#but my own fears have kept me outta them

[faultedloyalty]

The speed in which he has to turn his amusement into faux-apology cannot be understated; though the way in which the young man’s reactions serve only to further bring him closer to something like elation cannot be, either! Perhaps it’s merely his age, but from their severity to their depths, he finds that his baser urges to toy with those lesser than himself are growing. They are, of course, overwhelmingly easy to keep at bay—he has practiced, he has lived, too long to be any other way—but the fact that he has to acknowledge them at all on his own is exceedingly rare.

Not that he is one to ignore his own whims, either, however.

“So many apologies you need not make; truly, just what kind of butler am I?” Another melodramatic sigh, another shake of his head, follows in the wake of his own bastard-conceived plot and results. “Though I must apologize once more, myself, for inadvertently insulting your acquaintances.” For if they are neither friends nor anyone he considers worthy of such a word... I meant no harm, of course, but I fear I spoke too impulsively. Such is a failing of my own, unfortunately—I must admit that I do take heart in knowing you bear confidence-enough to correct me, however.”

For that, too, was amusing in and of itself—despite the irresolute clamber in which young Daisuke speaks his words, the fact that he speaks them at all is enough to make him want to chuckle. Companionship was of no use to himself, but the lengths in which those who find it so go to have others speak no ill-will of them, even when it was unsure, served to interestingly confuse him always.

“It is quite clear that they are of great import to you,” he continues on easily, however, belying his thoughts, “in spite of how little you know of them personally. Does not speaking of them in such a way also speak in turn, however, not just to their skills but to what skills they have imparted to you, as well?”

Even if mere beginner-work from another teenager, knowledge would forever be knowledge; “To gain any sort of understanding over the simplest of details is enough to learn the complex natures of this world, after all. One might argue that this is needed to do so, as what one might think of as a basis—though I dare not do so in my position, of course.”

(His position for the moment, at least, but there was little need to fret over frivolous details such as those, right then. He merely needs them known, still.)

“Special qualities or lack thereof aside, as well—and so long as I am permitted to say so—at the very least I find that your art is of quite the noticeable talent already.”

And there he goes to demonstrate—flipping through pages quickly, though keeping a thumb on the one he had scribbled on himself, with that self-satisfied smile! He doesn’t go far, and he isn’t even looking at it, but even this serves more to try for a reaction than anything else!

“It is clear that you don’t lack an eye for details,” he speaks as the pages turn, as casually as if he were discussing the weather, “and neither is there lack of intent behind your work! Really, this is more than enough to warrant an impart of your knowledge to myself, as the less-experienced artist, but I suppose...”

Just as quickly as he’d begun flipping through pages does he close them back up, keeping only the one he’d utilized himself open for the book’s owner to see. In the same breath, he holds it back out for the young man; silent encouragement that he is to, finally, take his own look at what Sebastian had done.

“Relieving as it is to hear that my work shan’t be considered by one who is, at heart, really mean’, I do urge you to give your most honest opinion. Shall my skills be lacking, I will endeavour to improve as quickly as I am able to do.”

Though he can already guess a few ways this is about to go—but he’s curious to see which of them will occur, so there’s no need to continue stalling.

' i-infamy ?! '

the word seems to instantly jolt him . close to hives , his skin prickling , every thin hair on his arm swift to stand up straight on end . a word like infamy ... was really bad , wasn't it ?! ( like horrible , like heinuous , like --- dark . )

' n-no ! it's not like that or anything ! like hiwatari-kun and sagami-sensei , i mean --- er , u-um ... ' would someone like sebastian have been able to recognize any of these names ? arrive , vanish , do everything in a blink and leave nary so much as a single trace behind --- his family had instructed him over and over to be capable of severing any sort of loose strings in the midst of plotted , robbing act .

( why dare to admire his enemies , anyways ? )

was it too simple , too laughable , that just because he wanted to think they were friends ... no , that because he just wanted to somehow be friends them , that he should have therefore made every effort to be kind , and speak up in their defense ? even knowing that they might never have done the same for him , or for his far more rotten , wretched parts .

' t-they're not that bad , i mean ... i don't think infamous is a good word for them ... ' though , maybe and maybe not . before the hikari alone , what other artists played god , to the extent that their creations came to life out of nothing but the meager likes of stone , paint and wax ? man's first golems and homonculi , created in the perverse shape of themselves : both infinitely beautiful and hideous .

their broach of every natural law and order could have lent itself to their infamy , if only what vicious storms of emotion surrounding their works didn't coil about them like the still , untouchable calm of an eye of a storm . and there , braving the cuts and razor , racing edge of the roughest winds , was the black half of the kokuyoku ... what black wings even now remained bound to his body .

' ... i'm sorry . ' trailing away , clutching to himself at his hands , daisuke's will shrinks and relents , wilting meekly beneath the other's blase accusations . certainly , he feels every invisible pressure like a block of lead , hitching his shoulders high in a hopeless defense against what felt like , polite and composed as it was , an adult's chide .

' i don't ... actually know if i'm really friends with any of them . i only sort of know them , so i didn't think anything was that interesting to talk about --- um , hiwatari-kun is the same age as me , and he's the one who comes from a really family . the hikari ? their artworks always end up in museums and stuff , they've been making masterpieces for over four hundred years . i've only really learned a few things about ... um , shadows and circles from him , though ... '

embarrassing basics that anyone , even a toddler should have been able to comprehend .

' sagami-sensei was a sculptor , and someone who won top prizes every year in azumano ... our standards for art are the highest in japan , so it was a big deal when he was going to start teaching part-time . but then he quit right after his practice internship and decided to go back to art --- ' cheeks flush and he laughs ; he doesn't dare to pry at sebastian's turn , deeply curious as he remained to the other's work . ' he was really cool . he always seemed to know what he was doing when he was making art , hiwatari-kun too , i think . i'm not really anything special , especially compared to them ... '

humility blends in warmly with a loitering sense of shame .

' really --- really-really , i don't think i could give you good advice or critiques even if i tried . not to mention , since i was the one who asked you to draw something for me in the first place , if i were to suddenly get all nit-picky or something over it when i probably couldn't do any better , i'd feel ... um , really mean . '

[dilfl0v3rss]

oh so people getting bold in the requests?? CONNIE AND ONY THREESOME??🌚

THISSS THE ONEEEEE. I BEEN THINKIMG AB THIS FOR WEEKSSSSSS. ima doooo mob boyfriends!ony and connie since it’s been in my brain for a minute😛😛😛😩😛😛😛😩😛😩😩

ours

cw: polygamous relationship!!!

word count: 2.1k

part 2

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱───────

your boyfriends were feared by many. mean and dangerous men that nobody ever dared to question. they were the monsters the kids hid from and the bad men parents want far away from their daughters. you, on the other hand, were the complete opposite. everyone always seemed to gravitate towards you due to your kind and caring nature. you made people feel safe and welcomed no matter what they may be going through.

when you’re out with connie and ony, strangers would have to sometimes do a double take to make sure what they’re seeing is real. a soft and sweet looking girl wearing cute little outfits with pretty colors being accompanied by two brooding men on either side of her, wearing no other colors but black and grey. it was not a normal sight to see. “ooouuu what about this one papi. you said i look pretty in blue.”

the three of you were currently in a boutique in the mall. looking for different dresses to add to your never ending collection. connie, your more lenient partner, stood with his finger curled on his chin, thinking about the different looks you could achieve with the dress “hmmm it’s aight. i think you should get sum tighter.” you rolled your eyes, putting the dress back on the rack before walking to the next section.

“you only saying that so you can look at my ass.” before you could get far you felt a soft tug on your arm. “rolling your eyes is rude. i told you ‘bout that.” ony grumbled, staring down at your smaller figure. ony was the strict boyfriend. even though both of them were pretty stern, ony was the one that kept both you and connie in check sometimes since connie had a tendency of letting you off easy.

“sorry sorry…geez.” you sigh. he let go of your arm and the three of you continued your search for some new appliances. as you walked to your next store you notice a familiar man standing by the pretzel shop. “sean?” the brownskin male lifted his head from his phone, bright smile immediately forming on his face as he spotted the source of the voice. “y/n?? oh my god hey sugeeee? how you been?” you squealed before running into the arms of your old friend.

you and sean were friends in high school who drifted away from each other since he moved away. “boy what you doing back in town? and why didn’t you call meeee?” as the two of you spoke ony and connie stood annoyed behind you. they were holding all of your bags as they watched this random guy practically eye fuck you every time you happened to be looking away. you were too oblivious for your own good.

“well it was nice seein you boo. hope we could stay in touch.” sean licked his lips, looking down at you as he opened his arms for a hug. you gladly stepped into the embrace for a couple seconds before trying to pull away, but you froze as you felt a palm on you ass. “uhh sean?” “huh? oh my bad y/n you know my arms are long.” you hid your uncomfortableness with a laugh as you moved back to go rejoin your boyfriends.

as soon as you turned around they were already by your side, staring daggers into the boy. “you wanna die nigga?” ony said before grabbing sean by his collar and pushing him on a nearby wall. sweat began to bead all over his forehead as he tried to plead with your man. “n-nah man ian mean t’do that i swear.” connie stood by you, arms wrapped around your shoulder as he held you to his chest. “bet not have or so help me god i will cut that hand off so fast. get the fuck outta here before i kill you.” connie added.

sean’s body dropped to the ground as ony abruptly let him go. he ran away and didn’t look back as he disappeared from your sight. when you got home you could tell they were a bit upset about the situation that happened at the mall so you decided that maybe you could do something to make them feel better. you ran to your room, putting on a pretty lingerie set before quietly making your way back downstairs. the boys were on the game, cursing each other out before you stood in all your glory in front of the tv.

“how i look?” you asked shyly, arms crossed over your chest to hide some of the skin from them. “move your hands baby. let papi see.” “yea no need t’be shy mama. it’s just us.” your boyfriends rose from the couch, standing in either side of you as they each pulled one of your arms from your chest. “you so pretty baby. making me real hard lookin at you.” connie mumbled while palming himself through his sweats. you squeezed your legs together at the sight before your attention was put on ony. “go upstairs ma.”

your hurried upstairs, sitting in the middle of your california king bed as you waited for your men to arrive. they walked in with a pair of fuzzy cuffs and a vibrator, both of their tattooed chests on full display for you as they approached the edge of the bed. “c’mere pretty girl” connie’s smooth voice rang in your ears, coaxing you to crawl to the edge of the bed. you sat on yours knees as you looked up at him. “gon be good for us, right?” his inked hand held your chin, lightly caressing your cheek as you nodded your head.

ony then softly moved your head towards him, giving you a kiss on the lips before giving you your first instructions. “turn around and arch your back mama.” you did as you were told. arching as deep you could before you felt your hands being bound behind your back by the cuffs. “gon make you feel so good mami.” connie said as you began to feel the bed dip. he made his way in front of your head, pants long abandoned as he sat in front of you in his briefs.

you moaned as you felt ony lick a long stripe up your pussy, stopping at your entrance to penetrate you with his tongue. “f-fuck daddy.” and sharp smack was delivered to your ass, connie’s light brown eyes scolding you. “watch ya mouth pretty. don’t wanna have to gag you.” your apology got stuck in your throat as you felt ony begin roughly sucking on your clit, connie lifted the front of your body up so he could slap his tip against your mouth before looking up at ony.

“ready?” the two of them nodded to each other before both thrusting into you fully, making you gag and moan at the same time. connie’s pace on your throat was slow rather than the quick deep strokes your other boyfriend settled for. “feel so good mama. gon make daddy nut fast if you keep squeezin like that.” your body was already feeling hot as you felt ony’s hands roam all over you.

running all over your back, softly touching all your rolls and dips. connie hand was buried in your hair, guiding your head up and down his shaft before occasionally pulling it out to slap it across your tongue. “eres guapa.” he sighed. your eyes were low and unfocused. your pink tongue hung from your parted lips, letting your drool fall all over his pink tip. you looked so fucked out and they’ve barley even touched you.

“mi niña bonita.” your moans went straight to his dick as you felt ony pull out of you. he got on his knees and began fingering you as a slow pace, digging into you softly before placing the vibrator on your clit. your body jerked at the sudden stimulation, pussy fluttering before his eyes as you whined onto connie’s dick. “i know princess, feel you squeezin around my fingers.” ony dug rougher into you as he turned the vibrator up to a higher setting.

your lips disconnected from connie with a pop before you gasped loudly. “r-right there daddy ohmygod.” your hips moved on their own. gravitating towards ony’s fingers to get him deeper into you. “you like how daddy makes you feel, pretty? like when he touches that spot right here?” connie said as he was now next to you, hand outstretched under you on your lower stomach as began to push on it. “answer me baby. tell daddy thank you for making you feel so good.”

connie whispered, giving you a light smack on your ass, dragging more moans out of you before you looked back at your boyfriends. their brown eyes stared right back at you as they waited for you to comply. “t-thank you d-daddy. c-can i cum?” the vibrator was soon removed from your clit as his fingers began moving in and out at a quick pace. “my pleasure mama, but not yet. how bout you get on your back. you want papi t’feel good too, right?”

ony said. his fingers left you empty before you turned around on your back. ony and connie gave each other knowing looks after looking at your confused face. why were the cuffs still on? “cant have you pushin on my stomach princess.” he mumbled as if he were reading your mind. him and ony switched places. light brown dick tapping against your clit as ony’s laid flat on your lips. “open up mama.” as your mouth slowly opened and he began thrusting into your mouth, you felt your other lover slap his tip all over your wet pussy.

your arousal splashing onto your thighs as your boyfriend watched strings of it connect him to you. connie sunk into you slowly, dick dragging against your wet walls until stopping at the hilt. your pretty moans were muffled by the thick dick between your lips, but the vibration of them sent shivers flying down ony’s spine. “s-shit. keep fuckin her like that baby. your mouth feel so good mama.” connie nodded his head in compliance, pushing into you the same way over and over again.

pace slow and steady as your wetness began to drip onto the sheets. “fuckkk mami. you so fucking wet f’me.” you felt your orgasm nearing as connie continued fucking into you slowly. his pace never faltering as ony watched his lip get buried behind his teeth. he was trying his best to listen to his lover, but the slow pace was killing him. “i-i can’t pa i wanna go faster.” he breathed, but was quickly met with ony’s hand on his. darker skin caressing his as he looked him in the eyes. “what’d i say?” ony said sternly.

“you said keep fucking her slow like this, but-” “but nothing. if that’s what i said then you gon listen right? or do i gotta teach you after m’finished wit her.” the interaction made your pussy flutter in a way that caused connie’s eyes to roll back. you were close to the edge and your squeezing made him closer as well. “n-no pa hah- m’listenin’.”connie moaned as his other hand found its was to your throat, squeezing it slightly to make it tighter for ony’s dick.

“good boy fuck-” ony groaned as he felt his end nearing. thrusting into your mouth with a little more vigor as his hot ropes slid down your throat. soon later you came, juices pouring out of you and onto the sheets as you shook around connie’s dick. “f-fuck m’gonna cum m’gonna cum princess.” connie moaned, picking up his pace as he rubbed on your clit. you screamed as more juices rushed out of you, spraying his stomach and thighs as he thrusted one more time and stilled, cumming deep inside of you.

all three of you stayed where you were as you caught your breath. “let’s get you cleaned up mama.” ony signed. the two of them made sure to clean the sheets before running you a nice bath. both standing at the door, watching you relax. connie’s head whipped towards ony when he felt a hand on his lower back. “you didn’t listen t’me earlier don’t think i forgot. ima deal wit you later.” he mumbled before walking off to go handle business downstairs.

connie’s eyes widened as he felt his dick jump in his pajama pants. “papi can you wash my back?” your voice startled him out of his thoughts, making him jump a little before smiling and walking towards your naked figure in the tub. “of course mi vida. anything for you.”

[heartfullofleeches]

Yan Clown/Circus + Imaginary Friend Darling Blurb

Throughout life, friends come and go, but you - were always the first.

Things were simple in the beginning. Sit with that lonely kid at the playground, wipe their face with your sleeves, and ask if they wanted to be friends. They always said yes. You were inseparable. Playing until streetlights came on plus a seat saved for you at the dinner table when they reluctantly returned home. The biggest fears you faced where the monsters under the bed and the dark... then came school, homework, the future. Your playdates became so far and few, they put in the efforts to make new friends and you were so happy for them.

"Y/n? Who's that? Quit talking to yourself and come hang out with us."

But none of them ever wanted to be yours. Your friend was never home anymore and when they were it was always school work or video games taking their attention. Your place at the table was given to someone else. They'd gradually drift away from speaking to you and it was like you never existed in the first place to them, and maybe you never did - so you left. Back to that empty that existed before it all. There, you remembered all your friends. All your precious memories and the treasures they gave you their parents questioned them about when they disappeared. You hated it there. You didn't want to reminisce on the good times - it only lead to wordless goodbyes. Why - why did they always leave you behind?

"I got invited to a slumber party this weekend... Everyone turned out to be so nice once I gave them a chance like you told me to.... You'll... always be my best friend, but I have real ones now. I'm not a kid anymore - and I can't live in a fantasy world forever."

Of course you always knew - but did your time together really mean nothing? The smiles and tears, joys and fears - were those fake too? This was how life for you went and has gone your entire path. Make a new friend, wait for them to make their own, force yourself to forget, and repeat. You never, ever blamed them for abandoning you. It was your biggest dream to see your friends go out in the world and do all the things you rambled about for hours - you just wished you could've been their when they made their dreams come true. If they could make those fantasies reality, why couldn't you be real too them? It's not fair-

"Hey! You gonna put your raspberry in the square yet? I don't mind waiting cuz you're really cute - but I've eaten most of the blueberries already and if I eat one more I won't have enough for a win."

