#did anyone ask for this? no. but I am annoying and plaguing your dashes with my thoughts and feelings anyway lmao

[sciencestyled]

Chrono-Chaos and the Curious Case of the Stretched Seconds: A Rabbit’s Scandalous Confession

Oh, where to begin? One minute, I’m dashing through Wonderland, pocket watch in paw, muttering about how dreadfully late I am, and the next? I’m plunged headlong into an utterly maddening dilemma that sent me hurtling through the very concept of time. And believe me, time is no easy beast to tame—not for a humble rabbit with a notorious punctuality issue.

It all started, quite predictably, with my beloved pocket watch. Dear thing, it’s a wonder it’s kept ticking after all the nonsense it’s been through—dunked in tea, slathered in marmalade, threatened by flamingos, even scolded by the Queen herself. But there I was, holding it up for a quick time check (as one does), only to realize that something was... off. My seconds seemed to be streeeetched, yet when I blinked, hours would vanish in a flash! I felt caught between fast and slow, like I was trapped in a perpetual clock-induced vertigo.

Naturally, I sought guidance. I marched right up to the Mad Hatter, who assured me time was a “gentleman” he hadn’t spoken to since a rather scandalous spat. Tea went everywhere, but no answers there. Then I tried consulting the Caterpillar, who, with infuriating serenity, simply asked me, “Who are you?” It’s astonishingly hard to discuss temporal anomalies with someone who insists you question your entire identity before getting to the point.

Desperation led me to visit that infuriating Cheshire Cat, who materialized and dematerialized as he explained time with, I kid you not, a riddle about a pancake. Finally, he whispered, “Perhaps you’re simply moving too quickly, or too slowly... or both?” before disappearing with that smug grin of his. Brilliant, I thought. Clearly, I was on my own.

That’s when I stumbled upon an old mirror in the Queen’s palace, dusty and oddly shaped, like a keyhole. Gazing in, I could’ve sworn I saw... myself. Not just any self, mind you—a frantic, younger version of me darting about, appearing slower one second, then faster the next. Horrified, I backed away, but the sight stuck with me: time wasn’t fixed, it was stretching and shrinking, like some cosmic accordian!

I spent the next days testing theories, sprinting around Wonderland, observing as time did odd little somersaults. Seconds took their sweet time in the forest, but racing past the Queen’s hedges seemed to compress hours into mere moments! I was both captivated and deeply annoyed—after all, how’s a rabbit to be punctual when time itself can’t keep its act together?

After that, I became a bit of a time scientist, recording every skewed second and puzzling over “time dilation” (as the Cheshire Cat would sneer). It wasn’t long before I realized I needed to share this baffling discovery. It wasn’t for me—it was for every creature in Wonderland plagued by clocks, for anyone who’d ever been accused of tardiness due to time’s peculiar hiccups. So, what’s a rabbit to do? I contacted the experts and, through the miracle of magic and some top-notch videography, created an explanation that’s nearly as ridiculous as the problem itself. Now, don’t say I never did anything for science—though perhaps it’s more for your sanity.

[thisselflovecamebacktome]

My personal connection with Taylor’s discography, part one: It’s Time To Go

No more “official” meanings for music. The world has progressed past having to consider “official” meanings of songs. I’m kidding... partially. Obviously I love connecting the dots with Taylor’s music as much as the next Swiftie, but my favourite aspect of listening to music is the emotional relatability of transferring it to events in my own life. I have also unfortunately been ridiculed for relating to romantic songs in non-romantic ways and so forth. So I’ve decided in a bid to normalise personal relatability to songs and just generally get my thoughts out there, I’m going to write out what these songs mean to me and how. Also a special shout out to @cowboylikedean who inspired this series with how Folklore and Evermore has been helping zir recover from zir heartbreak over the Supernatural ending.

Anyway, I’ve decided I’m working backwards with these because why not? I should probably also note that unless there are lyrical changes in a repeated part (mostly choruses), I’m only going to include each of those parts once as a way to reduce repeating myself. So let’s get started.

It’s Time To Go

As a whole, this song is a reassuring comfort that despite seeing my tendency to leave as a flaw caused by the trauma of staying too long in the past, it typically has served me well. Though, like many of Taylor’s songs, It’s Time To Go mostly reminds me of my family, there are aspects of past friendships that I definitely feel like I dodged a bullet with by leaving.

When the dinner is cold and the chatter gets old, you ask for the tab

To me, this line reminds me of my father and my relationship before I cut him off. Despite feeling like I was his favourite child for most my childhood, communication between us started breaking down in my teen years. By the time my family fell apart when I was 20, I felt like seeing him weekly for lunches was a chore I was doing ‘for old time’s sake’. As a whole, despite loving him, there was just no longer any common ground and it showed with most of that time being spent in awkward silences or silently nodding along to things we didn’t understand that the other person said until I guiltily gave my ‘well I guess I better be heading home’ line.

Or that moment again he's insisting that friends look at each other like that

When I was in my teen years, I was in an (partially non consensually sexual) abusive friendship. This line brought me right back to the beginning of that friendship when I’d vocalise that I, a person with a history of sexual violence before that, was uncomfortable at the way he would sexualise me or stare lustfully at me. And you guessed it, every time he’d try to gaslight me into thinking I was just making it up and ‘friends look at each other like that all the time’. This line also has a tinge of regret for me because looking but I wish I had accepted that it was time to go then as opposed to staying which led to the abuse.

When the words of a sister come back in whispers that prove she was not in fact what she seemed. Not a twin from your dreams, she's a crook who was caught

So these lines are interesting to me because outside of the generalised outro, it is the only part of this song that relates to two completely unrelated scenarios.

‘When the words of a sister come back in whispers to prove she was not who she seemed, not a twin from your dreams’ reminds me of the members of my family I thought I was close to growing up. Like these people spent my whole life telling me I was their favourite, telling me they’d provide if I needed anything and just generally put so much extra time and effort into me than my cousins and siblings. Then, when I begged for help, refused to even check in on me when my sister left and then told me they’d rather watch me starve and be homeless than step in and push my father to do the right thing by my mother, brother and I.

‘When the words... come back in whispers that prove she was not in fact what she seemed, she’s a crook who was caught’ meanwhile reminds me of an ex acquaintance from university. While I was not super close with her, she seemed decent enough so I introduced her to another now ex friend of mine in hopes that if I ever held events, I wouldn’t have to worry about her because she’d know at least one other person. While seemingly a small thing, this was a large step for me given how much the abusive friend mentioned above fucked me and past friendships up to the point this was the first time in six years I was introducing friends that hadn’t previously met to each other. And this girl knew that. She also knew that I was in a very vulnerable state given I had just cut off my father and was in between medications. Despite this, she spent the week she knew this other friend doing everything she could to fuck up our friendship and convince me that this other friend didn’t like/trust me, and unfortunately it worked.

That old familiar body ache, the snaps from the same little breaks in your soul. You know when it's time to go

This line feels very self explanatory. Sometimes you just need to trust your gut, even if it fucking kills you. Very much ‘I think I’ve seen this film before, so I’m leaving out the side door’ vibes.

Twenty years at your job then the son of the boss gets the spot that was yours

So to me, this line reminds me of the way my parents pinned my sister and I against each other, and in turn the resentment that causes when thinking about how I felt like I was damn near to the perfect daughter, stuck around for the ‘ugly’/hard parts that she didn’t and did everything I could for my parents and family in general just for everything to still revolve around my sister. Like my father chose ‘her’ (more like chose his own dishonesty and knew she’d put up with it for financial gain whereas I wouldn’t), my mother’s whole life revolves around her hurt for my sister rather than trying to have a relationship with me and my sister still got all of the support from the family despite being the one in the wrong. But here’s the thing, as much as I want to be bitter at her, she was a child when everything happened and couldn’t help that she was put in a good position and I wasn’t. It was the ‘boss’ of my adult family that chose that and that’s where the blame lays here.

Or trying to stay for the kids when keeping it how it is will only break their hearts worse

Ironically this line pretty much means the opposite to me. Like to me, this was how I felt trying to juggle relationships with both my parents after they split. Like my mother felt betrayed every time I went to see my father even though it was a precondition for him giving her money when he finally agreed to, and my father felt betrayed that I was his favourite yet opted to live with mum and support her. It was a lose/lose situation and the longer it went on, the worse the pain was for all three of us.

Sometimes giving up is the strong thing

Giving up on the abusive friend above was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. After having experienced the suicide of a close friend the year before, I had admittedly grown a supergirl complex where I felt like I had to save everyone, and knowing that this abusive friend was suicidal and still walking away despite my fears that he’d die in a way he wouldn’t have if I just stayed tore me apart emotionally and made me feel like I had failed and been weak as a friend. But ultimately it was the strong thing because I had to leave all my friends from that group behind as a result and start again.

Sometimes to run is the brave thing

So in the theme of ‘I’ve had to restart my life too many times from leaving everything behind’, we have the beginning, the first time I stood my ground and refused to go back to a situation that I was upset in. In sixth grade (final grade of elementary school where I am), I had an outburst with one of my friends about how I felt like I was her comedy/emotional punching bag. Her response? Make the whole year barring one guy hate me. That guy and my friends in the year below also got targeted for their choice to stay friends with me. By the end of the year, things started cooling down and she asked me to go to the same high school as 99% of the rest of the year and remain friends. I didn’t. I instead went to the opposing school with the bad reputation despite the idea of knowing no one and being alone scaring the shit out of me. Granted looking back it was kinda dumb to be scared given that I went from having 40ish kids in my year to like 120 (and would have been more if I went to that other school) so wouldn’t have had to deal with the false ultimatum of her or being alone anyway, but at the time it was a massive deal for me and the bravest thing I would do until leaving that abusive friendship years later.

Sometimes walking out is the one thing that will find you the right thing

Basically this just encapsulates leaving both friendship groups from above. Like leaving the elementary school group allowed me to find people who I didn’t feel I had to pretend around in high school and then leaving that high school group found me people who had common interests and wanted to challenge and grow beside me. In general, it really doesn’t feel like much is going well in my life right now, but the one thing I can say is that I finally feel like I am in a place where every friend that I have put effort into is meant to be in my life and deserves to be and I don’t feel like anything is missing on that front. So maybe it took 23 years, but at least I got there.

Fifteen years, fifteen million tears begging 'til my knees bled. I gave it my all, he gave me nothing at all then wondered why I left. Now he sits on his throne in his palace of bones praying to his greed. He's got my past frozen behind glass but I've got me

Family, family family. Quite frankly, I think these parts I wrote in an unsent letter to my father explain it best.

“And I’ve had to do it alone because the literal years I spent degrading myself into feeling like the child this family made me out to be and begging for an ‘adult’ to step in and help were met with apathy and in your case, fake apologies. And then each and every one of you has had the nerve to act like I abandoned you or that I am a thoughtless child who only won’t see you because mummy said no.”

“You have taken every part of my family, my mental health and potentially even my future away from me, and whether you care or not, that’s something you and I both have to live with for the rest of our days.”

I spent my whole childhood/very early adulthood seeing the signs of my sister slipping from us and trying to prevent exactly what ended up happening. I spent the following three years begging for people who could fix it to do so. And then when they refused, I somehow became the villain and ‘insane’ and ‘not a family person’ for leaving.

But at the end of the day, they lost a person that would have loved and done anything for them for a lifetime. I left with my self-respect, only losing fairweathered people who only liked the idea of me anyway.

And you know, you know, you know, you know when it's time to go. So then you go. You just go...

Going back to the main theme, sometimes you’ve just gotta trust your instincts and take that first step knowing you’re doing the right thing for yourself and walking towards what you need.

[missyasf]

Game Of Hearts

| 4 | 

↳ Summary: Your life is in monotonous tones of grey, day in, day out. Nothing matters besides your sister, the only thing you remember is seeing fireworks before waking up to Tokyo abandoned . Soon enough you are properly introduced to the deadly Borderlands where you must fight for your life in Games to survive. When things can’t possibly get worse soon division arises and rivalries are made. No matter what though, you are constantly plagued by a blonde who, no matter how hard you try, just can’t seem to go too far without.

↳ Pairing: Chishiya/Reader

↳ Genre: Angst, smut, thriller

Word Count: 10k

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Trigger Warning: ⚠️ much like the manga/Netflix adaptation this will be a dark fic which includes mentions of prostitution, attempted murder, child ab*se, sexual harassment, heavy grief and attempted suic*de among other things. Additional warnings will be added for chapters when triggers are brought up. Please read with caution if these are triggers for you or just skip all together!

15th Day Sojourn 

“Nanami!?” You opened the curtains of her room, your face screwed in anger as she groaned curling into her bed, “What the hell!? You have one day left on your visa and you got hammered!? And what?” You waved at her as she pulled the blanket up upon realization she wasn’t dressed. At all, “Decided to get railed while you’re at it!?” 

She groaned as she collapsed back against the bed, “Sorry I don’t have a death wish like you do,” She sneered making your lips part as you scoffed at her words. Death wish!? You understood, going out when it wasn’t required wasn’t something most chose to do. But you had a good dynamic going with Ryu, Hiroko and Akari. You all made a good group together, and it wasn’t every night!

It was just a few times a week! It had been a little over, two? Three weeks at most now? That you had been at the beach? Life was about as good as it could be given the circumstances of your living space. But you made it work. 

Truthfully, you weren’t sure what direction your relationship with Nanami was headed, you understood you saw one another less but...It was like this before you had arrived at the Borderlands, what had changed? You felt confused and a bit lost, Nanami had only gotten more and more annoyed recently well...anytime you spoke to her truthfully.

You glared down at the empty bottles, obviously the Beach was the problem here. It was a gateway to all kinds if bad habits that Nanami had clearly taken up. You hardly saw her anymore because she was either too busy partying with her new friends or completely wasted, “This…! Nanami! This isn’t you.” You threw the bottle onto the ground next to her bed as you threw up your hands, “At all! You’d never be this tardy on the day you prep for a game!” 

Nanami groaned loudly as she got out of bed, holding the sheet up as she grabbed her clothes, looking irritated at your presence as she growled, “Since when do you care about my games!?” She fumbled as she got dressed as best she could, “All you ever do is try and throw your life away! You never even tell me when you’re going out! One of these days you’re gonna go out and it’ll be the last time I ever see you! Do you realize how stressful that is!?” 

Pulling up her bikini top she immediately shoved the door of the room open as your lips parted quickly chasing after her, “You don’t think I try to tell you!?” You shouted back, people immediately making way through the hallway as your brows pinched, “You were too busy getting fucked against a wall when I tried to tell you last week! What the fuck! This is not completely my fault! I could be better about it sure but you…!” 

Nanami paused at the end of the steps, now in the lobby as she turned to face you, “But me!? There’s nothing about me! You are so fucking suffocating! I’m not a child Y/n!” An indiginant hurt panged through your chest at her words.

Hopping off the last step you followed after her as your fists curled, “I wouldn’t if you stopped acting like one!” You shouted back, anger coursing through your veins at her accusations, what was with her behavior!? You’d lay back if it meant she’d stop this...these destructive habits! 

If she wanted to drink that was fine, if she wanted to sleep with someone it was whatever, she was an adult but this was way too excessive! “All I see is someone trying to prove she's an adult when all she is, is trying way too hard to be someone she isn’t!” 

You didn’t care how half the people in the lobby looked awkward and somehow a lot of people were quickly finding the exit. Nanani gasped as she turned around, you could almost see the steam coming out of her ears as her fists curled, “You…! You have no idea who I even am!” She snarled back, “Other than looking at me like a baby! You’ve always been too busy with your friends or school or work and half the time you lied! Why is it I got to hear from somebody other then you that you fucked people for a living. That you were a whore for money!” 

You immediately looked away from her as you crossed your arms defensively, hurt beginning to throb in your chest at her words, feeling somewhat caught off guard at that being brought up. You weren’t embarrassed, ashamed? Maybe a little despite your mind telling you that you shouldn’t be. 

“Y/n you are NOT mom, you will never be mom. Ever since she died you’ve felt the need to be some fucking savior for me and you don’t! You have no idea what I need. So push off and stop acting like you do!” Nanami snapped, her eyes burning with an anger that looked a lot like hate.

That...You wouldn’t deny that stung. You could hear footsteps quickly walking away as you looked at your feet, your eyes stinging and your vision blurring as your lips quivering and your expression contorted somewhat painfully in an attempt to try to not let the sting of pain burn too deep. 

She was just angry, you told yourself in an attempt to lick the wounds that were already in your heart to begin with. It was like being reopened and salt being doused onto it. 

You only felt more angry as you furiously rubbed away the warm trail of liquid on your cheeks, irritation blossoming in your chest at the feeling of eyes on you as you hissed, “You can stop staring!” Turning to face the white hood that had been leaned against the wall, previously on his phone but much like everyone else it was hard for Chishiya to not stare at the drama unfolding five feet away.

“Well,” Chishiya clacked his tongue, a semi amused expression his face as he spoke, “What did I tell you?” He quickly shut his mouth at the glare you sent him, wiping your cheek once more, your lips pathetically quivering, he probably thought that and hey, you’d admit it was pretty pathetic. 

“I get it you don’t really care about my feelings but I really don’t appreciate the ‘I told you so’ right now,” You waved towards your face as you sniffed wrapping your arms around yourself as you waved a hand at the door, “You know, I never intended to…” 

You pressed your tongue into your cheek as you sharply inhaled, “It doesn’t matter,” You sighed looking low, as you rubbed your eyes, “You were right. But I never meant for it to come off like that. Everything I ever did in my life was so that she’d never have to go through what I did.” 

There it was again, the bitter tears that threatened to escape your eyes as you stared down at your blurry hands, “To have that kicked back in my face- excuse me for being human, but I feel like the tears are justified.” You looked up at him again as you sniffed, rubbing your eyes again that glossed with wetness.

“And I would never hold that above her or against her. I know she didn’t ask for that, but that’s how much I love her. She is all I have. She would never need to thank me for what I’ve done. I’d do it again no questions asked. But that? That was uncalled for.” You wrapped your arms around yourself, trying to not let yourself get anymore upset then you already were. 

“Well, you can’t control how she reacts, obviously.” Chishiya shrugged, having been, maybe a little too used to your random bursts of emotions as he spoke in a sing-song voice, “But the more power you give her the more it’ll make you upset. You should really just drop it.” 

You puffed a breath as you rubbed your eyes, “I can’t stand you some days.” Your lips quivered into a pout making Chishiya scoff, probably due to how pathetic you looked.

“Because I’m right?” He spoke as he stepped off the wall, pushing his hands into the pockets of his jacket as he raised his brows. You didn’t reply to him as you crossed your arms. Things between you both had been...interesting to say the least. 

You by no means considered yourself close friends but...ever since the three of hearts games, you could only assume, that you both had come to a certain understanding of one another. Most days you had never even meant to talk to him. You just always happened to be in the same place at the same time.

Finally you rolled your eyes, feeling a little more composed as you huffed, “There's no debating with you about whether or not you’re right.” You glanced up at him and it was his turn to stay silent before a cocky smirk curved on his lips making you throw your head back with a sigh to try to cover the urge to laugh, yes that was a very familiar sight, “Your ego is gonna get you killed one day.” 

You turned to start walking as Chishiya replied, “Maybe, if someone actually takes the bluff. But I don’t think anyone will.” You clacked your tongue, shaking your head as you said nothing in return. In some ways, you even believed him.

If there was anything you had learned about Chishiya it was that he truly was an insane combination of cold and calculating, mixed with a sense of naiveness that others falsely perceived him as, with a dash of, menacing playfulness? But just enough chaos mixed to keep anyone from truly figuring him out. 

Still to this day it was difficult to read him. But in some ways, you really enjoyed it. And some parts of you, deep down, did enjoy his company. He always had some dry or witty remark to make, no matter how unpleasant he could be at times.

“Are we still on for tonight?” You looked up at him, a small smile on your face as you both exited to the pool yard where music was blasting and it was permanently summertime, who would’ve thought you were in the Borderlands here, honestly.

Chishiya raised a brow as he spoke, “I’d assume, unless you’re gonna be useless and sulk the whole time.” You rolled your eyes at him, an amused snort escaping you.

“No…! But,” You paused making him pause, “Ah, who knows maybe I’ll just get hit by a car and I won’t have to deal with that anymore.” You waved towards Nanami with her friends as you snickered, making Chishiya roll his eyes at your theatrics, forever the drama queen in his opinion.

“Y/n!” Your gaze shot to where Ryu and Hiroko were laid out in lawn chairs next to the pool where Akari was sitting at the edge. You glanced to Chishiya as you sighed with a shrug, he had attempted to part ways only for Hiroko to glare, “You too sour ass!” Chishiya’s gaze cut into Hiroko who didn’t budge in the slightest at him making you sigh as you rubbed your neck.

Truthfully, you couldn’t help but wonder if Chishiya actually made the effort in talking to anyone outside of you. And that could be argued that you generally initiated conversation. Had it not been for you, you doubt Hiroko would be able to stand Chishiya at all. 

“What’s up?” You asked as you both stood in front of their chairs, Hiroko crossed her legs, a margarita in hand despite it being lunch time at best but hey, you couldn’t exactly blame her given the state of where you all lived. 

Her expression crumpled a little as she looked between you and Nanami who was on the other side of the pool, “You two good? We ah...heard some yelling?” She raised a brow making you huff as you crossed your arms, looking away from them, “Okay…” Hiroko clacked her tongue, “Well we’re getting ready to go out to get some supplies, food stock is getting low in the back and we needed some help.” 

Chishiya’s expression twisted just by a hair making Hiroko’s eyes sharpen on him as he looked away giving a very loud sigh as if inconvenience by this, “Is there an option to decline?” 

“No.” 

“We’d be happy to help.” You glanced at Chishiya briefly before given a smile to Hiroko and Ryu, “I’ve never done a supply run before so you’ll have to show me the ropes though.” Truth be told you kept yourself fairly busy. You often enjoyed exploring in your off time, and while sitting at the pool was nice, it got fairly boring by yourself day in and out. 

So you went out to the parks you knew, you’d go to the ocean front when possible, you had even taken up the hobby of going on a jog each morning. Anything to remind you that you were alive. Contrary to how some perceived it, you felt almost numb in a way to your life being put on the line. To be put into extremely perilous situations, it had taken a toll on your mental health. 

Even if you couldn’t recognize it at the moment, and so you had tried your best to pick up hobbies to keep you occupied and away from the addictive sensation of Games. So you often took walks now and explored around the city in your free time. 

“It’s easy!” Hiroko stood up as she smiled brightly at your enthusiasm compared to the sour grey cloud that crossed his arms while rolling his eyes, “We have a masterlist written out of what we need to get, you’re free to pick up anything you’d like while we’re out!” 

“Anything…?” You tilted your head before a smile tugged on your lips, “Alright! Lemme just go get something to change into on our way out!” Everyone thought you were either vain or insecure but truthfully, you just really hated the swimwear rule. 

The moment you stepped off beach property was the moment you were wearing sweatpants and something comfortable. After you had gotten changed the four of you set off as you looked down the long list, mainly canned goods were needed, some dry goods as well and…”Are these farm locations?” 

“Mhm, we can get a lot of fresh produce from there! It took awhile of searching but it’s a pretty good spot! We’ll get that on our way back though!” Ryu answered chipperly as he leaned back in his seat up front looking the exact opposite Chishiya who was slouched in his seat looking bored. 

You actually quite enjoyed the ride, they used the CD player in the car to play music and briefly, you were taken back to a time in life when things weren’t so intense. It’s hard to believe you ever had a problem in your old life before you came to the Borderlands, everything in comparison now seems so...Childish, in a way, your problems weren’t as bad as you ever thought. 

After helping gather canned goods and whatever snacks were on the list you had made your way through the store, stray shopping carts were abandoned and remnants of life still remained, not a lot, but just enough for it to feel eery, it really did make you wonder what happened to everyone. 

“There’s a cart right there, you’re gonna break the ones you already have if you keep that up.” You snapped your head to glare at Chishiya as you fumbled with the canvases you were holding, “You know that used to be someone's cart right!” You rolled your eyes as you set them down in the empty cart that had been rolled towards the notebook section. 

 “And now it’s yours. You’re so emotional.” He sighed in exasperation, his eyes sharply looking down at all the paint material before he snorted as if amused by something making your brows furrow in suspicion. 

“I’m not! It’s just having human decency, you know people used to live in this place before whatever happened,” You crossed your arms, tutting as you kneeled down, grabbing a jar of paint in each color, “Although I won’t lie, the cost of living has effectively gone down since then.” 

You briefly looked at the expensive price tag that was placed under the paints before placing them into the cart carefully as you twisted back around, rolling the cart towards the brushes. 

“Just at the cost of living now,” Chishiya puffed as he crossed his arms, “Shouldn’t you be buying psychology books or something more useful?”  His gaze narrowed as you looked over your shoulder at him, now annoyed at his presence that was endlessly judging your every move. 

“Shouldn’t you be helping Hiroko find the chip aisle?” Chishiya’s gaze turned cold making you snort, a smile of amusement dancing on your lips as you plucked the first brush from it’s container, “Okay...I guess not. You two really don’t like each other huh.” 

“She’s an idiot that thinks she’s smarter than she is,” Chishiya replied, that loose cold tone of his as always making you roll your eyes, “I’d rather be here then in her insufferable presence.” a bit harsh but this was Chishiya, he often rolled between seemingly innocent and scheming to downright cold hearted at times. 

“I’m flattered that you’re so interested in my hobbies then!” You replied with a fake peppiness as you swirled around to face him, dumping a pile of brushes into the cart, “Also, just because I’m a psych major doesn’t mean my whole life revolves around it. It’s like saying just because your a med student all you know is how to OD someone and that’s all you do.” 

Chishiya clacked his tongue as he raised his brows while shrugging making your expression crumple as you huffed, crossing your arms, “Have you killed someone before coming here? Seriously? I would NOT want you to be my doctor.” 

This made somewhat of an amused smirk quirk on his lips as he looked down at you, “I haven’t, but I supposed if it made you feel better I can say I have.” You rapidly blinked, staring at him as if he was insane, “How is that supposed to make me feel better? That just makes me even more uneasy, you could be lying through your teeth and I’d never be able to tell.” 

You flailed your arms as you rolled the cart out of the aisle, Chishiya following behind making no effort to show he was in a hurry as he snorted, “For a psychology major I guess I just thought you’d be better at reading people. Guess you’re dumber than you look huh.” 

“Do you have some kind of god complex with being smart?” You turned to face him as your expression contorted, “Because yes! I fully admit I’m an idiot, that's not an insult to me. My power is not in my brain but my heart, unfortunately.” You pointed at your heart before wincing a little, truthfully it wasn’t always what it was cracked up to be, “You know what- What’s with that anyways?” You furrowed your brows as you leaned your arms against the handle of the cart, “You really value intellect that much?” 

You had noticed that pattern in Chishiya’s speech, an insult he regularly used was among demeaning to someone's intelligence, but not in the childish way it was often used, he meant it literally. As if nothing could be more embarrassing to someone then being dumb, to which you didn’t understand or hold any value too. He was proof that intelligent people were not always the most kind hearted. 

Chishiya stared at you for a long minute, his expression unchanging as you shrugged pushing the cart as you peered down the next aisle, “I view life as a game I intend to win,” He relented making you pause as you looked back at him, your head titled, his smile looked viscous as he spoke, “And anyone who doesn’t have any wit to play is destined to lose. And I will win, because nobody is smart enough to beat me.” 

You puffed a breath as you raised your brows with a breathy chuckle, “You sound like you need a good group therapy session, is all I hear when you speak. But hey, I guess you’re doing great now considering our lives are being turned into literal games now. I guess every mentality pays off in it’s own way.” 

You picked up the pack of prism colored pencils from the end cap as you flipped them to look at the back of the package, “And all I hear is a defeatist mentality from you.” You peered up at Chishiya with an amused expression at his words as you shook your head, all he did was talk but never made any point, was he trying to figure you out in the elusive way possible? 

“I’m not a defeatist, I’m just not as ruthless as you, in the way I view life that is. Why? Are you curious about my take on the world?” You teased a little, knowing this would immediately disengage him and just as you thought you watched him puff a breath, his arms crossing and his gaze becoming narrow. 

“Why would I have any interest in someone who openly admits to being an idiot?” Chishiya replied, that irritated cat-like expression on his face  and that annoying sing-song tone of his, you sighed, rolling your eyes, having learned to not take his cold words so seriously anymore, “If anything, the more you speak, the more confirmation I have that you’re right, you’re a total moron that has no clue what she’s ever talking about.” 

Your face scrunched a little as you placed the pack of pencils in the cart before turning to face him, “Then why are you still talking to me?” You asked, raising your hands a little, and when he didn’t reply you smiled, “I mean really, if I’m so obnoxiously stupid, to the point of even admitting it, Wouldn’t it make sense that you’d just ignore me?” 

Chishiya sighed as he glanced up at the ceiling, “Because you’re the most tolerable out of everyone here. But even you just open your mouth and shit flies out, I thought maybe with you being in an intellectual major you’d be more prophetic than you are?” 

He stopped in a look of mild confusion at why you were giggling so much at his words, you had to cover your mouth as you raised your brows in delight, “Awwh! I didn’t realize you thought of me like that! I would’ve tried harder to psychoanalyze you more if that was the case!” 

