#HER SMILE WHEN SHE SEES MICHIKO COMING BREAKS MY HEART | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mochi-and-indigo · 4 years ago

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You’re mine...

Joseph x Reader

Word count: 3609

Triggers: Mention of blood

A/N: Hi! This is our first story writing together and we are both very proud of it. We hope that you like it as much as we do. Also if there are any triggers we left out please tell us so we can put it in!

Joseph gets overprotective of Y/N when he realized who they are.

Normally all stories start with a tragic beginning and well I guess this one is no different. My name is Y/N and let me get you caught up on how my life became something worse than a nightmare. As a kid, my mother and father were always quite busy taking care of my siblings. I'd hardly get to talk with my parents and they seemed to think it was just due to me being antisocial. It hurt me deep down but I got past it by reading books and learning how to paint. Sure that may sound cliche, but it's what I did to pass time.

A couple of weeks before my 23rd birthday, a strange letter appeared. The letter was sealed with a wax stamp as the paper was also tied together with twine. That wasn't the only strange thing about the envelope..It didn´t have an address.

The letter was an offer to join a game of cat and mouse. A game where survivors run away from hunters and must decode ciphers in order to open a gate to escape. I originally thought it would be just a small joke so I decided to go to where the letter had told me. Along with, I had nothing else better to do and I was bored with my current life.

The manor was dark and gloomy, it almost appeared to be rundown and maybe abandoned. Once I built up enough courage, I stepped inside. I noticed the beautifully furnished manor, from the hand railings to the paintings. It was hard to believe this manor was the same as the one outside. “Hello?” I called out. A shorter woman with a straw hat peeked her head through the door. “Hey, we’re in here!” The woman said as she motioned me to go into the room as well. When I entered the room, I saw an array of strange looking people. They varied in color themes, shapes, and smells. The woman wearing the straw hat gave me a wide smile. “You must be a new survivor! My name is Emma Woods, I am the gardener of the manor!”

Her cheerful attitude caught you slightly off guard. “Hello,Emma. I am Y/n L/n. I currently don't know what I am to the manor.” Everyone in what I assumed to be the dining room, began to go round and introduce themselves. Out of everyone, a certain someone caught my eye. It was a man with an owl on his shoulder. He wore a blindfold over his eyes which caused me to question how the man could see.

I noticed his owl had been staring at me for quite a while so I decided to approach him. He looked like he was a tad bit startled as I walked to him. His owl looked away from me as he began to speak. “Hello, welcome to the manor. My name is Eli as you heard earlier, I am the Seer, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He gave me a small smile as he extended his gloved hand out to me. I took his hand and shook it. “It's A pleasure to meet you as well, Eli.” His owl let out a small hoot, as if it were trying to also say hello. I nodded towards the owl trying to show that I knew what it was saying, even though I didn’t have one small clue at what I was supposed to do.

I give him a small smile before Emma starts to drag me off to the room I was staying in. I wish I could have seen Eli for even a second more but it was already too late since Emma pushed me into the room I was assigned. I sighed softly to myself as Emma started to explain the rules with the manor which got me a bit sad since I wouldn’t be able to talk to my parents anymore. Not to mention I did leave a note saying I ran away so they probably think I’m dead by now. Whoops. Emma explained everything to me, which took an hour since I’m not that smart when it comes to human interaction and learning new things. I started to unpack all my things in the room I was in before going down to the dining room to eat dinner.

Joseph´s POV

I was enjoying a nice glass of tea in the library when all of a sudden Jack rushed into the room with Michiko behind him. “The baron says there is a new survivor joining. Want to go try and find out more information on the newcomer?” I rolled my eyes at the taller male. “No thank you. I’d rather not pry into other people's business, unlike you.” Jack sent me a small glare as I heard Michiko whisper about him owning her money. I went back to peacefully drinking tea until Mary walked in, casually complaining about something I had no interest in. “AND NEXT THING I KNOW, I AM GETTING SHOT BY TWO PUTAIN DE FLARE GUNS!” Mary cursed. Angry at what just happened to her while throwing her glass shards across the room, breaking a window in front of me.

“Mary, Darling calm down please we don’t need to have 10 more broken windows like yesterday” I sigh while holding my forehead, too annoyed and stressed to deal with her at the moment. Mary shot me a glare. “You cannot tell me what to do! I am a Queen and you are a mere peasant compared to me!” Mary spat as she started to grab her shoe before throwing it at me but I merely dodged it in a second. “Mary I am not a peasant. Don’t forget how I was a Dukel.” I explained. Mary scoffed and stomped out of the room like usual. As I watched her leave I contemplated throwing my teacup at her.

“How dare you!?” Mary screamed as loud as she could. Making the ground feel like it shook beneath me as I realized that I had messed up. I stood up as fast as I could before running out of the room, jumping through the broken window she had created with her broken shard and headed for the roof. Mary cursed loudly at me from the Library room as I sigh knowing she would never dare follow me to the roof.

While sitting on the roof, I peered into a window on the survivors side of the manor only to see a room that was recently vacant, filled with clothing and bedsheets. On top of what appeared to be fresh bed sheets laid a survivor with h/l h/c hair sleeping peacefully. Even from a distance I could tell that this must be the new survivor Jack was trying to get to know. I grew interested in who this person was so I headed back down to the dining room where everyone was to try and find Jack. With just enough luck I found him talking to Robbie and Yima trying to teach them to stop stealing the cookies that Yidrah made for everyone.

“Jack!” I called out to him causing him to turn his head towards me but soon shot a glare at my face. “What do you want, George Washington?” He said quite aggressively in a teasing way as I sighed and motioned for him to follow me outside, “I want to know more about the new survivor you were speaking of.” After saying that Jack quickly shot up from his chair, dragging me outside with a bright smile, “I’ll tell you everything I know!” He exclaimed. I softly smiled as Jack explained to me that the new survivor was none other than y/n. I felt something pounding in my chest the moment he spoke their name. A strange feeling in my stomach. Was this what people meant when they said there were butterflies in their stomach. Wait, no… That isn’t it, the word is flustered.

I glanced out the nearest window that I could see to try and figure out if I could see their room from where I was. “Dang it…” I mumbled under my breath as I couldn’t see their room so I quickly ran up to my room, leaving Jack confused on what was happening. I slammed open my window to see if I could see across the yard to the survivors manor, to their room. Surely enough I could see them, sitting on a chair that was quite comfortable to what they’ve mentioned in my past life. Reading one of their favorite books, a soft smile as their eyes filled with excitement with each word they read as if they haven’t read the same book for the one millionth time. I softly smiled at what they were doing before they looked up at me, making eye contact for a second as I jumped back panicky. Falling on the floor hard as I covered my face with my hands, praying, wishing, hoping. They didn’t really see me.

“Joseph are you o-... Kay-?” Mary asked as she had barged into my room, seeing how pathetic I was now. Stuck on the ground as it felt like something was paralyzing me as my face felt like it was on fire that needed to be put out. Mary suddenly grew a large grin, that I knew wasn’t a good thing as she walked over to the window I was just at and waved to y/n. I panicked more, pulling on her legs for her to get down but she wouldn’t budge. “Mary get down!!”

“Calm down lover boy, if you pull me down they’ll worry” Mary said between her teeth as she was smiling. “I see you have a little crush on y/n hm?” Mary said as I knew she was teasing me. I wouldn’t let her tease me but I was too vulnerable not to be as I sat in the corner of the room and nodded. Mary looked over to me, shocked at how I was acting as she left the window and crotched in front of me. “Joseph… You actually like something other than me?” Mary said in an offended tone.

I panicked again as she started to pout and made this whole situation worse for my mind but then I realized that I could calm down. Having her focus on herself would make her forget me staring at y/n and everything would be ok. Until she randomly stopped talking and started to walk out. Before she closed the door she smirked darkly at me and said, “Also,” she started as she leaned against the door frame, “Don’t forget you have a match with Y/N~” I started to panic again before hearing her evil laughter echo through the empty halls of the manor.

The Match: y/n’s pov

My first ever match. When I tell you I could feel my heart drop to my stomach, I mean it. I only agreed to this whole chaotic game thinking it was all some stupid joke, but it turns out it wasn’t. I was matched with Eli, Emily and Emma. Emma was trying to convince me that it would all turn out ok if I stuck with her or Emily but what was all about to happen couldn’t settle down in the back of my brain. I started to have a slight panic attack which is when Eli touched my shoulder and told me, “It’ll be ok y/n, you’ll do great.” with a soft smile which soon made me happy and calm down. Little did I know, a certain photographer had seen everything that had just occurred.

Joseph’s Pov

Mary´s words hadn't left my head all morning. As soon as the match began I felt a bead of sweat run down my forehead, until I spotted the worst thing possible. A certain Seer was putting his hands on something that was not his. I quickly activated my camera world and quickly incopacitated the Seer´s mirror image. It was strange for I did not terrorshock the Seer and yet he went down in one hit. That is when I realized how tightly of a grip I had on my sword. I knew I was upset but.. Why was I this upset?

Something felt off but oddly enough it felt right. It felt as though I should be happy the Seer went down in one single hit. As I chaired the mirror image, my camera world collapsed leaving the Seer downed in some place on the map. As the camera world disappeared I could see a trail of blood that came from the Seer. Following it before it disappeared I see Y/N healing him as fast as they could with him helping them. Seeing that in front of my eyes made me mad yet happy and in love to know that Y/N cared about others. As I slowly approached them I mumbled, “I’m sorry my love” before terror shocking them. A loud, painful scream leaving their soft, light peach lips as I immediately regret it. Wanting to hold them close to my body but I couldn’t as I knew I had a job.

I picked up the Seer as I placed him down in a nearby chair, wanting him to get sent back already so I could have Y/N all to myself. As I glance over to where Y/N was before, they weren’t there. I started to panic as I looked all around for them before running off to search for them.

Y/N’s Pov

Emily had told me she made a plan with Emma as Joseph was looking for me. Emily had helped me over to a huge rock before healing me as fast as I’ve ever seen someone heal. Emily stood up and told me to run across the map to the cipher behind the wall that was in my sight. I nodded to show I understood as I started to run as fast as I could. Scared to get caught as Emily glanced over at Emma and gave her a thumbs up to signal it was time for phase two.

Emma smiled widely as she took off running to the rocket chair, letting Eli go before Joseph ran over to them and tried to hit Emma since Eli had run towards me. Emma was teasing the hunter behind the pallet she had knocked over before Joseph destroyed it and Emma knew she was in trouble. Emma started to run fast as Emily jumped in and took Emma’s spot, getting hit by the hunter before grabbing Emma’s hand and hid with her behind a large wall.

Knowing Emma, Emily and Eli were safe made me feel better but didn’t help with what had just happened as I started to decode the cipher machine that was in front of me the best I could before I messed up and started to panic.I looked around to see if anyone was around as I remembered what Eli said, “Whenever you mess up make sure to go hide somewhere but somewhere where you can watch him go to the cipher and leave completely” which is what I did. I looked around for something to hide in but I couldn’t find a good hiding spot other than a tall, bright orange, rusted locker. I opened it quickly and climbed inside as I heard heavy footsteps slowly approach.

Through the bars of the locker, I saw Joseph look around, wearing a small glare. I quickly covered my mouth so I wouldn't make any noise. There was a small knock on the door before the door to the locker flew open. I tumbled out of the locker and began to fall until a strong pair of arms caught me. “There you are, mon chéri.~” The photographer cooed. I began to struggle out of his grip as he picked me up instead of using the balloons like I saw him do to Eli. “Put me down!” I scream as I had my eyes closed, too scared to look up at the photographer.

“Now why would I do that Y/N? I thought you would remember me by now” He spoke into my ear as it sent shivers down my spine. I shook my head as I looked up at him, “Why would I remember someone like you” I asked which I soon regret. Anger and hatred filled Joseph's eyes as he dropped me somewhere where we both knew no one would find as he sat down in front of me and put his hands on my shoulders. “Do you not remember?... Me?” He asked in hope I would say yes but I shook my head from left to right. Nothing coming to mind until he said his name, “Joseph Desaulniers? Does this name not ring a bell..?”

My eyes widen as wide as they have before as I try to stand up and back away before I feel a shooting pain go up from my back to my head. Falling back onto the ground, holding my head as he pulled me to his lap as he had a soft smile. “Don’t try to move you’ll hurt yourself mon chéri” I sigh softly out of pain as he was holding me like I was his child. No, as I was his wife which confused me but I didn’t move because I didn’t want to get hurt.

“Let me go Joseph…” I mumbled as he shook his head fast, “Can’t do that, you're mine and you know this so tell me… Why did you run away and disappear?” I sat there in silence as I looked up at him. “I don’t know… I wanted freedom from everything. No one cared about me-” I started before he interrupted and said, “I cared about you, I was going to ask you to marry me you know. But you ran away before I could do so…” I gave Joseph a small glare. “And I would have declined. I didn't nor do I now love you. You were always busy with the other woman and men at the dances. I love Claude, not you. Claude was there for me, not you. You never made time for me. You treated me like a child!” I spat as I crossed my arms and looked away from him.

“I always made ti-” He started but I didn’t let him finish. “Don’t you even dare say you made time for me and never treated me like a child because you did and you know it! I ran away because no one cared or noticed! I bet no one even went on a search for little old me!!” By Joseph’s silence I could tell that I was right. No one came looking for me so what even was the point to stay here. When I tried to stand up Joseph stopped me and shook his head from left to right showing that he didn’t want me to go. Holding me softly against his body I closed my eyes with a soft sigh leaving my lips. “You died so what was the point?”

“The point was that you could have told me.” Joseph closed his eyes too as he started to braid my hair carefully like he used to. “You never listened.”

“If you told me that it was this bad I would have, I’m sorry for never spending time with you and I’ll fix that if you give me another chance.” he started, trying to get me to give him a second chance but it was too late. We were both trapped in this new game and he had one job, kill me and send me back to the manor as for mine was to doge him and escape with my teammates. “Joseph I can’t give you another chance. You know what situation we´re in and if I ever wanted too I wouldn't because I’m done with being ignored. You need to understand that.”

Joseph’s eyes darkened. “Listen, I am trying my best to be nice here mon chéri.” He said in almost a threatening tone. He began to yank my hair while braiding it. “And alas, my dear brother Claude had passed away after you left.” I noticed his eyes soften at the mention of Claude´s name. “He..died..?” I could feel my heart shatter into thousands of pieces. The only person who paid attention to me and saw me for me was dead.

“Even if Claude were alive,” Joseph continued, “you wouldn't like him anymore. After your disappearance, he changed. He had become more rude and hostile.” I looked up at the photographer who was now fixing the bow in his hair. “Claude would never. You’re nothing but a dirty liar!” I shouted at the photographer. Just then, an alarm rang through the map. The last cipher had been popped. I quickly shot up from Joseph’s grip, running towards the exit gate but almost falling in the process. I could feel Joseph’s glare burn the back of my head as he chased after me. I luckily made it to the exit gate where Eli was as he ran over to me and began to try to open the gate. The gate wouldn't budge. My only escape from this chaos wouldn't let me leave. Joseph stuck Eli hard with his sword before walking off with Eli in the balloons. Making sure to step on Eli’s back hard as he walked away from me. “If I can’t have you,no one can.”

#joseph #josephidv #joseph identity v #mary #maryidentity #maryidentityv #identityv #identity v fanfic #y/n #joseph x y/n

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kth1 · 4 years ago

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Crosscurrents [Hoseok X Reader] Part 2

Crosscurrents - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Genre: The Little Mermaid AU | Fantasy AU | Series Pairing: Mermaid!Hoseok x Princess!Reader Featuring: BTS Princes Warnings: Angst, fluff, rated G, sorry no smut, mentions of pain, eventual character death, it’s just a fantasy story. pining, angsty? W/C: 8.8k Summary: Hoseok is a carefree middle child among seven princes, each running one of the seven seas. With a curious nature to study the world above, he makes several routine visits to the surface, once even saving an alluring princess who he grows very smitten by. With a strong determination to meet his lovely princess, Hoseok makes a risky deal with the ocean’s enchantress to become human. Author’s Note: Sorry for the wait, but I am still very happy about this story. Now finals and my semester is over - I can continue updating. Thank you all who support me. Portions of the fic is unedited. 🐚🧜‍♂️

Credits: Story includes strong elements from Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’; Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’; and Michiko Yokote’s manga ‘Mermaid Melody’.

