#ember talks food fantasy

[lakeside-paradise]

Was listening to Goodbye by Bo Burnham, and it kinda gave me B-52 vibes, especially at the lines "So this is how it ends // I promise to never go outside again" Maybe finally agreeing with what everyone says about him being a machine, a device whose only power is to kill. The calm pace continues until "Am I going crazy? // Would I even know? // Am I right back where I started fourteen years ago?" Has he really come nowhere at all? Is he still the monster that he was at the start?

The rushed words and 'excuses' continue to the "I swear to God that all I've ever wanted was // A little bit of everything, all of the time // A bit of everything, all of the time // Apathy's a tragedy, and boredom is a crime" and then, it's extremely interesting at how it doesn't return to 'anything and everything, all of the time' like it does in 'Welcome to the Internet'. Instead the line is "I'm finished playing, and I'm staying inside" So he's given up on trying to be a human. He's realised that he'll only be a monster who will follow orders until he dies, so it'd be safer if he just hides away.

He's comfortable with his decision, tries to lighten the mood, until the line "Oh, shit, you're really joking at a time like this?" This is the point that means the most to him. He's completely lost control, and the chorus from Look Who's Inside Again returns, but this time, something is clearly different. The tone is distorted, almost like it's coming from a MACHINE and not his own voice.

Listen to the change in tone from "Oh, shit, you're really joking at a time like this?" To "Well, well, look who's inside again // Went out to look for a reason to hide again // Well, well, buddy, you found it // Now come out with your hands up // We've got you surrounded..."

In my mind, I'm thinking of a moment where he's with Brownie, where Brownie is trying to convince him that everything is fine, that he's not some monster, only for B-52 to make one comment about himself, whether it being that he's evil, or that he'll hurt Brownie, and in that moment of weakness, something takes over him. Maybe someone orders him to kill Brownie, or they do it simply by overriding his systems. The moment his voice goes from sad and defeated to empty and corrupted, only for the mechanical smile to fade, for him to come back to himself as soon as he sees the light leave Brownie's eyes, the soft whisper of 'It's not your fault...' being the last thing he'll ever say again.

[zvtara-was-never-canon]

https://www.tumblr.com/irresistible-revolution/633688280720916480/fanon-ships-and-the-alpha-male-x-cinderella

thoughts?

I personally would not go that far, at least on most cases. I'd say that the trend of women insisting the Bad Boy type is actually far kinder and more respectful towards the Main Girl than the Good Guy is a combination of two things:

1 - The sexist belief that women who like the "wrong" kind of romance are too stupid to know that some things should be fantasy only and not a model for real life relationships.

2 - The annoying trend of the past decades of people having to pretend nothing about the things they personally like can be kinky, or even genuinely problematic, otherwise they'd be admiting to being bad people.

It's purity culture. It's the assumption of "I am capable of crytical thinking, you are not." Plain and simple.

Some people just get horny for villains/morally dubious characters, are aware that they will be judged for it - and instead of just going "Fuck you, you don't have the right to judge me because of a goddamn fantasy" they try to argue "Actually, YOUR fantasy is the one that is actually problematic, sexist, racist, elitist, heteronormative and panders to the EVIL Male Gaze, while MY fantasy is secretly empowering and subversive and designed to be enjoyed by enlightened girlbosses because it is made with the Wholesome Female Gaze in mind."

Zutarians, for all their talk of wanting a complicated, mature, adult romance for their ship, are actually fucking terrified of the more messy aspects of their own fantasies, and instead of getting over that complex (or removing them through AUs) and having their fun, they defend themselves from bad faith criticism by attacking people first.

That's why they deem Aang a rapist for the Ember Island kiss and call Kataang fans abuse apologists for it, but constantly sexualize the scene of Zuko tying Katara to a tree. That's why they complain that Katara was reduced to "Aang's trophy-wife and airbender breeder" but write AUs where Katara is literally Zuko's sex slave. Why they complain about the supposed "power imbalance" due to Kataang's two year age gap, but don't say a word about Zutara's two year age gap. Why they insist that Kataang fans are all males projecting onto Aang (because projecting onto a guy is inherently bad) while Zutara fans are all women "connecting" with Katara (because projecting onto a girl is inherently good). Why they label Aang as intolerant of Katara's culture for not liking the food, but will throw a fit if people point out that Zuko, and his entire family and nation, legit wanted wanted Katara dead, or at least subjugated, because of her race.

It's a CLASSIC cope and pure proejction. I like tons of Villain X Hero ships, and I see that bullshit all the time. People feel some kind of guilt or shame over being into a character that is a "bad person", even though that is a morally neutral thing, so they twist the narrative until it fits into a pseudo-feminist idea of an "empowering" fantasy for women.

Zutarians claiming that their ship, that only exists because of rape fics, is actually NOT based on highly kinky shit (namely Male Domination/Female Submission with bonus of dubcon/noncon and race play) but rather just on the vague/nonsensical concept of the "Female Gaze" is no different than a bunch of Game of Thrones/HOTD fans, and even the excutives and writers, pretending that 50% the rapes and 90% of the age-inappropriate and/or incestuous relationships aren't just George R.R. Martin (and themselves) having fetishes.

Both are morally neutral and should just be honest about when they are genuinely exploring a dark topic and when they're just getting off on a kinky fantasy. But being honest about it doesn't give zutarians an excuse to act morally superior, so they just stick to their double-standard and purity policing.

[legowerewolf]

Fantasy Murderbot AU ideas

@ddpej said:

I am so tired of gods and spirits and whatnot that require ~savagery to be ~appeased.  give me a Chosen who isn't beloved because they follow the Old Ways, but because they don't.  a Chosen whose patron said "it was never about the knife the blood the killing, it was about the respect the gratitude the sacrifice" and it's not meaningful now to buy a goat at the market when you're not giving up anything that matters to you, when money and food and resources are no obstacle, when it's just a checkmark on the to-do list.  give me a deity who asks for time or art or something built, thank yous sung in joy, conversations or explanations of silly little human minutia.  a deity who says "i don't need you to kill for me I can do that just fine, i appreciated the gift of sustenance and the invitation to sit at your fire when that was all you had to offer but let's try something new now"

and I immediately had thoughts.

What if a god picks a champion because they're lonely? Maybe they can't wander far from their shrine (or one of them, at least), so they can't see much of the world without riding along in a champion's head? What if they just want a friend, someone to help and talk to and experience things with?

Wait a minute. That sounds kinda like what MB and Peri have. Especially the experiencing-things-together part - remember why Peri likes watching stuff with Murderbot?

Alright. AU time:

Gods and magic are a thing.

Magically-enforced slavery, complete with the ability to compel actions, is a thing. Sorry, Ember, but being the unwilling implement used to carry out a massacre is Kinda Important To Your Character.

Divine champions can't be controlled like that.

Peri is a lonely, nearly forgotten god (maybe the god of the fires that heat and light places of learning)

Ember is a person in desperate search of a god to be champion for.

Maybe they can solve each other's problem.

[peanutbutterwrites]

My Good Looking Boy - Part Three

warnings for series: angst, struggles with self worth and self esteem, issues with appearance, childhood trauma, and mentions of death and murder.

summary: taking place after the southern raiders, zuko and katara finally learn to understand each other a bit more and long held on to feelings come to the surface. the gaang go and watch the ember island play and chaos ensues with katara's feelings.

part one - part two - part three - part four

authors note: hey guys! I know this one took a fat minute, sorry about that. I was really struggling on how to end this part as there's another big part of the story that plays on the theme of zuko struggling in his self esteem, and it was really long if i did include it and really short if i didn't. in the end, i decided to leave that to part four which i promise will have a much shorter wait since i'm almost happy with it. anyways, as always feel free to let me know what you think in the comments and enjoy!

word count: 1.1k

Katara awoke the next morning curled up in the red sheets, tucked in nicely. She didn’t remember getting into bed, but her clothes from the night before were still fully on and angry red imprints were becoming apparent from the flowy fabric from pressing into her skin all night. Groaning slightly, she uncurled herself from under the fabrics and began getting ready for the day. She was still in bed, brushing her hair when the door swung open.

“Morning Katara!” She tensed up slightly, but tried to relax as Aang and Momo made their way into the room, Momo perched on Aang’s right shoulder and a tray in his arms. “I know the play was kind of ridiculous, so I thought a nice breakfast would help.” He smiled wide, and Katara blinked back at him in surprise. 

“Wow, Aang you didn’t need to.” Dropping the brush down onto the bed sheets, she turned her body in order to accept the tray full of fruits and nuts and sent him a happy smile.

“I know it's not much, but it was what was left in the kitchen.” He spoke shyly, scratching the back of his head with a light dusting of blush on his cheeks. Katara blinked back again,

“What was left? Do we have no more food?”

“Not really, I swear I’ll make you a better breakfast when this war is over.” 

“Well, that was very thoughtful. Thank you, Aaang.” He smiled at her and moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Katara hesitantly dug into her healthy breakfast and the two fell into somewhat of an awkward silence. “You know,” he trailed off, “I kinda wanted to talk to you about something. You awake enough?” Chewing quickly, Katara shook herself slightly to wake up.

“Yeah of course, what did you need?” Putting the silverware down carefully, she moved the tray to the side prepared to give him her full attention. 

“Well, I just wanted to talk about, us.” She froze. No, this is not what I think it is. 

“Oh okay, what's wrong? I thought we were doing just fine in our friendship.” She gulped down the nausea hitting her, trying to calm the unease filling her stomach.

“That’s just it Katara, I want more than friendship. I Thought after the kiss…”

“You thought what, Aang.” She snapped, though it came out more harshly than she intended. 

“I just, well I thought we’d be together, but we’re not.”

“Don’t you think we have other things to worry about? It's just not the right time. There is a war going on out there Aang, people are dying.” 

“When is the right time!” He quipped, clearly letting his frustration be apparent. “You know how frustrating that play was to watch? It made me so angry!” 

“Really? That made you so angry, Aang? Not the lives being affected by this war?”

“Oh come on, you know that I worry about the world! That's not fair!” 

“Then why does some stupid play have such an effect on you!”

“Because, why am I like a little brother! Why do you feel that way?” he shouted, panting as Momo scampered out of the room. Katara just sighed and shifted towards him.

“Look, Aang. That play isn’t my feelings, it's some silly fantasy the fire nation came up with. Don’t let it affect you so much.” She said, feeling a little guilty chastising him when the play clearly had an effect on her as well. 

“S’not?” He mumbled back. 

“No, Aang.” She said while giving him a tentative smile. He smiled back at her, a little less bright than earlier but still sincere.

“So, you like me too?” Katara sighed. 

“I don’t know Aang, I'm just a little…confused.” They sat in silence for a little bit while Katara frowned, What is it that is holding me back? 

“Well, maybe this will help.” Before she had time to react, she felt lips pressing to hers and her eyes widened in shock. 

“Aang,” she whispered, moving away, “I said I was confused. That means I need some time and space to figure my own feelings out. Please, leave Aang.” He frowned and began to argue back. “I asked nicely Aang, now please leave.” He hung his head and made his way towards the door to leave. Pausing he looked back at her. 

“Just think about it.” Gripping her elbows, she turned her head to look out the balcony and didn’t entertain a reply. Once she heard the quiet click of the door closing, she released a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Why was everything so messed up now?

After such an eventful morning, Katara wanted to take the day to relax and focus on things besides hope and housework. She knew she needed time to reflect and she always did her thinking when she was in her element, literally. Deciding to use the morning for some water bending practice, she made her way out to sea where she knew she wouldn’t be bothered. The others used the courtyard of the summer home for bending practice, so as long as she stayed on this side of the private beach she shouldn’t be bothered by anyone, friend or foe. She began with meditation to help with the push and pull of the water, breathing deep and closing her eyes, she began to focus on the waves. However, it wasn’t long before her mind seemed to wander even though she desperately tussled with it to go back to focussing. I know he doesn’t feel like a little brother, but he doesn’t feel like a friend either. Does that mean I do have feelings for him? Why can’t this be straight forward?“Gah!” she huffed in irritation, causing the sea to stutter in its own waves. Katara was used to arguing out other people’s true feelings, why was it so hard to get it out of herself? Also frustrated that she couldn’t keep her mind straight enough to meditate and focus, she couldn’t help but feel her whole trek out here was a waste of time. I can’t let this get to me. Resolving to focus on other things, Katara made her way back to the summer home and got back to work on what needed to be completed today.

[nnnyxie]

i was wondering if you could make headcanons of the haikyuu girls’ (kiyoko, miwa kageyama, michimiya, and maybe yachi) reaction to the reader writing her first novel 🤭

OMGOMGOMG I LOVE THIS IDEA

(also my first req from you?! heheh)

shimizu kiyoko ;

omg she’s so so so supportive of you

okay so. let’s say you’re writing a crime novel— at this point in time, she doesn’t know that you’re writing one.

one day, she walks into your office to see you researching murders, murderers, and how they got away with their crimes for so long.

she knows that you’re into true crime and things of the sort, so she brushes it off!! she’s kinda like ‘eh okay, that’s normal’

but, it’s when she sees you acting out a murder with your figurines, that she gets concerned. (plsss she just wanted to bring you food)

anyways, she questioned you about it and the embarrassment you experienced was unbelievable.

you had to explain that you were figuring out some stuff for the novel you’re writing and it all just— clicked for her.

OH and if you ask— she’ll give you pointers and correct any grammar or spelling mistakes you might have (i just KNOW she’s a pro at literature).

kageyama miwa ;

she puts her ALL into supporting you!!!!!!!

you’re writing (drum roll) an adventure/sci-fi novel!!! (because i feel like she’d like those, can’t tell me otherwise bye!) maybe it’s something like journey to the center of the earth?? city of ember???

you guys have movie nights together!! and usually your pick of genre is WIDE but recently it’s been strictly adventure/sci-fi— which she’s not mad about!! just curious!

when you’re scrolling through a streaming app, she asks about why you’re choosing just adventure and sci-fi.

at first, you didn’t wanna tell her cause you wanted it to be a surprised!! but she pulls it out of you with her charm (aka you broke bc you’re bad at keeping secrets)

she’s so excited for it!! she’s excited for you!!!

she’s always asking questions about how it’s going and always asks about your characters!! (and when she finds out you based one off of her she’s just so happy)

she’ll ask to read snippets here and there but ultimately she just lets you work until you’re ready for her to read!!

michimiya yui ;

giggles, blushes, twirls hair… she’s your number one supporter!!! the first to buy your book in ALL forms. (also, i never thought of writing for her— how stupid am i for that???)

soooo you’re writing a coming of age story!! maybe something based on your own experiences??

lets sayyy… you had some diaries or journals when you were a teenager and you dug DEEP in your closet to find them— which made her very curious.

she kinda lets it go for a bit until you’re nearly tearing up your closet to find this specific journal. then she’s just like ‘wtf are you doing?’

when you tell her you’re working on a novel— she’s so happy about it!!

she loves to support you in any way she can!! she offers to be your beta reader and who are you to deny her of such things???

she’ll give you pointers and find any plot holes there may be in your story!!

yachi hitoka ;

this absolutely cutie <3 she’s your biggest supporter and motivator!!

wanna know what you’re writing? fantasy. (because she’d love that and i love her) maybe something that’s like where the wild things are?? or over the garden wall??? (pls i love otgw)

anyways— she’s starting to notice that you’re always on your computer nowadays and sometimes you accidentally ignore her.

she’s a non-confrontational person but, she works up all the courage to talk to you about this— and i’ll be so real with you, she cries before a single word comes out. (just like me fr)

god the utter fear that rushes through you— you thought she was dying or smthn!! she starts talking while she’s crying and THANKFULLY you’re able to piece together what she’s saying.

when you explain to her that you’re writing a novel, she feels so much relief (and embarrassment tbh)

now we know this girl is smart, it’s canon!! so you ask her for some help with grammar, sentence setups, etc!! and she’s very happy to help!!!

pls i hope this was good

(my writer’s block has been slowly leaving!!)

[definitelynotshouting]

OK! ANON HERE WITH THE FIRST ROUND OF ANALYSIS/SCREAMING INTO THE VOID. (I have more quotes but i dont want to overwhelm you and do them all at once)

-☀️

"This fantasy carries him through the rest of the night, past false dawn and into the early onset of staccato birdsong. Grian stares blearily at the bleeding warmth creeping in through the window; gentle golden hands that march over the floorboards and press their palms against the walls. They're less frenetic than the moonlight had been— the shadows here are dappled, innocent things, splaying over stripped bark and playing in the whorls within planks. They breathe depth into this tiny, wooden box, shifting slowly under daylight's cautious curve into the sky, until scintillating rays curl like shackles around his wrists."

- the word choice in this is just so masterful. It's so TENSE, Grian's emotions and thoughts are a complete mess, and this is mirrored even in how you describe the environment. It feels like nothing is safe, which is brilliant, because Grian's currently driving through life on a cord as thin as silk. Its the way even the birdsong is frantic and unsafe "staccato". The "gentle" hands that harden to "march" and "press". Things start out kindly, and then the words become harsh and cold, and this just perfectly reflects how mistrustful Grian is. Nothing makes sense to him; everything is out to get him.

-☀️

"Grian snorts without meaning to, then claps a hand over his mouth, something ugly coagulating in his heart. He doesn't deserve this kind of laughter, this reluctant amusement simmering in his chest. It burns him from the inside out, scorching the back of his throat; hot coals between clenched teeth. Grian inhales embers, exhales ash, and summons every spare ounce of willpower at his disposal to keep his voice from shaking."