You laughed as you pushed your hair back leaning against the cart as you shook your head in amusement, “No but seriously, I think you’re getting psychology and philosophy mixed up here. I still only have one functioning braincell, sorry to disappoint.” Your nose scrunched as you smiled before pushing the cart into the next aisle. 

“To answer your original question, since wifi isn’t a thing and the internet virtually doesn’t exist anymore I’m trying to find new hobbies to keep me out of games from boredom.” Admittedly, it wasn’t that, you’d say you were addicted to the feeling of putting your life on the line. You hadn’t been in the Borderlands that long. 

But something about the adrenaline and the peril need to solve something, it kept your mind active and buzzing for a good few days, even after clearing a game. You already had over two weeks on your visa so there wasn’t really a need to go out and do something as reckless as playing a game. 

Truthfully, you were very grateful you had run into Hiroko and Ryu in your first game, and admittedly also Chishiya who had found the Beach in the matter of hours after being told. Because of them, you weren’t nearly as fearful as you could have been, even now. 

Being with your friends who were more experienced, it gave you confidence that you’d all solve everything and things would turn out okay. And maybe to some degree that mentality was dangerous.

More than anything, you knew you needed to become desensitized to the games and the cruel reality of the Borderlands if you wanted to last long. That was the real reason you had been pushing yourself to clear games every few nights. You weren’t addicted to the sensation, you just needed to push yourself into an indifferent state of mind. 

It wasn’t healthy, you above anyone else knew that, but you knew it was necessary for your mind to adapt to survive. 

 “What about you med boy? Don’t you have any hobbies outside of fucking with people and making kids cry?” Your lips curled into a smile as you looked over your shoulder, watching Chishiya clack his tongue, rolling his eyes as you snorted. 

“What makes you think I talk to children?” You raised your hands in surrender, “Fair enough,” You glanced at him, the silence loud for just a brief moment before you tried to fight the smile on your face as you pressed your tongue into your cheek as he continued, “I’m like anyone else, I can go for a good game of mahjong, chess and on occasion I enjoy building an taser gun-” 

You paused as you whirled around, “A what gun?” Your brows crinkled together in confusion at how his sentence jumped from zero to one hundred as quick as it did. 

Chishiya made a noise that sounded something between a scoff and snort at your contorted expression, his hands in his pockets as he leaned against the shelf, “I was in robotics as a kid and straight A’s in science and chemistry. I build things.” 

“Like...weapons?” You rubbed your head as you frowned, looking away from him as you let out a somewhat wry laugh, “Jeez, so you’re basically saying you’ve always been this intense even before the Borderlands huh.” You puffed a breath as you puckered your lips, suddenly a childish smile on your face, “Wait! So in theory…! Could you...build like a- a slingshot?” 

“What are you a child?” 

“Well...what about...a bing-bag gun?” 

“Already did that in grade school.” 

“Stun gun?” 

“Vague description but yes I’ve built things similar in function.”

Your lips twisted into a pout as you let your chin rest on the handlebar of the cart, “...Flamethrower?” 

Chishiya’s eyes squinted a little as you smiled in victory before he sighed, “No but that’s theoretically the easiest to build.” You crossed your arms, he was just giving excuses now! 

“How? How could a flame thrower be easy to build!?” You threw up your arms now annoyed at his confidence. 

“Ah, any flammable spray can and lighter, next question?” He quirked a brow, now looking semi amused at your expression as you huffed, now out of ideas, to be fair, just how many weapons could be built from scratch anyways? Impressive sure, but before the Borderlands, just how useful was it anyways? Let alone legal? 

“Okay well I’m out of things to ask,” You clacked your tongue, looking away from him briefly before smiling, “Oh…! It’s probably a bad idea but we should go find a spray can, then, I’ve never tried that before!” 

What’s the worst that could happen anyways?

“You...burned the store down…?” Akari rubbed her head in disbelief as you pouted, Hiroko having thoroughly chewed your ass out on how irresponsible you were as you sat in the pool chair, your hands on your face and your cheeks puffed. 

“How was I supposed to know the flames traveled up to seven feet! It’s Chishiya’s fault, he should’ve at least given me a fair warning!” You threw up your hands as you accused the unbothered blonde.

“I tried, didn’t I?” Chishiya laid out in his chair next to you, a pair of black aviators covering his eyes and this had to be the first time you had seen him without his jacket on, his hair shockingly tied up into a bun and away from his face aside the two strands hanging down as always.

“But like always you wouldn’t shut up and stop to listen. So I thought experience would be the best teacher,” Chishiya shrugged casually, a smug expression on his face as he spoke, “Fortunately for me that’s the last time Hiroko ever asks us to go out with them again. It's a win-win if you look at it like that.”

You whined as you bounced in your seat, leaning back as you sighed, “Hiroko was so pissed off she said she didn’t wanna see me the rest of the day. She really could be a mom.” 

“Awh’ does that mean you ain’t coming tonight for the game?” Akari flicked her hat up a little as she raised a brow making you slump with a sigh, you were sure you could go, Hiroko wouldn’t actually stick to her word but...You admittedly felt kinda bad, you just wanted to kill a little time while Ryu and Hiroko finished up. 

“I’ll probably sit tonight out, it’s not like I need to clear a game anyways, my visa has nearly two weeks on it and I don’t wanna do a game by myself.” You crossed your arms with a sulk, you didn’t feel confident enough in yourself to attempt a game without anybody else, and if you died nobody would ever know. 

Akari whistled as she pressed the beer bottle to her lips, “That sucks,” She took a long chug as your nose wrinkled a little, “But hey! Maybe you could talk to Nanami, she’s been pretty sour the whole morning. I tried talkin’ to her earlier but she was pretty snippy.” 

You curved a brow in curiosity, sure Nanami had been mad at you but Akari? They were probably closer friends then you and Akari were any day of the week, “Why?” You rubbed your head, maybe she was just in a mood altogether today. 

Akari’s face twisted as she snorted, “Because of you.” 

Your head collapsed against the chair as you inhaled sharply, “If she’s still mad about this morning then I’m gonna need a drink before I even try to talk to her. Do you know what’s going on with her? Because I’m extremely lost as to what her problem is.” 

Akari placed a hand on her hip as she sighed in exasperation, “I dunno’ other than maybe that group of friends she’s with. They’re all pretty bad apples in my humble opinion, ever since she started hanging out with them she's been pretty moody.” 

You placed a hand on your forehead as you sighed, “Right, of course, it’s always the friends,” You collapsed back into your chair as you stretched out, “Listen, don’t get me wrong,” you placed a hand in front of you to block out the sun as you looked up at Akari, “I love Nanami, and I want to work things out with her. I do, but right now?” 

You clacked your tongue in semi disappointment, “Me trying to talk to her is only going to make her push me away even more and make even dumber choices. If she needs to go through this, then she’s gonna have to go through it. I’ll be here for her regardless.” 

You had known your sister long enough to know that anytime she acted like this, you trying to talk to her would only push her further away and that’s not what you wanted to do. The only difference was you had never seen her go so...extreme before…

And the last thing you wanted was for Nanami to go off the deep end because of you and possibly...you shuddered at the idea, the possibilities were endless here in the Borderlands where there were no laws for people to abide by. 

Akari sighed as she took her hat off, fanning it over her face as she rubbed her head, “Hey, it’s not my place to tell ya what to do with your sister, all I’m saying is it may be beneficial to at least try.” She shrugged as she walked away making you groan. 

You could try again but you had a feeling it wouldn’t get you anywhere with her. It felt odd to think about, because one part of you felt like you had nothing but time now except for the constant loom of imminent death. You wouldn’t deny the fear that constantly set inside you at the idea of Nanami going into a game and never coming back. 

But what could you really do? Outside irritate her and push her to continue doing harmful things? You supposed, in some ways, you were a hypocrite, you were putting your life on the line for nothing other than out of wanting to break the cycle, to remember truly what it means to live, without it even being necessary. You wouldn’t blame her for being angry at you for that. 

“Hmm, I didn’t realize you actually let people dictate what you do in your free time, you’re a pretty big push over.” You slowly twisted in your seat to glare at Chishiya’s lounged out figure looking like a cat in the sun as he spoke in a sing-song tone. 

“...Do you ever shut up?” 

“Not particularly.” 

You clacked your tongue, huffing as you collapsed back in your chair, “Well what? You wanna do a game together? I just…” You held up your hands, looking at them as you scrunched your nose, “Feel like if I went with you, there’s a good chance you’d probably use me as bait or something and I’d end up getting killed.” 

“Wasn’t that your goal this morning?” Chishiya lifted his aviators as he turned to look at you from his laid out position, you squinted a little, crossing your arms once more as you leaned back in your seat.

“Well- yeah…” You fumbled before squinting even harder at Chishiya’s expression, “But now that you said it like that I have to not die out of pure spite, you didn’t answer my question by the way. I doubt you wanted to do a game with Hiroko anyways.” You rolled your eyes, still not understanding why Chishiya had such a distaste for her. 

Sure she was a little accusative and Hiroko obviously didn’t trust him, but could Chishiya, genuinely say that wasn’t for good reason? You had figured out that this man, if anything, was self aware of how he came across from an outside perspective. That was the part that baffled you, how could he blame someone for distrusting him? 

Even you distrusted Chishiya to a certain extent, and you had no problems letting him casually know such as now. Truly, you couldn’t rule out the possible idea of being used as bait in a game by him and not even realizing it. 

Honestly, given the environment you lived in, you could at least appreciate that he kept you on your toes. And you supposed that was the difference between you and Hiroko, she wanted to trust all of her friends. You weren’t so caught up in that. 

Because really, even in the outside world, before the Borderlands, friends could hardly be trusted fully. And those he believed in such, were always disappointed, friends lied, gossiped, went behind your back, slept with previous boyfriends. You hardly trusted anyone fully, in that sense, it wasn’t hard for you to just let go of some of Chishiya’s less then morally good behavior 

Chishiya only waved a hand, “If you think we’ll find someone more interesting than your dry friends.” 

“My dry friends,” You raised a brow as you twisted to look at his unbothered figure, “Act like you’re unassociated all you want but that doesn’t make you not part of the group. You are so weird. Anyways yeah sure, they just got word today that a new venue opened up at the bridge, we could go there.” 

“You’re still a pushover.” 

“What the fuck.” You replied deadpan as you stared him down, watching in annoyance at his sunglasses being put back on as he leaned back in his chair but the unmistakable cheshire smirk on his face as you rolled your eyes, “You're just asking to be torn apart.”

“So then why don’t you do it?” Chishiya challenged you casually, evening daring to lift his drink as he took a long sip before speaking up once more, “All you do is threaten people. How am I supposed to take you serious when you never follow through?”

“Last time I did it I made a man commit suicide.” You replied dryly, something in your tone lingering as you glanced out over the pool where everyone just pretended like they didn’t see people slaughtered night after night.

Escapism, was a very raw and primal way of coping with a shitty reality, you understood the concept well enough before the Borderlands, but ever since coming here, it became more and more apparent to you just how common it really was. What were you supposed to do with blood staining your hands.

Red caught your attention briefly as your eyes flickered to your hands that were clean as always. Staring down at them in wonder you couldn’t help but think, that some parts of you would never be the same after this. No amount of therapy or inner healing would bring you back to a time in your life where you hadn’t witnessed the atrocities you had. 

Some parts of you, were amazing at blocking out the Borderlands, taking the days you were alive for granted until the moment your heart was pounding and scared for your life, it was an addictive type of feeling in the most terrifying way. 

“It was hardly suicide,” Chishiya snorted, not at all perturbed like you were, you looked at him, staring into his figure that drew his attention as he raised a brow, looking unbothered, “You don’t feel the same? All human life is parasitic and is temporary, he would’ve died here anyways, it’s like you said, it doesn’t take much to break the weak link.” 

You smacked your lips together as you sighed, some parts of you not surprised at how much of a nihilist Chishiya was, “It doesn’t matter whether his life was baseless and humans are parasitic,” You looked away from him again as you muttered, “It doesn’t change the fact I was the one who manipulated someone into killing themselves.”

Staring down at your hands they trembled only if you looked close enough, briefly you could remember a broken bottle in your hands, sticky wet substance covering them and- “Doesn’t change the fact he would’ve died. It was us or him.” Chishiya shrugged, that snarky yet innocent look on his face as he spoke, “Maybe it’s you who needs therapy.” 

“Probably.” Your eyes traced down your fingers before sighing, running a hand through your hair, “If you’re gonna be a nihilist then I’ll see myself to the bar.” Chishiya waved a hand unbothered as you got up from your seat. 

If you ever escaped the Borderlands you were absolutely going to be the one at the sitting end of a therapy office instead of the listening side. 

----

“You’re a horrible driver.” Your nose was scrunched and you had a death grip on the side of the door of the car, you’d think for someone who was so analytical they’d be more careful. Chishiya? No, he was aggressive with sharp turns and fast pace making you hold on for dear life.

“I never got a license.” Chishiya replied in a sing song tune that you were beginning to find extremely annoying, that stupid smirk on his face as you opened the door the car, stepping out as you grabbed your neck. 

“You know,” You turned to face him now standing just before the bridge, “If I’m gonna die here-” Chishiya sighed exasperated as you held up a hand, “What is your fascination with wanting to die?-”  “No listen- I’m not saying I will but if,” You stressed the word, “If I die here, I really don’t want it to be from your shitty subpar driving skills.” 

Chishiya snorted, rolling his eyes as you both stepped past the platform to which you had been informed awhile ago that there really was no turning back from games, you had...subconsciously assumed that, never having even thought it would be possible to go back from a game, but it was just another stressful reality you’d have to navigate. 

You notice three other people who stood around all looking unsure of each other and you both included. You weren’t sure what type of game would be held on the bridge, there were plenty of cars still and you couldn’t help but wonder. 

“What if there’s only one survivor to this game? Is that a thing?” You leaned a little towards Chishiya who had stuffed his hands into his pocket, his eyes flickering to you as he raised a brow. 

“Does your brain only function on one memory at a time?” Your expression twisted somewhat indignant making an amused half smile curl on Chishiya’s face causing your childish anger to further as you crossed your arms, “Yes they exist, and for that matter I’ll just let you die since you’re so determined to let it happen prematurely-” “It will with the way you drive.” “Stop being so dramatic.” 

You puffed a breath as you shifted your weight, “No seriously, what if only one persons survives?” You asked, you hadn’t really thought about it truthfully, you had done games where it was possible but you supposed you had just been lucky, most games if not close to all, many could survive. Was that something you should be worried about. Chishiya only shrugged, not having an answer as you hummed. 

It was only six o’clock and the sun was beginning to set, was anyone else going to, “Oh jeez, this doesn’t look promising.” You turned to where someone stood having just arrived. Oh...oh wow, this woman was tall and attractive. It looked like a cigarette was hanging from her lips and she sported nothing but jeans and a bikini top. 

Your gaze flickered ahead where you frowned, “I really hate games with props.” You muttered, looking at the anklets that could be doubled as probation bands, seriously? Attaching it to your ankle you inspected that metal loop that dangled from the back, “Do you think they’ll blow our legs off if we move too fast?” 

“Doubt it,” The woman spoke up cut in between you both as she grabbed on, inspecting it as she scoffed, “Especially given what we’re doin’. Looks like we’re gonna get real cozy now.” 

You looked at the laptop that sat out as you tilted your head.

Game:

Difficulty: 5♠

“The game you will be participating in is, Seek and Destroy”

“That sounds...not fun.” Your nose wrinkled, it was a clubs game, meaning at least you could all work as a team to finish the objection, but...Seek and destroy? You briefly glanced at Chishiya but he remained expressionless, his full undivided attention on the screen. 

“In this game there are cars sectioned across the bridge and within five cars, bombs have been planted. One bomb will be activated at a time, you will have five minutes to find it and disarm it. Should you be in the vicinity of the car bomb by the time it goes off you have two choices, Game Over or Test Life.” Your brows furrowed as you listened carefully, “Cables are attached to the bridge, should you be near one you may attach your anklet to it and choose to jump off the bridge to safety.” 

“There are five car bombs all total, once the first bomb had been deactivated, the next will start. If you disarm all five, it’s a Game Clear, if you fail to disarm all five, it’s a Game Over.”

Rules

All players must remain on the bridge unless they choose to Test Life

You will have five minutes to plan your course of action, after the siren, the first bomb will be set

If all five bombs aren’t disarmed it’s a Game Over, the only exemption from this rule is if a Life Test is passed in trade.

If someone Tests Life and succeeds, they will make their way back to the bridge and return here as proof of success or it’s an automatic Game Over for them.

“Ha...ha! This should be easy!” A woman spoke up as she grabbed her head, “Guys! If we just chose to test life, we can all escape down, not break any rules and clear the game!” You heard a few others excitedly agree with her but you felt...unsure…

You glanced at Chishiya who remained stoic, the only other person who seemed to also not be sold was the woman next to you, who practically towered over you and looking up you only just realized her cigarette was fake, “You into women or something?” She winked causing you fumble a little as you stepped away, “I don’t judge.” 

“I’m into not dying,” You replied as you looked at the laptop, the countdown having already started, Chishiya only shrugged as he spoke up, “Could’ve fooled me.” You rolled your eyes at him, he seemed curious as he followed the other three. 

“It’s simple, I’ll just attach this and! Just look for some others!” She excitedly clipped the bungee cord to the metal hoop before she stood up on the ledge, lifting her arms as she breathed in a deep breath, “I’ll see you guys on the way down!” 

Your eyes were wide at her blind faith as she fell down, Chishiya peered down as everyone watched in baited breath, “It’s dumb to assume things would be that easy on a Spades game which is based around physical exertion, true bungee jumping matches the energy, but that would be too easy.” Chishiya spoke, shrugging as you glanced at him briefly before back at the woman who had finally hit the bottom of her cord, you had expected her to bounce but you gasped a little as she jerked before you could only assume her anklet broke and she smashed straight into the water.

She...she had to die from the impact with nothing to break the fall from here to there, “Just as I expected,” He sighed in exasperation, everyone turned to Chishiya who appeared only semi annoyed, “Anyone who believed a game value of five would be that easy is truly an idiot,” He offered a snide smile, “Just as I thought, Test Life is meant literally and meant to be a last resort, either you die by a car bomb or you take a chance with a possible faulty cord or band. The only way we clear a game without disarming all five bombs is if one goes off and someone chooses to test life and doesn’t die, it’s not only risky but stupid to rely on.” 

“Talk about cold,” The woman beside you spoke up, making Chishiya shrug loosely, “You couldn’t have said that five seconds sooner and we’d have a sixth player?” Her lip lifted a little in annoyance at Chishiya’s callous nature. 

Chishiya offered a cold smile, “A hypothesis without any evidence is just an assumption.” 

The woman had no words, probably taken aback at just how cold Chishiya was, you leaned in a little as you whispered, “You get used to it. Y/n,” You introduced yourself briefly with a weak smile, admittedly you had just accepted and gotten used to Chishiya’s nihilistic views. 

“Harsh,” She snorted, “Kuina. You two seem acquainted.” 

Your lips fell back into a grimace as you briefly looked at Chishiya who raised a brow at you, “Somehow...” You shook your head, truthfully, no matter how hard you tried to get away from this man, you always seemed to end up talking to him, or in situations like this with him, “So what’s the plan Spock?” You shrugged as you looked at Chishiya, half your time of planning already over. 

Chishiya didn’t reply at first and admittedly you wouldn’t consider him the embodiment of a leader, but you did think if anyone had a good calculation and strategy to go through this without messing up, it was him, “The rules stated nothing about having to disarm them in sequence, only that after the first was disarmed, a second would start and so forth.” 

You frowned at his words making him sigh in exasperation as he looked away from you, “Which means if we broke into pairs we can just search all the cars and disarm them all within a reasonable amount of time and least amount of panic. You know,” Chishiya sneered, “They’re being quite charitable for a 5.” 

“Okay great,” You sneered back in unappreciation giving back the same energy you were annoyed at being given at the moment, sure, you were dumb, you could admit it, and you had a feeling it really grated on Chishiya’s nerves that you in fact, did not consider it an insult in the least. You worked in the realms of irrationality of human nature, not the laws of logic like him. 

In some ways, you considered yourself a polar opposite of him sometimes, “I’m glad this is easy for you. Just tell us what we need to do, jerk.” 

Chishiya rolled his eyes at your expression, not surprised in the least at your attitude which he, just as always, ignored it, “There’s six of us- or was…” His lips curled into a menacing smirk, “There’ll be two pairs and one single person, one pair will go towards the back of the bridge and search the cars back to front, a bomb will most likely be placed in the hood of the car if the engines have been taken out or in the trunk. Another pair will search the beginning of the bridge starting from here and work their way towards the middle. Lastly the person by themselves will search the middle which won’t be as hard to go through alone.” 

“Alright, then I’ll pair up with the blonde twink, I have a few words to talk to him about.” Kuina shrugged, making Chishiya’s gaze snap over, his expression briefly looking confused for a second at her wording as she offered a sharp smile, “What? Are you intimidated?” 

Chishiya’s expression melted back into a cool tone, his gaze briefly looking over to you which you only observed the two, already getting the feeling you and Kuina were going to get along and hey, if you all survived this, you’d totally tell her about the Beach, “Hardly,” Chishiya snorted, “But in case you couldn’t tell I already have a partner.” You raised your brows looking around, wow, he was fast at deciding who would help him the most, “It’s you idiot.” 

“Oh,” Your lips parted a little, admittedly feeling a little dumb forgetting, but honestly, who could blame you? You just assumed Chishiya would pair with the person most beneficial to him, after a second your lips curled into a smile as you shrugged, “Oh?” You raised your brows a little making Chishiya’s expression go a little exasperated as your smile turned into a grin, “Oh I don’t mind!” You spoke, smiling at Kuina as you waved her over to him, “Have fun with him, he’s a real blast! I can partner with one of you if you’d like, I’m a go with the flow kinda person.” 

“I was a cross country runner! I can go by myself.” A girl, who looked like she was fresh out of highschool spoke as she volunteered herself, leaving you with only one partner, the male who...definitely looked like he could use a shower. He gave you a grimy smile which you weakly returned, “This just leaves us. I’m Daichi, and you m’lady?” 

You could hear a strained laughter from two people as you looked over your shoulder, harshly glaring laser beams out of your eyes at Chishiya who had pulled his hood up to try and pretend like he totally wasn’t smiling while stifling his laughter while Kuina was more then openly laughing at your obvious short straw hand here, but hey...You did forfeit your partnership with Chishiya out of spite, this was in some way...deserved. 

“Y/n. if everyone is sorted out, let’s take the far end of the bridge, it’s least likely they’d start the first bomb there right?” You looked towards Chishiya who shrugged, “What do we do about the bombs? I don’t exactly have any experience in the reams of demolition work.” 

“It’s possible, as for the bombs I doubt they have anything complex. It’s probably made of some akin to a battery pack. Just rip the wiring from the pack and not the bomb.” He replied making you cross your arms, an amused expression on his face as he answered.

“...And if it’s not that simple...?” 

“I guess we’ll find out.” He used that sing song tone you groaned at, unhelpful as always as you groaned, “Cheer up Y/n, it keeps things interesting.” What was his deal with things needing to be interesting...

“Well, let’s get going while we still have time,” You nodded to Daichi who nodded eagerly as you both began walking out onto the bridge, cars were scattered all across the bridge and this was admittedly going to take a lot of stamina to do, it was a Spades game, it was expected, but still.

You briefly felt uncomfortable, you could feel Daichi’s stares and he seemed like an okay guy but...Sometimes, more days than you wished, you could just feel a person’s energy and their intentions, Daichi was a perfect example of this. He was easy to read, from the way his eyes kept coping a feel at your body which wasn’t even in anything revealing besides the plain t-shirt you wore and sweatpants as per usual, “So Y/n, what were you before all of this.” 

Your eyes briefly glanced at Daichi before ahead again, “I worked as a barista at a coffee shop,” You answered with a neutral expression, not wanting to come across bitchy or too nice. 

Men in society, are told from a young age that so long as you’re nice, a good guy, doing the right thing, you’ll always get the girl. It twists the perception of reality for them, suddenly a women being nice is considered flirtation, a date to get to know one another will be rewarded with sex, there’s almost always a goal in mind when it comes to a Nice Guy. 

You don’t think Daichi is one of these men, you could tell by the way he fidgeted and he seemed to hesitate and drag his words out a little, he was too insecure to truly feel that type of superiority. But he had that energy of a guy, who felt these things internally and therefore, if provoked, would probably end up saying the exact same things. 

“Oh?” Daichi perked up a little, his smile was sincere if not a little awkward as his eyes lingered below your stomach, “Like at a maid cafe?” 

“Like at a coffee shop,” You repeated yourself, not being too nice but not too mean, just neutral as you internally sighed, maybe you should’ve stayed partners with Chishiya, you knew he was an ass, but at least he didn’t act like this, or most men for that matter. You could at least appreciate his authenticity even if he was hardly honest, “Uh, let’s just focus on disarming these car bombs.” 

You didn’t give Daichi a chance to reply as you heard the siren go off, breaking off into a sprint because you weren’t even halfway across the bridge yet. You needed to be to the end of the bridge within five minutes if the first bomb was there. Though the chances were low, they weren’t zero. 

You weren’t someone considered extreme fit but you did walk a lot and it seemed you made a lot better head way then Daichi as he was out of breath and had his hands on his knees as you arrived at the end of the bridge, the first car bomb had to be disarmed by now and it had taken a good few minutes to even get here, “Okay, let’s separate and start looking at cards, hoods first then trunks.” 

Daichi nodded, still out of breath as you started on the first car, popping the hood as you searched in before going to the trunk. Leaving it open so you wouldn’t confuse it later on as you had a lot of cars to go through. You hoped Chishiya and Kuina were at the very least, having better luck then you. 

…

“So I’m guessing you two have probably fucked.” Kuina clacked her tongue as she watched you in the distant sprinting off, in her opinion probably running away from that creep, not that she could blame you, it did give her a good laugh. 

Chishiya’s gaze remained neutral as he ignored Kuina’s comment. Tch, Chishiya made the exception of tolerating your idiocy purely because, to some degree, he’d admit, you were one of the few people he found interesting, he wasn’t sure he could do that for someone else who he wouldn’t consider as such, especially as self entitled as this woman, “I wouldn’t fuck someone like her. You aren’t good at reading people. Let's start searching and not waste time.” 

Kuina raised her hands up, flicking the wooden cigarette in her mouth as she shrugged, “Alright but you can’t fool me with those eyes. It’s clear you two got some chemistry,” She snorted at his lack of reply, “Anyways, what’s your deal?” She asked, furrowing her brows as they both separated, searching through the hoods before popping the trunks, “Bit cold to just let someone die like that.” She called out. 

“In case you’re inferior mind couldn’t tell,” Chishiya leaned against the back of the car as he smiled coldly, “We needed hard proof that Test Life was literal and not only this, but if this equipment is even stable. Which it isn’t, obviously.” Chishiya shrugged casually, “And we wouldn’t have known if someone dumb enough didn’t want to try,” He let out a sing song tone as he smiled in that false innocence of his, “I just consider it natural selection in the Borderlands.” 

Kuina grimaced a little, talk about borderline inhumane, “Oh look what we have here,” Chishiya looked delighted at the sight of the first bomb, it’s quiet tick ever impending to it’s explosion, Kuina quickly came over as she scratched her head, “So we know we’re supposed to disarm them, but we were never told how...Is it really as simple as you said?” She rolled her eyes. 

Chishiya snorted, “This is a basic homemade bomb, and surprise, surprise, it has a battery pack attached, it doesn’t take a genius to know to just pull the wiring and there won’t be any energy to dispense to the denotation.” And just like they, he yanked the wiring from the remote pack and the ticking stopped.

Kuina felt a breath of relief escape her, obviously not confident in his abilities and who could blame her? For as smart as Chishiya was, it was difficult to trust the man, nor would it be wise of anyone. 

“Great, glad we got a bomb expert on our side,” Kuina sighed, pushing her hands into her pockets before yelling out, “We got one!” As loud as she could, it echoed off the bridge and she was sure at least the highschooler heard her, “Anyways that’s boring. So you consider it natural selection huh- harsh. What ‘bout her then? Seems like you only wanted to be with her.” 

“What about her?” Chishiya, now annoyed, turned to Kuina, who was truthfully, only stirring the pot because she enjoyed getting under people’s skin, this blonde’s in particular, “We entered the game together? I guess?” He raised his brows, that dark, yet low innocent expression on his face as he spoke, “I’d assume it’s natural isn’t it? To stick to what one knows? But instead I’m stuck with you.” 

Kuina only offered a menacing smile in return, “In full glory,” She gestured down to herself proudly, “Listen- I’m only stating what I see, that and this is pretty amusing to listen too. It’s not often I get put in a game that isn’t high intensity.” Admittedly, while Kuina would never openly admit to it, Chishiya being here had definitely calmed things down a little, had it not been for his pure cut logic, things would probably be more hectic. 

“I got one!” Kuina looked up at the sound of the highschool girl screaming out, echoing distantly as Kuina curled her fists in victory, “Alright, just three to go, we’ll be done in no time.” Chishiya only looked over his shoulder, saying nothing as he continued searching through cars, “For someone so smart, you sure don’t look victorious.” 

“It’s foolish to assume victory during a battle,” Chishiya spoke, “At least that’s something Sun Tzu would’ve said, we only have two done in a field of cars. They were forgiving with the obvious rules but not so much in the size of the game. It’ll be a tight fit trying to find the last one within five minutes.” 

