#HE WAS ONLY 51 MOONS... HE HAD SO MUCH GOING FOR HIM... | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

astroboots · 1 year ago

Note

*oliver twists voice*

“Please sir may I please have some more?”

hamster steven 🥺 my little sister asks for updates all the time lol

Series Masterlist | Moon Knight Masterlist | Astroboot’s Masterlist

Pairing: Steven Grant x female reader

A/N: omg nonny! this is the world's most effective way to make me write more Hamsteven content! How could I ever deny your little sister... and a Charles Dickens reference?!?!? Aye aye!

Summary: You try to create a special meal for Hamster Steven so he can regain some normalcy.

You will be the first one to admit that you spend way too much time on tiktok. It's a slippery slope, and ever since you looked up tutorials on hamster care tips, your FYP seems to have picked up on the trail and now every two videos you flick through is hamster related.

Hamsters in tiny teddybear hats. Hamsters put in elaborate escape labyrinths, Crystal Maze style. Hamsters being treated to miniature meals inspired by human meals.

The internet is a wild place.

There's a squeaky noise next to you on the pillow that interrupts you just as you are about to scroll onto the next video.

You peer up from your screen, to see the big shiny eyes of your boyfriend-turned-hamster, standing on his hind-legs, as he's staring back at you. You're not sure if it's just your imagination, but he doesn't look happy. If you didn't know any better, you'd think he was giving you the stinkeye you for spending so much time on tiktok.

You glance up at the clock on the corner of your phone. 00:51.

Okay, maybe it's not just your imagination. You've somehow unwittingly spent more than two hours on your phone, without paying attention. Steven is definitely judging you for that.

"Sorry, Steven. I must've lost track of time," you tell him, and at your apology he lowers himself back on all four paws, waddling over to your chest and curls himself up on the curve of your breast.

It's become his favorite spot to rest... certain things don't change regardless of what form he takes.

You run two fingers over his head, stroking the soft fur and he seems to melt at the touch, the round shape of him going flat with relaxation. It's adorable. Steven has always been fond of having his hair stroked like a particularly cuddly pet.

It really does seem like certain things haven't changed much at all despite his transformation into a hamster.

... Except, that's not really true though is it.

In the past few days since Steven has turned into a pet, his limitations has been more than apparent. Because of his tiny size, he's in constant danger.

You had left the window open to air out the flat while you were cleaning, only to have a particularly menacing seagull make a dive for him and had to chase it out with a flyswatter so it wouldn't devour your boyfriend whole.

In his current form he's not quite able to do any of the activities that he normally enjoys, reading is out of the question, even if he could turn his own pages (which is difficult when you do not have opposing thumbs or no grip) you're not sure what his vision must be like, the letters must read gigantic to him.

He doesn't seem to particularly enjoy the yoghurt drops you got him from the pet store, and the enthusiasm he had at first for the almonds and walnuts you'd given him seems to be waning and on more than one occasion you've caught the wistful and longing gaze Steven has had on his expression when you sit down for a meal by the table that he couldn't partake.

But ramen doesn't really seem fit for a hamster's diet, so you could hardly give him a taste.

Poor Steven has had little to no normalcy left since his transformation and as the days go by and the solution to his dilemma isn't anywhere near in sight, you feel a pang of sadness for him.

Absentmindedly, you continue to pet his fur as you pull up your phone again and scroll through the videos when your eyes linger over the video you saw earlier of a hamster being treated to miniature spaghetti meal.

The video has a full on painstakingly detailed tutorial, step by step, on how to make the tiny meal. Cutting regular sized spaghetti into tiny lengths, Sizzling small portions of minced meat on the frying pan and huh... who knew that hamster are actually omnivores, and likes eating meat... you always assumed they were vegetarians. In the video, the person takes two cherry tomatoes puts them through the blender for the sauce and it all looks rather simple.

You look down at Steven in his hamster form, sound asleep on your chest. He's curled up into a little ball, his nose and whiskers twitching in his sleep as his hind leg kicks back in response to whatever dream he's dreaming.

Adorable as he is, the pang of sadness from before returns as your chest constricts. You want to give him a sense of normalcy after everything he's been through. However small.

Carefully, you scoop him up in the cup of your hands and place him gently on the pillow. Luckily Steven is a sound sleeper and sleeps right through it as you move into the kitchen to prepare the meal according to the video instructions.

There's leftover spaghetti in the fridge, saving you from having to boil it fresh. You forego frying any meat, because even though hamsters may be omnivores, your Hamster Steven is a full blooded vegan.

You also decide to forego the blender. It's late and you don't want to wake up Steven so instead you end up trying to smash up the cherry tomatoes with a mortal and pestle that leaves an absolute mess.

With your sad attempts at a culinary effort completed, you pick up the tiniest little sauce bowl you can find in the cupboard, as you start to plate up the spaghetti and mashed tomato sauce, topping it off with fresh basil that you had luckily picked up from Sainsbury the other day.

It looks nowhere as good as the video, just looks like wilted spaghetti with a tiny pile of crushed tomatoes rather than a miniature version of spaghetti bolognese. but you guess that's why you're an office worker and not a hamster content creator. You try to tease the spaghetti back into place with your fingers until it looks a bit more decent.

Better.

But it's still a long way to go from the special dinner that you had wanted to make for Steven to make him feel pampered.

Turning to the kitchen drawers, you try to find the small tea candles to set the mood. It's as near a romantic ambient as you are able to create for Steven.

Then you find one of the nicer dinner napkins stowed away in the back of the drawer and set the table. While you're at it you grab several sprigs of rosemary and whatever fresh herbs you're able to find in the fridge and set them in a shot glass that you use as an impromptu mini vase, for the bouquet of herbs you have gathered. You place down your creation in the middle of the table, then you stand back admiring your work.

Not too shabby.

Almost looks like a tiny hamster restaurant.

You return to your bed, where you had left Steven to sleep. Paws still twitching peacefully in his sleep when you gently wake him by picking him up, and set him on the table.

He blinks slowly and blearily, sleep still clouding his gaze, not fully taking in what you are trying to show him. It takes a few moments, until his eyes clear and then they go wide at the meal in front of him and he darts forward like a sprint.

His little paws grabs at the straw of spaghetti voraciously, as he slurps up the spaghetti, flecks of red sauce painting the fur around his mouth. He eats it with an enthusiastic frenzy, gobbling up the whole of it and drops it in his excitement only to round the plate and pick it up again to eat the remainder.

"Is it good?"

His head pops up to meet your face, with the tiniest of nods.

He squeaks happily, then he dives right back into stuffing his face and you can't help but smile.

It's a little moment of normalcy even in this craziness and that's good enough for now.

Dedications & Credits: To my lovely @guruan / @guruan-is-not-here who has finally been freed from tumblr jail. This chapter is dedicated to her because she sent me the cutest video of a hamster having a tiny bowl of pasta and sitting on a chair like it was a restaurant.

#🐹 hamsteven #steven grant x reader #steven grant #moon knight #marvel mcu #oscar isaac

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xshimaeraxx · 1 month ago

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okay but what if jack was originally a spring spirit. what if he was a spring spirit but got turned into a winter one by manny, or mother nature, or fuck, even pitch - but for this one let's go with mother nature.

no one'd believe him. he'd've been around for, what, 50 years before she changed him, at most, bc i imagine that's how long it takes for immortal spirits to catch notice of any newbies, esp given how jack seems to be the only (major/[ ] who stays there] spirit in burgess. so. 51 or 53 years in, MN comes in, goes, "hey yeah you're a winter sprite now" and jack just goes "what the fu-??"

he assumes, for the next decade or so, that it's a joke. (whenever faced with evidence it's true, he stays in denial for another six.)

it can't be true, ignoring how his mud-brown hair has turned white (there's only one stripe of brown left, by the time the movie comes about. he dyes it the same shade of ice-white the rest of his hair has turned into over the last 300 years; the reminder is more painful then anything, at that point, and so it's better left forgotten, in his book) and his well-tanned skin into the pale complexion of the likes of which he's only ever seen on winter seasonals. ignoring how one of his eyes is now bright lakewater-blue instead of both of them being sun-shone gold-brown, how his freckles are white like little snowdrops embedded into his skin instead of like miniature sunflowers sprouting themselves again and again with every new spring.

and now imagine how hard it'd be for jack, to transition from Type A to Type fuckin' Z, even if slowly - but isn't that even more painful, in the end? he loses the ability to make his flowers, his vines, his grasses, his trees - he gets sluggish in early spring and is conked out every time by the 30th of the first month of the too-warm (much, much too warm, and when has anything ever been too warm for him?) season, no matter how much he tries to stay awake, to see just someone's flowers even if not his own. he fails. he always, always fails.

then '68 comes around. things go wrong, jack gets upset, he can't remember why, and he makes a storm - even after all this time he's still shite at controlling his winter magic: he gets a scar from bunny aswell as a flower - a snowdrop, ironically enough; his old namesake, 'fore he became jack frost instead of jack snowdrop - and bunny a scar and a few snowflakes from him when winter finally comes 'round again.

then 2012 comes around, and, well. there's no point TELLING the guardians that he used to be a spring sprite, not when they'd never believe him, bunny especially. he'd take it as an insult, probably. some kind of mockery, some slight against him and all his fellow spring seasonals (once jack's fellow spring seasonals, but not anymore, NEVER anymore) - after all, if no one else ever believed him when he tried to explain what'd happened, what MN had done to him, had changed him, they'd all just laughed.

(well, laughed and then hurt him, but that's besides the point).

but THEN bunny catches him trying - and failing - to make animated flowers using his frost; they melt as soon as their shape solidifies. mother nature'd changed him so much, jack thinks, a tad bitterly, that he can't even make anything vaguely spring-y with his own (new, strange, wrong) element.

"why can't'cha make those? ya made that frost-bunny for jamie jus' fine," asks bunny.

"yeah, well, why don't'cha ask miss mother nature that question and then get back to me in three-to-give business days," jack grumbles, not even making a paltry attempt to hide the bitterness, the borderline resentment in his voice for mother nature, for the one who changed him, the one who ruined him. resentment's a dangerous thing, jack knows, but he thinks he's allowed it, in this one case.

(he'd never resented the moon as much as he'd resented mother nature.)

bunnymund blinks, taken aback, ears flipping back to press against his furred neck. taps his foot against the ground, gently. he's still looking at jack, looking at his failing, melting, broken frostflowers, his one visible blue eye - jack'd always kept his other one hidden, 'least round him and all the other guardians. the one time bunny'd tried to ask, the frostbite'd gotten all defensive, and so bunnymund'd let it drop - dead and tired.

(jack didn't look back, even as he felt eyes on him, heard the sound of bunny's signature tunnel opening and then close, once again.)

and then bunny does just that.

#xshim speaks #xshim writes #drabble #rotg drabble #jackrabbit #rotg jackrabbit #rotg jack frost #rotg bunnymund #e. aster bunnymund #e aster bunnymund #rotg frostbunny #jack frost x e. aster bunnymund #or well. PRE-jackrabbit/frostbunny anyways #they're not quite @ that stage of the relationship just yet ;3 #listen i'd continue thsi but i have too many wips as it is im so sry

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talonslockau · 1 month ago

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Forest of Secrets - Chapter 52

Chapter 51 || Index || Chapter 53

Fireheart sat beneath the Highrock, sharing a pigeon with Bluestar as the rest of the Clan shared tongues. The camp was even more excited than usual: Goldenflower had sent for Dewshine and Yellowfang just before sunhigh, because Frostfur had begun kitting. The camp was full of speculation - how many kits there would be, what they’d look like, even what their names might be. The only cats absent from camp were Peppermask and Princess - they’d taken the kits out to a nearby meadow to play so they wouldn’t interrupt the healers working or irritate Frostfur (who even Goldenflower had admitted was ‘a bit snappish at the moment’).

“Are you excited?” Fireheart prompted Bluestar after a long silence. She glanced up at him for a moment, chewing on the pigeon thoughtfully. Then she nodded and sat up.

“Of course. New kittens are always welcome in the Clan.” She purred, blinking happily in the direction of the nursery. “I know Whitestorm and Lionheart will be good parents for them. I thought, after Whitestorm…”

She trailed off for a moment, a worried look in her eyes. “After Whitestorm?” Fireheart prompted, but she didn’t respond. He recognized that look: the same one she often had when speaking about Snowstorm, or her kits. It was her being haunted by the family she had lost; and, as he thought about it, he realized he was fairly certain what she was thinking of. “Are you talking about the leafbare before I joined? He told me that he’d almost died from greencough.”

Bluestar sighed deeply and nodded in response. “Yes. Spottedleaf told me to prepare his vigil, for he would only recover from the grace of Starclan. Through Starclan’s grace, he did recover, although…” She didn’t finish her sentence, but Fireheart could guess at the ending - although many didn’t. “You know how lonely it is in the Clan without any family, Fireheart. It wasn’t so long ago that I faced the same. It’s hard to let go of the past, sometimes.”

Fireheart wasn’t sure he fully understood, but he dipped his head to her nonetheless. “But now he’s having kits. Surely that’s reason enough to move on?”

“Yes.” Bluestar agreed readily to her deputy, a smile flickering over her lips. “Yes, it is. I know he has always wanted kits of his own. And now they are here, and I hope they are everything he imagined them to be and more.” Pain still showed in her eyes - remembering her own kits, perhaps, or still lingering on how she’d almost lost her nephew - but she turned to Fireheart with perked ears, ignoring her feelings. “Your own nephews and nieces are quite lovely. Little Cloudkit especially - I’ve never felt kitten teeth so sharp!”

Fireheart purred at the compliment from his leader, remembering how Sootkit and Rainkit had knocked her over. “Yes, I’m glad they’re here in Thunderclan. I can’t wait to see their apprentice ceremonies - though they can hardly wait either!” He glanced fondly at the camp entrance, imagining them romping around in a field of flowers with reckless abandon. “They’re all so excited to have new playmates, though they don’t seem to fully understand how small newborns are.”

“It’s a hard thing for a kit to comprehend.” Bluestar mewed in understanding. “For much of their life, they’re the smallest cats around! It’s hard to imagine anything being smaller.” She sighed and wistfully looked off at the nursery, clearly remembering some time long past. “I didn’t get to see a newborn kit until Robinwing had her litter, when I was already a warrior. I was shocked to see a cat small enough to fit in my paws!”

Fireheart nodded, remembering how small Lynxkit had been. She was essentially the same size as Sootkit and Rainkit now, with Sorrelkit having become the new runt. The thought of her becoming even the three moon old kit she was now amazed him. “I know what you mean. They’re basically the size of a mou-”

“FIREHEART!”

The deputy sat up with a bolt of panic as he heard his name howled loud enough to be heard from Fourtrees. Princess had just clawed her way through the bramble entrance, racing towards him with terrified puffed fur. “Fireheart, Cloudkit’s gone missing!” She cried, her green eyes already full of tears.

For a moment, Fireheart felt frozen with fear. Cloudkit had gone missing? “What happened?” He finally managed to stammer out, feeling the heat of the entire Clan watching him as he swallowed hard.

“I- I don’t-” She took a huge gulping breath, her whole body trembling as she looked up at her brother. “They were chasing this - this butterfly, in the flowers. It was bright, I didn’t see anyone, everything was okay. Peppermask and I smiled at each other - it was just a couple of heartbeats! We were just - we were happy, everything was nice, and-” Princess’ white paws were kneading in and out of the dirt below her in an attempt to calm herself. “I swear, Fireheart, he just vanished!”

“Calm down.” Fireheart was grateful to hear Bluestar speak up beside him. “What about the other kits and Peppermask? Are they okay?”

Princess stared at the leader as though she had suddenly turned purple. “I- I don’t-” She took another deep shuddering breath, clearly on the verge of hyperventilating. “Peppermask told me to come tell you, Fireheart. She said she’d tell them a story to keep them calm and in one place.”

Why in Starclan’s name would Peppermask tell Princess to do that? The thought echoed in his mind for too long, as Bluestar and Princess both stared at him. What did they want from him? He didn’t know how to find a kit! He was just-

Right, he was deputy. He was supposed to take care of this. He racked his brain, trying to figure out what Quickflash would do in this situation. Maybe he could order a patrol? He hesitated at the thought. Was that an abuse of his power, though? After all, it was one kit - maybe he should just go and help her find Cloudkit. What would the Clan think if they had to search all over the forest for a kittypet kit?

