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hungarianrhapsodyof1986 · 6 years ago

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I am Number 39 (Hardzzello fic based on an AU I made)

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Before the Citadel came into being, there was a war so great it tore apart each nation with the uncontrollable power of fear and pride. Countries big and small in size engaged in conflicts against one another; innocent souls of men, women and children claimed all too early as the violence that spread like a disease consumed the entire world. Thousands died everyday, and it seemed there would be no end to this war; a war greater and more dire than the first two... until the Forefathers came with their promise of a paradise for those who wished it.

Tired of the fighting and the unbearable pain, the people of the Old Earth accepted the Forefathers’ offer of Utopia. In exchange however of that great blessing, microchips were embedded in the people’s bodies - through a simple and noninvasive manoeuvre, really - and they, as promised, took away the pain of... everything. The remaining few; imbeciles, as I like to call them, refused and were forced to stay outside the Citadel. They now remain in Outside; nothing but an absolute wreckage of the world that used to be.

All that happened 263 years ago.

Now, we have a fully organised community with people (now known as Residents) who live in proper houses, have jobs just suited for them, Partners that match them perfectly and enough nutritious food and drink. Not forgetting, of course, the Academy where everyone has the opportunity to be educated formally.

Seriously, who wouldn’t want that?

The Youth can grow to become Scientists who make scientific breakthroughs that further improve the state of the Citadel. They can become Matchmakers in charge of Matching two Residents together. They can also become Agriculturists trained in the art of agriculture. Deliverers who deliver Morning and Evening Meals to their Assigned Residency, too. Or they could become Builders who build new Residencies. Manufacturers who craft devices and microchips, Nurses who care for the Newborns or -

“For the Job Assignment of Sentinel we have...” call the mighty members of the Sovranty in unison.

Yes, Sentinels.

Sentinels are the ones Assigned to protect Residents from threats to the community such as Abductors from Outside. Ever since the beginning of the Citadel, the Outsiders have been finding ways to take away what has been built by our Forefathers. Out of spite or out of jealousy, I don’t know, but what matters is that our Sentinels are there to protect us from those threats.

There are two types of Sentinels: Inner and Active. Inner Sentinels guard the Citadel from inside, doing their best to capture Abductors. Active Sentinels are sent to Outside where they discover the plans of the Outsiders and prevent attacks from occurring in the Citadel.

“Number 35, Inner. Number 24, Inner. Number 16, Active. Number 28, Inner. Number 30, Inner... and Number 39...”

I perk up when Number 39 is called, because that’s me.

I’m Number 39.

“Active Sentinel.”

Me, Number 39, Active Sentinel. It’s... amusing, actually. I know I did well during my Placement Examination, but I never expected this. I am but seven years old, and I know it’ll be many years before I’m finally sent to Outside, but the training will be a new experience.

I hardly blink as I stare ahead, everyone in the Atrium clapping their hands together in polite applause.

***

***20 years later, Year 283, the Citadel***

The bright rays of the morning sun is filtering through my white curtains as I wake up and check my bedside alarm clock. Printed digitally on its screen is ‘6.00 am’.

As punctual as always.

Sitting up in bed, I wait for -

Ding dong!

Never mind.

I pad my feet on the white-tiled floor for a moment before rushing to the lavatory to wash my face and tidy my hair. When I arrive, I splash some cold water onto my face then wipe it with a towel. After that, I look closely at myself in the mirror, grabbing a comb from atop the white sink and tidying my hair, styled in an undercut. I then study every feature, attempt to smile and to frown, furrow my brows, marvelling at how expressive my pale green eyes turn out to be. Perhaps that’s one reason why I was Assigned the Job Active Sentinel.

I didn’t honestly expect much when I was first called to be a Sentinel. I didn’t expect anything at all, actually. All I cared about was that I do my Job and I do it well. That’s what the Sovranty expects of us, and I believe that’s exactly what we were born to do. Serve the Sovranty. After all, they did save our lives from the harsh world of Outside.

Turns out, the training was more arduous than told to be. I, along with Number 16, was taught to be perceptive, to know how to act when appropriate. We were taught to express what they at the Training Centre called ‘emotions’. Emotions. What a waste of time. We were taught how to laugh and how to cry. To scream and to cower in fear. We were taught to analyse another’s emotions and sympathise with them. It was a drag, but that was what I needed to do.

For the sake of the Citadel.

Once I’ve made sure I look presentable, I proceed down the stairs carefully, holding the metal railing tightly in order to avoid slipping. The walls are hardly decorated; in fact, they’re as good as plain. The white of the concrete makes the whole place look almost blinding to the eyes, but that’s the standard set by the Sovranty, and it’s a standard the Builders must meet. The plainness of everything doesn’t bother me. All I really care about is that I have a home to live in just like the rest of the Residents in the Citadel. I doubt I’ll even have one where I’m going.

The pictures shown of Outside in my history holo-books and holo-pads depict a land of wreckages; bits of metal, concrete, and glass strewn about in an empty wasteland. It’s quite hard to believe it’s actually habitable there, but the Outsiders have found a way to survive, unfortunately, and that’s what’s important here.

The Outsiders are threats; constantly sneaking into the Citadel despite the efforts made by both the Inner and Active Sentinels to prevent them from doing so. They abduct our people, and who knows what happens to those they successfully do. They never come back.

Once I reach the bottom of the stairs, I open the door and see my Deliverer standing right before me; Number 23. I recognise Number 23 from my days in the Academy. I watched as he performed in the Placement Examination. The man was horrible at agriculture, crafting, physical activity and sciences, but he was pretty proficient in direction. It was only right he’d become a Deliverer.

I barely know him since we talk only little, but sometimes a small chat would be livening.

“Greetings, 39,” 23 tells me as he salutes. “Final day today?”

“Yeah. I’ll be going to Outside tomorrow,” I reply. “What’s today’s Morning Meal?”

“Cereal. I don’t know how it tastes, really, but I’ll find out soon enough.” He sets down his now-empty bag.

Trying to hold out the conversation a little longer, I ask “anything of interest happening today?”

“The only thing I know’s the public executing of Outsider Number 436. You’ll be watching it, of course. An alarm’s set for the event. First time watching?” 23 replies.

“Yeah.”

“Strange.”

“True.”

“Third time for me. It’s quite an... intriguing experience. I won’t talk to you about it just for the sake of not spoiling the entire thing, but all I could say is you wouldn’t want to miss it.” He checks his watch, huffing. “Anyway, don’t wanna be late. Gotta go.”

I nod. “Won’t be seeing you again, 23.”

With a final salute, 23 slings his bag on his shoulders and heads to his bicycle. I don’t know to whom he will be Assigned to deliver next after I’m gone, but the Sovranty will no doubt have a plan for him. The Sovranty cares for their Residents, arranging everything from our Daily Meals to mangaging the entire Citadel, and all it asks in return is effieciency and loyalty. It’s not much to ask for, so we must be thankful.

Bringing the metal box to the dining table, my bare feet remain cold as they step on the frigid tile. Implanted on the wall facing the street are large windows that allow me to glance outside and see the Residencies - they all look the same - across mine. I will remember the sight of plain houses when I see the wreckage of Outside and maybe even long for it again, but this is my Job. This was what I was created to do.

When I sit down after grabbing my utensils, the alarm atop my television sounds. The execution 23 was talking about must be starting now. I wish to see the fruit of my Job, see what happens when I achieve, so I decide to watch.

“Television, on.”

In a flash the television comes to life. I’ve used it once before; it was nothing but a try at it. I remember tapping on the screen and searching for both a button and a remote but finding none. Then came the brilliant idea to consult my holo-pad. Apparently, all I needed to do was say ‘television on’. I merely shrugged off the matter afterwards.

What, or rather who, appears on the television is nobody I recognise. It was earlier in the week when O436 - who is dressed as one of us - was caught in the act of an Abduction. No one knows whether O436 was acting alone, and while I think it’s about time the Sovranty put an end to that problem, I believe they have a plan, as they always do.

O436’s complexion comprises of a stubbed nose, dark brown eyes, pale skin and blond hair. O436 is a male, and he wears an expression I identify as indignation. What I don’t understand is why he believes he has a reason to be indignant. He’s the one committing the crime here. Whatever he will say or do, he deserves the punishment he’s to receive. However, if the Sovranty’s merciful enough to give leniency to him and offer a chance to be part of the Community, then let it be so.

The members of the Sovranty start speaking in unison.

“Were you alone in committing this offence against the Residents of the Citadel?” they ask.

“If you think I’m going to answer that, you’re gravely mistaken,” O436 replies. The audacity, I think, stopping mid-chew.

I continue to eat, although I register how I nearly drop my spoon onto the table due to how much my focus is being driven into the spectacle happening before me. “You must answer, otherwise no mercy shall be given,” the Sovranty says meanwhile.

“I don’t need your mercy,” O436 spits out, nostrils flaring as his face grows a brighter red. “You keep these poor people confined in this - this hellhole, and all you care about is progress when what should matter are their lives! You only want power when you have enough, and now you’re torturing these poor people for your benefit! I don’t need your mercy, and if you’re gonna kill me, that’s alright. I did my job, and I did it for the sake of what’s right.”

The Sovranty remains quiet for a short while before one woman speaks up from the row, saying “is that all you shall say, O436?”

“The name’s Devotion,” O436 says. “But all I wish to say now is goodbye... to my wife, Joy, and my son, Joseph.”

“Very well,” says the woman once more. “Bring in Doctor 54.”

An elderly man wearing a full white attire emerges from the doorway. The Sovranty’s centre is connected to one of the Hospitals in the Citadel for the members of the Sovranty’s easy access to healthcare lest one of them need it. Elder Doctors are in charge of caring for the Sovranty’s members; they have been in the industry for years by then and are specialists, so they offer only the best services. He walks in front of the row of seats where the members of the Sovranty are seated then takes a bow.

The Sovranty nods in acknowledgment of his greeting.

After the men and women of the Sovranty recognise him, 54 walks to the centre of the Atrium, bringing along with him a white suitcase. It’s a mystery to me; what’s inside the suitcase, but I’ll find out soon enough. After all, 54’s already made his way to O436’s side.

54 opens the suitcase and therefore reveals a small syringe and a set of phials. The phials are filled with a strange, clear liquid, and I realise what the Doctor’s intent is: he’s going to administer into O436 a lethal poison.

54 opens one of the phials and dips the needle into it, pushing the plunger. The barrel is filled with poison, and 54 recaps the phial and returns it into the suitcase.

O436 makes yet another show of bravery by staring at Death right in the face: as the needle of the poison-filled syringe is inserted into the skin of his arm, he looks at it intently, never blinking. Whatever belief the Outsiders have, it seems almost cult-like; the way they would sacrifice their lives for a belief that isn’t even remotely true.

O436 says nothing to calm him; in fact, he looks pretty serene now. It’s almost as if he isn’t about to die.

Nothing seems to be happening for a matter of minutes until suddenly O436 starts scratching at where the needle was inserted into him, the skin of his arm growing red with his efforts. The redness then spreads to the rest of his skin; to his face, his hands, wherever visible. There’s no doubt it has also spread to his legs and his arms, and even his bare feet have turned red.

After a while, O436 loses consciousness, his head dropping, his chin touching his chest. He would have collapsed were it not for the restraints that clasp his hands to the chair’s arms and legs to the chair’s, well... legs.

“Has he perished?” asks one man from the Sovranty.

54 places his stethoscope to the O436’s chest, to the left of his head where his heart lies. 54 says nothing; just raises a hand, implying that no, O436 is still breathing.

A minute or two passes, then 54 puts down his hand.

O436 is dead.

Everyone in the Atrium claps their hands together, then the television is switched off, indicating the end of the event.

I hardly bat an eye.

If I do my job well, there will be more to execute and less Outsiders to trouble us, so as I finish my cereal, I prepare myself for my Sending Out tomorrow; an unimposing ceremony but a great one nonetheless, readying myself for what’s to come.

***

“You are about to be Sent Out,” Head Sentinel 74 - a middle-aged man with whitened hair on the sides of his scalp and beard - says. “Remember, you’re not doing this for glory nor for the esteem of the Residents, but rather for their safety and the Sovranty’s.”

“Yes, sir,” I reply.

“You’re not being Sent Out to become one of them and if you ever betray us, we have the right to execute you. Understood?”

“Understood, sir.”

It’s now the day, but it feels like any other. I had no time for a Morning Meal, for I was expected to be at the Training Centre before the sun rose. The alarm came in handy. I woke up at 3 o’clock.

I wore my shoes and took my bike and cycled on through the dimly lit streets of the Citadel, the white of my clothes glaring under the streetlights. My Residence was built to be near the Training Centre for my convenience, so the journey wasn’t long. I arrived after 5 minutes.

I spent most of my day yesterday at the built-in gymnasium in my Residence, training. There wasn’t much to do, truthfully, and it was better I use my time for something productive than laze around. That wasn’t what I was trained to do. I was trained to strain myself; go past my limits for service to the Sovranty and the Residents of the Citadel. I was trained to maim, to kill, to prevent Abductions. I was trained to sacrifice my freedom, my everything for the sake of the greater good.

When I arrived at the Training Centre, the Head Sentinel was at the gates. I greeted him with a salute as is proper before parking my bicycle where it belongs. It will be disposed of; thrown to Outside, but I can’t bring myself to care. I was then brought to the gates of the Citadel; large barriers of a thick, unbreakable glass, and that’s when I first caught sight of Outside.

As pictures had shown me earlier on during my Training, Outside was nothing but a land of wreckages and death. Giant remains of tanks and buildings protruded from the ground, and although it seems empty, I know the City where the Outsiders life must be way farther beyond the borders of the Citadel. I still don’t see how anyone can survive this environment, however.

“The Outsiders’ City is farther north from here. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to provide you with transportation past the borders of the Citadel for fear of detection, but I promise you the journey won’t be long. Now, come. If you’re to appear as if you’ve escaped this place, you need to look roughed up.”

Head Sentinel 74 smears mud on my face, hands, shoes, clothes and hair, messing it up. I look positively haggard afterwards, but that’s all part of the job. It’s dirty work, figuratively and literally, and it’s my mission in life.

“You be careful,” Head Sentinel 74 tells me. “We don’t wanna hear you’ve been caught few months into the job.” He hands me a transmitter. “This is for when we contact you, or when you need to contact us.”

“Yes, sir.”

“When we contact you, it will buzz. Best you go somewhere private so nobody notices you.”

“Yes, sir,” I say, keeping the transmitter in my pocket. It’s no bigger than my palm and can fit in anywhere easily.

“The others have gone and we presume they’ve been killed by the Leaders. They’re savages, and we don’t know how they handle things there, so do your best not to get caught. We’re all counting on you, Sentinel 39. The fate of the Residents and the Sovranty rests in your hands.”

“Understood, sir,” I say, saluting.

“Now, let’s move while the day’s still young.”

We board a hovercraft and rapidly move away from the gates noiselessly. I sit down and buckle up as Head Sentinel 74 stands near the front, gripping the handle and steering us away from the Citadel. I’ll never be seeing it again, but I feel nothing. I’ve been trained in the art of imitating emotions, but I never felt them.

The sun is still down, and there’s nothing to be seen save for the path illuminated by the lights of the hovercraft. The land is parched and cracked, nothing able to grow from the dead soil. However, as we travel further away, the soil appears richer, spots of grass growing from the ground. I remain vigilant all throughout the trip, just in case there are Outsiders lurking about, suspecting.

Soon, I see a yellow, glowing light in the distance. That must be the Outsiders’ City Centre.

“Is that truly...?” I ask.

“Your intuition has not failed you yet, Sentinel 39. Indeed, that’s the City Centre. It’s much like our District 1, but... primitive. If you gain the favour of at least one of the Leaders, you’ll be able to live there. I suggest that you do. From what I’ve heard, the outer parts of the City are nasty places. Just nasty.” He sniffs. “Anyway, this is where we say goodbye.”

I unbuckle my seatbelt and salute. “It was an honour training with you, sir,” I say.

Head Sentinel 74 merely nods. Then he tells me to go, turning the hovercraft around and zooming away from where I stand.

That’s when I start running.

It’ll be soon when I’ll need to get my act together; to fool the Outsiders into thinking I have escaped the Citadel, but for now... it’s time to keep going.

For the Sovranty.

***

“Help!” I cry out as I near the Outskirts of the City. More mud smears my white shoes (which are now battered due to the long run) as I run upon grass and soil. I sound absolutely terrified, and I can see from the corners of my eyes how lights are lit and people are awakened by my shouting. I mind them not as I proceed to the City Centre, hoping to get the attention of one of the Leaders there.

As I rush across muddy roads, more people are roused from their slumber, and I see children and elders alike, looking at me with horror plain on their faces. “Help!” I continue to shout, and I can hear murmurs from the crowd that begins to follow me as I carry on to the centre.

“Someone help that poor man,” I hear a woman say.

The lights grow brighter as I near the Centre, and suddenly I bump into someone, ultimately stopping my run. The person falls down when I do, but they rise quickly as I pretend to be dazed.

“Hey, are you alright?” the person asks. Male. Fairly young.

“Where am I? Where the hell am I?” I ask, the panic a part of my act.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” the man tells me. “You’re Outside now. You’re saved. Now let me help you up.”

He grabs my arm gently and pulls me up as carefully as he can. “Who are you?” he asks me quietly. I’m aware of the spectacle I’ve created as well as the huge crowd of people gathered around us, but all I care about’s the man who helped me up. Is he a Leader?

“I - I - I don’t know,” I reply.

“You’re from the Citadel?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh. What was your Number, then?”

“39.”

The man pauses in his steps, and he looks at me. His hazel eyes seem to gleam with something even I can’t put a name to, but it lasts all but a while. I just notice then how I’m an inch taller than him, but I decide that information is useless.

“Well, we can’t have that here,” the man says, smiling. “You’re now Ben. And now that you’ve got a name, it’s time to introduce myself. My name’s Joseph, but you can call me Joe. Another name of mine’s Love, and that’s ‘cause I’m a Leader of this place. You’ll love it here, I’ll promise you that, but first, it’s time to get you cleaned up. Come with me.”

As I’m brought to who-knows-where, I formulate a plan to befriend this ‘Joe’. Maybe he’ll be my key to knowing every plan they’ve made. Maybe he’ll be the one to bring me victory.

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

So, that’s the end of the first part! What are your thoughts so far? Confused about this AU? Don’t worry! I’ve made a post about it! Just check it out on my page if you need a reference. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading the first part, and if you have any title suggestions (‘cause I can’t decide djeoendodk), just tell me! Till the next part!

#hardzzello #hardzello #harzello #ben hardy #joe mazzello #AU fic #i still don’t know what to call this AU #help me #please #anyway #thanks for reading!#tell me what you guys think!

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hymn2000 · 5 years ago

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Where The Darkness Ends - MCU AU fanfic - C8

Story summary: The concept of having a baby has been more of an idea for a long time now. Ideal candidates for a three-person baby, Loki and Tony have finally, after many Peter-based setbacks and challenges, got to the point of being tested. Now, they just have to wait for the results before they can move on to the next stage.

Previous Chapter(s): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Part of my Frostiron and Spiderson series.

Warnings/themes: family stuff, mental health stuff, hurt/comfort, hospital/medical stuff, fertility stuff, IVF, potentially some medical inaccuracies, alcohol misuse

You can also find me on AO3

Chapter 8 - It's Hard To Feel What's In Your Head

Pepper forced more coffee into Loki and Tony, and a starchy meal, and then sent them to one of the spare rooms to ‘sleep it off’.

“Go! I’m sick of both of you” she said, only half joking. “Go to sleep”

Wisely, they did as they were told. Pepper waited until she heard a door close and then looked at the kitchen properly. It had been a challenge cooking in such a mess, and she hadn’t really found any proper food aside from the pasta she’d served. She looked at the empty bottles and cans littered about the place. It was a bit ridiculous, really - and scary. She really wished now that she’d been more insistent and come round to help them out earlier, even though they’d told her not to. She couldn’t help feeling just a tiny bit responsible for what had happened here.

Still, she shook her head and got to work. Just clearing the huge amount of alcohol containers (which took a good three bin bags) made the kitchen look a whole lot better. Well, the rubbish had to take priority, and Pepper had a feeling there would be more bottles and cans for her to discover.

