#Oh and also your biological parents abandoned you when you were still in the egg

[dont-hug-me-its-yuri]

Shrignold has a right to be messed up in this au because what do you mean you were basically raised from caterpillar to butterfly hood by two sapphic flowers who worship a statue they say you’re somehow related to and tell you that “You have a great destiny awaiting you.”

and what do you mean you spent most your life in isolation with only a few other cult village members to comfort you, and when your god/father figure finally let you leave the clouds it was for the purpose of recruiting more people in your cult village.

and what you mean your destiny is for your god/father figures soul to be transferred into your body on your 25th birthday, effectively killing you????

[citrusreadstoa]

Reading The Dark Prophecy: Chapter 28 (SPOILERS)

"getting an elephant into the Waystation was not as hard as I'd imagined." Yeah, of course it wasn't. This building literally materializes whatever size or shape entrance you need.

"a stream wending through the middle of the room" Did he misspell "winding"? No, apparently. WEND (v.): go in a specified direction, typically slowly or by an indirect route

"The Real Elephants of the African Veld" VELD (n.): open, uncultivated country or grassland in southern Africa. It is conventionally classified by altitude into highveld, middleveld, and lowveld imo it should've just been called "midveld."

"back to the main hall, where a crown had gathered . . . The rest of the freed prisoners milled around" This is such a nice, peaceful, happy scene that I'm sad it's not going to last. At least we got *checks book* two full pages of people being happy.

"The griffins allowed him to scratch under their beaks--a sign of great trust" Maybe Jamie isn't a bad guy after all? I'm still skeptical. "especially since they were guarding and egg in their neest (and no doubt worried that Sssssarah might see it)." I don't think even Sssssarah could swallow an egg that big, but she might try.

"a different green dress and jeans" Did you just say she's wearing a dress over jeans?

"Lady Artemis has been watching you." "Oh, no . . . You can tell my beloved sister to back off." You tell 'er, Apollo!

"Father!" Hehe oh noooooo "This isn't prophecy. This has never happened before--" Has Emmie been to the Cave of Trophonius a lot? How does she know?

"You sent this little sister of mine to do your errands?" Uhh. I'm guessing not on the mom's side, huh? When she said "Father" I was like OMG she's Apollo's kid! And then when it turned out to be Trophonius talking, that worry went away and SURPRISE NOW IT'S BACK! Interesting to note that Trophonius doesn't know that Georgina wasn't sent by Apollo. He doesn't know as much as you'd expect an Oracle to know.

"I wonder, Father, to whom will you pray?" True. To whom do the gods pray?

"the recovery rate for supplicants of Trophonius" SUPPLICANT (n.): one who supplicates Fuck you too, Merriam-Webster. Cambridge Dictionary says, SUPPLICANT (n.): a person who asks a god or someone who is in a position of power for something in a humble way

"No one had reported a missing baby girl like her. Her birth parents either didn't want her or couldn't raise her" Or was secretly a serial killer on the run who couldn't raise a child. Sounds about right with Apollo's standards for flings. Bad Decisions Box <- Georgina's biological mortal parent & Georgina's subsequent abandonment

"enter the Cavern of Prophecy." We're finally going innnnnnnn! Death and madness, here we come! Eat it like well-cooked ramen!

"I'm not sure." "All hail the god of prophecy!" Got nothing to say, just wanted to highlight that little bit.

"tracking devices I put on your griffins" Gee thanks, Lit. "first thing tomorrow morning. He'll wipe this place off the map." Can't thank ya more, Lit.

I feel like someone is definitely getting sealed in that cave. There's never a cave in a story without a rockfall or cave-in also happening and someone getting shut inside a stony tomb, never to be seen again.

[6knotty6thotty6]

So a couple of months ago, I saw a YouTube video that was an audio recording of season 5, episode 6 of Bojack Horseman, “Free Churro.” In the episode, the main character, Bojack Horseman, spends 20 minutes giving a eulogy at his mother’s funeral. There’s one big problem though, his mother was an abusive bitch. His eulogy is him trying to contemplate what she meant by her drying words, “I see you,” and whether or not she loved him. As someone who has a dead parent who was abusive, this is probably my favorite episode of any show ever for how much it helped me understand my feelings. The comments section is filled with people sharing their pain with their abusive families, but one comment stood out to me above all the others by how raw and relatable it was. This comment was by a YouTuber named Moonstruck. At the bottom of this post is a link to her channel. Please support her. After reading this, she deserves a million subscribers. Also please watch Bojack Horseman. (I corrected some of the grammatical errors to make it easier to read)

Disclaimer: Child abuse, bullying, trauma, and mental health:

Moonstruck: 

This is a great monologue, but one part of it, in particular, really caught my attention was the 'grand gesture' bit.

When I was a kid, I read this book called "Chicken Soup for the Soul." There's a shitload of them. I don't remember which particular one it was. I hated the whole series because it's just someone profiting off a bunch of other people's stories rather than trying to write their own, in my opinion. 

Anyway.

This one story that I remember, the ONLY one I remembered,  was sent in by a little girl. She wrote about how her father never told her that he loved her. He never once, in her whole life, said the words "I love you." I don't remember her mom being mentioned, maybe she was dead; it doesn't matter. The point is her dad was basically an emotionless asshole. Well, one day, this girl gets sick. Really sick. Possibly on her deathbed sick. She wrote that one day she woke up to find a necklace sitting on her nightstand that had a pendant that looked like her dog. She said she held it to her heart and cried because that necklace said all the things her father never had.

I thought, "What a load of bullshit."

A cheap trinket doesn't make up for years and years of emotional neglect. Anyone can buy a thing and toss it your way. Hell, he didn't even hand it to her himself, just left it there for her to find if/when she woke up, then left her alone again to possibly die.

A lot of people say that actions speak louder than words, in cases like political protests and shit. While that's true, scenarios that this that girl are different. Gifts can never replace the words, "I love you."

When I was a kid, my father never told me he loved me. My mother didn't either, but she's a whole other kettle of fish. I would say 'my biological mother or father,' but I never got adopted ones, so who gives a shit. Anyway. My father was rarely around, and when he was, he just spent the entire time fighting with my mother and leaving again. He would do and say anything that could get him to spend less time in the house with her. With us. I can't blame him. If I could've left during those times, I would have. I tried more than once. I even earned the nickname 'runaway' from a family friend because of it. 

I was told that I was worthless as early as I could understand words. I don't know what it is about me that set my mother off, but she HATED me. I was always told how expensive I was to keep alive and how I wasn't worth it. If I dared ask for anything, she would remind me how much she spent just to keep me from starving to death and that it was too much already. On the rare occasion I was given something, it was so she could use it as a threat. She was like, "Sure, you can have that toy horse since we got your sister a real one, but you better behave or we'll give it to her and let her break it." Or "Oh, fine, we can keep this dog as a FAMILY pet (NOT YOURS), but if you do something we don't like, we'll take it away and kill it." 

Oh, yeah. I have a sister. She’s cut from the same cloth as our mother. I don't consider any of them family anymore. She was two years older than me. She was the "we should have stopped while we were ahead" kid. Anything she wanted, she got. 

"Mom, can I have an award-winning horse and expensive dressage lessons?"

"Sure!"

"Mom, can I have a car?"

"No problem!"

"Mom, can you pay for my ballet lessons?"

"Absolutely!"

She was the golden child. The one that could do no wrong and wasn't a mistake. Even after she totaled her car, got arrested for an underage DUI, and got pregnant three times in high school, she was still the good one. I never even asked to go to school dances, parties, or go out with the one friend I had. My sister liked to see me in pain. She'd tell our mom that I did things just to get me in trouble. Whether it involved blaming me for things she did or fabricating stuff, she'd say whatever it took to get my mother to beat me while she watched and laughed. Oh, yeah, our mom was BIG on physical punishment. I've been whipped with everything from a riding crop, a wooden paddle, spoons, and especially belts. Anything that was close at hand when my mother got irritated, I've been hit with it. 

At one point, my sister had three tall, beautiful show-worthy horses. I was allowed to keep a sickly old pony for all of a week before she was taken away, then I'd get called ungrateful for asking why we had to get rid of HER instead of one of the horses. Even though my mother said it cost too much to keep them all. With horses being obviously too rich for my blood, I asked for something cheaper, and for once, I got it. I was given a baby goat that one of our neighbors' goats had abandoned for being too weak, and they didn't have time to raise. I loved that goat. I bottle raised him, and named him Ben. He was my best friend for a while. When he grew up, he got so big that I was able to stand on his back to grab tree branches and pull them down so he could eat the leaves. I walked him on a leash like a dog every day. I loved him so much. My mother had me enter him in a show, and we won ninth place! I was thrilled to have something to show against my sister's collection of dressage show ribbons. I finally had proof that I could do something right! Sure, the prize money was taken away from me, but I still had Ben.

But Ben didn't come home with me after the show. It turns out he was sold to a slaughterhouse because that show was for meat goats. I didn't know until he was already gone. Of course, my mother punished me for being upset and even forced me to write a thank-you card to the people who bought his meat. 

