#but also not holding my breath about being able to accomplish that XD | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

krat395 · 3 years ago

Text

Gorgeously Glamorous Gargalesis (Chapter 9)

Bad news and good news, folks! The bad news is that Mettaton betrayed Rocco and Lydia! He made mini Mettatons tickle their trapped feet knowing very well that the effects of his MTT massage oil haven’t quite worn off yet! But the good news is that Rex saved them! :D By distracting Mettaton, he made the glamorous robot himself lose control of the mini Mettatons without knowing that he lost control of them! Oh, and he made him lose 95% of his hearing too! And with Mettaton only able to hear sounds from very incredibly short distances, now’s the perfect time for Rocco and Lydia to strike back! ;)

Undertale© Toby Fox.

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

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 10

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

GORGEOUSLY GLAMOROUS GARGALESIS

Chapter 9: The Climactic “Battle”

Once Rocco and Lydia saw Mettaton tickle torturing Rex, they stopped laughing and destroyed the nearly inactive mini Mettatons that were still holding their legs and feet in place with their magic. To completely free herself, Lydia froze the ones around her ankles solid with ice breath and then smashed them to bits with her magic arms, which she electrified with lightning magic. As for Rocco, he simply melted the ones around his ankles with acid breath. Then once they were free, Lydia, with her magic arms, summoned her two magic whips and electrified them with lightning magic as well. Electric whips! :D And she is intending to latch onto Mettaton legs with them to stun him long enough for Rocco to sneak up behind him and grab him. Good plan! But just as a precaution, Rocco summoned his two magic cleavers. Then just for dramatic effect, he extended their handles and lit them on fire. Non-lethal fire of course! He doesn't want to kill Mettaton! And neither does Lydia, who still looks like she’s two seconds away from biting someone’s face off! XD They just want to knock some sense into him as punishment for tickling a toddler in such an intense manner and for commanding miniature versions of himself to tickle their feet for 15 minutes straight after rubbing MTT massage oil on them. But unfortunately for the lizard parents, they didn't get very far. The moment they stood up off of the couch, weapons in hand, they fell and face planted into the floor like their son, MK. Due to sitting in one spot for too long and due to having their feet tickled in such an extremely intense manner after MTT massage oil rendered them more ticklish, their legs felt as if they were jelly the very second they stood on them. Apparently, they were supposed to wait a few minutes or so before trying to stand on their feet. But there was too much at stake though!

Lydia: Eeeeeeeeeek! Oh no!

Rocco: Jelly legs!

Rocco and Lydia: Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!! *shouted the lizard parents as they fell to the floor* Oooooof!!

Upon hitting the floor, Lydia's magic arms and whips disappeared! And so did Rocco's cleavers! Yes, face planting into the floor somehow rendered both of them without weapons and Lydia without her arms. But all is not lost. They may be weaponless at the moment but they can still use their elemental magic. And luckily for them, Mettaton was too busy tickling Rex that he didn't even notice them freeing themselves from their predicaments and falling when they tried to stand up. It also helped that Asriel and MK were still being tickled by Mettaton's contraptions; since their combined laughter drowned out the sound of Rocco and Lydia talking and moving around while he was in the process of regaining his hearing after accidentally zapping his sound sensors with bolts of electricity. Yes, unlike the lizard parents, the two older monster boys weren't so lucky! Since the contraptions were built by Mettaton rather than summoned by him, the boys are forced to endure tickle torture until someone nearby can deactivate the contraptions and release them.

Asriel and MK: AHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Rex: HEEHEEHEEHEEHEHEEEHEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEE HEEHEEHEEHEEHEHEEEHEEHEEHEHEEHEE!!!!

Mettaton: Hahahahahahaha! I hope you're learning your lesson, young man! *taunted Mettaton in a completely unintentional cocky manner, prompting the now free lizard parents to shoot death glares towards him*

Rocco: Huh? Lesson? What lesson? Lydia, what's he talking about?

Lydia: Hmmmm… I'm not sure, honey. But as his parents, we need to help him! I don't know what our baby boy did to get himself on Mettaton's "you know what" list but I can guarantee you that tickling him like that as punishment won't accomplish anything!

Rocco: Hahahaha! I couldn't agree more! It doesn't matter what Rex did; that's no way to tickle a toddler! Not if I have anything to say about it! Then after we save Rex, we can free MK and Asriel! Our legs should be back to normal by then.

Lydia: Oh yes! Yes, of course! You hear that, boys? Hang in there just a little longer, all right? We'll get you out!

Asriel and MK: HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAAAAHAHAHA HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! *the boys laughed once more, still unable to speak but were at least able express their gratitude with thumbs up gestures*

Rocco: Haha! Great! So, any ideas how to take him down? I've got one.

Lydia: Ooh, me too!

Rocco: Plasma discharge?

Lydia: You read my mind! Heeheeheeheehee!

With that said, the lizard parents did a special magical attack together. They call it a "plasma discharge" and it's an attack that involves either one or both of them firing continuous plasma beams from their mouths that lock onto victims and heat them up enough to cause a mini explosion that has a small chance of blowing them to smithereens or dust particles if used for lethal purposes! :O But the plasma beams Rocco and Lydia are using on Mettaton, however, are ones that are instead tickling the hell out of him! :D Loophole! Mettaton didn’t say that Rocco and Lydia couldn’t tickle him with magic elemental beams! XD And rather than increasing in temperature with every passing second, they are increasing in tickle intensity; from 1% all the way up to 100%! :D Like Gaster, Rocco and Lydia have tickle beams of their own but theirs however require more focus and concentration to use. And on top of all that, they can only fire one tickle beam at a time; as opposed to Gaster who can fire a plethora of tickle beams at once.

Plasma beam tickling intensity; from 1% to 50%...

Mettaton: Eeeeeeeeeeeek! *squealed Mettaton the moment he felt green and cyan plasma beams touch his metallic body, prompting him to stop tickling Rex* What in the world… oh… oh my… pfffffffff… Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!! *he then started laughing and giggling profusely, arching his back as tried so desperately to get back up on his feet* Ohohohoh my gohohohohohod!!! Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!! Ohohoh my gohohohohod, stohohohohohop!!! Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!! Whatehehehever that is, it tihihihihickles!!!! *he then claimed, his laughter intensifying as he fell flat on his stomach* Eeeeeeeeeek!!!! Hahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahaha!!!! It tihihihihihihickles like hehehehhehell!!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!! *he squealed once more, pounding his fists and feet on the floor like a little kid throwing a temper tantrum as a means of coping with the tickle torture* Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahaha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

It's working! :D The plasma beams are tickling Mettaton everywhere on his body and by firing increasingly tickly plasma beams at Mettaton, Rocco and Lydia managed to save Rex from any further tickle torture from the glamorous robot himself. Rex saved his parents from the mini Mettatons and was so grateful to see them both return the favor; and the moment his tickle torture ended, he immediately stood up and ran towards his parents to express his gratitude. He wanted to give both of his parents hugs but because they were too busy tickling Mettaton with plasma beams, he decided to hug them until after they were finished instead. But while he was waiting, he got to fend off some mini Mettatons that Mettaton blindly summoned while laughing up a storm (in an attempt to stop Rocco and Lydia) and he did so with style; using his tail and the toy weapon Papyrus made for him, which turned out to be a cleaver with a blade that can split into multiple sections and be used as a heavy whip! A combination of his parents' weapons and he fought ever so valiantly with it too; almost as if he was mimicking someone else's moves rather than coming up with his own. But sadly, not one individual in the room with him saw him fight! Mettaton, who had his head down against the floor the entire time, and Asriel and MK, too teary-eyed to see anything clearly, were all too busy laughing their heads off and Rocco and Lydia were too busy concentrating on maintaining the tickle effects of their combined plasma beams to notice him! Luckily though, Rex didn't fight for any type of reward or want any credit for his noble actions. He just wanted to have fun and that's exactly what he had while he was protecting his parents (and himself) from mini Mettatons with his tail and favorite toy weapon. ;)

Plasma beam tickling intensity; from 50% to 100%...

Mettaton: Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahaha!!!!! Oh… Oh god… EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! *squealed Mettaton, his laughter intensifying as he inadvertently began doing the worm dance move on the floor* HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *he laughed once more, louder this time around* OH NOHOHOHOHO! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA! OH NO, OHOHOH NO, OH NOHOHO, OH NOHOHOHOHOHO! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!! HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!! OH MY GOD, MAKE IT STOHOHOP!! *he then pleaded through his laughter, right as he began cycling through all of his signature poses haphazardly on the floor* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! MAHAHAHAHHAHAHAKE IT STOP, PLEEHEEHEEHEEHEEASE!! HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!! HAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHA!!! GOD DAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAMN IT!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!! HAHAAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHA!!!! GOHOHOHOHOHOHOD *BLEEP*ING DAHAHAHAHAHAMN IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!! HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHHAAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! *he then laughed at the top of his nonexistent lungs, while on his hands and his knees looking as if he was about to pray to a higher power* OHOHOHOH MY GOHOHOHOD, I FEEHEEHEEHEEL LIKE I'M GOHOHOHOING TO BUHUHUHUHURST!!!!! HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…

*KABLOOEY!!!*

It took about 90 seconds but once the tickling intensity of Rocco and Lydia's plasma beams reached 100%, a small explosion occurred, just as Rocco and Lydia predicted. But what happened to Mettaton during the explosion was something that Rocco and Lydia didn't expect. Instead of making Mettaton laugh like anyone would if the tickling intensity had been increased to 300%, it blew off his arms and legs and temporarily disabled his voice box! XD

Mettaton: [HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!] *Mettaton laughed silently, currently unaware that only his head is attached to his torso*

Rocco and Lydia: *horrified gasp*

Rocco: Oh dear god, we killed him! *shuddered Rocco, sincerely and jokingly at the same time*

Lydia: Mettaton! Young man, we're so sorry! Rocco and I had absolutely no idea something like that would happen! *shouted Lydia worriedly, concerned for Mettaton's well-being after inadvertently blowing off his limbs* Are you ok?!

Seconds later, Lydia's question was answered once she saw Mettaton's arms moving along the floor, first towards his tickling contraptions' control panels to deactivate the contraptions and free Asriel and MK and then towards his torso to reattach to his body. And to Rocco and Lydia’s surprise, Mettaton wasn’t at all nervous or furious about his limbs being blown off of his body. How could he be? Especially now that he can control his limbs when they’re not attached to his torso! Well, his arms, anyway. Ironically, he still can’t control his legs when they’re not attached to his torso.

Mettaton: Here, darlings. Let your big robot brother give you a “hand.” Hahahahahahaha!

A few seconds later…

Asriel and MK: Hahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! *the boys continued laughing due to lingering ticklish sensations on their feet and upper bodies, while slowly getting ready to stand up and ultimately get out of the contraptions' chairs*

Asriel: Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Thahahahahahahank yoohoohoou!!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Ohohohohohoh, thahahahahank yoohoohoou!!!! *snort* Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

MK: Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Hohohoholy mohohohoholy, thahahahahat wahahahas intense!!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! But fuhuhuhun at the same time!!!! *squeak* Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Before too long, the boys, while continuing to laugh, stood up out of the chairs, not knowing at all that their legs would feel like jelly the moment they stood up.

Rocco and Lydia: *worried gasps* Wait, boys! Don't…

Asriel and MK: Hahahahahahahahahaha!!! Woooooaaaaaaah!!! Oooooooof!!! Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!

A few seconds later… after the boys stopped laughing...

Asriel: Hey! I landed on pillows! A whole bunch of them!

MK: Oooh! Me too! Wait, how'd these get here? *asked MK curiously, looking at his father* These weren’t here when all this craziness started. Or were they?

Instead of face planting into the floor, Asriel and MK both face planted into two piles of soft pillows. And those pillows were there because Rex put them there when no one was looking! X3

Rocco: Hey, it wasn’t us, champ. Your mother and I have been sitting here stretching our legs ever since, well, I guess you saw what happened. *answered Rocco, referencing the moment he and Lydia blew off Mettaton’s limbs with their plasma magic, which neither of the boys saw at the time due to watery eyes* Hmm… wait, maybe not.

Mettaton: And it wasn’t me either. *said Mettaton while easily reattaching all four of his arms* I was concentrating on freeing both of you, remember?

Asriel: *gasp* Then that means*

Rex: Oooooooooooooo… *cooed Rex happily, holding his favorite toy weapon with his long tail and Darius in his right hand while making himself visible to everyone in the room* Aaaagaaagiboobabahihaaaaa! *he babbled*

Asriel, MK, Rocco, and Lydia: REX!! *they all exclaimed excitedly*

Mettaton: Hahahahaha! Well, well, well, if it isn't the little hero himself. *said Mettaton with a chuckle while concealing his backup arms, looking at Rex with a cheeky expression* You’ve certainly been busy this evening, haven’t you?

Most definitely! Distracting Mettaton, fending off mini Mettatons with nothing but his tail and a toy weapon, and placing pillows on the floor?! Very impressive for a 15-month-old toddler! :D

Lydia: Heeheeheehee! He has! Heeheeheehee! That’s Rex for you! Always such a busy little boy! Busy, busy, busy! *claimed Lydia while sliding along the floor next to Rex, seconds before picking up the toddler himself with her feet to lift him up into the air for a brief moment* Heeheeheeheehee!

Rex: Heeheeheeheeheeheeheeheeheehee! *Rex giggled happily in response*

Mettaton: Hahahahaha! You’re lucky, Lizard Mom. If it wasn't for him covering my eyes, climbing on top of my head, tail whipping me, and biting my fingers, you and Lizard Dad might still be on that couch laughing your guts out.

Rocco: Hahahahahahaha! Really? Our little Rex did all of those things? *asked Rocco curiously, though not really all that surprised by Rex's actions since Rex has actually done most of those things before on his own (Rocco's) head and shoulders* Hahahahahahaha! Wow, Mettaton! Now I understand why you felt the need to punish him. He could've gotten himself hurt if he wasn't careful!

Lydia: Heeheeheehee! Yes, he could’ve. But he didn’t. He never does. Heeheeheeheehee! Am I right, Rex? Oh, what am I saying? Of course I am! Heeheeheeheehee! Who's my cautious little baby? You are, Rex. You are. *said Lydia in silly mommy talk, now sitting up and wiggling her toes against Rex's sides, tickling him briefly* Heeheeheeheeheeheehee!

Rex: PFFFFF… HEEHEEHEEHEEHEEEHEEHEEHEEHEE! *SQUEAK* MAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA! *SQUEAK* HEEHEEHEEHEEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEEHEE! *Rex giggled preciously, leaning backwards and wagging his tail with ticklish glee*

MK: Whoo! Yeah! Way to use your small size to your advantage again, buddy! *cheered MK, super proud of Rex* Whoo!

Asriel: And cuteness! Don’t forget that he used his cuteness to his advantage again too, dude! *Asriel chimed in, prompting MK, Rocco, Lydia, and Mettaton to snicker and look at him with “Of course you of all monsters would mention something about cuteness” expressions XD* Heeheeheeheehee!

MK: Heeheeheeheehee! I didn't forget. I just didn't feel the need to mention it. Heeheeheeheehee! Come on, man, do I have to describe every exciting thing that happens in full detail? *asked MK rhetorically*

Rocco: Yes. *answered Rocco with a wide sharp-toothed smile for Asriel, just for a little joke* Hahahahahahaha!

Before anyone could say "Oh you!" to Rocco after his little joke, the notification sounds on Asriel and MK's phones went off, indicating that both of them had new text messages. But they don't have their phones on them at the moment. Instead, their phones are in a bag on the floor in the main basement closet; along with Rocco and Lydia's phones; and they're in there because Mettaton put them in there. Mettaton didn't want anyone playing games, browsing the Internet, or calling or texting anyone on their phones during his performance. Not that they would've but why take the chance?

Asriel: Oh, hey, that was our phones!

MK: Hehe. Yep. Let's go see our messages after we stretch our legs. *suggested MK; due to his and Asriel's current case of "jelly legs"*

Asriel: Ooh, yeah, good idea!

Lydia: Heeheeheehee! Or, one of us can just grab them for you. Heeheeheehee! Wait right here, boys.

As Lydia made her way over to the closet, Rex followed her and when they got there, they were both surprised to see the lower half of Mettaton's body lying face down in the closet alongside the bag with everyone's phones.

Lydia: Oh, so this is where Mettaton's legs ended up after that little accident. *said Lydia, grabbing the bag with everyone’s phones inside of it with her tail* Heeheeheeheehee! I was wondering where those slid off to.

Rex: Oooooooooo! Uppygashabanudaaa!

Lydia: Heeheeheehee! Yes, my dear, those are Mettaton's legs.

Rex: Heeheeheehee! Hababadapadaaaaaa!

Before too long, Rex noticed something on the backs of Mettaton's knees. Small holes that look exactly like the tail scanner on his toy box!

Rex: Ahwadafui! Eeeeeeeeeeee! *squealed Rex excitedly after his recent discovery, loud enough that everyone outside the closet heard him*

Mettaton: *effeminate laugh* Well, that little boy is certainly excited about something. *effeminate laugh* Hey! Lizard Mom, what's Rex so excited about?

Then all of a sudden, Rex inserted the tip of his tail in each of the small holes in the backs of Mettaton's knees one by one and by doing so, he REMOVED METTATON'S PINK BOOTS, revealing a metallic pair of gray human-like FEET with one pink heart on the centers of each sole!

Mettaton: *horrified gasp* O-oh m-my g-god!!! H-h-how?!?! HOW?!?! *shuddered Mettaton, curling his toes with fear after feeling his both of his boots split down the middle and leave his lower body*

Then not even five seconds later, Mettaton felt tiny lizard fingers scribbling up and down his soles and a lizard tail sweep across his 10 toes, tickling him immensely and making him laugh at the top of his nonexistent lungs… and squeal like a girl. XD

Mettaton: PFFFFFFF… HAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OHOHOH NOHOHOHO! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA! REX, DAHAHAHARLING, STOHOHOHOHOP! *pleaded Mettaton, looking at Rex from outside the closet as he tickled his feet in the closet* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHA! STOHOHOHOP TIHIHICKLING MY FEEHEEHEEHEET! EEEEEEEEEEEEEK! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! PLEEHEEHEEHEEHEEASE STOHOHOHOP TICKLING MY FEEHEEHEEHEEHEET! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHA!

Just like Sans and Papyrus's legs, Mettaton's legs are capable of feeling touch long after they've been separated from his upper body and after doing some tinkering during his spare time, his legs can now reattach to his upper body like theirs too. But unlike the Skelebros, Mettaton can barely control his legs after they've been separated from his upper body. In fact, the only thing he can do is wiggle the ten toes on the two human-like feet that Asriel, MK, Rocco, Lydia, and Rex had no idea he had until today. Yes, encased in Mettaton's famous pink boots is a metallic pair of human-like feet, and under normal circumstances, Mettaton is the only one capable of removing his boots, which he always does by holding his index fingers in the holes in the backs of his knees for a few seconds. But when Alphys built Mettaton's human-like body however, she was sneaky. Due to Mettaton's love of tickle fights (at the time) and tickling feet, she installed an override program in both devices that would allow her to instantly remove his boots whenever she pleased. And all she ever had to do to activate these programs was insert the tip of her tail in the holes in the backs of his knees. But what she didn't know at the time (and is still unaware of to this day) was that the devices she installed in the backs of Mettaton's knees can actually be overridden by any lizard monster's tail; not just her own. And that was most certainly made evident the moment baby Rex removed Mettaton's boots!

Rocco: Pfffffff… Hahahahahahahahahaha! Ohohohoh my gohohohod! *exclaimed Rocco while laughing immediately after walking over to the closet to get a better view of Rex tickling Mettaton, surprised that Metttaton has human-like feet but also finding it hilarious that he can feel his feet being tickled despite the fact that his lower body isn't currently attached to his upper body* MK, Asriel, come over here when your legs no longer feel like jelly! You boys gotta see this! Hahahahahahaha!

It did not take Asriel and MK long to get up and walk over to the closet and once they did so, they were shocked to discover that Mettaton has human-like feet and that Rex managed to expose them.

Asriel and MK: *gasp*

Asriel: Good gosh golly, Mettaton!

MK: Holy moly! You've had feet inside those boots this entire time?!

Mettaton: HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA! YEHEHES, MK, HAHAHAHAHAHA, YEHEHEHES! *answered Mettaton through his frantic laughter* HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OHOHOHOHOH MY GOHOHOHOHOD, HAHAHAHAHA, WILL SOMEONE PLEEHEEHEEHEEASE GET REX AWAY FROHOHOHOM MY FEEHEEHEEHEET?!?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! WE DIDN'T ROHOHOHOLL THE EXTRA CHAHAHAHAHAIR AND STOHOHOHOHOHOCKS IN YEHEHEHET! *he claimed, prompting Asriel and MK to look at Rocco and Lydia with surprised, wide-eyed expressions* EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Asriel: Wait, wait, wait! What?! WHAT?!?!

MK: An extra chair and stocks?!?! What the heck is he talking about, Mom and Dad?!?!

After being asked such a question, Rocco pulled the two older monster boys further into the closet with him, Lydia, Rex, and Mettaton's lower body and shut the door behind them. For two reasons: 1. to talk in private about something that will be happening in just a few minutes and 2. To reduce the sound of Mettaton's laughter so they can all hear each other talk.

Rocco: Sorry, what was that? We can't hear you with the door shut! *joked Rocco, one second before closing the closet door for real* Hahahahaha! Good job, Rex! Hahahaha! That's my boy! And whatever you do, don't stop. Don't stop until one of us grabs your tail, all right, buddy? That'll be our little "code." Hahahaha! (A little payback for making those mini versions of yourself tickle our feet when you knew very well that they were more ticklish than usual, Mettaton! Hmph!)

Mettaton: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! ROHOHOHOHOCCO, YOU JEHEHEHEHERK! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OHOHOHOPEN THAT DOOHOOHOOHOOR! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YOU OHOHOHOPEN THAHAHAHAHAT DOOHOOHOOR RIGHT NOHOHOHOW OR I'LL… EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! *shrieked Mettaton outside the closet the moment he felt Rex drill his tail into the dead center portion of his left sole, right into the decorative heart on his arch* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (*sigh* Ok, yeah, I probably deserved that.)

Meanwhile in the closet, Rocco and Lydia took some time to inform Asriel and MK that Mettaton is willing to let both of them tickle him back. Yes, after all of that craziness the two boys went through, Mettaton is more than willing to let both of them trap him in one of his contraptions and get some sweet revenge! :D And can Rex help them? Why, of course he can! The more, the merrier! :D But... There's a catch. Mettaton is the type of lee that's more willing to let others tickle him if and only if he doesn't have to endure the tickle torture alone, hence why a third tickling contraption will be needed soon. If one or more individuals are being tickled alongside him, then he's more than happy to let others tickle him as much as they please. Ironically, it's the one and only time he doesn't want the spotlight entirely on him. XD Unless of course he doesn't have a choice; like during a one-on-one tickle fight, for example. But the thing that's about to happen in just a few minutes won't be a tickle fight of any kind. Instead, it'll be straight-up tickle torture and Mettaton is only willing to endure it if Rocco and Lydia sit alongside him and endure it with him! Those poor lizard parents! They literally just endured 15+ minutes of hellish tickle torture from mini Mettatons and right before Mettaton himself arrived, Rocco endured 10+ minutes from his wife, sons, and Asriel! But on the plus side, the effects of the MTT massage oil have probably worn off by now, meaning that their feet won't be significantly more ticklish than usual anymore. That and they happened to discover another loophole in their agreement with Mettaton. ;)

TO BE CONCLUDED...

#undertale tickle #undertale tickling #asriel #monster kid #monsterkid #mettaton #mettaton ex #feet tickling

3 notes · View notes

caelum-in-the-avatarverse · 4 years ago

Link

Written for Kataang Week 2020. Prompt - Keeping Warm.

There’s a blizzard at the South Pole, and the Water Tribe has traditions.

~~~

Hi guys! So after doing Azula Week earlier this month I was like "Oh yeah I feel like I could manage Kataang Week too!" so this is that. We'll see how it goes. Fair warning - I am not much of a shipper. I do like Kataang, a lot, but writing romance is kinda...eh. So expect me to use this week more as an excuse for character exploration and worldbuilding than actual shipfic, lol. You have no idea how many times I started to write “oral tradition” in and then had to slap my wrist like NO this is a SHIPPING WEEK and if you use that phrase people will assume it’s mature and then be disappointed when it isn’t. XD

Warnings: There's nothing explicit going on here, but we do hear about a past animal attack and said animal's death.

Enjoy!

~~~

Something heavy, furry, and large was dumped over Aang’s head, and he sputtered and laughed and breathed in the scent of well-conditioned animal hide even as he extricated himself from the massive fur pelt. “Katara, come on, you know I don’t get cold!”

Katara lifted a corner of the fur, flopped down beside him, and flipped the fur back over herself. “It’s a blizzard. Humor me,” she said, eyes sparkling in the light of the fireplace.

“You know I can easily enjoy a snowstorm in nothing but a cape.”

“Blizzard, not snowstorm,” she said, snuggling up beside him. “I don’t care about your Airbender temperature-regulation abilities, that’s a South Pole blizzard out there. It’s going to get cold by my standards.”

“I survived a North Pole blizzard without any extra layers just fine,” Aang chuckled.

“That wasn’t a blizzard, that was a regular old flurry, and you were running on adrenaline,” Katara said, snuggling up to his side. “The city was under siege, you were talking to a spirit that wanted to steal your face, Zuko had captured you again… Besides,” she added, grinning up at him, “this is cozy. And it’s my favorite blanket, so you should feel honored that I’m feeling gracious enough to share it with you.”

Aang laughed. “Okay, okay, you win.” He wrapped one arm around her. The other he poked out of their warm cocoon to examine the fur she’d wrapped them in. He was always going to be put off by the idea of dead animal skin, but the poles boasted harsh climates that the Water Tribe had perfected living in, and no other material held heat as well as fur did. This one was completely white, the hair coarse but well-cared for, and it was huge. Whatever animal it came from, it had to be enormous. “What is this, anyway?”

“Polar bear-dog,” Hakoda said. He was seated on the floor on the other side of the fireplace, also wrapped in a fur. In his hands he held a piece of whale-walrus tusk, which he carefully examined while a set of carving tools sat nearby, waiting. Kanna sat beside him, closer to the fire, keeping an eye on the labrador tea she was brewing.

“What?” Aang said, looking at the fur with new interest. “I thought you guys said they were too dangerous to hunt!”

“They are,” Bato said. He was sitting near Hakoda, removing a broken handle from a knife that needed fixing. “That one was hunting us.”

Aang stroked the fur - the closest he’d ever gotten to petting an actual polar bear-dog. Well. It was an actual polar bear-dog, just. Dead. Which didn’t count. Aang had never met a large animal he didn’t want to ride in his life, and his list of accomplishments included hog-monkeys, the unagi, and Zuko’s dragon, but everyone he’d ever spoken to in the Southern Water Tribe - and also everyone he hadn’t - agreed that he should, under no circumstances, ever attempt to ride a polar bear-dog, and had made a point of telling him so. Multiple times.