As was usually the case, she was right: there were bottles and cans all over the place. Loki was usually so houseproud, keeping a good, tidy home, and this was so out of control, so absolutely opposite to the usual, that it made the desperation of the Stark’s mental state so much clearer - more so even than Loki’s cry for help.

It took a long time just to get rid of all of the rubbish and open the windows. It was clear very early on that this was not a one man job. Well, those two had to channel themselves into something. She knew what they were going through - heck, it had hurt her too. But Loki and Tony needed to step up. They weren’t going to get over the blow overnight, but they needed to pick themselves up, look after themselves, look after each other, and seek help. Proper help. Calling Pepper had been the first step - a big step, she knew that. Now they needed to sort their house out. And then they needed to talk. Properly. It was the only way they were going to come to terms with any of this.

Loki and Tony didn’t sleep for too long, and Pepper somehow managed to walk in just as they were waking up.

“How do you feel?” she asked.

“Slightly sober” Tony said, wrinkling his nose.

“Mm. And my head hurts” Loki said.

“I’m not surprised” Pepper said, opening the window as wide as it would go. “Right, we need to do something about this house. Get up”

“I said slightly sober” Tony scowled.

“That’s good enough. Nothing like a bit of hard labour to sort your heads out. Come on; there’s loads of work to do. This place is a mess. Now get up”

Loki sighed and hauled himself out of bed. Tony did too, but he didn’t look happy.

“Ok. I’ll do the kitchen and bedrooms” Pepper said. “I definitely don’t trust you anywhere near knives and glasses right now. Tony, start with your study and work your way round from there. Loki, start on the landing and work your way from there. We’ll meet in the middle some time and then tackle the downstairs together”

Tony stared at her. She smiled slightly, twirled the cleaning keys on her finger, and then threw them to Loki, who caught them easily enough.

“It’s open, but you should keep hold of those. So” she stood to the side of the doorway, nodding out to the landing. “Get busy”

Pepper set FRIDAY back up, and put the stereos and radios on, bringing a bit of life to the dirty depressing house. That, and the open windows blowing in cold air, certainly helped. Tony grumbled like anything at first - Pepper could hear him from down the hall - but after a while he went quiet, focusing on his work. Loki was quiet all the while, but he worked diligently, and Pepper fancied she could see a change in him after the first hour. It looked as though keeping busy was helping.

Pepper had given herself a tough job, as the kitchen was in a dreadful state state. That took the longest, a good 90 minutes from washing up at the start to sweeping and mopping the floor at the end. From there she had the bedrooms. Loki’s room was in a much better state than Pepper had expected, which was a relief. It was just a shame she couldn’t say the same for Tony’s room. She dreaded to think what his study and the lab were going to be like. She did their rooms, and then checked all the spare rooms, straightening out the room Loki and Tony had slept in. She went and checked Peter’s room. Aside from the spare rooms, it was definitely the cleanest place in the whole house as far as she’d seen. It just looked the same as it usually did, only a bit dusty and with some things out of place. She gave it a quick going over anyway, and then went and took the mountain of dirty washing down to the laundry room.

The laundry room certainly hadn’t been used any time in the past month. Well, thank god for the two washers and dryers, she thought, putting a couple of loads in. This was going to take a hell of a long time.

Eventually it did start to look like they’d made some sort of progress. Once the upstairs was finally done, right down to the windows being cleaned and the skirting boards being wiped clean, they went downstairs. The lab hadn’t been used, which was a huge worry considering how Tony usually reacted in times of crisis, but at least it meant giving it a clean wasn’t too much of a struggle. The swimming pool was maintained by an outside source, so they didn’t need to worry about that. Pepper set the two of them to work on the little side stores and the main lobby and stairs while she sat and sifted through the post, separating the junk mail from the actual mail, sorting it into recipient piles and sub-piles, from important to less important to not important. She set it all carefully on the little round table in the entrance, deciding there was nothing that couldn’t wait until tomorrow. After all, some of those letters had waited a month already.

It was dark by the time they’d finished. Pepper told them to go and shower and get changed, and once they had done so, they all three flopped on the sofa in the living room. It felt a little strange seeing everything so clean and orderly again after so long.

“How do you feel now?” Pepper asked after a few minutes.

“Sober” Tony said, and Loki nodded in agreement.

“You nearly look it. I know you’ve been drunk for a while now. We need to be a bit carefully, especially with you, Tony. I’m going to stay for a while” she said. “I’ll help you, both of you. We’ll get you better”

“What’s the point?”

“You’ve got a life to be getting on with. And you’ve got a son, who I daresay is going to really be missing you. We’ll get you well enough to go and see him. We’ll work on the rest as best we can”

“How have you done it?” Tony almost snapped. “You were cut up about it when you found out too”

“Yes, I was. I still am” Pepper said. “It’s a bit different for me though... I was just a bit more proactive, seeing that therapist, talking to people, friends, family. Keeping myself busy. I knew I should have seen you earlier. I didn’t realise how bad things were when you stopped replying to my messages and ignoring my calls”

“I don’t think he realised either” Loki said. “I think... When I went the same way, I knew how dire things were, but it didn’t hurt so much when I was drunk. So I just ignored it”

Pepper sighed sadly. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you earlier. We need to sort you out. I’m going to cook, and tomorrow we’re all going to see a therapist”

“I don’t want to see a therapist!” Tony snapped.

“You need to!” Pepper snapped. “Look at the state you got yourselves into! Thank god you had to sense to send Peter to his uncle’s”

“I sent him to get him away from Loki”

Loki and Pepper stared at him.

“...What?”

“You heard me” Tony scowled at her. “I thought Loki was gonna hurt him, like in all those case studies online where people have lost kids and taken it out on their other ones”

“What?! Tony, how could you think so lowly of me?” Loki stared at him, tears filling his eyes. “How could you think-”

“I didn’t want to think it!” Tony interrupted. “I just did, and I tried to shake the thoughts, and then you shoved him, and even though you hugged him straight away afterwards, you still hurt him! You made him squeak! And I was scared, Loki. I was really scared. I knew I wouldn’t be able to look after both of you, and if you started hurting him, I just- I’m sorry, but I didn’t know what else to do. I couldn’t take that risk!”

“It’s just as well” Pepper said. “He needs to be out of the way while you two are as low as this. Loki, don’t look so defensive. Tony, it’s ok. You just did what you thought was best”

Loki went quiet. He didn’t know what to say. He turned away from Tony.

“...I let him down. I was gonna take him out. I slept through it, and then I kept meaning to go, but every night I just couldn’t” Tony said thickly. “And then I stopped thinking about it. Even though he keeps calling and texting”

“That’s something you need to make amends for at a later date. We need to sort out the here and now first” Pepper said.

“My retest came back the same” Loki said. “I’ve got another one in a couple of weeks. It’ll be the same though, I know that already”

“Loki, darling” Pepper sighed. “I can only imagine how this feels for you, if it feels like this for me, and if it’s done this to you two. But you can get help. There’s options”

“It was always going to be the three person way” Tony said. “That way it would’ve been both of ours”

“...We’re not having a baby” Loki closed his eyes and rested his forehead in his hand. “I can’t have children”

“No, you can’t. Not like that” Pepper said. “And it’s horrible, but you can’t change that. But you’ll come to terms with it”

“There’s no help for people like me” Loki said. “Even people at work know that. There’s no infertility support for men, not really. They just shove adoption and sperm donation suggestions at you”

“You’ve already done one of those things” Pepper pointed out.

“It’s not the same”

“No, it’s not” she said. “But it’s something to consider. You’ve got a kid. You might not have made him, but you’ve got him, and he’s yours. Undeniably yours. Maybe... a baby-”

“No” Loki said. “We were going to make one. I’m not adopting a baby. I want my own baby”

“Loki, that’s impossible now, you know that” Tony said.

“I know” Loki sighed. “But it’s still what I want”

There was a small silence. Pepper checked her watch and sighed.

“I think it’s time we all called it a night. We’ve got to get up in the morning”

“I don’t want to go to that therapist” Tony spat.

“Tough” Pepper said. “You’re going. Now go to bed”

Two days later, there was a knock at Thor’s front door. Peter stayed where he was, settled on the sofa in the living room with his book. He heard all the muffled voices, sounding quite heated, and then he heard Thor calling his name. Cautiously, he made his way to the kitchen - and froze.

“Oh...”

He glanced at Pepper, and looked at his parents. He’d spent so long willing them to show up, wishing to see them, but now that they were here, he suddenly wished they were anywhere else. Suddenly he didn’t want to see them, or be near them. He felt weird - nervous, almost scared. His heart was thudding in his chest, and he suddenly felt cold.

“Hey sweetheart!” Tony said, smiling at him. “How are you doing? Thor looking after you ok? It’s so good to see you! I’ve missed you, kiddo”

Peter didn’t say anything. He felt sick. He hurried over to Thor’s side, keeping a good distance between him and his parents, trying not to look at them.

“Do you want a drink?” Thor said gently, stroking the boys hair gently.

He went over to the fridge and got out a bottle of pop, which he handed to Peter. Peter took it, holding it in both hands. He felt sick, and his eyes had started to fill with tears.

“What’s up, kiddo?” Tony said, concerned. “You feeling poorly? Hey, come and give me a hug. A little cuddle will help you feel better. Come on, chick, come here”

Peter didn’t. He looked at Thor for help. Thor squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

“Why don’t you go back to your room for a bit?” he said.

Peter nodded, grateful for this excuse to leave, and made for the door.

“Hey!” Tony made a grab for him.

Peter dodged, and Thor caught hold of Tony to stop a second attempt, letting Peter escape.

“Leave him alone”

“He’s my son! I just wanna give him a cuddle”

“Well, he doesn’t want you! You’ve had every opportunity to see him, but instead you cut him off for no reason. You’ve got no right to barge in here after not seeing or contacting us for weeks”

“That doesn’t mean he’s not my son! You can’t just stop me from seeing him”

“I’m not: he is. He doesn’t want to be near you, that much is clear. And I can’t blame him. You broke his little heart, abandoning him like that”

Tony pulled free from Thor, and sat back down heavily. Thor looked at him. He looked at Loki, and then at Pepper.

“I take it you’re the reason they’re here now?”

“Well, essentially, yes” Pepper said awkwardly.

“Well done” Thor said. He looked between Loki and Tony. “What was it? Was it alcohol?”

They paused, looking uncomfortable, and then Loki nodded.

“A part of it...” he said.

“A large part?” Thor pressed.

Loki looked at Tony, and had to nod.

“You don’t get to judge” Tony said crossly. “You don’t know what this is like for us”

“No, I don’t” Thor said. “But while you’ve been drowning your sorrows and wallowing in self pity, I’ve been looking after your little boy. Single-handedly, might I add, and in difficult circumstances where I couldn’t even get in touch with his parents when I needed help, and sorting some of these problems hasn’t been an easy feat. I know what happened was awful, but you should’ve done better by him. He needed you, and you weren’t there”

For a while no one knew what to say.

“I tried at first” Loki said eventually, keeping his eyes cast down. “But the way Tony was got to me. And then it just felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere the way I was doing things. So it was easier just to join in...”

“You should have called me, called someone. You should have reached out!”

“I did...”

“No you didn’t, otherwise we wouldn’t be in this mess”

“He rang me” Pepper said. “A few days ago. He knew he needed help; he admitted it”

Thor sighed, covering his eyes for a moment. “Well, they’re here now, and I suppose that’s progress”

“It is. You didn’t see the state of them and the house when I turned up. This is a huge turn around”

There was another short silence.

“...I can appreciate that, and everything you’ve done” Thor said. “And I’m proud. But there’s still a lot of work to do”

Everyone else nodded. They all knew Thor was right.

“You’ll get there, with the right support” Pepper said. “You need to let us help you”

Tony and Loki nodded slightly. Tony sighed and stood up.

“I want to see my son”

“No” Thor said firmly. “Leave him alone. He’s got enough to contend with without you going in and upsetting him. You can see him when he decides he’s ready”

Well, Tony didn’t like that. He exploded, and Thor shouted back. Loki tried to calm them at first, but then the tension turned onto him, and it wasn’t long before all three men were shouting back and forth between themselves. Pepper watched them for a while. She knew there was no point interrupting or trying to get them to stop, so she slipped out of the kitchen.

Peter pushed his headphones back off his ears so they were round his neck. He looked up at Pepper.

“Hi, kid” she said gently. “Mind if I join you?”

Peter nodded, turning his music player off. Pepper closed the door and went and sat down beside him on the bed.

“You’re not here to try to get me to go and talk to my dads, are you?”

“No” Pepper said. “I’m not surprised that you don’t want to see them”

Peter nodded. “Why didn’t dad come to see me? He promised he would. And then he blanked all my calls and texts and stuff”

“They both spiralled and went to a pretty dark place. You don’t need to know the details. But they’re getting better. They’ve made the first few steps anyway, and they’re working on it. They’ll visit now. You won’t have to see them if you don’t want to, but they’ll still visit”

“Mm...” Peter went quiet, listening to the sounds of the men shouting in the other room. “It’s weird hearing uncle Thor so angry and shouty and stuff. He’s not really that kind of person. Not with me, anyway”

“Has he been looking after you well? I’ve been a bit worried about you, especially since I found out how bad things were with your dads”

“Yeah, he’s been really good. He’s always so kind and understanding and stuff, even when I’m being kinda difficult. He doesn’t really get cross and he never shouts or smacks me, so that’s good, I guess... He’s been trying to help me with my school work too, even though he doesn’t really understand a bunch of it. He’s really bad at geography, but at least there’s google and textbooks and stuff to help”

“Tony said you’re off school at the moment”

Peter nodded. “I still get all the work sent to me, and then I do it and send it back, and then they send it back to me when it’s been marked. And I can email some of my teachers if I need help”

“How are you finding that?”

Peter shrugged. “Ok, I guess. I mean, it’s a little hard to concentrate sometimes, and they don’t really send enough to occupy me for like, a full week, so it’s easy to get bored too. I’m still getting decent grades but... Well, you know. I’m still sad and stuff”

“I know” Pepper looked at him. “Have you been getting out much?”

Peter nodded. “We at least go on a walk every day, even when I have a tantrum about it. Uncle Thor keeps taking me to museums and out to the cinema and on like, bus rides and train journeys and stuff. Or just like, takes me to the shops or out for lunch and stuff. He said daddy was really bad when he lived here ‘cos he didn’t get to go out much and he got bored and frustrated, and I guess he wants to stop me from kicking off and stuff”

“Well, that’s good, and that makes sense. Is it working?”

“Kinda. I still kick off sometimes. I’ve got a lot of stuff to deal with”

“I know” Pepper put an arm round Peter. “You’re a good kid. I’m glad you’re being looked after properly and you’re keeping up with your school work. I’ll come and see you too, if you like”

Peter nodded. “That’d be nice”

“Have you been seeing your friends at all?”

Peter shook his head. “It’s a bit awkward right now, y’know. They’re all at school and it’s all ok for them, and I’m here just... It’s still weird to think about it. Don’t you think? I mean, well, you’d be pregnant by now if things had gone the way they should’ve done”

“Yes, I know. It is strange to think about it. I’d been preparing for it too. I had so much in place. It’s a horrible situation, poor Loki’s condition, but I’m starting to come to terms with it, and your parents will come to terms with it too. They’ve still got you to think about, regardless of the whole IVF situation”

“They haven’t been thinking about me so far” Peter said bitterly. “Daddy hasn’t seen me or spoke to me or anything at all, not since the day dad dropped me off here. And dad buggered off and stopped getting involved soon after that anyway. They haven’t thought about me at all the past however many weeks”

“They still love you, kiddo”

“You don’t know that”

“Yes I do”

Peter didn’t look convinced. He put his headphones back on. Pepper noticed he didn’t turn the music on, but she got the message. She gave him a squeeze and stood up.

“No one is going to force you to do anything. Take care, Peter. I’ll see you again soon. You’ve got my number if you need me”

The men had finally stopped shouting when Pepper got back to the kitchen. They were glaring at each other, breathing heavily.

“Finished?” Pepper said, raising an eyebrow pointedly at them.

They nodded, and Thor sighed.

“I stand by what I said” Thor said. “You stay away from him”

“He’s my son!” Tony shouted.

“Will you stop?!” Pepper snapped. “Can’t you at least try to discuss this in a civil manner?”

“What is there to discuss?” Tony scowled. “I can see my son if I want to”

“He doesn’t want to see you. I think you should keep visiting, but don’t force yourself on the poor kid. He’s got every right to be angry with you”

“This is a waste of time” Tony said. “Let’s just go home. I’m gonna go and say goodnight to my son”

Loki grabbed his hand. “Don’t. Leave him alone”

Tony pulled his hand away and stormed out of the room. They all froze, and then heard the front door go. They all breathed out, relieved he hadn’t gone to Peter.

“We should go” Loki said.

Thor nodded and pulled him close. “Stay in touch this time”

Loki nodded slightly and pulled away. He looked at Pepper. Pepper looked at Thor.

“Sorry for springing on you like this”

“No, it’s ok. Thanks for giving these two a kick” Thor said. “Maybe see you again some time”

“Sure” Pepper said. “Goodbye”

Thor knocked on Peter’s door and opened it.

“They’re gone”

Peter nodded. “I know”

“Is there anything playing through those headphones?”

Peter shook his head. Thor closed the door and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“Are you ok?”

Peter shrugged. “I thought I’d be excited to see them again. Happy”

“But instead?”

“I don’t know. I just felt all weird and scared and angry. I know they’re all kinda upset and hurting and stuff but they still abandoned me”

“What do you want to do now?”

Peter swallowed. “...Can we order a takeaway?”

Thor took his phone out of his pocket and handed it to Peter. Peter smiled slightly and leant into Thor as he opened a takeaway app. Thor gently took Peter’s headphones off and moved them aside.

“That’s better” he said softly.

Peter made a vague noise of agreement, scrolling through some menus. Thor rested a hand on Peter’s head.

“It’ll be ok” Thor said. “You don’t have to see them until you’re ready”

Peter nodded slightly. “Thanks... Have you ever thought about having kids?”

Thor paused. “I’ve never really been in the right situation to consider it. Why?”

“You’d make a good dad. You’re good at looking after me”

“Well, thank you” Thor said. “I’m trying to do my best by you. I love you, little nephew Peter”

“I love you too, big uncle Thor”

Thor smiled. “Good. Now, what are we having to eat?”

Pepper made Tony help with the tea.

“You two were ridiculous today” Pepper said. “Loki, you barely said a word. And Tony, you said way too much. Actually, you didn’t speak; you shouted. A lot. No wonder the poor kid holed up in his room! You made Thor worse too. As if he wasn’t angry enough already, all that stuff you shouted at him. Listen, you’ve both done really well these last few days, and I’m proud of you, but today you really showcased how much more work you’ve got to do”

Loki stayed quiet, and for a moment, Tony did too.

“It’s only been a few days” he said. “It wasn’t easy for us either, we all know that. You saw the look on Peter’s face. How do you think that made me feel?”

“I know, but-”

“I’ve got enough going on without losing my little boy. Thor might be looking after him, but he’s got no rights here. He can’t keep him forever, and he can’t stop me seeing him”

“He’ll try though” Loki said.

Tony looked at him. “That kid has been my little boy for way too long for me to give him up or go down without a major fight. Thor can’t take him from me. I trusted him to look after him, but he’s still my son. I’m definitely not letting anyone get in the way of that. Even if the IVF fell through, I’m still a dad”

“Well then you need to work on getting better so you can keep being a dad. You’re good dads, both of you” Pepper said. “But you’re not in the right position to do your best by your kid right now”

“More therapy sessions and things like that” Loki said. “And we need to get in touch with Li Allen”

“Do that soon” Pepper said. “She’ll be able to help you better than I can. I love both of you so much, but there’s only so much I can do. I’m not a professional”

“We’ll sort it” Loki said. “I need to get back to work”

“You need to think about yourself first” Pepper said. “You can’t look after anyone else until you look after yourself”

#my writing #fanfiction #mcu fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #frostiron #irondad and spiderson

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ilovemygaydad · 6 years ago

Note

18 ON THE DIALOGUE PROMPTS SORRY I FORGOT TO SPECIFY

it’s cool lol. I used two of the 18s because... it fit idk.

