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the12thnightproject · 2 years ago

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Chapter 48: Two Degrees of Separation - Comparing notes with Sasuke and Shingen leads to more questions about the multiverse.

Shingen x OC; Kenshin x MC (Mai)

Previous Chapter: Here

Logline - Disguised as a boy, Katsuko finds herself working for Shingen, but her dangerous masquerade becomes difficult to sustain when she falls for the man with a fatal secret.

“I brought these in from the car.” Sasuke slid open the door to the bedroom wide enough to pass a few shopping bags through.

“You can come in. We’re both decent.” I took the bags, noting one of them was from a high-end lingerie store. That… had the possibility of going very very wrong, in a number of ways. I dropped the bags on the foot of the bed, as Sasuke settled in a chair by the window. “You let Shingen loose in a lingerie store?”

There was a rather embarrassed cough from the ninja by the window. He looked away from us.

“I was fine. He’s the one who can’t be trusted around women’s underclothes. I may be scarred for life.” Shingen shot a glare at Sasuke, who seemed to take great interest in the parking lot outside.

“I thought it was a mannequin and not a live model,” Sasuke muttered.

“Nope. Don’t need any more details there.” Instead, I dove into the bags, finding a couple pairs of jeans, some t-shirts… “Oooh, Black Widow, nice.”

“Figured Natasha Romanov would be your jam.” Sasuke sounded more confident now that we’d left the subject of underwear.

“Oh yeah… and I’ve got about seven years of MCU to catch up on. And I don’t know how many seasons of Game of Thrones.” It hadn’t occurred to me until that moment that I’d finally learn how some of these continuing stories ended.

Shingen and Sasuke looked at each other, then Sasuke shook his head. “Um… about the Game of Thrones conclusion… you might actually find the story of my adventures in ladies lingerie categorically less traumatic.”

Huh. I returned my attention to the bags and pulled out a hoodie! I hugged it to me. It was red, not the blue-grey shade of the one that I had been wearing on the day I had initially gone through the wormhole, but it was soft and warm and felt like home in a way that no other article of clothing had. “How did you know?” I slipped it on and zipped it up.

There was a tug on the hood. Shingen flipped it up over my head. “Red hood. The better to see you with.”

“Alright, Sasuke, are you ready for all the wormhole weirdness I need to tell you about?” The three of us had relocated to the living area of the hotel suite to eat lunch that Sasuke had picked up from one of the hotel’s onsite restaurants. He’d asked me if I wanted pizza, but until I was sure how my digestive system would readjust to modern food, I’d decided to stick with soba noodles and a light soup. I was wearing my first pair of jeans in nearly seven (or was it eight now?) years, and they fit surprisingly well (Shingen: “I know every inch of your body, it wasn’t difficult”).

“Before we debrief, I have something else for you.” Sasuke handed me a sealed manila envelope. He didn’t say anything else, so I went ahead and opened it, pulling out identification papers, including a passport as well as a bank card. The accompanying account information made me do a double, then a triple take to make sure I was reading the amount correctly.

“Sasuke, do you have previously unrevealed connections with the Yakuza?” I took a second look at the passport. Yes that was definitely me in the picture – it looked like my old student ID photo, had been “aged up” slightly. The birthday was correct as well. Someone clearly had skills.

“No. Not that I am aware of. This came from a Professor I know.” Sasuke glanced over my shoulder to look at the paperwork. “Holy mother forking shirtballs.”

“From your advisor? The one who arranged my hospital stay?” Shingen examined the passport. “Nice picture… but not as nice as the real thing.”

“No. Different professor. My advisor in Kyoto who helped get you into the University Hospital is Professor Sakaki. These – as well as Shingen’s papers and bank account … which did not have nearly this many zeros – came from a friend of my parents. I’m certain they have nothing to do with the Yakuza.” He laughed off the idea. “Actually, their friend, Professor Yamaoka was the man who gave the initial idea that led me to study wormholes and their relationship to temporal anomalies.”

Wait…what? Who?

“Professor Yamaoka.” I said it slowly, to confirm I had heard that correctly.

Aki, you have some ‘splaining to do.

“Yes.” Sasuke took the envelope and folded it up. There was a rattling noise within. “There appears to be something else inside.” He shook it. “Given the amount of money in your account, I can only surmise it’s a key to a safety deposit box that contains the Holy Grail.”

“The what?” Shingen apparently hadn’t worked his way up to European literature – or the Monty Python film (the latter was something I would make sure to correct before we went back to the Sengoku era).

“No.” I already knew what was rattling around in that envelope. “It will be a shogi piece. A lance… or maybe a knight.” It had better not be a pawn after all he’d put me through. I turned the envelope upside down and dumped the item onto the coffee table. It landed with a clink, spun a few times, and landed tokin side up.

The knight.

Sasuke blinked at me a few times. “How did you know?”

“I’ve been working for Yamaoka Akihira for the past seven years. Shogi is his… calling card.” I sank back into the sofa cushion. On the day he’d left me with Shingen, he’d kept his face in the shadows. Later, when I’d thought about it, I’d figured that he’d been trying to keep Shingen from seeing his face… but no… he’d been hiding from Sasuke.

A lot of explaining.

“Your old master… the man in the woods. He’s the same?” At my nod, Shingen turned to Sasuke. “You said this man is a friend of your parents?” Shingen quickly put things together, and I was sure he could tell this information had unsettled me.

“Yes… I mean, they aren’t besties, but I know he’s consulted them on history.” He picked up the tile and examined it. It was a modern tile, made out of some kind of tempered porcelain, and not one of the wooden ones we’d used when we played at The Mountain. “They might, possibly have some old photos of him that I could try to get my hands on.”

“Anything they have would be terrific. I feel like five mysteries just got solved, but five times that many new mysteries appeared.” Popping in and out of time would explain Aki’s many disappearing acts. But why had he never told me he was a fellow time traveler? Why had he never sent me home? And what was he doing in the Sengoku era to begin with? ‘Putting things on the right path’ seemed a lot more ominous now that I knew he was from the future. “Can they scan what they have and upload it to the cloud?”

Sasuke shook his head. “They’re mysteriously attached to paper. The last time I tried to talk my father through attaching a file, he emailed me his entire hard drive and crashed my laptop.”

I put the questions about Aki aside for the moment. Possibly Sasuke and Shingen, once I told them about my detour into another timeline, might be able to help put the pieces together when it came to Aki’s involvement. “Sasuke, remember when you said you thought Togakushi might lead to a different timeline than this?”

“Theoretically, yes, though I suppose since you made it here, that must not have been the case.” He was typing up notes on a tablet faster than I’d ever seen anyone type before. He glanced up and caught the expression on my face. “Ninja fingertips. I didn’t used to be able to type this fast.”

I led him back to the topic. “Yeah, about that. My trip through the wormhole was not like the original trip. I felt like I sort of… well, stuck.” And even though I was trying to be so totally blasé, like, ‘oh yeah, I got trapped in a temporal anomaly, NBD,’ I could feel my lungs tighten at the memory of the feeling of that fog sifting through my body. Shingen put his hand on my shoulder and gave me an encouraging squeeze. Yeah… he could tell I was upset.

“Given that the passage of months here and according to Yuki, in the Sengoku, was the same, you may actually have been stuck in there a year.” Right, Sasuke had gone back and for the between here and the Sengoku while I was missing. “But you didn’t experience that physically – or that wound on your arm would have healed completely – and you’d have starved to death.”

“Thanks Sasuke.” That time I did shudder. And the mental experience had been unsettling enough without throwing in starvation. “When I did come out of the wormhole, I was told I was in the wrong timeline.”

Sasuke stopped typing. He looked like he was trying not to bounce up and down on the couch. “Do you know what this means?” He hurried on before either of us could respond. “Proof that the timelines are connected to a multiverse. Who told you that you were in the wrong timeline?”

“You did.”

“I did? I did! That is… that is frakking awesome!” He pumped his fist, then bent over his tablet and did that supersonic speed typing again. “What did I say?”

Shingen and I looked at each other, exchanged a silent mental shrug, then back at Sasuke.

“You… or I guess technically Sasuke Mach 2, looked surprised to see me, and I asked you where Shingen was, and that’s when you – he said I was in the wrong timeline.” While Sasuke seemed to be having his nerdgasm, I glanced at Shingen to see how he took that. Aside from holding me even tighter, he appeared to be following along fairly well.

Sasuke continued to fire questions at me faster than I could process them. “Were you still at the Togakushi shrine? Were you in present time or the future of that time? What was I wearing? Did I have any cool tech? Did anything unusual happen before you got stuck?”

“Yes. Present, as far as I could tell. A parka. A cell phone – I think it was a cell phone. And…” Right before I got stuck Iekane had pushed me and told me… wait, before that. In my head, I rewound things back to when I was in the tree. “Shingen, have you ever heard the phrase don’t bring a knife to a gun fight?”

He pondered for a moment. “No. However it makes sense.”

I turned to Sasuke who was already typing into his tablet. “Yes, but not sure… ah. The Untouchables. 1987.”

“I’m pretty sure Iekane was already familiar with wormholes… and has been to the present before… in fact… he said… ‘I came here with him’ … him being Aki. I thought he meant he was with Aki before Aki based himself on the Mountain. But he could have meant that he came from this time with Aki.” Before Sasuke could ask more questions, I told my story from the moment Yuki and I had spotted Iekane. “Iekane looked happy to have gotten into the wormhole. If what Sasuke Mach 2 told me is true, maybe Iekane is the one who is messing up the timelines.”

“It wasn’t this Sasuke who talked to me at the flood site?” Shingen stared at Sasuke, as if he were trying to determine what was different about the other version of him. “I do remember thinking something was strange about you, but after all that happened, I’d put it out of my head once he said a child had fallen into the water.”

Pushed. The child was pushed. The boy… what was his name? His father had said it, hadn’t he? I tried to put myself back into that moment, but my thoughts were interrupted by Sasuke.

“Huh. I wonder how I travelled there without a wormhole… no wait, you said I told you that getting back here was ‘lateral jump’.” Sasuke turned his tablet into a sketch pad and began drawing some kind of schematic. “That would mean we could jump between different points in the multiverse, and-”

“Sasuke!” He looked up me, started by my tone. “You told me not to let you investigate. It sounded like getting me here stabilized this timeline. Maybe we should do as little interfering as possible.” For my part, once I was back in the Sengoku, I was going to stay as far from the wormhole nodes as possible.

“Agreed, Devil.” Shingen pressed a kiss to the side of my head. “The wormhole stole you from me once. I do not intend to let it happen again.”

“Investigating is not interfering.” Sasuke pointed out.

“Sasuke. I know you. You wouldn’t be able to resist poking around in alternate timelines… but, from what I can tell from the conversation I overheard,” I decided not to mention that I was pretty sure Sasuke Mach 2 had been talking with Katsuko Mach 2, “there’s a timeline where Kenshin is running around modern Toyko, causing all sorts of mayhem.”

Both Shingen and Sasuke were silent at that.

In fact, Sasuke literally turned pale.

Sasuke erased the schematic he’d begun to sketch on his tablet. “New plan. We stick to this timeline, and only use the wormhole to go back to the Sengoku era when it reopens – which should be in about three months.”

“That sounds like an excellent strategy,” Shingen said.

@bestbryn

#tbt12lies #throwback thursday #twelve lies i told shingen takeda #ikemen sengoku #fanfiction #shingen takeda #ikesen shingen #ikesen sasuke #fanfic #ikesen fanfic

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sketching-shark · 4 years ago

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I think it's the ironic fact that JTTW fans already know how DBK and Sun Wukong's friendship broke apart but are more curious on LMK versions of Sun Wukong and the Six Eared Macaque were friends alongside falling out.

HA! Well, while it often does seem that way, I'm going to go ahead and be a complete snob in a Journey to the West purist kind of way by wondering how many Six Eared Macaque fans would consider themselves more JTTW fans or more Monkie Kid fans, or if they feel they're a mix of both...

I've seen a lot of people argue that these two works of fiction are their own thing and that as such Monkie Kid (and associated fanworks) shouldn't be expected to follow the canon of JTTW, and fair enough for some parts. I've also, however, seen people who argue for this complete separation seeming to use it as an excuse to not acknowledge or learn about ANY original aspects of characters such as Sun Wukong and the Demon Bull King, or even very important deities such as Guanyin and the Jade Emperor, and who as such end up making some pretty gross generalizations/assumptions about them even though they are of great religious and cultural importance.

For example (and while I know a lot of the fun people get from fan works is in exaggerating certain traits), Sun Wukong seems to often be presented with an "inherently" evil/thoughtless/chaotic character, while his intelligence, deep love of his family, genuine efforts to become a better person, & many acts of saving lives, as presented in JTTW, aren't even mentioned. I feel like a lot of this is due to the way he acts in Monkie Kid (while I maintain that this version of Sun Wukong seems to be Bad End Monkey King, he does do a lot of deflecting his issues with a show of humor/a carefree attitude & does seem really bad at communicating due to a fear of making things worse). Even so, the popularity of Thoughtless/Evil/Selfish Sun Wukong that doesn’t really allow for any of the nuance or a display of his beneficial traits as shown in JTTW does make me wonder how many people have been exposed to a good translation of og classic Sun Wukong...As I've said before, I've noted that a number of Chinese people on this site have expressed frustration with the fact that a good chunk of the monkey king’s Western audience seems to be getting their impressions about Sun Wukong, the Demon Bull King, the Six Eared Macaque, etc. from some mix of Overly Sarcastic Productions, Monkie Kid, and social media instead of from at least a translation of the original text, and it is true that a LOT of the nuance of these work and these characters can be very easily lost, especially if your drawing your information of them primarily from a cartoony version of the original source.

That would be an interesting poll though...out of curiosity, how many of you fine folk have read the break-up & fight between Sun Wukong and the Demon Bull King either in the original text or in a translation, or is your exposure to them primarily through Monkie Kid?

Again, I need to make it clear that I'm not Chinese & didn't grow up with the story, but I will admit for my own part that reading the DBK/SWK break-up in the Yu translation actually made me more curious about how their dynamic is going to play out in Monkie Kid than I am curious about what's going to happen with Mr. Macaque.

This is primarily because besides SWK’s fight with Princess Iron Fan and DBK being given a LOT of page space in JTTW, there seems to have been some serious stuff that went down between the three of them in the events post-JTTW and pre-the main plot of Monkie Kid...the last we see of DBK in JTTW (if memory serves correctly) was him being hauled off by a host of heavenly warriors to be judged for his crimes of not giving SWK the palm leaf fan & also eating humans. When Monkie Kid starts, however, we are told that DBK had emerged “from the Netherworld” & immediately starts wrecking everything around him. What this suggests--if Monkie Kid is something of a fan continuation of JTTW--is that DBK ended up being executed by the heavenly forces, but managed to fight his way out of the underworld in a manner somewhat similar to SWK, who we are told he is equal in strength to in JTTW. In that beginning fight of Monkie Kid DBK is also shown as so enraged that he won’t stop his path of destruction until SWK buries him under a mountain for 500 years. It’s never said in the show, but--and this is important--this is basically exactly what Buddha did to SWK to start him on the path of atonement. So there seems to be some very intentional parallels between SWK’s havoc in heaven & DBK’s havoc on earth, which may suggest that one of the things Monkie Kid SWK really wants is for his former dear friend, his sworn brother, to find a way like him to be less violent and thus ultimately less vulnerable to destructive and self-destructive behavior, and that the way he tried to start this was by giving DBK the same treatment he got when he was a raging warlord.

We are furthermore told that it was right after DBK was sealed that SWK disappeared for all those centuries, and while the impulse may be to write it off as him just wanting to enjoy himself (given a lot of his behavior in the show’s timeline), given the indications that this SWK may be deeply depressed, I feel like the answer could be something a lot more tragic...there seem to be a number of clues in Monkie Kid that while the journey of JTTW happened, something made it end disastrously, with SWK either assuming or knowing that Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, Tang Sanzang, and Bai Longma are dead. And per JTTW, this wouldn’t be the first time that he’s experienced a horrific loss, given the war with heaven and the burning of Flower-Fruit Mountain. And then right after THAT, it seems DBK emerged from the underworld, and so Sun Wukong was put into a horrific position: either murder his sworn brother, or let him continue to rampage & harm and/or kill who knows how many humans. SWK ultimately gives up his staff to do the repeat of “500 years under a mountain in solitary confinement route,” which as per JTTW he considers better than the alternative, but he immediately follows that by exiling himself. In JTTW SWK is a really sociable person who makes friends wherever he goes, but man, for this SWK...his life must at that point just feel like one failure after another, that in spite of all his best efforts he wasn’t able to save anyone he really cared about, and now he just trapped someone who was so important to him under a mountain & fated him to suffer the same things he had when he was in that position. How much more does he have to hurt his fellow yaoguai? How many more times does he have to choose between yaoguai and humans, feeling like no matter what he decides it’s just going to result in pain for him and/or his loved ones? I can easily imagine super sociable & easily upset (he cries a LOT in JTTW) SWK feeling like after sealing DBK, he just can’t do this any more. He just...can’t.

This is all just speculation, but knowing the JTTW backstory between SWK and DBK does, at least for me, make their Monkie Kid relationship a lot more intriguing than it might be otherwise. Especially now that DBK seems to actually be making some small steps to quell his constant rage & lust for power. He even saves SWK and Qi Xiaotian from an explosion/nasty fall in the season 2 special! The Bull family weren’t really present in season 2, but I really hope they make a comeback in season 3 (if/when we get it) precisely because Red Son, Princess Iron Fan, and especially DBK have such an involved history with SWK. Plus it would be really fun to see two old warlords trying to awkwardly make amends with each other & struggle to be good teachers & positive role models to their student & son.

In any case I feel this potential is more interesting than whatever fanfic The Six Eared “I’mma Plagiarize The Demon Bull King’s Backstory Of Being Best Friends with Sun Wukong” Macaque is creating lol.

#monkie kid #journey to the west #lego monkie kid #lmk #lmk sun wukong #lmk dbk #lmk six eared macaque #anon answered

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extremelyblackandwhite · 4 years ago

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a year in the life | rockstar! s.s.

pairing: rockstar!sebastian stan x writer!reader

main work: i wanna know what love is

season: autumn 🍁

a/n: in celebration of 4 major works of mine turning one this year (my babies, cannot believe it’s been a year) and based on the reboot of gilmore girls, i will be revisiting my works per season. we are starting with autumn and rockstar!seb. hope you enjoy xx

Y/N laid on the big chez lounge couch in the middle of her living room, surrounded by her children’s toys, with a large bowl of Doritos on her lap as the Real Housewives played on the background. For the very first time since forever, she was alone at home; Jess and Marion were at their respective schools while Sebastian was busy in the studio, doing some rearrangements to a new album. She loved the three of them more than anything but she knew that she would’ve never had the chance to eat Doritos without Sebastian complaining it was unhealthy for her or her children trying to take a bite. Lately, all she wants is to lay low, bask in her leave from work and watch some trashy TV.

As her eyes were getting heavier and heavier with sleep when the front door opened, sending her back into alert mood. Luckily, it wasn’t no one trying to break in but her husband who still couldn’t open doors without making a big ruckus about it.

- I’m sorry, bunny. - he stepped back as he recognised his wife’s sleepy face. - I thought you’d be in the bedroom.

- Can’t move. - she pointed at her bulging bump covered by one of his old jumpers which seemed to be the only thing that fully covered her at this particular stage. Sebastian chuckled, walking over to her to quickly kiss her, hand caressing her bump through the jumper. - Didn’t expect you to be home so early.

- I can see. - he pointed at the bowl of Doritos on her lap. - You’re supposed to be the prudent one.

- I’m carrying your offspring. It makes me make bad decisions. - she teased, cuddling against him as he sat by her side, worn out slightly loose black leather jacket still on. - How are the boys?

- Fighting about who gets to be godfather this time.

- Did you tell them my brother is gonna be the godfather?

- Now, where would the fun be in that, bunny? - he smirked, with that boyish like looks he still managed to remain after all these years.

- Stop it. - she leaned towards him to kiss him.

- How are you feeling today? - his hand mindlessly rubbed her bump, feeling the little moves of the baby whenever the baby moved. - Little one is a bit feisty today.

- It’s been like this all of last night. I think I might be closer to labour than we think.

- Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve driven the kids to school, honey love.

- You needed to sleep. - she groaned as she stretched her legs. - Besides, Marion is staying with your mum today so I wanted to spend some time with her before she went.

- No kids tonight? - he leaned over to kiss her collarbone. - How long has it been?

