are lying about dating," you say and Link glances over at you, giving a slow nod. "So, we should actually date." His eyes look like they'll pop out of his head.

"What?!" You wince at his reaction and are about to apologize and start to think 'maybe I will end up like Paya' but then you see the massive blush on his face again.

"Well, we've traveled together for so long and-"

"Let's date." He cuts you off from the long speech you're about to give to explain your feelings. You're a bit annoyed by how quickly he recovered, but that goes away as you sigh and lean against him, something you did as friends but now it feels different, but a good different.

[drgngutz]

5 - Coast - Luffy x f!soulmate!reader

Chapter Five

Taglist: @mystic60 , @louisechec , @pinksh1t

Masterlist!

Happy reading!

Bit of angst in this bad boy.

I don't love making things so back and forth, but trust that it's for a good reason. We need that character development yk yk.

Also, the story takes place right after Alabasta. 

---

It's a gorgeous day out on the sea. The skies are clear, with the rippling water shining and glittering in the sunlight, calm as can be as the wind brushed softly against my skin. 

Nami was looking out at sea with the spyglass, ensuring that the weather wouldn't change on us, as well as keeping an eye on the horizon for any ships or islands we might be approaching. After all, the Log Pose had been pointing in this direction for a little while now. 

Zoro was exercising at the top of the flagpole, using only his thumb to do some kind of upright push-up. I had sat there and watched in amazement as he never faltered, up until he had reached the eighteen-hundred-sixty-eighth push-up; by then I was just bored. 

The three teenage boys all stood next to each other with their fishing poles in the water, still having yet to pull up any fish for dinner. I stood beside Chopper, watching the little bobber float in the water as we lazed over the railing, waiting for something to happen. Robin sat reading the second book in her series, not far from us. 

Finally, it dunked beneath the water, Chopper and I perking up. 

"I got one!" He shouted, before yanking the stick backwards and nearly smacking me in the face with it. The fish wriggled in the air as it was plucked from the water, before Chopper dragged it on board and carried it by the lip. 

"Look!" He showed it off to Luffy, who was all smiles in return. Crouched next to Chopper to observe the first catch, I peered around the reindeer up towards my soulmate, who seemed to vibrate with excitement. I could feel the blush creep up my neck by just looking at him, still dressed in the white cloth from the crew's previous adventure. He never looked at me, though. 

"Amazing!" He praised Chopper, who giggled happily in response. Snapping my attention back to the youngest, I smiled and praised him as well. 

"Good job, Chopper. That's a big one!" He grinned with pink cheeks, before trotting away to put it in a bucket that Sanji had placed for each catch. He was planning on making some sort of fish stew, or chowder, which I was pretty excited for. 

In a moment, Chopper's line was baited and back in the water, waiting patiently for the next fish to bite with excitement. A minute passed, and then another... then five, then ten. I was wilting with boredom. 

"Um... Hey, Usopp?" I asked timidly, twiddling my thumbs as their lines lay vacant in the ocean. 

"Yeah?" 

"Any chance you have another rod?" I turned to look at him as he perked up, "I kinda' wanna' try it. I've never gone fishing before." 

"Really?" Chopper asked, sounding surprised.

"Here you go!" The rod was shoved in my face and I took it into my hands. Looking back up at Usopp, he had a proud grin on his face, his eyebrows furrowed in confidence. 

"You're in luck, missy; It just so happens that I'm an expert fisherman, and an excellent fishing instructor! In fact, I was the greatest fisherman on my island! I even held the record for a five-hundred ton Sea King!" He boasted. Chopper and Luffy looked at him in awe, stunned words like 'awesome' and 'so cool' from their lips. I was not so easily swayed, though. One thing I had learned was that Usopp loved to make up stories.

Surprisingly, just in time for his show, Usopp's rod began to bend and creak as something big tugged on the other end. 

"This is big! This could be the guardian fish of the sea!" He grunted, pulling back against the weight of the fish on his line. 

All three of us looked over the edge with baited breath, excited to see what he was going to pull up. The sight had me doubting my previous thoughts. Maybe he actually was a good fisherman, and this wasn't just one of his exaggerated stories...

"Really?" Chopper delightedly asked. 

"That's amazing!" Luffy was thrilled as well. 

Usopp wrangled the creature from the water with a great splash, yelling in excitement once he finally felt it lose the fight. The boys yelled with him, not yet seeing what was on the other end of the line as I had. I pursed my lips, waiting for the disappointment to ensue when they saw the fish. 

The smiles did indeed fade after seeing the baby swordfish, no larger than the size of a finger, squirming like a worm on the hook. 

"'Guardian fish?'" Chopper deadpanned. 

"It's not even a good snack." Luffy sighed, dissatisfied. 

I shook my head with a grin. I should've known that Usopp was only talking big game. Still, he looked pretty upset. 

"It's... cute." I shrugged honestly at him, meaning it as a compliment. He didn't see it that way, apparently. 

"That's real nice coming from you guys!" He barked at me and Luffy, who stared at him in shock as I backed away at his abruptness. 

"Have you two ever even caught anything?" 

"Woah," I tried to defend, "I didn't mean it like that--" 

"You'll see!" Luffy shouted back, tossing his line into the water with confidence. 

"Watch this!" 

Again, a few minutes pass, and nothing happens. Usopp begins cackling at his captain while Chopper stands there and pouts at the water, standing on tiptoes to look over the edge. Luffy begins bickering with Usopp about how his fish wasn't any better, before an argument starts to ensue. 

Throughout this, I had managed to sloppily put some of the bait on the end of the hook, struggling not to pierce myself in the process. They still hadn't stopped yelling at each other even as I put my own line in the water. 

"You sure you can even get one?" Usopp taunts. 

"Course’ I can." Luffy grunts back, eyes furrowed in concentration. 

My bobber stayed floating gently in the water, ripples bouncing from its surfaces and reflecting the white color with each movement. I kept my eyes locked on every sway, not sure when I would know if a fish was on the line. 

A while passes, and the bickering has mostly subsided, save for the few times it swells back up again as Luffy still hasn't caught anything. As Usopp teases the boy that he should 'just give up,' a dark shadow begins to form in the water beneath me. The rod jerks for a moment, before stilling again. 

"Um... guys?" The two fighting with each other don't hear my words, but Chopper does. 

"What's the matter?" His concern matches my own, seeing my wrinkled brow and beginning to trot over. 

"I think there's something on my--'' The bobber shoots beneath the surface so quickly that I don't have time to finish my sentence, nearly losing the rod from my hands as the line goes taut with a drawn-out twang. Gripping as tight as I can, I felt my knuckles ache from the pressure. Whatever was on the other end of the line tugged hard, nearly sending me overboard as I’m yanked forward and slam my ribs against the guardrail. The spot aches and I choke on a whine at the pain, then pull backwards as forcefully as I can, arms shaking. I don’t get very far, practically hanging over the edge of the ship. 

"Oi... oi!" Sanji shouts from somewhere behind me, Nami joining him and yelling my name in shock as I brace myself as best I can, but it's not really working. The rod bends harshly, and I can't muster the strength to pull it up any farther. Chopper is at my leg, holding on and doing his best to help, but his small form wasn't doing much help. 

"Do you have one?" Luffy asks, excited, and apparently not paying much attention. 

"Let go!" Nami screams before I can answer, "Or it'll pull you overboard!" 

"But what about the rod?" I cry back at her, voice strained, "I-I don't want to lose it!" 

My palms burned, feeling the wood beginning to slip from my grasp; but I couldn't let it go yet, not after Usopp had let me borrow it. We used them to get food, after all. 

"Just let the damn thing go!" Sanji shouts angrily, "We can get another rod; you can't pull that up on your own!" 

"Hold on!" Usopp begins to make his way over, but is ultimately shoved out of the way by Luffy, rod clattering to the ground and laying forgotten as he bounds over. 

"Lemme' help!" It's swift, but I can feel the warmth of his arms wrap around me, leaning so close I can feel the muscle of his chest pressed against my back. He reaches down and grabs the rod with his own hands, skimming over mine before clenching his strong fingers around the pole. 

Feeling goosebumps rush down my skin from his closeness, I nearly let the rod go as his arms squeeze at my sides; then he’s backing both of us up and away from the guardrail, and I go willingly, limbs weak from the feeling of him all around me. Safe and away from the edge, I hear him grunt in my ear as he gives the rod a harsh yank, and the giant thing comes out of the water with an enormous splash. 

Both of us fall backward onto the deck as it flies over us and slams on the floor. I’m laying with my back on his chest, feeling dazed as the mist spreads over my heated skin. 

I tilt my head backwards, matching Luffy as we both look at the creature he had fished up; some kind of shellfish-squid-looking-thing, which landed a few feet from our heads. 

"What the heck is that?" He says, the words rumbling beneath my head that, and the sound seems to soothe my aching muscles. For once, I feel fine. It's... comfortable. 

Then, he rises, and I go with him as he tilts his head to look down at me. I feel my cheeks burn bright red, head still angled backwards, looking up at him. He's smiling, for some reason. 

As soon as that fact registers, my face lights on fire. I scramble up and away from the boy, every nerve alight with the realization that I had just been laying on top of him. 

In the background, the rest of the crew begins to gather around the strange object, voicing similar concerns to Luffy's earlier question. I put my hand down to get up from the floor trying to properly hoist myself up, but stop and hiss at the burn that follows. Quickly flipping it over, I find that they're raw and red; skin peeling and blistering, with a few splinters dotted along my skin that sting every time I move my fingers. The other doesn't look much different. 

"You're pretty weak, huh?" I wince at his condescending tone, before glancing behind me. He's grinning, hands propping himself up from behind as his legs lazily sprawl around me. 

"Yeah. I guess I'm just... not cut out for fishing." I respond quietly, eyes tracing over the frayed skin of my hands and deflating. 

Once again, I wasn't up to par. At least for the person who mattered most. 

"Huh?" He sounds bewildered, and I look back at him. His brow is creased with a frown, coal eyes looking at me like I was crazy. 

"What are you talking about?" 

"Well, I--" I began to stutter out, trying to look anywhere but at him. I hated when he looked at me like this. 

"You got the biggest catch of the day!" He leans forward, pointing at the creature behind us, which topples over with a metallic clang. I blinked at it, then back at him. I could tell there was a pained expression on my face when his frown deepened. 

"But... you caught it," I started, looking away again, "I wasn't even strong enough to pull it out of the water." 

Suddenly, he's in my face, a big smile splitting his cheeks. Merely inches away, I barely registered that he must've leaned forward to make eye-contact again. I could feel his body heat radiating from his chest against my arm. 

"Whatever! So what?" He started, scanning both my eyes as I did the same. My brows were still cinched, confused if I should be upset or happy about this scenario. 

"Huh?" Was the only thing that could form in my stupid mouth. He laughed. 

"So what if you weren't strong enough?" He continued, pointing a thumb toward the squid-thing, which seemed to begin opening via a hatch on its side. 

"As long as you can get them on the hook, I can just pull 'em out of the water for you!" So... he wasn't annoyed, or disappointed, then. At least, that's what it seemed like. Why did this boy give me such whiplash? 

"Oh." Is all I can muster, softly. He snickers as I look all over his expression for some sort of fault, some sort of trick. Maybe he was just playing with me? That didn't seem like something he would do, though. Then why was he so back and forth? 

It's like he liked me one minute and then didn't the next. 

"Well," I sighed out, sounding more disheartened than I would've liked.

"If you say so." 

"Yep!" He grins, satisfied to have 'won' the conversation, "I say so, now lets do it again!" 

"Wait--" I falter, putting my hands in between us as he stretches to grab the rod he had previously left forgotten. His arms whips back, fishing rod retrieved and smacking into place as his face falls into a neutral stare. 