A new friend - you kept them waiting, lost in your thoughts like that. There's something different about this one... They're a lot bigger than your old friends and dress strange just like those funny people in shows. How old are they?

"28..... Is my favorite number because that's how many waffles I can eat before throwing up. I dunno my age really, I like a lot of candles on my pie so it's hard to remember. I'm probably waaaaaay older - or younger, but I'm definitely not younger than eighteen because I get a new doll every year - and there's a ton. Hey, when's your birthday so we can get your collection started?"

An adult - An adult can see you, but why?

"Hmmm, I dunno how you got in here either. I was just thinking about how great it would be to have someone to eat all these waffles with since I made 29 today - and poof you appeared outta nowhere. You gotta so me that trick eventually - wanna be pals? I'll give you... a quarter, no- half the stack if ya stick around. My name's Gus. Gus the clown."

A clown... Alot of your friends loved those, others were terrified. This one reminded you alot of them. So silly and carefree, just like they always were before reality kicked in. It was never that way for Gus. You'll never forget the shocked look on their face when you told them chocolate milk didn't come from brown cows. They serenaded you with songs detailing your adventures together and nearly had a heart attack when you played peekaboo together which they later tried to play off as good acting - the tear smudges in their paint was just from hot how was is.

At the same time, Gus was far more mature they let on. They fantasized about finding the missing piece to their act and heart, and hopefully marrying that special someone someday. They were all smiles - but as soon as someone got hurt they knew when to drop the act and when to use it to their advantage. You prayed the day they found someone they wouldn't ditch you like everyone else.

It turned out there were a lot more like Gus. True to their status as a performer, they worked and lived in a traveling circus with others who were accepting of you - and had the eyes to see you. They never doubted your existence like parents used to and believed near ever word Gus said even when at the point in time you were nothing more than the ramblings of a mad-clown, and greeted you in kind. Overtime, you became corporal for these performers too and the brief hellos turned to bear hugs thrust upon dolls Gus' sibling made for everyone to have when they wanted sat hello. They still couldn't touch you, but for the first time everyone knew you were their and love you the same, if not more than the friend you came for. Sometimes it really did feel like you were a real person. If only....

"Ouch!"

You pull your hand away from Gus' as the clown bursts into a fit of giggles - yelping in pain as they clap their hands together, electrocuting themselves on the buzzer.

Whoo! That definitely sends a shock through ya. Can't believe that got you. Hey - that got you... you've never been hurt by any of the things we've done before."

They're right. That really did hurt. Wait. It hurt. You've never been able to interact with anything before - leaving Gus overwhelmed on brunch dates when they devoured your share. What's going on?

Gus expresses the confusion you're both feeling with a high-pitched scream. They dart around the room, nabbing their emergency supplies of candy from beneath their pillow. "Ahhhh, idea - Y/n, try one of these - hurry!"

You take one of the licorice sticks and shove it in your mouth. If picked up the treat wasn't proof enough, the explosion of flavor on your tongue confirmed your theories.

"It's...good."

Gus races in a circles, squeeling in delight as they grab and pinch your plush - warm cheeks. "They've never been warm before! This is amazing. Ahhh, next test- here goes!"

Shutting their eyes, Gus rams their lips against yours - grinning with teeth against your skin. They kiss your lips, cheeks, and noses - smothering you with a hug, soaking up the beat of your speeding heart.

"You have no idea long I've wanted to do that...."

You're still reeling from everything going on. "W-what's happening, Gus?"

"No clue! If you want my guess, I'd say so many people believing in you made you real like that one movie with the puppet. The others! Oh, man everyone's gonna love this! Come on!"

Gus picks you up and sprints to the main show room. They gather everyone into the area along with the biggest mirror they could find. They try to explain, but the excitement gets the better of them. Frustrated by everyone's agreeable questions - they rip off the blanket covering the mirror and your reflection, and the crowd goes wild.

"That wasn't there before! Can we touch Y/n now???"

"I call dibs on giving them their first piggyback ride!"

"Wonderful timing! I knitted you a lovely scarf before I forgot you technically were a figment of our combined imaginations."

"If they're really here and can touch stuff... They can be part of the show - can't they?"

Thats right. You'd fit right in with your history too. After a celebratory dinner and cuddle session - the preparations for your big debut were made. As expected, everyone loved you. You and Gus were the starting act, and two halves of the same whole. People saw you, they praised you, loved you. The adoration of the crowd was like no other, but everything after the curtains were closed was even better. Gus kept to their promise of never leaving you behind. You were that missing piece - someone they couldn't live without. It was time for you to finally grow up and leave the ghosts of the past where they lied.

"Aw, don't be like that, sweetie. You'll love it once we get there."

This is bullshit. Their college gradation and their folks were dragging them to some circus. Luckily they had a few buds pull through for an aftershow at a nearby bat.

"Maybe your opinion will change when you see the staring act. That clown reminds me a lot of that friend you used to go on about. What was their name again? I think it was -"

Y/n. Your name and smiling face were plastered on a billboard they passed. It was no vague resemblance - that was their first companion down to the scrunchie you wore around your wrist that they gave you on the day they gave you the lukewarm mercy of a goodbye. It couldn't really be you - right?

"Look how big you've grown...."

No-

"Your parents tell me you're graduating this year. I'm so, so proud of you. Are you going to become a scientist just like you said?"

How?

"You always said it was so you could find a way for everyone to see me too... I'm sorry for holding you back for so long. It's good that you made friends. I made alot too - really good ones. With them, I can live in fantasy and the real world at the same time. It's so much fun."

What are you apologizing for? Why are you acting like you're the one that abandoned them. You were everywhere to them. Everything they ever achieved was because of the shoulder you gave them to lean on. Being with you was like a dream - but everyone has to wake up eventually.

"Oops! Looks like a wasted all our time. I have a few more scheduled greets, but maybe if you stay after we can chat a little more before you leave. See you!"

They don't want to leave. There's still so much to be explained; to say and do, but just like them - you were gone as you appeared. They had to see you again in a better time. Do imaginary friends drink coffee?"

"How's it feel to be the one on the other end of the stick?"

Another clown stands behind them. It was the same one that shared your act. Gus. What do they want?

"Y'know I know alllll about what happened between you two. I know everything from their past since as their bestest friend - and potential future spouse - it's my job to make them loved enough to spill every, little detail. You shouldn't have come here. You're not the first to recognize them - and you won't be the last.

The ball of their wrist juts painfully against their skin as the clown grabs their arm.

"I won't let any of you get back into their heart. I won't let anyone hurt them again. You can't just take back what you broke when someone else fixes it. I'll make you feel what they felt. I'll make them forget you - and anyone who tries to take them from us that I promise and promises are meant to be kept. Quick question before you go though - think Y/n will like these matching necklaces I made us? Anything looks cute when its on them - but think it'll fit better than that old scrunchie."

[frostiwars]

the parallels

the two of them cause each other such grief without even knowing. and they refuse to speak up because... 'it means i'm doing my job'

when dedede brings meta knight into his court, how could he possibly know that he'd recently lost everything?

when meta brushes off dedede's decision to use the masks of dark bonds, how could he possibly know that he held such intense fear and anxiety regarding possession, and chose to do it anyway?

day 6: secrets

prose version of the paragraphs under the cut

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“Greetings, King Dedede,” Meta Knight bowed politely. “I heard you were looking for me?”

“You bet I was! I been hearing a few things ‘bout your little ‘exploits’ or whatever, and I figured ‘Hey! I’m a king now! I’m gonna need a knight!’ So I figured your the best option I got.”

It was so blunt. So childish. So… ridiculous. Meta groaned internally. “So… you wish to acquire my services?”

“You damn right I do! ‘N you aren’t allowed t’say no by the way! Ain’t like you got anythin’ better to do round these parts. I bet you’re bored outta your MIND.” 

Yes… watching his entire family get gored in front of his eyes because he was too weak to fight back was incredibly boring. Getting half his face nearly torn off was incredibly boring. Meta sucked in a breath. He didn’t know. He couldn’t know. It was kept a secret, and he just barely managed to fend off Nightmare. So no one SHOULD know. It meant he was doing his job. 

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

“It wasn't that great of me...”

“But it was! I mean, even if you were just looking to keep my face hidden, you didn’t have to join me. You could have let me suffer in that corruption alone, but you chose to join me… Even if it meant nothing to you, you have no idea what it means to me.”

For a split second, an acrid tang of bitterness pooled onto the king’s tongue. His face washed with a sickening glare. It meant nothing to me? No, you’re the one who ain’t know what it meant… But he quickly pushed that feeling away. It wasn’t Meta Knight’s fault that he didn’t know how Dedede was feeling. In fact, it was a good thing. It meant he was doing his job properly. So he couldn’t get mad at him. 

Even so, a stupid, selfish part of him wanted to spill his guts tell him everything. He wanted to tear his own skin open and let someone, ANYONE know what was whirling around in his skull. He wanted to be known, he wanted someone to see him, to SAVE HIM.

But he didn’t need saving. He didn’t need help. And even if he did, there were other people that needed it more, and needed it from him. He couldn’t afford to give in like that. He couldn’t be selfish anymore.

[dilly-oh]

Crush

“Kakashi, for fuck’s sake, it’s your turn,” Asuma growled around his cigarette, holding out the report as they stood in the hallway outside the mission office. “It was your turn the last ten turns. You ain’t squirrelin’ outta this shit again.”

“I need to go water my plants,” Kakashi said, slithering away from the others as he tried to make a quick getaway. Genma stepped to the side, blocking his path.

“Come on, man. That cute Chunin with the ponytail is at the desk. You know, the one you have a crush on?”

Kakashi froze in the act of levering the nearby window open, snapping around to give Genma a look of pure outrage.

“Excuse me?”

“You. Chunin. Crush,” Genma repeated slowly.

“What am I, fucking five?” Kakashi narrowed his visible eye. “I’m a grown-ass man who kills people for a living. I’m feared throughout all the nations as Sharingan Kakashi. I’m a fucking legend. I don’t get crushes.” He paused. “And even if I did have one on him, how would you even know?” Genma shrugged.

“Cuz you’re always walking into walls and shit whenever you’re near him.”

“I do NOT-” Kakashi began, then promptly kicked over the wastebin next to the door, scattering trash all over the floor. Literally everyone in the mission room snapped around and stared at him accusingly.

Even the Chunin. Who was, admittedly, very cute.

“You’d better clean that up,” he said, his tone that of a disapproving teacher about to mete out punishment to an unruly student.

Okay he wasn’t that cute.

…Godammit yes he was.

Kakashi hurriedly shoved all the trash back into the bin, slapped Asuma in the face with the report, and bolted out the window.

---

It kept happening.

Kakashi was just minding his own business, buying groceries at the local market (because even trained killers needed to eat) when he saw the Chunin fondling some melons, and suddenly the pyramid of eggplants he’d been perusing had collapsed, a wave of them tumbling down and rolling all over the floor in a vegetable tsunami. The store manager started shouting and Kakashi decided he’d just order takeout as he slipped out the back exit.

At the laundromat, he caught sight of the Chunin folding his tighty-whiteys and somehow mismeasured the appropriate amount of laundry soap, resulting in the washing machine foaming itself to death like a rabid dog. Kakashi had to put it down with a Chidori and then escape through a window amidst the ensuing chaos.

He knocked down an entire shelf at the library when he saw the other man bending over to reach a low book. He quickly teleported out of there before the man could turn around and see him standing ankle-deep in porn.

Late one night, he was leaping along the rooftops and spotted the Chunin at an outdoor restaurant, seated at a table with friends, head thrown back in raucous laughter. Kakashi sailed through the air, eyes glued to the sight, so he didn’t see the billboard until it was too late.

It couldn’t go on like this.

---

“Okay you might have a point,” Kakashi said. Genma gave a snort.

“Of course I do.”

“I don’t even know his name-”

“Iruka.”

“Iruka? Oh GOD, even his name is fucking adorable.” Kakashi covered his face with his hands and took a deep, calming breath. “…Who else knows?”

“Everyone, Kakashi,” Genma said flatly. “Everyone knows. Even the Hokage knows.”

“Alright then.” Kakashi straightened with a determined air. “It seems pretty obvious what I need to do.” Genma stared at him for a long moment, chewing on his senbon.

“…Actually talk to the man and have a heartful confession about your true feelings?”

“Fuck no. Avoid him for the rest of my life.”

“Oh thank God I thought you were gonna say ‘kill him’.”

“Maybe I should start avoiding you, too.” Kakashi narrowed his eyes. “My plan will work, just you wait. I’m not called a genius for nothing.”

---

“Kakashi, meet your new mission partner,” the Sandaime said, standing in the doorway of his office and patting Iruka proudly on the shoulder.

Kakashi nearly spit out his tea. Through his mask.

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me,” he choked out. This mission debriefing had gone to shit, and he’d been sitting there all of five seconds. The Sandaime frowned at him, wrinkles deepening with displeasure.

“I will not have you looking down on young Iruka here simply because he’s a Chunin,” he said firmly, taking a seat at his desk. “What he lacks in experience he more than makes up with sheer determination. He will be a great asset for this two-man mission and I hand-picked him for exactly that reason.”

“Understood,” Kakashi said, switching to mission mode in the vain attempt it would help distract from the overwhelming presence of the other man. It didn’t. Iruka took a seat right next to him, their thighs so close Kakashi could almost feel his body heat. He pushed his chair away a few inches for some breathing room and knocked over a potted plant.

“You two will be travelling deep into the Forest of Death,” the Hokage explained. Kakashi hid a wince. The Forest of Death has worsened over the years, rotting from the inside like a fruit gone bad. It had devolved into a festering jungle filled with mutated beasts that would messily devour their bodies and environmental hazards that would devour their chakra. But as long as they were careful-

Iruka crossed his legs and Kakashi bumped a pile of papers off the Hokage’s desk.

Yeah, they were in trouble.

“Your mission consists of two parts,” the Hokage went on. “The first is to reach these coordinates.” He handed the pair a scrap of paper with a set of numbers scribbled on it. “The second part is in this.” He held out a small, innocuous scroll. “It contains special instructions, only to be read once you’ve reached the site. Not before. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” Kakashi said with grim resignation as he accepted the scroll and tucked it safely away. He just needed to get through this mission as fast as humanly possible, then he could go back to smothering his emotions under a metaphorical pillow. It would just be a few hours. He could DO this.

“I’m looking forward to working with you,” Iruka said, giving him a dazzling smile.

Kakashi spilled his cup of tea all over his lap.

…It was going to be a long mission.

---

The trek through the Forest of Death lived up to its name. It was a long, arduous journey through the dark, twisted woods, fraught with danger at every turn. Kakashi was on edge, painfully aware that, with one misstep, nearly everything in the jungle, plant and animal included, was capable of killing him at a moment’s notice.

That is, if Iruka didn’t kill him first.

Kakashi fell on an anthill and suffered a dozen venomous stings when the man decided to adjust his ponytail.

He walked into a tree and was nearly strangled by sentient vines when Iruka wiped his mouth after taking a drink from his canteen.

Kakashi tripped onto a patch of brambles which started actively draining his blood when Iruka raised an arm to wipe his brow and his shirt rode up.

And that was only in the first hour.

Iruka himself was an ideal companion. He followed Kakashi’s lead without question, trusting his judgement and experience with nothing but polite obedience, even attempting to start up a conversation once or twice. After Kakashi bit his tongue trying to reply, he took to ignoring the other man, who quickly caught on and fell into a sullen silence.

I can’t take much more of this, Kakashi thought to himself darkly as he slogged through the mud hours later. Every inch of his body ached, multiple wounds stinging and burning. Or maybe that was just the leeches. Konoha’s about to have a Missing-Nin if we don’t get there soon-

“I think…I think we’ve arrived,” Iruka cut in, checking his compass and studying his map. “Yes, these should be the correct coordinates. We’re here.”

Thank fuck. The nightmare was nearly over. Kakashi slipped the scroll out of his pocket and unrolled it. The orders contained within were rather short and simple. A single sentence. Four words, actually.

Ask him out already.

Kakashi stared at the message for a full ten seconds, then promptly set it alight with a Katon.

"What the fuck!” Iruka cried.

“Meant for my eyes only.” Kakashi stamped on the ashes, grinding them into the dirt. “I was to burn it after reading to leave no evidence.”

“Oh, well, I guess that means it’s my turn to read this one,” Iruka said, pulling out a second scroll from his pack. Kakashi hurriedly snatched it away and ripped it open, scanning the contents.

Pussy.

Kakashi burned that one, too.

“Seriously, what the fuck!” Iruka cried louder.

“Mission’s done, we’re heading home,” Kakashi stated, then turned and took a step.

And promptly sank up to his thigh in the suddenly soupy ground.

…Oh fuck.

“Don’t move!” Iruka shouted in warning. “It’s quicksand.”

“No shit,” Kakashi snapped out, then quickly shut up as he sank to his waist. He went perfectly still, arms out to keep himself afloat in case he sank further. “Calm down, I’m fine.” He closed his eyes, concentrating as he released a flare of chakra to push him free of the mire. The quicksand quickly gobbled up. “…Okay, maybe panic a little, I’m not fine.” The quicksand seemed to have developed a taste, and was now steadily devouring his chakra with a voracious appetite. “Okay, panic a lot. It’s draining my chakra.”

