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galactica7071 · 1 year ago

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let's diagnose the Irish guy from punch-out

disclaimer: I am but a lass with ADD, so while I do know a lot from both my own experiences and research, you should still take my ramblings with a few grains of salt. I encourage anyone reading to form their own headcanons, and would love to hear them!

So, the Punch-Out wiki (in its current state) implies that Aran Ryan has some sort of mental disorder, so I projected onto dissected him like a deep sea specimen, and may have found out what's going on in his very empty and screwed up head

🎉congrats! it's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder! (probably)🎉

ADHD has a bunch of characteristics that go with it, but I'll only be going over the ones that apply to Aran and are displayed in canon. Of course, I'll insert some speculation here and there to further support and reason through some of my points. For more reading, I suggest checking out organizations like Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Mental Health, as well as any self-reports and blogs by people with ADHD (the latter tends to be more personal and far less clinical-sounding, but are just as helpful). Wikipedia is also a good place to go for anything, and you might even find yourself down a few rabbit holes!

Hyperactivity and restlessness

Aran exhibits this in PO Wii heavily. He has a high-stamina fighting style with lots of shuffling around, always bouncing around Little Mac. He can only be stunned through counter-punches and being faster than him (During round breaks, Doc Louis literally says "beat Aran Ryan to the punch"). It is extremely difficult to KO or TKO Aran without intercepting him due to this mechanic. During round breaks, regardless of how beaten and bruised he is, Aran will bounce his leg constantly in Contender and harass the audience in Title Defense.

Impulsivity and recklessness

This one's consistent between his two appearances, surprisingly. In Wii, Aran is portrayed as a dirty cheater who would "do anything to win", according to supplementary comics. He has the most rule infractions in the Punch-Out series, at 32 combined. He stuffs his gloves with horseshoes before his Contender fight and brings a homemade flail made from a broken boxing glove to his bout with Little Mac in Title Defense. During matches, he makes use of headbutts and elbows quite frequently. These are both illegal and very stupid moves, due to the potential of self-inflicted trauma. His flail in Title Defense could be a sign of creativity by thinking outside the box, which is often seen in people with ADHD. In supplementary material for Super Punch-Out!!, it's implied that a fight usually broke out whenever Aran was made fun of in school, showing that he was reckless during his childhood as well.

Emotional dysregulation

In Super Punch-Out!!, Aran Ryan is rather grumpy, and is one of two characters in the entire game to never smile in any of his sprites (the other being Nick Bruiser). Compared to his Wii portrayal, Aran is as clean as it gets in this game, even complimenting the player during the credits. Supplementary material attributes his lower mood to the teasing he endured during his childhood, and that he got into boxing to channel some of his pent-up anger. Depending on how you view it, him being so angry over his peers making fun of his name could be an overblown reaction. This hot-headedness is retained in PO Wii (which could be a sign of impulsivity), but he's essentially the inverse of how he was in Super. He's boisterous, reckless, dishonest, and smiles even while he's stunned. Many of Aran's reactions to being hit are him laughing, which might imply masochism on some level, but is nonetheless seen as an inappropriate response to being hit. He displays some antisocial traits, even, as seen when he throws aside the referee in Title Defense. This is likely caused by a low tolerance of authority, but is still an extreme reaction to the referee just trying to maintain order in the ring (good luck with that, ref...).

Difficulty starting tasks

This is a sign of executive dysfunction, which is closely linked to inattention in people with ADHD. It's exhibited in his Contender intro, where he spends the first three frames of the cutscene messing around. For this one, I'm going to compare Aran's behavior in his Contender intro to all the other boxers that spend their entire intro cutscene in a gym/dojo/training environment, spend the majority of their cutscene explicitly training, or are in several training environments. Here's a neat little chart, where the numbers represent how many slides they spent being "off-task":

can you tell that graphic design is my passion

I've counted any activity that builds strength and endurance (like eating, running, lifting, or practicing magic in Tiger's case), or requires a large amount of work put in to do (like chopping trees or playing hockey, for Bear Hugger). Some of you might be wondering why I didn't include certain characters, but that's because they're either in a combat setting, switch from training to non-training settings, or are doing unrelated things in what could be a training setting.

If Aran has 3 instances of being off-task, he ties with TD Kaiser, Don, and Macho in terms of how long they're off-task for. If "gearing up" is being counted as being on-task, he only ties with TD Kaiser and himself. Of course, context matters heavily. TD Kaiser, Don, and Macho aren't off-task purely for the sake of slacking off, but show developments of their story throughout Career Mode. TD Aran is off-task for storytelling as well, but it's not motivated by a grudge towards Mac like the other three and falls under the normal definition of "slacking off". Speaking of cutscenes,

Inattention and distractibility

Aran shows this several times in Title Defense. In his intro, he notices a rope in the trash can and gets the idea of making his flail, seemingly forgetting all about training for his match with Little Mac. During round intermissions, he's distracted by the audience throwing objects at him, and threatens them instead of spending the break resting or strategizing.

Anxiety

ADHD is highly comorbid with anxiety, due to executive dysfunction (mainly sensory processing), and the risk of overthinking. I admit that this one is a bit of a stretch, since general restlessness and anxiety are linked in many mood disorders, but it's shared between both of his appearances. Super's version of Aran being caught up in his own past can be a sign of social anxiety as well as falling victim to overthinking. In PO Wii, the leg bouncing can be a sign of anxiety for various reasons, whether it be physiological (ex. outside stimuli being unpleasant) or psychological (ex. overthinking the match). His stance in Exhibition's menu for his Contender match is also a little shaky, which is common in fight-or-flight reactions, though it could also be plain hyperactivity.

Pressured speech

In PO Wii. Aran usually talks very quickly, which can be caused by the classic ADHD experience of "having a lot to say, and feeling like there's no time to say it". It's very likely that it's just be a characteristic of his accent, though.

🍀🌠🌈this is a cool section break🌈🌠🍀

There's plenty more symptoms you could make arguments for, but these were some of his more prominent traits. ADHD shares symptoms with a lot of other disorders, though, so let's see some other possibilities...

Counter-Diagnosis #1: Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, is characterized by a a pattern of depressive states and hypomanic states (notice the hypo- prefix). We can attribute Aran's demeanor in Super to a depressive state, and his demeanor in Wii to a hypomanic state. I've chosen bipolar II instead of I due to the specifications of a "manic state" not fitting his Wii portrayal as closely.

Hypomania (literally meaning "less than mania") shares many characteristics with full-blown mania, but is more toned-down. People who have experienced genuine hypomanic states usually describe it as helpful towards their productivity, while manic states are notoriously more harmful and often directly affect productivity. Symptoms of mania include restlessness, racing thoughts, pressured speech, overconfidence, increased agitation, impulsiveness, a disconnect from one's surroundings, extreme anxiousness, and many others. Already, we can observe many of these symptoms in Aran's Wii portrayal that are shared with the ADHD diagnosis. However, hypomania tends to lack the "reality disconnect", and we can see that Aran is very aware of his surroundings. Him being in the World Circuit in both Super and Wii can be interpreted as a sign of the hypomanic states being more helpful than detrimental (maybe less so in Super because of the existence of the Special Circuit, but I digress).

I think this take has a lot of ground, maybe more than the ADHD hypothesis. A lot of my earlier points in favor of him having ADHD can also apply to him being bipolar (specifically hyperactivity, recklessness, and especially emotional dysregulation) as well, which blurs the line in some places, but it's still a very strong argument.

Counter-Diagnosis #2: Oppositional Defiant Disorder

According to Mayo Clinic, ODD is "a frequent and ongoing pattern of anger, irritability, arguing and defiance towards parents and other authority figures". The characteristics of ODD can be observed in both SPO's and Wii's Aran.

I think this one's weaker, for a few reasons. First, ODD is considered clinically relevant only during childhood; from then, it can "evolve" into a number of other conditions, including but not limited to borderline personality disorder and the aforementioned bipolar disorder. Obviously, Aran isn't a child, but he could have had this disorder in the past and "grew out of it" from a clinical standpoint.

You could make an argument for the anger issues due to a few of his behaviors, as well as his voice lines in Wii having a sort of "growl" to them, but his irritability is infrequent and mild enough to where it can be attributed back to emotional dysregulation, and the "growl" could just be how the character or his voice actor naturally sounds (I haven't found any clips of Stephen Webster speaking out-of-character, but if anyone has any, I'd love to hear them).

Counter-Diagnosis #3: Antisocial Personality Disorder

The DSM-5 defines APD as consistent displays of deceitfulness, issues with authority, impulsivity, irritability, recklessness, and a diminished capacity for remorse after hurting someone. Again, a few of these symptoms are shared with ADHD, so there's a significant grey area here. Yet, I believe it's stronger than the ODD argument, since his cheating can be a sign of deceitfulness and his apparent antisocial traits in Wii. However, boxing as a combat sport doesn't leave much room for feeling remorse, since doing so can result in throwing or forfeiting a match. I'm not going to count the lack of remorse due to the nature of the sport, but you as a reader can interpret it how you like.

Counter-Diagnosis #4: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Because of how broad the autism spectrum is, you could easily go crazy in-depth with this. I'll do a miniature version of the ADHD symptom setup, which includes traits observed in canon. I won't be including every shared trait, but do keep in mind that ADHD is comorbid with a bunch of different spectrum disorders, and misdiagnoses, especially in women, are fairly common in the real world because of it. I know I'm going to fail to list certain symptoms due to just how many ASD traits there are, so if anyone reading has any more connections to make, be my guest! This "counter-diagnosis" section is for provoking further discussion, after all, and I'm happy to learn from you all.

Hyposensitivity

In PO Wii. To wind up for his right uppercut, Aran hits himself in the side of the head, and after round breaks in Contender, he hits himself repeatedly. Considering his gloves are confirmed to be loaded in his Contender fight, his relative indifference might be a sign of this. People with autism have reported tuning out various stimuli if they become overwhelmed by a bunch of them (sometimes related to meltdown or shutdown), and it's possible that that's what Aran is doing here. The bright lights of the venue combined with the crowd noise and the feeling of being sweaty could be overstimulating, and the supposed hyposensitivity towards being hit is caused by this "tuning out" to avoid a shutdown mid-bout.

Stimming (repetitive movements)

In PO Wii. The leg bounce in his Contender round break can be interpreted as a stim, as well as the wind-ups for his right uppercut (bopping himself in the head) and headbutt (choosing to wind up on the ropes). His bouncing around Mac could also be stimming.

Pathological demand avoidance

This phenomenon can also be comorbid with anxiety, which happens to be a risk factor for ADHD, so we're looping back around with this one. PDA is characterized by a person exhibiting an intense aversion to something that is asked of them, even if they wanted to do it beforehand. It can be associated with feelings of unfairness and like they don't have any control, so someone with PDA may "break the rules" to feel as though they have some control over what happens to them. Aran's high infraction count in Wii could be a sign of a more obsessive form of this. Avoiding the process of carrying out the demand can be conflated with executive dysfunction as well.

TL;DR get this man into a psychiatrist's office ASAP

#punch out!!#punch out wii #super punch out #aran ryan #punch out headcanons #your honor he's screwed up in the head /lh #neurodivergent #adhd #it's canon I'm sorry I don't make the rules

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accidentally-in-fictional-love · 7 months ago

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📖 🥺 🩹🍭? Oooor 🙏🏻🍭

45 Minute Friends - Lester Billings/Reader

Warnings: Gender neutral reader, no use of Y/N, nothing else this time other than those sad eyes QwQ

Wordcount: 5391

Summary: When your meetcute turns into a surprising but nice friendship with the handsome man at the grocery store you frequent, you find yourself not ever wanting to know what he looks like without the smile that drew you in in the first place.

Notes: Even though he was in the list, I was still so surprised when I got this one! Did not expect any Lester but I'm so glad I got him because once again I have rebuilt a man from scratch to make him my own hehe so I hope you guys like this one~ 💗💗💗 (And if there's any demand for a sequel, wellllll... 😏)

Every Thursday like clockwork he was there, getting groceries between the minutes of 5:15 and 6PM. The first couple times you'd bumped into him had been random, just you rushing to the store for something for dinner or grabbing something you were low on last minute - usually you preferred getting in during the early hours of the morning when the place was empty - but after the third Thursday of noticing him grabbing a bunch of sugary breakfast cereals and a big tub of ice cream to pile along with the more adult things in his cart, your curiosity was too strong to resist wondering if you could see him again. He wore suits, a working man, and he took his health seriously despite the treats, although once in a while he did tend to hang out a little too long amongst the dessert counter where all the cakes were on display.

He was tall, very handsome, and there was something so comfortable about him you decided as he grabbed a box off the shelf and flipped it over to read the nutritional values. You sucked in a deep, encouraging breath before pushing your cart down the aisle, pretending to be interested in the many different brands of pasta before stopping and staring at the one on the top shelf where he was standing. ‘Excuse me,’ you asked politely, pretending like you hadn't just found the perfect excuse to finally talk to him, ‘could you please pass me that box? If it's not too much trouble.’

His height came very much in handy as he easily grabbed it and handed it over, and you flushed before you noticed the ring on his left hand as it held the box; ah, he was married, so much for your meetcute. ‘Big dinner coming up?’ he asked casually when he saw your cart, which was packed enough to last you the rest of the month since you knew you'd be too busy to visit weekly for a while, and you just shook your head with a nervous laugh.

‘Oh, no, just that time of the year again, gunna be swamped from dawn til dusk for a while,’ you told him as you tossed the pasta in, even if it was something you'd never eat normally you were still going to buy it after this. ‘How about you? I take it your kid has a sweet tooth?’

He laughed back, and even though it couldn't be your dream meetcute you still felt a blush dust over your cheeks. ‘All three of them, actually, don't tell my wife but I think they got it from me.’

So that explained him staring at the cakes. ‘Don't worry I won't,’ you promised, your hand over your heart, and he looked back to the box in his hand before going for it and offering you a handshake.

‘Lester, Lester Billings,’ he introduced himself as you shook, your name falling from your mouth rather ungracefully when you saw how his hand enveloped your own. ‘I think I've seen you around here before, do you live nearby?’

‘20 minutes out of town, but I like the prices here, so it's worth the drive,’ you admitted easily even though your crush was still technically a stranger, but he just whistled at the long drive and moved onto the sauces.

‘I'm in town, but if I don't go right after work I'd never get the chance,’ he confided right back while picking up a jar. ‘Have you tried this brand before? Rita, my wife, introduced me to it last year and we haven't gone back.’ He handed you the jar before grabbing his own before you could answer, and you hadn't even heard of it before as you just shrugged and took his word for it, it also joining your increasingly expensive haul. His phone went off then, and he pulled it out and let out a quiet kid-safe curse before typing a reply back. ‘Sorry, forgot the party started at 5:30, thought I still had an hour, it was nice meeting you!’ he said as he headed off for the register, his food toppling over with several crashes in his hurry, and you couldn't help but grin as you grabbed your favourite pasta as well as a second bottle of sauce before continuing on your own list.

You really weren't able to go back again until work had died down, your cupboards getting bare from all the late nights of having just enough energy to cook, eat, and pass out until your alarm. Now that you knew he lived in town you couldn't help but look for him as you drove to work, but you put an end to that pretty fast after you swear you saw him in casual clothes and nearly ran a red light. You spent that time instead getting your crush under control, your mother didn't raise a homewrecker that was for sure, but when you finally were able to return and you spotted him checking out the watermelons you couldn't help but wave when he glanced up. He smiled wide at you and pointed at the one in his hand, it was huge and he was over the moon about the find, and you couldn't stop the smile and blush that followed as you rolled over to him without a second thought.

‘Free from work?’ he asked as he finished his checks, and you realized it'd been a while since you indulged and started the hunt for your own.

‘Finally, it's been a nightmare,’ you breathed exaggeratedly, which earned you another laugh.

‘It’s been the same for me, Thursday is the only night I get to come home on time just for this.’ He settled on a melon and was about to put it in his cart when he quickly stopped you from picking up your own. ‘Whoa, that guy's not ripe yet, here, my wife sent me this after last time,’ he said as he swapped out the melon for his phone, and he swiped through a bunch of photos before pulling up a visual guide on how to choose. He pointed at the one you were about to grab on his screen before taking your hand and finding a better one, the shiver running up your arm hopefully not giving you away. ‘This one should be better, it'll last you longer too if you aren't eating it all tonight.’

‘By myself? Hell no!’ you blurted out before you could think of something more suitable to say, but the resulting laugh was so loud and full of life that you couldn't help but giggle along with him as he supported himself on your shoulder.

‘Sorry, I don't mean to offend,’ he chuckled as he picked up his suggested fruit, placing it in your cart for you without you even asking, ‘forgive me for assuming you were unavailable.’

‘No no, it's fine,’ you quickly said before you could say the same to him, he didn't need to know about your crush, ‘thanks for the recommendation, it's been years since I took the time to actually get one of these and not just the packaged slices.’

‘Every time they're in season we get one, my kids could eat most of one on their own, I swear.’ He considered getting a second before deciding against it, they could space it out you figured, and he started to head for the next thing before turning back to you. ‘You coming? It's been a while since I had some company on one of these, makes it less boring,’ he offered as he waited, and your heart skipped a beat as you hurried to catch up to him.

You talked about random things as you shopped, him mostly about his kids and how much his youngest looked like his mother, you about whatever you could think of so it wouldn't be so one-sided. You learned that he and his wife were highschool sweethearts, started dating then and got married when they were both in their early 20s, and that it'd taken them a while but finally their firstborn had been gifted to them by the time they were almost in their 30s. As such he spoiled his kids rotten, loved them all immensely, and he revealed to you that he planned on taking them to Disneyland once summer vacation finally came. You could tell he was excited about it, maybe even more than his kids were going to be, and your crush turned to something more as you finally reached the dessert counter.

He didn't linger since you were with him, so you sneakily stopped to check out the cheesecakes. ‘Oh, they have Caramel Pecan! I might have to grab a slice after that nightmare of a month,’ you wondered aloud, and you saw the way his eyes shone as he stopped and joined you.

