#and then your captain is executed. you see it happen. and on the same day your friend tells you you’re enemies and he leaves you.

[the-obnoxious-sibling]

Do you think there’s w reason shanks doesn’t want to met luffy or does he actually believe in that stupid promise from years ago 😭 And why is he always so melancholic

the thing about shanks is that he prioritizes other peoples’ desires over his own. to an unhealthy extent. like, to the extent that he may have sacrificed his own dreams in order to fulfill a final request from his captain.

so, if luffy says the next time he sees shanks, he’s going to be the captain of his own crew, and a crew much better than shanks’ at that? shanks will do whatever he can to make that happen, even if all he can do is delay their next meeting.

if oden says he doesn’t want shanks involved in saving wano, shanks will stay uninvolved. once wano’s been saved, though, he’s free to interfere—if just to keep the navy from interfering.

if buggy leaves, saying they’ll be enemies the next time they see each other… well, probably best not to see each other, then, if shanks doesn’t want to treat buggy as an enemy.

i think it’s pretty clear shanks doesn’t want to do any of this. he wants to see luffy, he wants to see buggy, he wants to help wano and see momo and hiyori… but what he wants doesn’t matter to him.

[syoddeye]

useless

Part one of my submission to @glitterypirateduck's O, Captain! Challenge. I rolled a d100 to select three prompts. Part one uses two:

42. The story spans over a period of 10 or more years

14. Opposites attract

~2k words, Price x f!Reader. Some liberties were taken with canon, obvs. Please enjoy!

You meet John Price when you're fifteen years old. 

Being the new kid is never easy, but you have some practice. This is the fifth time your family has moved since you were born. Such is life when your mother's an ambassador. However, it is your first time attending an actual school, and it's miserable. It doesn't matter who your mother is when your peers are the children of millionaires, celebrities, and executives. Compared to them, you're a nobody, just easy pickings.

But compared to John, you might as well be a princess. 

The son of your mother's assistant, you see John almost every day. You do not attend the same school, of course. Despite the awfulness of its students, your school has standards, after all, but every day after the last bell, you and your security detail fetch John to rendezvous at your family's sprawling home. Since both sets of your parents work long and odd hours, you spend a great deal of time together. Usually, you study, eat dinner, maybe read or watch television, but you do not necessarily talk. He's as surly as an old man, unpleasant on good days and unbearable on bad ones.

You don't look at John when he slides into the car anymore. You're enthralled in Sabriel, too busy to acknowledge him, that is until you feel his eyes on you. 

"What?"

"Didn't say anything."

"You're staring," You huff, lowering the book, only to almost drop it. "What happened to your face?!"

A purpling, inky black bruise covers John's swollen left eye. It's nasty, but he looks bored by the question.

"Scrapped. Some idiot ran his mouth."

"So you hit him? Then he hit you?"

"That's generally how it works," He says dismissively, crossing his arms and leaning into the seat to stare out the window.

You roll your eyes and return to the Abhorsen. "Your mom's gonna kill you."

He doesn't have a comeback for that. 

Predictably, his mom loses it when she arrives to pick him up. Throws a fit, her anger evenly split between John and his school. You watch from the top of the stairs as your mother consoles her friend and offers advice before they leave. John scowls, the expression deepening when he catches you listening in. You give a shit-eating grin before retreating to your room. Serves him right for fighting. Boys.

Of course, though, in a rotten turn of events, his mother leverages her position, and John enrolls in your school. Due to your relationship, you're naturally coupled together both in and outside of the classroom. It isn't for lack of trying on your peers' parts. You can grudgingly admit John's a good-looking boy. He has all the makings of a popular kid. Athletic, intelligent, and withdrawn, just enough to make people wonder in a good way. He's regularly asked out, the invitations often extended in your company. You don't miss how other girls look at him or glare at you.

Jokes on them, he's easily the most unpleasant person you've ever had the displeasure to know.

"What are you putting down on the careers interest form?" You ask one afternoon, sprawled on the couch while John sits with his back to it, reading.

"SAS. Enlisting next year."

"Military? How noble." You muse. "Your dad's not–"

"No," His head turns a fraction. "But my grandfather served. North Africa."

It's the first you've heard of it. John doesn't talk much about his family, nor do you make a habit of asking. You don't pay close attention to the adults' conversations either. "Well, you're pretty strong and clever, I guess," you temper the compliments, uneasy about doling them out to him. So you'll fair well, I bet."

He doesn't respond for a minute before a quiet "Thank you," ekes out. 

For whatever reason, your face heats. How embarrassing. You tap your pen against your blank form, grateful he faces away. Yet as a silence follows and stretches, irritation sidles alongside discomfiture. Honestly, this is what you'd like to show the girls at school. Prove that John's actually quite annoying. 

"Now's about the time another person would ask what I'm putting down."

John doesn't look up from his book. "I know what you're going to write."

You bristle. "Oh, do you? Enlighten me."

"Artist. Writer. Actress. Something useless."

In one fluid movement, you sit up and strike him across the crown with your notebook. "You're such an asshole!" You quickly create distance between his stupid, stunned face and yourself, stomping all the way to the stairs. Halfway up the steps, you crouch, pressing your face between the balusters. "You're not going to amount to anything!"

You don't speak to him after that—not entirely, of course. Your families are too intertwined to avoid him completely, but the incident strains your already tenuous relationship. It's awkward and tense, though neither of your families notices the shift. You sit in silence at joint dinners. You leave him alone in the den after school. You latch on to other singletons in class, avoiding him in the halls.

Months pass, and as John declared, he enlists the moment the school term ends. Freshly sixteen, and scheduled to ship out to basic. 

The morning he leaves, your mother drags you to his house. You stand speechless on the walk outside when he marches out with his rucksack. His head's shaved. He grew an inch and filled out some in the last few weeks when you weren't paying attention. Still a boy, but clearly on his way to becoming a man.

His mother all but shoves him at you to say goodbye. He stares down at you now, the twit. 

"Good luck." It's the nicest thing you can manage.

"Break a leg," He responds, hauling his bag over his shoulder. "Don't be useless."

You're too busy noticing how his eyes are the same color as the sky to feel even a twinge of irritation.

When he files into the waiting taxi, his mother bursts out into sobs. You watch the car until it disappears down the next street, trying to understand why your chest is so tight.

It’s a decade before you see him again.

~~

"I told the Prices you'd pop by."

You nearly fumble your card, phone cradled between your shoulder and ear, and clumsily tap it against the scanner. Mouthing an apology to the disinterested cashier, you take your bag and find your words.

"Why would you do that?" You ask, unable to completely mask your disdain. "I told you I have plans for New Years." 

Your mother tsks. "Surely you can pencil in some of our oldest friends for an hour tomorrow."

The automatic doors open, and the wintry air envelops you instantly. The plastic bag taut in the crook of your arm, you flip the collar of your coat and start the return trek to your flatshare. "I haven't seen them since graduation, since we moved back to Virginia."

"And you moved back to London, what, eight months ago?" Her end muffles a moment while she says something to her aide. Her voice is sterner when she speaks again. "They've been asking about your job, how acting's going…" Her voice trails, leaving the works or not going unspoken.

You swallow, tucking your chin into your scarf to consider the remainder of the conversation. "Fine. I'll stop by tomorrow afternoon. But I'm not staying late. I have plans." You don't. You did have an invite to a party a week ago, but that was before Jeff decided Jane from work was 'more his speed'. More 'conventional'. Though you'd seen the breakup coming for weeks and the relationship only a measly six months old, it still stung. Since coming back to London, you've had more than enough rejection.

Dozens of auditions. Dozens more interviews. Zip, zilch, zero. No callbacks, no non-speaking roles. And while you are the favorite stage manager for several small local theaters and Yes Woman, you weren't any closer to the stage. Something your mother loves to remind you of. Between her rapid ascent up the career ladder and your decision to study theater, an uncrossable gulf cropped up between you. It grew with each passing day. Moreso, when you reject every offer of financial support or connection. Her support means control. Ownership. You won't have it.

The conversation drifts to other topics—Dad, mostly. He's still putting around after her, content in his retirement. They'll spend New Year's at the White House, of course. You're pushing through the door to your place when she drops the bomb.

"John'll be there, too."

This time, you drop your keys.

~~

There is no excuse you can make to back out now. You wait on the top step of the Price's home. It's smaller than you remember. You hear people inside, music, and laughter. You hesitate. Given what you told your mother, they probably expected you far earlier than nine, but you barely mustered the courage to leave your room. You practically blacked out on the tube, leaving the station in a daze with your cheap bubbles. Taking a deep breath, you reach for the door. No time for stage fright.

The foyer is a time capsule, aside from the dozens of coats hanging on hooks and a coat rack. Framed photos of the Prices throughout the years line the short corridor leading further into the home. John's center stage for most of them. You hang your coat and slowly edge down memory lane, pausing when you see your own face looking back at you. Aged fifteen, the first day of school. You and John in different uniforms, sulking for different reasons. It was the last time you were the same height.

There are a lot of photographs of you in the hallway gallery. Ones you didn't know existed. You get stuck on a still of you and John from behind. It's from the London Zoo, from some ridiculous event your mother's work mandated you attend. The photo is simple, accidentally composed almost professionally. You and John lean against the rail overlooking the lion exhibit. You excitedly point at the pair lazing about in the shade, and John…John's focus is on you.

The sound of your name rips you away from the moment, and Mrs. Price beckons from the doorway to the living area.

The reunion between yourself and Prices is sweeter than you thought it would be. It's odd to see them older. As jarring as it is when you see your own parents, as sparingly as those visits are. Wrinkles, spots, graying hairs…But unlike your parents, none of the familiar warmth is missing from the Prices. They fuss, complimenting your secondhand dress and gushing over the bottom shelf champagne. They awkwardly introduce you to the closest guests, some claiming to have met you as a teenager. But you feel Mrs. Price's hand on your back, gently ushering and ushering, until you arrive at the threshold of the kitchen.

He's taller, tanner, and a hell of a lot broader than you remember him.

"John? Look who's here!"

You step into the kitchen with a gentle nudge from Mrs. Price, and the figure from many memories and more than a handful of confusing and mortifying dreams turns to face you.

Your name slips from his mouth in an arrogant purr, and the little tug of his lip into a smirk instantly pokes at your patience. He's literally only said your name, and already he's resurrected the same shade of vexation you felt ten years ago.

You're going to need something stronger than champagne.

[mistydeyes]

a collection of random late night thoughts from a high reader

┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊

summary: After another successful mission in Amsterdam, you enjoy the trip a little too much and won’t stop texting your team.

pairing: 141, laswell, konig x platonic!reader

warnings: swearing, implied drug use

a/n: haha enjoy this light hearted shit post

┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊

As you said goodnight to Price and Gaz following a beautifully executed mission in Amsterdam, you pulled out a small baggie of goodies you had gotten that day. You perched the window open and lit your joint as you admired the quiet ambiance of the safe house. Amsterdam sure has the good shit as you finished and grabbed your phone, ready to spew all of your high thoughts.

r/n: Lt. why did you think it was a good idea to get an angsty teen's drawing on your arm?

ghost: captain, i thought you said you didn't let them get anything while in amsterdam

r/n: shhh don't tell dad i bought drugs

price: just let them live, Lieutenant, at least you're not in the same house as them

r/n: who do you think would be taller? gaz on ghost‘s or soap on konig’s shoulders?

ghost: no one respond, don’t patronize them

konig: logistically, it’s me and soap (*disliked by ghost and gaz*)

r/n: ever since i joined, SAS stands for Sexy Ass Soldiers

price: keep this up and i’ll have you transferred

r/n: only if you want it to go back to Special Air Service

r/n: i assigned you all spirit animals: ghost - black cat, soap - one of those mice they give meth too to see what happens, price - cougar

gaz: what about me?

r/n: a gazelle, idiot, it’s in your name

price: this is how you spend your time in amsterdam?

r/n: when graves betrayed you, you should’ve said “we’re in grave danger”

soap: we should’ve left you in las almas (*emphasized by ghost*)

r/n: okay new field strategy! what if we all put lube on ourselves, then we could never be captured because we would just ~slip away~

ghost: what the actual fuck

r/n: soap just looks like he would comically snore like in cartoons

r/n: this motherfucker lets out a snore followed by mimimimi💤😴

soap: why would you hurt me like that

r/n:

r/n: shepherd is the bootleg version of mr. clean

gaz:…you’re not wrong

r/n: and graves was the walmart version of glen powell

ghost: okay you have a point

r/n: captain what was it like when you got your first tv in color?

price: how old do you think i am?

r/n: i post myself up for adoption, laswell plz adopt me

laswell: please go to sleep, sergent

r/n: only if you and your wife tuck me in <3

r/n: okay poll time! who do you think could kill someone with their thighs?

price, gaz, konig, laswell, and ghost have left the chat

soap: personally, i think it's Lt.

r/n: nah my money is on laswell

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

for the harsher skellis! what's their first moment of true vulnerability in front of their s/o like? who pushes them away and who can embrace it?

