#also the things on her shoulder/arm are avian marks

[halfapersob]

DR PEPPER PEARL

<the Dr pepper master post here>

- blood version under the cut and the sketch-

I love pearl. Its not Weird to make art of your own fanfiction right?

[cilil]

Indeed, he was. Eönwë was a pretty thing with his azure eyes and messy, silvery blonde locks, looking so shy and innocent despite being hailed as the greatest warrior of the Maiar. His fána was shaped accordingly as well, tall, strong and agile, and Varda knew she was going to enjoy toying with him – and watching her husband do the same.

✦ ⁺ ‧ Day 3 ⁺ Manwë x Varda x Eönwë ✦ ⁺ ‧ Synopsis: Eönwë is in need of attention during mating season. Manwë and Varda decide to take care of him. ✦ ⁺ ‧ Featuring/prompts: Master/servant, D/s elements, threesome, authority kink, creampie, oral sex (female receiving), heat, avian Ainur* ✦ ⁺ ‧ Warnings: Smut; written as consensual, but just to be safe I'll say that some aspects of this could be read as slightly dub-con ✦ ⁺ ‧ Writer challenges fulfilled: 4, 5 Also available on AO3

AN: Here's my contribution for day 3 of @silmsmutweek. Enjoy ♡

"I see you have brought your dear herald with you." 

Varda was lounging on her throne, fingers idly tapping the armrest when Manwë arrived with his favourite Maia in tow. She could already tell her husband had something in mind, luminous eyes observing how he stood closely behind a rather flustered and blushing Eönwë and how his hands rested on strong shoulders, rubbing them as if to soothe him, but she was going to let Manwë explain himself. Though, admittedly, she knew him well enough to guess, her lips quirking upwards in amusement as she spotted the faintest hint of excitement in the Vala's usual placid smile and watched how his fingertips seemed a little too eager to slide underneath Eönwë's tunic. 

"I have," Manwë said, gently guiding the Maia until he stood in front of the throne while continuing his little massage. "Because I believe it would be cruel of me not to take care of my most beloved herald when he is in such dire need of companionship. Isn't that so, Eönwë?" 

An uncharacteristically high-pitched whimper was the only response he received, and Varda noticed just how tense Eönwë was, now that he was in full view, though she wasn't entirely sure if he was ashamed, excited or a mixture of both. 

Manwë, however, was relentless, in spite of his professed motivations. His hands squeezed his herald's shoulders, and he leaned closer. "Why don't you tell your queen what ails you so she may understand why you need our attention?" 

Eönwë swallowed, seemingly fighting with himself, and his cheeks reddened. Yet despite his visible reluctance, he wasn't in the habit of refusing his lord, a rather endearing trait of his in Varda's opinion. "I... I am... a bit lonely at present, because I... require companionship due to... the season..." 

"Mating season," Manwë supplied helpfully. He sounded almost *too* delighted upon making that statement. 

"So he is in heat. And I am assuming it has been interfering with his duties."

Eönwë lowered his head in shame before his queen could look at him. Varda merely smiled to herself – whether he had been causing trouble or not was none of her concern. What mattered more to her was that her suspicions were now confirmed, and even though the conversation hadn't shifted to addressing this issue quite yet, she didn't need the divine foresight of a Valarin queen to know what her husband would propose as a solution. She watched Manwë trailing his hands down his herald's arms, his talons leaving faint red marks in their wake that hinted at his desires. Just this small taste of intimate touch had Eönwë shiver and bite his bottom lip to stop himself from giving a vocal response, still keeping his head down. 

Once again, Varda decided to take control of her husband's games before her patience ran out. 

"I take that as a yes," she stated, her tone cool and imperious, contrasting the growing smile on her face. "And now, he requires assistance." 

"Indeed, he does," Manwë agreed, his arms wrapping around Eönwë's waist as his hands made their way to his lower body. 

"Show me." Varda's order was directed at both of them. While Eönwë merely stiffened and remained silent, unsure what to do, Manwë pulled up his tunic with one hand to reveal his cock straining against his breeches, already hard and eager for attention. Once he deemed that his poor herald's state had been sufficiently put on display, he reached between his legs with his free hand to cup his groin, lightly massaging him through the fabric. Eönwë began to rut against his palm, his need finally overcoming his shame, and Varda allowed the scene to unfold for a while. 

Oh, they were going to enjoy this. 

"Prepare him," she finally told Manwë. "He's yours to take, but I want him to pleasure me while you do."

"As you wish. Where do you want him?"

"In our chambers, on the bed. I trust he knows how to behave and present himself properly."

"He does. And he promised to be good." 

With that, Manwë whisked Eönwë away to their chambers, Varda following closely behind. He wasted no time undressing their new toy, much to the relief of the flustered Maia who seemed close to overheating, sighing in relief as cool air caressed his skin. Content to leave her husband to do the rest, Varda placed two fingers on Eönwë's lips, pushing until he granted entrance, and began playing with his tongue to entice him to lick and suck on her fingers. 

"You will put your mouth to good use," she ordered. Whether he knew what to make of that or not wasn't entirely clear – a faint whimper was all she got in response – but she was certain he knew at least what she wanted him to do. Pleasuring the queen was a privilege, everyone knew, and one granted to only a select few she deemed worthy and who received Manwë's blessing – though of course he wouldn't dare to deny Varda anything she desired. 

With the grace and elegance befitting the Lady of Light, she made herself comfortable on the bed, leaning against a heap of pillows and spreading her legs. A quick tap on the mattress was enough to signal Eönwë to follow suit, and he knelt down in front of her with his head lowered and his wings fanned out. Ready to be mounted. She could hear Manwë's thoughts through their bond and laughed lightly. 

Indeed, he was. Eönwë was a pretty thing with his azure eyes and messy, silvery blonde locks, looking so shy and innocent despite being hailed as the greatest warrior of the Maiar. His fána was shaped accordingly as well, tall, strong and agile, and Varda knew she was going to enjoy toying with him – and watching her husband do the same. 

She pulled up her skirt and beckoned him closer before placing her hand on his head to push him down, guiding him between her legs. Eönwë seemed to understand what was required of him, though the way he tentatively began licking his queen revealed that he wasn't too experienced. Graciously, Varda decided to be patient with him and watched Manwë joining them instead, feathers rustling softly as he knelt down behind his herald. 

It was then that she decided to reach out to him in spirit and see through his eyes instead, moaning when she was met with the wonderful sight of his hands kneading Eönwë's backside and spreading him open for their shared viewing pleasure. His cock had been hard already, and now his hole was beginning to glisten with wetness as he realised what would be required of him. Merciful as Manwë was – though Varda could feel his impatience – he still produced a vial of oil from the depths of his robes and poured a generous amount on his fingers to swiftly prepare his Maia. 

She smiled to herself, tightening her grip on Eönwë's hair to remind him of his duty while he was trembling between the two Valar, trying his best to serve his queen. His resolve would be tested, she knew – with every movement of Manwë's hand she could feel just how tight he was and how desperately his muscles clenched around the fingers inside him. Varda was almost tempted to fuck the heat out of this poor Maia herself, but she was going to let her husband have him first; after all, this one belonged to him. 

Manwë saved himself the trouble of asking if he was ready, deciding that Eönwë had better things to do with his mouth. Swiftly, he removed his robes and pushed into the tight heat that awaited him so eagerly, causing his herald to cry out in pleasure. 

"He feels so good." The thought sent a shudder of bliss through Varda as well, and she threw her head back with a long, drawn-out moan, encouraging Eönwë to continue in spite of the vigorous pounding he was now being subjected to. She could feel the vibrations of his muffled voice deep within her core, adding to the pleasure of his tongue servicing her to the best of his ability. 

And as if their precious toy wasn't already delightful enough in his helpless rapture, Eönwë was also the first to climax, staining the sheets underneath – even though his cock remained untouched. 

His need must have been great. Varda smiled to herself. But by the time we are done with him, he shall be satisfied.

Obedient as he was, Eönwë continued to pleasure her despite being shaken by the force of his orgasm and Manwë's movements alike, fucking him through without respite. Varda focused on the tension within herself, feeling her own release approaching, but she forced herself to be patient; for this greatest of all rewards, both her husband and his heroic herald would have to continue to work. 

Thus the Queen of Stars lay back and enjoyed herself, watching Manwë relentlessly chase his own pleasure until his harsh thrusts forced another orgasm out of Eönwë and he finally found his own; only then did she let go and allowed the Maia's diligent tongue to complete its task. Varda's climax was silent, safe for a long, content sigh falling from her lips. Her fána tensed up for a moment and the constellations on her midnight blue skin glowed, then she gingerly patted Eönwë's head as a sign of dismissal. 

"Do you feel better now, dearest?" Manwë reached around the exhausted Maia, cupping his chin to lift and turn his head so he could have a look at him. 

Eönwë was a sight to behold, his eyes glossy with bliss, his lips dripping with Varda's essence, his hair messy from being tugged on by her hand. Before he could attempt to respond, he was embraced from behind and pulled onto his lap, the still-hardened cock of his lord settling snugly between his muscular thighs. 

"I think you should stay for a while longer so we can make sure of it," Manwë cooed, his intentions more than obvious despite his gentle tone. 

"You may keep him warm tonight, but you may not have him all to yourself," Varda said warningly, a devious smile on her lips. She hadn't forgotten that wonderful tightness her husband had so thoroughly enjoyed, and all it would take was a mere thought to alter her fána so she could experience it herself. "I may have need of him as well."

{*If you're curious about my headcanons for that, please refer to this post.} If you enjoyed, please consider liking and reblogging!♡

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[dabiboy]

S/O needs to reassure Hawks because i can see him having trust issues toward women (i mean... spoiler. Mom betrayed him and left)...

And... Spoiler again. She sold him twice. TWICE. Anyways, let’s try to forget this pain with this fluff. Hope you like it!

Author’s note: There is a cameo of a character from another universe, let’s see if you guys catch it👀

Until the Hurting is Gone

The evening went well. All of your friends gathered at your shared apartment with Hawks, and thank God you didn't have any friend that was too much into social media, and just one of them asked to take a picture with your boyfriend. Truth be told, you couldn't blame her, meeting the Winged Hero was not a daily thing to do.

Laughs were shared, memories, jokes, just a normal gathering with good old friends. Maybe too good friends. Or so Keigo thought.

Yes, he was a jealous man but not the possessive kind, at least not when he was not near his rut. But that friend of yours? He was way too close, too nice, too cool. The bastard was even good looking. And Keigo was starting to feel unsure. And couldn't say anything because he was your life best friend.

Despite his feelings almost raging inside of him, it was better to get distracted and not ruin your night because of jealousy, so the best answer was to get along with your other friends, the ones that he did like him. However, his avians traits were not helping. At all. And he could hear your laughter loud and clear, and thanks to the tingle in his feathers he turned around, praying not to break the glass on his hand.

''Oh my god, yes! Do you remember when we were in high school and had to get in the closet because of that seven minutes in heaven game?'' 

''And we clapped and screamed like idiots, the whole class thought we were dating afterward'' You and your friend laughed again. 

''Man, that getaway was the best, I swear! The whole class on a cabin on the beach? I had never been more proud of a punishment''

''You were grounded like a month, but hey, if it hadn't been for me you would still be grounded'' Jean laughed.

''Oh shut up you idiot. That was because my parents love you, because they don't know you're crazier than a cow''

''You know I'm right and the best, you just can't face it'' He shrugged his shoulders and used his hand to pull his hair back. The bastard had an undercut? Damn he was fine, Keigo said to himself. ''We should have a getaway like that one again, for the good old times'' 

''Yes! That'd be so cool! We have to make the plans for this one, you know that as long as a plan includes us, drink and something reckless, I'm in'' 

The way you winked at him killed Keigo. All of his insecurities got together, his chest suddenly felt tighter and he did a whole tour on all of his flaws as a breathing being. He even thought about his looks, his messy hair, how he wasn't so muscular as other heroes, the bird marks on his eyes, his other bird traits. Yes, he was feeling like hell. Why could he be with someone like you when you matched so well with Jean? Were you going to leave him too? Damn, he could even hear the awful words his parents once told him.

Keigo kept quiet during the rest of the night, and just smiled and wave when all of your friends finally left, his hurt aching at the tight hug you gave Jean. He was far better than him.

You went to the shower before bed, and when you got out you couldn't help but smile at the cute picture in front of you; Keigo was sitting leg-crossed on his side of the bed, looking down and seeming distracted while he played with his fingers. The way the skin of his tummy folded a bit over his abs making him look even cuter. And hotter at the same time. But something was off. He seemed... Sad.

''Kei? You good?'' You asked as you sat on your side, trying to look at him.

''Yeah, I'm fine'' He was known for bottle up his emotions. And the way he had answered told you he was not fine.

''You don't sound fine, love'' You pouted your lips as you rested your chin on his bare shoulder. 

He didn't reply for long seconds, and he kept playing with his fingers without looking at you. Keigo was good at pretending he was good when he wasn't, but this time it seemed his emotions were stronger. And they were. Usually, he didn't have time to overthink everything, he could just carry on and feel like shit later, and now? After all of that emotion and memories tour he felt bad. Scared, like shit. All of his fears came back to him. 

''y/n?'' He called your name ''Do you... Do you think I'm good enough?'' it caught you off guard.

''What do you mean with that, of course you are. You are better than good, baby'' You said gaining distance so you could look at him better ''You're the number two hero-'' He cut you off.

''Not as a hero. As a man, as... Your boyfriend'' His voice was filled with pain and vulnerability, and your heart ached about it.

''Yes, Keigo. You're the best man I've ever meet. You're kind, you're funny, you're brave, you're caring'' The list of things you could keep saying about him was endless ''I love you with my whole life, love. I couldn't ask for anyone better than you'' You whispered, caressing his cheek. But then it hit you.

You remembered that late night talk in which he had spilled his whole life to you, telling you everything about his childhood and his parents, and how his mother, the woman that supposed to be there for him no matter what sold him as a piece of meat, changed him for something better for her own benefit.

''Is it because of Jean?'' This time, you ran your hand on his golden locks. God, you loved his hair so much.

''He was... Cool. And tall, and funny, and had interesting stories to tell. He was also very good looking, and you seemed to get along with him very well'' You wished you could've avoided it, but a small smile was on your face at his naiveness. 

''Jean is my best friend since I was like five, he's like an older brother to me'' You said as you kept playing with his hair. ''We went to kindergarten together, and then graduated together, and did a lot of stupid things together. I've known every single one of his girlfriends,'' You did the 'e' sound in the word 'every' longer to emphasize ''And let me tell you I'm not his type'' You laughed ''And he'd seen and known all of my boyfriends too, and guess what'' The way you whispered, make Keigo looked at you ''The only one that liked him was you. Not because you're a hero, because he thought you were cool and good to me. And good looking? Please, Kei. He has a horse face.'' You smiled at him, loving to see that glimpse of a smile on his face ''I love you, and only you, ok?'' You whispered again and he nodded. After some more seconds, he took a deep breath and talked again. Just one sentence. One that described his biggest fear.

''You're not... You're not going to leave me too, right?'' 

His face was like a child's. Eyes full of hope but fear at the same time, they were screaming at you, telling you 'please hold me and don't let me go' but before letting his vulnerable side show, he needed to hear it from you. He needed the reassurance only the love of his life could give him.

''I will never, Keigo, never going to leave you. Is that clear? I'm going to be with you until you're old, because there is no one I'd rather to spend my life with. Now come here, my bird boy.''

You thanked his wings were not his usual size, and that they were rather small so you could fit him in your arms. He held to your arm, resting his head on your chest and curling up his body between your legs. He didn't want to be away from you, never. You played with his hair again, but switching among his back, nape, arms, anywhere your hands could reach. 

''I'm sorry for being an insecure little shit'' He said.

''Don't be. It is important to let your feelings out, I will always listen to you'' A kiss on his temple. 

''I love you. So, so much'' He whispered and snuggled even closer to you, which was a big hard because he was not a five year old, he was a grown up man cuddling and clinging to you like a child ''I love you'' He said again.

''I love you too, my Keigo'' You said one more time before continuing with your ministrations. A thing was for sure, you were going to hug him until his hurting was gone. Even if that meant held him forever. Because you knew he was going to do the same

[kiara-w]

A Father’s loss. (a Rewind one-shot, this is a long one.)

This a ficlet based on the fanfic Rewind by @a-non-ymouswriter, and exploring an au within the fanfic. In case you don’t know, the "Fatherinnit” au is based around what would happen if Tommy and Tubbo from a very bad future time traveled at a parallel world, and an adult Tommy adopts the kids Wilbur, Techno, and Phil as his sons. Here they have a dragon named Clementine. And Tubbo is also there with another child.

You can listen to this song while you read for more angst. The one shot was based around it.

TW (Trigger warning) for blood and characters' deaths.

Wanna read more?

Apologies for any grammar errors, english is not my first language.

—————

Little baby, hear my voice.

It's raining outside the house, but the inside feels warm, the smell of food comes from downstairs and Theo can hear little raindrops hitting gently against the windows.

He takes a look at his desk. Books and papers are spread all over the wooden surface, in the pages are scribbles of different locations, a map hangs in the wall with many places marked out with ink. All for a search that has lasted longer than any man can bother to count.

He takes a deep breath, and stores all of it.

The books are placed back in his small library, the papers will remain in chests and drawers, but the big map of the lands keeps hanging on the wall, looking clean this time, without the little tacks that were on the surface before.

Walking downstairs he hears the faint sound of a guitar, but he goes into the kitchen instead. He cleans the table and plates, crumbs of potatoes and cake are brushed off, and only then he decides to follow the sounds to the other room.

********

I'm beside you, O maiden fair.

"Tommy stop!" The familiar voice reaches his ears, but he couldn't give a damn about it.

His ax keeps fighting everyone in front of him. Neither faces or pleads matter anymore, he can only see red being spilled by his weapon gripped tightly in his right hand as his other arm keeps something precious close to his chest.

When the last body drops on the ground lifeless, Theo kneels surrounded by corpses in the snow. The white has been tainted with blood all around him.

He dares to look up and many feet away from him he sees Tubbo, now called by a different name, sword in hand, but with a pleading look. Someone hides behind him. A small figure, trembling, from the cold or out of fear he can not tell. And as the greatest mockery that the universe could ever give him, green eyes look at him, like fallen leaves that barely managed to survive the cold winter.

His long search is over. But Theo feels nothing.

Instead, he looks at the weight that holds his whole world down and, unlike the boy behind his old friend, is now dead in his arms.

"Please, don't do this." Tubbo takes a step forward. "They wouldn't want you to."

Those words alone somehow manage to set a blaze of fire inside him. In his right hand, a crossbow appears, and he raises it up to the sky as a call for a toast.

Tubbo runs towards him, but he doesn't reach him in time, and bright colors ignite in the sky. Then he sees it, Tubbo sees it, the boy with eyes like leaves sees it as well. Everyone in the city stares with horror as a big shadow roars in the clouds.

And everything goes down in flames.

********

Our young Lady, grow and see.

A final cry sounds in the sky. Two blades, sword and ax, stop clashing to witness the fall of a beast.

She was meant to be a heartless monster, one that was born to roam the biggest depts of unknown lands, but now she falls without grace. Spears through her heart and close to death.

In her last moments, she crawls through the snow, getting closer to the small body that rests in black feathers. She spreads her burn wings trying to encourage her brother to do the same, but there are no wings in the boy’s back anymore.

After leaving a hellfire behind her, she lets out a hurt cry and closes her eyes to go into a deep slumber, her final sight being the maskless face of the father that allowed her to live. No beams of light, no achievements to demand, no screams of victory.

In what world could exist a gracious end for a being called a monster?

********

Your land, your own faithful land.

Theo lost everything. And yet, he found what he was looking for.

He listens to the howls of the city, painfully cries of hundreds into the night, a night that shines red like the brightest sunset. He doesn't notice the tears that run down through his face when he looks at his daughter, laying still in the red snow.

Instead, he turns back to his enemy, a friend of another time, who looks astonished at the fallen creature. That's the moment he sees his chance, and with a quick movement, he finishes his final battle.

********

Sun and moon, guide us.

"Tubbo!" Dream screams behind him. Blood falls, but there is no more white to be tainted after the big massacre.

His sword leaves Theo's chest, the hands of the injured man let go of his blade, and he walks away slowly, getting close to the bodies in the snow.

Tubbo keeps still, his weapon disappears as he stares blankly, trembling, asking Ender to wake him up from the nightmare he has in front of him.

When he first arrived at this different but yet so similar world, he looked for his friend and instead ended up finding someone he had sworn to kill, but couldn't. He’d hated himself for that, he had hated him.

It took him days to be tolerant, weeks to be understanding, and months to be loving. He made friends, enemies, allies, but Dream couldn't be any of those. However, when the kid called him family, Tubbo knew that the man that he’d promised to kill had already died, and his vengeance had died with him.

A small hand pulls off his cape. Scared emerald eyes bring him back to reality, a cruel reality in which a musician with hands of fire and a small blood warrior lie now dead somewhere in the burning city. And he is the one to blame.

But his heart has felt worse guilt through the years, and he runs to his friend's body bleeding out next to the beast and the young avian he had never met fully.

And he screams his name like he wished to do for years but in different circumstances. Laughing instead of crying, playing in place of fighting, loving instead of hating.

And he stops when he hears Tommy’s voice saying three words he never thought he would hear from him again.

********

To the hour of our glory and honour.

Dream stares silently. Tubbo is crying, holding the person who attacked them and murmuring apologies as if the dead man could still hear.

He raises a hand to his face, and the boy realizes he is crying too. But why? The man that just died means nothing, the name Tommy means nothing, those blue eyes that looked at him mean nothing.

But the mask that he'd seen him wore does mean something. It was the same mask he used to wear for as long as he can remember. The thing that would have led him to a family. The object that Tubbo had asked him to throw long ago, and he had happily complied because the warrior was his family.

But Dream keeps crying, sadness fills his chest, why does it feel like Tubbo is the one who died?

Because a friend did die in front of him, and the boy cries for that friendship that could never be.

