#fuck i look like getting close enough to a Very Deadly Snake to determine that its not what it looks like?????

[firelord-frowny]

<3 <3 obviously one of the highlights of my visit to the national aquarium the other day was the reptiles <3 <3 specifically the snakes, SPECIFICALLY the death adder omgggg.

there is something so??????????? magical???????????? about being able to put your face just inches away from something that, if it were to bite you, would definitely kill you.

like, to have a thin lil pane of glass be all that keeps a small but very deadly beast from being able to end my life????????????

amazing.

[sukiglycerin]

13 minutes || katsuki bakugou.

* pairing: pro-hero (therefore aged up)!katsuki bakugou x fem manager!reader

* genre: pro-hero!au, smut, this is the longest warning section i’ve ever written, mainly pwp, fluff at the end :>

* words: 2,266 of all this fiLTH

* warnings: AGED UP KATSUKI, ugh tumblr deleted my super long tags so now i must redo them, this is very long & filthy, whew let's go, dom!katsuki, sub!reader, semi-public sex, exhibitionism, slight voyeurism, office sex, reader is bent over the desk ofc, master/sir kink, a little pet play (he calls reader pet/kitten), dirty talk, degradation, fingering, breast/nipple play, multiple orgasms, overstimulation, orgasm denial (how contradicting), cunnilingus (f receiving), cum eating (both ends), talks of safeword/colour system but no actual usage, penetrative sex, unprotected sex (pls use protection irl!!), creampie, reader is kinda masochistic, pussy slapping, crying sex (no angst here tho), hair-pulling (m receiving if it matters), implied subspace, aftercare !! the best part !!

* a/n: so tumblr messed up sO much while i tried to post this, so i hope you like this! ty @toishi for sticking with me and all of my ramblings while writing this! (and ofc @dylanxmin for her lovely support!!) this is a VERY spicy thing, and almost had actual plot before i cut it out. if you like this, i may do a fluffier pt 2!! enjoy!

being a pro-hero's manager has its perks. the pay's good, the coworkers are pleasant, and travelling is pretty fun. to you, the best part is that you get to see your boyfriend of three years every day.

you've been dating pro-hero ground zero secretly, and you happen to be his manager. honestly, the latter came first in chronological order, but that doesn't matter anyway.

you first encountered ground zero (or as he was called back then, katsuki bakugou) during your time in the business course at ua. he bumped into you quite ungracefully, cursed at you, pushed past you, then let a startled but apologetic kirishima to apologize. it was fate, in kirishima's words. 

such fate led you to manage ground zero five years ago, after slowly climbing your way up from managing smaller heroes to finally reaching the popular ones. bakugou had been the only popular hero with a manager opening; you learned why soon after being hired.

the spiky haired hero had a short fuse and a tendency to cuss. he was picky, indecent, and often reckless with his public image; the calmest you'd ever seen him was when he blew up villains and screaming "die."

however, things change - things change a lot. five years later, you're here: katsuki mumbling sweet things into the crook of your neck as his hands tease the waistband of your pencil skirt.

"katsuki, we can't- you have a meeting in fift- hng-!"

his lips find yours quickly, effectively quieting you down. you're sitting on katsuki's desk - a polished cherry wood thing that took too many weeks to find - as he towers above you, pinning you to your spot.

katsuki pauses, and pulls back, licking his lips. "sounds like a you problem."

"we really can't, this meeting is really important-" bakugou's fingers nimbly find their way under your skirt, deadly close to your panties. he really isn’t paying attention to you.

"and i'm the star of the show, the number one pro-hero-" if he hears you mutter 'that's midoriya,' he ignores you and continues, "-aren't i the most important one here?" his fingers rub your clothed clit, smirking at your audible gasp.

"k-katsuki, no-" you know he can feel the wet patch growing on your panties; from the way his determined eyes lock on yours, you know he won't be finished until you are too.

"how long do we have now, love?”

"thirteen minutes, but-"

"you're going to cum for me three times in the thirteen minutes we have."

it's not a question; it's a fact. you are going to cum three times in the next fifteen minutes.

“once on my fingers,” he puts a finger up, “once on my tongue,” another finger, “and once on my cock. the only thing you have to worry your pretty head about-“ he leans in close to your ear, voice dropping a couple octaves, “-is keeping quiet enough.”

his fingers push your panties to the side with ease and play teasingly with your wet folds. he circles your clit with his middle finger slowly, dragging out each languid movement with a smirk on his face. you flush at the lewd, wet noises he elicits from your pussy. you know that his fingers are coated in your arousal.

you look down in embarrassment, gripping the edge of the desk, and stare at the cotton material of your pencil skirt.

"slut." the word is spat from katsuki's mouth. his hand holds your chin; his touch barely ghosts your skin, but the command still exudes dominance. he tips his hand up, so you're looking into his intense eyes.

"look at me, slut." the word is emphasized by the plunging of three fingers in your wet core. you whine, unprepared by the sudden intrusion. your legs move uncomfortably against the fabric of your skirt, which restricts you from spreading open your legs wider. you want to clamp down on katsuki's hand, but you know that that won't end well.

"patience, kitten." either by intuition or his own frustration, he speaks up gruffly. "all in due time." his thumb starts to knead your aching bud as he thrusts in and out, knuckle deep in your pussy. glancing at the clock, he grows impatient, quickly attempting to unbutton your blouse before ripping off the rest entirely. you'd normally protest - you liked that blouse - but you find yourself falling short of words at the pressure on your pussy. katsuki goes at a more rigorous pace, thrusting fast and deep while his free hand snakes itself under your bra to play with your nipple. the added stimulation has you keening to his touch, suddenly aware of his every touch. he pulls your bra cup down, freeing your breast and bending down to to encapsulate the hardened bud in his mouth. his tongue circles your areola and flicks your nipple; meanwhile, his pace on your pussy hasn't relented. 

soon, you feel the telltale feelings of pleasure bubbling through your body.  you tense against him, gasping out his name and clawing at his back. your knees buckle as your climax washes over you, making your body go limp in his hand. bakugou lets go of your nipple with a popping noise, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. his other hand pulls out, and he outstretches three cum-soaked fingers to you, an unspoken code for "suck." you open your mouth obediently, sucking your salty juices off his slim digits. 

"fuck," he cusses, eyes blown out wide in lust. "so fuckin' obedient for me, hm? such a fuckin' whore for your master."

you let go of the fingers in your mouth and nod. 

his non-wet fingers grip the bottom of your skirt. "off. now." 

"yes, master." you feel his eyes pierce you, watching you unzip your skirt and panties and let them pool around your legs. he holds you steady as you step out of the garments and toss them to the side. 

"sit up." he taps the desk lightly.

"it'll get w-w-" 

"did i stutter?"

"n-no, master."

he hums while you acquaint your bottom with the cold, hard wood of his desk.

"colour system, love?" his voice gets soft and he breaks the hard persona. his eyes are gentle, searching yours for any speck nervousness or hesitancy.

"green for 'i'm good, keep going,' yellow for 'slow down,' and red for 'stop.'"

"and if you can't speak?"

"three taps for red, two for yellow."

"what's your colour right now?"

"green, master."

his face hardens at the title. "always a good pet for me, aren't you?"

you nod. "yessir."

he spares another glance at the clock on the wall. "you're going to be a fucking good slut for master in the next 7 minutes, understand?"

"y-yessir."

"what was that, pet?"

"yessir."

"better be. spread." his fingers gesture to your legs.

he kneels before you, your drenched core spread out and on display for him at eye-level.

"so wet," he marvels, making your face heat up. like this, you're completely exposed to him; your breasts free from your bra, nipples hard against the cool air, and your pussy glistening under the light of his office.

he licks a long stripe up your folds, testing the waters. by now, the original intensity of your previous orgasm had worn off; despite this, when his tongue met your clit, you found yourself reaching for his hair, gripping it tightly. he groans into your pussy, poking his appendage through your folds and administrating kitten licks up and down your inner lips to slurp up whatever juices were left. the teasing doesn't last for long, however. he starts to suck harshly on your clit, making you buck into his face in overstimulation and surprise. you cry out at his unceasing ministrations, tugging on his hair and your toes curling. the overstimulation is too much; pain mixed with white hot pleasure blinds you. the lips closed against your clit go hard; you're not even sure how katsuki can breathe going at such a pace. the pain starts to blend into pure pleasure. you throw your arm over your mouth in attempt to stifle your noises, eyes shut tight. you feel tears line your eyes as you cum again, katsuki's tongue pressed flat against your pussy. the pleasure is five times more intense now; you cry out, sure anyone standing outside heard, and clutch katsuki's hair as you recover from your orgasm. your pussy convulses violently, and you pant in a similar manner.

"k-katsuki- master- i-" you breathe hard.

"one more for me, okay?" he rasps into your ear. "i know you can take it, kitten. so good for me..." his chin and lips shine with your essence.

you nod, spreading your sore legs further apart.

"colour?" he checks, hands starting to reach for his belt.

"green."

he nods and unbuckles, pulling his pants and boxers down to reveal his cock. katsuki leans in, hot breath fanning against you as he peppers kisses on your clavicle.

"you're gonna be a good cocksleeve for master, yeah? gonna be all fuckin' tight and wet for me?"

you whimper a shaky "yes," the head of his cock nudging your folds.

he eases his full length into you, the stretch always being something you always need to get used to. katsuki's not particularly girthy, but for what he lacks in girth he makes up in sheer length. he pushes in gently; it's clear on his face he wants nothing more than to ravage you, but he understands your needs.

"f-fuck," you gasps as he bottoms out. 

"ring ring ring," the tone of katsuki's phone rings through the room.

you lean over the desk, reading the caller id.

"it's horikoshi corp?" you say to katsuki.

"pick it up." there's a mischievous gleam in his eyes, but there's no time to dwell on it before you pick up the call.

"is this the office of ground zero?" a male voice asks through the line.

"yessir-" katsuki starts moving inside you, to which you bite your lip. "h-how can i help you?"

"this is regarding the meeting scheduled for today?"

"y-yes?" you gasp, flinging a hand over your mouth as bakugou starts thrusting into your core roughly.

"i'm terribly sorry to say this, but it appears that our boss has come down with food poisoning from lunch."

"don't- don't worry about it-" your knuckles are white gripping the edge of the desk, and you're slightly bent over it.

katsuki continues to hammer into you, speed increasing quickly.

"could we reschedule to friday, at 1:30pm?"

your mind skims through katsuki's friday schedule. "u-um... y-yes-! that can be arranged..." you're not sure if he can hear the wet slapping noises coming from your end of the line - but the thought of him knowing your dirty deeds with katsuki made you even wetter.

"alright, thank you!" the man sounds relieved. "goodbye."

"bye!" you half slam the phone down on the receiver, chest heaving.

"it's your lucky day, huh, kitten?" katsuki purrs smoothly. 

you nod, pressing yourself onto his desk so you're bent over it for him.

"such a fucking slut," you can hear the pride in his voice. "you like that, yeah? i can feel you clenching all around me. you're my fuckin' cockslut, right?"

your head bobs rapidly up and down. "yes, master- i'm-" you feel the familiar heat start to bubble in the pit of your stomach.

"don't you dare fucking cum yet," he growls in your ear, punctuating his words with a sharp thrust.

he presses you even harder into the desk, your breasts pushed up against the cold wood. 

"k-katsuki...!”

"my little pain slut, isn't that right?" 

"y-yes-! f-fuck, master-" 

he slaps your clit, making a loud, wet sound resound through the room.

it almost sends you over the edge. almost.

"don't- cum-" katsuki grunts in between thrusts.

you're so close it almost hurts. the pleasure overwhelms you; you shut your eyes tight to distract yourself, but you can only hear the sound of katsuki's heavy breaths and his cock slamming into you.

"katsuki- master- please, i can't-" tears start to form in the corners of your eyes. the pleasure is just too much, beating into you incessantly.

"you can, and you will," he orders, voice firm.

"k-ka- ka-" you blubber, tears dropping from your cheeks. you know you won't be able to hold it much longer; your pussy aches in need of release. "pl- pl, ka-"

"cum." it was the only word you needed to find yourself toppling off the edge, euphoria rippling over you violently.  tears stream down your cheeks, cum gushing from your heat. you're as limp as a doll in katsuki's arms, slumped against his desk. your pussy throbs, contracting violently - somewhere amidst your orgasm, katsuki had finished as well. your cheeks are wet, blouse thrown somewhere on the ground. your breathing is shaky as katsuki picks you up, stroking your hair delicately.

"hey, honey," he kisses your forehead softly.

you mumble incoherently, eyes drooping shut.

"you did so well for me... i didn't hurt you, did i?"

"no, 'suki.... 's good.... i liked it a lot..." you nuzzle into him, his body warmth comforting. katsuki smells of vanilla and caramel, a sweet combination that feels undeniably like home. 

you don't remember many of the next events well; everything blurs into a haze. you feel him gently thumbing your tears away, slipping your skirt and panties on and buttoning up one of his extra dress shirts on you.

the last thing you hear is a gentle "i love you," and before you know it, you're drifting asleep.

[vanserraseris]

END OF PART V - This part sort of just gives a little insight into the Vanserra family dynamics, and they’re kind of a mess. The brothers probably aren’t as shit as they are supposed to be, though, but they’re still pretty bad. There are a few mentions of child abuse, Beron is literally the worst. It got a little longer than I’d first planned, but I hope you enjoy it (and big thanks to everyone who is reading)!!!

ahhhh i love it sm. love the brothers. fuck beron

Prince of Ashes. Part V.

masterlist.

Eris’s eyes snapped open, the incessant banging coming from the front of his cottage startling him out of a dreamless sleep. Despite having just woken up, Eris’s movements as he reached for the dagger he always kept on his nightstand were quick, controlled. Even in the dark of the room, Eris could see that there were no intruders. Not many people knew of his personal cottage, but that didn’t mean Eris never worried about being killed in his sleep while there.

“What is that?” Eris had nearly forgotten about Lucien. His youngest brother seemed to have fallen asleep curled up on the large cushioned chair by the stone fireplace again instead of going to the smaller room he’d claimed as his own. Eris didn’t know why, but when he took Lucien to his cottage, Lucien often preferred sleeping on one of the chairs in Eris’s bedroom. Lucien’s red hair was a mess and his shirt was wrinkled as he sat up, rubbing at his eyes with the heels of his palms.

Eris grabbed the pair of old brown boots he had by the foot of his bed, wondering who in the hells was capable of getting past the wards he’d had Lagos put around his personal home. “Don’t worry, it’s just the door,” Eris answered, irritation lacing each word in the hopes that Lucien wouldn’t think anything was amiss. 