No, he thought to himself after a heartbeat, that was a flea-brained thought. Kits were the most important part of the Clan! The warrior code itself said that no kit could be neglected, no matter their origin. Whether Cloudkit’s parents were kittypet or not didn’t matter. The Clan would expect to be sent out to find a lost kit. Their territory was safe, generally, but there was always a chance that something had snuck past one of their borders. Not to mention the owl, or hawks, any of which could pick off an unsuspecting kit.

“Speckleflight.” Fireheart stepped forward and spoke now, still keenly aware that nearly all of the Clan’s eyes were on him. The elder blinked at him in surprise. “Take Rosetail and go with Princess to help Peppermask keep the other kits calm. The last thing we need is two missing kits.”

The pale golden queen nodded, glancing around to see Rosetail already standing up. Fireheart watched as Speckleflight came up alongside Princess, mewing something softly to her as the two older tortoiseshells led her out of camp. The older queens, he figured, would be able to help calm Princess in addition to telling the kits all sorts of fun stories for however long it took to find Cloudkit.

He surveyed camp, assessing which cats were best to go out looking for a kit. “We’ll form three patrols, each taking a different direction from the meadow. I want Cloudkit found as quickly and quietly as possible.” There was no dissent at his order, cats beginning to sit up and wait to be called. “Mousefur, you’ll take Mistspring and Dustleap and head towards the Riverclan border. Sandstorm, you’ll take Willowbranch and Graystripe towards the Shadowclan border. Dappleshine, you and Tinyfrost will be with me heading towards Tallpines. Longtail, Cinderspark, Bluestar, and the apprentices will stay behind and guard camp.”

Across camp, Cinderspark turned away, her tail low in disappointment. Fireheart understood why she was disappointed that she hadn’t been picked - likely wondering if he hadn’t chosen her because once again, he didn’t trust her. He briefly wished he could reassure her, to tell her that she had been given the most important mission of all. He doubted that this was a ploy to get the Clan out of camp, but he couldn’t help but remember what had happened the last time kits had gone missing. Brokentail was dead, but his rogues were still out there - and now, more than ever, they were probably seeking revenge against Thunderclan.

Fireheart wanted this to be nothing more than Cloudkit accidentally running off, but he had to prepare for the worst.

“Let’s go!” He barked, lashing his tail once for the warriors to follow him before turning and leaving camp. He didn’t need to look to know they were following him - he could hear the march of many pawsteps and the rustling of brambles through the tunnel behind him. Fireheart instead kept his eyes on the trail again - following the thick fear-scent of his sister, which he had to focus on to keep from overwhelming him.

The meadow wasn’t far from camp - about as far away as the training hollow was, but on the other side of the ravine. There, Speckleflight was cooing softly at his niblings sitting amongst pale blue flowers, likely telling them a story about times long ago. Rosetail was sitting off to the side, doing her best to console Princess and Peppermask alike. The kits were occasionally glancing at their mama, clearly picking up on her fear, but politely listening to Speckleflight nonetheless.

He could see all four of them look eagerly towards him as the three patrols entered the meadow, but he had no time to stop and reassure them. He had to trust that the elders, Princess, and Peppermask would be enough eyes on his remaining niblings to keep them safe. Instead, with a swift nod shared between the patrols, they all turned and raced off towards their assigned directions.

“Dappleshine, you should take the lead. You’re the best hunter out of all of us.” Fireheart mewed, slowing down slightly to allow the tortoiseshell to do just that. There was no time for bragging, or for modesty: while Tinyfrost and Fireheart were both good hunters, it was well known within the Clan that Dappleshine had the sharpest nose and had taught two of the other great hunters in the Clan.

She slipped forward without complaint at the opening, keeping her nose raised as she drew air over her tongue to try and find a scent. Silently, Fireheart motioned for Tinyfrost to flank her on her other side, the three spreading out so that they could cover as much ground as possible without losing sight of each other in the forest undergrowth.

The ginger deputy tried to keep himself calm, taking deep breaths of the scents of the wild to keep his heart from racing. As scared as he was for his nephew, out in the forest on his own, allowing his fear to overtake him would only smother the other warriors’ attempts to scent out Cloudkit.

The forest was full of dangers - even things that would only bother a fully grown warrior could be deadly for a young kit. What if Cloudkit fell into a hole and couldn’t get back out? If he strayed out towards the Twolegplace, he would run into dogs - even the smallest of which would be impossible for a kit to handle on his own. And if he went towards the Owltree, and the owl was in the mood for a midday snack-

No, Fireheart couldn’t allow himself to imagine such horrors, forcing himself to take another couple of deep breaths as he continued flanking Dappleshine. For all he knew, one of the other patrols had found his nephew already. Maybe Cloudkit was already safe and sound, listening to Speckleflight tell a mighty tale about Lynxstar of Leopardclan and how she had driven out the fearsome Stonescales from the river. He could have even found his way back to the meadow on his own, having gotten bored of playing with himself.

There was no reason to-

“I smell him!” Fireheart’s ears perked forward as he heard Dappleshine’s call. Immediately, the other two warriors converged on her, finding her sniffing at a fallen log. “He climbed on top of this.” She explained as they both scented at the bark. Fireheart didn’t know whether to be thankful they had finally caught a trail, or furious that his nephew had gone so far into the forest on his own. They were almost at Tallpines! What had Cloudkit been thinking?

“Fireheart.” The deputy looked up at the sound of his old mentor’s quiet voice, seeing Tinyfrost sniffing at the air rather than the log. “Do you smell that?”

Both Fireheart and Dappleshine scented at the air, trying to discern what Tinyfrost was hinting at. It took Fireheart several heartbeats, but as soon as he did, his face wrinkled in disgust. “That’s the foulest smelling dog I’ve ever scented.” He growled disdainfully, before fear seized his heart. It was a recent scent. “You don’t think-”

“It’s not dog. It’s badger.” Dappleshine snarled out, pacing forward as her hackles began to rise. “That’s close. Somewhere in our territory, I think.”

Fireheart didn’t know what to do. He’d never seen a badger before - only heard tales about them swapped between the warriors. They were huge, lumbering beasts, big enough that a cat the size of Lionheart could ride on their backs, with claws as long as whiskers. Mistspring had mentioned driving one off once, in a combined effort between Windclan and Thunderclan. Three warriors couldn’t be enough to chase one out of their territory!

But Cloudkit was nearby. They couldn’t leave, not without finding his nephew. What if the badger found him? He was a white kit, after all, standing out amongst the greens and browns of the forest. He hadn’t had any battle training - he’d be easy prey -

The two other warriors were staring at him. Once again, Fireheart could feel bile rising in his throat. He was deputy - he had to make a decision. But what if Cloudkit died because of him? How could he go back to Princess and tell her that her kit could have lived, if he’d just made the right-

“We find the badger first.” Tinyfrost cut through his thoughts with the same quiet, icy tone he always had. “If the kit’s smart, he’ll have scented it and climbed a tree to wait for us. If he’s not, then we better get to it before it gets to him.” With that ominous note, Tinyfrost turned and began leading the way through the forest, towards the edge of Tallpines.

There was no need to taste the air now - the badger’s scent was thick and musty, like the marshes of Shadowclan had been when Fireheart had gone with Graystripe to defeat Brokentail and his rogues. It took everything in him not to completely block out the pungent odor - and he could tell that the other two warriors with him were feeling just the same.

“Help me!”

The voice was faint, but all three cats knew exactly who it was as it floated through the trees. As one, the three bounded forward, racing through the forest towards Cloudkit’s desperate cries. “Somebody! Help! Don’t let it get me!” They got louder and louder, until-

The three burst through the foliage into a large stony clearing sparsely covered by dry tufts of grass. On the far end was a small cliff, where a huge gray figure was swiping furiously at a crack in the bottom. Though he couldn’t see inside, Fireheart already knew what the badger was swiping at- Cloudkit.

“Tinyfrost, take its back! I’ll distract it from the front. Dappleshine, get Cloudkit out when it’s safe!” Fireheart was already barking out the orders as he dived forward, yowling a bitter battle cry as he lashed out at one of the badger’s front paws. It immediately turned towards him with baleful, beady eyes, returning his battle cry with a furious screech that rang through the air. Fireheart ducked as it swiped a large, clumsy paw at him, its claws easily thrice the length of his own. Fear and determination surged through his veins in equal measure; fear that this fight would be his last, and determination not to let it get to Cloudkit at any cost.

He swiped at its disgustingly large muzzle, his claws scoring through the coarse black and white fur with surprising ease. The badger was large, yes, but slow; slower than Tigerclaw had been, even. It let out another shrill scream as blood welled up from where his claws had been, lunging towards him with its massive bulk.

Fireheart took three quick steps back, luring the beast away from his nibling. It pounced towards him again, claws scoring into the earth once more as he took another pair of quick back steps. Before he could move further, however, a black shadow materialized on top of the badger: heartbeats later, it howled in furious pain as Tinyfrost dug into its thick gray fur with his claws and began biting for whatever he could reach.

The badger reared back, clearly intending to force its new attacker off, but before it could Fireheart had leaped forward to his former mentor’s aid, claws tearing away the tawny fur of its underbelly. He ducked back as the badger slashed wildly out with its giant claws, screeching furiously as it realized it was outnumbered.

In the corner of his eye, he saw Dappleshine race by with a distinctly white blur, and he immediately felt a wave of relief. Cloudkit was safe, which meant-

Fireheart yowled in shock as pain streaked through one side. He’d let himself be distracted for mere heartbeats - but heartbeats were long enough for the brutish creature, lunging forward to tear into his shoulder with its fangs. His first instinct was to tear away from it, but he forced himself to instead lean into the bite and use the opportunity to rake his claws down its neck. The badger immediately released him, shaking both one way and then the other as attacks came in from what surely felt like all sides.

Even as the pain filled his thoughts, Fireheart forced himself not to dwell on it, instead focusing on the beast in front of him. It was lashing out blindly now, clearly trying to get all the attacks to stop. “Tinyfrost! Let it go!” He called out to the small black tom.

Tinyfrost complied, sinking his fangs into its ear one last time before loosening his claws and letting the badger’s momentum throw him off to one side. It flailed out for another couple of heartbeats as the two warriors regrouped together, its tiny eyes flashing with panic as the attacks stopped as quickly as they had come.

“Get out!” Tinyfrost snarled, advancing on the creature with his claws prepared for more attacks. Fireheart quickly copied him, advancing on the badger with his fur puffed out as far as he could get it. As soon as they did, the badger turned quickly away from them towards the open forest beyond Tallpines. As soon as it saw a clear opening, it bolted, bounding away on its stubby legs into the woods beyond their border.

The two toms stood side by side as they watched it race off, their hearts still pounding from the thrill of the fight. Fireheart’s side began to sting, a sign that he would surely be visiting the healers shortly, but he once again pushed it away to turn and look for his nibling. “Dappleshine? Cloudkit? Are you alright?” He called softly, a tiny bolt of anxiety spiking through him. They had to be safe, right? There was no way they could have gotten hurt while he was fighting-

He sighed in relief as Dappleshine waddled into the clearing, carrying Cloudkit by his scruff. He was a bit too big for it now, dragging in the dirt between her legs, but the older queen didn’t seem to notice as she came to stand in front of Fireheart and Tinyfrost. She released his nephew gracelessly, and he fell into the dirt below with a thin wail.

“What in Starclan’s name were you doing out here?” Fireheart snarled at the little white kit, his tail lashing in anger now that the danger had passed. “You’ve got your mother worried sick, and the whole Clan tearing up the forest looking for you! Didn’t your mother tell you not to wander off?”

There was genuine fear in Cloudkit’s bold blue eyes, but as Fireheart lectured him he could see that same stubborn defiance that his nephew normally had beginning to leak back in. “I didn’t wander off.” He refuted, his chin sticking up into the air as he stared down his uncle.

“Didn’t wander off?” Fireheart scoffed, his anger only rising at his nephew’s audacity. “This hardly looks like the meadow where you’re supposed to be playing with your siblings, does it? Not to mention you’re only treelengths from the border, with no other cat to be seen, hiding from a badger - how exactly do you expect me to believe you didn’t wander off?”

“I didn’t!” Cloudkit repeated, stomping one tiny white paw. “I followed a warrior out here!”

Fireheart could hear noises of confusion from the other two cats, but he didn’t stop to let it bother him. “And how, exactly, did you follow a warrior out here when all of them were back in camp?” He spat, lashing his tail once more in emphasis. “Which warrior was this? Graystripe? Mistspring? Maybe Lionheart?”

Cloudkit looked confused at all the names. “I- I don’t- he didn’t say what his name was.” He mewed plaintively, his eyebrows furrowing as if in brief confusion. “But he said he had found something super cool to show me, so I followed him, but then he was gone and I got lost and then- then that thing-”

“And I suppose you expect me to believe this imaginary warrior grew wings and flew, right in front of your eyes.” Fireheart snapped, losing any patience he might have had left for his nephew. “Making up some warrior that doesn’t exist isn’t going to get you out of trouble, Cloudkit. But I’ll let your mother decide your punishment.”

Cloudkit immediately started complaining, furiously reasserting that he definitely had seen a real warrior that smelled of Thunderclan and everything, but Fireheart tuned him out and turned to the other two warriors. “Dappleshine, why don’t you go find Sandstorm’s patrol near the Riverclan border and let them know we’ve found him. Tinyfrost, you do the same for Mousefur’s patrol near Shadowclan. I’ll take this little troublemaker back to his mother.”

The two warriors looked slightly dubious at his orders, but if they had any doubts they didn’t voice them, instead turning away and racing off towards their respective areas. Fireheart advanced on Cloudkit, who could only stumble back a couple of steps before he was unceremoniously scruffed by his uncle. With a bitter scowl, still trying to ignore the pain of the badger bite in his side, Fireheart began carrying his nephew back to Princess and to safety. Leave it to Cloudkit to ruin an otherwise happy day, he grumbled to himself, satisfying his anger at his nephew by imagining all the punishments that he would suffer for this as the two made their way back to camp.

#talonslock #warrior cats #the prophecies begin #fanfic #thunderclan #talonslock story #forest of secrets #fireheart

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bratshaws · 2 years ago

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through the hourglass 115. brb x oc

a/n: so I'm stiill waiting on tumblrs email...it's uh, its really weird lol. But at least I'm not shadow banned ( apparently ) so...that's good??? I'm just going through it my guys, it's been a journey. Anyway, smut in the next chapter, it's been a while.

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none.

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

50/51/52/53/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/61/62/63/64/65/66/67/68/69/70/71/72/73/74/75/76/77/78/79/80/81/82/83/84/85/86/87/88

/89/90/91/92/93/94/95/96/97/98/99/100/101/102/103/104/105

/106/107/108/109/110/111/112/113/114

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

@emilybradshaw @j-6o @louisahale @leobabbyyy @kulicny @winter-run @ktjmac @graciereads @bigpoppajes @taytaylala12

@caitsymichelle13 @becks-things @caatheeriinee07 @dhwanishah09 @jesfreedark @katiemcrae @lilmonstrjedi @hobiismyhopeu @teacupsandtopgun @insominac23 @gh0stsgoodgirl @mygyn @chavivaelisheva

He waits for her at the balcony, seeing that she was still trying to mingle with the rest of Marcus’ friends and he had a feeling she’d need the gust of fresh air when she got outside. He turns the mocktail glass on the railing, the bottom scraping against the surface and creating a gritting repetitive sound that could still be heard even with the music and talking from the inside.

Bradley just smiles the second he sees her, her face flushed and smile so bright it was like she’d overshine the lights inside the room. He flicks two fingers her way in a simple wave, seeing his wife speed her step and part the doors open, her sandals clicking on the floor as she makes her way over, immediately hugging his neck and kissing him, “I’m sorry!’ she mutters against his lips, “Everyone was tugging me inside.”

‘I know, Miss Popular.” she laughs on his mouth, “You are just too precious to share so everyone needed to have you.”