‘My kids do love chocolate…’ he trailed off as he examined the flavours, all of them enticing him, and you smiled as you waved over the worker.

‘Excuse me, could I get a slice of this one?’ you asked as you pointed to your choice, Lester still deciding on his own with childlike wonder that made you suspicious it wasn't just his kids who liked chocolate.

‘I'm sorry, only the full sized cakes come in that flavour, the slices can be found over here if you'd like to try another one?’ she apologized, and you couldn't fight the frown as you glanced at the slices but didn't see any you wanted.

‘I'll take the Caramel Pecan and the Chocolate Fudge Supreme,’ he then said as soon as you went to tell her it was fine, and you looked up at him as he gave you the warmest smile you'd ever seen in your life. ‘We're having another party this weekend, maybe you can join us, have a slice,’ he offered, and when you nodded you then found yourself with his number in your phone along with his address.

His house was nice and the front yard was covered in toys, loud music drifting from the backyard as kids screamed in delight and parents talked over them as best they could. You held the dish you'd decided to bring at the mention that it'd be a potluck a little closer to your chest before knocking on the door, almost missing the sign taped to the wall above the doorbell. It told you and their other guests to head around back for the party, and you followed the path to the side gate and headed to where all the voices were coming from.

He had a huge pool that was currently filled with kids and their friends, some of the adults hanging out by the deep end as others were crowding around the grill, and you searched for him in this sea of strangers until you spotted him exiting through the back door, the cheesecakes in hand. You grinned as you rushed over to help, but you stopped when an auburn-haired woman walked up instead, taking your Caramel Pecan from him and making a face at it before placing it on the table along with the other treats. You stilled, halfway to him as he waved off her disgust with a laugh, and you felt yourself become self-conscious; you enjoyed his company, and he was fun to talk to, but you didn't belong in this part of his life, no, you were his friend among the aisles from between 5:15-6PM, you shouldn't be there-

‘Hey! You made it!’ You stopped mid-turn at the sound of his voice, a smile plastered to your face as he jogged over, and you wouldn't tell him but he really did look like a dad in his casual clothes, it was a good look on him.

‘Hey, yeah, something came up so I just wanted to drop this off on my way,’ you lied, and his smile turned to disappointment as he glanced back at the party.

‘You sure you can't stay? The food's almost ready, we were gunna get out the protector and watch a move on the side of the house while we ate,’ he told you almost sadly, and you were about to decline when the woman from earlier walked up next to him and looked you over. ‘Rita, this is the one I was telling you about, my new friend from Walkers,’ he announced as she linked her arms through his, and she wasn't at all like he described as she glanced up at him so fast he missed it, but you didn't.

‘Charmed, I take it you're staying for dinner?’ she asked, and she didn't sound nearly as nice as he made her out to be.

‘I, uh…’

‘You were just telling me what you wanted, burger or hot dog,’ he cut in, looking hopeful as you held your bowl of potato salad a little tighter. ‘We also have sausages and some vegetarian options, if you'd prefer?’

‘A cheeseburger sounds great,’ you finally replied, and he nodded before calling over to someone named Tommy by the grill to toss on two more for you. Rita let go as he led you to the table so you could set down your bowl, and everything looked delicious as you gazed over the spread, completely entranced by what you planned on grabbing before he held you out of the way of a bunch of running kids. You thought he scolded them for running and to be careful, but honestly you didn't hear anything as your face was pressed to his chest, his hands warming you more than the sun as they rested over your back and arm.

‘Sorry about that, you know how kids get,’ he chuckled as he let you go, and when he asked about how red you were you quickly blamed it on the sun so you could hide in the shade a safe distance away.

You ended up staying til dark, the food so delicious that you couldn't stop until you were full, and your Caramel Pecan cheesecake was even more delicious as he handed it to you while his wife scowled in the background, jealous over nothing. You knew you'd never make a move on him, seeing him around his family was enough to fully kill the crush, but still you couldn't leave as you sat in the grass and watched horror movies with the rest of his friends once the kids went to bed. The speakers couldn't be too loud, but that didn't stop everyone else as they had a great time, and when you stopped by the pool to enviously check it out, you found yourself splashing along with the others when he pushed you over the edge, jumped in, and encouraged everyone else to join, which they all childishly did.

You didn't hang out outside of shopping, the party would have to be your only exception, but you still had fun with him as you met up in the parking lot every Thursday after that. He shared his favourite recipes with you when you were looking to try something new, and was always ready to grab something off the top shelves for you while you grabbed stuff from the lower ones, bad back he explained after too many spills trying to keep up with the kids. You became close enough to openly talk about your jobs and your weeks, more invitations to parties offered to you every time you met, it seemed he was just really that social, but you found excuses for every one of them to his growing disappointment; you still saw Rita glaring at you when you looked at him, and you didn't want to start anything when your intentions for talking to him were nothing but pure now.

As you were checking out, he offered for you to join them for movie night, this one would be a smaller gathering in case you didn't like the crowds, and you just laughed and declined as always. ‘It's not the crowds,’ you reassured him as your stuff was rung up, Lester bagging all of his own since you'd let him go first. ‘I'm just… not one for parties in general.’ It was a boldfaced lie, but you'd rather lie to him than get him in trouble with his wife just by being there.

‘It's not a party, it's movie night,’ he insisted, and he held the extra large bag of assorted salty snacks up high to tempt you. ‘C'mon, you told me you had a rough week, one round of cards with my kids will cheer you up, and since it's movie night you can pick your favourite to join the lineup, what do you say?’

That sounded wonderful, if you were to be completely honest, and you just sighed dramatically before grabbing a big bag of chips from beside you to add to your remaining items. ‘What's your family's stance on Stephen King?’ you asked as you pulled out your wallet, and he just grinned widely as the last of his bags was stuffed into the cart.

‘Too scary for me, but my eldest loves him.’

You nearly crushed your poor bag of chips by the time you got to his house on Saturday, a bottle of your favourite soda tucked under your arm as well just in case he didn't have it and so you'd be able to drive home later. It was already starting to get dark since you wanted to give them time to have dinner together despite him saying it started early, and you could already hear a movie going on on the other side of the door as you knocked. You waited a moment as the movie was paused, and a little boy who couldn’t be more than 8 opened up and stared at you before calling back over his shoulder that you were finally there, putting extra emphasis on the ‘finally.’

You heard Lester laugh before he stumbled into view, and he welcomed you in with a bright smile as you held up your chips and drink. ‘You're late! We saved you some dip, had to fight these animals back with a stick to keep them away from it,’ he teased as he brought you to the living room, his kids piled onto the floor with pillows and blankets while a few couples, more of his friends, took up the couches, the loveseat empty and waiting for you.

‘Daddy, we saw you eat a bunch!’ the boy, apparently his middle child, cried out as he hit his legs while he passed by, his body bouncing energetically on his pillows as he then flopped back down, and Lester just shook his head in denial before reclaiming the spot next to his wife, his youngest going from her lap to his the moment he was settled. The movie was resumed, your chips on your lap as you tried to ignore the heat from Rita's gaze that he somehow didn't notice, and you only got a few in before the middle one noticed you had something different. ‘Did you bring enough to share with the class?’ he asked smartly as he turned and stared up at you from the coffee table, his eyes purely on your chips and those alone.

‘Shaun-’ Lester said warningly, he’d had enough snacks already apparently to not let you enjoy yours, but still you waved him off and held the bag out. He thanked you and grabbed two big handfuls, his eldest, Denise, or Deni everyone called her, glancing over before you just relented and passed it down, ready to try out that dip you almost missed out on instead, one of his friends handing it to you and stealing one final chip's worth before going back to his beer. It was damn good, you could see why it was almost completely gone, and this he did notice as he called your name before a very loud action sequence nearly drowned him out.

‘Want me to make more?’ he asked as you chowed down, and when you shook your head politely so as to not trouble him, everyone else loudly exclaimed, ‘Yes!’ at the same time. ‘Okay, okay, it's Annie’s bedtime anyway,’ he conceded as he stood, the movie not paused this time as he brought his sleeping youngest upstairs. You watched him go in the reflection of the TV stand packed with trinkets and knick knacks and photos before watching the movie, and when he returned he pressed a kiss to Rita's forehead before heading for the kitchen to make more dip. When he returned everyone was instantly ready for more, but he made sure to scoop a fair amount into your bowl before placing it on the coffee table, since you had missed out after all. You thanked him quietly and went back to eating, your chips returned to you before he sat back down, and it was almost criminal how damn good of a combo they ended up being.

You weren't able to get to your movie since you'd arrived so late, but you were promised first dibs for the next one as long as you showed up on time. You promised, and everyone but Rita waved goodbye to you as you headed out, the kids devouring the last of your chips in front of the TV again.

The next Thursday that came around you were running late, a detour from work to Walkers making you come closer to 5:48 than your desired 5:15, but no matter where you looked you couldn't find him. You felt almost disappointed when you remembered that summer vacation had started, he was probably in California by now, and you hoped he was having a good time as you passed by the dessert counter and noticed that slices of Caramel Pecan were now available.

You didn't see him the next Thursday either, but you didn't know how long his vacation was going for, judging on how excited he was it probably wouldn't be for just a few days, and again you hoped he was having fun as you grabbed yourself a new watermelon using the same guide his wife had sent him.

On the third Thursday you felt worried, he should be back by now, but you didn't think it proper to go to his house and see if his car or the family van were there, that felt much too personal for just a 45 Minute Friend. You felt that, but the temptation was strong when you passed by the pasta sauces.

On the fourth Thursday you figured enough was enough, something was wrong, and you piled your food into the back of your car and tried not to speed to his house. His car wasn't there but the van was, maybe he'd had to switch his grocery day to some other time thanks to work, and you felt embarrassed but you'd rather find out from Rita than text him about missing him. You approached the front door and saw lights on inside, but there was something heavy in the air as you raised your hand to knock; there was a lack of happiness radiating from the house, no sounds of the TV drifting through the door, the yard had been cleaned up, something just felt off.

You took in a deep breath and knocked, and you saw Rita peek through the window's curtains before the door was unlocked. ‘Finally come to collect?’ she snapped as she glared through the gap, and your brow furrowed as you tried to figure out what she meant.

‘What?’

‘You can have him, I'm done with this,’ was all she said before she slammed the door in your face, your confusion turning to concern as you knocked again.

‘Wait, what're you talking about? Is he okay? Are the kids okay?’ you demanded to know, and as soon as you asked about them the door opened once more; her hand slapped you hard across the face, your eyes wide in surprise as you touched your cheek.

‘He doesn't live here anymore, try any of the fleabag motels along the highway,’ she all but yelled before slamming the door again, and you raced back to your car without another word.

You spent the rest of the night looking for him but was unsuccessful, his car nowhere in sight as you checked every motel and hotel on your GPS, the stinging on your cheek not going away as the sun set and darkness swallowed up everything.

You tried to check out the store every night after that, keeping a worried eye out for him as you bought only a couple things so you wouldn’t just be loitering, although it seemed like the dessert counter worker was now used to your friendship. She called out to you as you passed, your eyes scanning every which way as you slowly turned to face her. ‘Haven’t seen him around lately, he feeling alright?’ she asked concernedly, and you could only shrug, you were just his friend, after all.

You kept up your search for a week, Thursday coming by again as your snacks ran out and you did have to get some real food like a real adult, and you were in the middle of turning down the pasta aisle when you saw him standing there and staring at the jar of sauce in his hand. ‘Lester!’ you started to call out in pure relief, but when he heard your voice and turned to you, you only saw the saddest pair of eyes you’d ever seen in your life; the smile was gone, buried underneath the sorrow, he was just barely holding it together, and you ditched your cart right there and you quickly jogged over. ‘Hey, is everything okay? I haven’t seen you in over a month.’

You didn’t want it to sound like you’d been waiting for him, but if it did come across that way he didn’t notice as he looked back down at his wife’s favourite brand.

‘Haven’t had time to come, been trying to secure an apartment from my hotel,’ he confessed, and when he blinked a tear ran down his cheek. ‘Haven’t been very hungry, anyway…’

‘What… I mean, why did-?’ You couldn’t ask it, not when the pieces were starting to fall together, and he didn’t clarify anything as he nearly dropped the jar; you just barely caught it, his hand covering his eyes for just a moment as he bit back a sob, and when you put it back on the shelf you found yourself comfortingly rubbing his back.

‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come, it’s been so hard since…’

‘It’s okay, do you have a list? I think I remember what you usually get, let me help you,’ you offered, and when he looked at you you felt your heart clench so much your knees nearly gave out. ‘Shopping’s more fun with some company, right?’ He nodded, and you skipped the rest of the aisle entirely as you tried to remember what you’d seen him get in the past. It was slow work, he kept lingering around certain things like the cereal and kid-targeted snacks, your heart hurting more and more the closer you got to the desserts. He didn’t even look at them, and you quickly asked for two slices of Caramel Pecan while he avoided staring at all the chocolate flavours.

He went to pay when you were all done, but he was low on cash, no cards in his wallet to go with them, and you understood that all his money must’ve been going towards the hotel as you pulled out your own wallet. ‘Please, I can’t ask you to,’ he mumbled, but you just placed your hand on his as you forced a smile.

‘What else are friends for?’ you asked, and he silently let you pay as he packed his stuff into as few bags as he could to save you a few cents.

Your groceries were completely forgotten as you then helped him pack them into the trunk of his car, fast food wrappers littering the floor of the backseat, and you didn’t comment on them as he obviously looked embarrassed about it. The sky rumbled as you unloaded the last bag, and you should’ve really run back inside, but you couldn’t leave him as he got into the front seat and just sat there, staring at the wheel. You opened up the passenger door and sat down next to him, his eyes glancing at you before he patted your hand, his thanks just barely out of his mouth before he finally broke down.

He sobbed openly in the privacy of his car as he covered his eyes again, his shoulders shaking and his weeping only enhanced by the rain as it turned from a light drizzle to a storm within moments. You just let him cry, ready to wait until he was able to speak, small waves blown across the pavement in front of you as other people hurried to their own cars, his cart slowly rolling away in the background. It took a while but finally he was ready, and he didn’t look at you as he wiped his eyes and sniffed.

‘Rita asked for a divorce, said she wants full custody,’ he confessed as the thunder roared above, and the pain in your heart turned to a pounding as you felt not sadness but anger overtake you.

‘That’s bullshit!’ you shouted, but you controlled your voice when he recoiled. ‘Sorry, but you’re an amazing father, where the hell did this come from?’

‘She thinks I was cheating on her, wouldn’t even tell me who she thought it was,’ he told you with another sniff, and you felt your cheek sting again as you recalled the look on her face as she slammed the door in yours. ‘I would never, I love- I loved her so much, and my kids-’ He broke down again, and you refused to even attempt to hold yourself back as you leaned over the console and pulled him into your arms. He melted into them, crying on your shoulder as you whispered comfort to him, patted and rubbed his back, his grip on you so hard that it hurt but you didn’t care.

‘I won’t let her do this, you know I work at a law firm, I’ll message everyone I know to help with your case,’ you swore, and he just shook his head against you.

‘Why would they side with me when she tells them what she thinks?’ he mumbled, and you backed up so he’d look at you.

‘Because I know who you are, and I will not let you lose your kids.’

His eyes looked between your own as a single tear fell, and if your crush was still there you might’ve wanted to kiss him, but that wasn’t what he needed. No, you meant every word that you’d said, and you were going to make good on it for him because he was your friend, and you would not ruin this more for him when his feelings were that that mattered right now. You were his friend, and you loved him like that, and he could see that you were serious as he hugged you again but didn’t cry, his voice so broken and soft and unlike the lively energy you’d gotten to know over your grocery trips.

‘Thank you,’ he whispered, and you didn’t nuzzle into his neck as you placed your hand on the back of his head.

‘I don’t have much, but for now I can at least offer you my couch, if you’re tired of hotel rooms?’ you said softly, and when he went to object you just smiled as your own tears fell when you blinked and stared out into the rain. ‘What else are friends for?’ you repeated, and when he sat back to rub his eyes again his smile was there, just barely hidden under the pain; there was your friend, there was Lester.

You didn’t know how this story would end, but you knew that it wouldn’t involve him losing everything, not if you had anything to say about it, that was for damn sure.

