#found on both maces and flails.

[erotetica]

that’s not proper morningstar form

[wickedcriminal]

HELLO AGAIN I'm glad to see you got my ask (it was important to me that you knew how much I ADORE this au) but now I've just gone back through the tag, I have some questions, if you don't mind! There's a good chance you've answered some of them before but I wanted to ask anyway:

First of all: with both Snotlout's being one character, and in Elder's age group, how does that work with some of the book specific scenes where Snotlout is being cruel to Hiccup during training (as the older ones have already gone through pirate training)?

Also slightly related: are either Adelaide or Gustav in Younger's pirate training programme or is it just the book people we hear about?

Also also slightly related (and you can tell I have a bit of a theme to my questions): what is Adelaide and Snotlout's relationship like? And what is Adelaide like full stop since she's barely mentioned in the books after all, so if you do have anything characterisation wise, that would be quite cool?

AHHH THANK YOU 😭😭 ALSO I LOVE THESE QUESTIONS SO MUCH BECAUSE I GET TO DRAW ADELAIDEEE WHOO

So Snotlout basically did all the book bullying to Elder back when they were both in the Pirate Training Program, (including the sabatoge and attempted parricide,) and he continued to do it through the Dragon Training Program and up until Elder saved everyone from the Red Death. Ever since starting the Dragon Academy, Elder has been receiving much more respect from his peers, and Snotlout has been having to draw back on the bullying to save face. Elder and he still have that chief-heir rivalry, of course, and it becomes a gag that Snotlout casually tries to kill him and Elder rolls his eyes like "oh, you" and then everyone laughs it off. Through RTTE he'll mellow out, and by the time of HTTYD 2, the murder theme will pretty much be gone with Snotlout having begrudgingly become real friends with Elder.

As for Adelaide!! I made a post about her a few years ago, but I decided I wanted to give her a bit of an update since I found a better slot for her in the larger story! (And also because I wanted to redesign her agahagah)

Adelaide is indeed in the Pirate Training Program! She pretty much becomes Younger's book!Snotlout, sans the murderous tendencies. Unlike Snotlout, Adelaide has nothing to gain from killing her Hiccup, but she has seen Snotlout heckle Elder enough times for her to mirror that onto Younger. Taking book!Snotlout's place also gives her all of his book lackies, like Dogsbreath! (Gustav is also a Pirate and one of her lackies, though he's less of a bully to Minicup and Fish and moreso just a mild annoyance 😂)

Adelaide and her friends' usual up-tos around Berk include sailboat racing, hunting rats and fish with their hunting dragons, basheyball, and other mischievous preteen activities (though never quite as destructive as what the Thorston twins get up to.)

Adelaide's relationship with Snotlout is amicable enough, though they probably bicker thrice as much as the Hiccups normally would. Snotlout likes to embarass Adelaide around the other Pirates and it annoys her to no end, but despite this (and she'd never say it to his face) she's often heard praising Snotlout up and down for being the coolest person ever. She likes to taunt Younger about how her cool and awesome big brother is gonna clobber his wimpy crybaby big brother. Even after Elder defeats the Red Death, she still has a habit of talking him down in favor of Snotlout, and continues to do so even through Race to the Edge and HTTYD 2.

She'd get some skull tattoos in RTTE, and her riding dragon would be the Devilish Dervish that Snot had in the books! I also wanted to give her a unique weapon, so she uses a flail mace!

Her role gets bigger from book 9 onward, as she and Snotlout's relationship with each other as well as their differing thoughts about who deserves to be King become extremely relevant.

Let's just say she's got a good throwing arm.

[empydoc]

SOUL EATER AU milo & sweetheart

check out the masterpost here!

welcome to a redacted soul eater au post! here, i try and discover what it'd be like if you merged the soul eater world and mechanics within the redactedverse. this is the fifth post in the series of posts i'll make regarding the individual characters and their listeners! we've got milo & sweetheart on the menu. enjoy!

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milo — soul type: weapon weapon type: morningstar flail compatible with: sweetheart

as mentioned before, werewolves are more commonly weapons than meisters. this is because shifting forms comes naturally to them. milo is no exception to this commodity! he's currently wielded by his meister and partner, sweetheart, and has the unique ability of being able to change the 'ball' part of his weapon form by will.

werewolf souls are distinguishable, and most werewolves in this universe tend to seek other werewolf partners due to the fact that their partnership is incredibly important and sometimes pack-related. milo is someone who doesn't really care for such a custom.

i actually changed milo's weapon choice several times. from nunchucks to maces, i couldn't decide. then, when i found out what the 'ball and chain' weapon was called (a flail!) i figures 'absolutely yes, that's him!'. i will say, though, sweetheart wielding nunchucks would be so cool...

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sweetheart —  soul type: meister strongest meister ability: wavelength control - an ability all meisters hold, but skilled meisters are able to use their wavelength on the offensive resulting in it's own attack. compatible with: milo

stealths are a unique sort of empowered individual who's portion of magic transfers to their soul. this results in stealth weapons having the ability to cloak themselves, and stealth meisters having the ability to cloak their soul wavelength with ease. sweetheart is no exception to this ability.

apart from that, stealths have no other differences to other human meisters/weapons. even so, there's a stereotype that 'quieter'/'reserved' individuals wield or are wielded by stealths, which isn't necessarily the case for milo and sweetheart.

originally sweetheart was going to be a weapon, because i wanted to explore the 'invisible weapon' concept more, however when i decided to make milo ALSO a weapon, i kind of got confused. eventually i figured i could live with sweetheart being a badass meister, but i'll forever ponder on what could've been ...

lite backstory: for every post i make for the characters, i'll add some au backstory to really fill in some details you may be curious about!

milo and sweetheart went into their relationship deciding against working with one-another as weapon/meister partners, but instead, focusing on their personal relationship.

as a direct reflection of how they hadn't planned on becoming romantic partners, eventually the two got into some trouble relating to sweetheart's job, and milo came as great assistance both in weapon and werewolf form. eventually, realising only after that sweetheart had no problems wielding him, they had a great conversation about how their compatible forms could be used for the better.

[es46]

Subspecies - ERUPTIVE ZOPRISTIS Title - Volatile sawshark wyvern Monster class - Piscine wyvern Known locales - Alternates between volcanic regions, miasmic zones and deserts, depending on dietary preference. Element/ailment - Effluvium + Blast Elemental weakness - Thunder (3), Water (2), Ice (1), Dragon (1), Fire (0) Ailment weakness - Paralysis (3), Stun (3), Sleep (1), Blast (0), Poison (0) A subspecies of Zopristis, Eruptive is a piscine wyvern that can be found in several environments, usually close to volcanic or miasmic zones, and occasionally foraying into desert regions. Like its relative, it is distinguished by its jagged rostrum, the long tail with a jagged weapon, and powerful legs. Unlike Zopristis, Eruptive is completely terrestrial upon maturing, and as such its fins have degraded into jagged protrusions, more useful for defence and display than any kind of mobility. With thicker jaws and a flail-like tail instead of a barbed whip, Eruptive is every bit as physically formidable as its relative. Whereas Zopristis is a vicious carnivore, Eruptive is an osteophage that has no interest in directly killing other monsters, simply seeking out bones and occasional mineral supplements. Since it no longer needs electrical signalling to track prey, its rostrum is less pronounced and more useful for digging or breaking rock. With a lack of direct competition and a less strenuous food source, Eruptive Zopristis are much less aggressive than their cousins, though they are still dangerous monsters who can react unpredictably to other creatures. Field workers are advised to keep their distance from Eruptive, and to make use of flash bombs should it behave aggressively. Much like Zopristis, Eruptive are territorial and unwilling to tolerate their own kind. Contests over turf are settled by comparing the size of their rostrums; larger individuals easily coerce rivals to back down, but an even match can result in a fight. Such brawls are vicious, and often leave one or both piscine wyverns seriously injured. That said, they at least do not cannibalise their own species, though of course skeletons are fair game. Males and females tolerat each other long enough to reproduce; the mother will rear her young in stagnant waters close to miasmic deposits, bringing them food until they are old enough to leave the water, at which point she abandons them. Eruptive has more than strength to match other monsters. While it has no paralyzing sting or an electrified rostrum, it makes use of the by-product of its diet in a unique way. Specialised microorganisms in its gut produce foul gases reminescent of effluvium, which Eruptive can expel either as a horrific breath or in a mineral form excreted from the rostrum. What gives it its name, however, is the way it can use the flint-like mace at the end of its tail to trigger an explosive reaction; sparks produced by the scraping barbs coerce its miasmic release to combust in powerful blasts. Given its strength, aggression and potent ailments, Eruptive Zopristis is as dangerous as its relative (Low Rank - 4, High/Master Rank - 3). Combining its sheer power with foul miasma and a potential for explosions means absolute care must be taken when confronting this piscine wyvern. Pitfall traps are actually ineffective, since Eruptive Zopristis can blast its way free, though shock traps can stymie it. Hunters should use thunder weapons to disorientate and then strike the weaker underbelly and knees. Eruptive Zopristis has few natural enemies given its size and power. It can easily scare most carnivores away from their kills, letting it harvest bone at leisure. That said, it occasionally contends with the snake wyvern Kobadra, who likewise endeavours to steal meals from predators. One notable enemy is Metamor-Deca, a carapaceon whose young are threatened by juvenile Eruptive Zopristis, and as such will not hesitate to attack the piscine wyvern. - Thank you for reading and take care.

[digitalmidnight]

So I've been swatting away plot bunnies for awhile now and so here's a list of story ideas I won't write for Kirby (but they won't get out of my head unless I release them somewhere)

Someone's targeting Meta Knight by targeting people he hangs out with. They are using a "poison" which causes the victim to only have nightmares. The affects can be avoided if they take something else and don't dream, however this is still very distressing for people in dreamland. They destroy the villain and get an antidote and everything is fine in the end

Metadede: Meta Knight thinks King Dedede doesn't have romantic feeling for him because the King usually just says what's on his mind and therefore would have confessed if he did. King Dedede reads too many books about Knights courting Royals and so thinks Meta should confess (also sword fight for his honor in a competition or something). They over come miscommunication... eventually...with help from subordinates and Kirby who all think they are too stubborn for their own good.

Magolor and Susie both lying to one another and having ulterior motives while riding the lor to get some mcguffin. Both surprisingly become very good friends with one another then lie and say they had no other motive all along. Then they do something unhinged.

Dark Meta Knight unintentionally helping Taranza with closure. Possibly by being injured and trapped in the clouds with Taranza.

[More of a snippet than prompt] Mace Knight asking someone to guess their name and the person guesses "Flail Knight"

[Another snippet without plot] Shadow Dee (shadow Bandana Dee) is the Waddle Dees from Kirby Right Back at Ya! Yes all of them. They appear in the game world and are very unnerving.

Some sort of backstory for the Daroach, Adeleine, and Dark Meta Knight drawing together. Daroach confusing Dark Meta Knight for Meta Knight at first glance, realizing the mistake then asking him to go on a heist with him anyway. They need to steal another mcguffin of sorts from some evil person. Along the way they encounter Adeleine and Ribbon who inform them the evil person is possessed by dark matter. Dark Meta Knight ends up taking a blow for his friends. They win and then notice something is amiss at Castle Dedede...

Kirby is naturally good at many things! Not cooking though and he is about to cry if he ruins these cookies one more time.

Marx becomes an assistant of Chef Kawasaki. He helps as a server/delivery person. He ends up serving many old acquaintances who are very suspicious. It's not really a scheme though, Chef Kawasaki just feeds him. Marx telling people this does not soothe them. Kirby forgives him though and Marx really can't understand that because Kirby has no reason to do so.

Each of the Meta Knights joining the crew. From first to last it's Captain Vul (Meta Knight hired him because he was the best pilot around) Sword and Blade (similar backstory to KRBAY) Trident and Javelin (abandoned on some mechanized world that Haltmann got to) Mace and Axe (friends trying to be strong warriors on a peaceful planet) and Sailor Dee (hired by Captain Vul for ship help despite apparent lack of fighting capabilities). The found family trope is strong.

[vancilocs]

three hours late as per usual 💀

but who's the masked knight 👀👀👀 and how will he adobt every known canine species?

i went on and got off the bus in the meanwhile

but anyways from what little i know of him he is a royal bodyguard, has been trained to be one since he was a child so he's known fenrir since they were children, they're around the same age with fenrir being younger by a year or two

they got along bc both have social anxiety and neither made the other anxious, also that's why he prefers to cover his face, he's shy.

still get along great as grownups, still don't talk much but he understands fenrir and his little signals such as "please invent a reminder so i can speed this up and leave" or "flex a little so this visitor stops being such a nuisance", fenrir is a bit jealous he can't cover his own face

also he did fenrir's homework a lot when they were kids bc fenrir has dyslexia and didn't care about school in general, the knight sometimes still reads documents to him out loud when the language is too flowery for him to understand

basically when fenrir was dragged back to the castle bc his brother's dying and he was to be king, they also gave him a knight who had at that point adopted the mask, you guys were friends before you gel well have at it

not originally from the castle, moved there with his family as a small child, something something long line of knights

he's a devastating swordsman, final boss of the tourney melee, but very humble and shy and avoids attention otherwise, the fabric of his armor is magic so it doesn't get tangled but it helps obscure his form and helps fool opponents (on top of making him more comfortable). favors his zweihänder but carries daggers, can handle sword & shield, hammers, maces, flails and others and is equally formidable in mano a mano

willing to spar and train, mostly has trained alex when he insisted. as well as him he is close to merope and ylva because he guards them often, nepheli is mistrustful because of the mask and that's fine, her family can handle her. also respects hassaleh who returns the feeling.

mainly spends his off time training, maintaining his equipment and looking after his pets.

aroace and agender with he/him pronouns, used to date the castle's birdmaster (holding hands, mainly) until they both came out (she's a lesbian), still friends. he covers himself these days but many friends know what he looks like, it's not a shameful secret or anything. likes animals more than romance.

has his own horse he adores, even if he's not as good of a rider as fenrir, and has his pedigree wolf by his side pretty much always and the shitty little fox that follows him when he's not actively doing royal bodyguard things. his wolf may be bred for hunting but he's not super keen on it, doesn't want to hurt animals, takes part in hunting parties though bc of fenrir, he has to go with him.

loves every single dog he meets, doesn't have enough hands to pet them. disguises self and visits the town dog shelter to pet them and give them supplies. fenrir knows of this because of his spymasters and doesn't mind it, makes sure his pay is enough to supply himself and the animals. doesn't regret adopting and hand-rearing the fox but after it passes, if he found another orphaned kit he would probably rather find a foster mom than get another one for himself.

[blackkatmagic]

Hi, so I haven't commented in a while. It's because I had a small surgery and wanted to wait until I could leave a coherent review :D So I have hoarded the new chapters and you're going to receive my flailing about them all at once, I hope you don't mind.

Not the waking: Okay, this chapter kinda broke my heart. Like in the "it mugged me in an alleyway, punched me in the stomach, took all my money and left me in a fetal position on the floor" kind of way. Fox, Ferus, Cody and Jon, I just want to bundle all of them in blankets.

Dawn of a doom: what a team, this is going to be the craziest found family. If Barriss ends up with two new big brothers and a big sister, they are absolutely going to go batshit if something tries to hurt her.

