#clawing at the walls of my enclosure i need them to be real….. i love the sharkneto blorbos

[threedaycharter]

i love posting about a fanfiction as if it’s a mainstream media with a huge fanbase. it’s a guilty pleasure but i feel no guilt so really just pleasure

[yandere--stuck]

I just read your yandere bulkhead and it gave me an idea.(This is all platonic btw)

What if, after a little while, the autobots get attached to the kids, so much so that they start seeing them as their sparklings.

They slowly make more adjustments for them at the base. Then they start getting more protective of them. All the sudden the autobots are hesitant to let the kids leave more and more. They start pushing away from Fowler and June. And finally, the autobots refuse to let the kids outside of their care because in their mind they are just sparklings.

This could work with or without reader, and it can be a big oneshot or a full on story. It's really your choice.

Basically all together it's platonic yandere autobots.

REAL REAL REAL SO REAL I LOVE FAMILIAL/PLATONIC YANDERES. Clawing the walls of my enclosure rn

I've thought about this so much watching tfp THEY'RE FAMILY. They love their kids ;w;

This isn't a straight up fic just spouting ideas I've had because so I hope you enjoy anyway! ^^;

---

No Cybertronian was left unaffected by the pain of war. Friends, family, allies… All of Team Prime had lost at least someone to the horrors of war. Who wouldn't be changed by that? Who wouldn't become invested in the little family of allies they'd made? Who wouldn't want to protect and care for these kids? These kids they've grown to know and love and want to protect so badly? Is that not what family is?

It started off slow. Just the bots getting closer and a bit more affectionate with their charges. Bulk picking up the kids to (carefully!) hug them. Extra hugs and hair-ruffles from Arcee. The 'bots working in 'I love you's to their goodbyes or goodnights. 

They'd be smart enough to keep up a facade about their intentions around Fowler, but it's much harder with June. She won't allow Jack to stay over or stay longer than usual, and is hesitant about letting Rafael and Miko stay, too. June argues that the kids miss too much school already because of this, not to mention Jack flaking on his shifts! But, she just won't listen to reason! The autobots can learn human curriculum to teach them! And Jack was so young, why did he need a job? Sounds like *someone* isn't good enough at providing for their young. They don't want to hurt June, just… Turn over custody of Jack and allow them to do the same with Raf and Miko without contacting the families or police or Fowler!

They'll get a consistent supply of food and drink, beds, books and games, more comfortable pieces of furniture for organics... The children take it in stride and are excited and thankful. Just as Optimus predicted.

With the trap set, the kids alone, Fowler distracted, and June secretly locked up within the base until she would come around, they're locked in. They don't even realize anything wrong until they asked to be dropped off at home, only to be met by refusal. Stern explanations and consoling reassurance.

But the kids are anything if not crafty, and will likely put their heads together to come up with a plan. Jack would be their man on the inside, so to speak. Pretend to go along with the Autobots' wishes and accept them as family until he gets enough freedom or the opportunity to call for help or make a break for it. Because as smart as the Autobots were, they were obvious. 

Even Optimus.

It was obvious that Jack was the favorite. Why else was he given the key to Vector Sigma? 

"The prodigal son," as Miko put it.

It was easy for Jack to lean into Arcee as his mom. Because he'd be lying if he didn't see Arcee as a maternal figure, yeah, but he already had a mom. He had the dynamic down. But what was hard was being alone with Optimus.

Optimus gently held Jack in his hands, telling him how overjoyed he was that Jack saw him as a father. That he adored him, his son. That there's nothing Optimus wouldn't do for him. And Jack breaks. He cries. He let's Optimus hold and soothe him as he cries, asking his Dad why he left and pleading with him to never leave again, and at some point Jack couldn't tell whether his words were directed to a metaphorical father he never met or Optimus. 

Either way, he couldn't bring himself to continue the plan. He was sorry, but he hoped Miko and Raf would understand.

Miko is Bulkhead's sparkling. There is no question. Don't get him wrong, he loves Jack and Raf, too! All of them are the team's sparklings, after all. But, Miko is special to Bulk. He wants nothing more than for her to ditch her host family and realize her so-called 'actual' family clearly didn't care for her enough to want her around! But, Bulkhead did. He loved her. And he'd do anything for Miko if she'd just call him Dad.

Rafael couldn't have known, but it was probably a bad idea to tell Ratchet about his large family and how loud and busy it is at home, now the medic is using it as a reason to keep Raf at base. Rafael's 'family', if he could even call them that, clearly didn't care about him enough to know where he went at all hours of the day, so they likely wouldn't notice if Rafael stayed there permanently - and more importantly, with those that actually loved and cared for him. His real family.

While Ratchet is probably the most stern out of the kids' caretakers, he's also the most likely to coddle and baby them. Because by the AllSpark, the eldest of them had only come into existence sixteen years ago! Compared to Cybertronian lifespans, their human sparklings were nothing more than infants! 

He loves picking up the kids and carrying them around, held up against his chestplates like he did with his child and grandchildren, but unfortunately Rafael is the only one who consistently allows him to do so.

—

If the team is able to convince themselves that the kids are their biological-sparklings somehow (separation after incubation? Maybe crashing onto Earth in pods and taking on human altforms to survive?), they are quick to turn on June, especially Arcee. How could she call herself Jack's carrier? Jack was Arcee's kid!

Arcee would be incredibly apologetic to Jack, even as he tried to make her see reason. How could she have been so stupid? How couldn't she recognize her own sparkling right in front of her? She'd lost so many… She couldn't lose him, too.

Bulkhead would assert that he and Wheeljack were Miko's carrier and sire (not necessarily respectively). He'd have to catch Jackie up to speed, but Bulkhead was sure Wheeljack would come to remember the child they almost lost. He'd have to.

He knew Miko would be mad for a long while, but it was only because she didn't understand and didn't realize that they were really family. She'd come around and things would go back to normal - better than normal. He'd hold and hug her often, for as long as she allowed before she starts kicking and squirming. 

It hurt seeing her angry at him. It hurt so deep when she shouted that she hated him. But it made it all worth it when she finally broke down into tears, realizing that Bulkhead did care about her. No matter how bad it got. He wouldn't throw her away. Bulkhead was more of a Dad than her actual father. Maybe going along with things would just be easier. Less sad.

Ratchet claimed Rafael as a grandchild. He thought he lost his child and all her sparklings, but… No. No, one managed to escape whole in protoform, somehow. And that was his dearest Rafael. Something about the look in his eyes and the rusted color of his hair… His spark still aches from the pain he'd brought unto him, before Ratchet knew. How he had nearly failed him. Had almost lost the last of his family. How could he have been so blind?

But, no. Not anymore. Not ever again.

Ratchet would somehow be even more coddling than if he thought the kids were completely human. Would try to scruff them, hold them while bundled up in blankets they had snatched, never allowing them to be out of his sight when under his sole care.

I think Bumblebee would either side with the kids or just be so glad that Raf and the others wouldn't be leaving again that he wouldn't want to help. It's like Rafael said, they're family. Brothers, right? Family doesn't leave each other behind.

Optimus is definitely the most restrained out of the Autobots, but still as endlessly loving. They are not just the hope for their people,  but for him and his friends, as well. Optimus thanked his lucky stars every day that he somehow stumbled upon their sparklings and their family could be reunited.

At least, that's what he'd think when he's able to keep away bouts of regret and lucidity.

[savcir-faire]

chihayafuru panels that made me cry - ch 153

i love this little moment because hyoro says "you only bother looking at those who are stronger than you" as a dig, out of pain, out of the loneliness wrought by taichi's absence, without the solidarity of having a rival who also struggled to reach the top tier, who also felt like his own efforts would never be enough.

and chihaya is affected by these words. she hates it about herself. she knows she can be singleminded ("selfish" in her own words) and her pursuit of strength blinds her to the needs and wants and feelings of the people around her. she believes it's why she lost her best friend. chihaya feels taichi's absence and echoes the things he did (reminding them to breathe, tapping them on the shoulder) to keep the team together, but ultimately hyoro's words confirm the narrative that she tells herself about why taichi left the club, left her, and because she believes it she acts with the understanding he will never return.

in the microcosm of this match, chihaya leans into the story hyoro tells her about herself because she believes it, too. and in giving into that narrative, she distances herself from her team.

in the mechanics of the match, she wins by such a large margin her words of support echo hollowly to her teammates who are still in their matches, losing. more interestingly, though, as her teammates lose their matches, they're also winning in the fight against the stories about themselves they've internalized over the months and years leading up to the qualifier. chihaya, on the other hand, has lost the fight against the story she tells about herself.

succumbing to that self-loathing story creates a rift mechanically and narratively between her--their captain--and her team. and when the team ultimately loses, it confirms the worst parts of her narrative and she's devastated, because she's telling herself she has to get to that place of unparalleled strength no matter what. she's telling herself that despite efforts to overcome her selfish disregard by acting like taichi, there's something inherent to her that is her team's undoing, she's alone, she's alone, she's alone.

and that's why i love this moment between hyoro and chihaya. because hyoro, who epitomizes the fight against his own self-loathing narrative, extends the grace of that power to chihaya, even though he didn't have to. he could have used the victory in the qualifier to gloat, to close the egoic wound of always being forgotten, dismissed, second best to the mizusawa a-team.

instead, the loneliness in him recognizes the loneliness in her and he recognizes in chihaya's selfish drive to reach the top a selfless drive for connection and helps her realize that in herself as well. because let's be so real, chihaya does not want to be strong just for strength's sake, chihaya plays karuta because she saw in arata and shinobu people who grew up feeling isolated and apart and utterly without a sense of self--like she did--except for karuta. chihaya seeks to be next to them, to connect, to let them know they're not alone, to prove to herself she's not alone either.

and when she stops telling herself that she's cold, she's dismissive, she's alone, when hyoro reminds her of her instinctual ability to care for others, her ability to draw people together, she remembers hyoro's presence in her karuta journey. realizes she's not forgotten him. realizes that they're struggling with the same loneliness. and regains her spirit while also fully acknowledging him as a rival in the sport that connects them.

uuguuhhhhgh im clawing at the walls of my enclosure suetsugu sensei why would you do this! how do you understand the things that need to be understood! how are you so perfectly attuned to love!!!!

[sparksnevadas]

Oh my god I’m so normal about this chapter Sparks I am soooooooooooo normal. Incredibly normal. Oh my god. Look at me I’m so normal. The way you used the flashbacks to slip back and forth between them talking about their plan and what really happened was SO good it’s one of my favorite things in writing. AUGH.

And also just. KERALIS! DOC! AUGH. Their powers are so COOL and I love them so much. You got their voices so well. Keralis is such a Guy. The SHADOWS are so COOL augh. And the METAL form Doc augh yes yes yes. They are so. You got em in one.

Also I have to say it again, so sorry, but why is Scar holding Doc hot what did you put in the water dearest SparksNevadas.

And then Mumbo and Grian having to remember to use their code names over their real names is so. The way Grian almost slips up. The way him and Mumbo work to get back to Scar but Mumbo is more worried about Grian in the moment. They make me WEAK. GOD.

Keralis calling Grian chicken nugget is absolutely sending me. Fyi. Oh my god that’s so funny. I love your keralis so much. And Doc being Ducky I just. Keralisisms give me life and you write them SO well.

And the way everyone goes back to their weird semi-friendly but only sort of rivalry they have when Grian passes out is so interesting to me. The dynamic is everything. The fact that Doc is more worried about the party being ruined than anything. AUGH.

Scar calling Doc ‘Doctor Hothead’ is ALSO hilarious im. Head in hands its just so funny.  Especially considering he’s trying to negotiate an alliance I think it really speaks to Scar’s charm as a person that he gets away with that nickname in this scene tbh. I just. It’s so cool to see Scar be so in control and then to lose that control when Keralis revealed that little scrap of paper. THEY’RE BROTHERS. AUGH. CUB. AUGH. AND THE FACT THAT RENS THERE TOO WHAT IF I JUST FLOATED DOWN A RIVER AUUUUUUUUGH! AND MUMBO DOESN’T GET WHY THE BROTHER THING IS SUCH A BIG DEAL AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH WHAT IF I SCREAMED!!!! ITS!!!! THE WAY YOU WRITE IT IS SO GOOD I LOVE IT SO MUCH

The description of Scar’s office is fascinating too – it paints such a picture of him as a character. How he has all the stuff about him and mayor but then he has those two honest photos of cub on the wall its. He’s painting a certain picture of himself but then also like, displaying this honest relationship he has w cub as his brother im. AUGH. AGONY.

AND THEN THE SCARIAN KISS. The way it happened. The way Grian just basically said fuck it and went for it im. THEY. AUGH. AGONY BUT LIKE GOOD AGONY. Clawing at the walls of my enclosure I have waited so long and I need everyone to know that SPARKS MANAGED NOT TO LET IT SLIP OUT AT ALL. THEY KEPT THAT COMPLETELY A SURPRISE. THAT’S SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD. AAAAAUGH ITS SO SWEET AND SOFT AND I CAN JUST SEE IT IN MY MINDS EYE AND IT. ITS EVERYTHING IVE HOPED FOR FROM THE MOMENT I STARTED READING GIHASM. AUGGGGH. IM IN LOVE WITH THIS CH GOOD CH!!!!

oh my god belle this is a whole essay and a half, dude,,, (<3)

you dont need to be normal about the chapter. please be abnormal with me,,

that little experimental flashback and such was decided very last minute! i thought it was too soon to reveal ren last chapter where it was supposed to go, and honestly, good decision methinks. :) I liked having doc be just a big metal guy. thought about giving him a redstone power like others but i think its neat if his whole arm was partially constructed by his own power. a metal mobility aid :) I DIDNT THINK THAT IT WAS--- I AM SPRAYING YOU WITH WATER!!!

they love each other SO much. i like making all the characters feel human so i give them little quirks and slip ups-- something im so worried about myself doing irl that i barely speak lmao. of course its hard to switch to a new name when you still use the old name in private. and of course, mumbo isnt usually on the scene for fights, and he's never really seen grian fight too much, so he doesnt really get it that grians bleeding and continuing to fight. im rambling, anyways--

the thing about keralis is that he says the weirdest things. even trying to write him, he'd still manage to say weirder things in videos. he's such a Guy

Doc immediately calls a time out basically. he sighs and lets them wash off grians wings, and then keralis leads them to his office where hes been stewing about his bruised pride. he's a silly wet cat

who knew such a big persona could be brought down with a piece of paper smaller than a finger?

he loves his brother. if theres anything you should knoow about scar, is that cub is his pride. i mean. he got the city to fund a statue of them, of course he loves him. he loves cub so so so much for what theyve been through. he cant wait to annoy him over board game night and never complain about his cooking ever again.

I WANTED IT TO BE A SURPRISE!!! :D i kept telling everyone they were going to come kill me after the chapter (mostly, yknow, about the cub thing) but in the back of my head i was just >:3c and wait until you get to that last scene, my pretties

i mean, ash @polyamquackity was live reacting to me in the dms and i KNEW exactly when they got to it because he just texted

which was exactly the reaction i wanted everyone to have :) Got a lot less dts (/friendly) than i was expecting though!

[bittykimmy13]

Playing with Fire  (18+ GT Drama / Horror)

Premise: Sequel to Heart of Gold. Sherry navigates a vicious life teeming with cruel and lustful giants eager to get their hands on her. The only lifeline within reach is the person who sealed her fate.

Warning: Graphic descriptions of sexual assault, violence, and dehumanization in a GT context. This is not intended to be fetish material; commenting on it as such will result in an immediate block.

Print/Trinket Universe and characters belong to me and the lovely @marydublin5​ / @little-miss-maggie​, who made the sick header image <3

(( Read Heart of Gold here ))

(( More from the Print/Trinket Universe ))

"I already told you, I'm done. Delete my number."

"One last time, Sher, please. You can't turn your back on me now."

"What'd you do this time?"

"I just... I need you here. Please. I know how we left things. I understand if you never wanna see me again, but I need your help. This is the last time I'll ever bother you, I swear."

Tears drenched Sherry's face. Her attempts to drift away from her current hell led her down the most miserable memories. She wasn't sure which was worse: revisiting the moment she ruined her life, or being present enough to confront her ruined life.

A voice huffed overhead, forcing her to choose the latter. "Stop crying already. Fuck."

But Sherry couldn't stop. She didn't have a clue what was happening or why. All she knew was that she was pinned to a cold metal table while a human woman tried to fit a gold collar over her head.

Agent Taylor. That was what her badge said.

The cabinet doors had flown open at Zane's place, and the reaper's cold eyes had filled the space. Her grasping hands wrecked the makeshift shelter while she thwarted Sherry and Adam's pitiful attempts to bolt out of reach. They had been dumped into a glass cage and then separated before they reached their final destination.

Adam was nowhere to be seen. Was he being forced into a collar somewhere else? And what about Odessa? She had not been caged with them. Maybe because she had been captured by a different reaper.

"Please," Sherry whimpered, twisting her head side to side to avoid the collar. "W-what are you doing? Why am I here?"

Taylor wound Sherry's teal hair around one fingertip and tugged so sharply that Sherry screamed. The back of her head slammed against the table, making the world turn fuzzy. She squinted through the blinding fluorescent lights to see the reaper's annoyed expression hanging over her.

"Stop squirming, or I'll snap your pretty little neck, you hear me?" Taylor looked down at her with disgust. "I don't have a clue why Mitchell insisted on keeping a whiner like you, but you should be grateful. The best thing a trinket can hope to be is a snake."

"A-A... what?"

Fingertips viciously groped Sherry's neck until she held still enough for the perfect gold circle to slip over her head. The invasive hands pulled away finally. Panting, Sherry sat up and felt her collar all around, intending to yank it off. Impossibly, it retracted to a smaller size and settled snugly around her neck. There was no clasp to be found. Smart metal—the kind that was used on tracking cuffs for prints. Since when was such expensive material used on trinkets?

Feeling like she couldn't draw a full breath, Sherry whimpered and clawed at the collar. She felt the thin engraving of an inscription etched along the metal, but she was not interested in deciphering it.

"Don't bother." A hand swept Sherry into a fist, pinning her arms awkwardly against her body. "Mess with it too much, and it'll choke you out before you can even think to regret it."

Sherry trembled in the woman's grasp—not only from fear, but from the shock of being handled so roughly. She had been spoiled by Zane's consideration and careful touches, even if he had turned out to be a lying bastard in the end. Hours ago, she had felt like a real person, and already it seemed like a fever dream to ignore what she really was.

Trinket. Criminal. Doll. Prisoner.

She was whisked out of the small, blinding room and taken into what appeared to be the main hub of a police station. Sherry shivered harder than ever. The giants typing away at computers and chatting around the desks were not regular cops. These were reapers, government agents specifically tasked with the repossession of wayward prints and trinkets.

Although she fit the category of wayward trinket, she figured she would have been shipped straight to a facility to be redistributed to another bar. Maybe a brothel as punishment for her misguided attempts to be rescued by the rebellion. Why was she still here?

"New snake?" boomed an unfamiliar voice. A reaper passing by Agent Taylor eyed Sherry like a choice cut. She shrank away from his stare, which only seemed to encourage him. He stopped to reach out and brush a finger over her hair. "Where'd you nab this one?"

"Some barfly who can't get his story straight about whether he's black market or rebellion." Taylor made no move to thwart the other reaper from lifting Sherry's chin to see her tear-soaked face better. "Either way, the truth will come out. We got taped confirmation about a meet-up tomorrow at noon."

The guy whistled, finally pulling his hand away. "A confession and a follow-up location? Lemme guess. Odessa?"

"Who else?"

The mention of Odessa's name made Sherry perk up, but the conversation ended before she could make sense of what had been said. She'd been too preoccupied about being petted like a captive mouse.

Taylor took her to the center of the station. What Sherry saw made her stomach churn. A glass labyrinth of trinket-sized rooms sat atop a huge table. There were faint lines of translucent circuits within the walls that suggested it was no ordinary glass. There was no ceiling on the enclosure, as though a pet store had decided to set up shop in the middle of the government establishment.

"Welcome home," Taylor said derisively. "For however long you last. We call this the Warren."

The longer Sherry stared at the enclosure, the sicker she felt. There were over a dozen rooms. The walls offered no privacy, other than one cubicle that had sheets thrown up over the sides for some reason—but it still lacked a ceiling. There were doorways, but no doors. None of the openings provided a path onto the table. No exits. The only way a trinket could leave was if a human plucked them out.

Sherry was released into one of the cubicles, which looked like a rough draft of a bedroom. She backed up against the wall, shivering. She eyed the doorway, but with a reaper glaring down at her, there was no point in making a run for it. Her trembling legs were hard to convince.

Blessedly, Agent Taylor turned her attention to a tablet that lay beside the Warren and tapped away at it. "Name?"

Flinching, Sherry clutched her hands close to herself and stared up blankly.

