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flamencodiva · 4 years ago

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Curse to Karaoke 1 - Just Want To Have a Good Time With You

Description: Dean and Y/N get hit with a spell on a witch hunt. What happens when they don’t realize the spell has taken effect?

Pairing: Dean x Female!Reader

Warnings: Language, Angst, Fluff, Singing, Violence, Eventual Smut (*warnings may changed based on how the story is written)

Word Count: 3577

Dividers by: @firefly-graphics

Curse to Karaoke Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Dean and Y/N stalked through the abandoned building. They had traced a witch back to it after a series of unexplained deaths occurred.

“Man I hate Witches!” Dean groaned as he saw the ingredients for a spell that included, a rotting bird and what seemed like bones of a swan.

“You and me both Winchester… You and me both… Yuck,” She hissed as what looked like a heart sitting in the middle of what looked like a summoning ritual.

Y/N looked to the elder Winchester and sighed. She had met him on a vampire hunt two years ago and they had met on and off for hunts ever since. Always ending in drinking and sexual tension that ended with each of them looking for release from other people. Y/N shook her head looking at the ingredients and made a small gagging noise.

“Did Sam say what these people did before they kicked the bucket?” Y/N asked as she rounded the corner, her gun out and ready.

“Well, supposedly it started out with singing...singing Y/N…. If that is not evil I don't know what is,” Dean scoffed.

“I resent that Dean-o… It depends on the song and how you sing it,” Y/N raised her eyebrow pointedly at him.

“You are never going to let me live down that I sang ‘Right Said Fred I’m too sexy’ are you,” Dean sighed.

“Nope,” Y/N smiled and winked at him, making him groan.

Dean was sure that Y/N didn't know the effect she had on him. Even though he had sung the song as a demon once, it only took five shots of whiskey and three redheaded slut shots for her to get him to do it again. Y/N had fallen on the floor laughing her drunk ass off when he did it, only for Dean to have his revenge when she sang ‘Rupaul's Supermodel.’ It was a good memory to have before things got fuzzy and they were in separate rooms with different people.

“Ok, so according to Sam, these people just kept singing and ended up dancing until they just dropped dead…. He’s trying to piece together how though.” Dean looked behind a door with his pistol at the read while Y/N surveyed a separate room.

“Ok, well, hopefully, no one was singing any show tunes… that's just wrong.” Y/N gave a shudder and shook the thought out of her head.

Dean chuckled as they made their way back down. Before either of them could realize what happened, they were thrown back by a blast of light. The witch began to chant her incantation as Dean and Y/N aimed their guns and pumped her full of witch killing bullets. Both of them grunted as they stood Dean helping Y/N who held her side.

“That’s going to bruise,” She moaned.

“Yeah, lets head back to the bunker and tell Sam we got it taken care of,” Dean winced as he limped off.

Reaching the bunker Dean and Y/N made it to the library where Sam was waiting for them. Dean and Y/N plopped their duffels on the war room table before sighing. Y/N cracked her neck and gave a small groan as she stretched. The shirt she was wearing rose just a bit for Dean to see the skin under it making him cough as he turned and blushed. Y/N shook out her sore muscles before walking to Sam.

“Ding Dong the witch is dead, Sam,” She smiled as she gave him a warm hug and smiled.

“Good to see you guys are back in one piece, did she wammy you guys?” Sam chuckled looking at the state of his brother and best friend.

“Yeah she said something weird, I’ll write it down and we can see what it actually does,” Y/N grabbed the legal pad off the table and began scribbling on it.

Dean held back a groan as she sat on top of the table, her legs crossed, pun resting on her lip as she thought about the witch's incantation. Dean turned around and adjusted himself biting his bottom lip some. This was his best friend and he couldn't cross the line with her, sure they flirted but that was the extent of it. It was harmless, and she didn't have the same feelings, right? No, she couldn't have, besides with the life that they led he knew it would only be a matter of time when fate decided to rip his happiness away.

It started gradually, Y/N and Dean looked at each other and it was almost as if they could hear music surrounding them. Sam watched as Y/N finished writing the incantation and slammed it on to Sam’s chest as she walked to Dean.

“Tonight, I'm gonna have myself a real good time. I feel alive and the world I'll turn it inside out, yeah” Y/N belted out as she walked to Dean. “And floating around in ecstasy. So”

“don't stop me now don't stop me” Dean joined in with her as Sam raised his eyebrow at them.

“Uhhhhhh, Guys?” He tried to get their attention.

“ 'Cause I'm having a good time, having a good time” Y/N trailed her finger along Dean’s chest before she jogged her way to her room. Dean followed behind making his way to his.

“I'm a shooting star, leaping through the sky Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity” Y/N belted as she turned in her room while she changed into a corset and skin tight Jeans. “I'm a racing car, passing by like Lady Godiva,” she paused at the door after slipping into her black four-inch sued stilettos and dragged her body along the frame.

“Uhhhhh, Y/N…. what is going on?” Sam waved his hand in front of her face and watched as Dean turned in his doorway shaking his ass.

“I'm gonna go, go, go” they both vocalized while Y/N brought herself up. “There's no stopping me I'm burnin' through the sky, yeah Two hundred degrees, That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit, I'm traveling at the speed of light” Y/N and Dean met in the center of the hallway where Dean grabbed her hips while Y/N bent her back away from him and Dean gave her a small roll where she brought her chest to his. “I wanna make a supersonic man out of you” She placed her nose to his before pushing away from him.

“Don't stop me now,” they vocalized

“I'm having such a good time, I'm having a ball.” Y/N sang as she slid across one of the library tables while singing.

“Don't stop me now” she vocalized with Dean

“If you wanna have a good time, just give me a call” she grabbed her phone before tossing it to Sam who almost dropped and moved out of the Way as dean and Y/N moved around.

“Don't stop me now,” they echoed.

“'cause I'm having a good time” Y/N jumped off the table and towards the bookcase placing her back against it before she slips down.

“Don't stop me now” Dean stood in the middle of the library facing Y?N legs slightly apart as he moved his arm in a windmill motion while swaying his hip and bringing his arm down bending at the elbow.

“yes, I'm havin' a good time I don't want to stop at all” Y/N got up and made her way to the garage where she used the railing to spin and shimmy her hips.

“Ok… this is weird… Um, guys HELLO! We’re belting out Queen here what’s going on?” Sam clapped his hands but it was no use.

“Yeah, I'm a rocket ship on my way to Mars,” Dean slid down the hall to land right by Y/N in the garage. “On a collision course... I am a satellite, I'm out of control” He winked at her as he grabbed her hips and smirked as she swayed them.

“Oh, god I know this part….” Sam groaned.

“I am a sex machine, ready to reload” Dean pumped his arm in a piston motion as he jumped up from his knees in front of Y/N. “Like an atom bomb about to” He jumped over the railing landing in the floor of the garage before heading to Baby and sliding across her hood.

“Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh explode” Y/N sang with him as she leaned her body on baby and tilted her head back.

“I'm burnin' through the sky, yeah. Two hundred degrees. That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit” Dean circled around the car taking Y/N’s hand before pulling in her as she spun into his chest and he ground his hips into her. “I'm traveling at the speed of light, I wanna make a supersonic woman of you” He turned her to press his chest against hers before dipping her.

“Don't stop me, don't stop me” Y/N pushed away from him while wagging her finger at him.

“Don't stop me, hey, hey, hey” Dean joined in as they opened the doors to Baby and were about to climb in when Y/N stood on top of the door frame and smiled singing at Dean.

“Don't stop me, don't stop me, Ooh ooh ooh,”, they continued to dance around Baby with Sam trying to get their attention.

“I like it,” Y/N belted out. “Don't stop me, don't stop me”

“Have a good time, good time” Dean turned in his spot before they climbed into Baby and he started the car. “Don't stop me, don't stop me, ah, Oh yeah Alright” They vocalized as Sam jumped into the backseat.

“Oh, I'm burnin' through the sky, yeah, Two hundred degrees That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit. I'm traveling at the speed of light” Y/N sang as she pulled her self out of Baby’s open window as Dean sped down the road wind in her hair.

“Y/N! Seriously! Dean what are you guys doing!” Sam screeched as Dean hung out the window while driving baby.

“I wanna make a supersonic man out of you” Y/N sank back into the Impala and smiled as she pinched Dean's ass.

“Don't stop me now, I'm having such a good time, I'm having a ball, Don't stop me now. If you wanna have a good time (wooh) Just give me a call (alright)” They sang together their faces inches from each other.

“DEAN WATCH THE ROAD!” Sam held on to dear life as Dean continued driving along the road while singing with Y/N.

“Don't stop me now ('cause I'm having a good time, yeah yeah), Don't stop me now (yes, I'm havin' a good time). I don't want to stop at all” They held the last line together before Y/N began vocalizing and settling on the opposite side of Dean's, with her head out the window.

“La da da da daah. Da da da haa.Ha da da ha ha haaa, Ha da daa ha da da aaa. Ooh ooh ooh” Y/N finished.

Sam watched Dean and Y/N intently as they stopped singing. Dean looked to Y/N as if nothing happened.

“So we, headin to spurs?” Dean smiled as he looked at Sam from the rearview mirror. “Hey, you let Y/N take the front seat this time!”

“Thank Sam,” Y/N smiled at him as she adjusted her leather jacket.

“Ummmmm, huh,” Sam gave a chuckle. “Are you guys ok?”

Dean scoffed and raised his eyebrow at Sam, “yeah why? We’re just headed to spurs like we always do after a hunt!” Dean leaned into the driver's seat as he drove with one hand on the wheel and the other out the window.

The Impala rolled into the dirt parking lot of the small dive bar where the trio made their way inside. Y/N and Dean climbed out of the car while Sam hung back looking at them he tilted his head curiously and squinted his eyes at them slightly. They didn’t even know they were singing. He thought back to the spell Y/N wrote and his eyes widened.

“Oh, fuck!” he cursed as she scrambled out of the Impala to go after them.

By the time Sam made it into the bar, Y/N and Dean had grabbed a couple of stools and ordered their drinks. They were well into drinking their shots trying to out drink each other. Then it happened, Y/N started to receive free drinks and began flirting with a guy by the pool tables. Of course, Sam knew she was just trying to hustle them for money but something happened and Dean began to seethe a little. He downed a shot and took another glance at Y/N.

“I know there's no form, and no labels to put on to this thing we keep and dip into when we need,” Dean gave Y/N a sideways glance as he sang the words. “And I don't have the right, to ask where you go at night. But the waves hit my head, to think someone's in your bed,” He slammed the glass down and turned his back to the bar while looking at Y/N.

“Ummmm, I didn't even know you knew this song,” Sam muttered and looked around but no one else seemed to notice what was going on.

“I get a little bit, Genghis Khan. I don't want you to get it on with nobody else but me with nobody else but me” Dean jumped off the Stool and pointed to Y/N as she circled the pool table letting one of the men touch her hips as he ‘taught’ her to play pool.

Sam watched as he made his way to one of the support beams and pressed his back against it while slamming his fist into it in frustration glancing at Y/N.

“I get a little bit, Genghis Khan, don't want you to get it on with nobody else but me, with nobody else but me” Dean pushed off the beam and turned while sliding towards the bar.

“And the lights, they glow, like I just lost the World War and the scene slips away to the evenness I fake,” He slapped back his drink and looked back to watch Y/N sink a ball into the pocket with delight while she flirted with the stranger.

Sam raised his eyes at his brother as he paid attention to the lyrics.

“It's a cheat somewhere, 'Cause I don't really want you, girl. But you can't be free 'Cause I'm selfish, I'm obscene” Dean slid once again from the bar and turned on the spot.

Sam took one more look around and noticed that no one was paying attention except him.

“I get a little bit, Genghis Khan. I don't want you to get it on with nobody else but me, with nobody else but me.” Dean pointed to Y/N legs spread apart as he ran his hand down his body while thrusting his hips.

“Woah! Ok, did not need to see that move,” Sam huffed and tried to get Dean's attention but to no use.

“I get a little bit, Genghis Khan, don’t want you to get it on with nobody else but me, with nobody else but me” Dean continued the move until he moved back to the beam leaning on it once again shaking his head. “I wanna make up my mind, but I don't know myself. No, I don't know myself.” he tilted his head back into the beam with a sad look as he sang. “I wanna make up my mind but I don't know myself. No, I don't know myself. I wanna make up my mind, but I don't know myself. No, I don't know myself”

Sam watched as Dean slid onto the bar floor on his knees as he sang what felt like the ending of the song.

“I get a little bit, Genghis Khan. I don't want you to get it on, with nobody else but me. With nobody else but me.” He brought up a knee in order to push himself and spin on both of them using his other foot to stop himself. “I get a little bit, Genghis Khan, don't want you to get it on, with nobody else but me. With nobody else but me.” Dean jumped up and made his way back to the bar as if nothing happened.

Sam sat there with his mouth gaped open staring at his brother.

“What?” dean huffed almost in annoyance as he watched Y/N saunter happily over to them with a wad of cash in her hands.

“Guess who just got us 3 grand?” Y/N said as she leaned against Dean, “Looks like my boobs were good for something,” She said as she winked at him, making him chuckle.

“You don't know the half of it, Sweetheart.” He muttered as she finished his drink. “Why don't you order us some food while I see if I can hustle us some more,” He kissed her cheek and walked away.

“Y/N?” Sam gave her a curious look.

“Yeah, Sam?” Y/N knocked back her shot before ordering two double bacon cheeseburgers with fried egg and fries and a salad for Sam.

“You didn’t notice anything weird with Dean?” Sam leaned towards her.

Y/N shrugged, “No weirder than usual.”

Sam watched as Y/N eyed Dean and how she focused on a girl that began flirting with Dean. Y/N smiled at the bartender as he placed the drinks and food in front of them.

“Black sheep, come home, Black sheep, come home, Black sheep, come home” Y/N began as she looked at Dean.

“Oh no not again!” Sam moaned as he let his head fall to the bar top.

“Hello again, friend of a friend I knew you when.” Y/N began moving her head to a guitar rhythm that suddenly surrounded them. “Our common goal was waiting for the world to end.” She did it again. “Now that the truth is just a rule that you can bend,” She made her way to the bar top as Sam pulled the food to safety as she marched on it. “You crack the whip, shape-shift and trick the past again” Y/N slid down to her knees before opening them to switch leaning to another side.

“OK, this is… I need to fix this… what the…” Sam’s eyes widened as she walked to Dean with a bottle and he sat down as she kneeled pouring a shot into his open mouth before she grabbed his hair, pulling him and pushing her away from him. “What is this Coyote Ugly?” Sam muttered as she continued to sway her hips on the bar top.

“Sending my love on a wire, lift you up every time, everyone, ooh, pulls away, ooh from you” Y/N ran her hands across her body as she swayed her hips. “Got balls of steel, got an automobile for a minimum wage. Got real estate, I'm buying it all up in outer space.” Y/N made her way off the bar top as Dean began grinding with her. Before turning to the girl he was flirting with to dance with her.

“Now that the truth is just a rule that you can bend, you crack the whip, shape-shift, and trick the past again” Y/N belted out as she walked to a thin metal pole that Sam didn’t notice as she used it to dance and grind.

“Sending my love on a wire, lift you up every time, everyone, ooh, Pulls away, ooh.” Y/N twirled on the pole before wrapping her legs around it and using it as a stripper would.

“I didn't really need to see this side of you Y/N/N,” Sam moaned.

“It's a mechanical bull at number one, you'll take a ride from anyone, everyone wants a ride, pulls away, ooh, from you” Y/N got off the pole and made her way back to the bar top.

Sam watched as she took a bite of her burger as if nothing strange happened. Y/N could feel Sam’s eyes on her and she rolled her eyes not bothering to swallow her food.

“What Sam?” Y/N swallowed and looked around. “Is there something wrong?”

“Y/N… You… You didn't notice?” Sam ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

“Notice what?” Dean asked as he made his appearance, “Ohhh bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg, Awesome!”

“Hey what happened to sweetcheeks over there?” Y/N asked as she bumped Dean.

Dean shrugged, “Wasn't feeling it.”

Dean and Y/N ignored Sam as they talked about the prospects of the people in the bar. Sam scoffed and shook his head.

“What Sam?” Dean and Y/N growled.

Sam sighed, “Nothing, nothing… Maybe I’m going crazy or something.”

The rest of the night was filled with jokes and more drinks before the headed to the bunker. Sam watched as Dean and Y/N looked at each other blushing before wishing each other goodnight and going to their own rooms. Sam was on his way to his when he heard soft strings of music surrounding the bunker.

“Oh fuck!”

Part 2

Tags!

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#FlamencoDiva #Curse to Karaoke #Dean Winchester Fic #Supernatural Fan Fiction #Dean Winchester Fan Fiction #Dean Winchester x Female!Reader #Female!Reader Insert #FlamencoDiva Writes

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kidofthekat · 4 years ago

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Salty Outcasts - chapter 6

Brunch - or at least five minutes of it.

“Juleka? Mari? Kagami?” Adrien got more and more excited with each person he spotted, giving all of them a quick hug before standing at Kagami’s side.

“I thought you had a photoshoot?”

“Mari’s parents saved me! Ooh croissants!” They laughed at Adrien’s sunshine nature and grabbed some treats of their own.

Marinette led them to a table and took a seat next to Juleka, giving her a quick side hug before turning her attention to the macrons and cookies in front of her.

“So, what have you guys been up to?” Adrien questioned through a mouthful of pastries.

“Well, Marinette and I were having juice at a small juice bar by the Eiffel tower, but then, we went to cheer up Juleka.”

“Oh, yeah!” exclaimed Adrien as he jumped out of his seat, gently nudged a bemused Marinette out of hers and and took it in order to hug Juleka, happily carrying on the conversation without letting her go. Juleka slumped slightly in relief, no questions, just hugs, she could do this.

The conversation flowed easily, Juleka’s shy comments fitting in well with the other three as she slowly grew more comfortable with them. Marinette, not unaware of her friend’s steering away from the topic of school, decided to take a chance.

She coughed slightly, hiding a small smirk as they all turned to face her, and with the most picture-perfect innocent face asked, “So Adrien, how are things at school, you looked kinda uncomfortable when Lila held your arm all lesson, I’m sorry I couldn’t help you bu-”

“SHE IS GOING TO PAY, THAT, UGH!”

Adrien reached for Kagami’s arm, affectively calming her down and looked at Marinette with sadness, “Marinette, I’m so sorry suggesting you take the high road, I was wrong and because of that you were hurt.”

Honestly, Marinette wasn’t expecting that, she just wanted Adrien to acknowledge what Lila was doing to him was wrong. And it seemed he had, at least a little. Though to her the apology was unnecessary.

What Lila did to me was mean, that’s it. But you, Adrien, she harasses you daily, you can send her to jail with what she had done to you and your apologising to me? Always putting others first, huh.

“It’s fine Adrien, you didn’t know she was gonna do anything harmful, and honestly what she did to me hardly was, you were the one she sexually harassed, I mean, you got hurt, I didn’t, you don’t need to apologise.”

The table fell quite at her mini-speech all questioning how Marinette just wasn’t in pain by what went down only two days ago. Had she manged to somehow subconsciously make herself unable to acknowledge it? Had it hurt her so much that she erased it from her memory?

“Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous, Dupain-Cheng,” Chloé burst into bakery, in all her usual glory, followed by Luka and Alix, “Not harmful, she turned your friends against you!”

“Ex-friends remember.”

So she hadn’t wiped it from her memory.

Marinette stood up and almost sauntered to the bakery door, “And better now than later, you know?”

NO! We don’t know!

“Anyway, I have to go do a, uh, I need to pick up some fabric! Yeah, fabric, see you guys around!” Leaving her baffled friends, she turned tail and ran out of the bakery into the alleyway behind it, her hands tightly gripping the ever present purse by her side.

“Marinette,” Tikki’s voice high with disappointment, “Why did you do that?”

“Do what? You were the one who was pinching me.”

The little bug flew to her eye level, flittering back and forth, “You deliberately brought up a something that you knew hurt Adrien and that would make Kagami angry.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to be mean, I just wanted to make him understand that what Lila was doing to him is wrong. And I figured that if Kagami knew what she was doing, she would knock some sense into sunshine. I suppose there were better ways to go about it than anger them deliberately, though.” Marinette looked down and shuffled her feat, feeling a little guilty.

“That wasn’t a nice trick Marinette, but you had all the right intentions, just don’t do it again as it could have gone very wrong.”

“Yeah, you’re right, but the worst thing is, I don’t feel bad. Everything turned out okay so why should I?” She reasoned with herself, ignoring the sadistic part of her that told her it was fun to watch Adrien squirm after he had refused to have her back.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Marinette figured that she may as well go and get her fabric from the mall.

Marinette was coming out of her second fabric store when she heard sniffling that was suspiciously similar to Juleka’s crying this morning. Turning the corner, she saw a familiar short mop of blonde hair. Rose.

Despite her current anger towards the singer, Marinette did not want to deal with a love-induced akuma. Taking a seat next to Rose, she was surprised by the immediate outburst.

“Leave me alone, bully.”

“Wha- Rose,” Marinette sighed, she was only making this worse. She dismissed Rose’s glare and didn’t move from her seat, there was only one way around this from her perspective, her ‘aura’. She closed her eyes, attempting to block out the outside world and concentrate on the haze of anger and resentment surrounding the usually upbeat blonde. This was going to be difficult, Rose’s anger, its so deeply ingrained, how can it be changed.

Without warning, Rose was enveloped in a hug from the very girl she blamed for her current predicament. Her anger began to rise, but after each kind word Marinette whispered, she felt calmness overtaking her, as if seeing clearly for the first time.

Marinette silently cheered at her victory as she realised that Rose was beginning to calm down, of course that didn’t last long.

The miraculous of good luck and this is what I get?

The only warning was a heavy hand on her shoulder before she was ripped away from Rose and placed face to face with Ivan, “Leave her alone, Dupain-Cheng.”

Marinette’s eyes widened at what Ivan had called her but she quickly screwed them shut as his hand squeezed her shoulder more, “Ivan, let me go.”

“Don’t order about my boyfriend you two-faced liar, you were the reason Juleka and Rose broke up, and now you try and get on her good side?”

“We don’t like you Marinette. Why won’t you understand that and just leave us alone?” Rose added.

The lion, the witch, and the audacity of this blonde! I was just helping her, and she knows it! Yeah, leave! You’re as bad as she is! You don’t deserve my help, none of you ever did! In fact, what you deserve is to su-

Suffer?

Hawkmoth? Oh no, no, no. leave me alone!

But I can help you, you want them to suffer, right? You want justice.

You aren’t justice!

Oh? But these people hurt you, we can give them a taste of their own medicine. All I need are L-

NO!

Marinette focused on her own haze, willing it to calm down, for the buzzing to stop, she knew she could get her ‘revenge’ her own way, she just needed hawkmoth to LEAVE HER ALONE.

She felt like she had been fighting the villain for hours when he finally let her go, she needed to have more control over herself. And she needed a way to release her anger towards her ex-friends without hurting anyone.

I’m sorry for taking so long to update! Masterlsit.

Taglist:

@kanamexzeroyaoifangirl

@lilkymilky

@mythogaygic

@aestheticnpoetic

#miraculous ladybug #mlb #adrigami #marinette dupain cheng #class bustier salt

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theloverofdragons · 4 years ago

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She’d said from the start that this was a bad idea.

It was bad enough that Yix and Pachelbel’s first attempts at firing her out of the cannon in an effort to get her into the Flying Fortress had overshot, causing her to land in one of Doomwood’s swamps, but hearing they would have to shoot her out of the cannon three more times to get it right?!

The good news was that the second attempt actually did send her into the Flying Fortress.

The bad news was that she’d landed a bit lower than anticipated, so rather than ending up in the flying eyeballs’ roost, she instead found herself on one of the tower balconies, having landed flat on her face, and staring at the boots of an irate DoomKnight.

“…Would you believe me if I said this was an accident?”

“No,” said Sepulchure flatly.

“Oh,” Luna embedded the tip of one of her daggers in the ground and used it to pull herself up enough that she could actually see Sepulchure, rather than just his feet. “Well that doesn’t make things easier for me.”

“Shame.”

“Yeah, you should be! And I’ll be right with you, but first I’m gonna…” The dizziness from her literal crash landing finally caught up with her and she unceremoniously slumped back onto the floor, unconscious.

Sepulchure tutted as he looked down at the passed out hero, Drakath sidling up from where he had been lurking behind him. “My lord? What should we do with her?”

“She’s no threat to us in this condition…but she can be useful. Remove her weapons, lock her in one of the cells, and alert me when she regains consciousness.”

“Yes my lord,” Drakath bowed, motioning two skeleton minions forwards to grab Luna’s arms and drag her off in the direction of the cells before grabbing her daggers off the floor and following suit. Sepulchure watched the ex-Prince and minions disappear with their new prisoner before striding forwards to stare down at Popsprocket.

Somewhere down there was the Energy Orb, prime for the taking, and his job had just been made much easier with capturing Luna. While he was not permitted to personally extinguish the candle of hope she represented (and there were few of those left; such as the hero, the Blue Mage, the paladin in Doomwood, and then there was the matter of something…new that had recently cropped up in Sunbreeze Grove), he could at least contain her.

He would bring war to Popsprocket and once he claimed all the Orbs, nowhere on Lore would be able to stand against the Darkness.

****

Luna didn’t know exactly how long she was unconscious for, but what she did know was that when she eventually came to, the first thing in her line of sight was bars. “What…? Awwww.” Hauling her aching body up so she was sat on her heels, she examined the shackles clasped around her wrists and ankles with a scowl. “Note to self: do not bring any baked goods to Popsprocket in the near future as revenge. Now how am I going to get out of here? And I still need to attach the Magic Eye to a flying eyeball so we can find out what Sepulchure’s plans are…”

Glaring at the bars of the cell as if that would magically make them disappear (hey, weirder things had happened in Lore, usually when Cysero was involved), she eventually sighed and called out on the off-chance someone would hear her. “Hello? Can you come and set me free and give me my weapons back? I promise I won’t tell Artix where you are if you do!” Despite her very persuasive argument, nobody came to release her and so Luna huffed another sigh and went back to examining the shackles. “I could get free of these, but I really need my weapons to do so. Damn you Sepulchure, why did you have to be so thorough…?”

From outside there was a sudden clatter followed by muffled curses. “Oh for… Who just leaves weapons lying around?!”

How fortuitous (ooh, big words Luna very nice). “Hello? I think those may be mine!”

