#I'm gonna need a name for this... au?

[kel-is-here]

*You look in the mirror. Something is standing behind you; its eyes are peeking through its parted hair, meeting yours in the mirror.

*"Kel." It says, its fingers holding you by your shoulders.

*"Kel." A firmer voice says, snapping you out of whatever trance you were in.

*"Kel. Are you okay? You weren't answering me when I calling your name." Hero quickly says, his hand held firm on your shoulder, he turns you around to face him and guides your eyes to look into his worry-stricken own. "Is something wrong?"

*Hero is WORRIED

*What do you do?

"Hm? No, nothing's wrong! Just was zoning out a bit, hehe. Don't worry about me!"

[redwinterroses]

That was the seventh ravager skeleton he’d seen in the past two days.

Jimmy turned his head slowly as the train rattled past, squinting into the sunset and trying to figure out if this one looked like it had been hunted, or had just… died that way.

Probably hunted. Most of the wild ravagers had been hunted at this point—you had to go deep into new generation to find the herds that used to cover this area of the plains. 

But the further he rode, the wilder things got. It had been two days since the train had passed through an actual town—and no, that hotel-and-pub at the last station didn’t count. That was a waystation, even if they were insisting on calling it Oakville. 

“Have to have a village to earn the ville,” he muttered to himself, resting his chin on his hand and staring out the window at the passing countryside. “Didn't even have an oak.” 

The setting sun cast bruising shadows from the scrubby trees and the tall, jagged boulders that broke up the flat landscape. Some of the formations were as tall as houses, and for a moment Jimmy let himself consider what it might be like to build on one of them. Use it as the foundation for a house, terraform around it—make an oasis of green in the dusty plain.

Then he shook his head and sat back from the window with a sigh. Not far enough, yet. He still had days—maybe weeks—of travel ahead of him.

The train gave a sudden jolt, and Jimmy winced as his head bounced off the hard wooden edge of the seatback. “Ow—” He touched his head gingerly. “What the—”

There was another jolt, harder this time, and the sudden high-pitched whine Jimmy had learned to associate with the brakes. The train was stopping.

But… here? They were nowhere near the next station. Wouldn’t be for hours yet.

The pit of Jimmy’s stomach flipped, and he stood, grabbing for his duster to slip it on over his suit. The bone-handled revolver hiding in his pocket was a comforting weight against his side, and he took a deep breath to slow the sudden racing of his heart.

Nothing good came of trains stopping suddenly in the middle of nowhere. Newsreels he’d seen in theaters back spawnwards flickered through his memories: desperate vigilantes, settlers who’d turned to crime… There were stories of entire trains being dismantled while the passengers sat for days in captivity, abandoned when the robbers had stripped the vessels of anything of value or use.

Jimmy quickly flipped through the people he’d interacted with while on the train. No faces stood out, no one had given him special notice. This was probably just a fluke occurrence: nothing to do with him.

Which meant he might be in real danger. 

He’d bought a cabin ticket, content to sleep on the flat horsehair mattresses on the train rather than risk a dodgy hotel or boarding house every night. It also gave him a private space on the train—no risk of a seatmate getting too friendly. 

The downside was that he was isolated from the rest of the train by surprisingly noise-resistant walls. Which meant he had no idea what was going on further up the line.

As the clacking sounds of the wheels on the tracks continued to slow, Jimmy drew out his revolver, checking the barrel with a practiced glance. Then, thumb on the hammer, he slid open the cabin door and leaned cautiously into the narrow hall.

A shout, half-muffled, echoed from the direction of the engine. Another voice yelled something back, and then there was a loud pop, like someone breaking a board.

Even over the sound of the train, Jimmy knew that sound, and he rubbed his thumb against the recoil shield of his revolver. Someone just taken a shot—hopefully not at another person. 

For half of a heartbeat, the smell of spent gunpowder and blood flooded his memories, and Jimmy swore. He pulled back into the cabin, pressing the heel of his free hand against the bridge of his nose, eyes squeezed shut. 

Deep breaths, you gump, he chided himself, sweeping the flashback away into the depths of his brain. His hand was trembling and that was not what he needed in the middle of a… whatever this was. Train robbery, most likely. 

There was another shot in the distance, followed by two more in quick succession. Nearer, too. 

Jimmy gritted his teeth and forced himself back toward the door. 

I gotta get out of here, he thought. His cabin was near the forward end of the cabin—if he could get to the outer door, he might be able to jump from the car while it was still moving, get away from the train before anyone noticed him gone.

Or you could help the people stuck here, a spiteful voice in his mind suggested. But you won’t. Coward.

It’s not cowardice to try and keep a situation from getting worse, he told himself. The only problem was that heading for the outer door also meant heading toward the gunshots. He took a deep breath and started for the door.

He’d taken only a single step when the outer door burst open and a red-headed man in a battered derby came running full-tilt into the car. Jimmy had barely time to move his finger away from his revolver’s trigger before he was bowled over, both of them tumbling half into the sleeper cabin.

The stranger swore, his elbow going into Jimmy’s gut as he scrambled to his feet. 

“Watch it, greenhorn!” he snapped. His eyes went to the revolver, and narrowed. “Can you use that thing?”

Jimmy gasped for air. “When—when I can breathe, yeah,” he managed. 

Another shot and the scream of a woman in terror sliced the air. The train was barely moving now—maybe as fast as a horse at a trot, and Jimmy shoved himself to his feet.

“What’s going on?” Oof, his side ached sharply when he moved. If this idiot had broken something—

“It’s the Greysides gang,” the stranger said. He glanced outside the cabin, then slammed the door shut, whirling to look around the tiny space. “They’re harmless, mostly—”

A shot, a shout, and a crashing sound put doubt to that statement, and the stranger winced. “Emphasis on mostly. They just want diamonds. And, uh… me.”

“What?” Jimmy’s skin was itching with the need to run. From the criminals sacking the train or the stranger talking to him more directly than anyone had in weeks, he wasn’t sure. Toss up, really. But the sounds of altercations were getting closer, and they were running out of time.

“Nevermind,” the man in the bowler said. He glanced at the window. “Does that open?”

“Probably?” Jimmy hadn’t tried it. “But it’s at least a four block drop—”

The sound of the door to their car splintering open cut him off, and the stranger sprang to the window, flinging it open with deft fingers. He glanced back at Jimmy, and there was a glint of something in his eyes that wasn’t fear—something that almost looked like he was having fun.

“Coming?” he asked, and then he was gone, jumping from the window and vanishing into the dusk outside. 

Jimmy hesitated exactly two seconds—long enough to hear heavy boots tramping toward his cabin—and then with a gritted dammit he decocked his revolver, shoved it into his pocket, and leaped out the window. 

For an instant, the world was a silent riot of sunset shadows and the flash of lit windows passing him so quickly they blurred into one long line of golden light. And then he was slamming into the rocky ground, the wind knocked from his lungs, and rolling through the dirt and scrub.

He pitched to a stop in the low branches of a scraggly bush, gaping up at the emerging stars as his chest spasmed, desperately trying to figure out how to breathe again. The world was still spinning. Or he was still spinning. He was going to be sick.

With a heaving gasp, air came rushing back, and with it a whole host of new bruises and cuts and if he was lucky he was dying because every inch of him hurt like he’d been stomped by a ravager and there was a hand grabbing his arm and pulling him out of the bush and—

“Get off, get off—” he groaned, smacking weakly at his attacker. 

“Hey, you’re alive, good.” The red-headed man leaned over him, blocking the stars. He was smudged and his hat had a brand new dent, but his face was split with a wide grin. “First time jumping a train?”

Jimmy just groaned, and closed his eyes. The world would stop spinning in a minute. Probably. 

“No time for that, bucko.” There was a hand gripping his wrist and pulling him upright, shouldering under his arm and helping Jimmy stand. “Those pillagers are gonna notice I’m not on the train soon enough, and then they're gonna come looking.”

