#THE STAIRCASES MOVE. warning sign. we cant make them Stop. so. watch out!

[itissadbutitsmy-artblog]

it's as done as im going to make it tbh. inconsistent, not perfect, but done :)

i'd say "sorry about this" but if i found a silly three minute wizards city fan animatic id lose my mind so im not sorry in the least

[janaeekook]

Incapable ii. || {myg}

“You cant love Min Yoongi, he doesn’t know how to love. Or care for that matter. You’ll just end up getting hurt.”

pairing: assassin!yoongi x reader

word count: 2.4k

warnings: - mafia - depictions of death -

series masterlist

ii.

"This morning I received this." Namjoon spoke handing his phone around the room.

Unknown- You spill our blood, we spill yours.

"That's for rat face?" You asked,

"Has to be." Jin spoke.

"Taehyung do you think you could pull information from it?" Namjoon asked the tired looking, fluffy haired boy.

"I can try." He took the phone starting to get to work on it.

"Alright, Y/n, Jimin, get A-team together, gather as much information as possible." You both nodded, heading to the east wing to retrieve the 4 members of the A-team, Jeonghan, Jen, Win, and Kai. The members of army bowed to us as we entered, heading to the common room were you found the 4 sitting on the couch.

"Y/n, Jimin." Jeonghan stood quickly bowing which the rest of them followed.

"There's no need for formalities with me." You chuckled hugging him and Kai, You turned to Jen trapping her in a hug, Win who stood next to her smiled at you before you also gave him a hug, "I hope you've all been well, Namjoon gave us a casual intelligence mission."

Jimin handed Jeonghan a manila folder, his eyes skimmed over the pages before his eyes flicked back up to Jimin, "Is this all we have?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Taehyung is working on gathering more remotely, but they're good, they know how to cover their tracks." Jeonghan nodded at Jimin’s words before handing the folder to the other three.

"The Russian mafia? Why would they be in Seoul?" Win asked.

"Wouldnt be much of a mission if we knew right?" You jokingly poked fun at Win, He punched your arm lightly.

"Lets get going as soon as possible, we dont want to waste anytime." Kai said handing the folder back to Jimin.

Jeonghan nodded, "10 minutes, we'll meet at the entrance."

•

You tied your hair back and away from your face before leaving your room and heading for the main staircase, but the second you stepped into the hallway you collided with someone's chest.

The hands gripping your hips lingering longer than they should, the tips of the fingers constricting ever so slightly into your hips. You looked up your breath catching in your throat Yoongi's cold eyes stared back into your own, cheeks ablaze. Your skin all too aware of how he was holding onto your sides before they fell away.

"Uh, sorry." You hurried quickly away from him and down the stairs, not wishing him to know how much power he had over you. Or better yet read you like a book and know you'd fantasized about his hands on you the night before.

Yoongi watched you scurry down the steps. He had felt you shrink beneath his solid gaze, He felt you melt in his grasp, He had felt the control he had over you the brief moment you were in his hands and deep down he wanted more though he'd never admit it.

Jeonghan handed you an earpiece, you put it in your ear before going over the plan, "We're starting downtown dont draw attention to yourselves, you can't forget we're still highly wanted suspects by the government, and keep your eyes open. Understand?"

"Loud and clear." Jen said.

Jimin spoke next, "Alright, Kai and myself will be together, then with Y/n and Jeonghan, Jen and Win do you think you can handle yourselves on your own?" The two only nodded, they were experienced and used to working alone anyway.

You looked to your side peering up at Win, he glanced down at you and smiled. You all did a special handshake you made up years ago in training before heading out the door.

"Hey," a voice stopped you in your tracks, you turned around to see Jungkook, he wore a low V-neck shirt which exposed his tattoos that designed his neck and chest; complimenting  the sleeve running down his right arm. You told the others you'd be right out and turned your attention to Jungkook. He was a very attractive young man, you had found yourself tangled up in sheets with him on more than one occasion but nothing had ever been made official, it was more of a stress reliever than anything.

"Hey." You said with a smile which he quickly returned.

"Be safe alright?" He told you.

"Always am." This caused him to smile wider, before pressing a soft kiss on your forehead, and without another word you made your way out the door to join the team.

"What's up with that?" Win looked to you with a raised eyebrow.

"What?"

"Jungkook?"

"Its nothing." You said with a smile, playfully punching his arm.

"Hey just looking out for you." He said flashing you another priceless smile before climbing into the vehicle. You sighed, following after him.

•

It had been 2 hours since you started to search, you walked around the streets with Jeonghan. He was quite a bit taller than you, he wore a baseball cap that shadowed his face, a man bun tied at the base of his neck due to his long hair.

"That man, all black straight a head." He suddenly stated, his eyes narrowing at the suspicious looking man.

"You got something?" Jen's voice came through the ear piece.

"We're on the main road, it's a bit crowded but I've got my eyes on him, we'll tail him." Jeonghan said, the man was thin, if his behavior weren't so odd you'd probably look right over him. "He just turned left at the bbq shop, he seems to be headed towards the docks."

"Headed that way." Win spoke.

You and Jeonghan reached the corner the man had turned down, Kai and Jimin were there as well. Jeonghan looked around the corner before waving us on.

"Keep your guards up." You spoke in a hushed tone. We all continued down the rather quiet road compared to the bustling road you'd just come from, the dock ahead was old and rundown unlike central ports. An abandoned factory you'd assumed, stood at the end of it, all the windows boarded, moss stretching up the old concrete and rusted metal.

"Well that's not sketchy." Jimin stated from behind you.

"Spread out, surround the perimeter see if there's anything of concern." You suggested and everyone nodded continuing forward before splitting to circle the aged building, Win stayed at the front watching over the building and studying the main entrance.

You walked around, Jeonghan still at your side, The sloshing of the ocean to your right and the monstrous building to your left.

"Anything?" Kai asked through the ear piece.

"Negative, Jen?" Jeonghan said.

"Nothing here."

"It doesn't make sense for there to be nothing, circle back around to Win. Win you have anything at the front?" Jeonghan asked, he was answered with silence, "Win, do you copy?" His question was met with another chilling silence. A blood curdling scream came from the direction we had come, you and Jeonghan looked at each other before taking off in a sprint.

You found Jen on her knees sobbing in front of Win, blood spilled from his throat staining his shirt before it seeped into the fine cracks of the concrete around him, forever stained a rusty red puddled that began to encircle his head. Your stomach lurched at the sight, the choked noises as he tried to find his breath but only finding his blood which was suffocating him slowly. An odd looking weapon still stuck in his chest, ungodly amounts of blood spilling from his fatal wounds, you felt frozen as he choked on his own blood. What could you do? Could you do anything? You felt utterly hopeless, fear clawing at the back of your mind, you didn't want to lose someone else, but what could you do?

You willed yourself to move but your feet didn't budge, Jens hands frantically trying to cover his wounds, to cease the blood from evading his body. Your eyes finally met his, softening upon seeing you, you'd bet you'd looked rather like a deer in headlights. His lips shook as he continually struggled for breath, but he managed to quirk them upwards the slightest bit, as if to tell you it was ok before you watched in horror and unexplainable helplessness as his eyes rolled back into his head, his chest no longer rising and falling, in an attempt to take in stuttered uneven breaths.

"No." You whispered, not wanting to believe the sight before you.

"No." It couldn't be Win.

"No." There was no way he could be dead.

Your mind couldn't process it; that he now laid there, no light, no life behind his eyes. Gone. Warmth fading from his skin.

Jen wrapped her arms around his body, You took stumbled steps towards her pulling her up into your chest, She continued to sob, gripping at the back of your shirt with her blood stained hands. Win had been with us for as long as you could remember, you stared at his pale face before allowing a single tear to fall. You looked around for any sign of the person who'd taken your friends life.

"I-Its my fault! I-I sh-should've stayed with him." Jen cried into your chest, you closed your eyes more tears slipping over your cheeks.

"No, Its not your fault. None of us could've known." You spoke softly into her ear, stroking her hair in an attempt to calm her down. When in reality your mind was just as frantic as hers, you mind begging for Wins eyes to open and tell you he was alright.

