#and then hes alive and his kid (whoever you play as) is in danger and HES NOT SAFE TO BE AROUND and he panics and hes so confused and scare

[huldrabitch]

Can we talk about playing as Jason in Gotham Knights and getting the ends scene? I would fucking love to talk about that and see more art and writing inspired by Bruce going through the exact same effects of the Lazarus pit as his son, and going from blind aggresion to primal protectiveness for his kid. Literally almost killing the person manipulating him, anything to protect his son, never letting the past repeat.

[heartfullofleeches]

I think Sunshine prince will be trust fund kid with brag a docious ton of Lamborghini in moderen au

Works for me

Modern Au Sunshine/"Innocent" Prince/Stoic Bodyguard Reader

The "Prince" is a spoiled brat with living parents that have the entire city under their thumb. He's given the title for his looks and charms; the sweetest little devil you could probably met - until you get on his bad side. When he's in one of his moods, generations will be ruined if anyone dares try to talk to him, even if it's to cheer him up. The week he found out his parents were getting him a guard - nobody was safe. Everyone's favorite teacher lost their job of thirty years for giving him a quick pep talk while he was seething. This all came after he had an altercation with another student for play flirting with their partner though he was the clear victor. His parents thought the world was too dangerous for their sweet baby. They thought he was a child - weak. He'd show them. He'd ruin his guards life and make them regret stepping one foot his house and-

"Lunar, meet Y/n. They will be attending the same college as you, but outside their studies they will be with you at all times."

And-

"A pleasure, Sir."

And....oh. He's never been called that before. Makes him feel like he's aged a century - but he likes the respect. You aren't as ugly as he thought you'd be either.

" I hear you have a reputation of being called a prince at your college. Would you prefer if I called you "Your Majesty" instead?"

There's no hint of mockery in your tone. You're serious.... Is it to late to take back what he said about ruining your life?

Princey here is all over his hired protection. He really lives up the "harmless babe, silly clumsy boy who can do no wrong." part of his act when you're around. He prefers bottled soda over canned because he can get you to crack them open for him and compliment your strength. He kicks open the doors of your class mid-lecture and whines about being hungry a whole two hours before break. You're quick to scold him for the latter, and your intervention plus his self dumbifcation leads to let mishaps among your peers - and eyes on you. Nobody is smart enough to make a move on you in his line of sight, but you pretty much become the school eye candy when he's off on his own.

The Prince moves out of his parent's four story mansion and into your dorm for a taste of that domestic bliss. Your living space gets upgraded to a two bedroom apartment because even his parents are wise enough to know putting you in one room would lead to trouble - but he weasels his way into your bed most nights regardless. He pushes his innocent act a little too far when he tries to get in the shower or bath with you, but rubbing his face on the towel you used is fine enough for now. Unbridled, unfiltered rage is casted at whoever may need your aid. You are his knight guard, and his alone.

-

[Bodyguard Guard Reader carries an unconscious peer out of the pool after they nearly drowned, their lips pale blue.]

"Oh my God. I don't think they're breathing -"

Bodyguard Reader: Don't worry - I know CPR

Prince Yan, pulling up with a vacuum: I got you covered!

-

Prince Yan: You pathetic, worthless, no good, low life, homewrecking, stupid, repulsive whor-

[Bodyguard Reader walks in]

Prince Yan: Y/n! I've been looking for you everywhere! Can you peel this apple for me with your teeth?

-

[Some thugs Prince paid off walking in limping and covered in bruises]

"Dude what the hell!? You said this was a joke

Prince Yan: The joke was it's funny you think Y/n would allow anyone to put hands on me. I would say you should see what they can do with a watermelon or pumpkin and their thighs - but if you did I'd have to skin you all alive

[hugmekenobi]

S2: The Bad Batch (14)

Chapter Fourteen: Tipping Point

Gif by @trapezequeen

Hunter x femaleJedi!reader

Series Summary: Some time has passed since everything that happened at Kamino and you and the Batch are trying to figure out your place in the rapidly changing Imperial galaxy. And you're having to do all this whilst figuring out where your relationship with Hunter fits into it.

Chapter Summary: An old friend returning brings new information that could lead you and the Batch on a dangerous mission.

Masterlist for S1

<Previous Chapter

Genre: Friends (idiots) to Lovers (we're in the lovers stage now)

Chapter Warnings: Canon-typical violence, descriptions of torture, Hemlock needs his own warning, fluff and light angst

Word Count: 3.2K

Author's notes: A relatively quiet chapter before the hell that will be the last two episodes lol. Enjoy!

Mount Tantiss

Well, he never saw himself as being on the ones to be on the opposite side of the cell ray shields. He’d always expected to be the one to open them and demand whoever it was to get ‘on their feet’ but things were certainly different now. He did as the stormtrooper said and let the other cuff him before his two escorts led him out his cell and down the hallway.

As he walked, he couldn’t help but let his eyes drift to the other clones in cells. He didn’t know how they wound up here or what they were here for, but they all looked as miserable as he felt. His thoughts drifting caused him to slow his pace, the act receiving a harsh jab from a blaster. He turned irritably but knew it wasn’t worth the fight and kept walking.

The trooper opened the ray shield to the unfortunately familiar room and the woman he’d first see upon waking up here.

“Good morning, Crosshair. How are you feeling?”

Again, with his name. he didn’t know what type of game she was playing by using it, but he wasn’t going to let himself succumb to it. “What’s it to you?” He muttered wearily before another jab into his back forced him into the room and he leaned against the bench.

“The doctor is on his way. Be smart and cooperate, or he will resort to methods you will not enjoy.”

The sound of footsteps caught his attention and he glanced to the door to see the man he assumed was ‘the doctor’ step in.

“You’ve healed quickly, considering the state you arrived in.” The doctor commented.

He spoke quietly with an eery sense of calmness but there was also an underlying sinister quality to his voice. He had one gloved hand that he held and caressed tenderly with his other one. “Why am I here?”

“If you think this is punishment for shooting your commanding officer, you’re incorrect. I actually think that shows quite a bit of initiative.”

Crosshair was taken aback for a moment. That was not the sentiment he was expecting. This doctor was not a typical Imperial. He said nothing and waited for him to elaborate.

“No. No, you are here because I intend to give you a clean slate.” The doctor explained. “And all you have to do in exchange is tell me how to find Clone Force 99. They’re in possession of something I need.”

Omega. It had to be the girl, but he needed to know for sure. “The kid.”

The doctor chuckled softly. “Very good.”

So, he was right. “You’re wasting your time. They’ll never turn her over.”

“They don’t have a choice. She is a clone and, therefore, Imperial property. Help me locate your former squad, and you will have your freedom.”

Freedom? As a clone in this galaxy? That didn’t feel likely, and he couldn’t give them up. That wasn’t who he was anymore. And besides, he had no idea of their location, let alone if they were all even alive. “I don’t know where they are.”

The doctor shook his head with a frown and nodded to one of the guards.

Crosshair tried to resist but he couldn’t stop the troopers from pushing him onto the bench and restraining him.

The doctor leaned down to the clone’s face. “But you know how they think, how they operate, contacts they’d reach out to. Surely you have something useful to share.”

“Wrong.” Crosshair sneered.

The doctor let out an aggravated sigh. “Let’s see if we can jog your memory.” He tightened the restraint that reached over the clone’s head. “Begin.”

Crosshair was helpless. He could only watch the interrogator droid whirr closer to him and stick the needle into his neck and the pain that followed was excruciating. He writhed against his restraints, but it did nothing to ease the pain.

“Doctor… one of our transport ships was attacked departing Balmorra. The prisoners aboard escaped.”

The doctor turned away from the clone to face his assistant. “Inform me when he’s ready to talk.” He left with the assistant- Dr Scalder- who had been on Tantiss before he’d arrived to deal with this matter.

--

“That’s enough.”

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been victim to the needle, but it wasn’t even a relief when the doctor’s assistant finally stopped the pain, it still radiated throughout his body. He couldn’t open his eyes it still hurt so much; he barely registered the restraint across his head coming undone. His eyes finally flickered open at the feeling of the guards getting ready to undo the other straps and he managed to notice one of the troopers had left his blaster unattended. Despite the pain he was feeling, he acted quickly and within seconds, both guards were dead, and the droid was destroyed, and he held the assistant at gunpoint as he focused on orienting himself once more.

“Take a breath. Think this through.” She cautioned with her hands raised in surrender.

“Release me.” Crosshair demanded; his voice still weary with agony.

She did as he asked and put in the code that opened the door. “You cannot make it out of this facility. Not in your condition.”

Crosshair panted with the effort it took to stand. “Give me your access card.”

“It won’t get you outside. But even if you do manage that, the hounds will find you within minutes. Don’t make this worse, Crosshair! There is no escape. Lower the blaster.”

He wasn’t looking to escape. He just needed to warn them. He set the blaster to stun and, once she was unconscious, took the access card from her belt and left the cell in search of the communications room.

--

He staggered down the corridors, his aim as he shot at any troopers in his path still skewed, but it didn’t need to be perfect, it just needed to be enough to get him to where he needed to be.

He entered the room and used the access card to take control over the controls. He got the satellite into position and began his transmission. He wasn’t sure how long he had before they realised what had happened.

“Plan 88.” He said with a pained grunt. “You have to hide. They’re after-” He didn’t get the chance to finish for the room sealed shut and a green gas cloud started to seep into the room. The effects were immediate- he started to cough, his vision blurred, and he felt lightheaded. He scrambled for his blaster, but he barely managed to get a hold of it before he collapsed to the ground. He was awake long enough to hear the door open and see the doctor come and stand over him.

The doctor inhaled deeply. “Hmm. Having trouble processing the toxin? It’s my own special formula. One I’ve built an immunity to. You, however, have not.”

Crosshair couldn’t speak. He was clinging on to consciousness. He’d hoped he’d done enough to warn them. This man was unlike anyone they���d ever come across before. The last thing he remembered before the darkness took him was being dragged out the room.

--

It had taken a while, but things in Pabu were nearly back to normal. Most of the repairs had been done and people were able to get their lives back on track once more. Routines had been established; new friendships made. Every day that you had spent here had made the idea of taking up residence more appealing, but it wasn’t something you could commit to just yet.

Right now, you and Hunter were helping Shep unload some supplies from the docks. You placed your box down and rolled to ease the tension in your shoulders. The sun was warm against your back, and you wiped away the small beads of sweat that had formed on your brow.

“This friend on your who’s stopping by, he’s another clone?” Shep asked.

“Yeah, but don’t worry. He’s not with the Empire.” Hunter reassured him.

“If you trust him, that’s enough for me.”

“The new fishing dock’s rebuilt and moored.” Wrecker announced before he dumped a giant fish on some of the cages. “And I’ve caught some dinner!”

“You’ve been busy.” You commented with a smile.

“You got that right.” Wrecker replied proudly before Lyana’s voice got his attention.

“Hey, Wrecker. Can we get your help? We’re fortifying the seawall.”

“You got it, boss.” Wrecker answered with an enthusiastic chortle before he set off.

