#Lurking Steel Titan | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sulphurstar · 1 year ago

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3rd place — pilots, sisters?, bullying, reminding her of her place, knives and blood are so intimate when you're used to mech combat

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lightly armed and spindly limbed, your opponent's warsuit is designed for killing speed and little else. headhunters, they're called. assassins purpose-built for taking down other warsuits. tricky opponents, but you know the type. pilots that are impulsive and reckless at best, feral and bloodthirsty at the worst. you happen to know this pilot in particular — your 'sister,' as your squad's handler so often puts it. hellion 3. warsuit: coiled serpent. javelin-class, ganymede-pattern, further customized for speed and cqc. yours, on the other hand, is a more balanced frame bristling with explosives and loaded barrels. your warsuit, winter wolf, may not be as cutting edge as coiled serpent, but the jupiter-pattern II marauders shouldn't be underestimated. you'll show her why.

though it can outpace your gatling gun's hail of fire easily, the barrage corrals coiled serpent right where you want it. you jetison the heavy gatling gun — load lightened, you push your thrusters to their limits in a sudden burst of speed and, clearing a hundred meters in a near instant. grabbinf coiled serpent by its throat, you clamp the enormous fist of your warsuit down on that fragile neck joint. watching a 30-foot steel titan with a price tag in the billions flail desperately for freedom, claw uselessly at your warsuit's armored forearm... it's a sight that never fails to turn you on. the metal groans and buckles in your warsuit's fist. your fist. you bite your lip, your mind filling with the urge to simply bear down with all winter wolf's strength and tear coiled serpent's head off its frame. if only a warsuit could bleed.

"gotcha," you growl over the radio, unable to contain the sadism dripping from your voice.

"fuckfuckfuck okay, i give, i give!"

you can hear the warning sirens in coiled serpent's cockpit, and the panic in hellion 3's voice. fear. you give coiled serpent's neck a parting squeeze before letting go.

"match to hellion 2. nice maneuver, kid." a wave of warmth flows over you at your handler's praise. you can't help but feel even more superior.

"and hellion 3? don't get caught like that again."

you sit there silently, taking pleasure in your sister's admonishing and imagining her squirming with embarrassment in coiled serpent's cockpit. you'll have your chance to gloat later.

the time it takes to get unplugged from your suit only serves to build your urge to a fever-pitch. you practically rip the last slithering nerve splice out of your spine yourself; you'll deal with the migraine later. hellion 3 is exactly where you'd expect to find her — lurking in the rafters above coiled serpent's bay. your bootfalls echo in the wide open space; hard to hide your approach, not that you're trying to. she sits there, legs dangling over the side, looking spent and dejected, smoking a cigarette. you can tell she gave her all.

"the fuck do you want? come to rub it in?"

you sidle up to hellion 3 — your sister — hands in your coat pockets, and grip the concealed knife.

"actually, i think i'll finish the job."

before hellion 3 can react, the sole of your boot connects with her chest, roughly shoving the frail form to the ground, clanging against the metal platform.

"hey, what the fuck do you think you're–"

the appearance of the knife from its hidden place in your pocket cuts her voice off. her eyes are locked on the knife. fear to supplant the brattiness. you lean in, right down to her face, the tip of your knife pressing ever so lightly into her chin, drawing her eyes up to meet yours.

"what's the matter little sister? you talk such a big game in the cockpit. where'd your fight go?"

fear and anger. resentment. fury. she wants nothing more than to take that knife and gut you, but she knows you have her. she has such telling eyes.

"what the fuck are you talking about? that's a knife, you psycho! what do you even want?" you push the knife a little harder. grind your boot into her chest. she winces and the fear in her eyes grows.

"to remind you what your place is. beneath me. you're mine." you pull your boot and the knife away and she gasps for breath; short-lived before your boot comes down again, on her neck this time. "say it."

her hands wrap around your ankle, fighting uselessly against the weight. "i'm yours," she manages to gurgle under your boot.

you let the weight off, boot still against her throat but no longer crushing her airway. "again," you order, letting the knife dangle in her periphery. "

she gasps for air, coughing a little. "i-i'm yours."

"good girl." you drop to your knees, straddling her waist. the knife slips under her tanktop, slowly cutting it away. "we don't need this anymore, do we? keep still or i might cut something important."

she shudders under the knife, watching the knife make its long cut up the length of her shirt. finally cut apart, you brush the halves to the side. she can't help but let out a breathy moan. you've seen hellion 3 naked before of course, that's life in the barracks, but not like this before. she lays there naked, pinned beneath you, shaking and shuddering with abject fear in her eyes — eyes that are locked on yours. you can feel the arousal, the hardness in her pants pressing against you. you could just drink it up. your eyes trace along all the scars left behind by cybernetic implantation, and you find yourself tracing the knifetip along them too. you want to press harder, to cut her open at the old seams, to reach inside and prod that cornered animal, just to see what she'll do. you press the knife against a scar just below her ribs. you really just can't help yourself. the red wells up and she cries out and — fuck, she's just so pretty like this. you toss the knife away, fingers of one hand stroking that wound, other hand grabbing her wrists and pinning them to the floor above your head. face to face again, you lick her blood from your fingertips and — god it tastes good — push them into her mouth. you don't need to say anything for her to start licking and sucking like her life depends on it.

"good girl," you growl. she whimpers around your fingers. "you taste so good, right?" you finger that cut again. she cries out in pain and you wipe the blood across her lips. "i'm gonna eat you alive."

she barely has time to whimper before you dive down to meet her lips. you kiss her messily, smearing blood and spit across her mouth, tongue pushing into her throat. each time you pull back you can't help but bite her lips, bite her neck, bite her shoulders, before greedily kissing her more. a mess of blood on her face, you feel it on yours too. you break the kiss, leaning back up. she's a mess, breathing hard, twitching, eyes staring off in the distance, wet spot on the crotch of her pants.

"hey, you still with me, kid?"

"y-yes big sister," she half-moans. "never kissed anyone before... is all." of course she hadn't. loser.

you push yourself off of her trembling form and stand, wiping the blood from your face, letting her stew in that confession for a moment.

"want more? you know where to find me, pup." you pick your bloodied knife up from where you'd tossed it and walk off, leaving her to lay there a whimpering, bleeding mess. she'll come running as soon as she recovers.

#mywriting #microfiction #mecha #mechposting #empty spaces #knifeplay #bloodplay #yuri #this feels like my magnum opus

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exo-levi · 2 years ago

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Could we please have 1. “I told you not to follow me.” “I couldn't just let you face this alone.” from your Levi prompt list?🫶🏼💕

Yes, sure! I hope you��ll enjoy this one! ☺️

Inseparable Bonds

1. “I told you not to follow me.” “I couldn’t just let you face this alone.”

Pairing: Levi Ackerman x Fem!Reader

Word count: 903 words

Levi Ackerman paced restlessly through the dimly lit corridor of the Survey Corps headquarters. His boots echoed softly against the cold stone floor, a metronome to his racing thoughts. The impending mission weighed heavily on him, a gnawing anxiety that refused to be quelled. He knew the fate of humanity rested on their shoulders, and the burden was crushing.

As he turned another corner, he couldn't ignore the sound of footsteps behind him. He recognized that presence instantly—it was you. You'd been shadowing him discreetly for the past few minutes.

Levi stopped abruptly, his steel-gray eyes narrowing as he faced you. "I told you not to follow me," he said, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and concern. He hadn't wanted you involved in this perilous mission, fearing for your safety in a world teeming with Titans.

You met his unwavering gaze, determination shining in your eyes. "I couldn't just let you face this alone," you replied, your voice firm and resolute. Your heart ached at the thought of Levi bearing the weight of the mission on his shoulders without your support.

Levi's jaw tightened as he wrestled with his emotions. He longed to protect you, to shield you from the horrors that lurked beyond the safety of the walls. Yet, a part of him couldn't deny the relief that washed over him at the sight of you steadfastly at his side.

Before he could utter another word, you closed the distance between you, reaching out to gently grasp his hand. Your touch was warm, a comforting contrast to the chilling uncertainty of the world outside.

"Levi," you whispered, your voice barely above a breath. "We're a team, remember? We face these challenges together."

His stormy gaze softened as he stared into your eyes. In that moment, he realized that he didn't have to bear the weight of the world alone. You were there for him, just as he was there for you.

Levi nodded, a rare and genuine smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah," he admitted softly. "Together."

With that unspoken agreement, the two of you continued down the shadowy corridor, walking side by side. The tension that had gripped Levi's shoulders eased as he felt your presence beside him. He wasn't alone in this battle anymore.

As the hours passed, the tension grew thicker in the air. The mission drew closer, and the weight of their responsibility bore down on both of you. The quiet moments between you were filled with unspoken words and shared glances, each serving as a reminder of the unbreakable bond you shared.

Eventually, you found a secluded spot in the headquarters where you could talk without prying eyes. Levi leaned against the cold stone wall, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes fixed on a distant point. You couldn't help but worry about him.

"Levi," you began gently, "I know you're worried about this mission. We all are. But you don't have to carry the entire burden by yourself."

He glanced at you, his expression softening. "I'm the captain," he said quietly. "It's my duty to protect humanity."

