#have you seen the way he reacted when first seeing Branch again? no way this man is normal about how much he loves his bros

[a-scary-lack-of-common-sense]

*sobbing profusely* THEY ARE BROTHERS, YOUR HONOR. AND THEY LOVE EACH OTHER VERY MUCH, THEY JUST HAVE THE COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF A WET NOODLE

[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

Hiya! It's me, dude!

Seeing as we finished our moth one, I have to keep you busy. So, I have a new au for you!

This one is based on The Last Unicorn. I'm not sure if you've seen the movie, but you should definitely watch it. It was made in the 80s, so it's a tad old. But it's a gooden. I've changed the story a little bit.

I'm going to try and keep it short, but you know me.

Adam is the last unicorn, basically just living his life. Every other unicorn have been killed for their power.

Alastor is the big bad in this. He's the Red King and has been using the unicorns for their power. He's basically immortal at this point.

Lucifer is a knight in this. His story is that he's the real king and is trying to kill Alastor. So there's a bit of a selfish reason behind him helping Adam.

Lucifer knew there was only one unicorn left, and if he could capture it, he could use its power against Alastor.

Unfortunately for Lucifer, he finds the unicorn, but as it's being attacked by the Red Deer, a minion of Alastor.

Lucifer decides to turn the unicorn human to stop the deer from being able to find it. That's where he meets and names Adam.

Adam hates Lucifer at first, recognizing that he's only wanting to use him, like every other human. Lucifer tried to convince him otherwise, but it didn't work out very well. Eventually, Lucifer finds himself falling for Adam. He doesn't know if he wants his king title back or to just run away with Adam.

Adam doesn't enjoy being human. Everything is so different. He doesn't trust anyone, especially anyone who could work for Alastor. It takes him a while to trust Lucifer, but he eventually gets convinced that he helped him to keep him safe. But in the back of his mind, Adam knew the real reason.

Lucifer falls first Adam falls a lot later.

Of course, there has to be some angst. Alastor eventually works out that Adam is human, and he actually manages to kidnap Adam.

And I'll leave it there. It's basically dark fantasy- but it's not too dark! I promise!

Ima right a little bit- feel free to join if this interests you 😫😫

---

Lucifer trudges through a thick forest. The trees are suffocating. Everything made Lucifer feel uneasy, like he's being watched. But he needs to be here. He needed to find it.

The forest was so quiet, but Lucifer could sometimes hear the snapping and crushing of dead wood. The sound was all around him, sometimes far away, sometimes close.

Looking up, he could barely see the sunlight, but small beams were able to penetrate the trees, illuminating the way in front of him.

He heard the breaking of branches and trees again. This time, he could also hear the heavy falls of hooves.

He managed to duck behind a fallen log when, in the distance, he finally saw what he had been looking for; a white unicorn. It was beautiful. It's furr glistening and looked so unbelievably soft. Lucifer could see its golden eyes from here.

Lucifer was brought out his trance as his vision was assaulted by a giant, red flaming deer. Its huge antlers smashed through ancient trees, its hooves crushed vegetation, and killed small animals that were too slow to get out of the way.

He recognized the creature instantly, a minion of the Red King Alastor. The bastard manipulated his father, lying about Lucifer. His father made Alastor King.

He needed that unicorn before the Deer got it.

He sprinted off after them. Lucifer didn't have a plan, but he knew he had to do something to the Red Deer. That fucker was going to make Lucifers plan difficult.

Finally, Lucifer made it to a large clearing. But in front of him was a large, jagged cliff. The fall would kill anything, even a unicorn. That's when he saw the deer and unicorn running straight towards the cliff.

While running, he had an idea on how to save the unicorn. He just needed to get a little closer.

As he ram towards them, he could feel the head from the deer. Is wasn't warmth from a fire bit more the air around him reacting to the beast. It's skin looked sick and acidic.

Lucifer yelled some ancient words towards the unicorn. His mother was well versed in magic, so he picked up the arts easily.

With a flash of light, Lucifer saw the unicorn disappear, and the red deer ran off the cliff. But it didn't fall. Instead, it took off to the sky, soon turning to a thick smoke before disbursing.

Lucifer looked from the sky to where the unicorn was. The light is now gone, and left behind is quite surprising to Lucifer. A brown haired man lay in the grass.

Lucifer ran towards him, the clanking of his armor woke the man up.

Lucifer stopped in his tracks as he saw how beautiful the man is. He looked perfect in every way. The only thing that wasn't human about him was the four pointed, golden star on his forehead, where his horn was.

Lucifer unclipped his white cape and quickly covered the man, he didn't look completely aware yet.

But what took Lucifers' breath away was his stunning, golden eyes, that captured the sunlight.

---

Hope that set the scene and made it more interesting for you 😫

Okay- bye!

I haven't seen the movie but man!! Hit me with this! I love Al being the bad guy so much hehe. Bare with me because I will go off script lol 😆

-

Adam could feel the soft grass against his cheek, when did he lay down? He was running away only moments ago and now it was as if he collapsed. But he didn't remember falling.

He felt something get draped over him, so he opened his eyes to see a human man looking at him with equal parts wonder and concern. It had been so long since a human had been this close it freaked him out. He jumped and tried to back away, they killed all his friends and family!

Luicfer: Hey, woah woah woah, it's okay I'm not going to hurt you.

Adam: Says you.

Did that come out of his mouth? Since when could he speak English?

Lucifer grinned, oh good he would be able to talk to him that would make things so much easier. He helped him up into his wobbly two legs.

Two!?

Adam looked down and..... He was human!? What the fuck was this sorcery??

Adam: What did you do to me!?

Lucifer: I saved your life from that deer thing! It was chasing you and..... Well unicorns do exactly fly.

That was Pegasus, another one Alastor was hunting but because they could fly they were a little harder to get.

Adam glared: I know that! Fuck....

He never thought a unicorn would have such colorful language.

[writingrock]

the tale of two lovers [3]

pairing: barbarian! katsuki bakugou x reader (female) summary: a bard approaches a lone barbarian in search for a story to tell. Who could have known that the barbarian end up being such a romantic tale.

notes: fantasy au, fluff, strangers to lovers, slow burn, bakusquad, barbarian bakugou, mentions of potential drowning, violence, religion

word count: 8k

part list

part one: chapter list

a/n: if you haven't read the earlier parts, I do suggest doing that before reading this <3 enjoy yall

There were a couple of things Bakugou noticed about you. It was natural that he was slightly curious about the latest addition to the party. After all, he needed to judge you. If you’d be a threat to them, whether you were loyal, or if you’d bolt if the second things got too rough. Being suspicious of people was second nature to him— he didn’t know anything about you, and you weren’t exactly an open book either. His priority was the safety of his party and to get into Niniel’s Veil. 

The first thing he noticed was your habit of meditating both in the mornings and at night. Initially, he assumed you were just dozing off. But it didn’t take long for him to realise there was something more to it. He could hear you murmuring softly, your words incoherent to him, spoken in a language that seemed ancient, foreign— something he couldn’t place. And each time you meditated, there was a faint but undeniable arcane aura that surrounded you, subtle yet potent. 

Bakugou wasn’t clueless; he knew you were proficient in magic. But he never asked about it. He didn’t see the point in prying, especially when you didn’t seem eager to offer up any information. Magic users were tricky— he had dealt with enough of them to know that much. But there was something about your rituals, the quiet way you went about them, that bothered him. It was like you were tapping into something he couldn’t fully understand, and it made him uneasy. Not that he’d ever admit that, of course.

What really got under his skin was how you’d react if he ever brought it up. The one time he made a snide comment about your ‘napping’ habits, you broke from your trance with an annoyed glare, stood up without a word, and climbed a nearby tree to continue your meditation out of his sight. It was as if you were saying, ‘Fine, if you’re going to be a pain, I’ll take my peace somewhere else.’ 

“Like damn,” he thought, watching you settle onto a branch with all the grace of someone who’d done it a thousand times. “Was that really necessary?” It was annoying, sure, but also oddly impressive. He never commented on it again because he found your response irritatingly effective. You’d figured out how to get him to back off without saying a word, and that irked him more than he liked.

Over time, he couldn’t help but notice the little patterns in your behaviour. Sometimes, you’d climb up a tree like before, finding solace among the branches where no one could reach you. Other times, you’d wander a bit farther from the group, putting some distance between yourself and the rest of them. Each time, you’d sink into that meditative state, your face softening, your body relaxing in a way he’d never seen during the day. It was like you needed to be alone. 

Bakugou found it all... perplexing. He wasn’t used to people who needed that kind of quiet, that kind of introspection. His own method of dealing with stress was to confront it head-on, to fight through it with sheer force of will. Watching you, though, he began to see the value in your approach, even if he didn’t fully get it. There was a strength in it, a different kind of power that came from within. He respected that, in his own grudging way.

But it also made you more of a mystery to him. You weren’t like anyone he’d met before. You had layers he couldn’t quite peel back, and that made him wary. He wasn’t sure if you were hiding something dangerous or if you were just another oddball with a strange way of coping. Either way, he wasn’t about to let his guard down around you. Not yet.

So he kept an eye on you, even if it was from the corner of his vision. He wasn’t sure if you’d prove to be an ally or a liability, but until he figured you out, he wasn’t going to stop watching. And in the back of his mind, he wondered if you were doing the same with him.

Being around your new companions, you silently took note of their habits. Mina had a rather cute tendency to hum softly under her breath whenever she was deep in thought. Her fingers idly twirling a strand of her pink hair as she mapped out plans in her head. Sero, on the other hand, had a habit of fidgeting with his gear, his hands constantly adjusting straps or checking supplies, so that he was always ready for whatever might come next. Kirishima’s habit was more physical. Every morning, without fail, he would stretch and flex his muscles to get himself pumped up for the day ahead. As for Denki, he had a peculiar quirk of sketching in the dirt with a stick, creating little patterns or symbols whenever the group took a break, his mind always seemingly wandering off to daydream.