But he wasn't, the blood being evidence to that. It was real. Painfully, brutally real.

"We need to get him out of here." You told Jimin still holding onto Jen.

"I'll call Jungkook." Jimin said, his face seemed as shocked as the rest of us. No one had ever been able to sneak up on Win before or land an attack on their own, the person who did this had to have been very skilled.

•

You sat silently in the passenger seat, Jungkook driving. When Jimin had called him he thought it had been you that got hurt, although he was relieved, he had just lost another brilliant gunman. It was only the two of you in the car, the others had been taken in another one.

"You alright?" He finally broke the silence, his tone was soft.

"Ya, nothing I haven't seen before." You bit the inside of your cheek, trying desperately to bite back the tears that threatened to spill.

"It was Win, y/n." His tone dropped lower, you didn't want to respond for fear of your voice breaking. When you joined, you spent most of your time with Win, Jeonghan, Jen and Kai. They were your best friends and they got you through a lot.

It was quiet the rest of the way home, when Jungkook pulled up you jumped out walking up the steps and pushing the door open. You headed straight for the stairs not acknowledging the eyes of everyone on you as you came through the door.

"Y/n." You looked over your shoulder to see Jungkook and the others looking at you, "Where are you going?"

"Bed."

"It's 3 o'clock, Y/n." His tone remained soft.

"I'm tired." You stated, mentally cursing at yourself for allowing your voice to break. You hurried up the steps and to your room, shutting the door behind you and sliding down the dark wood as your body shook with each silent sob that racked your body.

•

"Y/n? Why didn't you save me?" The blood ran from his throat, soaking his all white clothing in dark crimson.

"I-I'm Sorry."

"Do you know what it feels like to have your throat slit?"

"N-no."

"Maybe I should show you then-"

You screamed yourself awake, it carried through the whole house. Hot tears spilled down your cheeks as you sobbed, the crown of your head littered with beads of sweat as anxiety ripped at you. The door to your bedroom swung open. Jungkook was the first one in followed by your brother and the others. Namjoon's eyes softened at the sight of you, he hurried over pulling you into a hug.

"Shhh, it's ok." He caressed you're hair in a soothing way.

"J-joonie, it was awful."

"It was just a dream, you're safe." He whispered, you looked over his shoulder, everyone's faces filled with worry, even Yoongi. You let your glistening eyes linger on his, "Get some rest ok?" Namjoon asked, pulling himself away from the embrace, you grabbed his wrist.

"Stay."

He sighed, "I've got work to do, y/n." You pouted.

"I can stay." Jungkook spoke from behind Namjoon, who now looked at Jungkook questioningly, "I'll watch over her."

"Is that alright?" Namjoon turned whispering to you, You nodded, he gave your hand a squeeze and smiled sadly at you. He remembered you getting nightmares when you were younger, and having to hold you until you fell back asleep, he wished he could be there for you like back then but his work called. He lead everyone out of the room to continue their prior activities. When the door had shut Jungkook immediately climbed into the bed next to you, propping his elbow on the pillow next to yours, resting his head in his hand.

"You alright?" He asked, you laid on your back staring at the ceiling.

"It was just a bad dream." You told him, not wanting to elaborate. He simply hummed in understanding, "did you get any information off the weapon?" You asked quietly fiddling with the sheets in your hand.

"We don't have to talk about that, y/n." He spoke soothingly.

"I want to know, Jungkook, please." You turned your head to look him in the eye, letting him know you were serious.

"Well, while you were asleep, I began to analyze it. It's an oddly shaped knife, the letters N-C-T were carved into the handle. They seemingly want us to know who they are, but the question we're trying to figure out now is, why?"

"N-C-T? Who are they?" You questioned but Jungkook shrugged.

"Beats me, they seem to be another group and we can't underestimate them anymore," He spoke as he played with the ends of your hair, "You should get some more sleep."

You nodded, though deep down you knew you'd wouldnt be able to fall back asleep; That your subconscious would only torment you. He put his arm around your body, your mind wandering, feeling miles away from your physical body. The thoughts left in your mind turned over again and again; Who was NCT? What are they looking for? What are they trying to prove?

taglist: @art-myg @hwaddict @ahgasearmyfan @gee-nee @janeelizabeth1216 @elliegrace1999tvd @sunnynxy @boba-king-iroh @deathkat657

[kate-embershield]

Theres a story down here that goes with this. Warning: it’s 2,705 words and probably blatantly ignores canon.

They say too beware the Witches, but never why. They tell stories of their cruelty, but never what they did. They tell naughty children that a Witch will snatch them away in the night and never return them. The fear of witches was put in my heart long before I knew the word. And I never knew why, nor did I question it. I knew to never be out after dark. Everyone did.

Yet on hallows eve, I was late. Far too late. 

The sun had set long before I realised, and I was left in the darkness, grasping for the last dregs of light, slipping beyond the horizon. I was foolish. A child who thought he could outrun fate. And it had nearly cost me my life.

But in that suffocating darkness, in the indigo of the witches hour, she appeared. On a living pumpkin, she caught the light, and if she had ridden any other horse, I would have mistaken her for an ordinary child who, much like myself, had tried to outrun karma. Yet there was no mistaking the rider atop that good omen of a horse. 

Smelling of Nutmeg and cloves, the Witch approached with a grin that, at first seemed frightening and cruel, but was instead a strangely sombre smile. She gazed down at me from atop that fidgeting horse, one hand outstretched as the other calmed her mount. And then she spoke, and her voice was not the cruel cackle that many had spoken of, nor was it dripping with sweet words, promising candy and chocolate if he came with her.

“Come”. No, there was no malice in her tone. It was warm and soft, and though it held the tiredness of one many years her senior, she let none of it carry to her soft face. 

Pushing past the fear that clutched at my heart with icicle fingers, I stared at the Witch, taking her hand. 

With a strength I had not expected, she pulled me atop that horse, and after a moment, leaned forward and whispered into the creature’s ear. There was a soft whiny, and she laughed quietly. And then the horse lunged, racing through the wood at an inhuman speed. I clutched the saddle with white knuckles, remembering the stories my mother would tell of Witch horses that, once atop them, would drag you down to the depths of lakes, never to be seen again. 

My surroundings where a blur as the horse dodged trees and logs, leaping boulders and racing down foothills as the mountains became more barren. And with a sickening realisation, I noticed the great cliff that rose up high above us. The mount did not stop, racing to its end as the Witch grinned.

And then, with a shuddering roar, an arch of intricately carved stone pushed out from the rock, a portal of swirling pink and purple growing in the centre. With a final leap, the horse lunged through and the world faded to black.

When I awoke, the sky was a bruised blue and purple, clouds swirling like a nauseating vortex, and yet only a slight breeze disturbed the trees. A raven crowed in the branches, and for a moment, all was still.

Until the great pumpkin of a horse butted its head against mine, hollow eyes glowing orange. And beside it, the kind face of the Witch stared down at me, her wide, dark hat casting shadows over her eyes as she clutched her mount’s reins.

And for the third time that night, the wicked stories of Witches who would snatch away children in the night came to me. Yet before I could dwell on them, her hand was once again thrust towards me. But this time, I refused it, much to her dismay. Pushing myself up, I took one glance around and knew I was no longer in Jorvic. 

A few feet from me, past a thick patch of grass, the world fell away into a swirling nothingness. Dotted around, I could see more islands, fragments of the ruined building around me and nothing more.

“Come”, the Witch spoke again, making me jump. Her voice still held no malice, no anger at my refusal, yet a light danced in her eyes. “The keeps master will want to meet you”. Who the master of the keep was, I did not want to know. Yet against my better judgement, I followed the Witch over a rickety bridge.

The keep was covered in cobwebs and broken beyond recognition, nothing but a crumbled staircase leading to a slim and cracked second floor was left. But the witch did not seem to care. She and her mount bounded up the worn steps, leaping a boarded up gap as they made their way to the horseman atop a great beast of a mount.

As I caught the fire of the coal creatures eyes, I knew in his bones who this was immediately. Galloper Thompson tuned his headless body in the slightest acknowledgement as the Witch moved closer, seemingly unafraid of the undead rider.