☀ CROSSCURRENT MASTERLIST ☀

The aqua prince now knew where his beloved princess lived, after revisiting the area nearly every evening after the first time. He often would approach closer to the land each time, venturing further than any of his brothers ever had to the shoreline. As Hoseok still remembered the touch of dry sand on his slimy tail, the foreign air of fresh land right under his body.

Daringly, the carefree and curious prince even swam up the narrow channel that led under the marble balcony that belonged to the princess. During bright moonlit nights he would only invite himself here so he could watch the princess stare off into the sea, where she believed she was all alone. Little did she know, she had a secret admirer in awe from below.

Human beings in general became more and more dear to Hoseok. Days of eavesdropping on humans within the green reeds of the bank who were sailing the water, listening to their stories and conversations in hiding. Stumbling upon fishermen who casted their nets near the beacon’s light, and if anyone on the dock noticed the rustling of his long aqua tail that treaded water, they excused the sounds to wallowing gulls.

Hoseok was happy when he reminisced about the time he had saved the young princess, hearing about her noble actions and performances. She was told of having a heavenly way with her ballroom dance, knowing several styles of movement. He wished he could see her act with his own eyes and to show her one of his.

In time, Hoseok wished that he were one of them; a human that is. Their large world seemed much extravagant than that of the mer-people. Humans can fly above the ocean in their ships, they can ride around in these carriages pulled by large animals called horses, even humans could climb to the top of those beautiful snow tipped mountains that poked their peaks above the clouds. The land they stand on outstretched further than Hoseok could ever imagine, and there was a whole world around him that he wishes to learn about. He had many dreams and desires, his mind craved explanations.

“Do men live forever? Do they die just as us? How long of a life do they live? What happens to them when they pass?”

Hoseok knows these answers for his species, he knows what happens among merfolk and especially what shall happen with royalty. They become foam on the sea, diminish into bubbles into the water. When one royal dies, another is birthed.

These ongoing thoughts horded the capacity of Hoseok’s naïve mind. His passion for above became a sudden obsession, that princess became more of a worship. “Maybe I’ll get some more answers tonight,” he thought as he travels with the current to the north Pacific Ocean, home of the playful salmon pink Prince Jimin.

This lovely evening, we have a court ball. A ball which held dancing mermen and mermaids to the melodies of the singers and composers. A watering hole of very thick crystal walls, so clear and pristine that the illuminating lights from mussel-shells which decorated in rows along them blared through effortlessly. Numberless fish and folk who swam through the lights would flash their glorious colored tails that amplified within these beams.

Hoseok, Jimin, and Jungkook all danced wonderfully. Linking arms together and with others, displaying their methodologies. They shared many dances with men and women, children even.

Lights gleamed like a galaxy in the subterranean sea, all sparkling like the stars in the night sky. Beautiful pinks, greens, and purples garnished the saloon, ravishing plants and twines tangled around pillars.

The sweet sensual voices of Seokjin and Taehyung filled the room in a magical duet. Back-up singers harmonizing along with their symphony as Namjoon and Yoongi remained lost in their own worlds of instruments.

Jimin twirled around the aqua prince’s tail like a feather, light and soft. Prince Jimin’s eyes were brighter than any blue tail that ever existed, a translucent aquamarine color – no – a luminous crystal blue. A mesmerizing shimmer tinted the orbs in the sunlight as how a cracked geode rock would sparkle.

His hair, much like his tail and lips, were mixes of rose, coral and peaches. Shades fading in and out of another elegantly. He was such a bubbly child – bashful even as everyone could recall times the young Prince would grow embarrassed and the rising pink of his skin would soon match his tail. Jimin danced the best contemporary dance in all of the seas, naturally wiggling his body in expert stretches.

“How have you been, brother?” He hushed his words through a wave of his arms, continuing to dance along to the music with Hoseok. “You look… different.”

Hoseok matched Jimin’s movement, picking up the pace to a slow tempo. “I’ve been doing well.”

The words fell bleakly between the two, Jimin realizing that there was no enthusiasm resonating from Hoseok – no energetic fields sparkling through the waters. Jimin’s intuition can pick up the sudden change of behavior, and he grew nervous for the reasons why his older brother insisted on lying to his face.

“It’s not polite to fib – especially about your feelings.”

Hoseok grabbed ahold of Jimin’s wrist, spinning the pink tailed merman in a quick fluid motion. Dancing around having a private conversation was difficult when they were surrounded with several fish who are also doing the same. A curious ear could overhear them, and Hoseok did not wish to share his secrets to the public.

By the spin of Jimin, Hoseok’s eye catches something – rather, something missing. The chain that snugged around Jimin’s slim waist was colorless, missing its shining pink bead.

“Where is your pearl?” the aqua prince distressed.

Jimin’s crystal eyes avoided Hoseok’s almond ones, swallowing thickly as a shade of pink started breaking through at the tips of his ears. “Come brother, I must show you something.”

Whilst the mermen, mermaids, and fish were still dancing and singing in the palace, the two troublesome brothers stole away past the walls of the pink palace. Swimming freely into the open ocean while being accompanied by their little companions.

Kiko deliberately begged Hoseok to remain back in Jimin’s home, not wanting to cause another mishap event of a storm like the one that happened times prior to when anyone has upset the Mer-King. But the merman ignored his friend, insisting that everything will be alright.

“Jimin where are you taking me?”

“Just a bit further – I promise you will be surprised.”

Soon enough Jimin led Hoseok into a lengthy cave, a narrow cavern filled with sumptuous jewels, gems, and stones. A pleasure-loving treasure of a chamber that was hollowed out, and in the cavity of the cave – past the dark spaces and cracks – they peered up into a grotto. Crystalline formations that grew down from the ceiling, limestones, calcium carbonate and other minerals lined the walls and rocks.

The scene before them was a magical starry canvas. Nothing in any of their realms nor the human world looked better or more extravagant than this place.

“I found this place when I was little, following a stubborn little marine invertebrate.” Jimin narrowed his eyes down at his sticky pet starfish, Bo, that was latching onto his shoulder. “This little guy was a feisty one, but I’m forever grateful that he led me here. Just look.”

Hoseok’s eyes widened around him, eyebrows shot high into his hairline. His thoughts were all about the mystical creations around him until Jimin cut his train of thought.

“It’s what happens when two worlds connect, the sea and the land.” Jimin admired around with a soft smile on his lips.

“Two worlds?” he wondered. “But wait – this doesn’t explain where your pearl is? You have it don’t you? You can’t lose it!”

Jimin chuckled, shaking his head. “Unfortunately, I do not have my pearl.”

Hoseok hovered around, looking at all the jewels and gems that surrounded the two mermen. Anxiety rising from his fins, “Jimin your palace –“

“Is still in great condition, is it not?”

In fact, Jimin’s kingdom was in fantastic shape. Even with the lack of his magical pearl. The ball was extravagant, faces were happy, and his realm was healthy and clear.

“It is.” Hoseok confirmed. “But how?”

Jimin smiled gleefully, satisfied and at complete ease as he hopped up his thin body onto a rock. The pink prince shrugged, “I’m not sure actually. Maybe they aren’t as powerful as we were told. Though they are one of a kind.” Jimin stared at the pearl that dangled off Hoseok’s ear.

“I like to think that they work for anyone who has a good heart. They keep the realm alive with their being.”

Curious, Hoseok pushed for further explanation. “So, if you don’t have it then… you gave it to someone else?”

“Mhm.”

“Jimin?! You can’t just do that – do you have suds in your brain!?”

Jimin’s eyes crinkled with his wide cutesy smile, unbothered at the world. Innocence exuding out from his face. “Perhaps.”

The cavern twinkled around the reflecting lights, blossoming of precious stones and glows from each crevice of the room. Hoseok’s voice echoed off the structured walls along with the silence drips of the moistened stalactites that elongated from the top.

“Who did you give it to?” Hoseok was furious, getting ready to blow up on his younger pink scaled brother until a shuffling noise distracted him, causing him to twist his head in the direction of the sound.

“Her.” Jimin drew his breath in, watching a shadowed movement draw closer. A padding of feet rushed their way into the corner of the grotto where an opening that was not seen before now was. Entered, a small child, with curly blonde and frizzy hair as light as the clouds, stepped in view. She bared her feet, stepping on the smooth flooring below her in a flowing flower sundress.

Hoseok was quick to duck for cover – trying to pull his brother along but remained puzzled how he refused to move. Jimin sat proudly atop his perch, staring at the young child who’s face lit up with merriment.

“Jiminie!” she squeals. “You came to visit me!”

Frightened, Hoseok sunk further below the water. This is going against everything, why is Jimin speaking to a human? Why did he give his pearl to her? He angrily whispered towards the ditzy prince that waved his arm towards the child, “What are you doing!?”

“I’ve brought a friend, little one! Would you care to meet him?” Jimin outstretched his hand towards his brother who hid behind a rock who returned glare at him. Seeing the disproving stare from Hoseok, he spoke down towards to him, “She’s safe, believe me.”

The curious kid stepped closer to the edge of the grotto, before the land dipped into the water as she waited with anticipation. She pondered the words her friendly pink merman spoke, eyes full of wonder as she looked over to him.

Hesitantly Hoseok poked his head out slowly, making eye contact with the blonde bundle of curls. She stood on her tiptoes with excitement, seeing another pretty face that blended well with the sparkling cave. “Hello!” she squeaked.

It felt uncanny, so unnatural for Hoseok to be approached by a creature with legs and not fins. An unreal wave of relief washed over the merman as the child’s instant presence seemed pure. “Hello.”

“Are you a prince like Jiminie? Are you pink like him too?” She questioned, now landing herself on her knees so she can creep closer to the water. Jimin gleamed with amusement, adoring the young little human who he grew acquainted with over time.

Jimin felt the passion within this little being, relating her curiosity of the sea with Hoseok’s interests with the land. In many ways these two were very much alike and he was ecstatic for them to meet.

For the first time this night, Jimin witnessed a genuine smile turnup on Hoseok’s lips. The aqua tailed man moved toward the small being who knelt by the edge. He flipped his tail up out of the water, flashing his fins with a loud splash. Trickles of water cascaded from the air onto surrounding areas of terrain causing the child to giggle.

“Precisely, I am a prince just as Jimin.”

Jimin swam up besides his brother, guiding him closer to the little girl. He smiled towards her as he raised his hand for her to meet his. Together they connected, her little hand much smaller than Jimin’s and a small glow of gold originated between their touch. “See – she’s good. I trust her.”

At closer inspection Hoseok noticed the chain around the child’s neck that had a glass trinket which encased a pink pearl – Jimin’s unique bead. That too glowed a radiating gold shimmer.

“I wish I had a pretty tail like you two!” She looked mournfully at the two clumsy props of bare legs she owned. “Silly legs!” She shouted down with a huff.

“Oh, but with a tail – you could not get back home.” Jimin tested. “We wouldn’t want that now. You’d miss your parents, your family. Even your bed.” He smirked, teasing the little girl.

Hoseok stood witness as he watched the interaction between human and merman. It wasn’t quite like how his interaction was with his beautiful princess back home, but there was a sincere aura radiating between the two that gave him hope for something.

“What color would I have, I wonder!” Her wide eyes scanned both of the mermen’s faces, taking in their distinctive differences.

Jimin smiled wide, eyes forming crescents. “Oh darling, I think pink would suite you very well. A beautiful plush pink for the young angel.” He pokes her nose.

“We should head back before it gets too late. I will visit another time, alright? Keep my gift safe and sound!” Jimin bid the pouting child farewell before descending down back the narrow crevices they entered.

They swam leisurely back to Jimin’s palace, Jimin humming melodic tunes to himself. The clear water was waving like a light breeze, the seabed littered with various plants and scrubs of all colorations.

“Why’d you give her your pearl?” Hoseok questioned out in the blue.

Jimin spun himself around, looking up towards the plane of water way high above the floating mermen. “She is true. I grew to know her over time. I feel no threat from her, and I trust she won’t speak of me to others. I want her to always remember me.”

Hoseok’s thoughts soon returned to the world above him as he could not forget his beauteous princess. And he could not control his craving to meet her. Experiencing a merman and human interact as Jimin did with his, Hoseok was sure he could trust the lovely woman he is fascinated with. Deep down in his heart he hopes she will be accepting of him.

One thing stood out from is encounter with Jimin and the little girl. What struck him was how she wished to be a mermaid – one with a beautiful scaly tail. Why would she dream this when she had legs?

Hoseok hovered around his human-decorative study again, a place he consistently escaped to when he had the free time. He eyed the handheld mirror, the compass that lost its pointing needle giving the device worthlessness, even feathering his fingers through the chest full of useless goods. He stumbled upon a painting, a portrait of a bright and sunny day with land lovers dancing on a street. Building’s surrounding the pairs that were grouped together in a gestured dance.

It then hit him, “A pair of legs for a tail – and a tail for legs.” He grumbled to himself looking down at his slimy speckled tail, fins and all. Kiko who has been loitering around the area shifted towards her merman, “Hoseok…”

“I have an idea Kiko, though you may not like it.”

“When do I ever?”

Hoseok snickered, sighing down at his dazzling leafy sea-friend. He brushes his hands through her leaves, scratching underneath Kiko’s keel. “I’m more grateful than you may think. Please don’t be upset with me.”

Kiko rested in the hands of Hoseok, shimmying herself comfortable. The look in her eyes showed regret and worry, though she waited for her prince – her friend – to continue his thoughts.

“I must travel past the whirlpool. Where the seagrass nor flowers bloomed – grey sands expanding to heavens know where. Where waters were dark, whizzing around in strong forces. To the current that doesn’t connect to ours, the abyss down below. I need to go to the enchantress.”

“No!” Kiko jolted, frantically shaking her leaves. “You can’t! You know that. She’s a demon, a – a monster!”

“I’m going. The witch will be able to help. She’s the only one who could advise me.”

The thought of seeing his princess on two legs gave Hoseok the courage he needed to proceed with his foolish actions. He had traveled to where no merfolk dared to go. Advancing his body though the tough of the whirlpool – pass the boiling under gasses, a thick heavily bog that shrouded the turf.

The enchantress lived in a horrid place, all the trees and bushes were gloomy and of dying bowiea weeds. Serpents shooting up out of the ground with lengthy branches that tickled with disgusting fingers of worms. Polypi dressing the skirts of the seafloor and clustering up this wooded area.

Every plant was twisted and mangled in its own way, clutching onto random items. Skeletons of a number of fish and human beings who had drowned were in the grasps of these eager unseemly trees. He swiftly made his way through these bushes and herbs of horror, arriving to a small place that was occupied by large sluggish snails. In the middle of this terrain, stood a house build of broken shards of ships, bones, and shattered mussels.

Along the entrance way to this house floated a darkened figure, cloaked with a slick seaweed. It turned to face the colorful prince who peered over towards it. A loud cackle noise up roared from the witch; her shoulders shook with each breath. “Oh my – what honor do I have here? Prince of the South Atlantic. What a delicate blue tail you have.”

Hoseok stood still in his area, eyeing the being before him. Tentacles dragged beyond her, her writhing arms dangled to her sides and pieces of her hair abnormally distorted around her head in a wicked manner.

“You know me?”

“I know much. Well. I hear many. I see most,” said she to the aqua blue prince. “I know what you want, and it’s quite mindless. Yet I shall assist you, for a price.” The sorceress hovered; brushing pass her field of snails. “You wish to get rid of your tail for a set of those dainty stilts like those pathetic humans have. You fancy a princess above the water. So, I’ve heard.” The wicked woman snickered.

“What a pity, such gorgeous of blues to be snuffed out. But nonetheless, I shall help royalty with no delay.”

“You will?” Hoseok hoped, enthusiastic to the mysterious witch. “What do I owe for your time?”

The enchantress turned towards the opening of her house, floating down into the pit of it. “Come child, I shall show you.”

A large cauldron rested in the middle of the singular room; every moment new ingredients were thrown into the slump of its dome. Mixed smoke and foams sizzling throughout the water. “I will make you a potion – one you will drink as you make it up to the surface. You shall sit on the coast and swallow it whole, and then your tail of beautiful aqua and gold will shrivel and shrink from under you – to things which men call legs.”

Another puff of smoke plumed in the water, a zap of her ingredients fusing together in a rancid smell. “This transformation will be extremely painful after all; you will feel as if a sharp blade passed through your body though no blood shall spill. You’ll retain that beautiful face of yours, your undulation movements of dance. Light on your feet, throughout days on land it will grow to be more difficult to walk. Imagine thousands of blades slicing through your soles with each step you take.”