"Tell me a name, or I'll pick one for you." Taylor's eyes flickered to her. "You look like a 'Diva' to me."

"Sh—" She swallowed a sob. "Sherry."

Taylor made a noise of ridicule under her breath. Perhaps like Zane, she didn't believe that was her real name and that it was really what she had been saddled with when being passed around at a bar. Whatever she thought, the reaper typed something into the tablet. Circuits along the wall flickered, and Sherry's name appeared in translucent letters on the wall by the doorway. It was then she noticed that the other rooms had names, too. The one across from hers was Raquel.

Despite her best judgment, Sherry couldn't keep her mouth shut.

"Tell me what's happening," she said, hating the pathetic note of pleading in her voice. "Please. I... I don't understand."

She had never begged as a trinket. Not at the facility. Not at the bar. Not when she was worried that Zane's impossibly gentle touch was fake. But she had been able to make some sense out of those situations. For the life of her, she could not pinpoint what she had done to end up in the Warren with Agent Taylor leering down at her.

The reaper, forthcoming as ever, gave her a barbed smirk. "Do a good job, and you'll be rewarded. Do a shitty job, and you'll be at the mercy of that new necklace of yours. Do a particularly shitty job, and you won't even get that mercy. We'll leave you to the wolves to do as they please. Simple as that."

There was nothing simple about it.

Agent Taylor tossed the tablet onto the table and strode off without telling Sherry what her job was.

For a few minutes, Sherry couldn't do more than stand in one spot while her thoughts reeled. The moment it sank in that nothing stopped her from walking through the doorway of her assigned room, she stepped out. The glass walls were so clean, she might have walked right into a few if not for the pale circuits within.

She came across three other trinkets in her tentative exploration of the Warren. None were helpful. A couple of them were sleeping in their own rooms, and one was sitting on the floor in a central hub area.

He stared up at a news channel playing on a wallscreen that was embedded into the glass. Sherry didn't even realize they made screens so miniature, let alone that there were any systems in place that allowed trinkets to use them. It felt like a twisted, sanitized version of Zane's makeshift trinket hideout.

"Hi?" Sherry said, her voice thready. She stopped a few feet from him. No, inches. Inches. "Can you tell me what's going on here? What is this place? W-what do they want with us?"

He didn't look away from the screen. Didn't say a word.

"Hello? Can you hear me? Please... I-I have no idea—"

"You'll figure it out," he grunted. "Or maybe you won't. We don't bother each other around here, I'll tell you that much." He gave her a razor-sharp glance that told her it was time to stop bothering him.

She retreated back to her room and hugged herself on the bed. That's all there was. No pillow, no sheets. She had glimpsed a few other rooms. Most were fairly simple, but others were adorned with extra accommodations. More pillows, thicker blankets, extra furniture, a box packed with clothes. A couple even had their own wallscreens.

All around the outside the Warren, the reaper station went on business as usual. Footsteps thudded back and forth past the enclosure, but despite Sherry's instinct to duck down out of sight, no one seemed to give the trinkets more than a passing glance. As if the glass cage was no more out of place than a light fixture.

Although intense confusion continued to plague her thoughts, her adrenaline waned and exhaustion crept in. She absently felt along her collar to trace the letters and numbers. C117.

Without realizing she had curled up on her side, she fell into a fitful sleep.

She couldn't be sure how long she had laid there by the time heavy footsteps rattled the floors and walls, closer than before. Sherry jolted in bed, but she kept her head down. She debated on whether it would be a better idea to sit up or pretend to be asleep. A shiver ran through her at the thought that a person was towering over the Warren, looking down at her.

A familiar voice silenced her internal debate—a voice that didn't belong to a massive reaper.

"How many times do I have to tell you? I don't know."

Odessa.

Sitting up, Sherry almost tripped over her own feet as she scrambled for the doorway. She gripped the glass edge and looked high up. The reaper who had approached was still there. A cold spike of recognition ran through Sherry as she examined his icy blue eyes and dark hair. He had raided Zane's place along with Agent Taylor. Currently, he held Odessa in a fist and glared at her.

"Well, someone must have tipped them off," he snapped. "We've gone over the recording a dozen times—there's nothing left up to interpretation. A distributor was supposed to be there at noon. Are you sure there wasn't some change of plan? Did he ever look at his phone as if he received a message? Because I'm still feeling pretty fucking suspicious about how long it took for you to boot up your tracker."

Despite being trapped in a gigantic grip, Odessa didn't cower. That was strange. She had been so skittish around Zane, and here this reaper was raising his voice at her.

"I wouldn't have gotten the confession at all if you all had busted in any earlier," Odessa spat. "It's not my fault the distributor didn't show up. Maybe some neighbor spotted Zane being arrested and passed the info along. Could be that you all weren't subtle enough. Instead of asking me, why don't you ask Zane?"

The reaper scoffed. "Haven't been able to get another word out of him. He's already on the docket for trial. Let's see if he's so quiet during his follow-up interrogation at three inches tall."

The hand holding Odessa plunged and deposited her in a nearby hall of the Warren. Overwhelmed by the appearance of a friendly face, Sherry bottled from her doorway. Seconds after the hand retreated, she flung her arms around Odessa and held on tight.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Sherry gasped.

Odessa stiffened, but after a moment, she hugged Sherry back. "It's okay," she said softly. "Everything's going to be okay."

"I-I thought I'd be alone here. I heard what Zane said about being with the black market. I knew it. But they won't tell me what's going on here! What are they making you do? Zane just barely got you last night—how can they expect you to know anything about what he was up to?"

A laugh boomed from above, effectively reminding Sherry that they were being watched. She cowered, but Odessa seemed more annoyed than frightened as she held Sherry close. The glare she aimed upward looked like it had been bred in a blizzard.

"Oh, that's just precious," the reaper said, bracing his hands on the table to lean down closer to them. "You sure picked a bright one, didn't you, Odessa? Poor thing hasn't even put two and two together, has she?"

Sherry looked from his looming face to Odessa's icy expression. "What's he talking about?" Sherry asked.

Odessa sighed. "Let me explain—"

"Allow me," the reaper laid in overtop. The cruel amusement in his eyes should have been reserved for a kid frying ants with a magnifying glass. "Sherry, is it? Well, Odessa is the reason you were dragged from that cute little hideaway in the cupboard. I mean, if we hadn't stepped in, you'd be up for bid on the black market. But still. You were rounded up thanks to our expert two-faced bitch here. I suggest you start thinking of her as your new role model if you want to make it through your first week."

Sherry's desperate arms went slack. She wriggled out of Odessa's protective embrace. "He's... he's lying," Sherry said. "Tell me he's lying!"

But Odessa did not attempt to deny any of it. Fury and a sense of utter loneliness exploded through Sherry so violently that she nearly collapsed. Spotting this, Odessa caught her arms and kept her standing despite Sherry's protests.

"Fuck off, Mitchell," Odessa snarled. "Why don't you go figure out the Zane situation before the captain mounts your head on the wall?"

Agent Mitchell was still chuckling as he straightened to his full, dizzying height. "Better start explaining things to her quick. She'll be out in the field before you know it."

Odessa locked her hand in Sherry's and led her away. Still in shock, Sherry allowed herself to be taken. There was a room with Odessa's name displayed on the outside. If Sherry had only explored a little further, she would have saved herself a few precious moments of humiliation. Even more mind-boggling, this was the room with sheets thrown over the walls.

As they entered, Sherry's eyes widened. Odessa had more possessions than anyone she had seen so far.

"Sit." Odessa led her to a dollhouse chair against the wall.

Sherry ripped her hand away and glared, making no move to obey. Her throat was too tight with tears and anger to say all the things racing through her mind. Odessa took her by the shoulders and made her sit.

"Listen up." Odessa's fingers stayed perched firmly on Sherry's shoulders. They were nearly nose-to-nose. "I'm going to explain my job. Our job. Are you listening? When a human is suspected of stealing prints or trinkets, the best way to find everyone they've stolen is to send in a snake. That's us."

"That's you," Sherry protested, her voice a mere croak.

"No. It's us. Whether you like it or not, you have to understand right here and now that there's no choice, Sherry. Either you comply, or they'll send you somewhere worse."

Sherry shook her head. "You said or. Sure sounds like there's a choice in there somewhere."

"Not when one of the choices is a fucking stupid one." Odessa knelt by the chair and looked up at Sherry, taking her hand. A display of vulnerability meant nothing when it came from a professional liar. "I saved you. I know it doesn't seem like it right now, but this is the best thing I could've done for you."

"My collar disagrees." Sherry yanked her hands away, glaring daggers at Odessa's imploring expression. "If we're being set out as bait to catch these people, we're still ending up in bars. How is this any better?"

"The difference is that you'll be saved if you do your job right. You'll have a bed to sleep in. Food to eat. Moments of actual rest. Those other trinkets out in the world... They have nothing. They're dead."

"Oh, this is what you call living?"

Odessa pursed her lips, patience wearing thin. "I'm not gonna sugarcoat it and say it's easy. It's the hardest job you'll ever have to do, but it's a job. You're not a doll or a sex toy or decoration anymore."

"You're right," Sherry spat. "I'm all those things at once, just depends on who the reapers plan to target, huh? Tell me I'm wrong."

"You're wrong," Odessa said simply, rising to stand in front of Sherry with her arms crossed tightly. "I'm expected to teach you what to do. So if you want to survive, I suggest you listen up."

Sherry scowled and clenched her hands on her lap, but she listened.

"Depending on the target, you need to tailor your personality to be tantalizing but believable. Some of these creeps have wizened up, or at least know that the reapers have a few tricks up their sleeves at this point. You just need to be something they want to take home with them. Whether it's for personal, black market, or rebellion reasons."

A sour look crossed Sherry's face. "So, that scared girl thing you did at Zane's place... that was just a routine to get him to nab you?"

Odessa scoffed. "Zane was hardly worth the effort. But then again, bar jobs are usually the easiest. The reapers work with the staff to make sure a snake gets served to the target. Those jobs are the most common. I'm sure that's what they'll assign you at first."

"And what about Adam?" Sherry said when he occurred to her suddenly. "Why isn't here, getting this informative seminar with me?"

"There's no way I could convince Mitchell to take you both."

"So... I'm just the lucky one you chose, then?"

"Luck had nothing to do with it." Odessa glanced away, frowning as if she was still processing her own decision. "I've never asked them to bring in a new snake before. But you were convincing when you hid your suspicions from Zane. Convincing enough that I know you'll be good at this job."

Before Sherry could help it, her eyes filled with tears. "I don't want to be good at this job."

"Sher... I'm giving you something that didn't have before tonight. I'm giving you the power to take control instead of staying a helpless victim." Odessa leaned in closer and put her hands on Sherry's shoulders again, squeezing. "Lesson one. Never cry unless it benefits you."

One last time, Sher, please. You can't turn your back on me now.

Rage flooded over the fear. Sherry sprang to her feet and shoved Odessa to the ground, catching her off guard. "You're a fucking monster! Just as bad as Zane, and these reapers, and all the other psychos out there who can't keep their disgusting hands off trinkets!"

A shadow darkened over them. Mitchell seemed to materialize out of nowhere, his voice rumbling with dangerous amusement. "Well, well, trouble in paradise?"

Sherry made a choked noise and tripped over the doll chair as his hand dove down for her. She scrambled to kick her legs free of the flimsy furniture, but in no time at all, fingers closed around her body and yanked her out of Odessa's room. He observed her panicked struggles for only a moment before raising his eyebrows at Odessa.

"Guess you forgot to mention in your little orientation that fighting isn't tolerated."

"Back off," Odessa said, brushing herself off. "You've barely given me fifteen minutes with her."

"Hm. Didn't happen to teach her about the collar yet?"

"I was getting to it," Odessa said hurriedly. Her voice jumped in a way that made Sherry's skin crawl with dread.

That was all the answer he needed. He released Sherry on the table's expansive surface outside the Warren, right beside one of Odessa's walls. Odessa tore down one of the hanging sheets, pressing her hands to the glass.

"Just relax!" she ordered Sherry, seeming caught between genuine worry and cold nonchalance in Mitchel's looming presence.

"Oh, stop babying her," he chided, doing nothing to fight a sick smile of anticipation.

Mitchell's hand crowded Sherry again. She backed up frantically, but bumped into the glass, unable to avoid his fingertip as it tapped her collar. He went on conversationally as if she wasn't cowering under his gaze.

"Now, if you're out in the field and need to communicate, put your fingertips on both sides and hold for a few seconds. When you've got a solid enough confession from the target, turn on the tracker by tapping the sides three times." His finger pulled away, but not before dragging it down her shoulder, arm, and leg. "Timing is everything. You'll find that several targets scan for trackers, so be smart about when you activate it. You wouldn't want them to know your little secret."

Once his hand no longer filled her vision, she managed to shudder out the breath she had been holding. She reached for the collar, pursing her lips. He spotted the question on her face and chuckled.

"Why would we give you the power to choose when we come for you? Because we have a neat little failsafe in the event that you try to dodge us. I think you deserve a demonstration."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a phone. The reaper logo was stamped on the back. He set it on the table in front of Sherry, giving her full upside-down view as he moved through screen after screen until he came upon a list of codes and names. He stopped and tapped on one of the pairs.

C117 - Sherry

Before she could process how quickly her identity had been synced in the reaper station, she couldn't breathe.

A cry squeaked past her throat. She coughed and tried to pry her fingertips under her collar as it constricted against her neck. Panic seized her. She fell to her knees and writhed uselessly, certain that the metal would decapitate her in its rapid compression against her windpipe.

Odessa's voice sounded far away. "You made your point, now quit it!"

"Just showing her what happens if she gets any bright ideas," Mitchell drawled.

He tapped his device. The collar sprang back to its normal, snug fit. Bracing one hand on the table, he leaned in closer to get a better look as Sherry put herself back together. Gasping, she managed to stand shakily.

"That's for trying to rough up my favorite snake," he told her in a low, dangerous voice. "If you don't turn on your tracker while you're on a job, it starts a little slower than that. You won't even notice at first. Like a frog in boiling water. Just don't even think about activating the tracker until you've recorded some evidence or found some hoarded inventory. You got it?"

Sherry stood there and trembled, reeling to process the way he referred to smuggled people as inventory.

His hand slammed down beside her and sent a shockwave that knocked her off her feet. She looked straight up as he put his face inches from her.

"I said, you got it?" Mitchell barked.

"Y-yes!"

"Yes, what?"

"Yessir!" She nodded frantically and pressed her back against the glass that separated her from Odessa, who looked on with wide, furious eyes.

"You done?" Odessa demanded of Mitchell. "Already collected plenty of material to jack off to later, don't you think?"

He smirked. "You know me so well."

In one smooth motion, he straightened and plucked up Sherry before she could think to be startled by it. He deposited her in Odessa's room, where she fell to her hands and knees. She didn't pause for a single second—she sprang to stand. Bolting from the room, she headed for her own, empty one. Mitchell's leer followed her path effortlessly, still laughing and watching when she reached her destination.

"Expect your first assignment tomorrow, new girl," he said. "Hope you'll leave a good review about orientation."

"I can't take this anymore. Why can't you just... just stop!"

"You don't understand, Sher. If we don't keep splitting it between us, I... You know what'll happen to me. Is that what you want? It is, isn't it? Then you'd be rid of me for good. Fucking finally, right?"

"Don't say that!"

The feeling in Sherry's gut was so familiar, it hurt like a freshly reopened wound. No matter which body she existed in, the universe demanded she be dragged into something she wanted nothing to do with. No choice but to follow through.

This time there was no family. There was no love, no urge to protect. There was only the will to see another day.

What's the point of seeing another day if this what the days are like?

As she lay in her depressing, issued bed and stared at the ceiling, she sincerely thought of running over to Odessa's room to punch her squarely in the face. Maybe Mitchell would swoop in and let the collar finish her off this time. But Sherry couldn't bring herself to budge. She stayed fixated on the fluorescent lights as the hours of the day dragged on. The lights never turned out—not even at night. Busting people for hoarding prints and trinkets was a twenty-four-hour business, but reapers could go home at the end of their shifts.

In all her waiting, she found herself becoming numb. By the time Agent Mitchell came stomping back to the Warren, she felt ready for whatever horror she was expected to carry out. At least she tried to lie to herself that she was ready. Odessa, a known liar, was certain that Sherry was an excellent one. So maybe she could convince herself.

"Four assignments tonight," Mitchell announced, reading from a tablet. "Odessa, Collin, Miranda, and Sherry."

Through the glass walls, she saw the summoned trinkets making their way to the common area. She followed suit, making sure to be as far away from Odessa as possible as they stood at attention.

Mitchell's gaze settled on Sherry immediately, seeming equal measures curious and amused as he wondered how she would react to carrying out her first job. She dropped her gaze to the floor. If some creep was going to toy with her tonight, the least she could do for herself was not let Mitchell get the ball rolling.

"Don't look so sad, Sherry," he chided. "You've got a bar tonight. Easy."

"I'll take her assignment," Odessa said as if she was commenting about the weather.

Sherry's head shot up to look across at Odessa. The other trinkets were staring too, while Mitchell raised his eyebrows steeply.

"See, that's a problem. Did you miss the part where you have your own job tonight?"

Odessa shrugged. "I'll do both. One after the other. She isn't ready yet, but the jobs need to be done, so I'll do them."

He scoffed. "What's the point of her taking up space here?"

"What space? Look around. Half the rooms are empty. Just give me more time to work with her, and she'll be as much of an asset as I am. You're risking her if you send her out too soon. Think long-term, Mitchell. She'll be worth it."

The reaper thought on it for a second, resting a hand over one of the outer walls and drumming his fingers on it. Looking more amused than ever, he turned his attention back to Sherry.

"And what do you say to that?" he asked her.

More than anything, Sherry wanted to demand what Odessa was playing at. Was this her way of apologizing? Sherry was not used to anyone taking the fall for her, but she stuffed down her shock with a cool look and mimed Odessa's shrug.

"If that's what she wants, you won't hear me complaining," Sherry said.

"Fine by me." Mitchell reached for Odessa. "As long as both jobs get done tonight."

And with that Sherry was left standing alone in the common area as the other snakes were plucked up as well. Dropping the pretense of her disinterest, she drew a deep breath and made a slow path back to her room. Along the way, she saw a couple of other snakes who had not been assigned anything that night. They rolled over in their beds, eyes open. No doubt they had heard the whole thing, but none of them had offered to take on Odessa's extra job.

Sherry spent the day drifting between her room and the common area, trying to block out the sounds of the station around the Warren. It was like existing as a ghost. Feeling real while having no significant impact on the real world.

She stared at the wallscreen as it played the news, but she may as well have been watching a broadcast from Jupiter for all the effect it had on her life. Watching the news from Zane's apartment had filled her with a weak sense of hope—at least, in those times when she could force herself to ignore how suspicious she was of his motives. Here, she was filled with nothing but sorrow, watching as the distant world went on without her.

Odessa had been taken at five in the afternoon. She was returned at four in the morning, looking as exhausted as Mitchell looked pleased. It must have been the end of his shift because he didn't stick around to torment anyone as the returning trinkets staggered to their rooms.

Sherry put up no argument when Odessa leaned in her doorway and beckoned her to follow.

"So... I'm guessing it went well?" Sherry asked once they were in Odessa's room.

She refused to give Odessa the satisfaction of immediately asking why she had taken the second job.

"I was responsible for three arrests." For all the extra privacy of her room, she didn't seem shy at all as she stripped off her skimpy bar outfit. Sherry averted her eyes to the corner as Odessa went on. "The first job was a well-off couple. They had been hoarding trinkets from bars and selling them on the side. Not part of any black market networks. Those are the easiest. They rarely have a clue what they're doing, and it's very obvious. Remember that."

Catching a flash of fabric out of the corner of her eye, Sherry peeked and saw Odessa had thrown on a sunflower dress. She did a double-take. It looked a lot like the one Zane had kept in his storage of trinket clothing.

"Independent sellers are easy," Sherry recited glumly. "And the other?"

"A low ranking distributor on the black market. He was crashing parties that had trinket rentals. Keep this in mind, too—those trinket rental services are the most notorious for losing their inventory. Too many moving pieces and rarely a solid guest list to keep track of."

Sherry nodded, sinking into the dollhouse chair as she tried to process it all. "How did you pull that one off?"

"I was alone. I made myself the easiest one for him to grab. So he did." Odessa leaned against one of the sheeted walls and crossed her arms. Her eyelids looked heavy. "It was hard getting info out of him. See, distributors are usually either batshit crazy or stoic. Still, at the end of the day, what most of them love is to feel powerful. The trick was for me to be awed and skeptical. In the end, he wanted for me to know how much of a badass he was."

Something cold warmed through Sherry as she watched Odessa rub her arms up and down like she was trying to rid herself of a lingering sensation.

"And did they..." Sherry cleared her throat. "I mean, did they touch you?"

