#I see we liked size king rain so here you go

[dewdrops-whammy-bar]

Size king Rain helping Phantom take a big toy for the first time. Holding his hips gently as his thighs shake. Phantom’s little whines of hurts, rainy and Rain’s encouragement- Shhh, baby bat, relax for me. You’re almost halfway down. Rubbing Phantom’s clit to help them adjust, then pushing their hips down a couple more inches. Phantom’s ruined little whines as Rain guides them up and down on the dildo. Rain sets up their phone to take a video when it’s time to pull out and helps Phantom gently pull it out of himself (the flared tip makes it a little tricky). Phantom’s face when he sees how ruined he is is priceless.

[letoasai]

Will work for food

DP x DC An idea that's probably been done before but... here it is again.

~~

It was not an ideal setting for this. Out in the open, debris being their only cover. An unnatural storm closing in. The area had been evacuated but there was still no telling how many civilian eyes could be on them at this very moment. 

The League was scattered, making this current group a touch at odds while away from the majority of their normal teams. 

Batman stood with Red Robin, Flash, Superboy, and Raven. It wasn’t a bad lineup, but things were getting dicy. 

A monster had appeared, a creature foreign to most of them. With it came storms of all kinds, winds, hail, rain. It was a mess but there was nothing natural about it. The hail shattered the pavement. The winds were picking buildings up off their foundations. The blue lightning went without saying. The ice was changing the terrain. The temperature changes were disorienting to most of the heroes.  

Worse was the fact that this creature seemed to be able to duplicate itself, spreading the chaos out to a much wider area. They were having trouble even touching the thing let alone capturing it. 

“Are you sure about this?” Batman asked, a deep frown etched into his face as he watched Raven mark out a summoning circle. 

“It’s the only idea i have.” She said bluntly, shivering from the sudden chill. “That thing is not of this realm. We need something else not of this realm to subdue it.” 

“I hear what you’re saying but summoning a demon to deal with a demon still leaves us with a demon.” Flash said, seeing the flaw in this plan. 

“Unless you know this one personally or something.” Red Robin offered, his voice exhausted. 

“It’s not a demon.” Raven said, tone irritated but it wasn’t like any of them were having a good day. “Depending on how you want to look at it, it’s far worse than a demon. That thing came from the Infinite Realm.” 

Superboy just grunted once, watching her put the finishing touches on her spell circle. “You said that in a tone that said it was in capital letters. What’s the Infinite Realm?” 

“Bad news and something we shouldn’t freaking touch.” Raven answered swiftly. She stood, eyes going over her work. 

“Then what the hell are we doing?” Flash asked quickly, all of them tensed as the wind started to pick up again. If a hurricane was thrown at them, there was little they’d be able to do about it. 

“Raven.” Batman’s voice was serious. “You’re sure?” 

“It’s all i’ve got.” She repeated. “This is not a problem this realm was meant to handle on short notice. We need help.” 

There were several things in that one statement he didn’t like. “Who are you summoning?” 

Raven was looking rather pale herself. “The Ghost King. The King of the Infinite Realm. I’ve heard word that he can be bargained with so… we’re gonna give it a shot.” 

She didn’t wait for permission from anyone else to throw in their two cents on the matter. She threw her hands out, alien words no one else understood on her lips. The chant repeated and the summoning circle began to glow a green that the present Bats didn’t care for. 

It crept up the walls of the summoning circle in oddly pretty patterns before a gaping void opened on the ground. Silently, a figure rose into the circle from that same void. The king was smaller than they’d been imagining the last minute or two. He was human shaped and sized, a black crown floating several inches over his head. He was a wispy figure, face hidden by a large hood but there were strands of white hair floating around their shadowed face. He’d had nothing but a smoky looking tail when he’d first appeared but that had now split into solid looking legs. 

Given his size, he seems like a young adult, but it was hard to say for certain without seeing his face. 

“Woah.” Red Robin muttered, Superboy agreeing with the sentiment. 

“Heroes?” The Ghost King wondered, voice soft and lethargic. “Interesting.” 

Raven bowed her head in a show of respect. “Your Majesty. I apologize for the abrupt summons. We have a dire situation and are willing to make a deal for your help.” 

“A deal…” His voice echoed gently. He spoke as if raising his voice would shatter the very air around them. “That’s not something to choose lightly. What do you want from me?” 

Raven swallowed, her body rigid with nerves. She was almost relieved when Batman took over. 

“As i understand it, we have a being from your realm here in ours. We are underprepared to deal with such destruction and-” 

“Of my realm?” The King interrupted softly, head tipped a little as his attention turned to Batman. “Who?” 

Flash laughed nervously. “We’re not on a first name basis or anything but the guy seems to control the weather.” He pointed up and the sky above them was darkening the longer they spoke. 

The King made a noise like he’d clucked his tongue and it struck all of them as a very human kind of gesture despite his title. 

“I can handle that. Your deal?” 

Raven inhaled again, this obviously being the part she was dreading. “Blood, i have the blood of the Demon Lord Trigon-” 

“Pass.” 

That drew everyone up short. The others didn’t exactly understand the significance of Raven offering her blood but it clearly wasn’t something she’d expected to be declined so quickly. 

“My soul then….” Raven muttered. 

“Raven, no!” Superboy hissed. “The fuck!” 

Batman was also eyeing her unhappily. “Absolutely not. You are not Constantine.” 

Fortunately for the heroes, each of which was ready to revolt for such a barter, the Ghost King waved the thought away. 

“Nah.” He tugged on his hood a little and Batman realized he was likely brushing away one of those white strands of hair from his face. “That’s the thing about being the King of the Infinite Realm. Souls come to me one way or another in time. No need to preorder them.” 

Raven’s shoulders sagged, eyes shifting as she rapidly tried to think of something else she could offer. 

“What do you want?” Red Robin asked before anyone else could say something stupid. “You’re the one that’s going to fight this threat for us. What’s a good deal?” 

The King turned to him and stared. They could only assume he was contemplating his answer when he hummed quietly. “Food.” 

“Wha…” Flash muttered. 

The Ghost King just nodded. “Food from your realm. It’s been…a long time since i’ve eaten.” 

“Really? Like we could go grab you a burger and that would be cool?” Superboy asked, a touch suspicious, but the King just nodded.  

“Deal.” Raven said before anyone would make it worse. “A meal for returning this threat back to your realm.” 

The King nodded again, and each of them backed up several paces when the walls to the summoning circle broke apart and the King stepped out. For the briefest of moments he seemed to nearly stumble under the gravity of actually ‘walking’ but he got over it quickly enough. 

“Can we offer you any assistance?” Batman asked. 

The King shook his head. “No.” He wandered off towards the storm, the floating crown on top of his head seeming a little larger. He moved confidently and with purpose. “Oh Vortex…” He called, walking into the winds. 

He sounded young, but all of them agreed immediately that they never wanted to hear him beckoning them the same way. His tone was dangerous, and he walked right through a car that had been flung in his direction. 

“Cool.” Red Robin muttered. 

“Simmer down, Red.” Superboy muttered. All of them wanted to follow, but with the unstable weather and a literal Ghost King wandering about, staying out of the way felt like the best option. Of course that didn’t mean they weren’t dying of curiosity. 

Flash moved to stand beside Raven, making sure she wasn’t about to topple over because of the power it must have taken to summon a king from another dimension. “You good?” 

“Yeah.” she breathed out a sigh. “Honestly, this was an unforeseen best case scenario. You should really go get that food for him.” 

Batman moved to her otherside, hearing the voices over comms noticing a shift in what was happening. “You think it will be over that fast?” 

“Yes.” 

“Well-” Flash looked up at the sky that was rapidly clearing. “Yep. I’ll be right back.” He was gone in a blur but it was hard to believe a change was happening so quickly. 

“Has it even been a full minute?” Superboy asked. “I mean, damn…” 

“Someone better have been recording visuals.” Red Robin muttered. “We are absolutely missing something amazing.” 

“He’s the King of the infinite Realm.” Raven said. “It’s the realm that connects every other realm and it is as the name implies… infinite. He rules it. I don’t even think Trigon would dare mess with him.” 

Batman had his arms crossed, still listening to the amazed chatter over comms. “Should it be suspicious that all he wants is food?” 

“He made the deal.” Raven shrugged. “He could have asked for anything. Literally.” She stopped speaking when the hooded king returned. He was floating this time though only a foot or two off the ground. He didn’t look tired or dirty or anything. 

Just the same ethereal otherness he’d arrived with. “Done.” He announced. 

“What uh- happened to the guy?” Superboy asked, pointing vaguely at where the storm had been raging. 

The Ghost King just dug into his cape and pulled out…a thermos. “Souped him. He’s gonna have a little time out.” 

“Oh my god, i have so many questions.” Red Robin whispered. 

The thermos was put away and Batman was suppressing his own urge to ask a dozen questions over what just occurred. They’d been struggling with the Infinite creature for hours and countless lives had no doubt been altered. Clean up would take weeks if not months and this Ghost King handled it in minutes. 

“My food?” 

“On the way.” Raven said immediately. “Flash is one of the fastest men on the planet. He’ll be right back.” 

The King nodded and looked around before moving to a pile of bricks that had once been a fence. He sat down and waited, somehow looking regal among the wreckage. 

“So… I’m Red Robin.” Batman looked up again when his son was sliding closer to introduce himself. “Superboy, Raven, Batman.” He gestured and the King’s hood shifted as he followed Red Robin’s introduction of them. “Is there something we can call you or is your Majesty the most appropriate?” 

The Ghost King sat in silence for a moment before reaching up to lower his hood. The shadows that had hidden his face disappeared revealing a young man only a little older than Tim. Maybe around Jason’s age. His hair was indeed white, and was braided down the nape of his neck save for the tufts of hair that floated around his face. 

His skin was pale, and Batman thought it might have been gray or even blue in different light. His ears were pointed and his eyes were a haunting green. 

With the hood out of the way, the crown lowered to sit on his head. 

“Phantom.” He finally answered. “You can call me Phantom.” 

Raven bowed her head again and Red Robin beamed. “Thank you for helping us! We literally couldn’t have done it without you.”

Phantom nodded again but without his hood to shield him there was something shy about the action. 

The Flash reappeared in a cloud of dust, two bags of fast food in one hand and a collection of drinks under the other arm. “I got a little of everything!” He announced. “Got some burgers and some chicken nuggets and fries and onion rings. There’s one of those little apple pies in here somewhere too.

Phantom took the bags with a small smile and set them beside him so he could go through them. Superboy helped with the drinks, setting everything down so Phantom could have his pick. There were three different sodas, a lemonade, and a water. 

It wasn’t fancy and probably wasn’t a fair trade of a meal for his services but he didn’t seem disappointed. 

In a flash of rings made of light, Phantom transformed. The otherness of him was still there, but instead of a noble king of a realm, a young…very living human was in his place. Black hair instead of white was still braided down his neck and the strands around his face hung limp instead of floating. 

Those eerie green eyes were now blue but that– oddly enough– was not the most startling thing about his transformation. He wore a large hoodie and jeans but his feet were bare. 

His hands and feet were almost skeletal, and his face was gaunt and starved looking. His eyes were slightly sunken and his skin was a sickly kind of pale. 

He looked emaciated, but there was the smallest of smiles on his face when he ate one fry and then another. He took a sip from every drink offered to him and then took a bite out of the burger. 

They couldn’t help but stand there and watch, all of them transfixed over what they were seeing. 

Phantom took two more bites before wrapping up the rest of his burger and placing it back in the bag. 

“Not to your liking?” Flash asked, voice small. 

Phantom licked his fingers and shook his head. “No, it was good. I’m just full. I’ll take it with me and eat it later when i’m hungry again.” 

Batman could only imagine the size of his stomach. Stopping now was probably the healthiest thing he could have done if he wanted to keep the food down. He cleared his throat. “Are you alright?” 

“Mhmm.” Phantom nodded, the rings of light appearing again. He was back in his healthier looking ghostly form. That was an oxymoron, wasn’t it? A healthy ghost form… 

“You’re still alive.” Raven whispered, stuck in her shock. “The living shouldn’t… The Infinite Realm isn’t…” 

Phantom’s lips tipped up in a smile. “You’re right, but wrong. I’m both. I’m dead. I’m alive. I’m balance.” He paused for a moment. “I haven’t been in a living realm for a while… guess i’ve been neglecting that side of me. Thanks for the food, it was a good deal.” 

He was gathering up the bags he clearly planned to take with him. 

“You should come back.” Red Robin spat the words out, likely before giving them any real thought. “I’ll take you to lunch. I’ll take you like… all the time. I am not going to pretend to know what you have going on but… shit, Agent A would disown me if i did not offer to feed you.” 

Phantom looked cold briefly. “Agent… A…?” 

Red Robin winced, “Code name for my grandfather. He’s an amazing cook.” 

“Red Robin.” Batman scowled at him. 

“Oh, what? He’s gonna give you the look for you not being the one to offer.” Red Robin said unapologetically, but the explanation had Phantom softening again. “What do you say? Lunch? Do i have to summon you?” 

“Jesus, Red. Let him actually decline or accept.” Superboy was snickering. 

Phantom looked between them, the confusion on his face clearing up after a beat. A piece of paper appeared between his fingers. It had some kind of squiggle on it none of them could read at a glance. He handed it over to Red Robin. 

“Have that on you, say my name. I’ll find you.” Phantom said. “I should…eat again.” 

“We…appreciate you helping us.” Raven added quickly, determined that they make a good impression. 

Phantom’s look grew warmer again. “It was fun.” With his bags and drinks in his arms, he wandered back over to the summoning circle. “I don’t mind helping when the trouble is severe and you were right. This particular problem was mine to clean up. Sorry about him, by the way. Vortex is an asshole.” 

Superboy and Flash both snorted. “Thanks anyway.” 

Phantom nodded at them again, floating in the middle of the circle before his eyes glowed that bright, toxic green again. He slipped inside the void and disappeared as quickly as he arrived, the remains of the summoning circle erasing itself. 

“So… That happened.” Flash muttered, not sure how they were gonna put this in a report to the rest of the League members. Batman wasn’t so sure either. 

“I can’t believe you were just hitting on the Ghost King, Red.” Superboy laughed. “I mean… Lunches?”

“What?” 

Raven was on her phone. “I am already telling Nightwing.” 

“What!? Hey!” Red Robin was looking between them. “I wasn’t hitting on him. You leave Wing out of this!” 

“No way.” 

“You asked him on a date, man!” Superboy grinned. “All the titans are going to know about this in the next hour.” 

“You guys suck!” Red Robin growled, his face a flame. 

Batman just sighed. “There’s clean up to do. Get to work.” 

He definitely did not need to think about his son’s audacity, coming onto a King of an entire realm. Where did he even learn that kind of behavior?

~~

Masterlist

[starogeorgina]

Book quotes I wish we got in s1/s2 HOTD

Word of Rhaenyra's coronation reached the Red Keep the next day, to the great displeasure of Aegon II.

“My half-sister and my uncle are guilty of high treason,” the young king declared. “I want them attainted, I want them arrested, and I want them dead.”

— Aegon ii Targaryen

“Little Luke Strong, the bastard. You are wet, bastard. Is it raining, or did you piss yourself in fear?”

—Aemond Targaryen

“Is Aegon king?” he asked Ser Willis Fell, “or must we kneel and kiss the old whore’s cunny?”

— Aemond Targaryen

The secondborn daughter of Lord Borros, less comely than her sisters, she was angry with Aemond for preferring them to her. “Was it one of your eyes he took, or one of your balls?” Maris asked the prince, “I am so glad you chose my sister. I want a husband with all his parts.”

— Maris Borros to Aemond Targayren

“Mother have mercy on us all.”

— Alicent Hightower after finding out her son killed Lucerys

With the princess in confinement on Dragonstone, about to give birth, Queen Alicent's greens enjoyed an advantage; the longer Rhaenyra remained ignorant of the king's death, the slower she would be to move.

“Mayhaps the whore will die in childbirth,”Queen Alicent said.

— Fire and blood

Though many lords & knights sought her favor, the princess had eyes only for Ser Criston Cole, the young champion of the Kingsguard & her constant companion. “Ser Criston protects the princess from her enemies, but who protects the princess from Ser Criston?” Queen Alicent asked.

— Fire & blood

Queen Alicent grew most wroth when she learned the babe had been named Aegon, taking that for a slight against her own son Aegon…..which, according to The Testimony of Mushroom, it most certainly was.

— Fire & blood

Ser Criston Cole spoke up. Should the princess reign, he reminded them, Jacaerys Velaryon would rule after her. “Seven save this realm if we seat a bastard on the Iron Throne.” He spoke of Rhaenyra's wanton ways and the infamy of her husband. “They will turn the Red Keep into a brothel. No man's daughter will be safe, nor any man's wife. Even the boys...we know what Laenor was.”

— Fire & blood

“Dark Sister was made for nobler tasks than slaughtering sheep. She has a thirst for blood.”

— Daemon Targaryen

“An eye for an eye, a son for a son. Lucerys shall be avenged.”

— Daemon Targaryen

“I will not throw our dragons against the usurper's unless i have no other choice. we must fight this war with words before we go to battle.”

— Daemon Targayren

“Six men or sixty, he is still Daemon Targaryen.”

— Fire & blood

Princess Helena was breaking her fast with her children when the Kingsguard came to her...but when asked the whereabouts of Prince Aegon, her brother and husband, she said only, “He is not in my bed, you may be sure. Feel free to search beneath the blankets.”

— Fire & blood

“But Jacaerys was fifteen, Lucerys fourteen; strong and strapping lads, skilled in arms, who had long served as squires.”

— Fire & blood

That left only Vhagar. No living dragon could match Vhagar for size or ferocity, but Jace reasoned that if Vermax, Syrax, and Caraxes were to descend on King's Landing all at once, even “that hoary old bitch” would be unable to withstand them.

— Fire & blood

“Our uncle calls us Strongs, and claims we are bastards, but when the lords see us on dragonback they will know that for a lie. Only Targaryens ride dragons.”

— Lucers Velaryon

“The princess will not meekly stand aside, she has dragons. And friends. Men of honor, who will not forget the vows they swore to her and her father. I am an old man, but not so old that I will sit here meekly whilst the likes of you plot to steal her crown.”

— Lyman Beesbury

“You only lost one eye, how could you be so blind?”

— Otto Hightower to Aemond after he kills Lucerys

The dead girl had been named Visenya, Princess Rhaenyra announced the next day, when milk of the poppy had blunted the edge of her pain. “She was my only daughter, and they killed her. They stole my crown and murdered my daughter, and they shall answer for it.”

— Rhaenyra Targaryen

Her first act as queen was to declare Ser Otto Hightower and Queen Alicent traitors and rebels. “As for my half-brothers and my sweet sister, Helaena,” she announced, “they have been led astray by the counsel of evil men. Let them come to Dragonstone, bend the knee, and ask my for-giveness, and I shall gladly spare their lives and take them back into my heart, for they are of my own blood, and no man or woman is as accursed as the kinslayer.”

— Rhaenyra Targaryen

“Perhaps you can tell us who he named as his heir and successor” the queen said, her crown upon her head. “You, Your Grace,” Orwyle replied. And Rhaenyra nodded and said, “With your own tongue you admit I am your lawful queen. Why then do you serve my half-brother, the pretender?”

— Rhaenyra Targaryen

“Whilst Princess Rhaenyra misliked her stepmother, Queen Alicent, she became fond and more than fond of her good-sister Lady Laena.”

— Fire & blood

“The boy is Alicent's own blood. She wants him on the throne.”

— Viserys | Targaryen

His Grace sat Jace upon his knee atop the Iron Throne as he was holding court, and was heard to say, “One day this will be your seat, lad.”

— Fire & blood

“King Viserys is dead, long live King Aegon.” Hearing the cries, Munkun writes, some wept whilst others cheered, but most of the small folk stared in silence, confused and wary, and now and again a voice cried out.

“Long live our queen.”

— Fire & blood

[hathorneheiress]

Midnight cuddles

Avery's POV

The wind howled fiercely as the doors to my outside patio shook with each gust of wind.

Hurricane Ivy was surely making her mark in meteorology history. of that I was confident.

Living in Connecticut almost all my life, I wasn't used to the extreme weather with now living in Texas.

Pulling the oversized comforter tighter around me I tried to relax in the very comfortable king-sized bed. Jameson had disappeared. Again.