I, however, had never felt so much fear. 

The witch stopped by the rider, releasing her pumpkin mounts reins as she spoke too low for him to even hope to hear. The horseman didn't reply, yet the Witch seamed to hold a conversation as if he had. 

Glancing back and forth between the Witch and rider and the swirling portal in the distance, I felt a cold chill creep up my spine. There was no way I could reach it before either the Witch or horseman caught me.

“This one. I found him lost in the woods”. I turned back around, catching sight of the firelight dancing behind the Witch. She seemed to loom over me, her shadow against the wall moving with a life of its own. Yet in a blink, the fear and darkness that had encompassed her seconds before, changed and she was back with that soft smile plastered across her face. “Not to worry. I shall return him before dawn breaks”

“Re...Return me? Why cant...why cant you return me now!”, Though my voice and body shook, I stood with eyes hardened and shoulders squared. The Witch and rider exchanged a look and then turned back to me. 

“Because Boy”, The Witch began, stepping closer as her mount curled behind her, “The Witches your elders tell you to fear have claim over the night, much like the druids over the day, and I over the dusk. If I were to return you now, I can promise that neither of us would see the dawn”

When my foot hit wood, the riders mount whinnied, and all at one the Witch seemed to shrink into herself. Her creature lowered its head, forelock resting against her palm as she turned away. And with a heavy sigh, she took up her mounts reins and leapt into the saddle, turning to face the horseman, and with a nod, she rode off.

For what felt like hours, I was left in the small slice of oblivion with Galloper Thompson keeping watch. There was nowhere in the keep and surrounding islands where I could not feel his eyeless gaze boring into my soul. 

Aside from the burning gaze, I found myself exploring the area. The islands held many secrets, A few swirling portals were scattered around, and a few times, I had been tempted to leap away into one, yet each time, that burning gaze seemed to intensify until I could almost feel the flames licking at my skin. And then the Witches words, her warning, echoed hauntingly in my mind.

No, I had not spirited myself away, fearing that her words were true or that the horseman would come for me. 

Once I had scoured the keep, I found myself drawn to the dark tower that rose from the clouds. The gate was rotted and smelt of waterlogged wood, yet through their bars, I could see the inside stretched far further than its outward appearance told.

No

With a jolt and a cry, I fell to the dry grass. The voice echoed darkly around in the night, and for a moment, I couldn't tell if it was in my mind or not. When the echo subsided, an orange glow had taken to illuminate the area, and when I looked up, I met the hellfire eyes of the riders mount. As I scrambled away, the riders eyeless gaze seemed locked to me.

And then the Witch appeared. Almost materialising out of the darkness on her mount, much like our first meeting.

She and the horseman exchanged a glance before she offered her hand. “The sun will rise soon. We should go”. Desperate to escape the headless mans burning gaze, I accepted the Witches hand and swung onto the mount. For a breathless moment, the rider watched them as he settled. “I will return before the sun”

With a mighty roar, the Riders beast turned with the Witch, racing back towards the keep while the Witch turned towards the portal. 

There where many similarities, I note, between leaving and entering the portal. Because, once again, I woke up on the ground surrounded in fog, looking up at a tree-covered sky, not a bruised blue, but instead a soft pink, lightening with the sun. The Witch leaned over me, her mount grazing beside my head.

“Come”. This time I took her offered hand, feeling far to dizzy to refuse. She took her mount’s reins in one hand, the other swirling with purple light as she stopped at the edge of a cliff. “Your village is down the mountain. Go east and you will find a path, but do not stray from it or look back, nor must you run until you have left the trees. If you hear a sound, ignore it no matter what. Ignore these rules, and the Witches will have claim of your soul”

“I thought they couldn't come out in the day?”. In her hand, a large crystal shard emerged, pulsing with a light that mimicked a heartbeat.

“Then you were a fool. Much like I, they are not bound to the darkness, rather, they are stronger in it. But a Witch is a Witch, in their element or not.”. The gem was pressed into my palm, its warmth almost suffocating as the Witch met my gaze. “Do not underestimate us. Now go”

“Wait!”, before she could disappear back into the vortex, I grabbed her arm. “I...Why did you help me? Why did you give me this crystal? Who are-”

The Witch raised her hand, silencing the coming onslaught of questions. “Who I am matters not, nor does why I helped you. And that crystal is the shard of a soul returned to Aideen. Do not lose it”. And into the fog she and her mount went, disappearing like sylph’s in a memory, leaving me grasping for their presence, the smell of Nutmeg and cloves the only sign that they had existed at all.

As the fog dissipated, I headed the Witches words. Heading east, the trail unfurled, noting nothing moor that a fox track lined with mulberry and lavender. I didn't run, didn't turn at the snap of twigs, didn't glance back when I felt the prickle of eyes following me. The urge was almost overwhelming, but I couldn't take the chance. Instead, I clutched the shard tighter, following the track meticulously, never stepping foot in the underbrush.

Even when the trail thinned and the trees gave way to familiar farmland and paddocks, I didn't run. Didn't turn. Didn't flinch at the sounds of life. I didn't stop my purposeful walk until I was closing the door of my home, the frantic sounds of my parents rushing to me filling my ears. Nor did I release the shard clutched tightly in my fist.

For months after that Hallows night, I searched for the Witch and her mount. any spare breath was spent on watching the woods for her presence. I caught glimpses of her, of course, she knew I was looking. A shape in the fog, a form atop a cliff, Nutmeg and cloves catching my attention, the drumming of hoofbeats or a whisper in the wind. Sometimes she was atop a silver mare, sometimes a green creature in a pond, sometimes a ghostly skeleton, sometimes even the horseman's beast, firelight igniting her features. Sometimes I would find a cat watching me, black like the night or as skeletal as the horse that followed, and sometimes it was a gourd, laughing and playing with that pumpkin of a horse. But we never spoke, never shared more than a fleeting glance. She would fade into the fog when I looked away, disappearing where I could not see.

Eventually, she stopped appearing, or maybe I stopped looking. But I do know that her presence faded as I grew, that hallowed eve turning to nothing but another tall tail I would tell my children. Her smile nothing but a rouse to gain my trust.

I had forgotten her kind eyes, her soft voice. The way she smiled and spoke so sweetly. In the many long years that followed, I forgot the sweet smell of  Nutmeg and cloves, the horse’s all-seeing eyes and the cat’s wise gaze. I would tell my children the take of the wicked Witch that whisked me away in the night, of the horseman who’s burning gaze I escaped, of the Witches who hunted me through the dawn. I would tell them never to follow a fox track away from town lest they fall prey to the Witch. I would tell them never to trust the pumpkins on hallows eve, or the swamps and wandering firelight for they could be a witches mount come to snatch them away in the night.

Until a Halloween night much like before. One of the village children had disappeared and the sun was sinking fast. The world cast in black and pink. The village scoured the plains, scoured the surrounding area. But never falling deep into the woods. A mother’s cries split the nearing twilight, echoing in the fields I called my home.

But the child did not return. Not when the fields were alight with torches and shouts. Not when the woods where considered. And not in the darkness of the night, when the Witches wicked cackles kept the darkness from comforting a grieving mother.

Not when a purple stone caught the fire, wrapped in leather cord fashioned into a necklace.

Before the dawn could break, I grasped the shard in a fist, picking my way through the woods, following a long-forgotten fox track lined with Lavender and mulberries. Up and up I followed, never looking back, never running and never straying from the path. Up until I met the edge of a familiar cliff, lit with a great swirling light. 

And there the Witch stood, a child's hand clasped safely in her own. never looking older than when I had last seen her face. The child smiled as the Witch leant down to whisper in their ear. With a nod, the child pulled away, a pink shard clutched tightly in their fist as the pumpkin mount tugged playfully on the child's hair.

The Witch laughed sweetly at the horse’s antics, nudging the child softly towards me as a thick fog curled around our legs. The child puffed up their cheeks but ran towards me regardless. And then the Witch took her mount’s reins, swinging back into the saddle as she disappeared into the fog.

I stood on that cliff for what felt like an eternity, staring at the Witches fading form until the child tugged on my coat. “We should go”. I could do nothing but nod in silence as we turned. 