Kuina rubbed her head, that was true, she guessed, but she didn’t see it like that. The faster they looked and disabled these bombs, the quicker they could find others. It couldn’t be that difficult. 

“But we don’t know where they’re placed, it could be to our advantage that most of them are clumped togeth- Oh…” Kuina paused at the sight of a ticking bomb just inches away from her, apprehension in her face as she stepped away, she could fight with her fists any day of the week but a bomb? No thanks, “Disarm this so I don’t kill us on accident.” 

Chishiya looked smug as she rolled her eyes and with in moments he disarmed it as Kuina called out, the third one finished and only two left to go, if all went well just as planned, then they would have an easy night. 

“Whatever the case is, as long as nobody screws up this will be easy,” Chishiya’s lips twitched into a smirk as he spoke, “They’re pretty stupid to label this a five when it’s really a three.” He supposed, at least this was another build up on his visa which was extending more and more by the day. 

It wasn’t, that Chishiya was interested in death. No, it was quite the opposite, he was fascinated in why there was so much death, what was the reason? He hadn’t come up with a solid theory yet, but it was in the works. And furthermore, games and their mechanics were quite interesting, death being a punishment was only an added twist which was, admittedly beginning to get a little dull in his opinion. 

After all it was difficult to threaten someone with death when they had no fascination in life whatsoever, “Well, just a little more to go and we’ll be finished.” Kuina yawned out, admittedly ready to eat a hot boil of ramen after this before crashing. 

What neither of them expected was the loud booming echo of an explosion black smoke blooming the air both of them were taken a back as they ran to the side railing of the bridge attempting to look for where the explosion was, only to watch you being blasted off the railing straight off the bridge. 

This was not going as planned.

...

Three Minutes Earlier…

Searching through the car trunk you rubbed your head, you had heard some shouting earlier indicating that the highschool student had already found a bomb and you had heard previous yelling as well, twice, once before the highschool student, another just a minute ago. This game was going fast. You sighed as you shoved your hands into your pocket, it would be bullshit if there wasn’t a single bomb at the back of the bridge.

You supposed it would very fortunate but, you ran all the way here, for nothing if there wasn’t. 

Not to mention you and Daichi had gotten through quite a few cars in minimal time, he has just finished car and was making his way towards the edge of the bridge where on the last few cars of this little sliver were at, you admittedly, still had a long way too go.

You sighed walking over to a Mercedes which looked extremely expensive- maybe you could get someone from the Beach to fix it up…You groaned at the sound of heavy breathing, was Daichi trying to run again?

You peered over the hood of your car until to see him stiff as a board in front of a hood of a white Sudan. 

Sometimes, you can just tell, when something is wrong. Nothing needs to be said, or heard. This was one of those moments where you felt a deep pit in your stomach. You made your way over in a hurry only to head an impending tick and Daichi’s hands were on the bomb making you almost immediately back away, “Uhh...okay cool you found it…” Daichi’s hands trembled and his breath was heavy as you watched a bead of sweat drip down his neck.

 “Just uh...disarm it now.” You frowned a little, peering behind his shoulder to see the timer at was at a minute. Shit this must’ve been the next one activated, “Quickly.”

Daichi’s hands shook harder as he spoke hurriedly, “I...I don’t know how!” He freaked out sweat dripping off his chin as you backed away a little further, finding the edge of the bridge behind you and stepping on something.

“Just...do it like Chishiya said! Daichi we only have forty seconds!” You urged him, trying not to freak him out any further, “Ah here I’ll do it!”

“No!” Daichi screamed out, clutching it further as he spoke harshly, “If- if it’s moved it’ll explode!” He cried out, your heart rate was spiking and if he didn’t do anything you both were going to get killed, “Just rip off the wiring from the pack. Just like Chishiya said.” You shuffled a little, looking down only to see a cord piled up beneath your right foot. 

Swallowing you carefully walked closer to him as you offered a weak smile, “Listen to me,” Daichi trembled and shook as his gaze flickered between the bomb and you, “Just…” twenty seconds left, “Take the wiring and pull it out.” You urged gently.

“How do we even know if we can trust that guy!?” Daichi cried out, “He- he just let a woman die just to see if he was right! We can’t trust him!” Daichi screamed out as you tried to calm your wild heart rate. He needed to calm down and at least try, a try was better than letting the timer go off. 

“Chishiya is an expert with chemistry, science and medicine. If anyone knows how to disarm something I’d place my life on him.” That was a very bold claim you weren’t sure you’d actually put into practice but it was true. 

Ten seconds.

You fumbled backwards as Daichi hyperventilated, “He practically killed someone! If I do something! It’ll be by my own choice!” He screamed out making you jump as you fumbled to lean down, grabbing the metal hook as you attached it to the cuff of your anklet, but it was too late. Daichi ripped the wiring not from the pack, but the bomb. 

You don’t see it, you only see vivid hues of orange and red and blistering heat as the force of the explosion blew you right off the edge. The sky, truly was beautiful, even in your last moments. 

-

Note: If you guys would like to form a taglist, just let me know so you can keep up to date when I post a new chapter! Hope you enjoyed and let me know your thoughts!! :)

[krispytidalwavesheep]

Hi! I saw that you were interested in requests for Zelda x f!Reader, among others, so I decided to send something and I hope you don’t mind :) An idea based on „We all shipped them together before they made it official because she kept scoffing that she did not like her and yet she always looked at her first whenever someone told a joke just to see if she was laughing too” post I saw some time ago. Basically a reader who is much younger, more optimistic and affectionate than Zelda. Zelda initially maintains her facade, of course, and constantly denies being interested in her. However, everyone, and I mean really everyone, can see what it is really like and they are both just made for each other, despite their apparent opposites. Thanks in advance, have a nice day!

I was/am really nervous about this, but thanks for the prompt! I hope you like it, I wrote this in the middle of the night, while being absolutely sleep deprived. Hope you enjoy! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zelda disliked you from the very beginning, even though she wasn't quite sure why. Maybe it was your happy-go-lucky attitude or the fact that you were so damn affectionate with everyone, that it almost made her sick. Well, everyone except herself, but she made sure that you understood that you wouldn't stand for such foolish actions. It was kind of pathetic, you hanging of Hilda as you did, and the way you always cuddled up to Ambrose and Sabrina. Who did you think you were, anyway? Nothing more but a nuisance, that's for sure. Zelda couldn't believe that she caved when Sabrina practically begged her to take you in.

Where exactly you came from was still shrouded in mystery. One day you just appeared in the woods, wounded and with amnesia. Of course, Sabrina had to take you in and now everyone was all over you and it annoyed Zelda to no ends. As soon as you got better and more comfortable around everyone, you were practically all over everyone, like a bitch in heat. You even tried to hug Zelda himself a few times, but she made sure that those notions wouldn't occur again. Still, you were so unbelievably nice and cheery, even to her. Disgusting.

You stared at Zelda, who seemed deep in thought and annoyed about something. You were pretty sure that that something was the fact that you were cuddled up to Hilda for some comfort since your night was plagued by nightmares again. Hilda took care of you when Brina brought you to the mortuary and you felt very much thankful for that. You didn't remember a lot of your life before you appeared out of nowhere and with no memories. All that you knew was that you were deadly afraid and hurting all over. Your body was covered in smaller wounds and half of your face was swollen, but the moment you laid your eyes on Sabrina you knew that you would be okay. She had a chaotic but albeit calming aura so you went with her willingly when she took you to her aunts.

At first, you met Hilda and her aura told you all you needed to know about her. She was a protector and she took you in without questioning, taking care of you as if you were one of her own. You trusted her immediately and especially after she helped you through your first nightmare. You met Ambrose next and even though he was cautious of you, he took to you rather fast. You were simply fascinated by everything he told you about magic and mysteries and he liked the audience. Brina and you became fast friends too, even though you didn't agree with everything she did. But she was sixteen and some teenage drama was expected. Especially after what she went through in the past months.

Brina was rather direct and you quite liked that about her. She was like a little sister to you, and she was the first one to muse that you weren't used to affection, which was why she gave it to you willingly. It was kind of cute to see your reactions to physical affection. She knew that it was unusual to trust someone so fast after everything that happened, but you were practically a cinnamon roll and no one ever sensed any weird vibes from you. Except for Zelda of course. But Sabrina had her theory about that...

When you and Zelda first met, the morning after Hilda took you in, you were captivated. You couldn't remember ever seeing a creature more beautiful than her. Her behavior and her aura were completely at odds around you and you wondered why. Especially since her familiar loved you to bits and pieces from the very beginning. Wherever you went, Vinegar Tom was sure to follow and you couldn't sit down without him jumping in your lap and curling up, demanding to be pet. Of course, that was just one more thing Zelda disliked about you. Everything was just affectionate with you, as you were with them, and Vinny's betrayal didn't make it any better.

But still, every time Ambrose told one of his stupid puns her gaze wandered over to you to see you laughing. Although it made her feel weird, she couldn't stop watching you. Just to make sure that you weren't up to something, of course. But everyone, really EVERYONE, had the audacity to imply that she, in fact, liked you very much. Which wasn't true at all. Not in a thousand years.

Her gaze was drawn to you again, as you made cooing noises at Vinny and played with him in front of the hearth, smiling affectionately.

“You're smiling, Zelds,” Hilda smirked and Zelda gave her the patented death glare.

“Whatever you are implying Hilda, I can assure you that it is all in your head,” Zelda huffed and hid behind her paper. Hilda had the audacity to giggle and Zelda gripped the paper just a bit tighter. She tried to ignore you for the rest of the morning, although she wasn't very successful.

“You want some more coffee?” you suddenly asked and leaned over her shoulder, placing your hand between her shoulder blades.

“Remove your hand or I'll cut it off of you,” Zelda just said haughtily, not liking the tingling feeling your hand evoked.

“Sorry, sorry, won't happen again,” you said and held your hands up in a nonthreatening gesture. Which somehow ticked Zelda off even more.

“Remove yourself from the kitchen right now,” she said for good measure and glared you down. Why the heavens did you get so under her skin with just existing? But what happened next shocked everyone deep down to their core. You started yelling.

“What is your fucking problem? Is the fact that I exist that bothersome to you? Why do you hate me so much, what did I ever do to you?! I go out of my way to stay out of your hair and you still so fucking everything you can to make me feel unwelcome! You agreed to me living here, so what. Is. Your. Problem?!” you yelled and to the mortification of everyone, including yourself, you started crying. You stormed out of the house and into the woods, frantically rubbing at your eyes, and before you realized what was happening, you were lost and the sun was disappearing behind the trees...

“Zelda Phiona Spellman! Was that necessary?!” Hilda yelled and glared at Zelda.

“I-I wasn't-”

“That was cruel, even for you Aunt Z,” Sabrina said and grabbed her coat.

“Oh no darling, you stay here. Zelda can go after her and set this right again!” Hilda growled and ripped the paper from Zelda's hands. She was so shocked that she complied and grabbed two coats before she went outside. It was early spring, but it still got cold at night. And Night it would soon be.

Zelda was shaken to her core. You were right, what was wrong with her? Why was she behaving like this, even though you never gave her any reason to? You have been nothing but nice to everyone, helping out where you could, and yet... Zelda felt not like herself around you and that made her angry. Irrationally so. But why? Why did she feel this way around you, the last time she felt like this was when she first met Mambo...oh. Oh no. It couldn't be... her problem wasn't that she disliked you... The problem was that she liked you a bit too much.

Her sub-consciousness must have been so scared of the fact, that it made her dislike you so much. She walked a bit faster after that realization, she had to find you and set things right with you. Apologize.

Zelda was almost frantically running through the forest, using a spell to trace your footprints, but you were faster than her and she cursed her heels. It was getting darker and harder to see, but Zelda knew the forest almost better than her own house. You didn't though, and Zelda found herself sick with worry. She was such a horrible person...

You were shivering in the cold evening, curling yourself into a ball to conserve body heat. You should have taken your coat with you, but you were so angry when you left the house. What exactly was Zelda's problem with you? What did you ever do to deserve such behavior?

You always noticed Zelda looking at you when she thought no one was looking. You even caught the odd smile, unconsciously thrown in your direction when you laughed or played with Vinegar Tom. You always thought that she was shy or something like that, that she liked you but wouldn't be caught dead admitting to it. You heard Hilda and Ambrose talking about how head over heels Zelda must be over you, with all that secret glances and small smiles and you hoped. Hoped, that when enough time passes and you proved that you could be trusted, Zelda would come to like you. Not necessarily as you liked her, but one could hope, after hearing Ambrose and Hilda talk about it, right?

But all your hopes were dashed earlier, when the situation escalated. You were probably no longer welcome at the Spellman house, but you didn't care. No one ever wanted you. You still hadn't got back all your memories, but enough to realize that you were never loved by anyone. Maybe you were too much. Hilda, Sabrina, and Ambrose would come to that realization too. So you should leave now, as long as it is still kind of your choice, but it was so cold, that you couldn't move a muscle.

“Maybe it is better this way...” you mumbled to yourself and closed your eyes.

“Don't you dare to go to sleep, not when I just found you!” an all familiar voice growled and you opened your eyes in shock, looking at Zelda Spellman herself. You just huffed and closed your eyes again. It was just so much easier.

To your utter shock, you felt warm arms wrap around you and the shock was enough for you to open your eyes again. Zelda lied down next to you, pulling you flush against her and somehow you managed to blush.

“We need to get you warmer so that I can bring you back to the house...” Zelda whispered and put the extra coat around both of you. 'Fuck it' you thought and buried your face in Zelda's shoulder. She smelled so good, and you were so tired.

“Don't fall asleep y/n” Zelda urged you and you huffed in surprise.

“You never called me by my name” you whisper and smile. It sounded good coming from her lips.

“Listen y/n I am... I am sorry for how I treated you. It wasn't fair and I regret deeply that it had to escalate like this before I saw reason.”

“'s okay,” you mumble and snuggled a little bit closer. Zelda's hand started rubbing your back gently and she couldn't get over the fact of how right it felt to hold you like this. She was a horrible person for treating you with such resentment when you deserved so much more.

“What I will tell you now, I will tell you just one time, so you better listen, okay?” Zelda mumbled, still rubbing your back.

“Aaaahh there is the Zelda I know and lo-like,” you smile, almost slipping.

“We'll see how deserving of your affections I am when I told you what I need you to tell,” Zelda said, ignoring what you just said for now, even though her heart started to beat faster.

“I am no easy woman. I lash out when I feel vulnerable and my temper is the worst. I treated you like vermin, and you didn't deserve this. I lash out when I feel vulnerable, and I feel that around you, a lot. Even though I didn't realize that until now. I am not as happy-go-lucky as you are, and I am not an affectionate person. At least out in the open. I was told that I am a stone-cold bitch on more than one occasion and I can't help but to agree. I have been hurt y/n, and it pains me to admit, I am afraid that I will get hurt again.”

“Hilda told me what happened. With Blackwood and Mambo Marie. Don't be mad at her, she just wanted to help,” you whisper and Zelda scoffed. You had to smile at that. You two lay like this for a while longer, until you felt how the numb feeling left your extremities.

“I think I'm better now,” you say reluctantly but Zelda didn't let you go just yet, asking for just a little while longer. You wiggled your arms free and wrapped them around Zelda too, slowly and carefully, not to scare her away. Zelda melted instantly into your arms and you smiled. Seems like you weren't the only one starved of affection. Stone cold bitch my ass, you thought and nuzzled a little closer.

“I'm gonna be brave now, okay? I like you very much Zelda, and somehow I think you like me too, don't think I didn't notice the way you look at me when you feel like no one is looking. The point I am trying to make is, that I wouldn't dream of hurting you, at least not willingly. I can be a massive idiot sometimes, but I want to get to know the real you. The one that hides behind all those walls of fear and hurt and I want to... just be there,” you mumble and to your utter shock you heard small sobs coming from Zelda.

“Hey, it's gonna be okay... Sorry if that was too much, I just told you what felt right!” you say and leaned back to look at Zelda. You were panicking. Did you say something wrong? But Zelda just took your face into her hands and bestowed the softest kiss to your forehead. It felt like an absolution.

“No one ever told me that they wanted to get to know the real me. I can't promise you that I will be able to show you my true self, but I will try,” she whispered and buried her face in your neck.

“That's good enough for me.” You said and cuddled closer... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Still taking prompts, and since schools are closed due to Covid I have a lot of time to write and imrpove!

[theultimatefanficwriter]

Gunham scenario. Nagito does some crazy bs to see how much Gundham loves you (already dating) and randomly tries to kill you in the dining hall, but Gundham protects you and ends up getting the stab wound instead. Nagito says something about hope about your love. So Gundham is on bed rest, but you have to watch over him and his Devas. His Devas a so sweet with you and help you take care of Gundham.

Oh HELL YEAH, ANGST! I freaking LOVE angst with a side of comfort! This prompt is awesome, thank you!

The Darkside of Hope-Gundham Tanaka x Reader

You awoke to Monokuma’s morning announcement still feeling exhausted. Teruteru’s trial yesterday had completely worn you out.

“Good morning, my love.”

A tired voice gained your attention, and you turned your head to see Gundham Tanaka, your boyfriend of about a year laying beside you. You smiled softly at him and kissed his forehead. “Good morning, Gundham.”

“Are you still feeling unwell from the ordeal of last night?” He questioned you as he sat up, his hair ruffled from his night’s sleep and not in it’s usual style. You giggled to yourself at that. You always thought he looked adorable with it down, and even cuter when he just woke up.

You nodded to his question. “The whole thing with Teruteru was so...sad. He wanted to help us and Nagito....” Gundham pulled you into his chest, and you smiled gratefully at him as you continued. “And...and he just wanted to know if his mom and diner were alright. It’s all just so...terrible.”

“I know my dearest Fallen Angel.” The breeder said softly. “Nothing of our situation is fair in the slightest.” He gently tilted your head up to meet his eyes. “But at least we have each other, yes?”

You nodded happily. “Yeah. I don’t know how I could handle this if I didn’t have you.”

“I understand. I, too, feel that way.” Gundham smiled gently and kissed your lips. “Thankfully we are not alone, nor will we ever be.”

You smiled warmly at that, before reluctantly pulling away. “We should probably make our way to the restaurant.” You said, standing from the bed.

Your lover sighed as he followed suit. “Yes, you are right. It would do no good to worry the mortals with our absence.”

You nodded. “Thank you for letting me stay in your cottage, Gundham.” You thanked him. “I really didn’t feel like being alone.”

“It is of no problem, my dark queen.” Gundham assured you with a smile. “I will do whatever I can to comfort you and keep you safe.”

Your chest fluttered when he said that. “You’re so sweet, my lord.” You replied, giggling softly when you saw him blush lightly. “I’m heading to my cottage to get ready. I’ll see you soon.” With a final goodbye, you left his room.

“Ah, so you were with Gundham.”

You jumped at the unexpected voice. You turned to see Nagito standing before you. You felt a wave of unease as you remembered his performance in the trial the previous night. “Y-yes, I was.” You confirmed. “Is that a problem?”

Nagito quickly shook his head, holding his hands up. “Oh, no no no! It’s not a problem at all! Quite the opposite in fact! I think it’s wonderful you and Gundham have each other to rely on. You’re quite fortunate to know each other prior to coming here.”

You furrowed you brow, not quite sure what Nagito was getting at. “Yeah...We were both really excited when we realized we were both accepted into Hope’s Peak.”

“And now you have each other to rely on for your hope!” The lucky student hugged himself, and the crazed look in his eyes returned. “How lucky.”

You began slowly walking past him. “Right...” You muttered, deciding to ignore him. But what he said next stopped you in your tracks.

“But...how can you be sure of his love for you?”

You blinked, and slowly turned back to look at him. “...What?”

Nagito gave you a crazed grin that sent a chill down your spine. “How can you be so sure your hope aligns with his? Perhaps his love for you is overpowered by his want for escape, and he is simply using it as a cover?”

Your eyes widened, and you took a step away from Nagito. “Wh...what?! No! Gundham would never do something like that! He loves me! I know he does!”

“But are you certain?” The boy asked, taking a step towards you. You took another one back, feeling a pang of fear in your chest. “Maybe after realizing the situation we are in, he began making his own plans. Maybe he has plans to kill you, using your relationship as an alibi.”

You clenched your fists and shook your head. “No! I said he wouldn’t do that!” You snapped, glaring at the white haired student. “You don’t know anything about Gundham! He would never hurt me!”

Nagito nodded. “You’re probably right. The Ultimate Y/T would know much more than trash like me, especially about her own boyfriend.” He walked past you, only stopping briefly to speak some final words. “Though, perhaps you should still keep what I said in mind.” And with that, he walked towards the hotel.

You watched him leave, and for a moment you took his words to heart, worry filling you. You quickly pushed all of that to the side. Gundham would never hurt you, let alone kill you. Nagito is just trying to manipulate you like he had Teruteru. With an annoyed sigh, you walked into your cottage to get ready.

~~~

You walked up the steps to the restaurant and immediately noticed Gundham sitting at a table off to the side. You also saw Nagito sitting alone in the corner. You met his gaze for a moment before walking over to your boyfriend and sitting across from him.

You smiled when he saw you. “Ah! There you are, my queen of darkness!” He greeted you, taking your hand in his. “You are looking radiant as always.”

You chuckled and shook your head. “Gundham, I look the same I always do.”

The breeder gave a small smirk. “And thus you always shine with the radiance of an angel.” He frowned slightly. “However I can tell worry taints your features. What is it that plagues you, my love?”

You bit your lip, your eyes darting over to where Nagito was seated. You noticed he wasn’t there anymore, and though that worried you, you ultimately didn’t pay it much mind. “It...it isn’t anything, Gundham.” You told him, attempting to give him a reassuring smile. “I just had a...run in with Nagito.”

Gundham narrowed his eyes. “What did that vermin say to you?” He growled lowly. “Did he attempt to control your mind as he had the chef?”

“I...I think so?” You answered before shaking your head and giving Gundham a soft smile. “But don’t worry. Really. I’m fine.”

Your boyfriend looked unsure, but he sighed. “If you insist, I shall drop it.” He said.

You smiled and leaned over to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Gundham.” You whispered. As you pulled away, you noticed something from the corner of your eye. You turned, and saw Nagito approach.

Gundham noticed too and glared at the lucky student. “And what business do you have with us?” He demanded.

“I know scum such as myself has no business interacting with either of you.” Nagito began. His eyes looked over at you, and you began feeling uneasy. “But something has been bothering me. I must check exactly how strong your hopes are.”

“What in the Nine Hells are you-”

Gundham didn’t get to finish his sentence before Nagito lunged. He held a knife as he ran straight at you. Your eyes widened, and you froze, unable to move. You saw some others in the room noticed, but were too far away to act.

Gundham, however, acted quickly, dashing in front of you right before Nagito made contact with you. Your lover let out a pained grunt and took a knee as a fleshy impact sound was heard.

“Gundham!” You exclaimed worriedly, rushing over in front of him as Nekomaru and Akane restrained Nagito.

“Ah, so I was wrong! Gundham’s love for you is his hope!” The crazed boy laughed as he was dragged away from you and Gundham. “It’s so strong he would risk himself! How beautiful!”

“S-shut up!” You called back to him as you knelt in front of Gundham. The knife stuck out of his stomach, and blood was staining his shirt. “M-Mikan! Mikan please come here! Hurry”

“C-coming!” The nurse exclaimed, rushing over to you and nearly tripping as she did so.

“I-I am fine, m-my fallen angel.” Gundham tried to assure you, though his pained expression did little to make you feel better. “It w-will take more than this to t-take down Gundham T-Tanaka!”

“S-shut up, Gundham.” You muttered, tears forming in your eyes. “Don’t be so proud right now. You have a fucking knife in you!”

“And I w-would take a thousand more if it meant you would remain safe.” Your boyfriend said firmly. “I will never allow you to be harmed, n-no matter what shall become of me.”

The tears began to fall. “Y-you can be such an idiot sometimes.” You murmured, clinging to his jacket. “You can’t just go and do something stupid like that! I don’t want you getting hurt either!”

“U-um, I-I’m so s-sorry to interrupt...” Mikan spoke up. “B-but Gundham n-needs to lie down. C-can someone h-help me take him t-to his cottage?”

“I can do that.” Hajime offered, stepping forward. He placed a hand on Gundham’s shoulder. “Can you walk, Gundham?”

~~~

It was some time later, and you sat in Gundham’s cottage. Mikan had done all she could and had ordered Gundham to bed rest. You told everyone you’d keep an eye on him. Currently he was asleep.

You just watched him as he slept, tears still staining your cheeks. You knew it wasn’t your fault. It was Nagito’s. He had tried to stab you unprovoked. But still...you couldn’t help but feel awful. Like it should have been you who got hurt.

You heard soft squeaking, and you looked over to see the Dark Devas on the ground looking up at you. You smiled softly and leaned down, placing your hands down for them to climb on. When they did you lifted them up to eye level. “Hey, little ones.” You said to them. “Gundham’s out of it right now. But....but he’ll be...”

You bit your lip. You wanted to reassure them he would be fine. Mikan had told you he’d be fine. But...but you were still scared. What if you lost him? You weren’t sure if you could go on. You couldn’t trust anyone else here.

You were broken out of your thoughts by the Devas nuzzling your cheek. You smiled softly down at them and pet them gently. “Thank you, little ones.” You said quietly. “Gundham has trained you extremely well.” You looked over to your boyfriend’s bed. “You’re all worried about him too, aren’t you?” You asked, then slowly stood, carrying the hamsters over. You lowered your hands and allowed them to crawl onto it. They carefully made their way over to Gundham and nuzzled him, Jum-P burrowing himself in the breeder’s scarf and quickly falling asleep,

You smiled softly as you watched your boyfriend and his beloved hamsters rest. You looked down at his middle and winced. The bandage around his stomach was already nearly completely soaked through with blood. You would have to change it when he woke up.

You clenched your fists as you thought about Nagito. Kazuichi had stopped by and informed you the crazed boy had been tied and thrown into the old building, so there was no chance of him hurting someone else. That helped you relax, but you were still overwhelmingly angry at him. He had done this to Gundham just to prove he really loved you? That wasn’t even any of his business! And what was that hope bullshit he kept going on about?

“Ngh...M-my love?”

Your gaze shot over to Gundham’s face at the soft mumblings, and you saw him blinking open his eyes. The breeder began attempting to pull himself up, and you ran over to his side to help him. After you got him into a sitting position, you smiled softly at him. “How did you sleep, Gundham? Do you feel alright?” You asked him.

“I slept quite well knowing I had you looking over me, my angel.” Your boyfriend replied, returning your smile. “As for how I am feeling...” He frowned and looked down at his stomach. “I must admit, I have felt better. This stinging reminds me of when I was bitten by a dreaded viper.”

You sighed. “I’m sure. I’m so sorry, Gundham. I wish there was more I could do to stop the pain.”

The breeder frowned and reached a hand up, cupping your face. “Cease that at once, my love. You have done all you can to heal me, and I owe you my life. This is not your fault, so do not apologize. Understood?”

You smiled softly and nodded. “Alright. If you say so, Gundham. I understand.”

He chuckled lightly and pulled your face down to kiss you. When he pulled away, he looked down to the Devas that were nuzzling his face happily. “Were my subordinates well behaved and helpful?” He asked you, scratching Cham-P behind his ear.

You giggled and nodded. “Yes, they were.” You told him. “They kept me calm when I was worried about you. And they kept you company while you slept.”

Gundham looked down to Jum-P still slumbering in his scarf and chuckled. “I can see that. Well, I am glad they assisted you, my queen.”

You smiled down at the little critters. “They were very helpful.” You looked away from them and over to Gundham’s wound, and your smile fell. “...I need to change your bandage.”

Your boyfriend followed your gaze and scowled. “It would appear so.” He muttered, then let out a sigh. “Very well. Let us get it over with.”

You nodded, and after getting the supplies left by Mikan, you began to tend to Gundham’s wound, cleaning the cut and reapplying the bandage.

You heard Gundham hiss softly as you did, letting out a quiet curse. “I will banish that pathetic worm to hell.” He growled through his teeth as he clenched the bed sheets.

“I’m sorry, Gundham.” You apologized. “I’m doing all I can to make it not hurt.”

“Not for that reason.” He corrected you. “I do not care if I am inflicted with pain. What he is going to be destroyed for is his attempt to make this your fate.” He looked into your eyes. “I am used to feeling pain. I do not wish for you to ever have to be hurt, my queen.”

You couldn’t help but smile softly at that. You couldn’t believe you doubted for even a second that Gundham loved you. You leaned over and placed a light kiss on his cheek as you finished wrapping the new bandages around his wound. “Well I don’t want you being hurt either, my dark dumbass, so let’s try to protect each other without taking a bullet, alright?” You giggled.

Gundham chuckled in response. “Very well, my fallen angel. If you insist.” He gently caressed your face and pulled you closer so he could kiss you lovingly, the both of you closing you eyes as you enjoyed the kiss.