Title: Captive Heart

Prompts: “What’s that? Why is the sky like that?” “What? Have you never seen a sunset before?”; “Please answer me.”

Pairings: Prinxiety (well... it’s kind of more platonic/pre but it’s still cute okay)

Warnings: death mentions, gun mentions, mass shootings, prisons, dystopian societies, executions mentioned, physical fights, being mean to others, mentions of wounds, amputations, prosthetics, a metric ton of swearing, panic attacks, anxiety, IVs, hospitals, and i think that’s it but... there’s a lot of shit that goes down

a/n: this got.... very long........

**don’t rip out ivs it’s Really Bad and i know this is a trope but uhhhh virgil doesn’t know any better because he literally has the knowledge of like a 7 year old child who has only seen the outside world like 50 times in 21 years

Roman was so excited to go on his very first raid mission. He had spent the last twenty-one years training for this very day, and now he was finally able to do it! And on his birthday, no less. It was an exciting day, even if Logan was being a giant thorn in his side.

“Roman, do remember that this warehouse is over twenty klicks away on rough terrain, and we are only going to be able to bring enough provisions for us for the next twenty-four hours. Don’t go off-route, and certainly don’t lag behind. This is a very important mission for us to gain supplies; I will not have a rookie like you messing this up.”

“Oh my gods, Specs!” Roman sighed. “First off, you’re only twenty-two, so it’s not like you’re some seasoned veteran like Patton. Second, give me a break! I’m far more reliable than you’re making me out to be. I wouldn’t have made it into L-1 if I was stupid.”

Patton set down the bag he was packing with a grimace. “Well, kiddo, you did go off course in the sim to save that ‘child’ that ended up being a trap. And then you died in that sim. And there was also the time you lagged behind because you were sure that you had found something in the woods and wound up getting lost until we were on our way back. Oh, and what about--”

“Okay! Okay, I get it. I’m a horrible soldier. However, I know that this is far more dire than a sim. I won’t screw up, promise.”

Logan glared at him for a second, but he wave his hand in dismissal. “Fine. Just remember that I am the captain of this mission, so you are to report back to me if anything goes awry. All thirty of us will have comm-packs, so it shouldn’t be an issue to contact me; however, if something does happen to your comm-packs, I will be notified of such.” He handed Roman his bag. “Shall we?”

“Fuck yes!”

“Roman Sanders,” Patton chided as he readied the gate.

“Um… Heck yeah!”

“Better.”

The supplies raid didn’t end up being a supplies raid at all. It was a warehouse full of prisoners. And, gods, it was a bloodbath. As soon as the rebel soldiers had been spotted, instead of shooting at the soldiers, the Savior guards began to kill off the prisoners. Roman had desperately wanted to run ahead--to try and save even one of those people, but he knew that he couldn’t jeopardize himself or the mission like that. He had promised.

So, instead, he followed Logan’s orders to the letter, and he watched countless children and adults die. These innocent people were killed right before his eyes, and all he could do was hang back and stay safe while the others secured the perimeters and took the guards as prisoners. Roman was too important to lose.

All of that hurt--it hurt so fucking bad--but none of it was as awful as having to go around from room to room and check for survivors so they’d know who to loot and bury. It was a slaughter that he had not been able to stop, and they were just going to take the useful clothes and other items and dump the bodies into unmarked mass graves. Roman loved the cause that he was fighting for, and he knew that he was on the right side, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. Each time that he went to find a pulse on a kid not much older than his brother, he felt his soul crumble that much more.

He had gone through four or so rooms without finding anyone still living. Logan had ordered the search to cease in five minutes before regrouping to determine a burial strategy, so Roman only had time to go through one last room. There were only three bodies in this one, all huddled together in the back corner, so it was easy to go through it quickly. He made it through the first two with the same results as before, but the body farthest back… had a pulse.

“Holy--Oh my gods, wake up!” Roman shook the boy in front of him gently, willing him to wake up. “Are you alright? Oh, please answer me!”

When nothing happened, Roman decided that he obviously needed to save this boy. He was so frail; it looked like he hadn’t had a proper meal in… well, ever. With an uncomfortable amount of ease, Roman scooped him up into his arms and rushed back to the rendezvous point. Most of the crew was there already, save for Patton and a few others.

“Logan, I--”

“Roman, why are you carrying a body around?”

“It’s a survivor! We have to take him back with us.” Roman took a step forward, but Logan held out his hand to stop him.

“Absolutely not. We will leave him here for the night and bring him back with the Savior guards tomorrow.”

“Logan, please--”

“What,” Patton interrupted, stepping into the room. “Is going on here?”

Logan gestured frustratedly at Roman. “He wants to take this survivor back with us tonight even though we don’t have the supplies to do so.”

Roman felt angry fire burn through his veins. “Have a heart, will you, Logan? He. Will. Die. We have to take him back tonight. He is injured and starving, and I am not going to just leave him here--completely alone, mind you--because you’re too set in your ways to even budge a little.” He turned to Patton, pleading. “I’ll keep him as my sole responsibility. No one else has to even think about him; I promise! Just let me take him with us. Please.”

“Well, Logan… I know that it’s not ideal, but Roman does make a good point.”

Logan glared at both of them. “Whatever. Fine. But you are taking care of him the whole way back, and you will be in charge of him at camp. He is not my responsibility, nor anyone else’s. Do you understand, Roman?”

“Yes! Oh, thank you so much. I promise that you won’t regret it.”

Roman may or may not have underestimated how much energy it would take to carry the survivor back to camp. Sure, he weighed maybe forty-five kilos, but that was a lot to carry for a twenty klick hike. The other soldiers were starting to get farther ahead, moving much faster. Logan would kick his ass if he got lost, but it wasn’t like he could ask for help. His stubborn nature had brought this upon himself, and he had to deal.

“Hey, Ro… Do you want a break? You look like you’re about to pass out,” Patton asked gently.

Roman nearly dropped the boy due to his shock. “God, Patton. Warn a guy next time.”

“Whoops, sorry, kiddo. Seriously, though. Let me take him for a while, okay? We don’t have to tell Logan.”

Before an argument could even form in his head, Patton had scooped the survivor into his arms. There wasn’t anything that Roman could say that would make Patton do anything else. The twenty-nine-year-old was the oldest and most successful in their sector. If it weren’t for rules, he probably would have made it into raid teams at sixteen. Patton was a six-four, two-hundred pound beast with intelligence to rival Logan, who was undisputedly the smartest person to ever join the rebellion. And Patton had a heart of gold, so he was a bit more stubborn than anyone else on the team when it came to helping.

Roman did appreciate it, though. He was actually able to chill out and look at the landscape. Their sector was surrounded by forest. They weren’t allowed to go out very far for fear of traps that had been set by the Saviors, so Roman hadn’t seen most of it, but he was able to see tons of flowers and plants that didn’t grow near their base. Little blue flowers grew along the sides of the path, and wild violets--Patton had pointed those out--were sprinkled around the ground further out into the foliage. If he wasn’t tied so strictly to the rules that he was already technically breaking, Roman would have been eager to run out and be among the nature.

But he didn't. He just fell into step with Patton, and they idly chatted until they were back at the base.

Virgil… couldn’t feel his arm. He tried to think if he’d fallen asleep on it, or maybe Raleigh or Sel accidentally did, but his last memories were fuzzy at best. His eyes cracked open slightly, and he was met with bright, white light, which was even more strange than not being able to feel his arm. Prisoners were always woken up before being brought outside to watch the executions, so why…?

Wait, where the hell was he?

Virgil sat up lightning fast. He raked his eyes around his surroundings and saw absolutely nothing familiar. A weird, clear snake-thing and bag of liquid was hooked into his arm--oh, shit, was he going to die?--and he was on a soft table of some sort with a scratchy piece of cloth draped over him. Someone he didn’t recognize was slumped in a chair--is that what a chair is???--in a corner asleep. There was a huge window on one of the walls, and a crate-like thing below it with a few metal things on it.

And his right arm was just fucking gone. Just not there. His right shoulder now ended up in a stump. He had lost his arm.

Holy shit, he had no idea where he was, and his arm had been cut off.

Breaths were coming in short, wheezing patterns, but Virgil was completely unable to calm himself. Who wouldn’t flip the fuck out when they woke up in a weird room and missing a fucking appendage? Tears welled up in his eyes as his brain raced through the possibilities. The guy in the corner seemed unarmed. If he could find something sharp, he might be able to escape and find out what the hell was going on.

As quietly as one having a panic attack could, Virgil slipped off the bed and ripped out the snake that had been inserted into his arm for mobility. He attempted to compose himself--and admittedly failed--as he stalked over to the crates under the window. After a few minutes of poking around, he found exactly what he was looking for. A sharp, pointy metal stick had been sitting on a tray of other equally sharp and pointy sticks inside the crate. Carefully, Virgil picked it up, holding it tightly by the handle. Now, to--

“Oh! You’re awake. Hello!”

Virgil spun around violently, swinging out his arm in an attempt to maim the person behind him. The stick pointed out in front of him as he stared, chest heaving, at the man. He was the one who had been asleep in the chair just moments prior. He looked afraid. Good.

“Um, if you would please put that scalpel down, sir…” He spoke too well. He had to be one of those awful doctors that the other captives whispered about when one of them was taken away and never seen again. Virgil swung his arm again, but the man jumped backwards just as fast. “Woah! Stop! Dude, please, I just want to ask some questions so that I can figure some things out about the Saviors.”

There was a second of hesitation, but Virgil lunged this time, throwing the stick to the side and using his hands to claw at the man. Well, he tried to do that. Within a second, Virgil was pinned to the ground with a knee resting just between his shoulders.

“Can you please calm down? I’ll explain everything if you’d just stop trying to kill me.”

Virgil hissed. “Go fuck yourself.”

“I--Wow! That’s extremely rude, you know, to say for someone who saved you from that dreadful Savior warehouse and almost single-handedly carried you twenty klicks back to our base.”

“Motherfu--wait, what?”

The man huffed. “Honestly, what does it take for a valiant soldier to get some recognition around here? I find the one survivor in the whole facility, and I’m almost told to just leave him there to die. However, I fight for this survivor and convince my hardened leader to allow me to bring him back with us. I stay with him day and night for the next two weeks as he fights off a nasty infection and a coma, and then this happens! He tries to kill me! How absolutely rude is that?”

“One survivor?” Virgil processed what he’d heard. “Oh my god…” Raleigh and Sel were dead. They were actually dead. Not only was he in a place that he was completely unfamiliar with, his only friends were fucking dead.

“Yes. It was absolutely devestating--”

“Get the hell off me.”

“Wha--”

“Get. Off.” The pressure on his back immediately lessened, and he could see that the man slumped against the crates next to him. Virgil pushed himself into a sitting position and curled up, trying not to cry. He couldn’t show weakness. He didn’t want to be punished for crying.

“Did you… were those two people in the room with you your friends?”

Virgil couldn’t find his voice, so he nodded slightly, taking care to not make eye contact.

“I’m very sorry about that. From what I saw of the aftermath, they are responsible for your survival. They took most of the bullets, and you escaped with only one shot in your right arm. The wound did end up becoming heavily infected due to the lack of attention I was able to give it before our arrival here, and your arm needed to be amputated, but we are working on making you a prosthetic.”

“A… prosthetic?” Virgil flicked his eyes up in confusion.

“Yeah, a prosthetic.” The man said it as though it were obvious.

“Oh… Right.” He had no fucking idea what he was talking about.

The man didn’t comment on Virgil’s hesitation if he even noticed it at all (which, honestly, Virgil doubted because he seemed rather… unobservant). “Is it alright if I call the nurse to replace your IV? It’ll help you feel better.”

“Sure.”

“Alright. I’ll be back in a minute.” The man stood up and started to exit, but he paused at the door. “I forgot to ask. What’s your name?”

“Virgil.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Virgil. My name is Roman.”

It had been a few weeks since Virgil learned what scalpels and prosthetics and IVs were. He’d learned a lot of things during that time. As it turned out, being held captive since you were a toddler led to a lot of lost knowledge of the world. Virgil learned about beds and cabinets and spaghetti and so many other awesome things like swords. Giant, shiny, stabby pieces of fucking metal! It was amazing.

Not only that, but Virgil was making new friends. He’d met Patton and Logan, who Roman claimed to be his “best friends,” even though Logan seemed less than enthused to be categorized as such. Patton was a sweetheart, and he was the one who designed Virgil’s awesome prosthetic arm, and Logan was just really smart and calming. He liked them both.

Over the weeks, he spent the most time with Roman. The soldier had helped him heal, and he had even brought him out to watch training sessions a few times as entertainment. He’d sworn to secrecy not to tell another soul that this had happened, but Roman allowed Virgil to spar with him a few times, and they discovered that, due to his small size, Virgil was extremely agile.

“Hey, Virge. What are you thinking about?”

Virgil snapped out of his reminiscence. “What? Oh, sorry. I was just zoning out.”

“Good.” Roman grabbed his hands and pulled him out of the cot (Virgil’s own cot because he actually had his own room now). “I want to show you the roof!”

“Gods, Roman, I’ve already seen a roof. This isn’t some learning opportunity. You’re just being weird.”

“Hush and let me take you outside. The weather’s very nice, and neither Patton nor Logan are willing to come out with me.”

A smirk tugged at Virgil’s lips, and he teased, “Roman, I’m hurt. I can’t believe that I’m your last choice.”

Roman laughed and continued to drag him around the facility. “Whatever.”

When they entered the fresh air outside, Virgil felt so refreshed. He closed his eyes and inhaled the clean, cool air. That was something that he had never gotten used to--being able to go outside virtually whenever he wanted. It was incredible. He opened his eyes to take in the view--

“Roman, what’s that? Why is the sky like that?! What is going on?” Virgil pointed at the orange and pink sky and clung to his companion.

“What?” Roman held Virgil back, but he did look very confused. “Have you never seen a sunset before?”

“A what?!”

“A sunset. Between day and night, there are periods of time where the sun rises and sets. During that time, the sky turns different colors due to small particles of dust.” His gaze softened. “It’s nothing to worry about, Virge. I promise.”

“But--”

“Hey, how about we sit down and watch the sky. Nothing bad will happen, but if you truly start to feel upset, we’ll go back inside. Alright?”

Virgil looked into Roman’s eyes for a few moments. If he had learned anything since his emancipation from the Saviors, it was that Roman never broke a promise. “Okay.”

It wasn’t long before Virgil and Roman had both fallen asleep in a tiny pile on the roof in a puddle of silver moonlight.

#sanders sides fic #thomas sanders fic #prinxiety #m writes things #wow this got way longer than i originally planned and way angstier whoops #Anonymous

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thesilverdawns · 6 years ago

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The Man Named Lion (P6)

To whom it may concern, which would only ever really be the recipient of this letter:

As you may have already guessed the town is alight with activity with the constant and active dribble that is news from the northeastern front. How much of it is true I can scarcely say, but I pray for your safety all the same whenever I’ve the time.

The military has ever dared to even commission me to tailor some of their newer uniforms for them and I’ve accepted but a few, as I do not have the time nor energy to address every new recruit who demands his trousers be hemmed or made an inch or two smaller around the waist.

Naturally this leaves little time for proper prayer during the day, but you out of all these fresh-eyed mackerels would understand and not mind terribly.

Vsevolod smirked faintly as he held the slightly wrinkled letter directly above his face. He was far too comfortable to get out of his bed and he had finally had the entire barracks to himself. This side of it at least. Lev lay on his own bed with his feet sticking straight in the air and the upper half of him draped over the edge and upside down, flipping through a magazine (one Vsevolod cared not to mention.) The blood had to have been rushing to his head, but he seemed fine.

He read on.

Seeing that you are perhaps in dire need of some much more light hearted news, I am pleased to report that the rigid stalemate between the matriarch Zeenon and the smallest of the bunch, Chai, over the dish chair in the foyer is now over. They decided to sort out their differences amicably. Chai gets her chair and Zeenon has located a perch high above the bedroom on top of the armoire. I had to move some things around, but despite all, I am quite proud of them.

As per usual, the youngest Kazoo (and perhaps in the running for the largest) has been pestering Zeenon for play when she very much would prefer otherwise. This of course does little to stop him, until Cecile has had enough of his shenanigans and puts him in his place for a while once Kazoo decides to turn his attentions elsewhere.

Typically, the second eldest, Lev, who shares the name ‘lion’ with your companion and embodies more of the qualities of one in my opinion, consoles Kazoo with a session of lying in the sun thereafter.

Mayflower naturally prefers to remain on her own as she is extremely independent, but that does not stop her from the occasional grooming that she and Zeenon both enjoy with one another.

During the time I spent making all of those socks I packed for you and your friend, the cats made sure to assist in any way they possibly could by sitting in the box with the packaging paper and what have you. Apologies ahead of time for the copious amounts of cat hair that will have no doubt arrived with them.

Miss Lumi was right. Some of the socks were so covered in cat hair that Vsevolod could have peeled them off and made a new pair all on his own.

“Are you still reading that??” Lev asked aloud, pulling himself into an upright position at last.

Vsevolod had forgotten Lev was still there. He had been so quiet (save for the occasional whistle or giggle) while ogling the magazines he had managed to get a hold of.

He ignored him.

I cannot begin to imagine what it is that you are going through during your time at the front. War changes people, typically not for the better. But I’ve faith that you will remain intact for the most part. And if not then you are always more than welcome to return to my home to assist in many a craft I’ve been unable to tackle in recent times.

“Sevka!!!”

Please, when you respond to this letter, let me know if your lion-companion appreciated the small ear-like designs I put on his socks especially.

He needs to listen more than he does speak. I also know he will not bother to write his own letter out of sheer laziness.

The shadow of Lev’s hand came from behind the paper as he pushed it away from Vsevolod’s face. “You must have read the letter fifty times over by now. Why do you not write back already??”

Vsevolod swatted at him in annoyance with all the strength of a turtle who’d been placed on his shell upside down. So what if it WAS the fiftieth time he’d read it? He’d read it fifty MORE times if he felt like it.

“Do not look at me so like that.” Lev hovered directly over him, nearly laying on top of him. Only his elbows really kept him propped up somewhat.

“How am I supposed to look at you.”

“With deep, sensual longing in your eyes?”

Placing a hand on his chest Vsevolod pushed Lev off firmly (but gently) and sat up. “No.”

“Huh! Fine. Well I do not know about YOU, but I am getting HUNGRY.” Lev rolled onto his back and laid sprawled out beside him.

Vsevolod looked back at him, and then towards the nearby window. The weather outside was gloomy looking again. Not that it ever changed.

It had been two weeks and he never wanted to go back out there ever again.

Turning back to look at Lev again, he scowled. “Miss Lumi wanted to know how you liked the socks.”

Lev cringed and made a whining sound. “Warm, but peculiar. You know ,with the design. I am afraid to even ask. Ears do not belong on your feet and clearly these are not ear-warmers. So why are there ears on my feet?! And they are incredibly itchy!!!”

“She made them special for you.”

“WHY!?”

“I also had forgotten to ask her for bread. When I write her back, I will be sure to do so. The only thing I am unsure about is whether or not food sent through the mail would make it to us without becoming spoiled.”

“Yes, because molding bread as hard as a brick is what I want to carry with me at all times. Augh…” Lev clapped a hand to his stomach as it gurgled. “Let us go and have dinner ready… I am starving from a whole day of doing absolutely nothing.”

The ONLY good thing about being on base were the kitchens. Hot meals were being served all day long, and the camp itself was not lacking in supplies and other comforts the soldiers so desperately desired, and needed. Everyone had their turn. The troops would rotate out once they had rested up, and the next batch of demoralized souls would enter and rest, and so on.

“With how much you have been drooling over your obscene pictures I almost thought you would have eaten the pages.”

“Sevka when we arrive back in the city I VOW to find one such individual for you that you will indeed eat. And enjoy.”

“I am no cannibal.” He didn’t even wait for him and left Lev to grab his coat off a nearby coat rack.

“Your passion-less life has left your romantic tendencies absolutely RAVENOUS Sevka. Trust me!!! Now tell me what you like-”

Before either of them could leave the barracks for any kind of sustenance, one of the officers came jogging up to them, looking like he was in a hurry. In his hand he held a list. “Nevolin, Kuznetsov, you two signed up on the waiting list for the planes correct?” Vsevolod couldn’t help his eyes widening quickly at the sheer mention of the word ‘plane.’ But it was Lev who vocally jumped to that confirmation. “Yes!! That is us!” “Come with me. You are to be assigned to one immediately before we push from our position at the edge of the woods and make our way towards the beachfront.”