#Ray's Headcanons #Ray's Requests #david dastmalchian #Lester Billings #Lester Billings x reader #this man deserves a happy ending ;w;#this was gunna be posted on saturday but I messed up my queue so this one can go out today while I write the drabble I accidentally skipped

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thebalancer · 10 months ago

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Everlasting Flower: Nae Sarang~Lies of P Fanfic: Chapter 1: Safe Haven

Posted two chapters in one day! Enjoy! Make sure you check out the prologue before this one. ~Finally in the safe place called Hotel Krat, Rhosyn takes the time to get herself treated and settled in the new place she can call a shelter. She ends up meeting some folks. She recalls not everyone or everything is a safe space.

~~~~~Safe Haven~~~~~~

Glimmer light washes away the darkness behind the structural doors as the heels of the rusty boots click on the tile floor. Each heel step echoed in her ears. Her greenish-blue hazel eyes appear struck by the architectural display of the place before her. Rhosyn’s focus fixates on the center of the hall, where the large globe scares away evil. She recalled this hotel had the most wonderful balls in all of the city; a lovely masquerade evening where everyone dressed up in the finest clothes one can purchase in the finest shops, adored in elegant masks before they were a known item for Stalkers by animal masks dawned in practice from many decades ago, and cheerful smiles all around as some socialize over a cup of famous wine while others dance the night away with their partner.

A little Rhosyn attended one before - a blue ruffle dress with short puffs, a blue mask coated in some yellow flowers and white accessories she made herself with some help and black Mary Janes. Never cared about anything but being with her older brother and those she loved at the party. Even being with the one she looks up to for guidance and admiration for his excellent work, alchemist Sir Hodges; relation to the kindhearted woman who is the biological mother of the curious girl and known for being the best leader in the medical field by many townsfolk. The hotel is nothing more than a haven for those lucky enough to make it out of the hellhole alive. That’s the reality it is today.

“Hello, madam,” A sudden robotic voice bursts out of her deep thoughts. A gasp left her lips and immediately shifted all attention to the individual associated with the voice. In front of the survivor is a receptionist puppet behind the counter, his face more resembling a human compared to the other machine life forms outside. He appears professional in how his posture is presented. He’s well-dressed and mannered despite how everything else is plastic. Showing his role in the hotel.

“My dearest apologies for startling you, miss. Welcome to Hotel Krat.” Rhosyn sighs the distress out in a stitch effort to calm herself. “My name is Polendina, butler of Lady Antonia. Please let me know how I may be of service. At Hotel Krat, comfort and calm come hand and hand.”

Rhosyn wanted to say something snarky in regards to the “comfort and calm” part, as the outside world possesses the complete opposite, but she rather keeps her mouth shut to avoid getting kicked out after just finding the safe space. Listening to the gems' strong advice. It’s for the best. Instead, she wondered who this “Lady Antonia” he mentioned being a butler to. Rhosyn lets out a hiss of pain from the sting on the wrapped hand before she can ask any questions regarding the owner of the property.

“You appear in very bad shape,” Polendina mentions all while he mimics a worried tone in his voice box. “There is an empty guest room upstairs where you can rest until you are fully recovered. Here in Hotel Krat, health and wellness come together as a reliable source for everyday tasks. I will contact Nurse Signora to assist in your treatment. Please follow me.”

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

Meanwhile, in the workshop on the other side of the hall, a puppet mechanoid sits on a wooden stool bending each silver finger in quick motion - checking its function status. Coat in dark hues, dark curly hair, Ergo-colored eyes, and a face caked in freckles, one would believe he’s a cute boy who does not harm, but they are wrong ... once someone faces his blade head that is. However, the one task of saving Krat from its demise would catch a lot of ladies' attention….even some deemed untrustworthy. Those being foes. That being the case, the puppet would not hesitate in striking the finishing blow after a drawn-out battle between them. You never know who to trust in these parts of the city these days. There are some in the hotel he had made allies with: One being a highly crafted merchant Eugénie; able to upgrade the puppet's weapons and alter handles with the skills she has. She had let him use her workshop while she was away (in hopes of returning safely) for whatever he needed at the time.

He’s in the process of upgrading his mechanical arm crafted by his creator when he hears a small bug chirp from the small lamp resting on the counter beside him. The bug housed inside the portable light source is a green puppet cricket, which has acted as his guide and companion ever since the human puppet woke up on the abandoned train. He halted his work

“Hey buddy, check it out. You see that girl over there? The one with a red scarf tied around her? Seems we have a new face here.” Blue doll eyes shift up from his craftsmanship; witnessing the new soul in the hotel: This new survivor speaking to Polendina appeared like a normal citizen rather than a Stalker he’d come across from time to time in his journey. However, the dirty appearance covering her from the top to the bottom tells a tale she’s a fighter - even the left hand wrapped in what looks like cloth tells a whole other story. Something about her….made him curious. As if…..he wants to know her more.

Perhaps….befriend the survivor who found her way here.

As if the moral “Never judge a book by its cover” from a fairytale story about a white ugly duck he read with Gemini while he rested comfortably on the cozy couch sank into his wire brain. He remembers how much he can relate to the bird with how many see him. Could this girl see him the way others do? Like all the other humans in Krat - see him as Geppeto’s puppet? He only blinked from the thought alone.

“Boy, she looks rough,” the lamp cricks. “She must have fought her way through the city just to get here. She’s probably a Stalker. I mean, it's not every day you see a Stalker in their normal wear in these parts. Especially one that wears a dress like hers. ”

“Thank you very much.” The relaxed voice from the new face made the hotel feel much calmer than it already is just by the hint of how kind the human girl is. The puppet boy watches the butler lead the light-injured woman to the golden stairs. A blue hue from the jewel wrapped in a protective carrier softly glows - illuminating the environment with its presence. Caught the wing of the mechanic cricket's attention.

“And…..is that ...Ergo on her neck? An Ergo necklace at best? Could she be?” Gemini says in a surprised manner. Even this made the boy tilt his head to the side. Wait? An Ergo necklace? Why does she have that? Why is she wearing one, to begin with? Ergo itself is a manifestation crystal of a deceased person's memories. There are those called the ‘Listeners” who can hear the whispers of the deceased inside the blue gem. It’s strange how one would carry something valuable on their person. That got the mechanoid questioning. He had never seen anyone wearing any jewelry with Ergo before. Like it blends in as normal jewelry. Even the pocket watch shaped much differently from the one Sophia gave him on her person caught his attention - noticing the gold style of the watch followed by a blue-colored star in the middle. Far different compared to Sophia’s Moonphase Pocket Watch she gifted him upon the first arrival.

This new girl made him very curious. What was her backstory? The puppet wants to know. She didn’t seem suspicious at first glance, but appearances can be a cover-up for what they are on the inside.

“Well pal, she must be in her room right now. We should go say hi to her. Make her feel welcome. What do you say?”

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

Rhosyn is in the bathroom of the empty but safe hotel bedroom checking on her hand. Carefully unwrapping the dark cloth off as the water from the faucet runs. The cut appeared long and deep; the bleeding stopped but the pain from the cut remained. Making it difficult to turn her hand into a fist without inviting the tense reaction from the scar.

*“How’s your hand?”* The deep male voice from the energy of her jewelry asks the vessel. She dips her hand in the cold running water. “Still hurts but at least it stopped bleeding.” The faucet in the establishment carries years of historical times and manages its function to her delight. The joys of feeling the colorless chemical substance coming out from the sink onto her large red scar made her feel delighted. Finally, there is water in this disgusting new world. Thirst called.

*“You’re lucky the cut didn’t get infected. What you did back at that old bakery building was a very risky act. The wound could have been fatal if not treated properly. However, you manage to escape the large group. It seems your training has paid off. Do take it easy on yourself while we have this opportunity. A glass cut is far more serious compared to a bread knife cut. Umm….coming from experience myself.”*

Rhosyn chuckles, “Yeah. I figured as much. I’m fine. Don’t worry so much. If I didn’t pull off that trick, I most certainly would be dead. I’m just glad I got out of there….yet seeing my favorite bakery place become like that is…..” She pulls messy bangs back behind her ears - being long for her to do so, and takes some water into her palms, splashing the mess off and getting herself clean the best possible. The water felt so nice. She also sips some of the sink water due to the dire need for hydration scratching her throat. No longer so bright and cheerful eager to study and replaced a tired and stressed woman in front of the dirty mirror.

Where has that flower girl gone?

That flower girl many go to for comfort and kind words during hard times?

One where she simply sells flowers to locals in the city all the while being trained by her mentor to be a Stalker like her sibling?

Where has that girl gone?

Times change, has it?

*“Don’t hold back your tears. If you need to let it out, do it. I’ll be right here with you.”*

He was right. It’s not healthy to keep her heart locked away when all the pain inside builds up. No matter how strong she tries to play out… She needs to cry. Right now. Alone in this room.

A less dirty hand reaches for the sink twisting the water off. Boots removed from her feet settled beside the cobwebbed nightstand. She sits down on the dust-collected mattress coated in faded flower comforter sheets that must have been in the room for many years before the frenzy; she pulls her black coated knees to her better but still tired face so her chin can rest on it, wraps her arms around herself and lets the tears flow. The tough armor immediately falls off right by the first set. This wonderful city she once knew was nothing like she remembered. Puppets once a friendly addiction in the workspace become nothing but malfunctioning murderers on the verge of genocide on those who get in their way. All the happy buildings children enjoy spending time in after school are just another shelter place to escape from death.

Everything’s gone.

Taken from her.

The city’s cold…without love.

Rhosyn weeps, quietly. An ambition in her mind that this was all just a dream…..yet it was one she was living in…..and she could not wake up from. Teary eyes glance at the rabbit’s pocket watch sitting near her foot. The watch had been left open to exhibit the large clock hand moving slowly one number at a time. Tick. Tick. Tick. The only, loud sound ringing through. She closed it after the sound bugged her. The girl tried putting the puzzle together as to why the White Rabbit lady decided to help her despite their differences. What mattered most, Rhosyn wouldn’t forget her sacrifice for a good long time. Mostly it will stick in her head. That woman risks it all for just a young strangers safety. She continued sobbing the pain away. Her heart still aches. Messy locks only cover the cheeks of the face. Barely at most due to the length, she has it. The energy from the blue gem is wrapped in a handmade protective stone holder. *“Shhh…..it’s okay. It’s okay.”* The male voice in the crystal whispers. All she did was weep harder - pouring her heart in pain. The voice wished he could do so much more for the young one.

“I…..I wish…..you were still here…..I need your hug right now. Why did it have to happen? All of this?” Rhosyn clings onto the necklace tight in a tense squeeze in the palms. Rhosyn had enough: She ached in pain, exhausted from all the stress, covered in the stains of the new outside world. Her parents are no longer alive, no way to give her a physical hug. She felt….Alone. Her painful thoughts break away by the gentle knock outside of the room.

“I-I’m coming…..” The human mutters after lifting her head. Less tension scratched fingers from the brutal battles rub the tears away from her face in a flash. She got off the bed and walked towards the interior wooden door. Heavy exhale leaves out the lips in a use of collecting herself in a mental state she’s in. The sturdy old door beside the simple-styled bed (which held many memories of life before) creeks open after she’d twisted the golden knob again. Greenish-blue orbs witness the reveal behind the knock; the boy with a lamp in his hand. Somebody she didn’t expect it to be. The human girl expects the puppet nurse to appear but she is greeted by another survivor (If she can call him that.) standing in the open doorway. She can’t say he’s an unwelcome visitor but not who she should let in. If anything, she expected it to be the nurse of the establishment. He did appear friendly…..even if his expression was that of a doll….for some strange reason. The boy figures he came here to check the newcomer's condition. Couldn’t blame him for doing so, but she’s not the best when it comes to introducing herself to strangers. Socialization isn’t one of her strong suits….at most.

“Umm, hi,” she says, softly. All the tears running down her pale face dry away. Some leftover mascara can be present on her underlashes. Nervous hands fiddled on the dirty red scarf around her curved waist. In response to properly greeting the new young lady in the Glimmer Hotel, the puppet presents himself in a bow. The only sort of “Welcome to Hotel Krat” gesture he can muster at the moment. She was taken by the silent greeting he had shown. Rhosyn didn’t expect such action from the boy, as if he was also showing respect for her fight to survive getting here. Not many men bow at her before or act honorably towards her. Most paint the rose as the “beauty but a funny girl” by folks for her ambitious studies in mysterious tales she enjoys reading along with her hobby of the arts. Some kids her age in school would bully her for being a female who draws - the same words still apply in her adult age. Rhosyn would sometimes get ridiculed by rich men for doing archery all because she was a woman who needed to settle down with a proper man who would take care of her. Rhosyn didn’t want a luxurious life - she wanted freedom and to express what kind of woman she was out of anything. In the present time, Rhosyn never shows her sketch work to the public and rather keeps it in her person. Afraid of the ridicule she’ll receive. Because of how some view her, she’s been (and remains) single because of all the hatred she receives from those who think of her differently. Even those who believe a pretty girl like her shouldn’t waste her time on silly little things now that she is older. Maybe this will be different for her?

“Oh umm….you’re quite the gentleman. Nice to meet you, sir.” She lowers her torso, bowing back in return. “I uh…. see you’re a man of a few words.”

“Greetings, new friend!” The cheerful boom made Rhosyn gasp in shock. Her entire body of hers jolts up. The lamp said: “Welcome to Hotel Krat!”

“Is someone there?” Rhosyn glance her eyes around the room, trying to pinpoint where the sudden voice was. Then, the crickets chirp luring Rhosyn’s attention to the lamp in the pale hand of the owner. “Don’t be alarmed. I’m Gemini. I’m the cricket inside this little lamp here,” he lets out a heartfelt chuckle. “We’re good pals. We won’t harm you or anything bad people do. I know my pal here very well. He’s a good one. We wanted to greet you and make you feel welcome in this lovely hotel. You’re safe with us.”

Rhosyn’s gaze is in awe at the fancy-looking lamp. Eyes gloss in wonder. “How interesting, a talking cricket in a lamp.” She says in her head. Rhosyn shares a polite smile, feeling the warmth coming from the friendly bug. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you. Although, I’ve never seen a talking cricket in a lamp before. I’ve seen many blizzard things in the city in my time, but you’re quite a unique one.” The cricket managed to lighten up the broken girl - that was a positive response he hoped in achieving the little task.

Gemini achieved that goal. He’s happy for that.

All the puppet boy did was nod his head and twitch a little. His attention was fixed on her necklace then back at Rhosyn’s pair of eyes. He stood motionless, but if his face could, he’d try curving his lips upward - at least trying to appear friendly to the guest. That’s what his friends here help him work on; Still room for improvement, though. He’s at least trying his best. Not an easy task for him while in the stage of understanding the heart of humanity.

“I told you she was very pretty, didn’t I, pal?” The companion comments, the puppet just tilts his head, unaware that he is attempting to tease his good friend, or that he didn’t understand what he met. Regardless of which one, the comment flew over his head. The blue eyes of the puppet stay on the human girl. “You’re not much for words, are you?” She comments on his silent nature. The boy swift his head to the floor fixated on his black shoes. Her body leaned against the frame of the door to assist in keeping her balance. “It’s alright. I won’t judge you. Not everyone’s a talker.” He eyed back up at her soft gaze. He points at her injured hand that’s wrapped in the cloth she had put back on before disinfecting it.

“Oh? My hand?” Rhosyn quickly noticed what he wanted to ask her based on where he was pointing at. “I…..jumped through a glass window trying to escape a bunch of dog puppets in the old bakery building I used to go to as a kid. A glass shard cut my palm in the process. It still hurts, but it’s healing.” He couldn’t demonstrate it on his face, but he seemed in awe by the sheer bravery the girl committed. Going far as to risk herself from death swallowing her up. Let alone carry a nostalgic memory in a simple place he barely knew, yet Gemini had once mentioned it was best known for its best pastries and baked goods by the best bakers in Krat. It sounded pleasant before it became abandoned. He looked back at the girl in the purple dress.

“I….appreciate your concern. Umm…..May I at least know your name?” The human girl asks the kind marinette in blue. The puppet boy…..had no clue how to respond. He looked…..bewildered. He doesn’t know. Did he have a name? Geppetto never gave him a name except he resembled a lost soul. Sophia calls him “Clever One” but that’s a nickname - not a proper name. Gemini calls him “Buddy” and “Pal” and yet those two fall into the same category. No one in Hotel Krat knows his name nor gives him a name they will call him. He was known most as a puppet. Rhosyn tilts her head. She was waiting for him to answer her question. The human started to think maybe the same thought he was thinking.

“You….can’t talk, can you?” The rose’s concerned question wasn’t what he had in mind. However, the mechanical boy did shake his head at her. A deep gasp of shock rang out. The blue orbs can notice how wide the girl's eyes become. “Oh, oh god, my apologies! I-I didn’t mean to come off as rude from what I said! I am so so sorry! I didn’t know! Oh man, I am so embarrassed.” Rhosyn covers her red face with the palms of her hands. Forget about Krat, she rather bury herself in the deepest hole. Matter of fact, she rather be put in a coffin for embarrassed people like herself where they can be in and be buried in a deep hole where the sun doesn’t shine.

Luckily, both the boy and his cricket companion understand; Gemini reassures Rhosyn she did zero tension in hurting the pal's feelings. Her reaction has left the puppet perplexed. He waved his hands in a quick sweeping motion. Reassuring her all is well. There was no trouble caused.

“Heh, that’s good. Umm….I…..would let you write down your name, but my book fell out of my bag…..” That caused some trouble on both sides.

How will he tell her who he is?

Then, he gets an idea. He hands the guest the lamp having her watch over Gemini, motions to her with his hands raised at his chest moving them back and forth, telling her: “Wait here. I’ll be right back.” He then left the puzzled human and a displeased cricket behind. The puppet sprints downstairs to the small library in the hotel. Beside a functional piano were a couple of large bookcases filled with a heavy selection of books. All are covered in dust but still readable based on their sturdy condition.

Perfect.

Now, where is that certain book he’s looking for?

He scanned each bookcase for a certain book to help him answer her innocent question. There’s one book in particular…. The book’s about a fairytale of a wooden marionette that grows his nose whenever he lies. A tale his father loves so much. He finally found the book and snatched it off the top shelf. There is a certain name in the story that strangely stuck out to him: The main name of the protagonist of the fairytale. He runs back upstairs to the girl's room unaware he might have interrupted a conversation they must been having with the hardcover book in hand. “Oh? You’re back. That was quick” Rhosyn expressed a positive reaction, seemingly happy he had returned, keeping his word. Her earth-colored eyes dart at the book in the metal hand. “What’s with the book in your hand?”

