#Link's Meet fanfics

[batrogers]

Summary:

The Heroes are back before even the first of them was alive, looking for something to get them a leg up on untangling this problem that only seems to become more of a knot with every try. Unfortunately, Sky finds that something when he stepped away for just a moment... But a moment is all some disasters (especially disasters with names and faces) need.

Rated M for temporary character death, and moderately graphic violence. Life spell fic.

This fic is set in and fully based on the @ageless-soul-au, (some nebulous future point due to the drawing I did that inspired it being in the Depths) so the characterization and antagonist may be hard to follow without familiarity with their series, found here.

I had a load of fun making it work though, so my thanks to the creators for letting me play!

[thevoidstaredback]

Enough Caffeine to Kill an Elephant

Listen. It was an accident. He didn't mean to! It just kinda happened.

So maybe he brought a drink with enough caffeine in it to kill an elephant within a few minutes, and maybe he forgot to put the sleeve on his cup so he could tell it apart from the others, but it's not his fault! He didn't think anyone else was going to have the exact same Yeti cup as him! It's not like he'd seen any of the others carry one before. Besides, he worked with superheros. They should be smart enough to check before drinking someone else's drink.

Danny had been summoned by the Justice League Dark a few years back in order to help with a world ending crisis and he just didn't leave. It's not like he could go anywhere anyway. His ghost half hadn't grown past fourteen and his human half had stopped visibly aging at eighteen. He'd had to leave town as Danny Fenton, but he'd stayed in Amity Park as Danny Phantom. When his parents died of old age, thank god, he'd closed down the portal, stuck around for a few more years, before traveling the world as Danny Fenton.

Anyway, he'd taken up residence in the House of Mysteries after the JLD had summoned him. Constantine, at first, had been wary, but he and the rest of the JLD had grown to accept him. He was an honorary member of the team.

At some point, just after Robin had become Red Robin, Danny had been introduced to the Justice League. He liked those guys, too, and worked with them sometimes. Though, he usually only went to bug them.

Red Robin had been very interested in the fact that his was fourteen and working with grown heros, like he was one to talk, but Danny hadn't explained anything other than saying that he had died and come back. The following conversation was an interesting one that lead to Danny knowing that Nightwing was the Batman he'd met and that Batman was lost somewhere. He'd confirmed that the man was not dead, but he hadn't offered to help look for him. He probably should have, in retrospect.

Back on topic! Everyone in the JLD knew not to touch Danny's drink. They'd all seen him make it before and had been horrified on varying degrees. It's not like it could kill him. He's already half dead! So long as he only drank this specific brew as Phantom, he'd be fine.

The Justice League, apparently, didn't get the memo. He blames Constantine because Zatanna and Raven can do no wrong. No, John, he's not biased.

The point is, Red Robin just had a sip of Danny's drink. The horror he now felt was akin to the fear he held when he'd told his parents he was Phantom. (An interaction that had gone very well, thank you very much.)

Danny knew the exact moment that the vigilante realized he grabbed the wrong drink. His eyes widened to an astonishing degree, and, if he'd been able to seen his eyes behind the mask, Danny knew that the man's pupils would've completely overtaken the irises. His hands started shaking, too. Oh, no. The man's already addicted to hellish amounts of coffee. This is only going to make it worse!

Quickly, and without drawing any attention, thank the Ancients, Danny rushed over. "You, um, you okay, man?" Obviously not, but he tends to talk when he's anxious and he was certainly anxious right now. He could've possibly just killed a man via poison!

"What the fuck is in this coffee?" Red Robin asked, going to take another sip.

Danny pulled the Yeti from his hand and gave him the proper one. "Enough caffeine to kill an elephant."

"Obviously not, seeing as I'm still alive."

"Yeah, I can't tell if that's a good thing or not."

"Excuse me?"

"I-I mean-! I didn't-! You know what I mean." Caffeine is poisonous in excess, and his drink was way beyond excess, but it's the only thing that works for him as a ghost! Superpowered metabolism and all that.

"Do I?" The laugh in his voice answered for him. He took a sip from his drink and frowned at it. "I don't think any coffee will ever be enough again."

"And that's my cue to get my drink very far away from you." Danny turned, fully intent on moving to the other side of the room. Besides, the meeting was going to start as soon as the Flash and Kid Flash arrived, which would be soon. Something about one of their Rouges getting out?

"What?" Red Robin asked, "Why?" If he was a little desperate to get another sip of that coffee, he'd rather not acknowledge it.

"Because you don't need anymore lethal coffee," he muttered, "The sip you took will already keep you awake for three days at least, and it probably jump started an addiction. Best to stop it now. Besides, I need to go have my crisis on how the hell you're still alive after even a sip of this stuff."

"Again, rude." The bird themed vigilante crossed his arms as best he could while holding his cup. "If it's so dangerous, why do you drink it?"