********

"I love you."

Theo.

Tommy.

He says it and smiles, a hand in Phil's face, and praying to whatever god could hear that Wil and Techno were listening.

"I love you." I've always loved you but never told you.

He feels peace. A familiar voice calls his name.

"I love you..." There's a melody he can hear, and he follows.

********

Wilbur doesn't look at him, concentrating on his instrument, his fingers go through the chords letting go of different notes composing a soft melody.

Theo loves his music more every day.

Techno snores loudly as he snuggles closer to Phil, the avian hybrid closes his wings around him as he sleeps as well. He must be exhausted, he came back from his latest journey just this morning.

But now they're all there. His sons.

They rest against a big dragon that is curled up on the floor, her big and warm body making a pillow around them. Suddenly, Wilbur stops. "Come on, old man. You know this one." Brown eyes look at him with mischief as he plays a new melody.

Theo sits between them, a faint smile on him appears, Phil's head rests on his shoulder, Techno holds his hand, the breath of Clementine fills the room with warm air, and Wilbur's voice joins him.

"Little baby, our young Lady. My noble maiden fair."

—————

Yes, I'm dropping this on Mother's day and I don't regret it.

[raevenlywrites]

The Ties That Bind 7 of ???

Two chapters? TWO CHAPTERS??? *nods* Two chapters

Kneeling before Zane and promising to find a way was one thing. Getting back up off the floor and actually doing it was quite another.

So we compromised, staying on the floor but moving the lean up against the bed. It was surprisingly easier to talk to him this way; yes, we were touching, a bit of leg here, shoulder there, but I didn’t have to look at him, and that made all the difference. I suddenly realized that part of what made talking to Andreios in those late nights was that I put my back to him. Leaning into the solid warmth of his chest and talking into the dark made confessing my heart so much easier.

I don’t think it was my heart I was confessing to Zane, but it was still made easier by facing a neutral tapestry covered wall instead of my would-be king.

Shouldn’t that be a sign that this was a bad idea? That I could only talk to him if I didn’t look at him.

But then, he hadn’t tried to meet my eyes either. Maybe we just weren’t that sort of couple.

Couple. The thought took my breath away, and I struggled to release it, to keep from that trembling tension that I knew Zane would misconstrue.

“I’m alright,” I breathed before he could ask. “Just... adjusting. Overthinking.”

“Your thoughts might do us more good out here in the open.”

A surprised hiccup of laughter escaped me. “I don’t think telling you that the thought of us being a couple makes my limbs seize up with fear is helpful.”

“On the contrary.” Zane’s voice was soft enough it made me want to look at him, to see the kind of expression that went with that face. But I kept my eyes on the tapestry, wandering its warp and weft without seeing more than the colors.

“I think it’s extremely productive to talk about exactly how we feel with one another. My people will have a hard enough time embracing an avian queen. One that hides behind her haughty mask of reserve will never be tolerated.”

“And mine won’t like you no matter what face you show them.”

“Do you dance, Danica?”

The question caught me so off guard that I did turn to look at him then, staring in incredulity.

He gestured to the tapestry I’d been staring at without seeing.

It’s threads wove the tale of the first hawk, the golden queen Alasdair. The center was a radiant riot of gold, the hawk queen framed in triumphant flight against the sun. But the borders showed more subdued scenes, of brown and dying earth, of an infant in a feathered nest, of a young woman dancing among the clouds and then the fields, grown green at her feet’s touch.

“It’s just a metaphor,” I murmured. “Avian magic comes through song, not dance. But how do you weave a song?”

My gaze lingered on a corner piece, the queen Alasdair raised in supplication, stretched out long from the tips of her toes to her delicatedly embroidered fingers, raised high overhead with her wrists crossed. The details doublestitched over the base weaving made her pop, standing out in radiant golden threads on the more humbly woven green.

I was focusing on nonsense details again, remembering the technical skills that went into this piece rather than thinking about its deeper meaning.

“I just wondered,” Zane said casually, though this moment was anything but. “She’s woven against a backdrop of the Ahnleh, which is the sign of the dancers’ nests among my people.”

I tried to pick out the sign he’d indicated, but all I saw was the seal of Alasdair, a glyph as common to my eye as any. All coins, contracts, and sigils of protection bore some incarnation of that mark, a single line stretched from heaven to earth, with delicate branching wings meeting in the middle. It was mostly obscured by Alasdair herself on this work, but I knew it well.

 “I’m sure there are differences we just can’t see because she’s in the way,” I said, not really knowing what else to say. Was he just trying to distract me, til I calmed down and could speak more rationally?

 “I’m sure there are similarities, too.” His voice had gone all tender and soft again, and I couldn’t resist turning to look at him. “Enough so that I recognized it.”

 Our faces were unspeakably close, a breath way from touching. I knew that wasn’t objectively true, but... I’d never let my face linger so close to a man’s before. The thought of that beautifully cruel mouth so close to mine...

 “I never kissed anyone before.”

 The words came out on a breath unbidden, my mind tumbling from lips too preoccupied to hold anything back. They wanted nothing more than to press themselves against the hard softness of Zane’s, to see if those lips so clever and cruel could also be gentle and tender.

 But Zane had jerked back at my soft declaration, utterly shocked.

 “You’re joking.”

 The heat of desire flared into outrage. I felt my eyes harden and my lips thin out in a narrow, tightly pressed line.

 “Why would I joke about something like that?” My words were cold, measured, precise. “Why would I admit to such a weakeness in a moment of vulnerability where we are trying to be truthful with one another? You said anything to make this work, yet you’re mocking me for keeping chaste? It’s the way of my people, Zane. We don’t sneak into each other’s bedrooms in the middle of the night--“

 My words caught on the jumble of anger, and the memory of Elanor sneaking him into my room so he could propse to me while I was not even awake to recieve it.

 ”--and propose mad fancies as if that will solve anything! There is no easy way out of this, Zane Cobriana. We either have to work together, or make enmity anew with this pointless conversation!”

 I’d crossed my arms over my middle, holding my own ribs in that way of my most intimate of comforts. It was what I did when Rei was not there to hold so. I did it now to keep from flailing about, letting my hands speak the aggression my tone would not. I would not scream at him. I would not escalate.

 I would not be the reason the guards poured into the room and broke us apart.

 But I would also not sit here and be insulted.

 He was quiet for far too long, face turned away, hiding from me as surely as he accused me of doing with my ‘haughty avian reserve’. How dare he? How dare he! He was such a hypocrite, coming to me with this mad scheme, making grand gestures and pretty speeches and never once suggesting how this mad thing migth be done.

 I was so caught up stewing in my own fury that I almost missed his softly spoken answer.

 “I never said proposing marriage would be easy.”

 “But you never said anything more about how such a thing would be done, either, did you Zane?”

 It was all I could do to keep my voice quiet, to contain my outrage in harhly whispered tones.

 “You just dumped this problem in my lap as if I’d have any more luck solving it than you did. What am I supposed to do with this, Zane? If I say no, your feelings are hurt and we’re still without a solution. But if I say yes, we still haven’t really solved anything, have we? We’ve just made a complicated scenario more messy and entangled and vulnerable--“

 The rest of my words were cut off by his face suddenly in mine. I jerked back so quickly, I didn’t immediately process that he’d been attempting to kiss me.

 Fury burned, hot on my cheeks and in my eyes, and in my fiercely whispered words.

 “How dare you. How dare you! You think this can all be solved with an uninvited kiss?”

 “I thought that’s what you wanted!”

 He cut off my tirade with an equall fierce whisper, eyes dark with hurt and frustration. “Why else would you have brought it up, if not in invitation? I don’t know how you do things in the Keep, Danica, but I am trying my best. I know you expect me to persue you, to be the active party, so that your avian virtue remains intact, but what am I supposed to do when that isn’t the right answer either?”

 I just stared. He’d caught me so completely off guard, I had no idea what to do with him. My shock kept me from monitoring my words, kept me from doing anything but pour out the honest truth of my whirling thoughts.

 “You know--you know, do you? Well tell me, Zane, how am I supposed to act according to your serpiente morals? Because while you think you know everything there is to know about avian pairbonds, I don’t know a thing about serpiente--” I paused, groping for a word I didn’t have. “Skies above, Zane, I don’t even know what your people call it! You don’t have pairbonds, do you even marry?”

 “Would I have asked you to marry me if we didn’t have such traditions?”

 “I dont’ know!” I hated the emotion that crept into my voice. “I don’t know anything about what I’m getting myself into. I dont’ know the first thing about your people or your expectation and you’re asking me to marry you. Don’t you understand how absurd it is?”

 “Yes!” He met my fire with his own, both of us growing ever louder. “Gods, yes, I do, but I’m really out of ideas. I thought spending time with your people would help me understand them better, but I really have no idea--“

 “What do you mean, spending time with my people?”

 Zane looked away, eyes fixed on the floor. He was quiet long enough I almost thought I’d have to ask again, but he finally admited, “This isn’t my first time visiting Elanor’s aunts.”

 Again, I just stared at him. What on earth could I possibly say to that revelation?

 But he carried on, eyes drifting up to the tapestry, as if searching it for inspiration. Or apparently, memory.

 “I knew this tapestry becasue I spent a full night and a day staring at it, as I fought to work through a delirious fever brought on by that damnable falcon poison. Adelina brought me here, to the first shelter she’d found, and demanded a place to keep me safe while I healed. All I can say was that it must have been the will of Fate to bring me here, to a house sympathetic to true peace, with a wound minor enough that the am’haj didn’t just kill me outright.”

 I thought of Elanor’s retelling of his dramatic ride, of declaring it the will of Fate that he find her--and had to wonder if my dearest friend had lied to me. But Zane continued, sweeping me away with his dramatic story.

 “I stared at this tapestry and tried to keep my grip on reality as she sang to me of peace, a halluciantion to be sure. But when I heard of what you did for Gregory, I couldn’t help but remember that fevered dream, and hope...”

 “Hope for what?”

 “Hope that maybe it was a sign. That maybe things really could get better. That maybe hawks could dance with cobras, and peace could rise from bloody fields.”

 “Alright,” I said again, with less conviction than before, but more of an idea of how to proceed.

 “Alright?” Zane echoed with a raised eyebrow. I nodded.

 “I’ll sing you back to health. We send messengers to both palaces that you were injured on your return journey from the Mistari lands, and I’m attending your bedside to give you what healing aide I have. It will give us time to brainstorm, and maybe come up with a less ludicrous idea than a marriage neither of us actually want.”

 Zane just stared. I shrugged.

 “It’s the best idea I have. It buys us time. I just... I just need some time. To do what, I don’t know yet. But I didn’t have this plan until just now, so maybe, with a few more days...”

 “And what’s to stop the Keep from scouring the fields to find me and finish me off?”

 “My word,” I said firmly. “I’ve commanded the generals twice to stand down, and if they cannot obey me in this I’ll... I’ll,” I shook my head, trying to shake off some of the fury that had been building over the past several days. “I’ll discharge each and every one of them. I’ll discharge the entire army if I have to. I am done fighting. This ends here.”

 “Or they overthrow you,” Zane said with a dry wryness that was anything but humorous.

 “They can try,” I said through gritted teeth. “Shardae magic holds the key to the hidden fields on the far side of the mountain. If they want a civil war, we’ll see how long it lasts when their soldiers are starving.”

 Zane gave me wide eyes, but they were marked with approval. “Wisely put, my most bloodthirsty queen.”

 “I’m not--” But I cut off as I realized he was teasing me. I wasn’t used to people laughing at me. I was going to have to learn how to turn it into Zane laughing with me, as it was clear that was how he intended it. I was too accustomed to taking myself seriously. Even if it seemed no one else did.

I realized with a bit of a start that I liked Zane laughing at me--with me. I liked that it felt like he was honestly trying to engage me, not just manage me. I liked the thought that he, of all people, might actually see me. The thought brought color to my cheeks, and again, I felt the urge to get up and move.

 Which was why I made myself stay put, and even found the courage to lean back against Zane, to close the distance our fight had put between us.

 “I need an ally in this,” I said madly, hopefully, absurdly. “I don’t think I need a husband, but...”

 I let myself lay my head over against his shoulder, to show my serpiente counterpart that I was willing to try. Maybe not something as absurd as becoming lover, but at least co-conspirators. Maybe friends.

 “I certainly need an ally.”

 The Ties That Bind Tag list: @thehellinsideyourhead @therecouldbecolorsandlove @adventuresofacreesty​

Raev’s Gen Tag List (should I tag you guys in this? It IS a thing I wrote. I’m gonna say yes unless you guys are like “no of course not we’re sick of hearing about your stupid fic for a twenty year old book XD)

List is currently: @lordkingsmith @writinglyra @drbibliophile @mperialscribe @adie-dee @adie-dee @lexiklecksi @writinginslowmotion @raenawrites @apollon-arium @anika-writes

[professor-fanalia]

Call Of The Wild Charity - Event 1 Part 2 - Event 2

Romaine chuckled, as Icarus flew back to her arm for one last sunflower seed before flying off whence, he came, disappearing where a staff member seemed to be waiting for him to take him away. Facing back to the seats, Romaine continued. “Taillows are may be the Flying type that relies on agility and numbers to out mauver enemies or attract mates much like its other smaller flying type friends, but it’s the speed and power that most flying types much prefer. Consider Blaise here as one good example.”

Like a strong gust of wind, a shadow flew over their heads as it showered embers from the gaps in its feathers as it soars through the sky. Circling like a bird of prey, eyeing down at them as it flew around the amphitheatre “Living mostly along mountain ranges, river valleys, coastlines, and increasingly in cities in the Kalos Region. Blaise’s Talonflame brethren are truly speedsters of the sky, reaching speeds of up to 310 miles per hour, its tough wings even don't allow fire to pass through them.” Romaine spoke in awe as she smiled at the large flying type that would be standing at her shoulder height.

“Talonflames are elegant when flying to an extent, due to which how they soar with long wings held at a dihedral, which is an upward angle from horizontal in a fixed-wing aircraft or bird wing from root to tip. And their long two forked tail twisting as it changes direction, but as you can see here Blaise is a rather different. Normally Talonflames have long black tailfeathers marked with three yellow V-shapes, where the tail ends in two points and has another feather sticking out of the base on each side, resembling of the fletching on the end of an arrow and show off their beautiful brightly flame like colours. But as you can see Blaise is grayer in colour, this is because Blaise is a North eastern Variant, despite a change in colour she remains a Flying and Fire Type.”

A black hooded plumage covered Blaise’s head, wings, and most of her chest and back before tapering off into a flame pattern that was blue-black in shade. Her underside and hindquarters were creamy white which was finely barred from the breast to the tail. The tips of her long, tapered pointed wings were black giving off a straight trailing edge in flight. While black spots speckle her underside. Large yellow talons extend from the shaggy feathers on her legs.

She still had a pointed crest atop her head, but it was slightly curled forwards. White-and-blue replaced the black-and-yellow mask-like markings around her eyes. However, her black beak remained hooked with a yellow cere. Unlike the long black tail feathers that were marked with three yellow V-shapes, Blaise’s tail was longer and much more pointed with three white V-shapes. Before her tail ended in two points and had another feather sticking out of the base on each side, resembling of the fletching on the end of an arrow.

“Blaise’s colouration is due to the environment she had to adapt to in colder climates and a change in diet, Blaise’s beautiful colours mostly adapted into melanism which causes Flying types or other Pokémon to have an excess of dark pigmentation and is generally caused by a genetic mutation, but can also be a result of certain diets. Some species have a naturally occurring melanic form or ‘morph’, such as Blaise here.” Romaine explained as she watched Blaise glide.

“Professor Fanalia, care to help me with this next part?”

The red-head professor nodded her head as walked over to stand next to one of the railings among the seats. “Alright! Now, its common knowledge that Pokémon trainers work hard to get that small flying buddies up to speed in strength however; people tend to forget even Pokémon can get sick of doing the same thing over and over again, so its always best to think of new ways to entertain and train your Pokémon friend and to ensure your buddy can bond with other types.” Romaine chuckled as she playfully lifted her hand as if to whisper to the crowd, “This is also a good way to spice up their training with a few games and tricks that they can play with their fellow Pokémon! Like capture the flag, or a ring relay!” Romaine stated with a gesture, “But today we’re going do air Volley, which is Blaise’s favourite game, because it hones her accuracy and dodging.” During most of the event, Romaine explained the rules as she tossed a light volleyball into the audience, where Fanalia proceeded to catch it while gaining Blaise’s attention.

It was basic game where Blaise could choose to be on the catching or dodging team, as the ball was thrown between the members of the Rehabilitation Centre – even Lucario and Gallade took turns in catching it; though it ended in a bit of laughter due to Kryspyn earning a red nose from an unexpected toss from Blaise who cooed in amusement at Kryspyn who merely laughed it off. From then on Romaine said goodbye to Blaise who took her favourite toy with glee, and continued on with the show – introducing many Flying types, from Chatot and Swanna who sung together, an Red Eastern Noctowl who had a very comedic personality, to a battle between a Staraptor and a Honchkrow and a beautiful dance done by Beautifly, Vivillion and Masquerain.  

“Thanks, you guys that dance was beautiful!” Romaine clapped as the flying bug types chirped happily, waving at the audience as they left the amphitheatre. Turning back to the audience Romaine gave a sadden smile, “Unfortunately we are nearly the end of our show, but we will end this with one final bang. As you may know a new region has finally opened its borders, and what better way to welcome the region than to show one of its wonderful Pokémon to the world.” Romaine began.

“It was a long process and with requiring a permit, we were given permission to study the behaviours and Rehabilitate any Pokémon that are in need from the Galar region! We still have so much to learn about our fellow companions, and there are still new Pokémon to meet and befriend! So, for a special day like today we like you to meet a special guest.”

Turning her head to the skies, Romaine grinned. “Everyone, meet Oath from the Galar Region.”

Like a cascading shadow, large avian Pokémon resembling a raven glided down onto the stage with a large flap of its metal wings it landed beside Romaine. Letting out a mighty screech, before settling down calmly as it towered over the green-haired groundskeeper. Its red pupils scanning the audience as he stood on stage. “Oath is a Corviknight, their feathers are tempered with steel. Its mantle, breast, belly, flanks, and scapular feathers are smooth and resemble plate armour. Corviknight's talons, head, and upper beak are similarly armoured.” Romaine gestured to the parts of the Steel and Flying Type, “It is said to be the strongest bird Pokémon in the Galar region, being able to scare off any Pokémon that tries to challenge it. Due to its intelligence and flying skills, Corviknight serves a company called Galar Taxi, where it transports people from one location to another.” Romaine lightly patted Oath’s side who cooed, preening under her touch, “Though one of the fascinating things we discovered about Corviknights, is that they mate for life. A mated pair usually constructs a nest by improving a crevice by dropping sticks into it; it is then built on top of the platform formed.” As she spoke, she pulled out a berry from her pouch and fed it to the large avian.

“So, who would like to come down and meet Oath?” Smiling brightly, as she instructed those who wanted to come and meet Oath to rise from their seats and come up on stage to greet the large Steel and flying Type.

-----

With greetings and goodbyes to the Corviknight signalling the end of the show. You – @ask-pokemonranger-rai, @prof-bramble, @prof-peach, @themadprxfessor, @professor-hemlock-headcanons, @a-pokemon-daycare, @breederpatmos were all guided to leave the amphitheater, back towards a building just across the Guest House. Made mainly of glass panes, it’s a decent sized building that keeps in a regulated temperature and humidity for the cultivation of delicate or out-of-season plants/herbs/berries. Before Fanalia stopped in front of the Greenhouse, “Before we go inside the greenhouse, I am here to tell you there is a little game you all have to play as you walk through the building. These Booklets that my co-workers are giving you now have zoomed in images with small riddles.” Fanalia explained as each of you were handed a booklet.

“This is a game of Pokémon Bingo, figure out the riddle of who it is with the zoomed in too close photo and proceed to one of the six locations in the Green house.” Fanalia gestured to the building.

“With each Pokémon you discover and meet they will give you stamp that you fill at the back of the booklet. There two Pokémon for the six areas, so twelve stamps in total!” Kryspyn added on grinning happily. “Once you have all twelve stamps, deliver those booklets to Romaine who will be waiting at the door with a special treat.” Kryspyn finished gesturing to Romaine and Florges who nodded their heads.

“So work with your Pokémon companions and let’s draw numbers to see where you will be heading to first!”

-----

Ready for a Game of Pokemon Bingo? Pick a number from either 1 to 6 and I shall message you a description of the area and who you will encounter! Can you guess with only a clue? 

How would your proceed with this game? Did you pat Oath or watch from Afar? What was you favorite part of the show? What did you Pokemon do?  Re-blog your Responses whether it be written or Drawn - What are your Reactions? What do you do? Thoughts and feelings?

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Two Hundred Eighty: Packing up his Gear ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Itachi, Hyūga Hinata, Haruno Sakura, Hatake Kakashi, Nara Shikamaru, Sai ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ] [ AO3 Link ]

“...it’s been a while since you’ve been called on a mission.”

Back turned to his bedroom door, Sasuke pauses. Before him atop his bed lies a bag for supplies. He’s been packing up his gear all morning. “...this is a bit of a special case,” is the quiet reply.

“So I’ve heard. This is the second time a Hyūga heiress has been kidnapped in our lifetimes. And yet it’s been two different girls.”

Buckling the pack shut, Sasuke hitches it to his hip opposite his sword. “...are you going to say something useful before I leave, or just ramble on?”

Itachi perks a brow. “...I just want to be sure you realize the scale of this.”

“Of course I do. I’m not an idiot, Itachi.”

“...there’s more to this than a simple kidnapping. Whoever attacked Hinata last night is part of it, I’m sure. Hinata, I feel was the true target.”

“She’s no longer heiress.”

“On paper, no...but in birth? Yes. In bloodline...yes. That Toneri figure made as much clear, did he not?” Itachi’s expression hardens a hair. “...after the ending of the fourth war, the revelation of Kaguya and her ilk has left the leaders of the world uneasy. And now the moon is breaking, and falling to earth? Her previous prison? Something is going on, Sasuke. And we cannot forget that the Hyūga are her direct descendants.”