My mother was always like that. Anything I loved was used as a threat. I eventually accepted that loving anything was a waste of time. I learned to detach myself from my feelings, and I got really good at it. I can completely turn off my emotional reaction to anything. One time I had to put down one of the egg-laying hens at work that got too sick to save, and I felt nothing while bringing down the ax. When I lost out on a job that could have changed my life, I told myself how stupid it was to hope for anything good. Any positive emotion I felt got me punished, so I learned to feel nothing at all. To this day, I still have trouble feeling things, even when I want to. I'm taking pills now, and they help, sometimes. 

I've had several suicide attempts. I keep a box of razor blades in my desk just to have them close. I got a tattoo of a heart with rainbows on my wrist. Partially for LGBT solidarity, but mostly to remind myself that there is still beauty in the world. I still struggle with wonder if I actually believe it or not. 

I've tried so hard to be a good kid. I never partied, never drank, never smoked even when the chances were there, and I would have greatly loved anything to make the pain stop or even just dull it a little bit. I was in the gifted and talented program at school and was able to graduate at fifteen. For a while, I was sent to a children's home where I was passed around to many people I didn't know, including a clown who I may or may not have actually been related to, until I eventually wound up out here where I am now. It's all pretty hazy, and the details get scrambled. 

It's been 10 years since I've had contact with my mother and sister. I can't even keep in touch with the one friend I had, even after I lived with her. She's tried to reach out to me, but I just… can't. I try, but I can't. Sometimes, I can almost pretend that my past wasn't real. It's just a hazy fog that isn't really there. I want to believe that if I don't allow something, or someone, who was part of that past, someone tangible and real, into my life again, then the fog will go away. This is why I can't do it. I know I'm a terrible friend. Ariel, if you're reading this, I'm sorry. You're better off without me in your life anyway. 

I typed all of this out because sometimes, about fifty dollars or so shows up in my PayPal from my father's email address. I don't know if it's from him or from her using his email, but it doesn't matter either way. The point is I know my mother is the one sending the money.

I know my mother likes to think she's a good person. She went to church every Sunday, and probably still does. She organized a lot of church events and participated in every church function. I had to be an altar server for several years until I aged out of it and was in the choir. She kept going to that church even after the priest got drunk, called me many horrible names in front of everyone, and was revealed to be a pedophile that raped a little boy at gunpoint. She probably still goes to that same church and organizes things. She likes being in charge. She likes having people look at her and say, "That there is a good person."

But are you, though, Mom? Are you really a good person? Were you a good person when you hit me? When you lied to me? When you laughed with my sister about how much I got hurt for things I didn't do? Were you a good person every time you told me you'd kill my cat or leave my dog at the pound? Were you a good person when you sold Ben to be eaten, knowing that I loved him? Were you a good person when you made me read "A child called It" and told me that you'd start doing the things in that book to me if I didn't behave? Were you a good person every time you told my father I was a liar whenever I tried to tell him what you were doing to me? Were you a good person when you told me I wasn't worth the cost of being alive? Were you? 

Fuck you, Mom! Keep your fucking money! A necklace on the nightstand isn't enough. A trinket can't heal years and years and years of abuse and hurt. You can't hide these scars under dollar bills. I hope you die alone. I know I probably will, but I don't even care anymore. I lost the ability to care thanks to you. You can't make up for the things you did and the things you didn't say now. Too little, too late! 

[youngblizzardglitter]

Outed

The sun was bright so bright it woke up Terry in a few moments. He hated it with passion and turned over only for it to still be in his eyes.

Terry sighed getting up from his bed his back ached and his head pounded. He had spent the night packing their stuff to move back to their home town. And like usual his younger brother forgot to pack and he had to do it.

He's gonna miss me when am dead. He thinks moving past his boxes to close his window. His boxes wide open go see his stuff he had stopped halfway too tired to continue.

"Your up?" He asks seeing the younger boy putting on his shoes. He was never up this early and usually woke up at ten or eleven.

"Your not." He laughs mentioning his hair wrapped and tired face. Terry rolled his eyes. "I am meeting with Valerie remember?"

"Your girlfriend?" Terry jokes leaning on the stairwell smirking at his pink face.

"No!" He says looking back at his shoes. "She invited me to a party and her friends couldn't come. And I want to be ready."

"What kind of party is so early?" He looks over to the clock that read 7:50.

"It's a long drive from here. The family is rich or something." He shrugs that's what Valerie had told him he didn't know the family either.

"What me to make you something?" He says walking down stretching. "Or do you want to wait for the drive?"

"I don't know may-Hey!" He says as Terry ruined his hair. "I worked hard on this!"

"Okay." He pulls out some milk and cereal. "You want some eggs or?"

"Naw I'll take a sandwich." He says looking for his coat. "Where's my-"

"Upstairs to the left of your bed." He finished knowing he never remembered where it was.

"Thanks." He said running up the stairs to get them.

"Where's my-"

"Up." He says remembering he put his sunglasses there. He really is going to miss me when I die.

"Thanks." He said looking out the window. "There he is!"

"You forgot something!" He says taking his headwrap out. He promptly came back and kissed Terry's cheek.

"Your sandwich you idiotic freckle!" He says as the girl in the car laughed at the nickname Ace stuck his tongue out embarrassed and the older Tornado happily returned the gesture.

But he did take his sandwich ad he would consider it a win.

He quickly needed to get a shower and put on some old clothes he needs to pack he couldn't believe how long this summer had felt.

The death of their uncle had taken a bit of a toll on the both of them he was always busy but he did make efforts whether or not they were needed. He left Terry everything in his estate. So he decided maybe a change of paste and place would help him.

He didn't have such luck. He had to be ready for a call every day about something. He had to do a funeral, a will reading, getting custody of Ace and on top take care of him.

It wasn't like he didn't already he practically raised Ace after their mom died. He still missed her despite not knowing her much.

And hate the bastard that killed her. He thinks closing a box angrily. He had his face burned in memory.

And if I ever have to-

The doorbell rang knocking him out of his daze he didn't even shower yet and someone was at the door. Geez, why is the world so up?

"Terrac-" a big man started. He wore a black suit and had glasses like any businessman. This should have been sign one it was bad along with his government name.

"Terry." He corrects instantly leaning by the door. Everyone always knew after a bit not to call him that.

"I have a letter for you and it's urgent matters we need to discuss." He started to be cut off.

"You have a warrant?" He asks quickly he was smarter than that.

"Am not coming in I just need to make sure this was delivered."

"And read." He hands him a card. "Call me when you do it seems like you have a lot to do." He was judging the state of the house.

Bitch. Terry slammed the door close.

Is it a government letter? No, it's never this serious. Is it the court telling me that I can't adopt Ace? No am almost 18 it's cool.

Then who the fuck was that? Is this blackmail?! What the fuck have I done now?!

Terry breathe and open the letter it can't be that bad, can it?

"Where the fuck is he?!" A voice screamed through the house. Everyone paused hearing it they knew who that was they didn't know why he was here.

Steve's head snapped away from Cree towards an angry Terrence Tornado who had papers in his head. His eyes were dangerous as they glowed purple and that was a bad sign. It meant he was pissed.

"Where the fuck is your father?!" He screams marching towards him.

"Outback why do you-" He couldn't even finish his sentence when the hardest slap he ever got in his life it threw him into the wall. "Ow!" He screams dropping his punch to hold his face as it burned as Tifa asked him if he was okay. His teens and their parents stood in shock knowing the uninvited teen came to start something.

But what?

"Terry what the-" He looked around not finding him.

"Fernando you little bitch!" He screams walking down the staircase that lead to the party for said, man. "What the fuck?!"

Steve quickly went to the balcony to watch as did his teens. His father stood shocked holding his mother's hand who eyes broadened at the sight of purple eyes. So did a few others knowing what they meant.

"Terrance?" He asks as his guests looked at the scene playing before them. Their eyes fixated on how angry Terry was. The way his eyes light up and his face of pure rage.

"What are you doing?"

"I could ask you the same thing!" He pulls the letter open and unfolds it."What the fuck is this?!"

"Paper?" A glass got thrown at his head for that perfect aim. A few gasped when Terry threw it as it nearly hit Rose.

"No a court order for custody of your son." He says looking back on it. "You never claimed him when he was born what's your motive now?!"

"What-"

"How are you pull up to me?!? Tell me " Oh I wanna see my kid so bad am taking you to court for it" like you dont owe him fucking thousands of dollars of child support?!"

He screams walking close to them as they walked back people wondering if they should call the cops.

"I swear on your life if you don't get your head out of your ass and cancel this court date I'll sue you right for negligence and abandonment!"

The air got silent quickly at that. Terry's face didn't look like he was messing around. Mr.Fizz took a sip of the champagne they were serving at his party.

"Terrance-"

"Don't you fucking dare." He snaps knowing he was egging him on. He of all people should know he hated that name.

"Fine Terry. How about we go inside and-"

"And what? Lie to me? Blackmail me? Like you did my mom?" He says not letting him finish people began to whisper.

"I never-"

"Yeah, you did you piece of shit." He says nonchalantly. He wasn't even mad very at that just disappointed.

"Why I never!" Mrs.Dickson announced holding Rose's hand. "What a rude ill-mannered boy. Whatever this is is being blown out of proportion. Did you really need to come today and ruin it?"