- As long as I’ve been pregnant. - she pushed him away playfully. - Jess is not going.

- Why not? Jess loves my mum. Is he sick? Urgh, is the flu going around his class again? We need to put him into a better school, those kids at his school are always s...

- Seb, stop. - she rolled her eyes, smiling at the same time at how he’d gone from let it be to constant rambling about his children’s wellbeing. - He just wants to be home tonight and he’s been a little sad lately.

- You’re sure he’s not sick? Because there’s this private school which tests kids for all those flu things.

- He’s not sick. He’s just got ... a bit of a lovebug. He got like this when I was last pregnant with Marion.

- Well, at least he hasn’t decided that the baby is just not coming. - Sebastian referred to Marion. Their daughter had just decided there was no baby coming around, even after being offered her own bedroom with her own bathroom, just for herself. - I’ll go pick him up, make it a whole thing. Maybe even pass by Al’s ... get you that pasta you really like.

- You’re just trying to make me forget that you’re the reason we’re moving houses.

- Y/N, this house has always been too small.

- That’s because you need a whole room for your guitars alone.

She’d spend the best part of her initial married years trying to convince Sebastian to either get a storage unit to put all his guitars in or to just merge it with his office yet, he’d always come back with an excuse. “Honey love, they need to be displayed”, “Bunny I would just get distracted if they were in my office” he would tell her with his rockstar like charm which she thought was strong enough to resist, yet how can she say no when he immediately shifts from boyish smile to having her pressed against the wall of that very same room, pounding into her as if he was an up and coming rockstar and her his favourite groupie. With the need for that bedroom, their once spacious apartment they bought when she was pregnant with Jess was becoming too small. Normally Y/N would be okay with it but being 8 months pregnant during the fall where it constantly rains in New York, moving seemed like the last thing she’d like to do and just thinking about it made her tired already. After all, she could barely walk to the kitchen without feeling tired or taking a short break in the middle of the path. She thought that after two pregnancies, the third one would be a walk in the park. Turns out it’s more like a run in the park, except the park is on fire and she’s barefoot.

- Honey love, asking me to get rid of my guitars is like asking you to get rid of your five copies of Emma.

- They’re in different languages. - she argued back.

- They’re different models, besides, we can finally have a guest bedroom. You always wanted a guest bedroom.

- Sure then maybe my grandfather will come visit more often. How about that? - Sebastian chuckled at her answer. - I’m not joking. You get me pregnant, you get to be annoyed by my grandfather.

- You’re acting like this is my fault when you were the one who wore fishnets with a leather skirt. I’m only human.

- Fine, 10% my fault, 90% you fault. That’s my final offer.

- You sure?

- Yes. You see, you are a sex maniac who cannot be controlled.

- That’s not what you wrote about me. - he smirked. - You said I had more soul than just a sex pot.

- Do not quote my own words at me.

- You bought my old guitar.

- Urgh ... - she rolled her eyes. Sebastian grinned, happy he’d won the debate. - Just go make the other mums jealous please.

- Look at you, using me for my sex appeal only.

- No. I just really enjoy being the powerful mum.

- Yeah? What’s that like?

- Constant questions about if we do weird sex blood rituals. Then mysterious answers, so they all fear you and don’t force you to attend PTA meetings on date nights.

- I gotta say, bunny ... we got this parenting thing covered.

- We do.

- When I come back, you better not have a bowl of Doritos on your belly.

- I’ll do whatever I want.

- Sure, bunny, if you walk to the kitchen by yourself ...

- Low move, Stan. Low.

- You love me. - he chuckled, grabbing his keys from the trinket dish by the entry door. - See you soon, bunny.

- Love you. - she scrunched her face in a little smile which he couldn’t help but smile back.

Sebastian liked to pick up Marion and Jess from school. His schedule normally meant Y/N, who had a more 9-5 job, was the one who’d do the drop offs and collections so he’d always meet them at home but whenever he could pick them up, he’d be the first one there. He just loved to see his two babies come out of school in their little uniforms which he incredibly hated when they first enrolled but now couldn’t help but find incredibly adorable. He also loved to see how both his children came out of school. Marion would be the one who’d take the longest, surrounded by all her friends and probably nursing a scrape or two on her knee as if kindergarten 2-3 year old was a big fighting ground while Jess would come out as quickly as he could.

He parked slightly in front of his son’s school, coming out of the car and leaning against it. The parents’ eyes were immediately on him, maybe it was due to the star power or, most likely, it was because he was wearing a leather jacket, dark shades and his neck tattoo could be seen peaking out the collar of his jacket. His shoes crinkled the fallen leaves on the floor, avoiding those looks as he waited for his son. He knew who he was and he was not going to change it because he became a father, he is a good father, he knows that. The bell rang and a swarm of children came rushing out of the school, and they say birth rates are low. He took his sunglasses off, trying to pin point his son in the middle of all different aged children.

- DAD! - he turned his head to the memorable voice, crutching down as he son rushed to him. Jess wrapped his arms around his father, little childish giggles as Sebastian pulled him off the floor.

- Hey, buddy. How was school?

- We did hand turkeys.

- Hand turkeys? No way, that’s so cool. - he opened up the car’s passenger’s seat, sticking around to check if he fastened his seatbelt correctly before taking the driver’s seat. - It’s just gonna be us three today, bud. You, me and mummy. We getting Al’s and some ice cream.

- Why didn’t mummy come?

- Mummy is very tired, buddy. The baby is kicking a lot, won’t let the baby sleep.

- Oh ... - Sebastian saw his son’s face grow sadder.

- What do you want from Al’s, bud? You can get whatever you want.

- Really?

- Yeah.

The little restaurant had soon become a staple in their family life. Sebastian had. discovered by accident after accidentally burning dinner for Y/N’s. He wasn’t already too popular with Y/N’s family so he knew he had to fix it and there it was, the small little restaurant filled with delicious food. Now, it was just a Friday night tradition yet today was special, almost nostalgic to when Y/N, Sebastian and Jess had their first home. Back when Y/N and him were new parents and would trip on every toy in the apartment. God, those were the days.

- Dad? - Jess pulled at his sleeve while the two were waiting in the queue.

- Yeah, bud? - Sebastian picked him up, already understanding the signs of whenever he wanted to be held.

- I ... The baby’s not coming for a while, right?

- Why, Jessie? What did Marion say?

- She didn’t say anything ... uhm, it’s gonna be three of us now.

- Yeah. We’re gonna get a new big place, we can even get a dog or a cat. You always wanted a cat, didn’t you?

- But, now I’m third.

- What do you mean? - Sebastian furrowed his brows at the comment.

- Well, when Marion was a baby you and mummy were always with her but she’s still a baby and now there’s a new baby, so I’m gonna be third. - Sebastian’s heart broke at that comment. Now it made sense. - And ... you’re not home a lot and mummy is gonna be busy with the baby.

- Hey, you’re not third. - he rubbed his son’s back, kissing the side of his head, soothing him to the best of his ability. - You want me to be home more?

- No, daddy ... you like doing music.

- Hm ... how about you come to the studio with me when you don’t have school?

- Really? But you said I’m too little.

- Well, you’re gonna be a big brother again, I think it’s time.

- Really?

- Yeah. - he smiled him, his smile reflecting back at him.

- Faye.

- What?

- We should name the baby Faye.

- Faye? You want your baby sister to be named Faye?

- Yes.

- Well ... Faye it is.

#sebastian stan #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan/reader #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan/you #sebastian stan x y/n #sebastian stan/y/n #sebastian stan drabble #sebastian stan imagine #sebastian stan au #rockstar! sebastian stan

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doubledgesword-2 · 4 years ago

Note

Can I get Vil Schoenheit x Rival Celebrity? They shoot insults at each other but end up flirting? Take it as far as you want! Any gender reader is fine lol

Oh, ma Gooosh!! This is the first Matcha Tea I've gotten, and I'm all for this. I had so much fun with this one, and I want to show you lil' sugar cubes the difference between characters I know and the ones that I don't. I do my research before writing a character that I'm unfamiliar with, but I will be sincere: I butchered the last request (Shalnark's). I will try to rewrite it, but other characters apart from the stated ones are a bit hard for me ( ˘︹˘ ).

I will always try my best for ya'll! Enjoy this steaming Matcha (❛‿❛✿)

“What a shameless potato,” nimble fingers scrolled down on their phone, looking at the menagerie of pictures from one single account: yours.

You and Vil were from the same industry, just not the same department per se. While he was a model and actor, you were a j pop star and actress. Your popularity and his were on the same level, but he was slightly higher if you asked him or his fans. Ever since the two of you met on set for a fantasy-like movie, you repelled each other’s presence like oil and water.

Amethyst eyes glared at your smiling picture, and a thousand critiques passed through his mind. Your make-up did not complement your features; what was your make-up artist thinking? That nail polish didn’t match with your skin, and your haircut didn’t go with your face and countless other thoughts. But that wasn’t his place to tell, and besides, you living in his head rent-free wasn’t good for his skin. Stress kills, and thinking about you was very stressful.

The subway doors opened, and Vil gripped his side bag, adjusting his beret and sunglasses and walking out with the amount of confidence and power it took to walk down the runway. The sea of people diligently coming and going parted for him without a cue. They just did like mindless fish around a predator. It was in their nature to give in, in the presence of something so regal.

Vil had a photoshoot to go, and he couldn’t miss a beat. His agenda was full and complicated; anyone who tried to follow it would surely lose their minds after the first three days of the same arduous pace. But he could handle it with the grace of a swan. He was the great Vil Shoenheit. He wondered if you could handle a week in his shoes. You probably would drop exhausted and disheveled, complaining about the hard work. The thought made him smirk smugly, and passerby fans who recognized him couldn’t even keep up to ask for an autograph.

He just couldn’t fathom how you had such a fan base with your attitude and manners. Sure, in front of the cameras, you were a sweetheart, stealing everyone’s hearts, singing like an empowered angel, and making them think you were as far from the villain he knew you truly were. Vil knew your kind and recognized it the moment he met you on set. Heck, you couldn’t even contain your disdain in interviews when the two of you had to sit side by side. It was uncomfortable, to say the least; the poor reporter was so painfully awkward trying to alleviate the tenseness in the room.

“So (Y/N), how do you feel being an actress in a big-budget movie while also singing and performing the next week? Is it exhausting?”

You sided glared at Vil, and gave the reporter a smug grin. “Well, I think I can handle a little bit of work. It’s not in me to sit around and look pretty, you know. But then again, I guess that’s what some people are into, so we can’t judge them. They might not understand hard work.”

Vil smiled with closed eyes. You were such an amateur. If it weren’t for the fact that you were actively throwing shade on him and being so annoying at it, too, he might think you were cute.

Of course, Vil wouldn’t back down; that’s not what he was taught. The crown was his, and he would take it with hard work and determination. Which means potatoes like you don’t really matter in the long run of things.

“Vil-senpai, how do you manage your modeling gig and your acting? I mean, it must be hard to run from one event to the next since they’re so close behind each other?”

“Well, dear, we models are more than just a pretty face. We represent big companies and events that many couldn’t even fathom getting into. My schedule might be a bit tight, but I was born into this lifestyle, and I have learned many skills to help me move and work in these types of environments. I can say one thing for sure not a lot of people can handle my agenda, one day in my heels, and they might slip if you know what I mean, darling.”

You scoffed under your breath, and it made Vil’s smile grow wider.

“Ahh, Vil-senpai is a hard worker for sure. Perhaps one day I could do an interview that can provide insight to one day of your agenda.”

“Anytime you want, darling, it would be lovely,” he knew with every word that came out of his mouth; you simmered even more.

“Are there any hobbies or activities that can fit into your schedules?

Vil was about to open his mouth when you beat him to it.

“Well, I don’t think he’s allowed to have any, you know, with his busy schedule. But I do love partaking in (hobby). I think it is a nice way to unwind and take my mind off of everything. Since stress it’s not good for your vocals, you know. I try to keep myself in top shape for my lovely fans.”

Vil was raging. How dare you interrupt him when he was clearly about to talk. Didn’t your parent taught you any manners, or are you so much of a spoiled brat to care for?

“Ahh, interesting. Does Vil Sendai have any hobbies in particular?

“As a matter of fact, I do” you were looking at him with an expectant smirk. You were genuinely curious to hear what he had to say. “I like to make beauty and make-up tutorials that are beneficial for a lot of my fans. I like to show them how to use brushes correctly what and what not to do with concealer. Those are bonding moments for me and my fans. I think they are important.”

At the end of that interview, a single question brought the anger and tense meter to burst. Now the tensions and dislikes weren’t palpable. They were visible.

“Oh, I’ve had some partners, but I like to focus more on my work, unlike some other artists who like to jump around; my projects come first, and I don’t want to ruin my partner’s and I relationship by not spending enough time with them.”

“Wow, he really doesn’t like to have fun.”

“I do just not with the likes of you.”

“Come on, pretty boy, you couldn’t handle me even if you were begging pretty on your knees.”

“Dream on, potato, you might be prettier than most potatoes, but you’re still that a potato with some potential. I bet if push came to shove, you wouldn’t last seconds with me.

“I bet you wouldn’t make it into the second round without having to retouch your make-up with me. Besides, it’s not like you’ll last long enough to even sweat that much.”

“Well, that’s a relief to know I wouldn’t have to put much effort into pleasing someone like you.”

The reporter was utterly flushed, and that was cut from the interview recording. Good thing that it was, or people might’ve gotten the wrong impression. That you liked each other or something.

Or something.

After that interview, rumors spread like they always do, and fans started gossiping about the two of you secretly together but having to hate each other in public to save face since it’s a big rumor that singers and models don’t actually go well together in the industry.

Such wild imagination and machinations fans have. It brought out a small chuckle.

Vil passed through the automatic doors telling the receptionist his name and guiding him to the set. Once there, he settled his stuff over the make-up table and sat back to look once more through his phone.

“Have you seen this?” A text notification annoying appeared on the screen.

Vil tch and opened the message to reveal a very well photoshopped photo of him and you sitting and drinking at some café. You were smiling like he just told you you were beautiful, and it was a good look on you.

This was outrageous. Who would go to such lengths? Suddenly a bag dropped right on the table next to him. He looked up to meet your eyes as you took off your sunglasses, slowly realizing who was sitting beside you.

“Oh no,” you faintly muttered underneath your breath but not faintly enough that Vil couldn’t hear you.

He scoffed and went back to look at the stupid picture, texting his manager as mad as he was.

“Oh, you saw it too,” you commented, sitting down and looking at your own phone.

Vil didn’t answer. He really didn’t care about your opinion on this; his credibility was on the line. He was supposed to hate you, and that’s how things should go.

“Well, at least they got a good angle of my face, not to mention I’m actually smiling for once.”

“Actually, smil- what are you talking about potato? All you do is smile in all of your pictures. That’s why you have to hide your wrinkles with make-up,” he said as if it was the most obvious thing.

“Well, as presumptuous as that was, proud little peacock, I actually never smile genuinely for the cameras. My genuine smile is reserved for good moments. I guess not anymore.”

At that, Vil felt like the two of you clicked. He knew the feeling, the invasive nature of fame, and the lack of privacy was very real in the industry. It’s the first thing you have to get through. But listening to you say made him realize you’re just like him.

“Well, if you behave during the shoot, I might feel inclined to reward you for good behavior” he grinned at you.

“Mmm, you make it sound as if you don’t like the way I make you crumble in front of everyone. It’s like you’re denying yourself the pleasure, and here I thought you liked the masochism.”

“Hahahaha, I’ll step on you once we’re done here. Maybe that and a little bit of discipline will put you in your place. However, your lack of manners and running mouth might be a problem; perhaps all you need is a nice pacifier. I can help with that.”

You both were so close to each other muttering salacious threats that you didn’t realize how flustered everyone else was in the room.

It was going to be another one of those shoots.

#twisted wonderland #vil x reader #vil x mc #vil shoenheit #twisted wonderland fandorm #twst wonderland #twisted wonderland fic #fanfiction #disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland vil #disney twst #twst vil

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fanmoose12 · 4 years ago

Text

catch me if you can

Сharacters: Hange Zoe, Levi, Erwin Smith, Kenny Ackerman

Genres: Mystery / Romance

Summary: The Ackerman duo. Just the mention of this name filled Hange with so many feelings. Mostly, when she reread the files of their cases over and over, until her eyes watered, she felt pricking annoyance. Sometimes, when she stared at the dead bodies of those scarce unfortunates who stumbled upon their crimes, she was filled with hatred and a pushing need for revenge. Hange couldn’t deny, however, there were times when she marveled at the impudence of their crimes. And, when she was investigating the Ackerman’s cases and saw just how meticulously planned they all were, she couldn’t help but feel something close to fascination.No one knew who they were. No one had seen their faces, no one knew their true names. Almost everyone knew of their crimes.Hange was determined to unravel every last one of their secrets. She will put an end to their crimes and then she will get the elusive Ackermans behind bars.

Chapter 9/?

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

“We aren’t looking for Krista Lenz. We’re searching for Historia.”

Despite the evidence quite literally staring right back at her, Hange could scarcely believe what she herself had just said. Krista Lenz, the missing girl she was searching for, wasn’t actually Krista Lenz? Apparently, the girl’s name was Historia, at least, according to the birth certificate. But it didn’t make any sense, and, what’s worse, it raised so many additional questions…

The main question, of course, was the reason for why the girl was living under a false name, and how did Kenny Ackerman acquire this piece of information? And for what purpose?

Luckily, she had the person, who, hopefully, could shed some light on this new mystery. Hange shoved the photo and the document in Ackerman’s hands, staring at him expectantly. “Do you know something about this?”

He didn’t answer right away, and that gave Hange a semblance of hope. Perhaps, it was just a misunderstanding? Perhaps, the photo and the birth certificate were put into one envelope by a trick of fate? And Krista Lenz was truly Krista Lenz? Hange certainly hoped so. It would save her so much trouble.

Ackerman’s eyes were narrowed as he studied the document. Hange watched him with bated breath.

Her world crumbled when he gave a little nod.

“I think I know where Kenny got it. Remember the robbery of that politician’s manor? Kenny stole this thing from the guy’s safe.”

Hange remembered that robbery, remembered that murdered man. But how could it possibly be connected to her recent case?

“How did you know where to find it? And why did your uncle need it in the first place? It makes no sense…”

“On the contrary,” Ackerman shook his head. “Now everything makes perfect sense. I couldn’t understand why Reiss asked us to rob that guy’s house, but now I’m starting to think that your missing girl…”

“Wait! Wait!” Hange silenced him with her palm on his mouth. She whirled around, starting to pace around the room. What he was saying just now? He didn’t mean it, right? At least, not in the way Hange comprehended it. It couldn’t be, she refused to believe it. But what if Ackerman was telling the truth? What if— Hange turned back to him, her eyes pleading for him to say it was an ill-timed joke. “What was that about Reiss? Did you mean Rod Reiss, the member of the parliament? That Reiss?”

“Naturally.”

Hange slowly sank into an armchair. Her head was spinning, her thoughts were going in circles. Rod Reiss, the model politician, the law abiding citizen was working directly with Ackermans. It seemed completely outlandish.

“Are you serious?” she asked quietly, to keep herself from shrieking. “Are you actually fucking serious?”

Ackerman shrugged, looking so nonchalant, a stark contrast to her frantic appearance. “Why would I lie about this?”

Why indeed… Logically, Hange knew there was no reason for him to lie about Reiss’ involvement, but, damn it, she just couldn’t wrap her head about this. Even the notion seemed utterly ridiculous, like it was taken from a dumb conspiracy theory.

“Just before I dropped your case…” Hange began, desperately trying to find a way to contradict Ackerman’s claim. “He wanted to help me solve it. He offered me money and people, anything to get you behind bars.”

And that meant that he wasn’t working with them, right? It meant that Reiss was actually a good guy, who wanted to fight the bad ones.

He’s a politician, a voice that sounded suspiciously like Erwin reminded her. You can’t get so high just from being good.

Despite her endless stubbornness, Hange couldn’t disagree with that. Those who held a lot of power didn’t acquire it from being honest and honorable.

Reiss claimed he wanted to catch Ackermans, but that desire could just be his attempt to cover up his traces.

Fuck.

Ackerman was right. Everything was starting to make sense.

“I guess Reiss wanted to get rid of us,” Ackerman confirmed her guess. Hange’s heart sank. “Maybe, that’s why Kenny didn’t return him this,” he showed her the birth certificate.

Hange felt another wave of nausea. If she correctly understood what Ackerman was implying…

“Are you saying that the missing girl…” she swallowed, reluctant to end that sentence. It would become more real then.