Lucien didn’t seem worried in the slightest as he yawned before he asked, “Is Micah back? He left a bunch of scrolls on the table.”

“Micah has a key.” All three of his friends had a key, and the only other person he could think of that would be coming to see him so late at night was Rufus, but Rufus could easily winnow through the wards. 

Eris snarled softly when he saw the wrinkles on his own shirt, briefly considering whether or not he should just put another one on, but decided not to when the banging started once more.

It was probably Beron. Eris figured he had absolutely nothing to worry about, his father was most likely just angry with him, and that was nothing new. Or perhaps Beron had come for Lucien. Eris ran a hand through his hair, his other hand still clutching his dagger as he tried to decide if it was Lucien his father wanted, what he might do. With a few large steps, Eris made his way across the room. He crouched down in front of Lucien’s chair, holding the dagger out to him, “Take this.”

Lucien straightened, suddenly looking a lot more troubled, but he didn’t reach out to take the dagger. “What’s happening?” 

“Nothing,” Eris desperately hoped it was nothing. “Rufus probably just got drunk and forgot how to winnow again.” 

“Eris,” russett eyes wide, Lucien grabbed onto the loose sleeve of Eris’s shirt, “Where are you going?”

“To open the door,” Eris flashed his brother a small smile, hoping that it would be enough to convince him that everything was alright. “Take this and stay here.” Lucien knew how to use a blade, most Autumn court children did. 

Lucien was just a little older than half a decade, but despite his age, he knew all too well how dangerous the Autumn Court was, how cutthroat. Lucien took a deep breath, eyes now on the dagger in Eris’s outstretched hand.

The hilt of the dagger was ornate, golden, and fashioned to look like the head of a snake, green jewels that acted as the snake’s eyes glittered brightly as Lucien curled his small fingers around the weapon. Eris brought his now empty hand up to ruffle Lucien’s hair, “I’ll be back,” he promised. 

Lucien nodded once, pulling his knees up to his chest, a look of pure determination on his young features as he watched Eris stand to his full height.

Eris regretted that he’d left all of his hounds at the kennel in the Forest House I’m his rush to leave. He’d have preferred at least Enya, his oldest hound and the alpha of the pack, to have watched over Lucien. Eris no longer had a weapon, but his magic would most likely be enough, so with one final glance at Lucien, Eris tore out of the room. As Eris walked with fast steps down the hall, the bronze sconces that lined the walls flared to life behind him.

The banging on the door hadn’t gotten any louder or any more frantic, and as Eris approached it, he lifted his nose in the air, taking a deep breath. The familiar scent of red apples lingered in the small foyer - not father - but it did nothing to ease Eris’s worries. His features schooled into a practiced look of irritation, Eris pulled the latch on the door, unlocking it before he yanked it open, “Cato.”

His brother smiled. To anyone else, it might have looked sincere, “Eris.” When Eris didn’t move to the side, Cato made a face that looked genuinely confused, his brows raising in a look of mock puzzlement, “Not going to invite me in?” 

Eris didn’t move, he was taller than Cato, and while they were both lean, Eris’s shoulders were broader. He effectively blocked the entrance to his home as he asked, “Why are you here, Cato?”

His younger brother frowned, “Can’t I come say hello to my older brother?” He tilted his head a fraction, russett eyes widening slightly. “I only have one, you know.” Perhaps that was why Cato and Eris never really got along. Eris was the only obstacle to Cato’s place as High Lord, and they had never spent much time together while Cato was growing up - Eris had been sent to a war camp right after he’d been born.

They had almost no relationship, and yet, they still managed to fight over the smallest of things. Eris supposed that their non-existent brotherly bond meant that there would be no regret for Cato when he would inevitably end Eris’s life. Sending Eris away had been smart on Beron’s part, he’d practically ensured that his two eldest sons were always at each other’s throats. 

Eris growled, “No. No, you cannot come say hello, especially not at the crack of dawn.”

“Did I wake little Lucien?” Cato’s voice dripped with such a convincing act of concern. Even Eris could admit that Cato was the best fucking courtier in all of Prythian, a snake in the grass in every sense. 

“You woke me,” Eris spat. 

Cato was no longer acting the part of the concerned younger brother as he practically shoved past Eris, “Don’t worry, I’m not here to cause any trouble.”

Eris bit the inside of his cheek so hard he drew blood. Slowly, Eris shut the door, mumbling a frustrated, “I doubt it,” under his breath. 

When Eris finally turned to face Cato, he looked closely at his greatest rival. Not a single one of Cato’s deadly throwing knives was in sight, but that didn’t mean none were there. Cato’s eyes looked tired - troubled - and if Eris didn’t know any better, he'd have guessed that he looked a bit nervous.

He was holding himself up a little too straight, the sleeve of his shirt sloppily peaked out of his jacket, and a muscle in his jaw was working. Wonderful, Eris thought, Cato had finally decided to kill him. Eris took a breath, controlling his flames, getting ready for a fight. 

“I know you favour the runt, Eris.” 

Eris blinked. His brows furrowing slightly as he shook his head, “Cato—”

Cato raised a hand, “I don’t know why, but father’s given us orders to make his life as miserable as possible - probably to piss you off as much as because he’s just a horrible old bastard - and I’m not going to go against a direct order from the High Lord.” 

Eris froze, “And you’ve come to tell me this because?” 

Cato flashed him an adder’s grin, “I’m in a benevolent mood.”

Eris eyed him. Eris didn’t know if Cato had ever done him any favours, at least not in the last century. He sometimes wondered if Cato and him could have been close, knowing very well that it was much too late now. The resentment Cato had for his only older brother had been ingrained in his very young and impressionable mind by their father. Eris would be lying if he said he didn’t resent Cato as well.

Cato’s grin, faltered, turned into a frown, a seemingly real and true emotion Eris didn’t think he’d ever seen on his younger brother’s face. “It is an act I’ve done in good faith,” Cato wasn’t meeting Eris’s gaze, “Owain, Maddox, and Priam got the lecture, too.” Cato tugged on the cuff of his jacket sleeve, “I’m sure Rufus would have gotten the lecture if he’d been at the house, waste of father’s breath if you ask me - he only ever listens to you.”

Cato had gone out of his way to warn Eris, and while Eris was grateful, he couldn’t very well let almost all of his brothers turn on Lucien just because Beron had ordered it. “I’m going to say it once, Cato, don’t you dare lay a hand on him.” 

Cato huffed a laugh, flames in his eyes, “I don’t follow your orders, brother, and if you're asking me, I’d say the little runt would benefit from having the rest of us beat on him as well.”

Eris wasn’t usually one for any sort of physical violence, but he was blinded by rage as he lunged at Cato, grabbing him roughly by the collar and shoving him back up against the wall. Eris snarled, teeth bared, “Don’t touch him.” 

“I wasn’t being entirely serious,” Cato rolled his eyes, “But it’s fucking nice to know your weakness, Eris.”

Of course Cato would use their youngest brother against him. “I think all of us would benefit if I cut out that silver tongue.” Eris didn’t mean it, but it worked in Eris’s favour if Cato feared him just a bit. 

Cato grinned again. “I’d be very careful, Eris, I’m not in the mood to gut you tonight, ” Eris hadn’t felt the point of the knife pressed up against his side until Cato applied just a little more pressure, “I’d hate to get blood all over my good jacket, but I’ll do it if I have to.”

Eris snarled, pressing Cato harder up against the wall, “You always manage to make my blood fucking boil, you know.” 

“The feeling is mutual.” Eris thought he felt Cato’s knife cut through his shirt.

With one final growl, Eris loosened his hold on Cato’s jacket. He took a few small steps back, running a hand through his long hair.

Cato adjusted his jacket with one hand, in the other, he twirled the knife between his fingers, the simple silver blade flashing. “Be honest with me, Eris, just this once.” Eris would have asked him what the hell he was talking about, but Cato didn’t wait for a response before he asked, “What’s so very special about Lucien?” 

Eris couldn’t actually tell him about the oath he’d taken, wouldn’t risk Cato using that against him, so he simply sneered, “Absolutely nothing.”

Cato scoffed, “I know you dislike it when precious little Lucien gets a beating, but I think you’re overreacting. Father’s hands aren’t as painful as the whips he was using on us at Lucien’s age.” 

Eris set his jaw, opting to give his brother some of the honesty he’d asked for. “I want to protect him from that - maybe then he won’t end up like the rest of us.” Eris made a vague gesture with his hand.

There seemed to be a sort of understanding between the both of them when Cato met his eyes once more, a strange sort of openness that Eris couldn’t really read. Cato sounded a bit defeated as he spoke, “You cannot protect him forever.” 

Eris knew he couldn’t, the vow he’d taken haunted him some nights, but that didn’t mean he wanted Cato to point it out. “I can try,” Eris snapped.

“I appreciate the honesty, truly, but let me tell you something, brother. Your efforts will have been for nothing if the outcome is no good.” Cato shook his head, “I reckon no one - not mother, not Rufus, definitely not Lucien - no one will remember that you tried.” His lip curled over his teeth at the last word like he was disgusted by it. “Father’s got it out for little Lucien, I don’t know why, so try and protect him if you must, but when it all goes to shit, just remember I warned you.”

Eris couldn’t even begin to guess why their father was acting this way so suddenly, but he dipped his chin at his brother. “Thank you, Cato,” Eris said with as much sincerity as he was able. Eris wasn’t very used to thanking anyone, and he didn’t think that Cato was very used to hearing any thanks, either. Eris could practically hear his father’s voice, see the sneer on Beron’s face, as he’d hissed at a young Eris that sons of Autumn never gave thanks.

Cauldron boil me, Eris thought, he was going fucking soft. 

Cato’s russett eyes widened at the words before his genuine look of surprise was replaced by a scowl, the masks were back, it seemed. “You won’t be thanking me when I steal your crown, brother.” 

“If you are feeling benevolent when you decide to kill me,” Cato flinched, but Eris continued, choosing to ignore it, “Do me a favour and make it quick.” The silence that dragged between them as they stared at each other was uncomfortable.

They looked so alike, very much like their mother. Long red hair, sharp cheekbones, elegant brows, the only difference was the russet colour of Cato’s eyes and the much softer lines of his face. 

With a shake of his head, Cato moved past Eris, ensuring that their shoulders hit. He threw open the door, the heat of the room leaving as he stood in the doorway for a moment, as though he wanted to say something.

Cato stepped over the threshold of the door, the first few rays of the sun peaking over the horizon. “And not like you asked for my advice,” Cato picked at a thread on the sleeve of his shirt, turning to face Eris once more, “But you should stop spoiling the little runt, you’ll make him as useless as Rufus. And father is growing impatient with you and I’d rather not be dragged out of my duties to watch your flogging.”

Eris nodded once absently, his mind reeling, but nothing except irritation showed on his face. Perhaps Beron had learned in truth that Lucien was not his son. Perhaps Beron was no longer questioning the blood that ran through Lucien’s veins. Perhaps Eris would not be able to protect him, and Eris would rather tear out his own throat than let Beron harm his youngest brother. He’d made a vow, after all - he found he had to remind himself that was the only reason why.

Before he winnowed away, Cato called back to his older brother, “Be careful, Eris.” It could have been a warning or a threat, but Eris was choosing to believe that Cato might have actually been a bit worried for his well being. 

Eris shut the door, turning and leaning against it with his eyes closed. He slowly slid to the floor, breathing in through his nose, wrapping his hands around his knees. He hadn’t felt this helpless since he was a child.

Eris felt dizzy as he thought about how he would have to find a way to get his father to pay even less attention to Lucien, and he wasn’t entirely sure how to go about it. He was also trying not to think too much about Cato. Cato had fucking warned him. The brother who he competed against, constantly fought with, never trusted - had warned him. Cato was young and ruthless and cruel, just as Eris was, and Eris knew they were more alike than they were different.

They were two-sides of the same tarnished coin. Eris took another breath, he didn’t like thinking about his brothers too much, it made his chest ache. Eris thumped his head a couple times on the door behind him. Perhaps if he hit it a little harder he’d knock some sense into himself. Eris could feel flames dancing on the tips of his fingers. He’d gotten much too emotional, all his actions driven by that stupid oath, and he’d lost his edge. 

“Eris?”

Eris opened his eyes at the sound of Lucien’s worried voice. He was sure he hadn’t managed to control his magic, and he knew that there were wild flames flaring in his eyes. Eris was almost certain Lucien would flinch away from him, away from that all-too familiar and dangerous fire, a fire that reminded most people of his father. “I thought I told you to stay put.” 

Lucien was no longer holding the dagger Eris had given him, but he took a small step towards where Eris sat. “Are you alright?”

In the light, Eris could clearly see just how terrible Lucien looked after Beron’s beating. It had taken all of Eris’s strength not to go after his father, and just like a coward, he’d done nothing but winnow Lucien away from that cauldron-damned house. Eris hadn’t been there to see Lucien’s punishment - he didn’t even know what Lucien might have been punished for - but Beron’s marks were all over his little brother.

Eris could barely look at the black eye, at the split skin near Lucien’s eyebrow, at the dark bruise on his cheekbone. Eris knew there were more bruises he couldn’t see. 

“I’m fine.” Eris lied, willing the flames in his eyes to vanish. 

Lucien took a few more small, slow steps towards Eris, like he was approaching a wounded animal. It must have been a shock for Lucien to see Eris in this way, but Eris was tired, and he didn’t think he had it in him to act alright even for Lucien’s sake.

Lucien sat right next to Eris, leaning up against the door, mirroring the way Eris was sitting. Eris knew he should perhaps be offering Lucien words of comfort, but he didn’t know what to say. 

Lucien was the first to break the silence. “It’s light.” 

“What?” Eris turned his head to face Lucien, confused. 

Lucien looked up at him with a small smile, “What can fill a room, but takes up no space. Your riddle.” 

Eris raised an auburn brow, “I’m going to have to start giving you harder ones.”

“I’ll solve those ones, too.” 

Eris felt the corner of his mouth tilt up just a fraction, “I bet you will.” 

Lucien turned away from Eris, moving so that he was leaning up against Eris’s side. “Don’t worry too much about whatever’s bothering you,” Lucien muttered, “I’m sure you’ll figure something out.” 

Eris took comfort in knowing that at least Lucien believed in him, and he figured that Lucien was probably right 

Eris would figure something out, he always did.