“He’s become an integral part of this community. You all have.” Shep said warmly. “Any chance you’ve reconsidered staying permanently?”

You and Hunter shared a look.

“For soldiers, putting down roots is an occupational hazard.” Hunter replied.

“It’s never been the easiest thing to think about or do when you’ve lived the way we have for so long.” You added. The subject though had come up on more or less a nightly basis. You both were on the same page about wanting to but the question of were you allowed to do it always came up. This wasn’t something any of you were used to and it was surprisingly difficult to visualise.

“Well, is that all you two are? Soldiers?”

Before either of you could reply, the rapid whirr of an engine sounded overhead, and the Marauder came flying into view.

“More flying lessons?” Shep asked with a chuckle.

“Uh-huh. Tech’s got his hands full.” Hunter said with a laugh.

“Yeah, I sat in on the lesson yesterday and I’m still shaking the nausea.” You said, only half joking. “How long until Echo gets here?”

“Any minute now probably.” Hunter answered. Sure enough, another ship came into view on the horizon and Echo’s voice came through the comms.

“Race you to the landing zone?”

“You’re on!” Omega accepted the challenge and put the ship into high gear, paying little attention to Tech’s words of caution or his panicked yelp.

“Oh, what I wouldn’t give to see Tech’s face right now.” You said as you saw the ship speed after Echo’s.

“Right there with you.” Hunter agreed before the two of you made your way to go meet them.

--

Echo hadn’t changed too much since you’d seen him last, but he’d decided to get rid of his kama material- something you just had to tease him about, “Oh, be still my heart, he goes away for a few months, and this happens! Echo is flashing a bit of leg!” You pretended to swoon and fell back into Hunter who was already prepared to catch you.

“And hello to you too, (Y/N).” Echo said with a roll of his eyes as he walked down his ship’s steps.

Hunter pushed you back upright before he went over to Echo, their hands clasping in greeting.

“You weren’t kidding. This place is remote.” Echo said.

“That has its advantages.” Hunter replied.

“It’s good to see you, Echo.” You said happily as you took your turn and hugged him.

The three of you then turned in the direction of the Marauder that was coming in at a rather unsteady landing cycle.

“I’m surprised you’re not on Ord Mantell with Cid.” Echo said, the question of why you weren’t there lurking behind his words.

“We’ve been reevaluating things.” Hunter said.

You snorted as you saw the way Tech clutched his head and appeared quite wobbly on his feet, but you soon focused your eyes on the way the young girl leaped into Echo’s arms. That was another factor in your discussions with Hunter- Omega loved it here, it suited her perfectly. Sure, she was always able to be bright and cheerful, but it had been a long time since you’d all seen her this genuinely happy and it wasn’t just because Echo was visiting.

“We’ve missed you!” Omega said affectionately.

“It hasn’t been that long.” Echo replied lightly as he held her.

“Feels like it has.” Omega said as he put her back down before she stepped aside to let Tech through.

“You mentioned needing some assistance with data decryption.” Tech said by way of greeting.

Echo pulled out the data rod and handed it to his brother. “This is what’s left of the files I recovered from an Imperial shuttle. It was transporting clone prisoners, and we need to know where and why.”

You all let Tech get to work before you and Hunter took Echo on a quick tour of the island.

--

“Oh, nearly lost track of time. Sorry, boys, I gotta go meet my special someone.” You kissed Hunter on the cheek and patted Echo’s shoulder before you went off on your way, but Echo’s voice caused you to pause.

“Go where to meet who?” Echo asked, tone laced with confusion.

“She’s got a date.” Hunter explained nonchalantly without missing a beat.

“I’ve got a date.” You mirrored with a grin.

“Have I missed something?” Echo said, his still confused gaze flickering between the two of you.

You released a whimsical sigh and looked off into the distance. “Well, Echo, sometimes relationships can get a bit stale. You need a man with a bit more life experience to keep things interesting and who can tell you fascinating stories about his life and say you remind him of his beautiful wife from 30 years ago. And it just so happens I’ve found that man. It’s to be expected that things worked out this way really, Hunter doesn’t mind.”

“Translation?” Echo looked to Hunter.

“There’s an old man called Mr. Eenta she has evening tea with on a weekly basis.”

“Ahh got it.” Echo said with a slight smile.

“And I’m running late so I need to get going! I’ll keep my comm on, so I’ll know when Tech’s done!” With that, you waved goodbye and set off at a jog to go meet him.

“Glad to see you two are still happy and going strong.” Echo couldn’t help but comment as he saw the faint but fond smile that graced his brother’s face as he watched you go-he probably didn’t realise he was doing it.

“Can’t really see it ever not being that way.” Hunter agreed, his eyes still following your fading figure.

“Should hope so. You two spent so long pining after one another, you have no choice but to stay together.” Echo pointed out with a hearty slap on the back of Hunter’s shoulders.

Hunter huffed out a laugh before he focused his attention fully on Echo. “Come on, let’s grab a drink and we can catch up properly.”

--

Echo and Hunter walked and talked whilst waiting for word from Tech.

“You all plan to stay here indefinitely?” Echo asked.

“We haven’t decided yet.” Hunter replied as they both stopped to watch Wrecker playing with Lyana and Omega and all three of them seemed to be having the time of their lives and he knew Tech felt comfortable here. You also did sincerely enjoy your weekly chats with Mr. Eenta. You’d also told him you didn’t feel nearly as threatened or under scrutiny here- you still hadn’t revealed your secret but that was more out of concern for the safety of others here should the Empire show up rather than worrying what the people would do if you told them. And you had been right about him too, it was the most relaxed he’d felt in a long time. Keeping everyone safe felt easier here. “But, to be honest, it might be the best thing for us.” He paused for a moment since he’d realised that was the closest he’d gotten to making a decision about this place. “What about you? What have you been up to?”

“Rex and I have built up a small network of clones. Some are in hiding, underground. Others act as out contacts within the Empire.”

“Echo, you’ve seen the power you’re up against. You can’t defeat them.” Hunter couldn’t help but say.

“It’s not about that. it’s about fighting for our brothers.” Echo said passionately.

Hunter laid a hand on Echo’s shoulder to appease him. “I understand why you’re doing this…” He trailed off with a sigh before asking the question he’d been searching for the answer to with you every night, “… but when will it be enough?”

Before anything else could happen, Tech’s voice came through the comms.

“Hunter, I decrypted the data. You need to get back to the ship.”

--

“What’s going on?” You asked as you stepped onboard and joined the others.

Tech brought up the information. “The Imperial transport Echo hijacked was assigned to the Advanced Science Division.”

“Never heard of it.” Hunter said, crossing his arms.

“That is because it is a clandestine operation. There are no records on its location or its purpose. All I could find on it was the chief scientist in charge, Dr. Royce Hemlock.” Tech pulled up a slightly blurred image of the man. “An officer expelled from the Republic science corps due to his unauthorized and unorthodox experiments.”

“Why were they sending close prisoners to him?” Omega asked fretfully.

“I do not know, but it gets worse. Previous transfer records recovered from the ship’s logs list other clone prisoners detained by the Advanced Science Division. And Crosshair is one of them.” Tech finished; his voice laced with concern.

Crosshair? Your brow furrowed. Could whatever happened to him be the thing that you had sensed all those rotations ago?

“You mean Crosshair turned on the Empire?” Wrecker asked with hope in his voice.

“How sure are you about this?” Hunter asked Tech. He needed to stay grounded before he allowed any hope about his brother’s allegiance to seep in.

“Very.” Tech confirmed definitively. “After discovering his clone number on the transfer register, I checked our old comm channels and found a recent distress message sent from Crosshair’s old code.”

“What did it say?” You asked.

“Plan 88. The Seeker.”

“We are being targeted.” You murmured.

Tech nodded. “I believe he is warning us.”

“Or it’s a trap, like he’s set for us before.” Hunter countered.

You glanced at him out of the corner of your eye. You couldn’t blame him for his scepticism and any other day you knew you’d be right there with him but something about this felt genuine.

“Well, how do we find out?” Wrecker said with a grunt.

--

He was back to being strapped down on the table, but he’d done what he’d needed to do. They could torture him all they wanted; he would not give them up.

“If your escape attempt didn’t clue you in, the only chance you have of leaving this facility is if I allow it.” Hemlock stepped towards the table. “Perhaps now you’d like to reconsider my offer.”

Crosshair said nothing.

“Why suffer more? All I need is the young clone. She means nothing to you.” Hemlock leaned down closer to the clone’s head. “Help me and you’ll have your freedom.”

Again, he said nothing. There was no freedom for someone like him anyway. Not anymore.

Hemlock breathed an exasperated sigh. “Increase his injection level this time.” He instructed his assistant before he peered back down at the clone. “Let’s see how long until you break.”

Crosshair couldn’t help the way the panic set in as the new interrogator droid whirred closer and then the agony swept through his body, but he would not break. He owed you all that much.

Next Chapter>

Tagging: @noeasyisnoisy, @fuckoffthanos, @tpwkcalli, @graciexmarvel, @arctrooper69, @nightmonkeysstuff, @brujaporfavor, @flyingkangaroo, @sunkissedclones, @ladytano420, @keep-calm-and-drink-caf, @yyourmotherr, @xxeiraxx, @dragonrider9905, @starwarsnerd111, @skellymom

[randomperson99sworld]

Ruffled Feathers 🪶

~ Part 41 ~

Summary: Julia Morgan, Bobby's niece, has always been a royal thorn in Dean Winchesters ass since the day they met 1 year ago at Bobby's memorial. She wants to be a hunter, he thinks she's a dumb kid playing dress up. Will she always be seen as an unwanted load in Dean's eyes or will he see something more?

Pairing: Dean x OC

Warnings: Age gap, language, sexual themes (used lightly) , physical abuse (Not by Dean).

Word Count: 1,230

A/N: I hope you guys are enjoying this story as much as I’ve been writing it lol. They’re just so FLUFF Stated as always this story is cross posted on Wattpad. Happy reading! ♥️

The morning sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting a soft glow over the room. Dean woke to find Julia still asleep beside him, her hair fanned out across the pillow, her hand resting on his chest. He smiled slightly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

It was peaceful here—something he wasn't used to.

Slipping out of bed carefully so as not to wake her, Dean got dressed quietly. He stepped outside onto the small porch of Julia's place, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air. It felt good—normal, even. A rarity in his life.

As he stood there, watching the world wake up around him, he felt the weight of everything he was carrying start to creep back in. The Mark of Cain still lingered on his arm, a constant reminder of the danger that loomed ahead. But he had to believe that, with Julia and Sam by his side, they could find a way through it.

When he went back inside, Julia was already up, sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling on her clothes. She looked up when he walked in, smiling softly.

"Morning," she greeted.

"Morning," Dean replied, leaning against the doorframe. He hesitated for a second before saying, "Was thinking... maybe we could hit the road later. See if there's a case or something. I need to keep busy."

Julia raised an eyebrow, standing and walking over to him. "Back to the grind already, huh?"

Dean gave a small smirk. "You know me."