“Yes,” Ackerman nodded, his voice a little softer. Was it his attempt at giving her a bit of comfort? Did he simply pity her? “I think that your Krista Lenz is actually Historia. And that her father is Rod Reiss.”

Even before he spoke, Hange knew that Ackerman had reached that conclusion. Reluctantly, she was almost ready to agree with him. But… her inner world was practically in shambles. Rod Reiss, the good-willed, kind looking man with a gentle smile, was working with the criminals. He had a secret daughter.

She really couldn’t trust anyone, huh? She should have learnt this simple truth by now. Levi Ackerman did a great job of teaching that lesson to her, after all.

Hange dropped head into her hands, letting out a deep, bone-weary sigh. Couldn’t she have at least one simple, easy case? One that wouldn’t make her revalue all of her relationships and lose her faith in the humanity?

A case like that would have been real nice.

But instead she had a case that grew more complicated with each clue and a girl who was waiting to be rescued.

If nothing else, Hange couldn’t let Krista Lenz down. Or Historia, whichever name was the correct one.

“Hey listen…” a tentative touch to her shoulder and a gentle voice in her ear made Hange jump. She looked up and saw Ackerman, standing right next to her. He was… gods, he looked worried. Hange didn’t know if she should be amused or slighted. Just how pathetic she seemed just now, if Ackerman decided to comfort her? “I know it’s a lot to take in…”

Hange brushed his hand aside, abruptly jumping to her feet. Ackerman could take his pity and fuck himself with it. It was a lot to take in, but she was fine. She had taken it all in, she dealt with that mind-blowing revelation. Well, she didn’t really deal with it, but she took a pause in dealing with it. She’d finish the processing after this fucking day was over and she’d get drunk at some shitty bar. But now, she had work that needed her attention. And Hange was ready to begin.

“Give me that,” she snatched the birth certificate out of Ackerman’s hand, studying it intently. The graph with the father’s name wasn’t filled, but the mother’s name was there. Alma. There was no last name, but still, it was a start. Certainly not very promising, but Hange did more with less.

Alas, there was nothing interesting about the document except the name of the child’s mother. The child was born here, in their city, twenty two years ago. Krista Lenz was exactly twenty-two years old. A small detail that simply couldn’t be overlooked.

Next, Hange turned her attention to the photo. The picture showed adult Krista, and it was shot from distance, only her profile visible. Could it mean that someone was spying on her? If Krista was Historia, and a daughter of Rod Reiss, it made sense that he was keeping tabs on her. However…

Hange’s eyes widened, the realization swiftly settling.

The photo and the document, it didn’t come from Reiss. Reiss asked Ackermans to steal it for him, meaning…

“Do you think Reiss has enemies?” she asked Ackerman. “Do you think that someone wanted to expose him?”

“Perhaps,” Ackerman tentatively replied. His eyebrows furrowed, as he continued, rubbing his chin. “The guy that we killed… he wasn’t supposed to be at home that night. Reiss said he wasn’t going to be at home.”

“But he was.” Hange uttered, confused.

“He was,” Ackerman agreed. “And I think Reiss knew about it.”

“You think he tried to set you up?”

“Possibly. Or it was a pure coincidence and the guy just decided to return from the party earlier. Or…” he spread his arms, his point more than clear.

Closing eyes, Hange rubbed her temples. Possibly, Ackerman said. Well, she was definitely getting into something she shouldn’t. Secret children, Ackermans, nasty politicians… It was well above her paygrade.

But she couldn’t just give up. And, fortunately, she knew a place where they could find more information. If the person spying on Krista wasn’t Reiss, then it was someone who was actively trying to expose him. Someone who had died before he could reach his goal.

Hange still remembered that brief conversation she had with the politician’s widow, remembered her mentioning something about a girl that worked for her late husband. Perhaps, that girl was the one who took that photo of Krista. And if she found Krista once, perhaps, she’d help them to find her again.

The plan of action was prepared, and that was enough to calm Hange’s mind. At least, for a short while.

“We’re going to visit the politician’s house,” she announced to Ackerman. “His widow might know something.”

“You want to go to the house of the guy we robbed and killed? Awesome.”

Hange hummed, letting her eyes linger on Ackerman’s bored face. There was a question that’s been bugging her for a long time now, ever since she learnt about his true identity. They weren’t in a hurry yet, so she decided to take another moment to satisfy her curiosity. “That guy… were you the one who killed him?”

Ackerman stared back at her, his eyes surprisingly honest. “Would it make you feel better if I tell you that my uncle did it?”

Would it make her feel better to know that he was just a thief, and not a murderer? Maybe. Or, maybe not. Hange wasn’t sure what feeling this knowledge would provoke. These days, she wasn’t sure what to feel at all. The only feeling she was certain of was the exhaustion.

“Back at the museum…” perhaps, bringing this up was unreasonable. Perhaps, completely unnecessary. But she had been thinking about it, a lot. She had already formulated an explanation. Now she wanted to hear Ackerman’s reasoning, and see if the two versions were compatible in any way. “I know you weren’t the one who shot me, your uncle is much taller. When he raised that gun, he was aiming at my head, I could see it clearly,” she laughed, the sound too broken to be genuine. “I thought I was already done for, so why…”

“Why what, four-eyes?” Ackerman snapped. “Why did I stop him? Do you actually not know?”

Ackerman was staring right at her, his impassive mask slipping to reveal his anger and… frustration? Hange couldn’t clearly interpret the look in his eyes, not when she was so confused herself. She swallowed heavily, her heart pounding as she struggled to look away. Ackerman’s gaze… was burning.

“I wouldn’t have let Kenny kill you. I couldn’t bear the thought,” he said, his voice raw. He took a step towards her, and, subconsciously, Hange took a step away from him, her back now pressed against the wall. Despite their height difference, Levi seemed to loom over her, his eyes brimming with feeling. The feeling of… what? Hange didn’t know if she wished to know the answer. “Do you actually not understand why I did it?”

Ackerman was wrong. She did understand. She had him figured out, all thanks to dark, long and sleepless nights.

“You still needed me, right? That was your reason? I was still useful to you, that’s why—”

“Useful?”

Hange flinched at his tone. There was no protest there, no anger. His voice was thick with pain. Her eyes widened at the realization.

“What did I use you for, Hange?” he grabbed the lapels of her coat, roughly pulling her close to him. His breath was hot on her skin, and his fists were clenched so tightly she could almost hear the sound of the coat’s fabric ripping. “What did I ever use you for? Did I steal something from you? Did I get some piece of information out of you? You gave me the keys to your damn office, I held your shitty notebook in my hands, and did I use it?”

In the face of his outrage, Hange felt numb. She didn’t try to push him away, felt too weak to escape from him. She could only stare helplessly at him, feeling small and insignificant. Feeling like she had missed something vital, a central piece of the puzzle.

“I don’t know,” she murmured. “I didn’t check, perhaps you did take something—”

He breathed a curse into her face, his eyes a liquid fire. Just as suddenly as he had grabbed her, Levi let her go.

His back was now facing her, as he stared out of the window, his breathing loud and irregular.

“You can think whatever you want about me,” he said, deadly quiet. “You can think that I am a liar, a thief and a scumbag. But I didn’t use you Hange. It was never my intention. And if you really don’t know why I didn’t let you die, then you’re a shitty fucking detective. No wonder you couldn’t catch us.”

He stormed out of the room a second after, leaving Hange to stare incredulously after him.

His words, his touch, his eyes, it weighted down on her. They made it hard to breathe.

The places where Levi had touched her were burning, his words were still ringing in her ears and she couldn’t quite shake off the image of his eyes, his stare furious, but simultaneously hurt.

She was hoping to gain some clearance, hoping to deal with one of the many mysteries of her life. But now she was even more confused.

She took one deep breath after another, clutching at her chest. What the heck had just happened? What was Levi so worked about, what was he— it was another lie of his, another act, it had to be, Hange at last decided. What else it could be? Levi, no, Ackerman, he couldn’t really speak the truth just now? Because if that was the truth, then—

The loud bang of the closing door snapped Hange out of her reverie.

She was being naïve and foolish, again.

She was letting him get into her head, she was allowing him to fool her once more. But she wouldn’t let him do it, not after everything she had gone through.

She also couldn’t let him distract her from the case. Be her name Krista or Historia, but that girl needed to be saved. Hange had to save her.

And she wouldn’t be able to find her if she continued to stare numbly at the wall.

Hange shook her head, pushed the hair back from her face and fixed the lapels of her coat. She had no time for confusing feelings, she had to get back to work.

She was fully intent on doing that, until she remembered what had helped her get her focus back. The front door was thrown closed…

Hange shrieked, her hands flying to her head. Ackerman! He had escaped!

With a lightning speed, she rushed out of the room and out of the apartment. She took two stairs at the time, hurrying to get to the bottom of the stairwell. Her mind worked just as fast as her legs, as Hange tried to predict what direction Ackerman would take. Where would he go? Would she be able to find him? Should she even find him, after everything that just transpired?

By the time, she reached the exit of the apartment complex and tumbled out on a street, Hange was completely out of breath. She took a fleeting second, doubling over in an attempt to stop her lungs from burning out. Shit, she was getting too old for this kind of thing.

With her breathes still coming out way too rapidly, Hange slowly straightened out. Left or right? Which direction Ackerman would take? Maybe, if she was lucky, she’d catch him before he ran away.

But as Hange turned her gaze to her left, she was surprised to see that the escaped criminal… didn’t actually escape. He was standing right next to her, lazily smoking a cigarette.

“I thought you had a girl to save, detective?” he asked in a bored, indifferent voice.

Hange hated how good he was at concealing what was going on inside him. She was still shaking.

She also hated how attractive the damn bastard was, especially while smoking.

But Ackerman was right. There was a girl, and she needed to be saved.

Hange shrugged, adopting a more confident stance. She couldn’t let him know she was worried that he left. Or how handsome she thought he was. She had embarrassed herself plenty already.

So with a determined face, Hange lifted an arm, hailing a taxi.

There was no time for feelings. Not when there was work needed to be done.

***

The time they’ve spent in taxi was spent in silence.

Hange was looking out of the window, stubbornly refusing to even look in his direction. Levi himself was staring at his knees, lost to his own thoughts.

There was a lot he had to think about, the main focus, of course, was on Kenny and his involvement with Reiss and his new-found daughter.

Levi had kept a faint hope that when they got to their apartment, Kenny would be there, laying on a coach with a cigarette in one hand and a bottle of beer in another. Until the very end, he hoped that this whole ordeal with kidnapping and letters from Kenny the Reaper was a result of a weird coincidence.

Unfortunately, his hope was crushed without mercy.

Kenny wasn’t at home, and what’s more, the state of their apartment frightened Levi. Kenny wasn’t as obsessed with cleanliness as him, but he had never created such messes either. At least, it had never happened during all these years they’ve lived together. Was the mess caused by the fact that Levi had left? Or was Kenny truly going crazy?

If he decided to kidnap a girl, Reiss’ daughter, and then run off to god knows where, then he was definitely not quite right in his head.

But that wasn’t the only thing occupying Levi’s mind. Ashamed as he was to admit it, Kenny wasn’t in his thoughts nearly as often as was Hange.

Their fight back at his apartment was, for the lack of better word, a complete disaster. He made a mistake, he shouldn’t have lost his cool, he shouldn’t have admitted the things Hange didn’t have to know.

For fuck’s sake, he practically admitted that he was smitten with her. Worse yet, he almost admitted just how far he was willing to go not to hurt her. It was dangerous and it was foolish. Luckily, Hange wasn’t too interested in listening to what he had to say.

And still, the things that she had said hurt him. More than Levi was ready to admit.

She really lost all trust in him, didn’t she? Perhaps, this outcome was not at all surprising, but… painful nevertheless.

Levi stole a glance at Hange - she wasn’t looking back at him. So he allowed himself to admire her profile. Her bright, brown eyes, that hawkish nose, those enticing lips… He sighed, tearing his gaze away.

Coming here was certainly a mistake, he could have hid a little better, could have tried to run from Hange for the second time. He could have done so much more, could have at least attempted to not get caught in all of this.

Too late for any regrets now, he thought bitterly. Besides, it wasn’t like he had come here for Hange, right? He had to get Kenny out of whatever shit he had involved himself into this time.

Kenny, he was there for Kenny. For him and him only.

He had to repeat this to himself a couple of times more, because with Hange sitting so close to him, with their thighs slightly touching in the backseat of the taxi, it was hard to remember his main and initial goal. With Hange so close, it was getting hard to focus at all.

He had to think of something else.

Levi looked out of the window, watched the streets they passed by. They were getting close. Close to the house of the man he murdered.

Levi gulped. Perhaps, the idea to focus on something else wasn’t as sound as it seemed at first.

Another train of thought then. He turned to look at Hange again.

He couldn’t think about her, but there was the matter of their case. He could try and pay attention to it.

“You mentioned that the girl is missing for almost a week. Why are you the only one who’s working on finding her then? Aren’t these types of cases supposed to be…” he waved his hand around, gesturing uncertainly. “Especially time-sensitive?”

Hange sighed, showing just how stressed she truly was. “They usually are time-sensitive. But… thing is… no one actually cares if I solve this case or not.”

“Do you mean—”

“Yes. Krista, or, well,” she winced, “Historia, doesn’t have a family. She doesn’t seem to have any friends either. We received the tip about her disappearance from a fucking anonymous call. No one even noticed that she is gone. I talked with the students at her college, and some seemed sympathetic, some even mildly worried about her well-being, but no one actually cared about her. No one truly knew her too, at least, no one knew her well enough. As I asked about Krista, I got the same answer. She was kind, always ready to help. She was attentive and diligent during classes. And that world ‘was’,” Hange shook her head, her palms clenching into fists. “It seemed like everyone had already accepted that she was gone for good.”

Hange sounded so sad, so frustrated, Levi desperately wished to give her what little comfort that he could. He understood now, why she was so determined to find that missing girl and bring her home.

It was good to know that people like Hange existed. People, who would do their best to try and help someone else.

Levi could be that girl, he realized. If he went missing and Kenny wasn’t there to find him, no one would care to help him. If something like that ever happened to him, he could only hope to come across a person, who would be as selfless and kind as Hange.

If there were more people like her, perhaps, his life wouldn’t be so miserable. Perhaps, he’d be a different person.

But pondering on it was pointless now. He was who was he was. For the better or worse, Hange was who she was too.

“So no one is pushing you to hurry?” Levi glanced at her beneath his fridge. “Then what was that shit about? When you ran out of my apartment, red in face and panting like a dog?”

“Oi,” Hange slapped his knee. “Fuck you.”

“Fuck me?” Levi raised his eyebrow, remembering their first conversation. “Aren’t we moving a little too fast?”

“Shut up,” she grumbled, turning her face away. Just before she did, Levi saw the red on her cheeks.

Hange blushed. Hange, the hot-shot detective and a huge pain in the ass, had actually blushed after his stupid joke.

Well… now Levi had something to be proud of.

“I just thought—” she huffed, moving hair from her face. “It doesn’t matter what I thought, but… thanks for not running away. I… appreciate it. Looking for you would be a large inconvenience,” she gave him a side-glance, her lips twitching. “Thanks for not creating even more problems for me, I guess.”

And who said that Hange wasn’t a paragon of politeness? Levi almost felt good about himself. He almost thought that things between them were… not as disastrous as they actually were.

“We are almost there,” Hange announced, nervously tapping fingers against her thigh.

The bubble busted. There was no time to fool around. There was no time for playful banter and witty back and forth. There was no time to… appreciate that bright sparkle in Hange’s eyes.

Levi nodded, acknowledging her words, but remained speechless. What was there to say? He was going to the house that belonged to a man his uncle had killed right in front of his own eyes. And he was going there willingly. God, his life was just a string of one fucked up shitty event after another.

Hopefully, this visit would help him learn more about Kenny’s new job and, maybe, even find Kenny himself.

Hope… that’s all he had these days.

The taxi took a turn and drove up to the tall, black gates. Levi remembered climbing over it during that awful night two months ago.

This time, he wasn’t climbing over it.

Hange got out of the taxi, just as they approached the front gates. She spoke through the intercom, requesting entrance. After a long moment, the gates slowly opened and the taxi drove inside, bringing them to the large doors.

Front doors. Last time Levi was getting inside through the back door. Well, another improvement. Another sign that this visit, hopefully, wouldn’t end so horribly.

Hange paid the taxi driver and told him not to wait for them. Together they exited the car.

As they walked to the door, she leaned in to him and whispered, “It’d be best if you don’t tell the grieving widow that your uncle killer her husband.”

“I’m not an idiot, four-eyes.”

Hange chuckled and lifted her arms, palms-up. “I’m just saying. I don’t think she’s eager to meet us as it is.”

When the front door had finally opened, they were met by a butler. A fucking butler, dressed in a suit and tie and with glasses on his face. Levi stared at him, incredulously.

Killing people in general went against Levi’s principles, and killing the owner of this house in particular was obviously wrong, but stealing from him? Perhaps, he and Kenny should have also taken a few paintings.

“Good day,” Hange smiled – to Levi the expression seemed a little forced. “I’m detective Zoe and I wanted to—”

“I know,” the butler bowed his head, gesturing for them to follow him. “The Lady asked me to bring you to her office.”

The Lady? It took all of Levi’s willpower not to scoff. Rich people were ridiculous. That’s why he preferred to steal from them. Served those fuckers right.

The butler led them through a big, brightly lit hall, up the majestic stairwell, through a row of ugly paintings, and finally they stood before a brown oak door.

“The Lady is inside,” the butler said, taking a step back. “I’ll bring tea in just a few minutes. Now if you’ll excuse me…”

Hange waved her hand, obviously not interested in his false politeness. She threw the door open, walking inside without waiting for the invitation. So that was detective Hange at work? Levi watched her, hiding his amused expression.

“Sorry that we didn’t give you a heads-up,” she spoke to the woman that was sitting behind a long, mahogany desk. Suddenly Levi realized it was the same room, where Kenny had killed a man. Suddenly he realized that he was staring at the face of a woman, who had lost a husband because of him and Kenny. Avoiding the widow’s gaze, he did his best to hide behind Hange. “But there’s something we wanted to discuss.”

“Did you find my husband’s killer?”

No, but I'm his nephew and I was there when your husband had died, Levi almost blurted out. But Hange had warned him. So he wisely kept his mouth shut.

“No,” Hange walked further inside, plopping down on a chair. Much more humbly, Levi did the same. “But we think your husband is related to our other case. So we were wondering if we can ask you a few questions?”

“Who are we?” the widow arched her perfectly thin eyebrow. “Last time we spoke, I didn’t remember you having an assistant.”

Hange’s smile became strained. “That’s, um, Levi,” she gestured at him. “My, well, he’s sort of my partner.”

“A partner, huh?”

“He helps me with the case,” Hange answered vaguely. “Now about our questions…”

The widow arrogantly waved her hand, allowing Hange to continue. “Just be quick about this. After my husband’s death, I have a lot of work on my hands.”

And all of it because of him and Kenny. Great. Levi sat lower in his seat.

“I remember you mentioning…” Hange took out her notebook, Levi cringed at the sight of it. As he watched her shift through it, he briefly wondered if that note he had left for her was still there. Did she tear it out, rip into pieces and then burn the rest? Or did she… leave it there, so she could stare at it whenever she felt especially angry? Levi wasn’t sure which option was more preferable and which one would make him feel more sad. Meanwhile, Hange continued, “A girl who visited your husband. Do you remember what she looked like? Can you describe her to us?”

The widow scrunched her nose, clearly displeased. She reached to the desk’s drawer, taking out a pack of cigarettes. She opened it, putting a cigarette in between her lips. “If you don’t mind,” she mumbled, flicking up a lighter. The widow took one long drag, letting the smoke curl up towards the ceiling. She lazily traced its movement, then, when the smoke had dissipated into nothing, she spoke, “I saw her only once, she was leaving our house late in the evening. It was dark and I didn’t get a good look on her face, but I remember that she was tall,” she squinted, looking at Hange. “Slightly taller than you. Had brown hair, gathered in a low ponytail. Her clothes were baggy, and, overall, she looked just like…”

“Like what?” Levi snappily required. “Like a criminal?”

“Well, yes,” the widow agreed, throwing the ash off her cigarette. “I think she was doing some shady work for my husband.”

“Do you by any chance have a way to contact her?” Hange asked. “A phone number or a home address…”

“And why do you need it?” the widow looked at them skeptically.

“Classified information,” Hange smoothly replied. “But it’s for the greater good, believe me.”