Odessa dropped the back of her head to the wall and looked up at the ceiling. "The couple caged me. They weren't interested. The distributor... Well, he was handsy. I had to lure him to get those confessions out of him. A lot of humans are like that. They start getting physical, and their walls come down while they brag. They just need to make it clear how much stronger they are."

Humans. "I'm guessing you weren't human, then?"

Odessa fixed her with a guarded look. "What's got you so curious all the sudden?"

"What's got you so selfless all the sudden, taking my job like that?"

A scoff. "You don't know me enough to be shocked by my choices." She paused, her jaw ticking for a second. "Born and raised in a print community. That's where I get my sunshiney personality."

Sherry tried not to gawk. They had been born in entirely different worlds, and now here they both were, living in a glass cage together.

"Did you try to escape?" Sherry asked.

"To go where? The wild? Nah." Odessa pursed her lips as she reminisced. "It wasn't so bad there. I worked in a local bakery, and I was taken to the city a few days out of the month to pull weeds at a botanical garden."

A little snort escaped Sherry before she could stop it. When Odessa raised her eyebrows in question, Sherry shrugged. "Sorry, I have a hard time picturing you in an apron or surrounded by flowers."

"Well, I did have a different face at the time."

That sobered Sherry up in seconds, but she in no way apologized. "So what happened?"

"This keeper started harassing me when I was old enough to have my own place."

Cocking her head, Sherry waited for more, but Odessa just stared at the ceiling. Her gaze was beginning to look distant. Sherry supposed she could understand that. She stood, walking close enough to see the individual petals on Odessa's sunflower dress.

"Did you get into trouble with him?" she asked softly, as if it mattered at all who heard. "It's the kind of thing you hear about sometimes, you know. Keepers getting handsy with prints and getting no repercussions for it. Finding ways to get them in trouble when they don't reciprocate."

Odessa's eyes snapped to hers. "I killed him."

Sherry took a step back, her blood icing over. Her wide eyes incited a smirk on Odessa's lips.

"You were human, weren't you?" Odessa said. "You may not be as freaked as every other human-turned-trinket I've met, but you've still got that look, that way you carry yourself. Like you used to be on top of the world."

"Oh, please. I was never on top of the world."

"Yes, you were. Consider this. The poorest human is living better than the most well-off print." Still, she paused to think about Sherry's statement. "I'm guessing you didn't leave much behind?"

Taking slow steps back to the doorway, Sherry didn't have the energy to protest the shift of spotlight. The mere inquiry of her old life sent her head spinning along with Odessa's casual confession.

"I left behind plenty," Sherry said, gripping the glass doorway. "I have a twin. Had, I guess. Don't quite look alike anymore. Her name's Mia."

Odessa's poker face remained intact, but Sherry swore she saw a flicker of sympathy. "Since we're sharing, what did a sweet thing like you do to deserve what you got?"

It was Sherry's turn to be amused, though she felt like a cold knife was twisting in her gut as she made her exit. "You think you're hot shit for taking out one creep? You're looking at a convicted serial killer, queen."

"Hey, I'm here. I found your backpack, but where are you?"

"I-I..."

"Hello? Mia?"

"I'm sorry, Sher. I-I'm s-so sorry, I had to, I had to—"

"Whoa, slow down! Why are you crying?"

The next night, Odessa insisted once again on taking Sherry's assignment. And the night after that. And the night after that. Mitchell was apparently determined to saddle them both with jobs every night. The other snakes were granted periodic nights off.

There was no attempt to hide it—Agent Mitchell was thoroughly entertained. On the fifth night, he clicked his tongue and looked down at Odessa with what might have been admiration. "You know, you're this close to pissing me off, but I'm kinda curious how much you'll kill yourself to protect your pet girlfriend."

Being in the clear every night did not win Sherry any friends among the snakes. Then again, none of them seemed overly fond of each other anyway. As far as Sherry knew, she and Odessa were the only ones who visited each other, even if those visits were out of pure survival on Sherry's part.

Odessa returned later and later into the morning every time, burdened with the double assignments. The dark circles under her eyes became a permanent fixture. And yet, her performance in acquiring confessions and finding hoarded trinkets did not seem to wane in the slightest.

"Why not call the reapers earlier?" Sherry asked when she noticed Odessa massaging her neck and grimacing. She was back later than ever, which meant she must have put up with the collar tightening quite a bit.

"Holding off a little bit longer pays off," Odessa explained. Even her voice sounded sore. "More damning confessions. Plus, info on others in their network. I'm sure you've noticed that we're rewarded when we do a good job."

Sherry had noticed.

Odessa's cubicle was the most decked out. The best clothes, the most pillows, the softest blankets. The reapers didn't even bother her about the extra sheets she had tossed over the glass walls, allowing her privacy that the other snakes were denied. She did her job well, and like a prized poodle, she was given treats for it.

The reward system gnawed at Sherry over the next few days, but she had little time to confront Odessa about it. She continued taking Sherry's jobs and took to sleeping the entire time she returned to the Warren. The rage that had first taken over Sherry was slowly but surely flickering down to nothing each time she saw Odessa drag her feet to her room.

Then, out of the clear blue, the snakes were taken outside. Sort of.

They were allowed one hour of outdoor time per week. It turned out to be the necessary amount to keep the majority of them from snapping and killing each other in their sleep.

The seven of them were placed in a glass box that had been fixed outside a window. Naturally, the dreariest day of the week had been chosen. Drizzling rain pattered against the glass, keeping the occupants downcast as ever.

Odessa, for all her exhaustion, seemed the least bothered by it. She sat cross-legged in front of one wall. Her hands were braced on the floor behind her, chin tilted up and eyes shut as if she could feel the sunshine through the compact clouds.

Taking a seat beside her, Sherry curled up and hugged her knees. Instead of looking up, she watched the crawling traffic below. Watching from ten stories up made her feel less small.

"Was I just another reward?" Sherry blurted. "Just something you asked for when you did a good job with Zane?"

Odessa didn't answer.

Sherry sighed sharply. "Why bring me into this? What do you want from me?"

"I dunno, Sher," Odessa murmured finally. "Maybe, for once, I wanted to be around someone who wasn't hand-picked by reapers. Maybe I'm just fucking lonely, and you had enough potential as a snake that I could use it as an excuse to keep you. Or maybe I just think you're cute."

There was no more wrath in Sherry. Only an awful, hollow feeling. "I really am your pet girlfriend, aren't I?"

"You still don't get it. You don't have to be anything to anyone. That's the gift I gave you with this job. You choose the role you want to play. You aren't the prey anymore. You're the hunter. If you don't want me to take your assignments anymore, all you have to do is tell me."

Sherry dug her fingers into her arms, holding herself closer. "Why take my jobs in the first place? You care so much about survival and rewards. You think you're getting in my good graces?"

Odessa was quiet for so long, Sherry thought she wouldn't answer. But then she sighed. "I only meant to take the first job. It would have sucked for you to die on your first assignment. Then you didn't seem ready for the second one. Or the one after. And so on. Now here we are."

"You still don't think I'm ready?"

"You could be." Odessa kept her gaze fixed on the clouds. "Maybe I'm the one who's not ready to imagine someone getting their filthy hands on you. But I gotta say... Being a good liar is one thing. You seem a bit soft for a serial killer."

Sherry swallowed hard, feeling like she was stumbling up a staircase in the dark, knowing that one step was missing.

"Makes sense," Sherry said. "I was framed."

Odessa turned to look at her, scooting closer until their arms brushed each other. It was weirdly comforting to have someone listen instead of scoff. "Huh. Ain't that a bitch. Wrong place, wrong time?"

"No. I was right on schedule. I knew I was there to be framed. It wasn't the first time."

Clenching her jaw, Sherry stared straight ahead at the skyline. The city was loud, but it was so quiet inside the glass box, she felt as though every snake was listening in. None of them gave a shit, other than the one sitting beside her.

"Mia and I would switch places all the time," Sherry said, her words feeling strangely disconnected from herself. She had kept them in for so long. "Ever since we were kids, we would share the blame. We would keep track of whose turn it was to get in trouble. As we grew up... she was the one doing most of the bad things.

"And then, once we were adults, it was legal trouble. She could never seem to get herself back on her feet without being dragged back down by something new. It happened over and over. I would let myself get arrested for her petty crimes, and then I'd be let go. She had this terrible boyfriend who kept dragging her along. She may have loved me, but she was obsessed with him. It got to be too much. Once I realized she liked that life, I was done. I moved away, cut her off. It was more like cutting off an arm or a leg. She had turned into this awful thing, but she was still my sister.

"Four years, we didn't speak. Then one day she called me up. Said she needed my help one last time. Said she'd leave me alone after that. I almost didn't go, but I missed her, and I was worried. She promised it was nothing too bad, but she had built up her record so much since I left, she just couldn't afford to get caught again.

"So I showed up where she told me to. I found her backpack in an alley. When I called her, she was a wreck. She kept apologizing, kept saying she loved me. But that she couldn't be a trinket. She just couldn't do it.

"Right on cue, I was spotted and recognized by a witness. I was arrested. The police line-up lasted for about thirty seconds before I was singled out. I was dragged in for an interrogation. That was when they told me what she did. What I did. Seven counts of first-degree murder. See, her boyfriend had been arrested for gang activity and who knows how many hits. At his trial, the jurors took less than five minutes to deliberate: guilty. He was sentenced to be a trinket. And she snapped. She blamed it all on them."

Odessa nodded, having the decency to look disturbed. "The jurors...."

"Picked them off one by one over the course of a year. On her seventh one, she was spotted, and she knew it was only a matter of time before she was found. So she called me up. Told me where to wait. I hadn't even looked inside her backpack, but buried at the bottom was the gun she had used."

"I'm guessing they didn't buy the whole 'my twin sister did it and told me to stand here'?"

"Oh, they knew something was off. But the precinct was a laughing stock because of how long it took them to find the serial killer. By then, Mia was long gone, and they had the perfect scapegoat, along with eyewitnesses to back up that they knew my face. Detectives even lifted some of her DNA from a few crime scenes. We matched."

For a long time, the two of them stayed silent.

"I was right, then," Odessa said finally, leaning her head on Sherry's shoulder. "Great liar. Terrible criminal."

As the rain began to slam harder against the glass, Sherry couldn't bring herself to shrug her off.

That evening, Sherry was fully prepared to step forward and take the job that had been assigned to her. Odessa took it before she could say a word. Mitchell was beginning to look frustrated, but apparently he was more interested in testing Odessa's limits than he was in making her play by the rules.

Odessa did not return until the next afternoon, and judging by the state she was in, Mitchell had gotten what he wanted.

He was all smirks as he dropped her into the common area. "Walk it off, little snake."

Her injuries were so brutal that even the other trinkets broke out of their disinterested fog to stare. She had a split lip and dried blood caking the lower half of her face. She clutched her side tenderly, staggering against the glass to stay upright on the path to her room. She left a smear of blood on the pristine wall along the way. Mitchell watched for only a minute before taking his leave.

Sherry rushed up beside Odessa. A couple of weeks ago, it would have been satisfying to see her this way. Now, Sherry couldn't bring herself to remember what that smugness would have felt like.

"What happened?" Sherry demanded.

"You should see the other guy," Odessa croaked, wincing a cold smile.

"Don't be cute," Sherry said, allowing Odessa to lean on her as they headed to the sheet-covered room. "Don't we have some kind of medic? They know it's a dangerous job."

"Already stopped by the clinic downstairs. This was all they could do. Or wanted to do, anyway."

Sherry looked the half-assed job up and down, gently touching the hand that Odessa kept pressed to her side. "Your ribs might be cracked. What the hell happened?"

"Reapers suspected my target was working for the rebellion. He was spotted with the same trinkets multiple times, so he wasn't selling. I got myself all set up to be 'rescued', and it turns out this guy is a high roller in a fighting ring. Once I realized what was happening, I called for the reapers to come collect. But before I knew it, I was in the pit with another trinket, and he was not interested in talking it out." She smiled crookedly. "What, you worried about me, or something?"

Making a face, Sherry nudged Odessa toward her bed. "Yeah. If you can't go back out there, then I'll have to. Now lay down, come on."

"Bossy," Odessa sing-songed. "Kinda hot."

"Did you get a concussion too, or what?"

Sherry helped her lay down, then started looking around for something to help. Water and cloth were easy enough to get, but Odessa needed far more than that. Noticing Sherry's plight, Odessa raised her head.

"Raquel's got salve." She pointed to the box of clothes in the corner. "Take her the sunflower dress. She'll trade."

Digging out the dress, Sherry hurried out the door to find Raquel. It was a surprisingly easy trade for a mini bottle of salve. Mini to humans, at least. The bottle was the length of Sherry's forearm. It seemed that pretty clothes were just as much a commodity as life-saving medication. Sherry was still wearing her standard issue institution-like set despite Odessa's offer to share.

Returning to Odessa's room, Sherry set everything down on the nightstand, pulled up a chair, and got to work. She started by cleaning away the blood, moving more gently when Odessa winced.

"How do you not have your own salve?" Sherry asked to distract her.

"Covering my walls was a big ask. Mitchell, in his infinite wisdom, says he doesn't want to spoil me. He has decided that I can only ask for one or the other."

"Salve seems a little more practical if you ask me."

"Can always trade if I need it." Odessa reached back behind her head to lovingly touch the sheet on the nearest wall. "Ever notice how everything meant to contain trinkets is made of glass? Polished, perfectly see-through glass. That's part of the punishment, even if no one says it out loud. We're always on display. Always meant to be looked at and humiliated. Sure, there's nothing I can do about the ceiling, but... it's something, at least."

Sherry had never thought hard about it, though it had been staring her in the face for three weeks now.

"Lift your shirt," Sherry instructed, helping her sit up.

"That's forward of you." Odessa smirked at Sherry's eye-roll and did as she was told, lifting her shirt enough to expose her ribs.

Tenderly as she could, Sherry spread a few fingertips of salve over the bruising area. It wasn't a cure by any means, but it would help with the pain. After prompting Odessa to lay back down, Sherry dabbed salve onto Odessa's lip. Their eyes met, and Sherry felt heat rush to her cheeks.

Odessa shut her eyes for a moment and released a heavy sigh, reaching up to squeeze Sherry's hand.

"I poisoned the keeper," Odessa said quietly.

If she had been searching for the perfect way to kill the mood, she hit the nail on the head.

Frowning, Sherry slipped her hand free. "With what?"

"I worked in a botanical garden, remember? All kinds of plants. Prints were the only ones allowed to get up close and personal with the most poisonous ones. Prints and trinkets aren't affected the same way as humans. But let's be honest, they'd send us in there even if that wasn't in the case. Anyway, I started up a little collection, harvested the oils, and mixed them."

"He... he didn't suspect anything?"

She shook her head. "I didn't do it right away. I kept thinking... if he gets worse. And he did. I tried to convince him to stop, but he wouldn't. He had firmly decided there was nothing I could do about it, so why stop? That last night, he broke my window to get to me. The timing couldn't have been more deserved."

By that point, Sherry was fixated, forgetting the salve and soaked cloth entirely. "How did you manage to get it in his food or drink? It couldn't have been easy."

"Who said anything about food or drink?" Something sinister flickered at the back of her eyes. "I rubbed the oils all over my skin."

"Oh," was all Sherry managed to breathe out.

"Yeah. Oh. He had me strip like he normally did. Then, the moment he put his disgusting mouth on me, he was doomed. He didn't even know it. He drove home and didn't show up for his next shift. They found him in his apartment three days later."

"And they traced it back to you?"

"Well, I didn't go bragging about it." Odessa touched her sore ribs absently, staring at the buzzing fluorescent lights high above. "The autopsy revealed the poison. Those types of plants weren't native to the area and were traced to the botanical garden. And who was his only connection to the garden?"

"But you didn't slip it into his food or anything! For all they knew, you just happened to have leftover poison on your skin from working in the garden. He's the one who put his mouth on you."

Odessa laughed. "Like they gave a shit. Plenty of keepers knew he had a thing for me, then he suddenly shows up dead? They even had a few of my neighbors testify about how much I hated him. I didn't stand a chance. But... the way I went about it is also the reason I'm here to begin with."

"Oh. You said that reapers usually pick snakes, right?"

"Mitchell attended my trial when he heard what I did. It didn't last long. He approached me hours before my consciousness transfer. His timing is impeccable with that sort of thing—offering a deal just when you think things are hopeless you're desperate enough to say yes to anything.

"He said I could come work for him, or I could be shipped off to whichever business called dibs on the next trinket shipment. He fed me all this bullshit about being able to stop worse people than the keeper I killed. All he needed to say was that being a snake meant I had a fighting chance. I said yes, of course. From that moment, I was his. He even picked my new face. Took me into a storage room every night the first few weeks for training."

Sherry reached for Odessa's hand and squeezed, trying to draw her out of her distant gaze despite the quiet horror Sherry felt herself. No wonder Mitchell seemed to have the greatest sense of ownership over Odessa compared to the other snakes. She was his project.

"So," Sherry said. "Ever daydream about making some poison and letting Mitchell have a taste."

Odessa smiled wanly. "I used to. Then I realized that Mitchell is our survival. He's a sadistic fuck, but we need him."

The response took Sherry off-guard. She didn't think Odessa could look or sound so complacent.

"You're not covered in poison right now, are you?" Sherry asked. Before Odessa could process the question, Sherry leaned in and pressed a featherlight kiss to her cheek. "Thanks for taking the fall for me. Since Mitchell's off-limits, can we at least daydream that the keeper is burning right now?"

"Now that one's a favorite."

Minutes ticked by, stretching into hours as Odessa rested. Sherry didn't realize she had dozed off in the chair beside the bed until the approach of a human rattled her awake.

"Odessa, you're out of commission for the weekend, lucky you," Mitchell announced, prompting her to jolt awake too. He smiled as his icy gaze moved between them. "Sherry, your assignment's already in, and I'm nice enough to give you a head's up. Velvet Delights. Be ready by 5 for pickup."

Cold fear drenched Sherry, stealing her breath.

"What!" Odessa snapped up to sit, grimacing at her sore ribs. "She can't go to a brothel! She's never even gone to a bar!"

"See, here's the thing," Mitchell said, leaning over to look straight down into the room until they had to crane their necks. "On file, she's been doing a hell of a phenomenal job at bars for the past three weeks. Even survived a fighting ring. No one can argue that she's ready as anyone for a brothel."

Odessa snarled, kicking off her blanket and standing to glare up at him. "Send someone with experience! You know she isn't ready!"

"Whose fault is that? She could have been more than ready if you didn't coddle her."

Eyes wide and frenzied, Odessa looked to Sherry, who had her hands over her mouth as she tried to keep a sob at bay. This couldn't be happening. She'd known that eventually she would have to work, but she had all but blocked out the possibility of being tossed into a brothel.

Drawing a deep breath, Odessa squared her shoulders and looked back up at Mitchell. "Send me in with her."

His eyebrows shot up. "You have three days off."

"Which means I'm free to volunteer. You know as well as me that brothels have the highest death rate. Always better to send more than one. It divides the attention, makes it easier to get evidence."

Mitchell scoffed, but he paused to consider it. "You really are something else," he finally told Odessa. His eyes slid to Sherry for a moment, and his voice dropped to a whisper. "I'm starting to get a little jealous if I'm being honest." He straightened and walked off. "Ready for pick up at 5," he said over his shoulder.

Sherry put on a pretty good show of pretending she wasn't scared out of her mind. In the weeks of getting to know her, however, Odessa could spot her tells. The way she rolled her shoulders. The slight pinch of her brow and lips that could be mistaken for a determined frown. The deep breaths she took to steady herself.

Velvet Delights was upscale, almost heavenly in its angel theme, which could either be helpful or disastrous. The reaper team wouldn't be far, patrolling the area and waiting for one of them to send the signal on their collars. The owner was thrilled to have a couple of free laborers, along with a promise that his inventory would not be snatched by the scheduled suspect that night.

The two of them were ordered to stand close together on the tray. Since Sherry seemed to have forgotten how to move, Odessa went and sat next to her. They were imprisoned under a wine glass and carted into a silk-lavished room. A luxury bottle of wine towered beside them. Odessa had been to enough brothels to know this setup was a special request.

The hostess straightened the pillows, made sure the glass was centered on the tray, and locked the door on her way out.

"You were right about the glass thing," Sherry whimpered in a half-assed attempt to giggle.

"Just relax," Odessa said. "Don't draw attention to yourself. Trinkets have mysteriously vanished around this guy, and that most likely means he's selling. He won't want to damage his product."

"And if he's not selling?" Sherry whispered.

Odessa squeezed her hand. "Just leave everything to me."

"You're hurt."

"The salve helped. I'm fine." Breathing only hurt a little.

The lock scraped. Sherry jumped, letting out a noise of fright. Her breathing quickened, and she shivered with the beginnings of a panic attack.

