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nevertheless-moving · 5 months

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Stormlight AU Number Three Chapter One, Part One

"Captain? May I speak with you? I had one more thing that I was hoping to discuss. At your convenience, sir."

He turned to see Renarin, still lingering at the edge of the now mostly quiet campfire, stack of clean bowls beside him.

Kaladin barely restrained a sigh of annoyance. He had been planning on checking on the other barrack fires, then maybe getting some actual sleep.

"Of course, Brightlord," he said, stuffing down any irritation.

The prince jumped to his feet, looking nervously at the handful of men, some of whom had pulled out a deck of cards and were either genuinely no longer paying attention to the Brightlord among them, or were doing a very good impression of nonchalance.

Seriously? Kaladin thought, curious despite himself. He just begged to join a darkeyed spear crew, practically in public. Called a shashbranded man 'Sir' in front of a dozen witnesses and the open air. I didn't think he even knew what discretion was.

Kaladin tilted his head to the side, and they moved away from the group, well out of earshot, but Renarin still glanced at the other men in fear.

Talat's sword, the kid was tense as a bowstring again, hands shaking even as they clenched his sides, though they still didn't go for that box of his. A few twisting black spren trailed him. If Kaladin had thought he had been anxious before, then this was a whole other level.

"What do you think it is?" Syl asked, passing overhead, ruffling black and yellow hair. Renarin twitched at the breeze.

"I know some of the other bridgemen were whispering mean stuff about him," she said, examining the prince, "But I don't think he heard, and you said soldiers don't come to their commanding officers about that sort of thing, right? And he looks too scared for that, anyway. Unless they were really being cruel."

With another narrowly repressed sigh, Kaladin led them further away, to an alley between a storage building and an unused barrack, out of both sight and sound.

Something more about his Epilepsy, maybe?

Renarin pulled a sapphire mark out as they left the glow of firelight behind, blue light making the visible tremble of his fingers more obvious. The prince went even further, to the dead center of the alleyway. Even if someone skulking around the corner abandoned all pretenses and pressed an ear to the wall, they would be hard pressed to hear a quiet conversation.

And still, Renarin looked nervously to both of the alley's exits.

Kaladin's heart started to pick up in sympathetic dread. "Soldier?" he finally asked. "You wanted to speak with me?"

The youth flinched, before bowing his head and leaning forward.

"I need your help," he said, staring at the ground.

Kaladin furrowed his brow. "With...?"

"I need your help with—" he cut himself off, seeming to choke on the words. He let out a frustrated sounding grunt.

"We..." The prince opened his mouth, then closed it. His hands also opened and closed at his sides. "You..."

"How— his jaw snapped shut again and even in the low light, Kaladin could see him swallowing several times, before taking a deep breath and setting his jaw.

"You... survived a highstorm. You... healed from that."

Kaladin started at the unexpected line of conversation. Syl crossed her arms in the air, staring Renarin down.

"Yes," he said cautiously. "Not a pleasant experience."

"And you fought off the Parshendi army. When you charged the tower. By yourself."

"My whole bridge fought," Kaladin retorted, slightly offended on their behalf.

Renarin shook his head. "Yes, but you cleared the landing for them. You went ahead. And you won."

Kaladin's heart picked up a bit more.

"Briefly," he said with forced calm. "My men—"

"And you saved my father. From the Parshendi Shardbarer. By yourself... Adolin is still resentful of that, I think."

This time Kaladin said nothing. He hadn't done anything wrong, he reminded himself. Nothing to give away his advantages. His achievements had been unusual, yes. But that was common knowledge. Nothing to panic about when confronted, even by a prince with an unnerving tendency to watch people.

"I wondered... I suspected. But then I saw..."

Renarin looked up, but not at Kaladin. He stared into space, eyes unfocused, then shook his head.

"I saw you breathing in Stormlight," he whispered.

"Oh!" Syl said. "Oh!" She looked at Kaladin, but he wasn't listening to her right now.

A chill ran down Kaladin's spine, and it took everything he had not to move back in the narrow space.

"Breathing in stormlight?" he repeated after a moment, trying to sound confused. Trying, at least, not to sound afraid.

Brightlord Renarin's eyes snapped to his and now he found it very easy to hold himself in place. He didn't think he could move, chill down his back having hardened to ice.

"I saw you. And then I saw it — and I saw it again. A faint glow...you're a surgebinder. I know it. I saw it." The Brightlord's stare, somehow, grew even more intense.

Oh. It's over. It's all over.

"Kaladin! Kaladin!" Syl floated before his face, between Renarin and himself. "It's going to be okay! We like Renarin, remember? Try and calm down — just, just listen to him, alright? I have a good feeling about this."

"I..." Kaladin cleared the sudden dryness from his throat, clenching his hands into fists to try and control his abrupt, almost painful shivers. When had the night grown so storming cold? Why was the cold making it hard to breathe? "Who else knows?"

"No one!" the prince assured him quickly. "I wouldn't — I know it's a secret."

That softened a fraction of the crushing tightness in his chest. But only a small amount.

"What do you want?" Kaladin managed to get out. "What do you want from me?"

"I need help," Brightlord Renarin said, hands coming together in front of him, thumbs shifting end over end. "Please... I. Please. You have a spren. The assassin didn't, but you do. She looks like a windspren, but she's something else, right? Something more."

The weight, impossibly, redoubled on his chest. He sucked down a breath, then struggled to take in another.

I knew it. I knew it.

"Kaladin! Kaladin can you hear me?" Syl said, from very far away.

I knew they'd try and take her from me.

He saw the Brightlord 's terrible blue eyes as if from the end of a tunnel, looming above him. At some point he had stumbled back, the soulcast stone wall frigid behind him.

He couldn't fight. If he killed a third dahn, even if he could bring himself to kill Dalinar's son, he'd never know peace again. Bridge four would never know peace. He couldn't attack the prince, who was under Kaladin's protection, possibly twice.

He couldn't run. His men were here. He wouldn't be able to get to them all, not before they came after him.

He couldn't fight. He couldn't run.

He couldn't — he couldn't — he looked desperately for Syl.

She hovered over him, tears in her eyes, mouth moving silently.

He couldn't protect her.

The tunnel closed in around him.

...

"...says this weird shade of orange is the next big color—"

Kaladin blinked in bewilderment. He turned to see Prince Renarin next to him, talking nonsense.

"—but honestly the fabric swatches give me a headache..."

He glanced towards Syl, searching for an explanation, but she seemed enthralled, laying on her front in the air, heels kicked up behind her.

"I hope he moves on as fast from this as he did yellow. He still can't make up his mind about Takamas, though he pretends that..."

There was about two week's worth of pay between them. Two weeks worth of pay for him now, as head of the cobalt guard. A small fortune. Pocket change to a prince.

"Why," Kaladin said, too confused to be anything but blunt, "are you sitting on the ground next to me, talking about fashion?"

The prince startled, scrambling halfway up before kneeling back down, level with Kaladin.

They were on the ground. Why were they on the ground...in an alley?

"I'm sorry!" the youth said. "It's what Adolin does when I... when the world is too much and I leave my head. I wasn't sure what else to do."

Kaladin felt slightly dizzy. He shivered, wrapping his arms around himself involuntarily. Hazy dread started creeping back towards him, like fronds after a storm.

"I'm sorry," Renarin whispered again. "I've done this all wrong. I should have started by showing you, but I was too scared. I'll show you now."

He fumbled with the sphere, in his hand, bringing it close to his face. Then he took a deep breath.

And the light from the sphere went alongside.

Kaladin gaped as the prince glowed in the dark alley.

"I'm a surgebinder too," he said, light escaping quickly as he spoke. "I'm not trying to take your spren, I swear. I'm came to ask your help with mine, and for your help controlling my abilities." He glanced down, and it occurred to Kaladin he might be looking at something, someone, Kaladin couldn't see.

"Glys says that he thinks there's something wrong with him, that my powers are manifesting differently then he thinks he was expecting. I've told him that it's probably me, that I tend to mess things up, but he seemed sure that something happened to him, even if he can't quite remember...and I realized that you..."

He turned watery blue eyes towards Kaladin. "I'm sorry to bother you. There's not a lot of people I can ask for help with this. Please...if you can help him. Help us."

"Oh," Kaladin said, feeling strange. "You're like me."

Renarin blushed, staring at his lap, face illuminated by the last wisps of light escaping his skin. "I'm really not. I'm not a warrior, I can't even wield a Shardblade without..."

Syl hissed beside him.

"I don't like Shardblades," Kaladin said innanely. "I mean, I thought it was because of the death I had seen them deal, but Syl hates them worse than anything."

"I... hear something when I hold mine. Screaming. It hurts. It hurts Glys too, I'm pretty sure, though he won't admit it. I thought it was hallucinations at first, but..."

"I don't — Hm. Actually, I couldn't actually bring myself to touch one, when I had a chance," Kaladin said quietly. "If you want, I suppose, you could summon yours, and I could try to touch it, and if I hear something too, then..."

He regretted the offer almost as soon as he made it but...there was someone like him. A lighteyes, but still.

Renarin sat back, closing his eyes. He reached his hand out to the side, turning away as if braced for blow. He winced when the blade finally dropped into his hands, gritting his teeth.

"It's terrible," Syl whispered. "It's...it makes me angry, so angry, but also...sad?"

Kaladin forced himself to reach forward, not wanting to prolong Renarin's obvious pain. He felt the same as he did every time he saw one of the things, no matter from how far away — that same sense of wrongness, of concentrated injustice. He carefully touched the flat of the blade, and...

Screaming.

He could hear screaming. Inside his head. Syl! She was dying!

It reverberated through Kaladin. His muscles spasmed as that horrible, awful screech shook through him. He pulled back, gasping, looking frantically for Syl. She was crying, and he reached for her with trembling hands, even though he knew they wouldn't be able to touch. She stumbled towards him.

Renarin dismissed the blade, slumping in relief. "So you hear it too."

"Storms! What was that? How did you stand bonding with it?" He cradled Syl in both hands, almost able to feel her, soft as a breeze on his palms.

"It...was a really bad week."

Kaladin barked out a laugh, then pulled himself together.

"Well, either we're both crazy, or...it's a Radiant thing. Something to do with the Recreance, I'd guess."

The corners of Renarin's lips twitched up slightly as he nodded. "That's...I'm truly sorry, I know that was terrible, but it's such a relief —"

"No, I get it —" The cold, the earlier misplaced terror was ebbing in away. Even that horrible scream. In its place, was a feeling that he could best describe as relief. "It's — it feels good to not be alone."

Renarin hummed softly, nodding vigorously in agreement, then tucked his chin to his chest.

If he had to pick a lighteyes to become a surgebinder... well, Renarin was probably the best choice, the least likely to misuse his power of anyone of his class that Kaladin had met. Bizarrely humble, despite his proximity to the throne. It could be a lie of, course, but he didn't seem to have the...entitlement that led other lighteyes into casually committing horrors.

Kaladin studied the prince. At some point he had pulled out that box of his, and was turning it end over end in shifting patterns. Renarin looked up, met Kaladin's eyes, then quickly looked back down, blushing.

Storms, had he really been scared off this man?

Dalinar, an honorable lighteyes if one existed, could be frightening, exuding the sense that he expected the world to move to suit his needs. Zahel may have had a point about Renarin's character, not to mention his willingness to come here the way he did, rather than demand answers on his own turf...

And a radiant Spren chose him, too. Surely, that had to be a good sign, if nothing else? Then again, Syl chose me, so who knows.

"I also forgot a lot," Syl said, and Renarin turned to look at her, eyes wide.

"Oh! You're —"

"Slyphrena," she said, smiling, standing proud on Kaladin's hand. "Honorspren, though I didn't remember that part until kind of recently. I just thought I was a weird windspren, that is when I could string two thoughts together!"

She turned into mist, sneaking up Renarin's arm like clouds over a mountain range.

"Where's your spren? What type are they anyway? They're not a cryptic, are they? Come on, it's been ages since I had someone intelligent to talk to who wasn't a windspren."

Kaladin rolled his eyes.

"Glys?" Renarin asked softly. There was a long pause. "He — uh. He's too nervous to come out right now."

The syl cloud paused at Renarin's shoulder, then shifted back into her female form.

"Huh!" she said. "So he's like you!"

Renarin let out a bemused huff of air. "Yes, yes he is. I thought that might also be a radiant thing, since we're bonded, but..." He looked out of the side of his eyes at Syl who was sitting on nothing, swinging her legs, then back at Kaladin, who quickly tried to school his resting features into something not a scowl.

"This... this is exactly the type of thing I wanted to talk to you about," Renarin said. "There's books on Radiants, but I don't think I could have them all read to me without word spreading. I've been mixing them in with other random subjects, but I don't know what would happen if this got out. The ardents already mutter about my cousin and my father committing heresy, and I'm not nearly as, uh, established as them."

Kaladin nodded, eagerness surprising himself. But damn it, Renarin had asked for his help, and it would be good to talk with someone who knew how Stormlight felt in their veins, maybe spar, if he could get Renarin a different weapon.

Renarin might not be as stocky as his brother and father, but he must exercise, as he clearly had some amount of lithe muscle, now that Kaladin looked closer. He wasn't as young as Kaladin had first thought, and his height would give him reach. How much of his perceived frailness was just because of his family's shadow? How much of his martial ability had been held back by his Epilepsy, now no longer a problem? How much had that sword held him back, once he had the chance to actually fight?

"I train with stormlight sometimes, in the chasms," Kaladin said. "When I can get away. Sigzil, Rock, and Lopen help. If you can convince your father to actually serve on a spear crew, then next time I'll have you join us — the other men might mutter about you getting special training, but well..."

"I'll live. Though I was being honest when I said I wanted to be a soldier, or something close to one."

"I believe you. We'll figure something out — it's not as though my duties allow me to get away often. Most of the time you'll be cleaning boots and drilling spear forms, don't worry."

Renarin nodded, hands turning the box over. "So... those three, they know about you? Who else?"

"All of bridge four," Kaladin admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Or the ones who were there when I charged the tower, anyway...there wasn't really away to keep it secret after that. I was terrified that someone in your army would see. Plus Shen, he was there when I talked more about more powers around the first stew in this camp. Not any of Lopen's cousin's, I don't think. Or the injured recruits. Just the original bridge four, and... now you."