The widow huffed, obviously not buying it. But she put the cigarette down and reached for the drawer again.

“I don’t know if that will be of any help, but,” she rummaged through the drawer, taking out a yellow envelope. “I found this when I was looking through my husband’s things. He must have destroyed the letter that was inside it, but there is the sender’s address on the back, so…”

“Thank you for your time,” Hange spoke sincerely, snatching the envelope from the widow’s hands. “You really helped us. A lot. You might have even saved a young girl’s life.”

“Whatever,” the widow rolled her eyes. “Just get out of here already. I have the work I need to do.”

“Thank you,” Hange repeated, rising to her feet. “Have a nice day.”

“And…” the widow hesitated. “Good luck with your case. I hope you do better this time.”

The smile on Hange’s face faltered, but didn’t disappear. “I’ll do my best,” she promised, before walking out of the room.

Throwing a quick last glance at the widow, Levi dutifully followed.

***

The address on the envelope led them to the worst part of their city. To the streets that were filled with garbage, where the walls had paint falling off and most windows stood completely smashed.

Hange in her fancy light brown coat looked starkly out of place. Perhaps, Ackerman was right about her having too much privilege. Right now, the contrast between her and the more unfortunate ones were sharp as ever. Although, Ackerman’s attire wasn’t that humble either.

Hange stepped a little closer to him, in a futile attempt to hide from the unfriendly gazes that followed after her ever since they stepped into this part of the city.

“I’m surprised you’ve agreed to come here,” she spoke to him in a quiet voice, “Since I know how much of a clean freak you are.”

The look Ackerman gave her could probably freeze someone to death. “I wasn’t always living in a nice and neat apartment, four-eyes. People like me usually come from the places like that.”

Hange’s eyes widened at the realization. She glanced at the man beside her, tilted her head to study him more intently. It was hard to imagine sharp-dressed and clean-shaved Ackerman, or younger Levi living in a place like that, walking through the dirty streets with broken windows. He came a long way, it seemed. Hange was amazed at his perseverance.

“I think this is the right house,” she pointed at the grey four-story building. Hange took out the envelope, checked the address again. “Yes, this is it.”

Wordlessly, Ackerman started walking in that direction. Hange caught him just before he pushed the front door open.

“Shouldn’t we, like, knock?” she asked, doing a poor job at hiding her nervousness.

Ackerman just rolled his eyes. “Don’t be an idiot,” he scolded, adding a quiet ‘tch’. “There are several apartments here. You’re not trespassing on someone’s private property yet.”

“Oh, alright,” Hange mumbled, letting him open the door and following him inside.

The inside of the building… was dirty. There were bags of trash lying around, shards of broken glass and half-shattered empty bottles. The house wasn’t silent too, from somewhere deep inside the building a child’s wailing was heard. It was accompanied by the sounds of a fighting. Or, maybe, extremely passionate love-making. Hange desperately hoped it was the latter.

“We need to go to the basement,” she said to Ackerman, trying her best to sound nonchalant and confident.

“Basement?” he repeated incredulously. “Is the address actually pointing to a basement? Are we looking for a vampire?”

“I don’t know who we’re looking for. But here,” she thrusted the envelope to him. “You can check it for yourself.”

He pushed her hand away. “I’ll trust you on that one.”

They made their way down the stairs in silence. Not wanting to see something that wasn’t meant for the police officer’s eyes, Hange kept her gaze focused on Ackerman’s face. Unsurprisingly, his expression was indifferent. But his breaths were coming out more raged than usual and he was walking with his head bowed low.

Compared to his regular level of emotionlessness, Ackerman seemed almost overly distressed.

Was this place affecting him so much? He had hinted at his not so happy childhood before. Were bad memories the reason for his emotional state right now?

Hange placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Ackerman, listen…”

Roughly, he slapped her hand away. “I’m fine, four-eyes. Focus on the task at hand.”

She stared at him, affronted. Here she was trying to— what was she trying to do? To comfort him? Because she was worried about him? Hange conceded. Perhaps, Ackerman had every right to scold her. She was losing her focus. She couldn’t allow herself that.

As they climbed to the end of the stairs, Hange looked around, searching for an apartment 009. It stood just at the end of the hallway, and without hesitation she marched right there.

She knocked, quite forcefully. And received no answer. She huffed, ignoring Ackerman’s amused gaze, and knocked again. Again, there was no answer.

Hange put her ear closer to the door, listening to any signs of life inside. There was… nothing.

“I think no one is at home,” she announced mournfully to Ackerman. “Perhaps, we can come back later…”

“Or we can stop wasting precious time,” he rolled his eyes. “Move your ass, four-eyes, I’ll get us inside.”

Ackerman went down on his knees before the door, searching for something in the pocket of his jacket.

It took Hange a long moment to realize what he was about to do. As soon as that realization kicked in, however, she rushed to pull Ackerman away from that door.

“What are you doing?” she cried out. “Ackerman, it’s illegal!”

He gave her a pointed look. “I’m a criminal, remember?”

“I’m not! I can’t let you break inside someone’s house, I’m a police officer!”

“And can you let a young girl suffer? My uncle is an impatient man, if she pissed him off…”

“Don’t joke about it!” Hange scolded. Fuck, she didn’t know what to do. On one hand, she couldn’t let Ackerman just break into someone’s house. On the other, she couldn’t really waste any more time.

“You can look the other way, four-eyes,” Ackerman proposed, his voice an octave softer. “I won’t tell anyone.”

Damn it, Hange couldn’t believe what she was about to do. Ackerman and his damn influence, if Erwin ever finds out…

She sighed, surrendering, and turned away from that door. “Do your thing already,” she urged. “I’ll be… on a look-out. Or whatever you people say.”

“You people?” he repeated teasingly. “What kind of people?”

Hange could practically hear the laughter in his voice. Well, at least, someone was enjoying himself.

“Criminals,” she gritted.

“Just don’t forget that it’s a nasty criminal,” he said, “That helps you solve this case.”

Gods, what a fucker. But he was right. He was helping her. For his own reasons, sure, but even so, Hange was working with him for merely a day, and already she accomplished so much. Perhaps, after all of that mess was over, she could even thank him.

If he wouldn’t give her another reason to hate him.

Ackerman dealt with the door just in mere seconds. Hange didn’t know that it was possible to break the locks so swiftly. He surely was talented.

“Wow, you really are good at it,” she marveled under her breath.

“Figures why you couldn’t catch us, eh?”

So he was not only a fucker, but a cocky one as well. Hange shouldn’t have found that trait of his attractive. He lied to her, for god’s sake. But she had to admit – he looked damn good while doing it.

Ackerman opened the door and let Hange go in first. She did, a bit precautiously.

The first thing she noticed was, of course, the absence of the light. Outside the afternoon sun was shining brightly, painting everything in warm orange colors, but here, in the basement, it was dark as ever. Distinctively, Hange could hear the sound of the pipes leaking, the steady drop, drop, drop that set her just a little further up on edge.

She blindly searched for the switch on the wall. As soon as she had found it, a lone lightbulb filled the room with faint light.

Apart from that, the interior of the apartment wasn’t so different from the interior of the whole building. It was in similar bad shape, with torn wallpapers and leaking ceilings. But, surprisingly, the apartment also seemed strangely empty, like whoever was living there didn’t actually consider it their home.

As Hange looked around, she found nothing personal there, no photographs or postcards or any other kind of trinkets people usually treasured.

There were some clothes thrown here and there, but that was about it. The rest of the apartment was disappointingly empty.

“I don’t think we’ll be able to find something here,” Ackerman said, as he walked inside beside her.

Truthfully, Hange was of the same opinion. But they came here. They broke inside. She wouldn’t leave until she finds at least something remotely useful.

“Let’s look around,” she said, deciding to start with the kitchen.

Unfortunately, there was nothing useful in the kitchen. The only thing Hange found was the insane amount of instant noodles and cheap beer.

No clues were found inside the living room as well. She looked under the dusty old couch and the rug, behind the shattered TV-screen and the wardrobe. But she found nothing.

Met with the absence of the clues and Ackerman’s increasing impatience, Hange was starting to get desperate.

“We’ll find something,” she murmured, to assure both Ackerman and herself.

He simply clicked his tongue. “I searched the bedroom already. I didn’t find anything that might be of some interest.”

“I’ll go and have another look,” Hange stubbornly pushed past him. “Perhaps, you missed something.”

“Or, perhaps,” he countered, his voice laced with venom. “This lead is a dead-end. And we’re just wasting our time.”

“Need I to remind you that this is the only lead we have? Because you’re unable to find your own uncle.”

Hange knew she had said the wrong thing as soon as the words had left her mouth. She didn’t mean it, not really. But she was frustrated. She was tired and lost, and Ackerman’s proximity and their shared history were making her even more stressed than she already was.

But all of it didn’t mean that Ackerman deserved her bitterness. Not in this moment, at least. Hange knew she was in the wrong, she wanted to take her words back, but then— then Ackerman decided to retaliate.

“And need I to remind you that the only reason I’m here is because you can’t solve this shitty case all by yourself. So stop accusing me of being useless when I’m helping you out of the kindness of my heart.”

“Out of the kindness of your heart?” Hange repeated, completely scandalized. She couldn’t believe that she was meaning to apologize to that shithead just moments ago. And he had the audacity— Gods, he infuriated her to no end. “You’re a fucking asshole, Ackerman. When you were lying to me like a total scumbag, were you doing it out of the kindness of your fucking heart as well?”

Ackerman was getting riled up to, his face became contorted with faint lines of anger. His hands clenched into fists, he took a step forward, breathing heavily. “Are you still going on about that thing, really? Yes, I lied to you, but I’m sure I’m not the only person in this life who did it. So can you just let it go already?”

“Let it go?” Hange felt like she was boiling, there was so much fury inside of her that it seemed like it was pouring out of her. She wanted to smash or break something, preferably Ackerman’s stupidly handsome face. “Are you seriously asking if I can let it go? Do you really not understand how much—” she faltered, choking on the hurricane of her emotions. “I trusted you, Levi, I believed you were a good man. For god’s sake, I was starting to develop f—”

Hange abruptly stopped herself. She was angry, true, she was overwhelmed as well. But she was not so lost as to reveal to him just what he truly made her feel. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing how good his lies were and how much they’ve hurt her.

After taking a deep breath, she risked a glance at Ackerman. He was staring right at her, wide-eyed and shocked and… was that sadness in his eyes?

Before Hange could decipher his expression, it changed again, became more cautious.

She blinked, and Ackerman was already moving, rapidly, in her direction. All out of sudden, he was standing right beside her, close enough for Hange to hear just how loudly his heart was beating.

Confused, she wanted to push him away, she meant to do it, but before she could react, Ackerman had her encircled in his arms. He pulled her to the side, and just as Hange was trying to get away, they swayed and tumbled. In a mess of limbs, both of them fell onto the ground.

No more than a second later, Hange heard a loud, sudden noise.

A noise she knew so well. A gunshot.

Confused and with her ears ringing, Hange tried to make sense of her surroundings. There was a gunshot, and she fell but she wasn’t on a ground. Ackerman was on the ground, and she was lying right on top of him. Hange stared at him, wide-eyed and shaken.

Their sudden close proximity made her thoughts move even slower.

Still in Ackerman’s embrace, she turned her head in the direction, where that gunshot had come from. A girl stood there, her gun raised and aimed at them.

How long had she been standing there? How in the world Hange hadn’t seen her enter?

The reason for her lack of caution was still beside her, holding her tightly to his chest.

It felt good to be so close to him, Hange felt so warm and safe—

“Get the fuck off me,” feeling her face burn, she pushed Ackerman away, and jumped up to her feet.

“That’s the thanks I get for saving your life,” he grumbled, standing up as well and dusting off his jacket. “And I did it for the second time, four-eyes.”

“Shut up,” Hange gritted, returning her attention to the girl who almost shot them both. She was tall and brown-haired. Could it be their mysterious lead?

“I’m terribly sorry to interrupt… whatever that was,” for a second the girl’s lips curled in a wicked smirk, but then she gripped the gun in her hands tighter, her finger going to the trigger. “But who the fuck are you and what are you doing in my house?”

Still slightly shaking from the whole ordeal, Hange’s fingers trembled as she took out her police badge, showing it to the girl. “I’m detective Hange Zoe, and I came to ask you some questions.”

The hand that held the gun didn’t lower. “Regarding?” the girl asked.

“Regarding Krista Lenz’s disappearance.”

The girl relaxed. The gun was tucked safely inside her leather jacket. “So the police have finally taken notice of that case? Took you long enough.”

“I’m hoping to rectify that mistake. And I hope I’ll be able to bring Krista home. What is your name?” Hange smiled and tentatively offered her hand for the girl to shake.

“Ymir,” just as cautiously, she shook Hange’s hand. “And Krista isn’t her real name, you know?”

“She is Historia, right?” the smile on Hange’s face widened, as she saw Ymir’s genuine surprise. “We found that bit of information already.”

“Seems like you’re a real deal then,” Ymir concluded with a nod. “I’ll share what I know with you. But,” she raised a finger. “I have a condition – you’ll let me join the investigation.”

Their crew was rapidly growing, and two-thirds were presented by criminals, Hange thought grimly. Well, she was ready to do anything to bring Historia home. It seemed like she would have to stick to her own promise.

Just when Hange was ready to accept Ymir and her proposition, Ackerman took a step forwards. His eyes were narrowed to slits as he glared at their new companion.

“And what guarantee we have that we can trust you?”

“You have no guarantee,” Ymir replied, staring down at him. “But as long as our goals align and as long as you promise not to hurt Historia, I promise not to betray you.”

Ah, so their crew was rapidly growing and they couldn’t really trust each other. A recipe for a horrible disaster, but… Hange had no other options.

She clasped Ymir’s shoulder, giving her the most convincing of her smiles. “Welcome aboard then. What have you managed to find out?”

Ymir grinned and turned around, gesturing for them to follow. “Probably much more than you did. Come with me, I’ll show it to you.”

#the quote from community perfectly summarises this chapter #'i think you two like to partner up on cutesy capers so you can hold hands in the dark and address your urges in semi-acceptable scenarios'#nothing else in this chapter but this!#levihan

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tired-writer-in-progress · 3 years ago

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A plan, maybe?

“H-How did-”

“It was a mere guess, to be honest. You guys have told me about the killing games, I expected to be dead in one of them.” Teruya sighed, folding his arms below his chest. “I’m an easy target. Not bright, small, gullible. Xander said it himself.”

“I was also an easy target, y’know? We’re similar. At least in the past. But... The only difference is that, well... I was a Void...” Iroha trailed off, remembering the bad deeds Void did in the killing game.

“That’s the group organization that was trying to revive the Utsuro guy, right? He’s alive in the past, but... he died in the class 79 killing game, correct?” Teruya still couldn’t believe Utsuro impersonated a future classmate. Were they really that similar?

“Yeah. Utsuro’s... not a bad guy. He’s just... how do I say it? Apathetic, maybe? He’s... really hard to describe, and that comes from someone who’s been working in the psychological field. He’s just... He’s always had that bored look on his face.” Yoruko spoke, unsure of her words. Utsuro was... really confusing to her.

“But you can’t really blame him. I mean, he’s had it rough. Blessed with incredible luck, but had... incredible greedy parents. At least that’s what I got from my research. It still doesn’t excuse his actions, of course. He may have done good things for people, like Iroha, but...” Of course, Void was, at first, named ‘Children of Utsuro’. Most of the people Utsuro helped was dead, but Nikei saved Iroha from dying too. That’s why, despite his investigations leading to nowhere, she stuck around with him, Because she was just so grateful he helped her when she was at her lowest.

“Someone who created a killing game and supposedly worked with Enoshima Junko isn’t the best role model, y’know?” Syobai deadpanned. Iroha sent him a small glare, but he ignored it.

“What I suggest we do is simply avoid Utsuro and Taira meeting Enoshima.” he suggested.

“!! That’s a good idea! If I remember correctly, they worked together! In fact, I think Enoshima took the Monokuma design from them!” Iroha recalled when Rei and Tsurugi (although hesitant) told her about their killing game.

“Still, I preffer Monocrow. Better voice, less annoying.” her comment made a few crack a smile.

“Well, you’re not wrong there-”

“Back on topic, I’m glad you believed us Otori. I know it sounds... really crazy.” Yoruko smiled. Maybe it was because Teruya was a bit gullible, but he was really understanding of the situation.

“Well, I had nothing to lose, y’know?” Teruya smiled.

“Besides, if my future classmates are safe, then I’ll be fine.” he added.

“Stop saying some sappy shit, it’s cringey.” Syobai deadpanned.

*SMACK!*

“And YOU, work on being less rude.” Yoruko scolded, hitting him on the head. He simply rolled his eyes.

“Just leave him be. He’ll change if he chooses to.” Iroha sighed, used to Syobai’s attitude. She has lived with him for, how long, months maybe?

“For now, we should focus on going back with the group.” she added, starting to walk in the same direction the rest went. The others nodded, following her.

#iroha nijiue #syobai hashimoto #teruya otori #yoruko kabuya #danganronpa another #dra #drada #super danganronpa another 2 #sdra2 #danganronpa fangame #love is a dagger arc

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alphagirl404 · 3 years ago

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An Impulse Decision: Chapter 18

Fanfiction.net

AO3

<-Previous Next->

*****

Chapter 18: Aboard the Sandship

Loud creaks echoed underneath the boots of the knight students who walked upon the upper deck of the Sandship as they decided to call it. Sand & dust cover the entirety of the ship, along with several roaches. Worn-out sails dangle from the aged masts. The mast in the center has a strange round blue object that reminds them of a target. The quartet gaped at the sheer size the sandship showcased.

"Look at the size of this place…" Link commented as he walked around the deck.

"You probably can fit the entire Knight Academy on this ship," Pipit added.

Fi exited the sword. "Allow me to give my analysis, Masters. The remains that I detect indicate that some of the monsters that attacked this ship are said to wield large amounts of energy so I advise you all to explore the ship with caution should you locate the Timeshift Stone Skipper mentioned. Your current selection of pouch items is survival-focused. Suitability to our current location is 75%. All of your items correctly focus on defense and recovery. Be aware, though, that close combat will likely be unavoidable in the ship's corridors."

"We will. Thanks, Fi." Link turns to Karane after Fi went back to the sword. "Can you feel the flame?"

"It's somewhere below the ship. I have no clue how to get to it…"

"Skipper said there's a Timeshift Stone here. Maybe that will help the way," Fledge brought up.

"But I don't see one anywhere." Pipit glanced around the upper deck.

Link looked around for any sign of the stone. What he did see is a door on the front side of the sandship.

"We'll start looking in there." Link pointed to the door to his friends

The inside was just as dusty and worn as the outside deck showed. Straight ahead lay a door. Next to it were stairs leading below the deck.

"We should split up," Link commanded. "Karane, you and I will look through that door. Pipit, Fledge, you two look below the stairs. Try to find the stone, the flame, or even where the crew…would be."

"You got it, boss." Pipit gave a thumbs up.

"Be careful guys," Fledge called out as he and Pipit walked down the stairs.

Link and Karane walked through the door that led to the very front of the sandship. There seemingly wasn't anything important at first glance. Then Karane noticed it. A figure stood at the end of a wooden walkway narrow enough to fit one person, chains guarding both sides of the path. The figure wore an old torn crimson coat & striped pants, along with a hat similar to Skipper's own. Karane walked forward to get a better look at the mysterious figure. When she moved close enough, and further away from Link, a fence with dangerous-looking spikes pop up behind, separating Karane from Link, trapping her on the walkway. Link attempted to touch the gate but it sent an electric shock at his hand and his body. It was strong enough to send him flying back, knocking him back.

"I thought I saw a smaller boat there. I know it was only a matter of time before you come." The figure turned to face Karane. His body not covered by his clothes revealed metal parts. A large hook encases his left hand. This was similar to that of the Ancient Robots but he looked more human-looking. "Who dares to intrude upon MY ship?"

"Karane Bellamy…" She trailed off. "Can I know who you are?"

"I am Scervo. Captain of this fine ship."

"You're Scervo?" Karane inquired, surprised that this robot still lived after all this time. "The pirate captain that Skipper mentioned?"

"You know Skipper, huh?" Scervo hissed at the mere mention of Skipper. "I should've figured that pesky little robot was the one to take down the invisibility cloak. After all these years he still lives. I'll have to admit it is impressive that he hasn't given up after one thousand years. But if he managed to lose his grip on this ship to me that easily it proves that I am the superior model over his line. Therefore that makes this ship and the flame rightful mine."