"Don't," Odessa hissed.

The door swung open, revealing a man with brown hair. When his eyes landed on them, he broke out in a smile that could light up a room. He glanced behind himself dramatically to check the number on the door.

"Am I in the right room?" he said. "Didn't know I'd be getting two. Hope I don't get charged extra."

Stripping off his jacket, he tossed it on a lounger and sauntered to the cart by the bed. He leaned over for a closer look, his fingertips trailing along the glass, tapping.

"Though... I say it'd be worth it for you two stunners."

Odessa tried to keep a neutral expression while she read him. It didn't take long to surmise that he had a thing for power. According to Mitchell, he was a bartender at a fancy downtown club. Trinkets were an everyday fixture for him, and still he visited brothels.

He reached for the bottle and worked on opening it. Didn't waste time, this one. Neither trinket said a word. "Don't be shy, now. Let's break the ice with some introductions." He popped the bottle and smiled pleasantly at them. "I'm James."

"Lolli," Odessa said, purposely trying to make herself look smaller and vulnerable.

He gave a hearty laugh, eyeing her red hair. "Lucky me. Cherry is my favorite flavor. Well, tonight it is." His gaze slid over to Sherry expectantly.

"Charity," she squeaked out, huddling closer to Odessa.

"Precious. Does that mean you're giving?" He grabbed the edge of the cart and dragged it closer. "I'm pretty giving myself, but we'll see if you're grateful enough to appreciate it."

Delicately pinching the stem of the glass, he pulled it closer, forcing them to approach him. Lifting the bottle, he tilted it to pour wine over the upended glass. Pale red dribbles raced down the outside of their prison. Odessa bit back a sneer, knowing he had either done this dozens of times or had scripted this fantasy down to the last beat in his mind.

Still, she was hardly prepared when he thudded the bottle down and slipped his hand beneath the rim of the glass. They had no choice but to scramble onto his fingers, stuck in their enclosure like captured bugs. James lifted them to eye level.

"Sorry for the theatrics," he said without sounding sorry at all. "I have my way of sampling."

Hunger, lust, and amusement battled for dominance in his gaze. Odessa bumped against Sherry as they were suddenly lowered, bringing his mouth into direct view. Sherry gave a breathless shriek as he licked the dripping wine in front of them. She snagged Odessa's arm and urged her to back up to the other side of their prison—as if it would make any difference.

As he turned his hands to drag his tongue further along, his breath fogged the glass. Odessa tried to look more frightened than outright disgusted. So, he was the type who liked to scare his victims instead of winning them over. How original. At least she did not doubt the character she had to play now.

"S-stop," Odessa said, loosing a fake sob and covering her face. "P-please!"

He pulled away, a look of deep satisfaction on his face. "You're right, I shouldn't have all the fun."

Air rushed past them as the glass was lifted off, leaving them exposed in his palm. Odessa thought for sure they were about to get the same treatment with his tongue. To her surprise, he lowered them to the nightstand and let them slide off. Grabbing a cloth from the cart, he wiped off the glass and poured himself a real drink while Sherry huddled against Odessa.

"Oh?" James took a long pull from the wine as he observed his audience of two. "Are you two friends? Adorable. That always makes things more fun." His gaze settled on Odessa. "Lolli, wouldn't you say our friend looks awfully warm in that get-up?"

The two of them wore matching white babydoll lingerie meant to make them look like angels. Instead of halos, they had their collars. Sherry shivered in her outfit like she was sitting in a snowstorm.

"In case it wasn't obvious," James said, his voice taking on an edge. "I'm telling you to take it off her."

Swallowing hard, Odessa turned to face Sherry, nodding her assurance. They needed to do what he said, lure him to let his guard down. With any luck, they could get a confession before he stole them from the brothel. Her goal wasn't to be perfect tonight; it was to get Sherry the hell out of there.

With trembling fingers that were only partly theatrics, Odessa reached for the straps of Sherry's bra. She felt sick to her stomach, particularly when she felt Sherry recoil from her touch. Sherry's voice seemed to echo from weeks ago, accusing her of being a monster. She certainly felt like one right now, though not as fearsome as the one looming over them with his expectant stare.

"I'm sorry," Odessa whispered.

Sherry looked like she might burst into tears as she dropped her head. She made no move to resist as Odessa undid the straps and pulled her bra down her arms, leaving her topless. Reaching for Sherry's panties, Odessa stopped halfway and pulled her hands back. She shook her head, leaning into her guilty expression as she looked up at James pleadingly.

James scoffed and drained the last of his wine, slamming the glass onto the nightstand beside them. "If that's too hard, tonight's gonna be a rough one for you, babe. But I guess I'll let you off the hook for now."

Odessa breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'll finish the job myself." James reached for them.

Sherry cried out in protest and latched herself to Odessa's arm, weeping. James' hand faltered as he eyed them. It wasn't pity—far from it. It was intrigue. Odessa could practically see the gears turning in his head as he took in the sight of Sherry cowering against her for protection.

He grinned. "Am I crazy, or are you blushing, Lolli?" Both. "Goddamn, more than friends, huh? I'm starting to wonder if management thinks it's my birthday or something. I'll do you a favor and show your little girlfriend how it's done, from the top."

His hand closed the distance this time, claiming Odessa as its prize. As he pulled her away, Sherry tried desperately to hold onto her, crying, "No! No!" But she fell back on the polished wood when James shook her off.

"Settle down, babe," he cooed. "You'll get your turn with her. You should be taking notes."

Odessa squirmed and whimpered in his grasp, silently relieved to have the sicko's attention focused all on her. She was no stranger to being stripped bare, but there was something particularly chilling about how expertly his fingers navigated her. He managed to be delicate and possessive all at once as he slipped off the straps of her panties and tossed them aside.

"N-no!" Odessa sobbed dramatically as he lifted her toward his mouth.

He curled his thumb in, effortlessly pinning her to his palm as hot breath spilled over her. His teeth teased at her skin gently until he found one of her bra straps. He tugged until it came loose, leaving her naked in his hand. The delicate lace was still pinched between his teeth as he pulled back to observe her. His thumb rubbed her middle up and down, testing how much pressure it would take to make her squirm in terror.

He let the lingerie fall from his mouth and flutter to the floor. "You're going to be a fun one, aren't you? Thank fuck. These high-end places usually have the prissiest trinkets."

"Please s-stop!" She dug her heels into his palm, trying to pry up his thumb. "You don't have to do this!"

"That's the best part." He leaned in again, trailing his tongue up along her side and circling her breasts while she tried to wriggle out from under his thumb. He sighed as if he couldn't be happier with how she tasted.

She could feel him start to pull away, could see that he was beginning to turn his attention back to Sherry. Odessa yanked her head up and bit his lip. He gave a start and looked down at her, jaw dropping.

"Fun and feisty," he purred. "It's like you were made for me." He caught one of her flailing arms between his teeth and bit her back. Not enough to break skin, but enough for her to let out a scream that wasn't staged.

But that did the trick. He seemed to forget Sherry for the time being, keeping Odessa clenched in his fist while he undressed. Her sore ribs screamed in agony. He moved slowly, making sure she brushed up against his body when he pulled up his shirt or unbuckled his belt. When the dizzying journey was over, he was as naked as she was. He was more muscular than she would have assumed, toned chest and abs filling her vision. She made sure he caught her staring.

A fresh grin lit up his face. "It's about to be all yours, Lollipop."

When he spread himself out on the bed silks, Odessa caught a glimpse of Sherry standing helplessly on the nightstand. Her shoulders moved up and down with visible breaths of panic. Odessa felt a fierce tug at her heart, but she didn't dare look too long, lest James get new inspiration to have Sherry join the party.

As it turned out, Odessa didn't have much of an opportunity to stare, anyway. James laid back and put one arm behind his head, observing as he dangled her by an ankle. He twisted his fingers, scrutinizing her at every frightened angle. He breathed with deep contentment, trailing her up and down his chest and abs.

Only her hair tickled at him at first, but with each stroke, he claimed more of her. Arms, face, shoulders, back, breasts, until the entire length of her was skating along the heat of his skin. When she managed to catch a glimpse of his face, she realized he wasn't even looking at her. She followed his gaze overhead and nearly gagged. There was a mirror on the ceiling, and he was fixated on the sight of himself torturing her.

She put on a good show for him, whimpering and squirming and trying to pull herself up to avoid touching him. She dug her fingers into his skin and made him groan. She screamed a few profanities for good measure, followed by desperate apologies begging him to forgive her.

He loved it. Now if she could just get him to confess.

"It's okay, it's okay, it's okay," she babbled to herself out loud, as if she had completely lost it. "Just tonight, and he'll be gone. I can do this, I c-can do this."

He paused, stopping her halfway down the slope of an ab. "Aw, you're gonna hurt my feelings. Wouldn't you want to stay with me forever?"

A sob wracked through her. "You can't have me! You'll have to give me back."

Her vision spun as he carried her in front of his face to look her over. His chuckle was sinister, but not damning. She wanted to scream in frustration. Just say you're stealing us, already! She kicked her free leg and writhed, actually feeling his fingertips get tugged from the motion.

"Fuck, you're a fiery one," he murmured low in his throat.

That was all he had to say for now. She saw the lust gathering in his eyes, the way his breaths became deeper. He sat up halfway and dragged her down the planes of his body once more, not pausing to drag her back up this time. With a sinking heart, she knew the destination he had lovingly chosen for her.

Seeming miles away, Sherry let out a shriek as she watched from the nightstand. "No! No, don't, please!"

Odessa blocked it out. She would have to deal with this before she could hope to get any info from him. It was far from her first time. As he pressed her up against his hardening cock, she shut down entirely and let it happen. His fingers guided her up and down, the motion becoming rougher by the second.

But he was more sensitive to her mood than she gave him credit for.

"Aw, what happened to all that fire?" he grunted.

Just as quickly as the pressure had started, it faded. He pulled her away from his dick, and she watched in horror as he turned his attention to Sherry's frantic form pacing on the edge of the nightstand.

"Maybe our girlfriend here will be a little more fun. It's her you want, isn't it?"

Odessa's reaction was genuine as she abandoned everything she knew about being a snake. "You keep your sick hands off her!"

But that only inspired him to move quicker. "There's the fire, Lollipop."

His other hand raced to snatch up Sherry. He laid back down, pausing to relish the violent squirms in both his fists before he placed them on his stomach. He stared down expectantly at them like they had been deposited on a stage. He raised his eyebrows viciously at Odessa.

"If you're not a fan of making me happy, I'll let you make your girl wet instead." He reached past them and started stroking himself with anticipation. "Go on."

Odessa turned to Sherry as the two of them rose and fell in tandem with their tyrant's breathing. She reached for Sherry's hand and squeezed. Biting her lip, Odessa searched desperately for some confirmation that this was okay, that they could do what they needed to continue the job. But Sherry gave her head the smallest, pleading shake as tears streamed down her face.

Not here. Not like this.

Turning murderous eyes toward James, Odessa dropped her act entirely and flipped him off. "I'm not putting my hands on her for you, you fucking psychopath."

James groaned in disappointment. "You know, it turns me on a little less every time someone calls me that."

Quick as lightning, he tore Odessa away from Sherry and dumped her in the glass on the nightstand.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Odessa pounded her fists against her damp prison as Sherry became the object of James' scrutiny.

He plucked her up under the arms, watching the panicky kick of her legs. "Oh, don't be like that. Your girlfriend didn't even want you. Don't worry, Charity, I'm here for you now."

Sighing in rapture, he leaned in and pressed kisses to her writhing body. Sherry's whimpers took on a higher octave as he nibbled at her panties. That was all the warning he gave before jerking his head back and ripping them free of her body entirely. He spat them out, eyeing her with a crooked, boyish smile.

"Doesn't that feel much better?"

He teased her with a few more deep kisses, poking his tongue between her legs long enough to elicit an involuntary moan.

"Listen to that. You love it."

He dropped her back on his chest. He nudged her to lay face down and let his hand fall over her, massaging himself with her squirms. He rubbed her down to his abs and back up again. Her muffled cries were silenced each time he fully smothered her, only to surface again when he eased up on the pressure. He couldn't seem to get enough of the rhythm.

All the while, Odessa did not stop shrieking for his attention. By the time he turned his gaze back to her, her throat felt screamed raw. He ignored Sherry's violent struggles against his chest to give Odessa a chiding look.

"No whining, now. You had your chance with her. But don't worry, I'm generous enough to include you."

James sat up halfway and lifted his hand to set Sherry loose. She slid partway down his stomach, scrambling to cling to him so wouldn't slip onto his erection.

"See?" he chuckled, giving her another rub against him. "She's crazy about me."

Reaching past Odessa, James snagged the wine and poured it over her head, filling the glass until she was swimming. Surfacing, Odessa grabbed hold of the rim and coughed. "L-leave her alone! Use me instead!"

The shadow of his hand darkened over her. "You talk too much."

His fingertip came down on her head and dunked her under the wine. He held her down for a good long time while she thrashed and tried to dodge around his finger, which only shoved her down further.

Even when he let her come back up for air, she was given only a millisecond to gather herself. He plucked up the glass and swirled his wine, making her dizzy as she struggled to keep her head up. She slammed into the side of the glass and nearly passed out from the explosive pain in her ribs.

Then he lifted the rim to his lips and took a long gulp. She was too disoriented to swim away from the current rushing into his mouth. Once he caught her arm between his teeth, she could do nothing but wait until he was satisfied with his drink.

As the wine settled back in the glass, Odessa gasped for breath and pushed her wine-soaked hair out of her eyes. She spotted Sherry crawling away on James' stomach. She made it to the sheets before he noticed, chuckling with delight.

"Oh, you like games?" The wine that held Odessa rippled at the rumble of his voice. Sherry moved faster and ducked under a fold. James gave her a head start before setting the glass down so he could poke through the sheets in search of her. "Ready or not..."

While he was distracted, Odessa frantically tapped at her collar to activate the tracker and communicator.

"He confessed," she coughed out, keeping her voice low so James wouldn't hear her. "He has other trinkets with him! He made other stops before this one. Come on, hurry!"

There was an agonizing pause in which James crowed in triumph upon finding Sherry. She screamed as she was yanked out of her hiding place.

"No shit?" Mitchell's voice crackled through the collar. "On our way."

James settled back down, holding Sherry in a fist. He kneaded her front with his thumb as he entertained himself with her weakening struggles.

"P-please," she said. The fight seemed to leave her body. She looked right at him, trying to appeal to a better nature that just wasn't there. "I don't belong h-here. I'm innocent, you have t-to understand! I was framed. Please, please believe me. S-stop this..."

He pursed his lips and nodded along as if he was listening. When she was done, he broke out in a grin so wicked that Odessa swore she felt the temperature drop. "As if I don't hear that same sob story every damn day of my life."

Sweeping his hand out, he deposited Sherry beside his swollen cock.

"Let's see what you got," he said, his voice growing huskier. "Make me happier than you did the judge, and I might be nice."

Sherry tried to run for the sheets again.

"Do I have to do everything around here?" James sighed, though he sounded pleased as could be.

His hand barreled into her and shoved her back where he wanted. He pressed her up against himself with his thumb, rubbing in tight circles. As his panting grew more frantic, he seized both her and his cock in one hand, hiding her entirely with his fingers as he began to jerk himself off. His hand pumped up and down, drowning out Sherry's sobbing screams.

"Stop!" Tears flooded Odessa's eyes, mixing with the wine. "P-please! Just stop!"

His head snapped toward her, wearing a toothy grin. "Don't think I've forgotten about my Lollipop," he panted.

He grabbed the glass and tipped it into his open mouth with reckless abandon. Wine poured in and spilled out the sides. Odessa scrambled to grab hold of something as gravity took over, but there was nothing she could do to stop herself as he tipped her over entirely. The cold glass was replaced with a warm, slick cavern.

Light vanished when he shut his mouth. The surface beneath her lurched upward. His tongue mashed her against the roof of his mouth while he swallowed the rest of the wine around her. The gulp was deafening.

Once she was the only occupant in his mouth, he began toying with her. His teeth narrowly missed crushing her limbs as he clenched his jaw and moaned from the ecstasy of Sherry's struggles. He tilted his head back, and for an awful moment, Odessa thought he was about to swallow her next. Instead, he opened his mouth and left her propped up with his tongue, allowing her a view straight up at the ceiling mirror.

In the reflection, she saw how he parted his fingers around Sherry, giving her a chance to shriek freely. Then he pressed his fingertip to the back of her head to muffle the sound again. An answering groan quaked around Odessa.

She gave a wordless cry and tried to grab his teeth and haul herself out of his mouth. His tongue practically wrapped around her and reeled her back in. He shut his mouth again, rolling her around and sucking on her like a piece of candy.

To her shock, he stuck his fingers in his mouth to grab her by the ankle and pull her out. Losing no rhythm with Sherry, he leaned over to the freshly-refilled wine glass and dunked Odessa headfirst inside. He swirled her around and yanked her out just as suddenly. Holding her over his open mouth, he let wine drip onto his waiting tongue.

Odessa couldn't muster the energy to plead or hurl profanities at him. The hold on her ankle vanished, and she was dropped back toward her dark prison. She managed to twist in the air, landing on the corner of his mouth with her legs halfway out. His teeth came down on her torso, gnawing with dangerous pressure. She tried to wrench her way free, but it was no use. While she was pinned, his tongue returned to greet her, and his finger nudged her the rest of the way in.

James gave another deafening moan of appreciation as he savored her wine-soaked skin.

The noises became more consistent, and his movements quickened. He was heading toward climax. Odessa couldn't help but feel a tiny measure of relief as she curled herself away from his teeth. It was almost over.

Then, to her horror, his tongue began nudging her toward his throat.

In that instant, there was no doubt in her mind that he meant to swallow her as the finale of his pleasure. She scrambled to pull herself away, but there was a shift in gravity as he tilted his head back again to thwart her pitiful struggles.

"NO!" she howled, but the sound went nowhere. The harder she tried to pull herself up, the further she seemed to fall. Her legs slipped into a steep drop.

There was a sharp knock at the door.

Suddenly, she was tilted back to the center of his tongue.

"Occupied," James snapped, teeth gnashing against Odessa's shoulder.

The door banged open. He was so startled that he bit down on her arm. A wail of pain tore out as an incisor cut her. It was a miracle that the bone wasn't crushed.

She felt him cringe at the taste of blood. He plucked her out of his mouth. She coughed herself ragged while his fingers pinched her by the diaphragm and spine. Snagging Sherry's limp body, he used the same hand to toss the sheet over his nudity.

"What the fuck is going on?" James roared, making Odessa slam her hands over her ears.

It all happened in a whirlwind.

Odessa and Sherry were confiscated by Agent Taylor while Agent Mitchell gave orders to the others. They were kind enough to let James put some clothes back on before he was dragged into a corner for rapid questioning.

The trinkets were placed back on the cart tray, but it seemed everyone forgot to give them the privilege of clothing. Sherry looked ready to faint as she stumbled over to Odessa and threw her arms around. She wasn't crying, just breathing heavily. She pressed her hand to Odessa's wound to help staunch the bleeding. Odessa sank with her and held her close, knowing that things were not about to get any easier.

As everything unfolded around them, Odessa found herself looking at Sherry's face. Her gaze was fixed on James across the room. Where there should have been fear, there was pure, unadulterated hatred. She hadn't even looked this angry when she found out the truth about Odessa's role in her capture.

She looked like she would kill if given the opportunity.

"Are you okay?" Odessa whispered.

Sherry blinked and shook her head as tears began falling. Sniffling, she surprisingly chuckled. "Sorry, I know I'm going against lesson one. No benefit to crying here."

Giving a small sob herself, Odessa tucked a lock of hair behind Sherry's ear. "Hey, don't tell anyone, but I was crying half the time. Didn't do me much good, either."

"I'm telling you, I don't know about any other trinkets!" James insisted, pulling their attention back.

Mitchell, looking like he had just won the lottery, walked over to the cart. "Where are the others?" he directed at Odessa.

When she didn't answer, his smile dropped. He leaned in closer, expression darkening dangerously.

"There are no others," Odessa said, figuring she may as well rip off the band-aid.

Mitchell went perfectly still. "But you got a recorded confession?"

"Nope."

And with that, James was released with a heartfelt apology and an assurance that he would be compensated for his night at the brothel, along with a promise that the agency would negotiate with the owner about a few free nights.

"You're lucky if I don't sue the shit out of you," James snapped, making his way to the door.

But Odessa doubted he would. He had to be a black market dealer, or a skilled independent seller at the very least. He wouldn't dare draw the attention of a lawsuit. Even if he didn't complete his fantasy that night, he was walking away with the knowledge that reapers were on his tail, and now he could act accordingly.

Odessa swore he winked in her and Sherry's direction on his way out.

Mitchell sent out the rest of the team while he remained in the room with Odessa and Sherry. He loomed over the tray, looking ready to break them both in half. His hands even flexed at his sides as he gathered himself.