The fact that my boyfriend disappeared once almost every 2 weeks wasn't too concerning. He always came back.

But tonight was different. The wild storm playing outside the doors did nothing to calm my nerves as I tried, and failed, to calm myself that Jameson was perfectly fine. Wearever the hell he was. My boyfriend lived for danger and thrills. Risks and dares were a second language to him. And I'd have to admit, sometimes for myself.

And then, as if summoned by some unholy magic, Jameson walked in soaked from head to toe.

"Are you alright?" I asked immediately sitting up.

"Are you actually worried about me?" Jameson Hawthorne flashed me his signature smirk.

"Of course I am." I replied indignantly. "If you weren't so reckless I wouldn't have to worry so much."

"But I thought that is what you liked about me Heiress?"

"You being stupid?"

"No. My fearlessness."

"Oh you're fearless alright."

"But the question is are you fearless Heiress?" He gave a devilish smile as he advanced toward the bed.

"Very. But don't you dare get on the bed all soaked. I don't feel like getting wet.

Jameson gave a fake pout.

I giggled. "Get changed, then we'll see."

A few minutes Jameson came back with no shirt and just dark blue sweat pants. His hair was stick dripping wet, but he was longer criminally close to get everything wet.

Crawling up beside me, he snaked his lanky arm around my waist pulling me in. I allowed it.

"So, where were you?" I had to ask.

"Went for a walk."

"In the rain?"

"Sometimes I need to do that."

"You can always talk to me if you need to."

"I know." He squeezed me while kissing me on the cheek. "You smell good."

"And you smell like rain and dirt."

"So I'm guessing I don't smell good."

"Not really. But that's ok. I still love you." It was my turn to kiss him.

"And I love you too."

"Really? Even when I annoy you?"

"You never annoy me."

I gave him a look.

"Ok, maybe a little. But I mean it Heiress. I love you. And it's not just for you're looks or smart brain. I love you're determination and willingness to help others. To stand up for yourself and pure heart. And mostly for putting up with me."

He paused for a breath and I took that moment to pull him in and passionately kiss him. He returned it heartily. Running my hand through his hair we stayed there for several minutes.

So invested we were that we didn't hear the sound of a camera going off. Looking up in shock we saw Xander standing there with his phone out.

"What are you doing in here?!" Jameson was outraged. "There is something called knocking."

"I did. No one answered. And I can see why." Xander gave a smirk.

"What do you need?" I wanted smack Xander so hard.

"I was seeing Jameson was finally home. Nash was worried about him. I see he is. I have proof."

"Don't you dare." Jameson looked like he was going to murder Xander.

"Dare what?" he asked innocently. "Send this to Nash and Grayson? Opps! I did!"

Jameson was up in an instant. "Alexander Blackwood Hawthorne! You get back here right now!" He threatened as Xander ran out of the room in top speed.

As mortified as I should have been, I wasn't. I laughed falling back on the pillows.

Just another night at Hawthorne House.

This is for all the AveryJameson fans out there.

Scroll down for a funny bonus part with all the brothers.

Bonus part

Nash's phone dinged five times.

"what the heck?" He thought. It was 12 in the morning. Grayson would never text him this late and Jameson usually was with Avery. So he guessed it must have come from Xander. And he was right.

He was greeted with a very in criminating photo of Avery and Jameson passionately kissing. Underneath Xander wrote:

"Jameson is home!"

"With Avery!"

"I found them like this"

Nash shook his head. There was no privacy in Hawthorne House. Ironic, since it was a massive place.

He replied. "Xander, get out of there. That is none of you're business."

A text quickly came back.

Xander: "Help!! Jameson is going to murder me!"

He mush have sent it as a group text because a text from Grayson came through.

"Good for him. Saves me from doing it."

Xander: "NOT NICE!!!"

"Alright, you 2 stop." Even texting Nash was having to keep them from killing each other.

"Xander deserves it!" Jameson had now joined the chat.

Xander: "I do not! I promise I didn't send it to anyone else.. Stop chasing me.

Grayson: You're texting while running?

Xander: YES"

Grayson: Stop being stupid.

Jameson: Yeah Xander. Stop doing stupid things.

Grayson: I was talking to both of you."

Nash decided he needed to join in before it got any worse.

Nash: ALRIGHT! You all stop. Jameson stop chasing Xander. Xander stop taking photos of people without their permission. And Grayson.. well, stop making things worse by being yourself.

Grayson: I'm going to pretend you didn't just insult me. I'm leaving.

Jameson: Good! We didn't want you here anyways.

Nash: Jamie shut up.

Jameson was quiet, so Nash guessed he finally gave up with Xander.

Just another night at Hawthorne Hous

[wetandtiny-in-smutland]

Intro for my new fanfic ( yet to be released )

Goth a surprise for you

Goth Alastor/Reader/*spoilers*

Minor dni 18+

Sadly the intro is not smutty yet, but the full fix will have plenty (this will be a long one shot)

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

Your birthday was always a special time, your partner was always planning something extra for it and since he has some obscure powers, he had a lot of cards in his sleeves. 

This year was no different, he had a whole day planned for you, he couldn’t have taken care of you more than he did. He planned all the meals, what you were wearing that day, where you were going, etc. He always knew what you wanted and liked, picked up on the smallest of details about you.

The day had been to your up most expectation, and it was time to head home.

The bus ride seemed longer than usual, but fortunately there was no one in the bus except you, Alastor and the driver. The sun was starting to lower in the sky giving it a nice red/orange color. Sadows were dancing around you as you closed your eyes, resting your head on the window behind you.

You woke up as he picked you up in his arms, his big black studded coat over you like a warm wool blanket. You knew he normally didn’t like PDA but as it was your birthday, you feigned to still be asleep as he picked you up in a bridal manner. You liked being in his long arms, squeezed against his chest and feeling his warmth. The coat was a nice touch, a small bonus, it smelled like him and covered you from the rain as your pair got out of the Bus.

Walk home was short so you enjoyed it as much as you could, trying not to move too much so he wouldn’t be aware that you were awake.

Arrived where you thought was home, you opened your eyes as he opened the front door. Stretching your arms as if you had just woken up from slumber, you looked around not recognizing anything. It looked like a hotel of some kind.

-Where are we Al? I thought we were going home. You said with a distant voice.

-This is the last surprise for today, my little sparrow. He said as he put you down on the floor, placing his coat on your shoulder like a cape. Draping behind you, you picked up the sides, so it didn’t drag on the floor as you followed him.

Your legs were still wobbly, eyes still foggy. Your brain registered that the main colors of the walls were red, a nice, carpeted floor was under your shoes and there was only a couple of people here. It didn’t look as if it was the most extravagant hotel, you’ve been to, just a regular hotel with a weird color scheme. You were welcomed by an energetic member of the staff, but almost didn’t get anything they said, not noticing the weird look everyone in the lobby was giving Al. Your brain was fried from the long day, or so you thought, and you knew you didn’t need to pay attention that much since Alastor was keen on doing all the work for the both of you. He got handed a room key, and as much as you would have liked to see the surrounding or anything, you felt as if your eyes were closing on their own again.

You walked to the elevator, clinging to Alastor dark grey shirt sleeve to make sure you didn’t lose him, not noticing the weird shadow that was following you both.

A small ride up, a small walk through a corridor and you were at the door of the room. You made some mental effort just to register what number was on it. 33.

The room was nicer than you thought, everything inside was undeniably the same color as everything else in this weird hotel but there was a nice foyer with wood burning in it, in front of a very spacious bed, definitely a king size. The decor was also nice, some antiquities were used on shelves and on the tables to give a vintage look to the room, a big Cervidae skull on top of the foyer reminding you of Alastor’s animal traits, giving the room a somewhat homey feeling. Some gifts and snacks were on a table in the back of the room.

-Oh Alastor! More gifts? If you continue like this, I won’t have any space in my room anymore. 

You laughed as he looked at you with a soft smile.

You headed toward the table, eyeing the snacks and coffee, you clearly didn’t want to fall asleep that early on your birthday, the sun wasn’t even down yet. Or so you thought, all you could see from the window was a red sky, you assumed it was just the sun setting, your brain didn’t put one and one together, the sun had already set when you were in the bus.

---------

Note: I will edit this later so that it looks nicer

Don't hesitate if you have questions or comments or if you found an error in the text.

[berberriescorner]

Nobody's Gonna Know

(Part One)

Characters: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as himself x Black!reader (woc!reader), Michael B. Jordan as himself (appearance), and Kiana Ledé as “Jerrika” (appearance).

Summary: What happens when you realize what you’ve always wanted was right in front of your face the entire time?

Warnings: Profanity, daddy kink (you’re not surprised), smut, mentions of violence, drinking, and did I mention smut already😈?

Word Count: (Part One) 4,100+/9,000+. Sorry, lovelies, I couldn’t stop😆.

A/N: Yes, it’s lengthy, but the idea snowballed into something unexpected. I hope you all enjoy it!

Inspired By:

Lounging lazily on your king-size bed, you laid on your back comfortably in an oversized t-shirt. You silently scrolled through Instagram. Your breath hitched at the feel of fingertips gently stroking your calves. Still staring at the phone screen, a wicked little idea popped into your head. You smirked, tapping the add a new post button. Using your free hand, you positioned it atop the head that rested on your pelvis and between your thighs. Not wanting to give him reason to stir, you gently stroked his head, and he relaxed into your touch. The movement of your hand paused long enough to snap the picture. He was none the wiser as he continued to search for something to watch on HBO Max. Eyes still searching the screen, he turned his head slightly and placed a gentle kiss on the inside of your thigh.

“Soft ass thighs.”

A soft moan fell from your lips. You made sure Yahya’s face wasn’t in the shot. Your digits glided across the keyboard, adding a Nicki Minaj lyric as the caption, “My man full, he just ate💦😘.” You tapped the post button and laid your phone on the nightstand.

Yahya had just licked you to tears. No one knew about the two of you. That you started as best friends turned into a sneaky link. The both of you have secretly been trying to figure out what this was morphing into. Unsure of where things were going, you decided to keep things quiet. You both enjoyed teasing the people in your inner circle on IG (they were all extremely nosey). Thus the reason for posting said pic—that it would sometimes get a rise out of the other person was a bonus.

Yahya received a notification that you had posted. Still lying between your legs, he teased, “What thirst trap are you posting now?” He froze, seeing a picture of his current position. He huffed, “You for real?”

Yahya rolled over, still lying on top of your stomach. His hand rained down on your thigh.

“I thought this was supposed to be on the low? You damn near ripped my head off for telling my bro I was over here in the middle of the night. I guess the rules only apply to me,” Yahya grumbled. His face changed from frustration to a sly grin.

“Boy, calm down. Nobody’s going to know that’s you. That’s what makes it so exciting, you teased. “And why do you have that stupid grin on your face?”

“I just noticed the caption, so I’m your man now?”

“Don’t do too much. They’re just lyrics. Relax, my guy.”

“Yeah, right. When are we going to stop playing this game?”

“What game, Yah'?”

“Stop acting like this isn’t more than just a sneaky link now. I’ve been blowing your back out for over four months.”

“And I greatly appreciate it. Why do we have to get into specifics? We have amazing sex. No need to make it more complicated.”

“Are you dating anyone else? I know you better not be fucking anybody other than me, Y/N.”

“I’d hardly call a few dinner dates that haven’t gone past friends, dating. It’s been nothing but innocent, Yah'.”

His jaw ticked at the revelation of you being in the presence of another man’s company.

“For the record, I don’t make a habit of having more than one sexual partner. That’s your thing, not mine.”

“You refuse to let that shit go, huh? I slept with her one time! We had just started whatever this was at the time. I cut her off once I knew this wasn't a one-and-done situation. Who exactly did you go on a date with, sweetheart?”

The question and term of endearment dripped with jealousy. You took a deep breath, preparing yourself for more confrontation. There was no doubt in your mind that the answer would upset him.

“Michael. I know you don’t like him. We just went on two dates. Nothing happened, Yah'.”

He pulled into a seated position on the mattress.

“Out of all these thirsty ass dudes that beg for your attention. He had to be the one you said yes to. How many times have I told you that’s a waste of your time? How do I get you to understand that he just wants to knock you down?”

“Is that not what you’re doing with me?“

“Stop that shit. You know how I feel about you. Your ass doesn't want to hear it because you’re scared. We both know this could be so much more.”

“This is stupid. Why are we arguing? We’re not a couple. This is supposed to be easy and chill.”

“There you go deflecting as usual,” he sighed.

“Do you want me to delete the damn picture, Yahya? It’s the reason this conversation even took place.”

“No, no. Leave it up. You know what? You’re right, love. Lay back down. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company.”

Yahya was the least bit worried about your IG post. It was only for close friends, and he wanted them to wonder. Acting angry was just a means to an end. He had a reason to get his lick back. Now, he had an excuse for what he was planning.

Hearing you went on two dates with Michael sent jealousy coursing through his veins. He made a mental note to keep his enemies closer. Seeing that you were focused on the show, he went to Instagram. Yahya went to Michael’s page and added him to his close friends. 

He wanted to see how your friends were reacting to your photo. He pulled up your page and skimmed through the comments. Yahya chuckled at your best friend's comment. In bold letters, she said, “Okay, best friend! I see you! No clue who that is, but get that head in your comfortable bed! Yaaasss👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. I expect full details and a face reveal when we link tomorrow. I’m tired of all this damn anonymity.” Yahya laughed, knowing that you weren’t giving up any information.

Yahya waited two days before he put his plan in motion. He hit your line, inviting you for a movie night at his place. You were sure the night would end on your back with Yahya between your thighs. Anytime the two of you were alone, your hands always seemed to roam. Every time you two gave into temptation, it would go for rounds. Knowing this, you brought an overnight bag. He knew just how to put you to sleep.

Only twenty minutes into the movie, you were already at the edge of the mattress. Yahya placed you on all fours with your box braids wound tightly around his hand. He tugged at them, pulling you into the most perfect of arches. His free hand crept to the top of his nightstand. You were plunged deep into the throes of passion and hadn’t noticed him pick up his phone. The only light in the room came from the television. Pistoning in and out of your tight walls, he managed to open Instagram. Yahya needed it to be pitch black to pull off his scheme.

“Nobody watching this shit for real, baby. Alexa! Turn off the tv in the master bedroom,” he groaned.

The tv shut off as he pulled out and slammed back into your slick heat.

“Ye-yes. Fuck, baby,” you cried, arching your back deeper.

His face lit up at that. He continued giving slow, deep strokes as he recorded you both in the dark.

Yahya made sure this was for close friends only. With confirmation, he laid the phone on the mattress next to the two of you. He proceeded to put in work, going crazy in your walls. Your sweet, soft, and sensual moans were like music to his ears. You were used to Yahya laying some good pipe, but tonight he was on demon time. This man was trying to tear your walls down and ruin you for any other man.

“Feel me deep in your shit, baby?”

You moaned in response.

He thrust so deep that your hands instantly flew to his abdomen. You tried to push back against his stomach, wanting him to take it easy on you. He growled, binding your wrist with his free hand.

“Move your fuckin’ hands,” he half moaned, half growled. His hand let go of your hair and rained down, smacking and grabbing your left cheek. He slapped the right cheek before burying his digits in your braids again. “I thought you could take all of it, baby? That’s what you begged for. Right, love? Hmm? This ain’t what you wanted?”

You whimpered.

A faint “Please, Daddy” escaped your lips. 

“What is it, baby? Use your words.”

“I can-ah!”

“Yes, you can, baby. You gon’ be my good girl, and take it,” he whispered, trailing kisses down your back, fully sheathing himself inside you. His length tapped that spot deep within you.

 “Y-yes, baby, I’ll take it, g-give me that di-Yes, Yah'!”

Yahya tapped at your spot repetitively, sending you spiraling. You buried your face in the mattress, clawing at the bedding. Your release approached, barreling toward you like a freight train as you attempted to muffle your screams in the sheets.

“Good. Fucking. Girl. Each word was highlighted with another thrust. “Yeah, come just like that, mama.”

Satisfied with himself, Yahya ended the video and posted it to his stories. He hoped none of your closest friends would recognize your voice. There was only one person he needed to figure it out, Michael. Yahya knew you were going to throw a fit, but so long as nobody could see you. He felt he could get you to be cool with it. Leaning against you, he licked, nibbled, and kissed your shoulder. He was still plunged deep inside you and solid as a rock. Yahya’s lips trailed over to your ear. Releasing a deep groan, he rasped, “Hope you got one more in you, love. Daddy needs to come too. He pulled out until it was just the tip. About to respond, he plunged deep inside, forcing you to gasp. Yahya pulled two more orgasms from your body before spilling inside you.

He made quick work of getting a warm cloth to clean you up. You moaned at the sweet actions of his aftercare. Yahya smirked at how easily it was to turn you on. He swaggered into the bathroom and finished cleaning himself up. 

Collapsing into bed, he pulled you closer and pressed his lips against yours. Rolling onto your side, you pushed back against him, making yourself the little spoon. Yahya’s hand crept from your thigh and up the side of your body. His large palm found its destination as it gently cupped your breast. His lips left light kisses on your shoulder and neck.

“You’re always trying to cop a feel,” you sassed, sucking your teeth.

“You know this is my emotional support Titty.”

“Shut up, Yah',” you giggled.

Yahya bit his lip and smirked as he tweaked your nipple.

“Uhn-uh! If you’re going to be on my body like this, your ass needs to behave and sit still. I’m exhausted thanks to your big dick bandit ass,” you teased.

“You know you like that shit,” he responded, tugging at your nipple again.

He pressed his semi-hard erection against you. The action caused your breath to hitch.

“Tell me you don’t want me again, and I’ll let you sleep,” he whispered, nibbling your earlobe.

About to reply sarcastically, you lost your train of thought as he dipped his hand between your thighs.

“You were saying something, love?”

“Fuck, you don’t play fair,” you panted.

“Come here, mama. Want you to ride me.”

Sliding down his length, it became clear you wouldn’t be sleeping anytime soon.

“Yah', baby,” you whined.

“I know, baby. I know. I’m going to make you feel good. Ride me, mama,” he urged, guiding your hips.

Though he had fallen asleep satiated and peacefully, his morning was the opposite. Yahya jolted out of his sleep as he struggled to breathe. You had covered his face with a pillow while chastising him.

“I just know your big-headed ass didn’t record us fucking and post it to close friends! Please tell me my eyes are deceiving me.”

Yahya's hand tugged at the pillow over his face. He snatched the pillow, throwing it across the room. He overpowered you, flipping you onto your back as he smirked.

“What’s wrong? You don’t want your side hoes to find out about me?”

“The only side hoe I have is you.”

“Naw, sweetheart. I’m your main dude. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.”

“Whatever! You better hope nobody recognizes my voice, freaky ass,” you kissed your teeth.

“Oh, I hope they do,” he smiled. “You’re not even mad, for real. I know that shit lowkey turns you on. Listen to those pretty little moans, mama.”

You did your best to bite back a smile but lost. Yahya licked his lips, giving you a million-dollar smile.

“I know I sound good. You ain’t gotta sweat me or nothin’.”

“I should’ve left the lights on while I recorded that shit. Give them something to really talk about.”

“You want to tell people we fuck so bad,” you teased.

“It’s going to come out sooner or later. I’ma make you mine, shortie. You can continue to run from it but in the end. You’re going to be mine.”

Wanting to avoid such a touchy topic, you switched the subject.

“Boy, shut up and feed me. I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast, best friend?”

Yahya smiled devilishly, “This dick.”

“Nasty ass. I want food, Yah',” you whined.

“That’s a whole ass meal, fuck you mean?”

Eyes rolling and smacking your teeth, he laughed.

“I forgot how cranky you can be in the mornings. Let’s get the baby’s tummy full. What do you want to eat, baby girl,” he responded in his best baby voice.

“Can you make french toast and bacon? You make it better than I do,” you asked in a cute tone.

“You know I can’t say no to that voice and face. Come on, spoiled brat,” he teased as he slapped your thigh.

Yahya scooped you from the bed, dangling your body over his shoulder. His hand grabbed a handful of your behind, giving it a loud smack.

“Ouch, Yah'! That hurt,” you whined.

“I didn’t mean to smack it that hard. My bad,” he smirked, rubbing the pain away.

“Lying ass.”