"Oh..."

They sat in silence, Renarin twisting his box around. Kaladin grew briefly distracted following the lines.

"I'm sorry," the prince finally said. "I know you wouldn't have wanted any lighteyes to know. It's one of the reasons I didn't say anything to you when I just had suspicions. I'm truly sorry to have alarmed you like that, I wasn't expecting..." Renarin continued twisting pieces about in an oddly soothing way. "But if I thought someone was coming after Glys... Brightlords have taken a lot from you, haven't they?"

Kaladin grimaced but didn't say anything. He forced himself to look away from the box, he didn't want Renarin to think he was staring. The prince was very perceptive, sometimes.

They sat in silence for a longer time.

"Should I tell bridge four about me?" Renerin asked eventually.

"It's up to you. They're good men, but I understand if its a bit soon for you."

Another long silence. The men were probably wondering what had happened to them, the ones who hadn't gone out for drinks, anyway.

"I don't think I want to, not yet. My abilities... they frighten me." The prince's fingers tightened around the metal cube, knuckles growing white.

"What... what are your abilities? I know there were different orders, which could do different things..."

"Truthwatcher," Renarin whispered. "Or so Glys tells me."

"Windrunner."

A small red light pulsed beneath Renarin's shirt, quickly winking out, and the prince wrinkled his brow. "Huh. Glys is surprised by that for some reason."

"I'm the only Honorspren," Syl said quietly. "The only one who would come. The rest — I can't remember, but they're not here. There were...others. Other types of spren who came through, but not ones like me." She ran her fingers through her hair in an oddly human gesture of frustration.

Renarin forced his shoulders back, tension returning. Kaladin waited while he arranged his thoughts, in the mean time letting himself enjoy watching the shapes that Renarin unconsciously formed and dissolved out of the box's rows.

"I'm not completely sure what I can do. I can grow things. There were some seeds in one of my meals and — they grew, as if a weeping passed in a minute. Some rockbuds outside my window did too. Glys thinks I might be able to do that for people, but I haven't really had the chance to try."

Kaladin's jaw dropped and he couldn't help but reach for the prince, stopping himself just before he grabbed the man's shoulder's. "That's incredible! With stormlight — you could prevent famines with that! And people — you mean you think you could heal?"

Renarin nodded, a few shockspren breaking around him.

"That's incredible," he said, giving into the urge to shake the man's shoulders. "Renarin, that's amazing!"

The prince blinked rapidly, cheeks and ears darkening. "Really? I mean can't Windrunners — you can fly can't you?"

"I haven't... figured out flying. I assumed it was impossible, before I saw the Assassin. But I did figure out wall walking, just earlier today, and I think I can see how that would turn into — it wouldn't really be flying, just sort of...falling sideways. I think I could do it, with practice."

"Wow."

Kaladin shook his head. "People don't appreciate healing as much as they should. My father trained me as a surgeon —"

A wave of melancholy hit him, as it often did when he thought of home.

"That makes a lot more sense then field medicine training that would cover epilepsy."

Kaladin smiled. "Anyway. If you could heal like the Radiants from myths could...I can't express how incredible that would be. The growing crops by itself is..."

Renarin smiled shyly, looking pleased, and Kaladin pressed one last time on both shoulders before drawing back.

"That's not... the only thing I do." The prince looked down. "The other thing I do — well. It feels more like it happens to me, actually. I've been pretending it's my epileptic fits but those actually stopped around when I bonded with Glys."

"I stick rocks together," Kaladin offered. Renarin cocked his head, peeking up through his lashes, and Kaladin sighed. He breathed in a small amount of light, picking up a pebble, then pressed it to the wall.

"Oh!" Renarin said, scrambling to look. "Wow!" He reached for it, but the pebble fell almost immediately.

"Eh. I've tried using it sparring, and honestly its easier just to fight normally."

"But maybe with practice..."

"Maybe. I've gotten some use out of it, but it's not quite as exciting as walking on walls, or as useful as growing crops."

Renarin scrubbed a hand across his face. "My other thing. It's not boring... it's bad. It's. Pretty bad." He breathed out slowly, closing his eyes, and drawing his knees up to his chest.

"Do you ever... get highstorm visions? Like my father?" the prince asked, not opening his eyes.

"A few times," Kaladin said, just as quietly. "You?"

Renarin nodded, than shook his head. "Mine are...different," he said grimly. "And they don't always happen during storms." His hands picked at the cuffs of his pants, then worked to follow the seams of his shining leather boots.

Kaladin waited, but it didn't seem like the prince was going to keep going without Kaladin giving something.

"Mine aren't like your father's either. I understand those are of the past, mine...it's like I was the high storm, I could see the continent moving beneath me. The last was when the assassin came. I...the Stormfather, I think it was him, said 'he was coming.'

Renarin jerked to face him, his eyes opening wide, alight with...hope? "You mean you saw the future?"

Kaladin recoiled on instinct, and he could see the spark die in Renarin's eyes.

Oh. Oh.

"You could call it that," Kaladin said carefully. "Though I feel the Assassin was already, uh, fairly present. More like a warning from an ally, although I don't think the stormfather actually likes me."

He didn't want to talk about the Stormfather's accusations about killing Syl. He hadn't even talked to Syl about that.

"He said he was sorry about 'him' coming," Kaladin explained. "And I didn't see the assassin but – Um. Do you..."

Renarin nodded, shoulders slumping and head curling down. It was hard to see, shadowed as he was, but his eyes looked open now, watery and looking into nothingness.

"The images don't always make sense in the moment. At first I thought it was just...madness. The things I see...it would be better if it was just madness. But they always come true. Always."

An agony spren appeared from the ground, reaching for the hem of the prince's pants. Another followed close behind.

Kaladin sat thinking, not wanting to reply hastily and make things worse again.

"Can you guess what my men said, after they found out what I could do?" Kaladin asked slowly.

Renerin shook his head, but the agonyspren at least faded.

"I was terrified that they would think it was alarming. Unnatural. I thought I was cursed for a while...and Skar said, "If it helps you survive, it’s good. That’s all that needs to be said about it." And...that was that."

Renarin clutched his knees closer, starting to rock slightly. "I don't know if my powers can do that," he whispered. "It feels like the visions can't be changed. I don't know how to change them, I barely understand what half of them mean, not until it's too late."

"Maybe...that's part of why there are so many warnings about being wary of telling the future?" Kaladin said. "It would be easy to think they're guarantees, and set yourself up for failure, but if they're more like highstorm predictions..."

"You think?"

Kaladin shrugged helplessly. "I honestly don't know. But I realized that this — what I can do, what we can do — it's not evil, and its not a curse. So... maybe the legends of telling the future are like the stories of the radiants turning against mankind. Too much time has passed, and everything we know now is confused."

"Hm. I don't know," Syl said doubtfully. "I still feel like predicting the future is weird and dangerous."

"Syl!" Kaladin hissed, while Renarin curled in tighter, rocking staying the same speed.

"But," she said, putting her hands on her hips and rolling her eyes, "I like you Renarin, and I'm a tiny piece of God with impeccable taste, so you can't be evil."

Kaladin slapped a hand to his face, but Renarin seemed to unfold at that, blinking rapidly.

"Really? Glys says as far a spren go, you're the ones that are pure Honor."

"Obviously," she said, sounding for all the world like a stuck up lighteyes.

"And you — you like me? You... think I have honor?"

She squinted at him, and he straightened like a soldier awaiting inspection.

"Yep!" She said finally. "You're not as good as my human obviously —"

"Syl," Kaladin hissed again, flushing, but Renarin just nodded.

"—But I like you, so you must be honorable. And my Kaladin can be weird and dangerous, too, so it's probably fine."

"That's—" Kaladin started to protest, but saw how inexplicably cheered Renarin looked and decided to let it go.

"We should probably get back to the others," Kaladin said finally. A wave of exhaustion hit him, and he stumbled to his feet. Storms, he felt like he had just run a marathon. He brushed off flakes of dried crem from the back of his uniform.

Renarin clambered up after him, and he looked...lighter. His hands twisted over the box, but they weren't shaking. He smiled widely at Kaladin, teeth showing, genuine relief and joy and hope crinkling the corners of his eyes. Kaladin couldn't help but pause and smile back.

"You — you won't tell anyone? About me?" Kaladin blurted out, before they fully left the alley. He just — he had to be sure.

Renarin nodded furiously.

"And I won't tell bridge four about you," Kaladin promised in return. "Not until you ready, but... they might guess, if we keep meeting."

"I understand," Renarin said, expression earnest. "And...I really want to talk more. This...just this meant a lot."

"And maybe..." Renarin looked at Syl, then his voice dropped to a hopeful whisper. "If Glys is willing to talk to Syl, they could try and work on the gaps in their memory together, about where they came from."

Kaladin nodded slowly. Storms, I didn't even think... if it could help Syl... maybe I can move the schedule around so I guard Renarin in the evenings, so we can have more time for them to figure it out.

"Thank you," Kaladin said, reaching out a hand and grasping Renarin's shoulder. "I know it wasn't easy coming to me like this."

Renarin ducked his head, tips of his ears red. "Thank you for hearing me out. Sorry I... startled you."

Kaladin rubbed the bridge of his nose. Startled. That was one word for it. A few shamespren fell. Almighty, what would have happened if he had frozen up like that in a fight? He shook away the thought, he couldn't remember ever losing himself like that, it was likely a bizarre and unpleasant fluke.

Though some of his memories of being the wretch were a haze... Regardless, it was probably why he felt so tired now. That and perhaps the lack of sleep.

They left the alley to find Torfin waiting around the corner; Renarin and Kaladin both froze on seeing him.

He saluted, looking guilty. "Sir! Apologies for eavesdropping, Drehy and I were assigned to guard Prince Renarin tonight, and when you and he didn't return, we grew concerned. I moved away as soon as I could tell that...uh. A guard was not needed."

Kaladin crossed his arms, scowling, and Torfin fidgeted, not meeting his eyes.

"...What did you hear?"

"Very little Captain, I swear! The prince wanted to talk more, then mumbles, then you thanked him, then I left, I promise!"

Kaladin relaxed. "I believe you Torfin, and I'm not upset, you were doing your job."

"Of course, sir!"

"I can—" a wave of exhaustionspren fluttered up around him and he staggered; Renarin reached out to steady him.

"You've been working two, possibly three shifts in a row?" Renarin murmured. "Torfin and Drehy can escort me back. We can, uh —" He glanced nervously at Torfin, still standing at attention. "We can talk more another time."

Kaladin nodded, and Renarin let him go.

Getting to his bed was a blur; he was fairly sure he at least mumbled goodnight to the men still by the fire, but couldn't be certain.

"There's someone like me," he whispered to Syl, pulling his boots (not as nice as his old ones) off, barely mustering up the energy to trade his uniform for more comfortable sleep trousers. Storms, it felt good to change clothes at the end of the day. The little things bridgecrew makes you appreciate.

"And there's someone like me!" Syl said, twirling happily. He smiled at her, then was out before his head hit the pillow.

#stormlight archive #stormlight fanfic #kaladin stormblessed #renarin kholin #kalarin #stormlight au no 3 #my au #BE WARNED:#i know this says part 1 chapter 1 and while i made an outline to organize thoughts the parts i have written are all over the place #there is a very good chance i will just skip over chapters that do not reach a certain vibe threshold #expect future scenes in random order if you must expect anything at all #this au really went around the bend considering tis a silly silly premise

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arcielee · 1 year

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Our moonlight drive.

Summary: A night drive with your boyfriend. Paring: Modern Aemond Targaryen x Female!Reader Word Count: 700+ Warnings: Modern Aemond fluff to soothe the soul. Author's Note: This story is dedicated to the lovely, the talented @babygirlyofthevale 💜 This is a drabble, sweet piece inspired by the masterpiece in motion Comet Donati by @inthedayswhenlandswerefew (chapter2, oh my goodness). A big thank you to my darling beta readers for your help! Tags (Tumblr kindred spirits): @aaaaaamond @annikin-im-panicin @watercolorskyy @schniiipsel @sylas-the-grim @aemondx @fan-goddess @httpsdoll @theromanticegoist @hb8301 @lovelykhaleesiii

Night is coming with its amber smear of burnt oranges and yellows overwhelmed with the purple hue swallowing the last of the day’s light. The route is familiar, a routine drive towards your favorite sweet spot, and the windows are down, letting the cool air knot your hair.

It isn’t far and Aemond parks further back, quickly out and moving to grab your door; you smile with the gesture as he shows that he is firstmost a gentleman, especially when it comes to you. You follow his steps and he reaches for your hand without looking back, knowing fully well that you will take his hand, enlacing your fingers with his own, a perfect fit.

The ice cream parlor is a town antique, with a window opened for the late night crowd to come by. You order first and he leans against your backside, over your shoulder with the shimmer silver curtain of his locks spilling forward.

You feel the warm rumble when he adds, “She also would like sprinkles on top,” and reaches to take napkins from the dispenser.

You peer up at him, a warm glow of pleasure that he remembered, that he knows your simple pleasures.

There is a stone bench that you both straddle, facing one another with your treats in hand; he offers you a spoonful of his ice cream and leans forward to lick your waffle cone. The napkins he grabbed come in handy, helping the failing battle against the muggy night, the sweet spill of sprinkles over the cone’s edge.

Once done, more napkins are needed to clean up and he takes your hand again, leading you back to the car.

This is the only time you willingly place yourself in his blindspot, whenever he would drive but Aemond does not seem to mind it. He likes how you play the role of reconnoiter during daylight, but tonight the roads are empty and this allows you to sink comfortably into the passenger’s seat, enveloped in his scent of leather and his cologne, with a hint of smoke, and you enjoy the press of his large palm into the softness of your thighs, his thumb drawing small circles on the outside.

His vehicle is an imported stick shift, sleek and meticulous, allowing him the control he strives for in every aspect of his life. Aemond is careful, calculated, and you see this in the mirrors added, an extension and a reminder to his half vision; he always turns his head fully to check before a lane change, and this allows him a moment to look at you.

And you are looking back, ever watchful, ever aware of him. In this moment, the blue lumination from the dash gives an iridescent shimmer to the sapphire stone set in his scarred socket, an ethereal glow to the sharp contours of his face.