The door creaked open and a woman who looked to be in her early twenties with short black hair poked her head round. “Well why did you…oh god, I don’t get paid enough to deal with this.”

“Yeah, I was trying to get into the flying eye roosts,” Luna admitted sheepishly. “But Yix and Pachelbel mustn’t have gotten the angle quite right on the cannon because Sepulchure caught me.”

“You got shot out of a cannon?” the woman raised her eyebrow incredulously.

“I did say it was a bad idea!” Luna protested. “But while you’re here, any chance you could help me get out?”

The woman pulled a face. “That’s not really my style…but then again, it would really piss off Doomy McDoomface which is my style… So let’s compromise.” Tossing one of Luna’s daggers in her hand, she angled it and threw it towards the hero. The weapon slid through the bars and came to rest by her feet.

“Thanks!” Luna picked it up, adjusted her grip on it and began using the blade to pick the locks on the shackles. “Good thing I’ve had a lot of experience picking locks! Now I need to get out of this cell and find my way to the flying eye roosts.” The shackles eventually fell away from her wrists and ankles and she began working on the lock on the cell door. “So I know we’ve only just met, but you know what they say; the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Any chance you know how to get to the roosts at the top of the castle without being spotted? It’ll really annoy Sepulchure.”

“Well when you put it like that…” the woman smirked. “Sure, why not. I know my way around this place.”

“Thanks again!” Luna grinned as the lock gave a click and pushed the door open. “I have a serious bone to pick – no pun intended – with Sepulchure, but fighting him is not really a viable option…”

“So rob him.”

“Pardon?!”

“Doesn’t have to be anything big,” the woman shrugged as she led Luna out of the dungeon. “The guy’s got loads of rugs and banners and stuff that he won’t even notice are gone, but it gives you the feeling of satisfaction.”

“I…” Luna bit her lip, bending down to collect her weapons that had very kindly been left just outside the door. “Usually my morals would be against it, but this is Sepulchure we’re talking about… Is that why you’re here? To rob him, I mean.”

“Nah,” the woman waved her hand dismissively. “I came here to grab something that I accidentally left behind when I bailed from this place.”

“So you haven’t robbed him?”

“I will neither confirm nor deny that,” the woman bared her slightly pointed teeth in a grin. “Got all your weapons? Ready for some sneaking?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be for sneaking around my arch enemy’s lair,” Luna grinned, slotting the last of her knives into place. “So obviously we want to avoid Sepulchure at all costs, and preferably his undead minions, although a lot of them will be down in Popsprocket. Drakath I can take in a fight. Also we need to be careful that the dracolich, Fluffy, doesn’t spot us.”

“I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”

“Why not?” Luna frowned as the two of them set off, the woman leading her through the corridors. “A dracolich has the same senses as a dragon, even though they’re undead, and Fluffy is kinda evil so…”

“Uh, rude,” the woman scowled. “Kinda evil? I’m helping you get out of here, aren’t I?”

“Wait…” Luna stopped in her tracks and stared at the other woman. “You’re Fluffy?”

“I would say ‘in the flesh’,” Fluffy smirked. “But I’m a dracolich so that doesn’t really work.”

Luna’s jaw hung open for several moments and she blinked several times before she could finally produce words again. “You’re Fluffy! The dragon prophesied to save the world! Shadow’s twin!”

“Hang on,” Fluffy’s eyebrow rose. “So that would make you his Bonded human, aka the Hero of Falconreach.” Her smirk widened. “This is really gonna piss off His Lordship.” She gave a cackle as the two of them set off again. “Speaking of my twin brother though, do you know what time he hatched?”

“Uh no, not exactly. Why?”

“Damn, I was hoping for confirmation that I was the older twin. That’s what I’ve been telling the others at least, even though Shadow and I have only properly met once.”

“Yeah…back on Sho’Nuff,” Luna scowled and pointed at Fluffy. “You beat us in a fight!”

“What can I say; I’m awesome,” the dracolich grinned. “But apparently the World Saviour and World Destroyer have to be kept apart. At least that’s the tradition.”

“That’s…sad,” Luna frowned. “It can’t have been fun growing up in a place like this.”

“Oh it wasn’t,” Fluffy replied cheerfully. “It was ridiculously boring. That’s why I left.”

Luna opened her mouth to reply when Fluffy grabbed her and pulled her into a nearby alcove as a trio of undead walked past.

“Are they on patrol?” Luna whispered.

“Possibly, or they’re going to check on what they think is their prisoner,” Fluffy replied quietly. “We’ll need to move quicker.”

Luna nodded and once the undead had passed completely out of sight, the two of them darted out of the alcove and up several more corridors, every so often having to hide when undead soldiers looked to be heading their way (although as Luna suspected, it seemed the majority of them were awaiting deployment to Popsprocket; even more reason why they needed to find out what Sepulchure was planning), until Fluffy brought them to a sudden halt.

“Everything alright?” Luna asked anxiously, readying her daggers.

“Remember what I said about the rugs?” Fluffy answered, indicating the floor. There were no less than six rugs, all displaying the helm of the DoomKnights, with numerous banners with the same insignia along the walls.

“He has so many!” Luna rolled her eyes. “You know what? You were right.”

“I often am.”

“This is revenge for locking me up!” Luna declared, grabbing the nearest rug and rolling it up so she could put it in her backpack (hey, if it could fit all her weapons in it, it could definitely fit a rug). “Take that Sepulchure! You may not notice it’s gone, but I’m putting this is my house as a reminder! This feels good!”

“Told ya,” Fluffy smirked. “And we’re not too far from the flying eye roosts.”

“Thanks Fluffy,” Luna replied as the two set off again. “This may have been unexpected, but I am grateful that you helped me.”

“I’m nice like that. Plus the roosts give a good vantage point for me to take off without being spotted.”

“Same here. Yix and Pachelbel gave me a parachute so I could get out safely. Where will you go after this?”

“Back to our lair. The other nine are waiting for me.”

“That’s nice that you have company.”

“We dragons can be surprisingly social,” Fluffy replied, pushing open a door as a ripple of wind ruffled Luna’s curls, indicating that it lead to the outside roosts. “Although usually only with our kind or their Bonded humans.”

“That’s good to hear,” Luna grinned as they made their way out of the corridor. “I do love spending time with Shadow after all, even if he does try and eat the things I’m baking…ah.” She gave a wry grin at the sight of the flying eyeballs hovering in front of them. “Guess I have to fight my way through. It was always going to be too good to be true.”

“Least it’s where you wanted to be, rather than in there.”

“That’s true,” Luna conceded before charging forwards, her natural speed giving her the advantage of quickly dispatching the flying eyeballs with her daggers, with Fluffy following behind her, before skidding to a halt as a truly massive one flapped into view, accompanied by two smaller ones. “Holy mother of eyeballs!”

“What the hell have they been feeding these things?!” Fluffy’s eyebrow shot up.

“Well whatever their diet, it won’t be enough to stop me!” Luna declared, charging forwards and sure enough, the three flying eyeballs were soon lying motionless on the floor. Luna grinned at Fluffy, who responded with her trademark smirk, and rounded the corner where rows of flying eyeballs rested in nests.

“Looks like we lucked out, none of the others woke up,” Luna removed her backpack and quietly rummaged around in it until she came across the contraption Yix had given her. “Now all I have to do is slip this onto one of these guys…and…voila!”

“Uh…” Fluffy blinked several times at the huge ovular camera type device that Luna had attached to one of the sleeping eyes.

“This?” the hero protested. “This is the greatly reduced in size ‘MICRO-magic eye’?” Groaning, she massaged her temples. “Well, too late to complain now. I'm sure that no one will notice.”

“One can only hope,” Fluffy replied dryly.

“Yeah…we’d both better get out of here before we get spotted or one of these eyes wake up.” Luna rubbed the back of her neck as she made her way to the railing and looked down over it.

“Agreed,” Fluffy stretched. “It was an interesting scenario to meet you in, Hero of Falconreach. Tell ‘Nelda I say hi.”

“Oh, uh, sure thing,” Luna lifted her hand in farewell before taking a deep breath. “Well, time to see if gnomish parachutes work better than their cannons do.”

“You let me know how it goes,” Fluffy smirked, leaping off the railing as two skeletal wings shimmered into being behind her and gave a powerful beat, sending her soaring through the air.

Below the Flying Fortress came an answering wail. “THEY DON’T WORK ANY BETTER!”

****

“We had her, Drakath!” Sepulchure snarled as he stalked down the corridors, Drakath scurrying behind him. “We had her locked up and she still managed to escape!”

“I’m so sorry, my lord!” Drakath grovelled. “The minions must have forgotten to lock the door, or the hero had a hidden weapon on her, or she was helped, or –!”

“That last suggestion is impossible,” Sepulchure snapped. “But it matters not. While keeping Luna here would have ensured our plans could be carried out without her interference, and she would have made a valuable hostage if needed, things can still proceed as intended. The hero was not a major concern before we captured her, and she’s not a major concern now she’s escaped.”

“No, my lord.”

“Have the fortress searched regardless, to see that she didn’t leave anything behind.”

“Yes my lord,” Drakath bowed and scuttled away.

Sepulchure watched him go and heaved an irritated sigh. Drakath was an annoyance, even more so than Luna, but he had his uses, such as his ranking among the Darkwolf Bandits that could be used to persuade them to attack Oaklore Keep, keeping the Knights busy and depriving Popsprocket of allies. Besides, the ex-Prince was far too terrified of Sepulchure to even consider betraying him. While Drakath was conducting his search, he could retire to his throne room or one of the balconies and plot his next move but while he was here…

Sepulchure highly doubted that Luna would have left anything in the treasury – she didn’t know where it was and there should have been no way for her to get in, but who knew what kind of tech the gnomes had equipped her with – so there was no harm in checking. A concentrated blast of Darkness sent the stone door, disguised as part of the wall, shuddering open and Sepulchure stepped through only to stop dead in his tracks at a horrifically familiar sight. Luna had not left anything in the treasury.

In fact, there was nothing in there at all.

The resulting howl of rage could be heard all over Greenguard.

#dragonfable #luna #sepulchure #drakath #fluffy #this took longer than expected #oops #hope you enjoy ^.^#also i cannot think of titles #this is saved as 'get in loser we're robbing seppy'#my ocs #my writing

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sarcastic-bubble · 5 years ago

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Domestic Bliss

Paring: Obi-wan Kenobi x Reader

Word count: 2K

Warnings: None

Request: ooh I have an idea: obi wan going on a mission to protect reader buttt they fall head over heels and have a taste of the life they would live if obi wasn't a Jedi - @in-the-frap-of-the-gods

A/N: Will I be making a smutty part two? depends on how self-indulgent I’m feeling and if there’s any demand for it. Will I be writing a really angsty part where Obi and reader finally have to part ways? Definitely.

Masterlist

Many months ago, there had been an attempt on your life. It had been terrifying but sadly not unexpected with the current political climate. The planet your family ruled over was small; hardly given any notice by the galactic republic, and it had been peaceful until a Duke on a nearby moon became greedy. A terrible war broke out and the peace you were so used to was torn to shreds.

The duke was always trying to find an upper hand. He wanted to win after all. He had found it in the form of your assassination. You were loved by your people and your death would have caused a crippling blow to your people’s morale.

But you had survived and then were sent into hiding with a Jedi Knight for your own safety. You had been reluctant at first, you wanted to help in the war effort. You wanted to continue serving your people like you had been born to do. Yet you hadn’t been given a choice.

Once you no longer required medical care you had been sent to a hidden building complex built deep within one of the many mountain ranges that littered the planet. This wasn’t the first time your planet had seen war and that was evident in the many evacuation centers like the one you currently hid in. Together they could easily house the entire population and some.

With utility in mind it was hardly comfortable but you and your Jedi companion, who had introduced himself as Obi-wan Kenobi, made the best of the situation.

There was one redeeming quality, however. The mornings. The crisp morning air had a way of pulling you away from reality and into your own mind. It was easy to forget the chaos of the real world while in a place filled with such tranquillity. As much as you missed your home; your family you had come to love this place. You had come to enjoy your living companion even more.

When you had first been introduced to Obi-wan you hadn’t liked him much or so you told yourself. You were just upset about being forced to hide and you projected those feeling on the poor Jedi. You had never been rude or disrespectful. The years of being raised in a palace environment had seen to that. But you did make his life difficult and when you weren’t making his life difficult you were staring out the window wishing to be back with your people. Back where you belonged.

Through it all Ob-wan had been patient and compassionate. He had served as your confidante on more than once occasion, and when you had received news of your Brother’s death Obi-wan had held you as you wept.

You supposed it had been his never-ending patience and compassion that had led you to warm up to him in the months that had followed. As you truly got to know him you found that you actually enjoyed his company. His personality had a certain charm to it; perhaps it was his dry wit? Whatever it was you were unexplainably drawn to him.

Your days became filled with conversation. You were the first to start asking questions and Obi-wan quickly started asking questions in return. The more you got to know him the more time you found yourself willingly spending with him.

And then the touches began. They were innocent at first; a hand on his arm as he made you laugh or the occasional embrace. But they grew more frequent and seemed to linger as your affections toward the man grew. As wrong as you knew it was you didn’t bother to put a stop to it. Neither did Obi-wan.

Your feelings for each other had been confirmed late one night as you watched the stars together. You had asked him to kiss you and he had happily obliged. You were in love and it was fair to assume your Jedi companion was too.

From there you were always at each other’s side; trying to enjoy the time you had before it inevitably had to end.

Today was a day no different from any other. You sat against the door watching him meditate; admiring him. He had invited you to meditate with him on many occasions, but you feared you would just fall asleep.

As the sun slowly rose above the trees the morning chill was replaced with warmth. Obi-wan stirred from his motionless state and looked over his shoulder; his eyes meeting yours. There was only love in that quiet moment you shared. Then he stood and approached you. His hands gently grasped yours and you pulled you up from where you sat. As soon as your lips were in reach he gave you a quick kiss.

“What would you like to do today love?” He asked you that question every day and just like every time he had asked that question you laughed quietly. There was only so much one could while hiding in the middle of nowhere.

“Well we could always reread the single book that is in this entire complex.” Your nose brushed against his. “Or you could go sit down so I can continue to admire how handsome you are.”

Your stomach growled as you finished speaking; earning a chuckle out of Obi-wan. “How about we start with breakfast.” You only nodded as he led you inside.

Life with Obi-wan could really only be described as domestic bliss. There may not always be lots to do but as you sat on a soft couch leaning against his warm body you couldn’t be more thankful for that.

Obi-wan hummed in thought getting your attention. He was looking at you intently one had playing with his beard. It was a face you had come to love very much; it was his idea face. “What if we went for a walk today. I’ve been looking at some of the old maps of the area and there should be a small waterfall not far from here.”

You cocked an eyebrow, “last time we went for a walk to see something ‘not far from here’ we hiked uphill for four hours.” You stretched out lazily your upper body coming to rest on his lap and your legs taking up the rest of the cushions. “I wouldn’t be opposed to staying like this all day. You’re very warm.”

His calloused fingers gently caressed your cheek. “What if I told you there is supposed to be an abundance of wild fruit in the area?”

Oh, he knew you too well. Hiding up in the mountains meant that you only had so much variety in food and it had to have a long shelf life. When you had left home, you had taken a few fresh ingredients with you but those were long gone. Meals now where made out of various foods dried within an inch of their life. The idea of fresh blueberries had your mouth watering and you resolve crumbling. You sat up and straightened out your clothes “When do you want to leave?”

“Someone’s eager.” He smirked. You wanted to wipe it off his face with some witty remark-- you didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of winning-- but your mind could focus on nothing but the promise of fruit and another enjoyable afternoon with your lover.

An hour later you were dressed in sturdy yet comfortable clothes-- far better for the outdoors than your pyjamas—and ready to go.

Obi-wan leads you out the door and through the dense forest; his hand never leaving yours. Every time you tried to start a conversation he was quick to quiet you. At first, you had been offended but later realized that he was listening for the waterfall. He must have heard it long before you because he became far more certain of the direction you were to take.

When you heard the loud roar, you could hardly contain your excitement. Thoughts of berries and apples caused your mouth to water and your feet to move faster.

“Patients is a virtue love,” laughed Obi-wan and you tried to pull him along behind you.

You felt the warm sun hit your body when you finally emerged into the clearing. Letting go of Ob-wan’s hand you ran to the center of the grassy area to get a better look at your surroundings. The waterfall was hard to miss. It wasn’t particularly big, but the water still fell loudly into the large pond below it. At one spot the pond became what looked the start of a creek. You looked to the trees and bushes trying to find any spots of colour that would indicate the promised fruit; you found nothing.

“Obi, would you mind telling me where the fruit you promised me is?” You asked as he came to stand at your side.

He looked around quickly, “it very well may be out of season.” His hand took yours again. “I’m sorry darling.”

You wanted to be mad at him for dragging you out here when you had wanted to stay in, but it was impossible when he was looking at you like you were the only thing that mattered. You sighed, “At least the waterfall is pretty.”

“Very,” he said, “I’m going to get a closer look.” He placed a quick kiss on the corner of your lips before you released your hand walking to the edge of the pond. He crouched low to ground upon reaching the pond and dipped his hand into the cold water.

With his back facing you and his attention turned elsewhere you began to formulate a plan. Maybe you couldn’t be mad at him, but you had nothing against playful revenge.

You placed yourself directly behind the Jedi; not bothering to hide your approach. He turned his head to flash you a quick smile. So far he didn’t seem to suspect anything. You couched down to get a better angle and with one hard push, you sent him falling forward into the water.

You were quite proud of yourself and your success; you were even mentally prepping a teasing remark for when he surfaced. You weren’t prepared for the large hand that shot out of the water and grabbed your wrist and pulled you into the pond.

You screamed out of surprise and the sheer chill of the water. You could feel Obi-wan next to you, his cloak floating around him and tangling in your legs as you breached the surface. He grabbed your legs and guided them around your waist. He was just tall enough to be able to reach the bottom and keep his head above water you noted.

You couldn’t help but admire the way his wet hair stuck to his forehead or the grin that had overtaken his lips; judging by his wandering eyes he seemed to be doing to the same to you.

“I knew you were going to do that,” he said chuckling softly.

You scoffed, “no you didn’t. How could you possibly know?”

“For a Politian’s daughter, you are surprisingly easy to read.” As he spoke his fingers brushed the wet hair away from your face.

“Then why did you let me push you?”

He hummed and looked if he was deciding how we wanted to respond. “I’m sure once we get out of this freezing water you’re going to want to warm up and I have a few ideas on how to help.” His grin turned into a mischievous smirk, the sort he usually gave before eagerly undressing you.

“I hate you.” You rolled your eyes not meaning what you said one bit.

His lips were quick to find your neck and place a rough kiss on the one spot that drove you crazy. There was no stopping the soft moan that escaped you. He continued to smirk against your wet skin. “I find that very hard to believe love.”

Tags: @psionicsnow @glitchnovax

#obi-wan kenobi #obi wan kenobi x reader #obi wan x reader #obi-wan kenobi x reader #obi-wan x reader #star wars x reader #star wars imagines

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darkpoisonouslove · 4 years ago

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“Revenge of the Trix” Thoughts

Diving into this second special and I have to say that I am actually quite excited to see how this will go. It was fun comparing the first special to season 1 even though I kinda expected to be angered. But good news! I wasn’t. Not so much at least and I really hope that pattern will continue.

- I am not quite sure but I think they changed the timeline a little bit. Though, if it means I get the festival of the rose or that battle with the witches in Magix, I am down! I doubt it but I will hold on to my hopes until they get dashed!

- I am still puzzled by Faragonda’s remark about the “powerful forces here at work”. What does that mean? Who is she talking about? She can’t be wary of Daphne so what the hell is happening? Was she concerned at the possibility of Bloom having Dragon Fire? I really hope they will explain some of this. But I like that they added the fact that Daphne was the princess of Domino. It wasn’t in the original of this scene and I am glad they changed that.

- Okay, without the bike rescue and the way the dialogue in that scene is reworked, the Riven and Darcy stuff is way more disturbing than it used to be! She straight up spelled him without any connection being made outside of that and it just looks way too creepy. Not to mention that it does a disservice to Riven’s character as well because if Darcy never rescued him, he has no other reason to be meeting her other than “I don’t care about my friends, just about being great”.

- Spring break? Wow! We really sped through that school year.

- Was that montage from Gardenia in the original? I don’t quite remember that but it is cute as hell! And to end it with Mike and Vanessa hugging while happily watching their daughter? I will go sob now if you’ll excuse me. Beautiful.

- Wait, she’s dreaming of the night Mike saved her from the fire (instead of, you know, the fire in the flower shop)? And by the looks of it, in this she doesn’t know that she’s adopted like she did in 4kids season 1... I am actually in trepidation over this next scene.

- Well, that scene went better than I thought it would. But she really didn’t know about being adopted. I am just glad that she didn’t get mad they hadn’t told her the truth. It would have broken my heart. And they are her parents anyway.

- Omg, Bloom is asking all the right questions! I cannot believe it! I am absolutely ecstatic that they changed that part because now it is really making sense (I had given up on ever saying that in regards to Winx Club again so I vote my decision to watch the specials “fucking spectacular”). She connected the dots about getting her powers from her birth parents! I have been so salty about her not asking that in season 1 but they fixed it! Imma go happy sob again.

- Faragonda is showing her stuff now? Of her own volition? Nice! I just don’t think the “Daphne lived in a lake” thing makes sense. Didn’t her soul go there after her body was destroyed by the curse of Sirenix? That is different! And considering Faragonda’s past with the Company of Light, that is not all that she knows about Daphne so she’s kinda lying.

- Now that she saw the crown, does that mean that they don’t get to waste time going to Domino even though her powers were inside her all along? I really, really hope so! And the way Daphne presented the crown to her could be taken as symbolism about Daphne passing it down to her now that Bloom is the only living heir to the throne of Domino. That was a cool detail and a great change imo (especially if they aren’t gonna go to Domino).

- Well, Lucy’s PoV was kinda made more... understandable, I guess? Like, the wording was better... right before the very end of that argument between her and Mirta. That was somehow meaner than what happened in s1. But I actually like the change to the scene with Mirta casting her spell to spy on the Trix. I think it makes more sense than the way it was done in s1.

- How does she know there is an archive in Cloud Tower when she has never been there? I think this scene suffers from the changes. And it is also really convenient that she decided to break into CT just in time for the Trix to trick her. I think those scenes were backwards in s1 and it was after the Trix saw her in CT that they came up with their plan which was better because it didn’t look so staged. Also, “What are friends for?” Yeah, right, Sky. Friends. Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure. And you weren’t totally on a date.

- That scene with the Specialists was pretty intense considering its length. Since when is Brandon being the cautious one? While Timmy is like “Sure I’ll help you commit major offense against school rules, no probs”? I could take Brandon’s behavior as a best friend’s worry and Timmy’s as a friend’s desire to help out but it still seems a bit out of place. I am just glad that Sky is taking care of the tactics instead of just throwing himself at it.

- And there is no defense system or anything here. I can’t tell if that’s good or bad. It was kinda random when it popped up in s1 (never to be seen again, mind you) but it seems a bit illogical for the school to not have some kind of protection (especially if it has powerful spells inside). Idk.

- I am stunned by Sky’s absolute dumbassery that is bordering on being an asshole (and even tipping right into it). What does it matter if she’s a witch? She is still the same Bloom she was before she learned it, wtf, dude? (Not to mention that this pisses me off greatly because it implies that all witches are pure evil.) I just can’t understand why Bloom didn’t wonder how she has a fairy form then. She can turn into a fairy and that is pretty solid proof that she isn’t a witch. Why didn’t she question it?

- Awww! I love how worried Winx are for Bloom! And I think they’re skipping classes (and risking to get in big trouble with Griselda) to go look for her. True friendship!

- What is she doing sleeping in the bushes? And why doesn’t she just try to fly there? You know, get some proof for herself that she’s a fairy since she has the wings and all?

- Why is Stormy just setting random patches of grass on fire? I agree with Darcy, it can be dangerous if she sets the whole forest on fire.

- “Why would we be so cruel? For giggles.” XDDD

- They changed Mirta’s powers to transforming emotions into energies? That is kinda cool but isn’t that what all magic does?

- The Dragon just swept the Trix away? Is that what happened? It looked like it just fucked off into the sky without doing shit but I digress. But aww at the way Tecna scooped up Bloom so carefully! It was adorable!

- If I were Bloom, I would leave Sky a very angry message and he’d have to give a real good apology for me to take him back. The moment she appeared to be something he didn’t expect, he pulled away from her. That is not someone you want to be in a relationship with. I just wish Bloom would figure out that she can do better. If he shallow like that, you don’t need him, hon. (But hey, don’t blame Kiko! And that wasn’t bad advice! If you want to talk to someone, you should fucking call them! That was good advice.)

- Oh, no! No, no, no, no! Please, not the Day of the Royals! I beg of you! Though, it will have to happen because that is what makes Bloom go back to Gardenia where the Trix corner her. But what will happen with the Diaspro story? Bloom knows that Sky is Sky. Though, he still didn’t tell her he was engaged so I guess there can be drama over that. Ugh, why?

- “That’s a relief”? Fuck you, Sky! So her not being a witch is what makes or breaks this relationship - actually, pardon me, THIS FRIENDSHIP according to his own definition - and not, you know? Her goddamn personality maybe? Damn, what a fucker. Seriously, he is so much worse than in s1. Bloom should really stop wasting time on his sorry ass and go snatch Diaspro for herself instead. Why does he have a picture of Diaspro btw? He does not really care for her... like, at all. Not that he cares for anyone, apparently.

- Oh, so now he loves Bloom? Also, great going, Timmy! Yeah, just suggest breaking off a royal engagement. Without even asking what the political situation is. That is not the best idea. I mean, there was the possibility that Eraklyon needed that marriage. Which, of course, they don’t but still. It ain’t that simple. (God, I hate giving Sky an excuse but this really is a complicated situation. Though, he could have just told Bloom about the arranged marriage instead of lying to her.)

- She could have just waited instead of going for the option of getting them all in trouble. It was only one day. But at least Winx tried to talk her out of it instead of being right there with her in the impulsiveness. And yet, they still decided to support her like friends do. That is cute!

- “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” Ya think? And yes, being around Erendor and Samara is definitely not a great experience.

- Ooh, she saw Sky directly with Diaspro! Damn, that changes things. And I hate to admit it but it makes more sense because at least now she has a solid reason to jump to conclusions.