She rolled her eyes but nodded. "Alright. But only if we stop for pie on the way."

Dean chuckled, a genuine smile on his face for the first time in what felt like ages. "Deal."

And just like that, things felt a little more normal.

After leaving Julia's place and swinging by the bunker to pick up Sam, the trio hit the road. Dean drove, his usual classic rock playlist blaring through the speakers. Julia sat in the passenger seat, leaning back comfortably while Sam was in the back, going through their intel for the case they'd picked up—a string of disappearances in a small town a few hours away that fit the description of a vampire nest.

Dean, feeling lighter than he had in weeks, was in good spirits. He'd even gotten his pie after they made a pit stop at a diner on the way, and Sam couldn't help but notice how different his brother seemed.

"Alright, so the sheriff in town says six people have gone missing in the last two weeks," Sam said, glancing up from his laptop. "No bodies, just gone. But the disappearances all happened near an old industrial district."

"Sounds like our bloodsuckers," Dean said, taking a bite of his pie as he steered the Impala down the open road. "We take 'em out, rescue whoever's still alive. Should be a quick job."

Julia glanced at him with a small smile. "You always make it sound so easy."

Dean shrugged, licking the fork. "It usually is."

They arrived in town by late afternoon and checked into a motel, agreeing to head out to the industrial district after sundown. The plan was straightforward—Sam would check out the area for signs of the nest while Dean and Julia would secure the perimeter, ready to go in guns blazing if necessary.

As they prepared to leave the motel room, Dean turned to Julia, tossing her a machete. "You good to go, sweetheart?"

Julia caught the weapon with ease, spinning it in her hand before sheathing it at her side. "Always."

Sam shot them both a glance. "Let's keep this simple. In and out, no distractions."

"Don't worry, Sammy," Dean said, clapping his brother on the shoulder. "We'll be back in time for round two of pie."

The industrial district was eerily quiet as the trio moved through the darkened alleys. Sam had found a lead—a nearby warehouse that had been abandoned for years and recently showed signs of activity. The strong, metallic scent of blood hit their noses as they neared the building, confirming their suspicions.

"They're in there," Sam whispered, glancing at Dean and Julia. "You guys ready?"

Dean gave a curt nod, gripping his machete. "Let's end this."

They moved inside, the moonlight barely illuminating the large, dusty space. Rows of old machinery lined the walls, casting long shadows, but it didn't take long to find the nest. In the far corner, the vampires were gathered around a few terrified captives, who were bound and gagged. The vamps were too busy arguing over their next meal to notice the Winchesters and Julia sneaking up.

Dean smirked, giving the others a nod. "Showtime."

They launched their attack swiftly. Dean swung his machete with precision, taking out the first vampire before it even had a chance to react. Julia followed suit, fighting side by side with Dean, her movements quick and practiced. Sam focused on getting the captives out, guiding them away from the danger while Dean and Julia mowed through the remaining bloodsuckers.

One of the vamps made a break for it, but Dean was faster, grabbing the creature by the collar and decapitating it in one swift motion. Blood sprayed across the floor, but Dean didn't flinch, his focus sharp.

In less than ten minutes, the nest was destroyed, and all the vampires lay in pieces around the room.

"See?" Dean said, wiping the blood off his machete. "Easy."

Julia shook her head, laughing. "You make it look that way."

Sam approached, leading the freed captives out. "They're safe. I called the cops—told them we found them wandering outside. Should cover our tracks."

"Nice work, Sammy," Dean said, slinging his machete over his shoulder.

As they left the warehouse, Julia walked next to Dean, bumping his shoulder lightly. "Not bad for your first case back, huh?"

Dean smirked, glancing down at her. "Not bad at all."

Back at the bunker later that night, the trio settled into the library, a much-needed sense of calm returning after the successful hunt. Sam buried himself in research, while Dean and Julia sat across from each other, going over the details of the case with a sense of satisfaction.

Sam eventually looked up from his book, eyeing Dean. "You seem... different."

Dean raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"

"I don't know. Lighter," Sam said with a small smile. "Happier."

Dean shrugged, glancing over at Julia, who was trying to hide her smile. "Maybe I'm just getting my groove back."

Julia leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Or maybe you're finally realizing that you don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders all the time."

Dean shot her a look, but there was no denying that she was right. Ever since Julia had become a bigger part of his life, things felt... easier. The Mark of Cain was still a looming threat, but with Julia and Sam by his side, Dean felt more equipped to face it.

"Yeah, yeah," Dean said, waving her off. "Let's not get too mushy, alright? We've got work to do."

But despite his usual tough exterior, there was no hiding the small, genuine smile that crept onto his face as he looked around the room. For the first time in a long time, things felt... good.

And for now, that was enough.

[justhilary123]

The HareWolf Curse: Chapter 1

Our story begins in the forest.

*The forest is seen*

It’s a beautiful day! The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing and everything was peaceful. Although, there are times where dangers can arise.

*Elmer Fudd was seen tracking down his prey.*

Elmer Fudd: Shh! Be vewy vewy quiet! I’m hunting wabbits! Hahahahaha! *sees something on the ground* Aha! Wabbit twacks!

*Elmer follows the rabbit tracks. Little did he know is that the kids were helping Bugs fool Elmer.*

Melanie: We are making great progress, friends!

Dinah: We certainly are! This is better than that so called Duck season, rabbit season scenario.

Penny: You said it! I wonder if Bugs and Daffy will ever ever I mean ever get along.

Beth: Well. Bugs is lucky that he has us to become friends with him.

Oliver: Yeah! We’re the luckiest kids in the world!

Lila: *looks through her binoculars and sees Elmer* Hey, guys! Here comes Elmer!

Melanie: Quick! Better find hiding places!

*The kids all ran off to hide as Elmer continues following the rabbit tracks.*

Elmer Fudd: Yoo-Hoo! Wabbit! Where are you?!

Beth: Cue Bugs!

*Out comes Bugs Bunny who is making his move and doing his part.*

Bugs: *munches on a carrot* Eh. What’s up, Doc?

Elmer Fudd: I’m hunting wabbits. And I’ve seen some come through here not too long ago.

Bugs: Do they have long ears, fluffy tails and hops about like this.

Elmer: Yes!

Melanie: Cue Beth!

Beth: Oh. That’s me!

Oliver: Sis! Go! We’re trying to fool Elmer.

Beth: Oh. Right! *walks over to Bugs and Elmer* If you want to hunt down a rabbit, you have to be really smart about this, so you can catch it in the act. Here, use this crossbow to catch it! *gives a thumbs up to Bugs, who puts a target arrow with his picture on it*

Elmer Fudd: Okay. Say yer pwayers, wabbits! *takes a couple of shots*

Bugs: Ha! Ouch! *coughs and hacks and falls over* You got me, Doc!

Elmer Fudd: Oh no! What have I done?

Bugs: Everything’s getting dark! I’m not gonna make it! *falls over and fakes his death*

Elmer Fudd: Oh no! Wabbit! Please, don’t go! What have I done?!

Dinah: Oh please. We’ve seen this time and time again! Bugs is very much alive!

Penny: Dinah! What are you doing?! You’ll blow it again!

Elmer Fudd: Ooh. I’m gonna get you for this!

Lila: R-U-N spells Run!

Melanie: C’mon, Bugs! We gotta get out of here! Get up! Get up! *helps Bugs to his feet*

*The kids and Bugs ran away from Elmer Fudd, until, he lost sight of them.*

Elmer Fudd: I’ll get you if it’s the last thing I do!

*Meanwhile, the kids and Bugs stop near the park sign to catch their breath.*

Bugs: Gee. Thanks, kids! Believe me, fooling enemies was a lot of fun.

Penny: Yeah! Well. It would be a lot more fun if Dinah doesn’t try to blow our scheme every single time.

Dinah: What can I say?! We’ve seen the cartoons and believe me, Bugs is just too good at fooling old little enemies whoever tries to cross his path.

Penny: Elmer could’ve catch us too!

Lila: Girls! Girls! Enough! We were only having fun!

Melanie: Ya know, it was a lot of fun. But, we really should head on back home.

Beth: Yeah! Our parents would wonder where we are.

Oliver: *hears his stomach growl* And besides, I’m getting hungry.

Beth: *hears her tummy rumble* Me too! It must be lunchtime! C’mon, Bugs!

*The kids ran home with Bugs following them.*

Beth: *gets a carrot out from her pocket* Here, Bugs! A carrot for you!

Bugs: Thanks, kids! I’ll be outside waiting.

*The kids head inside, but, then, Bugs gets an idea.*

Bugs: Hey, guys! I’ve got an idea. How about we go for a walk in the woods later tonight? I promised Lola I go with her tonight.

Beth: Oliver and I will come. Hey, girls! We’re going on a nighttime adventure with Bugs and Lola. Who’s in?

Penny: I wish I could, but, my parents and I are going to the movies tonight.

Dinah: I can’t either. My mother promised we get a makeover spa done.

Melanie: Yeah! My brothers want to play with me.

Lila: I’ll come! I was gonna go anyway. I’ve got nothing better to do.

Bugs: Very well. See you later, guys!

All: Bye!

Carrie Benson: Kids! Come inside and wash your hands! Lunch will be ready in a few minutes.

Beth: Coming!

Oliver: See you guys later!

But, little did they know, that this very night, would be the start of something that would change their lives, forever .....

(To be continued…)

[aceghosts]

WIP Wednesday Tuesday

Hey everybody! I'm doing Wip Wednesday a little early since I can't post it tomorrow. Thanks to @cassietrn, @inafieldofdaisies, @direwombat, @nightbloodbix, @captastra, and so many others who have tagged me!

Tagging: @sstewyhosseini, @marivenah, @alexxmason, @captmactavish, @anonymousmalkavian, @clicheantagonist, @voidika, @jillvalentinesday, @theelderhazelnut, @socially-awkward-skeleton, and uhhh...anyone else who wants to be tagged! I'm blanking a little tonight. (If you ever wanna be tagged in something, just let me know!)

So, I've actually started writing again, and well it's all for Rooney's CP2077 verse. It's going to be a long one since I haven't shared anything in a while.

This first snippet is a continuation of this. It's set right after the beginning of the Phantom Liberty DLC (So spoilers, if you haven't played it yet.) An exhausted Rooney has dragged themself back to Konpecki plaza after Reed gets Myers out of Dogtown, and Yorinobu is giving them the third degree after Rooney shows up looking like they've been put through the wringer:

“Did Kurt Hansen do this to you?” Yorinobu cuts straight to, and Rooney notices the anger and concern in his eyes. “No.” Even though he sent the Barghest after Rooney and Myers, he hadn’t set the Chimera on them. Wasn’t So Mi’s fault either. Whatever had been in the Chimera was something else. A shudder runs up their spine at the thought of it. “The thing that did this to me is dead.” His shoulders drop, relaxing slightly as he motions for them to sit. They sit in the chair, trying not to wince from the pain on their left side. “I have no doubt that anyone who intends to harm you would not leave with their life, Shepard. But-,” He emphasizes the word, “I do not think you are telling me the full story.” “There isn’t much to tell. Just a standard missing persons case.” There is so much Rooney wants to tell him. They’ve trusted him with other parts of themselves that others wouldn’t be allowed to see, the parts that made Rooney vulnerable. Yet, anything they say to him about Myers and So Mi could put him in danger. And Rooney won’t do that to Yorinobu. “Things were rough for a while, but I found them alive and well. A happy ending.”