“As are we.”

“...which is what has me worried. But the Hyūga bear the Byakugan as she did. Something in my gut tells me this is somehow related. Be careful, Sasuke.”

“I already took Kaguya down once. I’m not afraid of much else.”

“...do you know who’s going with you?”

“Nara Shikamaru, Sai, and...Haruno Sakura.”

“...I see. Well, I won't keep you. Know that we will keep an eye on things while you are gone.”

With that, Sasuke gives a curt nod, leaving the Uchiha compound behind and heading toward the Hokage’s office. Hyūga kidnappings, the moon splintering...something is definitely amiss.

Subconsciously, he grips his regrown left arm, brow furrowing. Itachi is right...this reeks of the Ōtsutsuki. While he knows beyond a doubt that Kaguya is sealed away in another dimension entirely...he has to wonder if there are others. After all, she had to come from somewhere…

Not bothering to knock, he enters and finds only one member of his team yet present...along with an unexpected guest.

“...Hyūga?”

Both Hinata and Sakura turn to behold him, gazes unreadable. “...Sasuke-kun,” she greets softly.

“What are you doing here?”

“Hinata’s been granted permission to come along,” Kakashi replies from behind the two ladies, leaning forward on his elbows with folded hands.

“...you’ve got to be kidding.”

“Think she’s not capable?”

“I know she’s a target,” Sasuke rebukes, a hint of a scowl in his features. “You’re sending her right into a trap if you let her come along. Why do you think Hanabi was taken? She’s bait. And you’re falling for it, hook line and sinker.”

“I won’t leave the rescue of my sister to anyone else,” Hinata rebukes, a touch of coldness in her tone that surprises him. “...I wasn’t home last night, I...I let this happen.”

“You’re one of an entire clan of Hyūga. Anyone else in that compound should have intervened. Especially given that Hanabi is heiress.”

Sakura folds her arms with a frown. “...are you saying the Hyūga let this happen?”

“I’m saying this entire situation is a mess, and as usual, Konoha isn’t thinking when it comes to solving it. Hinata is a damn capable kunoichi - just as much as you are, Sakura. But she’s also a huge risk to be bringing right up close and personal to the enemy that was trying to take her. I don’t want her to -”

Both kunoichi furrow their brows as he seems to stop himself. “...it’s still Hinata’s choice if this is a risk she wants to take or not. If you’re so worried about her, mister god-tier shinobi, do your job and protect her,” Sakura retorts, leaning forward a hair in challenge. “Why do you think you’re being brought along?”

“...tch.”

“...well, now that you’re done deciding your own mission details,” Kakashi then deadpans. “We’ll wait for the others, and then I’ll explain in greater depth.”

Huffing a curt breath, Sasuke just waits leaned against a wall, clearly agitated. Only once Shikamaru and Sai arrive does he adjust his posture...slightly.

It’s then Kakashi explains the moon’s status in more detail, giving Shikamaru the clock to count their hours left before the Earth is destroyed.

“You think this Toneri and the moon are connected?” the Nara asks, looking skeptical.

“Itachi thought the same,” Sasuke interjects. “Think about it. The moon was once the prison of the Shinju and Kaguya. The Hyūga are her direct descendents, wielders of the Byakugan...and he wants their born heiress. It can’t be a coincidence...or at least a possibility we can’t ignore.”

“Precisely,” Kakashi agrees. “Now...best you get going. Sai will take you to the location where he tailed the kidnappers to. Spread out from there, and look for clues. Remember...your time is limited.”

With that, the team heads out, hopping astride some of Sai’s ink avians and taking to the skies. Once they find the scene of the short battle, they divide and start searching.

Sasuke, assigned watch over Hinata, sits behind her on their bird as she flares her kekkei genkai. “...see anything?”

“Not yet.”

Still sensing a trace of hostility in her tone, he sighs. “...I wasn’t questioning your ability or your duty back there, you know.”

...no response.

“I meant what I said. You’re giving this Toneri bastard what he wants.”

“...then you’ll just have to do as Sakura-chan said, and keep an eye on me.”

“I shouldn’t have to, that’s my point! Believe me, I get wanting to protect a sibling. Look at what I’ve done for Itachi’s sake! But Hinata, this is -”

“There!”

Cut off, he heaves a heavy breath, guiding the bird down to land. Digging through the snow, Hinata reveals a kunai, decorated with a small figurine.

“...that hers?”

“Mhm.” Taking out her pack, Hinata moves to stash the blade inside.

“...still packing that scarf around?”

She stiffens.

“...we should find the others and let them know we’re on the right track.”

“...right.”

Following the projected path, their mount takes the lead as Hinata watches their surroundings for clues.

“Anything yet?” Shikamaru calls.

“There’s a spring in a cave below us...it seems to be...glowing?”

“A glowing spring…?”

Working their way down, the group stops at the water’s edge. Squinting, Hinata reports, “...I can’t see through it. There’s some kind of...interference.”

“Probably a way to keep intruders out,” Sasuke agrees. “...guess we have no choice but to go through.”

“Always rushing into things…” Sakura sighs.

“You have a better idea? That mark above us says this is a beginning...it has to be an entrance. Where else could they have gone?”

“For someone who was so insistent we be careful, you’re jumping to a lot of conclusions.”

“Enough! Sasuke-kun is right,” Hinata interjects.

“This isn’t normal water…” Sai then notes, lifting a hand. “It doesn’t actually feel wet.”

“Some kind of illusion, maybe...be careful,” Sasuke murmurs.

With a splash, they all leap in, swimming through the aqua waters until...emerging on another side. Plunging through open air, things suddenly...shift.

Shit...genjutsu…! Sharingan flaring, Sasuke cuts through the illusion. Around him, the others have slowed to a crawl...but Sakura soon stirs.

“...huh…?”

“It is genjutsu,” he reports. “Help me wake the others.”

As Sakura tends to Shikamaru and Sai, Sasuke grasps Hinata’s shoulders. “Oi, Hyūga...wake up. You…”

Around them, the strange spheres of chakra begin to...reflect. As his hand makes contact, they alight with visions of...the past? Watching, Sasuke sees various snippets of Hinata’s...memories.

They pass quickly, fragmented and blending. Years-old images of her father and sister, her cousin, her team...and then they become more recent. An apologetic Naruto, a consoling Sakura, and then...himself…? He looks so...vulnerable. They’d been talking about...

...he remembers that.

“Sasuke-kun…Sasuke-kun! Wake her up, already!”

Jolted, he retries his efforts. “...Hinata.”

Eyelids pinching, she slowly opens pearlescent eyes. “...Sasuke-kun…?”

“You were trapped in a genjutsu. It was sapping your chakra.” Taking her hand, he helps her sit up...and through his own, transfers a share of his energy.

“...what are you -?”

“You need to be at full strength in case the enemy finds you,” he retorts, but not unkindly. “I’ll recharge quicker.”

“You...you called me…?”

Giving her a glance, Sasuke then looks over his shoulder as Sakura calls them. “...come on. We need to move.” With a tug, he gets her upright, and then urges her to follow the rest of the group.

Still hazy with confusion and lingering memories...she does as prompted.

...what was that….?

                                                         .oOo.

     Tired, headache, gonna be brief @~@ Crossover with The Last. Only a small part cuz...time limits, and I really dunno how the rest would go lol - and I'm sure this concept has been done already.      Sorry but I'm really out of it, so...that's all for now. Thanks for reading~

[goldstonegolem64]

Book 1 Chapter 27  Out on the town

Jay starred at Isara his head still resting on his shoulder. “ Ok” He said going back to sleep

Isara looked at the sleeping man walked over to him and grabbed the collar of his armor “ Come on hero we have work to do”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FmKdjRhoy4 

Jay was tired as he was pulled out of his resting place. He stretched and hearing his joints popping. He looked toward the bed  where the brothers were sleeping with the covers half off of them . he walked over to them and pulled the blanket over them. Then he took his pain meds before leaving the room leaving his helmet behind on the bed. An walked with Isara out of the hospital he was staying at  into the early morning sunrise 

“  welcome to haven. How do you like it ?” Isara asked as she was walked toward her jeep opened the driver seat door and unlocked the rest of the car

“ Well it’s a pretty cool place and thanks for letting us in” Jay said following behind her entering the passenger seat

“ No problem kid. It’s was an easy choice to make . it’s my job to keep people safe from the queen and her court and thanks for bring those kids here we’ve trying to get then here for the past month. they kept running from my men any time they so them. i think it’s because my husbanded is a ten foot tall batman with a gruff voice an could rip a man in two or the fact that Me and most of my are galra” She said as she started up the engine 

“ yeah this is the first time scent I lifted home that I’ve meet a friendly galra “ Jay said as he looked at her and notice her ear was missing some parts and she had serval scars across her face  

“ So what your story kid “She asked

“Well I’m from a mining town call gale wind in the north east sector of the city of iron oath, Which is a mostly galra community so I spent most of my childhood getting into fights. My mom is human an she was a boxer which really helped me when I got into fight. My dad is Altean an is a florist .I’m the youngest of five.I have three and one sister. At the age of ten my mom die in a car crash .it lost my left arm in the same crash. I bought a cargo ship at twenty one. An about two weeks ago I found a giant metal dragon after I helped my friend Adam. Then I met Adam’s husband Shiro his little brother Keith, three random kids named Lance McClain, Hunk Garnet and Pidge holt. Found The missing niece to the crowed queen of atlea and a ancient super weapon .Fought a giant robeast .  Then we freed a balmare. Fought another robeast. I adopted a kid named Fitz. The castle I now called home tried to kill me. Then me and my crew had to save the Princess from Galra central commanded and now I’m here. An I think the meds are kicking in “ He said as he pulled out the bottle the nurse gave to him lasted night because in no other circumstance would he have told a random person his life story.

“ Can’t handle your pain killers kid” Isara said with a smile as she watched the young man tell hid tail

“ No I can’t. Pain meds tend to Enhance my already bad habit of rambling when I’m either stressed , excited  or tired”  He said as he tossed the bottle in to the back of the car” Please don’t tell anyone what I told you please”

“Don’t worry kid I won’t . So your a hybrid Altean huh. I thought the empire wiped your kind out ten thousand years ago” She said 

“ yeah they tried but failed So enough about me how about you what lead you down the path of queen slaying in the first place?” 

“  Well my story being on ravies nine my home world . I was about twelve to thirteen when the bugs showed up. My family left the planet before it got bad because my mom  was a fleet commander. But I hated that fact we left hundred of thousands of people to die.So when I was old enough me and my boyfriend now husband Boleslaw joined the Queen slayers and after fifty years of working my ass off and killing  some Red queens I was voted leader and now were here.”  She said as she parked next to another district door. She got out  an walked to a member of her team that was guarding the door control.

   Jay got out of the car an looked toward the man and saw him wearing  light Weight armor with a old tattered cloak with a color scheme of green and brown.  welding a heavy duty plasma rifle. Then he turned to see a women wear the same thing but instead of a cloak it was duster and was wielding what looked like a shot gun He would ask about that later. There was one thing that he notice between the two guards they were both Galra he tell by their height, eye color and their ears were similar to Sendak’s .But more specifically they were hybrids. The one Isara was taking to had some avian features like the crest on his head, His arms had  feathers going up to his shoulder and his eyes did that weird bird of prey thing where the iris shrank with it focused onto something.an the girl was Snake like .He could tell because her upper body was humanoid and her lower both was just a tail. She turned her head to look at him and she stuck out her fork tongue out a him and wave to him. He waved back  as the door to an airfield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7TPvJjwhFI

 ”Ok Isara when we were being let in I saw that the snake girl was holding something that didn’t look like a blaster at all what is it?”

“ First the snake girl as a name it’s Helbrum and what she had was a slug thrower” She replied 

“ A slug thrower?” Jay took a few seconds before pulling out his revolver “ is it something like this?” he asked just hold in his hand

“Dose it shoot high speed metal projectiles caused by super heating a highly explosion black powder ?”   She asked he wanting to see his responds  

“Yes “ he replied

“Then you have yourself a slug thrower kid. “ She said walking towards a parked ship

Jay looked around the area. He saw people walking from hanger to hanger carrying box of supplies. others were Doing drills or shooting at target. Some were just sitting on the ground or on crates resting before a what he guessed was Isara’s plan . He also watched as troop transports  moving out of the airfield through the door he had entered  in from.

“  Hey Isara where are those troops going?” HE asked curiously as the door closed

“ They’re going out to find some of those bugs while there a sleeping so don’t have to worry about being invaded during the night.”  she said as she entered the build that was the current hq of the slayers. Jay followed behind her. the two walked in silence for a few minutes toward a room . the two enter a meeting room with several people already there sitting around a table.

“.  Sorry I’m late I had to find this guy” She said pointing towards jay

“Hi I’m Jay by the way” He stood there just waving extremely unnerved by the three of the four people sitting there. they all were wearing very similar armor as Isara but with different symbols on them. He guessed were their ranks and one of the was just were a lab coat.   Two of them he had seen their races before. The first ne was one of Ace’s people. But unlike Ace who was about the same size of a normal person and looked like a domestic breed of dog which breed Jay couldn’t tell because he had nothing but pet fish of lizards his whole life. But this guy was a straight up a wolf with the body structure of bane with bright yellow eyes and with half of his jaw made of metal. The other was a lanky ferret like man with a wield beck like mouth his hair color was olive and green. he had multiple arms .But some of his arms were gone and he was blinded in one eye. He had seen one of his people before when he had first joined Shiro and the others but that one was a bright orange. Another person was basically a huge turtle women. Her arms and face covered in scars She looked at him with the most cold dead eye Starr that sent chill up his spine

“    Hello kid my name is Grieve head of scouting  division .Good to see you made it here safely”  the wolf man said in a calm voice.

“ I’m Rippley. Nice to meet you kid  I’m the head of the air squad”   the ferret man said 

“I am Shell razor the bold head of the mech unit” the women said 

“ Really?’ Jay asked not wanting to sound rude but was just a little suspect of the name

“ Yes that is my really name. I worked really hard to gain the title of the bold.So please show some respect ”  She said 

“  Ok Shell razor the bold I’m sorry“ Jay said as he bowed to her .His marks glowing a bright red in embarrassment 

the room erupted in laughter 

“Come on Shell stop messing with the kid he looks like he’s going to explode from embarrassment”   Isara said laughing still “ come on Jay take a seat”

“Alright come Sit here kid” Shell said pointing to the chair between her and the last person in the room 

Jay sat down next to Shell and the last person who was not paying any attraction toward him or any thing that just accord rounded them.they were just writing down something onto their data pad. They had teal skin, with Green hair and weirdly yellow colored horns. they were wearing very thick goggles that covering their eyes and a jump suit being covered by the lab coat.Jay couldn't’ tell if this person was a guy or a girl . But that didn’t matter to him at the moment because he was reading what was on the data pad and saw plans for new cybernetic for Ripley an other crew mates and the biology of the bugs  .

“ If your trying to read my work please ask and don’t hover over my shoulder like you alway do please shell? “ They asked in a tone of voice that reminded him of Pidge as they turned towards him and raised their goggles to reveal  pitch black eyes with  bright orange irises. a look of surprise came across their face” Oh your not Shell” they said as a slight blush of embarrassment can across their face at the mistake 

Jay’s marks started to glow ever so slightly do to this persons beautiful eye and cute face.

“Welcome back to the real world kid” Ripley said

“ Yeah this is Jay” Shell said laughing a bit and sapping jay on the back

“Oh Your her pilot” they said as they grabbed his Face and turned it from side to looking at his marks.” What are you I’ve never seen a being like you before?” She asked as she opened Jay’s mouth and looked at his razor sharp teeth “  then they started to pull on his checks and stretched them to there limit.” What are you boy and how can your skin do this tell me your secrets. Tell me what do you eat you beautifully weird  piece of nature”  They asked as a look of wonder and excitement on their face. 

“Well first please ask next time you want to grab my face. Secondly my diet is made up of mostly made up of fish, crustaceans ,fruits and food goo . Seeing as cows , pigs and chicks are hard to raise on a planet with no nature organic life on it that isn’t trapped in a dome. Third off I’m human altean hybrid. Forth being Altean means I can  stretch and change my body to blend in with people of other races making us great spies, Assassins, explores and diplomats. Also  Came I please have your name “   He asked with his face marks were glowing a bright red

Isara an the others know what was going to happen next and they were all trying to hold back there laugher

“ Oh Sorry I’m Ezra. commander of the science division. Also aren’t Alteans supposed to be extinction. Wait are you the last of your kind is that why your a hybrid. I could start up that cloning project  I have been working. Wait do you already have a mate Because if you don’t I could help as I work on the cloning ” Ezra said as their face and body became more feminine as a blush creeped across her face. “or do you prefer a male partner” They asked as their body became more maculate

Jay’s skin changed from his normal light tan to a deep beat red as he starred at the person in front of him. it didn’t help that the others were laughing their asses off. As Ezra’ s face was a deep shad of blue . Also what didn’t help was the fact Ezra was clearly shorter then him and was a bit rounded in the stomach which made them more attractive the longer he starred at them. Lucky for him the door to the room opened and a ten foot tall man who looked like a mixture between  goliath from gargoyles and manbat from bat batman walked into the room  wear the same armor as everyone in here with something on his shoulder. 

“ Hello honey you just missed it” Isara said as she wiped a tear from her eyes 

The big man had a look of confusion appeared on his face as he looked to the two then he realized what he had missed an then laugher erupted from him”  Ha ha ha Ezra Scared this poor boy”  He said as he slammed the body on his shoulder onto the table. then he walked over to Jay and place a massive hand on his shoulder “ I am Boleslaw second in command of the slayers and the husband of the lovely Isara. It is nice to meet you pilot of giant metal dragon lady. an do not worry about what erza had done. the face grabbing ,the mouth opening and the question about your people’s life style is just their way of saying hello to ever new person and race they meet” he said in a very thick Russian accent    

“ Do they also ask them to mate ?” Jay asked as he starred at the monster of a man then to Isara who was about the same size as him and wonder how she was alive and he wonder how this to meet 

Boleslaw looked at Ezra then to jay then back Ezra who had their head down  on the table in an embarrassment. ”Ezra my friend you can do better then this boy”

“ I know but this one is altean an the pilot of Valkyrie and I want to see what he can do. An yes I might have jumped the gun on the whole lets have kids to save your race with out even asking if there were other  and then I brought up the cloning project.An he’s kinda cute.”  Ezra began to ramble 

Jay didn’t know if he should be insulted by Boleslaw or to be happy with the fact someone found him cute. But he was more interested in the body on the table. it was the bug that tried to kill him yesterday but it had a hole in it’s chest and it’s horns were missing “ I would hate to be that guy but why did you bring that thing here?” he asked

“ Yes love why did you bring a king here” Isara asked just starring at the body

“ Oh yes I found this one by the entrains that you gave to this one “ he point to jay “ And  found it along with dozen of dead bugs all of them had died of asphyxiation. My I ask boy did you do this “ Boleslaw asked as everyone looked toward him . Isara ,grieve, Ripley,Boleslaw and Shell were just looking at him like this was a normal day while Ezra was just looking a the bug on the table with a look of pure joy has they were just cutting into this bug.

Jay thought for a few seconds thinking about saying he was the one who had kill all the bug but that was a lie he couldn’t keep up.” No that wasn’t me .The one who kill all those bugs was one of the two boys I brought in with me. His name is Usamu he has extremely powerful psychic  abilities that almost killed me along with the big guy here” He said  a little unsure that anyone would believe him

“So a child killed hundreds of bug with just his mind .Why don’t we just use him to wipe out the hive” Grieve said a little sarcastically not entirely believing a kid was that powerful

“  Because a kid of his age and body weight would most likely die if they using his full power.”   Ezra said as they removed an eye from the king 

“Also I refuse to use a child as a weapon no matter how strong their powers may or may not be.besides We have a giant metal dragon, over six hundred well armed Slayers, Several dozen gunship, twenty mechs equipped with heavy plasma cannons and a purge bomb. So we do to need a super power kill to do are job anyway were the queen slayer.but when that kid is older and has been control of his power I might give him a job offer . For right now let the kid have a childhood for now ” Isara said as she was setting up a map of the city and pushed the body off the table .”Ripley you can start when you want”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7TPvJjwhFI

“ Ok boys, girl and Ezra. We have a three or four  days till the queen wake up and we have about eighty miles of bug between us and the hive.” ripley pointed to a massive mountain covered  in a red webbing and is surround by bugs standing guard on the south side of the city. “ an we have to find away to get the ion bomb “

“the purge bomb” Shell said cutting Ripley off

“THE ION BOMB!!! We need to get this to the hive before the queen wakes up fully And we need to get the civilians off world before we do it .But here’s the problem there are over two thousand and the hail Mary can only hold about a third of them  even if we leave all are equipment here. And with the master of none and the valiant war lord off handling other red queens on E.R -6 and Amon we need another ship to help evacuation . So jay that is where you and your friend val come in. since late night she as been using are long range comms trying to connoted your friend. Also we need you to carry the ION bomb to the hive see as we need to make it bigger to kill this queens see as it’s bigger then anyone we have face before.”  ripley said he then spent the next hour explaining to jay the mission and how they need to destroy the city to make sure none of the bugs escaped the blast

“ Ok but what was stopping you from making multiply trips to the close colonized system .what was your original plan before I got here and why didn’t you just bomb it from orbit?”  He asked

“First the hail Mary’s warp engines are down so it would take us six mouths to get anywhere . Two are original plan was to collapse it’s own hive on it then fire enough heavy plasma round into it till we feel like it’s enough which is still are best plan but it will level the colony. three it’s shell is made out of osmium which is one of the dentists metals in the universe and this planet has a high level of gases though not fatal to people it is highly explosive when exposed to high levels of ions” Grieve said 

“ Well with everything said and done and the plan is set .Jay Ezra will take you to Val if you want or you can go to the hospital it’s your choice “ Isara said 

“I want to see Val then I will head back to the hospital. So Ezra please lead the way.” He said as he walked toward the door

“ oh yeah later tonight the people here are has a festival to just keep up there morale. Bring those two kid with you they might like it  and there will be a feast while it’s going on ” Ripley said as he was leaving the room as well

“ok i’ll be there “ Jay said as they left the room 

“Hey while up “ Ezra said running after him. the door opened to reveal jay leaning against a wall. Ok now follow me”

The two walk out of the ship and toward the hangers .as they walked Jay notice that most of the people here as Isara said earlier were mostly galra.Some were pure blood others were hybrids and there were other races mixed in. it was nice to see there are other places in the universe like Mar out there. then he looked towards Ezra “  So are we going to take about what happened back there”

Ezra sighed deeply and turned back to their neutral form”  Sorry about jumping the gun back there. I just got real excited when I heard that your altean an then I asked if you were the last of your kind and before you could give me an answer I asked if you wanted to be cloned or if you wanted to mate with me. Then I pried into your sex life and made you really uncomfortable. An then” they started to ramble but jay cut them off

“It’s alright to be honest I found it to be funny mostly in embarrassing .But funny none the less.“ Jay said as his marks started to glow a faint red

 A faint smile appeared on their face“ So what do you when your not being a paladin any hoboes an inters then.?”