[squirrelly831]

Hoseok Seven Deadly Sins: Greed

Masterlist

It’s going to be some time until the next addition is added (it’ll probably be Seokjin’s). I gotta make his moodboard and try to finalize that side story as best I can. I threw in some big reveals (if you catch them in this). This may be edited as the story line expands, so keep an eye out. In case you want to know how to follow this series, the order of main story following Jungkook will be Namjoon, Hoseok, Yoongi, and Jungkook. The side story you can read Jimin or Taehyung first. It doesn’t change the story, but Seokjin will be the last one to read. At the end of this series I will explain each of the connections with the characters in case I didn’t make one thing or another clear.

“Where are we?” Jungkook asked as he walked behind Hoseok inspecting his change of clothes. He looked around to see they were in the middle of a busy city, New York City, possibly. He wore a suit and tie that looked of high quality. The two crossed the street as people passed around them and one person accidentally colliding shoulders with Jungkook without even an apology. “What the—they can see us?” 

“Shut up.” Hoseok straightened his suit as he lead them to a 50 floor building. Two doormen pulled open the spotless glass doors for the two men. Hoseok attracted the attention of the people in the lobby with his overwhelming aura. The confidence and his stoic body language made people stop and stare. His black shoes clicked against the tile floor alerting the receptionists. The two women eyed Hoseok as giggles left their lips. Hoseok’s lips curved upward on the side as he approached the two ladies. “Good morning, ladies. I was wondering if Kang Dowoon is in?”

The woman in front of him was too flustered to talk that her co-worker stepped in, “Do you have an appointment with Mr. Kang, sir?” 

He looked at the clock and paused, “I believe it’s at 10. It should be under Hoseok.” The women checked the calendar their lips pressed together as they look at the schedule. Hoseok rolled his eyes as he twirled his fingers.

“Ah, here it is!” The flustered one exclaimed as she pointed at the time. “We’ll give him a call. He’ll be up at the top floor.”

Hoseok flashed them a grin, “Thanks” he gave their desk a couple taps before he pushed away from them and headed towards the elevators. His grin all but vanished the moment he turned the corner, “I should have just sent Taehyung.” Hoseok threw a file at Jungkook, “Read it.”

“What? Are you illi–”Jungkook let out a hiss as he reached up at his hidden collar. Hoseok entered the elevator with a smirk. “You bastard, what did you do?”

“You’re in training. I have just as much power to discipline you as my brother. Now read.”

Jungkook’s lips twitched as he opened the file and read the content, “Kang Dowoon age 45. Occupation CEO of Square Co. Desire for wealth–”

“Yada yada yada” Hoseok waved his hand about, “What’s his label?”

Jungkook skimmed the papers until he landed on a number, “5…”

“Only a 5? Why the hell did Namjoon give me such a weak soul?” Jungkook gave him a confused look, “The label is the rarity of the soul. 5 is average–nothing. 10… 10 is the rarest. Very hard to come by.” Hoseok let out an amused chuckle, “Namjoon got lucky he got you and that girl. Both tens. Both immortal beings at one time or another.” Jungkook jerked back as if he had been struck. The elevator opened, “Don’t say a word. You’re here to watch and learn.” Hoseok stepped out and was greeted by Kang Dowoon’s assistant who lead him and Jungkook to the office.

Dowoon was finishing a phone conversation when he noticed his secretary and the two demons. Dowoon said his quick goodbyes as he hung up and fixed his tie as he went to give Hoseok a handshake. “Welcome Mr. Hoseok. Pleasure meeting you. Though I don’t believe I had you on my schedule.”

His secretary adjusted his glasses, “It seems the receptionist didn’t convey they added a 10 o’clock appointment to me. I will deal with that inexcusable oversight.” He handed off a printed packet to Dowoon before he bowed and saw himself out of the room.

“Yes, well then, take a seat” Dowoon indicated to the chairs facing his desk. Hoseok and Jungkook took their seats as Dowoon sat in his chair. “What can I do for you gentlemen?”

Hoseok smirked, “It’s more like what I can do for you Kang Dowoon. I’ll cut to the chase. You wish for power and” he gave a nonchalant shrug, “I can give you that.” 

Dowoon’s ears perked, but he gave a scoff, “I assure you, Hoseok? I have quite the company. I have power and money. So, if that is all, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

Jungkook let out a sigh of relief that didn’t go unnoticed by Hoseok. “I admit, you have an impressive company, but it’s not enough.” Hoseok pulled out a few 50,000 won and placed them on the desk in front of them. “However, a man of your caliber would want more” he waved his hand over the money. The flimsy bills disappeared as gold bars took their place. “You want an endless supply of riches” Hoseok smirk grew as he saw Dowoon salvatated at the five gold bars that sat at the end of his desk. “I can give you that.”

“How?”

Jungkook’s disgust displaced any relief he held. The greed in Dowoon’s eyes was apparent miles away it made Jungkook sick. How he turned into a starved dog by such a cheap magic trick… Jungkook sat back in disbelief. Just how easy was it to toy with a human? How was it so easy to make them fall into a temptation? He shuttered, incredibly easy. His hand clenched on his lap, he knew it was. He wasn’t even human when he made the deal with Namjoon. He was supposed to be able to resist all temptations, but even he fell for it. A flare of determination overwhelmed him, he eyed Hoseok and Dowoon. Not this one. Jungkook wasn’t going to let them have this man. Hoseok held out a document, but his words were silenced by Jungkook’s heartbeat in his ears. He may not be an angel any longer, but to see someone give into another one of these demons–he couldn’t allow it. Jungkook slammed his hands on the desk as he grabbed the contract from Dowoon overzealous fingers, “You haven’t even read it and you’re about to just go and sign it?” There was a sharp pain in his throat from the collar and Jungkook winced, but fought through the pain. His throat constricted as he fought out his words, “You realize you’re signing away your life. The moment you die, which could be today or in twenty years, that thing” he pointed to Hoseok who, though maintained his business like persona, was raging on the inside. “He will take your very essence and make you suffer every single day. You will feel nothing but pain for eternity.” Dowoon paled, “He’s not here to help you. He–”

“That’s enough!” Hoseok shot from his seat. Furrow etched on his face as he let out an animalistic growl, “I’ve heard enough out of you!” Jungkook cried out loudly as he hit the ground in pain. His hand grasped at his throat to claw off the collar. “YOU!” His voice was deep as it reverberated around the room and he glared at Dowoon. He shoved the paper towards Dowoon, “Sign the paper! You’ll get everything you want.”

Dowoon’s eyes were as large as saucers. His body trembled as he looked at Hoseok. His pupils were no longer their brown haze, but bright red. As he spoke, his tongue became snake like as his teeth were replaced with fangs. Dowoon hit the security button under his desk and in seconds security and his secretary rushed inside. 

Hoseok growled as he looked back at the uninvited guests. He took steps away from his prey as he extended his arm and the three men were sent flying. Dowoon used the distraction to flee out the hidden door as Jungkook managed to use the desk to lift himself from the ground. Hoseok fumed as he watched his prey escape. His nostrils flared as he sucked in a large amount of air. He twisted to Jungkook with black eyes. His body shook as he evaporated in front of Jungkook. The office dissolved back to the lounge room without a lazy Yoongi around. Hoseok’s claw grasped Jungkook’s throat, “I SHOULD CLAW OUT YOUR VOCAL CORDS and feed them to that little bitch of yours.” A snarl erupted from Hoseok’s throat. His face distorted in rage that only made Jungkook coward in his grasp. His claws pierced the side of Jungkook’s neck. “You’re not an angel anymore, bastard. Learn your fucking place! You’re in Hell–you and that little bitch of yours.” Hoseok threw Jungkook to the ground as he kicked him violently. 

He repeatedly stomped on Jungkook as the collar around his neck intensified the pain. “I may not be able to make your pathetic existence hell, but I can that girl” Jungkook struggled against the weight of Hoseok’s foot as he stomped down on him once more. “You should have never shown in interest in that fucking whore because I will torture her until her body gives out. I will rip her apart only to put her together and do it for the rest of her miserable life.” Hoseok reached down at Jungkook’s neck and threw Jungkook with such a strength, his body hit the doors of the room and the doors flew open. Jungkook collided against the hallway pillar before he fell in a heap.

Taehyung whistled as Jungkook, “you’re one daring son of a bitch” he stood above Jungkook with his hands in his pockets. “You’re askin for a death wish—“ he let out a laugh “well you’re technically dead already.” Jungkook stood with a pained expression. The pain coursed through his body and black blood seeped from his throat when Hoseok’s claws were lodged.

“Count yourself lucky that Hoseok spared you. He doesn’t spare anyone. He should have incinerated you for the shit you did” Jimin entered with his arm over Thalia’s shoulders.

“Maybe being Namjoon’s pet benefits” Taehyung mocked.

Jungkook ignored his side comment as his eyes widened when saw Thalia. Her hair was down and off her shoulder. She wore a revealing lingerie that Jungkook could tell wasn’t her choice. She looked uncomfortable under Jimin’s hand. His hand slouched dangerously close to her breast. “What’s you mean? He’s just one of us.” She met his eyes for a split second before looking away in shame.

Jimin’s eyebrow rose as he extracted his eyes from Thalia’s breasts for a moment and Taehyung let out a scoff, “Just one of us?” A cold laugh left Taehyung’s lips. “The Prince of Hell isn’t just one of us. If he wanted to, he could have you relive your worst moment of your life. To feel the pain not only mentally but physically tenfold the first time. I’m sure yours would be your wings ripped from you, right little angel?” he taunted and Jungkook growled as he lunged at him. The two of them hit the ground with Jungkook on top of Taehyung. They struggled as animalistic growls and snarls sounded between them.

Thalia gasped and went to break them up, but Jimin moves his hand to her hips, “Don’t get between them, baby girl” he purred. “They’ll just rip you apart” he nuzzled his nose in the crook of her neck. “Should we go have some fun” his tongue swiped up her neck. A pleasured shiver coursed her spine as a moan left her lips involuntarily. She grimaced at the sound she made as she screwed her eyes shut.

Jungkook yanked Thalia from Jimin in an instant. His face reddened with anger and from the claw marks Taehyung left from his attack, “Don’t touch her. She’s uncomfortable.” Thalia felt her knees buckled as she grabbed hold of Jungkook’s shirt. He helped her stand as he pulled her behind him protectively. “She’s not yours to claim bastards.”

Taehyung stood as he wiped the black blood from his busted lip with a sinister smile, “You think you’re so good, don’t you?” An amused laugh left his scowling lips, “She may have forgotten, but we know what you did to her. When she was one of your kind and when she was human.” He took a threatening step towards the pair and Thalia let out a scared whimper as she hid herself from Taehyung. “I could tell her, you know? How fast do you think she’ll turn on you?” He let out a maniacal cackle. “You’re no better than us!” His eyes turned a bright red as the room rumbled. 

Jimin reached out to Taehyung to stop him and the two instantly shot away from each other as a pain entered them. The room stopped shaking. They hissed as they recoiled into themselves. Taehyung let out a frustrated growl, “I’ve told you before, don’t fucking touch me!” He ran a hand through his hair as he kicked a hole in the sturdy wall beside him, “Stay the fuck away from me–All of you. Or I’ll kill you and apologize later to Namjoon.” He stormed down the hallway as Jimin slid down the wall behind him. Jimin placed his head in his hands as a tear-less cry erupted from him.

“Come on…” Jungkook took Thalia’s hand in his and rushed her out of the hall. She looked back at the mild destruction that was left behind. His hand tightened around Thalia’s as he took her towards his room, “We’re getting you out of here. I’m not letting any of these bastards hurt you again.”

“Jungkook…”

He looked back at her, “I swear, I’m going to save you from them–from here. Trust me. I won’t lose you again…” Thalia gave him a stiff nod and Jungkook flashed her a small smile encouraging her to muster a smile of her own. He stopped outside his door as he touched her collar. “Who is Namjoon to claim ownership of you?” His eyes narrowed at the collar in anger. He wanted to rip it from her. He wanted to wash cleanse her from the touch of his and any other man or woman who put their hands on her. To both their surprise, the collar fell off her neck and they looked as it hit the ground. A surprised laugh escaped his lips as he flashed a bright smile, “Guess, you were meant for me after all.” Thalia let out a gasp as she touched her bare neck. Her eyes lit up as she looked at Jungkook who all but faltered at her breathtaking beauty. “I’ll hide you in my room until I can think of a way to get us out of here, okay?” His hand touched her cheek and she leaned into his touch as she gave him a nod. He opened his bedroom door and let her in before checking the hall once more before he shut the door.

“Well well, if it isn’t my pets… I’ve been waiting for you.”

-Moodboard and writing by: Squirrelly831

If you like my work please like and share it!