This second snippet is from a fic centering on Rooney and Yorinobu's discussion about why Rooney is in an Arasaka facility, and why they let Arasaka experiment on them. (Spoiler Alert: Wasn't Rooney's choice. This part of the timeline is supposed to be similar to ME2 where Cerberus is responsible for bringing Shepard back to life. Thanks again to Mika for this idea!):

A moment later, rational thought kicks in. It may just be an Arasaka employee coming to check on Rooney. Someone who wanted to hurt them wouldn’t make so much noise. They’ll continue with the one-word answers, the easiest way to get any corpo to leave. Yesterday, Rooney’s psychologist nearly left their session in tears of frustration at Rooney’s refusal to provide anything real. They would talk with someone, just not someone who is in the pocket of Arasaka. Yet, Rooney still grabs a wrench in their right hand, their still human one, for good measure, before pretending to be deep in concentration while working on their motorcycle. The footsteps stop, and Rooney glances briefly at the doorway. Yorinobu Arasaka leans against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, a smirk on his face. Nothing inter-. They do a double take, trying to conceal the genuine surprise on their face. What the hell is he doing here? Rooney takes it back; they do miss the quiet, even if it leaves them with too much time to think about things they shouldn’t dwell on. He needs to leave, now. “Whoever you’re looking for isn’t here.” Rooney returns their gaze to their motorcycle, tone very matter-of-fact. “You don’t even know who I’m looking for.” They don’t respond. Who does he think he’s kidding? Rooney and Yorinobu both know that he isn’t looking for them. “Don’t be hasty, Shepard.” Maybe he is looking for them. But why? They feel themself tense, swallowing nervously. The last encounter between the pair ended with a glaring match and barbed insults.

And the last snippet is during the events of 2077 after V and Jackie's disastrous heist. Up until this meeting, Rooney and Yorinobu haven't spoken in a while after Rooney chose to go back to the military rather than helping Yorinobu take down Arasaka. Yorinobu mentions his father's plans for the relic, and well:

“And what does the Relic do?” They already know what it does. It turns idiot mercs with delusions of grandeur into long-dead rockstars. “My father wanted to live forever,” Yorinobu’s voice is grave, “The Relic was his answer to that.” Their eyes widen in horror, the awful insinuation not lost on them. That’s…that’s…There are not enough words in the human language for Rooney to express how awful it is. Placing the datapad down, Rooney turns to face him, horror clear on their face. Without thinking, Rooney cups his face out of concern. Doesn’t matter that they haven’t talked to him since the argument when Rooney left the facility. They’re still worried for him. “Yori…,” their nickname for him slips out as he takes this opportunity to pull them closer, “Saburo… he didn’t try to… he didn’t…?” Even after all they’ve seen, Rooney can’t bring themself to finish the sentence. “No, he never got the chance.”

[nightynite]

I thought this would be neat and precise, but this kind of ended up being a ramble about the Postal Dudes and how their system works. And my interpretations of them, I guess. Anyway, if you're curious to learn about Red, Dude, and Cowboy, click the read more, because I am scared as shit to post something this long without making it easily skippable.

Let's begin, shall we?

Red: Postal 1 Dude, was the host of the system for most of childhood/teen/young adult years. After 1997, he stopped. He's extremely guarded and doesn't like getting to close anyone--something that's stuck throughout the entire system and all the years they've been alive. He's quiet and doesn't like speaking often, and will avoid talking if he can really help it. Sometimes, he'll freeze up mid-sentence and be unable to continue verbally for a couple minutes. Due to how DID works, it's most likely that Red started /existing/ during childhood, and whoever was THE original kid Dude, is no longer a thing. Red formed specifically to take on everything the kid originally had to, and was hostile, reactive, and paranoid to survive. During this time as he was growing up though, along with delusions and hallucinations, he had another voice beside him. Dude, though he has been mistaken for the Demon: Postal 2 Dude, the main host of the system up until the car crash that formed Cowboy, sometimes called Green or Three (usually by mistake, or because Cowboy got too embarrassing), and after the 11 years spent in Catharsis or whatever. The Postal Dude himself, Dude, is a rather... Combustible person. He tries to play along with the people he meets and knows, but is ultimately always dragged down into a spiral of wanting to stop living this horrible life he's in. Something always goes wrong, he has nothing to live for besides Champ, and no matter what he does, he's never been able to escape the Hell that he's been stuck in for all these years. He's mostly selfish, in the sense that he's much more likely to run from a bad situation than help out someone who's in danger--unless there's something in it for him. It's hard for him to care about others, and it's hard for him to meet anyone even remotely sane nowadays. At this point, he's just counting the days until he finally snaps. And snap he did--when he shot himself in the head on Friday and ended up in a twisted hellscape of his own making. Mad Cow Tourettes Zombies are a laughing matter in the face of one million crazy and wacked out Gary Colemans throwing fucking grenades and scissors at you from every direction. I mean, seriously, what was up with that? Were those hospital attendants or just makings of Dude's mind? What the hell was happening? And why the hell were those Colemans so strong? Where the fuck did the grenades come from Anyway, back on track: Cowboy, aka Green, aka Three, aka Loser, aka Dumbass, aka Fuckwit (I'm assuming I don't need to make it any more clear?): Postal 3 Dude, a game I have not bothered playing and instead watched a longplay of because by god, that gameplay is ass. So, he formed after the car crash, and was the first one to wake up. That brain damage mixed with a nuclear blast really does something to a guy, huh? Well, once he was back on the road and fixed up, he went to Catharsis with Champ and did... Some stuff. I'm going to say that stuff was NOT everything shown in the actual game because the story is dumb to me and i think I could rewrite it and make it more fun. Haha, that'd be cool, right? Anyway. Cowboy's the most anxious of the group. He tries to be cool and act like everything's chill and like he's in control of things, when really he's usually not. He's not prone to violence--at least not as much as Dude and Red might be--but he IS going to resort to it if he can't get what he wants in a somewhat tame way. I imagine, if he and Movie dude were to meet, they would like kiss and make out under the moonlight. Who said that Anyway, if you have anything you want to know in particular about these dudes, let me know because I love talking about all my thoughts. and Stuff.

[kittymama01]

I'm entering dangerous territory right now, but I just feel like this has to be said.

"Frisk" from Undertale. Is whoever you want them to be. Because they're a self-insert protagonist.

There's no canon age, no canon name, no canon anything. "Frisk" is the default name but, you can go by any name you want.

The reason I'm going into this territory is because I've seen folks in the fandom yell at people with "Uh- Frisk is a non-gender child, please respect them". When there isn't a drop of evidence of this. Because that's not the point of "Frisk".

If you're a girl, than to you- "Frisk" is a girl. If you're a boy, than "Frisk" is a boy. You're non-binary, than "Frisk" is non-binary. And so on. Or maybe you go by visual appearance and go with what you feel "Frisk" to be. Because again:

"Frisk" is meant to be you. The player. Or an OC, however you want to play. That's the point.

If you see "Frisk" as Frisk, a non-gender child. Than that's fine! Don't bash anyone who does self-inserts and does their own OC of "Frisk".

If I want to play Undertale and name my "Frisk": Kitty. And play as a stupid 27-year-old woman with cat ears who fell down to monster town. Than that's what I'm going to do.

Now, to this part. The "but, in Undertale, they say-" stuff.

"Toriel calls you "Child""

She's an immortal being with children. Of course, she's calling you child because everyone is a child to her.

"Sans calls you "Kid""

There are adults my age who call another adult the same age "kid". It's a thing. Some people just do that. Does it make sense? No.

"The little monster boy in a striped shirt calls you a child because of your shirt"

Not to be mean but, I wouldn't take the word of that character. He doesn't know any better, he's just a kid. And, AGAIN, monsters age differently. Who knows how long he's been alive. He follows you, a complete stranger, through dangerous areas. Even when you're doing the genocide route. So, yeah.

"Toby Fox confirmed that Frisk's age is 16"

... This is a big one. Hold on.

*microphone screeches*

Ahem

📢 TOBY FOX IS A TROLL, ESPECIALLY TO THE FANDOM! HE'S ONLY SAID THIS ONCE AND NEVER AGAIN! TAKE HIS WORDS WITH A PINCH OF SALT!

Like the guy but, yeah, I wouldn't take everything he says too seriously. He does confirm that the dog is him. Temmie is his friend who helped him with the game. And all the characters are inspired by his friends. He's even said it's weird seeing characters based on him and his friends being shipped. That's it. Everything else is him being a troll. He's an ass and we love him for it.

Also, I want to be clear- I'm not doing this to defend ships. I use to be a shipper but now? Meh. Whatever. I'm doing this to defend players/artists who have their own versions of "Frisk", especially under different names.

So... Yeah. That's it.

At the end of the day. "Frisk" is an empty husk protagonist that comes alive thanks to you, the players. You create "Frisk" however you want. Whether you play as a non-gender child named Frisk. Or a 27-year-old woman named Kitty. What matters is how you enjoy the game and what story you want to tell.

Edit: I did, in fact, forget the part that at the end of the True Pacifist route, that Asriel says your name is instead Frisk. Which, I gotta say, it's no wonder I forgot about that part. It doesn't work well. No offense to Toby but, that takes away the roleplaying experience. I still stand with what I said though.

[bonesandthebees]

PHIL’S POV!!!

I’m gonna cry. The carriage story. How fast his brain works. The stone cold worry for his son’s safety. The threats! His son will be found and the person who did this will pay. Oh and this line single handle destroyed me: [But now, for the first time in his whole life, Wilbur was too far for Phil to reach.] He loves the boy so much, Bee. I can’t handle this amount of love. These are just words on a page. Yet I can feel all the grief and love and worry and anger and sorrow. (Not the mention the constant tension I felt knowing what he was about to be told, just waiting for the anvil to drop).

Also, Wilbur being unable to sleep on carriages is much more of an important plot point than I expected it to be. He falls asleep faster/easier than Tomys because he couldn’t rest on the way there. He must be so tired even his panic can’t keep him awake. (Tbf, the panic attack would probably seep energy too). And then we know both Niki and Phil know him well enough to know he can’t sleep on a moving vehicle. And there’s already so much love stored in Phil deciding to let Wilbur rest first because his son truly is the most important thing to him.

[and Wilbur would jerk his head up with a sharp gasp. For a moment, his eyes would be filled with fear. Then, he would see Phil sitting above him, and all the tension and terror in his small shoulders would drain away as he laid his head back down.] given everything else, I think stabbing me might have hurt less than reading this.

