#blood mentions

[aquadestinyswriting]

A Stand on Holy Ground

Genre - High Fantasy, drama

Themes: friendship, fantasy politics, fantasy racism/xenophobia/bigotry

Warnings: fantasy racism/xenophobia/bigotry, likely a bunch of swearing, fantasy violence, blood mentions

Stage - In Progress

Pov - Third Person

Synopsis

Selene has been watching the rising tide of violence against the dwarven community within Toreguarde from her tower, and is not best pleased about it. When it becomes clear that the gang responsible for most of this violence, the notorious Brotherhood of Cleaving, is being bankrolled by someone on the Council, she tries to step in to help as many people as she can; starting with her close friend and ex-adventuring partner, Egrim Shiverstaff.

Author's Note

Please note that this whole WIP is based on events that took place in a Dungeons and Dragons 3rd edition campaign, Destiny's New Servants, which was played between 2015 and 2018. That is all.

Chapters

Chapter 1

[seldomscilence16]

Whumptober day 30:

"It's okay just to say 'I'm not okay'."

Borrowed Clothing | Bridal Carry | "Not much Longer…."

Fandom: Bat Family

Prompts used: All

Ive been reading dpxdc but am not confident yet, so heres some OOC Bats, based mostly on Wayne Family Adventures, tried angsting some new people for once! I have only read Duke in WFA so hes probably the most OOC forgive me. But let me know, Id love to hear from ya'll on any of my posts :)

TW for blood and injuries, near death experiences

…

"I am never letting you talk me into this again."

Tim glares at the far wall, hanging by his feet, arms tied to his chest. He's in civvies, and his brothers WILL owe him a new outfit after this.

"Oh come on, you were the perfect bait!" Jason's voice comes through the comm, barely holding back his snickers.

"Hush Little-Wing. I'll take you to your favorite coffee place- at a reasonable time- to make up for it BabyBird." Dicks voice is far more sympathetic and even tinged with the anxiety that comes with seeing his brothers in harm's way.

"Then Jay owes me a new outfit." He murmurs a tad petulantly.

"TT, I still think we should have snuck in instead of this, convoluted, plan."

"That would have been fine if we had known where they were located, hence this plan." Duke yawns as he finishes his sentence, pulling a double shift for this case.

"Next time, someone else can be the hostage." Tim grumbles as a headache grows with all the blood rushing to it.

"Whatever you say Timmy." Jason placates mockingly.

"Is anyone else concerned about how long they've left Red Robin alone?" Barbara's exasperated voice comes through the comms, bringing everyone back.

"The lack of blood in my legs should definitely be considered." Tim comments, swinging slightly to try and look around.

"Well, it looks like everyone is-"

"Leaving the building!" Duke cuts Dick off, Jason curses,

"Looks like we got some rats to catch!" He calls, leaping from his hiding spot before the others could react.

"Hang in there Tim, we'll be back!"

"I regret my existence."

"TT is that all?" Damian is a millisecond behind Jason, Dick and Duke give each other an eye roll of comradery, before they are following.

They put up a fight. Seemingly desperate to escape- though it's not super odd- they seem more scared of not being able to leave than of the Bats themselves.

"Not much longer…" The anxious mutter comes from the goon closest to Signal.

He’s quick to pin him, nerves flying in his gut, telling him that they were missing something important.

“Until what?” He pulls his best Batman voice, tired gravel helping him hopefully.

Pinned against the building, Signal doesn’t really need an answer from the goon, the light gives him a glimpse of exactly what he needs to know, but the answer comes anyway,

“B-bomb...”

“Guys, we’ve got a situation! I’m going in for T- the hostage!” Duke catches himself throwing the guy to the nearest Bat, “Find the bomb!” He dashes into the building.

“A bomb?” Tims voice groans, “I am owed several coffees, thank you.”

“Maybe focus on not blowing up first?” Duke's voice is strained, not yet so nonchalant with these types of threats.

“The goons are ready for transport, we’re headed to the device, just stay calm Duke.” Dicks voice is level, and Duke takes a breath to match it.

Tim is partway untied, having been working on it since he’d been hooked, his face is flushed but he gives a lopsided grin- likely to comfort Duke.

“Signal, my man, come to hang out?”

“Har har, let's get you down.”

He steadies him as his feet touch the ground, head spinning and body reorienting, they haven’t even taken a step yet when the whole building shakes, rickety floors and creaky walls groaning with the effort.

“Uh, guys?” Duke cautions, worry skyrocketing again.

“Time to move!”

Duke doesn't need to be told twice, he scoops Tim into his arms with a grunt and finds himself sprinting once more.

“Blushing bride was not on my list.” He mumbles, hand holding his head as the other tires to keep him stable.

“Don't worry, sure it doesn't count when the blood had no other option.”

“You’d be surprised.”

The floor is crumbling as another tremor wracks the old bones of the place. He makes the decision to find the nearest window, taking the Bat route out, and sending a prayer to whoever listened that they all made it out.

“You’re ok… ‘s good…” Blood is a second skin, Jason's jacket torn to shreds as glass and wood alike protrude from his body.

“Todd.. you're…” Damian looks up at the unhooded vigilante, minor damage to himself as he see the crushing weight his brother keeps off him.

“Relax kid… Won't die frem the same ting twice.”

“Jay! Damian!” Dick coughs, the bloody hero shoving at the beams across Jays back until the two can get free. “Are you guys okay?”

“S’fine, lets get baby brat outta here.” The slur comes and goes from his tone, whether from a given effort or otherwise they can't tell. Shifting nearby has them tensing, before a light shines at them,

“Oh thank the Gods.” Duke is dusty but unharmed, moving debris ever so carefully to give them a path out.

“M’place s’closest.” Jason murmurs, leaning heavily on Damian who hadnt moved from his side.

“I can not carry you Todd, stay awake.” The youngest mutters despite his stance.

“M-“

“It's okay just to say ‘I’m not okay’.” Duke interrupts quickly, taking the lead as Dick takes the rear.

“...could be better.” He concedes.

“You are not this much bigger than me. How?” Tim swims in the borrowed shirt and sweats, as does Damian, but neither seems keen to take them off either as they plop onto Jason's couch.

In the kitchen, Duke, Jason and Dick patch each other up carefully, channeling Alfred as best they can until they decide the trip is worth it. Jason grits his teeth as another stitch pierces his skin, Dick muttering a thousand quiet apologies in several languages. Duke keeps his eyes on his own job, if for nothing else than to keep from cringing and hurting Dick.

“We’re bringing the girls next time. This never happens when they're around.” Tim grumbles, ice pack on his face.

“I beg to differ.” Dick mutters.

“Is night shift always like this?” Duke ties off his last bandage and goes about cleaning up.

“Meh.” He gets several, so so hand gestures and a tutt and groans to himself.

“We’re alive, goons apprehended, I'm calling it a win.”

[nightstag]

entertaining the idea of a li oc because umm < delusional but i really want a glorified vampire so maybe someone kind of obsessed with blood and has a lot of easy access to it, yet pc can come in and donate blood at maybe a donation place or clinc ran/managed by this oc, and it's the "pcs blood has the best taste ever"

[percy-eats-souls]

I decided to write a nice, silly, and whimsical little story with Mars and Echo! Hope you guys enjoy it! it's definitely heartwarming! Teehee :3

TW: Death, blood, violence, and other very angsty stuff :3

-3rd person-

Echo walked out into the battlefield; Mars walked out from her side of the arena. They looked at each other for a few seconds before a loud voice was heard, "Welcome ladies and gentlemen! Here tonight in the Battle-Nexus we have Mars, the heir of sorrows. Then we have Echo, the angel of death!" The arena was filled with sounds of cheering, mutants were chanting Echo and Mars' names.

"Tonight, these two warriors will be fighting until there is only one left standing!" The announcer exclaimed, the crowd was full of roars and cheering. Echo and Mars looked at each other with shock, they definitely were not informed about that. This wasn't right, Echo tried to reach the announcer or try to see if Big Mama was watching her so she could try to call it off. The battle was already starting.

-----------------------------------------------------------

-1st person-

I unsheathe my scythe as I got into position, Mars did the same with her spear. 'I can't fight my best friend, maybe I'll just tell her to fake it so she can get away without actually dying...' I thought to myself quickly, I snap out of my daydream and see Mars run up to me and try to strike first

I instinctively tried to grab the blade, 'how stupid of me...' The blade cut my hand; blood dripped from it as I let go almost immediately. I hit the spear away with my scythe before trying to make a hit on her myself. I twirled my weapon as I dodged and rejected her attacks, I tried to make conversation since nobody could hear them over the sounds of metal clanging together and the very loud roaring.