Underfell Sans - The first time you witnessed some monsters mocking his LV and threatening to make him shut up for good if he keeps playing the big boy, and Red actually deciding to shut up as they have really high LV and he's scared they might actually kill him and his S/O. S/O tries to reach to him after this, but Red simply shakes it off like it's nothing. He doesn't want to talk about it.

Underfell Papyrus - Well clearly the first time he disappeared for three days and came back with several big injuries as he got kidnapped by his rivals. He's going to snap at you first when you ask what happened, but there's a high chance he just breaks down if you keep pushing. He's so tired of all of this.

Horrortale Sans - You finding out about his past Underground, maybe because someone told you. When you ask him if it's true he ate humans, he simply shuts down, not wanting to look at you anymore. He's pretty sure you'll dump him and give up on him so why even try. He struggles a lot with talking about what happened.

Horrortale Papyrus - Same as his brother, the first time you discovered the truth and realized sweet gentle Willow did pretty horrible things in the past. Willow breaks down immediately, begging you to let him explain. He doesn't want to lose you, but he can't... He can't hide the truth anymore. He needs you to listen to him before taking any decision.

Horrorswap Sans - Probably him breaking down as he's watching himself in the mirror. If you surprise him, he will get defensive really fast and push you away. It's none of your business.

Horrorswap Papyrus - Well, one of the first big panic attacks probably, where poor Pumpkin can attack anyone by fear, even you or his brother. Once the attack passes though, there's a high chance he just clings to you and refuses to let go. He needs comfort :(

Horrorfell Sans - Calling him out for hiding food in his room or in random places. He can get really aggressive if you point it out because yeah, he still has deep troubles with food and he refuses to see someone to help him. He'll apologize, but later. He doesn't like it though.

Horrorfell Papyrus - The first time you caught him being so mad at people jogging in the park and trying to hide it because his stupid legs are paralyzed. If you talk, he's going to explode, but just putting a hand on his shoulder and saying nothing will soothe him enough to calm down.

Swapfell Sans - Well, clearly the first time you witness him doing something horrible for the Queen like executing a prisoner and struggling with all he has to keep a neutral face and not breaking down. Or Toriel straight up insulting him for nothing just because she's in a bad mood. Or Toriel calling him at 3 a.m. so he brings her something not caring about the fact he has a life too. If you talk to him about how Toriel is abusing him, you'll see the Captain's mask cracks up and there's a high chance poor Nox just breaks down completely in your arms. He's so tired. He wants it to stop. He hates his job so much, that it's harder and harder for him to shut up about this. He needs help so desperately.

Swapfell Papyrus - You asking if it's him who drank the beer in the fridge. You didn't expect him to suddenly get mad at you for no apparent reason and scream that his addictions are gone and that it's none of your business. You're quite speechless. When he realizes your question was genuine, he gets mad at himself because it's not your fault, you wouldn't know about this. And now he said too much so maybe it's time he tells you about how bad his addictions were Underground. He doesn't want to hide it anymore.

Fellswap Gold Sans - It's really rare to see him express anything really. And if you catch the glimpse of an emotion, he immediately stiffens and gets defensive about this. There's no first time of him being vulnerable because he's not staying in that state more than two seconds, really. He only breaks down when no one is home.

Fellswap Gold Papyrus - The first time you witness him being bullied in the street by some monsters for being the General's brother, and Coffee simply accepting it. When you ask if he's ok, he hugs you tight and refuses to answer. He doesn't want to talk about that. The less you know, the better you're protected.

Mafiatale Sans - You didn't think the brothers were close until Creeper got shot and you had to take care of a very freaked out Demon. Poor guy is completely lost without his brother and he clings to his S/O for comfort because he's so so scared.

Mafiatale Papyrus - He usually kills people without blinking, but that one time a contract asked to kill a child and you saw Creeper hesitated, and then refused to do it. He refuses to talk about it with you. He can't do it, that's all. Deal with it.

Mafiafell Sans - The first time he returns home completely drunk and breaks down in your arms, saying how much he hates his job and that he hopes he'll die soon to not have to deal more with it. When he's clear again and you try to talk about this, he hesitates, then starts to explain to you how bad he feels about the mafia, or at least he tells you about the mafia if he didn't do it already. He can't hide it anymore, even though it makes the both of you targets.

Mafiafell Papyrus - The first time he fell a mission and you saw how much he's scared of Asgore. Torpedo has huge pressure on his shoulders as the adopted heir of the Mafia's leader, and any failure is severely punished. When you try to talk to him, he screams that he doesn't want Asgore to kill you for failing and to let him take care of this. That's the first time you realize being close to him might be more dangerous than you thought.

Error Sans - Probably asking him why he didn't erase your world if he hates all the AUs, and washing him crash and crash again as he suddenly has to face his feelings. He teleports out of here and goes to hide in the Antivoid to flee this talk.

Dustale Sans - The first time you found him staring at his scarf in silence. When you ask him what's wrong, he stares at you and leaves. He needs to be alone for a few moments.

Killer Sans - When you tell him that for someone who's not supposed to feel anything, he looks quite happy today. He immediately shuts down and gets defensive. Shut up, he's not Sans anymore. You don't know what you're talking about.

Disbelief Papyrus - The first time he woke up from a nightmare screaming his brother's name. He breaks down in your arms and hugs you tight, and he will talk about Sans all night long with you.

[cake-apostate]

You know what would be fun? If having a Persona leaked into the rest of your life. Well, maybe not for the users, but it would be fun for us.

In Persona 2, Reiji Kido and Kenta Yokouchi are both door-to-door salesmen who work for the same company, but Kenta is successful where Reiji is not. Kenta’s Persona Mara induces greed in customers, while Reiji’s Persona Mot induces fear.

Imagine if we saw that elsewhere. Like, what if having a Persona made you fluent in the language they’d know? (And you didn’t lose it if you got an Ultimate Persona?)

Since all the starting Personas in Persona 3 are Greek, SEES uses Ancient Greek to pass messages during the day. Sometimes at the dorm, they wind up chatting and don’t realize that they switched to Greek; this happens a few times when Ryoji is over.

Ryuji realizes that English class is suddenly a lot easier with Captain Kidd. He understands everything the teacher says! Except his teacher has no idea how to grade his essays, which appear to have been written on Talk Like A Pirate Day.

Not just language things, too. There’s some inconvenient stuff as well.

One fine spring day, Sae asks Makoto why she hasn’t cooked meat in weeks, and Makoto can’t answer. It’s only after she checks the calendar that she realizes that it’s Lent, when meat is traditionally forbidden.

It turns out that Makoto’s been subconsciously following rules laid down by the Church, because of Johanna. She doesn’t get the rules that interfere with her own set of morals, such as anything involving the subjugation of women, nor ones that are unavoidable, such as not wearing mixed fabrics, but she does wind up following the rest. When she goes grocery shopping, she doesn’t think, “I will not cook meat,” she thinks, “fish would be good for dinner.”

Yusuke can’t stand hot baths anymore, because Goemon was executed by being boiled alive. Luckily, he’s not bothered by cold anymore.

Tatsuya and Katsuya wake up at dawn every morning because of Apollo and Helios, which is good for early shifts, but they also tend to start fading after sunset. Maya, on the other hand, now has a seemingly erratic sleep schedule because the moon rises and sets at different times.

Baofu is always late because like Odysseus, something always stalls him. 

Some of the Phantom Thieves, and also Jun and Junpei, keep finding their hands in other peoples’ pockets because their Personas were pickpockets. Or they don’t notice at all and find stuff in their bags that they don’t remember buying. Yusuke finds that he keeps giving money to beggars, but it’s always money that he doesn’t remember stealing, since Goemon gave back to the poor.

But there’s fun stuff, too.

Futaba now knows dark magic. She almost makes a prototype Demon Summoning Program, but gets bored halfway through and stops. It is implied that this was divine intervention; the Nahobino is seem outside her window, sighing in relief.

Junpei starts brewing potions as energy drinks and sleep aids, since Hermes Trismegistus is an alchemist.

Jun subconsciously bends time around himself, so he’s never late, never has to wait long, and he always gets his homework and paperwork done much faster. However, he knows that his bosses usually measure work done by time spent, so he’s figured out how to work around that.

One day, the modeling company asks Ann to show off her special talent, and since ‘whip techniques’ gets vetoed, she blurts out that she sings. The manager expects some cute pop music, and is startled when she starts bellowing Italian opera.

[cozage]

The Daughter's Return Part 3

Chapter 16: Let's Talk Strategy

Start From Beginning | Next Chapter | Table of Contents | Read on AO3

Characters: female reader x Portgas D. Ace Word Count: 1.6k

“Do I have to keep these on?” You shook your shackles in front of Marco’s face as you laid on the examination table. 

“Considering you knocked out the last person in charge of you with nothing but your fist and your sea prism bracelet? Yes. You do.”

You groaned in despair, dramatically flopping your arms back down onto the table. “What if my lack of energy harms the baby?”

“That’s why you have checkups every day,” Marco said. “Now lay still.”

You groaned again, but did as you were told. Perhaps if you did everything without complaining too much, they might take your shackles off before you got to Marineford. And then they wouldn’t be able to stop your decisions. 

Marco placed his stethoscope on your stomach, and you sucked in a deep breath at the contact of the cold metal against you. Being affected by temperature was something you weren’t sure you’d ever get used to. But you didn’t complain. 

A smile widened across his lips after a moment, and he looked at you with excitement. “Do you want to hear it?”

You frowned, unsure of what he meant. “Hear what?”

“The heartbeat.”

“Oh.” You weren’t sure how to answer that. In your mind, this baby only existed when you and Ace were together. He wasn’t here to witness it, and it felt cruel doing this without him. 

“Listen,” Marco advised, holding the stethoscope up to you.

You took it from him hesitantly, but you listened. A soft whooshing filled your ears, strong and steady. 

“It’s fast,” you whispered. “Is it okay? Did I do-“

“It’s normal,” Marco reassured you. “Their heartbeats are faster while they’re developing. But everything looks and sounds completely normal.”

“A healthy baby,” you said, placing your hand protectively over your stomach. 

“A healthy baby,” Marco confirmed, a smile on his face. 

The two of you walked to the commanders and strategists meeting. You sat alone at the division two seats, trying not to think about how there were two empty commander seats now. 

Everyone eyed your sea prism shackles, but nobody said anything about them. You were thankful for that, even if it did leave an awkwardness hanging in the air. 

“Has every subordinate captain been notified?” Your father asked, looking around the table. 

“We all told everyone the same thing. Meet outside of Marineford and we’ll storm in together.”

“Good,” your father said. “Then we can all ride in together.”

“That won’t work,” you said. “They’ll see us coming a mile away.”

“There’s nothing else we can do,” Elmy said. “We just have to hope the wind is in our favor.”

“No,” you said, your mind racing to think of another solution. “Aokiji will freeze the sea before we even make it there. And Akainu will burn down our flags. Instead of saving him, we’ll have a front row seat to his execution. We can’t-“

You couldn’t keep talking in fear of your voice giving your emotion away. 

