#and then poof he forgets who he is temporarily

[scarlet-cookie]

I like to think about the silly connection I made between TMA’s Stranger, LOTM’s Fool Pathway, and HSR’s Path of Elation. Uncannily faceless people and monsters who laugh at misery and tragedy. My auto TMA sense when starting LOTM was like, oh yes, Klein is an avatar of the Stranger, and now that I’ve completed it, it became more like “Nikola Orsinov is a Sequence 4 Bizzaro Sorcerer”, “Sparkle is a Sequence 6 Faceless and an avatar of the Stranger.” also the fact that both The Unknowing and Klein’s apotheosis ritual made people in the vicinity 90% stupider. Except one is “we and the skinless puppets rave so hard the fear god descends” and the other is a bunch of gods fighting in some poor guy’s living room so loudly that he wakes up.

[chatsukimi]

ᴅɪʀᴛʏ ᴛʀɪᴄᴋꜱ

featuring: touchstarved!gojo, slight enemies to lovers. synopsis: gojo satoru can't understand why he keeps wanting to spar with you... until one time, you two get a little too close. masterlist

sparring with satoru is a pain above all else. yaga has been assigning you to hand to hand combat with satoru for weeks now- a suspiciously long amount of time without switching partners.

you kick, dodge a punch, and stare up at his shameless smile. each time you come close to landing a hit, he turns on infinity, then poof! your opportunity rushes out the window.

"no techniques allowed." you grit your teeth.

"oops." he holds his hands up in a faux surrender. "sorry, forgot."

he certainly did not forget.

this time, he charges at your torso, his annoyingly long arm closing distance on your shoulder at breakneck speed. you feel the limb dislocate. you wince. using his upper hand, gojo grabs your arms and pins you to the gymnasium floor. the air is knocked out of your lungs.

he's panting, his blue eyes clambering over you, under him. like always, he's too close to you- so close you see your own figure in the reflection of his watery irises. you could lift your hand up an inch to brush the sweat from his forehead. always. way too close.

his fingers trail across your elbow up towards your collarbone- whoosh.

infinity on again. he lets out a long exhale, scrunching his eyes shut as though pained.

that's when gojo thinks he's safe.

only, he's not really.

instead of giving up, you close your hand around the infinity and pull the whole thing, gojo and his infinity, towards you. your legs drag around his hips.

his eyes widen.

your hand pushes his chest then in the brisk manoeuvre, you're on top of him.

you think you see his soul poke its head out his mouth, tipped ajar in shock.

you don't know why you do what you do next. in some depraved performance, your fingers close in on his windpipe. you don't squeeze; the imagery is enough to satisfy. snowy white eyelashes fluttering to meet your gaze, the groan echoing out from his throat, the tight strain in his chest as he breathes shallowly, letting you way too close.

"they're watching," he murmurs.

shoko and geto. fear washes over you, and you're about to let go-

his own hand closes around your wrist.

he's staring at you darkly, goading you to move.

"they're watching," he says again, his hands suddenly at your waist pulling you closer. his tongue flicks over his bottom lip.

you're almost laying on his chest, face to face with your own deadly consumption.

"how long have you been beating me up just to get this close?" you tease.

"huh?"

truly innocently desperately confused, satoru has the gall to tighten his grip, hoisting himself up until he's sitting to lean over you again- if only slightly.

"we're just sparring, aren't we?" and he's telling himself this as his nose bumps against yours. and he's lying to himself that the way he's exploring your body is an act of aggression, not an act of compulsion. "you've been playing dirty tricks on me, but i can do it better."

dirty tricks? you think you see the thought passing through his concentrated face.

unfair, unfair, unfair-

how dare you provoke him let down his infinity? who do you think you are? how could you break him down through just one touch, leave him barrelling towards you for more?

unfair, unfair, unfair-

his hand rests by your jaw, stroking up your cheek, taking his precious time.

because sparring with you is the only time satoru gets to touch you.

he forces all his common sense out of his brain as he whispers, frustration coursing through his tone, "you're weak. your form is full of openings." and he's almost kissing you-

"time out, time out." shoko's voice cuts through the haze.

you feel you two being dragged apart by shoko and geto. the latter frowns at the white haired menace who's temporarily lost his obnoxious pride, silent.

the moment is awkward for everyone except for him.

gojo cocks his head to the side, looking at geto. "we were just fighting?"

geto sighs. just fighting?

you shiver as gojo's expressionless stare sticks onto you. curious.

the fight is over already...

but then why does he want to kiss you still?

[lovelyd0gg]

Everything will be Okay.

Welcome back to Story Sunday, where I write a story about different Bob boys every Sunday if I'm not busy. So enjoy and relax<3

Summary: By the time war was coming to an end, Nixon hasn't been the same since, you, his fiancé want to help him feel better

Warnings: fluffers♡, mentions of war, blood, wounds your typical war stuff, mentions of suicide, swearing.

Going up to a person who's been in a war for six years now, isn't easy or pretty. Everything they've witnessed and all the horrible things the war has done to them affects them and their personalities change drastically. Some stay the same and some don't. Unfortunately, the war has changed your fiancé, Nixon. You were a nurse for Easy company so you worked with Eugene, Spina and a couple others, Nixon didn't mind, he trusted them enough that they wouldn't try to flirt with you. But, by 1945, the war was coming to an end, Nixon was so glad it was coming to an end, but with the amount of things he has seen and done, was it worth it?

You were trying to find Nixon but he was nowhere to be seen. You went up go a couple of the men there so you went to them to ask if they have seen him.

"Luz! You seen Nixon recently?"

"Ain't he downing another bottle of Vat 69 in his office or sumthing? Like usual?"

"Luz, that's not funny, you know he can't help it, he wants to stop but he can't!"

"Pfft... Yeah, and I wanna be a billionaire, but I can't!"

Luz was no luck...

You came to his office and noticed he had his feet up on the table and a bottle or two of Vat 69 just there and he was leaning in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. He didn't seem to notice you entered the room.

"Nix?"

There was no answer for about five seconds then he looked at you.

"Mmhh?"

"Are you alright?"

He took a swig from his bottle and sighed.

"Y/N, do you think it's worth it?"

"What is?"

"The war ending.. I took lives, I killed men, I killed some men who didn't want to be in the war. All for what? Hitler shooting himself?"

You looked down slightly, taking a seat in front of his desk.

"Well, I don't know.. It's war, you're supposed to kill the one that's against you, plus, the men that didn't want to be here, were forced anyways. You can't help them.."

"I know, I know, but it feels so shitty... All the blood and wounds.. God Y/N, the guts and organs everywhere, you come back from battling and someone's blood is sprayed all over your hands and face!"

You nodded slightly, you knew what he witnessed and it was downright messed up, he'd sometimes pay you visits with dried up blood all over his hands or face and he wouldn't have any scratches or anything! So you just figured it wasn't his blood.

"Hey, the war is almost over... Don't worry, after all of this we can all go home and live normally again--"

"But we can't, Y/N! Nobody can live the way they did before the war because we didn't have any traumatic experiences like all this shit! This alcohol is the only thing keeping me from offing myself right now!"

It hurt you that you weren't one or the only reason to keep him from killing himself.

"What about me..?"

"...You too, but the alcohol just wipes everything from my mind, so I can forget, you just take it away temporarily, y'know?"

"Hey, when the war is over, we can finally get married, right..? It isn't smart to just kill yourself now.. Or at all really, despite everything you've done or seen, it's over, and aren't you proud? That you went through all of that? And you're here? There's a lot of people who didn't make it here.."

"That's the fucking point! I feel so bad that the dead can't be here! By the time war started, I started off with so many friends...my brothers.. My band of brothers... And now look at it.. I've got so little left.."

You took his hand gently, rubbing your fingers over his knuckles.

"I know.. But you have to let it go, I know it's hard and you can't just *snap* poof, they're out of your memories, but you need to focus on the fact that you, yourself are alive and here.. After everything, and not everyone you know and care about it dead.. Yeah? I'm not dead, you're not dead, easy company isn't dead."

He looked into your eyes, your words made his heart ache.

"Y/N/N, how was I so lucky to get someone so kind and caring as you? Why did you choose an alcoholic like me? I'm pointless and you should be with someone better, someone who'll treat you right.."

"Because I have faith in you, Nixon.. I believe that you can quit drinking, and I would be there with you for the whole journey if you planned on quitting, it's not easy to quit, I know. But I will be with you for the whole way, everything is going to be okay, darling."

Before you could continue, he swiftly pulled you in a tight hug, hugging you like there was no tomorrow.

"I love you so fucking much.. You don't even know how much I care about you.."

You smiled and hugged him back, he wasn't as affectionate as he was before, but the small moments of affection nowadays, was just enough for you.

"I love you too, Nixon.. I'm so excited when we get married.."

[valeriele3]

Hello! I hope you are having a good day. Can I request for a wataru and echi(if you don't mind)from ensemble stars with the love at first sight scenario with a normal citizen reader. Like maybe they met when reader just attend their live with a friend or smt. Thank you! It's fine you don't feel like doing it😊

Wataru x GN!Reader x Eichi (Separate)

It was around the time Wataru was yet to be extremely popular

It was a good day, perfect weather, and people are happily going about their day

As a performer it’s only natural for Wataru to perform

So, he did

Being the magical man he is, he quickly gathered a crowd. But his attention wasn’t on the crowd but instead someone in the background who’s sadly scrolling through their phone

Wataru was fascinated. No. Wataru was enchanted, captured, smitten on how someone can look so beautiful/handsome without any effort let alone while being sad with crystal like tears about to escape

As a performer, his job is to make other people happy and since he can clearly see someone is unhappy it wouldn’t be right to simply leave them alone, right?

“Amazing~☆! While it is a joy to see everyone and their smiles. It time for this clown to fly~!”

With a poof and doves coming out of nowhere Wataru is gone from the crowds sight

And with another poof he is right in front of you with a bouquet of roses

“A person such as yourself shouldn’t be sad on this beautiful day”

“Wha— Uhm..Excuse me..?” You stare at him dumbfounded

“Ah..How rude of me. This clowns name is Wataru Hibiki”

He says as he puts a single rose with all its thorns removed in your ear

“What about yours mx?”

“..Y/N”

“Wonderful name you have there darling ☆”

“Thank you..?”

“Ahaha! It seems that you have cheered up a bit. That’s good” Wataru smiles fondly

“On a more serious note..Would you give me the honor of being your friend or acquaintance perhaps?”

‘Hmm..Stranger danger..But he looks kind and probably wouldn’t do anything bad..Then again, that’s why people had a hard time uncovering serial killers back then because they looked too nice to be one..’

“Amazing~☆!”

“Ah—”

“No need to worry darling. I do no harm”

“How can I be sure of that?”

“A performer and an idols job is to make people happy and for their dreams to come true”

“Idol?”

“My..You don’t know? Sigh This makes you more special especially in this world that’s slowly being taken over by idols”

“Aha..Pretty sure that wouldn’t make me special Sir Hibiki”

“Non! Shu that you Every being is special and unique!”

“And in my eyes..You’re the most special one of all”

You chuckle “Fine fine..I’ll believe you for now”

“Please entertain me more in the future Mr. Clown”

“Please look forward to it all. After all, all my performances are amazing~☆!”

The sun has risen..

Which marks another day spent at the hospital

“Sigh..”

‘I wonder when Wataru will visit again’

Knocks fill the rooms silence

“Come in”

“Please excuse me..”

“Ahem..It’s time for you to take your medicine uhm sir?” You say anxiously

“Hm? You’re not the usual nurse. Are you new?”

“Ah..Yes sir! T-The usual nurse got sick so I’m here to replace her temporarily”

‘What the heckkkk..! Why did I stutter?!! This man gives off bad vibes..I feel like I’ll be killed if I say something wrong..!! Okay.. Calm..I need to calm down and do my job properly! They trusted me with this job so I have to do my best’

“Ahah..No need to be so nervous. I don’t bite” Eichi smiles

Instead of just reminding him to take his medicine you got caught in a long conversation with Eichi

It was only until the sun was about to set did you realize you’ve spent too much time with Eichi and had completely forgotten your job

Although you had nothing to do for the day except to check in on Eichi once in a while it is improper to talk to your patient all day especially when they need a lot of rest

“Ah..! I’m so sorry, it seems I’ve overstayed my welcome. I will get going now Eic— Sir. Please don’t forget to take your medicine. Now, if you’d excuse me—”

“It’s alright. I enjoyed your company. And please, just call me Eichi. No need for formalities”

“Yes sir”

“What did I just say?”