The two looked at each other as though the holiday season had come early. Though it did not come without a slight bit of queasiness.

“QUICKLY!” And without any further delay, the two raced after him, with their hearts no doubt racing in their chests.

Nevertheless, please write back whenever you are able to. Provided your heads are not soaring high above the clouds, carrying out Death’s work for him.

Though I suppose that would make for quite a fantastic tale to tell.

P.S. The paw prints at the bottom edge of this letter are from Kazoo. He wishes you well.

#the man named lion #gomen if i did not get these fluffernutters right #COULDNT THINK OF ANY CRAZY NAMES so just went with variations LO L #time to finaly put them in a plane #that means their little vacation is over unfortunately but now levs screeching WE GET TO BE HEEROOOSSS #cap is excited but also dreading

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tinywriter2018 · 6 years ago

Photo

For the Good of the Realm Part II

Word Count: 1424

Jon was sitting in the the Godwoods next to the stump that used to be a weirwood tree. Like his mother’s family, he preferred the old God’s to the new, though as a Prince of the Seven Kingdoms he was expected to show faith in the New. This place for him was his solace, he enjoyed the serenity he felt when he was here. A small direwolf was sleeping on top of his boot. The white fur moving up and down as he was in deep sleep. The Starks had brought their Direwolves pups that they had found down south with them. They had found the runt of the litter, and it was the youngest Stark girl who pointed out, that Jon was technically also a Stark, if only half by his mother.

“I was told I would find you here.” Jon turned his head to see Lord Stark. Jon stood up, but his pup did not stir. Jon had a feeling he was ignoring the world, something he wish he could do.

“My Lord.” he gave a slight bow in his head, but Ned shook his own.

“You are my family.” Ned came and sat next to him on the stones. He looked around at the surroundings. “You should see the Godwoods back in Winterfell. Untouched by man, it’s brilliant and beautiful, even when it snows, the woods are peaceful.”

“I would very much like to see.”

“I’ve asked the King if he would be leave of you to travel with us so you can see the North that my

daughter comes from. That your mother came from.” Jon reached down, picking up the direwolf.

“What was she like? The Queen doesn’t know much and my father never speaks of her.”

“She was fierce like the north. She could out ride us all on the horse. Lyanna was strong as she was beautiful.”

“She died when I was born.” Jon looked at the stump.

“I was there.” Jon looked at his Uncle surprised. “She was a fighter till the end. Your father had snuck into the encampment to find my tent the night before the battle. He told me everything, brought me to my sister. By the time the battle of the Trident was to take place, Jaime Lannister had already killed Aerys and my sister was lost to us. There was no reason to continue on with the fighting. Robert knew that, once I joined Rhaegar on the field.”

“Robert loved my mother?”

“He said he did, but I think he just felt like he lost the one thing he was always supposed to have.” Ned placed a hand on Jon’s shoulder. “In time, the wounds healed and life went on.”

“I’m afraid some wounds last longer than the should.”

“You have the Stark honor in you.” Jon smiled, looking at the direwolf. The red eyes blinking open, to see what was happening.

“I am trying to do right by her.”

“Sansa is a tricky child. She has more North in her than I think anyone believes.” Ned stood up, looking out at the ocean. “You and I have something in common, other than our blood.”

“How so?”

“I was never supposed to marry Catelyn. My brother Brandon was her betrothed. But once the Mad King killed my brother, our marriage was arranged for the war to come. Love wasn’t the foundation of our marriage, but it is there now. I love my wife with everything in me. As I know she does me as well. Having your first born brings you closer together.” Jon nodded, standing up next to his uncle. The conversation quickly turned to other matters, as they walked back up to the Red Keep.

Jon followed ghost down once more to the Godswoods. His mind wandering to the journey before them. His father had informed him of his brother’s soon return to King's Landing and for the sake of his wife, the northerners and their pride, Jon agreed to leave King's Landing to return to the north, to Winterfell, in order to spare any harm. Jon has always wanted to go north, see his mother’s maiden home, but he never wanted to go under these circumstances. He ran into Ghost who had stopped walking. The white direwolf, laid down, his red eyes looking at the female direwolf in front of him. Jon knew the direwolf, it was his lady wifes. Sansa sat still looking out at the ocean. Jon slowly began to walk towards her, taking a seat next to her.

“We are to leave?” She asked, but her tone meant she knew what he was going to say.

“Tomorrow, after the morning meal.”

“Aegon is returning isn’t he?”

“He is.” Jon wished he could lie to her, but he couldn’t. Ever since he was a child, he could never lie to a woman. Queen Elia said it would make him a great knight. They sat in silence for a while, the sound of their direwolves lightly playing. Mostly Ghost seemingly trying to impress Lady, but she remained unmoving.

“All I wanted when I was young was to marry Aegon, give him little princes and princesses and be his queen. Be there for him.”

“All I wanted was to be the Lord Commander of the King’s guard, protect him from harm, protect my family.” Sansa gave a soft smile.

“Aegon hurt us both.” Sansa looked at Jon for the first time since he sat down.

“In truth, I’ve always wanted a marriage like the one my parents have. One of trust and love. I thought Aegon was the way to that dream, but he isn’t anymore.” Sansa paused, her eyes darting to her hands, her hair falling in front of her face. “Do you think you could love me?” Jon gave a soft smile, his eyes finding hers.

“I think I could.” Jon moved a piece of hair behind her head. “Do you think you could forget him, in your heart?”

“I’ve already started.” Sansa smiled at her lord husband, the setting sun, casting a beautiful light over his strong features. She could learn to love that face, for the rest of her days and she knew it.

“Keep your shield up.” Jon said said to Rickon Stark. He nodded, the boy was coming into his own as a young man. Rickon was a wild fighter, but one that learns quickly. Lord Eddard Stark watched with his own son, Robb Stark from the side.

“He’s still a skilled fighter even after all this time.” It had been twenty-six moons turns since Jon came north with the Starks. Taking up the Master of Arms position until they could find a replacement, since they had lost theirs on the travel home.

“He's a good teacher and a good fighter.” They were all laughing as Rickon suddenly stumbled in the mud, his laugh echoing throughout the courtyard. Suddenly Ghost appeared, his bark shattering the peace. Ghost was not prone to bark, at all unless it was of dire trouble.

“Wasn’t he with Sansa and Mother?” Robb asked Jon. All four men quickly followed the white blur into the Godswoods, where Sansa was clutching her stomach. Her mother trying to calm her. Lady was sitting patiently next to her, trying to give her comfort.

“We need a maester!” Catelyn yelled, her smile wide.

“It hurts!” Sansa screamed. Jon rushed over to her, quickly picking her up.

“Don’t just stand there! The Baby is coming! Jon we need to get her inside.” Catelyn quickly took control as Rickon ran back to the castle walls to call maester Luwin.

“Mother!” She yelled gripping her hand.

“Don’t worry, it will be over soon!” Her mother was so happy, Robb helped Jon carry her back inside.

“Jon!”

“I’m here wife.” She pulled on the back of his hair, her strength stronger than he thought.

“Don’t leave.” He smiled, helping her to the closest bed.

“It’s not proper for the father to be-” Robb started, before Sansa hit him. Lady growled from the corner, her direwolf freighting him.

“Than you get out!” She let out another scream gripping Jon’s hand tightly. She looked at him, scared. “It hurts, it hurts so much.”

“I know, you're doing great!” Jon stated. Catelyn joined her on her other side, brushing her daughter’s hair out of her sweat covered face.

“Your going to be a mother soon.” Sansa began to cry through the pain. She turned to Jon, her smile big.

“I love you husband.” She whispered.

“I love you wife.”

Masterlist

#tinywriter2018 #Jonsa #Jon X Sansa #Jon snow x Sansa Stark #Jon Targaryen x Sansa Stark #jon targaryen #Sansa Stark #I do not own gifs

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terrahistorian · 6 years ago

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TELL ME ABOUT JAX'S BACKSTORY :D

Okay, so, this might get a bit long. Jax is one of the most funcharacters I’ve played in D&D in years, and his story has takena lot of turns I didn’t expect, as the best ones always do. Thefinal draft of his backstory was born from several conversationsafter the game began, ways of integrating his story into what we weredoing, and giving him a personal stake, without redefining him.

JX-195 is a 6 year old Construct that killed his creator.

His first memory was of looking out from a pane of glass, floatingin this strange, viscous fluid. After many tests were done on him toconfirm he’d survive his, “Birth,” he was taken out of thechamber, and given his designation, JX-195. The Archmage who createdhim was never given a name, simply being referred to as, “MyCreator.” JX-195 was but the latest in a string of experiments,constructs made using different parts, different methods, differentarcane tricks, all in the hopes of reaching, in a sense, godhood.Creating life from nothing. In order to blend the organic andinorganic parts in JX-195′s creation, the Archmage developed avariation of the Mending spell, transcribed as runic tattoos alongall of his joints. This kept his flesh from rejecting the densermaterials comprising most of his skeleton, but had an unforeseenconsequence; every wound JX-195 received scarred rapidly. Overtime,he’d be more wound than flesh.

JX-195 was a failure. Through teaching him how to read, write, anddispatch of some of his lesser, “Siblings,” his creatorlearned that while JX-195 was an impressive machine, he had noemotions to speak of. No drives, no sorrows, no joys, he simply didas he was told. The archmage saw JX-195 as a blemish on his work,something to be wiped away quickly and thoroughly. JX-195 disagreed.So he took a surgical knife, and stabbed his creator in the backuntil he stopped twitching.

Taking the clothes on his back, the coins he’d been told hadvalue, and his creator’s hidden research notes on his construction,JX-195 set out to see what was out there in this grand world that hadbeen kept from him. He soon learned, however, that his creator wasnot the only foul being out there. In fact, he was nothing if not thenorm.

Beaten, bloodied, his coin stolen, barely holding ontothe, “Meaningless gibberish,” that were the tomes of hisbirth, JX-195 was found by a seemingly generous man. He offered warmmeals, a roof overhead, and work that involved travel and delightsbeyond imagining. He was a slaver, and appealed to JX-195′s baseneeds. Which, technically, were met, and JX-195 understood his placein the world. While there, he was branded across his right eye, andmarked as property of The Matron.

One night, bandits came. Freedom fighters, slaughtering themasters and freeing their slaves. Their leader, Cre’en, an old,jaded, cynical man, who was in it more for revenge than freedom, sawthat JX-195 had nowhere to go, and asked if he wanted to join him fora bit. Thus, JX-195 joined forces with The Wanderer, who gave him hisfirst proper name. Jax. Jax traveled with Cre’en for a year,far longer than most who stayed with him, and was taught how toprotect himself, and how to live among, “Normal, not crazy,slavin’, ass people.” Then, one night, Jax had his first dream.

A crossroads, his first real choice. Down one path, ease, andsolitude, a measure of peace, but ultimately a death and destructionthat shatters the heavens. Down the other, strife, battle, sorrow,but ultimately survival and peace. Along the second path strode threesilhouettes, under the marker of a town not too far from where Cre’enhad made camp. But above both paths, two warriors in gleaming sets ofarmor, beautiful, beguiling, and deadly, to any in their path. And onone warrior, Jax recognized a silken cloak, that had played a part inhis creation.

That night, Jax packed what supplies Cre’en had given him, andleft without a word. Making the short journey to the town in hisdream, it wasn’t long before Jax was found by those threesilhouettes. Mordai, the Tiefling, and defacto leader of this motleycrew. Sparky, the Ifrit, who was literally only there because agolden pineapple he stole told him to. (It was actually Mordaithrowing his voice to make it seem like the pineapple was talking. Atleast, at first) And finally Eren, an Elven cleric who always seemedjust a bit miffed that her god had forced her to work with the othertwo. They had also received dreams from various gods to find eachother, and hunt these two sets of armor. We later learned that theywere called the Greyguard and Paladin sets, eons old artifacts ofHoly Grail level of power and obscurity. Jax lead the way to thefirst piece of armor they’d collected, the cloak he’d recognizedin his dream, and bought his way into the group.

Some time later, the party found another piece, a brass bottlewith a cork topper, in a clearing without any hint of wildlife. Withthe usual stupid bravado of adventurers, we opened it, and a plume ofpurple smoke erupted from the bottle. Rising up out of it, a form farbeyond the size of the bottle itself, a creature of flame, smoke, andmagma rose up to it full height; an Efreeti stood before us, a FireDjinn.

Now, it’s important to note that my DM likes to leave as much tochance as physically possible. She plans a lot, but it’s largelybased on rolls, so twists are as much as a surprise to her as theyare to us. This bottle was no exception. As soon as the bottleopened, she rolled a percentile die. There was a 10% chance that theEfreeti would come out enraged, most likely killing us all. An 80%chance that it would do our bidding for an hour, then disappear. Andfinally, a measly 10% chance that it would arrive magnanimous,offering us three Wishes.

Her dice either hate her, love us, or some sick mixture of thetwo, because the Efreeti bellowed out in Ignan, “What are yourwishes?”

Two game breaking wishes later, that our DM is still pissed offabout, our party was trying to figure out what to do with the finalone. I mean, it’s a Wish, they can’t just be wasted on limitlesscoin and a fast travel system (Oh wait, we already did those). So, mylittle soulless self piped up, “Humanity. I want humanity.”

After some convincing, Mordai, the one who opened the bottle andhad to word the wish, started rattling off a list of, “I wishfor a soul that is kind, just, loyal, brave, trustw-”

The Efreeti cut him off by simply saying, “You cannot havea soul that is all good,” before a glowing orb of color appeared inhis hand, he rammed it into my chest, and disappeared as Jax fellunconscious onto the grass.

That day, Jax had his second dream. He was in a dark void, litonly by the six figures in front of him. They were all differentsouls the Efreeti owned, either by trade or force, and one was to beJax’s. They were of different races, genders, heights. Drow,Dwarves, Humans, and on the very end, a 6 foot tall Dire Pigeon. Ithink that’s the one my DM was hoping I’d get. One roll later, Igot the soul of Yeska Kreskoff, a human cleric, and inadvertentlyestablished Russia as some part of this fantasy world.

This started an arc where Jax struggled to understand threethings. First, his newfound feeling, both emotional and tactile.Second, the lingering consciousness of a tortured and insane Yeska,who began trying to take over Jax’s body to reclaim his life.Eventually, Jax had to beat down and kill Yeska’s consciousness,during a particularly vivid dream. This freed both Yeska and Jax, asJax claimed his soul as his own, and Yeska finally found peace withRoe. And finally third, Jax worked to understand the connection henow found with Yeska’s god, Roe. It turns out that Roe was the onethat sent Jax his first dream, which pointed him down the path offreeing one of his acolytes, and eventually stopping whatevercataclysm is connected to these armors.

So, Jax multiclassed from Fighter into Cleric, as a way to bothatone and thank Yeska and Roe for their sacrifices in freeing Jax.And that choice has been a lot of fun, and I’m really proud thatwas able to give my GM pause with one of the questions I posed Roeduring a communion with him. It had been a few months, and I simplyasked, “Are you pleased with how I’ve grown with this soul?”

It took her a few minutes to answer, but it’s stuck with me eversince. “It’s... Not about me. Am I happy? Yes, absolutely.But all of this is for you, and your growth, and your learning. Whatmatters here, and what I hope you remember, is that you’re not mypawn. You’re not a toy for me to tire of and set aside. I thinkthere are good things we can do together, and ways I can help you,but it has always been, and will remain, about you and your newfoundhappiness. So, if I may ask you a question. Are you happy?”

I ended that communion with a quiet, “Yes.”

Sadly, that was the last truly happy memory Jax has. Since then, him and his party have been collecting more and more of the Armor, and now they have completed both sets. Utilizing their power, the sets have been split among the party, and just recently we’ve let individuals wear a full set. Jax, specifically, has been wearing the Greyguard set. The Alignmentally Evil set. Each set has a consciousness connected to it, and a desire to be used for their own purposes, and the Greyguard has been patient with Jax. The longer he’s worn it, the less he sleeps, the more he depends on the armor, and the more open he is to death. At one point, Jax even contacted the Greyguard’s steed, an Ancient Black Dragon named Dryn, and struck a deal with him. Knowledge for power. I told Dryn all of our plans, everything we had done, and in return he allowed Jax to cast Power Word Kill once a day so long as he wears the full set of Greyguard armor, whose continued use is fraying what stability Jax has left.

Jax has never known peace. His six years have been nothing but imprisonment, battle, slavery, harsh travels, and feeling as though he’s a hacky sack for the gods. But I doubt that’s how his story will end. I suspect something with books, maybe a library. He hasn’t found his happy ending, but his story isn’t done yet. And I think that’s all any of us can say.

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deckspair · 5 years ago

Text

There isn’t a way to phrase this one without giving it away | Ukiyo-maemi | Ritual 3.8 | RE: Junshu, Akira

‘Post-trial plans’ indeed. Ukiyo-maemi is surprised by the amount of productivity, the amount of upheaval that goes on in the wake of the tragedy-that-must-not-enter-her-mind, before the robots even rear their corrupted heads with a new directive. Her hands grip the edges of her sleeves as she tries and tries to see the good in Junshu’s plan, but the only thing it has in common with goodness is its intention.

Its intention! She can lock onto that.

“Junshu-genko, I…understand that we are in dire need of leadership, and would even admit that you would be among my top five candidates if it came to a vote…” No, there are barely twice that left, it doesn’t sound like the compliment she was going for— “…top three. I have never much understood voting anyway, elected officials…are prone to the same flaws as the very people who place them in power. But in any case, your plan…what is stopping one member of a duo from murdering another, or two allies teaming up to do the same and frame the victim’s living partner? Perhaps they will be swiftly caught, but then you have caused two deaths instead of one…”

She sighs, part of her berating herself for falling into criticism all over again even as the other part crows its validity. “I am sorry…it does sound like a good idea, at least in principle, but I fear there are some knots to work out. No doubt we will be shooed out of this room soon, so I propose we all discuss it in more depth later?”

She has had her eyes on Akira this whole time, on and off, since she started looking up at all. What act of kindness was she going to pull out of what seemed like nowhere this time, and this time, would it finally be one Ukiyo-maemi deserved to partake in as well?

Oh, banish the thought. The answer is no, and it’s the worst possible thing, and she wishes she could just say something but it’s the rules—

“And you, Akatsuki-akira, please…do not take me the wrong way, when I say that your generosity will only hurt you. You speak of being unable to afford proper meals for those you wish to feed, even as an eventuality…does that mean you would starve yourself as well?” She is not, she cannot be feeling this right now, but it gnaws at her chest all the more when she tries to put it into words without saying it.

“If anyone is capable of feeding the starving—” A pointed glance at SpiderBot, she begins to mouth the word ‘stabbi-‘ but decides that’s too much, that she still isn’t quite sure the signal means what she thinks it does, “And if it is anyone’s duty to feed the starving, that person is me. I do not wish to be the ambassador of false promises, who speaks of glory in the next life without caring about this one, so I also volunteer to provide food to those who need it. I shall provide more details later…and, if you wish, perhaps Akatsuki-akira and I can combine our resources into something neither of us could provide alone.”