Macy Dickson always was a hard-spoken woman she always said what was on her mind. She wouldn't allow her best friends twenty-five marriage be tainted.

Terry looked back at her ready to curse her out and then saw a banner reading: "Happy Anniversary Fernando and Rosetta Fizz."

He didn't have the reaction you'd expect he didn't become sheepish or have a moment of realization he smirked with malice intent.

"Oh, so you didn't tell Rose this party is basically a lie?" He laughs like he was told a joke.

"Terrance-"

"Because you fucked my mom a decade ago? And hid your affair child?" He laughs shaking his head. "She could do better."

"Wait what?!" Steve said from the balcony everyone glanced to see his shocked face as if he been slapped. As his cheek was redder than his shirt. "Dad what's he's talking about?!" The realization of something hitting him hard.

"You a bastard! Your so lucky people are here so I can't kill you!" He stepped forward. "Kinda the way you killed my mom!"

"I-"

"Yeah, you fucking did! I heard that phone call!" He stepped closer again as his wife removed herself from this display completely distraught.

"Was she not enough?! You wanna take Ace from me too?!"

"I swear to God every time our families meet someone from mines dies! What do you want this time?!"

"I don't want-"

"Speak for fucks sake-!"

"Then let me!" He screamed back. He coughs quickly realizing he too now was causing a scene.

"I don't know much about this just yet this was sprung on me a few days ago. Whatever this is can be over promptly."

They stood there looking at each other unfazed waiting for the other to make their move everyone knew the air was tense and that they shouldn't butt in. Two minutes passed before Terrence moved.

"Dear Terrace Max Tornado, We hope that this letter finds you in good health as we recently became aware of you taking custody of your younger brother Alejandro Ace Tornado after the recent death of your uncle Ice Tornado."

Mr.Fizz gapped knowing he was backed into a corner everyone became speechless as they heard intensely Steve leaned in hearing from far.

"But we the court of Virginia state are sorry to inform you that you cannot as his biological father Fernando Burno Fizz wishes to also get that right and demand custody of Alejandro the least fifty percent."

Terry looked back at him testing him.

Say something I dare you. His eyes yelled smirking. 

"Your court date is the first Tuesday of next month. Please being a lawyer and any paperwork that helps with your case as we cannot continue with your demand for custody of your younger brother. While it is unusual to allow it to you at the recent age of sixteen."

"Please contact us or your lawyer for any questions."

He stopped reading looking back on him testing him. His eyes no longer glowing but we're deep purple signaling he was still angry. Mr.Fizz looked down at his glass knowing he was deep in a hole now.

"I haven't even opened the second one you bitch." He snaps putting the letter back. Everyone mouth was open even Macy's

"Terence is it?" His wife asks getting close to him. "Terry." He corrected taking his eyes off him he could sense she wasn't mad.

"What don't you go inside? I want to have a few words with you about your brother." She asked placing her empty wine glass and coming towards.

"Rose this isn't -" Her husband tried he was then giving a hard slap to the face knocking him in the pool people gasping when she poured her champagne on him. Terry put a hand over his mouth as she screamed obscenities in Spanish his way.

"Come on honey." She says quickly shooing him into her kitchen away from the eyes and talk. "You don't have to worry about him anymore."

"Now can you tell me about Ace?" She asks closing the windows

"Don't you want to deal with that?" He asks hearing commotion and Mr.Fizz's voice.

"He made his bed." She says taking off her fancy clothes and heels. Terry looked away for a moment and she looked completely different when out of fancy clothes she still had her makeup.

"Am beautiful I know." She makes a gesture and smirks as Terry softly laughs. They stared at the table not knowing where to start.

"Can I see the letter?" She asks reaching for it."If you will let me?"

"Go for it. I haven't read the other one." He says handing both over. He had been so pissed he flew over with his powers knocking over some cars and mailboxes he hoped no one saw it.

He looked intensely at her as her face went through so much yet not one tear. She then looked back at him and the letter he suddenly felt awkward.

Did she not know? Did I miss read her? Oh God, she didn't know any of this, did she?

Mrs. Dickson was right I just ruined her whole marriage. But I am right she could do way better.

Maybe I shouldn't have barged in and embarrassed her.

"Here." She says dropping a glass of juice. "It's early and you looked like you haven't eaten yet."

"Am good." He says not wanting to overstay his welcome she nods and drinks it.

"So want to discuss?"

"Sure."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Steve winced again when a new layer of ice was put on his face. Chad raised an eyebrow at him annoyed.

"Sorry but this hurts." He says remembering how he got the wound. Terry was stronger than he remembered.

"I still say you fight him or something," Cree said disapproving of him. "He just slapped you like it's nothing important he can't get away from that he assaulted you!"

"I'll talk to my mom about it." He said remembering his mom taking the angry teen to her personal kitchen even he wasn't in. They had been there for hours.

"Is what he saying about your dad true?" Jushtin asked confused. "Or is not?"

Steve thought back to something that happened a few months ago.

"I'll do my best Estaban." Those words echoed in his head as he thought for a second.

"Hold the fuck up." He says getting up and running the stairs. "Hold the fuck up?"

"What's this about?"

"Does mom know?"

"Who is that?"

"Terry?!"

"Dad!" He says coming into the room only to see his dad on the phone.

"Remember a few months ago?"

[magic-and-moonlit-wings]

Chapter 37: Tension

Becoming the Mask

Stricklander managed to avoid mentioning there was a Janus Order base in Arcadia when he promised to retrieve Gunmar's Eye. Jim was pretty sure Blinky and AAARRRGGHH had worked it out for themselves, but the troll adults would also hopefully have the sense not to seek it out, while the human children could not be trusted to make such a judgement call.

It still burned the young Changeling sometimes, realizing he hadn't noticed he was being followed.

Everyone started looking through the cartography and geography texts to create a list of most likely mountains where the Birthstone would be hidden.

"Perhaps Mount Atlas," suggested Stricklander. Jim half-laughed. Everyone else looked at them in confusion.

"He's, ah, called me Atlas a few times," Jim explained, ducking his head over a guidebook of Banff National Park. Oldest national park in Canada, eh?

After a few minutes, Blinky got up. "There is something Master Jim and I need to discuss privately. The rest of you should continue the search."

He pulled the Trollhunter into the next room. Jim brought the guidebook with him, mostly so he'd have something to do with his hands. He couldn't fidget with the Amulet while he was armoured up.

"To begin with, Master Jim, I must apologize."

"… For … what?" The Changeling braced himself, in case his trainer was about to say 'this' and begin a surprise attack.

"You are a troll. I should never have implied otherwise. I am … deeply sorry, and hope you can forgive me."

Jim was not sure how to respond to that. He was still a little angry about Blinky's immediate denial upon learning Jim was a troll. He was glad for the apology – he hadn't expected it, had thought at best that it would just never be brought up again – but he didn't know if he was ready to accept it yet.

Blinky had paused, but continued speaking, sparing Jim the need to sort out his feelings and make a decision right away.

"As a troll, there are certain things you have a right and responsibility to know about your own biology. Such as where troll babies come from."

Uh-oh. If Blinky really did remember every "we'll come back to that later" point of tonight, Jim was in for a lot of awkward discussions he'd thought he had managed to dodge.

"I kind of assumed the gronk-nuks were involved?" Jim sat down uncertainly on a low bookcase. This room didn't have chairs.

Blinky cleared his throat. "Trolls biologically have two parents. Each parent removes a fragment of their living stone – yes, from the gronk-nuks – and they join the facets together to form one. The seed crystal is then implanted into a birthstone, where the whelp grows and develops over the next thirty years before emerging."

"So … trolls kind of hatch from eggs?" Jim scratched the side of his head, just under the lip of his helmet. "Externally fertilized eggs, like how some kinds of fish do it. Can any kind of rock be a birthstone?"

"Heartstone is ideal. Vendel told you, I believe, that it can be harvested for many purposes?"

Jim nodded.

"But overharvesting would probably kill it," the Changeling speculated, "which is part of why trolls have a low birthrate? So the population stays within what the Heartstone can sustain?"

That explained why the Gumm-Gumms hadn't procreated in the Darklands … Jim remembered hearing Dictatious say that Gunmar's throne was carved into a Heartstone, but its glow hadn't felt anything like the one in Trollmarket, so he doubted that was really the case.

"The population is at a low ebb while communities recover or establish themselves after the war," said Blinky. "Centuries of having whelps snatched away made many couples hesitant to produce them."

Jim's mouth tightened. Blinky winced and shook his head, looking away.

"I hadn't intended to lead into that point."

"We know where we come from."

"Do you?" Blinky sounded so innocently startled, looked so harmlessly intrigued. Jim didn't think he meant his questions to be cruel. "Do you remember your parents?"

"I meant we know that we're taken. And written off as dead. And can't go back. Because, if we tried, they'd kill us for real. They don't want us anymore."

Jim tried so hard not to connect that with Barbara telling him to get out. I can't do this.

By the Pale Lady, if Blinky used this as a springboard to bring up again Jim suggesting Claire's brother be swapped, Jim wasn't sure how he would respond.

Instead, Blinky … sniffled? And hugged him.