"Mars, just fake being dead and you can escape without either of us having to die." I try to convince Mars; a look of desperation was on my face. Mars didn't like that idea though, "I can't do that! It'll be noticeable because there won't be any blood on me or any slashes!" Mars protested. We fought a bit more before I finally pinned her to the ground, I had to talk her into this now or else people will start suspecting things.

My scythe was to her neck, Mars' spear was laying on the ground next to her. "Mars, please, I can't let my one and only friend die on me. So, just please, please fake it...I know what I'm doing." I practically beg her; it wasn't enough though. I feel myself hit the ground from being swept off my feet, I was the one being pinned now.

"I'm sorry Echo...I can't do that; I have a contract, and I can't violate it or else my family will be in danger! This is the only way, Echo." Mars glared down at me; her eyes glowed in the shadow that covered her face. I looked down at the spear as it was pulled back and was now about the penetrate my neck, I grab my scythe and before I even can think...

The sound of Mars' heavy breathing was heard as I finally open my eyes, I had just impaled her with the other end of my scythe. Mars dropped her weapon as she looked at me, I drop it immediately and stand up to try and help her. It was no use. I look up as I see Big Mama watching this happen, she glared at me, expecting me to finish the job.

I look down at Mars before dropping her body, she tried to crawl back to me, begging and pleading with her last breaths for me to help her and how sorry she was. I didn't listen, I felt betrayed, broken, like our friendship meant nothing. I pick up my scythe one last time as I raise it and stab the sharp end into her back.

Her body went limp as I step back, my vision started going blurry as I fall to my knees. I feel uncontrollable tears start to fall down my cheeks like waterfalls. I felt like a monster...I was a monster

I WAS A MONSTER

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm so sorry this was so short. it looks really rushed too so I apologize for that as well!

-Percy

[lizard-shifter-noms]

Broken Bloodlines Chapter 7

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Hello everyone! Have a part 7!!!

already? thats now over half the planned chapters!

this Story contains Vore, Dont like dont read. (also Fable P.O.V! poor boy)

CW; mentions of digestion (none hapen) general angst, mentions of injuries, mentions of blood, mentions of death.

(if you think that anything else has to be tagged let me know!)

have fun reading!

and as always reblogs are appreciated! (Also ASK’s are open so feel free to bother me!)

AO3 Link for those that prefer the layout there; https://archiveofourown.org/works/44627188

———————————————————————————————

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fable wasn't exactly sure what was going on, one second he'd been parrying soldiers and the next he was backed up against the river when there was a pain in his foot and the ground had crumbled under him, 

leaving him to fall directly into the raging water.

He distantly heard his younger Brother shout something but with the water dragging him under it was impossible to make out.

He'd been under for a few seconds before he collided with something in the water.

Not thinking and just reacting on instinct he grabbed onto it.

Even if his father had trained acting on his instinct out of him in the past.

But he wasn't here now was he? So one little slip up could not be that bad, especially if he could get back and continue to fight.

As it turned out the object he held onto was a large stone that breached the water in the middle of the river.

Though the surface of the stone was very slick and near impossible to hold onto.

He heard the voice of his brother scream something at him again and turned to where the call was coming from.

His brother was running next to the river in his direction, 

where there were more soldiers he hadn't seen?

Soldiers he failed to take out?

If his Father could see him now he'd be extremely disappointed.

He'd be disappointed no matter if he did good on the battlefield or not, he'd spent leisure time with Donovan and his friends instead of doing the things he was supposed to.

Though maybe he could argue that it wasn't entirely his fault,  the humans had been the ones to be so strangely nice to him even if a mistake of nature like him didn't deserve it. 

No matter, Fable had to get to more stable ground first so he attempted to climb the slick rock again

He managed to get up a little bit before he heard a loud splash, 

turning to the source of it he saw that Donovan had jumped into the river after him.

Why would his brother do that?

Fable wasn't currently able to fight,  nor could he do anything else useful without his bow,  and Donovan was surely needed elsewhere.

After all, someone being able to transform into a big green furred creature surely was better off helping at the frontline and not a colorless freak of nature like him.

Though it was not his decision what other people did, 

His father had raised him to never question those in power.

He lost his grip at a sudden impact on the boulder and was almost swept away before something snagged his sleeve and pulled him out of the water.

He was half set on the tiny space on top of the stone but was teetering precariously on the edge of falling back in.

His bad foot slipped a little and his hand shot out to grab the nearest thing, Donovan's face, or rather the fur on it.

Luckily he did not seem to mind it,  considering all the injuries he'd gotten today this was probably not even an inconvenience if maybe a bit annoying.

He could see Donovan's eyes flitting this way and that,  clearly looking for something.

Well given the obvious he was likely looking for a way out of the river, preferably the one that would mean the least injuries.

He was suddenly hoisted a bit further up and looking at Donovan he was instead met with the sight of teeth.

The mouth gently closed shut with his lower half still sticking out and everything above his naval being trapped in an oversized maw that smelled faintly of cinnamon.

Oh Donovan also,  He was the only person he'd seen eat so much cinnamon.

He was drawn a little further into the mouth and he realized that Donovan couldn't swim with him hanging on by a thread.

Not to mention that due to the strong current he’d only be a somewhat loose weight that would get tugged into all directions by the water.

So being drawn into the mouth like this did make some sense, especially since Donovan needed to keep his limbs free to swim against the torrent.

At more movement he was drawn fully into the mouth which closed completely around him to avoid any water getting in.

Good, now none of his limbs could get in the way.

Though he really did not understand why Donovan was going through so much trouble just for him.

Then again Donovan had been raised by humans and humans had rather different customs than Elves.

For example the time Donovan had hugged him after his brother found out that he was the product of incest.

He didn't understand that, he of course knew that hugs were a comfort thing, even if he'd almost never got any, 

especially from those blood related to him,  But why would anyone want to comfort a freak like him?

He was just a tool for means to an end,  he was expendable, there were a thousand more soldiers most of which were better than him and not freaks of nature.

It was really weird that Donovan had been nothing but nice to him, Donovan's friends too, they had also been nice to him weirdly enough.

Maybe he could stay here? 

His brother seemed to actually not resent him like the rest of his family had, so just maybe he'd get to live as more than just a vessel meant for fighting?

The maw he was in suddenly tipped back even more and he started sliding towards the pitch dark throat.

Was Donovan having trouble? Was the water doing something?

Now that he thought about it it didn't seem like Donovan was swimming, and was rather still on the boulder he had previously clung to.

So what was he doing? If he didn't level his head soon He'd fall into the dark red and slightly pulsing abyss of Donovan's Throat.

Donovan didn't stop, didn't even try to stop Fable as he slid right past the threshold of the organic tube, bumping his head into the uvula in the process.

A swallow sounded out around him and he was sucked deeper into the esophagus where he could start to hear a loud heartbeat that went a mile a minute.

Fable didn't understand, to be fair he didn't understand a lot when it came to other people and besides he wasn't even supposed to speak with them more than necessary.

But he could not fathom why his own brother would eat him after Donovan had been so nice to him,  and even jumped into the river after him.

Or maybe he finally saw that Fable's life was worthless like his father had always said.

Still, it was confusing and didn't get any better when another swallow sounded out that tugged him ever deeper.

He Still didn't struggle or try to stop what was happening to him, 

not even as Donovan swallowed once again and he slid into a soft and organic chamber that pulsed in time with Donovan's breathing.

The Stomach.

Well, this was it, he was not getting out.

What a fool he had been to think he ever deserved anything, 

to hope he could ever have anything for himself,

look at where it had gotten him.

He should have stayed in Sirmoor after his mother died and just taken orders from the Guardians.

Too late for that now, and judging by the motions around him Donovan was finally swimming back to shore.

Well, if his brother deemed him more useful as nutrients he wouldn't fight it.

He had always known he'd die long before his natural lifespan would run out so he was okay with it,  and Donovan had been so nice so he really couldn't complain.

He’d accepted that he would not see another day.

But if he accepted it then why was he trembling so much? 

He knew it wasn't from the adrenaline nor the pain from the bolt stuck in his foot, which the water had pulled out sometime ago.

Suddenly something pressed in at him and he heard muffled speech coming from almost all around him.

He couldn't make everything out but he did understand the last part.

“- got you now”

That was true, he mused in irony,  Donovan really had him, and as it was he was never going to leave.

Why did that thought make him sad? 

He wasn't supposed to have feelings, his father had made sure to reiterate that a thousand times,  it was to make up for all his other flaws.

Still he didn't do anything and just continued to lay limply where he was.

Trying to get out wouldn't do him any good anyway,  He was well and truly trapped in here.

And aside from that he actually didn't want to hurt his Brother.

Suddenly he heard the sound of lots of moving water even though it was muffled by the pliant flesh surrounding him.