“So get going,” Jimmy said. He squinched his eyes half-open, testing to see if the horizon had gone back to staying in one place. “I’ll find my own way.”

“I’d love to, really I would.” The stranger started walking, and Jimmy was forced to stagger along with him or fall over again. “But I don’t like the idea of getting a kid killed, and if anyone saw you follow me—”

Bad cess, Jimmy grimaced, and pulled away from the stranger’s grip. “Killed?” he said. “You said they were harmless!”

“Yeah, well—” the stranger stepped back and gave him a rakish grin. “That doesn't really go for bounty hunters that infiltrate their gang and wire their location to the authorities right before a big diamond heist.”

“Bounty hunter?” Jimmy kept his voice level, but his hand twitched toward the gun in his pocket. He didn’t think the man noticed, not in this light. He wondered if he could draw fast enough.

“Tango Tek,” the man said, doffing his bowler. “Bounty hunter, trail boss, and occasional inventor—at your service.”

Jimmy hesitated a moment. Then: “James,” he offered, watching this "Tango" person's face closely. “James Solidarity.”

There was no flicker of recognition in the man’s expression, and Jimmy allowed himself to relax, just the smallest bit. 

“Nice to meet you, James Solidarity.” Tango glanced back at the train, which looked like it had all but slowed to a stop maybe three hundred blocks down the track. “Now, I say we head off before those goons get the idea to look outside for us.”

“For you,” Jimmy reminded him.

Tango flashed a big grin. “You’re stuck with me for now, Jim,” he said. “Leastaways until we hit a town. No offense, but you don’t look like you’d last long out here on your own.”

Stuck with me for now. The words stuck in Jimmy’s throat like gristle, and he swallowed past them.

“Right,” he said. “Lead the way.”

[lilbitosunny]

I have been given encouragement so behold! The Moon parallel to This Scene!

Moon is not impressed by these new emotions (he's in denial)

I'll also be making an introduction thingy for Skye soon; so if anyone has questions about her/for her just shoot them my way!

Transcript under the cut;

Moon: You painted your nails.

Skye: OH- um, I did, yeah. I wasn't sure if I'd like it- but I kinda do? Makes me feel all powerful and dangerous, y'know?

Moon: ...

Skye: ..Moon?

Moon: Funny.

[johnslittlespoon]

ch1 of the leaving!bikeriders au done. fuck

[transingthoseformers]

Thinking about my one SG au where:

Ultra Magnus is/was in charge

Optimus is/was aiming to dethrone Ultra Magnus

Megatron is an exminer (but no gladiator era) who gained a following through his writings and his eventual connections through other notable decepticons

Optimus does eventually overthrow Ultra Magnus after obtaining the Matrix

Sentinel Magnus was the Magnus before Ultra Magnus, he's in a situation like bayverse Sentinel (should I Shatter him too or make him worse? I'm tempted to make him worse) and I feel like he'll be found in stasis somewhere in a trashed ship. I feel like it won't go well, I want to make him v similar to bayverse Sentinel tbh and have him betray both the autobots and decepticons

Cybertron gets pretty trashed, but it'll be rebuilt eventually— bit by hit

Cybertron sucked ass before the war, as you might've guessed

MEGATRONUS PRIME BEING FOUND LIKE BAYVERSE BUT HE'S 100% SHATTERED AND HE'S A GUIDING FORCE FOR A WHILE!!

I feel like the decepticon base on earth in this au is either under the ocean like in g1 (iicr?) or in the middle of the fucking desert somewhere.

Groundbridges are a thing, as are spacebridges but those are generally massive and in space

Outliers aren't a thing. No Skywarp teleporting, no Sunstorm radiation, no immortal spark Starscream, no telepath Soundwave, nothing.

The decepticons existed for a short while before the war

Just about everyone has their canon colors / a mix of their canon colors

Starscream was ex-military before getting into the decepticons and being thrown into the war

Shockwave was a minor and obscure scientist before the war, gradually gaining skill and rank throughout it

I'm torn on Soundwave because on one hand I liked showhost!Soundwave in SG IDW, but I liked how Megatron just kinda found him in IDW, buuut I also really like the idea of going with a TFP influence in his backstory and making him a former gladiator.

At some point or another Bumblebee has an arc of his own, not sure how but I just think there should be

I think I mentioned it before but the constructicons are medics

VERY torn on whether Megatron should have a fusion cannon or no.

Energon is blue here

I'm torn on how to introduce the human buddies into this and how they'd act but I definitely want Mikaela and Sam in on this (I'd love to see how they're characterized in a more series like setting rather than a movie one)

Elita is a major general and I vaguely feel like she deserves her person chair like she gets in IDW.

Actually Rodimus gets his Lost Light colors because I say so. He's either one of the wreckers or Optimus's eventual successor (or both?) (I'm not sure where to place Rodimus during the war, but I like his SG personality)

Torn on Deadlock never defecting or him becoming an autobot wrecker somehow. Because on one hand, angst. On the other hand, I like his Deadlock design and the idea of him staying moderately loyal to a SG Megatron makes sense in SG. Hgghhh but SG driftrod. I don't know, I like both options.

Ratchet is still terrifying like he is in SG IDW

Most of the designs are like if you drew the IDW designs in the TFA style, in my mind

Mnemosurgery is a thing because it's so horrifying I love it I hate it I love it

Galvatron =/= Megatron and he's such an example of "but what if [character] was good but also still himself". He's still got Cyclonus and Scourge at his side.

The sg dinobots are terrifying

Shockwave makes the Predacons (Predaking, Skylynx, Darksteel, possibly a few more?) and they're almost a reflection to the dinobots. Because Predaking v Grimlock would be so fucking cool.

Wheeljack is terrifying this time

Jazz and Prowl are evil husbands

There's not as many characters on earth as in g1, but there's certainly more than in say tfp or tfa (... How many mecha are on earth in g1 again?)

There are characters who are on other planets fighting the war

[midnightshard06]

Happy Valentine's day to all who celebrate! For those who don't hope your day was great!

Wanted to try and do this a bit earlier in the day but here we are. Bringing you some art and a fic from this little au thing cause I felt like it. The fic will be below the cut. Enjoy.

Pairing: Sonic/Shadow

Word Count: ~2100 words

You can also check it out on AO3 here!

"Have fun you two!" Tails waved as Sonic led Shadow off.

"We will! See you in a while little bro!" Sonic waved back before gently grabbing Shadow's hand. As he always did he gave the other hedgehog plenty of time to pull away. Though Shadow simply glanced down at their hands before making a soft noise of approval.

Admittedly Sonic was a little nervous. This was the first time he was taking Shadow out on what he would consider a "real date". Sure they'd been out alone plenty of times but all those times Sonic had just been showing Shadow around or teaching him about something. This time though Sonic had specifically chosen a place they'd not only visited before, but that Shadow had actually asked to go back to on several occasions. Those times had been a massive win. Shadow for all his outward confidence actually had a hard time asking for things. No matter how small. An unfortunate byproduct of how he'd been treated on the Ark. The thought of what Shadow had to go through always made his quills bristle; Sonic almost wished he could meet this Gerald guy face to face. Almost. 

Sonic was pulled from his less than positive thoughts as Shadow squeezed his hand, concerned frown on his face. "You ok?" His tail was twitching behind him nervously as he searched Sonic’s face.

"I'm fine Shads." Sonic squeezed the other hedgehog's hand back. "Just thinking about some stuff I don't need to." 

Shadow hummed, not looking entirely pleased by that answer but he didn’t say anything else. Though Shadow did perk up in interest as he seemed to realize where they were going. “The Chao Garden?” Shadow glanced at him, a smile threatening to make its way onto his face.

“Course.” Sonic smiled. “I bet the little guys miss us.” Shadow hummed in agreement. “Wanna race there?” Sonic shot Shadow a challenging look. If there was something he’d learned about Shadow it was that the other hedgehog could get competitive. Honestly Sonic loved that. Sure the two of them could get carried away sometimes, but it felt like in those moments where the two of them were competing that Shadow was truly living. Not being weighed down by his past.