"Except they're not yours. Hylia made that flame for an important purpose," Karane argued in an attempt to reason with the robot captain.

"To hell with that divine whore! My kindred did everything for her! And what did we get in return? Rejection! Dismantlement! Complete eradication of my line!"

"She did that because your line of robots tried to kill people!"

"No…she feared us. Plain and simple. She might've destroyed my kind, but I still live. Each day I live I continue to spite 'Her Grace'. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that I'm more superior than my replacements, and those meat bags she calls humans. That includes keeping the flame from the likes of you."

"It is not yours to keep! Neither is this ship!"

"You're treading dangerous waters, girl," Scervo pointed his metal finger at her in a warning manner. "I'm giving you and whoever came with you one chance to leave my ship with your life."

"Tempting offer, but I'm afraid we're not going anywhere until we get that flame," Karane maintained.

"Very well…If you wish to take the flame and the ship…" Scervo pulled out a sword sparking with electricity. "YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FIGHT ME FOR IT!"

"Well, there goes negotiations." Karane thought to herself as she geared up with her sword and shield.

Scervo charged towards her at full speed, a roar emitted from him. Karane met her opponent halfway, eyes lingered at the robot captain. She noticed just how narrow the walkway was. If there's anything she remembers from learning sword combat is that narrow spaces left little room to swing the sword. The only option was to thrust it forward and move it up & down. When the moment came she thrust her sword against Scervo. This knocked him back several feet from her. Karane eyed the end of the walkway. With the way the captain reacts to getting hit, maybe she could knock him off this ship!

Both opponents spend the next several minutes of the process of fighting. Karane would strike at the robot when the moment came, which cause him to slide back. There had been moments where Scervo would attempt to hit her with his sword as the blade pulsed with electricity. Thankfully the Sacred Shield managed to repel the attack. They trade more blows until Karane manages to knock Scervo's sword out of his robotic hand.

Scervo appeared to be shocked. Then it was soon replaced by arrogance.

"I'll have to admit. You have some skill, especially for a human." Scervo said to her before he pulled out another sword from the side of his hip. "BUT IT WON'T BE ENOUGH TO SAVE YOU!"

The barricade keeping Karane moved up to where she was, trapping her further away from the entryway. Karane repeated the process of waiting for the moment to strike Scervo, whilst blocking his attacks from his electric sword. They trade blow after blow, moving closer to the end. Finally, Karane managed to not only knock that sword down but also Scervo's right arm. Scervo was in complete utter shock.

"Grr! You little bitch!" Scervo swiped at Karane with his hook, which Karane barely dodged away. The barrier moved even closer to the edge this time. "I have been here on this ship for one thousand years! I am not going to lose it to a little wretch like you!"

With only his large hook left, Scervo took swipes at Karane. These blows from his hook felt even harder than both of his swords combined. It seem like this fight was going on as usual. Until Scervo manages to knock Karane's sword out of her hand, sending it flying back next to Link's still unconscious form. The robot took the moment of Karane being in shock to take a strike with his hook. The tip of his hook slice diagonally across Karane's right cheek. It didn't do too much damage, but it did cause enough pain for her to let out a shriek. She clutches her cheek to soothe the bleeding, dropping her shield as well, forgetting for a brief moment about the battle taking place. Scervo took advantage to strike her again, this time his hook pulsed with electricity, striking her again, knocking her back several feet. Karane landed on her back, her body suffering the electrocution for several seconds before it died down. As she lay in a daze, blood streaming out from her bleeding cheek. Scervo towered over her.

"You should've fled while you had the chance. A shame that I have to take out such a skilled opponent like you. At least you put up a good fight. But now it's time to end this."

Scervo lifted his hook high to prepare to strike Karane down. But before he could get even close, he was forced back by a crystalized blue shield. It faded away after a moment. Karane slowly sat up, giving the pirate a smug smirk. It seemed to irritate him even more. A roar erupted from him as she attempted to strike her down only to be blocked by the crystal shield again, this time sending him close to the edge of the path.

Link finally came to his senses. The lingering effects of the electricity slowly faded away as he slowly moved up. His eyes caught sight of Karane's sword lodge on the wood. The hero looked ahead to see Karane get knocked down by Scervo who attempted to strike her down only to have his attack be repealed by the powers of Nayru's Grace twice. Link knew Scervo wouldn't be knocked down for long. He didn't know how stuck Karane's sword was lodged in the floor. Glancing at the Goddess Sword on his back, a sudden idea came to him.

"Karane!" Link ran up to where the girl was. "Catch!"

Link threw his sword at the girl. Karane swiftly caught it in her hand. With the Goddess Sword in her hand, and reclaiming her shield, Karane charged up the robot as he finally got back to his feet. Karane delivered several hard blows. After a long grueling process she sliced off the robot's hook, knocking him off the edge of the walkway and the ship.

"CCCCUUURRRSSSEE YYYYOOOOOOOUUUUUUU…!" Scervo screamed out as he fell until his body exploded upon impact. Scervo was no more.

Karane stood near the edge, panting heavily as her grip on the Goddess Sword remained strong. A blue chest appeared at the edge of the pathway. The barrier blocking her escape was now gone, allowing Link to move up to her.

"You okay?" Link asks Karane with concern, especially with the cut on her cheek still bleeding.

"I've survived worse. I'll be fine," Karane responded casually. "Here. Thanks." Karane gave the Goddess Sword back to Link.

"Masters, that synthetic life-form…" Fi addressed the pair Link regained the sword. "I can confirm that it's the pirate described by Skipper. I can't help but admire the tenacity it has displayed in staying alive and functional after all the past one thousand years."

"Damn…" Link muttered. "How can something stay alive all this time?"

"Pure spite or just too angry to die." Karane quipped, which earned a chuckle from Link.

"At least he left us with a parting gift." Link opened the chest. Inside of it appears to be an archer's bow and a quiver holding many arrows.

"A bow?" Karane wondered.

"That is correct, Master Karane." Fi clarified. "This bow, in particular, can propel arrows through the air with great force, allowing you to strike your targets from afar.

"Not only that but there's also a map to the ship in here." Link pulled out a large piece of paper which showed a layout of the sandship. This will definitely make traversing the ship easier.

"You can also shoot arrows to strike certain devices to activate them," Fi continued with her explanation. "I have confirmed that such a device exists on the deck. However, it will be difficult to target it from here, so I recommend you both return to the deck."

With that said, a done Fi returns to the blade. Link brings his attention to Karane, specifically the gash on her cheek. The pair return to the inside of the front ship. They found a stool for Karane to sit on while Link could help her dress her wound. Seconds later footsteps echoed from the stairs as Pipit & Fledge appeared from below.

"Karane?! Dear Farore, are you okay?" Pipit practically ran over to Karane.

"What happened to you?" Fledge asks as he rushes up as well.

"I'm fine," Karane assured. "Let's just say I got acquainted with Scervo."

"Scervo? The pirate that Skipper mentioned?" Pipit questioned.

"'Fraid so," Link responded as he pulled out a red potion. "Any of you got spare rags?"

Fledge reached into his pouch and pulled out what Link wanted. "Here."

"Thanks." Link poured portions of the potion on the rag, giving the bottle of the remaining contents to Karane for her to drink.

"Does it look bad?" Karane asked Link after she drank the bottle.

"Given the size of Scervo's hook, it could've been a lot worse. You're lucky your face didn't get sliced off. It's gonna leave one hell of a scar." Karane let out a low hum in response. Link tried to cheer her up. "Look on the bright side, you'll have a badass story to tell."

"You think so?"

"Definitely. Not every day you fight with an ancient crazy robot."

"I guess that makes me feel a little better."

Link finished up cleaning the wound. "Alright, I think it should be good. Just need to cover it up with a bandage."

"I have some sticky bandages in my pouch."

Karane gestured to her pouches that she had moved to the base of the stool. Link was about to reach for them, only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll do it," Pipit offered. "You take a break."

Link moved his hand back. Pipit reached in moving his hand around until he found what he was looking for. Gently, he placed the bandage over the freshly clean cut on Karane. Pipit couldn't help but notice the beauty of her bright blue eyes that she had regained from Nayru's Trial. He never had the moment to truly admire them. This went on for only several seconds before he put his focus on placing the bandage on Karane's cheek.

"I think that'll do," Pipit softly patted the bandage.

"Thanks, Pipit. And thank you, Link, for helping me back there."

"Happy to help, sister," Link chimed.

The quartet exited back on the main deck of the sandship right after Link showed Pipit & Fledge the Bow he and Karane acquired. They search around for the strange device Fi had mentioned, Their sights were brought back to the strange blue target seen on the mainmast. Fi confirmed with them that that was indeed the device in question.

Link took the shot at the target. Thankfully, Link, and everyone else, had learned archery as it was part of their training to become knights. A large familiar stone appeared at the top of the main mast of the ship. Fi again confirmed that is the stone that Skipper had mentioned to them. Link shot another arrow at the Timeshift Stone, transforming the surrounding area.

The old worn sandship filled with bright colors. The faded torn up sails were now perfectly intact in the color of orange. The sand surrounding the ship filled with at most a mile of water. The students wonder at the changes were short-lived when another arrow was shot at them. Several Bokoblins stood high on the masts wielding archers' arrows. Under different circumstances, this would pose some problems. Except two of their targets had wielded a bow, while the other had the power to create shields. Link shot at the Bokoblins with his bow, whilst Karane reflected the arrows straight back at the shooter with the power of Nayru's Grace. The monsters were gone within minutes.

"Good job you four!" Skipper hovers towards them. "I saw the fight with Scervo from my boat. Which one of you was the person to do it?"

Karane stepped forward. "I did. Had some help from Link but managed. Scervo won't be bothering you guys anymore."

"By the goddesses, that's amazing news! With him gone, taking back this ship will be a breeze for you guys, especially now the ship looks like it used to. That makes me so happy. Not only that but it seems that you found the Bow as well. That just makes it better."

"We also found this." Link showed Skipper the map of the ship. "Any idea where your crew might be?"

"I'm certain they're being held in the brig inside the ship." Skipper pointed to a section to one of the lower levels of the sandship. "It's below the ship. Hopefully, they'll be there. I bet that more of Scervo's crew are still lurking about on the ship so be careful! I'll just stay back on the boat until it's safe to come back."

The humans made their back to the inside of the ship, which was just as colorful as the outside deck. Pipit & Fledge revealed that during their exploration they did stumble across a room that had the remains of the ancient robots, along with Bokoblins. They mentioned a large gold door next to that room as well that was reminiscent of the doors they had seen at the end of the temples they all visited.

Much like what Skipper warned, several more Bokoblins, Technoblins specifically roamed the halls. They weren't difficult to take down this time around. They soon found the brig where the members of Skipper's crew were being held, with more Technoblins standing guard. Within minutes the monsters were all gone.

"You're all human, aren't you?" One of the robots inquired as the group approached the bars. "So how did you get in here?"

"We came with Skipper to save you. We defeated Scervo as well," Link answered the robot.

"You came with Skipper to save us? I'm so happy to hear that he's doing well and that Scervo is gone now!"

"Can you tell us how to get you guys out of the brig?" Karane questioned the robot.

"We can't get out while that sparky thing blocks the exit." The robot points to the only entryway to the cell which is blocked off by an electric wall. "The only way to deactivate it is from the engine room. The engine room is right below the brig. There's a corridor in the engine room that connects to the brig, but it's locked from this end. You four need to access it from the engine room. But to get through the engine rooms here you need to activate the two power generators in the engine room. The generators are located in two different locations on the ship."

The robot pointed in the direction of the generators on the map of the ship. Now it was clear what to do next, the quartet set off to find the generators.

The first generator wasn't difficult to find and activate. Pretty simple really. Enter the room, Link puts the sword in, and just like that, it was activated. A vibration felt through the room as it did. The second one posed a bit of a challenge. The door leading to it was blocked from the other end. Fortunately, there was a room next to it that had an unlocked door. After taking down more Technoblins, plus a Beamos, they search the room for clues. From their position, they could see the other switch to the power generator, access to it being blocked by the bars on the door, and the middle of the room.

After minutes of searching, one of them stepped on a small platform that moved down the moment they stepped on it. A blue target appeared on the other end of the room. The same type of target was seen on the mast that held the Timeshift Stone. Link shot an arrow at the target, which removed the bars from the door. With newfound access, the group entered the room and turned on the last power generator. All there's left to go to the engine room.

Finding it was a tad difficult. It was located on the lowest part of the sandship. When they did finally arrive they were greeted with large metal boxes moving up and down. The switch to turn off the electric barrier in the brig, along with the door leading there was at the other end of the large metal blocks. It took careful timing to pass through them to ensure the quartet wouldn't get crushed by them. Eventually, all four students made it safely to the other side of the engine room. They found the switch connected to the brig which they gradually turned off. After that, they found the door which led to the brig so they return there. The robots that were imprisoned now roam free in the brig.

"You all did it!" The robot from earlier cheered with joy. "My circuits are glowing with happiness. How can I repay you all?"

"Well…could you tell us where we can find Nayru's Flame?" Link inquired.

"Really? You all want to find Nayru's Flame? Why is that?"

"We need it to find a friend of ours," Karane revealed.

"Oh? What for?"

"She went to a place that we can't exactly reach under normal circumstances," Pipit responded

"The flame is the only way we can reach her. Without it, we can't do that," Fledge added on

"I see…If you want to reveal Nayru's Flame, you're going to have to regain control of this ship," The robot told them. "You probably noticed that large door on your way here, correct? That is the control room. You'll need a key to open it."

"Do you know where we can find it?" Link asks.

"The key should be in Skipper's cabin." The robot handed them a small key. "Use this to gain access to it. Call it our thanks for saving us. You can get to Skipper's cabin through a door on the deck in the back of the ship. But I and the others are joining back with Skipper. Sorry to leave this all on your own but we're due for a reunion. Plus we've been in here long enough. I'm sure you all can do it."

All the members of the sandship crew exited out of the brig. The quarter made their way to Skipper's Cabin. In there they found the familiar large white chest with the red gem. Inside of the chest holds a carving that resembles a squid of sorts.

"That the key?" Pipit asks.

"Seems like it." Link gazes at the carving in his hand. "Now we just use this to enter the control room to get the flame."

"That sounds great…" Fledge states unenthusiastically crossing his arms, his elbows in his hands.

"Something wrong?" Karane asked Fledge.

"It's just…Every time we find one of those strange keys, some monster comes out and tries to kill us."

"Fledge, there's no monster out here," Link assured the orange-clad student. "I'm sure whatever monster lived there is no doubt long gone. I think we have nothing to worry about."

****

Ghirahim reappeared in front of the large skeleton remains that he had found. A small flash of diamonds appeared over the skull over the creature, revealing a huge Timeshift Stone. Unlike the stones found scattered across the desert, or even the ones in Lanayru Mine, this stone was as big as a boulder. The stone hovered slowly towards the skull until it was floating just mere centimeters away.

A dark grin grew across Ghirahim's lips

"No way they'll escape with their lives this time."

With a snap of his fingers, the Timeshift Stone lodge itself to where the eye socket would be. The stone glowed into the blue hue. Dark clouds began to form as the effects of the stone covered the skeleton. Ghirahim stood with pride watching his handiwork come to life. Now the show can truly begin.

Ghirahim turns his head to the Sandship just several miles away.

"Let's see you try to escape this time, sky children."

****

The quartet shoved the key into the door of the control room. The inside of the room had a large machine in the center of the room being connected by large pipes. Aside from some humming echoing off the walls, it was quiet.

"So this is the control room huh. Not what I was expecting," Link stated

"What did you expect?" Karane asks curiously

"I don't know, I just thought it would be bigger."

"Can we just find the flame already?' Fledge insisted urgently.

"Still worried about something coming out to kill us?" Pipit commented.

"Given past experiences, I think I should be rightfully cautious.

"Fledge, I already told you there's nothing to worry-" The lights in the control room suddenly cut out. The room started to shake. "...about."

"What was that?" Pipit wondered.

"There's something here…" Karane observed cautiously.

The room shook more violently. Parts of the wooden floor shifted up. Then large purple tentacles erupted from them. They were long, as wide as each member of the group. The purple tentacles slithered back below before the room started tilting.

Fledge gave a glare to Link. "Nothing to worry about, eh?!"

"Just shut up and run!"

The quartet dashed out of the control room. To make a turn to the hallway leading the way out. But the purple tentacles erupted from the walls blocking the way out. Each one of the students tried to slice through the tentacles but it bounce them back. Now even the Goddess Sword could slice through them.

Fi appeared before the group. "A report, Masters. Judging by their size, these tentacles belong to a monster of considerable size. The current situation is difficult to determine with complete accuracy but signs indicate that this ship is under attack. If we do nothing, there is an 80% chance the ship will capsize. I recommend forcing it back with sacred power, then exiting to further assess the current situation."

Link activated his Skyward Strike to slice through the tentacles after Fi went back in the sword. The group ran through the hallway leading to the first set of stars leading the exit. The ship tilted to the side, nearly causing some of the students to slip. The nearly steep incline made it difficult for them to traverse the next corridor. They all had to grab sections to keep themselves from slipping down below.

"I knew something like this would happen. I knew it would," Fledge ranted on. "But NNNOOOO! Nobody listens to poor ol' Fledge like usual."

"I get it! You were right, Fledge, but let's focus on getting out of this alive first. Then you gloat all you want!" Link shouted back.

The group eventually exited out of the corridor. The interior of the ship tilted down, giving enough stable ground for the group to move. Karane ran ahead to the open space. One of the tentacles burst just at her side. She instinctively activated Nayru's Grace, moving the crystal barrier in the way that it sliced the tentacle off. Another tentacle burst in front of her, not close enough to grab her, fortunately. Pipit suddenly recalled when he awoke his wind magic to take down Koloktos. He moved his arm in a slice motioned, blowing a gust of air which sliced off tentacles.

"Good to know our powers can be used against that thing," Karane commented.

"Hopefully it'll be enough to take down whatever is attacking us," Pipit added on.

The inside shake violently again. Sounds of rushing water echo. Water floods into the room and was already up to their calves.

"C'mon! Where not out of the clouds yet!" Link shouted.

"Way ahead of you!" Fledge ran ahead as the water rose to their knees.

The group made it to the final set of stairs that will lead them back on the deck. The water had filled up the rooms below. There was no way out below. The only exit was through the door leading to the deck.

"Warning, Masters," Fi addressed them cautiously. "I sense an evil presence on the other side of this door. There is a 90% chance it is the primary body mass of the creature whose tentacles are destroying this ship. I suggest making all necessary preparations before exiting to the outside of the ship."

Fi went back to the sword. All four knight students glanced at each other nervously. Despite that, they all march outside with determination to face the mysterious creature head-on.

Rain poured down on them as the knight's students searched for their assailant. The ship seem to have split in half, yet it miraculously stayed afloat. Aside from the pounding rainfall, it was quiet. Too quiet. The boat started shaking. The giant purple tentacles appeared from below, surrounding the students. The quartet armed themselves with their weapons ready for the tentacles to attack them. Instead, the tentacles went back below. A large splash occurred in front of the damaged ship. The creature finally revealed itself.

This…monster was bigger than Scaldera, Moldarach, and Koloktos combined. Its head was round like a ball, with fins on both ends. Many tentacles surround its body. Two of which were longer, and thicker than the rest, with the ends of them being thin and long enough to perhaps grab the students. If they had to guess, those serve as the monster's main arms & hands. The center of the creature's head had a large red eyeball. It let out a roar as it started down at the four tiny humans.

Needless to say, this creature was terrifyingly ginormous.

"Holy crap, that thing is huge..." Fledge squeaked out.

"We're going to need a bigger boat," Link muttered.

The monster dove back under the waters. Tentacles broke through the ship trying to grab one of the students, all of which were doing their best to dodge.

"Watch out for those tentacles!" Pipit instructed loudly.

"Just what the hell is that, Fi?" Link shouted as he dodge the tentacles.

"This is Tentalus. This Abyssal Leviathan is said to have been a tyrant of the ancient seas. As you know, its enormous tentacles can be repelled with sacred power but they will regenerate after a short time."

"How is this thing alive?" Karane questioned.

"I sense a presence of magic. I detect a great source of it coming from within Tentalus' eye. I theorize that the creature's eye is its weak point, but the probability that Master Link can actually hit the eye with a Skyward Strike is approximately 0%. Instead, I recommend utilizing long-range weapons."

"Could the bow help?" Link asked.

"I calculate a 95% success rate if you use it to shoot Tentalus's eye. I recommend shooting arrows immediately after dodging attacks launched by Tentalus."

"Got it."

