#I’m really glad the old guard isn’t doing well

[moophinz]

Yeah Kiryu has cancer but Majima has succumbed to his crippling depression so I think we know the real winner of 8

[noisilyscreechingsong]

Disney princess Danny

It’s known that animals can sense death. Instances where pets gravitate to someone on their death bed and dogs barking at ghosts. Danny already knew this from before he half died, so he was expecting animals to rat him out with their sixth sense or become aggressive or cower from him. Instead, they all behaved the complete opposite than he anticipated.

Stray cats come running to rub against his legs, dogs nearly pull arms out of their owners sockets to get close to him, birds bring him trinkets, raccoons lead him to trash cans full of food, and even squirrels and rats get close to just sit on his shoulders. It’s… weird, but not unwelcome. He always loved animals.

Danny had come to semi-trust the animals that come to him. They know where the good food is and drinking water, they know when to steer away from a certain area right before something happens, and they always know when a person is bad or okay. So when an animal leads him somewhere, he follows. Sometimes they need help and he’s the one they go to. He’s helped plenty of raccoons out of garbage bins and cats out of gutters to have a good relationship with the animals of the streets.

What he isn’t expecting is to be led to Robin again and again.

The first time it was a cat. A mangy old Tom cat that rubbed against his torn up jeans and looked back with - Danny swears- a raised eyebrow. Danny follows and soon enough he finds himself standing a few paces away from Robin who is kneeling down to give clean water to the momma cat and her three kittens.

Robin freezes and so does Danny. They stare at each other.

“Um, hi?”

Robin straightens immediately, leaving the water on the ground where the cats can drink. Tom cat swaggers over to guard them.

“Civilian. Is there something I can assist you with?”

The dude is probably a year or two younger than Danny himself and he has to suppress a smile at the formal tone.

“Oh, uh, no? The cat just led me here.”

He can see Robin glance at the Tom cat who was now licking himself.

“Is that so?”

“Yea. Sorry to interrupt. Animals just like me for some reason.”

The three kittens one by one all totter over to him on unsteady legs after they had their fill. The orange one starts trying to climb his pant leg with its short and sharp claws digging into the jean material.

“They really like me.”

He carefully sits down crossed legged so the others could also climb all over him. Robin watches for a moment silently and when he sees Danny react well to the little pricks from tiny claws, he seems it safe enough to return to patrol.

The second time it’s a couple of rats that lure him away to find Robin fighting off more thugs than he probably should by himself. So taking the rats’ movements as encouragement, he takes the closest thing, a piece of plywood, and hit the nearest guy over the head with it. The guy crumbles like a wet sock and Danny is moving on to the next thug.

They sweep the floor with these guys with only a few splinters and a twisted ankle.

“It was dangerous to intervene,” Robin tells him. “I had it handled.”

“Yea, I know.”

The vigilante didn’t seem to be expecting that response from his stunned silence. He straightens as much as he can with bruised ribs.

“Well, I’m glad you know your mistake. Don’t let it happen again.”

Danny neither agrees nor disagrees, just shrugs and allow the rats to climb up his leg to his shoulder. Robin looks at them curiously. Danny gives a salute before leaving. Robin gives him a nod.

The third time it happened the roles are reversed.

Some people from the local gang are bullying the lonely, homeless teen to run drugs for them. They don’t seem to understand the word ‘no’. It gets to the point where Danny finds himself with his back against the wall and all his exits blocked with a guy shoving him again and again.

“Stop it!”

“I’ll stop if you agree.”

“I’m not doing it!”

Frank the raccoon and his buddy Bobby launch themselves at the guy’s ankles. The guy shrieks and pulls a gun.

“No!”

Before Danny can dive for it, a projectile comes out of nowhere to knock it out of his hands. He can’t even process what happened before the three are running away, two raccoons chattering at their heels before coming back to crowd him in worry.

Danny looks up to see Robin with a sword out threateningly, staring at where the three fled. He sheaths the sword after a few seconds.

“Are you okay?”

Danny realizes he’s breathing a little heavy and slows down a bit as he leans over to pet the top of the two heads.

“I’m- yea, I’m okay. Thanks for the save. Those guys were jerks.”

“I’m inclined to agree.”

Robin is staring at the raccoons and it takes Danny a long moment to piece things together.

“Did- did they lead you to me?”

Robin doesn’t answer right away.

“You have loyal friends.”

Danny smiles at the weird compliment. Looking down at the two heroes of the evening Danny is also inclined to agree.

The fourth time is funny in a way Danny doesn’t know how to describe.

It was the pigeons. They were at fault of course for how Robin’s secret identity was outed. By pigeons.

The grey birds swarmed Danny and settled in a cloud of feathers. One holding something in its beak before plopping it down in his lap like a golden retriever. It flaps off as Danny picks up the obvious wallet clip holding quite a bit of cash and a student ID. The card says Damian Wayne from Gotham Academy. Just then Robin comes skidding around the corner, clearly out of breath and freezes.

Danny looks down at the clip in his hand and back up at the vigilante. He looks at the crazy amount of birds around him and again at the vigilante.

Said vigilante straightens and approaches like he called Danny there.

“If I could have that so I could return it to its proper owner.”

He holds out a hand with false arrogance, but Danny can see the nervousness in his stance. Danny looks down one last time before putting the clip in the outstretched hand without a word.

Robin nods once, pockets the ID and money, and immediately leaves.

The fifth time just cements what Danny had already figured out.

He was at the park. Not Ivy’s park of course, the one where people actually like to go. He was helping the squirrels find and hide acorns when he’s nearly knocked over by a massive black dog.

“Titus!”

The end of the Great Dane’s leash is a familiar face. Damian Wayne’s eyes widen in recognition as he finally sees who Titus was so excited to get to.

“Uh-“

Danny has to close his mouth quickly or else the massive tongue on his face would have turned into a French kiss.

“Titus! Heel!”

Danny laughs at the embarrassed blush on the other’s face, obviously not used to his companion going off the rails like this.

“It’s alright. We both know how animals like me.”

Damian narrows his eyes to analyze the teen. Danny wasn’t about to pretend and Damian looked like he was debating whether to follow his lead or not. There was literally no one within hearing distance.

“Have you told anyone?”

Danny thought about redirecting, but thought better of it. He actually liked Robin and what he did.

“Nope. I haven’t and I won’t. I swear.”

Damian tilts his head and then looks down at Titus. He seems to come to a decision before looking back at Danny.

“You’re homeless, are you not?”

Didn’t think they were being that direct but sure.

“Yea?”

“I will pay you in food and shelter to take care of my animals.”

Danny blinks. Then actually considers the offer.

“What kind of animals? How many we talking?”

Damian grins.

The family finds out pretty quickly when a teen they’ve never seen before walks into the Batcave with two pails of food for the bats, Titus at his heels and Alfred the cat perched contently on his shoulders.

Duke stares and Bruce short circuits.

“Um, who are you?”

“Hi! I’m Danny. Damian employed me to take care of the animals.”

“O…kay?”

“And where is Damian?” Bruce sounds like it physically hurts to ask and Danny does not envy Damian’s position right now.

“Upstairs. I think he said he was going to his art studio.”

Bruce marches past the boy to the stairs before stopping abruptly and turning to Danny and Duke.

“Don’t touch anything. Watch him.”

Duke and Danny blink at each other for a moment as Bruce disappears up the stairs.

“I’m Duke by the way.”

Danny grins.

[connabeth]

rick really woke up and said "what if i give the people what they want for once" and gave us grumpy black cat introvert percy and sunshine golden retriever extrovert annabeth we never knew we needed

also no one's talking about how percy made friends with annabeth's college's security guard (Florence or smthn?) so he's the only one allowed to walk in her campus anytime?

also I found a typo in the third chapter where dave was accidentally called paul which I found really funny

1) i’m glad this series is doing justice to annabeth’s personality because she spent so much of pjo & hoo caught in an inner turmoil of hurt and uncertainty and self-loathing and insecurity and fear given the circumstances of luke’s betrayal and percy’s imminent death. in spite of it all, she was still a bastion of hope and light throughout those books, but she deserves to be silly and unburdened by the weight of the world now that she has percy back and there’s no big prophecy (unresolved trauma aside). i think, in her mind, even though new, crazy things keep being thrown at them and she most certainly deals with a latent fear of losing percy at any moment, she’s resolute and confident that they can overcome anything that gets in their way of their dream of going to college and finding peace together because she feels that invigorated and wants it that bad. even if greco-egyptian gods or a triple goddess or a mortal apollo pop up throughout their senior year. i feel like she’s giving herself the freedom to just let go, breathe, be sure everything will be okay in the end, and just be excited about things without drowning in worry for once, which i love. she deserves to feel that childlike enthusiasm she was deprived of for so long. her confidence that they’ll be okay extends to percy being able to complete all his classwork and applications, which in turn reinforces his determination.

2) as for percy, he’s definitely the more outwardly insecure out of the two, mainly because of how his academic prowess pales in comparison to hers and the fact that he feels he doesn’t deserve her and she’s way better than him. percy thinking her SODNYC friends perceive him in the same critical light obviously isn’t helping. it’s evident in the way he’s amazed when he looks at her, disbelieving for a second that she’s his girlfriend, and how he observes her interaction with others more similar to her, feeling like an outsider who can’t understand that part of her brain the way her friends can. it’s even more abundantly clear when he believes “She would always succeed whether I was around or not,” which in theory is a sweet sentiment to have about your very capable girlfriend, but academic and social success aside, she needs him as much as he needs her and she’d see no point in being in california without him. but his insecurities and easy jealousy prevent him from fully understanding this even if he innately knows it’s a universal truth that they’re meant to be together. however, all this being said, percy’s characterization in wottg so far is a little…weird. in order for you to literally pee your pants, something must scare you or catch you off guard really, really bad. so while it makes sense for him to fear a powerful goddess, wetting his boxers seems like an extreme reaction. i know rick was probably just trying to insert immature humor, but the implications are not what he was going for considering this is the boy who didn’t have that reaction staring down titans and giants and nyx and tartarus himself. so forgive me if i think it’s a little insane that percy having such a visceral reaction to a goddess 13 year old hazel fared well against is out of character, even after taking into consideration his fear of not receiving and completing the remaining quests on time. it makes sense for him to be nervous and on edge, given the quiet of the past month, but that amount of fear towards a deity who’s not the most scary thing he’s faced down is an interesting choice since rick isn’t known for realistic depictions of PTSD and that likely isn’t the intention here. it’s also curious how it’s implied even a goddess as primordial as aphrodite caves in to hecate…

3) florence is the goat and i love percy making random friends to help his cause. he doesn’t go out of his way to befriend others in the mortal world unless they approach him first or there’s an opportunity there. and the fact that annabeth can a casually ask her friend to cover for her being gone from her dorm for several days makes me think this is far from the first time she’s snuck out for prolonged periods of time👀

4) this is an INSANE typo to have in a book because clearly not a single person proofread it and it doesn’t surprise me that it got past rick, but becky and several rounds of editors and everyone else in his circle who’s read the book not picking up on it prior to publication is wild. rick is too eager to have his self-insert be everywhere and it shows💀

[danikamariewrites]

Could I request part 2 for Inventor, where reader gets kidnapped by Baron so that they can make things exclusively for him. And the motiv behind this is that the reader refused to share one of there inventions with him because they knew he would use it for himself and not share it with his people 🙄

Hope this isn't too big of an ask, happy writing!!

Myth

Azriel x reader

A/n: you can read Inventor here! Also this is a long one lol

Warnings: kidnapping, mentions of torture, injuries, some violence, and some typos bc I don’t think I got them all sorry

A guard ripped off your blindfold violently, almost taking a fistful of your hair with it. You blinked rapidly adjusting to your surroundings.

You sat tied to an old wooden chair in an ornate office decorated in the colors of autumn.

Well shit. If you knew mouthing off in the last High Lords meeting would land you here you would’ve kept your mouth shut.

No you wouldn’t have.

Beron clearly wanted something from you. And you had a feeling you knew what it was. Azriel’s spies had gathered intel that Beron had been keeping what was found in the mines a secret. The guesses had been anything from rare metals to ancient fae weapons.

Footsteps from the hall grew closer until the door creaked open. You counted eight people, seven guards and Beron. Two guards approach you, lifting your chair to bring you face to face with Autumn’s High Lord.

He was casually leaning against his desk, flipping through a file on his desk you were sure had your name on it. “If it isn’t little miss know-it-all. I’m so glad you could join us.” His tone was sickly sweet and each word dripped with a sick sarcasm. It made your stomach do flips before tying your intestines in a knot.

You didn’t know how long you’d be able to hold out. You’re not trained like Azriel. You can’t fight and you definitely won’t do well under torture. But you’d do your best for him, for your court.

“Let’s see here,” he drawls, flipping open the file. “Multiple awards since the start of your university days, graduated the top of your class, and come highly suggested from three out of seven High Lords. You’ve been around the world and co-discovered countless new technologies.” You knew where this was going.

You had been backed into this corner before by powerful men. They were less powerful than Beron and you had never been tired up before, but that’s beside the point. You wanted to snip back at him but now seemed like a good time to hold your tongue.

When Beron looked at you he had a raised brow and a confused scowl on his lips. You didn’t realize you were holding your breath, pulled your lips super tight, and were holding your eyes open really wide. You’re not the greatest in social situations. Letting out a huff you try to relax into the rickety wood chair. “What do you want from me?”