- Oh, no! She thinks it is the Trix again. Honestly, I just wish she would have seen Sky for the lying piece of shit that he is! It would have saved so much trouble. I feel bad for Diaspro, though. She just got attacked without having done anything to deserve it. Shocking, I know. But none of this was her fault.

- Sky really did that with Riven? I thought he would be more mature than Riven but nope. He is really campaigning for asshole of Red Fountain. I know Riven started this but Sky has previous offenses against both Bloom and Diaspro so he takes the cake.

- Codatorta was very quick into action. It was kinda impressive. I see that the conflict between Griffin and Faragonda is non-existent here. “I see it’s not just my students who can behave badly”? This coming from Griffin? That has the exact opposite tone of her line in the original. It’s kinda like “Well, we’re in this together because obviously neither my, nor your students know what the hell they are doing.” Though, it can still be taken as a subtle dig as in “You thought you had the high ground when you sent me back the Trix but look at what your fairy has done!”. That actually sounds more like it, though her tone of voice was still a bit too soft for a confrontation.

- Hey, no nightmare monster? But does that mean that the Trix don’t get expelled from CT?

- Aww, I wish she wouldn’t just leave her friends behind! And that montage of memories. (But what the heck is Tecna doing at that fountain? Get down from there, Tecna! I thought you were the reasonable one!)

- How do the Trix know Bloom is from Gardenia? It sounds like they are the bestest of friends with her instead of mortal enemies.

- Awwwwww! Mike and Vanessa keep being so supportive! I love it!

- I actually think I like how they reworked this scene! Icy dropped them in the portal thingy (whatever the hell it was) to force Bloom to transform and lower her guard at the same time and I think it made some more sense than the original did.

- “Our ancestral witches”? That sounded kinda weird. I was just about to say in my conclusion for this special that they dropped the Daphne storyline halfway through this but I see they haven’t. I am pleasantly surprised! And Bloom actually learns that she is her sister (which for some reason was missing from the 4kids dub) as well as all the stuff about Domino. Well, all in very vague terms but still.

- I actually prefer the original way they plucked the fire out of her. It was more jarring while here the animation was just a tad bit too smooth for what it needed to accomplish.

- Oh, and here her fairy form just vanished after they took the flame? I love that! It was the one thing that instantly told me that she still had her powers in s1 because she still had her winx for a while after they took it from her. But here it disappeared the moment the Trix took off with her power. I am curious to see if it is actually gone. Though, I can understand how believing she doesn’t have it anymore can get in the way of her transforming because magic comes from emotions.

This was actually better than I thought it would be and I went in with some expectations because of the first special! I am so pleasantly surprised! The plot carried well throughout this one as well and I supported about 95% of the changes they made from the original storyline which is a lot more than I expected! There was a thing or two that didn’t make much sense, but overall, this was pretty logical! My nitpick would be with the title of this special because the Trix weren’t all that central to it and there was no revenge whatsoever here. I would call it more of a hunt, really. So that would’ve been better if it had been something else having to do with Bloom since she remained at the front and center the whole time... And that didn’t annoy me at all. Wow! I kinda wish they will rework all the seasons into specials now if they can make me like Bloom (though, I admittedly had my moments of that in s1 as well. It is just that the later on we go, the more I can’t stand her). Now I am hyped about the next one and I really hope I won’t be disappointed because it will be such a shame after the good work in this one. (Oh, and the rest of Winx didn’t have much role in this one but I was actually so absorbed in the Bloom storyline that I didn’t notice until this very moment. Man, these specials are really working a miracle here!)

#winx club #winx bloom #anti sky #winx diaspro #winx mirta #trix #winx icy #winx darcy #winx stormy #winx mike #winx vanessa #winx specials #revenge of the trix #thoughts #review

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jae-canikeepyou · 5 years ago

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| 14 roses | j.jh | ch. one

genre: soulmate!au

a/n: i wrote another series for the month love! the genre you see is what it is. this series acts as a countdown to jaehyun’s birthday! hope y’all look forward to the process of fluffiness/giddiness~ rhyming not intended. enjoy! ~j. 💕

couples; known for a pair to build that long, eternal love, a match made in heaven and you wondered that for the past few weeks it seemed the universe was giving you a sign. sure one sign obviously would make the realization hit you, however, the thing is..

they were everywhere.

you let out a heavy sigh at their presence as if they were telling you to be involved with someone already. the pressure from your friends had you on the edge of a cliff. one more nudge from them you’d soon be falling into the abyss and world of love. they would applaud for you, having your singleness label removed and replaced with “in a relationship”; just like that fb status where a click of a mouse could change everything.

a bell chimed indicating your best friends— yeeun and wonyoung— that you have arrived to the café. “y/n! over here!” you heard your name being called at the far end of the cozy and warm themed café. they noticed your wrinkled eyebrows and immediately knew the reason behind them.

“you’re frowning again~” wonyoung laughed, pinching your already-red cheeks from the cold. “how many did you run into this time?”

a scoff left your lips, unwrapping your scarf to place it on the table. “ugh i don’t know, i’m too irritated to even count.” you rubbed your temples at the pain of just thinking about it.

yeeun patted the seat beside her and as you sat down, they both rested their palms onto their chins, admiring you even if you weren’t in your best mood now. “ew you’re both smiling like i’ve already found him.” you brought out your wallet to order your favourite vanilla latte.

“we’re just waiting for the day you’d receive the first sign.” wonyoung emphasized on the latter word.

knowing your friends, they already found their soulmates on the first year of high school. and it was quite fast compared to the rest. for those who hasn’t found theirs definitely grew very impatient. luckily for you, you weren’t that interested, not yet. more of it wasn’t your priority. you’ve had crushes here and there but that’s just about it. with your academics and carreer path as your first, you pushed it to the back of your mind. yet since they brought it up, your soulmate’s existence got you curious.

you queued up to order and as if everything seemed to blur, two guys welcomed you with a smile so ethereal. “what would like to order?” the one with chocolate brown eyes asked. you were still stunned with his looks that you forgot to respond; only a loud gulp was heard. “pardon?”

“oh, uh sorry.. three cups of vanilla latte..” you chuckled in embarrassment.

he pressed onto the screen in front of him. “three cups? okay. what size?”

“t-tall would do..” you said without thinking as you saw his height. grabbing the money from the folds of your wallet, he stopped your quivering hands.

“it’s on the house today.” he winked then smiled widely that his upper cheeks formed whiskers. soon he turned to the groan of his co-worker, who was now wiping the milk from his heat-resistant gloves.

profanities came out of his lips and you tilt your head to the side. maybe he was having a bad day or he messed up the initial design he wanted for the ordered cappuccino. “is he okay?” you questioned softly that the guy in front laughed.

“oh yeah he’ll be fine. someone probably occupied his mind right now.”

“shut up johnny!” he replied from the machine area.

not wanting to interrupt their work any further, you took the tray handed to you. “well, thanks for kind gesture johnny.”

he waved at you before catering other customers. “any time.”

wonyoung and yeeun’s jaws were dropped when you arrived to the table. you gave their cups and sat back. the heat of your cheeks was warmer than it was seconds ago. johnny and his friend looked cool and seemed decent. that was one reason why your friends were now grinning at you; those two guys probably hit home run.

they shifted their eyes and head to the side, pointing at the two part-time hotties. you eyed them and for a little game of revenge and fun, you huffed as response to their wait. no words were needed and silence was eating them from the inside. and honestly it was an amusing sight to watch.

“well? did you get their numbers?” yeeun finally spoke and clasped her hands together like a girl who was fishing for guys despite having her boyfriend.

“no? why would i ask a stranger their number?” you made an expression that got yeeun dumbfounded.

“hey, we know you. those guys are definitely your type.” yeeun said, stirring the latte design.

their mouths curled at your stern standpoint, not wanting to you escape the hot seat had them hyper. “tell us who caught your eye first, y/n.” wonyoung sneered as she leaned forward to the table.

there was a forceful exhalation from your purses lips when you realized what they were getting you into. you bit back your words and gave them nod of disagreement. there it was, they began to lead you to the edge of the cliff. all kinds of illustrations filled your mind and it slowly clouded your vision.

maybe it was okay to give in a little?

they crossed their arms, wanting you to admit defeat as you finally sighed in surrender, “a-and if none of the guys is my soulmate?”

“jackpot! i knew they’re your type!” yeeun balled her fists in the air. “y/n it’s okay to go on dates before you meet your soulmate. they’re just friendly ones and there’s no harm in trying.”

heading out of the café, you said goodbyes to the two baristas. johnny and his friend smiled back, relieved at your appreciation for their hospitality.

a ruffle sound came from your bag. you stopped in your tracks to see a black rose inside. wonyoung pulled your idle state into her car before your eyes could flutter at the flower in your hand. “ooh the hotties are a step further.” she looked at you.

“they didn’t give it to me. it was in my bag when i searched for my phone..” you told her with shrugged eyebrows, not caring where it came from anyway.

“oh shoot!”

“it has begun!”

“we just talked about it-”

“and the first sign came!”

“aren’t we masterminds?”

“future tellers!”

“yay us!”

yeeun and wonyoung looked at each other, their squeals deafened you briefly at the possibility of a potential soulmate. “r-right..” you agreed for a moment before you snapped out of the flow. “wait how is this a soulmate thing?” you asked as fastened the seatbelt.

“a coloured flower appeared, which means that the soulmate search starts now! i have to vlog this~” yeeun danced in her seat and wonyoung had her eyes fixated onto the mirror above her.

“it’s a black rose though..” they heard your voice trail off. “how can i search for him when this means he’s dead?” you waved the flower to catch their attention.

“silly girl, he’s not dead. it just means his previous relationship ended.” wonyoung started to drive, noticing your presence having full of inquiries and confusion. of course for someone like you who hasn’t had any boyfriend since birth, all of this was new to you; and they planned to crack your introvert shell.

“we’re heading to your place y/n! seems like our sleepover will be early~” yeeun turned the screen of her camera upwards, zooming into your face.

you hid your face behind your palms. “yeeun i swear if you zoom in more i’m gonna-”

“our best friend got her first sign!”

the hyperactive mood of the two had you thinking that you knew you wouldn’t be able to have a good night’s rest starting tomorrow,

or maybe tonight.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

| first rose: black ~ “ended relationship” |

#14 roses jjh #jaehyun scenarios #jaehyun imagines #jung jaehyun #jung yoonoh #nct jaehyun #jaehyun x reader #jaehyun soulmate au #jaehyun au #jaehyun series

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fortune-fool02 · 5 years ago

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Supermassive Black Hole

Jean Pierre Polnareff x bad-ass, female reader

Song: Supermassive Black Hole by Muse

I, for some reason, thought this would be a good song for Polnareff. Please enjoy.

Oh baby, don't you know I suffer? Oh baby, can you hear me moan? You caught me under false pretences How long before you let me go?

Polnareff always believed that he would fall in love with a sweet, innocent girl who he would sweep in -her knight in shining armour- and rescue her from her situation. The kind of girl who could make hearts melt and flowers bloom just by smiling at them. That was the kind of woman he believed he would fall in love with.

However, that was the kind of girl [Name] was not. With her blacked out sunglasses shielding her [Eye colour] orbs, the dark choice of clothing and way she carried herself, one would see her as almost Jotaro’s type. Especially with that leather jacket that she refused to take off, regardless of the weather. It was all that and the way she had that expression that made her seem ready to punch anyone in the face just for kicks that made Polnareff almost intimidated by her.

Yet, at the same time, he felt his heart swoon for that [Hair colour] woman.

Ooh, You set my soul alight. You set my soul alight.

Their introduction to [Name] was... an interesting one, to say the least. The group had settled down for a break in a cafe, Polnareff had gotten up to use the restroom when he noticed the [Hair colour] female sitting in the corner of the cafe, head down and seeming to be glancing over at them a lot more than what was comfortable. This strange before set red flags off to the group, believing that she was one of Dio’s servants sent to attack them. But with the risk of so many people getting hurt, they took the battle on the outskirts of the town they were in. Sure enough, the woman followed them, lingering in the shadows and appearing casual.

When they confronted her, she wasted no time in striking the first attack, leaping into the air and aiming a kick at Polnareff. This baffled the crusaders as most of Dio’s followers used their Stands rather than physical attacks but that was dismissed as, once she was close enough to Polnareff, her Stand materialised and sent him flying into Avdol and Mr Joestar. Her Stand was quite unique, compared to the others they have fought against, seeming to be adapted in both close and far combat without an issue. The strength and speed was remarkable, as well as the will of the user. Whatever passion was driving her to have such inflicted, merciless attacks was impressive, even for them.

Yet, despite all this, she was unable to over-power Star Platinum and Magician’s Red. She laid there, sunglasses on the ground beside her as she tried to get back up.

Glaciers melting in the dead of night And the superstars sucked into the super massive (you set my soul alight) Glaciers melting in the dead of night And the superstars sucked into the super massive (you set my soul)

“So, how’s Dio doing knowing his followers are failing?” Polnareff had asked her, sarcasm dripping off his voice as he pressed his foot on her stomach, keeping her in place. Her reaction was not quite what they were expecting. Confusion, disbelief and an offended look crossed her face as she glared at him.

“What the hell are you all talking about? You’re the ones working for him.” Everyone traded looks with each other at that. Was she serious? Mr Joestar turned to her, saying how they didn’t work for Dio and that they believed she worked for him. [Name] had given them such an offended look at that.

“Why would I work for the bastard who took everything from me?” It was that question that made everyone raise a brow at her, an awkwardness flooding Polnareff as he rose his foot off of her, apologising a bit as he helped her up. She dusted herself off, scooped her sunglasses up and slid them back on.

After a bit of a discussion, the crusaders came to learn that this woman -who introduced herself as [Name] [Surname]- had lost her mother and sister because of Dio and was seeking revenge for her lost family. Mr Joestar had explained their situation as well and that was when [Name] asked to join them in stopping Dio. Funny, each time they gain a new ally, they always battled against them first.

I thought I was a fool for no one. Oh baby, I'm a fool for you. You're the queen of the superficial. And how long before you tell the truth?

It hadn’t taken long before everyone had a grasp on the kind of person [Name] was. She wasn’t as stoic as Jotaro but she wasn’t far off, and that left Polnareff baffled at how he found himself unable to get her out of his head. Maybe it was how she always seemed to have some form of plan for their situation, or maybe it was how she respected both herself and the crusaders. He was unsure but he knew one thing: That he found the woman absolutely irresistible.

Just when he believed she couldn’t surprise him any further, she pulls another trick from her sleeve, sweeping him off his feet and leaving his stunned, and craving more.

The car smashed into the side of theirs, almost forcing them off the side of the cliff they were on. It was clear that the driver’s intention was to drive them off the cliff and terminate them. [Name], without warning, unbuckled her seat belt and threw her door open, pulling herself onto the car roof and shutting it behind her; ensuring that the others weren’t going to get injured that way. The crusaders watched as she jumped from their car roof to the enemy’s, using her Stand to get her there. Foolish or fearless, they were unsure which it was with [Name], but it was obvious that this [Hair colour] woman was not afraid of death.

She just wanted to exact her revenge on Dio before she would allow herself to die.

You set my soul alight. You set my soul alight.

The radio crackled a little, clearing its throat almost, before the flow of a random song followed. [Name]’s lips lifted upward at the song, leaning back in the driver’s seat and drumming her fingers along to the beat of the song, softly singing along to it. Polnareff sat in the passenger seat beside her, also listening to the song. The other crusaders had left them alone in the car as they were gathering all important things they needed, giving [Name] and Polnareff time alone. Which the Frenchman was silently grateful for.

He angled his gaze to [Name], taking in her features as if he was seeing her all over again for the first time. Her sunglasses were hanging on her shirt, letting the world see her [Eye colour] orbs that held a sparkle to them no one would imagine they did. Genuine happiness could be seen in them, and that made Polnareff’s heart swell.

“You know Polnareff,” her voice pulled him from his little trace, “I know it doesn’t seem like it but I like you.” Heat crawled up his neck, itching at his face despite his best attempts to push it down. His hand rubbed the back of his neck, a subconscious action of nerves.

“Really? I kept getting the impression you wanted to punch me most of the time.” She looked at him, those eyes shooting through him like a bullet but one he would happily welcome, a light smile on her lips.

“No, sometimes I do.” The two shared a laugh at that, carefree without the intention to kill someone and avenge those they had lost. “But, you’re actually quite... interesting. I would love to spend time with you some time, get to know you better. If you don’t mind.” That left him speechless. Was [Name] asking him on a date? A light, bubbling feeling flooded his body as a wide smile lifted his lips.

“Yeah, sure. I’d love that too.” he replied. Her smile never faltered even when she returned back to the song.

Super massive black hole. Super massive black hole. Super massive black hole. (Super massive black hole).

#polnareff #jean pierre polnareff #jojo bizarre adventure #polnareff x reader #jean pierre polnareff x reader #jojo bizzare adventure x reader #polnareff stardust crusaders #jojo #jojo x reader #stardust crusaders #stardust crusaders x reader #songfic #female reader #reader insert

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jesterlady · 5 years ago

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Rise of Skywalker review

After Watching Episode IX for the second time, I feel like it’s finally time to make my feelings known regarding the sequel trilogy and to vent some of the negativity by getting it down in somewhat rational fashion.

If any one recalls the 6k I wrote on Avengers Endgame, you’ll know what to expect.

Now it’s been a while since I saw either Ep VII or VIII, so my memory is likely rusty on details.

My feelings on this trilogy in general have been extremely negative. It’s interesting, but after I saw Force Awakens, I actually had a very positive reaction at first. It felt like a Star Wars movie (following the New Hope formula). But after a while, even before Last Jedi came, I realized that I actually was disappointed, not necessarily in the movie as a movie or the new characters, but the direction the whole trilogy was likely to go.

I must confess a great deal of this feeling probably arose from watching Clone Wars and Rebels in the meantime and becoming very caught up in those time periods and what they represent for Star Wars. And that’s just it…the sequel trilogy takes what came before, what those people bled and died for, and basically said it didn’t matter. They didn’t actually save the galaxy. The victory at Endor has become incredibly cheapened by the First Order’s existence…and it doesn’t even matter that apparently it was Palpatine all along so it’s suddenly very connected in a haphazard fashion.

They could have told a much more interesting story about the struggles of rebuilding a galaxy. They could have had the same characters, they could have had the same arcs (terrible ones mostly), and the galaxy could still be in danger. But starting off with a brand new evil empire like destroying the old one didn’t even matter, not even letting Han and Leia stay together…like, that’s just creating drama for the sake of drama. We have to destroy everything that was built before, because we’re really unoriginal and don’t know how to create new stories or build on top of a good foundation.

Say what you like about the prequels (I am a fan in general) they had a very cohesive story, building toward a single point. The sequels…did not.

Now, we must all acknowledge the elephant in the room. That of the atrocious planning and divided directional control that went into making these movies. I don’t know what Disney was thinking! The MCU for all its faults is a cohesive whole. With a franchise infinitely more popular and lucrative and with a fraction less of the movies, you couldn’t pull off having a story that makes sense?

And I’ll just say that even if JJ didn’t like what Rian did with TLJ, basically completely doing a 180 and trying to go the other direction, was selfish. It destroyed further rather than fixed the problem. I don’t have anything else to say, other than the lack of unity is probably the ultimate problem after the initial direction in the first place. I didn’t really approve of TLJ. The Rey/Ben parts…sure, but the slowest chase scene known to man and completely superfluous side ventures to a gambling planet were utter drivel. So it’s not that I’m a Rian vs JJ person. I think the lack of unity and that they both screwed with each other’s narratives is the problem.

Anyway, we’re here to talk about TROS. (And how about that, coming up with a title that is super confusing since we already have Revenge of the Sith. I guess that’s ROTS…but come on!

So…this will be fairly chronological but as I get deeper into character arcs and plot points, it will delve all over the place.

The intro of a Star Wars movie is usually fairly jarring. We’re dropped into the middle of a situation and all we know is three paragraphs long, to tell us what’s going on and what happened. But this felt even more jarring than usual.

Suddenly knowing Palps is alive in the credit titles is so off course. Knowing he was alive at the end of TLJ would have been preferable, leaving us time to stew over how he was still alive and giving them time to come up with something more coherent than the absolute zero explanation we were given. The return of an essential character/villain like that deserves way more gravitas and planning than the shock value we were presented with. The idea of him being alive is not so shocking to those familiar with the EU, but that was explained and explained well, whereas how long he’s been planning this, Snoke, the ships, how…it’s all completely ignored and I guess we can come up with explanations on our own. So…is Snoke his clone? Or a part of him? How many Snokes were there? There are so many questions regarding their relationship…how it relates to Kylo/Ben, how it relates to Rey, how it relates to their bond, but I’ll get more into that later. And more on those ships.

Pretty sure a blow no one can be faulted with is Carrie’s death. If she had been alive, I have to believe so many things would have been better. She uttered the only sensible line in the movie…never underestimate a droid. Something everyone else went on to ignore even though droids made the whole movie possible. Ugh. I do think it’s funny that since TFA we’ve all been told to call her the General now…no more princess cause princesses are apparently weak, but she was suddenly a princess again this movie.

The Jedi texts, I’d like to know more about that. Very plot device-y really, if you think about it. All this info about new and improved powers and places and things and considering how much lore we know as an audience who actually have been exposed to when the Jedi were still around, opposed to Luke onward…it’s just an excuse for story. Same thing with the Sith wayfinders and that dagger. I guess you could make the argument for Palps having them made after ROTJ, but…that makes no sense. But it’s the only thing that makes sense since how could anyone make a dagger the exact shape of a crashed Death Star before it crashed? But the Jedi texts…super old texts…reference the wayfinders. And it was already in the vault of the crashed DS. All I’m saying is that doesn’t make a lot of logical sense and someone needs to explain it to me. And to stop making mysterious keys and clues to things. It makes sense the Sith loyalist would have it since he needed to go back to Exegol to deliver Rey, (though he had clearly already left Jakku and killed her parents, so was he just going back to say, oops, I messed up? Palps clearly got the message somehow) but maybe it would have been better for them to keep all the Oracle stuff in and explained all this stuff properly. Like I’m confused about Palpatine’s plan and he’s usually the master of strategy.

Okay…Poe is so unlikable in this movie. And he really doesn’t have an arc. Maybe a little one, struggling with the burden of leadership. But he mostly seems to be there to argue with people and be rude to Threepio. This is a waste of a good character. He was barely in TFA, he was a total mess in TLJ, and here he’s just a jerk. I got nothing good to say for him. Which is a shame because he could have been awesome.

We will talk about Rose and her complete lack of presence. Up front, I never cared for Rose in TLJ…didn’t see the point of her. She brought nothing to the story in my opinion and whether she was supposed to be a love interest for Finn or to symbolize hope or just be representative of WOC, I don’t know. But her being shifted to the sidelines of this story is a blatant statement of disrespect. The actress has been very publicly discriminated against online and instead of taking care of her, the director and studio pretty much stated they agreed with that by what they did with her character. Aside from that…makes zero sense for someone who was so built up and had such a big part in TLJ to be so downplayed and have her story just stop in the middle. It’s bad storytelling. Especially while you’re bringing in a troop of new female characters to do…what? Basically things Rose could have accomplished and would have made more sense doing.

Along the lines of pointless things…what is the point of the Knights of Ren? They were so built up…such an ooh, scary prospect and they play zero role in this. They have no point. They have no purpose. We know nothing about them unless we hunt for backstory in comics and things like that. But you shouldn’t have to do that to understand the point of someone in a movie. I’d also just like to point out, if they’re really Force sensitives who were Jedis in training…maybe? Then they should be a lot harder to defeat and why don’t they have light sabers? And…why are they the Knights of Ren if there isn’t at least a discussion about what their leader is doing when he comes to Exegol. Like they’re just trying to kill him from the second he enters. I’d be like…hi, boss, so why aren’t we killing the girl…or something like that. And if they’re the Knights of Ren, his…family for lack of a better term, people who trained with him since boys, I’d like to think he at least would have some compunction of striking them down…would try to reason with them first. They might still be brainwashed like he was, but he would know that better than anyone. I don’t know if that makes sense, but that’s my knee jerk reaction. A waste of possibilities.

Want to talk about another waste? Hux! Never liked him and his Hitler youth attitude, but really he was not important in this trilogy, like at all. DG is too good an actor to not have his talents used better. He, Phasma, and Kylo were built up as this villain trilogy to stand against the Rey, Poe, Finn good guy trilogy, and basically none of them got any kind of development other than Kylo. I knew Hux was the spy and I believe it is funny that he is the spy solely because he hates Kylo so much, but other than that…he was a waste of space. Better to have him finally rise and become the commander he’d always wanted to be instead of Pryde suddenly being there and being all evil and competent for some reason. Having him be significant for having followed Palpatine before would only actually be significant if we had seen him serve Palpatine before. It’s just another instance of this brand new character suddenly taking the place of an established one for no reason.

We can talk about Finn now. Finn, who also suffered from lack of actual character arc and purpose in the movie other than running after everyone and being worried about them. The whole Force sensitive thing is old news…we all knew about it a long time ago. And this way of revealing it…such poor methods! As far as I know the only reason you’d start thrashing around and declaring you never told someone something is because it is going to be a declaration of love or like a super big confession of guilt. I mean, that’s what they wanted us to think by keeping it in suspense for so much of the movie and it’s just…not that big of a deal. Like it’s not a surprise, it’s not a death confession topic. It was just stupid.

As for the idea that he only left the First Order because of the Force, well, that just implies that only Force sensitive people know right from wrong and can make moral decisions…it’s just not a good message. Now whether Jannah’s whole platoon is Force sensitive is not clear, but it’s strongly implied. And the fact that it’s what he wants to have told Rey is also not clear. Like you have to figure that out (possibly with online help), it’s not inherent in the narrative. Also…could have been told to Rose, Jannah not needed. In fact, this whole storyline would have actually made much more sense and been better if it’s something Finn had been dealing with in TLJ and perhaps came with an army of defectors or been out convincing people this whole time. Potential storyline wasted. Plus…for someone who’s an ex Stormtrooper, watching Finn run down hallways and strike down troopers is pretty insensitive and OOC if you ask me. Just a super bad way to take the character. And he really didn’t do that much else other than be the main person who does the thing that destroys the thing so everyone else can do the main thing they’re there to do.