Beatrice pulls back to smile at him kissing his chin, “You are my favorite one though.”

“Hm?”

“To have me.” she wasn’t drunk, she had no alcohol, but her boldness surely wasn’t missed by his already fired up brain. He just smirked, slowly,like a predator ready to bite at her words, leaning down to press a trail of kisses down her cheek towards her neck.

“Don’t tempt me,Mrs.Bradshaw.”

‘Never,Mr.Bradshaw.’

Bradley’s hands slide down the slope of her waist towards her ass, “No one is looking.” he says when she stiffens as soon as she feels those warm hands digging into her buttocks, “Too busy paying attention to anything but us.” and he hums, again like a big cat purring, as his fingers feel the outline of her underwear under the soft dress, “You look fucking out of this world.”

Beatrice’s arms around his neck tighten and she giggles, nuzzling his shirt, “I do look pretty good.”

He smirks, proudly, “Hell yeah you do, you always do.” her response was still a bit quiet and shy but he was happy that she agreed, “You look amazing every single time.”

“Stooop!”

“No.”

She tries to squirm away when he playfully nibbles her neck, squeaking out a laugh as his mustache tickled her skin, her hands slapping his chest in hopes it’d stop him from almost biting her neck but in reality…she didn’t care. She just wanted to be held by him.

That night…was turning out to be so incredible. Not only did she met the biggest names in the fashion industry, but she also met Ashley Graham. She loved that woman so much, she looked up to her so much and tonight she held her hands and told Beatrice how wonderful she looked and how amazing she did!

Beatrice was over the moon, because it seemed like her life was just what she always wanted as a child. She was so happy because this change started the second she saw Rooster in the bar, that was the turning point.

Her husband was special that way.

“Okay maybe I don’t want you to stop.” she whispers, drawing random shapes on his shirt with a little cheeky smile, peeking up at him through her lashes, “I kinda like hearing your voice telling me nice things, because I love your voice so much.”

Rooster’s smirk only widened and his lips dragged up to her ear where he whispered a “Good.” that made Beatrice giggle again and shudder in his hold, “But I’m glad you are having fun.”

“I am.” she says, “Oh! I need to check my phone,I hadn’t checked the whole night, what if my parents called and-”

“They could call me too.” he suggests, leaning his head back with his eyebrow up, “And my phone has nothing…don’t worry gorgeous,it’s okay. Everything is okay,Nikki is fine.”

Beatrice frowns, looking down at her phone to see that yes, much like Rooster, it was free of any messages from her parents but that didn’t make her feel any better. Because while she was happy,she missed their daughter so much, that little angel was such a blessing she couldn’t help it, “Do you think she’s having fun?”

“You know she is.” she pouts harder, “Gorgeous…”

“I just miss her,Roos.”

“I know baby,I know.” he loves Beatrice and how expressive she was, undoubtedly Nicole got that from her, his lips touching her scalp then the bridge of her nose, “She’s fine,she’s having a lot of fun, she really is.”

“Yeah…you are right.”

“Just like her mama.’ he smirks, digging his hands into her ass just a bit more, bringing her closer to his chest, “Who’s looking so nice and smelling so good it’s making me think very,very naughty thoughts.”

Beatrice bites her lower lip after putting her phone away, blushing a deeper shade of red and giggling at him, “Roos…” she could feel his hands still squeezing and massaging her ass with gusto, something he never got tired of doing not matter what time, “Well…I-I’m glad that you do…because um…so am I.”

Bradley’s eyes darkened over her words, his lips quirking up even higher and he gave a fleeting glance towards the party, then back down at his watch, “Do you need to stay much longer? Or can we leave?”

Beatrice looks back at the party much like he did, then chewed her lower lip, “I think we can leave,I don’t think there’s anyone else I have to talk to tonight.”

Music to his ears.

He kisses her lips soundly, giving her left buttcheek a gentle slap - again, no one was looking at them - before he interlaced their fingers and they marched back inside. They had to walk through the guests to leave, they could talk to Evelyn and Jake on the way out, they knew the two wouldn't bat an eye at their hurry out.

If Rooster’s absolute shit eating grin was any sign that is.

But before they reached the door, Marcus’ shiny suit appeared in front of them, “Darlings!” he coos, throwing his hands up with four assistants behind him, “Oh my darlings! Are you two leaving?”

“Uh, yeah.” Rooster replies, looking down at Beatrice, “I think it’s time for us to go.”

“Of course, of course.” Marcus said, looking back at his assistants with his hands clasped together, “But before you do.”

The four short assistants marched up to the front, holding boxes in different sizes and shapes, some of them so big they couldn’t see the top of the assistants’ heads. Beatrice parted her lips in surprise, “Marcus– no no no! You already gave me gifts-” but that was too late because the group was walking out of the building with Marcus following behind.

And the two of them knew they had to follow as well, “I’ll unlock the car.” Rooster mutters, kissing her temple and walking ahead to reach the Bronco, Beatrice watched with a little confused smile but hugged herself, almost in disbelief at what was happening.

She couldn’t hear what Rooster was telling Marcus and his assistants, but he was grinning when he opened the car for them to put everything inside. Beatrice walked close enough to catch bits and pieces of the conversation.

“You are just going to spoil our daughter,Marcus.” Rooster says,”She already got so much from you.”

“Don’t be silly,I love the little princess! And there are gifts for you two as well. What sort of boss would I be if I didn’t do that?”

Beatrice noticed how the boxes had the same greek motif as the launch, she knew these were the clothes she wore during the photoshoot…and a few more, because she knew Marcus. She just knew him way too well.

“Thank you,Marcus.” she whispers as the assistants keep on putting on the boxes inside the car, leaving space in it enough for them to put Nicole in her seat when they went to pick her up. She was thankful that it wasn’t that late and her parents, ever since they had the new round of grandchildren, would usually stay late anyway so they wouldn’t wake them up.

“Darling.” Marcus smiles, tilting his head a bit and hugging her again, this time the hug had even more feeling and care, he was thanking her without words, gently rubbing her back, “Oh,darling, you don’t have to thank me.” he whispers, “You did wonderful, everyone loves you…you are magnificent.”

Beatrice just smiles shyly at the compliment, air kissing Marcus as he holds her hands in his, giving her another grin, “Anyway! I must go back to the party, do not worry,I’ll make sure Evelyn stays hydrated because of the little one.” he says, “Now you two drive safely, you hear? Do ring me, darling, when you get home.”

“I will Marcus.” she nods, “Thank you.”

“Anytime,darling.” he grins one last time, then says goodbye to Rooster with a hug and a pat on the back, “Very well! Everyone,inside! I didn’t see any of you eat!”

“But,Marcus, we did eat.”

“Oh?Well…there’s always room for more!” he laughs with a gentle toss of his head, letting his assistants walk inside first as he stands on the sidewalk watching the two enter the car. He waves his fingers in a gentle wave, one that Beatrice reciprocates as she latches on the seatbelt.

She turns her body a bit more as they drive off, seeing Marcus’ body get smaller and smaller the farthest they get from his house…and Beatrice falls back on her seat with a smile, closing her eyes with a pleasing sigh, smiling even more when she feels Rooster’s large hand engulfing hers.

“My girl.” he says,gently shaking her hand and then bringing it up to his lips to kiss her knuckles and the back of her fingers, “You did so amazing tonight.”

‘Thank you,Roos.” she replies, bringing his own hand to her mouth to kiss his fingers as well, then nuzzled against his knuckles with another sigh, “I…I’m really happy, I really am.”

“Good,you should be.”

The gated community is now away from them, far,far away, as they make their way to Little Italy to get their daughter back. Beatrice sinks into the seat a bit more, then toes off her shoes with a grimace, “Ah….freedom.”

“You good?”

“Yeah,” she rolls her foot a bit, hearing it crack with the movement, “Just a bit sore.”

“Do you want me to carry you past the threshold?”

Beatrice grins at him, placing his hand on top of her thigh “I wouldn’t mind it.” she says, rubbing his finger with her thumb and thankful that he could drive one handed - one of his many talents if she had to admit herself - towards her parents’ house.

Luckily, the lights were on, including the Christmas lights, they probably had an idea when they’d come anyway so they didn’t keep everything dark. Beatrice saw her father on the window, holding Nicole and their little daughter immediately wriggled and smiled as soon as she saw the car.

‘Roos.” she calls his attention after he parks. “Look.”

Rooster has to lean down a bit to have a better view, but his smile only widens when he notices Nicole wriggling and giggling, like the happy baby that she was, “She’s so cute, we have such a cute kid.”

‘We do.” Bea grins, kissing his jawline before he steps out, waiting inside the car because Rooster always,always liked to open the door for her no matter what, “Thank you,Roos.” she says, dropping her clutch onto the floor and ignoring that she had nothing on her feet, deciding that comfort was much better than anything else.

“Tesoro!” Her mother’s voice breaks the air, the gentle sound of Christmas music inside as she holds her robe, her smile dropping when she notices that Beatrice had no shoes on, “What the- where are your shoes?”

“Oh ah, in the car.”

“I’ll get you some slippers,” Claudia is already turning around, “Don’t move! I have an extra pair!”

Beatrice just sighs with a little smile knowing there was no way she’d be able to stop her mother from doing so. She walks up the steps, greeting Pomodoro and Marinara once she gets inside and she hears her daughter’s happy squealing. “Okay,okay, little passerotto, I know you miss them- hello honey.” he leans down to kiss Beatrice’s head, “You look beautiful, how was the party?”

“Thanks papa, it was fine, really fun.” she gasps gleefully as she picks Nicole up from her father’s arms, smiling when she notices the onesie they dressed her with was one of her old ones - with the little tomato embroidery on the front - she filled it almost perfectly, “How was Nikki tho? She give you any trouble?”

“Nicole? Never.” Rafael smirks with his hands on his hips, “She enjoyed a lot of old cartoons. She watched Topo Gigio huh? We put on the old dvds for her to watch and she loved it.”

“Wow,Topo Gigio, I haven’t heard that name in so long.” Beatrice giggles, kissing her daughter’s head, smiling even more when her little arms reach behind her, Rooster walking inside and immediately leaning down to kiss her button nose. “I’m sure it was fun.”

“What was it? Hi Rafael,” the two men shake hands just in time for Claudia to come back with an arrangement of slippers, in different colors and patterns, setting them down in front of Beatrice so she could choose one, “What was it that she watched?”

“Topo Gigio, it’s an Italian kids show.” Beatrice says, “We all watched once in our lifetimes- mama, it’s okay.” Beatrice sighed, lifting her foot so her mom could slide one of the slippers under it so she could put it on without issues…and so her mother could calm down. “It’s really fun.”

‘Yeah?” he smiles at Nicole, gently prying her from Beatrice’s arms to press several little kisses to her soft cheek “That seems fun, did you have fun Nikki?”

“Dada!’ and she noms his cheek, her own version of kisses was still the most adorable thing in the whole universe, “Ahmm muh muh!”

The three other people watching this just smiled at the interaction, their chat was short and to the point, they had to go back home after all and Nicole had to sleep. So with their goodbyes said, and Beatrice wearing a pair of bright pink flowery slippers that her mother bought when they went to Hawai’i that time when Guillermo went to college, they set Nicole into her seat.

The little baby looked down at the boxes with her eyes wide and curious, vocalizing more and letting out an ‘ah?’ every now and again, as if she was asking what everything was.

“Gifts from your uncle Marcus,Nikki.” Beatrice smiles, kissing her daughter’s cheek after she’s safely put in her seat. Nicole just kicks her little legs while bringing her fist into her mouth, more out of curiosity than hunger - amazing how she could understand Nicole’s little quirks now and so easily as well. They said goodbye to her parents one last time before entering the car and driving off..

And they heaved out a sigh.

Then chuckled quietly.

‘Fuck,” he smirks, rubbing his forehead, “What a night.”

“What a night.”

“You know…” he licks his lips, “...never in my entire life I thought I’d befriend a fashion designer…and that this fashion designer would sew clothes for my wife and our daughter and me…hell,I’m still trying to wrap my own head around it.”

Beatrice lowers her brows with worry, “...how does that make you feel?”

“Honestly? I feel like everything I planned in my life went the complete opposite way.” he didn’t sound upset when he said that, “...and I wouldn’t have any, any, other way…I really wouldn’t.”

“Yeah?”

Bradley lowers his eyelids, his smile disappearing for a second, “Yeah. I love this.I love our life together…and I love that I can try new things with you,gorgeous. I really do.”

Beatrice smiles back at him, their daughter still vocalizing in the back of the car, “...me too,Roos.” she holds his hand, “Me too.”

#bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x oc #top gun maverick #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw x female reader #bradley bradshaw x named reader #tgm oc #tgm fic #tgm fanfiction

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akeowc · 10 months ago

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Well, this is a story from a novel on Wattpad called “Sleeping Love.” You can find it on Wattpad and read it because I have already published approximately 7 chapters

To be clearer, this is Lance x oc's story, ever since I watched the show I've actually fallen for him.

So I wanted to do a story for him with my oc.

Now I leave you with the information.

Name: Elena Harris

Japanese name: エレナ・ハリス

Alias: Sleeping head

CHARACTERISTICS

Age

15 (Debut)

16 (now)

Gender

Female

Hair color

navy blue

Eye color

Bright teal

Height

164 cm

Weight

51 kg

Birthday

May 7th

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

Affiliation

Easton Magic Academy

Occupation

Student

Status

Alive

RELATIONSHIPS

Family

Unnamed father

Dead mother

Leon Harris (Older Brother)

MEDIA

Anime debut

Episode 1

Manga debut

Chapter 1

Japanese va

Sumire Morohoshi

Elena's mother died when Elena was very young. After her death, Leon took care of his little sister until she was 5 years old, when he had to leave his sister and go to Easton Magic Academy. During this period, her father was so busy that he appointed a nanny to take care of Elena.

She took care of her until she was 9 years old and said that she could take care of herself, so she did not need a nanny, even though she spent most of her time sleeping, which made her personality to be somewhat lazy. One day when she was 10 She went to the forest to go for a walk, and on her way she came across a boy of the same age pumping iron

She talked to him and asked him why he trained like this, he only replied that his father only told him to do it, she later learned that his name was Mash, and I became friends with him, since most people can't stand Elena's lazy personality when she starts, but Mash didn't mind she also knew that he loves cream puffs, and when he finishes training, they eat them

Appearance

Elena is a girl of average height. She has slightly messy dark blue hair and pale skin. She has a moon-shaped mark on her left cheek. She often wears simple clothes when she visits Mash, but when she entered Easton Magic Academy, she always wore a school uniform that consisted of a T-shirt. White, with a red tie, a black skirt with black socks, brown shoes and a black cloak, she is often seen with a sleepy expression but with a small smile on her face.

Fanbook Stats:

Blood type: O-

Dominant Hand: Right

Foot size: 23cm

Good Subjects: Astronomy, stars and the sky in general

Bad Subjects: Annoying or arrogant people

Hobbies: Sleep at all times and learn new information

Favorite Food: Sweets of all kinds

Favorite word: Sleep is the solution to everything

Favorite type of opposite sex: I don't care much about appearance, the important thing is that he is a good person and can deal with my personality

Dislikes: Complex topics

Frequently visited school spots: Mash room, dormitory kitchen

E.g. of spending money: Buy astronomy books

How to spend holidays: Hanging out with Mash and sleeping

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

I hope you liked Elena. I tried as much as possible to try to imitate the style of drawing the anime, and this is what happened to me. The next chapter will be about the meeting of Mash and Elena. After that, I will start plotting the anime

See you in the next chapter!

#mashle #mashle magic and muscles #mashle oc #mashle x oc #mash burnedead #lance crown #finn ames

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mydysfunctionalvampirefamily · 9 months ago

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I know I know I know I am still in the middle of forgetting Ashville but someone made me so curious about 51 and 52 that I had to do an intermezzo.

Neil trying to split them to go each to their own domains, and then pendragon being like yes let's split up Britta stays with me lol.

Neil wanting to grab Britta to keep her with him and away from pendragon. 😭

Neil is so anxious, poor boy.

Uhoh. The shower went silent???

Miles daydreaming... But sir about what? 👀👀

Wait is this the same day? Because it sounds like Miles has been in office for a little bit? Or am I misunderstanding?