We also know how Niki and Phil know this, which is when they visited Summerdam. And I am, so soft. Phil not sleeping but keeping an eye on his kid and then his kid can’t sleep because things keep waking him up and he gets so upset that his little boy can’t sleep (also the self-control he had then is getting thrown into the wind when his child is in actual danger).

Side note: this is your usual technique of hitting us with the fluff to make the angst hit that much harder. I can’t cope with the fact that Phil forgets to breathe. And he’s so protective, but the one time he lets his son out of his sight / sends him away on his own, something happens to him.

Lastly (because there’s so much in this single section, not to mention everything else, I can’t possible get it all yet, I am still skipping over So Many Things) Phil’s brain works so damn fast. He subconsciously knows the second the turns around and sees Sneeg (though hearing him already kinda sets off the alarms). And then everything else quickly falls into place. He knows something happened to his son and he knows it was foul play and whoever responsible better pray that Wilbur returns alive because there will be no mercy (there will be no mercy at him returning with a broken leg either).

P.s. poor Sneeg who knows this man and who much he loves his son so well (because of now confirmed constant surveillance of said beloved child) and has to be the one to tell him his son might be dead.

-🌲

HE LOVES HIS SON SO MUCH!!! I literally added that carriage story to show everyone how much phil loves that boy. he's not the best at showing it but the love is there. and I wanted to show that while phil does like getting his answers fast and prioritizes information, he would rather let wilbur rest and catch up on his sleep before asking him what happened at L'mannes. he's doing all of this for wilbur, so his wellbeing comes first and foremost

love that you felt like you were stabbed. that's how I felt writing it. I did this to myself but oh my goddddd

he just wanted wilbur to sleep on the carriage ride but he just couldn't relax and he'd be so scared when he was startled awake until he saw his dad and he was so little spruce he was only ten years old and phil just wanted his little boy to get some rest aaaaa

it's so funny when you point out that technique of mine because I don't even always do it intentionally. with this I didn't sit there going "oh I'm going to add this fluff scene specifically to make everything that follows worse" I added it bc I wanted to show the depth of how much phil loves wilbur. it just also has the bonus effect of making everything so much worse

yes phil's mind works so quickly because he's incredibly smart. he knows how these things work. not to mention there's also parental instinct at work here because the second he sees sneeg he can feel that something has gone wrong. and he's going to get revenge on whoever hurt his son.

poor fucking sneeg man is just here for a paycheck and now he's gotta tell the consil that his beloved son is missing will probably be presumed dead if they don't find him soon

[capucapo]

Brothers' Battle part 1/4

[ continued from here, directly copied from Discord w minor editing for typos and formatting. yes, we played out an entire Duel. it's going to be a little bit of a read but I'm really, REALLY proud of this group effort to rewrite the VR World arc and there's so much good Character behind the card games.

Seto Kaiba @blueeyesking, me as Noa, Mokuba, and the Yugis. Wyatt @seashaper, Hika @nameless-brand, and Pyre @redeyesandchilifries coming in later

Names with my posts don't always line up bc sometimes I just switch POVs too many times in one reply, but will be color blocked with purple for the Yugis, magenta for Mokuba, and black italic (like this!) for Noa ]

Seto Kaiba

Seto's grin immediately falls away, replaced with a slightly agape shock. Concern tugs at the muscles in his face, twitching into another barely-recognizable microexpression- but Mokuba should be able to read Seto's face like a book, and that book reads,

"MOKUBA!"

He's alive! He's not hurt, and doesn't seem to be at all restrained… but his clothes are very… muted. Maybe it's just the virtual world's expression of him.

Mokuba

Mokuba's reaction hardly looks relieved to see the eldest Kaiba. The Imposter. His brows knit tight, his jaw set.

[ High above, an alarm rings out through Noa's control room. The largest, central screen changes perspective, zooming in on a young man with dark, braided hair. If he had veins, his blood would have turned to ice inside them.

No. No no no.

Why was Mokuba putting himself in danger? ]

On the street below, Mokuba takes a defiant step towards the imposter.

"gee, and I thought losers were supposed to give up and die," Mokuba's tone is venomous.*

yugi!

Yugi feels his heart sink as he utters the teenager's name in concern. His Other Self balls a fist, swallows the lump that forms in his throat as he spares a glace toward Kaiba.

The world seems to stand still.

Seto Kaiba

Seto's heart sinks, too, but it was already so deep it didn't have far to fall.

He… he couldn't be serious. He couldn't have said that, right? This must be another nightmare, only shared. Surely. Seto stops directing his Blue-Eyes, and it begins biting and slashing and firing beams at the insects on its own.

"That was what Gouzaburo believed."

Mokuba

Mokuba's glare doesn't falter.

"so then how many times do you have to lose before you listen???? just leave me and my Big Brother ALONE already!!!"

[ As he snaps at this Imposter, his so called Brother appears. A young man somewhere between the brothers in age, with an uncanny likeness to the elder. He wears a pleasant smile, but his eyes are cold and sharp as an icicle. He places a hand upon Mokuba's shoulder, and the way that the younger boy leans familiarly into the touch turns both Yugi's stomachs in unison. ]

"mokuba--" Yugi starts to step forward, only to be blocked by his Other's arm. Not yet, he feels inside his heart.

Seto Kaiba

"Your big brother… I don't even know who this clown is."

Seto covers his despair in biting wit, crossing his arms and straightening into a properly haughty posture. His eyes catch Noa's, and narrow.

"Whoever this kid is, he's not your brother, Mokuba. I am. And I'll do whatever it takes to bring you back."

Mokuba

The look on Mokuba's face is heartbreaking enough for Yugi. He gives a concerned look in Kaiba's direction.

["Give it up, Seto," Noa finally speaks, his gentle, song-songly voice uncomfortably calm. "Mokuba remembers the way that you hurt him, you hit him and then set your monsters lose upon him-- Isn't that right my Baby Brother?"]

"that's right. I'm not going ANYWHERE with you!!! my REAL brother and I are going to take Kaiba Corp back and remind the world what WINNING looks like!!"

Mokuba raises his left arm, a DuelDisk materializing in a wave of glowing cyan pixels. Noa's hand tenses on his shoulder.

["Mokuba. This isn't safe, you need to let me--" ]

"no. no, he HURT me. I need to do this, Big Brother. I've been waiting my whole LIFE to do this." Mokuba's words drip with poisonous resentment.

Seto Kaiba

Seto's eyes don't widen. Of course. This person has poisoned Mokuba against him with yet more realistic bending of the truth. Just like in his own nightmare, something terrible was done to Mokuba by some program wearing his face…

However, he wasn't expecting Mokuba to try and Duel him. Seto glances at the Yugis, then steps forward, removing the cards inside his DuelDisk and shuffling them. The Blue-Eyes nearby dematerializes as it is removed from the field.

"If that's what you want, Mokuba… I accept your challenge."

He looks to the stranger.

"The only danger here is the delusion you have, about taking my brother and the company I sacrificed my life for. We have suffered enough of Gouzaburo's lingering grudges!"

Seto flares a hand out dramatically, causing his coat to flap and emphasize the motion.

Mokuba

"WHAT brother??" Mokuba snaps. "'cuz MY only brother is Noa, and you stole that company from US. and once I beat you at your precious favorite game, I'm taking back what's ours," Mokuba snaps at the Imposter.

Yugi looks nervous, chewing on his bottom lip as he anxiously watches this confrontation between brothers. When Seto accepts the challenge, he gasps, takes a step toward the taller man again.

"kaiba, i don't have a good feeling about this--"

"shut UP, yugi. enough of your stupid friendship speeches, this is a family conversation!" Mokuba snaps. Then he turns to look up at the young man beside him, his expression and tone softening as he does. "you can do something about that, right Big Brother?"

[ Noa gives a dark grin in response, his cold, blue eyes locking onto the object of his animosity. "Of course I can, my Baby Brother. How about we take this battle somewhere just a bit more.. fitting," Noa hums.

Slowly he raises one hand in a grand gesture, and as he does, the streets of Domino City seem to crumble and fall away. The ground around their feet begins to rise high, high up into the blue sky, until the parties finds themselves on three separate rooftops. The brothers standing opposite each other on a long walkway, the Yugis and Noa occupying two smaller, round turrets, separated from the main platform by an endless chasm. ]

Yugi's heart skips a beat. His Other Self feels his stomach drop.

The details are different, but they recognize this playing field. The parapets at either end of the rooftop.

They both already know these stakes before Noa has to explain.

Seto Kaiba

Seto's heart pounds in his chest, the alarm he feels impossible to hide. His stance widens to steady himself as the terrain changes- into an all too familiar arrangement. They… they can't be serious. This is where Yugi learned their family's harshest lesson: to lose is to die. But he talked Seto off of the edge by conceding to his unfair ultimatum.

Seto's heart pounds in his ears.

"He's lying to you, Mokuba!" his tone is slightly more desperate. "You and I stole the company from Gouzaburo- and this boy has never been in our lives! I promised you we would- we would make theme parks, and entertain and support kids everywhere, so that they didn't have to suffer like we did!"

Regardless of his attempts at reasoning with Mokuba, Seto readies his Duel Disk.

Mokuba

Mokuba's never been here before. He's never seen this arena, never before heard the chilling ultimatum. But he doesn't need to. He already knows everything he needs to, as decided by Big Brother Noa.

"you're the one who's lying!! you really think anyone believes that?? YOU ?? caring about anyone but yourself???" Mokuba snaps as he draws his first five cards. "you threw away everything that made KaibaCorp what it was just to humiliate and MOCK our father's legacy!!! I'm going first!!"

[ "Let me remind you of the rules here, Seto," Noa purrs from the sidelines, his voice as deceptively gentle as ever. "You'll each take a step backwards for every 100 points of damage that you take. When your lifepoints run out, so does the rootftop you stand upon. Of course, these monsters aren't some cheap trick of light, like you're used to. The force of your attacks may be enough to bring this Duel to a conclusion before they even hit zero." ]

Mokuba stands confidently, a violent storm in his eyes as he finally looks down at the cards he's drawn. He can't help but smirk-- it's a perfect opening hand.

He sets the board wirh two face down cards, one monster, one a spell or trap, and ends his turn.

Seto Kaiba

The glare Seto levels at Noa may as well have the same level of threat as a gun barrel. But after a moment, he's more focused on the game at hand, brutal stakes clawing at his back.

In his first hand are Cyber Jar, Spirit Ryu, Burst Breath, Shrink, and Ring of Defense. He sets one and plays the monster in Defense Mode.

"The Kaiba Corporation, as a military entity, was a monstrous tool of destruction that gave the highest bidder the necessary firepower to massacre anyone in their way. Is that a legacy to be proud of, Mokuba? Or was it always our dream to save the world by making it a better place? To pursue our passion for children's card games? Open your eyes! Our adoptive father beat me every day, to teach me this world is cruel and unforgiving to the weak, and the world of business is worse. But we outplayed him at his own game, and with him gone, KaibaCorp has been flourishing as an entertainment technology company. You can't tell me you'd be happier facilitating the death of millions for money, just because it was what some old fool wanted you to do with his resources!"