Danny took a deliberate sip as he locked eyes with the technically younger man. "I'm dead. I don't need to worry about my heart stopping or having a seizure."

"Excuses."

"No, it's not 'excuses'. I'm saving your life."

"You're a kid. If I can't have that coffee, then you shouldn't be having it."

"First, I'm older than you. Second, I already told you: I'm dead. This isn't going to hurt me. Third, you can't tell me what to do."

"There's no way you're older than me. You're like, ten."

"I'm thirty-eight!" He balked, "I only look fourteen because I died when I was fourteen. We've been over this."

Neither noticed the entire Justice League looking at them. The two they were waiting on had arrived a few minutes ago and everyone was ready to start the meeting, but they'd been distracted by the two's conversation. Was that true? Had Phantom really died so young? They'd all been made aware he was not living, but they didn't think he'd died so young! Though, that was probably the denial speaking.

The Justice League Dark had been fully aware of this and didn't really bat an eye. Though, someone should probably get this meeting started. A potentially world ending threat was the topic, and that was a pretty important thing to discuss.

Captain Marvel was the first to pull himself together, though that was only after Atlas and Zeus had mentally slapped him out of his stupur. "As, ah, riveting as this conversation is," he stepped between the two boys- er, boy and man? "we really need to start this meeting."

Batman did not clear his throat because he'd not lost his voice in the first place. "He's right. Everyone take your seats."

Storyboard Part 2

[skyward-floored]

Whumptober Day 17: Collar, Touch aversion

I’m not late, I merely ran out of time to upload this last night. I finished it yesterday it’s all good. We’re good. Perfectly fine. (<- girl who hasn’t even started on today’s yet)

Anyway I thought too hard about my theory of Dink getting empowered from Twilight’s injury and uhhhh. Yeah. Here’s this. It’s on the heavier side again.

Read on ao3

Warnings: captivity, implied torture, blood and injury, and discussion of death

———————————————————

Eight heroes stood outside of a large, dark structure, surrounded by trees that blocked out the sunlight.

The limited light cast the area into what felt like perpetual twilight, grim and dark, and Time looked up at the ruins with a tight feeling in his gut.

“I’ll bet you anything our missing hero is in there,” Legend murmured, and Time nodded, trying not to fidget with discomfort.

Something cold and dark was in the very air around them, something that made Hyrule pale, and Sky hold a little more tightly to his sword. It was dark magic, Time knew, but that only helped solidify to him that something was very wrong here.

They’d landed in the unfamiliar Hyrule a few days ago, all surprised when nobody could identify it. It had been months since they’d last gained another hero, and Time had thought for sure that eight was as large as their group was going to get.

But as they’d traveled around and spoken to people, it became clear there was another hero they hadn’t yet seen.

One who’d apparently been missing for as long as they’d been traveling together.

They had begun to search for him, and followed a sparse trail of clues to a place off the map they’d been given, and as Tine looked up at the dark ruins, he felt a heavy sense of dread settle upon him.

Are you in there, Link?

“You really think he’s here?” Hyrule asked quietly, and Time nodded.

“I do. Making it this far was extremely difficult... I would be shocked if he weren’t.”

“But remember what Rusl said?” Wild spoke up quietly. “The Hero here has been missing for months. What are the odds that we’d find him in the space of barely a week? Just like that?”

“What are the odds that any of us would ever meet in the first place?” Four countered with, and before Warriors could say whatever it was he’d opened his mouth to voice, Four plowed on. “There must be a reason. Just like everything else.”

“And I can feel a pull,” Sky said in a quiet voice. “One I’ve only felt with all of you.”

“Enough chatter, let’s go already,” Wind said impatiently, and they went inside the falling-apart structure, steps echoing off dirty floors.

They paused at the first split path and argued for a moment about whether sticking together or splitting up was best, but before Warriors and Legend could start shouting and alert whatever was here to their presence, Time decided splitting in half was the best way to search quickly. There seemed to be two main sections of the ruins anyway, and the two reluctantly agreed.

“Stay on guard,” Warriors murmured before they split, and they all nodded. You don’t have to tell me twice.

Time ended up with Sky, Wild, and Four in his group, and they trooped quietly through the vine-filled hallways, and down stairwells full of cobwebs and dirt.

The feeling of unease grew more and more heavy the deeper they went, and Time caught Sky clenching at his sword more than once. It was oddly oppressive in here, despite the plants that crept through cracks, and spiders in the corners, like a shadow was cast all over the entire structure.

It just felt... wrong.

“Wait, shh,” Wild said suddenly as they entered a particularly long hallway.

Time stopped walking, and Wild crept forward, his ears pricked. He turned towards a small grate in the floor, and crouched beside it, his face creasing as he listened. Wild motioned them over after a moment, and they all kneeled beside the tiny grate, listening intently.