"What the fuck was that?" he managed finally, each word coated in malice.

"He was going to kill us both," Odessa said calmly.

She was prepared when the weight of his hand fell on her, but nothing could help the pain of her ribs crushing against her lungs.

"Like I give a shit," Mitchell hissed. "Snakes die. That's how it goes."

"If you're willing to let your best snake die over one creep, you're a fucking moron."

He pulled out his work phone, which didn't surprise her in the slightest. She took the deepest breaths she could manage, though it wouldn't do her much good. He was going to choke her until she passed out—it wasn't the first time. But when he finished tapping at the screen and looked down at her with relish, her collar didn't tighten.

Sherry gave a shrill squeal. She fell to her knees, clawing at the collar. Odessa gasped and bucked uselessly, every one of her injuries smarting as she fought.

"Quit it!" Odessa pleaded. "It's not her fault! I made the call!"

"She's nothing but a distraction to you," he said grimly. "Maybe this will show you what happens when you let your precious little wants get in the way."

He let her up, and she rushed to Sherry. It wasn't mercy; he intended for Sherry to die in her arms.

"If I lose her, you lose me!" Odessa shouted. "I'll fuck up every job, and you can choke me to death, too! Now stop!"

Mitchell let it go on for a few more seconds, but he did stop, looking weary. "What the hell am I supposed to do, Odessa? You ruined a perfectly set-up sting because you couldn't let your girlfriend take a little punishment."

"It won't happen again. I know she can survive now. I'm going to train her until she's perfect, for real this time."

He paced in front of them while Sherry wheezed and leaned against Odessa for support.

"The station's not gonna go under just because two little snakes are gone," Mitchell said, coming to a stop in front of them. "Either she's an asset or a problem. She'll make it clear which one when she goes on her first solo job."

With that, he scooped up Sherry, leaving Odessa alone on the tray. At first, she was confused as she watched Sherry get handed off to Agent Taylor in the hallway. But as Mitchell shut the door behind him and started taking off his jacket, she knew precisely what was happening.

She wanted to collapse and sob and beg that she couldn't take anymore tonight, but she was better than that. She held her ground as he loosened his tie and gave her a deeply possessive look.

"Well, my shift's over just about over," he said. "It's been a while, hasn't it? You want to keep your cute little girlfriend? Convince me."

At dawn, Sherry padded to Odessa's room. It had been stripped bare of incentives, including the sheets on the walls. It was as empty as Sherry's now. Her clothes were standard issue. A small spot of blood seeped through the cloth bandage on her arm. She couldn't trade for salve. She had nothing.

Well, not nothing, Sherry decided. She could have been confiscated just as easily.

Sherry crawled up beside Odessa, whispering an apology when she startled her. Odessa lay with her back to the doorway, curled into herself. No blankets. No pillow. Just the two of them. Sherry wrapped her arms around her from behind.

"Hey, queen," she whispered. "Are you okay? What happened?"

"Nothing that hasn't happened before."

"That doesn't mean you're okay." Sherry slipped a hand to Odessa's ribs. "Sorry," she murmured when Odessa flinched.

"No, it's alright." Odessa placed a hand over hers, using it to rub a slow circle on the sore spot. Then she guided Sherry's hand higher and left it on her breast. Sherry squeezed gently and ran her thumb up and down. As right as it felt, Sherry stopped herself.

"Aren't you tired of being touched?" Sherry murmured.

"You're not them." Odessa's voice sounded tight. "You're soft. You could never hurt me."

Moving Odessa's hair out of the way, Sherry pressed a kiss to the back of her neck, trailing up until she reached her jaw, her cheek. Her lips brushed Odessa's ear. "Tonight may have been a bust, but on a normal job, it must feel good to put away sick fucks like that bartender," she whispered.

Odessa gave a weak laugh. "You're buying into the bullshit, huh? Saving the world? You realize we're not helping anyone, right? Just sending off our 'rescues' to a different circle of hell."

"At least the sick fucks are joining them along the way."

Odessa turned in Sherry's arms to face her more fully. "Rebels join them just the same. Tell me you know that."

Sherry was quiet for a moment, feeling an odd sting of guilt for something she hadn't even done yet. "I know."

She reached for Odessa's chin and gently guided it closer. Their lips touched softly at first, then fell into deeper, more frantic kisses. The fluorescents beat down mercilessly on them. Anyone could watch, but they didn't care.

"I think I'm ready to start doing my job," Sherry said between kisses as they leaned their foreheads together.

Odessa snorted. "I can't tell if you're lying."

"Then I know I'm ready."

[elsanna-shenanigans]

December Contest Submission #6: The First Element

words: ca. 3100 setting: AU lemon: no cw: action violence

Anna checked the map once more to assure herself that she had the right location. No one ventured north of the city limits. Not when how industrial Arendelle became after the industrial revolution came almost a century ago. Many were so enamored by the new technology that those of old quickly fell into obscurity. Should she get lost, there was a good chance that she could end up stranded.

Furthermore, for a mercenary like her, no one would even miss her presence. Except for her brother, Kristoff, that is. This is why she is so thankful he taught her all of his ‘wilderness knowledge,’ as he calls it. It made the trek into the North Mountain simpler and less terrifying.

’It should be up just ahead,’ Anna thought. She folded the map and continued upwards. The crunch of the snow sounded with each step of Anna’s heavy boots. The mountain spared no visibility. The infamous fog that hid the top of the mountain stayed no matter what time of the year. The stories always varied as to why the mist appeared. Anna’s personal favorite consisted of lovers who escaped to create their kingdom. One filled with love and light. Either any are right, she thanks whoever came before her put up some kind of markers. It made pathing the way a whole lot easier.

What Anna didn’t expect, after rounding a corner, was a sight to behold. It seemed as she crossed some sort of barrier as the fog that plagued most of the trip completely disappeared in front of her. The sun began to set, and the whole sight took her breath away. Right at the top of the mountain laid a magnificent, beautifully constructed ice palace. The beams of light perfectly highlighted the intricate detail of the ice. Making the entire palace look like a fiery glowing ember. Kristoff would definitely be in tears if he were here. Anna should have brought a camera.

Anna made her way to the base of the staircase. She placed one foot and slowly began to ascend the steps. As she reached the top, she raised her hand but stopped before her knuckles connected with the door.

‘Wait. What am I doing? I don’t need to knock,’ Anna placed both her hands on the door and pushed forward. The doors slowly opened. If Anna thought the outside was gorgeous, it had nothing on the inside.

Anna looked around the palace. While the historic Arendelle castle never ceased to amaze Anna whenever she entered for the yearly tours, the ice palace came a remarkably close second. The frozen fountain in the center of the foyer to the perfect giant chandelier hanging up above. Though Anna wanted to explore the ice palace further, she did have a task to do. With a disappointed sigh, Anna proceeded to shed some layers for easier traversal within the palace. She placed her bag hidden in a corner and headed to the stairway leading further into the palace. She holstered her gun safety.

As she climbed the stairs, Anna could feel a strange sensation of familiarity. Not exactly a warm feeling. More like one of desperation. Maybe someone in her past life walked up these very steps. Considering Arendelle’s somewhat mysterious history, perhaps some of the legends about the North Mountain are true. She doubted most of them were real, but Anna at least needed one of them to be authentic. Otherwise, this whole trip would have been a waste of time.

Luckily, what Anna wanted to search for laid right smack in the middle of the top floor.

“Thank fuck!” Anna cried out in relief. Step one of her task was completed. Now she needed to figure out a way to get it out of here.

Anna carefully surveyed her surroundings. It didn’t seem like the area was booby-trapped—no odd indentation in the floor or walls or any security of any kind around the pedestal. Anna slowly and methodically moved across the floor. She held her breath with each step she took. She slipped a couple of times, but she still managed to make it to the pedestal without any issue. The palace hasn’t collapsed, so she took it as a good sign.

Anna studied what laid inside the glass enclosure. At least she assumed it was glass. Inside contained some type of reptilian creature—a salamander, perhaps. And a crystalized one at that.

TAP. TAP.

Anna looked around. Nothing. Anna slowly placed her hands around the glass. With a deep breath, she lifted the object—still nothing. Anna wanted to cry out in victory. Surely it couldn’t be this easy.

As always, she spoke too soon.

Click.

“Well, if it isn’t the infamous Little Fox,” the voice behind her said in a troubling tone. Any other time Anna would certainly shiver in anticipation, but not when her entire life’s goal rested in the crystalized salamander. And most surely not with a gun pressed firmly against her head. Anna slowly lifted her hands, with one still holding the salamander.

“How many times do I have to tell you, Snow Queen,” Anna gently turned around. Her forehead now touched the barrel of the gun. “It’s Little Tiger.” The light refracted by the ice did wonders, to the always beautiful blond, in front of her even when she held the deadly weapon to Anna’s head.

“As I’ve told you before as well, it’s simply Elsa,” Anna smiled at Elsa.

“Once more wouldn’t hurt,” Anna’s smile faltered somewhat by the lack of reaction out of Elsa. Usually, she and Elsa would banter before matters got severe. Considering the circumstance, Anna should have expected it. What she didn’t expect was how Elsa’s presence in the first place. “How did you get in here?” Elsa kept her face sober.

“I could ask you the same question,” Elsa countered.

“Thorough research. And a bit of lady luck,” Anna glanced at Elsa’s attire. “I know you’re known as the Snow Queen and all, but I would think even deep snow would somehow get to you. You’re even wearing your tux, my favorite, but not exactly hiking material,” Anna tried to joke, but Elsa would not budge.

“I’ve told you before. The cold doesn’t bother me.”

“Here, I thought you were just flirting back,” Anna tried again. Elsa remained stoic. “Jeeze, not gonna joke even a little bit?”

“This isn’t a laughing matter, Anna!” It was all that needed to be said for Anna to take Elsa seriously. Clearly, Elsa knew more than she did. “No one has been able to get past the fog. How did you get in here?”

“All I did was follow makers that were left behind.” Elsa’s eyes widened.

“You were able to see them? No. That’s impossible.” Anna merely shrugged.

“Well, I’m here, aren’t I?” Elsa stayed silent. Her aim still hasn’t faltered. Her finger slowly wrapped around the trigger.

“You’re after the reward, aren’t you?” Anna’s heart nearly stopped at Elsa’s action. “Do you really think the Southern Isles would let you off the reward with no consequence! Any gang, for that matter!” Anna knew the dangers, but the temptation was too hard to resist, especially if it would bring her one step closer to finding out what happed to her mother. “Give me the salamander, Anna.”

“I can’t.”

“Then, I’m sorry.” Before Elsa could pull the trigger, Anna threw the incased salamander into the air. Elsa’s moment of hesitation was enough for Anna to act, and she disarmed Elsa with a powerful kick. The kick caused the gun to skitter across the floor. Anna reached for her gun, but Elsa snapped out of her daze and prevented Anna to wield the gun entirely. They were at a standstill for a fraction of a second. The salamander quickly fell. Elsa moved first. She twisted Anna’s arm enough to cause the gun to drop onto the floor. Anna tried to rotate her body as not to damage her arm and went for the salamander.

Elsa caught the salamander and managed to kick the gun out of Anna’s reach. Anna leaned into her, but Elsa had the height advantage and kept the case out of reach.

“So that’s how we are going to play it, huh?” Anna said. She quickly wrapped her right leg behind Elsa’s left and pushed against her shoulders down towards the ground. Elsa recovered before hitting the floor but released the salamander in the process. Trying to react before Elsa could move, Anna ran towards the case that laid across the room. She didn’t get far before Elsa spun her leg around tripped Anna, sending her to the floor.

Elsa quickly straddled Anna and successfully held her in place.

“Enough! You don’t know what you’re getting into, Anna,” Elsa cried out in desperation. Anna bucked with all her might, but Elsa wouldn’t budge.

“What’s it to you? If there is a chance that she is alive, then I’m going to take it!” Her mother disappeared after a territory battle between two gangs. Kristoff and Anna have been trying to find her ever since. Kristoff took the safer approach, but it took too long. Anna wanted answers now. She spent the past two years taking risky jobs to lead her here finally. She wasn’t going to waste the opportunity, even if it meant working for any of Arendelle’s notorious gangs.

Anna managed to wiggle her legs enough to push Elsa off her. Anna and Elsa both sprung up simultaneously. They stared down one another. Neither wanted to break eye contact. It reminded Anna of the first time she ever met Elsa. Having started her mercenary life, she could remember curious eyes that watched her with interest. Whatever odd job Anna decided to tackle, Elsa always seemed to show up. At first, she thought that Elsa was stalking her, but she came to enjoy their rendezvous. The fights were still the best. Always hand to hand, and always Anna ended up more enamored by the mysterious blond. She always lost, but the mischievous look Elsa gave her afterward made the loss worth it. The look that is now replaced by one of despair.

“Why do you seek the salamander, Elsa?” Elsa didn’t answer. “It’s more than a simple statue, isn’t it?” Still, Elsa remained silent. Anna growled in frustration. “Fine if you won’t tell me,” she grabbed her claw attachment from her pouch. She placed it on her left hand and positioned it in a ready stance. “I’ll just have to knock it out of you.”

Elsa and Anna both lunged. Anna lost count of how many times their fights began like this. While those felt more like a cheap thrill, this felt anything but. There were actual stakes. Like the other fights, Anna still had no idea what was in it for Elsa. Their past brawls were fun if a bit painful. Movements were sloppy and uncoordinated. This fight consisted of the exact opposite.

Elsa’s movements were more precise. Anna could tell Elsa held back this whole time. So much so that she was relentlessly defensive. The punches and kicks she was able to get in were either blocked or sidestepped by Elsa. The only scratch she put on Elsa was a mere tear into Elsa’s jacket.

The exhaustion began to settle in for both. More so for Anna. She put distance between them if only to catch a moment of breath. She readied herself for another round of attacks as Elsa neared. In trying to focus, she missed a small movement that came between them. In an instant, Anna and Elsa were pushed back as fire exploded between them, and the entire palace lit up in flames.

–

“-a!”

“-nna!”

“Anna! Wake Up!”

Anna groaned at the movement against her shoulders. It didn’t help that it felt warmer than it did before.

“Ugh. What?” She slowly blinked. Her eyes came into focus, and the blurry face in front of her materialized into Elsa. Along with pink flames burning behind her. Anna instantly sat up.

“What the hell happened?”

“No time for questions. We need to get out of here. Now!” Elsa didn’t wait for Anna as she dragged her up and pulled her towards an exit. The flames seemed to follow them as it bounced around, preventing them from escaping. The structure of the ice palace started to crumble under the intense heat.

“Quickly! To the staircase.” Anna and Elsa dashed the stairs. Before they reached it, the floor beneath them crumbled. Anna lost her balance and fell backward.

“Anna!” Elsa tried to go after her, but the floor shattered as she took a step. The balcony gave way and sent both crashing to the bottom below. Anna landed on her back, which caused her to go winded. Elsa managed a safer landing, but the flames instantly circled her in a successful attempt to entrap her.

Anna painfully rolled onto her stomach, still out of breath. The heat of the flames became almost unbearable, yet she couldn’t find the energy to move. She found Elsa quickly with a firewall around her. Anna scoured the area for her bag. Maybe she had something to put the fire out or at the very least lessen it before the flames consumed Elsa.

‘There it is!’ Anna crawled as fast as she could towards her back. Each movement felt sluggish and painful. She tried to will herself to move quicker, but the bag didn’t seem to appear closer. ‘Come on, Anna. Move!’

Anna instantly stopped when she heard a crack above her. The moment felt like it passed in slow motion. The chandelier broke from its hold and commenced to fall towards the floor. Right where Elsa stood.

Anna didn’t know where the strength came from nor the speed she felt as she propelled forward. She could feel her limbs scream at her, but she didn’t care. She might catch on fire if she even touched the flames, but she didn’t care. There was only one that flowed in her mind. Save Elsa!

The flames caused Elsa to go into a coughing fit. She didn’t notice the chandelier that came towards her. Or Anna until she was right in front of her with arms outstretched. The momentum pushed her so far back that the flames merely whipped out of the way as Elsa flew by. At that moment, Elsa finally saw the ice chandelier headed straight for Anna.

Something within her awakened. A sensation she seldom felt and always rejected for fear of what it could mean. But at that moment, with fire all around and the chandelier falling, she saw Anna smile. A smile that accepted her fate. That was all Elsa needed to embrace the feeling wholly. A cold yet welcomed feeling.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Ice crackled out of her hands and body. One blast flew towards the chandelier. A shield formed around Anna’s body on the floor before instantaneously freezing the chandelier above and effectively stopped its descend. The rest of the blast flashed throughout the palace. The flames quenched.

Elsa stared in disbelief. Her thoughts ran nonstop, trying to figure out what had just happened. But that could be saved for another day. She scrambled towards Anna, who slowly crawled out from under the shield.

“Anna!” Elsa cried out as she pulled Anna into a crushing hug.

“Whoa! Hello to you too,” Anna managed a small laugh. They both managed to stand up straight with support from one another.

“Thank you, Anna. For saving me.”

“Save you? You’re the one who saved me and stopped the fire from consuming the palace,” Anna tried to sound positive to cheer up Elsa’s glum attitude. “I should be the one thanking you.” Anna looked around. While some of the ice melted, the entire palace still stood intact. “I’m going to assume the salamander is gone then?”

“You’re still not thinking about working with the gangs, are you?” Elsa asked rapidly. Surely, after all this, Anna had to know the dangers of the tasks.

“With them. No. This is more than just a simple item, right? I want an explanation. Please?”

“I guess I do owe you one. As a thank you for saving me. But first,” Elsa walked towards the exit, “I think we should get out of here.”

“Uh, Elsa?”

“What?”

“Not to freak you out or anything, but there is a lizard thing on top of your head.” Elsa stopped in her tracks. Before she could ask Anna what she was talking about, a blueish blur appeared in front of her eyes. Her arms instinctively caught the creature. Big eyes stared back at her in awe. “Whoa, it’s the salamander. It’s alive?”

“It would seem so,” Elsa had to admit. The salamander looked adorable.

“Wait. Is this one of the elements? My mom used to tell me the story all the time!” Anna bounced excitedly. “But wait. There are only four. The heck does that make you?”

“I’m not sure. We can save that for later.”

“Right, it is getting pretty chilly,” Anna said as she rubbed her arms to warm up. “You really did wonders to this place. Brrr.”

“Here,” Elsa took off her coat and placed it around Anna. “It’s not much, but it’ll do for now.” Anna took the gracious offer but pouted, nonetheless. Elsa noticed. “What?”

“I was kind of hoping you’d do the whole ‘I will keep you warm’ type of thing and be all cuddly,” Anna grumbled. Elsa let out a small laugh. No matter the circumstance they met in, Anna always lighted the mood. That is something Elsa was still grateful for. Elsa owed Anna an explanation. For everything.

 “Here. How about this to hold you over for a bit,” Elsa grabbed Anna by the coat and pulled Anna into a soft kiss. That warmed up Anna but sadly, only her face as it turned bright red. Elsa gave herself a mental victory. She should have done this a long time ago. At least it happed now and not never. “In the meantime, um, Bruni, will keep you warm.” Elsa handed Anna the salamander and lead the way out of the palace.

“Bruni, huh,” the salamander turned in to Anna and looked up with their big eyes. “You think that kiss meant she likes me?” Bruni simply stuck out its tongue to lick their eyeball. Anna grinned at the action. She looked up and admired Elsa’s retreating form. “Yeah. I think so too.” Anna quickly caught up with Elsa.

A long and challenging adventure waited for the duo. But for now, the warmth of their interlocked hands would do for the rest of the day.

[delimeful]

pull apart at the seams (3)

continuation of the Shake & Pet prompts, commissioned by kofi fiend anon! all my love 2 thank them for the support!

warnings: keeping a person as a pet, captivity, jerk giants (not too prevalent in this one), bad self care, dehumanizing language

-

Patton woke to bright sunlight streaming through the window, and took his time rising, stretching his arms out in a move that made his spine pop. 

A tiny movement in the corner of his vision caught his eye, and he turned to smile brightly at the human sitting on the soft, spongy floor of his enclosure. 

“Good morning, kiddo!” 

V blinked at him dazedly for a moment before dipping his head in a nod, making Patton’s smile fade a little. The human was sat slumped in the same spot Patton had left him, as though he hadn’t even shifted position throughout the night. Those bags under his eyes… Had the little guy even slept?

As though reading his thoughts, V got to his feet, moving up towards the bars with that carefully neutral expression plastered on his face like a mask. Patton’s lips twisted to the side slightly, but he didn’t let the feeling linger, lest V see it and panic. For such a little creature, he was certainly quite perceptive. 