But it was Bakugou’s habits that truly surprised you. For someone with such a rough and tough exterior, he took care of his belongings with meticulous precision. Every night, after the group had settled down, you watched as he sharpened his weapons, his movements capable and methodical, ensuring that every blade was honed to perfection. Once his weapons were tended to, he would take his time cleaning his jewellery. The strings of painted animal and monster bones, the medals of victory he wore with pride. Each piece was handled with care, as if they were not just trophies but sacred tokens of his past triumphs.

You also found out that Bakugou was highly protective of his belongings rather quickly. One day, as you were tidying up around the camp, you noticed his weapons leaning haphazardly against a tree. You figured you could adjust them to a more stable position. Just to help out. Without much thought, you reached out to adjust them, but before you could even touch them, Bakugou's voice cut through the air with a sharp bark.

"Don’t touch those!” he snapped, swatting your hands away with an irritated swipe. His eyes flashed with fierceness. He grumbled under his breath as he adjusted the weapons himself, glaring at you as you walked off. You weren’t hurt by his reaction, having grown accustomed to his attitude. 

Instead, you simply noted the intensity of his protectiveness over his gear. It was clear that, for Bakugou, these items were more than mere equipment; they were personal, significant, and perhaps even symbolic. This glimpse into his character added another layer to the complex puzzle that was Bakugou, and you made a mental note of it, recognizing that his brashness was underpinned by a deep-seated sense of value and pride in his possessions.

It was an unexpected contrast, the ferocity of his nature tempered by the careful attention he paid to his gear. It hinted at a deeper layer beneath his gruff exterior, one that valued discipline and respect for the tools of his trade. It made you wonder just how much of Bakugou’s persona was an act, a hardened shell to protect something more vulnerable underneath.

Amongst most of your habits, Bakugou noticed that you often talked to yourself softly. It wasn’t the kind of muttering that came with frustration or concentration; it was almost like you were having a conversation with someone only you could see. And sometimes, without warning, you would snap into a faraway look, as if something serious had pulled your attention away from the present moment. He couldn’t understand it. The number of times you mumbled to yourself was unnerving, and the random instances when you suddenly zoned out? Those annoyed him to no end.

With his growing awareness of your habits, you also noticed something about Bakugou. He absolutely hated it when people broke eye contact with him. It wasn’t just a pet peeve; it seemed to ignite something deeper, a need for control or maybe just a demand for respect. The only reason you both came to know these things was because of one situation.

The two of you were locked in a heated debate over which route to take. You stood in front of him, your map unfolded between you, maintaining firm eye contact as you laid out your reasoning. But as Bakugou argued his point, something in the woods caught your attention. Your gaze drifted, your words trailing off as you stared off into the distance, that faraway look clouding your eyes.

Bakugou’s irritation flared instantly. Did you have any manners? His rough fingers caught your chin, gripping it firmly as he yanked your head back to face him, pulling your attention away from whatever had stolen it.

“Oi,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I’m talking to you. The hell are you staring at?”

You blinked, your focus snapping back to him, the intensity in his eyes almost startling. “Something’s out there,” you replied quietly, though there was an edge to your voice. You tried to pull away, but his grip didn’t ease.

Bakugou’s scowl deepened. “I don’t care what’s out there. We’re in the middle of something right now. Focus.”

You glared back at him, annoyance bubbling up inside you. “I am focused. But there’s something moving in the woods, Bakugou. You can’t just ignore that.”

His jaw clenched, but after a moment, he released your chin, eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the treeline. “Fine. We’ll check it out. But next time, don’t just zone out like that. We’re a team, and you need to stay present.”

You rubbed your chin where his fingers had pressed, the skin still tingling. “Yeah, well, maybe you should try trusting your team more. I’m not here to be your distraction.”

Bakugou huffed, a mix of frustration and reluctant agreement in his expression. “Then don’t act like one. Let’s go see what’s out there before I lose my patience.”

The two of you moved toward the woods, the tension between you still simmering, but now tempered by the mutual understanding that, like it or not, you had to work together.

Work together, the two of you did. When things got serious, you both clicked instantly. It wasn’t a conscious decision but one born out of necessity in the heat of battle, where there was no room for ego or stubbornness. Up until that moment, every interaction had been a struggle for dominance— a relentless push and pull of wills that seemed irreconcilable. But in the chaos of the fight, instincts took over. Without a word, you found yourselves falling into a rhythm, one that neither of you had ever imagined possible. It was seamless, almost natural, as if the tension between you had melted away in the face of a common enemy.

It was a moment when survival demanded more than just brute strength or smart thinking— it required both, in perfect tandem. There was no time for bickering. It pushed for the two of you to act in sync. 

The river was deceptively calm as the group approached it, its wide expanse shimmering under the midday sun. The air was warm, with only the faintest breeze rustling the leaves along the banks. The steady flow of water offered a soothing sound, a brief respite that almost made you forget the dangers lurking in the wild. Almost.

As the group began to wade through the river, the water quickly rose to waist height, chilling their legs and slowing their progress. The river’s surface shimmered deceptively in the sunlight, a picture of calm that masked the dangers below. The current, though steady, wasn’t particularly strong, and the crossing initially seemed straightforward. The group moved cautiously, each step carefully placed as they navigated the slippery rocks beneath their feet. Conversation was hushed, focused on the task at hand. The occasional sound of splashing water was the only break in the quiet.

But just as a sense of security began to settle over them, the calm was shattered by a sudden, blood-curdling scream. Sero, who had been a few steps ahead, suddenly vanished beneath the surface, yanked down by something unseen.

It echoed across the water, freezing everyone in their tracks. The sound was raw, filled with terror, and it sent a jolt of adrenaline through the group. Heads whipped around, searching for Sero, but the river’s surface remained deceptively placid. The moment stretched, tension hanging thick in the air, as the group realised they weren’t alone in the water. Panic rippled through the group, everyone instinctively scrambling to retreat.

“Get back to the shore!” you shouted, your eyes scanning the water for any sign of Sero. Bubbles surfaced where he’d been pulled under, followed by an unsettling silence.

Bakugou, always quick to react, was already moving forward, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. “There’s something in the water,” he growled, his voice laced with frustration and urgency.

Before you could respond, Kirishima was pulled under too, his cry swallowed by the river as it dragged him beneath the surface. Your heart pounded in your chest as you desperately tried to think of a way to save them. In mere seconds, the river was turning into a death trap. You needed to act urgently.

Your eyes darted frantically across the river’s surface, searching for something— anything— that could give your group an edge. The situation was spiralling out of control, with unseen creatures lurking beneath the water, ready to drag more of your companions into the depths. Panic threatened to take hold, but you forced it down, focusing on the task at hand. There had to be a way to turn this around.

And then you saw it: a cluster of boulders upstream, half-submerged but sturdy. The current swirled around them, and an idea began to form in your mind. If those rocks could be dislodged, they might create a temporary dam, diverting the flow of water and lowering the river’s level just enough to expose whatever was lurking beneath the surface. It was a gamble, but it was the only chance you had to even the odds.

You turned to Bakugou. He was technically the only one strong enough to pull it off— the only one who could move those boulders with the sheer force needed to make your plan work. He was already on edge, his eyes scanning for threats. You didn’t have time to debate or convince him. The plan was risky, but if anyone could do it, it was him.

“Bakugou!” you shouted, your voice cutting through the chaos. Your mind raced, piecing together the strategy as you spoke. “Upstream! There’s a cluster of boulders. If we can dislodge them, we can block off part of the river and lower the water level. It’ll expose whatever’s down there!”

There was a split second where you weren’t sure if he’d go along with it. But then, without a word, Bakugou pivoted, his decision made in an instant. He charged toward the boulders you’d pointed out, his movements decisive and powerful. Exactly what the situation called for. You watched him go, feeling a surge of relief that he didn’t fight you on this and carried the plan out so quickly.

You could feel the tension in the air. The plan was in motion, and now all you could do was trust that Bakugou would pull through. If he could dislodge the boulders, you’d have a fighting chance. 

As Bakugou reached the cluster of rocks, you braced yourself, knowing that the next few moments would determine whether your plan would succeed or whether you’d all be dragged into the river’s depths.

Bakugou reached the boulders, his muscles tensing as he shoved against the largest one. The ground trembled under the force of his strength, the boulder grinding against the others with a deafening noise before it finally gave way. The river’s flow was immediately disrupted, the water beginning to recede as it was diverted around the newly formed barrier.

The water level dropped rapidly as Bakugou’s boulders began to stem the flow, revealing the creatures lurking beneath the surface. The riverbed emerged in patches, exposing the slick, dark forms of the attackers. Eel hounds. Their sleek, sinuous bodies thrashed violently in the shallows, their long, muscular tails whipping up sprays of water as they desperately tried to retreat to deeper, safer waters. The eel hounds were a vicious breed, with sharp teeth and a predatory instinct that made them lethal in the water. But now, out of their element and half-exposed, they were vulnerable.

You weren’t about to let them get away. Heart pounding, you reached behind you and grabbed your spear, the familiar weight of it grounding you in the midst of the chaos. The creatures were momentarily disoriented, their gaping maws snapping at the air as they tried to slither back into the water. This was the opportunity you needed, a brief window to strike before they could regroup.

“Now!” Bakugou’s voice rang out, cutting through the din of thrashing water and hissing creatures. His command was sharp, authoritative, and it spurred the others into action. “Attack them while they’re exposed!”

As his words echoed across the river, you took aim at the nearest eel hound, its slick body coiled defensively as it tried to slink away. You didn’t hesitate. With a swift motion, you hurled your spear, the weapon cutting through the air with a deadly accuracy. It found its mark, piercing the eel hound’s exposed side with a sickening crunch. The creature let out a high-pitched screech, its body convulsing as it writhed in pain.