The faint sound of someone talking echoed up through the floor, and Time strained his ears, trying to make out the words. He couldn’t hear anything though, but with the way Wild’s face was paling, he was fairly certain he could.

“It’s the Shadow,” Wild said after a moment, voice grim as he pressed his ear to the grate. “Something about... power, I think? Power and... enemies. Wait—”

He went quiet again, and as the minutes dragged on, his eyes widened.

“Time... I think he’s talking to the hero.”

Wild suddenly jerked back from the grate, and they all heard the agonized scream that came from below, no less horrible because of how far away it was.

Sky paled, and Time scrambled to his feet, the others right beside him.

“Look for stairs,” Time said in a short voice, and they all ran down the hallway, searching for doors.

It took them a long time to find one that led downwards, and by the time they did, the screams had stopped, along with the talking. There was no sound at all, and Time hoped desperately they weren’t too late.

They cautiously stole down the flight of stairs, moving quickly, but wary of going too fast and alerting the enemy to their presence. They were a long, spiraling set, and some stairs had crumbled, leaving gaping holes they had to sidle around.

The time it took them to go down seemed much too long, and Time guessed they were deep underground now, having gone down several floors. It was almost completely silent, and the dread tightened in his chest.

Let us not be too late, please.

The stairs spat them into a pitch black hall, the sound of water dripping somewhere nearby. They listened for any movement, but none was heard, and Four cautiously pulled out a lantern.

An old dungeon met their eyes, light glinting off of metal bars, largely rusted and bent. Nobody spoke as they stepped quietly down the hallway, and the oppressive stench of dark magic was even heavier. Time spared a thought towards Hyrule as they walked, glad he had gone with the other group.

If I’m feeling this awful, I can only imagine how bad it would be for him.

They reached a partially collapsed wall then, making it difficult to squeeze by, but they all managed, though Time had to pop off a few pieces of armor. The cell at the end of the hallway was only a bit further along, but Time froze, holding a hand out to stop the others.

Eyes were glinting at them from behind the thick bars.

“Hello?” Sky asked in a cautious voice, and Time carefully approached the cell when they received no answer, squinting through the low light. He reached the bars and peered through, and felt equal relief and horror rise in his chest.

A thin man, boy really, barely into his twenties at Time’s guess, stared at them, his face pale with dark lines etched onto his forehead. It was difficult to tell with the limited light, but Time could make out chains around both his neck and wrists, and blood, both dried and not, all over him.

“...Link?” he breathed, but the boy only closed his eyes.

“Here,” Four said quietly, him and the others having come up to Time’s side. He knelt at the lock on the door, holding some small metal rods, and a few moments later, had the door swinging open.

Time quickly took a step inside, but the boy bared his teeth in a snarl as he moved, something fierce and desperate in his eyes.

Time quickly stilled.

“Link?” he asked again, and the boy merely turned away, as much as he could with the way he was chained up.

“...Tricks are getting old,” he rasped, the same twang they’d encountered in Ordon coming through. “Could at least try somethin’ new.”

Time glanced at the others, and Sky made a helpless gesture.

“I’m not sure what you mean, Link,” Time said carefully, and the chained hero coughed out a laugh.

“That’s what they said last time. Always fake,” he rasped, and glared at Time, half-dried blood shining in the lantern light. “Not tricking me again.”

“We’re not a trick, we’re real,” Wild said sharply, moving to stand next to Time.

“You’re gettin’ way less creative,” Link rasped, eyes staring them dully. “Points for new characters... but that’s it.”

“But we’re really real, we’re here to get you out!” Sky said in disbelief.

The new Link only closed his eyes again. “Sure.”

They all looked at each other again, Time feeling helpless. He didn’t want to approach Link before he knew they were truly here to help him, but he thought they were just a trick. How could they convinced the broken hero they weren’t here to hurt him?

How many times has he extended trust to someone, and had it all been fake to react like this?

“Link, we’re here to help you,” Time tried again, extending a hand towards him. Link only bared his teeth again, and Time could see the slightly longer canines this time.

“Get away Shade,” he snapped, and Time stopped as he let out a wracking cough. “I’m not falling for it. Not again.”

“Link, is there anything we can do to convince you we’re real?” Four spoke up, and the hero stared at him.

He didn’t say anything for a long time, and Time almost wondered if he was purposely ignoring them.

“Kill me.”

Four took a step back. “What?”

“Kill me,” Link repeated, a thread of desperation leaking in to his abused voice. “The Shadow won’t, if you do then... I’ll know you’re not him.”

“But then you’ll be dead!” Sky said in horror, and Link let out a croaking laugh, that finished with a sound like a sob.

“I’m already not living.”

Four didn’t say anything, and Link looked away, his eyes closed against the lantern light.

“Old man? What now?” Wild asked in an unusually subdued voice, and Time took a deep breath, trying to ignore the metallic smell of blood that permeated the cell.

What now indeed?