When you pulled apart from the kiss, you smiled at him. “You should get more rest, my king.” You told him. “I’ll be right here while you do. And I don’t plan on ever leaving.”

~~~

Hope that was what you had in mind! I like this prompt. Making Nagito the bad guy is fun, even if I do love the guy lol

[letstalkaboutshtufff]

Heat Stroke Sith Obi Wan x Reader

Pairing: Sith obi wan x reader

Warnings: mild language, very mild violence, a hint of smut.

A.N. This is literal trash but wanted to post anyway😅 enjoy~

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

Oh this was hell...no actually I take that back, hell would be alot cooler than this godforsaken planet.

"Don't dawdle y/n, we have a mission to complete" your master scolded with a half glance behind him.

Sighing you looked up through hooded eyes and continued to drag you half bent body through the busy market place.

"I know master but it's sooo hot" you whined, feeling the burn of this planets 3 goddamn suns beating on your back.

"Don't be dramatic y/n" he said with a slight eye roll that you couldn't see but knew was there.

"Dramatic?!" You perked up annoyed "Master, you do remember I was born and raised on an ice planet dont you?"

"How could I not, you've only mentioned it a thousand times" he teased with a smirk.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?" You quirked an irritated brow.

You watched as he smugly strode through the streets ahead of you.

"How are you not dying in those robes?" You caught up with him, sweat dripping down every inch of your body.

He shrugged, "This planet is hotter than those we've visited I admit, however it's a minor inconvenience at most. Perhaps it's because of how skilled I am with the force" he offered.

"What?! You cant regulate your body temperature through the force!"

"Wait.....can you?!?!?" You looked up at him in disbelief.

He shook his head with a laugh, "It seems we still have a long way to go with your training young one"

iT sEeMs wE sTiLl hAvE a lOnG wAy tO gO wItH yOuR tRaInIng you mocked in your mind. God how big was his ego-

"Oww" you felt a sharp slap on the back of your head through the force.

"It would also seem you need a lesson in respect" your master said sternly.

Whoops, gotta remember to keep those mind shields up..

You sheepishly apologized and decided to stay silent for awhile. Instead focusing on the many street vendors lining the streets.

After a while of walking Obi wan abruptly stopped,

"What is it?" You asked curiously standing up more alert now. You followed his line of vision and saw two men conversing quietly, one a green twilek and the other from an aquatic planet, a priorlik. Definitely not normal, priorliks avoided dessert planets like the galactic plague.

The men both stood up and you could faintly see them exchange a small parcel. They stepped away from each other leaving in opposite directions.

"I'll follow the priorlik, you go after the twilek, do not let him escape" he ordered and you quickly jumped into action.

You followed at a decent distance, not wanting to alert him until he was far enough from the main crowd. You weren't keen on causing a huge scene.

You wondered what information he had that your master was so interested in. You hoped it was worth you getting broiled like a casserole. you would literally die for a even a fleck of snow right now.

The twilek paused ahead and immediately you turned to a vendor, pretending to peruse the merchandise.

"Need any help miss?" You shook your head, "No, thank you, I think I have enough..." you paused looking down at the wares, "snakeskin underwear...." eww why would anyone ever want- Ah that's right-

You really had to work on not getting distracted.

Fuck, you couldn't see the green tails anymore. Speeding up the street you glanced down the surrounding alley ways.

Unfortunately he was facing you at the last one and took off running with a grunt.

Oh come one dont make me run, as if I wasnt hot enough already ugh...

You pushed through and began your pursuit. The criminal was quick for his size you had to admit. He seemed to know where he was going so you decided to jump onto the rooftops for a better view point.

You quickly surveyed the area and found a way to cut him off. Dashing to the side you jumped over several alleyways and gracefully flipped down onto the street in front of him.

He grinded to a halt, glaring at you, "Get out of my way"

"Hmmm I would, however I dont particularly feel like it sooo no". you unclipped the electro cuffs from your belt. "Let's do this the easy way please, I'm sick of being on this planet" you took a step closer and he withdrew two blasters from under his Cape.

Ugh fine we'll do it the hard way. With an eye roll you dodge the oncoming blasts easily.

"Come now there no need for-woah" you lost your footing for a moment barely missing a blast aimed at your head. That was weird...

Using the force you pushed the criminal back against the wall. He groaned attempting to get up but you pushed him once more. "I told you hah we could do this hah the easy hah way.." god why were you so out of breath?

Suddenly you felt incredibly lightheaded and had to press a hand against your forehead.

"Heh some sith you are, can't even handle the heat" he got to his feet picking up a discarded blaster.

Heat? Was that the reason?! Seriously?! You drew your saber, needing to end this quickly, you deflected his blasts, albeit very sloppily.

Then suddenly he pointed his weapon upwards and shot at the surrounding brick, causing a blanket of dust to envelop you. You coughed and cursed yourself for not being fast enough to evade it.

He laughed and turned around to escape.

"*Cough* oh no you don't" you weakly raised a hand and with much more concentration and focus than ever needed before, brought down a balcony on top of him. He gasped looking up but was too slow to move. You smirked at his unconcious form.

However it was quickly replaced with a frown as you felt yourself pitching to side.

Ouch

you groaned feeling the hard ground agitate your burnt skin however you were too exausted too move.

It was official, you hated this planet more than the stupid jedi.

You squinted as the bright rays beat down on your body relentlessly. If this is how I die, I'll die of embarrassment..wait no that doesn't make sense...arggh great now my brain is fried too.

Suddenly a shadow blocked your vision and you squinted trying to make out the form.

"Y/n?" Oh youd know that voice anywhere.

"Hey master..."

You heard the clanking of a trooper and an order to tie up the enemy.

Obi wan furrowed his brows confused, he could see no visible injury on your scantly clothed body.

Kneeling down he grasped your chin so you faced him, "What's wrong"?

"Mmi ot" you murmured lazily.

"Beg pardon?" He quirked a brow leaning closer.

"Hot" you managed to slip out.

He let out an scoff.

With a shake of his head he wound an arm around your back and another behind your knees scooping you up.

"You really are more trouble than your worth" he couldn't help but smirk.

"Mm" with another shake of his head he made his way back to the ship.

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

Later that evening...

"M-master please it's too c-cold" you shivered as the piece of ice continued sliding up and down your body relentlessly. Your master the culprit.

He tutted continuing his assault, "The whole mission I listened to you complain about the heat, now your complaining about the cold? I believe you need a lesson in endurance my dear..."

Ugh stupid smug bastard

"Ah ahh" you gasped as the ice cube suddenly slid impossibly close to your most sensitive area.

You looked up desperate and frustrated only to be met with Obi wans dangerously playfull gaze.

"And a lesson on keeping your mouth shut..."

Did I say that out loud?

"Not to worry though pet..." he climbed up over your shivering body leaning down beside your ear. "I have just the thing to keep that sharp tongue of yours busy" he whispered, the puff of hot air making you go dizzy.

As soon as heard the edge to his voice and saw the lustful glint in his eye, you knew you wouldn't be complaining for a long long long time..

[domesticandlovingmonsters]

The Blight Lord’s Aid

I’ve been working on this story for a while. Bits and pieces being written, and so I’m sharing it here for some feed-back or validation that its going along fine. 

Hope you enjoy!

You sensed that there was more to the clearing than just weeping trees and cold whistling winds. There was no light. You knew it was at least mid-day, but no sunlight managed to pierce the cloud bank that blanketed the mountain summit. You sucked in a deep breath and forced yourself to sit on the cold earth. The grass was prickly and yellowish, but it looked healthy. You heard stories about the Dead curses that inhabit this hillside. And you admitted that there was nothing about the mountain that felt welcoming. You removed your satchel from your back and laid it on the ground before you. Somewhere to your left a twig snapped. The leaves above you rustled violently as a hurricane like wind tore through the trees. Ignoring your basic instincts, you snapped open the satchel and slipped out a wooden board. Carved and painted with black and white squares across it. You fished out the pieces for the game from the hide bag and started to set the chess-board up. A beast screamed in the distance. Thunder clapped overhead, and you could feel eyes boring into the back of your head. Some part of you scolded you for coming to the cursed mountain with only a dagger. But you needed this plan to work. And it wouldn’t exactly go smoothly if you wielded your battle-axe and crossbow. Swathed in chainmail and leather fit for battle. You just had to accept that this mission was a ninety-nine percent chance of painful, agonising death, and a point-five chance of survival, with the dash of sheer terror. You cleared your throat. Swallowing the lump that clogged your airways as you placed the black painted king in his place across the board from you. With the pieces in check, you lifted your gaze from the game and bellowed into the gusting winds.

“I am here to challenge the Blighted Lord of this mountain. Not in battle, or to seek vengeance. Merely to offer a deal, if I would win against the Cursed Being.” A moment passed. The shrieking winds seemed to carry your words before your lips could form them. This would definitely get you killed. If you weren’t being hunted already, then anything nearby would have heard you. And the things on this mountain were always hungry for fresh, warm meat. Then, the wind died. Like someone had flicked a switch and suddenly the air froze. The forest fell into silence. Not a blade of grass seemed to stir. Sweat dripped down your temples. Was this a sign of death? Or acceptance?

“Blight Lord? That is a new title.”  A voice cracked through the quiet like thunder. “But I find that rather offensive. I mean… unless its meaning has changed, doesn’t /blight/ mean a disease. Or a fungus? Or a diseased plant?”

You were frozen in place. Legs locked in their crossed position under you as you stared up at the being. It wasn’t as tall as you imagined. It looked to be no taller than a slightly average man. Thin, but not skeletal like in the tales. It didn’t wear skulls or a cape made from human flesh. Instead it wore a comfortable fur cloak. A dark tunic made from cotton, worn from years of wear. And its feet didn’t decay the earth where it walked. Merely squashed down the prickly grass. Which sprung back up almost as soon as the creature passed. But what was more puzzling was the mask it wore under the hood of its cloak. A bird like mask made from silver. Polished to a shine that mirrored a smudged reflection of the world around it. You recognised it from your studies. Ancient doctors once wore them when Plagues washed through the Realm. But they were long since discontinued since doctors discovered that the fearsome beak did not keep away infections. You took this creature in with a shocked, but almost disappointed, expression. And the creature merely approached you calmly. It’s gloved hands tucked snuggling in it’s hide trousers. As it stopped in front of you. You shared, what you later would feel, an awkward moment of silence. Stunned as you were; you weren’t in your right mind to greet this creature.

“Your challenge?” The being asked; almost patiently. You were jerked from your stillness by its voice; a male tone that echoed under the beak

You coughed into your hand and gestured to the board in front of you. “Chess. I wanted to make a deal with you. But also try a different route of duelling with you.” The being tilted his head thoughtfully. The beak gleamed as a flash of lightning crossed the sky overhead. You could see nothing under that hood. Only the shiny metal of his mask.

“Well… you will have me at a disadvantage.” The bird-man muttered.

“Because I caught you off guard?” You asked, a little excitedly.

“Because I have no idea how to play chess.” The man admitted. His gloved hand reaching under his beak to scratch at, what you guessed was his chin. “I know the basics. The King needs to be protected. And the Queen can move freely. The smaller pieces at the front can move one space and can only attack diagonally.” Again. Stunned stillness washed over your body. But this time, you managed to shake it from yourself and speak your reply before silence stretched on too much.

“Oh. Well, perhaps I can teach you the rules first. As dire as my success is; my moral code refuses me the right to challenge anyone without them knowing how the challenge works.”

“That’s very admirable of you. But I’d prefer to hear this dire deal of yours.” The man said. His hands sliding out of their warm pockets to intertwine across his belly. “You crossed the mountain border, trekked through a treacherous swamp and climbed a few hundred feet to summon a Being, you humans have feared for centuries… to play chess. It tickles my curiosity.” You nodded and straightened your back some more. A firm expression washing over you as you answered.

“I have come to duel for the end of your plagued corpses terrorising our village.” You stated. Your hands curling into fists as a long buried anger bubbled to the surface. “Thousands have died because of your monsters. Those that have survived, cower in fear and are slowly starving. Because the flesh from your creatures has poisoned the soil. We cannot grow food. And no neighbouring settlements want to risk coming here.” You glared up at the masked man. Your hatred and anger rising in volume to a near scream. “I demand you put an end to the Undead scourge. I demand the right to challenge you, and win my people's safety back.” If your determination sparked any emotion in the stranger, you couldn’t tell. His body barely moved. He didn’t even look to be breathing. He merely watched you. Tilting his beak towards the flickering lights of the village far off in the distance. From here, it looked very small. And you couldn’t even tell that walking corpses were tearing down buildings and walls to get to the living. “This will be a swift duel then,” The man said. His legs collapsing beneath him; smoothly crossing into a seated position opposite you of the board. “Because I am not the one who sent those Undead.” Your resolve crumpled a little. Confusion picking at the walls of your anger. He had said that so genuinely, for a moment, you weren’t sure if you had heard him properly.

“What?” The only word that managed to escape your chest. The man plucked a single piece, a knight, from his side of the board. Inspecting it, as he rolled the carved piece between his fingers.

“I am not the one controlling those Undead in your town. I am surprised to hear that your people are under siege.”

“But you are the Dead Lord of the mountain!” You snapped. “You are the only one who can control the dead.”

“After centuries of keeping my creatures to the mountain side; why would I suddenly want to wipe out the very people that entertain me?” The man’s beak tilted to you. A genuine question he wanted you to answer. You had many answers. But none of which seemed plausible. Since, it was true, that this Being has lived on the mountain long before the Realm was spreading its influence to other fertile lands. It would make no sense for it, or him, to suddenly go to war with the Lord of the Valley. Your liege has always attempted to keep away from the mountain. Not out of fear or hate, but respect for the Being’s wishes to be left alone. And in return, it would leave the people of the Valley alone in turn.

But it still annoyed you how this Being explained your people basically “amused” him. “If you didn’t send the Dead, then you did?” You challenged. Your gaze narrowing into a glare as the man placed down the knight on its space.

“Death is a natural occurrence. It follows the living everywhere.” The man replied; almost thoughtfully. Like he was unravelling his own ideas on the situation. “Sometimes, the Dead just don’t want to stay in the ground. The creatures down there are just as natural as a common cold.”

“But this time, the disease bites and brings them back to life to bring more death.” You said. Another flash of anger clenching your jaw.

“Just like any other disease, little one.” He states, matter of factly. “Only this time, you can see the disease running at you. And it has gnawing teeth and horrible screams.”

You bellowed your annoyance and slapped away the chess-pieces in your fury. Your dagger was suddenly a very tempting piece of equipment right now. The Being didn’t even flinch! He just sat there, watching you as you stood and loomed over him in your anger. “If you have no control over those Undead, then I demand to challenge you for a piece of your power. To make a deal so I can return to my home with something to counter those fiends with!” This made the man nudge his beak into a different angle. He rose to his feet, dusting off his cloak and huffed a bored sigh.

“You’ve turned into every other human now. Wanting power. Challenging me. At least your first challenge would have actually been difficult for me.” The Being turned on his heel and idly waved his hand in the air. As if shooing a fly. “Return to your dying people, human. You’ll be the talk of the town returning from the mountain alive… that is if you make it past those very much not my zombies.”

You couldn’t believe it. You didn’t come all this way, have the Lord come to you and then be dismissed like some kind of dog. You cried your outrage and your legs sprung into action before you could reason with them. You sprinted across the small space between you and the man. Your dagger drawn from its sheath, iron blade rising in a curve to slice through the Being’s back. Your weapon created a large tear along the cloak’s fabric. Nicking the tunic beneath it as you sliced him open. But no blood poured from the wound. Not even a whimper of pain escaped the Being. His only reaction was to slowly turn his beak around to face you. Bottomless pits of black stared down at you. His hand lashed out, cold fingers wrapped around your throat and you were lifted off the ground like a doll. You kicked and gasped. Breathless cries forcing their way through your windpipe as it was being crushed under the creature’s hand.

“You have decided your fate, human. You will die on this mountain. And join the countless nameless graves that litter my land. Your cowardice Lord was not worth your death. And I grieve for anyone you have left behind for the sake of a gutless country.” The Being hissed under the mask. Black dots started to expand across your vision. You could feel your lungs spasming, furiously attempting to get some small breath of air.

But just as suddenly, the Being moved in quick succession. You felt your body thrown over the clearing and into the hard brambles of a dying tree. You gasped for breath, clinging to the branch with every inch of strength you had as your body clambered for oxygen. As your vision came back and you managed to righten yourself into a sitting position in the tree, you looked back over at the Being. His composure had changed from relaxed to defensive. As a horde of shambling corpses emerged from the darkened trees. Coming from all sides and shuffling closer to the man in the clearing.

"Interesting. Where did you all come from?" You heard the man mutter. His words carried by the wind, mixing with the foul stench of decay as the Zombies moaned their hunger. "Back away. All of you!"

You expected the Undead to turn immediately after the demand. To disappear into the trees again and possibly fall to their next death off a cliff. But instead, they reached out to him. Gnarled hands clawing at him as they closed in.

"Right. This IS curious." Then the Being vanished in a flourish of his torn cloak. The zombies screamed as their hands grabbed empty air. Their pale dead eyes furiously searching for their escaped prey. But they only found you. Perched up in the lowest branches, only an arms reach above them as they stumbled towards the trunk of your tree.

"Get away from me!" You screeched. Scrambling up higher to escape a rather tall Zombie as its broken fingertips scraped against the bark of the branch inches from your feet. You clung to the swaying trunk. Feeling it begin to lean under the weight of the monsters as they forced themselves against it. Climbing over one another in their attempt to get you.

You tore your eyes from the Undead to glare up at the summit of the mountain Your terror boiling with your anger propelled your voice into a bellowing echo. "You're just going to leave me here? You fucking coward! If you don't help me then these things are going to come up here and begin terrorizing YOU. They're already here! Help me! And I'll help you."

"And what could you possibly do to help me?" The dry voice replied to you. Snapping your attention up to look at the Stranger. Who was perched on the highest branch, the thinnest one that looked like it wasn't even bending under his weight.

"You don't know about the world below your Mountain, right?" You said. Desperately ignoring the growing tilt to the tree. "I could give you information. Help you navigate the area!"

"How does that help me? I know enough about the Kingdom to get by." The Being stood then, swaying with the tree as the wind whipped through the dry leaves. “I’ve visited your lands once or twice. Humans don’t change.”

"B-But you don't know anything about these Zombies. You can't control them! So, they're a danger to you. I know how to kill them. How to make sure they don't get back up. Get me out of here and we can work together to find out who is bringing them back." You felt the tree give way. A crack like thunder split through your ears and suddenly you were falling. You screamed. Closing your eyes as you heard the zombies clamber onto the falling trunk, reaching out to grab your ankles.

And then you felt warmth. Like a cozy fire warmth followed with a wave of quiet. You opened your eyes. Squinting in the flickering light to observe a quaint living room. Fit with a roaring fire, a bear fur rug and chairs carved from wood and plumped up with soft looking pillows. The Being appeared to your right, walking silently over to sit by the fire. He crooked a leg over the other and geatured to the empty seat beside him.

"You have 10 minutes. Give me what you know and I will consider lending you my aid." The croak of his voice was louder in the enclosed room. The environment seemed too…normal for a creature who has lived in isolation and sought no human contact. You had no expectations other than some giant castle full of corpses and death. But this looked like any other home. But you pushed those thoughts aside and sat in the chair. Finding it surprisingly comfortable as you settled against the cushion.

"The Dead started attacking 6 months ago. We've tried everything to get rid of them! Magic, rituals, burning the bodies in the forests-"

"Human sacrifices?" The Doctor, you guessed that's what he would be called. Or at least what you would call him. But as you were speaking, he pulled off his cloak and laid it over his lap. Tsking lightly at the massive tear in the material. And from beside the chair, he withdrew a needle and thread. To which he started to use on the cloak.

"What? No! We're trying to save lives! Not add to the body count." You spat angrily. Sickened by his question.

"Human sacrifices stopped the plague a few hundred years ago." The Doctor shrugged. Weaving the needle through the broken material with fingers that have seen years of this practice.

"Let me guess, you made that plague."

"Oh yes. A marvel it was. But it was you idiot Humans that didn't heed my warning and not take the precautions I set seriously. They sacrificed the last Human with that plague and consequently stopped it. A right mess that was. Wiped out half the population." The Doctor seemed to drink in your sickened expression. "Continue…"

You clenched your jaw and sucked in a breath to calm your emotions. "What we know is that it IS a plague. Not magic bound or made. But the professionals we've hired say that there's never been a sickness that even remotely twitches the dead. So-"

"So, your people naturally believed I made it."

"Stop interrupting me!" You bashed your fist against the chair's arm. The Doctor raised a hand in some sort of apology. You continued from there. "We believed it was you because you're the only one in this Kingdom that commands the Undead. I wanted...needed to come here to demand that you stop."

"So far you've told me nothing of use." The Doctor grumbled. "Accusations and opinions of… professionals. Give me something useful or something that interests me."

"Only magical fire can kill them. But to keep them from healing and coming back, we've had to stake their hearts and bury them with rocks in their mouths." This seemed to get the Doctor's attention. He stopped stroking his beak and looked at you with a new sense of attention.

"Staked and buried with a rock sandwich? That is… unusual for zombies."

You crossed your arms, about to speak more when the Doctor raised his hand and silenced you. "Take me down to your village. If there is anything left after tonight; I will help you clear out these… Zombies."

Some part of you was thrilled by this news. You expected an argument that lasted hours. Having to fight blood and sweat to appease this Being to give some sort of aid. But what you said seemed to interest him enough to want to see everything himself. And that annoyed you. His only reason to even think about giving you help was purely out of self indulgence.

"Then we should leave tonight!" You commanded. Standing up from your seat and glaring down at the masked man. "To get back to town will take us at least 2 days."

"If you intend to walk there, I'd agree with you." The Doctor said. Standing calmly from his own chair and rearranging his now not torn cloak. Satisfied with his work, the Doctor twirled the cloak over his shoulders and clasped it so it sat comfortably over his back.

"But I don't intend on walking." He outstretched his hand and tilted his head expectantly. "I can teleport you with me, if you wish."

"How can you go somewhere you've never been?" You asked. You knew of transport magic. And even skilled users needed to see the area they're teleporting too before they can actually magic themselves there. They needed to imagine the location and use the magic to propel themselves into that spot.

The Doctor rolled his beak slightly. As if exasperated by your questions. "My Dear, I'm a thousand years old. I've been to your small little village at least once in that lifetime."

Without warning the Doctor lunged forward and grabbed your hand. And suddenly you were standing in a dark field, flattened by many steps into muck and mud. Not far in the distance, you could hear screams of the Living and hungry shrieks of the Undead.

"Hurry!" You exclaimed. Rushing forward to draw your blade and attack the monsters that beat at the wooden homes of the village. But you were jerked to a halt by the Doctor's gloved hand. Which firmly gripped yours.

"Hold on a minute." He said. His beak a pale silver in the moonlight of the night. He scanned the area carefully. Taking in the sight of mangled corpses littering the ground. Decaying bodies tearing and shredding the Dead that still were yet to rise. Sharp claws raked against the boarded windows and bolted doors. And the hungry Dead howled as someone inside a house whimpered for help. Praying loudly as the Dead circled the estate.

"Firstly, your people are idiots." The Doctor grumbled. "Making so much noise in a monster attack is a sure way to get yourself slaughtered." Finally, he released your hand and stepped forward to approach the stone wall that encircled the village. Only coming up to waist height, the Doctor easily stepped over it and casually wandered over to the nearest cluster of Undead.

You hurried after him. Glaring at the monsters that ignored them, too occupied with the crying people inside. You were glad the Doctor stopped you. Because you were still missing your dagger. Your need to help your people had overtaken your caution. Unfortunately, it had been the Doctor to remind you of that.

"Excuse me, gentlemen." The Doctor addressed the monsters. Who turned around with snarling hisses and chomping teeth. "Yes, now I have your attention. Anyone want to tell me who's controlling you?"

The Dead didn't respond. Unsurprisingly to you. You stayed back a few steps. Keeping an eye out on the Monsters that were beginning to emerge from around the houses. The Doctor was making too much noise. The others started to notice. "Don't you think we've tried that already!" You snapped. "They aren't responsive."

"Not to you… or me, apparently. Odd. Even the oldest Liches respond to my commands." The Doctor pondered. Having to step back a foot to avoid being swiped by a close Undead. "Right, since you refuse to heed my orders. I'll just have to bring in some who will."

The Doctor flexed his fingers towards the ground. The air around him chilled to a winter cold, and you felt the ground tremble beneath your feet. The ground burst open as a skeletal hand reached for the sky before digging into the dirt and dragging a skull, then a ribcage and legs out of the ground. You stared in horror as a skeleton shook itself of earth and immediately grappled with the closest Zombie. More crawled out of the ground. Dragging their empty bodies into the open air and shoving away any other Undead that closed in on the Doctor.

To your right, from the pile of fresh corpses, you stared in horror as they began to wriggle and writhe. Like something was clawing to get out. Suddenly, a burst of blood clouded the air as the skin tore and started to slide off of the skeletons inside them. Bones tore through flesh and muscle. Faces seeming to just slide off the skulls of people you once knew. Leaving behind their blood and guts in a messy pile You felt sick. Your head spun as bloody skeletons joined the fray of Undead, pushing and shoving them away. Then you felt something cold grab you from behind and you felt the tell-tale prick of teeth as a Zombie rushed into to tear open your neck. But you were quick enough to throw it over your shoulder and down onto the earth. Immediately stomping its head with your boots and stepping closer to the Doctor. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Bringing more monsters? That’s not what we need here!” You shouted over the fray of Undead screeches. And the Doctor took your hand and jerked you into a fast walk along the walls of the nearest house.

“If these Zombies aren’t listening to me then I need some sort of advantage to keep you alive.” The Doctor snapped back. Shoving you towards the scratched up door of a cabin as the horde of Undead started to swarm in on your position. The skeletons were doing what they could to push the Zombies away. But the weight of their decaying bodies was too much, and the sheer size of the horde pushing forward against one another made the wall of bone topple beneath them. “Fuck.” The Doctor hissed, and upon the sight of the skeletons being overpowered, you ran to the door and tried opening it. It was locked. Sealed shut from the inside. But you could hear people whimpering behind the wooden structure.

“Let us in! It’s (y/n), I came back with help. Let us in!” You screamed at the home. Banging on the door with your fists. The Zombies had reached the gardens. Crushing shrubs and flowers beneath their feet as they shuffled closer. The Doctor lifted his hands and shoved against the air. You glimpsed a wave of black burst from his hands and slam against the first line of Zombies. Managing to cast them over the heads of those behind them. But they still continued forward, sharp teeth displayed in a hungry hiss as the Doctor stepped forward and sliced open someone's face.

Another hard beating on the door and you cursed loudly at those inside. “Open the goddamn door or I’m kicking it in!” You hated those words the moment you said it. You were about to say something else when you felt an arm wrap around your waist, and suddenly you were standing on the roof of the home you were beating on.

“That wasn’t very nice. Are you sure they’re not just trying to get you killed?” The Doctor said as he released you. You ignored him. Stepping closer to the edge to peer over the side of the roof. The house was completely surrounded. But thankfully the Zombies were clawing up, and not beating against the walls. The homes in the village looked like they would crumple under an autumn breeze. But at least you’ve managed to get most of them away from the worse houses. But the poor family inside was no doubt terrified. And you, only a little bit, hoped they felt horrible for letting you stay out there. Maybe they thought you got eaten?