You feel the warmth return to your cheeks when you see the curl of his lips into a smile that only belongs to you.

“Do you trust me?” the low timbre of his voice asks.

And you do, with everything you have to offer, with every molecule wrapped within you thrumming with a loyalty that began from the moment you met. You remember the play of his perpetual smirk, both inviting and enticing, and what you felt bloom with the first kiss shared, sparked from the touch of his soft lips against your own. It is a feeling that grows still, a sense of comfort and safety with his intimate touches, igniting something that you were not aware existed within your heart.

You keep this to yourself though, and hum your acknowledgement, your grin gleeful. “Where you go, I go,” you remind him.

He does not turn homewards, but instead his long fingers curl around the wheel to rotate, to follow the vacant weave of road lit by his headlights and the settling nightglow. Aemond looks forward and you can see the dimples that line his cheek; only after he settles into gear does he reach for your hand, bringing it up to his lips for a gentle kiss and nestles the hold onto his thigh.

Your fingers curl around in response, a perfect fit.

arcie’s masterlist

#modern aemond targaryen #is a soothing vibe #aemond targaryen x you #aemond targaryen x reader #hotd au #aemond targaryen drabble #this is just fluff #a gift for brit and for better days to come

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bobamilkk · 7 months

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Silly lil swap au!!! Steven’s mom is white diamond and the og 3 homeworld gems are the crystal gems!! Greg’s still his dad and most of early season one would be pretty much the same but with a more dysfunctional found family cuz they’re silly like that. The og crystal gems are now villains to be redeemed but in like. Slightly different ways idk man- With the diamonds it’s Pink in White’s place and then blue plays a bit more of an aggressive role than yellow does

-Jasper is the first time he sees a gem poof. It’s similar to the pearl episode but it’s a robot Peridot made instead of a pearl hologram- She gets frustrated with Steven not taking his battle training seriously and gets punched straight in the face because of it. She doesn’t stay in her gem nearly as long as pearl does and Peridot actually helps him when this weird lil robot keeps trying to fight him- The only reason Jasper doesn’t come back in a few hours is cuz she’s embarrassed she got poofed me thinks

-Sapphire comes to earth to use her future vision to see the status of the cluster and properly check on it- She has her group of 3 rubys with her and they manage to poof Jasper in the same manner of Garnet getting poofed by Jasper in canon. Ship chaos happens and Jasper manages to poof 2 of 3 rubies while the last one escapes in the escape pod with Sapphire. Steven bubbles the rubies cuz he’s silly like that and wants to make sure they’re going to be ok

-cue a couple fights later and Jasper gets frustrated that she’s lost a few battles to a lone ruby and a sapphire of all gems and starts pushing the other gems away and preventing them from fighting with her- She goes to attack Sapphire while Ruby’s catching her breath since she’s seemingly defenseless but Ruby jumps in and they fuse and sit there having a panic attack. Jasper stands there in shock for a moment cuz she’s not entirely used to fusion either before going to attack again-Only for Steven to jump in the way and save them

-Ruby’s getting stressed over the cluster and pacing in the barn so Lapis recommends Steven goes to show them what it’s like on earth-Cue Sapphire and Ruby slowly realizing they love each other. Also the frog. Steven shows them what a frog is and Ruby excitedly shows it to Sapphire. Gay people-They don’t fuse as often but like. By future they’re permanently fused?? But for the majority of the main series they only fuse when needed

-Amethyst comes to earth to collect Sapphire!! She has her limb enhancers to make up for her height n stuff- Idk how the baseball episode parallels will work but. They’re there. Somehow!! Garnet also gets to fuse to hide Sapphire since Amethyst wouldn’t expect a fusion idk anymore

-garnet somehow manages to poof Amethyst in her panic and Steven unbubbles her because he’s curious about her limb enhancers and peridot won’t tell her because she’s scared of him knowing too much about homeworld. She traps herself in the bathroom peridot style until Steven manages to make her realize she’s safe here and the cluster is bubbled and she’s allowed to be herself and doesn’t have to be afraid of being shattered for being defective if she messes up even slightly. She gets her peridot arc or smthn

-Greg gets taken to the human zoo like in canon but Pearls there with Holly Blue Agate to watch over the humans and their growth. She was sent there after white was shattered as punishment for failing her diamond and it’s seriously messed her up- She does see them being free tho and helps them escape with Greg without thinking- Steven offers for her to tag along and she hesitates until Holly Agate comes along and she immediately jumps in the ship

-Pearl watches Steven sleep like in canon but it��s. Creepier. It’s habit from the human zoo but she starts to investigate his gem in the process and realizes it’s her diamond aka white. She goes to remove the gem to free her diamond back-Maybe get her status back by having white back-Desperation type beat- only to wake Steven who panics and pushes her away- She panics massively and starts sobbing and calling him her diamond

-Instead of the loud distraction yell of “She’s Gone” from pink Steven- Steven accidentally mind controls pink for a split second and it makes them both tumble back- I don’t know fully how this scene would work tbh I gotta brainstorm more but. Ik white diamond Steven has a different set of powers than canon Steven- He’s got whites mind control powers n shit

-Bismuth takes the role of Spinel in the movie!! Not in the same abandoned sense but in a “you ruined our perfect plan” and wants to kill him for it whether her diamond wants her to or not- she’s silly like that!! She resets the gems like Spinel does and Jasper signs her life to Greg like pearl does- She carries him around n is super protective of him. Ma’am’s ready to kill someone on sight for Greg-

-Post-Corrupted Steven gets silly lil corrupted traits still. 1) his gem is flipped so it’s like a horn now 2) he’s got silly lil underbite fangs 3) spikes on his shoulders so his jacket is tied around his waist so it doesn’t get ripped 4) he’s like. Extra extra tired all the time someone save him

You should send me asks about the au it’d be so sexy of you /j

#Steven universe #steven universe au #steven universe swap au #steven universe fanart #Oliver was here #info dump

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maximwtf · 1 year

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Can you write Villain/tall era! peridot x sapphire! reader? Idk what else to put there but maybe she was with peridot to help her with her research? (like directions, how the experiment would likely turn out etc) ;p

Peridot x Sapphire reader

words: 1480

google docs pages: 3

Warnings: none?

opening: A sapphire has been assigned to join Peridot on her research concerning the kindergartens and the cluster on earth. How can you make the stubborn gem listen to you?

AN// Thank you for the request! I’m looking forward to writing more su fanfics!^^ I’m mainly going to write for Pearl, Peridot, Holly blue agate, Jasper and Yellow/Blue diamond for now!

I’m also not sure if sapphires can see multiple futures or just one, but I think they’d be more useful if they could see many, so that’s what I went with !

Gif by: Me

“Watch out!”

You had been assigned to follow and help a peridot on her mission. She had been sent on earth to check on the cluster and to do tests on the old kindergartens. Your job was to make sure nothing goes wrong, and to keep the green gem safe.

But before the two of you could even warp there, the homeworld warp pad on earth had to be fixed. To do that, the green technician had sent a bunch of flask robonoids down there. In all of the futures you saw, the warp pad had been fixed, which meant that there was nothing to warn Peridot of.

You watched from behind as the gem typed something on a screen, mumbling about log dates as she went on. You happened to hear her state her facet and cut number too. Peridot Facet-2F5L Cut-5XG. Unimportant information, but you’d still savour it in the back of your mind. You heard the screen she had been typing on close and the boot of her limb enhancers hit the surface of the warp pad. “The robonoids have finished their task.” She said, indicating that it was time to go on earth for the first time. You made your way on the pad too, standing next to the tall green gem. Your form looked much smaller than her’s, but that didn’t bother you. A bright white light overtook the bodies of you two, moving you to a warp pad you had never stood on before. The blue sky matched you perfectly, alongside with the blue crystal like warps that surrounded the two of you. The stomping noises the peridot had made got your attention. She was making sure the warp pad was properly fixed, but you already knew it was. The robonoids had done a good job on it.

As Peridot began to write down another log date, your attention started to wander. Her voice and the noises from the screen were just background noise now. Your mind went through multiple futures to see if there was any danger around the area. In most of them, the first visit seemed calm, no danger. A silent gasp left your mouth, not loud enough to alert the working peridot. In a few of the futures a group of gems appeared. You furrowed your brow and kept looking. There was no way that could have been the most possible future. Were you imagining things?

The sound of Peridot breaking one of the damaged robonoids brought you back to reality. “Peridot.” You said silently, turning to look at her even though she couldn’t see your eye. She seemed to have not heard you, as she walked down the small steps, only to find something that didn’t belong there. “Peridot!” You said a little louder this time. She looked up at you. “There’s something here. We still have time to go.” You said quietly, still unsure if the gems you had seen were here, and if they were, where were they? Even with the uncertainty, it was safer to leave for now. “So it seems. This site may have been compromised.” The green gem said as she got up. With the newly found item in her hand, she stepped back on the warp pad.

You watched her place a glowing green box on it and then you were off again, soon back on homeworld.

After this, and throughout the whole mission a group of gems and ‘a Steven’ had been on your backs. They were in all of the possible futures you saw. With your help, she had been able to avoid most contact with the gems, up until she had started to act on her own. The green gem had lost the bottom part of her limb enhancers on one of her legs, and also all contact to homeworld. You were stranded. Telling the green gem that ‘I told you so’ didn’t help. This mission was sensitive, and as much as the peridot seemed to want to change the future, it shouldn’t have been done here. That had ended the two of you in the least likely future, where you got stranded.

There was one future that you saw. One where this ‘Steven’ was able to fix the homeworld warp pad. And so you had sent Peridot on a mission to get this Steven to the Galaxy Warp, where you were waiting.

The place was calm, not a noise nearby. Only the sound of waves hitting the sides of the Galaxy Warp. You had located yourself on the homeworld warp pad, sitting on top of it as you waited.

Soon, a bright light overtook the darkness of the night, and Peridot appeared with the ‘Steven’. They fought for a while, before the green gem got tired of wrestling and levitated the ‘Steven’ in the air. It was asking what the two of you wanted, which she replied to by saying. “I want to get off this lousy Gem-forsaken planet!” Before dropping him on the ground. She did most of the talking, telling the ‘Steven’ why she needed him.

Peridot had placed herself in front of you, knowing you were more precious than her. Your personal rubies had stayed on homeworld, and not that they could come and help anymore either. You had no way to contact home. This mission was supposed to be quick and easy, but you should have seen this coming.

As of right now, there seemed to be no threats. ‘Steven’ would either be able to fix the warp pad or not, but as of now him fixing it seemed the most possible. You watched him try, but nothing happened. The warp was still broken, and you had no way to go back home. Your mind began to wander through possible futures again. What if that didn’t work, what then?

Peridot kept yelling at the Steven in the background, which you had grown used to over the time you had spent with her. A lot of complaining. A second silent gasp left your mouth. The likely future was the one where the gems appeared here. In that it either ended with you escaping with Peridot or- The futures began to mix again as Peridot began to speak of the cluster. And so it happened, the gems appeared right on time.

Peridot placed herself in front of you, shooting at the gems. Your mind was going through the most likely situations as quick as it could, but nothing seemed to lock in place. Hearing the gems beat up the green gem in the background was when you saw it. They were going to poof her. “Peridot!” You called out, but just a little too late. You watched Pearl place herself behind the green gem as distraction, and when Peridot would turn around, Garnet would finish her.

You sped up to her, dodging an attack Amethyst had been trying to land on you. Taking a firm grip on the green gem’s hand, you tried to run off the edge of the altar with her, but it was too late. Just as you were able to take a hold of her hand, Garnet grabbed Peridot’s waist which caused her to poof in a matter of seconds. Hearing her gem fall on the ground stunned you, but there was no time to stagger.

As stubborn as the gem was, and as much as you would have liked to blame her for getting you trapped here, you needed her. Ducking down as the pearl’s spear went over your head, you picked up the green gem and sped to the other side of the arena. After placing yourself on one of the warp pads, your mind found the most peaceful place to warp to. You had to give Peridot time to reform.

With one last look at the limb enhancers from which smoke rose from, the warp pad under you activated. It consumed you and the green gem in your hand with bright white light, and took you away from harm's way. The gems would be after the two of you, but in a good hiding place you might have just been able to stay for long enough to get Peridot back. She wanted back home just as much as you did. Without the limb enhancers the already failed mission would have been even harder to complete, but you could try. Maybe she would now listen to you.

Pt. 2 - "Keeping up hopes."

#steven universe #su #peridot #steven universe peridot x reader #steven universe peridot #peridot x reader #steven universe x reader #x reader #fanfic #fanfiction #peridot su

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stalkerofthegods · 9 months

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Zeus Greek god, deep dive

Zeus is the Greek god of weather and many things, He is a kind a merciful God, as long as you don't speak unwell or lie. he is a god, and I may add, the king of the gods.

Herbs • Holm oak, olive tree, star anise, dandelion, almonds, pine, vervain, oak in general.

Animals• cuckoo-bird, swan, bull, satyr, eagle, wolf, woodpecker, ants

Zodiac • Sagittarius and Pisces, maybe cancer.

Colors • Silver, blue, white, gold

Crystal• White and yellow diamonds, Lapis lazuli, Blue and yellow sapphires, turquoise, celestite, iron/steel, any quartz

Symbols• olive tree branch, throne, Lightning bolt, a crown, scepter, the Aegis

Diety of• sky and weather, the Greek gods, cities, the home, property, strangers, guests, and supplicants, law, order, justice, hospitality, Kings

Patron of• the sky and weather, men, the Greek gods, cities, the home, property, strangers, guests, and supplicants, law, order, justice

Offerings• Wine, Whiskey, Milk, Tea, Coffee, Small cakes, Breads, Red meat, Scaled fish, Fruit, Rain water, Silver, blue, white, gold candles, Figures of eagles and bulls, Symbols of a thubderbolt, The scales of justice, Crowns, Statues of Himself, eagles, or thunderbolts, Cinnamon, Laurel, Art or pictures of eagles and bulls, Eagle and bull plushies/toys, Oak, Pine, Toy crowns, Imagery of thunderbolts (ex- art, keychains, pictures, toys), Photographs or art of storms, Golden oobjects, Blue, white, or gold flowers, Assignments you got good grades on anything you are proud of (ex-art, writings, a dance you made or perfected, your songs, your favorite toy that you’ve taken care of for years.), the fat on the bones of the animals, a scepter, throne photos &, etc, fruit juice, rainwater, wedding rings, White wine, medals, hammers, acorns, cotton balls, coins.