Starshine and Clay: Anakin thinking about the clones was heartbreaking, I'm really interested in the way you portray his journey. And baby clones! Jango better start praying, because when Jon catches up with him it's not gonna be nice.

Fracture: I love Trilla more and more with every chapter, especially the Trilla - Luke relationship. Tarre will have to do a lot of house cleaning Mandalorian style when gets to the present. The Death Watch and Pre are toast.

More stories in the Never travelled universe, yay! Mace and his lineage of theater nerds in their element is awesome. And Shmi is also a jedi, which is also great. I have to admit, I got a little confused about Cyslin's lineage, who is the apprentice of who? I mean I understand the Depa and Maul are both Mace's padawans, but what about Savage and Eldra, who was their master? And who is Feral and Kass' master now? Sorry for the barrage of questions, it's just that there are a lot of Jedi in that group :D The Keeli/Feral tag made me cheer. They will be the nice couple, who will absolutely turn around and wreck anyone who is stupid enough to stand in their way. And Jaster will a 100% snatch up every single clone. Jango's reaction to that is going to be intersting :D :D

Oh the one shots, so many awesome one shots! Mando!Jon isn't going to leave my brain any time soon. I don't know who is older, Jon or Ursa, but I've been picturing an older sister Ursa. However Countess Wren picked Jon up, it must have been glorious, and the Dark Woman still hasn't recovered from it.

Or the one with Jon and the Domino squad, that one warmed my heart. I'm still so sad we didn't get to see more of the Domino squad in the show, Hevy would have been such a good commander. And Jon wandering around with a small mobile unit is much more up his alley, than having to lead an entire battalion.

Which leads me to Indestructible, loved the sentinent cloak bit :D even if it's gonna be some time before Jon understands that it wasn't said maliciously. He's just really out of his element. His relationship with Kass is also very intersting, so different from his dynamic with Katooni in Never travelled. But here both him and Kass are fighting a war, in leadership positions they did not want and Kass has already lost a Master she loved.

And finally, my absolute favorite, RWLF. Feral is getting better and better. He's becoming the world best long-range Force powered telephone, and now with the new lightsaber he got even more sneakier. I'm glad Wolffe was able to work through his emotions.

The Padme/Fox/Maul part was ummm, really hot. Those three fit together better than I ever thought they could even in bed :D

Thank you so much for writing all of these amazing stories!

💜💜💜

I'm glad you're all right, and I hope your recovery goes well!!

[melviships]

Memento Mori (Davison)

After several outings Mace drops by for another one. The two undead friends go to a thrift market, go through the park, and go out to a scenic location. Then things get... weird ?

Note: I feel like I should specify but Mason uses trai/train/trains/trainself neopronouns and they will be used interchangeably with their other sets. This will be apparent in every fic I write for them.

Davison playlist master post can be found here - main playlist is here

Pairing: David x Mason

Word count: 7,671

Content warnings: partial nudity, theft, environmental vandalism, passing mention of smoking, suggestive themes, yelling, kissing

Tag list: @dirt-juice @goldenworldsabound

It was a good thing that Mace showing up unannounced was something that David had learned to detect. As soon as he heard the van pulling up outside, he tied his towel around his waist and plodded out of his bedroom. Mason’s racket that you could refer to as footsteps could be heard from down the walkway and was rapidly approaching the door. He opened it right before their fist pounded against it and winced as it knocked on his skull a few times before taking notice.

“Oops,” it uttered, innocently lifting a hand to their mouth.

“We both know you meant to do that.”

It pursed its lips and scratched its neck. “I… I did. I totally did. Did it work ?”

“I am enraged and annoyed. Congratulations. Can’t you see it on my face ?” He said with an impassive expression, until fondness betrayed it and he smiled. “What are you bothering me with today ?”

Trains eyes trailed down his bare torso and back up to catch his smug grin. It swallowed the saliva pooled in its mouth.. “There’s this thrift- wait, is flea market the right term actually… no, it’s not exactly that I- whatever there’s this thrift market pop-up thing where people sell stuff they found or altered or made and it’s fun. This one is the spring one, obviously. I was wondering how you felt about a day out,” it rattled out before flailing its arms and sweating out a speedy recovery. “It doesn’t really matter how you feel. I’m going to drag you along anyway so I can harass you.”

Leaning against the doorframe, he titled his head in thought. “Mm, a market sounds nice. The weather is pretty nice too. A day out sounds great.”

They shuffled while clenching and unclenching their hand. “What about a night out ?”

He quirked a brow. “Is it later at night ?”

“No,” it mumbled, “I was thinking of something else we could do later though.”

“I see.” He smirked. “Well, a night out doesn’t sound too bad either.”

“Cool, cool, cool cool cool. Wanna head there now ?”

He rolled his shoulders back so he could hear their strained groan. “Let me finish getting dressed. You can come in if you want.”

“Don’t even gotta ask- taking your snacks !” It called out as it entered the flat.

While David tugged on pants and a shirt, Mason was finishing off a bag of cereal and doing a phenomenal job at adding crumbs to his floor. They promised to vacuum later that week and he opened his mouth to ask when they coordinated a hang out, but remembered it was Mace and it would let itself in one way or the other. He relented and pulled on his flannel as they chucked the empty bag into the bin. Pluto came out of her room, hard expression softening as she discovered it was Mace making all the noise. It beamed at her and she tried not to say anything about that being Helen’s cereal and not David’s. Deciding it was funnier to divulge the information, she told them anyway. Their dismay was enjoyable and the two roommates chuckled as the punk fumbled for the box and snapped a picture of it so they could buy a replacement.

“If you’re done being a menace, I’m good to go,” David said after putting in his tunnels.

“Ya, one sec.” It tossed the box at his head and he spiked it to Pluto who caught it with ease.

“Bring me back some candied citrus rinds while you’re at it,” she grumbled as she tossed it back into the trash as she headed into the kitchen.

“Heard. Alright, Prettyboy, hope you like joyrides.”

The ride could hardly be described as joyful. That was not quite true as it had decided to blast bubbly Eurodance music which provided some levity as it raced to the park. The band leader braced himself as they skidded into a parking spot between two cars. Its hubcaps were still intact as he climbed out of the van and checked the tires. He whistled. “I was expecting worse after you slammed into the curb.”

“I did not slam- I made a calculated impact. This is my job. I think I know how to drive and park fast.”

He snorted. “You sure did do it fast.”

“Let’s try and take our time here though.” They pressed the lock button on their key fob and stuffed it into their pocket, shrieking as they felt him move behind them and lay on their back. His arms looped around their neck and he pressed a kiss to the back of their head. It steamed and huffed, “Do you need me to hold your hand and show you to the tents ? Are you that empty-headed ?”

“Mm…” He leaned on them and moved his lips against their ear. “I might.”

“Ugh. Whatever. Just get off me.” They batted him off and he stretched his hand toward them. “I’m not holding your hand.”

“Alright then. Looks like I’m winning this harassment game.” The singer hummed a tune and put his hands in his back pockets as he swaggered off towards the market.

Mace gaped. “No, you fucking aren’t !”

They traded nudges and shoves as they walked, calming down once they were amongst tables of fragile goods. Fragrant smoke billowed at the entrance and led right to a table of carved incense boxes and holders. The body jumper was more interested in the hand dipped sticks, settling on a few boxes of sandalwood, patchouli, and jasmine. As it was handed its change, it scurried off to a nearby table filled with small glass figurines. David was beckoned over and he pried himself away from a metal fixtures booth. It handed him a figurine and he examined it as they suppressed a squeal. “It’s a howling wolf. It’s so cute. Do you think Rat would like it ?”

“I didn’t know it kept trinkets.”

“Oh, it doesn’t. I meant it’s for me. Do you think it would like seeing it in the van ? It would go right at home on the dashboard…”

“Mm, yeah, I guess it would make a fine addition to the family.”

“I’m sold.” It swiveled around to the seller who was surprised they did not have to make a single pitch. Money was exchanged and the glass canine was wrapped in brown paper before being handed off to the punk who cradled it, eyes growing wet while it looked at the bundle. “Baby.”

“Yes ?”

“Not you !” It rolled its eyes and walked off.

They trekked on and browsed the various vendors. The front section was where most of the artists sold their goods. The two would split and check out things that they found interesting before reconvening and talking about their finds. Amongst the paintings and sculptures were booths where people were selling snacks. Neither of the duo wanted any nuts or granola, but it had a pleasant aroma. Not far from the bags of mix were fences covered with hats. Some time was spent trying on goofy headwear before they caught sight of a sea of flannels. It did not take much convincing from Mace for David to tag along.

Trai looked through the swaths of plaid and check- all of them were worn to some degree and those that weren’t, were distressed by hand. It was common to find tie-dye and painted bleach designs as the particular DIY trend saturated the vintage upscale market. Near the end of the rack, the shirts became larger and thicker, many having lining or hoods sewn in. Some even had pockets. The punk flicked another hanger before pausing and pushing it back to get a better look; a better feel was more accurate. They ran their fingers through the frosted black fur that coated the inside. It was a stark contrast to the rainbow grid print fabric that had been tied and splattered with bleach, the spirals of white continuing up into the shoulders that were dipped in black dye. The piece screamed the drummer’s name. It was eccentric and gaudy and texturally rewarding. Such a considerable amount of time was spent stroking the garment that David had to come over and get a feel himself. He hummed softly. “Pretty cool. Thinking of getting it ?”

“Oh, I-” It flinched as their knuckles brushed against his and they covered their fist with their hand, rubbing over them to dissolve the lingering sensation, fingers twisting around trains wrist to relocate it. Their voice fell into a hushed tone. “I dunno, it looks fun. Hard to say when I’d wear it. Might be nice for layering.”

“Might be, yeah.” He pinched the fur and tugged it. “I think this is real fur.”

“Yeah, that’s why it’s so expensive. Not like I have rent to pay, but still. Not sure it would be worth the investment.”

“We can come back to it ?”

“Certainly an option,” they agreed.

He stepped past them and thanked the owner before exiting. “C’mon then. I have plenty of green flannels. I can pass on more.”

It nodded and left the stall with him. The market was slower the further down they went before picking back up when they reached an area populated by antique furniture and refurbished technology, a mountain range of brown wood and yellowed plastic. While it enjoyed obsolete media and its subsequent players the sights and smells conjured images of dirty carpet and china dropped on stained linoleum which had them rushing to the more secluded section.

Their undead confidant was content to move on as he spotted stacks of books and VHS tapes. He found a few DVDs and even some Blu-ray box sets, but was talked out of them by the firm price given from the man at the table. His friend snagged a trunk and squeezed between two booths to set it down, flawlessly oohing and awing over a tattered tote bag and purchasing it for pennies so they could slip the item into it. Mason and David exchanged looks. Trai smirked as it set the parchment wrapped wolf on top to cover the stolen goods along with the bundles of incense.

“Think they have any albums ?”

He shook his head at them, sighing, “They might. Wanting to fill up that bag ?”

“Oh, I think I’m good for now. Just want to browse some more, you know.”

“Uh huh.”

They both bobbed along the aisles in search of music- no tapes, but plenty of records and discs. The body jumper grimaced as they thumbed through a crate of vinyls and moved onto the other boxes of grimey tech and dusty toys. It whispered to itself,”Lots of vinyls today, nothing of substance.”

The undead meandered back to the central path. David stepped closer to Mace, bumping shoulders. “Are you having trouble finding a record ?”

They scoffed. “Yeah, right. Like I mess with that stupid shit.”

“Not into records, then ?”

“Not really, no. Sure, you can do some fun stuff with them, but they’re so limited when it comes to creative freedom that even the slightest once of uniqueness is seen as this mind-blowing thing when it’s just recycled material or they press weird shit in the wax that makes it sound worse and boast that it makes a unique experience for each record.

“And don’t even get me started on the pieces of garbage who collect them. The amount of times I’ve heard some Urban Outfitters membership holder talking with their friend about ‘ooh I found this vinyl at the flea market the other day, it was such a find- a real gem, a real rare piece, a real deep cut- and I managed to snag if for a couple of bucks who would have thunk it, ha ha, sip sip on my overpriced hops water’ Like holy shit, you are not cool because you and your record are full of piss-

“Utter horseshit ! Not even manure grade crap.” Trai crossed their arms. “The audacity to say that finding a rare record is some feat. Shellac might have gone out of style, but vinyls never did. They dwindled in popularity- they didn’t die. If anything, they’re more in style than ever. Every music collector fuck has them. Bands still sell them, companies still press them, people still pawn them. So many places carry vinyls. And you call them a ‘rarity’.

“It’s bullshit, I tell you. Being a tapehead is so much harder. I dare one of those discophile fucks to try and track down an obscure cassette that is in good condition. Hell, I dare them to find a place that even carries more than a single shelf. Way more of a difficult task than going to your local record shop and checking to see if they have any new wave or butt rock band’s discog,” it ranted, sneering and gesturing with mockery.

Their companion chuckled. “I had no idea you were a hipster.”

They halted and jerked their head, face going red. “A hipster ?” It set down their bag and stomped up to him. “Are you fucking kidding me ? Me, a hipster. Know your place, cuntbag. Tapes are punk culture. Bootleg records ? Fucking nothing on cassettes. Pirating music on those shits was encouraged. Hell, the real ones make it easy for you to create bootleg tapes. You ever heard of the Dead Kennedys ? King Gizzard ? The music industry was so scared of losing profits from CDs thanks to DATs and that’s the only reason cassettes were squashed down. What’s more punk than directly threatening the execs who run labels ? I want to see those hipster wannabes try and pirate music for once in their miserable lives.

“‘Oh a-hoo hoo, my favorite musician only released a lot of 100 tapes whatever shall I do’- go get some blanks and some ink you salon-headed dipshit. If you like art so much, why don’t you make some ? I bet they don’t even know where to go find a tape deck that isn’t already refurbished and handed to them. Get back to me when you have to replace some corroded heads and worn belts. I bet you won’t. A fucking hipster. Not in a million fucking years.” The punk shook its finger at him. “This is why you’re my enemy. You’re lucky I don’t strand your ass here until you can get a Lyft.”

David put his hands up in surrender. “Alright, I gotcha. Not a hipster.”

“Damn straight. The only straight thing about me.” They picked up the tote and began to walk to another stall. “You should really know better. Y’all are alt. Know your roots.”

“Ha.” He treaded behind them carefully. “Should we be releasing tapes too ? To make it easy on you ?”

“I like a challenge- already have your stuff on tape anyway,” it admitted. “Thought you would have figured that out by now.”

“Good to know you hate listen on your tape deck with tapes you made yourself. I can not deny your pure vitriol and passion put into hating me. It is truly a sight to behold,” he joked as they steered into a booth filled with jewelry and metal work.

“Just say I’m erotic,” they said while rocking cuffs on the table, rotating the display stand while not really looking at the bracelets. A wooden organizer caught their attention and it squatted down to scrutinize the contents. The stall owner took notice and stepped over with clasped hands.

“Oh, are you interested in the charms ? The ones on the right are real silver and I have a few gold pieces as well.”

“Oh, uh, cool.” It avoided her gaze and lifted one up, their eyes widening as they realized it could be opened. Inside the small mailbox was an even smaller letter. They smiled as they shook it around.