“do not stray from the path or look back, don’t run until you have left the trees. If you hear a sound, ignore it no matter what. Ignore these rules, and the Witches will take you”, I spoke softly as we walked along the fox track towards home, the child grasping my hand.

“I know, the Witch told me. She's upset you forgot her, you know”

“I know”

[cole-cliffxrd-art]

Draco Malfoy one shot

I threw myself down onto the couch, infuriated. After a long day of studying and being ridiculed by the most annoying human I’ve met in this goddamn school I was ready for a break. The common room was unusually quiet at the moment probably due to there being a big quidditch game between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor this afternoon. I was usually keen to watch Gryffindor get their asses smashed out on the pitch but due to being so tired I wasn’t in the mood for it.

I splayed myself out on the dark leather, flipping open one of my spell books to write some more annotations from Flitwick’s class today. We learnt how to cast some easy charms today but I wouldn’t like how to forget them soon. My mind wandered off to that infuriating blonde boy and how he was messing with my notes earlier today. Grabbing them in the hallway from my arms and holding them above my head.

If I could’ve cursed him in that moment I would’ve. Such a shame its banned from Hogwarts. I could’ve hexed that shit eating grin off of that prick. I rolled my eyes and tried to focus back on my spell book. In that moment all the candles blew out as a breeze came from the newly opened door to the common room. I groaned, I couldn’t be bothered to try and light them again, maybe one of the house elves might come by later and re-light them. It was dark now, dark enough that I couldn’t read my page but the iridescent light from the lake cast a lowly glow over the room.

I wanted to call out the idiot who let the breeze in but as the footsteps neared I recognised the sound. The clack of the black dress shoes against the floor is what got me. Most people wear soft soled shoes or even sandals in the summer but no, this uptight bastard wore hard heeled shoes all year round. I ignored him in the hopes of him being deterred. “Lumos” I lit my wand and continued to take notes and scrawl over my book until it was once more ripped from my hands.

“What do you want Malfoy?” I snapped, lurching myself from my comfortable position on the couch to stand up and get in his face...well chest as I couldn’t quite reach his face. I threw my quill to the ground with my books for effect.

He laughed, finding my anger amusing. I really shouldn’t give him the time of day considering. “Nothing, Just was wondering why a Mudblood like you would be so interested in your spell book.” I rolled my eyes, here it was again. This same argument. Blah blah blah only Purebloods should be allowed into Hogwarts let alone Slytherin, how dare they let anyone else in. I wasn’t in the mood for his shit.

“Why aren’t you at the game?” I tried to change the subject in attempts to distract him so I could grab my book from those long slender fingers of his.

This seemed to work, a small smirk crept across his face as he thought. “Now usually I would love to see Potter get hit by a few bludgers, whether it be rain or sunshine but I got bored. I notice you aren’t at the game either though?”

I retreated, trying to gather up some of my books from the floor along with my quill. “Thought I could get some studying in, seeing as someone kept distracting me today with his increasingly obnoxious remarks and actions.” I looked up to glare at the blonde boy for a moment before going to reach for my last book. A foot stopped me, pressing down onto my transfiguration book - wedging it down onto the hard stone floor.

“Move,” I gave his foot a shove - dropping my other books in the process.

This seemed to amuse him more. I really shouldn’t humour him in such way. “Oh,” he raised an eyebrow. “You were distracted by me?”

I laughed, “don’t flatter yourself Draco. You’re pretty fucking annoying.”

“I’m pretty?”

Ugh, I cant win with him. I never can, he’s a lost hope. “No prettier than any muggle.” I bit back, grabbing my book harshly from under his foot. He slipped backwards and fell to the floor. His face turned from shock to anguish to anger within a matter of a few seconds.

Draco crawled forwards quickly, shoving me back too. My wand cluttered to the floor and the light went out. I scrambled for it but was grabbed by my ankle and pulled backwards. “Fucking Mudblood, take that back.” I looked up at him, fire overtook his shining silver eyes. I took a swing at his pale face but his hand caught me. “Don’t” he warned harshly.

I went still, panting from the quick movements from before, what was even happening? Many of my fights with him had never ended up getting as physical as this. His hand slipped down my wrist - pressing it to the floor as his body hovered over mine. His hand squeezed mine harshly to the point that a pain sprung out from my wrist. I yelped out in pain. “Draco, you’re hurting me.” I looked worriedly up into those anguished eyes of his. I expected to see anger radiating through them, but instead a brief flash of concern washed over his sharp features.

His hand softened on mine and he pulled back. I didn’t expect an apology from him, he wouldn’t stoop that low. I scampered away from him, grabbing my books quickly and shuffling them together. I quickly skirted off to my room, leaving him sitting on the floor in the common room.

x x x

“Go away Draco,” I yelled behind me as I walked around a corner, one corridor to another. I’d just finished divination class with Professor Trelawney and of course that idiot tried to talk to me on the tower staircase.

I basically ran down the stairs, trying to get as far away from that Slytherin as I could. My care of magical creatures class in ten minutes could wait, I had to ditch the blonde haired silver eyed boy first. I raced down the stairs to the dungeons, hoping to wait him out in my bedroom. The footsteps behind me got louder and louder. I slammed the common room door in his face, leaning my back against it. The look of hurt that I’d just seen a brief flash of in that moment where I’d shut the door confused me. What was he trying to do?

I took a step away from the door, giving myself a moment before I let it swing open. He stepped through slowly and cautiously, watching my movements as if he were wondering if I’d attack him again. I looked around the common room, it was eerily quiet again. Great now I was left alone with this git. I sighed and walked towards the couches, with him in tow. I dropped my satchel containing my books and orb from divination to the ground before leaning against the armrest. I crossed my arms for effect.

“What do you want Draco?” I signed again, a long sigh. I was tired of all this, I hope he knew that.

He threw his hands up in the air, he looked as defeated as I felt. “I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m sick of keeping up this false pretence.”

I dropped my arms from my chest. “What?”

He moved forwards slightly, just slight enough for me to recognise that there wasn’t much space between us. “I just want you to stop hating me.” Draco whispered. He put one hand on my shoulder causing shocks to move through my body.

I looked up at his pale face, seeing the slight pink tint to his cheeks, his platinum hair was messy and falling into his eyes. My eyes trailed down to his chest. His shirt was wider open than usual, his tie loose around his neck. I could see a small freckle upon his collarbone that was protruding out sharply. I had to admit his sharp jawline was elegant in a way, such a shame it was connected to an irritating person.

“I don’t hate you,” I whispered back. I didn’t know why we were whispering, nobody was in the common room, they were probably all at class - like we should be. His eyes lit up at my comment. “I just wish you’d give up on all this Mudblood shit and annoying me, I didn’t choose my parents, just like you didn’t choose yours. You must know hoe that feels.”

He nodded. I knew his story, there was always talks in Slytherin of Deatheaters and who’s parents are one, were one, gonna be one. Draco’s parents famously are Deatheaters and he’s expected to be one, whether or not he likes it. He hung his head lowly for a moment - thinking about what I said before looking into my eyes again. He brushed my red hair from my face before resting his other hand on my waist.

“I know.” He sounded so quiet, his voice cracked and that was it for me. I moved forwards in attempts to soothe the boy, but I awkwardly elbowed him in the ribs and knocked my face into his. His hand flew up to my face to stop me from falling any further into him, moving away from me his lips brushed against mine. My eyes went wide as so did his.

“Ah fuck,” he pulled away and I leant back further onto the couch, hoping to cease to exist somehow. Could I just obliterate myself now and here? Fuck.

I wiped my lips with my middle and index fingers, feeling the warmth that irradiated from them now. “I’m sorry,” I looked up at Draco, knowing he wouldn’t apologise. But I felt genuinely bad for elbowing him before.

“I’m not.” He rushed forwards once more, cupping my face with his hands and slamming his lips against mine. Shocks went off in every which way of my body as I settled into the kiss. I wrapped my arms around his back, pulling the boy closer to me. His fingers moved, grasping at my shirt and pulling my tie free, dipping his hands underneath the fabric and pushing it up.