Was that a waterfall? Why on earth would Donovan swim right into one?

There was a dropping sensation for a bit and then it was like he was weightless, like gravity stopped existing for a moment.

He actually was suspended in midair for barely a second, 

with none of his limbs touching any of the walls.

That was the second weirdest thing to happen to him today.

Gravity returned soon enough, and with full force too as he was knocked back into the slick flesh as Donovan impacted on the water.

Even from where Fable was he could feel that the water down here was way calmer than the river had been and that Donovan was swimming again.

His Brother would probably get back onto the battlefield soon and forget about him.

He was wondering why he wasn't hurting but then again his pain tolerance was way higher than that of a normal person.

There was a thudding sound from outside, 

Likely Donovan having reached dry land again.

Instead of running back to battle like Fable had thought Donovan stopped moving after a minute or so and from the sounds of it tried to calm his breathing.

What was he waiting for? 

Oh, right, Humans wouldn't take well to the fact Donovan had eaten his own brother so he was probably waiting for Fable to stop breathing first.

He really had expected that something would have happened to him by now but he knew there were people that got indigestion from stress.

Still, he wasn't about to make it hard for his brother so he would continue to keep calm as best as he could.

He was now glad for all those lessons on how to be emotionless his father had given him but he couldn't help but be curious.

Not like that would matter for much longer anyway.

The fleshy chamber he was trapped in was surprisingly soft and the walls smoother than some of the swords he'd handled.

He ran his arm along one of the walls right next to him only to find a strange dip in the floor.

There was another smaller dip right next to it and he realized that those were scars, likely left by something sharp judging by the clean edges.

Oh, so he was not the first person here.

The realization of that sent icy spikes of Fear through him.

Maybe Donovan was cursed? 

Did he have to eat people to maintain this form? 

Or did it just make him lose control sometimes?

Still he didn't like thinking about what,  or even who else had met their end in here.

So he didn't, even as a weird sense of panic rose in his chest and a sob threatened to come out.

He held it in, he still remembered his fathers punishments if he had so much as shed just a single tear, but did that really matter anymore?

His father was dead, and he'd join him soon enough.

“Don't worry, i'll get us out of here and back up, and after this is over i'll get you to a medic”

The sob that had threatened to spill out died in his throat.

Donoavan had said that he'd get both of them out of wherever they were, and that he'd be taken to a medic afterwards.

Donovan was half Fae, he couldn't lie, so-

Fable suddenly wasn't so sure he'd face his demise here, 

thinking logically about it it was actually rather unlikely.

For starters he should be in pain from acids but was not and had been in here for long enough that otherwise should have happened.

But he was still okay! And Donvan had always been nice to him!

Donovan wouldn't hurt him! Donovan wouldn't hurt anyone!

Even on the battlefield he had avoided hurting any of the soldiers and instead gone for the catapults, 

destroying them so they couldn't be used anymore.

All in all Donovan was the kindest person he'd ever met, and he knew the guy couldn't live with himself if he ended up hurting someone.

He simply gave in to his panic without showing any outward signs of it.

Man his father would be disappointed,  but his father was dead so what was he gonna do about that?

Really, now that the weird fog from his brain was gone he realized that that Man had only made his life miserable.

But he couldn't anymore! He was Dead.

Fable had just taken a really long time to internalize that he was free to be himself after all this time now that no one was here to police him.

Despite the scare he had not even a minute ago he'd never felt so free before!

The man that controlled every single one of his moves was gone and Fable could finally do what he wanted!

Within reason of course.

Though that left the fact that he had no idea what he wanted.

He'd figure that out later.

Gravity shifted once again and he surmised that if Donvan fell down a waterfall he had to climb back up of course.

He just hoped Donovan wouldn't fall down again, landing on land was going to be a lot more damaging than landing in water.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The good thing about the Ardua form were the rather sturdy and thick claws, they allowed me to hook them into tiny crevices on the cliffside so I could pull myself up.

Still, I had not even made it halfway to the top of the cliff and I did not only have to drag myself but also Fable all the way up there.

This sucked, but I did have to get back to battle! Rikaad was there!

 And Arthur was also there! 

Well Arthur was somewhere on the battlefield at least,  and being mistaken for a Ghost by Winton's Guards.

Being covered in pale sand didn't help that.

Still, I needed to get back and help!

And Fable needed a medic for the hole in his foot,  preferably as soon as possible.

“Hang on Fable, this might take a bit longer, Climbing is stupid”

For once he gave a clear and comprehensible answer.

“I'll be fine, I'm currently cushioned on all sides so i doubt i could get injured further than this”

He was still lying like a Ragdoll in my pouch but at least it wasn't distracting me from focusing on the stupid stone wall I needed to get up.

Man, by the time I reached the top the battle would be over!

Alright that was probably exaggerating but climbing wasn't something I liked doing, at least not on this scale.

Still going back down was not an option, not to mention that I wasn't sure if the Ardua form could climb backwards at all.

I was not going to test that here.

After a good twenty minutes of climbing and checking in on Fable in between i finally reached the top.

I pulled myself up and was very tempted to just flop on my front and take a break.

But that was not possible because one, 

there was still a Battle going on and two, Fable was in my pouch and I didn't think he'd appreciate getting squished.

So I stood back up and tried to see if there was anything I could do.

Didn't seem like it actually, when I sarcastically thought the battle would be over till i reached the top i hadn't expected that to actually happen.

Huh, they must have gotten Winton then,  and besides over half his army hadn't even wanted to fight.

So where were they? They had to be around somewhere.

Maybe I should ask the next best soldier?

Though before I did that, I had to tell Fable to be quiet. 

If anyone heard him speaking from inside of me it would cause a panic.

“Fable? I'm back up top and I'm going to look for Rikaad. 

Can you be quiet in the meantime? 

I really don't want to be gutted after all of this”

“I will be silent, don't worry nobody will know”

Well that was a relief, I couldn't fathom all the misconclusions people would come to if they noticed him in there,  I'd already gotten lucky nobody saw me eat him in the River!

“Alright, thank you, i'm just gonna ask some soldier where Rikaad is”

I set myself in motion again trying to find the nearest person.

Aside from singed ground and loose arrows stuck in the ground there wasn't much in this part of the field.

But up ahead were a few soldiers, 

dragging what appeared to be a dead horse away, poor thing.

They were clad in the colors of Kamerasca so they were on the same side as me and thus safe to approach.

“Hey!”

Two of the three soldiers startled and almost dropped the Horse before they turned to me.

“Y-yeah?”

“Have you seen where Rikaad went? Or Arthur? I need to talk to them”

They wordlessly pointed toward the treeline and then hurried to drag the Horse carcass away.

I set off in a jog towards the trees,  which was still faster than a man running at full speed.

There were indeed tents pitched up right next to a little stream that ended in the river a bit further down and I could make out a familiar Black haired form entering one of them.

So Rikaad was alright! Thank god!

Getting closer Arthur walked around another Tent and was the first to see me.

He started waving at me but since I was four legged right now I couldn't wave back.

So I just kept going in his direction and he actually set off on a jog towards me.

Good thing too, i might need his help with Fable,  my brother was injured after all and was not supposed to be standing.

We met a good distance away from the tents so we were certainly out of ear reach.

“Arthur! Man, I'm glad you're okay!”

“Same, where the fuck did you disappear to? 

And why are you soaking wet?”

Arthur was right in that regard, my green fur was dripping with water.

“Jumped in the river”

He looked at me with an expression of shock.

“Jumped, not fell? The hell have you been doing?”

Saved my brother that's what.

“Fable fell in and i went after him, he would have drowned otherwise”

“So you went to help your Brother, nice, where is he anyway?”

There it was, the question I wasn't that keen on answering but it must have shown on my face anyway as Arthur just pinched the bridge of his Nose.

“Are you kidding me? Really? You are such an idiot! 

Alright whatever let’s go look for a place where you can let him out”

He turned where he stood and waved me to follow him.

He took this surprisingly well,  though he'd been through this himself so he knew it was alright.

If anything he just seemed annoyed by it and slightly exasperated.

Eh, as long as he was helping he could think me an idiot all he wanted.

We went a little bit around the tents where I was sure I could hear Rikaad and Norrin talking to what I assumed to be Winton, 

At least I heard his unpleasant nasally voice.

No wonder Arthur didn't go in any of the tents.

We ended up a little bit upstream in the woods right next to the trickle of water that ended up in the big river later.

Alright, time to get my brother out of my pouch,  but a warning would probably be a good idea.

“Alright Fable, I'm gonna get you out in a sec so just stay calm and you'll be out in no time!”

He poked one of the walls once and then went silent again so I prepared myself to spit him up.