“We spoke with Rusl before coming here,” Time said quietly, and the boy’s ears twitched in his direction. “And Ilia, and the mayor, and a boy named Talo and all sorts of people. Your whole village misses you, Link, they’ve been looking nonstop. The Queen has sent out countless missions, and the Resistance is working tirelessly to figure out what happened to you.”

“How... do you know all that?” Link whispered.

“Because we’re real,” Wild said as he stepped forward. “We spoke to all those people, not more than a week ago.”

“We’re other heroes like you,” Four continued, and Sky took his glove off, showing Link the triangles marked into his hand. He stared in shock. “This isn’t even all of us. We’re fighting to stop the Shadow who imprisoned you, who’s been ripping holes through time and empowering the monsters. We’re on your side.”

“We’re here to get you out,” Time finished, voice firm.

Link looked around at them all, something almost like hope in his eyes, and he swallowed, looking directly at Time.

“Tell me what Talo said.”

His voice trembled when he spoke.

“He said that if we find you, we should tell you that he expects make up days for all the sword lessons he’s missed,” Time said, and Link breathed out, closing his eyes again.

“Yeah. That’s him,” he whispered.

A weak laugh came from his throat, and Time stepped forward again, Link not stopping him. His eyes stayed closed as Time kneeled next to him, but his ears twitched as he listened to his steps.

“We’re here to get you out,” Time said softly, and placed a hand on Link’s shoulder.

Link jerked at the touch, and Time immediately removed his hand, but then Link looked up at him with tears in his eyes.

“Sorry, s-sorry it’s... it’s been...” he choked out, and Time carefully put his hand back on his shoulder, Link stiffening at the touch, but not pulling away.

Time carefully rubbed it as the others drew near, and Link swallowed, trembling slightly as they crouched beside him.

“You’re really heroes?” he whispered, and Sky nodded, a grieved look on his face.

“Every one of us.”

Four leaned closer then and studied the collar around his neck with a frown, carefully lifting the chain and studying it.

“Where’s the lock on these?” he asked in confusion.

“It’s magic,” Link rasped, seeming twice as exhausted now that he’d been convinced of their intentions. “Won’t come off.”

Sky stepped forward, a firm look on his face as he kneeled beside Link with the Master Sword in his hands.

“May I?” he asked, and Link’s eyes widened at the sword. He hesitated, then gave him a weak nod, and Sky moved into position.

Sky held the sword close to Link’s neck, Four carefully holding the chain steady, and he pulled, the Master Sword glowing and making the blood Link was coated in appear blue.

The collar suddenly lit up with runes, glowing an ugly red, and Link cried out, jerking like he’d been shocked.

“Hold him!” Sky shouted, and Time and Wild moved to hold Link’s head still while the Master Sword slowly cut through the chains. Link jerked at their touch, and let out a raspy scream as Sky cut halfway, blue sparks flying into the air.

“You’re okay, you’re okay,” Wild repeated as he held Link’s head, almost like he was trying to reassure himself, and Link wailed, his voice giving out partway through from the strain.

Time held him still, ignoring the blood and dirt he was doubtlessly getting all over him, and ran a hand through his hair when he let out yet another cry.

Hold on Link, you’re almost out.

The Master Sword let out a brighter glow, and the chain fell with a clank, Link falling limp and trembling in Time’s lap. The runes faded, and Sky quickly moved to his wrists and cut through those as well, though the thinner chains didn’t take nearly as long to fall to the ground.

“It’s done,” Sky panted finally, and Link let out a whimper.

“We should tell the others,” Four said quietly. “And hopefully get out of here before the Shadow comes back.”

Wild nodded and pulled out his slate, and Time and Sky began easing Link up, his face drawn with pain. Time tried not to nudge any of the vast amount of injuries covering him, but it was nearly impossible with how many there were.

Not to mention the countless scars visible through the blood, and the dark marks marring his forehead...

Time breathed out, and then picked him up, his gauntlets giving him enough strength to easily lift Link. Though, he wasn’t entirely convinced he needed them, seeing how thin Link looked.

How long has he been here?

“Let’s get you home,” Sky said quietly, and they left the cell, Wild talking quietly to Wind on his slate.

“Thank you,” Link croaked, in a voice so faint Time barely heard it. Time guided his head to his shoulder in response, feeling a sharp pang as Link flinched, and he sped his steps.

We’re getting you out, Link.

You’re safe now.