I grasped at his hair, entangling my fingers in it as I moved my mouth against his. He wrapped his arms under my legs and pulled them out from under me, I instinctively wrapped them around his hips, holding on for dear life as he swung me around. He settled on the couch next to us leaning back comfortably as he began to pepper kisses down my throat. I shifted my legs and began to straddle him, lifting myself off of the couch slightly.

I kissed his forehead as it passed my lips, Draco’s sliver hair gleamed with a green tint from the light. He pulled away and mischievously grinned up at me. “I can’t believe I’m making out with a Mudblood.” There was a humorous tone to his voice so I took it as a shitty joke.

“Shut up Draco,” I said with a smile and moved my head down once more to kiss him.

[fanfictiooooooon]

‘badass new girl’-part two //Stiles Stillinski

Hey, this is definitely full of exiting things!!! never want it to end :( . don't worry, many more to come. Enjoy!

Warnings: none

masterlist part 1 part 3

Reader POV

I get home and quietly close the door behind me, looking around cautiously for dad. with him no where in sight, I walk into the kitchen. I jump at first, not expecting him to be waiting for me.

“Seriously?” he says, disappointed “I called you too may times!? why didn’t you call back? Where were you!?”

“Sorry, dad, I'm so sorry. I was at lacrosse try outs.” 

he rolls his eyes at me “Really? lacrosse again? and you didn't tell me or at least call me back!?”

“I'm sorry dad, it wont happen again!” I apologise

“You realise that necklace won’t last forever, right!?” he shouts.

“Yeah... its fine though, really.” I reply.

“Deer for dinner.” he walks past me and goes upstairs.

I go about the rest of the night as usual, eat, do homework, walk Tofu once it gets dark, then shower and sleep. With no homework to do, after finishing dinner, I check outside. the sun is finishing setting, and I have my necklace. I should be fine. I clip on the red leash onto my Rottweiler puppy and head out.

Beacon Hills is a small town, and there’s not many places to walk, but Tofu gets tired easily anyway. I’m about to turn a corner and head back to the house when I hear a soft voice from behind me.

“Hey, you.” I turn to see Isaacs soft eyes beaming at me. He walks next to me.

“Hey, what’re you doing?”

“Walking,” he responds “oh my god, that is the cutest do I’ve ever seen.” he squeals, making me smile as he pets Tofu gently.

“He’s called Tofu.” I tell him.

“Tofu, oh my god he’s adorable.” he looks back at me, smiling widely.

we continue walking and chatting, and actually find out we have things in common. dogs, especially, but other stuff, too, like volunteering, our hatred of cats, and even sci-fi movies.

“Anyway, I should take off, gotta get to Derek’s.” he says as we stop outside my house. Derek? did he mean Derek Hale!?

“Derek who?”

“Derek Hale, he’s a friend. I gotta go, see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah... bye.” I can barely move from shock. Derek Hale was in Beacon Hills. Fuck. I need to tell dad.

Five years ago, when I lived close with a lot of family, Derek found us. He locked me, dad, aunt Julie, and my cousins in his basement, torturing us. He only said one thing to us; ‘tell me who has the sight’. it was confusing to all of us, except my dad and Julie, who seemed to know exactly what he was talking about.

‘No!’ they would shout in response, getting them shocked by the fence they were tied to. We escaped after two months of being there and fled. Derek had tried hunting us down, but we made connections with the hunters in new Mexico, and Beacon Hills, too. they helped us in exchange for our help for hunting the werewolves. we don't hunt them anymore, making us vulnerable. but Derek hasn’t tried to find us, giving us a good chance to move on with our lives.

Stiles POV

I arrived at the jeep and was caught up quickly by Scott and Kira.

“Dude, did you talk to her?” asks Scott, climbing into the front.

“Yeah, we’re gonna hang out tomorrow, instead.” I reply, happily.

“that’s good, just don’t rush things.” says Kira, jumping in the back. 

I start up the jeep “Relax, I know what I'm doing.” I scoff.

“No, no you don't.” smirks Scott. I glare at him before driving them home.

“I mean, are you over Lydia?” asks Kira, softly.

“N- I mean... yeah!” I say. they give me unassured looks before I say “Well, she and Parish have a thing, you know? and maybe I cant move on  unless I have someone else.”

Scott nods “Okay, bro. Whatever feels right.” I pull up outside of Scott’s house and they get out. “We’ll meet you at Derek’s later” says Scott, waving.

I wave back before watching them go inside. I sigh and start up the jeep again, taking a few tries before I set off. by the time I arrive home, it’s 5 o’clock, and dad’s home already. his car occupies the driveway, making me sigh even harder.

I eventually park and let myself inside. “Hey, son!” he shouts from the kitchen.

“Hey, daddio.” I walk into the kitchen and sit next to him.

“What’s up?” he asks.

“Nothing. girl troubles.”

he looks at me, highly concerned “Stiles,” he moans “is this about Lydia again? Because I really think its time you move on!”

“No, dad, its not Lydia, its Y/N. a new girl.”

He raises his eyebrows at me “And you like this Y/N?”

I sigh “A lot.”

“But you cant know her very well, since she’s new and all.”

“I don't, but she’s totally awesome. she made lacrosse captain!”

“Captain? but I thought Scott used his werewolf stuff so he could be captain. if she can beat that, maybe she’s supernatural herself.”

“Stop jumping to conclusions dad,” I press “you’re such a cop.”

he leans his head around me, looking out of the window, not replying.

“What is it?” I look back and forth, making my neck hurt.

“Isn’t that Isaac?” he squints his eyes. we walk up to the window and peer out. what I witness makes my heart physically hurt. Isaac and Y/N were walking together. laughing and smiling, too.

“I have to get to Derek’s.” I say coldly before slowly getting my jacket. what was the point. I didn't stand a chance anyway. I close the door on my way out and start up the old jeep. the feeling of sadness was overwhelming, and it made me dizzy. I sat for a second, taking a breath, before making my way to Derek’s loft.

Readers POV

“Dad!” I shout, desperately. “Dad!”

“What, what is it?” he runs down the stairs, worry in his face.

“It’s Derek! Derek Hale! He’s in Beacon Hills!”

My dad’s dace dropped a thousand feet before he could muster a few words. “We need to call aunt Julie.”

Stiles POV

Arriving at Derek’s, I walk in to see Scott, Kira and Lydia already there. Peter sits on the spiral staircase, observing.

“Hey,” says Scott, cheerily. he notices my melancholy face “what’s up, buddy?” . I sigh in response and Scott reads my kimo signals. “Why’re you jealous?”

“You’re jealous? of who?” asks Lydia, who fakes being surprised, and clearly thinks its about her.

Me Scott and Kira exchange looks, knowing about Y/N. Derek walks in.

“What’s up with him?” he scoffs, walking behind his desk.

Scott looks at me for a sign of approval before telling them about her. “There’s a new girl, and Stiles is really into her.”

“So? what’s so bad about that?” replies Derek.

I answer “Because I saw her and Isaac together earlier.”.

At this perfect moment, the person I despise the most walks in. Isaac. He wear a wide smile but it quickly fades when he realises somethings up with everyone.  “What’s up?” he asks, innocently.

I give him an aggressive look, making him shift a little. I want to punch him until the Earth stops spinning. “Jealous?” he mocks me.

I cant help myself but punch him in the face, knocking him to the ground. I hear everyone but ignore them. I continue punching him on the floor until I'm pulled off by Derek.

“Whoa! Stop! What girl is worth that!?” he asks rhetorically.

“Y/N is.” I wipe my nose, staring down at Isaac, whose nose is bust.

Derek backs away, letting me go. he and peter exchange worried eye contact. “Y/N?” he eventually says “ What’s her second name?”

“Y/l/n. why what’s going on.” I ask, confused. Peter rises from his seat, rushing to Derek.

“And she’s here? in Beacon Hills?” confirms peter.

“Yes, why? what’s going on?” I ask, pressing the question.

they yet again exchange worried looks. “You don’t know what she is, do you?” I shake my head, furrowing my eyebrows, only getting more confused

“What is she?” asks Isaac, eagerly

Derek sighs “Someone who we don’t get along with.”.

we stand, clueless, while Peter and Derek talk privately near the door. Once they finish, Derek begins a speech.