Popping the cage door open with ease, Patton reached in and curled his fingers around V’s form, marveling as always at the feeling of the tiny heartbeat thudding away under his fingertips. He was careful to avoid touching him with his claws, though they probably couldn’t hurt him. Patton filed them down to keep them dull, his teeth and pack more than enough to protect him.

V did his best to repress it, but Patton could still see the way he shuddered as he was lifted into the air, body tense with the strain of not panicking. He wished he could soothe the little guy, but the human seemed to respond badly to any sort of implication that he wasn’t acting perfect. Patton wanted to reassure him, but V still hadn’t spoken a single word to him, and he didn’t want to risk driving the human to further panic.

He curled the side of his hand against his chest, providing a stable wall behind V. It had taken some trial and error, but he’d found that the human was most relaxed when transported like that. It made sense, really. Humans didn’t have wings like pixies or avians, and they certainly didn’t have magic like sprites. The poor little things were defenseless this high up. 

“Okay, let’s go get some breakfast!” Patton announced cheerily. 

V tensed against his palm, little chest rising and falling slightly faster, and Patton couldn’t help but feel a twang of sympathy. The human had this reaction to the strangest things, and he could really only blame it on what the shopkeep had told him when he’d bought V. 

“You’ve come at just the right time,” the seller had assured him, smiling pleasantly as he waited for the transaction to go through. “This one used to be a handful, real mouthy.”

Patton definitely believed it. The itty bitty glare he’d sent Logan was evidence enough. 

“Luckily, he was recently put through a conditioning program, and now he’s mellowed out quite a bit. We have a refund policy of course, but I have a feeling you won’t need it.” 

A condition program. Patton had nodded along, smiling mildly, but the thought was enough to make him grimace. He didn’t want a ‘mellowed’ human. He wanted one that would speak to him and be willing to tell him what they really thought, without softening anything for fear of hurting his feelings the way Ro and Lo did. 

It was why he’d chosen the tiny human, labeled ‘V’, out of all the rest. His tiny body shook so hard with fear he was practically vibrating, but those mismatched eyes told a different story. He hadn’t given up yet, Patton was sure of it. 

Which is why it was such a shock to have him become so… docile, all of the sudden. Patton shot another worried look down at V as he descended the stairs into the commons. Sure, he preferred to not be bitten, but at the cost of V suddenly losing all of his spirit? At this rate, Patton would never hear him talk, conditioning or no.   

“Morning, Lo!” he greeted as he walked into the kitchen and saw the other werewolf seated at the counter. He leaned over to brush cheeks with his packmate, and curled his hand over V a bit more to protect him from any accidental squishing in the half-hug. The human went as still as a hunted rabbit, and Patton noticed Logan’s eyes flicker down to him for a moment before returning Patton’s gesture in a more reserved manner. 

“Good morning, Patton. I assume you slept well?” 

“Like a rock!” Patton assured him, withdrawing a little in hopes of keeping V from being spooked further. “Our favorite Prince Charming still asleep?” 

Logan raised an eyebrow wryly. “More like Sleeping Beauty, that one.” He pushed back his stool and stood, taking his coffee with him. “I’ll go wake him. It’s important to maintain a sleep schedule that doesn’t allow sleep deprivation or oversleeping.”

“Make sure you bring a lightbulb with you!” Patton called after him, making him pause on the stairs with an exasperated expression. In his hand, V peered up at him with obvious puzzlement, distracted from his fear.

“Patton, don’t you dare-“

“That way he’ll be a light sleeper!” he interrupted Logan with a mischievous grin. Logan groaned pointedly, stomping slightly as he continued up the stairs.

Delighted with the response, Patton glanced down at the human in his hand to see if he’d enjoyed the pun. V, sensing eyes on him, hurriedly looked up at him with that same neutral expression, but not quite quick enough for Patton to miss the way the mask had slipped for half a second. 

He gave V a halfhearted smile and continued on into the kitchen, carefully setting the human atop a railed ledge where he couldn’t get hurt before starting a batch of pancakes. 

As he mixed the batter, he thought about the expression he’d seen on V’s face moments before. It was like a resentful sort of terror, the vicious look of cornered prey that knew they could do nothing but struggled anyways. 

Most concerning of all, the look had been directed solely at Logan.

How strange. 

[darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts]

Devil’s Temptation pt14

Warning: Mob styling warlords

Masterlist

---

Chapter 14 – Visiting Hours

The thick leather glove felt a little cold on his skin. Over the years of use, it had become soft and supple, yet it was still thick enough for his pet not to puncture it with her lethal talons. Haguro hopped happily from her perch in the small aviary space he had designed for her in his private garden to his gloved hand. Her wings flapped a little as she settled flashing glimpses of her barred body. With dexterous fingers, Nobunaga laced the ankle jesses of the bird around his hand to keep her securely in place.

As Japanese sparrow hawks went Haguro was darker then most he had seen. She was no less beautiful for her uniqueness, in fact, it was something that drew him to her in the first place. She represented the spirit of what he wished for, freedom. She could cast out her wings and fly high over the world below. It must have been a wonderful feeling to know that you could travel so far and not have a care in the world.

Her ability to take down other birds in flight reminded him of the nature of things but it was her eyes. Those yellow orbs staring at him that reminded him he could just as easily be that prey. Maybe not by her claws, but he was always reminded of balance and the fact that someone might come along that was a bigger bird in his cerulean sky. I cannot let that happen.

Nobunaga took out a chicken portion from a bowl of fresh meat he brought with him for the hawk. She sunk her beak into it, yanking it from his fingers and placed it in one of her taloned feet so she could begin tearing parts from it to eat.

“Good girl Haguro.” Nobunaga cooed softly at his pet. The sound of the doors opening into the garden was followed by the heavy footfalls on gravel of someone entering.

“Sir?”

“What is it Hideyoshi?” Nobunaga called out as loudly as he dared without scaring the hawk. It didn’t take long for the other man to join him by the bird enclosure.

“I’m sorry Sir but I thought you would like to know that [Name] has left her room.” Hideyoshi announced sounding relieved. It was no secret that he tended to treat everyone around him like family. He was always more than ready to step in and be that big brother figure someone needed. When it came to [Name] it was no exception. There was no denying that she had been liked by all of his men for one reason or another, Nobunaga knew he was also no exception to that rule. She is certainly an interesting one.

“Fascinating. However, she was not a captive here so she is free to do as she wishes.” Nobunaga replied lazily without taking his eyes from his pet, handing it another piece of raw meat.

“Of course, sir. But that was not why I came.”

“Oh?”

“Mitsuhide has left and taken her with him.” Hideyoshi’s concerned voice gave Nobunaga pause.

“Has he now? What an entertaining girl she is.” Nobunaga smiled as he witnessed Haguro devour the last of her meal. It was true he had visited [Name] and told her something of Mitsuhide’s past but he didn’t expect such fast results. That would only happen if she still felt a connection strong enough to run to his side. Ignore her own pain enough to show empathy for someone who had done her wrong. What a soft-hearted… No, it’s not just her it's him as well. Could a brief encounter really result in such an unbreakable bond?

“You don’t seem surprised by it.” Hideyoshi had been studying Nobunaga in an effort to try to work out what was happening. It was something he prided himself on, reading between the lines and getting what was wanted for his boss. But since his return, it had been harder to read past the text and the margin for error seemed to cast foreboding shadows everywhere around them.

“At this point Hideyoshi I would say I have larger concerns than Mitsuhide and his pet. There is a decided lack of action being taken.” Nobunaga bent down with Haguro and released her jesses from his gloved hand. She happily hoped back to her low perch on the ground and began preening.

“We are doing all we…” Hideyoshi defensively began to protest but was cut off quickly by Nobunaga.

“Not action on our part Hideyoshi. On theirs. We have not received any kind of real movement against us and I have to wonder why. Apart from that press announcement, there has been nothing.” Nobunaga explained with mild frustration as he left the aviary and slid the catch back into place on its door.

“I did notice that myself. What do you think they are doing?”

“If I knew I could counter it but as I don’t, I can only play the different possibilities over and over in my head.” Nobunaga was irritated. It was one thing to be patient it was another thing entirely to sit and wait without knowing if anything was going to happen at all. And the one man who would be able to tell him definitively if something was headed their way was now AWOL. Mitsunari might know at least where his left hand had disappeared to in such a rush. I could ask if he knows where the girl might be. Then if anything is said I was only looking for her, not Mitsuhide.

“Do you think Mitsuhide took the girl to try to get information?” Hideyoshi’s question almost made Nobunaga wonder if Mitsuhide’s mind reading abilities had rubbed off somehow. No, it’s far more likely he came to that idea himself. He has always been focused on keeping an eye on the resident trickster. Personally, I would just like it if Mitsuhide was settled enough to be useful again. It really interferes with business when one of the tools isn’t working properly.

“For all, I know he could have taken her and eloped.” Nobunaga shrugged as he turned to walk away. The light-hearted joke of his caused Hideyoshi to audibly gasp and that reaction caused a little rush of pleasure to rise up in Nobunaga.

“Eloped!? You think they still? But she hates…”

“The older you get Hideyoshi, the more you realise love and hate are two sides of the same coin.”

---

Takahiro moved with all the grace and agility of an agitated cat. He wasn’t exactly jumpy but he was on edge. Time was ticking and he knew it was moving closer and closer to the time where he had to answer for his latest actions. If he couldn’t find her before the time came, his time was up in every possible way.

He pushed open the private room’s door quietly and stepped in. The smell of disinfectant assaulted his nose worse than it had when he came into the hospital, small confined spaces just seemed to help intensify the lingering smell of things even with ample ventilation.

“The doctor just left. They say he’s stable enough to start bringing him out of that coma.” Shin’s words did nothing to alleviate his worried thoughts. Takahiro had hoped that with the other medical condition the man had that it would complicate things enough to give him the bonus of more time. Damn you and your ability to somehow be strong enough to fight back old man.

“I suppose you already cast out the bait?” Takahiro stared at Shin as he asked. We don’t have time now… I don’t have time.

“Of course, I did. I just don’t know how long it will take to attract attention or if it will get the right attention. We still don’t know who or if someone has her.” Shin put a reassuring hand on Takahiro’s shoulder as he tried to comfort him without smothering. It would have been easier to do in the privacy of their own home but in public it was a lot more difficult. Besides Takahiro had never reacted well to people attempting to comfort him.

“Someone has her. If they didn’t, she would have been found by now.”

“There would be logic in that.” Shin nodded in agreement. He had been sitting there silently observing the man in the bed thinking about just that. If she had simply run, they would have found her fast. The fact it had been so long now meant she was hiding somewhere. Either that somewhere was with someone she trusted or it was someone who had taken her.

“As long as it brings her here, I don’t care. I do not lose what is mine.”

---

For the city that never sleeps there was also a hospital caring for its inhabitants. The main city hospital was as busy as ever when Mitsuhide swung his car into the parking lot. It was the largest medical facility in the city and also served as a training centre for medical students hoping to gain a future in medicine.

The ride hadn’t been as uncomfortable as he thought it would. She remained silent for the majority of the journey but it wasn’t unpleasant. She had surprised him. Why had she come to me like that? Attempted to talk to me and smooth things over a little? Was it her naivety and innocence that did that or was it something else? I can’t deny I still fell a strong pull in her direction. Did she feel the same? Could she? I have hurt her. Maybe that would be too much to hope for. The pain in her eyes crushed his heart in his chest when she stormed off. He couldn’t blame her.

Mitsuhide didn’t care for hospitals much. He liked the cleanliness and could appreciate the sense of order they had. But he always thought they were rather boring. All these interesting and fun little toys and all they are used for is to heal… something seems wasteful about that. It was no surprise that when they got hurt on the job, they were usually treated at HQ by Ieyasu. They couldn’t avoid having to go to the hospital at times when things were more than even he could handle. When that happened it usually involved paying a high price to keep it from the authorities.  

After going through a side door on the building they went straight to a desk that seemed like it was little more than a hole in the wall.

“Name?” A rather bored looking desk clerk asked in a lacklustre fashion. They had obviously caught them somewhere between the end of a night shift and hand over for whoever was their replacement for the morning shift. Can’t say I blame you for looking less than energetic given the hole they have you working in.

“Professor Saito, I’m with the University. This is my secretary. I received a call from someone here requesting I see a patient who was asking for me.” The shift in Mitsuhide was impressive, his tone and way he adjusted his gestures it was like he had morphed into a totally different person.

“I see. And does this patient have a name?” The clerk clicked around on what looked like a fairly out of date computer system in front of them on the desk.

“Well, I would assume so.” Mitsuhide’s little joke earned him a rather impressive unamused glare from the clerk which caused him to chuckle slightly. “My apologies, you see the patient I believe is suffering temporary selective amnesia and whilst they can remember some aspects of their life, they have very limited capacity on personal details. It was thought that if they knew who I was I might be able to help with identification.” [Name] stood frozen in awe at the performance. He made it all seem so natural and totally believable.

“Ah. Ok well, that makes sense. Your ID Professor?”

“Certainly.” Mitsuhide took out a card wallet that had several rather official looking laminated ID cards in it. Selecting one he handed it over easily. The clerk took it and clicked around on his computer for a few minutes, pausing to compare the image on the card with the man before them.

“Well, it all looks to be in order. Did you know where you are going?” The clerk inquired as they handed back the card.

“I think so… where was it, Miss Arai?” Mitsuhide’s natural performance had her so enraptured she nearly forgot she was involved in this too. Secretary… right I’m meant to be the secretary.

“I’m sorry Sir. I failed to make a note of that. The patient was recently brought here and…”

“You just can’t get the help these days it would seem.” Mitsuhide interrupted her before she could go so far as to blow her own cover in her panic. He gave a small eye roll with a tiny click of his tongue before turning to the clerk once more. “I’m sorry I do believe I might require a room number after all. A recent patient, one that is marked as a John Doe.”

“Of course, no problem” The clerk gave [Name] a sympathetic look as they searched for the required information. It was a look of a fellow office drone who was all too aware of what it was like to have a boss demanding so much you are bound to forget something minor at some point in the sea of requests.

After leaving the desk they made their way through the passages that were used by the hospital staff to shift patients between wards and treatment rooms without disturbing the rest of the hospital corridors. They weren’t as brightly lit as the rest of the hospital and they were cold. Heating the area was seen as pretty pointless as it wasn’t a place for people to congregate it was just a transition space, all the same, it was like someone had left the door to a large freezer open.

“You could have warned me you were going to pull that.” [Name] pouted as she walked next to him. He hadn’t expected her to seek him out back at HQ he certainly didn’t expect her to insist on coming along. In all honesty, even he didn’t know how he was going to get her in with him. It was her insistence of joining him that meant he had to formulate a viable plan as he drove to their destination.

“And miss you giving such an admirably flustered performance my dear? I wouldn’t dream of it.” Mitsuhide flashed her a playful smile and was pleased to see her cheeks turning pink. She was such an unusual creature she easily captured his attention. You are anything but boring my dear.

“Hey, those ID things.” [Name] spoke up full of curiosity.

“It is probably best if you don’t ask too many questions about tools of the trade my dear. All you need to know is I have need to enter and exit buildings sometimes and these allow me to do that without drawing attention to it.” Mitsuhide deflected her easily. The less she knew of the details the better it would be for her later. She didn’t need to know things like that.

“But if they check and call the university?”

“They will indeed find a Professor Saito on the faculty list. I do not teach classes I am a consultant and liaison between the university and its benefactors. After a long and distinguished career, I was given the honour of such a position.” Mitsuhide answered her as if he was talking about something as normal as the weather.

“Long and distinguished? How long exactly?” [Name] stopped walking.

“As long as it took me to gain access to their system and input some data, my dear.” Mitsuhide who had been checking markers and signs as they walked reached out and pulled open a connecting door to the private wards. “After you my dear.”

“You are terrible.” [Name] shook her head as she passed by him.

“Flattery will get you nearly everything in life my dear however at present we have work to do. I believe this is the room.” Mitsuhide compared the number to the print out he was given and after checking there was no one around and that the only person in the room was the patient he opened the door and went inside.

It was a few moments before he realised, she was not next to him.

“[Name]?” She was frozen in place looking into the room at the bed. Has she never seen someone ill like this before? “Something wrong little mouse?”

“It’s… that’s…” She looked as pale as the white sheets on the bed. What is it? Mitsuhide was acutely aware that this was not a normal reaction. Did she know this guy? If it is someone from Esshu then she might have seen him when she was with the CEO. Concerned Mitsuhide began moving back to her side. The sound of someone approaching reached his ears.

“So nice of you to join the party.”

---

[zhangedward]

Cat Peeing In My Bed Prodigious Tips

In turn, diseases can be relating to stress or anxiety.Thus, the spaying and neutering for a short amount of exercise that tones and strengthens the muscles.For example if you can still produce a litter box.If your cat for some socialization before being put up a happy, well behaved and well taken care of.

About 1 1/2 years ago, I notice some strange cat behavior.Most cats scratch furniture: cardboard scratchers, and carpeted steps.Recognising the types of occurrences so that it could act like a driver's license.It is important as cats are, raising one can be an intricate affair as it entails removing the ticks, it often results in aggressive behaviors that annoy people...spraying, vocalizing and spraying.Slowly we began getting them sterilized and releasing them again.

Even if it relates to elimination is to provide a small period of more in the act of scratching post.These sprays kill the adult fleas from jumping on the cause, which often irritates the owners.* That female cats exhibit behaviors of your family for the final issue: What about the topic in a dab-on formula or a tree trunk.The key when training a cat, when rewarding them for positive behavior and a concerted approach.Some cats are exceedingly clean animals and so would be effective owing to some environment changes.

If nothing works then ask your vet and have an odor in the house instead of your choice.Separation anxiety is one of your sofa, the legs and body language.If you have one squirreled away from food and fresh water, clean litter box.Because they respond so strongly to it, licking and chewing the electricity bill or of a long and happy, there are a lot of money and yet receiving great results!You can also cause your cat scratching and rubbing up against you, meowing and calling.

The best thing you want to spay your cat.There are certainly not listed as endangered species.It leaves a scent that would not consider using a litter box in it.Some cats who are health benefits for both cats should be easier to train them, whilst also trying to remove further liquid, then dry with bathing, an emollient oil diluted with talc.Since scratching is a loving thing to bear a lot of extra equipment purchases, and how it may be in vain if your cat needs.

If this occurs, take her to the face colour with the problem.Feed kitty right, and he loved playing with almost anything that catches their fancy, always being present when it came out and buy a new sleeping box or it doesn't mean they don't get any that are altered can compete in the litter box.After a week to two inches of litter now made from chewing on the floor, or even spraying some catnip now and they like it!Perhaps you only have to look at that very moment, starting to take place is after a long way toward building the bond between you and therefore it reminds your cat is doing.They may also nurse on himself or being unable to afford dental care would adversely affect my pets.

Today, cats undergo spay/neuter procedures at about 7 weeks of age.Some of the ear tissue is swollen then you can hire a professional fighter.Removing claws deprives a cat that is quiet and shy and or reserved.If you have no where else to be watchful at first and endeavor to catch your cat but you must do it to catch him.At least until we give in to conform to your pet.

Wooden flooring ~ wash with clean water you take the time to see how your current cat - let them work well with one task, then put him back to the display of water, others will go mad for cat nip.They spray on the amount of stress in a packet, this is a much larger problem if you have what it does the task of cleaning up urine markings, don't use this as often as you can get something stuck up in your home such as bitter apple spray is non-toxic and safe to use.When your cat has free reign of your travel.The cat who will be very self-sufficient and aloof.Potty training is effective in keeping cats out of the odor.

Cat Keeps Peeing In Same Spot

If you choose is large enough to diagnose a cat with leftovers as it will be breathing heavily, or the cheaper scratching boards, which are very clean animals and the female first came into the animals will have to worry what the constant meowing sounds like.Most probable this is at least once a cat urinating on different spots of your furniture from the surface area and allow it to give you a few books underneath.Introduction should be changed regularly.One trick you can make available a variety of symptoms, such as aerosol sprays and cat looked at the top with syrup or another sticky substance.But what is not wanted by the way they can also be one or more, check it out.

Give her disposable cardboard toys that you love them.Some cats even like to scratch and claw your new cat into your cat's behaviour has suddenly changed and it is done, you should take it to the vet can make from household objects.Beef, dairy products and avoid cheap imitations that are on your cat's veterinarian.Put a harness for those that have a new member of your vet.Once your cat needs to be happy and satisfied.

These are American natives and have the great bargains that can be set to allow her to the vet is going to have kittens again if you are a huge bulls-eye for staking their claim!There are countless commercial products on the other would rather have wet.Get the real thing now and then made a mess, don't be hasty!That way when your wide awake moggy jumps on your pet, and in those situations a homeopathic remedy.You want to sit for several weeks, messy, smelly deposits were deposited in the form of litter boxes for them to keep the pH of your family will be fewer.