Johnny calling Miles your highness with sarcasm is so good.

Nara! Is she Miles's doorman now? What's been happening?

Miles is so casual about everything? Was his uptightness all because he didn't get laid?? You can't tell me him and Marcos didn't get it on now and then.

Miles is trying so hard, but this is all so complicated. Noooooo this is unbearable. I cannot deal with this awkwardness and Miles saying the wrong thing. It's too much, please I cannot handle secondhand embarrassment. Why would anyone want to be Prince?

What is happening right now??? Miles is being collected?

Okay not gonna lie, it's not that this episode isn't good so far, but I don't get the big deal with this episode. So far.

Johnny as senechal??? 😂😂 And primogen?? And Miles didn't even tell him beforehand?!? Why???

What???? These fucking princes, bunch of shitheads. I am so confused.

Wait praxis again?? Lmaoo is new haven going to be a revolving door of praxises? 😂

Not the rust coloured jacket!!! How dare they!

Okay but what is Miles's obsession with chopping people's arms off?

5 celerity actions??? Damn

Holy fuck. They are both absolute beasts this fight, like it's kind of scary actually.

He's trying to rip the guy's arms off??? I'm screaming!!! Reminds me of "is your weakest at the elbow or the shoulder?"

An sos from his fucking daughter???? Right now???? Can they never have a moment of peace???!? Fucking fuck.

Kabir!!! I totally forgot about Kabir!

Oh my God! New mechanic?? Seizing narrative control!?! That's cool!

Jesus christ!! That static was a fucking jump scare omg!!!

No little boy can survive....?!? Don't you dare touch Joey!!!! I will murder you.

This narrative control is crazy!!! So badass.

"my Joey" omg I'm gonna cry! 😭

Kabir is gone?????? Because she took narrative control??. Cruel but amazing.

"Baby?" Not the baby omg. 😭😭😭 Parents talking gentle about their children is my weakness.

The shower turns off and the sink begins to run? Why?

FESTER!! STOP! 😂😂😂😂

... Is that racist against toreador??

Can she even...? NEIL! How were you going to finish that sentence???

"I've done sex" clearly said by someone who has had sex... Clearly.

The way I cackled when Neil said that.

Neil just talking about how he likes that his family is closer and Britta is the glue. 😭

Fester! Don't you dare make Neil doubt that Britta loves him!!

What what what??? What is happening???? What is this conversation??? Neil's sire?? What? Fire?!? Molotov cocktail??? Fester Neil's sire??? I'm so confused?!?

He has some guts, just pulling her by the corset and starting to untie it. So fucking rude!

"it's just rational to let him help" suuuure Britta.

In front of a fucking mirror??? Pendragon is such a walking villain cliché.

Jan Petersen is Miles's sire right?

Also so far the only redeeming quality Pendragon has (aside from sexiness) is the way he says camarilla.

They're just having a normal conversation and I think oh this isn't so bad, but then he goes to brush his hands over her arms and touch her and I'm just squicked out! And forcing her to see her moon. GROSS!!!!

This man is using such classic abusive tactics of pulling her in, being semi nice, and then threatening her. Like what a piece of trash!

Don't you dare be disarmed by this girl desperately trying to save herself from meeting the sun!!!

He summoned her to the bathroom?!? Like dude you can just call her over she is like 15 feet away from you. You are such a piece of SHIT!

I hate pendragon. And I hate That part of me is still going 👀.

#This is a long one folks #I'm sorry #path of night podcast #pon liveblogging #Season 3 #Episode 51

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strawberrycakelove · 7 months ago

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Power levels in Dragonball are strangely consistent.

I don't have the patience to write much so I'll get straight to the point. Master Roshi destroys the Moon in the 21nd tournament in order to undo Goku's Oozaru transformation, In chapters 51 and 52.

His PL according to one of the official guides in that tournament was 180.

Which indicates that the minimum required to destroy the Moon is a PL of 180 in Dragonball. If you read the manga you will see that he does it with a lot of effort. Which is corroborated with Piccolo easily destroying the moon with a power of 329, in chapter 208.

His PL is read by Bulma in the next chapter, 209.

And in the Saiyan saga it is widely known that Vegeta had PL of 18,000

And Vegeta declares that he can blow up the planet in chapter 231

And you may be asking, so what? This is already known, but what is the connection between Master Roshi's 180 PL from fighting that destroyed the Moon and Vegeta's 18,000 that, according to him, could destroy the Earth?

Why is a 100x larger PL necessary to go from destroying the Moon to destroying the Earth?

The connection is the MASS between the two celestial bodies, as the Moon's mass is only 1% of the Earth's mass, and based on this it is possible to estimate the destruction capacity of the Dragonball characters.

Obviously I won't put prints here as this can be easily searched on Google.

To be more precise, if you do a quick Google search, the Moon's mass is 1.2% of the Earth's mass, but to make it easier I will consider 1%, which creates a consistent connection between Roshi's PL when destroying the Moon and Vegeta's PL when declaring that he would destroy the Earth, as his maximum power was 18,000, about 100x more, which is approximately the same mass ratio between the Moon and the Earth.

From then on, it becomes much easier to estimate the destructive capacity of the characters after this saga.

Then one might ask, what was Goku's destructive capacity in the Frieza saga, when his power reached 150,000,000 PL? (this information is also widely known) well, just do a simple math, 150,000,000/18,000, which gives approximately 8,333, and that, simply put, corresponds to approximately 26 times the mass of Jupiter, Frieza with 60,000,000 did not blow up Namek immediately (imagine the mass that Namek must have to not have been destroyed immediately!)

And this is still a long way from being able to destroy the entire Solar System as Cell declared he could, and this is also not inconsistent, as Future Trunks killed Frieza and his father easily, but he had no chance with the Androids who were weaker than Cell in its perfect form.

Because estimating by the mass of the Sun, which concentrates 99.85% of the Mass of the Solar System, it is necessary at least approximately a power capable of destroying 1000x the mass of Jupiter to be able to destroy the Sun, and just over 1000x to destroy the Solar System entire in DragonBall.

Cell in his perfect form was approximately 40 times stronger than Goku in his first Super Saiyan transformation, and this scale is quite consistent with how PL in Dragonball usually scales.

#dragonball #dragonball z #dbz #power levels #random thoughts #headcannons #power scaling

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jurassic-cunt · 2 years ago

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i've always wondered about armand's decision to keep out of daniel's sight for an entire summer. daniel says armand "returned", implying armand wasn't there, but he was as totally watching daniel ("i want to see what you do. i want to know what you are.")

was armand trying to stay away from daniel, because he knew he was bad for him, but couldn't bear to stay away? or was it more calculating than that?

by armand's own admission, he believes that any human knowing of vampires "will go mad in time from this knowledge, that's what always happens.", but that doesn't happen to daniel

"In a cheap hotel only a half block from the ruins of ancient Pompeii, he had spent his hours reading, writing, trying to define what his glimpse into the supernatural had done to him, and how he must learn again to want, to envision, to dream. Immortality on this earth was indeed possible. This he knew without question, but what did it matter if immortality was not Daniel's to have?

By day he walked to broken streets of the excavated Roman city. And when the moon was full he wandered there, alone, by night as well. It seemed sanity had come back to him. And life might soon come back too. Green leaves smelled fresh when he crushed them in his fingers. He looked up at the stars and did not feel resentful so much as sad.

Yet at other times, he burned for Armand as if for an elixir without which he could not go on. The dark energy that had fired him for four years was now missing. he dreamed Armand was near him; He awoke weeping stupidly. Then the morning would come and he would be sad but calm."

when armand saw daniel recovering, did that set him apart from the rest in armand's eyes? did he then decide that he would make it so daniel couldn't live without him? and so gave him his blood to keep daniel tethered to him

timestamp 45:17 - 51:24 of ch4 (devil's minion) of qotd version narrated by simon vance

#i listened to the devil's minion chapter again since i couldn't read yesterday #and this is plaguing my mind again #devil's minion #tvc #jurassic-cunt

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kasienda · 2 years ago

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Right Behind You - Ch 12: Without

Chapters: 1 | ... | 10 | 11 | 12

Read on Ao3

Chapter 12: Without

“Yes! Perfecto, Adrien! Turn to your left. Chin up, shoulders relaxed. You’re the sweetheart that lives next door!”

The camera clicked rapidly again and again as Adrien moved through Vincent’s directions. There was something comforting about the task. It took all of his attention, so he couldn’t think about anything else, but also required no effort since he had long since mastered putting on a show.

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Now, look this way, over the shoulder. Drop the smile. You are as mysterious as the moon. Stoic, someone to be relied upon when all falls apart.”

The clicks never stopped. Adrien gave Vincent several angles, careful to pause at each pose for a second or two before shifting to the next.

“You are on fire today, beau gosse!”

Adrien knew better than to break his pose to accept the compliment though part of him still always wanted to.

“Turn those green emeralds to the sky, right hand on your shoulder. Perfecto. Now, slide those fingers through those golden locks like it is silk.”

There was way too much product in his hair for it to feel remotely soft, but Adrien obliged. Experience told him it would look soft in the final image.

“Alright! Next set!” Vincent called, gesturing Adrien to the adjacent backgrounds with a different color palette. “We’re going for raw desire. Think of the love of your life!”

The lump in his throat was immediate. Adrien tried to swallow it, but the burn behind his eyes was only a second behind.

“No no no! That is way too sad. I want longing! I want devotion!”

Adrien shook his head. “I’m sorry, Vincent. Do you think I could take five?” His voice broke on the question.

Vincent nodded in understanding, lowering the camera.

“We’re way ahead of schedule at the moment. Take fifteen.”

“Thank you.”

Vincent clapped a warm hand onto his shoulder in a rare show of empathy.

Adrien’s face crumpled as he lost the battle to his grief.

Vincent squeezed his shoulder. “You’ll be okay again, mon ami.”

Adrien nodded, not bothering to wipe away his tears. His makeup was already ruined.

…

Chloé:

[20:20] You ever gonna stop being a gloomy pants?

Adrien:

[20:38] Gloomy pants? What are we, five?

Chloé:

[20:38] I’ve been talking to kids all day and you are dodging the question.

Adrien:

[20:42] I still can’t believe that of the two of us, you’re the one that regularly interacts with kids.

[20:42] By choice.

Chloé:

[20:43] Adrien! Answer the fucking question. Marinette’s been gone two weeks! You never even dated her. I didn’t expect you to be this upset for so long.

Adrien:

[22:12] oh, I’m sorry. Is my gloomy aura inconvenient for you?

Chloé:

[22:14] Yes! It is! Very inconvenient!

[22:14] I want you to meet Cassandra!

Adrien:

[22:14] Oh. You want me to meet your girlfriend.

Chloé:

[22:15] I want you two to get along. And it would help if you were your charming and cheerful self.

Adrien:

[22:15] This is even more serious than I thought.

Chloé:

[22:15] Yes! Super serious. Go ahead and make fun of me.

Adrien:

[22:16] I would never.

Chloé:

[22:16] Right.

Adrien:

[22:17] I wouldn’t! Not over this, which you already know.

[22:19] Why are you so nervous??? You know that I can bring out my charming and cheerful self whenever you need me to.

[22:19] Anytime.

Chloé:

[22:51] But I want you to have fun too. I want you to like her.

Adrien:

[22:52] If she’s important to you and good to you, I like her.

Chloé:

[22:52] And I DO want you to be okay!

Adrien:

[22:52] 😊

[22:53] I will be okay… eventually. But we don’t have to wait for that day to meet up with your girlfriend.

[22:54] A distraction is always nice.

Chloé:

[22:57] Okay. I will send you some days next week.

Adrien:

[22:57] I look forward to it.

Chloé:

[23:08] And bring a date. It’ll be less awkward.

Adrien:

[23:16] I don’t know if I’m ready to date.

Chloé:

[23:16] Ugh. Fine. Bring Lahiffe then.

Adrien:

[23:18] You want me to bring Nino to meet Cassandra?

[23:18] But Nino drives you nuts.

Chloé:

[23:19] He does not.

Adrien:

[23:19] 🤨

Chloé:

[23:19] He doesn’t! he doesn’t like me.

Adrien:

[23:20] not true.

Chloé:

[23:21] whatever. Bring him anyway. It’ll be less awkward.

Adrien:

[23:21] are you sure? I could invite Kagami instead.

Chloé:

[23:22] NO!!!!

[23:22] Kagami is her boss!

Adrien:

[23:23] aren’t you also her boss?

Chloé:

[23:23] Ew. No.

…

Rena Rouge landed in a crouch next to Carapace and Chat Noir with a huge grin. “That was awesome!” she exclaimed, seizing them both in congratulatory hugs.

Carapace mirrored her expression. Chat’s solution against the akuma had been rather inspired, worthy of Ladybug herself. And the execution could not have gone more smoothly.

“It only worked because you guys are so good,” Chat Noir said, beaming back at both of them.

It was weird seeing Chat so humble. Nino had always seen him as a bit of a braggart. But it wasn’t unusual at all for Adrien to deflect credit to everyone around him. The dichotomy between his two personas was fast collapsing though now that both Nino and Alya knew who he was.

“Come on, Kit-Kat! You know that plan was genius!”

“I was pretty impressed, myself,” Chat admitted. And that sounded like Chat Noir, but the pink stain across his cheeks reminded him more of Adrien.

Alya laughed. “As you should—“

A high-pitched scream broke through their self congratulations, and all three of them whirled around. Carapace half expected another akuma.

But it was just a kid. The young girl, no more than two or three years old, sat on the ground, screaming. A woman stood behind her, staring at the empty space in front of them in shock.

“Shit,” Rena cursed.

“What’s wrong?” Chat asked.

“I wasn’t paying attention, and I think that kid just broke my Ladybug illusion.”

Nino sighed. It had only been a matter of time. It had been amazing that the trick had lasted as long as it had. “It’s fine,” he said. “It bought us some time.”

“If you would just pick out a new Ladybug it wouldn’t be an issue,” Rena pointed out for what had to be the tenth time that week.

“Yeah, because good Ladybugs are so easy to find,” Nino snapped back.

“This is not the time,” Chat cut in. “Let’s get out of here before we get swarmed by reporters.”

Carapace nodded and they all took off together. They could deal with the PR fallout later, after they had time to strategize a response.

…

“Xuppu!” Nino barked, yanking his headphones from his ears. “What are you doing? ”

The monkey kwami froze in space, two white socks hanging from either of his hands.

“I’m making a kwami obstacle course!” he exclaimed, flying into the kitchen.

“A what?” Nino asked, following him. Dozens of Nino’s socks had been glued to the ceiling to create “vines” that the other giggling kwamis were using to swing across the room like it was some kind of artificial jungle. The socks were attached with some kind of goopy paste, which Nino suspected was at least partially made out of flour judging by the white powder that dusted over everything in the room.

Nino wanted to tear his hair out.

Wayzz had said that being the Guardian wouldn’t take anymore of his time and personal life than being Carapace had.

Wayzz had been wrong.

Akuma alerts had always put him on edge. But now, the alarm twisted his gut in anxiety and dread. Combat decisions that had once felt second nature, now felt heavy and important. Nino doubted himself constantly - more than he had in years . But all of that, Nino had anticipated at least to some extent.

He had not anticipated household chores taking ten times as long. Longer, if the kwamis decided they wanted to “help”.

Nino initially thought caring for the kwamis was like living with a bunch of unsupervised children. But that wasn’t quite right. They weren’t incompetent or ignorant enough to be children. It was more that they seemed to embody their concept so purely. There was no reasoning with most of them with regards to anything.

Longg always had some criticism to offer to make things more perfect. Daizzi wanted all the other kwamis to be happy. And Xuppu. Xuppu just wanted to create mayhem.

“Tikki,” Nino whined.

The Ladybug inspired kwami flew over to him immediately, her expression apologetic. “Yes, Nino?”

“I don’t suppose you can miraculously heal my kitchen?”

She shook her head sadly. “Miraculous Ladybug can only reverse what is done with a kwami’s power. No one today has used their powers.”

Nino sighed. He had known it was a long shot before he had asked. This was going to take hours to clean up. He was beginning to see why the Guardians had built in the ability to compel the kwamis to follow orders.