[proxylynn]

Lynchtale: File Name Game of Death #5

Chapter 5: All power, little control, some hope, but no care. WARNING: THIS IS A MATURE STORY THAT WILL HAVE BLOOD, GORE, PSYCHOLOGICAL SURVIVAL HORROR, HEAVY CURSING, AND LIKELY SEXUAL THEMES/BONING. I DO NOT OWN UNDERTALE, THAT BELONGS TO LORD TOBY FOX. I DO NOT OWN DEAD BY DAYLIGHT, THAT BELONGS TO BEHAVIOUR DIGITAL INC.. I DON'T OWN THE AU'S THAT SOME OF THE CHARACTERS COME FROM, THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CREATORS. I DON'T OWN THE IDEA FOR LYNCHTALE, THAT BELONGS TO PUNNYSIDEUP (AKA. SANSFULPUNS). WHAT I DO OWN IS MY SELF-INSERT OC ANOMALY LYNSIE AND THE LOVE OF FAN PARODY. IF YOU'RE STILL READING THIS, THEN CONGRATULATIONS ON EITHER BEING ONE WITH STRONG DETERMINATION OR AN ENDLESS WILL TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE OF STOMACHING WHAT I HAVE IN MIND. EITHER WAY, IF YOU LIKE THIS AND/OR MY OTHER CONTENT, SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE ETERNAL PUNISHMENT. HAVE FUN SINNERS. ^_^ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you ever have that odd sensation of floating? Like, there's nothing else, it's just space and you're simply drifting with nothing but this warm fuzzy feeling. Feels good. A nice feeling compared to the one I last felt. ...Crap. I've acknowledged this as a dream. That means I'll wake up soon and have to go back to all that other shit again. I hate that flaw of sleep. ...Oh well. Least this time I know I've died and ended up at camp. Worst comes to worst, David is sneaking a feel or Nea will hit me once I'm up. Either way, as long as I'm away from Legion then I'm fine. The last thing I want to see is that skeleton any time soon. Suddenly I feel something. A shift. Hands. God damn it, David, I will beat your ass black and blue! I faintly growl as my eyes struggle to open. "oh, look! she's waking up." I freeze. I don't know this voice. {big fucking deal. ya want a medal?} Another one? {just keep her quite. bones dose not want to be disturbed.} A third voice? Bones? Oh...Oh, fuck my life! I'm not at camp. I crack one eye open and find an overly chipper face grinning at me. And those eyes...light blue orbs with yellow stars for pupils. So full of energy and something else...something forced. His clothing, it's very similar to Bones but different enough to not be confused for him. This one has a pale blue hooded jacket that's fully zipped, the hood covering his head has no white fur around the collar. His shorts are the same color as the jacket, though the sleeves are dark grey, and he has dull grey knee-high socks. He has fingerless gloves too but are super pale blue and only the first two fingers are free from coverage. He spots light blue and pale blue sneakers. He doesn't have tape like Bones did, though he does have what looks like a long light blue scarf that's wrapped around his waist and tied into a bow on his back. Yet, of course, you can't forget the random splotches of blood that seem to make it look even better. "hello, human. did you sleep well?" Fully awake and trying not to freak out, I merely nod. It makes that grin of his stretch even wider. "good. i tried to make sure you were comfortable." Letting my senses come back, I find myself being cradled in this skeleton's lap and we are nestled by a fire pit. The fire that sits in the center of the chalet of their territory. Mount Ormond Resort. Ormond was once a small, remote ski town with idyllic slopes, but its resort turned obsolete when a deluxe ski village was built on Mount Richards less than two hours away. Mount Richards offered fresh slopes with luxurious stores and hotels, which crushed Mount Ormond's isolated, decrepit facilities. The fate of the mountain worsened when a mining project took interest in the coal present at its summit. The mountaintop was lined by explosives to extract coal seams from under it. The project caused public outrage and was stopped midway. Mount Ormond is now a soulful, deforested graveyard where gangs and teenagers go looking for trouble. Some people say that the mountain hides a darkness, a bottomless hole from where no one can return. And they aren't wrong. Legion lives here. "can you heal yourself?" Realization kicks in. I'm still injured. Of course, killers can't heal. So how have I not died this whole time? "well?" "Um...May I ask you something?" "sure." "Why am I not dead?" "oh, that's easy. you humans stop bleeding when held. so i figured i'd keep you in my arms till you woke up and do that yourself." "Oh...Makes sense." "also, you seemed cold. so i moved us over to the fire." "...Thank you." "but again, you can heal yourself...right?" "Yeah. Just...give me a moment to process this." "process what?" "The overly nice behavior. The general kindness. The attention to care and consideration. In short, and I mean no disrespect, but either you're so sweet it's unbelievable or you are trying way too hard to make me like you." {if ya call being a little bitch boy sweet, then it's the first one.} The second voice pulls my attention. Looking over my shoulder, there's another skeleton lounging sideways on a recliner and playing with his blade. But he's slightly transparent like a specter. This one, this is the killer you expect to find in Hot Topic. There is no blue on this one. Black, red, and yellow are his colors. Like a deadly snake. His eyes are wicked. Golden orbs surrounded by red filled sockets. And those teeth, it's like looking at the mouth of a shark but both bottom canine teeth are longer, protruding, and covered in gold. A red collar highlights his neck and the metal spikes add toughness. At first glance, he doesn't seem to have gloves, but he does, he's made finger-less gloves out of bandages. The jacket is black, a single red stripe runs down the length of each sleeve, the zipper teeth are like the golden fangs in his mouth, and the bottom hem has this red band with what looks like a silver bullet pattern. The jacket is also unzipped completely but form-hugging, so while you can see his rib cage he'd need to move around more to really expose it. He has matching black pants that, like Bones, he's rolled up the legs to his knees, showing off some of his tibia and fibula. The rest of his leg is covered by long scrunched black socks that can't go further than the top of the calf-high red combat boots, sporting yellow laces. Blood really shows on this guy but it matches him so well you could easily mistake it for design. As for the weapon he's playing with, it's a chained blade. One end locks it as a ring around his middle right finger in the shape of bone top, the gold chain coils around his arm to cross his back and coils down his left arm to where the bone-shaped metal knife is spinning in his left hand. "i am not! you're just a jerk!" {oooh, such strong language. ya sure showed me who's boss. *scoff* dumbass.} The blue skele-boy holding me pouts. "you're so mean." I am having a hard time understanding what is going on. Am I being punk'd? I feel like they're punking me. {your confusion is natural, human.} Oh right, there was a third voice. This one is a bit harder to find, I can't see him till he stands up behind what looks like a snack bar, apparently rummaging around for something. This one...He gives me chills. He looks like Bones yet...is off. He wears a blue jacket with a single white strip going down the sleeves, the hood is super fluffy with its furry rim, it's not zipped fully so his ribs are showing a bit, black shorts with two white stripes going down the sides, and short white socks in blue tennis shoes. His clothing is like the others, stained with blood. But that's not the scary part. It's his face. His physical appearance is what truly makes him stand out from the other. His bones appear weak as if he hadn't eaten anything for many years. His left eye glows blood-red while his right eye socket is completely black. He's got a big cracked hole on the top-left spot of his head and his smiley grin is wide and psychotic looking. The bone-shaped handle of a meat cleaver sticks out of a pocket on his left side. {we are not what your kind would see as normal.} He inspects a bottle but finds it empty and tosses it behind him into a wall, somehow not breaking it. "Not sure about that. You seem okay so far." Blue boy pokes into my wound and I yelp at his intruding digit. "please, if you would heal yourself now, it would be appreciated." "*wince* Alright, alright, sorry." He stops and I start the weird process of healing. At least with a medkit it makes sense. But somehow rubbing my hands across the injury for long enough undoes the damage. The Entity doesn't seem to understand how medicine and anatomy work. Occasionally I notice my "capture" watching this with interest. No clue if they can be taught how to heal but if possible I don't see anything bad about it. "wowzers. the hole is closing up. and all you're doing is rubbing it?" "Yeah. Makes no sense but if it works I can't knock it." Once the hole closes I do feel a bit stronger. Though the blood might take a bit longer to come to me. "all better now?" "For the most part. Sorry for the inconvenience...um..." I totally spaced on how I don't know these guys' names. I gently get off of him and rub my head like an idiot. "Sorry, I don't know your names. Just Bones. And he didn't mention you guys by name when we first met." "no harm done, human." The blue boy leaps to his feet and strikes an "I'm so cool" pose. "you may me boo." Why do I suddenly have the urge to call him boo-berry? "the potty mouth over there is chops." He points to the edge lord on the chair and said edge lord snarls while flipping us off. {piss off.} Such a charmer. "and mister doom over there is dead eye." The hungry one makes eye contact with me and after a moment of no emotion being expressed, he smiles but in an "I watch you sleep" kind of way with a slow wave hello. I force a nervous smile and wave back. His grin widens and I make a mental note to never be on that one's bad-side. "and together with bones, we make up the legion." "Nice to meet you all. Though, if it's okay to ask, where is Bones?" {that's none of your business, bitch.} {he is resting upstairs.} {mother fucker, don't undermine me in front of the meat!} Dead Eye pays Chops no mind. "after we got you here, he said and i quote...i'm so tired." {he said he was fucking tired.} "you know i don't swear." {pussy.} "jerk. you understood what i meant, right human?" I nod. "see? you don't have to curse all the time to explain things." {whatever, bitch boy.} Boo pouts and stomps his foot in annoyance. I can't help the small giggle that sneaks out at the childish act. "anyway, i bet you're wondering why you're here." Oh yeah, that is a thing. "It was a thought in the back of my head, yeah. But I figured Bones wanted to kick my butt in the privacy of his home turf." {no dice, meat. that was my idea.} Why is that not surprising even though I just met this guy? "actually, you were brought here so we could talk." "Talk?" "yes. see...we need your help." I fold my arms. "Forgive me if I find that a bit hard to believe." {you have trust issues.} Dead Eye suddenly speaks into my ear and I nearly jump into the fire from shock. This reaction has Chops laughing his bony ass off and Dead Eye smiling in amusement. Damn specter moved silently and fast for that. Boo comes to me and puts an arm around my back in comfort. "are you okay?" "Yeah. *shaky breath* D-Dude got me good. Nearly jumped out of my skin." Dead Eye's smile never falters. Yet his eye holds a stronger intent. I don't like it. {good one, creep show. maybe next time you can actually skin this kitten and we get some lady bone action.} That remark makes Dead Eye sneer. {do not call me that name. and there would be no point...} He turns away moving to examine a messy bookshelf. {it is not like you would know what to do even if you managed to get a female.} That stung Chops, he gets out of his seat and flings his blade into the shelf to make his point. {don't talk shit, freak. if you're gonna dis me, then have the balls to do it to my face!} The death glare shot to Chops is heart-stopping. {do not call me that word. you will not like what will happen if you do. this is your last warning.} Chops exchanges glares with Dead Eye before scoffing and yanking the weapon back effortlessly. {ya ain't worth the trouble.} They go about their previous activities as if nothing happened. I just look at Boo confused. "don't worry. this is normal." "If you say so." "here, let's go over there." Boo leads me away from the fire and we sit over by the stairs. Giving the other two their space. "so, like i was saying, we need your help." "Not sure how, but I'll bite. How?" "see...the thing is, when bones made that deal in the trial with you and carved our tag into you, he broke a rule set up by the others." "Go on." "um...from what i understand, he enacted claim of obsession when he cut you." "You'll have to forgive me. I know not the laws made by you guys." He rubs his jaw in thought. "if memory serves me right, the right of obsession was giving three main steps for a killer to have claim on a certain human. the first being the expression of intent to the group." "And he didn't do that, right?" "right. if anything, he did step three first then step one." "What was step three?" "leaving your mark on the target of obsession. be it mentally, physically, or emotionally." Memory has me look down the collar of my shirt. It's faint. Like stretchmarks. I can still see the lettering. "Yep. That step was achieved." "now we need to do step two. that one requires doing certain challenges when in trials with the target of obsession. that being you." I rock a bit. "So you boys need me to be in the loop and go along with this to make it easier. Correct?" He nods. "pretty much. there are no set challenges to do. the others come up with them at random. so there's no time to get ready once told what they are." "And how many are there?" "i believe there will be anywhere from three to five. the difficulty will be random as well." I ponder over this. "i must say, human, you're taking this better than we guessed." I stop rocking. "I like to think I am more excepting than most. But don't think my calm means I'm agreeing right off the bat." He puts his hands up. "fair enough. this is a bit crazy." "That and you haven't told me what I get out of this." He tilts his head. "i'm sorry?" "What benefits me in helping you? Granted, I think I know the answer, yet you've been straight forward so far and I'm hoping your nice-guy act is more real than fake." This has him lean back on his hands. He's quiet now. So my suspicion was right. This is less of a "this helps us both" type deal and more of a "this helps only one of us" thing. I guess some things never change even in this place. "honestly...i'm not sure." Okay, that's more than expected. "it's not that i'm saying nothing. it's more because i don't know. no one else that's tried claiming obsession rights has ever gotten past step two. plus, no other human has been willing to cooperate with monsters before." "No other human can communicate with monsters either, so that helps too." "true. so...are you willing to help?" I take a deep breath through my nose followed by a long exhale. "...Okay." His sockets widen. "really?" I nod. "But...I want some reassurance." "such as?" I offer my hand. "You probably have to talk this over with the others, but if we're doing this, I'd like it if we weren't just killer and target. But partners." He looks at me funny. "partners?" "I cover your back and you cover mine. Seems fair if you ask me." He looks at me and then my hand. "i want to...but..." I pull my hand back. "I get it. Baby steps. No rush here, buddy." He springs to his feet. "i'm not high up in the chain of command. i'm bottom tier." He looks over at his companions. "if they agree with you, it won't mean anything. bones is the leader. and they only listen to him." "If you're valued so low, then why give you this important job of talking with me?" He looks down at me. "because i'm the nice guy. the other two wouldn't deal with a human like this." He starts to step away. "you can stay if you want. my part is done." Well...that's a load of crap. "You shouldn't do that." He turns back. "do what?" "Putting yourself down. Because clearly, what you just said is shit." That gets his attention as I stand up. "You're more important than you give credit. You even said it yourself, the other two wouldn't have done this right. Bones trusted this to you. Remember that whenever you feel like you don't matter. You can do something they can't." His blank expression only adds to the dumb feeling washing over me for the shit that I just vomited out. I'm not sure if I've ever felt more embarrassed. Is this dumber than attempting to kiss that boy that liked me in taekwondo? Or that time I cried in sixth grade because my Digimon cards were stolen? Or during that same school year, I took choirs and sang "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic even though I didn't like the movie? Fuck my childhood was weird. Just when my brain begins to flip the "apologize you idiot" switch I hear...chuckling? "heheh...that was really sappy. like...really really sappy." Yep. I'm a massive dork. A massive blushing dork. "Yeah. Sorry about that. It just...happens sometimes." He comes back over to me and I think he'll do something in a chummy way. Instead...he bashes his forehead into mine and I fall back into some debris. "it's a shame you're human." Trying to shove off this stuff is a pain but manageable. "*grunt* Why's that?" He smirks. "you're cute. that's why." I...I have nothing to say. I'm just utterly flabbergasted. "like i said...you can stay if you like." He walks off and I can't move. Every synapse in my brain died...and I can't figure out why. Why did he say that? Why did it affect me? Is he just messing with me? Is he for real? Why is this bugging me?! {you seem lost.} Dead Eye once more pops up beside me and I slam back into the debris. "Jesus fuck! How the hell do you do that?" He grins. {it is not my fault that you do not pay attention.} Once more I claw off this broken crap. "I take it you heard our talk then?" {i heard enough. hehe...partnership with a human? you are a gutsy creature.} I wipe some moisture off my face to find blood. Damn Boo hits hard. "I take it you don't like the idea." {on the contrary. i like the thought of having someone like you around.} And suddenly my creepy senses are tingling. "Dare I ask...why?" He comes closer. I move back. {i have been so bored...} He moves fast, pinning me back with his hands on either side of my face. {so very bored.} That eye. The hidden intent it holds, so strong and intimidating. Its gaze is paralyzing. And he knows it. {you are afraid of me. i see it in your eyes.} He leans in more. {it is my appearance. my face frightens you.} Suddenly...clear thought returns. "Actually...You look fine to me." This gets him. {wh...what?} "The thing about you that scares me is not your looks. Though it does add to it." That intensity of his dies down a bit. {then what is it?