Shadow immediately returned the look. “You’re on.” 

Sonic regrettably had to let go of Shadow’s hand but that was alright, racing was much better anyway. “Three, two, one… go!” They shot off. Of course Sonic would have to pull back a little bit to keep things fair. Sure Shadow was naturally fast, but he’d forgone his air shoes today. They helped Shadow keep up a lot easier. Either way though it was close and Sonic only barely arrived at the entrance to the garden before Shadow. Both were panting slightly but Sonic couldn’t help but smile at the happy look on Shadow’s face. Even if it was quickly replaced with a more neutral expression. “Shall we?” Sonic gestured widely to the garden. Shadow huffed fondly before walking past Sonic.

As soon as the two were far enough into the garden they were swarmed by most of the chao population there. Shadow in particular had always been a big hit with them. Tails thought it had something to do with how much chaos energy Shadow’s body naturally gave off, but Sonic liked to think it was because of how he treated them. Soon enough two chao in particular made their way through the crowd. Sonic happily pat the head of the chao he’d been raising, the dot above the blue creature swiftly changing into a heart. Sonic had to hold in his laugh as Shadow’s chao had decided to plop themself down on Shadow’s head. Though to be fair Shadow didn’t seem very phased by the decision.

Maybe today he could finally get Shadow to agree to take the two chao back with them. Of course Sonic didn’t want to rush the other hedgehog into doing anything, part of the reason he’d waited so long to make any sort of move with Shadow, but he knew the two chao missed the two of them when they left. Sonic could of course take his own home, but he didn’t want to separate them from Shadow’s. Eventually the chao all settled down and most wandered off to do various things.

“Wait here for a sec. I need to grab something.” Sonic placed his chao in front of Shadow. They reached up for him, a frown on their face. “And keep an eye on them so they don’t try to follow me.” Shadow nodded and Sonic sped off to another part of the garden. A part where he’d stashed some stuff earlier. He grinned as he pulled out a small wrapped package and basket. Thankfully it looked like none of the chao had found and messed with it. Just as quickly as he left he was back. Shadow watched him curiously as he placed down what he’d grabbed. At this point Shadow was sitting while their chao played with each other nearby.

Sonic sat down in front of him and held out the wrapped package, a gentle smile on his face. Shadow froze for a moment before carefully taking the package from Sonic. “What is it?” He carefully turned it over in his hands.

“Well, you’ll just have to open it and find out.” Sonic shrugged, smile morphing more into a grin as Shadow shot him an unimpressed look. “Trust me, you’ll like it.” Well he hoped Shadow liked it anyway. It was hard to figure out what the other hedgehog would even like since he almost never talked about anything he wanted. Sonic did his best with what he had though and honestly he thought he’d done pretty good with this one.

After a moment more of staring at the wrapped package, Shadow carefully drug a claw down the wrapping cutting it rather cleanly and peeled the paper away. He stared down at the newly exposed picture frame. It wasn’t anything fancy and the whole thing was small enough to be carried around if desired. A small smile graced Shadow’s face and Sonic knew he’d done good. The second one he was more worried about but hopefully the first one going over well was a good sign. “I always liked that picture of you, me, and Tails.” Sonic hummed. “Even though it wasn’t too long after I found you I think it was the first time I actually got you to smile. Even if it was more out of surprise than anything.” He chuckled as Shadow put the first frame aside. Sonic got a little concerned as the other hedgehog froze once the second frame was revealed.

Sonic knew this one would be a risk, but he liked to think he was reading Shadow’s feelings about this correctly. “How?” Shadow briefly looked up at him, and Sonic wasn’t sure how to read his expression at the moment.

“Me and Tails, uh mostly Tails, did some digging around. Mostly in places that would not be considered public.” Sonic shrugged nervously, grabbing the edge of his scarf to fiddle with. “It was hard since most of anything to do with… the Ark was wiped out but…” He weakly gestured to the frame that Shadow had gone back to staring at. “We managed to find that.”

The silence between them stretched on long enough that their chao had taken notice. Both of them wandered over to their owners and attempted to comfort them. As soon as Sonic was starting to really regret this whole thing Shadow spoke. “Maria…” He looked up at Sonic. He opened his mouth to speak but quickly shook his head, raising his hands instead. ‘Thank you.’ He signed. ‘This way I’ll never forget the one person who made my past bearable.’

All the tension abruptly bled out of Sonic’s body. Ok good, he had been reading things right. That was a relief. “You’re welcome Shads. I’m just glad you like it, heh.” He rubbed the back of his head. “Now then, how about we enjoy something to eat?”

Shadow placed the second frame aside and nodded. “I would like that.”

“So…” Sonic started from his position of leaning comfortably on top of Shadow’s head. “Do you think today is the day we take these little guys home?” Shadow was currently petting his chao and Sonic’s was hovering close to the duo.

Shadow hummed in contemplation. He glanced down at his chao, who glanced back at him happily. Much to his chao’s disappointment he pulled his hand away from their head. ‘Would they be happier to come with us then stay here with the others?’

Well that was progress, it wasn't an outright no this time. "Chao bond real close with their owners." Sonic smiled as his chao reached out for his hand. "Sure they like being around other chao but we're a plenty good substitute." He started to pet his chao's head. "Plus we can always bring them back to visit their friends."

Sonic watched quietly as Shadow's tail moved slowly through the grass. After a while of Sonic waiting and just enjoying their close proximity, a huge step up from Shadow hissing or growling at him whenever he got too close, Shadow nodded. Well nodded as best he could with Sonic there. "Alright." Shadow scratched behind his chao's ear. "I think I'm ready."

Well who would have thought? Sonic was happy not only for the chao, but for Shadow. It had been a long road to help Shadow undo the damage from his past, and they still had a long way to go. This was a good step though, it would be good for Shadow to have something else that loves him unconditionally. Carefully Sonic moved to hug Shadow, and was happy when the other hedgehog let it happen. 

"We have to actually name them now you know." Sonic smiled even though Shadow wouldn't be able to see it.

"... I've never had to name anything before." Shadow frowned slightly.

"Just don't overthink it." Sonic squeezed Shadow briefly. "Just use whatever feels right."

"Do you have a name for yours?" Shadow asked, probably looking for an example.

"Course. I had a name picked out a while ago." Sonic turned to his chao which was watching him curiously. "I officially dub you Azure." The newly named Azure flew around in clear excitement before settling on Sonic's head.

"Azure huh?" Shadow hummed before a look of realization crossed his face. "Wait. Did you name them that because they're blue?"

"Heh… maybe." Sonic chuckled. "Still has a nice ring to it though."

"I suppose." Shadow sighed before looking intently at his own chao. “Gale.” He said after a while of what Sonic suspected was contemplation. Gale made happy noises as they grabbed one of Shadow’s hands with their two smaller ones.

“I think they like it.” Sonic removed his arms from around Shadow and stood up fully to stretch. “Is there a reason for the name or did it just come to you?” Shadow avoided his gaze and that only had Sonic even more curious. If he looked carefully enough he could make out a slight green flush to Shadow’s muzzle. Interesting. It took a lot for Shadow to get flustered. Now he had to know. “C’mon, you know I won’t judge you for whatever reason you have.”

Shadow quietly muttered something that Sonic couldn’t make out before turning to face him. “It’s because of you.” Sonic froze in surprise, mouth hanging open slightly and ears perked up. That had not been what he was expecting honestly, but he made him feel warm. Shadow sighed and raised his hands. ‘You have done a lot for me and I appreciate that. I figured this might be a suitable way to repay your kindness.’

Sonic reigned in his surprise and gave Shadow a wide smile. “I’m glad to know you think so highly of me, but you don’t have to try and repay me like that. Just getting to see you living your life is good enough for me.”

‘If you say so.’ Shadow shrugged before grabbing Gale. ‘The name stays either way.’