She picked up a small carousel on a chain and rotated it. “I have a feeling you are more interested in the moving ones. There’s a few more in here…”

Both searched through the metal trinkets and each time they found one that could fold, spin, or open the punk would beckon their zombie friend over to demonstrate. They pulled a chain with a large safety pin charm through his tunnel, let it dangle there, and rubbed their chin in thought. “Ooh, I’m kind of digging this.”

He flicked it and thought for a moment, then hung a pair of scissors to the hoop on their ear next to the missing chunk. “I think this works great for you.”

“It’s genius, actually. Gotta get them both- I’ve decided.”

The elderly woman smiled, exasperated. “They are genuine sterling and moving so that would come out to about… six each.”

“The safety pin is a bit worn… can I get that one for four ?”

“Mm. Alright.”

“Score.” Mace thumbed through their wallet and produced enough bills to pay for both. It grinned as they left with their purchases still attached to their ears. “I’d say we found some good trinkets. I might come back for that shirt… it’s calling my name.”

“Better hurry before someone snags it first,” he said sarcastically, his smirk falling as they looked serious.

“Like hell they will.” It handed David the tote and knelt down before dashing off. David watched them turn the corner and disappear from view- he debated on jogging after them, but they wheeled back around with a ragged expression.

“They sold it already ?”

It panted, “They ran off when they saw me coming.”

“I’m… not surprised, to be honest, but I am shocked you did not run after them.”

“Eh. I can wait. There’s one more day left so who knows. Maybe I can steal it.”

The taller man laughed and went to pat their head, only deciding against it when they grimaced and he saw the sheen of sweat that made the short hairs glitter. His hand slipped into his flannel. He thumbed the punch card in the pocket. “It’s pretty warm out,” he commented, “Probably feels worse for you after sprinting like that.”

“I’m always hot, Prettyboy,” they snapped.

“You are hot.” Rocking on his heels, he ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh. “I can’t deny that.”

It thanked the heat for their already red and shining cheeks disguising its temporarily flustered state. “There’s an ice cream cart here I really like. We can cool off there.”

“Oh.” He pulled out the punch card. “I think the girls and I might have gone to that. I still have this from last time- looks like we might have earned a free scoop too.”

“You haven’t washed that shirt since ? I thought I was the crust punk here,” they laughed.

He smiled sheepishly, hoping they would not notice his lie. “Never got around to wearing this again. I guess.”

“Don’t worry, Davey Gravy. Your secret is safe with me.” They patted his shoulder. “I’m down for free ice cream.”

He removed their hand, holding it in both of his. “We’re already here, might as well check it out.”

Their face puffed as they yanked trains hand away. “Yu-huh. See, uh, let’s see what they got.”

The band leader smirked as it started to walk off with large strides. It was easy to keep up with them since they appeared to be looking for the stand and failing to spot it. His hand slipped around their side and he turned them to face the direction of the stand. Their skin was puffy and slick under his fingers and he swelled with pride. He whispered into their ear,���You have to keep walking or we’re not going anywhere.”

“Sh-shut up.” It continued to walk until there was enough space for it to swing at the air without punching him in the chest. The man at the cart looked scared for his life as they approached until they finally stopped, arms frozen midair as it scanned the menu.

“What the fuck is Cactus Flavor ? Am I going to be stabbed ?”

“I don’t think they would serve something that would stab you.”

“I serve people all the time.”

“Fair point.”

“I kind of, want to try it ?”

“Sure, why not ?”

He asked if they could have a scoop to share and the cart attendant spooned a single scoop into a paper cup. They stuck a spoon into it before handing it over to Mason.

Humming a song, trai scraped the top with the tiny spoon. “Oh, it’s redder than I was thinking.” They ate a few bites and smacked their lips. “And smooth. Here, try.”

“Did you,” he paused after taking a bite, “Did you want to be stabbed ?”

“I was hoping for mouth violence.” The fruity ice cream had stained the skin around their lips red, giving it a ghoulish appearance.

“...I think you accomplished that, somehow.”

“Sick.” They shoved more into their maw with no regard for neatness. “Wanna get more so we can fill out your punch and get that free scoop ?”

“That was our free scoop.”

“Shit. Okay. I thought you didn’t come here much.”

“I don’t. I do have two women who live with me.”

“Right… mm, I still kind of wanted more.” They scraped the bottom of the cup with their spoon. “I can pay for it ?”

“How kind of you.” David was still wondering why Pierce had recommended they visit. Everything so far was typical Mace.

They crushed the cup in their hand and chucked it into the trash, slipping the shared utensil into their pocket before swiveling around. “Yo, can I get my usual ?”

The attendant sighed, but smiled as he wet the scoop before depositing a bright hunk of seafoam onto the sugar cone.

“Awesome sauce.” They bit it and chewed before swallowing. “You’re the best.” Their zombie friend stared as he processed the order and they stopped their eating. He blinked at them and lifted an eyebrow- they looked around the cone to check if something was wrong. “Did you want some ? It’s daiquiri.”

“There’s alcoholic ice cream ?”

“It’s cooked out, unfortunately, so it’s just the flavor.”

“Ah.” He turned to the attendant. “Do you have mojito ?”

“We do. Would you like a waffle or sugar cone ?”

“I like it how I like my men.” He smirked. “I’ll take waffle.”

“What does that mean…” It muttered and licked a stripe over the ice cream.

His order was handed over and he looked pleased despite the strangely fleshy color the treat had taken thanks to the lime juice and fresh mint leaves. The bits gave it pops of sickly green, reminding it of its many spats with unruly patrons. The body jumper squinted at his ice cream as he bit into it, letting it melt in his mouth before swallowing.

He licked his lips clean. “Hm ?”

“If you wanted me in your mouth so bad, you could have just asked.”

“Heh.” He lowered the cone. “I could say the same thing to you.”

Trai sputtered then reached over to grab the bottom of the cone and smash it against his mouth. “I didn’t even notice, you dick.”

“Aw, I’m hurt,” he garbled before wiping his face with a napkin, “I thought you picked it to match.” Mint came out of his nose when he blew it. “On purpose.”

“What I just did was the only thing I did on purpose.” It huffed into its treat. “Consider it payback for our first meeting.”

“Considered,” he confirmed. The punk paid for their orders and mumbled an apology in the hopes that David would not hear them being nice. He said nothing and nudged them as they shuffled past. “Do you wanna walk with these ?”

“Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah, I could afford to burn off the sugar.” They smirked. “Maybe if we’re lucky I can find a trail to trespass on.”

He hummed. “Jail doesn’t sound like a good date.”

“Only if we’re caught-” It rolled its eyes. “And who said this was a date ?”

“We would get a court date.”

Their face blanked before they wheezed and hunched over with laughter. “Oh, that’s a good one. I’m starting to rub off on you. We should start doing Quiplash with the gals. Get them in on the fun.”

He agreed and let himself get dragged into a thicket of trees. There was no designated trail as they stomped through the foliage. They eventually stumbled upon a bare section of dirt and wound up following a desire path that had them vaulting over a fallen tree and spilling out onto a clearing of grass. It was too short to be a picnic spot. His companion tugged his sleeve and pointed to a sign. He read it aloud. “‘Careful: Baby Grass. Designated for the Lively Crew Course.’ I’m guessing that’s a golf course ?”

“Oh, gross.” It lifted its shoe and scrunched its nose as it saw the delicate blades and soft soil stick to the soles of its boots. A spark of inspiration shimmered in its eyes. “Oh. Gross.”

Sooner than he could ask what their idea was, they were dropping their cone onto the ground and booking it across the plane of light green. Bits of sod sprayed as they dropped onto all fours and sprinted the length of the hole. The singer could not keep himself from laughing.

“What are you doing ?”

“I’m so evil ! I step on babies !” It ripped up grass and threw it into the air like natural confetti. “Fuck the one percent !”

He snickered. “So evil.”

It was hard not to get swept up in their passionate ecological vandalism. The singer chomped the rest of his cone and put the paper wrapper into his pocket. He could mourn the fallen sweet later after they had their way with the future course. His efforts were more subdued as he kicked up sections in the raised center. Trai clawed at the edges so they were as jagged as the waffle cones from earlier. The sky grew dim as they finished up. Mason suddenly looked frantic as it pulled its phone out to check the time. “God, it gets dark so much quicker than I thought.” It tugged David’s arm. “No time, we gotta go now.”

“What ? Do they patrol over here late at night?”

“Huh- ? No ! No, I just have that thing I was wanting to do.” They dragged him a few feet before stopping to run over and grab their discarded cone. The ants were celebrating their sugary cornucopia as it almost swallowed it whole, only avoiding the label which was not unscathed. “Alright. Let’s go. I want to catch this before the sun sets.”

He added,“And hopefully we aren’t caught.”

“Correct- ah, hand me that wrapper. I can throw that away as we leave.”

He took the wrapper out and gave it over. As they moved towards the exit, it hurried over to a trash can and dropped the balled-up paper in. It rolled up David’s wrapper just as quickly and pocketed it. Trai swiveled around and grabbed his hand. “Ready to roll ?”

He sighed as he was led out of the park. “I don’t have much of a choice since you’re my ride.”

“You volunteered for a night out.” They let go of his arm to climb into the driver’s seat. “It’s worth it, promise. I think. It should be worth it.”

“I am thoroughly convinced,” he said sarcastically while buckling his seat belt. A smile was planted on their face as they put the glass wolf next to their other dashboard bobbles. “Adorable…”

“Aren’t they ? Don’t forget about your DVDs later.”

“How could with how you managed to steal them ?” He laughed. It trailed off as they reached over his lap to grab a folder of papers.

There was some concern as he watched the delivery driver check their maps and nod to itself, not bothering to turn on GPS before putting the key in the ignition and starting the van. The ride was lengthy and he was thankful they were blasting screamo as they coasted across hills and swerved around mountains. At points the zombie debated on whether or not to ask where they were going, instead he pulled out his phone to shoot the girls a text that he likely wouldn’t home until very late, if at all. They had come to a stop by the time he had put his phone down. Mason had already stepped out and was chipping away at a brick with their knife. David undid his seat belt and closed the door behind him, walking up beside them.

“What’s it say ?”

“Just a star for now. I’ll figure out words later.” It flipped the blade a few times before sheathing it on the side of its boot. “Most of these are couples’. This is kind of a secret date spot.”

“You don’t say…” he said as he took a better look at the place. It was a small parking lot, accented with red brick flower boxes and a few benches. There was a clay pot brimming with cigarette butts instead of plants and the trash can beside it was woven with yarn and similar treatment was given to the mesh seating. A bus stop sat at the far edge and the bus schedule sign was lined with flowers, the stems stuck into the holes drilled into the posts. He flicked one of the daisies and watched it wobble back and forth. “It has charm.”

“Davey Baby, that’s what you say to every place I take you to. I’m starting to think you don’t like them,” it sighed, “Which is fine. I’m glad this isn’t a date or I’d look like an asshole.”

“I like the places you take me. They are charming.” He ran his hand over their head like he was ruffling their hair. “They feel very… Macy.”

“You flatter me.” Trai smacked his hand away, stared at it, and then grabbed it, holding onto him as they started to walk towards the other end of the parking lot. “We haven’t gotten to the part I wanted to see yet. It should be over here.” He leaned back so they had tug at his wrist harder and stumble when he righted himself and put a foot forward. Steamed blew from its ears as he laughed. They could have let go of his hand yet they hadn’t, something he pointed out to them to fluster them further. They grumbled, “Just follow me, asshat.”

The punk became determined as they trudged through the gravel and dirt. Stairs descended further down the mountain and they had to let go of each other’s hands as they gripped the railing as the path curved, dipped, and rose. Eventually, they made it to an outcropping of rock with a similar railing around the perimeter. Sky blue had long gone purple and as they approached the edge, the horizon had started to drip with yellows and oranges and reds. Trai whistled. “Wow. You really can see the whole city from here.”

“Oh yeah ?” David chuckled as their hand squeaked across the steel rail and landed back on his. He intertwined their fingers and looked up, scanning the skyline for the outline of buildings. Right beneath the sun was an abstract metallic shape littered with rectangles of stone and brick. Some green peeped out from the right side and he recognized it as the park they had just left. He felt them lean against him as they pointed to it.

“Hey, we were just over there.”

He made a show of squinting at it. “Are you sure ? Could be any old park.”

They smacked his shoulder. “It totally is. You need to get your vision checked, Prettyboy. If I can tell and you can’t.”

“I’m teasing you.”

“I know.”

Lights slowly started to blink on as the sky went black. The city became a beacon in the night. There were not many visible stars yet, but he made an effort to find each one and say their names. His companion was fairly quiet, only giving affirmative hums. He turned to look at them and they fidgeted under his watch. “What is it ?”

“Oh, you know, it’s like, a thing- that thing people do in movies sometimes ? What’s that called again- cliche ? No, that’s not it, it’s- trope !” it fumbled with phrasing until throwing up its hands. “Bro, we gotta kiss. C’mon, it’s a whole thing. We’re already here.”

“I guess we are.” He smirked. “I don’t mind. We’ve done worse.”

“Shut up before I change my mind.” It pulled him down by the collar and put their lips on his. Their mouths slotted together and as the singer moved away, the drummer chased his movement. He laughed into the kiss and hummed as he felt their fingers thread into his hair- he looped an arm around them in turn. They both shifted as the kisses deepened until Mason finally drew away from his lips with a sigh. The undead man tried to remove his arm and they pressed against him. “Don’t let go,” it muttered, “I’m cold.”

David chuckled. “I’m not exactly warm.”

Mace tucked its face into his shoulder, muffling their response. “You make me feel warm.”

“Huh.” He inhaled and rubbed their back. “Didn’t think you were the sappy type.”

“I’m not. I abhor you so much that touching you gets me heated over the fact I’m allowing such close proximity to you-”

He gasped. “You do what to me so much ? Mason…”

They lifted their head. “Oh my gods, shut the fuck up.”

“I’d say make me, but then you’d have to kiss me which you would hate.” He looked up, pretending to have a sudden thought. “Oh. Wait. You already did.”

“Don’t make me bite you.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

They hissed with steam, still clinging to the zombie. He smirked before pecking another kiss to their cheek which had them grumbling, “You can let go now.”

“Alright.” He moved away and frowned as their shirts stuck together as he did. “This was a nice moment and all. But you, ah, have ice cream all over your shirt. I’m sticky.”

They screamed. ”Oh, that’s the worst. I have some shit you can change into when we head back. ”

“How considerate.”

“Not that considerate since you are el hombre pegajoso.”

They recoiled and prodded at their own chest, shuddering as the texture and shaking their hands at the disgusting sensation. The outing was cut short and they rushed to the van; they did stop for Mace to finish etching a message into the brick next to their star. “Mace swapped spit here” was now immortalized in messy scratches. A breeze had kicked up and even with the body jumper’s frantic stomping and fumbling the sound of the wind through the mountains and brush was peaceful. It was quieter as they entered the van.

David shrugged off his flannel and removed his shirt, smiling when he heard the sharp inhale from Mason. Trai threw a large shirt with a beer logo on it at him while muttering about his boldness. They pulled out more clothes until finding something they were satisfied with. Mason immediately stripped their torso bare and pulled a soft and worn tee over their head. “Gods, that’s so much better.”

“I didn’t know you were so opposed to being sticky.” David leaned against the counter. “Could have fooled me.”