“ Well I’m into robotic an cybernetic . The hoboes are tinkering, Gardening mainly do to my dad owning a flower shop and I started to learn how to cook from my friend hunk . An I have a kid back on the castle that I’m taking care of and i’m thinking about take both Bastion and Usamu with me when this is all said an done but I don’t think princess Allura will approve. So what do you do as head of the science division? “He asked

“well beside making better weapons for the troops. I also work on ways to kill the bug fast while learning how different environments change the hive and the Queen and her court. as well as learning about ancient tech and races that’s why I got excited when I hear you were Altean and saw the Valkyrie. But to answer my question from before Are you the last of your kind. Do you have a mate and do you prefer guys or girl as a partner just in case you don’t have ammate?” ezra asked

”  Here are my answers No, No and I really don’t care about what my partner is gender wise because I just want some one to love.”  He replied as his mark started to glow a little brighter.

As they walked toward a hanger Val’s voice came out of it “ I though you had a thing for that Nyma girl or was I just seeing things?”. She asked

“Well She and rolo Are a couple now and I found that out before the recuse mission. they started date after the alfor incident.” Jay said as he walkng to the hanger 

“good for them. They deserve each other ” She said 

He saw Val with a couple of people on her removing mud and repairing her wings an buffering out dents. She also had cable plugged into her head leading towards  a computer set up. “So have you found the others yet my metal friend?” He asked as he walked toward the computer

“Sadly no but were are on the other end of the universe so it will take a little more time for me to find them. So go and explore this city and have fun you need it after everything that has appeared the passed two days” She said as her chest opened and Jay’s speeder 

“ Ok then just tell me when you find them” Jay said as he got on the speeder

“ I will my pilot.”

“Alright Hey Ezra do you want to tag along?”

“ Sorry I still have a lot of work to do. But I will see you at the festival tonight right ?” they asked as a blush appeared on their face.

“ Yeah I will but I will have two kids with me “ he replied

“ that’s ok I just want to keep taking to you about stuff I also want to take about cybernetics and Altean biology and this is the first time someone didn’t just run away when I jumped the gun so it’s new.” their said with a smile

“Ok it’s a date then see later to night “ He said as he drove the speeder out of the hanger

“ yeah it’s a date” Ezra said with a grim on their face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aat2hwglybs

Jay had a smile on his face as he drove out of the airfield and towards the hospital.He had just got a date, A date with some he just met  But hey that how his parents met maybe it would work for him. He had rolled up to the  hospital which was actually  just a apartment build repurposed .As he walk through the front door one of the nurses stopped him     

“Oh mister Sorin  the two boy you brought in are doing well and the room you are staying in you can return to after tonights festival and any night you remain here as requested by Lady Isara. “ the nurse said

“ thank you for the info and have a nice day” He said as he walked to his room   and opened the door and found the brother just sit on the bed watching a movie he guess the nurses had put on to keep them happy “Hey you two how are you holding up?” He asked 

“ were fine it’s just boring here” Bastions said with his arm in a sling

“ Yeah where did you go Jay?’ Usamu asked with jay’s helmet on.

“ Well I was taking to Isara and the other who are in charge of this place and I found out there is a festival tonight along with other things. But do you two want to go to it?”  He asked

“ Yes “the two boys said in unisons

“ ok let’s go get some breakfast and some new clothes for all. Because we all look like hell “ He said looking at all three of them He had blueish yellow blue blood covering his armor . Bastion’s clothes was cover in dried blood and Usman’s clothes just looked dirty 

“ ok Mr. Jay come on Usamu” Bastion said pausing the movie and hoped of the bed 

“Ok Brother” Usamu follow his brother then he walked up to jay “ Uh Mr.Jay can I ride on your shoulder while we go shopping?” He asked 

“Alright hop on little bubby “ Jay said as he crotched down so Usamu could get on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5xjXxEsLxY

The three  walked out of the apartment hospital and into the busy streets of haven. Luckily for them The card He and beau Been using to steal Gac from the empire worked her and had tripled the funds they had after the balmera. they bought New clothes toys junk food and a Game console.They then walked from district to district each one being set up for the festival  that was in haven’s safe zone. one was another residential district full of people. Another was a farming district and the last was a entertainment district by a what Jay guessed was a huge salt water river full of Parks, play grounds, arcades and a indoor amusement park. The three spent the next few hours have fun. Jay wished the other were here to enjoy this with him. But there was no point in worrying about them now. Right now he need to worry about the two Boys he had save but He still worried about the other. 

Later the three had founded a belt restaurant 

“Hey Mr. jay what can we eat here ?” Usamu asked

“I don’t Care eat what you want I have the money so go wild” Jay replied

“Awesome thank”  Usamu said as he started grabbing random plates and eating

“ Hey Jay when this is all said and done what’s going to happen to us” Bastions asked. Worried that all this Happiness was going to disappear the moment the bugs were gone 

“Well I’m going to take both of you with me When this is all over” jay said as he grabbed a plate of fish and started eating it

Bastion’s eyes widened as he hear that and his eye started to water and he hugged Jay” Thank you” He said

“No problem kid” Jay said as he started to eat another piece of fish 

“Hey what’ s going on with you two?’ Usamu said

“ Nothing Kid your brother is just Hugging me “

“Yeah I’m Just thanking Jay for all the kind things he has done.” Bastion said

“ Ok “ Usamu said as he continued to stuff his face with food

After they were done eating they doubled back to their apartment to just watch movies and played the console jay also told the boys about Fitz . a few hour later the three boys started to get dress for the festival they were wearing a rode that looked like A monsuke. Each one was a different color. Jay’s was a light green, Bastion’s was a dark blue and Usamu’s was a violet 

“So Mr.Jay that are we going to do at the festival” Usamu’s said

“Well were just going to walk around play more games and enjoy life “ Jay said as a knocking on the door appeared. Jay walked over to the door” Oh yeah were going to have someone else with us their name is” Jay opened the door To See Ezra Wearing a dark orange kimono , A pair of glasses their hair was tied into a bun and with out all the grease and blood on their face he saw that Ezra had yellow freckles across their face.

“Hi Jay You look great “ Ezra said with a bright smile on their face

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o51oqNteWSo

Jay took a few more seconds to just look at the beautiful being in front of him then he spoke” Yeah you too” Jay said with a sharp tooth half smile

The two starred at each other for a few second before jay felt a weight climbing up his back and Usamu appeared piggy backing on Jay”  Hi i’m Usamu. Who are you”

“Oh I’m Ezra head of the science division of the slayers and I guess the other boy just standing there behind you two is bastion “  Ezra said waving to him

“Yeah i’m bastion are we going now” He asked

“Yes bastion lets go ” Jay said 

The four walked toward the festival. The street were alive with life there were lanterns in the air, people were Singing and dance throughout the streets. music was blasting and fireworks were exploding in the air Jay then notice that there was a particle barrier that cover the whole of Haven. As Jay was looking around he saw Slayers and civilians have the time of their live like nothing bad was about to happen. This was the one time in the passed two weeks he had felt a complete calmness it was nice.

Jay an Ezra talked about robotic as they watched  Bastion and Usamu were just running from stal to stall playing games and buying food. there was one stall jay saw that caught his eye. it was a shooting game with a giant stuffed  turtle as a prize he want that turtle. Ezra took notice of Jay starring at the turtle 

“Hey Jay do you want that stuffed animal?’ their asked smiling

“ Yeah but I don’t to ruin the date by carrying huge stuffed turtle “ He said a little sheepishly 

“ it won’ t” they said as they walked to the stall “ how much dose it costed to play” they asked the stall runner 

“Ten Gac” He said as Ezra slammed ten Gac on the table “the rules are simple shot ten targets and win a prize”  

“ Easy enough “ they said as they picked up one of the toy guns on the table 

“Yeah but this is a carnival game so it’ s not going to be-” Jay was cut off by the sounds of the stall winning chime went off a few second after it started. Jay starred at Ezra who was just hold the turtle in there hand 

“yeah but I’ve been doing these  games for the last mouth so I know what I’m doing” Ezra said handing Jay the stuffed animal 

Jay had the biggest smile on his face. As he hugged the stuffed turtle 

So time later Jay and Ezra were back in the airfield to watch a fireworks show. While Bastion ,Usamu and some other kid that were there. Jay turned to look at Ezra and notice that they were resting on his shoulder and holding on to his arm his heart shipped when he saw this. Jay wished that this moment could last for ever and he wished Fitz was here to enjoy this show

“Your starring” Ezra said as they were still watch the fireworks then they turned to face him

“Sorry Your just more interesting to watch right now “ He said 

“ that was cheese ”Ezra replied laughing a little

“ I know My dad said that when he met my mom so I wanted to see how it work. Did it work” He laughed as well

“ No but it was a cute line. But that line dose deserve a reward just for trying”  They leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek 

“ Jay marks explode with light illuminating the area the two were sitting in. Jay was going to lean down to return the favor. Only to be intruded By val calling him on his phone 

“ Yes Val “   Jay said annoy as he answered his phone  

“ Sorry to interrupted your date  but I have connotated the other they will be here soon  Val said 

“ oh that’s good to know just tell when they get here. I’m in the middle of something important “ He said as he hung up the phone before she could answer. He felt a little rude but he was on a date and his friend are alive ,”So where were we?” He asked Ezra with a sly smile on his face

“ You were about to kiss me before your partner called telling you your friend were on there way”Ezra said 

“ Ah yes let me get back to that “ Jay leaned down to finish what he start only to be interrupted again by a loud Alarm and by a even louder crashing sound the world shacking. Then a huge booming roar 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnDZeAYKXxo&t=164s

“What the hell is going on?” Jay asked as he watch as people were running into other districts as slayer were running in different directions and gun ships were taking to the sky   

“ the queen Is up “ Ezra said as they got up and started running toward the hail Mary

“I though we had a few day before that ?”   Jay yell as he ran toward the hanger that house as val ran out toward him

“ I guess we were wrong” Ezra yelled 

“ Great Just great Bastion Usamu stay with Ezra” 

“ Ok Mr. Jay “ Bastion yelled as he grabbed his little brothers hand and followed Ezra

Jay hopped in to Val’ s mouth and ran into the cock pit .He heard Isara’s voice over the comm “Alright boy and girl we were wrong on the time She was waking up So we need to hold out. Jay when are your friend getting here?” Isara asked

“A few minutes from now” Jay replied as The Valkyrie took to the sky and followed behind the gunships. the particle barrier dropped to let Her out and what he saw was terrifying When it came to height The Valkyrie was One hundred an fifty feet tall Voltron was Three hundred and seventy feet tall. This thing was About fifty feet taller then Valkyrie. The queen walked on four massive spider like legs it’ s tail was a mile long with a set of pincers at the end of it .It’s upper body was humanoid like most of it’s court it had six Thick arms covered in bright red shimmering stone like material just like the rest of it’s body it’s head remined him of a xenomorph with a huge crested on the back of it’s head with four horns in the front that curved upward to look just like a crown\

“ Alright hold this thing off until Jay’s friend get here Now GIVE IT HELL” Isara yell

[dafuzzgod]

A second part would be great if you have the inspiration for it, thank you!

Hell yeah who needs sleep amiright?

I call this: Take your chance- you’re in space.

~~You know that feeling you get when you realized you’ve completely missed your chance? Like, you had the chance to have something great but you decided against it, and the rest of your day (life, week, however long it would be) was spent thinking, again and again and again due to the results or lack thereof, and your only response is: Damn… I wish I had done that when I had the chance…

Yeah.

Keith hated that feeling. Why wouldn’t he, though? Nearly every day he felt that, whether because of a mission, maybe something from when he was young, or in most cases, when it had to do with Lance. He hated it. Especially like at the end of the celebration not twenty minutes earlier.

That entire day, two days after he had gone to that planet with Lance and watched as another harem of ladies flocked to him with flirtatious swings of their hips, Allura had decided to throw a celebration since they had worked out another planet and society into the coalition.

Multiple aliens had shown up, including the ones from that planet, Xr'ii it was. They inhabitants, or Xr'iians, were a species of avian like aliens. They had beautiful wings of a multitude of colors that shape-wise resembled the fast-flying hummingbirds from back on earth (when Keith was a child, has father had put up a feeder on the porch of the shack and he would watch in amazement as the small bird zoomed around to feed and rest. “they’re so cool dad! I want to be that fast one day”“I know you will be, you’ll be even faster than them Keith, I know it.”). The aliens also had long, almost mermaid like tails that were completely covered in smooth, long feathers. Anyone of nobility would have glass beads strung around their neck, on their arms or shoulders, as well as on their beautiful tails.

The previous time Keith had made contact with them, he hadn’t noticed that they floated off the ground, the main reason was that he was too absorbed in his own jealousy (that… That sounded bad when he thought about it. Man, he hated the emotions people made him feel (sometimes)) of the girls surrounding Lance that he only looked at their faces and nothing else really.

He was brought back from his brooding at the sound of Lance’s laugh, it rang around the ballroom (that’s what it was right? To him all of the castle rooms blended together) cheerfully. He could feel himself starting to smile at the sound of it, remembering how so many times in recent months his visits from the Blade, or the calls they would have late at night, how he would be the one to make Lance laugh, even if it was just them being friends.

But this time, instead of him being the one to make Lance laugh it was the princess of Xr'ii, Tithi, her wild head of brilliant salmon, pink, gold, and orange feathers, as well as the glass beads that lay on her waist, arms, and long feathered tail. She was circling Lance, giggling and winking to him as she did. The red paladin was cheerfully laughing along, cheeks red with happiness.

Keith loved that face, it was the face that had… Well, that had made him fall in love. For one person to have so much joy, and for him to share it even with Keith, a loner who had never been able to maintain one friend, it made him feel special, even though so many others experienced it as well. To him, it was a treasure to see him smile and laugh like that.

At the moment, though, that face made his stomach sink dreadfully. He wanted to be back in his blade uniform instead of the formal altean suit he was wearing, so that he could hide his face in the mask and hood. Even though that laugh and smile were shared with so many people, seeing it being given to that princess made his heart and chest burn painfully.

“Princess, I thought you were supposed to be well mannered?” Lance had teased, the altean suit he wore was decorated in different marks, each a different shade of blue. The sleeves revealed his shoulders and the see through mesh on the arms connected around the back, granting him a regalnessshe previously didn’t have.

The alien princess had laughed, twirling around again, before nuzzling up to the side of him.

“I wouldn’t call what I do, “unmannered”, on our planet we’re very open about who we want as suitors,“ she had leaned closer so that the peacock like feather on her forehead was now near the back of his neck, her head on his shoulder. “You clearly are perfect, and not mated too! Your group are the only humans I’ve met, so you’re rare, extremely so… The perfect prince.”

Lance had smirked at her and brushed a feather out of her face before winking.

“I’ve always wanted to be royalty!” he grinned and they both laughed, Lance’s hand now on her hip.

Keith glared daggers at them from his place against the castle wall (major deja vu back to the planet) trying to hide the fact that a part of his heart was chipped away every time he would look at them. The cloak that was part of his suit collar seemed to be choking him, but he ignore it just like he was Lance and Tithi. He crossed his arms and looked another way, angry and heartbroken.

He didn’t notice the Xr'iian come up behind him, he was too busy trying to calm himself down. He didn’t understand this. Any of it. He thought that he had expressed his feelings over the calls, he thought Lance knew. If not from the calls, then what about when they had gone to the secret room together…. And watched the stars…. When they had admitted to enjoying each other… And told each other things that they had told no one else.

What about that?

Did it mean anything to him? At all?

His heart was chipping away bit by bit even though he was looking away. His pulse was racing, and he was choked up with swallowed tears, trying to keep it together. His face was burning and it took every bit of energy to keep the tears from filling his eyes.

“Why, hello there,” a voice from behind him caused him to turn around to see a noble Xr'iian. She was smirking, leaning closer and closer to him. Keith had frowned and ignored her, turning away. He didn’t need this right now.

The Xr'iian had chuckled to herself, floating closer.

“Don’t be like that, come enjoy the party,”

“I don’t like parties.” Keith had all but spat, trying to ignore her and keep the tears down.

“Oh don’t be a drag, come dance with us, to think of your rarity. Any one of us would die to have a mate as rare as you.” there were now two of them, both female and obviously wealthy by the looks of the glass beads. They were pulling on Keith’s arms with their wings, trying to get him to the crowd, tails wrapping around his legs to coax him despite how he struggled.

“Let. Me. Go.” he grit, remembering the promise of not fighting anyone tonight (dammit Shiro). The two Xr'iians wouldn’t give up though, still trying to urge him with promises of a great time as mates.

“You see, our princess has already chosen who she wants as her mate. See them over there? You could have that too. Sure, we aren’t royalty, but we’d make it just as prosperous! We promise, just one dance and you’ll see why it’s worth it.” The one on his right spoke, nodding to where Lance and Tithi were- kissing.

That was all it took to shatter his heart.

“GET OFF OF ME!” Keith screamed, causing everything to stop as he jerked his arms away and backed up. Everyone in the room was looking at him, the other paladins, the guests, the blades, Tithi and the noble Xr'iians… And Lance.

Tears were now openly streaming down his face and his head was hot with embarrassment. He sucked in a breath and ducked his head, wiped a hand across his face, and stared Lance eye to eye before racing out of the room.

He didn’t know where he was going, if he went to his room they’d definitely find him, the training room was too obvious, the only place he could think of was…

He stopped and looked around, before taking a left and a right before making it to the secret room.

It was the storage closet, really, but empty. The glass panel windows took up an wall where they could look at the stars, and a second level where they would lay.

As he entered the room, he threw off the cloak, removed the jacket, and took his hair out of the ponytail it was in. He had stopped crying, tear stains still prominent on his cheeks though, thought he had stopped crying, the amount of heavy sadness that filled him made him want to start again. But it also confused him so much.

Lance, confused him so much.

He thought he had expressed it…. He thought he had made it clear how he felt. Right here in this room.

It had been two weeks ago, when they had snuck out of a meeting to go there. On a previous call, Lance had noted how they had never broken a rule together and that “Dude, if we’re gonna be friendly rivals we gotta break a rule together!”, so there they were. Lance had laughed all the way down the hallway, making comments about how he couldn’t believe Keith had agreed and Keith let a few chuckles escape as well as he chased after him. He had made sure to turn off his communicator so that Kolivan wouldn’t disturb him, and now he was carefree as he chased after the other.

They tried opening random doors, seeing which ones where locked, and which were not, until they found one. When they had opened it, their instant reaction was a short “wow” at the amount of stars they saw, before they sat next to each other to look out at the sky.

Lance had leaned back on his arms, taking it all in for a moment before speaking.

“This reminds me of my home…” he had said, melancholy smile and nostalgic eyes fixated on the sky while Keith’s were trained to Lance.

“How so?” he had asked, following Lance’s example and leaning back on hid arms and turning his gaze up to the sky.

“Well, sometimes, my older brother would take me to the astronomy observatory back in our home town, he worked there, you see? He’d sneak me in on his break, and we’d look up at the sky together. Sometimes we’d bring my siblings, like my younger sisters, but they weren’t as interested as I was,” he sighed with a smile. “Even though it was mainly my brother and I who loved space the most, when I got accepted into the galaxy garrison, my entire family celebrated. My aunts and uncles, and my grandmother and grandfathers, they all came and threw a party. Space themed, of course.

"My nieces and nephews all came and we took this photo…. It took forever to get everyone in it since our family was so big and so many of the kids couldn’t sit still, we had to retake it like, 5 times before we got it right and ate cake. But I was right there in center, holding my acceptance letter for all to see with my family surrounding me and holding a "¡Felicidades Plantas!” banner behind me. Its still one of my favorite memories… Afterwards, for the last time my brother took me to the observatory to see the stars. That’s when he gave me my jacket too…. I started blubbering like a baby, and even he shed a tear….”

Lance had sighed, sniffing slightly. “I wish I could see them again…”

Keith had turned to look at Lance again, hand reaching for his, finding it and squeezing it, eyeing him before speaking himself.

"I’ve never been good with… people…. I didn’t even- like, know my mom existed until six months ago, and my dad died of cancer when I was 9… I never got people… Everything I said seemed to get a sneer or a response of "Why would you say that?” or “You don’t understand.”…. I just- I….“ he had stopped and breathed. "I’m not a peoples person, I have this thing…. I’ve always-….I’m brash, reckless, angry,” Lance had snorted and whispered a sarcastic ‘noooo really??’ under his breath, to which Keith hit him lightly. “Not only that- but like… now that-… My half galra thing… It seems a lot of people resent me more than before…” he had sighed.

“You’re different though, Lance… You… Joke with me, let me get things slowly…. You laugh with me and smile at me… And share your joy…. I’ve- I’ve never had something like that…. But…. I-I… Like it…. You too, and I’m not good with taking but-” Keith had run a hand through his hair. “Thank you… Lance… For finally letting me fit in…..”