“Listen, guys, we need to head to Deaton’s. Now.” he commands.

“Why don't you get along?” I pester as we walk into the animal clinic, Lydia left but we agreed to catch her up tomorrow. Derek continues to tell me that everything will be explained soon, but we cant help being so curious. Even Scott pesters him too.

“Hey, what can I help you with?” asks Deaton, letting us through to the other room.

“We need to talk. its about (y/f/n) and her family.”

“What!?” he raises his eyebrows “Are they here?”

“Yes. and we need to tell the Argents, too. They once had ties, but after being broken, they’ve been on the run.”

“And what are you going to do? torture them again? that got you no where last time, and it certainly wont get you anywhere this time.” he says sternly.

“Wait, torture!? what did they do!?” asks Scott, I remain quiet, not knowing what to do. as does Isaac.

Derek looks at Deaton, waiting for him to explain. He sighs “Listen, it was before you were even turned, Scott. five years ago, I think. Her whole family lived up here, in beacon Hills, but a fight broke out between the werewolves and-”

“Wait. they don’t know.” says Derek.

“They don’t know?” says Deaton, concerned “they deserve to know!”

“Know what?” I finally say.

Derek shifts around and explains “Well, you know about werewolves, chimeras, banshees and kitsunes, but you don’t know about them,” he begins, confusing us all.

“So what is she?” I pry

Deaton answers “They’re commonly known as ‘the cold ones’, and usually don't go out in sunlight, so its confusing to me how you met this girl? but anyway,-”

“They’re blood sucking demons who refused to help us in our time of need.” says Derek, fuming.

“In all fairness, Derek, whoever it was would’ve died trying.” says Deaton  sympathetically.

“Wait, so they’re...”

“Yes, Scott. They’re vampires.”

readers POV

I listened in to the conversation dad and aunt Julie were having in the next room. I uncontrollably bit my nails with anxiety. “Okay, but hurry.” I heard dad say before hanging up.

He walked back into the living room, looking at me concerned. he slowly sighed. “Aunt Julie is on her way up here. She’s bringing your cousins, Noah. Lillie and Caleb. Are you sure he’s here?”

“positive. but, they hunt normally, and don’t eat only animals, like we do.”

“I know,” he furrowed his eyebrows “But we’re just gonna have to deal with it. If Derek’s here, he probably knows by now, or will know soon, that we are too. They’re coming over for extra protection, we can’t have them getting to you.” he pulls me in for a warm embrace.

“But, what about you? and everyone else?” I worry.

“Don’t be scared, love, but he wants the one with the sight. That used to be your mother, but after her passing, she gave that gift to you.” he pulls away, still holding me by the arms. 

It’s me!? I’m the one he’s after!? “Why does he want me?” I ask, scared showing in my voice. only half an hour ago, I was laughing and having fun as a normal teenager, but now I'm scared for my, and my whole family's lives.

“Because, honey, you have the sight. the sight is a gift that helps you to retrieve or get rid of any memories. Just by touching someone, and concentrating, you can see their memories. I know this is new to you, but you’re gonna be an expert. I know it. My only wish, Y/N, is that you use it for good. and only use it when absolutely necessary. don’t be scared, but using it wrongly, or when you’re not ready, can cause you great harm.” he explains, filling my head with new found information. He looks around the house, worriedly “We need to get out of here. its not safe.”

[blahblahblippyblah]

Magnus Chase and a Plotless Hogwarts Fanfiction

Chapter 14: Nightmares of the past

Summary:

Blitz worries about Hearth patrolling the castle without him.

Hearth has a nightmare and tells Blitzen about the day his brother died.

Warning this way get very sad for most readers.

http://archiveofourown.org/works/11429727/chapters/26485791

Blitz POV

Blitz awoke in the middle the of the night. It took him a few seconds of reaching over the other side of the empty bed to remember Hearth was on duty tonight. Blitz rolled over to Hearth’s vacant side, his face down into Hearth’s pillow. He closed his eyes and breathed in the sent of pine needles and wood smoke from the down. He tried to fall back to sleep but his brain was clouded with anxiety inducing thoughts. Ever since the night when those men who worked for Hearth’s father had shown up Blitz found himself waking up at least 4 times a night in a slight panic. He would turn over to make sure Hearth was still sleeping beside him. Once he realised it had just been a dream he would fall back asleep only to wake up a couple hours later. Tonight was the first night since then he had slept alone.

Since that night Sam wanted at least 2 or 3 staff on duty just in case. Blitz got to do most of his patrolling nights with Hearth so he could keep an eye on him but Saturday night Hearth had with T.J. He fought the urge to get out of bed and join Hearth on his rounds anyway to keep a look out on him. What kept him in bed was the fact that Hearth didn’t appreciate being treated as such. Hearth was powerful. Expensive private education, curtosey of his stuck up father, had ensured that. Hearth was also tough and didnt like to be treated like a child. If anyone could take care of himself it was Hearth and he didn’t appreciate Blitz being so protective.

Blitz couldn’t help it tho. His father had sent his men after Hearth twice. They could get into the grounds and no one had figured out how yet. This made him particularly nervous. Even with more than one person on patrol he still rolled in the bed of edge. If something happened to Hearth and he wasn’t there he would never forgive himself. After a few more minutes of tossing and turning he gave up. He threw the blankets back and slid out of bed. He pulled on a wool jumper over his t-shirt and slipped on some socks. He quickly fixed his hair in the low candle light of the sitting room and put his shoes one. He walked down the fourth floor wondering where Hearth would be on patrol at 2 in the morning.

He made it all the down the 12 floor north corridor and sent two 7th year Gryffindor students who had been hiding in a portrait hole to go back to their dorm. Eventually he happened to pass a window and looked out to the grounds. The night was still and dark. The moon was dark in the clear sky. The stars were shinny very brightly in the dark sky. Then an idea went through Blitz’s head. He had an idea where Hearth and T.J. might be hanging out between rounds. Blitz turned around and headed to the astronomy tower.

Just as he suspected he found Hearth and T.J. atop the astronomy tower. Their backs were to the staircase he had come up. They were leaning on the railing. Hearth was pointing to something up above while his other hand appeared to be spelling out something to T.J. Blitz cleared his throat.

“Good night for star gazing.” He said out loud to announce his presence. Hearth obviously didn’t hear him but T.J. nudged Hearth as he turned around.

“Hey Blitz. What you doing up. Its not your night on duty?” T.J. said and Blitz walked over to the two of them.

“Uhh I couldn’t sleep… had too much coffee.” Blitz lied. Beside T.J. Blitz saw Hearth roll his eyes obviously not fooled by his lie.

“Anyway what are you two looking at?” Blitz said changing the conversation and leaning against the rail with them.

“Uranus is just barley visible up over there. It’s kinda poking out by the head of the bear” T.J. said pointing slightly north high in the sky.

Blitz looked up and saw nothing but bright stars blanketing the sky.

“I don’t see it. But I was always rubbish at astronomy.” Blitz said, signing so Hearth knew he was talking.

“I was terrible at tranfiguration. Mcgonagall was teaching when I took it. She said she would pass me as long as I promised not to turn another classmate into a weasel. Unfortunately I accidently turned my examiner into a weasel out of nerves during my OWLs.” T.J. said smiling with a big yawn.

Blitz smiled wide at the story.

“Hey T.J. if your’re tired I can take the rest of the shift” Blitz said.

“Sure, actually that would be great. If your’re ok with it. I mean if Hearth’ s ok with it too?” T.J. said signing the last bit to Hearth. Hearth shrugged unconcerned with his usual blank expression on.

“I got it T.J. I cant sleep anyway.” Blitz said. T.J. Thanked him and turned to head down the stairs.

Blitz turned back to look out to the grounds from the railing with Hearth. Once the sounds of T.J.’s footsteps had long gone Hearth turned to him.

“For me it was potions” Hearth signed to Blitz in reference to the conversation they had been having about the classes they weren’t good at.

“Really?” Blitz signed with a raised eyebrow. He had always thought of Hearth as well skilled in all aspects of magic not just reading ancient runes. He had seen him do some pretty spectacular things. Potions was not something he could imagine Hearth being bad at.