Devotional• Check the weather for the day, Learn to recognize the different kinds of clouds, Speak out if you see an injustice (do not speak over those actually receiving the injustice), Dance in the rain, Examine ideas on fatherhood, examine how any paternal influence you received may have impacted your life, your parents for the good parenting you received, Listen to storms and bask in their glory (whether its a real storm or you’re just listening to a recording of one), Learn to appreciate different kinds of weather, learn the property lines of your house, Take care of yourself, Learn a little more about politics and the current political state of your country, fight for what you believe in (only if it is not harming others), Help sort out a conflict or an argument, Also learn about your country’s legal system, Be hospitable, Take leadership in a project that you’re doing, Destigmatize sex work and homelessness, Practice divination, Learn about your local hawks/eagles/birds of prey, learn ornithomancy (divination from the flight of birds), study meteorology and climate change, study local and national politics, practice good citizenship, vote, volunteer to register voters, support issues and candidates, collect rainwater, support your family, help your grandparents, help people move, donate to charity & homeless centers, worship his family in his honor, singing his praises (he likes being complimented)

Ephithets• ABRETTE′NUS/Abrettênos-surname of Zeus in Mysia, ACRAEUS/Akraios-given to various goddesses and gods whose temples were situated upon hills, AEGIDU′CHOS/AEGI′OCHOS/Aigidouchos/Aigiochos- surname of Zeus, as the bearer of the Aegis when he strikes terror into the impious and his enemies, but also a surname of Zeus being fed by a goat, AENE′IUS/AENE′SIUS/Ainêios/Ainêsios- surname of Zeus when he was worshipped in the island of Cephalenia, AE′THIOPS/Aithiops-the Glowing or the Black, AETNAEUS/Aitnaios -an epithet given to several devine beings connected with Mount Aetna, AGAMEMNON/Agamemnôn- A surname of Zeus, under when he was worshipped at Sparta, AGATHODAEMON/Agathodaimôn/Agathos Deos-Good God, when Greeks drank a cup of unmixed wine at the end of every repast, AGE′TOR/Agêtôr- surname given to several gods, AGO′NIUS/Agônios- a surname or epithet of several gods used in the sense of helpers in struggles and contests, AGORAEUS/AGORAEA/Agoraia/Agoraios-epithets given to several divinities who were considered as the protectors of the people in agora, ALASTOR/Alastôr- surname of Zeus, describing him as the avenger of evil deeds, ALEXI′CACUS/Alexikakos- the averter of evil, AMBU′LIU/AMBU′LIA/AMBU′LII/Amboulia/Amboulioi/Amboulios- surnames when the Spartans worshipped Athena, the Dioscuri, and Zeus, APE′MIUS/Apêmios- a surname of Zeus when he had an altar on mount Parnes in Attica where sacrifices were offered to him, APESA′NTIUS/Apesantios- when zeus had a temple on mount Apesas near Nemea, where Perseus was said to have first offered sacrifices to him, APOMYIUS/Apomuios- driving away the flies, AREIUS/Areios- either the warlike or the propitiating and atoning god, ASBAMAEUS/Asbamaios- protector of the sanctity of oaths, A′SIUS/Asios- surname of Zeus, from the town of Asos or Oasos in Crete, ATABY′RIUS/Ataburios- surname of Zeus derived from mount Atabyris or Atabyrion in the island of Rhodes, ATHO′US/Athôos - a surname of Zeus, derived from mount Athos, CA′RIUS/Karios-where he had a temple at Mylassa in Caria, CA′SIUS/Kasios-surname of Zeus, derived from amount Casion not far from Pelusium, CATAE′BATES/Kataibatês-who descends in thunder and lightning, CATHA′RSIUS/Katharsios- the purifyer or atoner, CENAEUS/Kênaios- derived from cape Cenaeum in Euboea, CHRYSAOR/Chrusaôr- The god with the golden sword or arms, CLA′RIUS/Klarios- the god who distributes things by lot, CO′NIUS/Konios- the god who excites or makes dust, CORYPHAEUS/CORYPHAEA/Koruphaia -the highest or supreme god, and is, CROCE′ATAS/Krokeatas- derived from Croceae, near Gythium in Laconia, CRO′NIDES/CRONI′ON/Kronidês/Kroniôn- a patronymic from Cronus, and very commonly given to Zeus, the son of Cronus, CTE′SIUS/Ktêsios - the protector of property, DICTAEUS/Diktaios- derived from mount Dicte in the eastern part of Crete, ELEUTHEREUS/Eleuthereus- used in the sense of the deliverer, and occurs also as the surname of Zeus, EVA′NEMUS/Euanemos- the giver of favourable wind,

GAME′LII/Gamêlioi theoi- divinities protecting and presiding over marriage, GENETAEUS/Genêtaios- derived from Cape Genetus on the Euxine, HETAEREIUS/Hetaireios - the protector of companies or associations of friends, HOMAGY′RIUS/Homagurios- god of the assembly or league, HO′RCIUS/Horkios- the god who watches over oaths, or is invoked in oaths, and punishes their violation, HYES/Huês- the moist or fertilising god, HYE′TIUS/HYES/HY′PATUS/Hupatos-the most high, ITHOMATAS/Ithômatas- derived from the Messenian hill of Ithome, LABRANDEUS/Labrandeus derived from a temple he had at Labranda, LAPE′RSIUS/Lapersios- derived from the Attic demus of Lapersae, LAPHY′STIUS/Laphustios- derived either from Mount Laphystius in Boeotia, or from the verb laphussein, to flee, in reference to the human sacrifices which were offered to him in early time, LARISSAEUS/Larissaios- derived from the arx Larissa at Argos, LECHEA′TES/Lecheatês- the protector of childbed, LEUCAEUS/Leukaios- when he was worshipped at Lepreus, in Elis, LIMENO′SCOPUS/LIME′NIA/LIMENI′TES:LIMENI′TIS/Limenia, Limenitês/Limenitis, Limenodkopos- the protector or superintendent of the harbour, LYCAEUS/Lukaios- a surname of certain divinities worshipped on mount Lycaeum in Arcadia, MAEMACTES/Maimaktês- the stormy, MECHANEUS/Mêchaneus- skilled in inventing, MEILI′CHIUS/Meilichios-the god that can be propitiated, or the gracious, MESSAPEUS/Messapeus- derived when he had a sanctuary between Amyclae and mount Taygetusm, MO′RIUS/Morios- the protector of the sacred olive trees, NEMEIUS/Nemeios- when he had a sanctuary at Argos, with a bronze statue, the work of Lysippus, and where games were celebrated in his honour, NOMOS/Nomos-a personification of law, OGO′A/Ogôa- the Carian name of Zeus at Mysala, when he had a temple where a sea-wave was seen from time to time, OLY′MPIUS/Olumpios- the Olympian, occurs as a surname of Zeus and in general of all the gods that were believed to live in Olympus, O′MBRIUS/Ombrios- the rain-giver, PANHELLE′NIUS/Panellênios- the god common to, or worshipped by all the Hellenes or Greeks,, PARNE′THIUS/Parnêthios- derived from Mount Parnes in Attica, PATROUS/PATROA/Patrôios/Patrôia- all the gods whose worship has been handed down in a nation or a family from the time of their fathers, whence in some instances they are the spirits of departed ancestors themselves, PHY′XIUS/Phuzios ex- the god who protects fugitives, PI′STIUS/Pistios- the god of faith and fidelity, POLIEUS/Polieus- the protector of the city, SOTER/Sôtêr- the Saviour, STHE′NIUS/Sthenios- the powerful & the strengthening, XENIUS/XE′NIA/Xenia- masculine Xenios are epithets of Athena and Zeus, as presiding over the laws of hospitality, and protecting strangers,

ZYGIUS/ZYGIA/Zugia/Zugios- surnames of Hera and Zeus, and as them as presiding over marriage, Ομβριος/Ombrios- Of the Rain, Ὑετιος/Hyetios- Of the Rain, Αφεσιος/Aphesios- Releasing (Rain), Σκοτιτας/Skotitas- Dark, Murky, Κεραυνιος/Keraunios-Of the Thunderbolt,!Αστραπαιος/Astrapaios-Of the Lightning, Καταιβατης/Kataibatês-Descending, Λαβρανδευς/Labrandeus-Furious, Raging, Ικμαιος/Ikmaios-Of Moisture, Κονιος/Konios-Of the Dust, Μαιμακτης/Maimaktês-Boisterous, Ευηνεμος/Euênemos-Of Fair Winds, Λιμενοσκοπος/Limenoskopos-Watcher of Sea-Havens, Βασιλευς/Basileus-King, Chief, Ruler, Ὑπατος/Hypatos-Supreme, Most High, Ὑπσιστος/Hypsisto-Supreme, Most High,

Κορυφαιος/Koryphaios-Chief, Leader, Κτησιος/Ktêsios-Of the House, Property,Ἑρκειος/Herkeios-Of the Courtyard, Βουλαιος/Boulaios-Of the Council, Αμβουλιος/Amboulios-Counsellor, Τελειος/Teleios-Of Marriage Rites, Μοιραγετης/Moiragetês-Leader of the, Fates, Κλαριος/Klarios-Of the Lots, Σημαλεος/Sêmaleos-Giver of Signs, Μηχανευς/Mêkhaneus-Contriver, Κοσμητης/Kosmêtês-Orderer, Θεος Αγαθος/Theos Agathos-The Good God,

Επιδωτης/Epidôtês-Giver of Good, Πλουσιος/Plousios-Of Wealth, Φιλιος/Philios-Of Friendship, Ξενιος/Xenios-Of Hospitality, Strangers, Ἱκεσιος/Hikesios-Of Suppliants, Φυξιος/Phyxios-Of Refuge,

Παλαμναιος/Palamnaios-(Punisher) of Murderers, Καθαρσιος/Katharsios-Of Ritual Purification, Προστροπαιος, Prostropaios-Turner of Pollution, Απημιος/Apêmios-Averter of Ills, Σωτηρ/Sôtêr-Saviour, Deliverer, Μειλιχιος/Meilikhios-Gracious, Merciful, Πανελληνιος/Panellênios-Of All the Greeks, Λαοιτης/Laoitês-Of the People, Πολειυς/Poleius-Of the City-State, Σωσιπολις/Sôsipolis-City-Saviour, Ελευθεριος/Eleutherios-Of Freedom, Χρυσαορευς/Khrysaoreus-Of the Golden Sword, Στρατιος/Stratios-Of War, Warlike, Αρειος/Areios-Of War, Warlike,

Σθενιος/Sthenios-Of Strength, Strong,

Τροπαιος/Tropaios-Turns to Flight, Defeats, Φυξιος/Phyxios-Puts to Flight, Banishes, Ὑμηττιος/Hymêttios-Of Mt Hymettus (Attica), Παρνηθιος/Parnêthios-Of Mt Parnes (Attica), Ανχεσμιος/Ankhesmios-Of Mt Anchesmus (Attica),

Απεσαντιος/Apesantios-Of Mt Apesas (Argolis),Λαρισαιος/Larisaios-Of Larisa (Argos acropolis), Νεμειος/Nemeios-Of Nemea (Argolis), Κροκεατος/Krokeatos-Of Croceae (Laconia), Ιθωματος/Ithômatos-Of Mt Ithome (Messenia), Ολυμπιος/Olympios-Of Olympia (in Elis), Λυκαιος/Lykaios-Of Mt Lycaeus (Arcadia), Κιθαιρωνιος/Kithairônios-Of Mt Cithaeron (Boeotia), Λαφυστιος/Laphystios-Of Mt Laphystius (Boeotia), Κηναιος/Kênaios-Of Cape Cenaeus (Euboea), Ολυμπιος/Olympios-Of Mt Olympus (Thessaly), Δωδωναιος/Dôdônaios-Of Dodona (Thesprotia), Αινησιος/Ainêsios-Of Mt Aenus (Cephallenia), Πελασγιος/Pelasgios-Of the Pelasgians (Tribe), Πελασγικος/Pelasgikos-Of the Pelasgians (Tribe), Δικταιος/Diktaios-Of Mt Dicte (Crete), Αταβυριος/Atabyrios-Of Mt Atabyris (Rhodes), Καριος/Karios-Of Caria, Λαβρανδευς/Labrandeus-Of Labranda (Caria), Λαβραυνδηνος/Labraundênos-Of Labranda (Caria), Καπετωλιον/Kapetôlion-Of the Capitol (Rome), Βουλαιος/Boulaios-Of the Council-Hall, Αγοραιος/Agoraios-Of the Market-Place, Σκοτιτας/Skotitas-Of the Dark (Oak-Forest), Λευκαιος/Leukaios-Of the White-Poplar Grove, Λυκαιος/Lykaios-Of the Wolves, Απομυιος/Apomyios-Averter of Flies, Λεχεατης/Lekheatês-Of the Childbed, Κλαριος/Klarios-Of the Lots, Τελειος/Teleios-Full-Grown, Αρισταιος/Aristaios-Of Aristaeus (hero Ceos), Μεσσαπευς/Messapeus-Of Messapeus (hero Sparta).

Equivalents• Jupiter (Roman), Rigyeda (Hindu), Di Pater (Oscan), Ioues Patres (Marrucinian), Iupitar (Umbrian), Tina (Etruscan), Mitra / Varuna (Vedic, probably syncretized), Mithra (Old Persian), Dei-Patrous (Illyrian), Dyaus Pitar (Indian), Debess Tevs (Latvian), Attas Isanus (Hittite), Dievas (Baltic), Tatis Tiwaiz (Luvian), Papaeus (Scythian), Thor (Norse), Odin (Norse)

Signs their reaching out• Sudden signs of his animals, his statues, art of him, his mythos, a sudden pull to him.

Vows/omans• His wedding vows.

Morals• Morally dark.

Courting• Hera/Juno, they are married.

Past lovers/crushes• I couldn’t find all of them, and please cut me some slack, but some are, Semele, Demeter, Europa, Eurynome, Métis, Callisto, Leto, Mnemosyne, Thaleia, Themis, Electra, Leda, Aegina, Alcmene, Ganymede, Persephone, Dione, Maia, Metis, Nemesis, AIX, Alkmene.