[mjblue]

In which Sirius finds his new home

A short excerpt in Shameless Self-Promotion™ of Stardust and Spiders: Year 1, my first-year Marauders fic, complete on ao3 :)

When Sirius reached the stairs to the dormitories he sprinted upwards, stopping at the first door he came to, just like the prefect had said. But one boy had beaten him there, leaving only two open beds, and he knew better than to think that James would room with him over Peter.  Pleasepleaseplease let there be space in the next one, he thought desperately as he continued onwards.  The door wasn’t open yet—a promising sign, but Sirius couldn’t afford to wait. He threw it wide, and his heart leapt—three beds. He turned to call over his shoulder— “Oi, James, Pete! There’s another one up here, and I think it’s empty—oh!” It was not, as it turned out, quite empty. Four, not three, red-curtained beds stood in a circle around the room, and on the one immediately to his right sat a very small, strange-looking boy, eyeing Sirius warily.  Somehow, despite the first-years having arrived at the tower only moments ago, the boy was already dressed in the red satin pyjamas that had been laid out on each of the beds. They hung loosely off his frame, which was rather pale and thin. His face was dominated by a long, freckled nose and framed by thick, honey-coloured curls, with dark circles underneath watchful eyes that were an unusually bright shade of brown; almost like amber, or melted glass.  They were nice eyes.  Sirius realised he was staring. To cover it—and to make up for failing to notice the boy initially—he crossed the room and stuck out his hand.  “Hello! Sorry, didn’t see you there—you’re so quiet. I’m Sirius, what’s your name?” The boy looked down at Sirius’s hand cautiously, and after a moment’s hesitation, he shook it. His palm was very warm.  “It’s—I mean, I’m Remus. Remus Lupin.” He had a calming, quiet voice, with a slight accent that made Sirius think of rolling hills and wide-open countryside.  Sirius beamed at him. “Lovely to make your acquaintance, Mr. Lupin.”

And the rest, as they say, was history <3

(But if you actually would like to read the rest here's that link again. I should warn you there's no real romance yet as it is, like I said, a first-year fic, but I've turned it into a series and shall be working up to it✌️)

[divinemissem13]

Flufftober Day 1: lost pet meet-cute

[sapphicseasapphire]

1) A part of time who is the closest to Twi?

2) Do you have a planned day to start uploading your fics?

3) how does Twi feels about Midna? Ttw

1.) Apart from Time, Wild is closest to Twilight! He still went to Wild’s era as Wolfie (Wild wasn’t about to defeat the Calamity so Hylia had to intervene and send him help). They act like brothers. But I must note that Twilight tries his hardest to be close with everyone! He’s a friendly guy, and he wants to make connections and strengthen bonds. He shifts into a bird to fly with Sky and Hyrule. He shifts into a fish to swim with Wind and Legend. He just wants to spend time with his brothers haha.

2.) PSHHH. Um. Uh. A day I plan to start uploading Cryptid fics? Absolutely not haha. I HAVE started writing, but I’m incredibly slow at writing. (Not very good at it). They WILL be coming, but I can’t make set a date for when. (Historically, I’m slow at updating/posting fics. Take Skybird for example. Four months between chapter 2 and 3).

3.) Twilight misses Midna very very much. I don’t think that there were any romantic feelings there, but they were the closest of friends. The way they’d banter! The hijinks they’d get up to! They were very close, and now that she’s gone, Twilight’s not the same. Poor guy.

[thatbrokenpromise]

Gonna try to get myself more energy so why don't I try a poll again, so at least the decision fatigue is off.

Brief fic summaries under the cut, presented in no particular order.

These are not presented in the likely order, because I don't yet know for sure the second cycle order LOL. Minish venom reveal does precede Glass Chief, and after Ravio Introduction he stays with the group but otherwise Linebeck fic, Minish venom reveal, and Ravio introduction could happen in any order. Third Broken Promise of course is the end of second cycle and, by necessity, will come last.

Linebeck introduction is a return to the world where Outset got nearly beaten to death. Probably the best developed fic of the four, two sections are already complete and I have the outline pretty clear in my head. Very entertaining! Very violent, as usual.

Ravio's introduction is going to be me trying to write a boss-fight, because he gets possessed by Bellum. It will also be Ralph's introduction, as we'll be in Labrynna for it. I have the beginning sequence in mind, but am not fully sure how the rest will play out.

Glass Chief is going to almost be a dungeon sequence, similar to the movie Snowpiercer: fighting and winding your way up a hostile train to reach the (supposed) person in charge, only to realize there's hostages you want to save. There will be a very fun surprise at the end for how they resolve things!

Minish Venom Reveal will be their first time in the Spirit Tracks world, and I have a few pieces I know I want to include, but I haven't yet begun to put them into a coherent order. We'll have to wait and see but forcing myself to start is usually the best move at this point.

Third Broken Promise is going to be a story that picks up some threads currently last mentioned in Second Broken Promise, but also in Unforgiven: what happens when they do find the Master Sword? And what if I let them overlap their own stories? How would they get out of there? They have more songs than the Song of Soaring, after all. What if they had to rely on the song of reversed time instead? (Which will be the feature of the Third Cycle in many ways.)

Thanks to anyone who chooses to vote!