Of course he fully intended to try it anyway. What was the worst that could happen?

“So what happened?” he asked. Katara was still curled into his side, and he rested his head on top of hers and waited for the story. The Southern Water Tribe loved a good story, and they had so many of them - so much of their history was passed down in speech, not writing. And that was only partially because of the war - the Fire Nation may have destroyed much of the Southern Tribe’s culture with their attacks, but they’d been passing down their history from generation to generation long before they’d bothered with paper or a writing system. That strong oral tradition had saved so much knowledge that might have been lost otherwise. Now that they had a permanent settlement again, with enough room and resources for record keeping, they were writing things down again, trying to make the knowledge more accessible.

But nothing, Katara insisted, could beat a good story told by loved ones gathered around the fire. And blizzards, she said, were when the tribe hunkered down and enjoyed each other’s company, passing the time by telling stories, or creating art, or sharing food, or fixing things. The wind might howl outside, the snow might pile up, but you were safe and warm inside with your tribe, your family, and everyone would tell stories to help pass the time.

The wind wasn’t howling outside yet, but it would soon. One of the last things Aang and Katara had done before hunkering down for the storm was take Appa out for a flight. The sky outside was overcast, so they’d flown up, up, up until they’d broken through the clouds and seen blue again. The sky had been a sea of clouds for as far as the eye could see, freezing cold and just waiting to drop snow on the South Pole.

Hakoda hummed and raised his head from the ivory in his hand to look at Bato. “This was decades ago. We were just little kids.”

“Little enough to get snatched up by a polar bear-dog and eaten in three bites,” Bato agreed, removing the last piece of broken knife handle and examining the tang. “When it started prowling around the village that winter, our parents didn’t let us step foot outside alone.”

“It was terrifying,” Kanna joined in. “It’d been a harsh winter. It was bitterly cold, and snowed often, and the animals were getting desperate. The caribou-bison herds were either freezing to death or migrating elsewhere, and the predators were having a hard time finding food. Normally polar bear-dogs prefer to stay in the deep tundra or out on the ice floes, far away from humans, but this one was hungry that winter.” She picked up the teapot and started pouring the tea into waiting cups.

“It prowled around the village for a week,” Hakoda said.

“One of the scariest weeks of my life,” Kanna said. “You were a rambunctious child and you didn’t like being cooped up inside. Your father and I worried you’d wander out the gate and get eaten.”

“I remember seeing its pawprints in the snow,” said Bato. He had two halves of a piece of caribou-bison antler in his hand, already carved into the shape of a handle, and he was fitting them around the knife tang. “It’d circle the village, waiting for its chance. And it would howl.”

Hakoda shuddered. “I remember the howling,” he agreed. “That was awful. You’d be trying to sleep, and all of a sudden that howl would start, and you didn’t feel safe anymore.”

“We had a wall,” Kanna explained to Aang, handing him two cups of labrador tea. He passed the second to Katara. “Not much of one, our Waterbenders had been lost for years at that point. But we did have a snow wall, and we were able to maintain it, and someone was always on watch to scare the beast away when it tried to dig through.”

“Why didn’t it just attack?” Aang asked. He held the teacup beneath his nose for a moment to enjoy the piney, floral scent. Then he used some subtle airbending to manipulate the temperature a few degrees cooler and had a sip. Katara wordlessly held her own cup out, and Aang grinned and repeated the trick for her. She pressed a kiss to his cheek before enjoying her drink.

“It was starving. Weak,” Kanna said, handing another two teacups to Hakoda. “It was looking for an easy meal, not a fight.”

“It almost killed my aunt,” Bato said, putting the knife down to accept the cup Hakoda passed to him. “She went out to get some fresh snow for water, and it almost got her.”

“We decided enough was enough,” Kanna said. Her hands were wrapped around her own teacup now, for the warmth. “We’d hoped it would go away by itself when it saw we wouldn’t be easy prey, but we were its only prey. It wasn’t going to leave. So we had to do something.”

Aang nodded, holding back a grimace. His people would never have killed anything if they could help it, but his people could also take their bison herds and fly away from whatever leopard-wolves or jackal-lynxes were stalking them. Life in the Water Tribe was different, as was being hunted by a desperate, determined predator you couldn’t escape. He could respect that.

“One of our most experienced fighters at the time was our former chief, Akkikitok,” Kanna said. “She’d retired a few years before, but even though she was no longer our chief she was still a respected elder and leader. She always put so much thought into the safety and wellbeing of our people.”

“Who was your chief then, if she’d retired and Hakoda was a little kid?” Aang asked.

“My mother’s father,” Katara said.

“Chief Oomailiq,” Hakoda said with a fond smile. “I learned a lot from him.”

“He got re-elected so many times,” Katara told Aang proudly.

He chuckled. “Leadership skills run in the family, huh?”

Katara’s grin was fierce.

“We decided we had to do something to protect the village,” Kanna continued the story. “So the next time the polar bear-dog came to the village’s wall, Akkikitok took her spear and her club and went out to either chase it off or fight it.” She grimaced. “She wound up fighting it.”

“Not alone, though,” Aang said, because the Water Tribe never did anything alone.

“Of course not. Our best fighters went out to support her. But she kept the animal’s attention focused on her, and she suffered many wounds before she struck the killing blow.” Kanna sighed. “She didn’t live long after the fight, but she died knowing she’d saved the village, and she considered it a good ending.”

“And that’s why you’re never allowed to ride a polar bear-dog,” Katara said, removing one hand from her teacup to poke Aang.

“Hey,” he laughed. His fingers twiddled with the white fur as he considered the story he’d just been told.

“We kept the fur, of course,” Kanna said. “We considered cutting it up to use in the tribe’s hoods, so everyone could have a piece of Akkikitok’s sacrifice. But it was decided the pelt was too precious - we very rarely kill polar bear-dogs, after all. So it was kept in one piece, and we are grateful for the warmth and comfort it’s provided us over the years.”

Air Nomads held all life as sacred. Aang found it so very comforting that the Water Tribe did too, just...in a different way. Meat was a necessary food group at the poles, furs necessary to keep from freezing to death. But the Water Tribe never took more than they needed, and every animal killed for the tribe was honored and thanked for its sacrifice.

This one had actively tried to harm the tribe, but it was still treated with respect even after death.

“So you use it as a blanket now?” Aang laughed.

Kanna smiled. “Yes, well, we’re practical.” The Southern Water Tribe hadn’t had room for anything frivolous until very recently. Their traditional lifestyle didn’t lend itself well to extraneous possessions to begin with, but decades of running and hiding from the Fire Nation hadn’t helped either.

Hakoda straightened a bit. “Oh,” he said, “we could display it now, though. In town hall.”

Kanna blinked. “Oh,” she said. “We could.” They were all still getting used to the idea of having a centralized government, of having permanent towns again.

“It’d be a good place for everyone to see the tribe’s history,” Bato mused. “Including foreign dignitaries.”

“See how important our history still is to us,” Hakoda nodded. He looked back at the piece of ivory he hadn’t figured out what to do with yet. “I’ve been considering art displays as well, but that fur is a direct tie to a beloved chief. It’s a good idea.”

Katara watched them all with a flat expression. “I know what story I’m going to tell our children years from now, Aang.”

Aang felt a flutter in his stomach at the thought of him and Katara having children. “Yeah?”

“This is the story of how I lost my favorite blanket to a museum display.”

Aang burst out laughing.

“It’s for a good cause, Katara!” Hakoda protested, grinning.

Katara pulled the fur pelt even closer around herself and Aang. “One last time, old friend,” she muttered into the hide.

“I’ll get you a new blanket,” Aang promised. “Bison fur can be really warm, and Appa definitely sheds enough for a blanket.”

“Not the same,” Katara huffed. She poked him again. “Your turn. Tell us a story.”

Aang blinked, and then he noticed that Kanna, Hakoda, and Bato were all looking at him expectantly. “Oh,” he said. “Okay. Uh…” He trailed off, thinking. He had lots of stories to share, from before, during, and after the war; it was just a matter of picking which one he felt like telling. Something funny, he thought, after the serious one they’d just told. And something new, which might be tricky - Katara had lived through so many stories with Aang, after all, and her family were already aware of a lot of them. But they’d just shared a piece of their tribe’s history with him - it would only be right to share something of his.

Which meant something from before the iceberg. Before the war.

Talking about his people could be hard. He still did it - the Air Acolytes had questions, and he had to explain his philosophy to so many world leaders who just didn’t understand. He tried to keep it abstract, matter-of-fact, but it always hurt, even if only a little.

And oftentimes a lot. There was a distressing number of people who thought that the Air Nomads’ extinction was proof that their beliefs had no value. That there was no room in the world to bring that way of life back, nor any point to it even if the Air Acolytes managed it. It made Aang want to be careful about who he shared something as precious as his people’s memory with.

But the Southern Water Tribe were survivors of the second-worst genocide the world had ever seen. If there was anyone Aang knew would understand - anyone he could feel comfortable talking about his own people and his loss with - it was them.