You stepped closer to him, your gaze unwavering. "And it's my duty to stand by your side," you countered. "We face these challenges together, remember?"

Levi sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he relented. "I know," he admitted. "But I can't help but worry about what might happen to you."

You reached out and placed a hand on his arm, your touch reassuring. "I can take care of myself," you assured him. "And I know you'll always have my back."

He met your gaze, a mixture of gratitude and affection in his eyes. "I don't say it enough, but I'm glad you're here," he confessed.

A small smile graced your lips. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The tension in the air began to ease, replaced by a sense of unity and determination. You and Levi were a team, facing the challenges of their world together. It was a bond forged in the crucible of battle, and it was unbreakable.

As the day turned into night, the two of you retreated to your quarters to rest before the mission. The silence was comfortable, the weight of the impending battle hanging over you like a heavy blanket.

Levi sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the floor. "I don't know what we'll find out there," he admitted. "But I promise I'll do everything I can to keep you safe."

You sat down beside him, your hand finding his. "And I promise I'll be right there with you," you replied. "No matter what."

The room was filled with the soft glow of candlelight, casting dancing shadows on the walls. You leaned in, your lips meeting his in a gentle, reassuring kiss. It was a promise sealed with warmth and tenderness, a promise that no matter the challenges they faced, you would face them together.

As you lay in each other's arms, the weight of the world seemed to lift just a little. In that moment, there was only the two of you, bound by love and duty, ready to face whatever the future held.

And so, as the night deepened and the world outside grew darker, you and Levi found solace in each other's arms, drawing strength from the unbreakable bond that had brought you together in a world on the brink of destruction. Together, you were ready to face the unknown, to fight for humanity, and to cherish the moments of peace and love that you found in each other's embrace.

Prompts List. Masterlist.

Yours truly,

Rowan

#levi ackerman #oneshot #fanfic #aot #attack on titan #levi ackerman x reader #levi ackerman fluff #levi ackerman x femael reader #levi x reader #aot x reader #levi ackerman prompts #requested #levi ackerman x you #levi x you

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franklinfinley · 8 months ago

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Alright, so.

First things first: Sparky solo'd Orthworm, the Lurking Steel Titan!!!!! I am SOSOSO proud of him and that win seems to have put the confidence back in his step :D hes prancing around all high and mighty. SO proud of him

And secondly... I feel like such an asshole for getting onto Arven's case so much.

We had the usual song snd dance after the Titan. We got the Herba Mystica, and he set out making sandwiches for us. He's pretty resigned about me feeding it to Koraidon instead, but the herbs REALLY seem to be helping. Even now, his wings are looking MUCH heakthier and hes actually able to support us gliding!!!! Which is HUGE progress!!

It went as usual with Arven making his sandwich for later, except this time Koraidon tried to eat it? And Arven just LASHED OUT at him. I thought for a second he was about to hit him...

I didn't really want to ask, but I felt like I was.owed some sort of explanation. I can't keep risking my team and our own necks all for some healthy herbs, especislly when I dont know what Arven wants with them. And... he told me.

He has a sick partner. A Mabosstiff. He's tried everything from potions to berries, snd nothing is healing his injuries.

It looks like internal damage. Arven didn't go into specifics but he was battered pretty damn hard. He can't really do much but lay there and eat if Arven gives him something- which is exactly why Arven was saving those sandwices "for later". He wants to get all the Herba Mystica to hopefully make Mabosstiff better.

It's so obvious in hindsight, and i feel like SUCH a jerk for trusting my own biases. The ONE TIME i dont get double-crossed is the one time i listen to my alarm bells. Arven doesn't blame me, but it doesn't mean i'm not kicking myself for it.

So, needless to say, I'm on a new mission. I'm gonna help Arven and Mabosstiff to the best of my ability.

#sighs. im glsd sparky's doing well again but now im themone that feels bad #treasure posting #pkmn rp #pkmn irl

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rock-n-rolycoly · 6 months ago

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in honor of halloween, whats the scariest thing thats happened to you?

before my parents got divorced, we used to live in a small mining town called Taladro. it’s kind of in the center of East Province Area Three. i was pretty young back then, think i was maybe 11 or 12. but i remember i was walking to the schoolhouse one morning and then all around me houses started suddenly collapsing and sinking into the ground. i remember the concrete cracking beneath my feet and i took off running just before a sinkhole opened up.

turned out something had been digging tunnels beneath the town. massive tunnels. created instability beneath the town until one day it all just collapsed.

it wasnt until recently we found out the culprit was the Lurking Steel Titan.

#metamorphicposting #pkmn irl #future sight

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maudlxne · 4 months ago

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@tsukinoiri said | [ patch ] sender carefully patches one of receiver's wounds // alya @ arvik while lowkey trying not to panic & make sure mama acxa doesnt find out

This was bad - this was really bad.

While the injury was not life-threatening and would heal on its own in a week's time there was still one rather large problem. Acxa. His mother. A rather titan of a woman who was hard as steel with an unwavering disposition. To both her kit's she was a loving and doting mother. However, that didn't mean she wasn't rather . . . overprotective at times. In hindsight, it made sense - being the Galran Prince put a target on one's back since the day of his birth. All too well aware of the fact his parents and their friends had many enemies that lurked in the shadows greedily waiting for a chance to exact revenge. She had to be protective of him to ensure his survival.

That still didn't mean there weren't times it was a bit . . . terrifying.

❝ Do you think mama will notice? ❞

He whispered. Thick accent similar to his father's dripping in his tone. White locks just starting to turn a dusty plum color falling into his face. Tears pooled in the corner of his eyes from the sting of his injury to his knee. Still rather young the prince gazed at the crapped knee that prickles with blood. One thing was for sure - his clothes were a bit dirty now from his fall.

#tsukinoiri #ic #;; starlight prince | arvik #// good luck kids!

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shiorihyugawrites · 5 months ago

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Tides of Fate

In a world where powerful creatures known as sirens come to the shores of Paradis, the scouts are thrust into an unexpected alliance—one that is sealed through an ancient and seductive bonding ritual. Each siren has chosen a mate, and through their connection, the scouts are granted extraordinary powers.

As the bonds grow Mikasa’s jealousy threatens to unravel her. But the real danger lies not just in broken hearts, but in the lurking threat of Marley and those who seek to capture the sirens for their gain.

Power, desire, and duty collide, forcing the Scouts to navigate new emotions and alliances in ways they never imagined. Through danger, love, and sacrifice, the tides of fate will decide if their world will rise or fall. (Eren, Levi, Floch, Jean, Armin, Connie, Bertholdt, Reiner x OCs)

Chapter 35: Silent Confessions and Hidden Desires

Levi sat at his usual spot by the window, sipping his morning tea as the early light filtered into the room. It was one of the few moments of peace he allowed himself, where the chaos of the world outside could be momentarily forgotten. But the tranquility didn't last long.

Aria, ever the playful tease, sauntered into the room with her usual air of confidence. Her lavender eyes shimmered with mischief as she made her way to Levi, leaning casually against the table beside him. She didn’t say a word at first, letting the silence draw out as Levi pretended to ignore her presence.

Finally, with a soft hum, Aria broke the silence. "So, Captain," she purred, tilting her head slightly, "I’ve been wondering something."

Levi, keeping his eyes on his tea, exhaled quietly through his nose, already sensing where this was going. “What now?”

Aria grinned, undeterred by his usual stoic demeanor. “Have you ever had a girlfriend before?” she asked, her tone both teasing and genuinely curious.

Levi’s brow furrowed slightly, though he didn’t meet her gaze. “Why does it matter?”

“Oh, it matters,” Aria said smugly, inching closer and resting her elbow on the table. “You know, for… context.” She waved her hand dramatically as if trying to make her point sound important. “It’s not every day a girl gets to know how many hearts Humanity’s Strongest has broken.”

Levi finally looked up at her, his expression flat. “I don’t have time for this.”

Aria’s smile widened, clearly enjoying the game. She perched herself on the edge of the table, her legs crossing as she leaned in closer to Levi, her eyes glittering with amusement. “Come on, Levi. Humor me. Any ex-girlfriends I should be worried about?” Her voice was playful, but there was a glint of genuine curiosity in her eyes.

Levi glanced away, clearly not interested in engaging. “No.”

“No?” Aria echoed, her eyebrows raising in surprise. “No one? Not a single one?”

Levi sighed, irritated by her persistence. “You think I had time for that?”

Aria chuckled softly. “I guess not. Always too busy killing Titans, right?” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a more sultry tone. “But now that you’re mine, I can’t help but wonder… am I the first? The prettiest?”

Levi’s jaw clenched slightly, his discomfort with the conversation evident, but Aria wasn’t one to back down. She was determined to get a reaction from him.

“Admit it,” Aria said smugly, brushing a strand of her lavender hair behind her ear. “I’m the most beautiful woman you’ve ever been with.”

Levi’s lips pressed into a thin line as he shifted in his seat. He didn’t answer right away, which only made Aria’s grin grow wider.

“You’re really full of yourself, aren’t you?” Levi muttered, taking another sip of his tea as if to deflect.

Aria’s laughter was light and melodic, her confidence never wavering. “I can’t help it if it’s true.” She leaned even closer, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered, “You’re not denying it, though, are you?”