“You better shut it before I kick your ass to the curb.” It removed the box set from the tote along with the incense, of which they took a stick and inserted it into the mouth of a gargoyle. They lit it with a zippo and hissed out, “If anyone winds up sticky, it’s gonna be you. One way or the other.”

The undead man chuckled, the laugh dying off as thunder boomed theatrically in his flannel’s inner pocket. Picking it up from the couch, he removed the phone from the shirt and checked the caller ID. He smiled apologetically at his companion. “It’s Keion. Do you mind if I take this… ?”

“I don’t care. You can leave now, if you want to that badly,” they snarked.

“It won’t take too long.”

“‘Kay.” It waited until he had stepped outside to take their wallet out by the chain, unfurling the cone wrapper and smoothing it out. Even without the memory attached to it, The Screamery was such a note-worthy name. Stylized jaws were printed across the paper, making it more attractive to the punk. Trai nodded with approval as they ducked under the futon to retrieve a battered shoe box. They pried the lid off and tucked the wrapper inside, balancing the box on their thighs as they squatted in front of the couch. Trai played with some loose pebbles after dropping the spoon in. Their collection was starting to get reasonably sizable and it hesitated to cover the items as it wondered if they would need a larger container.

The door slid open and their head whipped around as David entered. “Sorry about that- he wanted to catch up and confirm some things.”

“David, I was just-” It cursed as it rushed to close the box. A few crusted bottles of nail polish rolled down and the weight of it caused the entire hoard of memorabilia and tokens tipped over.

“Oh, here let me help with that.” He knelt down and grabbed some stray photos. As he gathered them, he noticed the various shots of himself and smiled. “Is this where you hide your extra merch ?” They sputtered and hurried their ministrations, avoiding the singer’s gaze as it grabbed at a glass locket filled with thread and strings of color. He was much slower and deliberate as he took care not to handle anything roughly in case it was fragile. Bits of glass were scattered on the rug; he took notice as he picked up a promotional badge. “Shit, I must have broken something.”

“It was supposed to be like that !” It squealed and swept the fragments into their palm before depositing it with the rest.

“Alright. If I did break something, tell me. I can try and replace it,” he said warmly. Its face burned as he thumbed a black piece off the rug and put it in the box. His eyes landed on a plastic basket filled with ticket stubs and torn wrist bands. Most were for concert venues, but he recognized the film reel adorned sheet as he removed it. “Hey, isn’t this the film we went to ?”

“Ha ha, it’s kind of a random assortment of things. Junk, trinkets, just whatever. Must have put that in there without thinking.”

The band leader investigated the contents again- a bright pebble from the museum gift shop, a keychain from the stand by the pier with his name on it, a button that looked oddly similar to the one on his flannel, a nail with the tip broken off, the black piece from before appeared to be their broken nail- and he noted several more keepsakes from their previous excursions. It was oddly endearing. He smirked at the realization. “Aw, Macy, are you keeping little souvenirs of me ?”

Mason was still, hands held in front of them still clutching a scrap of painted cloth. A droplet of water fell on David’s hand and he glanced up, paling as he saw the state of them. Its entire face was contorted as tears shivered down its hot red cheeks. They choked on a cry. “Get out.”

“Mace, I wasn’t trying to-”

“I said, get. Out.” They threw down the patch and lifted him up by the armpits, dragging him to the door and only cracking it enough to toss him onto the pavement. “Get out, get out of here. I fucking hate you !” He righted himself and watched them slam the door. The van veered towards him as their body hit the side. Their sobs were audible from the other side of the door as he pressed his hand to it, resting his forehead on the cold metal. They were heaving with every breath, too filled with waterworks to call it dry.

He sighed. “Mason, I wasn't- I was teasing you, but I was not trying to hurt your feelings. I didn’t think it’d work you up so much…” He lifted his arm above his head, leaning over as if they could hear him better this way. “I think it’s sweet that you do it, honestly. It’s cute.” You’re cute.

“No, it’s not ! It’s stupid. I’m stupid. You weren’t supposed to know about it.”

“It’s fine-”

“It’s not okay ! Everything’s ruined now. You weren’t supposed to know. You can’t know." Their voice went quiet.

“Why not ?”

“Because-” There was a bang of metal as their braced hand hit the bottom of the door. “Because then you’re gonna be weird about it.”

He snorted. “I didn’t know we were normal.”

“It was our normal.” It sniffed. “I’m not supposed to like you like this.”

“It’s okay. You’re allowed to.”

“It’s not okay.”

“I promise you, it is.” He dragged his hand down and stepped back. Nothing he could say would convince them. “Can you let me in ?” He chuckled dryly. “It’s cold.”

“Freeze then. See if I care.”

He held his tongue. A few seconds passed and the door opened, Mason looking more pink and less wet. They gravitated towards him as he stepped inside, the van leaning to meet him as their arms circled around him. The zombie teased, ”Knew you cared.”

Warm air blew through the fabric of his shirt. “Fuck off, I still don't want anything to do with you.”

“Mm, see the thing is you hugged me. There’s some affection there.” His hands stayed to his sides. “Unless this is your way of asking me to close the door.”

“You’re always cold. I don’t mind it.” It buried its face in his chest. Their voice was muffled and watery as they complained, “I don’t want an audience for my breakdown, thanks.”

“Gotcha.” There was no point in arguing about the fact they were very alone. He twisted so he could get a hold of the handle and yank the door back. It hissed as it followed the track, slower than he would have liked. “Better ?”

They hummed, squeezing tighter. Testing the waters, he traced the scar that cut through their scalp. It shivered at the touch and nuzzled his sternum. He smoothed his hand over the fuzz at its nape, moving down to their shoulder blades. His fingers drew spirals across them and it sighed. Its breath hitched as their crying subsided.

Their body slumped against him as they finally relaxed and he lowered them both to the floor, cradling the body jumper like a precious doll. Trai grumbled, "You didn't ask to hold me first."

"Oops," he said as he let go and shuffled back.

It clung to him. "I didn't say to stop."

He snickered. "Alright."

Both of the men laid on the floor until night had reached full dark- the pinhole lights on the ceiling illuminated and cast a starry glow across the van's interior. Mason could have fallen asleep like this- their undead companion's cool touch comforted them far more than their futon- but they ultimately decided against it. They adjusted trains position so it could tuck their face into the crook of his neck. The punk muttered something under their breath and their pillow of a man lifted his head to attempt to catch the phrase as it left them. He rested his temple on theirs. “Were you saying something ?”

“I…” Trai sat up, hands falling to trains lap. They wringed their hands and twiddled their thumbs. The words caught in their throat before spilling out in a stream. “You said it’s okay if I liked you. What if I loved you ?”

He cocked his head, staring at their expectant face before looking away with a smirk. “Wouldn’t be so bad, considering the fact I like you too.”

“Like or,” they airquoted, “like-like ?”

The singer was going to tease them for being childish until he saw the beginnings of tears pooling in its eyes. He wiped a stray one from cheek and chuckled. “I’ve always liked you, hot stuff. Loving you would not be hard for me.” He held their head in his hands as they started to sniffle. “I think I already do.”

The dam broke and a rivet of snot projected from their nose as they started leaking from every orifice on their face. Its teeth were bared as it grit them, trying to contain the full body sobs wracking through them. As it scrubbed its face with their wrists, David got up to wet a clean washcloth and help clean them up. They continued to snivel as they apologized, “Are you sure ? It’s me that we’re talking about.”

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want it to be you.”

"Fuck��" they said as they rubbed their eyes, "You can't just say this shit to me, Prettyboy."

He stroked their jaw, thumb running under their bottom lip. "I think you can take it."

They pouted, cheeks flushing with steam. "Are you going to kiss me or what ?"

A grin twitched at the corners of his mouth, threatening to break his cool demeanor. "Or what."

The punk gasped and shoved him weakly, David falling over regardless as he tugged it down with him. Their nose and cheeks were peppered with smooches. A laugh bubbled out of his throat as they screeched in protest, "You ass !"

"Your ass," he replied before kissing them. It felt his smile against its lips. They pulled away and he pressed one more to their forehead.

Trai mumbled, "Did you mean that ?"

He put his hand on the small of their back. "I'm a lot of people's. I can be yours."

"Can I be yours, too ?"

"You're mine."

"I'm yours." They repeated into his mouth.

He swallowed it like honey. "I'm yours."

[astraldrake]

wanna blather abt ds3 not for any particular reason other than im in the mood to Yell abt it. putting stuff under a cut so as to not occupy too much dash space :)

I've gotten up to aldrich, and while he's currently giving me some trouble i can pretty reliably get him to half health, which i think is a good sign. although can i just say FUCK THE SILVER KNIGHTS they gave me so much more trouble than they were worth. i say they were trouble, in part because i've found that they are very weak to the black flame spell, so i've just been whacking them with it to break their defenses and then smacking them to death with my sword. going into magic was a good idea i think, gave me access to a bunch more fun stuff to throw at my opponents. than just whacking them with a sword. now im just indecisive on weather i want to go further into int based stuff and do cool sorcerer stuff, or if i want to go more into faith and chuck lightning bolts at stuff. I've mostly been sticking with pyromancy (great combustion my beloved) since i've found it works better with the way i generally tend to use magic, but i've also relied on miracles for healing to save on estus. i also beat yhorm ( after several attempts to figure out how storm ruler worked, i don't tend to use weapon skills so i spent a few attempts uselessly flailing about while trying to hit the right buttons) to be honest, i kind of expected the profaned capital to be bigger?? since like, both aldrich and the abyss watchers had a fairly sizeable areas leading up to them, and poor yhorm just gets stuck in this little area underneath a dungeon. (an extremely unpleasant dungeon, imo. 0/10 i want the creepy jailer mask but not badly enough to fight more of those health bar crunching bastards) I did get a big torch mace off one of the gargoyles though, and since my current weapon (flamberge) also scales with strength, i had enough to use it. The big fire blast attack is fun, but i think i'm going to need more stamina before it's a weapon i can use in any practical sense.

[dobsmoneylake]

Egbert the Wingman on his latest attempt at atonement. You pick the couple he decides to "help". Bonus points for Seal Giamen cameo

Thank you so much for the prompt!!! I hope that you enjoy it!!

This is unbeta'd because I feel like dying like a man today. Also, I don't own any of it.

The day started out just as any other. Egbert woke to the waves rocking the boat, the smell of gunpowder, and a large seal angrily bomfing at him because it was breakfast time. “Alright, alright,” he said, pushing the seal away from him and rolling out of the bed. “Good morning to you too.”

Seal Gaiman just stared at him with a stern expression on his face before bomfing again and making his way to the door.

“Alright, let’s see what we can ‘borrow’ from Corazón this time,” Egbert said, making his way out of the door.

“Egbert, are you talking to that dumb seal again?” Corazón said, making his way out from below deck, “I thought we’d talked about this.”

“You let Merilwen talk to animals all the time!”

Corazón rolled his eyes. “Merilwen uses magic to talk to animals. If you were doing that, it wouldn’t be weird,” he made his way to the ladder that led above deck, “I just refreshed the larder with pickles. Make sure to keep the seal out of them.”

“Sure thing,” Egbert said with an agreeable smile. He waited until Corazón had made his way up to the top of the deck before turning to look back at the now disappeared Seal Gaiman. “Come on, mate, where are you at?”

A series of seal noises and a clutter led to the seal curled up in said barrel of pickles.

“Come on, Corazón told us to stay out of there!” When the seal steadfastly refused to move, Egbert shook his head. “Well, I’m not helping you out this time!”

Making his way upstairs, Egbert passed Prudence’s door (there was no mysterious humming and chanting coming from within this morning) and nearly ran into Dob, who was standing with Meril-cat on his shoulders.

“Oh, there you are, Egbert,” Dob said happily. “I’m supposed to tell you that we are going to spend the day in town and then we will be leaving this evening. Corazón says ‘don’t be late, but also, I don’t want to see you lot for the rest of the day. Captain’s orders!’” He smiled brightly.

“Sounds good, what do you want to do then?”

Dob shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sorry Egbert, but I promised Merilwen I’d spend the day with her. We’re going to see how many taverns will adopt her as a bar cat!” Said cat was still resting imperiously on his shoulder.

“Ah, okay. Well, I guess that I can use this time to check in with La Vache Mauve.”

“Sounds good to me, buddy,” Dob said, before leaving the ship with the cat on his shoulder.

Left alone on the main deck, Egbert shifted uncomfortably. It had been a while since he had the silence he needed to talk to the cow. On the other hand, silence was still silence. And if there was one thing Egbert knew, it was that all silence existed to be wonderfully broken.

As he was thinking this, the sun appeared to glow a little bit purple. Looking at it longer, Egbert watched as it slowly turned, revealing the purple cow that he followed.

“La Vache Mauve!” He exclaimed happily.

“Yes, child,” the cow replied. “Now, I see that you have been making steps toward atonement.”

“I try,” he responded dutifully, “It’s slow going, though. It’s not easy, you know!”

“The path to make up for our past mistakes is never easy, young one,” the image in the sky shifted to look stern, “But if we are not able to walk it when the road is tough, we are not really walking it at all.”

Egbert took a slow breath, pondering that. “I think I understand,” he said. “I will continue to walk the path, even when it is tough.”

Countenance shifting into a please expression, La Vache Mauve went on, “As it is, it is time for you to take the next step in your journey. Two of your companions are struggling to be true to themselves and each other. You must help them take the next step they need toward truth.”

Egbert nodded. That sounded doable. “Which of my two companions are you talking about?” He asked.

“That is something you already know, you must think about it and go from there,” with a moo, the sun had turned again, and Egbert was left on the boat alone.

That didn’t last long as he grabbed his trusty mace and bombs and leapt over the side of the boat. La Vache Mauve may not have said who he was supposed to help, but if there were a liar in the group that he traveled with, it was definitely Corazón De Ballena, and Egbert had a feeling that where he found Corazón, he would find the other member being untruthful to themselves.

Sure enough, as he turned around the corner, he had to stop suddenly so as to not draw the attention of the pirate. Corazón was at one of the stalls of artisanal meats, but instead of looking at the wares, he was standing behind one of the barrels and staring across the market. Confused, Egbert followed his gaze . . . oh.

Standing at a shop and looking at various baubles was none other than Prudence. She didn’t seem to notice either of them, and as Egbert watched, she selected a bauble and brought it to the counter, leaning in to touch the shop keeper’s arm and laughing at what he said. After some words were exchanged, she paid for the bauble with some coin and turned around, letting a smirk show off her face. She then walked out of the market area confidently, seemingly still not noticing the two people watching her.

Egbert turned to look back at Corazón, who was still looking at the stall Prudence had been sitting at with a pinched expression and his arms crossed tightly across his chest. Suddenly, he strode off, following her path into the next area and leaving Egbert alone.

Crossing his arms across his chest, Egbert thought. Dob had mentioned thinking that Corazón may have stronger feelings for Prudence than he was letting on. The two were close, and if there was one thing Prudence did lie about, it was her emotions. Standing, straighter, Egbert resolutely followed them.

Operation: Gain Atonement By Hooking Up Your Teammates was on.

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

As Egbert strode into the next area, he was immediately grateful that it was busy. It allowed him to blend into the crowd better. Unfortunately, it also allowed Corazón to blend into the crowd better, which meant that he was still able to tail Prudence as she went on her shopping spree, this time entering an antique shop. This had to stop.