Sero, who had managed to resurface, joined the fight, hurling whatever they could find at the writhing creatures. Kirishima, now back on his feet, drove his weapon through the nearest eel, its body twitching violently before going still. While the others fought, Bakugou continued to reinforce the dam, dislodging more boulders to block off any remaining escape routes for the creatures. Every movement calculated to ensure the barrier held.

After what felt like an eternity, the last of the creatures were driven away and defeated. The tension eased, and the river grew calm once more.

Bakugou wiped sweat from his brow, his breathing heavy from the exertion. He turned to you, his expression unreadable for a moment before a hint of grudging respect crossed his features. “Your plan worked,” he admitted, his voice gruff but clear. “Guess you’re not completely useless.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of your mouth, though your heart was still pounding from the adrenaline. “Did it hurt to admit that?” you quipped, the tension between you easing just slightly. 

Bakugou snorted, but there was no real venom in his tone this time. “Don’t get cocky.”

“I’m just surprised you swallowed your pride and actually listened to me,” you fired back, your tone sharp but laced with a hint of teasing.

Bakugou clicked his tongue, his expression twisting into an annoyed scowl, though it lacked its usual bite. “Don’t get used to it. I was just doing what needed to be done.”

“Uh-huh,” you nodded, clearly unconvinced. “Whatever helps you justify it, big guy. But let’s be real— you took my advice because, deep down, you know I’m right more often than you care to admit.”

“You’re really asking for it today aren’t you.”

The group began to regroup, shaken but alive, thanks to your combined efforts. As you all continued your journey, the memory of the river crossing lingered in your mind. It was one of the few times you’d truly worked together, a moment of unspoken truce in the midst of battle. It was a small crack in the wall of animosity between you and Bakugou. One that neither of you were eager to admit, but one that might just grow wider as the journey continued. Whether you liked it or not, you were slowly learning to rely on each other.

After the river incident, the group continued their trek, the adrenaline from the battle still thrumming in their veins. The path ahead was uneven and rocky, but they pressed on, driven by the need to put some distance between themselves and the dangerous waters. The sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows over the landscape, and it wasn’t long before they decided to set up camp for the night.

As the others busied themselves with the usual tasks— setting up the bedrolls, gathering firewood, and securing the perimeter— you turned your attention to the wounded. Sero and Kirishima bore the marks of the recent skirmish, their bodies bruised and battered from their close encounter with the eel hounds. The injuries weren’t life-threatening, but they needed attention. You knelt beside them, the warmth of the campfire casting a gentle glow over the scene, and began to work.

With a quiet incantation, you summoned a soft, ethereal light to your hands, the energy of your healing spell crackling faintly in the air. As you passed your hands over Sero’s injuries, the bruises began to fade, and his breathing grew steadier. The tension in his shoulders eased as the pain subsided, replaced by the soothing warmth of the healing magic. Kirishima, who had taken a harder hit, winced as you started on him, but his expression soon softened as the healing energy mended his wounds.

Bakugou, who had been sharpening his blade nearby, noticed your actions. He watched in silence for a moment, his crimson eyes narrowing in thought as he took in the ease with which you wielded the arcane. It wasn’t just the spells themselves, but the fluidity and confidence in your movements that caught his attention. You clearly knew what you were doing.

After a while, he sheathed his blade and walked over, his heavy footsteps crunching on the dry earth. “You’re pretty good at that,” he remarked, his voice lacking the usual edge. He nodded towards Sero and Kirishima. “Healing spells and all that. Didn’t know you had that in your arsenal.”

You glanced up at him, noting the curiosity in his tone. “Yeah, well,” you said, finishing up with Kirishima and standing up, brushing the dirt from your knees, “I’m well-versed in the arcane. Healing spells are just a part of it.”

Bakugou crossed his arms, his eyes widened ever so slightly. “Just a part, huh? What else can you do?”

A small smile tugged at the corner of your mouth. “More than you might think. I’ve learned quite a few spells over the years— defensive, offensive, and everything in between. Comes in handy, especially out here.”

Bakugou nodded, the faintest hint of respect flickering in his gaze. “Good. We’ll need that kind of skill if we’re gonna make it through this.” His tone was serious, but there was an unspoken acknowledgement between the two of you— an understanding that your abilities were valuable, not just to the group, but to each other.

“Yeah,” you agreed, meeting his gaze. “We will.”

You took a deep breath, the warmth of the campfire casting flickering shadows on your face. A part of you wanted to be the bigger person, to extend the olive branch. The truth was, you and Bakugou needed to find a way to cooperate—or at the very least, tolerate each other. It was a reality you couldn’t ignore.

The conversation had surprisingly remained civil and pleasant, a rarity in your interactions with him. As you considered the potential for a more amicable relationship, a thought crossed your mind. You had the opportunity to bridge the gap between you two, to turn this unexpected moment into something more productive. You decided— fuck it. Why not try?

“Hey,” you began, your voice a little softer than usual. “How about I teach you some easy spells? Nothing too fancy— just some minor ones that could come in handy,” you added quickly. “They’re not difficult, and they might come in handy. You never know when a little magic could tip the scales.”

Bakugou’s eyes flicked up to meet yours, a mixture of surprise and suspicion crossing his face. He seemed to weigh your offer for a moment, his expression unreadable. For a second, you thought he might outright reject the idea— Bakugou wasn’t exactly known for relying on anything other than his own strength.

Bakugou’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually scowling face. “You want to teach me magic?” he asked, his tone a mix of hesitation and curiosity.

“Yeah, why not?” you replied with a shrug. “It might help us out on our journey. And besides, it’s not like I’m offering you a bunch of complex incantations. Just some basic stuff— like how to create light or minor defensive wards.”

With a slight tilt of his head and a grunt, he replied, “Hmph. Maybe. I’m not into all that magic shit, but if it’s useful… I guess it wouldn’t hurt to know a few tricks.” His tone was begrudging, but there was an acceptance in his words. An acknowledgment that maybe your offer wasn’t entirely useless.

You nodded, a small, relieved smile pulling at your lips. “We can start after supper if you’re up for it.”

“Fine,” he said, the word clipped but it soumded softer. “But you better teach me something useful.”

You chuckled lightly, shaking your head. The tension between you easing just a bit. “You’ll see how useful minor spells can be, Bakugou.” 

The group watched in shock as you and Bakugou, who had been locked in a perpetual state of antagonism, shared a surprisingly civil conversation. The scene unfolding by the campfire was so out of character for both of you that it drew a mix of astonished glances and hushed murmurs from the others.

Mina and Denki were busy preparing dinner, their movements steady as they chopped vegetables and stirred pots over the fire. Mina’s eyes darted between you and Bakugou, her usually lively expression tinged with incredulity. She nudged Denki, who was equally transfixed by the unfolding scene. Both of them had grown accustomed to the daily bickering between you and Bakugou, and seeing you two actually conversing in a calm, even somewhat friendly manner, was a stark contrast to the norm.

Sero and Kirishima remained by your side, their attention shifting between the conversation and the healing you had just finished. Sero’s expression was one of mild surprise, while Kirishima’s eyes were wide with curiosity. Having witnessed the aftermath of the river skirmish, they were no less surprised by the sight of you and Bakugou actually getting along. The contrast between Bakugou’s usual brashness and your typically reserved demeanour was striking, and the shift was nothing short of remarkable.

As you and Bakugou continued your discussion, the air around the campfire seemed to change. The usual tension that hung between you had dissipated, replaced by a strange, tentative connection. Bakugou’s initial scepticism had given way to genuine interest, and your willingness to extend an olive branch had set a new tone.

Mina leaned over to Denki, her voice a soft whisper. “Is this real? Are they actually getting along?”

Denki, who was stirring the stew with a wooden spoon, nodded slowly. “I think so. It’s kind of weird seeing them like this.”

Sero, catching the tail end of your exchange with Bakugou, chuckled softly. “Well, it’s about time. Maybe this is what we needed to finally get some peace around here.”

Kirishima, still by your side, gave a supportive pat on your shoulder. “Nice work, by the way. You’ve done a great job with the healing.”

As the conversation between you and Bakugou wound down, Bakugou gave a begrudging nod, his demeanour slightly softened. “Alright, alright. I guess I can learn a few spells from you. But don’t think this means we’re all buddy-buddy now.”

You smiled, not taking offence. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Bakugou.”

As the group settled around the fire for dinner, the mood was lighter, with more relaxed chatter and occasional laughter. The unexpected truce between you and Bakugou had brought a new, unexpected dynamic to the camp. The evening carried a sense of cautious optimism, hinting that despite the rough start, there was potential for growth and understanding.

As the evening wore on and the campfire’s once vibrant glow softened to a gentle warmth, you and Bakugou sought refuge in a quieter corner of the campsite. The area was a welcome retreat from the lively chatter and clatter of the main camp, offering a peaceful contrast.

The air was cool and crisp, carrying the fresh scent of pine and the subtle fragrance of damp earth. The faint rustle of leaves in the soft breeze created a soothing backdrop, blending harmoniously with the occasional distant call of a night bird. Above, the night sky was a canvas of deep indigo, studded with countless stars that shimmered like tiny gems scattered across the vast expanse.

The embers of the campfire, now little more than glowing coals, cast a soft, flickering light that painted gentle shadows on the surrounding trees. The quiet of the area was punctuated only by the occasional crackle of the dying fire, adding a sense of tranquillity to the scene.

In this secluded spot, the gentle murmur of the river became a calming, rhythmic sound that complemented the serenity of the night. The ground beneath was soft with a layer of pine needles, providing a comfortable place for you and Bakugou to sit and focus on the task at hand. The natural surroundings, undisturbed and serene, offered a perfect backdrop for this rare moment between you and Bakugou.