Lance had smiled at him warmly, and they had hugged, sitting back and looking out at the stars of this knew and advanced solar system until they were called back to the diplomatic meeting by by Allura.

It was so different in the room without Lance…. Especially since the world seemed smaller and darker and closed in and fast so fast and no breath and painful and-

A panic attack. Keith was having a panic attack. The tears just kept coming, and his face was hot, red, so hot. It was hard to breath with his knees pulled up to his chest and his hands, though one fastened in his hair and the other the back of his neck, were shaking so much.

His breath was hot as he sobbed, muffling them in his knees, body jerking unpredictably whenever he didn’t get enough air. It was too much.

Minutes passed, probably around 7, but it felt like forever, an agonizing pain he lived in for that time before the door to the closet opened and he froze.

Twisting around he saw Lance standing breathlessly at the doorway. He was still dressed in the beautiful altean suit, but his hair was messed up and a new bitter sensation filled Keith’s mouth.

“K-Keith-”

“Stay away-!” Keith snapped, voice cracking and bitter. He tried to curl up more, skin hypersensitive and body hot. It was too much. Too much. Too much all too much–

“Keith please- Those girls were taken care of-”

“What by you?!” The ex-red paladin spit, turning to now face Lance from his fetal position on the ground.

“I- what?” Lance asked dumbfounded.

“Did you take care of them Lance? Those g-girls? The princess?” he growled. “What was it like? Wooing them to be king? I don’t know why you bothered t-to even show up-” tears were falling again, and his volume just kept raising. “If you love P-princess Tithi so much then g-go to her! Maybe you won’t break h-her heart like you did mine!” he screamed, now full out sobbing.

Lance stood frozen.

“W-what are you w-waiting for-?!” Keith was in hysterics, tears never stopping and anger rising- but- Lance looked so shocked.

“Keith-” he stepped forward and Keith jumped. “Keith!” he kneeled on the floor right in front of him. “Keith….” he sounded…. Sad….

He looked up.

“Did I break your heart?”

Keith’s eyes watered again.

“Oh Keith…. I’m…. I’m so sorry….” Lance took a deep breath. “Princess Tithi and her nobles were asked to leave…. I would never have actually accepted a proposal like that….”

Keith was still buried in his knees.

Lance reached out a hand to brush some hair behind his ear, hand lingering slightly. “I would’ve never accepted a proposal like that, Keith…. Because I already accepted yours…. I just…. Quiznak Keith I don’t know what I was thinking tonight- I’m so fucking sorry-” he seemed to be breaking too.

Soon they were both crying and before they knew it they were hugging each other so tightly with sobs. Lance kept apologizing and all Keith could do was cry.

“Keith… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to- I never…. I never wanted to break your heart….”

Keith looked up to see Lance in tears, looking down with messed up hair, beautiful eyes, and soft looking lips.

It was that moment that Keith knew that if he didn’t take this chance he’s regret it his entire life, so he took a deep breath.

And kissed Lance.

[thedeevirus]

I don't know if you have any intentions about writing more of the witch!Oswald au but if you did, I'm intrigued about what kind of horrible curse Oswald can come up with lol (Edward would be so cheerful too, I can see him cackling in his corvid form while Oswald concots something evil)

Also added to Nygmobblepot Ficlet Collection on AO3

**

‘Nothing on TV?’ Ed asked.

He was sitting on the pillow, wings folded as Oswaldconjured up a window in the air. Oswald lay back once the portal displayed animage of Barbara’s house. Within the window, they could see her ranting at someonedown the phone. Oswald had muted the sound, the better to keep he and Ed’s viewingundetected. Oswald cricked his fingers and began to mutter a complex string ofwords. Ed’s feathers rose as magic began to build in the air along with anticipation.

‘I thought we would make our own entertainment tonight’,Oswald replied, pausing his litany to make a strange series of fingermovements.

Following Barbara’s humiliation of Oswald at the dinner theweek before, Ed and Oswald had both decided her disrespect could not gounpunished. So, they had researched and decided on, not a painful ordebilitating curse but rather, a spell that would make her think twice aboutcasting negative aspersions about others. If Barbara couldn’t say something nice, they would stop her saying anything atall.

Ed watched eagerly as Oswald finished the spell with aflourish and purple sparks rushed through the portal. They surrounded Barbaralike a swarm of fireflies but she didn’t seem to notice. As they vanished however, she couldn’t help but notice the effects.

Barbara suddenly retched, a black feather falling from hermouth as she struggled to speak. She coughed and more fell from between hergaping lips along with sour saliva. She dropped the phone and tried to clap ahand over her mouth, more feathers pressing against her fingers as shestaggered around, mouthing various swear words as she struggled to figure outwhat was happening.

Despite the smirk on his face, Oswald rubbed his neck empathetically,imagining the scratchy feeling of the feathers worming their way up past Barbara’stonsils. The spell was simple: any time Barbara cursed or said something nasty,the spell would take effect. The misery she was suffering was entirely her own faultfor screaming at whoever had been on the other end of the phone.

Sure enough, the tickly sensation at the back of Barbara’s throattriggered her gag reflex and the spectating man and bird made twin noises ofdisgust as Barbara began to vomit over herself: black feathers sticking to thefoul mess being expunged from her stomach.

Oswald and Ed looked at each other and burst out intohysterical laughter.Oswald’s guffaws died away and Ed’s cackling segued into a delighted avian snickeras the portal vanished with a glimmer of purple sparks.

‘That was much better than TV’, Ed said, wiping his eye witha wingtip, ‘Maybe that will teach people not to keep making the same mistake’.

Ed shivered as Oswald took hold of his wing and gently kissedthe end of one of his feathers.

‘And what mistake is that?’ Oswald whispered, taking the tipinto his mouth.

There was a bright green flash and Oswald smiled appreciativelyas he saw a very human (and very naked) Ed appear where he had been sitting asa bird a second before. He released the tip of Ed’s finger from his mouth withan audible popping noise.

‘Underestimating us’, Ed smirked, pulling Oswald closer inthe bed, enfolding him in his arms.

Oswald laughed at Ed’s playfulness and laid his head on Ed’sshoulder.

‘Do you remember when we first shared a bed?’ Oswaldwhispered, tracing a spiral pattern onto Ed’s chest fondly, ‘The day we met?’

‘I remember that you smelt awful’, Ed joked, kissing Oswald’sforehead and wincing as Oswald thumped him playfully in retaliation.

**

Ed congratulated himself on a successful day. As he flewover the buildings of Gotham, he counted the dollar bills clutched in hisclawed foot. Twenty dollars. Not bad for a quick snipe from an open cashregister. He was reflecting on the strange way that bits of paper helddifference significance for humans when he caught sight of something whiteglinting in the mouth of an open sewer pipe. Ed, his eye attuned to flashyobjects, decided to go in for a closer look.As he hovered overhead, Ed was intrigued to see the thing in the sewer pipe wasa penguin. Having seen them in Gotham Zoo and judging from the markings, heeasily identified it as the ‘Chinstrap’ species.He circled lower and examined it. It was lying on its front, breathing heavilywith its chin to the ground. It seemed to be in a state of utter exhaustion andthe reason why quickly became apparent. Blood caked its shoulder, staining its grimywhite breast a vivid red.Ed landed a couple of feet away, tucked the dollar bills under a nearby box forsafety and warily approached. He wondered if it was someone’s escaped pet or aliberated inmate from Gotham Zoo. If it had escaped and was unused to living onthe streets, it would explain the injury.As Ed crept closer, shaking his head at the stench from the pipe, the dirtsmeared penguin stirred. One abnormally pale eye flew open and Ed was forced toflutter backwards when the bird snapped at him angrily. It tried to rise butfell back down with a cry of pain.

‘Watch it!’ Ed automatically squawked, ‘I’m not going tohurt you!’

He rolled his eyes as he realised he had spoken in human.There was no way a penguin would understand that! Ed was busy trying totheorise if such an exotic species would understand him even in bird languagewhen the penguin replied to him in human.

‘Help me’, the penguin pleaded, wincing in pain, ‘Please’.

**

‘Don’t worry’, Ed said, noticing how the penguin keptglancing nervously at the door, ‘There aren’t any humans here. Most of themabandoned this place a few days ago. I think someone else has bought thebuilding’.

The room wasn’t warm (Ed had yet to figure out the finesseof using a central heating system) but at least it was dry. Once Ed was donetending to his patient, he would close the window leading to the fire escapethey had used to enter the apartment. Thankfully, the bed the penguin was lyingon had been right beside the window allowing the exhausted bird to collapsestraight onto it after the strenuous ordeal of climbing the fire escape in hiscondition. Ed was grateful they had happened upon a full rain barrel and the penguinhad been able to wash off the stinking refuse clinging to his feathers beforeentering. Just because Ed was a crow did not mean he was unhygienic.

The penguin gave a soft squawk of relief as Ed finishedextracting the last piece of magical quartz from his shoulder. Ed spat it outonto the floor and licked the blood from his beak. It tasted tangy on histongue. He cocked his head as he analysed the wound and deemed it clean. Hereached for the towel he had held under a nearby tap and with a jerk of hishead, lifted it over the penguin’s shoulder to try and clean the wound. Itwasn’t perfect but Ed didn’t know what else he could do without opposablethumbs. At least the wound seemed to have been caused by a standard ‘ballistic’spell: devoid of poison or extra, unpleasant effects.

‘How can you speak?’ the penguin asked.

‘An unforeseen side effect from scavenging from the GothamAcademy for Thaumaturgical Studies’ trash heap’, Ed said, grooming a strayfeather from the penguin’s shoulder, ‘You would not believe what those wizardsthrow out. What about you?’

‘I don’t remember’, the penguin said evasively.

Ed didn’t push the issue.

‘Are you hungry?’ Ed asked.

The penguin nodded weakly.

‘Wait here’, Ed said, flying outside.

‘I haven’t got much choice’, the penguin said dolefully,regarding its shoulder.

A few seconds later, Ed returned, a fish head in his beak purloined from one of the trash cans in the alley. He dropped it in front of the penguin but was surprised to see the bird flinch away, beak clicking distastefully at the sight.

‘I thought penguins liked fish?’ Ed said, sniffing at the head, ‘Sorry’.

‘I’m not really-’ the penguin began but then seemed to catch himself, ‘Not this kind of fish. I eat cooked food’.

Ed crooned in realization. He picked up the fish head anddropped it in the trash as he flew to the kitchen counter. He knocked a phoneoff the hook with a quick jab of his beak and began to meticulously pressbuttons with one clawed foot.

‘What are you doing?’ the penguin enquired, a note of wonderin his voice.

‘Getting cooked food’, Ed smiled, feeling gratified at bothpenguin’s impressed look and the tuneful ringing as the call connected. 

**

 ‘How did you learn how to do that?’ the penguin asked,swallowing a shrimp.

The strange, talking crow was perched on the edge of a plastic container fullof noodles, carefully slurping one up without getting sauce on his feathers. Heclicked his beak like a pair of scissors to cut the noodle and gulped it downbefore answering.

‘Humans do it all the time. What makes it so easy is that theyspend all their time trying not to talk to other humans. They probably justthink a shut-in lives here or something’.

The penguin nodded, eyes drifting to the door once more. Thecrow’s execution of the scheme had been akin to a carefully choreographedballet. When they had heard the Chinese delivery man knock the door, the crow hadsimply passed the cash through the mailbox and asked the man to leave the foodoutside and keep the change. The man, obviously used to the arrangement hadobeyed and once his heavy footsteps had receded down the hall, the crow had jumpeddown on the door handle and pulled the food inside. Simple yet elegant andextremely effective.

‘It must be hard being a bird that can talk’, the penguinsaid, pecking at a prawn cracker.

‘Oh, I can still talk to other crows but all they ever wantto talk about is the weather’, the crow joked, ignoring the small melancholytwinge he felt at the question, ‘I guess you feel the same around other pen-’

‘Don’t you ever get lonely?’ the penguin interrupted.

‘Sometimes I suppose but not right now’.

The crow nudged the last piece of crispy chicken towards thepenguin who accepted it gratefully.

‘My name’s Ed by the way’, Ed continued, ‘It’s short for EdwardNygma’.

‘You gave yourself a surname?’

‘Why not?’ Ed said, flying up onto the bed, ‘Humans havethem and it just seemed appropriate’.

The penguin got to its own feet and gingerly waddled to joinEd on the bed. Ed noted the odd way it’s ankle turned. An old injury, Badlyhealed. The penguin had obviously led an interesting life.

‘What’s your name?’ Ed asked as the penguin lay on the bed.

‘People call me ‘Penguin’’.

‘I don’t care about ‘people’’, the crow said, nestling downbeside the penguin in an avian display of comfort and companionship, ‘What do you call yourself?’

The penguin looked away, an odd expression on his face butanswered the question.

‘Oswald. Oswald Cobblepot’.

**

It took a few weeks for Oswald to recover and, despite hisobvious sympathy for his newfound friend’s pain, Ed loved having someone to talkto. Oswald had knowledge on a surprising range of subjects and was always happyto answer any of Ed’s questions. They spent many days just watching TV anddiscussing various topics while Oswald recuperated. He healed faster than Edhad expected but when Ed had made a joke it was like magic, Oswald had notlaughed. That was when Oswald had told Ed that magic was the cause of his currentsituation. Oswald was a wizard’s familiar and his master had picked a fightwith the wrong man. His master had last been seen plummeting into Gotham Bayand Oswald had been forced to flee for his life, ending up in the sewer pipe whereEd had found him. Ed had thrilled when he had seen Oswald’s saddened expressionchange to one of desire and anger. Oswald wanted revenge and Ed was happy tohelp him get it.

**

Ed didn’t like cats so when he had heard that Oswald haddesignated one of the vile creatures as his target, he took to his part in theplan eagerly. Her name was Azrael and she was a wizard’s familiar making her more intelligent(and cruel) than the standard feline. Ed relished the challenge and so it wasthat he and Oswald infiltrated the backyard of a prestigious mansion, Oswaldslipping into the swimming pool to wait for Ed’s signal. The black Persian in question, was a highly strung and savage creature, easilyprovoked to anger by mockery. It had been child’s play for Ed to rouse the catto a vengeful fury and she had given chase, running out from the gala she andher master was attending out into the garden.As planned, Ed had landed on the edge of the swimming pool and the cat hadleapt for the bird, too focused on her prize to concentrate on the deep water.Ed had taken wing and Azrael had plummeted into the pool, vanishing beneath thewater. She emerged from the water a second later, spluttering and soaked, angerblazing in her eyes as the crow jeered and cackled from his perch atop apergola. Azrael had little time to reflect on her revenge though as she suddenlyfelt something seize her ankle and drag her back under the water. She yowledfrantically, water rushing into her gaping mouth as she began to drown, legskicking futilely. As she looked down into the depths, she saw a blurry blackand white shape beneath her and blood rising from her ankle seized in itsserrated beak.Ed watched, idly moving from foot to foot on his perch as the bubbles rising tothe pool’s surface began to dissipate, replaced by a thick cloud of blood.Followed soon afterwards by a floating, black carcass, its fur matted andshiny. While waiting for Oswald to emerge, Ed noticed a commotion inside thegala through the window and saw a crowd of concerned people surrounding a manwho had apparently collapsed onto the floor, spasming wildly. Ed knew enoughabout wizards and their familiars to know that the man was obviously Azrael’sowner, experiencing the severance of their mystic bond. Such an experience wassupposedly deeply traumatic and, from what Ed could see, obviously physicallydraining. Ed was distracted from the spectacle by Oswald emerging from thepool, white breast and face stained with fresh blood despite the water. As Edswooped down to join the penguin on the ground, Oswald spat out a gobbet ofblood. Ed pecked at it idly as Oswald wiped his beak on some nearby grass. AsEd had taken flight and Oswald had slipped back beneath the hedge to escape, Edrealised the blood had tasted the same as Oswald’s had.

**

‘You’re leaving’.

Oswald ruffled his feathers in surprise at Ed’s quietlyaccusing tone. He took his flipper from the door handle and turned slowly. Ed regardedhim from the bed, where they usually slept together. Oswald cursed himself for arrogantlythinking he had been able to sneak off without Ed noticing. Ed always noticedeverything.

‘Ed, I need to tell you something’, Oswald said, the words catchingin his throat, ‘I’m-I’m not-‘

Ed held up a wing like a human holding up an arresting handand reached beneath the mattress. He withdrew a newspaper clipping in his beakand flew closer, showing it to Oswald.

Oswald scanned it and sighed heavily. It discussed how Galavanhad toppled the fearsome wizard known as ‘Oswald Cobblepot’ AKA ‘The Penguin’ bydefeating him in a wizard’s duel. Following the duel, Oswald had fled, jumpinginto the river to escape justice and remained at large. There was a photographof Galavan smiling for the camera. A black Persian rested in his lap.

‘So, you can read too’, Oswald observed drily, ‘Of courseyou can’.

‘I already know everything’, Ed said, lowering the clipping,‘So you may as well show me’.

Oswald nodded resignedly and spoke the necessaryincantation. He gave a cry and doubled over. Ed moved forward, concerned butOswald held up a flipper to stop him interfering with the process.As Ed watched, Oswald’s flippers split into long fingers and his head feathersmoulted into a crest like head of black, spiky hair. His back arched as his legslengthened and the webbing between his toes vanished. His beak receded into a pallid,human face and his avian croon evolved into a human moan at the strain of the transformation.His feathers fell from his growing body, bathing his lean frame in a cloak ofblack and white feathers that drifted from his body onto the floor.Only his eyes remained the same: pale green and intense.As the change ended, Oswald remained kneeling amidst a pool of monochrome feathers,shivering as he looked at Ed, naked regret on his face. He turned and showed Edhis shoulder. A dark, bruise like mark was all that remained of the bulletwound. Ed said nothing, just stared and after a few seconds, Oswald got to his feet.He staggered, his bad leg spasming. Catching himself on a nearby chair, he spreadhis pale arms wide and clothing materialised on his body: a long, black cloakover a stylish black suit with the only piece of colour a purple gem set intohis tie pin.

Completing his transformation, he stood, awaiting Ed’s reaction.

‘Why kill thecat?’ Ed asked, ‘Not that I’m complaining’.

‘I needed her blood’, Oswald explained, touching hisshoulder, ‘Because of the injury, I didn’t have enough magic to change back onmy own. How long have you known?’

‘Since I picked that stuff out of your shoulder. I tastedthe magic in your blood. Saw right through the feathers’.

‘I’m sorry Ed’, Oswald said quietly.

‘For what?’ Ed asked, cocking his head in surprise.

‘I thought you would be angry with me for lying to you’.

Ed gave an odd cackling noise but Oswald now knew him well enoughto recognise laughter when he heard it.

‘You didn’t lie’, Ed shrugged his feathered shoulders, ‘Crowsdon’t put much stock in appearances. Penguin or man: you’re still Oswald to me.My friend’.

Oswald smiled gratefully and undid his tie pin. He pried theamethyst loose and set it on the kitchen counter at Ed’s feet.

‘I want you to have this’, Oswald said, ‘For yourcollection. As proof of our friendship and as thanks for your help’.

‘Tempting but no’.

Oswald blinked, confused at Ed’s refusal of the shiny bauble.The sizeable collection of shimmering knick-knacks in Ed’s nest had made Oswaldthink that Ed would appreciate the jewel. Then again, it didn’t seem to coverall that Ed had done for him.

‘Is there anything else I can do to repay you?’ Oswaldasked, trying to think of any relevant spells to give Ed whatever he might askfor.

‘Take me with you. As your familiar’.

Oswald felt his heart leap at the request but concerntarnished his happiness.

‘Are you sure?’ Oswald asked, ‘It’s going to be dangerous’.

Ed flew from the table and perched on Oswald’s shoulder.Oswald smiled at how right it felt. How naturally Ed fit with him. Birds of a feather.He sighed happily as Ed nuzzled into his neck, the soft feathers warm againsthis chilled skin.

‘I think you mean ‘exciting’’, Ed smirked, ‘Shallwe? Master?’

[shitiger]

When humans reach maturity, a name appears on their wrist.  It is the name of their soulmate, the one person in the entire universe that is perfect for them. Greytrexians are different.  For them, life is experienced in shades of grey until they look into their soulmate’s eyes for the first time, and their world suddenly becomes an ocean of color.  (John Goodspeed x Jack fic. Jackspeed. Also, Garycato preslash)

Chapter 2: Baby Gary Chapter 3-4: Short moments Chapter 5: Gary meets Avocato :)

Note: In this story, Jack refers to himself as 'Jaxx.' I hope that doesn't confuse anyone.  It seemed like the perfect fit for this story.

Until that moment, Jakktrixxriiandraneek had no true knowledge of color. Everything was white or black, or varying shades in-between.  His parents always spoke of soulmates as a wondrous thing, and Jaxx had grown up dreaming of the moment when he and his soulmate would gaze into each other’s eyes for the first time, and color would fill the world.

But the years had passed, and life continued to be grey for the Greytrexian.  Instead of moping about, Jaxx decided to apply for the Intergalactic Guard.  Very few Greytrexians even considered leaving their home planet, but he was determined to see the universe.

This new planet, Earth, was amazing to behold – even in monotone. The air was fresh, the animals were delightfully unique, and the humans were all so tall and extraordinary to look upon.  It helped that Jaxx found himself rather taken with the broad-shouldered aliens of his new planet. He wouldn’t mind finding his soulmate among them, even if the thought made him blush.

And then, out of the blue, it happened.  Recently promoted to pilot, with honors, Jakktrixxriiandraneek found himself attending the Captains’ Gala.  It was the one time each year that all of the captains in the Intergalactic Guard returned to Earth to mix and mingle with their current and future crewmates.  Junior trainees were given the night off, but every recently promoted member of the guard was expected to attend.  You never knew which captain you would be assigned under, and it was the chance to make a good first impression.