Filled with a spurt of inspiration, Egbert wandered into a more secluded area and started casting “Find Steed.” 10 minutes later, he had a dog and a Prudence was coming back out of the antique shop.

“Hey there, boy,” he said, leaning down to pet the dog. “I need you to cause a commotion and bring Prudence and Corazón together, okay?”

With a quick bark, the dog went off to do as he commanded, running into the middle of the crowd and howling before growling and leaping up on the counter by where Corazón was hiding, grabbing a piece of meat off of it and jumping down. Shaking his head, the Dogbert threw the meat in Corazón’s direction, causing him to dodge out of the way . . . and into one of the barrels that sat outside of the stall, just as Prudence walked into a nearby tavern.

Dogbert sat back and looked at Corazón, who was now sprawled against one of the barrels, before coming back and sitting down at Egbert’s feet.

“Yeah, that’s fair,” Egbert said, reaching down to pet his head. “Good boy.”

A few minutes later, Corazón had recovered from his spill and made his way into the tavern. Egbert followed him inside, deciding that he could always pretend to be a dragonborn gargoyle if it looked like he was about to be spotted.

It turns out that this was unnecessary, as Corazón had taken a seat at the bar and was drawing all the attention to himself. Well, “taking a seat” wasn’t the best description of what was going on-- more like he had sprawled himself against the bar and was loudly describing his recent “heroic adventures.” Somehow, the slight scratches he bore from crashing into the barrel had turned into scars he had received tumbling through cliffs while being chased by a villainous beast, which he had of course managed to trick and then slay without any further harm to himself.

The worst part was that it appeared that the people in this tavern were utter fools. A group of men (more like boys, really, they clearly had never left the town) were listening, egging him on. And there were women (again, more like girls) who were seated next to him, saying things like “that must have been so scary” and “wow, you are so brave!”

As Egbert himself sat down at one of the seats near the main aisle, he spotted Prudence, who was seated in a shadowed corner and seemed to be drinking her ale very fast. She was clenching the tankard she was holding so tight her knuckles were red, and her whole body had gone stiff, much like a very unhappy cat. She also kept shooting furtive looks in Corazón’s direction before looking back at the table in front of her.

All of a sudden, there was a commotion from the bar as Corazón stood up, loudly announcing, “And now I will show you how I, Corazón De Ballena, master swordsman, took down the fierce monsters!” He shuffled his feet into a fencing pose and held out his hands as if he was holding a rapier, quickly moving through the motions of the supposed fight. Nearby, the girls around him gasped and giggled in glee.

As Corazón got closer and closer to him (and Prudence), Egbert saw his chance and subtly stuck out his foot. The pirate, so focused on his performance, didn’t notice, and sure enough, he tripped, flailing wildly before stumbling over and tripping on another chair leg. Through an impressive series of events that only could have happened because a cow was watching over them, Corazón stumbled and tripped through the tavern, before finally landing square in Prudence’s lap.

Immediately, both of them froze, locking wide eyes. Indeed, they were not the only ones frozen, as the whole tavern went silent.

Then Prudence roughly shoved Corazón off of her, causing him to roll on the floor and land on his back. “I hope you fight monsters better than you fight the empty air,” she taunted before making her way out of the room.

Propping himself up on his arms, Corazón watched her leave before suddenly jumping up, standing like a peacock. “Alright, which one of you pushed me?” He demanded, “That is unacceptable, and I will have my vengeance!!”

Egbert was already gone.

***********

As he left the tavern, Egbert looked around wildly before realizing that Prudence had successfully escaped into the crowd. Even though it should be easy to find a ruby red tiefling among all of the people, she was nowhere to be seen.

As he was thinking this, Corazón walked out of the tavern and looked around before deflating. Noticing Egbert, he walked up to him. “Where’s Prudence?” He demanded.

“Why should I know?” Egbert asked.

“You were OUT HERE, Egbert! It doesn’t seem hard to keep track of her when you can see where she’s gone!”

Egbert shrugged. “Sorry, I was too busy trying to pick out a new barrel of pickles.”

“I can’t believe you let the seal into my pickles and you lost Prudence! I’m going to get drunk, and I don’t want to see any of you until later on!” He stormed back into the tavern.

Egbert sighed and fought the urge to bury his head in his face. There went his chance at atonement.

As he was thinking that, the sun seemed to shift and La Vache Mauve appeared in it yet again. “Well done, my child.”

“What are you talking about?” Egbert kicked a rock. “I failed. They didn’t reveal any truths to each other.”

“Remember that in life, every step made on the journey is a valuable one,” came the reply. “This is a lesson that is relevant to their story as well as to yours. Atonement, like truth, will only come once you’ve waited.” Before Egbert could say anything in reply, the cow had disappeared again.

“Well, that’s deeply unhelpful,” Egbert said to himself before setting out to find some pickles.

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

Later that evening, all was quiet on The Joyful Damnation. Dob and Merilwen had come back to the ship laughing gleefully about having turned her into the best tavern cat ever. Egbert had removed Seal Gaiman from the pickle bucket and had retired to bed, trying to find peace from the day. Prudence had returned to the ship before the others and had retired to her quarters for some rest. And Corazón made his way back last, stumbling aboard the ship and making his way to the captain’s quarters.

As he walked inside, he started unbuttoning his top, preparing to sleep, before sensing something off about the room. Looking side to side, he didn’t see anything-- until he looked up and saw the familiar glowing eyes of the party’s tiefling.

If asked, Corazón would tell you that he always responded to things in the most epic and dignified manner ever. In actuality, he jumped back in shock and let out a series of impressive swear words. Taking a few breaths and clutching his chest in shock, he finally managed to get a few words. “What are you doing in here?” He demanded. “I thought we agreed Captain’s Quarters were off limits!! And that you shouldn’t Spider Climb on my ship!!”

“You said that; I pretended to listen,” Prudence shrugged, dropping down from ceiling onto the floor. “And I’m here because as stupid as you and your stories are, those scratches are fresh and you’ll probably let them get infected and then I’ll have to hear you complain about it. So I’m going to clean them out for you.”

Corazón blustered. “I don’t need your help, Prudence! As the captain and leader of this ship, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself! In fact, I should be helping you!”

“Uh huh,” Prudence said, grabbing his shoulders and pushing him onto the bed before grabbing one of his arms and examining it. “You have splinters in here, by the way.” Her touch was gentle as she set about removing them and cleaning the scratches.

Corazón froze for a few minutes, staring out of the wall but watching her out of the corner of his eye. When she didn’t make any motion to look anywhere other than his arm, he relaxed, but he continued to pointedly not watch her. “It’s not that bad,” he muttered.

“It never is with you,” Prudence responded matter-of-factly, dropping the arm she was looking at and picking up the other one. “It doesn’t look like these will need bandaging, but it also means they won’t scar, so you won’t get to impress girls with them much longer.”

“So you admit they’re impressive?” He puffed out his chest.

“They could be considered impressive if I didn’t see you roll straight into a barrel of salt trying to avoid a puppy,” she corrected him, raising an eyebrow and meeting his eyes.

“It was bigger than a puppy. It was a real beast, Prudence, I was just protecting the townspeople,” Corazón flushed.

“Ah yes, I got to see your prowess up close and personal in the tavern,” she remarked wryly, smirking as his face went redder. “Somebody sure was clumsy today, weren’t they?”

“Clumsy? I am never clumsy, I am the epitome of grace and dexterity at all times . . . OW!”

Holding up the splinter she had taken out mid rant, Prudence raised her eyebrow. “Truly, you’re the most impressive man I know,” she said before chuckling and dropping his hand. “Well, I think you can handle yourself from here.” As she left, she stopped to look at him. “Sleep well, Corazón,” and she slipped out of the room.

Watching her leave, Corazón shook his head and ran his fingers over his arm gently before laying down and falling into a peaceful slumber.

Watching overhead, La Vache Mauve smiled.

[jennifercrowart]

D&D Diary - The Yawning Rodent, 14

Refresher: Our adventurers Lugs (grung barbarian), Lurk (grung rogue), Aelia (tiefling cleric), and Valas (drow sorcerer) with tagalong Deku (ratfolk cleric) defeated the Shadows in the Ashardalon shrine, and finally found the man pulling all the strings behind the Goblin Gang: Belak the Outcast. With him are McKennedeigh and Bradley, who look like undead that Belak is controlling, with similar plant growths and pale skin compared to Chadley.

Sunless Citadel spoilers!

Belak calls upon his giant frog, Kulket, who jumps down in front of him from the branches of the Gulthias tree. Belak climbs onto the frog's back, commanding him to attack Lugs. The frog croaks, before jumping into the air to land in front of the grung, although Lugs fends off Kulket's bite as well as Belak's Shillelagh quarterstaff attacks.

Valas starts shooting Chaos Bolts aided by his Tides of Chaos, and Lurk starts throwing psychic knives at Belak. Belak takes it all despite his Barkskin armour,  and when the final psychic knife hits him in-between the eyes, he topples unceremoniously off of Kulket's back and lands face-down in Lugs' swamp water with a splash.

The party rejoices, having defeated the druid. Having expected McKennedeigh and Sir Bradley to hopefully snap out of their mind control, however, they watch in horror as the two almost slump over, before their eyes grow brighter and they start to move, feral and fast. Sprinting to his lifeless body, they begin feverishly consuming their former master.

Valas, overcome by the energy of his own spells, feels the wash of wild magic over him - but, with a sigh of relief, it feels soothing like healing magic, giving him temporary HP this time. Kulket jumps over Lugs' head and lands in front of the sorcerer, not wanting to stick around for more of Lugs' attacks. The party is excited and wants to befriend the giant frog, even as he tries to bite Valas.

McKennedeigh and Bradley's previous wounds from the fight begin to heal over, and when they stand up, they look more vicious and powerful. Bradley runs at Lugs, using his magic sword to smash the barbarian's magic flail and render it unusable. Although the damage could probably be repaired by Boak, Lugs falls to his knees, holding the broken flail and screaming, "nooooooooooooooooooo!" in Grung.

McKennedeigh, her nails long and claw-like, begins scaling the cavern wall, hissing and shooting a Ray of Frost. Bradley moves onto his next target, slashing his sword into Aelia. She stumbles backwards, dodging the second attack but badly wounded. She summons a Spiritual Weapon in the shape of a large glowing mace embedded with gemstones to defend herself with.

Every few seconds, more and more twig blights tear themselves out of the brambles and start running at the party. They're fragile, but the waves keep on coming even though the party keeps trying to beat them back.

Lurk runs past the thick of the battle, taking aim at the Gulthias tree with one of his new Alchemist's Arrows. He shoots, and when the arrow hits the tree, the flask smashes and the bright orange potion quickly sets the dry and dead-looking tree alight. Suddenly, the twig blights all start to converge on him, enraged.

The spellbook on McKennedeigh's hip opens and the pages flutter as she casts Colour Spray on Lurk from her spot on the cavern wall. The flash of lights temporarily blinds him, and, surrounded by the twig blights, he's not in a good position. He uses his new Ring of the Flock to summon a swarm of ravens over his head, and they carry the small grung to safety next to Lugs.

Deku runs forward and bravely casts Sacred Flame on Bradley, still keeping up an upcast Bless spell on the whole party to bolster their saves and their attacks. He and Aelia are both out of spell slots by now, though, and a lot of the party is looking badly hurt. Valas casts another Chaos Bolt, this time sending a powerful shot of force damage that punches a hole straight through Bradley's torso. The undead mercenary grunts and tries to step forward, but after a beat, he falls into the dirt, finished.

Overcome by the excitement and relief of having defeated this terrifying and well-armoured adversary, the power of his magic starts to bubble up and overwhelm Valas once again; he feels the crackle of embers and sparks run along his body. Suddenly, a fireball erupts with him at the centre, flames billowing out in a huge arc around him. He throws his arms up instinctively, quickly casting Absorb Elements to take some of the sting out - luckily, this saves him, as well as his regenerating temporary HP from his prior stint with wild magic. He'd already been trying to physically distance himself from the rest of the party in case of such an occurrence, but Kulket was still in range of the Fireball spell, and the fire damage was too much for him. To Valas' dismay, the giant frog is killed by the blast.

Aelia runs towards the congregated twig blights where Lurk had once been, and channels her divinity to cast Radiance of the Dawn, sending a wave of brilliant radiant light out from herself and blasting into the surrounding enemies. It wipes out almost all of the current twig blights, and even McKennedeigh gets hit, hissing and trying to shut her eyes against the sudden light.

Furious and hurt, McKennedeigh crawls down the cavern wall and jumps off to run at Aelia, ferociously swiping her clawed hands at the cleric and baring her fangs. Aelia backs away from the attacks, and Lugs runs to her aid, swinging his club into McKennedeigh and sending her smashing into the wall. She collapses, finally knocked unconscious from the blow.

The party takes a deep breath now that the fight is just about over. The Gulthias tree continues to burn, and only the twig blights remain. Lurk spots the magic fruit he and Lugs had come here looking for: a bright, shiny, apple-like item growing out of the trunk like a cyst. Before it's harmed by the fire, he sends his swarm of ravens to extract it and bring it back to him. Lugs, proficient in nature knowledge despite his overall lack of Intelligence, calmly tells Lurk not to eat the fruit; this does appear to be the ruby red fruit of legends, able to heal any ailment, that they had been tasked with finding.

No longer threatened by more powerful foes, the adventurers easily take care of the weak twig blights until the tree finally burns out - after that, no more keep appearing from the undergrowth. The smoke filling the cavern is thick, black, and acrid. Valas, a drow born in the Underdark, had never seen anything so bright in his life before this huge tree was set ablaze.

The smoke starts becoming too much before long, and they begin retreating back to the storeroom at the start of the cavern. Deku tied up McKennedeigh, so Aelia and Lugs carefully carry her with them.

Once the tree is nothing but the blackened remains of a trunk, Lugs - immune to poison due to being a grung and strong enough to carry the bodies - ventures back in to haul out Bradley and Belak's remains so the party can inspect them in a safer spot that isn't as eye-watering and toxic. The rest of the cavern appears to be empty of anything but brambles; Belaks' large and lifeless garden. Even now, they can already tell that Belak's corpse wasn't really eaten by McKennedeigh and Bradley - it's more like his blood was drained. Concerned at the vampiric behaviour, the party wonders if Chadley is ok back at the Rat's Nest, as he had gotten slightly worse since they left the Sunless Citadel with him the previous day by developing darkvision and reacting to holy water as though he was undead.

Moving on to find proper shelter from the smoke, so Lurk opens the door to the unexplored room by the storeroom entrance. Inside, it appears to be Belak's study, lined with shelves of books and an untidy desk.

[wordfires]

zoril & ildien

this is eventually going to be a larger project but for now this is some character backstory for two of the dnd characters im currently playing! for some frame of reference zoril is a tiefling eventual warlock of the fiend (his patron is a plotpoint that hasn’t come up yet in what i’ve written bu o do know who it is) and ildien is a fallen aasimar shadow sorcerer and yes the “lore” gets a bit weird but they’re both for one shots its about fun not accuracy

anyway both of these are on the longer end and the format is a bit weird so im putting the first section of each character above the cut, but they’re separate in their (almost) entirety below the cut

-

Zoril was never a truly quiet child— he was never going to be anything else. In a different life, a different time, perhaps. But in this one, his life was chosen first by his mother when she left him to be raised alone by his father.