"Woah, what happened?" He's looking down at my splayed hands, wounded and ruined, but it's like there isn't a single thought behind his eyes. 

"...I messed up my hands trying to keep the rod on board." I spoke dimly, pulling them back into myself as his continued stares made me uncomfortable. At their removal, his eyes snapped back up to mine. 

"Oh." His tone is one that I can't place, and I feel something flip uncomfortably in my gut. His face was still blank. Had I ruined his mood? Probably. He didn't look excited anymore, so obviously his mood was ruined. But, what was that expression? Why was he so passive about my hands being wood-burned? Why did he look so... bored?

The panic button in my brain was going off. 

"Chopper!" He had turned to shout across the ship, "Come fix her hands so we can fish again!" 

"Right!" The little deer came rushing over to me, still sitting, as Luffy got to his feet and walked away. No goodbye, no wave, not even a glance. It was like I was useless to him now because I couldn't contribute to the one thing that he was set on doing. 

I felt the twinge of annoyance begin to stick to my skin, but I didn't bother trying to quell it at that moment. After all my efforts, shared food and all, I was back to square one. 

God. It was like taking one step forward and two steps back. 

My hands were swiftly wrapped in a salve and bandages, Choppers medicinal abilities would have them healed in about a day or two. Then, he trotted back over to the others who were talking to a mysterious man in an orange suit. With each object each crew member had plucked from his stash, he went on a long-drawn-out speech about it being their top-product, before naming some ridiculous price. A con-man, or a salesman, working to get the highest pitch he could get; either way, I had seen many of these crooks in the city. I wasn't interested in seeing anymore of them. 

I made my way towards the nearest door on deck, the storage room, for some peace and quiet. Anywhere that didn't involve my soulmate trying to talk to me for the moment. 

---

I perked up from where I had my head rested on my arms on the table, hearing the door opening after some commotion outside. 

It was Nami, carrying an assortment of parchment, quills, inks, maps and books. She looked just as interested to see me there as I was to see her. 

"Hey, (Y/n)." She made her way over to the small table, and I moved my arms so that she could place her things down. She put the parchment paper, ink and quills there, but the books and maps were laid on a barrel nearby. 

"Hey." I said softly, playing with the bandages on my fingers, which were falling off from the constant fiddling. Chopper wouldn't be happy. 

"What's up?" She asked, but only after giving me a once over, obviously noticing my down-trodden appearance. I shrug, before clenching my fingers and forcing them onto my lap. I needed to stop messing with them, anyways. 

"Nothing. What are you doing?" Avoiding the topic, I didn’t want to bother her so much with my soulmate-problems. We had little talks here and there about the topic, and I wasn’t about to disrupt her focus.  

"I was gonna' start working," Nami replies, sitting on the other stool, "that salesman ran off and left some paper that I think will be perfect for my map." 

"He ran off?" I asked, tilting my head as she grabbed her quill and began sketching. 

"Yeah, after he found out who Luffy was." She grinned, before continuing. 

"Sanji threatened to give him to the marines so that we could cash in his bounty and buy the paper for me." I snorted. Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing. 

My gut twisted uncomfortably as soon as the thought ran through my mind, and my skin vibrated in disapproval; a physical reaction that I assumed was from the soulmate bond. Inwardly, I wondered if Luffy could feel it, too. 

I shook it off, watching as Nami continued to scratch notes and vague images of past islands onto ragged sheets of paper. When she decidedly moved onto the white, clean surface of her new parchment, I spoke up again. 

"Your dream is to make a map of the world, right?" Nami hums a confirmation. Analyzing her finely drawn lines, I find myself impressed. 

"I think your map is going to be really well-done," I start, "You pay such attention to detail, it's insane." 

"Aw, don't make me blush!" Nami coos, and I grin a little at her mock-bashful tone, listening to the soft scrape of ink on paper. She was making the grid lines of her next map, now. 

"In all seriousness, it's been my dream ever since I was little. It makes me happy to hear you say that." I give her a little 'mhm,' for a response, feeling a little bashful myself to hear her so gratified. 

Some time passes as she begins to sketch out the bulk of the island, before she speaks up once more. 

"Well, what about you?" 

"Hm?" I blink, drawn from my haze, "Me?" 

"Yes, silly. Don't you have a dream?" She laughs, still drawing. 

The question makes me stop. I knew the answer. I had always known the answer, but to voice it out loud? Not once had I been asked what my dreams were, what my goals were. 

It was quiet, save for the scratch of the quill. 

"For a long time..." Voice quiet, Nami stopped moving. The air suddenly shifted to something less carefree.

"I just wanted a family. But, after a while, I realized what I really wanted was a place where I belonged. Where I would be loved, cherished, accepted... all that corny stuff." I chuckled, though it lacked a lot of emotion. Annoyance plumed in my chest once again. 

"Then, my soulmate-mark appeared, and that was that." I sighed, feeling despondent, and Nami held a regretful look in her eyes. That made me feel worse. 

"That's just it… Yeah, my dream was to find my soulmate. I guess it came true, right?" I gave her a comforting look, though I'm sure the smile didn't reach my eyes, and I couldn’t help the irritation that seeped into my words. 

"Right." Nami confirmed, though she didn't sound confident in her words.

Then it was quiet again. We both stared at the paper in a reflective silence. 

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make it so serious." I said, sincerely. 

"...did you not have a family?" She finally squeezed out after a moment, seeming hesitant. My heart clenched in my chest. 

"No.” A deep breath, and then I continued. 

“I lived in an orphanage for a long time and helped take care of the other kids once I was old enough. I did have one... for a while. But…” I stopped. Speaking the words out loud was difficult. Speaking the words only reinforced what had happened. They served as a reminder. 

“They didn't want me." I bit back the tears, stubbornly refusing to let my sadness free. The words weighed heavily in the room as the past reared its ugly head within them. 

"Oh." She whispered quietly. 

"It's fine," I quickly tried to remedy, shaking my head to get rid of the bad. 

"I have you guys now. I have you, I have the crew, and I do have Luffy." She must've been able to see through the mask of a smile splayed on my face, because hers reflected that she didn't believe me. 

I didn't blame her, it was hard to believe myself; I had just laid out one of my biggest insecurities and pretended I was fine. 

"It's fine, really, Nami. Everybody moves on at some point or another." I shrugged, twirling a quill in my fingers at her silence. 

“Have you told Luffy, yet?” She asked, eyes squinted in disbelief. 

“No,” I rebutted quickly, “I don’t want to.” 

"...I could talk to him, y'know." She said slowly.

"I know." I started, "And I appreciate that you would... But, that's not what I want. It shouldn't come from anybody else other than him; if he changed because you talked to him, it wouldn't feel real... You know what I mean?" 

"I understand." Nami looks at me, "But, you should talk to him.” 

"...I know I should, I do. I just... I'm honestly scared, Nami." 

"What?" She's taken aback, palms flat against the paper as her quill is dropped. 

"I'm just-- Think about it like this," I turn fully towards her, "What if I do talk to him? I say what I want; be honest about how I feel, tell him about my past, all that jazz… and he just thinks I'm annoying or boring. And then, what if he loses interest? Just like he did today after we spoke for like, not even two minutes..." 

“He’s just so… uninterested.” I sigh, tracing over the soulmate mark and biting my lip, feeling my throat clog at the words that I want to say. I just needed a moment to say them. The mark tingled uncomfortably.

"Nami, what if he just doesn't want me?" I frown, feeling like I could vomit at the idea. I was just feeding into the unending spiral that grew each time me and Luffy had interacted in the past few days. 

"Then my dream is ruined." I finish, feeling defeated and empty at the ideas running rampant in my head. 

It’s quiet, so I decide to risk a look at Nami, and nearly jump back as I look over. The woman is seething, fire nearly replacing the bright-orange of her hair as flames dance in her irises. 

"How about I kick his ass for you, huh?" Nami snarls, "Treating his soulmate like that, making you feel like this... He's an idiot. Who needs boys, anyways?" 

I sweat a little at how scary she had become in under a minute, a stark difference from the melancholic state she was in before. 

"I'll kill him." 

"...You can't, then I'll probably die, too." 

"I'll almost kill him, then." She looks rearing to go, practically rolling up her sleeves. 

The sight has me smiling, and then giggling. 

"Sure, I won't stop you," I'm still laughing, and it's contagious as Nami joins soon, "Maybe it'll make me feel better or something." 

We just sit there, giggling at each other by ourselves in the storage room. We chuckle until I wipe tears from my eyes, feeling a lot lighter after ending the conversation on a good note. Then, it's quiet again. A comfortable quiet, this time. 

"He does want you, y'know..." Nami tries to comfort, and I find myself not believing her, this time around. 

"Before you showed up, he would talk about his mark, from time to time, and about how 'cool it was to have somebody that matched him.'" She sighed, putting a hand on her head, probably remembering the scene and thinking about how dumb he sounded at the time. 

"He just... doesn't know how lucky he is to have you, yet." 

"I'll try to take your word for it." I ended, not wanting to think about it anymore. 

"Okay." Nami responded, before she picked up her quill. 

"Anyways, you told me a little bit about your story, so I'll tell you mine! Sound fair?" 

"Sure, but you don't have to." I was just happy that the topic had changed. 

"Oh, please. It's my turn to guilt trip you now!" 

"Nami! I wasn't trying to--" 

"Yeah, yeah. Shut up and listen to my sob story, girl." 

Chapter Six (Coming soon)...

[honey-minded-hivemind]

Yandere Brotherhood (X men Evolution) and preteen fem reader who has Prehensile Hair and can talk to animals and is being fostered by Mystic.

Oooo, yes, more Brotherhood! I can do that, but I keep the Reader gender-neutral, or as the Reader's gender (which means for each Reader, it is whatever they are). Cool mutation idea! Let's try this out:

Your new guardian was pretty weird.

Not just because she was a mutant and a principal (and maybe evil?).

She had other kids at the Brotherhood home, and so far-

There wasn't anyone your age.

Your powers were pretty cool, with prehensile hair, in the shape of tentacles, that curled and grew long, wriggling when you were uncomfortable or curious. Your other power was even cooler, being able to talk with animals, and have them understand you.

It meant you made a lot of friends amongst the natural world...

But it also meant you earned quite the interest from the older teens.

You're looking at a little frog, who's wandered close by after the rain, and are approached by Toad, or Todd, as you try to call him.

"Yo, little teen, what's up?" he asks, squatting next to you in the grass. His tongue flicks out for a second, snatching a mosquito.

"Nothing much. Ribbit-Croak-Plip-The-Third here says he's never seen an amphibian as big as you. Yeah, I know, little guy, he pretty cool. Did ya want to say hi?" You pick the frog up, gently holding it so it can look at Todd. "See? He's kinda like you!"

"It- he... can understand you? And you understand him?" Toad asks, scratching at his hair.

"Yep! And he says he would like to be your friend!"

"That's... That's pretty cool. You're cool, little frog man," he replies, and taps his knuckle against the frog.

"He said you're cool... Okay! Ribbit-Croak-Plip says you're cool, too, and that he knows where some good worms are. If you want, he can show you," you translate.

And that's how you helped Toad and your frog friend make a new friend.

Lance and Fred learn you can lift things with your hair- tentacles- hair-tacles, when you're trying to cook dinner one night.

Two thick strands hold up the mixing bowl as three thinner ones add in herbs, milk, and creamy chicken soup. A few longer pieces are setting up the pan with rice, while the rest dice up the chicken meat. It's busy, enough so that you don't notice them come in right away.