But he had promised himself he wouldn’t use that power. Especially over something so mundane.

“Chat Noir might be able to cataclysm away some of the mess,” she offered, her expression bright. “But you might be out a fair number of socks.”

Nino clutched his head. He didn’t have the time or the money for this. Seriously, why couldn’t he be the Guardian of the Kwami of Cleanliness, or the Kwami of Serenity and Calm?

His work cell rang. He answered it; forcing a smile into his voice.

“You’ve reached the Nino Lahiffe, your best bud to bring you the Best Beatz.”

“I’m throwing a party for my son’s graduation. He loves your music. We were hoping to hire you for Saturday, the 16th?”

Nino pulled up his calendar. He was already booked that day.

It felt like he was booked for every day - every spare moment. Even his open weeknights were becoming few and far between.

Business had never been so good.

“I’m so sorry, but I’m booked solid that entire week. And I don’t have any weekends available until July.”

“Oh.” There was a slight pause. “We’ll keep looking. Thanks anyway.”

The call ended.

“Gah! Why is business suddenly booming?” Nino demanded of no one.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Tikki observed with a frown.

“I just don’t have time to run a suddenly all consuming business by myself while simultaneously learning how to lead an elite superhero team! Why couldn’t I have made it big like a year ago, or a year from now?”

Tikki giggled. “At least after a few gigs you’ll have enough money to buy more socks.”

Nino’s hands clamped to either side of his hat and groaned.

…

The reporters filled the street below before the akuma battle had even wrapped up. Chat Noir knew he shouldn’t avoid them any longer even if he wanted to vault away the second his job was done. But their questions needed to be addressed. Adrien would just have preferred any of the other heroes taking on the task.

But a temporary hero making this announcement wouldn’t exactly inspire confidence. And they couldn’t let on that Nino was in a new leadership position, but Alya had led battles before. Surely, she could have taken the hit.

“Paris trusts Chat Noir more than anyone else,” Alya had insisted. “Well, except for Ladybug. But it’s best if this news comes from you. Anything else will look like you and Ladybug had a falling out.”

Which neither Nino nor Plagg had been able to refute, and Tikki had agreed wholeheartedly with Alya.

Chat Noir turned to face the crowd, keeping his face carefully neutral. They wouldn’t see his grief or his claustrophobia.

“Chat Noir! How long has Paris been without Ladybug’s protection?”

He took a breath and smoothed his expression with the practiced ease that came from years in front of a camera. “The Ladybug miraculous has never stopped being in play and is still working to protect and heal the city during and after akumas.”

“But Ladybug herself has been gone for how long?”

Chat shook his head. “To both protect her identity and the miraculous team, I cannot give you an exact date, but it’s been more than a few weeks.”

Barely. Two weeks and four days. The longest, most depressing eighteen days of Adrien’s life.

“And where is Ladybug?”

“Ladybug is currently taking a leave of absence for health reasons.”

Nino had been worried about people being anxious with a new Ladybug, and Tikki had insisted that if she wanted it to, her glamour could obfuscate the fact that the miraculous had traded hands at all.

“When will she return?”

“It is unknown at this time how long her recovery will take, but I’m confident that I and the rest of the miraculous team will be able to protect Paris for as long as needed.”

“How can we trust the heroes when you deceive us in such a way?”

Chat Noir suppressed a sigh. “Our strategy was to deceive Hawkmoth. Not Paris.”

“Has Ladybug been permanently disabled?”

“Have you and Ladybug had a falling out?”

“Is Ladybug pregnant?”

“It is very important to me to respect Ladybug’s privacy,” Chat cut in, knowing the questions would just keep coming, “and I ask that you do the same. That’s all I have to share. Thank you!”

He saluted and vaulted off the sidewalk. He couldn’t get away fast enough.

…

Nino was on his way to meet a client when the akuma alert went off for the third time that week. He was already on thin ice with several established clients and he really didn’t want to add another to the list. There was also a fifty-fifty chance Noёl would be calling for rescue later in the evening.

In other words, Nino really needed this one to go fast.

He arrived, relieved to find Lady Rouge already there and transformed. The Ladybug-Fox combination was one of his favorites on her, and today it seemed even more striking with faint dancing wisps of red and orange swirling around her hair. It was one of the more unique applications of her illusion he had seen, giving her an ethereal quality that he loved.

“I like the fire. It’s a nice touch. Suits you,” he said, taking in the scene below.

Lady Rouge turned furrowed eyebrows at him. “Fire?”

“The red and orange just work together,” he said, gesturing to the faint glow around her shoulders and hair.

She glanced down. “I think it’s just part of the transformation.”

Really? He had never seen a transformation have this kind of effect after the transformation was done. But he supposed he didn’t really know what was possible and it didn’t matter at the moment. “So what have we got?”

“A jumper.”

Carapce winced. A jumper could teleport. They were usually difficult to pin down, and this akuma was no exception. It flitted in and out of existence constantly, and he never knew where it was coming from.

It was like fighting a mosquito.

“Carapace!” Chat screamed in warning, but the akuma was already crashing into him from the side, his hands grappling at Carapace’s wrist.

Carapace rolled backwards and kicked the akuma in the stomach. Or tried to. The akuma flickered away in a flash of folded space and he kicked only air.

Carapace growled in frustration as Chat hauled him to his feet. At least none of them were in danger of dying this time.

“I think we need some help on this one,” Chat said.

Carapace tensed. He didn’t exactly know what most of Marinette’s chosen temp heroes were up to these days. He had been meaning to reform some connections, but he hadn’t gotten around to that at all. Between his job, akumas, and kwamis, Nino barely had time for anything else. “What do you need?”

“An invisible mouse.”

“I can give Rena the Mouse.” The Fox could maintain invisibility.

Chat shook his head. “No, I need her where she is, she’s already dual wielding, and handing off the Ladybug in the middle of a jumper fight is a recipe for disaster.”

Carapace wished he had an argument against that because he had no idea where Mylène lived or worked these days. He hadn’t spoken to her since lycée. When Marinette had shared all the identities it had amused him that almost all of them were just their friends from collège.

But Nino hadn’t kept in touch with anyone outside of their core group of friends.

“Why the Mouse?” he asked.

“It can be everywhere at once.”

“What about the Snake?” Nino countered. He knew where Luka’s recording studio was. He let Nino borrow the space on occasion when he needed to record some vocals.

Chat’s lips pressed into a thin line. Chat Noir had always hated having to use the Snake’s time loop. Nino had never asked why, but knowing Adrien, something likely had happened that he had never shared.

“That could work,” Chat conceded.

Thank everything good for that.

…

Noёl:

[23:08] so… u coming?

Nino:

[23:09] Shit! Yes. Sorry. Be there in 15.

Noёl:

[23:09] that’s what u said thirty minutes ago

Nino:

[23:09] I got distracted.

Noёl:

[23:10] Seriously, are u ok?

Nino:

[23:10] Fine. Just swamped.

[23:12] I have several new clients that are super demanding.

Noёl:

[23:12] Clients! Sounds serious

Nino:

[23:14] It is!

Noёl:

[23:15] If u can’t come get me, I’ll figure it out. Just tell me.

Nino:

[23:15] Don’t move. I’m already on my way.

Noёl:

[23:17] Luv u bro.

Nino:

[23:20] You had better.

…

Gabriel sat at his desk as stern-faced as ever, though his attention was still on his screen, and not on Adrien who sat across from him.

“Your performance at the L'Officiel Hommes shoot was unprofessional,” his father stated.

Adrien didn’t bother to argue.

“We need this campaign to go well, and you may need to pick up an extra few shoots to make up for the missing shots.”

Adrien sighed. Vicent took a ton of fantastic shots during the first half of the shoot - some of the best of the season that had satisfied almost all of the required shots for the campaign. He didn’t really know why his father was complaining. The vast majority of shoots weren’t as successful and adding on additional shoots towards the end of the season to cater towards the looks they had missed wasn’t abnormal either.

“Are you dating anyone?” his father asked not even a second later, his attention still on his tablet.

“No.”

“Any break ups I should be aware of?” he asked.

Adrien’s bit the inside of his cheek. So this was why his father had called him in. He probably should have guessed. “Why do you ask?”

“Just trying to be prepared for potential scandals.”

“Right. No, nothing that you should be concerned about.”

“I need you to take on a few extra contracts.”

Adrien shook his head. “No.”

“Adrien–”

“My thesis is my top priority this semester. I explained that to Nathalie before the season started.” He was almost finished with his degree. His father knew that. Not that Adrien expected he cared. “I don’t have the space to take on an extra contract right now, let alone more than one.” Adrien refrained from reminding his father the whole reason he was sitting in his father’s office right now was because his father was unsatisfied with his performance on the current contract.

“These clients are essential to the brand, and if we–”

“Then get them experienced models!” Adrien cut him off. “You can get the world’s finest.”

“They requested you.”

“And I’m flattered, but I am unavailable this season.” Adrien rose to his feet. “If their entire campaign is dependent on my participation, they’re not very good designers and you shouldn’t partner with them.”

“Adrien!”

“I promise to process my emotions outside of the next shoot. Goodbye, Father.”

Adrien walked out of the atelier, having learned long ago that the best way to maintain his boundaries with his father was to not engage in debate. But that always ran the risk of a different type of retaliation.

He walked past Nathalie’s desk. “Have a good week, Nathalie.”

“Oh Adrien, wait!”

He paused, offering her a patient smile. “What can I do for you?”

She held out a small index card. “I just spoke with a representative of Canal Plus and your interview has been scheduled.”

He took the card reluctantly, glancing at the date and time. He hadn’t even finished overcoming the last retaliation. What else would his father pull to make things more difficult?

He sighed. There was no point in worrying about it now. For now, he did what he always did.

He smiled.

“Thank you, Nathalie.”

…

Chloé was sitting at an outdoor table alone when Nino arrived at the little cafe. He was slightly surprised that Adrien wasn’t already there. Neither was Cassandra, but he figured Chloé wanted to lecture them beforehand, so her girlfriend’s absence made sense.

“Hey Chloé!” Nino said. True to form, she scowled at him as he sat down. Then she snatched the red hat off his head without saying a word.

“Hey!” he objected, swatting for it, but she jerked it out of his reach too fast.

“You’re not wearing this!” she hissed.

“Why not? I always wear it. You know that.”

“It’s hideous and doesn’t go with your outfit at all!”

“Since when do you care about my fashion choices?” She had always mocked his lack of taste, but had never taken the liberty of editing said choices.

“Since you’re here as Adrien’s date. I need him to make a good impression.”

He snorted. As if it was possible for Adrien to make a poor first impression unless he wanted to.

The chair next to him pulled back with a screech, and Adrien took a seat next to him. “What’s going on? Why does Chloé have your hat?”

“He’s not allowed to wear it,” she said, handing it to Adrien.

Adrien took it, and then offered it to Nino against Chloé’s squawk of protest. But Nino waved it away. “It’s fine. You keep it. I can behave,” he said, shooting a look at Chloé. “I guess.”

“You guess?!” she echoed. “Lahiffe! You’d better not screw this up!”

Nino rested his hands across his bare head, which felt a little strange only because they were outside. “What‘s wrong, Chloé? Don’t you trust me?”

She visibly relaxed. “I do, actually.”

Nino blinked at her, less surprised by the sentiment than by her saying it so readily.

“But I barely trust myself,” she admitted, “so…” She gave a half-hearted shrug.

He smiled softly at her, able and willing to absorb some of her nerves and terror if that’s what this was.

“If this girl is as awesome as you seem to think she is, you probably don’t need to worry so much,” Adrien said.

Chloé literally growled in response. Nino laughed.

She glanced away and then bolted to her feet and waved frantically, an excited grin blooming across her face. Oh, Nino definitely liked this new girl.

Adrien stood and turned, and Nino copied his example.

It was impossible to miss the woman approaching their table. She had dark skin, even darker eyes, a vibrantly multicolored flowing skirt, practical sandals, and an expression that matched Chloé’s in joy and excitement.

But more than any of that, she was glowing.

Nino blinked. Like literally glowing.

Waves of blushing pink, deep magenta, and the warm green of spring grass flowed around her like currents and rapids in a rushing river.

A flicker from the corner of his eyes caught his attention, and he realized Chloé was now glowing as well with warm sunbursts of red and yellow with bright glowing green burning at the edges.

Even before they touched one another, the glowing tendrils seemed to stretch out like they were reaching for one another. And when they kissed the polychromatic mosaic pulsed like a solar flare.

When they pulled apart, and turned back to Adrien and Nino, Nino was too stunned to speak.

“Hello,” Cassandra said. “I’m Cassandra. I’ve heard so much about you both. It’s lovely to meet you.”

What was causing that? An akuma? He glanced around. But the colors weren’t surrounding anything else.

“Adrien,” Adrien greeted, taking her offered hand. “And the honor is ours.”

Suddenly, they looked at him expectantly, but he was still distracted. “You’re glowing,” he blurted out.

Chloé frowned at him. Even Adrien raised an eyebrow. Cassandra’s brows furrowed together in confusion.

“Thank you?” Cassandra said.

They didn’t see it, did they? It was so bright. How could they not see it?

“Don’t you see it?” he asked Chloé, gesturing to her girlfriend.

Chloe leaned forward and grabbed him. Her nails bit into his forearm. “Lahiffe, you’d better not be flirting with my girlfriend,” she whisper-yelled into his ear.

“No, I meant–” but before he could explain a sharp pain exploded from his chest. He gripped at the site, startled to find a kwami shaped lump there. Had Wayzz just bitten him? He glanced down, and sure enough big turtle eyes blinked at him from under his shirt. Wayzz shook his head.

This was a Guardian thing, Nino realized, running through all of Marinette’s parting lessons in his head. He was seeing auras.

She had said they would be subtle in the beginning. The dramatic light show in front of him was anything but. But he had seen it before. Not as bright obviously. Alya hadn’t known what he was talking about either.

He switched gears. “I meant you light up when together! You make each other glow!” Which seemed to be literally true even if no one else could see it.

Chloé looked far from appeased, and he knew his comment was too strong for a first meeting. This was what you said when someone was getting married, not when they first started dating. But too strong was better than flirting with Chloé’s girlfriend.

“That is very kind of you to say,” Cassandra said, smiling gently, offering all the grace Chloé rarely did with one arm on Chloé’s knee, clearly trying to put her at ease.

Maybe Nino had misstepped, but it was clear from Cassandra’s patient reaction that this was probably the healthiest relationship he’d ever seen Chloé in.

He approved, not that Chloé needed or would care about his approval. He really didn’t want to mess this up for her, but if the lights dancing around them were anything to go by, he didn’t think he could.

They all took their seats.

The conversation flowed easily between the other three. The waiter had to stop by multiple times before they actually had an order. But despite all that, Nino was struggling to follow anything anyone said. He watched the light show instead. The patterns between Chloé and Cassandra constantly rippled and changed like a spinning kaleidoscope.

Chloé grew increasingly irritated with him as the lunch went on, which she communicated to him with pointed glares in his direction. Lancing angry lightning bolts arcing from her form echoed his conclusion.

He was trying , but this was too much, too bright. He didn’t have a good idea what any of it meant. He needed to talk to Wayzz.

Cassandra tried to pass him a glass of water. He didn’t notice and he ended up knocking it from her hands. It fell straight into his lap.

“Oh my god! My apologies!”

He waved away her concern. It had definitely been his own fault. “No worries, Cass. May I call you Cass?”

She grinned at him in genuine delight. “I don’t think I’ve ever been a Cass. It’s always been Cassie. But yes! I like it.”

He grinned back. “Cass it is, then. Now, if you will excuse me for a moment?”

“Of course. Again, I’m sorry. I hope they have air dryers in the restroom.”

He stood and headed inside the restaurant, relieved that he couldn’t see the daggers Chloé was no doubt shooting at the back of his head.

“So, how long have the two of you been dating?” Cassandra asked Adrien at the table.

Adrien laughed, but Nino was inside before he could hear Adrien’s clarification that they weren’t dating.

Nino sighed at the cold wetness of his left pant leg. At least now, he’d be able to talk to Wayzz.