Personality• I heard he is funny, mercifully, calm and collected, and obviously father like.

Home• Mount Olympus.

Mortal or immortal • Immortal

Fact• He led a rebellion with all the Olympians except Dionysus because he wasn’t born yet, against his own father, and won.

Curses• bad flying conditions, storms, lightning, thunder, justice, Eagle poop all over your car, marriage issues

Blessings• good flying conditions, good storms, good lightning, good thunder, having justice, help in creating an eternal fire, no marriage issues, help in legal matters

Roots• Crete, raised by the nymphs Adrasteia and Ida, daughters of Melisseus, nursing Zeus, with the milk from the goat Amalthea, given to them by his mother Rhea.

Parentage• Rhea and Cronus

Siblings• Hestia, Hades, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, and Chiron.

Attendees• Kratos (Strength), Zelos (Rivalry), Nike (Victory) and Bia (Force), he is often seen with Hermes, his high councilor is Themis, Hestia in hall, and Metis in his stomach (the Greeks thought the stomach held knowledge, and wisdom) or mind, Harpies and Hebe and Ganymede

Pet• A golden eagle named Aetos Dios

Children •AGDISTIS (born when Zeus accidentally impregnated Gaia the Earth),AIGIPAN/Aegipan (son of Zeus and Aix or Boetis), ALATHEIA (daughter of Zeus)APHRODITE (daughter of Zeus and the Titaness Dione, most say she was born in the sea from the severed genitals of Ouranos), APOLLON/Apollo (son of Zeus and the Titaness Leto)

ARES (son of Zeus and his wife Hera.),

ARTEMIS (daughter of Zeus and the Titaness Leto), ASOPOS/Asopus (son of Zeus and Eurynome, however most call him a son of Okeanos and Tethys), ATE (daughter of Zeus, others say she was born fatherless to Eris), ATHENE/Athena (Titaness Metis and Zeus),

BRITOMARTIS (daughter of Zeus and the Nymphe Karme), DIONYSOS/Dionysus (son of Zeus and Semele or of Zeus and Demeter or Dione), EILEITHYIA (daughter of Zeus and Hera), EIRENE/Irene (daughter of Zeus and the Titaness Themis), ERIS (daughter of Zeus and Hera, most say she was a daughter of Nyx), ERSA (daughter of Zeus and the Titaness Selene),

EUNOMIA (daughter of Zeus and the Titaness Themis), HARMONIA (Zeus and the Pleiad Elektra, usually a daughter of Ares and Aphrodite who was only fostered by the Pleiad), HEBE (daughter of Zeus and Hera), HEPHAISTOS/Hephaestus (son of Zeus and Hera, though many say Hera conceived him without the assistance of Zeus), HERMES (son of Zeus and the Pleiad Maia), HORAI/Horae (Dike, Eirene, and Eunomia--were daughters of Zeus and the Titaness Themis), KABEIROI/Cabeiri (sons of Zeus and the Mousa Kalliope, but call them sons of Hephaistos and Kabeiro), KAIROS/Caerus (youngest divine son of Zeus.), KENTAUROI KYRPIOI/Cyprian (sprang from Gaia the Earth when Zeus accidentally impregnated his failed attempt to make love to Aphrodite),

KHARITES/Charites (Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thaleia are daughters of Zeus and the Titaness Eurynome), KORYBANTES SAMOTHRAKIOI/Samothracian Corybantes (sons of Zeus and the Mousa Kalliope), LITAI/Litae (elderly goddesses of prayer were daughters of Zeus),

MELINOE (She as a daughter of Zeus and Persephone), MOIRAI/Moirae (Atropos, Lakhesis and Klotho, who are daughters of Zeus and the Titaness Themis, others say they were daughters of Nyx, Ananke or Khaos), MOUSAI/Muses (Kalliope, Terpsikhore, Kleio, Euterpe, Ourania, Thaleia, Polyhymnia, Melpomene, Erato, were daughters of Zeus and the Titaness Mnemosyne), NEMEA (minor goddess-nymph, daughter of Zeus and the Titaness Selene), NYMPHAI/Nymphs (Nymphs in general were sometimes called the daughters of Zeus), NYMPHAI THEMEIDES (Three goddess-nymph daughters of Zeus and the Titaness Themis), PALIKOI/Palici (Twin gods of Zeus and Thaleia, but others say they were sons of Hephaistos and Aitna), PAN (son of Zeus and Hybris but others invariably call him a son of Hermes), PANDEIA (devine daughter of Zeus and the Titaness Selene), PERSEPHONE (Devine daughter of Zeus and Demeter or, according to one account, of Zeus and Styx), PHASIS (devine son of Zeus, other say he was a son of Okeanos and Tethys like the other Rivers), ZAGREUS (divine son of Zeus and his own daughter Persephone),

AIAKOS/Aeacus (son of Zeus and the Nymphe Aigina), AITHLIOS/Aethlius (son of Zeus and either Protogeneia or Kalyke),

AKHEILOS/Acheilus (son of Zeus and Lamia), ALEXANDROS/Alexander the Great (son of Zeus born to the Makedonian Queen Olympia), AMPHION (He was a twin son of Zeus and Antiope),

ARGOS/Argus (He was a son of Zeus and Niobe.), ARKAS/Arcas (son of Zeus and Kallisto.), ARKEISIOS/Arceisius (son of Zeus, or according to others, of Kephalos and Prokris), ATYMNIOS/Atymnius (He was a son of Zeus and Kassiopeia),

DARDANOS/Dardanus (He was a son of Zeus and Elektra), DIOSKOUROI/Dioscuri (Twin princes of who were hatched from an egg laid by Queen Leda. Polydeukes, was fathered by Zeus, but the other, Kastor, was the son of Leda's husband Tyndareus), EMATHION (son of Zeus and Elektra), ENDYMION (He was the son of Kalyke, either by Zeus or her husband Aithlios), EPAPHOS/Epaphus (son of Zeus and the much-suffering Io), GRAIKOS/Graecus (son of Zeus and Thyia), HELENE/Helen(daughter of Zeus by Leda or the goddess Nemesis), HELLEN (son of Zeus and Pyrrha, though others say his father was Pyrrha's husband Deukalion),

HERAKLES/Heracles (1) (Alkmene who was seduced by Zeus in the form of her own husband.), HERAKLES/Heracles (2) (A son of Zeus and Lysithoe), HEROPHILE (daughter of Zeus and the Libyan queen Lamia), IARBAS (Zeus and an African Nymphe), IASION A prince of the Island of Samothrake (son of Zeus and Elektra),

KEROESSA/Ceroessa (daughter of Zeus and Io), KOLAXES/Colaxes) (son of Zeus and the Nymphe Hora), KORINTHOS/Corinthus (He was a son of Zeus but, according to others, of Epopeus), KRINAKOS/Crinacus (He was a son of Zeus.), KRONIOS/Cronius (Zeus and the Nymphe Himalia.), KYTOS/Cytus (Zeus and the Nymphe Himalia), LAKEDAIMON/Lacedaemon (son of Zeus and the Pleiad Taygete.), LATINOS/Latinus (son of Zeus and Pandora.), MAGNES son of Zeus and Thyia but some say he was the son to Aiolos and Enarete), MAKEDON/Macedon (He was a son of Zeus and Thyia), MANES (a son of Zeus and Gaia), MEGAROS/Megarus (son of Zeus and a Sithnid Nymphe), MELITEUS (He was a son of Zeus and Othris), MINOS (He was a son of Zeus and Europa.), MYRMIDON (He was a son of Zeus and Eurymedousa.), ORION (He was conceived by three gods--Zeus, Hermes and Poseidon--who urinated upon a bull's hide and buried it in the earth, to grow an earth-born infant), PELASGOS/Pelasgus (He was a son of Zeus and Niobe, but others calls him a son of Poseidon and Larissa or an Autokhthon),

PEIRITHOUS/Pirithous (son of Zeus and Dia, most authors say the father was Dia's husband King Ixion), PERSEUS (son of Zeus and Danae), POLYDEUKES/Polydeuces (his twin brother were known as the Dioskouroi, the son of Zeus and Leda, while his twin brother was the son of Leda's husband Tyndareus), RHADAMANTHYS (a son of Zeus and Europa), SAON (he was the son of Zeus and a local Nymphe, but others say he was a son of Hermes and Rhene),

SARPEDON (1) (He was a son of Zeus and Europa.), SARPEDON (2) (He was a son of Zeus and Laodameia), SPARTAIOS/Spartaeus (one of three sons borne to Zeus and the Nymphe Himalia), TANTALOS/Tantalus (son of Zeus and the Okeanis Plouto), TARGITAUS (son of Zeus and a daughter of Borysthenes),

TITYOS/Tityus (a son of Zeus and Elare others say he was a fatherless son of Gaia the Earth), ZETHOS/Zethus (He was the twin brother of Amphion and a son of Zeus and Antiope.)

Appearance in astral or gen• regal, mature man with a sturdy figure and dark beard.

Festivals • Diasia, Epulum Jovis, Hetairideia, Lykaia

Day • Tuesday

Status• Greek major god, as the king of all gods, part of the Big three.

Planet• Jupiter

Tarot cards• the Emperor, Justice, Wheel of Fortune, King of Swords, King of Wands

Reminds me of• Vapes (my dad vapes), cloaks, marriages, and Dad jokes.

Scents/Inscene • Frankincense, myrrh, or rain sceneted incense, Vervain, Sage

Prayers•

To attract more eagles

Zeus, king of the Theoi, god of the sky, father of gods and men, Zeus, the one that holds sacred the sharp-sighted eagle and far-flying hawk, I come humbly before you with a single request. I ask for the friendship of your cherished eagle and hawk, The symbols of your power and grace, Gentle reminders of your ever-watchful presence and protection. I shall revere them as I do you. Great Zeus, Father Zeus, I thank you for this newfound friendship.

In general

Father Zeus, protector of the weak, help me to be strong against my fears. Father Zeus, protector of the wronged, help me to do right by all I meet. Father Zeus, protector of the home, help me to safeguard those within my walls. Father Zeus, help me to do what I must, be with me as I walk in the world.

Links/websites/sources •

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zeus https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Zeus.htmlhttps://www.theoi.com/Olympios/ZeusFamily.html https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zeushttps://www.theoi.com/Olympios/ZeusFamily.htmlhttps://twelfthremedy.tumblr.com/post/626464048642408448/zeus-offerings/amp https://star-of-zeus.tumblr.com https://star-of-zeus.tumblr.com/post/638693970789138432/zeus-devotional-actshttps://star-of-zeus.tumblr.com/post/638790200476221440/tuesday-is-zeus-day https://star-of-zeus.tumblr.com/post/638790200476221440/tuesday-is-zeus-day https://star-of-zeus.tumblr.com/post/650165209920651264/acknowledge-the-duality-of-the-godshttps://honorthegods.tumblr.com/post/159458931171/what-offerings-would-you-recommend-for-zeus-and/amp https://www.theoi.com/articles/where-was-zeus-born/#:~:text=Greek%20mythology%20states%20that%20Crete,significant%20deity%20in%20ancient%20Greece.https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-equivalents-to-Zeus-in-other-god-mythologies https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-equivalents-to-Zeus-in-other-god-mythologieshttps://mythopedia.com/topics/zeushttps://www.desy.de/gna/interpedia/greek_myth/creation.html#:~:text=When%20it%20came%20time%20to,a%20handsome%20youth%20on%20Crete.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ida_(nurse_of_Zeus)#:~:text=According%20to%20Apollodorus%2C%20Rhea%20gave,were%20the%20daughters%20of%20Melisseus%22.https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-equivalents-to-Zeus-in-other-god-mythologieshttps://www.havefunwithhistory.com/facts-about-zeus/https://www.tumblr.com/alder-bos/669862051714318336/deities-and-their-tarot-cards-long-post https://star-of-zeus.tumblr.com/post/640511172666392576/prayer-to-zeus-for-hawkeagle-friends diana-thyme

This deep dive is a payment to my friend Bri @briislame, May you look up and find Zeus looking down with smiles.

~I use resources, I do not own the info, and most deep dives have UPG (that I use in my work.) And I only take some information from sources. I am 14, this is my hobby, I am learning but I spent many hours and days on this, and I am always open to criticism. I have been doing worship for 5 years. Please know you can use the info, I do not sue, but I will take action if this work is used without permission and not put as a resource if used in any work. without permisson and not put as a resource if used in any work, for the public.

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would-this-pokemon-be-a-friend · 9 months

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How about dragonite? I know they are big and powerful. But their usually pleasent demeanor and high inteligence keeps that power in check, so would size be the only issue for the big orange softie?

While dragonites do score a D rank, you do have good instinct in pointing out that size is the biggest issue here. Although, their sheer power is certainly something to keep an eye on.

Dragonites are pretty big, needless to say. At seven feet tall, it certainly wouldn’t be impossible to keep a dragonite in your home (there’s human beings that tall, after all). But space isn’t the only issue when you get into a pokémon species this large: think about the food costs, the bed, the transportation, etc. They’re quite heavy too, at over 450 pounds! This size increases the their threat level significantly.

Thankfully, as you pointed out, dragonites are big orange softies. They are described in the pokédex as “kindhearted” (Ruby/Sapphire) and are known to fly over the sea to rescue people from drowning (Gold). That being said, very few humans have interacted with this species (Red/Blue, LeafGreen). They are theorized to live on an isolated island out at sea populated only by dragonites (Yellow, Crystal). At the very least, dragonites are not very used to living among humans Unfortunately, these pokémon are said to be as intelligent as humans (Red/Blue). This brings up some really difficult ethical questions about if it would be just to keep one as a pet in the same way that it would be unjust to keep a human as a pet. Perhaps they should be left to their own agency.

As previously mentioned, dragonites are immensely powerful pokémon. Despite their large build and relatively small wings, they can fly at pretty incomprehensible speeds. The pokédex claims that dragonites are capable of flying around the globe in just 16 hours (Emerald). Doing some pretty simple math, this means that dragonites could fly as fast as 1,556 miles per hour. While we must acknowledge that this is a vast oversimplification, because it is much more likely that it takes them some flight time to build up this speed, it is an indication of unbelievable strength that makes moves like Extreme Speed and Slam even more dangerous. Then you add in moves like Thunder Punch and Fire Punch, which present significant hazards, or high damage moves like Hurricane and Hyper Beam, and you have a pokémon with a truly startling ability to cause destruction. All that being said, they are usually quite calm. They are not, however, completely above having bad days: as the pokédex puts it, “incur the wrath of this… pokémon at your peril, because it will smash everything to smithereens before it’s satisfied” (Moon).