"And that's what Toad said he heard from- Woah! Your hair's moving!" Fred exclaims, and you turn to look at him, as well as Lance, who'd he been talking with. You wave at them, as well as one your hair-tacles.

Lance's face turns pale, then a little green. "I... um. I think I might need to sit down a minute," he mumbles, plopping down into a chair by the chipped table. Fred only comes closer, looking at them and the ingredients.

"Whatcha cooking?"

"Chicken and rice casserole."

"Does it taste good?"

"Mhm..."

"... May I touch one of your... thing-a-ma-jigs?"

"Sure," you say, turning back to the bowl, now being filled with the diced chicken, the now-free strands opening up the oven as you pour the mixture into the pan. You feel a light touch on one of the tentacles, gentle and shaking. With a quick curl, it bumps the hand. "Boom, hair bump," you chirp, adding in some rice and stirring it into the mix, and once it's settled in the pan, you pop it into the oven.

"So... it's not snakes?" Lance asks weakly.

"No... It's like a little octopus," Fred says in quiet awe, bopping another one with a finger, earning a small bop back.

"Oh... So... An Ursula version of Medusa?" Lance says, then looks at the nearest tentacle. It boops him on the nose, then ruffles his hair. "Hey, leave the hair alone!" That only gets a giggle out of you as you wait for the casserole to cook.

Pietro isn't much issue, and neither is Wanda, both accepting g it without much problem, especially once you gift them a kitten, one who happily purrs the moment you plop it into their hands.

"This is Potter, they love people, they're an orphan, and they saw you, Wanda, and wanted to know if she needed a mouse catcher and loyal guardian. They also saw Pietro and said he'd like to nap on him, that he vibrated and so he must purr so much and be happy," you babble, stroking its small head with slow ministrations.

"... I will guard them with my life," Wanda says firmly, petting the kitten as it only purrs louder.

"... And I guess we could use a mouser. But it's not sleeping with me!" Pietro mutters.

(The kitten ended up sleeping with him, and would do so every night after, never being kicked out no matter how much Pietro acted mad) (He wasn't, the kitten, Potter, said it was cooed over and cuddled and given so many kisses that they couldn't help but give the purring mutant and the powerful guardian all the kisses it could give)

Mystique didn't cause as much mischief when you were part of a mission, but that didn't stop her from setting you up in odd situations.

"Why do I have to pretend to be your child?" you asked, looking up at the currently-disguised mutant.

"Because, my dear, it is imperative we catch Xavier while his guard is down," she practically purrs, then pulls you into a hug. "Now, let's try to get closer; I think I see our opening."

The two of you walked around the park, enjoying the pond and nature around you, even getting ice cream together. It was the perfect act, enough to let you two spy on the X-Men's older leader/guardian (it wasn't an act for Mystique, she just wanted to spend time with you and show you off to Charles).

It was pretty nice, overall, being with the Brotherhood.

You just had to keep away from the X-Teens, or otherwise you ended up grounded.

[pleasantspark]

Orion seemed to frown at this, as her, Sir Pentious, Niffty, Husk, Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb entered a club. She was left in charge for today by her niece Charlie and she found this to be very concerning. Why were they even here? She didn’t think this would help Angel at all.

“Woo! Isn't this place the fucking best?” Cherri asked.

“Um, no! This isn’t a place to be hanging out, Angel. Please, reconsider!” Orion said, and Cherri huffs.

“Oh, look, the “Angel” is speaking on what’s correct and morally righteous!” Cherri sarcastically said, Orion bit her tongue and turned away.

“I'll admit, "Consent" is a good name for a sex club.” Husk said.

“Niffty, dear, what are you doing?” Pentious asked.

“I'm sweeping! Ugh, look how icky it is in here!” Niffty asked.

 “That's because we're at a club, dear.”

“Oh! I thought the hotel looked different!” Niffty giggles. 

Sir Pentious leans over to Cherri Bomb. “Ms. Bomb, I-I'd like to buy you a drink.” 

At that, Orion sighs and shakes her head. Sir Pentious was wasting his time with Cherri and she knew it. 

“Why? Didn't you say we're arch rivals?” Cherri asked.

“Uhm… uhh… because I'm buying everyone a drink!” Pentious said.

“Free drinks! I love alcohol!” The Crowd said.

Orion pulled Sir Pentious away and he yelped.

“Ah! Guardian Angel! What’ssss the matter?” Sir Pentious asked. Orion sighs, and looks away.

“I don’t think Cherri is interested in you.” She said, Sir Pentious huffs and turns away.

“I know Ms. Bomb likessss me!” Sir Pentious huffs, puffing his chest out. Orion shakes her head. 

“I’m telling you, Pentious please… Listen to me-” Orion began, and Pentious turned around and left. 

“Good, I need a drink after today. You know, Val, he's into this waterboarding shit now, I don't know, it's a kink.” Angel Dust said.

“Angel, enough with the Val talk. He already ruined your whole day, don't let him ruin your night too.” She hands him three pills. “Here, take one of these and you won't be worrying about nothing.”

“Here we go.” Husk said.

“Oh look! The drunk sobered up long enough to judge us.” Cherri said.

“Hey, don’t talk shit about my friend!” Orion poked a finger into the chest of Cherri who shoves her away. 

“Don’t touch me.” She snarls. 

“You’re hurting Angel Dust more than you think!” Orion yells.

“He’s fine, he’s fine! You and that drunk are just not letting him do what he needs!”

“What? Getting drunk and fucking up his chance at Heaven?” Orion asked.

“What do you even know about the basics in Heaven anyways? Weren’t you kicked out of Heaven anyways?” Cherri asked, Orion looked at Angel Dust for help, he just looked away. 

“Oh, so that’s how it is, huh? Some friend you are. I tried to help at least when Charlie made you a fool in front of everyone.” Orion blinks back tears of rage.

“Fine! Be my guest!.” Orion stood by Niffty who frowned. 

“I ain't the one trying to get into Heaven. Look, you want to fuck up all your progress? Be my guest. I just…” Husk sighed. “I just thought you were better than that. And, I thought you cared enough for what Orion was trying to and helped you as well.”

“Thanks, Captain Buzzkill, but the Angel doesn’t have the proper understanding that a friend like me has!. Come on, Angie, let's get fucked up! It's been too long!” Cherri said.

“I uhh… I don't know, it's been a long night and I don't need to go too wild.” Angel declines.

“Hmm.” Husk smiled.

“Come on, bitch. If you've really been working that hard, you deserve a little R and R, some THC, or maybe PCP with DMT. Aw, fuck it, let's see where the night takes us, huh?” Cherri asked.

“Cherri, stop it, he said no. Don’t peer pressure him!” Orion steps in front of Cherri who shoves her back. Orion fell on the floor, her wings spreading out in warning as if to warn her. Cherri snorts.

“What is this? A way to “intimidate” me? You don’t even scare me in the slightest.” Cherri said, and crossed her arms waiting for Angel Dust’s response. Orion sighs. 

Sir Pentious slithers back.

“I.. I guess?” Angel Dust questions.

“Cherri, I bought you a shot. B-because I bought everyone another shot! Hooray!” He chuckles.

“Yeah! Another drink! I love alcohol!” The Crowd said.

“Ah… Fuck it, let's do it.” Angel gives in to the peer pressure and drinks it.

 Orion’s eyes were downcast as Husk was feeling the same, she met with Husk’s eyes and she can tell he too was thinking the same thing.

“This is a disaster.”

At this rate, everyone was drunk with the exception of Orion who was the designated chaperone for this unlikely bunch. She looked at everyone having a great time, and she sighs, sitting off to the side, a few demons tried to flirt with her but she held them back. 

“Round 12, motherfuckers! Heels are coming off!” Cherri said.

“Ho ho yeah! Keep 'em comin'! Come on, right here! Come right here to daddy.” Angel said.

“Oh, it's wonderful to have friends!” Pentious chuckles.

“Everything's spinny!” Niffty giggles.

“Ha, I think you're done, tiny.” Angel said.

“No! Gimme gimme gimme!” Niffty said.

“Oh come on, bitch! She can handle a little more!” Cherri encourages.

“She can’t. She never actually fucking drank before!” Orion said, standing up.

“Why do you have to fucking ruin everything? We’re just having fun! Why does a stickler like you have to ruin things?” Cherri snarks.

“Because, I was told by my niece to watch all of you, and Angel is supposed to be the whole Hotel’s business, and by you pressuring him and making him progress backwards!” Orion snaps. 

“He’s fine! It’s not like Heaven will even care!” Cherri dismisses. 

“Heaven cares! They do! They do! I should know!”

“Yeah, but like, you know because you were left behind here. It’s obvious they didn’t want you, no one wants you here at all! You’re ruining the vibe!” Cherri complains. 

“She's like 10 pounds soaking wet and— oh shit, where'd she go?” Angel questions.

Niffty is shoving other patrons' drinks into a sack.

“Hey! Fuck!” 

“Dirty, dirty! Make it clean!”

“Damn it, Niffty. Sorry fellas, here, next one's on me. Niffty? Shit!” Angel said.Niffty's digging through a supply closet.

“Chlorine… Bleach…” Niffty said.

“Angie, the fuck you doin'? You're supposed to be relaxin', not playin' nanny!” Cherri said.

“Look she ain't used to this scene, I-I just don't want her to end up in the gutter like I used to.” Angel said.

“Pfft, WHATEVER, NERD, just catch up when you're done!” Cherri yelled.

Niffty was laughing. Angel picks Niffty up.

“STOP!! You can't take tha- GOD, Niff, why you bein' such a mess?!” Angel asked.

“I'm the mess...?” Niffty starts crying

“Oh, oh shit! Hey hey, Hey calm down.” Angel takes deep breaths. “It's fine. Shh.. Hey, you wanna play with the kitty?”

Niffty stops crying. “Yeah…” Angel puts Niffty on Husk's head while she giggles about it.

“The fuck is this?” Husk asked.

 “She's wasted, just go with it.” Angel said.

“Really?” Husk sees Niffty playing with his ears and wings. “Ugh, get the…”

Scene changes to Sir Pentious falling off his seat and slithering over to Cherri Bomb.

“Ahh... HEY, WOW!!!! Hey, so… I see the club has a sex room, so I was thinking, maybe you'd want to, uhmm… do a… sssSEX with me?”

Cherri snorts. “I'm sorry, why would we have sex?”

“Uh… uhm… because I'm having sex with everyone here!” He laughs briefly before being grabbed

Crowd cheers, before dragging Sir Pentious towards the 'sex room'. Many sets of eyes are visible inside

“Wait!”

“Oh fuck no.”

That was the last straw for Orion, she sat by letting Cherri treat Sir Pentious like shit, enabled Angel Dust’s addictions and allowed her to push others around including herself. But she drew the line at people dragging Pentious away to be assaulted. She beats up the demons, and Pentious looked surprised as fuck, and shaken up. She hauls him over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes at the remaining people in the club.

“All of you, come to the Hotel. Now, and Cherri, if you don’t care, then fuck off. I don’t care what you are here for, but if you’re not here to support Angel then fuck off. Everyone else, this doesn’t involve you at all. Husk, Angel, Niffty let’s fucking go.”

The others followed behind and Cherri was fuming. She followed behind.

“Hey! What are you doing- Let me go!” Pentious shouts hitting Orion’s back.

“No, I stood back and let you make too many bad choices and I think you need to hear this from me of all people.” Orion places Pentious down on the floor.

“Hear what?” Pentious asked.

“Why do you insist upon Cherri liking you? She didn’t care a lick for you when you offered drinks to her, and even less when you tried to have sex with people! I don’t know what it was like in the 1800s at all, but Cherri isn’t interested in you!” Orion snaps. 