- Oh, this. This hurts so much. I can talk about how bird boy's mental state is so poor he's even depraving himself of laughter, and how this is an extension of how he started out starving himself of food, then sleep, now laughter. The fire imagery here is so potent as well. He's burning himself from the inside out, which i feel like is such good imagery for what is actually happening: his code breaking apart. Mans IS literally coming apart from the inside. Ough

-☀️

"It's a pretty effect; it makes Grian's gut plummet all the way down to his lap."

- CRYING CRYING CRYING

- They know each other so well. Grian and Scar learnt each other's tells under the desert sun. He understands how tension and anger and sadness plays on Scar's face and body language when theyre in the games, and in those games everyone's emotions are caused by grian. But now theyre not even in the games and all grian can see is how HIS existence is hurting the people he loves most

-☀️

That's all im going to do for now. Thank you for tearing out my heart and smashing it on the pavement <3

(Also idk if you want me to leave an anon identifier? Maybe i can just stick with the ☀️ if no one else has taken it?)

HEY ANON. WHAT IF I CRIED AND SOBBED AND WEPT!!!!!! HOLY SHIT THIS IS SO !!!!!!!! /POS /POS /POS!!!!!!! LOSING MY MIND RN IM GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR SO EXCITEDLY THIS JUST MADE MY ENTIRE DAY

hooooly shit i cannot thank you enough this is so kind and wonderful and just!!!!!! listen i LIVE for people analyzing my writing bc i try to put SO MUCH into it, as much as i can possibly cram without oversaturating, and to see people pick up on this stuff is like being handed an immaculately wrapped present every single time. This is truly making my mind go crazy im so fucking happy rn oh my gods, thank you so much this is such an incredible treat

Im not sure if the sun emoji has been taken or not (i think i had another one a long time ago???? but im not sure if you're the same one or not djehdjdjr) but!!! Absolutely feel free to leave an emoji identifier, whatever you want!! :D i rlly enjoy seeing regulars in the inbox so absolutely feel free to do that if ur comfortable!!!!!

[beastfury5580]

Donkey Kong Z Episode 9

Dragon Ball Z Opening - Rock the Dragon/Donkey Kong Z - Rock the Monke (Long)

Next Episode/Last Episode -  The Saga Continues (Alternate Variation) - [Faulconer Productions]

Narrator: Last time on Donkey Kong Z! The villains made it to planet fichina just before the heroes did and it already became a bloodbath! Fox and Andross duked it out in the caverns and fox managed to take the star fruit gem and rush back to the others, meanwhile, DK's explosive fight with kaliga proved to be uncanny, to say the least. Everyone managed to stop the doomsday device and Spyro comes back to the others with the invulnerability gem after taking a fatal blow from ember herself. Now the heroes are making their way to planet Aquas to find the two fruit gems. What's in store for the heroes now? There's only one way to find out!

Episode 9: An Underwater Mission (Neo Cortex used an underwater submarine to enter Planet Aquas to find the Orange and Honeydew melon fruit gems. DK, Diddy, Crash, Spyro, Fox, Falco, and Slippy went into their underwater suits to dive in and defeat neo cortex's submarine mech and its underwater lab assistants, only to find only the orange fruit gem but not the honeydew melon fruit gem which was taken by dingodile.)

*Days earlier after leaving fichina. The great fox arrives at the massive space station called Astropolis as the ship lands in the parking area*

Sora: So what's this place? Fox: Astropolis. It was once controlled by Andross but ever since then, it's become a second home aside from corneria as well as a tourist attraction. The buffet is said to be three blocks down. DK: *Hoots as my stomach grumble* I so can't wait to try them out! Diddy: Me too. Never been this hungry before. Falco: I'm just going to have soup.. watching them eat will make my stomach upset. Krystal: *Giggles*

Astropolis City - Final Fantasy X-2 Music - Calm Lands

Fox: Here it is. The Bistro. Has a variety of food from all over the galaxy especially planet earth.

*DK and Diddy eyes glitter with excitement as they look around*

Peppy: Seats first then we can get food. Koriju: Well said young hare. *Went to get us a table* And to make sure we keep a table, one of us has to sit and wait while some of us get the food. Slippy: I wouldn't mind. Fox: *Noticed DK and Diddy already getting their foods* Let's get going before they eat it out. *chuckles* Krystal: Will that be flies and caviar for you slippy? Slippy: You know it! Thanks Krystal. ^_^ Krystal: Anytime. *Walks off*

*DK and Diddy came back with their plates filled with a tower of food and sat down at the table and started eating*

Slippy: Whoa hang on, you sure you two can eat all that?! Diddy: Just watch and see. No one could beat DK in a food eating contest especially when it comes to bananas. DK: *Started eating everything on my plate fast* Slippy: O_O Spyro: *Walks back with my plate with Crash next to me and noticed DK having a big belly* Whoa what happened to you? Slippy: He had a tower of food and ate it in under a minute. DK: Man all that food was so good...think I'll have some more. ^_^

*Everyone face faulted to the floor comedically*

Slippy: Uh donkey kong, you think that's enough food for one day? ^^; DK: Yeah, I should probably save some room for dessert.

*Everyone face faulted again*

Diddy: *Chuckles* Me too! >BRRUUUUUUOOOOOOOP!< Scuse me. ^_^ Falco: So glad I only took soup.. Koriju: Itadakimasu. *Bows with both palms together then took out my metal chopsticks and started eating* Yoshi: You keep chopsticks with you? Koriju: *Swallows* Let's just say spoons and forks are uncivilized where I come from. So does eating while talking. Krystal: It is best we respect each other's culture. Roxas: *Eats pork fried rice* Sora: These food are strange to me.. how are you even eating? Roxas: When you're starving you'll know how. Koriju: <BUUUUUUUUOOOOP!!> Ooo! O////O....Sumimasen! *Laughs* ^^ Fox: *Chuckles* Nice one.

*DK and Diddy got up holding their bellies and wobbled off to get desserts*

Koriju's Theme - Naruto OST 2 - Sasuke's Theme

Falco: You know what I don't get? If you're bowser's brother, how come you're not living the rich life like he is. Koriju: I have no need for such things. Rich tends to do selfish and inconsiderate things to innocent hard-working people. Not to mention greed takes over, the more greedy you are, the less satisfied you are with what you have. That is why I choose to be a master of bushido, my samurai virtue is what keeps me from being possessed with desire and power. None of those things matter to me at all. What I do, is for the good of others, including my home island, my family, and my comrade in arms, Mario, and Luigi. Selflessness, enlightenment, and wisdom, are the only things that matter to me in this world, this plane of existence that I still walk on if you will. Focusing on what I need is more important, not what I want. THAT is what makes me different from my brother and I. *Resumes eating* Falco: O_O...Woah. Slippy: Mind blown right? Falco: Yeah. Krystal: You are but a gentle soul. Aren't you? Koriju: Hai. Daisuke: *Stands on my hind legs to try and grab the food with my tongue but got hit by Koriju's chopsticks as I yelp* Koriju: Īe! No paws on the table! You know better than that. Eat the food that I gave you.

*Daisuke whimpers then got off and ate from the bowl*

Peppy: It's nice to have this relaxation. Krystal: Yes. After all we do deserve it. *Gave Slippy his plate* Slippy: Yay! *Eats caviar and flies from my plate* Peppy: And the carrot juice ain't bad here either. *Drinks my carrot juice* Link: I admire your samurai virtue Koriju and the fact that you're intelligent as well...you're not like bowser at all. Koriju: *Blushes embarrassed* Um...Arigatōgozaimashita. ^////^

*DK and Diddy came back with another tower of desserts to eat*

Koriju: *Saw a fly buzzing at me as I immediately grabbed it with my chopsticks and ate it* Fox: How'd you do that? Koriju: *Swallows before I talk* Technique and reflexes. Slippy: I can do that too. After all I am a toad. Krystal: Yes you are. *Rub Slippy head* Slippy: *Giggles* ^_^ Fox: Slippy about that laser sword, how did you make it? Slippy: Oh I got it off of a space anime. It's like samurai jack but no time travel stuff, just action. Fox: As it turns out, Andross has one too.

Cold Tension / Feeling of Fear - Dark Samus Approaching Metroid Prime 2 Echoes Music Extended HD

Falco: He does? Krystal: K Rool certainly must have thought of everything ahead of time. Fox: I know, and that's what worries me. K Rool had the advantage all because of supreme commander kaliga, now we've evenly matched thanks to DK and diddy. But from what I can tell, he has serious intent[right][/right] on growing stronger just to beat all of us. Russ: That's not gonna happen. Dillon: *Shakes my head no then kept eating* Kazooie: He really stopped messing around that's for sure. Banjo: I know right? Conker wouldn't even stand a chance against him. Koriju: The enemy may seem strong but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a weakness. Right now he has no army left, just the villains, if all comes down to it, desperation will take over and he'll have a much stronger army to use against all of us. We must stay cautious if that's the case. Fox: Oh we will. Thanks to Peppy and Slippy our weapons are upgraded. We also have more members on our team and we're one step ahead. Yoshi: I thought this K Rool guy was nothing like bowser. But he's just pushing it into being his copycat. *Chuckles* Link: He'll never match Ganondorf's standards that's for sure. Yoshi: I'm still hungry...I wanna get more. *Got up and walked off* Falco: DO NOT eat all the food with your tongue, Yoshi! Yoshi: I wasn't planning to! *Grumbles to myself* Fox: If that's the case I do hope they don't think about bringing Ganondorf here. Link: As I said, all Ganondorf cares about is the triforce of power and killing off Zelda. He knows who k rool is and really, he doesn't take him seriously enough to join his cause nor does he care. Now bowser on the other hand... Koriju: Not if I have a say in the matter he won't. Krystal: Besides I heard he turn good. Koriju: He did thanks to my help. Russ: I still find that hard to believe. After all these years and he decided to change? Koriju: As skeptical as that is, I got through to him, to see reason in all his undoings. I'm the only sibling that he has. I never even knew I had a nephew either. Spyro: I guess every hero had a rough childhood. Except for Crash I suppose. Crash: *Ate a large turkey leg whole* Koriju: On the contrary, my childhood was most blissful. I've spent my entire childhood with my human father on planet earth Tokyo japan. Fox: You were born in the mushroom kingdom but raised on earth? Koriju: Hai. It's like when I came back to my birthplace everything made no sense until I managed years later. DK and Diddy: <BUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRP!!!!!!!!> Falco: Seriously, have some manners! All: *Laughs* DK: *Laid back rubbing my belly* I feel so much better. ^_^ Falco: Tch. -_-* Koriju: A nice belch and a good fart means you are satisfied with the meal. *Speaking Japanese* Falco: English... Koriju: What goes in must come out. Spyro: Yea well I best hold mine in till we go outside. Russ: We're good on that^^; Dillon: *Nods*

*After which, everyone finished eating and drinking as krystal paid for the food and walked out of the bistro restaurant*

DK: Man I don't think I can eat anymore after this... Diddy: Me either... Crash: *Burps first then farts afterwords and laughs* ^^ Falco: Of course... Krystal: *Rub Falco back*^_^ Falco: ?! >BRRUUUOOOOOOOOOOOP!!< *covered my beak* Krystal! Krystal: *Giggles* You're welcome. Spyro: HMM!! <PRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!>

*Spyro's loud and trembling fart caused the entire space station an earthquake*

All: O_O Spyro: *Sighs* NOW I feel better. ^^ DK: Now that was awesome! *Laughs* Slippy: Sure was^^ Fox: Okay I think that's enough fun for today. Let's get back to work. Peppy: <BURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRP!!!!!> Oh! I can still taste the carrot juice. *Chuckles*

*Two days after*

Leisure Activity - Bomberman Hero Music - Redial Extended

*While ROB64 was controlling the ship, everyone else did what they wanted to do until they reached planet Aquas*

Slippy and Yoshi: *Groans as they lift Koriju by his feet* Koriju: Aiya! What do you call that?! Yoshi: Dude! How are you this heavy?! It can't just be your shell right? Falco: I hesitate to even ask... Slippy: We're trying to see if we can lift Koriju up but he's so heavy. Falco: Again, hesitate. Yoshi: So far only DK can lift Koriju up but we wanna try it and see. Guntz: So far all they're doing is struggling.

*Slippy and Yoshi tried to lift Koriju up from under him then Koriju simply sat on both of them*

Koriju: *Fold my arms* You're lifting technique is sloppy. Slippy: Nooo! *Laughs* Get off! Yoshi: Help, my bones are being crushed by a giant turtle! >_< Peppy: That part must stink doesn't it? *Laughs* Slippy: Not funny peppy! Falco: So where's everyone else? Peppy: Fox and Krystal are having their alone time. Link is training with Dillon and I'm pretty sure Klonoa and crash are with DK and diddy. They're having a stink-off. Falco: Wonderful... Koriju: Still won't give up? Slippy and Yoshi: No! Koriju: I admire your dedication.

DK Vs. Crash: Stink Off - Crash Twinsanity Soundtrack: N.Sanity Island

Klonoa: *Used the wind ring to make bubbly sodas for crash and DK to drink and gives it to them* Okay guys here's the rules of the stink-off. Who's blech or flatulence is the strongest, wins the stink off. Diddy: It'll be DK, crash has no chance. Aku Aku: I wouldn't bet on it. Crash is pruned to be disgusting and doesn't care what others think. Crash: *Opened the bubbly drink and chugs it down* DK: *Opens my bubbly drink and chugs it down as well*

*Both crash and DK finished their drinks and throw it away as a glass breaking sound effect came*

DK: Okay here we go.

*They both stared at each other for a moment while klonoa, aku aku and diddy kong are waiting for something to happen.

Crash: *Closed my eyes as my stomach rumbles and let's out a big long belch towards DK* >BBRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPP!!!!!!!!!!~< DK: *Stood my ground and dust off my shoulder* Is that the best you got? Cause I can do better! *Rips out a big long burp in crash's face* <BUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!> *Sighs* ^_^ Spyro: Wow! Crash: *Blinks a couple of times then shook off my fur clean* DK: I win. That was fun. I thought it was gonna be challenging for a moment there. Aku Aku: Wait for it... Crash: *Stomach gurgle some more* Hm? *Released a loud gassy fart storm from behind* Klonoa: *Claps my hands* ^_^ Diddy: Oh wow! Woo! *hold my nose* Crash: *Finally stopped farting and sighs* Hehe. ^^ DK: *Raised an eyebrow* Oh so that's how you wanna play it? Okay then. Crash: ?! DK: Come on, you think something like that is gonna make me pass out? *Stomach gurgles some more* Well now you're in trouble. Diddy: Oh boy... *quickly puts a gas mask on* DK: <PRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!> <BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPP!!!!!> <PWAAAAAAAAAP!!!!> <FAAAAART~FAAAAART~PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!>

*DK just kept farting as the air started to fill in with yellow gas clouds*

Aku Aku: Oh goodness, that's just horrible! Klonoa: Oh no! I can't breathe. I need some fresh air! *Ran straight outside* Crash: *Started to feel the sting in my nose and my eyes water as I try to hold myself together* DK: Hey quick pull my finger. Uh oh, too late! <BAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!> I'm not stopping till all your fur falls off!

*As DK kept farting, crash slowly runs out of breath as he put his palm on his fingers to issue a time out, then falco comes in and felt the rush of yellow gas flowing into his face*

DK: *Rips out one last long fart before turning around, noticing falco as his large fart turned into a squeaker as he stopped* Oh! Falco! We were just... Falco: @_@......*instantly passed out as he fell down to the floor* Klonoa: Wooow! *Ran out of the kitchen as I cough while trying to breathe* Whoooo! *Fans the air* Crash: *Coughing as I ran out too then fall face down to the floor* DK: Huh? Where did the others go? Diddy? Did I win the match? Diddy: Yep...you definitely won alright. DK: Cool! Hey, where should I put falco? Roxas: *Is using a shield to block the smell* I presume to put him in his room. Though I'll do it for you so you don't track your gas into the ship. DK: Awe, it doesn't smell that bad. ^^ Diddy: YES IT DOES!!! DK: Hmm?

*Moments later the kitchen is locked to keep the gas in*

Peppy: Well, the kitchen's under quarantine, it'll probably take weeks to get the smell out. Krystal: There goes all the food we just bought. Sora: Roxas and I can make you food while we're in our shields. Lucario: "Thank you boys so much for this" Roxas: We've been through this, this is practically nothing. Diddy: No it's not! Go in there and take a whiff and you'll see how bad it is! Sora: No thanks. ^^ Diddy: Spoiled sport... Yoshi: Okay we wanna try something else. Koriju: Very well. Try and hit me then. Slippy: Oh I will! *Punched Koriju's stomach then jumped up and waves my hands* YEOW!!! Ow ow ow ow! Yoshi: It's like we can't even touch you! Koriju: *Pat my belly* Iron gut. And also frosted scales, makes it feel like real ice. Diddy: Just what are they doing? Peppy: Slippy and Yoshi were trying to lift him up but it didn't work. So now they've tried punching him and even that didn't work. It's all for silliness and what now. ROB64: Estimating approach to planet Aquas in ten minutes. Fox: Thank you rob. Russ: Everyone is ready in case something bad happens? Klonoa: I am. Diddy: More than ready. Fox: How about you D-

*A spot to where DK was started blinking then stopped when fox looked over*

Fox: DK? DK: *In the bathroom taking a huge nasty shit from farting so much* Haaaaaaaa.... Diddy: It'll take a while.. Spyro: Well hopefully he's done before we land. Falco: *Walks in furious* Alright that's it! No more stink-offs! Because thanks to those two, mainly DK, the damn kitchen is locked until one of us go in there with a gas mask on! Fox: Falco, you're being uptight again. Falco: And you let them tear it up!! Fox: ... Yoshi: Someone's being a Karen this morning. Falco: *Points my blaster at Yoshi* Peppy: Whoa, hey! Falco: Call me Karen again. Yoshi: Make me. Falco: What?! Sora: What's a Karen? Roxas: Dude, please keep up... Krystal: Falco enough. Your temper isn't going to help us get through the mission, so could you please restrain yourself? Falco: Tch. *Puts my blaster away* How can all of you act like nothing's wrong? Must have nerves of steel or something... Krystal: *Rub Falco's head and gives him a bag of birdseed* You're too edgy. Have some bird seeds, I know they're your favorite. Falco: *Wag my tail* Thanks.. *Sat down with the bag of seeds and eats* Fox: *Shakes my head* Okay prepare for landing. This will be a rough one. ROB64: Affirmative.