Carting you off to the kitchen, he got you fed and full. Neither of you had anything planned. The two of you spent the remainder of your Sunday binging television and ordering takeout. 

When the time came for you to head out, Yahya felt his chest tighten. He was sad to see you leave. If only you two could figure out where to go from here. He’d have you sleeping in his bed every night. Little did you know, your best friend’s feelings for you had existed as long as the friendship had. He just never knew how to tell you. The chemistry and attraction lingered between the two of you. That is, until one drunken night, he did something about it. He fell back on his couch, missing you already, as his mind drifted back to that night.

You were spiraling down a black hole of heartbreak. Yahya came running to offer support and a listening ear to vent to. 

His fist balled up, jaw flexing as his memory replayed the image of you opening the door. 

Your eyes were bloodshot and glassy as you did your best to keep from crying again. Yahya’s heart sank seeing how distraught you were. He stepped closer to you, and in a low baritone, he said, “Hey, mama.” The sympathy in his soothing voice sent a fresh trail of tears rolling down your cheeks. He sighed as his arms snaked around your waist, pulling you as close as possible. Yahya’s chin rested on your head as you curled into his chest, body trembling as the tears flowed. “You’re going to be straight, mama. I promise I got you,” he soothed, rubbing his hands up and down your back. He gave you a minute or two to let it all out. Releasing you, he bent back, using the pads of his thumbs to wipe your tears. Yahya leaned forward, sweeping you up bridal style. “Let’s get you comfy on the couch. I’ll fix us some drinks and snacks. Then you can tell me everything, alright?” Giving him a faint nod, Yahya kicked the door closed. He made quick work of getting you situated on the couch. Yahya wrapped you in your comfort blanket. Gently kissing your forehead, he whispered, “Be right back, love.”

He called from the kitchen, “Are you in the mood for something light or heavy?”

“This calls for the hard shit. Bring the tequila. I don’t even need a damn chaser. Give me something that will make me forget the last twenty-four hours.”

Yahya strode back into the living room, alcohol in hand.

“What are you about to tell me, love?”

“Maybe you should take a couple of shots first.”

Yahya set the shot glasses and bottle on the coffee table. His hand ran down his face as he took a deep breath, “Am I going to have to beat his ass?”

You sat up straight, dropping the blanket around your waist. Pouring two shots, you answered, “Just promise me you won’t lose your temper.”

“No.”

“Yah', please,” you begged, voice trembling.

“The desperation in your voice tells me that I’m going to regret this, but fine, I promise not to lose my temper. What happened?”

“Drink first.”

Shots were thrown back, and you grimaced, pouring out two more. After the second, you started to pour another round, but Yahya’s hand gently grasped your wrist, “No-.”

A small whimper fell from your lips as his eyes grew. Yahya’s eyes darted from your weary ones down to your wrist. His hands were like lightning as he slid your sleeve up a bit.

“No, fuck that, mama! Is this a bruise?” 

“You promised, Yah'.”

“Promises are meant to be broken. Where the fuck is his punk ass at?”

He sprang from the couch, searching his pockets for his keys.

“Where’s he at?”

“No, please, Yahya. You promised! I handled it.”

“Why are you protecting his bitch ass? Has he been putting his hands on you this whole time?”

“I’m not protecting him. I know he’ll press charges against you. It’s not worth it. This is the only time it’s happened, honestly!”

“Don’t lie for him. Tell. Me. Where. He. Is.”

“I’m not lying, Yah'. This is the first time. I handled it, I swear. You should see the side of his face. I smacked the shit out of him.”

“Did he hit you anywhere else,” he asked, checking your face and body for more bruises.

“No, I’m telling you the truth. We were arguing about him getting caught up in his lies and cheating. I told him I was done and that he needed to get the hell out of my house. This dude had the nerve to snatch my wrist, demanding I hear him out. I told him he was hurting me. His response was he didn’t give a fuck. That pissed me off, so I slapped him. He charged at me, and I kicked him in the nuts. How do you cheat on me with a bitch I called a friend and have the nerve to be mad that I no longer wish to be with you? The audacity!”

“I pray he tries to show up while I’m here.”

“He won’t. It’s over, and he understands that now.”

Yahya looked at you, not quite believing it.

“I told his ass if he tried contacting or coming near me again that you’d beat his ass. That or he was going to have a chat with Nina.”

“Thought you didn’t want me to put hands on him. You swear your ass is tough with that baby Glock. Who the fuck puts hot pink on the butt of their gun,” he retorted.

“I don’t want you to, smart-ass, but he knows you would. It was only said to get my point across that I was done with him. Not too much on my baby, Nina.”

Yahya sighed, frustrated that he’d have to keep his promise. He reclaimed his spot on the couch, crossing his arms irritated. You kissed your teeth, “I know you're not mad at me for keeping you out of trouble?”

“It’s whatever. He needs his ass beat, though,” he sulked.

“Just leave it alone, Yah'.”

“I heard you the first time.”

The room grew quiet. It stayed that way for a little while. That was until he heard you sniffling.

“I’m not mad at you, love. I just really want to rock his shit.”

“I know you’re not mad at me. It’s just.”

“What is it, mama?”

“Am I not good enough? Dudes do me dirty, and people I call friends turn out to be grimy. You’re the only person who has always been down for me. I’m so thankful for your years of loyalty and friendship,” you rambled, tears sliding down your face.

Yahya pushed his anger aside, taking a deep breath. His hands reached for your arm, pulling you into him. His palm cradled your head, guiding you to lie against his chest. He kissed your temple, speaking words of encouragement.

“That’s just god's way of making room for the real ones to come into your life, mama. You’re going to be alright, love. You’ll shake back from this. You’re strong, girl. The right man is out there. He’ll love you the way you deserve to be loved.”

As he held you, speaking enlightenment into you. Something shifted inside you. Not quite sure what the feeling was, you shook it off.

“More tequila,” you offered.

The pair of you went shot for shot. It only took a short time for you both to get drunk off your asses. In a drunken stupor, you both laughed as you recounted the numerous times you had to fake a climax with your ex. Yahya was in tears, holding his stomach, laughing uncontrollably.

“This man had to be talked through eating the box. Every. Single. Time. At what point do you finally get the gist of eating pussy? I can’t believe I stayed as long as I did.”

“Why did you stay?”

“The dick was big.”

A hand flew to your mouth, covering your lips, shocked at what you had just revealed.

“Sorry. That was probably too much information. I need to stop drinking,” you slurred, no longer able to look him in the eyes.

Yahya cupped your chin, forcing you to look at him.

“Not too much. That’s some pretty useful information,” he rasped.

Your breath hitched as you looked into his chocolate orbs.

“I don’t follow.”

“That’s what you like, mama?”

Yahya’s hand trailed to your neck. His fingers circled your throat, giving a light squeeze. You knew you should pull away, but your mind and body said two different things.

“Yahya,” you whispered.

“Answer me, mama. That’s what you like?”

You moaned, nodding your head yes. Yahya licked his lips at your response. 

“I want to hear you say it, love. Tell me what you like. I want to make sure you understand what I’m trying to say,” he groaned.

The liquor urged you to take it further. You leaned closer, his hand still squeezing your throat. Lips only inches apart, Yahya watched in awe as you answered, breath tickling his lips.

“I love a big, long, thick di-.”

Before you could finish the sentence, Yahya groaned and devoured your lips. Not giving it a second thought, he slid you on top of his lap as your tongues battled for dominance. Hand still placed around your neck, you ground against his lap, loving the groan he released. 

“I can see why that was useful information now,” you purred.

It was evident, even inside his jeans, you could feel that he was massively large. You pulled back, slipping your shirt off, dropping it to the floor. His eyes sparkled at the sight of your breast as he cupped them, kissing and suckling your neck.

“Are you sure this is what you want, mama?”

“Yes, I want you, Yah'. Fuck the pain away, please.”

Kissing your lips again, he held you close as he raised from the sofa. Arms wrapped around his neck. You tasted each other's lips as Yahya carried you to the bedroom. The following morning wasn’t even awkward. That’s probably because you woke up with Yahya’s head between your thighs. A serious discussion occurred over breakfast. Though you both decided it probably shouldn’t happen again, time would reveal that it was too late to turn back.

I know I left it on yet another cliffhanger, but that's my specialty😆. I got my lovelies, though. The fic is complete, so slide on over to part two. Before you go, leave a comment and tap the love button. Reblogs are greatly appreciated🫶🏾!

Gif Credit: @abdulmateens, thanks again for allowing me to use it for my mood board💗.

Divider Credit: @firefly-graphics.

Tagging a few lovelies:

@sheabuttahwrites , @moebuttta , @darqchilddaydreamz

@alertyoulikeitsamber , @astoldbychae , @miyuhpapayuh

@sunshine-flower , @nightlywords7 , @4everbrookemarie

@delta7of96 , @novaniskye , @1andonlytashae

@shaolyninferno , @mcdesij , @willadean

@partygetsmewetter-x , @blackerthings , @peachbuttetfly

@theraieinfluence , @honestpreference , @queeniekiy

@tashawar , @skyesthebomb , @captainwithoutmakingitlove

[uzumaki-rebellion]

"Black Boys Bloom Thorns First: Volume 4, Chapter 74 (Finale) Part 2

Find Part 1 of Chapter 74 HERE.

Masterlist HERE.

"Years I have known I am living in a war zone

Poison of my enemy blatantly attacking me

War goddess arouse your power

Know this is indeed your hour

Dying to be heard literally

Constant screams convincing me

War"

Caron Wheeler – "Beach of the War Goddess"

"Hand me your beads."

Disa stretched out her arm toward Joba and waited for her daughter to slowly, and reluctantly pass over her kimoyo beads.

"Little girl, it is three-thirty in the morning. You know better."

"I wanted to see the blue butterflies with Riki," Joba said, crawling under her bedcovers in the hotel suite.

"They'll still be migrating when we return. Goodnight."

She kissed Joba's forehead and tugged on her hair.

"I'll give these back after I talk to your father. We have to keep all lines open."

Disa slipped the beads over her left wrist where they lined up with her own kimoyo. Turning off the lights, she cracked the door and moved into the living area to take a bottle of water from the mini fridge. Swiping her hair back she moved to the far side of the suite where her bedroom door was closed. She slipped in quietly. Adebiyi waited for her in the king-sized bed.

"Everything fine?" he asked.

He lifted up his nude body, ready to scramble out of her suite if needed. Disa snuck him into her room hidden from Joba and under the nose of the Kingsguard assigned to them. Adebiyi pretended to be checking on them under the instructions of the king. He just never left the room hours later.

It took Disa twenty minutes to fully relax into making love to him with Joba across the way. She wanted her daughter asleep. The thought of going to his junior suite crossed her mind, but she didn't want Joba to wake up in the middle of the night with her mother gone.

Being with Adebiyi made her giddy, reverting back to a teenage innocence of being on a first date and worrying about everything being perfect. She was a grown woman with a child, and so was he…two adult ones. His affection toward her had grown into love and she matched his energy and desire. Having him above her with her heavy thighs spread wide felt like the return of heaven in her life. He took his time. There was no need for switching positions or trying to impress each other with lovemaking tricks. They simply wanted a bonding, a spiritual connection that proved that what they felt for one another was real.

His soft grunts rained down on her ears and she gasped when he held her breasts, squeezing their weight and stroking her down deep. She liked the sprinkles of gray in his pubic hairs and she appreciated the thickness and stamina of Jabari men. He made her cum quickly before he spilled into her. She bit into his shoulder to stifle loud moans. That's when she heard Joba's voice. Her daughter and Riki had a habit of whispering together, but then their voices would get loud from the excitement of communicating together.

N'Jadaka's voice had her jumping out the bed and throwing on a hotel robe to check on the family. Now she slipped it back off and climbed in next to her lover.

Wait.

She touched the pillow that had once been bare when she left to check on Joba. A four-stranded layer of silver and lavender waist beads sat waiting for her.

"What is this, Adebiyi?" she asked, palming the beads.

"I'm asking for you to allow me the honor of claiming you as my woman."

She clutched the beads to her chest and sat down hard.

"Will you take me as your man, Disa? Can I call you my own?"

"I…Adebiyi…"

He reached for the beads to take them away. She jerked her body away from his grasp.

"I want them! I want you!"

Disa jumped on top of him and the older man chuckled and ran a gentle hand over her hair. She snuggled into his neck.

"I will have to follow the proper procedures of the palace. Ask for your mother's blessing…and the king's—"

"I'm a grown woman. I can accept on my own behalf—"

"I said blessing, not permission."

"Well okay then."

"In the past, a widowed royal could marry within noble bloodlines. But you and King N'Jadaka were never married—"

"And he's still alive."

"Yes. This will be a delicate courtship."

"Your sister will love the idea of two powerful families uniting," Disa clucked, tickling the beard hairs under his chin.

"We must plan a time for our children to meet. They have been waiting years for me to find someone of my own. There will no longer be name-calling from them."

"What kind of names?"

"Old meanie on his porch. Grouchy mouth homebody. Solo Joy killer."

"Ouch."

He tilted her chin.

"If you do not think I am worthy at any time, you may end our union before it goes further, Disa."

"I want a full-on courtship, the way the Jabari do it."

"Dear Hanuman, that will be a long and arduous process. I was hoping to do it like the Wakandans."

"As long as we do this right, I really don't care."

Disa crawled on top of him, allowing the peaks of her breasts to brush against his lips while she rode his dick.

By mid-morning she was holding back tears staring at N'Jadaka's face, terrified of the unknown coming down from the sky. Her feelings for Adebiyi notwithstanding, N'Jadaka was always going to be her heart, too. He looked so brave and strong. Even Yani appeared powerful standing next to him. Something was different about her chosen little sister. A new confidence rested within her and it was visible to everyone.

When it was time to go walking in Central Park, her conversation with Yani stayed at the forefront of her mind. Her kimoyo beads notified her that a half cruiser had reached the Atlantic and would be arriving off the coast of the Hudson River in a few more hours. She sent word to her family, then gripped Adebiyi's strong hand and stepped into harsh sunlight and humid temperatures. Joba walked in front of them, exploring the hedges and scuttling sounds of wild rabbits and squirrels. While they were meandering around the park, Wakanda was in the midst of a battle that the rest of the civilian world was unaware of.

"Are you and Uncle Adebiyi dating?"

"What?"

Disa halted in front of a large black tupelo tree to enjoy some shade in the southern part of the park in billionaire's row. Joba looked up at her with questioning eyes. Adebiyi squeezed Disa's hand.

"Are you getting married like Umi Yani and Baba?"

Disa swallowed dry air with nervous energy. Releasing Adebiyi's hand, she threaded her fingers together.

"Yes, we are dating."

Joba pointed to the beads around Disa's waist.

"Adebiyi has asked me to start a courtship with him. At the end of that, we would like to consider marriage. What do you think of that?"

"You love each other?"

"I love your mother very much, little one," Adebiyi interjected.

Joba waved her hand at him to make him get on one knee so she could be at eye level with him. Adebiyi obliged, lowering himself the way N'Jadaka always did to speak earnestly with his children.

"Mommy loves my Baba…"

"I understand that," Adebiyi said.

Joba's eyes darted between the two adults, assessing the situation thoroughly in her own special way.

"Will Baba get angry?"

"No honey, Baba has no say in this really. We'll become a bigger family, that's all."

"Where will we live?"

Disa sensed the tense nature of Joba's voice. She hadn't spoken of moving or any fundamental changes yet with her daughter.

"For now, we'll stay in the palace until I speak with the rest of the family."

"And then?"

Joba poked at her cheek and her brows knitted together.

"We'll decide all together on what happens next," Adebiyi said. "I know you are close with your siblings and I want to know what you think about us dating. I have a lot to prove to your mother that I am good enough for her, Princess Joba. This will take some time…lots of planning and talking."

Joba inhaled deeply and nodded her head. Letting her know that they weren't rushing into anything calmed her. A small smile lifted her lips.

"Shall we continue walking, little one?" he asked.

Joba grinned and Adebiyi grunted when he lifted back to his feet. Her daughter helped him and he patted her head.

"I need to walk more. My knees need to be oiled… they are creaking so loud," he joked.

"I will help you," Joba said, grabbing his fingers and pulling him toward a small, rocky bridge that crossed over dirty brown water.

Joba walked between Disa and Adebiyi admiring the foliage that would turn color in a couple of months. New York seemed so dry and drab compared to Wakanda, and the urge to return tickled the back of her neck like a soft nudge.

Joba halted, refusing to take another step in the middle of the bridge. She touched her stomach.

"You okay?" Disa asked.

A scream ricocheted throughout the park and Disa immediately picked up Joba and held her close to her chest. The two Kingsguards that followed discreetly around them wearing dark suits and sunglasses stepped closer from behind. The Dora further ahead of them glanced around and released her sonic spear from its hidden sheath.

People west of them began to run in a stampede as more blood-curdling cries rang out in the air.

"What's happening?" Disa shouted to the Dora.

A white man running with his female companion fell on the ground and disintegrated in a cloud of grayish-black ash. His companion shrieked hysterically and flailed her arms before turning into a dark cloud of dust.

"We must return to the hotel!" the Dora shouted.

She ran forward three steps throwing out a vibranium shield to protect them and collapsed into fluttery ash. More people ran their way in a rush of terror. Adebiyi wrapped his arms around Disa and Joba to push them toward safety with the Kingsguard, but his face froze in horror. The color of his skin rippled and drained into sooty patches.

"Adebiyi!" Disa shrieked.

"My love," he gasped, pressing his forehead against hers.

Disa's chest compressed and the air in her lungs felt like liquid sand filling her up.

"No!" she hacked out with a raging cough.

Her eyes connected with Joba's whose solid flesh slipped out of Disa's flakey grasp.

"Mommy!" Joba shrieked.

Disa's skin fragmented away with the breeze and mixed with Adebiyi's and the Kingsguards behind her, floating up into the sunlight and through the tupelo and elm trees as their consciousness mingled. Despite the terror of loss, Adebiyi's love energy became a mixture with hers and then they were all gone…leaving Joba to fall from their arms on the hard stone bridge.

Alone.

N'Jadaka exhaled onto his arm as he rested his head on his desk.

The half cruiser they deployed to standby off the coast of the Hudson crashed into the sea with the disappearance of its entire crew. Luckily the aircraft was equipped with autopilot and a soldier from the Wakandan Air Force programmed it to stay put under the ocean halfway to its destination. He had to assume that Disa, Joba, and Adebiyi had vanished with their security team. His heart ached and he exhaled again into his arm.

Yani's parents had disappeared as did most of her extended family back in St. Thomas. In Wakanda, the Avengers lamented their losses among the Wakandan people. Throughout the streets in Birnin Zana, N'Jadaka listened to the wailing and ululations of grief. Four billion humans snapped out of existence. He had done everything in his power to save them, but he failed because of the Scarlet Witch. The bitch got dusted too before he could kill her with his bare hands. They wasted time giving Vision a window of a chance and it cost the world. His rage salted deep in his bones. He ordered the Avengers to leave Wakanda before he ripped Roger's head off for not destroying the mind stone the moment they knew what was coming to Earth.

"Kumkani, you must rest."

Okoye and W'Kabi watched him from the door of his office. He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

"I'm good," he said, checking his kimoyo beads. Yani, Sydette, and Riki were in their home safe.

He couldn't push away thoughts of Disa and Joba. Rage coursed through him again. Okoye brought him hot tea and herbal pills to sleep. He took the tea and pushed away the pills.

"We can handle the status reports and updates without you. Kumkani…please. You fought in a battle and have been up for over twenty-four hours. The golden jaguar you may be, but you are still human," W'Kabi said.

"What about you two? You're in the same boat as me."

"We are trained for this," Okoye said.

"So am I."

"Go be with your family. Elder Zinzi will make a statement to the public within the hour. We will contact you after you have slept for at least ten hours, nothing less," Okoye insisted.

N'Jadaka drank his tea and carried the small cup with him out of the office. In the grand halls, the hem of his oyster gray jalabiya dragged on the floor. Ahead of him, a palace attendant wept while waiting to receive him at the private elevator to his home.

"Hey now," he said.

Holding his arms out, he hugged the young woman who stood stiffly in his royal touch.

"Forgive me kumkani," she said.

She pulled away from him and took his empty tea cup.

"I told the evacuation wardens to release everyone except for essential workers still here for the night shift," he said.