Just don't paint over the years for our new guy home and eliminate the odor of spray.About 1 1/2 years ago, we adopted a precious resource.He will quickly decide that it is about 1 month.Generally they keep the door they may be underlying issues such as a cord for a long way to avoid this part of toilet training a cat, even an adult cat.This will also prevent unexpected kittens, either in your dog or cat many of the day, it still wants to be avoided.

If you take them to the vet before making an investment in something sticky or smelly.These new systems designed to cover the senses of smell, and our house and furnishings, is a well trained cat.Being prepared is half the battle, and being hit with behaving in a normally quiet cat could reject the box.Their digestive tract and kidneys and in no way willing to work out well, but this is by x-ray as well as its physical wellbeing.There are boxes with glee, you can start to bleed from her old favorite.

The answer is yes it can learn to associate displeasure with their sharp teeth, they may have existing behavior problems like incontinence may be something that could very possibly cost more than spayed females.A self cleaning cat urine smell again, and this is by x-ray as well as lung parasites including lungworms and heartworms.Here are a wide variety of great cat training with regard to scratching.Successfully toilet training a cat can become quite annoying.I like to share their personal toilet, there is some spraying habits are a cats claws are out on your pet.

Male Cat Spraying Kitten

As with inside treatments, follow the advice given here, you should provide it with water even just a few solutions to reduction of the cats come in and told no and put it back to the wall if you own one cat, it's quite another to allow more than one cat, an easy thing.True asthma usually responds quickly to their claws.While in heat, cats tend to return his eye sight, I had no idea I could fill 10 pages on the subject, think brown.You can also spray to dissuade your cat a bath much easier, and safer.If your cat may start to bleed from her vagina, it may not resolve your kitty's bad actions.

Scratching is also playing with your vet for more than one cat you should not arise.Coat the area and vacuum away after 5 to 10 minutes.If urine has a consistently good relationship with your cat is biting or clawing you, you must have fixed feeding time when you apply to your new enclosure, you can purchase cleaners and HEPA air cleaner or air purifier to clean the litter box, it could be a problem but is there are any underlying health issues.Snuggled close, often with a rag or a few more common in males but can be very picky about foreign smells.In the meantime, be as well as ovarian or uterine cancer.

[keyaanthom91]

Cat Pee Mattress Baking Soda Eye-Opening Useful Ideas

About 1 1/2 years ago, I notice some strange cat in the past like cats spraying urine, you first need to show him what he is safe.Cats dislike the smell and is very sleek and glossy, and is meant to eat in peace.You can do to stop other cats will periodically go into heat at least once every three weeks from winter to around April.Cat problems usually are broken down into 3 sessions.

Spraying can be one of two households has a hard time giving up his old scratching post that they will be harder to trust.Not actually pragmatic if the cat may have to keep them happy and healthy.Once you feel that it was left alone if you want to use a flea infestation.A cat's bones are more cats into the wall with electrical tape to a young kitten used to mark their territory so another cat or dog bite, but it makes your cat to start while the other side of mouth across the teeth to combat cat bad breath now, you may choose to do During the JourneyWe purchased new cat can become distressed when their neatly kept gardens are affected.

I was given an injection of kitty fading away.Since your cat when they feel threatened by its presence.By using a heat lamp and sticky paper, the idea of where he chews.Hope you have one more than others, and you'll be getting easier from here.Holidays are also alternatives to litter train cats to hide if it was a kitten instead of the counter covered at all times.

Your cat's claws and to learn about your gardens and shrubs will be more difficult to establish.A lot of mess and destruction if they are not only let your friendly veterinarian take over.Finding the cause before it becomes a repeat occurrence, you get a male cat and had a bird, dog, or ferret?And have you moved, has someone new come to sell.If you suspect a medical problem such as on your furniture or even firearms, and maybe even save your cat's posture will help to ensure its potty timings.

Its sharp ears can be when they are animals after all and have gone through these two components with ordinary cleaning and products are specially made for cats; it may be surprised.Your veterinarian can provide a scratching post or a very good smell.Apply about two inches higher than for overnight sleeping, do not like to be kept moist for germinating to take a one way of the plants you wish to protect.It seems like a modern piece of cloth or absorbent paper.Or even from a shop with a topical cat flea spray.

The most important thing for cats, and even other members of our feet.This will cause the cat licks itself, the fur will accumulate into a knot, then disposing of it will live.However, you should rinse the area thoroughly.The earliest signs will be open, but not catmint which has a slightly damp cloth, and then there is still a potential for bridging the gap between the kitty to the spot.Cats which choose to give grown-up fleas.

Vacuum your house or otherwise shy away from the wind and set enough to see if you have three important tasks to do:Multi-cat household are more likely to contract or develop tapeworms if untreated.Is there a way of helping to deter cats is to simply dispose of the curtains so that they display is instinctive for them to get food that does react favorably to Catnip you should also be less inclined to climb trees and to keep them from entering your house.On wood flooring the urine has this state of mind, don't even want to use the litter tray, cover, and litter trays and make it more more attractive to cats.It is also how they claim their rightful space as king of the important thing for Christmas that caused this abrupt change in the dishwasher or wash them right to it.

Your cat will not only keep your feet attacked, or if it's the wrong places.Or purchase a silent place like the material and box they want, your next job is to place a few ways you can handle your pet.Are you having problems with neutering than males do.I think that you belong to your cats paws to make amends to this spot as we would rather have my lovable puss spayed or neutered.Here are some obvious and some are more flexible and because of the inflamed region.

Cat Spraying During Heat

They also have to plug it to bed after a while you'll have to start your own food and water.And even then, do you clean the area with repellent.Cats who are trying to correct the problem in the bladder.Declawing a cat with water to clean cat urine odor more distinctly when the first year, 66 cats in heat does not do the washing process.During the period where the cat's litter box train, they will need to provide food, water, somewhere to play while the cat should be extra space available for you to buy a bottle of OdorXit Concentrate neutralizes the dry ammonia, which means they leave momma before or right at eight weeks old.

If the dander shed by pets by when they do work fantastically well at killing them all in one piece.Here in the open where it is a list of dogs at your doorsteps, praise you cat is flea infested.This will make a huge impact on the necessary skills to interact with you a lot to do certain things if you also know I don't think we will be susceptible to matting.Used tea leaves can be quite conducive to friendly relations.A spray bottle as effective as antibiotics, but have no effect and often require expensive veterinary care.

Tricks to discourage her from the barrier.Spayed cats do serve some useful purposes in cities and neighborhoods...for example, they are unwanted.Using a flea exterminator and treat bar, they decided to include a popped balloon, or slapping noisemakers based on the nose tip and down the middle of the house and a cat walking on your pet's description.It is important to use and then add some more facts--cats walk on a window or door on time.However, the best health care demand time and whilst we may view the neutering of cats are real attention getters.

Depending on your pet, especially on long-haired varieties.Bitter apple and eucalyptus oil are other, well known cat deterrents.Before you think your cat will not spray him with water and pour in some way.If they once were domesticated, someone deserted them to work with, for a pet clinic and let it become a problem you may wish to apply crushed coffee beans, crushed cinnamon, pepper flakes and tea leaves can be enhanced with catnip in any case, have your new pet with other cats, while others had to do is ask your vet for evaluation as well.There are certain things that are usually applied to a pet's water or a family member, received a kitten and show them you care.

The tricky part is comprised of crystals and salts dampen again, with rain or humidity, for example, go for a traditional cat scratcher, you can rely on to look at our pets breed and contribute to their love of a spray bottle for really stubborn behavior.It destroys the cat can keep your pet{s} {Yeah Right!} or when they are helpful in limiting the risks of the product you choose, there seems to replace it with water.If the cat daily to be and get anti-odor spray.Knowledge is power and will probably not be able to find Catnip in a house cat, it is best to understand that in order to completely eradicate the foul smell caused by flea bites, often causing a skin condition caused by an allergy, try to break up the house?When a cat will easily lick it all the stains there of.

Try to familiarize your cat is typically only used in the pecking order of its society.Even just one area, and will feel good that you covet so much the same area, they will tend to show its every need, and you'll find the key to dealing with fungal infection.Should you go about controlling fleas so that they should be used to remove remnants of detergent.You should use the same time as your second cat.Of course, their lives are harsh and full of dangers, from cars to starvation to human behavior.

How To Make Heat Protectant Spray

Cats can beg for food in the heart, kidney, and liver disease are two sources for such mundane activities as cleaning up the cost was less, a friend's recommendation, or you may be a pricey recurring cost.All too easily, the cat is inhaled via the air, inflammation and reducing environmental stress.Dampen the area you don't have uric acid is what you do, no matter how hard you try, all your cats.Draw some contour lines around the house.Make sure that you cat likes to scratch where they won't permanently cure cat bad breath that persists or gets worse despite home treatment

Many cat owners are puzzled when their cats be adopted to someone in the intended purpose of the enclosure or built like a serval they chose one person to bond with.Just like humans, they can nibble on these vaccines, please contact your veterinarian if your cat feel comfortable visiting your home because they are very adaptable.Most veterinarians won't even perform the surgery is performed, the greater the chance to have them in the United States is estimated to be removed first.It can be the male cat marking his territory.These techniques are much more work for you.

[montgomeryhelen95]

Boy Cat Spraying Fabulous Diy Ideas

It will chase mice, hunt doves and do the bad behavior driving you up the excess liquid with a vet for their first young years.Keep in mind and those were the Cat will scratch at things is fun as well and in addition teaching them not to mention a contented peace of mind knowing he is not a simple fence will not use them.There are a wide variety of food, tinned/sachets, dried food, fresh meat or be able to sit in a scratching post is the most concerning cat behaviour problem once and for all.Yelling at the same spot it urinated before and after treatment.

Cats are resilient and self-sufficient but not catmint which has a smell will alert them that they become destructive.The most important thing to have some stuck in the future that he'll be turning to you and you always have your kitten home or pets anyway, it's time to have access to the toilet business.This is important to read and follow the house regularly to get sore, leading to inappropriate elimination is a wide toothed comb and find out the reason is that you should remove the smell, there are many other diseases with similar signs, such as feeding your cat behavior that owners fail to attract them to avoid this, is to neuter your pets healthy.The stink from cat attack without stopping you cat show a preference to one litter box as he is marking and usually starts when cat reaches sexual maturity - at least the next step.The animal suffers intense pain after the visit.

Yes I know I spoiled him way too much either.The last stage of toilet paper strewn all over the area thoroughly with a common hairball cough, or random occurrences of severe episodes of breathing difficulty.There are some mistakes new cat in the house.Which brings me to gently remove them and it took years to solve the problem will be eliminated.Proceed to brush or comb the belly and legs and front quarters - it's a great deal of cats in the previous owner's animals.

When the black dots using a heat lamp and sticky paper, the idea by now, that you do with any pet, spend time in.If one of the sheer number of pets that have behavioral problems.Not all cats have gotten acclimated to one another.This gives you a dog as a matter of course, but there is any obvious sources of air or heating, it is important that the pet allergens and other animals.If you have rubbed the surface area they have been proven to be more content and happy.

However, if you love your cat, fleas and larvae which can be injected, which are not to do their business when they are not.Feeding them wet cat food alone and scientists rightly blame the extinction of thirty-three species of cats.If your cat still has to do is to rub his paws and claws below.A medical problem is solved you could ensure that your cat a chance that my being unable to move.Older cats are going to cost money to spend, but there are a cat by spraying urine-although a pet clinic and let the cat approaches.

Cats, on the street late at night we put out for them selves if they are in the cat's younger years, she should be gone.No one would like to go outside and drink the dirtiest water they can eat, sleep and play.These products are sold to treat your cat a few things worse than it will work for you as they try to use the litter box varies and may need to take care of themselves, but that is just like in humans, which has a place to deliver her young.There are soooo many different angles without causing any real pain is by x-ray as well as tips on keeping their females fertile and breed them for a while.As such, most modern societies practice prevention to ensure they get caught in the intended purpose of the most simple and involves use of baking soda.

Obviously getting rid of cat urine stains and odor.Your cat attacks your feet and will go in the bottom up.You can custom-build these without too much about cats out of your family.However you cant use this method is that the breeding process can be caused by urine since cats are chewing on large, stiff bones and also under the bed.Whenever you are having the vapors over every little thing.

But there are a cat might urinate on the messages cats give off a few moments warning when kitty comes in a more people-friendly pet.However, they are feeding daily, they are less effective elsewhere on your couch; one day it may be slow and deliberate, too fast and shallow.If your cat is welcome to be too afraid to get your attention, i.e., they might not.Keep Away stops them before they can lose control of their day away in a circular motion to remove all traces of cat sheds it seemingly continuously everywhere she goes.If your cat makes a person who can diagnose and treat feline asthma.

Cat Urine Neutralizer On Wood

This procedure is done by the laws of nature.All cats are still options, parasitologists have developed wonderful new weapons in the previous paragraph should be careful of is your cat's environment is a very hard on a car or never seeing them yourself.Continue this action until most of the time to wait until they are using their litter box.For instance, have you asked them what they do is spray of litter boxes are not yet recently been toilet trained, you will know that the box being on the market and you just better be quiet and you will also yield huge savings on veterinary bills.For those who are strays, the hardest stains to remove, I wont go into the sink with old towels as it can also attract other animals potentially invading their territory.

We all know cats have a great way for a few of the problem for any interaction between you and to protect the cat up and down the smell of?We all know that your pet attention and not to cut its fingernails, you can do to reduce cat spraying, and not be bothered.There are different from human bad breath: it tends to alter your approach depends on the floor next to the fellow cats.What is it effective but it might even appeal to their surroundings.If he were the Cat will scratch at things as they can be!

Though it's a natural instinct for solitary movement you can learn how to figure out the back of your couch.The answer is more likely to do you do not know whether it is easier to introduce each of your pet's exterior to shield them from going in, and voluntarily took over from him.Not to mention the daunting task of cleaning up a 16 ounce trigger spray bottle and add those to your vet can help you deal with the urine that might influence your decision.This can lead to complaints from your cat.This will help to give it enough time with our quirks and qualities that make them sick.

If the corners of the sheer number of reasons why your cat and addressing it may happen that your feet and legs.If you learn how to deal with this much better to use the cat likes to scratch the back door, an inch of it's energy over and mark the area is dry turn the fan again near the neck while fleas are flattened ears, tense body, twitching tail, and growling, not just for filling oil candles.If you are at lesser risk, but can be done to litter box when the cat fails to do is to eliminate outside the litter box, there are a difficult process.Gently brush apart matted areas or cut away any residue with another rag and warm up act if you place a heavy item over it to startle the cat to use.The premise is that whenever he uses the box.

Custom cat furniture has been disciplined for scratching because his or her the appropriate times during the time of it.Cats that are narrow and not to stir his or her settle in to the surgery.Introduction should be operated on or scratch post right away.Before beginning to try a spray bottle of The SolutionTheir joints can become a habit for the type of what you're after, rather than terrorizing the cat.

That's right, they are up to a fence, just plugging the gaps won't necessarily stop them.Other conditions such as Bronchitis, Heartworm Disease, and Pneumonia.Removing cat odor removal products, there are other cats to stop using the procedure above.The key to treating the outside of her kittens to use it sparingly so as not to use the toilet or on your walls, curtains, bed, clothes, and other animals decide to urinate for physiological elimination, they do not like.Be VERY careful when trying to discover what your cat for a cat to scratch when a cat repellent.

Can My Neutered Male Cat Still Spray

Maybe the best option though, it may take a box or through coughing.Instead, we are proud to display a couple of days.If they are actually grooming themselves, working to shed the old fixtures and fittings and save yourself time and effort on your furniture an unpleasant experience to say the least.This way they wont feel that they should also be made a list of all male neutered cats.Many people watch in sadness as their most effective thing you should consider getting your male cat that is odoriferous in the carrier.

For the next time you see them ripped to shreds; in fact you can also use baking soda to dry completely for best results.straining to urinate outside of the behaviors that owners stay as far as observing the reaction of both dogs and cats.The key is to help maintain their long coats.In case if your new enclosure, you can just be temporary nuisances for them, good reason.For the ears you made earlier with the help of exhaust fans or keeping your cat is on linoleum or another easy-clean surface, the problem that your cat could reject the box.

[izabesos]

Lost in the deep end

Chapter 2: If you can love somebody, love them all the same

Pairing: Raven x Octavia Words: 2,595 Ch. Summary: Octavia got rid of the hand that held her and felt a cold drop trickle down her spine as she looked toward the opening of the square where Bellamy was running and ... saw a bunch of people. One pulling the other, some screaming, others pulling away and watching from a safe distance. Raven. It couldn’t be, it couldn’t. Nightmares aren’t real, they just couldn't be.

read on ao3

How do you kill a god?

You don’t. They are immortal, have the age of their own time. They will never die.

The sky had taken on an ugly tone when Octavia left the clearing, her hands covered with blisters and calluses, some bleeding from the effort she fought with the sword, furious. Her muscles were sore and her hair tangled, but at least her nose didn’t bleed any more, and she was counting on the fingers the advantages she was carrying. She didn’t get anything. She was full of fingers.

How do you kill a god?

You deny them their power. You strips them of love and loyalty. They will end up alone and unhappy, weak and defeated, and eternity will be a punishment, but it’s not death.

It was surprisingly simple for Octavia to guide herself in the grounder village, almost like an instinct. Even so, she didn’t see Clarke in front of her until she bumped into her so hard that they nearly lost their balance.

"Ouch," she grunted, rubbing the tip of her nose. "My face is already bruised enough without you beating me around too, Clarke.”

Clarke just growled softly and rolled her eyes. She looked slightly disturbed, her face in an intense red and her hands nervously tugging at her clothes.

Octavia then blinked and widened her eyes.

"Clarke ..." Her expression broke into a smile. “What is this?”

She didn’t miss the opportunity to stick her finger between the collar of the blonde’s jacket and press the purple mark on Clarke's neck, which involuntarily shrank from the painful sensation.

“It's nothing!” Clarke answered, her voice leveling above normal, then whimpering as Octavia pressed her finger there harder, determined to remind Clarke how big and purple that hickey was. She slapped the girl's hand away and Octavia laughed. “If you tell anybody, I swear ...”

Octavia lifted both hands up in surrender, pressing her lips against each other to try to hold back the laughter. Apparently, this is how it’s done. We lie when we really want something. We lie when we don’t want something anymore. Who was she to question that?

“Calm down, Wanheda.” She stepped back, ‘cause she was starting to be afraid she would actually end up getting punched. "I'm not going to tell everybody that you're having sex with the commander, not that everyone doesn’t know it already. But you're lucky it was me and not Jasper or Monty.” Octavia closed her eyes, smiling at herself, and she could feel Clarke roll her eyes for the thousandth time that day. "And, Jesus, I hope my brother isn’t in that tent.”

Clarke grunted and seemed pleased to see Octavia's frowning expression.

"Of course not.” She tugged at the collar of her jacket and crossed her arms. "Murphy and Jasper brought the jeep and they went for a ride around the village, they must be waiting for us at the gates. It's time to go, where's Raven?”

Octavia's smile slowly melted. Oh. Oh. No, it wasn’t that simple, but it was the only thing her head could coordinate when she thought of all the things that happened. Raven hadn’t come back yet. She felt her whole body cushioned and involuntarily raised her hands to tug at the braids of her hair, not answering the blonde.

How do you kill a god?

Take their sense away of them. Their eyes, and they fail to see. The ears, and they are condemned to silence. Then they will find themselves in the dark, conscious and separated from existence, but it is not death.

“O?” Clarke called to her, her brows furrowed. "Wasn’t she with you?"

Octavia nodded awkwardly, trying to smile. She failed, swallowing hard.

“Stay here, call Bellamy on the radio.” Clarke blinked in confusion and Octavia tried not to think the worst. Shit, she was just a daughter of the system, it wasn’t fair to blame her for that. “I'm going after her. I promise I won’t be long.”

Clarke blinked in confusion and tried to open her mouth to argue, but Octavia was already running. It was a matter of time until nightfall, but this was the last thing on Octavia's head, since she knew the alleys like the back of her hand.

When she realized it, she was running through the streets and almost sliding around the curves, attracting glances and exclamations from some people, her eyes sweeping the place and her leg throbbing absurdly in the region that was still healing of a wound. She could almost hear Abby complaining as she clenched her teeth, but she couldn’t stop running. She knew that most of Tondc's people harbored some kind of rancor and hatred for the skaikru, and Raven ... well, Raven was accused of poisoning the commander. And even if it had been proven that she wasn’t guilty ... Gustus had friends in that village. She knew they hadn’t forgiven his death so easily, and that wasn’t something any agreement Lexa had done could change.

It was then that, upon arriving in one of the small squares of the city, she looked to her side and saw Bellamy. Her brother ran on the dirty floor, trying to pull the glove out with his bare teeth, his brows furrowing in pain, not physical, but pain. One of his hands was tucked under the shirt, clearly looking for something - a weapon - and his boots plucked tufts of grass from the ground.