“We can do the bubble trick,” you said, changing the subject. “How we get down to Fishman Island, but head for Marineford instead.”

“That won’t work,” Elmy shot back. “We don’t know anyone skilled enough to do all of our boats in a week's time.”

Your eyes shot to your father. “I know someone,” you said. “He can do it. Please. Let me ask him.”

His eyes flashed pure anger. “I thought I told you-“

“I’ll take Marco!” You cried. “Please. We’re close to Sabaody. Me and Ace talked to him the last time we went through. He’s a genius. Please, dad-“

“No,” he hissed, glaring at you. If you hadn’t been in your current state, you probably would’ve gotten another dose of his haki treatment. 

You stayed quiet for the rest of the meeting. There was no point in strategizing what would happen after you arrived in Marineford.  If you rode into battle in the way they were proposing, everyone would die before their feet touched land. 

There had to be another way. A way to convince your father to let you go. But you would worry about that later. 

You swore you could still hear the soft, fast heartbeat of your child, fighting and growing with every passing hour. The baby was so tiny, and yet you were halfway through your pregnancy. How on earth could something that small grow to be the size of a baby in four and a half months? It simply didn’t seem possible. 

And yet, it was happening. A new person was growing inside of you. You had to believe it contained only the best parts of you and Ace. Hopefully more of Ace’s traits than yours. His kindness, his love, his willingness to sacrifice…

“Y/N,” Marco prompted, tapping your shoulder lightly. “Let’s go get dinner. You need to eat.”

You were so lost in thought, you hadn’t noticed that the meeting had ended.

You were about to argue and say that you weren’t hungry, but you decided not to. You rose without a word and followed him to the mess hall, painfully aware of your father’s eyes on your back. 

“Did that baby take all the spunk out of you?” Marco mumbled the question in your ear so nobody else could hear as you walked into the mess hall. 

“I’m thinking.” You waved him away from your ear and picked up a tray. 

“You should probably double up on fruits and vegetables,” Marco said. “And cut out the fish.”

You did as you were told. Your father had told you not to argue, so you wouldn’t argue. Maybe if you listened, then so would he.

You sat down across from Marco at an empty table, your mind still running through possibilities. 

“Hello?? Earth to Y/N?” Marco was waving his hand in front of your face, snapping you back to the present. 

“Oh.” You blinked a few times and realized your tray was still full. He must’ve thought you were trying to get out of eating. “Sorry.”

You shoveled some food into your mouth to appease Marco. You knew it was the same ingredients and recipes as always, but it tasted off. Thatch hadn’t had part in the process, and you could taste that, somehow. 

“You need to snap out of it,” Marco scolded. “We’re only going to be able to do this if you are at your very best. We can’t lose our best strategist now, okay?”

“There’s no strategy that can get us past the Vice Admirals,” you said, eating another bite of tasteless food. “Not if we’re sailing in that obvious.”

“How well do you know this coating mechanic?” Marco asked, biting his lip. 

You shrugged, trying to think of a cross between truth and lie. “I know his name and I know his work ability.”

“You’re sure he can do it?” Marco asked.

You nodded. “If I ask nicely enough.”

Marco sighed, shaking his head. “Let me see what I can do. Go get ready for bed. Any funny business and-”

“I know,” you said, finishing up your plate and standing to take your leave. You could feel your voice trembling as you spoke. “Trust me Marco, I know.”

You walked to your room and stood in front of the door, too afraid to go in. You didn’t want to know what it was like in that room without Ace. 

“Is it locked?” Izou’s voice startled you, and you wiped your eyes before you turned to face him.

“No,” you whispered, and then cleared your voice before speaking again. “No, it’s not.”

“Ah,” Izou said, his eyes darting back to the door. “Is there something you would like me to grab?”

“What happened to Jinx?” you asked, ignoring his question. 

“The cat?” Izou raised an eyebrow and then chuckled. “A day after you and Ace left, Marco heard some ungodly cries coming from the room, and we all kind of collectively remembered that you all had a cat. Marco’s been watching her since you guys left. They get along quite well.”

Tears poured out of your eyes. You shouldn’t have been so relieved over a stupid cat, but at least Jinx was still okay. At least there was still something left of Ace here. 

“Do you need me to get anything for you?” Izou asked again, looking at you.

You shook your head. You couldn’t open that door. Not yet. Instead, you took off towards Marco’s room. He would have everything you needed to get by for now. 

When you opened the door, you saw a black mound on the bed, eyes staring at you threateningly.

“Hi Jinx,” you sobbed, kneeling down next to the bed. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” you cried. You felt so guilty for returning alone. 

Jinx rose from her place on the bed and approached you, and she rubbed her face against yours. It was so surprising that for a moment, you stopped crying out of shock. Jinx purred softly against you, and you couldn’t help but feel like maybe-maybe-everything would be okay. 

“Alright,” Marco said, entering the room. “We have a private meeting with Pops tomorrow morning. I think-hey,” Marco realized you were on the ground, and he bent down next to you. “Are you okay?”

You started crying again at his question. There was no way to answer it. 

“I’m so scared,” you sobbed softly, trying not to scare Jinx away.

“Me too, kid,” he whispered. He wrapped his arms around you and held you tightly, and you could tell he was telling the truth. You could feel Marco’s fear in his grip around you. You weren’t sure if that was relieving or terrifying. 

The three of you fell asleep in a strange pile, entangled together with hope and despair.

--

Tag list! @taeyoge @teiza @tojislawyer @trafalgardnami @bloopbopsblog @dancingnewcat @dxestyi @flooofity @nyxthedragon01 @deadsnothere @h-rhodes1598  @morgyyyyyyy @trafalgardvivi  @fiestynatureweeb @frogpogjoghurt @beepboopcowboy @ms-portgas @luvyallbabes @appalost @zuchkaa @saybeyonce @stray-npc @kitsunechan707 @theyluvmesblog @heartysworld @aira-needs-sleep  @mothmomjay @ophelias-flowerss @aqualein @sehyojae @fanficwriter5 @forgotten-blues @amberash05 @firefistnoct @depressed-but-make-it-cute @stuckinthewrongworld

[euphreana]

The Shape of Truth - Chapter 3: The Pink Phantom

Masterpost

-

Ambrosius was convinced he was seeing things. The stress of the day was getting to him. The punk teen who’d randomly appeared in his room continued to hold her hand out expectantly.

“I don't care.” He said in response to the greeting, “Just leave me alone.” He moved past the pink figure and flopped back onto his bed, eyes closed.

“Leave you alone? You look like you need all the help you can get!”

Ambrosius cracked his eyes open. The hallucination that had called itself ‘Nimona’ had her face inches away from his, upside down. She grinned.

“And luckily for you, I happen to be the perfect one for the job!”

Ambrosius narrowed his eyes. “What job?”

“Your new sidekick!”

Ambrosius groaned and rubbed his eyes. Was his brain trying to create an imaginary friend to fill the void Bal had left behind? When Ambrosius opened his eyes again, the teen had disappeared. Good. Then the same voice cut in again from atop a shelving unit.

“Don’t bother to fill me in, I saw everything.”

“What?” Ambrosius sat up, seeing Nimona now lounging on the shelves.

“It was a beautiful scheme!” She said.

Ambrosius blinked, and Nimona was suddenly spinning on the easy chair across the room.

“Assassination of a monarch, the kingdom thrown into complete and utter chaos, it would have been perfect, if only he’d made his daring escape! But don’t worry! This is just half-time - you can still finish what he started!”

“Finish w—” Ambrosius began, but suddenly found a sheaf of papers whirled into his hands. “What’s this?”

“My resume!”

Ambrosius glanced at the papers. There was no text; just crayon drawings of all manner of animals rampaging through piles of royal guards.

“… This is—”

“Awesome, isn’t it? I thought a visual aid would really make it POP!”

Ambrosius looked up from the papers to see Nimona sitting on the dresser.

“Sooo… what’s the plan, boss?”

Ambrosius stared at her for a long moment.

“What are you supposed to be exactly? Some repressed memory?”

The teen huffed and hopped off the dresser. “I told you - I’m Nimona.”

“Okay… Nimona. I’m tired and don’t want to deal with this right now.”

“Oh, oh sure, I get it. Still getting over your buddy’s death. Got it. Just let me know when you’re ready to move on to the next stage of the plan.”

Ambrosius shoved the papers back into her hands.

“There is no plan. Bal is…” He locked his jaw, willing the tears to go away.

“That’s not going to stop you though, right? The man must be avenged!”

Ambrosius was about to respond when he heard a knock at the door. He hoped the noise was real this time.

He opened the door. It was Captain Ironwill; a burly man with black hair.

“Captain.” Ambrosius greeted him.

“Goldenloin.” Ironwill nodded. “I heard about what happened at the execution. They’re giving you tomorrow off.”

Ambrosius lowered his gaze. “Thanks.”

“I tried to get you full bereavement leave, but you weren’t legally related.” Ironwill’s voice dropped slightly. “I’m sorry. I know you were close. At least he didn’t drag you into it.”

Ambrosius nodded.

Ironwill continued, “Nice choice of color.”

Ambrosius looked up. Ironwill was looking past him, into the room. Ambrosius turned around. There was a pink cat sitting on the bed wearing a vest labeled ‘Emotional Support’. Ambrosius stared at it mutely.

Ironwill acknowledged Ambrosius again and left. Ambrosius stood in the doorway, still staring at the cat.

The cat spoke up, “What? Not a cat person?”

Ambrosius sputtered, then turned to the open door behind him. The hallway outside was empty.

“Good Gloreth I’m going crazy…” he muttered, shutting the door.

“Come again?” Ambrosius turned back to see Nimona sitting cross-legged where the cat had been. Definitely a hallucination, and one he was tired of.

“How do I make you go away?”

Nimona shrugged and got up, bouncing on the bed a few times. “Same time tomorrow?”

“No.”

“Morning?”

Ambroisus rubbed his eyes. Anything to make her leave.

“Fine. Just go.”

“Got it, boss!”

When he opened his eyes again, there was a pink bird perched on the windowsill.

“Tomorrow!” the bird said, then took off, leaving him alone in his room. Finally.

“Gloreth please don’t let this happen again.” Ambrosius said to himself, falling back onto his bed. He didn’t want to end up in the psych ward.

~ ~ ~

The front office was surprised to see Ambrosius when he went in early the next morning.

“Didn’t someone tell you to take the day off?” the receptionist said.

Ambrosius remembered the stress hallucination from the day before. Or had it been a vision of the future?

“Oh… Yeah, I forgot.” he stammered.

Ambrosius left the building, wondering what it was that had happened yesterday.

“THERE you are!” a familiar voice broke into his thoughts. It was that Nimona hallucination, except this time she’d taken the form of a large, pink dog, again wearing the emotional support vest.

Ambrosius groaned.

“You again…”

“Me again! I thought the longer legs would make it easier to keep up.” The dog waved a paw. “So what’s the plan for today? Or should we… discuss things somewhere private?”

Ambrosius wondered if ignoring Nimona would make her go away. He didn’t want to be seen talking to an imaginary friend, although there wasn’t really anyone to see - it was early enough that hardly anyone was out on the campus.

“Whatever.” he mumbled and started the walk to a nearby tea shop.

“What better place to hide than in the open. I like that.” Dog-Nimona winked and followed alongside, “I thought up some ideas for revenge - it looks like the director was the one who ordered the execution, so I was thinking we-”

“I’m not taking revenge. For all I know… Bal was guilty.”

“No duh! I saw him fire the… wait, are you saying that wasn’t part of the plan?”

“What? No! Why would I- I wasn’t- I don’t even know if-”

“Oh….” The dog suddenly looked disappointed. It was a look Ambrosius had always dreaded seeing. Was even his subconscious disappointed with him?

The dog spoke up again.

“So you’re not a villain?”

“No!”

“But he was, right?”

“I don’t—”

“Well someone is. So why don’t we find out who?” Nimona hurried in front of Ambrosius, now walking backwards so she could see his face. “We dig - we find out if your buddy was behind the plot, and if he wasn’t, we find out who was. And we take revenge!”

“Revenge?”