Jim tensed up, his armour ready to create that concussive burst – he couldn't quite do it at will yet but he could feel it coming – and then Blinky's upper hands were where Jim's scruff would be if Jim were in troll form, and Jim's head was tucked under Blinky's chin, and Jim felt so amazingly secure that his armour melted away. He heard the Amulet roll under the bookcase.

"I know you've had a hard life," said Blinky. "All of you Changelings. Harder than I can ever truly understand, not having lived it myself. I cannot undo that, and I cannot personally change every troll's opinion. There will always be those who see you as a painful reminder of the children we could not protect. But by Deya's grace, if by some miracle you succeed in turning your fellow Changelings to our side, I will do all that I can to ensure that each one of you has a home and a family in Trollmarket."

Jim basked in the hug for a moment longer before extracting himself. Blinky let him go. Jim brushed at his stinging eyes.

"Once trolls are willing to trust us with kids, it'll be good for the adoption rate," he tried to joke."… I don't follow."

"Orphans? Foster kids? Changelings are sterilized. So, if we become part of the local troll community, any Changeling who wants kids would be adopting them."

Blinky looked nearly as horrified at the word 'sterilized' as he had when Stricklander confessed to book burning.

The humans and Changelings left Trollmarket shortly after three in the morning. Jim had forgotten to turn on his phone alarm to remind them to leave at two.

Jim and Toby returned to the Domzalski house to find Barbara helping Nana bake cookies. Half-full mugs were abandoned on the table, as were a pair of wine glasses and a bottle of … well, Jim was pretty sure it was meant to be cooking sherry, but it could still technically be drunk, and evidently had been.

"Butterscotch chips make cookies extra special." Nana nodded sagely to herself.

"Hey, Nana. Dr L." Toby gave them a shiny metallic smile.

"Toby. Jim."

"Oh, good, you boys are just in time for cookies!"

Jim snatched one off the cooling rack and stuffed it into his mouth to avoid having to speak.

He hadn't been expecting to see his mother again so soon. What – what did he even call her, he wondered wildly. He couldn't stand it if she told him not to call her 'Mom', but he didn't know if he could call her 'Barbara' to her face, and 'Dr Lake' felt too formal and distant, unless that was what she wanted, but he couldn't know unless he asked or until after making a faux pas …

Also, how much had she told Nana? How much did either of them assume that Toby knew? This situation was not stable.

Why was she here? Did she want him to come home?

(Was he ready to go home? Of course he would go if she asked him to, Barbara needed him, he missed her, and if he said 'no' now he might not get another chance to say 'yes' later, but was he ready to move back in with someone who had thrown him out once already?)

Jim swallowed his cookie and settled for saying, "Hi."

Previous Chapter (Talking about where the Triumbric Stones are hidden)

Table of Contents

Next Chapter (Jim and Barbara talk)

A lot of the troll reproduction details were inspired by what was mentioned in the spinoff novel Way of the Wizard. Requirements of the birthstone were not actually covered there, nor was the troll 'embryo' referred to as a 'seed crystal', nor were the gronk-nuks directly referenced - those bits are just speculation on my part.

[badgersgarbage]

Kris(py kreme lol)

eyy nice

This one’s gonna be a long one though, just to let you know.

Physical attributes:

In terms of height, I’d say they’d be 5'4 at the time of the game but probably grows up to be 5'9 or so.

They’re pretty thin in general, but not without a hint of muscle, mostly from school activities.

I, personally, envision Kris as being biologically male, but that’s just me. Not something I hold onto as a hard-and-fast rule, mind you, and not something I’ll chastise people over not following.

Not so much biological in this case, but I can see Kris identifying as agender.  Or is just apathetic to the whole gender thing entirely and doesn’t really care how people refer to them as.  I tend to write them with they/them pronouns but I can see them not caring if people use he/him or she/her when talking about them.

Abilities and skills:

Despite their generally reserved nature, Kris is remarkably good at negotiating and, in some cases, outright manipulation of others.  But they often choose not to do the latter, mainly because that usually just means more trouble than it’s worth.

Very good at being quiet and slinking around, given their propensity for pranking others.

On a similar note, they’re very good at planning things in advance and working out all manner of schemes well beforehand.

In terms of combat prowess, however, they’ve only learned stuff from the various books, video games and anime they’ve consumed.  They’re not a trained swordsman or anything, and tend towards flashy moves, but it’s not like they’re expecting to stab anybody for realsies.

Has a fair bit of determination they can call upon, but not nearly as much as, say, Frisk or Chara would in their own world.  Generally this only comes out when they feel invested in something (such as the Dark World), but otherwise it’s kind of just the same sort of background levels a human like them would have.  More on that below.

His life and personality:

Honestly, we already know a lot about Kris’ home-life:  grew up in a loving family, then the parents split none-too-happily, then their brother Asriel left for college and they’ve been kind of alone ever since.

Spent a lot of time with Asriel in school and, particularly during and after the divorce, relied on him the most for emotional support.  So when Asriel left, they felt like their only friend had left, and they withdrew quite significantly.

Adopted at a very young age, since they seemed unaware that humans don’t normally grow horns.  So probably barely knew their biological parents, if at all.

Likely has some form of depression, as well as some mild sociopathic and/or psychopathic tendencies.  Not enough to be a major worry, but enough for them to be seen as the ‘creepy kid’.

Almost everything they have is a hand-me-down from Asriel - given that Asriel was probably generally bigger than them, their clothes are often quite big on them.  And unfortunately remind them almost always of their brother.

On the neglected end of child favouritism, with Asriel being shown a lot of love by Toriel and… well, no shortage of love given to Kris, but perhaps not as many displays of it.  Generally grew up expecting not to have much stuff so doesn’t often ask for things from others.  Which is why they found the stuff from the Dark World so important to them, and they loathe the Player for dropping it.

When they were younger and less emotionally withdrawn they were, in short, a little shit.  Pulling pranks, tormenting Noelle, and generally having very little impulse control.  All relatively harmless, but still with almost no way to stop it unless someone basically took them by the hand and said ‘hey no don’t do that’.

Now, a good way to describe them would be ‘apathetic’.  They no longer have any real motivation, no desire to do much except sleep, and generally don’t care about anything, wandering through life as it happens around them.

Ironically, that’s what makes them perfect for a vessel for the Player’s SOUL - they feel pretty much empty and devoid of purpose.  However, the issue with that is that after some time, Kris reacted poorly to it, which is a theory/thoughtdump for later on.

Actually really enjoys playing the piano, particularly fairly slow and soulful tunes.

Now again, this might be my bias showing, but I can almost imagine them getting on better with Asgore than Toriel.  Difference in hugs aside, it’s pretty clear Kris cares about them (putting the danny devit-egg in the fridge without player input being the strongest of the possible evidence I can think of at this point).  I can at least see them being deeply embarrassed by how Toriel seems to treat them like a young child still, and perhaps even resents her for it in a pretty typical teenage way.

Really, really, really likes dragons.  Probably quite liked drawing them too.  might also be a strong point as to why I ship them with susie but shhhhh we can talk about ships later

Generally doesn’t like talking to people.  Not much of a conversationalist, or likes interacting with others in general.  Probably was like that even before Asriel left.

Doesn’t express themselves much.  Like, at all.  Their face is almost perpetually tired-looking and they only give small gestures for reaction.  This is slightly different in the Dark World, where they actually do move their face - their mouth remains fairly steady, but their eyes carry most of the emotion.

Has no interest in the whole religion that Toriel and Asriel (latter is a probability as opposed to a guarantee) subscribe to, which probably puts them at odds with their mother.

As a friend/romantic interest:

Being the withdrawn, socially-awkward mess they are, I can see them being particularly apprehensive about getting close to anyone in all respects; mentally, physically and emotionally.

Will let the other person take the ‘lead’ in their friendship, and will generally follow along with whatever they do.

After a while they might get comfortable enough to really, fully unload all manner of heartache and personal stuff onto you, more as a way to get it off their chest.  Then, they’d probably finally start to be expressive around you.

If romance becomes involved, it’d be pretty much the same, except then they’d also feel more comfortable with physical contact.  Almost to the point of never letting go, but almost.

Probably wouldn’t take any form of abandonment too well either, and might frequently try to seek attention just so they can feel some kind of validation.  After a while they’d probably chill in the latter regard, but the first would still be something they always fear.

Really though just give them lots of affection and love (platonic or otherwise), be prepared to have an emotional wreck on your hands, and you’ll end up with a steadfast friend/partner who might do the occasional bad thing but genuinely means well.

Oh yeah, and get ready to deal with weird stuff with SOULs.

And them getting up in the middle of the night for snacks

[justanoutlawfic]

The Virgin: Chapt. 3

Summary: Robin and Marian make a choice about what to do about the baby...but it’s not entirely up to them. What does Regina want to do?

Also on AO3

Robin shut his phone off, not wanting to hear it ring for the tenth time. He knew that by now, Lacey had probably told their father and he would try to tell him to forgive her. That it was a mistake, everyone made mistakes. Richard would go down the list of mistakes that Robin had made in his life, acting like that was somehow comparable to inseminating his sperm in the wrong woman.

 He looked over at Marian, who had been quiet after they left the office. Lacey had told them that the woman hadn’t wanted to speak to either of them, but that she would let them know if she changed her mind. They had told her to instead have everything go through their lawyers. Robin had no intention of suing his sister, but he wasn’t about to talk to her anytime soon. This wasn’t her usual screw-up. How could she have been so careless? How could she have put them in such a situation?