[yan-san-yan]

Wanderer post-Irminsul pre-memories

The Avidya Forest had fallen into an eerie silence. The wildlife, wisdom born of instinct, had retreated to their shelters as the sky wept furiously upon the land. Yet, amidst this tempest, a solitary figure cut through the curtain of rain, his steps as steady as a metronome.

The lone wanderer who had traversed Teyvat, fresh from his stay in Port Ormos, set his way towards wherever his legs would take him.

The snippets of conversation he'd overheard at the port flickered through his mind. Merchants discussing trade routes, scholars debating ancient texts, travelers sharing tales of distant lands— all potential seeds for his next journey.

A sudden squelch and a muttered curse interrupted. Around the bend trundled a merchant's caravan, its wheels struggling against the sodden earth.

"Blasted weather!" the gruff voice boomed. The merchant wrestled with the reins of the sumpter beast. His eyes, squinting against the downpour, suddenly widened as they fell upon the Wanderer.

"By the Archons!” The merchant stared, slack-jawed, as if witnessing an apparition materialize from the very rain itself. “Where did you come from?"

The Wanderer tilted his head, sending a cascade of rainwater from the brim of his hat. His response, when it came, was as calm as a still pond amidst the storm's fury.

"The road behind."

A sound of part disbelief, part amusement left the merchant. “I can see that! But out in this weather? You're drenched to the bone!"

In that brief moment, the merchant caught a glimpse of eyes that seemed to hold the weight of centuries, at odds with the youthful face they resided in. Something about it sent an eerie chill though the bones.

Probably the storm.

"This is nothing. I’m used to traveling alone.”

The merchant shook his head. "Well, you won’t be traveling alone much longer. Hop on. I'm bound for Sumeru City. At least there you can seek shelter, kid. "

The Wanderer stood motionless like a statue. Then, with a slight nod that might have been mistaken for a trick of the light, he moved towards the cart.

"I'm Hakim," the merchant offered, flicking the reins to urge the beast onward.

"A pleasure,"

The cart moved, its wheels cutting fresh tracks in the muddy road. The relentlessly percussive pitter-patter on the canvas cover was punctuated by the occasional boom of thunder—nature's own applause to this impromptu duet of man and storm.

“So, what brought you out this far? An emergency of some sort, or unlucky timing?”

"Just passing through."

The merchant's brow furrowed. "Passing through? To where, if I may ask?"

"Sumeru City,"

A shake of the head sent droplets flying from Hakim's hair. "Well, you’re lucky you caught me heading that direction myself."

The Wanderer inclined his head slightly. "Your kindness is appreciated."

"Think nothing of it." Hakim waved dismissively, though a spark of curiosity still burned. "You’re from Inazuma, aren’t you? Though I must say, you don’t sound like it. Your accent is...difficult to place."

For a moment, the Wanderer was silent. When the answer was spoken, his words seemed to come from a great distance. "I've traveled far."

Hakim waited, expectantly for the rest. But that answer never came.

His gaze darted to his enigmatic passenger, who sat unnaturally still despite the jostling of the uneven road

What a weird kid.

Hakim muttered, words half-lost in the rain "You're a quiet one, aren't you."

The Wanderer's eyes flickered towards him for the first time since he’d hopped onboard. "What would you have me say?"

A huff of disbelief left him. "Oh, I don't know. Where you're from? What you do? Why in the world you're out here in this storm?" He squinted through the mist obscuring the path ahead. "Most folks have the sense to seek shelter in weather like this."

“Oh.”

The single syllable hung in the air, insubstantial yet somehow suffocating. Stunned into silence, Hakim was baffled by the ignorant and seemingly unfinished response. He cast a sidelong glance for the rest of the sentence, but the Wanderer’s eyes were still glued forward, unbothered by the look he received.

Yet again, Hakim found himself with more questions than answers.

Kids these days…

They rode on like this for a while. Noting how the Wanderer's gaze seemed to take in everything and nothing at once.

"Have you been to the city before?" Hakim tried again, breaking the silence once more.

"First time." As expected the response was swift, clipped, like the snapping shut of a book one had barely opened.

"Is that so? You're in for a treat then! The markets, the architecture, the Akademiya... Can’t find anything like it anywhere else in Teyvat."

More silence.

Unease crept up Hakim’s spine like ivy on a brick wall. It was a feeling he couldn't quite name – not quite fear, not quite worry, but a gnawing mix of both that set his nerves on edge.

Who was this kid, really? Why take a shortcut to the city if he seemed content to take his time in this downpour?

Frustration grew at the piling questions. It was like trying to converse with a statue – no, even statues sometimes seemed more forthcoming than this inscrutable traveler. It was impossible to hold a conversation with him!

The cart groaned its protest as it conquered another muddy puddle, sending a spray of earthy water over its wooden sides. Hakim grunted, and his grip on the reins tightened, knuckles white with the effort.

For just a moment, Hakim's eyes were drawn to the rippling surface. In that fleeting instant, he could have sworn he saw a figure reflected there – one that mirrored his passenger's form, but clad in vibrant reds and deep blacks instead of the muted blues.