You turned back to the Doctor. Who was also peering over the side of the roof only a few steps away. His hands were stuffed into his pants pocket and you could hear him muttering under his breath. But he spoke too quietly for you to properly hear. “So, can you get rid of them now?” You asked. “These people can’t take much more of this.”

The Doctor’s shoulders shifted. Like he sighed as he turned to look at you. “I can’t get rid of them. Not in the sense you’re thinking. We need to find out how to kill them all.”

“What!” Your outrage almost deafened the hordes sounds. You stomped over to the Doctor, shoving a finger in his chest as you started to yell at him. “You’re a Blight Lord! A Death Magic user. You cannot tell me you can’t kill these things with your magic. Or make them go away?”

“You cannot just remove Death like you snuff out a flame.” The Doctor said calmly. Unfazed by your outburst. “You can take away a life. But Death is not so easily destroyed. You need to cleanse it, nurture it away so it passes back into Life and uses its energy to create something new. The method you use to subdue them, with the stake and the rock. That’s not killing. You’re pacifying them into a state of slumber. Death cannot be killed. Only halted for a period of time.” The Doctor gestured down to the scrambling Undead below him. “These creatures are something new. Death has been used to renew the Zombie Plague into a Curse, and thus you get these things. To stop this. We’re going to have to find the source of Death and work out how it evolved. Then, and only then, can we destroy these Undead. By nurturing the Death into something… more productive. Or useful.”

You had no idea what this man was talking about. Death Magic was Necromancy. Using the Dead for your own purposes. But Death? Death wasn’t an energy source. It was something that happened to people. A process. “I don’t understand.” You said. And the Doctor shrugged.

“You might in time. But right now, I want to see what these things do in the sunlight. If my hypothesis is correct, they should flee, yes?” He left his question to hang in the air as he gazed out over the tree tops. The sun was beginning to rise. Flooding the black sky with increasingly bright colours. Red spilling past the clouds and below, the Zombies started to make new noises. Heightened shrieks as they began their retreat into the forests beyond the village boundary. The Doctor watched them closely. Hands stuffed in his trousers as the sun filtered over the muddy grounds, chasing the Undead until it grazed against their ankles. Some screamed, while others simply faded into silence.

The Doctor huffed, “That was anticlimactic. I at least wanted one or two to explode into ash or melt.” You ignored him. You’ve seen the Dead flee many times now, never have you seen the Sun actually touch them. But it was a relief to know that they feared the Light. And now, with the light flooding the village, you could hear the terrified sounds of your people turn into grateful prays of thanks to the Gods. You sighed a breath of your own relief. Another night had passed, but today was going to be difficult. Introducing the Blight Lord to the village was no doubt going to ensure a blood bath.

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[the-dragons-knight]

FFXIV Write 2020

Prompt #5 - Voice of the Flesh

Matter of fact - ‘something of obvious nature’

- Very slight mentions of mature material -

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

For the past few days, Katsum had been feeling quite under the weather, yet she could not explain why. It was the strangest thing. One moment she would feel fine, and the next she would be utterly annoyed with anyone around her for no reason at all, most specifically the men. She felt her body temperature shift on very short intervals, going from dawning her furs she wore in Ishgard to striping them off shortly after. As if that was not bad enough, she also felt exhausted all the time that she could barely go out for a walk around the markets in Mor Dhona before having to return to the Rising Stones to lay down. It was beginning to take its toll on her, and she wondered if she was coming down with something. For it to hang around as long as it was, it must be rather serious.

“Katsum,” The young Seeker startled at the sound of Y’shtola’s voice, turning her bewildered sapphire gaze to the hazy, vacant eyes of the blind Miqo’te, “Did you hear a word I just said?”

Katsum blinked, her ears falling when she sighed, “No, I’m sorry. My head feels so fuzzy...”

Y’shtola humed as she stepped around the table to press the back of her hand against Katsum’s forehead, holding it there for a few moments as she asked, “How long did you say you’ve been feeling like this?”

“A few days. It’s only gotten worse each day that goes by.”

The older woman drew away her hand and sat in the chair in front of Katsum, “How do you sleep?”

“Not well. If I do sleep, I wake incredibly hot and irritated and find myself tossing and turning until exhaustion finally kicks in...I’m utterly miserable.”

“You’ve truly never felt like this before? It is entirely new?”

“Yes, and whatever it is, I hope I never have it again,” She glanced up and then realized how closely Y’shtola was sitting to her. Katsum grew nervous and shifted away, “Whatever I’ve caught, I certainly don’t want any of you to catch it too. So best to not get too close, right?”

Y’shtola didn’t answer.

“What is it?”

Again, she did not answer, seeming to ignore the question. She instead folded her arms thoughtfully and asked, “When was the last time you went home to Ishgard?”

“I...I actually don’t remember. Perhaps a week? We’ve been so focused on the matters in Doma, I decided to stay close to headquarters just in case.”

“And has it been that long since you last saw Ser Aymeric?”

“Aymeric…” The very sound of his name sounded so sweet just now, and when it passed her lips, she could barely finish the syllables before Katsum’s mind wandered. She saw his dashing smile, and twinkling eyes, almost feeling his arms wrap around her in a loving embrace. She imagined cuddling flush against him, wrapped in their blankets in front of the fireplace, falling asleep in each other’s arms. Then her mind wandered further to a stray kiss on her neck and then her shoulder, growing ever more daring as she drew into him, letting him lie her down in the covers. Suddenly, her entire body felt like it was on fire, a deep, full face blush on her cheeks and she shivered despite it, her tail curling around her legs as she huddled in on herself, “What’s happening to me…?”

Y’shtola must have heard the tremble in her voice as she knelt down to be eye level with Katsum and whispered, “Calm yourself, Kat. It’s alright. Deep breaths.” She followed the White Mage’s prompting to breathe, slowly returning to normal as her body cooled and relaxed. When she could sit up straight again, the white-haired Seeker moved to Kat’s travel pack, opening it and rummaging through it until she produced a red-colored linkpearl and held it out to Katsum, “Now, I need to hail your husband for me.”

The dusting of a blush returned as her mind started to wander again, but she shook herself and tried to think more rationally, “But surely he’s in a meeting or something important. I shouldn’t-”

“Katsum, this is important. I can assure you of that.”

Katsum’s ears fell back shyly, yet she obliged and turned on the linkpearl and held it up to her ear. The pearl buzzed and chimed as it sent out its signals to its partner. It rang for a few moments before she heard the electrical crackle of a connection, her ears and tail perking up as she listened for the sultry sound of his voice.

“Hello? Katsum, my love, are you there?”

“A-Aymeric...” The concern in his voice did not even cross her mind as nearly all feeling left her body, the blush on her face intensifying as she curled closer to the pearl, “My love~...”

“It appears to be much worse than I thought,” Suddenly, Katsum felt the pearl be plucked from her fingers and her hazy mind snapped to attention as she reached out to try and take it back, only Y’shtola was quicker. She watched her raise the linkpearl to her ear and speak, “Ser Aymeric, it is of utmost importance that you make your way to the Rising Stones as soon as possible.”

Katsum could hear the sweet sound of her husband’s voice from here, and her fur stood on end, her fingers pulling at the fabric of her outfit in frustration as she tried to keep herself seated.

Y’shtola spoke calmly, “She is fine, I assure you. However, I would ask that....Ah, so soon?...Good, I am glad to hear it. I will make sure that she will be ready upon your arrival.” The linkpearl deactivated and she turned back to Katsum and dropped the quiet linkpearl back into her hand, “I will explain further once he arrives. For now, let us gather your belongings as you will be going home for a while.”

Katsum nodded slowly, silently following as she pulled her to her feet and walked them to the living quarters. After gathering her things and a brief change out of her armor as Y’shtola kept pressuring her to, they exited the living chambers to find a deeply concerned, raven-haired Elezen waiting for them. When her eyes met his, Katsum’s body was set ablaze again, and she shivered painfully, “A-Aymeric..!”

She stepped towards him heavily until she nearly fainted into his arms, happily pressing herself into his coat as he held her tightly against him.

“My love, are you alright? Is something the matter? Did something happen in Doma?” She could hear the worry in his voice, yet she could not bring herself to answer as she pressed herself closer to him.

“I believe I can explain,” Their eyes turned to the Scion while Katsum set about nuzzling into her husband’s neck, breathing in his scent like it was her oxygen, “Katsum is experiencing a “heat cycle”.”

This startled Katsum enough to make her freeze, “I-I’m what?!”

Aymeric looked down at her, laying his cheek against her forehead, “Is that why your skin feels so warm?”

“Do you have any knowledge of “heat cycles”, Ser Aymeric? I must say I am impressed if you do.”

“Not in so many words. Only the house cat my adoptive parents left in my care had many such cycles when she was of a younger age. Yet, I unfortunately know nothing more than that.”

“I see. Well, while the concept of them is generally the same, it is slightly different for those of the Miqo’te gene pool of course thanks to our more human traits in our genome.”

“Wait, Y’shtola,” Katsum found it hard to truly understand or comprehend that this was truly happening, “Are you sure that this is...”

Y’shtola nodded, “I am positive. At first, I was not as I figured that surely you had seen plenty of them through the years, yet the more I thought of it, I’ve never seen you show the signs until today. That and your mixed parentage.Your mother was a Hyur, yes? And your father a Seeker?”

Katsum nodded.

Y’shtola turned her head thoughtfully, “Which would make sense as she would not know to tell you, and certainly he would not have known either. Even so, it seems the gene took quite some time to show itself, waiting to until you had a strong emotional bond with Aymeric. What confirmed it to me was your reaction when I spoke of him, the way your body reacted when being reminded of your lover. This would also explain your hostility towards the other male members of the Scions.” She grinned lightly, “But the fact of the matter is undeniable. It is the effects of your “heat” that plagues you.”

Katsum was at a loss for words. Perhaps she’d heard some passing conversation in her travels between other Miqo’te about their cycles, yet it never once occurred to her that she too should have one. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense until she could no longer deny its truth. She curled back into Aymeric’s chest as her shyness took over and her embarrassment became clear.

Y’shtola sighed thoughtfully at the silence, “It’s alright, Katsum. This is a good thing and a totally normal one. However, you will certainly need time to recover from it,” She turned her eyes to Aymeric then, “Ser Aymeric, I leave her in your care. Take her home and watch over her for the next few days until she no longer feels its effects.”

Aymeric nodded and then smiled down at his wife, making her blush darken, “Ready to go home?”

Katsum nodded frantically, moving to take a step forward but her legs seemed to give out under her. With all the swiftness of a knight and the grace of a prince, Aymeric reached down and lifted her off of her feet and into his arms, holding her close to his body and kissing her forehead. With a swooning sigh, the blind Miqo’te wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder, a quiet purr involuntarily rumbling from her throat.

Y’shtola chuckled as she handed Aymeric her luggage, “My goodness, you are certainly feeling them now if you were not before. I never thought I would hear you make such a sound.”

Katsum’s ears fell back as she buried her face in Aymeric’s coat in her embarrassment, feeling her body start to heat up again as his scent filled her nose.

Aymeric turned to Y’shtola as he asked, “May I ask what will best help her?”

“Anything her body asks of you,” Y’shtola’s grin widened and she turned to leave the room, waving back at them as she did, “Worry not, she will surely tell you. Take care of her, Ser.”

As her body heat increased, Katsum pried her face from his coat and turned her head to look up at him, “Aymeric…” He looked down at her, and whatever expression she was giving him made him lift his eyebrows and a blush dust over his cheeks, “I want to go home...now...”

He swallowed thickly and his grip on her body tightened as he threw her bag on his shoulder and turned towards the door, “We shall be home as swiftly as I can get us there, my queen. Hold tightly to me until we get there.”

The raven-haired elezen had surely never run anyway so quickly than he did that day.

[proxylynn]

Underfell: File Name not Edgy Enough #24

Chapter 24: Drama

WARNING: I WANT NO RESPONSIBILITY OVER SPOILING THINGS FOR OTHERS. THAT BEING SAID, THIS IS HOW FILE NAME NOT FOUND WOULD FUNCTION IN THE AU OF UNDERFELL. BEFORE YOU READ THIS, UNLIKE THE NICE TIME OF UNDERTALE, THIS WORLD IS KILL OR BE KILLED. THIS STORY WILL BE GRAPHIC, GORY, USE SWEARS LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS, AND DEAL WITH SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTERS. FOR EXAMPLE, THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE READ THE FILE NAME RELOCATED SPOOF WILL KNOW HOW I PICTURE THIS VERSION OF LYNSIE COMING TO THE UNDERGROUND. IT IS NOT AN ACCIDENT. IT IS NOT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING DUMB. IT IS BECAUSE SHE CHOOSES TO END HER LIFE. SO TAKE THIS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. I MADE IT BECAUSE I NEEDED TO LET SOME OF THIS EDGINESS OUT OF MYSELF. WHICH I GUESS MAKES UNDERFELL LYNSIE EVEN MORE TRUE TO WHO I REALLY AM. ANYWAY, ENJOY. ^_^

You know...I used to love darkness. It was the one element that felt the most kind to me. Now it's a different story. At this point I hate it. Nothing good comes when I'm in darkness anymore. If I'm not dreaming then I'm being used by a maniacal scientist as his personal experiment.

{What are you doing here?}

Or this crap happens.

"Seeing as I don't get a choice in these matters, I should be asking you that. So...Why am I here, Chara?"

{Go away.}

"Why so serious? You've been avoiding me like the plague."

{You've been listening to Gaster behind my back.}

I sigh.

"Are we really about to do this?"

{Do what?}

"A childish back and forth of 'how could you do this' b.s."

{I warned you not to trust him. And what do you do? You cut deals with him.}

"You've been rummaging in my head. Not very nice of you, bro."

{Don't call me bro. Family doesn't backstab family.}

"Heh...You've been dead so long you forget what humanity is like. And I didn't backstab anyone."

{Yes you did!}

"How? How does seeking aid from the best source of soul knowledge so I don't go kill-crazy backstab you or the family?"

{That's not the point! You didn't listen to me! Why doesn't anyone ever listen to me?!}

Where is this coming from?

"Dude, calm down. You're a kid. A dead kid. You should be used to no one listening."

The darkness rumbles with thunder. Energy swirls around like wind or unseen water. A form begins to take shape, distinctly that of a male child. The boy is pale-skinned, has bright pink cheeks, piercing red eyes, as well as light brown hair, and dressed in a red sweater with a black stripe across the middle, black pants, and brown boots. This is Chara...at least...Chara pre-death. And oddly he's intimidating.

{I am so sick and tired of people not listening to me.}

"*scoff* Join the club, kid. You really think I ended up here because others heard what I had to say? You can't expect me to ignore help because you tell me no. It's MY soul. MY problems. And I will deal with them MY way. Not anyone else's."

The energy gets stronger. It's starting to become visible as it clashes around him.

{Not again...I won't let it happen again...}

I don't like the looks of this. But what can I do about it? It's not like I have power here.

"Look, I'm sorry if I piss you off. I have an annoying tendency to do that. It's not intentional. I..."

{I won't let you kill Asriel again!}

Confusion seems to be my normal state of mind these days. Does he actually mean me? Is he having a moment like Sans and thinks I'm Frisk? Could he even be thinking of Gaster? Or is he calling out all the other past humans to fall before me? Either way, I'm not going to get through to him. The look in those eyes of his gives me the message loud and clear. Talking is pointless. Now I'm left to do the one move I've done all my life...brace for impact.

{Not again! NEVER AGAIN!}

As expected, his rage causes the energy to lash out at me and all I can do block. Damn things cut like knives. I can't tell if bleeding is possible here but it feels like it.

"*mutter* Geez...And I thought I had issues. *grunt* No one is out to kill Asriel! Calm down!"

He doesn't say a word. Yet the energy intensifies. Hitting harder. Pushing back. Pushing me away.

"*strained* Do you think this solves anything? That lashing out at me keeps him safe? Harming me only puts him in more danger!"

Again, he's not in a mood to listen. The energy is cutting away at me more. I won't be able to take it much longer at this rate.

"*snarl* Damn it, Chara! Don't be like Toriel and put your problems on me like it's my fault!"

For only a moment there's a break in his attack and I think that maybe...just maybe...maybe he sees that this isn't the right way of handling the situation. This hope is dashed when he suddenly rushes me and grabs my shirt. The look he has. So spiteful. It breaks my guard.

{If we're really family...You won't come back here again.}

He blasts me at point-blank range and everything flashes from black, red, and then white.

"*gasp and cough*"

God, I hate this shit. Each time I wake up I feel closer to dying. Like one day, I'll open my eyes but be unable to breathe or I won't wake up at all.

"Bad dream?"

...Or I'll wake up in an unknown place with lord only knows who.

"With the wack you took, a little nightmare is the best outcome you could've gotten. Though we still can't rule out brain damage quiet yet."

I can't see anything apart from the ceiling. A brace of some sort is restraining my head. I can feel bands on my wrists and ankles. And something else...something cold.

"Hmmm...Vitals look stable. Then again, it's been a long time since I've had to human hooked to this thing. Oh well."

Great. From bad to worse.

"Not a big talker, huh? Or are you just slow to take in what's going on?"

I am in no mood for this crap.

"In any case, the short version is you're now in Hotland. No one knows you're here. And if you ever want to go home, it's best that you cooperate."

The sigh that leaves me is one oozing with boredom. I'm numb to this. I've been here too long to care.

"You're taking this oddly well, human."

"I'm in no position to care. I'm restrained in a place I don't know. You already have points on me I can't bounce back from. So why not skip the spiel and be blunt. It'll be easier on us both."

There's a scribbling noise.

"Subject is reasonable yet bitchy after having woken up."

Okay...Now I have some clue.

"You're Alphys, right?"

By the sudden startle that shakes her, she wasn't expecting me to know.

"H-H-How do you...?"

"People talk. It's not like there are others down here that know what a human is and have done things to them before. Makes for a very select list of names."

She huffs through her nose.

"Perhaps you'll be of more interest than your predecessors after all. Aside from your soul that is."

She taps on something and it makes me snarl in discomfort. No wild guess needed that it's my soul.

"You're a first. I've never seen a human soul infused with magic before. Though it is funny how it can be afflicted with something so common to growing children and you are...clearly not one."

I try to not think about that stupid issue of soul puberty.

"Yeah, well...What can do? Stuff happens."

"Lucky for you...it's a condition that is easily fixed with some stabilizing magic. You might be able to feel it. It's rather cold. Much like everything else in this world."

So that's another mystery solved. I'm basically getting the equivalent to hormone balancers. The question...Why?

"Seems a little odd."

"How so?"

"No offense, but experience has taught me that no one does something for someone else down here without there being a reason. So spill it, doc. What reason could you have for treating my condition?"

There's a sigh and a loud click before the slab I'm on begins to move, slanting me to almost stand. Now I can see the room better, the machinery, the odd patch on my exposed purple soul, and her. A slightly corpulent reptile-monster that appears smaller than she is due to slouching. She has yellow skin/scales, wears spiral-shaped glasses, a red and black striped sweater with a matching black skirt, and topped off with a classic white lab coat with a few frayed ends.

"If you must know...He insisted on you being fully healed. I swear things would be more interesting if I didn't fix you. But no...he was going to annoy the piss out of me. And frankly, I'm not in the mood to tear him apart for scrap."

He? Oh...Him.

"Ah, I see. Mettaton is a crafty guy. Must be his inner ghost."

She gives me a questionable look.

"Why would you say that?"

"Because I know his cousin and he told me."

She groans and adjusts her glasses with her middle finger.

"That information is not for the public to know. You'd be wise not to spread any rumors about it."

"*scoff* Please. If I haven't blabbed by now than I ain't blabbing ever. Besides...There's no point telling anyone anyway."

She scribbles on a pad.

"You'd be wise to keep that mentality."

I roll my eyes.

"So where is he? Dude went so far as to have his flunky give me my second bat to skull injury and drag me here, the least he could do is show himself before overly explaining some elaborate plan."

She stops writing to look at me.

"HE is getting himself and I quote 'ready to shine like the star he was born to be' end quote."

If ego was hot air that metal body of his would be floating like a parade balloon.

"But what you said makes me wonder. You've watched his shows before, haven't you?"

"Enough to notice predictable patterns. Sure, the first show is fresh. But then he repeats the same theme in every show the rest of the day. It's hard not to notice."

"Like he tries too hard and looks like a moron."

"I wouldn't say that. It's endearing that he tries when it comes to an idea he likes. Whether or not the audience likes that sort of thing is subjective. You can't please all the people all of the time. Only some people some times."

"Try none and ever. Ratings have been in the dumper. The only small increase to have happened was that time he tricked you into phoning in. Heh...I still can't believe that worked."

"I'm not heartless. I don't want to see anyone hurt or die if I can help it."

She goes back to scribbling.

"Subject is a bleeding heart idiot."

I struggle to shake my head.

"Not the first time I've heard that and it won't be the last. Yet you can't honestly tell yourself that there isn't at least one person you'd risk it all for."

She pauses. Her scribbling stops to tap the pad. But this is not a long pause before she resumes again.

"Side note...If the subject is this stupid, how has it lived this long and what does that mean for surface humans?"

I can't roll my eyes hard enough.

"So you'd do anything for that fire elemental, huh?"

This has my attention.

"It's one thing to associate with monsters. Most are ignorant of what a human is. Making it easy to blend in and not be killed. But to be romantic with a monster? And to have been so dumb as to do so in public no less? That's just begging for trouble."

My glare has her smirking.

"Be a real shame if something unfortunate were to happen to him."

"You do not want to go down this road. Not on those tires."

"You are in no position to stop me if I do."

"Trust me, doc. You don't want to make me angry. Bad things happen when I snap."

My seriousness is not taken seriously.

"I'll be sure to enjoy studying every moment of it."

I sneer daggers at her.

"Humans are such pathetic and pitiful creatures."

"And yet we won the war. Go figure."

That earns me a very nasty look.

"I think you need to learn your place, human."

"I'm strapped to a table. I think I know my place."

"Let's double-check that..."

She reaches into her pocket and suddenly I'm thrashing harshly as electricity is sent shooting into me. After the longest five seconds ever, it stops. I'm left panting through my teeth and smoking faintly.

"Seems your tolerance is stronger than expected. Still...that should be enough to remind you to behave. Right, human?"

I want to defy her. I know I can. But the situation is not favoring me. She holds the power and knows it.

"*huff* Whatever."

She smiles and heads for the doorway.

"This will be interesting. That much is sure."

The door closes behind her and I sigh. Is it wrong that I miss the days of Papyrus beating me? Fuck my life. Okay...Time to make a plan.

[Meanwhile: The Ruins]

Fear. Fear is laced on the wind. Paternal fear of a mother for her child. When Toriel's voice was met by silence alarms went off. When she found the doors open when last she had shut them panic sank in. Her child's belongings were left behind, including the flower called brother. And one look at the snow beyond the door only added to her worry. The pristine snow was a disheveled mess. Footprints. In every and all direction. The worst part is the snowfall beginning to fill in the indents.

Searching.

Screaming.

Scanning for any clues as to where her child was. Yet she was lost. Second-guessing which set of tracks were the human's and uncertain if the ones she first picked were indeed the right ones. Scrambling, she picked another set and stuck to it. Swerving and swiveling through trees like dogs along a pole line. These tracks seemed hopeful enough. Stretching further into the distance than previous sets. At the rate she was headed, she would find herself in town and the location of the child would then follow suit. Just a little more. Just a bit further and then the real path shall be clear.

Yet...Why were the trees still constant?

The environment the same?

Where was this going?

...

The bridge.

These tracks made her head back towards home. Never faltering as they beelined for the bottomless pit. No deviation. No hesitation. Just clear forward motion to death. Her heart stopped. Everything stopped. She just stood there. Staring into the abyss. Contemplating just how deep or where it led. Could the human...did she...was this her fate? No...NO! There...There had to be a way to check. The...Oh! The phone! If she was in that pit or not, the ringing of that simple phone will provide her with answers.

[RING...]

She held that object muffled in her paws. Listening to the wind and anything at all.

But there was nothing. Simply the sound of snow landing on the world.

This...gave her hope. Hope touched the monster's soul for the first time in ages. Yet this begged the real question...Where is she? Perhaps some aid to this situation will be necessary. Seems like a visit to the town is in order.

[A cold walk later]

The hour is late. No one is out and about. Except for one. One that has very limited options at her disposal. In all their talks and jokes, Toriel never learned what Sans's house looked like. With a nervous lump in her throat, she approaches the bar and trembles as she knocks on the door of the obviously closed establishment. As one would guess there is no response. So she continues to knock, pressing with her urgency. After about five minutes of the most polite pounding on a door ever, a faint light approaches.

"*grumble* We're closed. Can't you read the sign?"

She ignores the annoyance due to the situation.

"Please, I need your help."

There's a pause. The door clambers open enough to show part of Grillby's face.

"M-Mrs. Dreemurr?"

"Forgive my rudeness. But I must speak to you about Lynsie."

"I didn't mean for it to be so big! It's just a hickey! I didn't hurt her, I swear!"

His defensive words confuse her and this makes the panicked man of flame become shamefully aware.

"You didn't know about that...Did you?"

Her eyes squint in judgmental frustration.

"I did not."

A small snort of steam comes out of her snout. Grillby, feeling like shit is going to end badly, slams the door in fear. Her own fear, overwriting her motherly rage, has her pounding on the door.

"Open this door!"

"I don't want to die!"

"Please! My daughter is missing!"

"...What?"

He opens the door fully now, knowing well the former queen would not lie about such a thing.

"She's missing?"

"Yes. I can not find her. Only footprints from many bodies."

She is surprised by the real concern coming to Grillby's face. He is quick to go for his phone but she shakes her head.

"I have already tried. She does not respond."

"Hmmm...This is sounding like an abduction. Has there been any notice left for you? A note? A call?"

She mopes.

"No. Nothing. I was hoping you might have a clue. Was there anything odd you noticed on your way home?"

He shakes his head.

"Unfortunately, no."

Her heart sinks. Seeing this has Grillby goes into support mode.

"Don't lose hope. We don't have much left. You know her better than I. She's prone to getting into trouble. But you know what?"

"What?"

"I know someone that can help. Just...Let me bundle up. If you can imagine, the cold and I..."

"Understood."

Grillby shuts the door and Toriel waits outside.

[Elsewhere: the Ruins]

"Ugh...my head..."

A dazed and delirious Flowey stirs in the dark confines of a bag. Unzipping a pack from the inside is bad enough, but doing so with leaves for hands is fucking ridiculous. And while hungover to boot. After some time, mixed with muffled swearing, the great escape is complete! The flower is free! Yet...Something is amiss. The bag he was contained in was not in the bedroom as he would have expected and the doors leading outside are wide open. This isn't right. It is time to ditch the pot and sink his roots into the ground to do some stealthy investigating. Covert flower style.

[Meanwhile: in Snowdin]

"Are you certain we will not be bothering them at such a late hour?"

"Don't worry about that, Mrs. Dreemurr. It's part of their job to deal with stuff like this. Plus, you're the Queen and they are in charge of looking after her. If they don't want to go through hell, they'll help."

"I hope so."

Grillby guilds Toriel the out of place house on the edge of town. Of course, they lived in a place like this. Why she expected different she didn't know. The curtains were closed yet glowed with the light of activity still going on inside. Muffled chuckling could be heard behind the walls. She recognized it easily...Sans.

"Sounds like someone's having a good time."

"Is it normal for others to be up still at such an hour?"

"Depends."

"Depends?"

"You know. Reasons. Some can't get these kinds of moments during day hours. Others just can't fall asleep all that well. Him? I think his reason is therapeutic. Ending the day on a laugh to forget all the bad stuff. But that's just my guess."

She pouts as he knocks on the door. Sans's puns when behind the Ruins exit were always on the borderline of being sad, she never thought much of it other than guessing the outside was just terrible. Now, learning more and more, she couldn't dismiss it as easily as before. But such thoughts are broken with the movement of the curtain and door opening seconds later to show the confused skeleton.

"what happened?"

Even with no word said, Sans is smart enough to know that their being here means nothing good.

"She's gone."

Sans's sockets widen.

"...get inside."

Further goading wasn't needed and once inside the door was locked much to the former queen's concern.

"now what do ya mean she's gone?"

"Not getting Papyrus? You know how he gets."

Sans sighs.

"fine...hey, pap! get your ass down here!"

A loud thud bangs the inside of a door upstairs.

"*MUFFLED* I TOLD YOU NOT TO BUG ME!"

"the queen's here! the human's gone!"