With that in mind, he recalled an old memory and smiled. “Alright, so back when I was like - seven? eight? - Monk Gyatso and I visited the Western Air Temple. Now there was this nun who lived there, Sister Aditi, and she had this way with animals…”

~~~

Thanks for reading! Kudos and comments are always appreciated. :D

I’ve always loved how Aang and Katara’s cultures are super different, yet super similar. Air Nomads were vegetarians, while the Water Tribe diet would, by necessity, focus on meat. Both cultures regard life as sacred, though - Air Nomads could just afford to be vegetarian and thus didn’t hunt, while the Water Tribe hunts to survive but also respects the sacrifice of the animals they kill. (I mean I guess that’s not in canon but they’re based on Inuit/Yupik/Native American cultures so we can infer.) Both cultures appear to live pretty sustainably. Annnnd they’ve both suffered a lot from the war. :( The idea of Katara and Aang supporting each other through the rebuilding of their cultures means a lot to me.

Aang is probably never going to fully appreciate a nice fur like Katara, but he does appreciate how important it is to her culture and her people's way of life. I really like how in the show, neither Aang nor the Water Tribe kids ever rag on each other for their diets. Sokka talks a lot about how much HE eats meat, but he never tells Aang to eat it, nor does Aang tell Sokka he should go vegetarian. They just respect each other. (There is that one time they go to a meat place in the Fire Nation but they were also trying to blend in and they let Aang bow out without comment so I'll let it pass.)

The story of former chief Akkikitok taking down a polar bear-dog and also Kya's father Oomailiq being another chief (and Hakoda's mentor) are things I first wrote about in my fic Early Birds, but I thought it'd be nice to elaborate here. As far as I can tell, Akkikiktok is Inuit and means "costs little" (cuz I didn't wanna spend forever finding her name lol), and Oomailiq is Inuit for "leader of the boat, whaling captain", friendly reminder that it's tricky verifying Native names on baby name lists so I can't guarantee that.

Sister Aditi is an Air Nomad OC of mine who I keep meaning to bring in but never have the chance to (she was literally supposed to be in the next chapter of Vintage Gaang, which I haven't updated since 2009). Her name was 100% chosen to mimic noted animal lover and spiritual man St Francis of Assissi. I swear I will use her properly in a fic someday. XD

#kataang week #atla fanfic #avatar fanfiction #aang #katara #caelum writes

32 notes · View notes

yue-muffin · 4 years ago

Text

The muffin watches Love and Redemption (insert preemptive crying here)

Aright, I finally FINALLY finished live blogging this episode. @mejomonster my thoughts are aplenty! I actually wrote way too much!

Edit: I’m an idiot, I forgot to mention a prediction/observation.

Episode 1:

The CGI is actually very nice in this drama, I’m pleased. I will definitely watch dramas with cringe-worthy CGI, but it’s always nice when they manage to integrate it with the actors and set pieces well, which is even harder to accomplish in Xianxia.

Wait, what did the god of war do to deserve the reincarnation out of the heavenly realm punishment? Didn’t she defeat the Asura/Mosha guy? Was it because she used his weapon or something? And in the first place, why does that half of the Mosha guy’s soul qualify as a celestial that can be reborn? I suppose everyone is subject to reincarnation, but this batch is explicitly for those who have committed crimes in the heavens and wasn’t he on the demon/asura side? Or…maybe he was a celestial who betrayed them? Who knows, I’m just wildly speculating…

The scene definitely suggests there is a lot the narration is not telling us about how these two ended up being reincarnated - yet.

If she lacks the six senses, then why can she see and hear just fine? She apparently can’t feel pain, which would count for the deficiency of touch. Hm.

Xuanji, I relate to just wanting to go back to sleep and not deal with visitors so much lol.

HA, that little look of alarm one of the shixiongs (Liuzi?) has on his face when Linglong tries to convince Xuanji it’ll be fun because they get to check out the handsome guys. So is Linglong supposed to be her twin since they’re both 16 years old?

The dragon wolf thing moves a little funny, but at least it doesn’t look glaringly out of place and the camera doesn’t focus on it for too long, as is typical of CGI monsters. Kudos to them!

Cheng Yi is low-key really good looking in action scenes, just putting that out there. I didn’t think I would adjust to him in period clothing and long hair so quickly, since it usually takes me a while to make the switch (after seeing him in The Lost Tomb 2), but nope! He looks really good!

Ah, so this is the ruthless sect. I love how their first rule, which is literally more important than anything else they may value or encourage in their members, is to not show their entire face when outside the sect…also, what’s the point in hiding only half your face?? Sifeng’s mask only covers one eye, his forehead, and cheek on one side…at least have it cover the entire upper or lower half like everyone else in the sect (I know it’s so we can actually see the actor’s face and not supposed to make sense in-universe)?? I actually do like how they designed it though, it’s far less clunky than the full-face masks we saw in the opening sequence, probably due to the curves.

Sect leader…Sifeng is 16, he IS little pfft. Even adjusting for the times, he is a BABY haha. As I grow older, I realize more and more how young a lot of protags in fantasy stories really are. Also, sect leader is a drama queen, like he’s just lounging on his chair with this dramatic laid-back pose, takes a deep breath, and turns his chin up. So extra.

Aw, yes, I want to see more of Cheng Yi’s easy smiles. He’s so serious in TLT2, except when the warmth seeps into this expression when he’s smiling fondly at Wu Xie…

These devil/asura people have a weird bowing pose. I can’t help but think their hands make them look like…eagle claws or something lol.

Ah, a classic ‘I forgot my invitation’ situation. Well, Xuanji doesn’t have to feel too bad, apparently none of the other Shaoyang disciples know how to fly on a sword either lol. Her sister was tied down by that spell, but could none of the others have attempted to chase after the jerk who grabbed her? (Side note: I really love the color of his sect’s outfits.)

:3 I like Xuanji’s expressions, they’re just cute? So cute. Like her little huff when she’s defending her big sister from the jerkass. Also, I love characters who are like little kittens who puff up and try to protect their friends/family even though the one they’re trying to protect is probably more capable than them.

Jerkass really does take it too far when he just DROPS HER FROM THE SKY. Like, I can accept if youthful teasing goes a little far in that he snatched her and took her for a joy ride, but when it’s apparently that she really can’t summon a sword, it’s 100% not okay to just drop her and laugh it off. If Sifeng didn’t catch her, she could’ve died, and how exactly do you plan on explaining THAT to her father, huh Mr. Jerkass? He had like a dozen witnesses too.

Well, what can you expect from a guy who forgot to bring his invitation and literally was too arrogant and entitled to wait for his teacher to come out and let them in. :p Not the smartest cookie, is he. Even if you got in trouble for forgetting your invitation, you’d get in x10 more trouble for murdering a girl. Good thing she has plot armor and Sifeng was conveniently in the right spot to catch her lol.

Small note, he left her on his sword and she fell off after a bit - so…how exactly is HE flying? Can people fly without the help of their sword? Is he able to make more than one?

Lol Xuanji tugs at him like she does to her sister, it’s cute. But he’s so PANIC every time she touches him haha poor guy. He’s so awkward…why is it so endearing…

It took me a second to realize that he stutters, also that he has a voice actor this time! Idk why, Cheng Yi has a good voice. It would’ve fit this role just fine, unless there were parts they were concerned he couldn’t do. They did a good job matching the VA to his lip movements though, it’s really hard to tell it’s not his voice. It’s been a while since I heard Cheng Yi on video, but listening and comparing, now I can tell that it’s not his in this drama. Anyways, this might be my only complaint lol. Both he and his VA do a good job conveying the stuttering though!

Cheng Yi, you’re playing another character who’s good at disappearing in the blink of an eye lol…

Aah, so normally her sister’s personality type is the annoying sort, which is why she works well as a supporting character. I love how she turns her brattiness up to eleven in order to help Xuanji get out of a scolding by their father. I just really love how these two are so supportive and defensive of each other.

Edit: Alright, but Xuanji did you really just raise a flag for yourself so early in the show. ‘I think tears are the most precious things’. I WILL EAT MY HAT IF THIS DOES NOT BECOME RELEVANT LATER.

And instead of holding onto Sifeng’s name tag for like 50 episodes, she remembers she has it and goes to give it back + some birthday snacks because it’s his birthday too! GAH Xuanji is too cute.

I love how the guy who answered the door just his back only to turn around and smoothly give an explanation for his friend’s disfluency lol (so it’s a language thing!). AND THEN HE GOES ‘carry on!’ AND TURNS AROUND AGAIN. Idk why I find this funny but.

? Why all that effort for dew from a peach blossom tree. Is this one a special peach blossom tree. Why is he making tea with it. OH OK it’s good for cultivation.

He’s so vicious ha, he’s clearly perplexed by her - I mean, he’s the top disciple in his sect, so likely he doesn’t get how she can live so carefree and not have any desire to cultivate or anything. It’s perplexing and kind of total opposite to his worldview, so he reacts harshly.

Ah, I really like Cheng Yi’s acting! He goes from flat/indifferent face to reacting angrily to her picking the snake up, then a subtle worry as his eyes drop down from her to the snake.

I don’t know why I like this snake scene but I dooo. xD Also, it’s interesting how she doesn’t feel any strong emotions (she’s actually rather intensely curious tho!), while he puts on a mask literally/figuratively to seem like he doesn’t and yet gets worked up quite easily.

I’m glad she stops imitating him when he tells her to and is explicitly angry/upset, I get enough of people being assholes and making fun of others for things they can’t help like their speech impairments or mannerisms, it’s just kind of a personal thing that irks me.

AW HE’S SO PROTECTIVE OF HIS LITTLE SNAKE.

Why is it always the peach tree forests?? They’re always weird places that trap people. I can think of two other dramas where this happens haha. I know peaches do have significant symbolism in Chinese culture, so maybe that explains it.

Lol he still flips out a bit when she gets close. Poor girl, getting dropped from the air AGAIN.

Ah, this is the lake! Where they sealed part of that Mosha guy’s soul! This can’t be good.

Aw, look at his face, he’s genuinely worried for his little snake. CHENG YI YOUR RANGE OF EMOTIONS. GAH.

I CAN’T OPEN IT. Oh wait.

WHY DID YOU GO IIIIN YOU JUST SAID YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING AND HE TOLD YOU TO STAY OUT, YOU LITTLE IDIOT. If he’s Little Stutterer, you can be Little Idiot, ok.

Here’s an idea, she finds the snake, you fight the dragon, and then all three of you get out of there.

OH the mask comes off!! Ok, but you have seen like most of his face already…Hahaha the look on his face ‘wait…why do I feel a hand why is she touching me there…OH NO’

Ah, a nice detail I didn’t think they’d think to add in: his stuttering got way worse without the mask on, since he was so upset/shaken.

?? What just happened with her blood lol.

Final Thoughts:

An interesting start, with nice character dynamics revealed and a dangerous situation to move the plot right along. I have been informed the drama really differentiates itself from the typical setup that has been supplied thus far, and I’m excited to see it unfold.

For now, I have a tiiiiny crush on Cheng Yi and I’m interested in where they take Xuanji’s character. Also, what disasters will result from their little excursion into the super lake where a demon lord thing was sort of sealed away a long time ago...

#the muffin's liveblogging adventures #love and redemption

4 notes · View notes

darkpoisonouslove · 4 years ago

Note

You’ve basically written everything I’ve asked for and a hundred times more, so to stop me from feeling insatiable and not to crowd you with ideas (more than you do that to yourself haha) consider this a fun fact of me? xd I love hurt/comfort, like it’s very likely my absolute fav genre. So, obviously, I would go crazy over some good old ‘lover worried about their hurt partner’ stuff, preferably with Coven-era Valtor and Griffin, with Griffin as the injured one 🤪

Thanks for the consideration. :D Now I’m kinda curious whether there is anything else you would like to see from me, though. (Why is my brain like that?) So if there is, feel free to tell me. Who knows when the inspo will strike and make me write it. XD

Quite like with this one. “Write a tidbit” Yeah, right. Like I know how to do that. I just want to say that I don’t know what I am doing as I think Hurt/Comfort is my worst genre so be warned about that. I think I managed to steer it to angst again but I tried my best to stick to the request. Also, if you have any pointers on the Hurt/Comfort front, feel free to give them as, like I said, I am not even sure I get what needs to happen in those fics. (I mean it’s kinda self-explanatory but then again, kind of not really and I am totally lost. Help!)

Summary: They say love can make you do crazy things. It can accomplish astonishing things itself as well as it heals wounds it opened with its own strength. Valtor has yet to experience how powerful a feeling that makes you so weak can be when Griffin gets hurt by it.

Griffin was sitting on his–their–bed and nursing a cup of hot tea he’d conjured for her. She seemed to like it if the way she inhaled the steam from it was any indication even if he wasn’t quite sure what it tasted like when he’d been all over the place with his mind too scattered to remember what she loved. Other than him, that was, but he had to focus on her well-being and not get lost in memories.

She was obviously still sore from her injuries even if she insisted she was okay now. He could tell from the way she winced every time she moved to cocoon herself better in the sweater he’d gotten her.

Her mother had knitted it for her and he was sure it would bring her comfort. Probably even more than any of his clothes could have when they were all too formal and restricting which he knew she would have overlooked on account of them being his and prioritized that over her comfort. They couldn’t have that.

She was better after he’d drained most of whatever magic he had left after their mission in the healing spells he’d dug out of his memory when she’d refused to go to the infirmary. She was doing it for both of them when she could picture his mothers’ sneers and magic bolts thrown at them to make any injuries worse and teach them to never make the same mistake again. She’d gotten even more familiar with their temper tantrums now that she was with him in everything. His failure was hers and she was paying for it.

“Ow!”

Griffin’s distress had his attention snapping back to her in an instant.

She swiftly switched the hand she was holding her cup with and waved the other one as if that could make the burn of the tea scalding her go away. As if it was that easy to erase what had hurt her.

“You should be more careful,” Valtor said, pursing his lips the moment the words made it past them to contain the impulse to scream at her. That would hardly be appropriate after what she’d just been through. It would hardly be the way to treat his lover even if it made perfect sense and not just in the confines of his troubled mind.

He could still feel the swelling under her skin that his magic had mapped out, the bruises that had needed only that much time to start forming, the crack in a rib his mind had almost fallen through and out of his grasp, and worst of all – the absence of her own powers reaching to tangle with his. He’d been alone again when she’d lost consciousness on him, just like he’d been before she’d loved him. They’d been lucky he hadn’t sent them to Domino, which had definitely been a probability when the Dragon Fire could provide the healing power his mind had pulled him to but he hadn’t been sure he could find in the darkness in his own veins, when he’d opened that portal to take them home. Back to their base where she’d been safe when she hadn’t had to fight his battles.

“Tea can hardly burn me after I’ve been exposed to your hotness,” Griffin said, the mischief and allure back in her gaze as if her eyes hadn’t closed on him like there’d been no life inside them left.

It was what he was afraid of. She’d walk into the fires of hell convinced they wouldn’t hurt her when his own flames didn’t burn her. But as much as she claimed his warmth helped her muscles relax, she needed cold to keep at bay any bruising his magic may not have caught. His power was in destruction, not in healing that she’d always been so much better at. He’d been the only one that had been able to do anything for her injuries, however, when she’d just regained consciousness and had been robbed of her magic that was only now starting to come back with too little space left for it as gratefulness was filling her to the brim.

She scooted away in the bed to make room for him and lure him close again and he answered her unspoken plea. She would just start protesting and moving to irritate her muscles successfully after everything they’d been through already. Plus, if he was comforted by the softness of her body–even as sore and stiff as it was–he could only imagine the effect his presence had on her.

She laid her head on his shoulder once he was in bed with her only to whimper like a kicked puppy when her neck protested and the sound of misery hit that nerve in him that was still inflamed with worry.

He’d been restless like a scaredy-cat in the few moments it had taken him to confirm she hadn’t broken her neck as she’d fallen out of the sky, not at all similar to a shooting star when she’d plummeted headfirst towards the ground with the frailness of her human life and her death would have only granted his worst nightmare. He’d thanked her lucky stars–she had to have at least a few of those to compensate for the absence of his own that she hadn’t followed into even as she’d followed him everywhere–that they’d lent her some of their endurance and power that had seen her all in one piece when she’d landed in the dirt of his failure to protect either one of them.

“You’re more reasonable than that,” he chastised quietly when the light of her eyes would illuminate every corner of his soul to leave nothing hidden from her gaze. He didn’t want to hide any of his weaknesses from her if it would stop her from taking them as her burden and sacrificing herself to save him from them but it was worth the energy he wasted in attempts to cover them when they would only push her further into her selfless foolishness that she loved to call love. At least he could count on her to read all his pages and empathize with his panic and horror which he could only pray–if he knew to whom–would tip the balance back to her mind, back in her favor.

“I am,” Griffin said, moving again to catch his gaze and causing herself pain in the process, poking him to capture her lips and kiss her until she was out of breath and couldn’t put him first anymore but the steady rhythm her chest was following in its movements had been the only thing keeping him sane when it’d meant she was alive. He couldn’t bear to see it disrupted so soon after that very thing would have been his death. “Your magic was our only ticket back home so I couldn’t let anyone take you out,” she said calmly as if the explosion of her magic hadn’t shaken her to her core like it had him and her pretense of strategy could fool him.

He wasn’t as blinded by her love as he would need to be to buy her lie about the strength of it. Her comfort was a priority right now, though, so he pretended to believe her even when she always saw right inside him. They both saw through each other’s eyes to the mind behind and he hoped that would make her use hers more instead of her heart even if that could hurt their harmony. Her own well-being was in the balance and with that he didn’t want to take any chances.

Griffin nuzzled her head in the crook of his neck and wrapped an arm around his chest even if he could hear her muscles screaming against it. Challenging any logic, the tension in her melted away when he wrapped her in his embrace and pressed her in himself as gently as his heart was capable of when it was racing still from the terror of losing her to her own love for him. He couldn’t hurt her for the damage she’d done to herself in his name when they shared feelings. They were one whole so hurting him was hurting her and vice versa.

It was a shock he had to actively fight against to keep from shaking in its grasp to know how vulnerable their weakness for each other left them. And yet, they were the embodiment of content when wrapped in each other and the comfort of their shared breath as his lips found hers and her life left him too full of itself for fear to find a way in his body.

Send me a summary of the fic you want me to write and I might write a little from it

#winx club #winx valtor #winx griffin #griffin x valtor #covenshipping #fanfiction #my fanfiction #my writing #ask #her-majesty-wears-jeans

9 notes · View notes

kestrellavellan · 5 years ago

Text

Time Past - Chapter 49

Rating: Explicit

Warning: This chapter contains a fake suicide attempt. Please, don't read if suicide is a trigger for you.

This update may be short, but honestly, it's one of the most emotional ones for me. I cried while writing this chapter. Kes and Dorian are so precious to me, it hurts me to see them in such pain. Depression is also something that I struggle with, so that made writing this even more emotionally taxing for me.

The beautiful image at the beginning is from the wonderful @flavoredmagpie on Tumblr. It's the Three of Swords tarot card which stands for heartache, grief, and sadness. Dorian's trying to protect Kestrel from the swords' damage, while Kestrel is poised to kiss Dorian goodbye. The hand around Kestrel's neck is meant to trap. Dorian is desperate not to let him go. It's a tragic card, and @flavoredmagpie did it justice. They were even able to add in the kestrel and peacock feather details. Please commission them if you're able to! <3

If you haven't had a chance, please check out the other artwork I've added to Chapter 1 & Chapter 37 of this fic, and the ones I've added to "Cicada's Chorus" and "Everything You Want." (I'm going crazy since I figured out how to add images to AO3 updates XD)

Weekly updates going forward until the story is finished. Find this fic in its entirety on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11423880/chapters/25595154

Kestrel stared at the small glass bottle in his palm, dancing light from the candelabra dancing through the green-tinted surface onto his bed. Soon, he thought, I’ll be free of here. Or dead. It doesn’t matter so long as Dorian is free again. Free of him. Free of the tethers of their relationship, of his race, of his former status. Green licked at the golden band around his finger. He thought about removing it, leaving it on the nightstand, but quickly discarded that thought. He’d have to give up on being with Dorian again, without even the slimmest of hopes of being reunited, but that didn’t mean he had to give up what they had, what they shared in time past. However short their reunion was, it was incredibly sweet. Even if his plan to fake his death failed tomorrow, and he ended up truly dying, he had those memories to hold on to as he slipped into the Void. Still, he owed it to Dalish not to give in to his buried, dark wish for the poison to be too strong. He needed to get the boy out of this torture house.

He flopped back onto his pillow and held the bottle aloft, liquid undulating with the sudden shift. Odd that such a small thing would determine the next stage of his existence. Kestrel lost himself in the green glass and the endless escapes reflected on its translucent surface. He knew sleep would elude him like every other night in this prison since his torture. At least the fantasies kept the hallucinations in the peripheral.

The night passed slowly, and even when morning finally came about, it was a gray and sullen thing. No sun breached the overcast skies from what Kestrel could tell through his opaque windows.

He eyed the food tray someone had deposited in his room in the early morning once he finally dozed, but left its contents untouched, too nervous about the day’s events. Next to the tray sat the poison and a noose crafted from his woven sheet. The noose was crude but would do the trick.

In the middle of the night, Kestrel thought about penning a letter to Dorian, except he had neither utensil nor paper. He then had the wonderful idea of carving his feelings into the table’s surface, but any words of comfort he’d thought of fell flat. All that hinted at his idea were a few shallow scratches along the dark wood.

He paced back and forth to ease his nerves, waiting for the light knock on his door from Dalish that would signal to drink the near-deadly draught. Time crawled, and just as Kestrel began to worry the knock would never come, a faint rapping sounded on his door. Three taps, a pause, and two more - their signal.

Taking a deep breath, Kestrel uncorked the bottle and swallowed its contents in one gulp without hesitation. There was no turning back now. The poison tasted bitter, but not unpleasant, like the wild greens his Clan used to collect in a nearby field.

Recalling the next step of his plan, he walked into the bathroom, stood on the bench over his chamber pot, and dropped the vial out the small window. He didn’t even hear it hit the ground below. Next, he tied the end of his makeshift noose to the top of his bedpost, securing it with a sturdy knot. Last, he slung the fabric over his head and around his neck. It hung loose for a moment before he worked the knot down. With a tug, he found the noose snug and secure and the bed frame sturdy.

Kestrel knew the next part would be the most difficult of his plan. While he wasn’t actually going to hang himself, he needed to make sure he looked like he had. That meant the appropriate bruising around his throat. And he needed to accomplish this before the poison took full effect. Already he noticed his vision blurring with too sudden a movement.

Another deep inhale and Kestrel threw himself opposite the bed. He heard the wooden frame groan in protest as the noose pulled taunt and yanked him backwards. Sputtering and grabbing his neck against the pain, he took only a moment to collect himself before flinging outward again. This time he stumbled and fell to the ground, nearly strangling himself in earnest. The noose was tied too high on the post to allow him close enough to the floor.

Panting with the effort and feeling like every muscle fought him, Kestrel pulled himself up so he could readjust the knot. It took several attempts as his fingers refused to cooperate, turning numb and gray from the poison. Strained breathing echoed in his pounding head, and he swallowed against a suddenly parched throat. With the poison running swiftly through his veins now, Kestrel carefully lowered himself down to the floor at the foot of the bed, granted just enough length of his tether to be allowed to sit. Then the world went black.

***

“Kestrel?” questioned a soft voice, forcing him to open his eyes. The sight before him was almost too much for him to wrap his mind around.

He sat on the floor, naked as usual these days, at the foot of the bed, noose around his pale, deathly gray face. Body listing to the side, his features were slack, eyes staring without seeing. So then how was he seeing everything before him now?

“Kestrel,” the voice said, more insistent this time.

He turned to the source, finding Cole standing next to him with a troubled expression.

“You’re close to the Veil. Your pain called me to you. I want to fix this, but I can’t,” he said, sounding sad. “You know this will hurt him. It will cause a hurt so deep-”

“Kes?” called Dorian, door opening.

Kestrel watched Dorian’s tentative smile fall as his eyes landed on his slumped over form.

“Kes!” he yelled, bolting over to Kestrel’s lifeless body.

Atronis trailed behind him, hands clasped tight.

Dorian made quick work of the noose, gentle even in his haste to remove the fabric from around Kestrel’s neck. Freed, Dorian cradled Kestrel to his chest, muttering through an already tear-stained face, “No, Kes. No, you can’t leave me like this. Anything but this.”

“He believes you’re dead, but you’re not. Almost not. Why do you lie to him? Why do you cause him pain if you love him?”

Kestrel ignored Cole’s questions, cupping his hand over his mouth as he watched Dorian kiss him, lips pressed firmly against his own. He felt nothing in this spirit form.

Dorian held the kiss even as his tears dropped from his cheeks onto Kestrel’s, as if he believed his will alone would be enough to bring Kestrel back to life, like a childhood fairytale where wishes and belief were enough to cause miracles. Such miracles remained a thing of myth as Kestrel failed to stir.

Kestrel watched with a breaking heart as Dorian held him close with one arm and slid Kestrel’s blank gaze closed with the other hand.

“I can’t even blame you, amatus . I put you in this situation, and you saw no other option out. I’m so sorry I failed you,” Dorian whispered, though his voice creaked and threatened to stop. He trailed his hand lightly over the bruising around Kestrel’s throat before drifting over his heart. “ Vishante kaffas !” he suddenly shouted, slamming his fist down hard on Kestrel’s chest, only to fall into a well of tears and cradle Kestrel close once more.

“Dorian,” Atronis said softly. “We should go. Your mother-”

Shaking his head, Dorian mumbled, “No, not without…” He trailed off, focusing on pulling the ring from Kestrel’s finger. Except it didn’t budge. He tried again, and again, and again. Finally, attempt abandoned, Dorian slumped against the bed. “Nothing? You leave me nothing to remember you by, amatus ?”

Kestrel fought back his own ghostly tears, struggling to keep himself rooted by Cole. Would Dorian feel his ghostly presence if he reached out? Then a thought came to him, spurred on by that one word. Nothing . Turning to his spirit friend, he pleaded, “Make him forget me, please. Without his memories of me, he won’t be sad. Leave him nothing to remember me by.”

Cole looked between the two of them. “Memories as big as those will leave a void too large to fill.”

“He doesn’t need it filled, just to forget, Cole. I’m begging you.”

“Would you forget him?”

Knowing where this was going, Kestrel sighed. “No. My memories are the only thing I have left of him now. I can’t give those up.”

Cole nodded his head in agreement. “I imagine Dorian will feel the same, once the blinding agony dies to a dull pain.”

Before Kestrel could argue with Cole further, Dalish rushed into the room, blue bottle in hand. Eyes wide, he was clearly surprised to find Dorian and Atronis still there. He quickly hid the bottle behind his back. “Oh no! What’s happened to Master Kestrel?” he asked, the question stilted with his play acting.

Dorian didn’t notice, murmuring, “He killed himself.” He ran his fingers through Kestrel’s hair in a loving caress.

Kestrel’s eyes followed Dorian’s hand, longing for his touch one final time.

“Dorian, we need to leave. You’ll be the first person to blame for his death.”

“But I can’t...I can’t leave him like this.”

Atronis sighed, growing frustrated. “Well, you can’t take him with you!” he snapped.

Dorian jolted as if physically slapped, but didn’t look away from Kestrel. “I should have. After Solas turned against us, after the Inquisition disbanded, if I’d just let him come with me from the start, we wouldn’t be here.” His voice hardened with each word, anger turned inward.

The scene before Kestrel blurred for a moment before refocusing.

“An antidote is needed soon,” Cole said from his side. “Otherwise his pain will be for nothing.”

Dalish shifted on his feet, eyes darting nervously around. He too realized time was running out to have the antidote administered.

“Come on, Pavus, your time is up. Mistress said only a few moments, but I knew you’d push-” Morven’s complaining stopped suddenly as he entered upon the scene from the hallway. “What the fuck…?”

“We found him like this, I swear!” Atronis spoke up.

Morven sneered. “Oh, I’m sure you did! Wait until Mistress sees what her precious son has done to her prized pet. Guard!” He stormed out of the room.

“Fuck,” Atronis and Kestrel said at the same time. This was exactly what they didn’t want to happen.

As they panicked, Dalish knelt before Dorian and asked, “May I see him? I promise I’ll give him right back.” He spoke softly, like speaking to a traumatized child.

Kestrel held his breath, or maybe that was the poison taking its toll on his lungs. The scene faded again, returning with a clear picture of Kestrel’s body in Dalish’s arms.

Dorian remained close, a near corpse himself at his lack of acknowledgement of anything but Kestrel. One of his hands still lingered on Kestrel’s chest, unwilling to separate.

“Dorian,” Atronis said, kneeling by his side and pulling on his shoulders. It was enough to drag Dorian’s attention to him, if only for a moment.

Still, it was long enough for Dalish to uncork the blue bottom and pour its contents into Kestrel’s mouth.

“We need to-”

“What are you doing to him?” Dorian said, snatching Kestrel’s body away from Dalish in the next heartbeat. He looked Kestrel over, but finding nothing amiss, he simply frowned at the boy.

“I’m sorry, Master Pavus. I was confirming his death.” Dalish rose to his feet and bowed before moving off to the side, toying with the hem of his shirt.

Now they had a different issue. The antidote took longer than the poison to work, but a lot needed to happen before Kestrel could come back to life, leaving them little time to accomplish everything with.

Cole asked, “Why do you torment each other? I don’t understand.”

Watching Dorian whisper against his cheek, Kestrel couldn’t look away when he responded. “This way he’ll be free of me, Cole. He’ll be able to live his life without me holding him back.”

“I thought you bright, but you are blind. He’ll never be free of you, because he doesn’t want to be,” Cole stated, disappointed. He shook his head, the wide brim of his hat flopping.

“All the more reason to make him forget, Cole!”

“Now you’re the one who does not understand. If I force his memories away, he’ll be left with nothing. You’ve filled him to the brim with hope, love, sadness, and despair. So many emotions tangled around you. If I pull you out, like a stopper in a basin, everything will rush out, leaving him empty. No, your ask creates more harm, more pain. I will not do it.”

Realizing Cole’s increasing distress, Kestrel quickly said, “Okay, it’s okay, Cole. I’m sorry.”

Cole glanced at him, tension easing. “I hope one day you realize that you cause each other more happiness than pain,” he muttered.

Kestrel was left no time to rebut. Morven had returned with Aquinea, standing over Dorian as his judge and jury, yet Dorian didn’t even acknowledge them, still murmuring against Kestrel’s cheek. “We have to bury you, amatus . I remember the Dalish customs, I promise.”