An evil smirk slowly pulled at his lips. “I need you to…reinvent an old weapon for me.” His spies were right in their guesses. Cauldron, you didn’t even want to think about what this weapon could do. “And if I refuse?” You couldn’t help the tremble in your voice or the slight wobble of your lip. “You have two hours to decide. If you don’t we’ll make sure the shadowsinger gets your body back.” His tone told you it would be in pieces.

Beron adjusted his jacket rousing his desk to sit. Two more guards appeared in front of you as they untied you, switching out the ropes for metal shackles. As the ushered you out into the hall you saw Eris waiting for you. The tall male looked calm and composed. You knew on the inside he was panicking due to the rash decision his father made. Eris roughly grabbed your upper arm dragging you to his side. “I will escort her.”

“We were commanded by the High Lord to take her.” The guard that shackled you said. Eris raised a brow, wearing a similar expression to his father’s. “Then you can accompany us.” You began the long trek down to the dungeons of the Forest House. You kept your head down the whole way knowing that if you looked up at Eris you’d give everything away. All the secrets you’ve kept all the meticulous planning your mate and brother-in-laws have accomplished would be for nothing with a single pleading look.

A guard opened the bared cell door as Eris kept your arm in his firm grip. Shoving you onto the cold stone to keep up the facade Eris slammed the door shut behind you.

You held your hands out to break your fall. As your knees hit the floor your hands skid across the stone floor. You suck in a breath, pushing yourself to sit against a wall to inspect your hands. Your palms are red and fresh cuts litter your skin. You press them against your pants to stop the stinging pain.

Eris scoffs at you. “Pathetic. I’ll be back in an hour to see if you’ve made your decision. Think fast little tinkerer.” He teases, turning away on his heel without giving you a second look he and the guards leave you.

You are not going to cry, you say to yourself. I am going to be smarter than Beron. I’m going to get out of this and Az and the rest of the group will come for me.

——

Rhys, Azriel, Cassian land on the balcony of the House of Wind entry way, returning home from Illyria. All three were hoping to find their mates waiting to embrace them. Instead they were greeted with silence. The brothers look to each other in confusion as Azriel sends out his shadows to search the house.

Taking a few more steps into the house they tensed at the sound of little footsteps rushing toward them. Nyx appeared, launching himself at his father, a little frown on his face. “Daddy!” Rhys scoops the little boy to his chest kissing the top of his head. Rhys could sense his little boy’s distress. “What’s wrong buddy?”

“They’ve been looking all day, but no one can find Auntie y/n.” Azriel’s eyes went wide. His heart stopped for a moment as he pulled on the bond, but nothing. Your side was dark. How could he not have felt that you were gone.

Gwyn and Elain came rushing in next followed by Lucien and two of Azriel’s shadows. “I found something!” The priestess exclaimed, waving a piece of paper in the air. Lucien immediately recognized it as stationary from Eris’s desk. He snatched it from Gwyn’s hand, his eyes moving quickly over the note as he took in each word. His face grew grim.

Finishing the note he looked to Azriel. A frown pulling at the males lips. “What!” The word came out loud and agitated. Lucien hesitantly handed the note to Azriel as he began to explain. “It’s from Eris. Y/n has been taken to Autumn. He’s not sure what Beron wants with her.”

Azriel’s hands were shaking with rage. Gwyn noticed, quickly taking Nyx from his father’s arms and rushing out before something drastic happened. With a look from Lucien Elain nodded her head, turning to follow Gwyn.

Azriel’s shadows began to swarm in a violent pattern. In and out, whispering in his ears as they pass by, threatening to plunge the foyer into darkness. Cassian gripped his shoulders tight. Forcing his brother to look at him. “We will get her Az. But you need a level head.” Azriel’s face was stuck in an angry scowl. His brows pinched and his hazel eyes darkened with rage. Azriel turned his head to look at Rhys. Giving the High Lord a look that said he would go to Autumn without permission if he had to.

Rhys pushed the males apart. “We can’t go in alone. We need more than us.” He looked to Lucien who shook his head. “I’m sorry. But I can’t go back there, not until he’s gone.” Rhys nodded in understanding. “We need the Valkyries with us then.”

“I won’t be subtle.” Azriel gritted out through clenched teeth. “I don’t expect you to be brother. Beron will answer for his crime of taking your mate, I swear it.” Some of the tension let up in Azriel’s body at the promise of Beron suffering. “Let’s get everyone together and head out.”

——

You had been staring at the wall willing yourself to feel nothing for the Mother knows how long. The stinging in your hands had subsided but your knees ached. They were definitely bruised but you couldn’t bring yourself to check. A door at the end of the hall opened, footsteps echoed down the narrow hall as they got closer to your cell. You prayed it was Eris returning alone.

Out of the corner of your eye you saw the lordling staring at you. Eris leaned casually against the bars, like this was a casual meeting between friends. “So, what is it? He won’t tell anyone but the guards.” You blink rapidly to keep your tears away as you spoke. “It’s a weapon. I don’t what kind. He just wants me to rebuild it or fix it or whatever.” Your voice came out monotone. Truthfully you couldn’t be bothered with this conversation. You just want to be out of your cell. Eris let out a huff leaning back from the bars. He paced in a small circle before facing you again.

“I sent word to Lucien who has no doubt told your mate and the other two.” Your heart rate picked up at the mention of Azriel. You had tried to pull on the bond but no luck. When you were taken you were hit with a heavy dose of fae bane. It must still be in your system. Azriel and the others would be on their way soon.

“Tell him yes.” Eris froze, staring at you with wide eyes. “What?” He whisper yelled. You stood, slowly making your way to the cell door. “I’ll work on it. Take me to Beron.” Eris looked like he was torn. If he took you to Beron Azriel would make sure his death was slow and painful. “If you don’t take me I’ll just start yelling for the guards.” An uncomfortable pause fell between the two of you.

Opening your mouth as if to yell for a guard Eris shushed you. “Fine, fine I’ll take you.” The punishment his father would bestow upon him would be worse than Azriel if Beron found out Eris was with you when you made up your mind. Snapping on his mask of cruel heir Eris called for a guard. You were surrounded by the same group of guards as Eris brought you back up to the main house.

Beron met you at the entrance to the house looking smug. Like he’d already won this little game. “I’m glad you’ve made the right decision.” He leads you past his office to a room with two more guards posted at the door. They stand aside to let you, Beron, and the others through but not Eris. You don’t look at him in case your emotions betray you.

Beron gestured for you to sit at the work bench. He left the cuffs on you as a reminder that you are still a prisoner. Beron carefully removes the cloth hiding the weapon from you. You sucked in a harsh breath at the broken sword in front of you. This thing was supposed to be a myth. But here was the sword of the first High Lord of the Day court sitting in front of you. “The last known name for it was Claíomh Solais.”

You nodded along at Beron’s words. “The myth is that the first High Lord of Day received it as a gift from the Mother herself. He had kept the sun rising and as a thank you the Mother gave him Claíomh Solais so he could protect the day from his enemies who wanted eternal darkness.”

“Correct. My miners found it like this. Cut clean in two. Fix it, but add something more.” What else could Beron possibly want this thing to do? Even if you could fix it, the sword was powerful enough. You nod in agreement and he leaves without a word, keeping two guards inside and the two outside.

——

Azriel was vibrating with anticipation. They were right outside the house. You were in there and Beron was doing Cauldron knows what to you. Rhys laid a reassuring hand on Azriel’s shoulder. He felt Rhys tapping on his mental shields and opened them enough for Rhys to say, “Soon, we are just waiting on Eris.”

The doors to the Forest House swung open and Eris stepped out onto the landing. He strode back and forth until his eyes landed on where Azriel was keeping the six of them hidden with his shadows. Eris whistled as if he were calling his hounds telling Rhys to make his move. He reached out to the minds of the guards at the front of the house. Making sure none of them would be bothered by the presence of the Night Court.

Clearing the front garden and massive stone steps Eris lead them into the house. Azriel let his shadows loose to look for you. They had been restless since Azriel found out you were missing and they were eager to bring you back to their master.

Rhys kept his hold on the guards they passed while making sure the ones ahead stayed where they were as well. “This is over kill you know. I got him go back out to the mines for another look.” Nesta scoffed at him. “You think we’d risk y/n’s life on your word?” Eris rolled his eyes and kept walking fast. Coming up on the room where you were being kept Azriel threw out his arm, hitting Eris square in the chest and bringing the group to a halt. Shadows come flying back down the hall whispering their findings to Azriel about the guards and your wellbeing.

“Two in, two out. I’ll go, the rest of you guard Rhys.” Eris tried to get him to wait but Azriel stared running down the hall, a dagger in each hand. Azriel threw the daggers. Each finding their mark flawlessly in the throat a of the guards. Shadows caught the bodies from thudding to the floor, keeping them pressed against the wall as they continued to struggle for air. Azriel quickly rapped his knuckles on the door and stood to the side.

The door opened a crack for the guard to see. He squinted, cautiously opening the door he looked to one side. Before he was able to find Azriel he grabbed the guard by the back of his neck and twisted until he was lifeless in his arms. Azriel threw the male down on the floor entering the room. When his eyes landed on you the bond hummed to life in his chest. His protective instincts to get you to safety practically blinding him with rage. The last guard would be the one to unfortunately take the brunt of that anger.

Azriel punched, and punched, and punched until the sound of you crying out his name brought him back to his conscious self. Unable to hold your tears back you broke down. Azriel made his way over to you, picking you up bridal style. “It’s ok. It’s ok baby, I got you. We’re gunna get these off you when we get home, ok.” You nod vigorously against his chest as you were unable to get a word out thanks to your hysterical tears.

Before he could leave you pulled on his leathers for him to wait. With renewed adrenaline rushing through your body you fumbled your way around the work table. Your hands messily picking up a leather strap, the cloth, and stacked the two pieces of the sword on the cloth. You wrapped them up tight and clutched it to your chest. You turn to Azriel waiting for him to pick you up again.

Grabbing you he hurries back down the hall. You toss the wrapped up sword to Cassian for safe keeping as you all fled from the Forest House. Eris was no where in sight. You assumed he went to stall his father before he noticed you were missing.

Sunlight blinded you. Before your eyes could adjust darkness surrounded you and the world fell away. The salty air blowing off the Sidra pierced your nostrils, the sound of wings flapping calmed you as they slowly brought you to the house of wind.

Azriel fell to his knees on the marble floor. His warm scarred hands cradling your face as he rested his forehead against yours. He apologized over and over for not knowing you were gone. For leaving you as Beron’s prisoner for so long.

Rhys gently removed the cuffs from your wrist. You flung your arms around Azriel, telling him it was ok. That you’re safe with him now. Pulling away from him slightly you looked into his tear filled eyes. “I’m ok Az. You got me.” Your mate gives you a tight lipped smile, closing his eyes to force the last of his tears out. “I got you.” He whispered back.

[goodlucksnez]

So after listening to Zen's Wav, I had a idea to continue. So I gathered some friends and we continued the story with a little nod to @instarsandcrime as well!

So enjoy the continuation!

Al//astor: @onetrickponi

Lu//cifer: @zensations35

V//ox: @goodlucksnez

See below for script!

Alastor: Ah! The man of the hour! Just the person I was hoping to encounter…Now then. Time for a little r̴̈e̷͋g̵͛i̷͊c̷̉ǐ̵d̷̃ë̴́

Lucifer: Oh no…*sneeze* Not you again. What is it this time?

Alastor:  As it turns out, sire, not only do you bestow hellish grace upon your subjects, but pestilence as well! ’Allergies.’ Hah! I should have known. 

Lucifer: Well if someone hadn’t insisted I come on their show with only two days notice!

Alastor: Aha-hA!  If someone would answer their phone more than once a month, your nibs–

*Lucifer sneezes*

Alastor: Well. Glad to see your smoky sternutations aren’t exclusive to my studio, at least. Goodness, I do hope this wallpaper is flame-resistant.*ṣ̶͐n̸̺͐ḙ̸̽e̸̲͂z̸̩͋i̷̠͐n̴̨̊g̸̩̿* Pardon.

Lucifer: Hey! Don’t bust out my lights! I’m working on an important project!

Alastor: And now no one has to see it! Pity. :)

*Voxtech Show Theme Plays*

Vox: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most electrifying news show in the multiverse! I’m your host, Vox,  and I’m here to deliver the latest headlines with a dash of charisma, a sprinkle of wit, and a whole lot of tea *clinking cup* *cup falls* 

Vox: *ignoring fallen cup* Tonight on our program we will go over the most recent broadcast from the King of Hell and the less important interviewer *cackle*

Vox: Ahh how good it feels in my studio! I must say our brand is perfection, it just won't do for anything Less. Than. That. *snigger*  

Vox: Unlike a certain old tyrant my studio is made for the highest of royalty. So if any princes or kings want a real experience, come down to Vees tower and I would love to give you a personalized tour from the Man in Charge. 

Alastor: *sneezing* Pompous, vicious little prick…

Lucifer: Ugh.. *sniff* I hate that guy…”Man in Charge”? And they call me prideful??