 Marian had stayed by him through a lot. The cancer had been bad and they had a tiny baby to take care of. She had done it all in stride, finding a way to care for their son, run the hotel and make sure Robin was as comfortable as possible. He hadn’t seen her cry past the day he was diagnosed. She was strong, his rock. After that, he vowed to never make her have to be that way again. There was no way they ever would be.

 Until that day.

 Roland was with Jefferson and Grace for the day, they had wanted him out of the penthouse in case of either outcome. If it had been positive, there would be planning and shopping to do. If it had been negative, they would need the day to mourn. Their partners had taken on the meetings for them, they had no responsibilities, nothing to distract them. That was definitely something they were regretting in that moment.

 “What are we going to do?” Marian asked after they had sat in silence in the living room for a half hour.

Robin met her gaze. “We?”

“We’re married. No matter what, this is your child. Which makes it…my child.” She smiled a bit, but Robin could tell it was forced. He couldn’t blame her. How would he feel if she was having a baby with someone else? “Should we at least meet with her?”

“We don’t have to. Marian, I understand if this is too much. Lacey made it clear that she doesn’t owe us anything, and we don’t owe her.”

“Robin, would you really be able to live with yourself knowing your child was out there?”

 Robin pursed his lips together, knowing she was right. He had always wanted kids, he didn’t ever think there was another way until Lacey revealed that she didn’t want any. When he met Marian, it seemed to be fate. They agreed on two children, ideally a boy and a girl. Roland came not long after they had opened the Marbella and Robin could barely remember how he lived life without him. Unlike most people in their circle, Robin was there for all the events. Sure, Roland had a nanny, but Robin and Marian went to soccer games and hosted sleepovers and playdates. They adjusted their schedules so they could get those parenting moments in there.

 There was no way that he could go on with his life, not knowing his other child. It would kill him every day. Not to mention, he would wonder what that would do to them. To know that their father had walked away, simply because their mother wasn’t who he had expected? Roland got the best of what life had to offer, he was a very lucky little boy. He couldn’t deprive this other child of the same.

 “No matter what I want, there’s you,” Robin pointed out, gently. “Marian, would you really be okay with us raising another woman’s child?”

“We said we would look into adoption if this didn’t work out.”

“This is a little different. I mean, the baby is still mine. Plus, we won’t know what the other woman will want to do. She could want to co-parent. Are you ready for that?”

Marian sighed, pushing her thick curls behind her ears. “Frankly, I’m not ready for any of this, but it’s not something either of us have a choice in.” She grasped his hand into hers. “Robin, I love you. And I know I’ll love this child because he or she is a part of you. This may not be what we had planned, but I do want this baby.”

Robin nodded. He could see the doubt in her eyes and he couldn’t blame her. He was feeling it himself. Yet, he also knew deep down that when the baby arrived, things would be different. “How did I get so lucky?”

She softly smiled, a real one this time. “I’m the lucky one.” Gently, she kissed him and Robin cherished it, feeling the first bit of comfort he had since he got the news.

“What if she doesn’t want to talk to us?” He asked, suddenly.

Marian frowned, her eyebrows stitching together. “She can’t do that, can she?”

“Lacey made it clear that she doesn’t have to have anything to do with us if she doesn’t want to.” He leaned back on the couch, running his hand over his face. “I guess we’ll have to respect that.”

 His phone rang for the eleventh time and Marian grabbed hold of it, answering.

“Lacey, we told you to call us through your lawyer…” She trailed off, her grip tightening a bit on the phone. “What? Oh…okay.” She nodded, then must have realized that Lacey couldn’t see her. “Yes, I’ll tell him. Okay. Bye.” She hung up and looked over at her husband. “Looks like you don’t have to worry about that. The woman wants to meet with you.”

Robin sat up. “Really?”

Marian nodded. “Tomorrow morning. Her name is Regina, she wants to meet at the café on Arrow Drive.”

“Tomorrow morning, that’s…”

“I can handle the meeting with Keith Nottingham.” Robin gave her a look, he was one of their more difficult investors. “I can. I’ll bring Mulan with me for backup.” She gently kissed him once again. “Besides, it’s probably best if it’s just the two of you.”

Regina wondered if she was doing the right thing as she waited inside the tiny café, looking at the cup of tea in front of her. She had paced her room for hours after leaving the office, debating her choices and she knew what she had to do. Despite the doctor telling her that she didn’t have to tell the father, Regina knew that it wouldn’t be right otherwise. Had it been her egg, she’d want to know where it had ended up and what was happening. He deserved the same respect.

 Robin. Dr. Locksley-Gold had said his name was Robin. She wouldn’t give any more details, just that. Regina put her hand over her stomach, feeling like she was going to be sick once again.

 “Regina?”

 She looked up, finding a tall man standing there, in a gray dress shirt and very nice jeans. His dark blonde hair was styled and he had beautiful blue eyes, with just the right amount of facial hair. The cologne that radiated off of him matched the scents of a forest, pine mostly. Her eyes drifted from his handsome face to the Rolex on his wrist and the clearly expensive Italian leather shoes. He had money. God, this wasn’t going to go well.

 “Yes,” she managed to get out, forcing herself to relax and not get sick all over the table. “You must be Robin.”

“Robin Locksley.” He shook her hand, before sitting across from her. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”

“Your wife didn’t want to come?”

“We had a pretty big meeting today and both of us couldn’t miss it.” Regina must have looked confused, because he continued on. “We own a hotel, The Marbella.”

“Oh.” Regina nodded. “We had my senior prom there.” She wasn’t sure why she said that, it was true but she doubted he cared. Yet, he smiled. Why was he smiling?

“So…you’re pregnant…with my baby…”

“That’s what the doctor said.”

“Just tell me where your head is at, regarding all of that.”

“I mean...” She saw how hopeful he was and she hated herself for what she was going to say next. “I’m not ready to be a mom.”

“We’d take it,” he replied, without missing a beat. He made it sound so easy, like she was saying she didn’t want a sweater or something.

“And then what? I live the rest of my life just knowing that my kid is out there?”

Robin’s face fell and for some reason, Regina felt her heat shattering into a million pieces. He looked like a kicked puppy. God, this wasn’t fair. “So…you’re not going to have it?”

“Look, I had a plan for my life. And maybe this sounds selfish, but this wasn’t part of it. I was supposed to fall in love, get married and then have a baby.”

 Regina saw his hurt look increase and she realized that this wasn’t his plan either. No sane married man would want their sperm to be inseminated in the wrong woman. She sighed, pushing her hair backwards.

 “I grew up in the foster care system. My parents, they didn’t want me. I was left on the front steps of a fire station.” She saw his hurt look shift a bit and turn to pity, as most people’s did when she told them. “I never met either of them, not even my mom. I like to think that she was in an impossible situation and that she had to let me go, that she did it for my best chance. But at the end of the day, all I do know is…I was unwanted, abandoned. I have felt that way, every single day of my life. I think about her all the time and wonder if she’s even thinking of me.”

 Regina felt the tears prickle her eyes and she looked away. She had never admitted that to anyone. Emma always spoke poorly of her biological parents. She didn’t want to know who they were or where she came from. Most kids in their group home had done the same. They wanted new families, fresh starts. So, Regina had buried her true feelings deep. She buried her face in the pillow at night, praying for the day that the door to the group home would open and her mother would walk in. She always wondered what she’d look like or how nice she would be. Would they go off to a small cottage in the woods or a huge house on a hill? She didn’t know, but she could dream. And those dreams had hurt her.

 “I can’t do that to my child,” she whispered. “I don’t want them to feel that way, ever.”

 Robin was staring at her, the same mix of hurt and sadness on his face. He truly looked torn between wanting to cry and wanting to hug her. Regina hadn’t wanted to make him feel bad, that was the last thing she wanted. She just had to be honest. It wasn’t fair to anyone to continue on with this pregnancy as far as she was concerned.

 “I get it,” Robin whispered. “I really do.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He forced a small smile on her face. “It’s your choice.”

“Yeah,” Regina mumbled, her hand falling back to her stomach. “Yeah…it is.”

Regina sat on the bus ride home, not even bothering to put her headphones in or to look through her phone. Instead, her mind went to her conversation with Robin. He had seemed like such a nice man, he smiled at her and he listened when she spoke. It was clear he was hurt by what she said but he didn’t try to make her feel bad about it. When they had left, he had shook her hand and told her if she needed anything, he would be there for her.

 She was squashing his dreams of a child and yet he wanted to be there for her?

 When she got back to her apartment, she knew that she should’ve gone to bed. She had to get up early in the morning to catch another bus to get to work, but instead she found herself on her laptop, looking up Robin Locksley. Turns out, there was a lot more than she was expecting.

 Born to Richard and Kate Locksley, he had grown up in Florida. According to news articles she found, his mother died at a young age and his father had remarried Collette French. Together they had…Lacey Locksley. A quick search confirmed that it was the same Lacey Locksley-Gold had that had inseminated her. Robin hadn’t even mentioned that, though she supposed she couldn’t blame him. It’s not like he would’ve asked for her to do any of this on purpose anyway.