Wow, and can we talk about Threepio’s treatment in general and in this trilogy in particular? I will be the first to admit that Han and Leia especially weren’t all that great to him all the time. But it was how they would have treated anyone, I think. Poe particularly just laid into him all the time for no reason, even after he sacrificed himself for them. Like…just really made me mad at Poe and really mad at everyone the whole movie. It appears that Threepio, one of the two original droids of the whole franchise, gets the least respect out of any of them. With all the fanservice going on, you’d think he’d be treated better. I love the HISHE part where he talks about taking a last look at his friends and it certainly ain’t none of this trio! You want to talk about underestimating a droid! I know he’s not everybody’s favorite and I’m probably biased, but if we’re ranking droids in the SW universe, which we all do, Threepio’s not at the top for me either. That spot belongs to Chopper. But I’m still going to accord Threepio the respect and dignity he deserves for seniority if nothing else. Because he tries so hard and no one ever thanks him for it. I like BB8 and all, but he goes under Threepio and R2 both in ranking! And let’s not forget if not for a droid’s knowledge of Exegeol (so convenient) and the way to get there, you resistance jerks are all toast, so respect!

Zorii, Zorii, Zorii, frankly another superfluous new character. But I liked her best out of all of them. I can see that little something something with her and Poe and I think it would be cool for it to flourish now that the war’s over and they can put the really convenient past and betrayal behind them. Poe being a spice runner isn’t bad but isn’t good either. It’s just convenient, because they suddenly needed black market stuff. Also…like how’d she survive? Really. Because it’s such a big deal for her to have gotten that thingamajig and it’s not like people have warning when the bad guys blow up your planet. There is no evacuation time.

I’ve mentioned her a bit so Jannah, again, other than it’s cool there are more women in the galaxy, just took up screen time for other characters to develop. Were they trying to insinuate she could be Lando’s daughter, because that makes zero sense! And why all of a sudden he’s champion of finding the lost families of the galaxy is super weird. Also, it was cool to see him flying the Falcon and all, but did he really add anything other than gravitas from the original trilogy? I’m usually a huge fan of fanservice, but I didn’t really feel like a fan being serviced. I felt like someone constantly having nice things thrown at me so I won’t notice the murder being done in the other room. A nice shot of Wedge, too.

So many extra resistance people always there. Like I love Dom, but why was he there?

But talking of other people really who the heck is Maz? I mean she just shows up out of nowhere and knows everything about the Force and the Jedi and people’s pasts and what their decisions are and we don’t have a clue why. Like who is she? How does she know these things? Where does she even come from? Like why does she talk about Leia trying to reach Ben and why does she smile when Leia dies, what does she know that we don’t and why?

I guess now for the really hard stuff. Rey and Ben.

They were the only ones who really got developed and even then, I think Ben got robbed out of his ending.

So Rey’s heritage. Being a Palpatine, very disappointing. If there’s one good thing I liked about TLJ it was the idea that you didn’t have to be part of some great bloodline to be special in the Force. The Force doesn’t care who your parents are. Most of the great Force users we know have literally nothing to do with who their parents are. If anything, it has more to do with their lineage of training. So JJ basically saying screw that idea and forcing Rey into that was very disappointing. And apparently electricity is very genetic…Dooku aside, of course! It also implies the Dark side in her is because of the Palpatine heritage. But the Dark Side of the Force exists for a reason, for balance, and provides something important to the galaxy. It’s already proven even the Lightest of users and bloodlines have that pull.

Rey has been alone and searching for family this whole time. Having someone to belong to was important to her. But…the message of her finding a family and joining one, I think is a lot more important than her finding out her past and heritage. Just being Rey at the end instead of having to say she was Rey Skywalker or Rey Solo would have made more sense! Of course…I also think Solo makes more sense for her anyway given her connection with Han, her training with Leia, and her bond with Ben. She did train under Luke as well, granted, but she had more Solo connection than Skywalker. They just wanted the cool name. But also doesn’t make sense since Palps calls Ben the last Skywalker in the movie as well. But whatever, I don’t really care.

Let’s talk about this whole dyad in the Force thing and the grand plan. Because I can’t logically reason it out myself.

So Palps apparently has a plan to bring Rey to him as a girl so he can have her kill him and his spirit can go into her body and he can reign through her because his old body is like super fried and the clone thing ain’t working so hot. Doesn’t happen, but he’s also working on his other plans to corrupt Ben and bring him to the Dark side, under the influence of Snoke, to do what? Like what is his plan there apart from just general evil and revenge and nasty stuff? But all along there’s apparently been this Dark prophecy against Ben (and we all know Palps is the manipulator of the Dark). Luke said Leia gave up her Jedi training because she sensed that at the end of that journey was her son’s death. You’d think then they’d honor that sacrifice by not killing him, but whatever.

Palps created or controlled or was at the back of Snoke (however he was at the back of Snoke) and so he’s pulling the strings during TLJ. He knows everything Snoke knows. So if Snoke created the bond between Rey and Ben, then he’d be very aware of that. So how does the whole dyad thing work? Because it’s made very clear Palps doesn’t know about the dyad, otherwise he likely wouldn’t have tried to do the dark ritual/strike me down plan first when it would have been so much easier to get them both together to drain them.

So…have they always been a dyad from birth? Was the dyad created separate from the bond when Snoke created the bond? A Light balance to the Dark bond? Regardless of how, clearly they are one soul and connected more powerfully than anyone else in generations.

But Palps and his plan…he tells Ben to kill Rey. What was he actually trying to do since it’s clear he didn’t want Rey dead?

My only thought is that he thought Rey would actually kill Ben and thus give in to her Dark side and be more ready to be Empress…

But Leia’s sacrifice and all of that still confuses me. Palps said that Leia interfered with his plans.

Now in that fight Rey was the instigator, was the one trying to wreak damage (freaked out by her vision and revelations, I’m sure) and Ben was the one winning that fight. Like he was going to win until Leia stopped him. But was he going to kill her? Because I think it’s pretty clear that Ben has never wanted to kill Rey even if he was trying at first before the bond really started. Either way, Leia stops him from doing something and Rey stabs him instead. Then Leia dies and snaps Rey out of it. Was it the reaching out to Ben or the death that Palps was talking about interfering with his plans? Because again…he didn’t want Rey dead at that point.

I don’t know. Having a fleet full of ships hidden for how long, when did those weapons go into place, who’s manning the ships? Because apparently there’s the regular First Order fleet still out there conveniently being taken down by the rest of the galaxy after this fleet burns, so have these recruits just been sitting out there, chilling at Exegol for years, waiting for this order and attack? Total side tangent and question really, but it all makes no sense.

Leia’s death…so much speculation on why her body didn’t vanish until Ben died. There has to be something significant there and I’d really love to know if it’s a future plan or if it was part of the original end of the movie since clearly it was changed. Maz smiles, remember. Also…is she somehow giving her life for Ben’s to bring him back? She’s clearly a Force Ghost at the end of the movie.

Okay…so Han memory. I did like that and I did like that Ben could get absolution from his dad and have that be the final thing that turns him from Kylo to Ben. I wasn’t sure I could forgive Ben ever after TFA. I cried so much and I was so mad. That’s Han Solo, y’all. HAN FRIKKING SOLO. I mean how do you even kill Han Solo?

Granted, I think we were all robbed of a story where Han and Leia are a united front raising their kid and trying to protect him from danger, but that’s just me. I mean we could have had The Mummy 2 in space, guys. ROBBED! Someone write that AU, please.

And can we just talk about Adam Driver’s acting for a moment? I mean, the boy is phenomenal. He goes from being one person to being a completely different one effortlessly. From the moment he throws the light saber in the sea, his mannerisms and physicality is so different. It’s amazing. Kudos to him. Absolutely. Oscar worthy! He does it without having any lines whatsoever apart from ‘ow.’ And I like Ben Solo and I’m sad we didn’t get to see more of him. He’s so Han’s boy, so Han’s boy. Love that! He’s an awesome character in his good boy sweater. (Love the sweater and while we’re on the subject, could him and Chris Evans have a sweater off with the good boy sweater and the white knit sweater please?)

Hey, Luke got to raise a X Wing finally. That’s the kind of fan service I’m talking about.

One of my favorite parts of the movie actually was the whole Jedi from the past bit. Mostly because I saw my boy Kanan getting his recognition and rightful spot as one of the great Jedi, up there with Obi Wan and Anakin and Ahsoka! I also loved Ahsoka being there and the other Clone Wars greats. Really cool. I do kind of wish they had included Ezra, too, but that’s just me loving on my Space Blueberry! And wishing James Arnold Taylor who put so much into Obi Wan could have at least done Plo Koon since Ewan took his place as Obi Wan. Either way, that was the only homage and respect paid to the other two trilogies and the Star Wars legend in general. The only acknowledgement of how much sacrifice and history went into this franchise before now.

Now…can Rey kill Palps now and not have his spirit go into her because he’d already made himself revitalized with their dyad energy or was it because no ritual had been done? Just wondering. Or was it a loophole since all she did was defend herself and his own lightning killed him?

There’s a lot about energy and healing and the Force in this and so you can speculate all over the place about what the rules are. (You’d think in the Clone Wars healing each other would have been a thing!) And since we’ve never deal with a dyad before, we don’t know how it works. But it really kind of feels like even with how drained both of them were after Palps took their bond…it either should have been returned to them when he died or their combined energy should have been able to keep both of them alive. Or something. Two in one means connection and honestly, I feel like both of them should have died or both of them should have lived.

I know a lot of people think it was the perfect end for Ben because he redeemed himself (like Anakin) and there would have been no place for him in the galaxy after all the evil Kylo had done. (Much less if you read the comics!) But I’m a sucker for a redemption story and I think the hardest punishment always is to face your past and work through what you’ve done instead of taking the easy way out of death (not having to actually atone). I think it’s a beautiful potential for forgiveness and grace and realizing none of us can really save ourselves.

And whatever you think of Kylo/Ben or his ending, it’s clear something was changed at the last minute. There’s a whole lot of editing done on that last scene when he revives her and they kiss and on Tattoine. There are apparently screen tests people swear they saw where he didn’t die. I won’t go into the scene analysis some Reylos have, but jaw moving and talking on Rey shots that were cut, it looking more natural for her to have been pulling him back up rather than him falling down, it looks like his hand is the one in the burying lightsaber scene… He was obviously supposed to live at some point and why they changed their minds, I don’t know. He is one of the most popular characters and they lost a cash cow when they killed him off. Silly idiots.

As far as Rey goes, I also think that’s terribly unfair, to give her the connection she’s been yearning for her whole life and instead of giving her a future, you stick her back on a sand infested planet, sliding down in a parallel to TFA, and burying the past sabers, and being alone. I know she’s still got friends and stuff but I think she won’t know her new place in all of this and she’s going to feel very lonely.

Also, where did the yellow saber come from? Did she cleanse Ben’s saber? Did she find a new kyber crystal of her own? Come on now…don’t be mysterious and weird. Normally I can take mysteries being unsolved if great care is taken to resolve relationships and characters and this trilogy and story did neither, so no love from me.

As for shipping them. I didn’t really through the first two movies. I was curious to see what would happen, but I could have gone either way. I did ship them after this one. I do love two broken people finding solace in each other. And I think there is such potential there for these characters and as a relationship that could have been done so much better and wasn’t and that’s what is the saddest thing of all.

I really have an urge to write an AU…Luke Skywalkers’ Academy for Sensitive Younglings (title patent pending) and rewrite the whole stupid thing. I fear I have neither the time nor inspiration for that. But I would dearly love to see awkward teenage versions of these characters growing up and learning and being stupid and given a chance to become the best versions of themselves. My vision of the future.

Probably in another 30 years there will be a fully formed, all ready to go evil Empire that no one has done anything to stop anyway…

So there we go. I probably have more to say but that’s all I got and that’s with taking notes!

#star wars #spoilers #text post

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prism-rush · 5 years ago

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King of Prism Road to Shiny Seven Stars event 4 translation

Trouble! Go Wild! JOKER JOKER!

Since this is the fourth event in the Road to SSS series, you may want to read the previous ones if you haven’t yet:

Road to SSS 1 Main Story Road to SSS 2 Main Story Road to SSS 3 Main Story

Translator’s notes: SO. MUCH. HAPPENS. IN. THIS. EVENT. I forgot how huge it was. So first of all, this was Joji’s debut event at the time. (By that I mean, the first event he appeared in after he became playable on Prism Rush.) But not only that, this event gave The Shuffle real dialogue on Prism Rush for the first time and featured Ace in his first non behind the scenes role A-N-Y-W-H-E-R-E (as far as I know). I also feel like this event was when Alexander first became... a good guy? By that I mean like... I think it was first time he was shown as having any other motivation besides blind revenge. But despite this being billed as a Joji/Alec event, pretty much everyone has character development in this event. It even furthers the Shin/Louis plot (See: Louis’ card story for more) and it even has a HUGE tangent about Hiro’s backstory. (This part I translated previously so if you feel like you may have already read it, you probably have. Again that’s why the images are slightly smaller for only that part.) But anyway. Let’s dive in.

Alexander: HuuuAAAAH....!!

(The street duo tournament.... There’s no way I can let myself lose at a tournament representing the street! I have to win no matter what! Kazuki Nishina, just keep sitting pretty! I’ll be coming for you soon!)

Jin: Alexander Yamato... You sure seem fired up.

Alexander: ...Hmph. You, huh.

Jin: It’s good that you have the drive for competition. But aren’t you forgetting about the most important thing, your partner?

Alexander: ...............

I.. I won’t lose, even if I have to enter alone--

Jin: Alexander. That was not what I was asking. Have you decided on your partner, or not? “I can’t win with Louis Kisaragi. We’re too different. I’ll find my own partner that will guarantee the win” .... Those were your own words. So don’t tell me you have forgotten.

Alexander: Gah.....!

Jin: Schwarz Rose is owed much compensation for representing such a low life like you...

Do you hear me!?

Alexander: ........

Jin: Hmph. You have gotten awfully quiet all of a sudden. Well listen up. You think you have already won when don’t even have the basic credentials to enter. At this rate you’ve already lost before the tournament has even began. I won’t be overlooking this insubordination.

You WILL find a partner within the next few days and you WILL bring back that title for Schwarz Rose!

This is an order. Surely even you are smart enough to understand that you have no choice?

Alexander: ......Grr.............

Jin: Heh heh. If you don’t like the heat then you can just get out of the kitchen. But if that’s how you want to do things, then the security you have here is gone.

Alexander: .......... (I’ve got my motorcycle loan and parking fees... as much as I hate to admit it, I can’t afford to risk not playing his game.)

(Meanwhile, at Edel Rose.)

Shin: First Kouji-san paired with Minato-san, and now Yukinojo-san and Kakeru-san are a pair too. Everyone is slowly beginning to prepare for the duo tournament. (Louis asked me to be his partner too, but... We’re from different organizations, so I don’t even know if that’s possible.... !?)

Kakeru: Oh what’s this? Shin-chawan are you spacing out on us?

Shin: ...Aaah! I’m sorry! I was just thinking about the duo tournament...

Yukinojo: You’re still in the midst of figuring out who to pair with, aren’t you Shin?

Shin: Uh... um... ummm...

Kakeru: Oh? It sounds like you already have someone in mind?

Shin: (What should I do... I guess it’s not a good idea to tell them about my conversation with Louis...? I have done a few jobs with Louis before, so I think the others have gotten to know him a little.)

(But if I just up and say I want to pair with someone from Schwarz Rose, how will they react.... I’m too scared to bring it up. So I haven’t been able to tell Leo-kun the truth either...) ....Oh... n-now that you mention it, what made the two of you decide to pair up so suddenly?

Kakeru: Oh? Us?

Shin: Yeah. From watching your shows, I got the impression that your styles are totally different... And I had no idea either of you were all that interested in the duo tournament either....?

Kakeru: Ahh yeah, things started out that way.

Yukinojo: Indeed. I felt lost when it came to the street style.

Shin: So, what happened...?

Kakeru: Well you see... it was actually pretty crazy ♪

Yukinojo: Yes. It’s hard to narrow it down to one sentence, but thanks to Kakeru I was able to... open the door to a whole new world.

Shin: A new... world...

(At Schwarz Rose)

Alexander: (... Gah. Everywhere I look, nothing but wussies. There’s no one here worthy of being my partner... Huh? Someone’s still practicing at this hour?)

Louis: ......

Alexander: That’s... Louis Kisaragi.... (He’s not exactly street, but I have to admit he does have a lot of potential. I guess at the rate things have been going, he may be my only option.)

…Yo.

Louis: Hey. What is it?

Alexander: GAH!

(Wha… What just happened?! It was like everything turned all sparkly for a sec.)

Louis: Alec-kun? What’s wrong?

Alexander: … Umm nothing… just… Nice weather we’re having isn’t it?

Louis: Huh…?

*RUMBLE RUMBLE CRASH*

Louis: .......

Ehehe. I see, you like thunder don’t you?

Alexander: N.. No I wasn’t expecting that. Actually I prefer it sunny. Riding to school in the rain is a pain in the ass.

Louis: I… see?

Alexander: Yeah…

Louis: ………

Alexander: .......... (This is so awkward.) Uh…. um so… how should I say this… do you have… someone…?

Louis: ….Someone? Like who?

Alexander: …GAH. I mean… In other words… do you have a… partner, you decided on.

Louis: …Oh. Yes, I do… From the bottom of my heart I know that I have…

Alexander: (UGH I shouldn’t have bothered to ask. He’s already got a partner for the duo tour–)

Louis: –Someone I love.

*THUMP!*

Louis: Ah! Are you okay? Did you slip on the ice? Here, let me give you a hand…

Alexander: I don’t need any help! Ow that hurt. Ugh.... Nobody asked about your love life... I wasn’t talking about that. I meant... the duo tournament....

Louis: Ah, so that’s what you meant. Well, I...

(Shin...)

....*sudden gasp of pain*

Alexander: !? H-Hey! What’s going on!?

Louis: .....Ah.... *catching his breath*

Alexander: Hey, are you OK!?

Louis: ...Y... Yeah.... I’m fine.... Ahah. I guess I practiced a bit too hard.

Alexander: ....... You looked really pale.... (He doesn’t seem to be in very good physical condition... well he probably wasn’t ever very robust in the first place. I can’t have him dropping dead in the middle of the competition or something... Ugh. Guess I’l have to find someone else.)

Louis: I’m sorry, um... what were we just talking about? The duo tournament?

Alexander: ....Never mind, forget I said anything. Get some rest and look after yourself, OK? I don’t have time to carry you to the infirmary if you overwork yourself.

Louis: ........... Alec-kun, you are always very kind. .....Thank you.

Alexander: Hmph. You don’t listen to a thing I say.

Louis: Eheh.

(Later)

Alexander: ....Dammit. Now that Louis Kisaragi is out, I have to find some other--

???: Alexander Yamato? Have you already broken up with your partner before even starting practice...?

Alexander: Ugh... You again. The whiny clown with too much time on his hands.

Joji: Time on my hands? Me? HAH! I have plenty of w-o-r-k to do! You look like you’re the one who’s got nothing going on. Seems your precious spot in the duo tournament is slipping away♪ I think you’re in need of some help. What do you say? If you get on your knees and beg just a little, then maybe just maybe I’ll throw you a bone...

Alexander: .......

Joji: Just kidding of course! I’m so super busy it would be just impossible times infinity!★

Alexander: YOU JERK......!!!

Joji: Ahaha so scawwy! See you! I’ll come back around when I feel like gracing you with my presence again!

*exit footsteps*

Alexander: HAH! Like I’m the one who has to beg! Well don’t worry, I wouldn’t pair with you if you were the last guy on earth!

Joji (Alexander’s flashback): Impossible times infinity!★

Alexander: SHUT UP!!!!!!! Ugh.... even when he’s not here he still manages to piss me off....

(But if things keep going at this rate...)

(Later)

Joji: AaahhhaAA I’m so busy lately! TV shows, movies, commercials! It’s like I’m being pulled in a million directions at once! No matter how much they insist, there is only so much one person can take!

But that’s just the life of me, Joji Takanobaba, the backbone of our Schwarz Rose!

Ace: ……..Hmph. You’re just cleaning up all the leftover jobs that Louis and Alec rejected.

Joji: Ooh? Did I just hear the whisper of a voice of some third rate nobody blowing in the wind?

Ace: If you’re the one relying on this third rate voice, what “rate” does that make you?

Joji: …You have a point.

Ace: Huh..?!

Joji: To think all those guys chose to hire me, Joji Takadanobaba, over Louis and Alexander!

Ace: ….*sigh* Your real talent is only hearing what you want to hear, isn’t it.

Joji: It’s like I just keep on working, even in my sleep! I’m totally like a… work-a-something or other…?

Ace: Yeah, yeah.

Tsurugi: That’s our Joji!

Kokoro: Isn’t it great!

Mondo: Be careful not to overwork yourself.

Mitsuba: Take it easy….

Joji: No problem!★ Every challenge is a gift thanks to my amazing charm! I don’t have even a single second to prepare. Just the other day during a recording, I had to ad-lib and ended up hitting on my costar. But she was totally into it! Even if I cloned myself a million times there’d still not be enough Joji to go around!!

Ace: Uh-huh, yeah good for you.

Joji: But this is all natural due to the appeal of the definite ace and leader of The Shuffle. But I’m so jealous of all you guys and your free time!

Tsurugi: Yeah! You’re just so busy Joji!

Mitsuba: You always work so hard! I totally get it!

Mondo: But cheers to you, leader.

Kokoro: We all made it this far because you’re our leader, Joji!

Joji: Of course of course. No need to tell me what I already know!

Ace: (….I really can’t stand that guy.)

(At the Schwarz Rose bath)

Louis: ............

Jin: Ahhh Louis.... You grow more beautiful every time I see you.....

Louis: .............

Jin: .....Louis? What’s wrong? You don’t seem well.

Louis: ....No. I’m fine.

Jin: I see. Oh yes, about the duo tournament...

Louis: ......!

Jin: Alexander is saying he will find someone else... what are you thinking?

Louis: I.... I.... (Shin.......)

Jin: .........

....Well, you can do whatever you want. I already know full well of your talent. There is no need for you to enter in an unbefitting street tournament.

Louis: ....Yeah.

Jin: Heh heh.... Ahh, Louis... Your beauty is one of a kind. Instead of being thrown into a ring with a bunch of ruffians, you deserve to sit upon a pedestal of grace....

Louis: ...........

Jin: (But it’s hard to imagine that Alexander will actually find a partner... And in that case, the participants entering from Schwarz Rose will be zero.)

....No, THAT IS NOT AN OPTION! But....

Subordinate: Excuse me. Director Jin, these arrived for you...

Jin: What’s this...? A letter... this is... a printout of a bunch of emails? And it’s really long. What in the world--

.......... .................!! That imbecile....! Tarnishing the noble reputation of the black rose....

(....Wait, hold on? Perhaps I can use this to my advantage....) ....Heh.

Louis: ...........

(Meanwhile)

Joji: ...And guess what, my co-star that time, she--

Jin: JOJI TAKADANOBABA!

Joji: EEK!

D.. Director! ♪ What brings you here!? Ah! Could it be you came to cheer us on before our recording session? No worries, we’ll be sure to do our very best!★

The Shuffle: ……

Jin: You can save your breath, Joji Takanababa! …All these complaint notices came for you today!!

*flumpf flumpf flumpf*

Joji: Aah! (You don’t have to throw them at me…)

Jin: Why are you looking me like that? Is that look in your eyes... rebellion?

Joji: No no no no! Of course not! And what’s all this...? Could it be? A bunch of steamy letters from my female fans!?

Mondo: Let me see…

Kokoro: Ummm…

Tsurugi: “We hereby deny any physical contact between Joji Takadanobana and the female actresses and performers from our talent agency"…?

Mitsuba: “One ‘Joji Takadanobaba’ of your agency has caused our company trouble on numerous occasions due to actions outside of the realm of reasonable common sense.”

Joji: Hey hey what’s with those faces! Why did everyone suddenly get so shy!

Ace: This guy’s positive attitude just can’t be beat…

Jin: JOJI TAKADANOBABA SHUT UP YOU IDIOT!!!!!!

Joji: EEK! Sorry very sorry!!

Jin: It looks like you have a lot of time on your hands. If you’ve got enough time to fool around like this, then I’ll just have to find more work for you to do.

Joji: Wha... whaaaat.....

Jin: Do you have some kind of objection?

Joji: No way no how! I’d love more work! The more the better!

Ace: ....Heh heh.

Jin: Good. So you’ll be entering the upcoming street duo competition then.

Joji: Got it!! Loud and clear!! Of course I’l enter! It will be my pleaaaaasure!

Joji will do his best for you! Joy!★

(Later)

Joji: GRRRR! This is THE! WORST! Why do I have to perform a show with some street ruffian!! The street style is filled with nothing but more jerks like that muscle meathead for sure.

No way! NOOOO WAY! I can’t think of any worse torture than being totally surrounded by muscle meatheads!

Ace: A street duo tournament….

Mitsuba: “Duo” means….

Tsurugi: …That it’s for pairs right?

Mondo: So in other words…

Kokoro: Joji is going to need a partner…

Joji: I mean seriously! I’m only being forced to enter this thing because Alec said he wouldn’t pair with Louis, right?! Did he even stop to think about what it’s going to be like when I’m surrounded by all those freaks! They have got muscles up to their eyelids! Besides, I’m busy! I don’t have time for some stupid Duo Tournament….

Everyone else: *whisper whisper whisper* Agreed? On three!

Joji: Hm? Are you doing some kind of aerobics over there or something?

Ace: The director’s word is absolute around here! Isn’t that right, “leader”?

Mitsuba: So, that means....

Tsurugi: You’re going to be in the duo tournament, aren’t you!?

Joji: But, I don’t wanna....

Ace: We!

Kokoro: Are always!

Mondo: Ready!

Mitsuba: For anything!

Tsurugi: We’ll do our best! Together!

Joji: AAAAARGH get out of my face! You pests! Have you listened to a single thing I’ve said--

.....Oh, I see♪ Hey you guys, how about one of you puts on a disguise and enters for me? Then two of you can be in the competition!

Everyone else: Oh what a great idea! / Let’s get right on it! / Well then, I’ll be the one to play Joji....

Joji: Ahah, problem solved★ Nothing like having underlings to back you up! I was third place in the Prism King Cup! I’m the next generation academy champ for sure! AHAHA!!

(At a nearby university campus)

Hiro: Sorry to trouble you, but could I borrow your notes from class?

I couldn’t make it to class earlier because I had a job. This professor always explains the most important parts out loud, so...

Yay! Thank you so much! This is a big help!

Well, as thanks, how about we have lunch together?