Vox: I mean really you just walk in, and it’s chaos. Papers everywhere, coffee stains on the desk, *laugh* it isn't even in a proper studio but an old water tower! Talk about tacky. Unprofessional, if you ask me. But here? Every cable is tucked away, every surface polished--

[Vox continues his spiel while Alastor sneezes]

Alastor: *sneezing* 

Vox:-- to a mirror sheen. We believe in excellence, not just in our content but in our environment, that that is what VoxTex is here to provide you. So, when you tune in to our show, rest assured, you’re getting the crème de la crème. Quality, class, and cleanliness–

Alastor: That isn’t even properly alliterative…

Lucifer: Are you kidding me? His place is a walking fire hazard! Or, not walking. Standing? But I know fire hazards! Man, I wish I could just…*sneezes*

Alastor: HaHAh!…Well, then I’m sure you will appreciate this next bit, Sire.

Vox: *sniffling* *sneezing* I must apologize, my dear viewers *sneezing*  but it seems that even the most prepared among us can be caught off guard. It appears I’m having a bit of a g̶͎͑-̵̓ͅg̵̪̑-̷̖͠G̴̥͒L̶̟̈I̷͈͑T̵̀͜C̸̣͝H̸̖͒—nothing serious, but we believe in safety first here at Vox industries.

*Vox continues sneezing throughout his spiel*

Vox: We’re all about transparency and this is as real as it gets. Fucking bitch! I’m going to step off for a moment to take care of this, and in the meantime, we’ll be ending today’s broadcast a tad earlier than scheduled. FuckI’mgonnafuckingkillhim--Our team is top-notch, and they’ll ensure everything is handled with the utmost professionalism. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll be back on air tomorrow, bright and shiny as ever, ready to bring you the stellar content you love. 

Vox: Cut it! That fucking bitch, I know this is his doing I’m gonna kill him!!

Alastor: *sneezing* *laughing* 

Lucifer: Hoh yeah! Highfive!

Alastor: I beg your pardon?

Lucifer: You…you just take your hand and…uhh…*high five sound*

Alastor: Mmm I suppose. But don’t make a habit out of this, sire.

Lucifer: Eheh…okay…

[scythlyven-art]

hi! i just found your art and holy fuck it's amazing. I'm sending this cause I'm curious about your warlock au you mentioned in one of the posts and if youd be willing to share any info on it

Hi! I’m glad you found my little hole here and that you like my art!! :D

There’s not too much info to share on the warlock au other than snippets I’ve written on Twitter about it but I can share the basics! (Ie just coping some of my tweets lol this is quite the novel so sorry in advance but you did ask for it)

“Basically the au is normal VM minus Percy. Percy in this au is sort of a combo of him and Orthax (some) power and appearance wise. He’s a demon that lives. In a big fancy sciencey castlevania Dracula style castle by himself.

He controls the only known major deposit of White Stone for Residuum and the area is watched over by loyal undead servants or animated suits of armor and the whole area is hidden away.

Not a big user of magic still but it comes free with being a ✨ demon ✨

In a direct fight between Percy and the Briarwoods Percy would easily win- his centuries of knowledge vs a relatively new vampire and necromancer they don’t stand a chance. Which is why they resort to cheating of sorts using an artifact beyond their power.

Whispered One hooks them up with it and they basically wait until the right moment to catch Percy completely off guard before sealing him away in it. There’s not much he can do once he’s trapped and the Braidwoods take full control over the Residuum supply.

Cut to 5 ish years later and VM stumble upon some oldish ruins with a few corpses and hidden treasures. One of which is an old brooch that was given to Percy centuries ago by his human sister- it means a lot to him but has been lost for awhile.

Vex finds it and thinks it looks pretty cool so she holds onto it. It has magical properties from Percy’s possession of it so despite his cage he can sense it being moved and handled. He decides to pay a visit to the new current owner of it later that night in a dream.

It’s a lot of smoke and darkness on Vex’s end. She can’t really tell who or what she’s looking at but it’s vaguely human. In the few hours prior Percy poked around her mind (not extensively) just learning a few things about her.

He proposes to her a deal— he can grant her some extra power (to the extent his cage will let him) as well as knowledge to aid her in battles and to make new arrows and outfit her bow with modifications to make it stronger.

In return she helps free him from his prison.

She wants reassurance he’s not evil since he’s all smokey and clearly a demon of some kind. He can’t guarantee her he hasn’t done things she as a mortal might find evil but generally speaking he’s pretty neutral since he is the main supplier of Residuum for the world.

She needs time to think and process the deal. He tells her to take her time since he isn’t exactly going anywhere. But as a token of his good intentions he spots her some of his magic over the next few days which may or may not help convince her to agree.

She eventually agrees and the pact is sealed. A smokey tattoo takes up the lower part of her inner forearm. She’s careful not to roll up her sleeves or show this in any way to the group. But from this point forward she can freely talk to Percy at any time. The only catch is while she hears him in her mind she has to verbally respond.

Her internal thoughts are kept away from Percy which is good and bad because now she has to be careful about when she can respond so the others don’t think she’s crazy and start asking questions.”

-

I’ve spotted some more ideas from this but I feel like this sums up the main details. I’d love to possibly write it someday but I’m currently working on a fic still and I’m more of an artist than a writer. If I try to start this as a fic before finishing the other one neither will get done :’)

But yeah I hope this answered your question!!

[bestworstcase]

Hello! I’ve enjoyed reading your rwby analysis posts, especially the things you’ve had to say about Penny. The amount of care you put into thinking and writing about her is great. I’m curious what you thought about Penny getting turned into a human, because… I personally really didn’t like it. It just really hurt me that after she was attacked repeatedly because she was built differently, that the solution to that was to remove everything which was different/unique about her and make her “normal.” And then have the actual physical representation of her differences violently die and then be obliterated like they were some horrible, hideous thing.

A good chunk of her story seemed to revolve around being just as much a person as anyone else even though she had a body that worked differently. And I sure did relate to that irl! But then turning Penny human seemed to send the message that Penny could only actually be a full and happy person (such as immediately discovering how wonderful hugs feel) if she was normal. I want to believe I’m taking that scene the wrong way, but… I’m not sure how else I can interpret what happened. So yeah, I’m curious what you think! I’ll be interested to read your thoughts, whatever they may be.

ooh, well, i’m not keen on the way the fandom writ large interprets the scene (as ‘penny became human’/‘penny became real’) and i like how it was done because imo it is really NOT framed as a positive transformation?

there’s an element of relief and joy to it of course—because everyone’s glad that penny survived this ordeal with the virus—but, as you say, the self-destruction of her robotic body is a big focal point of the scene and it is done in a very horrifying way, with the camera moving between penny’s POV as she watches it happen and her robotic body’s POV as it desperately tries to reach her before succumbing to the virus. and penny herself is profoundly disturbed by the experience—she’s not happy to be ‘free’ of that body at all, and ruby hesitantly asks if she’s alright because penny clearly isn’t. 

so while penny does then find a small thing to appreciate about her new flesh body and that momentarily alleviates the horror… the tone is very much set by the amount of focus given to penny watching a part of herself die and, after that small burst of joyous relief, watching her old body crumble into ash and flinching away with horror again. 

to me, this reads as a rebuke of how flippant yang was about the loss—“the mechanical parts are just extra,” except penny’s body isn’t truly equivalent to a prosthetic, right? that’s just her body. 

it’s not all she is, but it’s also a lot more like the arm yang lost than it is like the prosthetic yang got afterwards. penny loses a core part of her identity…

…which is reinforced later, inside the portal, when penny is taken off guard by the abrupt realization that she no longer has floating array. weapons are a fundamental part of huntsmen identity, seen and understood as “extensions of our selves,” and penny’s is literally destroyed by her involuntary transformation—involuntary in the sense that it’s a choice she was forced to make under extreme duress thanks to watts—and she has to recreate that piece of herself with magic.  

and there’s smaller, subtler things wrong, too. i think the amount of focus put on her bare feet is meant to highlight that she does not have thrusters any more—an essential aspect of her natural mobility is just gone, again leaving her dependent on the maiden powers to do something she used to be able to just DO. 

or consider how disoriented she seems right before cinder gets her. in her original body, penny had sophisticated tactical software built into her sensory array which among other things made her virtually immune to emerald’s semblance. she could see infrared light and aura and the tactical analysis program worked much, much faster than any human could keep up with—because her physical brain was a computer! and then she loses that and spends the entire fight mainly getting clobbered and then struggles to keep track of what’s even happening when cinder gates her off from her allies!

her new body is healthy and whole by human standards, but measured against what penny had before… the narrative gives, like, a LOT of attention to signaling that penny has been measurably disabled in a multitude of ways. if she wasn’t also the winter maiden—& bear in mind that penny only became the winter maiden BECAUSE of what her original robotic body could do!—penny would have been rendered utterly helpless by this transformation. no weapon, no flying, in a much more fragile and vulnerable body that could feel pain. (think about how much screaming she does during that final fight, compared to the time she gets flung several blocks by a grimm so hard there’s an impact crater and she’s like “ouch! :)” about it)

and obv, that fragile new body is the only reason cinder was able to kill her at all. i think that’s sort of the point: penny did the equivalent of *barely* surviving a debilitating illness, went from her sickbed to a battlefield, tried to fight like that, and died because she in a state of extreme physical vulnerability due to recent illness. that’s why all of her friends were so insistent that she not participate in the fight—she wasn’t ready to be fighting! if she’d lived, she would have needed to spend quite a long time recovering, learning and accepting her new limitations, and training within those new limits.

so, to me? the narrative framing of the transformation feels somber, with “she lived! it worked!” being the silver lining on what is otherwise a tragic outcome. watts infected her with this brutal, horrific virus and the only way to save her life was to sacrifice a fundamental part of her self, in this acutely traumatizing way. i think the fandom collectively sort of tunnel visioned on the pinocchio narrative of ‘becoming a real girl’* to such a degree that the bittersweet framing and the underlying horror of what happened to her gets widely overlooked. and i don’t think those tragic/horrific notes are there by accident—the narrative puts quite a lot of emphasis on them, and deliberately bookends the joy of “do hugs always make you feel this warm?” with those moments of intense horror with the violent death and then destruction of her robotic body. 

(*something that… really isn’t a prominent theme with penny?, because her struggle with personhood is centered on how *other people* treat her like an object and i would argue her pinocchio ‘becoming a real boy’ moment is actually her acceptance of the maiden power—not because that ‘proves’ she’s a person or whatever, but because it’s a moment of emotional self-actualization where she chooses to do the right thing according to her own judgment instead of mindlessly following orders like the puppet ironwood expects her to be. it’s symbolic! & that gets called back to explicitly by winter, later, with “you were *always* the real maiden, i was the machine,” the ‘realness’ in the pinocchio narrative here is about emotional authenticity and refusal to sacrifice conscience or heart in the name of following orders.

rwby is… pretty profoundly uninterested in the question of ‘does the robot girl count as a person?’ because it answers that within literal seconds after revealing that she is a robot with an emphatic ‘yes, obviously, she has a soul, zero ambiguity here’ lmao. what it does do is leverage pinocchio to explore themes of dehumanization and personhood within an authoritarian military regime.)

so yeah, that’s how i read that. it’s joyous because she lives but it’s also not a victory earned without grievous loss, and the tragedy is exacerbated because she *does not have time* to catch her breath / process / learn how to live in her new, disabled body before cinder… cinders.

[tgmsunmontue]

Together or not at all...

Javy/Nat 2.5k - The evolution of Javy and Natasha's relationship as viewed from the outside. Mostly. Wedding dance imagery inspiration from @beezelarts post here.

JAVY

                “That’s the worst pick up line I’ve ever heard in my life…”

                “Yeah, sorry about him.”

                “Are you responsible for him?”

                “No, but I still feel the need to apologize. He’s my best friend and I don’t want to be tarred by association,” Javy says, pulling a face and coupling it with a what-would-you-have-me-do shrug and Jake is pulling a face at him, shoving him and Javy pushes back to make sure he doesn’t knock into the young woman that Jake just failed to hit on.

                “Well, we can’t all be perfect…”

                “Not and make it look as effortless as you do…” Javy says, because she does look pretty fucking perfect.

                “Hmm. Smooth. Can I buy you a drink?”

                “Yeah, I’ll let you buy me a drink.”

                “Great. Come with me. Leave him somewhere else,” she says, giving Jake an unimpressed look.

                “You’re missing out baby,” Jake says, holding his arms out and she gives him a shake of her head. Javy follows her to the bar and she asks what he wants before placing an order with the barman.

                “I’m Natasha. Nice to meet you.”

                “Javy. Nice to meet you too.”

                “I’m only doing this to bring your friend down a peg or two.”

                “And I am more than okay with that.”

                That makes her laugh and Javy could get used to that sound, reminds him of warm drinks when he’s cold, syrup-thick warmth flooding him from the inside.

BRADLEY

                “He’s a dick Nat.”

                “Yes well, I clearly have superior taste in best friends. I’m not dating Jake Seresin, I’m dating Javy.”

                It’s an old argument, well worn. Almost out of habit after nearly two years. Bradley pulls a face because the two of them are joined at the hip whenever they’re together, too similar for his liking. Not that he can judge, considering how often he finds himself also acting like a right dick, rubbed completely the wrong way by Jake Seresin. They’re civil enough because Javy is dating Natasha, but that’s the only reason they’ve likely not come to blows. Or had semi-hate-sex.

                Fortunately their paths don’t cross that often with all the different directions deployments take them. Now though, he’s visiting Nat for a few days, their leave overlapping just enough, and he knows Javy is around; fortunately Jake is somewhere in the Pacific and he’s glad he doesn’t have to put up with him.

                He won’t ever tell Natasha who to date, but he's never thought Javy Machado was good enough for her. Far too full of himself to let Nat lower her defenses, allow her to be who she is when she doesn't have her guard up and holding her position through sheer bull headedness because those around her don't think she has the skill or talent. It's all bullshit, Bradley knows she has what it takes to be an amazing pilot.