“Why? Ssshe isss!” Sir Pentious croaks.

“She let you get dragged away by those freaks! They were going to fucking hurt you like that guy did to those two girls in 1807! You think that they actually liked you? No! They were going to hurt you! If she cared, she wouldn’t have let you get dragged away!” Orion said.

“...”

“And what’s worse, Pendleton! I was sticking up for you and Angel Dust, and none of you, with the exception of Husk, cared to stick up for me! This Hotel is supposed to be a team! Instead these past few weeks have shown that we are far from teamwork! Charlie is taking several wrong steps with this rehab center, and I think we need to actually have a meeting when she gets back from Heaven.” Orion said.

“...I don’t think there’sss sssomething wrong!” Sir Pentious asked.

“Because none of you do! That’s what I am here for! I’m the only bitch here who knows what Heaven is like! Lucifer is an exception because he barely even is around! If anything, you shouldn’t dismiss my warnings! Angel Dust has destructive habits that Charlie isn’t actually focusing on only for him! What he needs is a special one on one and someone who knows why he’s in Hell! Not just some trust exercise and placing a bandaid on it and hoping it works!” Orion said, then turned to face Husk. “Or singing about how his problems aren’t worth it and how you both relate!” 

Husk winces, and Orion wasn’t finished, she turned to face Cherri who had been quiet this entire time. “And CERTAINLY not a friend who continues to pressure their own friend into giving into their destructive habits, destroying any real progress he could have. Can you even call yourself a friend when you continuously prod him and pressure him into doing harmful shit? What kind of friend are you?” She asked. 

“A bad one.” Sir Pentious finally spoke up for Cherri. Orion turned to face him, “No friend would do thisss, nor would they allow sssomeone to be dragged away. Ms. Bomb, I liked you. But it wasss clear that thossse feeling’sss aren't mutual at all. I wanted to impresss you. And I feel… I feel hurt my attemptsss at conversssing wasss met with disssinteressst.” 

Orion takes a look away. She hoped beyond hope that Charlie was able to convince Heaven. Because if so, they were fucked.

[fiannalover]

bweirdOCtober day 7: Likes - Gardening

Exchanging her usual clothes for overalls and loose hair for a ponytail, Medeia calmly fixed the ground around her latest project. Ever her faithful companion, Argo laid down next to her, waiting patiently save for the occasional yip.

“Don't worry. I'm almost done.” She said, using her elbow to mess with him a bit, since her hands would get him dirtied by her gloves.

Eventually, a looming shadow announced someone else's presence. “So? What is this one?”

“Parsley. Just got some, so figured I might as well add it to my part of the garden.” Medeia explained.

“Your side is incredibly well-kept, given you have only been here for a couple months.” He remarked. “Aren't you taking this too seriously?”

“Plants are an important ingredient to many potions and medicines, aren't they, uncle Jack?” She asked, flashing that smile she showcased when she knew she was right. “I have to make sure I take care of the root of my creations. In fact, I’m planning on using some of them as mulch to increase the quality of future harvests. That should make our work reach the utmost quality.”

“Careful. Don’t make a videogame loop out of your skills.” He warned.

She chuckled, but replied. “What? Aren’t you the one who says one must always seek further knowledge?” Unnoticeable to her, he grew a little quieter upon hearing that. “Plants settle down their roots, grow and bring their successors into the world as they feed us and die. I like helping them prosper, is all.”

“... Yeah. There is nothing wrong with that. But now, come on. It’s gonna be night before long. Let’s get back in, shall we?” The wizard suggested.

Agreeing, his niece got up, stretched and called forth her energetic corgi. “Alright! Come here, Argo! Let’s go, boy!”

-------

This place was secluded. Medeia wouldn’t have found it without a stroke of luck.

Golden apples, glowing softly under the sun, ethereal sight that required human hands to thrive. In this grotto purposefully hidden away from her sight and their garden, she saw remnants of mane, ore and other materials she had obtained for him.

Argo laid down by her side, steps tired. He still kept up with her wonderfully, but it was obvious it was growing tougher for her loyal companion to do so.

This was it, then.

“We have seen enough, haven’t we?” Squatting, the wizard’s niece opened her arms, letting her dog settle in. Getting up, she announced. “Come on. There is nothing for us here.”

-------

Lucas cautiously looked at the potted plants that had popped up at his new flat, sandy ears twitching in curiosity. “Hey, Medeia. What are those?”

Taking off her headphones, his roommate got up to see what he was talking about and replied. “Oh. Um, sage, lavender, jasmine. Sorry, I made sure not to pick anything you’re allergic to, but I still should have checked first. Are you okay with them?”

“Yeah! They’re pretty. I just didn’t know this was something you knew how to do.”

Confidently (some would say smugly), she announced. “A good potion maker gets her materials straight from the source whenever possible! Helps learn about their characteristics and also avoid taking them for granted. I actually have an agreement with the agriculture people to make use of their greenhouses, but I felt like getting some potted plants for home care.”

Watching them some more, Lucas asked. “Could you teach me the basics of, like, gardening?”

“Hum? I mean, you don’t have to. I can take care of them by myself no problem.”

“I know that. But, one must always learn more, right? Maybe this will be handy for me in the future.” He argued.

At that point, she smiled. “Well said, Lu. Come here. Let’s start with the matters of watering…”

-------

Exchanging her usual clothes for a brand new set of gardening gear the village tailor kindly made for her, Medeia calmly fixed the ground around her latest project.

“What are you doing?” The village's guardian asked her. His spear was always by his side, but his tone of voice and his body language, including his tail, left it clear that this visit was fueled by curiosity and nothing else.

“Hi, Vri! I decided I might as well take up gardening again. Just planted some rosemary.” She said, then, content with what she organized, got up, stretched, and proceeded to admit a thing or two. “I’ve been living a nomad lifestyle since I left college, pretty much, so I haven’t done this in a while. If I’m gonna be confined to this other realm, I might as well make the most of it.”

“That is how most newcomers here decide to see their situation. I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Looking over the small plot of land she was caring after, he offered. “Would you want me to water them for you?”

“Water from a Rain Dragon? Now that would be a blessing upon the harvest.” Medeia exclaimed. “Are you sure that is fine? I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“It is perfectly fine. I do this for the farmers here quite often. Besides, consider this an investment. We have a partnership, don’t we, folk healer? I’m sure this will help the villagers plenty.” He friendly remarked.

“Scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. Very well, go ahead!”

Putting his spear in front of him, Vri focused his natural magic, coating his brown skin with a glow the same shade of blue as his hair and scaled tail. Soon, small raindrops condensed into the air ahead of him, softly falling to the ground.

This wasn’t half-bad, Medeia thought. Maybe someday she would settle down for good again.

-------

The years went by, and the potion maker stepped out of her house.

Her body didn’t quite agree with great adventures anymore, so retirement came at a good time. A small abode, decently near a village that could only very charitably be called a town, granting her that ‘weird grandma in the middle of the woods’ vibe that fit so perfectly on her.

Prepare the earth, spread the seeds, apply mulch. Alongside permanent residence, old hobbies returned to mind. She had seen much of the world. Now, it was time to sit down, settle roots and feed those who’d come after her. 

Checking the parts of her garden that were already blooming, she gathered a handful of thyme, and, humming softly, went back inside.

[fxchild]

The Switch

Miles Fairchild x fem! Reader

Chapter six: change of heart

Your POV

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up from my sleep pretty early at 5:30 this morning. I remember I didn't really get to plan last night for today's lesson so I decided to spend around an hour doing that. Today we would be doing history so I had to gather a lot of information which took forever. After I decided to get ready because it was almost time for Flora's lesson. I dressed in a long sleeve red shirt with jeans and black shoes. I put my hair up away from my face and headed downstairs.

When I walked into the room I saw Miles reading to Flora. I smiled at how nice it was and put my stuff down on my desk. Miles acknowledged me and tapped Flora's shoulder to point to me. I hugged Flora good morning and walked over to Miles.

"Morning Miles.. what're you reading?" I ask as he turns the cover towards me. "Laura Ingles Wilder? You're into Little House On The Prairie?" I playfully shove his shoulder with a surprised look on my face.

"I mean Flora picked it out, but it's cool." Miles shrugs but smiles at the book.

An hour into Flora's lesson I can tell she's getting restless and needs to get up and move around. Miles is in his room and I decided I wanted to see if he was going to leave or not.

"Hey Flora, let's take a fifteen minute break okay? I'll be back." I say as I go to find Miles letting Flora play with her toys.

"Hey Miles?" I say through the door as I knock on it. I hear a faint 'hm?' "Can I come in? I wanna speak with you." Miles opens the door, nodding his head to the side as a gesture to come in. I walk in and see a small suitcase on his bed. "So..you're leaving again?" I saw looking at the suitcase sadly.

"Actually, no. I was just putting my stuff away." He smiles as he looks at me raising an eyebrow.

"Wait really?" I looked at him with a snap of my neck shocked. "You're staying?!" I let out a happy breath.

"Yeah I mean, I'd feel bad leaving Flora after just coming back. Plus by the time I came back you probably would have been gone. You know, summer." He sighs putting his hands in his pant pockets.

"Why? Do you want me to stay for summer?" I joke looking back at the suitcase.

"I mean..I wouldn't be opposed..?" Miles says shrugging looking at me again with a curved sly smile on his face.

"Oh really now? Thanks for the offer Fairchild, I'll think on it.." I smile at him and walk out of the room closing the door.

'Does he really want me to stay?! Holy shit holy shit!' I yell in my head walking back to Flora's study.

A few hours later I heard the guitar coming from Miles room. The door was already open so I leaned on the door frame waiting for him to notice me. He stops playing when he can't get a chord right. "Fuck.." he whispers in frustration.

"That was really good Miles. You play?" I ask walking into the room. He turns around surprised I was listening in and puts the guitar down.

"Um, yeah..How long were you standing there?" He asks chuckling out his words.

I sit next to him on his bed with my hands on my knees. "Not long. A minute or two maybe?" I saw shrugging trying to act cool. "So, how long you been playing?" I tilt my head to the side trying to start a conversation with him.

"Um for a few- four years." He spurts out quickly figeting with his thumbs.

"Oh that's nice. You know Miles I'm really glad you'd decided to stay. Flora really loves you- of course you already know that but.." I trail off for a moment, "Flora needs a big brother and you're probably the best one I've seen..and I don't know how hard it's been without your parents but when you leave, Flora is stuck with Ms. Grose and she won't live forever. She needs a guardian, not just a nanny or a teacher. She trusts you more than she'll ever trust me or Ms. Grose. And I think that if we work together I can teach you how to take care of her, when Ms. Grose passes?" I say turning towards him nervously pitching her idea for Miles. He turns his head to look at me and slowly nods his head. I smile and hug him while we're still sitting.

"Thank you for understanding Miles, really this means a lot." I give him a more genuine smile. He starts nodding his head a little faster as his eyes dart from my nose to my eyes. I pretend not to notice his breathing getting heavier. I start to admire his features. His nose, half lidded eyes and slight dimples. I stare at his lips and how they are barely parted and a little cracked.

Suddenly we hear someone clear their throat as we turn around suddenly I roll my eyes to see it's Ms. Grose standing behind us. "Um- wash up..f-for dinner." She studders looking around the room before quickly walking out. I sigh as I get up to go to the dining room.

"You coming?" I ask jerking my head smiling.

"Yeah in um- in a minute.." he says rubbing his hands on his jeans nodding his head.

I head out to the dining room and sit down. A few minutes later Miles comes in the room breathing hard like he ran a lap around the house. He sits across from me and we all start to eat. Around 10 minutes into dinner Ms. Grose speaks.