Bakugou stood a few paces away, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. His usual scowl had softened into a focused expression, though the intensity in his eyes remained. He watched you, his stance slightly rigid as if ready to spring into action at any moment.

You settled onto the soft ground, the pine needles cushioning your position. You patted the spot beside you, gesturing for Bakugou to join you. His eyes flickered between your inviting gesture and the space he was about to occupy. With a resigned huff, he unfolded his arms and walked over. His movements were deliberate, almost reluctant, as he lowered himself onto the ground beside you.

As he sat down, his posture remained slightly stiff, and his gaze was fixed ahead, not quite meeting yours. The edges of his mouth were set in a neutral line, betraying his reluctance to fully relax. Despite the calm surroundings, there was a subtle tension in his shoulders, a physical manifestation of his inner conflict.

“Alright, Bakugou,” you said, your voice steady as you extended your hand towards him. The command in your tone made him lift his gaze to meet yours. “This is a basic light spell. It’s handy for when you need some illumination. Watch closely.”

He watched intently as you began to demonstrate a simple spell to create a small, glowing orb of light. You chanted a soft incantation, and a small, radiant orb of light materialised above your palm, casting a warm glow that illuminated your face and the surrounding area. The orb hovered effortlessly, its light gentle yet clear.

Bakugou’s eyes narrowed as he leaned in closer, his typical mistrust giving way to intense curiosity. “So, just like that, huh? Doesn’t look too complicated.”

“It’s not,” you replied, nodding in agreement. “The key is focus and intent. You need to visualise the light you want to create and then channel your energy into making it happen.” You handed him a small, enchanted crystal, its surface faintly glowing with a soft, internal light. This crystal should help him concentrate on divination.

Bakugou took it with a firm, determined grip, his fingers curling around the crystal as if it held the answers to a long-standing puzzle. “Alright,” he said, his voice steady despite the slight edge of uncertainty. “Let’s see if I can manage this.”

With a nod of encouragement, you watched as Bakugou closed his eyes, his brow furrowing in concentration. His hands moved slowly as he attempted to replicate the spell. For a moment, nothing happened, and he grunted in frustration. “Damn it. This isn’t as easy as it looks.”

“Just give it a moment,” you said, trying to keep the tone encouraging. “It takes some practice. Visualise the light, think about it forming in your hand.” 

You watch as he focused on the crystal, his usual bravado was momentarily replaced by a concentrated, almost vulnerable expression. The intensity in his gaze was a mix of determination and curiosity, reflecting his genuine interest in mastering the spell. 

He focused on the crystal, his usual bravado slipping away to reveal a determined vulnerability. His expression was intense, a mix of focus and the desire to master this new challenge. Gritting his teeth, Bakugou pushed past his initial struggles. Slowly, a faint, flickering glow appeared, stuttering to life above his palm. It steadied, growing brighter as he concentrated harder. The orb of light finally stabilised, hovering with a soft, steady glow. Bakugou’s eyes widened slightly in surprise and satisfaction. For a moment, the rough edges of his demeanour softened, a genuine curiosity and concentration in his gaze.

“There, you got it!” you exclaimed, a smile spreading across your face as you watched the small, glowing orb of light that had formed above Bakugou’s hand. The light was steady and bright, casting a warm glow that illuminated the surrounding area.

He observed the light, a rare flicker of satisfaction crossing his features. He held his hand steady, allowing the light to hover above it. The contrast between his usual scowl and this moment of success was striking. Bakugou’s gaze remained fixed on the glowing orb, his usual hardness softened by a touch of wonder. He seemed momentarily lost in the achievement, the light reflecting in his eyes.

“See?” you continued, your tone encouraging. “It’s all about focus and intention. You visualised the light, and then you channelled your energy into creating it. Simple as that.”

From a distance, the rest of the group watched with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Mina leaned against a nearby tree, whispering to Denki, who was peeking through the branches. “This is actually kind of amazing. I never thought I’d see Bakugou learning something.”

Denki grinned, his eyes wide with interest. “Yeah, and he’s actually doing pretty well! Look at that orb!”

Sero, sitting with Kirishima by the fire, nudged his companion and nodded toward the two of you. “It’s good to see them getting along for once. Maybe this will make things smoother for the rest of the journey.”

Kirishima chuckled, his voice low. “Yeah, it’s like watching a small miracle happen. I think this is a step in the right direction.”

It was a small step, but it was a step nonetheless. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of finding common ground. And as you guided him through the basics, you couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope that, despite the rough start, cooperation might be within reach.

You gave Bakugou an approving nod, your smile warm and genuine. “With a bit more practice, you’ll get the hang of it.”

Bakugou, still holding the glowing orb, glanced at you with a gruff but genuine smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Thanks. Not bad for a first try, right?”

“Definitely,” you replied, your smile widening as you acknowledged his progress. “You’ve picked it up faster than most people. Keep it up, and you might surprise yourself.”

Bakugou let out a gruff grunt, but there was a faint glimmer of appreciation in his eyes, a subtle shift from his usual manner. “Yeah, yeah. Not bad for a beginner’s trick. What’s next?”

He shifted his weight slightly, clearly eager to continue and test his newfound skills further. The orb of light remained steady above his palm, casting a warm glow that seemed to reflect his burgeoning interest in mastering the art. 

As you continued to guide him through the basics, a small sense of amity began to build. You taught him some defensive spells as well as some blessings. The rough edges of your interactions were starting to smooth out, and the possibility of finding common ground seemed a little more tangible. The night air felt a bit warmer, and the flickering light of Bakugou’s newly learned spell seemed to symbolise a new beginning in your journey together.

“I am not teaching you fireball,” you said firmly, your tone leaving no room for negotiation.

“Why not?” Bakugou asked, a sly smirk creeping onto his face. There was undeniable mischief dancing in his eyes.

“Because I know damn well the first one you’d throw would be at me,” you shot back, narrowing your eyes at him.

“Well, it’s a good thing I already know how to cast it,” he shot back, his voice dripping with smugness. Your eyes widened, surprise flickering across your face for just a moment.

“You’re fucking with me,” you snapped, disbelief lacing your words—only to fall silent when he casually raised his hand, a swirling ball of fire igniting in his palm. The flames danced, reflecting in his eyes as his smirk grew.

“Believe what you want,” Bakugou said, his tone dangerously playful as the fire crackled softly between his fingers. “But if you’re gonna keep running your mouth, I might just give you a demonstration.”

You glared at him, refusing to let him see how much the sudden display rattled you. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He leaned in slightly, the fireball still flickering in his hand. “Try me. I’ve been dying for an excuse.”

“So you do know some magic,” you sneered, eyes fixed on the flickering fireball in his hand.

“Just the fun stuff— fire and explosions, really only because dragonborns have a natural affinity for it.” Bakugou replied with a cocky grin, letting the flames dance between his fingers. “But hey, your lessons weren’t completely useless. You taught me the boring defence shit.”

You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms as you tried to hide the bubbling mix of annoyance and reluctant amusement. “Figures you’d only bother with the destructive spells. Typical.”

Bakugou extinguished the fireball with a snap of his fingers, the heat vanishing as quickly as it had flared to life.

“Destruction gets the job done,” he said, leaning in just a little, his tone teasing yet sharp. “But maybe you could teach me more spells that don’t involve blowing shit up. Or are you scared I’ll be better at it than you?”

You scoffed, refusing to back down. A part of you rather surprised he's indirectly asking for more lessons. “Please. You might have the firepower, but magic’s more than just brute force, you know. It takes skill, control—things you’re seriously lacking.”

He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with that familiar defiant spark. “Then show me. I’m all ears.” The challenge was clear, hanging in the air between you, a dare and a promise wrapped into one.

You met his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. “Alright, tough guy. But don’t cry to me when you can’t keep up.”

Bakugou’s smirk widened. You can only see reckless confidence in that toothy grin. “I never back down from a challenge. Especially not from you.”

With time, the group edged closer to Niniel’s Veil, the ominous forest looming ever nearer. As you studied your map, you noticed a town nearby, tucked away just off the path. A quick glance at the group’s dwindling supplies confirmed what you already suspected. It would be wise to make a stop before venturing into the perilous forest. You knew the group had to be fully prepared for whatever awaited them.

Gathering everyone together, you broached the idea of stopping by the town to replenish your supplies. The suggestion was met with easy agreement— no one could argue with the logic of arriving at Niniel’s Veil as well-prepared as possible. So, with the decision made, the group adjusted their course and made their way toward the town, the weight of the upcoming challenges hanging in the air like a storm cloud on the horizon.

Niniel's Veil was close now, close enough that the journey was starting to weigh on everyone's minds. After all, the Veil was known for its treacherous terrain and unpredictable dangers, and none of you were keen on venturing in underprepared.

The town was a modest one, nestled in the heart of the forest, its cobblestone streets lined with wooden buildings that leaned slightly with age. The air carried the scents of fresh bread, herbs, and the earthy musk of the nearby woods. As your group entered, the usual hustle and bustle of townsfolk going about their day surrounded you: vendors hawking their wares, children chasing each other in the streets, and the occasional clatter of a blacksmith at work.

You wandered into a small general store together, the bell above the door tinkling as you entered. The store was filled with the scent of dried herbs and aged wood, shelves stocked with everything from preserved foodstuffs to adventuring gear. The shopkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes, greeted you with a nod before returning to her task of sorting through a pile of parchment.

As the others began to peruse the shelves, you felt a tug at your attention— something calling you elsewhere. You hesitated for a moment. Now? You contemplate the choice for a moment. Then decided to follow the instinct that had served you so well in the past.

“I’ll be back in a bit,” you said to the group. “There’s something I need to do.”