“Damn, hold on.” Iruka started rifling through his pack and pulled out a coil of rope. “Here, we’ll use this to get you out- actually wait, I think you’re close enough for me to reach out and grab you. Quick, give me your hand-”

Iruka stuck out his hand. Kakashi’s stomach did a little flip.

“Fuck no, I’m not touching you. Throw the rope.”

“What is your problem with me?” Iruka demanded. “I hardly know you and you already hate me.”

“I do not hate you,” Kakashi ground out through gritted teeth. “Throw the damn rope.”

“Not until you tell me what your deal is.”

“There is no deal.”

“Bullshit! You’ve been cold and distant this entire time. You’ve barely spoken a single word to me in hours. The fuck did I DO?”

“Nothing. Throw. The ROPE.”

“Tell me why you’re being such an asshole to me!”

“Because I fucking LIKE you, okay?!” Kakashi finally exploded. The background noise of the forest fell silent at the sudden outburst. Iruka just stared at him.

“…What?”

Kakashi tried to stem the flow of words, but they all came spewing out in a rush like verbal diarrhea.

“I keep walking into walls and knocking over shit and it’s all because of YOU and your dumb FACE and perky ponytail and that fucking dorky way you tuck in your pants-”

“What’s wrong with the way I tuck in my pants-”

“-because I have a stupid fucking CRUSH on you!!”

“God, what are you, five?!” Iruka shouted back. “Why can’t you just say you wanna fuck me like an adult?”

Kakashi gaped at him, flabbergasted.

“ExCUSE me?”

“Admit it. You want me.” Iruka crossed his arms, looking him up and down. “I don’t really get why, though. I’m always yelling at you in the mission room. You got some sort of humiliation kink?”

“Okay, you know what, you can just leave me here-”

“Don’t act like you’re not a pervert,” Iruka snorted. “I’ve seen the kind of shit you read.”

“That’s not the same!! It’s a book, not real life!” Kakashi argued. “Just because I read it doesn’t mean- I would never- look, my dad taught me to be a gentleman, alright?!”

Iruka studied him for a long moment, then tossed him the rope. Kakashi sighed in relief and grabbed it.

“…So we’re not gonna screw after I pull you out?” Iruka asked teasingly. “Not even get a bit handsy? Make out a little?”

“Of course not!” Kakashi squeaked out. “What kind of guy do you think I am?!”

Iruka broke into a huge grin.

“Oh my God, you’re adorable.”

Kakashi let go of the rope.

“Hey!” Iruka hurriedly reeled in the rope, then tossed it out again. It slapped Kakashi square between the eyes, but he didn’t even flinch. “Kakashi. Please take the rope. I don’t wanna have to file the paperwork. There’s, like, ten different forms.” He still didn’t move. “Please.” He just glared. “…Take the rope or I start taking my clothes off.”

Kakashi seized the rope in a death grip and didn’t let go until he was back on solid ground, chakra-depleted but alive. His legs were a bit shaky as he stood, and he was covered in thick, viscous mud from feet to armpits, not to mention the squelching noises every time he took a step.

“Okay, honestly, I’m a little insulted you grabbed on so fast,” Iruka said. “Are you sure you have a crush on me?”

“Will you stop talking about-” Kakashi went to pick up his canteen and accidently punted it into the quicksand. “MotherFUCK-”

“Yeah, okay, I see it now.”

“Look,” Kakashi said wearily, almost dragging a hand down his face before remembering it was coated in mud, “I just want to forget this whole mission ever happened, alright?” Iruka gave him a mischievous smirk.

“You sure you don’t wanna just bone?”

“Bone? BONNNNE?!” Kakashi repeated incredulously. “In a monster-infested jungle?”

“But I brought protection,” Iruka said, then held up a kunai. Kakashi refused to laugh, even though it was funny.

“Forget it,” he snapped. “A mosquito will probably fly up my dick and make it rot off.”

“Don’t worry, I’d suck it out.”

“Okay we are LEAVING-”

“Wanna hold hands while we walk?”

“Correction, I am LEAVING-”

"I’m serious, actually,” Iruka said, holding out his hand invitingly. Kakashi froze, staring at the proffered appendage like it was a bear-trap ready to spring. His stomach did another flip. “Come on, please? I don’t bite.”

Kakashi knew Iruka was just teasing, poking at the embarrassed Jounin with a stick to get a laugh.

Fine. Two could play at that game.

He reached out and took Iruka’s hand, their fingers twining together like old friends.

“…Unless you ask me nicely.”

Kakashi tried to yank his hand away but Iruka refused to let go, so he just reeled him in like a prize catch. Their chests bumped together, and he caught a whiff of the other man, a deep, woodsy scent that sent a shiver down his spine. He froze again as Iruka looked up at him, studying him with those big brown eyes that were not nearly as innocent as they looked.

“You know,” Iruka purred, leaning in even closer, “if you asked me right now…I might say yes.”

Kakashi gulped, throat suddenly dry. He wavered for a moment, uncertainty twisting his guts, then gathered his courage and barged forward.

“Umino Iruka,” he said tremulously, “would…you like…to go out with me sometime?”

Iruka gave him a blank stare.

“…Yeah that’s totally what I meant.”

“Oh my GOD-” Kakshi started to walk away.

“I’m kidding.” Iruka pulled him back, laughing. “Honestly, I’ve had worse first dates.” He looked at Kakashi and cocked his head appraisingly, a gentle smile chasing away the devilish one. “You��re very sweet. It’s refreshing, really. I’m so used to dudes just jumping straight to sex. It’s nice to meet a guy who actually wants to get to know me.”

Kakashi’s cheeks burned beneath his mask. Because it was true. He did want to get to know Iruka, and now he had the prime opportunity. Everything had already been laid bare, all the embarrassing bits hung out to dry. It’s not like it could get any worse.

“Now, let’s get you outta those muddy clothes.”

On second thought, maybe it could.

-End-

Written for @kakairu-rocks KakaIru Valentine's Week 2024, Day 3 Prompts: Crushes and Idiots in Love.

[la-spooky]

꧁ ༺ Beneath His Dark Waters ༻ ꧂

I am determined to prove that Rafayel is a more fucked up individual than Sylus. It's unnerving how well he hides it. A match made in hell.

༻ CH1: His Ocean, His Obsession ༻ Read the 18+ kinky smut chapters at my AO3 ༻ Fic Status: Ongoing ༻ Pairing: Sylus x Rafayel ༻Summary: "You know damn well you fucked me, Rafayel," Sylus growled, his voice low and dangerous. "We made a deal." Rafayel felt the room closing in around him as the words sank like lead into his chest. His mouth went dry, but he kept his gaze locked on Sylus, refusing to show the fear gnawing at him from within. For a brief moment, Rafayel saw something else in Sylus’s eyes, a flicker of something raw, almost pained, beneath the anger. But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by the cold, unyielding mask of control. Sylus leaned forward, the broken glass cutting into his palm. He didn’t flinch. “It’s time to pay your debt.”

The following content is protected under copyright laws. Do not copy, modify, repost on other sites or claim as your own.

© 2024 la-spooky

Rafayel's nerves had been fraying for days. It started with small things. Feeling a prickling on the back of his neck as if someone was watching him, shadows that seemed to move just out of sight, and flashes of red that flickered in his peripheral vision. At first, he dismissed them as tricks of his mind or remnants of his time on the run. But as the days passed, the sense of being watched grew stronger, the flashes of red more frequent, and his sleep more restless.

He tried to ignore his paranoia by poring himself into his art. The studio, usually a place of calm and creation, now felt like a pressure cooker, the walls closing in on him. He was in the middle of a particularly aggressive stroke when his phone buzzed loudly on the table beside him. The sharp sound made him jump, his hand slipping and smearing the paint across the canvas. With a frustrated sigh, he wiped his hands on a rag and grabbed the phone, his heart still racing from the sudden noise.

The message was from an unknown number. His brow furrowed as he opened it, expecting some spam or wrong number. But as soon as the text opened, his phone screen flickered violently. The usual smooth interface became corrupted with glitching streaks of black and red. Before he could react, the first message appeared on the screen with a distorted nightmarish tone that made his skin crawl. 

¿D̸͖͘ḭ̶̽d̶̼̽ ̶͍͝y̵̡̽o̵̟̕u̴̓ really think y̷̤̌o̵u woü̴ld get͈ aw̵̘̕ȃ̵̭y ̶͑with it?

Rafayel's heart pounded in his chest as he read the message. His mind raced, trying to figure out who could have sent it and what they were talking about. He tried to reply, but the phone screen glitched again before he could even type a response. What in the- a loud crash came from outside the studio. He froze for a moment, listening intently for any other sounds. Footsteps crunched on the gravel pathway, unnervingly deliberate and purposeful until they stopped just outside the glass sliding door.

Rafayel's nerves were shot at this point and he couldn't take it anymore. Fuck this. I’m outta here. He grabbed his keys and bolted out of the studio through his front door. As soon as he stepped outside though, everything went black.

Rafayel awoke handcuffed to an ornate dining chair. The room around him was draped in opulence, with rich red and black accents that seemed to seep into every corner. The dining table in front of him was laden with an extravagant feast. Glossy, decadent dishes that seemed almost too beautiful to touch, flanked by champagne flutes that caught the dim light and reflected it back with an eerie glimmer.

Dizziness gripped him, making everything appear fragmented. A groan escaped Rafayel's lips as he struggled to clear the haze from his vision. “Ah, you’re awake,” came a seductive, gravelly voice. “I was beginning to worry you’d miss the fun.”

Rafayel's eyes widened in shock as he recognized the voice. His blood ran cold as his vision gradually cleared. Across the table sat the suffocating presence of his past. A towering white haired man, alluring and intimidating in equal measure, watched him with piercing red eyes that cut through the haze with unnerving clarity. It was Sylus, his former captor and tormentor. Memories of his time with Sylus flooded back into Rafayel's mind, causing him to shudder involuntarily. He struggled against the restraints holding him down but they were too tight. He looked around frantically for a way out but there seemed to be none.

Sylus leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk on his face as he watched Rafayel's panic. "You see," Sylus began, picking up a glass of whiskey and swirling it thoughtfully before taking a sip. "I have my ways of finding what is mine." His eyes gleamed dangerously at the last word. "And now that you're back where you belong," he continued softly, setting down the glass and steepling his fingers under his chin "we can finally catch up on old times."

"You can't keep me here," Rafayel spat at Sylus, trying to sound brave despite feeling terrified inside. "I'm not your pet anymore."

Sylus's lips twitched into a smirk at Rafayel's defiance. He found it amusing how the younger man tried to stand up to him, even when he was so clearly trapped. "Oh really?" he asked, leaning forward slightly. "And what makes you think that you are even worthy of being my pet? After all, I could have any Lemurian I please." His eyes raked over Rafayel hungrily before settling back on his face. There was something almost playful about Sylus now; a dangerous game where only one could win and lose simultaneously.

Rafayel gritted his teeth at the condescending tone in Sylus's voice. He refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much he had suffered during his captivity. "I don't know what you're talking about," Rafayel replied, trying to sound as confident as possible despite feeling like a trapped animal. "I've moved on from that part of my life."

Sylus chuckled softly at Rafayel's attempt to deny their past. He could see the fear in his eyes, even though he tried so hard to hide it. "Moved on?" he repeated incredulously, shaking his head slightly as if disappointed by such naivety. "You can run from me all you want but remember this; I always find what is mine." His gaze lingered on Rafayel for a moment before looking away dismissively.

Rafayel's stomach churned at the thought of being used by Sylus again. He had spent years trying to forget about their past together, but it seemed like he was doomed to relive it all over again. "I won't let you touch me," Rafayel said firmly, his voice shaking slightly with fear and anger. "I'd rather die than be your plaything again."

Sylus raised an eyebrow at Rafayel's defiance. He found it amusing how the younger man thought he could resist him. "Is that so?" he asked, with a smirk on his face. "And what makes you think that death is preferable to being mine?" His eyes gleamed dangerously as if daring Rafayel to try and escape once more. Rafayel knew damn well that death by his hands would be excruciatingly slow and sadistic.

Sylus leaned back in his chair and studied Rafayel with an unreadable expression, his piercing red eyes simmering beneath an icy veneer. The tension between them thickened, coiling in the air like a predator waiting to strike. "You know damn well you fucked me, Rafayel," Sylus growled, his voice low and dangerous. "We made a deal."

Rafayel felt the room closing in around him as the words sank like lead into his chest. His mouth went dry, but he kept his gaze locked on Sylus, refusing to show the fear gnawing at him from within.

Sylus's lips curled into a humorless smile as he continued. "You signed your rights away willingly, willingly," he repeated, as though tasting the bitterness of the betrayal on his tongue. “And still, you had the audacity to screw me over and everything we built together." The sound of glass cracking rang out as Sylus’s hand tightened around the delicate crystal in his grip. A hairline fracture splintered through the whiskey glass, but he paid it no mind, his focus solely on Rafayel.

For a brief moment, Rafayel saw something else in Sylus’s eyes, a flicker of something raw, almost pained, beneath the anger. But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by the cold, unyielding mask of control. Sylus leaned forward, the broken glass cutting into his palm. He didn’t flinch. “It’s time to pay your debt.”

Rafayel's heart pounded in his chest. Debt. The word hung between them, charged with unspoken meaning. He knew exactly what Sylus meant, what he wanted. But Rafayel refused to bow to the weight of that word. Not again.

"You think this is about some deal we made?" Rafayel spat, the tremble in his voice betraying his rising fear. "You don't own me, Sylus. Whatever I signed, it was under duress. You manipulated me, cornered me until I had no choice!"

Sylus's expression darkened, his red eyes narrowing into slits. He stood slowly, the fractured glass slipping from his hand and shattering on the floor. “I gave you everything, Rafayel. Freedom, power, a life beyond the chains of Lemuria, the civilization that you single-handedly destroyed. I shielded you from the guilt and sorrow of the mess you made. I saved you. And in return, you betrayed me.”

Rafayel felt a surge of anger flood his veins. “Betrayed you? You imprisoned me, Sylus. You never gave me freedom. You twisted it to your liking, made me believe I owed you my life. But I was never free, not for a second. I was just your exotic pet!”

A cold, sharp laugh escaped Sylus, his towering form looming over the table now. “Oh, Rafayel...You still don’t understand, do you?” His voice, rich with malice and something darker, sent a shiver crawling down Rafayel’s spine. Rafayel's breath quickened as Sylus drew closer, his steps echoing ominously through the grand room.

As the handsome predator approached, Rafayel’s senses were overwhelmed. Sylus’s presence was intoxicating, his cologne thick with the unmistakable scent of Lemurian aphrodisiacs. It hit Rafayel like a wave, dulling his resistance as an involuntary heat coursed through him. His lips parted, and to his horror, he realized he was already salivating. He clenched his jaw, forcing his body to fight the effect. “S-stop…get away from me,” Rafayel choked out, his voice trembling, but the defiance was still there, buried beneath the fear and the unnatural pull he felt toward Sylus. His words felt weak, powerless, swallowed by the overwhelming presence of the man closing in on him.

Sylus smiled deliberately as if savoring Rafayel’s struggle. He leaned in, his eyes glowing with that same predatory hunger as he reached out, his fingers brushing against Rafayel’s cheek. The touch was feather-light but burned with an intensity that made Rafayel flinch. The blood that had been oozing from Sylus’s palm moments ago seemed to vanish, the gash knitting together in front of Rafayel’s wide eyes as if his very flesh bent to Sylus’s will.

“There’s no escaping what’s real, Rafayel,” Sylus whispered, his voice softening into something almost tender, a cruel contrast to the situation. “Your debt...it was never just about the deal.” He paused, letting the words settle like a weight on Rafayel’s chest. “It’s about us.”

Rafayel’s heart hammered as Sylus’s hand slid from his cheek to his jaw, tilting his face upward so their eyes locked. The red in Sylus’s gaze gleamed with a dangerous mix of desire and dominance. “What we had, Rafayel...you felt it. You know it was real.”

Rafayel gritted his teeth, fighting the haze clouding his thoughts, his body betraying him under the effects of the Lemurian drugs and the unnerving pull of Sylus’s power. “You twisted everything...it was never real,” he hissed, though even as he said the words, there was a crack in his voice. It had been real and he couldn't even deny it to himself. But what Sylus wanted, what he took, couldn’t have been love.

Sylus’s lips quirked into a smirk, his thumb brushing along Rafayel’s lower lip with unsettling intimacy. “You keep telling yourself that, but deep down, you know. What we shared, it was more than just control. You gave yourself to me because you wanted to. And I...gave you everything.” The warmth in Sylus’s voice was laced with venom, a seductive, dangerous edge that made Rafayel’s skin crawl.

Reality was more terrifying than the delusion Rafayel had spun for so long. He could not accept that maybe, just maybe, there had been something mutual in the twisted relationship. Sylus hadn’t always manipulated him, hadn’t always warped his mind until nothing felt certain except the suffocating weight of his power. Rafayel had willingly swam into the angler fish’s trap again and again and again.

[bitchy-peachy]

Tw: fucking profanity.

I swear I'm so tired of shitassed racist people on tiktok using this poor girl for their agenda bs. Her own family have told these assholes to fuck off using her this way.

Also love how she "cares" so much, she misspelled her name.

Her name was Laken Riley.

Her full name was Laken Hope Riley.

She was 22 and a nursing student before a degenerate male did... Well you know. (I hate this world sm. May she forever be in peace)

While my reply might mention white men as stats of higher crimes of this nature (sorry, guys. Its true) the truth is that crimes of these nature aren't about race at all, but about some men being pieces of shit that enjoy hurting others.