Levi finally glanced at her, his steel-gray eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re annoying,” he said flatly, though there was a faint trace of amusement in his voice that he tried to suppress.

Aria, sensing the small victory, smiled triumphantly. “I’ll take that as a yes, then. It’s okay, Levi. You don’t have to admit it out loud. I already know.”

She stood up, her confidence radiating as she stretched, her movements graceful and deliberate. Levi, as usual, tried not to show any reaction, but Aria’s teasing always found a way to get under his skin.

Before she walked away, she turned back to Levi with one last remark. “Don’t worry, Captain. I don’t mind being the first. I’ll make sure you never forget it.”

Levi watched her leave, his expression unreadable, but deep down, he couldn’t help the faint tug of a smile that threatened to break through. As much as Aria’s constant teasing annoyed him, there was a part of him that found her confidence… endearing. He’d never admit it, of course, but Aria had a way of making him feel things he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years.

And, annoyingly, she was probably right.

…

Eren was in the middle of his training regimen, sweat dripping from his forehead as he pushed his body to its limits with every push-up. His muscles tensed and flexed with each movement, his focus entirely on the ground beneath him. The rhythmic sound of his breath and the occasional thud of his hands hitting the ground filled the quiet air around him.

Unbeknownst to him, Luna had been watching from a distance, leaning casually against a tree as her bright blue eyes followed his every movement. There was a natural grace to the way Eren trained—every push-up seemed effortless, and yet his dedication was evident in the way his muscles strained with each repetition.

Luna's lips curled into a subtle smile as she continued to watch him, admiring the strength and determination in every motion. She was unashamedly captivated by him, her gaze tracing the lines of his back, the tension in his arms, and the way his hair clung to his face with sweat. Her tongue slipped out to wet her lips, a gesture of desire that she made no effort to hide.

Eren, still unaware of her presence, pushed himself harder, the strain in his muscles becoming more pronounced. But Luna’s eyes didn’t miss a single detail—how his chest rose and fell with each deep breath, how his muscles rippled beneath his skin. She had always been drawn to strength, and Eren’s unrelenting drive was something she found impossible to look away from.

The more she watched, the more her attraction to him grew, and there was a hunger in her gaze that was impossible to miss. Luna wasn’t one to shy away from what she wanted, and in this moment, it was clear that her attention was entirely on him.

As Eren finished his set of push-ups, he pushed himself up onto his knees, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. He hadn’t yet noticed her, still lost in his training, but Luna took the opportunity to speak.

"You're working hard," Luna said, her voice soft but teasing as she slowly approached him.

Eren’s head snapped up, his intense green eyes locking onto her as she walked toward him. He blinked, clearly surprised to see her, but he quickly composed himself, wiping the sweat from his face.

"Yeah," he replied, his tone flat as he caught his breath. "Gotta stay in shape. Why are you watching?"

Luna’s smile widened as she came closer, her gaze shamelessly sweeping over his body once more before meeting his eyes. "I’m just appreciating the view."

Eren raised an eyebrow at that, his expression a mixture of confusion and amusement. "The view?"

Luna didn’t bother to hide the glint of desire in her eyes as she nodded. "You work hard, Eren. I like that."

Her words, though simple, were laced with an unmistakable undertone. She wasn’t just talking about his training—she was admiring him, the man he had become. Eren, for all his determination and stoicism, was caught off guard by her boldness, though he quickly masked any sign of it.

He wiped his hands on his pants, trying to act casual, but Luna could see the faint trace of a blush creeping up his neck. "I guess I don’t have much of a choice," he muttered, trying to shift the conversation back to something neutral.

But Luna wasn’t having it. She stepped closer, her presence radiating confidence as she looked him over one more time. "You’ve changed since I first saw you," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. "More… focused. Stronger."

Eren met her gaze, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "A lot has changed," he replied simply, his voice steady.

Luna took a step back, her smile still lingering as she gave him one last, slow look over. "Keep working hard, then. I like seeing you like this."

Eren watched her walk away, his mind racing, but he said nothing. For a moment, he stood there, unsure of how to respond to her blatant admiration. He had never been one to care about how others saw him, but Luna’s gaze—hungry, unashamed—left him feeling strangely vulnerable.

And for a split second, as she disappeared from view, he wondered if she was the one who had him captivated.

…

The mood in the common room shifted as word reached the scouts about Marley’s latest attempt at gaining an edge in the war. Hange had just returned from a meeting with intelligence, and the look on her face made it clear that something significant had happened. She set her notes on the table, gathering everyone’s attention.

“Alright,” Hange began, leaning forward with a serious expression, “we just got word that Marley tried something… unconventional. They’ve been trying to summon sirens to their shores.”

The room fell silent as the scouts and their siren mates exchanged confused glances. Eren furrowed his brow, sitting up straighter. “Summon sirens? What do you mean?”

“They tried to lure sirens to their soldiers,” Hange explained. “They’ve figured out how powerful your bonds with your mates have made you. So, naturally, they thought, ‘Why not try to get some of that power for themselves?’”

A collective wave of tension spread through the room. Floch, leaning forward in his seat, frowned deeply. “And? Did it work? Did any sirens show up?”

Luna, sitting calmly beside Eren, crossed her arms and exchanged a glance with Aria, who was wrapped around Levi. The faintest hint of a smirk tugged at Luna’s lips. “Of course not.”

“No sirens would answer that call,” Aria added, her lavender eyes narrowing slightly. “Marley doesn’t understand how we work. Sirens don’t just give their power to anyone.”

“They thought they could summon us like we’re tools for their soldiers,” Rue said, perched on Reiner’s lap with a huff. “It doesn’t work that way. We don’t mate with just any man.”

The sirens nodded in agreement, each with a look of disdain for Marley’s misguided attempt.

Hange, clearly amused by the sirens’ reaction, leaned back and folded her arms. “Exactly. Marley’s whole plan was a bust. They set up a whole operation to attract sirens to their shores, offering their soldiers up as potential mates. But none showed.”

Jean, sitting with Solara by his side, raised an eyebrow. “So, they thought they could just… call you and that would be enough?”

“Pretty much,” Hange replied. “They underestimated how selective sirens are when it comes to choosing a mate.”

Aria snorted, shaking her head. “They really don’t get it. We’re not just going to mate with any man who wants power. Sirens choose their mates carefully because we know how valuable the power we offer is.”

Luna added, her tone firm but calm, “A siren’s bond is sacred. We don’t mate for convenience or advantage. We choose men who are worthy—men who can protect us and stand by our side. Marley’s soldiers? They’re just tools of war. They fight for power and conquest, not for something deeper.”

Levi, ever the pragmatist, glanced at Hange. “So, they failed.”

“Spectacularly,” Hange confirmed with a grin. “It’s been weeks, and not a single siren has appeared. Marley’s scrambling to figure out why their ‘invitation’ went unanswered, but they don’t understand that sirens have instincts. They’re drawn to men who are strong, yes, but also men who have something more. Integrity. Loyalty. A sense of purpose beyond just fighting.”

“Exactly,” Solara chimed in, flicking her golden hair over her shoulder. “We’re not going to give our power to just anyone. Marley can try all they want, but no siren would choose a man who’s just looking for a quick way to gain strength.”

Eren, sitting beside Luna, smirked slightly. “So, Marley thought they could control something they don’t even understand.”

“They always think they can control everything,” Reiner muttered, his voice heavy with experience. “But this? They’ll never understand the bond sirens have with their mates.”

Rue, ever the bold one, grinned and leaned forward in Reiner’s lap. “Even if a siren did show up, Marley’s soldiers wouldn’t survive. Sirens aren’t just looking for strength—we’re looking for something deeper. A connection. A man who can stand by us, not just use us.”

Armin, always the strategist, glanced at Melody beside him and then at Hange. “So Marley’s soldiers are going to keep fighting without that advantage, but now they know what kind of power we have. They’ll get desperate.”

“They already are,” Hange confirmed. “That’s why they tried this in the first place. But without sirens to strengthen them, they’re stuck trying to match your enhanced abilities with brute force alone. It’s only a matter of time before they realize they can’t win that way.”

Connie, sitting with Caspia, raised his hand in confusion. “Wait, wait. So, they just thought you’d show up if they called?”

Caspia chuckled. “They don’t know anything about us.”

Floch crossed his arms, nodding firmly. “They don’t deserve sirens. They don’t deserve to have that power.”

Bria, seated beside him, flashed a sultry smile. “That’s because they’re not worthy of it. Sirens choose their mates, and we only choose men who prove themselves.”

Aria smirked at Levi, teasing as always. “You’re all lucky you’ve proven yourselves worthy.”

Levi grunted, trying to ignore the flirtatious gleam in her eyes, but the weight of her words wasn’t lost on him—or anyone else in the room. The bond between the sirens and the scouts wasn’t just about strength—it was about loyalty, trust, and a connection that went far beyond any simple desire for power.

As the conversation died down, the scouts and sirens exchanged quiet looks of understanding. Marley had underestimated the depth of the siren bond, thinking they could manipulate it for their own gain. But sirens didn’t choose lightly, and they certainly wouldn’t give their power to men who weren’t worthy of it.

In that room, surrounded by their mates, the scouts knew they had something Marley would never have: a bond that was unbreakable, forged in something deeper than strength alone.