Bakugou shot you a sharp glance, but you were already heading out the door before he could say anything. The bell jingled again as the door swung shut behind you, leaving the rest of the group inside.

Kirishima watched you go, then turned to Bakugou, who was already narrowing his eyes at the door. “Relax, man. We’re in a town, not the middle of the woods. She’s not gonna ditch us.”

Bakugou huffed, his expression stubborn. “Doesn’t matter. I’m gonna follow. Don’t trust her yet.”

Mina rolled her eyes as she rummaged through a basket of dried fruits. “Bakugou, cool it. Not everyone’s out to get us. Besides, she’s been pulling her weight this whole time.”

But Bakugou was already moving toward the door, his resolve firm. “You do what you want. I’m not taking chances.” He slipped out of the store, the bell’s jingle the only indication that he had even left.

Outside, you made your way through the town with a sense of purpose, the familiarity of the streets guiding your steps. It had been years since you last visited this place, but it hadn’t changed much. At least, not the parts that mattered. You knew exactly where you were headed.

The temple of Bes was tucked away on a quiet street, away from the main thoroughfare. It wasn’t a grand structure, like the temples dedicated to more prominent deities, but it had a certain charm in its simplicity. The building was small, its wooden exterior weathered but well-maintained, and the front door stood open, inviting those in need of guidance or luck.

Inside, the air was cool and filled with the faint scent of incense. The walls were adorned with simple tapestries depicting various aspects of Bes’ domain—scenes of fortune, protection, and blessings bestowed upon those in need. At the far end of the temple stood the statue of Bes, the figure to whom you had come to pay your respects.

The statue was carved from dark stone, standing about four feet tall. Bes was depicted in his natural form, a powerful figure with a stocky, muscular build and bowlegs that gave him a sturdy, grounded appearance. His face, though undeniably ugly, bore a kind of fierce protection. The sort of visage that could scare away evil spirits just by its presence. A bushy beard framed his wide mouth, and his eyes seemed to twinkle with a mix of mischief and wisdom. He wore a panther skin draped over his shoulders, the tail still attached and hanging down behind him, though some said he had a tail of his own hidden beneath. The statue exuded an aura of strength and benevolence, a fitting tribute to the deity of luck and chance.

You approached the statue, the quiet of the temple wrapping around you like a comforting blanket. Kneeling before it, you bowed your head, hands clasped in prayer. The words came naturally, a soft murmur that blended with the silence around you.

Bakugou couldn’t make sense of your prayer; it was spoken in a language entirely foreign to him, its syllables and intonations unfamiliar. He watched as your lips moved, the words flowing smoothly but remaining just out of his reach. The language had an ancient, rhythmic quality, its cadence imbued with a reverence and calm that echoed the tone you used when meditating or talking to yourself. Even though he couldn’t understand it, he couldn’t deny the strange sense of peace it seemed to evoke.

As you prayed, you felt a calmness settle over you, the kind that only came when you were in the presence of something greater. This was why you had come here. To centre yourself, to ask for guidance as you approached the Veil. You knew the dangers that lay ahead, and while you trusted your abilities and those of your companions, a little extra luck never hurt anyone.

Unbeknownst to you, Bakugou had followed your steps, keeping to the shadows as he watched from a distance. His expression was unreadable as he observed you kneeling before the statue, the fervour of your prayer catching him off guard. This was a side of you he hadn’t seen before— devotion, reverence. It was clear now that there was more to you than he had initially thought.

He studied the statue, not really recognising it. But with a few educated guesses based on the decor of the temple, he had an idea that the deity was associated with luck and protection. The fact that you had come here, that you sought out this temple, made Bakugou pause. You weren’t just some aimless wanderer; you had purpose, belief. And while he might not fully trust you yet, this moment planted a seed of understanding.

After a few moments, Bakugou decided he had seen enough. He turned away, leaving the temple quietly, his mind mulling over what he had just witnessed. By the time he returned to the store, the others were already checking out, bags filled with supplies for the road ahead.

Mina glanced at him as he entered. “So? Where did she go?”

Bakugou shrugged, his expression carefully neutral. “Just a temple visit. Nothing suspicious.”

Kirishima gave him a knowing look. “See? Told you to cool it.”

Bakugou grunted in response, still lost in thought as he helped carry the supplies. There was more to you than met the eye, and now, with Niniel’s Veil looming closer, he was beginning to realise that understanding you might be just as important as reaching their destination.

Bakugou knew how to read people, to assess their strengths and weaknesses in battle—but understanding someone’s deeper motivations? That was a different challenge altogether. And you, with your quiet prayers in a secluded temple, had just shown a side of yourself that didn’t quite fit the image he’d built in his mind.

There was more to you than you let on. The same could be said about Bakugou. Both of you carried secrets, hidden beneath layers of guarded demeanors and carefully constructed walls. The truth was, despite all the time spent together on this journey, you had barely scratched the surface of each other. But one thing was becoming clear to him: if this group was going to survive, he had to start trusting you. In that moment, a common draconic phrase came to mind, echoing in his thoughts like a distant memory.

Si mith ti svolben wux sifmid.

I am not what you think.

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a/n: so they're going to the veil in the next chapter and I'm most excited for it because there will be more difficult situations ! @chocogoldie @devils-adversary @l0kisbitch @miikii0

border credits: @/enchanthings & @/adornedwithlight

© writingrock 2024 do not copy, translate or repost.

[sguidwards-bestfriend]

New Dimension, Who's This?

honestly writing this cuz I saw @gin2212 's comment and made me teary, so were gunna finish this bad boy! not today but you know... it will happen

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, part 5, part 6

Explicit mentions of death (but of characters that are currently living) Kind of OG version of their deaths

Danny had only walked through the Wayne’s home adjacent gardens once, in a direct route to the barn. Batcow was a highlight of that little excersion.

Now, however, they were actually looking at the shrubbery shaped like boring spheres and rectangles.

He felt Jason become distant and floated back a bit, he’d turned left into a very small opening.

Inside were three unmovable cement benches that curved slightly into one circle. The well cut bushes were wilder in here, making it cramped and impossible to see over the hedge.

“This spot used to be my favorite, when the weather was nice. I’d come out here with a book and whatever drink Alfred had decided to make that day.” Jason looked down at a square of cement in the middle, probably where a table had been. The indents on the side of the seats, likely from the mold it was made from, had moss growing in it.

“This seems like the perfect hideout.” Danny smiled and sat on the bench opposite Jason.

Jason hummed in agreement, he coughed awkwardly even for Danny’s standards and spoke up again. “So, you’re the god of death?” Jason was probably really good at looking casual and intimidating to most people, but Danny could sense the tension emanating from his core as he sat near a branch mere inches from his face with his hands in his pockets, probably wishing he could lean against something to look nonchalant.

“Nope, I’m the king of the dead. They aren’t the same thing.”

“So, you’re not Hades?”

“I hope not, I’ve met him and he’s kind of a dick.”

Jason laughed softly, he liked how it sounded “Okay, cool, so the Greek gods exist.”

“All of the gods do, technically.” He waited for Jason to look at him. “I know it’s hard to wrap your head around, but the infinite realms isn’t really a dimension on its own. It’s the space between all dimensions. When you die you have to pass through it to get to your destination. Some people don’t have a place and they end up part of my realm, some get lost, some sell their soul, others forget their lives entirely and are part of my people from the second they pass over. Then there are the never-borns: souls that form from pure will of the infinite realms. All that is part of my domain.” Danny floated up a bit to try and catch a glimpse of the stars, the smog from Gotham blocking everything. He looked back at Jason and his stomach did a little flip that he decidedly did nothing about. “But just so were clear; hell, the underworld, and all those other things are in the infinite zone. They aren’t all the same thing.”

“Okay. So, you rule over those too?”

“Again no, once a soul gets into the correct dimension, I don’t really have anything to do with it.”

“Wait so if someone who believes in an afterlife sells their soul what happens?”

Danny slouched in the air and grunts, “That’s where all the fucking paperwork comes in. I really want you to imagine the most bureaucratic way to possibly move to a new country, but you have none of your documents. Being stuck in this dimension was a fun break at first, but now all I can think of are the stacks of A-13 forms that are probably covering the castle floors.”

Jason shifted and with it came a wave of uncertainty. “If someone was killed and brought back, what then?”

Danny has seen how ghosts in the zone get when they talk about their deaths. For many it’s all they remember of their life. If a ghost with years to think it through reacts explosively he’s not sure how it will go with a newbie. “Well, a few things. The soul could come back to a place without a body in which case you have a true haunting. If the death was quick, it could have flash formed a core, that’s like a soul that has died fully, and then shoved back into the living body. That’s how you get halfas like me.”

Jason still looked cool and collected on the outside but there was unbelievable turmoil seeping out of him. “What if the body was dead for a while? What if a soul or core was shoved back into a body on purpose?”

“I’ve only seen one revival before, but there was a lot of time warping there. The necromancers I’ve met who were trying to bring someone back didn’t have access to ectoplasm which had results that are very different to… having it.” Danny breathed out to calm himself, letting that calm wave wash over Jason as well. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s alright.” Jason shuffled his leather jacket, “You call it ectoplasm.”

“Yeah.” Danny answered with a lilt in his voice.

“The green goop filled pools you said you emptied, you mentioned they were corrupted.”

“I did yeah.”

“What would happen if someone was exposed to that?”

“Honestly, it’s not the first time I’ve come across it but never that much. For ghosts it can leave them sick and weak for days. Not like polluted water, more like if you switched out the water a healthy person drank for soda exclusively. It won’t kill them, but it will have a negative effect.” Danny thought for a second and remembered the one-time Sam got covered in a mix of good and contaminated ecto during a fight with Undergrowth. “I saw how a diluted version of it affected a living person, her mind was warped and she had the same sort of tunnel vision a ghost has if they have a particularly strong obsession.”