Hoseok watched the cauldron fill to the brim, gooey discolored liquids lofting around like a stew. He listened intensely to the warnings of the sea witch, but his dedication held strong within him. “You haven’t told me what the price is.”

The witch cackled once more, cutting her arm to allow thick black blood drip down into the pot. “Your voice is the price I ask.”

Hoseok trembled watching the potion being concocted in front of his own eyes. A level on uncertainty settling in the pit of his stomach. “How long do I have?”

“Until your princess falls in love – shall decide your fate. If you seek the princess’s heart, love to such degree that she leaves her family for you, that you flood her mind and wishes – you will remain human. If sorrowfully on the day she is united to another will you see your sadness. Forced back into a merman and you will surrender your kingdom to me.”

“But if you take my voice from me,” spoke the aqua tailed prince, “What do I have to charm the princess? How am I going to communicate with her?”

“Your graceful form of course,” replied the sorceress. “Your speaking eyes, that handsome face that you bestow. You can infatuate a vain meek human heart with your beauty, can you not? Your dance speaks wonders – I’ve heard many stories.” Her arm laced around the shoulder of the prince, eyeing the dangling pearl that hung from his lobe.

“Now speak into my shell,” she held a conch in his view. “Speak to the sea in return for my magic drink.”

And so, he spoke, whispers of nothings but wishes, of thanks, and hopes. His orotund voice slowly being sucked away by a magical blue hue that breathed from his mouth to the inners of the magical conch.

The witch handed a vial of the finished potion, a translucent liquid that swirled around a clear glass. “Remember to swallow all and prepare yourself for the pain.” Her witch laugh resounded loud through the room.

Hoseok trailed back the same way he came, through the heavily wooded thicket of long polypi that bent away from him the moment he drew near. The foaming streams produced from the buzzing whirlpool laid still as he entered. Scrubs and plants dissipating with his presence.

Once he returned back to his home it was late; lamps in the apartments of the palace were extinguished, families were fast asleep. His halls were dimly lit, the garden shimmered in the moonlight, and his room pitch dark. He was voiceless, the words he wishes to spill to his dear friend Kiko will never reach her. But he chose to try, to gain her attention in her own little quarters.

At her wake she was startled, it was the middle of the night though she heard no noise from Hoseok. His hand tapped on his throat multiple times, signaling a language of no speech. He held the bottle to his pet and shook it with delight. With hopeful eyes he glanced up, referencing the plane between the two worlds. All his attempts to hint his next actions.

“What have you done!?” Kiko jolted from her rest, hollering at the Prince who looked all too pleased with his decision. “Hoseok please, no!”

He smiled his wide bright smile and swam away, not asking for Kiko to follow but she was persistent. She swam alongside him all the way through the dark blue waters to the world above as she did many times before. She wanted to protect Hoseok and be there for him at all costs.

The moon still shone in the sky when they rose from the depts to Hoseok’s casual lounging rocks. The ocean was still, swiftly washing waves ashore and receding back into the sea. He made his way to the shallows, to the area where he once touched when he saved the drowning princess from the wreckage.

A sorrowful look he exchanged with his leafy creature; he was aware of leaving his realm behind on the pursuit of learning about the land and to find his lovely princess. That once he drank this clear liquid, he will turn into one of them, no longer allowed to swim down to his realm because his tail would be no more.

He felt the liquid run down his throat as he tilted his head back, the mix drink oozed its way down his body like a sharp knife cutting from the inside and he fell to the ground clutching his stomach. The excruciating pain sliced his insides overwhelming the human-to-be, a resounded tear of a sudden split of his fin filleting… was last heard before he fainted.

When the sun was reaching over the mountains of the east, Hoseok awoke; and he immediately felt the burning pain in all of his limbs and organs. He inhaled exaggeratedly, clutching his hand over his chest as he leaned up. Fresh air burning its way through his new human lungs, the dryness of his mouth making him feel even more worse. The waters washed him up further on the shore, sand now surrounding his body and his now new pair of legs.

His eyes grew wide looking down between himself and the sea. Looking at the bare of his legs, a set of limbs that do not work like how his tail once had. Naturally, he moved the limbs one by one, turning his ankles, bending his knees, and wiggling his toes. Tiny appendages that matched the ten fingers on his hands, just smaller.

Hoseok sat in complete nude, just basking in the glow of the sun and the breeze of the wind. Until a squeak drew his attention from the water, a flip and a splash. It was Kiko – who must have stayed all night with him.

He opened his mouth, yet nothing came out. Something he needs to get used to now and figure out how to sign language his way through gestures. Instead he waved and smiled excitedly, motioning his hands towards his legs which he waved in the air with joy.

“Are you crazy? Cover yourself up Hoseok!”

Kiko darted around the water, looking for something to give the poor prince for some decency. Pieces of seaweed or kelp won’t do – something bigger needs to cover his bottom half. Lucky for them, remains of the past shipwreck still lurked in the waters. A torn fabric, from a mast, nonetheless, trapped under a broken wooden plank drifted in the sunken water not too far from the shore.

Hoseok remained unphased. More intrigued and preoccupied with these unsteady legs, he almost didn’t notice the added appendage that laid between them. The one thing Kiko was most nervous about, the lack of modesty. That’s no way for Hoseok to go about on land – oh most certainly not!

“Hoseok!” Kiko arrived closer, drawing Hoseok’s attention. “There’s cloth down here, I can’t remove it myself. But you need it, quickly! Come!” She flittered her little fins around the area, “Right down here!”

He bent his knees up, pushed off the ground with enough force to lift his body stable on the flats of his feet. Instantly he started wobbling, teetering left and right as he stumbled towards the water. Not only trying to understand the concepts of walking, looking like a toddler who needed the support to stand up. The witch was right – he felt light on his feet, he swiftly moved with jagged balance. But unfortunate to him, there was a buildup of thorn-stabbing pain with each step.

Hoseok fell, not gracefully, into the water where his limbs straight away felt at ease and cooled off. The threatening pain not causing him anymore discomfort. He drifted towards Kiko, kicking his legs erratically to stay afloat. His eyebrows raised, beckoning a questioned look for Kiko to guide him.

Reaching down through the green weeds, he caught hold of a wet material, yanking it up from under the object it was crammed under. It was thin, but long enough to cover him whole.

Resting his bottom on the sands of the shore once more, he twisted the material around his tapered waistline, right above his prodding hip bones and securing it tight with a knot. A crafted loincloth decorated around him, long enough to reach the tops of his knees. Hoseok’s eyes formed happy-crescent shapes when looking back to his floating buddy, enjoying his small victory.

Kiko observed Hoseok, watched him closely. There was almost a young childlike aspect on is features, his fascination, his wide eyes of wonder taking in his new environment. A wide grin from ear to ear, eyes sparkling in the beautiful sunlight. Hoseok still looked just as handsome as he did when he was adorned his aqua tail. And Kiko prayed from that moment forward that this journey Hoseok choose to take himself – will hopefully play out in his favor.

Seagulls squawked overhead, the gentle air tickling his skin. The reassuring sounds of the waves drifting in and out causing the heart wrenching feeling of home resolve the hollow of his chest.

A sudden uproar of noise startled the prince, coming from the edging of the cliff. A familiar noise he has heard once before but couldn’t quite understand what it was – until he saw it. A black four-legged figure barking along the sands, rushing in every which way with a snout that sniffed up into the air.

Hoseok’s face grew pale when he locked eyes with the creature. He had to get out of there, he didn’t know what this creature was capable of and it sure as well wasn’t human.

The large animal bolted towards Hoseok, yapping it’s head off with excitement. Fearful, Hoseok jumped up on a nearby bolder – one high enough to prevent the beast to touch him as it came close. It didn’t look threatening upon closer inspection; black fur coated this four-legged mut, and it had a tail as well! Is this what a dog was? He’s seen artworks that had these human pets in them, but none looked like this dog that woofed at him.

Hoseok shooed the dog with a wave of his hand, making a disgruntled face. Over the commotion between man and dog, Hoseok didn’t notice a curious wondering human making its way hesitantly. “Toby! Toby where’d you go! You need to help me find these shells – oh my!” A female in a simple tight-fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that covered down to her ankles, crept forward; a netted satchel filled with seashells slinked over her shoulder that she held closer to her body.

Her eyes met with Hoseok’s, frozen. It was her, Princess Y/n. Even though she wasn’t dressed in her elegant gown, decorated in her pretty jewelry, she still looked just as beautiful. Hoseok remained star-struck, as if he was seeing the princess for the very first time. Mouth agape, eyes fixed inquiringly on the stunning girl who stood meters away from him. The continuous barks of the Toby-beast unwavering until the princess scolded it.

“Toby! Down boy! Leave that man alone!” She called her pet back, rushing over to stop him from intruding the man on the rocks space. “I’m so sorry! Toby can be a bit overwhelming. But I assure you he’s really kind!” She managed to hold back her pet, trying to calm him down and get him to sit for her.

Hoseok looked down, preserving his surprised state. He smiled at the princess’s warm features, her soft delicate skin and whisking hair that was pinned out with a bow in the back.

The princess looked up at Hoseok, having a moment of déjà vu – something about this was all too familiar to her. “You seem… are you? Have – have we met before?” The words stumbled out of her mouth, in amazement as her eyes casted up to the glowing stranger. He was gorgeously handsome, his hair long and wavy, his smile so sincere and shining in the sun. Those almond colored eyes that captured the deepest of blues within them dazed back at her.

Hoseok eagerly shook his head – yes yes, they have met before!

“We have met! I knew it!” she exclaimed. “What is your name?”

Hoseok mouthed the formation of his name, but nothing came out. Frustrating the poor man even more, his lips pulled down into a frown. It’s as if his larynx was completely removed from his throat, the voice box completely vanished from within.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” The curious princess spoke with worry. “Can you not speak?”

Exasperated, Hoseok held his fists up in a struggling fight with himself, scrunching his face along with it. This was his one and only time he can talk to her, yet he couldn’t form the words he wanted to say. Panic-stricken, he motions his arms and hands in spur of erratic movements. Trying to signal his distress.

“Oh, something is wrong? You’re hurt? You need help?”

Hoseok reached forward too far, losing his stability on top of the rock and falling forward. He was clumsy, landing in the sand right in front of the princess and blushing from embarrassment. Toby jumped over towards the fallen man, now licking up the side of his face and showering him with a handful of kisses.

“Oh gee – Toby! Off of him!” she hollered, now lunching herself to save Hoseok from her furry dog. “I’m so sorry!” Hoseok’s face was lifted up with a smile again, giggling at the cuteness of this Toby animal.

The princess relaxed, seeing that there was no threat at hand when the stranger started playing back with Toby. She saw how he wasn’t properly dressed, lost his clothes and his voice. Her soft heart churned with sympathy, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you. You must have gone through something terrible recently. Let me help you up.”

The princess escorted Hoseok back to her palace, offering her assistance as he limped oddly while he walked. Once exposed, no thanks to Toby’s cheerful barking, servants brought the nearly naked man a set of expensive clothes.

“Princess Y/n! Who – what do we have here?” A maid rushed over holding out a robe already set open for the guest. “I thought you were looking for shells,” the maid turned to eye Hoseok. Capturing in his natural beauty essence. “not – not a man.”

The princess laughed, hiding a tinted pink blush from her embarrassment. “Ms Gretta, I assure you I didn’t mean to stumble upon this man. Toby ended up finding him! But he needs help! I think he may be sick.”

“Oh, sweet child. Haven’t we told you not to go running off alone? It’s dangerous for a woman of your status to be out there unsupervised!” The maid slunk the robe around Hoseok’s shoulders, covering him up.

The princess smiled softly, “But, I wasn’t alone. I had Toby!”

Her maid tsk’d, rolling her aging eyes. “Dear, Toby is not an excuse. Please next time, would you be careful?” She averted her attention to the strange man who stood still in the center of their foyer. “Come here young one, let’s get you cleaned up.”

The princess’s maid who addressed the man’s hygiene, escorted Hoseok down the hall. He looked over his shoulder in confusion has he was pushed along the tiled floors, looking at the princess who waved innocently. “I’ll see you soon!” she said.

Hoseok was led into a bejeweled decorative washroom. Gold encrusted handles and trimming, a similar color to the specks that scattered throughout his tail. A large bath displayed in the center, filling up with steamy warm water and colorful bubbles. A pricy chandelier hung from the center right above the tub.

“Now now, I’ll leave you to your privacy, sir. And I’ll come back to check on you. I’ll leave your clothes and towels on the counter right here. Please feel free to use whatever toiletries you need.” The maid bowed before stepping out of the room.

Hoseok walked over to the tub, feet now aching terribly. The bubbles reminded him of the foam that he’s seen a hundred of times on the plane of the water. Dissolved organic matter from algal blooms. It surprised him, however, that these bubbles came with a fresh scent.

Stepping into the tub his feet promptly soothed over from the dull pain. His knees bucked from under him, forcing a splash of water to rise above the edge of the tub and splattering across the tile below. The element of water was natural to him, it was alleviating him. Bubbles fluttered in the air, a cascade of them landing down on top of his head. He loved it; humans had all of the elements. Water, earth, air and fire.

“Darling please, no more nonsense of this. We need to focus on your studies.”

Princess Y/n and her mother, the Queen, were enjoying teatime in the dining hall with high painted ceilings and checkered flooring. With additions of a ruby red rug, large window plates, and a fireplace structured on the western wall.

Each dressed in their civil casual wear, a baby blue dress for the princess and an elegant topaz green for the queen. They sipped together while staring off at the scenic views outside. “I understand mother. I just turned a new age, please let me enjoy my time just a bit longer,” the princess begged.

“Darling, you know your positioning. We must find you a partner to be wed. There’s many suitors from several kingdoms who are in your age group.”

The princess remained silent, savoring the last bit of tea from her cup. What the queen didn’t know was that the young princess has been waiting for the day to find that man who had saved her. She wanted to express her gratitude and appreciation to the person on the beach. The princess knew there was no way she had dreamed of the man, but unfortunate for her, she sorrowfully cannot remember his face. Only fractions and figments of her memories weave together of that morning. The sun was glaring down into her eyes during the only time she could see him, but she remembered his voice. The audible feature that made her know that he was real.

The word, the greeting, “Hello.” Was the only excuse for her brain to process that hazy morning as real. She heard the person speaking to her. She wished, all this time to see him once more. Before she had to leave her kingdom for good, united with another man from a different country, she was determined to find that person who had saved her.

Every so often, when her schedule allowed it, she would journey down onto the beach. Strolling along the shore picking up pieces of washed up shells and rocks to add to her own collection of aquatic artifacts. And with each trip, she hoped to see that person once more.

“Y/n, are you even listening to me?” The disgruntled tone in the queen’s voice drew the princess’s attention. She blinked, opening her mouth to speak when suddenly she was interrupted.

“Go on – no need to be shy!” prodded the maid, pushing Hoseok forward.

Hoseok approached through the double-wide doors into the dining hall, now dressed in his borrowed rich clothes. A comfortable tunic that fell loose around his arms, black pants that rolled up by the ankles, and a thick belt that sat snug against his waist. It was a simple outfit, casual and relaxed. The only thing that looked more tasteful to the naked eye, something that looked priceless, was the singular pearl earring that hung from his ear.

He stepped towards the princess and queen with an astonished look on his face. The room surrounding them was marvelous, designed beautifully and almost as beautiful as his back in his underwater realm. He was nervous but happy, twiddling his thumbs between another as he stopped at a safe distance. He curtseyed with regard, gaining both the women of the room’s curiosity.

The princess stood up excitedly, “You look amazing – lively! Gretta has done a great job helping you!”

Hoseok nodded bashfully, his smile still present. The princess swore that there was a sudden twinkle in his beautiful beaming eyes when he reconnected their gazes.

“This is the man you found out on the beach?” the queen addressed the two with a quirked brow. “My, he is quite the visual. Young man, what is your name?”

Both Hoseok and Y/n turned to face the queen properly, a warily grin accompanied the both of them. “Mother, I’m afraid he’s a mute.” Hoseok timidly rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, sending the queen an apologetic look.