It was no fault of hers, really. It can be difficult to co-parent a child when the other parent in question is one of the kings of the nine hells.

But this is not a tale of unlikely parents. It is of unlikely children. And first, is Zoril.

Zoril was raised bouncing between the hells, never staying particularly long in one before he was passed to the next, although his time in his father’s domain was always the longest. The other rulers didn’t quite understand why the tiefling child was left to live very long, much less run amok among the denizens of the underworld.

~

Ildien had often wondered why his parents had left him. Many would have been grateful to have the celestials near. He often came to the conclusion that he had never looked precisely good-bringing. He had never really looked precisely human, as far as he could remember. Not that he was, but he had heard of others like him who could blend in with ease.

He had been told by those that had raised him that his parents had come to the church stammering and clutching at themselves like madness had overtaken them, muttering strange things about their child. The church Elder had asked to see the child, only for it to be thrown into her arms as the couple backed away and never returned.

Of course Ildien was only told this when the Elder had died.

Zoril was never a truly quiet child— he was never going to be anything else. In a different life, a different time, perhaps. But in this one, his life was chosen first by his mother when she left him to be raised alone by his father.

It was no fault of hers, really. It can be difficult to co-parent a child when the other parent in question is one of the kings of the nine hells.

But this is not a tale of unlikely parents. It is of unlikely children. And first, is Zoril.

Zoril was raised bouncing between the hells, never staying particularly long in one before he was passed to the next, although his time in his father’s domain was always the longest. The other rulers didn’t quite understand why the tiefling child was left to live very long, much less run amok among the denizens of the underworld.

But Zoril’s father had his reasons. Zoril hoped this was the case, anyway. His father was the only one who never seemed to, at least overtly, cast him away. And so, despite bouncing between others, he was always Zoril, Prince of the Hells and Heir to Mephistopheles’ throne, should he ever leave it.

He had his tutors in the form of the souls who had made bargains with his father, though they always seemed to be removed whenever they attempted to reveal any regrets they may have had about the deals they made. He made friends with the passing imps and quasits, coercing devils into joining his games. 

But there were also the lessons of his father, beginning as Zoril grew into his horns. Lessons taught within the palace walls. Never to perform a task without proper payment, to always know when respect and treachery are due. To know that even though his mother had given Zoril fire when he lived in a realm of ice and his nature was freer than the strict hierarchies of the hells, he was a Prince of Cania, that he was owed his rights to the world. But also to know that these rights must, at times, come second to the end goals of ambition.

And as Zoril continued to grow into these lessons and his adolescence, he was allowed and encouraged to begin to venture into the material planes, however he could. To witness the mortal lifespan he was left with, and the mortal souls he may one day be able to take.

His time on the surface was yet another teacher. Of want and desire by those who were raised with mortality. Of the passion it brings. As well as how to remain in the shadows, and when to leave them. How to grow close to another and leave them behind, desperate and ready to make a bargain.

But many of these required quiet, and as he grew taller into adulthood, Zoril found that endless energy again boiling underneath his skin, tired of being taught.

And so he found what he considered the second-best thing mortals had ever dreamed up: brawling.

He was always faster than he was strong, charming more often than fighting, but he could never argue against an adrenaline rush.

His trips into the material plane began bringing him more scars than potential souls for the devils of his home, and as he marched, smiling, into the palace of Cania, Mephistopheles had laughed, a great deep thing, gesturing with one clawed hand toward serving devils. And so his weapons training finally began.

It was not too many years after this that he was one of the top fighters at a ring he had come to frequent. Despite its allowance of magic, Zoril had taken to maces and flails rather than learning spells, letting the illusion of strength and slowness keep his opponents surprised.

It was a night like any other at first. He had been on a roll, undefeated for a week. But the whispers around the room as he readied himself spoke of a newcomer, some challenger from out of town, apparently desperate to fight someone who could pose a threat.

He wanted to laugh as he checked the leather grip of his favoured weapon. Instead, he volunteered to be the one to graciously defeat whoever this mysterious newcomer was. Then he laughed, joining the others around him as another fighter clapped his back and Zoril stepped into the ring.

If he had any less composure he was sure the newcomer would’ve knocked the grin right off his face as his laughter trailed off and he swung his flail up over his shoulder, barely thinking enough to not himself. 

They were tall, towering even over the elaborate spines and curls that Zoril’s horns had grown into. Long dark hair tumbled onto pale purple-grey shoulders that sloped gently up into a set face and bright-burning purple eyes. Elaborate red acolyte’s robes draped over their frame, giving away their origins.

At least to anyone watching— Zoril himself was utterly lost in the newcomer, looking them up and down, barely catching himself as a wave of fire was hurled in his direction.

---

Ildien had often wondered why his parents had left him. Many would have been grateful to have the celestials near. He often came to the conclusion that he had never looked precisely good-bringing. He had never really looked precisely human, as far as he could remember. Not that he was, but he had heard of others like him who could blend in with ease.

He had been told by those that had raised him that his parents had come to the church stammering and clutching at themselves like madness had overtaken them, muttering strange things about their child. The church Elder had asked to see the child, only for it to be thrown into her arms as the couple backed away and never returned.

Of course Ildien was only told this when the Elder had died.

He had been 12 at the time. Until then he had been told that the elder, Elder Calla, was his mother. Then another acolyte had snidely commented that he didn’t have the right to mourn, after all, she wasn’t even really related to him. He had been told the real story later that night.

It was not long after that when Ildien’s magic began to change. It had always been something they could do, it came naturally. But light grew to darkness, the blossoming healing abilities seemed to wither away as he began to drift farther from human, even away from the celestial blood in his veins.

It was then, too, that Hadrariel became as distant as the light that once surrounded him.

Until that point, Hadrariel has been a constant companion, whispering kind words and gentle guidances, a second parent. In young Ildien’s eyes, another liar.

Truly it was not Hadrariel’s fault— though perhaps it was not Ildien’s either. It had been a long day, the day of Elder Calla’s funeral ceremonies. The loss was still sharp, and the leering gazes of older acolytes and unspoken words were constant needles, pressing into his skin. He had been the last to speak to the Elder, and was, therefore, the last to bid his farewell before the body was burned. 

The memory of it was still a burning sear. The peace in the lifelessness of the corpse, another deception. The pitying eyes of her replacement. The ever-pressing gazes around him, narrowed eyes and silent laughter. And then the faint weight of Hadrariel’s gaze, an invisible hand on Ildien’s shoulder.

Shadows had lashed out of him, tipping the room into the grey of twilight, before the sudden pitch black of night as pain had ripped through him, tearing him to pieces.

Then as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. The shadow fled from the room, slinking back to the soles of Ildien’s feet as he gazed at the skeletal remains of his wings, on display of their own accord. The absence of the weight of their feathers echoed in the void left behind by Hadrariel’s flight and the strange stillness in his chest.

He had looked on, to Calla’s body.

It was the last time he cried.

The following years were long— Ildien was yet an acolyte of the church of [], he had his duties and still lived within the church. But the laughter that may have turned to friendship instead turned to fear and quick glances. The new Elder was not kind as Calla had been. Ildien was labelled a bad omen, banned from certain ceremonies.

Most ceremonies aside from funerals, in fact. At these he was allowed, if only so no one else had to be near the corpse.

When not being put to the undesirable tasks, Ildien remained in his room, watching the torch fire make shadows dance across the wall as he read himself to restless sleep. Time seemed to pass slowly and quickly all at once, slipping through his fingers as he gazed on, indifferent. 

He knew the church would release him once he was of age, no longer obligated to keep him as their ward. The only thing that had stopped them from throwing him out sooner was the new Elder’s idea of image.

But as he grew closer to this release from the church, it grew impossible to passively be feared. To allow the world to pass him by.

So rather than read himself to sleep watching the shadows, Ildien looked at what cast them, studying the flames licking at the air. He let his magic follow it’s new call into fire and shadow, falling in love with it. He let himself smile for the first time in years as fire danced across his shoulders as his feet moved in the rhythm of the shadows below him.

Ildien had not thought the new Elder, Varif, cared enough to pay him mind outside of when necessary, but when he was called to speak in front of him it was not long before the Elder’s intentions were revealed.

Varif had, in fact, been watching Ildien, and he had deemed worthy of the grand gesture the church needed to make to bring the community back into the fold. 

Ildien only learned when the gesture was as it was happening. He was kept in a room away from his own, with only his shadows for company in the weeks leading up to the event.

 When the door to his chamber opened as his eyes adjusted, Ildien was pulled and shoved into flowing ceremonial garb layered with dust, a uniform he hadn’t seen before. A scroll was pressed into his hands as he was pushed to an altar.

He remembered blinking the setting sunlight out of his eyes, looking to Elder Varif, grinning, and to a figure opposite him on the altar, decorated in the bones of an ox, eyes closed. The face of one of the newest acolytes in the shadow of the ox’s skull.

Ildien had looked down at the words on the scroll, the idea of this gesture clicking place in his head. He glanced once to the other acolyte, their eyes blearily opening, panic raising their eyebrows. He glanced to the Elder, grin settling into smug satisfaction.

He stepped towards the acolyte, putting them within arms reach, letting a smile of his own stretch across his face as he snatched the ox skull, planting it on his own head and swinging to face the Elder, outstretched arms coming together to hurl fire at the Varif.

It really was only meant to maim, for the most part. But as the Elder’s body hit the floor, the spark that had ignited his rebellion quieted, and there was an utter silence the same as Calla’s funeral.

He felt his heart beat once in his chest.

And he ran, the air on his face reigniting him— a grin stretched across his face as he threw layers of the constraining upper garment off and let the flowing skirts fly in the wind as his feet pounded stone and dirt.

He ran through the city, taking unfamiliar turns, whooping as he clutched the stolen skull to his head, not even quite sure why he took it. He did mean to stop before he ran into any buildings, but he was looking over his shoulder as his feet carried him into a small, dimly lit tavern, tumbling through a swinging door on the back wall into a somehow much larger space.

He was only able to pull himself to a stop just before he would have slammed into a wall of muscle glowering up at him.

A blur of questions were asked, lies flowing quicker out of his mouth than he could think about what he was saying and the next second he stood in a ring with wooden walls and a packed sand floor, the most stunning tiefling he had ever seen standing across from him. Their skin was dark red like deep flame, pitch coloured horns reaching into the shadows above their head, a flail was swung over shoulders covered only by a light tunic, black sleeves billowing ever so slightly as Ildien’s eyes were drawn down to the tiefling’s cloven hooves and then back up to gleaming eyes and sharp fangs poking out of a rakish grin.

Ildien felt his breath rush out of him, fire leaping out of his fingertips, his instincts remembering that this was meant to be a fight seconds before he remembered he hadn’t said he was here to gawk at the fighters, instead he had let himself lie that he wanted to be one of them.

[ericsonclan]

Search For the Bracelets

Summary: Another fic trade I did with @king-of-clubs98 :)

Word Count: 1000+

Read on A03: 

Willy could tell something was wrong as soon as he saw Anali’s face. Hurrying over to the picnic tables, he plopped down and was about to get straight to the point when he noticed the problem. There was no pink or yellow tinted bracelet on Anali’s arm. Usually there was one or the other but today it was bare. Without a symbol for the pronouns of the day, Willy would have to ask directly. “What are your pronouns today, ‘Nali? And where are the bracelets?”

“She,” Anali murmured, clearly still lost in her own thoughts. “And they’re missing,” Her hands shook nervously, Willy guessed from the stress of being without her bracelets. Anali never went without them. She’d had them since she arrived at Ericson and was quite attached. Besides, if something was lost in this apocalyptic world, chances were you’d never be able to get another.

Willy watched his friend for a moment, his eyebrows sympathetically knit in concern, before standing up with his hands on his hips. “Well then, we just have to find them! The hunt begins!” He was about to speed off in the first direction that struck his fancy when a thought struck him. “Oh, where did you see them last? We should probably start there,”

“I don’t know,” Anali groaned, carding her fingers through her hair. “I went hunting with Aasim yesterday, came home and helped Omar with dinner and went to bed after Louis’ game night. I didn’t even think to look at my arm that whole time! Stupid! Stupid!” She whacked her head in annoyance as if that would shake the lost memories out into the light.

Willy immediately grabbed her hand to stop her. “If it was a normal day for you, then we’ll just follow your normal route! First we’ll ask Aasim if he’s seen anything. Do you know where he is?”

“Well, he’s not on watch or out hunting so there’s only one other place he could be,”

---

“Your bracelets?” Aasim looked up from the garden patch he was currently working, wiping away a bead of sweat and leaving a smudge of dirt on his nose in the process. “I didn’t notice they were missing when we went out hunting and I’m sure I would have. Whichever one you’re wearing always clinks while you walk,” He looked over to Ruby who was busy at work picking herbs. “What about you, love? Have you seen them?”

Ruby shook her head, looking up sympathetically at Anali. “Sorry, Sug. I haven’t seen them. But I’ll be sure to keep my eyes out and give you a holler if I spot them!”

Aasim watched Anali with concern, his older brother instincts clearly on alert. “Are you gonna be alright?”

Anali looked unsure but nodded, looking away.

Willy gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, we’ve only just started our search!”

---

Heading back to the front yard, they ran into Omar and Zason who was helping move firewood in preparation for their next meal. Hearing Anali’s predicament, they dropped what they were doing and helped give the area round the cauldron and the firewood a thorough search. No luck. Zason’s usually cheery expression drooped as he saw Anali’s distress. “If you like, I could try to gather some craft supplies and make you new bracelets. I promise they’d be totally awesome! We could add beads, glitter-”

“No,” Anali shook her head, her hands fidgeting once more. “Thanks, but… it just wouldn’t be the same. I need those bracelets,”

“And I’m sure you’ll find them,” Omar replied calmly, his voice as soothing as always. “Zason and I will keep looking for them wherever we go,”

Willy nodded, gently taking Anali’s hand once more. “Thanks, guys! We’ll see you around!”

---

On their way through the yard they stopped to inform A.J. who was on lookout duty of the missing bracelets as well. The boy seemed excited at the thought of a scavenger hunt for the bracelets, but his guard duty came first and foremost. He solemnly promised to look as hard as he could as soon as his shift was over. Thanking AJ for his future assistance, the pair headed toward the school to continue their search.

On their way there, they spotted Clementine and Violet up on top of the belltower. Willy ran up towards the structure, cupping his hands over his mouth and calling out. “Hey! Have either of you seen Anali’s bracelets?”

Both girls leaned forward from their spots seated on the edge of the tower. They looked confused and called back in unison, “What?”

“BRACELETS!”

“Baking mitts?!” Clementine shouted.

“That can’t be fucking right,” Violet retorted.

“BRACE-LETS!!”

“Mace kits?”

“Clem, how could that possibly be it?”

Willy looked down, feeling dejected. The conversation was going nowhere. This time it was Anali that took his hand. “We can ask them later once they climb down. Let’s move on for now,”

“Willy nodded, a small smile crossing his face. If Anali wasn’t giving up, then he wasn’t either.

---

The pair scoured the entire front yard. The tire swing, the graves, the picnic tables, they searched them all. The bracelets were nowhere to be found. With no success outside, they headed inside to the dorms. They tore apart Anali’s room searching for the bracelets then checked Aasim’s room, Ruby’s, anywhere they might have been accidentally dropped. The results of the search of the rooms and hallways was the same: zilch. Wearied by their continued failures, Willy and Anali headed toward the admin building. Perhaps their luck would change there. And there was still one last person to ask.