As Jaxx gazed around the room, he caught sight of a small group of senior staff members gathered around a particular human.  At first, he seemed the same as all the rest, but the moment their eyes met, everything changed. The world, beginning with the Captain’s dark eyes, blossomed into vibrant colors.  It was an awe-inspiring moment that left Jaxx speechless and giddy at the same time.

The man turned away to talk to the woman next to him, but the Greytrexian didn’t care.  He’d finally found the other half of his soul — and in a HUMAN, no less.   What would his parents think?  It was so unusual.  The little alien clutched his cheeks, unable to stop the smile brimming across his face.

“Someone is happy,” his friend Trishika said.  He turned to see that her skin was no longer a dull shade of metallic grey.  Instead, her avian features were in full, colorful display.  A lovely blend of colors that Jaxx didn’t have the words for, as of yet.

“You’re beautiful, Trishika,” he whispered, staring at her in amazement.

“Thank you, dear.  But I know for a fact that you like guys,” she replied, a smile quirking across her beak.

“No, I mean I can see you — you’re so colorful!” Jaxx nearly squealed.

“You found your soulmate,” she hissed, grabbing him by the arms to pull him close. “Who is it?”

“He’s amazing, but I don’t know what his name is.  He definitely noticed me, too.  Do you think he knows I’m his soulmate?” Jaxx wondered aloud.

“Humans are a weird species.  Once they reach maturity, the name of their soulmate appears on their wrist.  We should go see if he has your name,” the Avianrian said, perking up as she began to search the room. “What does he look like?”

“He’s right over there,” Jaxx said, pointing to the man standing between Sergeant Roscoe and a Ventrexian captain.    

“The guy with the big shoulders, brown hair, and a very pronounced chin?” his friend asked, her lips curving down into a frown.

“That’s him.  Why?  What’s wrong?” A feeling of dread was beginning to creep up the Greytrexian’s spine at the look on his friend’s face.

“That is Captain John Goodspeed.  Every girl at the academy has heard about him. He’s a very accomplished captain, but he’s also a huge flirt with the ladies.  HE’S your soulmate?”

“Yes,” Jaxx found himself whispering, his golden eyes drooping in uncertainty.

“Fate sure knows how to pick them.  I’m sorry, Jaxx, but I don’t think Goodspeed is interested in men, at all,” she concluded, wrapping her arm around his shoulders for comfort.

***

True to form, the warm moment came to an end when the very people they were discussing walked up to them.

“There you are, Jack!” Sergeant Roscoe announced, as he and Captain Goodspeed approached them. “John, I want to introduce you to the best pilot in our graduating class.  Don’t let his size fool you, he can give anyone a run for their money.”

“Hey, little buddy, I’m John Goodspeed,” Jaxx’s soulmate said, crouching to look him in the eye.

Jaxx was torn between blurting out the truth, and cringing at the way John was behaving.  Taller aliens kneeling just to talk to him made him feel like they were seeing a child, rather than an adult, when they looked at him.  Warily, he reached out to shake John’s hand.  The man’s grip was firm, but on the lighter side.  “I’m Jakktrixxriiandraneek, but most people know me as Jack.  We… don’t have last names on Greytrexia,” he informed the man.

“That’s alright.  And who is this lovely lady?” John let go of his hand, and stood back up, leaving Jaxx feeling like he’d missed the perfect moment.  Instead, the Greytrexian watched as his soulmate turned on the charm as he spoke to Trishika.  When the sergeant and captain excused themselves, John ever reached out to press a kiss to Trishika’s hand, his dark eyes lingering on her… and never once returning to Jaxx, as they walked away.

“I’m sorry, Jaxx,” the Avianrian concluded, her eyes focused on Jaxx as HE watched John mingle with a new group of graduates.

“He didn’t know who I was.  He must not have my name.  I didn’t… I didn’t know soulmates came in one-sided pairings,” Jaxx whispered, feeling tears prickling at his eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Jaxx.  Do you want to leave?” Trishika asked.

Jaxx took in a breath, and turned to her, pasting a smile on his face.   “No.  We came here to mingle, and we will.  I’ll learn to live with it. For now, I want to experience all these amazing colors.”

***

Jaxx has only wandered off to find a bathroom.  Instead, he ended up standing in the doorway of the campus library, watching two humans fornicating against one of the tables.  Once he realized what he was witnessing, his face turned a bright pink.  “Excuse me,” he squeaked out, ready to shut the door and race out of the room.

The larger, male human turned his head, locking his dark eyes on Jaxx.  “You mind, little buddy — we’re a little busy,” John Goodspeed said, his gaze holding no familiarity at all. The Greytrexian shook his head and slammed the door shut in his haste to escape the situation.  In less than a minute, he was standing in the men’s room, staring at his reflection in the mirror.

“He’s not my soulmate.  How could he be my soulmate?  He barely knows I exist.  Why would the universe pair me with someone that wouldn’t want me back?” Jaxx choked back a sob, even as he felt the tears streaming down his cheeks.  It just wasn’t fair.

***

The next few years passed in a blurr for Jaxx. He’d catch a glimpse of his one-sided soulmate from afar, but the man usually had at least one lady attached to his arm.  And they were always different.  Trishika was right; he really was a womanizer.  The only perk that came with finding his soulmate was the vast array of colors he now had to choose from.  The color purple had become his favorite rather quickly.

Jaxx figured that life would continue this way forever.  John would always pass him by, barely looking his way, and Jaxx would continue to pretend that he was ignorant of what bound them together.  Life should have continued this way… but it never does.

“I remember you.  Sorry, little buddy, I’ve forgotten your name,” Captain Goodspeed said, crouching down to extend his hand to his new co-pilot.  The Greytrexian shook his hand half-heartedly, but the big human didn’t seem to care.

“You really don’t have to lean down,” Jaxx tried to explain, but John didn’t seem to notice as he stood back up to wave at another crewmate.

“Come on then, I’ll give you a tour, little buddy!”

“Little buddy…” Jaxx muttered distastefully under his breath as he followed his soulmate into the bowels of the ship.

***

Despite the initial awkwardness, Jaxx found himself warming to the human quite quickly.  Perhaps it was due to the soulbond, even if it was one-sided, or just John’s vibrant and trustworthy personality, either way, Jaxx enjoyed spending time with him.  As long as they weren’t around any females, of course. The moment John was around a woman of any species, he went into full flirt mode. 

***

They were in the middle of a multi-level game of cyber chess when Jaxx first caught a glimpse of the mark on John’s wrist.  The captain was wearing a blue t-shirt that evening, rather than his uniform.

“Is that a soulmark?” the Greytrexian found himself asking, only to blush when the other man’s eyes focused on him.

“That it is,” John said, turning his wrist over.

Jaxx felt his heart skip a beat, before speeding up rapidly.  That was HIS name.  In Greytrexian symbols.  HIS NAME on his soulmate’s wrist.  It WASN’T a one-way bond, after all.  A relieved smile began to cross over Jaxx’s face as he focused on the mark.

“I haven’t met her yet,” John suddenly said, tracing the mark fondly.  “I’m not even sure what language this is in.  When it first appeared, my father searched the Infinity Guard database, but couldn’t find a match.  Still, she’s going to be a smokin’ hot alien babe, I just know it.”

A smoking hot alien babe. SHE.  Jaxx was not under any illusion when it came to his species.   Most humans did not find Greytrexians attractive; at best they were considered CUTE.

Once they were on the subject of soulmates, John wouldn’t stop talking about his search for the mystery woman, which, in a way, made his womanizing rather strategic.  How could Jaxx tell him the truth?  He’d lose his friend, for sure, if he did.  John would be devastated to find out that a stubby little MALE alien was his soulmate.

[angelicwritingoflesilva]

Sunday (shh it’s not Monday be quiet), “S.O.S” (completed short story!)

 no just because it’s midnight doesn’t mean it doesn’t count (need anymore negatives, angel? xp)

Here it is! Polished, shiny, and hopefully error-free, S.O.S, my first story for my Short Story Summer challenge, is officially completed! I’ve had such a blast doing this, and, although it isn’t excessively sci-fi-y, it forced me to step out of my comfort zone. 

What I’ve Learned: hOly cow, exposition is hard in short stories. I do think that, at times, S.O.S suffers from a bog of exposition, but I really shouldn’t edit it anymore considering it’s already Monday,,, ;n;

Also, procrastinating is bad. I am so bad at getting things done it is 12:10 as I am writing this.

Finally, cinnabun characters are so perfect. Ta’hua is meant to be that kind of character, and, if I ever revisit this universe, I think I’ll either set the story in Ta’hua’s past or the life he lives with Ashley and, his now adopted brother, Sterling. >u<

Final Word Count: 5,336

Final Time Spent (Writing/Editing): 5 hrs and 33 minutes

And, now that I have teased the ever living hek out of you, enjoy reading S.O.S

Trigger warning: blood, implied death, suicide, slavery, cruelty, dead family

S.O.S

“S-Sani is dead.”

The words are whispered to Sterling. The young boy’s gaze flicks to the side, meeting the dull, but worried, eyes of his friend, Ta’hua. The young Avian’s head feathers droop in sadness, his hands shaking as he pushes his mop along the deck. Sterling glances down at his own motionless mop before replying.

“How? When?”

Ta’hua turns back to his task, replying quietly. “After br-breakfast. He ju-umped.”

Sterling swallows a lump in his throat. It hurts to do so. Suddenly, his ribs feel much more pronounced, the bags underneath his eyes much heavier. “I’ll look for one this time.” Sterling says. Shoulders sagging in relief, Ta’hua gives an almost imperceptible nod before directing his mop away from Sterling.

When he is sure that his friend is out of earshot, Sterling whispers to himself in a voice devoid of emotion, “Fourteen.” Sani marks the fourteenth body. Over four years, Sterling has slowly killed fourteen different slaves aboard this ship. In the beginning, it was almost impossible to ask for others for their measly food, for their blind labor. It has become so dreadfully easy. He feels little guilt when he begs the kind-hearted, the weak-willed, the elderly, the mothers, and anyone else, for food. No shame rushes him when he manipulates others. Now, it is more of an annoyance than anything else when someone dies, because it means that he has to find a new target. He knows that he should feel guilty, disgusted at himself, devastated, anything but the cool numbness resting in his chest.

But, quite simply, he doesn’t.

He used to amend his guilt by telling himself that he needed this food, that the meals given to the slaves aboard this ship weren’t enough for anyone. While true, it didn’t become true to him until two years ago. Up until then, he would shake in his cot nightly, going insane with guilt. With every person he starved, every innocent victim to his unholy crimes, the only face he could see was his father’s. His father, who only ate enough to make it to the next meal time, just so he could feed his son most of that, who whispered stories late at night about a forgotten life, who died of starvation because he cared too much about his son.

But taking advantage of his fellow slaves now? Easy. There weren’t many weak-hearted slaves on board, but sometimes, newer ones were easier to convince. They didn’t understand the truly horrible conditions, and, before they did, they already found themselves caring about Sterling and Ta’hua. They would begin to form a one-sided parental bond with the children. They would feed them. They would take part of their workload. They would eventually die for them. Sterling swallows another hard lump in his throat. It is no easier to swallow than the first.

He turns to look at Ta’hua. His head is lowered and his back is hunched over his mop. As usual, his body shakes with every step. Everything about him screams that he doesn’t belong on this ship. His sun-like eyes and vibrant blue and yellow feathers speak of island life. His stutter and quiet demeanor are far too delicate to survive on this ship. Every time Sterling looks at Ta’hua, he sees an escape from reality, the rebellious call to something long dead. The only spring blossom untouched by winter’s greedy kiss. A person worth sharing his food with.

A whip cracks over Sterling’s head, causing the boy to flinch. The sudden motion brings instant, fiery pain to the deep sunburns on his face, and he struggles to push back tears. Looking up, a slaver yells at him in a language he doesn’t understand. He stabs a clawed finger at his motionless mop, and Sterling realizes that he had stopped working. He pushes himself to move again. The whip snaps again, although, this time, fresh agony washes across his body. Sterling can no longer hold back tears as fresh blood drips down his back. The blood, at least, cools his burned skin.

Sterling has been watching a certain slave for about three hours now. He works on the hauling team, pulling the net full of diamonds from the bottom of the ocean. It takes a strong set of slaves, at least a hundred, to pull up such a hefty net. The diamonds, which are formed under the ocean’s immense pressure, are said to be worth more than diamonds on earth, due to their rather exotic formation underneath the Oilcean.

Sterling’s mother had educated him all about the Oilcean before they travelled to it. He remembers the wondrous tales she spun about the immensely deep ocean, filled with riches such as diamonds and oil. Every moment she spent with him was precious, simply because they were so rare. It was always his older sister who took care of him and his younger sister. It was she who would kiss them goodnight. Sterling can’t remember her name, her face, or even her voice. Just the warm, cherry-scented comfort of her arms. She loved cherry soap. He wondered where she is now.

He learned bits of Avian from his mother, for which he is immensely grateful. Ta’hua was also taught some basic English and, together, they have created their own language that is a mix between the two. He remembers his first words in Avian. It was a quick “hello” to the bird-like people who welcomed him onto the cruise ship. His mother had been so excited to board that ship. 

Sterling blinks, and his mind clears. His back stings a reminder; thoughts have done him no good today.

Instead, he chooses to think about the slave he has his eye on. While the creatures themselves do not call their kind this, humans have dubbed their kind Frog Men, clunkily so. Despite this, the name is apt.

The slave is to the far right of the net--his bleeding hands are proof that he has not yet had time to develop calluses. On top of that, his clothing is not yet caked with blood or stiff with salt. His feet slip against the wave-soaked, peeling floorboards of the ship.

What’s beneficial about targeting Frog Men is that they are given much to eat. This is due to the facts that they tend to have the heavy-lifting jobs and that their massive bodies need plenty of food to function. If Sterling could convince one to share some of his food, he and Ta’hua wouldn’t have to worry about starvation for a long while.

The only trouble is convincing them to help. They’re not the smartest creatures, and there is more than a language barrier between Frog Men and everyone else. It might be too much trouble to coax food out of one. Nonetheless, Sterling has managed to do it before.

The sound of a scream jolts him out of his thoughts. A human is curled over her dripping arm, screeching in pain. The wooden planks beneath her are stained darkly. A mop rests next to her shaking body. Sterling bites his tongue slightly, trying to block out the screaming. Even so, he can’t take his eyes away from the scene. A slaver stands above the fallen slave. His leathery skin stretches to accommodate a widening smile.

The slavers are disgusting creatures. Tall and gray-skinned, their body is covered with wrinkles and spider-webbing veins. Their faces have only a mouth, one that is constantly pulled into a sharp, yellow-toothed grin. Their eyes hang from muscular tubes that sprout off of the top of their heads. Sterling has heard some slaves mutter about tearing off their eyes from their heads. He also holds this wish close to his heart.

Sterling tears his gaze away as the slaver slices at the slave’s exposed neck. Their innate violence scares him; he can never show any reason to be punished. Even the smallest things can have severe repercussions. Plus, the slavers don’t bother bandaging any injuries they cause. Either you deal with it yourself, or you die.

They love to cause pain, but hate to lose. If a slave is caught attempting to jump off the deck, the slavers will torture the unlucky soul for weeks before they put them out of their misery. They would sooner kill the slaves than let any of them escape.

Sterling spots Ta’hua gagging, but still working. It kills Ta’hua to see anyone treated this way. It seems at times that he is the only one on deck lamenting the lives lost. He sings songs to those who pass away, songs from his tribe, meant to guide the dead to their final resting place. But he cannot afford to sing now. For now, he must continue to work. If he stops, he opens the door to pain and death. Ta’hua may be mournful, but he’s no fool.

The deck must be cleaned at all times, otherwise, salt will settle into the wood and rot it. This makes it instantly clear who slacks on their duties above deck. All day, the deck slaves work under the boiling sun on a never-ending task. The boat is so large that it takes fifty slaves just to keep the deck from rotting. Every day, they clean the deck. Scrub it. Ignore the painful splinters that wedge underneath their nails. Avoid the slaver’s wrath. And the next day they do it all over again.

It begins to have a wear on your brain, this life. Sterling has started to forget anything but the boat, but the work, but the endless waves. He can’t even remember the last time the boat was docked at a port, even though he was sure it was less than a few months ago. Perhaps. Or was it last week? He doesn’t know. All he knows is how to push a mop across the deck floor.

And how to manipulate innocents.

Finish your work. Finish your work. Sterling chants to himself.

Finish your work. Finish your work.

A stick suddenly jabs into Sterling’s back. Flinching, expecting further punishment, Sterling draws his shoulders into his body to protect himself.

Nothing.

He cracks an eye open, met by blinding sunlight. Gradually opening himself up again, he turns to meet whatever poked him.

An elderly Avian stands in front of Sterling. Through the layer of thinning red feathers, a pair of tired, wrinkled eyes blearily stare at him. “My apologies, young man,” the Avian says, his voice a hoarse whisper. “I didn’t see you there.” His mop stick is now lowered, away from where it had accidentally bumped into Sterling.

He rubs the spot on his back. The seemingly harmless prod peeled up skin from the sunburn there. Through his shirt, he could already feel specks of blood pushing to the surface. The pain is not unbearable, but it stings badly. He lets his eyes water slightly, biting his lip. “It’s al-alright,” he sniffs. “I’m fine.”

The Avian’s beak twitches slightly. “Good man,” the Avian replies. Underneath all the bumps and grooves of his voice is a tone of deep sadness.

Sterling inclines his head ever so slightly before continuing with his work. Once he hears the old Avian shuffle away, he considers his new option.

Fortune smiled on him today. The old Avian would be a perfect temporary food source for Ta’hua and him. Already, the elderly are among the easiest to convince to share. Thanks to the incident today, Sterling has been able to plant the seeds of empathy in the slave’s heart. Hopefully, within the week, he would feel comfortable enough to give food to Sterling and his friend.

The only issue with the elderly is that, unlike younger slaves, they cannot last long without all of their food. They are also more likely to be punished since they work at a much slower rate than anyone else.

Sterling contemplates his options as he continues to mindlessly scrub the deck. He could set up a temporary food source with the Avian while he worked on the Frog Man’s willingness. That way, they could both be fed and, given some more time, perhaps convince a second slave.

He ignores the pang of a buried emotion, and continues to work.

Sterling lives for the sunsets.

Despite the coldness and unyielding waves, the sunsets on the Oilcean are gorgeous. For the first time all day, the heat abates to let in an embracing coolness. It wraps Sterling in its shivering arms, soothing his burns and splintery hands.

The sun lights up the waves. Bright flashes skitter across the water. The sky is painted in rich purples and delicate pinks, and, as the night progresses, it deepens into the most magnificent starry blue. Sometimes, Sterling feels a quiet desire to know why the sky changes to such beautiful colors.

As if called by the ensuing darkness, phosphorescent creatures rise from the depths. When the sun disappears, thousands of pulsating squids, octopi, and jellyfish take its place. Now, instead of cheerful gleams off of the waves, green and blue lights float regally beneath the frigid waters. Miles upon miles of open ocean are lit up in an underwater celebration of hope and light in the face of darkness.

And, best of all, the sunsets bring the promise of a break.

The familiar hiss of a slaver makes Sterling giddy with excitement. He gets a rest. He doesn’t have to work for the next five hours. His aching muscles and burning skin will no longer need to cry out for a bed.

He gathers up his cleaning supplies--his mop, sponge, and bucket coated with suds. Without a backward glance, he eagerly turns away from his workspace. He is the third in line to the locked door that leads downstairs. A slaver stares at them, his two eyes swinging down by his chin, as he watches the line. Once he deems that everyone is ready, he unlocks the door with a definite click.

The slaves hurry inside. Although relieved to be inside, none run. The last time someone was caught running below deck, they were thrown overboard and fed to the waiting squids.

They file steadily to a large cabinet, in which the mops are neatly stacked in a corner. The slavers will take any opportunity to hurt their slaves, so if anything is out of place, someone is guaranteed a beating.

As soon as Sterling makes sure that his bucket is facing the right direction and that his mop is not leaning against the wall, he quickly walks out of the room. Now that he has stopped working, his stomach begins to growl, as if it is just now noticing that it is empty. Eagerly, he makes his way to the cafeteria.

The gem cleaners and polishers, who work below deck, are already eating their food in silence. Sterling’s gut clenches in anger--they get the easiest job. Never burned by the sun, never doing the hard work, but always first to dinner. They claim the spots by the walls, so their backs are supported nicely. His gaze slides past their gaunt faces and onward to the line ahead of him.

Once he receives his dinner, he searches the line for Ta’hua. The blue and yellow Avian is easy to pick out of the crowd. He stands hunch-shouldered between a human and a Frog Man. His feet drag with every movement of the line. Sterling waits patiently for his friend to receive his meal.

Ta’hua approaches him right away and, without a word, make their way to a part of the room with fewer slaves. They sit down together, Ta’hua’s hands shaking as he holds his food.

“So little,” Sterling murmurs. A bread crust is all they have for tonight. Touching the rim of the crust, where bread once was, Sterling can feel teeth marks and a certain wetness.

He tears the corner of the crust off, places it in his mouth, and chews it slowly. He’s learned that he can trick his stomach into believing that there is more food if he eats it piece by piece. So, every bite is savored, every crumb licked from his hand.

“Di-did you find anyone?” Ta’hua asks.

Sterling shrugs slightly. “I may have found someone to temporarily support us. An old Avian. Red feathers.”

Ta’hua’s head droops further. “Another el-el-elder?”

Instead of getting angry with Ta’hua’s pickiness, Sterling nods wearily.

“Is there an-anyone else-se?”

“Maybe a Frog Man. He’s new.” Setting his head on his knees, Sterling bites his fingernail. “I’m not sure though.”

“I hate it here,” Ta’hua says suddenly. Sterling glances up sharply. Ta’hua’s stutter is gone. Although his words are quiet, each shakes with anger and sorrow.  “I hate it so much. I hate what we do. I don’t care if we have to, I hate it so much. I want to go one night without crying or having a nightmare or hating myself so much that I want to die. I want one day to pass where I’m not whipped. I want…” Ta’hua trails off, his eyes dulling with tears. “I wa-ant…”

Despite Sterling’s best efforts, tears form at the reminder that he once had something better. His heart is hollow, his stomach even more so. A sudden wave of disgust at his earlier excitement washes over him.