“So what leads do you have? Assuming you’ve already been looking into this. Searched his belongings for clues?”

“Everything got confiscated or thrown out.”

“Huh. Anything else of his?”

“I don’t know… they have his sword in the archives.”

“Then off to the archives we go!” Nimona began to trot on ahead.

It didn’t sound like a bad idea, but Ambrosius wondered why his subconscious would be so focused on revenge. He’d been taught the pitfalls of seeking revenge since he was young - the right thing to do was forgive and move on. But… he did want to know if his dead boyfriend had been a murderer or not. He needed to know if what they’d had had been real. What if the Institute had missed something in their assessment of the situation and there was someone else involved? The authorities didn’t know Bal like he did, and stuff wasn’t adding up…

The imaginary dog had charged ahead, but now it was looking back at him with pleading puppy eyes, wagging its tail.

“Aren't you coming?”

Well, since this was basically his own advice, he might as well follow it.

Chapter 4

[brittscafe]

Love in the Dark Chapter 2

Kisuke Urahara x reader, mini fanfic series.

Chapter 2: When the past catches up.

110 years later...

You've been residing in the World of the Living since the incident many years ago. The streets of Karakura Town are mostly silent, the occasional hollows appear and you take care of them.

You weren't sure what happened to Kisuke Urahara. Aizen might've been telling the truth or Kisuke could still be in the Soul Society for all you know. You were almost praying that he was still in the Soul Society, being a leader and happy.

As long as Kisuke is happy and doing what he loves, you'll be satisfied either way. As long as he's not alone then he'll be okay. You miss him everyday...wishing you could be with him.

You wish you could be with Kisuke without bringing danger or attention to him. Aizen Sosuke has eyes everywhere and you won't risk it.

You were still a Soul Reaper, but you've been keeping your identity a secret. Wearing a black cloak and having your sword tuck in your side.

Then there's Kisuke Urahara. Also, residing in Karakura Town running a tiny shop on the edge of town. He thought about you every single day, wondering what had happened.

He never thought that you would leave him, you expressed your love for him so often and never showed any signs of leaving. When Kisuke woke up the next morning to find you gone, he was devastated.

Almost as devastated as he was when he was banished from the Soul Society for hollow experiments, that he never participated in. It was a stab in the heart, losing you and then his entire life.

Kisuke mourns you everyday as if you're dead. He assumes that you are, just to ease his pain. He spiraled for a bit before Yoruichi joined him, leaving the Soul Society behind and he decided to open up his shop.

The waves of spiritual pressure ripple through your body. It makes you freeze for a moment, feeling spiritual pressure so familiar, it shakes you to your core.

It's Byakuya Kuchiki... and Renji Abarai. You would never forgot the feeling of the noble's spiritual pressure.

Your feet carry you to the spiritual pressure where you see Byakuya Kuchiki, Renji Abarai, and Rukia Kuchiki. Your eyes flicker down to Ichigo Kurosaki laying face down on the ground, injured and near death.

You have heard of Ichigo Kurosaki, who accidentally took Rukia's spiritual energy.

"Y/n...it's been a long time," Byakuya speaks up. Something's different. This isn't the same person Byakuya knew before.

"I'm surprised you recognized me. Some would say too long, but I'd prefer to never see you again," you speak firmly, the wind blowing back your hood.

"I would have to agree with you. I'd prefer we didn't have to meet on such vulgar terms," Byakuya sighs out with annoyance.

"I assume that you're trying to take Rukia back with you because she broke the rules and now she has to be executed, hm?" you ask, your eyes raking over Rukia's fragile frame.

"I'm going back on my terms," Rukia speaks up with confidence and you chuckle with disbelief.

"Rukia, I didn't think you were that stupid. I mean, your friend is lying here on the ground, on the brink of death and you chose to go back to your noble brother. I can't say I'm that surprised," you shrug your shoulders, taking a step and standing in front of Ichigo.

Your hand shoots to the handle of your sword attached to your side and your fingers wrap around the hilt. Renji glances down at your side, almost hidden by your cloak.

"I can take her, captain," Renji speaks up, stepping forward with a cocky grin on his face and his sword slung over his shoulder. You cock an eyebrow at the young soul reaper and scoff quietly.

"You'll never win, but you may try," you suggest, a smirk forming along your face. You pull away your sword and it glistens in the moonlight.

"Renji, don't be a fool," Byakuya speaks harshly with annoyance.

Byakuya knows that you're much older and stronger than Renji, you could easily wipe him out.

"I've heard the tales about you, y/n. How you were banished from the soul society," Renji speaks up and your stomach twists into uneasy knots.

You glare at him and step forward, your nostrils flaring.

"I'm gonna be the one. I'm gonna be the one to take you down," Renji growls out, a smirk forming along his face.

You laugh at his remark and throw back your head.

"I'm afraid you and your sword will never be up to the task, Renji. It's been a long, long time since I've felt something like this. Now, let's begin...Hadō number 63. Raikōhō."

Renji's eyes widen as you lift up your hand, your palm facing him as the yellow lightning strike forms in your hand.

"Renji!" Byakuya calls out with concern as you release the lightning rapidly and it strikes Renji in the chest. He grunts heavily as pain ripples through his body and it sends him onto his feet.

The portal starts to open up behind Byakuya and Rukia. You narrow your eyes and Renji pants heavily, scrambling up onto his feet.

"Silly little boy likes to play with swords," you comment, a wryly smirk tugging along your lips. Renji glares over at you and scoffs quietly.

"It seems like your past might be catching up to you, y/n," Byakuya speaks calmly, stepping into portal along with Renji and Renji. You let out a heavy breathe as the portal starts to close.

You turn around and kneel down beside Ichigo. The rain starts to pat down on your skin and you grimace.

"Ichigo..." you call out, placing your hand on his shoulder.

"Who are you?" he groans out, his voice muffled. The rain drops pelt down onto your face and you lift your head up.

A gasp is caught in your throat as your eyes land on him. His kimono swaying back and forth in the strong wind. A green and white stripped bucket hat over his head, his silky blonde locks poking out.

Your heart pounds in your eardrums and your body freezes.

It can't be...Kisuke Urahara.

It's been literally months since I posted chapter 1, lol. Anyways, y/n is pretty badass in this :)

[stinkysam]

Monkey D. Luffy - Maybe the paradise was the friends we made along the way.

Warning : slight marineford spoilers

Genre : fluff

Synopsis : "let's say reader's dream is to find "paradise" and he's so so close to get it but that means leaving luffy and the crew behind so he has to say the goodbye (with some tears ofc) then the crew leaves but days even months later they're under danger and unexpectedly reader arrives to help them, when they all see him back it's bc he realized that the crew and luffy were his home and paradise (ofc he confesses to luffy in that moment lol)" - @vainillacookie

Reader : gender neutral (you/yours)

A/N : since it's canon everything that happened before the timeskip happened in a few months, readers comes back before the timeskip, so during the marineford arc

"Are you sure ?" Asked Nami.

"Mh. I have to."

"We're going to miss you." Said Usopp.

"We better hear about you." Added Zoro.

"For once, I agree." Sanji said, lighting a cigarette.

You chuckled at their words and hugged them too, your hand patting their backs. You were going to miss them.

"You will. And I'll be back before you get to miss me. I'm close, I can feel it."

They smiled back at you, supporting your need to go a separate way for your dream.

"If you need us…" Nami began.

"Yeah, call us and the great captain Usopp will come to you !"

"Thank you, guys…" You smiled as you gave them a wave, before turning and walking away, leaving the kitchen.

Only one person remained.

Luffy.

He didn't understand why you had to go alone to find that damned "paradise".

You could find it together in the Grand Line ! But you had apparently already made up your mind.

"[Name], I'm sure we'll find it on the way ! Just like the All Blue for Sanji !"

"It isn't said it's in the Grand Line, Luffy."

"And ?"

"It means I have to roam all the seas to find it, but you, it's said it's in the Grand Line so you only have there to go !"

Luffy crosses his arms and frowns, clearly disagreeing but unable to come up with something.

"I still don't think it's a good idea."

"I'll come back when I find it."

"..." He stared at you, unsure. "You promise ?" His voice is softer, interest piqued.

"Yes. I promise, Luffy."

"Because if you don't, we'll come for you." He announced, still frowning.

"I know. I hope so."

He hummed, groaning, not wanting to let you go. You smiled sadly at him, ready to say your goodbyes and he quickly wrapped his arms around you to hug you.

"You better come back." He said quietly, a small smile on his face. "You'll always be a part of our crew."

You nodded, hugging him back, holding him as close as you could before parting. You tried your best not to cry, not really wanting to leave just yet. But you had to.

"Find it. Find that paradise."

"On it, Captain." You smiled in return, kissing his cheek on a whim before leaving the Merry, planning to stay in Logue Town for a few more days to continue your research.

Days had passed and your search continued. You had found a small boat and left Logue Town. You visited islands after islands to find your paradise and quickly days turned into weeks as you roamed the other seas. You couldn't stop thinking about your friends and Luffy, often seeing their bounty show up in the newspaper, always growing. It seemed like he made new friends along the way. Chopper, Robin, Franky and Brook.

-

Months had passed and you were now on the Grand Line, looking for Luffy.

You hadn't given up on your dream, you still knew that Paradise existed but now you knew where.

Why did pirates have to speak in riddles all the time and hide everything ? Couldn't they just say things ?

Luckily for you, you knew where to find Luffy. You've heard his brother was going to be executed and there was no way he wouldn't go there to try and save him. So you did the same, hoping you'd find him amongst all those marines and pirates.

You ran and ran, killing everyone that tried to stop you until you saw him, wearing a yellow shirt.

"Luffy !" You yelled running to him.

His eyes widened and a smile instantly appeared on his face. He kicked a few marines on the face as he ran to you, arms wide open, ready to welcome you in.

Within seconds you were reunited, lengths of arms wrapped around you, caging you against him as he laughed.

"What are you doing here ?! Did you find your paradise ? Are you coming back ?"

You laughed at his questions, he looked so happy to have found you.

"Yes, I found it now, it's by your side, Luffy."

He looked at you, slightly confused by your words.

"What ? I'm the paradise ?!" He smiled, laughing, not understanding.

"Yes, no. The crew is the paradise. You're my paradise, Luffy !" You cupped his cheeks and he grinned.

"So you're coming back ?"

"Yes !"

"Good ! Because I was growing impati-"

You cut him off by kissing him, unable to wait any longer, not caring if it was in the middle of a war with deadly enemies everywhere.

When you parted, Luffy giggled, smiling. Despite everything going on, Luffy was happy. He had you, and was going to save Ace.

[maggyme13]

Moving atop the Underworld (11/?)

Ellie just moved into a new flat. Introducing herself to her downstairs neighbor with a cake she did not realize what the future held for her and him. And what had an asshole coworker to do with it?

AN: welcome welcome to a new chapter :P

Don´t like-> Don´t Read, Minors DNI

Warning:

Wordcount: around 1.9k

Masterlist

Series-Masterlist

Part 10

“You wanted to speak with me Mr. Silver?”, Ellie announced her arrival with a knock, her voice weak even though she tried to be strong.

“Yes, Mrs. Syverson. Please take a seat. Would you like something to drink?”, the Mafia boss hummed with a smile, offering her a seat opposite his table.

“No, thank you, Sir. What can I do for you?”

“I wish to apologize. What happened to you should not have happened. No harm should have come to you under this roof. You are married to one of my best men and you work for me directly. Also, you have never given any reason for mistrust. Unfortunately, I cannot change what has happened, I can only ask for forgiveness and redemption. Seeing that Captain already avenged you, I wish to offer you a favor for each day you have been tortured. You can use these favors for anything, but leaving. I am sorry, but once in this life, one can only leave in the Reaper's arms. As long as the favor is within the realms of doable it will be granted.”

“I- thank you.”, she answered stunned, Mr. Silver sounded sincere and deeply sorry.

“It´s the last thing I can do. I have another job for you as soon as you feel ready to return.”

“What would that be, Sir?”