Entering the main hall, the pair could hear the sound of familiar piano music. They headed toward the music room together, cracking open the door to find Louis completely absorbed in playing one of his newest songs. Walking into the room, both of them waited for Louis to finish up so they could ask him about the bracelets. But the song just kept going and going. Willy started to wonder if it had looped and Louis was planning to play the same song for the entire day. Unable to wait any longer, Anali tapped Louis’ shoulder. He let out a startled yelp, his arms flailing. Before either of them could catch him, Louis had lost his balance and fallen off the piano bench.

“Sorry!” Anali exclaimed, wringing her hands in contrition. “We didn’t mean to scare you, but we’re looking for my bracelets. Have you seen them?”

Louis waved off the apology, a good-natured smile on his face. Sitting up, he signed a single word – “couch”.

Willy shook his head. “We already checked the couches outside. They weren’t there,”

Louis looked surprise at that answer. He signed more, looking between the two of them. “Anali took the bracelets off for the game. Maybe they’re under the pillows or on the ground?”

“That’s right!” Anali’s eyes widened at the memory. “I did take them off for that one game, the one where we all held hands and tried to untangle ourselves. But I put them back on right after! Or at least, I thought I did…”

“Let’s go outside and check again!” Willy was off like a shot, Anali right behind him. With a confirmed location for the missing bracelets, they searched the couches with renewed vigor. They pulled up the pillows, flipped over the couches to check underneath, even dug through the firepit with some half-burnt sticks. Still nothing. They had searched everywhere, asked everyone. The bracelets were nowhere to be found.

Anali plopped down on the edge of an overturned couch, her head lowered in despair. “If they’re not here or the yard or the dorms, they must be outside. And that means they’re lost for good,”

“No, it doesn’t!” Willy declared, unwilling to give up. “If they’re outside the walls, then they must be along the hunting path you and Aasim took. We’ll head out tomorrow at first light, retrace your steps and find them right where they fell off. Just wait and see!”

Anali looked up at Willy, offering a weak smile before her eyes turned to the sky. It was staring to grow dark out, the sun beginning its daily descent. They had wasted almost an entire day searching for the bracelets.

“Guys! Guys! Guys!!!” A.J.’s voice brought their attention back to the yard. He was running toward them, elated and almost out of breath. Coming to a stuttering halt in front of them, A.J. paused to catch his breath before beaming up at the older kids. “I did it! I spotted Anali’s bracelets!”

Willy’s eyes practically bugged out at that news. “What? Where?”

“They’re up in a nest on a tree by the wall! A bird must’ve seen them and thought they were cool. C’mon!” Without waiting to see if they were following A.J. ran off. Anali and Willy jogged after him, following A.J. up the guard tower where he had temporarily left his post in the excitement of his discovery. Picking up the binoculars, A.J. looked through them once more to find the location of the bracelets once more then handed them off to Anali. “They’re right over in that tree!”

Anali guided the binoculars where A.J. directed. A smile broke out on her face when she spotted what he had. “They are there! Right over in that tree!”

Willy let out a whoop of celebration. “I knew we could do it!” Then he paused. It was late, beyond the time the older kids had said was wise to go beyond the walls. He could wait till tomorrow and shimmy up the tree to get the bracelets, but after searching for so long and knowing exactly where they were, he didn’t want to make Anali wait that long. Borrowing the binoculars, Willy looked over at the tree. It wasn’t that far from the wall. Maybe if they just…

---

“Willy, Anali what in tarnation are you doing?” Ruby’s voice was taut with anger and fear as she watched the pair atop the wall, Anali holding onto the seat of Willy’s pants as Willy dangled precariously off the edge and reached out towards the nest.

“We’ll just be a minute, Ruby!” Willy called back. “We’re getting Anali’s bracelets!”

“Anali, Willy,” Aasim’s voice was firm. “You get down from there this instant. It’s not safe!”

“He’s almost got it!” Anali called back, glancing down at her brother before gasping as her grip on Willy’s pants slipped. She quickly corrected it, holding Willy’s shirt as well as his pants now, but not before earning the horrified gasps of everyone inside the yard.

“Guys, Aasim’s right!” Zason called, standing directly beneath the wall and looking deeply concerned. “It’s too dangerous. Besides, you could’ve asked me for help! I have long arms!”

“You would have dropped straight off of the wall and splatted on the ground,” Omar replied dryly. “A walker pancake,”

“I’m gonna help too!” A.J. declared, crawling up from the watchtower onto the wall.

“Like hell you are!” Clementine shouted, racing forward to stop him.

Willy stretched his arm as far as he possibly could, ignoring all the chaos in order to focus on his goal. He could almost reach the bracelets. He was half an inch away, maybe less. “Anali, let go of my pants! Just hold my shirt!”

“Seriously?!”

“Just for a second! Trust me!” He could tell Anali was hesitating, but a moment later amidst all the shouting and screaming, she did just that. Letting go of Willy’s pants, she held onto his shirt alone. Willy immediately dropped farther forward, his face hovering directly above the nest. The bracelets were in reach! Thrusting his hand forward, Willy snatched them both up. “Now pull me back!” He was yanked back all too fast, his arms flailing just as Louis’ had minutes ago. “Woah!!”

But Anali was ready to break his fall. Her hands wrapped round his waist, she helped steady Willy, making sure they were both stable before letting go.

“Nice, catch, ‘Nali!” Willy spun round with a bright smile, holding out his hand. “Tada!!! Told you we’d find them!” In his hand was the pair of bracelets, one pink one yellow, their tinted metal glimmering faintly in the waning light.

Anali looked at them in wonder, as if not believing they were really there. Then she snatched both of them up, placing one on each arm. Her hands were shaking again, but this time it was with joy. “We did it! We really did it!”

“I told ya!” Willy threw his arms round Anali, jumping up and down with elation. “We did it! We did it!”

“Get down from that wall NOW!” Aasim bellowed, his tone deadly serious.

The pair stopped in their merrymaking, offering apologetic waves down to Anali’s very concerned older brother before making their way back toward the watchtower to get down to the ground. Their hands were linked as they walked, Anali in front and Willy behind her. Willy felt his heart swell with pride at the sight of the bracelets gently clinking on Anali’s arms. It had been a crazy, frustrating, seemingly hopeless day. But in the end, it had all been worth it. Anali had her bracelets back.

[padawanprotege]

Hi everyone. After stumbling upon a beautifully chaotic Jedi Oc I became inspired to write a fic about my own Oc making a new friend. After many early morning and late night discussions, I finally came up with a little something on how Jedi Knight Ayelet Ebele and Master Tiin Orat first met.

Tiin Orat belongs solely to the lovely @queenofbeskar​, and this fic is dedicated to them for inspiring me.

Into the Forests of Arorua

Arorua was an inconsequential planet in the Sertar Sector. Being a back-water world in the Outer Rim regions, meant that the Galactic republic often overlooked the lone planet. However recent reports of regular separatist movement on the forest-covered world had sparked immediate action. Upon investigation, a small stealth team confirmed the presence of separatist battle droids, along with the location of a new droid factory still under construction.

Once the news had reached the Jedi council, the members of the High Council wasted no time and immediately summoned the 822nd Battalion General, Jedi Master Tiin Orat along with the Young Jedi Knight Ayelet Ebele.

“Scouts have confirmed the presence of a separatist base on Arorua. We can waste no time in dealing with this threat. If the separatists are given the chance to complete the construction of their new droid factory, they could easily seize control of the surrounding systems.” Mace Windu announced, comfortably slouched back in his chair as he addressed the two Jedi standing before him. Around him sat many empty chairs, some filled with the blue projection of a hologram but most lay dormant. A telling sign of the growing demands of the war.

“Suit you well this mission will, Master Orat.” Master Yoda chimed in, pointing to the Zabrak hybrid with the end of his gimer stick before turning it back down towards the floor and returning to silence. His cryptic words revealing no clear answer for Tiin to decipher.

Returning the conversation back to himself, Mace continued “Master Tiin, your battalion will be deployed immediately to Arorua to regain control of the system. Knight Ebele, you are to accompany the 822nd with your own battalion and aid them in any way. The destruction of this factory is vital for our successful occupation in the outer rim.”

Turning his attention away from the tall Jedi Master that stood in the centre of the high council chambers to the smaller figure standing slight behind Tiin's right shoulder, Mace's gaze focused on Ayelet. “This is your first mission since being knighted Ebele, we will be watching your performance closely.”

“Watch and listen you must, learn much from Master Orat you will, young one.” Yoda chimed in once again, his eyes also focusing on the young knight, however, the hint of a smile on the old masters face reassured Ayelet that although she was young and less experienced than the Jedi that surrounded her, she was prepared to face whatever this battle would bring.

At the conclusion of the debriefing, both Tiin and Ayelet bowed deeply to few Jedi Masters present in the council chambers before walking out into one of the adjoined hallways. “Arorua. I haven’t had the chance to visit it yet. It’s quiet far out in the outer-rim regions. Very beautiful from what I’ve researched. Do you know anything of it Knight Ebele?” Master Orat asked as they walked in sync past the large windows of the corridor, her distinct man’doa accent lacing her words in a tone that Ayelet was so used to hearing from the clones that she was slightly taken aback by the sound of it in Tiin’s voice.

Ayelet took a moment to consider her answer, as a padawan she'd spent much of her time studying lost languages and forgotten civilisations with her Master so knew much about the ancient planet. She decided to keep her answer short and not allow her excitement about travelling to the remote forest world turn into a history lesson.

“It’s a world covered in a dense forest. Centuries ago, there were cities and temples scattered across the planet, but over time the woodlands consumed them in their roots and drove most of the population to neighbouring systems.” Ayelet couldn't help the small smile that grew on her face as she spoke of the forest-covered world. Nature had always been her biggest strength in the force. As a youngling, she would often venture away from her crèche mates to spend time in the temple gardens, and once she was taken on as a padawan and encouraged by her master to pursue her interest in botany, she found her true passion.

Ayelet often thought of what her life would be like when she completed her trials of knighthood and could peruse her passions. She dreamed that she would travel to exotic worlds, studying the different flora that inhabited the far reaches of space and tending to the gardens in the Jedi Temple whenever she wasn't on leave. At no point in her apprenticeship had she expected her knighthood to result in her becoming a soldier in a war she didn't understand.

Ayelet's attention was brought back to the present at the sound of Tiin's naturally loud voice. “A jungle adventure? Sounds like something out of a holo-film." Master Orat jested as she grinned cheerfully down at the young right beside her. Although Ayelet couldn't see her eyes behind the mask the Zabrak wore, she could tell that Tiin was also smiling with her eyes.

'Perhaps this mission won't be so difficult without Master Aziza’s help if I've got Master Tiin to keep me company.' Ayelet silently mused while craning her neck back to match Tiin's eye-line before replying with a humoured smile on her lips, “Yes, I suppose it does sound like that.”

As they continued down the hallway to the nearby hanger bay, the two Jedi continued speaking, the conversation slowly turning into one reminiscent of old friends as they began to grow more comfortable in each other’s company.

'Yes. I think this mission will go quite well.' Ayelet silent thought to herself as she followed Master Orat into a waiting speeder. She couldn't deny that she missed her master's familiar and comforting presence, but Ayelet could sense a similar nurturing presence residing within Tiin, and hoped that during their time spent together on this campaign a new friendship could be formed.

----------

Ayelet would normally delight at the opportunity to immerse herself in the natural world if it weren’t for the suffocating darkness that consumed the forest of Arorua.

After stepping off the gunship and into the forest she felt herself lose one sense while her others heightened in the unfamiliar environment. It was disorientating to be almost blinded but given the ears of a wolf. Even the soft susurration of the branches felt heavy in her ears. The blackness surrounding them nurtured a sense of claustrophobia even though the woodland stretched unbroken for miles.

As her clone troopers unloaded the gunships and prepared themselves for the battle ahead, Ayelet took the moment to stow away amongst the thick woodlands. Wandering a few steps away from the temporary camp they had established, Ayelet found herself staring upon the massive truck of an aphor tree. The young knight could feel the spirit of the old tree and the wisdom that it carried.

Approaching tree, Ayelet reached out a gloved hand and placed it softly upon the trunk. Sparing a glance back towards the now fully lit campsite the clones had constructed, Ayelet convinced herself she’d have enough time to meditate before General Orat arrived to discuss the assault plan.

Gently, Ayelet boosted herself up to one of the high branches on the old aphor tree to stare out into the dark woodlands ahead. The forest was ancient. The trees thick and old. It might once have been filled with bird-song and animals that roamed. But now long centuries had pasted since its former glory.

Ayelet felt her expression soften into a small smile at the familiar sensation of sunlight dancing across her face through the leaves above. Settling herself on the branch, Ayelet crossed her legs and placed both hands on the sturdy limb beneath her. Taking slow and deep breaths Ayelet allowed herself to open up to the natural world around her, letting her own spirit intertwine with the ancient spirit of the forest. Listening closely, Ayelet could hear the spirits of the forest whispering around her, their hushed words of wisdom barely reaching her ears.

A sudden disturbance in the force shock Ayelet from her tranquil state, shaking her physically back to the real world. She felt the force ripple through the tree beneath her. No, that wasn’t the force shaking. It was the tree she was in shaking. She’d become so entwined with ancient trees lifeforce that she had felt the strike to the tree as though it was to her own body.

However, Ayelet came to her senses to slowly, noticing too late that the world around her was slowly slipping upwards as her body sluggishly tipped backwards off the branch. Suddenly aware of her compromised balance, Ayelet tried to quickly pull herself back up onto the strong tree limb, but the reaction came too late. Ayelet felt her fingers lose their loose grip on the branch, causing a sense of panic to flood her as she frantically looking around her.

Perhaps there was another lower branch she could cling to to break her fall or a hanging vine nearby that she could latch onto. All Ayelet achieved as she fell gracelessly out of the tree was flailing her arms around frantically as though she would grow wings to stop her crashing into the rapidly approaching forest floor.

At the last possible moment, Ayelet called upon the force for help, wrapping its loyal embrace around her. Although she hadn’t experienced the full damage of the fall, her body ached as she made contact with the rough terrain. She laid there, completely motionless for a moment, focusing on inhaling serenity and exhaling her discomfort.

Slowly lifting her head to see what had caused the tree to shake, she had expected to see one of the AT-RT’s clumsily crashed into the trunk. To her surprise, all that greeted her was the sight of a tall figure carefully prying their large pink horns from the trunk of the tree, then proceed to gingerly rub the area atop her head. Ayelet tried to convince herself that perhaps she had hit her head harder than she’d originally thought and was simply hallucinating, that would explain the scene before her.

Sealing her eyes shut tightly and shaking her head, Ayelet slowly raising herself to sit on her knees, not fully trusting her legs to support her weight so soon after falling. Ayelet took a moment to steady her thoughts and bridle her emotions before reopening her eyes. To her disbelief, the horned figure was still there and was closing the space between them.

“Ayelet, there you are. I’ve been looking for you.” Tiin’s voice was loud enough to have started the young knight in the quiet of the forest if not for the man’doa accent and the nurturing tone in the voice. Ayelet felt herself begin to smile as she watched the Zabrak hybrid kneel before her. Even when the Master knelt down to match Ayelet’s height, she still had to crane her neck back to view the Jedi Master’s face.