"So Miles, I packed your bag. You're ready to leave tomorrow." She says giving him a smile and me a nasty look. "What?!" Flora cries as she throws a fit in her seat.

I dart a look at Miles that says 'what the fuck is she talking about?!' He looks at me nervously, not being able to find words. I scoff as I throw my napkin onto my plate getting out of my chair walking off fast.

Miles chases me down the hall yelling, "Y/n! Y/N! Will you stop for a fucking second and listen to me?!" He shouts as he grabs my wrist turning me around.

"What the hell is wrong with you? You told me you were staying! How selfish are you?" I say angrily in his face.

"Selfish? Do you know how hard it is to be me AND take care of Flora? Plus the house?!" He yells letting go of my wrist now, pointing in the direction of the dining room.

"Flora needs a brother Miles! Not someone who runs off every other week because he can't hold a god damn responsibility!" I point in the same direction he is pointing gritting my teeth.

"It's too complicated for you to understand! You don't know what it's like Y/n!" He says yelling in my face taking a step closer to me.

"Oh yeah, because it's soo complicated to see that Flora needs love from somebody!" I say sarcastically and exaggerate. "You know what? Leave, stay, I don't give two shits! I'm not the one being affected." I shout.

"Yeah well it seems like you are." He snaps at me crossing his arms.

"Flora." I say looking him dead in the eyes. "Flora fucking loves you. But Miles you are cold." I speak quietly on the verge of tears.

"You don't even make sense-" I cut him off.

"You Miles! You are cold! Your shoulder is cold, your heart is cold, your smile is cold! You close everyone out and Flora may be too young to understand now but wait a few years and you'll see a quick change." I say with a tear running down my cheek as I walk away fast to my room slamming my door and crying into my pillow.

I hope he's upset. I hope he hates himself. I hate him.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

The next day I woke up in the same outfit from last night. I was angry and didn't want to get up but I knew I had to. I dressed in shorts and a sweatshirt. I decided I didn't want to make the situation worse by ignoring Miles, so I went to his room to apologize. When I walked in I noticed he was not there and neither was his suitcase. "Fuck.." I murmured to myself knowing the things I said last night caused him to leave. As I walk around the rest of the house I realize he's gone and we don't know when he's coming back. It's only February now, I don't leave until the end of June, maybe he'll come back while I'm still here?

--------------------------------------------------------------

Hi guys so I know it's been a lot more than 3-5 days and I apologize for that! I've had work and I jus started school up. Plus I had no ideas for this chapter so I was trying to brainstorm a lot. I hope you guys liked this chapter!!

[tabulaatlas]

Hsr Voicelines about...

Voicelines from the characters from Honkai: Star Rail about the player/reader. Written as platonic.

Part 3.2: <Belobog>

Bronya

About You: Another kind-hearted guest from a distant planet. They said they had never seen a tragedy like the one that happened here in Belobog, but their eyes told a different story. Maybe they just wanted to comfort me… or themselves.

Chat-Regard: They are so kind, but I worry that they don't show themself the kindness they deserve. As the supreme guardian and host of this planet, it's my job to make sure they enjoy their visit! Don't you worry, I'll see to it that they have a pleasent time!

Added to Team: Let me repay the kindness you have bestowed on my home.

Parting: On behalf of the people of Belobog, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your willingness to stay and assist us. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

Pela

About You: The museum is their favourite place, I think. At least that's where I usually run into them.

Chat-Regard: They love to draw and create! We drew each other once and it was so much fun to see our different styles. I hope we can do this again in the future to see how much we have improved.

Added to Team: You have my assistance!

Parting: It's freezing outside Belobog, here, take this scarf with you

Seele

About You: They have seen hardship, that's for sure.

Chat-Regard: They help around the underground. Being an outsider, I wonder why they help so much. But then again, they came on the Astral Express, so I shouldn't be too surprised.

Added to Team: Hey, let me help. Don't burden yourself with everything.

Parting: Be careful if you are out here alone, you never know what might be lying in front of you.

Clara

About You: When the borders between the Overworld and the Underground were opened again, we met. She's not from here, but she knows things about my planet that I didn't even know about.

Chat-Regard: I tried to show them how to fix one of the robots here in the settlement, but… somehow they managed to break its arm. They were crying and couldn't stop apologising to the robot.

Added to Team: Is everything all right? We can ask Mr Svarog for help if we need it.

Parting: Thanks for all your help today, I hope it wasn't too much trouble.

Hook

About You: They destroyed the evil witch's hut! Eh I um I mean, Miss Natasha's clinic. Destroying things isn't nice, but it was the witches…

Chat-Regard: They didn't accept my invitation to the Moles! They quickly came to realise the glory of us Moles and accepted the titel of 'Honorary Mole'.

Added to Team: Let's defeat those bad guys!

Parting: You are off duty for today, brave soldier! Oh, don't forget to bring the cake, you promised!

Natasha

About You: The first time we met they came in with a dislocated arm. When I mentioned that I could numb the pain with an injection and showed them a syringe… well, they weren't awake much longer after that.

Chat-Regard: The clinic is usually with at least one patient at a time, so I appreciate any help I can get, as long as it's real help. The second time they fainted, I sent them outside to play with the children. I could tell they were happier with this arrangement.

Added to Team: Help me look after the others during the battle.

Parting: Your help is greatly appreciated. I hope we can work together again in the future.

[todouswife]

Guardians of Serendipity- pt2

Yasmine shoots up in her bed; she is immediately met with a throbbing headache making her rub her temples and let out a loud groan. She reaches for her phone on her bedside table but is not greeted with it. Confused, she goes for her purse to look for it but still doesn't find it. Maybe I left it in the kitchen when I got back? She thinks to herself not wanting to believe she lost it last night.

"Fuck my head hurts!" she groans as she looks at the bag on her bedside that one of the guys she met last night got her. She reaches for the bag and looks into it; there is water, Ibuprofen, and snacks in it. She gets the Ibuprofen and water out and takes the medicine for her headache. Yasmine grabs a snack cake and gets out of bed and walks to the kitchen. She is met with the smell of breakfast food and the sight of her roommate.

"Good morning sleeping beauty," Jaleah, her roommate, greets her while she groggily makes her way to sit on the island, " I figured you would need some food after last night."

"Thanks, I appreciate it, Lee," she says looking around the kitchen for her phone. while looking she recalled more of last night. she remembers the intro to the guys that saved her life, she remembers the Uber and them giving her her purse.

"It's gotta be here somewhere, " Yasmine mumbles to herself " Hey, Jaleah, can I use ur phone to call mine? I don't know where it is."

"Yeah, of course!" Jaleah says stepping away from the stove. She unlocks her phone and hands it off and goes back to finish cooking. Yasmine dials her number and puts it on speaker to ensure it's ringing. She listens in the kitchen for the sound of her phone buzzing because her ringer wasn't on. She called her phone a couple more times while walking through the house just in case she missed it somewhere, but on the last call, someone answered.

"Hello?" the voice asked. Yasmine's eyes got wide.

" Oh my god! Hello? Who is this and why do you have my phone?" She frantically asks.

"Oh yeah sorry, it's Roman from last night. When we were making sure it was you're uber we forgot to give you your phone back. Do you want to meet somewhere where we can give it back?" Yasmine sighs in relief hearing the vaguely familiar voice.

"Yes that would be great actually, um I'm actually free all day when can you meet up and where?" He silently thinks for a minute.

"Let's meet at the mug at like ten if that's okay," Roman responds. Yasmine looks at the time and sees that she has some time before she has to be there.

"Okay that's fine I will see you then, thank you by the way for everything."

"Oh of course. I will see you soon" he says before hanging up. Yasmine walks back to the kitchen and gives Jaleah her phone back.

"Did you find it?" Jaleah asks fixing their plates of food.

"Oh god, do I have to tell you something!" Yasmine says starting to scarf down her food. "So last night I went out and got wasted at the club. But it was because I found out Mia and my boyfriend had been sleeping with each other for the past two weeks." 

"Oh, my god are you serious!" Jaleah asks. Jaleah was one of her best friends and they shared a similar interest. Jaleah was tall and skinny with a big purple afro. She has light brown skin her mom is Hispanic and her dad is black. She was always lively and supportive.

"Yes! I'll get into that in a minute. But this man tried to kidnap me while I was messed up, right," Yasmine paused and ate more of her food, "So these three guys scared him off and stayed with me till I was okay. one went and got me water snacks and medicine for my hangover. And they got me an Uber off my phone but forgot to give it to me. So now I have to go meet up with them to get my phone back." she finished

Roman walks into the kitchen to start his day off with some breakfast. While cooking he hears a phone in the living room go off. He didn't think much of it thinking one of his brothers left their phones. It takes him a while to realize that it's the phone of the girl they met last night. Once it dawned on him he walked to the living room and contemplated picking it up unsure if it was the girl calling to look for her phone. Eventually, he gives in after the same number calls more. After their conversation, he sighs. 

"I guess we're getting breakfast there." Roman goes up the stairs to wake the twins up to get ready. 

[bluewavesofchange]

The guardians of the Pharaoh

Rebirth of ancient

I don't own Yugioh or it's characters

Mild violence.

Chapter 8

Back in Egypt

The group of thugs that were holding Heba captive had passed out drunk, leaving the small boy alone and unguarded. He waited until he heard them snoring before he wiggled around till he was in a sitting position. His hands were tied at his front so he could easily pull off the rag that was covering his eyes. He blinked a few, his vision adjusting to the dark room. The torches on the walls had gone out; the only light came from a nearby window. If Heba listened carefully he could hear faint voices outside. Maybe he could find someone who could lead him back to his father…the only family he had left now. He felt himself tearing up remembering his mother’s lifeless body but quickly shook his head, he could grieve later. For now he needed to get out of this horrible place.

The young boy removed the gag from his mouth and used his teeth to pull the ropes loose that were used to secure his arms. Once his hands were free he untied his legs and quietly stood up. He looked around for a way out other than the small window and spotted a small hole in the wall behind a few crates. He tipped over and struggled to pull the crate away from the opening. It was difficult to move as the wood scraped against the floor making an unpleasant sound that Heba feared would wake the sleeping men.

Luckily they were out cold and would most likely not wake up till sunrise. Determined the small boy managed to move the crate far enough from the wall that he could slip in behind it, it turned out that the hole was a lot larger than he had originally thought. He quickly crawled through it, finding him outside, the chill desert air hitting his skin and making him shiver. He run off, looking for someone to help him.

It felt like Atem had been tracking the source of this energy for hours, he felt exhausted and his feet hurt but he kept going, knowing that the lost boy was probably scared and alone. Suddenly something collided with the young prince, knocking him over. He groaned as he sat up and was about to yell when his breath caught in his throat, before him on the ground was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen…a pale skinned child with soft brown eyes with hair that matched his own, he was small and his face radiated with innocence and purity. Upon closer inspection the prince noticed some redness around the boys wrists and ankles and a bruise on his cheek.

Heba hadn’t looked where he was going and ended up bumping into someone, the collision sending him to the ground. When he looked up to apologies he was met with the face of the prince he had seen earlier that day. Now that he was up close the pale boy could see just how alike the two of them looked. ‘What’s he doing here?’ Heba thought as he noticed the prince just staring at him with an unreadable expression on his face. Maybe he could help Heba get to safety and find his father…

“Um…sorry for running into you but…could you help me…please?”

The boys soft and sweet voice sounded like music to Atem’s ears, this child must be an angel he believed. He still couldn’t find his voice to speak, causing Heba to grow worried at the prince’s silence, “Please…I…I was taken by some strangers and don’t know my way back to my papa…I know you’re the prince but please…I wanna go home…” he sniffled as he let his emotions get the better of him, tears streaming down his cheeks.