Rampant scuffling rushes to a door that is flung wildly open.

"SHE'S WHAT?!"

Toriel fiddles with her fingers.

"My child is missing. I believe someone has taken her."

Now in serious guard mode, Papyrus joins the group.

"ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT SOMEONE HAD THE GALL TO COMIT SUCH A BRAZEN ACT IN MY TERRITORY?!"

"what clues do you have that she didn't just pull a stupid stunt like last time?"

She swallows dryly.

"There were tracks. Lots of them. All scattered about the snow that were not there before. It looked like some person or persons were trying to make it as difficult as possible to distinguish what track lead where."

Papyrus growls lowly.

"SANS, CONFIRM THIS AND SEARCH FOR ANYTHING SHE MIGHT HAVE OVERLOOKED."

Sans nods and teleports out.

"Overlooked? I searched those woods for what felt like ages. I overlooked nothing."

"DO NOT TAKE IT AS AN INSULT. IN SITUATIONS OF PANIC, IT IS EASY TO MISS DETAILS. I AM MERELY CHECKING FOR THE BEST RESULTS. AND, AS LAZY AS MY BROTHER IS, HE HAS SHARP EYES. IF SOMETHING IS AMISS, HE WILL FIND IT."

"Awww..."

Grillby smirks.

"You actually complimented him. Shame he wasn't here to hear it."

Papyrus folds his arms and glares at the elemental.

"AND YOU'RE HERE, WHY?"

Grillby copies his pose except his expression is that of cocky smugness.

"I think any monster worth their dust would be man enough to care about what's happened to their girlfriend. Don't you?"

Papyrus opens his mouth to say a condescending remark but then doesn't due to his mind registering what was just said and putting things together now that it's clear.

"YOU...YOU! YOU'RE THE ONE HAVING THE INAPPROPRIATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ENEMY!"

"If you want to put it that way, yes."

"YOU'RE SICK."

"And loving it. What's your point?"

A weird energy could be felt between them as if they had something to say yet weren't, and it was making Toriel feel rather uncomfortable. Though part of her was miffed at Grillby for being too blatant about being with her daughter while she is present.

"YOU KNOW NOTHING GOOD WILL COME FROM MAKING YOURSELF SO VULNERABLE."

Of all the things Papyrus could've said, no one saw that coming. Yet Grillby takes it well.

"I've been spurned before. If it happens again, it won't sting so much."

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT."

This had the flaming man sneer and bite his tongue, holding back words that weren't ready to be said at this moment. Papyrus turns his attention to Toriel and she flinches.

"I NEED YOU TO TELL ME EVERYTHING."

She nods.

"Understood."

[Elsewhere: Snowdin forest]

The old lady wasn't kidding. The path outside of the Ruins looked like the frenzy made on kids the last day of school. The only difference was these tracks were randomly deliberate. Whoever made these wanted them to be seen. Not a thing normal folk do around here unless goading others into a trap. Following them would be pointless. They likely only go where they wanted them to go and covered up the real tracks. Bastard smugglers. They know what they're doing. Though someone was a little sloppy. A few stray drops of blood dot the tread of a couple of tracks. Who told them about a human being down here?

[RING]

Must be Papyrus. Maybe Toriel shared something helpful.

"sup."

"WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND SO FAR?"

Guess she didn't say much.

"not a lot. but from what's here, it looks like the work of the body snatchers."

"IN SNOWDIN? ARE YOU POSITIVE?"

Why would he not be?

"it's like the reports undyne briefed us on. a group goes about making distractions and cleans up the evidence made by the single soul doing the dirty work."

As if life down here isn't hard enough.

"ANY LEADS?"

Sans looks back towards the Ruins.

"her boot tread doesn't go past the exit door all that much and i found a few stray drops of blood. my guess is they laid her ass out with a sneak attack then carried her off. such active numbers couldn't have just got here all at once or it would be too noticeable."

"YES, IT'S POSSIBLE THEY WENT THERE ONE AT A TIME THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND HID TILL THE TIME WAS RIGHT."

"bet it helped that this was our worse day."

"TRUE. THESE PRICKS ARE CLEVER."

Is it really clever to take advantage of a missing worker and one too distracted to pay attention?

"don't praise them just yet. i might have an idea of where they come from."

"REALLY?"

"yeah. some moron decided to wear mtt brand shoes. you know? the expensive ones that have his likeness on the bottom."

"HMMM...MTT BRAND ITEMS AREN'T COMMON OUTSIDE OF HOTLAND. THERE'S NOT A LOT OF JOBS IN THE OTHER ZONES TO MAKE GOLD FROM."

"yeah. so either someone saved up for ages or we're looking at scum from hotland."

"YOU DON'T SUPPOSE ALPHYS IS INVOLVED?"

"Then what are you doing with the human? Because, frankly, it should've been sent to my lab by now."

"wouldn't surprise me. bitch knows about the human. and i've had the feeling she's been behind most of the reported disappearances. but you know undyne would never question it. thirsty fish bitch."

"IF TRUE, THEN THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET VERY DIFFICULT."

"so...they told ya anything?"

"BOTH OF THEM REPORT NOTHING UNUSUAL LEADING UP TO THE HUMAN'S ABDUCTION. THOUGH THE QUEEN MENTIONED THE GIRL RECEIVING A PHONE CALL BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED."

"a phone call?"

"THE QUEEN ALSO NOTES SHE HAS SEEN AN UNKNOWN NUMBER POP UP IN THE HUMAN'S PHONE. WOULD YOU HAPPEN TO KNOW ABOUT THIS?"

"can't say i do. it's not like she told me about..."

"Hell, you used Mettaton for that tile puzzle. The guy's been obsessive ever since seeing her. He hasn't stopped talking about being so close to the human since he came back from Snowdin Forest."

"It was Mettaton! He traced my phone number from the other night."

"It's Mettaton. He called me again. And you know that he knows what I am."

"*soft* BUT DID I JUST HEAR THAT SOMEONE IS LAYING THEIR NASTY HANDS ON MY HUMAN?"

The realization hits Sans like a brick to the skull.

"...*whisper* oh shit."

A faint ringing can be heard.

"HOLD ON. SOMETHING'S HAPPENING."

The soft voice of Toriel answers a random call, possibly from the kidnappers. But her worried tone quickly turns to excited hope and the word child is heard.

"COME HOME, SANS. YOU'LL BE NEEDED FOR RECOVERY EXTRACTION."

"got it. be there in a sec."

He hangs up and sighs. This was worse than he figured if Mettaton was indeed the culprit. Damn machine was the reason for a RESET on what was a peaceful timeline. Well, at least there are some things he can count on when it came to the human. The girl was no damsel in distress. He just hoped nothing triggered her soul to turn black. He teleports back home completely unaware of the flower spying on him the entire time and intends to follow to find out more.

[HOTLAND LAB: around the same time]

Alphys has left me alone for a good long time now. Letting me assess my surroundings and bonds. They're tight. While one of my wrists is slightly loose. It's a trap. A ploy. She wants me to try. To make an escape attempt. I can do it. The issue is what happens when I do. Probability is not on my side. A scientist of unknown IQ has my on their turf and has who knows what in the line of traps lined up for prey that it has studied for years. Mines. Turrets. Lasers. Gas. Flamethrowers. Swinging blades. Spike pits. Razor wire. Possibility is limitless. Yet the possibilities only worsen if I remain here. I hate double edge swords. Damned if do and don't. Argh...Fuck my life.

"*wince*"

Yanking my wrist through the restraint brings back memories of the skeleton's shed. Seems like this is my role in life. Getting taken and escape. So annoying. At least that damn thing didn't dislocate. I need to keep quiet. Though it's kinda pointless. I'm more than likely being monitored in some way. Still, my odds are better if I adhere to being paranoid and ninja my ass through this place. Belt restraints are effective but old fashioned and flawed, easy to get out of if you have a free hand. I'm free in less than a minute and rips the patch off. Medical or not, I don't like my soul being out. It makes this already messed up thing even more messed up. If my paranoia and overthinking brain are on point, then the door is most likely unlocked. There's probably even a set path I'll be forced on too. Drive the cattle to the slaughter, or so they say.

A light touch on the door has it open to a dimly lit hall. Totally giving off horror movie vibes. The air has a faint stale scent, this area most likely hasn't been active in a long time. The darkness makes the hall look exceptionally long. But down it I must travel and travel I do. My steps echo like I'm walking in an empty school. Giving me unease. Like, at any second, someone or something will pop out. I haven't felt so skittish since my middle school days dodging campus security to cut class and leave the building. I'm too on edge. A slight humming isn't helping my equilibrium either. Did she set up some sort of audio mind scrambler? Am I overthinking shit? It's a 50/50% on either at this point. So I change tactics. I run. If something happens it'll at least happen quickly.

Yet...I don't seem to be going anywhere. I pass countless doors without turning a corner. I must be going deeper into insanity or something isn't normal about it. It's almost like it's...

"Son of a whore!"

I stop and grab onto the edge of a door frame. Only for the floor and walls to pull me in two directions.

"A möbius strip? No...A treadmill. Very sneaky either way. Almost didn't catch on if it weren't for that humming getting louder when I ran. Heh...Willing to bet the motor is basic and can't push past its standard limits. Which means..."

I start running backward, the hum grinding loudly as momentum builds before stopping and allowing the convener to drag me in the direction I was headed before.

"You can't correct the way it moves until it slows down to the bare minimum speed."

I ride the out of control road up to where a door, unlike the rest, becomes noticeable, this thing has a knob. Flinging it open and jumping out saves me from that dumb endless hall. One annoying trap beat. Who knows how many more to go. At least this area looks normal enough. It's open, much like a normal living space, but it's not that exactly. The interior is faint red. There are two floors, the ground floor is what looks like a workplace and the second floor is a more personal space. I'm on the second floor.

"The hell...?"

The door behind me shuts itself, sealing to blend with the wall and its knob covered by a decorative mask of an angry looking cat-girl. Everything up here seems out of place and clearly belongs in some oddball bedroom. Beside me are five fully stocked bookcases containing all sorts of things. Alphys's obsessions and hobbies, comics, anime figures, an ice cream machine, unopened letters, etc. litter her room. It's honestly very creepy. Especially the wall posters of that same angry cat-girl that have eyes that follow you. I bumpy slide down the escalator handrail, not trusting the walkway to not be a trap, and feel instant unease once my feet touch the tile floor. On the ground floor, there is a large screen that's probably been used to monitor me, a fridge with a supply of instant noodles, a messy desk with her computer surrounded by odd instruments, and a washroom. This place is creepy. Where's the exit?

*RUMBLE*

The building shakes faintly though the sound was rather loud.

*RUMBLE*

It feels like it's moving...closer?

*RUMBLE*

*RUMBLE*

*RUMBLE*

*RUMBLE*

"The hell is going on?"

The lights suddenly go out. All is very still. Till...something explodes and sends into what I guess is a wall.

"SURPRISE!"

The lights come back on and reveal Mettaton, who is now posing after bursting through a different wall.

"SUCH A FABULOUS AND RANDOM ENTRANCE. DON'T YOU THINK SO, DARLING? HUH...DARLING?"

I am less than happy shoving rubble off of me.

"Unnecessary and overly flashy. Yep...That's a Mettaton entrance alright."

"TOO MUCH?"

I dust myself off.

"Just a tad. Though, I'll give you points for it being memorable."

"BUT IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO RATE IT?"

"Um...7 out of 10."

"HMMM...NOTE TO SELF, NEXT TIME ADD FIREWORKS AND LASERS."

Is it cute that he's trying to be cool?

"So...Is being whacked with a bat your way of saying I was taking too long to get here? Or is that how you treat all your fans?"

His screen flashes.

"OH! NO. THAT WAS MORE OF AN IMPROVISATION ON BURGERPANTS'S PART. I DO HOPE YOU CAN OVERLOOK MY POOR JUDGEMENT IN HIS COMPETENCE."

I rub my head.

"I'll give you a pass this time. Mainly because I'm thick-skulled. But no more headshots. It sucks being unconscious so often."

"FAIR ENOUGH, DEAR."

"Well, you got me here. Caused a little trouble maybe? So now what? What does a bot like you want from little ol' me?"

"OH, DARLING...WHERE TO BEGIN?"

He rolls over to me and my creep vibes are tingling. Especially when two of his four hands start posing my arms and the other two cup my face.

"AMAZING. I'M ACTUALLY IN THE PRESENCE OF A REAL LIVING HUMAN. I'VE HEARD STORIES AND SEEN FOOTAGE, BUT I NEVER THOUGHT I'D EVER GET...TO TOUCH...YOU."

What the...? Why is he saying that in such a captivating tone of voice? And why is it making feel like a dumb cliché girl? I thought Alphys fixed my soul's emotional sensitivity? I shake it off. Now's not the time for this.

"Getting a bit handsy don't you think?"

I usually save that joke when talking about Gaster, but this fits the situation too. His screen blanks for a moment at my playful voice, though I feel stupid on the inside, before flickering randomly and he lets me go.

"MY APOLOGIES. I LET MY EXCITEMENT GET THE BETTER OF ME. PLEASE...FORGIVE MY ILL BEHAVIOR."

It's so hard to get a read on him. His TV self and off-camera self are like night and day. I don't know if I can drop my guard around him just yet. This isn't normal. I'm out of my element and still dealing with lots of unknowns. Better to play safe than end up sorry...or dead. I sigh and clap my hands.

"Be kind, let's rewind."

A "?" appears on his screen while I offer my hand to him.

"Howdy, Mettaton. It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Lynsie."

He's confused, that much is certain. Though it's short-lived as he swoons dramatically and falls into my arms. Dear lord! He's heavy! Must be the junk needed to work those four arms.

"MY GOODNESS. AFTER BEING TREATED SO RUDELY, YOU CHARM ME WITH A SIMPLE GREETING? OH, WHAT MARVELOUS CHEMISTRY! I KNEW YOU'D BE PERFECT FOR THIS."

I knew there was something sketchy. I drop him.

"Once again, I encounter the creature known as selfish d-bag. I'm going home."

Not sure where the exit is but I walk away from him anyway. He, of course, scrambles to get us and zips in front to block my path.

"NO, NO, NO, DARLING. YOU HAVE IT ALL WRONG. PLEASE DON'T BE SO HASTY TO LEAVE."

"Then to prevent my irritated departure you must answer me these questions three. Doing so truthfully will have you see me remaining here with thee. But...if deception is sensed, then you shall be cast into the Gorge of Eternal Peril. But since it's under renovations, I'll resort to smacking you instead."

God, I'm a nerd. Like he, or anyone else down here, knows Monty Python and the Holy Grail. However, the idea of a game seems to excite him.

"A Q&A? OH, DARLING, DO ASK AWAY. MY ANSWERS WILL SURELY BE THE STUFF YOU LONG TO HEAR."

I hold up a finger.

"First question...What are your plans for me since you have me here?"

His top set of hands twiddles their fingers while the bottom hands move as one does when dramatically speaking creatively.

"MY PLANS? OH, NOTHING MUCH REALLY."

I cock my eyes.

"Mind telling me what exactly what that is?"

"DO YOU WANT THAT TO BE YOUR SECOND QUESTION?"

I sneer.

"No. But you're not doing this right."

"HOW SO?"

"While you technically answered the question, you did so in the laziest and non-informative way."

"VERY WELL. I SHALL BE MORE INFORMATIVE WITH MY NEXT ANSWER."

"Thank you."

A second finger is put out.

"Second question...Nothing weird happened while I was unconscious, right?"

"*GASP* DARLING! THAT IS VULGAR OF THE HIGHEST DEGREE! WHILE I SHALL ADMIT..."

His hands cup my face and hold my shoulders.

"SEEING SUCH A HAPLESS FLOWER LIKE YOURSELF BE BROUGHT HERE. HURT AND UNRESPONSIVE. A LESSER MONSTER WOULD BE TEMPTED TO DO ALL SORTS OF THINGS. FORBIN THINGS. ANYTHING WOULD BE ON THE TABLE. LIMITED ONLY BY IMAGINATION..."

His voice is different. Completely monotone. All too personal. A shiver trembles down my neck. He lets the hands drop from my face but not the shoulders.

"BUT I AM NOT LIKE THOSE WEAKLINGS. I KNOW BETTER THAN TO PLUCK A FLOWER BEFORE IT BLOSSOMS. AND OURS IS ONE THAT IS JUST STARTING TO BUD."

I hate so much right now.

"DARLING?"

"Too much info."

"WELL, YOU DID ASK FOR MORE."

"Then...*sigh*...Never mind."

"AND YOUR THIRD QUESTION?"

My third? Oh! Oh shit!

"Yeah, my third question...Did you or your goon bother to inform Toriel of this impromptu adventure/kidnapping in a way that won't result in property damage/loss of life?"

"WELL..."

Big red flag warning! Fuck being nice! serious time!

"Where's my phone?"

"HUH?"

"I know it's not on me. Do you think I can't tell if there's suddenly no weight in my baggy pockets? Now if you want to escape death at her hands or mine, please...Hand it over."

He throws his hands up.

"DARLING I DON'T..."

*Bang*

He is surprised by the sudden strike.

"Don't make me do that again. Now, please, give me my phone."

"I PROMISE, DARLING, I DON'T HAVE IT."

I want to hit him again, but my throbbing hand is screaming. Change of plans.

"Give me your phone."

"W-WHAT? WHY?"

"Don't make me break my hand in repeating myself."

He rumbles and a phone shoots out of a port on his side.

"YOU ARE SCARY WHEN SERIOUS. HERE."

"Thank you."

I reach for it and he pulls back.

"AH AH AH. FIRST, A LITTLE PROMISE. YOU CAN USE THIS, BUT THEN YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING FOR ME."

I growl in building annoyance.

"WELL? THE CLOCK IS TICKING."

I don't have time for this crap.

"...Fine."

He giggles and hands it to me. I scroll through his past calls. My number appears under some others all marked as SLAVE #...I guess he fits in down here more than I thought. Metal boss from hell. My phone could be with any of the goons so I thank my lucky stars that Toriel's number is burned into my head. Time to brace for impact.

[Snowdin: Skeleton House in present time]

Sans returns home in the kitchen, needing a drink to replenish his magic if he's to teleport any more tonight. He steps into the room to see the other three all trying to listen to the small phone at once. Guessing they are too focused to remember phones have an intercom function.

"Child where are you? Are you hurt?"

"A little sore, but otherwise okay."

Oh...never mind then. They're just being weird.

"As for the where I assume this is the Lab in Hotland. *muffled* There are no other labs in the Underground, right?"

"*faint* THAT'S CORRECT, DARLING."

The electronic voice is recognized by all except Toriel.

"Young one, who is that with you?"

"Would you believe a robotic TV star?"

"*faint* OH, DARLING, YOU FLATTER ME."

"Make that a robotic TV star with an ego bigger than Papyrus's."

"FUCK YOU, HUMAN."

Papyrus interrupts.

"Oh wow. I expected this but had my doubts Nanny would actually do it. Who else is there?"

"You had us worried, pussycat."

There's a pause.

"Don't tell me you thought he took me?"

Toriel laughs nervously.

"*groan* Mom..."

"ENOUGH WITH THE CHIT CHAT. ARE YOU ABLE TO LEAVE ON YOUR OWN OR NOT?"

"Hmmm...As far as I know, I'm able to go. But I have to do something for Mettaton first."

"Why?"

"I had to promise to do a favor to use his phone. Mine might be in the hands of some goon."

"What is it you have to do?"

"That's a good question. *muffled* Yo, what's this thing I have to do?"

"*faint* NOTHING TOO DIFFICULT. I JUST NEED YOU TO BE YOURSELF FOR THE NEXT...OH...LET'S SAY TWO HOURS."

"*muffled* What?"

"*faint* I THINK IT WOULD BE EASIER TO UNDERSTAND IF YOU TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO TURN ON THE TELEVISION."

The mood shifts ominously.

"*muffled* You can't mean what I think you mean."

"*faint* GO ON. TELL THEM."

"Uh...Turn on the TV?"

Sans grabbed the remote before the other could scramble and with a heavy feeling in his soul hits the on the button. The screen comes alive to a timer counting down. The caption above reading "Live Once In a Lifetime Event Special". The timer has less than five minutes remaining. Panic strikes. Papyrus steals the phone.

"GET OUT OF THERE, HUMAN!"

"Okay, ow, my ears are bleeding."

Grillby snatches the phone.

"Lynsie, you need to get out of there. You're being set up to appear on TV."

The next sound the group hears is the phone clattering to the floor and sprinting feet hitting tile flooring. Other sounds can be heard. Mechanical and aggressive sounds. Then...the line goes dead.

"SANS, GO GET..."

"i can't."

"What? Why not?"

"all she said was she's at the lab. do you know how big that place is? i need to know exactly where or i'm just wasting magic."

"But, Sans, you promised me you would..."

"i know tori, i ain't forgetting it. i don't want her exposed to the underground either. trust me on that. but i can't just poof to a secured building. alphys is probably expecting interference. and trust me, it's not a good thing to just pop in with no quick plan to get out."

Suddenly the TV begins beeping. The timer clocking down the remaining ten seconds. And all they could do was watch and wait. At the timer's end, the screen darkens to black before a flashy title screen appears while glam-rock plays. The image then cuts to live footage in a weird game show looking room and then...

"GREETINGS ALL YOU BITCHES AND BASTARDS. WELCOME TO A VERY SPECIAL EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT. TO START THINGS OFF...A QUIZ SHOW!"

Mettaton flamboyantly parades around.

"BUT WAIT. WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL THAT IT WARRANTS LIVE BROADCASTING? WELL, YOU INGRATES, IT'S BECAUSE WE HAVE A GUEST THAT'S GOING TO BE WORTH WATCHING. ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE OUR LEADING LADY...THE ONE THE ONLY..."

The camera jumps to a stand where a spotlight illuminates onto the bound and gagged human. Arms restrained behind her back and ankles cuffed to the floor.

"THE HUMAN!"

Her glare is full of rage and the beastly noises escaping the gag as she trashes in the binds make her look as dangerous as the humans of old.

"THAT'S RIGHT, A REAL LIVING HUMAN. YOU MIGHT BE QUESTIONING THE AUTHENTICITY OF THIS CLAIM. YET I ASSURE YOU, SHE IS THE REAL DEAL."

One of his hands stretches out towards her. She recoils from the grasping appendage but she can't move from the metal hand that proceeds to taser at the chest. The pain makes her screech and her light blue soul briefly emerges. Upon seeing the heart, Mettaton stops the attack.

"AS YOU CAN SEE, HER SOUL IS CLEARLY THAT OF A HUMAN'S. SHE IS 100% HUMAN AND NOT CGI OR SOMEONE IN CUSTOM. FOR NOT EVEN THE GREATEST ACTOR OR SPECIAL EFFECTS CAN MAKE A HUMAN SOUL. AND DEFINITELY NOT ONE SO LOVELY."

The assaulting hand tease touches where the soul came from and the human cringes. Though she's not the only one. Toriel is appalled and Grillby is fuming.

"OH BOY! I CAN ALREADY TELL IT'S GONNA BE A GREAT SHOW! EVERYONE GIVE A BIG HAND FOR OUR WONDERFUL CONTESTANT!"

All four of his hands clap as he moves over to podium across from her.

"I TAKE IT YOU'VE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE, GORGEOUS?"

She huffs loudly through her nose.

"NO PROBLEM! IT'S SIMPLE! THERE'S ONLY ONE RULE. ANSWER CORRECTLY...OR YOU DIE!"

Mettaton laughs evilly yet the human rolls her eyes. The others look to Sans again.

"don't look at me. i have no clue where that room is."

Their attention goes back to the screen as the Fair Fight Field actives as if they were in battle.

[METAL CRUSHER begins to play in the background.]

[Mettaton attacks!]

"YOUR MOVE, DARLING. YOU GET ONE FREE TURN BEFORE WE START."

The girl weighs her limited options.

[FIGHT]

[ACT]

[̴͝SP͜͞E͡L̵͜L͟͠͏]͘͢

[ITEM]

[MERCY]

Her confusion is warranted. An unknown option could lead to bad things.

[ACT selected.]

[New options available.]

[CHECK]

[CRY]

She huffs and makes a choice.

[CHECK selected.]

[Mettaton – HP: 9999 ATK: 300 DEF: 999 – His metal body renders him invulnerable to attack.]

Her eyes nearly bug out of her head.

"NOT A BAD FIRST MOVE, DEAR. IT'S NEVER BAD TO CHECK ME OUT."

A screen mounted behind him blinks on.

"LET'S START WITH AN EASY ONE!"

A question appears on the screen.

[What's the prize for answering correctly?]

A) Money

B) Death

C) Freedom

D) More questions

Four buttons pop up on her stand.

"CHOOSE CORRECTLY OR BE MET WITH TERRIBLE PAIN."

The look she has is one filled with hate. Yet she complies and presses the D button with her chin. A pleasant fanfare goes off.

"RIGHT! SOUNDS LIKE YOU GET IT! HERE'S YOUR TERRIFIC PRIZE!"

Her turn is skipped due and the screen puts up another question.

"What sort of crap is this?"

Grillby interjects.

"Her turn was skipped. How is that even possible?"

Toriel ponders.

"leave it to that quack to figure out a way to break the rules."

Sans says between drinks.

[What's the king's full name?]

A) Lord Deathbeard

B) Killer Killington

C) Asgore Dreemurr

D) Krampus

The human quickly presses the C button and the fanfare goes off again.

"CORRECT! WHAT A TERRIFIC ANSWER! ARE YOU SURE YOU'VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE?"

She nods.

"ENOUGH ABOUT YOU. LET'S TALK ABOUT ME!"

She groans as the screen brings up another question.

[What are robots made of?]

A) Hopes&Dreams

B) Metal&Magic

C) Blood&Guts

D) Hate&Spite

She pops her neck and presses the B button. Once more the fanfare plays. This time Mettaton gets some attitude.

"TOO EASY FOR YOU, HUH?"

She shrugs.

"WELL THEN...HERE'S ANOTHER EASY ONE FOR YOU "

[Two trains, Train A, and Train B, simultaneously depart Station A and Station B. Station A, and Station B are 252.5 miles apart from each other. Train A is moving at 124.7mph towards Station B, and Train B is moving at 253.5mph towards Station A. If both trains departed at 10:00 AM and it is now 10:08, how much longer until both trains pass each other?]

A) 31.054 minutes

B) 16.232 minutes

C) 32.049 minutes

D) 32.058 minutes

She's hesitant now. Her eyes hold uncertainty.

"Oh no..."

Toriel mutters.

"We have yet to go over such math lessons."

"THEN SHE BETTER BE A GOOD GUESSER."

The human's eyes dart from button to button. She has no clue. She picks one at random...A. A buzzer goes off.

"WRONG! WRONG! WROOOOOOOONG!"

Mettaton points at her and fires a laser blast into her left shoulder. If it weren't for the gag her cries would be excruciating.

[HP ██████████████████████████ 26/36]

She pants, biting the gag to brace some of the pain.

Toriel is understandably horrified and Grillby is worried. Though Sans and Papyrus are impressed.

"SHE'S GOTTEN TOUGHER."

"the is no pushover. the tin can is gonna learn that the hard way."

"SORRY, DARLING. BUT THE CORRECT ANSWER WAS D. MAYBE YOU'LL HAVE BETTER LUCK WITH THE NEXT QUESTION. THEN AGAIN...DON'T 'COUNT' ON YOUR VICTORY."

The next question pops up.

[How many eyes are in this jar?]

An image appears for a split second.

A) 54

B) 53

C) 55

D) 52

Not given much time to study the image, she once more has to guess.

"What kind of game is this? She is not being given a fair play."

Toriel complains.

"ACTUALLY, AS WRONG AS IT LOOKS, HE IS FOLLOWING THE LAW."

Papyrus corrects.

"You must be joking."

"he's not. one of the laws enforced after you left the king was to stop humans at all costs while giving them some form of a chance. the tin can is giving her multiple choices and only inflicting minimal damage. if he wanted to, he could just off her right there."

Explains Sans.

"As much as I don't like it, it makes sense. With one soul remaining to break the barrier extremes are bound to be made to get it. For what is the life of one human when held next to the entire Underground?"

Grillby comments and Toriel frowns. Even she sees the point in that. But that does mean she likes it.

The human contemplates her choices and seems to do a mental coin flip before pressing the D button. This time, the buzzer sounds.

"COMPLETELY UTTERLY WRONG!"

Mettaton blasts her again in the right shoulder and her roar is bloodcurdling.

[HP ████████████████ 16/36]

The bloody gaping holes in her shoulders make her slump over against the stand. She won't last much longer if this keeps up.

"THE CORRECT ANSWER WAS A. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY HARDER FROM HERE ON."

An annoyed groan was her reply.

"HMMM...MAYBE YOU NEED SOMETHING ELSE. LET'S PLAY A MEMORY GAME."

The screen produces a new question and image.

[What monster is this?]

The monster shown is half of a Froggit's face.

A) Froggit

B) Whimsun

C) Moldsmal

D) Mettaton

This one seems like a no-brainer yet the human seems unsure. Mostly because blood loss makes it hard to think.

"WHY IS SHE HESITATING? THE ANSWER IS CLEARLY A."

Papyrus bitches.

"Really? You think it's that easy?"

Grillby retorts.

"THEN WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS?"

"I'm surprised you do see it. It's obviously D."

"BULL CRAP. I BET YOU 10G IT'S A."

"Fine. Just don't be upset when you're wrong."

After thinking long and hard about the question, the human presses the D button. The fanfare plays.

"I'M SO FLATTERED YOU REMEMBERED! LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE WHOLE IMAGE."

The picture unfolds to reveal Mettaton wearing a shirt with a Froggit's face on it.

Papyrus's jaw clenches as Grillby folds his hands behind his head with a smug attitude.

"You need to listen to pussycat more often. She did say he had an ego bigger than yours."

"FUCK YOU."

"Just pay me by week's end."

Papyrus grumbles while turning back to the TV.

"YOU'VE BEEN ON A ROLL SO FAR. BUT CAN YOU GET THIS ONE?"

The screen brings up a new and rather odd question.

[Would you smooch a ghost?]

A) Heck Yeah

B) Heck Yeah

C) Heck Yeah

D) Heck Yeah

The human and the watching group all share the say "what the fuck" look.

"GO ON. CONSIDER THIS AN ACT OF MERCY."

She sneers and reluctantly presses the B button. With no wrong choice to make, the fanfare plays.

"GREAT ANSWER! I LOVE IT!"

A steaming Grillby hates it.

"HERE'S A SIMPLE ONE."

The screen pops up the next question.

[How many letters in the name Mettaton?]

A) 11

B) 6

C) 8

D) 10

A relatively easy question except for the number of Ns at the name's end increases and eventually goes out of the screen with the numbers in the answers increasing accordingly.

"How in the world do you answer that?"

Toriel puzzles.

"it's c."

Sans says softly to the confusion of the others.

"for a second, the real numbers were there. c had eight, which is the right answer regardless of the increasing."

"Here's hoping she saw that too."

Says Grillby while adjusting his glasses.

The human is beginning to look paler than normal. The strain on her body and mind making things difficult. She wearily presses the C button, mainly due to landing on it after a slight dizzy spell, and the fanfare plays.

"OF COURSE THAT WAS EASY FOR YOU!"

She grunts against the stand, pushing herself to keep going even as her body wants her to stop.

"Come on, pussycat. You can hold out just a bit longer."

Grillby says to himself before flinching at the feel of Toriel's hand holding his. She gives him a motherly smile and it helps calm his nerves for now.

"YOU'LL BE SURE TO KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS ONE!"

The screen pops up another random question.

[What's a pretzel's favorite color?]

A) Black

B) Yellow

C) Red

D) Dusk

This had to be one of the odder questions to be done though tame. The human wastes no time picking a button. Either to end it faster or knowing it, who's to say. But her head thuds onto the B button and the fanfare plays.

"CORRECT! YOU'RE SO LUCKY TODAY!"

The amount of blood pooling on the floor says otherwise.

"TIME TO BREAK OUT THE BIG GUNS! HERE IS YOUR FINAL QUESTION."

The screen shows the question.

[How bright is this text?]

A) 85% Bright

B) 84% Bright

C) 86% Bright

D) 83% Bright

This made little sense. The question text was the same color as all other questions. How was this even answerable to her when she can hardly even look up at the screen?

The group is just as confused. How do you tell the percentage of brightness to text?

Though after some time of no movement from the human, Mettaton rolls around his podium.

"DARLING? ARE YOU ABLE TO MAKE A CHOICE?"

A tired moan drones out of the gag.

"TELL YOU WHAT, I'LL BE NICE AND HELP YOU OUT."

Mettaton zips over to the slumped over human.

"MY MY. SUCH A MESS YOU'VE MADE BACK HERE. GOOD THING NO MESS IS TOO BIG FOR MTT BRAND INDUSTRIAL CLEANER. IN STORES NOW."

The robot plugs his latest product in the middle of a show...real classy.

"what a jackass."

Scoffs Sans.

The other soundly agree.

"OKAY, DEAR, ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS STARE AT THE BUTTON YOU WANT TO ANSWER FOR AND I SHALL PUSH IT FOR YOU."

She tilts her head and stares.

"IS C YOU'RE FINAL ANSWER?"

She exhales long and loud through her nose.

"I'LL TAKE THAT AS A YES."

He unnecessarily extends his arm in a twisty and bendy way before pushing the C button. However...Buzzer sounds.