I tried to go as slow and careful as I dared since he was injured but I also wasn't keen on having him suffocate in my throat.

He was out in less than a minute still and I gently slid him out of my mouth and onto the floor.

He flicked a little bit of slime that had gotten onto him away before looking up again.

“This is… less than dignified”

Yeah, no kidding, not to mention the slime couldn't be the most comfortable thing in the world.

Arthur leaned over the still sitting Elf and offered a handkerchief to wipe his pale face off.

“Yeah, might not want to go to the medic all slimy though, and i'll tell you after the first time it aint as scary anymore, idiot is just a big goofball”

I would have taken offense to that if it wasn't for the comment that I wasn't scary to Arthur anymore.

“Well, i do have to admit the entire thing was quite the fright,  but aside from the hole in my foot I only have minor injuries”

Quite the fright? What did he mean by that? 

The entire getting eaten thing or just the River and then falling down the waterfall?

I'd ask later, for now he ought to get to a medic,  after the thin film of slime was gone of course.

Fable ended up just using the small stream next to us to wash off and then both me and Arthur brought him to the medical tent.

Arthur mainly helped so Fable would fall off from my back.

I thought that was nice of him,  he still had to stop though because of his motion sickness.

With Fable being taken care of by Doctors and both me and Arthur shooed away from the medical tent we went back to where Rikaad and Norrin had set up camp.

On the walk back Arthur insisted he did NOT want a ride,  He looked rather uneasy.

I could guess why.

“You okay? How did you guys manage to catch Winton anyway?”

He didn't stop, just went a tiny bit faster.

“Rikaad and Norrin cornered him at the far end of his side of the river as he was fleeing back to Maringand.

I wasn't involved so he hasn't seen me and i'm not sure if i can go face to face with that tantrum throwing man child”

“You don't have to, besides he thinks you're dead so it doesn't really matter, but it would be funny if you just walked up to him.

I mean he thinks you are dead,  but you're not so imagine how he’d freak out!”

That actually drew a laugh from the blonde.

“I'd guess so,  well he's tied up as well so he can't even run like the coward he is!

Though i don't want to see him, but you could go scare him instead”

That was true, Winton had brought an Ardua child to Battle with no regards that the little guy was just a cub,  so let's see how he'd react to a bigger Ardua.

I nodded at him with a grin and Arthur's face morphed into a mischievous smile.

He stood back a bit and hid behind a tree so winton wouldn't see him and I walked up to the tent where the voices were coming from.

“Rikaad? Norrin? You guys there?”

A head popped up from the tent, Norrins head to be exact.

He walked out and made sure to close the flap of cloth behind him so Winton couldn't see out.

“Donovan! Good thing you are alright! 

I got worried when we lost sight of you!!”

I still wasn't completely used to people worrying about me but it was nice to hear.

“Heya Norrin, so you got Winton eh? How's it going?”

Norrin looked behind him at the tent and then made a grimace.

“I'll tell you something, I'd rather work with a cranky toddler than this guy, he keeps whining about everything but won't tell us anything either.

If this goes on i'm gonna stab him”

From what little I knew about the guy that sounded accurate,  maybe he'd talk if he felt threatened?

“Yeah checks out, maybe we could scare him into talking?”

“Scare him into talking? And how?”

Was he serious?

“Uh, Norrin im right here,  i'll just snarl and bare my teeth and he’ll wish he could run”

Norrin blinked for a moment.

“Oh, right, I kinda forgot that to most people a big green thing would be scary, well why not? Worth a try at least.

Stand over there somewhere and i'll see if i can bring the guy outside”

He went back into the tent while I did as instructed and went to where there was more space to move around.

“Are you sure that's a good idea?”

I looked up and saw that Arthur had climbed the tree nearest to me, likely keeping out of sight from Winton.

“It'll be fine, i'll scare him a bit, as he deserves,  and then we throw him in a cell or whatever”

At a rustling sound from the tent Arthur retreated out of sight, and just in time too as Rikaad and Norrin dragged Winton out of the tent and towards me.

He was wiggling like a worm and trying to get free from their grip but since all his limbs were bound in rope that wouldn't do much good.

I put my face in an angry snarl that showed teeth just as he looked at me and then froze.

Yeah didn't think Ardua could get this big huh?

Bitch.

“Hey now we don't have to do anything rash do we? 

I didn't know you also had one of those grass creatures”

Grass creatures? He didn't even bother to learn the actual name?

Though it was nice to see him without his Guards and high and mighty behavior, he was still a nasty person to be around though.

“I'm an Ardua, Not a ‘Grass creature’ “ 

I growled at him and he froze at the sight of my teeth.

I hadn't forgotten that he locked me in a tower and then tried to double cross me when he led us out of the tower only to tell his soldiers to kill us.

And I definitely hadn't forgotten what he made me do to Arthur.

It was rare that I really hated someone but Winton was the one I probably hated most.

Winton himself looked at Rikaad and Norrin who kept their grim faces up.

“Now now gentlemen, we can discuss this can't we? 

I could offer you gold! Lots of gold!”

He tried in a sickeningly and fake sweet voice.

I stomped on the ground with one paw and brought my head closer to him while glaring daggers at him.

“Do I look like I have any use for Gold? 

No what i want is information,  the same information the guys holding you wanted, 

so you better start talking”

He looked at both of the men with a scared expression,  Then he tried once more to wiggle free.

Rikaad grabbed the back of his neck in what looked to be a very painful grip.

“Try that again and i'll tell the big guy to bite your legs off”

He hissed at the man with venom in his tone.

Bite of his legs? That was a bit far,  I was all for scaring the guy but I still wasn't gonna hurt people.

Surely Rikaad knew that?

Oh wait this was a bluff wasn't it? 

The only thing I had to do was not deny whatever he said.

So instead I just bared my teeth again and then made a snapping motion.

He went pale, almost more pale than Fable was even,  and looked at me with horror.

“I'll talk, I'll talk, just let me keep my legs!”

He nearly wailed, tantrum throwing tyrant.

Norrin shook him roughly for a bit.

“Then stop wailing like a child already! Why did you declare war on us?”

“I wanted the land! Kamerasca has better soil for wine than we do!”

Selfish prick, I growled at him and he started shaking.

Rikaad yanked him up again as his knees bent a little.

“Next question, i know you had all my siblings and even mother assassinated,  what i want to know is who you sent so i can keep an eye out for them”

Winton blinked for a second, he probably hadn't expected that question.

“The assassin? That was an Elven woman,  the mother of that Brat with the bracelet, she said she'd do everything as long as we kept her Spawn alive after he husband managed to escape but she's dead now, one of my Guards had to skewer her after she tried to go for me”

Oh, the poor boy, also a lot of other things started making sense.

Like why the old king hated Fae so much, he must have seen the pointy ears of that Elven woman and assumed that the Fae hated him.

And thus he banned all Fae from the kingdom.

Though I could have gone without the image of some poor woman impaled on a spear.

That also meant that the other Ardua was like me,  an Orphan Bastard, poor boy.

“You are a sick man Winton”

Rikaad said coldly and then followed up with another question.

Alright, where did you get the Bracelet? 

And why did you send that poor child to war? “

If the answer wasn't good I'd throw the guy in the river myself.

“Why wouldn't I want a big Beast on my side? 

You were supposed to run in terror after seeing it but then you had your own even bigger one! That's not faiiir”

He dragged the last word out in an extremely annoying whine.

Tantrum throwing tyrant indeed.

Norrin shook him harshly.

“Oh shut up! You're the one that made everyone miserable, 

you even killed all of your own family just to get the throne!”

Winton tried to squirm out of the death grip the two men had on him.

“Not all of them! The younger one of my nieces is still alive! 

I just locked her in a tower till she's old enough to-”

“YOU WHAT?”

Arthur had jumped down from the tree and was marching towards Winton with an absolutely murderous look on his face.

Before either of Rikaad and Norrin could stop him he had Punched Winton hard enough in the face to pulverize his nose.

Rikaad and Norrin had let go of the man as this had happened and now Winton was lying on his back on the ground.

His nose was bleeding profusely and there was no way that would heal in the same way or even look normal.

Then he started screaming.

“AHHHH A GHOST! SPARE MY SOUL! I BEG OF YOU!”

What soul? With how the guy acted I doubted he even had one.

Arthur for his part was still furious and as he tried to charge again I held him back by biting the back of his shirt.

He didn't care and just tried to get closer to Winton to either punch or strangle him.

Though it was like holding back an angry Drake and the back of his shirt ripped seconds later.

He charged at Winton again and this time Rikaad had to stop him.

Arthur tried crawling over his shoulder in an absolutely wild frenzy.

At that moment I was glad we were on the same side as he was completely crazy with hatred right now.

“Arthur! ARTHUR STOP! That's not going to achieve anything!”