“An entire executive office floor for one of my firms. My office, the front room and lobby for the secretary, the meeting room, and a restroom interior.”

“Deadline?”

“Thanksgiving, if possible.”

“Wood?”

“Bog Oak, European Chestnut, and silver highlights.”

“Everything?”

“Yes. Table-legs will be metal with black mat finish.”

“Blueprints and floor plan?”

“Over there.”

“With these specifications, I´ll need to go to the wood trade.”

“Say a time and I will have a driver and assistant to go with you.”

“I will need at least two days for a quick planning to see how much material I´ll need.”

“Someone will get you to the Trade on Thursday. I´ll have my secretary make an appointment.”

“Thank you, Mr. Silver.”

“I have also ordered your workshop to be moved to the empty barn in the garden. It has a separate little office area and more room for working and the machines.”

“Oh, I´ll take a look then.”

“Go ahead. I´ll be waiting for your designs and ideas.”, he dismissed her with a short kind gesture.

“What did the Boss want?”, Sy asked the second she met him in his room. He sounded on edge and ready to rip him a new one if he had upset her enough to endanger any progress she had made the last couple of days.

“He… apologized for ...what happened, and gave me three favors that he owes me. I also got a new job. An executive floor. I´ll be going to the wood trade on Thursday. Oh, and did you know they moved my workshop? It´s now in the barn. I did not know there was a barn.”, Ellie explained, frowning at the last part, at the same time wondering just how big the property was.

“He did? The old barn is on the other side of the Property, right next to the shooting range and training grounds. So right next to my area.”

“Oh.”, she breathed, at least muscles won´t be far if needed.

Deciding to ignore the sound his wife had just made he took in every little twitch of her muscles.

“Do you know who will escort you to the Trade?”

“No. Mr. Silver only said someone would come with me. Why, is there someone who should no-”

”No. Escort missions are only done by me or my people, in certain instances, Alejandro and his second give a helping hand. So whoever goes with you, I trust. I am only asking ´cause there a some who mentioned they were interested in learning more about your work. So it would make sense to send one of those with you.”

“Okay.”, Ellie breathed again staring out of the window, eyes unfocused on the large garden, “Do you know if the office Mr. Silver mentioned is finished? I need to start a rough plan to see how much I need. I would rather avoid going there more than necessary.”

“It should be ready. We simply moved your old setup there. IT is already waiting for the parts of your new PC, once they are delivered you get a new setup. Give me a moment to change and I will show you the way.”

“Thank you.”, she whispered with a sincere smile, Ellie knew how much Sy was doing for her, but sometimes she wondered if he was neglecting his duties for her.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“Mrs. Syverson, I need to take this call. I will just be around the corner over there. Please wait for me before continuing.”, Xander (short for Alexander Alexandrovic how he had introduced him earlier, but everyone called him Xander to avoid confusing him and Syverson) stated, noticing the name on the screen of his smartwatch.

“Of course. I´ll be here and take a closer look at those slabs of European Chestnut.”, Ellie told her companion for that day.

The owner of the Trade had just excused himself a minute earlier to (presumably) scream at a poor worker in the other warehouse who had to unload a huge load of new lumber that was delivered wrong.

Mesmerized by the black and dark brown veins the heartwood had developed over the long ages the prior tree had grown, reminding her of some areas of marble, the woodworker did not notice the stranger's approach.

“Mrs Ellie Syverson?”, a low and slightly condescending female voice caught her attention.

“Yes? How can I help you?”, she continued, now looking at the newcomer who was clad in a casual dark suit-like uniform. Not something someone would wear working at a wood trade and knowing of the ´way of thinking´ by the owner, no female office worker would be allowed to dress this masculine.

“Detective Susan Stahl. You recently got married to Mr. Alexander Syverson. Am I right?”

“Yes?”, Ellie answered with an unsure expression. Why was she being questioned? Should she ask for a lawyer? But that would cause suspicions, right?

“How did you meet if you don´t mind me asking?”

“I moved into the apartment above his.”

“In that case you must have fallen head over heels for him, considering you lived there for what… six months tops before tying the knot?”, the detective's eyes bore into her, as they were trying to dissect her every thought.

“It felt right, for the two of us, so we decided we could not wait. None of us could take time off work, so we simply did the bureaucratic part of the wedding for now and will do the celebratory and honeymoon part next year. We are currently deciding on where to go.”

“Are you. Well, each their own, right? So what brings you here today?”

“Looking for some wood I need for an assignment.”

“For yourself or?”

“No, for a Customer of mine. And before you ask, Detective, I cannot tell you the names of them, they are prestigious and do not wish to be mentioned or talked openly about. I just started freelancing, so I cannot risk losing a possibly good customer.”

“I – have a nice day Mrs. Syverson, and well wished for that project of yours.”, Detective nodded and disappeared as fast as she had appeared. Much to Ellie´s confusion, she figured out her sudden departure when she saw Xander and the Owner returning.

“Apologies again, but good workers are hard to come by.”, the owner sneered.

“I will take these 10 slabs of European Chestnut as well as the 15 slabs of the Bog Oak you showed us earlier. I also take another 10 slabs of 65mm and 10 Slabs of 45mm oak with only small branches.”, she stated, “Please have your men gather my order. Someone will come by tomorrow and get it.”

“My pleasure. I just need some information for the invoice.”

“Here is the information you need. You may also call the number if you need anything else.”, Xander piped in then, handing over a business card, “Now please excuse us, we have more business to attend to.”

“Of course.”

“Mrs. Syverson.”, the man then motioned for her to follow and she happily obliged.

“I don´t like that man. Never have, never will.”, she shivered as soon as they were seated in the car, “Do you know if Mr. Silver is at the Villa today? I need to speak to him, as well as my Husband.”

“Because of that woman that showed up as soon as she thought you were alone?”

“Yes. Wait, you saw her? I thought you had left.”

“Would not be a good escort if I left my detail out of my sight. Captain´s orders are clear for situations like that. I also noticed her lingering around earlier. At no moment you were in any danger. I assure you.”

“I- would you mind if I make a quick call?”

“Of course not. Go ahead. Would you like to make another stop before returning to the Villa?”

“I´ll let you know after I spoke with Sy.”

“What´s wrong?”, her husband´s voice rumbled almost as soon as she had called him.

“I- A Detective Susan Stahl approached me, asking questions about -us.”, she admitted with a heavy heart and worry gnawing at her innards, the strong look Xander sent her through the mirror had her gulp.

“I´ll let Boss know. Have Xander drive you to other appointments to make sure you don´t look suspicious. Visit a hairdresser, get a massage, and something to eat. Take a least three hours.”, he continued with a heavy sigh, “I am sure you did your best in that situation, so do not worry too much.”

“O-okay, I will tell him.”

“I have to hang up now. Bye.”

“Bye, Sy.”

“New orders?”, Xander piped up from the driver's seat.

“Yes, Sy wants you to drive me around, to do my hair, get a massage, and something to eat, for at least three hours.”

“I know just the place for a good massage, what would you like to eat?”

“Just a coffee shop or small bakery is enough I think.”, any appetite she might have had was going through her nervousness.

“Do you have a hairdresser you frequent?”

“Not really.”

“Then I will drive you to the one that did your heart for the celebration. Unless you don´t want them?”

“No, they were rather nice when they did my hair back then.”, she mumbled.

.--..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“Smart thinking with the recording, but Boss is right: Next time give them the number of the attorney we just gave you. Why did you record it thought?”

“That man caused me a lot of trouble in the past. Delivered shitty wood and I got blamed. I record meetings with him ever since.”, Ellie explained.

“No matter the reason: I am proud of you.”

Part 12

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[the-obnoxious-sibling]

Shanks stayed behind for Buggy when he was sick, but if the roles were reversed, would Buggy do the same for Shanks and miss out on Laughtale? I'm 50/50 but my opinion means nothing because I'm not a One Piece fan (I just love Shanks and Buggy). I'd love to hear your thoughts. You're much more qualified to answer 😂

ooh.

my first thought is: no, he doesn’t stay behind, but he regrets it almost immediately.

justifications below the cut.

see, i’m mostly thinking about this in terms of the character traits that mirror best. shanks is optimistic and passive, his decision to stay put and wait for another opportunity makes perfect sense to me. it makes no sense to buggy, who is impulsively active and a pessimist, assuming the worst and doing things without thinking his actions through, usually with terrible consequences.

but how can going to laugh tale come with consequences?

well. what if buggy feels the same way as shanks—i don’t want to go there without him—but doesn’t realize it until it’s too late?

standing on the last island, watching the rest of the crew walk into the cave that’s supposed to hold this incredible treasure… buggy wants to see it! he wants to take it! but there’s a pit in his stomach that grows bigger and bigger the longer he stands there, alone.

this is wrong.

there’s supposed to be someone else here.

he’s made a terrible mistake.

i don’t think anyone notices that buggy didn’t come in with them until they’re packing it in, done with their laughter (and maybe carving a message for the future at the bottom of that last poneglyph). but rayleigh spots buggy at the entrance to the cave, hunched over in a shuddering, weeping ball, and he realizes what’s happened.

“you didn’t want to see it without shanks after all, huh?”

buggy startles, tries to pretend that he saw it, that he’s fine. he’s just—allergic to something in the air here, yeah! that’s why his eyes are watery!

rayleigh isn’t fooled, but he lets the excuse lie. he gives buggy a reassuring pat on the shoulder and leads him back to the ship. “i’m sure he’ll understand.”

and shanks probably would understand… if buggy ever told him.

because the second key part to this au is that i cannot see buggy ever admitting to this flagrant weakness. he was at the site of the greatest discovery in history! and he turned his back on it because he felt bad that shanks wasn’t there???

he can’t say that!

especially not when they return to that island where shanks has been waiting to find him recovered nicely, pretending that he wasn’t absolutely miserable on his own eager to tell buggy all about the fun little adventures he got up to while he was waiting for them to come back!

he can’t tell shanks the truth now, not when shanks clearly had no problem having a good time without him.

so buggy lies through his teeth, tells shanks that joyboy’s treasure was so cool and it’s too bad shanks was sick and missed it—but hey, they can always go there together someday! buggy already knows the way, so it’ll be easy! plus then buggy will be the only person who’s ever seen it twice, and won’t that be something!

shanks’ eyes are still a little red after whatever captain roger said to make him cry. he manages a small smile. sure, buggy. whatever you say.

and maybe buggy shouldn’t be surprised, the day roger is executed, when shanks tells buggy he doesn’t want to go to laugh tale. after all, shanks was never the kind of pirate who wanted treasure, was he? and what could it matter to buggy? he’s seen it already.

words dry up in buggy’s mouth.

later, the shame will curdle to rage—how dare shanks refuse to go! when buggy turned away from glory and riches for his sake?!—but in the moment all buggy can do is run away.

[deeptrashwitch]

A Haunting Past (pt.9)

Once again, Aly is @alypink gorgeous OC and the awsome WTF is @islandtarochips creation! Go and give some love to this amazing people!

Shout out to Taro for being my beta reader 💕 thank you, querida! I love you! For u 💐💐

Tw: I don't think there's any trigger in this part, but please tell me if I miss anything and I'll fix it as soon as I can ^^

Tag list: @stuffireadandenjoy @snootlestheangel @alypink @welldonekhushi @mctvsh @midnight193

@tapioca-milktea1978 @islandtarochips @mutantthedark @justasmolbard @raresvtm

The next day, Alejandro flew back to Las Almas, promising to call Alicia back once he's there, while he continued thinking. Meanwhile Wraith was preparing everything to hunt the other two members of Six Aces before Red Dragon, they were called Maroon Salamander and Silver Deer, and to be honest they probably are the most dangerous now. One was a pirate and the other a terrorist, that makes that operation way more risky than usual.

"Alicia, I have an answer from Aly." Wraith said when she walked inside of her office "She’s on her way with Lily.”

"Good to know, but where's Price?" Alicia asked with a raised eyebrow "Isn’t he coming as well?"

"I'm not very sure of it. Only Aly and Lily are coming."