A chill ran through him, one that had nothing to do with the rain. Why did looking at this stranger inspire a sense of dread deep in his bones? It was illogical, Hakim knew, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he had invited something dangerous into his cart.

Enough! he mentally chastised himself. You're letting your imagination run wild, old man. It's just a shy kid.

Hakim shook his head, and the image was gone.

What was he even thinking? Was age really catching up with him? He must be losing his mind…

Clearing his throat to banish the last wisps of unease, he tried once more to start some small talk. "So, kid, what brings you to these parts? You don't seem like a merchant, and you're a bit far from the usual pilgrim routes."

The Wanderer's eyes flickered to him. "It depends. I go where the wind takes me."

"The wind, eh?” Spoken like a traveler. “Must be a mighty strong breeze to blow you all the way out here." He paused, then added with a wink, "Or are you running from something? A jilted lover, perhaps?"

For a moment, a flicker of confusion passed over the Wanderer's face, quickly replaced by that same impassive expression. "No. I seek...knowledge."

"Knowledge?" Hakim's bushy eyebrows rose. He hadn't expected that. "What kind?"

If it's knowledge he sought, he was in the right place.

The Wanderer's brow furrowed slightly, as if he was grappling with a puzzle he couldn't quite solve. "Of myself," he murmured, almost too quietly for the merchant to hear.

Hakim opened his mouth to reply, then closed it again. There was something in the Wanderer's tone – a vulnerability at odds with his composed demeanor – that gave the merchant pause.

Rain continued to pour, but the silence that settled between the two travelers was somehow louder than the storm.

He really is just a lost boy…

"Ah, now that's a journey that never truly ends, kiddo. You won’t be the first person nor the last to seek it.”

Sensing the boy’s discomfort, he shifted the conversation elsewhere. ”What's your trade, kid?”

The confusion on his face served as a question in and of itself.

Hakim scoffed. “Surely a growing man like you must eat, even while seeking enlightenment."

The Wanderer's fingers moved to trace the outline of a strange ornament hanging at his chest. It clinked softly, a metallic sound out of place in the organic forest.

"I...make things," he answered slowly, as if tasting the words. "Mechanical things."

"A tinker, eh?" Hakim's eyes lit up with interest. He leaned closer, cart creaking beneath him. "Now that's a useful trade. Say, my wife's got this old—"

A sudden flash of lightning interrupted, casting stark shadows across the Wanderer's face. For a moment, Hakim glimpsed something in those dark eyes – a flicker of confusion, of loss so profound it made his breath catch.

The Wanderer blinked, and the moment passed.

"You were saying?" he offered, his tone neutral but his fingers still worrying at the golden feather attached to the crafted ornament.

Trying to shake off the unease that had settled over him again, Hakim nodded. "Right, yes… You know, my wife's always complaining about this old music box of hers. Maybe you could take a look when we reach the city?"

A small smile touched the Wanderer's lips. "I could look at it."

Hakim grinned, pleased to have elicited even this small reaction.

"Well, kid, it’s a deal.”

***

The bazaar swirled around him - a treasure of sounds, scents, and colors just waiting to be discovered. Yet the Wanderer diligently arranged wares behind a stall. Each fruit found its place in a growing pyramid that seemed to defy gravity, a testament to his dedication to the task he had sought out.

"Higher, boy! Stack them higher!" The merchant's voice cut through. "We need to draw eyes!”

A slight nod was his response. Dark strands of hair fell across eyes that held no spark of self, only the determination to fulfill the purpose he had chosen. Another apple. Another careful placement. Rinse and repeat.

This was why he was here. This was what he had asked for.

A name was called out. The Wanderer's ears strained at the familiar sound.

She was here again.

The call went up from several stalls, vendors and merchants alike waving enthusiastically to catch her attention. It wasn't the eager call of shopkeepers to a potential customer, but the warm greeting extended to a dear friend.

As she approached each stall, Wanderer watched the same scene unfold time and time again. Merchants would press fruits, sweets, or trinkets into her hands, insisting they were gifts. The girl would protest, her hands raised in polite refusal. The vendor would insist more strongly, and she would decline once more, her smile never wavering.

This transaction of generosity and refusal, taarof as they called it, would continue, a custom unique to the locals here that the Wanderer found fascinating. He had learned much these past few days about the place and what kind of people lived here, all by observing this girl.

Kindness was currency, more valuable than Mora, and debts of gratitude were meant to be repaid many times over. Help freely given was expected to ripple outward, creating a web of mutual support and care. Everyone, it seemed, was part of one big family.

It was unlike anywhere else his feet had taken him. Maybe it wouldn’t be too bad to settle down after centuries of wandering. If it was here he might have a chance at finding his purpose… It didn’t seem as impossible anymore. To learn, and to understand.