Perturbed, the queen pursed her lips and nodded slightly. “I see. That’s very luckless my dear.” The queen’s eyes scanned the innocent male in front of her, seeing no threat in any nature. “You are welcomed to spending time here, as Y/n requested. Please make yourself feel at home and do not hesitate to ask, er – to seek out for any help.” Her lips upturned genuinely.

Hoseok bowed as a sign of respect and thanks. Feeling giddy, his body vibrated with delight.

“Come here, please sit. You must be malnourished.” The queen gestured to a seat at the elongated table. “Food will be served shortly.”

It was a bright chipper day, cool calm and collective. Noisy birds chirped from outside his guest room, a sound he never had the privilege to waking up to. Their squawks and chirps sounding as one of a melodic tune. Little animals making conversations with another, flapping their wings to soar high above the buildings and structures outside Hoseok’s window.

Hesitantly, he pulled the curtain aside to allow the view before him expand. The colors of the palaces garden were gleaming with charm, fantastic brand-new species of plants of all sorts of colors captivated his sights.

He slowly leaned over the railing of the windowsill, sticking his head out further into the air. If he was back in his realm he could simply just swim out, but here he was grounded. Out past the front gates, far into the distance of the forestry, was more building structures assembled. More colorful delight sprung from them, decorations and flags waving in the wind. It indeed was a beautiful day above the water, and Hoseok’s urge to explore was thriving within him.

An echoed knock resonated from the door, causing Hoseok to whip his head in the direction and walked his bare feet over to open the custom designed wooden door. Just before he turned the handle he glanced over at the shallow tub he grabbed from his quarter’s bathroom last night. It was still was filled with cooled water which he used the for his feet.

Another knock causing Hoseok to jump with the sound. He creaked the door open to pry his head curiously through the crack, and he was met with the maid who had assisted him throughout yesterday – Gretta.

“Good morning, sir!” She smiled warmly giving him a tiny nod. It took her a moment to remember she wasn’t going to hear a greeting back, due to Hoseok’s lack of voice. That didn’t derail her train of thoughts though, “I have fresh clothes for you!” She raises the materials in her arms higher up, catching Hoseok’s view.

He nodded, stepping back with the door, allowing Gretta to walk through. Hoseok stood there uncertain with his nightwear still snug on him, watching Gretta make her way to a side table to place the essentials down. She too noticed the tub laying besides the bed, filled with water.

“Miss Y/n was curious if you’d like to join her for the street festival in town today? There are many activities to partake in! She’s grown quite curious about you as well.” Gretta rambled, laying out the selected choice of menswear. It was similar to the previous day outfit, large relaxing soft blue tunic decorated with small detailed floral patterns and another pair of black trousers. There was also a bronzy gold belt laid out along with a set of – a set of…?

“These boots are made out of cowhide, sturdy for long walks on the roads. You don’t need to worry about getting them dirty!”

Oh, they’re called boots. Hoseok mentally noted the two neat glossy brown oddities. But the idea of long walks pulled his face into a grimace – he’ll need a break from walking frequently. He’ll need to find something to soak his feet in to cool of the agonizing stabbing pain that jolted through the pads of his feet the more he stepped.

“Shall I tell the princess you’ll be ready in twenty minutes? We’ll pull a carriage up in the meantime.” Gretta smiled over at the handsome young lad that stood motionless near the door. There was a natural aura about the boy, something ‘off’ for Gretta but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Hoseok bobbed his head excitedly, smiling at the fact he’ll get to see the princess once again. With joy he hurriedly grabbed at the fabrics, with no hesitation or decency to whip off his nightshirt in one swift movement. Gretta hastily turned her eyes away, heading towards the door just as quick. She laughed slightly, “I will clean up the room when you’re out in town.” From there the click of the door was heard with Gretta’s exit, and Hoseok is stumbling over himself trying to place these so-called ‘boots’ over his damn feet.

The carriage carried Hoseok, Y/n, and two guards into town. The settlement was garnished with florals, furnished with twisted wreaths and tangled vines. Banners hung building to building, colors of pinks, greens, blues, and purples scattered universally. Sculptures of flowers made out of papers and sheer fabrics hung down from above. Bodies of men, women and kids moving about another in dance, or between food stands, shops, and miscellaneous vendors.

It was beautiful for a land festival, but for a moment it reminded Hoseok of his brother’s recent party. There were similarities between the two of course, but there was something different at the same time. Nothing could compare to each other because in Hoseok’s view, land and water were forever going to be different.

The princess walked alongside Hoseok, humming herself a soft tune from an ongoing flute player. Peering down at the lovely princess, Hoseok couldn’t help but smile at the way her eyes wondered around as if she’s searching for something in particular. She smiled when greeted by passersby’s, declining offers of home-made treats and gifts.

“You know – I still don’t know your name. Do you go by a name?” Y/n spoke directly to Hoseok, but her eyes were looking through the crowd of people. Once she glanced up to meet his beautiful brown eyes, she had a mischievous smile. Hoseok nodded, furrowing his brows. He had to think of a way to tell her his name or find something that was close enough to relate back to him.

He turned his head left and right, looking for objects or scenery to point at. But there was nothing in his sights that satisfied him or suited him. Maybe a color would be easier? So, he looked around, pointing out the first blue thing he could find.

“Flower?” she questioned, smiling to herself. But with Hoseok responding with an unenthusiastic look she tilted her head. He searched again, grabbing at items and widgets all in different shades of blue. He held them towards Y/n, motioning the importance with his hand on his chest. Me! These are me! He was referencing.

Even the guards attempt to shout out answers to Hoseok’s amusing charade. Band? Berries? Belt? Cloth? Plate? Bracelet?

Hoseok grew more and more frustrated with the wrong answers he sighed in defeat. Sitting himself down on a bench that perched besides a bridge. He was stumped, blowing a breath of air up into his falling bangs.

“It’s okay!” The princess joined him on the bench, patting Hoseok on the shoulder. “We don’t need to worry about it.”

A pang within his chest tightened over his heart when he looked back to the princess’s sincere eyes. That feeling pinched a sensitive nerve within him, he was stunned by the beautiful princess. Dare he admit that he may be smitten over her rosy cheeks, the way her smile drew a smile from him.

Her gaze flickered to the bead that hung from his lobe, the jewel that adorned his single earring. It glittered in the light, something she never has seen before. But Hoseok could see the small twinkle in the reflection of her orbs.

“It’s beautiful. That pearl you have.” Her wondering finger pointed at the ornament.

The moment she inched closer to Hoseok’s jewel he moved back in retaliation, quickly holding up his hand to catch hers. It’s natural for him to protect the one thing that holds his realm intact. The princess drew back her breath at the sudden movement. She didn’t know he was acting on defense, and they both looked shocked at another.

Hoseok held his hands up innocently, waving them as he wished to apologize. His distressed face was frantic and upset.

“Hey! Hey! Don’t worry! It’s okay!” she grabbed at Hoseok’s hands, holding them together. “I’m sorry.”

Hoseok wanted to say that it wasn’t her fault, it was his. And that he was the one who was sorry. He’s the one that was masquerading around with no voice, bending his mannerisms to the ill façade he needed to do.

A deep sigh exhaled through Hoseok, cocking his head to the side and tongue prodding the inside of his cheek. It now dawned on the poor prince that this indeed will be difficult. Between their hands Hoseok caught a glimpse of something resonating, a small glow mirroring off of another’s skin. Another frightened jump came from Hoseok, looking down at his hands.

He’s seen this before. It wasn’t as strong but that glow nonetheless was definitely similar to the one Jimin had with his human friend. It had to be. But this didn’t happen at all yesterday?

The princess looked befuddled at Hoseok’s behavior – such a strange man she thought.

Hoseok ran his hands through his wavy hair, resting his elbows on his knees and chin on his palm. He side-eyed the princess, smirking slightly as if he thought of something clever.

Y/n caught herself staring at the outline of this man’s profile. The silk of his hair shining in the sunlight, the scoop of his delicate nose, the pucker of his smooth lips. If she wasn’t such a headstrong lady she may have been blushing the first moment she came in contact with him.

Unexpectedly, Hoseok got off the bench. He waved on the princess and their two guards towards a vendor he was walking towards. As they approached, they see Hoseok surrounding himself with branches and twines of flowers, folding and weaving them together. ‘Flower Crowns’ labeled on a sign right above the shop, with a handful of premade crowns with ribbons ready to be bought.

But Hoseok took the initiative to interlace his own craft, bending the steams and twigs of these colorful tangerine colored flowers. Once he secured it safely in a round band, he turned, offering the circlet with a wide grin to Y/n.

She giggled, taking an exaggerated bow, and waited for Hoseok to bestow the new fashion atop her dome. It was like uniting his princess, unifying her to be a queen with a beautiful crown. The orange of the blossoms complimented the tint of pink on her cheeks.

“Thank you so much! Here let me give you one!”

Y/n looked around the small shop, eyeing the various cluster of garlands. Her eyes land one a particular one, perhaps it stood out because she was already primed with the color already. A blueish, greenish bundle of flowers knotted within a band; specks of little yellow daisies crisscrossed within them.

‘Interesting’, thought Hoseok. The princess picked out colors of which resembled his long-lost tail. Was it coincidence or – “Hydrangea flowers are so colorful!” She cooed. “Look at these ruffles of aquas and turquoise! And these yellow daisies!”

That’s it! Aqua! She can call him aqua, at least that’s a small portion of his real name. Hoseok pointed at the princess, then back at himself. He waved his hands for her to speak again with desperation in his eyes.

“What? The daisies?” She quirked a brow. No! shouted Hoseok’s inner conscience. He then pointed at the blue petals, running his finger around the anthers and blade of each petal. “The hydrangea? They’re blue?” She questioned. But when Hoseok shook his head severely as emphasis to the word blue, the princess caught on. “Oh! Blue? No – wait… not blue. Turquoise? Oh… not that one. Wait, aqua? You like Aqua!?”

As desperate for a man could be without his voice, Hoseok strained everything within himself from jumping up with glee when she understood the one thing she needed to know.

“Aqua? Hm, that’s a peculiar name.” She rested her finger on her lips as she pondered.

Hoseok pouted, knowing very well that his name is not short from his real title. The princess snickered to herself, thinking it’s quite cute that this ‘Aqua’ guy was pulling a sulky face.

“I like it.” She exclaimed as she raised the crown over Hoseok’s head and placed it gently on top. The flowers suited him; the coloration looked right. And if he wasn’t already a handsome fellow, he sure looked like one now.

“Here, I want to show you something, Aqua!”

The princess zig-zagged through the street full of people alongside her guards. Hoseok trailed close by, taking in more of the views and shops of the town. Y/n led the group to an opening within the city, a larger circled area with one big cast stone fountain with jets of water cascading out of a mermaid statue.

Folk music was playing, a band off to the side with a handful of instruments Hoseok has never seen before, violins, trumpets, and guitars – but Hoseok didn’t know the names of these. As if they were just like Namjoon and Yoongi. Composers.

Innocent singers harmonizing off to the side, a sweet melodic song. Their tunes were catchy, and the upbeat tempo pulsed within him. Just how Taehyung’s and Seokjin’s voices conducted.

When Hoseok watched the people danced around their merry ways, impulsively he wanted to dance too.

Hoseok looked down at his legs, almost criticizing the way he needed to work with both legs than a tail to do what his body used to do so fluidly beneath the waves of the sea. Maybe he can, maybe he could try.

In the midst of the princess trailing on about how much she adored the fountain and surrounding shells that decorated the sturdy stone, Hoseok wondered into the crowd. Drawn to the music and he started to dance around them all.

Hoseok stretched out his delicate arms, thin but strong as he hovered gracefully between person to person. Every movement, every agonizing step he took, became more and more in symmetry. He twirled with elegance, just as he did in the ocean. His expression of enjoyment, of love and compassion spoke through his eyes and it touched the hearts of surrounding villagers.

Nobody has seen someone move like Hoseok did, and even more spectators joined in the dance solemnly because of how inviting Hoseok looked.

The princess turned her head to the commotion that riled up, noticing that Aqua was no longer next to her but in the crowd. He was performing his best with little experience on two legs.

Hoseok locked eyes with Y/n, who gawked at the way he looked. Effortless motion, stylish and tasteful swaying.

It was then when the princess decided she wanted to get to know this person more; she wanted to know more about Aqua and figure out his background.

Once the song ended, the bodies halted in place. A round of applause cheered about, circling around Hoseok who stood there with the shyest of smiles. He could only stare back at his princess though, blocking out the views and townsmen around him.

“That was wonderful!” The princess encouraged with clapping hands. “You dance?”

With a nod, Hoseok cloaked the impending pain that was stabbing his feet. He shouldn’t have danced – it worsened the torture, but he couldn’t help the way his body naturally coursed to the music. He walked up to Y/n who stood near the fountain, just as he reached her a spasm pain shot up his foot and forced his knee to buckle.

It ached, cramps gnawing away at his muscles. His stumbling landed him on the fountains edge, sitting his body down on the stone.

“Oh, are you hurt? What’s wrong?” Y/n examined over Hoseok’s scrunched up face. He glowered his sight towards his feet as he kicked off his boots. He cannot keep his feet contained any longer, he needs to relieve them before he can’t walk anymore.

“You’re feet?”

His feet were bare, but severely reddened. Blisters forming on the heels of his feet. He turned his head to look up at the mermaid fountain, eyeing the lengthy tail of stone, reminiscing to himself. Though he’s only been a day without a tail, he can only imagine having it as substitute for this pain.

Once he looks back to the Princess, his thoughts vanished. If it wasn’t for his deal, he wouldn’t have gotten these legs. And with these legs, knees, and feet, he was able to meet Princess Y/n – again.

Without thinking clearly about his next course of action, Hoseok spun himself on the edge to submerge his feet into the fountain.

The cool temperature of the water instantly relieved the throbbing ache, soaking his blistering skin.

Appalled citizens shuttered at the act; the guards were quick to lean towards Hoseok but the princess halted them with her hand. “Uhm, Aqua… you can’t do that.” She kept her voice hushed but stern. “If your feet hurt, we can help you back at the palace. But you can’t dip them in the fountain – please take them out.”

Hoseok complied, not wanting to anger anyone. He only reacted based of instinct, he knew the water was going to help him subside at least for a moment.

The princess ordered a guard to fetch the carriage, requesting for them to pick the group up right here. Soon they were traveling back up the lengthy road to the front gates of her home.