                He shuffles quietly up the hallway, still half asleep from his unintentional nap. He can hear quiet voices and assumes Javy is over. He stands in the door and takes in the scene, Natasha’s feet wrapped in towels, rectangular bowl of water sitting on another towel and she’s obviously just had a foot soak. What isn’t usual is Javy standing there, holding two tubes in his hand.

                “You want the sweet almond stuff or the cinnamon and orange lotion? Actually, I bought you a peppermint one if you want to try that?”

                “Oooh. Peppermint sounds really nice.”

                “One second darling…”

                “You’ve been spending too much time with Jake.”

                Javy laughs and says something about him being allowed to call her darling, and having not seen Jake in months. Then he’s sitting at her feet and massaging them with lotion and he snaps his jaw shut from where it had fallen open. He hopes neither of them hear him. Javy Machado, giving Nat a foot rub. He’d never have believed it. Calling her darling.

                Okay.

                He likes that. Wants that for his friend.

                Maybe Javy Machado is an okay guy after all.

MELISSA

                Melissa Trace waits at arrivals for her sister and her boyfriend to arrive. They've been together for four years apparently, but this is the first time that their leaves have aligned with a holiday and Natasha is bringing a boy home. A man. Melissa wouldn't have been surprised if it had been a woman, Natasha is the youngest of five girls and bore the brunt of their father's growing disappointment that she wasn't the son that their parents had kept trying for. 

                Of course they'd all thought she was with Bradley Bradshaw for the longest time, but they're just friends apparently, despite the number of holidays that man has spent with them for some reason they’ve never discovered. She does know that Bradley likes Javy though; as far as approval goes, she will accept Bradley’s judgement, assumes he knows her sister and this Javy better than she does. She may have had Natasha’s childhood, but Bradley has had her adulthood so far and he trusts Javy to be part of that and she trusts Bradley.

                She can immediately tell her father approves of him, his respectful demeanor, but also his strength and bearing that makes it very clear he’s very much like the son that their father always hoped for. She’s glad for Natasha at least, that their father won’t give her boyfriend a hard time. Unlike the slightly disproving attitude he has with his other sons-in-law. She watches him watch her sister and he’s so far gone on her it’s nauseating. She’s pretty sure her husband doesn’t look at her like that any more. Maybe the fact that they spend so much time apart has something to do with it.

                She doesn’t mean to catch the conversation, is simply passing the porch where they’re standing and watching her kids play in the garden.

                “Are you going to ask for my blessing to marry her?”

                “With all due respect sir, no. Natasha can make that decision herself and I will ask her with or without your blessing.”

                Her father stands there quietly, the corner of his lip ticks slightly and Melissa knows it’s in approval, an almost proud smile that is so rare to see.

                “You have it anyway.”

                Of course he does.

JAKE

                It’s a beautiful wedding and Jake is happy. Happy that Javy is happy, and also happy himself, his own wife smiling at him across the room. He’s going to be stepping onto the dancefloor as part of the wedding party as soon as Javy and Nat have finished their first dance, and even if he poked fun at himself in his best man speech about the reason why Javy and Nat had originally gotten together he can’t doubt the fierce love and loyalty the pair have for each other.

                He’s watched their relationship develop; watched Javy just keep up his steady pursuit, softly gentle in his approach of a woman who was so outwardly prickly and defensive with everyone. He knows she’s not like that, it’s a suit of armor she dons whenever she puts on her uniform, or when she needs to put someone in their place. That she let Javy in through all of her defenses tells him that she loves and trusts him in equal measure and Javy returns it to her tenfold.

                First dance over, and there’s no way he can match the perfectly executed salsa that Javy and Natasha have clearly been practicing he leads Melissa onto the dance floor, nodding to Bradshaw who is leading one of Javy’s sisters. Bradshaw who looks firmly ensconced with the entire Trace family, which reminds him of his own relationship with Javy’s family and makes him wonder about Bradshaw’s own family. If he even has one. Despite the years of their best friends dating, being engaged, multiple deployments, they’ve never really gotten past friendly acquaintances themselves.

                “Jake, hey man, how’s It going?”

                “Bradley…” Jake says, because it’s safer for him to just try and keep his mouth shut, because he can antagonize Bradshaw without even trying and while that’s sometimes fun, doing so, intentionally or not, Javy and Nat’s wedding is not the time or place.

                “This is my boyfriend Adam. Adam, this is yet another pilot friend…”

                He’s a little surprised at the term friend, but lets it go, doesn’t make a quip about it despite the temptation.

                “Nice to meet you, this is my wife, Catherine. Bradley and Adam.”

                Then Javy’s there, Catherine being whirled away to dance with him, laughing at whatever expression is on his face and Jake holds his hand out to Natasha.

                “May I have this dance?”

MAVERICK

                He’s not even aware that they’re together, with how professional they’ve been with each other. It’s only his name, listed as spouse beside next of kin on her medical records post ejection that tells him what they really are to each other. Huh. He guesses lots of people hide their relationships in the Navy. There’s obviously been no name change post nuptials and he wonders how long ago they got married. He pushes the door to her room open, his argument with Bradley still fresh in his mind, and this entire mission feels like a blight on his soul today. The G-loc, then the bird strike, then Tom passing out at work because he’s not fucking eating because he’s also stressed about this mission.

                “Lieutenant. How are you?”

                “Fine sir. Thank you.”

                Her words are short, sharp and he bites his lip. He knows she’s listed as Bradley’s emergency contact, had thought maybe there was something there until he’d seen her emergency contact details. Her parents are Bradley’s second emergency contact and he accepts it, but it also hurts.

                “I’m glad you’re okay. It’s been an emotional day.”

                “Sir.”

                He suspects she wants to tear into him, her jaw clenching and sighs, leans back against the wall.

                “Let me have it, he’s obviously told you.”

                “He did sir. And you’ve fucked him up. He’s forever going to be pushing himself to try and be this perfect ideal aviator because you didn’t believe in him.”

                “It had nothing to do with me.”

                “With all due respect sir, that’s bullshit and you know it. He didn’t tell me until last week that you pulled his papers and we’ve been friends for years. Best friends. You don’t deserve him.”

                He swallows again, because that cuts deep. She’s obviously furious with him and he’s immensely glad that Bradley has apparently found a friend, and a family when he ran and left him behind. A person so hellbent on protecting him.

                “I only want to keep him safe.”

                “That was naïve of you sir. He can keep himself safe. And make his own decisions,”

                She meets his eyes and they’re filled with steel and he nods, accepts what she’s saying, sees a silhouette in the door and turns to see Machado standing there.

                “Sir…” Lieutenant Machado says, face impassive as he looks between Trace and himself. He shakes his head slightly, not needing another kid nearly thirty years his junior decide he deserves to be shoved to the ground.

                “She’s just telling me some home truths Lieutenant. Nothing I didn’t already know. Congratulations on your wedding by the way, I hope you have a long and successful marriage.”

NATASHA

                She’s not sure what it is, whether it’s still a post-ejection symptom, despite the fact that nausea isn’t usually something they’re told to watch for. Wonders if it’s part of the let-down after the mission, the adrenaline crash as they realize that despite all the odds they all managed to come away from that experience alive, but it’s been days now. She feels like she had it easy, knowing she didn’t have to worry about Javy, that he was safely back on the carrier, knows Javy isn’t dealing so well with the memory of both her and Jake taking part, despite them safely returned. Coupled with the fucking shit show that Bradley and Maverick ended up in was enough drama for them to all deal with. Almost losing Javy to G-loc had been awful, but she’d had no time to face the reality of a life without him before the bird strike, her ejection and facing her own mortality before she was then taking part in the mission.

                Maybe that’s it. All of these huge things have happened and she hasn’t had time to decompress and reflect on any of it. What physical symptoms might present when she’s been under so much stress in such a short period of time, despite it being the sort of thing she has spent her entire adult life training for.

                Then there’s her concern for Bradley, and his apparently mended-overnight relationship with Maverick. She doesn’t know what’s going on there, she’ll forever be grateful to Maverick for somehow pulling Javy out of G-loc, but she’s wary because of his history with Bradley and he fucked up and hurt Bradley so badly. When did everything get so messy? At least her marriage with Javy is solid, steady and deeply reassuring. She wanders through the base housing, feeling restless, nothing to do yet with her leave, not until the two of them have decided on what they want to do. She’s feeling a relaxing week on a tropical island would be ideal.

                She pulls out her phone, opens the calendar app and looks at potential dates that would work for their leave. The last few weeks have been hectic, one of the few positives being with Javy again despite their deployments being in different squads… She bites her lip. There had been a lot of sex when they’d seen each other after months apart, and while they’re careful, and she’s on the contraceptive pill, they’re also not always careful. She’s going to need to do a test to rule it out either way and she sits down abruptly.

                “Hey, I’m back. Got your favorite, whoa, are you okay?”

                “I think I might be pregnant.”

                “I… What do you need?”

                “A hug…”

                He’s there, arms wrapped around her instantly, smelling like the sandwich shop he’s been in and she feels safe, and like she can take on the world simultaneously.

                “I love you. You tell me what you want to do and I’m there every step of the way.”

                “No. No we make this decision together. We talked about having kids.”

                “We talked about having kids later, this isn’t quite the timeline you were wanting…”

                “Things change. I don’t want to wait, I want to… I think I’m done.”

                “How about you leave that decision for later and we just take it one major life-changing thing at a time okay?”

                “Okay,” she agrees, leaning into him and squeezing tightly.

                “Love you. Whatever happens we can face it together.”

                Together.

                She can handle that.

HANGSTER sequel if you're interested

[alligator-tearzz]

Why Didn't You Stop Me? Chapter Four

Masterlist

AO3 Link

Playlist

Chapter Four

By the time Rosa finally had the chance to gather her thoughts, the gang had packed up everything they had and loaded it all back onto their carts. She helped with making sure all the boxes and loose items were secure and hopped onto the back of a wagon with the girls. They started the journey down the mountain. Rosa was all too happy to leave the old town of Colter behind, but the cold still chilled her to her bones and made her muscles ache. She caught Charles’s eye sitting at the front of the wagon behind them and exchanged friendly glances.

The change of scenery felt like they were starting anew. From the stormy and challenging past to the bright and sunny future. Spirits were high among the gang and it was hard for Rosa to even think of her troubles at that moment as she felt the excitement radiating off the girls around her. She knew her emotions would bubble up later, but for the time being, she was content sitting among the girls, giggling and chatting about their hopes for their new camp.

“Oh I hope we have a river nearby, it’s drivin’ me crazy not bein’ able to wash up.” Mary-Beth said excitedly with her familiar midwestern twang. 

“Lord knows we need it, I’m starting to smell like a dead rat.” Karen retorted, sniffing herself and scrunching up her face in a sour look to emphasise her point, drawing out laughs from all the girls in the wagon.

“Well I just hope we’ll be able to do something for once, I don’t know how much longer I can deal with staying behind at camp sewing and cleaning.” Tilly sighed, then looked toward Rosa, “it must be so freeing, Rosa, being able to run with the men.” Rosa shrugged.

“I do appreciate it, though being depended on to contribute money all the time is rough. Sometimes men’s pockets are dry and I can’t do much about it. God forbid you tell Dutch that, though.” Rosa mused. The girls chuckled, but didn’t add much else to the feed the flames about Dutch. Their conversations eventually broke off into separate chats among everyone, then they all eventually extinguished, with Karen and Tilly opting to rest their eyes. Rosa and Mary-Beth read a book together, giggling and squealing over the plot, until a commotion behind them made their wagon stop. Rosa and Mary-Beth peered over the back of the wagon, watching as one of the back wheels of Arthur and Hosea’s wagon had fallen off. Arthur groaned and hopped off the wagon, walking around to bash the wheel back onto its axel.

They continued on, after Arthur assured them they didn’t need help, and Rosa settled back in reading with Mary-Beth again.

As they rolled onto the path cutting through a thick treeline, Rosa eyed Javier standing guard, who nodded to her and tipped his bowler hat. She flashed a smile at him then settled back into the wagon as it rolled past him, catching her breath she didn’t realise had run from her.

Rosa helped everyone set up, occasionally getting nosy, running her fingers over the ridges carved in Javier’s guitar, staring at the photo she propped up by Arthur’s bed, reading the blurbs of Mary-Beth’s books before getting reprimanded by Miss Grimshaw for dawdling. By the time everything came together, she was exhausted. The camp had a newfound sense of hope and excitement now, as everyone seemed to buzz about with more energy. Though the chill still lingered a bit, the new warmth gave Rosa a little pep in her step. She made her way over to the round table by Pearson’s wagon, sitting down to watch Tilly play dominoes with Arthur. 

“You wanna join, Rosa?” Tilly asked as she shuffled the tiles around. She had just beaten Arthur in the last round, who was shaking his head in mock disappointment. Rosa chuckled at his reaction and nodded, grabbing an empty domino rack then placing her tiles on it. “Can I just say, I am so glad Miss Grimshaw isn’t on our backs for the rest of today. I really needed this rest without worrying about dying from the cold.” Rosa watched Tilly place her domino down, and nodded in agreement with her. 

“I think she’s as happy as any of us to get out of that place. It’s been a rough few days for us.” Rosa responded, surveying her dominos and trying to figure out the best one to place down after Arthur chooses his own.