} "I can't tell what you'll do." His face is flat. Seemingly lost in his thoughts. I know not what part clicks on. But some moronic place in my head has the nerve to reach up for his face. Of course, I hesitate. Especially when his sight darts to my hand. Yet he doesn't move or say a word. Slowly, I try to touch his skull but my hand goes through him, giving off a cold sensation. An act that gets his grin to come back. {a brave move from a gutsy creature like yourself. but you should know that only one of us can have control of the body at a time.} The gears turn in my head. A sight that makes him snicker. {that is right. i am not physically present. neither is chops or bones. not as long as boo has the body. this place. outside of trial. this is the only time we can be seen outside of having the body.} Something foreboding comes to me. I should keep my mouth shut. But when have I ever done that? "Why are you telling me this?" The look of psychotic delight. Something I haven't seen outside of fiction. It's utterly terrifying. {because i want you to know there will come a time when i have control of the body. and unlike the others...} He leans into my ear. {i will not be gentle.} He backs away and loves the view of me visibly shivering. {oh yes. my boredom ends now. you are just what i need.} He leaves me and frankly, I'm not sure whether I've fucked myself up royal by agreeing to this. The saying goes that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. But with friends like these who's to say who my enemy really is? Yet what choice do I have? Either the humans that treat me like dirt or the monsters that do that too but are honest about it. Oh, what a messed up life I live. [AT THE SURVIVOR'S CAMPSITE] Tension is mounting among the humans. One antsy guy is not handling the current lack of his gal pal well and his pacing from one edge of camp to punch a tree to then do the same thing on the other side is starting to work on some people's nerves. "David, we know you're in a mood, but I don't think that's helping." David glares at Dwight. "And just what do you think I should do? Go out there with no clue where to bloody go? Did you really think I 'adn't thought of that when she fuckin' ran off?!" "Ease off him, man." Meg stands up for a trembling Dwight. "We get it. You're pissed. But you don't have to unload on Dwight..." Dwight feels respect. "He's got enough issues as it is." Well, that lasted all of four seconds. A new daily best. "Lil' grrl, don't tell me 'ow to vent. If I wanna rip that shrimp a new arsehole, then I'm gonna get loud and tear into him like fat fucker at an all you can eat joint." "Please don't." Dwight utters with the confidence of a man strapped into the electric chair with less than a minute left on the clock. "Yeah, please don't." Claudette mutters now broken from her thoughts. "Can we not turn on each other? It's only playing into the Entity's favor." Jeff adds while poking a stick into the everlasting bonfire. "The way I see it..." "No one asked you, Nea." Bill cuts Nea off. "All I'm saying..." "Shut it, cunt!" "Fuck you, cockney bastard!" "You wanna go, bitch? Come on then, let's 'ave it! I don't give a shit if yer a grrl. I'll kick yer arse just as hard!" "Whoa! Whoa! Slow down there. There is nothing that makes hitting a woman okay...Unless she's possessed by a demon and trying to devour your soul." Ash attempts using reason. "Wait...What if a woman has killed one of her children and is about to kill the second? Are you telling me it's still wrong to hit her to save the child?" Jane questions things, as is her talk show nature. "Uh..." "Stand down, Ash. There is no right answer." Adam pats Ash's shoulder. "It's a vicious cycle. Women want to be treated the same as men yet still want to be treated differently when it comes to certain things." Ace states with a shrug and earning glares from every female around him. "Oh don't even try to shame me. You can't tell me you want the same crap guys don't get away with but you do." "Name one thing we women get away with but guys don't." Kate demands and Ace tips his shades. "Flirting to get free stuff." "...Name two things." "*sigh* I hate my gender." Min groans into her palm. As dumb as this exchange was, and continued to be as some keep it going, it did do one thing well. It's made David not want to fight Nea. Though...It's made David leave camp to fight something else. Something that will last longer than annoying bitch and get some pent up emotions out. [AT MOUNT ORMOND RESORT] Since Boo gave me the option and I figure it looks better for me to do so, I have remained at the lodge with the four of them...well...three due to Bones still resting upstairs. I pretty much stay around Boo because he seems the most stable. Chops I'm unsure of. He's got attitude and a smart mouth, but he doesn't seem to want to bother with me. I'm cool with this. Dead Eye, however, I wish he'd stop eyeing me and making me uncomfortable even while he's across the room. Right now at least I can do something rare...relax. Even if it's short-lived. Being able to lounge by the fire and chat with Boo is refreshing. With David, he'd be hitting me with yet another flirt or one-liner or random story that makes him seem so cool. But Boo? Other than calling me cute one time he's been normal. Sure Boo's stories kind of involve the murder of the others at camp, sometimes getting the other two to add their own comments, yet it just comes off as common as someone talking about a pleasant day they had. I guess a bonus to this would be learning how they tend to attack in a trial. Who knows? It could pay off later. "so what do you think? was i unfair?" "Heck no. All four had flashlights and were blinding you every second while pallet bashing your skull. The ones you caught deserved being hooked." "so i wasn't being too harsh?" "Not at all." Chops scoffs. {bet ya wouldn't be saying that if you were on the hook.} I shrug. "If I'm being a turd, by all means, call me out and hook me. I won't complain about how karma works." {not even if you're right outside the gate and then get whacked?} "Hmmm...Maybe I'd be a little salty over it. But if you caught me than I wasn't giving it my all in the first place. So it's my fault." {...i can't tell if you're fucking with me or not.} {she is not.} Dead Eye interjects. {and how the hell would ya know?} {simple...what reason would she have to lie?} Chops opens his mouth but then rolls over in his seat. {yeah, whatever.} I look at Boo. "Is he always so cheerful or is this an off day?" Boo covers his mouth as he snickers. "no...heh...that's just how he is. you get used to it." "If that's the case, how do you know when he's really mad if this is his norm?" "easy...he doesn't talk when that mad." Note to self, if Chops isn't willing to talk than get the ever-loving fuck away from him. "but don't worry about it. only one human has ever made him that mad before." I bet it was Nea. "Do you know who it was?" {it was that jackass with the rose tattoo behind his ear. mother fucker thought it was funny to shove firecrackers in my pants when i got pallet stunned. heh...i sure showed him a thing or two.} Wait...David? For real? "What happened?" The tone in Chops's voice carries the ring on smug satisfaction hidden on his likely grinning face. {when i got him on the hook...i spilled his guts. the bastard learned to not pulled anything stupid like that shit again.} And now this feels weird. Thank god they have no clue about me being close to David. Otherwise, I think they'd be a lot less cool with me. {ya wouldn't pull any stunt like that...} He turns enough to give me a look. {would ya, meat?} I throw my hands in the air. "Dude, I get wrecked just doing basic junk. I ain't no masochist." I hardly see the faint smirk he gets before ignoring all life again. {smart meat. that's new.} "i think he likes you." "Better that than hating me." "and dead eye really likes you." I really wish he didn't. "How can you tell?" "i've never seen him smile so much. see?" Boo points and I crane my neck to see the monster in question looking at me like I'm a happy meal. Why? Why do I pull in such things? There's a sound not made by any of us. The sound of a doorknob being turned and squeakily opened. It's gotta be Bones but this confuses me as, if he's not physically solid, how can there be inaction with physical matter? Astral projection of the soul maybe? More Entity bullshit? Such thought leaves me once he leaves the room and peers out over the railing. The dark blue glow of his eyes in the shadow of his hood is spooky in a cool way. {boo...} "y-yes?" Poor guy is rattled. I guess Bones really does hold a lot of power. {did you do what i asked?} "yes, i did. and she said she'd go along with us." Pause for thought. {...then why is she still here?} Reasonable question. Yet not reasonably answered. Why, brain? Why you make me do stupid things? "Gooooood morning, bonehead." The others look at me as if I'll be shot. Bones just looks indifferent before slowly descending to the ground floor. {again...why are you still here?} "Nice to see you too." He glares. "i told her she could stay if she wanted. it's not like there are more trials for this feed cycle." Feed cycle? Is that how they measure time? {go back to your camp.} Okay, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. "What's wrong, buddy? Did you have a bad dream?" I ask sincerely. But Bones growls at me. Boo is worried. Dead Eye and Chops are intrigued. {go away.} I turn to Boo. "Did I do something wrong?" Boo readies to speak but quickly hushes himself. His eyes darting away in submission to Bones' leer. {you've agreed to help already. you have no other business here. so get back to camp with the rest of the humans where you belong.} Where is this hostility coming from? "Bones, I..." {just go!} I feel it...That pain of being used only to be discarded. Well...No more. I refuse to feel that again. I take Boo by the hand and begin to take him with me as I head outside. This doesn't go without incident from a fast-moving Bones. {what the hell do you think you're doing?} "If you want to be cranky, fine. Boo has the body and if he leaves the realm then you can't intimidate him into being quiet." {the hell is wrong with you, woman?!} "Me? What's wrong with you? I haven't done anything wrong. Yet you're being a dick for no reason." I can only imagine what the faces of the others look like as I keep eye contact with Bones. {i'm being a dick? you're the one dragging him into this.} I freeze. Déjà vu smacking me hard. Flashbacks to my parents arguing leading to the divorce. I release Boo's hand in shock. "I'm so sorry." He doesn't say a word. He just slowly goes back inside. {now go. we'll contact you when needed.} He follows Boo but... "Bones..." He didn't have to. He could've kept going. But he looks back. "Don't do this. Tell me what's wrong" {we have nothing to talk about.} Time to feel awkward again. "I'm sorry." His attitude lessens slightly. {you're sorry?} "That stuff I said...you know...before you started kicking my ass. I didn't mean to say that shit." I rub my arm shyly. "I don't know you or what you've gone through. It was a bitch move made at the moment to just lump you among the other jerks that mess with me. Can you forgive me?" Now he's the shocked one. {...you're serious?} I nod. {...the hell is wrong with you?} Well, that went as fine as I figured. {i kicked you within inches of death over some dumb remark and you're apologizing to me?} I merely shrug. "That's the gist of it, yes." I can't tell if the odd look he's giving is made in confusion or disgust at my ineptitude. {you are by far the oddest human i have ever met.} I merely give a weak smile. "I prefer quirky." He sighs and shakes his head. I take it as my cue to leave. But I have one last bit to say. "You know...You could've just asked." {huh?} "This whole thing with bringing me here and having Boo tell me about helping you with the obsession rights. You could've just asked me and I would've listened." He looks elsewhere. {no you wouldn't. not after the crap i pulled.} I step a bit closer. "You don't know that." {*scoff* you're telling me you'd give two shits about helping me after being stabbed?} "Dude, I get why you did it. The others were pushing your buttons and you snapped. It happens. I don't hold it against you." He gets in my face. {do you think this makes us cool? that telling me this will do anything?} I shrug. "Just being real with you. It's the foundation of any real trust. And if we're to work together in these trials..." I offer my hand out to him. "I'd prefer being on the level with my partner." He just stares at it. I may have pushed this on him too soon. {i can't shake on it.} "I know. Dead Eye already freaked me out about the whole 'not really here' thing. It's more of a symbolic gesture." The mention of Dead Eye seems to bug him yet it's ignored. {no, i mean, i can't shake because how do i know i can truly believe you?} I give him a flat face. "Dude...I could've run away at any point and told you lot to piss off. After everything, I'm still here. Trying as no human has. I've helped you once before. Can you truly say you doubt me?" The longer he avoids eye contact the more it strangely hurts. "Bones..." He finally looks at me as my other hand is placed over where he cut me and say what he wants to hear. "I belong to Legion." We remain like this for some time. Just staring at each other as words sink in. Suddenly...I feel it. A slight cold sensation on my hand as he takes ghostly hold of it. {your life is mine...lynsie.} I smile. His use of my name, something easily forgotten by most and replaced with nicknames, feels so unnaturally amazing. Wow, I'm pathetic if that's all it takes to win me over. Acknowledgment. It's all anyone wants. "Now and forever." {gay!} Chops shouts from inside. "Look, I know it's girly and cliché as fuck. But I ain't taking it back, edgy boy." There's quiet. {the fuck did ya just call me?!} Bone's snickers. {ignore him. i swear he gets off on attention.} "So...Are we cool?" He rubs the back of his head. {for now. i guess.} "Then...I can stay? Just a bit longer?" {why do you even want to?} This has me looking at the ground in wariness. {you're not sure they'd take you back even if you're like this. right?} Bones is right. There is no guarantee. I'll probably be let back in the campsite but I won't be trusted. They know the danger I am and now...now they know I will act on it. There won't be trust. Only suspicion on when I'll turn. When I'll kill any of them for just agitating me the wrong way. There will be a few that might be willing to overlook this danger. Yet it'll never be the same. "Yeah." He looks at me and then heads inside. {do what you want. just don't be annoying.} It's a small step. But every adventure starts with one. [IN THE SURVIVOR'S FOREST] Things aren't going well for David. Wandering the woods in search of a killer to take his frustration out on has not given him the satisfaction he craved. In fact...he's gotten himself lost. Resulting in only more building annoyance. Any sound triggers him to go attack it. A lot of ridiculous assaults on shrubbery and attempts to catch crows. One miserable pointless action and failure after another. All of which culminates in him beating his fists into the ground till his knuckles bleed and threaten to leave the cover of flesh. "Arrrgh! This ain't fair! It ain't! You can't do me wrong like this! A more than decent bird shows up in this 'ellhole and what do you do?! You make 'er into a fuckin' monster!" lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub... "Piss! Piss on all of it! Do you hear me?! PISS!" lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub... "Give 'er back, damn it! Give 'er back to me!" lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub... "She's not a monster! She's not yers! She's mine!" lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub... *LOW-PITCH YELP* In his fit, David failed to keep his guard and alertness up. Forgetting that some monsters have the skill of Undetectable in their power, a skill that keeps the Terror Radius and Red Stain from being, well, detected. While surprised, David sees enough to size up this opponent. The odds aren't good. It's Shape. "*wince* Oi! Fuck off, you flamin' tosser!" Shape, of course, says nothing. He swings his knife with his large range and David has to Dead Hard to get out of the way while negating any hit that might have happened. The chase begins. One that won't last long in his current condition. There are many monsters David has no trouble taking on. But this one? Even the most hardcore fighters know there's no shot of victory in tussling with something that doesn't give in to pain. As his spine begins to chill David grits his teeth in hate. Not at the monster about to cut him down. Nor the Entity for tangling a good thing in his face. No, he hates himself for being unable to do anything. He couldn't hold on to her. He couldn't help her. He couldn't keep his head straight. He couldn't be stronger. And he couldn't outrun the inevitable. *LOW-PITCH YELL* Add being face down in the dirt to the list of things he hates. "Just get it over with. I was bleedin' lost anyway." Shape looks down at him and shrugs, picking David up by the throat before plunging the knife up into his chest. With every fiber of his being wanting to live David beats on Shape's shoulder and tries to pull the knife out by pushing on Shape's wrist. Sadly for David, Shape is far stronger than he'll ever be. Shape pulls the knife out to then thrust it back in with more force, enough for the blade to go through bone to pop out his back. Massive internal damage takes its toll instantaneously. David's eyes roll back into his head and Shape discards the limp body as if were a toy cast aside by a bored child. To camp he shall go and alone he shall remain. [AT MOUNT ORMOND RESORT] I've made up with Boo by letting him play with my hair. I'll regret it later due to knots, but it makes him happy. So far he's been trying to braid it while I sit on the floor in front of him and when his fingertips scrape my scalp I try hard not to purr at the pleasantness of it. Though he often has to remind me to lean forward as I subconsciously lean back into him. Bones and Dead Eye don't seem to care about this friendly display. But Chops? He has some words about it. {getting awfully cozy with us, aren't ya?} Bones told me to ignore him, so I do. He glares. {bitch, don't ignore me.} I keep my eyes to the ground until he storms over and kneels to be in my face. {ya don't want to piss me off, meat. ya won't like being on my bad side.} Don't say anything stupid! For the love of God don't be stupid! {well? say something!} "chops..." {stay out of this. this is between me and the meat.} "I have a name." {*scoff* like i give a shit.} "Is that what your reflection said when you looked in the mirror?" A chill not from the snow enters. Chops' sockets widen. And I know mistakes were made. {did ya just...} {hey, chops, why not go outside and ice that burn.} {heh...nice one.