#bangtanhq #bangtanarmynet #ficswithluv #btsbookclub #magicshopnet #armysource #crosscurrents #crosscurrents part 2 #hoseok x reader #mermaid au #bts fanfic #mermaid hoseok #jung hoseok #jhope #hobi #bts #series #hoseok

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popcornbutterflymedia · 3 years ago

Text

it’s a little before seven in the evening as i am attempting to begin writing this post on the day a former president has died. in other words, i am winging it and praying it comes out half decent. i have been winging all my the posts for this show, but writing this post about this particular episode at the tail end of the last week is interesting, to say the least.

upon first viewing on iwanttfc, i had already tweeted “consider this the soul of the show.” at this point we’re not even halfway to the entire series. that declaration carries such weight, but this episode did prove to be the soul of the series. this is also the first episode i’ve had a visceral reaction to, beyond the understandable kilig. i was lightheaded, stumped, and on the verge of tears after the first episode viewing, that’s probably why this is taking awhile to put out.

this also feels like an episodic answer to a lot of questions.

max has entered the lion’s den, lost, but with her defenses up. deib was less than prepared to fight back, considering the circumstances, but he was quick to gather his wits about him, pinning max where he is at an advantage. even now, as i am writing it, i feel it - it’s a notch above giddiness, it’s an awareness, it’s pushing the envelope in a way that’s right for their age, but still surprising, and refreshing. it’s the naughtiness of the sly smiles, the role reversal, and the trading of banter, all of them collectively are building blocks to max and deib’s dynamic.

the banter graduates to actual conversation, that, for people who are considered arch rivals, is surprisingly decent, and seemingly cordial. both max and deib give as good as they get, much like a tennis rally where either one refuses to be on the losing end. this amuses to no end, and ups the kilig factor in such an intelligent and substantial way. this is how you know, this part of the series is their story. more on this later.

outside of the boy’s room, the banter becomes a challenge, a daring as represented by a pool table, and the number of games that such table hosts. these pool games between benison’s star player and mindoro’s top billiard player, and pool center fixture, these games are metaphors, with the stakes higher each game, for their rivalry, and their curiosity about each other. more so his curiosity about this slip of a girl who he finds difficult to win against. i daresay, at some point he gave up trying to win, and just gave in seeing her in a different light. deib’s eyes give him away, and as for donny’s eyes, finally doing the work, this is it, and it’s a sight to see, a growth to enjoy.

it’s a given that belle makes donny’s job easier for him. four episodes in, and i am still in awe at belle’s ability to transform. it’s still surprising, how she willingly gets lost in character. i am watching max, but she doesn’t make me forget that i am watching belle. it’s a weird thing i have watching actors in character - i am aware i am watching both the character and the actor wholly and simultaneously, and belle is one of the few who makes me do that with ease.

deib’s mother announces her presence, interrupts the pool tournament shaping up between taguro and sensui.

in front of his mother, deib the star bear, the alpha disappears. he signals for max to leave, and just when she was about to, max is invited to join them for dinner. it is insisted that she join her for dinner. he warns his friend: 'don't say anything that will get us into trouble' prompting said friend, max to wonder, what could she ever say that will put them both in trouble?

at the dinner table, the silence weighs heavy between mother and son. a silence foreign to the lone guest, a silence she attempts to diffuse, by talking about anything other than subjects, as touchy as family, and the like. then again, between this mother and son, the line between touchy and permissible topics of conversation are blurred and fragile.

food! food is a free for all, food is a benign subject. the food's delicious, is it her own recipe? max is genuinely curious ma'am. the woman across the table laughs off such a formal honorific. call her auntie, she says. 'tita' is more like it. 'tita' it is, max decides. not stopping there, max asks if she'd gone to one of deib's games to see his lay ups and three pointers. she regaled him with embellished stories of his reputation, of being an all around star student and an instant friend. this, much to the mother's relief - her son is apparently surrounded by good people. max was able to do all this, when all deib asked of her was to not get both of them, into trouble. just like that, the girl single handedly broke the tension and dispelled the air of formality, in a way no one else has. if that isn't enough of a surprise for deib, max held the door open for him, and granteded him access to his own mother's heart, and let hope spring in his own.

after dinner, we find max and deib in his room, steeped in the assigned work. it's an easy silence between them, proof that from that dinner encounter, something new and beautiful and unnamed grew between them. he pays her his due, and thanks her for not damaging his reputation more in front of his own mother. so he knows how to say thank you, after all, she's surprised...in jest. he allows it. and so insues an exchange of histories, and fears and lessons. she reads him so perfectly, he's supposed to be scared, or condemn her, or banish her from this earth, or whatever it is the deib lhor enrile does to those who get a bit too close for comfort. he, instead allows it, giving her unprecedented access to his friends, his brother, his heart. and his heartbreaks. he dares to get closer himself, in the most physical sense so the curiosity planted at the pool table grew exponentially. that is until she breaks the spell. there is resistance in letting him in, which he knows to hold against her. he wins, and she relents. we learn of a ghost of a past love, a young love. a better player than deib is.

just a note though: for a past love who ghosted her, max boasts of rj being the better basketball player still. this could be true, based on who I am guessing rj is, but consider this: could she be clinging onto the untarnished memory she has of this first love, disregarding the pain she was caused, because straying away from that memory will allow her the space to fall, and that's what she promised herself she would never do? if that's the case, max is just as complex as deib is, maybe even more so.

after knowing her story, he did promise to go up against this ghost of a lover, in a one on one game of basketball and win it for her. someone is making her promises now. that's unsettling.

meanwhile, the barb is winding down as alpha two plus lorde strolls in. they keep it open for the boys who are in for a later night shot of caffeine, sweets, a shot at love perhaps?

art and sweets and flirtatious, funny quips are choice ammunition in this game of love, or something like it. naih's confidence is legendary. she gets away with her boldness because of criza's charm. joao, you know, that boy always makes it work.

tob and michiko are easy, because rhys and kaori make it easy. i understand the visual. I get the chemistry. I swear I get the hype. I have been waiting for this. you all know that. they've only cemented their place in the industry as new partnership, and there are hardly any words for it, a chemistry this strong. theirs is an unspoken connection and sincerity that cannot be taught. they are all that.

it is clear, though, that this is deib and max's story. see, I have been hyping myself up for thst tochiko moment, probably from the time when we still had very little news in the junket about donny and belle. and they did deliver, they did not disappoint. max and deib's chemistry surprisingly captured my heart from the get go, though, especially in this episode (as they should, this is, again, their story anyway). if I was a teenager, I would be fawning over tochiko's eye to eye silent conversation and up to now, I still do to some extent. I'm just older now. give me substantial kilig more than anything any day. give me kilig in context. kilig that opens up the heart. kilig with emotional intimacy.

max and deib in the fourth episode is kilig (just as tob and michiko are), but I can't stress enough, just how much and why. from the entire conversation from the banter to the interaction with the mom to the entire encounter in the room, they aren't trying to make us kilig. it isn't exactly sweet, but you'll reach a point where just the mere act of people wanting to have a conversation with you is life changing, when someone cares enough not to put you in more trouble than you expect, matters so much more. it shows you your worth. and that to me is the sweetest most loving thing ever. that is, even before both of them acknowledge that love between them.

a breakthrough has been reached. walls have been shattered.

the day of their school presentation, the event is met with an air of uncertainty, not for the two's lack of skill, but because two people from separate ends of the social spectrum are to work together, which up to that point is unprecedented.

the presentation started out shaky even for max and deib themselves, but once they got drafted, they had the audience, most of them, at least in the palm of their hands.

'we are all bullies, yet we are also victims. the cycle never ends...because we are all trying to survive this cruel world, trying to succeed, trying to grow. trying to discover who we really are. trying to accept who we really are. trying to be accepted for who we really are...'

this was followed by definitive apologies from both deib, for bullying, and max, for judging, and not necessarily helping to make things better. this prompted the entire community to mingle, and make their own apologies.

a few things about this whole moment:

there is such power in calling things as they are, calling things by their name. 'bully' and 'victim' are such weighted words and there is such a relief in taking responsibility for your disgressions and through that responsibility allowing your victim to embraced their pain guiltlessly.

there is also such power and humility, that while one did not do anything explicit, to stop the cycle, they did not do anything to make things better, easier. there is humility in realising that even as a victim your own pain, might have caused more pain to others.

apologies matter. the word 'sorry' matters. and it matters across the board. while metaphorical apologies are in some ways acceptable, and poetic, sometimes, the simpler, the better. a sincere 'sorry' should suffice. no one is ever too old to apologize.

now, even the sincerest words have parameters that are dictated by how many listen, and how many don't. and that's what we cannot control. there is power in recognizing who you are in the community, and that, especially when you are in a place of influence, you have the power to create change. the power to stop the cycle. there is peace in knowing we've done all that we could to make things better, just like deib had his own moment of reckoning.

as for max, the moment she stepped into that school, she was meant to be a trailblazer, and even at this point, she had been nothing but an agent of change.

I am curious now, how she is changed by the newness of her surroundings and the possibility of a budding love?

everything is well and dandy for everyone else, max and deib even had that little moment by the tables, again with the simple but powerful chemistry. everyone is changing (this is a shoutout to melizza again. every time the camera pans to her, especially when max was speaking at the auditorium, you could sense an internal transformation. she knows the assignment well, huh? )...everyone else, but aimee. I feel sorry for her. it makes me want to know more of her story. what makes her cling to being mean? why the volatility? more than anger, there's curiosity. I feel sorry for her. there's more to be told. breakthroughs open the narrative up for more, newer stories.

this was a fast one to write, but I held off until these last few moments, because it's incredibly triggering and just as healing. more than the kilig I understand and we all enjoy, the real message is the importance of communication, telling people how you really feel. don't let them assume and don't assume they know. it's also important to call things as they are, even if it's ugly, even as it hurts. some days, there is no replacement for a 'sorry,' a genuine apology.

be gentle. be kind. listen. everyone, after all, is a story.

#tv #tv: he's into her

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tokyoghoose · 5 years ago

Text

forgive these bastards ➤ prologue

summary ➣ when detective akaashi comes across a rather complicated case, he is faced with many challenges along the way. In his attempt to solve the murder of a young woman and a string crimes, he must work beside the reader to learn more about the victim. ( detective au )

theme song ➢ im not a good person - pat the bunny, sleep is for the weak - the dreadnoughts, the quittin kind - eleisha eagle, how do you sleep - himalayas, blow my brains out - tikkle me, when i was done dying - dan deacon, stalkers tango - autoheart, youre nobody until somebody wants you dead - saint motel, kitchen fork - john conte, distant past - everything everything, cough cough - everything everything

warnings ➢ mentions of murder and death, description of blood and gore.

announcements!

here it is! the prologue of ftb! :) I'm super excited to start this series! this is a little shorter than i wanted it to be, but I'm still pretty happy with it.

feedback is appreciated and welcome! requests are open!

—————

"Keiji, it's getting dark. Why not come inside for the night?"

The sun was just over the horizon, the moon coming up to replace it. It's bright—the orange and pink colors. The image is burned into young Akaashi's memory when he looks over. He waves at his mother with a nod before passing the volleyball back to his friends and running over. The scrapes on his palm sting and the bruises on his legs hurt a little, but he doesn't mind the sensation. It feels like freedom—even if he doesn't really understand the full meaning of the moon. This is what he imagines it feels like.

Games to be played with friends and laughter. If this is what life holds then he is more than willing to live it. His naivety holds firm when he grabs his mother hand at the door, being pulled into a brisk hug. She laughs and pats his hair and he thinks it's the kindest gesture in the world. He snuggles closer before pulling away to see dinner on the table. His mother locks up, looking quietly into the city with concerned eyes. She wasn't going to let anyone hurt him, the smile that she cherishes wasn't going to fade as long as she could help it. She turns with a smile, passing him a plastic fork before listening to the adventures Akaashi had gone on that day.

Childhood seems so far now.

———

If you were to tell Akaashi's five year old self that seventeen years later everything he thought about freedom and life was a lie and he would become a detective who took away other's freedom, he'd probably laugh and then cry and cry some more. If you were to tell him that his mother would die so he'd have to be raised by his aunt at the age of thirteen, he'd probably punch you in face in attempt to break your nose—and if you then told him that's the reason he became a detective and went through five grueling years of internships and having to learn how to stomach crime scenes in the first place, he'd make sure to add a swift kick to the shin with it. Even at twenty, if someone—anyone—would have told him that he'd never get sleep again because of the things he'd see day to day, eventually becoming desensitized, but still having nightmares that kept him up all hours of the night—well, he'd probably just brush it off because he thought he'd be different.

News flash: he's not different.

In attempt to rub sleep from his eyes (ironic considering he got maybe an hour), Akaashi yawns, triggering a chain reaction from his assistant. The city is bustling with talk of the latest murder—a social media personality. Twitter is blowing up with the hashtags 'rip' and 'always & forever.' Yet, hardly any of the people tweeting and saying things like: 'always in our hearts, never forget,' didn't know her personally. They knew the internet version of her, the side she showed to the world and not the side she was personally. To the world she is known as an idol—a hero to some.

But everyone has their dark secrets.

The car stops along the house's pavement, the driveway a large circle with a statue in the middle. His first thought is someone was in it for the money, maybe a robbery gone wrong. Stepping out the car, he snaps on some gloves and looks around before being handle the case file from an officer on duty, being caught up to speed.

The house is pristine except for the blood that has dried up on the tiled floor. It's a stark contrast from all the white and gold. Minimalist; he notes. Akaashi skims the file before looking at the body and watching it get zipped up into a black bag before being carried away. All that's left is half an outline and some splatter across the floor.

He pinches the bridge of his nose. Just what he needs—more nightmare fuel. But a job is a job no matter how tired he is.

"Alright, let's start at the entrances. Check the windows and doors."

———

Red. Why is there so much red? Whose breathing is that? And why is it so loud?

Your eyes finally focus on the hand outstretched in front of you, widening at the sight. A silent scream escapes past your lips and shakes your body, making you stumble backwards. The shaking hand blocks the view, forcing your eyes away from the scene. The thumping of your heart and blood in your eyes is so deafening that it makes you lightheaded. You felt sick. You were going to vomit, pushing down a gag and covering your mouth.

You look at your hands, willing them to stop shaking in tight fists before looking at the body below you. Blonde hair dyed red from the puddle. A sob wracks through you.

Heaving a heavy breath you weren't aware you were holding and gripping your phone tightly, you dial the police. Your voice shakes when speaking:

"H-help, please. She's dead! "

———

Akaashi rubs at his temple in attempt to soothe an oncoming headache, the dim yellow light at his desk straining his eyes. He looks at the file, nibbling on his lip in irritation. The pictures of the scene and the overall file and personal file just swarms his head with mixed up information and he honestly isn't sure where to start. With a soft sigh he leans back into his seat, crossing his arms over his chest.

The case is gruesome, a red massacre. Victim was stabbed six times in the abdominal, close to gutted even, but the blunt truama to her head shows she was dead before hitting floor. The door hadn't been broken in, the wood and hinges still in place like they hadn't been shaken—perhaps she let them in. The window had been forced open from the inside, the paint that previously sealed it being chipped aggressively against the pane. It could've been some loopy stalker, but the more he looks at the case it's less likely.

His head hurts and he can't focus and it's getting late.

He begins to nipple of his thumb nail, bringing it up to his lips in deep thought. The red strings in his brain trying to connect the dots sooner than it's actually possible. He's smart, but not that smart. His eyes slowly shift to the post-it note beside the biege file, a number scribbled down messily. They had sent you home with an officer to calm down from the shock. It had been about two days now as they waited for the autopsies and inspected, but time was running short and he needed your statement before the case runs cold and slips through his fingers. He'd have to interrogate you, ask you to speak on behalf of your friend. It seems you would know the most about her and her true identity as her emergency contact. Maybe‐ hopefully, you'd help provide answers.

But he hates this part. The part where he has to call traumatized homicide victims and witnesses. He doesn't do well at comforting people, especially when he's the type to cut straight to the point. He doesn't know how to stop someone from crying (because someone always does) and he can never stop himself from saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. He's blunt and yet, he's like a double edged sword. And he knows what they feel because he's been there and he sees it every day, even if he wasn't involved directly. If it haunts him at night, then it must taunt them all day. It's a hard push to get over, and even then the wounds never really heal. Suppose that's why Akaashi keeps pushing to solve cases, even cold ones, because he knows how it feels to be hopeless with a dark mentality. Nothing else matters until the killer is at the mercy of law.

He goes back to gnawing on his abused bottom lip, leaning forward to grab the black office phone before dialing the number. He lets it ring, twice before he hears the line click and a soft, weak 'hello?' He clears his throat, picking up his pen to write down anything he may need. This isn't his first rodeo, afterall.

"Hello, is this l/n y/n? Yes, this is the detective on case. Would you mind coming in to answer a few questions about your friend, Michiko?"

—————

taglist ➣

@izzyphantomgamer @callmeignorance @kenmagi @sawasmura @kagsblueberrymilk

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arshoun · 5 years ago

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a one time thing

[read on AO3]

Shou gets a dog.

It wasn’t something he’d planned, and he’d always wanted a cat, but he catches Reigen browsing a pet adoption site one night when Shou is supposed to be asleep. It wouldn’t have meant anything on its own, but he’s shaken awake along with Teru a few mornings later and Reigen announcing that they’re gonna swing by the local shelter, “just to check it out”. Reigen kept his money tightly in his pockets, for good reason, so Shou still didn’t expect much to come of it. Still, seeing animals always lifted his spirits, so he wasn’t going to say anything against it.

It’s a short jaunt to the shelter. The air’s chilly but not biting, Shou watches his own breath billow in front of him and thinks of dragons the whole way there.

“We’re just looking,” Reigen reminds them for the hundredth time. At this point, it’s pretty obvious he’s trying to keep himself in line, muttering on about living space and having to take care of two (sometimes three, whenever Tome decided to crash at the house for no real reason) kids. Teru says something in reply, but Shou’s barely paying attention. He just nods along because he gets to see dogs and cats and whatever else was being housed here.

It takes a whole five minutes before his heart’s stolen.

There’s an all black German shepherd, maybe three years old, and she looks so sad. The worker with them explains she was left behind when the whole situation in January went down, when the city was evacuated, and her family apparently never claimed her back. Shou’s heart wrenches into a tighter knot at this. He understands, to a degree, that when something crazy like what happened happens not everyone can afford to bring their pets with them, but to not come back for her? The feeling that wells up in him when he meets the dogs eyes again - it’s a little close to home.