(In the cafeteria)

Girls: EEEE! It’s Hiro-sama! / Please sign this! / Please shake my hand!

Hiro: Of course I will! Thank you for your support, everyone!

Girls: EEEE! / EEEEEE! / EEEEEEE!

Kazuki: ..........(Hiro never changes, does he...)

(He’s really got a bright smile on his face for someone who was up almost all night recording.... He really is a pro, isn’t he. But, oh yeah... it’s about time I got a clear answer out of him!) Hiro!

Hiro: Oh....

Hi there, Kazuki! Are you here for lunch? I’ve just sat down to lunch with everyone. Oh yeah! This girl here says she’s from Aomori! Just like Taiga, right?

Kazuki: ..Huh? Oh, um… yeah….

Hiro: Hey Kazuki, how about you stop just standing there and come sit down and eat with us?

Kazuki: What?! Um.. I… I don’t really….

Hiro: Ehehe. But isn’t it fun to sit down to a lively lunch surrounded by girls every so often?

Kazuki: …………. (I can’t handle this. I just can’t keep up with Hiro’s pace.)

Hiro: Okay, let’s eat! *chomp* Wow… it’s so good! ….HUH?! Wait a minute. The seasoning on this hamburger lunch set…. this is....!

*gets up and starts walking around*

Kazuki: …Hiro? What’s wrong?

Hiro: WHERE ARE YOU. I KNOW YOU’RE HERE SOMEWHERE…. Aha! I recognize that distinctive ponytail. There’s no mistaking!

???: .........!

Hiro: Kouji! I knew you had to be here somewhere!

Kouji: Hey. Ehehe how did you know?

Hiro: Don’t you realize how many times I’ve eaten your cooking?! I knew immediately.

Hiro: That’s just like you, Hiro. I’m so happy.

Kazuki: But woah, I wasn’t expecting you to just walk right out of the dining hall kitchen like that. Does this mean…

Kouji: I asked the lunch ladies if I could make a special lunch just for today! Hand-ground hamburger steak with a double-cheese blanket and home-grown vegetable saute. What did you think? Was it good?

Hiro: Of course it was! You made it, after all! The creamy sauce perfectly complimented the strongly seasoned hamburger. As soon as it entered my mouth, the cheese and the meaty flavor, both equally enjoyable, were bundled together...

And it was almost like... it was like I was actually being rolled up in a warm blanket. What a heartwarming lunch!

GIrl 1: ....Wow, that sounds good.... I think I’ll have what he’s having....

Girl 2: M-Me too! One special lunch please!!

*rush for the lunch line*

Kouji: It’s alright everyone, no need to rush! There is plenty more where that came from. No worries!

Kazuki: The line is suddenly around the room....

Hiro: Eheh! Everyone’s just so excited to try Kouji’s food.

Kouji: Well, it’s really thanks to your glowing review.

Hiro: With how delicious your food was, I just couldn’t help myself. I wouldn’t have said all that if I didn’t truly mean it. Oh yeah, so Kazuki are you going to sit with us or what?

Kazuki: U… Umm.. it looks kinda… full already…. Y… Y’know what, I think I need to get going anyway. See you later Hiro, Kouji!

Kazuki-admiring students: Ah, Kazuki-san wait up! / Are you going to get ready for class?! We’ll help you! / Kazuki-san! I’ll carry your bag today!

*students follow Kazuki*

Hiro: ….He left.

Kouji: From the looks of it... You haven’t given Kazuki your answer yet, have you Hiro?

Hiro: ...What answer?

Kouji: …Never mind. With you always surrounded in girls and Kazuki always surrounded in boys, our group is really popular isn’t it.

(At Edel Rose)

Shin: I’m home! ...Oh, Kakeru-san, Yukinojo-san, and Minato-san! You’re all back too?

Yukinojo: Yes. Welcome home, Shin. Currently the 2nd years are having meetings with their school advisers about planning future career paths. So students who don’t have a meeting scheduled for that day may leave earlier.

Shin: I see... future career paths, huh....

Kakeru: Welcome back! And you brought Taiga-kyun with you. Was there any trouble today?

Shin: Ah no, no trouble! He didn’t suddenly disappear or have seven cats pop out of his shirt or anything!

Taiga: …….What kind of person do you guys think I am….

Minato: Hey, welcome back you two. I have just finished baking tarte tatin. So wash up and come get some. The junior high crew should be arriving home soon as well, so why don’t we all have tea together.

Shin: All right! Hey, hey, Kakeru-san!

Kakeru: Hm?

Shin: I was just thinking of that “crazy” thing you said happened to you earlier... could you tell me what it was?

Kakeru: Crazy thing.... Ohhh yeah I never finished that story did I? Okay, okay! Now’s time for a different kind of tea!

Shin: Yay! Thank you!

Leo: We’re home.

Yu; We’re home.

Taiga: ...Oh, Leo and Yu are home.

Minato: Eheh, perfect timing ♪

(Later)

Shin: .... Whaaa! So you and Yukinojo-san performed a duo show in Kyoto!?

Kakeru: That’s riiight! A lot of crazy coincidences strung together and that was the result♪ It turns out there’s a place just like that Nest of Dragon Taiga’s always going to in Kyoto too!

Yukinojo: It’s called Shabadaba. We really only wanted to peak in out of curiosity, but one thing led to another.

Kakeru: We really ended up making a name for ourselves for two guys who just stumbled in. Eh, “Hana-chan”?

Yukinojo: Heheh. That name just came out of nowhere, didn’t it “Juu-chan”.

Leo: Yuki-sama and Kakeru-kun improvised a duo show.... really...

Kakeru: Oh yeah. We heard a rumor that there were some suuuper strong prism stars there. But all we ended up running into were some brutish street gang members and... who was it? Tuba-cheeks and Ham-cheese?

Yukinojo: Yubacchi and Hamocchi, I think?

Kakeru: Ahhh yeah that was it!

Yukinojo: But anyway, we ended up having a very fulfilling experience. I had never been to such a place before.

Kakeru: Me neither! And we just ended up getting so wrapped up in it all that it was like... why don’t we just team up and go for it? Y’know?

Leo: I see....

Taiga: ......

Yu: So there’s a club like that in Kyoto too, huh. Seems kind of out of place.

Kakeru: Not exactly!

Shin: Hmm?

Minato: What do you mean, Kazuo?

Kakeru: I got interested so I did a little digging. And places like that have started popping up everywhere! It seems they exist all over the country! Street battle arena kinda places, I mean.

....And by the way, my name is Kakeru, Minatocchi.

Minato: Names are important. A Kazuo by any other name would not be Kazuo.

Yukinojo: Minato always has a comeback.

Kakeru: Grrr.... So mission “casually slip in name corrections” is a flop....

Yu: So are places like Nest of Dragon really everywhere?

Kakeru: Yes, yes indeed! Look here! It’s a list of all of them all around the country.

Minato: Wow! There’s so many! I had no idea.

Taiga: *gasp*

...Wow. All of this is for the street style...

Shin: Yukinojo-san, Kakeru-san! I can’t wait to see your duo show!

Yukinojo: Heheh. I thought the street style was quite a high hurdle for me to overcome...

But as long as I’m with Kakeru, somehow I feel like I can do it.

Kakeru: Wowee, chan-Yuki! What a gracious compliment! The truth is I wasn’t interested in the street style at all beforehand either.

Leo: You weren’t?

Kakeru: Not really. Well, at first I thought it wasn’t my style. But they always say you should try anything at least once! So before overthinking it, I decided to just jump right in.

Shin: Wow...! The two of you look so radiant!

Leo: (Yuki-sama looks like he’s having so much fun... The truth is, it’s making me feel a little lonely.... But.)

I will be cheering you on with all I’ve got!

Yu: I never thought I’d see you two participating in the street style...

Kakeru: Well, what about you lil’ bro? Why don’t you find yourself a partner?

Yu: Nah. I’m not really all that interested in the first place.

Kakeru: So that means it’s currently Shin-chawan, Taiga-kyun, and Leo-kyun who are seeking out partners, huh?

Leo: Ah, Shin-kun said he has a memorial service. So he won’t be able to participate in the tournament at all.

Shin: OH!! Um yeah about that...

Kakeru: Really!? That’s too bad. But I guess it can’t be helped then.

Minato: Even if you can’t participate in this one, maybe you can participate when it comes around again.

Yukinojo: Indeed. You may want to take this chance to train for a future opportunity.

Shin: Ah... Um... I see..... Ah... ahah.... (I missed my chance to tell the truth again.)

Taiga: ..........

(Taiga Flashback)

Kouji: Perhaps the true appeal of the duo tournament is the chance to try out a new method of performing.

Hiro: I’m really looking forward to seeing who you end up pairing with, Taiga!

Kazuki: I think it would be great if you could find a partner you are comfortable around, without needing to to overthink things. I have never had an official battle with you, Taiga.

But if we ever do, I’m really looking forward to seeing how it’d go!

(End Taiga flashback)

Taiga: .....What should I do...

(At a certain recording studio)

TV Host: And now, finally it’s time for the “Let’s Try Delicacies of the World” special program! Today’s guests are the members of the current hot group, The Shuffle!

Joji: Hello everyone! ♪

TV Host: Are you going to be OK? We bring out some pretty surprising delicacies on this show…

Joji: No problem-o! No matter what I have to eat, I’m planning on enJOYing it with everyone! Let’s eat, and eat, and stuff ourselves silly!☆

(Is this for REAL?! I took 3rd place in the Prism King Cup. What am I doing on some kind of joke program like this…. Well, I did warn the staff in advance that they better not give me anything weird ♪)

(Backstage, before the recording)

Ace: Excuse me! Do you think you could swap Joji’s plate to this one?

Staff 1: Huh…? Um… And you are…?

Ace: Ah! Um… I am….

Staff 2: Oh you’re from YMT right…

Ace: Ah, yes, yes I am. (Phew…!)

Staff 1: Even for a show about rare delicacies, this is a pretty high hurdle…

Ace: It’s fine! You see, the truth is, we can’t let it get publicized but Joji actually likes this kind of stuff.

Staff 2: Oh really! I had no idea… Well, we’ll do this one then!

Ace: Thank you! I just know Joji will eat it right up…

(… Isn’t that right, Mr. Definite “Ace” of The Shuffle…)

(Flashback end)

TV Host: The next delicacy is... tada! “Prairie Oysters”!!

Joji: (The heck? Never heard of it.)

TV Host: In America they call these “Rocky Mountain Oysters”… Well, here you are Joji Takadanobaba! Have a taste!

Joji: Okay! What are these? They just look like regular fried food on the outside.

(Not being about to see what’s on the inside is making me kiiiiIIIIIInnndaaa uneasy…. but at least there is a skewer through them…) Well, here goes! ...Hm?!

TV Host: How does it taste?

Joji: These... These are...

These are really good!! Hope you don’t mind if I just keep on eating!★ (Jeez don’t scare me like that. I got really worked up for nothing over what a weird delicacy these things were made out to be!)

TV Host: Well then Joji-kun, do you have any idea what they could be made of…?

Joji: Huh?! I have no idea! They taste all… soft… Could it be foie gras? It tastes quite refined★

TV Host: I see, I see. Well, let’s reveal the correct answer… now! They are actually a bull’s… *cough* that area.

Joji: BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Tsurugi: Oh no, Joji!

Kokoro: It’s OK. We won’t let anyone see you like this. *blocks camera*

Mondo: Here you are Joji, have some water.

Mitsuba: And some chocolate to cleanse your palette!

Joji: Yaay yay! I’m so full of JOY!★ The Shuffle is the BEST!

(FOR REAL?! How could this happen! I was very specific about not being fed weird things!)

Ace: Ahaha! That was the best! Joji’s reaction was just as I expected. (This was really what I was supposed to eat. But since they stuffed me backstage, I couldn’t let it go to waste. Hahah!)

(Later)

Joji: (Ahhh... that was so awful....)

Kokoro: Joji, leave it to us!

Mondo: We’ll take care of eating…

Mitsuba: …the next food…

Tsurugi: ….for you!

Joji: Yeah, yeah sure whatever go ahead. I’m going to take a nap…. *flop*

Tsurugi: All right!

Kokoro: Okay! It’s gonna be me!

Mitsuba: No, me!

Mondo: No, no! ME!

Joji: Hey hey, just make up your minds already. If you really can’t work it out, then I’ll just choose–

All Four: Ah! After you! No after you! No, you go ahead!

Joji: Now you’re just trying to pin it it on each other!

(Around that time, at Edel Rose)

Shin: (To think Kakeru-san and Yukinojo-san performed a duo show in Kyoto...)

(That was really surprising! And super exciting to hear!)

So they found a place to practice street shows... Oh yeah, Taiga goes to a place like that sometimes too, doesn’t he?

(Speaking of Taiga-kun, I really thought he’d enter the tournament with Kazuki-san. I was surprised to hear neither of them have official partners yet... But never mind that!!)

…..Aaahhh…. and I still haven’t told Leo-kun the truth….. And I feel like I haven’t seen Louis around lately either....

…..Louis… I wonder if we can really do a duo show together….

(Come to think of it, I can’t even imagine what Louis doing a street-style show would even look like….)

……

….Louis….

Even when it’s only been a short time since I’ve last seen him, it always feels like it’s been forever.

I wonder when I’ll see him next? Surely I’ll see him again before long.

(On the street)

Taiga: ........ (For once nobody is here. ....Well, with the mood I’m in that’s a good thing.) To think that Tachibana-senpai paired with Kazuo.

(I really thought Kazuki-san was the only partner for me... but then I wouldn’t be able to test my strength against him...)

He’s not my partner. He’s my opponent!

(It’s not the same I guess, but before this pair stuff started happening I thought we had the battle experience of a lifetime together ... I even received a compliment bigger than myself. But like Kazuki-san said, we have never battled against each other officially before. Just chasing after him takes all my effort. Of course I don’t think I’m on equal footing with him.....)

---The ultimate rival.

Taiga: No, um, I know better than anyone that I’m not ready for that yet!!

But, some day I want to be worthy of being called that by you, Kazuki-san.

???: ....Hmph, you again.

Taiga: ...! Alexander.... Is there anywhere you don’t randomly appear?

Alexander: Huh?!? That’s my line.

Taiga: This is my practice area. If you’re here I can’t focus.

Alexander: Hah! Just the addition of one person throws off your entire groove? Pfft.

Taiga: …WHAT.

Alexander: WHAT.

(Across the way)

Kazuki: ........ I just can’t get him to talk to me. ...I wonder if I should just give up?

(Of course I can’t force him to do anything he doesn’t want to do... )

...Dammit! But if I don’t do something nothing will change. (In order to change Hiro’s heart... In order to change the way things are, I should start with myself.)

Okay! I’ll start by working up a good sweat to clear my head--

???: ....Well, anyway you’re in my space! I already told you! Find somewhere else!

Kazuki: Huh? Those voices... Taiga and Alec?

Alexander: Hmph! I don’t remember when you became the boss of me! If you don’t like it, then you get out!

Taiga: ....Gah. All you do is get in my way....!

Alexander: Well what are you going to do about it? Make me? You? I don’t think so.

Taiga: SHUT UPPPP!!!! Well you know what, maybe I will!

Kazuki: Hey hey hey hey you guys! What’s the problem here?

Taiga: Kazuki-san…!

Alexander: Kazuki Nishina ….!?

Kazuki: ……..

Hey. ....Shall we dance?

Alexander: You’ve got to be kidding. Of all the things to say...

Taiga: Wha...!?

Kazuki: Oh come on! I think we’re all in the mood to get out some energy.

Taiga: Well... Well dancing with you is one thing, but THIS jerk...

Alexander: HAH! I have no reason to pal around with you two!

Kazuki: ….I’m not saying we all need to get along. I think we should be able to dance in our own way, however we like. With freedom! We can use each other’s energy as fuel for our own dance. Besides, it’s more fun with a crowd, and before we know it all of our worries will all be danced away… right?

Alexander: ..........

Taiga: (Kazuki-san.... His voice and expression is completely normal.... But it seems like there’s something on his mind?)

….......

Kazuki-san, I’m in!

Kazuki: Glad to hear it! Thanks Taiga!

Alexander: ….Hmph. Guess I have no choice. I’ll show you what real dancing looks like.

Kazuki: Well alright then, let’s get to it! Music… start!

♪~ ♪♪~

Kazuki: Huuuaaaah....!!

Taiga: (Woah... Kazuki-san is really going full force..!)

---The ultimate rival.

Taiga: *deep breath*

(Oh yeah. If all I do is sit back and admire him nothing will change. I have to copy the things that make me admire him... and make them my own!)

Kazuki: HUAH! Burning Splash!

Taiga: Huaaaaaah! Soul Splash!

Alexander: …Oh!

(Heh… You know what, they’re pretty good.)

Jin (Alexander’s flashback): You WILL find a partner within the next few days and you WILL bring back that title for Schwarz Rose!

Alexander: (You know, those two might be worth considering… for the street-style tourna….)

(Ah! What am I thinking! Me partner with one of those losers? HAH! Not in a million years! UGH!)

HUaaaaaaaaAAAA! Steel 6-Pack Core Wonder!!

♪ ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪ ~

Hiro: Huh? That’s... Kazuki and Taiga... and Alec too.

Kouji: Eheh. It looks like they’re having a great time. You can feel the passion radiating from their dancing even from all the way over here.

Hiro: ............. Street-style battles.... huh.... Haha, this place is nostalgic, isn’t it?

Kouji: Oh yeah. The first time you ever danced together with Kazuki was here wasn’t it? This place serves as a memento of your battle with him...

Hiro: A memento, huh.... it’s not exactly of a good memory though.....

Kouji: But it’s because we’ve had that history that the three of us were able to come together in the first place.

Hiro: Kouji....

Kouji: No matter who you were in the past, I believe in who you are now. Surely by now I have come to know at least a little about who you truly are, and how much prism shows mean to you...

Hiro: ............

It’s more than just a little.

“No matter who I was in the past”... huh...

You know.... just hearing you say that, Kouji, makes me like my past self just a little bit more.

Kouji ....Hey, Hiro.

Hiro: What?

Kouji: When we were at lunch together, Kazuki looked like he wanted to talk to you about something.... are you avoiding him on purpose?

Hiro: ..........

Kouji: And I have one more question. Just now you felt something stir from deep inside your heart while you were just watching Kazuki, Taiga, and Alec dance. Am I wrong?

Hiro: .....Darn. I can’t get anything past you, can I?

Kouji: I had this nagging feeling that maybe you weren’t avoiding Kazuki per se, but actually trying to avert yourself from the street style altogether. Of course, I know you probably have your reasons but...

Hiro: Because I... am the definitive idol, Hiro Hayami! .......Well, that is one reason... but really..... That isn’t all.

Kouji: I figured.

Hiro: .... Kouji, would you mind listening to a story from my past?

Kouji: Of course I don’t mind.

Hiro: Very soon after I was born, I was sent to Kumamoto prefecture... to a church in Amakusa. It was there that the Father and a Sister of the church raised me.

I was very happy there. They loved me very much and treated me as though I was their own child....

I was raised in a loving environment. I was just like everyone else... just like any kid who had a normal family.

....But after a few years passed, the two of them both died in an unexpected accident....

I was moved to a children’s home in Kumamoto.

Child: Hah! If you don’t like it, come at me! You baby!

Young Hiro: Shut your face! I’m not a baby! Take this!

(punching sound effect)

Child: HAHAH! What was that, a fly?! You’re going to have to try a lot harder than that!

Young Hiro: Dammit.... I’m not finished yet!

---At the children’s home there were lots of other kids my age. They had already formed a close bond, and when I suddenly thrown into mix they weren’t very welcoming.

As I got older, I began to let myself get carried away more often. Even in my past I never liked losing, so I was getting into fights every day. It didn’t matter how much bigger or older my opponent was, I wouldn’t quit until I’d won.

I worked really hard to find any way to win. So I would not lose. And I just kept winning, and winning, and winning...

To me, fighting... “battling”.... was... it was just what I had to do in order to prove myself, in order to survive.

...I know things are different now, and the duo tournament is just another show.

But, thinking about battling with other people just reminds me of that time.

Even though I never lost a fight, those weren’t exactly good memories for me.

So, as a result, I guess I have kind of been avoiding Kazuki as well.

I do feel like I need to tell him the truth, like I’m telling you... but...

Kouji: So ....There was a time in your past, when you were like that....

Hiro: You’d never guess, right? To think that me... Hiro Hayami, actually isn’t a definitive idol at all--

Kouji: Hiro Hayami is a member of Over the Rainbow, and everyone’s definitive idol!

Hiro: ...Huh?

Kouji: I think knowing that you have scars and that you’re not perfect only makes your appeal even stronger.

Hiro: .....

Kouji: I will never be like you, Hiro. There is only one “Hiro Hayami” in the entire world, right?

Hiro: Kouji......

Kouji: And of course only I can be me.

Hiro: ...Yeah. Kouji, um, thank you for standing by me all this way--no, thank you for everything always.

Kouji: ...You’re welcome.

Hiro: I’m sorry... The words won’t seem to come out right, but I really am thankful from the bottom of my heart.

Kouji: It’s okay. I know what you mean.

Hiro: I’m so glad. Really... I just... ahaha...

You know, when I think about it, it is true that the past me is what made me into the me I am today. Back in that time, I did whatever it took just to get by.

Kouji: Yeah.

Hiro: ...But, if I bring out that will to fight that I locked up inside myself, I’m afraid something in me could change...

How should I say it... I feel like I could maybe hurt someone again... hurt you... I... I’m not actually that strong. You know that better than anyone, right?

Kouji: Hiro.......

Kazuki: Aahaha here comes another one!

Burning Spiral!

Hiro: ............

Kouji: You have to be the one who makes the decision. After all, you’re the only one who can make that sort of decision for yourself.

Hiro: .....You’re right. Thanks. I’m really glad I could get to talk to you. I feel like a bit of weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

Kouji: I’m glad you talked to me too. No matter what happens, don’t just hold it all in anymore. Promise you’ll talk to me, OK?

Hiro: Okay... I promise.

Kouji: Eheh.

Hiro: Kouji, I... I just want to treasure this time I have with everyone.

Kouji: (All I can do to help is just listen....)

(But I think that by accepting his past self, a small flame was just lit deep within Hiro’s soul. I can feel it.)

(A few days later, at Schwarz Rose)

Alexander: Wha… What did you just say …!?

Joji: D.. Director!❤ Surely this must be a joke!

Jin: Do I look like I’m joking? You two will form a duo and enter in the tournament just like I said.

Alexander: B… But why him..!

Joji: T… That’s right! The two of us are just about as different as can be!

Jin: …. Was that…. resistance…?

Joji: AaAAAH! N-n-n-n-o of course not!! I would never! Your every wish is my command!★

Alexander: ………..

Jin: Alexander Yamato. You haven’t found a partner yet, have you? Since I just decided Joji will be entering, it’s perfect.

The two of you will be representing Schwarz Rose.

Joji: (I... kind of like the sound of that.) But... but but Alexander-kun doesn’t want to pair with me...

Alexander: DAMN RIGHT I DON’T.

Jin: Did I stutter? I do not repeat myself! This is not a suggestion! This is an order!

Joji: Uug....

Alexander: Dammit...

Jin: (Truth be told, if Alexander paired with Louis they would have the highest chance of winning... But I can’t put Louis through that. I’m unsure of the odds Alexander and Joji have, but...) Alright. I’ll be having you perform a duo show as exhibition for me.

Joji: Say whaaa!? Right now!?

Alexander. What!?

(And so, the two reluctantly prepared for the duo show ordered by Jin...)

Joji: UuuuGH…. How did this happen. This is just the worst worst WORST thing ever. A street-style duo tournament just sounds like a barrel of pain. And if that wasn’t bad enough, why do I have to pair with this muscle meathead?!

Alexander: Oh shut up. Quit crying. You think I want to pair with you, you barrel of cream puffs. What am I supposed to do with some pheromone squirting, flirting weirdo?! HUH?!

Louis: …………

Eheh. You guys sure get along well.

Alexander: WHAT.

Joji: WHAT?! WHAT?! HOW DO YOU FIGURE THAT?! NO WAAAY!

Louis: I’m sure your duo show… will be a lot of fun.

Everything. Will be OK.

Alexander: Hey, where do you get off saying… Huh?!

Joji: It’s like he just suddenly appeared, said what he wanted to say, and then immediately disappeared again?! AAAHaaaHHRGH! What even was that!? Everyone I meet today is just specifically out to drive me bananas....!

Alexander: ....Hey. Let’s just get this over with, playboy.

Joji: ..... Hmph. I don’t need to hear that from you, muscle meathead.

♪~♪♪~~

Jin: .....Oh ho.

Alexander: (I assumed this guy could only do namby-pamby kinda shows but…)

Joji: (…For real? I thought this guy was nothing but muscles up to his brain but…)

Alexander: (……Okay then.)

Joji: (……It’s time.) Well, let’s go it together shall we!

Straight Royal Flush Illusion!

Alexander: Hmph! Not half bad!

Guilty Aura 360!

Joji: (Alexander Yamato, huh… Well, I guess having someone like him as my accessory is the better option but…)

Alexander: (Joji Takadanobaba …. I guess he has more guts in him than the other guys around here but…)

Both: (I won’t be letting him get the better of me!!)

Jin: (They are handling this well for their first time... I guess they are both consistent performers...) Heh heh. Not bad at all. Now you better get to work. You’ll have a lot to do to prepare for the tournament.

Alexander&Joji: Gah.... / No problem!! Thank you so muuuch!

Alexander: Hmph.... Looks like I have no choice. I guess I can admit you did OK.

Joji: That’s the power of Joji★

HEY WAIT! Aren’t you supposed to say “I’m so grateful to be paired with you, the great Joji-sama!”

Both: .....Hmph.

More reading from Road to SSS 4: Louis Queen of Glass Joji the Joker

Continue to Road to SSS 5

#prism rush #road to sss 4 #road to sss event 4 #king of prism #king of prism sss #kinpri

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thedeevirus · 6 years ago

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NYGMOBBLEPOT FICLET: ‘Broken Looking Glass’

‘I have a suggestion for a ficlet. I would love to see something involving Jervis Tetch hypnotizing one of the two of them (or both, I'm not picky). It's a concept I haven't seen played with before, and if anyone could do it well, it's you’

Thank you for the lovely message @spoonsthatareominous This one’s for you :) Enjoy!

***

‘Greetings Edward!’