Hearth nodded in reply. “I could never figure out how to do things right. I always messed up somehow. Forget ingredients, added the wrong things, I could never cut things properly. Once I set the room on fire by accident. My tutor didn’t have the patience for my screw ups. But father would force me to practice more than my brother hoping I would figure it out and stop embarrassing the family. I haven’t touched a potions set in years.” Hearth signed out.

Blitz smiled at Hearth. They stood looking at each other for a bit before Hearth raised his hands to sign.

“You don’t need to watch me. I can take care of myself.” Hearth’s face was still blank but his eyes looked serious. Blitz just grabbed his hand and turned back towards the window.

Usually Hearth would tell him off for ignoring him but Hearth didn’t seem up for it tonight. He just squeezed his hand tighter and gazed down toward the forest edge of the grounds.

The night was silent. Only the occasional sound of a bat flowing up to the rafters broke through the calm.

At 3 hearth motioned that he needed to do rounds of the castle. They lite their wands and headed down the stairs. The castle was quiet. They didn’t run into any more wayward students. A cat jumped out of a suit of armour and gave Blitz a fright which Hearth thought was hysterical, but nothing more exciting happened.

They got to the dungeon and did the usual loop around past the Slytherin common room, and to all the places around it that students liked to sneak off too. Finding nothing they headed back to the entrance hall.

“1 hour until the last round. What do you want to do until then?” Hearth signed.

“We could go up to the staff room.” Blitz suggested. Hearth nodded and led the way up the stairs.

The staff room was empty but the fire was still going thanks to the house elves of the castle. Hearth collapsed in the couch right in front of the fire and Blitz went to join him. As soon as Blitz sat down Hearth moved and laid down. He put his head in Blitzen’s lap, and his legs dangled over the side of the couch. Hearth’s hands clasp to each other over his chest as he stared blankly into the fire. Blitz’s hands absent mindedly through his blonde hair. Sitting by the fire warm and cozy he smiled to himself. This was what true happiness was.

Hearths POV

Hearth didn’t know when he fell asleep. But given the warm of the fire and the gentle feeling of Blitz’s hand running through his hair he was pretty sure he fell asleep quickly.

Unfortunately he fell into a nightmare. Growing up he always had nightmares. Before he ran away he couldn’t remember a time he had a regular dream. The first happy dream he remembers having was the night he ran away from home. He slept in the alley between a coffeshop and a public library. It was a warm night so he curled up on some foldeded cardboard. It was a wonderful night, which may seem unbelievable. But Hearth didn’t know that sleeping could be so uplifting when you weren’t having nightmares. Unfortunately the nightmares came back slowly into his life. They were a part of his life like his deafness was.

But he hadn’t had a nightmare in quite some time. The last one he had had was the night he first kissed Blitzen. Before he had headed to Blitzens he had dreamt about his brother and the day he died.

This time he had the same dream. He was himself as a child. He was sitting crossed legged in the moss and roots of a tree in the forest by his house. He had a pile of stones laid out on the bed of moss and was carving some ancient Nordic runes into them. He had read a book about the ancient language and wanted to practice the alphabet. He had always been interested in rune language. Wizards long ago thought the runes could do magic on their own. Hearth dreamed of one day figuring out how that worked without a wand.

His brother was playing on the shore of the nearby river. Hearth was only a year older but he was suppose to keep a close eye on his younger brother. But Hearth wasn’t paying close attention to his brother. His brother walked along the shore practicing sword swings with a giant stick and occasionally stopping to try and skip rocks across the river. Andrion was brave and bold. He was pretty good at taking care of himself. Plus they always played in the forest. Hearth wasn’t worried about his brother getting into trouble.

He turned back to his stones and continued to carve runes into them. Once he was finished the last one he piled them all up in a pyramid shape. He was about to knock it down and lay them out when he felt something hard smack him on the back of the head. He looked behind him to see the smooth river rock that had hit him. He quickly looked up and instantly froze with terror. A large blue furry beast was slowly rising out of the water. It remesemled a lion and a wolf but had large horns coming out of its bear like head. Andrion was backing up slowly. Another rock in his hand and a giant pointy stick in another. Andrion turned his head and shouted something, but there was nothing but silence in his ears. He tried to make out what Andrion was shouting but he was too far away.

He got up shakily and began to run towards his brother. But Andrion turned and shouted at him again. His face fixed in a determined expression. This time he could make out some of the words on his lips.

“RUN HEARTH!”

Andrion started forward towards the creature. Hearth began to run forward towards his brother as the beasts reared its head back in an unmistakable roar. It’s eyes glowed yellow and fixed on Hearth running down the other side of the beach toward his brother. It turned it’s attention to him it’s feet sinking into the sand now. It’s claws as long as curved butter knives. Hearth slowed down but didn’t stop. He needed to get to his brother. The beasts started towards him and he veered to the side onto the thin forest line hoping to lure it after him instead, away from Andrion. Then a rock flew out of nowhere and hit the beasts on the back of the head. The beast stopped and roared once more. It turned. Hearth could see Andrion standing legs spread an poised holding his pointy stick aloft like a javelin thrower. Hearth could see Andrion shouting at the beasts. He couldn’t make out the exact words but the look in his brothers eye sent the message, ‘Leave him alone.’

The beast slowly turned and crept toward Andrion. Hearth ran forward but he was still too far away. He saw his brother’s eyes fixed on the large blue bear/wolf/lion creature. Andrion lurched forward. The creature lowered itself ready to pounce. In one last desperate attempt to save his brother he tried to let out a scream. He didn’t know if it worked but he saw Andrion turn in his direction just as the creature pounced. He watched in horror as it landed on his brother. He saw dark red luiquid fly through the air as the giant clawed paws came down on his brothers chest. He didn’t know if he was screaming in his head or for real now. He turned and ran into the forest as quick as he could. He needed to get help.

Hearth awoke with a start. He was soaking wet with sweat and was burning hot. The room was dark except for a low glow from the fire. He had half fallen off the couch. His feet were still on it but he had thrashed so hard his torso hung off the side. The only thing keeping him off the ground was Blitz’s strong hands holding his arms as if he had been restraining him. Blitz’s looked down at him fear and concern on his face. His eyebrows knit the way they do when he fusses over the way Hearth usually dresses or when he is hurt. Hearth sees Blitz speak.

“Are you ok? You were screaming and thrashing around like you were having a nighmare” Blitz says helping lift him back up on the couch.

Hearth sits himself on the couch and hugs his knees to his chest. The way he use to do when he curled up on his bed at home. He can see Blitz looking at him concerned out of the corner of his eye. Hearth waves his hands quickly to tell Blitz that he’s fine. He stares into the fire for a few seconds absent mindedly clasping at his candy cane striped scarf. He breaths in trying to slow his heart rate and control the terribly terrifying images of his brother being ripped to pieces out of his head. He feels Blitz’s hand on his shoulder. After a few minutes he’s collected himself and his emotions enough.

He turned to Blitz and signs. “Sorry. I haven’t had a nightmare since that night I came to get my scarf back. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Dont be sorry. That was pretty scary, I’ve never heard you scream before, but I’m more worried about you.” Blitz says.

“Dont worry about me. I’m use to it. I’m more angry that they seem to be coming back. They completely dissapeared these last few months.” He signs.

“ So you’ve had these nightmares before?” Blitz asks.

Hearth nodded. Then signed “Ever since I was small. Always the same ones.” He then hesitates holding his hands aloft unsure if he should continue. He trust Blitz more than anything in the world. Blitz has been the only solid loving thing in his life since Andrion. But all his instincts from growing up with his father fight him still, telling him to push down his vulnerabilities. He was always taught to never show your weaknesses or they will be used against you. But he had to share with Blitz. Blitz deserves to know after all he’s done for him.

“I told you that my brother died when I was younger right? And that my parents blamed me?” Hearth signed. Blitz just nodded his head.