"I know, but I wanted to be here when you finally came home. To give you comfort for your loss of Lady Abdullah and Princess Joba."

"Don't you have a family to tend to at home?"

"My parents are fine. Some of my family have vanished but it is easier for me to be here, serving your family."

"Go home. We will be in a state of national mourning and we are still figuring things out. Be with your own, okay?"

"Thank you, kumkani. And thank you for protecting us."

"Go on now."

She scurried away and he turned to his Doras and Onyx squad.

"You all do the same. Split your shifts and go check on your loved ones," he said.

None of his protective duty left him.

"Stubborn like me, I see."

Ayo approached from the rear, her spear held tight.

"You fought bravely before the decimation took people away King N'Jadaka. Many of us fought beside you or watched the battle from behind the defensive line in the capital. We will stay on duty to watch over our protector."

"I will relieve Aneka so you can see her," he said.

"No need, kumkani."

Aneka's voice chimed in from behind him on the elevator. She stood tall with Noxolo. N'Jadaka reached for her, giving her a hug.

"Thank you for watching over my family," he whispered in Aneka's ear.

Noxolo didn't even give him a chance to release Aneka before she hugged him tight with one arm, her other hand never letting go of her spear.

"Listen everyone. We have been through the wringer and this isn't over yet. Stay strong and please take time for yourself if you need to," he said.

All heads bowed as he entered the elevator with Aneka and Noxolo. He noticed Ayo blowing Aneka a kiss, her eyes shiny with unshed tears.

The ride up was quiet and entering his home was like walking into the silence of an ancient tomb. Elana and Zora rose from the couch cradling their hands and watching his face.

"Yani?" he asked.

"She is asleep in your bed, kumkani," Elana said. "I gave her a sedative with tea two hours ago."

"The children?"

"With her," Zora said.

"Noxolo and Aneka, go rest in your quarters—all of you. Please rest. I'll call you if needed."

Aneka and Noxolo tapped their spears and departed to a lower floor below his living room that was kept for in-house staff.

"We saw you," Zora said.

She pointed to the screen on the wall that played an emergency Wakandan broadcast. He caught a glimpse of the Royal Talon Fighter swooping past a giant death wheel ripping the land to shreds. He shot at it in a vulnerable spot and it exploded, ripping into several of the monstrous outriders. Someone on the front line leaked the images for the Wakandans to see. He flew low to the ground and his cousin T'Challa leaped onto the aircraft for a lift to kick some more ass on the battlefield.

N'Jadaka groaned when he watched his cousin slam his fists together directing his built-up kinetic energy to destroy a giant alien. Elana ran to him and gripped his hand. Zora rubbed his back to comfort him, their tears springing forth making him feel worse.

"Go to her," Elana said, pushing him toward the stairs.

He climbed his way up two long flights and wandered down a long hall to reach his bedroom. Yani had the children nestled under each arm, their heads on her chest fast asleep. Or so he thought.

Riki sat up, bleary-eyed, but awake. He rubbed his eyes and crawled over N'Jadaka, climbing onto his lap.

"Hey, Lil Man."

Riki clutched him tight, pressing his face into N'Jadaka's chest like his mother did when she was scared or needed comfort from him.

"Are the monsters gone?" Riki breathed into the center of his chest.

"They're gone."

"Will they come back?"

"I don't think so."

"Why did they have to kill people? I saw them come apart, Baba…like smoke."

He held up his small wrist. His kimoyo beads were there again.

"I can't get Joba to answer me, Baba."

"She's gone, Riki—"

"No! I feel her…right here."

Riki touched his chest.

"We've tried calling Umi Disa, Joba…their security people. They're gone, Dumpling."

"No!"

A deep cry erupted from the boy's chest.

"We have to go there and find her!"

Riki jumped down from his lap and pulled N'Jadaka's arm to leave the bedroom. Yani stirred on the bed and Sydette woke up.

"What's going on?" Sydette asked.

"Go back to sleep Sweet Pea," he soothed.

His oldest wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her face on the back of his neck.

"I can't," she said, the warmth of her breath a comfort for his internal anguish.

Riki tapped his beads and called out Joba's name in a high-pitched tone.

"Please…answer me," Riki murmured.

"She didn't have her beads anyway. That's what her grandmother said," Sydette said.

"You spoke to Grandma Theresa?" he asked.

"Mama did. She said Umi Disa took away her beads so she wouldn't sneak-talk to Riki while you were away fighting."

N'Jadaka stood up. He stared at both of his children and pulled away the collars of their pajama tops. Touching their necks he moved away from them fast, dashing down the hall and to the stairs. He took them two at a time and ran toward Yani's bedroom. Flinging open one of Yani's jewelry boxes, he searched for three necklaces. One drawer after the other he looked until he shouted for Yani on the intercom system.

"Yani, where are Riki and Sydette's unvikeli necklaces? The ones T'Challa gave them?"

Yani mumbled, the sedatives still clinging to her consciousness. He ran back up the stairs and gently shook her.

"Baby…wake up…please…I need your help. There's a chance Joba is still alive and here with us somewhere in New York."

Yani sat up groggy with a scrunched-up face trying to figure out what was happening.

"Joba?" Yani said.

"Yes. Where are the unvikeli necklaces?"

He helped Yani step off the bed and she shook her head, following him back down to her bedroom. She walked into a separate dressing room where a long glass jewelry case housed enough necklaces, earrings, and finger trinkets for each day of the year. Many were family heirlooms given to her from Baba Z and Umama's bloodlines. Sliding open a bottom case, she pulled out a corral pink satin jewelry box. N'Jadaka took it from her and opened it. Three necklaces rested there. An adult one that once belonged to T'Challa, and two smaller ones that went to Riki and Sydette.

"Thank you, Bast," he said.

The king lifted the one precious adult necklace that glowed. There was no communication access on it, but the tracking device would locate his youngest child. Only her fingerprint could access the security touch needed to activate the adult necklace. If Joba had disappeared, no life could call out for help without her personal signal. Tears burst from his eyes and he cradled the necklace against his forehead.

Breathe. Release the tension in the shoulder muscles. Breathe deeper. He kissed Yani on her lips, thanking her for saving the necklaces.

"I have to go find her," he said leaving the dressing room.

He rang the alarm with the staff he had left and called Okoye on his kimoyo.

"Bring the Royal Talon fighter to the king's port right away. I'm going to New York. Joba is alive. I have the unvikeli necklace T'Challa owned and it's lit up with her signature. I'm sending you the coordinates now!"

"We're going with you," Yani said.

"You and the kids stay here, I will bring her home."

Riki grabbed his hand with a tear-stricken face.

"I want to go too," Riki said.

Sydette stared at him with pleading eyes too.

"Okay, go get dressed and meet me at the king's port in ten minutes," he said.

N'Jadaka leaned his left temple against the glass partition of the king's port waiting for Yani and the children to join him. Okoye stepped down from the ramp of the Talon Fighter with Ayo. Behind them were four members of the Onyx Squad assigned to his family.

"We can retrieve her for you," Okoye offered.

He shook his head.

"I want her to see me. I have to be the one to get her. I know what it's like to lose a mother and only I can comfort her properly after something so traumatic."

"Then you must sleep while we travel. You look like you will collapse on your feet. Forgive my bluntness," Okoye said.

Yani and the children hurried to his side with Elana and Zora in tow. The two Ladies in Waiting wept, their keening moans piercing his soul. He escorted his family on board, insisting that they ride in the back. The sleeper couch extended into a flat comfortable bed and Yani helped Sydette and Riki onto it. Ayo brought them soft Border Tribe blankets and they all hunkered down in a pile.

The Royal Talon Fighter lifted and rotated with an array of stinger escorts. From the side viewscreen, he and Yani regarded the destruction down below as Wakandan military crews led a coordinated effort to burn up dead alien bodies and cart off the last remains of their own soldiers. Two of the giant earth destroyer wheels smoldered while embedded in a rocky hill looking like giant monuments. N'Jadaka commanded that the wheels would stay as a testament to the war they had fought valiantly for and lost.

"Oh, God," Yani murmured.

The land below smoldered and bore scars of a great battle. The wide swath of ruin brought tears to her eyes. He comforted her in his arms. She clung to him and buried her face in his neck. Her gentle fingers rubbed his bicep, occasionally squeezing it as if to make sure he was still with her.

"What happens next?" she whispered, the horror below stuck in her throat.

He glanced at his side where Riki and Sydette were bundled.

"Sleep, Yani. Right now I can only think about Joba and getting her back with us."

She patted his chest and he rubbed her back. Closing his eyes, he tried to rest so he could have the energy for rescuing his baby girl.

Ayo woke him up with a light shaking of his arm.

"Kumkani, we have arrived above Central Park. Okoye has tracked the location of the unvikeli necklace on the southern perimeter."

N'Jadaka sat up, disturbing Yani's sleep.

"We're here," he said.

They left Sydette and Riki sound asleep under the watchful eye of Ayo. At the bottom of the ramp, Yani touched his wrist.

"Would you prefer me to stay here and wait? I don't want to overwhelm her," Yani said.

N'Jadaka threaded his fingers with hers.

"I need you with me."

"Okay."

Okoye and the Onyx Squad guards spread out and sealed them all inside a protective spectral camouflage shield. The setting sun shrouded the park in the growing shadows of creeping darkness. Okoye kept her gaze on the tracker image on her wrist.

"Over by that bridge, kumkani," Okoye said.

The Onyx Squad fanned out toward the bridge and N'Jadaka picked up his pace with Yani.

"Joba!" N'Jadaka called out.

They ran onto the bridge, eyes darting about.

"Joba!"

All of their voices sprinkled the hollow air. Disheartened, N'Jadaka ran to the north end of the bridge.

"Joba…daddy is here. Where are you?"

Fear laced his voice.

"Please…please…," he mumbled, biting back the terror welling up in his chest.

He ran down the side of the bridge where the Onyx squad checked the water with scanners.

"The signal is here, kumkani," Okoye said, her voice ready to crack from disappointment.

A pile of leaves under the arch of the stone bridge moved. He jumped back thinking a wild animal was about to pounce on him, but he noticed small brown hands pushing the fallen foliage away. He reached for the hands and pulled Joba free from the covering.

"Joba."

He cradled his daughter's trembling body which felt cool to the touch.

"Mommy and Uncle Adebiyi disappeared, Baba," she said.

Her voice was weak from dehydration and her head lolled forward. Okoye brought her water and helped her take small sips. He lifted his child and carried her out from under the bridge. Yani ran to them and caressed Joba's forehead.

"Get her back to the Talon Fighter," Yani said.

He raced back to the ship, holding Joba close to his heart. Once on board, he handed the girl to Yani who placed her on the makeshift examining table she turned his war table into. She had brought along a medical bag and injected Joba with fluids to hydrate her faster. After cleaning her up and changing her into some fresh pajamas, N'Jadaka picked her up and cradled her on the converted couch next to the still-sleeping Riki and Sydette. Yani moved to lay next to him and stroked Joba's hair.

"I got you Sunshine," he said.

His youngest fell asleep in a matter of minutes, her small form warmed up by his body heat. He touched the necklace T'Challa gave her when he was her protector, none of them knowing how true that sentiment had become. Without the necklace, he may have lost Joba forever in the panic of the new world order because of Thanos. Or a nefarious American government agency could've taken her and used Joba to get to him. His baby girl was smart enough to hide and trust that her own people would find her. But she sure did take a chance staying out in the elements all alone without seeking an adult authority figure's help. They were very lucky.

Yani helped him move Joba over next to Riki and covered them both with another blanket before curling into N'Jadaka's side again.

"We're heading across the Atlantic Ocean, kumkani. Ayo and some of the Onyx Squad can go aboard the half-cruiser hidden five miles away if you wish to bring it home," Okoye said.

No one from Disa's immediate side of the family had contacted him about anything. If there were any members of that family left, he wanted them to have the option of coming to Wakanda.

"Leave it for now. Have a reconnaissance team in the lower Atlantic take care of it for now."

"As you wish," Okoye said.

N'Jadaka closed his eyes and clutched Yani's body tight against his. He'd have to face dark days in the morning, but at least he had all of his children. He cried softly for Disa and was thankful that Adebiyi was with her in the end.

Wakanda passed through a sorrowful month assessing the total missing and then another month of mourning and rebuilding their lives. They resolutely transitioned through the decimation and adjusted to the loss of life in order to stay focused on the future. Memorials and public commemorations were the daily norm and N'Jadaka spent his time comforting Joba.

His youngest daughter and baby boy said strange things.

While most Wakandans cried and lamented the loss of life, Riki and Joba declared to him that the missing billions weren't truly gone. He sought therapy for their entire family as most Wakandans adjusted to the trauma, but Joba and Riki insisted that they could feel the presence of the disappeared citizens.

Shuri understood it to mean that there was hope for their lost loved ones, but they kept the chatter of the children to themselves. False hope was a detriment to the mind, and N'Jadaka couldn't afford to tease a mentally stretched population of mourners. However, it appeared to give some solace to Joba, even though she cried on and off sporadically for weeks, missing her mommy's physical presence and going through spells of silence that worried him and Yani. To her credit, Yani smothered the girl with love and helped her transition into a new life without Disa. It wasn't easy. Yani wept privately when she thought he didn't know. She missed Disa, her parents, and all the people she loved in Wakanda who had winked out of existence. Yani barely slept and he made Elana and Zora give her sedatives to force rest upon her. He stayed strong in front of them all, especially the nation, his stoic mannerism hiding the sadness in his soul.

World leaders called on him for details of the Infinity War, but he left the Avengers to that. Fury never returned calls and N'Jadaka stewed in the knowledge that his insider track into U.S. intelligence was gone.

The final day of public mourning arrived and he dressed to address the nation outside the ancient gathering temple where he brought his late parents. Yani dressed herself and the children in the same colors of his pale blue royal robes to usher in the continuation of life. There were rumors of war in the outside world as other countries quietly pressured America to force Wakanda into sharing vibranium simply because they all experienced the madness of Thanos. Even in the midst of entering a third month away from the events of the global disaster, America and her lackeys commenced with their daily fuckery. He refused to be shamed into sharing any resources or technology with people not aligned with his agenda. If Wakanda had to fight another battle, there was no fear of them failing this time. No nation was a match for them. If a bit of otherworldly sorcery hadn't happened two months ago, they would've no doubt conquered Thanos.

World War Three with outsiders was the least of his concerns. Healing his family and Wakanda were the only items on his actionable tasks going forward.

They arrived at the formal ending of public mourning to much fanfare from the people. His children walked in front of him and Yani showcasing the Wakandan way of centering their children as the future. Yani kept her head covered the way Disa used to in public appearances paying homage to the woman whose child was now in her care for life. Yani fretted often about raising Joba up in the way that Disa would've wanted, and he had to reassure her that they were going to be fine. Even his grandmother and Ramonda put on confident faces to help their family make it through the pain. He worried about Umama the most but his grandfather Dante kept her spirits up. They had to move the country forward as a solid unit.

"There are still a lot of people, Baba," Joba said.

She clasped his hand and looked up to him, her head covering making her face look even smaller.

"I know. They look to me to make sure we are alright."

"We are," she said.

She patted his hand and leaned her head into his hip.

"The other people are still here… we just can't see them."

N'Jadaka stared at her.

"What do you mean? What people?"

"The ones that disappeared."

Joba held her hand out like she was feeling something invisible.

"Kumkani, step this way please," Elder Zinzi said.

N'Jadaka placed Joba's hand inside Yani's and walked to a floating podium that adjusted to his height. Thousands of faces gazed at him, hopeful and expectant. He wasted no time getting to the heart of the matter and did his best to provide comfort and future agency for the people. His eyes latched onto Mpilo's. The young man beamed from his seat, eating up every syllable N'Jadaka uttered. He glanced at Yani and his children, then observed the audience before him. This was not a time to appear uncertain or weak. Drastic changes in societies often precipitated hostile takeovers by those who needed a significant catastrophe to wedge them into power. He was ruling during a dangerous time and all of his Special Ops senses told him to be wary of the political challenges to come. He moved his hands from the podium and stepped in front of it, going off script. A king had to appear in control and he wasn't going to give off a whiff of uncertainty to his enemies watching. He felt his mama's energy building up within and he spoke the way she would have to the people. Bold. Fearless. Encouraging.

"Who are we to fear the unknown ever again? We stood our ground and Wakanda still stands. This battle looks bleak but the war for our sovereignty is not over! The days ahead may still look dark for some, but I promise you, Wakanda will always stand. We are the light of the world and I will never let it dim. Never!"

Mpilo leaped to his feet with more than half the people joining him in a rousing display of support. Others still seated clapped, and he knew he had to prove his convictions to them in the months ahead. Joba jumped up and down with her hands clapping above her head. A warmth filled his heart. If his baby girl believed in him, then who could indeed doubt him?

"All hail King N'Jadka, the Golden Jaguar!" Mpilo shouted.

A chant started up and overwhelmed the exterior of the temple with amplified voices. The sound washed over him and he closed his eyes for a second just to feel the sensation. He had fulfilled his life goal. The moment he uttered the words at eleven years old, his life trajectory was a rocket-fueled ride to a speech in front of his father's homeland. His homeland. His people.

A final chapter of his past life closed. A new one was being written right where he stood.

"Wakanda Forever!" he shouted.

The nation affirmed his place by shouting back to him, "Wakanda Forever!"

W'Kabi rushed forward and pulled N'Jadaka aside as the Council of Elders concluded the event with a prayer. They stepped behind a wall of security.

"This was left on our shores. A witness stated that someone looking like a Talokanil female came on land to deliver it."

W'Kabi thrust out a giant conch shell with a pale salmon coloring so distinct that it didn't come from their African waters. He tapped his kimoyo bead and an image of a young water woman with a feathered headdress appeared dropping the conch shell on the sand. She spoke in Talokan and the person recording the image kept stating they didn't understand her. W'Kabi replayed the image again with a translation.

"K' uk' ulkan wants your king to speak with him. Blow on this shell after your mourning period finishes and he will come to your ruler," she said.

"Who made this vid recording?" N'Jadaka asked.

"A fisherman hauling in shrimp. What will you do?"

"He can wait. They don't know when our mourning period is over so I'll act as if it is ongoing until I see what else is happening beyond our borders. It's only one woman so I will not take this as a threat or anything urgent."

"We have stayed out of their territories and have not pried into their lives. What can they want from us?"

"Perhaps intel on the surface world from our perspective since the war. I will see to him later. Keep our navy informed of the intrusion on our land. If they can slip through our coast easily, then we have to tighten up."

W'Kabi left his side and N'Jadaka held the conch shell. Namor could be a potential ally or an enemy. He wasn't in the mood to speak to the flying god. Not anytime soon. He gestured for Mpilo to come forward.

"Mpilo, take this to my office. Do not blow into it and let no one else touch it on the way there. Understand?"

"Yes, King N'Jadaka."

Mpilo covered the shell with his overshirt and left the temple.

N'Jadaka's family joined him and they walked toward the transportation that would take them to an outdoor celebration of music and poetry. His mind wandered amidst the chatter of his loved ones. Riki and Joba whispered together in the seats behind him and Sydette focused her attention on his face while sitting between him and Yani.

"Baba, will we ever be happy again?" Sydette asked.

"Yes, Sweet Pea. We are all getting better. Today we're celebrating happiness again. For all of us still here, we will live a good life."

Sydette nodded and picked at her dress. Her eyes looked wary.

"I wish we could go to St. Thomas. I miss it there," she said.

"When I get things settled here, we'll go for a couple of weeks."

Sydette grabbed his hand in excitement. Twyla and Bibi had gone there a month ago on Yani's behalf to help with any family who needed assistance. They were all grateful that Aunt Leona had been spared. He glanced behind his seat to check on the quiet. Riki and Joba had both nodded off, their heads touching in their slumber.

Attendants greeted them stepping out of the royal SUV. Yani carried Riki and he lifted Joba in his arms. She woke up and wrapped her arms around his neck. They were all guided to a private platform to observe the musicians and other artists scheduled to perform. The younger children stayed on his and Yani's laps while Sydette watched from her own seat.

Dancers, singers, poets, and aerial ballet performers entertained the enormous crowd in stadium seating. He rested his chin on Joba's hair when she fell asleep again. Riki was knocked out also and snoozed on Yani. All of the lengthy ceremonial rites exhausted the children. Sydette's ability to stay awake surprised him.

