#and if you don't meet the goal - even if it wasn't your fault - you might get fired

[casual-eumetazoa]

Ended up not applying for it because the amount of stuff I read is just overwhelming. Oh well, on to the next stuff.

I randomly found a job offer for assistant editor in a science journal that is in my city, in English, and only requires a masters degree. It sounds perfect for me, only issue is that it's full time in office and idk if I won't burn out like, immediately, from sitting in an office for eight hours a day... it's also a half hour commute one way from my apartment.

On one hand it would be nice to have good money and stable employment, on the other I wouldn't have time and probably energy to do almost anything else if I would work full time. Do I wanna try? Or is it a recipe for disaster? Hell knows :)

[xiaosfiance]

mha x fem! reader

⇢ ˗ˏˋ ¡! sypnosis;;❞ ࿐ྂ

╰┈➤Your life is nearing its end with only a handful of days left to your name. Before you meet your untimely demise, you’re determined to check out everything listed within your bucket list. Although, to truly complete the objectives listed down, it seems like you’ll have to enroll into a hero school…

Or: a girl with 3 years left to live enrolls into U.A to complete her bucket list before dying.

"So, how is my condition?"

The fan hummed, filling the void in the air. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The silence seemed to stretch out for an eternity until the doctor fixed his glasses and spoke.

"I'm sorry." he lowered his head.

"Based on the recent tests your-" his facade of professionalism begun to crack  "It- it's progressed significantly. I'm afraid that based on our current assessment you have about..."

The smile on your face slipped for a moment, but you quickly regained it and giggled lightheartedly.

""It got worse, I presume?" You asked, cutting him off before he could continue. Perhaps you did that on purpose. "Don't tell me how much time I have left, I can already tell I won't like the answer." 

"I just wish there was more we could do for you miss [Last Name], I'm truly sorry." Dr. Shojin's voice shook, and he quickly looked away. "I apologize, this is unprofessional of me."

"Didn't I tell you to call me [First Name]?" The doctor almost asked how could you be so calm right now while he was on the verge of tears.

"I...I promised...but in the end-" he choked.

"I'm sorry."

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ⋆ ★°

The chair creaked as you rocked back and forth absentmindedly. From the years of overuse, one of it's feet was left worn down and noticeably a length shorter, which caused the chair to awkwardly tilt to the side if you pressed too much weight against it. You've grown fond of using it as a makeshift rocking chair, even if it wasn't intended for that purpose. 

But today, you're not sat upon it to admire the scene outside the window— but to stare at the nearly-2-meter-long-list of objectives that you were supposedly meant to check out before your deadline.

...

Just how on earth and the heavens above were you supposed to do all this within such a short time?!

Your eyes trailed down the length of the paper. Might as well just add 'die before completing everything' to the list! But that kind of defeats the whole purpose of this in the first place...after all, dying before being able to check everything off would be something that you'd regret. And that is the opposite of the goal you ultimately wish to achieve through this bucket list:

To pass on without any regrets.

Sighing, you scratched your head with the back of your pen. Some of the things written here are close to impossible (but you're the one who wrote everything down so the only one to blame is yourself) to achieve without breaking a few laws here and there, though living in a society built on heroes makes that hard to accomplish. And some of the tasks require you to become a hero yourself! (Then again, who's fault is that?)

It's been quite some time since you've begun your conquest of taking down the challenges listed in your bucket list one by one. So far, you have completed about-

...Break an expensive relic in a museum... go shark diving... go bungee jumping with an electrical extension cord... gaslight a stranger into believing they are your sibling...

You have completed approximately about 0.4% of the list in the span of 2 months!

...

The pen fell to the ground with a thump as your arms fell to your side in hopelessness. At this rate, you're never going to be able to complete this list.

Truth be told, as you were listing down the things you wanted to do before dying, the question 'Is it humanely possible to do all of this before my deadline?' never even crossed your mind. 

As each second passed while you pondered about the different ways you could finish the list, the clock on the wall ticked, its hands moving while time went on.

Tick. Tock.

You started to feel like you should get up and find something better to do before you regret not doing so sooner. A familiar feeling started to take root within your stomach at that thought.

But...technically, you were doing something, weren't you? You were thinking. Thinking about how exactly you'll pull this off. So you technically weren't wasting time, right?

Tick. Tock.

The birds outside your window chirped as they took off in a flight, their feathers slowly descending as they left.

Tick. Tock.

Actually... you might have an idea...

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ⋆ ★°

"Haha! Good one, kid," The man chuckled, but a beat passed. "Wait...are you being for real right now?"

Your blank stare gave him the answer he needed.

"...A hero school, huh?" He muttered. "I think it's nice you want to be one and all. I'd be happy to help you enroll in one, but it's abit too late, ain't it?"

He leaned into his chair, spreading his bright vermillion wings out while he scratched the side of his cheek. "The entrance exams for all hero schools in Japan ended weeks ago. Even if I wanted to, I can't."

The brows on your face were knitted together as you frowned. "I'm sure you have the connections and status to get me into one, don't you?" You insisted.

"Geez...did you seriously call me here just for that?" He sighed as he shook his head in mock disappointment. "I don't have a lot of free time these days, ya' know. Asking me to use my status as a hero to enroll you into a hero school... what an underhanded method— that's pretty bold, even for you." The man before you crossed his arms and looked into your eyes, as if he were trying to study you.

That suspicious look in his eyes quickly went away as soon as it appeared. 

"Don't you think it's kinda unfair to the attendees who actually worked hard to get into those schools if you just mysteriously enrolled thanks to my help?" He asked, going back to his usual lax tone. "And it practically goes against the values of being a hero, too."

Running a hand through his blond locks, he looked off into the wall in deep thought. "Makes me wonder why you're suddenly so determined to become one now. Why didn't you just enroll while the entrance exams were ongoing?" He glanced back at you briefly, his eyes filled with curiosity instead of the wariness that previously occupied his mind.

"But, if you want to experience being a hero that badly, I'm sure I can pull some strings to get you into my agency. Or, better yet have you as my sidekick, ey?" He gave you a smile. "You won't have to deal with homework, it won't be unfair to the students in hero courses, and most of all— you get to work with me!"

His idea was met with a scoff, but he seemed persistent. You couldn't tell if it was because he was trying to steer you away from the idea of taking advantage of his status and fame to forcibly get you into a hero school, or if he just really wanted to spend more time with you. It was more likely the former.

"And how often is it that you get to work alongside Japan's No.3 hero, Hawks, huh?"

"No thanks." You quickly refused.

You wanted to enroll into a hero school to complete your tasks; atleast that way, you will be able to avoid the responsibilities that come along with it more easier. But actually working? No. You simply don't have enough time for that, and quite frankly, you won't even live to see the day you become a full fledged pro hero within the ranks like the obnoxious guy Infront of you.

"Aww," Hawks flashed you a mock frown, but behind his yellow visors, his golden eyes were tinted in amusement. "Don't you want to work with— or for— lil' ol' me?" 

"Absolutely not. I hate— no, detest the idea of doing so. Enroll me into a hero school."

He took a bite of his chicken with a sour expression as he grumbled something that fell deaf to your ears. "Well, it doesn't matter," Hawks shrugged it off.

"What's with the sudden request, anyway? Last time I remember, you dropped out of school."

You averted your gaze and crossed your arms. "It's none of your business."

Hawks smile faltered for a quick moment.

"None of my business? Last time I remember you were my business." His tone remained playful, although it had taken an edge that suggested that he was anything but that.

When you chose not to reply, the silence in the atmosphere was so palpable it was like you could cut through it with a knife. Although, the silence between the two of you couldn't even compare to the day you got the news from the doctor. 

It continued on like this for a few moments, staring at you with that same calculative gaze he'd use when interrogating criminals, but without the tenacity or menacing glare he would use to get the villains to spill their secrets. Seeing your unbothered response, Hawks sighed reluctantly. 

"Okay, okay, fine. Keep your secrets close to yourself, if you want to hide them that badly." Hawks shook his head, once again going back to his usual self. "Still, though, there's nothing I can do about it. You either join my agency, or wait next year to enroll."

Nothing you can do about it? Huh... that sounds familiar.

You didn't realize you said that outloud until Hawks raised his eyebrow. "...What?"

Well, since you've already said it, might as well go with a flow. You need to find a way to enter a hero school, no matter what. 

"Nothing you can do about it?" You took a deep breath for what you were about to do. "Are you sure about that? You have the power to do do so, though. But you won't."

"Seriously, I can't, kiddo. It's not good for me to use my status like that-"

"You can't? You can't do anything about it; like the day you couldn't do anything for my parents?"

 And just like that, Hawks expression fell and twisted into a painful mix of guilt, confusion and despair that he desperately tried to suppress.

You arose from your seat, and made your way towards the exit. "Didn't know you were a man who clung to his values that tightly."

"Atleast do this for me, because you couldn't save them."

When Hawks came back to his senses, you were already gone.

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ⋆ ★°

2 days later, the doorbell to your apartment rang and you opened the door to see a mailman handing you a letter.

┊ ➶ ｡˚ ⋆ ★°

HI :33 this story and all the OTHER CHAPTERS are available on quotev!! If u liked this one shot (or prologue, rather) check it out<33

[remembrancer-of-heresy]

Living Dead

Summary: Before meeting the Emperor, Mortarion meets a girl who might love him. At least that's what he thinks.

Mortarion/fem!Reader

Warnings: Angst, Dark romance, gore/rot (a little bit), obssession, yandere.

Guys, it's all your fault. I wasn't a Mortarion fan before your fics.

Every day Barbarus defended their freedom. People were no longer afraid. They fought for lives against rotten tyrants. And every day Mortarion was getting closer to his goal. He led all these people with him. But he never felt at home. Didn't find a family. But at least he was “among his own”, and not locked with monsters in a poisonous stronghold.

The poison was a weapon, but also a reminder of the monsters' strenght. He used his power, but he hated it. His whole appearance resembled death. No wonder people avoided him even if he is a reason why they finally fight back. And then he met you.

You lived in one of the distant villages, which was often attacked by tyrants. On one of these days, your spouse was taken away for a play. And although he was able to escape, as Сalas Typhon had once done, he was unable to cope with the top layer of Barbarus. His skin was healing, he smelled of death, and poison oozed from open, rotten wounds. Living Dead.

But you continued to live with him. You accepted him as such a disgusting thing. You loved him.

Mortarion still could not understand how this was possible. He saw how hard it was for you, how often you hid from his eyes to cry out all the tears. How do you stop yourself from gagging at the smell? But you were still with him. You could, no, should have, renounced him. Continue to live and move on.

Nobody understood you. All the villagers said you were crazy. Mortarion's warriors pitied you, but thought you were too naive. As for Сalas, he looked after you for a long time. He said that you remind him of someone and that you're a good girl.

It's true, you were kind. Even too much. And Mortarion himself did not understand how he felt envy of the living corpse. "Father" did not love Mortarion, he did not care about him. His warriors may have respected him, but they were never equals.

And one day he began to wonder more and more often… will you also stroke his hair… hug him tenderly… wash his wounds and help him bathe… will you smile at him as if he is the most beautiful person you have ever seen. Will you kiss him like you kissed your husband?