Link dodged another one of the tentacles. Pipit & Karane were faring well against the assault of tentacles thanks to their divine powers. Fledge on the other hand didn't have such luck. Link remembered that he was the only one without any sort of magic or divine power protecting him. A tentacle went straight down toward Fledge. Link tackled the young boy out of the way.

"Thanks, Link!" Link helped Fledge back up. "I wish I can help you guys out but my sword can't through these tentacles. I'm basically useless."

It was then Link got a little idea. Link pulled out the Bow.

"How's your archery, Fledge?"

"Decent enough I think, why?"

Link handed the Bow to Fledge. "When that thing comes back up You need to shoot its eye."

"ME?!" Fledge exclaimed in shock. "Why me?!"

"The rest have ways to fight against that monster. Which means we can better defend you."

"B-b-b-but I-," Fledged stuttering was cut off when Link grab his shoulder.

"I believe in you. You can do it."

Hearing Link's words was enough to accept what he had to do.

After several minutes of slicing down the tentacles, Tentalus revealed himself again, soothing his freshly cut-off tentacles that were slowly growing back. Tentalus' big red eye was exposed.

"Take the shot, Fledge!" Link commanded the boy.

Fledge readied himself with the Bow. The string of the bow pulled back, his arms shaking from trying to hold the arrow in place. It was now or never. Fledge's grip on the string released. Tentalus let out a pain-filled cry as his head fell on the remains on the ship in a daze.

"You got him!" Karane praised Fledge.

"Nice shot!" Pipit praised as well.

"I knew you could do it," Link followed up.

Link ran over to Tentalus where he laid on an all-out assault on the monster's lone eye until it jerked back up. Tentalus once again ducks underneath the ship, all of his tentacles regrown. Just like before tentacles erupted from below the ship. Everyone used whatever they had to slice them down, with the exception of Fledge who stayed close to Link for protection. So far the plan seems to be to slice down enough tentacles for Tentalus to reemerge himself from the water so that his tentacles could heal. Then Fledge would take the shot into the creature's eye for Link to layout another assault on the giant eye until Tentalus regained his strength to submerged himself under the water for the second time already.

The onslaught of tentacles started again only for all of them to get sliced down. When Tentalus appeared out of the water, rather than tend to his tentacles, he used his primary arms to try to slam down on the remains of the deck. The arms moved slowly, giving enough time for the humans to move out of the way. Fledge again took a shot to the eye, giving Link the chance to attack. When Tentalus gained the strength to pull back rather than go back on the water he did something else.

Tentalus began slamming his arms on the deck at a fast speed. It was enough for the remains of the deck to jerk around. The knight students lost their balances but still manage to stay on the deck. Karane did her best not to fall off. That was put to an end when Tentalus slammed the deck hard enough to dip sideways. Karane slid to the side of the ship. The female senior knight managed to grab the edge. Something then grabbed a whole of her when she was about to climb back over. Suddenly she found her view looking at the decks of the ship. Her three friends looked at her with horrified expressions. Karane's body was wrapped in a purple substance similar to the tentacles.

Tentalus has Karane in his grasp.

"It has Karane!" Fledge's horror-filled voice reached her ears.

Karane struggles to release herself from Tentalus' grip. All she did manage to free is one of her arms.

"WHAT IS WITH THE MONSTERS IN THIS REGION OBSESSION WITH GRABBING ME!" Karane bellowed as she used her free hand to hit the tentacle.

"We'll get you down! Just hang tight!" Link shouted back. "Wait, sorry! Poor choice of words!

"Ya think!" Karane bellowed back with sarcasm.

Tentalus used its other arm to slam down on the ship for several minutes. Then it appeared that he was getting tired out. Fledge readied himself to shoot at Tentalus' eye. Right before he released the arrow, Tentalus moved his arm holding Karane in front of his eye.

"I can't get a clear shot!" Fledge announced.

"That thing is using Karane to block his eye!" Link concluded.

Pipit clenched his fist when Link made that revelation. How dare that monster to use her as a living shield?! Damning whatever consequences may occur to him, he was going to free her whatever it took.

"I'll get her free!"

"Pipit, wait!" Link reached out for his honorary brother as the yellow-clad senior ran towards the creature.

"I'm coming, Karane!"

Pipit ran to the edge of the deck. Using the power of wind, he launched himself into the air aiming towards where Karane was. Karane reached out her free arm for Pipit to grab onto. Pipit flew closer and closer. His hands are about to grab hers. Then, just as Pipit's hands were mere inches away from grabbing Karane's, Tentalus' other arm smacked Pipit away almost like a fly. Pipit was flung a good distance away from the ship, landing in the water.

Link and Fledge stood petrified when they watch Pipit get smacked away. Karane screamed out for his name, her arm reaching to him. She scanned around the water for any sign of Pipit but she couldn't find him. Tentalus glared down at the occupants of the ship. The tentacles all rose above the water. Mouths with sharp teeth revealed themselves on the ends of every one of them, eyeing both Link and Fledge. Tentalus emitted a sound, almost as if he was laughing, taking pleasure at the misery that he gave to Karane and her friends.

A rage built inside of the young woman. Hatred is all she could feel for this creature that would dare harm her friends, and especially the man she loved! Her free hand clenched in a fist, shaking with pure and complete fury. No one seemed to notice the section of water in front of Tentalus moving erratically. Something within the young woman was clawing in her as if it was trying to break free. Acting on pure instinct, Karane threw a punch in the air in the direction of Tentalus, letting out an angry-filled shout. The tentacles with teeth aiming at Link & Fledge seized their assault as Tentalus was hit by an unseen force. It was strong enough for the monster to release his grip on Karane.

The woman landed back on the deck. On her knees, she could see a large column of water formed above the ship in the shape of a fist as Tentalus massaged its eye from the high amount of pain he had just felt. Something managed to hit him there. Karane noticed that her hand was still formed in a fist. Unclenching it, the water fell back into the sea. Karane felt a strong connection to the water. Small vibration felt against her hip.

The symbol of Nayru glowed brightly.

"Did...Did I just…?"

"You did indeed, Karane Bellamy." Nayru's voice echoed in Karane's head. "The full potential of Nayru's Grace is now fully awakened. You now can manipulate the water to however you desire."

Karane took the next several seconds to take in this knowledge revealed by Nayru. The energy of her newly awakened power flowed within her. Her gaze goes back to Tentalus.

"Now use your newfound power to bring forth the consequences to this monstrosity that dares to lay hands upon you and your friends, and put an end to it once and for all."

"I will, Nayru…"

"Karane!" Link ran over to her side.

"I can't see Pipit anywhere!" Fledge darted his eyes at the water as he followed behind Link.

"Pipit's tough. He'll be fine, I'm sure," Link looked back to Karane. "Are you…alright? What just happened?"

Karane lifts her head. Tentalus was still soothing his eye, which was now dropping out what she guessed was his blood. No sympathy was given from her, only hatred. That monster deserves far much worse for hurting Pipit. Looking at the water around the ship and the monster, Karane knew what she had to do.

"Just awaken my full potential," Karane answered almost casually as she stood up. Then she started walking forward.

"What are you doing?" Fledge watches Karane walk with a quizzical expression.

"I think it's time that this battle hits the climax. You two stay put. When I get a hold of that monster, you both do your thing."

"You know what you're doing?" Link asked her.

"Very much."

Karane walked to the edge of the deck. She closed her eyes, sucking in a deep breath. Both of her arms lifted to the side. Two columns of water slowly arose, one on each side of the beast. Tentalus stopped soothing his bleeding eye to see the rising water. The columns of water formed into a pair of giant hands as big as Tentalus himself. Karane's own hands were gestured in the same way as the water hands. Karane moved her hands, to which the giant hands mimicked the motions of it. A connection was now fully established.

Now it was time for payback.

The giant water hands move to the monster, replicating every motion Karane's arms & hands made. Tentalus attempted to fight against them only to receive another punch to the face adding in more pain. Then the giant water hands each grabbed both of Tentalus' primary arms, holding him in place. But oh no, Karane won't simply hold him. She intends to hurt the monster just like he hurt Pipit.

Karane moved her balled fist apart, slowly in a pulling motion. The giant water arms made the same motion, though they were pulling on Tentalus' arms. Tentalus let a roar of pain as the water hands were tugging hard on his arms. The sound of bones breaking emitted from Tentalus' arms. The water arms finally pulled off both of Tentalus's arms, a loud pop emitted as it did. Tentalus roared in agony as its blood poured out of where its arms used to be.

Link & and Fledge watch the whole thing unfold with a mix of amazement & terror.

"Holy shit…" Link muttered.

"Remind me to NEVER get on Karane's bad side…"Fledge added on.

The female senior knight used the moment to control the giant water hands to grab Tentalus's body. The monster tried to release himself but Karane managed to keep the hands-on firm hold.

"Not so fun when you're the one being manhandled now is it…"

"Take the shot!" Karane commanded Link & Fledge. "I don't know how long I can hold him!"

Fledge raise the Bow and fired an arrow into Tentalus' eye. Karane cut the connection to the water hands to move out of the way as Tentalus' head landed on the deck. Link, sword in hand, ran over to the monster, giving more hard slashes at its eye. Link pierces the sword straight in the dead center of Tentalus' eye, pulling it out after several seconds. Tentalus roared out in pain for the final time while the blood poured out of his eye, as well the blood coming out from his arm sockets. The roaring grew quiet as Tentalus's body fell into the seam finally succumbing to his wounds. The corpse of Tentalus floated above before it finally disappeared in purple mist. A large purple stone fell into the sea. Tentalus was no more.

The dark rainy clouds were soon cleared away, with the sky showing itself. Karane let out heavy pants, resting her hands on her knees. Pipit comes back to her mind. Karane scrambled over to the edge of the deck. She, along with Link & Fledge searches along the water for any sign of Pipit but to no avail. What they did find was Skipper and several crew members in the boat, while the rest rested on floating debris.

"Are you guys alright?" Skipper yelled to them.

"We are, but Pipit got knocked down and we can't find him," Link said back to Skipper. "Have you guys seen him?"

"I'm afraid we haven't!"

"I still can't see him…" Karane shuddered. "What if he's…"

"Guys look!" Fledge pointed in the water.

Swimming towards Skipper's boat were the seals Urbosa, Nabooru, Buliara, Aveil, and little Riju. Slouching on the back of Urbosa appeared to be Pipit. The yellow-clad senior knight didn't respond to his friend's calling his name. They most likely assumed that he was tired out. Either way, they were glad the seals got him.

"Oh thank Hylia…" Link breathed out in relief.

"We got your friend. You folks better get that flame!" Skipper said to the group. "The flame should be on the top of the deck!"

"I'll go check on Pipit. You get that flame."

Fledge gradually moved his way down to Skipper's boat, leaving Link & Karane on the deck. Karane kept her worried eyes on Pipit's still form. She should be relieved to see him but a gut feeling was practically shouting at her that something was wrong.

"Let's hurry and get the flame," Link's voice pulled Karane out of her thoughts. Reluctantly, she went with Link.

The pair made their way to the upper level of the remains of the front deck. Naryu's symbol was painted at the dead center of the platform. The symbol glowed, as did the other symbol on Karane's hip when they approached. The symbol on deck was engulfed in a bright glow. An altarpiece emerged from below, with the black crest of the goddess. Link hit it with a Skyward Strike turning the symbol purple.

Bright blue flames emerged from the altar, just as bright as Farore's Flame did. Fi flew in between the pair and Nayru's Flame. Like before, the flames engulf the sword spirit into a large blue ball of fire. The ball then flew straight up into the air and out of their sight.

"Is she going to come back down or…" Karane muttered.

At that moment the fireball came falling at high speed, leaving Link & Karane barely enough time to jump out of the way to avoid getting hit. Fi stared at the pair as her body was surrounded by the flames. Knowing what to do, Link raised his sword, prompting Fi to push the flames on the sword. The force of the flames would've knocked Link back had Karane hadn't braced her hands on his back. The last of the flames went into the blade and Link pointed the blade skyward. The sword gave a bright glowed, turning the blue-green blade into a pure white sword.

"The flames of Nayru have transformed your blade, expanding my powers. My dowsing ability can now track even more objects at a time," Fi shared to the pair.

Link & Karane examine the blade's new form. After two days they finally obtained Nayru's Flame. Right after Link sheathed his sword, his right hand tingled. The strangle triangle symbol glowed, this time the bottom left glowed brighter. Then it vanished.

"That symbol again…Why does it keep showing up?" Link wondered.

"I don't know," Karane shrugged.

"Masters, we have succeeded in finding Nayru's Flame," Fi addressed. "With the sword enhanced, we are now ready to learn a new melody. I recommend that we return to the Isle of Songs as soon as-"

"LINK! KARANE! GET DOWN HERE! SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH PIPIT!" Fledge's panicked voice rang off their ears.

The pair rushed over to Skipper's boat, with Fi following right behind. In the middle of the boat was Pipit, the body still, and eyes closed. The crew and Skipper all had worried faces. Even the seals seem to be unsettled. What alarmed Link & Karane was Fledge's frightened expression plastered on his face and hyperventilating breathing, unsure what to do.

"What's wrong with Pipit?" Link asked Fledge.

"I-he-he's not-..."Fledge stuttered.

"What's wrong with him?!" Karane said more demandingly than Link.

"He's…he's not breathing…"

Karane immediately knelt next Pipit's body. Grabbing his wrist, she moved her fingers to feel his pulse. It was there but it was very faint.

"I still feel a pulse, but it's very faint…" Karane stated.

"What's up with him then?" Link question.

"My scans show that the impact of Tentalus' arm knocked out Master Pipit. Due to this, he was unable to stay afloat in the water. As a result, his respiratory system became flooded with water," Fi reported.

"How? The Water Dragon Scale should've protected him!" Link argued back.

"Only if the person is conscious…" Karane uttered out grimly, remembering the detail that Faron told her and Fledge. "Faron warned me and Fledge while you guys were getting the sacred water."

"What do we do?!" Fledge frantically asked.

"I can still detect signs of life. There is a 40% chance that Master Pipit can still be saved," Fi revealed. "We must find a method to extract all of the water out of his system within the next few minutes or he will be lost to us."

"How though?" Link turned to Skipper. "Do you guys know?"

"I'm…I'm sorry. We don't have anything to help you," Skipper told Link somberly.

"There has to be something!" Link exclaimed.

Karane looked upon Pipit's form with glassy eyes. Her hand on his cold, wet cheek while the other clench onto his hand. Her heartbeat beats with anxiety. She didn't know what to do. Karane is completely helpless…Just like she was when her parents perished all those years ago. Now history was repeating itself.

"Save him…"

"Nayru?" Karane muttered soft enough for anyone not to hear her.

"You have the power to control the water. You can use it to remove the water from Pipit."

"So he can…he can still be saved?"

"Yes, dear child. You couldn't have done anything to save your parents, but you can save him."

"I-I don't if I-"

"I know you can do it. But it's now or never. I can feel his spirit pulling away from this realm as we speak. Even now he's fighting it but he's losing. If you don't act immediately you'll lose him forever. Pipit's fate is now in your hands."

Karane brought her gaze back to Pipit then her hand. Can she really save him? There is only one way to know. Karane hovered her hand over Pipit's chest. It took Link several seconds to see what she was doing.

"Karane, what are you?"

"I think I can save him!" Karane said to Link.

"You can? How?" Fledge said hopefully

"Just let me focus!" Karane knew it was wrong to snap like that but she'll apologize later. Time was the essence.

Karane hovered her hand over Pipit's chest, trying to feel something that didn't belong in there. Just as she felt it was hopeless, she felt a connection. Karane moved her hand to maintain control. Now began the extraction process.

Gently, but hurriedly, Karane moved her hand from Pipit's chest area, up his neck, and then his mouth. Out of Pipit's slacked jaw, a long trail of water floated out of his mouth. Karane used one hand to hold the water in place while using the other hand to continue to extract the water. Link, Fledge, Skipper, his crew, and even the seals just all stared at her in pure awe at what she was doing. Karane finally extracted the last of the water from Pipit, tossing the water back into the sea. Then everyone watched in silence waiting for Pipit to move. Nothing happened.

Several seconds later, Pipit's eyes darted open as he let out a cough.

Pipit violently coughed out the remaining water out of his mouth, crawling onto his knees as he did. Fledge was about to reach for him only for Link to urge his friend to give Pipit space. Pipit's coughing lasted for several seconds until it was replaced by the sounds of him desperately sucking in the air. He moved one of his hands into his view. The hand trembled with Pipit's wide-eyes glued onto it, screaming 'Holy shit, I'm alive.' The heavy breaths grew into gentle, normal breathing. Pipit continues to stare off into space.

"Pipit?" Karane called out to him.

The yellow-clad slowly turns his head towards the young woman. A relieved smile grew on his lips as he pulled her into a hug. "Karane…You're okay!"

"Are you okay?"

"I…I think so. Did you…"

"Yeah. I did."

"...Thanks."

Karane felt very tired suddenly. A tired groan escaped from her mouth as her eyes started to feel heavy. Pipit pulled back, tilting her tired chin, gazing at her with his concerned green eyes. Karane placed her palm on his cheek, gently caressing it. Seeing Pipit alive filled Karane with so much joy. Her lips moved into a tired smile. Karane did something no one expected.

Karane leaned her face close to Pipit, kissing him on the lips.

Pipit stood still in shock as he felt Karane's lips on his. He didn't kiss back, nor did he pull away. All he did was close his eyes as he continued to let Karane kiss him. Link & Fledge gave the most bewildered expressions on their faces as they awkwardly watched the pair kiss. Skipper covered the eyes of one of his crew members. And the seals seem to have no idea what was going on.

The kiss only lasted a few seconds before Karane pulled away, gazing onto Pipit's still stunned face.

"I guess…you and I are even now." Karane stammered tiredly before she finally succumbed to her exhaustion right in Pipit's arms.

"You did very well, Karane," Nayru stated with pride. "You used my gift well to defend and save your friends. For now, you must rest. You earned it."

Those were the final words Karane heard before finally passing out.

****

There were only five words that perfectly describe how Ghirahim was feeling other than upset.

Furious! Outraged! Sick with anger!

The Demon Lord watched the enter battle unfold between Link's group and Tentalus. The fight for once seemed to go against them, especially when Tentalus grabbed the girl and smacked the yellow one away after somehow jumping that high. How that boy managed to do that Ghirahim couldn't figure it out but that was the least of his concern. This time for sure Ghirahim was certain this would be the end of the line for the sky children.

Yet…despite the odds, they defeated Tentalus. Somehow they conjure up the ability to control the water and used it to literally disarm Tentalus and do away with him. Even worse for The Demon Lord, all four of the humans survived.

"How…How do they manage to destroy Tentalus?!" Ghirahim muttered to himself angrily. "That monster was ten times the size of Scaldera and Koloktos, yet they defeated him!"

Ghirahim summoned his sword, slicing a nearby boulder clean in half to vent out his anger. The Demon Lord took several minutes to calm himself down. Then he started to think more clearly.

It was no doubt clear that no matter what Ghirahim threw at the humans regardless of the size, terrain, and whatnot they all have the resources to take them out. Yes…He needs to do this for a different approach. But how would he do this?

Ghirahim watches the humans interact. His eyes linger on the boy in yellow holding on to the girl, who seems to have somehow fallen asleep, while Link and that boy in orange check over her. From the brief interactions Ghirahim had with them, he can tell that all four of the sky children were close to one another. Very…very close.

A wicked smile crept upon The Demon Lord's lips as an idea sprang into his mind. He had a good guess where the sky children would go next since they were clearly in search of something. Probably related to the strange blue fire he saw on the remnants of the ship. Ghirahim intended to head over there anywhere to find clues to revive his master after his search here, the demon king, so it wasn't a total loss. When the Sky children arrive, he'll be waiting for them.

"Well then…You know what they say, Ghirahim. If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself..."

A cloud of diamond surrounded The Demon Lord as he vanished from the desert.

#legend of zelda #skyward sword #legend of zelda fanfiction #link #pipit #karane #fledge #an impulse decision

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mmvalentine · 4 years ago

Text

Let Me Touch You Pt 8 | Feysand

High school AU. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 9

Feyre had never been in detention before. She walked down the corridor behind Rhys, nervously chewing on her nails.

"It'll be fine," Rhys said. "You either sit there for an hour staring at the ceiling, or you do chores, depending on which teacher is running detention. Also," he paused at the door and looked at Feyre. "You did a pretty great thing for Mor, back there. Thank you."

Feyre shrugged. "Can't let you have all the fun," she said. Rhys flashed a feline grin. "Oh, but I'm pretty sure I still did," he said, and pushed the door open.