"OH BOY, THAT'S EMBARRASSING, HUH?"

This time he blasts through her right leg making her buckle in pain to the crimson soaked floor.

[HP ██████ 06/36]

[Background music briefly pauses in silence]

"WELL WELL WELL. THAT SETTLES THAT, DOESN'T IT?"

To much befuddlement, Mettaton proceeds to remove the restraints and gag from the broken girl.

"*weak* W-What are you doing?"

"SUCH A SILLY QUESTION. IF YOU DIE THE SHOW HAS NO DRAMATIC TENSION! WE CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS!"

She's in no position to fight this or wants to. He collects her from the ground and seems to gently hold her in two of his arms. So much red coats just about everything. He then addresses one of the many hidden cameras in the room.

"I KNOW WHAT YOU ALL MIGHT BE THINKING. BUT METTATON, WHY AREN'T YOU GOING TO KILL THE HUMAN? YOU CLEARLY HAVE THE CHANCE. TO THAT I SAY, NO. SHE WON THIS GAME. AND THEREFORE, SHE PROCEEDS TO THE NEXT ROUND OF OUR LITTLE GAME. THAT'S RIGHT! THIS WAS JUST THE FIRST ACT! NEXT UP, MORE DRAMA! MORE ROMANCE! MORE BLOODSHED! STAY TUNED, LOSERS...! NOW IF YOU'LL EXCUSE ME...THIS LOVELY LADY NEEDS TO HEAL. WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK AFTER THESE COMMERCIAL MESSAGES."

The broadcast fades into commercials. The four of them are left with more questions than answers. But at least one thing is going in their favor. Mettaton wants to keep her alive. Perhaps in the next show, she'll appear in a location that's more recognizable and rescue can be done before anyone else tries to get her. Though the four of them weren't the only ones watching the show. A small indent in the window and ground below were all the tells of the sneaky flower. His mission now clear. Save his sister.

[Hotland Lad: Medical Room]

Alphys finishes setting up life-support systems by the time Mettaton wheels in with the now very near dead human.

"Put her here."

He need not be told twice.

"Some first act. She's almost dead."

Less of a reprimand and more of a statement by Alphys while she begins plugging the human into the machines.

"I WAS WORRIED NEAR THE END. HAD SHE MISSED ANOTHER QUESTION I MIGHT HAVE NEEDED TO GO OFF SCRIPT. MAIN CHARACTERS CAN'T DIE SO EARLY IN THE SHOW."

"You're just lucky I can fix this."

"WILL SHE NEED LONG TO HEAL?"

Alphys sticks in an IV drip and taps it for bubbles.

"Don't rush this. Your blast, while clean, went through a lot of muscle and bone. Not to mention all the blood that'll need to refill. That kind of stuff will need longer to repair."

"BUT...WE CAN'T JUST LEAVE COMMERCIALS GOING TILL THEN."

The annoyed scientist shoots him a look.

"Then I guess you need some filler till then."

Mettaton cringes.

"FILLER?! SUCH A DIRTY WORD. WHAT WOULD IT EVEN BE?"

"How about you figure that out elsewhere? I need to work. Or do you want this to take longer?"

That had him speeding away as she then shouts.

"And clean up all this blood! This is a lab! Not a butcher shop!"

She was unsure he heard all that but focused on monitoring the human.

"*sigh* You are so lucky I'm bored or you'd be under my knife right now."

The human involuntarily twitches, earning a smirk from the spectacle-wearing lizard.

"Maybe you'll heal sooner than expected."

Oh, how she enjoyed her work.

[vidkid20ssimblrlair]

Episode 20: The Vultures (Part 2)

“Whoa Whoa! Wait! Did you just say your sister?!” Vince growled.

“Well, uh..yes.” 

“Don’t tell me she was the psycho in the cat mask!”

“Well, uh..yes. Well technically it’s a fox mask, but…”

“I don’t care what it is. Your sister almost killed us!” he snarled. He grabbed the boy by his hoodie and thrust the gun under his chin. “Give me a reason not to kill you right now!”

“Vince. Please,” I said weakly.

The young man was shaking. He stuttered. “No..pl pl…please. I’m not like her. I just want to…”

"Yeah. Yeah. You just want to help. You starting to sound like a broken record."

I shook my head. “Vince, let him go.I...I think he’s telling...the truth.”

“I...I...I am sir!”

Vince shot me a look that could kill, but he let the boy go and lowered his weapon. He pointed his finger at him in a threatening manner and the boy began babbling again.

"I apologize for her actions. Sincerely. If I can undo what she did I would, but I can't. But if there is something I can do to make up for what happened, I'll do it. Just please," he begged.

The poor man looked like he was going to faint. His face growing paler by the second. I shot Vince a look and DJ seemed to be on the same page as he cut his eye at him. Luckily, it did the trick and our bad-tempered friend seemed to soften.

He frowned and looked away. "This better not be a trap or I swear..."

"No, sir. It’s not," Billy pleaded. "I understand your mistrust, but it’s really not. Lin will tell you. She’s really nice.”

“Nice? Are you sure you got the right Lin?”

I laughed instantly regretting it but I persisted. “So is she ok?”

“Well, she hurt her leg. She was unable to walk when I found her. I ended up carrying her. Got her to safety before the alarms and herd rolled in. She was also pretty out of it, but she remembered your names that’s for sure. Begged me to go find you. Well, that’s after she realized I wasn’t trying to hurt her. She put up a good fight all while cursing at me in Chinese." 

Vince rolled his eyes and smirked. “Yep. That’s her.”

I continued. "Where did you take her?"

"I took her to where I stay sometimes. It's a shipping container like this, but it has a bed and lights. When I left she was resting. It's safe there,” he said gleefully. “Like I said, I can take you there. We can exit out the other side. Should be all clear on that side.”

“Then you go first then,” Vince scoffed gesturing with the gun.

“Oh..well sure. That was the plan actually. I’ll just open it and we can get going... if that’s ok with everyone. Is that ok with everyone?”

I smiled nodding in agreement with my cohorts. “Yes, Billy. We can go.”

He flashed us a reassuring smile and pulled his mask back over his face. He faced the door taking one last uneasy breath and opened the iron doors. They creaked open with an ominous sound. He peeked his head out and gestured for us to wait.

He tiptoed out looking from left to the right and sprinted forward to what looked like another shipping container. The doors facing us were wide open, but the other end was close. He then beckoned for us to follow. We dashed doing the same. Looking to the left and right. He shut them behind us. We repeated the same steps crossing to another. 

Vince scoffed. "Another empty container and I don’t see Lin. Looking more like a trap.”

"Have more patience sir. It’s not. We just got to go a little further."

“Hopefully, not too much further. Thanks to your sister, my patience is wearing thin,” he snarled aiming his gun at the boy's back. He came right up behind him whispering. “I will not hesitate to shoot you if you’re fucking with us. Remember that.”

Oh, yes, sir. I know, but I’m telling the truth. Honest.”

"Well, I'll start trusting you when I see Lin and stop calling me sir!"

"Yes, sir. I mean...um... nevermind."

We did it two more times in a row just like this. To shipping container to shipping container. We took a break after that. Walkers were on the other side. Both me and Vince were also out of breath from our injuries, but this didn't stop Vince from complaining.

“Hey. Why you got to wear that creepy ass mask?” the ex-con asked looking annoyed as ever.

Billy sighed. “I need to keep up appearances. I'm supposed to be paroling and looking out for stray survivors. Not helping them."

“You guys do this all the time?”

“Yes.”

“Well, how come I didn’t see you people here last time I came here?”

The young man shrugged. “Depends on when you came and if you were alone. We usually only rob groups, so that might be why. Using our resources and time for a single individual would be a waste. If we were here, we were probably hiding. Hiding and watching.” 

“That’s right. ‘We’re watching you’,” he murmured thinking back.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

The walkers moved on and we did our a little run again. He went ahead. We followed. Everyone staying alert. We stopped again waiting for a few of the dead to pass. This time Vince pulled me aside to air out his complaints.

"Do you trust this kid?"

"I don't know. I'm not exactly the best judge of character lately. I do think he wants to help."

"Yeah. Help us into a trap!"

I rolled my eyes and slid to the floor. "Well, he's going through a lot of trouble for it to be a trap. He could have just left us out there to die. He even let you keep the gun."

"Well, maybe he's just stupid."

"I doubt that, but I do question your sanity," I said trying not to laugh. "Ease on up on him for now."

This seemed to annoy him rather than satisfy him, but it shut him up for me. Unfortunately, he wasn't finished with Billy. He walked right up behind him after we crossed again and started badgering him again.

"Why we got wait for you to tell us to cross?"

"Well, till the rotters are corral it's not safe. I also need to see if the coast is clear.”

Vince furrowed his brow. "What you mean by corraling them?"

"Our group has a method of corralling the dead and using them for our benefit. Well, for example, herds can be used for cover and as weapons. We unleash the herd we have here with car alarms when we have trespassers and survivors we can take from."

"Why am I not surprised."

Billy shook his head. "Well, we're almost there. Once we turn this corner, we'll be reaching my place."

Vince sighed and clutch his abdomen making a pained face. The boy noticed and lifted his mask. "You alright, sir?"

"I told you..." he paused and his knees buckle. The boy grabbed him holding him up, but this just seemed to agitate him more. He swatted at him as he regained his composure. "Get off of me!"

"Sir?"

"Your sister is a real piece of work," he mumbled.

Billy shook his head. "She’s not that bad. I mean I’m biased, but the others are much worse.”

DJ gulp. “If she’s not so bad I can imagine what the others are like.”

“Trust me. There’s much worse,” he said shaking his head. “Ace for example. Our precious leader. He’s to blame for it all this. Always thinking he’s smarter than everyone. Always quoting Darwinism and survivor of the fittest shit. He’s the reason why my sister is the way she is. Why this group functions the way it does now. If my brother was still here, we wouldn’t be like this.”

“Brother?” I quired.

“Yeah. My older brother. His name was Chris. Things were different when he was around. He kept us together when this all started. We survived without stealing. Without hurting others. My sister found solace in him. The two of them were thick as thieves. Ace was around too, but he was just a part of the group we started out with. I had no idea he would turn us into this. Chris would be horrified to see us this way. One reason I want to help. As much as I can.”

“Well, you’re doing just that. I’m sure he would be proud of you.”

“I guess. Anyway, I think there cleared out on this side. We can go.”

Despite the pain, a question tugged at my mind. I had to ask. The timing seemed right. I bit my lip thinking of a way to word it. Would he even answer it?

“Billy?”

“Yes.”

“It’s one question that’s plaguing my mind, Billy. You wouldn’t happen to know a woman named Jade would you?”

He paused looking uncomfortable but answered with a question. “You know Jade?”

“Yeah. Bald head chick. Wore her own face,” Vince rudely injected. “Yeah, me and his girl had the pleasure of meeting that creepy ass chick.”

“Creepy is one way to describe her. I can’t say that I know her that well though. I sometimes forget she’s a part of this group. I rarely see her and when I do she’s either stopping by to drop off supplies or she’s calling over the walkie talkie with some type of intel. She’s an odd one.”

“Creepy. Odd. Yeah, sounds about right, but she does seem normal compared to you mask-wearing freaks!”

“Vince really?”

Billy chuckled. “I’m sorry, but Jade and normal don’t belong in the same sentence. I can see why you would say that, but she’s far from normal. We wear masks to protect ourselves from retaliation for the terrible crap we do, but with her, it’s a different story. She wants to be seen. She doesn’t really fear anything or anyone. I even think Jade is her real name. Well, that’s what she told us. Just Jade. Nothing more. Nothing less. I don’t even know where she stays most of the time. She likes to go out alone for long periods of time. Scouting and looking for supplies supposedly. I can’t imagine what type of shit she gets up to. Nothing good I’m sure.”

“So does that mean we’re in danger?”

“I hope not. If she didn’t follow you, then you’re probably fine.”

“How about the gas station? We were staying there and when we came back it was trashed! I bet that was her doing!”  Vince injected again.

“Yes. Someone even wrote ‘We’re watching you’ on the wall. Know anything about it?”

Billy looked alarmed. “Gas station? I don’t know. Oh, God! Could it?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll look into it, but for now, we should go so you can get back to your people ASAP just in case.”

He peeped his head out again to see if it was safe and back at us. A troubled expression still plastered on his face. He pulled his mask back over it and opened the metal doors wide open. Once he was outside he silently gestured for us to come. He ran and we followed barely keeping up. Then he suddenly disappeared around the corner before any of us could catch up.

"Hey come back," Vince yelled running after him.

We followed him around the corner. All of us on edge, but we spotted him instantly in front of another shipping container in sort of a clearing. Unlike the other containers, this one was decorated with graffiti and a string of cans surrounded it much like a fence. He turned around and took off his mask.

"Here we are," he said smiling. He unlocked the container and pulled open the doors. "Come right in."

We entered into the container and what laid before us was a complete surprise. The container looked like it had been transformed into a bedroom. A desk, a stereo, clothes, and various furniture occupied the space giving it a lived-in vibe. Posters, pictures, and stringed lights on the walls completed the look. The three of us stood still taking it all in, but then I spotted a bed in the back and there laid Lin. She looked as if she had just woken up. She looked over at us and did a double-take. A smile quickly formed on her face.

"Lin!" DJ exclaimed running over to her.

"DJ, Vince, Matthew. I'm so glad to see you," she said wearily. "For a minute, I thought I might not see you again."

She looked over at Billy and squinted. "You..uh...Will? No. Um..."

"It's Billy. Remember? You were pretty out of it. Are you feeling better?"

"I...I think so," she said. She looked over at us as we gathered around her bed. She then pointed at Billy smiling. "Yeah, that’s right. He saved me. I thought I was going to die."

"Yeah, we heard," Vince said shooting Billy a guilty look. "How's your leg?"

"It hurts a lot. I almost fell over trying to stand."

Billy sighed. "Well, I'm no doctor, but I think your leg might be broken."

"We have a doc..."

Lin!" Vince yelled stopping her.

"A doctor? That's good. I'm glad actually. You all need medical attention," Billy said nodding. "I can do what I can here. I have some medical supplies I've stashed away."

He turned his attention solely on Vince and stared at his wound. "You first. You're not going last too long bleeding like that."

Vince reluctantly let the man guide him over to a desk and chair nearby. The young man then pulled out medical supplies from its drawers. Bandages, gauze, and a bottle peroxide. He proceeded to treat Vince's wound.

"You're going need that slug taken out. Honestly, I'm surprised she hit you. She's a shit shot."

Vince frowned. "I guess I'm just a bullet magnet."

Billy laughed and turned his attention to me. "You’re next."

I came over and stood before him. He politely asked me to lift my shirt and I obliged hesitantly. He looked up at me with a troubled look after studying my chest. From what I could see a large bruise was there spending from my chest to my side. I braced fully expecting he would start poking and prodding it, but he didn't.

"I think your ribs are broken. At least I think so. That must really hurt. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do."

He turned to DJ. "I think you're the only one who got lucky. Only some scratches and bruises. You're tough."

"Thanks," DJ laughed. He looked away suddenly. Something seemed to be on his mind. "So, Billy. I was wondering. What's you and your sister's codenames? Judging from your mask yours dog-related or something? "

He rolled his eyes. “It’s an Anbu mask from Naruto. Geez, I feel like I’m the only one in this world still alive who watches anime!”

“Sorry. I’m more of a comic book fan.”

“Well, you’re no worse than my group. At least you didn’t laugh at me for stating that fact. Anyway, I would rather not say what my sister's codename is', but mine? Mine is pretty demeaning, to be honest. Guess they had the same idea. It’s Runt as in runt of the litter. Shows you how highly they think of me," he quipped.

"Why not leave then?"

"I go where my sister goes and I'm not going anywhere without her, so I can't."

A static sound then rung out in the metal room and a voice followed it with more static.

"Pick up! Pick up dumbass! Where are you?!"

Lin groaned and pointed to something near her. "You dropped your walkie talkie and that thing hasn't shut up since you left. Woke me up a couple times."

"Where are you?"

"Shit! Shit!" he mumbled picking up the device off the floor. The color draining from his face again. He whispered, "It's my sister."

He exhaled and answered the walkie talkie as calmly as he could. "Sup?"

"I've been trying to get a hold of you. Where have you been?"

Hanging out. Paroling and staying out the way like you wanted. I forgot my walkie talkie is all."

"You’re hopeless. Well, did you find anything? Any stragglers?"

"No. All clear."

“Good. I was sure I counted four, but maybe the last is buried. They'll reanimate and resurface soon."

"Yeah."

"What are you up to?"

"Nothing!"

"Well, I'm...on the way over. To your place. We need to...to talk. Over and out."

"What?! No, wait! Shit!" he yelled. He looked over at us. Completely pale and panicked. "You have to go. Now! Like right now!"

"I thought you said it was safe here," Vince said glaring at him.

"I thought it was too. My sister never comes down here. I mean she knows it's here, but she never visits me!"

"Well, we can't exactly just go. Lin can't even walk and this place is huge!"

"Don't worry. I'll show you where you can get out safely. I also have a wheelchair outback. It's sort of raggedy, but it'll work."

He opened the back doors quickly and picked Lin up in one swoop. Just as he said, a battered wheelchair sat on the backside of his container. He placed Lin gently in the chair.

“Go left from here till you see the fence. There’s an opening in it. You can escape from there.”

DJ spluttered. “But…I mean…can���t you come with us…?

“No. I can’t. I told you.”

“Are you sure?”

"Go! Now! We’ll see each other again, but please leave now!"

Sorry for the delay. Life and stress got in the way. Next episode takes us back to Audrey, Madison, and the new face we met last time.

Part 1

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[ijustwant2write]

The Silent Maiden-Sir Leon x Reader

(GIF credit to @gwainegetoutofmyway)

Masterlist

Summary: requested by anonymous: ‘Hey could you like maybe do like something with Sir Leon and a nervous reader if you could? Also your work is really good.’

Characters: Sir Leon x Reader, Merlin x Reader (platonic), mention of other knights and Arthur

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: nervous reader, teasing, self doubt, confidence issues

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Good morning (Y/N).” Merlin greeted his friend in the castle kitchens, showing the exasperated look on his face.

(Y/N) smiled, quietly replying.“Good morning. Arthur already annoying you?”

Merlin sarcastically smiled.“Would it be a normal day if he wasn’t? He wants his breakfast served in the throne room with the rest of the knights.”

The young girls body tensed up at the mention of the knights, thinking of one in particular. She had always found them intimidating, not that they had ever given her reason to be scared of them; quite the opposite actually, they all showed chivalry wherever they were. But somehow she could never get her words out or even look one of them in the eye. Sir Leon, the second in command to Arthur, was the image of what a knight should be, courageous, bold, caring....handsome. Like many women, she took a liking to him, so it frustrated her to no end when her stupid brain stopped her from speaking to him.

“Oh, they have a meeting?”

“Yeah, so we’ll have to get this out to them quickly.”

She stopped putting away the polished cutlery, whipping her head around to him.“We? I have my own tasks this morning.”

“Please (Y/N),” he started to pile food onto trays,“I just need your help for this, nothing else today.”

Merlin could see the nerves building up in his friend, and although he felt bad for asking this of her, he also wanted to get her confidence to come out. When he first met her, she had hardly spoken, even Gwen found it hard to get her to speak. Some had even wondered if she was mute. But everyone was delighted when they heard their first words come out of her mouth, a sweet, gentle voice to match her delicate, beautiful face; though she didn’t speak much and turned quiet around those she didn’t know, it was just one of her traits now.

Merlin had a glimmer in his eye, and (Y/N) knew what that meant.“(Y/N), I’m sure that if you just talked to Sir Leon-”

“Don’t say anymore!” (Y/N)’s voice was never threatening, it was something she hated. No matter how angry she got, she could never express it properly.

“They all find you beautiful-”

“Merlin, stop!”

“I’m just saying-”

She stomped towards him, picking up a tray full of food.“Come on, let’s get this over with.”

Merlin smiled to himself, feeling slightly bad for teasing (Y/N). He knew that she would have to push herself to get out of her comfort zone. He wanted what was best for her, and he could see the adoration in Sir Leon’s eyes, especially when they entered the room. The knights were already sat at their round table, listening intently to Arthur. Leon tried to keep his focus on his king, but couldn’t help glancing over at the gorgeous maiden that had walked in. He had seen (Y/N) many times around the castle, going about her life as she did her chores. His friends had noticed this too, but could they blame the man? 

“Ah, Merlin. You finally obeyed my orders.” Arthur said as they started to serve the food.

“Did you have to drag (Y/N) in though? She’s surely got much better things to do than help you out.” Gwaine teased, winking at the woman.

(Y/N) ducked her head, not meaning to be rude, but she had to cover up her blushing cheeks. She was used to Gwaine’s flirting, it didn’t scare her or make her feel uncomfortable, she knew it was his way of joking with her; if only she could joke too. The men went back to talking as Merlin and (Y/N) continued to lay out the food, and Leon’s heart started to beat ten times faster as she leaned over him to set down his plate.

He looked up at her smiling.“Thank you.”

(Y/N)’s heart was also beating quickly, causing her to become skittish. She tried to smile at him, though feared that it came off as creepy. She rushed off to serve the others, hoping that this would be over and done with soon enough.

“Well lads, who is everyone taking to the Spring Festival?” Gwaine changed the topic, already wanting to torture his fellow knight.

“We’re not here to talk about this Gwaine.” Arthur sighed.

“What’s wrong Arthur, got nobody to take?” Percival joked, everyone rolling their eyes.

“Funnily enough, I’ll be taking my wife.”

“Merlin, (Y/N), you two going? Perhaps together?”

The servants looked at each other, before back to the men. Merlin chuckled, shaking his head.“No, I think (Y/N) has someone else in mind.”

She glared at him, and as soon as he realised this, he stopped laughing. (Y/N) turned her back on them, piling the empty jugs onto the trays to take back.

“Oh, does she now?” Gwaine kept on pushing.“And who would this lucky man be?”

Leon also pined to know who he was. Who would she be wanting? He felt jealousy, but had to restrain himself, knowing that he was being unreasonable. He knew that she wouldn’t answer, she was practically ready to dash out of that room at any minute; he felt bad for her, he wanted Gwaine to stop.

“It’s no one.” she squeaked out, keeping her head bowed.

“Alright, let’s get back to the matter at hand.” Arthur brought the attention back to more important matters, feeling that things would get awkward if he didn’t put a stop to it. 

Once Merlin and (Y/N) were dismissed, no one missed the way that the woman sped out of the room, trying to keep her head ducked down. She felt like her whole face was on fire after those comments. Damn Merlin for making her do that. She always went along with it, not wanting to disappoint friends; sometimes she would convince herself that this was the day she changed, this was the day she would finally speak up for herself, become a new women...of course that still hadn’t happened, and it was angering her to no end. 

“I’m sorry.” Merlin suddenly said as he caught up to her. He too had thought she would be alright today, maybe Gwaine’s words were too much.

“It’s not your fault, it’s me.”

“No, it’s not.”

“It is though. Why can’t I be confident like other women? I can’t even say hello to the man in the market who sells me vegetables!”

Merlin felt guilty and sad for her. All she wanted was the simple things in life. All she wanted was a voice too. He wanted to help, but after all this time, he had a feeling that this was something that she needed to do herself.

The day carried on as usual. (Y/N) went about her chores, trying to erase the events of that morning out of her mind. Sir Leon was only trying to be nice, all he had said was ‘thank you’, that was normal. Yet why did her mind plague her with this curse? Perhaps she was actually cursed by a witch or warlock when she was a babe, that could be the reason! (Y/N) scoffed at the insane idea, telling herself not to come up with such fantasies to hide the truth.

“Excuse me, lady (Y/N)?” Leon hesitantly called out to her as she carried a basket of laundry down the halls. 

She halted her steps, turning to face him.“Sir Leon,” she dipped in a curtsy,“I...I am no lady. You know that.”

Leon smiled at the amount of words she had said to him.“I’m sorry. I always mistake beautiful women such as yourself as ladies.”

(Y/N) didn’t know how to reply, dropping her head down again.

“I’m sorry, I hope I was not too forward.”

She shook her head ‘no’.

“I was just wondering...that is if you really don’t have anyone in mind...would you care to accompany me to the Spring Festival?”

(Y/N)’s eyes widened, panicking Leon. Her mind was in overdrive. Why was he asking her? She was a mere servant, he was a knight, no one had ever heard of that sort of pairing.

“Why?”

Leon leaned down to hear her.“Sorry?”

“Why me?”

He took in a deep breath, smiling to himself.“(Y/N), I don’t think there are enough words to describe how I feel about you. It has been on my mind for sometime, though I did not mean to startle you with a sudden confession. I figured that this would be the best time to ask you. I think you put yourself down too much when everyone around you sees the true you; you’re an amazing, beautiful, kind and caring woman, who I would very much like to get to know better.”

Although (Y/N) wasn’t a speaker, at this moment she truly felt speechless. No one had ever said such words to her, and she never thought she would hear them. Her heart was beating fast again, but it felt good this time. 

“Yes.” she had the hugest smile on her face.“I’ll go with you.”

“Thank you. It will truly be an honour to spend the evening with you.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

(Y/N) looked at herself for the hundredth time in the mirror, feeling the familiar sense of nerves again. She had worn her best dress, adorning her plaited hair with flowers; she hoped that it was enough for Leon. The week had dragged on after Leon’s confession, and now that the event was here, (Y/N)’s doubts started to creep back in. What if he had changed his mind?  What if he took one look at her and didn’t like it? What would other people think? Just as she was about to back out of it, there was a knock at the door, making her whine. Too late now.

As she opened the door, (Y/N) watched Leon’s expression closely, scared when she saw shock. Before she could apologise and protest, he spoke.

“You look even more amazing, I thought that would be impossible for you.” 

“Oh, th-thank you. Is it alright?” she gestured to the dress.

“It’s perfect. These are for you.” he handed her a bouquet of flowers, which (Y/N) smiled at.

“Thank you...again.”

“Are you ready?” he held out his hand to her. 

(Y/N) hesitated, staring at it. Her mind was conflicted, screaming at her to go, not to go, maybe, no definitely not; she put on a brave face, finally making a decision, the right decision for the first time in her life.

She firmly grabbed his hand, smiling widely at him.“More than ready. Let’s go!”

[birdybirp]

[[Untitled Fic]] Chapter 1 - Tiberius

Summary - An abuse survivor in recovery accidentally finds herself befriending a bunch of Satanists.

You kids ready for a first chapter that is probably waaaaaayyy too long? Good, it’s here. 

This is gonna be a Copia/OC fic with some romance, some awkwardness, and some drama if all goes according to plan.

WARNING -- This sweet baby girl is an abuse victim. If this makes you uncomfortable, I’d sit this one out because it is an integral part of Evelyn’s life. Also, I take her triggers and reactions partially from my own experiences with emotional abuse and from other accounts of abuse that I have heard from friends or read. If you have any comments, critiques, or concerns with how I write these situations, please let me know! I only have my own knowledge to draw from and your input is appreciated.

Getting a cat was a mistake.

I had been advised by both my doctor and therapist to get some kind of animal companion so that I wouldn’t be so alone all the time when I left the hospital. Not that I minded my time at home, watching TV. It just seemed like a nice thought to have a furry friend around the house that could sit on my lap and comfort me in harder times. I had always loved animals, but had never had the chance to care for a pet of my own.

I had to set out to a local shelter, determined to get a dog. In a window close to the entrance, though, I saw a group of cats playing together. I took a small glance in and saw a white cat with black on his paws and around his eyes, which were mismatched green and pale blue.

I was immediately in love.

The shelter had named him Tiberius; apparently his entire litter had been named after Roman emperors. I thought the name was silly, but decided to keep it, putting the name on his adoption papers and taking him home. I figured I could call him Tibby, which looked like it fit him.

The next few weeks with him were great. I had no idea how to care for a cat, but Tiberius had very little needs. He mewed when he was hungry, used his litterbox 95 percent of the time, and curled up next to me and purred every second he could. He was a perfect cat

That is, until today.

I had opened the front door to take out the trash and Tibby bolted out like a bullet from a gun. I groaned loudly, dropped the trash bag on my porch, and sprinted after him. I did not have time for this. I had to be to my doctor in about 20 minutes to get my stitches out and those things itched like hell. I wanted them gone, but apparently Tiberius thought I needed to get in a morning run before hand.

He was so fast for a creature that was usually so lazy. I would get close to him and he would zip away, farther and farther down the driveway. It seemed like he was having fun, which made me even more mad. I thought I had him cornered at one point, until he ran between my legs and across the street. My heart dropped, hoping that no cars would hit him, and I just watched dumbly as he made his mad dash across the road. That did nothing to ease my worries, though, because as soon as he hit the other side of the street, he bolted his way through the open doors of the abbey across the street....Great.

The abbey, which I had just been calling The Church in my head, was something that no one in my neighborhood seemed to like. People mumbled about it being a Satanic church. That didn’t bother me, however, as the presence of the ‘devil worshiping’ building brought the cost of homes way down in the area. Having just come out of a...rough situation, I couldn’t pass up the price of my small one story home. I had just told myself I’d avoid the creepy, Gothic building like the plague.

And now my cat that I have only had for less than a month just waltzed in there.

I groaned again. I was going to kill that little furry shit.

But to do that I would have to find him first.