Such strange thoughts. Insignificant, unimportant, vulgar. Completely out of character for him. Why is it important for him to know what you think about him? What could you do with him? Does he really need to feel affection that badly? To feel not just needed, but loved. He leads thousands of lives. But why does his heart beat so hard when he sees your gaze?

Alas, you are not a witch. The problem is not you. There's something wrong with him. You don't even belong to him. And all your attention is focused on your dying husband. But he won’t even be able to protect you when the lords come to your village. But Mortarion can. He is your true savior.

But everything goes away sooner or later. All the villagers only breathed a sigh of relief when your husband left this world. But not you. You're desperate. You're broken. All alone. There is no one else to give your goods to.

Mortarion himself didn’t notice how he put his hand on your shoulder. And he is so ashamed but so happy to see your haunted tearful gaze. You looked at your husband in the same way before enveloped him in your love.

- No need for tears. I'll take care of you.

He will.

[dca-prompts]

(Made a thing last night and decided that it can't go on my own blog cuz I don't have enough reference info to make it an au so it goes here! This is terribly worded but here we go.)

A social experiment, they had said.

They'd put you in countless simulations, different methods of torture and torment over and over and over again to test a human's limits, what made the brain tick.

In the end, something had to give.

You pace in your cell, eyes occasionally flicking to the clear glass wall separating you from the world, the only thing in your enclosure that wasn't stark white.

Ah, yes. How they loved observing the animals in their cages.

They didn't nearly like interacting as much as watching, you'd noticed. You know how much the self-entitled guards and doctors here despised meeting with the demented, 'uncivilized' inmates.

Five years in an empty 30 foot squared room with only your thoughts does that to you.

They claimed their goal was rehabilitation, but everyone knew it was a lie. No one here was here to get better, they were here to be locked away, out of sight and out of mind to keep the peace others were blissfully granted and which you were denied. Everyone knew that once you walked in, you'd never walk out.

You sigh and trek the short perimeter of the enclosure once more. Not much else to do here. You might have been more sane had you gotten some stimulation early on, but there had been nothing to keep the dark at bay. There still is nothing, but you don't mind. You pass the time careful planning and eavesdropping on the sentinel. They think so little of the inmates and their mental capacity that they'll discuss anything under the sun. Still, their stupidity was useful, so you aren't complaining. You'd learned that apparently a new pair of psychologists were to be stationed here in the coming week after the 'discharge' of the previous ones. Fools didn't even want to admit they were dead. It was their own fault, really. Anyone worth their name knows not to get to close with the inmates. Another oversight you use to your advantage.

You wonder what a pair of newbies saw in coming here of all places. Fresh out of med school and applying for residency. Poor kids probably didn't know what they were getting into when they signed up at an insane asylum. Well, no reason you can't act reasonable with them for a little while, just to test the waters. Best way to get out of prison is to befriend the wardens, after all.

You'd waited this long.

(Essentially an au where Y/N [or an oc] is an inmate at an insane asylum in the 1800s. Sun and Moon are psychologists fresh out of med school working there for the credit. Y/N is HIGHLY DANGEROUS and well past mentally broken but is also very good at acting and can simulate typical behavior perfectly, to the point where doctors sometimes ask why they're even here at all. They're much like the Joker and Harley Quinn scenario. Y/N's plan is to escape prison and enact vengeance on those who dared to keep this shitshow of a mental institution going. They see it as justified because of the way they were treated and made broken until they couldn't be fixed, and they're willing to do anything to meet their goal.

This is not a happy-go-lucky au, guys, which is why I honestly don't think I'd ever write it, mainly cuz the concept as a love story would just demean the actual history behind the establishments of those times and their horrible conditions. Might as well share with the class, though.)

ㅤ

[doctor-who-binge]

This was at the top of my youtube feed, how fitting for tonight

Just re-watched Rose for the first time in probably years, a few hours ago. I'd never rewatch the episode.

I'd say 11th hour, it gives you a crash course on how fun it can be while also forcing The Doctor to save the world without a TARDIS or sonic screw driver, showcasing the cleverness of the character while still showing the insanity of time travel. You don't need to know anything about Doctor Who to enjoy it.

Meanwhile Rose is a decent episode, great way to introduce Rose as a character but its not a particularly fun "enemy" unless you have a fear of mannequins nor a particularly fun way of defeating it— throwing a tube in a big goop of plastic.

Meanwhile the 11th hour is blaring prisoner zero will vacate the residence or the earth will be incinerated, we've got a weird shape shifting thing popping up that we know are coma patients, we've got The Doctor fixing it via a telephone. The enemy is fun and the way of defeating it is clever. ..... I could have gone without the Kissergram (?) thing though.

The lore for the season is there and very blunt "Silence Will Fall" at the very end, and The Crack though The Crack is still a big part of the episode itself as the entry point for Prisoner Zero.

In Rose the set up for the Doctor's character arc is there but it's angsty and not super obvious. It almost feels like your missing something about the war, like a past episode or something, even though we technically aren't missing anything. The Doctor yelling out that the war wasn't his fault, that the Nestines homes were destroyed in the war, etc. If I was a new viewer I'd assume I'm supposed to know what the war is.

And to be bluntly honest for a moment: the campy shitty quality of "bad" special effects was a part of Doctor Who's charm but because modern audiences are so use to high quality shit you might not want to start a person on the weird Mickey mannequin "low budget" episode.

Interestingly 11th hour is winning but the comments are all supporting Rose.

The Pilot I also just rewatched I honestly think Bill's second episode is a better starting point because its more direct and showcases what The Doctor cares about. The Pilot is a strange mystery which I think is great but it didn't meet the goal that Moffat wanting it to be a kind of reset for new viewers IMO.

As for Church on Ruby Road..... meh I'd be annoyed by the time it broke out into a musical. I'd probably not have much of a reason to click on the next episode if I didn't already like Doctor Who. The only thing I really enjoyed was seeing what Ruby's mother would be like if she never adopted Ruby to begin with.

I don't know if 11th hour makes the list of my favorite episodes but its one of the best openings.

To be fair, I didn't start watching Doctor Who on any of these. Fairly certain my first episode was The Impossible Astronaut & The Day of The Moon. Which is an absolute mind fucking to start on.

[fire-emblem-drabbles]

Day 1

Pairing: Takumi x reader

Prompt: Brittle

Description: It was scary, letting people. Being soft--vulnerable. Takumi had been hurt doing that before and he wasn't keen on doing that again. But, with you, being brittle, falling apart, seemed easy.

Rating: sfw

Content warning: None

Word Count: 757

Notes: happy 6th of march gamers I decided that I would start a daily prompt thing almost a week in! lets see how this goes! The main goal is to get me back into writing so, even if I don't finish... at least I'm writing!

Letting in someone new was… hard. Just as hard as it was to build up his walls. One��s he had thought were strong, secure in his hold. To make sure he would never hurt this way again. But, to you, they were oh so brittle, crumbling before your wake.

Did you know you held his beating heart in your hands? Perhaps not. It wasn’t your fault he hurt like this. But still, Takumi can’t help but feel a little… bitter. That you let this happen. Let him hurt like this. When you were the one that wormed your way in, the walls around his heart nothing in the wake of your sweetness.

“Takumi?” Your voice is soft, the look on your face is concerned. You hand is half raised towards him in concern. He shakes the look off his face. Clears his mind.

You haven’t done anything… yet. It was him who fell in love.

“Sorry.” The word leaves him with a heavy breath. He closes his eyes another moment to collect himself before opening them again, speaking again. Your hand in resting in your lap again, anxiously pulling at your clothing as you look his way. He can’t meet your gaze.

“Just, tired is all. Thinking a little.” His words are mumbled out, halfhearted and quiet.

“I understand…” He sees you bob your head a little. “We’ve been fighting a lot lately. It’s hard to find a moment of rest, even from one’s own thoughts.” He catches you biting your bottom lip slightly. As he finally looks up fully at you, taking in the worry on your face, Takumi realizes your likely haven’t been looking straight his way this entire time, either. It looks like you want to say something more, however. Takumi stays silent, lets you find your thoughts before you speak once again.

“But if… you need to talk, or just need someone to be there for you, I’m here… you know?” You finally catch his gaze, smiling at him despite the obvious way this makes you nervous.

“You mean, like this?” Takumi manages to crack a small smile, one that makes your own grow in size.

“Well, yeah…” You giggle softly, a sound that lifts the shadow over him somewhat. You kick your feet a little where you seat, gaze circling back to his own. “I guess so. I just want you to know that I’m not going anywhere. I’ve noticed you can get well… really down and closed in on yourself sometimes….” You heave a sigh, fingers curling in on your clothing. “...I can get like that sometimes, too. So I just wanted you to know you’re not alone.” You’re looking away from him now. The golden light of the setting sun hides your features.

“That…” His words catch in his throat as Takumi’s heart picks up it’s pace. He awkwardly clears his throat. “I… had no idea.” He admits softly. “Thank you for um…” He hesitates. “Just… thank you. It means a lot.”

“I’m glad…” You meet his gaze with a slightly bowed head, pretty eyes looking up at his through your lashes. “I… care about you, and I want you to be happy.” Your words are careful, but they can’t help but make Takumi wonder.

Maybe, he didn’t have to hurt. It was wrong to think that you would want to hurt him… Moreso then him wanting to believe you felt the same, your words were… genuine. Something people say out of concern.

Perhaps you loved him, or perhaps you didn’t Takumi wasn’t sure. But… you cared about him either way. So, maybe it was okay to be a little brittle. To let someone in. It might hurt a little, to be vulnerable…

But how else do you show others you care too?

“You know…” He’s surprised by the sound of his own voice, but you look attentive as he tries to speak, gentle, sweet smile still gracing your lips. “I’d… like to be there for you, too. I-if that’s okay?” It feels awkward asking, after you were able to say that to him without fear of judgment. He’s got a long way to go, though.

“I’d love that.” He viably calms at your words. “It’s… very comforting to hear that, in fact.” You sigh softly, closing your eyes to rest.

Takumi watches you, soft smile taking on his features as well. It was comforting, being vulnerable with one another. It was scary… but so so sweet. He could get use to this.

Get use to being brittle with you.

[aurora-by-jacqui-natla]

11. THE NOMADS

"HELLO THERE, LITTLE ONE," HE GREETED me with a warm smile, extending his hand towards me. His towering figure loomed over me, much like Siobhan and Liam. His rugged face was adorned with a thick layer of stubble, and his lips curved upwards in a friendly manner. Although his approach was amiable, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance when he referred to me as 'little one'. However, I knew he didn't mean any harm by it. I shook his hand and returned his smile.

"My name is Garrett," he introduced himself. "And what might your name be?"

"I'm Violet," I replied, "Violet Khotler from the British Coven."

"Ah, the British Coven," Garrett tilted his head, "I must say, I wasn't a fan of the first British invasion, and the second one is even worse."

"I haven't been a vampire for very long," I admitted nervously, "so I'm not sure if I can fully understand."