 There was an article about Robin’s wedding to Marian Dubois. She was drop-dead beautiful, the article bragged that she had a business degree from Harvard. The picture showed them looking so happy together. A few articles forward announced the birth of their son, who looked like a perfect combination of them both. They seemed like the perfect American family. They’d be okay, Regina told herself. They had one child, they didn’t need her to bring another one into the world for them.

 Just as she was about to close out, she saw something about Robin stepping down from the Marbella board for a bit. As she read the piece, it explained that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. It explained that he was going to be spending a lot of time in the hospital. From the dates, it looked to be happening a little after Roland was born. A statement showed Robin being thankful for everyone being in his corner, but especially his wife.

 That lead to Regina researching the effects of that particular cancer. It did in fact lead to infertility, including low sperm count. Most patients were asked to freeze sperm before going through treatment, so they would be able to have children in the future. That would explain why Marian and Robin had been doing all of this in the first place. This was their chance to have another child.

 And Regina had the power to give it or take it away.

 Shutting the laptop, Regina leaned against her headboard, covering her face with her hands. This was too much. She had never asked to be put in this situation. And now it was all on her. Robin and Marian couldn’t force her to be able to do anything. This was only a choice that she could make. All of her years of studying, hadn’t prepared her for this.

 If she had randomly had sex and gotten pregnant, chances were, she wouldn’t have gotten an abortion. But that was why she hadn’t gone out and had unprotected sex. She hadn’t even slept with the man she loved with all of her soul. She had a plan for her life, how things were supposed to go down a T. She wasn’t opposed to the idea of falling in love again and having a child with someone else, it just wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

 Realistically, she knew that she didn’t have to walk away completely. She could raise this baby. Robin would help her with financial support and they could raise the baby together…with the help of his wife. All she knew about these people was what she had read on the internet. That wasn’t exactly helpful. What if they tried to take the baby away from her all together? Robin didn’t seem like he would do that…

“You just met him,” she muttered to herself. “You don’t know him from Adam.”

 She also knew that money didn’t automatically equal a good life. Regina found that people with money often felt like the rules didn’t apply to them. She didn’t know how Robin and Marian felt with that. Sure, there had been plenty of articles about charity balls and silent auctions for the homeless and battered women shelters, but that didn’t mean anything either. Who knew how their morals aligned?

 Well to be fair, you didn’t exactly ask him.

 Regina pressed her hand against her forehead, trying to get her subconscious to shut up. The bag from the pharmacy sat a few feet away on her dresser, ready for her to take when she was ready. Would she ever really be ready for that? She didn’t think so.

 Regina wasn’t ready to be a mom and she didn’t have to be one, not if she didn’t want to. Marian and Robin had money. They could get a sperm donor and try again, or they could adopt. This wasn’t the end for them. Yet for some reason, they wanted this. They wanted her baby.

 She wanted her baby.

 Just because she wanted it, though, didn’t make it right. This was such a complicated situation. The doctor who had done this to her, was the baby’s aunt. They would all be some weird family. Thanksgiving would be pretty awkward. Would Robin and Marian’s family accept this baby? Would they accept her?

 No matter what, it didn’t matter. She couldn’t rely on the Dubois-Locksley family to make her or the baby feel welcome. All she could do, was base it on her own feelings and instincts. She hadn’t had parents since her adoptive father had been forced to let her go. It hurt, but she could barely remember her brief time with the Hernandezes. The adoption had barely been finalized when he had to give her up, her last name hadn’t even changed yet. She didn’t know how to be a mom.

 That didn’t mean she couldn’t learn.

 Regina had told Robin that she couldn’t be a mom…but maybe she was wrong. Maybe she could.

[half-mer-child]

Just curious, what do the rest of the DJD think of the reader?

Nickels a jellyfish

Seeing you at first she’s not happy. Honestly she scares you more than Tarn and Pharma combined. She keeps trying to get Pharma and Tarn to get rid of you. One night your alone with her the others on a mission to het someone from the List whatever that means and your worried. She approaches you and your eyes widen with fear your hands are lightly shaking. You know she has more control than Tarn that if she killed you Pharma would be upset but she wouldn’t be punished. But when the time comes her stingers out ad ready to kill you painfully she… she can’t. She sees you weak and vulnerable and scared and then she… stops. She just stops. She can’t. Because that was her. You let go starting to sob unable to control yourself as you think your going to die and then you feel arms wrap around you. Sniffling as you look up surprised she’s… she’s hugging you. “Your okay. I’ll keep your safe. Your okay…” Crying in her arms Nickel swears to protect you. You’ve never had a mom and she becomes like that to you. A mom figure/naggy grandma that makes sure your okay. Oh god is this hell? She’s worse than Ratchet. Your half mer half human and that’s rare in itself but one without a tail who can still breath underwater? That’s really rare and unheard of. Expect a lot of surprise medical appointments and coddling as she hugs you. Also if any of the others are being to rowdy or rude to you she’ll shock them. Including Tarn if he’s being to pushy. She actually is the one who eases your mind about Tarn and Pharma explaining there doing their best. Slowly you start believing her even if it’s not the whole truth and she starts making bridge’s so you can connect to Tarn and Pharma. The new parents couldn’t be more grateful.

Tarn-Octomer

Instead of t-cogs Pharma was taking egg pouches from mers. It’s the biological part of them that helps produce the eggs. Tarn unfortunately is sterile and because of this may never have pups. So when Pharma joined the decepticons and explained his dilemma about his own pup after bonding with Tarn and how she was being raised on land and living with his enemy he will do anything to have reader as his own pup. He doesn’t bring it up at first knowing Pharma wants time with his daughter once he gets them back but Tarn is desperate for love even if it’s not his biological pup it’d still be HIS pup and that’s something. You first meet your new self proclaimed father when he kidnaps you at the pier. It’s been a long stressful day you went to relax so you walk to an abandoned dock dip your legs in the water at the end and stare at the sky looking up at the sunset. Lets just say his tentacle wrapping around your leg and a sudden venom that knocks people out as he pulls you down into the dark depths isn’t a fun way to meet someone who wants to adopt you. It’s only because the rest of the pod is speaking on his behalf that he even has a chance of being loved by you and even than that love is ricketedy as best. Still it’s something and he’s more than greatful for that.

Pharma-Stingray

Being a Stingray Pharma has a very nurturing nature. He’s your father he loves you. Love him back damn it. He never gets mad at you or screams and yells like you do. Tarn might but he knows your trying to give yourself a reason for hating him. You don’t remember the first six years of your life and he’s upset about that because those were the years he snuck away to see you and your mother and you don’t remember all the good things he did with you. He played for hours with you. Gave you pretty shells. Swam with you. Hell the seashell bracelet you wear on your arm is something he gave you and he sees the way you look at it! Why do you hate him???

Fine whatever you don’t remember all the good times? He’ll make new ones. Still seeing you as a pup and missing most of your actual child life he cuddles you close all the time. He wants to hold you and love you and give you attention like he used to. Why are you squirming? Why are you crying? He’s not hurting you! Stay still! My god your worse than evey pup he’s ever met. Nickel help! Shocking him lightly Nickel rolls her eyes pulling you away from your clingy dad. Space. Give her Space Pharma. It’s okay Nickels better at this. She finds things you and your dad have in common and slowly you start bonding even if it’s not a solid relationship it’s getting there. Thankyou Nickel.

Tesarus-Hammerhead

Being a hammerhead mer Tesarus or Tes as he lets his friends call him is gigantic. Not as big as most but he’s up there. His eyes are placed farther apart having the Hammer Heads head but if anything it helps him see better and gives his team a better vantage point. His teeth being a shark can tear through anything. His teeth are actually better than average and is his main defense or weapon while hunting mers from the list. Bored as he tries to think of what to do he learns of your arrival. He’s actually excited. Finally something spontaneous and not boring! Humans are interesting maybe he’ll be entertained.

When he meets you he gets an earful of screams as his tail propels him backwards. Damn this pup is a howler!

Ignoring their obvious discomfort he gets as close as her overprotective sire will allow and scans the kid up and down… why are humans interesting again? He starts getting bored but then stops. Wait she’s human how is she breathing underwater? Be prepared for random prodding and strange questions from this mer as you may be the only thing that doesn’t bore him.

Helex-Tiger Fish (Hydrocynus vittatus)

Helex is a beast. A huge lurking giant mer with patterns and build similar to the Tiger Fish. Scares the crap out of reader as she starts back pedaling to get away from him. She flings herself in Pharmas arms not wanting to die. Frankly Helex is insulted he has more class than that.

Helex has the mer power to super heat water so he tends to like the cold deep seas so he can practice his abilities but what he enjoys doing with them the most especially on hunts is burning mers alive. Boiling their blood and killing them is fun and interesting in his case to watch. Learning that reader stays away from him hiding behind one of her parents as he passes. But as time moves on not adapted fo the cold waters reader slowly starts freezing. Helex caring for his teammates and having a strong sense of loyalty ends up cuddling you raising your body temperature slowly so you wouldn’t freeze to death. Your not friends not in the least but he refuses to let you die. Whether out of self preservation because his bosses would kill him or because he actually likes you is unknown.