“I still don’t know what happened on that ferry, and no one seems to want to give me much information on it.” Arthur said, his eyebrows furrowing as his eyes seemed to go off to the side in thought. Rosa and Tilly shared knowing looks, they had both confided in each other about the same thing. The most they knew was that it was going well one moment, then the next it wasn’t. They remember waiting on standby at their camp near Blackwater, then having to pack up and leave after Dutch had come back, his gravelly voice booming and instructing that they had to leave immediately. That’s when it felt like life had flipped upside down for Rosa. When Jenny wasn’t among the people who returned, and Lenny had strided into camp looking like his world had shattered, Rosa knew. She didn’t need to seek confirmation, she just knew, and she immediately went to gather Jenny’s belongings. She shook her head, trying to push back the memories again and ground herself in the moment. She stared at the grooves in the wood of the table, and took a deep, shuddering breath.

“Your guess is as good as ours, Arthur.” She responded. Arthur stared at her for a moment, then nodded, seemingly having more to say, but knowing it wasn’t the time. Tilly continued on with the game, changing the topic to the nearby livestock town, Valentine. It was supposedly a pretty lively town, though it was apparently covered in mud mixed with horse shit, according to Arthur, with his upper lip lifted up in a disgusted sneer as he recalled the smell from when he rode out to see it while the camp was being set up.

Rosa half-heartedly listened to Tilly pulling all the details she could about the opportunities for the gang in Valentine from Arthur. She focused her attention on the game, not participating verbally but nodding and smiling occasionally when the conversation called for it. The game finished with Tilly putting her fists in the air with a quiet whoop, celebrating her win and poking fun at Arthur’s domino skills, despite Rosa having even less points than him. Rosa smiled, trying to make herself seem as energetic as she could as she excused herself from the table and thanked them for letting her play. 

Slowly, she ambled toward a part of the camp that she had eyed since they had finished setting up. A log by the edge of the cliff, overlooking the beautiful scenery below them. She settled on the log, her eyes trying to make out houses, train tracks, water, anything to take her mind off the grief that had suddenly started bubbling up inside her. The unanswered questions about Jenny’s death and what exactly happened in Blackwater were slowly starting to eat away at her, now that she didn’t have the distraction of surviving through the gang’s days in the Grizzlies. 

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t think anyone would be here.” Javier’s all too familiar voice rang out from behind Rosa, and she whipped around to look at him, staring at her sheepishly, holding his guitar by the neck. She turned back around to stare at the scenery.

“You can sit here too, unless you want to be alone, but I’m not leaving because I was here first.” 

Javier chuckled, then sat next to her on the log, resting his guitar on his lap and strumming once to see if it was tuned.

“So welcoming, Rosa, thank you.” Rosa turned her head slightly to watch Javier tune up his guitar. Contemplating whether or not to keep talking to him.

Fuck it.

“I missed hearing you play, you know.” She said, still focusing on him tuning, occasionally strumming. He looked up to meet her eyes and grinned at her.

“Is that so?”

Rosa hummed. He smiled to himself as he looked back at his guitar. “Feels like forever since I played. It’s only been a few days.”

“A long and gruelling few days.” Rosa added, making Javier nod in agreement. Seemingly having tuned his guitar to his liking, he turned to meet her gaze again.

“Any requests for my first song at Horseshoe Overlook? Since you missed hearing me play so much.” He teased, and Rosa chuckled, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. She put her index finger on her chin and looked up at the sky, in a mocking display of serious thinking which pulled a hearty laugh from Javier.

“How about Angel de Amor?” Javier raised a brow.

“Such a solemn song for such a bright and happy camp.” Rosa rolled her eyes.

“Ain’t nothin’ bright and happy about our camp right now, Javier.” She looked into his eyes and his gaze softened. He seemed to understand her now. The losses from the Blackwater job still seemed to be hanging over everyone like a dark cloud, Rosa more-so than most. She had lost her closest friend, the woman who always understood her, the woman she could always count on, the woman she shared her deepest thoughts with over the burning campfires late at night. 

And so he played the song she requested. His fingers picking and strumming the strings adeptly, his eyes closed as he felt the lyrics he sang.

The lyrics, melancholy and heartfelt, describing a love that had slipped through Javier’s fingers, a love that Javier still mourned.

Together they sat on that log until the sun set, letting themselves mourn. Feeling what they didn’t allow themselves to feel before. 

Finding a silent pull toward each other amidst the loneliness of grief.

[dreamii-yume]

I’ve been obsessed with the classic Teacher/Student trope lately, I think the Hentii ASMR is getting to me—But like they were cooking with the Yandere-Menhera-Student-Obsessed-With-Their-Teacher trope???🧎‍♀️

Have I talked about this before? Have I wrote a fic about this before? I’m sorry if I did, I don’t have a very good memory—But I’ve always been a fan of the age gap trope in Yandere fics, because it will almost always lead to the Yandere having some sort of unresolved Daddy/Mommy issues that only their Teachers could “solve” lol

Imagine your typical quiet kid—Everyone labels them as the weird kid, has absolutely no social presence, and even bullying them isn’t even worth it, so they’re alone most of the time. They don’t do bad at school, but not very well either, they’re almost invisible in terms of everything else. As the kind teacher that you are, you wondered if there’s anything you could do for them, to maybe help improve their student life. Maybe there’s some things going on back at home that you can maybe help out with…So, you called them to talk to you after school, like some sort of counseling session where you hoped that they could talk to you a little.

They’re very difficult to open up, mostly answers your question with a simple yes or a no—Most of the time, they’d just shake or nod their head. They’re not very vocal about what they want, but it’s clear that something is bothering them, they just don’t want to tell you. Obviously, they’re on their guard, they don’t trust you just yet.

So, you swore to them with a smile as honest as the sun that everything they tell you would be confidential, that no one will be hearing about it but you. You also gave them the option to not talk if they really don’t want to, it’s not like you wanted to pressure them after all—You just wanted them to know that you see them and their struggles, and wanted them to know that they have you as an option to come and talk with if something is truly wrong.

Because of this, they considered talking more, sitting down and finding their momentum to tell you some things about themselves and their worries. Most of the time it’s a family issue, maybe an abusive or neglectful household that forced them to close themselves off the world. But that alone tells you one thing as a teacher and it’s that they’re just really lonely—It’s sad to see a student of yours suffer in silence like this, so you offer them your shoulder. You told them that you have their backs whenever they need it, and you’ll try your best to help out.

It took a while, but you’ve reached a point where they began to trust you and you see improvements in them as a result of that. You’ve come to learn that they enjoyed getting praised, probably because it’s something that they rarely ever got growing up. They’ve become more active in class because of this, you’d reward them with a pat on the head and smile, saying “Good job! Keep it up!” and that would be enough to make them happy. During class, they would raise their hand more often, answering your questions in hopes that if you they get them right, you’ll do the same thing. It’s like…training a dog almost.

You were glad that his grades and mood are improving, the students in class are slowly starting to accept him too. It’s a joy for any teacher to know that they’ve contributed to this kind of development towards what most people call a “lost cause of a student”. But it’s because you believed that they’re not that you could truly enjoy seeing them flourish kike this.

But along with academical development, you wished they’d be more involved with the other students too, since others have been talking to them lately. But perhaps, maybe old habits die hard when they’d reject all their offers of friendship and clubs to go straight to your office after class. You didn’t mind it at first, since you were the one who offered your services to them in the first place, but sometimes you couldn’t help but wonder if this was all a good idea. Should they make visiting you after school a habit? You don’t want to make it seem like you’re forcing them to be here.

But they just seem so happy to be hanging out with you, talking and occassionally helping you out with paper works. It’s not like there was anything necessarily wrong for what he was doing either, but you would’ve preferred if they would’ve use this free time to make friends other than yourself! They told you once that the reason that they visit you here after school, other than spending time with you, is because they don’t feel like going home yet—And knowing his troubled household, how can you say anything against that?

“Friends…? Why would I need others when I already have you, Teacher?”

That was the first time you realized something was wrong with them, that along with their positive improvements, lies a deep, dark mindset forming in their brains. They’re attached to you in the worse way possible, and your heart dropped upon realizing it too late. In make sense if you really think about it—No one had ever given them a chance before, no one made an effort to understand them better but you. Of course they wouldn’t want to interact with the people who never even spare them a glance before, and now, all the attention he has would be all for you…You, their teacher, who gave them the love and validation they always wanted from someone.

But that’s not right. It’s morally incorrect…But seeing him right now, you don’t have it in you to break their heart. Especially when you were the one who gave him this hope in the first place.

Honestly, you should’ve seen this coming from way before, the signs were already there. Especially when one time, they whispered to themselves of how nice it would’ve been if they were born as your child instead. Maybe then, they would’ve felt what it’s like to be properly loved at such a young age. Maybe then, they would’ve been a lot more happier and not end up this way—You ended up taking this as a compliment before, and thanked them instead for thinking that way about you. You never thought they meant it a different way.

You treat your students equally without showing signs of favoritism with anyone, but this Yandere Student seemed to have deluded themselves into thinking that they’re your special ones. So, when they see you acting the same cheerful way with another student, their jealousy is unbearable. They’d confront you about it in private, practically on the verge of tears as they claim to not understand why you can’t be their one emotional-support teacher, and not share you with others. They say that they are willing to be yours and only yours, so why can’t you do the same for them?

They refuse to let go of you, physically and emotionally—Even going as far as to threaten to harm themselves if you even dare to abandon them. As a teacher, you are horrified of the thought, and is forced to comfort them about their delusions, swearing that you won’t go anywhere and that you’ll always take care of them—As long they don’t do all those reckless stuff, just be a good student.

Your Yandere Student is too mentally unstable to understand that you’re just saying all that to calm them down, so they’re happy as they hug you tight. They make you promise that even after they graduate, you’ll stay with them forever, right? They don’t need other people’s love but yours, and they’ll make it so that you wouldn’t need others love but theirs too.

You are going to take responsibility for the hungry monster that you created out of them, Teacher.

♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎

I have more ideas to share about different types of Yandere Students! I just want to really share this one in particular, because I can’t be the only who really loves the menhera trope, right?

…Right!?

[bengiyo]

For Him Ep 3 Stray Thoughts

Last week, we began to explore the boundaries of the new relationship between Nail and Him. Nail is having a good time and seems to like Him, but isn’t interested in having a romance at this time. Him seems to be dealing with a lot of other pressures from his homewrecker friend and his parents, and seems extremely determined to win Nail over; I’m enjoying Dew’s eye work in this a lot. There’s something happening with the hets around a misunderstanding. There’s also a new couple forming that had some interesting consent work in their encounter, but I admittedly cannot remember their names yet.

Oh right! Him was dating this guy named Blue that looks just like Nail.

A tale as old as time: rich gay boy fails boyfriend because of his family drama.

I don’t care for Te.

Okay, the other couple’s names are Chao and Phai. Thank you, opening credits.

Yes, these two talked about what they wanted and how to be. The athletic leg maneuver is new. Points for that, as well as good progression of intimate m/m acts.

Girl, he did not pour chocosauce on this man on his bed. Who is cleaning these sheets?!?

Not my man Phai afraid he’s gonna catch a case!!

Okay, not to be on Jay’s side, but does he know you like hydrangeas, babygirl?? He also called you immediately after them being handed to you. He was definitely a dick for cheating on you, but he ain’t wrong about you not telling him shit.

“I have to feed my dog at the condo.” 😂 This boy does seem clingy.

I love Phai being unfazed by these weak tactics from Chao.

This is awkward as hell! Everyone in the room knows Nail looks like Blue and has no idea what to do.

Okay, this Te dude sucks. You were jealous of Him’s relationship with Blue, so now you’re going to destroy all of his future relationships? You’re stalking his current flame?

Nail, please block this man.

Do not talk to this man! Tell him to bippity-bop-back-the fuck off and block him!

Him, I don’t know that the flowers are going to fix this! Sort your drama, or at least fill Nail in so he can understand what he’s waded into!

I’m really enjoying the way everyone is playing various kinds of heartbreak in this show.

Okay, I don’t think I’m going to be mad about Him hiding how much Nail looks like Blue, and I’ll wait to see how messy this past drama is. For now, I’ll be glad that he told Nail wtf was going on.

They are probably watching BL!

That final conversation on the bed was cute as hell. I like that Nail still gets to be cautious in this dynamic.

Okay! We learned a bit more about Him, Blue, and Te this week. Expecting this family shit to blow up when Nail lets down his guard at some point. I’m curious about the side couple since we have a five-year age gap to explore where one of them is working. I do not like Te, and I am not looking forward to that man causing problems for the next two months.

[notwithaste]

as i still process unnatural habits and annoy my nearest and dearest fandom friends with my endless discourse on phryne-jack-rosie dynamic absolutely nobody asked for as well as dissecting that last scene - you know the one where she said it’s never too late for him (ha!) and he wanted her to know he wasn’t with rosie and she was very relieved to know he wasn’t with rosie and he was fully going to kiss her and they smiled dumbly at each other and he went out presumably to commit murder so they could work together again soon and she ended her night leaning back against the door smiling dreamily (i know what you are phryne fisher!)

yes AS i still process ~that episode, i have somehow in a feverish daze reached season 3 and let me tell ya, the opening credits are nowhere ~near long enough for me to process that cold open because they’re ~dating? 🧎🏼‍♀️

it’s that breath she takes before she opens the door to what she thinks is jack that will haunt me, because this is jack and this matters. help.