“Morven, you really believe my son is to blame?” Aquinea asked, voice cold as her glare on him.

“I...I mean, who else could’ve caused this?” Morven stammered, flushing red under her studious stare.

“Do you not see the noose next to the slave’s body? Turns out you did break his mind, after all. No one has recovered from the red lyrium, it was a miss to think this elf could have beaten the odds. Now you’ve distressed my son.” She clicked her tongue against her teeth, admonishing Morven, even as she knelt besides Dorian.

Aquinea curled an arm around Dorian’s shoulder. “Come now, son. It is time you leave this body behind. His soul has moved on as should you.”

“Mother?” Dorian acknowledged through tear-stained cheeks, looking up at her.

“Yes, my boy. Let’s get you some food and brandy. It’ll soothe your heartache.” She looked over at Morven, saying, “You will see to the disposal of his body. This is, afterall, your fault.”

“Yes, Mistress,” Morven said with a bow, although Kestrel could see the irritation etched into his features, hidden from everyone else.

“Now, let go of him, Dorian,” Aquinea said with an air of command.

Dorian did as told, reacting more than thinking, as he latched on to what little motherly comfort Aquinea extended to him. He lowered Kestrel’s body to the floor and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet and into Aquinea’s waiting arms. “There, there. This is just like when you were a boy and that carriage ran over your cat. You recovered well enough from that, you’ll be fine here too.”

Dorian numbly nodded, not hearing her words, but soaking in her soothing tone.

He broke through her spell once, latching on to Dalish’s shoulder. “Bury him with a staff and a cedar branch. And plant a tree over his body. Please.”

Dalish nodded quickly.

“Come now, son,” Aquinea said, pulling them apart. Arm still over Dorian’s shoulder, Aquinea escorted Dorian from the room.

Definitely not what they wanted.

Atronis glanced at Kestrel and then at Dalish.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Morven sneered. “Maybe you’ll actually stand a chance of getting into Pavus’ pants now that his pet elf is dead. There’s no one left to cockblock you.”

Atronis turned a furious red, and Kestrel thought he might actually punch Morven. Instead, his clenched fists stayed at his sides as he snarled, “Fuck off,” and stormed from the room.

Room cleared, Morven walked over to Kestrel’s body and landed a solid kick to his ribs. “That’s for leaving me with another mess of yours to clean up!” He kicked him again, and Dalish took a step forward, but stopped before he Morven noticed him. “That’s because your death should’ve been mine.” Morven spit on Kestrel. “And that’s because I’m glad you’re dead,” he whispered.

Stepping back, he turned his attention to Dalish. Nose wrinkled in disgust, Morven said, “Grab his body, boy. Be quick about it. I’d like to get him in the pit before he shits himself.”

#dragon age fanfic #kestrel lavellan #dorian pavus #pavellan #inquisitor x dorain #lavellan x dorian #suicide attempt #time past #it's a dark update but I still hope people enjoy

7 notes · View notes

lessonsfrommadamexmas · 5 years ago

Note

Ooooh. So good. I'm giving you non shippy ones. Choice is 54 - Roy and Mama!Chris or 29 Riza and Becca (one if my fave brotps). Please.

Thank you so much! From this prompt list (you can still send more, guys!):

54 - Try not to fall this time.

I swear I didn’t see the “29″ there at all so I did 54 for Riza and Becca (and Team Mustang) and only realized it now, sorry. XD

- - - -

Riza was keeping Mr. Fischer company while he set up his camera in the center of the wide room, in front of the parallel bars. She had informed Jean in advance about the plan so he could ask permission to his physiotherapist, Dr. Karen Lambert. That was his big day, after several difficult months he spent trying to regain control of his lower body movements. Major General Mustang, a colonel at the time, couldn’t witness the moment Havoc moved his big toe, as he was waiting his turn to be healed. Thus, the blond man thought he should invite him to his first attempt at standing up by himself.

The General, however, was too busy preparing for the next trip to Ishval, so all he could do was free Hawkeye and Breda, giving them a very important mission: to bring back a photograph. Breda invited Maria Ross, since the three of them became great friends after the Promised Day, and Riza invited Rebecca Catalina, who had called from Central two days prior saying she finally had time to go visit her best friend in the East.

Since Becca wasn’t sure she would make it in time, she asked Riza not to tell anyone she was going, and by now the captain assumed her friend would miss the event. Perhaps it was best to have less people in the room, after all, it was a physiotherapy session and Ross and Breda were already treating it like a military training.

— Now I’m gonna see if you’ve been using the weights I gave you.

— Of course, I have!

— Really? Where are your biceps? Those look like two sticks! — Heymans mocked, although Jean was in excellent shape.

— Are you gonna let those bars defeat you, patient Havoc? — Maria asked sternly.

— No, I won’t! — Jean replied as if he was addressing a superior officer.

— This isn’t very encouraging, guys. — said Dr. Lambert, and Riza realized the woman was worried about things getting out of her control. She seemed to be on their same age range but carry a soul too gentle to the fierceness of the veterans. She leaned towards her patient and continued: — Please take all the time you need and let me know of any discomfort.

— We’re all used to bit of pressure, Dr. Lambert. — the captain stepped up to put the woman at ease, aware that, for Havoc, that would help wonders to build morale.

— It’s fine, don’t worry about them — he smirked at his friends. — It’s just like old days.

— Oh, it’s fine? You think you’re supposed to be fine? — Maria teased.

— No, I’m not!

— You’re right, you’re not. You’re supposed to sweat! — Breda continued.

— Yes, and I will!

— You’re supposed to tire!

— Yes, and I will!

— You’re supposed to hurt!

— No, that’s not quite how physiotherapy works… — the poor civilian attempted to speak out amidst Jean’s determined reply.

But he was already grabbing the metal bars and all she had left to do was give him support to face his mission.

— Is it okay if you move away while we take the picture? — Maria demanded with a disarming grin.

— That’s not a good idea…

— I’ll just stand here, I can do it. — Havoc reassured her. — Now. I’m ready.

Riza saw the reluctant Dr. Lambert release her patient and informed the man behind the camera:

— Prepare for the countdown.

— All set? — he checked with a thumbs up. — Three, two…

— Hi, guys! Am I late? — Rebecca announced herself as soon as she opened the door, waving at them with a big cup in her hand.

Havoc gasped and his right hand slipped from the bar the moment the flashlight doubled the whiteness in the room. Next thing they saw was Havoc sprawled on the floor, groaning like he had fallen face first. Riza and Maria jolted in shock.

— Oh, no! — Rebecca shouted running towards him. — Are you okay, Jean? I’m so, so sorry.

She knelt by his side while Dr. Lambert and Breda tried to take him back to his chair.

— See? This is why I said it was a bad idea to leave him by himself. — lamented the woman with a sigh, seemingly disappointed at herself.

Jean, on the other hand, was a mix of confusion and absolute shame.

— Rebecca? What are you doing here? How did you know… ?

— I wanted to visit Riza, but that doesn’t matter, is your chin broken? Here, I have milkshake — she pushed the cup against his red chin —, I hope this helps.

Riza saw him cringe and press his back against the wheelchair, but his face quickly relaxed at the numbing sensation.

— Not bad at all. Can I have this for a minute?

— Sure, I’ll hold it for you.

— I still have two functioning arms, Rebecca. — he stated in an attempt to dismiss her concerns.

— Of course! I’ll be with Riza, then.

Maria proceeded to apologize to the physiotherapist for all that chaos while Heymans tagged along with Becca.

— Hey, what about the picture? Should we try again? — he asked Mr. Fischer.

— Forget about it, I won’t take pictures with my face like this! — shouted Havoc.

— No more photos, we’re going to start the session as soon as Mr. Havoc feels better and I gotta ask you to leave. — the doctor gave her ultimatum.

— Here it is, if only one second earlier… — Mr. Fischer apologized.

— Alright, we have nothing to worry about, the picture looks great! — Breda informed the others, hiding his sarcasm under muffled giggles as he prepared to join Havoc once again.

The photo was a disaster, although it was a perfect illustration of that day. Jean’s wide eyes and clenched teeth showed the exact moment the man realized that he was about to meet the ground. A pitiful smile appeared in Riza’s lips. The man was strong and his stance was firm. Becca’s entrance had been slightly flamboyant, but nothing compared to the harsh words inflicted by Heymans and Maria. Not enough to spook him. Had it been her unexpected presence? Had the girl shaken his confidence?

— It’s hilarious, but he’s gonna hate it. — Rebecca’s said in a low, sympathetic voice. — Are we really keeping it?

— My mission was to register Havoc’s first standing up and I consider it accomplished. The general will be delighted. — She turned to the photographer and handed him the payment. — Thank you very much for your services, I’ll see you out.

The man nodded and left.

Becca gave Riza a hug as soon as she closed the door.

— I’m so glad the Fuhrer gave me a break for once! I missed you.

— I missed you too.

— Hey, don’t go yet, girls, you can stay for my next attempt! — they heard Havoc call.

— Try not to fall this time. — Riza shouted back with a smile. — No more cameras to intimidate you here.

But she knew very well the camera was not to blame, and by their exchange of looks, so did he.

— No more cameras and no more noise. Everybody give him space and stay quiet, understood? — the doctor ordered as harshly as she could. — I’m the one you should obey here.

— Yes, sir! — the soldiers replied in unison.

Karen Lambert shook her head and laughed. No one was willing to take her seriously that day, but the truth is that everybody was beyond happy with their friend’s accomplishment, and it seemed to Riza that she could understand.

— He looks so lively. — Becca pointed softly. — And he got himself a nice physiotherapist, didn’t he? I bet he’s already all about flirting.

— He tried once. I can’t tell for sure if she corresponded, though.

— Well, if anything, I just gave him a hand on that. Now she’s being extra careful and touchy. — she spiced her words with a suggestive tone and a wink.

— She’s been extra careful about doing her job right, thanks to the traumatic work day we just gave her. Still, I don’t think he’s interested anymore.

Rebecca was so absolutely clueless. The woman was able to believe her own lies and also a master at not letting herself suffer. She genuinely wanted Jean to be happy and that’s why Riza would say nothing else.

— Nope, you said he flirted. I know what you’re doing, don’t. It was never serious and we’re both over it. I only move forward, okay? — she said with a hand on her best friend’s shoulder. — Hey, there he goes!

Jean propelled his body up, hands tightly folded around the metal bars. He exhaled through his mouth and found balance with both feet planted on the floor. He nodded, staring at his own legs, allowing them to take some of the weight his arms were supporting on their own. Dr. Lambert let go of him, and Riza could sense everyone holding their breaths as the seconds passed.

— Congratulations, Jean. — the woman said kindly and his face lit up in awe.

Finally, he dared to look around the room, and his eyes glistened with pride and joy when they searched for one specific pair of dark irises. Shyness invaded him once Jean met his target and he looked away from the radiant Rebecca Catalina, who smiled with both her hands pressed together in excitement.

Riza wondered if it was still up to her to find her best friend a good catch, and if money was still the requisite.

- - - -

OMG this was such a pleasure to write!! Not sure if you like Havolina but I hope you had fun with this ultra messy little piece. It was based on the picture of Havoc in physiotherapy with Breda and Ross shown at the end of the manga. :D

#fanfic prompts #havolina #fullmetal fanfic #team mustang #riza and rebecca #jean havoc

27 notes · View notes

saltynemo · 6 years ago

Text

Drunk In Love

Warnings: Underage drinking, sexual content, swearing, eDgY tEeNs xd,

This picture is so pure oMG!

Ok so Y/n has had a crush on her childhood friend, Josh, for a very long time and when Josh invites her over for some illegal drinking, Y/n accepts. She never planned to confess to him.

Word Count: 1.7k words

Just as I feel myself doze into a sleep in front of my computer, my phone erupts into my ringtone. I yelp, immediately picking my head up. I grab my phone and look at the caller ID. Oh, its Josh! Why is he calling me at nearly 1 am?

I swipe my phone screen, answering Josh’s call. “Hello?” I speak, the butterflies in my stomach beginning. I always felt like this talking to him.

“Hey!” He cheers, a smile obvious on the other end. “Um, I was wondering if you could come over-like, right now...” He asks.

“I cant, Josh! Do you understand its 1 in the morning!”

“Its actually 12:57.” He sasses. I laugh at his response, wondering why he would want me to come over. “Please come over, Y/n. My parent’s aren't home and it’ll be worth it.”

“Oh, um, ok. Yea I’ll be over in a bit.” We say our goodbyes and hang up. His parent’s aren't home I wonder, my heart skipping a beat at the thought. No, no, no he’s too innocent for sex. Is he?

I shrug, slipping on a jacket and my phone in my pocket. I close my computer down by holding the power button, not caring to exit out of the windows still up. I slide my feet into my shoes and carefully sneak out my bedroom door, making sure not to wake up my mom. I tip toe my way to the front door, hesitating when I heard a creak.

I successfully sneak through the door, slowly closing it. I begin to walk down the sidewalk, looking forward to me and Josh’s night out.

As I approach the young man’s house, I text him, alerting him that I was outside. In less than a minute, I see the door swing open, revealing a cutie in a cat muscle shirt.

“Y/n!” Josh cheers, smiling brightly. “Come in, quick.” He hurries me, motioning his hand to me. I hurry inside the house, hearing the front portal shut behind me. I observe the house, wondering how Josh’s parents let me come this late, or should I say early, at night.

“So,” I begin, turning to the handsome boy. “Why did you bring me here?” He chuckles, happiness and excitement obviously in him.

“I’m glad you asked.” He runs into the kitchen, my curious personality following him. I see him dig around in the fridge, glass clinking together. Suddenly, he pulls out a 750ml bottle of Iceberg Vodka. I choke on my breath, finding myself laughing. He smiles as he holds the bottle up for me, presenting it.

“Josh,” I shake my head, smiling like a goofball. “We cant drink this!” I say, beginning to take off my jacket. “We’re literally 19. And we’re both not turning 21 anytime soon.” He chuckles, putting down the bottle.

“So? I know you’ve told me before about stealing alcohol.” He grins, fishing through the cupboards for glasses.

“I know, but what are your parent’s gonna say?”

“They aren’t here.” He winks, already pouring us a drink. I roll my eyes, walking over to the soon-to-be-drunk Josh. He pours us both short glasses, one that’s pink and the other red. I hold up the pink glass and study it, the words ‘Twerk Queen’ imprinted on it.

I laugh, “’Twerk Queen’? Really?” He chuckles, picking up his own shot.

“My mom is a freak when she isn’t at church.” We both share a giggle at his remark. “Ok, enough chat; I wanna get drunk.”

“You better not become an alcoholic after tonight.” I warn, watching Josh down his shot. I bring the glass up to my lips and slowly drink the liquid, forgetting it’s a shot. I make a sour face as the vodka buzzes through my veins and up to my brain, making me cringe.

“Y/n!” Josh chuckles, setting his glass down. “You aren't drinking a can of beer. Its a shot. You have to just down it.”

“Yea, yea, I know. I forgot.” I shush, the strong taste still in my mouth. “ I’m a first time drinker you know, right?”

“Yea, I am too. I just thought it would be logical for you.”

“Shut up” We both share a laugh as Josh pours another shot for both of us. He hands me my filled shot as he takes his own.

“Remember, its a shot.” He giggles, raising the glass to his lips.

“I know, dummy.”

As time went on and more and more alcohol was consumed, we became more and more unaware of what reality was; In other words, we got drunk as hell. After shots became too strong for us, we moved to regular beer, Corona specifically.

I laugh at a joke Josh slurred, covering my mouth with my hand. We were smashed as fuck.

“Hey, I got a question.” Josh suddenly says, wiping a tear from his eye. I nod my head, telling him to continue. “Are you a virgin?”

“No, far from that.” I giggle. “Once I turned 18, I went crazy.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well,” I began, setting my drink on the counter. “I lost my virginity to Tyler.” I hear Josh silence a laugh, an apparent smile trying to be hidden. “What?”

“Nothin’, just continue.” He takes a sip of his beer, watching me intensely as I went on.

“I also fucked Zach, to get payback for Tyler dumping me.” I chuckle, now remember the scene. “And recently, I fucked my old childhood friend, who we can just call Cody.”

Josh holds a hand up to me, stopping me. “Out of all your fuck buddys, who was your favorite.”

“Oh, definitely Cody.” I say without hesitation, taking a quick sip of my beer. “He was so rough, called me degrading names and shit.”

Josh is taken back by this, not expecting that coming from my lips. “I always thought you were soft and everything.”

“Well, not anymore.” I laugh.

“I bet I can fuck you better than him.” He smirks, chugging the rest of his beer down.

I roll my eyes at his words, “Yea sure, buddy. You cant fuck me good enough to see stars.”

I see Josh’s eyes turn dark, jaw clenched. “Bet.” He says bluntly.

“I bet you’re a bottom boy.” I chuckle, seeing how far I could push his patience.

I see him slam down his glass, making me jump. “Excuse me?” He says aggressively. He slowly walks over to me, bending down close to me. “I’m sorry, I couldn't hear you.” He says, sarcasm dripping from his lips. “Can you say that again?”

“I said ‘I bet you’re a bottom boy’.” I repeat, making sure to emphasize the B’s. I smirk, hoping to ignite something inside him. He nods his head, chuckling.

“That’s funny,” He straightens up his posture, staring directly down at me, making me feel small. I feel his hand, snake up my torso, suddenly gripping my neck. He pulls me close harshly, making my heart pound in my chest. “I don’t remember a little slut like you dominating me.” He barks, leaning down so his mouth is right near my ear. “I should fuck you and show you how dominating I can be to a little fucktoy like you.” He grins, slowly tightening the grip around my throat. I was able to breathe, but it felt like I couldn’t. “I’m gonna plow you right here on the hardwood floor; little sluts like you don’t deserve to be fucked on a bed.”

Josh lets go of my throat and goes for my hair, pushing me down onto my knees. I struggling to bend down without hurting my joints, but was able to accomplish it. He releases his grip and begins undoing his jean button. I push his hand out of the way, finding myself become excited from the idea of being dominated by Josh. I quickly unzip his pants, tugging them down his thighs. I’m met with his underwear, causing me to realize what was going on. I’m gonna fuck Josh? Here, now?

I hesitantly pull down his underwear slightly, revealing his shaft, then head. His rod bounces up from excitement, smacking my chin. I hold his dick softly, admiring his size. I pump him slowly, spitting on his cock to lube him up. He groans lowly, watching me do my job closely. I pick up my second hand, giving him the two hand twist; that’s what I call it, at least. I slow down and speed up randomly, teasing him. He groans in satisfactory, watching me kiss the tip of his glazed cock. I smirk up to him, watching him unravel beneath my touch.

“Top teasing me, Y/n.” Josh moans, grabbing me by the hair. In shock, I let go of his dick, gripping his thighs. He guides my mouth to his rod, pushing it against my lips. I open up wide, letting him insert it all. I feel his 7 inches grind against my lower throat, making me choke. “Pretty girl can’t take it?” He chuckles, still holding my hair. “I thought little sluts like you can take this big cock. I guess not.”

I shut my eyes, trying to halt myself from gagging anymore. My nose presses against his pubic bone, letting me know his dick was in all the way. He doesn't stop there, pulling my head forward and backwards, face fucking me steadily. My eyes begin to water, blinking away tears. His movements pick up quickly, soon fucking my mouth senselessly. I take a deep breath through my nostrils, hoping this would be over soon. No matter how much I want to please Josh, this can’t go on for much longer.

Suddenly, he pulls out of my sloppy mouth with a groan, looking down at the mess he made of my face. “I’d love to cum in your mouth, baby.” He huffs, leaning down close to me. His lips brush against my ear, making me shiver, “But I would love to cum in something much sloppier...”

(I apologize it’s quite short, but I really wanted to finish this. Im sorry I disappeared for a while; my life has been hectic and i just got introduced to new classes etc. Not a real excuse but i do apologize. I hope u enjoyed at least some of this content lmao)

#Josh Dun #tyjo and jishwa #joshua dun smut #josh dun smut #Twenty One Pilots #twenty one pilots fanfiction #twenty one pilots edit #twnety one pilots #twenty one pilots smut #tyler joseph #tyler joseph fan fiction #Tyler Robert Joseph #tyler joseph smut

79 notes · View notes

rmg91 · 5 years ago

Text

The Woes and Antics of Living Together-5

This chapter behaved much better than 4 and I'm really happy with it as this is just one of the many scenes I've been wanting to write. Also I still love writing Branch when he starts to freak out XD

Enjoy! And A big huge Thank you! to all who’s read so far! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me~

Previous Chapter/Next Chapter; AO3/FF.net

@writerofberk Chapter 5 is here!! And I’m nice to Branch for once! And to answer your question from last time, Creek is currently just an annoyance but we both know he’s a creep and that will come out later.

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was another dreary and overcast day in Bergenville and the last few weeks had a been a test for Branch's patience. He had found out that Poppy loved to sing or just play music late at night while she stayed up studying or scrapbooking. And, sure, Branch could admit he loved her voice to himself, but he really disliked being unable to sleep because she couldn't keep it quiet enough. He even threatened to throw her radio out the window! It had worked...until the next time it happened and she got caught up in the music as she claimed. He had made a mental note to invest in some ear plugs.

Then there was the 'Laundry Incident' where somehow some of her...unmentionables had somehow wound up in his hamper. Branch hadn't known how to react to seeing the lacy scraps of fabric settled among his clothes so he had turned around and walked out of the laundry room. He had returned a few minutes later, a confused Poppy in tow and gestured to his basket as he told her to remove the offending articles. She had at least looked a little embarrassed as she picked them out and claimed she had no idea how they got in there but Branch had already been ignoring her excuse and trying to forget it even happened. He later found out it had all been some sort of weird prank by Smidge and Cooper as he returned to the apartment.

Mix in the normal stress of university and trying to find a new job and you'd get a very irritable Branch who was going just the tiniest bit stir-crazy. Gristle had managed to tempt him out of the apartment a few times to hang out and play video games but Branch needed something to do besides the chores around the apartment. Something to keep him from letting all his pent up feelings for Poppy flow out into poem after poem or even the grey thoughts that circled around in his head somehow finding their way onto paper and making him feel worse for having acknowledged them. And having the means to pay his half of the rent that was coming up would be nice too.

Branch felt himself bring the knife down on the carrots he was chopping with a little more force then was necessary before he focused once more on the task at hand. Right, dinner. He was making stew and needed to concentrate so he didn't cut himself and have to be sent to the hospital. Finishing up cutting the root vegetable, he threw the pieces into the pot alongside the onions and celery, giving everything a little stir afterwards. Branch then started to prep the rest of the ingredients just as the door opened and the pink haired party girl flounced in.

"Oh, Roomie~! I'm home!" Poppy sang as she dropped her purse on the foyer table before skipping into the kitchen, bracelets jingling, "And guess what?!"

Branch rolled his eyes and continued with his food prep, "What?"

Poppy giggled before slapping down a piece of paper on the counter, "I picked you up an application for a job I think you'll like!"

Branch paused and looked at her before glancing down at the application, at a loss for words, "...You, uh...didn't have to do that."

"I know." She chirped, "But I was heading home after getting some more streamers for Biggie's big photo exhibit and I saw this sale at this cute boutique on the way home." Branch rolled his eyes as she started to ramble. "Anyway, on my way back to my car I noticed a place advertising for some help wanted and I thought it'd be perfect for you! Guess what sort of place it is?!"

"I'd really rather not," Branch sighed, "Just tell me."

"No fun." The pinkette mumbled before she continued, "It's a camping-outdoorsy sort of store! Sells all that equipment and stuff and I figured what was the harm of picking up an application for you, cause you always liked camping when we were kids and being in the garden and such!"

"That..." Branch was once again at a semi-loss for words, impressed she remembered that, "I'll...give it shot. ...Thank you."

Poppy smiled happily at him, "No prob, my dude. So!" She then clapped her hands together, looking at the unassembled ingredients, "What's for dinner?"

Branch shrugged as he stirred the vegetables, "Nothing fancy. Just some stew."

"Still sounds great. Can I help with anything?"

"No!" He vehemently refused, "I'm not letting you anywhere near real food again! Not after last time!" Said last time being when she decided to experiment by adding too many spices to the sauce for a lasagna he was making. He swore never to let her near his cooking again.

"It was a mistake! I didn't mean to add that much!" Poppy cried in her defense, hands flying to her hips.

"Don't care."

Poppy huffed and crossed her arms, "Not fair..." She then hummed as a thought hit her and Branch suddenly felt fear as she went to grab her camera.

She fiddled with it for a moment as she turned it on before she started talking to it, "Guys! Branch is being so unfair! He won't let me help with dinner because of one little mistake!" She brought the piece of equipment over and almost thrusted it in his face, "Tell them, Branch! Tell them how mean you are to your precious roommate!"

Branch ignored her as much as he could as he started to cut up the meat, "Poppy, we've been over this. I'm not talking into a camera to people over the internet. Now turn that thing off and get it out of my face. I'm trying to cook."

"Rude!" She exclaimed before pouting into the camera, "Guys, comment below and tell Branch how rude he is."

"Quit involving me in your internet shenanigans! I want no part of it!"

"Too bad~ As my roommate you are contractually obligated to appear in my vlogs."

Branch gave her a flat look, "I remember nothing about that in our deal. No where did we talk about you trying to film me!"

"It's one of the many unwritten rules of friendship, Branch, duh. And no where did we talk about you being such a sour puss all the time and yet..." She trailed off with a shrug.

Branch rolled his eyes, exasperated, "Go do something that's not bothering me."

She grinned cheekily, "Aww, but it's my favorite hobby! The 'Bother Branch' game is fun for all ages."

"Poppy..." He groaned.

She giggled as she turned off her camera, "Fine, fine but only because I don't want you to cut yourself."

"Gee, thanks so much."

Giggling, the pink haired whirlwind skipped away to her room and Branch thought maybe he'd get to finish cooking in semi-peace until she came back out, arms laden with scrapbooking materials. She dumped all of it on the coffee table before turning the stereo on and bouncing in her seat to the pop song playing. Branch heaved a sigh and tried his best ignore the overly preppy music, reminding himself to invest in a pair of earplugs as soon as he could.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day found Branch standing in front of the store Poppy had told him about, application in hand. He had to admit as he looked though the windows it definitely looked like a place he would have loved to explore when he was younger. He had always loved the outdoors and the sense of accomplishment whenever he managed to succeed in a task that would aid him if he ever had to face the wild alone. He also remembered spending almost all of summer camped out in the backyard and begging his grandma to let him stay there just one more night whenever the new school year started to approach. But that had all stopped when-No. He wasn't going to think about that or any other time before else he'd never get this over with and right now, finding a job was more important than thinking back on times that were never going to happen again.

Steeling himself up with a deep breath, Branch entered the store and took it in. A display for a tent sale sat in the front with aisles of supplies stretching toward the back, all manner of camping items in stock. Tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, chairs, portable stoves and just about anything else one could possible need was there, which was just a little impressive for how small the shop appeared on the outside. Off to the side was a single check-out counter and a cashier wearing a green and brown vest, playing on his phone. He glanced up and put it away before addressing Branch.

"Hey. Welcome to Clever Camping. How may I help you?"

It was now or never. Branch cleared his throat, "Uh, yeah. I saw you were hiring so I filled out an application." He hoped that didn't sound as awkward as it felt as he handed over the piece of paper.

"Great!" The blonde exclaimed, "I'll give this to the manager. He's actually in the back right now if you want to wait a few minutes. He may be able to give you an interview today."

Branch sure wasn't expecting that but nodded anyway, "Sure. No problem."

"Nice. Be right back!"

As the employee scampered off to the back of the store, Branch let out a slightly panicked sigh. Okay, sure, he could do this, it's not like interviews were nerve wracking already! He just had less time to prepare that was all! He quickly brushed off his shirt and tried to make himself look somewhat presentable as he paced around. He could do this, it was fine, this could be good! Or bad, very, very bad.

As Branch continued to try a fight off the impending urge to run and hide, he failed to hear the little bell above the door chiming. He was completely unaware of no longer being alone until the other person spoke up.

"Excuse me, young man?"

Branch tried very hard not to yelp as he turned to face an elderly woman. She had grey haired wrapped up in a bun, a crocheted shawl around her shoulders and was holding a cane. She smiled at him, wrinkles crinkling as she did so before adjusting her glasses. She had a very grandmotherly aura about her and Branch tried very hard not to think of his own at that moment.

"Um, yes?"

"Do you think you could me?" She asked before pulling out a list from her purse, "You see, my grandson is going on a camping trip with his scouting group and I'm afraid we don't have much of anything that he'll need. Could you help me find them?"

Wait...Did she think he worked there?! He had to tell her she was mistaken! But then another traitorous thought of his own grandmother slipped though and he knew she would be very disappointed in him if he refused to help this lady. She had raised him to be a gentleman after all. Sighing, he nodded and walked closer so he could take the list from her.

"I can try."

"Oh, thank you so much~" She grinned at him.

Branch nodded awkwardly and unfolded the piece of paper she had handed to him. Tent, extra tarp or canopy, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, repair kit, pillows, extra blankets, headlamp or flashlight, lantern with appropriate energy source and a plethora of other items. Branch was impressed by how thorough this list was, it was almost as if he'd written it. Glancing around the store to figure out where to start first, he grabbed one of the hand baskets and began leading the woman around.

The first aisle they went down had portable stoves and the like, making Branch wonder if maybe he should have chosen a different aisle as there didn't seem to be anything they needed down this way. However just when he was going to suggest they try a different row, he spotted the lanterns and flashlights. He had a brief thought about how it would be more efficient if perhaps these items were put toward the front of the row but pushed it back as he looked at the different items, wondering which would be best to suggest.

"So, uh...How old is your grandson?" Maybe knowing the age of the kid would help him determine the item.

"Oh, he's nine going on ten." The old woman gushed, "He's so excited for this trip. The first time he's ever been camping."

Branch tired to flash a smile at her before nodding toward one of the better battery powered lanterns, "This one would probably be best then. It runs on batteries but it's a good sturdy plastic and waterproof, so no one would have to worry about fuel or rusting. It's also in a good modest price range, in case you're wondering."

"Well then that sounds just perfect." She grinned brightly, "I truly appreciate you helping me."

"It's..uh...it's no problem."

They continued like this up and down the aisles, Branch pointing out the products he thought would be best, remembering more of his own experiences with camping. He suggested an extra raincoat. insect repellant and a small first aid kit, stating that it never hurt to have some back-up in case something happened to whatever the scout leaders brought. Branch was just double checking everything so far before they went to look at the tents and wondered where the employee that had greeted him was and if he was going to come back anytime soon.

"Ok, so it looks like all that's left is a tent and maybe a sleeping bag? Was this already checked off?"

"Oh, I thought we had one, so yes it was but it turns out it was horribly moldy after getting wet somehow. So yes, we do need a new one."

"Alright, this way."

He was perusing the different styles of tents, trying to find the best one for a kid when a tall, broad shoulder man came around the corner from the back. He had chestnut hair, brown eyes and wore a grin and vest like the other employee, the only difference was he also had a pin that dubbed him the manager.