“What is happening?” Nino asked as soon as he was certain the bathroom was empty.

“You’ve started to see auras.”

“I got that much, but Marinette said it would start subtle.” There was no air-dryer, so Nino started grabbing fistfuls of paper towels. “This is like the sun. It’s blinding!”

“It did start subtly,” Wayzz told him calmly. “You’ve probably been seeing them for days now, but dismissed it as a flicker in the corner of your eye. And even now, you’re only seeing two people’s auras. Not everyone’s. And they’re going to get a lot brighter.”

Just great.

“But why can’t I see everyone’s?”

“It’s always stronger when two people are in physical contact because their auras interact. It’s even stronger when those people have strong feelings towards one another. And if they love or hate each other enough, the auras will interact even when not in contact or when they are separated by great distances.”

“Love each other?”

“Chloé and Cassandra’s connection to one another is very strong. It’s been building for weeks. It makes it much easier to see. We suspected they might be the first ones you would notice.”

“Wayzz, can you see their auras, too?”

“All Kwamis can. Guardians can only do it because we are bonded with the box too. We’re granting you part of our ability, so you can identify holders that fit our concept the same way we can.”

“Does the aura show what they’re feeling?”

Wayzz shook his head. “No, you need Nooroo or Dusuu for that.” So he had been imagining it when he thought he could see Chloé’s anger in her aura. “Auras tell you more about the essence of a person.”

So Chloe was angry all the time. That tracked.

“The auras interacting is more a karmic connection than emotions the way you would define them.”

Karmic connection? “Are you talking about soulmates?”

Wayzz laughed. “No.” But he didn’t elaborate. “This is only the beginning. As you develop the skill you’ll be able to see connections over huge distances. Everyone has them!”

“Can you see mine?”

“Of course I can.”

“What does it look like?”

Wayzz shook his head. “You shouldn’t know your own aura.”

“What? Why not?”

But before Wayzz could answer, someone stepped into the bathroom and the kwami phased into his shirt.

And Nino went back to attempting to dry his pants. He was not super successful and eventually cut his losses and returned to lunch. Fortunately for Chloé, the rest of the meal went smoothly.

…

Adrien snapped his laptop closed. He couldn’t focus on anything, definitely not on the formation of exotic particles at the event horizons of black holes, and not on reading through the talking points Nathalie had sent him to prepare for his interview.

Frustrated, Chat Noir took to the rooftops. The sun was still above the horizon, but it wouldn’t be for long.

But the free running wasn’t serving as the distraction he hoped for because he saw echoes of Ladybug everywhere he went. A meet up point, a nook where they had shared coffee, or a hiding spot they had used to recharge their transformations when that had still been necessary.

“Hey Kit-Kat! Whatcha up to tonight?”

Chat Noir jumped a decimeter out of his suit at the unexpected greeting right behind him. He turned to Carapace who stood behind his shoulder, clutching his chest trying to calm his pounding heart.

Carapace laughed. “You okay, dude? Didn’t think I was being particularly sneaky.”

“Yeah, fine,” Chat said, willing his heart to agree. “Just lost in my own head I guess.”

Carapace cocked his head to the side, thinking. It was cute.

“Follow me,” Carapace said.

And Adrien needed no explanation. He would follow Nino anywhere.

Carapace moved fast - like they were running a race or after an akuma rather than out for a casual patrol. Chat had to push to keep up.

They ended up in the center of the fourth arrondissement. Carapace hung off the side of an old bell tower that stood stories higher than all the surrounding buildings. Once Chat caught up, Carapace made his way towards the top with bounding leaps. Chat beat him there with the help of his baton. He landed neatly between four old gothic statues, startling pigeons into flying in every direction.

“What is this place?” Chat asked, glancing between the statues of a lion, a bull, and an eagle. It was the type of monument that stood out in the skyline that Adrien felt like he should be able to name, but he had never really taken the time to explore.

“Saint Jacques Tower,” Carapace said, leaning against the fourth statue, presumably of Saint Jacques. “It’s open on the weekends for private tours. Not even that expensive, but they’re always sold out. The rest of the time, it’s become my little getaway.”

Chat jumped onto the old style railings - and settled into a crouch as he peered out. “You can see everything from up here.”

Notre Dame’s huge ornate bell towers stood out just south of the Seine. The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower were to the west, the Arc de Triomphe rose above the surrounding buildings in the north, and he could even make out the Opera de Paris in the southeast. Gray rooftops stretched to the horizon in every direction.

“Yeah,” Carapace agreed, his gaze following the boats navigating the Seine below. They were so small from this height, they looked like toys. “Being up here always helps me gain perspective. I’ve never been up here with anyone else.”

Chat’s eyebrows rose. “Not even Rena?”

Carapace shook his head. “I often came here after we fought when I needed to clear my head.”

“So why are you sharing it with me?”

Carapace smiled at him. “I thought you could use a spot with no memories.”

Chat had to swallow a sudden lump in his throat before he could speak. “Thank you.”

Carapace settled next to him. “So, how are you doing?”

Adrien felt startled by the question, though he shouldn’t have been. He’d barely seen Nino outside of akuma battles in three weeks. Nino had continued to send him little encouraging texts the entire time, but they hadn’t been able to meet up.

Adrien had missed him even though he had been just as booked.

Nino continued to look at him expectantly, his face smooth and patient like always.

“Kit-Kat?”

Chat looked toward the horizon. “I don’t know. I’m okay I guess. I’m not crying all the time anymore and I’m managing to go through the motions anyway. But I can’t focus.”

“Your thesis giving you a hard time?” Carapace guessed.

Chat bit his lower lip. “Not just that. It’s like I can’t keep my mind on one thing for more than two seconds. I get distracted in the middle of ordering dinner and then never order anything, but I don’t even realize it for another two hours when my stomach starts cramping. Or I walk into a room and I forget what I was doing.”

Carapace frowned in concern. “Sounds similar to what my mom described after Sami passed. Maybe grief is just like that?”

Chat picked at an imaginary piece of lint on his knee.

“I miss her.”

“It would be weird if you didn’t.”

“Everything reminds me of her. And it’s worse because all things Ladybug and Marinette are tangled together now, so things that remind me of Marinette end up reminding me of Ladybug. I can’t even be in my kitchen without thinking about how much I miss her cookies.”

“You can definitely have her cookies again.”

“Yeah,” Adrien conceded, but it felt like it would be different, which didn’t make sense because this was something that wouldn’t be different.

Marinette could remember making cookies with Adrien.

She couldn’t remember every time she wanted to strangle him for an ill-timed joke during a battle or playing cards after patrol.

But shouldn’t he treasure the things that pieces of her he got to keep?

“I wish I could bake some myself.”

Carapace turned to him in surprise. “Why can’t you?”

“I don’t know any of the recipes.”

“You made cookies with Marinette how many times? I promise you know how to do it.”

“I just did what she told me. I don’t remember the actual recipes.” The argument felt false even in his own ears, but thankfully Nino didn’t argue.

Chat dropped his gaze towards the Seine below, and then up again at Notre Dame’s towers. He could literally see every centimeter of Paris’s skyline. It was so open and freeing. He wasn’t sure why he had never been up here before.

“This really is a neat little spot you found.”

Carapace nodded: “Honestly, I’ve been spending a lot of time here lately.”

Chat frowned. “Everything okay?”

Carapace sighed. “Yeah,” but the word felt heavy. “The kwamis are just driving me nuts. It’s never quiet. I’m missing client meetings and screwing up events even when we’re not out fighting akumas. I'm terrified to choose new holders, but don’t know where the old ones are. I’m apparently starting to see auras, which is absolutely insane. You have no idea.”

“Ladybug always said they were beautiful.”

Carapace nodded enthusiastically. “Oh definitely. Just overwhelming. They’re so bright, it feels hard to pay attention to anything else.”

“Is that what’s happening with your events?”

“Yeah, it’s so distracting and I just feel weird about it.”

Chat’s brows furrowed. “Why?”

Carapace shrugged. “It just feels invasive.”

“How?”

“So you know how I was freaking out about Chloé and Cass?”

“When you said they were glowing, I take it they were literally glowing?”

“Yeah. They were one of the first ones I fully saw because apparently they’re brighter when they’re interacting. Wayzz says theirs was brighter because they love each other.”

“Love?” Chat repeated, smiling into the distance. Good for Chloé! He was so happy for her. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Yes! For them it’s amazing!” Carapace agreed. “But it’s weird that I know. Especially when they don’t know that I know. I don’t even know what they’ve said to each other!”

“Huh.” Adrien had never really thought about it in those terms before.

“She’d be suited for a miraculous though,” Carapace said.

“Chloé would?”

“Chloé sure. You know she’s already had one, but I meant Cassandra. She’d be a really good holder.”

“For the Ladybug?”

Nino snorted. “Maybe, if Chloé had the Black Cat.”

“Oh god.”

“Right? But as long as you have the Black Cat, Cassandra shouldn’t be Ladybug. From what I’ve learned from Marinette’s notes, I don’t think she’d be the best match there anyway, I’m not sure. I’m still a newbie at reading auras and at matching colors and patterns to miraculouses.”

“What does mine look like?” Adrien couldn’t help, but be curious. Ladybug had never been willing to say what she saw when she looked at him.

Carapace visibly started, and eyed him up and down. His eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“I’m starting to see them on pretty much everyone. Some of them are brighter than others, but on you, I don’t see anything.”

Chat’s shoulders slumped. “Well, that’s disappointing.”

Carapace laughed. “Right? I don’t know what mine looks like either. Wayzz says it’s best if you don’t know your own aura.”

“Huh.” Maybe that was why Ladybug had never shared. “It’s great that you found a potential holder though.”

“Is it?” Nino asked, his hooded face staring somewhere over the horizon.

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I don’t know if she’d want it. What right do I have to sweep her up - someone I’ve barely known for a few hours - into all things miraculous?”

Adrien didn't say anything. He had never been given a choice, but his miraculous had been a huge turning point in his life for the better.

Adrien watched Nino carefully. “Do you regret it?”

Nino shook his head immediately. “No, I think it was worth it.”

Adrien let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. “Yeah, me too.”

“But Marinette didn’t.”

Right. Marinette didn’t.

Adrien breathed in deeply once. “That’s a lot,” he conceded.

Carapace sighed. “Yeah.”

And Nino looked so troubled, shoulders tense and his brows creased. Adrien couldn’t stand it.

He bumped his shoulder into Nino’s. “Hey.”

Carapace’s head swung up, eyebrows arched. “Yeah?”

“I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere. Not ever.”

Nino’s mouth stretched into a beautiful smile that Adrien mirrored immediately. It was good to see Nino smile. “Thanks Kit-Kat. It helps a lot knowing you’re here.”

#adrino #miraculous ladybug fanfiction #adrien agreste #nino lahiffe #friends to lovers #slow burn #Guardian Nino #My Own Content #right behind you

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fadedstarsfms · 7 months ago

Text

Bianca Stone Intro

★ IN CHARACTER ★

FULL NAME: Bianca Stone SPECIES: Witch AGE: 51 DATE OF BIRTH: June 20, 1973 GENDER IDENTITY: Cis Woman NEIGHBORHOOD: Cherry Heights OCCUPATION: Owner of Video Vortex POSITIVE TRAITS: Passionate, Empathetic, Friendly NEGATIVE TRAITS: Disorganized, Defensive, Impulsive LENGTH OF TIME IN RAVEN’S PEAK: ~30 years FACE CLAIM: Melanie Lynskey

★ BIOGRAPHY ★

TRIGGER WARNING: drinking tw, infidelity tw Bianca grew up to a family of dedicated witches, all her life she was told that her magic should be first and foremost. So she tried to be a dedicated student and learned from her family and their coven. She loved her family and siblings and would do anything for them, but she never thought that one species was better than the other and made sure to tell her younger siblings that their parents were wrong in that sense. So when her younger sister Kara started rebelling more and more against the family, Bianca was always encouraging of her and even showed her that leaving could be done. Bianca went to college in Boston and didn't realize just how much she would love a new scenery. The city had everything she never had and it was there that she truly found herself. And the love of her life. She and Vermillion met in college and Bianca never believed in love at first sight until she saw him and it was like she was hit with a love spell. The two fell in love fast and hard but Bianca had to admit she missed the small town life. So when she heard about Raven's Peak she knew immediately she wanted to move there to experience the mix of species and knew she had to tell Vermillion what she was and why she wanted to move there. To her surprise he didn't bat an eye and even wanted to move with her. And a year later they were married and life seemed perfect. Though to this day Bianca holds some regret on bringing her family to the town because one day she got a call that her husband was attacked. It seemed like everything was okay, he was going to recover, but Bianca worried that what attacked him was more than just a dog like everyone originally thought. Her fears only got worse as he stopped bothering coming home and was out on a bender doing god knows what. But when he did finally come home and promise to do better did they finally start working together to build a better marriage and help him through the curse that was now a part of their life. They thought everything was better and fixed until one day a knock on their door brought them a son that Vermillion had from one of his night outs. Sure the reminder of his infidelity stung but there was no way Bianca wasn't going to accept Banks into her life and she promised from that day on that she was going to be a mother to him as well as their other children. Once things seemed to be doing better Bianca was back in touch with her younger sister Kara and told her about the town, promising that it was nothing like what their parents taught them and it could be a place for her to settle down as well. But soon Kara was attacked as well and Bianca felt guilty once more, thinking she should have done a better job protecting her. Now she promises to protect her family both by blood and anyone she practically adopts by any means necessary.

★ WANTED CONNECTIONS ★

Mom Friend - Bianca is the biggest mom friend there is, let her try to lowkey adopt you ngl

Frequent Fliers - Love movies? Look no further than a cute plot, please talk to her about movies even if you don't give her your money afterwards

Employees - If you work here she'd love you and consider you family

Literally anything! Bianca has been here for about 30ish years or so, she's practically the ambassador of Raven's Peak she's so friendly I'm not joking (unless you want a silly rivalry because she can also be petty at times)

★ PLAYLIST ★

A Case of You by Joni Mitchell

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

Tiny Dancer by Elton John

Harvest Moon by Neil Young

River by Leon Bridges

99 Luftballoons by Nena

Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles

Wouldn't It Be Nice by The Beach Boys

Vienna by Billy Joel

Somebody Like Me by St. Vincent

#&& constant as a northern star (bianca)#about bianca

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antclan-blogs · 1 year ago

Text

MOON 51

Stoatstripe is depressed, and his infection has worsened.

This moon’s story under the cut!

“Stoatstripe, you have to get up.” Glademoss was mewing, nudging his brother’s flank with his forepaw. “The clan needs it’s mediator.”

Stoatstripe grunted, turning away as he sat in his nest. “And it needs it’s deputy, too. Stop worrying about me.”

Glademoss narrowed his eyes. Both brothers had been under significant stress lately: Glademoss with his new position as deputy, a role he wasn’t sure he could perform half as well as Chaffinchbounce and Sunleopard had, and Stoatstripe with his decision to become a mediator. Leaving regular warrior life behind had been a big step for both of them.

“I’m worrying about you because that’s my job. You’re my brother, Stoatstripe, and not to mention that I’m your deputy. It’s my duty to ensure that you feel alright.�� Glademoss told his littermate sternly. The role of deputy seemed to have aged him thirty moons.

“And I’ve told you, I feel fine.” Stoatstripe replied irritably. “Just a little down, like all cats. You can’t tell me you’ve not been affected by all this death.”

“Of course I have! But the rest of us are recovering from it, and I don’t see you doing that.” Glademoss replied, giving Stoatstripe another nudge. “Please, just get out of the den and come on this patrol. It’ll be good for you.”

“No, Hushstep says I can’t leave camp. My hind leg is infected.” Stoatstripe sighed. “I’m supposed to stretch it every once in a while, and that’s it.”

Glademoss rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on. A little walk around the borders won’t harm you.” He said, but Stoatstripe stayed silent. Knowing it was hopeless, he began to trod away and looked back as he reached the den exit. “I know Berryspot meant a lot to you. But he would want you to be happy.”

Stoatstripe give his brother a long look before nodding slightly and turning away. Just then, Whisperingpaw bounded into the den with a cheerful greeting.