Vos-Piranha

A small mer originally from the Amazon rainforest river he adapted to salt water making it to the ocean he joins the decepticons. He looks kinda cute actually until he smells blood. One drop and he goes into a frenzy tearing apart the mer and showing he may be small but don’t fuck with him. He knows who his target is to making him all the more lethal.

When Tarn and Pharma bring the human to show everyone their new pup he makes a comparison of the two of you quickly. Underestimate either and there’ll be hell to pay. Gaining his respect when he learns as a child you stabbed Tarn with a seashell and swam away with a friend he tries conversing with you wanting to become your friend. Wtf is his voice…? Whatever language he’s speaking you don’t understand. You’ve hears lots of different mer dialect. But what is the screeching coming out of his mouth??? Tarn. Halp.

Koan-Angler fish

Blind his first instinct when he hears a new voice is to swim towards it with The Pet and question Tarn. It was a scary sight seeing a deep sea angler mer and your screaming definitely scares him a little. The Pet whimpers swimming behind Koan at all the screaming. When Tarn finally calms his new pup down he explains who Koan is and how he’s apart of the pod and now your family. He hissed family out and tries to get it through your head that that’s your life now. The Peaceful Tyranny is your family now. Koan curious as who this is asks to touch your face. Your confused until you realize he has no eyes and is trying to map out what you look like. Giving consent hesitantly he feels your delicate skin and not feeling any scales he realizes your human and gets confused. Looking at Tarn for explanation after he’s done and from what he can tell your a pretty for a lander Tarn states how it’s Pharmas pup and she’ll be staying with them. Nodding at the answer he’s one of the only well in comparison is one of the only sane minded individuals here. He becomes your peace in the storm and when you need a break is more than willing to let you bitch. Stroking your hair and braiding it if it’s long enough he tries to convince you Tarn and Pharma mean well and as hard as it is to believe he eases that into your mind over time and you do start to believe it. The Pet-Pufferfish The Pet is a pufferfish honestly the cutest thing as long as you keep on his good side. Once you and Koan slowly but surely gain a mutual friendship The Pet is all over you. Your his friend now he decides stubbornly and starts following you around when Koans busy or he thinks your not having a good day. He reminds you of Bob and has a calming effect reminding you of your old pod and how you’ll get home eventually. But for now you’ll except until your friends find you your stuck here and take his cuddles when his spikes are retracted. At least its some sort of comfort in this dark situation.

[dreamingwhilewriting]

Yuri!!! on Ice FF - Give Me Some Sunshine (Give Me Some Rain)

From time to time, the orphanage got a surprise when they opened their door. This time, when Nikolai opened his door, he was greeted with a pleasant surprise, for getting another family member was always a happy occurrence. However, it also left a bitter aftertaste, for the beautiful gift was left behind without any information aside from a name on a piece of paper, wet because of the snow.

Yuri.

There were no letters for the child to read once he grew up. Only a name, which was the last and only thing that connected the child to his biological parents. At least whoever left the child had the sense to wrap the baby in a thick blanket for leaving him in the middle of the bitter winter.

The baby was sleeping with his mouth opened. His tongue darted out, then his mouth stretched wide in a big yawn before he opened his blue unseeing eyes and let out a thunderous wail.

“Oh,” the old man grinned as he tried to calm the baby, “you are going to be the loud and healthy one, aren’t you?” When the baby kept wailing for milk, his grin became wider. “Obnoxious and demanding, with big dreams and a bigger mouth.” He chuckled as he entered his house again with a baby whose cries could wake the sleeping beauty any time.

Life in an orphanage, while not unpleasant, was not… fulfilling. At least, that was what Yuri felt each time he looked outside the window and saw a little kid walking down the road with their tiny hands clung on to their parents. There was a stabbing pain in his chest, and it bothered him because he did not hate those kids nor the scenes presented in front of him. But Yuri was too young, only six years old, to understand the complexity of his own feelings.

He understood one thing, though. He longed for big warm hands to envelop his own, to make sure he would not get lost and to catch him when he fell. Of course, Nikolai would hold his hands when they went out, but the old man had many kids and when the younger ones begged for his attention, he would give it, and his hand… he would let go Yuri’s hands to care for another. That was how it was.

Of course Yuri understood that the old man cared for him, like he cared for any other kids in the house. But Yuri wanted more, he wanted to hold his attention long enough to feel reassured.

‘No.’ Yuri shook his head in determination. ‘I should be just strong enough that I won’t need it anymore.’ He puffed his chest, immediately felt bigger and stronger. ‘I’ll have to be so big and strong that I won’t need someone to hold my hands like a little kid!’

“Yuri!” Nikolai called him. Judging from the loudness, the older man might be in the kitchen. “Help me or you won’t get any pirozhki later!”

‘Right,’ Yuri absentmindedly trotted toward the kitchen, ‘we were having a small picnic before going to Ice Palace today.’

“Yuri!” Nikolai called for him again, louder this time.

“Coming!” Yuri snorted at the old man. Really, if Yuri did not know any better, the old man was more excited than the kids. It was hilarious.

So, the plan was to have lunch on the park and go to the ice rink. But Yuri was Yuri, a six year old kid. So yeah, he got distracted and separated from the group, sue him. But the distraction was mewling and purring oh-so-cutely. It even bit his hand softly when he stopped petting the soft fur. He had a moment of weakness when he saw the innocent green gems staring at him with such hope.

Before he realized it, his group had disappeared and he was alone. Yuri looked around in haste, but he could not see anyone resembling Nikolai or any other kids in the orphanage, not in the midst of these unnecessarily tall people surrounding him. He was screwed, and he was hungry.

And it was cold.

He hated this, the feeling like he was being abandoned. Because he was not. Not Nikolai.

“Добрый день? (Good afternoon?)” A boyish voice broke him out of his thought. It sounded a bit odd and a little accented, and when Yuri raised his head, he immediately understood the reason. A young Asian man was crouching near him. His hair was short and black, his body was slender and shorter than most adults Yuri had seen. His face was curious and friendly albeit a little nervous.

“I speak English…” was what Yuri said. “A little…”

The man’s lips broke into a bright smile. He clapped his hands once in excitement though he still looked rather nervous. “Great! I was wondering if you were lost.”

“Not lost!” Yuri denied hotly. “Those peo-”

His stomach suddenly growled and Yuri effectively clicked his mouth shut. The blond could feel his cheeks getting warmer. To think his body would betray and humiliate him in such dramatic moment.

The Asian laughed, though not unkindly, and once his laughter quieted down he reached for a bag behind him. “I have some food. Would you like to eat?”

Yuri was hungry, terribly so. But Nikolai had always told the kids not to take anything from a stranger. But then this man showed him what was inside the brown canvas bag, a boxed lunch. The food was arranged in a very neat way that Yuri had never seen before, and the boy was intrigued.

“In my country, boxed lunch like this is called bento.” The black haired man explained. “It’s nothing fancy, but I cooked them myself. Want to have some?”

He stared at the foreign things this Asian man called food with big blue eyes filled with curiosity and wonder. “Nikolai say not accept things from… strangers…” Yuri muttered, but he could not stop the disappointment from lacing his voice.

The stranger giggled and fixed his glasses. “That’s right. I haven’t asked for your name…” He offered his hand to Yuri and said, “My name is Yuuri Katsuki, what’s your name?”

Yuri blinked and his eyes widened in awe. “That my name too…”

“Eh?”

“My name Yuri.”

“What a great coincidence!” Yuuri smiled gently and shyly at him when Yuri accepted his hand and shook it. “Now, the food.” He put the box gently on Yuri’s hands. “Have some before you pass out.”

Yuri pouted but did not complain when he was given a spoon. He did not know where to start, though. The older Yuuri seemed to understand his inner battle and pointed some dishes and described what they were. “It’s tamagoyaki, it is egg.” He pointed the soft yellow blocks. It was soft and delicious, a little bit sweet and salty. “That’s fried sausage.” It was shaped like an octopus, which was terribly childish, but it was good too. He knew the veggies, so he nibbled a little just to be polite about it and surprised when it was not bitter. The Asian man looked strangely pleased at this. “That’s katsudon, my favorite.” He pointed the meat that was neatly stacked over the steamed rice, glazed with egg. Yuri decided that it was his favorite too. It was impossible for Yuri to finish all of them though, so he stared at the older Yuuri and grimaced.

“Are they not to your liking?” Yuuri asked with bewildered eyes. “Or perhaps…”

Yuri interrupted him. “Too much.”

“Oh.” He immediately looked relieved. “You don’t have to finish all of them.”

The child frowned. “Nikolai don’t waste food.”

“Then…” Yuuri paused for a moment before he hesitantly ask, “can we share?”

The blond thought about it for a moment before he nodded his head. The raven smiled brightly at him and they finished the lunch quickly.

“Thank you.” Yuri muttered with red cheeks. “They not bad.”

“I’m glad. Now… Are you here alone? Where are your parents?”

Yuri was quiet for a second, before he replied in monotonous tone. “I don’t have.” He stared at the Asian with a challenging look, to see if he will pity the poor child, just like every adults he had met.

“I see.” That was the only thing that the young man said as he packed his things. “So do you know where you are?”

Yuri was admittedly a little taken aback by the lack of pity, but it was refreshing. “No?”