Jason took a breath, he’d been going strong so far. Danny may come to regret this, but he put a hand on his shoulder and floated where they’d be face to face, letting his bottom half fade away into the ghostly tail. “I won’t do it if you don’t want me to, but I can subdue your emotions a bit if you want to talk about it.” Jason looked up quickly and Danny scrambled to correct himself. “I haven’t been doing that! Well, like not in a controlling way, more like the ghost version of calming down a friend who’s freaking out. If you pushed past it I wouldn’t hold you back.”

“You should.” Danny couldn’t help the questioning noise that came out of him, “The first year I came back, I don’t remember it well, but I tried to kill Tim… and possibly Damian. If I do go too far hold me back.”

Danny nodded, “Back in the hall, when Tim was taking an unorthodox amount of coffee cups out of his room,” Jason snorted a bit and smiled, “you didn’t fight me stopping your emotions from bubbling over. I think, with even a little help, you do in fact make the right decisions.”

Jason’s hand came up to hold on to Danny’s forearm, “I went out to stop the top villain at the time, the Joker. I really did think I could beat him so I turned off my coms. He… He beat me to an inch of my life and left me to die in the explosion he’d rigged up.” Jason’s body was hot to the touch and he was obviously timing his breaths. “I can still feel the damn crowbar he used whenever I fall asleep. Batman had never been late before; he’d never let something like that go past him. My plan B was him, and he didn’t make it.”

Danny hummed. A benefit of their shared ghostliness in needing not to use his words, he pushed through waves of camaraderie and understanding.

“I had dug myself out of my own grave. I don’t remember much other than pain for months. Then Talia, Damian’s genetic mother, threw me into a Lazarus pit. The first thing I remember seeing was looking up at her terrified face, tinted in green.”

There was anger as he spoke her name, Danny controlled the waves of corrupted ecto that were threating to turn those emotions against Jason’s true wishes.

“I was fifteen, how does someone let a child do that. I was a kid!” Jason’s emotions were switching around and Danny could hear the forming core start too fuss. “I was just a kid.”

Danny came closer and wrapped all four of his arms around Jason, squeezing him just enough to feel a weight on him, but not so much it was restrictive.

Jason still seemed tense so, Danny did the only thing he could think of, he talked of his own death.

“My parents built the first ever physical portal to the realms. I was messing around with friends and they dared me to walk into the useless frame. My parents always had a tendency of forgetting lab safety and making just one mistake in every build. I’m not sure how they managed to put the on button inside it, but I tripped, hitting it on my way down. I could feel every bolt of electricity ripping me apart as the link between worlds opened directly on top of me. I died separate to my body and ended up like this.” Danny moved back and looked down at himself without letting go of Jason. “I tried to tell my parents at first, but they were always busy.

They spent the day I finally gave up trying to trap my sister; thinking she was the ghost their devices we’re picking up.”

Jason rested his forehead on Danny’s, sighing against the cold touch. “How old we-“

“Fourteen.”

“We were kids.”

“Yeah,” Danny kept his forehead against Jason’s. Two arms he left at Jason’s shoulders, the other two caressing his arms.

With a wave of confidence and fear Jason grabbed Danny by the waist and pulled him in for a real hug.

They held each other there, hidden amongst the foliage, until it started to drizzle.

“We should-“

Danny cut him off, pulling back to show the tears running down his face. “Can we go to your room?”

“Yeah, come on.”

They didn’t touch on the walk through the garden, or at the entrance, or in the hall. No, it wasn’t until the door was closed behind them that Danny came forward and just barely touched his arm.

Jason grabs him and pulls him in again, this time resting his chin on the top of Danny’s head. The attempt to calm Danny down just as he had for Jason made him start to cry again, this time much happier.

The surge pushed his kingly nature to shift into something more human. His arms went back to only two, his skin became that of a pale human’s (for the most part), his ears shrank down and his pointy teeth rounded out. And, surprisingly, his form gave him pajamas.

The ecto the change required didn’t accept the contaminated ecto that Jason had sent and Danny sagged into Jason, his knees buckling.

“Hey, hey.” Jason hushed, “I’ve got you.”

He sat Danny on the bed and went to get pajamas for himself. Once changed he laid down beside Danny and curled around him.

Danny was laying on his back, his legs bent over Jason’s thighs, who was laying on his side up against Danny. Creating a cocoon to hold Danny in.

They fell asleep quickly, Danny held Jason's hand on his chest throughout the rest of the night.

Neither of them had nightmares.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

@bjurnberg, @skulld3mort-1fan, @akikkobara @undead-bi-dinosaur, @amyheart19, @phoenixdemonqueen, @not-your-average-url, @seraphinedemort, @theywontletmeusetheoneiwant,  @satisfactionbroughtmeback, @kyrianclawraith, @i-always-say-yea, @gin2212

[definitelynotafurinasimp]

Them reacting to seeing you do something weird

characters: Collei / Kuki Shinobu x gn!reader (separate)

warnings: none

a/n: I decided to try and write something for two of my favorite 4 stars again since I don’t get all too many requests for them.

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Collei

Among the forest Rangers in Avidya Forest, almost no one could confidently call themself a bigger expert than you when it came to the wildlife inhabiting the forest. If there was an animal living in it, you knew it, if someone needed to know how it looked like so they’d be able to recognize it, you had sketchbooks full of detailed portraits at the ready and if there was anyone that wanted to learn about them, their best choice of action was to ask you.

That being said, you had a tendency to get lost when wandering around the forest alone, and so Collei was quickly assigned to helping you keep your sense of directions when out to research, the win-win situation of you having a helping hand while Collei got the opportunity to learn from the experts beating the prospect of having to search for you day and night everyday.

“I remember the first time I ventured out into the forest, I was what? Barely ten years old? My mother always told me how panicked my father was when I didn’t return at nightfall, you should have seen his face when he found me playing with a shame lion not far from home, he was so relieved you could basically see the weight fall off his shoulders, it was great… I did get into trouble afterwards, but that didn’t stop me from going back barely a week later”, you talked about your childhood while shoving branches to your side, trying to make a somewhat clear path for the two of you, all the while Collei listened to you as if put under a spell. 

You weren’t that much older than her, probably only a few years older, and yet you were already regarded as an expert in your old field. Collei couldn’t help but admire you and yet, when she heard how early you started to get interested in the animals living in the rainforest, she started to understand the reason for your success.

That being said, not everything in your stories seemed to make sense.

“Your father was relieved when he saw you playing with lions??”, you could hear the shock in Collei’s voice as clear as day and while her reactions seemed like the only plausible one when confronted with such a detail in your childhood story, the sheer and utter confusion on your face made her question if playing with lions wasn’t as abnormal as she thought.

“Lions? Oh Archon, no. Shame lions, those small green creatures that can change their colors depending on the background. I can show them to you if you need a refresher”, you offered, shooting her a quick smile before turning your head back forwards.

“Shame lions? …Do you mean Chameleons?”, Collei asked hesitantly, hoping she was on the same page as you and didn’t accidentally insult you by implying you didn’t know how to pronounce the animal’s name.

“...Chameleons? I-is that how you pronounce that? Heh, that explains quite a few of my weirder conversations actually”, you stated with a nervous giggle, your face growing red as you awkwardly scratched your cheek, only to eventually break out into full-on laughter, worrying your companion for a moment, before your laughing eventually infected the ranger.

“Thanks for telling me, I guess the others didn’t have the courage to correct me… that or they were far too confused to.”

Kuki Shinobu

For most of her days, Shinobu was surrounded by Inazuma’s brightest, watching their sober forms do things normal thinking people wouldn’t do after drinking a barrel of the strongest alcohol money could buy the same way a child would watch an animal in a zoo, and yet, she knew her colleagues long enough to not bat an eye, no matter how stupid the predicament they found themselves in.

Hanging around Itto and his boys made her appreciate the quieter moments in life as well as thank whatever deity was responsible for introducing people to each other that you were a part of her life. You knew how to hold a conversation, were kind and always thought about how your actions impacted others and hid a brain behind those eyes of yours… a welcome change of pace for her.

So when the two of you bumped into each other on her way home, only to decide to walk along the beach in hopes just being near the water would be enough to cool you down somewhat, considering the scorching hot weather, only for you to ask her to stop for a bit so you could cool your feet in the water, refusal wasn’t on Shinobu’s mind for even a second.

“Don’t you want to step into the water as well? It has just the right temperature!”, you happily asked after putting your hand in it for a second, testing the water before quickly readying yourself to step into it, pulling your pants up a bit so they wouldn’t get wet, only to stop when Shinobu called out to you.

“Your shoes.”

Without missing a beat, you hit your forehead with the palm of your head, an embarrassed look spreading across your face as you giggled to yourself. 

“Of course, I nearly forgot. Thanks a lot Shinobu!” Your shining smile coupled with hearing her name leave your mouth was enough to make her cheeks heat up, not enough for you to notice, considering her facemask, however, something she thanked the heavens for.

Just as quickly as you had stopped, you returned to pulling off your shoes before placing them on the sand and jumping into knee deep waters… your socks noticeably still on your feet, a fact Kuki didn’t miss in the slightest, her eyes widening at the sight of your drenched socks.

“Wha-?”

“Something’s wrong?”, you asked, completely oblivious to what caused the person in front of you to be rendered completely speechless. 

It took her a few seconds and about ten times of blinking her eyes in hopes it would all turn out to be a hallucination before she finally responded, trying her best to look away as to not constantly remember her brain of what was in front of her.

“N-no, nothing.”

[lulublack90]

Prompt 21 - Attack

@jegulus-microfic February 21 Word count 962

Previous part First part

Regulus returned to the library to finish his book. It was gruesome, but he couldn’t leave it half-finished. He flipped the page to the next chapter and paused. Horcrux. The title read. He remembered seeing something mentioned about them before. They were a particular branch of dark magic that split the soul if the wizard committed a murder, allowing the killer to place a shard of their soul into an object. 