This broke Atem as the boy moved quickly and hugged the crying child, “Hey hey hey it’s ok. You don’t need to cry!” he held the boy tightly, trying to sooth him as Heba was wrecked with sobs. The pale boy went stiff for a moment when he felt the prince hugging him before slowly melting in his warm embrace…it felt…nice. He found himself calming down as the prince had started to rub small circles over the boys back. He slowly pulled away, his face wet from his tears, Atem smiled at him as he used the tip of his cloak to gently dry the boy’s face, “It’s going to be ok.”

Heba sniffled as the prince slowly stood up and held out his hand to the boy. The pal child looked up at him before reaching up and taking his hand, letting the prince slowly pull him up to his feet, “What’s your name little one?” Now that the boy was on his feet, Atem noticed that he was indeed a bit taller than the other boy. he wondered how old he was.

The pale child spoke softly, “M…my names Heba your highness…” Heba…it suited him well Atem thought to himself. He noticed the boy shiver as a breeze blew over them. The prince removed his cloak and wrapped it around Heba’s shoulders, pulling the hood over his head, “Call me Atem. ‘Your highness’ is reserved for my father.” A little blush paints Heba’s cheek at the mistake, “Sorry.” The taller boy chuckled as he took Heba’s hand, “There’s no need to apologies. Come, it’s a long walk back to the palace. Your father came to ask for help to find you, his probably still there.”

This raised Heba’s spirits, “Lead the way.” For the first time that night he smiled, making Atem’s heart skip a beat…although he wasn’t sure why. Maybe he ate something funny for dinner. The prince holds the smaller boy’s hand a soft squeeze before leading him back towards the palace.

Back to the present.

Weevil Underwood had led Yugi and the others to a duel area, thinking he would have the advantage…but he was surely mistaken.

Lillian stood back and watched her brother shift into someone else right before her eyes. His hair gained a few blond streaks, his eyes turned red and sharper, even his clothes seemed to change somehow…but the most shocking was his voice. It was filled with confidence and a hint of arrogance and pride. The sweet and energetic tone was gone and was instead deep and intimidating. What the heck was this? Was this the power of the Millennium puzzle? Ishizu’s necklace could see the future, Shadi’s key could probe people’s minds and Pegasus’ eye could steal peoples souls and read minds…and the puzzle could change your appearance and voice…

That didn’t seem right. Lillian watched her brother duel and it was like he was a completely different person. He duelled through intimation and confidence, tricking his opponent into making mistakes, pulling the bug boy into trap after trap and relishing when Weevil lost. This…this wasn’t Yugi. She had played duel monsters with her brother throughout the years and had her own deck. She wasn’t bad, her brother and grandfather were just better. Her heart wasn’t in the game the same way theirs was. Yugi played fair and honourable, far from the manipulative methods he was using now.

The only thing she could think of was that this wasn’t her brother…Yugi had been replaced and possessed by something or someone. Realization had hit her like a ton of bricks. She had learned from Ishizu that 5000 years ago a great Pharaoh had sealed away a great darkness using the Millennium Items and saved the world. And that his soul was locked away in one of the mystical items…could it have been sealed in the Millennium puzzle?? And the spirit of the Pharaoh now possessed her little brother?! The f@$&?!

As Yugi was about to duel Weevil he felt the dark presence in his puzzle take over. He was expecting to black out like usual but instead something else happened. The short teen found himself in a bedroom that he didn’t recognise. Children’s toys were scattered across the floor, some of them looked like toys he used to have when he was little. In the corner of the room was a children’s sized bed with a comfy looking comforter covered in Kuribohs. A knitted blue blanket bung over the foot of the bed, it reminded him of the one his grandmother made him before she passed away when he was 5. Pictures of his family hung on the walls, all of them happy moments…looking closer he noticed that they were moving…cool but weird. The hole space felt safe and comfortable…

He looked up at the ceiling and his eyes widened…above him was a vast galaxy of starts, all of them swirling and moving around in a symphony of incredible colours. It was beautiful and felt so familiar to him…like a distant memory. He could stare at it for hours.

He inspected the room further and found a door. Maybe it was a way out. He walked over but noticed there was no handle. Oh well. He rested his hand against the smooth wood of the door; he could feel something on the other side. But he wasn’t sure what. It felt almost evil…well almost evil. A better word would be dark. But it also felt comforting, like sitting outside on a summers day, the sun shining on you as its warm rays covered your skin like a hug. Yugi wondered if what he was feeling was whatever possessed him when things got dangerous, the spirit that came out to protect him and duel on his behalf…he wanted to meet the spirit. Maybe it was nice…maybe they could be friends…before he could try and connect with whoever was on the other side of the door, he was pulled from the room and found himself back in his body, his friends congratulating him on his win over Weevil…his sister standing a few steps away, watching him with unreadable expression on her face.

Lillian would have to figure out what was going on with her brother’s puzzle later. Maybe she would contact Ishizu and Shadi when she has everyone home safe. But this was a matter for later. For now she needed to find Mokuba.

She walked over to Yugi and placed a hand on his shoulder, a soft smile on her face, “You won your first duel. I have to say I’m impressed.” Yugi chuckled awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah I guess. It was really tough there for a while but I guess I managed.”

Very subtle Yugi.

Lillian sighed softly as she took a step back, “I’m heading over to the castle. The sooner I can get Mokuba out of there and find where the diva is holding Grandpa’s soul the better…” Yugi didn’t want her to leave, knowing it was dangerous but it was part of the plan. She took off her backpack and handed it to her brother, “Mom gave us some extra food. You should share it with your friends. I doubt they brought stuff to eat.” She smiled softly as she ruffled his hair. It warmed Yugi’s heart to know his sister cared about his friends. He hugged her tightly, “We’ll keep some for you and Mokuba when you get back.”

“You really are the sweetest little brother a girl could ask for.” She cupped his cheeks and kissed his forehead, “I’ll see you soon.” She turned and started to leave before looking back at the short teen, “Oh and be careful with my bag. There are some sharp things in there. Be careful.” She winked before heading for the castle, confusing the tri-coloured haired teen. Joey walks over and stands beside his friend, watching the raven head leave, “Hey Yug. Where’s she off to?”

“Oh um…she just wanted to explore the island for a bit.” Yugi answered but Joey didn’t seem convinced. Thinking quickly, “We should go find you an area to duel that would be compatible with your monsters.” This seemed to work as the blond went looked around, excited and determined for a duel. Yugi sighed in relief before looking in the direction of the castle.

Lillian eventually reached the castle; she needed to find a way inside without being spotted. The place was crawling with guards. She walked around the perimeter and found the back entrance to the kitchen. She hid nearby, hearing the cook mentioning something about preparing Mr. Pegasus’ brunch, which consisted of gorgonzola cheese and red wine. Weird.

She snuck into the kitchen when it was clear and followed the servant taking the food to Pegasus. It was a little tricky but she managed to stay out of sight. The place was huge and decorated with expensive looking art work and sculptures. The carpet she walked on felt soft beneath her feet, the placed smelt clean and fragrant, and a fresh vase of flowers stood every few steps. Eventually they reached the dining hall and Lillian hunkered down outside, listening to what was going on inside. She peered in and frowned as she noticed the white haired man reading a comic book while drinking wine and eating fancy cheese. This guy was as wealthy as Seto and he spent his time doing this? Weird.

There was another door in the room and a man wearing a grey suite and glasses walked in through it. What was it about henchmen wearing shades? The man cleared his throat which seemed to annoy Pegasus, “The finest gorgonzola cheese, a sweet wine and my favourite comic book. It’s moments like these that I enjoy the most and yet you chose to disturb me Croquet.”

“I’m sorry Master Pegasus but I have some unfortunate news.”

Pegasus closes his eye, “Our young guest has escaped and our other special guest escaped Mr. Yen. Am I correct?” Croquet shouldn’t be surprised by Pegasus’ unique ability to tell what someone was thinking. “Yes sir. How would you like us to proceed?”

Before Lillian could listen to more, her arms were grabbed and she was yanked up, “Well well, seems we have a little pest.” Lillian growled as she tried to pull free but the goons grip was tight. Walked into the dining room, interrupting Pegasus and Croquet, “Sorry to interrupt but I found her in the hallway.” Pegasus looked over at the girl, a grin forming on his face, “Well we may have lost Mokuba, we may have gained something better.” He stood up, setting down his book and slowly walking over to the girl. “You have been a difficult woman to track.” He stood before her, her eyes glaring holes into his head, “Oh don’t look at me like that my dear; you not only broke into my home but from what I heard you broke into Kaiba Corp too. You should be grateful that I am the one who has detained you and not the police.”

“Says the man, who kidnapped a kid, is trying to take over his brothers company and sent 4 of your goons to beat up his personal assistant.”

“Oh you have spunk my dear…I like that.” He wanted to know about this girl. There was something…strange about her. He reached up and raised his hair, revealing his Millennium eye. Lillian saw this and froze, was he gonna try to use it on her? But none of the other items had worked on her so why would this one?

Pegasus tried to use his mystical object to peer into the girls mind but…nothing. Absolutely nothing happened. It was like hitting a brick wall. This wasn’t possible! He tried over and over again but still nothing. He went as far as trying to take her soul but not even that worked. Growing frustrated he called for another guard, telling them to search the girl. Maybe she had something on her person that was preventing him from using his eye.

Lillian struggled and fought against the men, hating how the gripped her arms and yanked off her leather jacket, her ink covered arms now exposed. Pegasus saw this and his remaining eye went wide, “Wait.” He ordered his guards and they stopped their assault. Pegasus stepped closer and grabbed one of Lillian’s arms, examining the images that littered the girl’s skin. They looked like duel monsters…but not in the designs of the cards he created…they were far more detailed and colour was vibrant, other worldly even.

Something floods back into his mind as he had seen these markings before …the vision he had of the 3 Egyptian gods destroying the world…he remembered seeing something behind them…3 somethings…

3 towering goddess’s. One of darkness, one of light and between them stood another, her face obscured by shadows but one thing stood out clear as day…her arms were covered in tattoos, all sorts of sea and water monsters…he had never seen anything like it and yet here they were in front of him. He felt shaken, what did this all mean? He could feel a great power radiating from the girl, he then noticed the blue stone hanging around the teens neck…the same one that the goddess had worn in his vision…there was no mistake…she was the creature that he had seen,

While the Pegasus was stuck in his head, Lillian took the moment to get free. She gripped the guard’s arms and managed to lift herself up and kicked the white haired man in his face, knocking him back. She then flung herself downwards, pulling the men with her causing the men to bang their faces into each other, knocking each other out. They let go of Lillian and she bolted for the door. Croquet rushes to his master’s side to help him up as he yelled for the guards.

Lillian ran through the hallway as guards started chasing after her, she needed to find a way out. There were too many for her to take out. She reached the end of a hallway, finding a large window. She got onto the window sill and searched for a latch or something. But the guards had caught up to her just as she found a way to open the window, flinging it open. One of the men pulls out his gun, “Freeze!” He aims his gun at her but one of the other guards tries to pull his gun out and accidently fires a shot, hitting the girl in her arm, causing her to lose her balance and fall from the window with a scream, disappearing into the trees below.

A few hours earlier.

Roland had taken a helicopter to the Kaiba beach home. He found tyre tracks that he didn’t recognised leading away from the house. The assistant headed inside, going straight to Seto’s room and found it empty but it looked like there had been a struggle. Bullet holes littered the walls and the window was broken.

He rushed over to the window and looked outside, first he sees nothing but a loud groaning sound pulls his attention downwards. He gazes down and is shocked to see his boss hanging from the edge of the cliff still holding briefcase (somehow), “Mr. Kaiba!”