Talented Wakandan artists lifted the hearts, minds, and spirits of the people. Yani leaned over and kissed his lips. Her beautiful eyes gave him peace. He thought of making love to her once they returned to the palace. It had been too long since they'd been intimate. The stress of the last two months doused his arousal and hers. Their lives centered on keeping the children mentally well and working through their collective grief despite her job and other royal responsibilities. The reduction in hospital staff at the birthing centers created a medical crisis and Yani filled in where she was needed. Birthing babies didn't stop in the middle of a national emergency. Yani worked long hours and maintained her composure even when he knew she was worn thin like him. She made the curious observation to the national census bureau that not one pregnant woman registered to give birth had vanished throughout Wakanda or the Jabari mountains. He wondered if it was the same in other countries.

The music helped remove the gray in his mood, and looking at his fiancé brought back the desire for her touch and some alone time. He reached over and fondled the soft curls she cultivated letting her hair grow out. He kissed her again and she took the hint that he needed a more intimate connection later.

The palace had been cleaned from top to bottom with the Bashenga mountain priests blessing the halls and walls with divine incense and burned bundles of lavender and chamomile leaves mixed with the precious dried petals of the udomo flower that was only used for ceremonies releasing the dead. Nakia wore them in her hair during the family dinner as Toussaint suckled from her breast. The Council of Elders had been invited with their families to dine in the hall named for the great queen herself, Shuriya, and it filled with genuine laughter and grasping at closure from the decimation.

But not Nakia.

Despite her winsome smiles and small chuckles at jokes about the baby, a wound festered unhealed in her heart.

"I have something to say," she announced abruptly in the middle of dessert and coffee.

N'Jadaka glanced at Yani as if she knew something was up, but Yani only flicked her eyes over toward Elana and Zora who only shrugged at the outburst. The richly brocaded table seated forty people in their inner circle.

"Speak," N'Jadaka said.

Nakia looked at him and then at Ramonda.

"T'Challa and I were married. Before Toussaint was born. We wanted a small ceremony just for ourselves once we knew the baby was coming. Our nuptials were in America, right before we told the family about the pregnancy."

"Eh eh," Ramonda clucked, tilting her head back with a delighted smile on her face.

"Forgive us Queen Mother Ramonda, Umama…we didn't want any big ceremonies. T'Challa doesn't…didn't like them. We planned on having a small party instead when Toussaint reached six months."

"You are officially family…even though you have always been my daughter in my head since you were a little girl," Ramonda said.

Umama chuckled and nodded her head.

"I wanted you all to know that. I would also like to say that this trying time has made it difficult for me to be in Wakanda. Everywhere I go, I see him…I hear his voice…I feel his presence all over the palace. It hurts. Lately, I have been able to laugh again because of my son, but I cannot live here anymore. I want to go to Haiti again. Raise Toussaint away from the palace and the pressure of being an Udaku. I want a regular life for us where I can rebuild my heart and move forward as a mother."

"Nakia, no…" Ramonda said.

"Daughter Nakia, I understand how you feel. Losing my life partner, my best friend…my beloved husband has bruised me on top of all the other losses I've endured in this family. If you need to leave in order to heal yourself, you have my blessing. I will miss you both," Umama said.

"I will be selfish and say I do not want you to leave us," Ramonda said. "You need family around you to get better. Please give yourself time to think this through."

"I will stay until after King N'Jadaka marries Princess Yani. This will give me time to prepare for our new home."

"What will you do there?" Yani asked.

"Run a school…teach… raise Toussaint up to be a good person that Wakanda can be proud of."

"Will you stay there forever?" Sydette asked.

"I don't know."

"That's not fair!" Riki interjected.

He slammed his fists on the table.

"I promised Uncle T'Challa that I would be Toussaint's big brother. How can I do that when you go?" Riki blurted in a rage.

"Riki…" N'Jadaka said, leaning over and covering the boy's left fist.

Sydette chimed in.

"But it's true, Baba. Uncle T'Challa told us we were very important to Toussaint. He expected us to help teach him how to be a prince and love him as if he were our little brother. If Auntie Nakia leaves, we can't keep our promise," Sydette said.

Joba kept silent and watched her brother's face.

"None of this will happen for a while, so there's no need to get upset now…here, raise your glasses everyone…let's congratulate our new Princess Nakia of the Udaku clan and the Panther tribe," Yani gushed.

N'Jadaka raised his glass next to Yani's. All the adults at the table did the same. Riki jumped down from his seat and ran away from the table. The patter of his feet struck the marble floor becoming a resounding slap to the joy Yani tried to muster. Joba slid from her seat and dashed after him, calling Riki's name with aching clarity.

Shuri ran after Riki and Joba and consoled them both outside of the dining hall.

Umama glanced at N'Jadaka and he waved a hand down to keep her from leaving her seat.

"It's okay, Umama," he said.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset everyone. I just wanted to share how I feel and tell you that T'Challa couldn't wait to get married. He wanted me to be his wife for so long and I guess he was afraid I would change my mind again."

Umama chuckled and stood up from her seat. She walked over to Nakia and hugged her. Ramonda joined in the hugfest. Sydette lowered her head and picked at her dessert fork.

"May I be excused to check on Riki and Joba?" Sydette asked.

Yani nodded and Sydette slid down from her seat and walked away.

"I should go check on them too," Yani said, folding away her linen napkin.

N'Jadaka lifted a hand out toward their guests.

"There will be more coffee and cake in the Tea Room. Enjoy the rest of your evening everyone. We will take our leave," he said.

Everyone else stood up as N'Jadaka clasped the fingers of Yani's right hand and escorted her out of the dining hall with her Ladies in Waiting following behind. Riki stood outside kicking a pillar and fussing with Shuri about the unfairness of everything. Joba and Sydette stood near him with fretful expressions.

"Lil Man," N'Jadaka said.

Riki stopped kicking the pillar and kept his bottom lip poked out, his eyes downcast.

"Let's go home," Yani said, holding out her free hand.

Riki reluctantly dragged his feet over and took her hand.

"Stand like a prince," N'Jadka commanded.

Riki raised his head and straightened his back. That bottom lip stayed put. The urge to tell him to fix his face the way his mother used to tell N'Jadaka as a child percolated in the king's mouth, but he allowed the boy to feel his disappointment. Sydette and Joba fell in line beside him and they strolled to an awaiting elevator.

"Do you think I should've stayed with Nakia?" Yani asked Elana and Zora back inside their home.

Elana lit up a cigar for him and Zora poured Yani a glass of wine and they all sat together in plush chairs watching the moon rise above the river lagoon surrounding the palace. Zora puffed on a thin cigarillo filled with the sickly sweet pungent odor of a Wakandan mind-altering plant. She passed it to N'Jadaka and he puffed before passing it to Yani. The effects were immediate, relaxing them all in a dull buzz of serenity. He appreciated the company of Yani's Ladies in their guest parlor. They had all grown closer in the trying times and their deference to Yani was duly noted by the nobles who envied their positions and the leeway N'Jadaka gave them around him. The rumor mill had also started up during the mourning period that he had taken them on as low-tier consorts for himself. Traditionalists took it as a sign that he had gone old school and watched his every move with wry smiles and others who knew it wasn't true vied for Elana and Zora's attention with their accomplished sons eligible for marriage. Their stock had gone up and being baddies already gave them a wide variety of high-quality men to choose from. They ate it up and shared all the juicy details with Yani and him. The insular social media of the elites adored the glimpses of photos taken of the four of them visiting parts of Wakanda to boost the morale of the nation. He had to acknowledge that they all looked amazing stepping out into the public together, and he was grateful that they carried the emotional burden of the difficult times Yani experienced mothering Joba and feeling the guilt of stepping into Disa's missing shoes. The sisterhood encouraged Yani to release that guilt. Zora constantly reminded her that Disa would've stepped up without worry if the roles were reversed because the children had been raised to see both women as their co-mothers.

"Lady Nakia is in a delicate place right now. She looks at you and King N'Jadaka and wishes her family unit was still intact. That will crush any woman with a newborn child. It is better to leave her to Queen Mother for now and seek her out after a day or two. This long celebration day was too much for her. I believe she will go away in a year and come right back once she sees that life goes on and she will miss all of you," Elana said.

N'Jadaka patted his lap and widened his thighs. Yani left her seat and sat on his lap. He rubbed on her backside and nuzzled his face in her bosom.

"It is wise for her to leave here after all that has happened? And why Haiti? She could go live in the mountains with the Jabari if the palace brings on too many memories. Her parents would love to have her back in the River Tribe territory," Zora said.

"Many people have a hard road to walk still. That evil alien stole lives and every one of us here has been touched by that. None of us can hold up a family lineage blanket and not see the holes in it from all the ones missing," Elana said.

The cathartic smoke lingered in the air like thick perfume, relaxing their minds in a glorious haze of pink smoke the color of the burning plant. A house attendant brought them small puff pastries filled with chocolate and covered in powdered sugar. He fed one to Yani and she licked warm melted chocolate from his index finger.

Yani cradled his face and licked powdered sugar from his lips. Zora turned on music from their sound system and Elana kicked up her heels, puffing on a fresh cigarillo, and linking her pinky finger with Zora's as they danced around the room, swirling their long skirts.

"Tired?" he asked Yani.

She cuddled up closer to him and sighed into his neck.

"Happy to have you like this…away from everyone."

"Everyone?" he said, glancing at her Ladies.

Yani waved a dismissive hand at Elana and Zora.

"They are so far gone. Look at them. They've smoked more, drank more…the entire nation seems to breathe again…like a new door has opened and we can all see some light finally. You've worked non-stop since the decimation. We should drink all night and get higher than that moon," she said.

She slurred her words and her glassy eyes held love within them. Her lips trembled.

"Baby?" he whispered.

Tears swelled and fell from her eyelids.

"I want to feel like them," Yani shuddered.

N'Jadaka wiped away her tears, kissed her nose, and pulled her onto her feet. He rocked against her in time to the soothing music. A Wakandan woman with a passionate alto voice sang of having fun and loving life. The beats had them stomping their feet and clapping their hands above their heads until Yani found her smile again. After an hour, he turned the music off and summoned attendants to clear away their snacks, empty wine glasses, bottles, and ash trays filled with refuse.

Zora and Elana lowered their heads to them.

"We bid you both a goodnight…finally," Zora teased, eyeing his hand squeezing Yani's backside.

N'Jadaka pretended to shove Zora away. The two women left them for their own quarters on the lower floor. Yani passed him the last cigarillo as he mashed his cigar in an empty ashtray on the end table. Sitting cozy together once more, they smoked down the cigarillo and continued watching the evening sky together, the intimacy he craved satisfied with Yani's heartbeat thumping in time with his.

"Does it feel the same?" Yani asked.

N'Jadaka took a deep breath as his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sunlight striking the water of the cove.

"Nothing has changed," he said.

The place where it all began for the two of them looked the same and his soul rejoiced at the peace that came over him. He shucked off his swim trunks and followed his naked woman into the sea.

Their children were preoccupied eating conch fritters, grilled hot dogs, and chicken roti with Aunt Leona back up at the front house, so he and Yani had that part of Our Lady's Manor in St. Thomas to themselves. Yani splashed water on him and he grabbed her by the waist, lifting and throwing her into a gentle wave. She laughed and beckoned him to swim closer, his Black mermaid back in her realm. Her breasts bounced as she shook them to tease his eyes.

They had been on the island for less than an hour before the kids were stuffing their faces with food and he was palming titties in the pristine liquid paradise. He scanned the waters to his left where the craggy rock formation led to the place he lost Yani and his children that first time. N'Jadaka had been so frightened for them and thinking about himself as a mercenary brought a chill down his royal spine.

The past was no longer prologue, and the seeds he dropped on the island had brought forth fruits to his new future. Next spring he would marry Yani and maybe a few years down the road she would let him put more babies inside the soft belly he splayed his fingers on. Lifting strong hands north along her body he gripped her breasts and played with them. She pressed her backside into his groin and his thick dick plumped up between the cleft of her ass.

Deft fingers trailed down the supple skin of her torso until they found her jeweled clit. Yani whimpered as her slippery folds were played with by an expert. They tilted their necks so that he could kiss her while he rubbed slow circular motions on the tender parts of her body. To hold and caress his future queen ignited a flame in his heart. He made a sacred vow to himself to love and honor Yani for all of their lives in that world and the next.

Their lips smacked with wet friction and he stopped tonguing her down in order to watch his fingers grow slick from her wetness. He held her breasts again, enjoying the weight in his hands. That's how it all began so long ago between them. Him asking to touch her nipples as milk ran down her breasts. He groaned thinking of touching her that first time. She had been ripe and ready for his plucking and he took Yani for himself understanding implicitly that he would never know a love like that again. Ever. All of the gods converged on that day knowing the wheels were set in motion to unite them for life.

His dick grew long and strong enough to part her folds without help from her, and he packed his dick inside her walls and pumped her pussy with harsh grunts. That first time he could only masturbate and watch her play with her pussy. Not anymore. He took what he wanted.

Another wave brushed against their legs, but not enough to push them off their footing. Yani widened her stance and he thrust harder, gripping her elbows to keep their balance in the sifting sand under their feet. The warm water made him feel like he was inside another pussy while fucking and listening to her cheeks clap.

"Fuck that dick," he gasped

Yani moaned and dropped her head forward. Her pussy was a sweet throbbing on his fat dick. Ain't no way Bast didn't form Yani's pussy to fit around his girth like that.

"Oh my God, this the best pussy….baby…fuck this dick…oh you're fucking it so good Yani…'

A nigga wasn't afraid to cry like a bitch with pussy that sugary on a big dick that knew how to work all the angles. N'Jadaka shed thug tears while talking that talk to get her to squeeze her pussy muscles the way he liked. How many dudes fought over her to have access to the pot of gold he dipped his meat in? Only N'Jadaka was the big stepper to claim his rightful ownership of the walls gripping him. A surge of boastful pride flooded over him even as tears flicked away in large droplets into the sea. This woman loved him and showed out on the dick. His toes curled over lumps of sand. How could pussy be that fucking exquisite? He couldn't even breathe anymore as the life was sucked out of him because of the gushy walls snug around his length.

Water and tears fell on Yani's ass. He gripped her hips and wrote love poems in her depths, the tip of his dick a master at transcribing scripture on tight wet walls. He grabbed her arms and pulled them back further, pumping faster, his eyes on the waves coming in. His first nut coated her walls fast and hot before he pulled her out of the ocean and forced her to bounce on his dick in reverse cowgirl on a beach blanket warmed by the honey-yellow sand. Yani rode her king, looking over her shoulder at him with a slick smile on her glossy lips. The second time he came he screamed her name as loud as he pleased while bucking his hips. No one would hear them from the front house so far up on the hillside.

Yani slithered across his chest and switched directions so that he could taste her pussy after he fucked it well. She came in his mouth and he had her on her back before his cum flooding her pussy ran back out.

They learned to work out a system to handle his stamina, so the rest of their time on the sand was spent with his dick between her breasts hard fucking her tits and cumming all over her chest. He let her swim and rinse off and then afterward he fingered her clit. Watching her face during her loud release pleased him.

After a short nap, they dressed and returned to the main house. Yani snuck off to their master bedroom to rub their special cream on her folds and inside her pussy. They walked up a familiar path to the top of the compound and ate leftover lunch with the children and Leona sharing the events on the island and the remnants of old gossip about remaining family members. He observed Yani nourishing her body heavily for more pounding after the children were put down for naps. It was good to catch up with Aunt Leona. The world was different, but she was still the same, which was what the royal family needed. Joba took an extra shine to her and the older woman had her laughing and feeling loved into wholeness.

After they ate, the children scattered before Yani could catch them.

"Come with me for a minute. I want to show you something," he said.

Yani walked with him back down to the main house. They entered the coolness and sauntered into the room where Ulysses Klaue once tried to shoot him with his arm and where greedy mercenaries attempted to end his found family. Next to the collection of ancient drums, he picked up the conch shell left to him by Namor.

N'Jadaka sat Yani down and told her everything about the ocean dweller. She listened and asked no questions until he was finished.

"When will you call him?" she said.

"Maybe after we go back to Wakanda… I dunno. I really don't want to. As long as he stays down there and we mind our business up here…I'm not itchin' to get tangled up with that dude."

"Is he more dangerous than Thanos was?"

"Thanos had a distorted sense of purpose…sympathetic righteousness. At least that's what I got from the Avengers. Imagine the biggest liberal white vegan with a magical power screaming about saving the planet. He thinks he's saving people from future ills. That's Thanos. Namor…there's no compassion for surface dwellers. He had the most 'I don't give a fuck' energy I have ever witnessed. That man does not care. He only accepts Wakanda because we act the way his people do. As long as we continue to mind our business, I don't see us being a threat to him."

"Then let's do that," Yani said, holding his hand.

He put the conch shell back on the drum shelf and checked his kimoyo beads.

"Let's get the kids," he said.

Strolling hand-in-hand to the middle house, they ran into Twyla and Bibi.

"Go get your wild children and we'll catch up later. You two look worn out," Twyla said.

She held onto Yani as N'Jadaka shook Bibi's hand.

"How are you liking island life?" he asked Bibi.

Twyla's husband grinned and touched his forehead.

"So much to see, but Aunt Leona makes me eat so much. I think I will be twice my size when I go home."

"Are the kids with you?" Yani asked, looking behind them.

"No, they were in the middle house a few minutes ago. We gave them gifts before coming out here. We're going swimming. Want to join?" Twyla asked.

"We did that earlier," he said.

Twyla looked over Yani's shoulder.

"I can't believe you brought that hellion back here on vacation," Twyla said.

She pointed to Jerome who had lodged himself comfortably in an overgrown flamboyant tree. The burnt orange foliage made his mottled green and pink skin stand out on the hanging branch.

"We couldn't come back here without him," N'Jadaka said.

"Just leave his old bossy ass here. He can keep Auntie company. See you guys later," Twyla said.

"No, no," Leona said walking down the path to hand N'Jadaka freshly washed bathroom towels. "That boy loves living his rich life in the palace. He won't want to stay here anymore. Him spoiled."

She looked at Bibi.

"Bibi, are you allergic to shellfish? I'm making us a sweet and sticky shrimp tonight for dinner."

N'Jadaka stared at Leona as a sense of déjà vu washed over him.

"I can eat anything, Auntie, as long as it isn't too spicy," Bibi said, rubbing his belly.

Leona patted his arm and shuffled back up toward her domain to prepare a lavish spread for her family.

"Bye!" Twyla said pulling Bibi toward the main beach down below.

Waving the couple off, N'Jadaka threw an arm around Yani's shoulder and entered the middle house.

"Where y'all at?" he shouted into the house.

Toys were spread on the living room floor unattended. He placed the towels on the couch and looked around more.

"Shh…"

Yani stood in the doorway of the master bedroom and wiggled her index finger to get his attention. He joined her and peeked into the bedroom. All three of the children were fast asleep on the bed. He kicked off his sandals and moved around to the side of the bed they shared. Riki and Joba were curled into twin balls facing each other and Sydette was on her stomach.

A lump lodged in N'Jadaka's throat.

"This is where it all started, Yani," he said.

"Hmm?"

"Here…this bed. You put Sweet Pea to sleep and I found her. Look at my baby now. She'll be nine next year."

He reached down and touched the frazzled curls let free from the humidity on Sydette's head. From one child to three. He gazed at Riki and Joba. A gust of hot wind flowed through the open door and tickled the back of his neck. He touched it and closed his eyes thinking he could smell the aroma of Disa's perfume riding on the wind too, reminding him that her love would surround their daughter.

Yani climbed on the bed next to Joba and he curled around Sydette. They held hands across the bodies of all three children creating a protective arc.

"We'll be okay," Yani said, reassuring him with the dulcet tones of her melodious voice.

"I know," he answered.

He watched his loved ones sleep and listened to the sounds of the sea and their calm breathing until he joined them in the bliss of slumber and sweet dreams of family.

N'Jadaka was finally rooted and free.

The Golden Jaguar rested as the world waited for his next move.

A.N.

Hey faithful readers, it's done!