*The great fox flew into planet aquas and landed onto the water*

Planet Aquas - ty the tasmainain tiger 2 bush rescue music: beach

Russ: Hey what gives? There's nothing but water everywhere. Fox: That's why it's called planet aquas. Okay, so while I'll go into the blue marine, DK, Diddy, Crash, Spyro, Fox, Falco and Slippy will go underwater into their wet suits to find the orange and honeydew melon fruit gems. We're ahead of K Rool this time so let's make this count. Slippy: I'll get the wet suits! *Ran off* Fox: And I'll be in the blue marine, everyone else, stay with the ship. *Walks off* DK: *Rips out a loud erupting toliet blast that echoed outside of the bathroom* <FRRRRT~FRRRRT~PUUWWWAAAAAAAAAPPPPP!!!!!!> Whoo! Haha. ^^ Diddy: *Knocking on the door* DK we're here. You done in there? DK: Almost done! <PUUUUUUUURRRRRRT~BRRRRRRP!!!!!!> Diddy: Might want to hurry up. Everyone else is leaving. DK: I'm trying bud. But this one is stuck.. Diddy: TMI dude... DK: ...What's TMI? Diddy: Nevermind... DK: To make instruments? Diddy: Wrong again DK. *Walks off* I guess the bistro finally kicked in.

*Something invisible flew passed the great fox and moved far away from it*

Peppy: You guys remember when we last came here we had to destroy the bio-weapon? Falco: Yeah I remember. Bacoon wasn't it? Peppy: Yep. That thing was tough. Krystal: I had no idea. Peppy: That was before you came into the mix. Krystal: Interesting. Falco: I'll still take the sky any day.

*A loud toilet flush was heard in the bathroom as donkey kong walked out*

DK: Ahhhh, I feel much better now. ^_^ Diddy: Good, but did you remember to wash your hands? DK: Wash my hands?

*Everyone immediately stepped away from DK*

DK: I'm joking! Of course, I washed my hands! *Thinks* "Sheesh guys, chill out..." Slippy: I got the wet suits! *Ran back to give everyone else one* DK: Wet suit? Aren't those the ones that- Diddy: It's not that kind of wet suit DK! So please don't do it in the water! DK: No promises. ^_^ Guntz: You're intellect really astounds me sometimes... Koriju: I can breathe underwater. I'll be just fine. *Walks off* Spyro: So can I. Crash: *Grabbed the wet suit and puts it on* Falco: Okay people, let's get a move on. *Walks off* Koriju: Daisuke, stay with kota. Daisuke: *Whines* Koriju: Oh no no no, don't you start that. I'll be back. *Took my clothes off and walks off* Daisuke: *Lays down* Sora: *Petting daisuke*

*The blue marine flew out of the ship's garage while everyone else went on top of the great fox and one of them jumped and dive into the water*

DK: GERONIMO! *Dives straight into the water* Koriju: BONZAI!! *Backflips over the great fox and dives into the water* Falco: Show off...

*After diving and jumping into the water, everyone followed the blue marine fox is driving while swimming*

Underwater - Underwater City - Jak and Daxter OST

Fox: I got locked onto the fruit gems straight ahead. We should be arriving there in about an hour or two. Slippy: We probably should have moved the great fox closer to it... Diddy: Where's the fun in that? Peppy: Good to hear that the waterproof headset mic is working correctly. Krystal: Watch out for your surroundings everyone and keep close to fox at all times. All: RIGHT!!

*Without everyone's awareness. Bubbles came out of donkey kong's butt as he continues swimming*

DK: ^_^ Spyro: *Dived down and looks around for the fruit gems* Roxas: This would take forever. Sora: Luckily the water is clear so it'll be easy to spot it. Falco: All we have to do is go straight. Easy enough. DK: Does anyone else feel a tight wedgie or is it just me? Diddy: It's just you diddy... DK: Oh yeah.

*Inside the Shadow Alliance Warship*

Kaliga: Are you in position? Neo Cortex: Yes I am. The submarine mech is fully operational. Kaliga: When you see them, don't hesitate to destroy them. Neo Cortex: You got it. K Rool: You know in terms of genetics, I'm pretty glad you don't have one red eye as I do. I wouldn't want that of you. Kaliga: As I'm sure. K Rool: Kaliga, if something happens to me- Kaliga: You don't have to say anything. K Rool: No. Just hear me out. If something happens to me, my entire kremling empire will be yours. You'll be its new king. Kaliga: .... K Rool: I know you won't fail me. Let's end this. Kaliga: *Nods and look out into the water*

>>>>>

Fox: I can see both of them. Falco: Where? Fox: In between the seaweed and dirt. Diddy: I'll get it.

*Diddy flew towards the fruit gems then a laser shot blasted the dirt as two fruit gems flew separately as diddy covered his eyes*

Neo Cortex: I don't think you'll be taking anything from me. Spyro: Looks like cortex decided to take a dip into the water for a change. Crash: *Nods fast*

*When no one noticed slippy grabbed the orange fruit gem and hid it so cortex wouldn't see it*

Battle in the Water - Precursor Basin - Jak and Daxter OST

Neo Cortex: The fruit gems are mine! Fox: *Fires the lasers in my blue marine to destroy the submarine mech arms* Not if I can help it!

*The lab assistance came out of camouflage and started attacking everyone else*

Spyro: Crash stick with fox! I'll handle the rest! *Swam down and fought against their minions* Crash: Haha! *Thumbs up* Kaliga: *Growls* Doesn't he know when it is time to throw in the towel? *Pressed the missile button*

*A Kong Seeking Missile flew out of the shadow alliance warship as it flew straight towards DK*

Slippy: YEOW!!! What is that?! Fox: It's a torpedo! Diddy: That's no torpedo! That's a kong seeker missile! DK: Uh oh! *Swam away* Diddy: Fox! It's gone after DK! Get rid of the missile! Falco: I got it! *Flew down towards the water and shot fire at the missiles from the front then flew up and shot towards the villains* Gnasty Gnorc: Uh they're heading straight for us! Kaliga: No they're not. *Pressed the button*

*The entire warship teleported into the air and became invisible*

Sora: Where'd they go?! Falco: I dunno! Roxas: Well they're not on the radar! Kaliga: Let's see if you can survive this! *Pressed the kong seeker missile button*

*Six missiles flew down into the water and went for DK and diddy again*

Diddy: SIX?!? Okay now that's just not fair! DK: Diddy I have an idea! *Swam away* Diddy: Wait! What's the idea?! DK: Just trust me! Diddy: Ugh! *Follows DK*

*The six missiles followed both donkey kong and diddy right on their tails until DK backfliped onto one of the missiles and started surfing then diddy did the same thing and went missile surfing with DK then they both flew out of the water*

Missile Surfing - Rocket Barrel 1 | Donkey Kong Country Returns Music HD

DK: WOOHOOO!! *Laughs* Diddy: So what's this plan of yours again!? DK: You'll see! ROB64: Missile detected! Missile detected! Krystal: Say wha- AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! DK: Hi guys!!

*Both Diddy and DK flew around the great fox then dived into the water with four of the missiles still following them*

Falco: What are they doing?! Slippy: I dunno! DK: BEEP BEEP!! Diddy: Coming through!!

*Falco and Slippy dodged the missiles*

Spyro: Fox look out! Fox: Look out for WHAAAAAAAAA!!!! *Drove out of the way* Neo Cortex: o_o.....Oh no....

*DK and Diddy flipped out of the way as the kong seeker missiles hit neo cortex's submarine mech and destroyed it as it exploded. Neo Cortex felt himself drowning as the lab assistants flew to his aid and retreated*

Victory - Bonus Game [Win] - Donkey Kong Country OST

DK: Alright! YEAHA!! Diddy: Oh so that's what the plan was!? DK: Yep, and it worked. ^^ Diddy: ...You were just winging it weren't you? DK: Yeah pretty much. ^^;

>>>>>>

Kaliga: Of all the....argh!! *Smash my fist onto the machine and walked off* Dingodile: It's okay kal, I got one of the fruit gems. *Holds the honeydew melon fruit gem in my hand* Neo Cortex: *Came back inside spitting out the water in my lungs and coughs for air* Ripto: Hey there's no way! How'd you get passed everyone while they were fighting? Dingodile: Well...

*Flashback*

Dingodile's Getaway - Soul Calibur III OST: Tiptoe

Dingodile: *Notice everyone's distracted as I dug for the honeydew melon fruit gem and swam off* Suckerrrrs. *Chuckles then continues swimming off until the flashback ended*

*Flashover*

Dingodile: You all were distracting them so I took the chance to get it. Kaliga: At least SOMETHING went right. Now they have the orange fruit gem in their possassion. K Rool: Not to worry, because we're going to get the last one soon enough. Kaliga: It's not like you to be this calm. K Rool: I know. And I'm trying my best not to be angry right now. Let us continue to the next planet. *Walks off* I'll inform the rest of you on what we need to do next. Ripto: Sure. The Sorceress: Whatever you say. Poker? Ripto: Definitely. Kaliga: *Went into my lab and turned on the lights*

*In the lab there are Kybernetic kremlings all over the place*

Kaliga: If all else fails, then I'll have to rely on technology to defeat the kongs. No matter what it takes.

*Now back to the great fox, everyone got out of their wet suits and put their clothes back on*

Fox: Yep, they took the other fruit gem with them. Diddy: So then the last one being the kiwi gem is all that we need. Falco: We'll need a plan to get the rest from K Rool somehow Diddy: Leave that to me and DK, you guys can handle the rest of the villains when the time comes right? Spyro: That we can do. Crash: *Nods fast* Peppy: Where is DK now? Diddy: Where do you think? *Chuckles*

That beautiful view - Jungle Sunshine (Demo) - Jak and Daxter OST

DK: *On top of the great fox roof as I lay back and relax while watching the beautiful view while the sun is slowly going down* Lucario: *Got on the roof top and walks over to DK* "Sure is beautiful here." DK: Hm. Lucario: "You and diddy surprised us back there. We're all impressed with how far you've gotten." DK: Kicking K Rool's butt is what we do on a regular basis. It was no problem. Well...kaliga was a- Lucario: "We know. We've noticed" DK: Hm. Lucario: "I don't understand you. Kaliga injured you, broke most of your body parts, and had every reason and intent to break your spirit entirely. Even tried to kill diddy just to break you even more. How is it you still yourself after coming out of stasis?" DK: I was taught to not let things get me down so easily. There is always a way out of darkness you just have to fight harder to find it. Lucario: "I always thought that you had this flippant aura that never goes out. But hearing what you just said, now I know for sure. Sora is the same way too. I can tell." DK: Hm. *Yawns and stretch* After that fun I'm sure going to have a good nap. ^_^ Fox: DK. DK: What's up? Fox: You might wanna take a look at this. DK: Hmm?

*Lucario and DK went back inside the great fox as they both saw a barrel with DK lettering on it*

DK: I know that barrel! That came from my island...which means...*went over to the barrel to open it then gasp really long* BANANAS!!! Diddy: *Found a letter and reads it* Dear donkey kong, funky kong invented a teleporter by using your fur as a means of transporting a barrel filled with bananas, enjoying them, all of them are hand-picked off the trees by all of us. Love family. Man, they really came through for us this time. DK: *Squeeze my hand on the banana close to my mouth as they automatically plop into my mouth as I started eating them* Oh bananas, I missed you guys! ^_^ *Eats five more fast* This'll definitely help my digestive system. Diddy: Again, TMI. DK: Still don't know what that means. Diddy: *Facepalm* Krystal: TMI means you're giving out too much personal information that we don't need to know. DK: Ooooo so why didn't you say so? Diddy: Nevermind. -_-

*The great fox flew out of the water and into outer space. Meanwhile back on the shadow alliance warship, a mysterious Gengar Ghaster'hauns with his cubone on his shoulder ossein and he's floating about invisible while ossein is invisible with him. Several kremling and gnorcs walked in front of them as they phase right through them*

K Rool: *In my personal bathroom using the toilet* <PRRRRPUUUUOOOOOOOOOP!!!!> Oh my, that fiber diet is coming out anger...<PRRRLLOOOP!!!> Whew! Ghaster'hauns: Hey watch this. *Float over to the door* K Rool: *Inhales and exhales* Peace and quiet. Now I can finally relaaAAAAAAAA!!! Ghaster'hauns: *Stick my long tongue at K Rool* Naaaah! Naaaah! *Laughs and flew off* K Rool: ...Please tell me that was just my imagination.... Ghaster'hauns: *Flew around to where the honeydew melon fruit gem is and grabbed it* Aha. Ossein: Cu, cubone. Ghaster'hauns: Nah I'll let the others collect the rest. Let's go before we get seen... *Chuckles*

*G'Hauns then vanished, now back to the great fox*

Diddy: *Looking up stuff on my phone* Fox: Everyone's getting ready for bed, I suggest you do the same. Diddy: In a minute I will. Fox: Where's DK? Diddy: In the bathroom, those bananas he ate really worked wonders on his stomach. Fox: But he said he was done when we left. Diddy: He was rushed. Fox: Okay, fair point. Ghaster'hauns: *Came out of invisibility* Sup. Diddy and Fox: AH!! Lucario: "Do not be alarmed. I called him here to retrieve the honeydew melon fruit gem for us." Ghaster'hauns: As a bonus, I had to scare k rool while he was on the can. It was hilarious. The name's Ghaster, but some people call me G'Hauns, though the u is silent. And this is ossein. Say hi little guy. Ossein: Cubone! Ghaster'hauns: He doesn't talk like I can but I try and teach him how. *Gives fox the honeydew melon fruit gem* Fox: *Holds onto it* Thank you for this G'Hans. Ghaster'hauns: Sure, now if you'll excuse me, I gotta catch some Zzz's. Peace. *Vanished* Falco: Say, how come he didn't get the rest for us? Lucario: "Kaliga must have had them and if he tried he would've gotten caught." Falco: Sometimes that kaliga is just full of surprise... Fox: It would seem so.

*A loud toilet flush was heard as donkey kong walked out*

DK: *Sighs* I feel five pounds lighter. ^_^

*Fox, Falco, and Diddy hold their noses immediately*

Falco: There's an air freshener in the bathroom for a reason DK. -_- DK: Oh I did use them and we ran out. Krystal: No worries I got this. *Took out an automatic air freshener and install it into the bathroom* There. Fox: *Yawns and stretches* Well, let's get some sleep, we should be on planet titania tomorrow. DK: Okay, goodnight everyone. ^_^ Fox and Falco: Night.

*Lucario went into his room as did fox and falco*

Krystal: Goodnight donkey. *Kissed DK's cheek and walked off* DK: Come on little buddy, you can sleep with me tonight. Diddy: That would be nice right now.

*An hour later*

In the great fox, everyone's sleeping - Jungle Moonlight (Demo) - Jak and Daxter OST

*Everyone is sleeping in their beds while ROB64 is on auto-pilot the rest of the way to titania, meanwhile in Falco's room*

Playboy - Policenauts (OST) - Girls [Extended]

Falco: *Reading playboy in bed seeing a bunch of women in different sexy outfits* Oooo baby. Hohohoooo. Man, she got some cake on her. *Turns the page and saw another female with huge breasts and moans* Awe man...look at that, whew...*was about to touch myself then broke the fourth wall and noticed the audience is watching* Hey! Can't a bird have some privacy around here?! Sheesh! Go focus on DK!

*The scene turned to DK and Diddy sleeping together as DK snores softly then started having a dream driving the mine cart while diddy is with him while other the kritters followed them*

DK's Dream / Mine Cart Shootout - Fungi Forest (Mine Cart) - Donkey Kong 64

Diddy: DK they're gaining on us! DK: I know, use the weapons!