Feyre recognised the teacher from around school but didn't have him in any of her own classes. He just frowned at them, and Feyre followed Rhys' lead and wrote her name on the sign-in sheet. Then she sat down, and looked around her. There were two other kids in there, boys she knew were on the football team and barely knew she existed. Actually, she was pretty sure she saw the blonde one shove a kid in a locker.

"Feyre and Tamlin, you'll be restocking the supply closet," the teacher directed them, already bored. "Rhysand and Lucien, clean out the boys locker room." Rhys started to protest. "Sir, could we actually just switch-" "No switches, just get to work," the teacher said, not even looking up from his desk. "And if anyone comes and bothers me I'll triple your detention time."

The four students trudged out the door and headed down the hall. Feyre snuck a glance at Rhys, expecting to share an eye roll or look of sympathy. But he was talking to Tamlin.

"Hey, swap with me," he said. "What? No," Tamlin said. "I get to be in the closet with the pretty girl and you can muck out the locker room. Besides, teacher said no swaps." "Right," Rhys said. "Thing is, we're swapping. And if you want to go complain and get your time tripled, you can do that. Come on, Feyre." He flung his arm around Feyre's shoulders and walked the off toward the supply closet, leaving Tamlin glowering behind them.

Feyre elbowed him in the ribs once they were out of sight. "Hey," she said. "Maybe I wanted to be paired with the pretty jock." Rhys rolled his eyes. "That guy is a jerk and a bully. You really want to be in a small space with him?" Feyre shook her head. "No," she said. "Although if I recall correctly, things with you and me get real weird when left alone together." Rhys grinned and opened the door to the small janitor's room. "Oh I hope they do."

The door swung closed behind them, and Rhys flicked on the light. On one side of the room was a trolley full of sponges, paper towels and cleaning fluid bottles that needed to be stacked away on the shelves. With said trolley taking up floor space, there was barely any room left for Rhys and Feyre to move around.

Which made it all the more easy for the strange energy between them to fill up the entire confined space and slip slickly over their skin. Feyre's heart pounded in her ears, and like every time, she marvelled at the strength of it.

"It feels like this for you too, doesn't it?" she asked him, resisting the urge to put her hand in front of her face and look for visual clues. "Every time," Rhys murmured. He was leaning back against a shelf, and looking at her through hooded eyes.

"Should we... get stacking?" Feyre asked, mouth suddenly dry. She licked her lips, and watched Rhys' violet eyes track the movement. "Sure," Rhys said conversationally. "Or, we could talk about history class today. That was one hell of a kiss, Feyre." Feyre gave a brittle laugh. "Well, you know. Couldn't let Mor get in trouble again. Her dad would kill her." "The things we do for love," Rhys commented, and Feyre didn't quite feel able to answer. He looked at his nails.

"So that was the only reason, then?" he asked. "You didn't kiss me for... any other reason." "And what other reasons might there be?" Feyre asked, copying Rhys' pose and finding the shelf behind her. Rhys shrugged. "That you wanted to," he said, and this time when he looked up at her, his eyes burned. Feyre's heart lodged in her throat.

"I think... if I wanted to kiss someone," she said slowly, "then I'd hope that he'd make the first move." The flame in Rhys' eyes jumped.

"Oh yeah?" he said, and pushed off the shelf. "And, if he wanted to make a move, how would he know that you wanted it?" By this point, Feyre knew with absolute certainty that she had him, and the thrill of just knowing that gave her confidence.

"Oh," she said casually. "I don't think I'm very subtle with hints. I'd start painting his gorgeous face, and hanging around at his house." Rhys took a step closer. "Would you now," he said. Feyre nodded. "Of course, I wouldn't go full stalker, and say, make a half dozen scale models of them, or anything." And then she flashed him a wicked grin, and Rhys growled at her in his throat before reaching a hand behind her neck and pulling her in to kiss her.

xxxxxxx

Rhys didn't even have time to be embarrassed about his art project, because once he had his mouth on Feyre's, nothing at all even a little bit mattered. He could feel her smile against his lips, and the thunder storm pressure filling the room was filling his veins in a lovely, velvety way.

He kissed her this way for some time, learning the shape of her lips and the taste of her tongue. Then her hands slid up the inside of his shirt, and he grabbed her wrists to still her. "Do you know," he said to her, when she looked up in askance. "Since making sculptures of you in art class, I've wondered every day what it would feel like to have you under my hands for real. To see if I got you right." Feyre tried to grab a hold of him again, and honest to gods with that look in her eye he really might have let her. But there was something he had to do first.

"Wait," he said. Begged. "Would you... would you let me touch you?" Feyre's tilted her head at him, then leaned back against the shelf once more, tugging him forward. She placed his hands on her hips, and then rested her own forearms against his shoulders.

"Go on then," she murmured. Rhys looked down at her, and exhaled. His hands trailed carefully over her hips, up behind her back, then down to squeeze at her waist. He shuddered, the feel of her far more perfect than he had imagined. Then Feyre moved his hands to her ass, and his fingers squeezed automatically. This was actual fucking heaven.

"Well?" Feyre asked. "Did you get me right?" "I did not do you justice," Rhys said hoarsely. And she took a hold of his chin and brought him back down to her lips.

Now it was Feyre's hands, up on the skin of his chest and back. Everywhere her fingers touched the bare flesh on him she left a trail of goosebumps, and if he'd been coherent he might have felt embarrassed about the fact that his boner was now pressing into her. She didn't seem to mind though, stood up on her tiptoes to press closer in fact. Rhys tightened his arms around her little waist, and the shelf rattled where he had unknowingly pushed her into it.

And then Feyre was pushing him away, and throwing random items from the cleaning cart at him.

"Someone's coming," she hissed, and by the time the door opened, both of them were stacking toilet paper with their backs toward each other.

"Hurry up you two," the teacher said, perpetually unamused. "I don't want to be here all night."

Then he closed the door again, and Rhys and Feyre stared at each other, wide-eyes, until laughter burst out of them like a waterfall.

****

Oh horny teenagers, whatever will we do with you. I tell you what though, this was in no way meant to be a 10 part story... maybe I'm the real horny teenager?! lol I am older than most of you

TAGLIST: @ghostlyrose2 @highladysith @stardelia @feysand-babies @tillyrubes10 @ratabrasileira @live-the-fangirl-life @maybekindasortaace @annejulianneh111 @teddytdr @thebonecarver @rowaelinismyotp

#feysand #feysand fic #acomaf #fluff #mine #acotar

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guiltysecretpasttime · 4 years ago

Text

Untitled - 3

(Continuation of Untitled Linzin fanfic, pre-canon AU, wip)

It was past sundown when they finally managed to get in front of the reception area of the hotel they were staying at in the Earth Kingdom. It was not one of the five-star Ba Sing Se hotels but it would suit their purpose.

Ikki refused to detach herself from Lin, so the earthbender had to carry the child all the way from the ride from the train station to the hotel. This left Tenzin to commandeer most of their luggage. Jinora dutifully held his hand while dragging her own stroller bag.

As the bellboy unlocked the suite and began to rattle on about the amenities it included, Lin’s sharp eyes took in the rooms.

Tenzin nodded as the man pointed out the living area – a living room, small kitchen, two bedrooms and one bathroom.

The bellboy handed him their keys. “Enjoy your stay, sir.”

The airbender distractedly thanked the man and locked the door behind him.

Lin shifted the weight of Ikki on her arms.

Tenzin winced slightly; his daughter was getting too old and too big soon to be carried.

He cleared his throat. “So, who’s hungry?”

Jinora quietly raised her hand.

Ikki buried her face into Lin's shoulder further, mumbling.

Lin frowned. He did not catch what his daughter was saying, but Lin apparently did. "Kid, the last time you ate was at noon. You might need more food now."

Ikki shook her head. "Bed."

Lin looked like she wanted to disagree and to push the child to eating dinner, but Tenzin beat her to it. "Ok Ikki, bedtime for you it is." He moved forward to take the kid off the earthbender, avoiding Lin’s disapproving expression.

He carried Ikki to one of the bedrooms while Lin went back to the living room, probably to check on their luggage.

When he came back out after settling Ikki (who, for all her claims of being tired, took quite a while to settle down), Jinora was freshly showered and reading on the couch. Lin was nowhere in sight.

Before Tenzin could even ask about his wife’s whereabouts, the door opened.

Lin had opened the door from the outside and a waiter pushed a food cart in.

Once the waiter has left them, Lin once more locked the door and gestured to the trays on the cart. “Here's the food.” She announced unnecessarily.

He eyed her curiously. “You could have called for room service.” It would have been more convenient, he thought as he and Jinora sat down in the makeshift dining area that straddled the kitchenette and the living room.

Lin simply shrugged, removing the food covers off the plates. “Had to make sure our travel arrangements for tomorrow are in place anyway. Figured why not check the food out.”

Tenzin knew better than to take her explanation at face level. The nonchalant tone she used was a guise. It meant she had probably gone to the kitchens to see for herself that their food was not tampered with (Bumi’s warning about poisons and other ingested medicine rang clearly in his head after being briefed about their vacation.) Nonetheless, he was tired and it had been a long few days so he let it rest.

He and Jinora each took a plated dish while Lin reached over to pluck out the wrapped sandwich from the side of the tray. Just as he was about to offer his seat to her, Lin had walked towards the living room and got on the couch.

“Lin, are you alright there? You can always join us for dinner.” Propriety dictated that he invite her over, faux wife or not (a niggling voice at the back of his head that sounded like his mother whispered that it was not faux since they were wed well within he confines of the state’s laws).

“I’m good here, thank you.” Lin did not even face him and he was treated to her back. She unwrapped her sandwich, took a bite and was engrossed on something on her lap.

He managed to peer over her shoulder to see what got her attention. It was the Earth Kingdom’s evening paper.

He cringed slightly as the front page had a short article about his nuptials from the previous day. The sidebar also ran an accompanying story of their history years ago and subsequent reunion. The page flipped before he could even see what salacious rumors were written up.

Jinora asked something about a word she had trouble understanding (sagacious) from the book she was reading; and so Tenzin forced himself to focus on their dinner.

He needed to talk to Lin without the children. He supposed, as he took a bite of his meal, he would have time later before bed.

Tenzin had just finished readying his toiletries and pajamas when Lin poked her head through their bedroom door, hair wrapped up in a towel. “Shower’s all yours. I’ll check on the girls, make sure they’re all good for the night then I’ll go to bed.”

That had to be three-fourths of an hour ago since he got back from his night shower.

Tenzin wondered what could be taking Lin so long, he frowned at the empty space beside him. He hoped Ikki and Jinora were fine, then concluded that Lin would have called for him if there were any problems.

Idly, his thoughts wandered as he cleaned his glasses while in bed.

It was great that that girls now had some female influence around them. Not that he thought the acolytes at Air Temple Island were in any way deficient in educating the girls. It was just that the acolytes were a tad too…

He ran his fingers through his beard, thinking of the appropriate word.

Submissive? Tame?

Meek.

They were also a little bit to eager to please.

He made a face. These were not traits he wanted his daughters to necessarily imbibe.

At least with Lin, a fond smile crept unbidden, she was none of those things. He figured she would be a good strong female role model for the girls.

He placed the glasses back on and tried to concentrate on the book he had had brought on this trip. It is nice to have some quiet time for himself.

He must have dozed off because the next thing he knew, he heard his daughter crying from the other room. He heard the rush of footsteps as he got up quickly to head to the other bedroom.

Lin was already there, seated at the edge of the bed at Ikki’s side. Jinora was still lying down but rubbing her eyes, blinking at being awoken by her sister beside her.

From what he gathered, between Ikki’s hiccups and words, the child woke up in the unfamiliar room and had cried in panic and fear.

Tenzin observed the earthbender from his perch beside Jinora, who had promptly gone back to sleep upon seeing her father and Lin at their room. She correctly surmised that they will take care of Ikki anyway.

Lin managed to calm the girl down, whispering and combing through her hair until the cries dwindled to whimpers and sniffles.

There was a pang in his chest at the scene before him. He would be lying to himself if he claimed that he had not imagined Lin comforting his (their?) child when they were younger.

Feeling his gaze at them, Lin raised her eyes to meet his. She tilted her head to the side in question. He answered merely with a shake of his head, his throat feeling a little bit thick.

After a few more minutes, Ikki's breathing changed; she fell back to sleep. Lin gently laid Ikki’s head back on her pillow.

Tenzin leaned to place a kiss on the forehead of his daughters. For a moment, Lin looked like she was about to do the same but she straightened up, and moved to leave the room. He caught her by the elbow and together they left.

Once outside the bedroom, Lin pulled away; eyes darting towards the living room. “I’m sorry, I just – I heard Ikki cry and I thought – well, better make sure that she’s alright. I’m sorry for intruding.”

Belatedly, Tenzin realized she was wearing shorts and a tank top, apparently she has been ready for bed. “No, it’s not that – thank you actually, for caring.” He trailed off. “Why don’t you go to bed now?”

Lin nodded curtly and Tenzin felt her distancing herself from him. “Good night.”

“Wait, where are you -?” Tenzin found himself asking when Lin went passed their bedroom door and into the living room. He then saw the rumpled blanket and pillow on the couch.

He paused there, stunned as Lin bent to fluff the pillow. That she had been sleeping earlier on the couch even did not cross his mind as he waited for her in their his bed.

“Need something?” Lin raised an eyebrow wryly at him. “I can assure you that everything in this suite is secure and safe.” She patted the couch. “I can guard you all best from here.”

Of course.

Tenzin swallowed drily. Well, that felt foolish. He felt foolish for assuming – no, even thinking – that Lin would share the bed with him.

For all intents and purposes, that was all that she is now – his family's bodyguard.

---

Note: Let’s toss in the tropes~ forced marriage? Maybe a bodyguard AU? There-was-one-bed? I pretty much have an outline of this short story but if you have thoughts or suggested scenarios/trope, go ahead. Happy to hear them!

#linzin #linzin fanfic #toccatina's fanfics #toccatina wip #toccatina untitled #the legend of korra #Lin Beifong #tenzin

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5-falsehoods-phonated · 4 years ago

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When Our Hands Next Meet

Series summary: Soulmates are given memories of their past lives when their hands touch. For Virgil and Logan, each memory is happier than the last.

This series was created for @analogicalweek and made in collaboration with the lovely @birdsongisland! Please go look at the wonderful art that inspired this work and support them with reblogs so their work can be seen!

Credit to birdsongisland for beta reading this as well, they helped make it flow a lot better.

Chapter 6: Mirror Our Past with a Better Future

Chapter Summary: Virgil didn’t know how he had gotten so lucky being able to work with Logan in stars tailoring shop. All he knew is Logan made him feel beautiful, inside and out.

Day 5 Prompt: Past/Future

Warnings: none. If there are any please let me know!

WC: 1918

AO3 link

Taglist (ask to be added or removed): @ace-in-a-shopping-cart @janus-is-an-adorable-snek-boi @logans-library @im-an-anxious-wreck @edupunkn00b

Logan leaned back in stars stool, a quirk to stars lips as star eyed the newest frock up and down. It wasn’t a style star usually went for- elegant and flowing as it was star much preferred a lot more poof and edge when it came to dress design. Carefully taking the pins from stars mouth back into the container star took another look at stars sketch. Long, delicate looking fabric swung off the hips and just barely brushed the floor. star hadn’t added color but star knew that it faded from a rich purple to a smoky black at the bottom, trimmed with a slight frill that made it swirl across the floor. The medium scoop neck flared out into puffed sleeves that gathered at the ends to grip the wrists. star had already made the deeper purple corset covered in a delicate lace, with shining false buckles lining the front and black ribbon that actually laced it in the back.

Looking down at stars own slightly oversized jumper paired with a medium length skirt and boots laced up to stars knees star couldn’t help but laugh softly. This was definitely a far cry from what star ever thought star would wear, let alone make. Somehow though, star knew star wasn’t going to be the one wearing it, and thankfully working alone in the shop meant star could afford a side project without tripping up anyone else. Typically with more elaborate projects like this star would make a prototype first, of a slightly less fancy design, and make sure all the kinks and possible uncomfortable spots were worked out of the design and made into something star could be proud of selling. Ever since star had taken over the tailoring shop star had been working towards a single goal- making things people could feel comfortable in. But with this- it had sat in stars brain for not even a day before star had finally relented and sketched it out and set to work immediately picking out the perfect fabric for it.

Taking the needle back up star leaned close to gather the waist as carefully as star could, quick fingers moving skillfully to the tune star was quietly humming. This would certainly take a while, but star had a feeling it would be worth it.

-----

Virgil leaned back in his stool, a smile on his lips as he looked the newest frock up and down. It was stunning like everything Logan made was and he found himself caught by how grateful he was to be sitting with stars, listening to stars quiet humming as star worked diligently. He knew star used to work here alone so he was always grateful to be allowed to sit with star. It was a simple thing, far from his usual somewhat dramatic style but Logan had assured him it would look nice so he had eventually resented. Folding his legs underneath him he only smiled further at the concerned look he was given, waving it off but putting one leg back down as a compromise. He assumed the quiet huff meant he had won and settled down even further to continue admiring the other work.

The skirt was gathered at the waist and slightly poofy from the petticoat layer underneath purple plaid dominated the pattern with black accents that broke it up nicely. Swinging his current jean-clad leg he began softly humming along to the tune Logan had been repeating, harmonizing low so it wouldn’t be too much of a distraction. He beamed as Logan shot him a smile- Virgil never could resist it- and looked away with a small blush to observe the rest of the shop. It was quiet today thankfully, the emptiness being a welcome reprieve from the chaos of yesterday. There had been a slight scheduling error which meant nearly everyone had come to get their orders at the same time, clamoring for places in line while the two frantically ran back and forth trying to shove everything in boxes as neatly as they could before shooing the clients out the door and tending to the next. As good a business day as it was they had been exhausted afterwards and the day spent with just the two of them was helping to melt away the lingering anxiety.

His smile turned soft again while watching Logan carefully pin along a seam, admiring the years of skill built into the movements. He remembered the first time he had walked into the store- not realized Logan had made nearly everything there- and being awestruck at the realization of how much time and care was put into every project. This one would most likely still take a while but he had a feeling it would be worth it.

-----

Logan perked stars head up as the bell chimed at the door, managing to get one last stitch in before standing and making stars way out of the workroom. Stepping out star could just barely see a shock of purple hair moving between the racks, piquing stars curiosity enough to smooth down stars choppy, self cut mullet and make stars way over. star caught the other’s eye as star approached and star made sure to offer a kind smile to the obviously uncomfortable customer. They were gripping a couple different dress sleeves and worrying the fabric between their fingers as they shuffled their feet awkwardly.

star offered stars hand to shake, trying valiantly to be polite and not suggest a fidget cube instead for the nervous tic. “Hello, I’m Logan, star/stars pronouns please. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Virgil...he/him.” He didn’t take stars hand so Logan retracted it easily. Some people were weary of soulmates, preferring not to touch anyone’s hand before they were ready and Logan could respect that. “I uh- I like your skirt. I kinda miss wearing them so I was just browsing.”

“Is there a particular style you’re looking for?”

Licking his lips Virgil nervously glanced through the various styles on the rack, mumbling low enough Logan had to strain to hear. “No...I’m not really sure I should be wearing them anymore- just wanted to look.”

Oh. Logan knew where this person was coming from, star had felt the same way when stars pronouns had changed- wanting to pass as...well decidedly not feminine but missing the garments star had made and worn nearly all stars life. Offering an understanding smile, star turned and began sifting through the colors to try and find something simple he might be comfortable trying. “You just have to find something you’re confident in.”

-----

Virgil slid off the stool as he heard the bell chime, motioning to Logan that he could take care of it and making his way to the front of the store. Blowing his purple hair out of his eyes in a vain attempt to make it look more presentable he caught sight of someone's back to him as they browsed the racks nearest to the front of the store. Leaning against the counter he made sure to make a bit of noise before speaking up so as not to startle them. “May I help you find something?”

Throwing a smile over their shoulder they held up a comfortable looking blouse triumphantly and made their way over. “Already found it!”

Smiling at the cheerful customer he quickly rang them up and handed them their bag, waving as they left as he thought back to when he had first stepped foot through the doors. He wished he had had even half of that person’s confidence back then, instead if he remembered correctly he had nearly had a nervous breakdown over a skirt. Screwing his mouth to one side he turned on his heel and walked back into the workroom, hands on his hips as he stood next to Logan and leaned his head on stars shoulder. “You’re gonna go cross eyes if you keep squinting like that.”