This isn't even political. It's a rot we have to deal with every day that can affect everyone, regardless of age, gender, race etc. Humans can be both a wonderful and terrible creation.

Conservatives wanna make her death an anti immigration point as if all immigrants are doing this daily.

Its a man thing, stupid assholes.

And it turns out that our biggest racial majority in the US are white people therefore most of the ones committing crimes against women will be white men due to population percentages.

Immigrants are such a small percentage and even a smaller percentage is committing crimes.

Conservatives love using the fear tactic of exaggerating issues of this nature by pretending it's a massive spread-about problem.

Republican politicians also have a history of grabbing on to any minority to fear-monger people into voting for them to "protect" them from this perceived threat.

I wish they'd leave this girl and her family alone. Cos her family is suffering.

I've lost relatives in terrible circumstances and the pain never goes away, so I imagine them finding people using her to be a racist pieces of shit (and also using her as an excuse to vote for Trump. Yes I've seen shit like this! People are so disgusting) is only hurting them more.

I kept quiet on it until now not outta apathy, but outta personal experience with grief.

Leave Laken Hope Riley alone and stop using her in your internet activism crap to attack everyone that isn't in your Trump cult.

You people look like soulless assholes.

Also if you're a man and are offended by me you might want to self reflect on why my comments upset you... Because I've talked to men that are just as angry as I am and they admit there's a serious issue that other men aren't taking as seriously as they'd wish.

The only men that would be upset are men that see themselves in these criminals.

[alexxncl]

‼️NIGHTBRINGER LESSON 30 SPOILERS‼️

masterlist | all lessons | season 2 | lesson 29 | lesson 31

normal and hard

slight og lesson 16 spoilers

baby you can't cook...it's that simple

i feel like mc has to have said something about his cooking to him before and he just forgot bc there's no way he doesn't know he's actually the worst "chef" to grace all three realms and the otherworld (is that what thirteen's realm is called ???)

YOU DON'T SCARE ME BITCH ! NEITHER OF YOU ! YOU NEVER HAVE

unless we count that one scene in og season 1 where luci grabbed mc outta nowhere and threatened them when they kept being nosy. but intimidation isn't fear imo 😤

...and when belphie literally killed them, but i wasn't scared. just caught off guard and powerless bc of a lack of sorcerer training but NOT scared

also them treating beel like a kid who can't make his own decisions is both funny and frustrating from a sibling stance bc yes, he's their baby brother, but he's also a grown ass demon who absolutely can make his own decisions

satan was born like 2 days ago so i ESPECIALLY don't wanna hear nothing from him /j

i bet mammon lost bc of some dumb shit too 😭 levi probably asked him "do you look up to lucifer" and he was like "WHAAAAT no i'm only around him all the time because i like annoying him...not because i adore him and wanna be like him when i grow up or anything...what are you talking about"

BYE he's obsessed 😭 childish too

like openly trying to kill luci and mc by acting like everyone likes solomon's cooking is abominable behavior

oh...oh no :(

I FEEL SO BAD like why couldn't we just say "it's not for me...raphael might like it though" i hate the devs actually

HE LOOKED SO SAD i'm gonna kay em ess

i hate this game...why were the only two options lies ?? why did we even HAVE options ??? like he literally could've just sprinted to his room to spare himself the embarrassment or mc could've said smth like "we promised to keep it a secret so he can't show you"

WHY WOULD THEY MAKE MY SON CRY

telling solomon the truth didn't even matter atp

...so telling solomon the truth was EVEN MORE pointless than i thought i hate it here

levi :(((((((

the emotional whiplash this game is giving me is NOT good for my health

brb gonna go cry my eyes out

(i didn't have enough picture space to talk about the hard lesson, but dia and luci getting payback on mephisto by making him eat solomon's cooking was PEAK comedy)

[blackholesun321]

I saw your post about sending asks about one piece so here I am.

Wing AU Mihawk and Shanks being mates and secretly married. Shanks finding it hilarious that a warlord, an ally to the Marines, is married to a Yonko and one of the most powerful pirates. Mihawk accidentally acquiring Zoro after Zoro gets lost and ends up following Mihawk. DadHawk with his baby birb and Shanks laughing and saying Mihawk is like him with collecting children. Shanks with his baby birbs Uta and Luffy. Happy birb family.

I apologize it took me so long to get to this but yessssss! I love shit like this ten outta ten ask my you alway get discounts from you local retail. My your pillow he alway the right softness and your steak alway cooked to perfection. 💜 ✨

Alright, I adore AUs like this because of the world-building you can do. Like, people have big-ass wings attached to their backs? What does that look like at sea? Fighting? Houses? Sleeping? How do people have different instincts or traditions? Have cultures changed in some way, or how did all people suddenly have wings?

It's a fun playground, but throw in found family and ships, it gets even better. But let's add a twist to this: say Devil Fruit users can't fly? Just as the Mother Sea cursed them to never swim, Father Sky cursed them to the earth and Devil Fruit users' wings basically become useless after they eat one. It doesn't impact all users; some can fly naturally with their powers, or if you have a bird zoan fruit, it usually cancels out the flightlessness. But those stuck on the ground, dragging that heavy, useless weight around, tantalized with freedom that can never be... well, it would drive some mad.

It's not popular, but not uncommon for a Devil Fruit user to just remove their wings. Which, if you think about the cultural and societal implications of wings, for communication, rituals, gender identity, courting, family bounding and friendships- One can only assume that is you have extra appendages they be incorporated into one’s communication, just like how you move your arms when gesturing or quirking eyebrow to ask a question, they could be used to show anger, attention, fear or attraction. Being well, removing a whole-ass way of communicating and engaging with community, even if they’re useless; would be I feel a great taboo and another way for the world government to fear monger. I'm guessing in some cultures it's considered the greatest punishment or the greatest shame.

But if this little tidbit is true, think about baby Luffy. Just getting his flight feathers in, this little ball of down, learning to swim and just starting to fly. Maybe Shanks helps him; maybe he laughs and goads him on with every hop and skip just a few seconds in the air. Just for him to crash down. But he gets back up again, determined to fly longer, to go higher, and Shanks watches him and feels this swell of something like warmth and a little bit like fondness under his breastbone as Luffy comes back disheveled, covered in dirt and pouting. He remakes his nest a little bigger when he gets back to his ship that night. Adds blankets and some pillows, the down he's kept from Mihawk and Uta and other members of the crew, picked through and rearranged. He's a little too drunk to think of it in a moment, but the realization does come halfway off to dreams that of, "Oh, shit, I haven't done this since Uta!"

He, of course, panics in the morning, hungover and acting like the world's going to end. Shaking Benn like a rag doll, ranting like a loon, and, of course, he gets punched in the head for his trouble, and then laughed at because, "Captain, you've been inducting Luffy into our flock since the last trip; you've only now noticed?"

And Shanks has, like, this come-to-One-Piece-Jesus moment where all the little moments—of preening Luffy's feathers, weaving his fluffy down into his own wings, letting Luffy keep the bright red feathers that fell from his wings, Luffy giving them colorful things like shells, beetles, buttons, and rocks—just click into his head.

And he realizes shit I’m a dad again. Mihawks going to kill me… or laugh his ass off. (Mihawk is dealing with his own child acquisition at this point Shanks no worries, you can both commiserate together.)

There would be more bonding after that. Small, soft moments where Makino would watch and see her dark, velvet green feathers matched with Shanks' red. Luffy's never had people, never had friends before, never had a parent, and as much as Makino tries to help this poor little boy in his two empty house with his two empty eyes, she has never had the ability to be wholly what he needs. He needed a family, something full to bursting with love and joy, and she had never seen the little fledgling with more joy than the Red Force.

There is tragedy, of course. Luffy still eats his Devil Fruit. And Shanks is now filled with a guilt he will never be able to forgive. He crippled this poor kid before he'd even taken his first flight. He'd stolen the sky from his fledgling, so it's more fitting he loses a wing in return.

In this AU, because of the wings, humans have other instincts. Of course, if you had giant shields on your back, you'd use them instead of reaching out your arm, shielding Luffy and himself. Shanks pulls off armament just a bit too slow. And the Lord of the Coast bites the top of his left wing, teeth sinking in as Shanks screams, and flesh, as well as feathers, are ripped from him in a shower of blood and down so red you can't tell what's feathers and what's viscera.

His wing flops limp in the boat and bleeds all the way back to shore, no matter how much they try to stem it. Shanks is pale by the time the Red Force finds them, pale and cold, holding a sobbing Luffy to his chest as he tries to soothe. "It's only a wing, Luffy; it's only a wing."

God I’ve fallen in love with this au, me and it are sloppy kissing at the back of dennys in my brain. I’ve started writing a Shanks and Mihawk thing for this and definitely will add in Zoro and Mihawks and the sudden ‘father hood be upon ye’ that they get to deal with. It’s along the lines of who is that feral green child?—And said feral child is trying to stab him but also Mihawk keeps correcting his form and then eventually gets fed up and start actually teaching Zoro to stab properly. Type of energy.

[gepardling]

night-time rendezvous IV w/ gepard .

desc. : i spent my last 2 days on plant hormones, it's time i invest into my own hormones. be honest tho would u still stay housemates w/ a vampire if he attempts to bite u? wrong answers only. serval wants u outta there for ur own safety, she alrdy knows tht geppie's clock is ticking :/ ( wc : 1.7k )

tags / cw : sfw, but mentions of blood, injury and vampirism, gn!reader, (they/them used), vampire!AU for the Landaus, reader is a human, they uh KISS (it's not too spicy, vaguely spicy), he tries to bite :(, proofread but lore may change

index : prologue, part 1, part 2, part 3

— DAY 3

The following night, you are greeted by a different face. Serval’s sharp features are striking as you open your eyes for the first time. She pulls the curtains open, briefly bathing in the moonlight that spills from them. "I trust you're doing well, my dear?" She asks, the unfamiliar softness laced in her tone. You can't help but notice the tension that lingers in the air as you nod in response. Serval's presence alone was enough to keep you on edge. You murmur your gratitude for her hospitality, albeit with a slight wariness.

She studies you for a moment before offering a faint, enigmatic smile. "I know this isn't what you expected when you stumbled upon our villa," she begins, her tone holding a hint of sympathy. "But we have rules here, and my brother has broken a significant one." The mention of rules and Gepard's apparent transgression leaves you puzzled. You're not sure what she's referring to, but her cryptic words certainly pique your curiosity.

"What do you mean by that?" You asked cautiously, fully aware of Serval’s capacity to switch-up mid-conversation. Her gaze remains fixated on you, her eyes betraying an inner conflict. She appears torn between revealing more and keeping the details shrouded in secrecy. Her voice takes on a softer tone as she finally responds, "My family has a code of conduct that we must adhere to, and Gepard has disregarded a significant aspect of it by bringing you here. You see, we have kept our existence hidden from the human world for centuries, for our own safety."

The weight of her revelation hangs in the air, leaving you to contemplate the implications of her words. You gulp lightly, a slight shake evident in your tone. "I promise I'll leave as soon as I can. Then you won't have to see me again..."

Serval offers you a faint, sad smile. "I appreciate your understanding, dear. It's not just about seeing you, it's about the safety of both our worlds. I hope you heal swiftly, but I fear the ties that bind our two worlds may not be so easily severed." Her words hang in the air, heavy with the weight of a complicated truth.

Serval sighs before clapping her hands together. "If you need anything, let me know," She sings, suddenly awfully cheerful. "I've left some clothing for you to wear since yours seemed... A little tattered." She quipped before leaving the room. And she was right, a neatly folded pile of clothing was laid on the chair opposite your bed.

With Serval's exit, you take a moment to inspect the clothing. It's a simple but well-made ensemble, and some comfortable shoes. You decide to go for a stroll before another family member inevitably comes across your path. As you walk through the villa's ornate halls, you take a moment to examine some of the centuries-old paintings adorning the walls. The dimly lit corridors cast an eerie, yet intriguing ambiance. One painting, in particular, captures your attention. It's a portrait of a young Gepard, standing next to a woman who appears to be Serval, although her countenance is less stern in the painting. The depiction of a family, seemingly harmonious, contrasts with the hints of tension you've witnessed.

Continuing your exploration, you find a room filled with an eclectic collection of trinkets and antiques. Each object tells a story of a time long past, and aesthetically they seem exceptionally out of place in the grand villa. Your journey takes you deeper, and before long you realize you've become lost. A foreboding presence seems to lurk behind the door at the end of the hall, and strangely it pulls you towards it. The door's handle feels cold to the touch as you slowly turn it, and the creaking of the hinges only amplifies the feeling that maybe you shouldn't be there.

As the door inches open, you find yourself in a room that is shrouded in shadows. The only source of light is a solitary window, its curtains drawn shut. The room is filled with a musty, age-old scent, and you can barely make out various objects scattered about. On the dresser, an old-leather bound book rests on the dusty surface. The first page of the book reads "Cocolia", seemingly the name of the owner. In the corner, a large, ornate mirror captures your attention. Its surface is slightly tarnished, but you can still see your reflection. As you gaze into the mirror, an unsettling feeling creeps over you. It's as though you're not alone, as though there's something or someone lurking just beyond your sight. Before you could go any further, a hand grasps your shoulder, and you almost jump out of your skin with fright. But it was only Gepard. 

His sudden appearance both startles and comforts you. His voice is calm, and he speaks in a low, soothing tone, "I'm sorry if I frightened you. This part of the villa is rarely used, and it can be quite unnerving, especially at night. Are you exploring?" His hand remains on your shoulder, offering support and reassurance, and you feel a sense of security in his presence. You notice your reflection in the mirror, and that the empty presence next to you doesn't reflect what's really there. Your frayed nerves are quickly soothed when you remind yourself it's just Gepard. 

"I was looking around, but I got a little lost," you sheepishly admit.

Gepard nods understandingly. "It's easy to get turned around in this place, especially if you're not familiar with it. This villa has been in my family for generations." He offers a warm, reassuring smile, but his eyes betray a hint of secrecy. "I can guide you back. There's nothing of interest here, I assure you."

With Gepard by your side, the tension begins to dissipate, and you find yourself feeling more at ease in the grand but somewhat sinister surroundings. As you walk back, your attention is grasped by a portrait of Serval and an unfamiliar woman, and you turn to Gepard with a questioning look. "Is this a portrait of Serval? Who's the woman next to her?" 

Gepard nods, his expression solemn. "Yes, that's Serval. It was painted centuries ago. She and that woman, they… Have a long history." He doesn't offer much more in the way of explanation, and the conversation falls into a contemplative silence. You sense that there's something he's keeping to himself. As the silence between you and Gepard lingers, curiosity finally gets the better of you, and you decide to address the unspoken weight in the air. 

Your voice is soft, tentative, as you break the quiet with your question. "Gepard," you begin, choosing your words carefully, "there's something you're not telling me, isn't there?"

You watch as Gepard's expression shifts, a mixture of surprise and concern in his eyes. He stops walking, turning to face you fully, and you can see the discontent in his gaze. Gepard takes a deep breath, his gaze shifting to some point in the distance as if he's searching for the right words. "You're right, there are things I haven't told you," he admits, his voice tinged with a sense of internal conflict. "This villa is a place of many memories, some beautiful, some... not so much." He pauses, and you can see he's consciously choosing what to say. "My family, they value their traditions and, well, they don't exactly see eye to eye with the world outside these walls. It's a complicated story." His eyes momentarily lock with yours, their usual glimmer replaced with a dull gaze, before he turns away.

Respecting his discomfort, you don't push for more information. You can't help but steal a few glances at him, noticing a certain pallor to his skin, an ashy hue that hints at something deeper. His once vibrant and charismatic eyes seem tinged with exhaustion, carrying the weight of secrets he's reluctant to share. Although you're not aware of it, Gepard's abstention from drinking blood has left its mark. His distant stare reflects the strain of his restraint, and his typically sharp features seem softer, as if the lack of sustenance has dulled his natural intensity. 

Despite his weariness, Gepard sensed your desire to explore the villa further, and decided to show you the library. The villa's expansive collection of ancient texts and manuscripts held secrets from centuries past, and he wanted to share this secluded part of his world with you. As you wandered through the rows of old books, you were met with centuries worth of knowledge, secluded corners of the world you had yet to see. It was as if you'd found a safe space, away from the otherwise creepy aura of the Landau estate. It felt as though hours had passed since your arrival at the small library, but you were starting to get a little tired of the cryptic hemomancy manuscripts, instead looking for something a bit more… human. 

Gepard's presence was magnetic, and his fingers brushed yours as you struggled to reach higher on the shelf. Your heart raced as your eyes locked in a knowing gaze, the library's silence amplifying your desire. The book you were initially looking for was long forgotten as Gepard's lips met yours in a deep kiss. He pressed you against the bookshelf, hands finding their way to your hips. His lips released yours, and began to gently trail down your jaw, littering the faintest kisses against your skin. But the subtle scrape of something sharp was in stark contrast to his soft lips. Gepard's fangs, usually concealed behind a charming smile, hovered dangerously close to your neck. Your eyes widened in realization, and a sudden panic bubbled up inside of you.

"Wait, Gepard," you gasped, your heart pounding with a mixture of desire and fear. You pushed against his chest, trying to create some space between you, hissing in pain when the pressure stung your injured arm. For an instant, it felt like he might not listen, his gaze dark and unrelenting.