Arthur slowed down but still tried to get past Rikaad.

“No, let me at him! He'll get what he deserves!”

I somehow agreed with both of them. 

Rikaad was right that beating Winton to a pulp wasn't going to achieve anything but Arthur was also right to want to obliterate this guy.

Still, Rikaad was the king here so I'd better help him,  Also I was worried if that continued that Arthur would injure himself.

So I grabbed the part of his shirt that didn't get torn and dragged him a good bit back.

“NO! Let me strangle him!”

I pulled and he fell over, before he could get up I used a paw to trap his legs so the only thing he could do was sit up.

“Fuck you! Let me go!”

Rikaad came over again while Norrin kept watch on Winton.

“Arthur stop it, i know how you feel,I really want that fucker to suffer, but I don’t want a Kingdom run by my worst impulses”

That finally stopped Arthur's frenzy.

He let his head fall on top of my paw.

“You are right, but when i heard what he did to my Cousin i just lost it”

His cousin huh? He must be good friends with her if he reacted like this.

Rikaad turned back to Norrin.

“Alright we can do a proper interrogation later,  for now let's toss him in a cell”

Norrin Nodded and went over to the rest of the Royal Guard and together they dragged Winton away.

Rikaad then turned back and went to look at Arthur who looked miserable.

“Lets just pretend that never happened alright?”

Both me and Arthur nodded.

“Okay, Winton is in jail now so that's most of our Problems gone,  and now we actually know why the old king hated Fae, crazy isn't it?

But there are a couple more problems, for starters Maringand has no ruler anymore, and as Winton said he killed all the, uh, Competition.

At least he thought that”

Arthur looked up at him suspiciously.

“What are you getting at?”

Rikaad sighed.

“Technically you are the last heir now, i know most people think you are dead but you could still claim the title if you wanted”

That was true, Winton admitted to killing all but Arthur and his cousin so the only one that had actual claim over the title was Arthur since his cousin was a girl.

Arthur made a very displeased face.

“I'll be honest with you, I don't want some stupid throne and I don't want to rule people that just stood by as Winton did such horrible stuff.

No, i'm not gonna claim the title, right now i just want to make sure Amicia is okay after Winton put her in a tower for who knows how long”

He tried to stand up but my paw was still in the way,  so I quickly took it back.

Rikaad looked concerned at him.

“I do suggest you rest for a bit first, in the meantime i'll try to get Winton to tell me which tower she is in alright?”

Both me and Arthut looked at him.

“Shouldn't you also rest? I know your sleep schedule is garbage and all of us where physically active today”

I tried tentatively to get them all to rest, at least for a little bit.

Rikaad just shook his head.

“Later maybe, right now there is a lot to do”

Stubborn as always, though we all were injured,  maybe I could get them to at least see a medic?

“Sure, but right now we are all injured so maybe we should go see a doc first? If only to prevent an infection”

Rikaad froze where he stood and Arthur's eyes flitted over to the countless arrows stuck in either my skin or my fur.

“Yeah he's right in that,  also you look like hedgehog with all those arrows”

I couldn't help but smile.

“Eh the river pulled like half of them out”

“Half of them? How many did you have? Also Ouch!”

Ouch alright, now that the adrenaline was wearing off it did start to hurt, like I had rolled into a pile of big splinters.

Well I'd go see a medic in a minute and they'd take them out.

Though actually caring for the wounds might not be as easy seeing there was a ton of fur in the way.

Well Oakley had said i shouldn't shift sizes with wounds so maybe i could go regular Giant and they could look at the wounds like that?

I'd have a more human physique too so that would also be more familiar for them to work with.

Rikaad sighed and then agreed to see a medic to at least clean all the cuts and bruises before he did anything else.

“Fine, an infection would be really bad so i’ll see a doc first and then interrogate Winton again”

Man Rikaad should stop putting work before himself,  but i wasn't gonna say that out loud right now.

We found the medical tent soon enough, not that I fit in it, and both Rikaad and Arthur went inside.

Not even a minute later both of them walked out again,  not shortly after i had made myself comfortable on the ground.

They were followed by what I assumed to be medics, or at least nurses.

They looked rather uneasy, which was understandable,  but I couldn't shift with arrows stuck in my flesh.

And since I was here I really wanted to ask how Fable was doing.

I recognized one of the nurses from when Nea had to get help for her foot, well if she could deal with Nea then i couldn't be so bad.

At least I cooperated with what a medical expert told me.

Rikaad and Arthur were shooed back inside the tent again while the medics next to me went to get their stuff.

As much as I knew it would hurt, I'd be glad to get those stupid arrows out.

I was told to keep still by one of the Nurses and then a good three people worked at the same time to get the arrowheads out.

If they missed just one it could cause a pretty big tear while I shifted.

But aside from that it went a lot easier than expected seeing as the arrows themselves were tiny compared to me.

The only time when it did really hurt was when they had to take out the jagged tip of a spear out of my shoulder.

The thing was designed with hooks on it so that taking it out would do even more damage so it took near forever to get out and hurt like fuck.

Yeah that part had to be addressed as soon as I was human sized again.

Speaking of being Human sized, they only had to take out the arrows in my Mane and one in my abdomen now and then i could shift back down.

The ones in my Mane barely did any damage,  they only got tangled in the hairs which I was glad for.

One well placed shot and I would have bled a fuckton.

Maybe that's why the Ardua had a mane? 

To protect the neck and throat area?

I could ask Oakley lat- oh right.

The last arrow was yanked out and just to make sure i checked myself over, i really wasn't keen on having an arrow doing any damage while shifting.

Since all was clear I made sure nobody was looking at what I did and then shifted down to human size so I could actually wash the grime and stinging sea water off of my wounds.

Without the fur in the way I could see the extent of my injuries properly.

While none were really deep there were a lot of punctures from the arrows and where the spear had been Removed there was a sluggish bleeding gash.

That one would probably scar, oh well it could have been a lot worse.

Some of the Medics came back and I was led into the tent that smelled of herbs and bitter medicine.

I was told to take my shirt off and given a bucket of water to wash the wounds with as best as I could.

After that they did the fine work like removing sand from the puncture holes and dressing them in bandages after using a bitter smelling cream as disinfectant.

As necessary as it was whatever they used stung the wounds a little and didn't really like it.

I distracted myself from that by asking about Fable.

“Hey, can I ask where Fable is?”

The medic just looked at me for a moment and I realized I should probably clarify who i ment.

“The Elven guy with the foot injury,  he was brought here not too long ago”

Now it clicked and the medic pointed towards a section with lots of curtains.

“Ought to be there somewhere, ask one of the Nurses”

The medic left to tend to the other patients and I decided that aside from being a bit tired I was well enough I'd visit Fable.

Also the comment that he had ‘quite the fright’ wouldn't get out of my head.

But I couldn't ask that in the middle of about a hundred other people so I'd just shove that question aside for now.

Walking down the pathway that cut through the curtains I asked the first nurse I saw where Fable was and got directed to a corner of the tent.

Pulling the curtain aside Fable was indeed there,  and trying to clean his Rapier as best as he could.

I had no idea how he'd gotten that thing back though.

“Fable! How are you? Not in too much pain?”

He looked at me with a surprised hmm sound.

“I am fine, they did ask a lot of questions if i could take painkillers or not though”

Well they were human docs so asking was probably a smart thing to do to avoid an allergic reaction.

“They are Human medics so i'm not surprised by them asking,  and better they ask beforehand if there's stuff you can't take”

He nodded slowly and turned back to his sword, now using what looked to be cotton to clean the ornament on the handle.

“Well aside from minor things Elven anatomy is actually very similar to humans, most of the difference is in the head like ears and fangs.

Aside from that the greatest difference is probably that almost all Elves are capable of wielding Magic while its rare for humans to do so”

So wait, if Elven anatomy was similar to a Humans then…

Oh, so the Elves did not have a pouch? 

Why did I have one then? Was it because I'm a Bastard?

That also meant that Fable had no way of knowing he'd been safe the entire time.

Oh god i was such an awful idiot!

I did have to applaud his bravery then seeing as he had kept calm the entire time even if he probably thought he was going to die.

Maybe I should leave then? 

After scaring someone like that and then basically ignoring them I doubted they would want to see what put them in that situation.

“Fable? I'm sorry for scaring you, i really thought my anatomical fuckery came from your side of the family”

He hummed and put the Rapier away to instead grab the dirty sheath of it and began cleaning that.

“Well Humans have little to no understanding of how Elves work,  so I'm not Surprised you thought that everything unusual would stem from your Elven parts.

You said your anatomy was unusual, unusual how if I may ask?”

I could for the life of me not tell if Fable was angry,  still scared or had already gotten over it.