#chapter 3 #trial 3 #ukiyo-maemi #submission

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lazyupdates · 6 years ago

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Priyanka Chopra is the Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF for Child Rights and the global icon seems to be taking on the responsibility upfront. Priyanka is known for her philanthropic activities as much as she is known for her performances on screen. The actress recently visited one of the largest refugee camps in the world in Bangladesh. The camp consists of displaced Rohingya’s who are debarred from the basic right of belonging to a land. Priyanka posted several pictures on her social media giving glimpses of her time spent among young boys and girls there. The actress was also seen interacting with toddlers whose future is in jeopardy. The actress was clicked embracing the children there with open arms and even feeding infants with necessary food. Here is a compiled list of all the moments PeeCee had at the Rohingya refugee camp. Take a look…

I was quite literally knocked off my feet…a spontaneous, unfiltered moment with these amazing kids, who I spent a couple of hours with laughing and learning. It was as if for those few hours we all forgot where we were, and let ourselves be kids again (me included). One of the last stops on my field visit was at a @unicef Learning Center in the Balukhali Camp. Here, children are given a basic education of math, English, and Burmese through a colorful and engaging curriculum of song, drama, role playing. The age of the children in this classroom ranges between 7-10 years old, and for many of these kids this is their first school experience. There are over 400,000 children at these camps, but currently only 1/3 have access to education because of the lack of space and teachers. Given everything these kids have been through, their was no shortage of excitement or hope when I asked the kids what they wanted to be when they grow up. Whether it be a journalist, doctor, school teacher, or in the military, receiving an education means they’re getting a chance to create the future they aspire for themselves. The children are also taught basic hygiene, which is very important in a camp such as this, because of wide spread diseases like cholera and watery diarrhoea. Basics, like how to properly wash your hands, has actually helped to significantly reduce illnesses, and what’s amazing is that these kids go home and teach their parents and siblings the good health practices they’ve learned. Its initiatives like this that are setting these kids up for a brighter future. As I sit amongst them, singing along, the lyrics have more meaning than ever… “deep in my heart, I still believe, we shall overcome one day! .” I know they will. For those who’ve asked how they can contribute, here’s the answer… help every child get an education by logging on to www.supportunicef.org #childrenuprooted @unicef @unicefbangladesh

A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 24, 2018 at 2:22am PDT

As I walk into the Women Friendly Space at the Jamtoli Camp, I am instantly struck by a certain calmness. These camps are loud & crowded, actually overcrowded, and so to find a quiet oasis, in this case a small hut with a tarp roof and thatched bamboo walls, is surprising. But for the girls in this camp, this is what they call their “house of peace.” It’s a place they can come and just be. A place to interact with friends, seek counselling, learn about hygiene, or learn life skills like art and music. There are approx 50 Women Friendly Spaces in the camps, just like this one, that on any given day see 50-70 Rohingya girls seeking these safe havens. The centers open at 9am, but there is seldom a day when the women aren’t lined up early, waiting for the doors to open. It is here that I met three 18 year old young women, in particular, who’s stories really shook me – their names have been omitted to protect their identities. They recounted lives of pain and suffering so horrifying…it’s difficult to fathom. One scarred with memories of houses in her village being burned – she and her parents traveled for two days to get here, passing hundreds of decapitated and dismembered bodies along the way. Another shared stories of young girls being pulled from their homes to be raped and tortured. They even tried to kill her and cut her with a knife, but she fought back. How did you manage to be so brave, I asked her…she replied, “If you’re born you will die, so I’m not scared of dying today.” In what world is it normal for an 18 year old girl to have this perspective on life?! The third young woman traveled for nearly two weeks on foot through the forest, where her youngest brother died along the way. There was lots of rape and torture back home she told me, and some women’s breasts were even cut off. While their lives are safer now, they are all still struggling. They know that with an education they can get a job and create better lives for their family, like buying protein for their meals, and clean drinking water. It’s literally as basic as that. Please help however you can, no donation is too small…go to www.supportunicef.org #childrenuprooted @unicef

A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 23, 2018 at 11:37am PDT

When Mansur Ali, 12 yrs old, first came to the Child Friendly Space (CFS) at the Balukhali camp, he was only drawing scenes of bloodshed and violence. Helicopters shooting at him and his friends playing soccer… or his village and home being on fire with burning bodies all around him.. Today, his drawings reflect a more hopeful story, one we would like all these children to have. Since the #Rohingya children have arrived in Cox’s Bazar, they have been living in overcrowded camps with no real place that to call their own. Imagine a space that lets you forget your troubles and be a child again… even if its only for just a few hours a day. For the Rohingya children, over 300,000, in the camps in Bangladesh this is the only space that allows them to be kids. These Child Friendly Spaces created by @unicef give kids access to art, music, dance, sport, and counselling etc. The space has often proved to be very therapeutic, helping these kids deal with the horrific situations they faced.. the @unicef aid workers work tirelessly to make sure these children find their spirit again. It doesn’t matter where a child is from or what his or her circumstances are… NO child deserves a life without hope for the future. The world needs to care. We need to care. Please lend your support at www.supportunicef.org #childrenuprooted @unicef @unicefbangladesh

A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 22, 2018 at 6:54am PDT

Across the river is Myanmar(Burma.) It’s empty now, but a few months ago this area, known as “Sabrang,” was filled with hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar. Their trip here was filled with many hardships and tremendous danger. Many of them made their journey on foot, walking for days through the hills, then floating across the Naf River or the Bay of Bengal on make shift boats…many of them injured, pregnant, elderly, etc. Their ordeal didn’t end here…after entering Bangladesh, they would often have to wait for days, sleeping in the open fields with no food or water, for aid workers to reach them. For a lot of the Rohingya children, this ordeal will leave them scarred, physically and emotionally, for the rest of their lives. With your help, maybe these children can have a chance at a future…because right now, their future is bleak. The world needs to care. We need to care. Please lend your support at www.supportunicef.org #ChildrenUprooted @unicef @unicefbangladesh

A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 22, 2018 at 3:30am PDT

I’m in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh today for a field visit with UNICEF, to one of the largest refugee camps in the world. In the second half of 2017, the world saw horrific images of ethnic cleansing from the Rakhine State of Myanmar(Burma). This violence drove nearly 700,000 Rohingya across the border into Bangladesh – 60% are children! Many months later they are still highly vulnerable, living in overcrowded camps with no idea when or where they will ever belong…even worse, when they will get their next meal. AND…as they finally start to settle and feel a sense of safety, monsoon season looms…threatening to destroy all that they’ve built so far. This is an entire generation of children that have no future in sight. Through their smiles I could see the vacancy in their eyes. These children are at the forefront of this humanitarian crisis, and they desperately need our help. The world needs to care. We need to care. These kids are our future. Pls Lend your support at www.supportunicef.org #ChildrenUprooted @unicef @unicefbangladesh Credit: @briansokol @hhhtravels

A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 21, 2018 at 6:27am PDT

This is little Shohida (8 months old), who stole my heart with her infectious smile. It’s a poignant reminder of the dichotomy of life…here she was getting all the help she needed, when just a few months before, her mother, Alada (who was only 19 years old at the time) walked for 15 days, while 6 months pregnant with her ,to get across the border. It shows us that there is hope left in this world. When you’re dealing with a mass exodus of thousands of people, who have been displaced from their homes and are desperate for refuge, the need for proper health and nutrition takes center stage…especially for women and children. On the various Unicef Field Visits I have taken, I am always surprised by the simple yet effective solutions that @unicef and their partners develop to deal with the most dire and pressing situations and issues. This is something I experienced again today during my visit to the Nutrition Centre at the Jamtoli camp in Cox’s Bazar. More than 60,000 babies have been born in the camps over the past 8 months, so this center is an essential resource for new mothers to learn about proper feeding and nutrition. It all begins with the MUAC, a process where the child’s middle upper arm is measured to ascertain their nutrition level. From there, aids create a program for the child and a nutrient rich, ready-to-eat peanut paste is portioned out for each child based on the severity of malnutrition. At the Center mother’s are also taught basic hygiene and good health practices when they are in their homes. The world needs to care. We need to care. Please lend your support at www.supportunicef.org #childrenuprooted @unicef @unicefbangladesh

A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 23, 2018 at 12:32pm PDT

The post In pictures Priyanka Chopra visits a refugee camp in Bangladesh appeared first on Lazy Updates.

#lazy #lazy updates #Updates #trending #news #bollywood #recipes #entertainment

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jaidenrlmc33housecleaning4-blog · 7 years ago

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5 Easy Facts About House Cleaning Rates Dublin Described

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Guest Post: Tips On How To Keep A Pet - Friendly Home Clean http://wp.me/p6H6L6-8QK - Everyday Shortcuts (@EvrydayShortcut) May 8, 2017

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#dublin apartment cleaner

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tarottenblade-blog · 8 years ago

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Obsidi’s Shade

Sphinx opened her eyes as her hibernation was interrupted, it had been a long sleep that she dreaded the end to, the end of sleep meant that a monster had arisen and the world was in need of her once again. At least that was what she first believed as the nannite gel-water had drained from her stasis pod. It was rather odd to actually have the full timer counted down for her full recovery and the glass pane slid up to allow her to easily climb out of her stasis pod. When she sat up, there was only a pair of explorers amid the ruins of the once heavily manned laboratory.

The two rabbits watched in awe as the winged creature climbed out of the pod and stood before them in her bare fur, both of them holding an easy foot and a few inches over her in height. She sounded a little annoyed as she attempted to question them in a forgotten language from the age of Human rule. A few moments of silence passed and then she spoke again after a sigh.

“Why have I been awoken?” Sphinx asked again while using the universal language of the world and the two rabbits looked at each other in confusion. “You do understand me, correct?” The rabbits nodded. “Then why does my question still go unanswered?”

“Well, we were expecting more gratitude for one.” The older of the two rabbits stated bluntly. “You've been locked away in this prison for over five thousand years.”

“Five thousand years?” Sphinx asked as she took a moment to scratch an itch behind her left ear. “Huh, seems like it was only five hours. “I guess a few lessons must have stuck since the last monsters were hunted.” She said more to herself than to the rabbits. “Well, I suppose I'll give the upper world a look around while I wait for the stasis pod to re-cycle through...” She looked around the laboratory and noticed that it was running on emergency solar power and most of the other pods had been emptied for a long time, including the one intended for her mate. “How... how did you two even find this place?”

“We found a map engraved into an ancient puzzle box, of Kitsuni make, which guided us here and gave us all the lock combinations and passwords.” The other rabbit stated as he showed the artifact he was talking about.

Sphinx looked at the box and her long ears lowered, she recognized the make and finely crafted designs all the way down to the last flaw. “Neco...” She said under her breath and then shook her head. “Very well, let us be out of here.” With a clap of her hands she and the rabbits were on the ground level of the ruined building. Even with there hardly being any thing left within the stripped building, she could tell that the base had held its disguise of a hospital rather well. “You two are free to do as you please.” She said and tossed a couple of gems to the rabbits as compensation. “I'm sure that those are still valued among the races.”

The rabbits looked at the blood rubies with their eyes sparkling in awe and when they looked up the shadow furred feline was gone, leaving them lost within the ruin city within the Thassissirrian forest. She figured the rabbits would find plenty of treasures and compensation for their efforts of waking her, as they desired. If their greed was reason enough for them to die, the forest could be the judge of that.

There wasn't much to judge about the passage of time other than how far the forest had expanded while she had hibernated. What used to be a leisured day's flight away to the nearest village or city was now vastly covered by the aggressive woods and other forestation. She was amazed that the bowl of the mountain ranges surrounding the lands on all directions was now filled with forest as far as her eyes could see, with a spark of civilization on the distant horizon as the natural curve of the world took hold.

At this point, Sphinx knew that she had one of two options that the others awoken before her must have also faced. She could turn back and return to her hibernation pod and hope to one day be awoken once again when she was needed, or she could make her place in the world as she saw fit. A small part of her mind wanted to return to the simplistic way of her old life of waking only to deal with large threats to the entirety of the world as a whole and then sleep of the times between while hardly aging at all, but another part of her desired to experience the life she was never allowed to have, one where she would have to make choices biased on her own survival and how the world would see her, aside from a legend or fable. She decided that still being a legend could be possible and that it might even be what some beings called 'fun' to create her own legend.

With a minor idea of a goal in mind, Sphinx stopped hovering over the center of the forest and took aim to reaching the current visual edge of the world, following the playful currents of the winds as they spun, twisted, dipped and climbed.

The weather was miserable in the towering shadows of the city, it was mildly bitter-cold and the rain falling from the sky felt as dirty as it smelt to Sphinx. She had spent a day and night flying with-out rest or hunting and with the anticipation and excitement wearing away, she was starting to feel tired, hungry and thirsty. On the positive note, it didn't seem to take long for her to gain notice from the other beings as the barren stone roads began to come to life as the gray skies brightened with the day.

A kindly female rabbit was the first to approach Sphinx with concern in her eyes and a blanket on one arm, which she quickly draped over Sphinx's shoulders; who was currently in her wingless form. “Child, why are you wandering the streets with no clothes?” The rabbit asked while trying not to sound demanding. “Where are your parents? Are you lost? Hurt?” It didn't take long for the rabbit to see the confusion in Sphinx's eyes, and assumed that the child did not speak the common language of the land as she held the warm blanket around herself. She looked about and quickly waved down a police officer to provide proper aid.

The wolf towered a foot over the rabbit and plenty more over Sphinx as she looked up at him with her right eye, while her scarred left eye remained closed at the moment. Sphinx quickly guessed that he had some dire-blood in his family line, but still found his athletic figure and piercing ice-blue eyes cause to feel a little flustered and aware of her own undressed and possibly shabby appearance. “What seems to be the problem?” He asked in a calm deep toned voice before he got a good look at Sphinx, and realized that the poor girl had obviously not eaten in days and had been caught in the foul weather with out a scrap of clothing for untold hours. He was quick to radio in this discovery and to have child services waiting for their arrival. “I'll take the child from here ma-am. If you leave an address we'll have the blanket returned to you by this evening.”

“The girl doesn't speak... or at least doesn't understand common.” The rabbit stated as she borrowed a pen and note pad from the officer to give him her name, contact information and where to send the blanket. “Do you think she's part of... well, you know... that violent underground?”

“I can't say yet.” The officer said while pondering such things as well, the scarring over the child's left eye would suggest the possibility but there were other ways a child could lose an eye and those situations were just as bad, if not worse in some cases he had seen and heard of in the past. “There won't be any telling until we can manage to talk to her.”

Sphinx sat alone in a room with plenty of paper and colorful wax sticks, swinging her legs as she sat in the chair leaning over the table to try her hand at art while the law enforcers, as she guessed the people who were fussing over her to be, conversed on the other side of a mirror tinted glass window. She had been clothed in colorful feminine garments and given a small meal to eat along with surprisingly clean water to drink and was shown where a privacy chamber she could use was located. Compared to the majority of ages she had the blink of time to witness on occasion, the current civilization was by far more advanced, though obviously far behind the age she had come from at her birth. In her opinion she was nearly finished with her first actual attempt of free-style art work when a female feline of white and black stripped fur entered the room, dressed in a feminine gray suit.

“Hello, do you understand what I am saying?” The feline asked carefully slow as she attempted to make eye contact with Sphinx. Her Filonian was a little rough since the age of adapting Human English as a universal language over the globe and such old languages were only electives and rarely ever used outside of classes. She had a pocket book in her hand just in case a level of communication could be reached, which to her delight had just happened when she was given a nod and was looked at by the girl's crimson eye. “Me am called Lucy. What you called?”

“Sphinx.” She answered and pointed to herself, while using the Human vocal language. “Sphinx... learn speak... not... quick.”

Lucy was glad to hear that Sphinx was attempting to adapt. “Can I speak normally and you can understand then?” She asked and again Sphinx nodded and this time set down her crayon. “Do you know where you are?”

Sphinx shrugged. “East... Thassissirria?” She suggested not quite sure if she had used enough words to be as easily understood as broken Felonian.

“Thassissirra?” Lucy asked and followed with another question. “Is that where you're from, Thassissirria?” Once again Sphinx nodded while obviously paying close attention to how she spoke. “I didn't even know there were any tribes still living in such a dreadful place. Is that where you lost your eye?”

Sphinx shook her head. “No. Daorb stole Sphinx eye.” She stated as she adapted her style of speaking to attempt to match Lucy once again though she made it obvious that she did not like talking about her left eye and made the attempt to cover it a little.

“What is Daorb?” Lucy asked.

“Daorb, monster.” Sphinx answered. “Sphinx, sisters, brothers fight Daorb, stop from breaking world.” She attempted to explain and could only guess that some thing wasn't translating properly as Lucy frowned. The feline was obviously looking for a different topic and chose the drawing.

“What is this you're drawing?” Lucy asked while seeing a lot of black with different sparks of color mixed within. “Stars?”

Sphinx shook her head. “Home at dark.” She explained before Lucy set her drawing down and then handed her a blank piece of paper.

“Can you draw your family?” Lucy asked curiously and only had a look of confusion from Sphinx. “Your pride?” She asked suggestively and still only got confusion from the child. “Your... pack? Herd? Um... your brothers and sisters?”

Sphinx caught on to what Lucy was asking and then looked at the crayons and then the paper. “Sphinx's sisters and brothers... Sphinx... had many... now only Sphinx.”

“What happened to them?” Lucy asked curiously as a sense of potential dread tingled up her tail and through her spine when Sphinx's ears lowered with a sense of loneliness in the child's expression.

“Gone.” Sphinx answered. “Saved world with them and put into hibernation, no one left but Sphinx when wake again.” She said and hoped the explanation would be enough. “Even breeding partner gone.”

“Breeding partner?” Lucy asked in an obvious tone of concern now finding it hard to ignore the fact that the poor child had been abandoned after going through plenty of physical and obviously mental abuse. “Who chose your breeding partner? Can you draw them?”

Sphinx looked at her crayons once again. “Not with wax or ink.” She replied as she did her best to not take concern with the tone of voice and body language Lucy was giving off. “Did the Elder do some thing wrong?”

“Do you know what breeding is?” Lucy asked curiously.

“The act to make offspring of a plotted design, to reach a means of desired perfection.” Sphinx answered with a nod. “Sphinx was to be Miles' breeding partner when the time came. But... Miles is gone... Sphinx is alone. No family, no Elder... no orders.” She was handed a sharpened pencil and set herself to draw the Elder who was responsible for her sector with as much detail as she could remember. By her perspective, it had only been two days since she last saw him and when Lucy saw the drawing a long silence passed between them.

Lucy was bewildered of the talent Sphinx had for drawing alone, but what she had drawn in such fine detail was a Human in a lab-coat, with a thin body build and obviously at the perspective angle that the child would have seen the man. Had images of Humans been more available for public access she would almost accuse the girl of being a liar, especially since it war even more rarely known that Humans, more commonly known as 'fur-less' had the tendency to have some facial hair and one particular item in the drawing stuck out with too fine of a detail was the receding hair-line being poorly covered by a thin layer of hair being combed over the obvious balding. The man's eyes were strangely kind in Sphinx's drawing and there was a bit of emphasis of the man holding a pocket watch, reading the time of three fifteen in very small, and accurate detail in roman numerals. “This... was your Elder?”

Sphinx nodded and looked to the mirrored window when she heard some shouting and rapid compact explosions coming from near the entrance of the building. There were screams of fear as more the rapid explosions occurred followed by off-timed similar explosions of less occurrence. It took only seconds for her mind to register combat from the noise and shouting.

Lucy watched as Sphinx dove from her chair take a single bound off of the floor and dove through the two way mirror and was losing her through the still closing door of the witnessing room, moments before the emergency code was called out over the private channel. She had to explain quickly that Sphinx was no longer in her sight as she took a more cautious approach in following Sphinx's path out of the room, clearing away the broken glass remaining in the window frame with the wooden chair.

The familiar air of combat flowed over Sphinx, the weapons were different, more alchimeical in craft, but the air was familiar and that was all that mattered. While the officers took cover behind flimsy structures, that were being shredded by the weapons of the attackers, she charged and bounded at the attackers from sudden angles picking one off when he rose to use his weapon once again. Of course her assault did not go unnoticed and some weapon fire was turned in her direction as she attempted to continue her assault. The impact of the small projectile grazing her skull threw her backwards and into the wall behind her, leaving her stunned and dealing with a tremendous headache.

A few short moments passed before Sphinx rose to her feet again as she once again had to deal with her foul choice to play with her opponents instead of just accomplishing victory. She gritted her teeth as her rage rose, there was no point to her combat armor just yet and she felt a sense that it would be best not to reveal all of her power just yet. She let out a fierce yell as she took hold of a nearby desk and flung it at the attackers.

Only two of the eight remaining attackers managed to dodge the flying desk and were surrounded in an instant with plenty of officers just itching for a reason to place a projectile between their eyes. They were forced into surrender and were treated very roughly as they were shackled and pulled away.

“Sphinx!” Lucy called when she finally managed to push her way through the desks and medical workers. “What the hell were you thinking, you could have gotten yourself killed! Are you alright?”