“Ahah..Yes Eichi”

“Good. You may go now”

After you left Eichi fell on his pillows which are probs very soft and the most expensive pillow you can get

While he looked calm and collected the whole time you were in his room, he wasn’t inside

In fact, Eichi was panicking and admiring your very being

He memorized each and every single word you spoke

He memorized habits you didn’t seem to notice you were doing

He memorized everything about you

Eichi was completely smitten when he first laid his eyes on you and his love continued to grow when you guys were talking with each other

Eichi is looking forward to all your visits. Much more than he is looking forward to Wataru’s visits which says a lot

A/N: So sorry if this isn’t what you expected or wanted..! I’m still new to writing and I wrote this as fast as my brain cells could

[mercurypyrite]

ok so i finished book 6 last night so this is a bit belated but whatever. longass masterpost of my thoughts on everything post 6-81 incoming

i felt awful for vil (3hrs of crying, he’s gotta be dehydrated) but it was lowkey kinda funny how malleus just popped up and was like “i’m in your debt (according to lilia) (pretty sure this was just for their own amusement?? idk man they’re fae) so i’ll help 👍” and just kinda poofed him back to normal.

i think this is the… third time we’ve seen him do smth like that? first at VDC, then during endless halloween night, and finally now. (though EHN came first canonically.) he seems to be making a habit of it. and that joyful squeal? love that. (vil’s normally so poised, though — goes to show how deeply book 6, and being rudely confronted by his fear of aging, rattled him)

=

leona: i’ve been fighting all night and i’m dead on my feet

ruggie & jack: sorry what. PLEASE elaborate

=

once i saw adeuce the only thought left in my head was “MY BOYS THEYRE HERE” i’m so glad they’re okay like damn. it feels like everyone’s been gone longer than 2 days lmao

=

“Human lives are as ethereal as silk thread on a spinning wheel — and just as easily cut short. But their fragility can be a boon. Interweaving and layering those threads creates the strong, resilient tapestry of their history. Such is the creature called man — neighbor to we creatures of the night.”

so so tempted to make part of this my blog quote but it sounds so pretentious. not like the current one isn’t i guess. also sleeping beauty ref goes brrr

=

ortho (lovingly) dragging idia is one of my new favorite things i think

“You don’t have any close friends who can keep you in line yet, and I don’t know if you ever will. Not to put too fine a point on it, but leaving you to your own devices is a terrible idea. So… I want to stay with you. Is that asking too much?”

“You’ve been my real brother for a long time now, Ortho.”

“Let’s go back to Night Raven College. You’ve got people waiting for you there.”

“…Yeah, I do, huh.”

LIKE GOD. THEM. i want to stay with you. you don’t have to act like my little brother but you’ve been my real brother for a while now. you don’t have close friends but you DO have people waiting for you. they won’t forget. (and then he ends up gaming with vdc gang and bantering with ortho around them, slowly coming out of his shell if only temporarily, and i’m so soft over that)

=

refurbished ramshackle was nice to see but… not really surprising, lol. looks directly at the guest room feature. twsten rlly likes doing things out of order huh.

=

also yuu spent “a few weeks” at pomefiore?? honorary heartslabyul student yuu is out, honorary pomefiore student yuu is in. they even got a uniform!!

jk they can coexist

(i will make them coexist. i love them both sm)

(i wanna see riddle and vil fighting over yuu /hj)

=

“I was called before parliament in the Land of Dawning. Bigwigs from STYX, the Department of Education, AND the Department of Magic all bombarded me with questions and glared daggers at me… ‘Why are so many consecutive overblots happening on your watch?! How do you explain this?!’

“That’s what I want to know! What have I done, except run this school as diligently as I could?! Night Raven College has resident counselors and medical mages appointed by the Department of Education as it is!

“Since the assembly saw no major issues with the school’s leadership, the inquiry came to a close… But I certainly didn’t expect one of our students to bring about an off-campus catastrophe even as we convened!”

crowley actually getting in legal trouble (or at least being threatened with legal trouble) actually surprised me a lot??? i’m so used to thinking stuff like this would more or less get covered up for plot convenience or wtv that it’s nice to see crowley get smacked with it. rip headmage

ALSO rip therapist yuu memes bc NRC HAS THERAPISTS (tho theyre not rlly dead bc. no one SEES the therapists. probably. stubborn kids.)

=

seeing ortho again = no thoughts left in my head redux, “BABY BOY” edition!! he looks so nice!! i love the lil buttons!! rlly i love all the details, looking like an NRC uniform while still being undeniably ortho

“‘I don’t get it’ is a perfect encapsulation of my current state!”

LOL. he’s not wrong though.

=

…of course crowley took a bribe. i dunno why i’m surprised to hear that.

though in vil’s words, “It’s hardly our place to interject if it’s a win-win for both parties, I suppose.”

crowley’s inquiry about grim’s health makes me side-eye him more strongly the more i think about it. yes i know why (grim attacked yuu, was more strongly affected by the blot, etc) but i’m still suspicious, i wanna know if there’s more to it.

“I’m truly glad that you — ah, that is, ALL of you — made it back to the school safe and sound.”

the way he added “all of you” made it seem to me like they were an afterthought compared to grim…

=

twst rlly put aaaall the fluff at the end huh. not like i’m complaining though!! it’s like a reward for getting through all the angst. idia’s gift is very him (lol) and idia and ortho playing video games with everyone is adorable

“We should probably make Idia play holding the controller backwards or something, though. He’s super good.”

“I see what you’re doing, Ortho. Trying to skate by without any handicaps for yourself, huh? YOU’RE the one who needs extra restrictions, like no items allowed.”

=

play for a crowd! is also up there on my list of favorite twistunes but i can’t play it while sleep deprived or my score goes down the toilet. ask me how i know. half the time normal mode is harder than hard mode.

also i haven’t said it anywhere yet but idia’s battle theme is a banger too. ignihyde osts killed it

=

and rook and vil’s discussion of ortho’s soul!! screams!!

“He — or rather, they — chose to try and boost their brother up from the depths below to the skies above. What do you call such love and affection, if not a soul?”

=

the “dream” sequence was so interesting!! yuu and mickey can’t see anything but each other. grim can’t see mickey either, and vice versa.

but. mickey could see silver. why was silver at ramshackle at night? a reasonable assumption is that silver went to ramshackle to find malleus, couldn’t, and left, but really…

why could mickey see silver at all?

i’ve heard (though i haven’t got a source for this unfortunately) that silver says — somewhere — that he’s seen yuu before, or that they look familiar, or something along those lines. i wanna know if this is connected to that. also, silver’s curse. that too. sleep/dreams vs reality etc.

=

and last but not least, lilia is dropping death flags left and right and malleus is Concerned. to be fair, so am i. what’s going on, dude?

(sidenote: damn it riddle’s hair went back to normal. i was hoping he’d just have white hair now 😭)

(also, eagerly awaiting the “gloomurai is idia and muscle red is lilia” reveal in book 7. yana pls.)

(i… may have gotten spoiled a bit. unintentionally. so now i know that in book 7, [REDACTED].)

[tinseltina]

(no offense taken! i'm having so much fun talking about this!! 😆😆😆. also please don't be mad about my response either. i'm just having fun)

oh! that's an excellent point, thank you for bringing up the reality of undocumented people getting documented. and yes it can be a slow process (beaurocracy is probably slow no matter what universe you're in, even with all that magic available)

i think part of what we all were getting at is Yuu doesn't seem to be cared for THAT well while at the nrc. i think lots of fanfiction and even the canon story romanticize or gloss over the "less-than-ideal" parts (ex. yuu not having a phone until book 4, (temporarily) losing ramshackle dorm in book 3, let alone even that being possible and not something crowley stopped/could have stopped, the kidnapping in book 4 while crowley went on vacation, just to name a few).

and so, because yuu isn't actually being taken care of/watched over/is a high priority, then doing something like getting them documentation may not even be something anyone would care to do even if they were aware of the benefits.

like, crowley is an adult who (supposedly) knows how to run a school, so he should know more about what kinds of documents kids should have. and if he's not in a hurry to send the kid home, then he should be making their existence in this world easier. which he does not do (again, didn't give yuu a phone until book 4. it literally could have been a school expense, as they are now a ward of the school and is being housed and looked after there. so no needing to use his own money).

malleus: doesn't check in on yuu often in the canon books/doesn't comment on the overblots or ask how yuu is doing.

leona: isn't super friendly towards yuu. (ex. in tamashina mina yuu and grim invite themselves on the trip and lilia blackmails leona into letting them tag along. leona didn't want them around)

kalim: MAYBE he'd actually be the one to help yuu. if yuu can get his time for him to give some orders for things to happen. but we don't see him all the time? and i worry about jamil getting in the way and saying something like "kalim has more important things to worry about", or worry about kalim getting distracted and forgetting if the request isn't made immediately. (to me interacting with kalim seems like in a movie where the guy who gives you a mllion dollar briefcase and then it falls in the ocean because someone bumped into you and then poof! it's gone. like he is kind and lucky but everyone around him is unlucky 😅)

idia: yuu isn't actually friends with idia. he's not friends with anyone except online friend musclered. he hasn't interacted with them much at all in the canon stories. so he's not doing much for yuu either.

i think the pieces/opportunities are all there for yuu having a more comfortable existence in twisted wonderland, but unfortunately they're at the villain school where pretty much everyone is a self-absorbed, immature, garbage man (affectionate)

tl;dr i totally agree and love that you brought up the possibility of getting documentation even if it's slow. but that would require people to actually care about yuu/be more considerate towards them. and in canon there's not a lot of evidence of that, but this is all based on a darker interpretation of what we see in the game.

Something I think about a lot is that Yuu technically doesn't exist in Twisted Wonderland. They have no birth certificate or ID or anything. They really are trapped under Crowley's "generosity", no document to prove they're a citizen of that world with rights and shit. Crowley took 4 books to give them a phone. And Book 4 happens in December, so Yuu has been living without a phone since, what, August? Which is when the school year starts?

Yuu could die and their existence could not be proven. For all the world is concerned, NRC made up a magicless student on their own.

[threeclockkeeperlovereal]

There isn't an explanation of how Akane turned into a half-supernatural, right? Like, how the hell can Kako and Mirai make a human being – such as Akane, who doesn't have special nor an exorcist blood in him – into a half-supernatural and just turn them back? I mean, we could assume that those two can do some unexplained magic and shit or whatever and poof – Aoi Akane is human again!

But then I remembered Mitsuba and realized that there is a high chance that Akane ate some parts of his supernatural-predecessor without his consent nor knowledge.

Alright, this sounds insane and I'm going insane so please hear me out.

In Mitsuba's reintroduction to the series, we all remembered how Tsukasa forced him to eat the now deceased No. 3 to steal the seat and become a full supernatural – which, in Tsukasa's own twisted method, grants Mitsuba's wish (or not because I don't remember that much ngl). Meanwhile, in the part where the "time to rescue aoi and (punch) hanako squad" was about to enter the Far Shore, Teru made them eat the fingers of a supernatural (theorizing that it might belong to Hakubo) so that the gang won't die due to their statuses as temporary half-supernaturals once they enter the other side.

Based on these two situations, it must mean that it's gonna be like this:

Eat the heart of a supernatural = turns them into a full supernatural; this leads to them stealing said supernatural's powers

Eat the fingers or some flesh of a supernatural = turns them into a half-supernatural; gets the nerfed version of said supernatural's powers for a certain duration

This leads to me thinking that Akane became a half-supernatural because he ate some parts of the original present, which could explain how his abilities are limited compared to his fellow clock keepers – which could also mean that what the fuck, Kako and Mirai made him eat some parts of the original present's body.

Then there is also the question of what would happen to Akane – if he survives, that is – once his duration has ended? Near the end of his contract, would he often collapse from the sheer exhaustion because his supernatural side is disappearing and killing him in a slow manner? Would he even survive during or after the process of turning back into a human being? What parts of Aoi Akane would disappear?

God, I need Akane and the Clock Keepers to come back😭😭

uyhyugygyu oml Anon ty for the ask♡

and yes we desperately need these mfs in the manga again 😭🙏

and sorry this blog hasn't been as active I'd like to post more but I'm not really sure what I want to post and don't have any idea at the moment, I don't have asks or theories I'm working on...I'm not really sure what I'd like to do and sometimes I just don't make the time to figure that out or I forget so I'm sorry I haven't posted much and only came to offer random ass posts... I'm working on it okay—

moving on..

I guess I initially thought of it as a signed pen and quil contract, not that he actually signed paper but yk what I mean? just not really of he ate some of no 1.... that is so interesting!!

because Nene has a bond, or a tie to Hanako through a cursed mermaid scale, and as much as Akane said him and Nene are similar they are contracted differently, but she still ate supernatural!! that scale was from the Mermaid, so she technically swallowed supernatural, making her cursed, and she can grow mermaid scales and turn into a fish! like Akane turn into his clock keeper form. and she's destined to be the next Mermaid, because she ate supernatural....

and our gang ate it at dinner the other night and in Teru's words "not fully mortal"

but temporarily, it says you'd become one in the legend but that's clearly not how it goes in nowadays at least(it may depend on the supernatural they ate)

so to be a temporary supernatural

you have to eat a supernatural part....so in turn, despite the "curses" and the "temporary supernatural" thing being different, they're achieved the same way.

so the question now is, is Akane temporarily cursed or become a temporary supernatural that can still blend in with the living and is still not FULLY dead, hence to being half(although technically he is a living more then a supernatural so like three quarters living)

but he IS limited unlike Mitsuba, who ate the heart of No.3, so the flesh or a part of a supernatural (like the scale) is our most likely option, but whether it's a curse or not is different....I suppose the navigation gang ate a part of a supernatural, and that counts as a curse, but it was used differently then how the "curse" would usually be utilized.

so what did Akane eat....? lmao

anyways whether he'd wither and collapse after it wears off is another thing...