Her name’s Michiko. He plays with her while Reigen and Teru continue their exploration of the place. She’s a sweet thing, well trained, knows a handful of tricks. She has a dopey smile. He rolls her a ball, she nudges it back. He loves her.

When Reigen comes back to check on them and finds Shou with Michiko curled on his lap, he just sighs. “Alright.”

“Alright?”

“This is a one time thing, okay?” he continues as he fishes out his wallet. “Don’t expect me to let you bring home every animal you find.”

Shou wants to hug him, would if he could, but Michiko is snoring peacefully so instead he just breaks out into an enormous grin. He stays with her as Reigen goes through the process of adoption, is handed a leash so they can walk her back to the house. Teru is almost as enamored with her as he is, and it takes a bit of lighthearted bickering to settle that Shou’s the one who gets to take it.

Reigen prattles on and on about all the supplies he and Serizawa are gonna have to get today. He says the boys are welcome to come and help pick out things for her, kennel and dog bed and toys, and Shou really wants to go, but he wants to stay with Michiko and show her around more, so he has Teru go in his place. Granted, it might be a mistake with Teru’s decision making, but it’s a risk he’s willing to take.

They get through the front door and Serizawa nearly jumps out of his skin. He shoots Reigen a look, but the latter just laughs it off and says something about her being meant for Shou. There’s a big smile stretching across Serizawa’s face anyway.

“This is my room,” Shou explains. Michiko doesn’t answer, he didn’t expect her to, but he grins as she curiously sniffs at the beanbag in the corner, then the assortment of plushes piled on one end of Shou’s bed. He loves her so much. “We’re probably gonna put your kennel downstairs for now, but who knows, maybe you can be up here soon.”

She just wags her tail and continues on her sniff adventure around the room. She’s very careful, Shou notes, politely stepping around the pile of clothes Shou needs to bring down to the laundry room and the sketchbook he had left on the floor. He only has to step in once when Michiko gets too close to the hamster cage, and though he doesn’t think she would do anything, better safe than sorry.

He follows her out of the room when she’s seen it all and then to Teru’s room, then Serizawa and Reigen’s, then they head back downstairs to he can show her where her food and water’s going to be once the rest of them are back from shopping.

“We’ll take good care of you,” Shou says. Her tail wags, and it’s hard not to think she understands. “Reigen’s a huge dog-lover, Serizawa loves animals in general, I don’t think Teru has ever had a pet in his life but you saw how happy he was bringing you home, yeah?” He crouches down to her level, holding out his hands palms up. Michiko makes a noise and rests her head in them so he’s effectively holding her. “I will never, ever, ever, ever let anything bad happen to you again, ‘kay?”

She licks his nose. He laughs.

“Gross!” Shou wipes the slobber off his face with the sleeve of his shirt. He pulls out his phone and snaps a quick pic of her and send it off to Ritsu.

To Ritsu:

[image]

say hello to my new roomie! shes a sweetheart

He grins as his screen is immediately crowded by excited texts from the other boy, and he makes a mental reminder to take Michiko over to the Kageyama’s sometime.

When the rest of the family gets home hours later carrying a ridiculous number of toys and other doggy-materials, Shou puts his heart into helping getting everything set up. Like he’d guessed, Michiko would be staying in the living room for the time being, kennel out of the way but not hidden with a big, fluffy dog bed inside. He presents each and every toy to her as they’re unwrapped and untagged. Her favorite is one that has Teru’s name written all over it: a bright pink squeaky ball with yellow zig-zags across its surface. Her second favorite is the tug-of-war rope. Both Shou and Teru break from unpacking to go against her in a game of it, purposely letting her win and yank the two of them across the floor. It’s not hard to fake losing though, she’s strong.

“Hey, Reigen?” Shou says when he steps back into the kitchen. Reigen’s crouched with water bowl in hand, trying not to spill any of it.

“What’s up, kid?” he asks once it’s safely on the ground. He stands and brushes his pants off.

Shou doesn’t have any reason not to hug him now. He rushes forward before Reigen can get another word out, squeezing his dad so tight that he briefly lifts off the ground. Reigen wheezes. Shou loosens his grip, just a little.

“Thank you,” he mumbles into his chest. Reigen, still trying to catch his breath back, pats him on the back.

“Don’t... even... mention it,” he manages to get out. Shou places him back on the ground so he can compose himself. It only takes seconds. “You’re not the only one who likes animals, y’know.”

Shou laughs again.

#mp100 #suzuki shou #shou suzuki #reigen arataka #arataka reigen #hanazawa teruki #teruki hanazawa #shou #reigen #teru #serizawa #k #cc #mine #just wanted to do smthing short and sweet so here we are

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soaringlanddormitory · 6 years ago

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“are you still mad at me?” (Michiko/Toshio), “you’re stuck in my head.” (Naoki/Chiharu), “girl, you’re trouble.” (Riku/Yuriko) ovo

Yes!! Of course!! I love these!! Also I made all of them somewhat connected gbdfkjg

MichiToshi

It was a little accident and no one did it on purpose this time. Riku ended up getting mad at everyone inside the dorm and he didn’t allow anyone to point fingers. After he released all his anger, he decided to leave the dorm with a rather angry expression. Now, everyone in the dorm was all silent, but Michiko.

“I can’t believe you guys!” She yelled at the rest of the first years, who only began looking down. “This was a good day until you all decided to mess this day up! Now even Riku-Senpai is angry at us!” She never liked people getting angry at her in general, but now it was one of the oldest people in the dorm- she couldn’t handle it. She never felt so mad at herself for not being able to stop other people from doing actions.

She sighed heavily, realizing that this was one of the biggest mistakes when the other girls of the dorm left. She was stuck with Haruki and Toshio, who were troublemakers. Hiro, on the other hand, had to deal with the wrath of their senpai even if he did nothing wrong.

“Jeez. You don’t need to be angry at us. He’ll get over it like always.” Haruki shrugged before nudging Toshio. “Right?”He gave a wink to him as the male only began laughing nervously. He didn’t know how to respond without Michiko bursting out in anger. “Michiko over here is just a goody-two-shoes and now she’s burying us with her anger too!”

This scene was enough to make Michiko get so irritated that she walked out the room. “You’re all jerks!” Those were the last words she said before the three males could only watch her disappear from sight. Hiro began shaking, his expression becoming worried.

“Haruki! She’s mad at us now… What should we do?! i don’t like making people angry at me, I…” Before Hiro could continue, Toshio patted his shoulder.

“I’ll talk to her later.”

Once the clock hit 4:00pm, Toshio ended up knocking on the door of Michiko and he waited for her reply. She was probably still upset because she refused to open the door. He sighed softly before knocking once again. “Michiko, it’s me. You probably don’t want to talk to me right now but… I wanted to ask- Are you still mad at me?”

The door opened slightly, revealing Michiko. “Not at you. At Haruki for being insensitive as always. I know breaking the plates wasn’t your fault.” She mumbled and Toshio was pretty relieved that he heard that from her. “I just don’t feel like dealing with anyone else as of the moment.”

“Anyone but me?”

“Stop that or else I’ll really be mad at you.”

NaoChi

A day off of school was pretty rare unless it was the weekends. Chiharu decided to invite Naoki to a cafe- a place where he might enjoy. The scent of coffee, and there were a couple of other beverages that he might like was all in that cafe. She was afraid that he wasn’t going to come, so someone ended up having to be with her while walking to the cafe.

Of course it has to be the male who was able to gain the respect of Naoki. It was Kazuo Kuga. He was holding a folder which had a couple of papers and he even had some shades on. “I have never thought that Eizan-san will have a girlfriend as sweet as you, Aoki-chan.”

“I-!” Her face flushed red and she began playing with her fingers. “We’re… not dating, Kazuo-senpai…” She mumbles, trying to calm herself down and he only ended up turning his head to look at her, even tilting his head. “I j-just wanted to h-hang out with him…” She felt her face heat up and he only chuckled.

“I see. I believe your words then, Aoki-chan. However, I hope you don’t mind the favor I’m about to ask you.” When he brought this up, Chiharu jumped in surprise. Did an Elite Ten member besides Riku and Himari trust her with something? “It’s a simple task, really. I just need you to Eizan-san. I have to go elsewhere for a while. Feel free to give me a call in case he ditched you. I’ll scold him myself.”

“O-O course!” She held the folder and only stared at Kazuo before he bowed politely, even placing his hand on his chest as a gesture, showing he really appreciated her acceptance to the favor.

“Thank you so much. I hope you have a wonderful day with Eizan-san.”

After a while, Chiharu finally entered the cafe, and she began turning side to side to try and look for the male she invited. She spotted him on the cornet of the cafe, reading a book. Her eyes lit up and she began to walk to the empty chair in front of him. “You came!”

Naoki felt his heart skip a beat the moment she flashed her smile at him and he began looking away from her. He attempted to hide his blush, and it was actually a success. “Of course I did. I wouldn’t let an opportunity like this slide.” He may have sounded more threatening than what his words mean, but she only laughed a bit- knowing what he meant despite the tone of his voice.

She sat down in front of him and before he could ask why she invited him to such an area, she already admitted the reason with her face as red as strawberries. “I-I haven’t seen y-you in a while…”She began playing with the tips of her hair, her eyes closed shut as she continued. “So… you were stuck in my head…”

He couldn’t hold back his flustered face anymore. His face ended up becoming slightly pink and he grumbled a bit before placing a playful grin on his face to try and go back in character. “That’s not a surprise to hear. But we should order now, shouldn’t we?”

She nodded her head slightly before handing a folder to him. “We should-! But Kazuo-senpai told me to give this to you… I-I almost forgot.” Naoki reached for the folder, and as soon as he opened it- his face only beame redder. “N-Naoki-?”

“Don’t… mind me.” He responded, hoping that she wouldn’t notice how embarrassed he actually felt once he saw the words “You have good tastes, Eizan-san” with a bunch of red hearts drawn around it.

YuRiku

Riku felt anger in his veins because of a couple of plates being broken. He wasn’t able to stop the dumbasses in his dorm from breaking it. It was the best decision to be away from them for a moment so he wouldn’t end up hurting them. He was vocal, and even he admitted that he sometimes talked too much. He believed he made the right choice. Before he could actually continue walking, he spotted someone spray painting a wall.

God, first was his dorm mates and now he saw someone randomly going against his moral code?! He marched up to the person and voiced out his thoughts. “Girl, you’re trouble.” His voice sounded rather angry, and he should have expected to see the woman under the hood. “Of course.”

The girl was no other than a female he considered himself close to. Yuriko Kusunoki. A little smirk played on her lips as she tossed his the spray paint can. “Ri-kun, didn’t know you’d spot me!” She sounded rather playful and she hopped to him. “But hm… the atmosphere around you feels different. Did something happen?”

She was much more observant than what people would think. He shrugged his shoulders before scoffing. “Nothing much. It was the usual.” He answered her question and she began ruffling his hair. “And what do you think you’re doing?” He might have sounded strict, but it wasn’t the case. He was more confused than anything.

“Ruffling your hair, silly. If you want to calm down- then why don’t you paint this plain wall with me!” She pointed at the wall before he shook his head violently, which gave his reply without any words. She began pouting before crossing her arms. “What a waste. I even threw the can at you and you caught it.”

“That’s vandalism. Why would you even do that? I’m so lucky that you don’t do these things in school and-” He stopped talking the moment he felt a finger on his lips. A blush crept on his face as she placed away her finger and placed it on her own lips.

“You talk too much. You didn’t even hear the story! I was allowed to do this by Miss Nakai.” She laughed playfully. “She thought I was artistic and she wanted to see what I can do with her building. I thought that I could do it myself but it turns out I can’t!”

“Then why not ask Takashi?”

“He wanted to meet his brother! He left poor beautiful me alone!” She sighed and wrapped her arms around Riku. “So can you join me? I’d enjoy it more if someone can have fun with me! It’s also a good way of releasing stress, you know? Let your emotions and creativity out!”

He looked at the can of spray paint for some seconds and he began to shake it. “You sure we’re doing this legally?”

“Would I ever lie to you, Ri-kun?”

#ask #writing #toshio #michiko #naoki #chiharu #riku #yuriko #hiro #haruki #kazuo

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singingunderthecurtain · 7 years ago

Text

BABY FEVER: Chanyeol

Author: @julietsoddeye AU: Canon | Dad!EXO Genre: Fluff | Angst Pairing: Chanyeol x You Trigger Warning: Kinda angsty, sorry :/ Word Count: 998

Plot: Chanyeol: You went home from work and your two-year-old son is burning up with fever. You have to take him to the ER, quick!!!

Part of the Baby Fever series

A/N: I hope you enjoy the first installment!!! Let me know what you think. :D BTW, I broke my own heart writing this. Hahahaha D:

Coming home from work to your 20-year-old niece freaking out as she cradles your son in her arms because he won’t stop crying. He was already fed, his diapers were changed and the air conditioning is set to your weather-sensitive child’s preferred temperature.

The moment you took him into your arms, you felt his hot skin and instantly know your baby is burning up with fever. Not wasting any more time, you calmly direct your niece to pack a few stuff in one of the baby bags to bring to the emergency room with you.

Thankfully, the nearest hospital is just a ten-minute car ride and the ER department wasn’t busy tonight, that your son was immediately attended to by the hospital staff.

Leaving your niece to watch your now sleeping baby to minister to and pay for his discharge, you make your way to the cashier when you saw someone you haven’t seen in a very long time.

You stealthily walk up to one of the counters without being noticed and you almost made it out until the cashier lady spoke your name rather too loudly for everyone in the vicinity to hear in this silent part of the hospital.

You regret glancing his direction because he was already looking straight at you. His large eyes widen when he confirmed that it was you.

Bowing and bidding the cashier a quick goodbye, you dash back to the ER department, wishing, PRAYING, that he didn’t follow you there.

Looking around as you hide under your hoodie, you sigh in relief when you didn’t see him. You gently push open the partition and silently enter to see your son already awake and all smiles while your niece is taking selcas with him.

“Eomma~”

Your son utters, face scrunching very cutely with both hands extended out while doing a grabby motion as he reaches out to you. Your heart immediately melts seeing him happy when three hours ago he was fussy and difficult because of his fever.

“Eomma, who is that?”

He points at someone behind you and you twirl your head around to see who it was and—

“Chanyeol!”

“Y/N…? Y/N, it is you.”

Chanyeol gushed, closing the curtain partition behind him. The manager he was with stayed behind, guarding the perimeter in case someone saw him.

“Who is he, eomma?”

Your son asks again when you made your way towards him, checking if he’s really alright.

“H… How is he?”

You ask your niece, ignoring both Chanyeol and your son’s inquiry.

“He’s… Okay.”

Your niece was eyeing Chanyeol, checking who it was.

“Is he… Is he Park Cha—”

“SSSHHHH!!!”

You halted her from speaking before she can even mention his name out loud. Your niece slaps both her hands up to her mouth, her eyes grew big and she starts convulsing with excitement!

“I—I’m a really big fan!!!”

She whispers loudly as she jumps up and down, making your son twirl his head to the side as he looks back and forth between his cousin and Chanyeol.

“I heard.”

Chanyeol clears his throat as he shakes hands with your niece.

Moments later after your niece calms down from her fangirl moment, Chanyeol told her to go buy coffee for the three of you so she can recover some more, and to also give you and him a little time to talk.

“You weren’t lying when you said your niece was a fan.”

Chanyeol started and you gave him a small nod of acknowledgment. Why wasn’t he leaving yet, you’re definitely not ready to see him again. Not now that you’re with your son.

“Why did you suddenly left me two years ago?”

It took a few moments before he spoke again, but his words stung you more than you should have. You thought the pain will eventually subside, but obviously, time never heals anything.

You couldn’t answer him. In all honesty, you didn’t know what excuse to give him. You couldn’t possibly tell him that Lawyers from SM found you and told you to go away or they will ruin his career. You couldn’t crush his soul like that. He loves his music you couldn’t take away from him something he was passionate about. You couldn’t let anything prevent the great career ahead of him, not even his own son.

“Is he mine?”

You couldn’t stop your tears from falling involuntarily. All these years of pretending to be firm, concealing your fears and covering all the hurt were spilling willingly from your heart. Acting like you’re strong all these years for your son, now that you’re faced with the person who you ran away from, cannot hold your emotions anymore.