The next book in the series will start next month. It's called "King Killmonger: The Golden Jaguar"

[ampedupkaon]

August Writing Challenge Day 21: Harlequin/Helbram

AN: This takes place in the Fairy King's Forest before Helbram started sneaking off to the human world. Pre-series, hence. I had 'Little April Showers' from Bambi in my head when I wrote it.

“I win!” Helbram cheered, hand touching the top of the tree with the red leaves. Harlequin floated over, flopping on the pillow he usually slept on. He appeared to be tired out, which was funny because they hadn't flown that far, or that fast.

“Con... Congratulations...” Harlequin yawned a couple of times, eyes starting to flutter shut.

“Hey, come on. The reason we raced to this tree was because the sunsets look beautiful from here. And I can think of no one I'd rather watch the sunset with than my best friend.” Helbram nudged Harlequin, earning a whine.

“I'm tired.” Harlequin yawned again and Helbram gave him another nudge.

“You have to watch the sunset with me; I won our little race.” The comment got him another whine, followed by agreement. He cheered, floating down to the base of the tree. His friend followed slowly, bobbing like a leaf on the breeze.

“There's a nice notch in the tree between two roots we could rest in.” Helbram settled there, getting rather comfortable with his hands pillowing his head. Harlequin's pillow floated behind him, against the tree and he rested against it.

“How come I have to rest against hard bark and you get a comfy pillow?” He asked, not really annoyed.

“Because you decided to settle before I did and could put Chastiefol against the tree for both of us.” Harlequin told him and he chuckled.

“I'm just messing, Harlequin.” Helbram shuffled a little closer, putting an arm around the other fairy's shoulder. Harlequin let him and he called that a win. The sky was just starting to streak with orange, the sun sliding under the horizon. Both of them had dropped jaws, unable to believe they hadn't seen this particular sight before. The tree they were leaning against was quite young, so perhaps they hadn't. It had red leaves whenever it had leaves though; the leaves turned brown before they fell as the weather got colder. The two of them sat watching the sky turn from orange to red to purple and then they both yawned.

“Say... about resting on your pillow...” Helbram leaned forward, Harlequin doing the same right after. The pillow rotated around and lethargy quickly set in when he settled against it. Helbram's eyes slid shut, the thought of 'No wonder Harlequin is always sleepy' the last thing going through his mind. The next thing he was aware of was a drop of water landing on his head. He startled awake, feeling another drop landing on his shoulder right after. He shook Harlequin, the other fairy startling.

“Harlequin, it's starting to rain.” A drop landed on his friend and Helbram had to resist the urge to laugh at the look of shock on his face.

“Come with me.” Helbram floated up after his friend, seeing the other fairy running his hand up the tree's trunk. When they were just under the lowest branches, Harlequin stopped, heading into a small hollow. It was large enough for fairies to rest inside... but not really human sized ones. Harlequin inside the the hollow proved that.

“Looks a bit cramped...” He complained, before scrambling in. There were relatively fresh leaves on the bottom of the hollow, suggesting that perhaps it had been used recently. And he was right on top of Harlequin.

“Didn't know you want to get up close and personal, Harlequin.” Helbram teased. His friend swatted at him.

“I will push you out of here when the rain gets heavy.” That wasn't an empty threat; he could tell by the tone in his friend's voice. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing the rain was getting heavy now, fat droplets falling past the opening.

“Nice and warm in here at least.” Helbram carefully scrambled around, curling up on Chastiefol beside Harlequin.

“We'd best wait out the storm, hadn't we?” He got a nod, Harlequin getting comfortable.

“What, do you not want to cuddle? I mean, you have got me in close quarters... and I'm game if you are.” Harlequin held out his arms and Helbram shuffled into them, sliding his own around his friend. He shuddered when his wings were stroked, accidentally of course, when the other fairy started cuddling in.

“You're right, it is nice and warm in here.” His friend sounded sleepier than normal. He shuddered, it feeling kind of hot having someone he trusted cuddled up to him like this.

“N-Night Helbram.” His friend whispered, eyes fluttering shut. Helbram swallowed, but forced out the words he knew his friend needed to hear.

“Sweet dreams, Harlequin.” He whispered, closing his eyes. The sound of the rain, combined with the warmth of the fairy king cuddling up to him made it all too easy for Helbram to drift off to sleep.

AN: Helbram wakes up, seeing a rainbow in the sky, the sun now up. He nudges Harlequin so he can have a look too and gets swatted for waking the other fairy up. Harlequin apologises when he sees the sight out of the hollow; it was worth being woken up for.

[ae-neon]

Reading Throne of Glass (4-9)

Again. I'm nitpicking, it's just how I enjoy a lot of my media. Overall I'm still giving the story a fair chance. (Except the Nehemia plotline)

Chapter 4

Really great opening paragraph, like honestly so good.

Proof sjm once understood that starvation would decrease breast size. Also proof that misogyny rots the brain cause god forbid Nesta didn't look hot enough for Cassian to fuck during her depressive breakdown.

Sorry, back to tog.

This chapter is great, amazing even.

Everything from Celaena falling asleep on the floor cause the bed feels too different after her horrible year in the mines

-> her reaction to sunlight and the small bits of hope she has

-> her figuring out a way to kill Chaol every 15 minutes.

-> her solemn reaction to the fact that no one else would be leaving the mines in anyway except death.

The scene with the dogs was nice. I like the interaction and characterization going on between these 3 main characters.

The scenery and worldbuilding is good too. We have Ellwye, the West, Wendlyn, The Witch Kingdom, the East, Endovier, Ardalan and Rifthold all mentioned and somewhat defined within narrative context. No info dumping, just small relevant tidbits.

Okay so Celaena is 18, Dorian is 20, Chaol is 22.

It's almost shocking how reasonable sjm used to be.

Celaena's a little crazy but it's fun sometimes. She says she's trying to get under Chaol's skin but she's the one saying he's not very nice and being bothered when he doesn't engage with her.

22 is much better than I thought. But he honestly has to be not only the best swordsman in the country but also a very high up, well connected young lord to be Captain of the Royal Guard.

Me and Celaena locked in, fr. She clocked him as a Lord.

Also characters with a strong sense of justice >>>>> another 5 points for Chaol.

Top tier chapter overall.

Chapter 5

The forest scene is cool. King Brannon. 2000 years ago. Fae. Hope this plays a big role.

If the Fae are just gonna be dudes who run around the same as humans (with pointy ears and magic) why make them immortal? I don't think sjm really comprehends the concept or how otherworldly it really is.

She knew plenty about this forest, knew that the denizens of this place had once been faeries: gnomes, sprites, nymphs, goblins, more names than anyone could count or remember. All ruled by their larger, human-like cousins, the immortal Fae—the original inhabitants and settlers of the continent, and the oldest beings in Erilea.

Just say Elves, I beg of you

Okay but surely the King of Ardalan, aka Dorian Senior, banning magic and making it disappear is an act of magic itself? Like unless bro is god, the simple act of banning magic would not erase its existence.

The King of Adarlan had outlawed it all—magic, Fae, faeries—and removed any trace so thoroughly that even those who had magic in their blood almost believed it had never really existed, Celaena herself being one of them.

This all just happened within the last maximum 30 years. She herself just told us Fae are immortal. How the fuck would they forget they ever had magic? There are humans old enough to still remember.

"It had been a while since she’d contemplated the gifts she’d lost, though the memory of her abilities haunted her dreams." okay so it's happened only in the last 10 years??? That means everyone still remembers. Why not just write that Celaena could barely remember instead of implying it was a common thing.

Still really like her descriptions of the forest and of the faeries.

I'm guessing gnomes left her flowers. We'll probably never see them again.

Chapter 6

Icy rain kept them company for four days, during which time Celaena was so miserably cold that she contemplated throwing herself into a ravine, hopefully dragging Chaol with her.

Her dedication to murdering him is quite endearing, I fear

The weather hits for me rn because it's autumn here too.

...the Crown Prince pulled out of line and came trotting toward them, his dark hair bouncing. His red cape rose and fell in a crimson wave. Above his unadorned white shirt was a fine cobalt-blue jerkin trimmed with gold. She would have snorted, but he did look rather good in his knee-high brown boots. And his leather belt did go nicely—even though the hunting knife seemed a bit too bejeweled.

Dorian the fashionista

Okay wait. The castle is half stone half glass... Can you just see into the castle? How did they even build that. If this was wheel of time or something I'd assume it was a modern skyscraper being seen through the eyes of people who didn't understand that. But there haven't been any other clues to suggest post apocalyptic fantasy stuff... Idk how I feel about this

The writing continues to be good. Celaena's dreams are pretty disturbing and her moment of quiet contemplation while staring at the greenish glow of the glass castle was really solemn and grounding. I think her thoughts about putting kingdoms behind her would have really hit if sjm revealed her identity and still had her refuse to rule.

"She wasn’t fated for anything. Not anymore"

During this scene the weight of her life experiences so far - running from her burning home at 8, losing her magic, being taken in by a man she couldn't trust, being made to murder for a living, being betrayed (most likely by that same man) and ending up in a slave mine - feels real, feels like it's made her truly lonely.

Still, the image haunted his dreams throughout the night: a lovely girl gazing at the stars, and the stars who gazed back.

Okay so why didn't sjm give Feyre a moment like this if we're supposed to believe Rhysand is her destined true love.

Chapter 7

There's a sense of life in this story thats really missing from acotar. Rifthold has flags and sigils and trumpets announcing the Prince's return. The horses smell, the city smells, the spices from the market smell, the river smells. Like there's a world here and it's tangible.

Acomaf really is the grave. And stans act like it's her magnum opus. No wonder sjm doesn't talk to them.

From bearded peddlers to servant girls carrying armfuls of hatboxes, everyone paused as the flag-bearers trotted proudly ahead, and Dorian Havilliard waved. They followed the Crown Prince, who, like Chaol, was swathed in a red cape, pinned over the left breast with a brooch fashioned after the royal seal. The prince wore a golden crown upon his neat hair, and she had to concede that he looked rather regal. Young women flocked to them, waving. Dorian winked and grinned.

Nobody in Velaris or the Hewn City or Illyria gives a fuck about Rhysand like this lmaooo

Now that she noticed, there were countless chained slaves working the docks, lifting and sweating, holding parasols and pouring water, eyes on the ground or the sky—never on what was before them. She wanted to leap from her horse and run to them, or to simply scream that she wasn’t a part of this prince’s court, that she had no hand in bringing them here, chained and starved and beaten, that she had worked and bled with them, with their families and friends—she was not like these monsters that destroyed everything. That she had done something, nearly two years ago, when she had freed almost two hundred slaves from the Pirate Lord.

I get what sjm was trying to do but the White Woman Energy™ is off the charts. It's not about you and you being seen as bad. Decentre yourself from the slavery narrative, please and thank you.

Kinda disappointed Celaena didn't spot any other spies or assassins lurking about. She was strangely unobservant for once.

Spears erect, they held rectangular shields, and their eyes were dark beneath bronze helmets. Each wore a red cape. Their armor, while tarnished, was well crafted from copper and leather.

Actual description of uniform and weapons rather than just "Illyrian leathers" "Illyrian knives/swords" BUT why does the description sound like Roman soldiers when we're clearly in a renaissance-esque fantasy time period

No, okay, I don't like the literal glass castle on top of a stone castle. Celaena agrees.

Dorian: you won't compete as yourself, we'll keep it a secret.

Dorian at the entrance to the castle while nobles and guards are welcoming him back: WELCOME CELAENA SARDOTHIEN

They were each armed with a sword, knife, and crossbow, and though they’d been alert while their captain passed by, she knew a crossbow wasn’t exactly a light weight to bear for hours on end. Celaena crept to her bedroom window, pressing herself against the marble wall, and glanced down. Sure enough, the guards had already strapped the crossbows across their backs. It would waste precious seconds to grab the weapon and load it—seconds when she could take their swords, cut their throats, and vanish into the gardens.

Smart, and even adding to her character weight and credibility. She surveys the room, makes a weapon and categorises what she could use to kill. Legit feels like a competent assassin.

Even the clothes are so much better than in acotar. What happened to sjm??

“He has a big heart, His Highness.” hahaha Dorian is apparently out here hoeing, I respect it.

Not the literal throne of glass.

And then there was the matter of Dorian’s sapphire eyes—not even his mother had his eyes. No one knew where they came from.

I hope this matters

The conversation between Dorian Snr and Dorian Jr is loaded with politics:

King Dorian I is a conqueror

Dorian II doesn't want to inherit the empire.

The younger brother isn't really a threat, neither of them take Hollin seriously.

Ardalan is in active war against Wendlyn

Why call Celaena a witch if the race of Witch exists. Why not just call her a snake or temptress or something

Dorian wants to kill his dad. He just like me fr.

Chapter 8

Okay. Chaol has an eagle shaped pommel on his sword. Dorian's sigil is a wyvern. The guy Celaena ends up with can turn into a bird I think. Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel have bat wings. The love interest in Ccity is an angel. SJM has a thing for wings, yes?

Tamlin not having wings is more proof of Feylin not being endgame than anything else you can point to in the text.

Chaol is giving the assassin a tour of the castle... Is he stupid??

The competition begins tomorrow??????

“I don’t understand why you refuse to enter the glass addition,” he went on. “There’s no difference between the interiors—you wouldn’t even know that you were inside it unless someone told you or you looked out the window.”

I lack the visual imagination to understand what the fuck is going on with this building. It really just sounds like a skyscraper

A clocktower made of black stone. Something like you'd see at the Gates of Wyrd. Hmmm. King built a spooky magic tower thing around the birth of his son. The same king magically made magic disappear.... The gargoyle on the tower points to a tile in the garden with a symbol on it. It's feeling very Da Vinci Code rn

A library... I miss Nesta.

The letter exchange between Celaena and Dorian is better than anything in acomaf. I said what I said. Including it for proof:

Your Highness—

It has come to my attention that your library isn’t a library, but rather a personal collection for only you and your esteemed father to enjoy. As many of your million books seem to be present and underused, I must beg you to grant me permission to borrow a few so that they might receive the attention they deserve. Since I am deprived of company and entertainment, this act of kindness is the least someone of your importance could deign to bestow upon a lowly, miserable wretch such as I.

Yours most truly,

Celaena Sardothien

Celaena beamed at her note and handed it to the nicest-looking servant she could find, with specific instructions to give it immediately to the Crown Prince. When the woman returned half an hour later with a stack of books piled in her arms, Celaena laughed as she swiped the note that crowned the column of leather.

My Most True Assassin,

Enclosed are seven books from my personal library that I have recently read and enjoyed immensely. You are, of course, free to read as many of the books in the castle library as you wish, but I command you to read these first so that we might discuss them. I promise they are not dull, for I am not one inclined to sit through pages of nonsense and bloated speech, though perhaps you enjoy works and authors who think very highly of themselves.

Most affectionately,

Dorian Havilliard

What happened to Sarah, when did she abandon romance?

Also. Again. This is supposed to be kept secret but she signed her name??? And Dorian responds "my assassin" any courier or spy would have had them by the balls before the day was done.

IS THAT KALTAIN??? Her ladies are idiots.

Ahhh, classic YA girlhate

Chapter 9

Super short chapter.

Aww, Chaol.

----

Overall I'm still enjoying this more than I expected.

Again what happened to sjm? This love triangle is building so well.

[light-end-dragon]

"CROSS SHINE" - Madara Solo Translation

SHINE!! 大空の下で 

Shine on! Under the wide open sky 

自由気ままに /  WALK 自然体 Stride 

I'm walking along as free as i please / as natural as is my stride

ひとりで行く /  今日も 悪くない

You know, today isn’t so bad either / traveling by myself like so

すれ違う僕ら心の中では /  泣いてたり笑ったり

In our hearts we missed each other as we passed by / and we cry and laugh all the same 

ありのまま / Feel my mind / なるようになるレッスン*

Feel my mind / See what I'm like right now  / it’ll teach a lesson on how to let things go 

Feel your mind   遅くなんてないさ

Feel your mind /  Oh, it’s never too late for you to do so

この地上の旅人生きているね

We’re all just travelers making a life upon this earth

 交差する 陽射 しの下で /  何を思い何を目指し

"What are you thinking? What is your goal?" / I wonder as our paths cross under the sun

知らずに出会えてるんだ /  世界地図を描きながら

Neither of us realize we met each other / while drawing out our map of the world 

野に咲く花季節の風  / さりげない日々を共有して

The wind blows through the blooming fields / as we spend these carefree days together 

僕らは優しい気配に気づく

Look at us, we’ve found a sign of something gentle and kind

そこにある光

In this light shining down

自由自在に Change / 多面体のコアに**

It’s like my soul is a many-sided polyhedron / But I am the only one who changes which face I wear 

真っ直ぐな情熱を置いて

We're preparing the way / using passion to forge straight ahead 

立ち向かう僕ら傍目からはまだ 危なっかしいビギナーズでも

 Still from someone watching on the sidelines / we are just dangerous beginners as we face them down

“いつも日か...” Free my mind  等身大を着替えて***

“Is it like this every day….” just free my mind / change my look so it’s more true to life 

Free your mind 夢の続きへと

Free your mind /  and head towards the rest of the dream

この地上の王者は　自分自身

The king upon this earth / is me and myself alone 

 交差する道の途中で /  君と出会い君と語り

And here at a roadway crossing  / I’m with you now- What is your story? 

彩りを重ねあって / 　世界地図を作り上げる

There are layers on layers of color / that have built up on this map of our worlds 

ありがとう優しい旅人　君さ

Thank you kind traveler / Yes, you my friend 

まるで奇跡だね

It’s really a miracle isn’t it? 

生きているね

That we’re alive, aren’t we? 

 交差する陽射しの下で  何を思い何を目指し

I wonder as our paths cross under the sun / "What are you thinking? Where are you headed?"

知らずに出会えてるんだ /  世界地図を描きながら

Neither of us had realized we met each other / while drawing out our map of the world 

恵みの雨 微笑む愛に / かけがえない日々を共有して

With this blessed rain / and the love I feel in the smile I see / I know there is no replacement for these carefree days 

僕らは優しい気配の中で

And the hint of something gentle and kind 

光を歩いている

Shines a light down on us as we walk along

TL NOTES :: ((Please note I'm very new to this canon and do not know too much more about Madara than what friends have told me, so I did my best to interpet some of the lines based on my impressions. )) This is a semi-more literal translation, though liberties are still taken with some of the lyrics to have them make sense in english/based on what may be implied in the song

I do not know who this 'kind traveller' madara speaks of in this song. But I'm sure there are probably a lot of hints that i may be unaware of. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I am still learning this language.

* なるようになる looks to be a set phrase or saying here of 'whatever will be, will be", similar to a quote from Zelos in ToS, I'm assuming. it's saying " A lesson in 'whatever will be, will be' so i chose 'letting go' esp considering the following line.

** This is literally saying 'in/to a core of a many-sided polyhedron.' which is rather vague, but it most likely seems to be a reference to being 'double faced/' having a lot of different sides that he 'changes' like the different faces of a polyhedron.

***Literally, this says 'a change of clothes/changing my clothes to be life-size" 等身大 can mean both 'life-size' literally and figuratively, as in 'true to your own size/self' I can only assume that in conjunction with the other lines, it's sort of saying like 'changing my appearance/outside to be more true to what i am like'

anyway thats it, whenever i get the song myself i may make a version with actual english lyrics that fit the melody, but i also have 1 billion other things im doing so we'll see

[mlobsters]

supernatural s9e11 first born (w. robbie thompson)

this reminds me a bit of teen wolf in the plot overload disorder. i don't think i even bothered mentioning abaddon last episode. too much shit going on! also makes me laugh that we're in the 1800s, teen wolf also had this very weird (not good) flashback for the history of the argents (in the 1700s) 😂

all right, i know it's cain here, but i don't know anything really beyond that. except the mark at some point.