Teru states here that if he winds up lucky it'll just carve at his lifespan. which is obvious because of his injury, but it's also been a clear fact that in tbhk the supernatural is a HUGE part to play in changing lifespans, like Amane and Tsukasa did.

so at what point can a supernatural phenomena cut off the rest of a lifespan? and would he slowly decay from BEING one?

well that's a hard question, and how many times and instances has he hacked at his lifespan because of what Kako and Mirai's ushered him into? personally I think that Akane has always had a short lifespan, although it is unclear if whether his lifespan has been changed but seems like Teru knows about lifespans like he knew about Nene's so I'm not as sure about the details. but him being a half supernatural and that slowly killing him is another statement!! because Teru wouldn't be as aware about that and Akane is a half supernatural, we have no idea if Teru can tell his lifespan as well and a half supernatural, is a VERY rare occurrence, it seems it's relished into legends at this point. so really, Teru would have no idea if Akane was slowly dying. although we don't know how exercists and supernaturals tell lifespans (although Hanako is self explanatory) and Kou could not despite being an exercist, so it's pretty unclear. which means Akane could slowly be dying and that would be the most perfect angst~😈

UHM and it seems that (this is my personal theory/thought/headcannon or whatever you wanna call it) being injured in his supernatural form, gravely I mean, messes with his lifespan, from what Teru said, that's what I'm going off of, and pure tbhk world lore. but with the injury on the Sumire/grim reaper arc and the too the far shore/Navigation arc (the arc names aren't SUPER clear....) that Akane has been having death threats on his lifespan, and currently, we have no idea what condition he's in, but considering Hakubo cut the tips of his fingers off so quickly just to get his watch shows how he doesn't mind tearing off pieces, he is an oni after all...and he tore through Teru, and probably shatter a few ribs for Kou or something. so for all we know it's probably worse then in the obon... so he's suffered these injuries in his supernatural form, but what is it doing to human Aoi Akane? what about his life? well ....the cards aren't all saying good my fren

and this would add to me saying how the clock keeper duo planned for him to be a permanent contractor! because why get a temporary one? because then the problem of needing a present and a third clock keeper, will just come back and you're bound to either need help because the seven mysteries are falling apart or need a third to complete the rumor otherwise...well

they'll disappear

and when Hanako says most, he means those who don't have clear rumors. those who are just rumored to be a dead person or an unifoliated rumor, something more vague, or perdue's it to have to be discovered first, not their position. so what would this say if someone found the clock tower with only two? what if Nene came to rip the Yorishiro off or a student came? the student may get their life taken(but be real they don't have much time left anyways) if the clock keepers don't allow them but, with the addition of Akane, who is very justice prone but also strick, and Mirai already enjoying chaos as fun but at the same time doing her job, and Kako who may let people do as they wish under certain circumstances but also doesn't say much and there is not much hope in going against him, what a pair! honestly I'm not sure what you'd have to do to be granted permission but idk

I'm not sure if the transformation back to human would hurt because it didn't hurt vise versa, but I suppose how long he's been a half supernatural and what he's endured, and he may be becoming more supernatural by the second. and we technically don't know how "supernatural" our navigation gang is, because Teru wasn't even very specific on what they'd temporarily be, seeing as it's just a legend (that's true but probably not many people tried)

anyways I think this is a fabulous idea and definitely something I'll be keeping in mind and mentioning after this

tysm for the ask Anon!! I'm sorry this answer came late :( but this stumped me and I wasn't really sure what I wanted to say, but today I just felt the ramble within me! anyways this was a really good idea and would def listen too you shitball more ideas my way.

conclusion: Akane needs life support and insurance to try and sue the seven mysteries.

[witchbitchheadedtoaditch]

Shadow Work Prompts Part 2

Hello my loves! I'm going to add some more shadow work prompts (primarily because... Kaye needs to do shadow work and maybe this will convince them to do it. (It won't. We all know it won't. But we can hope....))

I'm gonna put these below the cut just so people don't have to scroll through this long as fuck list on their dash if they don't want to see them lol

Some of these are really, really heavy, and do touch on things like sexual assault, abuse, death, etc., so this is the trigger warning for you.

A lot of these are also focused on women and AFAB folks because I'm trying to reconcile with my femininity and whatnot.

Anne Carson Quotes

You remember too much, my mother said to me recently. Why hold onto all that? And I said, Where can I put it down?

Why does tragedy exist? Because you are full of rage. Why are you full of rage? Because you are full of grief.

Words bounce. Words, if you let them, will do what they want to do and what they have to do.

Eros is an issue of boundaries. He exists because certain boundaries do. ... Eros: the boundary of flesh and self between you and me.

Desire is no light thing.

It is easier to tell a story of how people wound one another than of what binds them together.

Reality is a sound, you have to tune in to it not just keep yelling.

All mortals owe a debt to death.

...sex is a substitute, like money or language.

...your story begins the moment Eros enters you. That incursion is the biggest risk of your life. How you handle it is an index of the quality, wisdom, and decorum of the things inside you.

Myths are stories about people who become too big for their lives temporarily, so that they crash into other lives or brush against gods. In crisis their souls are visible.

Philosophers say man forms himself in dialogue.

There is no person without a world.

If there is anything dearer than being alive, it's dark to me.

We humans seem disastrously in love with this thing... life.

The underworld's a blank and all the rest just fantasy.

Caught between the tongue and the taste.

What is mortality after all but divine doubt flashing over us? For an instant God suspends assent and poof! we disappear.

Girls are cruelest to themselves.

What really connects words and things?

Blessed be they whose lives do not taste of evil

Perhaps the hardest thing about losing a lover is to watch the year repeat its days.

Consider incompleteness as a verb.

You can get used to anything, my mother was in the habit of saying.

I am talking about evil. It blooms. It eats. It grins.

I don't want to be a person. I want to be unbearable.

Beauty makes me hopeless.

The dead... are victims of love, many of them.

To live past the end of your myth is a perilous thing.

You read a hundred military manuals you won't find the word kill they trick you into killing.

I went mad, a god hurt me, I fell.

Those nights lying alone are not discontinuous with this cold hectic dawn. It is who I am.

Love does not make me gentle or kind.

Your grief is as great as your splendor was: some god is weighing the one out equal to the other.

You can never know enough, never work enough, ... never leave the mind quickly enough.

Language is what eases the pain of living with other people, language is what makes the wounds come open again.

Where does unbelief begin?

Everything that is me is with me.

A wound gives off its own light...

I began to think I was someone thirsting for God.

You are a person in love with the impossible.

When we are denied a story, a light goes off.

Some conversations are not what they're about.

I lack myself.

Who knows what will happen if I'm alone with my grief.

I... forbid that you should ever lose your screams.

You are not a god. You are not that enlarged self. Indeed, you are not even a whole self, as you now see. Your new knowledge of possibilities is also a knowledge of what is lacking in the actual.

There is a loneliness that fills the plain.

The women of mythology regularly lose their form in monstrosity.

We live by waters breaking out of the heart.

Time as hunger. Time passing and gazing. Time as perseverance. Mountain time. Time as paper folded to look like a mountain. Time compared to the wild fantastic silence of stars.

What are we made of but hunger and rage?

When I look at you, even for a moment, no speaking is left in me.

Kelly Cherry Quotes

I didn't find my story; it found me.

There is blood everywhere and I am lost in it. I breathe blood, not air.

The story of [their] great-grandfather [or any ancestor]... was [their] own story, too.

Ashe Vernon Quotes

Don't you dare, for one minute, believe that my kindness makes me anything but insurmountable.

Understand that I am not your next victim in a laundry list of broken girls.

I will eat you alive before I let you make a meal of me.

What they don't tell you about standing up for what you believe in is that your feet will bruise and your legs will ache.

I'd like to take a moment to submit a formal apology to my soft parts because they kept me warm when I was trying to freeze to death, and I hated them for it.

I let myself be afraid.

When you learn you are only as good as your beauty routine, you forget how to define yourself by anything else.

I will know how to be vulnerable with you, but I won't know how to not regret it.

I know how to put my body inside someone else's but not how to make it beautiful.

I love better at a distance.

I am as much lion as I am lion tamer.

I got good at inflicting pain the same way I got good at soothing it.

Quit picking old wounds and going tor walks in the aches and pains you already made it through--you call it healing, but it sounds like a good way to take a haunting home with you.

I am a cathedral of almost-lovers

Louise Gluck Quotes

We look at the world once, in childhood. The rest is memory.

I thought that pain meant I was not loved. It meant I loved.

The soul is silent. If it speaks at all it speaks in dreams.

Intense love always leads to mourning.

You will never let go, you will never be satiated.

It will feed you, it will ravish you, it will not keep you alive.

Why love what you will lose? There is nothing else to love.

I speak because I am shattered.

I don't need your praise to survive.

Whatever returns from oblivion returns to find a voice.

Nakedness in women is always a pose. I was not transfigured. I would never be free.

The unsaid, for me, exerts great power.

I am tired of human... I want to live on the sun

Death cannot harm me more than you have harmed me, my beloved life.

There are places like this... you enter as a young girl... you never return.

Writing is a kind of revenge against circumstance, too: bad luck, loss, pain. If you make something out of it, then you've no longer been bested by these events.

The riddle was: why couldn't we live in the mind. The answer was: the barrier of the earth intervened.

It is true that there is not enough beauty in the world. It is also true that I am not competent to restore it. Neither is there candor, and here I may be of some use.

You're not a creature in body. You exist as the stars exist, participating in their stillness, their immensity.

And then, suddenly, something is over.

You must be taught to love me. Human beings must be taught to love silence and darkness.

Sappho Quotes

Someone will remember us/I say/even in another time.

Their heart grew cold. They let their wings down.

What cannot be said will be wept.

What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful

Once again love drives me on, that loosener of limbs, bittersweet creature against which nothing can be done.

Love shook my heart like the wind on the mountain rushing over the oak trees

Love is a cunning weaver of fantasies and fables.

I know not what to do, my mind is divided.

The female creature is a letter.

No holy place existed without us then

She who loves roses must be patient and not cry when she is pierced by thorns.

Because I prayed this word: I want.

If you had a desire for good or beautiful things and your tongue were not concocting some evil to say, shame would not hold down your eyes but rather you would speak about what is just.

Wealth without virtue is no harmless neighbor.

I am weary of all your words and soft, strange ways.

Paisley Rekdal Quotes

Does it offend you to watch me working in it, touching my hands to the greening tips or tearing the yellow stalks back, so wild the living and dead both snap off in my hands?

I can wait longer than sadness.

It is such a small thing to be proud of.

Should I, too, not be loved?

We are even now still so young

I loved him. I loved forgiving him.

Yasmin Belkhyr Quotes

Contrary to wound, I still know nothing of defeat.

Contrary to ache, I still know nothing of guilt.

I help: a good daughter.

Someone always ends up holding something mangled.

It wasn't enough to feel... he had to see, to know.

Adrienne Rich Quotes

There must be those among whom we can sit down and weep and still be counted as warriors.

Lying is done with words, and also with silence

Responsibility to yourself means refusing to let others do your thinking, talking, and naming for you; it means learning to respect and use your own brains and instincts; hence, grappling with hard work.

When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.

My heart is moved by all I cannot save: so much has been destroyed

If you are trying to transform a brutalized society into one where people can live in dignity and hope, you begin with the empowering of the most powerless. You build from the ground up.

Until we know the assumptions in which we are drenched, we cannot know ourselves.

The truth of our bodies and our minds has been mystified to us.

It will take all your heart, it will take all your breath. It will be short, it will not be simple.

You look at me like an emergency.

The unconscious wants truth. It ceases to speak to those who want something else more than truth.

In a world where language and naming are power, silence is oppression, is violence.

There is no 'the truth', 'a truth'--truth is not one thing, or even a system. It is an increasing complexity. The pattern of the carpet is a surface. When we look closely, or when we become weavers, we learn of the tiny multiple threads unseen in the overall pattern, the knots on the underside of the carpet.

The moment of change is the only poem

There is nothing revolutionary whatsoever about the control of women's bodies by men. The woman's body is the terrain on which the patriarchy is erected.

The scars bear witness but whether to repair or to destruction I no longer know.

Not biology, but ignorance of ourselves, has been the key to our powerlessness

What kind of beast would turn its life into words?

Truthfulness, honor, is not something which springs ablaze of itself; it has been created between people.

You touched me in places so deep I wanted to ignore you

Silence can be a plan rigorously executed, the blueprint to a life, it is a presence, it has a history, a form. Do not confuse it with any kind of absence.

Most women have not even been able to touch this anger, except to drive it inward like a rusted nail.

We have lived with violence for so long.

This is my body, take it and destroy it

We have been raised to fear the yes within ourselves, our deepest cravings. And the fear of our deepest cravings keeps them suspect, keeps us docile and loyal and obedient, and leads us to settle for... many facets of our own oppression.

Every journey into the past is complicated by delusions, false memories, false namings of real events.

A language is a map of our failures.

The more I live the more I think two people together is a miracle.

Poetry is, among other things, a criticism of language.

How do you make it, all the way from here to morning?

An honorable human relationship--that is, one in which two people have the right to use the word "love"--is a process, delicate, violent, often terrifying to both persons involved, a process of refining the truths they can tell each other.

You grieve in loneliness, and if I understand you fuck in loneliness.

We write from the marrow of our bones.

The liar has many friends, and leads an existence of great loneliness

We must use what we have to invent what we desire.

William Styron Quotes

We're all in this game together.

In depression this faith in deliverance, in ultimate restoration, is absent. The pain is unrelenting, and what makes the condition intolerable is the foreknowledge that no remedy will come-not in a day, an hour, a month, or a minute.

It is hopelessness even more than pain that crushes the soul

We each devise our means of escape from the intolerable.