But some lessons, it seemed, were harder to grasp than others. The easy camaraderie, the unspoken bonds of community— these were as foreign to him as the strange customs and vibrant colors of Sumeru itself.

Could he really belong among them when they had no idea what he truly was?

The apple in his hand felt suddenly heavy. His eyes drifted back to the Star of Sumeru as she navigated the bazaar with grace and genuine affection for those around her.

A realization settled over him like a cold mist – he was not part of this. He stood apart, an observer, a stranger to the warmth that seemed to flow so naturally between these people.

"Hey–! Have you been standing there this whole time?"

Apples rolled in every direction, disappearing under the feet of startled shoppers. The Wanderer blinked, momentarily stunned as his meticulous work scattered across the cobblestones. He looked down at the round red fruits still clutched in his hands, then at the now empty display.

A heavy, hopeless sigh left Hakim.

"Lad, I appreciate your help, but we can't afford mistakes like this. Those bruised apples will have to be sold at a discount now."

"I apologize, boss." The Wanderer quickly crouched down to pick up the fallen fruits. "My mind was elsewhere."

"Clearly," Hakim grunted. "Look, why don't you focus on restocking from the back? I'll handle the displays for now."

He felt Hakim’s eyes on him for a moment longer, then turned away with a small shrug. He could tell Hakim thought that he was odd, no doubt about it, but he was a hard worker. In the end, that's what mattered in a place like this.

“And no more daydreaming! Got it?” He heard Hakim shouting out in reminder.

By closing time, the day's mishaps had been mostly mitigated. As they packed away the remaining produce, Wanderer felt Hakim studying him with interest.

"You did better this afternoon," he offered. “Keep at it.”

The simple praise sent an unexpected thrill through him. He hadn't even had the chance to demonstrate his true skills, the things he truly excelled at, and yet... he was accepted. Valued, even.

“Thank you, boss.”

Link for the full story

[howlslibraryy]

Chapter 13 of "Birds of a Feather" Out Now!

Link to the fic: Birds of a Feather

Summary: Peter, Dick, and America seem to have gone missing and Damian and the others struggle to recover after the attack on the Manor. Notes from me: The fluff in between the trauma is strong with this one. hehehehe

[ctl-yuejie]

i think the "nick can visit boston in the us" ideas are cute, but - correct me if i'm wrong - it can be both expensive and difficult to get a tourist visa for thai people. nick's dad runs a mobile repair shop. i'm pretty certain that if boston decides to go, these 4 months are actually what they can spend together.

[rist-ix]

https://www.tumblr.com/rist-ix/749015401700229120 not you reblogging this when you ship bloom with the man who murdered her family 😭

Bloom's into ppl who slay! Hope this helps :3

[batrogers]

@ageless-soul-au They so kindly keep letting me play with their boys, despite how criminally I mistreat them...

Anyways, this one I already wrote the fic to go with it:

Rating M for temporary character death, hostage situation and hostile bargaining. Moderately graphic, but the death happens off-screen.

(The Dollmaker of the fic is originally @next-hero-in-line's but how can I stop introducing her to more Links? It's enrichment.)

[read-write-thrive]

palasaki coffee shop AU my beloved 💜💖

day four of @palasakiweek !!! somehow this one really got away from me and is like six times the length of the other ones I’ve been writing, but shhh its fine (and it’s still not super long anyway lol) plus I think I’m starting to get a hang of their voices ? idk hopefully I’m getting at least a little better lmao

[pjunicornart]

Cookies

Guess what? I finished the Lazy Wilro fic!

All of the information is in the notes portion of the page, so be sure to read that! Other than that, enjoy the story, and I'm gonna go refresh myself on the story I gotta write next, lol.

As always, if you need something explained, my ask box is open!

[waltzreprise]

Wolfstar Comfortfest!!

Day 18: Meeting the parents

The "mature" it's just for the beginning tbh

I hope you like it ❤️

[curiosity-room]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54257761/chapters/137404342

(Was previously known as A Curious Study Through Wild Eyes)

With the Calamity beaten, a new threat to Hyrule appears. Spores that infect any living thing, sucking life and causing illness to people and plants alike, yet appeared to be empowering monsters.

As Link is set out to defeat any infected monster and collect data, he encounters some strange travellers at a rest spot, asking for his help.

-

New (default) leader Time and his companions are dropped into a new Hyrule. While asking around to see where they are, they encounter an unusual man that is willing to guide them to the closes' town. He doesn't like being asked about the Princess or the Hero, however.

Despite it, the company seems to take a liking to the man.

So why does Time feel a pang of jealousy?

-

Will they finally get to the bottom of these Black-Blooded monsters? The journey will take them through many dangers, emotions and secrets as they encounter old friends and enemies alike.

-

This work is intended for an older teen audience and up. Descriptions of violence, sexual language and behaviour. Reader discretion is advised.