“Wouldn’t dream of trying to change your mind.” Sonic grabbed Azure before holding out a hand to help Shadow up. After a moment the other hedgehog took the offered hand. “Well what do you say, good first date?”

Shadow chuckled quietly as Gale flew up to land on his head. ‘The best I’ve ever been on.’

“Why thank yo-” Sonic blinked. “Wait a sec, you haven’t been on any other first dates.” He grinned.

‘It was still the best. I have no need for any others.’ Shadow hesitantly reached out his hand and Sonic happily took it.

“I’ll take that.” Sonic shrugged. “Now then, let’s head home.” It was a good day, and Sonic wouldn’t change a thing about it.

[cookinary]

In regards to my AU where the bosses join Chai’s side instead of exploding, reaching Kale be like:

[telesodalite]

[Train ride :D!]

[Background-less version below]

[spotaus]

New Age au (A Day at Dream's)

Hey y'all! This is another pre-story Drabble, this time from Dream's perspective! Exiled prince doing his best to interact with the populous and do his daily tasks! This was mainly just an attempt from me to get back into writing for this au, and ofc, fleshing out Dream! Hope y'all enjoy!

(Who do I normally tag? @ancha-aus @papiliovolens @mutzelputz I believe? Welcome back y'all!)

The morning was warm, something that Dream had to be grateful for. Ever since the incident, it seemed like he was faced with far more cloudy days than sunny ones, even in the midst of summer. The winters froze so harshly that trees would splinter at the branch, limbs cracking like cannon shots in the nights. The spring was full of awful thunder storms that spewed lightning and wrought floods, and the fall was constantly welcoming wind storms that threw around the rotten remains of plants all about. Even Blue had to admit that the weather was much worse here than his home kingdom, after the first year they’d spent at the very border of Orchard. 

Summers were hit and miss, either clinging to the traces of those awful storms, making everything sticky and humid, or beginning the dry season. This morning, as far as Dream could tell, might’ve finally been the start of a dry season. The garden didn’t seem to be swamped, it didn’t seem to be wilted either. The plants always seemed to know when rain was coming, because their leaves would downturn. After so many years, Dream made it a habit to glance out one of the back windows to make sure he knew just what to expect from the day.

Buttoning his over-cloak, he found himself lingering at the window for a second. He knew he’d have to talk with a returning scouting party later in the afternoon, their most survived thus far, but beyond that there wasn’t much else. Go about the camp, see if he could boost morale, maybe get in a training session with Blue…

Speaking of Blue, his loyal knight was seemingly nowhere to be found. 

Dream took a moment, crossing the quaint living room of their cabin to squint at the sky. Hmm, already past midday. He had been up rather late last night, night terrors plaguing him as they often did nowadays. He must’ve slept in, Blue had always been an early riser. Up just before the sun, back to bed late in the evening. Dream was pretty sure the only days he hadn’t seen Blue out on a morning jog were those that he asked the other to stick around. For safety, for planning, for breakfast… If he knew Blue well enough, which he liked to think he did, Blue was probably out right about now helping the supply carts unload to the outer tents. They always came in on the 2nd of every month, and the calendar marked it as such. Bless Blue for keeping such good track of affairs. 

The prince was practiced as he pulled on his remaining accessories. His archery gloves, which carried up to his elbows, and the thick leather boots gifted to him by a cobbler in the closest village. The boots were durable and comfortable, and while they weren’t the morst appealing at first, Blue had suggested that they find someone to embroider them with Dream’s symbol, the sun. They’d done so, asking one of the refugees they’d taken in if she could, and now they felt much more homey. Of course, it’d been several years now and they were looking worse for wear, but he’d grown a bit sentimental. 

These things were his, and he could keep them as long as he liked. No one here cared if they were mud-stained and threadbare in a few places, they were always looking at his face, after all. 

The moment they were buckled securely, Dream took the chance to stroll towards the door and push outside. 

Just as his plants suggested, the air was warm and dry, something which was deeply familiar to him, and admittedly placed him into a much warmer mood. Especially because, with the good weather, folks had gone about and placed their tapestries outside again. Banners and hanging pieces, all adorned with the shapes of the sun, in bright yellows, striking orange, and even some with that familiar pink accent. Usually, when it rained or snowed, they’d place the expensive and valuable symbols inside for safety, but with the warm air it felt only right that he could once again see his colors flying. 

It reminded him why he was doing all this. He had to regain power, to usurp his brother. Free him from whoever was whispering lies into his ears. Be crowned and see his sun in place of the moons which had infected every inch of the capital and many cities beyond. Though, for now, this was good enough. His own little paradise. 

The walk int the campsite proper was a little ways out from the cabin, a slightly thinner trail through a thin set of trees. Enough that he could see the camp, but the camp wasn’t directly connected to his little house, he needed his privacy every once in a while. 

From even the short walk away he could hear that the camp must’ve been bustling. Warm weather tended to make all of his people more active, it was familiar and welcoming, and rife with time to finish tasks like chores, or playing games, or, even better yet, training. Here there was no dedicated guard like back home, but the militia was very involved in wanting to learn combat, and Blue was certainly a good motivator for them. The clashing of steel and grunting of labored movements was one of several clue-ins that he’d have to stop by the little patch of dirt they used as a training arena of sorts. Off to the side of camp, with a few benches, a shed to store practice weapons, and several targets for aiming practice. Nothing fancy, but certainly enough for these people to learn. 

The prince could hardly help himself as he stepped into the camp proper and slipped that way. 

Each step passed colorful tents, heavy canvas died different colors by whoever most often occupied them. Some tenets were larger, housing the folks who stayed here as their home, run out of whatever village or city drove them off. Others were smaller, filled with supplies or individual tents for guests, dedicated to their returns. 

Dream passed Inl’s tent and smiled to himself in the silence. The inside fo the tent was piled high with half-finished paintings and splattered all over with different pigments. Paint was an expensive commodity, but Ink always seemed to know just how to make the brightest pigments out of the most random objects, plants and rocks and leaves he found on the ground, it was magical. The only thing he’d ever finished when he stayed at the camp for that brief while was the painting which Dream had practically begged him for, a royal portrait, or sorts. Dream sat atop a throne, Blue stood beside him at perfect attention, holding the sun-themed banner. It had been perfect, and it was another of Dream’s prized possessions. After that, Ink hadn’t had the focus to do any of the other paintings he started, but many of them were about tails of Dream’s usurpment, tails of tragedy told to him by the people, made in rough color splashes or with a big chunk of white at a corner where he lost his focus and moved on. Dream had gone inside once to make sure Ink hadn’t left anything behind before he left, but decided it felt lifeless and cold without the artist inside.And besides, Ink could never quite draw Nightmare right. Even though he’d drawn Dream perfectly, and they were identical twins, something always felt off about those pieces. 

The brief moment thinking about the artist fled. He was surely off killing some corrupt noble right about now for his own corrupt pay, and it was frankly none of Dream’s business so long as Ink wasn’t after his own people. 

His boots carried lightly over the soft grass, trodden down by the constant walking about camp. Light green and pretty, his heels sunk into soft soil beneath like some sort of bog, but it didn’t bother him a bit. If he had his way, the sun would stay out all day and dry up the ground a bit, make it more even and solid. Easier to walk over, less likely to slip into. 

To just his luck, only a few people spotted him in passing, waving or calling out to him, and a smile and a wave of recognition was all they needed to move on with their days. His aura must’ve been getting stronger, because he could only taste the ambient contentment from the entire camp as he wandered his way towards his destination. 

And, soon enough, it was upon him. That little patch of ground where the sounds had been coming from. Where the magic of monsters and the energy of humans were all alight with passion and focus. It was a wonder they all stayed so committed. Though, Dream had learned fairly quickly that people like these, who worked in farms, or crafts, making their money day to day, would work harder than any other person he’d ever met. Plus, it wasn’t nearly as hard for them to train as others. These very people could wrangle a steer with their bare hands, so all they needed was the fine-tuning and weapon training, none of the strenght building which usually took so long. 