Mokuba

[ Noa's own blue eyes meet Seto's threatening glare, but the smile on his lips shows only amusement as the fight begins in earnest ]

Mokuba draws a card to begin his turn. Effect Veiler.

"Kaiba Corporation was the epitome of power and strength. do you even hear yourself???? when the next great war starts, how many people are you going to save with children's card games???" Mokuba argues spitefully.

He takes only a second to look over the cards in his hand. His opening draw was good-- improbably so. Controlled as all things in this domain by Noa's divine will. That would be the only help offered to the youngest Kaiba, justified, in Noa's opinion, by the teenager's lack of experience as a Duelist. Not that he needed to justify something that no one, not even Mokuba, would know.

Mokuba plays Mystical Space Typhoon, targeting Seto's only set card for destruction. He then flips face up the monster he'd set on his first turn, revealing a weak and harmless Red Eyes Baby Dragon, now standing in attack mode. Plays another spell from his hand, Red Eyes Insight, sending one monster from his deck straight to the graveyard in order to add another spell to his hand. It isn't time for that yet, though. Instead, he activates his set trap card, allowing him to bring the Red Eys Archfiend of Lightning he'd sent to the graveyard immediately to the field. In exchange for his turn's normal summon, he activates the archfiend's effect, destroying the weak monster Seto had chosen to defend himself.

"you didn't outplay anyone. you cheated, and you stole away my Big Brother's rightful place at the head of our company!!!! don't act like you're above us, seto. how many deaths have YOU caused in your selfish rise to power, anyway??? what makes you any DIFFERENT ?? just because you like playing stupid little games for stupid little kids? it's time to grow UP already," he snaps, before ordering his baby dragon to attack directly.

Seto Kaiba

Seto's set card turned out to be the trap card Burst Breath! It disintegrates as Seto discards it, cussing quietly to himself. He knows Mokuba, having Red Eyes Baby Dragon on the field, will want it attacked so that it can activate its effect. He doesn't know all of Mokuba's deck, though, and the archfiend catches Seto off-guard, obliterating his Spirit Ryu and leaving him open to the Baby Dragon's direct attack. Its fireball pushes him back the required twelve steps, closer and closer to the edge…

"But we did outplay him, Mokuba! My plan hinged on you- I believed in you to make it work! This guy didn't exist-- we were Gouzaburo's only sons! He's using you!"

The taller brother calls over to Mokuba, even as he draws and glances at his remaining options. His drawn card is Pot of Greed-excellent. He casts Pot of Greed and draws his two cards, fishing for options to take out Mokuba's monsters without hurting him too badly. Even if he can deck his brother out without pushing him to the edge, will this bloodthirsty "Noa" still enforce the loss penalty…?

Vorse Raider, Heavy Storm, Thunder Dragon. Not terrible… Seto discards Thunder Dragon in order to draw his other two copies from his deck. Unfortunately, they both take one tribute to summon, themselves…

He summons the Vorse Raider in Attack Position. Then, he casts Heavy Storm, destroying Mokuba's trap card- and finally casts Shrink, targeting Mokuba's Archfiend, then begins his Battle Phase so that his Vorse Raider can attack the weakened Archfiend.

"My passion for card games isn't unique, no. But given our past, and my treatment by our adoptive father, I know how people shouldn't be treated. KaibaCorp under him would certainly have encouraged the next great war to have started already, in order to secure their bottom-line! Those resources could be better spent making people happy!"

Mokuba

Mokuba seems completely unfazed as he watches Seto move backwards, closer to the edge of the rooftop. He does spare a glance in Noa's direction, seeking quick and silent validation that he's making his Big Brother proud with that opening combo.

"you think you know everything, don't you seto??? well news flash, WE were LUCKY to get to call ourselves Gouzaburo's sons!!!!!!! and you were ungrateful for that!!! but my Big Brother Noa was Gouzaburo's only REAL son, and he was kind enough to treat me like his own brother anyway!!!!! what did YOU do??? you hit me and you pushed me away!!! you tortured me when I lost to yugi!!!!! Noa would NEVER hurt me like that!!"

Mokuba frows as his continuous trap is destroyed more quickly than expected. Somewhere there's another one of those in his deck, but he's more disappointed that his lack of any monsters in his graveyard prevent him from activating the card's second effect on destruction. Before he can be too sad by that, though, his archfiend shrinks before his eyes, its attack halving as well.

The attack that destroys his archfiend makes the teenager hiss in pain. He's not a Duelist, he's not used to even the force of solid vision. Let alone these virtual monsters with their very real pain. But he takes his required six and a half steps back with a smirk on his face."

"how would YOU know how people should be treated??? you treat everyone on earth like they're below you. tell me again, seto!! how did you get those precious blue eyes cards again???"

He draws his card for his next turn, and his smirk falters. Brows knit as his lips press into a thin line. Enemy Controller. It's not a bad pull. But he recognizes this card, and not from setting up his deck or practice plays. It's one of his opponent's. He sets it face down immediately.

He eyes the field a moment, then delares his battle phase without summoning another monster. Instead, he orders his Baby Dragon to attack the much stronger Vorse Raider without hesitation. The tiny dragon is, expectedly, destroyed immediately, and Mokuba grits his teeth, takes his 7 steps back. But his grin returns-- in fact he's almost giddy.

As the Baby goes to the graveyard, it's replaced by another, stronger dragon. And with Mokuba's battle phase still active, he orders the Red Eyes Black Dragon to attack, destroying Seto's vorse raider and 500 of his life points

"you know, Seto!!!!! if I reallyyyyy begged him to, my Big Brother might let you live!!! you'd have to give up Kaiba Corp though, oh, and your body too…. but you could live forever here in this world instead!! you just have to give up now….. last chance! I end my turn."

[appledaggerst]

Tagged in this by @infinite-orangepeel ❤️❤️ seemed like fun!

rules: post the first lines of your 10 most recently published AO3 stories. if you have less than 10 fics posted, post the first lines of all your fics.

Heartbreak Hotline

“You should do it.” Robin leaned over the counter at Family Video, chewing her nail and grinning around it while looking up at Eddie Munson. The man was playing with his curls and couldn’t help the mischievous smirk that was spreading across his face.

That's One Romantic Poltergeist

It has been three weeks.

Three, excruciatingly long and arduous weeks.

Heartbreak Hotline: Redial

They were scheming.

Steve peered through the shelving of Family Video at the front counter where his best friend stood and committed atrocities against their relationship with a curly haired menace.

A Hawkins Hallmark Christmas

Two weeks before Christmas a party gathered

They had beaten the evil and nothing else mattered

A wizard, a bard, a warrior, a ranger

December rolled in and there was no more danger

With magic and retcon no members had fallen

So now they sit with the written names all in

A hat on the floor, they looked on with delight

Who would be their Secret Santa on Christmas night?

We're Better Off as Lovers

Crunch

It reminded him of something. When he was a kid, looking for something to fill the time while his dad left for days at a time. He would screw around behind the trailer park near a creek. One day there was a big old june bug there.

We Could Never Be Unhappy

In the inky black void of the inbetween of everything in the span of time, a formless creature floated through space, eerily and aimlessly. Fate, as some would call it. Created before mankind, over and over again.

If we make it out alive (will you be my Valentine?)

The skyline was a jagged silhouette against a blood red atmosphere, clouded fog bleeding out from cracks in the ground. The world was shaking, crying out. Metal screeched against itself shrilly, rocks crumbled down, houses were being razed to the ground by the sheer power of what the open gates wrought.

Tagging whoever wants to do this! ❤️❤️

[dojae-huh]

I really get overwhelmed by something that I saw on tl today...i guess an au writer, dont knw just saw the post..was asking suggestions for their fic about cheating...like is it okay to cheat someone for being with his true love or smthng..the matter is cheating here..

Does that mean whoever read that fic enjoyed the cheating? Nd if they enjoyed it who should we actually blame it on...the reader or the writer?

Just like what happens in ty's matter...I have seen lot au nd fanfics authors criticized him that if he read it that means he enjoyed evry word that written on it...they should sit nd think where do they stand when they write something like this..even if u think it's a minor sin, that doesnt matter...the point is when u write something gore, isnt that just to aware ppl there is lot of similar things happening in the world,nd u should knw these things through these stories...nd dont make prejudice that ppl actually enjoying it nd they r bad...when u persue literature in a good way u should feel nd think it in the same way too....

Tbh, I want to convey what's on my mind in a lot clearer way..but lang is a big wall to write...if u get the point that's it...I just want to share it with u...thanku

It depends. If a radio host spreads propaganda and urges to kill other people, he is up to a trial. He spreads dangerous ideas, brainwashes people with lies and installs hatred. If a reader of Crime and Punishment takes an axe and goes and kills a woman, the author is not to blame, he only explored human nature and contemplated about guilt.

If a story describes how justifiable cheating is, how wonderful is the experience, how it can be a test to the relationship and "true love" because "if he/she really loves you, you'll be forgiven", the author is partially to blame. Partially because in the end it was the reader who read the story till the end and made the decision to cheat, who acted in the real world. The author just played the devil and used the right for free speech.

As a rule, fanfiction is not a propaganda media, it is low class literature for fun to spend the time and get distracted from everyday life and chores. The author' only responsibility is to provide correct tags and warnigns, to make the reader aware of what is inside their story for an informed choice. Everything else is on the reader.

What people consume, what stories they read, what scenarios they fantasize about often have little ties to reality. You can't judge a person's real character on what he/she reads or what video games he/she plays. Like take the horror movie genre for example. People who watch it want a little bit of thrill, a scare to satisfy the primitive part of our brains that evolved to look out for predators and find joy in escaping danger (people feel more alive going through hardships or danger). Those people (most of them at least, can't vouch for sociopaths and mass murderers) don't watch the horror movies to enjoy teen girls being brutally killed or kids being devoured by aliens.

Stranger things is also a series about the charm of 80-s, friendship and family. Deaths, experiments on kids and maiming by creatures is in the plot as a story-telling tool designed to bring the best out of the protagonists, not to treat viewers with gore.

Back to cheating. Many people feel bored with their daily life, so they want some "spice". This makes them look for stories with "not vanilla"/"forbidden" themes. It's because they didn't experience the thing in real life which makes them be able to read about it. Even gang rape is a kink.

It is well known that once a couple gets together in a tv-series, it becomes dead. Writers know how to write romance, but not married couple interestingly. Same could be the case with "true love". So they live happily ever after, and what can one write about them? Kids and domestic fluff, or "trouble in paradise" - cheating and break up. If fanfic writers were as smart and creative as they like to think of themselves, they'd be earning acclaimed authors with prizes in literature.

There is a mangaka Hiroaki Samura. He likes gore. He incorporates it in his mainstream series, he also draws niche artbooks and short-stories with nude and very graphically tortured women. You can be narrow-minded and prejusticed and jump to a conclusion that he needs to be cancelled. In reality, he is one of the rare authors who writes women as real characters, who does the "strong woman" trope correctly. He also has great sense of humour, he brings all his characters to life. And I have a suspicion that his oneshot about orphaned women being gang raped was an attempt to digest the history of "war brides", something that Japanese try to pretend never happened. Hiroaki doesn't give interviews with deep self-exploration for me to know why he is into gore, but I can see whatever it is (dealing with trauma, artistic exploration of human sins, whatever) it doesn't make him a "bad human" with "bad influence". On the contrary, I'd like Japan to offer more authors like him.