} Bones and Dead Eye adding in only makes it worse. Chops gets a little flustered but is super mad now. {think ya can start shit and get away with it? nuh-uh. ya don't want any of this.} He cracks his knuckles and I mentally kick myself. What did I get sucked into? {your family tree must be a cactus. because you're a massive prick.} Oh...Oh damn. {come on, meat. try me.} I really don't want to. But with eyes all on me I feel forced. I tap Boo's leg. "This might get nasty. Sorry for the words I'm about to say." Boo stops. "Alright then...*ahem* The only way you'd ever get laid is if you're rammed up a chicken's ass and wait." Chops is surprised. {hmmm...seems the meat is going to give you a bad time.} Chops snarls at Bones's comment. {the hell she is...they broke the mold when ya were born. one retarded defect is bad enough.} A bottle is thrown across the room. {dis off!} Bones is more into this than he should. I guess I should get my head in this game then. "You're the reason the gene pool needs a lifeguard." {your gene pool needs chlorine.} "That insult was about as dense as a black hole." {karma takes too long. i'd rather just beat the shit out of ya now.} {oh snap!} Bones is acting like a hypeman. It's hard to not laugh at his enthusiasm. "It's better to let someone think you're stupid than opening your mouth and proving it true. Case in point..." {of course i talk like an idiot. how else would ya understand me?} "I'd like to see things from your point of view, but I can't seem to get my head that far up my ass." {ooooh!} At this point, Boo and Dead Eye are now an audience to this wacky show. {i guess ya prove even god has a sense of humor in making mistakes.} "Stop trying to be a smart ass. You're just an ass." {if ya really spoke your mind, you'd be speechless.} "Shock me by saying something intelligent." {why don't ya slip into something more comfortable...like a coma.} Bones gets in close. "If I wanted to kill myself I'd climb up your ego and jump down to your IQ." He then jumps up like a firework. I motion for a timeout. "Dude, is he okay?" {*sigh* he gets this way sometimes. makes him look like a fucking psycho.} Bones stops and puts his hands in his pockets before whistling innocently. I shrug and we resume. {so how'd ya get here? is there a zoo missing their exhibit?} "Did a thought cross your mind? That must've been quite the arduous adventure." {it looks like your face caught fire and someone put it out with a hammer.} "I wasn't born with enough fucks to give to that weak insult." {i don't really think you're stupid. ya just have shitty luck when it comes to thinking.} "Roses are red, violets aren't blue. I've got five fingers, and the middle one is for you." {if you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.} "If you're the pretty one. That means I'm the smart one." {calling ya an idiot would be an insult to stupid people.} "The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still an option." {i could explain why you're dumb, but i don't have the time or crayons.} "I thought this was a battle of wits. So why are you unarmed?" {the only thing that would ever fuck you is life.} "If life did fuck me, it would still do a better job than you." Chops growls at that line. I'm beginning to suspect he might have issues there. I feel bad about it. "Sorry. I didn't mean..." {i wouldn't fuck ya if ya were the last vagina in existence. in fact, i'd fuck myself before ever thinking of doing ya.} Okay...Don't push that button on him ever again. Best take this battle of words back into silly town. "You're about as useful as tits on a pigeon." {i'd call ya a cunt but you're not warm or deep.} That one stuns me for a second. Not that it hit hard but more like it made me think about it. "Huh...Never heard that one before. Bravo. Very creative." He smirks smugly, his mood getting better. {heh...had enough yet?} "Maybe. Honestly, this is kinda fun. But I think I still got something that might get you." {then bring it on, girly.} "Alright...You're so inbred that you're a sandwich." That one makes him pause. {what...the fuck?} "I know. That one's weird compared to pigeon tits." {it wasn't bad. it was just...} "Confusing?" {yeah.} "My bad." {screw it. i'm ending this now before ya say something else mood ending.} "That's what she said." My playful finger guns are met with his disinterested scowl. {don't ever bother playing hard to get. no one will ever want ya. period. and i ain't insulting ya either. i'm describing ya. ya miserable pile of unwanted trash.} Ouch. Like...OUCH. He saved one hell of a bomb for last, a dang nuke. There's no recovery for that. "Dude...That's not funny." {ah what's wrong, meat? did i hit a nerve?} He doesn't sound spiteful or sarcastic. Calmer than anything else. It's odd. {gotta say...ya got some good game. better luck next time.} He gets up and goes off somewhere. I'm still too devastated to pay attention. I turn to Boo who has a pitiful expression. "that was just uncalled for." "Did I upset him? I said sorry." "as mean as that was, i think he didn't mean it. he sounded...nice." "Still..." Chops' verbal lashing hit hard. Cutting deep at insecurities I don't like to acknowledge. "I should probably go. I've bothered you guys enough." Boo pouts. "do you have to?" {i thought you could not go back?} Dead Eye comments as he looks out at the snow blowing inside. {yeah, she's kind of screwed...} Bones plops down in a chair. {not accepted on either side. a killer to the humans and an oddity to the monsters. there's no middle ground for her to walk. in other words...she's boned.} I hate this. He's right. And the feeling I was hoping to forget comes back. Being stuck and unable to move. Like I'm a puppet on strings that are suddenly cut and I can no longer function. It scares me. "so...she's staying?" {if she's smart she'll stay. be a waste with those worms.} {dunno. that's on her.} {it begs the question...what are you going to do, human?} I feel my heart begin to speed up. I'm beginning to freak out. I've never had panic attacks. But this feels like it. Rapid, pounding heart rate. Trembling or shaking. Chills. Hot flashes. Chest pain. And a growing headache. Boo being behind me doesn't like this. "um...guys? she's not doing so well." Now they're all looking at me. This attention. It's adding pressure. I can feel it. That surge of power. That corrupting influence boring into my being. The Entity is getting to me! {she don't look so good. like a nut about the crack.} {boo, get ready to switch control when i say so.} They watch. They just watch while I grip my head and try to keep control over this demanding force. This feeling of being internally detached from everything that I am. I'm losing it. I'm losing this battle of control and it's terrifying. My throat is squeezing itself yet I'm hyperventilating noises like a frightened beast. I can't take it. This stress...I can't take it! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! {is she gonna change?} "guys, i'm freaking out!" {shush. just wait for it.} This time...It feels different. Probably because this was done out of trial. I feel the stretching of my bones. The extending of my nails. The contortion of certain parts. And the heightening of my senses. Yet the thing that doesn't have much feeling is my mind. It's numb. Uncomfortably numb. Like dizziness or faintness. Whatever you want to call this dull tingling in my brain. This transformation doesn't seem to phase Bones all that much. The others, however... {holy fucking ass crackers!} {so...this is what nurse got to see?} "*uncomfortable* d-do i move? am i safe?" I don't move from my spot. Being brain numb makes me slow. Simple. More prone to impulsive action than complex thought. But I'm not mindless. Just a little dull with no objective like in a trial. *SNAP-SNAP* Bones snaps his fingers and gets my attention. {come here.} I'm hesitant. Mostly because trying to move from a flat sitting position with altered limbs is like a baby deer crossing a frozen pond. I end up crawling and even then it's not graceful. {look at you...pathetic.} I'm taken back by his sudden tone. {you have no idea how to control this power.} "This is my second time." {in the same day and not by choice. you're letting your emotions get the better of you and that's what the entity preys on. you need to control this power and not let it control you.} My gaze is cast to the ground with a weak whimper. "don't do that." I look back at Boo. "he isn't trying to make you feel bad. if left alone and you do this a few more times, you probably end up being some simple animal. the entity doesn't want animals. it wants beasts. monsters. things that think as well as kill. and failed killers are cast into the void." "But...I don't want to kill. I don't want to hurt anyone." {then get your ass ready for the void. ya can't say no to the entity. bad shit happens when ya do.} Chops makes a point. {consider yourself blessed, human. the others would not be so willing to aid you like this.} Dead Eye says his thoughts. {true. if we were like the others, we'd turn you over to the doctor and have him figure your power out. he likes to be hands-on with all things he finds...interesting.} There's this melancholy tone in Bones' words. Did...did something happen to them? {but i already told you once...i'm not like the others. and you're not like them either. you're a misfit.} He mimics me from earlier, offering a hand out to me. {lucky for you, you're among fellow misfits. that and...well...} Bones' eyes shift awkwardly as if embarrassed to say what he wants. {you're...kind of okay...i guess.} I remember this side to him. That soft easily flustered side that came out when I made him blush. "Hey..." I get his attention. "Do you know the band most skeletons like?" The randomness of that puzzles him and the others. "Spinal Tap." I can see him putting that together in his head. Once he figures it out, the guffaw that leaves him is loud before he covers his mouth. The others are less quiet. Especially Dead Eye which surprises me. {*muffled* heheh...oh my god...that was so bad...} "Then why are you laughing?" It takes a moment for them to calm down. Though now that I think about it, Bones had a hard time keeping himself normal during some of the insult jokes. Maybe he has a thing for bad puns? "*coughs* okay...okay. *sigh* no more jokes. this is serious time now." I nod. {now...show me your soul.} I go blank. {don't give me that look. just do as i say.} "You've seen it already. Don't make this weird." He blushes and goes to slap me...but he's intangible and has no effect. {*huff* why do you always have to make things awkward?} Aside from thinking he has a weird thing for my soul, I still don't know how to make it come out. "i don't think she knows how." {geez. talk about a clueless woman.} I growl at Chops who flips me off. {damn it...this is more annoying than i thought.} That has me confused. How much of this did Bones plan? {i can help.} Like looming doom, Dead Eye stands ominously behind me and, even in this form, I tremble. My sudden shift in demeanor has Bones doing a double-take of looking at me, then the pleased looking Dead Eye, and then me again. {what did you do?} Dead Eye doesn't take his sight off me. {nothing.} {i thought i told you not to interfere.} {and i did as told. i did nothing.} Dead Eye's voice is unnervingly calm and the look on his face, his eye partly closed mixing with that sly Cheshire cat grin, doesn't exactly make him seem like he has good thoughts in that cracked skull of his. {i can get her to produce her soul. all i need...is the body.} My eyes widen along with his smile. His earlier words come hauntingly back to me. {because i want you to know there will come a time when i have control of the body. and unlike the others...i will not be gentle.} That primal part of my brain that handles the fight-or-flight response is spamming the "GET THE FUCK OUT!" button but my legs seem to be suffering from a connection error and not receiving the signal. Bones reads the room and smirks. {when i say stop, you better stop.} Connection error fixed...PANIC ENGAGED! "No! No! No! No! No! No!" Shoving off the floor, I bound for the closest way out. As luck tends to go for me...This is a fail. "*roar*" I'm stopped dead in my tracks by the sudden addition of a blade in my back. {i'm not the kind of guy to dole out advice. but here's something to remember...} I wearily cock my head to look back. Only to see a very solid Dead Eye directly behind me and still clutching the meat cleaver that's just inches shy of my trembling spine. How does he move so fast?! {never turn your back on dead eye.} I expect the cleaver to be yanked out and another strike to quickly follow. I should know by now not to expect things to go by normal logic. Dead Eye pushes onto the weapon and kicks the back of my knee, forcing me down on all fours. I'd reach back or kick like a mule but he's still pressing his might on that blade to the point it starts touching bone, so any move I'd make will result in losing balance then eating the floor. "gutsy creature, thinking you can run from me. i wonder..." A second sharp pain comes to my side as he thrusts his sharp phalanx tips into the soft flesh and digs them in deep. The howl of anguish as he claws into me is excruciating. "just what do those guts look like?" His intent is clear. I'll be disemboweled if I can't produce my soul. I'd think this was a bluff if he wasn't starting to pull on the chunk of me in his grasp. {you know how to make him stop.} "*seething* I don't know..." *CRACK* One of my ribs gives way to the cleaver's pushing and I lose my shit. Wailing like a banshee in sheer hell. {not so rough. she's no good to us broken.} Dead Eye lets the cleaver go, keeping it where it rests in me and grabs my neck to cease my writhing. The skin begins to tear as he pulls further on my side. I know not which will happen first, changing back to being human or passing out from the pain. I hope for the latter. "do keep this up. i have not had so much fun in ages." "*whimper* Please...stop..." "if you insist." And he does stop...by ripping that chunk in a single fast pull. The only good thing is that it's just flesh and muscle, any deeper would result in some spilled entrails. Two things happen at this moment. One, I feel so much pain that it overloads my system to the point it stops hurting. And two, due to the insane amount of adrenaline flooding me this causes some parts to be confused as to what to do. Case in point, I should be uttering some sound of hurt yet I'm silent but also crying...and my soul pops out thinking I'm dying which is entirely possible. The obvious shimmering heart doesn't go ignored. Dead Eye snatches it and just like that, I'm feeling awful once more, collapsing on my side. I feel paralyzed. Only my eyes work. "i told you i could get her to show it." {don't think ya can brag. any of us could've done that.} {you're lucky this even worked. you weren't supposed to interact with her at all.} "you are welcomed." Bones groans. {*huff* just show it to me.} {oooh...pretty.} {too many bright colors if ya ask me.} Boo and Chops get to see the odd mass of clashing colors. "i see why you wanted to look at it now." {yep. it's just as i thought. burning scars and blisters of light.} {*gasp* it's entity-touched.} {yeah...and by the looks of it, it's been touched a lot.} "what do we do with it?" {give a moment. maybe it'll heal on its own.} {that's retarded. you're retarded.} {you don't know that!} Chops and Boo quarrel as Bones and Dead Eye share annoyed looks. {we're surrounded by idiots.} "agreed." Dead Eye fades out and Bones becomes solid. "had enough fun already?" {...for now.} Dead Eye looks at me than the soul. {you will want to put her back together soon. that wound will not heal if she reverts to being human.} Was that...pity? Huh. Maybe he's not so bad. "got any ideas on lessening the entity's touch?" To that, he shakes his head. {you already know who might have the answers.} Bones sighs. "true. just...it's not going to end well." {neither would be letting the entity consume more of that soul than it already has. dealing with the doctor is a small price to pay compared to letting the entity have its way.} Bones rubs a hand across his skull as if moving it through invisible hair. "i hate it when you're right." Bones takes the soul before he comes over to me, kneeling and putting the torn chunk of flesh back where it came from. "you're not going to like what needs to be done to you." All I can do is blink a couple of times for a response. Putting the soul back is like putting a metal fork in an electrical socket. It jump-starts my body. The damage inflicted by Dead Eye begins repairing itself. Yet he hasn't let go of it. "*groan* What are you doing?" "if i let go now you'll change back. right?" I want to say nothing. But...that's not how trust works. "*wince* If I'm hurt enough while changed, it makes me shift back." "figured as much. you won't heal as a human. not with this much damage. as a monster, you can at least regenerate." This feels so uncomfortable. Sure he has a point and being this way is allowing my body to repair itself. But him holding my soul while I'm this weak feels about the same as being naked with four dudes are just staring at my goods. After some time, my rib reconnects as the shade of the cleaver is pushed out and my side is now one piece again. When he deems me healed he releases my soul and they watch these changes to my body reverse. Bit by bit. Bone crunch after loud pop. {stars...that has to hurt.} {if that shit happened each time we switched body control, yeah, i'd fight to prevent that crap too.} I force my upper half up but I'm wobbly. "talk to us, girl. what's wrong?" I try to shake this feeling off. I was mentally dumb as a monster. Now I'm lightheaded and tipsy. "Groggy. Like fog is filling the space in my skull." "need anything?" I shake my head slowly. "Nah. Don't trouble yourselves over this. I just need a moment." "good." Well, that was quick. Bones grabs me and carries me over to one of the sofas. Plopping me down a bit rougher than needed. "get some rest. you'll need it. once tomorrow's trials are done, we have to go pay the doctor a visit." I visibly cringe. "Must we?" "do you want to end up in the void?" "No." "then you're going." I roll over and do as told. Not much else I can do. I hear Bones leave me. Perhaps he'll find something else to do. {don't worry, human. the doctor won't kill you. at least, not intentionally. the dead can't be studied here.} {bitch boy, ya suck at pep talks.} {stop calling me that.} Chops snarls but is made silent. They both are. Suddenly there's a chill dancing on my neck. Like slowly moving fingertips. {you will behave for us tomorrow. right, human?} Damn it Dead Eye...Why are you so fucking creepy? "Y-Yes." {good girl. do not make us regret showing you mercy.} Fuck my life. I'm tired, cold, in pain, and just sick of it. I just want to shut my eyes and forget where I am. Even if it's only for a little while. To lose myself in unconsciousness. It's the only escape I have.