CROWLEY So...is that boudoir smile for me?

crowley's back in his sweet spot of evil but also maybe helpful but also probably trying to fuck you over. much better than just flat evil

CROWLEY I've been chasing that blade for decades. The closest I got to it was when one of my droogs -- Smitty -- got wind of a protégé demon of Abaddon's who claimed knowledge of the blade. Sadly, before Smitty could nab the guy, a hunter by the name of John Winchester nabbed the protégé. I'm here to see if there's anything in the John Winchester memorial library that might lead us to the first blade -- to killing Abaddon. DEAN You want to hunt? With me? CROWLEY I do love a good buddy comedy.

i know people talk up how crowley feels about dean but to me crowley is just horny for literally everyone and/or no one. sheppard is just so charismatic in this part

why is this so cute!

laughed out loud, good one. i'm the BEST liar, i totally fucked you both over, don't you remember??? don't besmirch my lying abilities, bro

i thought being totally sober would make me less loquacious but sadly, no ;(

CROWLEY Is all this really necessary? I mean, I've been inside your brother. We're practically family. DEAN Listen to me. We are the furthest thing from family. You got that, dickbag?

while dean does like to adopt every stray he comes across, the king of hell apparently doesn't qualify 😩

cas seemed disappointed about the lack of an actual guinea pig. understandable

sam barely keeping it together haha

hello sarah connor 🔥

CROWLEY I can help. Dean? DEAN He wants Abaddon as dead as I do. TARA If your daddy could see you now.

stop the doom spiral of guilt, dean. it's complicated, okay??? and shooting the floor in her own shop to break the devil's trap, what the actual fuck 😂

CROWLEY Would you care to join us? TARA Him? Anytime. You? Never.

hot lady who banged his dad, of course she wants to jump dean too. reminds me of this

s7e19 of grave importance

SAM Annie's not usually this late, is she? DEAN No, never. She's totally compulsive. I'll try her cell. SAM You know, uh, you know she and Bobby had a thing, right? DEAN Yeah. Yeah, I knew that. Really? SAM Yeah. Kind of a foxhole thing – very Hemingway. DEAN Huh. She and I kind of went Hemingway this one time, too. SAM All right, well... that happens. DEAN What, you too? SAM Look, it was a while back. We ended up on the same case. She was stressed. I-I-I... I didn't... have a soul. DEAN That's a lot of foxholes.

what a pretty face! i don't know much religious lore but i wasn't expecting cain to be scary for crowley. i have no idea where he lands in the food chain, in fact

DEAN Why don't you just zap out of here? CROWLEY I'd never leave my domestic partner in crime. DEAN [snorts] Yeah, like your heart grew three sizes. You can't zap out of here, can you?

i wonder if crowley could make it an entire day without flirting with anyone

CASTIEL Sam, the trials. You chose not to go through with them for a reason, didn't you? You chose to live rather than to sacrifice yourself. You and Dean... You chose each other. SAM Yeah, I did. We did. And then... Dean made a choice for me.

😔

how does finding gadreel fix things?

cain became a demon, okay (aha things are clicking that i know from fic lol). so with the whole dean and sam are descended from cain and abel, does that mean cain is grandpa? uncle?

CASTIEL No. Why must the Winchesters run toward death?

good question, cas

sometimes i wonder how things are lit (in all media, not just spn), if they're trying to give the appearance of someone being on the verge of tears. when you got that highlight near your lower eyelid, it really looks like it regardless of actual tears accumulating. anyway,

SAM My life's not worth any more than anyone else's -- not yours or Dean's...or Kevin's. Please. Please, help me do one thing right. Keep going.

oh, sam.

@shinelikethunder linked this fight scene with rhianna's s&m over it, i may not be feeling the vibes op is talking about but i can appreciate it nonetheless :) it's a really good fight scene for jackles and great song choice. i'm always mourning the spn that could have been with better music 😔

looking to see if there was a clean version on spotify of s&m out of curiosity and laughing that there's a kids version of the "sex in the air, i don't care i love the smell of it, sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me" song

DEAN Right. Yeah, except I didn't kill my brother. CAIN You saved yours. Why? DEAN Because you never give up on family -- ever. CAIN Where's your brother now, then?

ouch.

also, cain is retired, other demons didn't know where he was, but apparently he still gets the hot gossip on the winchesters somehow.

CASTIEL Sam, I want Gadreel to pay as much as you do. But nothing is worth losing you.

oh i see

ah fucking hell speaking of music, this melody is back. what did i associate it with last time. twilight and something. i think when dean was praying in his room to cas. it's at the very end of this post, i included video of it - s8e16

something about this mushy music has me feeling twilight or hunger games and i'm not sure which. ugh. bella's lullaby / rue's music (but that doesn't even have piano but it does have that plucked acoustic guitar like day before yesterday's s8e14 princess bride-esque music)

and apparently it really was time for sam and cas quality time. but anyway this melody is so familiar, kicks in when cas says the thing about him screwing up more than sam. is it a slowed down version of some spn theme? urgh. question may go unanswered until i rewatch from the beginning.

so anyway, that was a nice moment. i like how robbie is writing cas this episode

DEAN The jawbone of an animal. The jawbone you used to kill Abel because he was God's favorite. CAIN Abel wasn't talking to God. He was talking to Lucifer. Lucifer was gonna make my brother into his pet. I couldn't bear to watch him be corrupted, so I offered a deal -- Abel's soul in heaven for my soul in hell. Lucifer accepted... As long as I was the one who sent Abel to heaven. So, I killed him. Became a soldier of Hell -- a knight.

listen i don't know these stories except for very broad strokes but okaaaay interesting twist

ABADDON We could have been forever, but you chose her. Well, if I can't have you, then neither can she.

i see. ex and you're her... creator? complicated

welp. i didn't know dean was getting the mark in this episode, wheels are in motion

aw. sweet sammy

CASTIEL As far as I'm concerned, Metatron is the key to fixing everything that's wrong. I'm gonna find him. You know, Sam, we could use all the help we could get to find Gadreel and Metatron.

--

CROWLEY You don't mean that. We're having too much fun. Listen up. Even with the Blade, we're gonna need all the help we can get against Abaddon. DEAN Go find the Blade. CROWLEY It's always something with you boys, isn't it?

cute. but yes, show sure likes to do it!

i'm sure it's fine

[chickenroost]

Chapter 6 – Fleeing into the Darkness

Creed huffed. "Old man...I wanted to fight. Damn...Stick me with the luggage." He looked to the three of them. "Whatever, let's get out of here. It's too risky to fly, so we should get out of the town, then go. I'll take point." He sniffed the air, looking around, and started off, heading to the back roads around the homes.

Keir looked to the two of them and then to her. "Keep close. Don't stop. Let's go!" He moved after Creed, keeping close to the girl.

She ran after Creed as Xial took up the rear, keeping an eye out as they hurried. "R-Right!"

The six riders dived out of the skies, splitting off as they disappeared into the city streets near those that they were running through. Xial spoke up. "I don't like the look of that...They are going to try to surround us and more are coming!"

Creed growled and looked around. "Tsk..." He smashed the side of a house and pushed the girl in softly. Then, he spat a large fireball at the group into the air past the riders. It exploded, raining down rock-sized fire balls at them, as several hit the houses nearby and disappeared into ash.

Three of the riders were incinerated but several dodged the fireballs, along with two of the mounts. One was sent crashing into one of the nearby houses. The two mounts flew off to rejoin the slayers, but the remaining three hovered overhead as she peered out from behind Creed, clutching the egg nervously. Together the three mounts spewed out their attacks at Creed, melting stone of one with the flames of the other two.

They were targeting him as the other two mounts suddenly reappeared.

One was lunging at Keir, snapping at his arm, and the other was veering towards Xial, gnashing its jaws at his legs from below suddenly.

Creed smiled, looking up at the fumes with a grin. He blocked the attacks by folding his arms and engulfing them in fire. The attacks sent out a shock wave, knocking back the girl. They focused on him as the fire was absorbed completely. "My turn, hurrah!" He suddenly jumped on top of the house and sent out a giant fireball of flame at them as it grew in size and eclipsed the sky heading towards them.

Keir jumped up, avoiding the first mount's attack and formed a water spear in his hand, stabbing the human on top. Then he transformed and sent a ball of water to the other one, bursting as it hit him. He then moved next to the girl. "We'll just have to fly. Get on my back!"

The girl climbed up onto Keir's back, wobbling as she got up at first, but hurried to as best she could with the egg in her arms, clutching to him like before. "Ah, alright! I'm on!"

Keir then sent out a ball of water at Creed. He then turned and sent out a large fireball at him. The two clashed as a misty haze filled the air and covered the area. In the mist the four of them set out , heading away from the stone city to the black dragon kingdom. Creed flew next to Xial. "Better hope the black dragon kingdom isn't in the same state as this!"

The girl shivered on Keir's back where she was holding on, gently clutching tight to the egg. "This...This is downright war that their starting."

Xial huffed. "While their hardly to be taken aback by an attack or caught unawares, I do doubt their going to be any more welcoming towards that girl and that egg you've got with you than that earth king was. My uncle doesn't exactly have a fondness for those who are kind towards any of mankind."

Creed laughed. "My kind of guy. Still, we can't kill her as long as she's latched on to that egg. More than that, after we get there, I'll send a message home. My father will be happy to see the water dragon king struggle. Who knows, he may even join in and wipe both sides out." Keir growled. "Creed! You people are nothing but snakes. You'd eat each other even if you weren't starving! I doubt the king would go down easily, besides those humans were using dragon killing weapons. Look to your arm!"

He looked to his arm and saw scales missing in the area around it. It was also darker than his skin. "What?! When did I get hit?"

Keir smirked. "One of those humans had arrows. Those arrows must have dipped in Ghuln juice. The plants are lethal to dragons. Lucky, you only got a scratch."

She shifted uncomfortably on his back but looked towards them all with downcast eyes. "I'm sorry."

Xial spoke up. "You should really heal that soon. Don't need you passing out on us before we get to the lands."

Creed smirked. "Heal? What am I, a weak water dragon?" He gripped the wound then growled, pulling it until a small lob of black flesh was ripped away and blood slowly leaked out. It hardened in reaction to the air until it started to reform scales, quickly healing. He then tossed away the torn flesh and burned it to ashes. "A dragon like me is born with a high healing rate. I could easily replace my entire tail in a matter of hours if I needed to. That's the perk of being a supreme fire dragon."

The girl looked to him in amazement. "I never thought anyone could do that. So there's different kinds of fire dragons?"

Keir groaned a bit and gagged. "That's pretty disgusting too…Ecch…"

Creed nodded. "There are many, from lava dragons to ash breathers. We exist by power and the strongest is flame dragons. Of course, I'm the rarity. A supreme dragon is one born into power at birth. Don't lump me in with all the others."

Keir huffed. "It's true you have almost unlimited power but your problem is you have no control of yourself. That's how that giant crater that used to be the fire dragons' first home was made and why you're not allowed too close to home."

Creed hissed. "Pah. You water dragons always run your mouth about things you know little about." He blinked, seeing figures ahead. "Hold on, someone's ahead of us."

Flying straight out to greet them was a small number of black dragons, led by none other than Onya's father, as well as Onya herself. Neither looked pleased but their expressions softened some as their gazes fell on Xial, who called over to them. "Ah, Onya, Nalfar, what are you doing out this way?"

Onya moved to speak, but was cut off by Nalfar. "The time to speak will come later, for now, you all are to be taken to the court of the black dragons. Come with us, we will be escorting you there." Xial blinked. "Orders of my uncle, no doubt? We better follow them, he's not a fool. They must have heard news of the attack already." The group agreed and followed them calmly, but were wary for any further attacks.

[dybdahlsvisitportugalspainfrance]

Sintra, Portugal

September 5, 2023

We left Lisboa for a little while today to explore Sintra, Portugal in the Sintra Mountains.

Less than a hour away is this quaint village the at one time housed numerous castles and palaces of kings and other "upper crust" - so to speak. Our destination was Sintra National Palace, a 15th-century medieval palace where the Portuguese royal family spent their summers until the 1800s. It was good to be king!!

The weather was fall-like with temps topping out at 70 degrees today and 5% change of rain. (LIARS!!!). We left the city and it was sunny and bright but with every mile we saw less sun and more fog. Fortunately we saw these aqueducts before the fog swallowed us up.

This is NOT Roman designed or built - but most certainly Roman "inspired." Here is the buzz from the web about this structure.

"Built between 1731 and 1799, by royal order, the Águas Livres Aqueduct constituted a vast system for capturing and transporting water, using gravity. Classified as a National Monument since 1910, it is considered a notable work of hydraulic engineering.

The completion of this work involved using the Águas Livres water springs integrated into the Sintra mountain watershed, in the Belas area, northwest of Lisbon.

The chosen route coincided, in general terms, with the route of the ancient Roman aqueduct. Its construction was only possible thanks to a tax called Real de Água, levied on essential goods such as olive oil, wine and meat.

The system, which withstood the 1755 earthquake, is made up of:

A main section, 14 km long, starting at Mãe de Água Velha, in Belas, and ending at the Mãe de Água das Amoreiras reservoir, in Lisbon

Several secondary sections designed to transport water from around 60 springs

Five galleries to supply around 30 fountains in the capital

In total, the Águas Livres Aqueduct system, inside and outside Lisbon, reached around 58 km in length in the mid-19th century, with its waters no longer being used for human consumption from the 1968s onwards.

The extraordinary arcade of the Alcântara valley, with a length of 941 m, is made up of 35 arches, including, among these, the largest stone arch in the world, measuring 65.29 m high and 28.86 m wide ."

It was fun to see. Potable water was a big problem for Lisboa with springs located in the Alfama area - and that is it. The Tagus River - the longest river in the Iberian peninsula - is brackish in the city - so great for floating a ships - but not so good for drinking. I'm afraid I went down the rabbit hole on this and I REALLY wish we had visited the Water Museum and the Reservoir. The entire system is fascinating and made me think of the Cistern in Istanbul. Below is a pic I took off the net of the Mãe D´Água Reservoir. But I going to let it go....

Back to what we did instead of what we didn't....

We toured the palace for about an hour and saw the medieval, gothic, and Moorish architectural influences as we meandered through the palace’s decorative staterooms. I took lots of pics - but I took could give you the size of the place - so I tapped the Internet (again). The big conical structures are chimneys in the kitchen. Once we toured the kitchen, I understood why they were so big!

The first building was constructed in the 10th or 11th century when Sintra was under Moorish rule. At the end of the Middle Ages, the Palace of Sintra was at the heart of a large territory under the care of the Queens of Portugal while also one of the preferred destinations for Portuguese monarchs. The rooms were unique and the walls and ceilings were fabulous.

Welcome to the Swan Room.

If you were lucky enough to get an audience with the king - you would wait in this room.

This outer room - that looks VERY Moorish - is the room outside the throne room. Then come in for your audience - into the "Magpie Room" - where rumors go to die.

Every time the royal moved from one palace to another every stick of furniture went with them. OMG!!

These cabinets are amazing work of art. They close and lock and have handles - so that someone else can pick up that sucker and carry it to the next giant palace.

This room is for "exhibitions". For example, the queen has given birth to the new prince - come on in and take a look at the beautiful people. OR The King is Dead - check it out.

The different tiles on the walls are amazing.

I loved this garden - and it gives you a look at our weather. We "heard" you could see the ocean - and another palace in the near distance. Sure you could....

Below is the throne room - filled with the heraldry of the most powerful families.

In the middle is the crest of Portugal and the king. It was surrounded by the crest of his 8 children - 6 boys and 2 girls. Can you find the girl's crests? Look for 1/2 a crest!!!! Don't get me going.....

Sometimes, a loyal subject with great power does something bad or someone tells the king they did something bad - and just like that...

See the blank section above? This very influential family MAY or MAY NOT have been plotting to overthrow the king - but we will never know - because the King listened to Marquis de Pombal who said they were - and suggested that the entire family - EVERY SINGLE MEMBER - be killed to prevent such an event. They - grandparents, children, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. were killed and their crest disappeared FOREVER!!f

We continued to the chapel and discovered it was under renovation.

WOW!!!

The kitchen was near the end of the tour - and very interesting indeed:

This mammoth kitchen had everything! From a huge doors that opened to bring in the kill, to places where the meat was hung, bled and butchered. The fires to cook whatever needed to be cook were built under the mechanism. So - if the goal was to cook several pigs or deer or, or or - on the spit by Carolina, a fire was built on the floor. And THAT explains why those giant chimneys were a must.

Finally, how about a loverly chandlier for over the dining room table. This one came from a small glass manufacturer called Murano, in Venice.

We had a few minutes to shop after the tour and then a great lunch - while the rains poured on.

I thought the trip was very worthwhile and I think all our our friends felt the same way. Our timing was good too. The 5% chance of rain "poured" beginning moments after we went into the palace. It was raining when we finished our tour as well but we were not deterred.

We headed back to Lisboa and Carolina suggested we might use the time to "meditate" (wink-wink) and we all did exactly that. DEEP MEDIATION!

We stopped by the Tower Belém - a place Mark and I have been to two times this trip but it was still fun to see again with our buddies. From here we went to see The Discoveries Monument. We have NOT seen this up close and personal so that was indeed fun. We especially loved the marble map that had been a gift from South Africa. There were just too many people to get a descent pic - so I'm going to the Internet. There are people in this pic too - but they will give you the prespective to understand just how big this thing is.

It lists the date and location of each of the numerous colonies that were part of Portugal's Empire. Here is a pic I took of just s small section.

I remain conflicted about the "discovery" notion. None of these places were unpeopled. The lands had long ago been "discovered" - but now they were conquered. It is what it is - and NO ONE is denying that these conquests make Portugal rich beyond their wildest dreams. They spread their language, their culture and their religion around the world - but there was a horrific cost to the conquered, my friends. So, I remain conflicted.

Lastly, we had our home hosted dinner. Our host was an AMAZING artist, a woman who was indeed a free spirit. We had such a spirited conversation that I'm ashamed to say we took no photos. But we will have to keep this night in our hearts. Mark, Daphne, Joe, Annie, Carl and I had a delightful evening - so much so that we were late for our return back to the hotel. Oh well.

Tomorrow we leave Lisboa and head to Evora. The name of the trip is "The Back Roads of the iberian Peninsula: Paradores and Pousadas. So far, we have seen NO back roads. But according to our trip leader the "back roads" start tomorrow. Can't wait!

Stay tuned.

[aspenmissing]

𝙿𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 (𝙿𝚝 𝟷)

The walls of the motel room are covered in maps, hand-written notes, and a missing poster showing Ava's face. Sam is on the phone.

"Yeah. Okay. Thanks, Ellen," Dean and Y/N enter.

"What'd she have to say?" She asks.

"Oh, she's got nothing. Me, I've been checking every database I can think of- federal, state, and local. No one's heard anything about Ava, she just...into thin air, you know?"

"Huh," Dean hands over one of the two cups of coffee he's carrying to Sam, Y/N holding her own.

"What about you two?" Y/N shakes her head.

"No, same as before. Sorry, man," Dean says.

"Ellen did have one thing."

"Hmm?"

"A hotel in Cornwall, Connecticut. Two freak accidents in the past three weeks."

"Yeah? What's that have to do with Ava?" Y/N asks, sitting at the small table.

"It's a job. I mean, a lady drowned in the bathtub; then a few days ago a guy falls down the stairs, head turns a complete one-eighty. Which isn't exactly normal, you know? Look, I don't know, Guys, it might be nothing, but I told Ellen we'd think about checking it out," Sam says, as Dean takes his jacket off and sits opposite Y/N.

"You did?"

"Yeah. You seem surprised."

"Well yeah, it's just, you know. Not the, uh, patented Sam Winchester way, is it?"

"What way is that?" Sam asks, mildly challenging.

"Yeah Dean, what way is that?" Y/N says sarcastically.

"I just figured after Ava there'd be, uh, you know, more angst and droopy music and staring out the rainy windows, and—" Sam gives him a look "yeah, I'll shut up now."

"Look. I'm the one who told her to go back home. Now her fiancé's dead and some demon has taken her off to God knows where. You know? But we've been looking for a month now, and we've got nothing. So I'm not giving up on her, but I'm not going to let other people die either. We've got to save as many people as we can," Y/N and Dean look at each other surprised. They then look to Sam.

"Wow. That attitude is just way too healthy for me, and I'm officially uncomfortable now. Thank you," Sam ducks his head and laughs.

"All right, call Ellen. Tell her we'll take it," Y/N says.

==

It's not raining, but the roads are wet and the air misty as Y/N parks the Impala in front of the inn. Y/N gets out of the driver's side, followed by Dean from the passenger side and then Sam from the back.

"Dude, this is sweet. We never got to work jobs like this," Dean says.

"Like what?"

"Old schools haunted houses, you know? Fog, and secret passageways...sissy British accents. Might even run into Fred and Daphne while we're inside," Dean closes his eye briefly "Mmm, Daphne. Love her."