He remembers his sister. Her comforting words. Her cherry soap. Mom will be back soon, she’s just on a business trip with daddy right now. She always knew what to say. Now it is his turn to know what to say.

“We’re not going to be here forever.” Sterling whispers. He closes his eyes, letting tears drip off of his eyelashes. “It just can’t happen.”

The rest of dinner is spent in silence.

As a bell rings, slaves hurry to stand up. Many just finished savoring their meal. Slavers let whips trail from their claws threateningly. They bark orders in their language at the slaves and, although no one knows what they are saying, their meaning is clear. They file out of the room in a hurry, their heads bowed submissively as they make their way to the slave’s quarters.

They enter the dark room one by one. There aren’t any beds, just rows and rows of wooden shelves. There are at least three hundred sleeping spots packed into a room meant for twenty.

Each slave climbs onto a shelf. There is nothing to stop one from rolling off in the middle of the night. Many prefer to take the bottom shelves so they don’t break a bone. However, the shelves closer to the floor tend to have rat infestations.

Sterling climbs up a ladder to take a shelf in the back of the room. Four shelves up, far enough from the rats but not too far from the ground to take a potentially life-threatening tumble. He bends his knees slightly, wishing to draw them up to his chest. If he did so, he would be too wide for the shelf and fall out. His clothing scratches painfully against his burns and, where there are holes, the wood does the same. The cold is now unwelcome, making his whole body shiver and promising him a restless night.

Nonetheless, Sterling knows that, if he is going to have energy for tomorrow, he will have to sleep. So, he closes his eyes and continues to tremble with cold.

His dream is filled with laughter and light. Nothing is coherent, except for the warm sense of peace and happiness in his chest. His sister holds him close, tightly. It is not painful; he is not burned. He enjoys the hug, nestling into the crook of her shoulder. Her hands rub up and down his back comfortingly. I love you so much, Sterling… Never give up… When tears splash onto his cheek, he looks up. Why are you crying? he asks softly.

Because I’m going to lose you…  because I have already lost everyone…

You’ll never lose me, Ash. I promise.

Brave boy… stay brave, will you?

I will.

He sits up suddenly, hitting his head on the shelf above him. The slave above him pounds an angry fist against the wood plank. Sterling drags his legs to the side of his bed, so they can dangle, as he rubs the sore spot on his face. What woke me up…? His dream had been pleasant. No nightmare to shock him out of sleep tonight. Shaking his head, he listens closely to what seems like only waves. But soon, he can hear it again--shuff, shuffff. Shuff.

Heart rising in his throat, Sterling pulls his legs back into his cot. Those sounded like footsteps. Not the confident stride of the slavers, but someone trying to be sneaky. It was either someone trying to escape or--

Someone screamed, and gunfire filled the night.

Instantly, everyone was awake in the slave’s quarters. Some started to wail with fear, others prayed, but most just silently shook inside their shelves. The footsteps above were not so sneaky now. Rather, painful sounding thuds punctuated the crack of pistols and the smooth hiss of a different, more advanced weapon. Something that the slavers definitely couldn’t afford.

Sterling hid. He tried to keep his emotions in check, but his heart was already trembling with hope. Could it be…? Would he finally go back to his old life? He clenched his fists, begging some god unknown to let the attackers win. He couldn’t even bring himself to consider that the assailants could be a rival pirate ship. If all this meant was that a more powerful clan would take him, there was no way he could possibly live any longer.

Suddenly the door swings up, hitting the wall with a loud bang. Sterling’s head pokes out of his cot to see the person, and he instantly pulls it back in as he registers what’s happening. The slaver begins firing shots at the cots, and Sterling covers his ears. Crack crack, thunk, crack crack crack!

His voice is loud, screaming at the slaves as he shoots them down. It hisses and cracks with pure, ungodly rage. What was going on?

Wood splinters as bullets ricochet everywhere in the room. Sterling shakes so hard that he can barely keep his hands on his ears. Is this it? he wonders tearfully. Am I going to die now? Do I die in this awful place?

No.

The gunshots are suddenly cut off, replaced by a strangled gurgling noise. “I found them,” someone whispers.

A tinny voice replies, “Where are you, soldier?”

“Below deck. It looks like everyone is down here.”

Hardly daring to breathe, Sterling sits up. As his eyes travel down the aisles, finally he spots the soldier. The man is covered head to toe in white armor, and orange, glowing glass plates protect his eyes. As soon as Sterling sees him, he forgets the ship.

He forgets his years spent on it.

He forgets his caution.

He cries out, stumbling down the ladder to rush to the man. He is crying so hard that he can barely breathe, his breath hitching every second. As he collapses in the soldier’s arms, he is screaming. After a second of hesitation, the man picks up Sterling, propping up the child on his hip. A cool, armored hand presses against his back. The other rests atop Sterling’s limp hair. The man calls to the room, “You’ve been rescued by the Navy of the Oilcean. We’re here to help you.”

Sterling wails incoherently as the man’s backup arrives. Doctors rush the room, helping up those injured by the wild shooting of the slaver, who now lies dead on the floor. They tie red ribbons onto the toes of the dead and cover them with heavy blankets. It was probably the best cloth that those slaves had felt in years.

The man carries Sterling through the ship. His crying echoes throughout the boat that he had spent the last four years tending. Each pause in his sobbing opens up another painful memory, sending him through the cycle again.

Once he reaches above deck, the soldier sets the child down. “Sh,” he says softly. “We’re here to help. You’re going home.”

“Please don’t leave me,” Sterling whispers, clutching the man’s wrist. Desperation clogs his words. “Please.”

“I--”

“Soldier Ruben!” A voice shouts.

The soldier’s gentle demeanor disappears as he snaps into a salute. “Yes, Senior Captain Ashley!” His voice matches the bark of the first.

“Why are you above deck! Why aren’t you helping with the injured?”

The soldier’s eyes trail down to Sterling, and he swallows slightly. “I was comforting this child, Senior Captain Ashley!”

The Captain marches over to Sterling. She is not wearing white armor--rather, she is wearing a helmet and a strange, scaly looking shirt. There is something vaguely familiar about the round curve of his face. The blonde hair hanging by her chin might as well be his own…

Their gazes meet.

The Captain sinks to the ground, her brown eyes suddenly filling with tears. A trembling hand presses against his cheek. “S-Sterling?”

Sterling’s eyes squint in confusion. “…Ash?”

Sterling’s sister pulls him in for a hug, her quiet gasping sobs scraping past his ears.

The gentle, floral scent of cherries reaches him.

“Sterling,” she pulls back from the hug. Her eyes are still wet with tears, but no more form. “I have to let you go for now. My men need my help. Soldier Ruben will lead you to the submarine. There are people waiting to help you.”

With that, the Captain stands. She heads to the door leading downstairs, her boots cracking the floorboards of the ship with every stride. His reality crumbles with every step she takes.

Crack. Tomorrow I won’t have to wake up before sunrise.

Crack. Tomorrow I won’t have to trick someone into feeding me.

Crack. Tomorrow I won’t have to fear for my life.

When Ashley reaches the door, she looks back once and nods. Then, she disappears into the blackness of the stairway.

Sterling stares after her for a few more seconds before Soldier Ruben leads him to the edge of the deck. A ladder is bolted onto the side of the ship. Above the waves, the top of a submarine cuts through the water as it keeps pace with the ship.

Ruben holds Sterling’s emaciated body close to his chest as he climbs down the ladder. His bony knees knock together with every step. Each rung takes him further away from the memories of death and slavery. Each rung takes him closer to freedom.

Once they reach the submarine, a group of humans takes Sterling. Ruben leaves Sterling to them, off to help more of the rescued onto the submarine. Every moment is a blur. They bathe him in warm water, gently washing away the dirt, dead skin, and grime that have accumulated over years without bathing. They dry him with a towel so fluffy that it practically floats above his skin. Then, they dress him in clothes too soft to imagine.

Sterling remembers staying awake to search for Tu’hua. Eventually, when his friend comes, they sat together and cried. Once their tears are too painful to continue crying, they fall asleep together in the safety of a warm bed.

Two days later, Sterling wakes up in a hospital. He’s dressed in different clothing, and a white blanket is tucked up to his chin. He sits up, his eyes half open, expecting instant pain. When nothing comes, he checks his face for burns. Nothing. He pats his back--only old whip scars.

“You’re awake.” A quiet voice says from the corner.

Sterling’s eyes go straight towards the sound. “A-Ashley?”

The woman sitting in front of him is a far cry to the girl from four years ago. Her eyes are tired, bags worn into her face underneath them. Muscles have formed on her arms, and there is a certain cunning to her eyes that Sterling does not remember.

“Do you remember me, Sterling?” The boy looks down at his hands, which clench the covers of his cot.

“I remember your cherry soap.” He says softly. “I remember the way you would hold me close when I cried because mommy wasn’t home. I… I remember that, even though you’re my sister, you’re like mommy.”

She nods. “Do you remember the day we were captured?”

Sterling closes his eyes. His breathing increases slightly. “Yes,” he whispers. “We were on a cruise ship. Mommy and daddy were celebrating their company’s success. I remember we weren’t supposed to be on the Oilcean, because of the pirates, but daddy gave money to the man that said we couldn’t and then he said we could. And then our ship was attacked, and mommy and Emma… they… they died… and they took you away…”

“Sterling,” Ashley broke in. “I need you to tell me where dad is. I know he went on the same ship as you. Is he alive?”

Sterling shook his head, his eyes still closed.

Ashley fell back in her chair. A trembling sigh brushed past her lips. “That’s it then. You and I are the only two left.” Only a few moments pass before she breathes in deeply, bracing herself against the wall of emotions threatening to crush her. “Sterling, I’m going to tell you what happened to me. Once I’m done, you can ask questions. I’m not going to make you tell me your story.”

Sterling’s eyes crack open to see his sister. She has her forearms braced on her knees, which she leans over. Her hair swings in front of her eyes as she begins to speak.

“When they separated me from you and dad, I almost died with grief and fear. I didn’t know where I was going, didn’t know what would happen, and had no one to tell me what to do. All I could do was what I was supposed to. I was put on an oil rig. I was always covered in the stuff. It was always in my mouth; all of the food tasted like oil. It was awful.

“But, within a year, my oil rig was liberated by the Navy of the Oilcean. I was free, but I had nowhere to go. Dad and mom’s company had already been claimed by one of their heirs, and they shut me out. They didn’t want a lawsuit on their hands. I… I didn’t know what to do.

“I realized that I had to do something with my life. After all, it was saved for a reason. So I looked to you. I had a new goal in life--finding you and dad. The best way to go about that was to join the Navy. I spent every moment trying to make my way to the next rank, so I could start searching specifically for you and dad.

“It was hard, because people easily connected my actions with my past. Many tried to get me fired since they thought I was biased towards you.” Ashley chuckles softly. “They were right, of course. Didn’t mean I could let them get in my way.

“I spent every minute of my day fighting my way to the top. And, once I was there, I spent every other minute fighting to stay there. I was able to trace several ships that could possibly have you onboard. As the years went by, I had to confront the possibility that you and dad might be dead. But… I never gave up.” She smiles sadly. “And here we are.”

Sterling blinks. “Where is here?”

Ashley sits up, and her sadness fades away. “We’re still on the Oilcean. A hospital, in San Paola.”

“Is Ta’hua safe?”

“The Avian you fell asleep with?” At Sterling’s nod, she continues. “He’s doing just fine. He’s been awake for a few hours now, actually. Very quiet, that boy.”

Sterling’s lip trembles. “Am… am I safe?”

Ashley’s eyebrows slant sadly. She comes to sit on his bed, careful not to disturb his legs. She grasps one of his hands. “From now and forever.”

Sterling smiles at her, his eyes filling with tears built up over four years of torture, pain, and misery.

From now and forever.

And there it is! I hope you enjoyed reading my first short story of the summer! Thank you for reading!

- L.E. Silva

[hawthorn-shoocidueye]

     The little bird stares down the giant beast before her. Its body was shifted back, taking a deep breath, readying its attack. She’s still reeling from the last one, but she’s ready. She has to be.

     A noxious lavender cloud crosses the twenty yards between them in the blink of an eye, assaulting her nose with brimstone and whispers, promises of rest woven in magic and chemistry. The onslaught on her senses sends Hawthorn reeling as she struggles to stay awake... Like a blessing, an old Patapon chant bubbles up from the depths of her memory...

Pata. Pon. Don. Chaka. By the grace of the Almighty Patapon,

Pata. Pon. Don. Chaka. May the holy drums grant this wish.

Pata. Pon. Don. Chaka. Grant this humble soul vivace greater than any ill.

PataPon, DonChaka!! Dance, and be well!

     Brimming with vigor, the fierce avian stamps her feet and flares her feathers, screeching in a vicious war-display! The daughter of the jungle will not be bested so easily! Not waiting for the smoke to subside, she leapt into the air and summoned the mighty bow Yoichiro into her hand, the gentle grace of the wind holding her aloft just long enough to loose a volley of quill-feather arrows. They found their marks well, and buried themselves to the fletching in the demon’s thick hide. She let the bow recede back to the aether, and continues on the offensive. Strike fast and hard, leave no room for response. If they cower behind a shield, beat it to dust, for you are greater than any aegis. She turns this lesson on its master, soaring down and applying wicked claws to jagged flesh, leaving purple trails of blood in her wake. She made her way quickly down the bucking beast’s back, for she knew the thing was wily despite its size, so she had to keep moving.      Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted an arm violate its joints to grab at her, and like a bullet, she was gone.... directly into its other claw. Oops. She’s slam dunked into the ground hard enough to shatter her shoulder, but she refused to give her vile opponent the satisfaction of hearing her cry out in pain as she rolls to a stop.      Hawthorn pulls herself out of the dirt, cradling her useless wing, and stared death in the face. The monster stared back, closing the distance from meters to inches in a single stride. Blue lips on black flesh around a green tongue... Death needs to brush its teeth more often. That wise remark dashes the last bit of fear from little Hawthorn’s heart, and she smiles wickedly at her end.

...

     The thing doesn’t eat the morsel. Instead, it grumbles its wisdom to her.      “You have done well, better than ever before! But you still have much to learn. Just as you plan to defeat your enemy, they plan against you in kind. Expect the unexpected, and be unexpected yourself, so you may not be baited into a trap.” With this, the beast laps at Hawthorn’s injury with its long tongue, and she is healed. “The one you once feared is close. I am your guard-dog as long as he remains on your mother’s sacred ground.”      The little bird looks up at the giant beast before her, and finds its grotesque form strangely comforting.      “Thanks, Uncle Z. I’ll do better next time.”      The two part, but only to other sides of the rear courtyard in the Estate of Earnestness.      “Oh, and also- Thanks for comin’ out all this way for me. Really ‘preciate it. Makes me almost think you actually care ‘bout me~”      The demon prince Zuttankarmen responds with one sentence, spoken in the sarcasm he learned from her. “A most unfortunate delusion, little bird, geheheh...”

[etzzzel]

Appearance & Biology

     Once again Phoenix’s appearance has been tweaked both in physical appearance and inner working. For awhile I had her old information saved but I’m no longer satisfied with it. This will be slightly unorganized but better detailed. Will somewhat attempt to have everything listed from head to toe. An nsfw information post will be made later when I’m less nervous about things. This is cut solely for length and is subject to editing.

Feathered hair. The usual length reaches a little past her knees but often never stops growing. At this length it simply slows. One will see her with shorter and longer off and on due to her trimming it herself periodically. In good health the feathers are a deep reddened brown in color with an iridescent blue underside.      The quality of the feathers is strange. They behave much like feather and fur. They absorb water unless she’s altered them otherwise. Long strands off the feathers feel and somewhat behave like hair does.

The eyes are often narrow, more sharp then soft in shape, added on by often thin pupils, most similar to venomous snakes. The color at good health is primarily golden, offset by rich green. At low health they are mostly green, and darken the worse her health gets.

Phoenix walks normally with her particular feet flat to the ground. This is a relaxed stance, and her height as such usually faintly differs between 4′11″ and 5′0″. When she feels the need or decides to; she can lift to the balls of her feet which raises her height by about a foot give or take a few inches.

Her face is supposed to have sharp features, both in bone structure, under scale beneath the layers of skin, and the placements and design of her stripes. The softer features would include full lips and brow shape.      Her ears somewhat higher on her skull then a human beings are covered in fur, large and mobile and express a lot for her rather then frontal facial features. They are the same color as her feathers and are tufted at the tips. A lynx is the closest resemblance though still quite different.      When stressed or agitated, her head dips forward rather then remaining upright all while tensing. This show’s off some of the strange ‘armor’ beneath her skin, especially along her neck and jaw in the form of hard ridges pressing up.

Shoulders are likely the first hint to her physical weakness. By no means is she able to fight like many people she is affiliated with. While she has good planed muscle, heavy weight and power pushed strikes are not in her abilities. Shoulders are narrow, and ridged from under scale along the outer curve, disappearing to smooth skin a few inches down her arm. Thin neck, ridged at the front down her throat. Her ribs are closed in, adding to the ‘small’ appearance she gives off. Under scale over said ribs is thicker here but usually unseen unless she’s in strange positions. Aka arched or stretching dramatically.      Chest size is moderate usually, notably shifted to smaller on occasion. Breasts are somewhat more compressed, different then a human and far more firm to contact. Touching back on rib appearance, the narrowing has to do with a singular lung that is present but not often used due the lack of need to breath.

Her back posture wise is often stiff and upright, this would be due to some substantial scarring. Only when said marks are giving her exceptional trouble will she hunch over. Her spine even seen through skin is good description by itself. Under scale branches off the bone itself and gives her an exaggerated ‘bumpy’ spine.      Back on topic of feathers and hair, where as human’s hairline ends a little ways down the neck, Phoenix’s is more like a mane. The ‘hairline’ ends about five inches above the middle of her back.

Phoenix’s stomach is curved inward, and also has some strange scars. The curve has a touch to do with a small stomach, as her celestial make up is designed to burn through any ingested material rapidly. A muscled abdomen looks different due to scales and is set deeper. Would feel familiar in touch however to a toned belly on a humanoid.

Hips on the other hand are flared out, curving around entirely. These are also ridged in appearance where the under scale has thickened some. This also exaggerates a wavering sway to her normal walking and taut backside.

Her arms are thin. Toned muscle is obvious when hints of armor beneath flesh is not. Thickened scale on her elbow’s juts up toward her shoulders slightly adding to the ‘sharper’ features.      Hand’s are somewhat long, and have gone from darker skin just beyond the wrists to darker, leathery texture on the back’s and digits. On knuckles the leathery has hardened to scale.      The center of her palms and ‘pads’ on her fingers are soft and paled. Going to the tips of her fingers, long and slightly curved claws are about two to three inches in length, dark at the root and lightening to the tip.

The shifter’s legs actually make up most of her height. Running and jumping two of her major strengths. Muscle is more defined from the waist down in this regard, not as thin as her arms. Like her elbows, under scale is thick on her knees and also juts upward slightly.      Four to five inches down from her knees skin becomes leathery and darkens gradually. This area however becomes distinctly bird like. Under scale decidedly breaches the surface and armor’s her feet. Four front ‘toes’ and one back have long talons to finish off the avian appearance.

All her bodily stripes are jagged in appearance, only vaguely similar to lightning, not as pronounced. There is no place on her body where the stripes aren’t present. Said stripes are lighter then her skin tone and occasionally shimmer with emotion. An iridescence to these are also obvious under running water.

[acrownofblueroses]

Klance Fic Recs- AU Settings Pt II

FANTASY

Mermaids/Sirens Watercast (WIP) by fishwrites Shiro has been a Galra prisoner for over a year; with his flight feathers clipped and unable to fly. Desperate to escape, he jumps overboard while being transported to the capitol on a Galran ship. Lance is a merman who saves him from drowning. Keith thinks Shiro is about to become mermaid dinner. Hunk just wants Lance to stop going to the surface all the time, dammit!

(AU where Avians (winged folk), Galra, humans and merfolk cohabit earth. Shiro and Keith are avian soldiers, Lance is the youngest son of a Queen, Hunk is also a merman and Pidge is still looking for her family.)

Pass Like the Weather by crxzy “What’s it like?” “What’s what like?” “You know, being a mermaid and all.” “It’s very wet.”

AKA- that vaguely sad, slightly angsty, mainly just cute and kinda strange mermaid AU that nobody asked for but me.

Moonset Deep (WIP) by MilkTeaMiku All his life he’d been told to make sure he was never seen – it was what all the children were taught from the moment they were born. Never let a human see you, never fall in love with a human, and most importantly, never kiss one.

For Lance, humans were a mystery. He'd lived beneath the surface of the ocean with his shoal his entire life, and had intended to remain there. He knew the danger humans posed to his kind, and what would happen if he came close to one. That's why, when he found one drowning, his first instinct was to save him.

He'd never been good at following the rules anyway.

To Resist the Siren’s Call (WIP) by leolovesnico Ever since the death of his mother, Lance McClain can't bring himself to love the sea as his father does- who knows what could lurk beneath the surface? With the threat of a war looming over his head, Lance needs to face his face in order to save their country from the Galra. (Fantasy au, mermaid au, voltron secret santa gift 2016)

the sea pronounces something by legendarydesvender “You’re the best we have.”

“Shiro was the best and we all know what happened to him.”

“That’s the thing, Kogane — we don’t know what happened to him, or the Holts, or anyone else who went in there and never returned. There is a good chance you won’t make it back either. But if you don’t give a damn about that, the mission details are in here.”

Keith shrugs. “Well, I’ve got nothing left to lose.”

***

AU where Keith is a sailor and Lance is the siren trying to drown him.

See You Tomorrow by Craptastic He stands frozen as a creature of magnificent beauty swims up to him with a smirk on his lips. The dwindling sunlight catches the creature's iridescent tail causing the colors to alter between shades of blue and green. The creature is a thing of fairy tales with half a body of a human and the other of a fish. The beauty that lays before him was from fairy tales, nothing in reality could be as beautiful.