But then, Gepard's eyes flickered with recognition, and he pulled back, his breathing heavy. He looked at you, his expression torn between desire and guilt, his own fear mirrored in his eyes. "I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I didn't want to take advantage of you like that." Without another word, Gepard left, and his strides were too fast for you to keep up. You didn't see him again for the rest of the night. 

there's so much unnecessary hidden lore in this tbh i shld hav jus written vampire smut nd not gotten this invested into it but it's 2 late now. the mirror represents the forgotten hall and cocolia is the person who betrayed the landau family (more specifically serval).

[the-knucklesverse]

Stronger Together

something something the Shatter triplets were yoinked into the Sanctuary somewhere between season two and three of Sonic Prime, and know each other going into the last season. This is playing a little with the actual timeline of things, as our current theory is the ME pulled Dread in after season 1, either immediately before or immediately after getting the shard. But for this piece, they got pulled in after season 2.

This takes place in New Yoke, after everyone begrudgingly came together. ~~ Qwerty

~~~~~

"Ren!"

The voice called out over the noise of the others arguing, and the battle-scarred echidna turned to find his jungle 'brother' hurrying closer. The boy wore an expression of worry, which wasn't all that strange considering his typical nervous demeanor. "Yeah? What's up?"

"It's Dread," the boy said, his voice higher pitched in his worry. "He's . . . something's wrong."

"There's always somethin' wrong with him," Ren scoffed, crossing his arms. "Guy's got a screw loose somewhere."

Gnarly's expression intensified. "Ren. This is serious. He's losing it."

The boy's expression sobered Ren, and he nodded. "Show me."

Gnarly grabbed Ren's hand and pulled, dragging him to where Dread had hidden himself away in a corner. The pirate stood hunched over slightly, hands to his head and muttering to himself under his breath.

"Me Beauty, I must have me Beauty . . . grr . . . no . . . no . . . I be better than that . . . me Beauty be mine, all mine . . ."

"Dread?" Ren's voice was firm but soft. "Talk to me."

Dread shook his head, keeping his back to them. "Get away."

Ren tried again. "Dread, c'mon. You don't need that rock. Look at me."

The pirate shook his head again, curling tighter on himself. "Leave me be. I . . . don't want t' hurt you. I don't want t' hurt anyone."

"Dread, you need to—"

Ren was stopped when Gnarly put a hand on his arm. He shook his head, before moving closer to their eldest 'brother'.

"I know what it feels like," he said, speaking softly as he approached. "That noise in your head. Like a buzzing. A million bees stuck in there, making you feel like you're going crazy."

The trembling in Dread's shoulders stopped, and he turned to look at Gnarly. His eyes were wide, haunted, and his lip curled in a fearful snarl. "Ye . . . h-how do ye know that?"

"I've heard it all my life," Gnarly said with a shrug. "Back in Boscage Maze, I hear the trees. Cyber said it was something about something called chaos energy? I dunno. But I heard it when no one else could. And some days it makes me feel like I'd rip my own skin off just to have some quiet."

Dread straightened very slightly, turning more to face the youngest of their trio. "How do ye stop it? I hear me Beauty call me, even now, and I feel its pull. I want to go and get it, feel the power as it flows through me. But it makes me lose meself. I . . . I don't want to do that. How do I stop it?"

Gnarly shook his head with a sigh. "You can't stop it. You just have to learn to tune it out."

Dread grimaced as though that was the most painful thing he could hear. "How??"

"Focus on the things that are more important. I focus on my tribe. On Mangey and Hangry. My urge to keep them safe is more important than letting that buzzing get to me. That's what you need to do. Focus on what's more important than that rock."

"Nothing be more important than me Beauty!" Dread snapped, his face twisting in anger as he leaned toward the boy. A second later his eyes went wide and he drew back. "I . . . no, that's . . ." He grunted, pressing the heels of his hands against his eyes. "Get outta me head, you bloody rock."

"Focus on your crew," Ren said, moving closer. He wanted to be nearby in case Dread snapped and went after Gnarly. "They're your family, right?"

Dread shook his head, his hands still to his eyes. "I betrayed them. They . . . they'd never forgive me."

"Then what about us?" Gnarly said, trying to side-step around Ren, but his urban brother kept himself between them no matter how Gnarly moved. "We're your brothers. We want to see you beat this."

Dread slowly dropped his hands to look at the two echidna before him, a crease in his brow. "Ye . . . ye do?"

The other two nodded. "We do," Ren said, relaxing his stance a bit. "Dread, you're stronger than this. C'mon. Focus on helping us kick that fox's butt and making everything right again."

"That should be easy, for a legendary captain such as yourself, right?" Gnarly asked with a smile.

Dread looked between them for a long moment, before lowering his hands completely. He took a deep breath, and let it out slowly before a familiar smirk spread across his face.

"Aye," he said, and he sounded stronger. "Plenty easy for the likes of meself. We'll go and show that fox that there ain't nothing that can stop an echidna tribe from saving that which they hold dear."

He moved closer to the other two, and held his fist out.

"Thank ye, lads. I may need yer strength once we get there. But I trust ye completely t' help pull me head outta me own arse should I start t' lose meself."

"Oh, you can bet on that," Ren said with a smirk, joining his fist to Dread's. "It'll be fun to kick your butt. Again."

Dread's eyes narrowed, but his smirk remained. "Oh, is that how you think our last fight ended, aye?"

Ren narrowed his eyes right back. "I know that's how our last fight ended, yeah."

"Okay, let's keep focused here," Gnarly said, adding his fist to the group. "Dread, we'll keep you from going crazy. Ren, you can kick his butt when all this is done."

Dread gasped. "Lad, ye can't believe this lubber's tales?!"

"Kid knows the truth when he hears it."

"LIES!"

Ren and Dread continued to argue as Gnarly walked off, shaking his head with a smile.

[cainluvr69]

Surely, We Can Make Miracles Chapter 26

Previous Chapter

Hwylryn: …Balthazar…Balthazar…!

Mithra: … Is there a point in continuing our fight if that person has turned to stone?

Hwylryn: …

Mithra: Let's be done. This is enough for tonight…

Hwylryn: Mithra…

Mithra: …Hey, Hwylryn. Isn't this enough?

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: We need to stop that light, or something terrible is going to befall Borda Island!

Murr: We need to get back to the island to intercept it! Oz…!

Oz: Wait.

Oz was staring at the ends of the sky, and then turned his gaze to Mithra.

Oz: Mithra!

For a moment I'd wondered if he'd heard him, but then Mithra looked down at Oz. He was so far off, I couldn't tell what expression he was making.

Oz: I will kill him.

Mithra: …

Oz: We do not have enough time to wait until dawn.

Mithra: …What are you talking about?

Oz: You need not do it with your own hands!

Mithra: …

Mithra silently looked back at Hwylryn. I couldn't see his face, but I could still tell he was bewildered. Hwylryn's huge mouth moved a bit, as if trying to tell Mithra something. Whatever it was Mithra heard, his head fell heavily for a moment, until he looked up again. A strange light began to gather in his crystal skull, though he didn't take his gaze off Hwylryn even for a moment. And Hwylryn flexed his claws and bared his fangs. A blizzard kicked up around them. It was the same snow that fell upon their homeland.

Mithra: Oz. Don't start saying things as stupid as that. I know where my prey is.

Mithra laughed. For a moment, Oz's expression turned bitter. He gripped my hand and examined my face, trying to ascertain what was in my heart.

Oz: I will stop Balthazar's attack. We will depart from here and return to the island. …Is that alright?

But before I could respond, Hwylryn and Mithra, clad in light so harsh it hurt to look at, dove down into my line of sight. I didn't think I'd be able to forget that sight for as long as I lived.

Akira: Yes.

Oz squeezed my hand tightly. I kept my grip on his hand firm, too. I needed to make sure he knew what was in my heart.

Oz: <Vox Nox>

✦✧☾✧✦

Nero: …! Hey, somethin's comin' this way outta the ocean!

Bradley: That ain't good… We need t' intercept it!

Mitile: Okay!

Riquet: Look! There's a dragon in the sky…!

Mitile: I see Mithra, too…!

Oz: <Vox Nox>

Riquet: …! Oz…!

Arthur: Riquet!

Riquet: Prince Arthur! And Shylock's here and okay, too!

Shylock: Yes, I am. My apologies for worrying you.

Mitile: My brother and Cain are okay, too! And Lord Snow, and Chloe and Rustica, and all of the other Eastern wizards, too!

Arthur: Thank goodness!

Murr: We can get all emotional later! It's almost here…! <Eanul Lambru>!

Shylock: <Inviebelle>!

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>!

Nero: <Adnodis Omnis>!

Riquet: <Sunrotea Edif>!

Mitile: <Scintilla>!

Arthur: <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Oz: <Vox Nox>!

Everyone brandished their magical focuses, chanting their spells in unison. A swell of pale light burst forth, wrapping itself around us in an effort to stop the red light from the sea. Its force dwindled, just a bit. But not enough to stop it. Mermaids and dolphins poked their faces out from the waves, having noticed the path the red light was taking. Vivid blue lightning arced across the sky, silhouetting Hwylryn and Mithra's fight in black-and-white snapshots.

Akira: (At this rate, Borda Island will…!)

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: …! Mr. Faust, look!

Faust: What is it?

Heathcliff: There's something that looks like a dragon in the distance, that way!

Shino: I can feel something dangerous approaching us, too…

Figaro: …

Snow: …Fear not… We will have everything under control…

Faust: "We"…?

Figaro: Then, Lord Snow…?

Snow: …Hoho… I found him… Come back to me, White. <Noscomnia>

Figaro: …! Lord White…!

Snow: Let us speak as one. One, two…

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>

Heathcliff: Lord White!

Shino: Thank goodness! I'm happy for you, Snow!

Snow: You came back, dearest White.

White: You brought me back, dearest Snow.

Snow & White: We are one. In life, in death, and forever after--we are one.

Figaro: …Whew… Things are finally back to what I'm used to…

White: Is that Hwylryn?

Snow: Yes, it is. But he's not what we need to be worrying about right now. Spirits from the bottom of the sea are on their way to sink this island.

White: We'll stop them.

Snow: Oh yes, we'll stop them.

Figaro: Thank you, you two!

White: Hoho. All of you can wait right here. Let's be off, my dearest Snow!

Snow: Let's be off, my dearest White!

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>!

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: …ghh… It's too strong, we can't…!

Oz: …If only the sun would rise…

Oz took a long look at the sky--still dark and full of stars. The red light was carving its way towards Borda Island, slowly but very, very surely.

Akira: (Was I not focused enough?!) (I need to stop thinking about Hwylryn…) (…I can't. I can't do that.) (Not when he's right there in front of me.)

Shylock: Master Sage! Look…!

Akira: Huh…? Ah…! Snow! White!

Sacrificium: …!

Akira: You brought Saku-chan, too…!

Snow: Ohoho! Sorry for making you wait!

White: Ohoho! Sorry for making you worry!

Oz: White…

Arthur: Lord White! I'm so glad you're okay…!

Bradley: Heh. Cheatin' death again, huh? We need you to get to work, so don't get too comfortable!

White: I'm well aware! Now, dear Snow…

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>!

Mitile: …! The red light is getting smaller…!

Arthur: We only need a little more! Let's do this!

A small fleck of light joined with the wave of magic pushing back the relentless red onslaught. More little sparks joined the first, their number increasing bit by bit. I thought that seemed strange, so I looked back over my shoulder. And there they were: the wizards that we'd met in the island market.

Market Wizard: We're here to help.

Market Wizard: We heard the details from the little miss, the new lord. She said they might try sinking the island!

Market Wizard: This island's our livelihood.

Market Wizard: We've gotta put in the effort to protect our home ourselves!

Akira: Thank you, all of you…

Market Wizard: And it's not just us wizards showing up, either! The humans are putting their boats to sea, getting ready for whatever happens!

Market Wizard: Master Sage! Let's all put our backs into it and protect this island together!

Nero: You guys…

Bradley: We've got some serious backbone on display here. Alright, then I'll step up, too. Time to get ourselves in sync!

Owen: Oh, you think you get to take charge?

Bradley: Man, don't argue! Let's do this! Three, two, one…!

At Bradley's command, the wizards in attendance all strengthened their spells. The sparks from the market wizards, the mere flickers of light, turned the wave of my wizards' magic into something bigger, something brighter--something that could gently embrace the spirits that threatened to destroy their home. Embraced by light, the spirits' dreadful red glow slowly weakened, losing force as it faded away. Soon, there was nothing left on the other side but the clear sky, awaiting dawn. And then… The red light that Balthazar had called from the depths of the ocean glittered and vanished into the blue waves.

Mitile: Yes…!

Riquet: We've protected the island…!

All the wizards in attendance, both Sage's wizards and those from the market, started shouting and cheering happily. And then… I thought I heard someone say my name.

—Akira.

Akira: …

I turned and looked up at the sky. I heard Mithra's voice on this aerial stage, backed by the gentle glow of dawn's first light.

Mithra: <Arthim>

It was such a beautiful morning. Blue and red extended off into infinity, past the gentle curve of the horizon, a sash tied neatly around the circumference of the world. Under that beautiful sky, a gem resplendent with all the colors of the rainbow shattered, its crystals raining down upon the sea. They fell into the water, plip, plop, the inauspicious sound of rain heralding those rainbow gems' descent into the depths of the sea. It was a beautiful sight. One better suited for a dream. The mermaids and dolphins watched the crystal rain with a solemnity typically reserved for prayers. And I…knew that I'd just lost a friend.

✦✧☾✧✦

Borda Island Resident: What just happened…?! Did the wizards over the ocean save us…?

Borda Island Resident: Ah… Look… There's gemstones falling into the water…

Borda Island Resident: You're right… …It's so pretty… It's the kind of thing they write songs about… Like the one about the lost prince's legacy… The rain of jewels…

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: …

Arthur: Master Sage…

Oz: …

Arthur was looking at me, worry clear on his face. I knew that he was worried and yet, I couldn't get my tears to stop falling. All I could think about was my beloved Hwylryn's innocent smile. The way he spoke so cheerfully.

—Do you want some too, Akira? —It's a promise. —I'm glad we met.

Mithra: …

Mithra was staring at something in the palm of his hand. Hwylryn's stone. He turned and looked at me and then, saying nothing, stepped through one of his doors through space and vanished. I didn't know where he went. And, just like that, the strange incidents plaguing Borda Island were over.

✦✧☾✧✦

Dianne: Master Sage, I sincerely apologize for all the trouble I have caused. And I must thank you as well for saving Borda Island from its imminent catastrophe.

Dianne was very grateful once we returned to the castle. It felt a little bit like the air around her had changed somehow. Before, she'd had a powerful and commanding presence, if an overly rigid one, but now her smiles felt…genuine.

Dianne: I deeply troubled everyone in the castle, and the townspeople as well… I plan on restarting my studies from the beginning to try and avoid doing this again.

Castle Butler: Lord Dianne, are you certain about reinstalling the magical technological oven in the kitchen?

Dianne: Yes. Yes, it's just fine. It's something that needs to be done if I ever want the former head chef to return to his position here.

Castle Butler: I'm sure he will, your Lordship.

Dianne: Thank you… When that time comes, Master Sage, please come visit Borda Island again. We will be eagerly awaiting you!

Dianne smiled a bright and carefree smile. The expressions of all the castle servants seemed more at ease now, too.

Claudia: Master Sage, I'd be delighted if you could return to be Dianne's companion again.

And Claudia was also kind and friendly with us to the very end of our visit. She'd said she'd known Vincent a long time ago, but hearing her stories would have to wait until next time, too.

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: Goodbye, Vespa. Thank you so much for everything.

Vespa: …

Shino: Hey, she's holding something. Put your hand out for her, Heath.

Heathcliff: What is it? Woah, what pretty shells… You're giving all of these to me?

Vespa: ……

Shino: That's a lot of nodding. Yep, they're all yours.

Heathcliff: Thank you. Let's see, which one should I give to Shino…

Shino: Are you stupid? You don't know the first thing about a girl's heart.

Heathcliff: I…don't think that's true.

Shino: Are you for real? Man, I just know blood's gonna get spilled over you in the human part of the world.

Heathcliff: Don't say scary things like that! Thank you so much, Vespa. I'm pretty good at detailed craftwork, so I'll make you a new accessory for the next time we meet. Like that barrette you're wearing.

Vespa: …! …!

Shino: Ahaha! Look how happy she is! If she keeps smacking the water with her tail like that, she's gonna splash us.

Heathcliff: Ahaha. I'm just happy she's happy. Well then, I'll see you again sometime, Vespa.

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: I'm sorry for troubling you, Lord Faust…

Faust: No, you didn't do anything of the sort. If you want to say thanks to someone, you should be thanking the others…

Lennox: …

Faust: … This incident has made me reflect on a few things. You have a very strong heart. The fact that you could get possessed like that despite that strength must mean that my…halfhearted demeanor towards you made you falter.

Lennox: …

Faust: So I want to say it again. I have no intention of being happy, and because of that, there isn't a place for you at my side. But…if I were to want something similar to happiness, even just a little bit… I'd want to be able to watch over you being happy. That's all I'd want.

Lennox: Lord Faust… … My happiness is…

Faust: Yes…?

Lennox: My happiness is your happiness.

Faust: …

Lennox: If you can't be happy, Lord Faust, then I can't be happy, either.

Faust: But… You… I…

Lennox: Never.

Figaro: Both of you are so stubborn…

✦✧☾✧✦

Riquet: I learned a lot from this incident. In particular, I now understand just how difficult it is to act as a guide to the people.

Mitile: Yeah.

Rutile: I've learned the same thing from teaching. Trying to gather all my students and their different views and lead all of them is a really difficult thing to do.

Riquet: Yes. For instance, Mitile.

Mitile: Huh, what?

Riquet: If the path that I wanted to lead you down and the path that Rutile wanted to lead you down were different, whose guidance would you follow?

Mitile: Wh--what?!