“Just a little dizzy from a minor graze to the head.” Sphinx answered, while making a light gesture to where the projectile had struck her and stabled herself against a near-by wall corner. “I... I should be fine in a short... while...” She could already feel herself blacking out as she calmed down from her rage. How much more embarrassing could it be than to just barely be struck and to lose consciousness shortly after victory. She felt pathetic as she watched the beginning moments of the ground rushing up to meet her and was waking up to a mimicked rhythm of her heart-beat being timed by an annoying beeping, and a scent of a far too sterilized building.

When she opened her eyes with a slight groan she first heard the movement before she spotted the young tiger in a bed similar to the one she was in. Her head was wrapped in a soft compress and her left eye had been caught up in the wrapping. She tilted her head from side to side and was relieved to know that her left eye still remained where it was supposed to be this time.

“Nurse, she's awake.” The tiger stated over his intercom when Sphinx finally sat up, looking obviously confused and lost as she muttered to herself in a language he had never heard before. The black furred feline's crimson eye focused on him as she turned her head to look in his direction and he swallowed nervously. In the twilight hour she had a look of what nightmares could be born from, though at the same time she had an unmistakable beauty to her. “Um... hi?”

“Greetings.” Sphinx said with a light smile and did her best to ignore that she was bound to her bed, though the tiger was not bound to his. “Can you tell me where I am?”

“You're in a hospital.” He explained while fighting back a whimper. The girl's voice was a disturbingly soft, just barely above a whisper. “You were sleeping when you were brought in a few days ago.”

“Days?” Sphinx asked in disbelief. “I've never been rendered unconscious for days... minutes at best, but never days.”

“You had to be sedated for your surgery.” A rabbit of brown fur stated as he entered the room, wearing a mint-green fabric uniform stated. “You're a very brave girl to take on nine armed gun-men head-on like that Sphinx.”

“More like very foolish.” Sphinx stated bluntly. “I got lost in the familiarity of combat that I had forgotten I was practically on my own... What's an operation?”

“When they cut you open to fix parts of your body that are broken under your skin and fur.” The tiger answered casually. “Did you really get shot in the head?”

“I've still got a headache to prove it.” Sphinx stated as the rabbit shined a bright light into her eye and blunk out the blotches she saw when he was done with his experiment.

“Well, if any thing, you're very lucky to still be alive.” The rabbit stated. “A little more centered and we wouldn't be having this conversation.” He stated in a scolding manner. “It's also a miracle that you didn't lose another good portion of your face.”

“May I ask why I am tethered to this bed?” Sphinx asked in hopes of an acceptable answer or even release while she became more aware of other parts of her body feeling a little uncomfortable from intrusions other than the needle in her tethered arm.

“We were given some minor advice that you're not quite familiar with current medicine, and by the gods that was an understatement.” The rabbit sighed as he made some notes on Sphinx's medical chart. “You've never had a nannite infusion, so you may feel some minor discomfort, nothing painful I assure you, for a few weeks as your body is synchronized with. You'll also be expelling a lot of toxins and impurities over the next few days while that process continues. I would have to say, that at this point the only reason you've managed to live so long with out them is because you've got yourself an unusually uncommon natural regeneration, and your immune system is nearly god-like to what you've been exposed to in your short life. There will be some choice words to be directed to your family... when we manage to find them. For now, just behave yourself and don't do any thing that will end up getting you or others hurt.” He said as he moved to leave the room and paused before the tiger's bed. “Van, keep an eye on her as usual, and only call us if there's trouble.”

“Yes sir, Doctor Lhay.” Van said with a nod and smiled to Sphinx, who was looking a little more like a normal person after being lectured a bit. A few moments of silence passed once they were alone before he rose from his bed showing off the cast on his right leg. “So, what is it like to be shot in the head?” He asked as he reached for his crutch to aid in his journey to the chair next to Sphinx's bed.

“Like the weight of a log large enough to take down a giant striking the surface space of a small coin.” Spinx answered as she watched Van hobble across the room and even got a few good moments of looking at his bare backside within the gown he wore, one similar to her own. “What is it like to take months to recover from a broken bone?”

“Mind nimbingly boring.” Van sighed wearily. “At least while you're stuck in the hospital with child services investigating why I ended up having a broken leg. But at least I finally get to have some one to talk to while my family is being questioned.”

“So, how did you break your leg?” Sphinx asked curiously. “Were you pushing your combat training too hard, or just end up landing on it wrong during acrobatic drills?”

“I tripped.” Van admitted and lowered his ears with a sigh. “And fell down a flight of stairs. First day off of Velcro and I trip on my shoe laces.”

“Velcro?” Sphinx asked curiously and saw that Van didn't really want to answer the question. “Eh, I'm sure I'll figure it out later.” She said and wondered why the tiger continued to stare at her with a mixture of curiosity and caution. “What?” She asked while feeling herself blush a little.

“Your eye reminds me of those of Grand Elder Nahul.” Van said as he leaned in a little closer. “It even glows a little like his do.”

“Grand Elder Nahul?” Sphinx asked curiously. “Who is he? The only Elder I knew of other than Elder Loki was Elder Frag above him.”

“Grand Elder Nahul, well he's been the Grand Elder for a few generations now.” Van said thoughtfully. “The only non-tiger species to become a Grand Elder for two reasons, the first being that he was chosen by the Grand Elder before him, despite Nahul's original resignation and two refusals, and by right of age. You look a lot like him, perhaps he's your grandfather.”

“Grandfather?” Sphinx asked a bit confused. “Is this related to what is known as a family?” She asked in hopes to start making some links to the many words she had no reference to since she started speaking the land's common language.

“The male parent of one of your parents.” Van explained when he could read the honest confusion Sphinx was having over basic family structure. “I guess your brain is still a bit rattled from being shot.” He concluded more to himself, while giving Sphinx a workable excuse she could use for a short while. “But, perhaps you're related to him. I would even be willing to bet on it.”

“Like what?” Sphinx asked curiously while also a little tempted to take on a wager. It wasn't impossible that what Van was telling her could be true, she didn't know any Nahul's among her brothers and sisters but it wouldn't be so uncommon for one of their offspring. “Does he look a bit like a big feline?”

“A bit, though he's silver furred, golden haired and has pearl feathered wings.” Van stated seeing a light glimmer of Sphinx's hope fade. “Is some thing wrong?”

“He's not of my brothers and sisters.” Sphinx sighed as she pushed away the blanket to look at her ankles, which were also tethered to the bed and frowned before using her tail to free her legs as she freed her left arm from her tethering. “Can you direct me to the privacy chamber?”

“Oh, bathroom is just through that door.” Van stated as he pointed to the only other door in the room, the one in which Doctor Lhay had not come through. “Guess it is about time you had to use it.” He said with a light chuckle and watched with delight as Sphinx walked past and fixed his view on her bare backside, which she had no shame in leaving uncovered.

“I know you're staring at my flank.” Sphinx stated as she opened the bathroom door. “I'll want an honest opinion when I get back.”

Sphinx was sent with Van's family a few weeks later, after a few suggestions from the young male tiger that she could have some relation to the Grand Elder Nahul. It was apparent that Nahul was indeed curious to meet the mystery girl after receiving a few descriptive letters and a photograph.

To say that she was a bit nervous was an understatement, and this was just to meet Van's family, she didn't even want to think about what she would have to worry about when it came to meeting the essential leader and representative of an entire species. When the time finally came the experience was nothing like she expected, for one; 'parents' were much older than she had thought and came in pairs. Secondly; as a unit, 'family's' seemed to communicate in vocal manners mixed with gentle physical contact referred to has 'hugging'. She even experienced the physical contact of a hug from the female parent Van referred to as 'mother'.

It seemed that Van's family had been given a great honor to be permitted to escort Sphinx to the Grand Elder and the younger 'siblings' continued to talk excitedly about how their envious their friends would be if they could manage to get an autograph during their visit.

There was a lot of stressful energy involved with a family unit held together by a metaphorical elastic band of rules and trust. Much more lenient than those of the unit she was familiar with with little space for disobedient and disruptive behavior as the younger two cubs displayed every chance they got to push their boundaries to wander as they could and their attempts to touch, hold and lift any object they could get their paws on at the distress of their mother constantly raising her voice to gain their temporary compliance.

Finally the time came for Sphinx to meet the Grand Elder and her distractions came to a bitterly sudden end for the time as she had to leave Van's family behind a very secure, though sparsely guarded door being led by a tigress of athletic build wearing very professional and functional attire, all in dark shades. She couldn't help but notice that the tigress kept giving her curious glances.

“The Grand Elder will be with you shortly.” The tigress explained as she let Sphinx into a fairly large room that emphasized on the fact that it was a large room with furniture placed only along the walls and a throw rug at the very center, contrasting the rest of the carpeted floor and a wide and sturdy mahogany desk resting before a large floor to ceiling west-ward facing window with the curtains half-drawn and tucked at the center fold to give a minor accent to the lighting of the room. “Do you need any thing? Water, a sugar drink?”

“My friend?” Sphinx asked with a hopeful whimper saturated in fear.

“Trust me, you won't need him.” The tigress said with a light smile. “Nahul just wishes to meet you in person. He doesn't intend to pass any harsh judgements, just wants to ask a few questions I would assume. He hasn't even put much interest in choosing his replacement as he has in you. I'll be honest, even his mate is a bit jealous of you right now. So, don't give her any reason to justify her feelings.”

“Y-yes ma-am.” Sphinx said as she took the tigress's advice and began to ponder just what kind of a person the Grand Elder was. The door had barely closed when she heard a light chuckle from behind the desk. “Who's there?”

“Only those of us who should be here.” Came the reply of a young adult male feline of golden hair, silver fur, crimson eyes and pearl feathers, standing only two feet taller than Sphinx. He smiled warmly to his guest while slightly keeping his right eye out of direct view to hide the scar he wielded. “Well, you do look a lot like me in structural appearance, and you're obviously a shape-shiftier in regards to hiding your wings. You've got a better talent than I did at your age.” He said as he stepped out from behind the desk and approached her and studied her at a closer angle, circling her a few times muttering and humming thoughtfully to himself under his breath. He gave her neck a light smell and caught her by the wrist when she reacted to slap at him and examined her claws for a few moments before stepping back. “Well, at least I know you're not one of my cubs now.” He stated confidently. “Judging by the glow of your eye... you're a Thassissirrian, and of course there are a few other things your eye tells me that we both already know.” He said with a sigh. “I'll keep this simple, you are of the Shade clan of Windsong. Technically my mortal enemy of an age long since passed after Humans chose to leave this world and the ones who remained which eventually bread their species too thinly to discern from any other you could find on this world today.”

Sphinx swallowed nervously, if she was Nahul's enemy and he was much older than her... what was he going to do with her?

“Luckily for you, I am not permitted to be violent and I have grown tired of it over the years, dealing with others of the Shade clan growing up and not knowing why.” Nahul said and shook his head with a weary sigh. “I can not offer much, even with my state of power as a Grand Elder of the Tiger clans, but I can make you an offer you are welcome to turn down.”

“An offer sir?” Sphinx asked while it was still soaking into her mind that she wasn't going to need to defend herself and that Nahul was even showing her kindness.

“Being a Windsong these days is very lonely.” Nahul stated as he paced slowly back behind his desk and sat in the swiveling armchair, spinning himself idly. “I am the last of my clan, aside from my pending cubs,” he paused with a boasting smile, “and you are, to my knowledge, the last of your own clan. I can offer you a safer place to live than this city, the land is a bit dull but it is still as beautiful as the day I was brought there. It would be a simple life of hunting or crafting tools for hunting and defending the tribal lands of the Otus tribe's ancestors. It's a bit of a tourist spot in the warmer seasons, but usually rather quiet.”

“I don't mind the city.” Sphinx said casually. “It has a lot of excitement and chances to improve my training.”

Nahul couldn't help but smile as he could see that Sphinx's spirit rivaled his own at nearly the same age. “I do believe you could be correct.” He admitted to her obvious surprise he even chuckled a little. “You've obviously already made a friend, it would be unfair for me to just move you away from him when you've obviously made a very important bond already.” He could see that Sphinx was looking for a way to act as though she didn't know what he was talking about. “A boy by the name of Van Kelsing, of the White Claw tribe. You've been spending the past few weeks with him.”

“He's just the only person I've been able to talk to that hasn't been trying to find a villen that doesn't exist.” Sphinx stated a little defensively, feeling that Nahul was reading into her logical reasoning for being around Van and found herself blushing.

Nahul grinned widely. “Oh, that's what you say now.” He stated while clasping his hands. “But, I believe he's more important than that. I would even risk saying that you and he were more than just acquainted, close enough to possibly call you two friends.”

Sphinx's ears twitched as her tail swayed to the new use to the word Nahul used. “You mean like allies?”

“Well, that's a good example.” Nahul said with a nod and smiled as he stopped spinning in his chair at an almost precise centering of his desk and rested his elbows on the desk top. “Though friends are only slightly different in this context. You can still rely on him for support as he'll rely on you in turn, but it may not just be for combat... I highly doubt that cub is even suited for combat against a moth if he's thwarted by shoe strings.” He said with a teasing smirk. “Though with the way you're still blushing... perhaps your mind hasn't caught up with the rest of you yet and he may mean even more to you than you realize. I'll need you to send in Van's parents behind you, but heed my last bit of advice if anything I have said today or may even say to you in the future.” He paused and made sure that Sphinx had given him her full attention. “Nothing is forever, especially for our kind, make the most of the time you have with your friends and loved ones. Time is cruel and unyielding and once you've said or done any thing you can never take it back.” He took an unusually rare calming breath before breaking the serious expression on his face with a cheerful smile. “I know you're a good girl and your future will be full of many adventures and plenty of challenges, perhaps more aggravating and horrific than my own experiences. Don't forget to share them when it's safe to do so.” He said and then made motion for Sphinx to leave his office. “Enjoy your life, and I hope when we meet again it will be on just as friendly terms. You have no idea how much of a pleasure it was to meet you today.”

“So, how did it go, what was Nahul like?” Van asked when Sphinx had sent his parents in.

“He was... shorter than I expected... and looked a lot like me.” Sphinx admitted with a smile. “Kind of acted like a child, but his eyes told such a tale of his age. He was really kind too... especially with the magical power he has... it was frightening to feel the magical power that flowed naturally from him, nearly overwhelming. I've only seen such power on monsters before him.”

“So, are you related to him?” Van asked as he remembered the bet he had made with Sphinx about the subject.

“About as related as you are to a mountain lion.” Sphinx said with a sigh. “I'm the only one of the Shade clan left.” She stated with her ears lowered. “So... I guess I'm alone.” She flinched a little when Van draped an arm over her, partially to comfort her, partially to use her head as an armrest to snap her out of being depressed. “Okay, so... maybe I'm not entirely alone. I still have my friend after all.”

“Oh, you made a friend?” Van asked with a smirk while Sphinx pushed his arm off of her head. “Are they cute, do they have a cuter sister?”

Sphinx pondered how to answer Van's questions. “Well... I don't have much to compare with just yet, but he dos have an adorable younger sister, and a brother and he's apparently a good friend from what the Great Elder has told me.”

Van laid his ears back and gave Sphinx a seriously inquisitive look. “He?” His question was saturated in jealousy as he met Sphinx's gaze. “They're not smarter than me are they?”

Sphinx smiled and pretended to think. “Well, I would say you're about equals.” She teased and found herself suddenly understanding why one does such a thing as Van frowned. “He's also got some handsome features about him, a bit clumsy as well, but no being is perfect. About your height and build even.” The bitterly jealous expression started to not be so cute and she leaned in to stop his personal green eyed monster her friend was becoming. “Nahul thinks I may... well he says my mind needs to catch up with myself about how I feel about him.” She stated and realized how close she was to Van now and pulled back blushing heavily as the secured door opened. She cursed her bandages for preventing to peak and see how Van was reacting further but could only guess by his growls that he was very, very jealous of himself. “So... any way, since I won the bet, that means that you have to do what I tell you for a full season, right?”

“Wait, what?” Van asked and snapped out of his jealous mind set when the mention of him losing to Sphinx settled in his mind.

“That was our bet.” Sphinx said with a smile using her imagination to picture how Van must look. “If I was related to the Grand Elder by clan, I would do what you wanted for an entire season and if I wasn't you would do what I wanted for an entire season instead. So you have to do what I want for at least three months, following all the rules we instated before hand. So I can't have you do some thing that can get you into trouble, can't cost more than five credits every three weeks in total, no accumulating funds or days not used, no cheating because the season is about to shift, nothing that would hurt the other more than a minor bruise,” she muttered the word 'baby' teasingly under her breath as she took a moment to remember the rest of their rules, “No forcing the other to give up their personal belongings, though sharing is still an option, no gloating to last an hour in total through each month, especially no take backs on the bet from either party and no retaliation from the losing party, even after the season is over. I think that covers what we agree on.”

Van frowned, having hoped that Sphinx wouldn't remember their bet if she had won, she didn't even bother mentioning it after it had been agreed upon. Still he was a tiger of his word and if he wanted to keep his friend he would be wise to male up and follow through with it to the end.

“Lucky for you I don't really have any thing I need you to do for me right now.” Sphinx said with a wolf-ish grin as she met Van's gaze again. “Though I am curious as to what you would have wanted me to do. So... my first thing I'll want you to do is to tell me what you had planned when we have the same privacy as we did when we made the bet.”

“What?” Van asked looking very flustered.

“I'm not accustomed to having others do things for me and never really thought about having some one do things for me.” Sphinx said casually. “I think it's rather lazy, but I can't just let go of the prize I just won, only because I don't have any current ideas on how to use it just yet. But we'll talk about that later.” Almost as if on a que Van's parents stepped through the security door, both looking a bit bewildered, though not in a bad way. If she were to guess it was an expression mixed between shock and disbelief with just a dash of joy.

Van's mother was the first to make the attempt of moving the day along from their shock, it was obvious to Sphinx that what she, her breeding partner and the Grand Elder had spoken about was her and that there were some things she was not supposed to know. She didn't like it when orders were kept secret from her.

“So... Sphinx, would you like to come home with us?” Van's mother asked curiously. “Van isn't going back to the hospital, and it wouldn't be fair for you to be cooped up and all alone.” She casually explained, secretly grateful that Nahul had given her a few lead-in topics to aid in Sphinx not getting lost through the cracks when it came to how orphans were treated in even the current society.

Sphinx's mind clicked to the situation rather well as to why Van's mother would propose such an invitation to her. “The Grand Elder wants to keep an eye on me, doesn't he?” She asked and saw that she had hit at least one nail on the head.

“Well, yes, and it will be a little easier if he knows where to find you.” Van's mother said with a nod. “He says you're very important and that you wanted to stay close to your friends.” She smiled at Van happily, knowing that for once her cub had done some thing right on his own.

Van's other mother, who had been rather quiet since meeting Sphinx, seemed to still be lost in delusion as the younger two cubs playfully pulled back and forth on the leopard's arms.

“It may be for a few months, to even a few years but-” The tigress continued and was cut off by Sphinx's sudden answer.

“Yes!” Sphinx squealed out and then covered her mouth, blushing. “I mean... I would be happy to accept your generosity.” She said and was rewarded with a petting of her head and purred happily. She was starting to rather enjoy non-combative physical contact.

“Alright, we can stop for pizza on the way home.” The tigress said with a cheerful and honestly happy smile. It was rather silly that she had been thinking of inviting Sphinx over for a visit as it was, since the girl was the only friend Van had made since the move to the city when she re-married. She turned to face her mate who was still looking lost. “Hellen... honey... you're drooling.” She stated and snapped her fingers before her love's nose.

Hellen blunk a few times, looking as though she had just snapped out of a strong hypnosis spell. “What, Mave, where's the Grand Elder? Did I fall asleep?”

The tigress giggled and rubbed her cheek against her love's. “You fainted on your feet again love.”

“I didn't fall down this time, did I?” Hellen asked while fearing that she may have broken some thing.

“No, and nothing was broken either.” The tigress said with a light giggle as she leaned in and whispered the news into her love's ear making sure to hold her muzzle closed in advance to muffle the cheer of joy. “We're going for pizza.”

Sphinx leaned in near Van needing to know. “What is pizza?”