He opens the front page and taps his metal finger on the bold letter P on the title of the book. He looked back at the girl, wondering if she’d understand what he was trying to tell her.

“P? Is that what you want to be called?” The puppet boy nods his head at the lady. “Okay. I’ll gladly call you P if you like.” Blue robotic eyes widen in delight. Her eagerness to call him by the simple letter in a book made his metal heart inside him feel a nice sensation of Warmth. Her warm smile is the cherry on top: It appears pretty on her, like a bright ray of sunshin on a clear day. One that can light up even the darkest room in all of Krat. She’s a kind woman who is also a strong fighter; Those two simple traits the boy appreciated so much. She’s also a kind soul compared to the other Stalkers he sometimes stumbles across in the dystopian city. Caring less about P’s true idenity. He already felt trusted by her. He saw her beaming smile, indicating she was in the process of recovering from her trials from outside. Small but a effortless one which camouflage her numbness.

“My name’s Rhosyn. It’s nice to meet you, P.” Rhosyn smiles at P. She’s feeling a bit better now that there are some kind of survivors in the hotel. She can’t help but think of the particular traits that resonated with him the most: “He seems quite cute…..for a silent type. I like his hair. It gives off such a fluffy appearance. He…..even has freckles. They look so adorable. His eyes…..I’ve never seen such…..eyes. No, I just met this guy. I can’t be thinking such things. I need to find my brother and my friends after I rest here. I don’t have time to hang with a boy.”

The curious eyes of the girl fixate on the puppet's prosthetic arm. His arm coats in a color of blue and gold. She wonders if he had lost his arm in a tragic incident involving a creature. All of a sudden, her vision becomes blurry. Rhosyn begins losing her strength by the way she places a hand on her forehead. Her other hand relies on the doorframe for support. “Shit….” She cursed, the side coated in crimson red blending in with the tied scarf made her feel lightheaded. Rhosyn couldn’t even keep her balance upright. “I don’t…..feel too good.” P noticed the change in her behavior and he didn’t hesitate in offering assistance - P catches Rhosyn, catching her from fainting. His metal hand wraps her waist while the other hand holds her back. The clothed hand grips his blue shoulder tight - the other hand on the legion arm. P clings to her close, preventing her from accidentally dropping her. The silk fabric in the dress tinkles his the touch sensory system design in his mechanic hand. P’s now up close to the newcomer. He can see her face close. At that moment, the male marionette can see what Gemini was talking about before: Rhosyn is very pretty. The little short curls in her dark blonde hair made her stand out. He noticed the natural red highlights in the light shining in her short mane. Her green hazel eyes appear bright as a beautiful emerald shade; Accompanied by dark long lashes that no longer have mascara coated on them. Her eyelids were covered in light faded eyeshadow she had put on before all broke loose. Her full-shaped lips although has a cut on the bottom lip have a soft appearance. Her face had a clear look as of a doll after she washed it earlier. To him: She’s beautiful.

Rhosyn can see the small patch of light brown spots on his porcelain face up close. They appear soft and visible to him. Like a pair of fainted stars on him. She noticed how long his lashes were, and she wasn’t disappointed in them. They made his already beautiful blue eyes stand out. His grip on her is ease and the way he caught her….seemed like it was pulled straight out of a romance novel story. P already demonstrated to her how much of a gentleman he is. This position already has her feeling flustered. To her: He’s cute.

“Umm…..thank you…..for catching me from my fall.” She replies, adding a nervous chuckle on the side. Oh dear, this is so embarrassing. Another head nod leaves the puppet boy. “You don’t look too well, Rhosyn,” Gemini says. “You should get back in bed.”

“I’m fine….” Rhosyn persists.

“You almost fainted. You’re not fine.” Gemini chirps, worried. “My pa….I mean, P can take you back to bed if he wants.”

“I can walk myself over there. I’m fi….” The next minute, Rhosyn’s feet lift off the floor. Proving the strength he has despite the design of his body type. P carefully picks her up in a bridal fashion. He made sure he held the human tight, so she didn’t slip out of his arms while he carried her. Of course, Rhosyn is flustered by the action she has never gotten from any men before the puppet. Her eardrums can hear his heart ticking so clearly.

P then carefully lowers Rhosyn on the floral bed, his arms releasing her as she rests on the old mattress once again. She sits on the comforter like a delicate princess who was just rescued by a prince from a horrendous beast that had kidnapped her and locked her away in a tower. His head shifts to the side as a way to demonstrate the concern he has for the girl. Robotic springs in his body react as such. Another soft “Thank you” left the human’s voice, sharing her gratitude for the behavior he did for her. Although no matter how stubborn she may be, Rhosyn could not take a couple of steps without her becoming weak.

“You must be hungry and thirsty from the state you’re in right now. That’s not very good. Not to worry, my pal can get you something for you. There should be some leftover bread in the kitchen.” The cricket recommends upon expecting the human’s condition. Rhosyn had forgotten she hadn’t eaten any food in a long time. No wonder she feels weak right now. The sink water didn’t quench her thirst entirely. She felt so horrible. “You’re right. I….haven’t eaten anything in a long while. I need some food. Anything you can find is fine. Thank you very much.”

“Anything for our new guest!” Gemini said in glee. “You just sit here and don’t move a muscle! My pal and I will get you a nice cup of water and a good jolly meal for you!” Another crick blurts out. “Come, buddy! Let’s get Rhosyn the goods.” Pinocchio nods his head in. He’s eager to get the new visitor back to good health. P leaves the girl in the assigned room by herself beginning the simple yet important new mission quickly assigned for him in progress.

*"Hmm? He seems like a nice fella.”* The Ergo teases.

“Ugh…..stop it, you….” Rhosyn huffs.

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

A bit of a warm feeling fills his heart ticking each spring at a time. He could not stop thinking how kind the human girl as been towards him. Her radiating sunshine despite her painful condition pushes away the gloomy atmosphere in the haven, providing a sense of some hope in the dread world. P, however, can’t understand why she wasn’t afraid of him like many had - Those who come across him knew his true origins. Rhosyn on the other hand, mistake him for a human. An actual human to whom one cannot speak. The puppet’s memory replied how she appeared when he saw her closely: The bright hazel eyes staring at him, the lovely smile, and her compliment on his imperfection.

What is going on? Is there a problem in his system? P became puzzled. Yet, that woman’s kindness…. He tried to wrap everything. Writer Shakespear, one of Eugenie’s favorite authors once said: “Eyes are the windows to the soul.”

Flat heels on his black loafers step on one tread to another on the flights of steps. The cricket speaks: “You know, with how much we spent together, you never told me your name. Or…..hint to me what you wanna be called.” It was true: He never told Gemini his name. Maybe because he was figuring out what to go by during the gruesome journey of becoming a real boy. “Well, P suits you. Better yet, if you wanna go the extra mile, we can name you after the book: Pinocchio’s a good full name for ya. I’m sure the others will agree with me.” Gemini suggested.

Pinocchio liked the name. The last time he read the story, he learned the name is a rare Tuscan word associated with pine and wood. Occhio at the end of the name is a word that merely means “Eye”. Pinocchio: Pine Eye.

The name was fitting for the puppet. Given how he has a curious interest in the conical wood fruit which he learned, comes from a pine tree he was once shown to by a struggling farmer. The pinecones curiously fascinate him. Of course, he found the new girl's name quite nice to hear. Her name sounded like another word for rose, and he found roses to be a beautiful sight. Especially in the paintings and book illustrations showcase the prickly shrub bearing the five red fragrant petals on it. P walked into the entranceway of the hotel’s dark-like kitchen. The room appears lifeless upon entering. Ovens and stoves previously used for baking delightful cakes now collect massive amounts of dust. Cobwebs coat all over the pan hangers on the ceiling. Workstation bowl sinks have never been cleaned for centuries. Left stained in old grease and decayed food. On the wall display what looked like a rusty green poster coated in mole and rot - The poster represents the cover of what symbolizes what the hotel used to be; an insane asylum made for unfortunate patients who lost their minds.

“Can’t you believe it,” Gemini cricks “this hotel used to be an asylum. Rumors say there are ghosts of Krats past roaming this place. Notably: Crane Hollow, Goldilocks, Baba Yaga, and William Iris. Some say they roam around this kitchen on a rainy night like this one. Heh, I’m sure they won’t bother us while we get the goods…..would they?” P can tell the hint of nervousness in the puppet crickets’ tone. That’s new coming from the little bug partner of his. He shifted his head until he was slightly locking his attention on the lit lamp still in his hand. This new information piqued Pinocchio’s robotic mind. Is Gemini….afraid of ghosts? He haven’t been afraid of enemies they encountered before - including ones of giant size in comparison. However, invisible haunting entities? That’s a whole new story coming from his cricket partner. Pinocchio finds it pretty silly.

“H-Hey! Don’t look at me like that! I’m not afraid of ghosts…if that’s what you’re thinking, buddy. It’s not like I’ll get thrown with a mallet by one.” Gemini shivers. “Ugh! That idea scares me so much. I hate mallets…. Axes, hammers, anything that can squish me. I don’t want to think about that.” P simply shakes his head, resembling his way of showing amusement at the cricket's crazy statement. Gemini didn’t take it lightly: “Hey! If you throw a mallet at me, I’m gonna come haunt you when I become a ghost.” He sighs deeply. He is so done with this topic. “Let’s just get the girl her needs and get out of here.”

Pinocchio grabs a glass cup from the glass counter. He made sure he gave it a good wash (taking Father’s advice) before filling the cup up with fresh aqua in it. He grabs the loaf of bread found in a lost basket in a dead man's hands stolen by the surviving hotel residents, he finds a sturdy plate to set the bread on, and P leaves the decade-old kitchen behind heading back into the light.

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

Earlier, Rhosyn sits one leg crossed on the bed. Lost in the sight of the gift in her palms - The small pocket watch jingles its chains from being tossed left and right. Blank gaze stays on the watch. The other foot dangled over the covers, wiggling in motion. A bit piqued at how she failed to take better care of herself no matter how much she tried. Health is hard keeping them in a straight line when death comes all around. She dislikes being the damsel in distress in these types of situations. However, she can’t be too upset; Pinocchio was a decent individual in assisting in her care. His tenderhearted nature made her independence shell crack. Rhosyn almost got lost in a trance when she heard the sound of a slight cat noise. Immediately, she perks up from the watch. All of her attention focuses on an orange and white colored cat. The cat’s tail is perked up high. The cat is a friendly type as it walks up to Rhosyn. “Why hello there,” Rhosyn cooed. A sense of joy brims the pale face coated in invisible battle scars. How long has it been since she last seen a live cat? Right now, she wants to pick up that cat and hold it close. What a precious angel that kitty is coming towards her. “Aw, aren’t you adorable? How nice to see you. I thought there wasn’t anymore cats here, but I guess I was wrong.”

The cat meows in response. Long strong legs hop up on the bed with help from its sharp claws. It walked over to Rhosyn. The cat craved attention from the newcomer. Rhosyn stuck out her hand for the cute creature. “Here, kitty kitty kitty.” She calls calmly and sweetly; the orange cat sniffs the girl's fingers checking if she is a puppet, as puppets seem to be an untrustworthy lifeform. The orange cat then rubs her head against Rhosyn’s palm. The dirty blonde strokes the head of the animal. She softly messages the cat’s ear in between her fingers. She heard the sound of purrs come from the sweet creature. The smile remains on the human. “I forgot how it felt to pet a cat…” The lips fall into a frown. “I miss my pet cat, Grayson.” Mumbled out. Grayson was a gray cat she took under her wing after rescuing him on a cold winter night, left alone near the old apartment complex with only a bench to keep him dry. His original owners neglect him for unwanted reasons, and the sympathic girl fed him what she can find. Even made trips to the local pet store in purchasing proper meals for him, so he can have a full belly. She wonder if this cat met the same fate but got rescued by someone in the hotel. This poor cat would have not survive another day in the hellhole Krat has become. Grayson is almost more of a snuggle-bug than this kitty. The build of the cat reminded Rhosyn’s very own; slender and cute; both with bright green eyes and a slender long tail. One hated strangers while the other (the orange cat) craved affection from those in the Krat Hotel even if they were unfamiliar faces.

“You’re such a sweet cat. I wonder what your name is. You don’t have a collar on you.” Rhosyn stated while petting the back of the cat. “I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.” All of a sudden, there’s a sudden knock at the entranceway: She looks at the new person standing at the door left open. The hotel’s cat gets startled by both the figure and the knock. She jumps off the comfort furniture and sprints away after growling at the nurse. Rhosyn just watches the poor thing run off heading back into the hallway. She gaze back at the nurse who finally arrived.

“Greetings, young one,” a female puppet model designed the same way as Polendina dressed in a nurse outfit. The uniform had leg-o-mutton sleeves; tight up to the elbow with a huge bulbous shape extending from the elbow to the shoulder. Her grey dress covers her dark flat plastic shoes and a white long apron tied around her hourglass waist. A nurse hat sits comfortably on her blonde high bun. “I’m sorry I took so long. My wires are still in a rusty state. My name is Nurse Signora. I was sent to get you to good health.” Ruby lips don’t move, but rather a design made out of paintwork. She talks the same way as the receptionist did - use of a voice box. No one can proclaim the way the nurse’s voice creaks made Rhosyn a bit uneasy. She doesn’t have much of a choice if she wants to get back in good condition before going back into the city.

Does she have any other alternatives at this point? The Ergo wrapped in a secured cord agrees her state is in no way stable enough to get out of the room right now.

“Now, let me have a look at you,” Rhosyn undid her dressing on the hand. The bloody, old brown fabric is placed on the dresser nearby by the antique broken lamp. Beside it is a rusty old burnt photo of a young girl holding a basket and a little dog. The other side is burned long ago. Rhosyn reveals the nasty cut to the nurse. The cut appears deep across the palm. The scar is red and in the process of healing on its own. Signora’s functional program inside the metal brain coated in wires scans the flesh injury. “Hmm? You have an injury on your hand. You’ve managed well in properly taking care of the injury. You did a good job keeping it in safe condolences.” Signora cheers happily at the human task. “However, your old dressing will make your wound get infected. I will give you a new dress.” From the small pouch on the dress, Nurse Signora pulls out a bandage roll and wraps it around Rhosyn’s hand with ease. The rusty dirty cloth she stole from a corpse in an old store is replaced with a clean strong bandage. Clean and sturdy as expected. The wrap held on the hand like a glove. She can squeeze her hand much easier. A pleased smirk forms on the real lips. “This….this feels nice. Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Good health is a priority for survival.” Signora bows. “Although, I am not finished with my duties. I like to check the rest of you…” Signora notices the girl hiss in pain. Rhosyn removes the red scarf from her waist in a panic. On the right side of the hip reveal to the nurse a slash wound. Done by a sharp sword. The injury had begun pouring out blood again; another tiny hint of her fragile feeling earlier. Nurse Signora motioned her puppet hand near the lips. “What happened to your side there, miss?”

“I….I got attacked…..by a man in an owl mask.” Rhosyn replies, stuttering a little. Fingers pulled on the comforter slipping through after many times in response to the unnerving tension. Mentioning the owl man made her feel uncomfortable with the way her body language presented. She doesn’t want to talk about him based on how uncomfortable she becomes, so the puppet does not bludge on the topic anymore, as the topic seems to be uncomfortable by it. The nurse puppet took a couple of minutes of her time cleaning the sword slash injury. She placed a clean cloth on the clean wound and tapped it together. “There you go. All finished.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Due be easy on yourself. Don’t move too much so the healing progress can heal quicker. If there is nothing else. I will leave you to rest.” Rhosyn shakes her head. “Well then, I will let you rest. Farewell, miss.” Nurse Signora walks out of the room. A couple of seconds later, Pinocchio returns with the bread and water. He handed the items over for Rhosyn to eat and drink. The survivor in purple softly smiled. “Thanks, I appreciate this so much.” She says before she takes the first bite of the bread. Finally, she begins to feel like heaven. She takes another large chunk off. This wonderful loaf of bread reminds her of her innocent childhood days; the days when the Wonderland Bakery shop was still a popular bakery store. Rhosyn could devour it because of how starving she is. She gulps down the cup of water. Almost half empty.

“I assume Nurse Signora fixed you up good?” Gemini noted the way the patches settled on her. Hinting at her good work - P wonders what happened on Rhosyn’s side hidden under the scarf, but best not to question it. She’s more focused on refilling her energy. Pinocchio wonders: How long can humans go without food? Pinocchio notes how crazy she went on the bread. Have she not had anything before coming here? He starts feeling sympathy for the citizens he comes across and offers help - one recalling the weeping woman with a puppet baby he retrieved upon his request. If the baby was truly human, it would have never survived the harsh world. What about the mother? Is she hungry? Thirsty? P cannot stop wrapping his mind around the idea. He’s grateful both he and Gemini retrieve something for the pretty survivor.

P honestly can’t stand seeing Rhosyn in a fragile state. Especially how much of a lovely sunshine she has been since their interaction.

Gemini wants to ask the human female the important question while they have the time; wanting to get to know her better: “If you don’t mind this cricket asking you, how did you get here?”

Rhosyn took one last sip of water and exhaled: “Well, I guess I should tell you both. I owe you guys a reason after the hospitality you gave this far. It all happened….back at a town called Moonlight Town…….”

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

Moonlight Town is a small deserted town once beautiful filled with many friendly citizens. Now, it is one where you don’t want to go back to anymore. No one wants to. It is a distortion wasteland brimmed with undead threats popping all around. Hard blue crystals on the decay bodies. Mud drenched in a mix of red, blue, and black as a group of decent-styled footwear sprint across the dirt. Some were tall at the calf; some reached the ankles; and one being a pair of innocent Mary Janes. A few Stalkers armed with their sharp weapons fought tooth and nail to protect a little survivor they found in the cathedral. Rhosyn’s hand held the girl's flesh hand tight as she ran beside her. The Willow Wolf and the Hopeful Magpie stalkers take the lead in taking down the infected that get in the way. With three others: The Demon Blue Jay named Coyra, her adopted brother The Dog of Light Faris, and The Gray Wolf Finnegan. The girl had straight shoulder-length light brown hair brow behind her, following the skirt of her sky blue dress. The lost girl in the tragic mess this unforgivable town leaves her feeling small compared to the others. She was lucky to be found before one or more could devour her brains alive.

God, what has this world come to? They need to get out of this town in posthaste.

The little girl hides behind Rhosyn while the brave souls surrounding her (Including Rhosyn) fight the horrendous monsters infected by the disease.

“We’re almost there! The Cable Railway is not far!” The wise female with a magpie mask announces at the group. Her sword clutches tightly in her dark-colored gloved hand. She was the fast one compared to her faithful companion beside her; the broad male also exhaled in speed but not as fast as the magpie. He played more as a guard than anything.