Yuuri giggled at his uncertainty. “Do you have plan after this?”

“I go to Ice Palace at 1.”

“Oh!” The man looked rather excited. “Another coincidence. I’m visiting my… friend. It will be his lunch time soon, and he said he will coach some children to skate after that. Perhaps it is your group.” He paused to see if Yuri understood. “Does your caretaker have a phone number so I can inform him about this situation?”

“Nikolai hate phones. He said it make you stupid.”

Yuuri startled into laughter. “This can be tricky…”

“What can be tricky?”

Yuuri chuckled. “This situation.” He just laughed again when Yuri’s brows furrowed, clearly not understanding what he meant. “Now, how about you join me on the way to the ice rink? Maybe you can find your friends there.”

Yuri blinked once, and nodded quickly. “But you do something weird, I shout!”

The older Yuuri just laughed. Yuri could see his round, brown eyes twinkling with pleased amusement behind the glasses. “You are so smart!” He patted Yuri’s head softly, totally ignoring the yelps of complaint coming from the young child. “Shall we go?”

It did not take too long for Yuuri to find his friend. That said friend was a tall silver-haired man, skating in a lazy pattern that somehow became graceful and beautiful.

“Victor!” Yuuri called as he jogged toward the rink border, pulling little Yuri along with him.

Victor turned to the source of the voice and gave them a million watt smile. “Yuuri!” He skated as fast as he could to be by his side immediately. “I’ve been waiting for you. And…” He paused when he noticed Yuuri was holding a child’s hand. “Who is this? Don’t tell me…” Victor let out a dramatic gasp. “Yuuri! Kidnapping is a very serious crime and I don’t condone such acts!”

Yuri just gave him a flat laugh. “Ha. Ha. Very funny, Victor.”

Victor gave a low chuckle. He grabbed Yuuri’s hand and pulled him closer, whispering in low tone to his ear. “Are you going to punish me then, for my bad behavior?”

Yuuri spluttered with a very flushed face and pushed him away. “Victor!”

The silver-haired man just laughed in a carefree manner and got out of the rink. Yuuri took his blade cover from the bench and helped the older man put them on. Yuri watched the whole process in silence, though his eyes were a little bit wider than normal.

“So,” Yuuri coughed pointedly, “Victor, meet Yuri. I found him outside when he got lost-”

“Not lost!” Yuri shouted, after being quiet for the longest time in his life. He made a ‘hmph’ sound and scowled at Yuuri.

“-separated from his group.” The Asian corrected himself without missing a beat. “I think you will be teaching them after lunch.” Then he lowered his voice so Yuri could not hear it. “The orphanage…?”

“Ah…” Comprehension dawned upon Victor’s feature. He nodded lowly and gave the Asian another beaming smile. “Then, where’s my lunch?”

Yuuri gave him an exasperated sigh, but his eyes were filled with fondness, and handed the bag he had been holding. “Here you go.”

Victor wasted no time in opening his lunch box. “Ooh~ Katsudon!” He looked up at Yuuri expectantly. “Where’s yours?”

Yuuri looked a little bit guilty and grinned sheepishly. “I already ate mine, sorry Victor…”

Victor stared at the blond boy, who was looking at the very interesting ground, and gave a knowing smile. “That’s alright, you can accompany me and that’s great.” They shared a smile and Victor clapped his hand. “Well, 頂きます! (Itadakimasu!)”

While Victor was happily munching his lunch, Yuri gave the silver-haired man a curious look and tugged Yuuri’s pants. “What’s idamasu?”

Yuuri smiled at his attempt to say the word. “Itadakimasu.” Yuuri corrected him gently. “It means ‘I humbly receive’ or ‘Thank you for the food’. It’s a phrase from my home country.”

Yuri’s mouth formed a perfect ‘O’ and nodded.

“So, Little Yuri,” Victor addressed him with a smile, there was a rice on chin, “how’s Yuuri’s cooking? It’s delicious, isn’t it?”

“Victor!”

Victor ignored him and smiled down at the young boy, waiting for his reaction. And Yuri understood challenge even with his eyes closed.

“Yes, it good.” He raised his chin to look high and mighty and gave the man the most unimpressed look.

Victor stared at him with unreadable expression before his face broke into a big grin. “Have you ever tried skating?”

Caught off guard, Yuri shook his head. “No, this my first time.” He crouched a little.

Victor hummed. “How old are you?”

“Why you care?” The adults just stared at him, clearly not shaken or affronted but not impressed by his sass either. “Six.” He muttered, rolling his eyes.

Victor just hummed again.

Yuuri sighed.

“What?” Yuri asked with a raised eyebrow.

Yuuri decided to answer. “Nothing… Sometimes, it is better to ignore him.”

“Yuuri… That hurts, I don’t think I will recover from the blow…”

The Asian ignored the whining, he took the rice from Victor’s chin and fed it to the man. The Russian nibbled on the rice and grinned, while the other gave him another exasperated fond smile. The gesture looked very natural and strangely intimate between them, and Yuri’s eyes were wide again.

They seemed to remember that there was an audience and Yuuri quickly straightened his back and cleared his throat. “Well, Victor seemed to be interested in you…” At Yuri’s alarmed look, he quickly shook his hands in frantic manner, head shaking with a very scandalized look. “No, no, not like that. He wanted to see if you will enjoy skating and…”

Yuri laughed. It was soft at first, but he could not hold it in and it turned into a full blown laughter. He was trying to hold it in, but it was the very first time he saw an adult looking so flustered in front of a child and he could not help himself.

“ええと… (Uhm…)” Yuuri looked very flustered. He covered his face with both of his hands and muttered with a blush. “恥ずかしいなぁ… (How embarrassing…) Anyway! Would you like to try skating? We can rent the shoes right now, what is your shoe size?” Yuuri knew he was rambling, but he was desperate for an escape and he immediately sprinted toward the skate rental a second after Yuri told him his shoe size.

Victor laughed after he ran, but the Japanese ignored him in favor of hiding his flushed face. The older Russian turned to Yuri and grinned. “Согласитесь, Он такой хорошенький? (Lit. Agree, he’s so cute?)”

Yuri just giggled and nodded along. Then he looked up to the Russian, realizing that he had dropped his wall and scowled again. He grunted and turned away.

He decided to ignore the man’s chuckle.

“Yuri, are you sure this is your first time skating?”

Both Victor’s and Yuuri’s eyes were wide in excitement.

Yuri glanced at them with a sideway look and nodded once with a grunt before immersing himself to the feel of gliding on ice once again, clearly enjoying it so much that he closed his eyes in contentment. Unfortunately, his state of contentment was disrupted when Victor grabbed both of his shoulder and gave him a silly heart-shaped smile.

“Yuri! Have you ever heard of figure skating?”

“Victor!” Yuuri shot him an anxious look. The older man always managed to surprise him, even after the three years they had spent together. There were times Victor did not have control over his own impulses and led them to… stuff… that was mostly good. But that was not the point.

Victor gave him that heart-shaped smile that Yuuri was weak to and waved. He turned back to the child and the child was staring back at him, eyes piqued with curiosity that somehow reminded Victor of a feline. “Want to see some good stuff?”

Victor did not wait for the answer, he simply skated further before he stopped at the center of the rink and posed an unassuming position, which was very familiar to the Japanese. Yuuri could not help but smile at the sight. The Russian man started to dance his routine on the ice and showed his first jump, a Quadruple Lutz. He always liked to show off.

Yuuri did not miss the change in Yuri’s face, the barely concealed awe turned into full unmasked admiration when Victor landed on his second jump, and his smile turned wider because he understood the feeling. It was hard not to admire the wonderful man, even with his numerous flaws, even after living together for years.

When Victor finished his routine, Yuri squealed. “Amazing! Like magic!” His eyes were so wide and shimmering in joy. “You dancing on the ice! So cool! How you jump like that?”

The adults laughed at his enthusiasm. “You should see Yuuri when he does it. You can hear the music playing right inside you, so clear and beautiful.”

Yuuri’s face heated when the child turned to look at him with the same admiration. “No, no, no, no… Victor is just-”

“You can do that too!?”

“Yes, after all, Yuuri has won three gold medals in the Grand Prix Final and two more gold medals in the Four Continents Championship and World Championship!” Victor was clearly enjoying this way too much.

Yuuri panicked when Yuri’s eyes started to sparkle and he blurted, “Well, Victor was a gold medalist in Grand Prix Final five consecutive times, and even more from other competitions before he finally decided to start coaching, so he is much more impressive!” The unspoken ‘So please look at him and adore him instead of me’ was very loud and clear.

The Russian just laughed, though there was a dangerous glint on his eyes when he looked at Yuuri. The Japanese just gulped lowly. It was the silver-haired man who gave a tender smile this time, which was answered with a shy and apologetic smile.

“So cool!”

And with that, the spell was broken.

“Isn’t it?” Victor chuckled at the pure smile on Yuri’s face.

“Show me again?”

Victor and Yuuri exchanged a look, and the coach grinned at the child. “I have a better plan.” Yuri looked at him with expectation. “Instead of me, you will be the one who does it.”

That’s the end if the preview. I’m selling this and the second part as a book. To buy it, click HERE or contact me : dreamingwhilewriting@gmail.com