….

The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the moon filtering in through the window. Levi lay on his back, his eyes half-lidded as the quiet stillness of the night began to lull him into a rare state of relaxation. His mind had slowed for the evening, no longer focused on the day’s events, and for once, he allowed himself to be at peace.

Beside him, nestled comfortably against his side, Aria had her head resting on his chest, one of her arms draped lazily over him. Her lavender hair spilled over his shoulder, and every so often, Levi could feel the soft tickle of it against his skin. She had been lying there quietly for a while, content to simply enjoy the moment. But, of course, that silence didn’t last long.

Aria lifted her head slightly, her bright eyes gleaming with mischief as she tilted her gaze up toward him. “You know something, Captain?” she said, her voice lilting and teasing. “I think you secretly love this.”

Levi, eyes still half-closed, grunted in response. “What are you talking about?”

Aria shifted slightly, pressing closer to him as her smile widened. “This,” she said, her voice filled with amusement. “Cuddling. Being all soft and close. I think you secretly love it.”

Levi opened his eyes fully, staring up at the ceiling as if trying to ignore her words. “You’re delusional.”

“Am I?” Aria leaned in closer, her fingers tracing soft patterns over his chest. “You don’t have to hide it from me, Levi. I know you like this.” Her voice was smooth, a quiet whisper of amusement.

Levi scoffed, his face as impassive as ever. “You’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.”

Aria chuckled softly, her laughter like the gentle crash of waves. “You say that, but you never push me away. In fact, you always let me stay this close.” She tapped her fingers lightly against his chest, emphasizing her point.

Levi’s jaw tightened slightly as he resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably. He wanted to argue, to tell her she was wrong, but she wasn’t. He didn’t push her away. As much as he’d deny it, Aria’s presence beside him had become something… comforting. It was something he hadn’t had in so long, if ever. The warmth of another person beside him in the dead of night, someone who wasn’t going anywhere. But Levi, being Levi, would never admit to enjoying such a thing. Not openly.

“I let you do what you want,” Levi said, his voice clipped but measured. “Doesn’t mean I like it.”

Aria grinned, her expression knowing. “You say that, but you haven’t moved once. Not even a little.” She shifted again, nestling her head against his shoulder with a content sigh. “Face it, Captain. You’re a softie deep down.”

Levi shot her a look, his grey eyes narrowing. “You’re so annoying.”

Aria just smiled up at him, unbothered by his usual gruffness. “You know, Levi, it’s okay to admit that you like this. No one’s going to know. Just between you and me.”

Levi shook his head, his lips pressing into a thin line as he tried to keep his composure. “You’re imagining things. I tolerate you because you don’t give me much of a choice.”

“Tolerate me?” Aria repeated with a mock gasp, placing a hand over her heart dramatically. “I’m hurt.”

Levi didn’t respond, but the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips—something he quickly suppressed. Aria, of course, noticed it immediately, and her grin only grew wider.

“There it is,” she said softly, her voice dropping to a gentle, teasing whisper. “That little smile you try so hard to hide.”

Levi rolled his eyes, his tone exasperated but still soft. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re stubborn,” Aria shot back, still smiling as she snuggled closer to him. “But it’s cute. You don’t have to act so tough all the time, you know.”

Levi glanced at her, his expression softening ever so slightly as he finally gave in, just a little. He let out a quiet sigh, his hand moving almost absentmindedly to rest on her back, his fingers tracing gentle circles along her spine.

“Maybe I don’t mind it,” Levi muttered under his breath, almost as if he didn’t want to admit it out loud. “But don’t go making a big deal out of it.”

Aria’s smile softened, her teasing giving way to something more tender. “I won’t,” she whispered, resting her head back on his chest. “But I know. And that’s enough.”

For a moment, there was nothing but the quiet sound of their breathing, the peaceful rhythm of the night settling around them. Levi’s grip on her tightened just slightly, as if silently acknowledging what he couldn’t say out loud. He didn’t need to. Aria already knew.

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kraviolis · 2 years ago

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betting on the flood against the ark (The Owl House)

Rating: Teen Relationships: Belos & Golden Guard OC (Darius's Mentor) Words: 2.9k Additional Tags: Manipulation, Implied/Referenced Abuse, Toxic & Unhealthy Relationships, Complicated Feelings, Grimwalker Lore, Emotional Hurt/Comfort But The Comfort Is Kinda Fucked Up Summary:

“Grimwalker.” Kane repeats, irreverent. “And here I was, still thinking those were nothing more than a scarytale parents tell their children to frighten them into not wandering off in the night.”

“Is that all they’re known as, now?” Philip hums in amusement. “A hundred years ago, Grimwalkers were more of a myth or a legend that one told over a campfire; the corpses of Basilisk victims so desperate to get their magic back that they’d devour the still-beating heart right from the chest of any unlucky witch who lost their way.”

“That could explain my preference for rare steaks.”

AO3 LINK

__________________

“Kane,” Belos’s voice is cold as steel and twice as sharp. “What are you doing here?”

Kane doesn’t answer him. None of his answers would be satisfactory to the Emperor and despite it all, he still couldn’t help but wish for his approval.

(What a mess he was. Still pretending as if he could ever be truly special in Belos’s eyes when even his own face is the copy of a dead man’s.)

No, Kane doesn’t even move. He stays perfectly still, kneeling with his head bowed. His gaze stays locked to the hand of a child sticking out of what looked to be a grave, but Kane now knows it’s more akin to a womb, if anything. After a moment of silence, Belos sighs in a way that says he’d been expecting a confrontation of some sort.

Did the others try to fight him? How idiotic, Kane thinks.

The Emperor– no, this isn’t the Emperor right now. This isn’t even his old mentor and friend who always makes an effort to spend a portion of his very minimal free time with Kane, who enjoys splitting a bottle of mead and making fun of the other Coven Heads behind their backs.

This is someone Kane knew had always lurked under the old man’s skin but had only ever seen glimpses of.

(The decade-old scars on Kane's back itch.)

The… the thing wearing his mentor’s face approaches Kane from behind, his gait and footsteps the same as they’ve ever been. The earth is cold and hard against his knees, even through the padding and armor.

“What is your name?” Kane asks, not turning his head.

“Philip,” He answers with a disturbing amount of eager honesty, like he’s been waiting years for the chance to say it out loud. “My name is Philip Wittebane.”

Kane nods in response. They fall into silence again.

He almost wants to ask if Bel– if Philip is going to kill him. A stupid question to ask. It would be the same as committing suicide, because he’d be giving up control over his fate, just letting Philip forge whatever answer he pleased. Still, he’s burning to know if he even has a chance of leaving this room alive or if it’s foolish to hope.

Kane wants to live. Titan below, he wants to live. He wants to do his work as the Golden Guard, he wants to bring order and peace to the Isles, he wants to keep teaching the Coven initiates and watch their potential flourish under his guiding hand. There's still so much more that Kane wants to do with his life. He could be so much more.

The boy sleeping under the dirt twitches a finger, dreaming of a world he’s yet to know.

“Do you name them?” Kane asks instead. “Before they’re…”

“Exhumed?” Philip offers.

“Exhumed.” He swirls the word in his mouth like wine. It tastes like rot.

“No, I don’t.'' Kane can see Philip's shadow tilt its head in consideration. “I can’t be sure if they’re entirely viable before their first breath. It’s a rather tricky process, making a Grimwalker.”

“Grimwalker,” He repeats, irreverent. “And here I was, still thinking those were nothing more than a scarytale parents tell their children to frighten them into not wandering off in the night.”

He says it with the embellishment of a master storyteller. Even the false description makes Kane feel as if something is crawling up his spine.

“That could explain my preference for rare steaks.” He tries to joke, trying to make the tension between them loosen. It feels as easy as it always has been and Kane wonders, not for the first time in his life and certainly not for the last, if there truly was something deeply, irreparably wrong with him.

Philip gets a kick out of the joke, at least. He chuckles, his shadow cast against the wall shaking in mirth. “Ah, you never fail to surprise me, Kane. You’ve always stood out from the rest of them.”

Lie. Kane smiles, turning his head to finally look up at the man behind him. “One of a kind, right?”

Philip hums again and smiles back. It's indulgent and gives the impression of a predator playing with his prey, despite how his pupils are disturbingly dark even in the low light. The way his eyes aren’t reflective in the dark like all other witches has always been unsettling to him.

“Stand.” Philip commands. Kane obeys, rising to his feet unsteadily. “Can I tell you a story?”

“It depends,” Kane studies his mentor with a piercing gaze. “If I listen, would it allow me to continue my duties?”

Philip's eyes widen, and he blinks down at his student. It’s not only a mild surprise, there– Kane’s actually shocked him for once. “You still wish to serve as the Golden Guard?”

“I cannot see any other path ahead of me that’s worth pursuing. All other roads lead me away from where I want to be," Kane explains. “And where I want to be is with the Coven.”

It isn’t a lie, not really, but it isn’t the full truth. The other paths that Kane could see had the odds stacked against his desire to survive this encounter. He would meet the same end in all of them, the same end as the ones before him who had also learned the truth.

Kane saw the list of names in the journal kept on the slab across the room. He read the reasons why he was here and not them.