“Uh, well for starters some of my organs are doubled, like I have four kidneys, and also two hearts even if only one of them is working.

Its honestly just a weird mess and i shouldn't even function at all”

While speaking I had begun unthreading the ending part of one of the bandages in nervousness but quickly stopped when I noticed what I was doing.

Fable just hummed again.

“That Is out of the ordinary by quite a bit,  no wonder you thought all of that came from your Elven side”

He offered no further comment and just continued to clean the sheath of his rapier.

He was behaving weirdly and I wondered what type of painkiller they gave him.

“How's your foot? Still attached I hope?”

Fable nodded and lifted his blanket a little to reveal a heavily bandaged appendage.

It hadn't bled through or anything so that was a relief.

“They had to take some splinters out first before they could disinfect it, and the bolt somehow avoided everything important so i will be fine in a few weeks”

A few weeks only? That was good news! 

Heh, Nea would be jealous of that.

Oh fuck Nea, she was still keeping an eye on that other Ardua!

“That's nice to hear! Though I should probably let you rest now,  I'm pretty sure if I stay too long a nurse will kick me out. 

Also i need to check in with Nea,  she's having an eye on that other Ardua right now”

Fable just nodded and continued scratching the mud off of his Rapier holster.

“Good luck, i've only briefly seen the other one but they were quite a lot smaller than you so i doubt you'll have much trouble”

“Yeah, i guess so,  i'll try to check in again later you just take a break for now”

He made an acknowledging sound and waved me goodbye.

I left feeling like I had made him angry or at the very least upset.

Considering everything that was not surprising but i wished i had actually talked to Fable about it beforehand instead of assuming stuff.

I'd try to be more open to him from now on.

Now I had to find Nea and the smaller Ardua.

Well Nea still wasn't all that fast on her legs so if i went where i last saw her i might be able to see where she went.

So back up the stupid slope it was then.

———————————————————————

NEXT / PREVIOUS / OVERSIGHT

[flowersarefreetherapy]

Shadow of Stars: Chapter 13

CW: Blood (lightly mentioned), collared whumpee, power dynamics, creepy whumper, implied past violence, sexually degrading language

“Your highness, the people are starving.”

Daniel swallows back a laugh. Of course the people are starving. He’s starving. Heartbeats fill the room. They’re no longer humans, just blood and veins and strong, strong hearts pumping blood.

“There, there’s nothing I, I, I can do. I’ve sent all, all the troops I have.”

“Send more, your highness.”

“We need someone to lead the army.”

Daniel shifts his weight, wincing as his joints pop. His legs would have lost feeling long ago if he had the blood, but he doesn’t. Whatever is left flows slower than molasses through his veins, black with lack of oxygen as the systems that fake life shut down. How long has he been kneeling here, trapped at Star’s side? 

“I, I, I’ve placed Kai Nonson in, in charge.”

“We need someone with more experience.”

Experience. Daniel swallows, venom and saliva thick on his tongue. It’s been days since his last feeding. Star saying something about how he isn’t performing well enough, that he doesn’t care, that Daniel hasn’t earned his place. 

What place? As your professional consort? Did you ever ask if I wanted this place?

His head dips, only to be caught by the collar. Star tugs up on the leash and Daniel forces his head back up. The burning of silver against his skin barely registers.

The door slams open. “Sir!”

“What?” Star snaps. 

“Sir!” Whoever is speaking is breathless. Their heart races, hot and so full of life. Daniel whimpers softly, hating himself for imagining how delightful the blood would taste. “It’s the Shadows!”

“An, an attack?”

“No, sir, their leader, he’s here.”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The throne room is silent, every breath held, words spoken below a whisper as Star settles himself. Daniel kneels at his side without prompting. His lungs heave, a primal response his body will never forget, no matter how long he lives as a Shadow. He curls over himself, trying to hide the burns and scars crossing his skin that the scant silks don’t cover. 

Phantom fingers curl through his hair, exposing his neck. The wind whistles outside, cold against his tears. A flash of teeth, his gurgled screams, waking up with blood painting his body and a shadowy face looming above him. 

“Sit, sit up,” Star growled, yanking up on his leash. “Do, do not cower. I want, want them to see, see, um, they can be, be beaten.”

“Star, please,” Daniel gasps. “Please, you don’t understand. He won’t care. Nothing you do will intimidate him.”

Star’s beautiful blue eyes narrow. “What, what are you- . . . What do you mean?”

“He-“ 

The door slams open. Guards rush in, spears outstretched ahead of a tall figure. He walks with long strides, chest inches away from their silver speartips. Behind him drags a limp body though he’s too far away for Daniel to see who. Not as if he’s looking closely. The clip of the leash rattles against the ring as he fights to keep his body from betraying his fear. 

“Your guards are a mockery,” the figure says. His voice is deep, rattling like gravel against the walls. “Nothing more than straw in the wind. Though I don’t know what I was expecting, given how pathetic your soldiers were. Their fear made their blood so much sweeter.”

Daniel can’t breathe. His fingernails dig into his arms, catching on still healing blisters. The pain is nothing when compared to the man walking towards him. Has he noticed him yet? Does he see the fear wracking his body? Can he sense the stagnant heart resting in his chest? 

“Who, who are you?” 

For once, he is proud of Star. His voice doesn’t falter and rings out with the command of a king. For a moment, Daniel swears he can see the king he would have been, if it wasn’t for the venom that distorts his mind and face, the hatred that warps his beauty into something heinous and otherworldly. Only for a moment, and then it is wiped away with Star’s scowl, one Daniel has seen directed at him far too many times. 

“My name is Ashur.” He has crossed half the throne room, walking with confidence, his strides measured. His cloak is black, lined with red trim. His clothing is simple; homespun cotton dyed black, leather boots, and black dyed leather armor. Black hair is braided back from his face, piled on top of his head in a half-bun. A golden circlet rests on his brow, a red ruby resting against his forehead like a drop of blood. 

“I am meant, meant to know, know your, um, your name? It means nothing to, to me.”

Ashur laughs. Daniel closes his eyes, praying to the deities who have abandoned him that Star will keep his mouth shut, that he will not stoop to playing this game. He knows the rules and the master controlling them. If he makes this mistake, Star will not survive.

“I would expect you to. After all, you have one of my sons.”

Silence. Heartbeats fill the room. Daniel recognizes the one hanging from Ashur’s grip. It’s faint, but there. Good. He can’t handle someone else dying for him.

“Your, your son? What, what are you-”

“Oh come on, don’t tell me he hasn’t said anything. Nothing? Well, I’m surprised.” Ashur chuckles. The hair on the back of Daniel’s neck stands up. “Actually, not that surprised, considering you have him collared. Like a common whore.”

His voice is dark, dropping several octaves and taking on a layer Daniel hasn’t heard in years. Ashur remembers him. He remembers him. That means he has been looking for him. It’s been decades. Living in the woods was the only way to stay safe, stay away from people, stay away from the man he once called master!

You knew it was a matter of time. You knew he would find you. 

I’m sorry, my love, I never meant for you to be a part of this.

“What, what do you want?” Star demands. The leash shakes in tandem with Star’s hand. His fingers tap against the armrest of the throne, nails clicking against the wood. The urge to bite his hand wells deep inside Daniel.

Please stop!

“I want my son back. And I already know what you’re going to say. No, you can’t have him, we’re going to kill you, you’ll never make it out of the kingdom alive. But I have someone you want and I am willing to bargain.”

Daniel looks up this time. Ashur effortlessly throws the body towards the throne, smirking when Daniel gasps and flinches forwards. 

It’s the soldier, the one married to the flame-haired one. He was the one to put a sword to his throat and demand with all the righteous anger in the world that he let his partner go. He’s a fighter, a soldier, and here he lays, limp against the floor, dark hair matted to his skull with blood. His neck is a mess of bruises and puncture marks. They haven’t properly healed him after feeding. 

“I’m so sorry.” The words slip out before Daniel can stop himself, ringing in the silence of the throne room. 

“So he can speak! I thought all the time with the humans would have stripped your language.” Ashur’s cold grey eyes pierce into Daniel and he flinches as violently as if he has been slapped. “Is this your fault, little one?”

Little one. How long has it been since he heard those words? How long has it been since he looked at his pack leader in admiration and not fear? How long has it been since he was surrounded by his own kind, when he would feed on the humans and never once consider their feelings? 

“What, what did you–what did you–what did you do?” Star growls. The guards stationed along the walls step closer to Ashur. “What did you-”

“I found him,” Ashur says, waving a hand in dismissal. “Wandering through the woods near a settlement in which we were positive everyone had been taken care of. Him and another one. We thought we would show them our . . . hospitality.” 

“You bastard.”