While dragonites are known for their kindhearted nature and intelligence, their size and innate power makes them a force of nature that should probably not be constrained to a human home. Add in the fact that they’re as intelligent as people, and you may have an ethical issue as well. I’m sure one would like to be your friend, though!

#pokémon #pokemon #dragonite #pkmn irl #PR-D

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yellowsapphirestone · 1 year

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Price Of Yellow Sapphire Gemstone

#yellow sapphire #Buy yellow sapphire #Price Of Yellow Sapphire #How to check if yellow sapphire

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sketchedboba · 1 year

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"A Green Queen" AU

Chapter V

Mario got off the yellow Yoshi and looked around at the desert land.

He had told Peach that he wanted to take a trip for himself, so that he could learn how to cook meals from different lands. She hesitantly agreed, since she was a bit worried his journey was misguided. All she could do was hope he wouldn't cause any trouble for his brother.

Mario smiled as he checked the map she supplied him and remembered to avoid the Sphinx Prince's palace, for now at least. "Alright! Let's-a go!"

He hopped back on the Yoshi once he fed him some fruit and rode into the desert land.

The sun beat down on him as they trailed, in the distance he spotted a few swaying cacti looking creatures, "What..the-"

Before he could finish, they dug into the ground and began to slither into his direction.

Acting quickly, he lowered his yoshi and waited for the right moment. Once the creature started to raise its head, he ordered the yoshi to leap. They floated down as another tried to strike at the two, but Mario quickly changed direction.

A few more cacti became alerted and headed over to aid the two attacking.

"What the... Been a while since we've had tourists, huh?"

Mario landed the yoshi but they skirted before darting back and forth to avoid the clustering cacti. Their blank stares only made him more uneasy as they swayed.

"ALRIGHT! BACK IT UP!", a voice yelled.

A rover tumbled through the Pokey and grabbed Mario and his yoshi to put into the back seat. The group retreated and the Pokeys swayed and jittered, trying to regroup.

"Woah! Thanks for that!", Mario noted as he sat down properly in the front seat. He turned back to check if everything was ok and the yoshi simply sat down trying to take care of his wounds. "Um, who are you by the way?"

"The name's Daisy! I was just passing when I saw you were in a bit of trouble!", She smiled as she made a sharp turn.

"Oh- Well, thanks! I was just trying to get through to this Kingdom, but I guess it's not easy to get through..", he huffed.

Daisy laughed a bit, "Right! The Pokeys aren't normally this agitated, so a sandstorm probably just ended and they're on edge."

He looked confused, "A bit?! If I'd known, I could've taken at least two on."

"That's the spirit!", She chuckled. "Anyways, where were you planning on going? I could drop you off!"

"Really?! Thanks, I was heading to the Easton Kingdom! I needed a few herbs and vegetables from there!", He yelled as she sped up. The engine riving as she did.

"It's on the way! You're a cook?!"

"Not really.. I-I'm more of a plumber! I fix pipes!"

"Oh shit! Nice, I could use that kind of help at the castle!"

"Wait, you have a castle?!"

Before he could get an answer he saw a large wisp of sand in the distance, despite its slow looking movements, he could tell they were heading straight for it

"Buckle up and put on those goggles!", Daisy ordered. "OH, AND DON'T FORGET THE MASKS! Unless you want sand for lunch!"

Mario nodded and got him and his yoshi buckled up and ready.

"ALRIGHT, HERE WE GO YOU TWO!"

"AAAAAAAAAA!!"

The ship started floating over some rocky terrain. A few statue-like figures were stomping about only to stop and settle into the soil.

Luigi wore a hot pressed dress with a jacket encrusted with green flames along the sides. The skirt part of the dress matched the lime green on the jacket, the lace of the dress shimmering with jewels sewn into it. He adorned a simple yet large crown, several sapphires rung the sides which a few Goombas noted brought a glimmer to his eyes.

He was fiddling with his lace gloves as he waited in the living room and paced. Kamek was giving him a rundown of everything, trying to calm the Queen's nerves.

"How many kingdoms-"

"Four."

"C-Correct, and their former ruler was-"

"Princess Daisy."

"This happened because-"

"Because King Totomesu was tired of being subjected to only his kingdom and overthrew the princess with his army as well as the other kingdoms' rulers coming to a truce to claim him as king."

"Good... So after.. the-"

"They pledged their allegiance to the King, but as he came into power, he fell ill and placed his power and magic into a locket. His son, Prince Khufo, took over as his father passed and harnesses his father's power in the locket."

Kamek blinked, "You've learned this all rather quickly! If you've studied and memorized the rest of the history, you'll be just fine during the meeting!"

Luigi sighed, "I don't know.. making decisions for an entire kingdom?! I can't-"

"You must. You'll do fine! Plus, you're not alone in all of it, the King will be there to help you!"

He face flushed, "R-Right.. Him. Where.. is he?"

"I last saw him in the hot springs room. Probably to think things over, calm some nerves.", Kamek said as he closed his book.

"Hot springs?! At a time like this?"

Kamek raised a brow and grinned, "I WAS going to get him, since we're almost there... But I need to pack some potions just in case anything breaks out!"

Luigi already knew what he was going to say next, but he still cracked a bit of a smile before clearing his throat. "I-I'll go get him!"

"Of course, your majesty. Great thinking!"

The Queen pulled the door in before walking out into the black cobblestone hall. His heels, that he somehow managed, clacked with every step. Spotty moved from their post at the door to follow closely, "Going for a walk, your majesty?"

"Sort of? Do you know where the hot springs are?"

"Oh! They're in a lower level of the ship!"

"Lower level?!", Luigi paused. He'd explored the whole top level, and knew that the ship was large enough to hold a sizeable army, but he didn't know it could go any deeper.

"Yes, your majesty. It's closer to the lava powering and heating the ship, so it makes a good place to put the hot tubs!"

He rubbed his chin for a moment and headed towards his room, "I want to change out of this first, if it's even hotter down there.. I don't want to sweat out this dress.."

Spotty nodded and followed along, "I didn't say it before, but you do look wonderful, your majesty!", The Koopa noted. They became a little bashful waiting for Luigi's response.

The Queen smiled as they walked, "T-Thank you! You're too kind.."

Spotty's face flushed a bit and their tiny tail wagged from Luigi's smile. "I-It's the least I could do, especially since you've been just as kind to me.."

Luigi turned to them and patted their head, his dress flowing behind him as he did. Spotty's head retracted into their shell as a few Goombas passed by on their patrol. Luigi waved to them as they bowed and headed on their way.

Once they walked further down the hall, Spotty lifted their head.

"Is something wrong?"

"The King wouldn't normally... Show much affection for his guards.. W-We know he's proud once we do our jobs right, but you shouldn't..."

Spotty tried to find the right words once he noticed Luigi's immense confusion. They sighed and shook their head, "Nevermind..."

"Are you sure? You can explain it to me later once we get back to the ship."

Spotty nodded.

"Alright, let's go then."

Bowser's head was partially submerged in the steaming water. His nostrils flared and his scales loosened as he was in blissful ease.

Small bubbles floated to the surface from the crack in his shell and he let out a low rumble as his body drifted in the water.

He enjoyed coming in here to get his mind off of things, he was still furious that the human touched his shell, but even angrier that something stirred in him when he felt the vibrations from the tiny palm graze the crack.

It only reminded him of the stupid brother that caused such an injury, but despite it, he couldn't blame Luigi for it.

The more he reflected, the more the feelings ached and confused him. His thoughts only trailed more into thinking about the Princess.

'What do I have to do to make her mine..?'

He huffed, a silly grin plastered on his face as he began to rumble. "What a beautiful..star..", he sighed.

Luigi rushed over, tripping on his shoelace as he looked up at the Koopa guards in front of the door. Spotty helped him up as he dusted himself off. "I-I need to see the King."

"Sorry, your majesty. We were ordered strictly to not let ANYONE pass! Especially you."

"Uh-huh... Let me in."

"Your majesty, we cannot let you in."

Luigi took a deep breath, "Please, let me see the King. It's urgent."

The Koopas looked at each other and one sighed, "Okay, your majesty.....". They started to move aside as their claws pulled the large doors open.

Luigi could spot Bowser's horns sticking out. He heard the doors creak and slowly rose from the hot springs. Steam emitted from his opened scales as he combed his claw through his hair. The streaks of water dripped down his shell, each drop seeping into the crevices of his underbelly.

"Mama mia...", The small plumber gulped.

"What do you want?", He grumbled.

Snapping back into it, Luigi lifted his fist to his lips and cleared his throat. "W-We need to go...to..", he whispered.

A Koopa holding a pile of towels brushed past him, and lifted the pile to Bowser's claw.

"Is that it?", Bowser scoffed. He took the towel and started to wipe his face, "I'm already aware that we're almost at the palace. You didn't need to remind me."

"We should get ready just in-"

"Uh huh, you mean YOU should get ready, I don't see you dressed.", He gawked.

"I was dressed, but I had to come get your stupid,...scaly, ass out of the hot springs!"

"I don't need you to take care of me, Greenie. Besides, you should worry more about how you'll make ME look.", the beast replied. He stammered past him and as he got to the door, he glared down at the guards who kneeled down before him.

"I told you not to let anyone in."

"S-Sorry, your highness! His majesty was persistent in seeing you.."

Bowser took a look back at Luigi, "And you listened? I gave you an order!"

Luigi rolled his eyes and hurried over, "Quit it! I told them to, so i-if you're going to get upset at them. You'll have to get through me first!"

The monster's eyes lit up as Luigi held out his arms to shelter the kneeling Koopas. They slightly glanced at each other in confusion, but kept their heads low just in case.

"Fine.", The beast replied. He took a deep breath and a bit of smoke brushed against the Queen's mustache as he did. Bowser turned away and started down the corridor to the stairs, he didn't want to fight now especially since he could careless about two foot soldiers.

Luigi coughed from the smoke and was quickly swiping it from his face. He looked over his shoulder to see the two guards looking up at him, weary of him.

"Are you two ok?", he said as he reached out both hands to help him up.

The two nodded and reached out hesitantly. One paused, noticing the bandages on the mid section of Luigi's right arm.

He noted the hesitation and trailed his eyes, "Oh, this? Don't worry, it's supposed to seal up in a few days.". Luigi lifted the arm slowly and patted his flimsy muscles, "I'm stronger than I look, a little tug won't hurt! I'll need to gain strength back into it anyways."

He chuckled a bit, putting the guard at ease as they stood up. "T-Thank you. Your majesty..."

"It's fine, really! I just wanted to make sure you two didn't get hurt on my behalf... Unlike the other guy from last week..", Luigi gulped. He remembered himself and Spotty carrying the Dry Bones to his chambers, trying to put it back together before they inevitably fixed themselves.

"I'll help you to your room, my Queen", Spotty chimed in.

"No, I can head back myself, I think. Can you make sure these two get cleaned up?", He retorted and pointed to their scuffed knees.

"But- !"

"I'll be ok..", Luigi smiled weakly. He felt a bit lightheaded from the encounter and just wanted some room to think.

"Yes, your majesty.."

The ship started to descend at the side of the palace, the Troopa spilled out of it slowly as they filed into formation. The Prince of Sarasaland strutted out and planted his behind in front of the fountain, unimpressed. His locket glistened in the sunlight and reflected off of the water.

Kamek appeared at the head of the troops and began to announce, "Now presenting! The King and Queen of the Koopas!"

Bowser stepped down with Luigi's hand in his claw. He waited as Luigi lifted the dress and gently stepped down, "Wow... Tough crowd..", he whispered.

The two made their way down the column, Spotty trailing next to one of Bowser's own guards, and a few murmurs were made as they walked passed.

"Quite the entrance... A bit much, don't you think, Kingy?", Prince Khufo scoffed. He was checking his claws for dirt, unable to really give his attention to the Royals.

"Young Prince, we should just get to talking about a share of the-"

A small claw was quickly placed on Bowser's lips, making Luigi flinch when he saw Bowser's fury.

"You look SO tense and I think you and your husband could use a nice spa day. We'll get to the boring stuff soon."

"We had a deal about-"

"I'm not taking no for an answer, unless you want to feel the wrath of my father and MY magic!"

Bowser grumbled and glared down at Kamek who cleared his throat. "If you don't mind your highness, we should just get to talk about the land distributions, we have-"

"Ew, what is that?! Why is he so old?! Those wrinkles are going to get worse in this heat! Come inside and we'll talk!", the Prince yelped. His paws were shifting the MagiKoopa's cheeks back, trying to diminish the wrinkles.

Luigi chuckled and stopped when he felt Bowser's grip tighten. He looked up at the beast, "He's a kid... in charge of an empire.. this is probably one of the few times he's had non.. threatening allies over? Cut him some slack."

"Slack? What is-.. Non threatening?! Does my army look like a joke to you?!"

"N-No, I just meant, he doesn't know others his age! Geez..". Luigi slipped his hand away from the large Koopa's grip and started up the stairs to the Prince.

Bowser rubbed his temple and clenched his eyes shut, "Think of the Princess... Think of the Princess.."

Luigi slowly walked over slipping a bit as his heels hit the polished marble while he tried to give a welcoming smile, he knelt down to the young Sphinx's level.

His dress puffing around him like a beautiful blooming flower, "E-Excuse me, your highness. We'd love to go to your spa... it sounds like f-fun! Plus Mr. Grumpy could use it..", he winked.

Prince Khufo's face lit up and he bounded onto Luigi. The two tumbled backwards and the Koopa guards immediately stormed the stairs as they saw their Queen in danger.

Luigi quickly sat up, raising his arm to the troops, even seeing Bowser mid-lunge. "I-I'm fine, he was just excited!"

The Prince sat up then backed up a bit, "You folks really don't get out much, huh? It's all battles to you."

Luigi nodded, "They can party, but they're not much for tranquility~"

Prince Khufo snorted, "Well, whatever, let's get going!"