Ed closed the Iceberg Lounge’s door him, pocketing the key that Oswald had given him. He turned slowly, recognising the cheery voice that had saluted him but completely baffled as to the reason for its presence.

‘Tetch?’ he asked, plastering on a fake smile.

It was difficult to do. Oswald and he had both agreed to maintain a skeleton staff until the Lounge opening the next night. Ten people seemed like more when their corpses were propped up on chairs as grisly party guests. Blood seeped from beneath ghastly rabbit masks that Tetch appeared to have stapled to their faces. Ed’s forensically trained eye told him none of them had put up a fight. He tried to push the thoughts of them shrieking silently inside their own hypnotised heads as Tetch had dressed them for the occasion and focused on Oswald, who was still very much alive. He sat to Tetch’s right, dull eyed and still as stone. He held a tea cup in his hand complete with saucer, his pose stiff and unnatural. Tetch had rearranged nearly every table in the Lounge to form one long table replete with teapots of all shapes and sizes and dishes full of cakes, cookies and pastries. The food had been raided from the Lounge’s kitchen but Ed was at a loss to explain the origin of the tea sets. Tetch must have supplied them himself. The large ice sculptures of penguins set into the walls that Oswald had commissioned to decorate the club from Victor Fries had been given hats of their own and the coloured spotlights designed to create a subdued blue light for the diners had been changed to multicoloured as they whirled dizzily. The mad tea party brought to life.

’Never fear! Penguin is under my command’, Tetch said, spreading his arms wide, ‘Welcome to my Winter Wonderland!’

‘I wasn’t expecting to see you’, Ed said politely, noting the loaded gun in Tetch’s hand.

‘And I had not expected you to be late’, Tetch said, wagging a finger in mock reproach, ‘Late! For such a very important date!’

‘And what important date would that be?’ Ed asked.

Tetch laughed as he placed a decidedly unhealthy amount of sugarcubes into a teacup. Ed watched with a mixture of disgust and unease. Arkham had not been kind to Tetch. He had always been jittery and disturbed but his fingers were shaking so badly the teacup was rattling on its saucer. His fingernails were torn and bloody outside his fingerless gloves. His soiled long coat seemed to have been borrowed from a homeless person and the ever present top hat looked as if it had been sat on more than once. His laugh was shrill and odd, compounded by his clenched jaw and dry, chapped lips. The only pristine elements of his appearance were an immaculate white card in the top hat’s band inscribed with ‘In this style 10/6’ in impeccable, looping calligraphy and a delicate, white rose set into his buttonhole.

‘Your unbirthday silly!’ Tetch said. Tea spilt over his fingers from the cup. Despite the obvious heat, Tetch didn’t even flinch. ‘I had prepared a party in Arkham complete with centrepiece but Jeremiah wrecked my plans by arranging your release’.

‘This is very thoughtful of you. But why here?’ Ed asked, accepting the teacup.

He made a show of blowing on the cup, pretending it was too hot to drink and set it on the table. He looked down at the unappetising white sludge floating on the liquid’s surface as the sugar dissolved while Tetch espoused his vision.

‘Because we will take revenge in this traitor’s lair. His death will tell all of Gotham to beware! I remember how Penguin treated you dearest friend. What better gift could I give you than his head? Tonight, your stalemate ends and Riddler and Hatter will ascend!’

Ed walked around the table and waved a hand in front of Oswald. Oswald didn’t blink.

‘How did you get close enough to hypnotise him?’ Ed asked, feigning admiration.

Tetch giggled like a child and produced a greeting card from inside his coat like a magician producing a rabbit. Ed was baffled at the continued contrast between Tetch’s clothes and his discerning taste in stationary. Like the card in his hat, the card was white and embossed with silver etched flowers. Ed took it and read the contents.

‘A fake missive from yours truly insulting him rudely’, Tetch said in a loud stage whisper, ‘A plan perfect in its simplicity! He wanted to kill you badly he didn’t doubt your signature’s authenticity!’

Ed saw that Tetch had indeed forged his signature at the end of a litany of petty insults about Oswald’s appearance. Ed could see why they had ignited Oswald’s infamously short temper but he was insulted that Oswald could have thought such childish slights could have come from him. No doubt he had raged at Ed’s sudden verbal savagery and hastened to the meeting point outlined in the card. Ed was forced to begrudgingly admire Tetch’s plan as well as how perfectly his signature had been duplicated.

‘You seem to have a talent of gaining his attention’, Tetch sighed, stroking Oswald’s head like a docile pet, ‘I almost envy the strength of your connection’.

He snatched the monocle from Oswald’s eye. Oswald didn’t even blink. Tetch held it up to the light before dunking it into a cup of tea three times.

‘Why he ever thought you could be friends was bizarre’, Tetch said airily, using Oswald’s own pocket square to dry the monocle, ‘You two could never be true friends…like we are’.

There was a sharp noise which made Tetch blink. His grip had suddenly tightened causing the monocle to crack in half. Tetch looked down at it then flicked the handkerchief, unconcernedly scattering the former monocle’s pieces onto the floor. Ed slid his fingers along the seam of the card and imagined a knife sliding across Tetch’s neck.

‘Will he do anything you say?’ Ed asked, careful to keep his tone light as he returned the card to Tetch.

‘Ooh is that a suggestion I hear?’ Tetch beamed, ‘I’m all ears!’

Ed walked to a nearby music system and clicked a button. A smooth waltz began to play over the lounge’s speakers.

‘What’s a tea party without music?’ Ed smirked.

Ed held a hand out to Oswald, inviting him to dance. Jervis tittered at the conceit and waved a hand permissively. Oswald rose slowly and took Ed’s hand. Ed led him to the dancefloor as Jervis began to waltz with a teapot. Ed began to dance with Oswald. He was careful to keep his back to Tetch; his height would obscure Oswald and Tetch would be unable to see him speaking.

‘Oswald, listen to me’, Ed said, ‘You’ve been hypnotised-‘

He stifled a gasp as Oswald interrupted.

‘No I haven’t. Keep your voice down’.

‘How do I know you’re not just saying that?’

‘Because does that look like a man capable of long term planning?’ Oswald deadpanned.

Ed risked a glance at Tetch and saw that the hatter was not paying the least bit of attention to them. He seemed to be trying to balance a spoon on the tip of his nose. Ed conceded the point.

‘I don’t understand’, he asked, ‘How are you not hypnotised?’

‘If you don’t understand, then what chance do I have?’

‘Clean cup! Clean cup!’ Tetch yelled suddenly, ‘Move down, move down!’

‘Is it just me or has he gotten worse?’ Oswald asked, watching in confusion as Tetch hastily began to move the table settings one place down while muttering myriad apologies to invisible guests.

‘It’s not just you. They increased the ‘persona indoctrination therapy’ to keep him under control’, Ed explained, hating the treacherous touch of genuine sympathy in his voice, ‘Why they used the personality of the most famous literary madman of all time I will never know’.

‘Nice to see Arkham’s standards of care haven’t slipped’, Oswald observed drily.

‘Surprisingly, the treatment actually did something useful. Tetch needs eye contact to hypnotise people now. No more commanding anyone to jump off buildings over the radio’.

‘Still seems like a useful friend to have’.

Ed fought the urge to laugh at Oswald’s sulky tone. They were technically in a hostage situation and Oswald was choosing to focus on that?!

‘We weren’t friends’, Ed corrected, ‘Our association was a science experiment’.

‘He seems to think otherwise’.

‘He also thinks a dormouse is living in that teapot. I didn’t have the luxury of choosing my cellmate in Arkham’.

‘You think I did?’

‘I’m pretty sure yours didn’t gouge out a guard’s eye with a spoon when they confiscated the top hat he made out of newspaper and macaroni’.

‘I didn’t have a cellmate’.

‘You were alone?’

‘For my “own safety”. Or so they said. I thought about you a lot. It helped’.

‘I thought about you too. Sometimes, it was the only thing that kept me going’.

‘How did you even start a conversation with him?’

‘I wanted to learn more about his hypnotism so I indulged in his psychosis and wordplay to get him to open up’.

‘Did you learn how to resist it?’

‘Turns out there’s no need. Do you remember the chip in my brain?’

‘I thought Lucius Fox removed it?’

‘He had to leave the casing to avoid permanent damage. It made the metal detectors in Arkham go nuts all the time. I think it acts as a barrier to whatever signal Tetch is sending out’.

‘My eye. He doesn’t know it’s fake’.

‘Credible theory’.

‘A theory’s one thing’, Oswald said, eyes darting towards the music system as the music began to die away, ‘We need a plan’.

Tetch applauded as the song ended. Ed and Oswald broke away from each other, Oswald’s face resuming its mask of blank indifference.

‘And now a game!’ Tetch said, clapping his hands, ‘We must have a game!’

He indicated the chairs to his right and left as he settled into the chair at the top of the table. Ed took the chair to the left and Oswald assumed the seat opposite him.

‘What say you to a riddle or two?’ Jervis asked Ed eagerly.

He didn’t wait for Ed’s affirmative reply before turning his attention towards Oswald. Ed admired Oswald’s restraint at Tetch’s physical familiarity. Oswald hated to be touched and Tetch was leaning on his shoulder as hard as a drunk struggling to stay upright.

‘In our cell, we did so while away the hours exerting our deductive powers’, Tetch reminisced, ‘The perfect game to keep us sane! When you left I missed that fun the most’.

Tetch’s face darkened. His smile grew brittle as his lips drew back, the corner of his mouth twitching. His fingers adjusted on the grip of the gun. Ed knew that look. Tetch was looking at the gun like an addict looking at a needle. Ed tensed but then the moment passed and Tetch was his cheery, manic self once more.

‘No matter! As usual, first turn goes to the host!’

Ed nodded obligingly.

‘How is a raven like a writing desk?’ Tetch asked, rubbing his hands.

‘Because Edgar Allen Poe wrote on both’, Ed replied without missing a beat.

He knew Tetch would never accept the answer even thought it was obviously the most logical solution to the riddle. Tetch physically couldn’t.

‘Oh my, I’m sorry but that is the wrong solution’, Tetch said sadly but then brightened, ‘Now then, shall we proceed with Penguin’s execution?’

Ed placed a hand on the gun, keeping his grip light so as not to arouse Tetch’s suspicions. He would have to play things smart as always.

‘Wait! Don’t I get a turn?’

‘Now Edward, there’ll be time later for fun. Aren’t you keen to make a dodo out of this penguin?’

‘But, what’s the answer?’

‘Beg your pardon?’

‘You and I both know there is no official answer to that riddle’.

‘Yes there is!’

‘Then what is it?’

Tetch looked lost. The silence dragged. Tetch’s fingers opened and closed reflexively like dying spiders.

‘You can’t think of anything that’s not in that book, can you?’ Ed asked softly.

‘Book?’ Tetch asked, a shaking hand straying to his hat as he stared at his reflection in a metallic kettle.

‘The made up story that they jammed into your head’.

Ed swallowed hard at Oswald’s interjection. His patience with the charade had reached its limit. Tetch’s head swivelled slowly, his eyes widening at Oswald’s cutting words.

‘Wind up words so they could make you tick the way they wanted you to. Reshape you into a predictable madman. The book that made you a cliché Tetch’.

‘Silence!’ Tetch yelled, covering his ears, ‘How dare you speak out of turn?! How?! Look into my eyes!’

‘Good. I have your full attention’, Oswald said, clasping his hands on the table, ‘Here’s a riddle for you Tetch. Why would Ed ever associate with a twisted, diseased maniac like you? If the automatic answer in your head isn’t ‘he wouldn’t’, then you’re more deluded than I thought’.

Ed carefully watched the gun as Tetch flailed. If he could just make one quick move he could disarm him. If Tetch would just hold still!

‘Lies slip from your slithey lips!’ Tetch screamed, ‘What do you know about our relationship?! You only know how to lie and betray and abuse others’ trust! Your pathetic manipulations fill us with disgust!’

Ed recognised Oswald’s smug look. He was about to merrily tap dance on Tetch’s jangled nerves. It was a gamble and Ed knew Oswald knew it. But Oswald had obviously worked up an immunity to the psychological experience of being threatened with a gun.

‘Your lack of perception is becoming aggravating’, Oswald pronounced metrically, pausing slightly before continuing, ’I’m not the one manipulating’.

Ed stifled an amused grin as Tetch’s eye twitched incredulously, riled by Oswald throwing his peculiar compulsive speech pattern back at him.

‘Ed didn’t befriend you out of kindness or concern’, Oswald continued, ‘He only talked to you because of what he could learn’.

Tetch’s gritted teeth morphed into a grin as he shook his head. He scratched his temple idly with the barrel of the gun.

‘You’re trying to tear our friendship apart’, he said knowingly, ‘Nice try Penguin but you’re not that smart. Only I am on Edward’s equal. Equally cunning, clever and cerebral. You think I’ll listen to his arch enemy when he and I are on the same page mentally?!’

‘The page of what book exactly?’ Oswald taunted.

Ed could see Oswald had pushed too far by how still Tetch became. His eyes narrowed, their nervous twitch obliterated as he stared Oswald down. All wistfulness was gone from Tetch’s voice. It now belonged to a man in utter, terrifying control of a too long suppressed craving for violence. Quiet and detached. The voice of a hunter finally dispatching long hunted prey.

‘I have another riddle for you Edward’, Tetch said, raising the gun, ‘What’s black and white and red all over?’

The gun drifted until it was aimed squarely at Oswald’s chest. There was a click as Tetch disengaged the safety.

‘You’, Oswald snarled.

The movement was so fast at first Ed wasn’t sure what had happened. Then he heard Jervis scream and the clatter of the gun as it fell to the floor. Jervis stared, wild eyed at the purloined knife Oswald had stabbed into his wrist then wrenched it free. He glared silently at Oswald for a moment, his shock overwhelmed by sheer, tranquil, fury at Oswald’s audacity. Then something finally snapped inside his mind and he leapt at Oswald howling like an animal. The table overturned with the force of Tetch’s lunge and Oswald’s chair toppled over. Oswald cried out as his injured knee was badly jarred from the impact. He tried to rise but his ankle failed him. Tetch crawled on top of him and held Oswald down, blood slipping down his glove as he raised the knife.

‘Off with your head!’ Tetch hissed through a savage grin, eyes feverishly bright.

Oswald saw the flash of the knife and his eyes closed reflexively as it plunged down. There was a gunshot and Oswald felt Tetch’s weight lighten. He opened his eyes and saw Tetch had fallen off him. Tetch lay on his side, one hand clutching his left shoulder. The white rose on his chest began to turn crimson as blood seeped through his jacket and his top hat rolled away. Oswald saw crude stitches interlacing across Tetch’s scalp, barely hidden by his wispy hair and was startled to feel a pang of sympathy as Tetch groaned in pain, curling into a foetal position.

Ed walked past him, throwing the gun away, far from Tetch’s reach. Tetch tried to reach for him but flinched at the pain as he tried to stretch.

Ed helped Oswald to his feet and held his face. His eyes were worried and questioning. Oswald smiled and patted his hand. The two embraced, squeezing each other tightly. After a few seconds Ed released him. Oswald adjusted his stance shakily and Ed passed him his walking cane from where it had been propped beside the table.

‘You lied to me’, Tetch whispered hoarsely, eyes glittering with tears of pain.

‘I said Oswald and I weren’t friends’, Ed said pointedly, ‘You made up your own story’.

He felt his tie tugged and suddenly found himself pulled into a deep, loving kiss. He relinquished control to Oswald willingly, letting and savouring his tongue ravishing his mouth. Tetch as an unwilling witness only incited Ed’s desire. The thought of Tetch’s assumptions being shattered in such a graphic way was immeasurably exciting to him. He loved how Oswald loved him without a single thought for how others might feel about it. After far too short a time, Oswald released him and turned his attention on Tetch. Ed knew Oswald had timed it perfectly; enough to make Ed long for more. Beg for more. Ed felt his spine tingle and cock pulse at Oswald’s proud bearing as he advanced on the helpless man.

Oswald stepped on Tetch’s hat, crushing it, as he idly tapped the head of his cane against his palm. The bird’s metal beak shone in the light. Ed wondered if Oswald was going to use the hidden blade in the cane. Oswald favoured knives. He liked intimacy. Oswald surveyed Tetch from on high, the cane akin to an executioner’s axe. Tetch’s eyes were wide, sweat beading on his brow, the realization of the depths of his mistake written all over his pallid face.

‘See? He didn’t lie’, Oswald said and knocked Tetch out with a single blow.

#nygmobblepot ficlet #nygmobblepot #edward nygma #Oswald Cobblepot #Jervis Tetch

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ikesenhell · 6 years ago

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ALL SHADES OF BLUE

ALL SHADES OF BLUE, Chapter 1. You can find all other IkeSen works of mine here. NOTES: This whole piece was inspired in part by this song by Gregory Alan Isakov. This was a LiveWrite! Thanks to everyone who came out to watch me do this. The tagline really SHOULD be, as @a-shout-to-the-void suggested, something like ‘THE MONK CAN HANDLE THE HEAT, CAN YOU?’, because honestly this turned into a roast within a few paragraphs. Here’s to hoping yall like it!

Summer passed into fall passed into winter passed into spring, and nothing ever changed.

He wondered if he ought to be used to that by now.

It didn’t matter the season he lay his head in. Blistering heat and freezing cold all felt the same: numb. It was as if his skin fused with his exhausted, injured heart and lay dormant in the ground.

Perhaps that was more the thing. There was no season save winter for him now.

He’d grown used to the rough terrain and hard work of being out in the wilderness. Hongan-Ji wasn’t cushy, exactly, but it was certainly more luxurious than what he had for accommodation of late. That was the business of revenge. It robbed him of his friends, his fellow monks, his faith and compassion. A bed felt like the last of his concerns.

Perhaps those needed adjustment anyway.

He barely gave any thought to the woman staggering into the woods that night. As the flames of Honnon-Ji licked the infinite stars and he wondered if that was the end of it, if it lifted to heaven the Devil King’s ashes same as the timbers, his musing was interrupted by the thick crunch of woods. No soldier would be so careless. Even so he dipped back into the dark, his eyes searching for the stranger.

And she was strange indeed.

He’d never seen clothes like that before. Her legs were exposed to the elements. No kimono layered over her shoulders. She clutched a small bag the type of which he’d never seen. Maybe she was Western?

“You should be more careful, young lady,” he recalled warning her. “Demons lurk in the woods at night.”

Little did he know how much those words would come to haunt him.

---

Regardless of who she was, she took up residence with the Devil King himself.

He’d survived. He’d survived, and as much as Kennyo never wanted to drag another civilian into this demonic mess he and his most hated opponent were making, he regretted not killing her in the moment. If he’d found her before--if he’d given his followers orders to eliminate all who might help--if he’d just slaughtered his way through them--

No amount of meditation could still his aching soul. He lay awake at night and stared at the stars, wondering how many lifetimes it would take for him to wash away the karmic sins he pulled on himself. His whole life he’d practiced the power of faith. Now all he had was doubt.

And just as he resigned himself to that infinite winter of his heart, she showed up again.

He sat awake by the fire one night when his followers came to him, dragging a woman behind them. Her arms were bound behind her back, but the gag they’d forced into her mouth did absolutely nothing except prevent her from articulating the worst of her slurs at them. Her eyes flashed like a lightning strike setting the earth ablaze, her rich kimono almost insultingly cute on such a fierce woman.

“Kennyo,” one of the men spoke. She kicked him in the shin and he hissed, dropping to a knee. The other two wrestled her back into compliance.

“Stop.” He rose, frowning at them. “Who is this?”

She threw back her head and glared at him. Her stature was uneven (she’d snapped the geta sandal strap in the assault) and her hair a torrent, but it was a kind of wilderness he admired about her already. But didn’t he know her?

“We found her fleeing Azuchi,” one of the men forced her to her knees. “It seems to be the Devil King’s concubine.”

A barrage of slurs escaped her mouth, filtered only by the thin strip of rope strung between her teeth. Kennyo frowned. Running from Nobunaga? There was the possibility she hated him as much as he did. It hardly made sense that a woman in such a comfortable position might flee from a gracious benefactor. In this time of turbulence, it made sense to remain where you were safe.

And yet…

“Ungag her,” he commanded. The men exchanged glances and obeyed, cutting out the strip of rope. She spat out the stray fibers on her tongue.

“You motherfuckers!”

Kennyo frowned. “Can anyone translate that dialect?”

“Assholes! I swear to GOD, if I get my hands back, you will be catching BOTH OF THEM. Repeatedly!” She wrenched her elbows toward them, fury wild on her tongue. “You won’t know the difference between the sky and the goddamn ground when I’m done!”

“Is that Portuguese?” Kennyo guessed. “It might be Portuguese.”

“She is very pale, I suppose that makes sense. Never met any of the traders. Maybe she came with them?”

“Stop talking about me where I can hear you!” At last, some Japanese. She lunged at him; despite himself, he took two steps back, waiting for the men to hold her back once more. “I can understand you just fine, you ass!”

“So…” He paused, uncertain how to proceed. “Are you Portuguese?”

Her stare was withering.

“No then.” Well this was uncomfortable. “Can I get an assurance that you won’t simply attack my men if we let you loose?”

“No.”

He hesitated. “I would prefer not to keep you bound all night. I’m positive we could find something to talk about.”

“Oh, we could find something to fucking talk about alright--”

Back to the foreign language. He mentally cataloged it as simply ‘Not Portuguese’ and continued. “Set her in the hut until she calms down.”

“Don’t you dare treat me like I’m just some hysterical woman right now--!”

The men hefted her off the ground and half-carried, half-dragged her to the hut. He settled down by the fire once more, prepping some rice porridge. Whenever she was more amenable to talking she would doubtless be hungry.

---

As it happened, more than time was required to make her calm down. The first man to try and deliver her the porridge returned wearing it.

“She said ‘no’.” He huffed, then stomped to the river to wash off. Kennyo sighed and ladled out more for the rest of the encampment. They didn’t have enough to waste. Counting the servings out in his mind, he realized all at once that someone was going hungry.

Well.

This time he went in the hut himself. She was settled angrily in the corner, her mouth one long, thin line, eyes burning a hole through the plank siding. He shut the door behind them, the bowl poised in his hand.

“I need you to promise me you won’t throw this one.”

She just glared at him.

“If it helps, I’ll share it with you so you know it isn’t poison. You must be hungry. You aren’t my enemy.”

“Oh my god,” she muttered. “I’d hate to see how you treat your enemies, then.”

“I apologize on behalf of my men who dragged you here.”

“I don’t want you to apologize for them. I want them to apologize for them.”

That was a whole other conversation. Rather than be sucked down into it, he settled a comfortable distance away. Somehow it reminded him of working with feral cats. If you tried to approach them, they would only claw you until you bled and regretted the whole thing. It took patience, understanding, and not pushing your luck.

“We don’t have much,” he prefaced. “So if you throw this one, there’s nothing else I can give you.”

She stared at the meager bowl and back at him, the calculus running through her mind.

“I ask you not to throw this one.”

“You eat it.” This time she was so much softer. “I’m assuming that is your portion.”

That was unexpected. Kennyo tried to adjust to this unexpected shift. “I’m not all that hungry.”

His growling stomach cut between the two of them.

“No?” And now she was smiling. “Was that just the demons you keep in your stomach for safekeeping?”

It was almost too sharp to be a joke. In spite of himself, Kennyo managed a rueful smile. “They’re the spares I keep when I’m tired.”

“Ooh, backup demons. That’s a good strategy.”

Kennyo offered her a pair of chopsticks. She hesitated a long, long time before taking them. Her fingernails were long and slightly square and jet black, and he wondered how she’d managed that. Had she just dipped them in ink? No. They were too shiny for that.

“Cheers,” he murmured, taking a bite and offering the rest to her.

She frowned and slashed a line through the center of the rice, turning half the bowl to him. He nearly refused, but the narrow slant of her eyes stopped him.

The men weren’t entirely convinced when he exited unscathed that he hadn’t performed

some kind of ritual to secure the demon woman. For his part, he didn’t dispel the idea.

---

On the third day they could finally trust her to walk around unaccompanied, though the others gave her a wide berth. She bound back her sleeves and rolled up her expensive kimono and fixed up her pale hair, exposing a shaved underside and a bevy of metal pieces adorning her ears.

“What?” She snapped at one of the men who stared too long.

“I don’t think they’ve seen a woman with that kind of shaved parting,” Kennyo answered, amused. “It’s been a long time since any of us shaved our heads.”

She shot him a glance that sparkled like the rest of the pieces she wore. “I can’t imagine you without hair anyway.”

He wasn’t certain if that stung or not. Taken aback, he fumbled a simple answer of, “I’m barely used to having hair at all.”

For the first time she was on uneven footing. Her mouth worked--open, close, open--and finally she wrinkled her nose. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“It’s fine,” he answered, and almost meant it.

---

On the fourth day (and how appropriate was that?), she draped her legs over her knees and said, completely unprompted, “They’re not so bad in Azuchi, you know.”

Kennyo wasn’t sure if this was her idea of a sick joke or a provocation. “And yet you ran.”

She wrinkled her nose at him, and he tried to figure out why she made that face. The only common denominator was discomfort, and that was the only reason his hackles didn’t shoot to the sky. If she wasn’t so comfortable having the conversation, then perhaps she didn’t mean it quite as tastelessly as it sounded.

“Look,” she started. “I didn’t run cause I disliked them. I mean, sure, some of them are assholes, but they weren’t so bad.”

“I don’t know what ‘asshole’ means.”

She paused, her eyes glittering with unspilled laughter, and finally said, “Okay, dicks. They’re dicks.”

“I don’t know what that means either.”

That finally garnered a laugh. “I don’t know how much I should be telling a former monk what that means.”

His curiosity got the best of him and it showed. He’d barely knit his brows together before she was chuckling again, then giggling, and then it turned into laughter.

“Uh, a ‘dick’ is a euphemism for… you know.” She motioned vaguely between his legs.

Kennyo wondered if it was an appropriate response to just go and dunk his head in a bucket of ice water. “Ah.”

“But yeah,” she shot forward as if she hadn’t just waved at his genitals, charging recklessly into the rest of her thought. “I mean, yeah, they could be real pieces of work, but they aren’t bad.”

Sometimes he thought he was almost over the incident. Sometimes he thought the blur of Hongan-Ji was far enough away that he could get distance from it, soften the sharp edges until he could roll it between his fingers like a pebble and just… skip it over the glassy surface of his memory. Tangible, but not harmful. Heavy, but not overwhelming. But even now he could smell the searing flesh, hear the screams and the cracking beams snapping overhead, feel the smoke pressing in his lungs and the dizzy blackness of eternity flickering through him.