‘is that an invitation.’

‘well i could wait a whole day for yours.’

and that exchange is snappy and quick and witty as they always are, but boy if there isn’t an undercurrent of something more there from phryne and as much as she’s been the flirty airy force in this dance they’ve been doing, i think it’s wearing on phryne a little, his reluctance and his guard. and i am really curious about their date and how it was arranged and who made it happen and what were the implications because that was NOT a friendly meal and they were both giving it such regard and relevance and care, and then the disappointment and frustration in the aftermath, and the trying again and god. that was a date date.

and then of course the main event with THE OTHER MEN. THE CONSTANT PARADE. lord i have asked and i have received 😭

and i don’t mean that in the sense that phryne should be called out on her men or her past (never!) but that it would bother jack? yes, of course it would bother jack, of course it does; and it may have taken enough whiskey to kill a horse (dear repressed jack, never change) but i’m so glad it came out. jealous trope can be so SO good when done right and so often on shows we get the tired generic shtick that comes out possessive and controlling and over the top, but here jack is in fact actively trying to be okay with it. he’s trying to be the man she needs him to be (or rather the man he thinks she needs him to be!) and it’s so endearing and so jack and i love that. but the thing is, jealousy is an emotion like any other and it’s human and when someone you love is with someone else, that’s gonna bother a person and i just love how honest and raw that scene is. especially considering how long it must have been brewing and how much it must have been bothering him to say something at all, let alone be so candid about it (i love you, alcohol).

(also phryne’s delivery of ‘what other men’ had me YODELLING 😭😭 i love her more than words can say.)

(oh but yes; he’s trying so hard to be what he thinks she wants him to be and all she wants is him.)

and then of course the undressing scene elmo fire gif 😮‍💨 now i don’t know if she was just saying it to throw him off kilter but i find it hard to believe phryne fisher wouldn’t do at least some of the undressing; sneak a peak, call it research, reconnaissance if you will.

i hate they didn’t get their date however i LOVE the layer her father’s presence has added to phryne. that last scene, the raw old hurt there - accentuated by the fact ~she always plays the role of the frivolous one; god that juxtaposition honestly gave me goosebumps! - was so honest and exquisite.

and when baron toast to his daughter, the look jack shoots her is ~knowing. she may be putting up an indifferent casual front but he knows her and he notices and god it’s so good. i really want this explored and addressed, especially but not exclusively with jack and phryne.

(also mac asking phryne what have you done to him 😭 and then when phryne says stood him up for another man she’s like come on cough up like phryne standing up jack is the most ridiculous concept 😭 also, mac and jack as friends in law is my favourite non-phrack headcanon interaction 🫶🏻)

and god i just love this new dynamic we’ve shifted to in s3, the way they are about each other and with each other is just so… inevitable. i mean she’s always been tactile but now she’s ~tactile; she’s not just teasing and edging anymore. and he’s been reserved but now he’s calling her out - and not just in his big speech but throughout the episode. and it feels like there’s a clear purpose to what they’re doing, a clear shift that’s happened where they went from knowing who they are to each other in season 2 to taking that knowledge and giving it direction and trajectory and purpose, and the progression is just wonderful to watch 😭

(that said, i’ve only seen 3.1 so far so if i’m horrendously wrong you’ll give me a break and we’ll just pretend i never said that 😂)

tl;dr they should kiss now and jack’s floppy bed hair is very lovely and should make an appearance alongside phryne’s going to bed face from unnatural habits and essie’s freckles are a source of great distraction to me

[liggmebols]

SIBLINGS EXPERIENCED

"Who is likely to.." (Part 1)

Siblings scott editions

words: 253

characters: 1424

BEGIN

Blake: Glad we are gathering here today to have a fun conversation with a little twist.

Mox: what’s with the twist this time.

Linus: You and I didn't discuss that twist, why weren't you telling me about it before?

Blake: Because it’s a surprise.

Blake: We are doing.. “Who is most likely to…!” 

Some smoll whiteboard pop out in front of them

Sam: This must be fun!

Jophiel: Don’t really mind this at all.

Blake: This little event is easy! All we have to do is write someone’s name on a board in which is the most likely to! Just be honest y’all.

Jophiel; Oh this is easy.

Brahm: Sure.

Linus: Bring it in!

Mark: Hm

Sam: Ooooohhhh

Blake: Mox.. The approvalll..?

Mox thumbs up as the show begins

• Who is most likely in charge of the angel realm?

Jophiel: (Mox)

Mox: (Linus)

Linus: (Mox)

Blake: (Linus)

Mark: (Linus)

Sam: (Mox)

Brahm: (Mox)

Blake: 3 for Linus, 4 for Mox!

Jophiel: At least everyone knows who is in charge of the angel realm.

Mox: Absolutely.

• Who is most likely to who didn't experienced love yet?

Jophiel: (Mox)

Mox: (Jophiel)

Linus: (Obviously Me)

Blake: (Mark)

Mark: (Linus)

Sam: (Mox)

Brahm: (Jophiel)

Jophiel: Heyyy…I have experienced love you know!

Mox: Thought you were a single pringle.

Linus: PFFt–

Jophiel: And so were you.

Mox: I know.

Blake: Pretty know Mark doesn’t experience love, right?

Mark: But- I do..

Blake: I- I’M SORRYY

Jophiel: don’t y’all even notice that I am very fruity in lore?

Mark: Well.. You weren’t that time of old ones

Blake: Oh, Mark’s right.

Jophiel: It’s my old era

Mox: Being a perfect angel our father wishes for one.

• Who is most likely the best singer?

Jophiel: (Blake)

Mox: (Blake)

Linus: (Jophiel)

Blake: (Brahm/Jophiel)

Mark: (Brahm)

Sam: (Jophiel)

Brahm: (Blake)

Blake: Brahm is actually a singer most of the time!

Jophiel: Can’t deny that.

Blake: HE COULD BE OUR TRIPLE BUDDY!

Brahm: no.. Thank you.

• Who is most likely the favorite sibling?

Jophiel: (Brahm)

Mox: (Brahm)

Linus: (Brahm)

Blake: (Brahm <3)

Mark: (Brahm)

Sam: (Brahm)

Brahm: (Me)

Blake: No question at all <3

Brahm: Why is there a heart shape beside me?

Blake: CAUSE THAT’S HOW I LOVEEEEE U!

Mox: Our father is your favorite now.

Blake: OOOOHH, Yes, yes.

Brahm: Okay then

• Who is most likely to skip class a lot?

Jophiel: (Blake)

Mox: (Blake)

Linus: (Blake)

Blake: (Me)

Mark: (Blake)

Sam: (Blake?)

Brahm: (Blake)

Jophiel: He did a great job.

Blake: Oh I Bet I Am.

Mark: No wonder I haven't seen you in class, Where were you?

Mox: Going to his ex lover perhaps.

Blake: NUH UH I just wanna go to the mortal realm just to buy donuts. It’s hard to go through there, y’lnow,? The portal was on guard and it took years to create one for me.

Mark: And that is why you won’t be skipping class because there’s a reason for that.

Blake: shushh

• Who is most likely to know Xenoy?

Jophiel: (Who is Xenoy?)

Mox: (Probably Blake)

Linus: (Blake)

Blake: (Linus)

Mark: (Brahm)

Sam: (Linus)

Brahm:(Sam)

Blake: The audacityy.

Mox: i don’t really give a fuck about her, to be honest.

Brahm: Agreed with Mox.

Mark: She was just shadowing around and that’s all

Mox: If only she could do something useful in common. We could know more about her better.

Linus: father adopted her after all.

Sam: She is the first sister and the adopted one.

Jophiel: Who tf is Xenoy?

• Who is most likely to hasn't fucked anyone ?

Jophiel: (Mark)

Mox: (Brahm)

Linus: (Brahm)

Blake: (Brahm)

Mark: (Me)

Sam: (Mark)

Brahm: (Mark)

Brahm: I can’t just do that to him.

Linus: You two have been together since a year and a half.

Mox: Besides, he’s a demon.

Mark: Wait, so you are engaged with a common demon?

Blake: Correction, A prince demon almost became a king.

Jophiel: Wheww, Lucky him.

Brahm: I don’t feel ready for him and so was he.

Sam: Were you two sharing a connection or something?

Blake: THEY WERE, SAM.

Linus: You know what I taught you. Get a condom and..

Brahm: HE ISN’T SUBMISSIVE AND BREEDABLE.

Blake show jophiel his lover’s picture

Jophiel: Huh..He does look submissive and breedable.

Blake: right???

Brahm: oh jeez.

Sam: I thought Brahm is.

Mox: you two will be ready for your honeymoon.

Brahm: That would never happen.

Mark: I don’t like having sex, that’s all.

• Who is most likely to actually have a half of braincells exist and act goof around?

-Blake and Linus

Jophiel: (Blake)

Mox: (Blake)

Linus: (Blake)

Blake: (Linus)

Mark: (Linus)

Sam: (Linus)

Brahm: (Blake/Linus)

Mark: They were such a duo.

Mox: Duo of idiots.

Jophiel: I thought we are duo, Blake 🙁

Blake: WE ARE, DON’T WORRY.

• Who is most likely powerful but doesn't know how to use their will power?

Jophiel: (Brahm)

Mox: (Brahm)

Linus: (Brahm)

Blake: (Brahm)

Mark: (Brahm)

Sam: (Brahm)

Brahm: (I don’t know)

Brahm: Tf you mean i couldn’t control mine?

Mark: The ancestors and the scrolls are true.

Blake: Yeah Brahm.. You know you are more powerful than us, right?

Brahm: I did not know.

Blake: Come on, You’ll grow bigger horns, Your rages, Emotions, Abilities, Had tentacles.

Brahm: I had tentacles?

Linus: Yep, Since you are a half demon after all.

Brahm: It’s weird. Since when did I have tentacles?

Mox: You can’t control it yet, including your sheep form.

Mark: Yeah.. according to this scroll you’ll have to take more practice and concentration about your emotions and spoilers, spoilers.

Jophiel: Lol.

Blake: Just imagine how cool it was !!

Brahm: No words.

Mox: But you just got words already.

Brahm: Shut up.

• Who is most likely to be literally high ranked but still acts like a mutt??

Jophiel: (Mox)

Mox: (Me, and i know it.)

Linus: (Mox)

Blake: (Mox)

Mark: (Mox)

Sam: (Mox, sorri.)

Brahm: (Definitely mox.)

Jophiel: You really know yourself, huh?

Mox: Works like a charm.

Blake: I guess, That’s the last question.

Sam: It was a blast.

Blake: We should probably do this sometimes!

Brahm: And telling our secret stuff?

Linus: Prolly.

Blake: Prolly.

Brahm: Prolly.

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

[purble-gaymer]

*frothing at the mouth* arthur and gala. anything.

can i interest you in a one-shot of their first meeting in these trying times?

A dream. Dark, and cold. The empty black sky is littered with stars, multicolored and vibrant, shining upon the crystalline ground.

Arthur gazes up at the endless constellations. Strange. Nightmare usually brings him to far less eye-pleasing locations. Something must be different this time--he can’t hear the wizard’s voice, or even feel his careful watch. It’s almost like he’s been dropped here unsupervised.

The Star Warrior takes a closer look at the planet's surface beneath his feet. Deep blue and glittering--if he weren’t standing on it, he might think he’s on Aquarius, but last time he checked he couldn’t walk on water.

There are more crystals scattered across the ground, gleaming different shades of pink and green and blue. All around, sharp structures of rock reach up from the ground like claws about to close in on their prey. Such a strange little henge, where exactly did Nightmare take him?

Something must be wrong. Arthur cautiously takes a few steps towards the center of the circle.

Wind suddenly whips through the henge, and he raises his arms to shield his face. Peeking up towards the sky, his eyes widen as one of the small pink stars begins to glow brighter, brighter, the light quickly becoming blinding.

The star lowers to the ground, and the light fades. Left in its place is a large pink crystal. Between the glinting sides, he can almost make out a figure inside.

A figure.

He jumps backwards, immediately drawing his sword.

This isn’t any old henge. This is an arena.

The crystal cracks all along its surface, and in another bright flash of light, completely shatters. In its place stands a warrior, clad in platinum armor. Their mask guards a pair of golden horns, a four-point star cut across its center. Their feathered wings spread out behind them.

Red eyes flash open behind the visor. They turn upon Arthur. He flinches, but holds his ground.

The Aeon Hero.

The pink warrior narrows his eyes.

“What does Nightmare want with you?” he asks. His voice is low and ragged, as if it hasn’t been used in ages.

Arthur flinches again, then points his sword at him. “How do you know Nightmare called me here?”

“It’s a dreamscape, smart guy.” The Aeon Hero drops to the ground and turns to him, folding his arms behind his back. “I’d know if you went through the trouble of summoning me. Nightmare likes to let me out to play from time to time. It’s almost like he cares.” He adds sarcastically, then immediately returns to his glare. “But what about you? He’s still got it out for us astrals?”

“I’m the general of the Galaxy Soldier Army,” Arthur tells him, sounding as confident as he can manage. “Nightmare seems to take joy in showing me his latest murder machines.”

“Well, if it’s any consolation, that’s not what you’re here for tonight.” The warrior seems to smirk through his mask. “I’m a retired murder machine.”

“What exactly is that supposed to mean?”

The Aeon Hero rolls his eyes and walks up to Arthur. He puts a hand on the flat edge of the sword and lowers it. “Maybe I’ll talk if you quit threatening me. I won’t fight you unless you really want to. I don’t need to be fighting all the time here and in the waking world. On the off chance I get to be awake, anyway.”