"Hello, there!" He greeted warmly, "So sorry for the lack of greeting when you came in. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Oh, no. Your employee here has been so helpful and has given so much advice for my grandson's upcoming trip."

The manager smiled down at the woman, "I'm afraid he doesn't work here...yet." He then turned his grin on Branch, "Tell me, son, are you the one who turned in the application Denis brought me a little while ago?"

"Uh, yes?" Stupid! Don't sound so unsure!

"Reed Langley!" The man proclaimed, offering his hand to Branch.

Shocked for a second, Branch startled before shaking his hand, "...Uh! Branch Hawthorn, sir."

"Well, Branch, you're hired!"

"Huh? But, uh...What about an interview?" Was this really happening?

Reed laughed, "I think helping this lovely lady here when you didn't have to speaks volumes more than me asking you some questions. So what do you say?"

What did he say? Oh right! "Um, sure. Yeah! Of course! Thank you?"

"Not a problem!" Reed laughed again, "Denis! Go take the sign out of the window!" There was brief 'yes, sir' from the other worker before Reed continued, "So, Branch, why don't I let you finish helping our customer here and then while Denis is ringing her up, we can talk and set up your schedule. Alright?"

"Yeah, sure. Okay." There was no way that just happened, right?

~*~*~*~*~*~

A few hours later, Branch had wandered back to the apartment, still somewhat in a state of a shock. He just couldn't believe he was hired right on the spot like that just for helping someone! That just didn't happen! Of course he wasn't going to kick a gift horse in the mouth, it..felt kind of nice to have a job again and the store really wasn't the worse place to be in. Still, Branch couldn't help but be wary of the universe and wonder what it would do to him this time to knock him down again.

Sighing to himself, he was grateful Poppy was gone as he needed a few moments to gather himself and to work out a new plan. He wandered over to the couch, flopped on it, and flinging an arm over his head went over what had happened after he helped the old woman find a tent and new sleeping bag. His new boss didn't mind that he would be working part-time, said Branch going to school was great thing and that if he ever needed to take an extra day off to study for a test or midterm to just let him know ahead of time. He would start his new job in two days and he'd have a twenty percent store discount, which would be nice if Branch ever decided to go camping again. However that meant he'd have to work out some sort of chore chart with Poppy as he wouldn't be around as often, even if that would mean trying to trust her in the kitchen with actual food now.

Making a few mental notes to himself, Branch yawned and shifted on the couch, finding a comfortable spot. He felt himself grow drowsy and knew he probably shouldn't fall asleep on the couch, he didn't want to temp Poppy into pulling some sort of prank. But as sleep claimed him, he decided he just didn't feel like caring if she drew on his face or covered him in glitter.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Yay! Branch has a job again! And at a much nicer environment! I can't tell you guys how much I've been wanting to write Reed (even if he didn't have a name until I started writing that part XD) and that whole scene. And to be fair, Poppy can cook, she's just better at baking and accidents with overly large holes in spice containers happen.

I hope you enjoyed! Stayed tuned for the next installment!

#Dreamworks Trolls #Branch #Poppy #Broppy #fanfiction #Human AU #Modern AU #Roommate AU #dreamworkstrolls #i love this chapter

15 notes · View notes

aerinmelina · 6 years ago

Note

Any Kendra headcanons?

Ohhhh yesssss

I’m supposed to be working right now. I’m staring at my closed laptop right now. It’s Monday night. I really don’t want to be working right now… so I’ll do this now and work tomorrow night instead. XD Thanks for the distraction

We are fortunate to know quite a bit about Kendra from canon itself - like the facts that she sings, plays piano, plays soccer and likes little kids, her birthday is in October, plus we know a lot about her personality traits since half of the series is from her POV. Kendra is wonderful and I love her to pieces. Here are some additional thoughts I have about her:

1. Kendra loves Harry Potter and identifies as a Ravenclaw.

2. She likes to drink tea to help relax. It’s a habit she picked up from Lena all those years ago, and reinforced by her Grandma Sorenson.

3. Kendra’s an anxious child. A vice of hers is that she throws herself into work/projects in order to avoid dealing with her stressors or thinking about her worries too much. She’s able to keep herself going for quite a while that way, but eventually she has a breakdown.

4. Her favorite person on the planet is her brother. She would die if it meant she could protect him. He means the world to her, even though she’d probably never admit it to his face.

5. She’s naturally an introvert. Becoming fairykind and saving Fablehaven, Wyrmroost and the world (some of those things more than once) have pulled her out of her shyness, but she’s still pretty introverted on a normal basis.

6. She crawled into her parents’ bed and slept alongside them at night until she was about 8 years old. Her parents didn’t mind at all. She liked to take naps with one or both of them during the day even as a teenager on occasion.

7. Kendra is a daddy’s girl. She loves both of her parents, but she and her dad share a particularly special bond.

8. She takes up painting and creative writing as hobbies as an older teen, and keeps those hobbies going as an adult.

9. She majored in English in college and eventually got a job as an editor at a publishing company, which allows her to read all day from home. Oh no, the bookworm gets paid to read and edit books. Bummer.

10. As an older teen, Kendra took it upon herself to start trying to expand her powers. Her first goal was to see if she could purposefully tap into the immense reserve of power which resides inside of her. Once she figured that out, she learned that magic is less about making sure to say the right words of the charm and more about intuition and strength of will. (Yeah yeah Green Lantern blah blah blah)

11. Kendra is touchy-feely and loves hugs, holding hands and cuddling. She loves it when the people she cares about take the time to throw their arms around her shoulders or pull her close for a hug.

12. Actions speak louder than words with Kendra, although she does like words, too.

13. She has trust issues with new people she meets, due to the various betrayals she faced as a child. She’s cordial and polite to everyone, but it really takes a lot for her to fully trust someone.

14. Kendra is selfless and would go to all sorts of extremes to help her friends and family. She’s fiercely loyal to the people she loves.

15. As scared or worried as she gets about adventures, she has to admit that she understands the appeal and has enjoyed herself whilst adventuring from time to time.

16. Kendra understands that bravery is not the absence of fear, but rather it’s pushing forward and doing what’s right in spite of your fear.

17. She often sings and hums under her breath without realizing it. The people around her love when she does that; it’s a sign that she’s comfortable with her surroundings.

18. Kendra was the little kid who had to have funerals for all of her pets that died. Marla and Scott got used to having fish funerals in the bathroom.

19. Kendra doesn’t like being the center of attention. She’s perfectly happy to let Seth make a fool out of himself and subsequently hoard the attention.

20. She stands up for what she believes in, whether or not it’s the popular decision.

21. Warren is her hero. She looks up to him and turns to him for comfort, advice and seriously awesome lame dad jokes that make her laugh. He can get her to cheer up when other people have difficulty doing so.

22. Our girl is strong. Not so much physically, but mentally and emotionally. She has her fears and anxieties, yes, but she knows how to push through her problems in order to accomplish a task. She’s got a will of iron and she’s a force to be reckoned with when she’s made up her mind about something.

23. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. She and Vanessa have that in common. Don’t get on her bad list. That being said, Kendra also has a forgiving nature and is likely to come around if she receives a truly heartfelt apology so long as you didn’t murder and/or eat her friends and family; if you did that, there’s no forgiveness for you.

24. She has a soft spot for baby animals.

25. Kendra likes giving and receiving gifts. She puts a lot of thought into the gifts she gives, and she really appreciates it when people put thought into the gifts they give to her.

I could probably continue to pull more of these out of my brain, but I need to head to bed.

#fablehaven #kendra sorenson #anonymous #aerinm spills hcs #thanks for asking!

23 notes · View notes

coffee-obsessed-writer · 6 years ago

Note

1 thru 50 😂

GUURRRLLL.... you asked for it XD

*inhales deep breath*

here we go....

1. What movie have you watched the most? Shawshank Redemption

2. What’s your favorite color? Dark green

3. What’s your favorite animal? Cat & giraffes

4. If you could be anywhere, where would you be? sitting on a warm beach somewhere with a bonfire going, a cute girl by my side and a sky of stars above.

5. What’s your favorite movie? Shawshank Redemption

6. What’s your sexuality? Bisexual

7. What’s your gender? female

8. What’s your favorite drink? non-alcoholic: tea; alcoholic: whiskey

9. Who’s your best friend? my cat, Scout

10. When’s your birthday? July 19

11. How much sleep do you get, on average? 3-4 hours a night

12. If you don’t sleep, what are you doing in your free time? writing or scrolling tumblr

13. What is something that makes you happy, no matter what? Brooklyn Nine Nine

14. What’s your favorite book? The Stand by Stephen King

15. What is your greatest accomplishment? Living to age 41 without going completely mental (also, maybe, having 3 healthy, smart kids)

16. List some (at least three) things that make you happy. 1. My kids (most of the time) 2. Writing 3. my tumblr friends.

17. What brightens your day? Talking to my girls I’ve met here. They really are the bright spot of my day lately

18. Pick the team you’d have for a zombie apocalypse/alien invasion (at least three to five people, at most seven). Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Negan, Daryl Dixon, Rosa Diaz, Carol Peletier, Ray Holt

19. What character are you in the horror movie? The smartass who usually gets killed first

20. If you had to be one animal for the rest of your life, what would you be? a cat

21. What’s your Hogwarts House? Ravenclaw

22. What’s your favorite book/movie genre? fantasy/horror

23. What is your favorite way to spend your weekend? Sitting out on our property in the mountains, reading or watching the kids play. Not having to leave the house or deal with the outside world.

24. What’s your least favorite movie? Titanic

25. What’s your least favorite song? The song from Titanic

26. What is something you’re looking forward to? The kids going back to school

27. How much different was everything a year ago? Would you want to go back to that time? SO different. In a way I do, because I wouldn’t be in the broken-hearted state I am in, and no, because I wouldn’t have met the amazing girls I’ve met here. The ones that keep me sane.

28. How do you normally start your day? Copious amounts of coffee and work

29. Why did you choose to work where you are now, if you’re working? I do freelance work from home, which I fell into after I lost my job six years ago. It works best though so I can be home for the kids all the time.

30. What’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to you? My musical hero and mentor, Matthew Good, sat down on the stage two feet from me and played one of my favorite songs acoustically when the sound system took a shit during his concert. I cried nearly the whole time and I’ll never forget it as long as I live.

31. What’s the best compliment you’ve received? that some crazy person liked my writing.

32. What are the two types of people in the world? Those who listen to respond, and those who listen to understand.

33. Who is your most interesting friend? probably my friend Adrienne. She’s lived quite a life, traveled all over the world and always has a story or tale to tell.

34. What are some things that impacted who you are today? My twins being born 10 weeks early and the journey they went through to come home from the NICU, people I’ve met and misguidingly trusted, false hope and the journey I took to find my place spiritually.

35. What scar has the best story behind it? The one on my head, now covered by hair. I was in a Show Jumper’s practice ring before a competition and was about to take a jump when my horse got cut off by some else. My horse reared, then lunged for the jump, and I ended up flying off and hitting my head on the bracket holding the plank. I didn’t have my helmet secured, so it flew off and I now have a nice scar because of it.

36. If someone were to write a biography about you, what would you want it to be called? A Tale of Don’t’s and Nevers

37. Who is someone (or multiple people) that you happened to meet by chance and changed your life? oh wow, ok... well... because I randomly read a piece of fan fiction and sent the author a message, I met someone who ended up changing my life. They were the reason I came out publicly and to some of my family about being bi. This person isn’t in my life anymore, but because of what we went through, I’ll never be the same.

38. What’s your favorite article of clothing? My Always Keep Fighting hoodie

39. What’s your favorite quote? “Books are uniquely portable magic.” - Stephen King

40. What keeps you awake at night? Finances, thinking of other people, my current WIPs

41. What’s something about your childhood that you’re embarrassed about? I honestly can’t think of anything.

42. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change? I would be less anxious.

43. What’s your favorite thing about yourself? ......

44. Single or taken? It’s complicated

45. If you’re taken/in a relationship, what’s your favorite thing about your partner(s)? He’s a good father

46. What’s the most illegal thing you’ve ever done? underage drinking in a club that was 21+

47. What’s your favorite joke/kind of joke? A good, funny story

48. What’s something you’re worried about? Being able to pay next month’s bills

49. What’s a book/movie that’s made you think the hardest? What Dreams May Come

50. What song(s) do you feel describe you? Darkside by Kelly Clarkson

PHEW! Thank you, gorgeous! This definitely kept me occupied

3 notes · View notes

catrectorauthor · 6 years ago

Text

Meet the Writer

1. What type of writing do you do?

I’m working on a fantasy novel at the moment, based on Norse Mythology from the eyes of Sigyn, the woman who in the Eddas was Loki’s wife. So in a sense, it’s speculative mythology with themes of love, loss, revenge, fate, and LGBTQ lifestyles. I’ve also spent some time writing short stories or flash fiction, but the novel is my main focus.

2. What genres and/or topics do you write about? I’ll write about my obsessions. My obsession for the last two years has been Norse Mythology, and I’ve managed to find a little place within it to carve out a story about the things I care about/am interested in, like morally grey leanings and queer characters. I almost exclusively write within the fantasy genre.

3. How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first piece of nonsense when I was 12, so roughly 15 years on and off.

4. Are you published?

I do have two published pieces. One is a nonfiction short story (https://tinyurl.com/y6wopdy6) and the other is a piece of flash fiction (https://tinyurl.com/y9gowcc2).

5. What was the first story you ever wrote?

The first thing I wrote of my own accord was a piece of fanfiction when I was 12 years old. It was GARBAGE and I was so proud of it that when I moved across the country, I tried to use it and my obsession with Buffy to attract new friends. Somehow I’m still best friends with that girl 15 years later, bless her heart.

6. Why do you write?

I wasn’t writing for a long time. You know how life can stick you in the capitalist meat grinder and make you believe arts aren’t worth pursuing? I didn’t figure I could make a living at writing, so what was the point? But when I was at the lowest point I’d been in years, I followed my obsession and started to write this story about who Sigyn might have been. It started as a way to ground myself and to kill time, but turned into a 5th draft 170k story. Now I write because it’s the only way I can breathe.

7. How do you find time to write?

Currently I’m studying IT in a course that demands almost none of my time. I’ve been blessed to be able to work on my manuscript day in and day out for more than a year, other than when I’m in class. I’m in the process of finding work though, which is going to reduce the amount of hours I have in a day.

8. When and where are the best times to write? I tried writing in cafes but often find it distracting. I can write in a study area of a library, but the best place for me is at home, at my pc, preferably with my boyfriend quiet or at work XD

9. Favorite food/drinks while writing?

I don’t eat much while I write. It’s hard to eat and type. I’m the kind of person who’ll just forget that food is needed and discover I haven’t eaten for eight hours. I do like a drink though, normally Red Rose tea, a black coffee or some water. This combination is why we bought a blender; at least if I drink a smoothie, I’m getting some vitamins from it.

10. Your writing playlist?

WHY I’M GLAD YOU ASKED! I have two versions of The Goddess of Nothing At All playlist, with spoilers and without. I also have a playlist for when I’m writing that has zero English in it and is very viking aged moody. https://tinyurl.com/yc9wtt3p

11. What do family/friends/loved ones think of you writing?

My family and friends have been extremely supportive. My family has seen a few chapters, and some of my close friends are also writers, so they’ve taken on my newest draft for beta reading. My best friend read the first draft and without her enthusiasm, I would’ve stopped there. The boyfriend is incredibly supportive and enthusiastic, but it’s difficult for him to read my high fantasy English since he’s not a native speaker and reading isn’t his forte (we’re a gaming couple :P)

12. Parts of writing you enjoy the most?

Honesty, all of them. I used to think I’d hate editing but I love getting the chance to refine things and make them more beautiful layer by layer. I love the draft, I love the rewrites, I even love the critique. I’m lucky that way.

13. Parts of writing you find challenging?

WAITING. Just. UGH. I hate any part of my life being out of my hands, because then I have no say in when things happen or how. Right now I’m waiting on all but one of my beta reviews to come back and trying to keep busy is the only thing keeping me sane. If my anxiety kicks into high gear, I’ll start wondering if radio silence means everyone hates my work, so I’m giving myself other projects in the meantime.

14. What do you write with and on?

I write on my desktop PC, or sometimes my laptop that I bought for writing but it’s a little laggy. I use Word because of compatibility issues that I’ve had with things like OpenOffice. I’m a simple person, I don’t need a fancy program.

15. How do you overcome writer’s block?

I usually stick one of those playlists on and immerse myself in the story they remind me of until something clicks. Sometimes it’s also a matter of going back and reading something I’ve already written, to get the gears turning again.

16. How do you motivate yourself to write?

Listening to the playlists, holding myself accountable to my writer friends and tremendous amounts of guilt. I have this unhealthy thought process that if I’m not accomplishing something, my day is wasted. It helps me get a lot done, but don’t take up that kind of habit.

17. Authors who inspire you as a writer?

Patrick Rothfuss. I hadn’t found an author in years that I really was enthralled by, but his writing is everything I aspire to be.

18. Books that inspire you as a writer?

The Kingkiller series by Rothfuss. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray. American Gods/Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman. Tolkien. Probably a dozen more.

19. Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer?

Find a community. My community came to me, and very much by accident. Some members of our reading club had formed a writing club and drug me into it kicking and screaming. I wasn’t a writer. They didn’t listen to me, and they’re why I’m still here, working on this story. The power of support is incredible.

20. Writing goals this year

To finish the after beta reader edit, and distribute that draft to some new readers. Make a temporary cover, put up a website, do this Tumblr thing right. I could go on. Thanks for reading, I know that was quite a journey you took with me!

#meet the writer #writerblr #writing #Goddess of Nothing At All

2 notes · View notes

tahlreth · 7 years ago

Text

I Want That One

AN: This is such a dumb titles for a story, I hate it. XD I’m pretty happy with the story itself, however! It’s pretty long, almost 10k, so if you want to read it on A03 instead, you can find it here.

Anyway! This is for @kirah69 for the Steter Secret Santa Exchange, and I hope you enjoy it! Thanks to @stetersecretsanta for organizing the even!

Alliances were tricky beasts at the best of times, and part of Peter was absolutely delighted to see Talia struggling to form this one. Having dared to question if she would be able to succeed in tying their clan to a neighboring tribe of Octarians, his dear sister had forbidden him from participating in negotiations with their leader. It was a bit ridiculous of her, really. He wasn't the one who called them bloodthirsty savages, after all, and even if he did he wouldn't mean it as an insult. Peter admired their willingness to go to war to protect their own, and even a small tribe of the fierce warriors was capable of destroying an entire settlement of Merfolk.

With more and more dark creatures crawling their way out of the abyss of a nearby trench, their clan needed that kind of aggression on their side.

That was why he would, of course, step in to aid Talia in securing the alliance - eventually. Once her common sense overtook her pride and she asked him to join her at the table, he would be happy to do so. Peter wouldn't even make her beg. Much. Until she broke, however, it was far more amusing to watch her flounder when faced with the stern leader of the Octarians. Unlike him, Talia truly did believe the other species to be savage, crude and inferior.

'They don't even build shelters, Peter', she'd told him once from where she was lounging on a bed of coral and sea silk. 'They don't clothe themselves either, or create jewelry or art or music - all they know is war'.

Looking over the visitors from his favorite alcove (one mostly hidden in the shadows that few ever took notice of), Peter found himself in firm disagreement. Perhaps the adornments the Octarians wore looked more crude than the glittering ornaments his people crafted at first glance, but there was artistry there regardless. Most pieces were probably made of bone rather than coral and shells, but they were just as skillfully shaped, carved into interesting shapes - Peter itched to get his hands on the necklace the leader wore so he could examine it closely. Many of their visitors wore brightly colored spikes and barbs from tropical fish woven in their hair, and if they felt no need to hide their bits behind useless scraps of frippery, Peter saw nothing wrong with that.

He was absolutely fascinated by the symbols that the Octarians had tattooed into the skin of their human halves. There were stories in those tattoos, Peter was sure of it. Most of the ink was black, a deep blue or a vivid red; only a few members had emerald greens, vibrant pinks or shocking oranges. Older members were the ones that were the most decorated - the man Talia was dealing with was nearly covered completely from waist to neck. Perhaps they got them when they became accomplished warriors or hunters, or they could be a right of passage... he wanted to know. He hated when knowledge eluded him, and he knew his sister wouldn't ask any questions about the tattoos, not when they were both scandalous and indecent in the minds of most of the Merfolk in his clan.

Peter could hardly wait for her resolve to break so he could be formally introduced to the Octarians. He had so many questions that needed to be answered once their alliance was secured.

Focused intently on the flagging discussion happening in front of him, Peter had been largely ignoring his surroundings... so it was no wonder, really, that he was taken completely by surprise by a light touch to the inside of his left wrist. His pride would sting later when he remembered the way he startled - he hadn't had anyone sneak up on him in ages, and he was absolutely going to give whoever had touched him without permission a tongue lashing.

Except when he whirled to face the interloper, he found himself staring into wide, unfamiliar brown eyes that almost seemed to glow. At the same time, the touch on his wrist turned firmer - no, not firmer, something was sucking at his skin and he couldn't bring himself to look down at his arm to see what was happening. That would mean tearing his eyes away from the beautiful face in front of him and Peter wasn't ready for that yet. He was too interested in drinking in the pale, almost pearlescent skin that was marked by small, reddish rings that in a true human would have been called 'beauty marks' - and oh, they were lovely. Peter found himself wanting to brush his fingers over them, wanted to map they way they disappeared into short, dark hair and the way they trailed down the right side the Octarian's neck.

For the moment he could only let his eyes follow that path, ignoring the way he felt something wrap around his wrist to create several more points of suction. The Octarian who had interrupted his spying was male and likely younger than Peter. He was old enough to have been inked, at least - his was that vibrant red, looking so delightful against pale skin that Peter longed to run his hands over marked inch of him. Not that there was much of it, as the Octarian's tattoos were limited to a sleeve of swirling lines on his left forearm and a piece that wrapped around his right shoulder to grace that collar bone, a few delicate lines curling into the hollow of his throat.

Forget his hands - Peter wanted his mouth on those beautiful adornments.

Letting his eyes drop further, he found himself just as entranced by the many legs that his new obsession owned. His octopus half was the opposite of his human; the majority of the coloring was the same deep red as those delectable marks on his face and torso. Dotting the skin (which Peter thought might feel like the velvet rich humans wore) were rings of pearlescent white, some of them just large enough to be seen while the largest few were as big as his fist.

It was as he let his eyes run down the length of one tentacle that Peter fully processed the fact that one of the appendages was curled around his wrist. He felt his eyebrows lift at the realization before he gave into his curiosity and twisted his hand enough to stroke the limb that was holding him captive. Just as he'd thought, the surface was velvet to the touch with firm muscle beneath and just a hint of sliminess - it wasn't at all unpleasant, and from the way the Octarian shivered at the touch, the other man felt the same way.

"And who do we have here?" Peter asked in a croon when the Octarian unstuck himself to release his hold. When he glanced down, there was a ring of vivid red circles that might even bruise; they ran all the way around his wrist. They looked rather lurid, almost obscene on his skin, and they left Peter with the odd feeling that he'd been somehow claimed. He arched a brow as he met the Octarian's eyes again and was delighted by the way a red flush began to wash over his face. "Darling, if you wanted to mark me all you had to do is ask," he added while drifting a little closer.

Talia would be furious with him, both for endangering the alliance and for 'lowering' himself by dallying with an Octarian. Peter didn't care - the other man was beautiful, and Peter wanted him.

"Hello," the Octarian breathed, scooting back a little at Peter's advance. Two of his eight tentacles, however, kept drifting towards Peter and twitching - probably an aborted attempt to latch on, so he was fairly certain he wasn't completely unwelcome. "Hi. I mean hello. I said that already. I... I didn't mean to grab you, I'm sorry, I just saw you up here while I was exploring - no, not exploring because this is your home and that would be so rude, to be, you know, snooping around. So I wasn't. Exploring. I was... lost? Yeah. I was lost. And then I saw you, and your tail is just really pretty so I got maybe a little distracted and then before I knew it I was over here and touching you. Hi."

"Hello," Peter said, giving a grin that probably showed off too many of his sharp teeth. The Octarian thought he had a pretty tail, and Peter preened at the thought. He was a rather handsome specimen, and he was well aware of that. Even with his personality (which many people who weren't him found a great deal of fault with) Talia was constantly fielding requests from other merfolk wanting to mate with him. The electric blue of his eyes was mirrored in his tail, and his markings resembled that of a mandarin fish - bright yellow near his waist and shifting to a vivid orange as his scales moved down to his fins. It was very pretty, and he spent a considerable amount of time grooming his scales until they shone. Peter took great pride in the rest of his appearance as well, and while modesty was all well and good he also believed in being truthful. He was stunning, and he was pleased that the beautiful Octarian had noticed.

"Hi." Peter bit back a laugh at the newest, breathless greeting - he didn't want the Octarian to think he was making fun of him.

"Now that we've said hello several times over, let's try something new. You can call me Peter, and if you're so curious about how my people live I would be extremely pleased to give you a guided tour. We can begin here and - if you'd like - end in my bedroom." The Octarian let out a soft sound that wasn't quite a yelp, darting back with more force than he'd been using previously. He managed to run into a wall and kept his back plastered there, staring at Peter with those lovely brown eyes.

"That's. That would be... I don't think..." the Octarian gulped, bringing Peter's attention to his neck - it was already lovely, but the pale, slender length would look even better decorated with Peter's bite marks. "I'm Stiles," he said, not quite shrinking away when Peter got close again. Not wanting to crowd... Stiles so much he felt threatened, Peter stopped an arm's length away. It was hard not to grin when the tip of one of Stiles' tentacles began to lightly stroke his side, shifting between skin and scales and making shivers of pure pleasure zing down Peter's spine. "That's not... my mom was from a tribe that lived in different waters, and the name she gave me is... most can't... so Stiles is good. I think my dad would kill me if I agreed to go to your bedroom, so. Not that I want to even if he wouldn't get mad - not that I don't want to, exactly, but. I'm sorry for grabbing you?"

"Don't apologize for that," Peter said with a smile, holding up his wrist for Stiles to inspect. "You look good on me, sweetheart."

Stiles' lovely eyes darted from Peter's to his wrist and back again several times, mouth dropping open a little in an expression Peter couldn't quite interpret. "Yeah," he whispered finally, sounding wrecked. "I mean! Uh. I shouldn't have done that. Probably." A second tentacle had joined the first on Peter's opposite side, and he refused to draw attention to the soft, exploring touches - it felt far too enjoyable. It made him want more though, made him wish Stiles would wrap all those tentacles around Peter and leave marks all over his skin. "My dad is probably wondering where I am. I should probably... go and join the talks again before they realize I slipped off. I wasn't going to do anything, I just wanted to see," he added hurriedly, perhaps realizing how bad it could look to have a member of a diplomatic party slip off unattended to 'explore'.

"If Talia says anything, tell her that I'll vouch for you," Peter said, shrugging one shoulder. It was a risk, but one he was willing to take if it kept him in Stiles' good graces. If it pissed off his sister at the same time, that was just a happy bonus. "I'm afraid I can't help you with your father, however."

"... right. Okay. I have to go now."

"Of course."

"I mean, I really need to."

"I'm not stopping you," Peter pointed out, breaking his rule and carefully settling the fingers of either hand on the tentacles that were touching his sides. He loved the way Stiles shuddered as he skimmed his fingers upward, but he didn't try to hold onto him when Stiles pulled his tentacles away. "If you need to go, darling, I wouldn't dream of keeping you."

"Right. I'm going to, uhm. Go then," Stiles said, starting to edge his way along the wall, away from Peter. True to his word, Peter stayed where he was... but there was probably no hiding the interest he felt. Stiles' eyes never left him as he inched away; the Octarian went so far as to swim down the hallway backwards so he didn't have to look away. Just before he turned the corner, Stiles paused and swallowed hard again. "Could I maybe... if you're not busy... could I maybe see you again? Later? If my dad doesn't, you know. Kill me. I still probably shouldn't go to your bedroom, but you could maybe, uhm. Give me a tour of the other stuff here. So I don't have to explore by myself."

"I would be delighted, Stiles. Shall I come find you in the morning? I assure you that time spent with me will be far more enjoyable than whatever mindless entertainment they've set up for your group tomorrow."

"I'm sure I'll find time with you extremely pleasurable," Stiles said before turning that lovely shade of red again. "So... so I'll see you tomorrow then? Oh, but won't you get in trouble? I'm really not supposed to wander around without Talia's permission."

"Let me worry about Talia," Peter said, pleased to have found someone who was willing to use his sister's name instead of her title. "You just wait for me tomorrow morning, and I'll come."

"... alright. I'll see you tomorrow then, Peter."

"Tomorrow."

"Right. Bye."

"Farewell for now."

"Mmm. Bye." Stiles paused again, human hand gripping the edge of the entrance. "... bye."

Even once he hurried out of Peter's sight, Peter stayed right where he was, staring down the hallway with unseeing eyes. Stiles was beautiful, and there had been a glimmer of intelligence in his eyes despite the way he'd babbled mindlessly. If things went well during the tour he'd offered, perhaps Peter could solve Talia's alliance problem and catch himself a lovely mate in one fell swoop.

It was certainly something worth considering. Talia would hate the idea, and who knew how the Octarian delegation would take it - to say nothing of Stiles' family. But his sister had been after him for quite some time to settle down and choose a mate, so she could hardly complain. Hopefully his position as Talia's Left Hand would be enough to impress Stiles' family and gain their permission. So long as the next day didn't end in complete disaster, it really was an idea with a lot of merit.