I ran across the street and slowly, gingerly, stepped through the doors of The Church. The ceilings were high, covered in metal chandeliers that seemed to have electric lights in them. All the walls were brown stone that made every noise echo. Luckily, it seemed that the church was much busier than it looked on the outside. Members of the clergy in different colored robed milled around, nuns in shorter skirts than usual following after them. There were also a lot of people in all black wearing silver masks, which was weird. Or was it normal for this church? Either way, hopefully no one would notice one anxious girl darting around them trying to find one white cat.

I kept my pace quick, giving a wide berth to anyone close to me so I didn’t accidentally bump into them. I just had to find my stupid-ass cat and leave, no big deal. However, my heart was thumping. I hadn’t been around crowds much in the past three years and this was certainly a crowd of very strange people. It put me on edge. I was tense as I went through every hallway and corridor, no one seeming to pay me any attention. Surprisingly, I saw a handful of cats walking around the place, all probably strays, but none of them were Tibby.

Time was ticking away and I really had to go to my doctor’s appointment. I wasn’t going to have these stitches in my side a second longer than I had to. But I couldn’t just leave my new furry friend in a place like this. What if they sacrificed cats? Do Satanists sacrifice cats? I wasn’t sure, but even if they didn’t, one of the strays lurking around could attack him. I swallowed my pride and approached the next person I saw, one of the people in all black with the masks.

“Excuse me...” I said, my voice shaky and nervous despite my best efforts. “I’m sorry. I’m looking for my cat. He’s white with black on his paws and around his eyes. Have you seen him?”

I couldn’t see the person’s eyes through their mask but I could tell they were confused by me. They stared, unmoving, for a few moments and I felt myself start to sweat. Then the person made a kind of chirp noise, kind of similar to one Tibby made when I annoyed him, and pointed down a dark corridor.

“Uhm...Thank you.” I said and jogged away from the strange figure. I turned to look back at them for a second and saw them staring at me, something long and black swishing behind them idly. A tail? No, no time to think about that.

I kept my jogging pace down the corridor until I heard the sharp crash of something metal hitting the stone floors and the sound of a high pitched yelp. Something in my bones told me it was Tiberius doing something he shouldn’t have and I followed the noise down another hallway. As I turned the corner, I saw a very tall metal candelabra on the ground, it’s candles thrown off of it and put out by the crash. Next to it, I saw a man pressed up against the wall, his arms spread out and his palms crushed into the stones, trembling. I looked down from the man’s terrified face to see a little white ball of fluff kneading at his leg as if he wanted to climb up him.

I quickly ran up and scooped the feline off of the poor man’s leg, holding the menace in one arm. Tiberius stretched out his paws towards the man as if he didn’t want to let go. I held his arms down and started apologizing. “Sir, I am so, so sorry!”

The man quickly snapped to attention, obviously embarrassed to have been seen terrified by a cat that isn’t even a year old. As he nervously fidgeted, smoothing out the wrinkles in his clothing, I finally got a good look at him. He was an older man, but I couldn’t guess how old. 40s? 50s? I was never good at guessing these types of things. I’m not versed in what people in churches wear, but he wore a black robe with buttons all the way down, a black sash at his waist. At the end of the sash was a symbol that was like an inverted cross, but not quite. He wore the same symbol around his neck. His face seemed to be wrinkled from looking constantly worried; creases lined his face around his eyes and mouth and were deep on his forehead. His upper lip and around his eyes were tinged a purplish black. Makeup? He also had a mustache reminded me of 1920s black and white films. When he finally collected himself and looked up at me, I finally saw that his eyes were two different colors: green and a bright white. What a strange person...

The nervous man cleared his throat and stood up straight as if to show that he was more calm and collected than he really was.

“It’s...uh...” he cleared his throat again. “It’s quite alright. I’m just...not very fond of cats.” He looked in my direction, but was obviously avoiding eye contact. I think he was looking over my right shoulder.

“I really am sorry...He’s ever done this before...” I apologized again, patting the cat on the head gently for emphasis. Granted, I had not had Tibby long enough for him to do something like this, but I wasn’t exactly lying.

And then I noticed: the man had a rat on his shoulder.

“Oh my God, was Tiberius chasing your rat?!” I gasped, holding the small cat a little tighter. I had never seen him around other animals so I didn’t know if he would behave like this. I looked at the rodent and instantly felt bad for the creature. His ears were pulled back and his small pink paws were wringing nervously. I wanted to hold it and tell it everything was going to be okay.

“Yes, I believe he was.” The man seemed to relax slightly now that my eyes were focused on the rat and not him.

“Did he hurt him?” I asked with genuine concern. He looked at me, puzzled, as if no one had cared to ask him about the animal before.

“I...uhm...” he fidgeted again and looked down at the ground. “I don’t think so...Asmodeus is one of my faster rats...I don’t think a cat could catch him.” The poor creature still looked so scared and I frowned slightly.

“This might...sound weird...” I started, feeling a general anxiety in my chest at talking to this stranger. But my love of cute furry animals won out. “But can I...pet him? Or hold him?”

Again, he looked confused. I feel like he doesn’t have people ask to interact with his pets often. He looked at Tibby, then back at me, and at Tibby again, before giving a small nod. He held a leather clad glove to his shoulder for the rat, Asmodeus, to crawl in to. He wrapped both hands gently around the rodent and held him up to me. The rat seemed more curious now than anything, sniffing the air and looking around. I gently reached out and pet the top of his head with two of my fingers as a sign of apology. The rat looked at me and, for some reason, I felt like he forgave me and my asshole cat. I looked back up at the rat’s handler and realized he was staring at me. I couldn’t read his expression at all and it made me nervous. Then a small, almost unnoticeable smile played on his lips. I felt myself turn a bit red, taking a small step back. Now if was my turn to fidget.

“I--I’m sorry again.” I stammered, the anxiety in my chest blooming and making my ribcage feel tight around my lungs. “He just got out. I live across the street and he just ran in here. I don’t even know if I’m even allowed in here--I am so, so, so sorry.” The words tumbled out of my mouth even as it felt tough to breathe. There was a long silence between us and I could feel a lump of fear in my throat growing bigger and bigger.

“I...should go.” I squeaked out, taking a few more steps back. “I’m sorry again...” I realized that I didn’t know what to call this person, so I just went with what I thought was polite. “...s-sir...?” I had turned my back to him and was walking away, feeling a slight tremble in my legs, when he spoke softly.

“Copia.”

“Huh...?” I turned and saw him looking down at his hands.

“I am Cardinal Copia.....You can come see Asmodeus another time if you would like.” And he turned and walked the other way down the stone corridor.

“C--Copia...yeah...alright....thanks...” I muttered. “Oh! I’m Evelyn, by the way!”  I didn’t even know if he could hear me as I blurted out my name, staring at his back as he left. I couldn’t make heads or tails of this person. I shrugged it off and went back the way I came. The farther I got away from that conversation, the less anxious I became. When I was almost entirely calm, the urgent itch in my side started again. My stitches...I had to get going. As I walked, I held Tiberius in front of my face with both hands.

“What were you thinking, little mister?” I asked judgmentally. Tibby licked my nose in response and I sighed. I looked into his mismatched eyes and realized...His patches of black fur made his eyes look like the Cardinal’s. I chuckled.

“Maybe you were supposed to find each other.” I said, cradling the cat in my arms as I continued to power walk and find the exit. “But, you have to admit, it was really shitty of you to attack his rat.”

--

[[How much is Tiberius going to be in this story? Not much, but I still love this fictional kitty with all my heart. Please leave any feedback you have for me! I hope to update this once a week.

 Also, tune in next time for Evelyn getting stupidly lost and having an interaction with a Papa that makes her insanely uncomfortable.

Thanks for reading!

--Birdy]]

[jj-lynn21]

VEE Chapter 12

ch 1, ch 2, ch 3 ch 4  ch 5 ch 6 ch 7  ch 8 ch 9 ch 10  ch11 ch 13

warnings: smut, angst, drunk driving crash, mind manipulation 

bill photo

As Bill is speeding down the road to get far enough away the police won’t pull them over Jen reaches up to wipe some blood off the corner of his mouth. She licks it off her finger. “He was gross. Still better than that bag of stuff in the cooler but gross. I didn’t realize they tasted different until now.”

Bill adds, “He was a disgusting asshole. People like that plague their own kind by existing. But I changed his personality just a bit.” He grins.

Before the police car can be seen Bill and Jen hear the car closing in on them. Bill slows down still hoping not to be stopped. He is not in the mood to be pleasant to an office, but he knows he might have to. Plus, with the new cams on the dashboards he can’t just say the officer never saw them, so must come up with a story. When the police car sees them, he does turn his lights on for him to pull over. 

Bill pulls over. “FUCK! Lie back with your eyes closed Jen. I’ll deal with this situation.”

Jen does as he says but whispers, “Can I have some of him to?”

Bill is annoyed about the situation. “No drinking from the police. Its another stupid ass rule.”

Bill already has the window down when the officer comes up. “Good evening officer. I am headed to Ma & Pa’s down the road a way. My girlfriend needed a late-night snack. Is everything ok?”

The officer questions, “Did you see an accident when you were driving?”

Bill shakes his head, “No officer. I just turned on to this road from Collens road back there.”

The officer looks back and the then to Bill again, “Alright, drive careful. I remember when my wife was pregnant. When she had a craving, I’d drive all night to find what she wanted.”

“Anything, for my Princess. One more thing officer.” He had the officer under his spell. “When you get home tonight fuck your wife in every way, she has always asked you for. Make sure she comes three times before letting her rest. But I never told you that. Have a great evening officer.”

The officer smiled and nodded. He headed back to his car. Bill pulled out slowing knowing he was still on that dash cam. When the officer sped away, he went right around them speeding down the road. 

Jen started laughing hysterically.  “Oh my fucking God. That is just to much. His wife is going to be so happy but hurting tomorrow if she isn’t used to that much playtime which I bet she isn’t. She is going to end up pregnant again. He just assumed I was pregnant. You didn’t even say that.”

Bill laughed, “Glad you were entertained. Look, right up there is Ma & Pa’s. You will love this place. They will love you to. Just follow my lead. We will get what we need to make it to the Castle before the show starts which is my goal.”

Jen sees the white lit up sign that says Ma & Pa’s in the distance. The parking lot is empty when they pull in but there is a sign on the glass door that says open. The place looks like a large trailer the couple refurbished into a diner. The outside window shudders are falling off. The red paint is chipped and there is rust around the door.

Jen is skeptical, “This is the place you were raving about?”

 “Come on Princess. It’s the best place on this road. Well, it’s the only place on this road.” Bill laughed helping her out of the Cadillac.

As soon as they walk in Ma runs over to greet them. She throws her arms around Bill.  “Billy its so nice to see you. You are looking handsome tonight but to thin. You need to eat more.”

Bill chuckles, “That’s why we stopped here Ma. This is my girlfriend Jen.”

“Don’t be shy young lady.” Ma hugs her tight. “Such a beautiful girl. Sit right over hear.” She leads them to a table. 

Jen is just stunned by this whole situation. She knew Ma was a person and knew another person was there. She assumed it was Pa. Bill was acting like these were grandparents he had not seen in long time not the owners of some dive diner in the middle of nowhere. 

Bill just looked like a goofy little kid looking at Ma as she rambled about the great Meatloaf special. “Can Pa just make us a strawberry milkshake to share? I would love for him to deliver it himself if that’s ok? I want him to meet Jen.”

Ma smiled brightly, “Me and Pa use to share strawberry milkshakes when we were dating like the two of you. I didn’t know young people still shared like that. You two are so adorable. I’ll get him right on that.”

She heads straight to back to get Pa to make their shake. Bill takes Jen’s hand smiling as they sit on the same side of the booth. Inside the place still looks like it could use some work, but the 50s vibe is cute. There is even a juke box in the corner. Jen and Bill sit at one of the booths that line the dirty windows. There is a counter with round stoles across from the tables. Behind that is the kitchen.

Bill whispers, “I know it doesn’t look like much but its safe for family to stop here. We just leave them enough money to keep the place going every time one of us stops. They taste good to.”

Jen is surprised, “We can’t drink that milkshake, can we?”

Bill smiles dopily, “That’s really for them. You don’t have to say anything. I will give them a great memory before we leave. Being here just helps me feel good.”

Jen teases, “I guess it does with that big smile on your face. It is so cute how they are with you.” She giggles as she watches Ma and Pa come out of the back with a very large strawberry milkshake. They sit it on the table with two straws.”

Bill licks his lips, “This looks delicious. Pa this is my best girl Jen.”

Pa does his best grisly smile, “Nice to meet you, young lady. We always hope our Billy will find a sweet girl to settle down with.”

Jen giggles.

 Bill blushes. “Why don’t you sit with us for a spell. I’d love for you to tell Jen that story on how you met. Its so perfect.”

They sit down across from him and Jen. 

Bill starts his mind control on them. “hold out your wrists. You won’t feel a thing. All you know is we are giggly young people that really enjoyed your stories. When we do leave you will look into each other’s eyes seeing the teenagers you were when you first shared a strawberry milkshake and drink the shake happily. When you finish the shake, you will see each other as you are now and still be deeply in love. You will feel blessed from the visit with us and the tip we leave to help you fix this place up.”

A tear runs down Jen’s face at the beauty of Bills words to the couple. It is like he really cares for them and has for a long time. When Bill drinks from Pa’s wrist, Jen does the same from Ma. When they are done Bill puts five thousand dollars on the table. Jen and Bill leave quietly. As they leave Jen watches the couple looking at each other lovingly and sipping on the milkshake. She tears up a little happy for them. Bill puts an arm around her waist and opens the door for them to leave. They get outside by the car.

Bill hold her close, “Are you ok?”

Jen wipes tears from her eyes, “That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen anyone do for an old couple. They must be in their 80s. You made them feel young again just for a few moments.”

Bill opens the passenger door for her, “They have been running this place since my brother and I opened The Castle Edlund casino. They are very good people. They deserve to be happy.”

Bill gets in the drivers side and  off they go toward the Castle.

[duelingdestiny]

☠ ♥ ♦ ♢ ✮☄ ☯ ☀ ☁ ☂ ☢ ☣ ❀ ✧❥ ❦ ❧ ✖ ♒❣

☠ What does someone have to do for an instant unfollow from you?

Start public shit on my dash. I literally cannot handle it. I don’t want to be involved. I don’t want to see it. I’ve been a part of it before. I’ve screwed up and started it myself before, and at this time in my life I’m avoiding it like the plague.

 ♥What's the WORST thing that has happened to you rp wise?

Oh my god. Uhhhhh. Wow so okay the thing I actually regret rp wise is losing one of my favorite partners due to something really stupid that could have been handled WAY better on both sides but it’s really helped me to handle things better as a person. Still, I regret losing that person as an RP partner, and I probably always will. 

♦ What was a mildly annoying thing that has happened to you rp wise?

I mean the really big thing that messes with me is because of character bleed. When people just leave Atem. It really messes him up. Or when any relationship he’s in just ends. It’s like he has no closure and it messes with me to have to deal with his pining ass. 

♢ Has anyone ever tried to steal your blog? Your headcanons? Icons? All that jazz

In short Yes. I’ve been around possibly the longest at the point and I’ve seen a lot of my hcs migrate to other Yami/Atem blogs, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m flattered, besides most of them aren’t so far fetched that people couldn’t come up with them on their own. I will however flip shit over my icons Masaya90 made them for me as a commission and I will absolutely fight someone over them, but you know how I feel about stolen art anyways

✮ Have you managed to stay away from drama?

AHAHAHAHAHAHA. I’m sorry give me a moment. Honestly yes. Other than the drama I have caused for myself in the past? All and all I am very careful about who I interact with. I just don’t deal with it. I ignore the “discourse” and just do what I’m here to do. That’s all I can do. 

☄ Have you ever been in the middle of drama?

Yes. I have been in the middle. And I’ve handled being in the middle badly, and I’ve tried my best to rectify my mistakes which is all anyone can do. I’ve made amends to the people I feel like I needed to make amends to and as a general rule I just ignore drama altogether now. 

☯ Have you ever tried to bring peace to a situation?

I have. Sometimes I succeed, others I have failed miserably. I’ll tell you this. I will generally always try to bring peace to things. I don’t like being at odds with anyone. It’s too much work and I’m too lazy to hold a grudge. 

☀ What's your rp pet peeve?

Oh this is a tie, between people just putting Atem in a situation he would NEVER be in, in a starter (without discussing it with me prior) or people who don’t cut their posts and use mobile as an excuse. I am on mobile some times and I just make a new post and mention my rp partner in it so we don’t clog the dash. It’s not rocket surgery. 

☁ Have you ever forgiven a partner when you shouldn't have?

I don’t think so mainly because if two people can work through something I think they should. I used to not think that but I’ve learned a lot and some times people just fuck up you know? So no. I don’t think I’ve ever forgiven someone when I shouldn’t have because everyone deserves another chance. 

☂ Have you ever been forgiven when you knew you shouldn't have been?

Again, see post above

☢ What fads/trends are you so over?

CONTAINER BLOGS!!!!!!!!! Seriously, I have fucking unfollowed people for this shit. I understand that you want your blog to be pretty, but holy shit. Just font that’s a size 7 and I have to blow up the page like 9 times in order to read anything and most of them have the practically non existent scroll bar and AUTO PLAY fucking terrifies me. Like just please know every time I have to go on your blog and music starts out of no where you are giving me a HEART ATTACK. Just I know you think it looks pretty but before you decide on the things like that go on your blog and look at it. USE it. User friendly is a REALLY important thing guys. 

☣ Have you ever rp'd with someone you knew for a fact was abusive but tried to give them a chance/to make up your own opinion on the roleplayer? Did they change or did you understand what people were talking about?

Due to past personal experiences I like to make up my own mind about people. Honestly the best relationship came from that. Making up my own mind. A lot of really good friendships have come from that so yes, I always try to give people a chance no matter what I’ve heard, because what you hear is probably only half of the truth to being with. 

❀ What has made you completely lose your chill?

People being shitty to others on the dash publicly. And yes before anyone points a finger, I have been in on that once and it was an awful stupid idea. It doesn’t help anything. It literally doesn’t. Tearing someone up in public makes you look like a giant asshole. We have Inboxes and IM systems and a plethora of other social media so if you have an issue with someone you can talk to them like they are a person and explain your grievance and if it’s THAT big of a deal just unfollow them and block them if you need to, but there’s no reason to be Captain Asshole on the dash. No one really wants to see it and it makes everyone’s experience really uncomfortable so bottom line? Just don’t call people out publicly. 

✧ Do you agree with reblog karma or is it forced interaction?

I’m up in the air with this. I have WAY too many followers and it’s extremely frustrating to reblog a meme get 30 reblogs off said meme and get literally not one thing in my inbox from said meme. But I remind myself timezones, and maybe people don’t feel like that will work for our muses but here’s the really easy thing that you can do if that’s the case. REBLOG FROM THE SOURCE. Then people don’t get the hit that basically looks like “I don’t WANT to interact with you.” and it makes everyones lives a little better. But I REALLY support sending memes in. I have days where I will just make a post that is MEME HOUR which is if you post a meme as long as I think Atem would be down, I will send you in an ask for it. It’s really fun and it makes up for the times when I’m not on to spam peoples assboxes. 

❥ Has someone ever ruined an FC or character for you? 

Honestly someone has ruined every character for me at one time or another lol but FC I’ve got a good one. Now it wasn’t from RP but Gina Torres who is one of the prettiest people imho was RUINED for me by the show Angel. Because (SPOILER ALERT) She’s a giant pile of maggots okay? And she’s in some of my fave shows: Firely, Any Day Now, Suits. But I cannot unsee her face on Angel. She just shows up in shit and I scream. She popped up on Criminal Minds once and I just shut it off. She’s in Hannibal and I REALLY want to watch that. DAMMIT. 

❦ Has someone been jealous of you? 

Maybe, but I wouldn’t know why...I mean I’m just me. Oh! Maybe when I go to cons and meet awesome people? I’d be jealous of me then too. 

❧ Have you ever been jealous of anyone? 

Yes. There are people I get jealous of. People who get more interaction, people who are here all the time, people who are in a better time zone. So yeah, happens. 

✖ How has Tumblr RP changed since you started?

Like I said before, I think I have been here longer than most in this fandom at least the rp side and HOO BOY, things have changed a lot. Remember when we had to tag a post on the side? Remember when Missing E was the extension we all had? No? That’s because I’ve been here forever. Before this I was in the SPN fandom. So yeah. I feel like I’ve stuck around a lot longer than a lot of people. What kills me is that things have changed but not really improved? When are we going to be able to lock a post so people’s art can’t be stolen? When are we going to be able to delete a post and all clones of that post are deleted as well so someone who made a mistake 6 years ago and LEARNED from it doesn’t have to wake up with hate in their inbox every morning? 

♒ Thoughts on the fandom you're currently rping in?

I actually really love both the fandoms I’m in right now, though both have some issues. Voltron is fucking unhinged about some shit I won’t get into because no one really cares in this fandom but HOO BOY I’m glad we don’t have that here because we literally have the same thing going on here. HA! I just thought of that. But yeah age gaps man. Just fuck everything about it. Okay done ranting about this before I get my first hate mail

❣ How salty are you feeling right now?

Ask Sophie she’s had to listen to me rant for the last hour about everything on this list. I just screamed about the SPN fandom confusing reality with porn for 20 minutes and then the Josh Keaton thing with his kids so yeah, pretty fucking salty that people can’t just get the fuck along. 

[princessofknights-archived]

~1 Year Milestone~

It’s been a year??? And I’m at 330 followers now?????? Who knows why you all follow this loser.

Looking back for my godawful intro post, I was reminded that it has, in fact, been a year since I’ve made this blog, and began RPing.

I’m gonna get somewhat emotional under the cut RIP

Aaaaaaaaaaaaah thank you all so much for sticking with me, whether it’s been the full year or even just a few weeks/days.

I know my writing has definitely grown by far from where it used to be in this short amount of time–And my love for Saber Lily has grown far more than it really should have but now I have a cosplay and a nendoroid like if you would have told me that last year I would have flipped. But thanks to everyone who helped give me that initial boost, and got threads going with me when my writing was less-than admirable. I sincerely appreciate you, and without you, I’m sure that I honestly might have just dropped this blog.

But anyways, I’ve loved this blog and RPing as Lily for this year. Honestly as I continue to write, I feel like I’m writing her as more of myself, which I should probably stop doing. It just makes me far too defensive about her I think RIP

Along the lines of that, I’ve tried not to let my emotions or various other…illnesses I suppose, get the best of me while I’m writing. But unfortunately I wasn’t, and still am not, always able to. I know I’ve made lots of frequent and annoying little breaks and hiatuses, even if I told myself I wasn’t going to. It still annoys me to no end when I think about them, but I can’t do anything about it now. I’ve just let my panics and anxiety get the best of me, and I’m going to try and change that this year. I’ve already tried to take some steps towards getting better, and although they may not have worked, I’m going to do my best to continue to try. So I apologize if I’ve ever come across as unfriendly or too picky or whatever else I may have seemed. Know that I am sorry for seeming like an immature little girl.

I’m gonna spare you guys the annoying details and move on though.

I’ve made it a goal now to reach out to the mutuals I have that I haven’t interacted with or spoken to or anything like that. It took me a lot of courage just to follow people in the first place at times, and now I’m gonna stretch out that courage as far as I can.

Along those lines, I encourage everyone who wants to to interact with me! I don’t bite I promise, I’m merely a scared nerd hiding behind my laptop. And while I’ll say go for messaging me and all the like, just know that at times I don’t have the energy or confidence to reply to things. I in no way mean to ignore you, it’s just I have the social skills and capabilities of a stale piece of bread.

Great friends, 10/10, would love to scream with and RP with anytime:

@inverted-iris/@captious-carnation: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Scarfy where do I begin. Top tier RPer. Super friendly. Best senpai. I remember you first contacted me and helped me get some Lily sprites, which I was incredibly grateful for. Even though we really haven’t interacted much in terms of RPing before, we have messaged a lot. I really appreciate that you allowed me to vent to you, and to be emotional and just talk and give me support. Words can’t describe how grateful. You’ve certainly helped stop me from making some rash decisions, and helped me to start to try and make things better. (things are slow, but I’ve made baby steps!) AND THEN THERES KAY. SEND ME ALL THE STARTERS AND ASKS SCARFY. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, YOU NEVER NEED TO ASK. IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD, SEND ME 10 STARTERS OR ASKS OR WHATEVER. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH KAY! Seriously you do a perfect job with him, and it’s so much fun to have Lily being teased and bullied for once.

@grand-order-girl: I was literally scared of you for the longest time. I thought you were like a top-tier RPer (Which you are, don’t get me wrong), that I couldn’t ever dream of interacting with. But talking with you more, I have realized that you’re just an awesome person that I shouldn’t be scared of whatsoever. You’re just. Amazing. At. Writing. But you are super sweet and I love chatting with you!

@motherfuckingredsaber/ @motherfuckingpsychochaldeamaster: Same goes for you–I was scared to send in anything to you for the longest time because you just seemed untouchable. Like dang, you’re amazing at writing Mellu.

@motherfreakingtwinkaleidosticks/ @bloodyclarent/ @prismatic-homunculus/ @the rest of your blogs RIP: But hey. You were one of the people who helped kick this blog into action as I’ve said probably 50 times by now (sorry!). But anyways, it’s really fun to chat with you, and I’ve had a lot of laughter due to our various conversations and chats and all that.

@motherfuckingflatescardos: I still need to read strange/fake. I told myself ‘over winter break’, yet here I am. Knowing myself, it will get done like the night before my midterms and I’ll probably message you screaming. But anyways, it was super great to see you at Youmacon! It stinks that we didn’t really hang out for long, but that panel was still fun even if I was focused on not letting my cosplay break RIP

@motherfuckingsanechaldeamaster/ @rejectedheroism: Heeeey I always enjoy our threads. True, they’re mostly crack, but it’s fun for me at least. You can always feel free to throw your OC at Lily! Bully her. Everyone’s always so nice to her.

@motherfuckingholygrail: Alright so I know that we haven’t technically interacted much on these blogs but hey you’re super cool and deserve a shout out too. I do find you edits and all that to be really funny though. 10/10 best Seiahi-kun, would never give you up.

@motherfuckingshadowoftheheir: I’ve loved being able to angst with Lily and Julius! Even when they’re not angsting though, the interactions are still fun! I highly enjoy seeing you on my dash though, and enjoyed the couple of times that we’ve talked in some chats I believe!

@motherfuckingprincessofcolchis/@motherfuckingsaintofdestruction: I am aware I will probably be stabbed for this, but: You are so incredibly nice, cute, caring, and overall a sweet person! You’ve put up with my various hiatuses and breaks and all that which I’m grateful for, and I’ve had fun talking with you and chatting and all that!

@thecutestarcher: I’m so glad that we’ve interacted and made this ship omg. I wasn’t originally gonna ship these two, but I’m so glad now that I do, because they’re adorable and perfect together. But also! I’ve had fun talking with you those few times we did, although I think it was mostly on FGO and my luck with CEs and Sabers.

And to everyone else: @motherfucking-genna/@airgxtlam, @motherfuckingqueenoflances, @motherfuckingpinnacleplaywright/@motherfuckingheavenshole, @motherfuckingmordred, @motherfuckingflamemage, @porteur-of-arondight, @motherfuckingsanguinecurse/@plague-of-war/@ephemeral-gunslinger/@motherfuckinglegendaryking, @verdegenesis, @motherfuckingshiroupriest, @admiralsfleet/@motherfuckingkendoteacher, @ridehiswhip, @mortalshinobi, @apteros-pouli/@motherfuckinggandivadhara, @chimericlunarmagi​/@equivolancillary/@fairhandedsaber, @odyssean-curator

You’re all awesome and important to me too! I’ve likely just run out of energy and memory to continue writing like this. But seriously, if we’ve ever talked or interacted or anything like that, just know that you’ve made a difference, no matter how insignificant or small you may think our interaction or chatting or whatever was! (Also sorry if I’ve forgotten some of your guys’ blogs if you have more than one orz)

And if I’ve forgotten you somehow, I’m incredibly sorry!

Lastly for tagging although tbh I’m scaring myself with this orz just people that I like seeing on my dash, and want to make the effort to interact with, whether for the first time or more: @sweetpsalmist, @pinksaltfreckles, @magnificentgoldenking, @solisnumen,  @wolfiiisms, @ridehercrop, @fiannas-lovespot, @motherfuckingmagicalgil, @motherfuckingsonofsurya (If you want your tag removed, send me a message, please! I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable!!!)

And now I believe I’ve used like every last ounce of courage and positivity I have. But here’s to hopefully another good year for this blog!