Showing violence can be a way to teach about compassion or serve as a warning. Like the old fairytales were Cinderella sisters' toes were actually cut off or sibings burned a witch alive.

The art of drawing is especially detached from reality. Even though the brain matches the drawn objects to the real ones, without smell and sound, 3D-ness and other information signals of "the real world", the drawn things stay unreal. A drawing of a dead person can be considered beautiful art (Ophelia). It certainly wasn't meant to evoke those realistic feelings of disgust and fear that a real smelling, bloated and floating in water corpse will do. And the painters who decided to make their own version of the famous scene certainly weren't into dead women as sexual objects.

I think Tae being dragged into that manga controvesry in the end will bring him new fans, lol. He is too anime looking to not pick up anime folks' interest.

[roman-cates]

Bryce rambles a little more, but he doesn't actually say anything.

"Sorry, kid," he apologizes with a sigh. They're five minutes from Rose's house. "I don't… I love you, and this is tough for me. Just ignore me."

"I love you," Roman responds, but doesn't mention Bryce's other points.

Mr. Rose's house is too big for its lot. It has a terrace on each side and columns around the front door, which is under a large deck that wraps around to the back of the house. There's a 'tower' that's four stories high and what looks like three chimneys. In short, it's as badly designed a mansion as Bryce has ever seen. Nothing at all like the large but comfortable farm house Boss lives in and works from.

The front door opens as Bryce parks. A man steps out. Harvey Andrews, who Bryce has never actually met in person. He comes right up to Roman's door and begins to speak as Bryce kills the engine.

"Mr. Stryerson! And… guest." Harvey's mouth twists the word into something almost dirty. "We're just waiting on two people, now."

Bryce opens his own door and hops out, crossing around the back of the truck. He grabs Roman's wheelchair and waves Harvey away from the passenger door.

Harvey takes a moment to get it, but allows Bryce to take his spot. Bryce picks Roman up and puts him down in his chair.

"I see," he tells Harvey once Roman is at his side. He lets a hand linger on Roman's shoulder. "Who are we waiting on?"

"Days," Harvey tells him, "And Mike."

Bryce nods. "Shall we go in?"

"Of course."

Whoever designed the mansion had no taste, but they did seem to know about wheelchairs. Roman is able to enter at Bryce's side without an physical impediment.

The foyer is surprisingly small, and has several doors off of it. One of the open doors reveals a small sitting room. Mal is seated in a wing chair, talking animatedly to Peter Rose. One of her hands is tangled in the hair of the young man kneeling at her feet.

At least he doesn't seem to be wearing a collar right now.

Bryce smiles at Harvey and heads in. It's not dangerous, he reminds himself, although facing a loaded gun would be easier.

No.

Not now. He has to stay alive. He promised Roman.

"Bryce!" Mal looks up at his entrance. "And… You brought your pet."

Peter's face seems to light up when he sees Roman.

"You said I could," Bryce replies dryly.

"And she meant it," Peter says quickly. "I'm so glad you brought him."

Bryce's grip on Roman's shoulder tightens.

"Why?" He asks bluntly. He probably shouldn't, he should probably let it go, but the look in Peter's eyes bothers him. "I'm not letting anyone else play with him."

Peter shrugs, a smile on playing on his lips. "We could watch."

"We'll see," Bryce says, each word dropping like tombstone.

Behind him, the front door opens, and Days steps in. Mal waves her over, and nudges James.

"Go get the table set," she tells him, and then, to Bryce, "The pets will eat in the kitchen."

Bryce shrugs.

When they reach the house— more like mansion— that Roman assumes is their destination, a man comes up to Roman's window. He keeps his eyes down and tries not to let his anxiety start getting to him. Not yet. Not before they even get in the house. "Mr. Stryerson! And… guest." The man twists the word into something almost dirty. "We're just waiting on two people, now."

Bryce gets out of the truck and gets Roman's chair down. He brings it around to Roman's door and lifts Roman out of the car, placing him in the chair. "I see," he says once Roman is at his side. His hand lingers on Roman's shoulder, for which he's grateful. "Who are we waiting on?"

"Days," the man tells him, "And Mike."

Bryce nods. "Shall we go in?"

"Of course."

Roman keeps his eyes down as they go inside, only looking where he's going and at the floor. Mal's voice makes him flinch a little and start to shake slightly.

"Bryce! And… You brought your pet." She sounds... almost a little surprised at that. Well, he supposes that makes sense. He knows Bryce has refused to bring him on at least one occasion where she wanted him to be there.

"You said I could," Bryce replies dryly.

"And she meant it," A man says quickly. "I'm so glad you brought him." He sounds... far too happy about that.

"Why?" Bryce asks bluntly. "I'm not letting anyone else play with him."

Even without looking at his face, Roman can hear a slight smile in the man's voice. "We could watch."

"We'll see," Bryce says, and Roman tries hard to still his trembling. Bryce won't let anyone hurt him...

"Go get the table set," Roman hears Mal say. He glances up just slightly and sees she's talking to James, who obediently slips away. "The pets will eat in the kitchen," she then says to Bryce.

[denimbex1986]

'Claire Foy has shared a message for parents of LGBTQ+ children while speaking to PinkNews about what it was like to play a prejudiced mother in Andrew Haigh’s new LGBTQ+ drama All of Us Strangers.

Loosely based on Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel Strangers, All of Us Strangers stars Fleabag’s Andrew Scott as Adam, a queer, depressed writer in his mid-forties who ventures back to his childhood home after trying to write about his parents. While there, he reunites with the ghostly apparitions of his mother (Claire Foy) and father (Jamie Bell), who died when he was 12.

In the weeks that follow, Adam gets to have heart-wrenching conversations with the two ghosts about his life now, including coming out to them as gay.

While Foy’s portrayal of the mum is brimming with warmth and tenderness, the character is at first shocked to hear of her son’s sexuality, worrying intently about whether he might contract Aids, as the crisis was at its height at the time she died.

In one comic line, she questions whether her son should be open about his sexuality “on the high street, at WH Smith,” afraid he will be attacked.

At a time where LGBTQ+ youth are still being rejected and disowned by their parents, Foy’s character sends a powerful message.

“A lot of the time, as a parent myself, I do understand how difficult it is to not see that your child is basically a criticism [of] you as a human being, and understanding you don’t own your kids and your kids will be whoever they’re going to be,” Foy told PinkNews.

The Crown star believes that her character’s opinion of homosexuality comes from a place of fear.

“The hardest thing for a parent is giving [your children] away to the world because the world can be an incredibly cruel and dangerous place for [the] beloved little thing that you’ve created.

“I think it does all come from love and it also does come from fear – fear of what you don’t understand and fear of somehow that you are not right.”

Foy urged those who do not accept their children for whatever reason to look inward, and shared her hope that All of Us Strangers highlights how our time on Earth is finite, and shouldn’t be spent judging others.

“One of the greatest things I’ve learned as a person is that often the criticisms and judgments you have of other people, you need to repeat back to yourself because they’re the things you’re most afraid of in yourself.

“Hopefully, the film will just teach people that life’s too short to be confused by one another. Just ask and be told, and listen and understand. Then [we’d] get there a lot quicker.”

Although she handles the quietly poignant role delicately, Foy admitted she was concerned about being able to step into the role of a mother with discriminatory views, however ‘well-intentioned’ they are.

“There was a small, at the back of my brain, concern about how honestly we were portraying it, I suppose,” she said, “but at the same time, we had to be brave about not trying to soften the reality of what that conversation would be like.

“I think [her character] is very much stuck in a period of time and you have to have compassion for the understanding that at that time, what she was being fed was a particular view of what it was to be a gay man in the world and the risks that came with [it].”

Foy’s character would have been alive during Thatcher’s time as prime minister; an era full of intense homophobia and disinformation regarding the LGBTQ+ community.

“I definitely felt we had to honour that, because it seemed so important that history is understood, and not try to make it modern in any way,” Foy added.

She had crucial conversations with director Haigh and co-star Scott about making sure the relationship was being depicted in a way that reflected the reality for gay men.

“I felt I was there to support Adam’s character come to some sort of conclusion with his parents, and you have to go through those difficult moments to get to the end of the story.

“I loved her as a character… I feel as if she’d been given that education [and] given the opportunity to grow up with her son, if she was a parent of a 46-year-old gay son, she would be an amazing mother and would love it – and probably love it a bit too much.”'

[ohanahoku-ao3]

Whumptober 2023 Day 25

Still working on getting these out, so enjoy some Stiles whump! :D

Teen & Up - Gen, F/M (Minor) - Teen Wolf

Grave Danger

     Beacon Hills had gotten too weird for Stiles. Werewolves were one thing, and he dealt just fine with the kanima. But he drew the line at zombies. Zombies were a step too far for Stiles, and as far as he was concerned, Beacon Hills could go to hell if it wasn’t there already. Of course, abandoning his hometown would be a lot easier when he wasn’t being marched toward the cemetery by said zombies.

     Stiles glanced around at them, shivering at the cold emanating from their pale corpses. He didn’t know why he was still alive. From what they’d seen, these zombies weren’t like the ones in the movies. They couldn’t transform others with a bite, but that didn’t mean they weren’t dangerous. Undead people who could keep moving even after being shot or mutilated could do a lot of damage with their blunt teeth and long nails. Stiles shuddered at the memory of what those poor people in town had looked like after the first attack. Humans could do such horrible things when their humanity and souls were taken from them.

     Which begs the question: Why is he alive and not in pieces?

     The only answer he could come up with could have been a better one. Because if they weren’t hurting him, that meant they had to be controlled by someone. And that meant that whoever was controlling them wanted Stiles alive. That thought was as relieving as it was terrifying for what it could mean.

     The grass was damp from the night air as Stiles was marched into the cemetery, the dew seeping into his sneakers. The smell of freshly overturned dirt soon reached him as they rounded a few sculpted bushes, and Stiles’ stomach dropped as he saw the slender pit in front of him. It was a newly dug grave, and in the low lighting of the cemetery, Stiles could see a name emblazoned on the headstone above it. ’Mieczyslaw Stlinski.’

     His feet felt rooted to the spot as he stopped short, a zombie bumping into him and grunting before it stilled.

     Beside the grave, a man stood half-turned away from him, his face obscured by shadows. “So nice of you to join me, Miecyzslaw.” The man said, and Stiles started at the sound of his given name being perfectly pronounced.

     “Who are you?” Stiles asked, a slight waver in his voice as his eyes helplessly trailed back to the gravestone and read the rest of the inscription. ‘Born April 8th, 1995, Died September 17th, 2011.’  

     A match flared, catching the stretch of the man’s grin as he lit a cigarette, taking a puff before releasing smoke into the air. “Let’s just say I’m an old friend of your father.”