If he could convince Stiles of that, Peter would be able to get his hands and mouth on Stiles just the way he wanted... and he could probably get Stiles to thoroughly mark his own skin in return with just a little encouragement. Looking down at his left wrist, Peter felt heat curling in his body at that ring of red circles Stiles had left behind. They really did look good on him, and Peter could hardly wait to get more.

~.~.~

Peter stared down at the trio of dead, gutted fish that was on the floor in front of his suite. They were strung together with a bright red spine from another fish, and between each was a carved bead made of bone. He had no idea what exactly he was supposed to make of the... gift? Warning? Threat? There wasn't anyone waiting to tell him what in the void it was supposed to be, or why someone had dumped it in front of his door. But it looked like a good deal of effort and thought had been put into it, so he gave a put-upon sigh and scooped up the present and brought it into his room for further inspection.

From the beads, he thought it was a safe bet that it had come from one of the Octarians. Perhaps Stiles would be able to tell him what it was for.

Reminded of is self-appointed task, Peter smiled and looked down at his left wrist. He was right, and a few of the marks that Stiles had left with his suckers had bruised, still starkly visible on his skin. Pleased by that, Peter had found a cuff bracelet that he could put on just below the marks, hoping that would draw some attention to them. Just to make sure, he'd taken the time to grab the inks his clan used to paint their skin - bought from humans, it was spelled to resist water, and was mostly used for special occasions. He almost never utilized them, but that morning it had felt right to decorate the back of his hand and bring swirling lines down to his wrist. Peter echoed the tattoos he'd seen on Stiles as best he could remember them, hoping the Octarian would appreciate the gesture.

All in all, he fully expected every eye to be drawn to the marks on his wrist, and he was sure he would preen every time he noticed it. He smiled down at it, pleased with himself, then swam off toward the visitor's quarters with powerful strokes of his tail. He ignored everyone that he passed, though he did spare a nod to Derek and a small smile for Cora. Thankfully he was able to avoid Talia altogether, and soon he had reached the suite that Stiles would be sharing with his fellows. Peter briefly wondered why it was that Stiles had come with them - he was clearly the youngest in the delegation, and while he was beautiful he doubted that was a reason to bring him along.

He put it from his mind as he knocked, however, intent on enjoying his time with Stiles. Before his fist connected with the door for the third time it was yanked open almost violently, and he came far too close to hitting the object of his affection. Stopping himself just in time, he turned his hand and opened his fist, turning the gesture into one where he could smoothly cup Stiles' jaw. "Good morning," he said with a smile, smoothing his thumb over Stiles' cheek.

"Good morning," Stiles echoed, eyes wide and skin flushing a sweet red. "I wasn't sure... you came."

"You didn't think I would? I do believe I'm hurt. Since we don't know each other very well I'll forgive you just this once. But Stiles - when I say I'll do something, I always follow through." A thought occurred to him, and he let himself drift a little closer to the Octarian, doing his best to contain his glee. "Did you leave me a present this morning sweetheart? Is that why you didn't think I'd come?"

"... maybe."

"The beads were lovely," he said as he searched Stiles' eyes.

"I made them when I was younger," Stiles was quick to reply, a smile hovering on his lips as one tentacle reached out toward Peter. If he nudged the appendage with his right arm to encourage the tentacle to wrap around him, that was entirely his own business. Well, it was Stiles' business too, especially since the tentacle wrapped around him with no hesitation, suckers moving over his skin almost like they were tasting him. "We all have to make at least two sets - that was my second. They aren't... they aren't as good as my friend Scott would have given you, but--"

"I don't want any beads from Scott, Stiles, no matter how lovely they are. Yours suit me just fine." Another blush fell over those pale cheeks, and Peter couldn't help but chase it with his thumb before sliding his hand down to cup the side of Stiles' neck instead. The motion drew Stiles' attention to Peter's wrist, and he saw the moment when Stiles realized what he'd done to draw attention to the marks left there.

"Peter," he said, voice sounding strangled. "You... that's..."

"I told you - I like the way you look on me." Peter told him with a shrug. "I want everyone else to see how pretty you make my skin look." Stiles made a sound that was nearly a shriek, then seemed to pull himself together. "Should I not have?" he wondered, for the first time realizing he may have crossed a line that Stiles' people found important. It was one thing to thumb his nose at Merfolk propriety; it was another to offend the people of his potential mate before they'd pledged themselves to each other. "I can wash the ink off if you--"

"No! I mean... no. It's... fine. Better than fine. Good. It's... so good. It's just hard to figure out... this would be easier if we were in my territory. I made sure it was alright to kill the fish, but--"

"Darling, if you're trying to court me I give you permission to kill whatever you need to. But first..." Peter carefully pulled away, making sure to be gentle with the tentacle wrapped around his right forearm. When he did, there were marks left behind, but they weren't anywhere near as dark or satisfying as the ones that had decorated his wrist. Swiftly hiding his disappointment, Peter bowed the way he'd seen humans do, then offered Stiles that arm. "I owe you a tour, I believe. Come while the day away with me."

Stiles grinned and took his arm, making sure to shut the door behind him as they left. Almost immediately the Octarian launched into a series of rapid-fire questions about Merfolk, Peter's home, and Peter himself. His questions were as delightful as Stiles himself was, showing a great deal of intelligence and wit. When he wasn't blushing and stammering because of their flirtations, Stiles was also excellent at responding to Peter's biting sarcasm with more of the same.

Peter was mer enough to admit he was smitten. Even if Talia forbade it, even if it didn't help secure the alliance, he was going to have Stiles as his mate. They'd spent the whole day together and Peter hadn't found himself bored even once. Better still, Stiles' tentacles and their suckers had kept up a light but constant exploration of him, moving over his scales and skin in equal measure. It was rare for Peter to be touched in his day-to-day life - he hadn't known how much he missed it until Stiles.

He had a feeling that he would be saying that about a lot of things in his future.

~.~.~

Well before Peter would have started the next day, he was yanked from his dreams by the sound of someone pounding thunderously on his door. Certain it was his sister, come to ruin his happiness from the day before, he didn't exactly rush to answer it... and was taken aback completely when the door slammed open before he reached it. Before his sleep-slow brain could process what was going on, each of his arms was held tight by a set of tentacles - neither belonged to Stiles, and Peter found the situation intolerable.

"What is the meaning of this?" he bellowed, tail thrashing and revealing his agitation. It took all his willpower to keep from fighting against his captors right away; instead he forced the rest of his body to go slack. If they thought he was submitting, he might find it easier to escape their hold should he really need to. The leader of the Octarians - John, Talia had told Peter that his name was John - no longer looked stern and noble. Instead fear and rage were mingled in his expression while washes of a bright yellow ran over his usually tan lower body. The vivid warning color made the Octarian's bright blue rings stand out even more, and Peter found himself certain that John was hanging on by a thread.

"Where is my son?!" John was even louder than Peter had been, human fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. Like Peter's, his lower body was an even clearer indication of how upset he was, tentacles curling into themselves before lashing out - if one managed to hit him, Peter had no doubt that it would be extremely painful. As the Octarian's words penetrated, Peter found himself at a loss. John had a son? A son he'd brought to this meeting? He hadn't known that, didn't know why they would think he knew anything about-- "Where is Stiles?!"

Shit.

"What do you mean, where is he? Did something happen?" Peter tried to move forward, but was held fast by the other two Octarians. He didn't even try to keep from snarling at the one on his left, but even the way the other winced back wasn't enough to mollify him. "I left him last night in the guest quarters. I was supposed to see him later today."

John was scowling as he watched Peter, but after a few moments he waved a hand and Peter was released. He hated the light suction marks they had left on his skin, and the two Octarians should pray they disappeared before he saw Stiles again. If his mate-to-be suspected him of any kind of unfaithfulness, Peter would gut the both of them.

"He was gone when I woke this morning," John said, beginning to move back and forth in the water, tentacles still barely under control. "I thought... I had hoped he snuck away to be with the Mer that he had been gushing over. He gave you fish and beads," John added in a mutter, running a hand through his hair. "I thought for sure he would... you really haven't seen him?"

"No," Peter said shortly, refusing to be worried just yet. He needed to stay as calm and collected as he could - he would give into the urge to worry and turn hysterical once Stiles was found. Then he would either kiss the Octarian senseless or strangle him, whichever was most appropriate. "Have you told my sister? Talia could--"

"You're Talia's brother?"

"And you're Stiles' father," Peter knew his voice was terse, but there was no helping that. As he spoke he was headed for his door, itching to put a plan in motion to find Stiles. "Clearly there are things we should have spoken of, but now is not the time. You have no idea where he could have gone?"

"No."

Peter didn't growl at Stiles' father, but it was a near thing. How could he have lost Stiles? He refused to talk to the Octarian as they moved, too busy trying to put a plan of action together. He didn't want to draw the attention of his entire clan, not with an alliance and Stiles at stake. There were some Merfolk that he wouldn't trust not to overreact - they would decide Stiles was a spy of some kind and might hurt the Octarian he wanted to take as his mate. Talia would have to be told, unfortunately, and then she'd stick her nose into his courtship which he wasn't looking forward to. Still, the warriors that he did trust to take the task of searching for his mate seriously all answered to her or his nephew.

Which meant he'd have to get Derek involved, which would intrigue Cora and Laura, and soon the entirety of his nosy, annoying family would be involved. Marvelous.

Despite the reluctance part of him felt, Peter sent the first mer they came across to fetch his nephew to Talia's chambers immediately. John frowned over at him, and he held back a sneer in return. He needed to make nice with Stiles' family, especially since their courtship hadn't been completed yet. Beyond that, the Octarian looked to be hanging on to his temper by a thin thread, and he had no doubt John wouldn't have a problem lashing out in his anger. It was a trait he admired in his people as much as Talia found it distasteful.

He hadn't wondered if the alliance was really a good idea for his own sake.

By the time Peter and his Octarian escort arrived at his sister's chambers, Derek was hovering by the door. His heavy brows were drawn into a frown, though one arched in a silent question once he caught sight of Peter. His nephews eyebrows said more than the dear boy ever managed with his mouth.

"My son is missing," John snapped instead of letting Peter answer. "If I find out your people know where he is--"

"I can assure you that we had nothing to do with it," Peter interrupted in his 'I'm very diplomatic' voice. "If even a hint of something like that had reached my ears, I'd have killed the one doing the whispering. Talia!" he called as he threw open the doors to her room - she'd know they were there, and this was no time to stand on ceremony.

His sister was scowling as she swam up to him, hair still mussed from sleep and none of her usual finery in place. "Peter. What is the meaning of this?"

"Stiles - my son - is missing," John said yet again, starting to go quiet in his anger. That worried Peter, and he did hope that this wouldn't turn into a diplomatic incident. For all that Talia and most of their clan considered them savages, Peter doubted they could stand against the Octarians if they found a reason to go to war. "I want him found, and I want an explanation - you assured me that we would be safe here, that no one would move against us--"

"None of my people had anything to do with this," Talia interrupted, and another wash of violent yellow ran over John's lower body. Peter thought if another person didn't let him finish the Octarian was going to do some damage. "Peter, why are you here?"

"Stiles has - apparently - initiated a courtship with your brother," John said, terse and to the point. "I had... hoped," he continued, though the grimace that accompanied the word indicated that he'd felt something completely different. "That I would find them together in Peter's room. Instead my son is missing, and I demand your aid to find him."

"Peter, you--" Talia stopped herself and shot him a look that meant trouble later, while Derek looked almost happy with surprise. It was strange to see his face without a sullen glower on it. "I apologize, John. Now isn't the time. Of course we will assist you. I assume you have an idea of where to start, Peter."

"Only who we should send. If word of this spreads, we may lose control of the situation. Derek, if you would be so kind as to lend me Boyd, Erica and Isaac I would very much appreciate it. Just do remind Erica to keep her mouth shut for the time being. And Talia, I believe we should use your honor guard - they would die before they betrayed your trust. Did Stiles say anything last night that gave any sort of clue as to where he might be?"

"No. He spoke only of you, and how he wished he'd been able to find something more impressive to offer you than mere fish."

"I liked the fish," Peter said, frowning at his mate's apparent insecurity. "He managed to catch my favorite." Peter had planned to prepare the both of them a meal using the gift for lunch, one of the first steps in the courtship dance of his own people. If Stiles didn't manage to come back to him before the midday meal, Peter was going to be rather cross with him.

"Stiles worries," John said, sounding both fond and exasperated. "If no one abducted him, I'm sure that after you parted ways he talked himself into thinking that you found his offering to be lacking. Once he gets his mind set on something... well. It is possible that he managed to sneak out," John allowed, looking unhappy at the admission that there might have been no wrongdoing on the part of the Merfolk.

"Excuse me," Derek's voice was unexpected, which meant it was probably something important. Peter turned toward him and made a gesture for him to continue, and his nephew did so with heavy brows. "But I don't know much of your rituals. Does Stiles need to hunt something to present to Peter for the first step of courtship?"

"In a manner of speaking. Usually we try to hunt a more dangerous creature to prove that we are capable of protecting our mates and any children that come from the union. However, if we are in an area where that's impossible or if an Octarian is a poor hunter, they may choose to hunt a prey animal instead to prove that they can still provide."

"Stiles was disappointed that he could only give me fish," Peter remembered suddenly. "He was worried about hunting things he wasn't supposed to in our territory. I... I gave him permission to kill whatever he needed to. I was jesting, but--"

"Well... shit," John said quietly, running a hand through his hair. "So he probably went off hunting, on his own, in unfamiliar territory looking for something dangerous. Lovely."

"I think... it might be worse," Derek murmured, reluctant as always to give his words away. "Stiles is... he is the one with the red markings on his human half, isn't he?" Peter saw just a hint of red dusting his nephew's cheeks and he didn't even try to keep himself from growling. Derek just rolled his eyes, eyebrows drawing even closer together. "I was talking with Cora and Boyd about the recent increase of invasions from the creatures of the abyss. He... may have heard. If he's so determined to impress uncle Peter...."

Dread swamped him, turning his human parts cold as the arctic sea. Even the least of the infernal beings was a monster, and facing one alone was akin to suicide. If Stiles ran into one of the larger, more dangerous creatures.... Peter propelled himself backwards until he hit the wall, using it to support himself as he tried to think. John had wave after wave of yellow washing over his tentacles, while the other two Octarians were changing colors as well. John and Talia were barking orders to their respective people, while Derek left to get Boyd, Erica and Isaac. On his way out he took just a moment to stop at Peter's side and give his shoulder a firm, reassuring squeeze.

His mate was out there hunting monsters born from darkness and nightmares, and Stiles was doing it to impress him. Peter was going to strangle the idiot once he returned, he decided as everyone but he and his sister left the room. He wouldn't kill Stiles, because many of the preparations he'd made to cheat death would work only for him, but he might maim the Octarian. His stupid, reckless mate deserved nothing less, and if he got hurt during this ridiculous attempt to win his hand, Peter would make him grovel for forgiveness.

Well, after he nursed Stiles back to health. Yelling at and strangling him would be far less satisfying if Stiles was already injured.

Making the decision that he'd let himself be weak for long enough, Peter took a breath and pulled himself together. Almost as soon as he'd left the support of the wall behind, however, Talia was on him. "An Octarian, Peter? Really? I have brought mer after mer to you, ones who were accomplished, refined and beautiful - some from clans even wealthier than ours! - and you spurned every single one of them--"

"They were boring," Peter said, eyes narrowing in a warning Talia was almost certain to ignore. "Most of them were also stupid or complacent. Stiles is far more beautiful than any of them ever were, and his mind is absolutely fascinating. So no, not an Octarian - I want Stiles. I don't know why you're getting into a snit, sister," he continued with a growl when Talia opened her mouth to argue. "This will probably help you get your alliance, though I had no idea Stiles was John's son. Though I had wondered why someone so young had joined the delegation... but none of that matters. Not until he's found and brought safely back here where I can maim him myself."

"Hmph. You call our people stupid. At least none of us would be so foolish as to--"

"I would think very, very carefully about the words leaving your mouth, sister dearest. Stiles will be my mate, so long as John doesn't forbid it. If you think I'll let you or anyone speak ill of him..." Peter trailed off, then gave Talia a smile that made her shiver and move back just a little bit. "Your position means nothing when it comes to him. If you can't keep a civil tongue in your head then I'll be happy to rip it out."

With that, he swept out of her chambers, heading for his own as swiftly as he could manage without rousing suspicion. Once he'd gotten there, he went straight for his armor - he had no intention of sitting at home flipping his fins while others searched for his mate. His chest piece had been made of the scales from the very monsters Stiles had gone hunting, given to a master blacksmith on the surface to turn into a protective work of art.

It was nearly impenetrable, black with a sheen of colors dancing over the surface like oil on water. It included a pauldron that covered his left shoulder in the shape of a leviathan, with it's eyes done in jewels that were the same color as Peter's eyes. The guards he pulled onto his forearms were far less intricate and far more flexible, giving him the dexterity he needed to wield the daggers he preferred. As soon as the belt that held six of them was strapped around his waist, Peter was off, headed for the place where they'd all agreed to meet.

If Talia or John thought to keep him out of this, he would stab first and ask for 'permission' later.

Thankfully Stiles' father did no such thing. Indeed, he and the other Octarians with him were kitted out in much the same fashion as Peter, though his weapon of choice was a spear. When he saw Peter approach, something close to respect and acceptance crossed his face, and the nod he gave was one of approval. Peter knew that many other underwater denizens considered his people soft, and they weren't entirely wrong. He was, however, happy to prove that not all Merfolk were content to stay in their shelters and let others protect them.

Once Derek joined them with his three underlings and Talia's honor guard, they spoke briefly to make a plan. Peter ended up in 'command' of two Octarians and Erica - it had been decided that breaking into groups that included both peoples was the best option. The Octarians were more battle-hardened, while the Merfolk knew their territory and the best ways to fight the beasts that rose from the darkest depths. Hopefully the mixed groups would be able to cover more ground and come back safely.

As they left their shelter, Peter swore once again that he would never forgive Stiles if he got hurt. Peter was already impressed, already determined to make Stiles his, after all. There was nothing that could make him change his mind... not even the realization that his mate was just a little bit stupid.

~.~.~

Peter wasn't the one who found Stiles.

Erica and the Octarians - Jordan and Liam - had done well despite that. They'd run into a few small threats and gotten through them all with nothing more than a few small cuts and bruises. The Octarians had impressed him quite a bit, and he'd been pleased with the way Erica was completely willing to work with them, adapting the way she fought to accommodate and compliment their own styles. It had reinforced the benefits of the alliance in Peter's mind, and if his sister found a way to fuck it up he was going to seriously consider a coup.

One of the last pitfalls they faced was a shark - aging and scarred from a life well lived, she wouldn't stop attacking until Peter finally ended her pain. She had gotten a few good smacks in with her tail, and his ribs felt bruised and tender as the four of them worked together to bring the carcass home. While his clan didn't often seek out shark, it would provide quite a bit of food, along with teeth and other things they could use. It would have been a waste to let the carcass rot in the water, and they'd been out long enough that Peter thought it best they check in to see if anything had changed.

On reaching the outer wall of the settlement, however, he saw that their catch was not going to be the big news of the day.

Someone had killed a druaqon. Though they weren't the largest of the dark creatures by far, they were still vicious and difficult to bring down without a solid plan and, preferably, at least three Merfolk. Peter very much doubted that any mer at all had been involved in the slaying of this particular brute, however. Not with Stiles standing proudly next to it, a spear dripping with black ichor; some of it was also smeared on his arms and in a long line down his back. Along that same line were large welts where the creature had gotten Stiles. Peter knew from experience that they were painful, and fully intended to sit his idiot mate down as soon as possible so he could care for them.

"Erica?" he murmured, eyes fixed on the wonderfully stupid Octarian he fully planned on twining his life with. "Could you please go to Deaton and ensure that a batch of the antidote for druaqon venom is being made? If no one had the brains to request it before I arrived, have him start one."

"So that's your mate, huh?" she said, voice heavy with interest and suggestion. "I can see why you like him so much Peter." When he slanted a look her way, she was grinning. As soon as he growled, the little minx winked at him, then flitted off to Deaton as he'd asked.

"Brat," he muttered before looking over to his Octarian helpers. "We can leave the shark here - the kitchens will come to retrieve the meat. I think we'd best go see how much trouble my mate is in."

"You two aren't even--"

"Shut up," Jordan interrupted before Peter could, elbowing Liam in the gut as he spoke. "Stiles went and killed a monster for him, and Peter was ready to kill one to keep Stiles safe. I have a feeling that if either John or Talia try to get in the way of this match they'll be the ones who ended up backing down."

"Of course they would," Peter said with a smile, deciding that he liked Jordan but would happily stab Liam a few times - though in non-fatal spots, since he had done well against the shark. "My sister knows better than to stand in my way when I want something... and right now I very much want Stiles." Octarians were stronger but Mers were faster. It was easy to put on a bit of speed and leave his temporary companions behind.

As soon as he was in earshot, he could hear John shouting at Stiles. Underneath the anger was a layer of fear and just a hint of pride; Peter hoped Stiles would take all three emotions to heart. He was also a little upset that John was the one doing the yelling, if he were honest with himself. Nothing between him and Stiles was official, as Liam had reminded him, so he had no true claim to be the one doing the shouting. He'd been afraid for his mate and angry that Stiles had so foolishly struck out on his own - he wanted to be the one threatening to wring Stiles' neck. But his father did still have first rights to that, unfortunately, so Peter supposed that for now he would play the supportive mate and save the scolding for later when they were alone.

In that spirit, Peter slid up to Stiles' side from behind, splaying his hand over Stiles' lower back where there were no welts. Stiles, who had been staring defiantly at his father, startled and then looked over at Peter. Instantly his expression melted to one of pride and pleasure, and Peter was suddenly hard pressed to be all that angry with him. "I found something better than fish," he declared, waving a hand at the dead druaqon. "I'm supposed to give you another set of beads, since my first offering was unworthy--"

"It was not," Peter interrupted, offended on his mate's behalf. "I was perfectly happy to accept those fish, Stiles. I had planned on using them to make the both of us a meal as my own first courting gift, but that's been rather ruined, I think." Stiles' face fell, and the proud set of his shoulders slid into a slump. Peter told himself to remain firm - he had a reputation to uphold, and all the gathered Merfolk could not be permitted to see how easily Stiles had wrapped Peter around his little finger. "I hope you will accept the shark I slew with some assistance from two of your people and one of mine."

There. That wasn't too soft of him, but it still brought some of the light back to Stiles' eyes. "You killed a shark for me?"

"Mm. Well, I killed it while searching the ocean for my intended mate, who vanished without a trace, telling no one of his destination. During that rather frantic attempt to find him--"

"I get the point, Peter."

"Oh, I very much doubt that. Regardless, the shark was killed during an effort to protect you, and I can prepare a meal just as well from it instead of your fish. I don't need another set of beads either, Stiles," he said as he leaned in to casually drag his cheek over Stiles' jaw. Peter was deeply pleased when two of Stiles' tentacles immediately began touching Peter. The tip of one was exploring the scales of Peter's tail, while the other wrapped around his waist from behind, curling around his side to rest on his chest as well. He could already feel the way Stiles' suckers were marking his skin, and he preened at the further evidence that his mate had chosen him back.

"This is all very sweet," John broke in suddenly, sounding exasperated, angry and fond. Peter had a feeling that combination of emotions might be common around Stiles. "But that was still an incredibly stupid thing to do, Stiles. I don't have words to express how stupid it was. Anything could have happened to you, and we probably wouldn't have even been able to find the body!" Stiles did flinch back at that, and Peter couldn't help but pull the Octarian protectively against his side. "You don't get to do that to me, kid," John said, suddenly sounding exhausted. "You don't."

"Sorry dad," Stiles said softly.

"I know. That doesn't make it better. And that doesn't even begin to address this... this... this!" John added, gesturing to where Peter and Stiles were connected. "What is this?"

"We're courting," Peter said smoothly, stalling Stiles' attempt to answer. From the way Stiles had gone rigid against him, he had a feeling whatever Stiles said wouldn't be helpful. "But I think any discussion of that can wait until after my mate's--"

"You're not mated yet!"

"Details," Peter said, waving the concern away. "Stiles is injured, is my point, and any discussion of our courtship can wait until they have been tended. Deaton should be finished with his concoction by now," Peter murmured, turning his head to speak the words against Stiles' temple. "Will you let me tend to you?"

The blush that graced Stiles' cheeks was both adorable and delicious, and Peter had absolutely no choice but to press a kiss to that rosy skin. "That sounds good. Nice. Yeah, let's do that. Hey daddy-o, as much fun as this has been, I'm going to let my mate--"

"You're not--"

"Why is everyone so worried about the formalities?" Stiles complained, plush lower lip pushing out in a pout. "We've done the first step of a courtship, which were actually the same which is nice, because we haven't talked about the differences between how my people court and how you Mers do it," he said, blinking at the realization. "Peter, why haven't we talked about that?"

"Because I woke up yesterday to find fish waiting for me in front of my door," he reminded the younger male, chuckling as an even darker blush washed over his face. "We'd only spoken once - I had intended to wait a little longer before offering you a token of my intent. You beat me to it, darling."

"Oh. Right."

When Peter glanced at John, he looked utterly resigned even with one hand covering his eyes. "Stiles," John said on a sigh before looking up at the pair of them. "I ought to lock you in your room until we leave. But you'd only find a way to wiggle your way out and find Peter despite it. So fine, go. You have my blessing. Just try not to skip any courtship steps, please, for my sake. Oh, and I expect you to come stay with my tribe soon, Peter - I won't have you two formally mating until that happens."

"Of course. I'd planned on doing just that."

"Good. Now go take care of my boy."

"Yes sir."

Peter ignored the commotion that was starting as more and more Merfolk learned what had happened. He breezed right past Talia without a word, guiding Stiles with a firm but gentle hand on the small of his back. By the time they neared Peter's room, Stiles was clearly beginning to feel the pain. The Octarian didn't say a word about it, however, choosing instead to bite his lower lip until it turned white and Peter began to fear that he'd bite right through it. The tentacles on Peter were also tightening, and he was sure he'd have dark bruises left behind by Stiles' suckers. While he wasn't opposed to that result, he was less than pleased with the cause behind them.

"Is your back the only place that's injured?" Peter asked, unable to help how terse he sounded.

"Yeah." Stiles looked over at him as they entered Peter's room, looking truly uncertain for the first time that Peter could remember. "You're angry with me, aren't you? I didn't mean to make you and dad worry, I swear. I meant to be back before anyone even knew I was gone. Not that that makes it better, probably, but I didn't think it would take so long. And I wasn't trying to find a creature from the abyss either, exactly, it just sort of... happened. I think it was injured or really young or something though, because it was moving really slow and it was pretty clumsy. I kind of thought I was going to die when I accidentally met up with it," he admitted, flinching at the wounded sound that escaped Peter's throat. He kept talking though, even as he laid on his stomach on Peter's bed. "I mean! I was hoping I could run away? Yeah, I was going to run away, definitely. I didn't just charge in or anything. Nope. Not me."

"Stiles?"

"Yeah?"

"This isn't helping."

"Oh. Sorry?"

They were interrupted by the arrival of Erica, who passed over the salve Deaton had made. She left with a lascivious wink, which made Peter roll his eyes. Curling up on the bed at Stiles' side, he gently washed away the ichor staining his mate's skin before beginning to apply Deaton's creation to the welts. Stiles did not take the application in a calm, stoic manner - the idiot whined and complained the whole time. It made caring for him less enjoyable and intimate, and Peter really was close to strangling him before the end.

The way Peter remained completely smitten despite that spoke to how wonderful his mate was.

After shucking his armor - he would clean and polish it later - Peter joined Stiles in the bed. It wasn't strictly appropriate, but they were courting. And considering the events of the day, Peter was fairly certain that they would be mated sooner rather than later and that no one would be able to stop their union. Not when they were so well matched and not when it would solidify ties between their two peoples. Besides, Peter had a feeling John would be hard pressed to find anyone else so willing and eager to take Stiles off his hands.

Stiles squirmed and wriggled and chatted for a ridiculous length of time before Peter huffed and dragged the idiot closer. Then the both of them were struggling to find a comfortable position, which was only made more difficult by the way Stiles' only option was to stay on his stomach. Eventually - finally - they settled with Peter on his back and Stiles draped half over him. It felt like he had tentacles everywhere, wrapped around his tail, torso and one of his arms. He couldn't wrap his arms around Stiles for fear of disturbing his injuries and the salve working to heal them, which meant he had to let both of them lay in a fairly uncomfortable position for far too long. Stiles' face was smashed against the side of his neck, where he'd probably start drooling and he was already snoring. He was too hot, too crowded, and too aware of Stiles to fall asleep with his usual ease.

Peter was certain he'd never been more content in his life.

#steter #steter secret santa #kirah69 #steter secret santa 2017 #my fic

36 notes · View notes