Reading--the best state yet to keep absolute loneliness at bay.

Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy.

Let your love flow out on all living things.

Loss in all of its manifestations is the touchstone of depression--in the progress of the disease and, most likely, in its origin.

Kai Cheng Thom Quotes

I wanted to protect you, but I'm starting to think that the best thing you can do for people is teach them how to protect themselves. Every girl needs to be at least a little dangerous.

A sanctuary is a place where the door only locks from the inside.

Sometimes to be somebody else, you have to be nobody first.

You will be able to stop hurting people when you stop hurting yourself.

When you're a child trapped in a situation of physical or psychological depravation, you learn shame as an efficient, elegant mechanism of survival: shame simultaneously shields you from the reality that danger is out of your control (since the problem is not that you're unloved and deprived; it's that you're Bad) and prevents you from doing or saying anything challenging that might provoke a threat.

It's good for you to cry sometimes. Even if there isn't a reason.

When you live in a community of queers, anarchists, & activists, crisis is the baseline and stability an outlier.

You are mine like nothing has ever been before.

Safety is, I believe, an inherently classed, raced, and gendered experience that frequently runs the risk of being used for regressive ends--ironically, for restricting the freedoms of the vulnerable, those who are never really safe. Often, we see the call for safety actually reinforce the power of oppressive institutions, like the police and the prison system, in our lives. When we choose safety over liberation, our movements fail.

When they looked at me and my sister, even their love was hungry.

Some people will cling on to anything that makes them feel even a little bit free.

Forget, if you can, all the promises you've ever made and the lies that you've told.

Once you start hurting people, you can't stop

I feel tired. I don't want to be myself anymore.

Sometimes it's important to be alive.

Sometimes, there is nothing you can do but surrender.

You are always disappearing in the hope of being seen. You are always shrinking to fit into someone else's arms. You are collapsing ever inward, a galaxy to become smaller.

Gregory Orr Quotes

If we're not supposed to dance, why all this music?

Even hell is holy.

I was born with a knife in one hand and a wound in the other.

Maybe she loved me, maybe not--who knows? Not even the gods can see into a human heart--it's that dark.

Writing often reveals us to ourselves, lets us name what's important to us and what has been silent or silenced inside us.

And to live only once--what if that's not enough?

Maybe it was always simple: loss surrounds us. Who would deny it? We ourselves are loss, are lost.

I want to study the book of the world: every vanishing page.

The dead sing us songs I'm learning to answer.

[ecclefic]

Ok, so I needed to expel this from my system before I explode. Here is my Headcannon/prediction for the Supernatural finale 15x20: Carry On

...so remember when chuck poofed becky’s family (and then Becky)? he told her they were “somewhere” - not dead, just stored somewhere. So where? Most likely not heaven or hell or purgatory - what about the empty? What if that’s where he poofed everyone to? And now Cas is there - where it’s “loud” b/c Jack “woke them up”. So maybe Cas figured out what’s going on and with The Power of MOTHERF’ING LOVE (tm) and all of his friends that are now awake and cognizant and ready to fight, action-y stuff happens, and he is able to smite the empty, emerge victorious (lest we forget Cas is a badass solider of the lord) and leads his “army” (everyone who was poofed by chuck) back to earth.

Cut to Captain America hero type scene where Dean and Sam look up bewildered to see Cas, a bit dirty, maybe some residual black goo, but still looking GOOD, leading his group of friends towards them. (A la Steve/Bucky and the howling commandos).

And there is rejoicing. And everyone takes to the streets in celebration (exactly like when tr*mp got the boot) and when night is finally falling, cut to the group of supernatural friends- outside (b/c c’mon, shooting during COVID), enjoying themselves, music, eating, laughing...we see Charlie and Stevie dancing kinda sexy under a string of lights, camera pans to each of the guest stars, lingering on their smiles for just a moment in time - a tribute to them all. we cut to a close up shot of Sam and Eileen in the foreground - the party, sort of out of focus in the background - they snuggle and kiss. He puts his chin on top of her head in an embrace, they’re both smiling, and so happy. And then Eileen sees something and grins wider, she pokes Sam who looks up. We focus on two people in the crowd, they tilt into focus while Sam and Eileen blur slightly but we can still see where they’re looking. We/they watch as Dean walks up to Cas (who’s talking with someone else, or otherwise preoccupied), and we see him lean over and whisper something in Cas’s ear. Zoom in on Cas’s face with Deans hand cupped by his ear. Dean smiles. A quiet smile - but it’s all in his eyes and only for Cas. Cas either looks bashful or smiles beatifically (maybe both, definitely both). They share a look. Nothing more needs to be said. They turn away from the crowd in unison, Dean throws his arm around Cas and they start to walk off into the night, heads tilted together. “Don’t fear the reaper” by blue oyster cult starts playing (b/c wayward son was already played at the beginning of the episode, duh), and we focus back in on Sam/Eileen who are knowingly grinning at the two boys walking away. Arial shot starts to slowly pan back up into the sky as the music swells and we can watch over the whole friend group as they get smaller and smaller. You can still see the two little figures, Cas and Dean walking until they’re practically offscreen. Pan up to the sky, a gorgeous night. The world is safe once more. Cut to black. Open on a dark patch of woods. So dark it’s hard to see anything at all, maybe some tree bark. Then two red eyes glow from the darkness. Credits roll.

Perfectly open ended - leaves door open for returns or spin-offs. Sam and Eileen are together. Dean and Cas get their happy ending - whatever that might entail. Are they going off to talk? To bro hug? To make out? To pound each other into a mattress? all of the above? Fanfic codas explode exponentially - temporarily causing server issues at AO3 but it all works out in the end.

Thoughts?

[everythingcanadian]

Wainlock + Zane Space Pirate AU

So quick alternate universe idea thing. Thank you @jakobslock and @majimalordofthenight for being there to go along with it. 

So, Wainlock and Zane Flynt. Just hold with me for a bit. 

Like. okay straight from our group chat with minor clean ups. 

ZANE THE SPACE PIRATE A LA TREASURE PLANET.

He wants to swindle a bunch of rich folks but he ends up falling in love with the wealthy man and his explorer employee.

Zane with an open chest from half his buttons being undone. But also the idea that he's sailing a ship IN FUCKING SPACE. Don't forget the hot as hell coat he wears along with a sword an actual sword. Wainwright is being nice to his crew, actually listens to the lower status cabin boys. Sleeps with the crew. Has a few stories to tell. He's paying them all handsomely, even pays one of the cargo runners double for him to run and grab a crate of apples. "Pocket the change, I don't want any money back from you." And Zane starts to get a sick feeling in his belly when he revises his plan to not only ask for triple what he would normally get for something like this into the oasis regions. But the idea that he is going to kidnap and ransomed the pair out as soon as they find the temple of Oular  [News flash all these odd names are made up]. the treasure of millions.

And Alistair is equally as nice with the crew. Helps out in the galley and actual pulls his weight when he's done all he can to get their heading correct among the stars. Actual hands off a trick or two to the cook on how to best cut vegetables. Alistair manages to help fix a tear in the secondary sail that had been there for months. "Sometimes we don't have the time or the funds to fix what is deemed unnecessary. However. Not much is needed for this. A simple bone needle and some strong fishing line will work temporarily." "How temporary?" And it's one of the deck hands that speak up. "Five maybe six months if it's good wire and the storms aren't too rough with this girl." and Alistair pats the mast before he follows the most capable of deck hands up. They hook into the mast netting to keep from falling and Alistair walks him through it. Doesn't take over. Waits for the pirate to get his frustrations out before walking the man through it. "And tie a good strong knot into each thread through. It strengthens each stitch and helps it hold closed even if one of them snaps. This can be applied to clothing too. Especially a favourite shirt. Like the one I’m wearing." And Alistair just scoots his vest open slightly to show off the stitching job he had done the year before on it. Wainwright and Alistair are dining with the crew out on the deck, under the stars as they sail through what could be comet dust. Wainwright brings the wheel-man and the on duty sail turner their supper and eats with them a little. It shows that he respects the crew. "Lord Flynt. Or would you prefer I call you Pirate Lord Flynt." Wainwright watches Zane tense up as they talk in his quarters. "It's been nearly a month so I feel like dropping the mask is either going to get me killed or thrown overboard. Or a better option. However. I know you aren't some navy man, half your crew is on wanted posters in some ports. But I feel that I am as good as safe with this crew. You picked a good lot for your ship. All of them." Wainwright waits for Zane's reaction but only gets a one eyed glare. "Very well. Alistair and myself have known since we hired you to take us to the Oasis galaxy. We want to share with you the fame that is going to come from finding this place. I don't want my name on any part of it. I don't care for fame like my daddy did. I just want the histories of the universe to be known." And Zane is stunned. absolutely stunned. hes quiet as Wainwright explains that he wanted the Flynt crew to be the ones to sail them. "You've sailed through the pull of a black hole and past a double belt of asteroids. I know that you ad your crew alone can fly safely into the area of the Oasis that is notorious for it's gas storms." Wainwright smiles softly. "Pirate or naval admiral or whatever. you are the best of the best when it comes to danger and I for one, respect that. I've paid off the rulers in both the Terra Nova galaxy and the Terra Afer sector [real names but they don’t exist]. You are all free men in those parts. I have read quite a bit on you and your crew Mr. Flynt. I admire your perseverance in the ways of travel. I don't with to be bait or simply diced into pieces. I want to share in what is knowledgeable. I have a lot of money I never asked for. Which means I have a lot of funds for you and your crew should you prove to me that I will not become some plaything once we find this temple. I have an idea as to what pirates do Mr. Flynt. I have a few scars from the first time I was aboard a ship as fine as this." And Zane is left gaping at Wainwright as the man heads out of the captain's cabin. That little rich shit took all the wind from Zane's sails and instead anchored the idea that he isn't his daddy at all.

Zane being fucking confused. But then he calls in his first mate, sits the man down. "Gabriel, these two are not to be harmed. They know who we are. What we've done. And yet- they came aboard willingly. This Jakobs, he knows everything and yet hes paying us what a regular naval vessel would make. Hes got everyone's names, not as threats but as people. All of us, and hes paying us as if we were the navy. These are not prisoners or problems. These two men are my personal guests now. Keep treating them like crew, as they have treated us like equals." "Good. I'd have hated to hurt Sir Hammerlock after he taught me how to play the whole Instringus [made up lol] symphony play-set on my fiddle. Even though he cant play it himself." And Gabriel twiddled his fingers slowly, looking down at his clawed fingers in slight sympathy. "I think they've taught us more than we could ask for, captain, something's we didn't even know ourselves." "I agree boyo, Barnes is even learning how to read from Hammerlock's personal diaries. I have never met anyone who would do that if they truly didn't mean the best." Zane sighs through his nose. "This changes things."

Zane looks at the parchment that he and another pirate lord had signed the week after Zane had found out he was taking a pair of rich men onto his ship to go discovery some whatchamacallit. but now he can't deliver on that promise as Wainwright and Alistair are no longer targets but allies. It takes him a second to realize he fucked up more than royally as Captain 'Handsome' Jack won't take no. he is indeed a dumb of ass and needs to get both Wainwright and Alistair back into his quarters.

Zane panicking when they reach the outer edge of the Oasis galaxy. This is A) one of if not the most dangerous Galaxy if one doesn't know how to navigate it. Zane and Gabriel do. B) Captain Jack is set to meet them at the outer edge where Oasis meets Nobilis which is where they ended up heading to due to Wainwright wanting to stop near Haberst Forture the city planet to settle debts that some of the crew had accumulated. and C) both Alistair and Zane know that Jack's ship looks like THAT So as Wainwright Stays on deck he can see Hyperion son John La Paige or now known as Handsome Jack with a scar in the shape of a cracked star on his cheek. Wainwright can feel his stomach drop as this kid was one of his friends' son. "Do- you know this bastard?" "Yeah- I know him. I used to be his uncle when it was much simpler times. His Grandfather and my daddy were thick as thieves. then one day. poof, John La Paige was gone. His father said he had run away. I had suspicions that John had been taken at age 14 and this is where he ended up." Wainwright sighed. "He was a brat back then. I suppose now he doesn't take kindly to not gettin’ his way."

And it's not long before Handsome Jack is boarding The Sentinel. Wainwright knows that he can't go willingly. Can't make it that easy or Jack will do something else. Alistair is hidden under the loose boards under Zane's bed. It's a thick enough space for an average human and Alistair thanked all his stars he wasn't claustrophobic. Wainwright never put Alistair on the manifest for the crew. Zane never knew that Alistair was going to be the explorer coming with them. Jack probably doesn't know that Alistair is on the ship. But it's better that Wainwright makes sure the love of his life is safe. "Well Well. Well. Uncle Wain in the flesh. Ahhh, it's so good to see you after all this time." "John. I wish I could say the same about you." And it's minutes of dancing around each other before Wainwright makes a reach for his gun, gets instead a knock to his chest from Jack's fist, then a swift kick and a series of blows to his ribs and back. Jack yelling about how he was abandoned and taken. How Flynt had delivered him like a nice little package. And Wainwright played into it. looked at Flynt as if the man had been playing him. Looked at the crew like they had betrayed him. Gabriel had caught on the fastest had already taken the special compass Alistair had been using. "I take it you never figured out that Hammerlock didn't really stay on Port Leio. But he did have a nice compass. Embossed with gold and- proposal rubies. You really thought he had decided to stay there? Please. Anyone who has heard of Temple Oular can't resist going there themselves. Too bad Hammerlock couldn't stomach it."