Seto looks up, frowning at his assistant, “Are you just going to stare or are you going to help me?!” Roland heads outside, rushing to Seto and pulling him up, “What happened sir?” Kaiba takes a moment to catch his breath before glaring up at Roland, “Doesn’t matter. What are you doing here?” the assistant pulled out a folded document and handed it to his boss. The teen narrows his eyes before opening it and reading what was on it, his eyes slowly widening. He looks up at Roland, “Is this a joke?”

“I’m afraid not sir. Maximillian Pegasus is trying to take over your company with the help of 5 of your board members. They have kidnapped your brother too.”

Seto crumples the paper in his fist, “And what have you done to fix this? You were supposed to be looking out for Mokuba and you little him get taken!” he throws the paper in his assistant’s face. Roland didn’t even flinch as he keeps his eyes on his employer, “This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t left…as for fixing it...we have a plan already set in motion.”

Seto pinched the bridge of his nose as he started to pace, “I could fire you right now for talking to me like that. And what do you mean by we?”

“Myself…Mr. Yugi…” he could feel the teens glaring burning into his very soul when he mentioned Yugi’s name, “…And Ms. Lillian.”

Seto’s stopped pacing and lowered his hand from his face, looking at the other man in disbelief, “What did you just say?”

“Ms. Lillian sir…she’s helping to get Mokuba back.”

“When did she—“

“Not long after you left sir…she’s finally home.”

Seto couldn’t believe this. If he had just waited a few days he could’ve seen her again…he would’ve seen that she had bought a plane ticket for a flight back to Domino…he would’ve waited at the airport for her, to be the first one to greet her, he would’ve pulled her into his arms and held her tight. He would’ve gotten to see her beautiful blue eyes again, to see her smile and to possibly even kiss her again. But instead he was here, he had run off to deal with his emotions instead of sealing them away and just moving on.

He picked up a rock and threw it over the cliff with a loud scream. Nothing seemed to be going right for him and he didn’t know how to cope. Everything started falling apart when Lillian left, he had depended on her for so long that he never dealt with his issues on his own…he needed her and she left…he should’ve gone with her. They could’ve spent a year together…he could’ve supported her the same way she supported him during his darkest times…and once again she was trying to support him by saving his brother when he had left Mokuba alone.

He pulled out his locket and opened it. In the past it held a picture of his little brother. A few years ago he had replaced it with a picture of Mokuba and Lillian. He had taken the photo on the day he had taken over Kaiba Corp, the 3 of them had gone out for dinner that night and it was one of the greatest nights of his life, he could truly smile for the first time. He felt free for the first and although he would never admit it, he felt safe again, knowing his step father could never touch him again…

The locket held the two most important people in his life and he kept it close to his heart. Seto turned to Roland, “Where are they now?”

“Pegasus’ island sir. There’s enough fuel in the helicopter to get there.”

Seto grinned, “I owe you a raise once this is over.”

“You say that every time sir.” Roland said trying not to role his eyes. Seto might be an asshole but he was a good boss. He cared about his employees…or at least Roland believed he did…

[chickenwaffles17]

the MINTerview (an interview with Knuckles the Echidna)

Q: Hey Knux, how are you?

A: I am good, possum.

Q: You know why you're here, right?

A: You want to ask me questions and write down my answers on some sort of form.

Q: Yup, that's basically it. I've got some questions here that are fairly generic and some that are more specific, feel free to, you know, not answer anything you're not comfortable with answering.

A: I have no need for these warnings. I am prepared for anything.

Q: Someone's motivated! Wanna introduce yourself?

A: I am Knuckles. I am a proud echidna warrior, trained since birth in all forms of combat.

Q: Ooh. What's your favourite colour and why?

A: Green. It is the colour of nature, and the- THE MASTER EMERALD!

Q: Whoa, Jesus Knuckles, sit down! U- sorry-

A: I have neglected my duty as guardian to protect the Master Emerald! I have failed my tribe...

Q: Uh- Oh geez- do you need to go handle that right now? We can cut this interview short, if you want- Oh, bye.

the MINTerview (an interview with Rouge the Bat)

Q: Thanks for filling in, Rouge.

A: No problem, Hun.

Q: We had some, uh... Family issues come up with the last interviewee, so I'm just gonna ask you some questions, is that okay?

A: Of course.

Q: Anything you don't want to answer, you don't have to. Um, what's your name? For the interview.

A: Rouge the Bat, Treasure Hunter Extraordinaire and lover of precious things.

Q: *laughing* I remember that introduction. Sorry, uh- what's your favourite colour and why?

A: Green, or maybe magenta. I look the best in the latter, but emeralds are extremely pretty.

Q: True that. What's your favourite food and why?

A: Pomegranates. They look like little geodes when you crack them open, don't they?

Q: I never thought about it like that, they do! I need to try one again, but they're so hard to get here.

A: Next time I find one I'll bring it back for you and I to share.

Q: Thanks, Rouge. Who do you consider your friends?

A: You, of course, Shadow. Hm...

Q: Maybe we can make that "allies?"

A: I'm afraid that doesn't expand the options, Mint.

Q: Um, well where were you born? If you can remember, of course.

A: I'd tell you if I could. I'm sorry, this interview might not be as interesting, as the others, Hun.

Q: That's... Well, it doesn't matter. How did you obtain your abilities?

A: Oh, you mean my athleticism, sneakiness, and beauty? That's all my doing. Training and experience do lend a hand, though. You trying to learn how to improve yourself, Mint?

Q: Um... Sort of? I figured it'd be a bit easier to earn my place on the team if I could actually lend a hand. What was your first impression of me?

A: I thought you were cute, in a rookie kind of way, but ultimately you were in the way of my- You're wearing the necklace!

Q: Gee, took you long enough to notice! I've only been wearing it every day!

A: Oh, Mint, you sentimental sweetheart.

Q: *laughing* Well, what do you regard as your nicest memory?

A: Hm. I was younger, definitely. I was flying around somewhere and saw something shiny in the corner of my eye. Naturally, I flew down to investigate.

Q: What was it? A gem?

A: No, it was a spoon.

Q: Oh. That's your nicest memory?

A: If you let me finish, you'd have heard the part where I found a rug not too far away from it, picnic basket and all. And the people holding the picnic were evidently loaded. They must've gone for a swim or something in a nearby lake, because they'd left all their clothes and their jewellery behind for little old me!

Q: And you took them?

A: Of course I did. I might still have those diamond earrings somewhere, but I doubt it. That's it.

Q: Nice! Would you describe yourself as introverted or extroverted? Why's that?

A: Hm. I'm not too fond of most people, to be honest. But, I do enjoy a good gathering every now and then. What would you say that is?

Q: Um... That might be omniverted?

A: What's the difference?

Q: Ambivert is introverted AND extroverted and being omniverted might be introverted OR extroverted? I don't really know. Uh, what's the best thing someone could compliment you on?

A: My physique, my jewels, my talents. I'm fairly easy to please, if I say so.

Q: Mm. Is a hot dog a sandwich?

A: What?

Q: *laughing* is a hot dog a sandwich?

A: No.

Q: Oh yeah, why?

A: ...I don't know.

Q: Well, thank you Rouge, you're the best!

A: Thank you, Mint. This was nice.

[thessalian]

Astrid vs Grymforge

In the midst of old ruins

Astarion: So now we're doing more favours for mushrooms. We steal a boat, get stopped by cultists, and the next thing you know, we're in here apparently trying to save the person whose head we need to bring back to King Mushroom. This is ridiculous.

Astrid: It's the life of an adventurer, Astarion. You know how all the bard tales go.

Astarion: Yes, but a good bard glosses over the stupid parts. ...No offense intended.

Astrid: Look, we're in the remnants of a Sharran temple, so Shadowheart's happy. We're just a little ways away from getting to Moonrise Towers, so we should all be happy. And we're tracking down that forge I read about, so I'm happy.

Astarion: When do I get to be happy?

Astrid: When you get to drain a drow and maybe get whatever gifts the parasite he's got in his head left?

Astarion: You are dangerous, aren't you. Very well.

Astrid: Good. Now, I hear these guys talking about not being very happy with this Nele's leadership so I'm going to go talk him into some help, okay?

Astarion: We couldn't just ... slaughter everyone in the place and move on to the elevator?

Astrid: Objectively ... no.

Astarion: Damn.

Awhile later, being trailed by another scrying eye

Gale: I honestly wish I had a command word to blind these things. Where are we going to find a quiet, unobserved space to get rid of it?

Astrid: I know just the place! *points at duergar throwing bodies into the river*

Gale; Astarion: Oh, ew.

Shadowheart: How are you two that repulsed by dead bodies after all we've been through?

Gale: There is a threshhold, Shadowheart.

Astrid: Okay, I talked them into letting us dump the bodies for them and I found you a shiny, Astarion. It'll make you invisible which should really help your stealth. Not that you really need it, but hey. Anyway, do the honours?

Astarion: I really wish it was easier to just dislike you.

A whoooooole bunch of stabbing later

Astrid: Okay, so Nele's gone, the duergar are clearing out--

Astarion: I don't believe you made them give up their slaves and didn't even keep any.

Astrid: Astarion, what would we do with slaves at this point?

Astarion: Turn them into cannon fodder? Give me a nice little buffet?

Astrid: .........Aaaaaaaaaanyway, now we need this guy's head. Um. Nuts.

Astarion: What is it now?

Gale: I don't think she's physically strong enough to hack off someone's head. Um ... if you'll lend me a blade, I could--

Shadowheart: She wouldn't force anyone else to do it. Astrid. Here. *tosses a Potion of Hill Giant Strength to her*

Astrid: You know, it's nice and all that we have them, but I know what goes in these things. Oh well. *chugs* UGH. Do you think crushed mint would make it stop working?

Gale: You'd probably have to experiment. Though it could be dangerous depending on what changes the extra ingredients make.

Astarion: Another reason to have kept the slaves, perhaps.

Astrid: Face. Shut.

After a whooooooole lot of fiddling and hopping around; at the Adamantine Forge

Shadowheart: Why are we doing this, again?

Astrid: You're basically our front-liner at this point. I want some better armour and a better mace for you. So I'm going to use this spiffy forge to craft them.

Shadowheart: ...Aw...

Astrid: Now, I think all this is going to fill with lava so maybe stand on these platforms. Okay? Okay! PULL THE LEVER, ASTARION!

Astarion: I will turn this winch, if that's what you mean.

Winch: *is turned*

Grym: *exits*

Astrid: Ooooooooooh so that's what they meant by the guardian.

Gale: That thing is massive! How are we going to even hurt it?!?

Astrid: It's okay! I've got this! Remember how I handled those automatons?

Astarion: *dodging giant mace* This thing is not in the mood for a poem, Astrid!

Astrid: No, no, I meant the more recent automatons, from when we came down here. Ahem. *dead-on imitation of Gale* IGNIS!

Grym: *becomes Superheated*

Gale: ...wut.

Astrid: Heat Metal. I needed a verbal component for a fire-related spell; who did you think I was going to borrow? Now let's lure him onto that place where the hammer strikes and turn him into a pancake!

Astarion: What?!? ...Oh. Ooooooh. *runs for the Forge Lever*

Astrid: *pulls lute; to the tune of Hammer to Fall, obviously* Hey there, Grym ; just hear my call / Don't bother with my friends at all / You've held this place a thousand years / But we've just brought it down around your ears...

Gale: So ... wait, I'm not supposed to hit it? I don't really want it to hit her!

Shadowheart: None of us do!

Astarion: Neither of you do; honestly, better her than me.