Riquet: Incidentally, I'd want you to pick my side.

Mitile: That's… Um, well, I… I-I'd want to make my decision based off what you both want from me, instead of just picking you or Rutile.

Rutile: Wonderful. That's a good path for you to take, Mitile.

Mitile: Riquet, would you listen to me if I was the one guiding you?

Riquet: The other way around…?

Mitile: Hehe… Watch out, I might get strict with you.

Riquet: That's kind of exciting, actually.

Mitile: Exciting…?

Riquet: Please let me follow your guidance when we have the chance.

Mitile: I'll do my best!

Rutile: Ahaha! The two of you get along so well. You know, it's almost time for us to go back to the manor, but I haven't seen Mithra anywhere.

Riquet: I wonder if he already returned to the manor without us.

Rutile: Maybe… I hope he's doing okay…

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: The Sage doesn't seem to be doing very well right now…

Oz: …This is true…

Arthur: I'm worried about you too, Lord Oz…

Oz: … I want to see…you talking, eating, sleeping, laughing… For another thousand days.

Arthur: … We do still have to contend with <the Great Calamity>, Lord Oz.

Oz: I suppose we do…

Arthur: I'm very happy to have you watching over me. But I'd like to have the chance to watch over you, too. I recently asked Lords Snow and White if they know if you've been getting enough sleep these days.

Oz: So that was your doing…

Arthur: It's quite nice here in the sunlight. Why don't you lay down and take a nap? I'll be right here to protect you.

Oz: Haha… So the opposite of how it has been until now.

Arthur: Ahaha! Yeah, I suppose it is.

Oz: <Vox Nox>

Arthur: Woah, a bed.

Oz: It is daytime. Such a triviality is of no consequence.

Arthur: Alright, time to lay down… Rolling around on a fluffy bed surrounded by sand and sea, listening to the sound of the ocean breeze, feels awfully decadent…

Oz: It does…

Arthur: The sun feels so nice…

Oz: It does…

Arthur: … …zzz…zzz…

Oz: … You must have been exhausted… … I never tire of seeing you so at ease.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: You did soooo much this time, Rustica! It was rough, but I wanna say job well done!

Rustica: Why thank you, Chloe.

Chloe: But I think you should learn how to swim just in case we have to fight underwater again.

Rustica: You have a point. However, I am already fond of myself, unable to swim though I am.

Chloe: I'm already fond of you, too! And so… Tada! I found something just for this.

Rustica: And what would that be?

Chloe: Leather boots that'll keep you super buoyant! I even altered them to fit your legs better. Come on, try them on!

Rustica: Why thank you again, Chloe. Let's see… Like this?

Chloe: They suit you perfectly! Okay, now try walking on top of the water!

Rustica: Alright. I'll give it my best shot. Without further ado… …glub blub blub…!

Chloe: Wahh! The boots are floating, but Rustica's sinking!

Rustica: <Amores Viesse>

Chloe: Rustica, are you okay?!

Rustica: …gasp… Yes, I'm fine. These boots are a bit frightening, however.

Chloe: They areeee! I'll come up with something else!

Rustica: I shall eagerly await your next idea.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: How about you be done here?

Owen: Excuse me? I can eat however much I want to.

Cain: Well, I guess so, but… Either way, you really are strong, huh. I was really impressed by how fast you can think on your feet while watching you fight that dragon.

Owen: You do the same when you have a sword in your hands, Sir Knight. But you did only just start using magic, so it's only natural you'd think that.

Cain: I guess so… By the way, why did you turn yourself into Natalie?

Owen: Who?

Cain: The lady you turned yourself into. With the black hair and kind of sexy vibes? Sounds like she was scamming rich folks. They said it was a good thing you identified her.

Owen: Hmph.

Cain: Oh, you've got some coconut on your face. Let me get that.

Owen: Hah?

Cain: I think I'll get a refill on my coffee. Do you want anything to drink? I wonder if there's anything like drinking sweet cream?

Owen: Hah?

Cain: Excuse me. Can I add to our order?

Owen: Don't treat me like you would Riquet.

Cain: Riquet eats way more neatly than you do. Let's see, can we get a coffee, and… What did you want?

Owen: Hot chocolate.

Cain: Won't torta di cocco plus hot chocolate be kind of overwhelming?

Owen: I'm the type to open my trunk when overwhelmed.

Cain: Hmm, well, I guess I'm the type to push my body to the limit, too.

Owen: What? What does that mean?

Cain: A coffee and a hot chocolate, please.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Good grief. They really made me work this time.

Nero: Hey, Brad… I've got somethin' I wanna talk to you about.

Bradley: Nn?

Nero: 'Bout Figaro and the twins.

Bradley: Oh, yeah…

Nero: You wanna take care of 'em yourself, right? Or should I take the honors if I get the chance?

Bradley: You can't do it on your own. So obviously I'm gonna be doin' it. If you're alone, don't lay a hand on 'em.

Nero: Izzat right…

Bradley: But hey, we're only gonna be goin' after 'em once we beat <the Great Calamity>, yeah?

Nero: …! Damn, I almost forgot…

Bradley: Are you kiddin' me… Can't believe this is the kinda thing you get hasty about…

Nero: Th…that ain't true!

Bradley: Sure it is. But that's why you're my number two. You can be pretty damn scary when you want, Nero. You had the new recruits tremblin' like a leaf. Well, y'sure made me popular with them instead. Heh.

Nero: Now that ain't true. Sorry, but I was way more popular with the new meat than you were.

Bradley: No, I was.

Nero: I'm tellin' ya, it was me.

Bradley: Me.

Nero: It was me.

✦✧☾✧✦

Sacrificium: …

Shylock: …I see… So that's what happened between you and that sea dragon, Master Sage…

Akira: …Yeah… I… …I'm sorry, I'm still… I can't really get the words out…

Shylock: You don't need to force yourself to say anything. Simply being at your side like this lets me know what you're thinking. I've spent quite a long time doing just that… I'm quite proud of that ability.

Akira: …Thank you… …I think…I hurt Hwylryn…

Shylock: Why's that?

Akira: …I had Mithra bring torta di cocco for him. I thought he'd be happy to get it and want to listen to what we had to say, but… …But yesterday, we promised we'd go get some together… I broke our promise… Instead, I took advantage of it to try and negotiate with him… I thought giving him cake would make him happy, I thought I could talk to him, I thought he'd understand where we were coming from…I was being so shallow… …I feel like I…walked all over Hwylryn's feelings, even though I was trying to treasure them…

Shylock: That's not true. I'm sure he understood that you were thinking of him, and that your actions were the result of careful consideration on your part, even if you lacked the words for it. He was a very clever dragon, after all.

Akira: …sniff… If you say so…

Shylock: I am sure that he was grateful that you never gave up on being his friend… I am sure you made him happy.

Akira: …sniffle… …Thank you…

Shylock: I have also…found myself wishing I could have spoken with Balthazar under better circumstances.

Akira: Why did he kidnap you like that?

Shylock: Perhaps it sounds a bit presumptuous given I'm the one saying it, but he was attracted to me.

Akira: Attracted?

Shylock: Yes. I, who could do what he hadn't been able to, sparkled in his eyes the way a hero does. To be attracted to someone in such a way puts the idea that you're "lesser" than them into your head. But that adoration mixes poorly with Northern pride. He couldn't separate it from his envy, his hatred, his possessiveness, or his desire to "conquer" me. Northern wizards aren't the only ones who go through these sorts of things. It can happen to the rest of us, and even humans as well. When one's emotions get all mixed up like that, it can be difficult to make out what is what, like a half-finished painting…

Akira: …Losing track of your feelings…

Shylock: It's very important to keep things neat and tidy in one's own heart, just as in one's own room, so that you do not lose track of such important things. We are just as liable to have our souls shatter to pieces as a certain someone was.

Akira: That's right… How did Murr help you, Shylock? I mean, back when Adams Island sank…

Shylock: Why, he didn't. He was so wrapped up in his research he didn't notice the huge mess I'd gotten wrapped up in at all.

Akira: R…really? Then how did you escape the island?

Shylock: Balthazar simply released me. He didn't kill me. I was what he wanted so badly, after all. I imagine he didn't want to see the world with that desire of his shattered to pieces.

Akira: … That makes sense…

Chloe: Master Saaaage! We're gonna go home soooon!

Akira: Okay…! (Mithra…never came back…) (When we get the time, I want to…) (I want to talk to Mithra about Hwylryn a bit more.)

The sound of the waves drew my eyes back to the sea. I thought about the world of endless blue that surrounded that undersea city. The place that had once been Adams Island. I imagined Hwylryn, Mithra, and myself walking down its stone steps. In a world where Adams Island had never been destroyed. In a world where we were just…people, walking down its streets and waiting to meet up with each other. In that world, I'm sure I would've kept my promise. And we'd be chatting and laughing happily. Beneath the endless blue sky.

✦✧☾✧✦

Shylock: … Welco…

Murr: Shylock!

Shylock: …

Murr: Wheeze…wheeze… …cough…! …Huh?

Shylock: …What's wrong? Did you catch a cold?

Murr: No, I flew here on my broom… Cough…wheeze…! …Adams Island…

Shylock: Oh, yes. You finally heard about that? All of that went down a month ago. And Professor Murr Hart was wrapped up in his work the whole time. Even the City of Nectar itself feels awfully neglected.

Murr: … Are you…

Shylock: Are you asking about how I fared with Balthazar? Don't tell me you came all the way here just because you were worried about me?

Murr: Haha. Of course not.

Shylock: Of course not. Was it because you were worried about your laboratory on Adams Island, then? Unfortunately, it's at the bottom of the sea now. I certainly hope you had notes on all your research materials.

Murr: Well, I have enough. I've still almost certainly lost some things, though.

Shylock: That's good to hear. Now, what would you like to drink?

Murr: …Just water, for now…

Shylock: Water? You?

Murr: No, give me my usual. …cough, cough… …I changed my mind…water…

Shylock: What a strange person you are…

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play!

White: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play!

Snow: We love you! Gwawlyn! Hwylryn!

White: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play again sometime!

Snow & White: Waaahhh! We loooost!

Snow: We hate you! Gwawlyn! Hwylryn!

White: We're never playing with you again! Gwawlyn! Hwylryn!

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play!

White: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play!

Snow & White: Yaaaay! We woooon!

Snow: We love you! Gwawlyn! Hwylryn!

White: Gwawlyn! Hwylryn! Let's play again sometime!

Snow: Gwawlyn…?

White: Gwawlyn, dear?

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: …Hey, Hwylryn. Isn't this enough?

Hwylryn: Mithra. Just because I left the North doesn't change the fact that I was born there. There's nothing more humiliating than being told I'm not worth killing by someone who's acknowledged my strength.

Mithra: …

Hwylryn: Akira decided they're the Sage. Because they treasure all of you.

Mithra: …

Hwylryn: So, what will you do?

✦✧☾✧✦

Dianne: Master Sage, and all the Sage's wizards! Please take care…!

Claudia: Come visit us again sometime!

Akira: Yes! We will!

People waved at us from the ground as we sat astride our brooms--well, I sat astride one of the wizards' brooms. Even the Borda Island townspeople looked up and waved at us as we passed them by. The dazzlingly blue sky and glittering silver clouds reminded me of his white scales. The sound of the ocean breeze suited the sight of white-tipped waves on the horizon. And in the interstice of sea and sky hung the moon--big, white, radiant. <The Great Calamity>. That which had woven the first link in our bonds. The day of our fight against it, one with the fate of the world lying in the balance… Was coming ever closer.

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

All This Devastation

🩸Previous Parts Here🩸

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: ABO dynamics (knots, slick, heats, mpreg), alpha serial killer/hitman Dom, omega mob boss Kells, cursing, weapons (knives, guns, mentions of bombs), insults, past abuse, past SA, scared boys, pregnancy symptoms, secrets revealed, mentions of blow jobs, talks of death, attempted assault (on Blain), blood, fighting, Megan being awful, guilt, pain, hurt with no comfort (yet), driving without a license, enemies to lovers 💣 Rating: mature AF

All ideas helped by @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker 🖤

Colson was having a surprisingly alright day after he adjusted to being away from his mate. There was a constant pull feeling as if something inside him was telling him to go home but it wasn't so strong he couldn't ignore it. It honestly felt nice to be like his old self again and to remember he truly had been a self serving and protecting badass before he met the Alpha. At work he was slightly annoyed because his roommates were still being weird and hiding in their office, and his mother was still missing from the conference table. Tim was there though, and so was Pete. So even though a few important people were missing there were new faces. It helped keep him focused on what they had to do.

“Pete!” He huffed as he set his glasses and jacket on the table when he arrived. He shouldn't enjoy the way the beta jumped but it made him smirk. He had always loved scaring the shit out of people. “Any updates?”

The beta nodded and stood up like he was making a presentation in class. “The guys I sent after her followed her back to her place where she grabbed a few bags and then over to the airport. They couldn't figure out what plane she got on but it seems like the bitch listened and got the fuck outta dodge. Good fucking riddance if you ask me.”

A knot of fear and worry that had been stuck in the omega's chest for days loosened at those words. He wouldn't have to kill her. He wouldn't have to send his mate to do it. He could actually let her escape and live her life as long as she didn't come near them again. “Fuck.” The relief was so strong it made him dizzy and warm and he had to sit down.

“You good brother? Where's your other half?” Tim worried and Col waved him off.

“He needed to rest. I'm good. Contrary to popular belief I can actually function without him.” He rolled his eyes. He wasn't trying to be a dick to the man but come on.

Tim gave him a bit of a worried look but nodded. “I know. At least you don't have to worry about him or your mom getting their own revenge now. It's a good day when the trash takes itself out if you ask me.”

They moved on to other concerns, worked through a few shipments and scheduled shit around his due date. Of course no one was dumb enough to say that was what was happening but they all knew when the boss said he might have to take some time off. There was a peace in the room he hadn't felt in too long, everyone was teasing each other and messing around. They felt like a family again without Megan sucking the energy out of the room. Everything would have been perfect if not for the cramps tightening his hips and belly. The Doc had told him to expect it occasionally as he got closer but he hadn't expected it to be so annoying.

As they were ordering lunch he felt himself break out in a sweat and his stomach rolled at the idea of food. “Boss, you look a little pale.” Tim took a seat next to him in Collette's normal spot. He didn't say it to the whole room but kept his voice low. It was nice of him not to worry the room, some of his boys would just fucking shout it.

“I'm good. Braxton Hicks shit. The Doc said it's normal. Probably just my body pissed that I came out alone.” He growled at himself and rolled his eyes. “You talk to mom recently? She's been busy since the break in. I figured she was with you but…” He trailed off.

“Nah man. I haven't seen her since she set me up to fuck with Megan. I'm sure it just brought up some shit. Or she's helping at the hospital.”

“Yeah.” Colson sighed, his mother did spend a fuck ton of her time helping out at the omega hospital. She had since Travis died. She'd never exactly been the same since losing her mate and now the omega understood why. He didn't think he could survive it. It made him even more impressed by his mother.

He sat back and rubbed at his chest, everything felt weird. He tried to clear his throat and ignore it. “Does jizz cause heartburn? What the fuck?” It was an offhanded thought he didn't mean to mutter aloud but the beta snorted a laugh.

“Not that I remember.”

Kells eyes went saucer wide as he looked up at the older man who just winked and stood up to walk away to the kitchen. “Wait what? Wait. Tim! What?” He knew damn well it wasn't his business but that look had said so much to him. He wiggled out of his chair and followed after, hip checking the counter as the other made his lunch. “The fuck you mean?” It shouldn't be bugging him and he needed to leave it alone but his world view had shifted with that one joke.

“What? I didn't think we were exactly secretive.” The beta shrugged. “Even after I left… I didn't leave them.”

Them? Them? His brain felt like dial-up. He'd spent so much time thinking something was wrong with him for loving Dom, even though he'd never thought himself homophobic. His bio dad had fucked him up early but Travis had been his example of what a man should be. A leader. A leader in a fucking thruple? “Are you and mom still…” He trailed off. He found himself lost for words when that rarely ever happened to him.

“No. It wasn't the same without him. I love her but I think… It doesn't matter.” The man shook his head and turned to hide his face. Tim looked in the fridge long enough to get control of himself before he turned back without picking anything out.

“I wish I had realized. Might have stopped the shit show my mind was for a while.” Col laughed.

“Yeah but you were kind of an idiot as a kid. No offense. I mean shit, do any of the guys sleep over at your place as much as I used to? You didn't see it because you weren't ready to. Just sucks because I think you could have turned to him for a lot.”

“You miss him. I do too. Especially lately.” His palm fell to his stomach and he rubbed over it absentmindedly. It hurt his heart that their child wouldn't know it's grandfather. Travis would have been amazing. “We've got you though. If you'll hang around.” He offered and Tim smiled. It wasn't exactly the same no but it frustrated him that he could have still had a father figure the whole time.

The beta had tried to connect after Travis died. He hadn't been working with them for about a year before and Colson had blamed him a little. In his mind if Trav had his second in command maybe he wouldn't have believed whoever called that awful night, lying about being an omega in need. They never figured out who killed him, but for a long time the boy had blamed everyone around him. It was just like Travis to pick up a call in the middle of the night and leave by himself to save someone. Of course it had been a trap but they were too late. Collette woke up alone and found a note on her bedside table saying where her mate had gone. Kells hadn't seen the man after, his mom had taken care of everything because he'd run off and hid with Mod for a month.