"...I have a bad feeling about it"

"Same here…”

Before they say anything else, Wraith's earphone starts to transmit a message, and by her facial  expression it’s NOT very good news. The agent was surprised and had become furious while mumbling her words with a frown. Alicia waited and wondered what happened.

"He did what?!" Wraith screeched with rage "Why did you let them do that, Watcher?!"

"Dominique?" Alicia asked with a confusing tone in her voice.

"I know why Price isn't coming." She hissed before muting the microphone. "The stupid idiot decided to execute General Shepherd himself!"

"What?! But he is still a General even in a trial! If someone learns that Price did this-"

"I know." Wraith sighed with frustration. "Listen, take care of whatever we need on the next mission, okay? Talk with Aly and the team she recommends, I'll figure this out to stop this...burning dumpster."

"Deal, take care."

"You too."

Like that, Wraith left Black Tomb that same day when Aly and Lily arrived just two hours after she left the base. The Captain welcomed them with a smile and the doors opened, making sure as well that no one was following or stalking them. She hugged Aly and kissed Lily's chubby cheek. Smiling when the little girl giggled with joy.

"Welcome to Black Tomb, Aly, I hope you don't mind the sounds" Alicia joked happily.

"No worries, General Flores' base was like this." Aly answered with a chuckle "Thanks for having us for such a long time, Licia. Even more with Lily on the package."

"I already told you before, my doors are always open for my friends. It's always been my pleasure! Also, you're the one helping us the most, it's the least I can do."

"Speaking of, Wraith talked to me...I have some ideas."

"Let's discuss it after I show you where you can stay, 'kay? It must have been a long trip for you both."

Alicia guided Aly to one of the rooms in the barracks, the one accommodated especially for them. And helping her with the luggage. Then two went to walk around the base for a bit before finding Alexander and Marcus in the kitchen, with the sniper baking as usual. Until the boys noticed the two women walking by as they waved at them with a smile. They’re also very surprised to see an infant there.

"Hi Mrs. Price! Welcome to Black Tomb!" Marcus exclaimed while standing up and walked over to shake hands with her.

"Mrs. Price, it's good to see you." Alexander said softly. "Sorry I can't greet you properly, my hands aren't exactly clean." He said with an awkward smile while showing her dirty hands.

"Hi Alexander. Marcus. It’s very nice to see you again. Sorry that we're cramming up in your base." Aly said with a chuckle before Lily noticed the cookies and tried to grab one between them babbling.

 "Lily no! That isn't for you!" Aly said, pulling Lily away from reaching the cookies.

"Oh, it's okay. If you want, she can have one." Alexander said with a smile, pointing to a plate. "Those are already cold."

"Sorry to be a bother, but yes, a cookie would be great."

"Here you go, lil' lady." Marcus said with a small smile while giving Lily a cookie. "Alex's baking is the best around here!"

"You sound confident about it."

"Sure are, right Cap?"

"That's true, they always fight when Alexander makes his pastries or snacks." Alicia said, taking a cookie for herself and offering one to Aly. "Wanna try?"

Aly smiled at Alicia before accepting the cookie. "Thanks."

"...Seems like you need to talk." Alexander said, frowning slightly. "Do you need us to take care of your daughter, Mrs. Price? I promise to keep her away from the oven." He offered her before opening his arms out to Lily.

"Oh no, I don't want to cause you any trouble." Aly said with a small smile while holding Lily up.

"It's not trouble, the lil' lady is adorable and I bet she's also well behaved." Marcus commented with a little smile. "We'll give her back to you as soon as you finish talking with our Captain."

"...Qué vergüenza oye." Aly whispered, making Alicia scoff.

"No te preocupes, la cuidarán bien." Alicia reassured Aly. "Se ven intimidantes, pero son sorprendentemente delicados."

Aly gave Lily to Marcus, feeling a bit nervous, then she went with Alicia to the conference room where Wraith left all the information for them. Once inside, their expressions changed. Aly got more serious as she looked at everything and Alicia had her stone face again.

"Where's Wraith?" Aly asked, almost unsure of the answer.

"Fixing the disaster that Price caused."

"Ugh. John, what the hell?" She murmured while pinching her nose bridge. "Sorry for that one."

"Nah, it's not your fault." Alicia said as she shrugged. "Shall we start?"

"Yes, so Dominique told me a lot of things about this organization. Six Aces. Did you already take down three of them?"

"Two, the one in South America and the one in East Asia. The third was killed in Africa but not by us. We are not sure why, but someone else killed them."

"Well, we can look at that later. The other two, a pirate called...Maroon Salamander? And the terrorist called Silver Deer? What's with the animal nicknames?"

"No idea, as far as I know it's normal to have a nickname like that in the underground. I have an ally that has the nickname 'Golden Empress'. And also, have you seen OUR nicknames?"

"Fair enough I guess." Aly muttered with a sigh. "So this Salamander works mostly across the South Atlantic, why the movement to the South Pacific?"

"We're not sure but the theory says that maybe they are planning to attack a big cargo ship that is supposed to arrive in Yakarta." Alicia explained with a sigh. 

"White Tiger's last shipment before their death."

“And their contents?"

"Two types. Ballistic bombs and..."

"And?"

"Bio weapons."

"Mierda..."

"Exactly, that's why we need a Tier 1 team for this. Suggestions?"

Aly thought about it as she tried to think of this situation. "If the plan is to attack the ship. Then we need to make sure those things never arrive to where it's destined to...just a team that can take care of it." Aly murmured with a frown. 

"But it'll be difficult to convince the General to let them help."

"Kanoa's and Tiala's team?"

"They're the best for this kind of mission and we both trust them completely. Also they have Agnes, she can get rid of the ballistic weapons in seconds."

"Good point there, but knowing General Kalani...it'll be difficult.”

"Yeah, I'll figure it out. Will you go after Silver? How do you know where they'll attack?"

Alicia tapped her finger onto her chin. Trying to think. "Right now? I don't know, but I have a good way to know.”

"Which is?"

"People that owe me one.”

"...For some reason I'm not even surprised"

It wasn't until two days later that Alyssa managed to convinced General Kalani to send the Warrior Task Force to help, and that day the Task Force would be arriving. Aly and Alicia were waiting on the entrance of the base, chit chatting while they noticed how the team were taking care of Lily. All of them are surprisingly dedicated to it.

"Can I borrow them for babysitting sometimes?" Aly asked with a chuckle.

"I bet they'll be happy to help." Alicia said with a smile

Then the sound of two vehicles caught their attention and Alicia made a sign towards the guards to inspect them before letting the vehicles pass. From the first vehicle three people came down; Nigel Harrison, Agnes Falagi and Aelan Kalani, three members of the WTF. With a smile, Alicia welcomed them to her base and thanked them for their help and hearing how, Noah especially, the boys were cheering to have them there.

"Just a favor, don't let Noah and Agnes alone, would ya? I don't need a burning base." Alicia jokes.

"I'll take care of them along with Jackson, Captain." Aelan said with a little smile, hearing Agnes saying 'HEY!' in the background. "Nigel is calmer...usually."

"Nah, pranks are okay."

"Really? Hehehe." Nigel asked before starting to laugh with a wide malicious smile

"It's not carte blanche, Harrison. At least tell me who you're gonna prank in advance..."

"Yes ma'am!"

And then, while the three of them went to talk with everyone and say hi to Lily. They saw how Tiala and Kanoa were getting down from the second vehicle with their luggage. Tiala waved at Aly and Alicia with a smile as she put her bag over her shoulder. Then went to hug Aly tightly and then went to hug Alicia a little softer.

"We heard what happened, are you okay?" Tiala asked with a raised eyebrow. "Do you have any broken ribs or any wounds?"

"Is that why you hugged me so softly? Don't worry Tia, I'm back at my hundred." Alicia said with a chuckle. "But I have a raspy voice now."

Tiala sighed with relief. "Well, I’m glad-"

"That's your usual voice anyway, Licia!" Kanoa joked, making Tiala and Alicia roll their eyes while Aly chuckled. "But it's good that you're still up and kicking!"

"I'm also happy to see you too, Noa! Now hurry, you damned slow turtle!" She answered with a laugh, then looking at Tiala. "Thanks for coming so quickly."

"We had to before the General changed her opinion, also this is part of our job."

"Aly told you?"

"Most of it."

"Then we have somewhere to start."

After Kanoa joined them he hugged both of them tightly and then waved at the Specters as well. Soon they went to the conference room, in a second they turned to their work attitude, looking at all the intel they had about the two objectives. The Toa siblings were frowning at the sight of the cargo ship, but also at the documents protected on the screen.

"We are still investigating the complete route of the ship, but as far as Wraith could find, it'll pass near the Cook Islands." Aly said with a sigh. "The only good thing we could find is that it is a general cargo ship. So the possibility of bio weapons is off the table, but the ballistic bombs...might be more powerful."

"With that turn of facts, we have a list of the 'favorites' weapons of White Tiger. There you might find the ones you need." Alicia said with a frown. "I can give it to you as soon as we end here.”

"Will be amazing, but we need everything about this pirate." Kanoa said, looking at Aly. "You have anything, Aly?"

"Just what Alicia's team has." She said while opening some files. "This one seem skilled, but I'm worried about something."

When Aly played the video as it started normally, the camera was from a ship on the trip across the Atlantic and everything seemed normal. Soon another cargo ship arrived nearby, and it didn't answer to the attempts of warning coming from the first cargo. Instead it seemed like it went a bit faster. But that didn't alarm the three Marines. What did was how all the pirates moved, they knew that so good that it was terrifying.

"Aren't those...?" Tiala whispered with horror.

"The tactics we learn in Camp Lejeune…" Kanoa answered, absolutely pale.

"Aly, we need the status of the Navy." Alicia ordered with absolute fear in her eyes "Will they help us?"

"Give me a second." The woman muttered as she tried to ignore the sudden pressure they all felt.

Meanwhile, the three Marines continued looking at the video with tension written all over their bodies, fists and jaws clenched with frustration. Those movements, the way of working precisely with the team, the efficiency...it was the same they perfected during their times as recruits. If the WTF went to chase Maroon Salamander like that, then they would fight at a disadvantage.

"I have it, apparently they don't have register of an order from the Admiral that Wraith contacted." Aly said with a chill down her spine "Even worst...the request never left any server from the Marine Corps."

"...What?" Tiala asked surprisingly. "Let me take a look, maybe there's a mistake on the servers or something.”

While the two of them were figuring out about the missing request. Alicia made a sign towards Kanoa to talk outside and he nodded before following her. In silence they went to the nearest armory, where they leaned against opposite walls and for a second nothing happened. Then Kanoa sighed and moved his hand through his hair before looking at Alicia.

"What is it?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"There's information that Wraith and I have been gathering. Intel we kept secret for many reasons, mostly personal. We intended to keep it for us until we have enough proof to accuse someone. But seem that now it involves the safety of another team, allies and friends no less...I'll tell you what we have."

"Sounds serious, I'm all ears."

"...After an operation we figured out that something was wrong with everything." She pinch her nose bridge. "Lately we discovered that there's a traitor inside the high ranks of the US Armed Forces. I can't tell you the details but we are sure that it is superior.”

"A traitor? Do you know who it is?" he asked, tense

"No, we had many possibilities at first. But now, seeing that video and how that kind of people have our tactics so perfected...then the traitor is also involved in this.”

"You think that it's a Marine?"

"Probably.”

"And what now?"

"We'll continue with the hunt of Salamander and Deer, but if you decide that you won't risk your people and Alana's Marines...then you're free to go back home." She said with a bit of guilt in her tone. "It was never my intention to put you and your people at risk. I'll talk with the General myself to explain it. Sorry Noa.”

"...No." Kanoa said with a tired smile "C’mon Licia, will you make us go back after we come here? And also, if that cargo ship is gonna pass near the Cook Islands, it is still our ground. So, if you're worried that the traitor might know that we are involved in this then fine, we'll step out officially. But we'll have a mission to seize and board the cargo ship.”