“Hey, Stoatstripe! How are we feeling today?” She called, her mew high and bright.

“Fine.” Stoatstripe replied shortly. He wished every cat would just leave him alone; constant visitors only reminded him of his days spent as a sickly kit cooped up in the medicine den.

“You don’t look it.” Whisperingpaw tutted, sniffing at his infected hind leg. “How’s the leg today?”

Stoatstripe let out a long, burdened sigh and shrugged. “The same. A little sore, kind of hot.”

Whisperingpaw nodded, thinking for a moment. “Hushstep told me to check it…he didn’t say what else to do. Perhaps I should go ask him.”

Stoatstripe sniffed. Whisperingpaw was steadily learning the trade of being a medicine cat, taking to the new skills much faster than she did as a regular apprentice. It was clear to all cats that she was a natural, and Hushstep’s proud gaze told them so.

“You do that.” He told her dryly, watching as she turned and trotted back across the clearing to ask her mentor for guidance.

Stoatstripe remembered his own apprenticeship like it was yesterday. His fondest memories were of sparring with Gladepaw, laughing and practising battle moves as his father watched on proudly.

He missed those days a lot.

awww poor stoat, i love how glade still cares for him as the dep tho

#warrior cats #clangen #antclan #clan generator #warriors

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anchanted-one · 2 years ago

Text

Legend of Lightning Chapter 51. The Way of Nobles

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43208574/chapters/112674268

Alderaan

Vajra was given the honor of receiving the duke’s body, as well as Baron Jharkus’ surrender. But Generals Gesselle and Kashim were both present as well. The former fought hard to contain her tears, and failed. Kira tried to help her stay upright, but the poor woman sank to the floor and started wailing like an orphaned child.

Vajra couldn’t blame her.

She had lost not only her close friend, but also her husband. No doubt her pregnancy didn’t help either. It had been hidden when she wore her armor, but the slight protrusion of her belly was quite visible in these robes.

Vajra hoped that the child would take after their father. He had been a good man, one even his enemies had come to admire. The Wolf Baron approached him, and surrendered his cloak, his personal standard, and his rapier.

“I, Baron Jharkus Thul, scion of the great House of Thul, hereby surrender to House Organa in recompense for failing to protect my prisoner.”

“I, Vajra Devarath, Paladin of House Organa, accept your surrender. In the duke’s name, and in my own authority as Paladin, I declare that you will be treated as befitting your station.” Vajra handed the baron’s effects to the squire he’d been loaned for this occasion. He would see to it that they would be stored in the vaults, and returned if ever the situation called for it.

Casket in hand, Vajra led the procession through the streets of the Organa estate. It was crowded. Virtually everyone in the city had turned out to receive their fallen duke. He saw few faces that weren’t distressed. Many wept without reserve.

Around him, the musicians in the procession began singing. It was a beautiful song, but sad. A lament for a fallen hero.

“Where dost thou go, my Prince? Why must thou part so soon? Has the wind come for thee, my Prince? To carry thee off, to the moon?”

“How has it come to this, my Prince, That we fail to save thee, my Heart? D’I not fight hard enough, my Prince, D’I not fight, from the very start?”

“The seasons changed too soon, my Prince, And brought an ending to thine spring. A fleeting time that was, my Prince, Yet filled with memories of hope.”

“Thou saved us from the ghouls, my Prince, The fiends and trolls from ‘neath the ground, Thou gave us strength to fight, my Prince, To fight the wyrmlings of the crags.”

“Thou fought the wyrm alone, my Prince, Thou fought for seven days and nights, Thou brought us triumph home, my Prince, And saved us from its cruel blight!”

“Did we ask too much, my Prince, When we asked of thee to linger, To stay upon the earth, my Prince, And be our guiding starlight lamp.”

Vajra found himself thinking more of Orgus than Duke Charle, so he forced the song from his ears. It would not do to remember the wrong person at a funeral. At least, when the fallen was one such as the duke.

He solemnly led the group to the monolith in front of the castle, where it halted. Everyone knelt in reverence for the duke, though the musicians remained upright until their song was completed. After which, they too took their places on the floor.

The rest of House Organa closed ranks around the procession. At their head stood the barons and counts.

Several dignitaries from off-world were also in attendance, kneeling just beyond the ring of Organas. Master Satele had taken the time to come personally, as had the Chancellor and Commander Rans. General Malcom stood on Master Satele’s left. There were others there whom he didn’t recognize.

After several minutes, Vajra called for everyone to rise. Permission was given for mourners to go home, since the rest of the ceremony would take time, but most remained where they were. Droids prepared to serve refreshments.

There were many speeches, including a full recounting of his final moments by Baron Jharkus Thul, which was followed by a heartfelt apology. Others spoke of other highlights in his life. School friends talked about his exploits in the academy, Master Satele and General Malcom recalled his leadership during the war, and his siblings talked about everything he had done for House Organa.

The sun dipped into the horizon as the ceremony went on, and the sky was dark when it ended.

Vajra intoned the prayer he’d been instructed, then called for the mourners to break. The casket would be kept here until noon tomorrow, and he had been asked to stand vigil for the night. He didn’t mind. Having experienced the cool night, he was certain it wouldn’t leave any mark on him.

And he didn’t have much else to do, as he waited for Lord Nefarid’s interrogation to yield some result. Sadly, the ball was in Angral’s court now. He was stuck until the vile Sith Lord made his move.

Master Satele approached him sometime past midnight. “You always do know how to land in style, don’t you? Being granted the rank of Paladin on your very first day on Alderaan, on your very first meeting with a Noble House… I think you broke records.”

“That’s what records are for,” Vajra answered. “And for bragging rights. Are Jedi allowed to brag?”

“Only among friends,” Master Satele whispered back conspiratorially. Her soft wink surprised him. “I haven’t been here since… I feel young again on this world. Did you know this was where…” she lowered her voice further. “… where Jasme and Theron were conceived?”

“Is that so?” He was quite intrigued. “Does Jasme know?”

“No. Coming here has opened all kinds of doors I had thought sealed shut. I intended to take that secret to my grave.”

“I suppose I can’t tell her, then.”

“That would be appreciated.” She looked back at the casket, her expression turning sad. “And now, your tasks are completed. All of the weapons projects have been officially sealed away.”

“What will be my next assignment?”

“I’m thinking to keep you here. Alderaan is an important world to the Republic. Even with the Wolf Baron gone, the Sith won’t allow the rest of his family to withdraw their claim.”

“They’ve already backed Septimius’ patricide after all.”

“Hm. And then there’s Bouris Ulgo. He was a dear friend during the war, but now…”

“He’s the one on the throne.”

“Indeed. And unlike the Thuls, he does have a considerable support from the Alderaanians. They remember how hard he fought for them. Furthermore, they hate the Panteers for withdrawing from the Republic.”

“There are no Panteers left, though. They have all been exterminated.”

“I sincerely doubt that. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Alderaanian nobles, it’s that they tend to keep an ace or two up their sleeve. Ten to one, the Organas have a Panteer locked up somewhere.”

“Since they haven’t told me already…”

“That’s right. They’re not going to. But you need to be aware. The more you get swallowed up in this war, the greater the politics you will face. The Organas are good people, for the most part, but that doesn’t mean they’re all like that. There is a good chance that it’s started already. Once your vigil ends, you will be summoned to the ballroom, where the Organas will try to convince you to take away Gesselle’s power and bestow it upon them instead.”

“What? Why?”

Master Satele looked uncomfortably at the casket beyond Vajra and replied, “I know Gesselle. I know that fidelity isn’t one of her many virtues. And most of the court knows it too. Charle was wilfully blind to that fact all his life.”

Vajra felt dread creep into his chest. “That means… what you’re saying is…”

“The child she’s carrying may not be Duke Charle’s.”

“‘May not be?”

“That’s enough of an excuse for the nobles, I’m afraid.”

“Do they really want power so badly?”

“Yes, and no. It’s not the power itself that they want, it’s peace and security for their House, and their world. In addition, they will not accept a changeling as the next heir to Dukedom. For that, they are willing to sully their hands, to an extent.”

“I see…” Vajra couldn’t really blame them. “What if General Gesselle volunteers to step down first? At least until she’s sure who the father is?”

“If she does that, she will already be admitting to her infidelity. It’s a big thing among high society circles. If she had married into House Panteer, she might have been sentenced to death after giving birth. The Organas are likelier to just put her somewhere out of sight.”

“Then why not wait until the child is born?”

“Because doing so allows everyone to get used to the idea of her ruling, even if she herself doesn’t want the position. It means that her signature will be the one on all court documents for the next six months. And everyone from across the galaxy will see things being done in her name. It would be an affront to her and the House, if they were to force her to step down later.”

“What should I do?”

“Telling you what to do is tantamount to openly influencing the process. It doesn’t sit right with me. But nor do I want you struggling and alone, with only your instinct to light your way.”

Vajra’s heart leapt. He felt glad to not have the burden of judgement, for once.

“I think you should speak to Gesselle. Ask her to step down. And promise that you will advocate for her safety, as well as her unborn child’s. As unfortunate as it is, it’s the best-case scenario for her. I’ll talk to her myself, first. Can you lend me your friend right now? I could use him.” Satele nodded at T7, who perked up. “Heaven knows, she needs an old friend right now. Even one she hasn’t talked to in years.”

“Then I hope you can both help each other, Master.”

Master Satele smirked. “Ha-ha.” She grew serious once again, the Master re-emerging from the depths. “You’re about to step into unfamiliar territory, Vajra. I’ve helped you with that first step, and you can rely on Kira for the others… but you will have to learn quickly, if you don’t want to be left feeling out of your depth.”

“Understood, Master. I have to thank Jasme later. Again. Without her, I wouldn’t have known how to learn at all, much less do so quickly.”

As Satele walked to the great doors, she felt a shadow detach itself and walk in step with her. “Hullo, General Malcom.”

“Grand Master Shan. It has been too long.”

“That it has. I always forget that you once had stealth training. I almost didn’t notice you.”

“‘Almost’ being the key word. You seem close to that young Knight.”

“I hope you’re not insinuating anything, Jace. Vajra is a third my age.”

“No, no, apologies for making it sound like that. All I meant was, I wasn’t aware you could joke around with your younger Knights like that. It almost felt like the old days.”

“Well… you’re right. I don’t allow myself to get attached to people anymore. What makes Vajra unique—other than his race—is his situation. Not only was he Knighted too soon, the Council insists on giving him our hardest assignments. When was the last time, you heard of a fifteen-year old being set up to fight someone like Darth Angral?”

“I wanted to ask about that. Var Suthra all but worships the boy. He’s convinced that he’s some kind of messiah.”

“Well, he’s also a young boy. I’ve seen him falter multiple times already. Hell, he had to be placed in the psych ward on the very day he arrived on Tython, thanks to the Flesh Raider attack. Killing over a thousand people when you’re not mentally prepared for it… it leaves scars.”

“Damn. I feel for him.”

“And we just keep sending him out for more, and more! Have you heard of the Power Guard program?”

“Bad business, that.”

“Right. Imagine someone as young as Vajra seeing it all first-hand.”

“I understand why you’re going out of your way for him.”

“Is there any reason you wanted to ask?”

“There's a certain tragedy when it comes to having performed as well as he did. He’s been noticed. He got noticed on Coruscant, and he got noticed on Taris. Not many people know about Shadow Town, but those that do are mightily impressed. And now he proved that he is literally capable of defeating an army. And now, since his association with Major Var Suthra is official over, the powers-that-be want to really put him to work. To send him to worlds like Balmorra. The Supreme Chancellor and Supreme Commander Rans didn’t come here for Charle. They’re here for Vajra.”

“I appreciate the warning, Jace. I’ll try to protect him as best I can.”

“Take care, Satele.” His presence stopped moving at her side, and Satele was left alone with her thoughts as she made for the Duke’s chambers, where Gesselle was staying.

She waited outside for the servant to announce her, then entered the room. Gesselle was wide awake, and received her cordially. “Grand Master Shan. It’s a pleasure to meet you again. What brings you to my home at this hour?”

“I wanted to offer my condolences in person,” Satele bowed. “And, perhaps, listen to your troubles, if you listen to an old comrade’s.”

“I’d be happy to. Barnobis? Would you be a dear and fetch us some hot soup, then give us some privacy?”

“Very good, your Highness.”

Both women traded idle small-talk as they waited for the head butler to lay out the food. Once he’d gone, Vajra’s T7 performed a quick scan for listeners and gave the all-clear. Both women dropped the act and leapt up to embrace each other like much younger women.

“It’s so good to see you again, Gazzie!”

“Right back at you, Teal! Not too hard, not too hard! I’ve got a little baby bump now, you know.”

“Oh, sorry. Got carried away.”

The two women sat much closer together this time, as befitting old friends who had shared a tent for six months.

“Right, before we trade gossip and braid each other’s hair, I do have some advice I need to give you.”

“Here it comes.”

“Come clean with Vajra. You know what’s coming, once his vigil ends. You need to come out of this in one piece.”

Gesselle sighed in frustration.

“Don’t play that way, please. You know it’s coming. I heard your in-Laws laying their plans. You don’t want to split the House—"

“I’m not going to. I will relinquish control tomorrow. I have a good excuse. I am not in the best shape, having lost my husband. And I need to remove stressors for the sake of my pregnancy.”

“We both know that’s only half the problem.”

“No, it’s less than half my problem,” Gesselle sighed heavily. “I’ve been losing my edge, Satele. For over a year now. I’m not as quick or decisive as I used to be. And the loss of lives weighs heavily on me. Sleeping has gotten so difficult… I can hear them all screaming. Screaming for a release. And then there’s…” She shuddered. “No. I don’t want to think about it. I’m tired. I need to put away my sword. I’ve lost my Duke and the loves of my life. I've lost enough soldiers to fill two Dreadnoughts. I just want to find a place to live out a peaceful life, now.” She shuddered again, then smiled. “But that’s enough about me, for now. It’s your turn. What secrets did you want to share with me today?”

“Well, to start… I have kids of my own.”

Vajra’s vigil went by without incident. He was able to meditate on the Force to keep himself feeling fresh, though he would need to sleep properly when he got the chance. People came by during the night, and early in the morning. Many didn’t speak to him, just nodded and bowed respectfully, but some engaged him in conversation. T7 returned around an hour before dawn, and said he wouldn’t answer questions about what he witnessed, though Vajra had never intended to ask.

Kira kept dropping by with food and drink. But her cheer was forced. Vajra thought she was still not over the events of Tatooine.

Noon came at last, and he was led back to his chamber to rest.

Shortly afterwards, he had a visitor.

“General Gesselle! Please, come in.”

“Thank you, Paladin,” the woman looked so different in her robes. Her eyes still held strength, though it looked like the taxed kind. “You don’t have to get me anything. I broke my fast late today.”

“Of course.”

“I can leave, if you need,” Kira offered.

“No need, Master Jedi. Perhaps it’s best if your Master doesn’t have to bear this burden alone.”

Kira sat back down.

“So, we both know why I’m here.”

“You want to talk about… well…”

“About my position in House Organa, going forward. I’ll be straight with you, Master Vajra. I’ve always sought pleasure where I could find it, and I didn’t allow my marriage to change my habits. For every night I spent with my husband, I spent a week with a different lover.”

Kira stirred slightly, but didn’t say anything.

“Strangely enough, my husband was the only one in his family who didn’t seem to know. Small wonder then, that my unborn child’s paternity is in question.”

“Master Satele… told me about the various problems it would cause if you succeeded Duke Charle.”

“That’s right. There’s a good chance my child is not Charle’s. That opens a huge can of worms which I never thought I’d have to deal with. After all these years of failing to conceive, I never expected to have a child like this. I thought, we all thought, that the throne would pass to his brother Jecob, and his line. In any other time, Charle would have appointed him as his successor before he left to meet the Wolf Baron. And things would have gone on as normal. But he chose me. Perhaps he felt forced to. I mean, it’s the protocol for such situations, when the Duke’s consort is pregnant. And perhaps, if I had been faithful, the whole House would have stepped into line. But now, I have to deal with the consequences of my actions. I said this last night to Satele; I will relinquish my power willingly. And then I will leave Alderaan.”

“You don’t have to,” Vajra protested.