     “Yeah, I’m not buying that,” Stiles said, glancing at the zombies that flanked him. Their cold hands were gripping his arms, the touch sending shivers up and down his spine from more than just the cool temperature of their fingertips. He didn’t want to think about the rot and mold that composed a significant amount of their bodies.

     The man laughed, shaking his head as he lifted his cigarette to his lips once more, the tip flaring red as he turned to face Stiles, pale light catching on his face.

     Stiles’ eyes slowly widened in recognition of the man, the killer in front of him. “I remember your face. My dad busted you.”

     “Heh, good memory, kid. Yeah, he got me dead to rights, put me behind bars.” Vince Davies, a local known for killing his girlfriend and her brother some nine years previous when Stiles was only six years old, said. “Good old, gold-hearted Deputy Stilinski,” He sneered. “Guess he’s the sheriff now, though, ain’t he?”

     “He is. Busting your sorry mug definitely helped push him up the ladder to that promotion.” Stiles said, never one to play the meek and mild in such situations.

     The man’s eye twitched, and he scowled at the mocking tone. “Yeah, well, while he was profiting from my misfortune, I spent nine years rotting in a stinking cell.” Vince snarled, tossing his cigarette away. “Do you know what maximum security is like, kid? It’s like living in your grave, unable to do anything but sit there and rot.”

     “It’s what you deserve for what you did,” Stiles told him, clenching his fists angrily as he recalled the old police file about the case. He’d only gotten a glimpse of it before his mom found him, but the graphic pictures of mutilated bodies would linger in his mind for years to come, perhaps forever.

     “Don’t preach to me about things that people deserve! They deserved to die!” The murderer shouted, striding forward a few steps and getting right into Stiles’ face. “Just like your father’s going to.”

     Stiles pulled his head back a bit, grimacing at the nicotine-filled breath that blew across his face. “If you want him dead, then where do I fit in on all of this? Answer me that. If you just wanted to kill me for revenge, shouldn’t he be here?”

     Vince grinned, a glint in his eyes that dripped terror down Stiles’ spine. The man pulled back, stepping to the side of the grave, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared into the pit. “I had a cellmate in jail. Crazy guy, he was. Most thought he wasn’t all there mentally, but he taught me things. I learned things about the outside world, this world that’s so much more than the idiot populace thinks it is. You’ve seen it. This world has werewolves and creatures that defy logic. It has mystical and magical elements that most can’t begin to fathom. Few ever learn of these things, but I did. Before he died, my cellmate taught me everything I needed to know about bringing the dead back to life.”

     Necromancy, the word sounded in Stiles’ mind, and he shuddered at the name of the unethical practice.

     “Now that I'm out, I'm going to get my revenge, and you're going to help me, Miecyzslaw. At first, I planned to use your dead mother for this.”

     Stiles’ anger flared at the thought of the man resurrecting his mother as one of the mindless zombies, and he struggled against the cold grip on his arms.

     “Too bad she was cremated.” Vince lamented. “It would have been brilliant to have your father killed by the woman he loved. But I suppose he'll be just as devastated when he sees your corpse come to kill him.”

     With a flick of his fingers, the deranged man called his zombie puppets into action. Stiles cried out as they started shoving him toward his grave. “Hey, wait, hold on! Come on, you don't want to deliver a perfect body like mine to the grave!”

     The undead paid him no mind, and as Vince laughed, Stiles was thrown into the hole. He landed on his stomach, getting a mouthful of dirt as the wind was knocked out of him. Something heavy dropped onto his legs, and as Stiles desperately started pushing himself up, another weight landed on his back, knocking him back down as he shouted in pain.

     His hands scrambled in the loose dirt, searching for purchase, for something to grab for leverage. But the ground was too soft, and the objects on top of him were too heavy, leaving him trapped in the bottom of the grave.

     “Sleep well, Miecyzslaw Stilinski. I’ll be seeing you soon.” Vince intoned above him, and Stiles screamed as dirt started to rain down on top of him.

     The dirt built up swiftly as multiple zombies worked to fill the grave, and soon, Stiles’ screams turned to gasps of air as he struggled to lift his head above the silt, hands trying to push the dirt away from his head. Eventually, he stopped making noise at all as he tilted his head forward and tried with his hands to block the dirt from reaching his mouth, holding his breath as he attempted to form a pocket of air around his face.

     Panic seized his chest, though, making it hard to think clearly and hold his breath for very long. There was no way out of this. No one knew Stiles had been taken, so no one was coming after him.

     He had no idea how long he’d been buried when his meager air supply ran out, and Stiles held his breath like he was drowning, heart pounding in his ears and his head feeling ready to explode. In the utter darkness of his grave, Stiles lost consciousness, surrendering against his will to the inevitable.

*************************

     Air forced its way into Stiles’ lungs, and he woke with a gasp of pain, rolling over and curling on his side as he coughed roughly before greedily inhaling oxygen-rich breaths. Beside him, someone let out a sound of relief, and when Stiles calmed slightly, he rolled back onto his back to blink up at Lydia and Peter kneeling next to him.

     “I felt you die,” Lydia whispered, staring at him with wide eyes. “I felt you die, Stiles.”

     “You brought me back.” Stiles rasped, staring up at her in shock, remembering the brief feel of soft lips against his right as he woke up. His chest ached as he breathed in, and his eyes drifted over to Peter and narrowed. “And you broke my ribs.”

     “Cracked, you'll live,” Peter said, extending his hand.

     Stiles grabbed the proffered hand and grunted as he was slowly pulled to his feet. He took in the sight around him as he stood, and his eyes widened. The cemetery was littered with corpses, most of them sans heads, and their puppeteer lay on the ground next to Stiles’ grave with deep slashes across his throat.

     As Stiles’ eyes wandered away from the body, they lit on his grave, noticing the shovels beside a mound of dirt and the tracks formed in the soil where shovels were exchanged for bare hands. He looked back at Peter and Lydia as the former helped the latter to her feet, eyes flicking down to their dirt-stained hands, the former's also stained with blood. “You really saved my life. You killed them and dug me back up, knowing I was already dead. And you brought me back.”

     Lydia straightened her skirt with shaky hands and exhaled before squaring her delicate shoulders. “Well, if there's one thing I know, it's that not all dead people stay dead.” She said, looking back at Peter.

     Peter looked away, huffing a slight laugh. “We got to you before Davies could start the ritual, so you won’t turn into a zombie.”

     Stiles nodded, some residual panic melting away at the reassurance. He gestured to the zombies on the ground. “What happened to them?” He asked, indicating their lack of heads and claw marks.

     “I screamed,” Lydia said, her lips pressing together. A haunted look lingered in her eyes as they met Stiles’ gaze. “I screamed, and their heads exploded.”

     Stiles blinked, glancing between her and Peter, his mouth opening and closing like a fish for a moment before his hands gently gripped her arms. “Oh my God, are you okay?”

     “I don't know.” She admitted, pressing her lips together and shaking her head slowly.

     “She'll be fine,” Peter told them, glancing toward the road. “Police are on their way. We shouldn't be here when they arrive.”

     The two teens nodded and fell into step behind him as he led them out of the cemetery, Stiles’ arm around Lydia.

     “I'm gonna have to tell my dad,” Stiles said as they left in Peter's car. “I'm not keeping this from him anymore.”

     Peter looked back at him but said nothing, and in the silence that followed Stiles’ statement, sirens filled the night air.

[squarebracket-trickster]

happy blurbo blursday! I am not familiar with your characters so could you give them a little intro? 👀

Thank you so much for the ask!!! I had a lot of fun with this and it was a great exercise for me in trying to give a spoiler-free synopsis of my plot.

(I really tried to make this spoiler free but if you think about the information I've given here for a minute you'll probably figure the story's big twist. Truth be told, I think the earlier in the story a reader figures it out the funnier the story gets so I am not worried about people guessing it. Still, I refuse to outright say it because that would cheapen the experience.)

The important plot stuff:

Isadred, the main character, is the eldest daughter of a king. She is married -- by proxy, she's never met her husband -- to the crown prince of the neighbouring country (the marriage was intended to ratify a treaty to end the war between their countries) and she is *supposed* to be travelling to her husband's kingdom. But Isadred does NOT want to be married. She escapes from her escort and joins up with some bandits disguised as a boy named Adris, but the plot won't leave her alone. Someone is playing a dangerous game and Isadred realizes that she is it's most valuable pawn -- whoever possesses her wins. It is only a matter of time before she will be forced to either return to her husband or plunge both their kingdoms into war. In the meantime, a bandit named Sorin catches her eye. It will never work out between them because Adris/Isadred has sworn off marriage, and Sorin is saving himself for it, but that does not mean they can't have a bit of fun while it lasts.

Sorin is a talented swordsman of noble birth who became a member of the bandit king's inner circle to protect his family. When a half-starved peasant kid shows up on his doorstep claiming that a certain missing princess is alive and hiding in the forest, the bandit king sends Sorin on her trail. But there is a larger game afoot and Sorin's loyalties lie first with his family. He knows far more than he lets on, including just how valuable Princess Isadred is to his own family and to the bandit king. He will do anything to find her, even if it means getting close to that mysterious peasant boy -- just not too close. He is a married man after all... even if he has never met his wife. Adris respects his decision but being around him/her is hard. He/she reminds him of everything he is missing out on.

Fun facts:

Both characters are in their early twenties but their exact ages are never mentioned in the story. Sorin would have to be old enough to be knighted, so at least 18 but more likely 21 or older. Adris describes herself as being around Sorin's age.

I have not decided what ethnicity these characters are yet. The story is loosely Shakespeare-inspired so, in true Shakespeare fashion, the politics, warfare, and culture of the world is based on English history, specifically that of High Medieval England (1066 - 1327) -- the marriage-by-proxy to ratify a peace treaty arc, castles and trebuchets and longbows, the size of the armies in the story, the lack of canons, the social sensibilities around gender. But it is completely possible that both Isadred and Sorin have a parent from another, more distant country, or several ancestors. Also, my setting is a fictional place so I can do what I want. The physical appearances of the characters have no impact on the actual story. I am on draft 2 and have yet to write a single physical description of a character.

Sorin is bi. He is attracted to Adris when he still thinks he is a boy. He is still attracted to her when he discovers she is a girl.

I have been treating Adris as cis so far but I am considering making her nb or gender fluid. Getting to be anything but a cis man while still having control over her life is a critical part of her story, and that struggle is not exclusive to cis women, but I am cis woman so that is the story that resonates with me most.

Isadred is really good at sewing and horseback riding. She is also a terrible shot but she can use a short bow with a light draw-weight.

Sorin can sew. It's not pretty but his stitches do hold. He is also a very good rider and skilled with a knight's weapons: sword, lance, polearm, mace, sickle, crossbow etc. He cannot use a longbow though--that is a peasant's weapon.

Isadred loves parties and is very fashionable.

Sorin knows Isadred's husband.

I am probably going to change both these characters' names when I finally figure out how I want naming and ethnicity to work in this story.