“Eomma, please don’t cry. Sungyeol is here…”

Your son coos at you, while wiping your tear-streaked face with his little hands.

“You even named him after me.”

You hear Chanyeol let out a single humorless laugh. You can see from your peripherals that his face was buried in his hands, his hair all sorts of crazy from removing his black hat off.

“Ahjussi… Are you my appa?”

Both your and Chanyeol’s head shoots up with the straightforwardness of Sungyeol’s question. Not even waiting for an answer, Sungyeol crawled towards Chanyeol’s direction and jumps up into his arms. Chanyeol didn’t hesitate and took the small child in his embrace, burying his face in Sungyeol’s hair.

You try to stop yourself from sobbing, but witnessing Sungyeol finally meeting his dad is both making you the happiest and breaking your heart. Why did you have to tear them apart from each other? Two years was lost because of your selfishness.

“I guess I really am your appa, Sungyeol-ah.”

Chanyeol smiles down to his son and Sungyeol nuzzles his face on his father’s chest.

Aikie Masterlist | Michiko Masterlist | FIC RECS | FIC REC SIDEBLOG

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sage-nebula · 7 years ago

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michiko-mitsurugi replied to your post “Top 5 moments in games you've played! (Feel free to carry over the...”

It's not your current interest, but how about the Tales of series? And if that's still too large of a circle then Xillia please c:

Hmm, Tales Series I can do!

Both of Luke’s speeches from the end of Tales of the Abyss---both when he told off Asch, and then when he later told off Van. The speeches were, for those who don’t remember: “. . . Now is all I have, too. I don’t even have a past to lose. But I’ve still decided that I’m me. It doesn’t matter what you think---here I am! If that’s the source of the strength you’re talking about, then I won’t lose!” “I finally understand what it is I wanted. I wanted you to acknowledge me---to accept me as a human being, not a replica. But that’s not enough. You said to me, ‘Can you not live unless you were born for some purpose?’ I’m not living for anyone else. There’s no special meaning in living. When I sensed my own death, I wanted to live. I know now---that’s all I needed! So . . . I don’t need you anymore! It doesn’t matter if you accept me or not. Here I am---alive!” Bonus points: The speech he says to Asch stuck with me so much that I still had it memorized word for word all these years later. I double-checked myself just to make sure, but yeah---I still remembered it verbatim, damn. But yeah, both of these highlighted just how far Luke had come, and they’re two excellent “shut up, Hannibal!” speeches to people who had been abusing and mistreating him for literally the entire game. They were beautiful.

It’s a long segment, but the entire part in Tales of Symphonia where you have to leave your party members behind one by one as they stave off various threats in order to make a path for Lloyd to get to the Hall of the Great Seed. I live for that sort of drama, especially since it all works out in the end and they come back to save him from Mithos (“We won’t let you lay a finger on him!”) thanks to Zelos’ intervention. (Or Kratos’, if you killed Zelos off, but considering Zelos canonically lives, it’s him.) The entire thing was rather emotional, and I love how it played out, with Lloyd growing so beyond frustrated and griefstricken because he’s so adamantly against sacrifices, and yet his teammates seem to be sacrificing themselves to help him save Colette.

Milla’s return in the Temporal Crossroads in Tales of Xillia, for so many reasons, but especially because of how perfect the little reunion scene she had with Jude was. It was brief, because Old Man Maxwell was still right there and they had a job to finish, but from the way it looks like Jude has tears in his eyes, and he looks away briefly before looking back at her to make sure she’s really real; from the way Milla puts her fingers against his lips when he first starts to say her name; from their soft smiles, to the “Hey” “Hi there” exchange . . . it was all perfect, on top of being suitably epic considering Milla was the one to break Old Man Maxwell’s shield so that Jude could punch Old Man Maxwell in the face. (And the fact that Jude was the reason why Milla regained her memories so she could do that. It was seeing him that reminded her, he was the key. Ahh, my shipper heart. ♥)

It’s heartbreaking, but the entire Hamil Incident scene between Jude, Leia, and Alvin. A lot of people criticize it, but honestly, the emotion in that scene was so raw and so real; it’s an example of really fantastic writing. Human emotion is not always pretty, but it’s important in fiction to show those more painful moments as well. I loved everything about that scene. It’s the reason why I maintain that Jude’s side is still necessary, unless you can find a way to work that scene into Milla’s. (Though of course Milla’s side is still more important since she’s the protagonist, but you know.)

Hmm, and I can’t actually think of a fifth one. ^^; Sorry!

#michiko-mitsurugi #top 5 meme

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quwandathornton · 7 years ago

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Feeling Depressed (Reader x Kookie Ft Taehyung ) Fluffy Reader

You sat in the middle of your room with all of your curtains closed, your computer screen lit up while the room was nothing but dead silence. You had just been searching through some forums about body appreciation only to have it mostly about appreciating skinnier people, not also dehumanizing fatter people.

Your eyes wandered over to the pills that had been sitting at your desk for some time. Untouched for a good 3 months.

You hated Pills. With a Passion.

They say Bullying is okay, The same people who say that it’s ok are probably the same people who stick their fingers down their throat to stay the weight they already were. You had shut the lap top down, because not only was it a freaking fat shaming forum; they were using pictures of fat “unattractive.” women as an example of unhealthy living.

This had triggered a memory of Jimin complaining about his weight, feeling as if he had gained 20 pounds overnight when he ate some of Jin’s homemade cooking. The other scolded him, minus Jungkook who playfully joked at him. Taehyung reassured he was okay.

Then Hours later, while you complained about feeling fat, which you weighed 250 pounds. Jin comes up to you, patting your head down gently, asking if you work out daily.

Jungkook then joked saying, “Maybe you should stop eating half of Jin’s food when he makes your favorites.”

Namjoon shrugged, trying to make the situation lighter by saying “If you feel fat, maybe trying to center your mind on something else, other than your weight. Like for instance, Here.” He grabbed your hand, walking you over to a hanging picture that Taehyung had bought while in Las Vegas.

“This Abstract Art is quite nice to look at.”

You felt you’re facing falling as you remember how you first met your favorite boy band, who was now a close friendship to you. It was embarrassing and it stuck to you harshly.

Jungkook had been searching for a new game to play other than overwatch at a nearby game store not so far from their apartment. You had walked into the store with a hoodie on your head, you’re tall frame walked right pass Jungkook’s. He curiously turned to look at the person who wore BTS’s Wings jacket. He felt a smile slowly tickle its way onto his lips.

He stealthily walks over to you, tapping lightly on your shoulder. You turned away from the PC games and was taken back by the sudden appearance of your Bias.

“Am I dreaming right now?”

“OH, You’re not a boy?”

“…….” Just by that, you felt your heart sink, as you walked pass Jungkook. Jungkook’s face twisted in confusion until he replayed what he said in his head and mentally slapped his forehead.

“OH No! I meant …what I meant what- only saw you; with the hoodie -”

“I get it, I look like a man with the hoodie, and with it off.” You took it off, to see you wearing short kinky hair. “so I understand- I guess. Please excuse me.”

(She is not the character, just a reference to the hair.)

Jungkook watched as she walked away towards the gaming cards, he follows her before standing right next to her and staring right at her. “Ignore what I said earlier. I was very rude for that. Do you like J-hope?” He smiles.

You nodded, turning your back but he stopped you. “I saw. that’s why I wanted to come over to surprise you. Don’t tell anyone though.” You had just now noticed he had put his mask back on over his mouth. His eyes were a huge give away though.

“But to be honest, your eyes will give you away though.” You smiled. His eyes widened in shock.

“really?”

“Yep, Your eyes are just so unique, but not as unique as Namjoon.” He scoffs, tilting his head to the side as he stares at you.

“So, who do you like in BTS?” He questions. He stuck both hands into his pants pocket shyly, feeling his cheeks begin to burn.

“Hoseok. And You.” He laughs nervously, before rubbing the back of his head smiling under his mask.

“Really?”

“Mhm.” You pointed to the game he held in his hand, it was something you have seen before.

“Persona fan I see.” Jungkook nodded.

“I need to play Persona 4 before I play persona 5. A friend of mine told me I would be super lost if I didn’t.” He shakes the game lightly in his hand to signify what he meant.

“Well, I need to get this game of mine, and go.” You wandered over to overwatch and picked it up. He gasps, loudly which made you remember he also played overwatch.

“Buy it! You won’t regret it. As a matter of fact. Add me!” You snorted, shocked this was happening.

“Uh! Ye-Yeah why not.” You patted your jean pocket for something to write on.

“Don’t worry, I have my pen with me. Just buy the game, open it; I’ll write my username in the boxed part.” He shyly eyed you.

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

You laughed, remembering how shy and nervous he was once he found out that you were actually a girl. The look on his face was priceless, you wanted to pinch his cheeks for being that adorable but remembered that you were a stranger to him still.

But as of now, you do it teasingly to him to watch him puff out his cheeks in agitation.

You heard a knock at the door, so you quickly stood up, speed walking into the living room and looked out the peephole. You see Jungkook and Taehyung standing there. Jungkook in a leather jacket, while taehyung had on a trench coat.

You opened the door to hug the hell out of them both, Taehyung giggled hugging you back, jungkook looked shocked as hell.

“Whoa, what’s this all about.”

“I’m just happy, you randomly came to visit me..how did you know I would have been here?”

“We both decided to go for a walk, got bored, and decided to take the train to come see you instead. We wanted to watch anime with you.” He smiles.

“I have the whole collection of fairy tail.”

“Meh!” You said waving them off, Taehyung’s mouth dropped and Jungkook looked offended.

“What do you mean meh, are you crazy?”

“I am just not in Shonen manga like I use to be.”

“You’re not my friend anymore.” Taehyung jokes, you shrug. “I’m sorry but that’s just my choice butt face.“

Jungkook shoves Taehyung onto you couch while sitting fairy tail down next to your laptop. He sees that you had a DVD case open with the CD missing.

“What’s Michiko to Hatchin?” You looked over at him.

“An anime. Action and stuff but it’s not sci-fi or whatever. It’s about a woman who is seeking out for the love of her life, and also seeks her daughter Hatchin."

"Oh this sounds good,” Taehyung muttered Jungkook shrugs.

“Let’s watch this instead, it looks interesting.” He suggests.

_____________________

8 episodes in~ You had paused the DVD because on either side of you the boys were knocked out sleeping. Taehyung’s head laid back against the couches back cushion. Jungkook’s head laid on your shoulder as he slightly began to drool a bit. You moved his head while mumbling “ew.” He shot his head up since it began to fall once you jerked it away. He pouts seeing as how you pushed him away. “Ow, jerk."

"You were drooling on me!”

"You didn’t have to push so roughly meanie.“

"Not my problem Prince Charming."

"You two would make a cute couple.” Taehyung jokes half asleep.

"She would play the worst wife, the woman wouldn’t even let me sleep on her shoulder in peace without breaking my neck.“

"Boo Hoo, You cry baby.” You poked his chest.

“Enough fighting, can I go play overwatch on your computer.” Jungkook didn’t wait for an answer because he ran for your bedrooms computer. Taehyung followed right after giggling like a dork.

you get up to clean the dumb amount of mess you all made. Ten minutes later they came back in, Taehyung surprises you with a tight embrace.

“Why did you tell us?”

“Tell us what?”

“About those people bullying you.”

“What.” It took you staring at them for a good 2 minutes, with them looking back, awkwardly. Then it hit you.

“Oh.” You forgot to log out of the forums you were on. “Yeah…”

“You were on there because you wanted to feel appreciated, and only got the disgusting end. Oh, my sweet baby.” Taehyung hugs you tighter this time. You tried to wiggle out of his embrace but it only became tighter once Jungkook joined in.

“You could always come to me, to feel appreciated.”

“…You all complain you’re fat.” You frowned at Jungkook, Taehyung frowns.

“Oops.” He says, While jungkook nervously rubs the back of his neck.

“yea…about that..”

“I get it. It’s a bad habit, Korea has everyone whipped about looking sexy and perfect.”

“yea..” Taehyung looks at his feet.

“Well, just know..you don’t have to be a size 2,4,6, or even 8 to feel beautiful. Just like how you never wear makeup, and yet your skin is so beautiful still. How your eyes are so brown, and light…the way they sparkle in the sun-”

Taehyung stares at Jungkook with a shocked look, then at you who had your eyes wide open at jungkook accidentally revealing himself wide out like this.

“The way you giggle at the funny things we do. You’re soft and cuddly like a super sized teddy bear. I must admit, I wanted a shorter girl..but-” He slowly stops speaking as he finally noticed.

“Oh, shit wait.” You sputtered a snort and began to laugh while holding your stomach. V pats jungkook on his back as he watches his maknae turning tomato red; as he looks everywhere but at you while whimpering.

“Smooth Jungkook-ah. You really should try being a poet sometimes.”

“Shut up Hyung.”

You walked up confidently to jungkook, he slowly looks up at you with his beautiful glass like eyes that were only enhanced by the light hanging above your heads in the living room.

“Here.” You lean forward and kiss his cheek.

“Thank you, for your kind words; Kookie-ah.” You ruffle his hair, causing him to hold his breath. You smiled at him waiting for a response, but as time went by, he gradually became blue. “ Now! BREATHE KOOKIE!”

He lets out his breath, Taehyung long gone ditched the both of you to play overwatch on your computer. Jungkook blushes, looking down at his feet. You grab his hand, pulling him towards your bedroom.

“Let’s go watch Taehyung fail at overwatch.” Jungkook laughs at that, while v shouted in protest to your insult.

“YAH! I’m great AT THIS- WHAT HEY WHY DIDN’T YOU HEAL ME.”

“Oh wow, he’s a Rager.”

“get used to it,” Jungkook says kissing your temple making you blush.

THE END

#bts imagines #mental disorder #Jungkook #jungkook scenarios #taehyung #ambw bts

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amercurialbeing · 8 years ago

Text

Pink-haired Woman

Rating: T

Summary: "Why don't you stay in the village for a while?" "Too dangerous." "At least show yourself to your wife." "Did something happen?" He sighed, sounding a bit disappointed. "Nothing. But it'll do something right." And the words came out as if he's also lecturing himself.

a/n: A short story for Sakura this mother's day. And this is my entry for Day 7 of SasuSaku Week: Free Choice. Hope you guys like it :)

I don't own Naruto. Also posted in AliceInRealWorld.

"Why don't you stay in the village for a while?"

"Too dangerous."

Time of arrival: 7:00 pm.

"At least show yourself to your wife."

"Did something happen?"

Mission status: Ongoing.

He sighed, sounding a bit disappointed.

"Nothing. But it'll do something right."

And the words came out as if he's also lecturing himself.

I arrived earlier than expected. So, with my chakra scrupulously hidden, I decided to use my limited time watching them from the shadows.

The first thing I saw was her pink hair. It had grown long, flowing down to her slim waist. She tied it into a loose braid to keep it brushing her face as she chopped vegetables. From the shadows, I could hear the boiling broth and smell the calming aroma. I also observed the changes she had done in the manor: it's now brighter and more welcoming, contrary to the daunting abode from a memory of my youth. Before, returning here was a curse. Now, it's tempting me to come out of my hiding, inviting me to join their perpetual supper.

And I almost did. But I held my ground as the door noisily opened and an unfamiliar voice announced, "Tadaima!"

"Okairi," Sakura replied, turning her body slightly to give the person a gaiety smile. Eventually, a child maybe around six years old came into view. She bore jet black hair that framed her spectacled face. "How's your day, Sarada-chan?"

"Sarada..." I mumbled as a part of me wondered, ‘When did she get so tall? How did she get so tall? Aren't those Karin's-' I counted with my fingers. 'How long have I been traveling through dimensions..?'

"For a while now," Sakura replied lightly. With a flinch, my attention returned to the scene. I reminded myself that her words were for Sarada's question which I didn't hear.

"Okay, I'll go change." Sarada disappeared upon ascending the stairs.

Sakura went back to her task. She started to prance around the kitchen, accomplishing multiple tasks at once. Her thick locks swayed along her practiced movements. Her skilled hands moved about her domain.

And I mused when the last time I was this thoroughly amazed as...

She tested the broth, added a little bit of salt.

She shaped the rice balls, placed them artfully on a plate.

She rinsed the lettuce, garnished them with tomatoes and citrus.

She paused for a moment, probably debating if she should have the same thing in the morning.

She stacked her used utilities. She wiped her few spills.