“I’ve returned him, haven’t I? Give me my son. Now.”

“No. Dan, Daniel is mine.”

Ashur raises an eyebrow. “Of course. Daniel, my son, if you come with me, I will free the other one, you have my word. I don’t want to keep a human. They’re too much work to take care of and feed and all of that. I would much rather exchange them for you.”

Daniel can’t breathe–not like his lungs are working anyway. He stares at the ground and lets out a shuddering sigh. Deep compulsion wells inside of him, screaming for him to get off his knees, stand tall like the fighter he is, and show these puny mortals what a true Shadow is. He shoves that emotion back down. 

“We, we need a, a, a day,” Star says. His voice is softer, sharp with fear. Daniel can smell it in his blood. “To discuss.”

“I don’t think there is anything to discuss. My son is returning home. With me.”

The leash jerks, forcing his head up. Daniel bites his cheek hard enough to bleed as the silver burns into his skin. Ashur steps forward, his brow furrowed and mouth pressed into a thin line. Star has gained a bit of confidence, but it’s not enough. Nothing ever is with Ashur. The only option is fear and obedience. 

“He’s mine.”

Asher laughs. “So you think. But Daniel and I both knew the truth. I will give you a day, but that shall be all. Then I will come for what is mine.”

Tagging: @blood-is-compulsory @whump-for-all-and-all-for-whump @whumpinggrounds @pigeonwhumps (let me know if you want to be added/removed!)

[videcoeur]

❝ I was there and I saw what you did. ❞ (Croc or Doffy)

"So?" Was that supposed to be a threat? Blackmail? This gal must be out of her mind to challenge him. As he looked at her though, he realized he must be misinterpreting. There's absolutely no way in hell something as squishy and puny, and beneath him, thinks they can intimidate him. Maybe he misread her tone. Maybe she was admirative?

She must be. After all, he made quick work of that man within 0.2 seconds. His guts and limbs were all over the alley, but none of the blood reached Doflamingo. Not a stain on that flamboyant pink coat, white striped blouse and flashy orange pants. He looked perfect, as usual, while the rest of the alley looked like gorefest.

"You have something to say about it, maybe?" Though Mel couldn't see his eyes behind his glasses, she could probably guess from the way his face was turned toward her that he was staring directly at her face.

Better answer fast, his fingers are twitching. She might even feel the web of threads slowly wrapping around her frame.

[twistedmeru]

Mermay, please rest I missed the 4th joke day!

Day 5-Revenge….

He was alone, the waters of the ocean around him. Not a soul really was watching him, but he always felt like he could never move. Two days ago he had abandoned Briar to talk to that… thing by themself. And now he’s being punished for it. He was alone and stuck in the boat while Briar was out ‘buying supplies’ they had abandoned him back! This was cruel… he hated being alone. But, at the same time it was where he felt comfort the most sometimes. He wanted more friends but never could he really feel comfortable having them. 

“Hey Bro! Whatcha up to hmmmmm~?” 

And almost as if on cue a new voice chipped into the mind of our poor Zetsu, one he was not fond of hearing. 

“What do you want, Osiris? I-look I’m back on time and everything. Even have the weird scale you wanted me to collect which I had to do while Briar was sleeping. They’d kill me if they found out I dived without telling them, especially at night.”

And as Zetsu speaks, for once without a break in his voice. Not even stuttering which was uncommon for him, Osiris took his time practically dancing his way into the deck. Tapping his shoes and humming to himself, smiling as he approached his twin brother. The only difference between them? A single strand of hair Osiris left white today.

“Good good! You did your job again! However, this time I need a little bit more from you.” 

“What more are you going to take this tim-“

And before Zetsu could turn around to face his brother he felt the metal railing of the boat meet his head and then he was out cold. Osiris had placed his hand onto the back of Zetsu’s head and used a small bit of energy to pull and send his brother’s head into the railing. Blood was leaking onto the floor as he had hit one of the railings locks.

“Ah ah ah! Can’t have that now can we!? Come on bro no need to dirty the deck, I’m the one cleaning it. After all, it’s time for another switch~” 

Osiris proceeded to place a hand in front of his brother’s forehead and the blood from his cut began to be pulled off his face, as was the blood on the deck collecting it into an orb before plopping it into the ocean and seeing it disperse quickly.

“Anyyyyyyways, I’ll be seeing you in about… a week? Maybe longer, but for now? Ciao bro~” 

Osiris picked his brother up, sling him over his shoulder and then proceeded to dump him into the ocean…. As a shadow passed under close to the dock and then was gone. 

“Now then, let’s fix this up.”

Osiris proceeded to spin his hand in front of his face shifting the single hair back to the same color as Zetsu’s and then coughed lightly before he began to sulk just like Zetsu was as he was abandoned by Briar…. 

Meanwhile….

Briar had just parked their car in the dock’s temporary parking area. The old one was being remodeled so as an apology to everyone who lost their paid spots, they were gifted a set of tickets to purchase gear and other supplies for multiple voyages if used in the allotted time limit. Which led to the currently packed car of food and snacks, along with some new fishing gear too! Even some books for Zetsu to use to learn a bit more about navigation.

Taking what they could at first was easier than trying to grab everything but it worked out as they saw their mini boat in the distance annnnddddd… witnessed Zetsu practically burying his face into the railing on the top deck. At least until he fell off and fell into the water causing a scream and splash as Brair ran over to check on her partner. 

“Zetsu!? Idiot!” 

As they dove off the pier and soak themselves before they see him swimming upwards absolutely fine…… forgetting Zetsu is still a more experienced diver than they are at this point in time. Sometimes he surprises them with so,etching they always tend to forget, he never acts confidently even when he should. He’s a great navigator, but constantly reviews the basics and remarks upon his own correct maps with bad marks. Never giving himself any actual credit for success. He’s a complete stick in the mud. Top of his class, and yet he didn’t have any speech to give. 

Following him upward Briar surfaced and proceeded to berate him slightly.

“Dork! What the heck was that!? What if you had hit a rock or something!? Come on already, why were you even on the top of the deck as if you were abandoned like a lost puppy or something?”

“We-well you-I… but I thought you had abandoned me. I spent the entire time hiding under the deck while you talked to that thing! I had abandoned you then and you had every right to abandon me now! It… it only made sense if you would do th-that to me after that…”

And Briar sighed as by this point they had climbed back onto the deck and were staring at Zetsu in the water looking down like a depressed puppy abandoned by their owner.

“Seriously… what would you do without me sometimes? Come on dork, let's get back and dry off. We have a long two weeks ahead of us!” 

Briar offered a hand to Zetsu picking him up and helping him out before they proceeded to grab a bag, and then look deviously at Zetsu.

“Ummmm… what’s that face for?”

“Oh I know exactly how you’re going to pay me back for that scare.”

And shortly after leaving the dock after stocking up on everything the duo could need, there was one very specific thing that was able to be seen on the front of the ship.

A man painted in white and black. Acting as if they were trapped in a box…. While seeming slightly annoyed by it. As Zetsu was now the afternoon entertainment.

[starii-void]

going to chb must be crazy like imagine sharing a camp with

-one of the strongest demigods ever who's saved the world like at least 3 times, fought multiple gods & titans and WON (and is a tartarus survivor)

-the literal main architect of OLYMPUS who's also saved the world multiple times (also tartarus survivor)

-THE lord of the wild who's also close friends with the first two (and has helped save the world multiple times)

-an emo kid from the 1930s who again helped save the world and is also a tartarus survivor (TWICE)

-a son of apollo who survived tartarus with nothing but cargo shorts and sheer will (pun intended)

-the main designer and builder for the argo II, also the first hephaestus kid to have fire powers since hundreds of years ago (did i mention killed gaea? no? yeah he did that too)

-a girl who somehow charmspeak-ed gaea into falling back asleep (also side note daughter of super famous actor because why not)

-pretty much everybody is a two-time war veteran

-THE GOD APOLLO who just sometimes comes down to visit in the form of a teenage boy

-did i mention dionysus, god of wine madness and theatre

-also chiron, trainer of pretty much every greek hero ever

[onenicebugperday]

no she can have a little flesh and blood. as a treat

[mugiwara-lucy]

Kamala will make the FUNNIEST president in all of American history 😂

[seldomscilence16]

Whumptober day 29:

"I only sink deeper the deeper I think."

Scented candles | troubled past resurfacing | "What happened to me?"

Fandom: Voltron

Prompts used: all

Oof so this ones a little rough, but it was what I could come up with. Yell at me if you will :)

TW for implied abuse, injuries, blood mentions but not major.

…

The candle is oddly shaped- though he couldn't tell you what he thought it was supposed to be shaped like- and sat innocently in the center of the dining table. It was a gift, for some reason, and Lance felt like it was a test of some kind. It wouldn't be first.