That was probably why, now, they were as adept as they were with their weapons. Swords and halberds and morning stars and hammers, all of them clashed with another weapon or a practice dummy. Of course, there were only about 10 people out and about at the moment, but a few others sat on the sidelines. 

There was a brief moment where he was simply stood there. Something about combat, the thrill of the sounds and the movements and the force behind each swing, it was all mesmerising to him. He’d always been a natural with long-range weapons, and they were the only ones his mother ever approved of him using. Staying out of the direct line of fire, attacking from far away, that was what would protect his physical body, and his image. If he was struck in a fight, then people would look poorly upon him. Of course, if he’d become King he could’ve done anything. Could’ve learned the sword, or even daggers, and gotten up close and personal. Seen the flurry of emotions fly through his opponents eyes even before he tasted them. No mother to tell him no, no babysitter, nothing. Just him and the battle. 

Alas, here he is, still using his arrows, and still not using close-combat weaponry, unlike the training warriors before him. In fact, he was pretty positive he was one of the only people who actually used the arrow range, even if he didn’t need to anymore. Shots were engrained into his mind, muscle memory practically as easy as sleeping. Maybe easier, actually. 

Regardless, he found himself forcing his eyelights past the forms of the fighting parties, and instead skimmed for Blue. Dream didn’t want to interact with the merchants today, but he knew Blue’s next stop would most likely be here. He couldn’t ever pass up as great a day as this to practice.

“Prince Dream!” The call for him was loud and excited, and a hot rush of child-like wonder burned through his focus as he stood waiting. 

His eyelights shot over, catching sight of a monster he knew should be familiar to him. There very very few people who brought their little ones to the camp, for safety reasons mostly, and those who did often had very subdued children, ones who rarely spoke or played or caused trouble. This child was entirely different. Dream always knew they were nearby, because children’s emotions were far more potent. Adult emotions felt like a warm bath, while children’s joy, for example, was like someone had splashed hot tea onto his lap. Not painful, but far more striking. 

The tyke who rushed towards him now was giggling in high-pitched squeals and stared at him with two bright orange eyelights, beig and round. He was a little skeleton, maybe four, who had white bones with splotches of a greyish hue splattered across his face and hands. Today he was wearing a little white and yellow tunic which had obviously taken some falls into the grass since he put it on that morning.

“Copper, what did we say about running with the practice blade?” Another voice called out, this one deeper and far more familiar to Dream.

The little one, who Dream now spotted was carrying a dulled wooden dagger in one of his clumsy hands, bolted past Dream’s legs, only to pivot and rush in circles around him with an energy unmatched and giggles that were unrivaled in joy. HE was obviously getting enjoyment out of causing mischief for his guardian. 

Dream’s gaze traveled away from Copper with his smile in-tact, not getting a look at the adult whom he knew he knew. Eclipse, one of Copper’s two parents. He was also a skeleton, older than Dream by at least a decade, and much taller with broader shoulders. His bones were a perfect white, his face a bit long, and his eyelights a simple white. He was wearing a tunic not unlike his son, but adorned with all sorts of belts and a heavy fur wrapped around his shoulders despite the heat. It was a dark brown, his partner’s prized pelt. 

Of course, he should’ve expected to see Eclipse sometime today. He’d been eagerly awaiting his partner’s return from the mission. They’d be back tonight.

“Eclipse, how have you been?” Dream asked courteously, drawing his eyes back to Copper with a plan rapidly forming. 

Eclipse came to a halt beside him, at least an arm’s length away, and sighed a fond sigh. “I am faring well, all considered. Since Ichor went off for this mission, Copper’s been insisting that he has to learn to fight so he can protect us.” Eclipse said. “I apologize for his antics, he’s insisted that he start training right away.”

Eclipse sounded humored, but Dream could feel the tiredness seeping from his shoulders. A tension that was surely weighing on him. For a moment, it had entirely slipped his mind, but a glance confirmed his suspicion. Ichor and Eclipse had been away from camp fro a few weeks, about four months back. They’d had a soulling, and now it sat bundled in Eclipse’s arms, quiet and content, probably sleeping. Something warmed Dream’s heart, knowing that this little skelton was under the impression that he could defend his father and little sibling. 

Dream chuckled under his breath and gave a genuine grin, letting a small burst of positivity wave away from his core, pushing back a bit of Eclipse’s worry along with it. 

“No need to be sorry, I was eager to train when I was young too.” Dream confided, but before Eclipse could give a response, Dream crouched and shot his arms out, catching Copper under the arms and practically tossing him up into the air. He was obviously taken by surprise, because he shrieked with glee and stared at Dream with his big eyelights and the biggest smile. He looked a lot like his other parent, Dream realized. 

Copper giggled and Dream held him aloft. Copper hardly weighed anything, and it was a little cute how he kicked his muddy little boots in the open air as Dream held him aloft. He was entirely unbothered by his capture, and the energy obviously had yet to fade. 

“So, you want to be big and strong to protect your father and little sibling?” Dream asked to Copper, making a mock serious face, obviously exaggerated and playful. 

Copper gasped and nodded rapidly, excitedly brandishing his little wooden dagger. “Papa gave me dis! I stab any bad guys!” He insisted excitedly, swishing it around wildly in his little hand, arm limited to his side by the way Dream was holding him. 

Now this was an excited little fellow. Very cute and lively. Dream wondered if he ad this much energy, rushing ahead of his twin to get out into the courtyard and run around, climb the trees when their babysitter wasn’t looking. Nightmare sometimes wrestled with him, he missed those days. 

“Well, I thin you have the makings to be a brave warrior!” Dream encouraged, Copper wriggling happily in his grip, “Just remember, your papa and father want to keep you safe too, so listen to them, alright? That’s how you can get to be just as strong as them.” 

This was met by Copper’s nodding yet again, “So, don’t go running with that dangerous blade, alright? You might accidentally stab a not-bad guy.” Dream added, to which Copper gasped.

The little boy pulled one of his hands to cover up his mouth with wide eyes, shaking his head vigorously. “I won’t stab a not-bad guy! Only bad bad guys!” He insisted. 

Dream just shook his head and tutted, “I know, I know, but accidents happen! My friend Ink, he fights with knives sometimes, and he tripped and almost stabbed someone right in the eye once!” Dream exclaimed, and closed his right socket dramatically. 

This seemed to make Copper hold back a growing smile, and instead his expression was something almost close to a pout. His best attempt at a serious face, Dream had to imagine. Copper nodded one singular, forceful, nod this time. Some sort fo silent pledge not to run with his dagger anymore. 

Dream smiled at him, “Good, good! First step to becoming a strong warrior, listen to your parents.” he insisted, before lowering Copper down with a smooth motion. 

The kid giggled again as Dream rustled the top of his skull, and Copper made careful steps towards his dad, an obvious attempt at suddenly being responsible with the harmless wooden blade. Dream was a little proud, usually he did much worse with kids, had to resort to his magic. Maybe Blue was rubbing off on him after all.

“You really are a miracle-worker, my Prince.” Eclipse said softly, reaching one of his own hands down to gently caress the top of Copper’s skull. He nuzzled into his father’s leg and hugged it, attention distracted by watching the other fight not far off from them. 

Dream didn’t deny it, and instead just slunk a bit closer. He peered down at the babybones wrapped in Eclipse’s arm, held snug in place by a sling. It was pearly white just like its brother, but had a slightly longer face with pronounced cheekbones. Dream couldn’t help but notice the tension return to Eclipse’s emotions. 

“What’s their name, have you two decided yet? I’m sorry I wasn’t able to check in with you sooner.” Dream asked.

Eclipse seemed unbothered when Dream lifted a hand and gently brushed it against the babybone’s skull. It didn’t stir, didn’t even seem to register the contact. 

“His name is Steel.” Eclipse answered softly, “I told Ichor we wouldn’t be naming any more after metal alloys, but I can never say no to him. Steel’s eyelights are a beautiful shade of metallic silver, it was just too fitting.” Eclipse muttered. “And please, don’t trouble yourself with it. We are well aware of how busy you have been.” 