Arthur reluctantly sheaths his sword.

“See? That wasn’t so hard. Looks like Nightmare wants me to babysit you. Not sure why he’d leave us alone otherwise…he probably figured we’d be at each other's throats all night.”

The general doesn’t say anything at first. After a moment, he holds out his hand. “The name’s Arthur, by the way. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aeon Hero.”

The other clicks his tongue, eyes gleaming with a sly smile. “‘Aeon Hero,’ eh? Not even gonna ask for my name?”

“Is that…not it?”

“It’s a title, tin head.” He takes Arthur’s hand with a roughness that makes him jump. “Galacta Knight. Glad to hear you hate Nightmare as much as I do.”

Galacta Knight lets go of his hand and promptly sits down on one of the green crystals poking out of the ground. He flips up his mask and secures it on top of his horns. His eyes aren’t much different without the visor, still a strong, blazing scarlet. A scar is torn next to his left eye, but it looks to have missed its target.

His gaze slides back to the general. “Come on, now. I don’t bite.”

“I have reason to believe otherwise.” Arthur sits down not far from him. He removes the bottom part of his mask and sets it aside, revealing his face to the other. Galacta Knight studies him for a few seconds before returning to their conversation.

“So, Arthur, how’d you get involved with the big guy?” he asks.

“I’ve been fighting for most of my life,” the other replies. “I became general a long time ago, and that’s when he really started bothering me. It only got worse after we found Meta Knight. He’s…sort of our kid. My friends and I found him when he was young, and we raised him together.”

“You found a kid?” Galacta Knight tilts his head slightly. “What, abandoned? Town, battlefield?”

“Something like that. He crashed-landed in a small ship outside one of our bases. What we think happened is Nightmare was raising him, and threw him out for some reason. Nightmare was furious with us after we found him. Didn’t leave us alone for months.”

The Aeon Hero leans forward, expression hardening. “Is he an astral? What color?”

Arthur raises an eyebrow. “Yes…dark blue. Silver eyes, purple feet.”

He nearly jumps out of his armor when Galacta Knight appears to wilt. The pink warrior turns his eyes to the ground.

“Stars, you’re where he ended up,” he mutters. In an instant, he almost knocks Arthur over in a hug. The general is frozen for a moment, then carefully returns it.

“Thank you, thank you,” Galacta Knight almost whispers, voice weak. “I had no idea what happened to him after I was sealed. For the longest time I hoped…maybe he would come looking for me someday. He must have forgotten about me. He…”

It takes Arthur a moment to realize that the other is shaking slightly. He hugs him tighter, though he’s really not sure what to do.

“I’m so glad he got away. I was so worried.”

After a few seconds, Galacta Knight pulls away. He swipes at his eyes and clears his throat. “I’m sorry. It’s just…” He stares at the ground for another beat, then laughs. “‘Meta Knight,’ huh? I think I know where he got that idea from.”

Realization flashes through Arthur’s eyes. “Huh. I always wondered.”

“Well…” Galacta Knight returns to where he was sitting. “Tell me about him. How’s he turned out?”

Arthur doesn’t say anything at first. “Are you his father?”

The other laughs again. “No, no. I have no idea where he came from. Nightmare just handed him to me one day.” He grins. “Oh, you’ll love this: he was an infant at the time. Newborn. No color.”

The general’s eyes widen. “And Nightmare wanted him to fight?!”

“Oh yeah.”

“That’s absurd!”

“And I told him that a million times--he didn’t care,” Galacta Knight sighs. “Poor kid has been fighting for literally his entire life.”

Arthur looks away and cringes. He doesn’t speak for a few moments, even though he can tell the other is watching him expectantly.

“I’ve been regretting that recently,” he eventually says. “He may have had more of a life with the GSA than he would have in Nightmare’s forces, but he’s still known nothing but war.”

“More of a life?” the warrior questions. “What’s he been doing? Does he have any friends?”

“Yes! Two of them.” Arthur smiles, but it fades quickly. “I’m afraid they’ve both met an unfortunate end, but the three of them were very happy for some time.”

A pained expression crosses Galacta Knight’s face, and his wings curl in slightly. “...I see. How did he take it?”

“Oh, terrible.” Arthur gives a sad laugh. “Ha, I wish I could say otherwise. He was furious with everything and everyone. The galaxy had finally shown him kindness, only to tear it away again.”

He pauses and looks away. Talking about it only makes it feel worse. “Last time I saw him, he was miserable. I wish I had done more to help.”

“Where is he now?”

The beat of silence seems to stretch for ages as Arthur looks back to him. “I don’t know. He might be dead, or he might be wandering the galaxy. We haven’t seen a trace of him in ages.”

Galacta Knight turns away. His hand twitches, as if he were about to reach for his mask. “Nightmare told me about that, sort of,” he says. “Said he ‘wiped out the Star Warriors.’ That didn’t seem right, but I guess he wouldn’t lie about something like that.”

“No. I’m lucky to have survived.” He frowns. “I don’t want to say I wish I hadn’t, but I certainly wish it was him who made it out instead.” He looks up, and the two lock eyes again. “It’s been weighing on us pretty heavily. I imagine you felt something similar when you first lost him…we were his family, after all.”

They’re quiet for a long time. It’s not easy news to hear, nor is it easy to tell. After what feels like ages, Galacta Knight lets out a sigh.

“How long do you need to be asleep?”

Arthur blinks. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, you’re the only company besides Nova itself I’ve had since I was sealed. I’d like you to stay, if you can.”

“Hm. I suppose I have all night.”

[asmutwriter]

You Saved Me (Part 9)

DESCRIPTION: (Season 9) The Winchesters get a call from one of their dads old hunter friends about a necromancer. Happening in your home town.

Dean x reader

WORD COUNT: 3339

From Beginning / Previous / Next / Master List  

WARNINGS: blood, daddy issues, mentions and brief talk of a suicide attempt, slight sexism, death, violence, swearing

DISCLAIMERS

- This is fiction. Please always talk to your partner before doing anything and make sure they are ok with what you are doing beforehand

- Not been proof read

.A YEAR LATER

DEAN POV

Dean sat at a bar. He was drinking away his guilt and pain. It had been a couple of days since he left Sam on that bridge with Cas. He didn’t regret the decision but he defiantly hated himself about it. About everything leading up to this moment of him drinking alone in a bar. He was in his own little world so he jumped slightly as he heard a phone go off. Not his normal phone. He frowns slightly as he pulls out one of his dads old phones. One he keeps on him just in case any of his dad’s friends or contacts try to call. He answers, placing it to his ear as he downs another shot “Hello?”

“Hey John its Harry. Look I know it’s been a while but-”

“John umm… He died. A few years ago now” Dean says

“Who are you and how do you have his phone?”

“I’m John’s son. Dean Winchester” a brief pause before a breath is taken

“Oh. It’s nice to hear your voice. I heard a lot about you when I spent time with your dad”

“What are you ringing about?” Dean says.

“I have a case. Think I’m dealing with a necromancer. The night guard at a local graveyard said that he found a bunch of the graves dug up. I went and looked and he was right. But it looked more like they had been dug out of rather than dug into. I could really use some help with this one but if you’re are busy I can-“

“No its ok. I could do with something like this. I’ll come to you. Where you heading?”

YOU’RE POV

You had just dropped the kids off at school. Going to the cafe you work at. You go to unlock the door but find it already unlocked. Normally you’re the person to open up shop. You shrug it off. Putting it down to the person who was meant to lock up obviously forgot. You’re just glad no one broke in. You make a mental note to tell your boss about it though. Shutting the door you go to turn the ‘closed’ sign to say ‘open’ instead. Then you see the doorknob covered in blood. Your breath hitches. You feel in your back pocket. Putting on your knuckles. Wearily following the trail of blood to behind the counter. You pull out your phone and dial 911 when you see the mutilated body. Recognising it as your friend Jonny. He was meant to lock up last night.

They take your statement and tell you to go home and relax. The place now being labelled as a crime scene. You won’t be in work for a couple of days. Great. You message your work colleagues saying it’s been closed and just updating them all on what’s been happening. Arriving back at home you grab out a beer and head into the living room. Putting on your Spotify playlist. Jamming out as you take this free time with no work and no kids to do a deep and thorough clean of the house.

A knock at the door brings you out of your trance of cleaning. Going over to the front door and opening it. You smile at the familiar face. “Well if it isn’t Dean Winchester”

“Hey Kat” Dean smiles at you as you hug him, feeling him wrap an arm around you “it’s been a while” you move from the hug “I didn’t realise you lived around here”

“I moved about 6 months ago. Found this little place and thought I’d give it a go” he nods “But as lovely as it is to see you I gather you aren’t here to catch up?” he shakes his head

“May I come in?” you nod, motioning for him to enter which he does. You shut the door behind him. Going into the kitchen and grabbing out two mugs

“Coffee?” he nods, smiling as he sits down. Watching you make two cups of coffee. Sitting with him at the dining room table as you pass him his cup. “What can I help you with then?”

“I understand that you found the body at your work this morning?” you nod “can you tell me what happened?”

“Well I went into work. The door was unlocked and I found Jonny behind the counter covered in blood. He must’ve been there for a good few hours based on the dryness of it”

“Anything else?”

“Based on the blood covering him he defiantly put up a fight” you look at him “I assumed it was just some sort of psycho human killing people but based on you being here I’m guessing it’s more of the supernatural kind of murderer?”

“That’s what we think anyway” Dean receives a text. Pulling out his phone he looks

“It’s my work partner”

“Sam?” he shakes his head, placing his phone in his pocket again as he looks at you

“No. No I’m doing this hunt with someone else. He has some information on the murders so I should go and meet him”

“He can come here if you’d like? Doesn’t bother me having you in the house to work the case”

“I don’t want to be a bother to you” he says, a soft smile on his face as he looks at you

“It’s purely selfish reasoning. I feel a lot safer knowing I have hunters in my house to protect me and my girls” you smile “it doesn’t bother me so long as you are ok with it?” you can tell he’s thinking through his options before he nods. You smile “Perfect. Tell your friend to come round then”. He gets his friends number up, texting him. About 10 minutes pass as you hear the front door open.

“Mum I’m home. Plus there’s a detective at the door wanting to chat with you” you hear Anna call out as she walks through the door

“Tell him to come in. His colleague is in the kitchen with me” you hear her talking to the unseen detective. Before she walks through the door with the man. Your eyes grow wide as you see him. He smiles at you. Chuckling softly. Before he can speak you hold your hand out for him to shake “The names Rose” he chuckles. Taking your hand and shaking it

“Harry” you nod, turning to your daughter

“Honey why don’t you go to your room?”

“But I want to stay and hear about the murder case”

“Anna. Now” you look at her with a stern look on your face. She rolls her eyes, going over to a cupboard and grabbing out a can of coke before heading out the kitchen. You hear her enter into her bedroom. You go over to the kitchen door, shutting it. Turning you face the new detective

“So you’re going by Rose now?” you nod.

“Have done for the past 20 years” he nods. Going and sitting at the table as you stand by the door of the kitchen.

“You two know each other?” Dean questions, looking between the two of you

“Rose here is my daughter” he looks him. Smiling as he looks at him then you. Dean tries his best to hide the look of shock on his face. Harry turns his attention back to you “I assumed you’d died. Given that last time I saw you, you left me a suicide note” he smiles at you as he runs his tongue of the top of his teeth slightly “so tell me. Did you wimp out of the attempt or did you fail?”

“Oh it’s such a long time ago. I try and remember the happier memories. Me having my children. You going to prison. The good old days” he smiles

“Still as quick witted as ever. I missed that”

“Yeah I’m sure you did” you say sarcastically.

“You went to prison?” Dean asks. Your dad, Harry, looks at the younger man

“Oh it was nothing. Just a misunderstanding”

“Tell that to the woman you kidnapped”

“I thought she was a demi god” you laugh “if you were actually good at hunting then we never would’ve had to kidnap her in the first place” he looks at you

“I was a child”

“You failed at your job”

“I-” Dean puts a hand up between the two of you, eyes going between you and your dad

“Ok how about we focus on the current case” you roll your eyes and fold your arms as he takes a breath. Obviously regretting what he’s gotten himself into. Looking at Harry. “You said you had information on the case?”

“I do. It is a necromancer and I’ve figured out where he lives. I say we go there tonight and kill his ass. Before he hurts or brings back anyone else”

“But why is he bringing them back?”

“See that part I can’t figure out” you go over and look at the files. Your dad looks at you as you examine all the evidence “I thought you quit hunting”

“I have for the most part. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to help my friend” you stand back up straight “simple. They want to have the picture perfect family”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, these guys are all related one way or another. These two were brothers. This a wife. Second cousin. So on and so on for the eight graves. They all died during a massacre that happened six months ago. I remember reading about it in the news. Psycho killer just went in and butchered them all whilst they slept. Some sort of party they were having meant they were all under one roof. I breifly looked into it but it wasn’t anything that seemed inhuman so I left it to the police. They arrested the person who did it and now they’re serving time in jail”

“You said this happened six months ago?” Dean asks to which you nod “then why is this necromancer bringing people back now? It’s a bit late isn’t it?”

“Maybe not. Think about how long it takes to conjure a spell. Especially if you’ve never done it before. Now imagine doing that for eight people”

“So they’ve only just figured it out?”