*DK used his coconut gun and diddy took out his peanut popgun and started firing at the kritters or their mine carts to get'em off the track as some of them fell over into the darkness screaming while some got knocked out by the coconut shells and explosive peanuts as some of their mine carts went out of control and crashed into a huge rock*

DK and Diddy: DUCK! *Both of them duck down to dodge the watermelon seed machine gun fire then both of them came back up and fired the kritter's out of their mine carts*

*Another Kritter soldier came out of nowhere and started bumping into them while grabbing its club and smacking them while both of them dodging. DK fired his coconut gun but the Kritter general ducked down.*

DK: Reloading! Diddy: Cover! *Fired his peanut popgun* DK: Clear! *Came out of cover and fired the coconut shell at the mine cart* Kritter General: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! *Flew out and fell right into the darkness* DK and Diddy: Alright! Yeah! *High-fived each other*

*Both DK and Diddy drove into the exit tunnel as the dream ended*

Midnight Snack - Shenmue Music: FREE 4 (Extended)

DK: *Snorks as I woke up* Huh? *Yawns and stretches* Man what a dream that was...I better get a midnight snack then it's back to bed for me. *Got out of bed slowly to let diddy sleep then went into the kitchen where my farts are still lingering* Still doesn't smell that bad in here. *Went into the fridge to get something to eat* Klonoa: *Practicing some moves in the training room then heard some noises going on* Huh? Must be DK.. *Kept practicing * DK: *Humming to Jungle Hijinx while getting snacks off the cabinet and the frosted iced snacks out the fridge as I eat them* Mmmm man that's good. ^_^ Fox: *Flips out of the dark corners then points my laser blade at DK's throat* DK: Hey hey hey! Whoa, buddy! *hold my hands up* Fox: Oh it's you. *Turned off my laser blade* DK: Whew...*put my hand on my chest* Sheesh fox, you nearly cut my head off with that thing. Fox: So that was you making all those noises. Why are you still up? DK: Sorry, I had an unusual dream that woke me up and I wanted to get a midnight snack. Fox: Oh.. *Put my weapon away* Must have been a nightmare. DK: It was, but Diddy and I beat to it. Fox: ...Now that you reminded me, there's something I must tell you. *Lean against the counter with my arms folded* Ever since you were in stasis, diddy's been having nightmares that made him scared for his life and yours. It really broke diddy's fighting spirit and his courage. I mean he barely slept, had no energy and he couldn't even eat without him shaking or the thought of kaliga hunting him and killing him. But for some reason, you came back up as if it never happened. DK: Yeah, I told Lucario that I was taught to not let things get me down so easily. There is always a way out of the darkness you just have to fight harder to find it. Fox: I wish that were true for me. Who taught you that? DK: My dad, DKJR. Fox: Least you have a father, be grateful for that. DK: *Hoots softly and happily* ^_^ Fox: You make it look so easy. DK: Actually...it's not that easy, sometimes life is never easy for anyone except me. That's probably why cranky often tells me "you'll never be as good as me when I was at my prime." or "you know nothing about 8-bit gaming ya numbskull." *Chuckles and sighs* Fox: You really are homesick aren't you? DK: Yeah...I miss everyone, my island, even candy, we were supposed to have a child together and everything. Fox: We'll take you back to your island when this is over. I promise. DK: Thanks, man... Fox: Kaliga has been proven to be much more dangerous than K Rool. If it comes down to it, you may have to end his life to protect the next. DK: I will. After what he's done to mother he will pay. But it's not out of revenge more of a mission. Fox: ....

*Flashback*

Emperor Andross: Just think of what you can do as general of my army, or perhaps Krystal would be better suited instead? Fox: If you touch her, I will kill you! She and my friends are all I have and I won't let you take that from me like you took my father!! Because I'm not going to hesitate anymore! I just act! *Got out of the blade lock and cuts through Andross' torso* Emperor Andross: RAAAAH! *Stepped back holding my chest* Yes, give in the anger. Raise up your darkside! Fox: *Noticed the star fruit gem was dropped as I picked it up, put it away, and turned off my laser blade* As if I would ever amuse you by killing you unfairly. So how about you go to hell. *Ran off* Emperor Andross: Fox! You fool! The evil side was meant for you! Don't act as if you didn't feel it! I won't hesitate to kill you too!!

*Flashover*

Fox: *Thinks* "Not out of revenge...but on a mission..." Peppy: *Went into the kitchen* You too huh? Fox: Not me. DK, I thought someone snuck in. Peppy: Impossible. Not even star wolf would be stupid enough to sneak inside with the body motion alarm we have. DK: You guys really thought of everything haven't you? Fox: This is what we do to get a goodnight's sleep while traveling through space. Peppy: *Went to get some vanilla cream puffs and eats* Klonoa is also up and about training. Fox: Seriously? It's like no one around here can't sleep when we got work tomorrow. Slippy: Dobi dobi dobi dobi doooooo. *Walks into the kitchen then noticed DK, Peppy and Fox are in already* O_o....Bad day....baaaad bad day....*slowly walked out* DK: I'm going back to sleep after I eat. Wouldn't want Diddy to be worrying. Fox: Me too. *Drinks warm milk* Peppy: You drink warm milk too? Fox: I do. It helps me sleep better. Peppy: So do I. Fox: Here, you'll need it too. *Gives DK warm milk* Careful it's a hot. DK: Milk? Fox: You never had? DK: I think so. *Drank down the milk and sighs* Thanks^-^ Fox: No prob.

*All three of them went back to their rooms including DK*

DK: Oh good he's still asleep. Diddy: *Mumbles as I turn over*

DK Sleeping Peacefully - Brave Fencer Musashi OST : Have a Good Sleep!

DK: *Walks over and climbs back into bed and yawns and went to sleep easily thanks to the warm milk*

Find out what happens next - Dragon Ball Z Episode Ending Theme

Narrator: It is now the calm before the storm as the heroes sleep peacefully but tomorrow will be a different story entirely. Kaliga gets ready for the next evolution of his kremling army and he continues to surpass k rool in everything, maybe even dragon form as well as he continues to train his hardest while also fueling his hatred for both donkey kong and diddy kong. Onward to planet titania is the last fruit gem, one last grab will determine the fate of this very battle that's in store for both the heroes and villains. It's anybody's game now on the next donkey kong Z!

Next Episode/Last Episode -  Dragon Ball Z ost - The Saga Continues

Narrator: On the next donkey kong Z! The heroes arrived at planet titania in search of the kiwi fruit gem and it seems that they've fallen into an ambush constructed by kaliga himself. Things are becoming much tenser as kaliga discovers a new transformation that he would use against DK but donkey kong has a few tricks of his own to fight kaliga back with and after achieving the black aura transforms into Super Kong Form Black. Donkey Kong is prepared to have another face-off against kaliga. The battle for the last fruit gem is now on!

ED - Dragon Ball Z Funimation Season 3 Outro (Short)

[jlilycorbie]

I’ve talked about it a bit, but the world for my fantasy WIP came together early in the pandemic, when I got a lot of comfort from finding all the beautiful, wonderful things about our world. So a lot of things and creatures and locations and foods and such are inspired by real things.

The ember foxes are called vuhlytsya in-world, and there are both wild populations and companion animals. They’re primarily found in volcanoes, but the companion animals will sleep in hearths and keep homes warm. And they’re inspired by this gorgeous creature:

Me trying to calm myself down after a minor meltdown after I realized I hadn't research volcanoes, like, at all while worldbuilding: Hey, it's ok. It's not like anything in the story happens near a volcano.

One of my characters explaining her childhood pets, ember foxes: they slept in the hearth and kept me warm at night. Legend says they came from lightning-struck trees, but really they come from volcanoes.

Me: Fuck.

[yamatonikado]

LONGXI CURED HAM IS HEREEEEEEE

[sunflowergirl522]

Nothing New

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Reader

Summary: Yours and Eddie’s friendship was fine. And you were fine with just being that. But then the new girl came along. (Angst with a happy ending)

Word Count: 4051

Eddie Masterlist

You’ve been best friends with Eddie Munson ever since your freshman year and you joined Hellfire with Jeff. It had been an almost instant connection with the at the time junior. He likes to joke that he’s failed senior year so many times just so he can graduate with you. And with how well he’s doing in his classes this time around it’s getting harder to tell that it’s a joke. Him and the guys were really the only friends you had, though you’re partially convinced that that’s just because you were in their club and as soon as you all graduated you’d only ever see them when you see Corroded Coffin play or Eddie drags you to a practice.

You knew Eddie was actually a friendship that would last. From the moment you told him you liked whatever band shirt he had on all those years ago he latched onto you. He was constantly making the plans for the two of you to hang out one on one and telling you when each of the bands' shows were as soon as they booked one. He went out of his way all the time to weasel his way into your life and you couldn’t be happier about it. He was the first genuine friend you’ve ever had besides Robin who’s basically a sister to you.

“Have you guys met the new girl yet?” Jeff asks as you and Eddie get to the table.

“There’s a new girl?” Eddie pulls out your chair and you shoot him a smile in thanks before sitting down and scooting it close to the table.

“Yeah, she’s cool. We invited her to sit with us today.” Adam shrugs and takes another bite of his food.

“Oh! Maybe we’ll finally get another girl to join!”

“What, you don’t like being surrounded by immature hormonal boys all the time?” Eddie teases, nudging your shoulder with his own.

“Oh definitely not, and their leader is the worst of them all.” You tease him right back laughing and earning a piece of his trail mix getting flicked at your cheek.

“Hey guys!” You look away from Eddie at the sound of the voice coming from the girl who just stopped at the table. She’s dressed in a Judas Priest shirt, ripped jeans, and a plaid flannel with a few chain necklaces and rings adorning her neck and hands. 

Jeff and Garreth move down a seat so she can sit at the corner by Eddie. He doesn’t look her way until she pulls her chair in, he had been too busy studying you but the scraping of the chair brings his attention to her. You watch as his face lights up as he recognizes the band shirt and your heart falls, it breaks a little really. You’ve been living in this fantasy that even though you and Eddie were so different he’d still feel the same way about you that you did him. But this girl seems like she’d just be absolutely perfect for him.

“Hey, I’m Ember.” She gives the two of you a little wave. Of course she would also have a badass name. And when Eddie smiles wide at her you wish you could just disappear into the floor.

“You like Judas Priest?” It was such an Eddie thing to completely ignore introducing himself to talk about music.

“Oh yeah, one of my favorite bands. You like them?”

“They’re great! I’m Eddie.” He holds out his hand and she takes it a little too enthusiastically and with a flirty little smile you'll scoff at later when you’re getting ready to scream into your pillow. You look away from them to find Mike and Dustin walking towards the table. You smile and wave at them, getting excited waves back. You’ve grown attached to the two boys and Lucas since the start of the year. You look at them as younger brothers and you’ve started inviting them over for family dinners since your mom loves to cook for way more than just two people since your dad works nights most times.

“Hey guys!”

“Hey Y/n.” They speak in unison before taking their seats.

“Oh, hey.” Dustin says to Ember as he notices her. “Are you joining Hellfire?”

“I would but I don’t actually know how to play Dungeons and Dragons. Just thought you guys would make some cool friends after meeting Jeff and Adam.”

“I could teach you to play?” Eddie offers and your smile falters for a fraction of a second.

“Really? That would be great!” 

Eddie talks to Ember most of lunch leaving you to sit with your head in your hand while you eat. He barely even notices when you move to sit in between the freshmen so they can tell you all about their science project. You look over at them every so often and immediately hate yourself for it each time. Dustin notices though and tries his hardest to keep a smile on your face and keep your attention on him and Mike. The other boys take a liking to Ember immediately with Garreth and Jeff fighting for her attention but she seems to only want to give it to Eddie. 

“Y/n.” 

“Yeah?” You look up at Eddie laughing at a joke Dustin had just told you when you hear him call out for you.

“You still coming with me to band practice later?”

“You’re in a band? That’s so cool!” Ember speaks before you can respond and you’re ready for him to forget that he even asked you a question so you turn your attention back to Dustin.

“Yeah you should come see us perform sometime. Y/n?”

“If you still want me there absolutely.” You shrug, glancing back over at him.

“Can’t practice without our mascot.” He winks at you with that dumb goofy smile on his face and your hearts slowly starts to melt back together. 

You get a ride home with Steve later instead of going with Eddie claiming you needed to study so he couldn’t come over like he normally would until it was time to head to practice. He hadn’t even realized what you said until you were already getting into Steve’s car with Robin and it was too late to ask you about it. He normally was over even if you had to study, he’d study with you so it didn’t make sense for him to not go to your house. He couldn’t confront you about it though because he had been planning a day to start teaching Ember how to play Dnd when you came up to the van and rushed it out of your mouth.

You didn’t study when you got home, instead you put on your favorite Beatles album and went through your memory box. Thinking of all the good times you’ve had with Eddie helps reassure you that even if he ends up with Ember he’ll still be your best friend. You had been worried that with her around everyone would just grow tired of you and you’d fade into the background until you weren’t even a second thought in their minds. It’s what’s happened with every other friendship you’ve ever had once you lost all novelty when someone else showed up.

When Eddie shows up later you’re singing along to Dolly Parton and organizing your desk. He has to admit you look to be in a better mood than earlier when you all but ran away from him. He almost didn’t want to disturb your peace but he was already running late and standing in your doorway admiring you wasn’t helping.

“You ready to go?” You jump at the sound of his voice, hand flying to your chest.

“You scared me, Eds! Just let me grab a sweater and I’ll be ready.” As you stand up he notices that you’ve changed clothes since school let out. Your long sleeved shirt and pants have been switched out for a tight tank top and some shorts. You grab the oversized white sweater that Eddie had gotten you in the winter because he thought you would look like a puff ball in it and throw it on before sitting back down to shove your feet into your shoes. 

“Sorry Sweetheart, didn’t mean to scare ya.” Eddie enters your room to turn your stereo off before holding out his hands to pull you out of the seat. “Now come on slowpoke, we're already late.”

“Oh and whose fault is that?” You tease as you let him drag you through your house.

“Yours obviously. Bye Mrs. Y/l/n!”

“Bye kids have fun!”

“We will ma! I’ll be home before nine!” You yell out for her as Eddie pulls you out of your door before he stops you and pokes his head back in.

“Maybe just before ten!” His words cause your mom to laugh as he shuts the door. “What are you standing around for, let's go!” You laugh as he shoves you by your shoulders the whole way to his van.

When the two of you pull up and exit the van you spot Ember already standing in the garage talking to Jeff.

“Hey guys, Ember wanted to check us out. Hope that was okay.”

“Yeah that’s cool.” Eddie shrugs before heading over to tune up his guitar. You offer a wave to her and head over to your regular seat in the corner. She smiles at you and waves back before walking over to talk to Eddie which has you rolling your eyes. After a bit you see Eddie gesture your way and she’s heading over to sit in the seat next to you.

“Hi, I’m Y/n. We didn’t really get to meet at lunch earlier.” You turn to look at her after a minute of silence. 

“It’s nice to meet you, the boys have actually told me a little about you.” 

“Really?” She nods before her attention is on the band who started playing. It warms your heart that they talked about you to her. Soon enough your attention is on the long haired dork playing his guitar and singing their newest song just loud enough for it to carry over the music. 

“They’re really good!”

“Aren’t they? I love listening to them perform.”

“Eddie’s really amazing.”

“Yeah, he is.” You smile as you watch him do his little head bags while he plays.

“Are you two like a thing?”

“What?”

“Like are you dating?” She glances over at you as she reasks.

“Oh, no he’s just my best friend.” 

“That’s good to hear.” Your heart falls to the pit of your stomach as she looks back over to admire Eddie. Of course she’d be going after your best friend instead of one of the other guys, he’s the coolest, sweetest guy you know. 

Later on the way home you’re oddly quiet. Normally you’d tell Eddie how well he played or how much you loved the new song they were practicing but you didn’t even sing along when Eddie put on the mixtape he made you full of your favorite songs so you’d have them in his van. This left Eddie to have a confused frown on his face the whole drive and everytime he glanced over at you your head was turned away from him looking out the window. When he parks the van outside of your house you thank him for the ride in a small voice and hop out before he can say anything to you. Eddie purses his lips as he watches you walk around the van before shaking his head.

“Nope, uh-uh.” He gets out and follows you down the walkway until he can grab your wrist to stop you from going any farther. “What’s wrong? You’ve been off almost all day, are you okay?”

“I just haven’t been feeling the best today, Eds. I think I just need some sleep or something. I’ll probably be feeling better tomorrow.”

“Okay.” He pulls you into a hug and rests his chin on the top of your head. “Get lots of rest tonight Sweetheart because I’ll be here bright and early tomorrow to pick you up so we can go over some stuff before Ms. O’Donnell’s test. I miraculously have a C and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Alright, bye Eds.”

He doesn’t show up the next morning, at least not while you’re still home that is. When it started to get a little late and you knew that if he was going to show that you’d be late you just got a ride from Steve since Robin was running late herself. You’re not sure why Eddie didn’t show, but you do know that you didn’t get a phone call or anything from him like you normally would if something came up. And later when you’re talking to Robin outside of the school when Eddie's van pulls into a spot with a screech and then he and Ember climb out of it you can’t help but feel like your greatest fear of losing Eddie’s attention because someone else lit up the room is coming true.

“Hey, don’t worry about it okay? I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for this right? I mean Eddie’s almost always attached to you, there’s no way he would ditch you for some chick who dresses like him.” Robin tries to calm you down as if she knows the thoughts swimming through your head. You quickly look away from your best friend as his head swivels around trying to spot you.

“I’m gonna head to class Robs, go over some more notes. I’ll see you later.” You rush into the school hoping to avoid Eddie and Ember for now.

“Hey, you weren’t home when I swung by to get you.” Eddie says as he sits next to you. You glance up at him from your notes.

“Oh, I got a ride from Steve because Robin was running late and I wasn’t sure if you were still coming. I didn’t want to risk being late for the test.”

“Sorry about that.” He scratches the back of his neck. “I slept in a little later than I wanted to and then as I was on my way out the door Ember called because her car was having trouble starting, I’m pretty sure her battery’s dead.”

“It’s fine Eds, I made it on time didn’t I?” You send a fake smile his way before turning your attention back to your notes.

“Hey speaking of Ember I’m gonna start teaching her how to play Dnd today after school so I might have to move movie night back a bit. You could come with me if you want.”