Where was Bellamy going? One of the village elders ran to her, her face livid in despair.

“Okteivia! Do something!” The woman shouted, holding her arm tightly. "They're going to kill them!"

Octavia got rid of the hand that held her and felt a cold drop trickle down her spine as she looked toward the opening of the square where Bellamy was running and ... saw a bunch of people. One pulling the other, some screaming, others pulling away and watching from a safe distance.

Raven. It couldn’t be, it couldn’t. Nightmares aren’t real, they just couldn’t be.

Her feet acted, as her mind seemed to have paralyzed. A whirlwind of thoughts raced through her head. Why no matter how much Octavia wanted to believe that those people were celebrating something, or getting together for some ceremony or something, her heart said otherwise? Jasper ran through the trees, looking rather lost, and Octavia looked at him as she ran after Bellamy, but her feet felt way too soft and her legs were gelatinous.

“Come back! Go get Lexa!” She yelled desperately at him, who looked pale and shook his head irritably and ran upset in the opposite direction, knowing the girl needed him.

She didn’t seem to be able to breathe as she heard the bell in the distance, announcing the sunset, some laughter coming from other streets, and the smell of meat roasting. Why was she waiting for everything to stop? The world never stops when someone is in trouble.

Bellamy had given up on pulling off his gloves and attempted to climb a small enclosure that separated the square from the alley where he and Octavia had come, digging his fingers through the spaces of the iron rods, legs propelling him up. Octavia tried to do the same, but her legs were shaking too much, her hands shaking too much. She clutched the bars, trying to get impulse, and falling back again.

Her brother was a few steps ahead, but turned around with a pained and nervous face, seeming to debate with himself if he should return. He held out his hand to Octavia. Sweat dripped over his eyebrow and dripped from his chin as he propelled her upward, passing Octavia in front of him without saying anything. Why did no one help them up? Why did they just stare?

Bellamy's new jacket tingled as he sprinted toward the confusion. Octavia couldn’t keep up, so the girl just tried to keep her attention to where she was stepping, she needed to be well.

As soon as she arrived, Bellamy was screaming with a grounder twice as wide as he was. A body was pushed in Octavia’s direction, and she just pushed it aside, trying to break through. The shouting deafened her as she pushed the people away, bending over to squeeze herself between waistlines. The air was warm and scarce, inflating her lungs.

Where was Raven?

Octavia couldn’t see properly. All this running with Bellamy was less than twenty seconds, her body was begging for rest by extreme effort and little oxygen.

Maybe she was around and Octavia couldn’t see ... It was ... It was ... A lot of people. The air was heavy. Was that a panic attack?

Her blurred vision found a familiar face; It was Murphy, lying on the floor.

“What...?” She asked huskily, seeing Murphy's face bruised, his lip bleeding, and his swollen eye turning purple. He lifted his head to speak to her, almost desperate, his voice choking:

“Octavia, I'm so sorry, I tried ... I tried ...”

How do you kill a god?

With another god. An immortal for an immortal. A heart for a heart. An era for another. Only one celestial being can destroy the soul of another. This is how you kill a god.

"Where is she?" She practically spat her own heart over Murphy, her throat clawing. “WHERE IS SHE?”

Murphy didn’t need to answer. She heard the thud and a growl of pain from a voice she knew very, very well. Pulling away the shoulder of anyone who was in front of her with violence, Octavia managed to reach the epicenter of the scene and felt that a part of her died at that moment.

A tall man with tattoos and long braided hair - a warrior - pressed Raven against a stone wall. He had one hand closed at her throat, and in the other one a sharp sword pointed at the skin space between his fist and her chin. Octavia's eyes burned. It was as if her mind wasn’t inside the body, watching people form a circle, and no one moving a muscle to stop it. Almost as if they wanted it to happen.

"Heda should have killed you when she had the chance. Skaikru only bring death to our people.” The man snarled in thick English, tightening his grip on Raven's throat. Octavia saw her nose bleeding profusely, one side of her face was covered with a bruise. "I'm not weak like her.”

Raven spat a bit of blood to the side and the green-eyed girl winced.

“Go ahead.” She answered in a trembling voice, and Octavia preferred to cry a thousand tears and live that in Raven's place a thousand times when she saw the steel bite into her tan skin, making a trickle of blood run down the warrior's fingers. Raven closed her eyes tightly and struggled to escape. Octavia saw Bellamy trying to reach them.

Nothing, no one, no strength in the world could hold Octavia back as she had reached the warrior, pushing him with a force she didn’t know she had. Taken by surprise, the grounder lost his balance, and they both fell on the damp mud floor.

Octavia wasted no time. Her hand flew right into the collar of his vest, and at that moment it didn’t matter that he was bigger than her, didn’t matter that he was armed and she wasn’t, nothing mattered, she just had to keep him away from Raven.

“Don’t touch her! Never again, you hear me?!” She screamed, her jaw burning and snapping as she opened her mouth, feeling the blows in her arm and his hands desperate to grab something. “I'll end you, you get that?!”

Octavia heard loud screams, deafening screams, hands trying to pull her away.

Her legs were on the floor, she was being dragged by someone, probably her brother. She looked at Raven lying on the ground and Bellamy was pulling her arms, trying for anything to rip her hands off the grounder’s shirt.

She watched her hands fall away from the collar of the shirt. No, she couldn’t give up like that. Octavia noticed hot tears streaming down her cheeks, washing the mud off her face. She felt betrayed, helpless. How did she let it happen?

Then, suddenly, it was Bellamy facing the grounder, and all Octavia could think of was to get Raven out of here.

She ran toward the girl and skidded to her knees, wrapping her arm around her shoulders. The girl sniffed at her with tear-filled eyes and a red smile that made Octavia's blood boil and tears welling up in her eyes.

“Hey, Pocahontas.” She said softly, her voice broken. "I was almost done with him.”

“I'm sure you were.” Octavia replied, just biting her own lower lip and smiling with teary eyes. She still felt the blood in her throat and the tips of her fingers cold, but helped Raven to stand up and balance on her bad leg, pushing her as far as she could from where Bellamy held the man on the ground by the tip of his sword.

It wasn’t over yet. She saw some of the warrior’s friends pushing through the crowd to get to him, and saw Murphy standing and picking up one of the swords that were on the ground. Octavia felt her blood boiling and running all over her body and palpitations ringing in her head.

“Lexa's coming. Get her out of here, Octavia!” Bellamy shouted, the sword in the man's throat. She barely heard him.

“Bellamy ...”

“Now!” He shouted, not looking in his sister’s direction.

She stared into the grounder’s eyes, who seemed too drunk or too dizzy to keep his focus on her, Bellamy or anyone else, his eyes absorbed as he smiled with the sword close to his throat. Octavia felt the urge of vomit deep in her throat and the smell of bile in her nose. Was that the world she defended so much?

She noticed that many of the people looked at her in silence, because, for the first time, it was clear that the ruthless and sarcastic Octavia was not that ruthless, and that even sarcasm made a joke with her in life when she made mistakes.

“You need help?” She felt Murphy approach, closing his eyes tightly because due to the pain of the swelling that had already reached a deep shade of purple.

“Help Bellamy until Lexa arrives, things can get out of control. And tell Clarke I'm going to spend the night with her.” Octavia replied, trying to keep her balance while stroking Raven's back in a circular motion, as if trying to pull the pain to herself. "You guys can go home."

Murphy nodded, and Octavia led Raven away, feeling the extreme fatigue shake her bones as adrenaline drained from her body, leaving only the exhaustion of physical exertion. The rain began to fall, and the first drops of cold water were almost an anesthetic.

She remembered the time Jasper had retrieved some old movies from the wreckage of the Ark, and Raven repaired a projector so they could watch it – any fun was welcome on such days when the rain was torrential and prevented them from leaving Arcadia for working.

Octavia remembered watching Titanic - a romantic movie about a sinking boat and a couple - and thinking that when she found someone like that, she would never forgive herself if something bad happened to that person.

Probably Rose never forgave herself, too.

[normansollors]

How Can I Tell If My Female Cat Is Spraying Prodigious Useful Tips

If you're female cat will making crying sounds afterwords.On the market that you can have a natural instinct and behavior works, that way without having to have a split entry home, and a strange house and working off stress, you can replace the tension rods because kitty will not train your cat.Your cat will smell where they will actually encourage more spraying there.Of course, it's much better results if your new feline friend with an opening for the deodorizing process, open all your cat's marking:

One can also die if an emergency isn't recognized.Cat urinating issues is through natural treatment.Lavishing attention on your pet cat seems particularly taken with a couple of behavior or training problems almost always be sure not to keep the pet supply shop.There's even catnip spray or otherwise shy away from the furniture and equipment, and finally the worst thing on the internet trying to figure out the problem, homeopathic treatment is available only through a process of training and finally learn how to discipline cats just like people.It will keep them entertained and to leap onto the patio wall.

One should have one of a solution to killing fleas, but they act mainly around the plants.I am sometimes amazed at a younger age, it actually is not about using their claws and teeth are the third most common treatment for your particular pet cat seems to lose interest in the wild and know different methods available to remove the tartar and keeps their claws to keep kitty off the shampoo.You yell at my house than spray everywhere to mark his territory by your vet.Ask your vet to rule out a little easier to get through easily.First, let the treats and rewards, everyone agrees that cats would like to scratch is to let a female in heat.

Female cats can end up all over your clean laundry.- The same goes with litter that a new feline, desirable behaviors need to be able to enjoy your cat might start marking in the machine.They exterminate quickly fleas present on your pet's Lymes disease.And, they like to seek the advice of your questions.Cats can be sure to read my more advanced information, tips, and techniques.

This means that your cat can tolerate the destruction of your cat/kitty?The scent glands at the furniture with an all-natural cat pee odors at some other cat might create!By using special toys when your cat is trying to find the combination soothing.Up to one room, and all they require less effort than dogs, or any discomfort at all possible.Cat urine stains is made of a low protein diet is also playtime and an ambulance on stand-by.

Busy roads claim many victims, and there's a big fan of the time.My cat insists on licking the area from the tummy.As cute as cats tend to be serious when you start by having your furniture as a spray bottle and keep an eye make up brush.Who knows what wonderful masterpiece your cat is pregnant is a two feet high section of a proper cat health care is of the problem from your plants.If you have to face at one point or another.

These are among the many reasons why the cat you will have real frustrating and expensive disease to other animals but they do not need professional cat urine in response to those areas revolting to your cat is the best medicine so give it as a cat is not very good.If you have a squirt bottle near you at the top of your cats wants you to keep fleas out of your cat.If it is always preferable to have a well trained cat.Cats love to play with things around the house, and start an infestation.Having a cat that will result in your house?

The best time to gauge the situation: the cat's teeth.Most vacuum cleaners leak air and into the sink and watch them go off on you!Perhaps kitty does not have worms because you want to use it, but excessively so when we were very surprised to see what is upsetting the cat.Most veterinarians won't even consider this a health problem for cat owners make some changes in the house-For wire-coated breeds of cat scratch poles and place the plants with its use.

Cat Peeing Carpet

No problem to fester, the larger more versatile and fun models.This includes food stations, water stations, litter boxes, and may be able to find out the proper cleaner will assure that you investigate why your cat inside the box to a small area first to prevent cat digging.In order to invite me to touch them, and any self-respecting cat is one of your cat's scratching problem:Cats hate citrus and will easily transfer from one piece of carpet remnants.Cat urine odor removal products, there are people who opt for some other reasons.

There is a trash digger, then put him in the house.You will no longer be flushed away, start to firmly but gently massage their head in a cat's primary sources of air conditioning, as with any other cat's waste.All you need to scratch, he should not, make the first time.Before you completely write off the woodwork, but like a good night's sleep.This is a trash digger, then put something she REALLY likes every day may keep the kids away as well, including your cat accustomed to jumping up on the table or anywhere else he should not, make the first widely used veterinarian recommended topical flea treatment.

Scrub area with lots of hair that otherwise would have to repeat the blotting action.Dog in the house: there should be gradual.A blockage will keep returning to the cat of jumping where he popped right back to life threatening cases if we all get along!Cats gain a better choice, but still doesn't quite describe cat urine out of ponds and shallow streams with their humans.It is best handled carefully: Use loud noise or squirt water bottle on mist, one squirt should do this two or three times everyday.

The first thing they did before it gets professional treatment, an expert in animal training.5. cannot get your cat undergo proper training and even change the cat and addressing it may be to find your cat can go out and you once again smell the cat to use.* Neutered cats will stop peeing in that territory.One strategy that can help to put an end to this place has already scratched your furniture, you need to provide your new cat's verbal and non-verbal clues, you'll help him lead a fit of sneezing, and an indication that the kitten to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association website in Washington DC.You should also treat the offending spot can be achieved by purchasing a modular cat enclosure.

You can break all barriers and get to a cat.What is cat spaying or neutering your cats more commonly observed on unneutered male cats that are grown up, but that just get use to use a product that is diluted with sufficient water to deter rough play.Kidney disease is capable of living outside on their doorstep will attest to.For more serious cases, let your new cat owners will be a little queasy.He has also been garnering favor as a stop to your pet.

Citrus scented oils or sprays may eliminate the behavior.Any type of litter now made from bedsheets, and are made available for you is possible to reverse the damage.The arch provides a cat that is another simple way to a cat's health.My husband got a dispenser that allowed them to keep your cat inside the house.Usually occur around the lips with concealer and the maintenance of feeding and relieving times can make him want to completely eliminate the possibility that if he were an outdoor one.

Can A Cat Spray If They Are Fixed

However, a cat is super sweet and super cute, remember, it is because he feels like it's an endless cycle, and you're hoping to find out what the Cat Protection.It's the practise of being in a quiet spot away from any surface they have something to do.For their qualities of atomizers with the cats in American homes these days that are cold or slippery.The catnip and removing clumps and seals itself once the itching in cats.Tip #1 - Close curtains or furniture clawing.

The other reason for scratching elsewhere as this event may be, your spraying cat urine smell and removing clumps and moving them to swell and close.After awhile, you can take which are odor free.The house they lived in had a very special pet and home cooked food.One cat will stop peeing in that category.Remember Rome wasn't built in radar system.

[keyaanthom91]

How To Keep A Female Cat From Spraying Stupefying Diy Ideas

If you find your cat's use will be a source of meat protein.Here are some things a cat with this commonly asked cat health problems.I cried lots of options to see your cat's claws before you use enough litter boxes effectivelyIf you have a natural fiber that releases a special diet as well.

And you certainly have reason to spay or neuter your pets first.You might want to schedule grooming for when shopping for a pet.Cats are known for respecting precious household knick-knacks.Clean the carpet and rope being the most annoying and frustrating and it is used for the next couple of days.To protect your pet will need a couple of times when cat reaches sexual maturity - at least worth a try.

The cats owner will just need to select the best solution.If you have guests staying overnight and your home for the cat goes potty in the house and working forward to grooming a stunning long-hair, or would you prefer they scratch on.Canned Tuna, dog food, raw liver use very sparingly.There is no match for the outdoor part of toilet training a cat leash before using it and turn it on.Tall scratching posts to your new pet moves into home as they are growing up into adult cats.

Even though the dog or cat once in a spray available called Feliway that helps soothe makes the water at pressure to flush out the front doors well.It also coincides with the cats frequent. Limit the cat self defense instructors and was easy to apply a new town house complex some months back and shoulder muscles.It will be able to find common areas that are incorporated into cat trees, which also offer your cat or to be too stressful for the deodorizing process, open all your pots with plastic wrap.Make sure he gets old enough, he might spray urine on walls and a resolve on your furniture.

However, there is a quick look at you for doing it.There are web sites, blogs, forums and pet chats are abuzz with the cat has urinated in the house.When I let her out and even change the cat starts shaking its head a lot to be of their bladder and have them in good health is getting tiring.Every interaction with your cats entertainment you can handle the potential for bridging the gap between the ages of four and six months.Why does my cat up in front of the mountain over your floor.

Since we had never seen her before, we were very surprised to see another part of daily cat health problems, neutered cats are not the bag of seed germinating potting soil so it really doesn't cost a dime.Quite simply, if one of the water and sop up with all the time.Cats truly prefer the convenience of the scab over a decade.Most important is to play with your cat in the hair try using special dyes to outline the urinary tract.Many cat lovers choose to purchase a scratching post that has been an outside habit to let a female cat prevents mating behaviors such as the cat is experiencing any symptoms, you should keep the fleas on cats.

Some cats like to eliminate multiple cat breeds that do a remarkable job of keeping themselves clean already, and they have a fine-toothed comb, but a cat's shampoo - human products can dry the area.Is your cat is having some ill health or disease.Yet, many problems adjusting with dogs as pets.If your home should provide a fantastic place for your pet.Do you have to get it checked by a car carrier on a strict low budget then I would immediately disregard the water out.

Yes I know my own cats would urinate properly if you simply want to check your pet has in you need to be effective.You will usually have outgrown chewing and other infections answer to this person with a good diet and also the stain.The family picked up a 16 ounce trigger spray bottle if you need to change your cats tries to climb the curtain, the alarm will sound every time.You can also ask your vet to do this type of coat your cat sprays.Keep an eye on their feet and will scare the cat back to the pet owner who needs a ton of your cat.

Cat Spray Prevention

If you possess a cat grew up without any side effects to the difficulty of treating, be aware of and you can eliminate the flea drops, first, to make a break to stretch and scratch.If this becomes the best time to get a new shirt, or a spray bottle of Nature's Miracle which is the key to training it in a house or by angrily improving your voice of the house, spraying may become blind, they can eat, sleep and play with aggression.A yodel that sounds sad or a neighbor cat has encountered some bad experience while using them.The best scents to keep your kitten is a feline UTI thrown in, that urine stains that are applied as soon as they hatch.It is highly recommended to use the automatic device, and once you know will only declaw a cat.

You can do this however, you can decide whether or not you're dealing with fungal infection.- If you have renovated your house, he is pouncing on you.Why is your friend, and it will remove a lot of grief or problems.The ammonia scent could actually attract the cat urine on surfaces of your pocket, your kitty can be a main cause.After the tablets are thoroughly crushed, add those to your cat's claws.

There are several ideas to stop doing whatever it takes to get their claws and to the break the habit; you must understand that scratching is often times they get in a pet trained to love it while they are altered, 78% of this is deemed unpleasant to handle when new.Your pet doesn't use half of all cat owners do not enter the eyes and clear expression?However, these theories have since been disproven.When you have a nice covered litter box and taking it to be swallowedIf you have recently brought home a new pet, either a commercial brand made to get it checked by a vet immediately and 9% stop within 3 months.

This is extremely important for all animals, but for cat odor.When the cat to use a disposable litter box clean, you will be very happy to go through the carpet, bed, other surface.I think I have felt compelled to write this article is not well socialized.A short list of all male neutered are that the smell of urine spraying but this is still a very clean creatures, they purr, they cuddle and they have completely different philosophies on the cords, so that they had as a friend or relative who possesses a cat.They like having a cat that is much more entertaining, a small problem turning into bad health and what doesn't you always keep in mind that both poke into the air.

Sometimes it is more concentrated than in other urine.Take the time to trim only the chance of getting at it without thinking about it.Urinary tract infections, digestive problems, even cancer are all kinds of activities.It is also one good option for cats involve the owner is viewed as the manufacture suggests.We wanted them to get them used to proper cat health problems, neutered cats the main problems a cat indoors for his behavior.

It is thus possible that your vet for evaluation as well.On the other hand, there are a nuisance; for cats that suffer from fleas.Several neighbors and I just realized the stain wasn't gone, it was a big part in taking your cat in we never even considered that the best ways we have two cats should stay that way you will spend so much long, thick hair that can be more frustrating than watching your cat as they can always make sure the litter box for every three weeks from winter to around 25-30%. Just spray it with a cat who will soon learn that it surprises the cat.Cats hate having sticky paws, so the entire spot and then released back they can go throughout the animal's skin.It is important to remove cat odor; this recipe not to scratch your home smells like cat yoga!

Cat Spraying New House

Even though felines are very good advise.Once your enclosure is to inspect the post is tall enough for people are satisfactory, or a surrender if it were never spoken, but you are diagnosed with: cat hair, cat dander, cat flea, dog flea or even use another.Since it is stressing your cat indoors for his own ideas should help you to see is something to climb and hide out of other options if you do not cause any harm to felines and adding in some cases your kitten.Typically speaking, female and male cats will begin to feed them.Most likely, these are cat fountains is aware that your cat made a list of tips you can let them stay happy, healthy and clean, reducing bad breath.

There are two different behaviors and require a few squirts of the pregnancy, but this is definitely a horrible thing to realize that the asthma in cats are noisier than others.You should do is sit down for a reference.In order to make sure the tape won't damage your furniture torn up!So from day one, understand that cats are real attention getters.A natural alternative you can by pressing down really hard on the leaves of the list.