Garrett smirked, "So, how long have you been a vampire?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "It's been a while."

"So, you're like a baby vampire then?" he teased.

I folded my arms, "I wouldn't say that. I'm seventeen."

"And I'm the President of the United States," Garrett quipped, causing me to chuckle. He joined in on the laughter, "I'm just kidding, of course. The Volturi would have my head if I were."

"Now that I agreed. How long have you been a vampire?"

"Around two hundred years," he answered. "I was born during the American Revolution, in New England. I willingly fought for the colonies' right to self-govern. I was what people would call a true believer in the American dream.

"I got transformed around 1780, during the war. I was transformed by accident in the aftermath of the battle. I was with an isolated group of ten soldiers when a vampire attacked us, knocking me unconscious. I woke up three days later as a fully-fledged vampire. I'm always curious and willing to investigate a mystery, and after my transformation, I strove to understand what had happened to me."

"And did you find out who did it?"

"No," Garrett shook his head, looking at the ground. "And it seems like I'll never know."

Then, he turned his head to me. "What about you? How did you get turned?"

"I ran away from home," I began. "Bunch of bikers showed up and a vampire named Victoria came out of nowhere and saved me from them." I sighed sadly. "Or I thought she was saving me."

"I got a feeling there's more to that."

"She made an army of newborns with one goal: to kill Bella." I turned my head to him. "Bella was human at the time. I don't recall the whole reason for it but it got something to do with Edward killing her mate."

Garrett nodded. "I understand. She lost her mate and she wants justice."

"I wouldn't say justice," I disagreed. "Revenge, yes. Then, the wolves showed up and killed the newborns. Except for me, unknowingly thanks to my invisibility."

"Hey, that's useful."

"Then, I saw the Volturi. Well, the Volturi guards to be precise." I clarified myself. "And after they left, Carlisle took me to the British Coven and they became my family ever since."

"At least your story got some kind of a happy ending," Garrett said and began to walk away. "Well, nice to meet you, kid. I'm going with Kate to hunt."

"Okay," I replied and he walked towards the Denali Coven.

As I scanned the room, my eyes landed on Bella. She was leaning against the wall, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Her golden eyes were scanning the area, taking in every detail. I couldn't help but feel drawn to her, so I walked over and stood beside her.

"Hey," I said softly, causing her to turn her head towards me. "You okay?"

Bella let out a deep sigh before answering. "Well, aside from the Volturi coming to kill us and not knowing where Alice and Jasper are, I'm fine. At least for now."

My heart sank at her words, and I couldn't help but fidget with my sleeves. "Sorry I asked," I muttered.

"It's not your fault," she replied, her voice heavy with worry. "I wonder why Irina wanted to come this way before she discovered Renesmee."

"Maybe she wanted to make amends with you at the wedding," I suggested. "I mean, she did it with me, and I'm thinking it might have been the same reason."

Bella nodded thoughtfully, her eyes scanning the room once again. "I can't believe they all came to stand as witnesses."

"We're defending you all," I reminded her. "Especially Renesmee."

As I spoke those words, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. We were all here, standing together, ready to fight for what we believed in. And no matter what happened, we would do everything in our power to protect each other.

"Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude," Bella spoke with a hint of emotion in her voice. Her gaze shifted towards the red-eyed vampires, their thirst for human blood adding a layer of complexity to the situation. The nomads that Rosalie and Emmett sent were unpredictable, but it was Peter who had fought alongside Jasper as a newborn that made things even more challenging.

With a nod towards the cowboy-belt kid, Bella continued, "And then there's Jacob." Suddenly, a putrid scent filled the air, as if a dog had just taken a dip in a muddy lake. I turned my head to the right and saw Jacob approaching us, his presence almost unbearable.

"Jacob," I said, my nose wrinkling in disgust. "You're in dire need of a shower."

"I'm not that bad," Jacob chuckled, his carefree attitude not matching his pungent odour.

I turned to Bella, hoping she could confirm my olfactory distress. "You smell it too, right?"

Bella nodded, her nose scrunching up in agreement. "Yeah, Jake. You definitely need a shower."

I gestured towards her, relieved to have someone else on my side. "See? Even Bella agrees."

Jacob sighed, his eyes scanning the room filled with vampires. "There sure are a lot of red eyes around here."

I couldn't help but interject. "And golden eyes, don't forget about us."

I chuckled to myself, amused by my own joke. Jacob and Bella looked at me, perplexed by my sudden outburst.

"What's so funny?" Jacob asked, his confusion evident.

"I was just thinking of that Tina Turner song when I said 'golden eyes'," I admitted.

"You mean the James Bond movie?" Jacob asked, trying to keep up.

"Yeah, that one," I confirmed.

Bella's tone turned serious, interrupting our banter. "Jake, they agreed not to hunt in the area."

I noticed Amun's hateful glare towards Jacob, and I couldn't help but wonder if he knew what Jacob truly was.

Jacob shrugged, his nonchalant attitude returning. "They'll feed somewhere."

"How many of the Quileutes have been transformed?" Bella inquired, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Thus far, about seven," he responded, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty. "But I anticipate that number to increase soon."

My mind was reeling with confusion. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice trembling with bewilderment.

Jacob's eyes flickered with a fierce intensity as he began to explain the intricacies of their tribe's unique instinct called phasing. It was a power that was only activated when a member of their tribe encountered the scent of vampires and sensed the need for protection. There was no set age for the gene to activate, only the number of members required to counter the approaching vampires.

"We used to believe that only males could phase," Jacob continued, his voice tinged with surprise. "But then Leah Clearwater phased, and she's a direct descendant of the spirit chiefs."

My mind was blown. "So that means Seth...?" I trailed off, my eyes widening with excitement.

"Is also a direct descendant of the spirit chiefs," Jacob confirmed, his chest swelling with pride.

I couldn't help but feel envious of their rich heritage. "That sounds amazing," I murmured, my voice filled with longing. "I wish I knew my family tree."

Jacob's hand landed on my shoulder, his eyes filled with a sense of comfort. "You will someday," he assured me.

Suddenly, Jacob's face turned stern, and his gaze shifted to the side. "Make that the eighth one," he muttered before racing out of the house.

As Bella and Edward discussed the arrival of the last witness, I began to interview the cowboy Peter, eager to uncover the secrets of the nomads.

Peter was a wanderlust vampire, traversing the vast expanse of North America with his beloved mate, Charlotte. Theirs was a bond forged in the fires of passion and strengthened by the trials of nomadic life. It was during their time in the Mexican coven, under the leadership of the fearsome vampire Maria, that Peter met Jasper. The two became fast friends, brothers in arms, and their bond was unbreakable. Jasper's mate, Alice, was also drawn into their circle of trust, and the four of them were inseparable.

Peter's transformation occurred in the roaring twenties, a time of great change and upheaval. Charlotte followed suit five years later, her transformation a result of Maria's insatiable thirst for power. She was but a pawn in Maria's game, a mere tool to be used and discarded. But Peter would not stand for it. He and Jasper hatched a daring plan to rescue Charlotte from the clutches of the evil coven, and they succeeded. It was a turning point in their lives, a moment of triumph that would forever bind them together.

Years passed, and Jasper and Alice eventually parted ways with Peter and Charlotte. But fate had other plans for them. When the Volturi threatened the Cullens' very existence, Jasper knew that he had to act. He suggested that they seek out Peter and Charlotte, who could testify against the Volturi's accusations. And so it was that Alice and Jasper found their old friends and brought them to Forks.

The Cullens were wary of Peter and Charlotte at first, unsure of what to make of these two nomadic vampires. But as they learned more about their past and their struggles, they began to see them in a new light. Unlike the Denali coven, who had reacted with fear and hostility to Renesmee, the Cullens were more open-minded. They had never encountered an immortal child before, and they were willing to listen to Peter and Charlotte's testimony.

As I delved deeper into the mysterious world of the Cullens, I stumbled upon a fascinating tale of two nomads. The first, Mary, hailed from the rugged shores of Nova Scotia and underwent her transformation at the tender age of 28. Despite befriending the Cullen family, Mary's values on human life differed greatly from theirs, leading her to wander alone and rarely keep in touch with her acquaintances. It was only when Emmett and Rosalie sought her out and sent her to Forks, citing a family crisis, that Mary's path crossed with that of another nomadic vampire, Randall.

Randall, born in sunny California in 1945, was transformed in 1963 and had always considered Carlisle a close friend. Like Mary, he was summoned to Forks by the Cullens, with little explanation beyond the urgent need for his assistance. It was during his journey to the Cullen abode that Randall encountered Mary, and the two formed an unlikely bond as they made their way to the family's doorstep.

As I immersed myself in the details of their stories, my senses were suddenly heightened by the sound of footsteps echoing from the attic above. Intrigued, I made my way towards the source of the noise, eager to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the walls of the Cullen house.

I ascended the stairs, my golden eyes scanning the room, searching for any sign of the intruder who had dared to enter the attic uninvited. My mind raced with the thought that perhaps the Volturi had sent someone to harm Renesmee. But I would not let that happen. I would protect her at all costs.

Suddenly, my gaze fell upon a thin string dangling from the square-shaped door. Without hesitation, I leapt up and grabbed hold of it, pulling it down with all my might. The door creaked open, revealing a ladder that carefully lowered to the ground. I climbed up, my movements silent and swift.

As I entered the attic, I activated my invisibility, blending seamlessly into the shadows. The room was filled with boxes, piled high and covered in a thick layer of dust. I moved slowly, cautiously, my senses on high alert.

And then I saw him. A figure standing among the boxes, his red eyes scanning the room with a sense of purpose. He was tall, at least six foot two, with blonde hair that fell to his neck and a beard that covered his pale face. He looked to be in his twenties, with a slender build and a sense of danger that hung about him like a cloak.

He wore a black leather trench coat, the fur on the collar and armholes worn and frayed. Underneath, he had on a dark grey hoodie, ripped and tattered, and a pair of dark jeans that hung loosely on his frame. His boots were scuffed and worn, and his hands were covered in fingerless woolly black gloves.

He reminded me of a homeless man, the kind you might see on the streets, but there was something about him that set him apart. Something that made my skin crawl and my heart race. I knew that he was here for a reason, and that reason was not a good one. But I would not let him harm Renesmee. Not on my watch.

He stood there, gazing out the window with a pensive expression etched on his face. His thoughts were a jumbled mess, a chaotic whirlwind of emotions that he couldn't seem to shake off. He let out a deep sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

"Why did Carlisle have to drag me into this?" he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with sadness. He shook his head in disbelief, his eyes narrowing in frustration. "Some friend he turned out to be."

He wasn't supposed to be here, not in the attic, not with the Volturi. He wasn't one of them, he didn't belong here. And yet, here he was, trapped in this endless cycle of duty and obligation.

Suddenly, he turned his head towards me, his eyes blazing with confusion. He took a step forward, his movements slow and deliberate. He looked down at the ground, his arms folded tightly across his chest.

"The whole purpose of me being in the attic is to be alone," he said, his voice low and measured. "So why am I sensing I'm not alone?"