There wasn’t much on them in this text, so he spent the next few days pouring through multiple tombs, checking references and extracts. 

Finally, he found what he was searching for. The page lay open before him, the only illustration he’d ever seen depicting a wizard who had split his soul. The wizard’s skin had an odd, lifeless quality to it. His eyes glinted red, and his hairline had clearly receded. This was it. This was what he’d been missing.

He felt heat radiate from his pocket. He pulled himself away to answer James’s call. He flicked the mirror open and revealed James’s stressed face. 

“There’s been an attack.” James started speaking immediately. He didn’t even say hello. "It’s Sirius. He’s in a bad way. They took Remus.” Regulus felt the air bleed out of him as he struggled to control his emotions. “He’s going to be fine.” James carried on. “He hasn’t let Remus out of his sight, sticking close to him. We warned him he’d get hurt, but he’s stubborn.”

“Can I see him?” Regulus’s cracked voice whispered. James’s eyes filled with pity. 

“I don’t think they’ll allow that, love. He’s in a safe house. They won’t even let me go without prior consent.”

The wards around Grimmauld Place reacted to someone trying to get in. He could feel the magic tugging at him. 

“I have to go, James. Someones here. Tell—tell Sirius—tell him I’m sorry.” 

“I will. Stay safe, Reg.” Regulus quickly shut the mirror and stuffed it into the secret pocket in his robes.

When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Evan and Barty standing there. 

“Fucking finally!” Barty grumbled. “I’m freezing my bollocks off here!” Regulus didn’t respond just let the door swing open more and stepped back to allow them to enter. He didn’t say anything until they were securely in the house.

“Why are you here?” He asked, his eyes narrowing. 

“Aww, aren’t you happy to see us? Evan, I don’t think he loves us any more, now that pretty boy’s back in his life.” Regulus turned his attention to Evan and raised an eyebrow. 

“We’ve come to drop off the new information we’ve collected. We thought it would be better in person rather than sending it via owl.” Regulus nodded.

“Yes, you’re right. Voldemort placed charms around the house, preventing owls and patronuses from entering. I doubt he’s removed them. It’s definitely safer to be here in person. Shall we go up to the library?

He listened to them relay the information they’d gathered. He wrote everything down in the notebook. Once they were done, he spelled it so the writing disappeared.

Evan and Barty settled in. They’d have to be here for a few hours to avoid suspicion. Regulus had a question that had been niggling at the back of his mind since the last time he’d seen them. 

“So,” He started, “Lily Evans?” He didn’t need to say more. Evan and Barty had gone pale and glanced uneasily at each other. 

“What about her?” Evan cleared his throat nervously.

“I saw her sneaking into Pandora’s room as I left the other night. How long has that been going on?”

“Erm,” Evan looked at Barty again as they silently decided how much to tell him. “Since school. They had to keep it secret for obvious reasons.” Regulus nodded. He was well aware of the implications of a Slytherin and a Gryffindor dating with the way things had been and still were. He left it at that. Perhaps he’d ask more from Pandora the next time he saw her.

He pulled his book towards him and turned it towards Evan and Barty. 

“I’ve been glancing through a few of the texts in here over the last week. I found something interesting. Please have a look at this and tell me what you think. Does it remind you of anyone?       

Barty and Evan peered at the yellowed pages and the faded illustration. 

“Yeah, looks like ole mouldy Voldy. Barty cackled, looking at Regulus for his reaction.  

“That’s actually pretty accurate.” Regulus laughed under his breath. “These are the effects on the body after creating three Horcruxes.” 

“Shit, you don’t think?” Evan gasped. Barty was uncharacteristically quiet and paler than usual once the information sunk in. 

“So—So you’re saying that if he has created Horcruxes. Then he’s made more than three? That’s a lot, right? I mean, he looks insane. It’s way more than three.” Barty was tapping his fingers against his jiggling leg. Regulus nodded. 

“I think we found the missing piece as to why he’s so far been unstoppable. He is by all rights immortal.”

“So, what do we do about it? Pretend we never started helping the Order and just slink back into the fold?” The fear was evident in Barty’s whole demeanour. Evan put a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he quietly looked to Regulus for his answer. 

“No, we continue listening and gathering information. If he’s created Horcruxes, he has to be hiding them somewhere. Someone must know where they are and what they are.” He straightened his back more than it already was, his resolve firmly in place. “We will be careful, act as we normally do. Carry out orders as we usually would, and at the same time, we start searching.”   

Next part

[warning-heckboop]

The Day the Trolls' Music Died (and then Came Back Again)

Okay, so I've been thinking about the events of World Tour again, especially the scene in which Poppy destroys the strings and all members of all the tribes go grey. The question that I've seen quite a few people ask, including myself, is how did this event effect the trolls who weren't present at the concert at the time.

Now, before Band Together, there wasn't really any particular reason to assume that there were any trolls, of any tribe or smaller subdivision, who weren't at the concert, because Barb's plan explicitly involved gathering all known trolls to ensure that all types of music other than rock were eliminated. Of course it can always be assumed that there would be a few stragglers out there, but the thing that changed with Band Together was the confirmation that this was in fact the case. At the time, there were at least three individual trolls on their own (at least in terms of not being around other trolls) in John Dory, Bruce, and Floyd, and then a whole community in Viva, Clay, and the Putt-Putt trolls.

So lets say they all went grey as well when the strings were destroyed (there is an argument that they wouldn't've been affected, considering the explosion that happened when the guitar was smashed that took everyone's colors away only seemed to have a range of the stadium, but I'm going to proceed under the assumption that the effects were even farther reaching than that). Obviously it would have been a big shock, and confusing as all hell, but that's not my focus here. What I'm wondering about is how they got their color back.

Sure, we can just say they automatically got their color back suddenly with all the other trolls during the big glitter explosion that the leaders caused, but where's the fun in that? I'd prefer to think they got their color back gradually--and that they experienced the same realization that their color, their music, their life comes from inside them. When Poppy and Branch's heartbeats glowed to life, so did their siblings'.

But let's back up a little. My focus is mostly based on family bonds, and this is largely because of the first trolls at the concert who realize they still have music inside of them. If you haven't seen the movie in a while, it's not Poppy or Branch like you might expect. It's Cooper, who is then joined by Prince Darnell, and then also by King Quincy and Queen Essence.

This is something I threw together based on my train of thought. Cooper's heart is the first to come to life. When he then lets it play over the speaker system, any of the trolls present, including Miss-Main-Character Poppy, could have been the one to react to it and see that it was music. But it wasn't anyone--it was his brother. Cooper's light lit the light in Darnell's heart, and then both brothers making music together lit their parents' hearts as well, allowing the Queen and King to be the first two trolls to acknowledge the fact that the trolls all still had music within them. The way I see it, these trolls all have a sort of connection between them, because they're family. Strings connecting them, so to speak. That's why they don't need the six strings to give them music anymore--because the ability to create music now comes from the strings of their relationships with one another.

Cheesy, I know. But it's a kids movie. Stick with me.

So how does this apply to the trolls not at the concert? Well, just because these other trolls weren't there physically doesn't mean they didn't have bonds to trolls who were there. For Viva and Brozone, they have Poppy & her dad and Branch, obviously, but even for the other Putt-Putt trolls, it's pretty likely most if not all of them had some connection to someone at the concert, considering they were all once members of the Pop tribe too.

So, just like how Darnell and his parents were drawn to respond to Cooper's actions, I think these other trolls would be drawn to action by the trolls they have connections with, too--because bonds of family can't be severed, not completely, by time and distance.

When Poppy finally starts to sing, I think Viva does, too. They're hundreds of miles apart, but their hearts still beat together as one, and so too do their voices sing out. The same goes for Branch and his brothers, too, and all the other trolls who had connections to those back at the concert.

And so, through the same song, all of troll-kind, everywhere, got their color back--even if many of them couldn't truly understand what had even happened until much, much later.

(Bit of a shame, though, really. If Floyd had stayed grey, maybe Velvet and Veneer would have just seen him as useless and let him go. Ah well.)

[yanderecrazysie]

Ophidiophobia (Yandere Naga Izuku)

Please don’t request any of the phobia series, I just want to have this as a “come on writer’s block go tf away” series.

Pairing: Naga! Midoriya Izuku (Deku) x Reader

Warnings: Yandere themes, implied death, swearing, Izuku is half snake

Ophidiophobia: The fear of snakes

Your entire visit on the island had been uncomfortable. 

It was hot, humid, and the air was filled with bugs that were determined to feast on you. Somehow, the frequent rain only made it hotter instead of cooling you down, and it made the hiking path you traveled slippery with mud. The sights were nice, but nothing like the brochure had painted it out to be. 

You just wanted to go home.

Your fiancé, who was an enthusiast of reptiles and amphibians alike, seemed to be having the time of his life. You wondered if you were a scientist too, would you be immune to the annoyances of the jungle like he seemed to be?

He took pictures of literally everything that moved and, while a part of you found it endearing, the other half was growing more and more worried each time the rest of the tour group dipped out of sight behind a hill or corner.

“Come on, we have to keep up!” You fretted as your fiancé stepped off the path yet again to get photographs of some plant you’d only seen in textbooks. 

“Just a few more pictures…” He murmured, aiming his camera this time at a colorful bird perched on a faraway tree branch. The group had completely disappeared by now and, even with a clearly visible path on the ground, you were freaking the hell out.

The sound of something sliding across the jungle floor leaves made your stomach twist unpleasantly. Your suspicion of what it might be was confirmed when your fiancé gasped, “A snake making that much noise must be enormous!”