[3d10fire-damage]

red sun summary (4/29/2021)

the party spent some time at their new settlement, with some silliness before getting back to business. namely, cybil took the time to talk with Sabira’s donkeys daily, and calypso at one point tried to ride the donkeys. seeing this, cybil approached her in donkey form, looking expectant. “...is that you? cybil?” a (donkey) nod. “...would it be weird to ride you, or…?” a (donkey) shake of the head. calypso climbed aboard and asked if they could go fast. judging from their moderate walking speed, not very. “this isn’t very fast, kid. was kinda hoping it’d be faster.” cybil, in donkey language, pointed out that they’re an adult and this was as fast as they could go. calypso pointed out she didn’t speak donkey language. cybil shifted back into a human, causing them both to collapse onto the ground. calypso suggested warning her next time and offered a hand to help cybil up. “unfortunately, had i warned you, it would have also been in the donkey language.” calypso chuckled and asked if it was the ass language, which cybil confirmed. “s’funny, yeah?” “i am... unsure.” “you’re a tough crowd, kid.”

the concern of needing money for the settlement was brought up, phosphorra asking the party about ways to raise funds. zoroe suggested perhaps dungeoneering or hunting monsters, since there were worms in the desert and those at least left behind gems occasionally. calypso pointed out that, per the monks’ philosophy, they weren’t supposed to kill the worms. zoroe also mentioned exporting goods and trading, which were methods of making money in other towns. there was a conversation about trade routes with Sabira, and phosphorra suggested trading uncommon materials like tin, based off of the riddle Sqeddix had given the party. maybe they would need a supply chain or producer of goods, much like what merchants often have, or they’d have to travel to different places to buy and spread goods around. calypso griped that this would take too long. phosphorra said they should go to faraway places that trade doesn’t normally get to, such as crossing the harrowing worm desert— they’d just need someone with intel on where goods are.

at this point, khaela nudged zoroe, citing that Kissare, with her little spy network, would be a good contact. if someone’s gonna have the Scoop on intel, it would be Kissare. phosphorra said they’d have to pitch the whole “we killed gnomes and now i’m sworn to Himyar” thing softly to Kissare, and calypso got a giggle out of the “soft pitch” metaphor. so the plan was to hit up the group’s contact in Abban Serru. this was communicated to Sabira, just to keep her posted. Sabira was cool with that, and said she’d be scouting the area for grazing land and other resources. khaela wanted to stay awhile and do that with her, so the party put off traveling for another week to get the lay of the land. pooling some decent Survival rolls together, the party went looking for local wildlife, gems, and building materials. overall, it was determined that: there was no lumber in the area, so that would need to be imported; there were rocks that suggested some metals might be in the area; clay was available for building, even if it would take some labor to harvest and wet it; there were no major sources of water beyond the settlement’s oasis; and there were many small mammals in the area, along with snakes and scorpions, and signs of wild goats to the east (and perhaps signs of monster-tier animals?), so there were options for things to hunt. during all this scouting, zoroe kept at her weaving practice, also having been tasked with casting Sending to Kissare about the group’s plan to go to Abban Serru. zoroe told the party that Kissare was currently in Etaqu, and she had invited the group to visit to discuss options for high value trade deals and the like. 

following all that, the party headed north toward Abban Serru. along the way they noticed a trickle of people travelling to the desert, likely Djekker specifically. they carried all their possessions on their backs, and were likely desperate enough for food to brave the desert, aided by the autumn’s waning heat. Kurigalzu was generally pretty chill, with some traffic going northwest. when the party finally arrived in Abban Serru, the massive city was still big and fancy, but the energy there was a bit different. there were fewer people on the streets, and they appeared tired, a bit like the people in Asortsistan, the drought hitting hard. the streets were dustier than before, even if it was hard to notice. zoroe asked calypso about going to see the nursery, and khaela perked up at her mention of the babies there. calypso asked if the kids were all squares like zoroe. “hmph. you’ll have to see for yourself.” khaela asked when naga become adults, the answer to which is at 26 years old. calypso said that zoroe was old, having been an adult for so long when calypso had only been one for a handful of years. phosphorra seemed skeptical of that, asking “really?” “what’d you say?” “nothing.” “fuck you, cake pop.” as the group kept walking, calypso was pouting but hiding it. khaela patted her on the back, and zoroe said that adults are also capable of sulking, prompting calypso to push her hand away. cybil mentioned they were 21… at some point, but didn’t clarify their current age.

approaching the nursery, the party could see several children playing outside, who didn’t seem super interested in the party, since visitors aren’t uncommon. khaela went to zoroe and presented her with what she felt was very important: do teen nagas hit a growth spurt and become all weirdly proportioned? according to zoroe, yes, that can happen. and she also mentioned something about naga tails during the growth spurt causing them to have troubles with doorways sometimes. cybil asked if naga shed their skin, and davke said that some do, that it’s pretty common among the many different naga subspecies. cybil also asked if davke had any shed skin on hand. “no? why would i keep garbage?” “i was simply curious. i did not intend to offend you.” zoroe then strolled right in through the door, the rest of the party following her.

at the party’s entrance a couple of caretakers came to greet them. zoroe recognized one of them, named Bau, as a quiet girl that she had been around but didn’t know that well. the other caretaker introduced herself as Ri, and zoroe told them she wanted to show her friends the nursery. Ri seemed accepting of this, saying that it was good to get the kids used to meeting new people. phosphorra mused that this was a very sociable way of being brought up, and cybil commented that they have similar customs in their Circle. zoroe was then tackled by children from about four directions, and handed her staff off to calypso. at this point the rest of the party was like “whoa, the noodles.” the kids began excitedly pestering zoroe, asking about her adventures and wondering if she had wrestled a god yet, and they demanded to be introduced to her friends. without missing a beat, zoroe settled a young naga on each hip and nodded to the group, introducing each person. davke was already at home, arm wrestling one of the children. khaela wondered if these young naga have bones, and zoroe pointed out that she had bones, so… yes?

zoroe told the swath of children that those who wanted storytime should come to the mat, and suggested those that wanted to play to go to the others. maybe tag. calypso asked if any of the kids were fast enough to catch her, and about seven kids were like “YEAH” and thus started a very speedy game of tag. zoroe cast Message to tell calypso privately to let some of the kids win, to which calypso said ‘hell no.’ calypso was easily outpacing most of the kids, though some of the older ones were working to cut her off, and she start to slow down for them a little bit. khaela took over a few stragglers, and zoroe mentioned that khaela had never been taken down, since she’s the strongest. naturally this incited a dogpile, and khaela maintained her balance for a long time before about eight kids knocked her over. zoroe suggested phosphorra, who was a little overwhelmed by the number of children, do some puzzles with the kids as a fun, calm activity. cybil sat down with a small group to teach them about survival skills. “remember, the skin of the beast is just as useful as the flesh.” they lost some of the kids’ attention, but others listened closely, looking to cybil as a hero. cybil said that the naga could perhaps use their shed skin as armor or food. one of the kids procured some shed skin from outside and presented it to cybil, who tasted it and concluded it was not good to eat. the nursery caretakers didn’t mind any of these activities, happily taking the opportunity to relax.

zoroe’s tales were slightly altered for the kids’ ears, but she did tell them of freeing a town, capturing the bad guys, and saving a princess. during these stories, calypso briefly brought the game of tag inside so she could vault over zoroe, doing dope monk shit along the wall. phosphorra made conversation about books the kids had been reading lately. cybil managed enough tact to not mention the merits of cannibalism in disaster scenarios. khaela, meanwhile, wrangled her group of children into a basic fighting class. she took out Siege and offered her sword for a kid to practice with. Ri at this point was like “maybe… not the sword?” and the kids booed at her. khaela asked Ri if they provided unarmed training at the nursery, which they do. khaela gestured at calypso. “look at that red lady over there. she’s deadly with her hands.” “so? the kids can’t cut themselves on a hand!” “no, but they can punch you out…” khaela argued that she would only do this training with the older kids, so it would be fine. in the midst of this combat training, one of the kids swung a morningstar (khaela provided Several weapons) and clipped another kid. khaela went to them and used Lay on Hands to heal the damage. Ri and Bau stood off to the side, watching this whole thing closely, not pleased. at this point khaela sighed and figured it would be wise to switch over to showing off her spells.

eventually, cybil left the nursery on their own, to go flying around Abban Serru as a vulture to scout out the city. another caretaker soon approached zoroe; Shreya, a kind, older naga lady that zoroe knew very well, and the two of them took some time to catch up. around dusk, zoroe wound down storytime and collected her party so she could introduce them to Shreya. zoroe described Shreya as the one who saved her life, to which one kid said “i didn’t know Shreya was cool.” Shreya thanked the party for taking care of zoroe, and told khaela she was about 200 years old when she asked. khaela gave a more formal introduction for herself, bowing and giving her full name. she then clapped zoroe on the shoulder, making the cleric stagger, and said something similar to the “i’ve only had this dog for two days but if anything happened to it…” bit. calypso added that zoroe is pretty cool for a square. zoroe said her goodbyes and gave a big tight hug to Shreya and the party headed out. calypso asked khaela to help pry off the pair of clingy naga kids looped around her horns.

on their way out, zoroe asked if the party had fun, and the consensus seemed to be positive. calypso said that the kids lied about being fast enough to tag her. khaela did however mention that one of the caretakers didn’t like her, and talked about giving the kids weapons. calypso laughed at that, saying she had seen khaela with the kids and said that she was crazy. phosphorra asked what was wrong with khaela, and khaela insisted she only did the training with the older children. “whatever, i was younger than them when i started weapons training.” zoroe pointed out that khaela was kind of a special case, but khaela just gave her a doubtful look. “it’s just a rule, khaela. i’m sorry.” “it doesn’t matter, the kids loved me.” moving on from that conversation, zoroe mentioned the party could stay the night at her old temple of Hvare. after some jokes about zoroe being both old and a baby, phosphorra said that didn’t want to impose on the temple and would just go to a tavern as usual. zoroe wanted to keep the party all together, and that had just been feeling nostalgic. ultimately, the party found a tavern to stay in that night, with zoroe using Create Food and Water to treat the tavern’s patrons and save some money.

at some point during the evening, cybil returned from their solo activities… in the form of a vulture. then they returned to their human shape and announced to the party that they may have useful information. apparently during the day they had heard a number of rumors throughout Abban Serru that might pertain to the party’s plans. these rumors included: conflicting claims about the people of Parikh either posturing at the border or vanishing mysteriously from the area; the decade-long war between the elvish peoples had ended; the giants of Dzlieri Sakhli had shut down their nation and kicked out foreign merchants, as well as formed walls of boulders to block off mountain passages; the Kobold nation of Aaliyah was pressured into resuming tin exports by Djekker and Ugarit; diplomats from Hattusan seem to be leaving from several nations; and no merchants have come from the dragon nations in months, therefore several goods, especially tin and silk, are in low supply and very high demand.