I froze, unsure of what to say. He was gifted, like Joseph, and I didn't know if he was speaking to me or if he was just talking to himself. Maybe it was best if I didn't answer him.

He moved back to the window and sat down, his eyes fixed on the horizon. I watched him for a moment, unsure of what to do. He was lost in his own thoughts, a prisoner of his own mind. And I couldn't help but wonder if he would ever find his way back.

"I never wanted to be here," he muttered under his breath, his words dripping with disdain.

The sound of his voice was like nails on a chalkboard to me. I could feel my anger rising, my blood boiling with fury. I couldn't stand the thought of someone so callous and indifferent in the face of danger.

Without a second thought, I shed my invisibility and marched towards him, my eyes blazing with fury. I could feel the heat of my anger radiating off of me like a furnace.

"What is wrong with you?!" I bellowed, my voice echoing through the empty room. The vampire jumped, startled by my sudden appearance. His eyes flicked up to meet mine, and I could see the red glow of his irises in the dim light.

"My friend's family is in danger, and all you can do is complain about being here?!" I continued, my voice rising with each word.

The vampire looked at me, his expression unreadable. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and apologetic. "I just...I don't have much hope left."

I scoffed, my eyes narrowing in disbelief. "That's no excuse," I spat. "You should be doing everything in your power to help us, not dragging us down with your negativity."

The vampire looked at me, his eyes flashing with anger. "You don't understand," he growled. "I've been on the run for centuries. I've seen things you couldn't even imagine. And now I'm on Aro's list. Do you have any idea what that means?"

I rolled my eyes, my patience wearing thin. "Of course I know what it means," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "The Volturi are dangerous. But that's no reason to give up hope."

The vampire glared at me, his lips curling into a sneer. "Don't joke about them," he warned.

I raised an eyebrow, my expression incredulous. "Am I laughing?" I asked.

The vampire smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, if the witch can," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I felt my anger flare up again, hotter than before. "Say that again," I hissed, my voice low and dangerous.

The vampire looked at me, his eyes widening in surprise. "If the witch can," he repeated, his voice taunting.

That was all it took. In an instant, my hair was floating around me like a halo of darkness, my eyes glowing with a fierce purple light. My fists clenched, crackling with energy.

And then I charged.

I lunged at him with the fury of a storm, my movements precise and powerful. He dodged my initial attack, slipping to the side with surprising agility. But I didn't relent. I pursued him relentlessly, our clash echoing through the attic as we grappled and exchanged blows.

He countered with speed and skill, blocking my strikes and launching his own in return. Each blow reverberated with force, shaking the boxes and rattling the dusty room. We were locked in a dance of combat, each of us pushing the other to the limit.

I managed to land a solid hit on his chest, knocking him back against a stack of boxes. But he recovered quickly, retaliating with a swift kick that grazed my side. The pain fueled my determination, and I pressed on with renewed vigor.

We circled each other, eyes locked in fierce determination. He lunged at me again, aiming for my throat, but I sidestepped and countered with a roundhouse kick to his ribs. He staggered but didn't falter, his resilience matching my own.

As our fight continued, the attic seemed to shrink around us, the air thick with tension and exertion. Neither of us would yield, both driven by our own motivations and histories. It was a battle not just of strength, but of wills.

In a sudden burst of energy, I seized an opening and tackled him to the ground, pinning him beneath me. His struggles were futile against my grip, and I held him down with a firm resolve.

"Take it back! TAKE IT BACK!" I demanded, my voice echoing through the attic.

He grunted in defiance, his eyes blazing with defiance. "Don't think just 'cause you're a girl, I'm gonna take it easy on you!"

I pressed my advantage, locking his arms behind his back with unyielding force. He winced in pain, but I didn't relent. I had to make him understand the gravity of his words, the impact they had on our precarious situation.

The struggle continued, a battle of strength and endurance in the dimly lit attic. Our conflict mirrored the larger tensions brewing beyond these walls, each of us a microcosm of the forces at play in our world of shadows and secrets.

Then, I felt someone pulling me back, away from him. Looking up, I briefly saw Ingram's face, realized he was the one holding me. And weirdly, I didn't feel as much anger as I had a few minutes ago. Instead, it made me feel comforted. His presence, strong and steady, was a stark contrast to the chaos I had just been enveloped in. It felt as if a wave of calm had washed over me, cooling the fiery rage that had been consuming me.

"Violet!" Simon's voice cut through the air, sharp and clear, and I raised my head to see him looking at me with concern etched into his features. But I didn't think it was for me. "Why are you attacking Alistair?" His voice held a mix of confusion and disapproval, making me pause.

I glared at Simon for a second, my eyes blazing with residual anger, before turning my attention back to the nomad who had been named Alistair. I removed myself from him, my body trembling with adrenaline, and felt the tension drain slightly as I stepped away.

"Hi, Simon," Alistair said with a groan, pushing himself up from the floor and dusting off his clothes. "Long time no see." His casual demeanor seemed out of place given the intensity of the moment.

As he got up from the floor, I spotted Gabriel, Joseph, and Carlisle coming up the stairs. Their arrival brought a renewed sense of urgency and clarity to my racing mind as I remembered Simon's story about how he became a vampire. And then, I remembered the name of the vampire who turned him.

That was Alistair. The realization hit me like a cold splash of water, and a fresh wave of confusion and anger washed over me.

"Alistair, Violet," Carlisle greeted us calmly, strolling towards our direction with his usual composed demeanor. "What's the commotion? What's the matter?" His voice was soothing, a beacon of stability in the storm of emotions.

"I sensed some wild energy up there," Joseph chimed in, pointing to the attic, his expression a mix of curiosity and mild amusement.

"She nearly took me out," Alistair retorted, rubbing his neck and giving me a look that was somewhere between annoyance and grudging respect.

"Oh, come on," I interjected, rolling my eyes. "I didn't almost kill you. It was just a heated disagreement." My words came out more defensively than I intended, but I couldn't help it.

"Why were you both up there?" Ingram inquired, although his question was more for me than it was for him.

"You know me, Ingram," Alistair replied with a sigh. "I prefer solitude." His tone was weary, as if he had explained this many times before.

So Alistair and Ingram knew each other? And Simon, too? Well, that made sense since Simon was part of the coven and, meeting with the other nomads, Ingram was one of them too. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fit together, but it only raised more questions. Gabriel turned to me, his gaze expectant.

"I heard his footsteps and thought he was a Volturi guard," I explained, gesturing to the nomad. "And he called me a witch, so I had to defend myself." My voice was steady, but inside, I was still simmering.

"I didn't call you a witch," Alistair conceded, his tone softer. "I said 'if the witch fits.'" His attempt at humor fell flat, but it took the edge off my anger slightly.

My right hand glowed again, a sign of my lingering agitation, and Ingram was still holding me, easing my tension. His touch was a grounding force, reminding me that I was not alone.

"I can't believe you got your butt kicked," Joseph chuckled, shaking his head and glancing at the nomad with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. His light-hearted comment broke the tension further, and I found myself almost smiling.

"Come meet everyone, Alistair," Simon invited warmly, extending a hand of reconciliation.

Alistair shook his head, his expression serious. "If it comes down to a fight, I won't stand against the Volturi." Then, his crimson eyes locked onto mine with a fierce intensity. "But she will." His words were heavy with implication, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Ayla's voice echoed in my mind, filled with anxiety. "But what if they come for us anyway? What if we have to fight?" Her concern mirrored my own fears.

"It won't come to that," Carlisle reassured him, his voice steady and calm. His confidence was reassuring, but I couldn't shake the unease that lingered in the back of my mind.

"I'll stay in the attic," Alistair muttered, retreating to his preferred solitude.

They watched as Alistair leaped up into the attic and shut the door behind him, his departure leaving a palpable silence in his wake.

"He's not much of a people person," Simon explained, his tone apologetic as if he felt responsible for Alistair's abruptness.

"I gathered that," I replied, my voice dry as we descended the stairs, leaving Alistair to his solitude in the Cullens' attic.

[eggs-can-draw]

Nanami Anon: I believe I promised I'd dump my Kokichi Characterization Thoughts into your inbox at some point? Well, anyways, buckle up. The thing I'm trying to write is going slowly rn because I'm in a big clump of some of those connector/establishing scenes that are only satisfying once they've paid off so I may as well do this and be about as productive as I was gonna be anyways.

Ok. So. Kokichi and Kiibo wake up the same room, we think. They're certainly in the same one when Kaede and Shuichi find them, and it's very similar to the one that pair woke up in. Neat, this dude's a robot! Still, it's kinda freaky to wake up somewhere you've never been before. Who's responsible for that? We dunno, nobody seems to know, best be on guard. Don't look vulnerable. Nobody else's skill in combat has been established, so Kokichi can't be sure he can defend himself. Oh, everyone's being told that they have to get away with murder if they want to go free? Double down.

Rantaro dies. The game truly begins. If he wasn't stressed before, he is now-- everyone is. Don't look vulnerable. So he keeps up the cheerfully immature facade. Keeps lying. Keeps pointing out that he's lying, not so that people look past it but so that they ignore it when the act breaks.

Kaede dies, because she killed Rantaro. She didn't want him dead, sure, since he wasn't the one who brought them all here, but that's what she got. The person who put the most work into keeping the group pointed in the same direction is dead. Because she killed someone. There's no point in really trusting anyone. Is there?

Everyone's snippy because they're stressed, but some people are still nice enough. Kokichi does wind up bonding with certain people. Him and Kiibo and Miu like snarking at each other, it seems. He and Gonta make a pretty good tag team, honestly-- I've already talked about how, if you act at the right time, you see Gonta fully aware of the motive video viewing aspect of the insect meet and greet, but that's not the only thing. At one point, Gonta mentions he thought he saw a bug for a moment, but couldn't find it after; because of this, Kokichi at some point asks Miu to build the bug-vac. There's clearly a certain amount of mutual respect between all of these parties, if you know where to look for it.

Ryoma dies. What happened before wasn't just a one time thing. Ryoma is dead because someone thought they deserved to leave more than he deserved to live. No pretense of belief it was his fault everyone is there, since he'd offered his life to free someone before. Something intentional, if well intentioned.

Kirumi dies, because she killed Ryoma. Kirumi, who cared for them, all of them, was willing to let them die for her own goals. Willing to kill them all for her own goals. And, sure, perhaps they are noble goals. Who else has noble goals here, that they might find worth killing for?

In Ch3, Miu's lab with the big ass computer opens up and she begins working on a project involving it. This becomes instrumental in what we eventually learn to be her plan to kill Kokichi. We don't know when he finds out about this, but it's probably sometime during Ch3, since most of Ch4 is dedicated to the NWP. Miu is his friend, which is not something he's sure he can say about most everyone else here. Possibly, she is even his best friend. He was helping her put together this place for everyone to be away from the killing game, at least for a little while, and it was all so she could kill him?

He is a liar. He knows this. Everyone around him knows this. There is no one he can tell, who he can trust to believe him, to help him keep himself safe. Is there?