Eventually she tracked him down and explained that he needed to come home and take his place as boss and he hadn't looked back since. Well he had. Constantly, and he was finally realizing how much he got wrong. He'd pushed Tim away and basically everyone else.

The boss shook himself and rubbed his side, trying to massage out the pain. “I do actually have some of the guys at my place every night. Mod stays with Tom.” He tried to joke to lighten the mood.

“I wondered about that. Full house huh? Where's the kid today?” The beta was thankful to move on.

“Ugh shit. Home too. Poor kid hit his cycle. I think it's fucking with me.” Colson huffed. He wanted to crawl inside the freezer and never come out.

“Well if everyone else is home resting… maybe you should try it too? I think we can function without you. Might be good to test run this shit, make sure you can take off all the time you need. Work out who should take over while you're gone.” The man offered and Colson couldn't say he was wrong. It was probably smart to work out the kinks before he was on leave for a week or so. He didn't want to leave them for too long though.

“Yeah maybe. I figured you and Mod could handle it? I would leave it to mom but who fucking knows where she is.”

“And she'll probably want to stay close to you.”

“Pfft. You would fucking think. Starting to think she'll miss the damn de-” He stopped himself and cleared his throat. He always felt panic at the thought of what was to come. He could still barely accept he was pregnant but that his kid was coming soon? Fuck that.

“Doubt that. She's obsessed with Punk.” The beta grinned. At some point his mock insult for the baby had caught on as a nickname. It certainly fit with the way his little one made a mosh pit of his womb. It was getting less cute the more they grew.

“Fuuuuck me- yeah I might take you up on that. Can't seem to stretch out this fucking kink in my back. Maybe I should head out a little early.” Colson sighed, pulling out his phone to text his mate and their boy. He didn't want to bother their rest coming in unexpectedly.

“Yeah, let's get you in a car.” The older man was more concerned than he wanted to let on but at least he knew The Doctor was at the boss’s home. He would get Kells settled and on the road and then he'd send her a warning text.

🖤💣🖤

Blain's phone beeped and woke him from a nap and he reached out from under his blanket to check. Colson wasn't feeling well? Shite. Weren't they a little family of fucked up. He pushed himself up to text back but the moment he did he heard something else- someone was walking in their home. “Dom?” He called out. He should let him know about Kells but the Alpha didn't say anything back.

Alarm bells went off in the omega's head and his heart raced as he reached for his blade. At the same moment his palm wrapped around it his door was thrown open and his lip pulled back in a snarl. “Fuck off.”

“Oh look, someone left me a little treat. Hey Goldilocks, the bears aren't home?” It was a beta he didn't recognize, strapped with a gun and wearing a mask. After a moment the bastard pulled it off but it didn't help the boy with knowing who the hell it was. “Megan said the place would be empty but fate blessed me today.” The sick fuck actually reached for his belt and Blain felt his stomach roll. He tried to text without looking down, he tried to tell Colson not to come home. Where was Dom? Did they already get him? How the fuck had they broken in?

“Ya fink so? Why don't ya come find the fuck out. Maybe I'm jus’ right for yas, but maybe you don't make it out alive.” The kid hummed.

“I've got a score to settle anyway. Your owners killed my boss and our second.” The bastard growled and Blain couldn't help but laugh as he dropped the phone and pushed himself to kneel on the bed. He was just glad it wasn't an Alpha, this bitch could barely scent him he hoped. His heat was making his blood lust double and he felt almost as excited as he was scared.

“I'll give ya the boss. They killed him, but I was the one to do in ya second. Fucker tried the same fing you're about to and I ripped his artery out wiv my teeth. You sure you wanna try me?”

“Fuck yeah. I just won't get near your mouth don't worry. He was an idiot trying for a BJ with such a fresh virgin pussy. I won't make the same mistake.” The asshole was blocking the door and moving closer. Blain knew it wouldn't be long until he lunged.

“Wha’ next? Gonna tell me not to worry cause it won't last long? I'll bet. Last chance beta bitch. Leave my ‘ome.”

“Why? I'm not scared of your Daddy, neither of them. They'll be dead before I'm done with you. If you're really good I might even keep you for myself.”

“Oh I don't fink you should be scared of ‘em. But me? Mmm. Do you really want my cute face to be the last fing you ever see?” Of course the fucker didn't leave and Blain made sure to jump first. He lost himself in a frenzy of blood and fists and fangs. He didn't even realize the text message he had meant to send never did, it just waited on his now locked phone. No one was warned about the intruder but at least the boy could hopefully take care of one.

🖤💣🖤

Colson had stopped at a store on the way home, they'd driven past it so many times and he'd finally been drawn. By the time he got off work it was always closed but since he left early he'd been able to stop in. When he finally made it back to the Four Seasons he was carrying at least ten bags full of baby clothes. He knew Dom would complain about the prices and tease him that children are messy but he didn't care. His kid would live in style damnit.

His driver helped him carry more in and he was chatting with the man as they entered. He didn't notice the quiet at first until it was disturbed by a gunshot that went right by his head. The driver he'd had for over a year dropped dead next to him, his blood pooling under the bags. Kells had a thought that at least he'd been carrying the heavier shit so everything was boxed up and safe but he knew deep down it was fucked of him.

“Hey Daddy, or should I start calling you Mommy now?” A voice he'd hoped to never hear again sounded whiny and small to his hurt eardrums. When his gaze finally found the bitch he rolled his eyes and set his bags on the floor away from the stain.

“Megan. You're supposed to be in the fucking sky a million miles away from me.” He grumbled, looking around to see who else was around.

“Oh don't worry. Not everyone is dead yet. My new boys gathered them up and has them… safe.” She giggled at her own joke and Col just hoped the safe door wasn't closed. That thing could double as a panic room but he doubted she let them turn on the oxygen.

“And the entire fucking hotel?” He asked, crossing his arms. He knew he should be scared there was a gun on him but he just couldn't be frightened of her. He was too enraged.

“Fire alarm. They all came down except your personal floors. My men have your omegas and this whole place is ready to blow. Literally. So don't fuck with me Daddy, you've already pissed me off enough.” She stepped closer and his skin crawled as she took his gun and tucked it in her waistband. It was so close to her crotch he knew he couldn't sanitize it enough ever again.

“You can keep that I guess. Ew. So you thought of everything? Except that my Alpha is probably killing all of them as we speak.” And that the fire alarm went straight to the fire department and LA took that shit seriously. He wouldn't tell her that though, he knew she might want media attention, she was just that narcissistic.

Megan laughed and shook her head, walking away and setting her gun on the service counter now that she had his. “Your Alpha wasn't home. Did he not tell you? Are you already fucking that relationship up too?” She purred and his stomach dropped.

Blain. He hoped the boy was okay. He wouldn't show his worry though or his upset that his mate didn't tell him he was leaving. He could take it out of his bitch's ass later when they were all safe and sound and she was six feet under. “So what the fuck do you want Megan? This is a big move for you. Bold.”

“I am bold Daddy, you just never noticed. I could have made us rich and famous but you and Travis could never stop trying to be heros long enough to see.” She pushed herself up to sit on the counter and tried to lean back seductively. It made him sicker. He really didn't want to vomit on the rug, it was so nice. Maybe he could pull an Exorcist on her but it might get him shot. “You took out the boss of your biggest rival, I just took his place. Those boys see my vision and they love me.”

“Okay cool, so take your new boys and fuck off.”

“No, you hurt me. I want your love too.” She pouted out her faux full lips and he couldn't hold in a laugh. “And if I can't have that I'll take all your shit and I'll combine the families under me. First female Alpha leader of the biggest syndicate on the West Coast? Doesn't that just fit me perfectly?”

“Suuuure. Cause those bastards will listen to you. I know my men won't. You'll have to kill them all which means you won't have shit of mine. Fuck off Megan, you can't win this.” He tried to urge her though the want to keep her alive was shrinking more every second.

A cramp rolled through him and it was a rough one, he had to bend over to breathe through it. She must have thought he was going for his phone because she hopped off the counter and ran over. Bile rose in his throat when she reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone and smashing it on the floor. It didn't matter. The alarm had gone off. It wouldn't just alert emergency but it would send one to Mod as well. “You s-should get out while you can. I don't think you get what you've done but I'm not surprised. I'm just fucking sorry I ever believed your bullshit.” He expected the slap but she used her Alpha strength and it nearly knocked him off his feet. He tasted blood and spit it out in her direction.

“We could have been something amazing. You were mine! But you had to go and be a whore just like your mommy. That should be my child but don't worry. We can fix that.” Fuck Colson was going to be sick.

When another cramp rolled through him it finally hit him what was happening. What had probably been happening since the night before. He was in labor. He was in labor trapped in the hotel, kidnapped by the bitch who assaulted him. His mate was somewhere else and his doctor might be dead. For all the fears he'd developed about his baby this hadn't even been in the realm of possibility but of fucking course it was just his luck. It didn't matter if Dom was there or not, he wouldn't let her make him doubt his love or lose the only faith he'd ever found. It felt strange after hating himself for so long but he realized he truly believed in them- both of them together. He believed in his family and he flat out refused to let her destroy that.

“I guess like father, like son. I tried to get Travis to run away with me but he was an idiot too.” She shrugged. “I'm not going to have to kill you too, am I?” Her voice went sweet as she cupped his cheek, her eyes looked truly psycho- and not in the sweet way he thought of his lover. It struck him what she just said, she admitted to killing Travis. Fuck that was it, he was going to gut this bitch.

🖤💣🖤

Dom was still stuck in some emotional turmoil that felt like the shock that had set in the day he found out his father had killed his mother and was the sole parent to his little sisters. That day he'd gone home for the first time in over two years and he did what he had to in order to save them. Everything he'd discovered when following Collette wasn't as awful as all that, not really, but it was still something that altered his family's lives forever. He was shaking as he pulled a cigarette from his lips and exhaled a drag. He was waiting outside the building he'd confronted her in. He couldn't decide if he wanted to go home alone or wait for her to make her tell his lover everything. He honestly wasn't sure he could. It was too much.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and realized he'd never turned it up after putting it on silent the night before, and as he unlocked it he was flooded with alerts. Texts from his mate, Mod, Tom, and Blain, even an influx of missed calls. “Wha’ the fuck?” He huffed, flicking the butt of the cigarette as he pressed play on the first voice mail.

“Dom, something has happened. I don't know what yet but an alarm went off at home.” Tom's voice was worried but not overly so however the next one from Mod had his heart racing in his chest.

“Fucking answer your phone Dom! What the fuck? Megan has the Four Seasons under guard. From what the cameras are catching she's got men everywhere. Civilians are locked in the vault but our people are stuck on our floors. Cols went home brother. She's got him alone.”

The Alpha didn't know what sound escaped him but it was deep and broke a part of his soul. The shock was ebbing away as rage took its place but the phone just kept fucking playing. “Dom ya wanker, I thought you was ‘ere but you ain't. Part of me is glad you ain't but… fuck you. Or maybe you already dead. I’m locked in the bloody closet but I don't think it'll ‘old long. Ones already t-tried- FUCK OFF ARSE’OLE! I’d sic a serial killer on your arse but…” Blain trailed off and his voice sounded strained. Scared. He kept pausing to sniffle. “You ain't coming aye?” There was a pounding on the door and the phone went quiet. He squeezed his own so tight he worried for a moment he broke it but no, that was just the last message. He scrolled through his texts next though he knew he needed to go home. He felt frozen. Terrified. What if they were all already gone?

C: Just wanted to let you know I'm coming home early. Feeling pretty fucked still. Get naked and ready to cuddle okay? Love you bitch

Oh, and just wait till I tell you what the hell I learned about Travis 🤯

He almost laughed at that, his lover had no fucking idea. “Fuck!” The boy screamed before nausea rolled through him so hard he couldn't help but be sick. That's how Collette found him and she took him into her arms but he knew he couldn't be held. He had to fucking move! “Megan ‘as ‘em all. We ‘ave to go.” He growled and he felt her go stiff. She was just as protective as he was.

“Go, take my car. We'll follow you. I have to get weapons first. This bitch will wish she'd never been born.” The omega huffed and he nodded in enthusiastic agreement.

“Wait, I don't bloody know ‘ow to drive.”

“Tough shit. Nut up buttercup. All you need to know is step on the fucking gas and save our boy.” While the words weren't exactly helpful they made him move. She was right, he didn't need to know what he was doing, he just needed to get home.

Author's Note/Tags: @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker @hollywoodxwhore @jaxbreaker @fenoy7 @cole-way-iero28 if anyone wants tagged let me know 🖤

Eep! The plot is plotting hard and we're close to the end! Just a little more before we move on to part two. I hope you're still enjoying it enough to follow another part! I'm really loving the dynamic of these boys, I hope you are too! 🩸🖤

[crimeronan]

god i know i keep half-tongue-in-cheek saying that my dad is literally belos owlhouse but. i've apparently gotten a little desensitized to Just How Bad He Is (because i have ESCAPED, YAY) & so today has been a delightful adventure.

i wrote an AITA post from his POV about stuff that happened several years ago, bc i was curious about how bad he'd get dragged - i updated the timeline but the Only fact i changed was the reason for his Woes (i blamed COVID economic struggles, which actually makes him a Hero compared to the truth. the truth being so ugly i'm not gonna detail it here good god).

i kept it true to POV by only using things that he actually did say to me at the time about why he was doing the things that he was doing, & blocking out all the relevant info about why the wronged party (me) was so upset, & having him praise his daughter (me) and go "i love her so much :) she's so smart and independent and i would never hurt her :)", & having him half-assedly admit he might've sounded unreasonable/angry/malicious, in a way that was clearly supposed to earn Good Dad points for being so Willing To Admit Imperfections, despite a continued constant doubling-down refusal to answer questions about actual important shit or fix anything ever.

cannot emphasize enough that this was not a fictionalized/embellished/creative POV. the only points of fiction were 1) my dad did not write these things on reddit, he said them to me in real life word for word instead and 2) this happened many years ago, not like... yesterday.

anyway the thread blew up and the commenters were all so kind and genuinely worried for me (as in, the daughter) and offering so much help that i hopped on a diff account to be my past self so i could reassure people i'm okay & had a plan in motion for gettin' the hell outta dodge. because i felt REALLY BAD that they didn't know i..... did in fact get out. people were so nice it made me actually fucking cry jesus CHRIST. i had in fact perhaps forgotten that these things were all as bad and worrying as they were

now. this is all a very serious and harrowing-sounding prelude to the actual point of this post, which is. a bullet list of some of my FAVORITE FUCKING RESPONSES. revel in these with me i had so much fucking fun. i have taken DOZENS AND DOZENS of screenshots to peruse whenever i need a healthy dose of Perspective

here they r:

you are CARTOONISHLY EVIL?

HOLY ABUSE BATMAN

DO BETTER. RIGHT NOW.

did you even listen to yourself writing this. HOW

there's something seriously wrong with you. like on an intrinsic unfixable level

hey this happened to me too! my parent died and i had a party about it btw

your daughter is never going to speak to you again after this

(note from the future: yeah)

you're going to act confused and sad when she goes no-contact aren't you

(NOTE FROM THE FUTURE: HE SURE FUCKING IS)

i think you are creating your own problems and then getting mad at them. maybe instead you could not do that

is this ragebait. i can't imagine anyone this horrible actually existing

this isn't ragebait. i can tell this isn't ragebait because I Know This Kind Of Man So Intimately

you are the asshole on literally so many levels i'm going to write a 15 paragraph response line-by-line dissecting everything wrong with you

are you aware that you're lying or are you literally this incapable of 2 seconds of honest self-reflection

i need to donate to a gofundme for your daughter right now immediately

(note from the future: i am not going to scam people by pretending a long-done sitch is a current emergency on gofundme. have no fear.)

wow. okay i'm gonna go hug my mom and thank her for not being you

you are Actually Literally Empirically the Actual Literal Worst Parent who has Actually Literally Ever Existed

HOW FUCKING DARE YOU????

WHO DO YOU FUCKING THINK YOU ARE.

I AM A 57-YEAR-OLD MOM OF FOUR ADULT CHILDREN AND THE MERE THOUGHT OF DOING ANY OF THE THINGS YOU HAVE DONE HERE MAKES ME PHYSICALLY NAUSEOUS

these vibes are so skeevy. leave her the fuck alone????

along with ASTONISHINGLY accurate inferences about exactly what was happening with the daughter (me) in all the missing missing reasons & like..... exactly how the situation was So Much More Ugly And Horrifying than an innocently confused i'm-so-well-intentioned dad-POV post would have you believe.

so. anyway. that was literally the most validating experience i've ever had in my entire life. i know i've said he's a bad guy before but i also always forget just how far beyond the pale he is. like wow that was. that was not a normal average human experience to have growing up huh.

IN CONCLUSION.

if you guys are ever wondering why i am the way that i am about, like........ anything....... everything....... whatever......

just remember.

i was raised by belos owlhouse.