Wainwright played his horror up as much as he could. Screamed himself hoarse. Yelled till he was blue in the face. and Went after Zane in a show to kill him but Jack's men grabbed him first. Jack then handed over what could only be described as a solid gold small chest filled with what is known as tear drop stars. Specially compacted star dust into the form of imperfect tear drop shapes that are worth millions each. "I feel like I'm short a couple." "You know how fragile those little shits are. Besides, No navigator." Zane gave a glare to Gabriel that felt real. And they all hoped it had been bought by Jack and his men. Zane knew it was when Jack took his time departing, he had done deals with the man in the past. the Pirate king himself. So for Jack to take his time meant he was happy with their exchange. Zane even used his detector to see if anything was off about the chest. "She's true boys!" And even as the deck erupted in cheers at a success Zane could feel his stomach sink as Jack's ship disembarked and started to sail into the Oasis. They waited until Jack's ship was out of range before Barnes went and retrieved Hammerlock. "We have a plan that should he be taken- well it's messy business but he has a specific- uh- thing in his blind eye. Because he can't use it he decided that he should put it to some use. there is a tracker in it should he be kidnapped or killed. He thought that it would be useful in times such as this. However it is a few decades old but it has been serviced. If the specifications are right- and he is sure it was- then it should go undetected as it uses infrared signals and not x-waves. Virtually undetectable unless scanned for specifically with a certain code." "And what is this code?" "An 8 character long pass-code that has absolutely no significance to anyone. maybe on luck but it was randomly generated." Alistair smiles. "Unless he's dead, of which I don't think John- er- Handsome Jack will kill him until he has everything that Wainwright has. that includes the family vault." NOW. Imagine Zane fitting Alistair with a set of pirate clothing that makes Alistair look like a badass and hot as hell. "I'm not sure about the torn sleeve of this coat." "It's just the elbow mate, nothing to worry about. It shows off that metal arm of yours." And that is coming from one of the riggers as he helps cut the coat sleeve specifically to show off the robotic arm.

Alistair comes from below decks, looking like a prime rib steak of a pirate. and Zane looks the explorer up and down, feels himself heat up to the roots of his hair. "Well, I'll be. You can clean up nicely for a navigator." "Oh please. I hardly pull this off. The coat feels garish and the pants- well they aren't as fitted as I'm used to." "That's the point Sir Hammerlock. Easy access and movability are the name of the pirate game. The layers thereafter are for status. And you my de- you look the part of a pirate lord. Off to save your fiancee." "How did you boys find out?" Zane snorts along with a couple chuckles from those milling about the deck. "Anyone with eyes can see the love you two hold. Even I can see it and I only have the one good one." "Your second one is also useful." Zane pauses. "Aye, it is. I take it you know echo tech." "Know about it? Zane Flynt I made the echo eye mark one and four. You are wearing my design. But that is not my version. That is Henry's my old partner's patent." Hammerlock smirks. "That is also the bootlegged version. I can tell because you would have a dial on the one side for heat, infrared, ultraviolet, and normal. I will get you the real one once we are back in Jakobs' territory."

God and Alistair is getting worried as the Oasis system has some of the worst patches to fly near. But Zane and his own Navigator Patelli know how to cruise through the system. "I've been here too many times Alistair. I know how to pilot through the Vandert nebula”

The babe is careful during a worm hole pass by, even this far out they could get sucked in with a wrong move. "One way is the wormhole. The other is the heavy pull of Werq and her many layers of dense gaseous winds. Dont need to be crushed by gravity thank you." And zane gets the Sentinel threaded through no problem along with the crew doing their work properly. "Ain't no navy can pilot like this." And Alistair hums appreciatively. When they enter the "coast" or the temple whereabouts Zane takes Alistair into his cabin for the night. "I dont know what is gonna happen. All I know is once Jack has everything he wants from Mr. Jakobs, including the entry to the temple, hes going to kill him and leave his body. He has no mercy rules. I want ye to be prepared in case we're too late. I dont want to watch you crumble Sir Hammerlock, I dont think I can take watching a dear friend die like that again." "I've known Winny for a while. If he dies- well he will be the last i will love as i do now. We have plans in place should that happen. But I wont burden any of you with my grief should it- should he be on the other side."  Alistair squeezes Zanes hands in his own. "I trust and know you and your crew have done their best, even if it didnt start as such." And Zane takes his chance then and there. Kisses Alistair quickly and roughly, gives everything he has into it.  "I've come to love ye both dearly. I hope it doesn't come to death. But I'll fight as best I can to get you to your fiancee in time. Jack needs to end here and- I have nothing left for me. My crew can mourn me but Gabriel is going to take my place if I'm killed." Zane heads to his wardrobe, pulls out a long box with rich engravings on the box. "Mr. Jakobs had this made for you should you need it. Asked me to keep it hidden and safe. That's why we spent nearly a full week at Port Leio. It has the sharpest blade I've come by in a few years. And it's all yours as I think this is the right time."

When  Alistair holds the sword it feels right. Perfect almost. it was made for him. He may have a rifle but this- this feels like it calls to him. "Mr. Jakobs also had one made for himself and told me to hang onto it. I have a feeling he knew what was going to happen." "Winny did have a sort of intuition about him when it came to gambling and deals." Alistair tested the balance. Zane huffed happily. "He has good taste." His eyes look Alistair up and down. "I hope you're referring to the sword Mr. Flynt." Alistair teases. "Oh- I am indeed." It's not long before they fall asleep tucked together in Zane's bed. holding each other as the night of final rest looms over the ship. In the morning Alistair is petting through Zane's hair, his echo eye off and Alistair's fingers are tracing where it would sit. "You deserve so much Mr. Flynt. more than what was dealt to you. I wish you could see what Wainwright and I see in you. Pirating can only have so many years. And you have outlived them." Zane lets himself drift as he listens to Alistair's whispers. he's not meant to hear them as they are far too intimate for what Zane should want.

And Zane knows that it may very well be his last day. he's going to give his all in order to save Wainwright and kill the dreaded pirate king Captain Handsome Jack. [WARNING: GORE] And lets be real it'll look like At Worlds End from Pirates of the Caribbean. All fighting and yelling and anger but also love and trust and Zane comes through canon smoke and plunges his sword, the one Wainwright asked him to hold onto, right into Jack's chest, but that doesn't mean Jack didn't turn to see who was yelling. And Jack's sword pushes through Zane's ribs at high force as Zane kills Jack through the heart.

Jack is sprawled on the deck, dead and bleeding. while Zane is kneeling over him, hanging onto the hilt of his sword so he doesn't slip any farther down the blade of Jack's upright sword in his own chest. It's hard to breath. he can feel himself slipping. he's heaving actually. trying to get as much atmosphere as he can. And as he starts to fall down a little more onto the blade he looks over at Alistair and Wainwright on the star dusty deck of the Hyperion Master. Zane can see that they're okay now. He's done his job. He tries to smile but he can't, he can't feel much either. And he can see that it's his own blood soaking the front of Jack's clothes, that he's dying. He can hear his name being yelled in slow motion almost as he slips the last little bit where his body is fully kneeling. What he doesn't know is it's Wainwright calling out to him, racing over to him. Alistair quickly next to as they watch him give up.

It's been three months of space travel. three months of getting to know each other. and three months of falling in love with each other. And the pair watch as Zane leaves them. "He knew it was coming my dear." Alistair is holding Wainwright in his embrace, they both have blood and goo and what ever else all over them. Alistair can feel in his bones the path Zane had forged was over. He watched the little red light on Zane's echo eye fade out. However The temple of Oular is in the Oasis galaxy, the galaxy known for it's mysterious magics. Star dust, cosmic radiation, some mumbo jumbo bullshit everyone thought was fake. Nope, all real. [GORE OVER] The Emporatta lake is a glowing body of water infused with life. IE the fountain of youth perhaps. Archer and Barnes are the ones to pull Zane off the sword and cover him in the old tattered flag that they held onto from the ship. The first one they had on the main mast. Gabriel is holding himself tight on one side from fighting but he holds himself as best he can with the crew, all a little worse for wear. Some recovering on the ship. But Zane is the only death. (Idk I don't write it)

And so they follow the tales, using the door to Jack's captain's quarters as a makeshift platform to bring Zane's shrouded body into the waters of Oular. Wainwright and Alistair hold the two other corners as they wade into the water with Barns and Archer. "On the count of three we lower the body into the healing waters. One, two, three." And slowly they let the door sink to the floor of the opalescent water. Everyone has to cover their eyes as the body emits a bright white light, green at the edges. The water ripples as a drum sound bangs loud in their ears. It thrums loud and shakes the planet before altogether it ceases. A loud screech being the final sound before the water moves and Barnes grabs at the hand searching out in the opalescent water. And Zane is floating up in the waist deep shallows gasping for breath and looking around before shakily moving so he's standing. Everything on him is gone. the door is gone. His clothes are gone. the flag is gone. He has a massive scar going from his sternum to where his upper arm touches his side. It's where the sword had cut him, where it was shredding his body as they moved him. He's naked, but whole. "Captain Flynt?" Wainwright asks softly "It's Zane, just Zane. never captain. That was me brother." Zane pants heavily, wiping water from his face so he can see. His eye is still a milky white from being blinded but it looks healthier. his other wounds seem cleaner, not as botched or nasty. He smiles warmly. "I never want to go to the afterlife if it meant leaving you lot. Smart feckers, all of ye."

And Wainwright and Alistair are tackling him into the waters, both of them laughing and crying because holy shit this one man is immortal, he has to be, there is no way. And Zane gets to kiss them both under the lake surface. He's laughing like it was nothing. The crew are running through the water in celebration. And Zane feels so damn good. He's happy. He's alive. And Jack is dead. Alistair and Wainwright share a kiss before taking more kisses from Zane

Oh you bet your sweet ass that they're going to get married at one point. And being a "back then" thing Zane is standing at the steering wheel as they are on the journey home. They're way away from the Oasis galaxy, halfway to the Jakobs section of the Border galaxy. And Zane is more than happy to be the one to marry Wainwright and Alistair. He's got the words written down for them so he speaks out to the crew and the pair as they stand just below the wheel deck. They're in new clothes as they're anchored back at Port Leio. And Zane watches as soon as he asks them to recite their vows. He's happy as hell to be the one to do this for them. He watches them exchange rings before he's has to clear his throat. "As Commander of this ship and Pirate lord of the Border galaxy I am pleased to pronounce you as husbands. Go ahead and kiss as you enter this new chapter of life."

Zane jokingly saying that he'd let them have his bed if he can be posted up i a nice inn at port. And Wainwright laughs. "Zane my boy, I own this port, the luxury hotel is ours for the week. Your ship is going to get repaired. We may also have a surprise for you later tonight if you'd like."

END

[canyouhearthelight]

The Miys, Ch. 21

This chapter starts out as a bit of fluff, but I have an actual plot *gasp* that starts toward the end of this chapter.

The only warnings I would say apply to this chapter are fluff, anxiety, and crowds.

As always, please read, review, and comment.  I really do love feedback.  Also, this chapter is the first to be cross-posted to my Wattpad account the same day it is posted here, so you can go there and review as well!

Edit: Added the break, which was there when I drafted it but poofed when I went ahead and posted it.

Arantxa had borrowed my kitchen to make a pseudo-chicken stew with chili paste on the side for those of us who liked our food in the nuclear range of the Scoville scale – Noah had evacuated my quarters when she started making it, because apparently just the fumes started to give them chemical burns. Miys are allergic to capsaicin. Good to know.  Also, they were completely horrified to find out we intended to ingest it.

“What’s a Hufflepuff?” Antoine asked as we all sat down to our next family dinner.

I choked slightly as my sister smothered a chuckle.  “One, how do you not know that?  And two, where did that question even come from?”

“I overheard Sam calling Derek a Hufflepuff and laughing. Derek did not appear amused, at all.”

“Oh, Derek’s totally a Gryffindor. Sam’s the Hufflepuff,” Arantxa laughed as she spooned chili paste into her stew.

“Does everyone know what that means except me?” the Frenchman asked with no heat behind it.

As he glanced over at Tyche, she nodded enthusiastically with an innocent expression on her face. “It’s from a book series published at the very end of the twentieth century, later a series of movies made in the first decade of the twenty-first century. I managed to choke down four out of seven books, but I think I stopped after two movies.  Soph was obsessed with them when she was in her twenties, so I learned by proxy.”

I nodded enthusiastically before launching into an excited chatter. “The main setting is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the students are sorted into four houses: You might belong in Gryffindor, where dwell the brave of heart. Their daring, nerve, and chivalry set Gryffindors apart. You might belong in Hufflepuff, where they are just and loyal. Those Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil.  Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, if you’ve a ready mind, where those of wit and learning will always find their kind. Or perhaps in Slytherin, you’ll make your real friend. Those cunning folks use any means to achieve their ends!”

“She needs to sort out her priorities,” Conor stage-whispered to Arantxa as he pointed his fork at me.

“Clearly a Ravenclaw,” Arantxa nodded seriously, only a small smirk breaking her façade.

“Nope, total ‘Puff,” I announced proudly, stuffing a mouthful of now-orange food in my mouth.

“None of these houses sound bad, so why would Derek be offended by being called one over the other?”