Bowser grumbled as they started toward the palace doors.

"WOOO! What a storm! Are you two good?!"

A pile of sand slowly dusted away as she yelled that. Mario shook off the rest and looked back at his yoshi, "Uh, Are we in the Easton Kingdom?"

"Yeah, I'll drop you off at the cavern market!"

"Cavern?!"

"Yup, we'll be there in a few shakes!"

"Well alright!", he noted. He sat up determined and fixed his sun hat. "If I haven't already said it, thanks for taking us through the desert. If you don't mind me asking, are you perhaps the lost-"

The dune buggie jolted as her foot stepped on the acceleration, Mario held onto his hat, frazzled. He tried to ask again, but was met with several leaves and flora.

"We're here!", she smiled. The mist and leaves cleared slightly, as she slowed into view of a large waterfall with two large Tokotoko statues on each side. Mario's lips separated in awe when he gazed up at the floating brick platforms, topped with spikes and rolling stone surrounding it.

"Is..how do we get closer?"

"Well, if you've made it all the way here, you'll know the only way over there isssss?"

"Oh no.."

"Yup!", She said cheerily. The buggie beeped as she locked it and took out a small red mushroom. "I have some if you need, they're under the seat. I'll see you on the other side!"

Before he could get a word in, she took off. Running to the edge and bounding towards the platform, as she glided, the air became filled with her laughter. Jumping and twirling to avoid spikes and several falling Ganchans. Her heart racing from the thrill of nearly dodging the heavy boulders.

Mario watched, only remembering a similar display from the Princess a few years back. He grumbled a bit remembering the mushroom he had to eat in order to join up with Daisy. "Just a bit more... I'll be there soon Luigi.."

He reached over to her car seat and took up a mushroom, once he ate it he hopped out the side and stared daringly at the course ahead.

His yoshi yawned and hopped out, it ran past him, not before Mario gripped his reigns. The two bounded off, the mustachioed man barely missing the spikes as he opened his legs.

"Hey hey! Slow down!", He yelped. He could feel his stomach churn, yet the feeling of light, cool droplets hitting his face and the bits of sunlight dancing on his pores were worth it.

As he quickly got onto the yoshi, it began to float down towards a Ganchan and bounced off of it before it shuffled it's feet to float downward.

Daisy smiled and crossed her arms, "Cheating much?! Aye there stranger!". She teased.

He rolled his eyes as the landed, "Well, I gotta keep the lil guy fit!"

His yoshi bucked him off and shoved him over as Mario tumbled over.

"Right..~", she mocked. "Anyways, follow me!"

Mario tried his best to wipe the rich soil off of his pants before following her. The three started getting closer to the falls and as he was going to stop her, she went through the watery blanket.

"Is...this safe?! Hey!"

She poked her head through, "It's fine, plus you're going to thank me for getting water on those clothes. The sun'll dry it off!"

"Sun?"

'In a cavern?'

He lifted his sun hat slightly, trying to shelter himself from the water, but to no avail. As he tried to wipe his face, the yoshi shook off right next to him and snickered. "Oh c'mon!"

The yoshi snickered as he walked over to Daisy. Mario opened his eyes to see crystals glowing over small stands. Tokotoko began trading with Shy guys and Koopas, "The residents mostly do trades, but if you have coins then you'll get your worth in gold."

Mario was still in disbelief as he was looking around at the vendors, keeping pace with Daisy, "Wow... Are you also here for some things?"

"Yeah, just a few things. I actually have to get a trade to do myself, so if you'll excuse me", she said as she placed her hair in a ponytail. "Meet back at the waterfall entrance when you're done. Unless this is where we part?"

"uh huh...". Mario bumped into her, still taking in the cavern spectacle. Daisy grabbed his shoulders, forcing his attention as they met eye to eye.

"Waterfall. When you're done. Got it?"

"Yup-"

"Good!", She let go and headed down the row of stands.

The yoshi stopped beside Mario and nudged him slightly. "Yeah yeah, I know... We need the ingredients the professor used to... Ah, I think I see the powder. Let's go!"

A ripple from the murky cream tinted water formed when Luigi's toe was dipped in slightly. He quickly retreated, gripping his towel closer once he felt the water burn it a bit. "Ow!"

Bowser entered the room stretching and groaned, "I doubted you there pipsqueak, but the massage was nice."

Luigi only pulled the towel up further over his chest once he heard a low growl coming from behind him.

"You gettin' in?"

"I-In a moment.. it's a bit too hot still."

Bowser crouched down and dipped his tail in, "this is barely piping. Even Junior's kiddy scales could handle this."

"Well human skin isn't as rugged, plus my arm-"

Bowser grumbled and swiped his tail under Luigi's feet causing the shaking man to slip into the water with a splash.

Luigi flailed for a bit before finding some footing near the rim of the springs. His injured arm was barely able to keep him up on the polished sandstone. "Are you insane?!", He spat.

"You're in aren't you?", Bowser chuckled. "You're welcome."

The Queen began to move his soaked bangs from his eyes, revealing Bowser's snout slightly closer to him. He blinked, almost wanting to push back, yet he stayed as the scarlet eyes peered down at him.

"......Thanks"

"What was that?"

"Nothing, just get in."

Bowser turned his head away as he laid beside the large pool of water. His side profile which revealed little scars on his lower jaw and nose, "Mmm, I don't want to."

"Ok, then do you.. want to talk?"

He grumbled and closed his eyes. Luigi side and turned his back to him.

"You're polite in public appearances, but any other time it's just... Rage and stupidity."

"Stupidity?!"

"I-I meant like .... naive"

Bowser lifted his head and grumbled, "Do you take me for a fool?!"

"No, sorry.."

Luigi began to hear his father's voice begin to stir.

"Do you think I don't understand shit others say?!"

'Do you think this is funny? This is your career and your letting your brother ruin this for you?!'

Luigi slowly sank a bit, "N-No I just-"

"You don't know what -"

'Your Mama and I have done to get you boys a decent life and a good education! You got steady jobs why let your brother-'

"-He drags you around and it was my troops that found out about-"

"LET ME TALK!"

Bowser snapped his jaw shut as he saw Luigi's arm raise to his eyes, his shoulders slumped, and his head drooping. He got up and slowly padded over to him, "I.."

"Look, I don't think you're dumb, just a bit narcissistic", he sniffles. His voice was shaky and little tears rolled down his face. ", You're loud, obnoxious, and the more I think about when I said yes to your LITERAL threat and I see everything.. I-I don't even know how to process it."

Bowser bit his lip, he wasn't sure how to console him and wasn't sure he wanted to. He remembered when any of his kids cried, he'd sit and listen. Getting up, he strode over to the pool, slowly sank in and moved in behind him.

Luigi stiffened, he didn't know what to do, but the tears kept rolling down. "I-I'm... I don't feel.."

"Let's... just talk."

He blinked after hearing those words and took a few deep breaths. He could feel a bit of Bowser's belly rising and retreating as he stammered to breathe.

"would telling you..how I cracked my shell stop you...weird crying?"

"Weird?", Luigi chuckled wiping his tears.

"Your facial hair droops and your eyes bulge, it's gross. Don't get me started on that weird snorting."

He laughed, "Like you haven't cried before!"

"Nope!"

"Uh-huh."

"Do you want the story or not?"

"Yeah..", he smiled. His shoulders relaxed a bit, but he still made sure to cover his scars.

"I was getting ready for my coronation as King. There were lights, a cake, presents, even a rock band playing my written theme song, in my honor . It was epic, of course."

'Theme song?'

"Anyways, the gates finally opened and as I was making my way to the podium to be crowned, the carpet rudely ruined my awesome entrance. I ended up tripping on a hole my claws got stuck in and normally I'd land on my stomach."

"Mhm..", Luigi replied. He cupped a small pool of water into his palms.

"But I was trying to save it with a shell spin and instead of fully landing on my spikes I hit my side and a small crack formed..", he choked. Admitting such a failure caused some heat to rise in his face, a light red glow tinting his scales.

Luigi snorted, "And this was the carpet's fault?"

"Yes! If my subjects had maintained the only thing properly, I wouldn't have ruined such a glamorous piece of art!"

"Right, you consider your shell to be art?"

"My body is a temple, I'm a chiseled creation known as perfection."

".......You have quite the ego..", Luigi added.

The Prince strutted near an entrance across from the two. "Hey you two! I hope I didn't ruin a moment~"

Luigi blinked once he remembered that Bowser was behind him, naked, and quickly swam to his side. "N-No, your highness. We're not-"

"Modesty, I get it. Regardless, I'm glad you two are enjoying yourselves. I actually plan to step out for a bit, the Mudai Kingdom is having a few issues and their ruler wishes to meet on common grounds." His tail swayed with his words as he grinned.

"I'm afraid we can't stay that long while you play King. I only agreed to come this far if matters were dealt with in a couple of hours.", Bowser growled, deterring from the countless marriage comments.

"Ugh, fine. We're doing this the hard way, and right when I was trying to be a good host", he pouted. Shuffling the locket between his claws a dark purple aura surrounded it as his paws waved around it. He was murmuring something causing his eyes to glow with the same magic.

"Kamek!"

"On it , your highness!".

The MagiKoopa readied his wand as the Prince kept chanting. Khufo took a deep breath and the room filled with the foggy darkness. Kamek shot towards the Prince, but the locket simply absorbed the magic.

Luigi's eyes widened as he rested his palm on Bowser's claw, slowly swimming closer to him. Despite his impatience, he knew fighting with a potential ally would get him nowhere. Besides, he had to keep the green brother safe for now.

"Fine.. we'll wait."

All the magic and chanting stopped, the locket hit Prince Khufo's furry chest, and he happily clapped his front paws together. "Splendid! We can discuss this tomorrow, hm?"

"......Sure", Bowser growled. He hated the wait, since he had other matters to attend to, but eased his scales once he felt Luigi's body slump against his claw in relief.

The Prince padded out with a grin. "My assistant will show you two to the guest room for the time being, ta-ta!"

Luigi felt his face heat up, "He means separate rooms... Right?"

Bowser rolled his eyes, "Yeah, and he even scheduled a visit with your brother!"

"Really?!", He beamed. His eyes glistened in excitement.

Bowser blinked slowly with a smirk on his face. "No."

Luigi frowned only giving Bowser the satisfaction of his little prank, "You cruel turtle..."

Bowser gave a hearty laugh, "The one and only~". He felt a bit of light-heartedness wash over him after teasing the little plumber and the tension eased between them slightly.

Spotty was near the door watching, they frowned seeing Luigi's eyes light up once he splashed the King in revenge.

'He shows the King such kindness.. how do I make him see me?'

#a green queen bowuigi fanfic #a green queen au #a green queen #bowuigi #bowser x luigi #luigi #bowser #super mario bros #super mario #mario brothers #princess daisy #yoshi

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zenrobbins0021 · 5 months

Text

Across the Galaxy: Chapter 4

Hunter x OC 18+ (warnings will be given before certain chapters)

“Gonky, please!” I pleaded from where I was lying flat on my back underneath the stocky droid, “Please just hold still while I try and figure out this mess.”

Gonky honked indignantly, shifting on its two thick feet in protest as I dropped the light I had been holding between my teeth, both hands wrist-deep in wires. I swore quietly, turning my head to watch my flashlight roll with the movement of the ship before a familiar boot halted its course. Goggles peered at me as Tech settled on his hands and knees to fully see me struggling underneath their stubborn power droid.

“I believe this is yours.” Tech handed me the flashlight and I leaned my head out, opening my mouth. His eyebrows knit, recoiling slightly, “I do not think it is appropriate for you to hold a flashlight with your teeth. Perhaps if you could free one of your hands.”

“My hands are currently embedded into Gonky’s insides. If I remove my right hand, he shuts off for God knows how long and if I remove my left, there is a high possibility that I could be electrocuted and then you would have to perform CPR. Would you like to perform CPR on me today, Tech?”

Tech placed the flashlight between my teeth wordlessly and I popped back under the droid, squinting as I worked.

“What’s she doing?” Omega’s voice joined from above and Tech replied,

“Iona is currently trying to maximize the amount of power that our droid can store in order to make it easier to charge and utilize during missions.”

“Why couldn’t you fix Gonky?”

“Because,” Tech’s usually even, pragmatic voice had an edge of amusement to it that I could detect even from my awkward position underneath Gonky. “Iona insisted that she could fix it herself.” “Ha!” I replaced the metal panel and wiggled out from beneath the power droid, switching my flashlight off as I gave Gonky a pat on the head. “That should do the trick. See, I do listen to you sometimes.”

“Selectively.” Tech corrected as he plugged his datapad into the back of Gonky’s main compartment, running diagnostics as he double checked my work. “Congratulations, it all seems to be in order.”

I beam, hip bumping Omega dramatically, “And all under the half an hour time frame. I’d say that was a job well done.”

The sound of boots climbing down the metal rungs of a ladder rang as Echo peered down from the cockpit, “We’re approaching the landing zone, if you care to take a look.”

I followed Omega as she scrambled up excitedly, rushing to the front of the cockpit where Hunter was guiding the Marauder smoothly downwards. He turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on Omega first and then me and a small smile tugged his lips.

“Like the view?” He gestured to the window and I felt the air being sucked out of my lungs at the sight before us. A hill stood majestic and tall, surrounded by a sea of emerald and sapphire with hundreds of rounded homes peppering the sides and tucked into the crevices of rock. Warm yellow lights twinkled as they interspersed between rich vegetation as if they were welcoming the Bad Batch home as their ship lowered to the flat surface of the landing platform.

A twisted, winding tree spread its limbs in the middle of the zone, sprinkled with magenta and cream flowers in a comforting, homely atmosphere. As the Marauder’s landing gears engaged, I saw dozens of villagers hurriedly push moving carts and cargo out of the way, raising their arms to wave as they recognized the ship.

“Welcome to Pabu.” Echo patted my shoulder in his usual nurturing way, “Come on, don’t worry about your cargo, we’ll take care of it after you’ve met Shep.”

Omega ran out in front of me and her brothers, beelining for a man who was dressed in a cheery tunic of red and beige with a jolly expression on his face. Beside him stood a little girl, about Omega’s age, and she began to run towards us as soon as she saw the landing ramp lower.