Eclipse gently bounced his arm a bit, and the babybones curled a bit closer to his chest, burying into the fur cloak draped over Eclipse’s shoulders. He seemed a bit more at ease as the little one gave a little smile in his sleep.

“Handsome name, Ichor has good taste I’m afraid.” Dream teased, eliciting a smale laugh from Eclipse.

“Do you think he’ll make it home safe, my prince?” Eclipse suddenly asked. 

Dream blinked in surprise, looking up to Eclipse. The other skeleton still had his eyes on the babybones tucked against his chest, but Dream had a feeling he was being watched nonetheless.

“You mean Ichor?” He asked, and to a hum of confirmation, he tilted his head with a grin, “I’m sure he’ll come home safe and sound. Blue’s been sure to send him on non-combat missions, and with plenty of back-up and supplies. We both know that he has a family waiting for him here, we wouldn’t send him anywhere dangerous.” 

That was a lie. Dream didn’t have any qualms about it. He just knew it was a lie. Every mission was dangerous, could turn to combat, and might end in death. Every person here, as much as Blue tried to deny, was expendable. They were part of a cause, they had to be. Of course, Dream would never put children in danger, but Ichor, just like every other person here, came willingly looking to help. He volunteered his family for this willingly. 

Of course, that isn’t what people like to hear. So, he’ll tell him things he’s heard Blue say. Blue was so kind-hearted, a softie. The moment he heard Ichor and Eclipse were having another soulling he’d re-assigned all their missions and work, and even after they’d both recovered, after Ichor was no longer carrying, he sent the guy on the easier missions. Blue didn’t want to split a family. 

Eclipse sighed, almost with relief, at Dream’s words. “Thank you, my Prince. I suppose I’m just worried over nothing. I’ve been known to do such silly things.” Eclipse relented, and smiled. It was tired, but much happier than before. Dream’s aura must’ve finally gotten to him. Broken down those worries. 

“Anytime, Eclipse. I suppose I’ll see you at their return tonight?” Dream voiced, though he knew the answer. Of course he’d be there. 

Eclipse only took a few more moments, wishing Dream a good rest of the day, before he ushered his son foreward and off elsewhere. Dream waved goodbye to them until they passed a corner, and he internally sighed in relief as he turned back to his original goal. 

Dream moved closer by a few paces and plopped himself down onto one of the benches, one side left empty by someone who had just rushed onto the field. He summoned his bow to his hands and fiddled with the string, and ill-disguised attempt at seeming busy as he just watched the proceeding spars. 

So many people stopped him daily around camp, often simply wanting to chat and catch up on their lives. Eclipse’s new babybones was, thankfully, the most exciting piece of news in the last few months, but before that was a wedding between a bunny monster and a hare monster, before that was the death of someone’s spouse and a subsequent burial, before that siblings reunited, they all had their own stories and things to keep track of. Dream found it trivial, but unfortunately, everyone expected him to now these things, remember them, keep track and ask when they met outside of business times. If he wanted these people to stay, he needed to know. 

His only grace was that Blue was very talented in chatting. Where Dream could rouse crowds and battalions, Blue thrived in a setting of just one or two, and somehow knew just about everything about everyone. They’d talk over dinner, about what they did while split up doing their duties. Dream would tell him about the state of the garden, or the new map he managed to draw up with the cartographer, while blue would tell him all the latest menial news. Crushes, holiday plans, when new people were coming in, all of it. He was always so happy, that Dream simply learned to remember it through him. Shockingly an easy feat. 

The clanging of swords and the heat were both a welcome comfort, Dream was soaking in the sun like some sort of lizard on its rock.

Dream just hoped he wouldn’t eat his words later. Blue had sent ichor and a few others on a mission to simply attend the latest ball, and annual celebration for one of his brother’s elite knights. The Criminal, he thought, the one with the tiger mask. Killer. The parties hadn’t had conflict in the four years they’d been running, and Dream was pretty sure ichor wouldn’t go missing. Yet, anyone they sent directly to the capital had a habit of not returning. Blue had forbade him from sending more spies that way, and had only agreed to send a small party because the ball was meant to be open to the public, so they wouldn’t be technically intruding or trespassing. Along with that, Ichor wasn’t directly affiliated with their cause. Eclipse, up until now, was usually the one more familiar with intel-work. Ichor had always been more focused on welfare and support. So, Ichor couldn’t be recognized. ‘

Dream would just have a lot of explaining to do if his promise went awry. Grieving souls were never easy, especially those who had children in tow. They often loved the hardest, and fell shortly after their beloved. Frankly, Dream didn’t want to lose two promising members of the rebellion, or be left with their children in the worst case scenario.

The prince sighed to himself. Blue would scold him for thinking like this. Maybe he should worry less about the return party and more about his own training. He couldn’t risk getting rusty now. 

-     -

Dream was aware the range was a bit out of his sight from where he’d wandered off to get a drink of water, but when he returned, he hadn’t expected to find an arrow embed itself into the block he was passing beside. 

He jumped a bit with the force of the heavy thunk and almost choked on his own breath when he spotted exactly who was actually training with a bow of all things. 

Across the range, looking wide-eyed and surprised, was Blue! He had their heavy long-bow clutched in his right hand, an arrow hanging to his side y his left, and a whole slew of arrows leaned against the fence behind him, the kind with thin, piercing points that could tear through armor. Dream had never been more baffled, amused, and amazed all in one. Why was Blue training archery?

“Dream! Hey!” Blue called out, and he sounded a bit awkward. 

Dream took a moment to examine the arrow which had pieced the block of hay they were using as a target. It had entirely missed the circle, actually passing itself at an odd angle through he side, the point poking out from the other end haphazardly. That must’ve used a lot of force if nothing else. 

Actually, it seemed Blue might’s been making some progress. Dream had been gone for almost half an hour, caught up in talk with one of the new refugees, welcoming them to the camp. That had given his knight plenty of time to try more than enough shots. Dream spotted now the several arrows which had dug themselves into the dirt, all at a downward falling angle as through Blue had been aiming for the dirt. Then, beyond the hay bale, he could see that several trees in the woods beyond had arrows embedded in them. He didn’t know how he’d missed them, honestly. 

Dream circled back and gripped one which had dug into a pine tree’s skinny trunk, and tugged with all his might. He nearly stumbled, and the end of the arrow seemed to have sap coating it, like blood of the tree itself. 

Dream actually laughed as he finally approached his knight, the arrow in-hand. 

“If you wanted syrup so badly, we could’ve asked for some on the resupply.” Dream joked.

He tapped the shaft of the arrow to the top of Blue’s skull, and the knight sheepishly ducked away from the sticky feeling, the arrow moving with him for a moment before springing away. Blue’s eyelights didn’t evade Dream’s, but Dream couldn’t help but notice the embarrassment becoming far more potent from his friend. 

“Ah, yes, you see…” Blue started, before pausing, “I had no intention of harming the flora.” Blue said, though it seemed a bit half-hearted. 

Blue rubbed at his skull as he lowered the long-bow from his front, down to his side. It was a huge weapon, with a string practically made of metal. Dream didn’t usually bother with the long-bows, sticking to the normal bows, or in desperate situations, crossbows. It took way too much power to shoot a longbow for his liking, limited movement. Usually people on horses used them. Dream couldn’t see the light leave someone’s eye from atop a finicky horse. 

“It was a good shot, even if you didn’t mean to hit the poor tree, Blue.” Dream amended. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass Blue, it was obvious the mood was tanking with Dream’s ill-timed jokes. “Can I ask why you’re trying out the long-bow today?” 

The feeling of Blue’s pride washing over Dream like a comforting blanket as the other seemed to get a second wind. He puffed his chest and lifted the bow right in front of him again. 

“The Magnificent Blue has actually been learning to shoot for some time! The smaller ones that you use are not very cooperative, but this large one does well!” The explained proudly, “It was meant to be a surprise, but I would not lie to you!” 