Angie and Tenko die, because there is malice in this place. Why else would Tenko be dead, if not for malice? Angie, one could have claimed, died for freedom. But Tenko? There was no reason for her to die. Angie was already gone. Kokichi picked the lock to find her body himself, was one of the first people to see her dead. And then Tenko dies, too. Killed right in front of him, even if he didn't see.

And then, while he's investigating an empty room (maybe because he thinks something might be there. maybe because he just needs some space to think.) he falls through the floor. He knew this place was shittily made, but-- No, lying under the floorboards with his concussion and looking up at the cause, he can see that this was quite intentional sabotage.

He is a liar. He knows this. Everyone around him knows this. There is no one he can tell, who he can trust to believe him, to verify what could become a crucial piece of the puzzle. But he does have a bleeding head injury. That's got to count for something. Perhaps there's something easier to convince people of, than the fact that he cares. (Perhaps people want to believe more in the idea that he's so opportunistic about messing with them, that he'll use his real ass head injury to play dead just for a reaction.)

Korekiyo dies, because he killed Angie and Tenko. Because of his malice. Kokichi watches him, and knows that one way or another someone will be following him all too soon.

Maybe he realizes Gonta doesn't remember, when they get out of the NWP and he's acting the same as he did before they went in. Or maybe he doesn't. But he does cry, when the voting's done. Even if he walks it back afterwards, even if everyone thinks he's a horrible person for walking it back too far. He does cry. Whether it was real or not. But what reason would he have to pretend? To fake a vulnerability he immediately denied? Kokichi broke that day, I think, the snapped wing of his downward spiral finally shattering against stone with the rest of him. Don't look vulnerable.

"You're alone," someone he respects (likes) (appreciates) (believes in) (loves?) tells him. "You're alone and you always will be."

And with a nightmarish grin on his face, Kokichi leaves everyone else behind, his mind made up. His course of action decided. He is going to die for these people. And he is going to do so as a villain, because there is no other way left.

And then he does.

holy SHIT this got long

Hi please know that this has me. so so so SO emotional. ABSOLUTELY LOSING IT I ADORE THIS. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH IT CLICKS SO NICELY. CHEWING THIS LIKE AN EXCITED DOG WITH A FUCKING CHEW TOY

[mainstoryarchive]

Underachievers - 18: Doubt

Translator: Peace

Proofreader: 310mc

Subaru: Ohh, so your goal was to check out who the client was?

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Location: ES Live Stage

Subaru: Ohh, so your goal was to check out who the client was?

Then you haven't decided if we're even gonna do this live or not? Even though I got totally prepared for it?

Hokuto: You're all jumping to conclusions as usual.

I only said we may do one, but you're the ones who decided to meet up already dressed up, weren’t you?

Subaru: Well, that's 'cause this is our first big break in a while!

I was looking forward to it, y’know~? We've been doing nothing but small-time lives this whole time, you know? There's no way we could make profit just on that!

Hokuto: I mean, I feel the same. It might be because of the air at ES, or maybe it's the whole L$ system that's being used now, but it feels like we're being restricted in every sense of the word.

Any more stress and we'd explode.

So I thought this'd be a good way to release some of that pressure… But that's why I believed it was important to confirm who our mysterious client was before.

Subaru: So it's not your papa, Hokke~? But you got some kind of message through HoldHands a bit ago, right?

Hokuto: Ah… When I first got the message, I thought "this guy's trying to start something," so I was gonna grill him about it.

But that guy isn’t around the venue. The person who sent that message wasn't my father at all.

I only noticed this once it was pointed out, but the message I got might've been forged.

By using his icon and ID, they impersonated my father and sent that message.

Makoto: Ahh, you've gotta keep your guard up more, Hidaka-kun. You can’t just forget that simply because HoldHands is a messaging system that's exclusive only to ES.

The net's host to all kinds of bad people, so it's no wonder that something like that could happen.

Since I'm the best of us when it comes to the internet, should I manage everyone's HoldHands accounts?

Hokuto: Ah, if you have the time to, then please do.

Though, I'm aware I was simply at fault here for immediately trashing the message as soon as I thought it was from my father…

I should've thought about it more calmly.

Makoto: I mean~ To be fair, no one would expect to get a forged message on HoldHands.

That aside, wouldn't now be the time to make up with your dad, Hidaka-kun?

Subaru: That's right, that's right~. Unlike me, you still have a great papa around that loves you super a lot, you know? You're wasting that!

Hokuto: This isn't the time for that. We oughta be thinking about this mysterious plot we've found ourselves in instead.

I'd rather avoid being dragged around by others, but I can't figure out that person's intentions no matter how hard I try.

It was like this with the guy who called me out too, he kept talking about strange, elusive things, and I couldn’t understand where he was getting at.

Makoto: Who was it exactly? From what you’ve told us, it sounds like that guy could be our anonymous client…?

Mao: Ugh~, this smells fishy… Is he like, trying to make use of us once we get on stage?

Subaru: I guess that would make sense, since we've got nothing but our names right now.

But we're not making any L$, and anything we do earn with our popularity gets spent pretty much immediately.

Hokuto: Mmhmm. It's vexing, but in terms of what the ranking says about our L$-amount, we're pretty much below average.

Thanks to that, I don't even know if we'll be able to afford to participate in the MDM, even though we have to do it, no matter the cost.

Subaru: Yeah. Our good fortune's definitely on the decline, so we might be seen as an easy target.

Maybe they wanna make the winners of the SS lose on the very stage they were called onto, so they can spread their victory against us around…?

Hokuto: Then they’re just looking down on us if that’s what they think will happen.

Fine then, if they wanna end up on their hands and knees they're more than welcome to fight us. We'll make them regret thinking that we're so easy to take down.

Mao: Hold on, seriously, you guys get so heated at the drop of a hat. We’re not like Knights and their thirst for fights, y’know? Let's figure out what that guy's aim is before we make a move.

Makoto: Yeah, Isara-kun's on the money. We haven't gotten as far as we'd like within ES because we keep following our impulses, so we should think before we act more often.

But really, I didn't expect any different. Unlike Yumenosaki Academy, ES is part of the adult world, so if you let your emotions control you you'll get nowhere.

Hokuto: Hmph. I'm still pissed at being made light of, though.

Mao: In the first place, it's crazy that you're thinking we're being provoked into a fight from this alone.

What if, by some chance, they're someone who really wanted to meet us no matter the cost. Someone who slapped down a whole lot of money for it.

If that was the case, it'd be the absolute worst to give 'em a beatdown, don'tcha think?

Hokuto: No, it's not likely that it's a fan of ours. I talked with the person who requested us just a bit ago—

I remember feeling uncomfortable as hell with how they spoke and acted… It was as if my entire body was slathered in filth, I felt disgusting.

How should I put it— I'd never felt anything like that at Yumenosaki Academy.

As if the moment I turned my back on them, they'd strike… They weren't openly hostile, but they had the air of someone you couldn't trust.

I felt like I was in the jaws of a carnivore… Not that I was terrified of him, or anything, but–

They felt murderous, absurdly so. They looked at me as if I'd hurt their entire family… and held a serious grudge for it.

Makoto: Huh~. So what did you talk about with him, anyway? I mean, did they give you their name?

If you give me their name or what they look like, then I can do a background check pretty easily–

Hokuto: Yes, please. They spoke like they were from Tokyo, albeit with a rougher edge…? It was a man who had a knack for throwing insincere, rude words around.

If I remember correctly– Ah, yes, he introduced himself as Amagi Rinne.

[ ☆ ]

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[sentenceme-leni]

Day 67. Thursday. Minimum 4 sentences.

---

Belle all but slumped into Rumpelstiltskin's arms when his magic deposited them home.

Were it not for their familial ties, she would wholeheartedly recommend they never set foot in Queen Snow's court again. Everybody in that castle, from scullery maid to the royals in charge, kept expecting Rumpelstiltskin to dole out magic for free.

"I'm sorry it didn't go as smoothly as we planned," she told him.

The plan had been to spend the day with Baelfire and Henry, and end the visit with a private dinner. They had accounted for Emma or Regina to demand being included. If the women were in good terms this week, they might even agree to supervise together.

Instead, Emma's parents had butted in.

"Not your fault, sweetheart," Rumpelstiltskin said, and if there was still anger in his voice, it wasn't directed at her. "I might have spoiled the princess and her shepherd, granting them audiences at their will. Of course the queen and king expect similar treatment now."

The couple had been polite. They had even prepared a banquet to welcome them, and their attempts to smooth over ensuing awkwardness had been noted.

They had also squeezed themselves into the time Rumpelstiltskin had set aside for his son.

Every attempt Belle had made to divert them had been met with excuses.

"They don't trust you around Henry," she said, still offended on his behalf.

Rumpelstiltskin shrugged. "And why should they?"

Belle bit her tongue against the list of reasons in her memory. It always boiled down to a prophecy best left buried in the past.

"They are quick enough to ask for favors, though," she pointed out anyway.

"Well, we are family, aren't we?"

Bae was family. Henry was family. On a good day, Emma and Regina were the cousins she preferred to avoid at family reunions.

Snow and James - for the king consort went by James again, for political reasons - were monarchs seeking the easiest way to defend their people.

A laudable goal.

Which they expected to achieve for free.

"Did you see Snow's face when you showed her the contract?"

Rumpelstiltskin smirked at the memory. "Bit surprised, wasn't she?"

Surprised, yes. Then Her Majesty had been flustered, and finally defensive.

They had barely ended the meeting on a civil note, and that was with Rumpelstiltskin whisking them back to the Dark Castle in the middle of Snow's speech.

"Next time," Belle said, placing her head against his chest, "we can invite Baelfire here."

Rumpelstiltskin nodded. "I'd like that."

The End

06/07/24

[flovverworks]

"Heh. Ridiculous." Says the man in the fancy greek-inspired outfit, looking at magic spells and wizardry like it defied any sort of logic that he had been taught from his may universities with his many, many degrees. At least the power systems and elements of other worlds in the galaxy held more grounded lore than this. "Promises, in it of itself, are simply just words thrown together on a whim of an emotional instance that makes you swear some sort of loyalty to some sort of other emotion or being right in front of you, as a means towards an end goal. Whether that is love or hate, a cause or a simple act, and anything in between - yet, many people across many worlds break promises all the time, even unknowingly, as promises are merely just a spoken pact that you can not keep so simply, not a legally binding contract that makes you die instantly if things don't go exactly to how they must. It's ridiculous; absurd; poppycock." Says the intelligent man that just doesn't want to accept being spirited away to such a different and new reality.

They couldn't say they liked him. It's reminiscent of an almost nostalgic memory of their first arrival to this world, don't trust the wizards, and more so of some days after that, it's the wizards fault. Fear that turned into malice and a disaster only they could prevent, they understood the reasons why, no matter how unfair they thought it to be. However, this man shouldn't have those biases. Didn't have those biases. What he had instead was a closed-off heart, waving off not only their world but also their feelings in something shaped like arrogance.

They would like to like him. After all, he wouldn't be the first person their relation started off shaky with, and suddenly loosing your footing and home was terrifying. It might just be a reaction in retaliation. But...that didn't mean they had to excuse it.