All of the survivors ran inside the cable railway at long last. All normal souls are in a safe space. “Eddiwen, do you have the key?!” The Magpie shouted while keeping her guard up in protecting the others. Her blade strikes a few more attackers. Eddiwen shouts back that he still has the key in his possession. He swiftly pulls out the key from his trench pocket and inserts it into the keyhole on the right panel by the open way. “Everyone, get in!” The Willow Wolf shouts, keeping his spear in his grasp. More hungry growls echo behind. He stabbed a couple of infected lost souls at a brisk pace. Some in a gruesome manner - rusty brown poncho coated in red. The automated doors slid behind them once all of them got inside. The ride begins moving up.

Everyone sighs in relief.

All breathed heavily in exhaustion. Some took off their animal masks. Sweat drawls on the glossy face.

The threat is gone…..for now.

“Everyone okay?” Eddiwen breaks the silence. The “Wolves Claws” stayed in his grip by his side. The dim light on the cloudy horizon shower them in a glimmer of hope for all. Knowing that they escape death in the dark village. Everyone gave the same answer: “I’m okay! Yeah! Not a scratch! I’m alright!” What a relief. He sighed inside his dark wolf-style mask. The round car rolls down on the cable in a slow style. Not what an intense individual would want a ride like this at this particular time; especially since they’re prey for a large, disturbing, grotesque beast coming after them. That ferocious monster can strike at any moment. Every survivor (and child) took the opportunity to relax from the tense battle they endured - Some sat down while others leaned their shoulders against the rail. Rhosyn sat beside Aliza clenching her human hand tight; Aliza’s other hand, hidden under the sleeve of the dress displayed a non-human aesthetic, a metal prosthetic arm resting on her lap.

“You okay? You’re not hurt, are you?” Rhosyn calmly asks the little girl. Aliza simply nods her head in response. “I’m fine…” Out came a whisper. She was still shocked from the events unfolded earlier. Aliza shifted her petite body close to Rhosyn for consolation. Emerald green eyes almost disappear from how heavy the youthful eyelids are.

“We can’t get too comfortable,” Eddiwen speaks remaining the grudge up. “That beast could still be after us. We have to be sure we’re ready to attack if it comes.”

“Do we have any idea what that thing is? It’s not like any other infected monster with the precertification disease we’ve stumble across.” The Hopeful Magpie, going by the name So Won says. “Its wings are huge and had crystals on them. Its head is like straight out of a nightmare.”

“Well, whatever it is, it seem to be after Aliza for some unexplained reason,” Finn chimes in. Slender, tone figure of a gray wolf glance out the window view.

“Finn, that’s ridiculous.” Rhosyn comments. “It’s after all of us. Why do you think it tried to kill us in the church?”

“Your brother might be right,” Coyra scruffs. “That devil is after us because we took the little girl. Who knows why the creature is after Aliza.”

“Whatever the reason, we need to get to safety. We’re not safe in Moonlight Town anymore.” Faris stated, sighing out his distress. Usually, he’s the jokester of the group, but he sounds serious in the conversation. “We should report to The Atoned when we get back down.”

Suddenly, the light flickers. Light and dark appear and disappear in seconds within the human eyes. The safe haven ride quickly change into a danger notion. Everyone became alert. Other sitting got back on their feet again. All draw out their assigned weapons from their holsters. The weaponless 16-year-old quiver by the sheer aerie noise on the roof. Shallow breath raised up intensely as her little heart rate increases. “It’s here….” The car shakes violently almost made the passengers lose balance. A loud growl sound crept near. Gigantic razor sharp nails crawl on the glass. One big scratch left a dent on the glass window taking away the beautiful view from everyone. Aliza lets out a terrified horror scream. The girl’s own scream draws the beasts attention. Rhosyn pushed Alize behind her as the other fighters moves in the front. Weapons ready. The Rose Raven grabbed her weapon from behind her back - a longbow design tied with a fainted ribbon. She grabs a arrow from the leather quiver wrapped around her waist, held by her scarf. The arrow she placed the end on the sturdy string and pulled it back aiming the tip directly at the window. Th ride stops; lights flicker. Silence made the Stalkers all feel tense. The strawberry blonde, South Korean woman shift her forest green eyes all over with the sword in hand keeping her alert. Eddiwen (without his mask) glares his deep blue eyes at the openway. His brown, shabby hair tied in high/low style, in a ponytail made his glare more disturbing. He’s prepare to attack. Coyra did a same, but rests the large claymore blade on her shoulder. Her amber eyes filled with bloodthirst while the long reddish-brown tied with a Celtic braid tied behind sat behind the shoulder blades. She’s prepared to taking the beast down.

Faris and Finn stood beside each other with the swords of the oath intact. Finn had a beard while Faris had a long cut. Both share similarities: being the goofy but protective sibling in the respective household.

Everyone stayed silent. Nothing but the rapid rhythm heart beats fill the drums. Right before another deadly growl arises. The beast claws the front of the train, tipping it forward. Man grip tight on the rails or nearby objects they can grip on. Aliza starts sliding down the dangerous slide, screaming in terror. Shaky hands scatter for anything to stop from a tragic end. “ALIZA!!” Rhosyn shouts. She manages to fire the arrow at the beasts glowing blue crystal on the hand causing the thing to shake away from the grasp before immediately grabbing Aliza’s metal hand. The other hand of the woman held onto the sturdy handle. Determined to not let go. Others try assisting, but they can’t reach her without putting a risk of falling to death. Yells and cries fill up the once a beautiful scenery turned into a tragedy. The strange monstrous beast enjoys the cries of the victims; he flaps the large wings, mendaciously as he flies in the air. Ready to strike.

“Aliza, hold on! I got you! Don’t let go!” Rhosyn cries out. Tears start rolling down. Aliza tries squeezing the grip of her steel hand against the flesh hand. “I….I don’t know if I can. My hand can’t hold onto you tight! I’m scared!” The creature flew closer. Hungry. The Ergo chunk wrapped in a protected cord glows. The Rose Raven takes a brave stand: Rhosyn shoves Aliza into Finn's arms before half of the train meets the claws of the beast. Half of the train is torn in half…..Rhosyn looses her balance.

“RHOSYN!!!!” Everyone witness in terror. Rhosyn falls until they cannot see her anymore. The team panics. They fear they lost her for good. Lost in the claws of the monster. The creature flew away after So Won’s good throw using a wire pole she has in her stash aim at its right vision, but it wasn’t enough to save Rhosyn from her demise. The Atoned Stalker once they reach the surface could not imagine the railway being attacked by a giant crystalized beast. Rhosyn never imagined she be awakened by a voice.

“Hello? Young one? Can you hear me?” A soothing, feminine voice shook the girl from her unconscious state. Her eyelids slowly lift, revealing her eyes to the world again.

“Oh look, she’s awake. It seems the fairy’s flowers have saved her fall.” A male tone gets her out of her trance. Cloudy skies come in her vision. She’s alive….by a field of dusty rose-colored tulips converted with Ergo blue color in the petals. The power of Ergo grows in the roots that help the flowers be strong and long-lasting. They manage to catch the fallen raven without a problem. The human’s vision now becomes clear again, she sees a brunette woman possess an outfit resembling a white rabbit and a short, messy blonde-haired man with a mask of the Cheshire Cat. Both watch the young one come out of Wonderland.

Rhosyn sits up and looks at the new Stalkers closely. Immediately noticing how unique their masks are - They are on the Sweepers side for sure. “How are you feeling, young one? You took quite a fall.” The White Rabbit says. A warm friendly smile forms under her mask. Locks of dark brown tied in a neat bun frame the mask.

“I…..I thought I was dead.” Rhosyn replies. She placed her hand on her forehead under her messy bangs. “My head hurts a little….” Rusty paws hand out a potion mix inside a small vial. “Here. Drink this. You will feel better in no time.” If he could resemble his mask, he’d share a smile with the girl. She raises an eyebrow in question; the Cheshire Cat cackles. “Come now, you think I’ll poison a little fella like you?” Another cackle he laughs out. “I must admit, you are a cautious type, especially in how this world operates. Those don’t take offers lightly with strangers. Some go for the kill. These days, you can’t tell what’s blood and what’s oil.” He tosses a metal scrap of a puppet he slaughtered in the field. The white plastic arm lands beside her legs. “This world ain’t a friendly Wonderland for a young lady like yourself, but from how you’re drenched, you have experience being a Stalker. You’re capable of killing despite how you look. Now, will you take my offer?”

He’s right about everything. In this world: It’s kill or be killed. Trust can be hit or miss in terms of the person in question. Those backstab others in favor of stealing important matters from the ones they fooled under their manipulated strings; an example was the organized crime displayed in the newspaper before the Puppet Frenzy happened. The story is about the crime incident by the mob called the “Underground”. These criminals were dangerous when it came to causing havoc in Krat: Bank robberies, bookmaking, hijacking, kidnapping, and so much more. Rhosyn’s father told his children that they must be careful who they speak to because someone can be a mafia. Rhosyn is at high risk because she is a female. She disbelieved him in her stubbornness.

She shouldn’t have.

One night, a teen Rhosyn was walking on the lit streets on her way home from the bakery, her long golden locks held with a black hairband swaying innocently within her cheerful movements. She remained in her Monad Charity House uniform. The basket in hand. It was filled with loaves of fresh bread and baked goods of different types; all for her friends and family. The baker also gave the little girl a nice Buche de Noel in a pretty box for free - a little gift he made for her as his gratitude for her birthday. Everything seemed fine on her special day when she saw a man in a dark suit approached the little one. He was built wide, tall, and scary. He had a golden tooth and a serious expression. Smoke coming out of his cigar he smoked. This startles the innocent girl so much. Rhosyn’s Stalker training at the time was still in the process state, so protection was very low. She would not have made it out alive if it weren’t for another fellow alchemist she’s close to, and the the worried baker coming to her rescue.

After that experience years ago, being extra cautious is now a big priority for her. To this day, she has become stronger thanks to the Nymph Stalker as she is known by many to train her well.

She sighs and takes the medicine. The potion ran down the esophagus like nothing was there. The taste has a strange blueberry flavor….that’s the best way she can put it. It tasted funny.

“There you go. You should feel better within a few minutes.” The Cheshire Cat says. “The aftertaste will get you ya, but you’ll get used to it after a while.”

“Well, thank you.” Rhosyn simply says.

The Ergo necklace remains on Rhosyn’s person during the fall glows brightly to the tulips surrounding them. Millions of whispers from each one catch the rose’s attention. She glanced all over the field. Shocked eyes saw each tulip petal have a blue glowing line - notably on the stem. Each whisper calls out to Rhosyn whether in a haunting, a plea, or a prayer fashion. She hears them all, and the memory of Uncle Hodges connects with them. This catches the attention of the White Rabbit Stalker. Dark round orbs behind the mask widen in surprise. “Your necklace is an Ergo chunk. It’s reacting to the flowers all around here. You must be a Listener.”

“A what?” Rhosyn asks in confusion.

“A Listener. Just like me. You’re able to hear the Ergo, and quite possibly communicate with puppets.” The White Rabbit explains.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “....And that is all I can remember. My memory right now is still a bit fuzzy.” Rhosyn bites into the bread again. The bread appears its half gone with each big bite taken. Gosh, they had no idea how hungry she was.

“Wow, that’s insane. You have been through a lot, m’lady.” Gemini has a sense of sympathy in his voice. Even P lower his brows, showing his sadness at the girl in purple’s story she shared. Although, not in the best way, he tries. The long road to becoming a real boy has its bumps - many ups and downs….for so.

“The fact that Sophia’s Ergo flowers caught your fall….oh man, never knew Ergo can do many wonders.” The cricket cricks a more sprightly chipper. P gently places his hand on her shoulder. He looked into her human earth-colored eyes. Rhosyn can hear the mechanical springs in him. Everything added up: the way he looked at her earlier; the way his skin looked and felt (although appeared more human); the way (right now), she could hear his heart ticking. Not like a normal heartbeat, but a heart filled with wires and bolts: Pinocchio is a puppet. Not any kind of puppet she encountered and fought outside, but a human mechanic puppet. Should she be creeped out…or should she find him cute as she did before? He appears…..so real. It’s hard to believe he’s not one. Pinocchio was like any puppet she’d ever seen. It was insane….even his manners are human. Is that part of his program? “I think he’s trying to say “We’re glad you’re okay.” He’s still…umm… finding his voice, to say the least. Don’t mind him. I don’t think what he does is intended to hurt you in any way, shape, or form.`` Gemini states, chuckling a little bit in a friendly fashion; help clear the misunderstanding in the air she might be enduring. Pinocchio nods his head. He’s glad the blue fairy’s flowers saved her from her tragic fall. Let alone saved from her ultimate demise. Sophia’s powers have saved him countless times from the use of time. Not common the blue butterfly herself would want to save a mortal's life. She’s a good person after all.

“I don’t mind. I understand.” She links her hands together and has them rest on her stomach. Golly, she’s so elegant and sweet. Pinocchio can’t stop feeling the warmth inside his heart. He had a compliment he wanted to tell her, but P had no idea how. There are no tools for writing nearby. So frustrating. If only Rhosyn hadn’t lost her sketchbook during the fall. A paper and pencil would help both of them.

Then, he had another idea. Pinocchio then retreats downstairs again. Rhosyn is left alone with Gemini again. She tilts her head to the side contracted with a neutral expression on her face. “Now where is he going?” Rhosyn questioned, unmused.

“Again? Pal? Are you getting another book? What’s the book this time?” Gemini chirps in a low tone.

Pinocchio returns with a hardcover book in his hand. The cover contains a woman and a hairy creature in a garden. Pinocchio taps only the woman in the red silk dress. “Oh? Beauty and the Beast? That’s my favorite book,” Rhosyn was clueless about what he meant. Pinocchio wanted to make it clear to her when he was telling her. He moved his index finger on the word “Beauty” labeled in gold. “I’m….beauty?” Then, the pieces were coming together. The girl's eyes go wide. “Oh! You think I’m beautiful!”

Pinocchio nods his head. He tried smiling again but to no avail. Rhosyn becomes bashful, giggling softly in the process. “Well, that’s sweet of you. Thank you for the compliment.” P decides he take another step - he once learned this gesture from an old illustration at a theater he visited. He grabs her elegant fingers with his human-like hand in a gentle grasp so he doesn’t hurt her other hand. He pulled her hand near his plastic lips and kissed the scratched flesh surface blanket over her common extensor tensions. Rhosyn’s cheeks turn into a light red tint. The shy nature displayed in view right before his eyes. So cute.

She shifted her head away and faced the bed. A light laughter from her fills the ears under the curly hair of the automated boy. For some reason, he likes her bashful giggle. It made his heart feel warm - nowhere a cackle of bloodthirst he mostly heard from other people. God, this new survivor….. Why does he want to protect her so much?

“Oh umm…..you….are flattering me, P,” She says, letting another giggle leave her lips. “I umm….like your hair.” The human gifts a compliment back in return. That caught him off guard. The human machine ran his fingers over his short curly 7/3 parting dark brown hair. Soft strains of his layered curls run smoothly against them. Not a single strain left the comb motion. Rhosyn thinks his hair is nice? Nobody gave him such a nice compliment before. Especially one about his fluffy-styled hair that not even Geppetto himself cared much about its care. He closes his eyes and fixs his head on the red carpet-coated floor. He swore he sensed his cheeks flaring up - not just the P-Origin. Is that an error in the coding he’s experiencing?

What is going on right now?

“You’re not used to compliments, are you?” P shakes his head. The blush on the cheeks remains. “Well, I mean it. Your hair is very nice. It looks fluffy. I like it.” The girl's compliment is already making his heart feel warm. P looked back at Rhosyn with his freckled face coated in red. He gave one nod to her, his way of sharing his thanks to her. Returning is a small shy giggle. “You’re welcome.” Rhosyn smiled at him, and a small snort came out of her while she giggled. P didn’t expect that. Rhosyn lets out a tiresome yawn. “I should look at trying to get some sleep. It’s been a long day for me.” She rubs her heavy eye, gently and in a circle motion. “It was nice talking to you, P. You as well, Gemini.” Rhosyn grins at the two. “Thank you for making me feel welcome here. I appreciate it. Good night.” Pinocchio hated how the conversation ended so soon, but she had a long day. Rest is needed - including having the injuries on her heal up quicker. P now has hope he’ll get a chance to hang out with her tomorrow once she is in better shape. Perhaps get to know her better. Know what her hobbies are, her fighting style, and the story behind the Ergo necklace. Everything he can. He’s eager to assist her if she likes in helping her reunite with her friends.

“Good night, Rhosyn! Sleep well and may your wishes you made upon the stars come true.” Gemini formal farewell style says. Pinocchio picks up the lamp off the counter and lets the human sleep for the night. He slowly closed the door of the room behind him. He starts making his way to the stairs as Gemini cricks out another thought in mind: “Well, would you look at that, pal? You just got a compliment from a cute girl? How does that feel? How does that make you feel that she likes your hair, huh?” The puppet boy didn’t say anything but just blushed again. “Ahh, don’t be shy, P,” he crickets again. “That’s an achievement if a girl compliments you. It may mean she thinks she finds you handsome. Besides, in my opinion, you’re a good-looking fella.” Pinocchio reached the end. Back on the hallway floor once more. “Plus, as I told you, she’s really pretty. Not just her appearance, but she has a good heart.” He cricks again: “Rhosyn’s one determined Stalker and Listener. I’ll tell you that. Although, I do wonder about the giant winged creature that attacked her. The claws, the wings, everything. That’s terrifying. It seems we have to be more careful when we explore, pal.”

Left alone in the cozy room, the time arose for the human to try resting in the new shelter place. No more having to sleep in abandoned buildings coated in webs and death. Finally, some good comfort. Rhosyn carefully crawled into bed, pulled the comforter over her body, and closed her eyes drifting off. The old pillow she rests her head on eases away all the discomfort from previously laying on cold, hard ground.

She can’t have this luxury forever; Rhosyn leaves tomorrow morning. A mission still in her mindset.

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

#lies of p #p lies of p #lies of p pinocchio #lies of p oc #lop #lies of p fanfic #oc x canon #oc x cc #original story #original character #oc x character #pinocchio x oc #fanfic #fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #fandom #gaming

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nitrosodiumaltcontroller · 1 month ago

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Rough Idea Generation - Card Games and Board Games

While I usually just do three ideas and choose one after a little deliberation, the brief this time feels very open-ended, and I want to create a good amount of ideas for both video games and more physical ones.

Game 1 - Battle Cards

The idea for this game is somewhat inspired by my vague understanding of Magic: The Gathering, despite the fact that I have never played it, and only know a few rules - this will be rectified with more research if I decide to create this game. Two players will start with a small deck, drawing more from a pile at the end of their turns. During their turns, they can play any cards from their deck, which will be primarily monsters with their own abilities.

This is an example of what the cards could look like. They have an Action value in blue, and a Health value in red. The Action value represents how many moves that card can use - the player could play Maul twice, or Terror once, before their turn ends. The square next to each ability reflects the dice score (six-sided) required to successfully play the action. For example, Maul requires a score of two or more, so rolling 1 means the action fails and must be reattempted. Health would be displayed using tokens per enemy, but other token modifiers could be added, such as extra Action points or a +1 to every dice roll. These could also be "relic cards" or something similar, which are played either before or instead of monster cards. Perhaps each player has a few choices on their turn: the placing phase, where they use Relics or place new monsters onto the field; and the battle phase, where they choose a monster card to use until its abilities are exhausted. The accessibility of the game will come to light with no overt colour-coding. The base card I made is not great for this, but realistically a final version will use stripes and other patterns to signify what represents what.