“Oh, that’s fine Eddie. Robin and I are gonna go to that new music store after school before her shift anyway. I’ll just hang out at Family Video till she’s done.” You shrug nonchalantly even though Eddie basically canceling movie night, which you know will end up happening because he gets so into Dnd, makes you feel completely awful.

“I can pick you up from there on my way over from Embers because I’ll have to pass it anyway?”

“We can just postpone Eds, really it’s fine. I’ll probably just listen to whatever new albums I get or maybe go over Robins.” You shoot him another fake smile before turning towards the front of the room.

“Okay.” Eddie wants to say more, figure out why you’re so adamant on just canceling when he just wanted to come over maybe thirty minutes later but Ms. O’Donnell is starting to hand out the tests and you have your game face on. 

The two of you don’t hang out Saturday or Sunday either. Eddie called to tell you that he wouldn’t be over Saturday because he didn’t actually teach Ember much of anything when he was over so you told him you couldn’t hang out Sunday because you were picking up a shift and then immediately called Robin and asked her if you could come into work then. And then on Monday you don’t even bother sitting next to Eddie for very long at lunch, moving to sit in between Dustin and Mike as soon as they show up. He asked where you were going when you stood up but you had held up your walkman and told him you promised Dustin you’d show him the new AC/DC album. You’re not even that shocked when Eddie doesn’t call you that night like he normally would. He was probably at Embers not teaching her how to play because when you asked him if she’s catching on he gets all shy about how he’s barely gotten her to create a character.

“I don’t think I’m gonna go to Hellfire tomorrow.” You admit to Robin in gym on Tuesday causing her to gasp.

“Y/n are you feeling okay? You never miss it, you love that silly little game too much.”

“I know but I think everyone would just have a better time if Ember took my place this week. And if it works out she can have it the rest of the year, I’m sure I can play with the kids when their friend Will finally finishes moving back.”

“I think you’re being a little dramatic. I mean leaving Hellfire? You can’t be feeling that left out can you?”

“Garreth, Jeff, and Adam don’t talk to me as much anymore and Eddie’s been canceling plans to hang out with her.”

“No, don't do that, you canceled the plans on Sunday before there could even be plans.”

“Because I need to start distancing myself now before he inevitably gets completely tired of me like everyone else I’ve ever tried to be friends with.” You throw your hands in the air as you pace in front of her before stopping and turning your whole body to face her. “Except for you of course.”

“Yeah you’re stuck with me forever which means you’re also stuck with Steve forever. We’ll be the three amigos. And you know what, being stuck with Steve means you’re also stuck with all the rugrats because he’s like their mom or something.” You laugh and bring her into a hug.

“You always know how to cheer me up, Robs.”

“Where’s your Hellfire shirt?” Eddie asks when he sees you at lunch on Wednesday. He hadn’t seen you till then since you got a ride with Steve again and you didn’t have any classes together that day but the short sleeved shirt you had on instead was the first thing he noticed.

“Oh, I’m not coming tonight.”

“What?” All conversation at the table goes silent as the guys all stop what they’re doing and look at you. 

“Something came up and I can’t come.”

“Y/n we can’t play without you, you’re one of our strongest players. We’re supposed to go up against the bad guy tonight.” Garreth says slumping in his seat at the thought of you not being there.

“Yeah, we need your lucky nat twenties.”

“You don’t even have a sub.” Eddie points the pretzel stick he was eating at you.

“I do though, Ember could take my place tonight.”

“What?” The girl in question looks shocked. “No, I couldn’t.”

“Of course you could, Eddie’s been teaching you how to play and once you start it’ll all come naturally.” You reassure her before your eyes catch onto Lucas making his way to the basketball table. “I’ll be right back. I need to ask Lucas something.”

“Henderson, Wheeler, what do you know about Y/n not coming to Hellfire tonight?” Eddie leans towards the two boys as they sit down. They share a look as if asking the other if they should tell Eddie before Mike spits a cover story out.

“She’s going to some party with Steve and Robin I think.”

“So she’s ditching us for Harrington?” Dustin can see the hurt in his friend's eyes. 

“I’m pretty sure it’s mainly for Robin, she was the one to invite her. Y/n and Steve aren’t even that good of friends.” He nervously chuckles and hits Mikes leg for the stupid lie he came up with as Eddie leans back in his seat watching you laugh with Lucas.

“I can excuse it for Robin. What do you say Ember, you ready to jump in and play?”

“Oh, uh I guess so.” She blushes knowing she’s not going to be any good at this.

Hellfire doesn’t last very long that night, Ember sucks and it’s like she didn’t listen to anything Eddie had told her about the game previously and all anyone could do was complain that you weren’t there. So Eddie ended the meeting an hour into it, dropping the kids off at their homes before making his way to your house hoping to catch you coming home later. He’s a little shocked to find your bedroom light on indicating you’re home already since it’s so early. After not getting an answer knocking on the front door he climbs up to your window. You jump at hearing it slide open and quickly sit up from where you were lying on your bed.

“Well well well look who isn’t out there partying tonight.” Eddie climbs through your window. 

“Eddie? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at Hellfire?”

“We had to stop early, pretty sure we’re just gonna start where we left off last week again next week because we barely made any progress.”

“Oh.”

“What are you doing here? Avoiding me some more?”

“I’m not avoiding you.” You scooch yourself off of the bed to walk past him and shut the window.

“Yes you are and you haven’t been yourself lately either so what’s been going on?”

“Nothing you need to worry about Eddie. So you don’t even need to pretend okay?”

“What? Y/n I-” 

“I know you’re getting tired of me okay! I know that now that Ember’s around I’m nothing new and you’re all going to move on and leave me behind because that’s what always happens. When there’s not anything exciting about me anymore and a new face shows up people leave me in the dust and I can feel all of you starting to do that.” You wrap your arms around yourself and step away from Eddie.

“Tired of you?” His voice is full of disbelief as he watches you and hesitantly steps forward. “Y/n, Sweetheart, I could never be tired of you. Everyday with you is like an adventure.” He takes another step and gently holds onto your wrists to pull them away from your body. “Everyday it’s like I discover a new facial expression from you, a new smile, I get a new song to listen to, a new movie to watch on repeat because you go through favorites the same way Dustin goes through pudding cups.” He cradles your face in his hands, thumbs brushing away stray tears. “You’re my favorite person Y/n and I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world, I love you.”

“You love me?”

“Yeah, I do. Hell I’m shocked you haven’t figured it out already because apparently it was obvious to everyone else. I mean I could barely even teach Ember how to play the damn game because I kept talking about you. She asked me like twelve times if I was sure we weren’t dating.�� You laugh at his words, turning your head to kiss the palm of his hands.

“I love you too.” The two of you smile at each other as Eddie rests his forehead on yours.

“Just so you know the guys wouldn’t stop complaining about you not being there tonight. Jeff literally would not stop looking at Ember when she had to make decisions and going ‘Y/n would do this’. You should’ve seen them when she got Adam killed.”

“She didn’t?” You gasp shocked at the thought.

“Oh but she did, she started a fight by accident not even thirty minutes in.”

“That’s it, if she still wants to play after tonight I’ll teach her since you’re apparently incapable.” He rolls his eyes but smiles nonetheless happy to see you back to being your teasing self.

“Whatever now show me this AC/DC album Dustin keeps raving about.”

Eddie Taglist: @starbxcks​ @phluffybunny-blog​ @sadbitchfangirl @notbeforelong​ @kenzi-woycehoski​ @celestialsxturn​ @daisyellsong​ @urmomashleyyy​ @ofherscarlettwitchways​ @munsonswhore86​ @katsukis1wife​ @violet-19999​ @navs-bhat​ @that-chick212​ @dixontardis​ @bubsonnobx​ @ruinedbythehobbit​ @pikapickabitch​ @emotionaldreamer​ @kodakoalabear @chaoticevilbakugo​ @thatsamegirl​ @fromasgardandback​ @lupinpetersclearwaterodairparker​ @fangirl199812 @greenclues​ @isshecrazyorissheclever @rockchickrebel​

[willyoufindmetlk]

Building Our Town - Sigtryggr x Stiorra (Part 1)

Takes place when Sigtryggr and Stiorra arrive to Eoforwic after leaving Winchester and them growing Jorvik for their people. 

**

Stiorra and Sigtryggr had been in the lands of Eoforwic for only a few days. There was so much to be done to restore the land it was overwhelming. She knew it wouldn’t happen overnight, but she also felt like nothing would ever change no matter what they did or how hard they worked.

She and Sigtryggr, along with some of his men, were about to head out on a journey around the lands to see where their borders were and where they would need to place men for protection. Stiorra packed food and other items they would need for the trip. Sigtryggr and her hadn’t had much time together since their arrival. He had been busy making plans. She understood there was much to do, but she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe he had regretted her coming here.

Even during her time in Winchester, she never felt alone, but since being here she felt the absence of her family. Stiorra brought out the basket and bags, handing them to the men and attaching them to her own horse. Sigtryggr came out, addressed his men, and climbed onto his own horse. Stiorra gave him a small smile, but he never glanced her way. She kicked her heels into the horse and rode on behind him.

The ride was mostly quiet besides the chatter of the men behind her. So, she made sure to take in the scenery of the lands. The lands that belonged to the Danes. She tried to imagine what it would be like in a year or ten. It wouldn’t be a Winchester or even a Merica, but it would be theirs. A land for their people to live freely. To raise their families for generations.

A land of peace.  

Sigtryggr stopped just ahead.

“We build a camp and rest for the night,” he said, jumping down from his horse.

Stiorra got off of her’s, along with the rest of the men. They tied their horses around the trees before building their camp. Stiorra took it upon herself to gather branches for the fires. Once she had a handful, she made her way back towards the camp when she heard some of the men talking.

“I cannot believe he brought the Dane-Slayer’s daughter,” they said. “We should have killed him like Brida wanted. He has killed enough of our kin and now we have his daughter among us.”

“Sigtryggr is fond of her,” the other said. “But as most men do, I am sure he will grow tired of her and send her back to the Dane-Slayer. She’s not even a real Dane.”

Stiorra gripped the sticks in her hand as she listened to their conversation.

“Daneland is for Danes. Sigtryggr said so himself, perhaps we should remind him of this fact,” they said.

Stiorra stepped out into the camp, “And perhaps someone should remind the two of you, that Brida was born a Saxon. She has no Dane bloodline, yet the Danes have accepted her. Ragnar the Younger took her as a wife. Cnut took her as a lover and gave her his child. So, please continue about how I am not a Dane and that I do not belong in Daneland. My mother was a Dane. Her brother was a King of the Danes.”

“And what of you? Hm?” She asked.

One of the men squinted their eyes at her, “You have no right to talk to us like that. You are the daughter of a killer of Danes! You are the daughter of our enemy.”

“An enemy who you are now at peace with,” she pointed out.

“Is there a problem here?” Sigtryggr appeared, crossing his arms.

Stiorra raised her eyebrows at the men, who remained silent.

“So, I thought,” Sigtryggr said before walking back to the main part of the camp.

Stiorra felt her heart drop at him leaving. The men started working on their tents once again, ignoring her. She walked to the middle of the camp, dropping the branches down, and over to her own area. Everything she pictured her life to be here had been a fantasy and she began to have doubt it would ever come true.

**

The sun had set and the darkness of night took over. The light of the moon and the embers of the fire lit up the camp. The men were laughing and singing as they stuffed their faces with varying meats and cheeses. Stiorra pushed her food around, not feeling very hungry at the moment. She kept replaying the words of the two men from earlier.

Even though she stood up for herself, she wondered if any of their words were true. More specifically what they said about Sigtryggr. Would he grow tired of her? She had witnessed such happening with men, hell her own father had fallen in and out of love many times in his lifetime. This is why she never wanted to marry. She didn’t want to give her heart to someone, only for them to break in return. She saw what her father went through after the loss of her mother. How it pains him now to not be able to with Aelfflaed. She refused to allow that to happen to her.

Yet, she couldn’t refuse what she felt for Sigtryggr. Or at least what she thought she felt. Maybe it was more of a situational thing. He had been the only one to see her in Winchester. They spent many moments together, but what if that was all he wanted. What if he used her to gain information about her father? About England and the Saxons? Much of what they talked about had been about those things and now he was the King of Jorvik.

She could not take it anymore. She would not take it anymore. She was not going to sit around and wait for him to just discard her. She would not go running back to her father. She threw her plate down on the floor, spilling the remainder of food onto the Earth. Stiorra walked over to where Sigtryggr was speaking with his men. She cleared her throat, causing them all to look at her.

“I need to speak with you,” she said, firmly staring straight at Sigtryggr.

“Alone,” she added.

Sigtrygrr looked at his men, “Leave us be,” he nodded.

The men grumbled, getting up from their seats and walking over to join the others.

“Is something wrong?” He asked, once they were alone.

Stiorra looked at him, her eyes squinted in frustration, “Why am I here?”

He tilted his head in confusion, “What do you mean?”

“Why did you really bring me here?” She asked. “To Daneland with you?”

“Stiorra,” he shook his head. “I do not understand. You wanted to come here. So I brought you.”

“And that is all?” She asked. “You once asked me if I wanted to go to Daneland just to go or if I wanted to go with you. I told you what I wanted, but I guess I should have asked you what you wanted.”

His gaze fell on the men in the distance. They were all looking at them. Sigtryggr sighed, getting up and pulling Stiorra out from their gaze. Stiorra pulled her arm from his grasp and he held his hands up in defense.

“Was I just a pawn in your game?” She asked. “Someone to seek information from? And now that you got what you wanted, I am of no use to you any longer.”

“You are not a pawn in any game,” he said. “You never were and you never will be.”

“I will admit, when I found out who you were, I was interested in learning about your father and the Saxons,” he said. “But I never just wanted you for information.”

“Then what do you want from me?” She snapped. “You have not spoken to me in days. Your men do not want me here. I have no family. I know no one-”

“You have me,” he whispered, taking her hands in his. “I know I have been distant and I am sorry.”

“I have had to be strong all my life,” she whispered. “My mother left me. We were taken from my father. I have been left behind all my life. I refuse to allow it to happen again.”

Sigtryggr placed his forehead against hers, “I will never leave you. I swear to you that.”

Stiorra looked into his eyes, squeezing his hand as the worry inside of her went away.

[asher-writes]

AU Tag

Tagged by: @catharticallysarcastic

Rules: make an AU of a WIP on the spot and fill in the following intro categories. 

(Luckily for me, I am writing a Neon Glow AU atm)

AU Title:

When the Dust Settles

Setting:

Post-apocalyptic fantasy

Concept:

What if the characters of Neon Glow in Gold Dust were gods, or somehow became gods?

A series of short stories talking about the sort of gods they would be from people who meet them/have interacted with them.

Tiny Scene/Line:

We found him in the forest, as they said we would.

As children, we would leave offerings at the base of trees, in hollowed out logs or hanging from branches, to him. Gifts we were told that he would like; food, alcohol, chocolate coins, we’d write jokes that we thought would make him laugh.

The adults would tell us that we don’t do this to appease the god that lives in the forest—the one they call April—that as long as we are good to each other, he will never harm us. We do this because we love him, because he saved us all once, long before any of us were born.

As I grew older, I long since ceased my belief in him. Gods are the things of superstition and fairytales; they have no place in modern society. Maybe when this little village was founded, in the ashes of an old revolution, but not now, surely. We have no need for Gods, now.

Still, we found him in the forest. It turns out it doesn’t matter what I believe; what exists, is what exists.

He sat on a low branch of the large oak tree, cradling a bottle of aged wine with a look of excitement. At first, I didn’t recognize him as a God, he didn’t look powerful, he looked…young, like a teenager.

You can’t mistake those eyes, though, as they looked up to meet my own. Vibrant green, the colour of the freshest grass, with the shine of a candlelight over dinner. He smiled at me, and the smile had this allure, this physical pull that I couldn’t shake.

It was then I noticed the plants; I’d thought they were decoration at first, but as he slipped from the branch to approach me, I saw the way the stems burrowed into his skin, growing from him. The mushrooms rooted in the dark, loose, curls of his hair. My heart stammered, and my legs froze like a deer in the headlights.

Sat on the branch, is a robin, bright red flames engulfing its wings. April’s sometime companion, though none of us know what it truly is. It flutters away, unperturbed by its state, but clearly not in a rush to be around us.

“Don’t mind Ember,” April chuckles, watching the bird fly away, “…he’s not very chatty, not even to me, not any more.”

--

Tagging: @notwritinganyflufftoday @highasfantasy @oh-no-another-idea @nopoodles @bloodlessheirbyjacques @nikkywrites @blushroomx @spacetimewraithwrites @emelkae @writing-is-a-martial-art @ink-fireplace-coffee

[elsewhereuniversity]

My father whispered to me when he first held me, a name my mother loved, a name taken from a grandmother. Growing up, I would abandon it at the drop of a hat, in favor of a noun or the name of a character I liked, or a collection of syllables that tumbled jubilantly on my tongue. None of these lasted more than a week.

When I was nine, I read a very well-known fantasy book. It had been adapted into a very well-known movie. The protagonist had my name. She was bold (which I was not), and stubborn (which I was), and clever (which I hoped to be), and she was female.

On her, the name sounded vivid and bright, bold yellow sunshine and turquoise, like a forget-me-not. On me, it felt like things seen through a frosted-over window. Faded blue and the pale color of frozen butter, wisps of wrinkled wisteria.