“Welcome back, boys!” The man called out as the two girls embraced, joyfully giggling and talking over each other in excitement. Hunter stepped forward, shaking the man’s hand firmly before the rest of the clones gave their greetings. “Welcome, welcome, welcome. It feels as though it has been months since you’ve come back to us.”

“It’s been awhile.” Hunter agreed, turning towards me and extending his arm as a silent urge for me to come closer. I make my way past the boys, smiling shyly as Hunter rests his hand on my shoulder for a half second before dropping his arm back to his side. “This is Iona, the medic we talked to you about. Iona, meet Shep, Mayor of Pabu and our gracious host.”

“Iona,” Shep took my hand in both of his, warmly smiling and giving it a gentle shake, “You are as welcome here as family would be. Any friend of Hunter’s is a friend of mine.” He tilted his chin towards the girl who was still being bear-hugged by Omega, a soft tenderness in his voice as he continued, “That is my daughter, Lyana. As you can see, she and Omega are inseparable whenever they come back to visit.”

“I am so grateful to you for opening up your home to a stranger like me.” I say, hoping my words convey the depths of my sincerity, “You have no idea what it means to me.”

“Please,” Shep waved his hand, guiding me along across the landing zone, “Pabu is a place for all who seek refuge and a fresh start. We are more than happy to have you join us.”

“Got anymore of that seafood, Shep?” Wrecker asked, trailing along behind us as Shep laughed, the movement shaking his belly in a jolly way as he nodded,

“Believe me, Wrecker, our cook has been busy making all your favorites in anticipation of your arrival.”

The entire walk up the hill, my head was turning left and right as I looked at the homes scattered throughout Lower Pabu and the different species that inhabited them. Children ran in the streets with no concern for their safety as the adults made way for them carefully. Smiles were on the faces of nearly everybody I looked at and there was a certain warmth of peace in the atmosphere that made me feel content and safe just by proximity. Shep’s house was near the top of the hill and overlooked Lower Pabu, giving a wonderful view of the ship docks and rich waves of the ocean that lapped the surface of the beach down below. I leaned my arms against the top of the wall, my eyes fluttering closed. The sounds of the clones and Omega talking and catching up with Shep faded as I let myself relax and focus on the scent of salt and sunshine in the air.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that Hunter had lingered, allowing the others a few paces in front of us as he looked down at me with a peculiar expression on his tattooed face. Once again, I could tell that he was lost in thought but he didn’t break my eye contact as I turned to face him.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked softly, lowering my voice so the others couldn’t overhear.

“Do you like it here, Iona?”

I frowned, wondering what was on his mind before focusing on his question. “Yes,” I replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more safe and more at home in a place. Not even when I was on my home planet. I just wish-” I stopped myself before I let the words tumble past my lips. Hunter shifted, eyes curious as he waited for me to finish my sentence. When I didn’t, he prompted me gently,

“You wish what?”

I shook my head, determined not to be the one to let on that I was dreading the Bad Batch’s departure. It was not my place to feel as though they were my family. They were on a different path and I was lucky enough to be rescued and brought to the safe haven that afforded them the luxury of some well-needed rest. Hunter had made it clear that his family came first and that there were no intentions of settling down in one place, not as long as there was danger of running into the Empire. None of the clones had disclosed what had happened between their unit and the Empire exactly, but judging from how protective they were with Omega, I guessed it had something to do with her.

“It’s nothing.” I push down the wave of sadness that has been pushing past the carefully guarded wall I had built over the past few weeks, threatening to spill over the edge and make me say or do something I would regret. “I think I’m just tired from the trip, that’s all.”

“Iona,” Shep called to me, bringing my attention to one of the rounded homes a few levels down from his. “That will be your residence here on Pabu.”

“Are you serious?” I looked at the mayor incredulously, realizing that I now had a place to call my own and to call home. “That’s mine? All on my own?”

“Of course!” He laughed again, the sound ringing across the stone as he clapped a hand on my shoulder, “I hope you don’t mind but a few friends of mine went in the other day and tidied it up for you. Put some basic cookware, furniture, things like that for you so you have space for your personal belongings.”

I have to blink back grateful tears before I circle my arms around Shep’s middle, overwhelmed by the generosity of his family and his town. Shep gives me a kind smile, understanding crossing his expression as I release him from the embrace.

“Pabu is your home now and we are your family. I hope with time, you can settle in and feel right at home.”

It was the third day being back on Pabu and already Hunter was dreading his departure. He had received an incoming transmission from Cid with orders to retrieve another bounty within the next week but he had delayed telling the rest of his squad, knowing the minutes were ticking down on the time they had left with Iona. Wrecker and Echo had been busy helping move Iona’s things into her new home and she had been occupied with housekeeping items but still somehow found time for a daily walk with him on the beach. When Omega wasn’t running around with Lyana, she was perched on a bookshelf watching Iona unpack or trotting around behind her, ever interested in what the medic was working on.

Hunter leaned against the wall, waiting for Iona as the sun began to set, bathing everything it touched in golden rays and warming the stone beneath on the pavement. He turned his head at the familiar sound of a datapad and Tech rounded the bend, pausing when he saw the sergeant.

“Awaiting Iona?” He asked. Hunter nodded. Tech was silent for a minute before sliding his datapad into his belt, joining his older brother against the wall overlooking the ocean. “I saw that Cid sent a transmission yesterday with information on a new bounty.”

“Ah,” Hunter reached his arm behind his head, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. He should have known that Tech would have found the transmission and wondered why the rest of the squad was not briefed on the mission. “I was going to tell the boys later tonight.”

Tech looked at him thoughtfully for a second, his brown eyes watching Hunter as he faced Iona’s house. The leader’s expression was mild but unable to fully mask the anticipation as he watched the door from the corner of his eye.

“Are you reconsidering our agreement with Cid?” Tech inquired bluntly.

“I-I’m not sure.” Hunter admitted as he turned his head towards his ever observant brother, “To be honest, things were a lot simpler when we were fighting for the Republic. We had one job, to complete missions, and we were damn good at it. But lately…” His voice trailed off, his eyes clouding over in deep thought. Tech waited a moment before prompting,

“...lately?”

“Lately I’ve been…reevaluating what it is I want in my life. What I want for this squad.” Hunter let out a low sigh, the weight of the responsibilities of his family settling onto his shoulders as he struggled to verbalize his feelings, “Our priority is Omega now and her safety. But being back in Pabu like this…it makes me wonder if we could ever have more than a life on the run moving from planet to planet at the whim of somebody like Cid.”

Tech considered Hunter’s words, his own mind wandering to a certain “liberator of ancient wonders” and in that moment, he understood what the sergeant was envisioning for his future. He too had briefly allowed himself the luxury of imagining what life would be like outside the responsibilities and duties of a soldier, maybe settling down in his own home with his own family. Then fear and the sheer impossibility of his imaginings had settled in and he had been snapped back into the reality that they were clones on the run from an ever-growing Empire. Such dreams would remain just that. Dreams.

The sound of a door activating caused the clones to stand up straighter, refocusing their attentions as Iona walked out, her eyes searching until she saw the two underneath the shadow of the rock and her smile softened.

“Sorry I’m late, I lost track of the time.” She apologized to Hunter before beaming at Tech, “Hello, Tech. I didn’t expect to see you today!”

“I am merely passing by.” Tech replied as he gave Iona his customary relaxed smile that Hunter noticed she pulled from him day by day, “Not to worry. You and Hunter will be alone for your walk, as is customary.”

“Thanks, Tech.” Iona laughed, shaking her head as she watched Tech descend down the stone staircases as he headed to Lower Pabu. She turned to Hunter and it seemed to him that her eyes had gotten to an even deeper shade of blue than usual. He cleared his throat, moving to his routine spot on the outside of the street and they began their descent down to the beach.

“All moved in?” Hunter spoke first for once, glancing down at the woman beside him as she took two steps for each of his long strides.

“Just about. I would have finished sooner but Omega and I got distracted at the docks. I think Wrecker is now the sole means of catching fish for Lower Pabu judging off of his most recent catch.”

Hunter let out a short chuckle; he had seen Wrecker hauling in a fish larger than Omega earlier that morning and the villagers had already begun their work descaling and cleaning it to sell in the market. “They’re going to miss him, that’s for sure.”

A silence settled between them and Iona looked up at Hunter, her eyes tracing the side of his tattoo before she replied quietly, “They’ll miss all of you.”

They walked in silence until they stepped off the docks, their feet sinking into the warm sand as they made their way to the harder, wet sand closer to the lapping waves. For a second they stood side by side, the orange harsh glow of the setting sun reflecting off their tanned faces as they basked in the smell of the ocean and seaweed.

While Iona’s eyes were closed, Hunter took the opportunity to look at her, really look at

her, his dark eyes moving from the loosened curls fallen stray across her bare shoulders, caressing her skin in an enamoring movement. Her dark lashes rested delicately against the ever rounding cheeks now tinged with pink from the kiss of the sun, matching the full lips that were upturned in a contented smile. The ocean breeze drifted over to Hunter, enveloping his enhanced senses with the warm, vanilla, buttery scent that he now associated with Iona. The clone sergeant shifted his gaze a split second before Iona opened her eyes, sighing with happiness as she raised a hand to shield her eyes from the harsh light.

“Iona-” Hunter paused, unsure how he was supposed to continue but determined to try, “I got a transmission from Cid.”

Iona stiffened at the mention of the Trandoshan, a shadow flitting across her expression but she remained silent, listening.

“The boys and Omega and I ship out tomorrow morning, early. We’ve got another bounty to track down and then after that we need to catch up on some work if we’re going to stockpile some credits for the winter seasons.”

“I see.” Hunter tried again, “I know you disagree with me about Cid and I respect that. But I ask that you respect my decision and reasoning for conducting business with her and that you trust me with this.”

“I do trust you.” Iona faced him, her eyes holding his as the sound of the ocean rose and fell in sync with his breathing, “I may not understand why but I do trust you.”

Hunter exhaled the breath he didn’t know he had been holding, relieved at the

confession of trust that Iona had just expressed. “You still have our comm channels.” He reminded her, “We’re only a comm away.”

“I know. But it’s not the same.” Iona answered as they began to slowly walk the length of the beach together, heading towards the rocks that were worn smooth with the constant barrage of waves. “It’s going to be strange not having Omega around the house.”

“She won’t understand why we have to leave. But we’ll come back, you know. We always do.”

“Don’t you get tired of living on the run? Don’t you wish maybe you could leave it all behind?” Iona’s question was a simple verbalization of the ones that had been torturing Hunter the past few days, out in the open instead of haunting him in his restless dreams. There was something unspoken in the air between them, the underlying question of if Hunter would choose to stay on Pabu permanently and what that would mean for both of them.

Hunter watched as she reached for his hand, her fingers grasping his lightly as she searched his face for any signs of a reaction to her question. His eyes dropped to her parted lips as she waited nervously before he regained his composure, struggling to rein in his emotions. “That’s…not an option for a man like me. A clone like me. I’m still trying to find my place in all this and Omega-” “-comes first.” Iona finished as her fingers dropped, sadness flickering in her eyes but understanding as well. “She needs to come first, of course, but I won’t lie and say I’m happy to hear that you’re leaving.” Hunter sighed as the weight settled back between his shoulder blades, wishing silently and miserably that he could take his words back and tell Iona that he and his brothers could stay. But as long as the Empire was after Omega, he could not rest until they had some answers and assurance that she would be safe with them wherever they decided to settle. “You’ll be safe here on Pabu. I heard Shep talking to you about some sort of healing job that he wants you to take. Thought about it?”

“Yes but I was waiting until things settled down before I gave him an answer. It will most likely be a yes but I was waiting to see what the facility looked like. Apparently Lower Pabu’s current healer is ancient and in desperate need for retirement, so I may not have a choice.”

"You'll have your hands full." Hunter agreed, thinking about the huge population of people that had settled on Lower Pabu. A twinge of concern settled in his chest as he thought about how close to the water and potentially another flood Iona could be while working close to the shore. "You know what to do if you see the water receding, right?"

Iona crinkled her nose as she poked him playfully in the side between chinks in his armor, jabbing his ribs lightly, "What, you're worried about me now?"

"I always think about your safety." Hunter pointed out before adding quickly, "As I do with all members of my squad." "Does this mean I'm a Bad Batcher?" Iona quirked an eyebrow. Although her tone was still teasing, Hunter could see the seriousness in her eyes and the genuine questioning expression there.

"Getting there." He said gruffly, "The boys will put you through an initiation and to be honest, I'm not sure you stand a chance."

"Oh really?" Iona crossed her arms, stopping to face him again. The wind blew a stray curl of hair across her eyes and she whisked it away impatiently, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hunter laughed, holding up his hands as a gesture of peace, "It's nothing personal, it just involves a lot of alcohol."

"So you think I can't hold my liquor?"

"I'm not saying that." "It sounds like you're saying that." Iona challenged, a spark lighting in her eyes and inwardly, Hunter groaned. If there was anything he had picked up about Iona in these past few weeks, it was that she loved nothing more than to prove him and his brothers wrong. Echo had made the mistake of teasing her about not knowing how to use a vibroknife properly and the next day, she had asked Hunter to teach her. She was naturally coordinated so teaching her was not difficult, but his instinctive protective nature made him take it slow with her.

"What initiation did Omega have to go through?"

"Omega didn't go through initiation." Hunter chuckled, "She's only a child. Besides, she shares our genetic profile so she's already in."

Iona studied him for a second, her eyes tracing the tattoo emphasizing his cheekbone as he had noticed she often did when she was deep in thought. Then her lips set in determination and Hunter knew it was all over.

"Tonight. I'll show you. Besides, we have to do something before you all fly out and head back to Ord Mantell." Hunter sighed, running a hand down his face before shaking his head in defeat, knowing better than to argue with her.

"I'll round up the boys. But I'm not carrying you back to your house if you can't hold your alcohol." Iona skipped beside him, looping her arm around his and Hunter was glad she had no enhanced senses, because the movement made his heart stutter for a second.

"You say that now," She said, laughing, "But you know you're going to be the one walking me home anyways."

Hunter knew she was right. He just wished she knew how heavy it weighed on him knowing that tonight was the last time he could make sure she got home safely.

#tbb hunter x reader #hunter bad batch #star wars #the bad batch

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