thechocobros · 7 years ago

Text

“SEE LUNA SAFE TO ALTISSIA” - part 16

Pair: Nyx Ulric / Lunafreya Nox Fleuret

Words: 6722

Plot: Luna and Nyx didn’t fell in the Empire’s trap, Nyx didn’t had to use the ring and he survived. What would have happened if Nyx really had the chance to ‘see Luna safe to Altissia’, like he promised to Regis? Here the part 5: The quick showdown in Altissia separated the newly wed Lunafreya Nox Fleuret and Nyx Ulric. She must fullfill her duty as Oracle. He must survive and go back to protect her. New allies and new enemies will come in their way, so in the chaos that follows, what will the future bring to them all?

Personal Comment: This took me long because I’m making so many things for the lunyx week! I also started to write two new lunyx fics etc, so please, please FORGIVE ME! >.< I hope this chapter will make amends. I’m publishing it before the week, so you will have time to read it.

Speaking of the chaper … Action and angst. My jam. I had to rewrite some scenes after seeing Ignis’ episode trailer, where Ravus appears too xD I also wanted to show more Luna and Nyx in their roles (especially Luna. Damn, that last update really ruined her more and I needed to go back to a more KG version of her, where she actually does stuff without whining), so yeah, I hope I did it good? More action!Luna is yet to come anyway. Let me know.

The next chapter should be the final one. OMG.

Luna must have fainted at some point for she woke up on the couch, exhausted and covered in sweat. She had experienced terrible nightmares as always, but this time waking up and realizing that Nyx wasn’t back yet felt even worse.

Out of the window, the sun was setting alread, or maybe it was the dawn of the day after, she couldn’t tell and this made her panic. If she wasn’t able to understand what time was it, how could she know if it was the case to be worried or not?

She asked the soldiers guarding her room but they didn’t see the Glaive return. He was away for more or less 15 hours. Luna thanked them and shut the door behind her. Once she was alone with her fears, she started to cry.

——–

The worst part was not knowing what happened to him.

Luna waited until midnight on a chair on the balcony, biting her nails to the quick. Her fingers bled when she bit too deep, and all she could do was weigh the possibilities of what could’ve happened. Maybe he was caught by the Imperials. Maybe Noctis thought he was a traitor under Kingsglaive fatigues. Maybe he was killed. Her mind screened and examined dozen of awful scenarios, where her husband got trapped, betrayed, tortured and even assassinated, and in each of them she felt like it was her fault.

The torment born by these nihilistic thoughts brought anything but peace and nobody was there to offer her comfort. In fact, after their last discussion, Ravus decided that it was too risky to stay in touch with her sister and was now probably too disposed with the Empire to actually care about his new brother-in-law. Luna wished to ask Aranea, but had no way to contact her.

And so, Luna realized that she was alone.

“You just have to go on with the plan and do what you gotta,” Nyx had whispered in her ear during their last night together after loving her thoroughly and passionately. “You have your duty. Coming back to you is mine.”

Awakening Leviathan. Kill her and also the other Gods. Defeat the Darkness together with Noctis. Nyx strongly believed that she was able to accomplish such an absurd and extremely dangerous mission, even without his help.

The amount of faith he placed in her was unbelievably huge, but he had always been right about her. Even in so little time, he was able to know her better than she ever knew herself. She believed that she had the power in winning this battle because of him, heard it until it resounded throughout her entire being. Luna wouldn’t let him down no matter what came to pass.

—–

When the dawn came, Luna knew her husband was lost, perhaps forever.

Her heart was shattered in thousand pieces, but none of that matter now. She had a duty to see through and couldn’t let her own irremediably compromised feelings tear her down before it. She was the Princess Oracle, no, she was the Queen Oracle like her mother before her and she carried the voice that only the Gods would adhere to.

She had to look at things in the right perspective, focus on her priorities. She tasted a piece of heaven thanks to Nyx, but now he was gone and she had to do what Eos expected her to, Nyx included. Wiping away her tears with closed fists and nerves taunt as tight ropes, Luna would not falter – not now, not ever.

——–

Nyx was engulfed in nothing but pain and darkness.

It was like someone was tearing his skin off, piece after piece slowly, starting with his arm. He wished to have his arm torn off once for all so he wouldn’t have to bear that constant agony, but the relief didn’t come until an immeasurable amount of time later.

Nyx couldn’t understand when or how, but he started to breathe again and was able to open his eyes.

Even before realizing where he was, his first thought went to Lunafreya. Where was she now? What did she thought when she didn’t see him coming back and what did she do afterwards? If he was still alive, he had to go back to her at any cost.

But wherever she was, it had to be better than his situation.

The place he was caged in was nothing but a dark dungeon with cold walls and only a small window on the ceiling. Hewas chained by the wrists behind the back. His shoulder still hurt like hell, but as he tried to stand on his feet from the supine position he was, he noticed that also his entirebody was sore. Nothing alike the miserable condition he was some time ago anyway.

“You shouldn’t exert yourself,” said someone in a matter-of-fact tone. “I so kindly pulled you from death’s cold embrace so you don’t meet such a tragic end. Need time to gather your bearings? By all means, you shall have it.”

Nyx boggled at the sound of that mellifluous and cruel voice, it was like a creepy music which sent shivers upon his spine. Even at cost of terrible pain, the Glaive turned to watch his interlocutor.

“You…!” He said, recognizing Chancellor Ardyn Izunia himself leaning on the wall and waiting for his awakening.

“Me? Judging by your tone, I assume you recognize me.” He whispered melodiously. “Excellent. I dislike frivolous formalities immensely. We can speak simply, you and I.”

Nyx gnashed his teeth, trying to stand up. He just didn’t have the strength to, barely managing to move a few inches that his restraints allowed. “You healed me?”

“You may be surprised of how many people I used to heal back in my time though I might be a tad rusty at it now. Feel the drawbacks, yes?”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t fancy conversing with corpses. To put it plainly, dead men tell no tales.”

Nyx was finally able to sit, his ribs protesting like they were broken in two and a wave of nausea struck him even if there was nothing inside his stomach to dispel the sensation. “I guess this is the Imperial way of getting someone’s attention?” He brought his chained wrists to his sides, gingerly brushing where the bullet went through. “Dunno if I even wanna know what happens when you guys get friendlier than this.”

Ardyn Izunia moved too, his unhurried gait held an air of pompous clairvoyance and the aloofness of a grand chessmaster.

“Magitek troops are neccessary pawns, but simply incompetent. They know no other way to stop a Glaive but to shoot first. They lack the foresight to consider much else.“

"So using Lunafreya’s notebook and pretending to be Prince Noctis to corner her was probably your idea, huh?”

“You recognized my style! I’m glad to hear that and well, you can’t say that wasn’t genius.” When Nyx raised an eyebrow at the word ‘genius’, the Chancellor added quickly, “Lower your suspicions now. I hold nothing but the deepest regard for men like you, Nyx Ulric. Men who are brave enough to stab the Frostbearer in the name of love. You remind me of myself when I was your age and maybe this is the reason why the Gods are not fond of you. But I do. In fact, the last person who dared to challenge the Astrals was myself so impatience drove me to meet you in person. To see that spark in someone’s eyes.”

“What do you really want?” asked Nyx, not liking his insinuations and starting to loose his coolness. The wound on his shoulder was gone, but the pain left him exhausted and wasn’t in the mood for his mind tricks.

“I want to help you.”

Nyx grimanced. “I don’t buy that one bit.”

“But what if I told you that as soon as I heard about the Glacian’s tragic end, I brought the Crystal to Altissia so your lovely princess could awaken the Infernian and the Draconian?”

Nyx narrowed his eyes and held his breath, studying the chanchellor’s expression to determine if anything expressed had a ring of truth to them. There must have been a catch somewhere, he knew it. Ardyn’s eyes were glowing with the cruelest light, it was like a purple and malicious spark, able to creep the hell out of Nyx. He couldn’t trust his words. “Isn’t what you wanted?” The chancellor continued, appealing to Nyx’s true desire, “To kill all the Six and free the innocent princess from their devices?”

“It is. But I also want to save my King and Eos from the grip of Darkness.”

“Ah, and that’s where, hero. However, I’m not apathetic to your distress, I’ll give you an inestimable opportunity. Consider it a sign of gratitude for killing the Glacian once and for all in my place. Without her divine intromission and the other Astrals’ help, the Chosen King will be in the palm of my hand.”

“What… are you talking about?”

“I can protect the Princess Oracle when she wakes the rest of the Six. I can lend her my power so she will quickly end them. Speaking of ‘her’, I mean your 'wife’.” Izunia stopped to admire with a corrupted smile Nyx’s surprised expression. “Yes, I know that too. What an admirable act of courage, to get marry in order to escape from the destiny the Gods chose for her. But now, don’t throw your bliss away. If you allow me to protect her, I can offer you an everlasting future by her side.”

Nyx instinctively shook his head. “What are you asking me in exchange?”

The chancellor gesticulated with his hand, trying to look casual. “Nothing. After your princess kills the Six, you can take her and flee. You can take her wherever you wish, no one shall ever oppose you ever again.”

Nyx smiled, but he was not amused at all. His mind caught the evil beyond the apparent endeavor of looking lenient. “You only want Lunafreya out of the way.”

Ardyn Izunia pretended to look offended, a mock gasp before chuckling, “Oh! You presumemy beautiful gift as something terrible!”

“Afraid of her, too, aren’t you? You’re right to. Just wait to see what she and Prince Noctis are gonna bring to your sorry ass.”

Ardyn Izunia wasn’t one to know Nyx’s insolence and to tolerate those of his ilk. His playful smile turned into the pure personification of evil as his face lit of a mischievous glow Nyx would be better to fear. “You may live to regret your words.”

“The only thing I would regret is to free my princess from the demons of her past only to force her again under a far more heavy remorse. She would never accept your offer and neither will I.”

Speaking such a reckless statement with a defiant grin painted on his lips earned Nyx a backhand slap to the face. The strength beyond it was so supernatural that the Glaive couldn’t help but fell back on the floor, blood spilling from his nose and lip. He didn’t emit a single whine though. He was not so easy to break.

“So be it. You chose to be the one to experiment regret: because of you, I will kill your beloved wife before Gods do.” That was the only sentence which was able to sweep away the smirk from Nyx’s sore face. No physical pain nor personal menace couldn’t be compared with the fear of seeing Luna being hurt because of him.

“You can’t win this battle, Ardyn Izunia. They won’t let you.”

But Ardyn didn’t bother to reply. He just took his hat off and bowed a little, leaving him there, chained and worried. It was his turn to smirk smugly, like he already won it all.

—————

Luna decided to step out from her safe hiding place to perform the rite of awakening the Hydraean. She sent a short message to First Secretary Claustra to inform her of that, and received a visit from her correspondent.

“Your groom?” she asked, taking a sit on the empty chair in the luxurious room of the Princess.

“Not here,” Lunafreya answered, glacial expression and posture elegantly composed. She was dressed in the beautiful white dress Nyx bought her in Lestallum, her make-up was on and her trident was ready to be used. She wear her mask perfectly, exactly like it has been all those years. If she didn’t hold on to such an appearance she wouldn’t be able to hide her heartbreak. Nobody was allowed to see the pain beyond.

“I met with Prince Noctis this morning,” Camelia stated, trying to look professional. Her eyes hid a evil glow though, but Luna knew she wouldn’t be cause of trouble, not until she and Altissian people would have been safe. “He told me he received a message from you and that you would have asked me to perform the ritual to awake the Hydraean.”

Luna boggled, her words slicing through her like a knife. If Noctis received her message, it meant that Nyx succeed in his mission. So whatever happened to him, happened after that. She stood in silence to mask her anxiety from Camelia.

“We’ve sealed a deal. You can have your ritual. But I want my people to be protected.”

Luna was relieved to hear that was her condition.

“It’s reasonable.”

“We decided to evacuate the city but we’re going to need time. Now you will have a speech where you reassure people of having the situation under control. By the voice of the Oracle, Altissia will listen and evacuate promptly. My only plea wouldn’t help.”

“I can do so.”

“And tomorrow you will call for the Goddess of the Sea, not before noon. This time should be enough for a correct evacuation. The Prince’s friends are gonna help.” There was a small pause where Luna took a deep breath and forced herself to keep a straight face up. She had to focus on the real goal.

“What is the Empire going to say about your intromission in this situation?”

“The Empire knows the Accordo government will do anything to protect its people, so if we organize the evacuation they won’t be in the position to say anything. Regarding me protecting you, this is a personal business they will never know of. Furthermore, it was only a temporary solution. In fact, from now on, you will be on your own. Accordo is not going to protect you when the speech will start, nor it will during the ritual on the altar. You, Prince Noctis and the Empire will be allowed to do whatever you want on our territory once people are safe, but we won’t mingle in your affairs.” A neutral position. An hazardous choice for an all-business politician like Camelia Claustra. Luna was sure that if it wasn’t for the old friendship between her and her mother she wouldn’t have gone that far either.

“I see.”

“You know what really allures the Empire. The power of your trident, along with the rest of the Lucian Ancestors Arminger. When they’ll see Prince Noctis wielding them, they will lose their mind and chaos will burst. If worse comes to worst, you can threaten to throw the trident into the sea. Then they’ll listen. In the meantime, it will be well guarded. Better than the Oracle herself.”

“Understood. I shall reclaim it at the altar.”

“Remember, you’ll be under imperial watch.”

“Right.”

“Think of it as a necessary evil in order to forge the covenant.”

Luna felt weird hearing her mention a covenant. Camelia wouldn’t have known that the princess had evoked the rage of the Gods upon herself because she refused to forge any more kind of covenant. The First Secretary couldn’t even imagine what Luna was actually trying to accomplish with Leviathan’s awakening.

“I am in your debt.” Luna said anyway, bowing a little. The more complacement with the situation, the better.

“Once it’s over, you may go as you please. But you do so without our protection.”

“So be it.”

Camelia let a sigh escape from her lips. For the first time since they met, she looked compassionate when she said: “You better get going. Your public is waiting for you.”

Luna shouldn’t have been surprised of the escalating pace of her life, yet as she watched Camelia leaving the room, a squeeze on her heart reminded her she was getting closer and closer to the end.

She wished Nyx was there beside her.

When a dozen of imperial soldiers rushed in the room, almost crushing the door open for the excessive zealousness and pointing with their guns at her like she was a criminal, Luna didn’t stop to stare into the distance. If she was able to bear her husband’s absence, not even an entire army would have hurt her anymore. She took an unnoticed deep breath and stood up proudly, fervor in her eyes. The soldier who tried to put her on the opposite side of the gun was pulled away with one only firm and cold wave of the hand. Too bad Luna couldn’t see the face he made under the helmet.

She walked ahead, having nothing but one goal: destroy the Gods and the Darkness and possibly find a way to get her husband back.

———–

The gunshot was healed, but now Nyx had to deal with the headache caused by Izunia’s punch. He had to turn around a bit, breathing heavily and hoping that the hemorrhage would have ceased. In the meantime, his brain couldn’t stop thinking and thinking. He had to do something but he was chained down and not even his magic would have been useful in that condition.

He cursed under-breath for falling right in the Chancellor’s trap, but then again he knew it wasn’t his fault. He only had to find a way to get out of there. Who knew if the chaos already started somehow up there.

“Hey!” He screamed, headed to nobody in particular. “Is someone there? Heyyy!” The echo of his own voice was the only thing answering back. He let his head falling back on a stack of hay. That dungeon was so dark and silent it was hard to catch the smallest noise. The frustration grew bigger, until his whole body started to scream like a desperate. “Heyyy, someone take me out of here!” he screamed again, angrier. Then he heard something. A delicate swish, nothing more, but it sounded like it responded to the Glaive’s screaming. Nyx lift his head and looked around. “Who’s there?” he asked, this time almost whispering.

A shadow came out from the darkness and he boggled.

“Sir Ulric?” The mysterious figure was hazel at the beginning but as it got closer, Nyx could only sigh in relief and most likely, in disbelief.

“You…? What are you doing here?”

Ignis Scientia, the Prince’s advisor himself, came under the only candle light they had and adjusted his glasses, surprised as much as the Glaive.

“I’m evacuating the area under Secretary Camelia’s orders and it happened I had to check if someone was left behind in this dungeon.”

“Great! Find a way to get me out of here.”

“I’ll reserve the questions about your imprisonment later.”

“Yeah, later is good.” Nyx grinned, licking the blood away from his lip. He tried to stand up because he wanted to be useful for Ignis in case, but the young advisor seemed to have already clear in mind a solution. After less than one minute, he came back with Nyx’s kukris and without saying a word he shoved it in the floor, looking expectedly to the Glaive, which quickly understood his plan. As a matter of fact, Nyx started to feel immediately the magic running through his veins, screaming to him to be used. Smirking with satisfaction, Nyx let it go. He warped out of the cage’s bars, grabbing the hilt of his weapon and holding on to it. He had left the chains back in the prison and now was free to move again.

“If they really wished to cage you, they should have hidden your kukris in a better place, not near the dungeon’s entrance, where i spotted them before.”

“Right. Our weapons are more important than arms to us, our whole magic is connected to them. And to the King, of course.” Nyx confirmed, knowing that a member of the Crownsguard like Ignis knew all this for sure. “Thanks for bringing my kukris back, someone must have taken them away from me when they knocked me out” Nyx said, expertly rotating the knifes and insert them back in his belt.

“What happened?”

“After my talk with the prince, Ardyn Izunia decided to chat and somehow I ended up here. Crazy, ain’t it? Anyway, what’s the situation up there?”

“Lady Lunafreya is about to wake the Hydraean. The rite will start in a matter of minutes.”

Nyx felt his heart ache, knowing that Izunia was headed towards the altar too, with the clear intention to hurt her. Lunafreya needed his guardian, now more than ever, and he was still too far from her. He had to be quicker than a bolt.

“Ignis Scientia, what about Kingsglaive and Crownsguard joining forces? Please, take me to Lunafreya.”

—–

As Luna stepped ahead towards the podium, she heard people’s voices slowly shut up, in great expectations. It surprised her how many people promptly came as soon as they heard she would have had a small speech. Like she needed more evidences, that was one another one showing that she really was an inspiration for all Eos.

As the silence fell, she knew she held them in the palm of her hand. Whatever she would say, they would have listen, so she took a deep breath.

“Dear friends,” Luna started, “I stand before you today with little hope the words I speak shall reach beyond these walls. For slowly but surely, the Light fades from our world. And as it does, the shadows shall loom ever longer until all succumbs to the darkness. Darkness that evokes terror, hatred and sorrow in the heart of men. The ashes of Lucis… A dream of peace, twisted into a nightmare of death and destruction, claiming innumerable lives and leaving myriad souls to suffer.”

The memories hit Luna’s mind with an unexpected ferocity. Sometimes she wanted to afford the luxury of thinking that she wasn’t traumatized by Insomnia’s destruction, but she was. She really was. Even if she had already Nyx next to her at that time, she couldn’t forget the horrible feeling in her guts when Glauca passed his sword through Regis’s spine the same way he did with her mother. Nor she could forget the sensation of having buildings almost falling upon her, the screams of the citizens panicking around, the fire illuminating their skin, the blood on her dress, the smell of the ashes and powder, the uncertainty of not being able to do what it was her duty to do.

After stopping for a second, Luna regained enough energy to continue: “Yet, I beg you, do not surrender to despair. Have faith, for even if our gods would abandon us, the real power to resist darkness is inside every one of us. Working together, we can build a new world, a new future where the sun always shines. Where the night will mean only dreams instead of nightmares, where the rays of the moon will illuminate the peace fell upon us all. Our world will be delivered from the perils of the dark. I stand before you here, in Altissia, to call upon Leviathan, Goddess of the Seas, spirit of the deep. But first I offer you my solemn vow: on my honor as Oracle, I will not rest until the darkness is banished from our world and the light is restored.”

And in that very moment, an emotional applause covered her words. She looked into the crowd and she spotted a single familiar face. She couldn’t be certain of his identity because so many years passed since last time they talked. Only when he nodded, Luna could sigh in relief.

Noctis.

Her childhood friend.

She smiled, nodding back to him, and turned away.

————-

Ignis was incredibly fast for a man moving in such an elegant suit. Nyx expected to have to slow down the pace, but thanks to the stars it wasn’t necessary. They both ran so fast it was even hard to catch them with the eyes. Their goal was the altar but arriving there was more difficult than they expected.

The city was completely empty so they didn’t have to worry too much about people left behind and if this was a good thing, it also meant Altissia wasn’t a safe place for them neither.

A dark grey sky was illuminating a ghost town, touched only by a cold wind and spurts of water coming from the sea. It wasn’t raining yet, but there was so much humidity that the effect on the clothes and skin was very similar. It was so creepy that Nyx hardly recognized the warm and romantic city who welcomed him and the Princess only a week before.

In the meantime, Ignis continued to run, unstoppable. It looked like he knew perfectly every narrow lane and every hidden path, which was probably true since he seemed like the kind of guy who studies maps at night to be prepared the day after. If it wasn’t for him, Nyx wouldn’t have reached the cathedral square so fast.

“This is where Lady Lunafreya had her speech,” the young Advisor explained quickly, not bothering to stop to catch his breath. The place where they arrived was huge and now empty. The ferocious and supernatural wind pulled papers and trash on the beautiful tiles of the square, turning the original beauty into a desolated open space. “She headed in that direction. The altar must be there.”

Nyx grabbed Ignis’ arm, forcing him to stop.“You shouldn’t come with me. It’s too dangerous. A mess bigger than you think is about to start and you must not die.”

“I can take care of myself.”

Nyx shook his head, that was not what he meant. “I don’t doubt it. It’s not you I am worried about. Go to the Prince, keep him safe. If you die before, you won’t be able to do it.”

“What about Lady Lunafreya?”

Nyx closed fists, his eyes grew darker as he whispered, determined. “You have the Prince, I have the Princess. It’s my job to keep her safe. I won’t allow anyone to do any harm to her, as much as you won’t allow anyone to hurt the Prince.”

“You’ll need help.”

At that words, Nyx smirked, but the smiled didn’t reach his blue eyes. “Yes, I know. But I’ll manage it somehow.”

Behind the glasses, Ignis’ pupils reveled his evident desire to go back to Noctis and stand by his side during the battle. He clearly wanted to be helpful and he knew the best way to do it was to go back to his friend.

“Don’t die,” he said, finally nodding. They were in the center of the square and the dark clouds announcing a supernatural event we’re surrounding them. It felt somehow like a goodbye.

Nyx was about to answer when a sudden earthquake shook the floor underneath their feet. They barely had the strength to stand straight before a frightening noise broke the sky in two. They quickly turned to watch the sea in the distance and they saw the huge profile of Leviathan breaking out of the ocean, screaming with a terrible voice, capable of making the bravest man to shiver.

“The Hydraean!” Ignis screamed, his voice bearable audible in the chaos.

“Lunafreya has begun the rite!”

Ignis and Nyx shared one more look and nodded. They would have proceed with the plan if another intimidating noise - this time much closer - wouldn’t have interrupted. It wasn’t good news.

An entire fleet of imperial airships was on their way towards the altar, and as they passed by, Nyx noticed one in particular staying behind. Nyx instinctively wielded his kukris, because he kinda knew who was inside it. As a matter of fact, that single airship veered towards them.

“Bet it’s the Chancellor!” Nyx screamed so Ignis would hear him. The advisor wielded his knifes too, ready to fight, but when a small army of MTs jumped down the airship, there was not much they could do if not starting to kill them all one by one.

Nyx and Ignis formed an unexpected compatible duo in battles. Nyx was more impulsive but this defect was balanced by Ignis’ impeccable strategies he kept yelling at him. As expected, Nyx was a better soldier. His magic was way more powerful thanks to the warp and the spells he learned to use in the Kingsglaive so together they needed only a couple of minutes to have the situation under control. As soon as they did, Nyx caught the Chancellor’s profile watching them from the airship.

“I knew it” he had the time to whisper before Ardyn Izunia jumped down on the square next to them.

“You escaped the dungeon. Why am i not surprised, I wonder” he spoke out loud, gesticulating at Nyx like he was an old friend he was glad to meet again. “And you’ve got company I see.” Ignis’ eyes narrowed in the attempt of lining up the pieces of the puzzle, he certainly had no idea of what was really happening. In spite of this, when he spotted the Glaive wielding the kukris against the Chancellor, he did the same, lips arching in a menacing grimace.

“Go to Lady Lunafreya” he ordered, like the strategist he was.

“You have to run away, too. Fighting him now would be out of our league.”

“I fear it is” Ignis admitted, but his elegant accent didn’t lose the composure.

Yet, Ardyn Izunia summoned a weapon in that very moment, a beautiful sword Ignis could swear he saw already somewhere. Was that really an ancestral weapon? Things were getting even more confusing at this point.

A dozen of other imperial soldiers appeared out of the fog in that very moment, charging against them with the ferocity of an entire army.

Nyx had less than two seconds to decide. He didn’t want to abandon an ally like Ignis there, because he knew that would have been the equivalent of a sentence to death. At the same time, he knew that staying there to fight wouldn’t have helped Ignis anyway. They both would have died and the sacrifice would have been heroic yet useless. But in spite of any logic, for Nyx it just wasn’t an option. He never abandoned a companion during all his military career and he certainly wouldn’t had now. Wasn’t he the hero of Kingsglaive after all?

“Hell no.” Nyx said, then, with a smug smile on the face.

The impact was violent. There was shooting, iron against iron, screams, smell of sweat and blood. Ardyn chose Nyx as his direct adversary, so the soldiers threw themselves on Ignis. They took him down after less than a minute, attacking him from the front and from the back. The Strategist was really good in using magic even if he was just a member of the Crownsguard and not a Glaive like Nyx, so he was able to free himself a couple of time, but he would have died pretty fast anyway if it wasn’t for a long sword coming to help him. Looking up to see who was there surprised Ignis a lot:

“Lord Ravus!”

“I will regret this, Scientia. But for now, let’s just join forces.”

In spite of the impression he wanted to give, Ravus proved himself a lot less careless than he would have ever like to admit. Understanding that there would have never been a more crucial battle, he was ready to play the “it’s now or never” game.

Ignis didn’t need to be asked twice. No matter how much he was covered in sweat and blood, he stood up again. He and Ravus joined together against the imperial soldiers, opening a way to reach Nyx and Ardyn.

In the meantime the Glaive - who was hardly warding off Ardyn’s knocks - noticed Ravus’ arrival and with a smooth somersault, he moved back, crouched down and then warped ahead, so he could reach the allies.In a second, Nyx, Ravus and Ignis were standing one next to the others, watching their backs to protect themselves from the Empire’s wrath. In a way, counting on the support of such skilled allies was a relief, but it couldn’t last, because they had to part as soon as possible. In fact, Ravus’ true intentions were reveled when he said: “Ulric, go to Lunafreya. I’ll stay with Scientia, so you can stop playing the war hero.”

Nyx smirked but nodded, silently thanking his brand new brother in law for the help.

Under the Chancellor’s eyes, Nyx avoided a soldier which was attacking him, and was forced to warp on the closest airship to avoid the hit. The platform were he land was empty and safe, a perfect spot to watch the situation from another angle. However, when the airship started to move, Nyx gasped, glad but also worried for not knowing the direction he was headed to.

“Don’t die, ok?” He screamed anyway towards Ignis and Ravus, which still were in the center of the square, surrounded by imperial soldiers. He didn’t leave lighthearted, on the contrary, he knew that both Ignis and Ravus were risking their life and that their possibilities of survival were very few.

He cursed under-breath as he noticed that Leviathan in the distance was throwing huge pieces of buildings up in the air. Some reached the area close to them, starting fires and destroying everything. He focused again on the two allies getting smaller and smaller from the safe place on the airship. He noticed that they started to fight already but in a very short time Ignis was immobilized on the floor by the imperial soldiers. The rain was wetting his glasses, the mud sullied his elegant suit. It was a pitiful view even from afar and Nyx hated it. In fact he felt the urge to warp back to help him but decided to trust Ravus.

The last thing he saw was Ardyn Izunia swaying towards the royal Advisor and saying something, before he turned to watch the Glaive go with the most malicious blink.

Nyx closed fists, knowing it still wasn’t over.

And in the distance, the yell of Leviathan broke the sky in two.

————

Everything was still. In front of the altar where she was standing, there was nothing but the sea, fogged by the upcoming cataclysm.

Lunafreya collected her energy to perform the Awakening for the last time. Even if the disease weakened her enormously, she still had in her what she needed and after all, that was her calling. She did it perfectly. As she felt a quake in her magic, also the earth underneath her trembled in a similar way and the ocean curled up in spirals, making space for the ferocity of the Goddess of the Sea. The huge creature, with the form of a snake or better a dragon, appeared abruptly from the depths of the waters, screaming her anger out and spilling intolerance. Even if Luna got immediately soaking wet, she didn’t flinch. She stood still, the trident in her hand, with a determined glow in her eyes.

“What fool mortal dares break the slumber of the Tide!?” The Hydraen’s voice was like the broken noise of a vibrant radio station, it was terrible, harsh, strident. Luna needed all her strenght to not step back.

“It is I, Lunafreya, blood of the Oracle! Goddess of the Seas, I beseech you: cease your vain attempts of using mankind for revenge. Bless us all with the freedom of choosing about our own destiny.” Her request was simple: she just wanted to be set free.

“This wretched pile of bones and flesh, ignorant of that which governs all, comes to requisition the might of a goddess?“

"I do.”

“Blasphemous ingrates, all men, quick to forget the ages their goddess stood watch!” With a single violent wave, Leviathan threw the princess against a wall. The poor soul almost fainted because of the pain and blinking her trembling hands, she used the trident to regain footing. Her voice was beautiful in the chaos:

“It is in receiving mercy that men offer praise, and in shedding grace that the gods solicit worship.”

But Leviathan wasn’t inclined to accept any praise, and temperment most foul to afford shedding grace. “Yet this profane speck speaks her «freedom» heresies before a goddess! Insufferable sacrilege! Such a thing is far beyond your control!”

Lunafreya stared at the wild creature in front of her, as the saddest sigh touched her lips: “Well, I had to try to ask nicely”. But now, all she could do was to proceed with the plan, even if that would have meant risking more than her own life. If she failed, the entire world would have paid for her act of rebellion. Yet it was for the world’s sake she had to try.

She raised her trident up to the sky, releasing all her white magic in a single burst. It was unexpected, not even the Goddess of the Sea could imagine to be hurt immediately after her awakening. Nor she could expect to be hit by the Oracle itself.