Rolling stars eyes only to wince immediately after star consented and stuck the needle in a safe spot where it wouldn’t fall out. “I’m almost done anyway. Just need to patch up this side, I didn’t cut it straight enough to lay right.”

Pressing a kiss to stars cheek Virgil looked at the garment with barely contained excitement. “I love it already.”

“I just want to make you something you’ll be confident in.” Virgil smiled hearing the phrase he had heard so many years ago, remembering the effort star had gone through to find something he would like.

-----

“Come out when you’re ready.” Logan called as star hung the already discarded pieces back on the rack. Biting stars lip star glanced at stars workroom in thought. Technically the dress was done and star was sure Virgil would look beautiful in it but star wasn’t sure he’d be comfortable in something so fancy right now. Looking back as Virgil came out with the skirt hung over his arm the decision was made for stars.

“Wait here.” Shooting him a smile star left to quickly tie off the last of the stitching and tug the dress off the mannequin, grabbing up the corset as star passed through the door. Virgil’s eyes blew wide when he saw the dress, immediately going to protest but getting quickly shushed as the pile of fabric was shoved into his arms. “Go change it’s fine! I need someone to model it anyway!”

A few minutes passed during which Logan nervously worried at the skin around stars thumb, hoping star hadn’t pushed the man too far. When star finally heard the door creak and turned towards virgil however, all the nervous tension drained away leaving nothing but quiet awe.

“Oh,” star said simply.

The realization earned star a puzzled look but the brief confusion did nothing to wipe away the brilliant smile on his face. The dress fit perfectly, the ends of the flowing skirt hitting the floor just so and the deep purple contrasting nickel with his pale features. The corset smoothed out his curves while still framing him wonderfully and Logan could swear there was air in the room just a moment ago but all star could do was gape stupidly at the radiance before him.

“I must have been making that for you,” star said quietly. “You look stunning.”

Blushing profusely, Virgil raised one of his hands. “I couldn’t get the buttons…”

“Allow me.” Logan was careful to avoid making contact with his skin as star looped the buttons. Pausing suddenly as memory after happy memory flooded stars thoughts star looked down to see one finger curled tentatively around stars own, glancing back up to see Virgil smiling softly.

“I had a feeling.” He offered sheepishly.

Logan smiled, squeezing his hand in stars. “So did I.”

-----

“Come out when you’re ready!” Virgil heard Logan call for him and gave himself one last once over before deeming himself presentable. He ducked out of the dressing room giddily and twirled for his audience of one, cheeks aching from the wideness of his smile as he rubbed the fabric between his fingers excitedly.

“It fits perfectly!” He watched as Logan smiled and reached for his hand, happily taking it and squeezing.

“You look absolutely stunning.” Blushing at the compliment he leaned forward to rest his head against the others chest, drinking in stars presence and relaxing against stars.

“I love you.” He offered quietly.

Smiling, Logan enveloped him in a gentle hug. “So do I.”

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#false writes #sanders sides #sanders sides fic #analogicalweek #analogical week #analogical #logan sanders #virgil sanders #trans!virgil #nonbinary!logan #logan sanders uses neopronouns #fluff #collaboration

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astrognossienne · 4 years ago

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tragic star: keith moon

“If you don't like it, you can fuck off!” - last words of Keith Moon

This one was a long time coming, but frankly, it took me a while to get interested enough in the subject to actually do this analysis, let alone finish it. At any rate, Keith Moon, like most of the drummers from the rock ‘n’ roll period that we still read about today, led a self-destructive lifestyle. A close friend of his once said the drummer was “like a train ride you couldn’t stop.” Not only was his drumming chaotic – so was his life. According to some, he was at his core a kind and generous soul, but to others, he was lost, lonely soul, and terribly immature throughout his adult life. Perhaps it was the sudden success, upon joining the rock band The Who, when he was only 18 (although plenty of others of the same era were as young, or younger, and survived just fine), but Keith was so eager to please and make everyone laugh that he eventually became the “Moon the Loon” character that he was portrayed as in the media. It got to the point where he wasn't sure who he really was. A true Leo, he made a circus out of everything and he wouldn't walk into any room and just listen. He was an attention seeker and he had to have it. He used amphetamines, tranquilizers, drank way too much alcohol, destroyed hotel rooms and friends’ homes, threw TVs into swimming pools, set fires, and the list goes on. He was ultimately unable to outrun or outlast his demons; whether it was the wife and child he drove away, the friend and chauffeur he accidentally killed in early 1970...whatever else haunted him, it ultimately caught up with him just as he was finally trying to improve his life. Friends were well-acquainted with the many sides to Moon’s strange personality; one minute he was insulting, exaggerating, joking – the next minute he’s a wide-eyed, innocent-looking drummer boy. The public Keith Moon was The Who’s manic drummer and hellraising, daredevil comedian; a man who only ever lived in the moment. However, the real Keith Moon was a son, a brother, a father and a deeply insecure man. A man of extremes, his was a complete shitshow of a life.

Keith Moon, according to astrotheme, was a Leo sun and Cancer moon (the moon is speculative). Moon was born to working class parents in Wembley, London, England. He was a hyperactive child by nature and a mediocre student at school. His art teacher said in a report: "Retarded artistically. Idiotic in other respects". His music teacher wrote that Moon "has great ability, but must guard against a tendency to show off." At the age of 12, he had joined the Sea Cadet Corp and was given his first musical instrument, the bugle. He left school by 15 and was in his first band, The Beachcombers. While performing with the Beachcombers, he used to attend concerts of a band called The Detours. At that time The Detours were planning to sign a deal with Fontana Records and for this deal, this band required a new drummer. The Detours changed their name to The Who in 1964. When Moon learned about the band’s need for a new drummer, he approached them for an audition. After the audition, he became their new drummer, and performed with The Who for the first time in 1962.

From the moment he joined, musically the band was complete, although adding his already volatile personality to those of the other three equally headstrong members meant that the early years of the Who's career were fraught with drama and violence, despite their almost immediate success. Much of the tension came from the fact that Keith readily joined in on popping pills with guitarist Pete Townshend and bassist John Entwistle, while lead singer Roger Daltrey (with whom Keith was never particularly close) didn't. After sacking Roger for two weeks in mid-1965, he was reinstated, band relations improved, and the Who continued to release a string of successful singles and albums before a downturn in their fortunes in 1968. However, the release of the album Tommy in 1969 turned them into international megastars overnight and from that moment until the day Keith died, they would remain one of the top rock bands in the world. Running concurrently with the Who's rise to stardom in the 1960s was Keith's relationship with his wife Kim. She first met Keith in 1965 when he was 19 and she 15, and while they fell in love rather quickly, he exhibited twin streaks of jealousy and insecurity and Moon was occasionally violent towards Kim. While his mental issues, which would now be readily (and correctly) diagnosed as a combination of ADHD and BPD, reared their ugly heads on innumerable occasions, Keith's true personality shone through enough that Kim stayed with him; she decided to marry him when she became pregnant within a year of dating, and they got married in 1966. Their daughter Amanda was born on 12 July. In those days, there was a belief that married rockstars with kids weren’t as appealing to their mostly female fans, and the marriage (and child) were kept secret from the press until May 1968. He loved his daughter, but his absences due to touring and fondness for practical jokes made their relationship uneasy when she was very young. "He had no idea how to be a father", Kim said. "He was too much of a child himself."

The chaotic sixties would not hold a candle to what the new decade had in store for him, however. Shortly after New Year’s in 1970, Moon accidentally killed his friend, driver and bodyguard, Neil Boland, outside the Red Lion pub in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Pub patrons had begun to attack his Bentley; Moon, drunk, began driving to escape them. During the fracas, he hit Boland. After an investigation, the coroner ruled Boland's death an accident; Moon, having been charged with a number of offences, received an absolute discharge. Those close to Moon said that he was haunted by Boland's death for the rest of his life. Moon had nightmares about the incident and said he had no right to be alive. Also, compounding this tragedy, was the fragile state of Moon’s marriage. Even after marriage and his daughter being born, he was still jealous, self-centered, and abusive to his wife Kim, both verbally and physically. His mental state also deteriorated as his appetite for all manner of pills escalated and he exploded into a full-blown alcoholic. Even after separating for a year, Kim returned to him, hoping that he had finally changed, but the insane lifestyle Keith kept up at their house became too much. Kim and Amanda (nicknamed “Mandy”) finally left for good in 1973. Since his marriage was a central part of Keith's life, their divorce would come to affect him perhaps more than any other event in his adult life and it was a devastation Keith would never recover from. While most people would use an event like this as the impetus to clean up their act, Keith used it instead as an excuse to drive himself further into oblivion.

Moon's lifestyle began to undermine not only his health but his career. During the 1973 Quadrophenia tour, at the Who's debut US date, Moon ingested a mixture of tranquilizers and brandy. During the concert, Moon passed out on his drum kit during the song "Won't Get Fooled Again." The band stopped playing, and a group of roadies carried Moon offstage. After he was given a shower and an injection of cortisone, he was sent back onstage. Moon passed out again during "Magic Bus," and was again removed from the stage. The band continued without him for several songs before Pete Townshend asked, "Can anyone play the drums? – I mean somebody good?" A fan in the audience, who happened to be a drummer, came up and played the rest of the show. During the opening date of the band's March 1976 US tour at the Boston Garden, Moon passed out again over his drum kit after two numbers and the show was rescheduled. By the mid-1970s Keith was living in Los Angeles and getting up to even more insanity with John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson, and other stars. Even a new love in his life, Swedish model Annette Walter-Lax, couldn't get him to slow down and take control. There were even stints in psychiatric wards after some mental breakdowns brought on by his despair at losing Kim and his daughter and his drinking. His alcohol and drug abuse was now not only affecting his health (he put on a significant amount of weight at this time due to infrequent gigging) but sadly, his drumming. In 1978 soon after he recorded Who Are You, his final album with The Who, depressed by the deterioration of his drumming and threats from the rest of the Who to clean up his act or else, that he finally decided to get some help. By the summer of 1978, he seemed to be trying to get his life in order, staying sober and solidifying his relationship with Annette. He was terrified to go into rehab or under psychiatric evaluation, however, and instead self-medicated with Heminevrin, a drug used for treating acute withdrawal from alcohol. However, he took too many on his final night and sadly died on September 7, 1978 at the age of 32.

Over forty years after his death, it's still difficult to think of Keith Moon as anything more than just a hard-drinking insane rock star who would smash his drum set on stage or destroy a hotel room. But regardless of the human being behind the drumkit, the legendary drummer should be remembered as the man who forever changed the sound of rock 'n' roll.

Next, I’ll go back to my beloved star analyses by covering a personal favourite of mine; a force of nature and an unsung pioneer of cinema whose death was ridiculously sensationalized and whose colourful life was almost as wild as Moon’s: Cancer Lupe Vélez

Stats

birthdate: August 23, 1946*

*note*: due to the absence of a birth time, this analysis will be even more speculative.

major planets:

Sun: Leo

Moon: Cancer

Rising: unknown

Mercury: Leo

Venus: Libra

Mars: Libra

Midheaven: unknown

Jupiter: Libra

Saturn: Leo

Uranus: Gemini

Neptune: Libra

Pluto: Leo

Overall personality snapshot: He may sometimes have wanted a safe, simple life where he felt emotionally contained and able to pursue his own creative interests. Then, however, the compulsion to strive for a more central, leading role reared its challenging head, and he knew he had it in him – so out into the spotlight he went. So immense was his creative energy as well as his warm feeling for others that he could become both the artistic home-maker and the home-loving artist/writer/entrepreneur. His personality was large and welcoming, colourful and theatrical because he had such an uncanny knack of dramatizing his vivid impressions and selling himself in the most genuine, heartfelt way. Both the paternal and the maternal urge was strong in him. He needed to use his will to project and establish your identity in the world, and to use his instincts to nurture and protect his emotional and material security. The Sun and the Moon are in their ‘home’ signs here, so that potentially he had the creative vision of Apollo and the lunar wisdom of Diana all rolled into one. This could make him pretty overpowering at times, and indeed he needed a partner and a family on whom he could lavish his emotions. His bearing was often aristocratic, sometimes haughty, oversensitive and self-absorbed, but he always seemed to have enough affection to go around so that no one felt left out. He also managed to remain approachable and compassionate because he was so aware of his own vulnerability and need to be loved. Thus he made a warm and understanding friend, and he enjoyed expressing his feelings with original flair and thoughtfulness.

He was protective, possessive and clannish, a stalwart member of his family, group and nation, and utterly devoted to his ideals. Deeply honourable and dependable, he brought an attitude of devotion and romantic style to all he did. He may have actually had a good head for business because he possessed an instinctive knowledge of security needs as well as a shrewd understanding of people, their desires, fears and foibles. His refined taste for comfort and beauty was part of the impetus for success – he knew his own mind and did not easily budge from his preferences and high standards. Aesthetic sensitivity was strong, and combined with his innate tenacity and quiet ambition means that he was quite successful in the arts. Even though he readily turned a bright face to the world, he did not always feel confident and strong. He had a lively sense of individuality, but his potency was sometimes too dependent on emotional familiarity, and the range of his self-expression too circumscribed within repetitive emotional patterns. Inwardly he shied away from encounters with the big, bad world, and early in life he may have needed to find ways of handling challenges that normally push the panic button. This wouldn’t have been hard for him because his creative drive was tremendous and his individuality needed recognition.

He was ambitious, sound at giving orders, carried responsibility well and was a good teacher, especially able to bring out the best in children. He believed in herself and generally knew the right thing to say at the right time, although he could show a stubborn and dogmatic side. He had a high opinion of his mental powers, and it was certainly true to say that he had plenty of mental energy. He was quite sociable and expected other people to behave well at all times. He was eager for close personal relationships, so he tended to have a wide circle of friends. Self-indulgence was a problem for him, as was laziness and conceit in relationships. He tended to be impatient with superficial details, preferring large-scale situations, and he disliked being tied down by obligations over which he had little control. Conservatism may have affected his creativity, artistic values and love affairs. This expressed itself as self-imposed restrictions or as selfishness. He often felt inadequate, which created an insidious form of oppression over all his forms of expression. He could also take herself so seriously, that people think that he was older than his years.

He was part of a generation that was strongly interested in humanitarian ideals, new avenues of communication and progress in mechanical skills. As a member of this generation, he was able to bring original ideas to both his career and spare-time interests. Crises in thought and ideology arose because he looked beyond tradition and old attitudes towards new original and inventive ways of looking at things. His active mind tended to need constant stimulation and his tastes could be quite fickle and difficult to satisfy. He belonged to a time of peace-loving idealism when the family unit and the way relationships were managed underwent great changes. He could be too idealistic and a little unrealistic when it came to matters of love, sex and romance. As a member of this generation, he tended to need to be motivated to make the most of his potential, because the line of least resistance appeared very attractive, especially when it involved pleasure-seeking. He embodied the Libra Neptune generation in the sense that he was a huge part of a time when beauty reappeared in fashion. He was part of a generation which was highlighted by the clash between authoritarianism and individualism. As a member of the Leo Plutonian generation, he wanted freedom in his relationships and demanded the loyalty of his friends as a right. As a member of this generation, he wanted power over his own life and was prepared to challenge established structures. He didn’t feel comfortable being dictated to, unless he in some way agreed to it beforehand. He was a part of excesses of the sixties. He was part of a generation that brought about a revolution in forms of entertainment, recreational activities and leisure time, as well as attitudes towards children.

Love/sex life: He was a lover so in love with the idea of love that nothing else matters. At times his whole-hearted idealism made him too optimistic and too easily deceived by people who promised to fulfill his ideals and then renege but, as delicate and unworldly as his romantic fantasy may seem, it was remarkably durable. Though he may have been misused and hurt, he never lost his faith in the power of true love. Issues of the flesh were always secondary to him and he was apt not to give them much thought. If such urges must be satisfied, then so be it. If sex proved useful in reaching other goals, that was fine too. As long as sex did not intrude on his ideal of perfect love such physical inconveniences hardly mattered. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the world did not agree with him on this point and, measured by their standards, his sexual behaviour may have seemed immoral or at least strangely naïve. He needed to learn to allow for such harsh realities even as he strove to create that grand idyll of perfect love.

minor asteroids and points:

North Node: Gemini

Lilith: Capricorn

Juno: Libra

Chiron: Libra

Vesta: Aries

Ceres: Aquarius

Pallas: Sagittarius

His North Node in Gemini dictated that he needed to prevent his idealism from influencing his thoughts to such a high degree. He needed to consciously develop a more clear-minded and analytical approach involving his thought processes. His Lilith in Capricorn dictated that he was dangerously attracted to women who had a scrappy plucky attitude hot-wired into their psyche. Against his better judgment, he liked to be around a woman who needed to be in control and to be mistress of her own destiny, because her life was in the control of not-so-well-meaning others as a child. Juno in Libra, he sought a mate who was harmonious, artistic, musical and intelligent. He liked beauty and balance at home. He believed in equal partnerships where all lived up to the letter of the law. Chiron in Libra, he often felt wounded in relationships and could wound others in retaliation. He may have felt he was constantly hurt or rejected in relationships. Through learning that he was whole on his own, he could have freed himself from this destructive pattern. He would have benefited from a partner that could have helped him heal in some way. Vesta in Aries, he was incline to initiate work for religious and humanitarian projects. Action came from a desire to improve every situation. There was a great deal of insecurity in self-evaluation. Ceres in Aquarius, at his best, he had tact and the ability to compromise, making him well liked by all. Pallas in Sagittarius, he had the ability to evaluate true personal worth enabling him to use his resources in the most advantageous ways. Other people may think he was lucky. Ideally speaking, he could have been generally positive instead of being wasteful, and he could have been confident and reliable. Nonetheless, he still used his ideas in a practical way, especially in his career.

elemental dominance:

air

fire

He was communicative, quick and mentally agile, and he liked to stir things up. He was likely a havoc-seeker on some level. He was oriented more toward thinking than feeling. He carried information and the seeds of ideas. Out of balance, he lived in his head and could be insensitive to the feelings of others. But at his best, he helped others form connections in all spheres of their daily lives. He was dynamic and passionate, with strong leadership ability. He generated enormous warmth and vibrancy. He was exciting to be around, because he was genuinely enthusiastic and usually friendly. However, he could either be harnessed into helpful energy or flame up and cause destruction. Confident and opinionated, he was fond of declarative statements such as “I will do this” or “It’s this way.” When out of control—usually because he was bored, or hadn’t been acknowledged—he was bossy, demanding, and even tyrannical. But at his best, his confidence and vision inspired others to conquer new territory in the world, in society, and in themselves.

modality dominance:

cardinal

He was happiest when he was doing anything new, and he loved to begin new ventures. He enjoyed the challenge of claiming territory. He tended to be an initiator—and a bit territorial as well. Also, he had a tendency to start more things than she could possibly finish.

planet dominants:

Moon

Sun

Venus

He was defined by his inner world; by his emotional reactions to situations, how emotions flowed through him, motivating and compelling him—or limiting him and holding him back. He held great capacity to become a part of the whole rather than attempting to master the parts. He wanted to become whatever it was that he sought. He had vitality and creativity, as well as a strong ego and was authoritarian and powerful. He likely had strong leadership qualities, he definitely knew who he was, and he had tremendous will. He met challenges and believed in expanding his life. He was romantic, attractive and valued beauty, had an artistic instinct, and was sociable. He had an easy ability to create close personal relationships, for better or worse, and to form business partnerships.

sign dominants:

Leo

Libra

Cancer

He loved being the center of attention and often surrounded himself with admirers. He had an innate dramatic sense, and life was definitely his stage. His flamboyance and personal magnetism extended to every facet of his life. He wanted to succeed and make an impact in every situation. At his best, he was optimistic, honorable, loyal, and ambitious. He loved beauty in all its guises—art, literature, classical music, opera, mathematics, and the human body. He usually was a team player who enjoyed debate but not argument. He was, at his best, an excellent strategist and a master at the power of suggestion. Even though he was likely a courteous, amiable person, he was definitely not a pushover. He tried to use diplomacy and intelligence to get what he wanted. At first meeting, he seemed enigmatic, elusive. He needed roots, a place or even a state of mind that he could call his own. He needed a safe harbor, a refuge in which to retreat for solitude. He was generally gentle and kind, unless he was hurt. Then he could become vindictive and sharp-spoken. He was affectionate, passionate, and even possessive at times. He was intuitive and was perhaps even psychic. Experience flowed through him emotionally. He was often moody and always changeable; his interests and social circles shifted constantly. He was emotion distilled into its purest form.