Chaplin Cheezers was the name of the cub infested tavern biased on plenty of noise, flashing lights and colors from every imaginable spectrum Sphinx could see and among the smell of minor nausea and sugar blended drinks with some stronger drinks stuck into the mix was an unusual ambrosia of a food she had never known to exist, supposedly a traditional food from the Fur-less age. It was hard not to know who worked at the unusual tavern, since they all wore a pattern of purple, pink and white. All about her was an energy of excitement, and a level of chaos that was considered to be fun for cubs of all ages, and some thing for just about any being to enjoy.

To Sphinx the place was more disorganized than a battlefield with no commanders with two saving graces; food and the yarn-ball pit that she nearly dove into the moment she saw it and the various colors.

“Easy girl, there are still some precautions to take.” The tigress stated as she nearly watched Sphinx's eyes take shape of the balls of colorful yarn. “You'll need to put on your safety gloves and foot pads before you can go play. We don't want any accidents.” She said as she placed one hand on Sphinx's shoulder and offered her the added garments. “Elder Nahul's request. He say's that you might get a little passionate and even though you can properly restrain your strength and temper... you need to keep your claws covered.” She was glad to see that Sphinx didn't want to argue and wished that her younger cubs could at least see the reason behind following a simple request than wasting time arguing.

The gloves and foot pads weren't much of a trouble to put on and were even easily bound behind her joints by two unique fabrics, on similar to the wool of an unshorn sheep and one with fine rows of little flexible hooks which held to the wool-ish fabric. “Am I permitted to play now?” She asked as she showed her hands and feet were properly covered and was given a nod of approval after a quick check to insure that they wouldn't simply slip off.

“Alright, you and Van can go play now.” Hellen said with a nod and gave Sphinx a little rewarding scratch behind the ear for being a good girl. “Mave or I will come get you when its time to eat. Is there a type of topping you'd like?”

“Topping?” Sphinx asked while tilting her head to the side and looked when she saw that some form of flat style food was being brought out from the tavern's kitchen and raised herself on her tail to see what this 'pizza' was and almost looked like she was going to turn a dominant green as the scent of heavily salted fish assaulted her nose. “Not fish.” She stated as she set herself back on her feet. “Ugh, it's so saturated in salt I can even taste it from here.” She stated while trying to get the flavor and scent to go away.

“Right, no anchovies.” Hellen said with a light giggle, even non-tigers knew that the Grand Elder was the same way. Looks like a feline, acted like a feline occasionally sounded like a feline but hated eating fish. “Any meat?”

“Meat?” Sphinx asked and tilted her head to the other side. “What's meat?”

“You're teasing, right?” Hellen asked and only got a shake of a head from Sphinx. She knew that the hospitals had a special protein enhanced drink for a predator to get their needed nutrients, but she hadn't expected that Sphinx was so innocently vegetarian that she didn't even know what meat was. “Alright, that will be a surprise for you then... do you like spicy or mild?”

“Oh, spicy!” Sphinx exclaimed with excitement even though she didn't quite now what it meant it sounded good. The word alone sounded like a wonder of the world and thinking about it made her mouth water with anticipation.

“Okay, now you two go run along and play and don't-” Hellen could only watch as Sphinx was out of ear-shot before she could finish being parent-like, “get into any trouble.” She sighed and looked to Van. “Try to keep your friend in line Van.”

“No promises.” Van said as he hobbled along after Sphinx watching her dive into a flip, which landed her on her back in the pool filled with various colored balls of yarn in an amazingly graceful manner. It was a wonder that some thing so simplistic seemed so fun to a girl Sphinx's age, when even most cubs didn't even bother with the yarn pool any longer when there were plenty of video games to play instead... though he had to admit that watching her swim through all the balls of yarn made it look rather fun. At one moment he realized that Sphinx had spotted him and had dove to the very depths of the pool, to the point that her displacement was unnoticed until she popped up next to him with balls scattering about as she burst through the surface. He yelped when she let out a a short and playful roar and pulled him into the pit in one swift and effortless moment and brought him beneath the surface. “Holy hells woman!” He exclaimed and then sighed when Sphinx giggled and rubbed her cheek against his.

“Now that we have just enough privacy for whispered secrets,” Sphinx purred into Van's ear. “What would you have had me done if you had won our little bet?” She asked as she cuddled up against him.

“Mostly my chores I guess.” Van said with a sigh. “Though I suppose it would have been pointless with my broken leg.” He said while only telling a partial truth.

“And?” Sphinx asked curiously adding a tone to her voice to let him know she knew there was some things else he most likely wouldn't have let her get out of if she had won their bet. “You lost so you have to tell me.”

Van attempted to mutter his way out of his confession and sighed when Sphinx told him to speak up. “I wanted to see you naked.” He stated feeling a little ashamed of himself only to hear Sphinx snicker and then giggle before she gave him a playful nip on his nose. “And?” She pressed further knowing that he was going to go that far that there was obviously more especially when the bridge of his muzzle went scarlet and she could smell his scent shifting toward-. “...oh... Oh!” She gasped and could feel herself blushing as she sat up and pulled Van with her and scratched at the back of her neck. “I... I didn't think I was worthy of such desire... at least not from you. I mean... look at me, even at a first glance adults flinch in fear. I must be terrifying. My fur radiates it's own shadow, my right eye glows and my left...” She placed her hand to her patch and averted her gaze from Van. “I'm... I'm really not worthy of your desires. Not a monster like me. I'm lucky enough to be thought of as your friend.”

“Hey, you can decide what's worthy of you, me I get to decide what I think is worthy of me.” Van said as he gently made Sphinx look at him and he could see that she really believed she was some sort of monster. “You've got plenty and more to be worthy of a dumb kid like me and a lot of others. I mean, hell if any one knew about what you did at the police station last month you would already have a fan club and a comic book character named and inspired by you.”

Sphinx didn't know what a comic book was, but she figured by his passion it was some thing of high rank in Van's opinion to aspire for.

Van smiled when he guessed that Sphinx was blushing as she continued to shyly avert her gaze. “Besides, after the initial shock, your eye is really cool and your fur is beautiful and is some thing no one else will ever have. He leaned in and purred softly to her and when she faced him their noses met and she backed away in shock her eye wide in fear. “D-did I do some thing wrong?” He asked and realized that Sphinx was gasping for air while looking very frightened. “Sphinx are you alright?”

Sphinx wasn't sure if she was alright, her heart was racing her mind was in a blur of emotions and her body in a whole was feeling a way it never had before.

“Van, Sphinx, food is waiting!” Mave called out from a short distance away and Sphinx looked panicked.

“Oh no... no, no, no...” Sphinx groaned as she thought she and Van were being inappropriate. He wasn't her breeding partner, she shouldn't have been alone with him for as long as she had been, and she even took him into hiding. “If your Elder finds out I was swaying you from your breeding partner I'll be spayed for sure.” She whimpered and turned to escape but then remembered that Van couldn't get out on his own. Her panic froze her to inaction until Mave found them and she felt like she was going to be executed on the spot.

“There you two are, I've been calling for you both for five minutes now.” Mave said and couldn't help but notice that Sphinx was looking very flustered and her eldest son was looking both confused and a bit pleased with himself. “Van, what did you do?”

“Me, I didn't do any thing, she pulled me into here.” Van stated in his defense. “Pulled me in like a trap-door spider and every thing.”

“Yeah and I'm the queen of Belthasar.” Mave grunted.

“We just accidentally rubbed noses.” Van stated and watched as what little bit of sanity that held Sphinx together burst and she collapsed in a total burn out.

“Oh my.” Mave said as Sphinx was talking to herself fearfully. “The Grand Elder wasn't teasing when he said she had a strict up-bringing. This is going to make her sharing a room with you rather difficult.”

“With me?” Van asked in shock. “Why?”

“Well your younger brother and sister have the other room, and a girl Sphinx's age needs some privacy.” Mave said bluntly. “Neither your brother or sister would give her a moments notice, since any thing that crosses the threshold of that room the instantly claim as a toy for their personal amusement. I know I can at least trust you to give her space and privacy in the proper times, and there's no way I'm letting her sleep in mine and Hellen's room, and she's not sleeping in the den. So it will have to be your room. Now you two get your butts out of there and get to the table. Your pizza is getting cold.” She looked at Sphinx and picked up a yarn ball and gently lobbed it to strike the girl on the nose and she looked at the still half-crazed, though listening girl. “What ever you're thinking is going to happen to you isn't going to happen. You harmlessly brushed noses.”

“But what if the Elder finds out I nearly seduced him?” Sphinx whimpered. “I would bring shame upon your clan and the clan of his assigned breeding partner.” She said and tugged on her ears until she was pelted again with another yarn ball which slightly stung for a tenth of a second.

“Stupid girl, you're his assigned mate.” Mave growled at Sphinx in Felonian and saw the last thread snap in the confused girl's mind as the panic and fear flushed away in a moment. “Just don't tell him until he's able to speak Felonian, and don't you dare rush grandchildren into my life.”

“Oh, looks like our little princess has been struck by a love bug.” Hellen giggled softly into Mave's ear and gestured to Sphinx in the slightest manner.

“You should have seen her when I found her alone with Van.” Mave whispered back as she indulged in a slice of plain cheese pizza that had been dabbed down with a few napkins to remove a good amount of grease. “Apparently they've rubbed noses and she completely flipped out in panic, thinking that she was going to be punished. Had to pelt her twice on the nose with a yarn ball and then told her what she needed to hear to stop her panic attack from taking her back to the hospital.”

“The Grand Elder did warn us that she was going to be up-tight for a few months.” Hellen reminded Mave with a smirk as she happily ait a slice of pepperoni, sausage, bacon and hot-sauce pizza and savored every sinful bite. “Good thing she has you around to lie to her I suppose.”

“If you want to explain the freedom of one's own choice to her while your pizza is getting cold, then by all means go right for it.” Mave said casually. “Besides, I think she would make a wonderful addition to our clan... even if she isn't good enough for my boy and all of that smothering motherly crap I'm supposed to say. Besides she's not the only one struck with a bug.”

It was rather obvious that Van was also looking a bit flustered to be having Sphinx glancing his way and giggling a little since she fished him out of the yarn ball pit with only the use of her tail.

“If I had to guess, I think he's had a crush on her since he first got to talk to her.” Mave theorized with a smirk when both cubs met gazes for a moment and then looked away to nibble at their slices of pizza.

“Um... is this supposed to be getting hotter?” Sphinx asked as she took a couple sips of water to alleviate the burning spice on her tongue only to feel it spread like Greek fire. It wasn't unbearable, and in fact she liked it but she wasn't sure it was supposed to feel like she was capable of breathing out some light sparks.

“Well, that's what spicy does, it's a different kind of hot.” Hellen said with a smile to sphinx. “Though I would suggest washing your hands before attempting to rub your eye, or it will burn your eye even worse. It could even blind you.”

“Thank you for the warning.” Sphinx said as she stopped mid-reach to scratch at an itch near her eye and decided to distract herself fully with her meal before it got any colder.

“So, I hear you rubbed noses with my oldest son.” Hellen said in a stern tone of voice and held back her smile when Sphinx choked on her next bite a little. “I'm glad you're feeling that comfortable around him already. It should make giving him his baths a lot easier.” Van was now right behind Sphinx in choking on a bite of pizza for a few moments and both of them struggling to drink a little water to dislodge their un-chewed bites. “Mave and I already have our hands full with his siblings, who need to be watched constantly, we don't have the time to insure he gets properly bathed while keeping his cast dry. A lot of deadly accidents could happen to him if he isn't watched and helped when he needs it. Not to mention that a boy his age would be devastated to have to share a bath with either of his mothers.”

“But... but...” Sphinx stammered while trying to talk her way out of the responsibility but her mind once again went numb.

“We're going to have to get some one started on her regimen.” Hellen made mention of the obvious to Mave. “Should we pick up an emergency box just in case?”

Sphinx frowned when Mave and Hellen whispered back and forth in a language which reminded her of chattering squirrels and twitches of tails and ears and plenty of giggles and glances her and Van's way. Being as paranoid as she was she suspected that she and Van were being plotted against in some way.

“The only buts in this conversation will be yours and Van's in a bath tonight.” Mave stated calmly as she finished her slice of pizza while the cubs finished theirs shortly after. “Though Hellen needs to take care of a couple of chores, so you kittens can have an extra hour to play about... but no more yarn ball pit for this visit. Keep an eye on the clock, she will expect you two at the front door in one hour.”

“Leah, Rind, let's go.” Hellen said as she took a hand of either cub, leading them out toward the parking lot.

“Here's a little money for some games.” Mave said as she handed ten credits to Van and Sphinx each. “Van, a quick word alone. Sphinx, no listening in, this is between a mother to her son.”

“Y-yes ma-am.” Sphinx said as she looked at the new form of currency she held in her hands. It was a card made of blue plastic with a solid 'X' centered on one side and a single line near the top on the other, it was nothing like what she was used to. The distraction didn't last long and she found her mind wandering toward her coming responsibility to give Van his bath and her imagination went into a wild spiral of chaos and by the time he placed a hand on her shoulder she was an Elder herself with a clan spanning miles to govern over with him at her side. She looked at him as her gaze slowly became less distant and she smiled lightly. “So... I've never rally played any of the games here. What do you like to play?”

“City Battle Brawler is probably one of the only decent games this place has.” Van said with a sigh. “Just really hard to play with a broken... well any thing, since the game takes that into part of how it plays. It gets a read from your nannites to determine how your character is compiled and what skills and strengths they have and from there you control your avatar to fight through the streets of the city against other people's avatars.”

“So... there's a game that allows you to have an entire battle on the streets?” Sphinx asked as she followed Van. “That sounds really neat, do people get hurt?”

“Hardly, but if you don't own your own console your avatar gets deleted in a few hours, if you're not holding the top ranking.” Van said with a sigh. “I got mine to last three days once before some one bumped me off.”

“So... what did your mother want to talk to you about?” Sphinx asked as she followed Van.

“That you're not on birth control yet, and that I should be extra careful with you in the tub if things go far enough that I end up... well...” Van blushed deeply. “Would it go far enough that we would want to be cautious?” He asked as he met Sphinx's gaze as he hobbled alongside her.

“I...” Sphinx purred a little on the thought and nodded. “I think it might be a good idea to be prepared, just in case. I don't think I'm as prepared as your parents are to be tending to the needs of cubs.” She said a little sheepishly. “Besides, we're two strong willed teenagers, I'm sure at least between the two of us we should have a strong enough will. Worst case I could always lock my mind into 'work mode'.”

Van raised a inquisitive eyebrow while tilting his left ear to the side to mimic Sphinx's usual expression of confusion. “What?”

“In some of the work I have done in my past emotions could have easily gotten in the way of my goal.” Sphinx explained. “So it was required that we were capable of locking off our emotions and narrowing our personal desire to the mission goal and surviving... since both went hand in hand.”

“What did you use to do?” Van asked curiously and frowned when they came to a set of stairs blocking him from easily reaching the arcade above. “By the gods I hate this place.” He muttered under his breath. “If it wasn't for the pizza I wouldn't even want to come here.”

“Meh, even I can cook better than that on a campfire.” Sphinx said bluntly. “Granted it was a new experience, especially the experience of 'spicy', but the quality could use some improvement for sure.” She said and smiled. “I could tell you about some of the past missions I've been on if you want to do that instead.”

“That... actually sounds fun.” Van said as he pocketed his credits and was surprised when Sphinx handed him hers as well.

“I don't have pockets in this gifted outfit.” Sphinx explained as she gestured to her skirt with a light spin. “And I'm not as ample in the region Hellen keeps a spare card.” She gestured to her blouse which barely showed any curvature compared to the other females resembling her age. “I'd look rather foolish walking about with money in my paws for the world to see.”

“I'm surprised you're both waiting for me out here.” Hellen said happily when she found Sphinx and Neco waiting outside Chaplin Cheezers. “Must have blown through thoes credits like a fire in your pockets, eh?”

“The arcade was up a flight of stairs.” Van grumbled as Sphinx assisted him into the car. “So we decided to sit outside and talk. Did you know that Sphinx was a monster hunter?”

“Really, what kinds of monsters did you fight?” Hellen asked curiously. “Monsters under the bed, or in the closet?”

“Not always.” Sphinx said with a casual tone as she took the seat next to Van in the back of the car. “Monster is a metaphorical term in my old line of work.” She explained with a sigh. “I'm quite aware that when I use the term 'monster' the thoughts that come to mind are things like goblins, trolls, orcs, and the list can go on for days really; but the kinds of monsters I refer to are beings who ignore the value of the lives of others. Though it is a very fine line, when it is crossed there's usually no doubt that these beings have refused to learn and change.”

“Who makes that call?” Hellen asked as she merged into the traffic to make the slightly long drive home.

“In the end it would be decided by my clan as a whole.” Sphinx sighed. “It's never easy to take a life... even from those who do not value it.” She made sure that Hellen and Van both understood that she took no joy in her previous means of living. “It's one of the reasons why my clan rarely went out on missions, being the last judge and jury and why we are trained to lock off emotion. Our minds have to be clear to see what needs to be seen, and to make sure that our target isn't just being set up for a fall.”

“Have you ever mistakenly killed some one because of that?” Hellen asked as she looked at Sphinx through the rear-view mirror.

“I pray to the gods every night that we haven't.” Sphinx answered. “That's why there are other methods put into place before my clan is put into action.” She stated. “First the Lotus clan would be sent out, gaining information from locals and travelers alike to know what the current street gossip was. Then there was the Rose clan, the ones who would keep an ear up in law enforcement of news of crimes that were on a particular level of violence or were multiple cases. Then came Nahul's clan, Lance, the first line of physical force to put a potential stop to the monsters in the making before they got out of hand. They would be sent out a good number of times against the same target some times. My clan would only be called in when casualties have totaled the minimum of a village population.” She smiled a little. “It's probably because of us that you have those legends of monsters in the closet, under the bed and lurking in the shadows, and occasionally gifting good children with blankets, treats and toys on occasional Dreamer's Nights... it kind of takes off a little of the guilt on occasion.”

“And how many monsters have you taken out?” Hellen asked.

“More than I'd like to admit.” Sphinx sighed as she looked out the window with a distant gaze. It was quite possible that in total her clan was just as bad as the monsters they hunted in the number of lives they had taken and she had no real idea as to what they may have done while she was locked in hibernation. This realization made her more determined not to let Nahul's hopes go to waste.

“So... what is Dreamer's Night?” Van asked curiously, feeling the need of a change of topic and was looked at with disbelief from Sphinx.

“How can you not know about Dreamer's night?” Sphinx asked and looked to Hellen who seemed at just a loss as Van. “It's one of the best festivals the Fur-less ever celebrated. Cast a shoddy enough enchantment spell on an item and you can blend in for the festivities and treats. The one time when social class is forgotten and all are able to be what they dreamed of being for a few weeks, within limitations. There's music, magic, games, food and even actors putting on shows on the streets, following plots that flow through the celebration.”

“That does sound like fun.” Hellen said with an agreeing tone in her voice. “What season did it usually get celebrated in?”

“After the last crop harvest of the year.” Sphinx said with a smile. “Every clan enjoys the festival so much that we set aside any and all rivalries and work. Our Elders allowed this, since it was a chance for them to not have to worry about us getting out of hand or losing our minds. I must have missed a lot of them by now, even before they were obviously forgotten.”

“Speaking of celebrations, do you know when your birthday is?” Hellen asked curiously.

“You mean the date of when I've managed to survive a rotation around the sun?” Sphinx asked and got a nodding of Hellen's head. “Some time in the frozen season.” She answered casually. “Just before the rain freezes.”

“During the school year then.” Hellen said thoughtfully. “Well, we'll get a more accurate date once your nannite analysis is released. But I have to ask, were all of your assigned jobs hunting monsters?”

“Oh, not at all.” Sphinx said with a giggle and a delighted smile. “Some times we would be set on different missions which suited our stronger skills at the time.” She said rather cheerfully. “I'm actually a decent cook and I'm good with healing magic, so on occasion I got work as a cook and accompanying healer for caravans going long distances and got paid extra if I ever had to fight. Rarely ever got that bonus though, since most travelers who could afford to higher a member of any clan had more than enough muscle to thwart attackers. I'd just end up patching them up.”

“So... you could heal my leg?” Van asked in awe.

“I could, but then your mother would be upset that she spent all that money going to a cleric.” Sphinx sighed with a light shrug. “Then there's the point of being able to afford my fee. Magic isn't free to use, especially for those gifted with it or even with pseudo-magics. Both are energy, and every being has a limit and has to be able to recharge those energies... which leads to a larger need for food minimally.”