"Well, I guess that you are the bravest warriors for a reason." Alicia joked with a side smile. "I'm glad to have you in this, but seriously, take care, Noa"

"Of course, I'll bring my people back as always." He answered with a chuckle before wiping down his smile. "Let me warn Alana, as Captains we're limited, if she can help us..."

"Do it, tell her. I trust her as much as I trust Tia and you.”

With a smile, they went back to the conference room to talk with Tiala and Aly, who were as worried as they were when they heard about the traitor. In the end they decided to create plans for any possible case they can think of. And the Toa siblings will train with all their team any other form of combat that doesn't include MCMAP or tactics of the Marines, they need all kinds of elements of surprise.

"Now that we have the Salamander matters out of our hands, we can start looking at Silver Deer..." Aly said, projecting more documents and videos.

[neverkayzat]

Hey! I hope you're doing well. So basically, as I'm sure you've already seen, I'm playing Stardew Valley, and im VERY emotionally attached to Shane. It's ridiculous. Anyways, I want to know what your thoughts were on the parallels between Shane and Marc Spector because you reblogged a post of mine briefly talking about it. I just think it's interesting, and it's definitely been something I've put a lot of thought into as I've progressed through the game.

IM SO SORRY FOR THE DELAYED RESPONSE — this has been in my asks for DAYS but finals are coming up and I went to a pride parade today, so I’ve been a bit busy. Also, I’m writing this on my phone, so my grammar and everything about this response may be a bit wonky.

Also this is going to be kind of long.. soooo… I’ve been thinking about this for days, of course it’s long.

Both Marc Spector and Shane fall into the trope of the character knowing that their mental health isn’t the greatest and slowly becoming better through therapy. I love the trope, it has the ability to show amazing character progression and to raise awareness of how therapy can help someone. On the other hand, it has the ability to be completely terrible if done wrong.

I can discuss the “done wrong” aspects of this trope for Marc and the system (the number of therapists who’ve tried to kill them is high! Extremely high). However, when you look at Mackay’s run (2021-2023), you can see this trope done right. You can see him slowly becoming more venerable (Reese’s hug, Jake and Steven coming out more, apologizing to Greer—Hell, even apologizing to CAPTAIN AMERICA about the Age of Khonshu event and talking about his system in one of the Avengers Unlimited issues) over the span of Mackay’s run.

Now, comparing to Shane, the same is done here, but you’re seeing more of what has been happening to get him into the awful mental health position (compared to Mackay’s run, since you’ve seen it in Marc’s previous comics issues) and the drive to send him to therapy. You see it affecting his family and their reactions. You root for him to go to therapy! He begins going to therapy upon seeing Jas’ reaction.

However, Shane and Marc’s stories are extremely different, especially with the time constraints.

With Marc, we all know Khonshu, horrible childhood experiences, military/mercenary work, and discrimination has lead him to terrible mental health. However, he’s been here for decades, Shane has been here for a few hours at least (in game play time). In turn, Shane’s story is the more cut and dry alcoholism story than the healing from major mental and physical abuse that Marc’s story is. That doesn’t mean either story is more “valid” than the other. Both are extremely compelling stories and people do suffer with these issues every day. However, one is more easier to portray in a short amount of time due to the commonality of it—which, again, is sad.

Stardew Valley is a children’s game as well, which is why these stories differ so much. Shane’s story is easy—he gets better almost instantly upon going to therapy and everything lives happily every after (at least in my experience, I haven’t married him. Aromanticism for THE WIN! KROBUS I LOVE YOU). It’s easier to tell that to a child. It’s easier to show that in a small game. However, comics aren’t limited to time, but limited to how many sales they’re getting/how much they can cram into a run. They’re able to show the slow progression of getting better. Even if nobody lives happily ever, at least the person is the best they could be right now.

That’s my take on it, I guess. The comparisons are interesting though! They both fall under the same trope but executed wildly different due to various reasons.

Thanks for the ask! :)

[au-starss]

DESTINY’S FATE !

༄ synopsis… diluc’s life is riddled with betrayal, turns out you were no different.

༄ characters… diluc x gn!reader

༄ tags… angst, betrayal, fatui harbinger reader, mentions of execution, capture, no happy ending

༄ words… 1k

༄ author’s thoughts… for my lovely @maaarshieee who dared me to write this ;)

Diluc should have seen this coming.

Life was finally filled with joy and colour. He could see everything in a positive light. Everyday he woke up with a smile and pep in his step. Always eager to start the day. Diluc had a will to live. He was truly happy.

Yes, truly happy.

Happiness doesn’t ever last for Diluc Ragnvindr.

The day was normal for you both. The happy couple lying together in bed, soaking in each other’s presence. Little pecks of kisses and giggles came from you both. Talking about plans for tomorrow after he works his shift.

Just as you were both about to fall into a slumber, the front door to the manor was banged on. The workers have all gone home, so no one except the two of you were there.

Diluc was first to sit up. You follow him, shooting a confused look.

“I’ll go check.” He says, squeezing your hand before standing. “Wait here.”

The redhead stands and walks to the front door, confusion running through his veins. Why is someone banging on the manor door at such a late hour? Even though he was slightly nervous, he didn’t show it.

He finally reached the door and opened it slightly, not able to see the guests. “Who is it?”

“Diluc Ragnvindr.” A male voice said. “We know you have relations with [Name], and we know they are here currently.”

“Excuse me?”

Another voice joined the previous one. “By the order of the fatui, we suggest you open the door.”

The mention of the fatui caused him to open the door all the way. On the other side were three fatui soldiers, as well as someone who looms above them. He had a dark aura to him.

He glared at the group. “My fiancé has no connections with the fatui.”

“It seems as though you’ve been fooled.”

Before Diluc could question it, he hears footsteps from behind him. He turns to see you with a worried look.

“Who’s at the door?” You ask, not able to see your affiliation at the door.

Upon hearing your voice, the darker man pushed past Diluc forcefully. Diluc attempted to pull him away, only to be met with a weapon pointed at him.

Your eyes darken upon seeing him. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“Same could be said to you, Warrior.”

This all felt like a horrible nightmare. Diluc’s stoic expression has long left his face. You tried your best to keep this away from him. To leave everything behind. But that wasn’t possible anymore.

You knew where this was gonna go.

“Come to pay a special visit, Captain?” You speak sarcastically, trying not to show any signs of fear.

“I have.” Capitano responds. “[Name] [L/N], number 12 of the fatui harbingers, by order of her majesty, The Tsaritsa, you have been charged with treason. She orders that you be taken to Snezhnaya immediately.” The man finishes off, his gaze on you never wavering.

You laugh sarcastically, piercing glare never trailing away. “Treason? Now what could possibly warrant that?”

You weren’t stupid. You knew the risks of choosing to stay with Diluc in Mondstadt. The fatui could take it as you betraying them for the other side, which would get you killed.

You hoped they understood if you continued checking in with them, but that wasn’t the case. You turned your back on the plan, and now you must face the consequences.

Your eyes meet Diluc’s, and your heart breaks. He’s on his defense, holding himself back from running to you. But he isn’t worried for you. He’s pissed off.

Everything was falling apart. He built up everything, finally got better after what happened. And now he was suffering the same cruel fate. All by the hands of the fatui.

He was played for a fool, again and again.

You’re unable to try and explain yourself, as two of the guards that accompanied The Captain came behind you, holding your arms back together and tying them together. You quickly try to pull from them, to escape, to run, anything. But he brought the strongest, something thought of considering apprehending a harbinger wasn’t a task for anyone.

“Let me go!” You scream out.

But your pleas were ignored as the hooked their arms in yours, carrying you towards the door. You thrash around violently, a pitiful attempt to escape. Vases and chairs were knocked over in your fit.

“You know exactly where your treason charges are coming from.” Capitano declares.

You make desperate eye contact with your lover again. “Diluc, please! Help!” You cry out, trying to run to him.

He only stared at you in a blurry daze. There wasn’t anything he could do. You were going to be killed for treason. No, you’d be hurt to the point you wished you were dead. Death was too easy for you in their eyes.

“Diluc please!” You beg again, tears filling your eyes. “I’ll quit the harbingers! We’ll run away and hide! Please help! I.. I don’t wanna die!”

But it was all futile. You were on your way out the door thank to the guards, no freedom in sight. You continue thrashing and kicking, giving them a hard time. But soon, you gave up, your body faltering.

What was the point? You were on your deathbed.

Diluc watched lifelessly as all the guards left the room, leaving him and Capitano. The larger man turns to him, looking down.

“Your cooperation was appreciated. Do not attempt to see them again.”

And with that, Diluc was left alone. It felt unreal. Just five minutes ago he was with you in bed, talking about how fun the coming day would be. You were two people hopelessly in love, only to be thrown to the ground and separated.

Diluc wasn’t mad at you. He couldn’t be. You gave up your position of power and everything to be with him. It backfired on you, but you knew that risk. Yet, you chose to stay with him.

He gently shut the front door, leaning his forehead on it. The man’s eyes shut as he loses all emotion and colour he was once feeling again. Every kind of positive emotion he possibly felt was never coming back.

He was a husk of someone who was twice happy before.

All Diluc could possibly do was let out a pitiful laugh as a tear fell down his cheek. Happiness was never meant to be for him. He should have learned his lesson the first time.

Yes, Diluc Ragnvindr should have seen this coming.

[mizumiii]

VII - An old tale

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Fem!Reader x Kenpachi Zaraki

This is the last part for now. I wanted to write a smut part but ran out of envy before doing it. Maybe it'll come back when the second part of the last season will be airing \o/.

You woke up in an almost familiar place. Since all the Gotei 13’s divisions were built on the same model, you easily understood that you had made it alive and back. Which was hard to believe. A lot of conflicted emotions overwhelmed you for a long time, making you unable to do anything else than stare at the ceiling while holding back your tears.

— Such incredible will, I now understand Zaraki’s interest towards you… 

— Who are…you? You  asked in vivid emotion because at the exact moment, your eyes saw her, you realised that you knew her.

— It has been a long time my gentle fox…

Soft but mendacious, tender but deadly, feminine and strong; that was the voice of your one and only. No, not yours, the fox's. 

— You must be lost, allow me to introduce myself to you,  the vessel of my lovely pet. Since there is no reason to hide it from you, for I am Yachiru Unohana, the first Kenpachi. 

At the exact moment, you heard that name, you knew that you had fucked up. Widely fucked up. 

— But that means… You? But Zaraki? Your mind was an utter mess while the fox in your mind was melting in sweetness as you had never felt any. 

A secretive smile from that woman was enough to calm you down instantly. The fox in you was yearning so hard for her recognition that you had a hard time not bowing your head to earn some caresses. 

— You are not the first one to inherit the will of my fox, however, you are the first one to be able to remain sane with it. For that, I thank you and will explain everything to you.

For the next hour, you heard the tale of the first Kenpachi, how they had been alone for a very long time until she met a terrible kitsune rampaging in the Soul Society. She had succeeded in mating it, but not after a gruesome fight that had made their soul unable to part. Until the day she had been defeated by Zaraki Kenpachi. Not long after, the kitsune died too and fell into the cycle of reincarnation. However, none of those who had received its soul had  been able to withstand his crazy bloodthirst and call for revenge, falling into insanity before being shut down by the shinigami. Until you.

At the end of the story, you came to a realisation. Your cheeks flushed as you hid in your hands. Had you been taking out your anger on an innocent man (as much as Kenpachi could be called innocent)? At least now you knew what had happened and why the fox was feeling like this. But you had fallen for the story your mother had told you and you had even held the captain responsible for everything… 

After that incident, it took you a whole week before getting the confidence to confront Kenpachi about what you had learned. You finally went to the usual place to find him napping without a care in the world. The situation was unexpected, and you decided to sit down not too far since you had earned a bit more time before your execution. 

It was very odd to see him after learning the truth. You still had that burning sensation, however, the fox was no longer bloodthirsty about him, it was more like it was unhappy at his sight. So why did you feel so warm? 

— Fuck, I’m so stupid, you groaned with your face in your hands. 

— I did not bring you back to hear you lamenting, Kenpachi yawned without care. 

— What? Did you come looking for me? 