"...Where I come from breaking promises doesn't mean losing something", they don't add 'either', their heart unable to agree with his worldview. "But, I think, making a promise with a friend, no matter how small, and breaking it wears down your heart", however, that wasn't here nor there in this conversation, regardless of how their personal views had started to change after meeting everyone. "It's different for them. The wizards here use magic with their heart, if they promise their love to someone that promise remains true as long as they feel so in their heart, even if they were to marry someone else. Words are important to them, that's why they won't make promises on a whim. It might be difficult for you and I to understand, but please don't force those feelings upon them. This is their world."

Even if he couldn't come to accept it, that was their wish. A wizard doesn't make promises, because if they break it they lose their magic. Of course they had found it difficult to understand, seeing magic itself was still unbelievable. It was a bit scary, and exciting, and more than anything they hoped that he too would come to fall in love with this world, if only a little.

[cubemagnet14]

Part two of the weird self insert fantasy fanfiction daydream (I still havent given it a title) might as well post it if I already translated it

He has never lied to our mother so clearly. However, it worked because our mother did not ask any more questions. She was moved for a moment, then showed us the surprise she had planned.

She flipped to the front of the big, thick book and pointed to the very first picture on the page.

"Look! I've gathered all your memories captured in photos, so now everything is together. It's from when you were very young kids."

"You probably don't remember this anymore, but for me, it's a memory as if it happened yesterday. This day was special for all of us."

Unfortunately, Dmitriy and I couldn't pay attention to any of this. His mind was completly elsewhere. He tried to comprehend what he had just realized. I was afraid that our mother would get suspicious and I would have to tell her everything. I didn't want to upset her with everything that happened to me. It's not his fault and it's not mine. It's nobody's fault. Not even his. He didn't want it that way either, but it won't work out any other way. He said that he can go through any road just to reach his goal. Even if that path is lined with knives and swords and their edges cut into his soles with each step. Even if by the end there is nothing left of his leg. He would sacrifice anything for this cause. But not me. He would never do that.

In the evening we slept at my mother's house. After three years, I could finally sleep in my own room. After three years, I was finally where I am the happiest. Even if I wasn't the happiest at the time. Even if I can't show him this place. Even if I can never bring him here.

After our mother showed us the photo album, we had lunch. We had lunch together. After all this time, finally together. After three years, finally in eachother's company again. I wouldn't admit it, but I missed them both. Even if our mother is a bit overzealous sometimes, even if Dmitriy pokes his nose into everything. Even if our father can no longer be with us.

Even if he's on the other side of the country right now. We will meet again in a month and then I can see him again. I can wrap my arms around his neck, I can love him without anyone else watching. Then he will only be mine.

We'll have to hide forever, but I don't mind. I will stay by his side even if in return I can never see my family again.

I will love him forever.

[room-surprise]

This is an excellent post and a great analysis of this comic!

I just also want to add, because I think some of the comic's intended meaning goes over people's heads...

Kabru is trying to discourage the Toudens from innocently harassing kobolds. That's the point of this entire conversation. And as is usually the case, Kabru doesn't care what he has to do or say to accomplish his goals.

Kabru often says things he doesn't believe in order to make people do what he wants them to do. For example, saying Falin wasn't worth reviving in order to make Toshiro stop attacking Laios.

Kabru knows that Laios and Falin mean well. He knows they're just excited to interact with what they see as dog-people and that they mean no harm. But he also knows that kobolds do not trust outsiders, and probably don't appreciate being treated like animals. Even if the people (Toudens) doing it really, really love animals! Imagine if you compared a real world human racial minority to an animal, and then tried to tell them 'relax, it was a compliment!' Obviously, no matter how much the Toudens love dogs, this is going to be a negative interaction. By saying "they're only demi-humans" in a melodramatic way like this, Kabru is trying to politely discourage the Toudens from approaching random kobolds they might meet, or traveling to the West to try and visit their villages, because he knows the kobolds won't like it, and their response to the Toudens will be violence. One of the punchlines of this gag, and the point of this comic, is that Kabru trying to be polite and indirectly tell the Toudens "don't approach kobolds, it's not safe" is not effective. They don't understand him when he does this. This is what is called a "soft no", and is very common in Japanese. "It's impossible to communicate" is very similar to "it would be difficult", which are both ways to politely tell someone "No, you cannot or should not do this." But as we have seen before, Laios does not understand soft no's. The entire conflict between Laios and Toshiro hinges on the fact that Laios doesn't understand Toshiro's many, many soft no's. Kabru ends this gag comic by saying "I never should have started it!" Meaning, he shouldn't have tried to be subtle with Laios and Falin. He should have simply told the Toudens directly "No, do not visit the kobolds. They don't want you to visit and they will try to kill you. Leave them alone. They do not exist for your entertainment." "It's impossible to communicate" is the polite excuse Kabru gives for why the Toudens should avoid kobolds, putting the blame on the kobolds, as if it were their fault that communication can't happen... But actually it applies to Kabru and the Toudens, even though they're all humans. If Kabru can't even effectively communicate with the Toudens, and the Touden villagers can't communicate with the "mountain people", who are all humans, what hope is there for communicating with a group like the kobolds?

... And would it be the kobolds fault, because they're "just" demi-humans? Or is it because communication is hard for everyone, and because Kabru, the Toudens, and other tall-men aren't actually superior to the kobolds?

I'm once again thinking about the Adventurer's Bible entry on kobolds and the accompanying comic

Kabru speaks kobold and he still says that it's best to assume communication is impossible despite him knowing their language. But from the previous page kobolds are probably hostile to other races because kobolds are captured and sold as slaves. So kobolds being "cruel and aggressive as a rule" likely comes from how kobolds (justifiably!) act hostile towards tall-men if tall-men have been known to kidnap them and sell them into slavery where they "meet unfortunate ends." Kabru could be conflating this with all kobolds being inherently aggressive because he has been shown to be very "human centric" and I could see it being hard for him to put himself in the shoes of a demi-human (piled on top of his entire childhood being trauma probably doesn't help either).

But then Ryoko Kui adds Laios and Falin talking about "mountain people" at the bottom of the comic, who are human but from their perspective they fit into the same stereotypes Kabru brings up about kobolds. They are saying something ignorant and bigoted here about an entire society of human people and we as the readers can easily see that since they're talking about humans, not demi-humans.

A lesser writer would have stopped at just the top half of the comic and called it a day. By pairing Kabru's dialogue on kobolds with Laios's and Falin's dialogue on "mountain people" Ryoko Kui frames Kabru's own thoughts as more likely to be based on his own lived experiences and the society he grew up in and not as blanket fact.

[v-lynx-2]

< incognito / >

Part one

Summery :

The hacker Nymos has managed to keep many cyber criminal groups on their toes.

Little did they know it was someone else far from being called a hacker.

Could she play the hacker well ? Deceive the fbi ? How would that impact Jake and mc's relationship?

Not sure if lady lotus can see that one.

(AKA How to help your hacker boyfriend 101)

_________________________________________

(Takes place right after chapter 10)

_________________________________________

Warnings:

- material girl, brat , script kiddie and girlboss mc.

- some angry jealous protective strict Jake .

- might get out of hand and make it spicy.

- might mention cyber crimes and violence.

- of course bad language.

__________________________________________

The chase seemed to take longer than Jake has expected, he knows better than to contact mc now, it's best if he just disappears forever..

he doesn't want to of course, it hurts his soul to even think about it, he promised he would be there, he promised to stay, he promised the chase would end soon, he promised her a date.

A kiss.

How much he longed to have her in his arms now that everything is over, he could only think of her, her words seem to stuck on his mind, wondering if she is safe, what could she be doing-

He has to stay focused, thinking about mc now in this critical condition isn't a good idea.

He could barley remember how he made it out of their hands, he took cover in the mess that was around, manged to run away, destroyed his phone before the FBI could use it to track him, they could follow mc instead, his only weak point.

He can't put her in danger like that.

Even if that meant running forever.

Mc on the other hand, has already suspected as much, either Jake was cought or he is on the run, something she wished she could do something about.

In the midst of her tears, fear of losing her lover,  she decided that she actually is going to do something.

Breaking her promise, she goes to duskwood, keeping a low profile, Alan might feel like a chat and it wasn't something she was looking forward to.

Traveling to that place overwhelmed mc, as she felt something stuck in her throat, a lot happened, she lost a dear friend, her lover and someone is in jail for a reason she could be the reason too, mc blamed herself for everything

Richy's change of plan, Jake's sacrifice and the pain and fear the group had to go through.

"It was all my fault.. if I didn't answer that time.. things would have gone differently.. "

The stream of tears caused by her frustration didn't seem to stop, the clenching pain in her heart, crashed by her worries, mc decided, she can't meet the others for now.

The reason she went to duskwood was to try and track Jake herself.

Funny, it would take experts in the cyber security field a good amount of time to only gather information on their target, yet she dares to believe she can find him before they can.

" You asked me to walk this path with you "

" Here I am "

Mc was planning her route before she traveled to duskwood, packed the most important things with her, things she might need later as well, she made sure if she disappears it wouldn't look suspicious.

After all, after all that happened. No one is expected to stay and deal with false accusations.

They will never understand, they don't have all the details regarding the situation, not even mc but she is the most understanding, considering she is only chasing the hacker for a good reason.

Jake mentioned before that he was staying at a motel, he didn't specify in or out of duskwood, but mc was willing to gamble it would outside, he also mentioned " being around" when he told mc and the others he was going into the mine .

This made her think, as she remembered Jake only had access to information through the web, she could use that too.

Pinpointing a number of motels around and breaking in, was, something she would never believe she would do, her goal was to find the one which Jake kept his equipment in, she believes that she is running out of time.

Well it didn't always go well.

Cuts and bruises were nothing to her, she was running on adrenaline, fear, knowing if she doesn't act now she might lose him forever.

Act now and think later was the way for now.

Jake would highly disagree with her method, maybe even stop her, cute, he gets too protective sometimes, it's like he knows, she would give her life to him.

She already knows he would do the same.

Which makes her understand his worry.

The plan was successful, she found his equipment, packed them and left the motel leaving nothing of his behind.

Mc didn't know what to do now.

It's good that she has his stuff, the FBI don't have anything concrete, the equipment are better off with her than them.. but what is to do now?

Maybe..

Try to confuse the fbi a little?

Or Maybe it's time to see the others too.

Looking at her phone.

She called Jessy,

" .. hey Jessy "

" Mc? Mc! It was- "

" It was Richy all along, yes, he contacted me "

" I can't believe it, I can't believe it ! "

" Jessy.. "

All mc can hear is crying on the other line, she felt really bad, her vision started to go blurry with tears as well, but she can't just do that now, she is racing with FBI to find Jake.

She has to put her emotions aside, there is no time for them now.

" Jessy, I'm so sorry for what happened, we couldn't have stopped it, Richy meant a lot to me too, I understand"

" Yeah, it isn't your fault mc, I know "

" Thank you.. hey can you do me a favor? "

" Sure, what is it ? "

" Jessy.. I'm in duskwood, can you pick me up ? "

" What ?! I mean sure but why are you here ? "

" Don't get me wrong, of course I want to see you, but I thought you would stay away for a while after Alan- "

" Alan ? What did he do ? " mc asked as the mention of the police caught her attention.