Lance doesn't lite it, not today, he'll wait until HE says it's okay. Just to be safe.

The candle is lit, HE is gone again, and Lance has just awoken, the smell is new and fills the space so fully it's suffocating. He feels a headache building and turns to bury his face in his pillow.

/

"Leandro! Don't go too far! Pequeño bribón, Lancito!" The voice is worried but fond. (Little rascal)

"I'm fine mama! I'm gonna-" a shriek, cuts off the sentence, blurred view of tumbling down a rocky hill.

"LEANDRO!"

Something snaps, and pain erupts up his arm, there's blood- his arm?

/

Lance wakes from the light doze confused, a phantom ache in his arm. He sits up, cautiously dragging his sleeve up, he stares like he'd never seen it before, and wonders if he had. Scars litter the tan skin, old and newer, healing bruises doing little to hide them.

He presses on one-

/

The boy beside him holds his arm tenderly beneath cool sink water,

"Hermano, it's not that big a deal, I burn myself all the time, so do you!"

"But I burned you! I didn't-"

"Didn't mean to? I know, I was in the way and the pan was bigger than I thought. Give me a cookie and we're all good."

/

He gasps, the teen burned into his eyelids. His heart aches and his head pounds, as he tries to place where he knows him from. He'd looked like Lance, not like HIM, or the weird people on TV, he looked like Lance-

Human.

He had been human, like Lance. Lance was a human, who knew other humans at some point. He stumbles to his feet, dizzy as he makes his way to the bathroom, he splashes water on his face and meets his own eyes in the mirror. One Brown, one Blue.

/

"Think the team will notice, beautiful?"

Perhaps, if they can look up for a moment.

"Ha! You are not wrong there… maybe I can find contacts, switch back and forth and see who notices first…"

Amusing, they do claim to be observant.

The mocking in her mental voice makes Lance chuckle again.

"Don't worry Blue, I'll always appreciate you even if they don't."

And I you.

/

He stumbles back, hands in his hair as his head seems fit to burst with how harshly it pounds-

/

Cub, breathe.

"I shouldn't be c-cold. Why is it s-so c-c-cold?"

I have raised the temperature, you are within the safety of my walls, I will not let any harm come.

"R-red, why m-me? W-why is i-it always m-me?"

I wish I knew cub… you do not deserve it. I am here.

/

Blue, Red, voices, presences in his mind, how could he forget about two whole presences in his MIND! What is going on?!

He struggles to dress himself, the clothes ill fitting- HE likes them loose- but he manages, he doesn't have shoes- he doesn't leave this place- but the cloth on his feet resembles socks. SOCKS how did he forget what SOCKS were!? He slides into the main part of the building, his eyes fall on the candle and the purple flame-

/

Seventh wheel.

Too many paladins.

Leave the math to Pidge.

Not now Lance!

I told you to stay out of this!

Lance! Don't ever scare me like that again!

Lance, I'm sure you can find something to do without getting into trouble hm?

Mighty paladin, fallen before my feet, mine I shall make you, my quite the feat!

/

"What happened to me?" He's curled up on the floor, tears tracking down his face.

His heart thumps heavily in his chest, longing for something, he needs to get out of here. He had a life before this- however complicated it seemed- but if he stayed, he may not have a life after.

The Alien that had been parading around here, talking about some life they had together, making up quiznaking BS about life long mates, was a phonier phony than he thought.

Lance had not lost his memory in some weird accident, it had been on purpose! Maybe…. he still didn't know, but HE would be back eventually, and HE would surely be mad again. Lance needed a way out.

"Alright memories… I only sink deeper the deeper I think. So chill out for a minute, bueno? Bueno…"

He drags himself over to the table, snuffing the candle-

/

Burning.

Burned flesh.

It fills his nose.

Everything's bURNING!

HELP!

/

"Mierda!" Blood dribbles down his chin, lip sore and throbbing where teeth had bitten through skin.

Out. A way out. Come on Lance, you've been cleaning this place as long as you can remember- ha- there's gotta be a way out!

He starts with the front door; biometric lock, Lance can't find a panel to open.

The windows; thick, tinted, none openable, does not break with a chair, no ground in sight.

No back door. No laundry chute, no neighbors he can hear, no skylight, Garbage chut-

Garbage chute!

Disgusting, but his only option.

The thing is large, to fit the large bags he assumes, it does not smell, it seems pretty clean considering, but Lance can only assume what's at the bottom. Rotting food, alien bugs, an incinerator!? This could be a terrible idea.

But… it's his only one. He grabs the biggest knife from the kitchen, wraps it up to hopefully avoid stabbing himself, and stares at the chute. He sits in it awkwardly, his brain niggling on the idea of a 'slide' but Lance doubts this will be fun.

His scream is a squeaky breathy thing, to remain as quiet as possible and still release his terror as he goes down into the dark unknown. Falling for several long moments before a light appears and he slows his descent with protesting skin burning all the while.

His chest heaves as he stares at the opening, a pile of trash bags, no heat, he sends a prayer to whoever's listening, and falls.

.

.

.

He must look like a loonatic, running around as he is with no idea where he is or why. But he stops for no one, no rushing memories coming to him at anything he registers before him. He runs, he doesn't look back, everything aches, but he pushes, he's been through worse-

Gods he's been through worse.

He only slows as he reaches some sort of port, spaceships coming and going. He has no money, but he will be leaving this place, if it's the last thing he does.

He doesn't see the screen beside him light up with his face:

Missing:

Paladin of Voltron

*image*

"What happened to me?"

Tips or info sent to xxxxx

He doesn't look back.

[luminarai]

hey, hi, I was just on the former bird app and came across this info from a brand new study and now I cannot stop screaming internally??? what the actual fuckkkk

theres' an article from the guardian here and here is the actual study:

[pennyrunner]

And part 2 of NSFW Yan preferences!

Again, nothing too wild or in detail. Mentions of blood play, so mild blood TW?

NSFW under cut!

Audrey:

-Pure domme

-Firm, not overly gentle but usually not super harsh(unless you ask...or deserve it)

-Likes bondage

-Sugar mama(please let her dress you up in what she buys you)

-Loves lingerie

-*cough*mommykink*cough*

-Praising

-Likes both princesses and brats

-Degradation or pampering depending on your behavior

Elliott:

-Switch, whatever his partner wants to do

-Needy as a sub, gentle as a dom

-Open-minded and likes to experiment

-Doesn't like to do anything too mean or degrading though

-Doesn't want you to hate him

-Hesitant, but if you assure him you'd like it, will give it a go

-Would probably enjoy spanking more than he'd think

-Likes getting tied up, but please don't treat him too roughly!

-Also, cosplay

Elias:

-More dom-leaning than his brother, but still a switch for the right person...

-Likes submissive people in bed

-Enjoys bondage and light degradation

-Cute outfits or fancy dresses/suits get him going

-Or adorably embarassing outfits(super frilly, lacey, etc.)

-Likes thigh-highs and stockings

-Teasing

-Likes toys

-Nippleplay

-Secretly enjoys being bratted...and getting dommed

Anton:

-Dom, despite his more sheepish attitude

-Guy flips a switch when you're alone

-He'll let you push him around outside the bedroom, but in there he's the boss

-Gentle dom, though he can get carried away

-Size kink

-Loves pleasing his partner and is very good with his hands and mouth

-Will do pretty much anything you want him to with a few exceptions

-Begging, both ways

-Loves his partners voice, wants to make you moan for him~

-Also...hair. Will not elaborate right now lol

Edwin:

-Dom

-Prefers submissive partners, but likes to work for it

-Openly enjoys brats and putting them in their place

-Can be firm, usually not overly rough

-Medical/science play?

-Glove kink

-Likes to "examine" you

-Fake sympathy!!

-Overstimulation

-Likes drool and tears

-Obligatory daddy kink

Morrison:

-Dom, likes subs

-Surprisingly rough and scary

-Very demeaning/sarcastically sympathetic

-Likes being in charge

-Pretty selfish lover, though he does enjoy giving you pleasure, too

-Medical play and restraints

-Loves syringes and taking your blood

-Light pain play/impact play

-Pet names!!

Ottolie:

-Switch, though she prefers being submissive or power bottoming

-Big sadomasochist, loves being pushed around or bullying her lover

-Just wants to do whatever she can to please her partner

-Likes cosplay and lingerie

-Also likes praise and degradation equally

-Painplay

-Tries anything once

[demigods-posts]

headcanon that percy and annabeth have a relationship contract they made after they got together once the war came to pass. they outlined it on paper in percy's bedroom. typed up a final draft using sally's laptop. and printed out and laminated it at the local library on their two month anniversary. and they abide by it like it's the law.

[iwander12]