(Doing the exact same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.)

(The ones before him were all at least a decade younger when they were culled. If he had been their age, maybe he would’ve done the same. As it is, Kane is simply too tired and worn-down by life for outrage.)

Philip regards him with a raised brow and suspicion lined in his face. “And you expect me to believe you? After all the times you’ve betrayed me before?”

Kane has never once betrayed him. He has been nothing but loyal and they both know this– the implication that Kane is the same person as the ones before him is nothing but bait. It's only Philip trying to rile Kane up and accidentally reveal his true intentions.

What are his true intentions? Kane himself doesn’t even know what he intends to do. He knows what he should do, what the ones who came before him would want– but they aren’t here, are they? They were foolish and acted on instinct before logic and every single one of them died because they thought they were different and could do what many stronger and wiser than them have failed at.

No. There is no should do, would do, could do– Kane cannot hinge his own life on the wishes and failures of the long dead, no matter how much he wants to honor them. He is not them. He is not them . They all share the same blood and bone but Kane is more than the legacy they’ve left behind.

(For years, Kane has hated the haunted look his mentor gave him sometimes. It was as if he wasn’t even looking at him, but a ghost.)

The Emperor’s coven has always encouraged forging your own path to success. To climb higher above the rest using what the Titan has granted you. Kane is an empty-chested half-witch but he climbed higher than any of them just because the Emperor believed he could.

A memory comes to the forefront of Kane's mind, honey-sweet but foggy from the years and from his own intoxication in the moment.

(“I can never repay you for what you’ve done for me,” Kane said once, his voice blithesome and his tongue loosened from bottles of warm mead. “I'll give you anything you ask from me. Anything at all.”)

(“All I ask, Kane, is for you to remain by my side.” Philip, his face flushed from his own drink, had told him- because it had to have been him, the real him, not his countless facades. “Your friendship means more to me than you will ever know.”)

Yes, the Emperor is a liar. Always has been and always will be. Kane cannot deny this, because he has known from the very beginning. He's known for years and years and yet he still dedicates his life to him, because the man standing before him is the one person that Kane has ever loved. the closest thing to family he has ever known.

Kane is numb to the lies Philip tells so easily. When Kane was still young and still cared about where he came from, his mentor would smile and give him nothing but falsehoods of a life he’d once had but lost, the one he was told he couldn’t remember.

(“You and your family were attacked by wild witches,” The stranger explained when he was barely fifteen years old, while Kane gently prodded at the bandages on his head. “The coven scouts managed to save you, but… they weren’t fast enough. now both your family and your memories are…”)

(Kane had looked at this man sitting next to his bed and didn’t believe a word he said. But he wanted it to be true, so he nodded in acceptance and watched the man’s lips curl into the self-satisfied smile that Kane sometimes saw in the mirror.)

Also, Kane has never once claimed to be some kind of bastion of truth. Of course he’s lied before. A student always ends up reflecting the qualities of their teacher, after all, and neither one of them have deluded themselves into thinking the other is only ever purely honest, nor have either of them ever assumed entitlement to every little secret the other holds.

Yet they’ve both continued to trust each other with their lives, and even with things far more important, because at the end of the day, what would it even change? Having the confirmation that the story he’d been fed his whole life had been nothing but a lie truly did mean almost nothing to him. He’s never craved a life he will never have. He’s found contentment in the hand he’s been dealt. This was something he’d accepted a long time ago.

No, it’s not the lying he’s upset about. It’s the truth.

(Kane had collapsed to his knees the second he saw the child’s hand. He hadn’t reached for it only because he didn’t know if he’d have the strength not to dig him up out of raw instinct.)

It would be easy to lie to Philip and say he’s not upset about any of this. It would be so easy to tell him that he didn’t care about the other Grimwalkers, that he holds no sorrow or grief for them, or even that he hates them because of how they’d supposedly betrayed Philip again and again.

But lying is how they both got here, and he is tired of trying to keep up with all the lies between them.

So Kane takes a breath, looks Philip in the eye, and he tells him the truth.

“Do you think I care for you so little that lying to me could make a difference?”

Philip's face is an open book without his mask, especially now that he’s not also hiding behind a false identity. He cannot help but broadcast his every emotion and thought, even now. Kane watches as the extended shock before it melts into something… more personal. Something that has Philip searching, yearning, hoping that these words weren’t another lie to smooth his paranoia long enough for Kane to slip a blade between his ribs.

Kane knows his friend has been hurt by someone close to him before. Not just from the green scars of his curse that stripe his body, but also from the way Philip acts when it’s just the two of them, when they take off their masks and put away their titles.

The downside of trying to hide your wounds from someone who knows you is that you often overcompensate and end up drawing too much attention to it anyways. It's like trying to hide a stain on a rug by removing the entire rug, only for the discoloration of the floorboards to give you away.

“I thought you would be more… upset over this,” Philip begins to circle him, and Kane represses a shudder at how closely he’s being observed. “How can you still wish to carry on working the same as you have, as if nothing has happened?”

“What else do you suppose I should do?”

“Leave? Run off in an attempt to find your own answers?”

“I'm too old to go on a journey of self-searching. That’s something for teenagers to do during their gap year between graduation and Coven applications.”

“Are you not even angry with me?” Philip frowns, stopping his slow tracking. “Do you not have any desire to lash out and kill me for what I've done?”

“My apologies, your Grace.” Kane drawls as he folds his arms behind his back, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He doesn’t mean for his calm demeanor to fall but he can only take being doubted for so long before it begins to sting. “I didn’t realize being angry and wanting to commit regicide were the same thing.”

Philip tilts his head, a strand of his gold-grey hair coming loose and falling across his face. “You are upset.” He murmurs, finally taking notice. “Oh, you are furious over this.”

“What I'm furious about is that even after dedicating my life to you, you still question my loyalty over something as petty as– as this.” He makes a general, sweeping gesture at the entirety of the room.

Another half-truth. Kane cannot think about the child underneath the earth and the dozens of boys and men who came before him and were seen as nothing but work oxen, or he may actually risk lashing out.

(Finding ways to pull the rage and sorrow from his chest can come later, when his life is not actively hanging in the balance.)

“Surely you can understand my concerns, my friend.” Philip inclines his head, spreading the fingers on one hand. “I have not lived this long by blindly taking even my most faithful at their word, nor by just sitting idly by and waiting for an attack when I could be taking steps to prevent it from ever happening.”

“How long have you– nevermind, don’t answer that.” Kane sighs, running a hand through his mane of chestnut hair. “I don't know how I can convince you that what I'm saying is the truth– because it is. It’s just… difficult, trying to find the words I need when you’ve probably heard my voice say them all before. In this very room, even.”

“...I have.” Philip admits quietly, looking at Kane with a faraway gaze. As if he is seeing the ones that Kane is currently standing in the very footsteps of.

“We… we are going to have problems to work out between us, after this. We might never return to what we once had together. But we can’t let this divide us," Kane raises a hand and clenches it against his chest. “Not now, not when we’re so close to eradicating wild magic and finally honoring the Titan’s will.”

Philip blinks and then blinks again. There's a second where he just stands there, staring at Kane with wide eyes and a slack jaw. His gaze darts rapidly between Kane's eyes, trying to find… something.

Whatever he finds must be adequate, because he lets go of the breath he was holding.

“Yes,” he whispers, then clears his throat. “Yes, you’re right, Ca–ane. We… we still have work to do, don’t we?”

Kane nods and then, impulsively, he falls to one knee, bowing his head in deference exactly as he has always done. As he will continue to do.

“I swear on the blood and bile of the Titan to continue to honor my oath as the Golden Guard. I will follow your will until the day I die, Emperor Belos. Philip Wittebane.”

Coward, his own voice whispers inside his head. You selfish coward. This is not honor.

It’s not, he agrees, pushing away his disgust. It’s survival.

“Rise, Golden Guard.”

There's a real smile on his lips when Kane meets Philip's eyes again. They’ve gone soft around the edges in the way he rarely ever sees, the crows feet at the outer corners more pronounced than ever. The bright blue stands out against the pale of his skin and the dark green of his cursed scars. His gaze is kind and warm, as if inviting Kane in and welcoming him home.

“My dear friend,” Philip croons. He reaches out to hold Kane's shoulder, squeezing affectionately. “I truly believe you are my best work out of them all.”

Horrifically, Kane can’t help but preen at the praise.

#the owl house #the golden guard #emperor belos #philip wittebane #caleb wittebane #golden guard oc #kane #grimwalker #the owl house fanfiction #the owl house fanfic #the owl house ocs #toh fanfic #golden guard fanfic #toh #my writing #my fics #fanfiction #fanfic

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sherokutakari · 1 year ago

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My Official Thankmas 2023 Pokemon Violet Nuzlocke Rules

(This is a linked post. Stream is not yet live. This line of text will be removed when stream starts, but feel free to join chat early if you catch this post beforehand lol)

Join the Nuzlocke Stream HERE!

General Summary:

Standard Nuzlocke Rules Apply! That means:

Every pokemon must be nicknamed

You may only keep your starter long enough to catch your first encounter.