“Exactly” he scoffs slightly. “But I don’t think it went as planned. Which is why the bodies are now going all murderous on us. Because our necromancing witch isn’t very good at his job”

“Right” Dean stands up “Let’s go kill this fucker then”

“I wish you boys luck”

“You aren’t coming?” Harry asks. You shake your head, taking out your phone and looking at the time

“Several reasons. The main one being that I have two children to look after. But let me know when it’s dead” you smile as you stand up “I need to go and get Lydia from school otherwise I’ll be late” you open the kitchen door. Waiting as the two men follow you out. You knock on Anna’s. She looks very annoyed as she answers, like you’d interrupted something she was doing. “Please try and look slightly more pissed off” you smile at her as she rolls her eyes

“What do you want?”

“A million dollars. Plus a daughter who doesn’t look like she wants to murder me”

“Mum I’m serious”

“So am I” she goes to shut the door but you put your hand on it before it shuts “I’m going out to get Lydia from school. My guests are also leaving so you’ll be home alone for about half an hour. Will you be ok?”

“Yes. Goodness sake mum I’m not a child” she shuts the door. You clench your fists, bringing them up near your head in frustration as you turn. Seeing the two boys in the hallway, watching you. Or pretending not to anyway. You grab your coat and keys as you mutter to yourself. Following them out the door.

You get back home, make food for you and the two girls before they both toddle off to their separate rooms. You clean up after them, putting the plates and cups in the dishwasher. You lean down to get the clothes out the washing machine, ready to hang up to dry when you hear your phone go. Not ringing but a text message. You place the clothes into the basket before standing up. Taking your phone you look. Expecting it to be Dean but no. Just your friend sending you a funny video they found. You bite at your bottom lip. It had been three hours since they left. “Fuck” you mumble to yourself. Going over to the various paperwork they had sprawled out and finding the address of the building they went to.

You quickly explain to your daughters that Dean’s car broke down and he’s lacking the correct equipment to fix it so you’re heading over to help. Telling them to not open the door under any circumstances. You grab a knife from your kitchen before grabbing the gun you keep in your closet. Driving to the location. You park up by the Impala. Grabbing out and putting on your knuckles dusters. You then grab the knife and gun, placing them into the inside jacket pocket. Quietly walking you look for any sign of life. But none.

An old barn in front of you. No sign of Dean or your dad on the outside. So you make your way inside. No one guarding the place. Either really good news or really bad news. You go over and open the front door. Quietly walking inside. You hear voices. A man’s voice “You’re awake. I was starting to worry I’d killed you. I mean. I’m going to kill you anyway but my family is hungry and I was hoping to give them a meal that fights back” you hide behind a pillar. Peaking out you see a cage. The eight people from the graveyard inside. You hear Dean laugh slightly

“Great I get to be finger food for zombies” the man smiles.

“I would say its ok they’ll be quick but they won’t be. It’ll be a very slow and painful death” you come out to take aim at the necromancer as he walks to the cage. Fuck. Gone around a corner so you can only see his legs. You rethink your plan. You come out of the darkness. Seeing Dean tied up, hands above hs head as they appear to be attatched to some sort of pillar. Your dad near him but seemingly unconscious. You aim your gun at the necormancer before you speak

“If he’s the damsel in distress, and you’re the evil villain, does that make me the good looking hero?” you smile as he turns to face you

“To be a hero you need to save people. And none of you are leaving this place alive” he smiles “You just signed your death wish” he goes to open the door. Unbolting it. You point your gun at the ropes that hold Deans hands together. Taking aim and firing. He looks up, quickly ridding himself of the rope as he reaches down and grabs out a small knife from his sock. Dean charges at him, stabbing him through the neck. You rush over and quickly push the door shut before any of them can get out. Jumping as one grabs your shoulder. You move away from the cell. Watching the bodies all stalking the perimeter. You go over to your dad, cutting him down. Hess out cold but still breathing which is good. You lie him down. Going over to Dean who stands watching the zombies. The necromancer now dead on the floor

“What do we do now?” you ask, looking at the green eyed man.

“Kill them. Burn them” you nod. Taking out your blade. “Is that a kitchen knife?”

“It was the best choice I had, ok?” he laughs as he goes and grabs his machete from where it had been left on the ground. Handing it to you

“You’ll do better at killing them with this then with that thing” you roll your eyes. Taking it from him as you place your knife into your belt. “How are we going to go about doing this then?”

“You open the door. I’ll decapitate them. I feel like decapitation then burning the heads and the bodies separately is a good way to go about any sort of healing or necromancy spell still on them, right?” he nods

“Yeah. Beats any other plan I can think of” you nod. He places his hand on the door. Letting out a zombie one by one. Beheading and throwing the head to the side of the room. You help Dean drag the bodies outside. Purring gas and salt onto them before you watch as he sets them alight. Then doing the same with the heads.

“I need a drink” you say as you watch the heads burning. He nods in agreement. You look at him “You can stay round mine tonight if you’d like. Saves you having to find a hotel. Unless you already have a place to stay” he shakes his head

“No I was going to look for one. But if you don’t mind me staying at yours then I can do that” you smile

“I don’t mind at all”. Your dad comes outside of the barn, rubbing his forehead

“What did I miss?”

-

The three of you sit at your kitchen table. Drinking and chatting with the two men. You managed to convince the girls to stay in your room tonight. Letting them have the double bed as the two men can have a room each and you’ll sleep on the sofa. Dean grabs the bottle of - you’ve forgotten what you were drinking at this point. He pours himself and Harry another drink, taking your glass you shake your head “Oh no. I can’t have anymore” he smiles at you

“Come on” that cocky grin on his face “you deserve it for saving us”

“Yes I deserved the first five drinks. Number whatever we are on is going to destroy my liver” you smile and stand up “I’ll see you two in the morning. Feel free to use the shower and help yourself to whatever you need” you smile. Your dad takes your hand as it rests on the table.

“Kathrine?” you face him. His eyes smiling at you as speaks “Your mother would be so proud of the woman you’ve become”. You nod, feeling tears stinging your eyes at his words. Moving your hand from him you nod, smiling wearily at him.

“Thanks dad. Goodnight” you say softly to him, smiling at Dean “Goodnight to you to” you smile at them both before heading out to the living room. Getting dressed into a pair of pyjama shorts and baggy shirt before curling up onto the sofa with a blanket over you.

-

“Mummy?” you say through tears as she shoves you into a wardrobe. She strokes your hair with a shaky hand.

“Stay in here Kathrine. You’ll be safe in here”

“Mum...” you sniff. She wipes your tears. Kissing the top of your head as she lets her own tears fall. She takes off her wedding ring. You jump as the doors start to be pushed by an unknown force. She takes your hands, wrapping them around the silver jewellery

“You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I wouldn’t have my life any differently. I love you so very much” she stands up. Shutting the doors on you. You watch through the slats as she turns to the door. Her whole body shaking “Come and get me then you motherfuckers” the door swings open and you hear her cry out in pain. You shut your eyes. Hands going to your ears as you try and cancel out the screams she lets out and the noise of her ripping skin

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@sojuxxi​

[ace-malarky]

Take One For The Team

This is an aside to what the party of @dorksndisasters are traipsing back into in the current arc; problems they created for themselves by stumbling across Plots they still haven't full worked out, half following them through, and then fleeing the city sjsks

It's going great.

~~

              Aszaccixl walks into Aewyth’s office doing his level best not to let his rage show. His hands were in his pockets, the only way he could keep them from trembling, from forming fists.

              “Oh, hey, Asz. So glad you could make it.” Haucey was forcing the cheer in her voice, overselling it. “It’s been far too long.”

              Rarder was also there; he nodded at Aszaccixl and didn’t budge from where he leant against the wall, arms folded.

              “We’ll need to make this quick.” Aewyth was sitting at her desk, notes in front of her. “They’re going to call a curfew and impose Martial Law.”

              “How do you know?” Aszaccixl rumbled. There is still blood staining his coat, slowly drying in.

              “Well–”

              “She means me!” A kobold pops up from behind Aewyth’s desk. “I hear things.”

              “Bituin alerted me,” Aewyth says, and if Aszaccixl didn’t know her as well as he did, he’d never have seen her flinch.

              He does not think that Bituin was down there before he spoke.

              “Of course you do,” Haucey says, a coo in her gruff voice. “You’re always such a great help to us.”

              Bituin giggles.

              Rarder is watching Haucey interact with Bituin, a strange look on his face.

              “So what do you expect us to do?” Aszaccixl asks, pulling back to the topic at hand. “I am a private citizen these days, in case you’d misremembered.”

              “You were at the Waygate,” Aewyth says. “You saw the,” her lips thinned out, whole face going stern with disapproval, “execution.”

              Aszaccixl nods.

              Haucey whips round to face him, taking in the bloodstains on his coat. “Were you involved? Are you hurt?”

              “Our mutual friends left her in my care,” he says to Aewyth, ignoring Haucey’s questions. “She became impatient and tried to flee.”

              “Who was it?” Rarder asks.

              “Annan,” Aewyth replies. “I’m sorry.”

              Rarder makes no effort to hide his anger; he snarls, starting to his feet and striding towards the door.

              “That won’t solve anything,” Aszaccixl says, shifting slightly to get in his way.

              Rarder turns on him. “What would you know?” He squares up to Aszaccixl.

              “I tried to help her. She might have been dirty, but she was a good kid,” Aszaccixl replies, as if Annan hadn’t been less than five years younger than him.

              Still too young to die like that.

              “They won’t acknowledge that she was a guard,” Bituin says.

              Aszaccixl wonders how old he really is, because the kobold certainly isn’t the child he claims to be.

              “So what can we do?” Haucey asks. “Is there – something we can do? You called us here for something.”

              Aewyth hesitated. “It could ask a lot of you.”

              “Anything,” Haucey replies, too fast to be anything other than a gut response.

              Aszaccixl has always liked that about her.

              “What has happened with – the body?” Rarder asked.

              “They took it away, they didn’t answer anything.” Aewyth shifted. “They know who it is–”

              “They’ll be coming for us,” Rarder growled. “Let them.”

              “That is not our best course to take,” Aewyth says, gaze on Rarder. “Aszaccixl, how many can you protect?”

              “He could barely protect one,” Rarder snaps. “He left, he gave this all up, he isn’t under suspicion here.”

              Aszaccixl tilts his head. “If you remember, I raised enough suspicion of my own before I left your ranks.”

              “You’re running out of time,” Bituin murmurs.

              Aszaccixl snaps his attention to the kobold, seeing the hint of a fading glow about his eyes.

              “They’re coming here.” Bituin looks up at Aewyth.

              Aewyth nods. “One of you,” she turns her attention to Rarder and Haucey, “needs to go with Aszaccixl. It’ll be called a dishonourable discharge for what has happened, but if I’m still here afterwards then I promise that you will be welcomed back.”

              They both volunteer at once. Aszaccixl watches them and says nothing.

              “I don’t have any responsibilities, no command,” Haucey says. “If they replace you with one of theirs, it will get harder.”

              “Annan was my responsibility,” Rarder replies, not quite growling. “If I am still here, they will expect more.”

              “He has a point, Haucey,” Aszaccixl says, when she looks likely to argue. “Rarder makes the most sense.”

              Bituin scrambles around the desk and reaches out his hands to Haucey. “We can do more from here. Someone has to protect Aewyth, you know?”

              Haucey smiles as she picks him up. “You’re right. So clever!”

              Rarder is watching them with something approaching jealousy crossing his face.

              “Asz,” Aewyth says. “I’m sorry I haven’t asked, but–”

              “Of course.” He dips his head to hide his smile. “You didn’t ask and I didn’t say I told you so.”

              From his perch in Haucey’s arms, Bituin giggles.

              Aewyth forces a sigh, not quite managing to hide her own smile. “Thank you. Rarder–”

              “I’ve already agreed to take this one for the team, you don’t need to harp on about it,” Rarder grumbles. “Aszaccixl, where area you stashing me?”

              “By the Stone Giant. There are many escape routes, as needed.”

              “I know the tunnels very well, I can lead you,” Bituin pipes up.

              “You shouldn’t be walking those tunnels alone,” Haucey says to him, “it’s dangerous.”

              Bituin pats her arm. “I’m never alone in them.”

              Rarder clears his throat. “We should go, if they are coming.”

              Aszaccixl nodded.

              “Thank you.” Aewyth looks tired. “I’m sorry.”

              “We will get through this, one way or another.”

              “See you on the other side,” Haucey says, shifting as if she would have saluted had her arms not been full of a kobold.

              Rarder sweeps one last look around the room before he turns to stalk past Aszaccixl and stride out.

              “Look after him,” Aewyth says.

              “I’ll be in touch,” Bituin says. “Or Set will be.”

              Aszaccixl closes his eyes for the briefest moment. “Whichever one of you that will be less obvious, please.”

              Bituin giggles.

              Aszaccixl gives Haucey a brief nod, Aewyth half a salute, and then turns to catch up with Rarder.

              He hasn’t got far, hesitating in the entrance hall. “Was this what happened when you left?” he asked. He’s eyeing the place like he’ll never come back, the patch already gone from his armour.

              “Not quite.”

              They leave the command post and stride across the street. Aszaccixl looks back to see a group of people enter the command post, General Wulfwe amongst them.

              “There were fewer repercussions, but almost the same story. I will fill you in when we are safe.”

              Rarder grunts. “I think I will need a drink with it.”

              “We will need several.” Aszaccixl claps his back. “But we will come out of this.”