"Trust you to love a cartoon," As they go up the stairs, Sam notices an urn on the side of the porch.

"Hey, wait a sec," Sam inspects it more closely "I'm not so sure haunted’s the problem."

"What do you mean?"

"You see this pattern here?" Sam taps a five-point symbol engraved in the urn "That's a quincunx, that's a five-spot."

"Five-spot," Y/N says.

"Yeah."

"That's used for hoodoo spell work, isn't it?"

"Right, yeah. You fill this thing with blood weed and you've got a powerful charm to ward off enemies."

"Yeah, except I don't see any blood weed. Don't you think this place is a little too, uh, white meat for hoodoo?" Sam shrugs.

"Maybe." As they enter, looking around at the quite interior, a woman enters briskly.

"May I help you?" She asks.

"Hi, yeah, I'd like a room for a couple of nights," As Sam moves in, a little girl darts in front of his legs.

"Hey!" The woman turns to Sam "Sorry about that."

"No problems."

"Well, um, congratulations, you could be some of our final guests."

"Well. Sounds vaguely ominous," Y/N says.

"No, I'm sorry, I mean we're closing at the end of the month," The woman appraises them "Well, let me guess. You guys are here antiquing?" Dean, Sam, and Y/N share a 'why not' look.

"How'd you know?" Dean asks.

"Oh, you just look the type," Dean looks vaguely uncomfortable.

"So, uh, king-sized bed?"

"What? No, uh, no, we're, we're...three singles. We're just siblings."

"Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry," Y/N gives her a smile.

"It's okay. It happens a lot."

"What'd you mean that we look the type?" Dean asks. The woman has trouble articulating an answer.

"You know, speaking of antiques, you have a really, really interesting urn on the front porch. Where did you get that?"

"Oh, I have no idea, it's been there forever," handing Dean a key "Here you go, Mr. Mahagov."

"Thanks," The woman dings a bell.

"You'll be staying in room 237. Sherwin, could you show these gentlemen and lady to their rooms?" As she says this, Y/N turns to see an old, balding man in a black blazer shuffling up behind her.

"Let me guess. Antiques?" Sherwin drags Dean's clunking duffel bag behind him, up the stairs, as the siblings follow.

"I could give you a hand with that bag," Y/N says.

"I got it."

"Okay."

"So, the hotel's closing up, huh?" Sam says.

"Yep. Miss Susan tried to make a go of it, but the guests just don't come like they used to. Still, it's a damn shame."

"Oh yeah?"

"It may not look it anymore, but this place was a palace. Two different vice-presidents laid their heads on our pillows. My parents worked here; I practically grew up here. Gonna miss it. Here's your room," Sherwin slips the key to Y/N as he brushes past and Sam follows in. Dean turns to shut the door and Sherwin is standing there, hand extended expectantly "You're not gonna...cheap out of me, are you, boy?" Dean shrugs, looks annoyed as he pulls out his wallet. Later Sam is sitting, sifting through papers, Y/N is sitting next to him, and Dean is pacing. He chuckles as he approaches what appears to be an antique wedding dress displayed on a wall like a ghost.

"What the-"

"What?" Y/N asks.

"That's normal," Dean says, gesturing to the dress. Y/N shrugs "Why the hell would anyone stay here? I'm amazed they kept in business this long."

"All right. Victim number one: Joan Edison, forty-three years old, a realtor handling the sale of the hotel; and victim number two was Larry Williams, moving some stuff out to Goodwill."

"Well, there's a connection, they're both tied up in shutting the place down," Y/N says.

"Yeah. Maybe somebody here doesn't want to leave, and they're using hoodoo to fight back."

"Who do you think our witch doctor is, that Susan lady?"

"No, doesn't seem likely. I mean, she is the one selling."

"So, what then, Sherwin?"

"I don't know."

"Of course, the most troubling question is why do these people assume we're gay or one of us is with each other or all three of us."

"Now that's a question I want to know," Y/N says.

"Well, you are kinda butch. Probably think you're overcompensating," Dean mocks a laugh.

"Right."

"That still doesn't answer why people think I'm seeing one of you or both of you," Y/N says, and Sam shakes his head.

"That I still don't know."

==

Sam, Dean, and Y/N poke around the hallways, Y/N sees another urn and picks it up. It too, has a quincunx inscribed.

"Hey. Look at that. More hoodoo." They approach a door marked 'Private,' and Dean knocks. Susan opens the door.

"Hi there."

"Hi. Everything okay with your room?" Dean, Sam, and Y/N talk over each other.

"Yeah. Yeah, yeah, everything's great. Yeah. Very comfortable."

"Well, I was, I was just in the middle of packing."

"Hey!" Dean looks past her "Are those antique dolls? Because this one," Dean looks to Sam "this one here, he's got a major doll collection back home. Don'tcha? Huh?" Sam shoots Dean a look.

"Big time."

"Big time. You think he could come- or we would come in and take a look?"

"I don't know..."

"Please? I mean, he loves them. He's not gonna tell you this, but he's, he's always dressing 'em up in these little tiny outfits and, um, you'd make his day. I mean when I was younger, he loved playing with my dolls. You- she would, huh? Huh?" Y/N says, trying to keep her laughter in. Sam looks slightly sick.

"It's true."

"Okay. Come on in."

"All right. All right!" Dean slaps Sam on the back, and he and Y/N share a shoulder nudge as they laugh quietly and they follow Sam in as he shoots them a death glare.

"Wow. This is a lot of dolls. I mean, they're nice, you know. Not super creepy at all," Y/N says.

"Yeah, I suppose they are a little creepy. But they've been in the family forever. A lot of sentimental value."

"What is this? The hotel?" Sam asks, and Y/N walks over.

"Yeah, that's right. Exact replica, custom built." Y/N leans down and picks up a broken doll. She frowns.

"His head got twisted around. What happened to it?"

"Tyler, probably." A little girl runs in, presumably Tyler.

"Mommy! Maggie's being mean."

"Tyler, tell her I said to be nice, okay?"

"Hey, Tyler. I see you broke your doll. You want me to fix it?" Y/N asks.

"I didn't break it. I found it like that."

"Oh. Well, uh, maybe Maggie did it," Sam says.

"No, neither of us did it. Grandma would get mad if we broke 'em."

"Tyler, she wouldn't get mad."

"Grandma?" Dean asks.

"Grandma Rose. These were all her toys."

"Oh. Really. Where's Grandma Rose now?"

"Up in her room."

"You know, I'd, I'd uh, I'd really love to talk to Rose about her incredible doll collection," Sam says.

"No. I mean, I'm afraid that's impossible. My mother's been very sick and she's not taking any visitors," Susan says suddenly. Sam, Dean, and Y/N exit the room, talking in hushed voices.

"Well, what do you think? Dolls, hoodoo, mysterious shut-in grandma?" Y/N asks.

"Well, dolls are used in all kinds of voodoo and hoodoo, like curses, and binding spells, and..."

"Yeah, maybe we've found our witch doctor. All right, Me and Y/N will see what we can go dig up on boomin' Granny. You go get online, check old obits, freak accidents, that sort of thing, see if she's whacked anybody before."

"Right."

"Don't go surfing porn -- that's not the kind of whacking I mean," Sam rolls his eyes and turns back to the room as Dean and Y/N leave.

==

Sam stares through a lace-curtained window as droopy music plays. He watched the coroner cart away a body; Dean and Y/N are outside, and meets Susan as she comes back towards the inn.

"What happened?" Y/N asks.

"Oh, the maid went in to turn down the sheets and he was just...hanging there."

"That's awful. He was a guest?" Dean asks.

"He worked for the company that bought the place."

"Hmm."

"I don't understand."

"What?"

"Had a lot of bad luck around here. Look, if you'd like to check out, I'll give you a full refund."

"No thanks. We don't scare that easy," Y/N says. Sam is sitting alone in the dark, framed by the half-open door with the key askew in the lock. Dean and Y/N enter and shut the door behind them, all business-mode.

"There's been another one. Some guy just hung himself in his room."

"Yeah. I saw," Sam says darkly.

"We've gotta figure this out, and fast. What'd you find out about Granny?"

"You're the boss," Dean looks at Y/N surprised then to Sam.

"What?" Dean asks.

"You're bossy. And short," Sam laughs sloppily.

"Are you drunk?" Y/N asks.

"Yeah," Sam laughs "So? Stupid." Y/N and Dean look around and see several empty bottles.

"Dude, what are you thinking? We're working a case," Sam is staring at nothing, tearfully.

"That guy who hung himself. I couldn't save him."

"What are you talking about? You didn't know, you couldn't have done anything," Y/N says. Sam shifts his gaze to her.

"That's an excuse, Y/N. I should have found a way to save him. I should have saved Ava too," The twins approach Sam.

"Yeah, well, you can't save everyone. Even you said that," Sam slams the table.

"No, Dean, you don't understand, all right? The more people I save, the more I can change!"

"Change what?" Sam leans forwards, hand to chest.

"My destiny, Guys!"

"All right. Time for bed. Come on, Sasquatch," Y/N says and she leans over and hauls Sam up by the shoulders, with the help of Dean. "Come on."

"I need you two to watch out for me."

"Yeah. We always do."

"No! No, no, no. You have to watch out for me, all right? And if I ever...turn into something that I'm not..." There is a short pause. "you have to kill me."

"Sam," Dean says, dismissive. Sam shoves Dean to face him.

"Dean! Dad told you to do it, you have to."

"Yeah, well, Dad's an ass," Y/N says. Sam frowns in confusion.

"He never should have said anything. I mean, you don't do that, you don't, you don't lay that kind of crap on your kids."

"No. He was right to say it! Who knows what I might become? Even now, everyone around me dies!"

"Yeah, well, we're not dying, okay? And neither of you. Come on. Sam," Y/N says and pushes Sam onto the bed, but Sam stays seated, reaching up and clutching Y/N's jacket. Her right-hand curls in the fabric of Sam's shoulder. Dean comes to help but Y/N shakes her head.

"No, please! Y/N, Dean, you two are the only ones who can do it. Promise."

"Don't ask that of us," Dean says.

"Y/N, please. You have to promise me." There is a short pause.

"I promise," Y/N says.

"Thanks," Sam reaches up and grabs Y/N's face with both hands "Thank you. You are..."

"All right. Come on," She bats Sam's hands away and shoves him back on the bed. Sam falls back, then turns over on his stomach to plant his face in the pillow, hugging it with both arms. Y/N strokes Sam's hair then goes over to sit on a chair. Dean rubs a hand over his face and looks to Y/N.

"Go and get a drink, I'll watch over him," Y/N says.

[usedtobeyours]

oh, well, here we go. super fucking weird dream

hey, hey, havent written in a while. will just let it out.

today has been a fucking good trip. i woke up overwhelmed by a fucking complete dream. been through therapy and work, and afterwork beer. has been alright, but dont wanna forget the dream.

it started with this fucked up reality where, three years later, i'd get my corona graduation. weird, if you think about how yesterday was the 15th of march, 2023. so, three years ago, i'd ve mastered miami ad.

imma try not to edit myself that much moving forward.

so, about that dream.

it started weird. graduating.

as i came into miami ad school - a whole new mas, and let me tell you, it was a different layout. not the entrance, in my dream at least.

i saw fucking tadeu schimdt. but i think we can overlook that. he was the desk person, checking in new graduates for the FUCKING ceremony that took three years to come.

in my dreams, it happened. good enough, i guess? okay, getting past my current big brother thing. i came in and the first person i saw was Shannon. She was sweet, and said hi, and handed me a plate of burger king food as it was a brand gift to all graduates.

i came in, and said hi to people. and by people i mean all the not right placely ones: bruna(s) from college, ursula, dilson (????wtf i hadnt thought about him in forever?). thats all i remember there. and then i went to the bathroom and they took my food away.

then i remember going back to shannon in a fast-food like counter with other employees. she put my plate back up in small, bite size burgers and salads. so many salads. this is important for therapy reasons.

then I go back to the cocktail party, and I remember being chatting with someone, and smoking a tabacco joint, and my mom coming by and seeing it with me. i remember saying: yup, you know i smoke this, but also...idk, traumatic repressive shit.

okay, i think at this point i woke up and tried to sleep again, so we went back to the dream.

at this point, i remember being at miami ad school, but a different location, a different class layout. and then i'm not sure of the order of this happening:

i met my godmom and for some reason she was taking some kind of losing weight drug that helped her (she was in class #3 after the mess). she had lost about 10 pounds and was about as mean as she ever was/though nothing towards me so I guess win?

i remember seeing bruno but he didn't see me. fitting. it was as if we're both in the waiting room to something and i'm trying to get his attention but nothing there.

there was a WEIRD class. i remember being in this class in an open room with other students (at least 20). nothing like mas, but also something that could only work there. we were having online class, with the teacher speaking on a headphone mic, but he was there. i dont remember specifically, but we had a PCD in class. what i do remember is the teacher being super specifically gross towards our fellow student, and us bringing it up to MAS direction and teachers and it being noticed. that would be a first, but still. I guess the way i remember is terrible and the way i feel about it everytime is bad enough, but no.

okay, moving on to step two of the fucking weird journal this dream was:

i guess three of those i spoke about in therapy. one not, because it's fuzzy and dreamy. like this dream should be:

i think isabelle came up at one point of the dream. cant be too sure. i think she was living in miami, and we were trying to find the nail salon together in the rain - or i think that was just me and she was a feature as a safespace in the dream.

i remember roaming in miami and waiting for the people i love (including dani) to finish their classes at MAS. at this point, as I was roaming, i remember: - this one weird lady coming up with a gun - not a gun, um fuzil - at this corner fashion shop at MAS. I think someone shot her back and I do think I got this from a videogame, but still. Weird. - this one homeless guy attacking me as i walked with one of my friends back to MAS, or through MIA. I called on the police on time, and they helped. - okay, not sure where this point of the dream falls in, but i think i was sitting in the middle of edgewater/wynwood with someone, and I left my backpack back. and I went on. a couple of meters ahead, someone said, go back and get it, and i did.

in my dream, miami could be either MAS or a videogame location. a scary place. maybe i shoudnt be watching last of us too much but yeah. i was either walking around and in danger or coming back home.

MAS was at a weird, soooo sicked up street. there were bars, a restaurant, a store, etc. oh gosh, there's so much in this dream...

[little-mouse-gardens]

Tsym for tagging me @mijune !

Tagging : @aninkwellofnectar, @awordchemist, @anechomirrored, @angelasscribbles, @angelswing236, @rustickettle, @regalserpent, @writingmoth, @space-cadead

my words are : wood, fire, cleanse, rain, snow

your words are; doctor, pony, staircase, earthflax, wolf

🐯= The great beasts (jttw, monkie kid)

🦊= The Grimwood kids (The owl house)

🦋= Bluebottle Manor (Undertale + Undertale Au's)

🐭= Dearest, you said? (Encanto)

-

🦋wood🦋

grabbing a few of the logs from around the back of the house, daisy quickly and quietly made her way back into the kitchen.

The large skeleton, who she decided to nickname teddy since it was the only name he had responded to so far, quietly trailing behind her.

sitting the logs down in the wood stove and lighting it, daisy shut the tiny door back and faced their new guest.

looking at him in the lighting, daisy just now realized how tall he was.

he was a bit intimidating to say the least.

The skeleton practically dwarfed her in size. her head only coming up to his chest and his hands capable of covering her entire face if wished to and his maroon tinted eye light, his working one, remained sharp and small like a cat looking for its prey.

he looked just like the other sanses that had come here, all except for the jagged hole in his skull and a hell of a lot taller.

however, that wasn't what was bothering her. in fact, she was more concerned about his drenched clothes and the rainwater soaking the kitchen tiles.

"Now that I've got a fire going for you" daisy said, a hint of anxiety in her voice "l-let's see if we can find you some dry clothes to change into and get you feed! does that sound nice?"

the skeleton didn't say anything to her. only giving a small nod in reply.

"......I'm going to take that as a yes then!" she said, walking towards the entrance of their large living room "if you would follow me, please?"

��fire🐯

even with the heat of the summer air with the fire in the kitchen roaring and making the kitchen almost unbearable to be in, Chuntao was still working in the kitchen.

preparing lunch for everyone. a smile on her face as she rolled dough, cut up fruits and grinded herbs and spices in the sweltering heat.

The monkeys resting in the trees just watched her with amazement. surprised how she wasn't miserable from the heat like they were.

most of the monkeys and residents of flower fruit mountain were gathered by the huge lake and the inside water curtain cave to cool off.

meanwhile Chuntao chose to stay in the kitchen and make some of the some of the baby monkeys a snack to help them cool off.

Chuntao paused from tending to the dumpling she was working on when she felt a familiar presence behind her.

"Good morning to you too sun" she said, preventing the monkey demon behind her from grabbing the plates of cut fruit she made for the baby monkeys playing down by the water

🦊cleanse🦊

"May I ask how a boggart got into the house? especially after I just preformed a cleanse on the house just last week?" may sighed, turning around looking at each of the kids quietly standing behind her.

luz, Quinn and felicity all looked over at Nadia and king standing in the kitchen with raised brows.

The kitchen table covered in flour, eggshells, sugar and what looked to be melted chocolate chips as they stood side by side with a plate of cookies in hand.

without saying anything, Nadia and king just looked guilty.

the way Nadia's smile strained. the darting of her eyes, not being able to look any of the directly in the eye. how her hands clenched the tray and the fact that king couldn't stop trying to hide his hands.

yeah. they did it. there was no doubt about it. their demeanor was just too obvious.

🐭rain🐭

Adoncia smiled at the sound of rain on the roof of their casa.

the pitter of patter drops hitting the roof relaxing her she continued working on the dress she was going to where for her and Bruno's date tomorrow.

having some of the stuffed animals and wooden carvings she made bring her thread, her book of color swatches and snacks when she needed them.

Adoncia still couldn't believe it. she excited yet she was still in a state of shock and disbelief.

she had been listening in on the conversation from her balcony, hidden behind the curtains.

his words echoed in her mind.

'I love her senora. I love her more than anything. more than the very air I breath and I wish for your permission to court her!'

a small blush made its way onto her cheeks as she added a new spool of thread to her sewing machine. her heart pounding in her chest and her thoughts racing through her head as she tried to process everything.

🦋snow🦋

The snow had just fallen on the ground. bathing the earth in fluffy white. The Christmas lights were being brought out and the air was cold and frigid.

which meant one thing and one thing only.

homemade candy

treats that daisy always made in the winter that everyone enjoyed. something they helped her make, not just because it was fun but because of the quality time the friends got to spend together.

this year would be extra special, because of they would be trying to share this tradition with their new friends and residents.

Find the Word

Thanks for tagging me @genesiswriting !

My words were: Peace, Wait, Stay, Plead, Cherish

Tagging: @elijahrichardwrites @verba-writing @little-mouse-gardens @sentfromwolves @comicgoblinart @writingforevren @kayedium-writes @regalserpent

Your Words Are: wood, fire, cleanse, rain, snow

These are from my paranormal fantasy AVOF!

Peace

“And who’s in my bed is my decision.” “No. Not when you’re breaking the Treaty. This could destroy the whole pack.” Helio's throat burns. Because there’s truth behind the insults. The Order already knows about this. At any time, they could swoop in and deem the Treaty null and void—that means they could make peace with the pack by expelling (or executing) the perpetrator, or they could wipe out the pack for violation.

Wait

Danny’s caressing a stranger in the backroom when he smells the younger vampire enter his club. But he doesn’t emerge until he’s finished. Whatever news or scolding Aldrich has come to complain about this time can wait a few more minutes.

Stay

Aldrich nods. “Just try to take care of yourself? And stay away from that dog if you can.” Danny’s brow furrows at the term dog. “No promises.”

Plead

Danny shakes his head, the smirk vanishing. “Too dangerous.” “More dangerous than setting the Clément’s mansion on fire?” His eyes meet hers again, amused. “Equally as dangerous.” Still, he gives her nothing. She reaches out and tugs his sleeve, channeling the pleading eyes that used to work on her father. Danny sighs, something contemplating behind his eyes.

Cherish - Nothing!!

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

Taglist: (and option to play if you want!) @aritany @diemohnblume @wildswrites @little-mouse-gardens @lexiklecksi @eventideintrigue

(Ask to be added or removed!)