It has to be a dream.

breathless by zxrysky "You shouldn't go out to the sea at night," their grandmother says. She's in a rocking chair, old and creaky, her withered body settled with a shawl around her shoulders, wrinkled fingers gripping the edges of the arm rest. "Don't risk it."

"Risk what?" Shiro asks, eyes wide. He's fourteen, just a young boy, on the cusp of maturity, arms wrapped around his younger brother as they sit before their grandmother.

His grandmother pauses for a while. "There is danger in the sea."

Going Under by sun_stricken Lance takes a dangerous spill in the ocean and is saved by none other than a mermaid with weird hair.

Or: a mermaid keith au, with not even gratuitous amounts of surfing sorry my bad

Seafoam Castles (WIP) by milkdromedas Lance has what one may be able to call a near-death, close-encounter experience with a mer...person.

No, really.

Elemental Powers (a la Avatar Last Airbender ish) Foundations by needchocolatenow When Keith met Lance, it was over a briny sea.

Soulmates I Will Follow by jamwrites Keith and Lance are bound by their soulmate tattoos, bound to meet again and again with each new new life. When lives hang in the balance, that bond will be sorely tested.

An explosion of golden pleasure and joy and love for Keith rushed through Lance’s body like a tidal wave, every bit as strong as when the flower had first bloomed. His legs suddenly were gooey; it was everything he could do not to crumple to the floor.

“Okay, okay,” Lance said, panting a little. “Sorry.”

But he was smiling while he said it, because now he wanted nothing more than to be close to Keith, and he could tell Keith wanted the same.

You don’t have to say “I love you”, to say I love you by haarucchii soul mate noun noun: soulmate a person ideally suited to another as a close friend or romantic partner.-In which Lance's soulmate, isn't really his.

A Shove Towards Love by General_Button A simple rescue mission turns into chaos when the species on the planet Novaria take an interest in the lives of two of its paladins.

In It To Win It by Lucy_Claire One of two things was happening right now, either Lance was having a heart attack on of the biggest day of his life, or he had just laid eyes on his Soulmate. _______

Competitive swimmer Lance McClain feels his Timer counting down right when he’s about to jump in the water and finish up his race. He’s faced with two choices in this moment: Continue the race and miss meeting his Soulmate at their fateful time or abandon his life’s work for someone he never met.Lance makes his choice and has to suffer the consequence of never getting back what he missed out on. Or does he?

Love and Other Questions (WIP) by squirenonny One week after news of the Kerberos disaster broke, Pidge receives a new Mark--proof that Matt is still alive. She breaks into the Garrison to find him, only to find herself caught up in the fight for the fate of the universe.Keith keeps his arms covered so he doesn't have to watch Shiro's scars compounding on his skin--but doing so means cutting off contact with his romantic soulmate, who greets him each morning with a new (and terrible) pickup line.

Shiro and Matt thought they were the luckiest people alive when they found out they were going to Kerberos together. But Shiro hasn't seen Matt's untidy scrawl on his arm in almost a year, and he has no idea if his soulmate is even still alive.

[Canonverse Soulmate AU with romantic and platonic soulmates (and some gray areas in between)]

daytime star by draconicwyvern Keith's neighbor across the balcony is annoying. And not just annoying — Lance is get-on-your-nerves, make-you-want-to-punch-a-wall annoying. So when Lance announces he's moving to Colorado, Keith finally feels as if the world is back to being just him and the night stars.

But things don't go as planned: the paper airplanes, the scent of coffee at 1:00 a.m., the words inscribed on Keith's neck, and the slow curl of a blue flame echoing in his chest. And maybe, just maybe —

— stars do exist in the day.

in between suns by drowninships Lance thinks he would always remember Keith like this; he would always remember the glow of his eyes, the fall of his hair, and the rhythm of his laugh, the callouses of his hands.

When he sleeps, it's all he sees. In his dreams, he would never forget.It's just that — every time he wakes, he doesn't remember a thing.

--

What do you do when you meet your soulmate in your dreams but can't remember anything when you wake up? What happens when you meet them and suddenly, the dreams stop?

(Soulmate AU!!!!!)

Fragmented by darkgaaraluver In a world of soulmates, Lance drew the short straw. The indelible marks forever marked him inferior to his soulmate, and the people around him, what made it even worse were the first words that pass Keith's lips...

The Marks We Make (WIP) by wittyy_name Lance McClain constantly dreams of the day he’ll finally meet his mysterious soulmate. They don’t say much, if anything at all, but they leave him with gorgeous paintings temporarily tattooing his skin. It’s not exactly the situation he hoped for, but when he feels the connection between them, he can’t bring himself to resent them. As much as he wishes his soulmate would just talk to him, he’s resigned himself to being patient. In the meantime, he has a loving family and good friends to help him get by.

Keith Kogane dreads the day he’ll finally meet his obnoxious soulmate. He’s just an art student who’s struggling to find his place in the world. There’s so much he hasn’t been able to control in his life, and the thought of having a soulmate, just another thing in his life which he also has no control over yet can’t do anything about, is a little terrifying. So he ignores the words that occasionally appear on his skin. He has other things to focus on: like being a new student at a big university where his childhood friend and step-brother go.

Witches Forget Me Not (WIP) by TheHomestuckWhovian There Keith was, surrounded by all his friends, a picture of total contentment. At least, he would be, if something weren't missing.

Keith agrees to test a spell for his brother's best friend and discovers a vaguely familiar boy who no one can remember. What follows is a series of magical shenanigans that will either be tragic or entertaining as hell.

The Quilted Lion (WIP) by geewillikers Keith is stuck in New York City barely making ends meet so he and Pidge can live in a decent part of the city close to her university. They scrape by on the illegal winnings Keith makes in street boxing matches, but his manager, Shiro, decides that it's time Keith gets a side job. He's whisked into The Quilted Lion café owned by the woman Shiro's been fawning over for over a year, only to find that he has more to worry about than his lack of magic and cooking skills-

-There's a waiter at The Quilted Lion who is entirely Keith's cup of tea.

Magic Me Some Love by KaSaPe When Shiro's arm gets cut off while he is trying to protect Keith, Keith doesn't see any way to save his life but to break into the Galra's castle and steal some of their magical medicine. But nothing goes as planned and when he exits the castle empty handed he is cursed to look like a Galra until he accepts his halfbreed status. He is convinced that he has condemned Shiro to death - and then he learns of a magician that might be able to help just in time.

Meanwhile Lance didn't expect a Galra to turn up at his door, demanding him to save his half dead (human?!) friend. And he certainly didn't expect to fall in love with him either.

throw fairy dust at me by zxrysky "Are you going to do the telepathic thing?" Lance asks, standing up and dusting stray hairs off his shirt. "Where you get into my mind which, cough, is my private space?"Blue opens an eye. "Yes."

Okay, Lance isn't going to argue with that. If he were a lazy cat, he'd probably do the same. But for now, he's going to go check out some clubs, make some friends, maybe hang out with some cute girls, and Lance is a Man with A Plan.He's going to enjoy himself.

-=-

Lance is enrolled into Altean Castle. It's filled with magic.

throwing shadows by ilgaksu “Dude,” Lance says, “It’s not my fault he does this!”

“Dude,” Hunk says, and leaves it at that.

What a Cat-Astrophy by annoyedraccoon In an unlucky turn of events, Keith gets cursed and transformed into a cat. To make his life even more miserable, one college kid finds him and decides to adopt him. And worst of all, that kid was Lance.

We’ll Stir the Stars (WIP) by Latios Lance is somewhat of a talent in a family full of sea witches; His usual days consist of practicing his element, flirting with mermaids, and helping his mother brew potions for the local myths around the island. Finding an injured and stubborn dragon named Keith isn't part of that routine, but definitely changes it—and sends him traveling across the sea to recover the dragon's one and only family who was captured by hunters.

Lance only hopes they won't bite each other's heads' off before they even get there.

Dragons He Who Fights Monsters by magisterpavus In a world where monstrous dragons terrorize humanity daily, the Garrison trains valiant Knights to slay the evil beasts and defend Earth. But when Knight cadet Lance Espinosa is kidnapped by a strange red dragon who kills its own kind, certain truths are revealed...and so are the true monsters.

Incubi Sure sounded good at the time by GemmaRose Keith believes in a lot of things, cryptids and aliens and conspiracy theories among them. What he does not believe in, however, are ghosts and curses and demons. Those are as fake as fairy tales. Except for the part where they're really, really not.

Crossposted from the Voltron kink meme.

Vampires one more off key anthem (let your teeth sink in) by maryams Keith sucks at being a vampire and Lance is going to hell. Nothing strange here.

or, supernatural boyfriends go shopping and are confounded by The Gayness™.

Ghosts The Quiet (WIP) by MilkTeaMiku Does he not realise he's dead?

Keith can see ghosts. As a part of his Garrison training, he's sent to a hospital to do one year of medical clerkship - it's there that he meets a charmingly irritating ghost who definitely needs to learn what boundaries are.

your favorite ghosts and planets by xShieru In hindsight, an asthma attack in the middle of the day wasn’t such a terrible way to give up the ghost.

Except this isn't how he imagined afterlife.

An AU about being dead.

[theinsomniacsdnd]

Session 4: Consequences

Rolen awoke in a land drained of color, and heard nothing but the whistling of the wind through the grass as the distinct chill of the coming winter filled the air. As he stood up he heard something above calling out to him and saw a familiar figure of a raven circling above him, and following it he traveled through the empty landscape with no sense of the passage of time until he saw a structure on the horizon.

Approaching it, his raven friend flew ahead, still calling to him, and he found himself in a neatly kept garden. The plants were clearly alive, but they like everything else were drained of color. As he walked through the hedges he saw a flock of ravens perched on a trellis, with his friend in the middle, watching him intently.

Below them crouched in front of a rosebush was a figure, and as Rolen watched it rose and he could see it was a woman, with dark hair and pale skin and wearing a cloak of raven feathers. She held a small pair of scissors in her hands and carefully inspected each rose, turning it over in her hands gently and snipping those that seemed faded and dying, placing them in a pouch at her belt. Rolen approached and offered to help her, and with a smile looked at him and he saw her eyes were black and bottomless, though he felt only a sense of peace looking at her. She handed him a second pair of scissors and they worked in silence for a few moments until she said that the roses did not fight when they knew it was their time since from their deaths came new growth and life, and then asked Rolen what it was he was seeking by allying with her, since most mortals kept their distance from her if not outright fearing her, and yet here he was, actively seeking her out. Rolen explained that he felt it was the path of balance, and that things he had seen in the world were wrecking the balance and need to be put to rest.

Impressed, the Raven Queen nodded but warned him that the path he was choosing was not an easy one, and that there was an evil in the land ancient and powerful enough to block even her sight. It had seaped like a poison into the land, and some of the other Gods had taken notice and also sent their champions to combat it. If he was willing to join her in the fight she would be glad to take him under her mantle. Rolen accepted, and as he knelt in front of her she declared Rolen of the North to be her Blade and lightly touched his shoulder. The world around him then dissolved, and Rolen awoke in a bed of white linen back in the material world, the sounds of the city outside the open window. He sat up and found Iskander seated at his bedside, reading a book, and as he looked up at the motion Iskander Cleric welcomed him back and said that he hoped his discussion with the Raven Queen had been a fruitful one.

Iskander explained that he had been asleep for four days, since having your soul taken to the Shadowfell tended to have that effect, and that his friends had gone off on a mission but they had been told to come back to the Temple once they returned to retrieve him. If he wished he could return to the Inn on his own and they would instruct his friends to find him there if they came by. Rolen thanked him, and sitting up found that he now bore the symbol of a black raven feather on his shoulder where the Queen had touched him. Iskander smiled and said it sounded like it had gone well, and when asked about his own relationship with the Queen merely said that she had come to him at a time in his life when he was lost. Thanking him for keeping watch over him, Rolen rose and gathered his things and returned to the Inn, feeling very much at peace.

Back in Lake Alcmene, as the rest of the group gathered outside the secret entrance to Inistina’s hideout they wondered what they should do next. Tris wondered if Bakirian might be disguised as a mortal and suggested asking Okilo if any Dragonborn or very old people lived in the area, and returning to the entrance on the old docks they found their avian friend trying to push Stone Boy out through the door and having some trouble due to his size as Bone Boy stood off to the side, perplexed. No tried to use some clay to try and lubricate the door and help them along but instead he just encased the golem even further in the door as it started to dry. Luckily, Stone Boy remembered how he got through before and compressed himself down a bit, managing to barel slip out the door to freedom.

Okilo thanked them again for their help, and they asked her if she knew of any particularly talkative Dragonborn in the area. She pointed them in the direction of a Yasin Copperscale who was a bookbinder in the older part of town, and wishing them luck got back to work with her new new golem assistants.

Following her directions, they entered a small shop and No was thrilled to see that he actually cleared the doorway. Seated at the desk at the front was an elderly copper Dragonborn, and as he looked up in their direction and asked if he could help them they realized that the milky color of his eyes meant he was partially blind. They introduced themselves and explained that Tamra had sent them on a quest to discover the whereabouts of their ancestor, and after being thrilled to hear how his niece was doing Yasin told them that while he did meet Bakirian as a hatchling he had not been seen since then, and he didn’t know anything about his current location apart from that due to his immense age he tended to sleep for long periods, had said something about a lair in the mountains when they had spoken before and that he often appeared to help the region during times of trouble. Salome wondered aloud if the current vampire problem might prompt him to reappear, and Yasin sat up, startled by the news of the vampire activity. Tris tried to explain that Ireena was working to track them down, but unintentionally echoed Agravayne’s suspicions about her possible connection to their appearances. Thanking Yasin for his time and the information they had provided, they departed and decided to head back to Comvos, and on the way No made two more flower crowns for Tris and Salome as he skipped down the road, shaking the ground with every step.

Two days later when they arrived back in the city they headed to The Raven Queen’s Temple to check on Rolen, only to find out he had already left, so instead they went to the Inn and found him there. As he  regailed him with tales of his experience in the Shadowfell No handed Rolen a flower crown made black flowers as congratulations for finally meeting his patron and Rolen tipped it down with a menacing grin, and Yevgeny noticed the new feather mark on his arm and joked that he now had a proper mistress. Deciding to share their own story of their exploits, No showed the severed head of Inistina that was still in his Bag of Holding to Rolen, who promptly spit out his drink in shock and asked for another round. As they debated whether or not to tell the Crownsguard and Florentin’s family that they had taken care of the murderer, Tris gave a gold and two copper to Rolen from their share of what they found in Inistina’s belongings. They decided their first stop should be at Terrasyn’s, and gathering their things they headed into The Insula and The White Oleander.

On the way they heard a cat screech somewhere above them, and turning towards the source of the noise they saw two figures engaged with each other on a nearby rooftop, with the puffed out tail on one of them indicating it was a Tabaxi. The other, black clad figured rushed at the Tabaxi and made him lose his balance and fall off the roof, but he spun in mid air and managed to land on his feet right in front of them, glancing between them with a startled look on his face before he rushed off into a nearby alley. As the others watched him flee, Tris turned back to the rooftop and saw the black-clad figure watching her before it vanished in a cloud of darkness that appeared out of thin air.

Unsettled by this, they continued on to The White Oleander and found Terrasyn at her usual table in the back, a large cigar hanging out of her mouth and filling the air with smoke. No stomped up and proudly declared that they had killed Inistina, holding out his bag so she could see the head within. Syn leaned over and casually confirmed it was her, and Salome suggested telling Floretin’s wife they “took out the garbage”, which earned a smile from Syn and a statement that she she liked the way she thought. While debating how to tell Florentin’s wife, Syn offered to deliver an anonymous message saying that his murderer had been taken care of, and they agreed.

With that business taken cae of, Tris mentioned the scuffle on the roof, and Syn turned to speak to someone over her shoulder who disappeared into a back room. A moment later the Tabaxi they had seen on the roof shuffled in, his ears flat against his head in embarrassment. He gave his named as Hassan and explained to Syn that he didn’t know who had been up on the roof, he had just been tailing them as instructed when he heard a noise and saw the second figure on a nearby roof and realized that she had tripped, and upon seeing him she had started attacking him. The only thing he knew somewhat certainty was this person’s gender since he had heard a female voice when she tripped and cried out. Concerned by this, Syn promised that she would keep an eye out.

She then turned to No and said that she had a potential lead about the Spyte of Darkness’ deaths. According to Madame Cheng, her sea-based counterpart, a pirate ship known as The Black Wind, captained by an individual named Hornigold, and it had been seen in the area on the night of the attack and it the M.O. sounded very similar to that crew’s usual tactics. If they wanted more information she suggested they visit Port Margo and talk with Madame Cheng directly, as she was retired now and happily running a gambling house but was still in the undisputed expert on all things pirate-related. No thanked her for the information and they took their leave, and as they stepped outside he sadly signed “Hookers” in an attempt to distract himself from the weight of finally knowing who had killed his lover and his friends. The others agreed, and they headed off to The Suburra for a night of celebration.

At the gate to the district they were met by a pair of Crownsguard, including a crusty old guard who bluntly asked that they remove all their weapons before heading inside, since that was the rule. Rolen began the laborious process of removing his many, many weapons as No gripped the handle of his axe, glaring at the guard in an attempt to intimidate him but failing since this particular guard had seen it all. Yevgeny stepped in and reassured No that his axe would be returned to him and that he had never had an issue retrieving his weapons, and No reluctantly turned it over, signing that there would be hell to pay if anything happened to it to the thoroughly unimpressed guard.

As they headed inside a celebration was in full swing as people danced in the streets, and hearing a whistle somewhere nearby they turned and saw a few women sitting on the front steps of an Inn and waving to Yevgeny, who pointed finger guns in their direction and promised to see them later once he had given his new friends the tour. Wandering through the crowd were people in purple robes that Rolen recognized as Clerics of Sharess, and one in particular, a spotted Tabaxi in white and gold robes, saw Yevgeny and sashayed over to them, giving him a kiss on the cheek and welcoming them all to the district. She introduced herself as Phryne, the head Cleric of Sharess, and quickly ran them through the rules of the district and told them to find the Clerics if they needed anything. As long as everyone was having fun and being treated well they should have no issues, but any untoward behavior would result in first being spoken to firmly, then removed from the establishment, then the district, and anything more serious would result in intervention from the Crownsguard. No reassured her that they would be on their best behavior and their main goal was to have fun, then revealed an unexpectedly long tongue that made several of the nearby women swoon.

Deciding she wanted something more than just booze and sex, Salome went off to find something mind altering and Rolen went with her, and after a short search they were able to acquire a mild hallucinogen. After taking some, Salome felt like the walls were closing in on her while Rolen saw a tiny man he named Ezekiel dancing on the palm of his hand. They tried again and Salome was compelled to perform poetry in front of everyone, believing it to be the best thing she had ever come up with while Rolen got a second tiny man on other hands and stood paralyzed, not wanting to hurt either of them, while the other two just watched from the doorway. With now both thoroughly altered Rolen tried to ask Salome about her past and she revealed she had been in a cult growing up and eventually escaped it, and that she had fallen in love with a Tiefling Sorcerer who didn’t return her affections. Rolen comisserated about not knowing where he stood, mentioning his current uncertain status with the Raven Queen, and after a time both managed to shake off their respective trips.

At Yevgeny’s suggestion they made their way back to the Inn they had seen on their arrival and entered The Minstrel and the Axe, where they were warmly greeted by a band in full swing as the employees moved amongst the crowd offering drinks and other services. No commented on being away from his axe being hard since he hasn’t parted with it since Kolero gave it to him, and again Yevgeny reassured him that it would still be there when they departed but to focus on the fun times at hand. Heading up to the bar, they asked the barkeep for suggestions and No and Salome got a particularly strong brew called a Mind Eraser while Tris and Rolen got an Electric Lemonade, a curious blue concoction that sent a pleasant jolt of electricity down their tongues.

Speaking of tongues, No met a drow woman named Eli’ana who worked at the establishment and was able to converse with her with drow sign, and after chatting for a while and learning that she had been in The Suburra for about five years and greatly enjoyed her job she explained it would be 5 silver pieces for the night, and heading upstairs she was pleasantly surprised both by the dexterity of that tongue and the fact that he gave her 5 gold instead, assuring he would be the talk of the working men and women of the entire district.

Meanwhile, Rolen found a pleasnt elf women named Caenia and went upstairs with her, but it had been so long that his horse left the starting gate too early, to his great embarassment. She felt bad for him and gave him another chance once he cooled down a little, and as he slunk back downstairs he tried to convince everyone he did well but only a very drunk Salome believed him. Meanwhile Tris chatted up a halfling girl named Ingrid and headed upstairs with her, but had drunk so much that she fell asleep before even managing to get all her clothes off. Rolen then took another shot and did a lot better this time.

Back downstairs, No made a little paper rose for Eli’ana as Salome looked wistfully at a silver tiefling at the bar. No came over and the two commiserated on how loving tieflings could be a challenge since they tended to be spitfries. Salome mentioned that her tiefling was getting married soon to someone else, but despite the copious amounts she had drunk that night she held liquor well and took piggyback ride from No as they departed, and Rolen and Tris followed, with the latter falling down drunk laughing but Rolen managed to carry her out without incident.

On the way back to The Rosewood Inn they decided to grab some more drugs to go, and after retrieving their weapons from the surly guard made their way home and all but No decided to partake. Tris was entranced by a vision of a flock of rainbow-colored birds flying through a clear-blue sky, Salome felt as if she had melted into a puddle on the floor but was oddly okay with this. Rolen was convinced that gravity had stopped working, and if he didn’t anchor himself he would float away into the sky and grasped at the bedposts. No decided to actually speak aloud to reassure Rolen that he wouldn’t fly away, and Rolen was amazed to hear that he could he can talk as No planted a foot on his back to keep him grounded as they turned in for the night.

Meanwhile, somewhere outside Comvos a figure dressed in black ran panting through the woods, pursued by five snarling figures...