[no0t2]

@checkadii

I literally just woke up so this is the worst time to post this but ngl I have this problem where I wanna talk about it but I blank so fucking hard and fall flat on my face that I end up not talking about it anyway out of sheer embarrassment.

I'm not good at structuring my thoughts properly either because of ADHD, but here goes I guess.

I usually gotta segway into the topic if it's relevant to the conversation usually via,, friend convo, I don't know how people do deepdives of characters and whatnot I can't do that. I'm not sure why that is, this always has been a thing for me where I've got some level of understanding and my own HCs and such but they're not written or anything, so I can't express them.

To me Postal is just a silly series (minus P1 and Redux), not to be taken too seriously. So I don't really think about the "lore" that it has so much. I can ramble about Postal: Brain Damaged tho, that's probably my favourite cos of gameplay... And the designs as well as the soundtrack. It's just such a good game, I never thought shooters would ever be a genre I'd like to play, as I was so against playing them (thanks Half-Life for opening up my eyes). I can say definitely with confidence that retro styled FPS are especially something I find fun? Not on intense difficulty or anything either, I usually can't go above normal.

I've listened to "Straight Outta Suburbia" for like over an hour straight, I'm pretty sure even during while I was drawing one of my BD sketches lol

Back to Postal in general, I frankly haven't done enough "research" on it where I can properly speak about it aside from the games I've played (P1, P2, Paradise Lost and P:BD) And they're all games that are super different from each other (aside from P2 and PL, but even then). I'd also say I'm still pretty new to the series, speaking as I haven't played all of the games yet. Frankly, I was planning to just stick to P2 and that's it, glad I didn't.

Postal 1 I remember making me feel all sorts of weird things when I both played it and after I finished it. The load up intro scared the shit out of me the first time I opened the game, to where I had to pause for a minute. And it kept spooking me each time I did open it. I think that was kinda the point of the game as it's pretty dark compared to it's counterparts. I won't get into the lore of the 1st Dude cos I've seen people pluck at each other's feathers over the interpretation of him. But essentially, guy looses his shit during an episode, starts killing everyone. (Or just, "hostiles", depends how you play the game.)

P2 is so wildly different (aside from the fact that you can shoot people) that when I first opened it I was so confused how I was met with THAT Dude. I was surprised to hear him talk more beyond than just "BLEED" or "Only my weapon understands me". At the time I was also wrangling personal fears and feelings(which I don't know if I wanna get into, let alone if people would even wanna hear it lol) over playing the Postal series, so my initial expectation towards the game was:

"Okay, I know this is going to have some offensive shit in it, there's parts that won't be fun probably." And hoped for the worst, surprisingly a lot of the stuff in it I didn't find that bad, most of it is definitely fucked up, but nothing I couldn't handle, surprisingly. I played neutral-y, so I only attacked whoever attacked me, but I'd bail if I had the chance.

Paradise Lost plays similarly to Postal 2 (as it's literally the same branch of game just in the form of DLC). But I've found myself enjoying it way more than Postal 2, mostly cuz I found some of the jokes in it actually funny.

P3 I haven't played because I got rick rolled by RWS on the website so I'm not gonna play it out of spite </33 (But I've seen gameplay)

Postal: Brain Damaged is like, even more different than the previous entries as it's a retro styled shooter. But it has the charm of a Postal game and MAN is it good, I think the fact that it was released more recently is what made me enjoy its humor more. And it just!! Is so fun in general like wow, I'm still processing playing the game and I've already been thinking of replaying it because of how much I've enjoyed it. Definitely recommend trying it out.

AND WOWWW this has gotten long oops. Sorry.

I wanna note tho that, although there are aspects of Postal I enjoy, there's a lot of them that I don't, namely the offensive bits, some of them are genuinely fucked up where I can't go past them even in a comedic sense. Which I think is OK. I still enjoy other parts of it :^]

[spadeselfshipcorner]

SPADE x HUNTER Chronicles

The Hunter Exam Pt. 5

In case you don't come from the main post, hi. This is my attempt to fully insert my HxH S/I in the main story! Gotta thank my friends whose feedback has kept me motivated to continue writing and finally posting this work, because my original plan was to keep it to myself lol

January 11th OST: It'll Surely Be Fun 09:20 AM Two days had gone by, the time had almost run out, and still no sign of my group.  Chatlog:

– [Spade]: “Time’s almost up…”

[Hanzo]: “Ugh… yep! I can’t wait to finally get outta here! Say… I haven’t seen the clique you stuck around with the first couple days arrive yet… Do you think they made it?”

[Spade]: “I really hope so… I'm honestly so worried, I don’t want to imagine what sort of crazy things they must’ve gone through, maybe they’re injured…”

[Hanzo]: “Maybe they just got lost, they could still be alive… wait, what’s that noise?” –

At the last minute, I saw Gon, Killua and Kurapika arrive down a sort of slide, and at the very last second, I saw Leorio come down too along with… Tonpa?! That explains everything, that man probably made them lose a bunch of time by tricking them. Regardless, I looked at Hazo with happiness and he nodded, and I ran up to my group. Chatlog:

– [Spade]: "You guys!!"

[Leorio]: "Spade! Woah that’s a tight hug! Are you alright? How are you? Oh, how I'm glad to see you!"

[Spade]: "I'm okay! What about you? You took so long... is everyone all in one piece? I was so worried!!"

[Leorio]: "Ah, don't worry, we're all fine! I was worried that I lost you too, I was scared that you were still stuck in Trick Tower. Don't cry, Spade! We're all alright, and we didn't leave you behind. There's no need to panic anymore, alright?"

[Spade]: "I-I'm not crying!"

[Leorio]: "Ah, you are crying… Well, I'm certainly glad that you're safe, Spade. I really am.”

[Spade]: “I’m glad you’re all okay too.  With how much time you were taking, I feared that you might've..."

[Leorio]: "Oh, we just ran into some problems during our trials. We had to find our way out, and it took a bit longer than we had originally thought. But rest assured, we're all fine. I could say the same for you, Spade. You really had us worried too."

[Spade]: "I-I wouldn't die so easily... My challenge was mostly just frustrating. Still... I'm glad we're all together again!"

[Leorio]: "So am I... I'm glad we're all still a team in the end. Speaking of, what was your path like?”

[Spade]: “Well… I had to solve puzzles with… that guy over there-”

[Leorio]: “#301?! You must have nerves of steel if you only felt frustrated being stuck with that guy on your own!”

[Spade]: “Haha, it wasn’t… too bad- oh! The door’s opening!” –

I finally let go of my friend and soon noticed Killua making a disgusted face, not much for seeing people being affectionate, huh? In the end, 27 people passed, one of which died shortly after.

OST: Mosadomo no Heigei

09:40 AM

We were all led out of trick tower, and finally met the evil bastard that locked me in a “Couple Puzzles” journey with flipping Pinhead.

Lippo really didn’t look intimidating at all, but I’ve slowly learned that not every strong person needs to look big and scary. Still hate him though, for separating me from my buddies.

He brought a box for us, and we had to draw cards from it. Whoever we picked was our next target in the following phase. My target was… 198! It took me a bit to remember who that was, but then I realized he was one of the Amori brothers, the one wearing a light blue shirt. I sneaked a look at him and saved his appearance in my head. He noticed me looking, but instead of looking scared or anything, he just grins smugly and points finger-guns at me.

I hid my number tag inside a secret pocket in my backpack.

10:00 AM

We departed for Zevil Island. During the 2 hour ride I hung out with Kurapika and Leorio again, who were just resting up and chatting with each other, until I came around, and Leorio started to talk about their part of the third phase. 

Chatlog:

–

[Spade]: “So… I’m curious, what was your path like?”

[Kurapika]: “It was called ‘Majority Rule’, the five of us had to vote every time we needed to make a choice… we hit a few bumps along the road, but as you can see we came out of it just fine”

[Spade]: “Ah… must’ve been tough though, it took you guys the whole 72 hours to complete it! How come?”

[Leorio]: "Uh… that’s not important! Right, Kurapika?”

[Kurapika]: “*sigh*, yeah, just some tough choices”

[Spade]: "Oookay? Does it have to do with Tonpa? I told you guys that man was trouble-”

[Kurapika]: “He wasn’t too much of a problem, honestly… but the rumors you heard the first day were right, he’s a very deceitful man, and he’s still in the race, so we should be wary of him”

[Spade]: “I knew it-”

[Leorio]: “... Oh yeah! There’s another thing that happened- you know that… boy Gon befriended?”

[Spade]: “Hm? Oh yeah, Killua?”

[Leorio]: “Yeah, he’s- absurdly strong! He killed the most feared serial killer in Zaban City history with ONE hand!”

[Spade]: “S-seriously?”

[Kurapika]: “Gon knew this already, but apparently he’s the son of a world famous assassin family, and after what I saw him do… I believe him”

[Spade]: “That’s crazy… Well, good thing he’s on our side, right?”

[Leorio]: “Yeah… heh”

[Spade]: “... I also wanted to know, given the nature of our next trial, I’m not your target, right?”

[Kurapika]: “What’s your tag number?”

[Spade]: “#378”

[Kurapika]: “Nope, not my target. Leorio?”

[Leorio]: “You’re not mine either- is either of us your target?!”

[Spade]: “Heh, no no, don’t worry. My target is #198, he’ll be a tough one to hunt, if anything because he always travels with his two brothers”

[Leorio]: “Damn… you sure you can handle that on your own?”

[Spade]: “Of course I can! I’ll just have to strike at the perfect moment”

–

12:30 PM

We finally got to Zevil Island, which meant things were soon going to get serious. I not only had to look for my target, but also look out for whoever was hunting me. I was confident in my ability to make quick work of whoever was hunting me.

We were sent out onto the island in 2 minute intervals between each other, so Hisoka was the first to go, then Gittarackur, then me etc.

I used this advantage to go and find a good hiding spot from which I could watch people leave, so that I could immediately begin tracking Imori’s movements, but apparently I’m not the only one who got that idea, so I’m forced to move elsewhere to avoid being found.

We had seven days to hunt down our prey anyway, and also needed to survive for that amount of time, so I decided to take my time for once, and explore the island’s grounds a bit instead. That and hunting for food is how I spent my first day. I set up a small camp near the river and chose to sleep inside a tree to hide myself.

January 12th

OST: Master of Curses

When I woke up the following day, I found that my sleeping spot had been trapped by examinee #36. Unable to avoid triggering any traps, I decided to just walk through them and get caught up inside a net, while 36 came out of his hiding spot, gloating about catching me so easily. I didn’t really panic, trying to break the nets using my knife, but it didn't cut it, it was made of a very resistant material or something… The man attempted to get a hold of my backpack, but I slashed his hand while still trapped in the net. I needed to get out of there fast, so I coated my knife in Shu making it much more powerful and capable of cutting through anything if I believed in it hard enough. The man was shocked at how my knife cut through his net like butter, but before he could say anything else, I swiftly knocked him out and tied him up with his own net, before plopping him inside the spot I’d used to sleep in previously. Well, that took care of my hunter… now to track down my prey…

That was until I saw Killua on the other side of the river. I waved at him and he quickly jumped over it to reach me.

Chatlog:

–

[Spade]: “Hey! Is… this guy your target?”

[Killua]: “Hm? Let me check… #36? Ugh, no… you’re that old man’s friend, right?”

[Spade]: “O-Old man? You mean Leorio?”

[Killua]: “Oh, so that’s his name, yeah… you’re not my target either”

[Spade]: “Lucky! So… why were you looking at me earlier?”

[Killua]: “Hm? I was just curious to see if you could handle that, though… I didn’t have a lot of doubts.”

[Spade]: “And why is that?”

[Killua]: “Gon told me you held your ground against Hisoka pretty well, and managed to land a good hit on him.”

[Spade]: “Oh… well yeah, though part of me feels like he let me hit him on purpose to gauge my strength”

[Killua]: “Huh… well okay then, I’m off, I still gotta find my target, see you in a week!”

[Spade]: “Wait! Who… who’s your target?”

[Killua]: “#199”

[Spade]: “Oh! Mine’s #198, that means you gotta look for one of the Amori brothers too!”

[Killua]: “Eh? You know who they are?”

[Spade]: “Yeah! Say, wanna team up until we find our targets?”

[Killua]: “What a pain… *sigh* okay, fine… let’s find them quickly then”

–

We could both sense that someone was following us, probably the one who was hunting down Killua.

January 13th

OST: The Gatekeepers

Killua got tired of being chased so sloppily and threatened his hunter to come out, and it turns out it’s MY TARGET! And it’s along with his two brothers too, which means Killua’s target is there too. Lucky! We made quick work of the three brothers, and Killua also threw away the tag he thought we didn’t need… too bad he “accidentally” threw away the tag I needed instead, so I had to scramble and go fetch it before it literally became unfindable.

I have no idea if he did it on purpose… UGH. I still held onto #197’s tag because that was still one extra point.

I started chasing the number tag turned frisbee, until a shadow snatched it away. FUCK who took my target’s tag??

Chatlog:

– [Spade]: “Hanzo?!”

[Hanzo]: “Aah! Oh… it’s you- wait! Don’t come any closer…”

[Spade]: “Huh?”

[Hanzo]: “I know we’re friends, but that doesn’t mean I’ll lower my guard…”

[Spade]: “Oh! Dude no, you’re not my target… here, look. This is the card I picked outside of trick Tower”

[Hanzo]: “Number 198, huh? Alright… then what business do you have with me?”

[Spade]: “I was chasing the number tag you caught! It’s actually mine-”

[Hanzo]: “No way! This was my target’s tag, I’m sure of it! Look, it says… 198?! WHAT?!”

[Spade]: “I told you…”

[Hanzo]: “But- but then- that kid tricked me! Oh no… where could the tag be now?!”

[Spade]: “Uhm… What was your target’s number?”

[Hanzo]: “197…”

[Spade]: “Oh- well, that’s the tag Killua gave to me!”

[Hanzo]: “SERIOUSLY?! Did… he do that on purpose?”

[Spade]: “I dunno, maybe… I guess he wanted me off his back or something, haha”

[Hanzo]: “Sneaky kid… Do you think he noticed me too?”

[Spade]: “He might have- his perception is extremely good. Anyway uh… since we have each other’s tags, how about a trade?”

[Hanzo]: “Ah, sorry, I must decline, my code forbids me from accepting things from others. I can give you your tag, but… I can’t accept #197’s from you”

[Spade]: “Seriously? But then you’ll have to hunt down three other people-”

[Hanzo]: “Haha, that’s okay, I can handle it! Here’s tag #198 for now”

[Spade]: “T-thank you… oh, wait! I have an idea!”

[Hanzo]: “Huh?”

[Spade]: “Your code forbids you from accepting help, but you can take things with force, right? So how about a small game? If you can steal the tag from me, you’d be able to keep it, right?”

[Hanzo]: “That’s… actually a genius idea, Spade! Alright, I accept the challenge! But you’d better take it seriously, if you don’t… I’ll forfeit immediately.” –

We started sparring, and of course I played seriously. Hanzo may look like a happy-go-lucky guy, but when it comes to serious matters, he can be extremely stoic and calculative. I felt like we were similar in that sense.

After a bit he managed to take the tag from me, admitting he actually had to put in a little bit of effort to accomplish that. Hearing that made me kind of happy, but also had me wonder what Hanzo’s full power would be like.

Before I could ask him if he wanted to stick around, however, he was already gone, and I was alone once more, but at least I had all my six points!

January 14th

OST: Meimou

I felt a horrible bloodlust coming from the forest, so no way was I going there until that was gone. I already had my six points so I just wanted to stay out of trouble. I spent the rest of the day hunting for food outside of the forest.

January 15th

OST: Kijustushi no Baire

The bloodlust was finally gone from the forest, but I still decided to stay out of it, in the outskirts, thinking I’d be safer there… nope, ran straight into Hisoka, he was holding a man’s head- I was as good as dead!

Chatlog:

– [Hisoka]: “Spade… it’s been a while”

[Spade]: “H-Hisoka… heyyyy, nice head you got there!”

[Hisoka]: “Hmm isn’t it? It belonged to my target, that puts me to six points. So… how’s this phase been going for you?”

[Spade]: “I’m all good, got my six points too. Wait… if you have six points then- where’s your number tag? Did you take it off or something?”

[Hisoka]: “Oh… no, no… Gon took it from me~…”

[Spade]: “He- woah… but also- never say it like that again, please”

[Hisoka]: “Like what?”

[Spade]: “... Nevermind”

[Hisoka]: “More importantly… you said you also have your six points, didn’t you?”

[Spade]: “Yes, why? Oh…”

[Hisoka]: “Hm, yes… that fight we agreed on, you’re not going to break a promise, are you?”

[Spade]: “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t…”

[Hisoka]: “Good… because I’ve been eagerly waiting for this moment. Show me what you can really do… Spade” –

We started fighting, but he had more tricks up his sleeve, aside from his cards. I used Gyo on my eyes to see his aura and it had this weird rubbery consistency, oh great, a Transmuter.

It didn’t take long to understand that he totally outmatched me. Strength-wise and in Nen too. He was a master in his Hatsu, and I’d never really trained for something like that, sticking to the basics, because I couldn’t settle on a Hatsu that fit me. Nonetheless I held my ground, managing to punch him and kick him on multiple occasions, leaving bruises on his body.

It was a very silent fight, but I could tell he was studying me in some way, and soon enough, he managed to break my guard and started landing hit after hit.

The air was knocked out of my lungs. I recovered and tried to fight back, but he could now control my movements partially with his Bungee Gum, and everything became much more difficult. At that point it was clear I was still far from matching his strength level. He enjoyed beating me up for what was worth, and left me with deep cuts from his cards, a swollen face and a sore feeling all over my body.

Chatlog:

– [Hisoka]: “Hm… it seems like you still need to mature a little bit… before you can fully satisfy me”

[Spade]: “Ngh…”

[Hisoka]: “But don’t get me wrong… This fight wasn’t disappointing. I just can’t wait to see what abilities you’ll have in the future” –

After roughly patching myself up, I passed out for the rest of the day, but not before I could think about working on an ability; if I wanted to grow stronger, I’d have to do that.

Part 4

Master Post

Proship/Comship & Kink blogs DNI