Encounters are forcefully limited (see "Encounters" below)

Pokemon that faint must be released. This pokemon is considered dead and unusable

Pokemon may not be overlevelled before battling certain opponents (see " Level Caps" below)

If you faint, you die

Encounters:

Only one Pokemon may be caught per route/area, with some exceptions (see below)

Encounters are determined by a set list for each location provided Here and inserted into a randomizer

The pokemon determined by the randomizer must be the one attempted to be caught.

Wild Pokemon MUST be defeated or fled from if a pokemon has already been encountered in that area.

Exception 1) Duplicate Clause: If the generated pokemon for an area is a repeat from a previous area, it may be rerolled.

Exception 2) Shiny Clause: If a shiny pokemon is spotted or encountered, the player may catch the shiny. This does not count as the encounter from this area.

Exception 3) The Thankmas Clause!: If a donator selects the option to allow me another pokemon in a previous area, I am allowed 1 more encounter per donation, with a limit of 3 pokeballs per donation.

5. If a wild pokemon faints or flees, the encounter is lost for that area.

6. Each successful mission permits one "Free Catch" (an additional catch in any previously visited area) for a total of 18 additional catches by the end of the game.

GIFT POKEMON: Pokemon received from NPCs and events are permitted, but must be boxed if past the current level cap

TERA CHALLENGE: Additionally, one Tera pokemon may be permitted per area, but are at user's risk. Once a den is selected, the pokemon within it *must* be battled, and attempted to be caught. Choose wisely if you take on the Tera Challenge.

View what Areas/Routes/Towns/et c. have already been visited!

Level Caps:

Pokemon in the party may not exceed the level of the opponent pokemon faced in any sort of challenge.

If a pokemon ends up overlevelled before taking on a challenge, it must be boxed until eligible for future challenges

Cortondo Gym (Bug): Lv. 15

Stony Cliff Titan (Rock): Lv. 16

Artazon Gym (Grass): Lv. 17

Open Sky Titan (Flying/Dark): Lv. 20

Segin Squad Base (Dark): Lv. 21

Levincia Gym (Electric): Lv. 24

Schedar Squad Base (Fire): Lv. 27

Lurking Steel Titan (Steel): Lv. 29

Cascaraffa Gym (Water): Lv. 30

Navi Squad Base (Poison): Lv. 33

Medali Gym (Normal): Lv. 36

Montenevera Gym (Ghost): Lv. 42

Quaking Earth Titan (Ground/Steel): Lv. 45

Alfornada Gym (Psychic): Lv. 45

Glaseado Gym (Ice): Lv. 48

Ruchbah Squad Base (Fairy): Lv. 51

Caph Squad Base (Fighting): Lv. 56

False Dragon Titan (Water/Dragon): Lv. 57

Elite Four 1 (Ground): Lv. 58

Elite Four 2 (Steel): Lv. 59

Elite Four 3 (Flying): Lv. 60

Elite Four 4 (Dragon): Lv. 61

Champion: Lv. 62

Team Star Leader #1: Lv. 61

Path of Legends Final Fight: Lv. 63

Team Star Leader #2: Lv. 63

Victory Road Final Fight: Lv. 66

Final Boss: Lv. 67

Just like last year, any Pokemon caught will also be added to a collaborative art piece, along with any donor-chosen Pokemon!

If you'd like to join in and come watch the stream, click here!

If you'd like to donate to our Thankmas Shenanigans and help World Central Kitchen to raise money to provide meals to those in crisis, click here, or type !donate in the chat of the stream linked above!

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theotherackerman · 1 year ago

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COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Any recognizable elements belong to Attack on Titan, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, A Song of Ice and Fire

NOTES: Here's some answers you've been waiting for. This chapter ended up having some fluffy, sweet moments and I don't know how that happened. The "she's" the title won't be answered until a few chapters later. But you can make a educated guess about who's controlling and making everything happen.

TRIGGER WARNING: Murder, gore, discussion of suicide, blood

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: SHE'S IN CONTROL

There was a meeting spot between the capital and the North. Levi and Kenny met there because Levi needed to understand what was going on.

“I’ve never heard of a skinchanger turning into an animal. From what I’ve heard, the mind just transfers over,” Kenny scratched his head. “Nor have I heard of dragons speaking.”

“Just like you don’t know where Valyria is?” Levi scoffed.

“I don’t. The metal we have is from Keiran. If anyone could figure out how to speak to a dragon, it would be Keiran. He was obsessed with prophecy and magic. It’s why he fell in love with Yui. She was just as interested in it as he was. I’m not surprised to hear they both sacrificed themselves for some sort of magic,” Kenny explained. “How low are we on valyrian steel?”

“Only things that have been made in your absence are the weapons for Annie, Sasha, and Mikasa,” Levi answered.

Kenny nodded, “good. We’ll end up needing it.”

Levi looked over at Blaze and Vulcan who were resting in the sun. “Do you think they can speak to us and just choose not to?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“Do you have any information on the war hammer?”

Kenny sighed, “nothing helpful. Carla and Dina found it originally. It was where the jail cells used to be. It had been calling to them but neither could lift it.”

“Do you have any idea what it could be?”

“Not at all. The only war hammer I know of is the Tybur War Hammer. But I don’t think it would be buried in the keep. It would have to have been put there by the Fritz family. They were terrified of the Tyburs. They wouldn’t keep something like that. They’d use it to bargain for peace or destroy it.”

“And if it couldn’t be destroyed?”

Kenny laughed, “everything can be destroyed. Even dragons.”

—--------

The knight who was attacked was a guard of Lord Leonhart. Mikasa went to check on Annie but Annie had refused to open the door.

“Someone should check on her,” Mikasa said to Armin and Eren.

“Yes, someone should,” Eren said as he glared at Armin.

“She hates me. She’d sooner throw a dagger at my head than answer the door right now,” Armin muttered.

“She opened the door to you when she was in the capital,” Eren pointed out.

“Bertolt should talk to her,” Armin muttered as he looked down.

“Why are you three just lurking on the staircase?” Jean asked as he walked up to them.

“Someone was attacked by a lion. They were of House Leonhart. Annie won’t open the door,” Eren informed him.

“I heard about that. How’d a lion get in here?” Jean asked.

“That seems to be the question of the day,” Mikasa sighed. “Is the bonfire still burning?”

Jean nodded.

“Great,” Eren sighed as he turned to Mikasa. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“Do I want to know what happened?” Jean asked.

“We’ll inform everyone later. Let’s just get through the day,” Eren commanded.

“You’re starting to become rather commanding lately,” Mikasa said.

“I am a Prince you know.”

“And I’m a Princess,” Mikasa smiled.

“And I’m going to be sick if I have to listen to you two for much longer,” Jean said as he walked away from them.

Eren laughed.

—------------------

Annie burnt her sheets. There was too much blood to explain. The servants didn’t ask. She washed her body in cold water.

Where had the blood come from?

Then Mikasa had showed up, knocking on her door.

Annie hadn’t answered. She didn’t want to explain why her bed was bare. The servants didn’t ask about the blood in the water. They knew better. Though Annie had overheard them speak of a lion.

She had never seen a lion and thought it was the symbol of her house.

“I can’t believe that guard just got knocked down the stairs by the lion. He wasn’t even mauled,” one of the servants said as they passed her room.

“Did you hear about the sheep?” another servant said.

“No,” the first replied.

“A whole flock was taken out. The farmer swore he saw a lion. Levi is paying for it until they figure out what did it.”

“Things are sure gettin’ strange around here,” the first said as they continued down the hall.

That was one way to put it.

—-----------------

The forge was a nice place to think. There was something calming about listening to the hammering of metal for Gabi.

The squire had mucked out the stalls, cleaned weapons, and now had the rest of the afternoon off. Colt and Falco had gone off on their own to explore.

It was times like this that Gabi missed Zofia and Udo. Reiner was busy with Zeke and Bertolt, doing whatever it was they did. So Gabi was left to her own devices.

That was how she found herself just sitting in the forge. She had half expected Sasha or one of the other blacksmiths to run her off.

No one did.

So she just sat there, watching Sasha work.

“Grab me those tongs over there,” Sasha said as she pointed.

Gabi grabbed them and handed them to Sasha.

Sasha took the helmet she was working on and dunked into the water. Steam rolled off it as it made a hissing noise. Afterwards, she sat the helmet to cool.

“Do you want to learn?” Sasha asked as she turned towards Gabi.

“Can I?”

Sasha shrugged, “I don’t see why not. I’m the Forge Maiden of the North. I taught Kayda, I can teach you. Besides, we could use the help.”

Gabi smiled, “alright. So where do we start?”

Sasha smiled as she threw more coal onto the fire.

—----------------

“He’s asleep,” Eren noted as he, Armin, and Mikasa stood in front of Meadow.

The dragon was laying near the bonfire in the sun, sound asleep. He didn’t even bother to move when they walked up.

“So wake him up,” Armin smirked.

“Yes, let me wake up something that could eat me without a second thought,” Eren rolled his eyes.

“Aōle lykemās,” a deep rumbling voice said, the same voice Eren had heard before.

“Did you hear that?” Armin asked.

“He said be quiet,” Mikasa took a step back.

“So dragons can speak,” Eren ran a hand through his hair.

“Vēdrugon,” the voice said.

“What does that mean?” Armin asked Mikasa.