“Stop that.” She reached out and grabbed his hand, uncurling his fist. “You’re hurting yourself.”

Was he? He looked down, almost bemused as she poured water over his bleeding hands. “Apologies.”

“No, I--” She stopped, then started again. “Sorry.”

Had she apologized to him? Did his ears deceive him? She pressed on without explanation. “I didn’t run cause they were terrible to me or something. That’s my point.”

“Then why did you?”

“Because…” She paused long enough to shred off a strip of her underkimono, wrapping it tight around his hand. “Because if I started to fit in enough, I might never want to leave.”

Kennyo couldn’t help himself. The laugh bubbled up through his core and sternum, escaping out his mouth before he could check it. She stared, wide-eyed, as he laughed and laughed at her.

“You ran because you were getting along?” Buddha bless this woman. It sounded like something he would do. “Am I understanding that right?”

“It’s not that simple!” She pouted at him. “I don’t exactly have all the time in the world to spend here, you know.”

The not-so-distant possibility that she was someone’s betrothed lanced through him. True. He had no idea who she was, nor where she came from. What village did she call home? She’d never really answered the question about if she was Portuguese (though he had to assume that was a no, but there were surely countries in the West outside Portugal that she might have called home). Maybe some ship waited in a harbor for her. Maybe a pair of arms waited for her. Maybe she even had children.

“How old are you?” He asked.

“Bit forward, isn’t that?”

“Apologies. I don’t know why I asked.”

She fixed him a wry smile. “You first.”

Him? He tried to calculate how many years it had been since Hongan-Ji, finally settling for the answer of, “I think thirty-one.”

“Thirty-one!?”

“Is that so shocking? I’m aware--”

“You need some sleep!” She snapped. “And less stress! Good God! You look like you’re forty!”

“I realize,” he started uncomfortably. “But I’m not so occupied with how I look of late.”

She tilted back her head, still frowning, and reached out and pushed back his hair. He let her, too amused and unclear what she was doing to really fight it. Her hand played over his scalp, arranging the part of his black hair until at last she was satisfied with whatever she was looking for.

“Yeah,” she said at last. “You’d look your age if you just got some sleep. You’re good looking, but Jesus if you don’t need rest.”

Kennyo fumbled through that sentence at half-speed, finally settling on the jumbled question of, “What is Jesus?”

“Oh. Hell. We’re not having that conversation right now.” She wrinkled her nose. “To answer your question, I’m twenty-six.”

It was his turn to laugh. “You tell me to sleep and mock my age, but you’re unwed at twenty-six?”

“Who are you? My mom?” But she was grinning, and she smacked away his hands with a laugh, tossing the length of her long hair as if it might brush away his criticism. “I’ll have you know that I am very eligible.”

“As am I,” he remarked, amused. “Equally so. I’d say an ex-monk is on equal standing with a woman of your temperament.”

“Oh, you’re an asshole right now.”

“I’m afraid I can’t agree with something I don’t understand.” But at least he knew something about her; she wasn’t wed, nor betrothed, not with an answer like that.

“And here I thought you were a gentleman.” She shot him a smile that lanced straight through him. “You were so nice at first.”

“I did tell you demons lurk in the woods at night.”

“You don’t disintegrate come sunrise, so I’d amend that to ‘all the time’, thanks.”

He clutched at his chest as if wounded. “A very fair point.”

She retired to the hut not long after. Much to his infinite discomfort, he missed her when she left.

Of course it couldn’t last.

#Ikesen #Ikemen Sengoku #Ikesen Kennyo #Kennyo #my writing #ALL SHADES OF BLUE #ASB #Kennyo fanfic #MC got Sass™#humor?#lots of swearing #swearing tw #Rude Girl MC like Woah #the roast is real

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chromium-siren · 6 years ago

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Nightingale (Part 4)

(A/N: After writer’s block, I can finally continue the story! Yaaaay! Also, a big thank you to @kyber-hearts-and-stardust-souls for helping me with ways to continue the story!)

TW: bomb threat.

PHASMA

Brendol’s visit brought us some reassurance, but of course, we didn’t know who to trust. What if Brendol was still working for Vader? No, that probably wouldn’t be reasonable, especially since I literally just met him today. Nonetheless, Hux and I waited for that Tuesday Brendol said he would arrive with the equipment.

The days seemed to inch by, almost as if some higher power was intent on tormenting me- a fact made obvious by the nightmares I was beginning to have about Vader. He would loom above me holding a machete, a sadistic grin twisted on his face, or I would watch him set fire to Nightingale packed to the gills with patrons. Just as soon as he was about to push me into the flames, I woke up in a cold sweat to the sound of my alarm and Pudge’s concerned meows.

“It’s okay, Pudgelet, Maman had a nightmare,” I cooed, gently petting him as I looked at my phone lockscreen. It was a picture I took of Hux, one of him in deep thought with his sax across his lap- until I took note of the day. Tuesday. It was here. Brendol was supposed to meet us at the club to set up the cameras at around four, which meant there was just enough time for me to prepare everything (mainly my costume) for Friday’s ball. Immediately, I slid my finger across the lockscreen and texted Hux.

[txt]: today’s the day brendol comes

[txt- Armie]: four o’clock, right?

[txt]: yes. set up and everything, maybe a tech rehearsal

[txt]: is your costume ready?

[txt-Armie]: working on it. making white tie look like a mess is tough.

[txt- Armie]: also, fake blood and saxophones don’t mix. I think I ruined a mouthpiece.

[txt]: ditch the blood or put it somewhere else?

[txt-Armie]: probably. see you, love.

[txt]: xoxo

Sighing contently, I made my way downstairs to have breakfast, feeling the satisfaction that we might as well be getting our revenge on Vader soon enough. Or so I hoped...

HUX

Life at the law firm went on as usual- meetings, marking sheet music, Krennic looking like his usual shifty self. Hold up- Krennic being shifty? This was new, even for me. Hesitantly, I stood outside his office door, expecting to hear music- instead, I heard a frantic phone conversation.

“It’s at seven p.m., but we can afford to be fashionably late. Yes, Nightingale. I have all the information, I picked it up a while ago. Do I have to come in- oh, fine, it is a Halloween Ball anyway. I figure I’ll wear the cape. Yes, I’ll see you then. Thank you.” The phone hung up and I heard footsteps. Immediately assuming the worst, I tried to get away as soon as possible. Almost luckily, Krennic made his way out of his office in the opposite direction. But I was still so nervous, that when my phone vibrated, I almost yelped in shock. Looking down, I noticed it was my dad. Thank the Maker.

[txt- Brendol]: Just checked into my hotel, will be at Nightingale at four. Athena reminded the staff ahead of time.

[txt]: Thank you, dad. See you then.

I put my phone away, but not before reminding myself about the meeting at four.

“Adelaide?”

“Yes, sir?”

“I’ll be leaving a bit early today for, um... an appointment.”

“Noted,” she said, typing away at her laptop. Obviously I couldn’t say what I was doing, otherwise someone would hear and get suspicious. At around three or so, I got out of my chair, shut down my computer, and made a beeline for my car. Within a few minutes or so, I was at Nightingale, facing my father. I noticed Kylo and Poe were there as well, they had explained that they were volunteering as wait staff to help catch Vader in the act.

"Okay, everyone, thank you for coming ahead of time. As some of you know, Nightingale is in trouble- Vader wants to take control of the club in the name of some Emperor," Brendol said. "We'll need to set up cameras throughout the club, because we'll have evidence to send Vader to jail. Sound good?" Everyone nodded and got straight to work setting up the cameras. For a while, I glanced at Finn, the staff supervisor and our maitre d', stealing a kiss with Rey, our tech person.

"Will you two be at the ball?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm letting Thannison have maitre d' duties so Rey and I can go on a proper date," he said before whispering in my ear. "I'm also hoping I'll propose to her, Maker willing."

"Good luck," I said, smiling at him as we both placed and set up cameras, making sure to keep them in inconspicuous places. But little did we know, we were being watched.

PHASMA

After preparation, rehearsals, and all that jazz, the Halloween Ball finally came. Thursday's technical rehearsal went off without a hitch, and it was relieving to know the lights (and cameras) worked properly. As for me, I made sure my ghostly flapper costume looked fabulous- and it did. A white dress I found was tattered and stained with dirt and blood, with a high enough slit showing one of my garters- and the skeletal leg! At the center of my feather headband, instead of a jewel, there was a skull, and a strand of black pearls made for a fabulous lavaliere rather than the classic white pearls. But what I prided myself on was my makeup- I had made my face look pale, and painted my eyes and cheeks to look sunken in, and topped it off with a ruby red pout.

The team was also ready for the evening, made obvious by their elaborate costumes- Rose wore an elaborate steampunk ball gown, Poe was dressed as a goth, Kylo wore hippie togs, Thannison wore an elegant pirate's costume, and Mitaka was dressed as the Phantom of the Opera. Now, I knew Hux and I looked good in our zombie Jazz Age couple costume, but Finn and Rey certainly took the cake. Rey's arms were wrapped in gauze, and a bejeweled white dress shimmered in the faint light. Next to her was Finn, a mighty pharaoh who commanded respect. Right next to Thannison was a skeleton toting a double bass, as well as Frankenstein's monster with a guitar. Along with a wolfman with a trumpet, an evil clown on trombone, and a ghost on drums, Hux introduced them to me as friends from a band back in his college days who would be accompanying us. I was glad to see everyone present, but I worried about Brendol. Why was he running late? Hux then took me aside, still looking handsome in his destroyed white tie and tails.

"My dad will be here in a minute or so, darling, so don't worry," he said, gently placing a kiss on my pale forehead. Like a miracle from God, Brendol's car pulled up to the curb and stopped. He emerged from the car with a bow, wearing an elegant baroque ensemble that would make him the envy of the Sun King or any other monarch.

"Forgive my lateness, but thank you all for arriving on time," he said with a nod. "Now, waitstaff," he said, turning to Rose, Poe, Kylo, and Thannison, "you are equipped with pens that can record conversations, which would come in handy when around anyone that seems suspicious. But remember, this is no easy task since everyone will be in costume."

"Understood," Rose said.

"Rey, you and Finn are our spies. Both of you have hidden microphones and cameras in your costumes, so as you mill around, you'll be taking pictures discreetly by touching the red gem on your collars." Both of them nodded. Brendol explained the rest of the plan to the staff as I made double adjustments to the cameras hidden within the plants. "Very well then, are we all prepared?" Brendol asked. Everyone nodded in agreement as we all got ready for the ball to begin. "Wonderful. I'll be helping tend bar ut needed. Best of luck, everyone," he said, as we all walked into Nightingale. All the staff (including Pudge, our resident mouse catcher) was equipped with cameras to see if anything suspicious was going on. Once the ball ends, we would probably be sifting through footage to see if anything of interest popped up.

I sat at my vanity, warming up my voice and putting on the last of my ghostly makeup when I heard a slight jingle and the sound of Hux's shoes tapping on the floor. The door then creaked gently open, and Hux appeared before me, his white tie and tails destroyed and covered in dirt and fake blood. His face was painted pale green and adorned with nasty looking scars, and a biohazard symbol was “etched” into his forehead. Hanging from his neck strap was an alto sax that looked like it had seen better days, the shine gone from Hux playing it so often. Despite that, I smiled sweetly at him. “You look dapper.”

"It's almost time," he told me, offering me his arm as Pudge nudged my leg, his black bowtie collar jingling merrily. I walked out onto the dark stage, the audience silent as corpses (ha, ha), waiting for what I had in store for them. I nodded at one of the backstage technicians, and he began to play a custom CD we had made for the beginning of the concert. With help from Hux's co-worker Kylo, we made a perfect voiceover welcoming out guests to the ball. Now an ominous voice boomed throughout the club, startling many of the patrons (I swore I even heard a few screams!).

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Gory Twenties. Blood flows like bootleg liquor, the jazz is hotter than Hell, and the dead walk the Earth once more. There is no escape from this possessed speakeasy- no one has survived to make it out and tell the tale! Keep your wits about you, otherwise you may be cursed to remain in this prison forever among restless flappers and murderous mafiosos! Like we said, there's no way out!

Psychotic laughter, followed by ghostly sounds played over the loudspeakers, along with clanking chains and cries of desperation. All was silent as a fog rolled across the stage. Then my disembodied voice rang out.

Those fingers in my hair/That sly come hither stare/That strips my conscience bare/Ooh, it's witchcraft...

The lights go up, and we are revealed with wild applause to the audience, creatures of the night welcoming our victims to an Art Deco bloodbath. I sang on, scanning the audience for some sign of Vader, but there was no gas mask in sight. During the bridge, I did my usual routine- flirt with Hux and anyone else in the audience, vocalize a little, and do a sultry dance in place. It was during this that Rose gave us a confirmed sighting.

"He's here. Do you see the mobster guy in the white cape?" she asked. I silently replied, making sure to step away from the microphone. "That's where Vader is sitting. I'll notify Brendol and the others ASAP. Tell Hux." I slid close to Hux, whispering in his ear about the bad news while Mitaka played a solo.

"Mafiosos, over at table twenty," I said, and then that was when I noticed his face turn pale as a sheet.

"Krennic."

"What?"

"The man in the white cape is Krennic. I know him, and I hate that bastard," he said angrily. "I have the great misfortune of him being my co-worker."

"Should Kylo investigate him?"

"I would think so, but he'll have to use a fine-toothed comb to go through it all." Mitaka cleared his throat at us, and that signaled me to start singing again, all the while shooting death glares at Krennic.

HUX

I was angry. Angry at myself for telling Krennic, angry at Krennic for having the gall to show up, and angry in general because I had an untrustworthy co-worker I had confided in who would probably betray me! Nonetheless, the police were called, and would be on their way to, eventually, remedy the situation. But for the time being, nobody did anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, and the performance went off without a hitch- the crowd loved it!

Despite our situation, we were having a good time and the patrons enjoyed themselves. The fun kept going when one of the other musicians handed Phasma his trombone. Knowing the direction this was taking, she smiled and laughed- as did I.

“I only have experience with piano, ukulele, harp, and some percussion so I’d like to apologize for this trombone concerto,” she said with a joking smile. “Armie, will you accompany me and make this a duet?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes.

“Yes indeed, my love,” I announced, readying my alto sax with great ceremony. Both of us nodded at the drummer, who picked up a woodblock. The drummer began tapping out a light beat on the woodblock, keeping time. Phasma flashed a dainty smile, and raised the trombone to her lips. What followed was something that sounded like a Wookiee getting in a fight with a porg- I was the porg. From my spot, I could see that despite her lack of trombone experience, Phasma was having fun and getting into it. Inspired by her, I got into it as well, punctuating her notes with trills, awkward squawks, and glissandos, even adding an altissimo scream. I played the part of the stereotypical cool jazz musician, lifting my saxophone up, swinging it forwards and back, and swaying it from side to side with every crappy note we played. Phasma and I played our final sour notes, and the woodblock assumed the role of the metronome one last time. The audience applauded (either because it was funny or out of relief-maybe both) as I bowed and she curtsied, an angelic smile dancing on her face. She handed the trombone back to the original owner, a faint ring of lipstick on the mouthpiece.

“And for my next performance, I will attempt to play Armie’s sax,” she said jokingly, as I dramatically clutched the alto to my chest.

“Oh no you won’t!” I joked, and she laughed in response.

“Just kidding! I can't play it anyway," she replied, kissing my cheek gently. “Now we’re going to be a bit more serious for this number,” she said, lowering her voice an octave or so, perching on a bar stool. In her ruined white flapper dress, crystals and sequins glittering, she looked like a dove, but also like an angel. None of the other musicians played as I closed my eyes and played a slow, yearning (and in tune) melody. Like she tended to do during these sensual numbers, she closed her eyes and did a breathy hum before beginning the lyrics. The others joined in as I played a sensual phrase just as soon as she lifted her eyes and sang.

“The moon was all aglow, and heaven was in your eyes/The night that you told me/Those little white lies…” Just then, she stopped short and let out an audible gasp of fear. Standing in the foyer of the bar, looming like monsters in a bad dream, the mafiosos stood, smirking. In a stark black pinstriped suit, Vader stepped forward, dark glasses making him look even more sinister than he was.

"Lovely ball you've put together, Miss Phasma," he intoned.

"You don't belong here, the police are on their way," Phasma hissed.

"Not anymore," Vader argued. "We've brought you a gift." Krennic stepped forward, holding one of the cameras, and proceeded to pour his expensive glass of champagne on it, dropping it to the floor. It sparked like crazy, and burst into flames as Brendol ran forward with a fire extinguisher.

"You won't get away, Vader!" Brendol hissed, as they laughed viciously.

"I believe we have, and for that, your deadline got shorter and shorter. You have until the first of December to scrape up that ransom money. We'll be watching," Vader said, but not without leaving a suspicious box on his table. Immediately, I whipped out my cell phone.

"I need the police."

PHASMA

With that, Vader left the club, along with his goons. I looked nervously at the box, which began to tick ominously, fearful for what might happen. Police sirens wailed, and a squad car as well as the bomb squad showed up just in time.

My mind immediately went to Vader and Krennic. how somehow, he must have known- or someone had tipped him off. Who could I trust? After all, Vader wasn’t just a threat to Nightingale, but to the town as well. And frankly, not knowing what his plans were scared me. Desperately, I looked at the anxious crowd, my eyes meeting Brendol’s. I thought I was being paranoid when I assumed that Vader might have placed something like a bomb in the club, but the box confirmed my fears. In the best interest of the patrons (and because one of the police officers advised me to do so), I decided they would have to evacuate for their own safety.

“Ladies and gentlemen, due to safety reasons, we’ll have to end the celebration earlier than we expected.” I awaited the boos and demand for refunds, but no one said a word. Sure, there were a few groans of disappointment, but those were halted by firm words.

“Last call for drinks!” Thannison said, getting into his role of a Caribbean pirate, and a steady stream of people made their way to the bar, hoping to get in a last drink order before the fun would have to end. Immediately, I had an idea. I whispered something to Mitaka, and he played a longing piano line. The bassist and drummer picked up the tune, and Hux played a wistful tenor moan. Bowing my head and closing my eyes, I took a breath and sang into the microphone.

“I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places…” The party atmosphere slowly dissipated, thanks in part to Vader’s surprise appearance, and all that remained was a somber mood. It seemed more like a funeral than a Halloween celebration. I heard the sound of someone sniffling and holding back tears, and noticed that my own eyes were starting to mist and tear up. My voice quivered as I continued to sing the melody, making the song sound even more melancholy than it was. At the end of the verse, I composed myself as Hux and Mitaka took a solo. Pudge knew I was sad, and ended his mouse catcher duties to rub up against me and comfort me. The rest of the musicians fell silent as they were evacuated, leaving me singing as I made my way out of the club, makeup ruined by my tears- but I didn't care. Just as I sang the last note, the police came running out, the suspicious package being revealed to be a smoke bomb which was recently defused.

Patrons milled about outside, confused and desperate for answers. One of the police men handed me a megaphone, and I began to confess everything to the patrons.

"Ladies and gentlemen... Nightingale is in danger. Vader is demanding five hundred thousand dollars by the start of December, and if we don't make it," my voice began to quaver, "Nightingale will be no more." More murmurs resounded through the crowd, and I handed the megaphone to Brendol.

"But... we'll find some sort of way to catch Vader in the act and get the club back. Mark my words, it will be done!" he said, to the cheers of the patrons. Someone took up the chant of "Save Nightingale!" and the crowd roared the chant in unison. It was a powerful scene, one that empowered me- and sent the wheels turning in my head for a plan. If we were going to get Vader out of the way and Nightingale back, then we might as well have to do an old-fashioned heist. Because Vader should have known better than to cross paths with me.

#nightingale #my writing

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sailor-cresselia · 6 years ago

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Zi-O 35: *chuckles* I’m in danger

(Using the RiderTimeFansubs version today)

Now... it’s show Rider Zi-O Inoue time.

(I’m out of opening jokes guys.)

Now that is a Black Widow if I ever saw one. Seriously, lady, you’re creeping me out. I am literally 33 seconds in.

Lady, er, sorry, Yuko, I don’t know what you were convicted of, but. Um. You’re not really giving off the impression of someone who is exactly going to be… okay if you go outside.

I will give Hora kudos for not shoving the watch into her chest, though. Good call. And apparently Another Kiva gets to summon the Real Kiva’s… support? I don’t actually know what those three Fangire are to Kiva, but. Yeah. I’mma go with either ‘support’ or ‘retainers’ for now.

Flip-cut to 2008, with… Woz… creeping on 2008 Yuko. This Is Fine.

Woz. I know you somehow make it into the Gaia Library in FOREVER. I know you don’t get much to do in FOREVER. I have not seen FOREVER yet, that’s next on the agenda.

BUT YOU DON’T GET TO SAY KEYWORD. YOU JUST DON’T.

(But still, kudos for the possible nod to the film having just gotten it’s home release, that’s clever.)

A quick note on the opening. Nothings changed in a few episodes, not since we got Trinity. But I can’t help but be uncomfortable with the fact that they still have the last scene with characters be the section with Zi-O and Geiz back to back, and then turning around and clashing.

It’s right up there with Cross-Z Charge staying in the OP for Build through the entire season, but Cross-Z Magma never making it in.

Keeping something that was relevant, but became quickly outdated. I’d say they should have swapped this segment somehow by at least the end of the Another Zi-O Arc, if not before. … Nah, end of Another Zi-O would be the best place. I was thinking that after Geiz gave Sougo his belt, and that whole shindig, but there was still an amount of animosity after that for a while.

OH NOOO MY HEART! THEY’RE ALL GETTING ALONG AND FAWNING OVER JUNICHIRO’S APPLE PIE! It’s too cute, help!

But really, all four are immediately smiling, and it’s adorable. Woz kind of seems like he’s lost all of his stoic traits from even two arcs ago, though.

…oh no, Sougo’s Space Case tendencies transferred to Woz when they started using Trinity.

That’s the only answer. Sougo’s been increasingly competent, and both him and Geiz are getting better at talking to people… and Woz has become comic relief. Oh no personality blending nooooo…

But that is exactly the right set of reactions to Sougo saying he’s been in love. A+ to Tsukuyomi pointing out that he’s ‘like a kid.’

Sougo: Of course I’ve been in love! :)

Geiz: Oh god you’re telling us about it. End me now…

...HUH. Just realized. Junichiro wouldn’t know about this, would he? Kiva – and thus our past segments – were in 2008, but Sougo came to live with his uncle in 2009. So Sougo’s parents were still alive at this point.

2008 Sougo didn’t have friends, either.

Tsukuyomi and Geiz looking on in confusion, Junichiro messing with his nephew (while also confused) and Woz… continues eating pie. I’m worried about you, dude. Character Decay’s not a good thing.

And we have a customer, interrupting story time!

OH WOW! He’s here to get a watch fixed! That’s a first from a non-Time Traveler! The only people bringing in actual time pieces have been Woz and Mondo – you know, Quiz, remember him?

(Customer thinks the shop may have become a cafe – fair, given the scene he’s just walked in on – and Uncle’s stuck in cat-pun mode. Whoops.)

(I’ve started Decade, and the apparently recurring ‘I thought this was a cafe’ joke from there with regards to the Photo Studio just popped into my head. Nice.)

Yuko is. Scary. She wants to take over the world to change the laws.

:casts a nervous glance over at the Kiva and Ryuki arcs of Decade:

Hora’s got a point – the only female Another Rider was Amane, as Another Blade, and she was selected by Hat!Woz. But… looks like Hora’s still in the ‘looking for a new King’ state. Even Heure seems to have moved past that. Last arc, he was trying to find Hibiki, not a candidate. Interesting.

Customer is a lawyer, and knows that he can’t always be the ‘gallant hero’ that Sougo seems to think lawyers are. After all, he couldn’t help ‘that pretty lady.’ But he’s forgotten something at the counter, and Sougo – good boy that he is – rushes off to follow and return it.

YUKO. STOPPED A CAR. WITH HER FOOT. IN HEELS. AND A TINY SKIRT.

:siiiiiigh: Did we really need that pan shot along her leg? Did we?

No. No we didn’t.

And we didn’t need Yuko being a CREEPER to her former lawyer – aka Customer. She’s got a… really sensitive nose. That’s really creepy, especially since she’s using it to unnerve literally everyone around her. It’s not even an Another Kiva thing – she was doing this to identify the exact wine her former boyfriend had in the cold open.

Yuko Kitajima, okay, so that’s her last name. And her doing this ‘ah, yes, it’s that aroma’ trick is what lets her lawyer know it’s her. So she’s done this for a long time.

Another Kiva has some nice touches – roses at the lapels of her cape, where the chain attaches, the stained glass aesthetic.

HOWEVER. I’m NOT here for the eyes. That bright piercing blue is both unnerving AND doesn’t go with the rest of the look! Not to mention the eyes on her shoulders! NO NO NOPE NOT HERE FOR THAT.

...When did Zi-O drop the ‘dial’ eyes, anyway? Definitely by Another Zi-O, I know that… but the Future Another Riders had them, too. Then again, the years have all been ‘2019’ for the last few arcs. Blade, Hibiki, and now Kiva definitely have said 2019. Huh. Wonder if it’s something to do with that.

Another Kiva: I’m going to be queen, and this world will be ~mine~.

Sougo: Queen? :o

SOUGO! THIS IS NOT THE TIME! DO NOT APPRECIATE THE COLORS! YOU ARE UNDER ATTACK!

Ooh, hey, she’s even got a version of Kivat-Bat on there! Nice!

Sougo, please at least put on one of your armors. Like. Any of them would do, right now. Build would be good! You can tank hits really well in that one! Decade’d be better! But just something to give you defense! This is four on one you fool you are outnumbered

AND NOW you are also outgunned, because she can turn her Summoned Fangire Replicas into their weapon forms. Delightful.

And after getting hit by the hammer, sword, and gun, Sougo’s knocked right the hell out of his transformation. Whoops.

Yuko. Yuko don’t – don’t stand over him like that, what are you doing? No, no, don’t do the chin thing, Sougo’s already a wreck, we don’t need him losing sensibility already! Don’t leave the braincell to Geiz! Nooooo-

Hora: So, a queen, huh?

Yuko: How dare a servant talk to me.

OH MY GOODNESS WOW

Hora’s not having this. Just. Teleports out of the way of Yuko trying to slap her. Good call.