That story was getting even worse. You already felt guilty about your unjustified anger, and now you had to thank him for still being alive(dead)?!

— I could sense you getting your ass kicked even from here, he laughed hard, but I’m the only one who gets that privilege.

He had suddenly reverted to a serious tone and face at the end of his sentence. Your cheeks started to heat so hard…

— I guess I owe you thanks… And an apology…

You were choleric, aggressive and hard to befriend, however, you were honest to the core. Even if it cost you a great deal to say those few words. Nonetheless, it looked like it was even harder to hear for the captain.

— What stupid, useless nonsense are you spouting? Did you not hear me? I haven’t done it for you, but for myself!

Your mouth half-opened in front of such hypocrisy, before briefly laughing. That man was unbelievable… It was now obvious to you, now that you were no longer blinded by your anger and regrets. You were burning for him. Only you knew that it would never reach him the conventional way. You will need to do it your way, the fighting way. 

— Don’t you think I’ll go easy on you because you saved my ass once! You claimed while jumping on your feet.

— I would kill you if you tried! He smirked.

You smiled at him, before realising all the both of you would ever understand were battle and blood. He did the same, returning your smile. 

[kapten425]

Chapter 5 Part 1 " A Challenge of Fate"

Elias was alone and chained up in his jail cell. He hasn't talked since his arrest. He was there for 5 days and he hasn't made any move to prove his innocence or to eat. Not like he could think about it anyway. His mind was in a daze, rushing back and forth to the moment of the incident. He was trying to understand if what happened was his work or not. If all this was a dream and he would wake up back to his room, at his master's workshop with Enouch giving him his morning assignment while waiting for Seluvis to come bickering for been forced to work there. He wondered if Seluvis was okay, if he was still alive. He had hoped that he was gonna tell the truth about what happened. That all this was an accident. But as the time passed his hope started to fade. He was now certain that something was gonna happen to him, and he had to accept it.

The Captain of the Night Guard entered the jail and approached Elias's cell. The two guards standing there raised in attention. He looked at Elias behind the bars, while talking to the guards.

"Has he had any food."

One of the guards replied.

"No sir. He hasn't eaten or talked."

The captain was skeptical. Based on the description of the two guards that the victim was attacked by this young man, and based on the destruction of the workshop, he expected a violent and brutal individual. But contrary to what they said Elias was silent,calm and not aggressive. Even he, who had seen many criminals play innocent just to get out, was starting to question the validity of the situation. But he had orders, and he needed to follow them. With a sign the two guards opened the cell door and the captain entered the cell and stood before the chained up Elias.

"Remove his shackles."

Elias flinched at the given order. As the guards removed his shackles he stood up. The captain came closer.

"Elias, I have orders to escort you back to Enouch workshop. You are to say your final goodbye before heading back for the execution."

Elias froze at these words. If he was to be executed then this could mean only one thing. Seluvis was dead. Tears began flooding his face. The captain seeing this put his hand on the crying Elias.

"Don't worry, it will be swift and painless."

Elias raised his head, looking at the captain straight to the eyes.

"How would you know?"

The captain was quick to answer.

"The Queen will be the one to carry out the deed. If this is any consolation."

Elias was numb, like every part of his body and soul were shattered. The captain pushed him slowly and together they walked outside.

The Sun was bright, upon the city of Nokstela. The air was filled with smell of local delicacies and the sound of chattering. The captain looked at a nearby stall packed with freshly baked goods. He looked at them the same way a child would look at a candy stall. Not many knew but the captain had always great appetite for good food. He looked at Elias for a moment. The young man was not talking at all, only looking forward with a dazed look. He then realized that the boy hadn't eaten anything since his arrest. He pulled out his coin purse and buy a honey raisins bun from the baker. He then offered it to Elias. Elias looked at him with a questioning look. The captain smiled.

"Here, it is unwise to go down with an empty stomach."

Elias wanted to decline, but once the smell of the bun reached his nostrils, his stomach reminded him of his starvation. He took the bun, thanking the captain in the process. After the first bite, Elias began to gorging the bun like famished man. Even the captain looked at him with a surprised face.

"Marika's tits you must be hungry."

As they continue to walk they reached the workshop. Elias stood there for a moment. This place was his home for 8 years. It took him a great effort not to break down in tears once again. But he had to be strong for his master. If he was to die today, then he would do so with his head high. Not as a crying orphan child, but as proud apprentice of Master Enouch. An apprentice that made a mistake. He fortified himself mentally for what was going to happen once he saw him. As they enter Enouch turned. He froze the moment he saw Elias enter the room. Elias stood there, eyes down, unable to look his master in the eye. He tried to talk.

"Master....... I ..."

Before he could finish his sentence Enouch rushed and embraced him. Tears flooded the elder man's eyes.

"You are safe now, that's all that matters, my son."

Elias was literally on the verge of tears once again, thanks to Enouch calling him son. He wished he could tell his master that he returned to stay. But the chopping block was waiting for him.

"I'm sorry but I can't stay my master. I'm sorry I disgraced you."

The captain seeing this was not a moment to interfere, he decided to step outside. Enouch watched him exit, and when he was sure he wasn't listening he whispered to Elias.

"Quickly, we don't have much time."

Elias looked his master with a questioning look. Enouch rushed to the counter and took a few things from it.

"Soon they will realise that the order was not given by the Queen, but from me."

Elias flinched at the comment.

"What. What do you mean master."

Enouch continued to talk while preparing a small satchel.

"I have arrange for a horse to be ready at back of the workshop. You will take it and move to Limgrave. From there an associate of mine named Gaston will take you to the nearest port. I'm afraid there you have to do the rest on your own."

Elias was stunned.

"Do what?"

Enouch turned to look at him.

"Escape."

Elias's heart stopped at the sound of that word. Enouch finish up the satchel and prepare it for Elias.

"Inside you will find some provisions and some notes. I'll probably be executed for assisting a fugitive to escape, but if you are to survive then....."

Enouch was cut off when Elias's hand slapped the satchel down on the ground. He looked at his apprentice with a surprised look. Elias eyes were looking down, filled with tears, but his expression was filled with anger. He grinded his teeth as he spoke.

"How dare you....."

Enouch was stunned by the action.

"Elias."

Elias raised his gaze, straight to his master's face. He was furious.

"HOW DARE YOU SUGGEST THAT I SHOULD ESCAPE!!!!"

The tears flooded Elias's face as he said those words.

"I have done something unforgivable, I killed Seluvis. HOW COULD I RUN FROM SOMETHING LIKE THAT."

Enouch tried to calm down Elias.

"What happened with Seluvis was an accident. You never wanted to hurt him."

Elias shook his head.

"That's not how they are gonna see it. They are gonna see that an orphan dared to harm a protégé of the Academy. They are gonna say that I did in on purpose, that I hated Seluvis....."

He lowered his gaze once again.

"Which to be fair, is not far from the truth."

Enouch eyes widened at the last comment.

"Elias, don't tell me you...."

Elias moved his head in a negative answer.

"No, it was honestly an accident."

He raised his head once more.

"But I would be a lie if I said I didn't want to."

He took a deep breath, trying to find the correct words.

"I hated Seluvis. I hated him from the bottom of soul. Every time he would nag you or insult you in any way for his incompetence I wished I could just take my hammer and beat his head until some sense can crawl in it."

Elias wiped his tears as he continued to talk.

"I hated the constant insults he would throw at me just so he could have some fun."

He looked at the satchel's content spilled on the floor.

"But I now understand that I should hate myself more."

Enouch, still stunned by the conversation, talked.

"Why would you do such a thing?"

Elias pointed at him.

"For what I made you do of course. You, Master Enouch, the Grand Craftsman of the Eternal Cities, the most revered person in all of Nokstela...."

He paused for a moment to draw his breath.

"And a man I loved like a father. I forced you through my actions to result in such disgraceful ways for my sake."

He raised his head, looking at the celling.

"Seluvis was right. I am a failure of an apprentice........ I should be dead."

A voice was heard from Elias room.

"I will be the judge of that."

The curtain that served as a door to Elias's room open and Merida entered the room, with her veil waving in the air. Elias, whose face was instantly drained from blood, falled to his knees immediately.

"My Queen, please forgive Master Enouch, it was all my fault. I.... I.."

Merida raised her hand, stopping Elias on the process.

"No need Elias. I'm aware of everything that has been said."

She turned to the door behind him.

"Captain, you can come inside now."

With that the door opened the door and the captain entered as well, a wide smile across his face.

"I've got to hand it to you kid. Very few would have the courage to do what you just did there. I suppose Master Enouch was right about you."

Elias looked around him nervously. He saw his master sighting in relief, looking at him with a proud look. His mind was unable to comprehend the situation.

"What..... What's going on here, I."

Merida decided to talk.

"This was all a test, to see if you truly were innocent, or simply playing innocent."

He moved to the Captain and placed her hand upon his shoulder.

"We needed to be sure you were honest. So we decided to play this little performance. I ordered the Captain to release you and get you to the workshop. I arranged with Enouch to play the role of the betraying mentor while I hid myself near to hear your conversation."

She moved in front of Elias and helped him back on his feet. They were now face to face.

"Enouch said that innocent or not you would choose to sacrifice yourself, ruther than betraying his teachings. Especially if you think you are responsible for someone's dead. And seeing that myself I'm sure now you are innocent."

Elias was numb from the amount of information bombarding him. The phrase stuck in his mind."I'm sure now you are innocent". He never expected kindness or support from anyone before. And to hear those words come from the mouth of the Queen herself, was the biggest reassurance he could get. It was at this moment his mind returned to his original concern. As he rise he asked.

"Even so, since Seluvis is dead wouldn't I be......"

Merida stopped him.

"This was a lie as well, Seluvis is still alive."

She started pacing the room, her hands crossed in a powdering pose.

"Though you are right. The Carian Royal Family will not like the fact that we defended a normal citizen against a protégé. After all Protégées are considered high class citizens among the common folk, and some among nobility. We need a solution."

Enouch stepped in.

"I may have a solution then."

They all looked at Enouch. Merida looked at Enouch with a questioning look.

"I'm listening."

Enouch started to explain.

"Seluvis is a protégé of the Raya Lucaria Academy. He is protected by the Carian Royal Family. What if we can do the same for Elias."

Merida flinched at the proposition.

"Are you suggesting that I should accept Elias as an official Protégé of City of Nokstela?"

Enouch nodded in agreement. Merida was skeptical about it. It was a very good solution that will allow her to help Elias, and shield them from any future backlash. It was perfect, if only for one thing.

"Enouch. In order for me to accept Elias a protégé, he has to pass a challenge made by the protecting nobility. Are you sure he can....."

Enouch interrupted Merida and showed her the entire workshop.

"Your Highness, look around you. Nearly everything in this workshop is made by Elias's hands. The Glintstone Cores, The automatons that protect Raya Lucaria as we speak...."

He rose one silver shield for the table nearby.

"Even the weapons and armor wore by ours and the Carian Knights, all have been touched by Elias at some point."

He presented the shield to Merida. The Nokstelian Emblem shinned bright under the sunlight. A true masterpiece of craftsmanship. She looked at Elias who was standing looking at them.

"You made all of these? Answer me honestly."

Elias wanted to decline, saying it was work done under his master's tutelage. But a quick look at Enouch made him reconsider. Indeed he had made all these items. The cores, the weapons, the robots. Even some small work of arts, when he was taught by a wandering Craftsman of the Marai Family. With a sign he looked at Merida.

"Yes, my Queen. Most things in this room have been made by me. Master Enouch, beside his wisdom, must have passed also to me his spark for creation."

Merida smiled under her veil. She had a chance to support her decision to the Carian Family. But it was not in her hands, but to Elias's. She approached Elias, who bowed before her.

"In that case, Elias. As Queen of the Eternal Cities. I want to place a challenge for you, in order to become a Protégé of the city of Nokstela. Do you accept the challenge?"

Elias raised his head slowly, looking at the the place where Merida's eyes should be. This was it. Everyone have already done what they could to help him. It was time now for him to take action. His mouth opened, and everyone was relieved by his response.

"Yes.."