Grym: *stomps towards Astrid and stops on Forge platform*

Astrid: *still singing* Sorry, Grym, you poor dead slob / We're gonna hit you like a crumbling wall / Just came out to do your job / But now it's time for the hammer to faaaaaall!

Astarion: *hauls on the Forge Lever*

Hammer: *falls*

Grym: *is a pancake*

Astrid: Nicely timed! And look, Shadowheart; your mace is ready!

Astarion: The cinnamon roll is a continuous pain in my backside most of the time ... but I have to admit, she has style.

[demon-blood-youths]

The Abandoned - Part 1 || What If - AU

Hi everyone, so this is a drabble for @the-silver-peahen-residence. This is a writing I want to experiment on regarding the serious content and mature content. I get inspired seeing Peahen's drabbles and the serious parts. That said, I want to do one for the fun of it.

------ Warning -----

Mature content ( Child Abuse, Neglect, Abandonment, and Cursing )

Some horror.

Supernatural theme.

Angst.

Drama.

Darker themes.

Grammatical errors and typos.

----- Summary ----

This is what if AU. What if Taz hasn't joined the DBT. What if she and her family live in Japan instead of America? After the death of her parents, Taz and her older brother, Tidam are the only ones left. However....Tidam changed leaving Taz in a dangerous situation.

----

Brother didn't come today. She knows that he's upset but she doesn't want him to get in trouble if he messed with the shrine. Did he forget? Maybe he's busy with his friends. This is just the morning. It's fine.

Taz holds her knees together. She could only hear the wind.

Soon, day turns into a rainy night.

She sighs as she wraps her arms around her body. He will come tomorrow. He said it's only one day. She sighs and looks upon the shrine. Good thing, she brought her snacks.

----- Yesterday -----

The group came across a temple shrine. They didn't know a school would have a shrine near their school. The teens decide to go on ghost hunting for fun as they enter the shrine and see.... a statue they saw before.

It wasn't a Buddha statue. More like inspired by.

It was sitting in a cross-legged pose with four arms holding an item. A spear. A dagger that is a vajra. This statue seems to have hair and has a demonic look. Most likely a guardian of this shrine. It has dried ink markings on its body. Rings around its wrist. Marks on its face.

"Yo Tidam. This isn't Buddha." Asked one friend.

"What? Do you think I know what it is, Ben?" Tidam asked. He had wild hair, wearing a tee and jeans.

"I don't know. Don't you used to go to a Buddhist temple?" Benjiro nicknamed Ben scratches his head.

"My father does...." He grumbled.

"Uh...I hope your sis is doing okay by herself in the car." Said another friend named Taro. All three look like delinquents. Right now, Tidam has to bring his little sister since she wants to go to a shrine. Tidam needs somewhere to go because he needs some fresh air.

"She probably got out of there..." Tidam rolls his eyes. "If she did, I'm not surprised that she is exploring the place or looking for us." Tidam looks at the offering and scoffs. He is eating a bun and goes to litter the plastic wrapper.

"What's so good about this place, huh?!" He kicks at ox statue and it falls over. The other two boys are snickering, laughing it off. "This shrine ain't popular! This can be a good hangout!" One of them said.

"Big brother!"

Tidam clicks his tongue and goes to look over his little sister.

"Yeah?"

"Um...uh..."

"Well...what is it?!" Tidam asked annoyed.

"Don't kick that statue over." Taz said.

"Ha!? Says who?!" Tidam exclaimed.

"Well...it's someone else's house," Taz said. "You have to respect things."

"It's just a stupid rock!" Tidam yelled. There, the two siblings get into an argument of respecting things especially the shrine while Tidam's friends are watching this with amusement. Tidam had enough and says that they're leaving. With a sigh, Taz goes to pick up the statue. But before she leaves. The door is shut from the outside.

"Huh!?" Taz then runs over and bangs on the door. "Big brother!"

"If you like it so much, stay there!" Tidam yelled. His friends laughed, thinking it was a joke. After several minutes, Tidam proceeded to leave and this got the friends blinked.

"Uh...hey man! What about your sis?"

"Like I said, she can stay there! Heck! I will come back for her tomorrow." Tidam shrugged.

"Dude...you sure it's a good idea?" Ben asked with concern.

"It's only one night! After that, she will learn her lesson. What can happen?!"

One night?! Taz widened her eyes and banged on the door harder but to no avail.

"Brother! Tidam! Please don't leave me! LET ME OUT!" Taz bangs on the door over and over as she is crying now. But Tidam didn't bother, his friends looked unsure but went ahead to follow and didn't argue since Tidam was the one driving. Taz can heard the footsteps away and away until they are no more.

"Brother..." Taz sniffled.

Locked inside a shrine with snacks and all. She looks towards the statue and walks to it. "I'm sorry for what my brother did. Um...." She wonders what's the name of the god. She looks at the name and reads. "Sukuna...Ryomen?" She never heard of him but still...she feels bad for anyone taking care of this shrine. Taz isn't too superstition but she does believe in spirits.

"Yeah..." She said. She has something in her hand. A chocolate bar. She breaks half of the piece. "Not sure if you like it but please take it. She sets the piece down on an empty plate. And with that, she goes to one of the pillars and leans against it. The rain is still ongoing.

She needs to sleep. She has to sleep. Her big brother will come back.

And soon, she sleeps despite the quiet sobs she let out.

Throughout the night, the rain was still ongoing but there were creaks within the shrine. A shadow looms over the sleeping youth. The shadowy figure has four eyes and four arms, looking down on her. Then it walks over to the offering plate and examines the offering in its hands. It eats chocolate and hums. It looks to the sleeping child and goes over to her.

Time passes and night becomes day.

Taz slowly wakes up. "Hrmmm..." She slowly wakes up and feels something soft. Huh? She looks to see there's a blanket over her. What? She clutches the blanket tightly and sleeps once more.

---- The next day ------

"So Fushiguro, is this really the place?" A voice is heard.

"It is. It is said to be believed that the people here worship him. This is one of the few ones remaining. Can't believe it is still there." Said another voice.

"This place gives me the creeps..." It's a woman's voice.

"Man. Who knew that the Cursed King had a shrine!" Said another. "Yuji, did he say anything about this?"

"Daichi...he didn't, but you know how he is." Yuji Itadori sighed as he and his friends; Megumi, Nobara, and Daichi recivce a mission about a shrine that is discovered.

"You think one of the fingers are in there?" Yuji asked.

Daichi's spirit companion Eito chirps, "No. But... someone is inside." He asked now confused which got everyone tense.

"Inside. You mean a cursed spirit." Megumi narrowed his eyes

Eito chirps now looking worried. "He is not sure, but there's a live person. A kid." Daichi translated, looking worried now.

Right away, Yuji Itadori wasted no time. He sees something a bar latch gate and lifts it open.

"Itadori! Wait!" Megumi Fushiguro tries to stop him, but it is too late. He opens the shrine, and what they see is a girl sleeping below the staute of Ryomen Sukuna with a blanket on.

"What the? There's someone here." Nobara said. "How did she get in here?"

Yuji goes to the sleeping child and takes a look at her face. He looks up to the staute. 'This is what you look like?' He thought.

'Take a guess, brat.' Sukuna uttered in his mind. Yuji sighs but Sukuna hums, 'But I must say I am surprised that the little one stayed here. She must have spent the night. What a lucky one.'

The night?! Yuji widened his eyes.

Yuji goes to pick up the girl in her arms. Taking a good look at her, she has three orange marks on the right side of her cheek. Has messy black hair. She must be year younger than him or two.

"Who is she?" Daichi said. Eito chirps flying around Yuji, looking over the girl.

"We need to find out. We need to bring her to Kiyotaka." Megumi said.

"Seriously.. how did she get in here?" Nobara said. "Did someone lock her in here?!" The four need to update their sensei that they found a person inside Sukuna's shrine.

"I think we need to get out of here. I mean... it's better if we go back." Said Daichi. So the group heads down the stairs away from the shrine, Yuji carrying the girl in his arms. The girl is snoozing peacefully. Yuji had to wonder how she managed to survive a night in there. She must have been scared.

Down below, Ichiji sees the students coming down. "Hm?" Then he sees the girl. He gasped. "What happened? Who?"

"She was inside Sukuna's Shrine." Megumi said. "We don't know how long. But we need to go back to the school." His divine dog, Totality is on guard. There is cursed energy around here but not much.

"And there is no finger it seems. I don't think we need to stay here if there's someone here." Daichi informs Kiyotaka as Eito chirps to confrim.

"I see. Very well. I will inform Gojo then-" Kyotaka goes to text.

"Big....brother?"

Everyone heard a soft voice. "!" Yuji blinked to see the girl waking up as she tugged his chest. Yuji answers, "Huh? Oh, I am-"

She sniffles as she grips him tighter. "P-please don't leave me. I will be good. I promise I won't fight you anywhere."

Everyone went silent. Yuji heard this with wide eyes.

"Huh?"

"I am sorry. Don't leave me there, again!" Tears were streaming down from her eyes. She looks tired. Yuji looks confused and unsure while everyone else doesn't know what to do. The only thing that Yuji can do is hug her. "It's okay. Nobody will leave you there ever again. There, there." Yuji comforts her. "I'm here." He said as the girl sniffled. This calms the girl down before she sleeps once more.

"We should go." Said Yuji seriously.

---

To be continued...

[sailingshellsgames]

Hey just finished your demo and wanted to say that I got HOOKED. Loved the Guide and the Tired Fae Guardian? dont remember her name but I really did feel sad and I genuinely wish to see her again lol. Hope Chapter 7 goes well.

Also wanted to say that I just found your tumblr today and thought wow a new IF I haven't read yet, how exciting... Only to realise when MC conversed with Vaheni the rookie that I did in fact have played your IF before. I can only remember playing till our carriage ride tho and not gonna lie, I got whiplash when I saw the surname Avantus cause I think that your IF is one of the very first IF's I read because I've been using the same name in IF's since I was VERY new to the interactive fiction scene. So, um yeah thanks for basically naming all of my MC's i guess, do you want to like split custody or something 😂 which is weird cause you uploaded your demo in 2022 but I genuinely barely remember anything, bruh my memory loss is getting worse 💀

Hope you have a good week author :) Also do you have some fun facts about our friend group and maybe the faes that helped us in the forest if it's not too spoilery??? pls 🥺

Hi Anon!

I'm so happy you liked the demo and welcome to the tumblr! 😄 I'm so in love with all the Fey in my head, so it's so cool to hear other people enjoy them too - thanks so much for your kind words! I'm cracking up at the split custody MCs - sounds good, I can't wait to meet all the various rugrats 🤣 And I hope you had a good week too!

As for fun facts, absolutely! I love giving those:

Keoanai always lists MC as their "preferred partner" for jobs, even if MC's specialty (e.g. diplomat) has nothing to do with what Keo does. They'll mention it if MC decides to train a bit of everything in chapter 1 and then chooses "Want to work together? It's a pretty tough climb."

Rin is a skilled forager. They know a lot about which plants are edible/have medicinal properties.

This is mildly spoilery but minor enough that I don't mind: Wren changes their hair color magically every few weeks. When MC met them it was auburn. The next time they change it, it will be blue. Their natural hair color is a very dark brown.

If the Little Wish had been picked up by the ROs and it couldn't turn into a person for whatever reason, it would take the form of Den Zarel for Keo, a wooden flute for Rin, and a pair of worn leather gloves for Wren.

I've actually thought about writing a standalone mini-game around the horned/tired Fey MC encounters. I'm not sure if I will, but I do intend to either bring her into the second game. Or if I don't do that then I'll probably post her backstory on this tumblr.

Thanks so much for your ask, Anon!