When I was seventeen, the year I slipped on another set of pronouns like a beaded bracelet over my wrist (the year I learned I could have more than one set if I wanted to, the year I started collecting them as any magpie would), I slipped my given name off of my shoulders and folded it up in my cold hands. I found another name, one with a glowing orange ember nestled in twists of brown dark wood, and I brought it inside me and it warmed my core. The old name I would have returned, hung neatly on its hanger and delivered to my mother, but instead I kept it in an old dusty dressbox, to be taken out again and worn superficially, as a costume, when I attended certain family gatherings.

When I was eighteen, I went to university, a strange old college on a hill. I did not grow into a young woman, but I did not mind because I was me. For the first time no one I lived with knew my old, dead, wisteria-withered name. I burned orange, I burned bright. No one used their birth names there, which made it all the merrier, because that’s what college is for, right? Figuring out what fits you. I loved the name I’d chosen, but I still cycled through moniker after alias, just to feel the joy of the syllables.

I learned many things while I was there. I asked people before taking their pictures. I carried a supply of my own food. Iron washers from my thieving friends in the scene shop clangled joyfully around my neck (I experimented with personal style, queer as the self I was). I was kind to insects and I left milk outside my dorm room door at night, and I was delighted that no one chastised me, as my parents had, for being overfriendly to the wild animals. (You know, almost every animal likes attention at some point, and reading my stories out loud is a great way to justify quality time.)

I met people. I met professors who cared about my learning, fellow students with stories to share, RAs fiercer than any dragon to defend their charges. There was the sick new boy to whom I fed soup once, on a whim, when I was feeling homesick and making use of the kitchen, and later he gave me a blown glass flower. There was the kid who borrowed some of my baking butter, and was so profusely and profoundly grateful without ever quite saying “thank you.” There was the girl I met in my sophomore year, with the long black hair and five ear piercings, and we became best friends and we talked about names.

Her name started out rock-black, though I could never tell if that was simply an association with the color of her hair. In the middle, there sparkled the vowels and the twists of consonants, bright metal and stone in the depths of a cave. I didn’t quite believe all the stories she told, but then I read her some ones of mine that were not true. She’d named herself for a bird of the sea, plucked her girl’s name from one no one meant for a girl. We talked about ways one might come to know these things, and the kinds of things one could learn on the edges.

She liked the edges; she learned things. She bartered and gambled for changes of the kind she needed most. I worried for her rarely, because I knew she was so careful. But careful doesn’t always cut it out here.

The second week before graduation, I went looking for her. I found, readily enough, a place where she had been, and I found someone who didn’t want to give her back. I asked them what they wanted, and they asked what she was worth.

I would have said, “my life,” but then I would never see her again.

I would have said, “my heart,” but I needed that to love her.

So instead I said, “A name,” and I watched moon eyes glow with an unearthly-wide smile.

“Not any name will do,” said the mouth, and maybe something behind it.

“I will give you my birth Name, the one my mother gave me and my father whispered as I cried.”

They stretched out themself, and curled loose around me, and I knew I would have to sell this. So I said the name I hadn’t used in years, said it with all the cornflower and yellowyellowyellow of that heroine from long ago.

They gibbered, and they stretched out one palm, and my best friend in the entire world stood on the cobbles to my left, and, no time for happy reunions, we ran like hell across the sprinkler-soaked sidewalk for the saltlick safety of our dorm, because I didn’t know how long it would take the creature in the courtyard to realize all I’d given them was a handful of dried-up wisteria.

-Ism

[life-needs-a-bit-of-headcanons]

I have never asked for anything before and I don't know if this where I request. But uh can we have some fluffy yandereiplier x gender neutral reader? Like yandere gets jealous but instead of killing the person, Yandere just like, gets protective in a soft way? I don't know.

This sounds so cute :3 Thank's for the request!!

Fluffy Jealous Yandereiplier x Reader

* (y/n) = your name

*(y/f/n) = your friend's name

A/N: I'm not sure I did it right so if you have any constructive criticism or want it to be fluffier feel free to tell me and you can request something more!

• You two had been friends for a long time, you'd recently moved house and schools so you were new to the area and prepared to make new friends and Yanderipier loved every second of it, he loved you completely.

• Yandereiplier didn't love you at first sight. Looking back on it he thought he did but in all honesty? no • There was no "love-at-first-glance" or romantic music swelling or cherry blossom petals falling around you, none of that.

• Instead, it was a buildup, it was a quiet but undeniable build-up.

• He fell in love with your jokes he'd hear when he was walking by With the way he'd see you handle yourself in front of others while he was across the classroom, with the way you looked at him always so kindly when you spoke to him in class, with the way you were nice to him no matter what. And he began to get infatuated with the way he'd see your smile stretch across your face when you laughed and the corners of your eyes crinkled and he knew it was a real laugh. He fell with the way you were.

• And he fell hard.

• He even started to love how you walked, memorising how you carried yourself on different days feeling different things; Your handwriting, from the notes you'd passed to others during class and he mimicked your writing down to each letter, your 'style', and how he thinks you'd look so cute in one of his sweaters, honestly everything about you that you deemed unimportant, that you may think is nothing specifically tailored for you but since it's you doing it of course he'd love it.

• And this love for you, this infatuation of you, this want-no this need to be with you, to see you happy and make you happy planted seeds in his heart that blossomed in his chest, twining between his ribs and spreading to every fibre of his being. His chest ached every night when he was alone with his thoughts and his shrine of devotion from things he borrowed from you, little things you wouldn't miss, and made in your honour. He loved you. He loves you. He loves you, he loves you, he loves you.

• He watched you whenever he could, seeing your movements, noting who made you happy, what about them made you happy and how he could replicate that in himself. He was desperate for you to feel as good as you made him feel. And he was good at it too! Until you had sneaked up on him to properly introduce yourself, making him jump and drop his notebook adorned in love hearts and glitter.

• Your smile was so warm. Infectious. His face blew up in the deepest red blush you had ever seen, but excusing it as general anxiety you mercifully didn't comment on until later on in your friendship.

• Yandereiplier.EXE has stopped functioning. Systems overheating, blushing too furiously. Shutting down speech ability.

• The heavy aching in his chest from the flower of love you unknowingly nurtured and bloomed instantly lifted when you looked at him. He felt lighter, fuller, so so happy, feeling his rapid heartbeat pounding away. He felt as if you two were the only ones in the school, in the world, in the cosmic universe. He liked that thought.

• You had crouched down to pick up his fallen notebook but he had enough composure to beat you to it, and lo and behold you brushed hands. He wanted to never wash that hand again but knew you would probably like someone with better hygiene.

• You two were good friends from then on, joking about how that moment could have been in "Anime's top 10 most romantic scenes,"

Yandereiplier would always sputter at that.

• By now it had been a few good months, you two were inseparable. He'd always be giving you gifts, things you never knew how he'd know you liked. And sometimes things that he personally liked, like his prized hello-kitty hair clips and sticker packs that only you were allowed to touch beside himself, it was like a trust pact. You'd exchange secrets, stories and gifts, sometimes, to Yan's immense pleasure, even clothes.

• He knew everything about you, from your likes to your perfume, to your tells to your fantasies.

• He thought he knew everything about your life.

• He thought he knew everyone in it.

• But he was proved wrong. So very wrong.

• When you hadn't replied to his good morning text like you do every day he was instantly filled with worry. He knew your routine, that text message went off 5 minutes after your alarm, he always wanted to be on your mind in the morning so always texted you and if the alarm failed then the text tone would wake you.

• He was pacing around wondering if he should go to your house to check on you or if doing so would overstep any boundaries, trembling at the thought you'd finally had enough of him or were in danger.

He could barely be able to survive if you'd had enough of him but he knows he wouldn't be able to live if you were in danger and he wasn't there to protect you, the very thought sinking its claws into his mind and crawling up his skin leaving a trail of frigid goosebumps in its wake. • He grabbed his backpack and ran on out of the house way earlier than usual, sprinting to your house with the toast from breakfast in his mouth since he didn't have the time to spare to eat it at home on his way to yours.

• And when he got to your house, his stomach fell and the blooming flower in his heart burnt with a fire that licked at his skin, scathing his organs and clogging his lungs with thick smoke and reducing his once light and happy heart to cinders. And with the last embers he possessed, he managed to find the will to take the toast out of his mouth and say "Hey (y/n),"

• You turned around to see him, overjoyed as your two best friends will now get to meet each other! "Yan! Hi!" you said still hugging your friend, "This is (y/f/n), they surprise visited me today!"

• Yan gave a meek wave, too enraptured by the biggest smile he'd ever seen on your face, every vein in his body burning with guilt and anger he wasn't able to make you smile like that.

• (y/f/n) turned to see Yan and greeted them happily, still clinging on to you, "So you're Yan? Nice to meet you," they smiled.

• Yandereiplier would have said a curt hello, probably just ignored them completely were it not for the twitch of guilt he knows he'd feel to be seen as rude in front of you.

• "Hello (y/f/n). Nice to meet you too," he strained to smile

• And it was like that for the whole day because your friend not only had to walk you to school instead of Yan, but they furthered their surprise by spending the day at the school for some stupid transfer day and it was ruining everything. They weren't supposed to be able to touch you like that! Yan, as much as he hated the thought of you being uncomfortable, did try to look for any sign you were in discomfort but knew every conclusion was his bias.

• They had their arm around your shoulder. They made you laugh and smile all day but he loves your smile too much to be angry at that but his mind did wander to different ways to torture them should they be the cause of your smile vanishing. He watched, gripping his pen tightly in frustration as he watched from across the classroom how close you two were, how you easily talked fondly of secrets that had taken him months for you to be willing to share, you were joking, teasing each other, sitting closely, swapping stationary, whispering, the pen broke and splattered ink all over his hand and his work.

• What did they have that he didn't? What did they have he couldn't replicate in himself? What did he have to do to get you to love him as much as you obviously love them in whatever way you do.

• You were all sitting together at lunch, Yan quietly eating from his bento box while still, you and your friend talked. The rage still bubbling and blistering inside of him. But he kept quiet. He began shaking, anger coursing through his blood attacking all his thoughts. But he kept quiet. The heavy weight in his chest returning, aching for you once again despite being just a bit away, the crippiling aching. But he tried his best to keep quiet. The need to be the one by your side, to not only see you happy but make you happy, the need to be the one there making you happy because if it's not him then that means he- ... That means you don't need him. If someone else can make you happy just like you deserve to be then.. then it doesn't matter if it's him. If anyone can do it then he isn't needed specifically. You don't need him. Not like how he needs you.

• A shaky breath shook from his lungs, as he placed his chopsticks back in his lunch, the food now making him nauseous.

• His mind iitches to darker thoughts. Of hurting your friend. Of taking you far away so you rely on him; so you need him.

• ...

• No.

• No that isn't right he hates that.

• You'll never love him if he ever did anything like that.

• You deserve so much better than that.

• So, instead of waiting for you to love him as much as you do (y/f/n)

• He'll make you fall for him. No one can be him except himself and in that way, even if it's only in that way, he is irreplaceable. And you deserve someone as devoted as him.

• He marched back on out there pouting heavily as he watched you two sitting so close. He's on a mission.

• He takes all of his courage and he sits beside you, blushing like crazy to the point your friend thinks he's sick but he assures them he's fine as he offers you some of his bento, offering to feed you with his chopsticks so he can lean in close and try feel you blush too.

• Yan touches you more throughout the day, all where you're comfortable and have previously said you're okay being touched, trading books you brush fingers, he says there's a spider on your head so you can get close and "remove it and save you!", he wipes an eyelash from your cheek and smiles, saying for you blow it off his finger to make a wish, sending you notes holding compliments and doodles of hearts during class so you can once again brush fingers little things like that.

• Yan is also constantly offering you things much more than usual, he already got you little gifts, you'd help him overcome most of his anxiety about spending hours, days, even weeks worrying over picking the perfect present for you and instead giving you whatever he thinks you could possibly like, like shiny and pretty rocks, cute pencils, his favourite most prized hello kitty hair-pin, you didn't accept that last one knowing it would destroy him to part with it which hinted about what was going on.

• As much as Yan knew you, you also knew him.

• You knew his breath would get shaky when he wants something but is too scared to ask for it. You knew he was being more clingy, not that you minded in the least, except for he clearly wanted to do more.

• You knew he didn't want to burden you with his problems so he likely wouldn't say what it is, especially with someone he didn't know all too well around.

• (y/f/n) excused themself for a bit while Yan who was currently fawning over. the band you said you liked last week he memorised all their songs just so he could talk about them with you and hear the facts you knew about them that he already knew but loved the way your eyes lit up when you told him what you thought was something new.

• Thanking any gods, demons or supernatural entities for the time alone Yandereiplier engulfed you in a hug from behind, arms securely wrapped around your chest and face nuzzeling against your hair. He would have done this earlier but he didn't know if you were okay with this sort of affection in front of people so as painful as it was, he waited for so long to be alone with you.

• "Hey Yan, are you doing okay?" • "Of course! I'm with you, my darling!" • "Aww, your darling?" you teased him, his face once again exploding in a deep blush as he buried his face in the crook of your neck to hide his shame.

• He really meant his darling. No matter which way you interpreted 'darling' to be, he meant it as so much more.

• This was the last thing that tipped you off to what he was really after,

• When your friend returned, Yan was hyping himself up to be able to leave the warm hug that let you be in his arms, desperately waiting to not tear himself from you but even more desperate to not make you uncomfortable.

• "Heya y/n!" your friend called

• You held Yan's arms in place, leaning back against him, holding him in place. Yan now wasn't the only one with a mission.

• A long drawn out wheeze escaped his throat as you felt his face heat up against your shoulder through your clothes, slightly worried for him, you turned your head to him while (y/f/n) talked about something Yandereiplier couldn't bring himself to pay attention to you as he savoured the moment, memorising every feeling, every touch, every scent, everything he can as if it were his first time ever being near you, locking this memory in place so he can remember it for those cold lonely nights and for the rest of his life.

• The when saw Yan again, you saw his mouth fall open, bobbing open and closed like a fish as he struggled to articulate his thoughts while you stood before him in the sweater he left at yours a while ago. It smells of his cologne and he can smell it on you.

• His sweater. His.

• He was sure he had ascended at the very moment for the angel he saw wearing his sweater, in his clothes, his. His!!!! And he promises to worship you and treat you like the Angel you are, even if you don’t always see it in yourself. You are his Angel. And the flower bloomed in his chest all over again.

• You're his and he is yours. That's how it always will be.

• And he supposes, it's not all bad having (y/f/n) around. He'll do whatever it takes to keep you happy. He'll protect whatever makes you happy too.

• (y/f/n) also has so many good stories on you that Yan adores hearing and he gets to hear more about your life!

• Just don't forget him. Please. He loves you. So much. He'll always love you. No matter what.

[nocluewhatsupg]

Michael, Brahms, Jason, and Billy being dragged on a hiking trip

Michael Myers

What

Wack

Mildly amused by whatever he finds along the trail

Does not complain, somehow keeps that creepy speed-walk for the entire trip

You’ve got no clue how he feels, but you’re certain he’d rather be anywhere else

Might push you into the lake if he’s bored (and you’re around one)

Might try to trip you by suddenly walking both ahead of you and over you (he’s more important).

Doesn’t want to leave his signature jumpsuit no matter how much you nag, instantly regrets his decision once he’s covered in sweat and his clothes are scratched and covered in scrapes from thorns he wandered into. Won’t admit it, though.

Wears the fucking mask. You may be able to wrestle him into a short sleeved shirt and sweatpants with a lot of careful persuasion, but the mask is non negotiable. He also pours water from your bottle directly onto the mask. Maybe he drinks from the eye holes, who knows. You have no clue how it’s in such good condition.

Speaking of wandering into thorns, he’ll wander off the trail. No need to go after him or worry, he’s a real survivalist , and he’ll either find his way back to your car, or you’ll hear of a recent massacre in a nearby town...

Glares at anyone you may encounter, standing behind you menacingly. Funny, people are so rude to just hurry past you, and not greet you...

Drinks from the lake too, despite your protests. Should’ve brought him some fucking fruit juice or something.

Will find a squirrel, or whatever animal he can choke the life out of, and promptly place it in your hands.

Take him home now or you’re next.

The trip ends there, and went just as bad as you expected.

If there’s a visitor’s office, he’ll be fascinated by the trinkets for sale. He doesn’t want one, and might strangle you if you point out a magnet or key chain with his name on it. If you’re immortal, you might buy one just to fuck with him later. He shoplifts some food, mainly dried jerky, while making direct eye contact with the poor cashier (who is currently wondering if their job is really worth it).

Stares at the taxidermy animals stuffed on the walls. Idly wonders if he can get you stuffed when you eventually die. If he’s in a good mood, he’ll point to the morbid work of art, then to you until you get the point. He doesn’t want your opinion. He just wants you to know he’ll think about doing it. How sweet of him.

There are some cheap stamps on a table, meant for small passports you can buy to track where you’ve been (if it’s a large, government funded park). Michael will allow you to stamp (and maybe thirst over) his hand, but only after you’ve stamped your own hand first. Just in case. Mildly panicked when he couldn’t rub it off. There was obviously no emotional reaction, but his sharp blue eyes betrayed his fear. You quickly reassured him it would come off, and he relaxed. Looked very dead inside, and you would be dead on the outside and in if you mentioned it.

Next time, you hike by yourself, and find that he’s lurking in the shadows. How he got there before you is beyond you, but he’s there. Mission passed?

(Secretly enjoyed the outdoors, just doesn’t want to do what you tell him)

Brahms Heelshire

Props on you for getting him out of his mansion. You’re most likely walking around the estate’s vast property, the most you could convince him to go.

He is whining, tugging on your sleeve, begging to go back inside.