“Sleep,” Mikasa answered.

“Will he speak to us if we come back later?”

“Issa,” the dragon answered. “Vēdrugon.”

“Yes, sleep,” Mikasa translated.

The three of them walked off, leaving the dragon to sleep.

—-----------

When Levi returned to the North, he brought no new information. Kenny had not been helpful. Levi found himself staring at Vulcan. Meadow was asleep by the bonfire a few feet away. The wood had burned out but the fire was still burning as hot as ever.

“Can you speak?” Levi asked the dragon.

There was no response.

“I’ve gone mad. I’m asking a dragon if it can speak. I might as well ask the wolves if they can speak,” he shook his head as he walked away.

“Zaldrīzes rȳbus, lo mērī udrirzi Valyrio eglio ȳdrassua,” a gravelly voice said as Levi stepped into the castle.

Levi froze and looked around him.

But no one was there.

—-----------------

The dragon yawned as Mikasa, Armin, Eren, and Fenrir returned.

“Rytsas, zokla, velkrys. Rytsas, zaldrīzo ānogar,” Meadow greeted them.

“Hello, Wolf, Stag. Hello, blood of the dragon,” Mikasa translated. “Rytsas, Meadow.”

“Kivio dārilaros,” Meadow’s eyes narrowed at her.

“I don’t know why you keep calling me that. I am not a promised heir anymore,” Mikasa sighed. “Yours isn’t the voice I’ve been hearing.”

“Hāedar,” Meadow answered.

“What does that mean?” Eren looked at Mikasa.

“It means little sister or cousin. Do you mean Kayda?” Mikasa asked him.

“Issa,” the dragon answered.

“Yes,” Mikasa translated.

“You understand common but you can’t speak it?” Armin asked.

“Issa,” the dragon repeated.

“How are we hearing you right now?” Eren asked.

“Perzys,” the dragon stood up.

“Fire,” Mikasa translated. “How do I hear Kayda when the fire isn’t burning then?”

“Kipagīros. Ānogar sēter,” he answered simply.

“Rider, blood magic,” Mikasa translated.

“We’ve gotten more answers out of this dragon than we have from books and asking our parents,” Eren scoffed.

“Mittys,” Meadow answered.

“Idiots or fools,” Mikasa translated. “Meadow, is there anything you can tell us to help? We’ve been left in the dark on many things with my mother and father. They’re gone. Now we have more questions and answers. If you can offer any help, any information, we would be forever grateful.”

“Muña suvion, Kepa perzys. Ao kvio dārilaros,” Meadow stretched his wing. “Geros ilas.” Meadow took off into the sky.

“Mother ice, father fire. You promised heir. Goodbye,” Mikasa translated.

“Why was that the most informative conversation we’ve had?” Eren asked.

“Because I think that dragon said might be the key to everything,” Armin answered.

—--------

There was a storm raging outside but the fire still burned.

“It always amazes me that the fire still rages in this weather,” Mikasa said to Levi as they sat in her favorite spot of the castle.

“I never understood how this magic works and the rest doesn’t,” Levi replied. “Did you know your father found Valyria?”

Mikasa shook her head.

“Kenny said he did. He said he didn’t know where it was though.”

“You don’t believe him?”

“I don’t. I don’t think they’re lying to us to conspire against us. I think…I know it’s because they want to protect us.”

“What do we do now?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea. Hange is going through the books we found in the crypts but if what Eren said is true, then your father destroyed the very information we need.” Levi pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I’m sorry,” Mikasa apologized.

“It’s not your fault.”

“I can’t imagine my having Eren sleep in my room has helped anything.”

“That’s been the least of my worries. Actually, I think you two can protect one another. A wolf and a dragon in the same room.” Levi smirked. “I like this better than the two of you ignoring one another. Besides, you need someone you can count on no matter what.”

“He said he would cut anyone’s tongue out if they talked bad about me,” Mikasa’s face flushed.

“I believe he will. I know you don’t believe me but he does truly care about you. I see it in the way he looks at you. He’s just scared as everyone is when they first fall in love,” Levi remarked.

“You weren’t afraid,” Mikasa looked up at him.

“Yes, I was. The first time I fell in love ... .I couldn’t tell them. I never told them. That is my greatest regret,” Levi looked down.

Mikasa frowned. “Why not?”

“Because once you speak those words, there is no going back.”

Mikasa gulped before looking down.

—--------------

Valyrian Wedding Traditions:

Anyone can preside over a wedding. It makes no difference who they are. A piece of dragonglass is used to cut the lips so that the blood may mix once they kiss.

Then they cut their own hands and use their blood to draw on the foreheads of their partner a symbol in Valyrian to represent them. Then they join their bleeding hands together that are then wrapped together with a piece of ribbon or leather.

The couple will then share a sip of wine before the vows are said in Valyrian:

Blood of two, joined as one, ghostly flame, and song of shadows. Two hearts as embers, forged in fourteen fires. A future promised in glass, the stars stand witness, the vow spoken through time, of darkness and light.

The couple then seals their union with a kiss.

“Reading up about Valyrian culture?” Mikasa asked as she sat down across from Eren in the library.

“I thought I should know more about it, about you,” Eren’s cheek flushed.

“Are we marrying in a Valyrian ceremony?”

Rhaena poked her head out from under Mikasa’s hair.

“Hello Rhaena,” Eren greeted the dragon. “I thought we would.”

“Really?”

Eren nodded, “I thought we could do what my parents did. They married and told no one. Then they married in a big elaborate ceremony in front of the entire kingdom. I don’t remember it but that’s what my mother told me. Unless you only want an elaborate ceremony.”

“I don’t want all the attention,” Mikasa looked down.

“Then we don’t have to do any of that,” Eren reached across the table and placed his hand on top of hers.

“Levi said it was a good idea for us to stay together. Because of Fenrir and Rhaena. He said we could protect one another,” Mikasa still didn’t look up as her cheeks were flushing more.

“Are you worried about that?”

Mikasa shook her head, “they already believe me to be with child. What else can they say?”

“I told you, if I hear anyone speak negatively about you, I’ll take their tongue. That’s a promise,” Eren swore.

Mikasa finally looked up, her eyes meeting his. “Walk with me to dinner?”

Eren nodded as he stood, leaving the book open on the table.

—--------------------------

When Annie wasn’t at dinner, Armin had had enough.

He went directly to her room.

He knocked.

There was no answer.

Frustrated, Armin picked the lock and stormed into Annie’s bedroom.

“What are you doing here?” Annie asked as she stood from her bed.

“You haven’t been seen. Everyone is worried about you,” Armin told her.

“As you can see, I am fine,” Annie said as she looked down.

“You don’t look fine,” Armin commented.

“I am! See! I’m perfectly fine! No injuries, nothing.”

“Annie, I know you,” Armin took a step closer to her.

“Do you?”

“Talk to me,” Armin took another step closer.

“No. Get out,” Annie turned around so her back was facing him.

Armin sighed before leaving.

—----------------------------

No matter the weather, no matter the day, the woman showed up after the bonfire was lit. Her hair was so blonde it was white, her skin as pale as snow, and her eyes as blue as the sky.

Kenny had seen her time after time. He did not know who she was for sure. He thought she may be the Night’s Queen. She would just stand in front of the fire, staring into it. If she were one of the Others, wouldn’t she want to be as far away from dragon fire as possible?

“I’ve only seen a glimpse of her before,” Kuchel said as she stood on a balcony with her brother.

“I’ve seen her in the North. I wasn’t expecting to see her here,” Kenny replied.

“She looks sad,” Kuchel remarked.

“She always does,” Kenny watched as the woman finally walked away from the fire and headed North.

“Strange, very strange,” Kuchel noted.

Kenny noted in agreement.

—----------------------

The storm continued raging.

Mikasa had hoped it would stop once dinner was over but the storm showed no signs of slowing down or letting up. She stood at her window, watching the dragons shelter themselves.

Rhaena was curled up on one of Mikasa’s pillows.

Eren had gone off with Armin which was fine with Mikasa. Armin needed Eren. Besides, Mikasa was safe in her room with the dragon here.

Kayda was looking up at her, at least Mikasa thought Kayda was.

“Rysta,” the deep voice Mikasa had heard on two other occasions.

Mikasa took a deep breath.

Kayda could talk to her. Should that be surprising? Yes.

At this point, Mikasa wasn’t surprised.

“Rysta,” Mikasa repeated.

Kayda lowered her head back down, resting in the rain.

There were so many questions that Mikasa had for her dragon. Could Kayda always talk to her? Or was this only because Mikasa’s mother had unleashed her magic? Did Kayda know about Mikasa’s magic? How deep was this bond? Would this bloodmagic drive her to insanity? Would it kill Mikasa?

“Lykirī,” Kayda’s voice told her.

Mikasa choked on a laugh.

Only her dragon would be the one telling her to calm down. It answered one question that Mikasa had, however. Her dragons could feel and know what she was thinking. She had heard that Kuchel did not need to always command Seaflames in battle. The dragon simply did what it needed to, felt what Kuchel had.

If that was true, Kayda had felt Mikasa’s panic that night. It was the whole reason why Meadow and Kayda had rushed to her side. Kayda felt what she felt, knew what she knew. Mikasa took a deep breath. That meant the dragon knew how desperate Mikasa had been that night when she tried to end it all and refused. While dragons could be commanded, they were still their own person with their own feelings.