Game 2 - Compact Wargame

This idea for a game mostly comes from my prior attempts to make "Chess 2". I like chess for its simplicity, but I always thought some more mechanics could make it interesting. Some pieces being able to shoot, having territory control, and city-building mechanics are among my various ideas I want to replicate. And you might say, 'if I want to play a wargame so much, why don't I just play something like Warhammer?' And the answer is that it (and games like it) are way too complex and expensive.

Here we can see that a starter set is 112 dollars. To justify that amount of money, you need to be very invested in the game and setting. Meanwhile a chess set is only about ten pounds. I think this is something of an unseen accessibility problem: financial accessibility. If you are disabled, you have probably already spent a lot of money on all the previously mentioned accessible controllers and addons, and you probably do not want to spend a hundred pounds' more. Then there is the issue of space. The more complex a game is, the bigger box it comes in, and the larger space has to be cleared to set it all up on a table or floor. This is difficult enough for most people, but if you are disabled and space is already taken up by ramps, handrails and other household modifications, storage becomes a problem. I should specify, this is not a game overtly made for disabled people, but its simplicity will make it easier for everyone to play it. My main mechanical ideas involve resource management through certain tiles that generate resources as long as you have 'captured' them with a piece, larger units like siege towers and ballistae being able to be constructed using these resources, and the ability to make squad stacks by literally stacking pieces on top of each other. They will be like draughts/checkers counters with symbols on top to reflect their class. Once again however, this is all preliminary ideas, and may be changed.

Game 3 - Modern Day GURPS

For some context, GURPS is the Generic Universal Roleplaying System, which is a one-size-fits-all system for tabletop games. It can be used for any setting (fantasy, sci fi, etc), and while I have never used it, research has told me that it is very in-depth and complex. Any possible skill a character may need to use, from computer operation to shipbuilding, is added as a separate attribute. While this sort of thing does make it universal, it will also require both GM and players to keep track of a lot of numbers. I want to create a similarly universal system, but a much simpler one - something for people that have never done any sort of TTRPGs before. My main idea is that attributes that will fluctuate regularly during a campaign, health, mana points, armour etc. will be displayed using counters, meanwhile more static skill-based attributes that only change every few sessions will be written numerically on a character sheet. Items such as weaponry, armour, and story-relevant trinkets will be represented by cards, showing relevant information such as the amount of damage a weapon will deal. Enemies will also have cards that detail their HP and damage, but these will mostly be for the GM. I plan for the cards to have fairly simple and easy-to-replicate designs, so that a GM can create more themselves for specific uses.

The game will probably use a square grid system to calculate range. Characters and enemies will probably be represented by fairly abstract tokens, just to show where they reside spatially. Of course, being a universal system, anything can be used. Accessibility-wise there is no real gimmick - I will just refrain from too much colour-coding.

#devlog #game development #gamedev #indiedev #indiegame #nitrosodium #indiegamedev #accessibility #board games #tabletop games #card games #tabletop gaming

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unholywriter · 2 years ago

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Chapter One

Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III

Warnings: None.

“We’re all Runaways.”

Chapter Two - A Rouge to be.

Ironheart, wildly known for its ore and bitter cold nips within the air was beginning to wake up. A few early birds trudged through the at least two and a half feet of snow. Carrying baskets full of fresh bakes to take to the bakeries or deliver, and their cloaks dragging behind them. Men that were the guards with great-swords, maces and ax’s at their back exit the barracks for their shifts today. The ones who were on the graveyard shift stumbling back inside.

Nor’i sniffled soldering soon to find the nearest open shop. Walking up into the market square the snow was being shoveled away, leading paths too entrances of building’s and stalls assorted in even spaces.

Inside the warmth hit like a brick, it was a rush of chills that ran down her spine but again very welcomed. A young looking Elven fellow sat at the counter, scribbling away onto some parchment. As Nor’i approached, he did not look toward yet. He had long, dirty blonde hair that was shaven at the left side. On his ears were two black jeweled piercings that were placed at his lobes. His honey toned, tired eyes continued to keep their attention as he wrote, and Nor’i had to clear her throat to have those same honey toned eyes look at her.

“Gods I’m sorry, would you believe me if I said I didn’t hear you come in?” He spoke, his tone just a sweet.

“I might now since you’re the least rude person I’ve bumped into today.” She replied, a tilt at her head but not an emotion aside neutral blankness could be noted. A small smile tugged his lips as he tried to shake the apparent grogginess away.

“We’ll it is the morning, and my sister had to have me open up this early because we have to maintain business.” He set the quill down.

“Ah yeah, siblings. I was an only child though, but I do count my childhood friend as a brother. He would always make sure I was up not a minute later then the time we were supposed to be.” A small smile was finally displayed. She remembered those simple times all to well.

“Sounds like our siblings are alike then. On another note - welcome too Linnie and Vinnie’s, traveling shopkeep. We range with various goods. You can find armor, too the potion of fire breathing that might save your life in a pinch. What can I do for such a beautiful woman like you this fine morn’?” He put his face into his right palm, that smile still not subsiding.

“I’d like to possibly grab a few health potions, see your selections of daggers, and browse your best light armors.” She headed straight to the point, ignoring his attempt at flattery.

“And the beautiful woman knows exactly what she wants, I like you even better my amastacia.” He got up, heading to pull a set of daggers out. “These are our non magical daggers that deal quite a good lot of damage if used right. Some of the finest elven smithed daggers you can find, straight from the chambers of a high bidder that decided to swindle me if you catch my drift.” After a quick wink, he bent again pulling out a red velvet box, opening it to revel a short black dagger. “This is a personal favorite of mine, blinking in and out of existence. It’s got me out of quite a few binds.” He picked up the blade, running his finger over it. “I’d hate too see it go, but if I know it’s in good hands, I might give it to you at discount price. Especially if you decide to come find me to do more business later down the road.”

“You don’t even know me.” Another tilt to her head, and that empty look upon her face still lingered. “I might never come to find you after this transaction.”

“I’m quite perceptive.” He twirled the blade around his fingers now, his grin tugging even further.

“Is that all you’ve got?” She questioned, placing her hands down and leaning forward on the counter. “Or are you holding out on me?”

He chuckled, setting the blade down. “Sadly I’m being honest. We’re fresh out of wondrous daggers for now until we head into the trade market in a much more refined area.”

“And this dagger is magical? I’ll have to attune right?” Nor’i questioned now, finding an interest in said dagger. A special friend not to far back would have liked this one. She smiled internally too herself.

“Yes.”

“How much.”

“A thousand gold.”

“You said you might give me a discount price.”

“If I knew it were in good hands.”

“My hands have a lot of experience, don’t worry about that part. Good? I’ve been tittering on a fine line there for a while. Skilled on the other hand, there’s a difference.” He went and placed his hand over the hilt of the blink knife now.

With a narrow of his eyelids and a shifty grin he spoke, “Is that so.” At the pit of her stomach she felt it. In a flash he blinked out, and in a split second she had grabbed both the daggers laid down, and turned where he’d be just as quick. One was at his neck, the other at his stomach both at an angle to kill. His blink dagger’s tip lifting her chin up to meet his gaze. Nor’i’s cheeks burned from the sudden closeness. But she felt no real danger, even with a blade so close that could kill. The thrill got her blood pumping in away she admitted made her even flushed than usual. “You’re not a fine-tuned Rouge yet.”

“Monk first, Rouge later.” Her eyelids narrowed with a playful glare. He let out another set of chuckles now, she still holding him at knife point just the same.

“My names Linnie.” He dropped the dagger at his side finally, moving a step back to give her space.

“I don’t have a name, got it?”

“That’s fine by me, amastacia suits you well. So get used too it.”

Nor’i walked out of Linnie and Vinnie’s with a blink dagger, a new set of leather armor that isolated heat for the cold weather. It kept her quiet and well defended whilst not putting her at disadvantage on her movements. A couple healing potions were in safe keeping, and she continued on to grab some rations for a week. Into the bag of holding it all went.

She followed the tavern keep’s instructions next. At least to pop by. Most all nobles expect punctuality right? Down a long walled path, she managed to stop at a tall looming gate. It felt like death here, and she didn’t like it all to well. The gate itself had been pushed open previously. Snow piled at the other side, and a path of footprints she’s been following continued on. It had snowed late that night so, this is a new set. A new visitor. At least unless the servants here don’t live in this mansion.

Up the steps too this light bricked, wooden logged manor and too the big set of double doors she shifted on. Nor’i took the large knocker at the dark elm door, slamming down a couple times to get the message a-cross.

Thirty seconds pass, and a few snow flakes began to flow around her again. The wind catching exposed skin, and the cold still blistering the tip of her nose and ears. A lock, and then another lock and slowly with a heavy pull came to view a small man with a hunched over back peering at the new visitor to his Lordship’s home.

“O-oh dear me. Wasn’t expecting this many visitors for Lord Euston this early in the morning today.” He spoke so timidly, it made Nor’i taken aback.

“Sorry to drop in so early, I’m here about possibly looking into the mysterious death of his son.” She explained bluntly, which took the servant off guard quite easily as well. A pass like ping pong if you will.

“Well, it is quite early. Although, I do know he wakes at five in the morning. That is if he’s gotten a lick of s-sleep at all.” He clasped his hands together, and looked nervously over his shoulder. “You can come in and wait here with our other visitor.” He turned back too Nor’i. “Please, please follow me! It’s very frigid out there.”

He lead her inside, and too her right she saw the same person who knocked into her early this morning. What in the Gods is he doing here?

“Are you positive he’ll be able to speak to me?” Nor’i questioned now, a slight annoyance left her lips.

“I-I’ll have to go and find out. Just can’t leave any guests out in the cold no, no, no. That won’t do at all.” He held out his hand to gesture for her to stand next to the other guest he spoke of. “Please do wait here. I’ll be back with Lord Euston’s word.”

And with that he turned heal still hunched with such bad posture it made Nor’is back hurt. His still hands were clasped together and he swiftly walked with fast pace up the steps and turned down the great hall to his left. That left Nor’i and this jerk that didn’t say sorry or at least help her up in the tavern. She made her way and stood at least a good five feet from him. A minute of silence past. She didn’t say a word, and then another, and another. Her fingers fidgeted and with a deep breath in she spoke.

“You know you usually are supposed to apologize when you run into people.” Nor’i didn’t look back to him when she spoke. He nor to her, paying no true intentional mind to make proper conversation. But he did reply, for the sheer impatience of having to wait only.

“I believe you ran into me.” His tone, it was well snobby putting. This made Nor’i snap her head back to him finally. Looking his very well put posture over, his upper class clothing that was well tended too. If he was an adventurer, his scuffles he’d get himself in only meant he’d take extra time to mend his clothes. Unless he’s a wizard or sorcerer of some kind? Mending would be so easy with that spell. “I believe you’re the one being rude now staring me down I might add.”

Nor’i didn’t look away as their eyes met. “Staring? No. Sizing you up, and possibly coming to a conclusion that you’re an asshole who doesn’t give two shits about the people around him? Yes.”

A scoff come out if his mouth, and he turned away to look back toward the stairs. “I have no time for your peasantry attitude.”

“I come from a fine line thank you.” She looked back away with the biggest look of annoyance plastered upon her face. At least, her line was good before her mother and father past, having her grandfather snap and make the monastery into an unbearable, viscous cult sucked and haunts her every move.

He didn’t say another word, and neither did Nor’i. A couple minutes later and the servant who greeted them both came slowly down the stairs. His back still hunched over, and his hands still clasped within the other. Stopping before the two, a look of pure belittlement was read upon his features. “I’m sorry, Lord Euston will not be taking visitors today.”

“I’ve been trying to contact him for a day now, does he not have time for one simple conversation?” This stranger at which has not been named yet rose out one of his hands in gesture.

“I thought all of you nobles were in each other’s pockets.” She muttered, which the man did hear at which he shot another look of annoyance toward her. The servant looked amongst them two now. His nervousness well apparent.

“You just said- Oh forget about it.” He looked to the servant yet again. “Reginald, please could you let Lord Euston know it’s urgent.”

“I did, but he is very busy I’m afraid. His business takes a lot of his time.” The servant now known as Reginald spoke up yet again. “That means he will not be seeing any visitors.”

“There’s no changing his mind if you attempt again Reggie?” Nor’i huffed. Reginald sort of hesitated with the use of a nickname from a stranger girl, but he nodded to reply.

“Uh, yes there would be no use.” He simply tried putting a bold line under his answer.

A sigh left the young man’s lips and he put his hand to his forehead, pressing glasses he wore further back to fit against the bridge of his nose properly. Softly he muttered, “There’s got to be away to talk to him.”

“That’s a shame.” Nor’i pipped up, but then she took one step forward and began to walk past him.

“W-Wait! You can’t-“

With a quick swift whip, out came her trusty Thumper to halt Reginald’s movement’s as it pointed directly at his nose. “I’m seeing your Lord, so if you value your pretty little face, I’d suggest you not make any actions against me.”

With narrow of her eyelids added, the sheer panic set in as he held up his hands. “I d-don’t want any t-trouble! But I beg you, h-he should not be disturbed!” A high pitched squeak left his throat, making Nor’i almost feel sorry for him.

She let the staff fall at her side and she began on. The young noble stranger that stood where he was the entire time, watched as she made her way up the stairs now. He did like the fact she seemed to want to get things done, and he did believe this young bratty woman had no evil malice to her. Although, quite chaotic to be frank. He sighed, knowing this was his chance. He then began to follow in foot, as Reginald begged for both to cancel this brashness.

Footnote: amastacia “star flower" in Elven.

Chapter Three

#percy de rolo #taliesin jaffe #the legend of vox machina #vox machina #percy de rolo x reader #dnd #dnd shenanigans #dungeons and dungeons #critical role #percy de rolo smut #nor’ival #nor’i vo #nor’i #Percy and Nor’i

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rosecentaur1916 · 1 month ago

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The irony is that I kind of had this happen. I worked at a Small Tobacco Shop in my home town for less than a year. The owners also own a party shop on the other side of town so that's why I said kind of... anyway! I had worked for them for 11 months or so and over that time even though it was decent pay (took a little over $600 home every two weeks back in 2018) they gave me a ride home every night (I had to walk everywhere as I had no car or even a license), and sometimes let me comp my cigarettes (I quit in 2020) they were mentally and emotionally abusive. So much so my direct manager, who was the youngest brother was so mentally and emotionally abusive to me a customer came in and asked if he had hit me! When that happened I knew something was wrong. I mean, I had a feeling when I'd have to close up the shop and go have a cry in the bathroom pretending I was using it. I was the only one running the store, but they had surveillance camera's up and would call me if they found any shoplifters (which price of anything that was shoplifted came out of my pay) or I was doing something I shouldn't be, which was barely anything. I was so bored because I had come from a small box pharmacy chain and was used to facing and cleaning quickly. I had gotten so fast at it that I had lots of time to spare and had seen in other small businesses that people read books or wrote or did a myriad of things between customers when the shop was empty. So, I started to read at first - got in trouble... so I couldn't do that anymore. Then I tried writing... had to negotiate to be able to keep that... it worked. Thank God... so I wrote. I wrote a lot. When I didn't have anything in my mind that needed to be written I started to do little exercises to keep the boredom at bay. Got in trouble for that too.

Yes, yes what about professionalism. Exercising, writing or reading in store isn't professional blah, blah, blah. I only did it between customers and when the story was emptier than a ghost town. I'd keep an eye out on the front of the store. There were so many advertisements for cigarettes you could barely see into the store, but I had gotten sharp at being able to see through the cracks when a customer was coming and made sure to make myself available, presentable and professional before they came in. Putting down my pen, or shoving my book under the counter. All of the abuse and boredom came to a head and I couldn't take it anymore. I was so beaten down that I could barely function at home... where I was *also* being abused. Something had to give - so I quit the job. My boss had the audacity to tell me I couldn't quit. He tried to give me back my professional quitting letter and tell me that I couldn't quit. I said okay, and never went back. Leaving behind a refurbished first generation iPod that he said later he threw away. Asshole. Lo and behold about six months later the Tobacco Shop was completely closed, storefront completely empty and every single part of the counter, displays and product stuffed into the party shop which was their first business. I had quit and the shop had gone out of business. I was astounded, because that means they couldn't find anyone else to work for them. I didn't know they were probably going to be unable to find anyone else, I just couldn't take the abuse anymore and quit for my own mental health. ...And that's the story of how I shut down a business by quitting.🤷🏻‍♀️💜

#Small Business #Employment #Quitting #TW mental abuse #TW emotional abuse #TW Abuse #TW Employer Abuse #Funny story #Working Retail #Retail #Retail Stories #Rose's Story Time #Story Time

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atplblog · 2 months ago