He is not tired, or sore, or uncomfortable. Going out was never part of the rules. There was no need to do so.

Brahms grows more and more irritated as you continue, and you realize why you never saw parents with small children on the trails.

Snap at him and he’ll snap right back, picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder. He takes you, screaming and kicking, back inside. You yell at him for a good long while, and by the time child-Brahms is back and begging for your forgiveness, you’ve lost the mood to hike. With a sigh, you leave him in the kitchen, and turn to lock yourself away in your room. He isn’t far, however..

Assuming you bit your tongue and stayed silent (as you did with many of his strange mannerisms), he just might shut up long enough for you to begin to enjoy the thick British forest. Mossy stones and vine covered trees, all much older than you could begin to imagine.

You might have a better chance at hiking in peace if you tie it into the schedule, opting to tell a fantasy story about goblins or fairies as you both walk through the very land the story could just take place in. Distracted, he’ll become enthralled in your story, and throwing you over his shoulder, taking you where he wants to be, will slowly slip out of his mind. You aren’t safe, though.

The sun dips below the trees, and you realized just how long you’ve been wandering around. There was still no sight of the fences that close the land off.

At the suggestion (or command, really. You are the one in charge. Maybe.) Brahms stands very still. The porcelain mask tilts upwards, to the multicolored sky, and he asks to sleep under the stars. The novel the two of you read back in the mansion had just been through a chapter where the characters slept outside, and it was only natural he wanted to experience it too.

You sigh. There aren’t any proper materials to really camp, but you didn’t want to let him down. So, you compromise. You’d start a small fire, and you’d both sit around it until it grew too cold and the flames weren’t enough. There was no sleeping on the ground, but it would be a curious idea to do in the summer.

Brahms lost interest in the fire faster than you thought. He stared at it for a good ten minutes, then began to pester you. He realized it was nothing special, it was just like the ones inside. Plus, he’s spent far too much time outside and a chill was beginning to crawl down his spine, shown to you when he’d swirl his head around to stare at the pitch black forest.

Whispering, as if to not wake the world around you, you urge him to sit still and enjoy. He doesn’t. It’s too cold. When he sits closer to the fire, it’s too hot. You throw another stick of wood into the orange flames and tell him to go inside. That won’t work either, because he wants you to go in with him.

Without a word, you place your face sharply into your palms. Your hot exhales warmed your hands, and accurately expressed the sparking embers of frustration inside your stomach. Brahms shuffles nervously, not wanting you to act out of normal, but also not wanting to do anything about it. He’s real complex, isn’t he?

Eventually, you agree to go inside. You always have to do what he wants in the end. You’re too tired to shout at him when he sheepishly asks you to sleep with him. You kiss the porcelain begrudgingly, and shuffle off to your room.

He watches you a little longer, from the walls. Just to make sure you’ve got no plans to leave.

Then maybe sneaks into your bed. What? Why are you upset? You looked cold. He’s doing you a favor. Thank him. No he won’t leave, you’ll freeze to death.

Billy Lenz

Actually having a good time.

He’s nervous, as always, but he was far too distracted by the sudden change in surroundings to care.

Of course he’d been outside before, gone to parks in his childhood just as everyone had, but they weren’t trips he could enjoy.

Here, it’s just you, him, and the great outdoors.

Things start off well, with him stopping occasionally to touch a weird plant, or to point out a bug that scuttled behind a tree.

He walked oddly, hands in his back pockets and he was rather hunched over his own figure. He seemed rather awkward, and when you’d remind him he was fine, he’d stand up straighter and give you an unsure smile. Most annoyingly, he’d swing his elbows with each step. They often smacked into yours, and you never earned an apology.

You told him he’d get tired like that, and all he did was shout “Hogwash!” at you in an accent you couldn’t quite put your finger on, and continue. He swung harder just because he could, nearly twisting himself around with intensity, and you earned a bruise or two when he’d lean closer to you.

Predictably, he grew tired, and complained.

Congrats, you’re walking with a human radio that never turns off.

Offers to take your water bottle, and drinks it all while you’re distracted by the scenery.

Speaking of scenery, he doesn’t care. Billy might point out how a mountain off in the distance looks like a certain shot in a movie he watched years ago, or suddenly begin rambling about a plot of another film whose setting reminded himself of where he walked now. It’s interesting to listen to, sure, but he goes on for hours. Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to care if you don’t pay attention.

He will hiss and snarl at anyone you may encounter on the trail, either mocking them if they greet him (or you), or mock your response (or theirs). Please hope you don’t run into anyone with an accent, because he’ll speak in a poor reenactment of it for the rest of the trip.

Is incredibly hypocritical and will become upset if you cross paths with a group of loud hikers. Will scream how it’s rude to ruin the peace. Once the group silences, he will unconsciously begin to mumble or talk to you. Prepare for nasty stares.

Will stop to pee at least three times, both going and coming back. How many times he actually needed to was beyond you, but he did take an awful long time each stop. You do know for certain he flat out spat on the ground one time, then stood still for four minutes.

Secretly wants to go into the lake, but doesn’t say anything about it. You eventually pick up on the look in his wild eyes, and when you gesture to the deep blue water, he wastes no time jumping in. Will slip on a rock, misjudging just how slippery the lake bottom becomes, and is now completely drenched from head to toe. Billy refuses to get undressed, and becomes very uncomfortable if you do when/if you join him. That basically ends that if you are female, he’ll frown and carry a snarl in his words, mumbling something about appeal and trickery. He doesn’t discriminate either, the reaction is similar if you are male, although he doesn’t become nearly as upset. If you don’t go in (the best choice, really), sitting on the sandy shore and keeping your feet into the cool lake, he’ll throw water on you anyway. Rest in peace, your dry clothes. Refusing to surrender to your local attic rat, a playful fight ensues, and for that moment, you almost forget what a monster he is. Maybe it’s best you keep that locked away.

You win, and he bites your shoulder in bitter defeat. It’s not even in a sexy way or anything. He just fucking bites you. You’re lucky it doesn’t bleed much, the wound rather shallow, but it still hurt.

>:(

In his mind, he won, and that’s final. Will brag about his victory the entire ride home.

(shitpost: you cry about your wound, and get him to gingerly reach an arm out to touch it. You take this distraction to bite his wrist. Billy screams so loud all the windows in every car shatters instantly. He pulls away from you, clutching his injured wrist, and shouts every profanity he could think of. You both are not so kindly asked to never return to the park ever again.)

Jason Voorhees

Walking through Crystal Lake? No. You can’t do that. No, y/n, that’s his cursed campground. Go find your own.

You are, however, allowed to walk around the lake. Outside the parameters of the camp, he’s still a little on edge that you’re alive, but he’ll let you. Don’t say he never did anything for you.

He doesn’t make a single sound as he follows you from a slight distance, through bushes and low hanging branches, he’s silent. You turn around and see him standing there, machete in hand, watching.

A chill is constantly going down your spine, and no matter how much you trust him, your brain absolutely does not agree. About fifteen minutes into your hike, you swore you could hear a faint “ch ch ah ah” whispered through the trees.

If you call him out on it, he’ll simply shrug his broad shoulders, then turn his mask slowly to look ahead. He urges you to continue, so he can return to patrolling his beloved camp and slaughtering everything that breaths.

He isn’t being malicious, he cares about you, in some odd fashion. It is only natural for humans to long for companionship, and he is desperate for anything that returns him to a time when he was afraid of a hunter’s gun. You however, in all your beauty, are simply not enough to tear him away from his supernatural duty. Nothing is.

Returning home from the awkward hike, you invite him inside your house, a small two story cabin nestled just outside the camp grounds.

He agrees, shuffles into your living room, and stands there.

Jason parks himself just next to the small television, a spot he’d been to so often there was an outline of eternal mud and grime in the shape of perfect (and large) boots. 

He stares at you as you go through your daily routine, as you cook dinner and eat it. As you watch some television, or read a book, or catch up on your favorite hobby. Jason is aware he’s free to leave whenever he wants, do whatever he pleases, but he doesn’t want to. He’s perfectly content with just standing there, far too nervous to actually interact with you.

The sky gets darker, and the crickets begin to chirp loudly. You tell him goodnight, get no response, and head upstairs. He waits a few moments, turns off your living room lights, and vanishes back into the thick, New Jersey woods. Duty calls.

[nightshade-minho]

-Embers- (2)

warnings: heavy-ish suggestiveness, future smut, themes of heartbreak and pain, mentioned parent death, jealousy, angry fathers.

wc: 5.7k

Heartbreak.

It's something you've thought about, in theory. You've wondered how it feels to be heartbroken, especially when you were younger, when almost everything was of interest to your curious brain. Could a heart break? What exactly did that mean? 

Mr Yang's novels were your first introduction to characters who'd gone through that pain. His books had described it as a perpetual feeling of hurt, one which a person would never get over. You wondered if it was even possible to experience pain like that. Pain so bad you felt your heart shattering.

You still remembered that day you thought about it properly for the first time.

***

You shut your book and looked over at Minho, who had been cloudgazing as he waited for you to finish it. Days like this were common. Minho would get you a new book every week, and the two of you would go to the lake and laze around in the sun. You often worried that Minho would find it boring to sit next to you while you read, having nothing to do. On the contrary, he was quite content with the way things were. He liked how warm the grass felt against his skin, and how calming the sounds of rippling water were as he rested his head against Aeracus’s side.

"Wow. That definitely didn't end on a good note." You shook your head, letting out a sigh and laying back.

Minho glanced up at you, sitting up slightly. "You finished it? So soon?"

"Mhm. I got a little too invested in the story."

"Ah. If I'd known you would read it this fast, I would have borrowed more than one from him."

"It's okay, I can wait a few days.' You say, your tone reassuring as you placed Mr Yang's precious book next to you on the grass, carefully. The man put great care into binding and writing his books, all by hand with no one to assist him. You didn’t want to be the one to soil his hard work.

"Good, cause I'm not going back there so soon. There's three girls who have basically set up camp outside Mr Yang's to catch a glimpse of me."

You rolled your eyes, playfully shoving him. "You act like you're a celebrity or something. We get it, you have a lot of fangirls."

"And fanboys. Some of them are quite cute actually. Just last week a dude proposed to me."

"No way. He proposed?"

"Yeah." He let out a low chuckle. "I think I recognized him from the docks. Seen him once or twice, but I've never said a word to him. I felt bad though, he was actually pretty."

"You should have said yes." You pouted, holding back a giggle. "I've always wanted to be maid of honor at a wedding."

Minho shook his head, sitting up and scooting over. Grabbing your waist, he pulled you into him, so that the both of you were curled up against his sleeping dragon.

"Maid of honor?"

"Yeah! I mean, what's the point of having a best friend if you don't get to play that crucial role in their wedding?"

Minho sighed, looking over at you with a fond smile as he bit his cheek. "Oh Y/n, what am I going to do with you? Maid of honor." He chuckled again at the exaggerated pout you flashed him, poking his side. “What’s so funny?”

There was silence for a few minutes as he looked up at the sky, eyes running over a cloud that looked a little like a five-pointed star. Humming, he leaned in a little.

A short inhale before he whispered into your ear, lips brushing against the shell of it and making your hairs stand on end.

"I hate to break it to you Y/n, but you'll never be maid of honor at my wedding." He mumbled softly, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear.

"Cause you'll be the bride."

For a minute, a stunned look passed over your face as you comprehended his words. It took a whole 60 seconds for you to process, but soon you swatted at his hand, descending into a fit of hopeless giggles at his cheesy line. "Shut up!"

"Hey! I was being serious." he had an offended look on his face as he held your chin, making you face him again.

You looked at his expression and stopped, your cheeks flushing as you realized he meant it. Your heart was racing, your eyes blinking rapidly as your mushy mess of a brain tried to figure out what an appropriate, mature response would be.

Quickly you pushed him off you, stumbling to your feet and beginning to run. So much for being mature.

"Race you home!"

Minho watched you run, shaking his head and sighing to himself as he slowly picked himself up. If only you knew how sincere he was.

If only he knew your heart hadn't stopped pounding for the rest of the night.

Mr Yang's books had been the main contribution to your adolescent fantasies, to be honest. As the local librarian, he supplied you with a regular supply of books, but none were as satisfying as the ones he wrote himself. His writing was descriptive on another level, and pulled you in like no other author could. He was your greatest inspiration, which was why his description of heartbreak had been the one to stick with you the most, all the way to adulthood.

It was described as a lingering emotion in the back of your head, staying with you your whole life to remind you of what could have been. It was nauseating, painful and everlasting. He'd written about the emotion so intensively, that at the time you almost felt like you did truly know how it felt.

You were wrong.

Heartbreak, real heartbreak, was a lot less pain and a lot more emptiness. Yes, it did feel like all those things mentioned before- but there was more to it than that. Your heart, which had been brimming with excitement and happiness not too long ago, felt void. Dark, lifeless. It had been so sudden, so out of the blue that your emotions were a confused jumble.

Of course, there was pain too- agony, more like. Ripping through your entire being as you watched him kiss her cheek yet again. It was so all consuming, so terrifyingly excruciating.

You were across the dinner table by your father's side, the spoon in your hand held in a tight grip as you tried your best to avert your eyes from the sight. After all, you were currently sat at the table with three other chiefs and their families, as well as a few advisors and high ranking guards. You had to look refined and elegant, a person befitting the title of Ember’s heir- not a gawking, bitter girl staring at your once lover canoodling with his fiancée.

Finally managing to tear your eyes away, you let your eyes run over the guests that would be staying with you for the next few weeks. You reminded yourself that you were in no position to be a dejected, woeful and pathetic individual in front of all these important people. Appearances had to be kept up, or you would face dire consequences. Your father’s pride was hurt enough as it is, what with his daughter being the only one who couldn’t participate in the championships. You didn’t want to give him any more reasons to hate you.

Next to your father was the Aqua chief, his wife and their daughter- Minho’s fiancée. They were dressed in blue silks, dripping with sapphires and lapides lazuli. The royal blue draped around them was deep, the fabric clearly expensive and not too unlike the dress you were wearing currently. 

The Aqua heiress was the spitting image of her mother, both their faces round and their features pretty. She was dressed similarly to her parents, with a tiny diadem upon her brown locks, her gown objectively fancier than yours. She continued talking to Minho, the plate of food in front of her untouched.

Minho.

You hated how beautiful he looked, dressed in white and grey. His uniform was simple, all clean lines and crisp edges. It suited him perfectly, like it was made for him. Which it probably was. 

The two of them seemed to be in their own little world as Minho whispered something into her ear, making her giggle yet again. Your throat felt clogged. Blinking, you quickly looked away from them, your eyes landing on Minho’s father. He looked the same as he always did, except now slightly frailer. He was wearing the same uniform as his son, although he didn’t quite fill it out the same way. You chewed on your lip, glancing at him one last time before turning to the Terra family. 

The Terra chief was a rotund, pot-bellied man who had his attention completely focused on his plate, not contributing much to the conversation the three other chiefs were having. You couldn’t blame him, really- the maids had cooked up a delightful feast. You were sure you’d have devoured your entire plate by now if circumstances had been different. The empty feeling in your stomach was making it hard to savour the roast beef, which you reluctantly ate. 

He and his wife were both dressed in earthly, neutral tones combined with deep greens- and positively covered in every kind of jewel found under the Earth. The rubies on your dress looked like chili flakes in comparison to the twinkling emeralds and gems on the Terra family.

Their son, the Terra heir, looked just as miffed as you, to be honest. He wasn’t as bejewelled as his parents, wearing a shade of green that provided you comfort as you looked at him. It reminded you of the grass near the lake you and Minho once frequented.

He caught your gaze suddenly. Smiling, his heart-shaped lips curving upwards. He shot a glance towards Minho and his girl, and then back at you, raising an eyebrow.

You tried your best to smile back, or give him a knowing wink, or something. But all you could do was stare blankly, your emotions having been sucked out of you. You still failed to comprehend what had happened, your brain seemingly giving up on you and leaving you alone with nothing but your broken heart for company.

Soon enough, the smile melted away from the man's face, and he looked back down at his plate, a little dejected. You felt a flash of regret, fleeting however as you suddenly felt a sharp voice whispering in your ear.

You looked up in confusion at your father, who had previously been immersed in a conversation with Minho’s father and the Aqua chief. Now his face was right by your ear.

"Number one, stop staring. You’re lucky I’m the only one who noticed. Number two, stop by my office before you go to sleep tonight, okay? It’s important." He said, voice stern.

Gulping and nodding, you watched as he turned away, diving right back into the conversation he was having. What did he possibly want to talk about? You rarely talked to your father these days, unless arguments could be counted.

You spent the rest of the meal in contemplation, staring down at your plate. Your hand moved methodically, shoving food into your mouth without actually tasting anything; All you could taste was regret.

It hurt. It hurt so fucking bad. Despite not looking up, her giggle still pierced your ears from time to time, stabbing you deep in the heart. You'd seen it...the way Minho had been looking at her. He'd once reserved such looks for you and you only. Turns out, every meaningful word he'd said back then were lies. Every promise of forever had been empty.

A small part of you reminded yourself that it wasn't his fault he was kicked out from your village. He’d thought you didn’t oppose your father, and simply watched as he and his father was humiliated. Were you being irrational in expecting him to have stayed single until he came back to you? Hell, was it stupid to think he could even bear to glance at you after what your father had did?

Life was unpredictable, nothing was written in stone. How could he even have known he'd ever be in the same room as you again?

No. Y/n, don't do this. Don't force yourself to make up excuses for him. The man had barely cast a glance at you since he arrived. His eyes had been cold and stony the only time you'd made eye contact. 