“Well, there’s another version of the song, mate,” Conor explained.  “See, the Houses were named after the founders of the school, who chose the attributes that their students had to have: Said Slytherin, ‘We’ll teach just those whose ancestry’s purest.’ Said Ravenclaw, ‘We’ll teach those whose intelligence is surest.’ Said Gryffindor, ‘We’ll teach all those with brave deeds to their name’. Said Hufflepuff, ‘I’ll teach the lot and treat them just the same’.”  It kind of implies that to be a Hufflepuff is to be whatever is left over when the purest, most intelligent, and bravest are taken out of the mix.”

“Well, I would be offended by that, too,” Antoine nodded

“I don’t hold with that, though.” I may have gushed a little bit, I admit.  “One of the boldest, best warriors in the book series was a Hufflepuff. And the original Champion of Hogwarts was a Hufflepuff, don’t forget.”

He smiled a little at that. “And it is considered normal to actually figure out which of these houses you actually belong in?”

“Mmmm, kinda?” my sister answered, tilting her head. “It’s certainly fun.”

“Then what are you?”

“Oh, Slytherin, all the way. Cunning, resourceful, determined, prideful, intelligent,” she ticked off.

“Same here,” Arantxa nodded. “But I still say Sophia is a Ravenclaw.”

“Seriously, I’m a Hufflepuff.  Think of it like this: if I was given a million dollars, would I buy books or would I feed hungry children?”

“Hungry children, hands down,” Conor smacked the table gently. “Total ‘Puff.  I can’t see you sleeping at night if you didn’t feed hungry children.”

“Annnnnd that is exactly how Tyche explained it to me,” I laughed. “I love knowledge, but I am compelled to help people.  I will burn a book to keep people warm, and I have, and it didn’t even hurt.”

“Pleased to meet a housemate,” he grinned cheekily.

“Oh nonononono. You’re such a Gryffindork. Nice try.” I glanced around to see Tyche nod enthusiastically while Arantxa was a little more sheepish with her agreement. “Brave, loyal, adventurous, and chivalrous.  Total Gryffindor, sorry sweetie.”

“I’m too nice to be a Gryffindor!”

“Two words,” my sister laughed, counting them off. “Neville. Longbottom.”

“I can accept that,” Conor agreed grudgingly.  “But how are you a Slytherin, Arantxa?  You always say you spent your entire life studying!”

“Ravenclaws study for the sake of learning,” she shrugged. “That’s why I thought Sophia was one. I studied as a means to an end. ‘Any means necessary’ is actually part of my house motto.”

“What would I be?” Antoine asked curiously, spooning more stew in his bowl.

“Hufflepuff,” we all four responded in unison. “They always make the best healers and most calming presences,” Tyche clarified.

“Ooo, what about the rest of the Council?” Arantxa asked playfully.

I took a sip of wine and tilted by head, thinking. “Well, Grey is clearly a Ravenclaw.”

“But Grey is so – out there,” Conor pointed out. “Not in a bad way, just so different.”

“Luna Lovegood, most Ravenclaw person next to Rowena herself,” I argued.  He put up his hands, conceding defeat. “Xiomara is harder.”

My sister let out an indelicate snort. “No, she isn’t. I’ve worked with her before.  She’s Nymphadora Tonks all over again.  Loyal, patient, hard-working, and dedicated.  She’s the last person to do something recklessly. She had to be forced onto the Council, so no ambition, and she is only cunning enough to spot it when it happens. She’s intelligent for the sake of using it to benefit others.  Hufflepuff, all the way.”

“I have to agree,” my assistant seconded. “I don’t doubt her bravery, but more than anything she is looking out for the safety of everyone on board. Hufflepuff.”

“Okay, that’s fair,” I agreed with a nod. “Huynh?”

“Ugh. He’s good at his job, don’t get me wrong, but I would definitely say he’s a Squib,” Conor spoke up surprisingly.  It was the least nice thing I had ever heard him say.  He shook his head and his customary smile was back on his face. “What about Simon and Zachary?  Since we’re sorting everyone we all know,” he teased gently.  “Personally, I think Simon’s a Gryffindor.  I mean, he went along with a group of aliens with intentions to save the world.  Yeah, he cocked it up, but it was very brave and reckless thing to do.”

After nodding at each other, Arantxa, Tyche, and I agreed.

“I think Zach’s a Ravenclaw, too,” Arantxa mused. “Think about it. He’s smart for the sake of being smart.  He isn’t cunning or ambitious, or reckless.  And he is pretty loyal once you earn it, but the one thing everyone remembers about him is how fucking smart he is.  He just gushes about anything he knows about, even more than you do, Sophia.”

We all laughed at that, even Antoine.  Just as I was about to get another glass of wine, our laughter was cut short by dimmed lights and deep-toned klaxons.  My stomach sank.  I didn’t know what caused them, but they were clearly alarms and that was never a good sign.

“Attention, Residents of the Ark,” Simon’s clear voice rang through the speaker. “I repeat: Attention, Residents of the Ark. Due to unexpected sensor damage we have dropped out of FTL.  I repeat: Due to unexpected sensor damage we have dropped out of FTL.  All personnel with pilot certifications please report to Level One.  All personnel with pilot certifications please report to Level One.”

Just as the announcement ended, my Council pendant started to chime gently.  It wasn’t the normal, clear tone that indicated I had a meeting, but instead a low repeating sound that reminded me of an ocean buoy. “Simon,” I looked sharply at the ceiling. “What is this signal?”

“It’s a locator beacon, Councillor Reid,” he answered in a tone far more confident and firmer than what I was used to hearing. “We need the Council to report to Level One as well, along with all administrators.  The chime will notify everyone on board to let your group through.”

“I have Arantxa Bidarte and Tyche Reid with me.  Will Antoine Costa be allowed through as well in his official capacity as Administrator Reid’s support personnel?”

“Temporarily.  The Miys are bringing additional bodies out of hibernation to attend any injuries and assist with crowd control, but if we need him to lend a hand with those who panic, he may be asked to leave.  We’re rather short-handed on licensed therapists.”

“I’m good with that, as long as he can get me through the crowds,” my sister stated, a determined set to her jaw.

“Do you want me to drop Mac with Derek, Tych?” Conor asked.  “The poor puss looks upset, and Sam and Derek need someone with them, besides.”

“Yeah, that works,” she nodded, shoving the distressed animal into his waiting arms and ushering them out the door, the four of us exiting immediately after and heading the opposite direction.

Contrary to Simon’s word, we were stopped on several occasions by people who flooded the corridors in panic and wanted information on what happened.  After numerous apologies and explanations from myself, Arantxa, and even Antoine that we knew as much as they did, my sister finally broke. “Stay behind me and whatever you do, don’t stop,” she ordered the other two as she placed an iron grip on my wrist.  With that, she walked with a determination that spoke an ill fate of whoever she was headed to face, glaring down anyone who so much as looked like they may try to ask us a question. To absolutely no one’s surprise, we had no further interruptions on our way to Level One.

Knowing she was at her limit for dealing with large groups of people, I shoved Antoine over to her as I addressed Xiomara. “We need to do more safety drills.  I was stopped entirely too many times on my way here, despite being assured by Simon that that my pendant would alert everyone to let me through unimpeded. My sister had to basically play breaker for us to make it.”

“Agreed, but I will deal with that when we figure out what is going on,” she nodded sharply.

Taking a deep breath, I glanced around the room. Several men and women I did not know were grouped together at one end, talking amongst themselves.  I assumed they were the pilots. Grey stood to one side of the Council, speaking with the Miys.  While the body was familiar, it wasn’t Noah.  Instead, it was one that usually worked in the Medical bays.

“Greetings, Sophia,” Grey did not look up from their data screen as I approached.

“Wisdom,” the Miys buzzed. Before I could voice a request for additional information, it started to explain. “As you know, there has been damage to ship sensors.  To avoid going dramatically off course while travelling, I have reduced ship speed to sub-light.  However, until the sensors are repaired, I am unable to identify where we are located.  Additionally, we do not have the resources on board to repair the sensors, so we will need to locate at least the materials necessary to fabricate anything that needs to be replaced.”

“How are there no replacement materials on board the ship? Surely something like this has happened before?”

“Your assumption is correct: when the Yjg departed for Earth on the second occasion, replacement sensors were on board.  As we discussed when you first arrived, races with the ability to perceive photonic radiation are very rare, and so the sensors are essential to navigation.  Redundant systems and multiple replacement parts are as much a standard requirement on the ship as a crew is.”

“Then how are there no replacement parts now? Have they already been used?”

The Miys shifted, and had it been human I would have said it was uncomfortable.  Instead of it replying, Grey spoke up. “The replacements sensors were found destroyed.  Physically.”

“WHAT!?” I shouted, drawing looks.  With a deep breath and a firm pinch on the bridge of my nose, I lowered my tone. “What do you mean, physically.”

“I mean it appears to be a deliberate act, Sophia.  Before you arrived, I was discussing with our host how common it is for both sensor systems to malfunction or sustain damage at the same time.  While it does happen, it requires significant ship damage that would impact other systems.  There are currently no reports of any other ships systems malfunctioning, however. Add to this the fact that all replacement parts were methodically destroyed, and it begins to look like someone is acting with intention.”

“How sure are we that the replacement parts weren’t damaged by accident?”

“Completely,” Grey replied before looking over my shoulder. “Giang, may I please borrow you for a moment? We’re discussing what you saw earlier.”

“You saw the damaged parts?” I asked as the Vietnamese man trotted over.

“They were completely destroyed, yes.”

“Please detail the nature of the damage for Sophia.  She wants to be completely certain that the damage could not have happened accidentally.”

“There’s no way, Councillor Reid. Some parts were smashed, some were burned or melted, others had been cut to pieces.”

Shit.

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[ahgastae]

Snow Mercy

Jeongin x Reader

Fluff

Word Count - 1.5k

Quick A/N: this turned out a lil different than the prompt lol

“I was just sitting on a park bench and you threw a snowball at my back. I think I might know you from school, but either way it. is. on.”

The sparkling white snow covers almost every available surface, truly transforming the local park into the winter wonderland the youth of my town has come to know and love. Normally, I wouldn’t find myself out in the chilly, winter air with them. Being cold just isn’t my thing. I’d much rather be curled up at home, buried under my blankets, and with a warm snack to enjoy.

Today, though, something draws me through the gates of the ever so popular park. I don’t know if it’s the way the sun glistens across the frost kissed ground, or the shouts of joy from my fellow classmates playing in the snow. Whatever it is, it manages to get me into the park, and brushing off a cold park bench so I can have a seat.

For a while, I just sit there, watching the snowflakes slowly drift towards the ground, and giggling at how I can see the puffs of breath leaving my mouth. This isn’t so bad, at all. I might even go as far to say this is peaceful, even. Maybe I’m wrong in the way I’ve been going about this whole ‘winter’ thing...

“Heads up!”

I gasp loudly when something cold and wet collides with my shoulder. It immediately starts seeping through my jacket, sending an uncomfortable shiver up my spine. I shoot up from the bench, scrambling to stop the spread of the chill when I realize what it is.

Someone just threw a snowball at me.

Temporarily forgetting the snow on my shoulder, I whip around to face my assailant. Nine boys stand on the frozen grass behind the bench, each sharing varying degrees of shock and amusement. My eyes scan over them all, stopping on the one who seems to be the youngest of the bunch, along with the most concerned.

“You!” I point my finger at him, and he jumps, nervously glancing at his friends. “Did you throw that?”

He nods shakily, and the boy closest to him says something I can’t hear. The guilty boy nods again, jogging towards me through the snow. As he gets closer, I realize he isn’t some random teenage delinquent. It’s Yang Jeongin, a boy I’ve seen plenty of times around school. He doesn’t know me, but the braces decorating his smile make him easily recognizable.

“S-sorry about that,” Jeongin stutters, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t mean for that to hit you.”

“Well, I hope not,” I mutter, still grumpy due to my soggy jacket. “What are you guys doing anyway?”

“Oh!” Jeongin’s eyes light up as he looks over his shoulder at his friends. “We’re having a snowball fight!” He laughs when one of them takes a hit in the face, turning back to me. “You know, you can join in, if you want. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.”

His offer throws me for a loop. On one hand, it sounds pretty tempting, and I don’t mean that just because Jeongin’s fox-like smile makes my stomach feel like it’s in knots. His friends genuinely look like they’re having fun tossing snowballs at each other’s head, laughing even when they’re the ones to get hit. On the other hand, though, snow means cold, and I already feel chilled to the bone with the one snowball I took to the shoulder. I can still feel some of it running down my back. 

But Jeongin’s standing in front of me with that cute smile on his face and hopeful look in his eyes, and I can’t find it in me to say no. He cheers when I hesitantly nod, grabbing my hand, and tugging me out into the field with the rest of his friends.

“Civilian on the battlefield! Hold your fire!” A boy with dark gray hair, who I assume is the leader of this ragtag group, shouts, and they all immediately stop throwing. Jeongin stops us in the middle of the ‘battefield’, his friends moving in to circle around us. “Jeongin,” The same boy from before asks, “who’s this?”

“Besides the girl he pelted?” A black haired boy snickers, shutting up when the blond next to him elbows his stomach.

“This is Y/N!” Jeongin smiles, quickly introducing me to the rest of his friends. He rounds them off so fast that I only catch a few of their names, such as the leader’s, Chan, and the blond, Jisung. “Hyung, she’s going to play on our team!”