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Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] The Digital Kitchen Food Weighing Scale (Model: SF400/A121) is an essential tool for anyone who values precision in their cooking, baking, and fitness routines. Whether you're a home chef, fitness enthusiast, or someone focused on maintaining a balanced diet, this scale offers the perfect blend of accuracy and convenience. Designed to make portion control and food preparation easier, this scale ensures that every ingredient is measured with the utmost precision to help you achieve your culinary and health goals. This high-precision digital scale can measure up to 10kg (10,000 grams) with an accuracy of 1 gram, making it perfect for both small and large quantities. Whether you're weighing flour for baking, measuring out your protein portions, or tracking your food intake for a fitness plan, this scale provides the reliable measurements you need. The large digital display makes it easy to read the weight, even from a distance, while the sleek, modern design complements any kitchen decor. One of the standout features of the SF400/A121 model is its multi-functional design. Not only does it help with daily cooking and baking, but it also supports your healthy lifestyle choices. Whether you're counting calories, preparing meal plans, or controlling portion sizes for a balanced diet, this scale gives you the ability to measure everything from fruits and vegetables to meat and grains with precision. The scale’s TARE function allows you to weigh multiple ingredients in the same bowl or container by resetting the display to zero after placing an item on the scale. This is particularly useful for recipes that require multiple ingredients or for weighing food directly into containers without the need for additional cleaning. Built with durability in mind, the SF400/A121 is equipped with a sturdy platform that can handle the demands of everyday use. The scale also comes with two batteries included, ensuring you can start using it right out of the box. Its 1-year warranty gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are investing in a high-quality product built to last. With its lightweight and compact size, the scale is easy to store in any kitchen drawer or cabinet, saving you valuable counter space. The easy-to-clean surface ensures that you can keep the scale hygienic and ready for use at all times. Ideal for home baking, cooking, fitness, and those aiming for a balanced diet, the Digital Kitchen Food Weighing Scale is a reliable companion for anyone looking to enhance their cooking accuracy and health-conscious lifestyle. Whether you're a professional chef, a dedicated home cook, or a health-focused individual, this scale is the perfect addition to your kitchen. Portable LCD Electronic Balance digital scale .Small and Light, Making it Convenient to Carry and Use. LCD back light, easy to read value at day and night Convenient weighing unit switch, data lock . Over load indication, auto power off after 120 seconds without any operation. Easy to Use. HIGH PRESICION STRAIN GUAGE SENSOR SYSTEM: The Kitchen scale equipped with high presicion strain gauge sensor system BATTERIES INCLUDED: The scale comes handy with ready to use 2*AAA Battery FEATURES: Low battery & Overload Indicators Product is specially desigened for the India Durable to use . Color - White, Used to weigh food items [ad_2]

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nokturneop55n1 · 8 months ago

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Week 7

Postmortem on the game:

According to the feedback from the assignment, my design appears to have good elements for players to grind down. But significantly lacking detail elaborations and presentation. Here's what I've added after the previous blog post.

New Components in the Games

Photo 1. Demo design of in-game combat interface

In-Combat UI

Actions Panel: This allows players to make decisions such as performing, using items, or escaping. It introduces a layer of strategy akin to turn-based mechanics.

Instrument Selection: Players select their weapon (musical instrument) through a roulette-like interface. Each instrument offers unique traits and advantages.

Charts: Here, players choose the songs they will play. Each song varies in BPM, difficulty, and estimated damage, offering diverse strategic options.

Stats and Health: The stats box displays current attributes, while health is represented in quarter notes. This visual representation keeps the musical theme consistent throughout the UI.

Photo 2. Demo design of in-game chart selection interface

Score and Combos: Score is calculated based on note hits, and combos represent consecutive successful hits. Higher combos grant temporary buffs, encouraging precision and consistency.

Input Keys: Different keys correspond to different columns, ensuring a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Instrument Counter Chain

A unique feature in "Notes of Spring Sunlight" is the Instrument Counter Chain. This system is designed to add depth to combat by requiring players to strategically select instruments. Here's how it works:

Five Instrument Traits: Each instrument (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Keyboard, Basic Drums) counters another, similar to a rock-paper-scissors mechanic. For instance, the Electric Guitar might counter the Acoustic Guitar, which in turn counters the Keyboard.

Strategic Depth: Players must analyze the enemy's attributes and select the instrument that will effectively counter them. This adds a tactical layer to the game, encouraging thoughtful instrument selection and mastery.

Mechanisms

Level System: Players gain experience and level up by defeating enemies. Each level-up allows for attribute improvements, enhancing their combat and musical performance.

Perform System: Initially, players can only perform solo. As they progress, duet performances become available, offering more complex and rewarding gameplay.

Special Enemies: Bosses introduce unique interference mechanisms, such as false/fake notes and shifting difficulties, adding extra layers of challenge.

Judgment and Scoring: Notes are judged on precision (Perfect, Great, Good, Bad). The accuracy impacts damage dealt to the enemy, making timing and rhythm crucial for success.

Since this is just a primary design, damage functions and other in-game utilities are not considered yet. Therefore, I don't see many improvements that can be made here.

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knockemdeadpestcontrol · 9 months ago

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Availing Best Rat Control Services Denton TX at Homes

These slippery varmints invade a property, they have exceptional homing abilities and keep striking back. After working so hard to force them into retreat, prevention is vital. Thus, one must reach out to professional removal services through a well-reviewed pest control company. With an individualized extermination plan in place leveraging the industry's latest effective techniques, you can safely evict uninvited mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents for good through rat control services Denton TX.

Your pest control technicians and wildlife removal crews will provide key tips on maintaining rodent-free living spaces. Top recommendations include:

Routinely inspect your home's exterior for new holes or damage needing to be repaired

Keep yard debris cleaned up and trim back bushes or trees touching structures

Ensure lids seal tightly on garbage cans; don't leave pet food sitting out

Install exterior lighting or motion sensor lights to deter nighttime activity

Maintain a vegetation-free border between landscaping and your home foundation

Use pest deterrents like moth balls or ammonia-soaked cotton balls around suspected entry areas

Seal any discovered entry points with weather-resistant materials like copper mesh, caulk, foam or concrete

If signs of rodent infestation are compromising your home's integrity or your family's health, take action today. Reach out to professional removal services through a well-reviewed pest control company. With an individualized extermination plan in place leveraging the industry's latest effective techniques, you can safely evict uninvited mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents for good.

Does Exterminator Really Works on Mouse

Many Texas homeowners first attempt handling mouse, rat, squirrel, or raccoon invaders on their own when issues pop up or with mouse exterminator Denton TX. This is understandable - professional extermination requires an investment of both time and money.

You may wonder whether you can skip the pros and just set traps or use over-the-counter products from hardware and home improvement stores. Certainly, this is an option, but typically not the most effective long-term solution.

Rodents breed rapidly and travel in packs. Eliminating a few random ones won't keep new groups from eventually moving back in. You need thorough, source-focused removal services to clear them out across your entire property fully.

Does Christmas Light Looks Cool Outdoors

Once your lights are ready to hang safely and stay squirrel-free, it's time for the best part: deciding on a theme and decorating your home for maximum holiday eye candy!

For truly dazzling Christmas décor inspiration, take note of these wow-worthy outdoor lighting ideas spotted on creatively-decorated homes across Denton:

Pixel-Perfect Musical Light Shows - With advanced RGB smart bulbs synchronized to popular Christmas songs, these computer-programmed extravaganzas draw enthralled crowds nightly with their intricate bursts of colorful dancing lights.

Winter Wonderland Themes - Transforms a home into a magical holiday dreamscape with trees wrapped in warm white lights, shimmering icicle lights cascading from the roofline, illuminated present boxes "popping" out of the snow-dusted lawn, and a bright dual-colored bulb walkway guiding visitors through the glittering display.

Nostalgic Christmas Overload—With so many delightful throwbacks blow molds and cutouts of Santas, snowmen, nutcrackers, and nostalgic scenes, it's Christmas straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting!

Going big or going home is the mantra when decorating outdoors. So, as you stand back and admire your gorgeous, glowing outdoor Christmas lights Denton TX this year - hopefully squirrel and mouse-free - let your imagination go wild with creative themes and innovative displays. Just be sure to stay safe so all of Denton can enjoy the holidays shining brightly at your home!

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vaishaliiiii · 2 years ago

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Croup

I. Introduction to Croup

A. Definition of Croup

Children who have croup will experience swelling and inflammation of the upper airways, particularly the windpipe and voice box. It is typically brought on by viral infections, and symptoms include a peculiar barking cough and occasionally breathing problems. The children between the ages of 6 months to 3 years is the age group which is the most affected with croup. This necessitates having access to adequate medical treatment for symptom alleviation and management.

B. Brief explanation of its prevalence in children

Children frequently have croup, and the fall and winter seasons are when it is most common. It is a common respiratory illness that affects 3% of kids between the ages of 6 months and 3 every year. The majority of croup cases are minor and treatable at home, and boys are somewhat more likely than girls to acquire it.

II. Causes and Risk Factors

A. The main cause is viral infections

Children’s croup is primarily brought on by viral illnesses. The most frequently associated parainfluenza viruses with croup are type 1 and type 2 viruses. Other diseases like measles, influenza, respiratory, adenovirus etc. can give rise to Croup.

B. Viruses frequently linked to croup

Croup in children is frequently attributed to a number of viruses. The symptoms of croup are brought on by the inflammation of the upper airways brought on by these viral infections.

C. Age group at higher risk

A child’s chance of getting croup increases between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. This age group is more prone to the viral illnesses that cause croup, mainly parainfluenza viruses. Croup can also strike older kids, but it does so less frequently. Younger kids are more susceptible to the disease due to their smaller airways and immature immune systems.

D. Additional risk factors promoting the development of croup

In addition to age, a number of other risk factors can influence the onset of croup in kids. These include having a history of croup or upper airway problems, smoking, going to daycare or school, residing in congested areas, and having underlying respiratory diseases like asthma. These elements may make viral infections more likely.

III. Signs and Symptoms

Typically, an upper respiratory infection is followed by the signs and symptoms of croup. A harsh, barking cough that sounds like a seal or a dog is the primary symptom of croup. A hoarse voice, trouble breathing or stridor (a high-pitched sound when inhaling), fever, and a runny nose are additional typical symptoms. Oftentimes during night, the cough and respiratory difficulties get worse. In extreme circumstances, the kid could display retractions — a visible drawing in of the chest when breathing — and cyanosis — a bluish staining of the skin — both signs of respiratory distress that necessitate prompt medical intervention.

IV. Diagnosis

A physical examination by a medical practitioner who listens for the distinctive barking cough and stridor is usually required to diagnose croup. Consideration is also given to the child’s medical background, especially any recent upper respiratory illnesses. To evaluate airway obstruction, X-rays or other imaging studies may occasionally be utilized. By supporting effective data management, permitting remote consultations, and offering access to electronic health records, cutting-edge healthcare systems like Qme Healthcare System Software can play a significant role in diagnosis. This program helps speed up access to patient information and streamline communications between healthcare professionals, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses and treatments for croup.

V. Treatment and Management

Croup management and therapy are based on how bad the symptoms are. With home care, such as rest, hydration, and the use of a cool mist humidifier, mild cases frequently get better. Over-the-counter medicines and fever reducers can help to lessen inconvenience. Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases, where medicinal treatments such corticosteroids or epinephrine may be given to enhance breathing and minimize airway inflammation. In these situations, it is crucial to closely monitor the child’s respiratory health. In order to ensure the child’s comfort and wellbeing during the recovery process, constant observation and reassurance are essential croup care techniques, regardless of the severity.

VI. Complications and Prevention

Although they are relatively uncommon, croup complications can include severe respiratory distress, pneumonia, and, in the most extreme circumstances, respiratory collapse. Strategies for prevention concentrate on limiting exposure to the viruses that cause croup. Frequently washing your hands and avoiding contact with infectious people can reduce your risk of contracting an infection. Croup can be prevented with the help of an influenza and other viral vaccine. Severe croup episodes can be prevented by maintaining overall health, which includes treating underlying respiratory disorders like asthma. The signs and symptoms of croup must be taught to the parents and the care givers, in order to seek proper medical advice and avoid complications.

VII. When to Seek Emergency Care

If a child with croup exhibits severe respiratory distress, such as marked difficulty breathing, major retractions, or bluish darkening of the skin (cyanosis), parents or caregivers immediately seek emergency medical attention. Lethargy, excitement, or rapid breathing might potentially be signs of a serious ailment. To avoid potentially fatal complications, quick examination and treatment at a hospital are required in such situations. Through speedy communication between healthcare professionals, remote monitoring of the child’s status, and access to vital medical data, Qme Healthcare System Software can help in this circumstance, providing prompt and appropriate emergency care.

VIII. Conclusion

In summary, croup is a typical respiratory ailment that mainly affects young children and is marked by a barking cough and occasionally breathing difficulties. To control and prevent problems, early symptom assessment and adequate medical care are essential. The Qme Healthcare System Software significantly contributes to improving patient access to records, streamlining communication within the healthcare system, and facilitating quick diagnoses and treatment choices. We can secure improved results for kids who have croup by combining watchful awareness of the condition’s symptoms, proactive preventative actions, and the advantages of cutting-edge healthcare systems like Qme Healthcare System Software.

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camellia-thea · 2 years ago

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about dove, the ask game 4 (or what was their comfort food), 9, 10, 18, 35, 38

ohhh thank you gracious storyteller. answers written partially as i wait for the fritatta to cook lol

4. what is was their comfort food?

[redacted] comes very close to slamming her apartment door closed as she passes drops her bag onto the couch with a frustrated sound. she doesn't though, because she cannot deal with another complaint from her elderly, incredibly nosy neighbour. she sits down beside her bag with another frustrated exhale, and then flops down onto her side, ignoring the voice in her head that says she'll wrinkle her clothes.

[redacted] has about two hours, before she'll be summoned again to keep working, and she really, really doesn't want to go in. she will though, he's depending on her, he needs her help, and rewards her too, so it truly isn't that bad, but she's been on her feet all day, and the office has started muttering about her again, and work simply feels hostile.

[redacted] lies there for several long minutes before groaning and heading towards her kitchen. she should make something to eat that will tide her over until her boss remembers that ghouls do need regular sustenance too. he's good to her, though, she has to acknowledge it. she's treated well and kindly, and he does forget mortal needs sometimes, but that's fine, he's immortal, that sort of knowledge must slip away quickly. and she makes do with naps during her breaks and the quick stops around town to get sushi or whatever higher end takeaways she can find (she can't be caught dead in cheap clothes, eating cheap food).

so she goes to stand in the light of her fridge, digs around for a moment and lets out a long sigh.

"fuck."

no proper groceries, which really is on her, and she doesn't have the energy to cook. her watch reads 6:43, and she knows that nightfall is only an hour or so away. she really doesn't have time to shop and cook afterwards.

she grabs her bag and coat, and heads out the door again.

the sushi place she stops at first are familiar with her, enough so that she smiles at them and answers with partial truth as they ask after her health. ("incredibly busy, but alright, thank you")

the supermarket is a longer trip, and she knows she's pushing the limits of her break. she'd hoped to get a nap in as well, but it seems that she'll be stocking up on coffee again.

her cart is full, and she's just on time as she stops by the international isle. the british sweets stare out at her, and she rolls her eyes internally at the immediate want for treats. but she gives in.

the collection she puts into her trolley are varied, but shelf stable. biscuits, dark chocolate digestives and jammy dodgers, relics from a childhood she barely remembers.

[redacted] gets a coffee from the stand on the way out, and eats her sushi in the car. she manages to get home and get everything into the fridge before leaving the rest in bags on the counters before dashing out the door once more.

the biscuits stay in her glove box.

9. who do they admire? why?

meeting the prince, after hearing about him so much, impresses dove. he's remarkable; a brujah anarch turned camarilla prince in a matter of nights? he's someone to be wary of, to be sure, but his display of sheer power was something she found incredibly interesting.

the story of the last prince being left to rot in a public space, the utter brutality seen as he protected the honour of his primogen... friend, it gives dove... inspiration. she's always been enthralled by kindred's capacity for violence, and the demonstration of enoch sheppard's power leaves her curious as to how far he'd go.

admiration isn't necessarily the right word, but he is certainly impressive.

10. who do they hate? why?

(tw for vomit and dove-typical abusive/predatory relationships. vomit is in the last sentence.)

kindred don't dream. they don't, they can't. yet somehow, it doesn't stop dove from getting stuck in her own memories before sunrise. in some, they're twisted, things that didn't happen but could have, but others hurt because of the truth in them.

he yells frequently in her memories, or speaks in that cold, detached tone that tells her that he will be withholding his vitae for as long as possible without forcing her to age. those happened more in the last months.

the worst ones though, are when he was kind. when dove wasn't fighting the bond, and the business was going well, and dove had gotten a juicy bit of information for him, or managed to sabotage another company enough to get immediate effects.

those moments in the late evening when he realised that he'd overworked her, but she's succeeded anyway, when he'd been proud of her, and she'd revelled in it. he'd smile and buy her fancy food and expensive wine, with vouchers for tailored clothes and tickets to interesting events. those nights when the bond was warm and content, and pushing joy into her every cell.

those, when she wakes, has her vomiting black ichor into her bathtub.

18. have they ever had their heart broken?

"[redacted], i love you. i really really do, but this-- this isn't working. look-- you love your job, i get that, but it's killing you. i can't sit by, watching you work yourself to the bone,"

the words ring in [redacted]'s ears.

"fuck-- [redacted], look at you! you're not living, you're barely surviving, and you want me to just-- just let you? we can't keep doing this, baby. you gotta make a choice. take less hours, stop the overtime. stay with me."

"i--" i can't. i need you to understand that i can't. i can't walk away from this, from him, i need you to know that i love you. i want you to stay. please-- i need you to stay. "i need this job."

"fine. you can pack up your things then, i guess. i'm going to stay with my sister."

her footsteps echo through [redacted]'s mind, long after she leaves.