" He contacted us about Jake, of course he didn't know more and we all didn't say anything, we owe that to Jake "

" Thank you guys "

" I'm going to pick you up, mc, give me a second "

It seems Alan was indeed interested in gathering information about Jake, not good, not good at all, mc thought.

But maybe, she can use that to her advantage, just like Jake said , to view what happened as an opportunity.

She can use the information Alan already gathered .. no that's a risky idea, but did Jake hesitate to go to the mine? No, he came up with a good plan, mc didn't like it one bit, it wasn't that bad considering the circumstances.

Jake wouldn't probably like mc's plan as well.

Jessy arrived, in the car, there was Dan sitting in the front seat.

" You are looking for trouble bigger than your size, little girl " Dan said instead of a greeting

" Are you calling me short, Daniels? "

Said mc faking looking offended.

" Welcome to duskwood, mc " Dan said as she got into the car. 

" Dan called after you so.. " Jessy said trying to explain why he was here.

" It's fine, it's Dan, as long as Alan doesn't know, I'm good "

"I was serious about the big troubles part "

" What do you mean ?! "

" Listen, before you throw a fit, you are too young to be dealing with this- " Dan informed mc giving her a stern look.

"I'm not! "

" You should be doing college shit or maybe getting a better job, find a person that exists in the real world- "

" Dan, if you say another word, I'm leaving the car. "

" Dan ! You can't just- " Jessy tried to help

" Look this guy is the reason why you are here, am I correct ? "

" Don't glare at me like that, i know you are here for hackerman " Dan continued

" You can't carry on doing mc things without getting in the line of fire, you aren't one of the likes of him, you have your life ahead"

" If it's not with him, I don't want it ! " mc said crossing her arms and looking away.

" Don't think this way, I can't believe I'm going to say this but.. he probably doesn't want you to put yourself in danger"

" That's why he didn't contact you, am I right ? " " Of course I am "

" If I know you would be that annoying, I would have booked a suite in a hotel " mc said seriously considering it, a bit of luxury isn't bad. 

" Oh mc, but of course we would like to have you, my house is your house "

" Aww, that's nice and sweet and HELPFUL " said mc for Dan to hear.

" So me warning you not to chase after criminals wasn't helpful? "

" To say the least, No "

In few minutes, they arrived at Jessy's place, it was nice and simple, cozy, maybe staying at a hotel alone was a bad idea, this is much better, not luxurious but oh well.

They sat and Jessy got them something to drink.

" So how are Cleo, Thomas and lilly doing? "

" Cleo and Thomas are staying with Hannah at her family's place, of course lilly is with them"

" Hm ...Richy ..? "

" Never found, at least no information yet "

" .. I'm sorry "

" Don't be, it isn't your fault, if anything we are sorry you had to go through this "

" .. thanks Dan.. but I still feel bad about it.. I couldn't stop it "

" Is this why you are here after all? You want to do something, you are done just staying hidden behind a phone, aren't you? "

" Yes! I didn't think you would understand "

" I understand, I did that as well, I couldn't stay in the hospital and hear about my friends being in danger "

" That's why I'm worried " Dan said looking serious.

" Dan.. you don't have to worry, I got my legs " mc mocked.

" You sassy little shi-"

" Haha, by the way, I need you to teach me how to shoot "

" And why is that ? "

" So-"

" Excuse me, I mean why would I? "

" Don't you worry? "

" If I don't teach you I don't have to worry "

" That's what you think, I can be more reckless than I already am"

" Hey, mc... I was on the phone with Alan.. " Jessy came in after.

" What did you talk about? "

" I wanted to see Phil and tell him what happened and .. but Alan said something.. about Jake "

" Here we go again " Dan said.

" TELL ME ! "

" Alan has photographs, that he intends to send to the newspaper.."

" Jake.. "

" Like that hackerman wouldn't be able to hide"

" Hackerman is done for if that happens .."

" I'm so sorry.. he intends to make us talk this way it seems.. "

" Wait Jessy ! You said photographs? "

" Yes,  and ? "

" Not pictures? "

" No, photographs "

" So it was taken with a non digital camera? "

" Well I don't know if that makes any difference but, this usually means he has them in physical copies "

" How lame and old like who the hell- "

" That's freaking great actually! " mc said.

" Jessy, I need you to tell me everything about the duskwood police station, whatever you know about Alan or his whereabouts. "

" Oh no.. not another crazy idea" Dan said displeased.

" Dan if we don't act, Jake would be gone forever ! Come on ! We owe it to him "

" I don't owe anything to-  oh fine "

" Yayyyy! Let's go! "

" I'm gonna hate this "

" It's a job for mc Holmes "

" And Jessy Watson! "

" And who am I ? " Dan asked

" The world's greatest driver " mc answered

" Amazing "

Mc set up jake's equipment, she feared the fbi might track him this way but, they seemed to know somehow that he was in the mine.

They didn't exactly go for his stuff, so maybe it was safe?

Now all mc had to do is .. enter the password

Of course his laptop would have a password!

Mc tried to come up with things but they didn't work.

She took a break after

" Any luck? " Jessy asked

" Nope "

" Of course, what did you expect, trying to unlock a hacker's laptop "

" Hey it was worth the try ! "

" So what now? "

" I was hoping to get information about the duskwood police through his laptop but.. well"

" Okay, let's do it the classic way " Jessy said

" You think I would let you run off to the police? "

" Jessy Watson means we would try to locate Alan "

" Again my question still stands "

" What do you think mc Holmes? "

" Are you two treating it like a game? "

" Dan, you are boring" mc said.

" Anyway, my plan is, I will go with you to visit Phil but I can't go as mc .."

" But who would be okay to go visit Phil with me ? " Jessy asked.

" A friend? Well yes but no, your sister ? She might show up later and we would get caught"

" We need someone the police wouldn't find suspicious"

" How about... Phil's lawyer? "

" Mc that's a great idea! "

" Bullshit, you are going in by yourself to the police who suspect you, they won't just reveal the pictures of hackerman, but you as well"

" Now now, I'm not gonna go as mc, I'm going as the gorgeous Ms.lawyer, I will use make up to change my look and should up with a fake card, I won't look like mc that much "

" I still have my doubts about this"

" Relax, they don't know how I look! "

" About time ! "

" Chillax, I've got this, I'm not afraid of people who still take paper photographs"

" I fear you are going to rub this on Alan's face"

" Oh yeah "

" Dear lord.. "

Mc and Jessy went upstairs to prepare for the visit, mc didn't show it but she was very anxious and nervous about everything.. what if it doesn't work out well? What if they get her instead.. mc's stomach started to hurt, not your friendly butterflies anymore.

She stood Infront of the mirror, she can see the same worry reflecting from jessy's face, mc knows Jessy is getting her strength from mc's determination, if mc appears to be doubtful, Jessy would be discouraged, so she had to keep an appearance.

"Fake it until you make it mc" said to herself as she was putting on her outfit.

Black blazer , day make up but in a way that hides her real face structure, it seems like she thought of everything, even the accessories.

" Umm mc? Do you really need this one? "

Said Jessy pointing at the push-up bra laying on the bed.

" Jessy, that's my get out of jail card "

Going down stairs, mc looked at herself one last time, trying to wipe the worry on her face,

That's it, now or never, now would get her a chance to help Jake, never would mean she would lose him forever.

This brought her strength but she is still weighted down with uncertainty.

" Relax babe, you are too hot for the police to handle " mc said to herself blowing a kiss.

" Should I give you some privacy? " Said Jessy giggling

" Yes, if you mind "

As they were about to leave mc remembered.

" Jessy.. heels, do you know a shop nearby? The look needs to be completed! "

" Of course, it's on our way "

" I thought you were planning on knocking out Alan, but I never thought it would be this way "

" Thank you, Dan. you think I got a chance? "

" You would be the main attraction "

" Not good "

" Oh ho that's perfect actually "

" Mc the car is ready! I mean ms.holmes "

" Haha let's go! "

"Jessy? Mc ! Dammit "

" Don't worry, we will be home to babysit you later "

" Fucking brat, if you are going to do this then I will give you a tip, the room that has the photographs will be dark and red, that's where they chemically treat them. "

" Purrfect ! Thank you Dan! "

They drove to the boutique first, where mc picked red bottom heels, the devil wears Prada and so she did.

Back to the car Jessy looked nervous

" Hey Jess, don't worry too much, I won't do anything that might be bad for Phil "

" I know, I trust you, it's just that.. I have never done anything like this before.. it's kind of exciting "

" Me too ! "

" We are on our first mission together! Let's celebrate once we get rid of the evidence they have on Jake, the FBI are probably on their toes so we gotta be careful "

" Yes! " Jessy said.

Duskwood police station, worry started to hit mc like a knife, she isn't going to back down now ! Never !

She can prove to Jake that she can keep up with him like that, he doesn't have to worry.

Entering the place, she prepared herself mentally to be the main attraction, she knows eyes would be on her, even without the new look, talk about confidence.

It only adds to your look, so she mastered fake confidence.

A heel click can be heard and many turned their heads, chic black blazer, designer bag, the outfit says confident, the look on her face says professional.

Suddenly jessy, seemed to forget her lines, so mc took the lead

" Hello, my name is Ms. ____, Mr. Hawkins lawyer " she said in an assertive tone.

An officer dared to speak in her graceful presence, " we haven't been informed of your visit "

" Pity, I did feel unwelcomed "

" I have few questions to ask then I will be in my way, will you show me the way? "

In another room, or office, Alan bloomgate was writing a report, he seemed all stressed like he didn't sleep well lately.

He hears a knock on the door

" Come in "

" Sir, Phil Hawkins lawyer came to question him"

" So ? "

" I thought you might want to hear this considering she would be there to defend him in Michel Hanson's case "

" I will be there in a minute "

Mc has already made her way to Phil, Jessy behind her.

Phil looked her from down to up, meeting her eyes, mc smiles.

The officer leaves them, of course after taking some safety precautions.

" Phil, this is mc, but don't tell anyone okay? "

" Hello Phil "

Phil who appeared to be dazed managed to say hello back.

" I have many questions to ask but now, I have something else that urgently requires my attention"

" Did you catch anything from the police, about a hacker ? An culprit maybe, a person Alan is after "

" Alan asked me if I know anything about a hacker, he said he might help me if I confess.. unfortunately I knew nothing "

" Thank god, thank you Phil, for not lying, I can't stand people who lie in their testimony "

" You know people like that? "

" You would be surprised, moving on "

" Alan said this hacker was involved in this case and could harm Jessy with the help of mc "

" I told him this is not true, mc is a good person, if anything, she wanted to help "

" Aww Phil thank you really "

"You are always welcome, babe"

" So what happened next ? "

" He took his recorder with him and left "

" Hmmm Alan is now after him.."

" Him? "

" The hacker "

" Do you have anything on him, mc? , Anything that can help me, I hope ? "

" Nope, trust me, he isn't the one responsible for what happened to you "

" You two worked together, Alan said "

" Aww jealous? "

" I might be "

" Phil, don't be silly, mc and-"

" Jessy, can I have a second? "

Mc pulled Jessy to a corner and whispered.