“That was quite a fall, must have hurt like a shabuir.” Tiin continued as she gently placed a hand under Ayelet’s jaw and moved her head around to assess the damage, pausing for a moment when she saw the slit on the knight’s chin. Ayelet didn’t fully understand what Tiin had said but recognised the tone to know she was implying that the fall must have hurt a lot in a very colourful way.

Without warning Tiin wrapping one of her large arms behind Ayelet’s back and helped her to her feet, holding her close to her large frame in a half embrace to help support her. The sudden contact unsettled Ayelet, the feeling of someone, particularly someone that she had only spent a few days with, so close to her made her slightly tense in surprise.

But she never uttered a word in protest as the Zabrak guided her back towards the encampment. Ayelet could sense the nurturing care radiating off Tiin as they walked, like a crèche master tending to one of her charges, and began to relax into the Master's gentle hold around her.

As they slowly crossed the camp, Ayelet could hardly hear the sound of herself moving, Tiin’s loud footsteps drowning out the sound of her own light footsteps beside her. Ayelet recognised the familiar sight of the medic tent, under normal circumstances, Ayelet would be the one guiding one of her troopers into the make-shift hospital.

“Perhaps you should stay with me. Get your head checked out. You hit that tree pretty hard.” Ayelet proposed as they made their way into the shelter of the tent, a playful smile present on her lips as she continued while pointing to the top of her head. “You’ve probably left a few holes in that tree.”

Ayelet hadn’t prepared herself for Tiin’s reply as she listened to the Jedi Master laugh in response to her words. The laugh was loud, like her voice, and quickly drew the eyes of everyone inside the tent onto them, but Ayelet could feel that the laugh was genuine, so simply smiled along as the medics stared across at the two Jedi.

[annelixa]

Trust Chapter 19

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Summary: Cassandra seeks Varian shortly after she stole the Moonstone so that she can use his intellectual gifts. Lucky for her, no one seems to be telling him what happened at the Dark Kingdom and he still sees her as the wise and trusted person he always knew. Utilizing that image of herself, she takes him for herself while under the guise of protection.

Fandom: Tangled the Series

Sunlight fell across Cassandra’s face, slowly rousing her. Yawning, she sat up and remembered her plans for the day. Today, she and Varian would destroy everything dangerous he had made and return to Corona. There was a high probability she would be thrown into jail for her crimes but it was what she deserved after kidnapping, manipulation, and several counts of treason. However, that wouldn’t stop her. She needed to accept the consequences of her actions but first, she needed to find Varian.

As she approached the boy’s chambers, she felt fabric brushing her legs. Confused, she looked down and noticed that her black rock armor was gone.

“What?” she muttered, pausing. Where did the armor go? What happened? Gently touching her chest, she realized the Moonstone was missing. Who had taken it? “Varian!” she called, hoping he would know where the Moonstone had gone. She hurried to his room. “Varian! Varian, do you know-?” She froze. The entrance to his room was open but the alchemist was nowhere in sight. “Varian…?”

Slipping into the room, she peered around. Where had he gone? Why was everything disappearing around her? She tripped over something and realized it was Varian’s bag. It was packed but he wasn’t in sight. Perhaps he had already started dismantling his creations? Grabbing it, she rushed to the lab. She hadn’t told Varian where she had been taking his machines and she assumed he would try to find them in his lab.

A quick visit to the lab showed her that he wasn’t there either. Worried, she started wandering through the many halls of the tower. Maybe he had gotten lost in the endless labyrinth? An hour passed and she still couldn’t find him, her concern growing with each passing moment. Stepping around a corner, she stopped. The chambers the Saporians had been confined to had a massive hole in the wall. Worse, none of them were in sight. Her mind made the connection her heart didn’t want to. Both Varian and the Saporians were missing. A terrible thought popped into her head and she ran out of the tower. Were Varian’s creations still-?

Gone.

Skidding to a halt, she dropped to her knees in front of the shed. Not even a loose screw was left behind. The Saporians had taken Varian and were continuing the siege that she had abandoned. Quickly jumping back to her feet, she dashed out of the grove; Rapunzel had to know about this!

* * *

There were only a few hours left before sunset so Rapunzel was preparing to visit the tower once again. The guards had been alerted and were ready to leave as soon as she was. She had also informed the healers in the infirmary of a possible new patient. There was no telling what state any of the occupants of the tower would be in so it was best to be prepared. One of the healers had been tasked with joining the team in case there was an immediate need for medical attention. Horses were waiting in the courtyard, riders at their sides.

Satisfied that the group was ready, she approached Max. Varian was waiting for her and she didn’t want to make him wait any longer.

“Rapunzel!” a voice yelled, footsteps growing louder. Around her, guards drew their swords and turning, she saw Cassandra running towards her. “Rapunzel!”

“Stand down,” she ordered the guards, meeting Cassandra at the gates. “Cass? Cass, what’s wrong?” Closer now, she realized the stark difference between the Cassandra from yesterday and the one standing before her currently. “What happened to the Moonstone?”

Grabbing her arm, Cassandra tried to force out her words between gasps for air.

“V-Varian! H-He’s…h-he’s gone!”

Rapunzel felt her heart stop.

“W-What?”

“H-He’s gone!” the warrior repeated. “And so are the Saporians! I think they’re on their way to attack Corona!”

They needed a private place to discuss this.

Facing the guards, Rapunzel declared, “The rescue mission is cancelled. Cassandra and I need to talk and determine what our new plan will be. The invaders are on their way.” She addressed Eugene, “Call the guards to the war room. We will join you as soon as we can.”

With a glance at the warrior turned traitor next to her, Eugene leaned in close.

“Are you sure that trusting her is a good idea?”

“It will be fine,” the blonde soothed. “She’s joining our side again.”

Understanding what the two were whispering about, Cassandra dropped her sword and removed all the daggers she had concealed on her body, tossing them into a pile and kicking them away.

“Is that good enough for you, Fitzherbert?”

The man hastily nodded and allowed the pair to scurry off to the princess’ room.

As soon as the door closed, Rapunzel rounded on her ex-best friend.

“Spill,” she demanded, eyes narrowed. She may believe that the warrior was starting down the right path again but that didn’t mean she trusted her completely. Cassandra could be as good an actor as she was a fighter. Nodding quickly, Cassandra knew she had once chance to convince the princess of the coming danger, both for the kingdom and for Varian.

“After you left yesterday, I informed Varian of the plans I told you. He was so excited to go home.” She glanced away, regret on her face. “When I woke up this morning, he was gone. His bag had been left behind though.” Slipping the bag off her shoulder, she handed it to the princess who poked through it as she continued. Trying to quickly tell her story, she explained how she had woken up without the Moonstone, couldn't find Varian and had tried to find him. She continued onto how she had found the hole into the Saporians' chambers and had realized that the instruments of war that Varian had created were also gone. “The last thing I noticed was the Mind Trap I had taken from the Spire was missing.”

Holding up her hands, Rapunzel stopped the woman.

“Wait, wait, wait. Mind Trap? Spire?” A confused look crossed her face. “What are you talking about?”

“I took a rune from the Spire that allows the possessor to control the minds of those who had sworn allegiance to the Moonstone. It can control both Adira and Hector.” Rapunzel gasped, hands covering her mouth. “I…I was going to destroy it yesterday but I didn’t see it before I went to bed last night. I thought that it was in the automaton that Varian had created and I would be able to destroy it in the morning.”

Ticking off on her fingers, Rapunzel recited, “So the Saporians, Hector, Adira, and Varian are going to be attacking Corona?” Cassandra nodded. “We need to tell the guards!” The princess leaned forward. “Cass, what all did you have Varian make? We need to be prepared.”

Ashamed, Cassandra held out a piece of paper with a long list on it.

10 Automatons

1 Mega-Automaton

300 Goo Traps

300 Stun Bombs

300 Acid Bombs

300 Burn Bombs

300 Poison Bombs

100 Smoke Bombs

100 Bubble Bombs

100 Shrapnel Bombs

300 Bombs

100 Spike Traps

10 Alchemy Belts

10 Orb Launchers

5 Catapults

5 Trebuchets

10 Battering Rams

30 Halberds

30 Pikes

30 Lances

30 Swords

10 Swords with Acid Tips

10 Swords with Poison Tips

10 Longswords

10 Battle Axes

100 Reinforced Shields

10 Maces

10 Flails

10 Bows

300 Arrows

10 Crossbows

300 Crossbow bolts

30 Sets of Manacles

300 Feet of Chains

300 Antidotes (Goo Traps, Acid Bombs, Burn Bombs, Poison Bombs, Bubble Bombs)

30 Complete First Aid Kits

“Cass, this is way too much for such a small army!” Rapunzel cried, shocked as she read the list. “Did Varian really create all this?”

Cass nodded, not meeting her eyes.

“We…we thought people would want to join us so we made plenty.”

Looking up, the princess asked, “We?”

“My mentor…”

[thenewnio]

My Steven Universe OCs! (I might add to this.)

Emerald (Voiced by Brenda Song)

Gem Placement: Right Wrist

Made In: Era 2

Weapon: Mace

Nickname: Emi

Personality: Slightly rebellious, adventurous, sometimes heroic, selfless, strong-willed, creative, loving, artistic, mature, good-hearted, feisty, free-spirited, curious

An Earth Kindergarten Gem who “popped out a bit too soon”, this Emerald, appearing more youthful than regular Emeralds, is on the same rank as Skinny Jasper. Early in Era 3, she decides to escape from the hustle and bustle of Homeworld and begin a new life on Earth, her birthplace. What she doesn’t count on is a stowaway Spinel who’s attached to her. Throughout the series, Emerald grows to truly care for Spinel, eventually reciprocating her feelings. She tends to collect whatever knick-knacks piques her interest. Because of this, and her hiding Spinel from the Diamonds until Era 3, she has become somewhat of a celebrity among the Homeworld Gems.

Blue Spinel (Voiced by Sarah Stiles, like many other Spinels)

Gem Placement: Chest

Made In: Era 1

Weapon: Gymnast Ribbon

Nickname: Bluebelle

Personality: Funny, rambunctious, neurotic, friendly, mostly optimistic, overemotional, melodramatic, sensitive, loyal, cheerful, talkative, somewhat irritating, imaginative

Blue Spinel, like Pink Diamond’s Spinel, was left on planet Tresor by her friend, an Aquamarine, who was shattered in the war. She wasn’t found until Era 2, when Emerald, on a scouting mission on Tresor, discovered her living in the planet’s jungles. Upon learning of her owner’s death, she tried to take her own life, but thanks to Emerald’s intervention, ended up poofed. Yellow Diamond then ordered Emerald to shatter her, but the latter, with a sense of pity, instead let her live in her home, hiding her until Era 3 began. During that time, the reformed B. Spinel, while getting over her trauma-induced muteness, developed a crush on her rescuer, coming to consider her a lover rather than a new friend. After refusing to stay on Homeworld and stowing away in Emerald’s luggage, she accompanies her on various adventures as they explore the Earth.

Scapolite (Voiced by Meghan Trainor)

Weapon: Flail

The fusion of Emerald and B. Spinel. She is first formed during the climax of the pilot.

Lavender Chalcedony (Voiced by Mary Elizabeth Winstead)

Gem Placement: Nape of Neck

Made In: Era 2

Weapon: Shovel (No, really. Imagine the Shoveler from Mystery Men as a Gem.)

Nickname: Chel

Personality: Independent, sarcastic, sometimes serious, determined, tough, practical, a bit lazy

Formerly on the Diamonds’ most wanted list, L. Chalcedony came to Earth as soon as Era 3 began and she was given a full pardon. She takes the role of a sort of mentor to Emerald and B. Spinel. Like the Crystal Gem’s Amethyst, she enjoys indulging in human pleasures.

Green Pearl (Voiced by Deedee Magno Hall, like all Pearls)

Gem Placement: Right Wrist

Made In: Era 2

Weapon: None

Nickname: Geena

Personality: Helpful, sensitive, truthful, honest, complaining, loyal

After Emerald faked B. Spinel’s shattering, she received her own Pearl as a reward. G. Pearl initially had reservations about keeping B. Spinel hidden from the Diamonds, but eventually warmed up to her. When the Gem’s Homeworld entered Era 3, Emerald allowed her to become a free citizen. Her last order is to take care of B. Spinel when Emerald moved to Earth, but when her charge disappears and she learns from the Diamonds’ Spinel what happened, she heads to Little Homeworld out of worry. After the events of the pilot, she decides to remain on Earth in order to better learn independence.

Citrine (Voiced by Michaela Dietz, since Citrines and Amethysts are related)

Gem Placement: Right Shoulder

Made In: Era 2

Weapon: All-purpose Tool

Nickname: Cindi

Personality: Funny, kind, protective, caring, intelligent

An engineer in Little Homeworld. Though she has good self-confidence, Citrine has a habit of getting her priorities mixed up. However, she is ready to get both her friends and herself to safety whenever it’s time to run like heck, which sometimes happens during an adventure. She is also proud of her handiwork.

Charoite (Voiced by Amy Poehler)

Gem Placement: Left Thigh

Made In: Era 2

Weapon: Lance

Nickname: Charlie

Personality: Funny, clumsy, feisty, lively, helpful, kind, comical, good-natured, heroic, tomboyish, calculating

Ever since they first met, Charoite and Citrine have rarely been seen apart. Charoite is more practical than Citrine, but is just as energetic as her. She is the group’s planner, plotting how best to carry out missions or festivities. She was also inspired by Steven to “assign” nicknames to Gems.

Azurite Malachite (Voiced by Wendee Lee)

Gem Placement: Left Hip

Made In: Era 3

Weapon: Machete

Nickname: A.M.

Personality: Eccentric, adventurous, smart, proud, wisecracking

Inspired by the adventures of the Crystal Gems, Azurite Malachite dreams of forming a team of her own, to the point of establishing an “Explorer’s Club” for that purpose. From the pilot onward, she acts as a sort of mission briefer for Emerald’s group.

Turquoise (Voiced by Rachel Weisz)

Gem Placement: Forehead

Made In: Era 2

Weapon: None

Nickname: Professor/Prof

Personality: Neurotic, friendly, intelligent, mild-mannered

Little Homeschool’s librarian, who originally worked for Homeworld before moving to Little Homeworld to teach Gems. She is not a violent person, but is willing to right any wrongdoings. She is very knowledgeable when it comes to foreign languages, both Earthly and alien.

Lilac Spinel (Voiced by Lisa Ortiz)

Gem Placement: Collarbone Area

Made In: Era 2

Weapon: Wand

Nickname: Lila

Personality: Short-tempered, sassy, protective, sarcastic, often loud, sometimes selfish, caring, witchy, tough, grouchy, good-hearted

The witch-like Lilac Spinel was originally a court magician until she was poofed and trapped in a plush doll by her rival, Green Agate. When B. Spinel finds the doll during preparations for Little Homeworld’s Halloween Spooktacular performance, she is initially wary of the other Gems even after she’s freed. She soon forms a mother-daughter relationship with B. Spinel and Emerald, even though the former sometimes tests her patience, and comes to appreciate Earth. As rough and strict as she comes off, like many Spinels, she is willing to let loose and have fun.