He seemed largely unbothered by the fact that this secret of his had just been broken wide open. Though, Dream had to imagine this had been going on for a while now. The last time Dream had seen Blue attempt to shoot an arrow, it had narrowly avoided breaking their window in the back garden. They still had a notch in the wall on the back porch, because Dream begged Blue not to fill it in. He’d laughed so hard, and back then he’d needed a good-

“Wait, why was it going to be a surprise?” Dream asked curiously, raising a brow to watch Blue.

The knight laughed loudly, “Because! The plan was to get very very good at it, and then join you for a practice one day and show you! I know you are very talented with lond-range weapons, and if I were too, then I could fight beside you without placing you in danger! You mentioned it once, a while back.” Blue explained as though it was the simplest thing in the world. 

Dream felt a little something in his chest shift to the left as he processed what Blue was referencing. He had mentioned that. Back when they had to scare off some bandits during their trip here, before they found the cottage. He wished Blue hadn’t had to charge in while Dream sat up in a tree and shot at them. Dream had wanted to be in the fray, but… Blue thought he wanted them both to be long range fighters? So they could stay close? 

That was up there with some of the most heartwarming things Blue had ever done for Dream. Trust him, there were a LOT of heartwarming things Blue had done. This was surely, however, in the top 15. 

“Oh, that’s kind of you.” Dream said gently, 

In his distraction, Blue had knocked another arrow and lifted it up. Lined it. Drew the string back. Released. 

The heavy string cut through the air with a vocal slapping noise, and both skeletons watched idly as the arrow arced through the air and just hardly skimmed the top of the hay bail, chunking into the ground somewhere behind it instead. There was a moment of Blue letting out a breath and calmly lowering the bow before he grinned again at Dream. His expression was so concentrated not two moments before. 

“You know that I would do anything for you, Dream. Besides, using a bow is rather fun! I was unaware of how careful you have to be while firing, and setting it up, and aiming.” He listed off with a laugh. 

Now the bow was back at Blue’s side, and Dream was even a bit impressed with his bow etiquette. It wasn’t pressed to the first at his side, he wasn’t fidgeting and bending it, even his motions before he hadn’t dared to dryfire with it. He wondered if Blue had picked it up from him, or if he’d sought out advice from another bowman somewhere. Either way.

“I never meant to discourage you from using your hammer, Blue. I know you’re the happiest while fighting with it.” Dream said earnestly, “But if you wish to continue working with the long-bow, I’m sure I could give you a few pointers.” 

At the enthused expression he received from his knight, Dream grinned, “And then maybe you could teach me to use a hammer. Or, maybe a morning star? They always seemed to have a fitting name.” Dream teased, but Blue seemed even more delighted by the thought.

“That sounds great! We should start now!” Blue agreed, and readied his bow again. 

Dream was a bit startled, but couldn’t bring himself to deny the enthusiasm. After all, he’d been hoping to train with Blue today anyways. 

He watched again as Blue lined up his shot, but this time, he actually watched carefully. He moved behind Blue, and immediately saw a smidge of problem. 

“Here, lift your elbow a bit higher.” He instructed, He stepped forward and set his hand under Blue’d elbow, the one which was pulling his arrow back. He shifted under the touch and stopped right where Dream stopped nudging. Immediately his posture looked a lot better, and his aim seemed more sure. 

“Try pointing a bit further to the right, you’re leaning left.” He added on, and saw Blue squint a bit harder at his target, before repositioning his aim, shifting his feet along with it before Dream could say anything. 

Then, when Dream gave the commend to release, Blue sent the arrow flying. 

This time, it whistled as it shot and struck the bail right at the top ring of the target, almost dead center. Blue whooped an excitement, and Dream hummed. He could’ve sworn that would’ve hit the bullseye…

Without much through, Dream summoned his own bow and took aim from Blue’s side. His night went quiet, watching intently, and Dream let loose his arrow with less than half the preparation time, hardly a thought. Just as he’d expected of Blue’s, the arrow pierced the center of the ring flawlessly, though it didn’t sink in nearly as deep. His brow furrowed as the stared at the target. Why hadn’t Blue’s shot done that?

Sure, the bow was heavier, the arrow too, but the fundamentals should’ve been the same. The golden arrow and landed below the other one, why was that?

“Dream?” Blue’s voice cut through his thoughts.

Dream blinked at Blue, and Blue stared back at him, seeming mildly worried.

“My apologies, could you try hitting my arrow? I’ll spot you again.” Dream requested, and Blue just nodded and prepared himself again. 

This time, Blue automatically placed his elbow up and turned himself to the right. Dream didn’t even need to do more than a little nudge to his arm to encourage a slight but more movement to the right. Blue should strike this perfectly.

The arrow flew, beautifully with a bit of a spin, and… Lodged a few inches to the left of the target. He was aiming right! How-

Ohhhhhh.

“That was great, Blue! You had everything but an extra set of eyes to direct you, good work!” Dream praised.

Now Blue celebrated properly, wrapping his arms around Dream’s sides in a heavy hug. A familiar one that Dream returned, as he realized how silly he had been for a moment. His arrows weren’t affected by the wind. Blue’s weren’t magic, so of course the air would throw them off course! For a brief, horrifying, moment he worried he’d somehow stumbled in his directions. It was just the wind. 

Blue's hug was tight and affectionate, and very very welcome. Dream savored it, returning it tightly, until Blue released him and raised the bow once more. He figured it wouldn’t hurt to train until the caravan arrived in a few hours.

-    -    

Poor choices. He didn’t make many, but he wasn’t going to try and claim that training right up until the arrival was a good call. All he was expected to do was welcome them back, and then listen toIchor recount any important information they’d picked up on, but still. He didn’t enjoy being all grimy and sweaty and middy was the best look or the most comfortable. His only solace was that Blue was equally messay, so he didn’t feel too out of place.

Ask they approached the path into camp, they saw that the light of a lantern was glowing just a bit down the way, and there alone the road stood the sentinels for the night, and Eclipse. 

Eclipse still wore that same tunic as before, though it had gained a grass stain along the bottom hem, no doubt from Copper breaking off at a full sprint at some point during the day. The skeleton himself was without his children, and when Blue greeted him and asked, it turned out he’d left them with someone named Jodie. One of the humans, he believed, a kind elderly woman here with her adult son. Eclipse looked exhausted, but Dream could tell is must’ve been from building worry. Nim help him and make sure that Ichor returns on that cart in one piece.

They stood there together in the quiet, and when the carriage pulled to a stop before them, Dream counted as each person hopped off and stood at attention before himself and Blue. One, two, three, for, five, six, seven… Eight. Ichor must’ve been looking to give his partner a soul-attack, because he was the last of the party to jump off the back of the cart, a thick bag slung over his back and his grin wide and stupid as ever.

Dream acted like he didn’t notice as Eclipse bowled into Ichor’s side, nearly tripping the both of them over and into the grass. Technically, procedure was that Dream would be the first to hear any of them speak, as they could’ve been keeping secrets. However, he knew better than to get between lover birds. That was more of a headache than it was worth. 

Only when the two were done and Eclipse gave Ichor a swift peck on the forehead did Dream usher everyone into the debriefing tent to discuss their findings.

“You’re saying he’s bringing in new knights?” Dream questioned.

Everyone had been explaining their stories, but it seemed that Ichor had managed to get the closest. Hear the most. A servant had tripped over him and spilled a red wine on his suit, so he followed them back to the servants halls to get it cleaned up. Because he was so amicable, the maids weren’t very quiet and told him exciting news. Two more knights being trained.

Ichor had asked more, as much as he dared, but all he could get was that one of them was straight out of the dungeon, and the other one was burly and definitely a foreigner. Some sort of hired body, they swore. It’d be fall when the next party was rumored to be happening. 

Dream hated to hear such a thing. The first criminal was enough, but this second one? And then another? Dream couldn’t fathom what sorts of horrible plans were being fed into his twin’s mind, what horrid plans they were going to enact, criminals and thugs running the country by his brother’s side? 