"Jess, I don't want many people knowing jake's identity."

" Oh sure, of course "

" So, we were saying. Anything else? "

" Alan is spending more time in his office than before, I heard an officer mutter something like that, he also goes to the police station late as well, he is used to patrolling alone"

" Emo officer, it wasn't just a phase after all, I bet he is all dressed up in black as well "

" Haha "

" There is no respect for police these days among youngsters it seems "

" Speak of the devil "

" Trust me, no one mentioned your name, dear "

" Why are you asking Mr.hawkins

irrelevant questions to his case? "

" Who are you to interfere with my job ? "

Mc said raising an eyebrow giving him a challenging look

" .. this is Alan"

" Oh" oh shit, this isn't good at all, if he knows, everything is over, Jake is gone and- okay calm down mc, stay cool.

" Hello, Mr bloomgate"

" And you are ? "

" Mr Hawkins lawyer"

" I can't get a name? "

" If you are lucky, you might add it to your contact list "

Flirting with the police isn't always a good idea, they tend to backfire, but Alan got more curious.

Something about her confidence and attitude that piqued his interest.

" Ms Hawkins, you can have few moments with your brother, I have to take a break "

Mc left the door making sure she brushes Alan  lightly, the sly smile on her face still.

As expected, Alan followed.

" You smoke Ms? "

" No, I would rather have some fresh air instead"

" Would you care for a cup of coffee, Mr bloomgate? "  Mc added.

" On me, I hope office coffee is to your liking"

" It's something I don't get bored of to be honest, I wonder how this one would taste~"

" You are a curious one it seems, ever heard of the saying, 'curiosity killed the cat' ? "

" Not this kitty" mc winks.

" What are your intentions? "

" I'm afraid, I've reached a dead end with Mr Hawkins case.. I was wondering if I could get anything through you.."

" I'm sorry if I sounded so rude earlier "

" If you sounded? "

" Okay I'm not too sorry to be honest "

Alan let a short laugh escape, mc smiled cutely, he definitely caught the bait.

" You remind me of a mysterious person I know, or to be honest, I don't know much about "

" That's what makes them mysterious "

" Perhaps. Did you get what you want from this visit? "

" No, I'm running in circles... I wonder if you can help me? What is your officer intuition telling you? "

" To be careful "

" Of me? "

" No, but if you think so, I might have to do that as well "

" Hehe aren't you a bet too antsy, loosen up, I feel like you can help me, that's why my intuition is telling me "

" Please? "

" I can show you some of my investigations in the case "

" I knew it! Thank you Alan! "

" Sorry, can I call you that? "

" Yes, it's fine, what can I call you? "

" Dear " mc winks at him again, he seemed so done with her.

He takes her to his office, it felt weird, he never done it before, but this stranger might help him bring justice to his old friend, or so he hoped.

Mc scanned the room, on her way she noticed many details, the keys to the room that has the photographs, his office computer...only of Jake was here.

She needed Alan to leave so she can do something.

She picked her phone and texted Jessy

_________________________________________

Mc = Jessy???

       < Jessy is now online >

Jessy = yes ?

Mc = I'm going to send Alan ur way, stall for time.

Jessy = got it !

_________________________________________

" Alan.. our coffee? "

" Sorry, I was deep in thought, please sit and wait for me "

" Don't take long, I don't like over time"

" Trust, neither do I "

Alan left the office, first thing mc did was get into that room, just walk like you own place and no one looked her way.

Saw the photographs hanging, the pictures didn't show much of his face, mc took one to look at.

Just his raven dark hair, his hoodie not much visible, she is glad and disappointed at the same time, but whatever the plan must go on.

Moving on, she took all the pictures along with the camera and the film in her bag, locked the room and left.

This is going to have some consequences later, let's hope it's only later.

___________________________________________

Note : next chapter should be uploaded this week in two days or so.

[p0et-is-my-persona]

What was supposed to be a normal day.

Pairing: Aizawa x gn!reader

Warnings: Angst to fluff, Some cursing, Reader gets severely injured

A/n : Something might be wrong with it idk. Please enjoy it anyways!

Where did everything go wrong?

It wasn't an extremely dangerous mission, the goal of the mission was to simply locate and identify a villain.

He could blame it on your two freshly-out-of-U.A. teammates not paying attention and seeing the red flags. Only was that they didn't have years experience of doing this type of work.

Shota's heart had stopped after he heard from a co-worker that two new heroes radioed in that (you) the leader of the group had been attacked and they got to safety from said villain. Shota stepped out into the hallway.

He immediately when to call you. Before he could click call, the number for the nearby hospital popped up. He knew the number of it by heart. Just because of the students and staff being stupid and Recovery Girl being there all the time.

He answered fearing the worst "H-hello?"

He answered. Secretly trying to reassure himself it wasn't you or that if it was you that the injuries weren't too severe.

He was met by somebody he couldn't depict whether the voice was female or male

"Hello, are you y/n's significant other: Aizawa, Shota?"

"Yes, I am, are they okay?" He needed the operator's reassurance that you were alright.

"Unfortunately, Y/n has received severe injuries and will be staying at the hospital till further notice."

"Okay."Shota's heart dropped to his stomach. He didn't even realize that Eri was standing behind him politely waiting for the phone call to be finished

"Am I and others allowed to visit?" He asked

"Only family is allowed to."

"O-okay thank you." Shota hung up.

He dropped to his knees covered his face and cried. No. Sobbed.

"Daddy? are you okay?" He heard the little call out from behind him. He stopped for a second and then proceeded to cry harder. You were one of the best things that happened to him how could this happen? You were stronger than you looked, he remembers whenever you almost beat his ass when you first sparred against each other. You had also done it without using your quirk. Fond memories.

Shota let out a little no and Eri ran and found Mic and told him what she encountered. Mic sprinted to Shota his long-time best friend was in pain and he was crying (and it takes a lot for him to cry.) Eventually, Shota got the words out.

Move forward 10 minutes Mic, Shota and Eri were outside the hospital.

A very dead-sounding voice spoke up "Eri stay in the car with Mic."

She wanted to ask why but just decided that now isn't the time to. Shota gets out and Mic drives off to get Eri ice cream.

He walks up to the front desk shows his hero badge and asks where your room is. A Petite woman with red hair wearing green scrubs escorts him to your room and then quickly scurries away.

"Hey, y/n..." he says in a cautious tone. Now sitting by your bedside.

No answer

"You scared me a lot. I thought-" Shota tries to remain calm. Seeing you all wrapped up, big bruises on your face, and on other areas that aren't in a cast is difficult. Holding back a sob, "-that you didn't make it." His lips now trembling and tears now escaping from his eyes he silently sobs. Wishing you were awake and well and that those kids had over-exaggerated your injuries.

You let out a little cough disrupting your slumber, and your eyes slowly open. Shota is startled by it as well eye meeting yours. "Hey, babe-"Your raspy voice says. He immediately grabs your hand that doesn't have a cast and holds it up to his face his tears now streaming onto your hands.

"I love you so much-"

"I do too. Shota, I'm sorry I should've-"

"Don't apologize for it. It wasn't your fault, nobody knew that that would happen." Shota kissed your cheek.

"You should probably tell a nurse or a doctor I'm awake."

Shota let out a sad smile "I probably should. Let the fun begin." He said sarcastically as he headed out of the room knowing you're are now safe.

[pompadourpink]

Hi! I feel hopeless. I just dont get along with my family

So here's the thing. I wanted to study abroad. They cried and accused me of being selfish. So i studied for our national uni exam ( +8 hours a day for all the year) . I almost lost my mind. I lost my mental well being. I was at home all the year. Now i became successful. But my life is a hell still. I want to spend my summer holiday here in our home. They wanna go to country ( where there is nothing for me to do,no friends, not even a mall) they wanna do garden stuff. And my mum cries and tells me she wants to spend time with me. So i accept staying there for one fucking month even though i dont want to. They always accuse me things that make me hate myself. They pushed me through this academic way, i was found gifted. They made me take all these tests, they said i shouldnt study abroad or study hard. My dad is angry that i want to take a prep year in uni ( which everyone takes here) like wtf. We just dont get along. I dont understand them at all and to be honest im too mentally tired to cope with them. I almost lost my mind this year, i think i deserve a break seriously. What should i do? They always cry and blame me and then i do what they want. All my life. But im still bad. And still selfish.

Hello dear,

I first want to ask you this: if it was anyone else in the world, would you allow them to treat you this way? Would you allow a teacher, classmate, neighbour, to tell you what to do, torment you, and make you miserable? Just because someone shares DNA with you doesn't mean they get permission to treat you like garbage and get away with it. Parents owe unconditional love, not kids.

It's not about you. Bullies do what they do because they hurt and have not healed - what you are is a coping mechanism, a punching ball, an easy target. You could objectively be a parent's wet dream and it wouldn't fix the way they treat you, because they're not trying to make you better, they're trying to make themselves feel good. Remember that South Park episode where Kyle's dad, a miserable man turned online bully, inadvertently drives a woman to sui(ide and is flabbergasted that she did it because he never saw it as a possibility, never thought about her feelings. There's nothing in the world you can do to make things better because if it wasn't you, it would be someone else, and if you didn't want to leave, they'd find something else to bother you about. When someone wants a reason to be mad, they'll always manage to find one. It can get better only if they decide to go to therapy and start getting better - which they might never do. This is not your fault and you do not deserve any of it.

Regarding your studies, go and don't look back. You will feel guilty, sure, because you've been raised to have a sense of duty towards family and absolutely no spine, but you already do, so at least you'll feel guilty while finally doing what you want, what you won't have another opportunity to do, what will get you closer to your goals - and you will be by yourself, free of negative energy, able to start healing and realise how good and strong you are. "I shouldn't have done it" is a crappy feeling but "Shit, I should have done it" is even worse.

What should you do? One, find another support system. Sadly, you will not get a change of behaviour, apology, or the unconditional love you've been craving from them. Find other people you can trust. Stop sharing your plans, goals or thoughts with them: you're not going to make them feel bad and change, you're just handing them new ways to hurt you. Stop putting your hand in the lion's mouth and wondering why you're bleeding. Become a grey rock. Two, find yourself. Go through your beliefs, traditions, principles, and wonder what actually fits the person you are; look for would you rather questions online, watch a lot of movies, read a lot of books, travel, meet people, find out what's inside, underneath all of that pain. Three, rebrand. Treat yourself like your own young child. If your eight-year-old had forgotten to do the dishes, would you call them names and ground them? No, you would say that's okay baby, you didn't do anything wrong, let's put a little music on and do them now together.

Also, check out the malks tag and look for relationship advice - someone who has been abused as a kid will get a very unhealthy, transactional idea of love and is likely to get into abusive relationships (with a romantic partner or a friend), and you have enough to heal from already. Protect yourself.

I would obviously encourage you to get a therapist. If you can't, feel free to reach out, there are a few books and websites I can send you.

Much love,

Mum