phosphorra told cybil this was amazing information, and cybil added that there are so many people in the city, and that they perhaps talk too much for their own good. “that's true of most people, cybil.” calypso commented that turning into a bird makes cybil really smart. cybil countered that they don’t experience any notable gain in intelligence. really, the vulture’s superior hearing allowed cybil to learn all of this information. then calypso approached khaela and said she could come with her to see the city. khaela agreed to this, saying “yeah, i don’t wanna be around zoroe right now…” as they headed out, calypso assured her that it wasn’t personal, talking her down basically. 

the party’s next stop was Etaqu, which appeared to be the same kind of slump like everywhere else, Etaqu being right at the edge of the fertile zone. faced with the prospect of meeting up with Kissare again after such a long time, zoroe grew a bit shy. there was a joke made having cold feet (or not, because naga), then davke said she was off to visit her mother. phosphorra wanted to go with her, so the party decided to put off business with Kissare for a day. there was the implication that zoroe would be privately meeting with Kissare for “business” and khaela refuted something zoroe said by grabbing calypso by the face and kissing her and going “see?” so those two went off together and cybil headed to a market by themself. they did a little bartering, offering some shed naga skin in exchange for a bracelet, but the merchant only accepted gold for it. cybil then flew off as a bird, naturally.

the next day, the party met up at Kissare’s office. cybil, noting the hickeys visible on zoroe, bluntly asked if she and Kissare had had sex, and zoroe hurried to cover her face with her scarf. Kissare simply said that a lady doesn’t tell. getting down to business, the party gave their explanation of what happened with Zahira and the Himyari gnomes. Kissare leaned back and thought for a moment. she explained that most trade routes worth anything have enough incentive for people to make sure it’s safe, and most are safe anyway, since the world is pretty interconnected. that being said, the dragon nations have been very quiet lately, so the party could make money running silk out of Ctesiphon, which is probably the richest city in the area. Kissare added that if the party weren’t into boring trading, which she couldn’t blame them for, the most reliable or fastest way to make big money would be to find other jobs. she said that we could see about freeing the Abban Serru merchants in the dragon nations, because currently their whereabouts were unknown, and some had been gone as long as a few months.

zoroe asked if Kissare knew about any other jobs or maybe dungeons the party might encounter on the way to the dragon nations. Kissare mentioned a little crossroads area between the nations and Anshan, the dwarven lands. every once in a while people try to settle there, but it doesn’t ever go well, since it’s not protected by any treaties and both dragons and dwarves want it. so there could be ruins in that area that may be worth checking out. Kissare didn’t know anything more specific than that, but she could have her people do research about and let the party know more in the future. zoroe gave her a bright smile and thanked her for the info. she asked how long Kissare would be in Etaqu, and she said she was headquartering here for the foreseeable future, otherwise she’d be in Abban Serru or Uqair. Kissare then asked khaela to stay behind with her for a moment. cybil, hovering awkwardly by the door, also wanted a word with Kissare afterward.

meanwhile, calypso declared that cybil needed a nickname, and asked if they had been given one back home. “i did not. such things were unheard of in the circle.” “how about… cyb?” “one syllable removed. more efficient. i approve.” calypso said they were funny, and a weirdo, and cybil replied they hadn’t been called that before, interestingly. “i don’t believe that. ya pretty weird.” cybil clarified they were referring to “funny,” which calypso figured was case in point. khaela emerged from Kissare’s office, and cybil headed inside. while they were waiting, zoroe seemed a little upset, saying that she wasn’t outgoing enough for Kissare, and calypso assured her that she was fine. after a few more minutes, cybil came back out and told calypso they believed they had experienced “ass language.” “what does that mean?” “Kissare touched me.” “she touched your ass? what?” then cybil shifted into a donkey, offering no further explanation. phosphorra suggested informing Sabira of the party’s plans via Sending, receiving “k” as her only response. “we picked a good one.”

khaela said that Kissare told her that there was a specific way the party could go, when heading back from Ctesiphon, that might be helpful. that could be discussed later on, obviously after travelling to Anshan first, which was the next move. zoroe excused herself to Kissare’s office for a not entirely brief kiss off, then emerged practically glowing red. calypso joked about young love, which zoroe argued. too late, she’d already been assigned baby by both calypso and khaela. the party traveled south through Uqair, eventually reaching the dwarvish city of Chogha. it was a city of stone, hugging the side of a mountain and looking very impressive. the drought was hitting this place harder than many others, since the land naturally isn’t as fertile.

the party was stopped by guards who advised them to be careful. “we’ve been hearing the roads north are dangerous lately. many people are going missing.” another guard spoke up, saying the party looked like they could handle themselves. “you thought that about the last group, and they’re gone now.” cybil asked if the others could do this, and Wildshaped into a vulture. phosphorra apologized for “our feathered friend” and cybil made a horrible squawk. zoroe simply patted the bird on the head, and assured the guards the party would keep an eye out on their travels.

[paisley-print]

CHAPTER TEN: The Bastard

Synopsis: Adella and Din grow closer while Ino has second thoughts about the whole plan. Adella may or may not be inspired by a certain sand snake that did not make it into the TV series. 

CHAPTER ONE: THE HUNTER / CHAPTER TWO: THE HUNTED / CHAPTER THREE: THE STARVED / CHAPTER FOUR: THE JAILBIRD / CHAPTER FIVE: THE POISONED / CHAPTER SIX: THE DESCENDANT / CHAPTER SEVEN: THE INFECTED / CHAPTER EIGHT: THE SICK / CHAPTER NINE: THE PRINCESS

“Was it the attack of Aq Vetina?”

Din nodded slowly. “.... You know a lot about the galaxy.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Adella asked.

Din shook his head “no. It’s just, on this planet-”

“-Nobody really cares?” The Mandalorian’s silence was confirmation enough. “It is a good thing, I guess. We keep to our little corner of the outer rim, only ever destroying our own people.” She bit her lip and looked on ahead, her body bobbing up and down with each lazy step of the Orbak. “I don’t know. Sometimes it frustrates me that nobody seems to care what goes on out there. I can’t tell you how many dark cycles I spent, laying out in the yard and looking up at the stars. I can map this sky by memory... the universe is just so big and I can’t help but feel as though I am missing out.”

“It is mostly empty space,” Din said dully. 

Adella chuckled “and would you ever give it up?”

Din flicked his eyes to where Ino was riding a little way ahead of them. They had not spoken at all in the last few hours; he wondered what she was thinking about and if she was warm enough. “No,” he breathed. 

“See?” the copper haired girl laughed. “My father wouldn’t either….. I guess that is proof that things must be pretty great up there.”

“He wasn’t born here?” 

“No. Apparently - ok, so I know this sounds impossible, but I am only repeating what was told to me. Apparently my father was a Jedi. He was supposed to come back so he could teach me how to be a warrior like him... but, well, you can see that he never did.” 

Din pulled on the reins of his mount to avoid a small boulder in the path. “Did you ever find out why?”

She shrugged “no, maybe he forgot….or maybe he was just some con man who wanted a quick fuck. Some men will say anything to get laid.”

Din smirked, but did not address her last statement. “What about your mother? Did you ask her?”

“You know, I never thought about that- I’ll send an owl for her as soon as we get to camp.”

“....you’re being sarcastic.” 

She laughed and let her inky black eyes explore the length of his body for a moment. “Brains and beauty, that is a dangerous combo Mandalorian…. but no- I never got the chance to ask her. She died when I was ten, but she had been sick for a long time before that.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said. 

Adella turned her head to gaze out over the edge of the cliff face. From this height, not much was visible through the thick of grey clouds. “Do you ever wonder what life would be like if they lived?”

“Sometimes,” he confessed, “mostly I just hope I have been able to make them proud.”

“That’s a good way to think of it …..and hey, when you get back up there, maybe ask around for me? Who knows, maybe someone will remember an Athena Paramount.” 

Din tilted his helmet a little “I thought you said your name was Hart?”

“It’s a bastard’s name. Out of seven sisters I am the youngest and the only Hart.” Adella raked a hand through her hair, they were getting to the point in the mountains where they could see a light dusting of snow. “All of them are married now anyway, scattered throughout Atlas and holding titles like duchess, lady, dame, countesses... or something to that effect. I think they got scared when mother fell ill since their father had already passed….. I have lost touch with most.”

“And you didn’t want that?” Din asked.

Adella glanced at him, “to lose touch with them?” 

“To marry” Din clarified. 

“Oh maker no” she said without hesitation. “I could never willingly bind myself to any one person. There is so much life to be had and things to see. So many beds to warm and people to love…...no, never just one.”

“If you would like, once I deliver the princess to the capital - maybe you could come with me. I can teach you to fight and…., I actually know of a few Jedi, maybe they will know something about your father.”

Adella flashed him a grin “was it the bed comment that swayed you?”

His face flushed beneath the helmet. “N-no I- I can see now how that must have come off-”

She laughed “-relax Mando, I’m only joking. And I would love to.”

He glanced up at Ino again. Her gold curls were bouncing up and down like little metal springs. He could see by the way her shoulders sagged forward that she was exhausted.

Adella moved her animal closer to him, “so tell me about these Jedi you know.”

Din’s voice trailed off as he launched into the tale of the little green bean who sent him on an odyssey throughout the galaxy. Ino listened from her orbak, she was feeling very unwell. Each step of the animal felt like someone was driving spikes into her back with a hammer. She just wished to get off this damn thing so she could go to sleep. A shiver ran down the back of her neck. She shut her eyes and pulled her cloak tighter around herself. 

-

“Are you okay?” Din asked. He held the reins of Ino’s mount to steady it. The princess sat perched atop, still trying to find the strength to get down.

“Yes” she responded. It was clear from her appearance that she was lying.

Din glanced in front of her to where Rowan and Adella were setting up the tents. “Here,” he placed his hands on her waist while she moved hers to his shoulders. He lifted her off the animal and kept her steady once her feet touched the icy ground. 

She murmured words of gratitude but did not lift her head to look up at him. When she turned to unclasp the hooks securing the sleeping bag to the mount Din held up a hand to stop her. “I can do this, go sit by the fire” his voice was not gentle like it normally was.

“I want to help,” she responded. 

“You can help by not dying. Now go Leucothea.”

“Ino” she corrected, sounding a bit hurt. 

Din was not in the mood for this back and forth “go.”

Ino did not respond, she just turned and reached for the straps again.

He lowered his voice, “I am too tired for this. Please, just go lay down.”

Ino stomped her foot on the ground “I am capable.”

“You’re acting like a child.” 

In the back of her mind she knew he was right, however she allowed her stubbornness to take hold of her. “Let me then.” Alarm bells were going off in her mind. What was going on? Why was he acting like this suddenly? “What I do shouldn’t be of any concern to you Din Djarin-”

He placed a hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. The orbak huffed, Din removed his hands immediately and leaned in close. His voice was a deadly calm, “I did not give you permission to call me that-”

The guilt cut through her immediately; it was a cheap blow. “I-”

“-And what you do is my concern -”

Why were they fighting right now? “I’m sorry I promise I won’t do that again. I just don’t know if I want this anymore. The crown, the- everything I don’t ... The more I think about going back there, the more unhappy I become.”

Mando gave away absolutely nothing. Ino wished she could see what was happening behind that stone cold exterior. “You have to.” 

“But what if I don’t? What if I just left with you-” She shook her head and reached for his hand, but he recoiled.

Din knew that he had messed up. Thea was right, he should have never gotten her hopes up. It was cruel of him. He knew full well how their stories were going to end, and yet he still pursued her. “You have thousands of people counting on you.”

“The same people who stood by and watched for years- while Balthar subjected me to that torture? Everybody knew, nobody cared.”

This all felt so wrong. He couldn’t let these people suffer because he was selfish and desperate for connection. “They would have been killed and you know that. You said it yourself, he will not rest until he gets you….. and think about your sister.”

Her face changed, he had hit the weak spot in her armor. “My sister is dead” she said slowly “a petty revenge quest does not change that fact.”

“Princess-”

She was begging at this point “my name is Ino dammit!” 

“If you give up, then I will have no choice but to keep with the original plan.”

Her breath hitched in her throat, “you wouldn’t dare.”

His voice was unapologetic. “It has nothing to do with you. There is something I need that the capital holds-”

Ino looked at him as if he had gone mad. “What could you possibly need that would justify-”

“A ship.”

She was stunned silent. All of this….. for a ship? Him condemning her to a life of suffering for a hunk of metal. Nothing made sense to her anymore. A few hours ago she had thought they were fine, and now he was acting the same way he did the first few days of the trip. Why was this happening? What had she done?

He continued, “I made a promise to the people of my creed and I will not break it. That ship that Balthar has is the key to successfully liberating Mandalore from the empire. You may be fine with abandoning your people….. but I am not. This goes much deeper than you, then any of us.”

“.... and helping me is only to have a clear conscience. Because if you surrender me to Balthar then that would make you no better than the empire.”

“Yes”

She felt as though he had stabbed her in the chest. It was all a game. Every single moment of genuine connection was nothing but a perverted political tactic. How could she have been so naïve to believe that he actually cared for her? She knew things were moving too fast, but she just couldn’t help herself. She wanted to be loved so badly that she let this desire cloud her judgement. He should have let her die. It would have been more bearable than this. 

Tears stung her eyes. She swallowed hard,  determined not to let him see her cry. Her voice was as sharp as a blade. “Fine. We will reach the capital, kill the king, then you will take your ship and go…. but if you so much as enter the atmosphere of this planet after that day, then I will have you shot down on sight. Now step aside so I can get my sleeping bag and retire to my tent you doshin tin can.”

The Mandalorian allowed her to pull the roll of fabric down. He was completely still, save for the rise and fall of his chest while he watched her go.

Ino held her head high while she walked to her tent. Ignoring the stabbing pains and the feeling of lightheadedness that threatened to overtake her. As soon as she was safely inside of the tent, she put a hand over her mouth and cried. When she realized it wasn’t enough, she grabbed at the fabric of her cloak and bit down on it hard. Stumbling through the darkness of the tent, she found the little cot on the floor and pulled herself onto it. Once in a sitting position, she clutched the sleeping bag to her chest while she rocked back and forth, trying to soothe the ache pulling at her body.