YUKO. FRICKING. Kicks up a manhole cover. THROWS IT LIKE A FRISBEE at Hora.

Hora just TURNS HER HEAD to dodge. All she gets is a cut on the cheek – HORA YOU’RE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE OH MY GOD.

Hora’s gonna do a violence.

(Hey, Heure, back when we met Swartz, you told him not to treat you like a child. So… what’s with you two getting ice cream? That’s. Weird. And creepy.)

HEURE. HORA. GET OUT OF THERE. BOTH OF YOU. YOU CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS.

Cut to evening in the shop.

I can believe this lady did a murder. She certain plans to do some murders now.

The day of the crime she’s ‘falsely’ accused of was April 10, 2015. Just felt like noting that.

(And noting that that fits right in with when a Roidmude could have taken someone’s identity. And noting that we haven’t seen Drive yet.)

(I know there’s like, zero chance it’s connected. Why would they link two different arcs like that? That is, aside from Fourze and Faiz, but that was different.)

(But, you know. Just saying.)

She’s almost definitely going after people who got her imprisoned, there’s no maybe about it. And, er, I can actually understand why Sougo would relate to that, what with. You know. The whole ‘demon king’ thing.

Except that he thinks she couldn’t have done it, because she was his First Love. Woz is all “suggestive raised eyebrows” while Geiz and Tsukuyomi just. They just want the inanity to end.

I fucking LOVE how everyone keeps making cat puns / noises with regards to this story. I mean. Really. She scratched you under the chin, dude. That’s weird.

(Nya.)

Weirdo guy in a coffee bar, insulting the coffee but still coming here, because the waitress is pretty. “Yay.”

Also, he’s got this fancy ring on. That’s probably significant, since P-Bandai’s releasing a ring for one of the Kiva characters. They had Amane wearing the Chalice themed necklace, too, so-

OH LOOK Weirdo’s eyes lit up gold when he was talking about ‘seeing a vision of the end of the world’! And his reflection is a blue wolf! You know! The one from Kiva! That the ring is modeled on! Okay!

Right! Legacy Characters! I somehow forgot that they’d try to bring someone from Kiva back!

Cut to Yuko being creepy at a pier, going after the Chief Prosecutor in her case, right up until Sougo and Geiz arrive.

Sougo’s got one question for you. (Just one? Sounds fake, but okay.)

Sougo: “Why do you want to be a queen?”

Yuko: “To correct the laws of this world, to enforce those correct laws.” (all said with an angry face)

Sougo: “So… it is to help people, then?” (confused)

Geiz: “Oh, for f- That’s not how you should go about it! This is just revenge!”

Geiz has the Trinity brain cell today, and he’s making good use of it!

Oh-ho-hohoho- Hora’s PISSED. She chose poorly. She’s gonna get some revenge of her own.

And now Yuko’s gonna do a violence, because all of them are ‘guilty.’

Geiz transforms, but Sougo doesn’t get that far.

No, he’s just gotten into some weird flashback to 2008.

So, a woman – possibly Yuko, I’m not sure, and ‘Tetsuya’ in one of those swan boats. And then it jumps to 2015. With a (presumably) dead female body… and Tetsuya standing over her.

Right. Sougo’s got time powers independent of the belt. He’s only ever looked into the future before now.

SOUGO! I don’t really care what sort of crisis of faith you’re having, you need to go help Geiz! He’s in a four on one, in an even less ideal location than you were! GO HELP HIM!

What’s this? Something’s going weird up in the sky. First to notice is Swartz, who looks up at the ripples of light. Then Tsukuyomi. (“The two of us aren’t so different after all.”)

And then Garulu. The one on the dock. Who I’d thought was a copy. But, um, maybe not. Maybe that’s the actual one? The real one was talking about a ‘vision of the future’ earlier, after all. But what about the other two Fangire? Are they the real ones? How is Another Kiva summoning them, anyway?

Geiz is knocked out of his transformation – and Sougo didn’t even get to activate his own. He never finished turning the belt before noticing a meteor streaking down the sky. The same one that Garulu was seeing in the coffee bar.

I don’t know WHAT that is that just hit that cliff face, but I don’t like the looks of it.

It – it’s alive? Is it an egg?

No no no NOPE it’s a space egg. It’s got a dude inside. It’s got a kitbash Rider inside. And he’s just blasted everyone down.

Everyone except the very noticeably absent Swartz.

Another Kiva tells him to stop – she is the law here.

But Ginga is from deep space. He doesn’t care about your Earth Laws. He’s going to blast you off of your cliff, too.

(I’m sorry, but I’m having a little trouble taking Ginga seriously with that UFO on his helmet.)

“Alright, let’s go!”

“WAIT NO! WAGA MAOU, STOP!”

“ASK US BEFORE YOU USE TRINITY, DAMNIT!”

Turning into a watch is not fun times.

“There is only one law. Everything dies.”

Yoooo I can take Ginga a little more seriously with those barriers. Yoooooo this guy is WAY overpowered.

Seiji Takaiwa is a god of suit acting~! Making just the little adjustments to show which loser is in control of Trinity moment to moment takes timing.

Also, the only person who can talk is the one in control? That’s. Unfortunate. For them. It’s HILARIOUS for us.

(Tsukyomi, I’m sorry, you don’t deserve to have to deal with these three.)

Nothing they throw at Ginga is working. He’s kicking everyone’s ass. Ass, singular, because bodysharing.

HOO BOY. We have our second female Another Rider… and she doesn’t get to be the main threat in her arc, either. Come on, Toei. … Let’s blame Inoue for this one. He’s here, after all.

Looks like Woz gets a Super mode in Ginga.

Well. At least he didn’t get completely shafted in the power-up regard, once his Character Decay set in.

Justice for Alain. (He! Deserved! Better! Yuujo Burst should have been IN SHOW damnit! Not relegated to the STUPID GOD AWFUL SPECTER V-CINEMA!)

(IT’S NOT EVEN HIS OWN SPECIAL! IT’S MAKOTO’S! IT COULD AT LEAST HAVE BEEN IN THE ‘LEGEND OF HERO ALAIN’ SPECIALS!)

(Yes I will always be salty about how Alain got treated.)

Well! Until next time!

#kamen rider zi o #sailorcressy says

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andaleduardo · 6 years ago

Text

Loopy Emotions - 3

Eddie is anticipating his wisdom teeth removal surgery. He’s only nervous for one thing, the after effects of the anesthesia. What could go wrong?

Parts: 1 / 2 / 3

One hour had passed since they arrived home and the doorbell rang. Sonia had almost forgot about the conversation that took place the night before. When she opened the door to face six smiling teenagers with a large number of ice cream boxes and blankets, she almost rolled her eyes too hard and shut the door right in their faces.

“Guh-Good afternoon, Mrs.K”

“I assume you’re here to check on Eddie?” Every head nodded back at her. She contemplated her options, finally giving in. “Just be careful with him, he’s not himself and he can’t get hurt.”

They were about to step inside when a sudden cry was heard from the room upstairs. The six friends were startled as they watched the older woman make her way up in a rush and they quickly followed, the front door shutting behind them with a loud noise.

When they made their way to where the cries were coming from, Eddie’s bedroom, they encountered a very funny sight. Richie almost dropped the ice cream he had in his arms when he took in the scene. Eddie was in front of his dresser facing the mirror, and he was crying. The type of cry that leaves you sobbing with a runny nose. But the one thing that really jumped to him was

Eddie looked extremely adorable.

There were bandages all around his head from his chin to the top, making his messed-up hair spurt out in various directions. His cheeks were puffy, maybe swollen, most likely due to the cotton pads shoved inside. Eddie’s eyes were shiny with tears just like his cheeks and nose which were heavily pink. His lips were dry, chapped, and red-smeared. Maybe that could be disgusting for some, but the whole look of him just made Richie melt.

Eddie cried out once again just like a baby would when he doesn’t get attention. Richie was brought out of his awe and noticed that Sonia was apprehensive beside him, trying to figure out how to calm his son.

“Eddie bear, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” She planted her hands on his shoulders to turn him around to face her. But Eddie shoved her hands away weakly and turned to the mirror again, getting so close to it over the dresser that he almost bumped his face on the reflective surface.

“Look at it!” He cried out, bringing a hand to his mouth and pushing his lips so that all of his teeth were showing. A bloody pad threatened to fall. “Juslook at it!”

Richie made his way over, surpassing Beverly and Mike, who were the closest to Eddie. On the corner of his eye he could see Bev holding his camera up and silently recording.

“Eddie, what am I suppose to look at?” Sonia looked closer at his reflection, noticing as he pointed to the various stiches on the back of his mouth. The others saw her face pale up a little. “Did the stiches open? Are you hurting, baby? Let me look at them pleas-“

“Looks so ugly.” He sobbed. “Make ‘em leave, ma. I donwanna ‘em!”

“Eds.” Richie approached him by placing a hand on the boy’s shoulders. Eddie immediately turned to face him with teary eyes, making Richie’s heart skip a beat. Eddie scanned his eyes over each of his friends and sniffled, finally realizing they were all there. His mother stood still on his other side of him “They’re just stiches. They’ll fall off before you notice.”

Eddie locked his eyes with Richie’s again, blinking his tears away. “Wreally?”

“Yeah, really. You’ll wake up one day and they’re not there anymore.”

Behind the camera, Beverly smirked.

It seemed too good to be true. Eddie turned to his mother for confirmation. “It’s true, honey, they’re temporary.”

“We brought you ice cream, blankets and a movie.” Mike’s voice made its way through the room and Eddie scanned his friends again, each of them holding something for him. When his chin started trembling again Stan broke the silence and grabbed Eddie’s hand, leading him to the bedroom door.

“The ice cream won’t eat itself, let’s go grab spoons.”

His mom stood in place watching the group go down the stairs.

Stan kept guiding Eddie to the couch while Bill and Ben made their way to the kitchen in order to grab spoons and store the extra ice cream in the freezer. When they came back, with four ice cream flavours in their hands, they found Mike and Richie getting the movie and the blankets ready while Stan attempted to make Eddie sit still.

“Eddie, sit down for once.” He tried to settle the boy down on the couch cushions, failing miserably as Eddie scrambled to his feet right away.

“Noo!”

Stan managed to grab him by his waist before he went on a running spree around the house.

“We’re just going to eat ice cream, we brought you your favourite, lemon.” He forced him back on the couch.

“Oh, okay.” Eddie settled down for two seconds, but as soon as Stan took his hands away, Eddie rushed underneath him, dodging him successfully to stand up on his own. The dizziness hit him and his knees buckled before he could start running. Luckily, Richie was close enough to grab him by his waist, like Stan had done seconds ago, before Eddie hit the ground.

With a giggling, drugged boy in his arms, he turned to face the others. “Jesus, how long does this last?”

Beverly zoomed in on the scene, her voice behind the camera. “Hours. Maybe five? Enjoy it while you can.”

If he could, Richie would have flipped her off for that, but he was busy holding a scrambling Eddie who was trying so hard to get away. He sat down on the couch with the boy in his arms, holding him still as much as he could. The rest of them took a spot on the floor or the remaining couch space. Beverly finally shut the camera off.

“Eddie, for fuck’s sake stop moving.” His fighting was getting weaker, but he ceased on giving up.

“Lemme go.” Richie held Eddie harder against his chest, sitting the boy half on his lap and half on the couch. As revenge, Eddie pressed his nails on Richie’s uncovered knee, making him hiss and curse under his breath.

“Eddie bear?”

Seven heads turned to the living room entrance, where Sonia had just walked in. Her eyes scanned the two boys sitting so close and Richie audibly gulped. She approached his son with neat steps and tried her best to ignore the position he was in. Eddie had quieted down with the sudden interruption and he was looking up at his mother with the same expressionless face.

“I’m going to get these new prescriptions the doctor gave you. I left your bed ready if you want to go sleep. Meanwhile, I need you to eat something, okay?” She started to tilt Eddie’s chin up. Eddie opened his mouth so his mother could remove the blood-soaked gauzes. She talked to the teenagers next. “Can I count on you to look after him?” After a unison ‘yes’ she nodded in approvement. “Make sure he eats this ice cream you brought, and after he finishes-“ She handed a package of new gauzes to Richie, his eyebrows rose as he took them in one hand, the other still around Eddie. “-he needs to put on these. Two or three, depends on the bleeding.”

Richie looked up at her with a dumb stare but nodded anyway. She took one final look at her son and left a kiss on the top of his head, leaving the room afterwards.

Once she left, the room kept quiet, the only sound being the beginning of the movie. Beverly spoke once the front door closed.

“I can’t believe I didn’t catch that on video. Your expression was more embarrassing than anything this boy will do today.”

But no one answered her, which made everything weirder. Richie was still stuck looking at the door, and everyone was equally quiet. Eddie was distracted trying to open a box of lemon flavoured ice cream.

“Why are we watching a muh-movie again? E-Eddie won’t remember it.” Bill broke the silence.

“Yeah, it was stupid idea.” Mike agreed with him.

“Well, we have to do something anyway.” Ben remarked.

Shrugging, Bev suggested “Let’s just feed the beast and have fun with this.”

“Can’t argue with that.” Stan, from his spot on the floor, took the box from Eddie’s hand and opened it, giving it back to him along with a spoon.

Eddie happily dived in and everyone was getting ready to do the same when he whined out. “I can’t find my mouth!” And it was the funniest thing watching him struggle to eat as he pressed the spoon on his chin instead. Ben was sitting on his other side and tried to guide Eddie’s hand in the right direction. But Eddie, stubborn as ever, pushed him away, claiming that he was able to do it. His method consisted of getting his left hand to find his mouth and then successfully lead the spoon towards it, finally eating.

Stan was looking at him questioningly. “That ought to work.”

And so, they settled on sharing ice cream with a movie as background noise and soft blankets draped on their laps. Eddie’s own ice cream was kept to himself for obvious reasons. Richie ended up eating from his left, where Mike sat with a strawberry flavour.

On the opposite side of the couch, Beverly passed the camera to Bill, who was sitting on an old recliner. He gladly accepted it and started recording, keeping the camera partly hidden.

“So…” Bev spoke up. “Eddie, how’d it go?”

He looked at her, chin dripping with melted sugary sorbet from the lack of sensation on his mouth. “Ooh, it went greeat!” He spoke with a mouthful. His voice cleared up a little without the stuffed cotton but it was still dragged from the medicine.

“Yeah? How can you tell?” She herself also eating.

Eddie shrugged. “I didn’t die, I guess.” The answer took a few laughs from the group. From his spot on the recliner, Bill snickered and zoomed in a little bit. Beverly kept the chat going.

“You’re awfully quiet. No fun.”

“Bev don’t push it.” Mike protested. If there was a best-case scenario, this was probably it.

“But it’s true! I was hoping for a little more.” She insisted.

At her disappointment, Ben suggested “Maybe he just needs to sleep already?”

Eddie whined out from his spot between the three talking teenagers. “I’m literally hereee!” He waved his spoon around while he talked. “You’re treating me like a stupid baby!” And since chaos was asked, his spoon collided with Richie’s face, knocking his glasses sideways.

“Ow!” Richie yelped in pain, making Eddie turn around to face him. Ben almost spit ice cream from his mouth with the urge to laugh. “Oh god, can I go blind?” Richie put a hand over his eye, his glasses threating to fall.

“See? He’s the baby, not me…” Eddie tried to prove his point but Richie just whined more in response.

“I have spit and bloody dairy on, my, eye.” And Eddie just lost it completely. He threw his head back on the couch and laughed loudly.

“Guys, this is really starting to burn.” He disentangled his arm from Eddie’s waist to remove his glasses and rub on his red eye. Their legs still tangled “Can someone get me a tissue or something?”

No one answered him, everyone distracted with Eddie, still laughing and hitting his hand on Ben’s arm who just wanted to eat in peace.

“Thanks a lot! Let me just remind you if I get up, Eddie gets up, and I’m gonna leave it to you to catch him.”

That was enough to make Bev leave her spot on the arm of the couch. When she came back with a wet towel on her hand, she approached Richie.

“Wipe his chin too, don’t let the bandages get dirty.”

“Am I the designated babysitter here?” He asked with confusion in his voice. His heart was already going nuts of having Eddie on his lap. The truth was, it was getting harder and harder not to stare or act stupid around Eddie when he looked so adorable and vulnerable. Richie just wanted to hug him close to his chest and he was positive he would do it if they didn’t have an audience with them. Somehow, this was turning out to be more embarrassing for him than to Eddie.

He finally rubbed his eye clean, trying to relieve the burning sensation.

“Oh no, you’re just the designated target for our entertainment since you have a crush on him.” Bev said while she sat back down again, trying hard not to smile.

“Bev!” Richie’s mouth opened and closed countless times, speechless. He felt his blood boil.

“Oh, this is golden, tell me you’re getting this on camera!” Mike talked to Bill between chuckles.

Richie shrieked. “You’re recording?!”

“I-It was your idea to b-bring a camera!” He defended himself from his spot.

Richie talked more to the camera than to anyone specifically. “This is fucking unfair! Eddie, if you see this, don’t believe anything these jerks said!”

“Relax, we’re just messing with you.” Stan said from his spot on the ground.

“Go fuck yourself, Snow White.” He then pointed to Bill and the camera. “And turn that shit off for a minute!”

Bill slowly lowered the camera down again, exchanging glances with the others, all of them surprised by the way Richie was acting.

After cleaning his eye, he turned slightly sideways to find Eddie’s head still on the back of the couch with his eyes closed. His laughter had died a little ago. Richie poked Eddie’s side and the boy squirmed under the touch, looking at him through lidded eyes.

He gently wiped Eddie’s chin with the damp towel and allowed himself to stare since everyone was quiet and trying to catch the plot of the forgotten movie. Eddie was breathing through his mouth, his lips agape and dried. When Richie took his eyes from Eddie’s mouth, he realized Eddie was looking right back at him, a very peaceful expression on his face.

They stared at each other while he finished cleaning him and Eddie’s eyelids trembled while he did so.

Eddie’s eyes would always speak to him, drugged or not. For years, Richie wondered if they held a glint in them at all times, just like they do when they look at each other. Right now, in this room with low orange light coming from the late afternoon outside, Eddie’s eyes held a sweet brown and they pierced through Richie’s soul like blades cutting paper. Richie stopped moving the towel when Eddie darted his eyes lower only to get back up seconds later

Eddie gently pushed the ice cream into Richie’s space, breaking the stare. He took it from Eddie’s grip and put it on the coffee table in front of them, grabbing the package of new clean gauzes that was previously given to him.

Taking a last glance around to find everyone eating and watching the movie, he waved the package to the other boy. All he got in response was the moving of Eddie’s legs to get properly comfortable on top of his own. Eddie kept his head thrown back on the top of the couch and opened his mouth further to Richie, and he got the message.

Richie took one squared compress and rolled it into a cylinder, placing it over the still bleeding back of Eddie’s mouth. He was about to put in the second one on the opposite side when the smaller boy broke the silence with a hoarse voice.

“You’re a dickhead…”

A small but sudden sense of guilt crept to him from the way he snapped at his friends a minute ago but he decided to ignore it. His face softened with Eddie’s voice and he finished the task at hand, throwing the package on the coffee table as well.

When he fell back against the couch, he hesitated a little before sliding his hand behind Eddie again. But when he did it, Eddie immediately leaned on him and turned his back to Ben. His head fell in the crook of Richie’s neck, resting against his shoulder.

Eddie knew what he was doing, he just didn’t know why he was doing it. Everything that went in his head was being done, not a second thought was given to anything. Three hours had passed since he woke up in the dentist, so the dizzy sensation was wearing off a little. He was aware of the stiffness that Richie’s body was when he got closer, it made him wonder if he was doing something wrong. He didn’t let go nonetheless.

When Eddie felt Richie’s grip tighten around him and his shoulders relaxing, he allowed himself to nestle his nose on the skin of his neck.

It made Richie squirm with tingles and bite his tongue. This was too much to handle, it broke his heart to think Eddie didn’t know what he was doing or that he wouldn’t really remember this or even know he did it.

They settled like that for some minutes, Eddie even tried to watch the movie. During this time Richie started feeling fidgety and nervous. From his peripherical vision, he felt watched, which never bothered him before but now it certainly was. He was about to find out if someone was looking at them when the front door was unlocked.

When Sonia entered the room and walked towards them, Richie took his hands off from Eddie and kept them to himself.

Eddie tried to sit upright. She made a quick check-up on him that consisted of feeling his forehead for a possible fever and inspecting once again the inside of his mouth, taking this opportunity to remove the cotton once again.

“How are you feeling, Eddie?”

“I’m fine, m’not dizzy anymore.”

She nodded back and gave him a small smile. “Don’t you want to rest?” She hinted on his friends leaving.

“No, Ma, I’m okay.” He reassured.

That was enough to please her and she left to go grab a glass of water along with the pills.

Richie watched her leave and as soon as her figure disappeared through the door, Eddie lunged forwards and did what his mind told him to. He dragged his tongue along Richie’s cheek, quickly. Poor Richie jolted on his seat, wide eyes and soon-to-be red face. He was about to squeal something along the lines of ‘What the hell?’ when Sonia came back. He watched as Eddie acted regularly and took his pills, never breaking his face into giving something away.

Richie cleaned his cheek with the back of his palm only to find some smeared red on his skin. He soon understood that Eddie did it on purpose to tease him in front of his mother.

“Are you sure you’ll be fine, Eddie?” And he answered her positively while placing new compresses inside his mouth. “Alright… Tell me if you need anything. I’m going to make you dinner.”

Gulping down the urge to freak out, Richie caught Bev’s gaze once they were left alone again. She was fighting back a smirk and he mouthed ‘Help me’ while Eddie planted his head back on Richie’s shoulder. Bev winked at him with a smug drawn on her face, going back to her quiet conversation with Ben.

He inhaled sharply and tried to focus on the stupid movie but it wasn’t really working. Was anyone even watching? He hoped so. He failed to notice if anyone had watched what Eddie did.

‘It’s no big deal. Get it together, Richie. He’s not himself.’ He tried to calm down, which worked for a couple of minutes until he was ready to throw himself off the roof.

Eddie had decided to poke his tongue out again and press it against Richie’s neck. Stiffening instantly, Richie started to panic and he tried to gently push Eddie away but the other boy just giggled under his breath and this time he licked innocent and small strokes on the same spot.

Every hair on Richie’s body stood up and he disentangled himself from Eddie in a rush. He made a move to get up, dragging Eddie along.

“Well, Eddie’s tired… so I’m gonna make him lay down before dinner.” He talked in a rush and gave a step forward while grabbing Eddie’s arm.

Eddie stopped him. “What? I’m not tiwed. I wanna watch the muovie.” His voice once again muffled but it was obvious the teasing tone underneath his words.

The others were all aware of the situation and just stared at the scene, loving it.

Richie gave a nervous giggle. “Sure you are, Eddie spaghetti. C’mon.” And he tugged his arm again, moving towards the hallway.

Once they made it to his room (Eddie only tripped once on the stairs) they sat side by side on the bed.

“Why’d you do that for, Eds?” His leg bouncing unconsciously.

Eddie shrugged as an answer, but decided to add more after seconds of silence. “I knew we-“

He paused abruptly and got up to empty his mouth on the trashcan near his desk. He settled back down on the same spot by Richie’s side. “I knew we’d both like it.”

Richie looked at him incredulous, he groaned and grasped his hair tightly. “You’re killing me here! Why do you have to be drugged?” He asked to no one in particular.

“I’m not that out of myself.” Eddie bumped their knees together. “It’s pretty worn off, I know what I’m doing.”

“I don’t.” Richie inhaled profoundly, a nervous tingle on his stomach. “I don’t know what I’m doing. Or what I’m supposed to do.” Their eyes locked again and for a brief moment, Eddie looked sober.

“Just lay down with me and stay for dinner.” Richie wanted to protest, but it would be a failed attempt due to Eddie’s tired condition. He hesitated but nodded in response, watching as Eddie got under the covers. He crawled his way to Eddie’s side and mimicked his actions, loving the weight of the blankets and sheet over his body. They shared the pillow and nestled closely on each other’s space, eyes locked for a long time and feeling warm all over.

“What about the others?” Richie whispered through the silence after some minutes.

“They probably know we’re not going back down.” The anesthesia was definitely wearing off by now. Despite the painkillers he took, Eddie could feel his mouth tingling in soreness and it hurt to move his tongue around. The bloody taste was uncomfortable and persisting, but he found himself feeling more than okay when he felt his best friend’s arm settle over his figure and hugging him close.

By now, Richie was sure that he was high along with Eddie. Maybe they were high on different things, maybe not. He was drugged and lost on his own feelings, only hopping that Eddie’s loopy ones mattered just as much.

If tomorrow they would have to deal with the teasing, then let it be.

“Did you catch that?” Bev turned to Bill as soon as the two boys made their way upstairs.

“Of course I d-did. I don’t joke around, B-Bev.” Bill said smugly and got up from his spot at the recliner to go sit on empty seat of the couch.

“Oh, thank god, I was trying so hard not to laugh.” Mike admitted while he moved closer to watch the video Bill was about to show.

“Right? They were right between us! I can’t believe Richie thought we couldn’t see it.” Ben was also eager to see everything again, this time not from the corner of his eye.

Stan turned around on the carpet to face his friends. “Wait, were you filming this whole time?” Bill nodded back at him, smirking. “The whole thing?”

“You bet!”

He got up from the floor to squeeze himself between Bill and Ben. “I can’t believe we’re getting new blackmail content.”

From her side of the couch, Beverly spoke while leaning in to watch closely.

“Right back at you, Stanley. Right back at you.”

Notes: Sorry it took me longer to post, I was figuring out what to do with loopy Eddie. This got longer than expected.. It's here! Hope I didn't build up anyone's exectations and let you down or anything, hopefully? I want to thank everyone that read this and commented and gave kudos, this story got way more feedback than I was expecting and it's amazing! Can't wait to post a fanfic I've been working on for months now, it's Reddie as well, maybe you'll read it too, who knows. Anyway, tell me your opinions, good or bad, I can't take them Thank you so much, and bless you if you read this till the end - Alex

Taglist: @richietoaster @salty-kaspbrak @youtubequeens @reddieseggrolls @addimagination @20gayteeneds @pastelstozier @noodleboyshane @reddieforlove

#reddie #short story #fanfic #dentists #wisdom teeth removal #loopy eddie #losers club #it #it2017 #eddie kaspbrak #richie tozier #stanley uris #beverly marsh #ben hanscom #mike hanlon #bill denbrough #nice sonia kaspbrak

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