Besides, if he really knew you, he would have known you wouldn’t betray him like that. And if he really loved you, he would have waited. He wouldn’t have moved on so easily. 

It was still fresh in your mind, despite having happened a few hours ago, now. The way you’d felt your hopes and dreams shattering to the ground in a million pieces, all in a span of a few seconds. Your heart, vibrating so fast it was almost going to implode.

As you continued drowning in your emotions, reliving the pain you'd felt, you suddenly felt a pair of eyes burning into you, sharply. Confused, you looked up, expecting the Terra heir to be the one looking back at you.

It wasn't him.

Minho quickly looked away before you could react, going back to talking to the heiress. It had only been for a second, but you’d caught him.

He’d been staring. At you. For a second, the tiniest flash of hope lit up your heart. But it was gone quickly, as the Aqua chief started laughing boisterously at a question the Terra chief's wife had asked.

"Yes, Jisu and Minho are deeply in love, Calandra. Honestly. Why would they be getting married otherwise?" He smiled, looking over at the two who had stopped talking to listen.

"This one-" He ruffled his daughter's head, chuckling. "She was so smitten. Kept sneaking out past the border to meet him. Of course when I found out, I was more than happy to let them join hands. I couldn’t imagine a son better than Minho to marry my little girl."

"That's sweet." You glanced up at your father as he said the words. He seemed to be gritting his teeth in slight vexation, the annoyance on his face clear. At least, to you it was.

"The wedding will take place a month after the championships." Minho's father said suddenly, smiling proudly as he grabbed a glass of wine. "You're all invited, of course. It will take place at my village. Now, raise a glass for the happy couple!"

A few claps sounded as everyone at the table raised their glasses. You carefully avoided Jisu's shy smile and Minho's confident smirk, his arm wrapped around her shoulder firmly. As if she would break into a million pieces if he let go.

You hated that you knew exactly how he behaved when he was in love. And now you weren’t on the receiving end of his adoration. 

You weren’t used to this. 

Yes, you’d lived your life as normally as you could without him for the past few years...but this was different. He was right there, and yet he wasn’t yours. So close, but you couldn’t touch him. Couldn’t feel him. Couldn’t kiss his lips and tell him how much he meant to you.

Your eyes darted about as they tried to find an appropriate thing to focus your gaze on. You raised your glass like everyone else, downed the amber liquid a little faster than the rest. You refused to let yourself look at the two.

Your eyes landed on the Terra heir after a few seconds. You weren't completely sure what his name was, but you have a vague recollection of your father telling you everyone’s names. Of course, at the time you’d been too overcome with excitement to digest the information.

Felix? Yes, that was it.

He seemed sweet. Friendly, even. His smile was a little sympathetic as he looked back at you, and that threw you off. You decided to put a smile on your face immediately, trying to conceal the pain that you’d hoped wasn’t evident.

Your mind flitted back and forth as everyone’s plates gradually cleared up. What were you going to do after this? 

Originally, you'd been planning to go to Minho's room tonight. Fuck, you’d dreamed of how tonight would go for months now, ever since your father had told you the news. But how could you now? 

Everything was fucking disintegrating.

***

You walked down the hallway to your father's office, your heels clicking against the stone slabs. Your dress was starting to feel itchy, and you couldn’t wait to take it off. You resentfully recalled how excited you’d felt when your maids had helped you into it. How all you could think about was Minho seeing you in it. You’d never expected him to barely acknowledge you.

Sighing, you passed through the hallway, stopping when you heard a high-pitched giggle come out of nowhere.

Furrowing your eyebrows, you glanced around you in confusion. 

Another laugh, this one deeper, followed by what seemed like a...moan?

The pain came back full force, hurtling through you and overtaking you completely. As you walked, the sounds started to feel closer. You wished you could cover your ears to block them out, but at the same time you were consumed with curiosity. Was it what you think it was?

Suddenly, you heard another sound. Now, it was clear where they were coming from.

The sounds were from beyond the door that led to your father's old bedroom, the one he used to share with your mother before she died. You frowned, puzzled as you walked closer to the door.

Had he really given away that room to Minho and his fiancée? It hadn't been used in years, and had always been covered up and inaccessible. Even the maids weren’t allowed to clean in there. It was the biggest bedroom in the house, and the thought of it occupied by them was causing fresh tears to prick at your eyes. 

You felt the lump in your throat make itself more prominent, blinking rapidly as your heart pounded. Suddenly, your legs started moving of their own accord.

Before you knew it, you were stood in front of the large door, your hand raised and knocking firmly on the gilded wood as you swallowed.

There was complete silence for a second or two, but then there were scrambling noises, along with the sound of rustling bedsheets. You tried to calm the beating of your heart, as you waited for the door to open.

When it finally did, you felt like your heart was almost about to burst out of your chest.

She was the one who opened it. She was clearly half naked, having pulled on a blue robe hastily. Running a hand through her hair, she greeted you, her voice a little shaky.

"Oh- um, hello…” She pressed her lips together, glancing behind her for a second. You followed her gaze, to Minho on the bed.

He was shirtless, his hair messed up and his eyes carefully trained on the wall beside him, away from you. You swallowed again, tears threatening to spill past your eyes as you quickly tried to turn your attention back to the woman in front of you.

Too late. She'd noticed. She frowned at you, subtly moving to the side a little to cover Minho from your view.

"I know we haven't formally met yet. I'm Choi Jisu, the Aqua heiress. I’m sure you know." She smiled, albeit a little forced. "And I did want to thank you for letting us stay-"

There was an impatient grunt from behind her, and she looked behind back briefly before turning to you once more.

"Um, I don’t know if you noticed, but I was kind of in the middle of something. Sorry." She tried her best to hide her smile, her voice heavily insincere. “Let’s talk later, Y/n. And maybe next time you won’t be interrupting anything.” She smiled, beginning to close the door.

"Later." 

You just stood there dumbfounded, not knowing how to reply. Your face was passive but your brain was overrun with thoughts. The tears would spill any minute now. 

She frowned at your reaction, tilting her head before gently shutting the door in your face.

You just stood there for a moment. You could hear Minho's voice, muffled as he said something to her.

A part of you wanted to press your ear to the door and listen, but you already looked pathetic enough to the guards standing in the hallway, one of them already having flashed you a sympathetic look. You were really having enough of all this fucking sympathy.

Sighing, you dragged your feet away, trying to push everything down, but to no avail. There were too many enotions, and they were too heavy to even let you think. 

You thought back to her behaviour. You'd definitely picked up on her attitude, which had soured after she’d caught you looking at her fiancé. Jisu wasn’t a fan of you, that much was clear. And neither was the person who’d once declared himself your biggest fan. Ironic, really.

***

“Who was at the door?” Minho asked carefully, although he’d already seen you. Standing there, looking at him. 

You’d looked smaller, vulnerable. So, so different. Almost alarmingly so.

He tried to best to keep his tone even, eyes trained on Jisu as she slunk back to the bed, having shut the door.

“The Ember heiress.” She said, a slight sting to her tone. “Why do you think she came?” She asked, raising an eyebrow as she sat on the edge of the bed.

“I...don’t know.” Minho muttered, staring at the bedsheets. His heart was clenching, hands starting to shake a little. 

No. Not in front of Jisu.

“Weren’t you two ‘best friends’ once?” She asked carefully, having picked up on his icy behavior. Jisu knew, of course. Despite Minho and you trying to keep it a secret, at one point the entire village came to know the two of you were in love. The information had even spread across the village, to others. 

Of course, the chiefs were the only ones who’d been clueless, only finding out after they’d been separated.

Minho scoffed, shaking his head. He gestured to her, hooking his fingers under his boxers to pull them down. “Forget that. Come back here, baby.”

Jisu raised an eyebrow, looking like she wanted to say more. However, Minho’s almost naked body was difficult to resist.

Shrugging, she slid her robe off, letting the silk fall to the floor as she straddled him. His hands ran up her hips, watching her, feeling her. 

His brain, however, felt like it was a million miles away.

***

The tears ran down your face. You were no longer able to hold them back. Realizing you were probably about to break down in the middle of the hallway, you walked faster towards the office- 

Until you bumped into someone on the way, almost knocking them over.

“Woah, woah, slow down.” Felix chuckled, holding onto your arms to keep you on your feet.

You looked up at him, blinking as you registered what you’d just done. “Fuck- I’m so sorry-”

“No, it’s okay.” He smiled, realizing his hands were still on you. He quickly took them away, tucking them into his pockets. His cheeks were dusted a light pink as he cleared his throat, looking at you in concern.

You quickly wiped away your tears, but Felix had unfortunately already noticed.

“Hey, are you okay? I noticed... I noticed you didn’t seem so happy at the dinner.” He said softly, looking down at you. 

You remained silent, staring at the floor as you wondered how to reply. You didn’t want to seem any more pitiable than you already were.

“Uh, it’s okay if you don’t want to say anything. I’m sorry if I overstepped.” He shook his head, stepping back slightly. His voice was almost more nervous than yours. “Um, I’ll leave you be now. Sorry-”

You looked up, sighing. “Wait…” 

Felix looked back, an expectant, almost hopeful look on his face. You didn’t want to let him down, you really didn’t...but it was difficult to pretend like you were okay. You were shivering, biting on your lip. You already felt humiliated enough.

“Sorry. I...I need to go, I’m sorry.” You mumbled, quickly walking away from a bewildered Felix. As soon as you turned the corner, you breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against the wall as your body shuddered. 

You’d never cried like this, not even when Caeli had died. Not even when Minho had left, because back then you’d still possessed some kind of hope. Hope that just wasn’t there anymore.

Rubbing your cheeks, you managed to get rid of the tear stains. You hoped your eyes weren’t too red- you weren’t ready for any comments from your father today. Breathing in, you continued walking, still massaging your eyes in a desperate bid to get them dry.

You groaned as you noticed you’d reached your father’s office quicker than you thought you would. Inhaling deeply, you tried to pull yourself together. You really didn’t like showing weakness in front of him, but lately that was all you did.

You knocked on the door carefully, waiting for him to open the door.

“Door’s open, come in.”

You pushed open the heavy oak door, stepping in.

"Y/n. Finally. Where have you been?"

"Nowhere important." You said quickly, clearing your throat. "Um... you said you wanted to see me, dad?"

He cleared his throat. "Yes." He rearranged the files on his desk quickly, standing and coming over to lean on the front of his desk. He sighed, screwing his face up in thought as he wondered where to start.

"I can’t believe Lee really scored a marriage for his son. Do you know what this means? A heir marrying an heiress? They'll possess power we can’t even begin to imagine." He paced back and forth, clenching his fists in barely concealed anger. You rolled your eyes slightly. Of course your father thought it was a ploy to gain power. He’d never believed in love, and most probably never will.

“So?” 

"So? So?!” He shook his head. “See, this is exactly why the villagers think you’re too incompetent.” He glared, making you cower. Your heart pounded quicker, your lips pressing together. No more tears, you had to control them.

“Look, Y/n...I’ll put it plain and simple. Ember has been the most powerful for centuries. We’ve always had the strongest dragons, and the sturdiest men. Our village is the largest in the country, and all eyes are on us.”

He pinched his forehead. “Do you know how embarrassing it is that Ember’s heiress, the one who should be the most powerful of all, is nothing but a lovesick, pathetic little girl who doesn’t even have a fucking dragon to compete with?!”

You blinked, sniffing as you stared at the floor. You could always count on your father to reinforce negative emotions. His eyes burning into you, chest heaving in anger. 

He sighed, watching as your shoulders shook slightly. Softening a little, he inhaled. It always went that way. He’d blow up at you, and subsequently regret it. He couldn’t take back anything he said, though.

“Sorry, child.” You remained silent, looking up a little. His face seemed sincere enough.

“Hm. I have an idea..." He mumbled, placing a finger on his chin. You could almost see the cogs and gears turning in his brain.

"What did you think of Felix? Nice boy, isn't he?"

You frowned at your father's words, his expression seeming innocent...but his intentions clearly weren't.

"The Terra heir?" You asked, sighing. "He seems nice. Why are you asking?"

"No reason." He shrugged, fiddling with the Ember figurine on his desk.

You groaned, rubbing your forehead. "Dad...don't tell me you want to marry me off to him."

"What?? No!" Your father shook his head vehemently, still playing with the figurine and avoiding your eyes. "I was just thinking. Uh-"

He looked back at you and sighed. "Okay, I'm sorry. But...just consider it, okay? An arranged marriage...an alliance between Ember and Terra could be phenomenal."

You pursed your lips, flashes of Minho and Jisu running through your head as you thought it over. Fuck it, why not? It wasn’t like you had any reason to oppose him. "Fine, dad. I’ll think about it, but I’m not promising anything. Besides, I don’t even know if he’s interested in me."

"I saw the way he was looking at you from across the table, child. He definitely has some curiosity, at the very least.” He hummed. “Anyway, that's actually not why I called you here."

You raised an eyebrow, confused as he went back to his seat, sitting down and pulling up a large, dusty book.

"Look...I'm worried. There's something ominous about this. Their marriage...it poses too many conveniences and benefits for both the chiefs to be a mere coincidence.”

You frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

He looked to be deep in thought. When he heard you speak, he snapped back to attention, shaking his head. "I’m not sure yet. Now, even if I managed to convince Farran to get his child married to you, it still doesn’t provide us power directly. Without a dragon, it’s likely they’ll make you reside in the Terra village once this is all over.” He hummed, looking like he was talking to himself rather than addressing you. “No...we need a reason to make you stay here. You’re an Ember heiress, the future chief of this legendary village. However, you definitely need to look the part. You need to prove to everyone that you’re powerful, Y/n. Shatter their expectations...and mine.” He smiled, gesturing for you to come closer.

 “I was wondering...do you want to participate in the championships?"

Your eyes widened impossibly, your words stuttering as you moved forward. You couldn’t believe your ears, not one bit. It sounded too good to be true.

“Wait- really?”

“Yes.”

“But...but I don’t have a drag-”

“You can participate with Aeracus.”

No. No way. For the first time since the welcoming, you felt true happiness overtake you. Jumping, you squealed in delight, barely able to hide your glee. “Oh my god, thank you, dad! Thank you so so much.”

He chuckled as he watched you, flipping a page. “This has never been done before, so expect some backlash. I’m sure once they see the bond you have with Aeracus though, they’ll change their minds.”

You couldn’t believe it. Your father, the most skeptical dragon purist the world had ever seen, was acknowledging your bond.

“But...what about Minho?”

“Aeracus is no longer his dragon, Y/n. He has a new one.” Of course, you’d noticed. The huge black dragons he and his father had been riding. You felt a sensation of unease drift through you as you thought about the creatures, the likes of which you’d never seen before. 

New lover, new dragon. He’d really left this place behind.

“Something’s off about those dragons.” He voiced the exact same concern you had. “They’re up to something. I just don’t know what.” He turned back to his book, taking his quill back up. “I’ll find out, though. Somehow. Now, go to sleep, kid. You have a big day tomorrow, now that you’re actually participating.”

You nodded, excitement coursing through your veins. “Sure, dad. Have a good night.” You bowed and turned around, your steps a lot lighter as you headed to your room, which was close by.

Reaching your room, you pushed open the door, smiling as you noticed Sylvia fast asleep at your dressing table. Moving slightly closer, you gently nudged her awake.

“Wha- I-” She shot up, mouth open as she bowed to you. “I’m so sorry, ma’am, I was just arranging and-I’ll help you out of your dress, now-”

“Sh, it’s okay. Tonight’s been tiring. You deserve the rest.” You said sadly, patting her shoulder as a yawn left your mouth. “Go to sleep, and don’t come by tomorrow. I’m perfectly capable of dressing myself. I want you to relax, okay? Head to the docks, or buy yourself some bread in the square.” You opened a tiny drawer and handed a few coins to her, enough to get some sweetbread from the bakery.

She nodded thankfully. “You’re the best, ma’am.” She giggled, accepting the coins from you. 

“What have I told you about calling me ma’am? We’re the same age, Sylvia, it makes me uncomfortable. It’s Y/n to you.”

“Fine. Y/n.” She smiles, heading to the door. “Good night, Y/n.”

You grinned widely at that. You loved how easygoing she was, unlike Ann, your head maid. You weren’t royalty, and hated being treated as such. A friend was all you needed, to be honest. And Sylvia managed to fill the best friend sized hole Minho had left behind, somewhat. 

She closed the door behind her, and you sighed, flopping down onto your soft bed and beginning to slip off your heels and the heavy dress, carefully placing it on a rack. The moon shone extra bright today, and you noticed the streets outside were still lit up with lanterns. Soon, they’d be turned off, and the streets would be quiet once more, except for a few drunken stragglers that didn’t want to stop celebrating.

And you would be left alone with your thoughts.

You slid yourself underneath your covers, sighing as you stared at the moon. In the distance, you could see a few dragons and their riders, flying through the air. They were quite far away, possibly near the outskirts. 

Tomorrow, you’d be able to ride Aeracus like that, after so many years. Every time Minho had let you climb atop his dragon, it had just felt like it was meant to be. Deep down, you felt bad, though...for Caeli, for Minho. However, it was just the plain truth.

You smiled as you decided to buy Aeracus a bunch of treats tomorrow. Ostrich eggs, phoenix meat- you were planning to go all out. He deserved it, after all.

In a way, tonight had possibly been the worst night of your life, and simultaneously the best. Your heart felt pulled in two, as you closed your eyes and willed yourself to sleep.

You had a big day tomorrow.