He sighed a bit, resting a hand against his chin. 

“Did you see my twin at all?” He asked then, to the group.

Ichor was the only one to nod, and Dream gestured to him. 

“The guy was just as guarded as ya said. The Tiger kept circling back up to the balcony where he was hanging, but the stairs were all blocked off by guards, and some other folks were sitting up there with him. Magic on one of ‘em was strong.” Ichor explained, and Dream squinted as the torchlight glinted off of the skeleton’s single gold tooth. Now his pelt had been returned to him, and he looked perfectly barbaric, like the first day Dream had seen him. 

“Mm, unfortunate. My brother is smart, he wouldn’t spare any detail in his protection, I suppose.” Dream muttered, before simply nodding. “Thank you, all. I’m sure you’ve had a tiring past few nights. Go to your tents and rest up, I’ll call upon you if I need to speak with you again sometime later in the week.” 

He didn’t really want to dismiss them, but it was obvious half of them had gotten drunk off their asses within the first five minutes of being at the party. Ichor was really the only one with any good information, and even then, it was extremely limited. Of course, Dream had to be grateful that Nightmare must’ve been slipping with controlling the tittering tongues of his servants, it saved him the trouble of having to wait any longer for information. 

Nightmare adding new, dangerous, knights was not ideal, 

He watched as the party slowly filtered out, some stumbling, some half-awake, and even Ichor yawning as he ducked out of the tent. The only one who didn’t immediately flee was Blue, who sat for a few minutes longer before popping to his feet, gathering the notes strewn across the table, and helping Dream to his feet. 

Together, they left the tent and moved back to the cottage. By now it was far into the night, and Dream could see the stars out. The moon, a thin crescent, seemed to mock him as he took careful steps in the darkness of the path.  At least he’d gotten to enjoy the remaining sun the day had gifted him. 

When they entered the cottage, Dream groaned and moved immediately for the couch. He could try to sleep, but he knew Blue still had to do his nightly routine, and he wouldn't be able to rest with the new information that had been provided. 

“We’ll figure it out.” Blue said unprompted from across the main room. 

His friend was organizing the papers from tonight into a nice little box where they kept all the notes for their plans, and when he placed it back on the shelf, he moved over to the dummy in the corner of the room where he always hung his armor. Every night. 

“I know we will, it’s just…” Ough, he couldn’t say it! This was so infuriating! Every scout who managed to come back only brought him worse and worse news. 

“Do you know, or are you just saying that? Because I know that I know we can figure this out! Two monsters can’t make the difference in a coup!” Blue stated matter-of-factly as he undid the buckles on his chest plate and lifted it up onto its rightful spot. Next followed the boots and Dream watched him. The prince was practically deflated on the cushions of the old couch, a pillow quickly tugged into this arms. 

He was right. Dream knew it, he usually was after all. Still. It wasn’t the fighting that worried him. No, he and Blue alone could probably beat up whatever petty criminals were cabhorting with his twin. It was just… 

“I do. I just- I- I don’t know how my twin could be so stupid!” He exclaimed, practically burying his skull into the pillow, bringing his knees up to his chest, practically curling into a ball. “He was meant to be my advisor, he was the clever one. How could he resort to killers and hired mercenaries. After all those classes he used to tell me about, all the lessons he had to go to, how could he decide to take this path?” He said, hoping his voice was muffled by the cushion.

Unfortunately, like most items in this cottage, it seemed to be cheap and only decorative. No muffling capabilities in sight. He heard Blue sigh, and for a few minutes, the only noise was Blue removing the rest of his armor. 

When it faded, he strained to listen, and caught the floorboards creaking ever so gently under the weight of his friend’s approach. Then there was a pause, and then a weight on Dream’s skull. It trailed heavily down his neck and to his shoulders, before repeating itself. A soothing motion, one that Dream resisted for a moment. 

“I never got to meet him, but I do know you! I think we can definitely knock some sense back into him.” Blue reassured him, and this time Dream listened. 

Blue was right, after all. Blue had been able to knock sense into Dream. If anyone could bring Nightmare back to his senses, it would be Blue. 

He let the skeleton keep doing that comforting motion against his skull for a few more minutes, savoring the contact, before he sighed heavily and shrugged. Blue retracted his hand, and was watching Dream with a soft smile when the prince finally lifted his head. The two of them stared at each other for a moment, before Dream smiled back. 

They both really needed to get some rest. 

[poor-ciceros-voring-again]

Yeah alright I'm sketching out designs for my au 🫡 I've never drawn Fiddleford before so here goes I guess

[kosmic-kalamity]

sorry i died for a few days, i had school + i was sick all week but didn't know it

i'm working on some digital art and some more sketches for my silly trolls au, so for now i'll just share some miscellaneous thoughts i've been having about it:

- in this au, i'm using my own age gap headcanons for the bros. so, at the time of the brozone split, branch was 2; floyd was 13; clay was 14; bruce was 16; and john dory was 19. poppy is 2-3 years younger than branch, and viva is 2 years younger than clay.

- viva has been the acting ruler of pop village since she was 19, king peppy's grief over the lost of poppy leading him to retire early. poppy and branch became co-leaders of the putt-putt trolls when they were 16 and 18 respectively, after the original leader passed and they were deemed best for the job.

- instead of the snack pack being viva's best friends, her relationship with them is a bit more complicated. having found cooper as an egg not long after poppy was lost, he became something of a little brother to her; so, to viva, the rest of the snack pack are both her brother's friends and are kinda like little siblings to her.

- neither clay nor branch sing in this au (at least, not at first), though for different reasons: branch doesn't sing because singing killed his grandma (at least in his mind), and being lost during the escape only worsened his state; clay doesn't sing because, despite having already begun to gain back her colors by the time of the first movie, the lost of her entire family was a wound that never truly healed.

- i've also been considering having branch or poppy being the one kidnapped by velvet and veneer instead of floyd, since both are believed to be dead in this au and i think it would be interesting. should i make the change and have either of these two kidnapped, it'll be the other that goes on the hunt for brozone. so if branch is kidnapped, poppy will be the one to look for his missing brothers; and if poppy is kidnapped, branch will be looking for his brothers to help her.

- speaking of lost siblings, like in canon poppy isn't aware that she has a sister; the only hint of a past she has is an old hug time bracelet she doesn't remember being given to her. branch remembers all of his brothers to varying degrees, the one he remembers most being clay since he'd came back before the tree escape. and clay and viva both know about poppy and branch - their mourning of their lost loved ones helped spark their friendship - but viva isn't aware that clay had other siblings.

- also i'm gonna mention this now so i don't forget, but the reason i haven't talked about floyd, bruce, or john dory all too much for this au is because they remain mostly unchanged. all that really does change is floyd probably not being kidnapped and instead just…doing his own thing. solo career shit yknow. this au is more so centered around clay, branch, poppy, and viva overall.

anyway these are some silly thoughts, and i'm gonna get back to drawing :]

[madebysoupy]

Grasshopper meets the Hero of Time from @zelda-the-sacred-realm

(click for higher quality!)

Whenever I see a Links Meet AU my first thought will always be "but what if they met my boys", and feisty little Grasshopper squaring up to the grumpiest hero I know made me giggle the most so it had to be done teehee :]]

Thanks for sharing your AU with us <3 I had a lot of fun drawing your Time

[rarestdoge]

@smoresthehalloweenqueen's Brutus has been rotting my brain I hate him so fucking much (affectionate)

The Incorrect Quote Generator kept shipping them and it turned into this. They kith sock puppet style now 💙 Cam is collecting bitches like Pokemon cards and I live for it.

[wheredidalltheusersgo]

What If they were wrestlers with homosexual tension?????

[applepies-and-starlight]

...ok I might be getting invested in the Ishdon MLB AU beyond it just being a passing idea-

[tragicotps]

Young Masriel au > In which Marisa asks Asriel to take Lyra somewhere safe after she's born.