She washed her hands then wiped them dry. She slid her apron off then hung them by-

The phone rang. With a raised brow, she picked it up. She pinned the receiver between her temple and shoulder.

"Dr. Uchiha speaking," Her relaxed expression was replaced by concentration. "How are the children, Nurse Michiko?"

She began fixing the table-placemats, plates, spoons and forks-

"He finally woke up?!" Her calculating eyes glistened with relief. "Thank goodness! Now, after you check his sutures, I want you to give him this concoction that I made..."

-cups of tea, bowls of soup, a tray of rice ball and a serving of salad.

"...yes, place all the reports on my desk." She switched ears. "Tell his mom that he's first on my rounds tomorrow. Yes. Thank you so much!"

She returned the receiver. She went by the window. She leaned on the sill. She's probably checking her mental list, to see if her work was done.

Her back showed off the Uchiha crest. A warm sensation spread across my chest. A dazed sigh escaped my lips, 'when was the last time I...'

Gradually, the memories relayed like flipping pages of a book.

Awakening beside her. Kissing her awake. Falling in love. Cooking her breakfast. Watching her breast-feed. Fighting over the bathroom. Laughing at inside jokes. Tapping our foreheads. Wondering about them during work. Musing what's for dinner. Returning home. Wrapping my arms around her waist. Kissing her neck, her temple, her forehead. Enveloping Sarada's small frame. Waiting for dinner. Listening to Sarada's babbles. Receiving her sloppy smooch.

Having supper together. Cleaning up the table. Preparing for bed. Closing my eyes. Occasionally making love. Falling in love. Falling asleep. Feeling secure knowing that this was more than a dream.

Sakura clasped her hands in satisfaction. She turned around then smiled to herself. She gaped at the starry sky; a part of me already knew her wish. She laughed at herself. "You know, I cooked your favorite dish."

Then she shifted her gaze at the Sakura tree, her emerald eyes directly looking at me.

My heart beat began to rise. Dry mouth. Sweaty palms. I got lost in her maze.

Everything went blank. All focus was on her. And I surmised uncharacteristically, 'everything is her.'

God. What did I do to deserve this perfect piece of art?

"What are you looking at, mama?" Sarada appeared all of a sudden. Her onyx eyes followed her look. I held my breath, realizing that I had lost my grasp of the chakra-masking jutsu.

I backed away, trying to refocus my chakra.

She stared at my direction for ten nervous seconds before giving me a sweet grin, "Nothing. She replied lightly. "I thought I saw a falcon on that tree." She pointed at me.

My shoulders tensed.

"Falcon?" Sarada squinted, confusion written on her face. "All I can see is the Sakura tree, mama."

"Yeah," Sakura giggled knowingly. She put a hand on Sarada's shoulder then led her to the dining table, "Guess it's just my imagination. Let's have dinner!"

Then relaxed again.

Sarada raised an eyebrow at the 'Sakura tree' before dismissively shrugging. "A-ah... Before that mama…" she rummaged through her duffel bag in a hesitant manner. Focused eyes told a story that she had rehearsed for what was to come. She then carefully pulled out a ribbon-bound plastic container. With a nervous smile, she greeted, "Happy mother's day!"

'So Naruto was referring to...' A wave of guilt crept in.

"Eh? B-but the breakfast you cooked for me earlier is enough Sara-chan! You shouldn't have!" Sakura timidly accepted the parcel yet her lips curved from ear to ear.

She opened it and revealed a dozen of syrup-coated anko dumplings. A surprised gasp escaped her lips, in an instant, her smaragdine eyes widened in pure delight. "Oh wow! Thank you so much, love!" She unceremoniously pulled her daughter in one of her bear hugs.

Sarada returned the affectionate gesture, wrapping her arms around her torso and burying her face in her braids. "I-I thought that this could be like... Papa's sort of… representative..?" She laughed weakly.

A glint of cognizance flashed in Sakura's eyes before stifling a chortle. "Is that so... What gave you that idea, love?"

Sarada glued her look on the floor as her fingers fidgeted the hem of her skirt. "B-because I saw the seventh t-treating Auntie Hinata a-and-" She bit her lip, trying to surpass a heave.

Sakura’s smile wearied. She placed the sweets on the dining table first before gingerly squatting down to Sarada's eye level. She placed a gentle hand on her cheek. "And?"

It was perhaps her mother's tender gesture that encouraged her to look back at Sakura's eyes. Sarada bit her lip, scrunched her brows then shed a guilty tear.

"M-mama... I know that you're tired of this question, b-but where is papa?"

I felt my heart break along with her voice. I gritted my teeth as thousands of contrite words flooded my mind. Every one of them, I rejected for I knew there's no excuse that would bring back the times I was away.

I clenched my fist until it's pale white. 'And more to come.'

"He..." My wife thought for a moment, trying to find the right words. She threw a gander at the Sakura tree then started, "remember the story of the falcon?"

Sarada wiped her wet cheeks. "T-the falcon living on the Sakura tree..."

"The Sakura tree that is located in a sacred forest. A sacred, bountiful forest which is targeted by many selfish people. So, in order to protect its home, and the forest, the falcon took it upon itself to fly around the world to defeat the enemies."

Sakura nodded. "Papa... is like the falcon." Sakura gently angled Sarada's head to my direction. Our onyx eyes clashed. "He's on a very important mission to protect the village." She raised a hand then tapped Sarada's forehead. "To protect you."

I felt my eyes brim. I leaned my body on the Sakura's trunk as all of my strength mysteriously drained. The admiration that I felt from watching Sakura earlier, intensified. This time, it's mixed with pride and joy and overflowing gratitude.

So much so, my heart ached with urge, an ample amount of courage to perpetually announce to the world (in many ways than one) that, 'This is Sakura Uchiha. She is my wife, the mother of my child.'

The most amazing woman in the world.

"Always remember, love, our hearts are connected. No matter what happens, wherever papa is right now, he's always thinking of us."

Sarada threw her arms around her mother's again, "I love you mama.” She sobbed. “Thank you so much for taking care of me... even if papa..."

"Shh..." Sakura rested her chin on Sarada's head then brush her soft, raven tress. She glanced at my direction again before saying, "we love you too, our sweet, sweet love..."

I stood my ground even if the rest of my being was demanding me to join their huddle. I stood my ground even if her viridian irises were pleading aimlessly. I stood my ground even if all I wanted to do was to go home.

Naruto's advice whispered in my head; I decided to wait for midnight to come.

a/n: Gah. Too cheesy. Should I write a sequel? Please review if you have the time XD Till next story!

#sasusakuweek #day 7 #free choice #mother's day #uchiha family

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planarchaosproject · 8 years ago

Text

Portal Saga: Chapter Three

Drums of War

SIX MONTHS AGO

Rinok paced back and forth outside of his tent. Vilhelm sat huddled inside, avoiding contact with every soldier housed in the camp. Vampires weren't exactly a welcome sight on Valla, if they were a sight at all. Rinok didn't think he'd ever run into any, but what his sword cut down was less of a concern to him than the fact it was doing some cutting.

The sun set behind them, casting a bloody light onto the cloudy pillar of the distant Immersturm, the magical cyclone that induced the people of Valla to eternal war. Rinok remembered the first time he'd ever beheld the storm. The force of its winds had sent his helmet spinning into the distance. A bolt of lightning struck out at him, hitting him full in the chest and dancing over his skin. He still bore the mark of the Immersturm's blessing, a perfect imprint of the lightning coiling around his torso in vivid red against his skin. The hammering of his heart after being stopped by the blast had sounded like drums, urging him forward.

He'd treated his heart like a drum of war ever since, but now that drum faltered. Returning to Kamigawa to exact his revenge on the spirits and their hubris as well as urging the mortal inhabitants into battle once more was proving difficult. A force kept him from returning to the plane. That force was the Sisters of Flesh and Spirit, Michiko and Kyodai.

The twin guardians of Kamigawa were rightfully angry at Rinok. He did attempt to disturb centuries of peace between Kami and mortals, something in which the sisters were certainly invested. But they didn't even bother to listen to Rinok's plan to save their plane from certain demise.

"All you seek, War's Herald, is the slaughter of a being you've never pierced with your blade before," the sisters said in unison before forcing him back to Valla.

There had to be another way in, but what? He paced back and forth once more, coming to a stop by his horse. It was a powerful animal, a pristine, white charger that looked fantastic splattered with the blood of their enemies. Rinok's hand found its way into one of his saddlebags where the artifact from Xerex was kept. The small spherical object felt cold and heavy in his hands, heavy with purpose.

He entered the tent, portal sphere in hand. "Vilhelm, this is it. This is my way back in."

The vampire gave Rinok a patronizing glance. "Well how else did you expect to get your army to another plane?" He returned to poring over the information he'd gleaned from a few key members of Rinok's small army. Their leader had weaknesses. Vilhelm needed to know exactly what those were.

"No, I knew that," Rinok said dismissively. "What I was more concerned with was getting myself back onto the plane. I'm considered unwelcome by the guardians."

"You told me they were two, a matched pair?" Vilhelm asked.

"That's right."

"So separate them."

"That's so simple," Rinok said. He was skeptical at first, then it dawned on him. Separating the twin Kami was simple, yes, but devilishly so. Alone, they were likely half as strong, and more manageable. "I love it."

"Your compliments are hardly necessary. I knew from the outset I would be the brains behind this whole operation."

"I suppose that makes me the brawn?"

"Of course not," Vilhelm scoffed. "That's Rhyne."

Rinok frowned. "Then what exactly am I?"

"You," Vilhelm said, "are the face of this whole operation. You have a certain charisma among mortals that Rhyne and I lack. Brawn is disposable. Anyone can be hired muscle. It takes a certain irreplaceable quality to rally men like you can."

"My men will follow me anywhere, even across worlds if I wanted them to. It won't be as fun this way, but you need sparks to start a fire." Rinok sighed. His men were a mishmash of warring factions who had come together to follow him into battle, and him alone. Valor spoke for itself, and the blessing of the Immersturm was a confirmation of that valor.

"What do you mean, not fun? Shouldn't we work as efficiently as possible?" Vilhelm asked. "We need a standing army to start a war."

"That won't get people roped into the cycle," Rinok said. "To do that, you need to build your army from the ground up. You need to play on people's insecurities, their fears, their needs. If people are motivated by religion, you start a holy war. If they are motivated by territory, a turf war."

"So, are we to spend the next however long studying people on Kamigawa to figure out these needs, and then start our war with what you find there?"

"Precisely." A hungry light shone in Rinok's eyes. "It's more fun that way."

0000000

TWO MONTHS LATER

Rinok's war drum beat in his chest as the men before him thrust their fists into the sky. Vilhelm stood by him, covered head to toe in intricate samurai armor that obscured his face with a snarling mask. Rhyne scurried among the crowd, distributing weapons and supplies.

"See what I mean, friend?" Rinok asked the vampire softly. "We can start small. These men despise the rats living in the swamps and the annoying little akki. Factions are already forming. Soon we'll have a crusade on our hands, a movement made by the people themselves to throw off the shackles of peace and rebuild this world in their image. No spirits, no subhuman races."

"I highly doubt they're actually subhuman," Vilhelm said.

"They don't know that." Rinok gestured to the gathering of maybe a hundred before them.

0000000

ONE MONTH LATER

Rhyne crept through the bushes along the border of the Jukai forest. The sharp smell of cedar filled his nostrils, making it harder to track the Orochi scout he and his small group of men were following. Their mission was simple, if boring. They were to attack a scout, plant a ratfolk dagger on its body, and steal its arrows. Rinok was adamant about no dismemberment or mutilation. It had to be a single, stealthy strike, otherwise it wouldn't be convincing.

A twig snapped in the distance. The scout was young and inexperienced. Good, Rhyne thought, easier to overpower. Through a series of complicated hand motions, he directed his troops, no more than five in all, to fan out and move forward in an arc. One man held the dagger at the ready, prepared to throw it with deadly accuracy when their target was in sight.

The scout's head poked above the brush, mass of bright hair giving away its position in the early morning light. Rhyne smiled. Several of his men shuddered at that smile. With a flick of his wrist, he alerted their knife-thrower that his time was now.

A small blade flew through the air and embedded itself in the scout's neck with a snikt. Any cry died in the scout's throat and was replaced with the gurgling sounds of death. The men moved quickly, seizing only a handful of arrows, then disappearing, leaving behind the corpse to be found by a patrol or wild beast.

This attack wouldn't go ignored. Rhyne knew Rinok was counting on a large response from the Orochi. Once their forces were diverted elsewhere, it would be Rhyne's time to shine. There was a place deep inside the forest that he would target, but only when the time was right.

They returned to camp around sundown with little incident. Rhyne personally handed the arrows to Rinok and Vilhelm.

"Did anyone see you?" Rinok asked fervently.

"No. It was a piece of cake. Speaking of which, those little squishy rice cake things, do we have any more?"

"You're concerned with mochi at a time like this?" Vilhelm growled through his helmet.

"I'm hungry, and unless you want me to start eating the troops, mochi. Now."

"You'll have to go into town. Here, take some money." Rinok dumped a handful of coins into Rhyne's hand and pointed him in the direction of the small town where most of their army was quartered. The inhabitants of the backwater village had been more than happy to join the cause. Required tribute to the spirits stretched their already thin resources, and the monks, kitsune, and orochi of the Jukai forest limited their expansion. A half day's journey away was a valuable resource and they couldn't make any use of it.

"Was it fair?" Rinok had asked. They answered with a resounding "no".

"These," Rinok said, holding up the arrows and turning to Vilhelm, "are going to help us do a lot of damage."

"Your idea is to take arrows that are noticeably Orochi in origin and plant them at different points along the border in false attacks?" Vilhelm asked, skepticism in his voice.

"Precisely. How else am I going to get these people to stir to action? Getting people to attack first is hard, especially if you want a large number of people attacking. A handful of zealots can start the fighting, but maintaining it is easier if people think they're defending something."

"So," Vilhelm walked through Rinok's plan slowly. "Each race or group will think they're defending themselves and launch counterattacks, which will prompt further attacks?"

"Genius, isn't it? You're not the only brain here."

"We have yet to see if it will work."

"It will. I guarantee it."

0000000

She bounced from plane to plane, each subsequent walk leaving her more and more exhausted, but she had to find where they went. It didn't help that she'd never been to the plane before. She didn't know where it was, only what it looked like from memories that weren't hers. Every day she woke up and started planeswalking, and kept going until she passed out on the ground of some foreign world. Each time the voices grew louder.

If she kept going she might get lost, trapped in the blind eternities with no strength left to break through the barrier of another plane.

She could go back, back to the apartment on Ravnica were there was always a warm bed and a project for her to work on.

But she couldn't show her face to him without the artifact. The artifact that she'd lost, that she'd given away.

She'd put the multiverse in danger because she was petty and stupid.

It didn't matter that she regretted it the instant after she let them get away. She was petty and stupid and had to fix it. Maybe then she could make amends and turn an enemy into an ally. She was sick of enemies. Sick of fighting. Sick of always messing things up.

Ashleigh crashed face first into the dirt, trading a cacophony for a soft harmony of one million million voices. She pulled herself onto her knees, her eyes attempting to refocus after so much planeswalking and head trauma. Ribbonlike beings floated through the air one instant and were gone the next. A cloud in the sky twinkled like a distant city. She didn't feel alone, the crippling, oppressive feeling she got on even the most populous of planes. Instead she felt surrounded by something, some class of being she didn't have a word for. She recognized this feeling, though. It was present in the memories she'd been using to find this place, but they hadn't really done it justice. Maybe because the memories were so old, or maybe because the person whose memories they were had just been so accustomed to this feeling.

This had to be Kamigawa, which meant that Rinok had to be here somewhere with his army and the artifact. Ashleigh sighed. She was sick of fighting, but there was no way he'd part with something that important without a fight. Although maybe she didn't have to fight him. He believed her to be completely angry at Brock for what had happened to Abby. She felt a heat rise in her stomach and retched onto the ground, bile coating the back of her throat in a bitter slime.

It was true. She was still mad at him, but not "destroy your home and everyone you loved" mad. That had been almost immediately replaced by the crushing regret. Destroying homes wasn't how people made friends, although to be fair she'd met Odom because they had a mutual interest in watching things get destroyed.

Focus, Ash, focus, she told herself. She staggered onto her feet and started walking. Someone somewhere would know about a lunatic with an army. All she had to do was follow the sound of the drums of war.

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