How much had her attempt hurt the dragon?

Yet the dragon hadn’t angered. The dragon had stayed by her rider, there everyday. Did Kayda look forward to their daily rides as much as Mikasa did?

It was then that Mikasa realized that it was not just some magical bond that made Kayda obey or choose not to. It was love. The two of them had been through so much. It meant Kayda knew the abandonment Mikasa had felt, the anger, the darkness, without Mikasa needing to explain. The dragon still loved her and love was the strongest bond.

Mikasa took a deep breath. “Avy jorrāelan, Kayda.”

I love you, Kayda.

The dragon lifted her head again. “Avy jorrāelan,” the deep voice replied.

—--------

There was something lurking under Annie’s skin, screaming to be free.

Her skin felt extremely hot.

Her skin was too tight.

She took a deep breath.

It did not help.

She stumbled around her bedroom, knocking things off of her dresser.

Sasha knocked on the door, “is everything alright in there?”

Annie tried to swallow air, she could not get enough.

Sasha swung the unlocked door open just as Annie hit the floor. Annie’s eyes rolled into the back of her head, a large female lion erupted from Annie’s skin.

Sasha screamed as she jumped back, the lion took off into the castle.

—----------------------

“EVERYONE GET IN YOUR FUCKING ROOMS,” Levi yelled as he walked through the castle, Hange at his side. “Get Mikasa, lock her up with Eren and Zeke. I want the knights on full alert. They are not to kill the lion. Capture and contain only,” Levi commanded.

“It will be done,” Hange said before taking off in the direction of Mikasa’s room.

“Of course, Annie’s a fucking skinchanger. Of course, it manifests on a fucking bonfire night,” Levi muttered to himself under his breath.

“Lykirī,” a deep voice said.

“Do not tell me to calm down after how many years we have spent together, Vulcan. I am already going mad, I don’t need you adding to it,” Levi said as he made his way to the armory.

There was a deep chuckle that Levi heard.

“Fucking bonfire,” Levi said as he grabbed a large fishing net.

—--------------------

The door had been reinforced with the two dressers and both chaises in front of it. Zeke had shoved a sword in the space between the handle and the door.

It was getting late.

Porco, Pieck, Reiner, and Bertolt were currently clearing the castle floor by floor looking for a lion of all things with Hange and Levi.

Connie, Jean, Gabi, Colt, Armin, and Falco were stationed with the princes, Mikasa, and Sasha.

Connie and Jean had taken the first shift of watching everyone. They stood inside the room, on either side of the chaises that were pushed in front of the door.

Sasha was wrapped in a fur blanket from her own room and sound asleep on a fur rug in the sitting room. Gabi lay on the other side of Sasha, wrapped in another blanket.

Falco and Colt took up another rug in the room, wrapped in furs that were stripped from Eren and Zeke’s room before they moved trucks in front of both bedroom doors. There were no windows in the sitting room, that made it the safest.

Mikasa’s head somehow ended up in Eren’s lap, Eren absentmindedly stroking her hair as she slept. There was a blanket wrapped around Mikasa and a fur blanket on the floor. Midnight sat on his perch nearby, sound asleep.

“So Annie collapsed and a lion appeared. Is that….that’s not something that happens,” Connie remarked.

“Dragons apparently can talk as well,” Armin muttered as he looked up from the journal he was writing in. He had taken up a corner of the sitting room, flipping through books and writing.

“Anyone else find it strange that all of this is happening at once?”

“Connie, did you not pay attention? It said in that book things like this would become more common the closer it got to the Long NIght,” Jean rolled his eyes.

“We’re lucky that we have that information. It sounded like Mikasa’s father went a long way to protect her,” Armin muttered.

“Well, he’s hurting her more than helping her. Now she knows nothing and she’s stuck trying to piece everything together herself. If nothing else, they should have left something behind to help her! She’s his fucking daughter!” Eren seethed.

Mikasa muttered something in her sleep that no one could make out.

“And you’re going to wake her up if you keep being loud. Hasn’t she been through enough?” Jean hissed at him.

“I know. But she’s getting angry and that’s making me angry. She’s been left with more questions than answers in the name of protecting her,” Eren argued.

“That’s rich coming from you. You did the exact same thing to her. You left her, then pushed her away. No explanation. Stop being shitty to her,” Jean argued.

“He’s not wrong,” Armin said from the corner.

“Aren’t you all supposed to be on my side?” Eren asked.

“No, they’re knights, Eren. They’re on the side of honor. What you did was not honorable,” Zeke piped up from the other corner. He was leaning up against the wall, his eyes closed.

“I know, alright? She’s…we’re moving on from that,” Eren looked down at the sleeping princess.

“Good because if you ever do that again….”Zeke trailed off.

“You’ll kill me?” Eren scoffed.

“No, I think that small dragon over there will,” Zeke pointed to Rhaena who was asleep in between Vivica and Fenrir. “And if she doesn’t, the two bigger ones will.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t plan to betray her again. She’s…been through so much and I should have been there for part of it, at least. I don’t want her to lose anything or anyone else,” Eren confessed.

“She will though,” Armin said. “I don’t think the worst has come.”

“Any more comforting words from over there?” Connie scoffed.

“Not yet,” Armin replied before returning to his books.

“Any idea about Annie?” Eren asked.

“Skinchanger,” Armin didn’t look up from his book.

“Skinchanger? I thought those were all stories,” Jean commented. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“What’s a skin changer?” A groggy Gabi asked as she lifted her head.

“They can transfer their minds into the body of an animal. My father was rumored to have been one. They said he turned into Valkyrja,” Zeke explained. “They specifically said he was a warg, a type of skinchanger that can turn into dogs or wolves.”

“And can he?” Gabi asked as she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands.

“Not to my knowledge. I feel if he could, he would have left Valkyrja with me more when I was a child. They just said it because his wolf fights so well with him,” Zeke made his way over to Armin. “Need a second set of eyes?”

Armin looked up before reaching behind him and grabbing a book from the stack behind him. He handed it to Zeke.

“Go back to sleep, Gabi. We’ve got this still,” Jean said.

“You know you’re only three years older than me. I’m not a child,” Gabi remarked.

Jean snorted, “I’m not saying it because you’re a child. I’m saying it because I know how early you got up this morning. If you take watch right and fall asleep, it’ll be a problem.”

Gabi muttered something under her breath as she wrapped the fur around her more and closed her eyes.

Eren looked back down at Mikasa who was still asleep.

“You go to sleep too,” Jean commanded.

“I’m fine,” Eren said as he leaned back onto the wall.

Jean rolled his eyes.

—---------------

Hange, Pieck, Porco, and Levi met back up after searching the castle.

Levi had ordered Bertolt and Reiner to stay outside of Annie’s room in case she came back.

“She’s not in the castle,” Hange shook their head.

“I don’t think so either,” Pieck added.

“If she’s here, it’s in the tunnels. But we’ve checked everywhere else,” Porco replied.

Levi nodded, “I worry about Armin.”

“I think her anger is more directed at her father but you’re right. We don’t know what she’s thinking,” Pieck replied.

“So what should we do now?” Hange asked.

“Get some rest. Porco, Pieck returned to the princes’ room and stay there. No one needs to take watch if you block the doors. Don’t let them sleep in any rooms with windows. Hange, get some rest and meet me in the morning,” Levi commanded.

“Heading there now,” Pieck said as she turned and left, Porco trailing behind her.

“As you command,” Hange smiled.

Levi took a deep breath before he headed back to his room.

—--------------------------

When the knock had come on the door, everyone in the room jumped except Sasha who soundly slept.

“Who’s there?” Connie asked.

“It’s us. Open the door and refortify it,” Porco said from the other side.

Zeke, Armin, Jean, Connie, Gabi, Falco, Colt, and Mikasa began moving the two chaises, the two dressers, and the sword.

“OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!” Porco yelled.

“We’re trying! What’s going on?” Jean asked.

“There’s a lion!” Pieck screeched.

Armin pulled the sword out, throwing the door open.

Pieck and Porco ran into the door.

Then Armin saw it.

The blue eyed lion that stared into him.

“Annie,” he called.

The female lion stopped.

It stalked closer.

Armin didn’t move. He just stood there, staring at the lion.

The lion stalked forward, staring him in the eyes.

“Armin, shut the door!” Pieck yelled.

The lion looked at him and then stalked off, back downstairs.

Armin shut the door and slid the sword behind the handle.

The chaises and dressers were moved back in front of the door.

But there was a part of Armin that knew Annie wouldn’t hurt them.

—--------------------

Getting a pitcher of ice cold water thrown on her was not how Annie thought she would wake up today.

The blonde screamed as she sat up in bed.

“Have a nice time running around the keep last night?” Levi asked as he stood with one hand holding a pitcher, the other a dagger.

“I wasn’t running around the castle last night,” Annie muttered.

“Interesting. You don’t remember. Bathe and meet me in my office. You smell like sheep,” Levi remarked before he walked away. “And you should put on some clothes.”

Annie looked down to see that she was nude under the fur blankets.

#wmmtb #my writing #mine

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