“I'm more interested in the fact that you can cook.” Hellen said while turning onto the freeway. “Most females leave that to males these days.”

“Female needs to be self-reliant at all times.” Sphinx said casually. “There's no telling when you may not have a male to pick up your slack, and you get really tired of coal for meals after a couple days. Besides, there's an old saying that the quickest way to a male's heart is through his stomach.” She said with a smiling giggle. “I heard you and Mave whispering, I speak Felonian quite fluently amongst the fact that ten minutes of listening to any language and I start to pick up on it. Even if it's a language spoken in code. You can't keep secrets from a Shade for long... unless you're a telepathic, or out of range of my hearing.” She twitched her long ears lightly. “If you want an idea of how sensitive my hearing is... I should ask if you've told your cubs yet.”

“What?” Hellen asked while she saw that Sphinx continued to gaze out the window.

“Your heart skipped a beat, and what you're probably nervous about is what I know is inside you.” Sphinx said and turned her head to look ahead of the car. “Look out!” She exclaimed and vanished from her seat as she traveled through the shadows and tossed the car off of the road to avoid smashing into the back of the truck. She then traveled through the shadows again the pull Van and Hellen along with her to a safe location on the side of the road beneath an evergreen. Her heart was racing and she was feeling a new feeling she had never felt before, relief, as the car crashed into the earth a near mile away and a different crash took the place of theirs. She let out a sigh of relief once again when most of those involved in the accident were well enough to get out of their cars and yell at each other before silencing at the explosion of Hellen's car. “Do you have a way of contacting Mave. I'm sure this will worry her greatly.”

After every one was assured that every one was fine and the only damage to their family was the car, some nervous and awkward confessions and explanations were given.

“So, what was that you did today?” Van asked when he and Sphinx settled down for bed. It actually felt kind of nice that she preferred to sleep under his bed. He knew that if there were any monsters his friend would be able to send them running to the closet in terror. “You know, teleporting us.”

“Oh, the Shadow's Gate.” Sphinx said with a giggle. “I can travel through shadows as long as they're connected, no matter how faint.” She said proudly. “My whole clan could use the technique as well, though it's dangerous to do it on nights of a full moon. Shadows cast in that light... We should never touch it, for it could take our very lives.” She snuggled herself up under the warm blanket and rested her head on the soft pillow. “I'm sure we're going to have a long week, so we should rest while have the chance. “Hey Van?”

“Yeah?” Van asked in reply.

“Can we make a promise here and now? One that we will never break.” Sphinx was unsure if she was wise to make such a vow with a being she still hardly knew.

“What promise is that?” Van asked and leaned over his bed to look under it to see Sphinx's glowing eye.

“That, no matter what, even if things don't work out between us as your mothers keep thinking is going on between us...” Sphinx took a calming breath. “Promise me that we can always trust the other and remain civilized and remain honest at all times.”

“Alright, I can promise that.” Van said happily and offered his hand to Sphinx. “Friends no matter what, for life and beyond.” He smiled when Sphinx took hold of his hand and yelped when he was pulled under his bed and hugged tightly and cuddled. So much for getting any rest, he thought to himself and smiled as she fell asleep, resting her head on his chest. He couldn't bring himself to move.

The week turned out to be very long indeed, especially since there was only one car to use. Sphinx and the young twins had to be registered for school, and had to get the school supplies for all four cubs, while also having to see a doctor about a special medicine for Sphinx, and then there were doctor appointments for Hellen's pregnancy, all while Hellen and Mave still had to make time to get to their own jobs.

Sphinx did her best to try and aid Hellen and Mave where ever she could, from going shopping, cooking and cleaning up the house as she went along. She could tell that Van wanted to help and was growing agitated about his leg. “You just focus on getting better.” She would tell him when ever he complained, and if he attempted to ever argue she held her winning their bet over his head to end the argument. She also compensated a little by showing him how to cook, so that he could take over when he was able to use both arms and legs again.

Finally a form of aid came from the Grand Elder Nahul, in the form of financial compensation for caring for Sphinx with promise of more aid to come, and an accompanying gift came for Sphinx in the form of a rare video game with notes that she could only share the game with one other player and it came with a thick book of instructions and a minor starter's guide, all delivered by a new tutor for Sphinx and Van, a wolf who went by the name Neco.

“So, you're the new students.” Neco said as he eyed Van and Sphinx over curiously with his ocean blue eyes. “Nahul must have some sort of plan for you two if he wants me to be your tutor. So, what is it you want to learn?”

“What?” Sphinx asked curiously.

“The schools are going to teach you what you have to know... mostly.” Neco said casually. “You know; the basics to get you by in the profession you decide to be. I'm here to show you how to do what you want to do. Nahul suggested music for the two of you, so we'll go over your options later and see what you like later. I'll also aid in keeping you up to speed with your current education when needed.”

“Could you teach me mask crafting?” Sphinx asked hopefully. “Ones which could be used in combat... oh, and enchanting. I'd like to improve my skills.”

“Oh, already have a dream set in your head?” Neco asked with a smile. “May I ask what that dream is?”

Sphinx smiled proudly. “I'm going to bring back Dreamer's Night.” She boasted to Neco's surprise.

“Dreaming big.” Neco said with a smile and nodded. “I'll do my best to help you gain the skills to reach your goal Sphinx. Combat masks eh? And enchantments? I believe I can teach you the basics.” He then turned his attention to Van. “What would you like to learn?”

“I want to be better than Sphinx at cooking.” Van stated with a coy smirk. “I've got to be better than her at some thing. You think you can do that for me?”

Sphinx giggled her way into laughter. “You think you can out cook me? Bring it on. I'll even have a competition with you when you feel confident enough to try your skill. Plenty of time to work out the rules and settings for each competition.”

“You think I can't do it?” Van demanded.

“Oh, I want you to beat me, but I'm not just going to let you beat me with out a fight.” Sphinx stated. “I'll make it fair and not take lessons in cooking from Neco while you're training. It's the basics for alchemy after all. Do well enough and I'll even share my secret recipe, coveted by all the races who have only heard myths of it.”

“You wouldn't be talking about the legendary healing muffin?” Neco asked as he began to salivate. “You actually know how to bake them? Who taught you?”

“I created them, what flavor you want?” Sphinx asked with a boasting smile. “I'm also the creator of the Heart Clog-er, the Hearth Fire, Scavenger's Delight and the infamous Dragon's Blood sauce. Then there's the three layer shake, and Diabetic Special.

“I... I've got my work cut out for me.” Neco said nervously.

“Oh, I'm sure Van has a chance.” Sphinx purred. “He's already been inspired by what I can cook, even though I don't really know all that I'm using by appearance. I have to rely on my sense of smell on most things, unless I'm baking.”

Sphinx was proudly wearing her first crafted mask on the first day of school along with her own crafted clothing which allowed for mobility, comfort and cover from the elements. She currently wore a leather eye patch she crafted for herself out of leather, which resembled a belt with a square buckle resting over her left eye comfortably. Her rain cloak was obviously enchanted to repel the rain and to keep the wearer protected from the elements, it resembled the hooded cloaks of the healers of the time she last visited.

She wore a bag over her shoulder with the words “Wander Lust” sewn into the hand crafted bag, enchanted to repel the weather as well. She stood next to Van smiling happily as she held her share of their lunches in her enchanted bag with pride while her rival struggled with an umbrella as they waited for the bus to pick them up. Her confidence wavered a little when she was stepping onto a bus crowded with others her age and then smiled as she found herself a spot to sit next to her appointed guide. “Hi, I'm Sphinx.” She said cheerfully to the mouse and offered her hand in a friendly gesture, already confident that she was wearing her safety gloves and socks.

The mouse was surprised to see a feline smile so kindly and honestly, it almost made her want to cry that she was still so frightened of her.

“You're Sarah, right?” Sphinx asked and got a silent nod from the mouse. “It's nice to meet you, I'm already hoping that we can be friends.” She continued and decided to lower her hand to her side, rather than let her gesture linger awkwardly between them. “I... I know I'm a bit intimidating when I first meet people. It's kind of a shock to see such a pretty face needing to stay hidden behind a patch. Yes, my eye was taken by a monster, but it was my arrogance that caused it. The monster is gone now. So I'm moving on with my life and accepting what I can't avoid. So I think it's best to make a lot of friends so I can have a reason to be strong.”

“You really want to be friends?” Sarah asked as she eyed Sphinx. “A cat wants to be friends with a mouse?”

“Who said I'm a feline?” Sphinx asked with a giggle. “I'm of the Shade Clan... A Windsong.” She watched the mouse's jaw drop in disbelief. “What, were you not informed?” She asked innocently.

“Well, I was told that you exceed basic education and were to be assistant to a few of the teachers as you accompanied me through the school.” Sarah said as she began to explain the situation. “You're my body guard for this semester.”

“Body guard?” Sphinx asked curiously. “Why would you need one? Is some one bullying you? If you want I can put them in their place quick and easy. I have a lot of influence with adults since I have some connections of some sort. I can make sure you're listened to and some thing is done.”

“You'll see soon enough I suppose.” Sarah said with a sigh as the bus moved along, after Van took his seat with a few friends and was already bragging about Sphinx living with his family and talking up how her cooking was the best he had ever had.

It wasn't long until there were whispers about Sphinx knowing how to cook and that she even made a lunch for herself and Van as part of a competition. Questions started to follow and Sphinx was starting to feel on edge, fearing the worst for the lunch she had brought for Van and herself to share. Sphinx ended up smiling and dared them to try their best.

The school finally appeared through the cover of a rare glade of trees, revealing an open field behind a tall stone wall, surrounding a grand, tower-like structured building, constructed of white marbled stone.

“Sarah, Sphinx, this is your stop.” The bus driver announced while the two new students gawked at their new school. It was usually the same for every new student; wide eyed and awe stricken.

“Could have sworn I would have been in Van's school.” Sphinx sighed to herself as she dug through her bag quickly and gave Van his share of their lunch. “Don't go trying to say that yours was better because I wasn’t there to see.” She warned with a playful smile. “I'll see you when we get back from school.” She waved and then followed Sarah off of the bus.

“So, are you sweet on that tiger?” Sarah asked with a light smirk on her face.

“Oh, he and I just live together.” Sphinx giggled. “Friends no matter what. He's also my cooking rival.”

“So, the whispers are true then?” Sarah asked with a smirk. “You actually know how to cook.”

“It's not like its the most difficult thing it the world to learn.” Sphinx stated bluntly. “It's the general basics to advanced beginner's alchemy. Know your measurements and supplies, learn the basic known procedure to get to the end result, adjust and substitute accordingly once you know your recipe.”

“Most females would leave that to men though.” Sarah said with a giggle.

“Well, there aren't any males left of my clan.” Sphinx said bluntly. “So that rather limits on who does the cooking, doesn't it?”

“I suppose it would.” Sarah said and lowered her ears when she realized that Sphinx's clan was doomed into extinction. “I didn't know that your clan was going extinct.”

“We're not extinct... just dwindling in numbers.” Sphinx said with a giggle. “When the time comes, my clan will restore it's numbers, generation by generation.” She smiled proudly. “The genetics in my clan is rather stubborn and adaptive.” She boasted with a proud smile. “Even now, I'm sure I'm being put through some form of testing to prove that I am an improvement over the previous generation.”

“Okay...” Sarah said with a slightly nervous smile as they passed through the gates leading to their school.

Sphinx flinched as her left eye triggered on the strong sense of many illusion spells and cast one of her own in turn as she shifted her eye patch to her right side and swapping the appearance that her left eye was the normal eye while her right was covered by the enchanted eye patch to prevent scrying. There were plenty of students going about using disguise spells to cover their timid and frail demeanor, making her almost curious as to what their illusions could have been. Some kept their illusions simple, making themselves look bigger or more muscular, some a bit more feminine or others more masculine. If any thing it was almost a bit like dreamer's night, with the acceptation that every one was in the theme of hiding in fear. It was then that she knew what kind of mask she desired to craft for herself and even a fun outfit to wear it with.

“You still with me there Sphinx?” Sarah asked when she saw a light smile cross over Sphinx's face.

“Oh, sorry, I was lost in creative inspiration.” Sphinx said with a nervous giggle. “I've got a lot of thinking time on my hands and it sort of gets away from me at times.”

“Hey, wasn't your patch over your left eye?” Sarah asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It was.” Sphinx said with a nod. “I sensed illusions and wanted to see the truth, so I traded sight and appearance.” She explained while lowering the extension of her hood to hide her face in the shadows of her hood as a wolf approached them. He wasn't under an illusion as far as Sphinx could tell with her true vision, and he was not armed with any metallic weapons. She swapped eyes with her patch and dropped her illusion in time to notice that they were being approached by one of their instructors.

“So, who of you used a 'True sight'?” The wolf demanded the moment he was within reach of the two new students.

“That would be me sir.” Sphinx said with her right hand raised. “I know it's against policy; but it's an instinct ingrained to know what I'm up against, especially with so many illusions triggering at the same time.” She noticed the wolf's flinch when he met her gaze from within the shadow of her hood.

“Then you must be Sphinx of the Shade clan.” The wolf sighed with a nod. “You're lucky that you're a teaching aid, or you would have been under lines of punishment for using a True sight on school grounds.” He then turned his attention to Sarah. “Princess West, I assure you, you are in capable hands within this school.”

“You make it sound like she's going to be under constant attack.” Sphinx snorted. “Let's go get our map and time sheet.” She suggested to Sarah with a smile. “I'd like to build a good mental map of the place and where I need to be.”

“Um... alright.” Sarah said while Sphinx carted her away from what usually ended up being a lengthened introduction of how the school ran. “But shouldn't we at least listen to what he has to say?”

“Nah, those are usually the same no matter the establishment.” Sphinx said with a snicker. “We run a tight ship, or what ever, we follow guidelines listed here, if you step out of line there will be punishment, do yourself proud and you will do the same for this establishment. And begin theme song or chant if they have one. Then we get the guided tour with all the information we can't stand.”

Sarah had to admit to herself, that was how it usually went with every school she had gone to, always told that she would be in capable hands, then the school would get attacked or she would be captured and some where along the line one side or the other would claim that there was too much risk involved and she would have to go some place else.

“Look, I'm not going to pretend I know what is going on in your life.” Sphinx said with a light smile as she raised her visor to increase her view. “But I'm going to at least recognize the moments where some one else is wasting your time and get you around it as quickly as possible, or at least make it more amusing.”

“But what about when some one comes to attack me, or kidnap me?” Sarah asked nervously.

“Well, I'm not going to be every where you're going to be.” Sphinx said with a knowing sigh. “What do you know in the means of defending yourself?”

“I know a few shielding spells.” Sarah said with a sigh. “I also know a couple of temporary walls spells.”

“Good for supporting another and making a needed retreat I suppose.” Sphinx said thoughtfully. “But I was thinking more on the lines of offensive spells. Like fire, ice, lightning, wind, earth, water, or healing or even summoning.”

Sarah shook her head. “No... but how is healing an offensive tactic?”

“Well, if you're not bleeding, they're not winning.” Sphinx said casually. “Though there are other ways to apply healing magics in a manner of which they can be harmful. Perhaps even addictive if you can weave the proper spell.” She said with a slightly cruel smile spreading across her face. “But those aren't lessons I am permitted to give.” She said and looked at their combined schedules and corresponded their rout on the map from their current location. “Wow, they're really making us bounce about the halls.”

The cooking hall was filled with a minor murmur of hushed whispers among the males when they took notice that there were two females in their class and one was supposed to be aiding their instructor. Sarah stood quietly at the front of the class near her own stove, where Sphinx could keep a proper eye on her while Sphinx herself was busy writing down the recipe of the day for the students to follow, while the instructor dozed off at his desk.

“Alright, we've got our standard school lunches to prepare, and we've got the mid afternoon snack to have ready.” Sphinx said once she was done writing all the measurements, ingredients and cut styles needed to make the meals proper. “You've got two hours, so be patient and accurate. If you have any questions, ask immediately. A single mistake can make the whole day bad for every one. So gather your materials and tools and get yourselves washed up and prepped. You've got five minutes to be ready. Group 'A' will be in-charge of Vegan this week; Group 'B' you're on omnivorous; Group 'C' you're on predator.” She rang a small bell to aid in triggering the students to get moving when they looked a little overwhelmed. “Pick a spot and move.”

The instructor began to arouse from his nap to the smell of foods nearing completion and let out a loud yawn and the weasel was blinking awake to the sight of Sphinx observing the students while sitting on his desk. “So, how's the lesson plan?” He asked and found himself being handed a mug of steaming coffee with a light hint of sugar.

“They're doing quite well, though they seem to struggle a bit on baking measurements and preheating.” Sphinx said with a sigh. “But I have a good feeling about today's lunches.” She giggled happily. “I've also got a back up treat for this mid-afternoon tea. Just in case, if it's not needed it can hold a few days.”

“Very good, better than I hoped for a set of first year students.” The weasel stated as he sipped on the coffee and found it amazingly sweet, and tasting more like a hot-chocolate than coffee. “What in the world is this?”

“A diabetic special.” Sphinx said with a giggle. “Seven tablespoons sugar, an eighth-cup of modified chocolate, fourth cup heavy sweet whipping cream and blend with triple strength coffee. Best topped with a chocolate mouse.”

“This isn't half-bad.” The weasel chuckled as he took a few hearty gulps of the drink.

“You should try my 'toxic waste' some time.” Sphinx giggled while the food stocks were being transferred for the soon approaching lunch period. “Good job every one. You'll know what your grades are by the end of the lunch period.” She stated with a smile while final timers were signaling for the baked goods through the entire kitchen. “Got to love the smell of properly followed instructions.” She purred as the smell of baked muffins filled the air along with that of the feast waiting to go out to the students.

Time went on swiftly and before Sphinx knew it, the time to return home had arrived with little more than a refreshment on her mathematics and assurance that she knew how to read and write in common. The rest of her time was spent insuring that Sarah got through her day with no problems.

Even her tutoring with Neco seemed to be going at a smooth and steady pace, with her picking up on an instrument known as 'String Rings' rather swiftly. As long as she knew what the instrument looked like and thought of it for a few seconds, the rings would create an interactive holographic instrument that would create the sound of the strings manipulated by her fingers. She had a vast variety to play upon with a small booklet giving her the names and design of the instrument and a single song to play on them to associate her fingers, hands and arms swiftly to each one's individuality.

Van on the other hand seemed to have had a rather rough day and looked a little scuffed up, though he claimed he was just fine. Sphinx didn't like being lied to, but figured that he would talk better alone where his mothers couldn't hear as easily. He was left to his tutoring while Sphinx focused on her playing and planning her new mask to craft and enchant. She was currently playing a violin and having a rather good time of it, even though she was playing by ear from an old tavern song she once heard, it was still fun and spirited and most importantly she liked it. “Can't you play some thing else?” He demanded bitterly while he struggled through cautiously handling the kitchen knives to cut carefully while vainly trying to make time to reach for spoons to stir while lowering temperatures to adjust for his lack of speed and confidence.

“Any requests?” Sphinx asked as she waved off the instrument like a cloud of smoke and produced a mandolin. “Oh I know.” She stated and proceeded to play another by-ear composure of 'Whisky in the Jar'.

“You'll have to start reading sheet music eventually Sphinx.” Neco stated while still taking delight in the fact that Sphinx seemed to hold a bit of natural talent to music, just like the Grand Elder Nahul. “But for now, you're doing just fine.”

“So, what was your day like at school today?” Mave asked of Sphinx when Sphinx settled down to plucking light notes to study the range of her current instrument.

“Oh, not much happened, I'm working as a teacher's assistant teaching students how to do basic cooking and baking.” Sphinx said casually. “Mr. Jones was asleep through most of the class, so I had to take nearly full charge. Luckily enough it seems that the students have a good grasp of the very basics and just need a boost in their confidence before they'll start standing out on their own in creativity. Or the school is just mass preparing for some sort of all out national war where they're going to need all the cooks they can get.” She said with a casual shrug. “What? A military force moves on its stomach... as painful as it sounds.” She paused and sighed as she waved away the mandolin. “Other than that, I suppose it was just an ordinary school day and I'm sure it's going to be like that for a good while.” She stated with a bored tone in her voice.

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