“Okay,” Chan nods, sending me a polite smile. “We could always use more help to even the odds.”

“Even with the extra player, you still don’t stand a chance of beating us!”

“Oh, yeah?! We’ll see about that!”

The group disperses, and Jeongin drags me off in the same direction Chan and two other dark haired boys go, his hand still tightly gripping mine. Something about that interaction irks me, and I don’t realize what until the ‘battle’ has already resumed and snowballs fly above and past my head.

I never told Jeongin my name.

It doesn’t take long for my ‘team’ to figure out I have no idea what I’m doing. I stand helpless in the snow, ducking in fear whenever it looks like someone is aiming to throw something even remotely in my direction. In my panic, I haven’t been able to make a single snowball, much less actually hit the other team. An enemy snowball whizzes past my ear, and I scream, falling into a panicked crouch.

“Jeongin!” Someone yells. “Get her out of there!”

I don’t hear Jeongin reply, but the crunch of snow behind me says someone is running towards me.

“Y/N!” I glance over my shoulder, meeting eyes with the boy with braces. He offers his hand to me, and I don’t hesitate to take it when another snowball crashes into the ground near us. ‘Let’s go!” Jeongin pulls me up to my feet, leading me towards the cover of the trees on the edge of the field. The strange feeling from before returns, and I tug him to a stop in the snow. “Y/N, what are you-”

“Jeongin, how do you know my name?”

His mouth open and closes, but can’t form an answer, “Y/N, can we talk about this later?” He tries to grab my hand again. I shake my head, and step away from him. “We need to go!”

“No!” I protest, forgetting we’re in the middle of a giant snow war. “Not until you answer me!”

Jeongin’s face falls into an angry pout, and I have to remind myself of the situation at hand, “We go to school together!” He shouts over the battle cries of his friends. “Why is it so weird that I know your name?”

“Because I never told you it!”

“Well, I never told you mine!”

We both fall silent, our huffs of breath coming out in small white clouds. In the back of my head, I get that I essentially freaked out over nothing. It’s perfectly reasonable for Jeongin to have heard my name from school, just like I did his. However, my fingers still fidget with restless energy at my sides, and I do the first thing that comes to mind to relieve it. Jeongin’s eyes follow me as I crouch down, collecting a small bit of snow, and packing it into a ball. I guess he thinks I’m finally going to join in the fight, but he’s in for quite the surprise.

Because when I stand up, I launch that snowball right at his stupid, adorable face.

The snow smacks against Jeongin’s face with a small poof, and the entire field suddenly goes quiet. Jeongin stays deathly still as the snow slowly slides off his face, eyes staring at me blankly.

“Did she just...?”

“Wait ‘til she finds out you threw that snowball on purpose, Jeonginnie!” The black haired boy from earlier cackles when Jeongin’s eyes widen in panic. Jeongin glances between me and his friend, visibly flinching when he spots the glare on my face.

“Yang Jeongin, what does he mean by that?”

“I, uh...” Jeongin gulps, scratching the back of his neck. He averts his gaze, and my heart skips a beat when I realize his cheeks are not red due to the chill in the air. It’s with great difficulty that he forces himself to meet my eyes, and my own face burns under his nervous gaze. “Y/N, I-I, um...”

“Oh, for gods sake...”

“HE LIKES YOU.” All eight of his friends shout at once, startling not only us, but just about everyone else in the park. Jeongin’s face practically glows, especially against the stark white of the snow around us.

I clear my throat, trying to ignore the eight pairs of eyes on us, “Jeongin? Is t-that true?”

“Maybe...?” Jeongin jumps when another, smaller snowball bounces his chest. He looks up at me in bewilderment, and I flash him a playful smile, already preparing my next shot.

“That one was on purpose, too.”

Bonus:

“I thought they were on the same team?”

“Ah, let ‘em go, Hyunjin. There is ‘snow’ mercy in love and war.”

“....There’s no penalty for friendly fire, right?”

[ladala99]

Spyro Reignited Countdown - Skylanders: Superchargers (Console)

From the beginning of Skylanders, one of the common requests was for there to be a racing game. When it actually happened, people hated it.

Not me, though. There was nothing I didn’t love about this game. Aside from the fact that online was dead by the time I got it, since after the first game I waited until most of the figures were out before getting newer games.

Gameplay

Standard Skylanders fare, for the on-foot sections. Closer to Swap Force’s gameplay than Trap Team’s, which I liked.

But now there’s vehicle sections. The only mandatory ones are the Land sections, in which you drive around, sometimes racing, sometimes battling, always keeping an eye out for secrets. The Sea and Sky ones are extremely varied with many different styles of gameplay. You never know what to expect next!

The Gates

Yeah, Trap Team’s didn’t really work out. Now, Elemental Gates are gone completely, and we instead have Supercharger Gates. But these aren’t even in every level. The real replacement are the Land, Sea, and Sky areas.

So really, you just need to buy two $15 figures to finish the game. And it doesn’t matter whether you’ve played a Skylanders game before or not. And honestly, these figures add so much content to the game it’s worth it imo.

Old Figures vs. New Figures

Combat-wise, they’re pretty balanced aside from the bonuses Supercharger characters get when their specific vehicle is with them. Usefulness-wise... they’re also pretty equal because Supercharger gates hardly exist. And Supercharger characters really aren’t that special like previous special characters - they have no real gimmicks unto themselves.

The only real thing is that Superchargers get special quests just for them, and you get rewarded for completing these. But some of these quests require their specific vehicle, which does mean an additional purchase.

The Collectables

So, Hats, Skystones, Legendary Treasures, Winged Sapphires, and Soul Gems all exist, but they all come from RNG. The real hidden collectables are Epic Chests, which can contain any of these. They also come from Gifts and Wishstones.

In the vehicle sections, there’s Toolboxes instead, which give out vehicle parts.

All of these are weighted towards giving you bonuses for figures you already have, so it’s not nearly as scummy as it sounds.

They’re pretty much lootboxes before lootboxes were a big thing, but all earned in-game and often. I liked them, as it makes every playthrough different and rewards repeatedly playing levels. I can see how it’s baby’s first lootbox, though, and perhaps I should be more wary.

Lost Forever?

There’s one feature that’s just... gone.

At some point between the game coming out and me getting it, Activision added a daily rotation store that let you get paint jobs, stickers, and other aesthetic loot for your vehicle. This store uses a different currency: Gear Bits, and can either be grinded for or bought outright with real money. *gulp*

I never did anything with it because the Gear Bit grind was too much, the aesthetics did nothing, and I had already spent a ton on this series through the figures, let alone the cost of the games themselves!

But it’s gone now. You needed to access the servers to access the store, and you also needed to access the servers to access your purchased aesthetics. At some point or another, the servers were shut down. That means all of these aesthetics, grinded for or purchased, are gone forever. Poof. Like they never existed.

I thought for sure that they’d release a patch that made these aesthetics accessible offline once they shut down the servers, since these aesthetics were part of a downloaded update, but nope. And that’s the real scummiest part of this game.

Bosses

A lot of them are fought in your Land Vehicle, which is pretty fun. The ones that aren’t are standard Skylanders fare.

Also: Darkness is best boss in the series. You cannot convince me otherwise. Especially because I don’t remember the fight other than it being “awesome.”

Levels

Are really long again, but are broken up by the vehicle sections. Honestly I loved it. Don’t have much else to say about them.

Story

So uh, the story begins with Kaos already having won. He makes it impossible to transport the Skylanders into Skylands through normal methods. He imprisons all of the good guys from previous games. He destroys the Core of Light and summons The Darkness.

But, the good guys send these special vehicles to Earth, that have a Rift Drive, that allows your portal to work as long as the vehicle is present. Now to save your friends!

And then I forget the rest of the plot. I believe fourth-wall-breaking occurs as Kaos becomes aware you’re watching him in cutscenes. The Darkness betrays Kaos and Glumshanks is temporarily on your side if not Kaos too at some point.

I’m not doing it justice because I hardly remember anything but the coolest bits. Aside from the first game (maybe even alongside it?) it’s my favorite story in Skylanders. And it sort-of rehashes the first game by beginning the story with Kaos winning.

Unique in the Series?

Yep. Everything to do with the vehicles is unique. The next game only has the vehicles in a clone of the extra racing mode. It’s also the only Skylanders game where you need a particular type of figure on the portal to play, and thus need two figures on the portal at all times.

Conclusion

As someone who loves kart racers and gameplay variety, this was a blast to play. It’s really too bad that so many people hated it. This is the high point Skylanders should have ended on. Too bad there’s one more game.

[captainkurosolaire]

who hurt you beyond the point of return? what happened?

Kuro Solaire : “Ye want to know what happen, aye? So be it, I’ll try to shorten where I can.” Sighing heavily over breathe. “When you become a pirate, you’re thrown into a business known for crooked odds n and ins. You don’t question, you do what it takes to make wealth and your pouch a little more dense. Upon my merry-band of crew, I was known as the Seducer of the Silver Tongue. A pirate that targeted and socialized with high-targeted individuals of wealth to lure them close to bedside and steal their fortunes before the Sun rose. We were all given our assignments and skill sets.  But one day, that seducer becomes the victim of being charmed. Seven Hell’s, he becomes infatuated, trembling knees and experiences something before that he cannot rationalize. Because he’s naive, young, they stick close through all odds, brave and await at harbor side. They act as a woman for her sailor, showing and teaching me more parlor tricks unexplored about myself then ever before a top-notch Succubus without coursing Voidsent blood in her. Came time for me to hone up to this notion, the thing all refer to as love. I prepare myself to marry her, we get engaged, day of this ceremony shite happens, gone. No traces, nothing. I go searching, go blank for several passing Sun’s. Finally you get your lead to where your heart should be yearning as a compass! You go and you find out that she was -using- you for a grand escape. Most likely had her own troubling times needed solace, shagged up with a pirate for nearly a Moon, until things were hashed between her real family one where kid is bore. You snap, cause all this time you thought it was just a typical kidnapping something that could be avenged and dues could be paid. You weren’t confronted that cause you see happiness beyond what you experienced when you were with her. You break, you crumble, your heart left shambles of what it once was. You start having your mind go into a haze. You forget which way is left, which is right! ((Cut below getting a little more explicit))

 So in order for you to prevent killing every single person who hurt you as a typical maniac would do. You fight it. You abandon your crew, Captain’s hat and retire temporarily. You go lock yourself away somewhere you aren’t endangering what matters. You abandon your former worth and you wander into those Black Shrouds, you fight. Cause if you don’t, you DIE. You put your survival every bit of it on the test. You become attuned to the savages of the lands and beasts, creatures. You start acting like one and get hunted by poachers, hunters. You just become so…. hungry. That hunger is insatiable, it doesn’t stop. It wants more and more. It starts not caring if it devours or consumes other humanoids. You run into something you shouldn’t have at an abandoned ruined Temple, you eat it after hallucination and suddenly. POOF. You don’t recall anything not for long time, years. Turns out ye soul b’ split and now there’s a part of you that acts barbaric for your own survival and does what it must and shows it’s emotions better. Why the other you contains the personality. However, that other Beast under that skin. That thing is to strong, you’ve to chain it. Cause if you dont’t lock it. You cease, cause you’re too weak! You want to be free… But damn it, the person ye hold back is yourself. The scariest part is since that’s part of me and that ruthless side the one who enslaves, takes what he wants, kills whoever stands in his way. You like that part of you and can’t see to trying to destroy it cause you know, that it’s the only damn thing keeping you alive this far. There is plenty more where that came from but I think, I’ve got my blood rushing and I don’t want to piss off something, I’ll regret. Point was my heart was scattered and blackened, that is why I can love multiple people why others falter. Only one has endured and put up with me and I can’t tell you honestly what they think but they’ve stuck around. Only thing that can keep me going is being at the bottom and a woman’s touch or a fortune to be had, if weren’t for that. I’d have nothing to keep me distracted from the nightmare that is, ME.”He’d lay down his emotions on the plate with his heart worn on his sleeve and leave a fork down the middle in presentation figuratively. Fuming for digging up it, he’d gain some distance to walk out for collected air to reunite. (Thanks for the anon!!! Got intense.)

[fangsofdestruction]

thecursedpriestess​:

Kikyou would be very amused to hear such a thing from the adorable tanuki.  She would of course, humour the little one and inquire about the price to pay. With her given patience, she would listen to the fluffball and be contented with admiring her silky fur and amazing poof. Even if she could not pay the price, just being able to speak with her was enough. Plus, there were other children who may not decline being pampered and doted upon.

“Hm?”

Kikyou moved with Kazehime, a quizzical expression etched upon her face. The kit did not need to say a word, as soon the reason for moving was revealed before her eyes. Mocha orbs widened at the sheer size and beauty of the reptilian demon. Kikyou was naturally stunned, her head angling upwards to get a better look at this demon child. This was..unexpected. It was her fault for expecting his size to be small..having forgotten that not only he was decades older..but demons came in a variety of shapes, forms and sizes.

Once the bewilderment faded, there was a marked curiosity in her eyes as she looked him over. The shimmer of his scales were observed, the brilliant white colour quite ethereal in its own right..and that diamond shape upon his head. Hebisuki was stunning. If he was still a child, seeing him as an adult would be..breath-taking and for others, quite frightening.