The brilliant ray of power emanated from Luna cut both her fins and slashed the scales near her throat, but didn’t kill her immediately. On the contrary, it provoked her rage even more. As a reaction, Leviathan moved her tale, hitting Luna with an impressive wall of water and she didn’t fall in the depths of the ocean only because she found a rock to hold on to. As the Oracle spat out salt water that assaulted her nose and mouth, she took a second to recover and then tried again to raise her trident in the air. Leviathan was badly injured which made her extremely exasperated. As the Goddess lost from her fins the same silver blood Shiva shed too, she moved again out of control, causing such an hysteria that Luna couldn’t hit her again with the trident’s magic.

The Oracle let the adrenaline take over her own mind, so she could jump from a debris to another debris. Her beautiful white dress tore apart, a irregular slit appeared on the soft material but the girl didn’t bother. She helped herself with her own bare hands, turning the long skirt into a messy mini. After that, she looked out for an ally in all that chaos, knowing someone must be there.

In fact, Noctis appeared in that very moment on a spike in the distance. Luna felt a light squeeze on her heart as she watched the future King of Kings standing there, ready to fight and keep to his duty. In spite of his huge role in the destiny of the world, he still was the childhood friend whose memory filled Luna’s mind for years. Who knew if he used the Ring already and if its power started to corrupt his bones, leading him inevitably to self destruction. The coming developments would have revealed it to her in the hard way.

Lunafreya understood immediately what she was supposed to do now that she noticed the young prince in the chaos: reach out for him and fill him with the Oracle’s magic so he would have the strength to take the battle to Leviathan head on.

Clasping her fingers around the trident’s cold metal, Luna rushed ahead, trying to get close.

The war cries of the Sea Goddess were deafening and because of them, Luna missed an imperial airship’s arrival, coming out of the blue toward her direction. She stopped, staring in surprise at the Chancellor Ardyn Izunia himself descendingto meet with her.

Luna couldn’t believe at her eyes when the man grinned with a wicked smirk that illuminated his entire face, concealing nothing to the Oracle. He had came for her and now she hadn’t nowhereelse to run.

#lunyx #kingsglaive #final fantasy xv #lunafreya nox fleuret #nyx ulric

29 notes · View notes

klaus-goldstein · 7 years ago

Text

Dreaming in Silver and Gold

Alternate Beginning

Klaus/Liz

Prologue \ Ch. 1 \ Ch. 2 \ Ch. 3 \ Ch. 4 \ Ch. 5 \ Ch. 6 \ Ch. 7 \ Ch. 8 \ Ch. 9 \ Ch. 10 \ Ch. 11 \ Ch. 12 \ Ch. 13 \ Ch. 14 \ Ch. 15 \ Ch. 16 \ Ch. 17 \ Ch. 18 \ Ch. 19 \ Ch. 20 \ Ch. 21

Demon au requested by @persephonesdarkness thanks for getting my butt back in gear and giving me awesome prompts. <3

Prompt: What happens when Klaus doesn’t show up to save Liz? Or how Liz unexpectedly obtained two guardian angels.

This is an alternate beginning that @persephonesdarkness and I have been talking about for MONTHS. lol. Happy Birthday, dear. This is one of your birthday presents since I can’t hug you in person. I have no words to describe how important you are to me. XD

This takes place in my AU universe so if you haven’t read Dreaming in Silver and Gold then you will be very confused. lol.

THIS DOESN’T FOLLOW THE STORY. How this works in comparison to DiSaG is that Sebastian broke his possession long ago before Klaus and Elias were even born. Liz doesn't figure out who Klaus is until the end of this one-shot. Everything else is basically the same. Also, a reminder, my timeline for my Liz is slightly different than canon. She loses her parents at age 9 and attends the academy around age 22. :D

The normal story will resume on Thursday.

The moonlight cast shadows across the wood floor and the trees moving outside the windows made the darkness shift and dance. Liz watched them from her spot against the wall. She didn’t know how long she had sat there in her own sick. The thick scent clung to her like a blanket and added to her discomfort.

Her parents had passed days ago and she could feel the disease that had taken them ravish her body. She knew it would only be a matter of time before death claimed her.

When she realized she was sick, she had prayed to every deity she could think of to save her. She had screamed and cried for anyone to take away her pain but either no one in the village heard her or they were smart enough not to enter the house.

That had been days ago and now she was blessed with a pleasant calm. She would not cry anymore and she would welcome death with open arms. Her breathing was shallow and she closed her eyes to rest. Perhaps she would go peacefully in her sleep.

A loud crack echoed through the room and her eyes flew open at the sound. Her vision swam but two figures slowly came into view. They were sitting in the armchair across the room from her watching her curiously. The woman perched on the arm of the chair was the most beautiful creature Liz had ever seen.

She was slim with lush curves and a full mouth. Her face was soft and perfectly proportionate. Blonde hair fell in loose waves down her back and her emerald green eyes flashed in the darkness. She was poised and elegant and she regarded Liz with concern.

She stood to her feet and Liz watched in awe as green feathered wings spread from her back. The sound of her boots against the wood floor echoed through the still room as she walked across the room. Her movements were slow and sure like she was trying not to spook Liz. She knelt in front of her and gently grasped Liz’s chin in her palm.

“Hello, my darling. Stay still for me.” The angel spoke softly. Her voice was rich and melodic. Liz licked her dry lips and nodded feebly.

It wasn’t a hard request for Liz to fulfill she didn’t think she could move even if she wanted to. She was so exhausted. Suddenly the angel’s eyes glowed in the darkness and Liz felt a power grab a hold of her. It was a strange feeling like a weight had settled deep in the pit of her stomach. The power moved through every bit of her body slowly. She didn’t know what was happening or what the angel was doing. Was she about to die? Was that why this divine being had shown up? Or was the angel answering her desperate prayer?

“Well?”

Liz jumped at the sound of another voice. She had forgotten that there had been another figure in the room and her eyes snapped back to the chair. A man was sitting on it and gazing at Liz apathetically. He had his elbow resting on the arm of the chair and had rested his chin on his fist as he watched. His dark blonde hair was windswept and he was dressed casually. Liz regarded the baldric full of daggers draped across his chest with curiosity. He was certainly handsome but there was something very closed off about him.

The angel with the green feathers released Liz and she felt the unusual power leave her body.

“She’s too far gone for me to heal, Sebastian. She’s dying. Either you save her or Amelia will be here soon to collect her soul. In the girl’s prayer, she asked for life, you need to decide whether you want to fulfill her request or not.”

Liz watched as the man in the chair stood and golden wings appeared at his back. He strode over to Liz and knelt down so he was eye level with her. He cocked his head as he observed her and frowned. Apparently what he saw concerned him.

“Do you want me to save your life?” The angel named Sebastian asked.

Liz wanted to live. She had seen so little of this world and she had so many things she wanted to accomplish. It couldn’t be over this quickly. Liz cleared her throat feebly and whispered into the darkness. “Save me.”

Sebastian nodded and reached out towards her. He placed a hand on the top of her head and Liz felt heat flood her body. It was like being scorched. She felt her herself growing stronger by the second and she was finally able to take a deep breath. Liz’s eyelids grew heavy and soon she fell into a deep, much needed, sleep.

When she woke up she was tucked into her bed under a pile of blankets. A glass of water was next to her on the nightstand and she could hear voices talking downstairs. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and downed the water as quickly as possible. She was shocked at how thirsty she was.

When there was nothing left of the water she stood to her feet and crept quietly to her bedroom door. It was cracked open and she pressed her ear to the opening so she could better hear the conversation happening downstairs.

“We can’t leave her here.”

A deep sigh echoed through the room in response to those words. The sigh belonged to the angel that had healed her. Liz remembered his name was Sebastian.

“What would you have me do?” Sebastian asked.

“I don’t know.”

“We can’t interfere. I answer prayers, that’s it. What happens next is up to the human.” Sebastian said.

“She’s just a child.”

“Elaine, again, what would you have me do? It doesn’t matter that she’s a child we can’t intervene in her life.”

“I don’t know. Maybe we could take her with us.” Elaine said.

“That would not be a good idea and you know it. We can stay until she wakes up, we can make sure she has everything she needs, and then we have to go.” Sebastian replied.

“Then I’ll just take her to the underworld and watch over her there.”

Sebastian laughed but there was very little humor in it. “To my brother? What would he do with her? You aren’t always in the underworld and he would not be happy with you leaving a child there. She’s one human, love. Do you know how many times the archangels get prayed to every day? It’s a lot and that’s why we don’t interfere with the human's lives. We answer prayers but their lives are theirs to live. She will be fine she has an entire village that will help take care of her.”

“Yes, and do you know what people do when a plague like this sweeps through town? They lock the sick and their family in their home for forty days until they feel the disease has run its course. That way they can keep the disease from spreading. It’s a form of quarantine. Then if anyone has survived after forty days of being locked in a home with the dying, only then can they leave. The village locked her in her own home while a disease ravished her family and then her. She watched her parents die. Her quarantine isn’t even over. She has three weeks left. Three weeks of being left alone after her horrible experience. There is no food in the house, no wood for fires, and there are two bodies that are decaying and you want to leave her alone?”

The silence downstairs swelled and Liz could feel the tension of their conversation all the way from upstairs. Sebastian finally let out an irritated growl and the house shook.

“Fine. Fine, she can come with us for three weeks until her quarantine is up then we’ll take her wherever she want’s to go. Whether it’s back here, or another village. Alright?”

“Thank you.” Elaine sounded smug.

It grew quiet again before Sebastian’s voice echoed up the stairs. “I know you’re listening. You might as well come downstairs.”

Liz grabbed one of the blankets off of the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders before padding down the stairs warily. She peeked around the banister and looked at them curiously. Elaine was perched on the kitchen island and Sebastian was standing next to her. His posture was tense but his eyes softened at the sight of Liz. The room they were standing in was noticeably warmer than the rest of the house and Liz wondered why.

“How much of that conversation did you hear?” Elaine tilted her head.

“So, you’re angels?” Liz ignored her question and cut to the chase. She had been told stories of angels and supernatural beings all her life but they were fairy tales. No one had seen an angel in thousands of years and no one knew what happened after death. They were myths. At least that what she thought until now.

Elaine nodded and Liz could see the concern in her eyes. She motioned to herself and then to the other angel. “We’re angels. I’m Elaine and that’s Sebastian”

“You’re taking me with you?” Liz asked.

“Only if you want to come with us. We want to make sure you’re taken care of. You can stay here if you like. It’s up to you.”

Liz thought about staying in her home alone. Her parents were gone she had no one to talk to, no one to care for her. She was alone. She needed to be around people right now not stuck in a silent house. She could feel the tears threatening to fall and she ducked her head.

“I don’t want to stay here.” She whispered. “Where would you take me?”

“It’s up to you,” Sebastian spoke up. “You’re disease free, we could take you to another town and help you start a life there, or you can come with us for three weeks and then when your quarantine is up we can bring you back here and you can stay in this village.”

“I can’t imagine living anywhere else but here,” Liz said.

Sebastian straightened. “Then you’ll come home with us and we’ll bring you back in three weeks.”

“Where do you live?”

“The heavens.” Elaine smiled.

Liz blinked at her for a moment and shook her head in disbelief. This was too much for her to take in at once. “So the heavens are real?”

“Well, there are two angels standing in front of you so I think that answers your question,” Sebastian stated.

Elaine nudged him in the side with her elbow and told him to be quiet. Sebastian glared at her. Golden wings appeared at his back and they ruffled in irritation. Elaine smiled and leaned against Sebastian’s shoulder. He rolled his eyes but his posture relaxed at her touch.

“Yes, the heavens are real,” Elaine said. “And so is the underworld and demons and a whole bunch of other legends. We can discuss this later if you would like but Sebastian and I need to get back to our realm. We’ll provide for all your needs for the next few weeks but if there is anything sentimental you want to bring with you then go get it now. Also, change into something warm, preferably pants and a coat.”

Liz nodded and turned to go before she caught sight of her parent’s closed bedroom door. “What about their bodies? I can’t just leave them here to rot for three weeks.” Liz whispered.

Elaine and Sebastian exchanged glances for a moment before Sebastian looked over at Liz. “I can go bury them now if you want.”

“Please.”

“Do you want to be there when he does?” Elaine asked. “We can wait until you’re ready and then do it before we leave.”

Liz swallowed. She hadn’t stepped foot in that room since her parents had passed and she honestly didn’t want to. It had been hard seeing them die she didn’t think she could see them now, especially after a week.

“No, do it while I get ready, please. I don’t want to see the bodies.” Liz answered quietly.

“Okay. Come on,” Elaine jumped off of the counter and walked over to Liz. She placed a hand gently on Liz’s head. “Let’s go get you packed and ready and Sebastian will bury them, alright? He’ll let me know when it’s alright to come back downstairs.”

Elaine led Liz to her room and helped her get ready. Liz could hear the opening and closing of doors downstairs as Sebastian moved about and she let a tear roll down her cheek as she thought about what he was doing. She already missed her family.

Later that night, Liz laid in a large comfortable bed and stared at the glittering chandelier above her in disbelief. Heaven was the most beautiful location she had ever seen. It had been dark when Sebastian and Elaine flew her into the city but despite the darkness, the realm still glittered and shone in the moonlight. Lights lined the streets and buildings glowed against the backdrop of dark clouds. Liz was curious to see what it looked like in the daytime.

The room she had been given was light and open with gleaming marble floors and beautifully carved walls. Tall floor to ceiling windows covered the expanse of the outside wall and gave her an unhindered view of the sky and clouds outside. The moon cast shadows across the floor and the marble shimmered.

Liz shifted around as she tried to get comfortable but no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t go to sleep. Her mind wouldn’t shut off and she couldn’t stop thinking about her parents. She missed them so much. She curled her legs up and hugged her knees to her chest as she watched the moon outside. Tears began to fall onto the pillow underneath her when she suddenly noticed movement on the balcony. Liz watched as Sebastian walked out onto a part of the balcony where there was no railing before diving off the edge of it. He flew higher and higher until he disappeared into the clouds. Liz waited a few minutes before slipping out of bed.

She didn’t want to be alone. She was sad and she wanted her mother but her mother was gone. She didn’t know what to do so she left the room and padded down the hall quietly. Elaine told Liz before bed, that if she needed anything to come wake her up. She had pointed her bedroom out to Liz and that’s where she was currently heading.

Two intricately carved double doors loomed in front of her and Liz knocked on them quietly. She fidgeted with the edge of her nightgown and waited for someone to answer. A second later Elaine peered out the door and tilted her head as she looked at Liz. She saw tears in the girl's eyes and her gaze softened.

“Come on.” Elaine stepped out of the room and held her hand out to Liz. Liz grasped her hand and Elaine led her down another hallway. They emerged into a kitchen and Elaine waved her hand. Candles around the room lit up and Elaine walked over to a cupboard and opened it. She pulled out a container and set it in front of Liz. When she opened it the smell of chocolate engulfed Liz’s senses.

Elaine pulled out two brownies and set one on a plate for Liz before biting into the other. She walked into another area of the kitchen before returning with a bottle of milk and a pan. Liz watched as Elaine snapped her fingers and the burner on the stove in front of her lit up. She placed the pan on the burner and began to heat up the bottle of milk.

“Can’t sleep?” Elaine asked after a moment.

“I miss my family,” Liz spoke quietly. Her voice wavered and she swallowed thickly as she tried to keep her tears at bay. “I’m so tired but I can’t sleep.”

“You know you don’t have to put on a brave face for me. You can cry if you are sad.” Elaine said.

“Wouldn’t you think less of me? You’re powerful and strong and an angel. Isn’t a small human girl crying a little pathetic?” Liz wondered.

Elaine snapped her fingers and the burner extinguished. She turned to face Liz and leaned on the counter so her gaze was level with Liz’s. “Not at all. I would never judge you for feeling sad about your family. They were yours and you lost them. You have every right to be upset. I think you’re incredibly brave. Everyone hurts and everyone gets sad and everyone cries.” Elaine said softly.

“Even angels?”

“Even angels,” Elaine whispered. “Now, I’m going to warm you up some milk and then you need to go back to bed and try to sleep.”

“Will you...will you come sit with me until I fall asleep?” Liz fidgeted with her sleeves and Elaine smoothed her hair out of her face.

“Anything you need. I’ll sit with you until you wake up if you want.”

“I would like that.”

“Alright.” Elaine relit the burner and began to heat the milk again. The silence stretched between them but it was peaceful. The kitchen was warm and the sounds of Elaine moving around the room was comforting. Liz bit into her brownie and surveyed the angel curiously. Elaine was kind and Liz decided she liked her a lot.

“If you want, you could tell me about your parents. I know you miss them but if you want to talk about them you can. You can talk to me about anything.” Elaine’s voice startled Liz out of her observation.

Liz smiled and began to tell Elaine some of the fond memories she had with her parents. She talked about the holidays and different traditions they had in their house. She told her about how her mother used to sing and her father used to dance with her. It was nice to talk about the good times she had experienced with her family. Liz felt like she was talking too much but Elaine listened to every word and offered commentary when necessary. Soon Liz couldn’t stop yawning and after a glass of milk Elaine nudged her off to bed.

She pulled a chair up to the side of Liz’s bed and Liz asked for a story. So Elaine told her one, a story of gods and monsters and happy endings. Liz tried to listen, she was enraptured but she was also so very tired. Soon she was drifting off to the sound of Elaine’s voice. She vaguely recalled Elaine pulling the covers up around her and promising to continue the story tomorrow. Then Liz fell into the best sleep she had experienced in weeks.

Liz growled in annoyance as she trudged through the mud and snow. Yesterday one of the farms located a few miles outside of the village had called for help. Their only cow had broken a leg and they needed help patching it up. Liz was more than happy to help them and had walked out to their farm immediately.

While she was there a snow storm had hit. The farmer and his family insisted she stay the night so she could navigate the roads in the daytime. She was thankful for their hospitality but after walking through the snow and muck today she was irritated. She would have to pay closer attention to the weather. Winter was always brutal.

“You couldn’t have held the storm off for a few more hours, huh?” Liz grumbled as she stared up at the angry clouds rolling by. “A little warning would’ve been nice, Sebastian.”

After Elaine and Sebastian had brought her home all those years ago, they had been a constant presence in her life. They showed up about once a month, sometimes more, to check on her. They would spend holidays with her and come when she called for them, most of the time. Somehow she had ended up with two guardian angels. They were basically family even if they did drive her crazy every once in a while.

“You know,” Liz continued talking at the sky. “I’m beginning to think you do this on purpose. Last time I journeyed south it rained my entire trip there and back. Then when I traveled to a nearby village last summer it was the hottest it has ever been. Do you enjoy tormenting me?”

It might’ve been her imagination but she could’ve sworn she saw the clouds clear a little. She sighed in relief when her village came into view. It was still early in the morning and the streets were silent as she made her way to her home. When her house came into view she gaped in disbelief at the sight that waited for her.

A tree had fallen during the storm and landed on the roof of her house. A hole now adorned the top of it and snow and leaves were falling into what appeared to be her living room. She ground her teeth together and stomped into her yard. She slammed the gate behind her before throwing open her front door. Sure enough, a tree now served as a permanent ornament in her living room.

What caught her attention though was Sebastian sitting in the middle of all the chaos, on her couch, reading a book.

“You know,” he drawled. “If you’re going to rant at me at least have the decency to do it to my face. I can hear you when you make comments.”

He turned the page in his book and Liz sputtered in disbelief as she motioned to her destroyed living room. He hadn’t even looked up at her. Did he notice the giant tree hanging in her home or had he just ‘poofed’ in and not even looked up? Honestly, Liz wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case.

“By the way, a tree fell on your roof.” Sebastian pointed up to the limbs hanging above his head and Liz fought the urge to strangle him. Could she kill an archangel? She was about to find out.

“I can see that.” Liz hissed through her teeth. “Care to do something about it?”

Sebastian snapped his fingers and Liz watched as the tree disappeared and her house began to form back into its original state. Debree, snow, and broken items were done away with or fixed. The roof rebuilt itself and Liz practically jumped for joy when the hole disappeared. Everything seemed to be back to normal and her posture relaxed. She took her coat off and her boots before padding wearily into the house.

“While you're at it, can you magic me up something warm to drink and something to eat?” Liz called back over her shoulder as she walked up to her bedroom to change. She could’ve sworn she heard Sebastian mumble something under his breath about “not being her butler” but she chose to ignore him.

After slipping on some warm clothes she walked back downstairs and flopped down on the couch next to her irritating angel. A mug of warm hot chocolate sat on the table along with a sandwich and cookies. She tore into the sandwich and laid her head on Sebastian’s shoulder.

“Long day?” He asked as he continued to read.

“If you heard me ranting then you know it was. Seriously, you couldn’t have held off the storm for a little longer?”

“I coordinate the weather with Joseph the archangel of nature. Excuse me, if I don’t check with you first to make sure it’s to your liking.”

“You should,” Liz grumbled. “Where’s Elaine?”

“Helping out in the underworld. She’s going to stop by later. After I heard you griping at me I decided to come check on you. Good thing I did.” Sebastian snapped his book shut and looked down at her. “Sorry about your house.”

“Yeah yeah, you fixed it. It’s fine.” Liz raised her head and turned to face him. She crossed her legs and scrunched her eyebrows together as she tried to figure out how to spring some news on him. “So, I received an interesting letter the other day.”

“Oh?” He tilted his head and stole one of Liz’s cookies off of her plate.

“I got into Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy. I start in two weeks.”

Sebastian stopped mid bite and blinked at her for a moment. He seemed to be mulling something over. “In two weeks?”

“Yes, I was wondering if you and Elaine would accompany me on the trip there? I know it must be tedious for you but I have no one else and I’m really nervous. Scared, nervous, actually. I would really like it if at least one of you could come, please?” Liz gazed up at him.

“Of course we will. But is there any chance you could push your enrollment back a few months?” Sebastian looked guilty and Liz narrowed her eyes at him.

“Not really. Why would I want to do that?”

Sebastian continued to look at her and he took another bite of his cookie as he thought of an answer. “No reason, just wondering.” His voice was a little too casual to be believable.

“Sebastian,” Liz warned and Sebastian growled in annoyance.

“There are some seraphim around the academy. You remember learning about seraphim right?”

“I remember all the things you and Elaine taught me about supernatural creatures and the war,” Liz replied slowly. “Why are there seraphim near the school?”

“They’ve moved south and have started hunting humans. They are being dealt with but it’s a little dangerous.” Sebastian said.

“Are other students at the school?” Liz asked.

“Yes, it’s operating normally.”

“Is it being protected?”

“The god of the underworld is dealing with the seraphim.”

“Then what’s the problem? If other students are still there and the school isn’t aware of the threat then I should be able to go. I’ll be safe in the academy and I have you and Elaine to look after me if something happens.” Liz grinned at him and poked him in the shoulder.

“You are going to be the death of me. Fine.” Sebastian conceded. “Knowing you though you’ll probably somehow get involved despite my warnings. Please, please don’t meddle. Leave it to the archangels and just focus on school.”

“Deal.” Liz crossed her heart and Sebastian rolled his eyes.

“Alright, well if you’re going to start the academy in two weeks you need to train a little.”

“Nooo,” Liz groaned and laid her head back against the couch. “We train every weekend and I just had a horrible day. Let me lie here in peace, please.”

“No. Get up and let’s work on your blocking.”

Liz growled but stood to her feet. “I’m telling Elaine you wrecked my house.”

“I repaired it, so it doesn’t matter.” Sebastian glared at her.

“She’ll still be upset.” Liz grinned. “Ruin my day, I’ll ruin yours.”

“You are an evil woman,” Sebastian grumbled as he moved the couch back. “Alright, I’m going to hit you with wind. Block it.”

“If you destroy anything in this living room, I’ll be mad.”

“Mmhmm.” Sebastian dismissed her comment and hurled a gust of wind at her. Liz readied her wand and threw up a barrier spell that blocked his onslaught. It was easy. Sebastian and Elaine had taught and trained her in magic ever since they discovered she struggled with it. They had walked her through the fundamentals and over the years she had gained power and learned control. She was ready for whatever the academy decided to throw at her.

She was not ready for whatever the academy decided to throw at her. So not ready.

Liz panted as she ran through the darkening woods. She could hear the seraphim behind her and she tried in vain to speed up. Her lungs burned but she pushed forward through the trees.

Liz had seen a few of the younger students go into the forest around the academy and she had gone after them. She knew what dangers lurked in these woods and she had quickly convinced the students that investigating the woods was a bad idea. They had left and Liz had stopped at one of the nearby fields to gather a few flowers for her dorm room before heading back. She had only stopped a few seconds but that’s when she had encountered the seraphim.

It was her own fault and now she was running for her life through the woods. Sebastian and Elaine were going to kill her if the seraphim didn’t do it first.

She skidded around a boulder and bounded into a clearing. She wasn’t far from the barriers of the school and she hoped she could make it there before the seraphim caught up to her. She was about to enter the treeline again when two seraphim appeared in front of her. She stopped suddenly and began to back away when she remembered the other seraphim behind her. She was surrounded and there was no way for her to kill the seraphim. She needed an archangel.

Suddenly a bone shattering roar rocked the forest. Darkness spread through the clearing as a monstrous beast thundered into the area. It was enormous and was coated in gray and black fur. Its torso was bare and rippled with dense muscle. It walked on hind legs that almost looked like they belonged on a horse or a goat, except for the sharp talons that protruded from the long feet. Liz could just catch a glimpse of gleaming white fangs. Elegant horns twisted from the top of its head and from behind the creature emerged a long scaled tail.

Liz knew what demons looked like but this one was different than what Elaine and Sebastian had described. Beautiful black wings were tucked close to its back as it lunged for the first seraphim. Two of the creatures turned their attention to the demon while the last one advanced on Liz. It flew at her and Liz waited for the impact.

Nothing happened though and she cracked an eye open. Sebastian was standing in front of her in full armor. A shield and sword were in his grasp and he beat the seraphim back with a blunt hit of his shield. The beast stumbled backward and Sebastian snarled viciously. His canines lengthened and his eyes flashed gold. He looked murderous and Liz almost sobbed in relief at the sight of him. She had never seen him this angry though and she clung to his back.

The seraphim ran at them again and Sebastian dropped his shield and grabbed the monster by its throat. He ripped it out in one smooth motion before pivoting and shoving Liz behind him again as he engaged another one. Suddenly the seraphim froze in their tracks. They struggled against an unknown force but despite their protests, they couldn’t budge.

Elaine walked from the shadows of the trees with her hand outstretched. Her eyes glowed and she sighed in relief when she saw that Liz and Sebastian were safe. Liz knew about Elaine’s power and how she used it to invade bodies but this was the first time she had ever seen it in action. Sebastian and the demon killed the seraphim quickly while Elaine held them still. That shocked Liz. If the demon could kill them then that meant he was an archangel. Only gods could kill the seraphim. This must be the god of the underworld that Sebastian had mentioned a few weeks ago.

When the seraphim were dead Elaine pulled Liz into a bone crushing hug. “Sebastian heard you calling for us and we came as fast as we could. You’re lucky that Nikolaus got to you first.”

“What the hell were you doing in the woods?” Sebastian demanded. “I told you to stay out of the forest and within the barriers of the school.”

“Some students wondered into the woods and I convinced them to leave before they got too far. Then I encountered the seraphim. I’m sorry.” Liz ducked her head.

Elaine squeezed her again. “Well, I can’t really get upset with you for wanting to help someone.”

“You still left the school and entered into a restricted area of the woods.” Sebastian pointed out. “I’m sure the prefect will think of a suitable punishment.”

Liz snorted. “Well, none of the prefects are going to find out.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” A voice came from behind them. Liz whirled around to tell the demon to mind his own business and froze. Instead of the demon though she found Klaus standing in front of her with his arms crossed.

His eyes were solid black and the black feathered wings at his back ruffled in irritation. He had his arms crossed but Liz could see the black talons at the tips of his fingers gleam. Klaus Goldstein was the god of the underworld?

“How...he...your. You’re the god of the dead?”

“Meet Archangel Nikolaus, god of the dead, and my little brother.” Sebastian motioned to him. “Apparently you already know him though.”

Liz gaped at the two of them and now that she was looking at them side by side she could see some similarity between them. Elaine was watching the entire situation with thinly veiled amusement.

“So if he’s you brother, then Elias,”

“Also his brother.”

Liz glanced to her right when she heard a new voice and saw Elias stroll into the clearing. He looked the same always except as he walked purple feathered wings appeared and unfurled behind him. They spread in the sunlight before he tucked them behind him.

“Hello, Liz.” He smiled at her but all Liz could do was stare at them all in disbelief.

“So, she’s your Liz?” Klaus directed the question at Sebastian and Elaine. “The one you’ve talked about all these years?”

“That’s her.” Elaine grinned.

“She’s a pain in my side. She’s only been at the academy a few months and she’s trouble. Now, I’m not surprised, considering I know who her guardians are.” Klaus sighed.

“We’re wonderful role models,” Elaine replied innocently and Sebastian scoffed.

“Let’s get back to the academy.” Klaus motioned to Elias and then to Liz. “You are going to be doing extra assignments until your hand hurts.”

Liz glared at him and let out a disbelieving laugh. “I don’t think so. You can take your extra assignments and shove them up your feathered-”

“And with that statement, I think we’re going to go home.” Elaine interrupted her. She hugged Liz one last time and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Sebastian squeezed her shoulder as he passed by her and despite her irritation, Liz smiled at both of them.

“We’ll see you this weekend Liz,” Sebastian called over his shoulder and then nodded to Elias and Klaus. “See you in the heavens tomorrow. Go easy on her.” He pointed at Liz.

They walked into the woods and Liz called after them. “So you’re just going to abandon me and let Klaus punish me?”

“Yes.” Sebastian’s voice echoed back to her and Liz sighed.

“Some guardian angels you are are.”

Elias looked like he was trying not to laugh and Klaus was rubbing his temples.

“Let’s go. It seems Liz and I have a lot to talk about.”

There you go, dear! lol. Happy birthday <3

#wizardess heart #dreaming in silver and gold #persephonesdarkness #this was so fun to write lol

71 notes · View notes