Hearth had given Blitz the gist of his story but not the exact details. He didn’t want to tell Blitz. Why? He didn’t know. Maybe it was because talking about it was too painful. Maybe because he didn’t want Blitz to treat him different or think of him differently. Maybe it was because he was taught never to trust anyone. Or maybe it was because he was a coward. But this time he wasn’t going to hold back. He trusted Blitz and needed to share this with him.

He spent a long time signing everything about his nightmare. He told Blitz everything about the night his brother died. He shared his guilt and how much he missed Andrion. He talked about how his father made him skin the beast all night in the cold dark forest alone. He told Blitz about the wergild his father gave to him to complete. By the end his eyes were red and itchy but he managed to keep in the tears. He was exhausted. But blitz sat there clamly listening, his face unreadable. By the time he was finished the sun had turned the morning sky out the window deep red.

When he was done Hearth felt himself collapse with grief and exhaustion. Blitz grabbed both his hands and squeezed them tight. Hearth looked down at them. Their skin contrasted beautifully. Hearth’s pale white skin made Blitz’s more warm and dark. He felt Blitz give him a kiss on the top of the head.

He looked up but Blitz didn’t say anything. There was no need to say anything. Blitz’s warm hands and comforting kiss said everything he needed to hear. Blitz pulled his hands back and signed.

“Come on you’ve been up all night. Let’s sleep in today so we can be rested for Monday.”

And with that Hearth followed Blitz out of the staff room.

[50funny]

Mage: Chapter 49 – Time Running Out

Written By 50Funny

Part 1- Preparing The Troops

General Barker sat behind his desk, in the dimly lit tent tapping his finger against it. His watch let out a slight beeping. He let out a long disappointed sigh as he reached down and stopped the alarm. The General closed his eye for a brief moment before standing up and walking towards the exit of the tent. He walked out into the blinding sunlight and looked across the base to see a line of people dressed in regular civilian clothes in contrast to the soldiers all around them. General Barker walked over to the group drawing their attention to him before stopping in front of them.

“Alright… I won't waste your time. You all know why you’re here so there’s no need to go over it again,” General Barker said in an authoritative tone.

General Barker scanned the line up of mages Before stopping on Es standing with his hand raised.

“Sorry but I’ve gotta say are all these novices really necessary. I work best alone, all these dead weights are just gonna get in my way,” Es said.

“Es was it. We work as a team here. If you wanna do this by yourself you can do it somewhere else,"

General Barker said before turning to the rest of the group. “We will be moving out now, make your way to the helicopter pad and ready yourself to…”

“Excuse me, sir,” came a voice from behind the General, interrupting him.  

General Barker turned around, his eyes widening at what he sore.

Part 2- Last-Minute Rush

Liz, Alex, and Bip ran down the corridors of the building, now devoid of all life. They all let out loud huffs and gasps as they ran down the seemingly endless hallways. They stopped as they reached a door with a sign on it reading Staircase. 

“Crap…” Alex panted. “ Not another one, how long can this go on for.”

“Why did they have to cut off all the elevator,” Bip gasped.

“ Not long now,” Liz said in a similarly exhausted voice as she raised her hand to point at the small label attached next to the door.

Alex and Bip looked across to the label that said Floor 350 to top. Liz reached out her hand and turned the handle before pushing the door open and walking through.

“Come on, let's not stop.”

Alex and Bip continued to pant for a few moments before forcing themselves to continue after Liz up the stairs.

“So what’s the plan if we cant find a way to escape the city up here?” asked Bip.

“Not much point thinking about that, don’t think there’s gonna be much time for a plan B here,” Liz replied as they continued up the stair.

Part 3- Rooftop Duel

Liz, Bip, and Alex came to a holt at the top of the steep artificially lit stairway. They took a second to catch their breath at the top, kneeling over and panting heavily. Liz stood back up, taking in one final deep breath before reaching out her hand to the door handle.

“This is it, hope you’re ready,” Liz said, smiling cheekily at Alex.

“Ready as ill ever be,” Alex replied, returning Liz grin.

Liz slowly turned the handle of the door before swinging it open and running out into the bright sunlit rooftop followed behind by Alex and Liz. The roof was wide open, flat and near completely void of any life except for an unfamiliar male figure facing away from them and the mask women. They stood next to another strange black rift that appeared to pull the walls of reality apart. The woman turned her head noticing the new company that had joined them. She quickly jumped into action preparing herself for a fight.

“Sir get out of here now, I'll cover you,” She said as she moved to stand in front of the man.

Without turning around, the man walked forward and into the portal and disappeared into the nothingness. Alex and Liz took up a fighting stance and faced off against the figure on the other side of the roof.

“I don’t see a helicopter up here,” Liz said.

“Looks like that portal thing is our only way out of here,” Alex replied. “Let's not waste any time fighting her and just focus on getting through that.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I mean we don’t know what on the other side or even how those things work?”

“yeah but it’s better than the alternative.”

Liz nodded in reply. The pair of them both turn back to there opponent. There was a brief moment of silence as the tension grew between them. After a few second the strange woman launched herself forwards at full speed towards Liz with her fist cocked back behind her head. Liz raised her arms in front of her and focused all her energy into them. The assailant's fist made contact with Liz's arm, doing little to hurt her. Without warning, Alex came from the side with his fist cocked back. He launched it into the women with all his strength sending her flying across the roof.

“Come on let get a move on,” Alex said, a sense of urgency overcoming him.

Alex, Liz, and Bip all ran towards the portal as fast as they could manage. The women looked up from across the roof to see the group fast approaching the portal. She raised her hand towards them as she pulled herself off the ground. As the group ran they felt the floor giving way underneath them. Liz looked down just in time to see a second rip appearing underneath their feet . in an instant there surrounding changed entirely. They fell from a few meters off the roof, crashing down with a loud crash in a big pile. They pulled themselves up, still somewhat dazed and confused from the sudden change in locations. They pulled themselves off the ground, starting to feel the strain of all their time in the city compounding on top of them. Liz looked across the roof to see their assailant standing ready for another attack across from them. Liz clenched her fist tightly as her blood started to boil. A faint sound began to emanate from further out into the city. The stranger turned to look out over the city to see several distant helicopters making a line directly towards them, each with a large roaring stream of fire pouring out and into the city below.

“Oh how sad, looks like we’re out of time,” The woman said sarcastically as she turned once again to look at Liz and Alex. “Guess I’m gonna have to run again but I promise we’ll finish this next time.”

The assailant quickly turned and ran at full speed towards the portal.

“Oh no you don’t,” growled Liz.

Liz ran towards the assailant, willing her aching body to move forward faster and faster. The assailant turned around to see Liz fast approaching. She was quickly tackled to the ground and pinned down by Liz mere meters before the portal. Liz began to pummel the assailant mercilessly, slamming her fists into her over and over again giving her no chance to counter-attack. Alex and Bip watched on as splatters of blood began to shoot out and cover the ground.

“Alex… what’s she doing,” Bip said, his voice laced with concern.

Liz continued to pummel the assailant before stopping and taking a series of deep breaths before. The women layed on the ground covered in blood and still dazed from the unrelenting assault. Liz reached her arm behind her and began to form a sharpened icicle in her hand. As soon as it was fully formed she quickly stabbed the icicle down towards the women.

“Liz!” Alex yelled across at her.

Liz stopped in her tracks and turned to face Alex, surprise spreading across her face. The stranger took the opportunity to violently shove Liz off of her and stand back up. She ran as fast as she could manage towards the portal. Liz quickly chased after her as she passed through the portal. As Liz reached the portal it closed right in front of her.

“Damn it!” Liz yelled in frustration as she turned to face Alex and Bip. “ Why’d you distract me… I could have finished this.”

“If you had killed her the portal would of closed anyway,” Alex replied.

Liz looked off to the side, realizing what she was about to do.

“Anyway… it doesn’t matter anymore…” Alex continued as he turned to look out at the helicopters as they drew closer. 

“We’ve got bigger problems now.”

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 Thank you for reading chapter 49 of mage. If you like what you see consider checking out my AO3 at this link https://archiveofourown.org/users/50Funny to see all new chapters 3 days early. sorry this wasnt up earlyier i thought i did yesterday but guess i forgot. If you feel so inclined please consider following my tumblr for all updates and other tid bits. Until next week, have a good day.