Lost in her thoughts and admiration of the snake, the voice startled her. She instinctively jumped. There was no one around her..and judging by the words spoken, it came from  Hebi. Shaking off her temporarily alarm, she approached closer. A hand stretched out to gently lay against his scales, giving him a soft caress with a smile. He may not be silky, but he was cool and smooth to the touch. There  was charm in this as well. “I do not feel right to ride you.” And it was not out of fear but..respect. It did not sit well with her. The others can do it as they are familiar and demons..but it felt quite rude and wrong to clamber upon this sweet child for something as simple as a ride.

“You can give the others a ride. I will follow. Just know..your form is just as breath-taking as any other. Very entrancing.” She patted him gently before stepping away to give them room. “Let’s go and play then, shall we ?”

Kazehime and Tamako were waiting for Kikyo to join them, but the woman refused to do so. The snake, not having much in the ways of emoting through facial expression, only made the visible reaction by flinching whenever she jolted in surprise from his telepathic speaking.

The other two pat the snake gently, as if reassuring the snake who now felt as though he’d done wrong by the human woman who jumped. The small and agile Kazehime clambered to the top of Hebisuke’s head, chirping enthusiastically. Tamako was too big to clamber atop Hebisuke’s head, else she’d likely block his vision, not that he necessarily needed it to navigate his way around.

“Very well.” Came the telepathic voice again and the large snake that took up the majority of the hallway space started to slither down the hallway, turning multiple corners before they reached the inner courtyard, an expansive area that made even Hebisuke look small by comparison. It was designed in such a way that some of the larger Demons would be able to rest at ease in their original forms.

In no time, Kazehime zipped off, acting much like a pingpong ball, rebounding off the walls and trees in the inner courtyard. The enthused chirping whizzing by their ears being the only indication that the kama-itachi was still within the courtyard. Tamako searched for a sunny spot and with a mighty stretch, sprawled out, enjoying the sun. Hebisuke searched for the large pond in the corner of the courtyard and fully-immersed himself inside of it. Yes, he was a water snake.

The children were quite at ease to do their own thing as they pleased, forgetting how to immerse the human woman into their playing. Hebisuke was the first to pop his head out of the pond and hiss, alerting the kit and pup from their fun activity. The three gathered into the center of the courtyard and poof! Back to their humanoid forms. “Jii-chan!/Jii-san.”

Then, suddenly, the Kumicho appears from above, slowly floating down to the inner courtyard from wherever he was previously. He may look human, but his flashy entrance made it all the more evident that he was anything but a human.

        ❝Children. Kikyou.❞

He casually greets all parties. The two girls wasted no time in clinging onto his clothes and them clambering their way up to his shoulders. The calm face regarded the remaining male, motioning for him to join, should he wish to, and the small child simply walked up to him and clutched onto the edge of his clothing. As the eldest, he had an appearance to upkeep.

        ❝Don’t indulge the others too much, Hebisuke. I see you’ve seen their true appearances.❞

He regards the human woman, knowing he needn’t say that this was information that should never be leaked out. Kikyo surely would have been told by Kaze no Tsuki the importance of children to Demon-kind. They weren’t easy to bring to term, much less so to adulthood. This was evident in the way that this entire mansion was full of Demons and yet these 3 (minus the slumbering Kii) were the only children to account for.

[ilovelocust]

Mirror Mirror (Part 9)

Pairing: Keith/Shiro, Dark!Keith/Shiro

Warning: Manipulation, Abuse (Kinda funny to just add this now)

Note: The parallels were super fun to write in this one.

<< First < Prev.

The prod is back.  Every muscle in his body spasms and screams.  Twists him hard against his binds and keeps going.  He’s beyond making noise.  Unable to plead for mercy.  Finally Keith stops, but the pain in his chest doesn’t go away.  He’s light headed and there’s a streaking pain.  Keith’s saying something but he can’t hear him.  The world’s fading at the edges.  Everything is slipping away.  He can’t hold on…

.

There is a cacophony of noise all around him, none of it making any sense.  His chest feels like it’s been kicked by a mule, and the whole world looks like it’s been painted in water colors.  Somebody is pouring ink on his surroundings…

.

Someone is shining a light in his eyes.  It hurts.  He wants to turn away but can’t.  “Takashi Shirogane” At least he thinks that’s what the deep voice says.  He hasn’t heard his name mangled that badly in a long time, “Can you hear me?”  He tries to nod, but his head still won’t move. Speaking just produces a cracked sound that might be generously interpreted as a yes.  “Basic cognitive function seem to be intact.  We’ll have to wait until he is more fully recovered to-”…

.

Keith sounds angry. “When will he wake up!”

“Give him time, my prince.  His condition was dire.”  The deep voice sounds familiar but he can’t quite recall from where.

“I have given you time.  More than enough time, and he still isn’t conscious.”  He should say something.  Keith will be mad at him if he doesn’t…

.

Shiro feels okay.  Not comfortable, but not in a terrible pain either.  Opening his eyes he doesn’t recognize where he is.  There is a niggling in the back of his head that tells him he should recognize this place, but he pushes it down.  If he’s forgotten, he doesn’t want to remember.

“Ah good, you’re awake.” It’s the voice from before, and when Shiro turns his head he recognizes him.  He one of the Galra doctors who treated his wound.  He must be somewhere in the medical wing.  Patient room?

“Drink this.” Something is shoved in his face, and he’s temporarily amused to find out the Galra have also invented the bendy straw.  He’s got an awful thirst, so he doesn’t let the thought distract him from quickly taking a sip.  He doesn’t feel fully quenched when it’s taken away.

The doctor pulls out a tablet and starts clicking away, “What is your name?” The doctor asks.

He fairly certain the guy already knows, but he isn’t masochistic enough to be sarcastic to Galra treating him, “Takashi Shirogane” He answers.

“Where were you born,”

“Earth”

“How many fingers am I holding up” The doctor holds up two clawed fingers.

“Two”

“Do you know what happened?”

Pain, he remembers so much pain, “I was tortured,” He whispers.

“Electrocuted to be precise.  I told the prince that your system wasn’t strong enough for prolonged exposure, but does he listen to me. No, of course not.” The doctor grumbles, “Your mental functions don’t seem to have been effected from the lack of oxygen.  Thank the Emperor.  The fit that would be thrown if you came back an idiot.” The doctor finishes filling out whatever is on the tablet and sets it down, “The prince will be down in a moment.  Try not to pass out again in the time it takes him to get here.  You will not like how you are woken back up.”  With that parting remark, he turns on his heels and leaves.

Thankfully, he doesn’t actually feel tired.  It’s fairly easy to take in his surroundings while he waits.  There is the standard unfamiliar technology.  The hard but serviceable bed and pillow.  Purple on literally every surface possible.  Typical in all the ways a room in an alien ship can be. Keith arrives a few minutes, long before he can grow bored.

He’s surprised, when Keith comes in and there is nothing but relief on his face.  He expected him to be angry for some reason.  Keith rushes to Shiro’s bedside and drags him into a hug.  His arms around him hurt, but it’s the happiest he’s seen him since refusing to fight.  He dare not break the moment by complaining.  It still doesn’t last.

Keith lets him go and, before Shiro can speak, punches him, “Are you happy now?” Keith yells while Shiro tries to recover from the shock, “You nearly died.” He raps his knuckles against the electrical burn on Shiro’s chest, making him flinch in pain, “After all the work I put in to bringing you back.  You can’t just be grateful.  You always have to push.” Keith shoves him away, and begins to pace the room gesturing wildly, “Refuse to do as you’re told, and look where it’s gotten you.  Your heart stopped Takashi.” Keith turns back to him and jabs his burn in emphasis, “The doctors told me you might wake up a vegetable.” The strength fades from his voice and his face crumples.  Shiro thinks Keith might cry, “Why do you do this to yourself?” He asks, pulling Shiro back up to sitting, “Why couldn’t you just do what I asked?” He’s being hugged again, desperately tight.

“I’m sorry,” Shiro says.

“You better be.” Keith says, letting him go, “You aren’t allowed to leave me again.”

-

Keith’s performance has been suffering.  He didn’t notice at first, so obsessed with making sure that his brand new set of issues didn’t interfere with his own, but as he has grown more comfortable, he’s started to see outside of himself again.  Keith was very obviously losing a step.

The first time he asks, Keith just says he’s a bit tired and tells him not to worry about it.  Shiro doesn’t press.  He trusts Keith to handle the problem now that he’s been made aware others are noticing, and for a while he does.  He pulls himself back together.  Watches the other paladins’ backs, and if he is unusually quiet, well Shiro is to, so he has no room to judge.

Eventually, he starts slipping again.  Banging into rocky surfaces when precision flying Red. Failing to fully guard Lance’s back during group exercises.  Taking one too many hits when solo training with the bots.  The final straw is when Keith nods off during breakfast.  Shiro has to intervene.  He’s the leader of Voltron, and it would be a dereliction of duty to allow this to progress any further and potentially endanger one of their missions.

He’s not completely cruel.  He doesn’t insist on speaking with him then and there.  Even if it still makes his chest tighten to be alone with him, he won’t call him out in front of the others.  Shiro waits until he can get him alone and pulls Keith into a side room to confront him.

Keith doesn’t look good.  There are dark bags under his eyes, and his whole body seems to be sagging from exhaustion.  Shiro feels slightly guilty for letting this go on so long.

“How much rack time have you been getting?” Shiro asks, cutting straight to the point.

“Seven hours,” Keith bullshits him without missing a beat.

“Don’t lie to me,” Shiro says, “You look like a walking zombie.  How much sleep have you been getting?” He asks again.

“Enough,” Keith replies obstinately.  Brick walls had nothing on Keith Kogane.

Shiro scrubs at his face, “You nearly face planted in your food goo this morning.” He reminds him, “If that’s enough, I’d hate to see what too little looks like.”

“I’m handling it, okay,” Keith says, then adds, “You don’t have to worry.”

“Keith, I’m responsible for this team’s performance.” The same thing he’d been telling himself when working up to this conversation in the first place, “It’s my job to worry.”

“That’s the fucking problem.” Keith mutters.

“Excuse me?” He says.

Keith flushes, apparently he hadn’t meant to say that out loud, “No, forget I said anything.  I’ll go get some sleep.  Your leaderly duties are satisfied.” Keith makes a break for the exit, but Shiro blocks his path.  Bodily block the only door to the room.

“I’m not just going to forget it.” He says, letting some of his building frustration leak into his voice.  Since when had Keith been so unwilling to just tell him what he’s thinking? “Explain what you mean, how is my worrying the problem.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Keith shouts, “You’re getting it all wrong.” Keith crosses his arms, in a way that reminds Shiro of giving yourself a hug.

“Then tell me, and I can get it right.” Neither of them are going anywhere until this is resolved.  He’s not letting interpersonal issues compromise Voltron.

Keith knows him.  Knows Shiro can be just as stubborn if not more stubborn than him, when he puts his mind to it. He doesn’t try to out wait him. “You were gone again, Shiro.” Keith starts, then seems to be lose himself on the way to next sentence.

“You mean when I changed universes.”  Shiro offers to get him started again.

It does the trick, “Yeah, I’d finally gotten you back, after so long we were together again and things were right.” Keith says, “Then, then you disappeared!  There wasn’t a body, just like last time.  Poof gone without a trace.  We-I didn’t even know if you were still alive.” Keith’s eyes are somewhere around chest level, but Shiro gets the feeling he’s seeing a empty cockpit, “Even once we found out what happened, space is 99 percent empty.  Slav calculated the odds of you switching to some place with oxygen and survivable temperature ranges.  They were astronomical.  He thought we were bringing your body back for a funeral.”

“I hadn’t thought about it,” He’d been so preoccupied with his own issues and not letting anyone know exactly what happened, it hadn’t even occurred to him to wonder what the others had been through, “I’m sorry.” He means the apology.  He should have realized what his disappearance would have been like for Keith.

“Don’t apologize, you didn’t do it on purpose.” Keith absolves him off handedly, “Besides, that’s not the real issue.”

“Then what is it?” Shiro asks.

“I always believed you were alive. Just like after the ‘pilot error’,” He spits the words in disgust, “I knew you were still out there.  I just had to find you, but this time it doesn’t feel like you came back.” Keith takes a deep breath before continuing, “I used to have nightmares about looking for you at the Garrison or in the desert and never being able to find you.” Keith confesses with a sniffle, “They stopped when you crash landed back on Earth.  I thought they were gone for good.” Keith reaches up to wipe at his eyes roughly, “Then you went missing and I started having them about the Castle.  Except this time they didn’t stop when we found you.  You’re here, but you don’t feel like your really here.” Keith’s head is leaning forward, as if he’s trying to hide his face from view, and it’s all Shiro’s fault.  He’s the one who’s been pushing Keith away without proper explanation.  He the one who’s been treating his lover like a leper with no real time frame for them to come back together.  He did this to him.

“Keith,” Shiro says softly. Carefully placing his arms around the smaller man. Keith leans into the hug, fingers clenching in Shiro’s shirt, and head buried against his shoulder.  He feels dampness where Keith is hiding his eyes.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” Keith sobs, shaking his head without removing it from its spot, “I shouldn’t be telling you this.  You have your own problems.  I’m so sorry.”

“Shhhh, it’s okay.” Shiro whispers, gingerly petting Keith’s hair, “You didn’t do anything wrong.  Everything is going to be okay.” He hesitantly presses a kiss to Keith’s temple, and feels him begin to cry harder.

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