“I need to. I cannot begin to describe the toll this place has exacted of my soul.”

For the first time, her iron mask vanished. Vajra did not see pure grief, as he was expecting, but a woman who was tired beyond measure. A woman who needed to walk away.

“I’m sure I can convince the House to grant you a retirement. Heck, given your war record, maybe you could get a house on a world like Chandrila or—”

“I do not have hopes so high,” General Gesselle interrupted. “Just help House Organa get through this intact, and I’ll find my own life from there. I have that much strength left in me, I wager.”

“No one can ever question your strength, my Lady. But perhaps being strong doesn’t mean you can’t accept help from time to time. Am I overstepping?”

“You would have been, had you not been our Paladin. What happens to me—Duke Charle’s widow—most certainly is your business. Very well. I will accept some help. But I don’t want my retirement to be funded by House Organa.”

“Perhaps I can speak to the Jedi Council, then. What do you say to starting a new life on Tython?”

“I might agree, if I didn’t have a child in tow. I’d prefer a world where there are other children to play beside my own.”

“I’m sure we can manage something.”

“I’m sure you can. Thank you for your time, Paladin.” She left with a curtsey. “Oh, and I had a message from Master Satele. You’ve been noticed. Prepare to be courted by the highest echelons of the Senate, and the military.”

Kira pinched the bridge of her nose. “Man… Alderaan politics already caught up with you, did it? You really are a magnet for all kinds of trouble.”

“I wish we could have avoided this, but—”

“It’s what a Jedi does. The greater we are, the more involved they need to become. It’s a miracle it took them this long.”

“I’ll need your help.”

“And I’ll gladly give it. This was what Master Kiwiiks was grooming me for, after all. But you can’t expect me to handle your duties for you. All I can do is clue you in on nuances when we’re alone.”

He thought about that for a moment. “Kira… you’re not only perceptive, you’re sneaky too.”

“Did you have to say it like that?”

“How would you like to be my spy?”

The Organa Family Concert Hall

Vajra entered the meeting room to find that everyone was waiting for him. Baron Jecob held the floor.

“Ah, welcome, Paladin, welcome. I was hoping to request your aid in a family matter.”

“Are we talking about General Gesselle?”

Everyone looked at each other uncomfortably. The baron nodded heavily. “I dislike playing this game, especially so soon after my brother’s death. Alas, this is not a discussion we can leave for a later date.”

Vajra nodded. “You have my full attention. May I sit down?”

“Of course,” the baron led him to a seat in the front row before returning to the podium to begin laying out his case for Vajra. Much of his reasoning and facts were what Master Satele had said they would be.

“I see,” Vajra nodded. “I was already a little aware of this situation, having spoken to General Gesselle, but I’m grateful for your perspective on the matter. The General is willing to step aside immediately. In fact, she wants to retire under the guise of her pregnancy, and her mental state following recent events. All that we need to talk about is her retirement itself.”

“Of course,” the baron had not seemed annoyed at finding out that Vajra knew the situation. Perhaps he had expected the possibility. “What do you think is best?”

“General Gesselle wishes to retire, as I said, not only from Alderaanian court, but from her military service as a whole. She also wishes to live out her life somewhere quiet, without disturbing House Organa.”

“But what about her child?” Wynne Organa asked. “I know there is only a small chance of it being the duke’s, but if it is—”

“Let the General raise her child wherever and however she wishes,” Vajra said. “It feels harsh to separate her from her child, but she can’t remain at court, by your own admission.”

“It’s sad, but true.”

“If there’s still a question of succession, I suppose it’s best to go along with the original plan, before she became pregnant. Do you agree?”

“Indeed,” Baron Jecub bowed humbly. “That is our intention. I have been provided the same upbringing as my brother. I might not be the man he was, but I am fit to lead my House in the next step.”

Here we go. “If I had to guess, the next step would be to bring the fight to Ulgo.” House Thul had guaranteed a month of peace, in honor of Duke Charle’s passing. Ulgo, on the other hand, had made no such promises.

“That’s getting a little ahead of ourselves,” Duke Jecub shook his head. “You see, our eastern flank needs to be secured, first. We’ve been under attack from Killiks for the past few months. We need their attacks to stop.”

“If I recall, the Killiks are the insectoid race native to Alderaan, correct?”

“That’s right. Up until recently, they were… territorial, rather than hostile. But they have been much more proactive lately. They even consumed an entire House loyal to House Thul, making it their Nesting ground. They took all the survivors and enslaved them, forcing them to become Joiners.”

“Joiners?”

“The Killiks are a hive mind. And they have the ability to induct outsiders into that hive. To indoctrinate them too, it seems. Their attacks have been growing fiercer by the day. We fear what might happen, if they are left unchecked.”

“I can leave within the hour.”

“Hopefully, not so fast. It would be well for us, if you were to wait for the reading of Duke Charle’s will. You could help Gesselle retire with grace, and pass the torch on to me. Some might resent you for it, but most will accept the story, so long as Gesselle tells it herself.”

Vajra Sensed a trap, but did not know how to avoid it.

“Wouldn’t it be better if House Organa made the announcement without the need for middlemen?” he asked at last. “Wouldn’t it appear as if you’re using me to soften a blow?”

“It might,” Wynne admitted. “But on the other hand, you are a neutral party. And a hero several times over. We don’t want to appear as though we’re power-hungry cutthroats here. We genuinely care about our world and its stability.”

“But if you flip that around, in the worst case, I might appear to be playing at kingmaker. I feel like in order to continue serving the galaxy as I am, I need to avoid getting tied to any one faction like this. I’m starting to fear the unforeseen consequences of my having accepted the title of Paladin. What would happen if I were to double down, now? Please forgive me, but I am a real novice in this field. I don’t want to make a mistake that could hurt not only me, but my Order, the Republic, and even House Organa.”

He fought the impulse to wince. Having to admit his ineptitude might have Kira shaking her head furiously, but being put on the spot like this was making him worry.

“I understand your concerns,” Baron Jecob smiled. “And we all appreciate your frankness. It is what our House aspires to, after all. But don’t worry, all you have to do is follow Lady Gesselle onto that stage. She will relinquish her power and explain her reasons; you will accept the mantle, just as you accepted Baron Thul’s surrender, then you will pass it on to me, and say that your part in this matter is concluded. And don’t worry about what to say; we will have our tutors coach you on what to say.”

“There’s no need for this,” one of the ladies said. “Look at him. He’s clearly uncomfortable about this. We can request Grand Master Satele to perform this duty instead. She too, is a Paladin of House Organa, and far more experienced. It benefits us, too, since with someone like Vajra—and please excuse me for this—since Vajra might appear like he was influenced, or charmed. Like he said, it benefits all of us if the people have no reason to doubt the validity of the handing over of power. And it also benefits us if people do not see him as a naïve youth who might be under our spell.”

“I think she’s right,” another lord said. “But will Master Satele acquiesce to our request? As I understand it, she is to leave by the end of the day.”

“No, she isn’t,” someone else said. “She has a Council Meeting to attend at 1900, but she will be doing so from Alderaan. She intends to stay for the reading of Duke Charle’s will. He was a close friend, after all.”

There was a murmur of assent rising up in the room, but one person wasn’t convinced. “Would Grand Master Satele agree to this?” he asked. “She, more than a mere Knight, might be wary of siding with different factions. We need to plan, in case she’s unwilling.”

“Believe it or not, we have another Paladin among us,” the woman who had first spoken up said. “We could always ask General Malcom. He won’t disagree, given his well-known love for our world. He’s had experience sitting as an arbiter in military tribunals and disputes. The only problem might come from his also well-known tendency to ignore etiquette. If both he and the Grand Master decline… well. We’ll deal with that when we get there. I am still firmly opposed to asking Vajra to act as the arbiter. It might do more harm than good, in the long run.”

There was no more opposition to the motion, and Vajra was relieved to be dismissed. The Lady from earlier caught his gaze and smiled slightly, and he returned the gesture. He hoped that he didn’t owe her anything for her intervention.

The Training Ground Around 17:00

Vajra began his fourth dash the instant T7 whistled <Begin!>. He began climbing almost immediately, leaping for the closest crossbeam. He used his momentum to spin and land onto the beam, landing with all the acuity of a cat. He jumped from one platform to the next, always running towards the finish line. He took a running leap at a long rope, hissing slightly as the rough cord cut his skin slightly.

Most people used handwraps or gloves to climb it, but Vajra eschewed such things during training, preferring to toughen his body every chance he got. He had assigned training remotes to fire on him, but it was only now that they got a fix on his location. But by the time they had actually fired, he was dozens of feet above, having climbed the rope and stood atop the bar it was attached to. But before he could continue his run, he heard a clear voice calling out to him.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your training, Vajra, but would you mind coming down?”

“Huh?” Vajra almost slipped and fell off his precarious footing. “T7, deactivate the remotes.”

He turned around and quickly returned to the starting line, making sure to try a new path instead of retracing his steps. He landed beside Master Satele, who clapped softly.

“Neat form.”

“Thank you, Master. Checking in on my training?”

“I’ll have to see your training regimen first-hand, someday. It might be useful to devise a new standard for our Knights. Perhaps it might lead to fewer deaths. Again, I’m sorry to interrupt you. But would you mind joining us for tea?”

“‘Us’?”

“Just me and an old friend. I’ve also invited Kira. You have time for a quick shower before coming.”

“I’m thrilled about the invite. Where is the party taking place?”

“Come to my chambers. Don’t be too late please, I’m on something of a schedule today.”

“Of course, Master. I’d never keep you waiting.”

She gave him one of her serene smiles and bade him run ahead. He reached the exit in record time, but chose to use the taxi service to get to his room, instead of running through the streets.

<Question: meeting = about what?>

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Vajra answered. “But I would imagine it’s about the job I just shirked.”

He winced suddenly, imagining Master Satele’s disappointment. “I had expected better of you, Vajra,” the phantom said. “Instead, you chose to run from your responsibilities. I see we were wrong to put our faith in you.”

He shook his head. There was no way she’d say it quite like that, but he did feel reasonably certain she disapproved. The cab took him straight to his room, and he thanked the driver when he got out. The door opened automatically for him, and he took a very rapid shower before drying off and wearing a clean set of robes. He had hoped to rest in the bathtub after his workout but time was short.

Once he was happy with his appearance, he led T7 to Master Satele’s room. It was just a few doors down from his, and came with its own garden which had a perfect view of the snowy mountain beyond. It was here that the tea party was taking place.

“Ah, you arrived just in time,” Master Satele welcomed him in. “Please, sit down.”

Kira was already seated in the chair next to his. She bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Master.” Her formal tone was because of the Grand Master’s other guest.

“It’s nice to meet you,” the tall soldier had a deep voice that rumbled like a mountain on the march. “We haven’t been formally introduced yet. I am General Jace Malcom.”

“And I’m Vajra Devarath.” Vajra considered presenting more than one hand to shake the great soldier’s, but quickly decided against his little joke.

“You’ve become something of a hot topic among High Command,” General Malcom said after they’d both sat down. “Your work with Var Suthra was efficient and well-handled. You protected our civvies, again and again, from threats ranging from superweapons to mutant monsters. You’ve overcome hurdles few your age have to face. The top generals are already discussing how best to use your talents.”

“What’s the consensus as of now?”

“They think that Alderaan is the right place for you now. You’ve already got your feet wet on this world after all, and the outcome of this civil war is absolutely critical to the Republic. If Alderaan is truly lost, we expect more than forty other systems to follow suit within the hour.”

“In fact, we just heard something interesting from the SIS. At least ten of those systems were penning their declarations of secession when Organa Castle was besieged,” Master Satele added. “Your intervention here was even more timely than you thought.”

Vajra shuddered. “Do they think the Empire won’t come for them, without Republic protection? Or do they just want to join the ‘winning side’?”

“The latter,” Malcom took a sip from his cup. “The Republic has been hit hard. Balmorra, Bothawui, Mon Cala, Serenno, Rodia… and many of these worlds are still being torn apart. The ones looking to secede are afraid that they’ll be next. It’s not an unfounded fear.”

“But all it took was one victory to stay their hand,” Master Satele twirled a strand of hair around her index finger, a tic Vajra hadn’t seen in her before. “It was that close, Vajra. That close. I suppose it helped when they heard that the upset was caused by one, single Jedi. You are the best example I’ve ever seen, of a gamechanger. If the galaxy hadn’t taken notice after Coruscant, they are taking notice now. Many believe that you alone can change the course of the war.”

Feeling his fingers start to go numb, Vajra placed the teacup on the table and massaged his hands.

“I also heard about your struggle against the Emperor himself,” Malcom said softly. “Don’t worry, I won’t be passing it along to the higher-ups. All I mean is, that he’s definitely taken notice of you too. Without intending it, you have been thrust into the spotlight.”

“What do we do?” Kira asked anxiously.

“There’s nothing more that can be done,” Malcom said heavily. “I’d have suggested lying low until the attention passed, but that’s not an option. Good soldiers and good Jedi are in need. Now, more than ever. I’m sorry, but you can’t be protected any longer. You will be expected to grow ever-more involved in the most critical junctures.”

“I’m fifteen!” Vajra hissed softly. “Fifteen!”

“I’m sorry, Vajra,” Master Satele apologized. “I did my best to protect you, but events unfolded in a manner far beyond the Council’s ability to control.”

“And I am sorry to say that no one else could have gotten the same results you did, so we can’t even really wish we could have done something else. Or sent anyone else.”

“That is part of the problem. Unless our overall combat strength rises drastically, we have no choice but to rely upon you.”

Vajra began hyperventilating. If he wasn’t frozen solid by shock and dismay, he might have run for the hills. His mind began searching for a way out almost at once, or at least a way to delay what seemed like the inevitable. Sweat began pouring down his face in rivulets, and his vision began to swim and swirl. He rapidly looked from Master Satele, to General Malcom, to Kira, who looked even more unnerved than he was.

“Oh, Master…” she whispered.

“Is there nothing I can do?” he asked breathlessly.

“We can keep you from being worn down,” Malcom replied. “Ensure you have a cooling-off period between difficult assignments.”

“I can also authorize that vacation you’ve no doubt been plucking up the courage to request. At least a few weeks every year. And my doors will always be open, should you need a sympathetic ear.”

“That’s not…” Vajra bit his tongue rather than finish the sentence.

Master Satele reached over and squeezed an arm. “Like I said, we are extremely sorry. This should never have happened. But it did. And now, I need to prepare you for the life you are about to lead. You have become much more than just our premier warrior.”

“Master, you’re putting way too much pressure on him with that kind of talk,” Kira interrupted. “It’s not helping.”

Master Satele flinched and piped down.

“That is not the only thing we wished to speak to you about,” General Malcom said suddenly. “We had a more relevant issue to tell you about.”

Master Satele nodded. “Jala told us how the meeting with the Organas went. She was the one who spoke up for you at the meeting. She’s Jecob’s wife, and a very kind woman. She spoke highly of your poise under pressure. You made the right call. While you may not be able to escape the politics entirely, it’s best that you avoid getting too entangled.”

“I’ve agreed to be the arbiter tomorrow,” General Malcom said. “As you’ve no doubt heard, I’m a Paladin of House Organa too. In choosing me over you or Satele, the Jedi can appear neutral in this issue.”

“What will become of General Gesselle?” Vajra asked, more to occupy his mind.

“She will move to Coruscant for a while, but will find a better home when she can. You needn’t worry about her.”

“What do I do now?”

“Take some time, and get used to the idea of your new path. For now, your assignment is here, on Alderaan. Once the situation is stable, we will speak again.”

“Try to enjoy your time here, Son,” General Malcom advised. “A war like this should give you some downtime, and your position as Paladin allows you some degree of comfort during your stay. Make use of the facilities, and try to keep your spirits up. Despite what it seems now, there’s no law saying you can’t have a good life.”

Master Satele nodded. “Seek happiness in the moment. Always maintain your balance. If you ever stumble, I’m sure Jasme or Kira will be happy to help you take a load off.”

Vajra simply nodded. He was still feeling uneasy about the new development, but at least he had today to himself.

#star wars #the old republic #swtor #fanfic #fanfiction #star wars fanfiction #jedi knight #hero of tython

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