"sir," the dial tone rings out twice before she's sent to answerphone. "you mentioned that there was somewhere else i could stay?"

35. pick a character that they know. what is something that they do that your character finds annoying/frustrating?

dove looks at orla with the pity of someone looking at a puppy. the toreador seems sweet, sure. and well supported, which is certainly something, but at the end of the day, the softness orla so clearly carries frustrates her. flòraidh is fine, a gangrel who can handle herself well, as socially lacking as she is. but orla, the issue is that she has so much potential. she's good at speaking, clearly has a sort of magnetic charm that toreadors tend to, and dove can see her flourishing, if she manages to gain a capacity for any kind of cruelty. but, from what dove has seen, that doesn't seem to be possible. her shyness gets in the way, endearingly shy turning to frustratingly awkward in moments. it's nativity at its finest, which does not last long in the world of monsters.

orla is so, so, close to being useful. but for now, she's someone who dove thinks will simply get in the way.

38. does your character have tattoos? what do they look like? if not, do they want any?

(as an aside, i see where this is going, i also very much have thoughts about a potential future tattoo.)

dove has one tattoo, resting on her right hip. it was gotten as a celebration with one of her few friends during university as a graduation celebration. it is a set of scales, with a heart and a feather weighed against each other.

#feather speaks #feather answers #feather writes #''dove'' [redacted]#uhhhh i had no clue where most of this was going #number 35 means good things for the coterie y'know?#always great for you to look at your forcibly assigned coworker and go ''fuck you're useless''#dove's former domitor finally has a name #it is appropriately slimy #also. they did not date in any way he was just fucking weird about her.

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joelday11 · 4 years ago

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anniebear-92 · 2 years ago

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Paw Prints

Part one of... I'm not sure yet? I was going to make this a one shot, but I ended up writing a lot more than I planned so it's going to be a fic. Short one but maybe 3-4 parts? Stay tuned :)

Overview:

While walking home one night in the rain, you find a very sickly cat laying in a destroyed box tucked into an alley. Being the pet lover you are, you rush the cat home to nurse him back to full health. Once recovered the cat begins to show his true colors of a bristly, attitude ridden cat who would more likely be a Pomeranian in another life. After several shenanigan ridden months with the cat, who is strangely attentive and extremely intelligent, you wake one day to your cat missing. In his place... an extremely handsome man. One who has seen all your embarrassing moments and just won't seem to let you live them down...

Pairing: Katsuki Bakugo x Reader

Warnings: SFW, possibly eventual NSFW. Fluff, swearing. Female reader mentioned but I try to keep majority of it neutral. Quirkless AU, Hybrids are rare and not known to the world.

Length: To be determined.

Part One: New Beginnings

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The rain beats down on the cement sidewalk with a vengeance as your fingers tightened around the umbrella handle, curling in on yourself with a shiver. The weather had been quite dreary for the last few days and the only reason for leaving the apartment this evening had been the low volume in your fridge. With some grumbles and a pair of rain boots you had made the executive decision to trudge out into the nasty weather for a trip to the grocery store. Said building was just around the corner, the bright lights a beacon of a safe temporary haven from the elements as the doors closed with a chime alerting your arrival. The teenage cashier at the counter gave a brief and uninterested greeting while you crossed to the aisle containing your selections.

A few items into the basket later you decided on just enough for tonight's meal and tomorrow would be just that, tomorrow's problem. With a sigh the cashier began ringing up your purchases, leaving you a moment to peer around the store to avoid awkward exchanges with the employee who would obviously rather be anywhere than their paying job. A small object in the display for impulse buys caught your attention, a plastic stick with a tiny ball of shiny fibers sat tilted in the rack. A sad smile crossed your face while shifting the cat toy's packaging upright in the display.

The item brought back memories of your first ever pet who had recently passed, vision blurring slightly as your fingers lightly tapped the object, so the attached bell jingled. The thought of getting another pet had crossed your mind, however unsure if you were ready for that just yet had nagged at the back of your mind.

Your hand fell to your side quickly as if burned when the cashier interrupted with an annoyed clearing of their throat.

"I asked if there was anything else you needed today?" With an embarrassed smile and a quick shake of your head, you finished the transaction and scurried out of the store. The cashier rolling their eyes and going back to their phone as you opened the umbrella once more to brave the elements.

Splashes of water from your boots hitting the wet ground were one of the few sounds heard in this late hour, besides the occasional car driving by disturbing the standing water in the streets. Only a few blocks until home where you could shed these cold damp clothes and put together the simple dinner with the ingredients in the bag. Followed by a warm blanket, maybe some hot chocolate and a good movie before bed. Hell, you may even have the ice cream you've been saving in the back of the freezer.

All your plans went right out the proverbial window when a faint wail of an animal in clear pain stopped you dead in your tracks. When nothing but the soft patter of rain resumed, the possibility of the sound being simply a trick of your mind crossed your thoughts. After waiting another short moment, you took a few steps once again towards home only to hear the wail once more, this time just barely louder than before. Almost like something was trying to get your attention.

To your left was a small alleyway filled with trash cans for some of the above apartments, some debris scattered around the area. Stepping just in between the buildings you attempted to locate the sound of the noise, wary if it was a sick racoon or animal waiting to bite you for your attempts to help.

"Hello?" Your voice echoed off the brick of the buildings, hoping to coax the animal to make more noise so you could locate it. A soft meow in response brought your attention to a very soggy cardboard box, holding on by barely a prayer as the rain continued to beat it down slowly but surely. "Are you in there?" You asked softly, knowing full well the animal was not going to answer your question like "Yes! I am here!"

Lifting the wet flap, your heart squeezed at the sight. Inside was a small curled up ball of fur, caked in mud and shivering heavily as its body huffed in obvious labored breathing. "Oh, you poor baby." You cooed, bending your knees to squat lower to the ground in the hopes to get a better look.

The cat had clearly been outside for a long time, though it did not look to be too old, a year maybe. Possibly a few at most, but the cat was clearly sick from the lazy look in its barely open eyes. You slowly reached out and brushed your fingers into the cat's once light-colored fur, now stained with the brown of dirt and grime from the streets. The cat simply raised its head ever so sluggishly, strikingly crimson eyes met yours to your surprise. Never in your life had you seen a cat with such a colored pair, especially ones that showed such exhaustion and a hint of pleading. Almost as if the cat was asking 'Please get me out of here.'

Unable to leave the poor animal you quickly adjusted your plastic bag on the crook of your arm and closed the umbrella. You collapsed the object and threw it into the bag as well, not caring if the packaging inside got a little wet since your home was only a few blocks at most now.

"I'm going to pick you up now… please don't bite me." You spoke softly as you offered your hand to the cat who still watched you closely, it's eyes closing slowly as they lowered their head back to the ground with a soft huff. Taking that as a sign the cat would not fight your help, you gave it a few slow pets before sliding your hands underneath and picking the cat up gently. The animal barely awknowledged you as you held it close, wrapping your coat around the poor creature.

Making haste you rounded the corner and hurried for home, taking the stairs two at a time while holding your precious cargo to your chest tightly. Digging the keys from your pocket and shoving them into the lock, it opened with a click then shut with a bang as you closed it with the heel of your rain boot. Dropping the bag of food by the door you rushed into the hall to pull some fresh towels from the top shelf. Wrapping the shivering creature tightly you lay it on the couch after a quick rub down to dry up some of the water clinging to it's dirty fur. Pulling up an emergency vet line on your phone, a few rings and a discussion with a vet later you had your plan of action to help the cat.

You were told if the cat gets any worse to bring it in, but getting the cat warm, some food and clean water should help with fighting off any infection it may currently have from the elements. However a trip to the vet the next morning would definetly be in the books. Bath would have to wait as it could lower or raise the cat's tempature too fast and make the sickness worse. If it makes it though the night, you could give it a nice warm bath.

Giving the animal time to warm in the fluffy towels, you finally put away the food from the store and began digging through some cupboards. With a soft exclamation of happiness, you found what you were looking for. Luckily you still had a few cans of wet food left from before your cat passed away, perfect for sick little fur babies. After confirming the expiration date was still valid, you dumped the contents into a food dish and one with water while thanking everything that you didn't have to go back into the rain.

With slow steps as not to startle the cat you stepped next to the couch to see the ball of fur had finally stopped shaking, a good sign that their temperature was regulating to better heights. You placed the food and water above the bundle where two lone ears peeked out from the towel, the rest of its face hidden away. Though not for long as audible sniffing could be heard, followed by the ears turning into a full head as it appeared interested in the food. A few testing sniffs at the bowl of offerings proved sufficient enough as it began tearing into the food as if the first meal in a long time, which... it most likely was.

You took the opportunity to step away to let the cat eat and not crowd or make them feel uncomfortable. Getting bit was one of the last things you wanted today, or ever. It didn't take long to prepare your meal, by the time you had dropped the first item into the pan the cat had finished scarfing down their food and lapping up every drop of water from the bowls. It was now lazily curled up into a tight ball, eyes closed to get some much-needed rest. You designed that the cat would be taking up the couch for the rest of the evening, deciding to just eat your food and get some sleep yourself. Placing your finished bowl into the sink you checked on the cat one final time, seeing the cat's body rise and fall made you feel soft joy inside. Maybe you didn't feel ready for another cat, but it's what you needed.

Praying the cat made it through the night, you changed into some night clothes for bed and crawled into blankets of your own. Tomorrow would be bath time for kitty, a trip to the vet and pick up some supplies that you didn't already have. You had planned to throw out your previous animal's things when it had gotten too hard after losing them, however you just couldn't bring yourself to actually go through with it in the end.

The next morning your eyes cracked slowly, taking in the sunlight peeking through the curtains. It was no longer raining thank goodness, the dreary weather was getting old. Sitting up in bed the memories of the night before came rushing back to you. Throwing back the blankets you hopped out of the bed, gripped the door handle and took a deep inhale to calm yourself in preparation if the creature did not make it through the night.

Opening the door and stepping into the hall you made your way back into the living room. The couch still held the towels now caked in dried mud, though missing one ball of fur.

"Kitty?" You called out, hoping it didn't hide somewhere and pass on. A couple calls later continued to go unanswered before you huffed, collecting the towels and throwing them into the laundry basket beside the washer in the hallway closet. Begining your search, you lifted the reclining chair beside the couch, peered under the couch with your phone's flashlight and around the kitchen island. No luck in the living area so you moved to check the remaining rooms in the apartment, the bathroom, your room and the spare. No luck in either your room or the bathroom so you moved on to the spare bedroom across from your own.

"Come on Kitty, please just give me a sign you're still with the living!" You groaned before getting down on your knees and peering under the bed, with a yelp you sat back up quickly when a dirty paw had swiped out at your face from under the frame.

Good to know the cat is alive and energetic enough to attack you so early in the morning. Rubbing your cheek that the claws had barely missed you peered back under again, this time giving the cat proper distance.

"Well, hello there Mister grumpy pants, how are you today?" You watched as the cat sat on its haunches, those bright crimson colored eyes narrowed at you showed significantly more life than the previous evening. "Are you hungry?" You asked once again as the cat's tail flicked dangerously as if responding 'I can't talk dumbass.'

You nodded taking that as a yes and picked yourself off the floor. Back in the living room you collected the empty dishes from the couch and filled them with the contents of a new can. Setting the food down you watched as the cat peered around the corner suspiciously, not sure on you just yet. Stepping away from the food you sat down on the couch after making sure not to sit in any ruminants of mud or dirt.

Satisfied, you watched as the cat inspected the food before peering over at you to make sure you were nowhere near before digging into the food once again. The water was given quick work as well before the cat strolled lazily into the living area and taking residence on your reclining chair.

You still had yet to give said kitty a bath and a trip to the vet was needed to make sure the cat was healthy. So unfortunately, you would need to piss off the cat who clearly didn't trust you yet in order to do so. Drawing a bath in the sink you set out all the supplies needed so you could get the cat in and out without hopefully injury to you or the soon to be upset fur ball. Or… more upset than it already was.

After picking up the snoozing feline you played a game of hold on to the bucking cat while trying to scrub all the dirt and grime from it's fur. The cat was surprisingly a very light blonde in color once the dark brown had been scrubbed away, soft tiger stripe markings were visible in places around it's face and tail. On accident and also to the cat's annoyance, you made the discovery it was actually a male cat. Drying the cat off in the towel you had prepared earned you a very nasty glare from the feline.

Making sure he was nice and dry, you stowed your caturrito into a carrier and started your journey to the vet. Low growls and hisses were a constant during the ride to the vet in the car. You spoke to him gently letting him know you were taking him somewhere to make sure he was healthy and then you would take him home so he could go hide all he wanted. Your response was some more growls and the occasional swipe of a paw between the door wire as if he was trying to unlock the cage.

Once you finally arrived at the vet, the receptionist asked for the cat's name to check him in. You told her undetermined since you had just found him, and she nodded letting you know she would also check for a microchip to see if he had a previous owner. The poor nurse earned herself some scratches while coaxing him out of the carrier and the vet didn't fare any better. They ended up giving him a tiny shot to calm his nerves and the rest of the visit went fairly smoother.

The vet announced he had an infection, prescribed some antibiotics and that he would recover quickly with lots of rest, food and clean water now that he's inside. He didn't have a microchip, so the cat was released back to your care and the two of you returned home. The ride back home was much quieter with a half-asleep angry bean instead of a wide-awake angry bean. You placed the kennel by the front door and left the cage open so he could exit whenever he was ready.

He finally exited the kennel while you were busy making lunch, his glare boring into the side of your head. You flashed him a smile before turning back to finish up the food and sitting at the island with your bowl. The cat had hopped onto the counter and was now sitting across the space, his eyes flicking between your food and face. "No Sir." You spoke sternly as his ear twitched with your words, his tail flicking quickly behind him. "You have a full bowl down there."

His eyes followed where you pointed only to return back to the bowl sat before you. His tail flicked back and forth while those carmine eyes shined a hint of mischievous intentions. Seeing the impending danger of your meal, you stood and rounded the counter to pick him up off the surface. He let out a yelp of surprise before thrashing around in your grip with sounds of clear annoyance. You placed him on the floor near his food while he took a swipe at your foot for picking him up unannounced.

Chuckling softly at the spit fire of a cat, you returned to the counter to resume eating. From the corner of your eye, the cat had begun sniffing the food once more before turning its nose to the air and almost stomping away in disgust. You startled just a bit when he hopped up back into his spot across from you, his eyes now flicking to your food once again. With a sigh, you stood to pick up his bowl and slid it before him.

"Here we can eat together!" Flashing him a bright smile while taking your place, his eyes dropping to the bowl at his paws before raising back to you with a 'Are you serious? You expect me to eat this crap?'

Cocking a brow, you began the stare down with the feline while you slowly chewed on a noddle. Without breaking his stoic expression, he shifted a paw forward while flexing around the bowl slowly.

"Don't do it mister!" Shooting him a warning glare, the male began slowly shifting the bowl towards the edge with his paw. "No don't do th-" Before you could snatch the bowl to save it from an untimely demise, the furry terrorist made a sudden jerk of the paw, and the bowl went crashing to the floor.

With a deep exhale you began sweeping up the mess with the perpetrator watching the entire time. You swore he wore a small smirk while his tail continued to flick behind him warningly as to the mischievous glint still shining in his eyes. Standing slowly with dustpan in hand you paused briefly at face level. "You're quite the asshole."

You earned a swipe to the face, his small toe beans connecting with your cheek. He had thankfully kept his claws sheathed, so the little shit had just given you bitch slap essentially.

"Yep, total asshole." Grumbling you thew away the broken pieces of the bowl only to find your meal gone, and a very satisfied cat licking his lips.

A loud groan of frustration left you as you snatched the bowl and placed it in the sink. "I was done anyway!" You stomped away to the couch, collapsing on the cushion with your arms crossed. You flicked on the television while continuing to contemplate your life's decisions of bringing in the little furry butthead.

A mewl earned your attention as you now found the reason for your irritation sitting on the arm rest beside you. Turning your head you huffed, not wanting to reward his behavior with positive attention. Your eyes remained glued to the show you were barely watching as a slight pressure on your thigh startled you. The cat crawled into your lap, curling up with his long fluffy tail wrapping around his face. He peeked one of those beautiful vermillion eyes at you before closing them once again. This little shit knew exactly what he was doing. You exhaled before finally running your fingers over the length of the cat's body. His fur was so fine and extremely soft as you continued to thread your fingers through over and over. He may be an asshole, but he was a cute asshole.

"What should I name you huh?" You mused, watching the little sleepy face while he ignored you.

"Prince?" You wondered aloud, earning a huff from the cat.

"Garfield?" Another huff.

"Princess?" He opened an eye again and hissed as you chuckled.

"Alright, alright I was just joking. Should name you spawn of Satan." The cat bat at your fingers this time with claws and you yanked them away with a hiss. "Definitely spawn."

He settled once more, your fingers now scratching behind his ear. "Well, you are a little explosive shit… Bakugo?" He peeked an eye open once more before closing them and making himself more comfortable. A low rumble filled the room as you realized the feline rolling in your lap was purring!

With a content smile on your face, you began scratching his cheek as the purring only got louder from there.

"Welcome home Bakugo."

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This is my first standalone fic here so please let me know what you think! If you want it to continue, I do have a couple parts planed out already, so I'll hopefully be posting them soon if they do well. Thank you for reading!

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