It happened faster than you could react. One moment he was stepping off the cleared path…

The next moment, he was gone.

Panic seized your entire being and you found yourself shooting off the path after him, abandoning all reason in favor of making sure he was alright. Immediately, you could see what had happened- the path where he’d been standing was on a small cliff, one that blended in with its surroundings too well.

Your stomach dropped when you saw him lying on the ground several yards below the path he’d been on. Unmoving.

You didn’t realize you were crying until a loud sob left your mouth and your tears blinded you. Desperately, you searched for a safe way down to his body. Maybe, just maybe, he was unconscious and not…

Eyes blurred with tears, you could barely take a safe step forward, so it was even more of a surprise when something wrapped around your ankle and lifted your body, upside down, towards the treetops. 

You tried to scream but it just bubbled in your constricted throat, the crying serving as nothing more than a silencer to your terror. Frantically, you wiped your eyes, willing away frightened and grief-fueled tears in favor of being able to see what was taking you away.

By the time you were clear-eyed and aware, you were lying against a thick tree branch, facing a creature you couldn’t believe existed. At first, you’d thought that it was a giant snake, dragging you by its tail, but now you realized you were only half right.

The green-scaled tail ended half-way, melding into skin right under the bellybutton of a muscular human torso. The creature in front of you was half-snake, half-man, not unlike how you’d picture a merman to be, especially with the emerald green scales.

The man attached to the snake tail was not what you expected to see- not a thin-faced, severe, snake-eyed freak but a freckled, boyish face with large green eyes and a friendly smile. He didn’t seem to realize he’d done anything wrong by dragging you into a tall tree or that it might disturb you to see his snake half.

You tried to ask who he was and if he could speak at the same time, but your voice faltered off into a pathetic squeak. The snake-man tilted his head, looking a little confused, but still smiling.

“Why did you leave the path? Why were you making weird sounds? Why was water leaking from your eyes?” The snake-man shot out questions to you casually, but they still made your head spin and tears fill your eyes.

Did you get bit by something earlier and now you’re hallucinating? That seems like something this damned jungle would do to you.

“It’s happening again!” The snake-man seemed excited and worried at the same time and you realized he didn’t know what crying was. “Does it hurt? Are you sick?”

At least he seems nice. You pulled yourself together and wiped away the tears as you faced him, “Please let me back down, I need to go back to my fiancé and-”

“Please answer my questions first.” While he didn’t look threatening, the snake-man was definitely more serious this time, “I want to know.”

You tried to remember his questions, “I left the path because my fiancé fell off a small cliff. I was crying because I’m worried about him. That’s what the ‘water’ is, crying. Humans do that when they’re sad.”

You felt unnaturally calm, as though the panic was being held back by an invisible wall. Is that what happens to you when you meet a creature from fairytale books?

“Fiancé? What’s that?”

“Oh, um, it means he promised to m-marry m-me a-and…” The tears came back full force until you were sobbing into your hands, curled over the wooden branch like it was your lifeline.

“Nagas don’t have such a thing, but we have heard of human marriages before. So he was a pretty serious mate, I’m guessing?” The snake-man was tilting his head to the side, trying to understand what you were telling him.

“Naga? Is that what you are?” You managed to ask through sniffles.

“Yes, my name is Izuku.” He smiled and slithered closer, “Didn’t your tour guide tell you not to leave the path in any circumstances?”

“Well, yes, but my fiancé fell off-”

Izuku looked down at you pityingly, “The reason they say that is because us Nagas will not bother humans on the path. But once the humans trespass on our territory, we are free to do whatever we want with them.”

Your blood ran cold, “B-but I thought- I didn’t know! I just was trying to help my fiancé and-”

“He trespassed too.”

“He fell!”

“Because he trespassed.” Izuku didn’t seem angry, just like a disappointed parent. One of his hands came up to play with your hair, “Most Nagas would just kill the humans that enter their territory and that’s it, but I don’t like hurting humans. They fascinate me.”

You stared up at him with pleading eyes, “Please let me go. I’ll grab my fiancé and we’ll never come back into your territory. I’m so sor-”

“I want to keep you so I can learn more about humans,” Izuku explained, smiling widely until you could see the gleam of his fangs, “Who knows…”

He leaned closer and you scrabbled helplessly backwards to get away from him, running out of room on the branch to do so.

“Maybe I could be your new fiancé?”

[empressgeekt]

I'm curious now, if someone made a reaction fic with canon watching your stories (not me because I suck at those), how do you think they would react? Especially if Branch was still gray?

Oh I play out this fic plot in my head on almost a daily basis.

If I were to put, Grey Branch, Poppy, Viva the snackpack, and Brozone into a room to watch my aus, both fics would probably start the same. Shock on both sides (brozone to Branch's state, and The Snackpack to Branch's alter ego as Bitty B), but eventually they'd all settle and start watching. Though, Brozone would definitely not that Creek at first glance. Viva would cling to her sister and the Snackpack would welcome her, but they would be very confused when she starts acting paranoid about the bergens like Branch, and Creek would..be Creek...getting on her bad side. Bruce would have to step in explaining that Trauma doesn't work the way Creek is trying to simplify it (he read a lot of the vacationer's psychology books before his kids were born). Needless to say, by the time that everyone has sat down the room is tense.

For Burning Branches it's pretty clear that this is an alternate universe so, they kind of just sit back and enjoy.

The Snackpack would get to witness the abuse a tiny grey branch would get in the tree, while Brozone gets to see Branch follow in there footsteps and escaping on his own. Branch himself remembers a few of these events but doesn't remember leaving so he interested in seeing where he counterpart went. Practically everyone panics when they see the head injury on screen, Floyd even starts crying at the sight. Once the rock trolls get involved it draws a lot of surprise from the whole group. Floyd and JD aren't too surprised they've been around the block before, and have a basic gest of the other tribes. Bruce is in the same boat as a few Techno trolls have washed up on Vacay island. However none of them had seen rock trolls in person and their dulled nature are a little disturbing, considering what dulled means for Pop trolls. Clay and Viva are paying rapid attention to the rock trolls on screen, because considering the environment their people live in these guys know how to survive and protect themselves. The Snackpack has mixed reactions, Cooper wonders if theirs another tribe that looks like him, Poppy just wants to help these guys find happiness cause they are way to serious in her opinion, Creek calls them brutes (impressing no one), while the rest of the pack are either confused/fearful/curious. Branch is just awed, this troll, the rock king no less, on screen took his other version and saved him. Not only pull him from the water but take this trolling stranger into his home and raised on-screen Branch as his own. It's made veery clear that the pop and rock tribes do not get along, and yet this king was willing to risk his power and reputation to care for Char, King Peppy never kept Branch for more then two days until shipping him off to the next foster family. He even seemed mad on Char's behalf, something Branch had never thought anyone would do. The amnesia is something that hurts Brozone, learning that in one world there brother forgot about them. Branch is a little envious of Char, after all losing his memories was pretty starting a new life with a clean slate. Sure he watches Char struggle, but he also watches Char thrive, regaining his color, learning to love music again, making friends, having a family behind him, heck even getting Poppy for a love interest. Sure, it's an arranged marriage between the tribes, and makes the theater very awkward, but there's a clear connection between the two of them. By the end of the whole first movie all the snackpack (minus Creek) and Bruce are shipping Poppy/Char (Choppy? We should call them Choppy), and they get pissed when John Dory on screen interrupts their wedding.

For FOF, it's more of confusing reaction since this could still be their actual future.

Branch makes notes to look out for Keith, cause just in case there might be a trolling who's a little weird ending up in the foster system after losing his dad and he doesn't want that to happen. Kid seems sweet and not that judging. As the au goes on, Branch feels all sort of embarrassment, from them witnessing his panic attacks and how they called him cute for the more wholesome reactions when it comes to Keith. When the whole wolf incident comes on screen, Poppy ask Branch if he would really do that for the village, and everyone is shocked when he nods. Creek tries to say the the forest is over dramatizes in this and that the critters aren't that cruel in real life, Branch just rolls his eyes only to hear John Dory come to his defense, as a survivalist himself he had to deal with predators, and everything on screen is necessary. FOF Branch is a lot harsher on his brothers and the interactions on screen are a lot more charged. Branch isn't sure how he feels about this counterpart. There's a feeling of justice at watchin his brothers get what's coming to them, but it also hurts that he's hurting them. He doesn't hold the same anger that FOF feels. Smidge kind of wants to meet her FOF counterpart, someone who uses her strength to save others, she's down for it. And Asks Branch if he could set up something like that in there world or at least train her, to help him in the forest. Branch is confused by that. Creek completely denies that he would betray everyone, but strangely Branch doesn't believe him. FOF Branch's wounds are scary to think about for everyone but Branch forces himself not to react. Broppy makes once more everyone uncomfortable, Branch feeling awkward, Bruce teasing, Poppy blushing, Creek giving the grey troll the stick eye. It's harder to different Canon from AU with FOF since Char is less Branch like.

There's just so much that could happen that i can't fit it into one post, but if anyone wants to make one to these they have my full permission. Though that might want to wait until the final product is finished.

[theyoungoneed]

Title: Bloody Kiss

Summary: reader is searching for Klaus in the woods of the bayou and ends up finding him not in a way they expected. Klaus begs reader to leave but reader refuses resulting in a shocking ending. 

Word Count: 670

Warnings: blood, dead bodies

A/N: not edited

“Klaus!” I yell, running through the backwoods of the bayou. The night fog thickens around me as I struggle to keep my balance without tripping. Tangled branches keep grabbing at my legs like coily fingers pulling me under, cutting through my skin. 

“Klaus! Klaus!” No response. All I can see in front of me is the staggering mist coming from my warm breath. The moon was full. The woods were quiet. 

“Klaus!” I yell sprinting faster. Suddenly my foot catches onto something heavy, and I trip forward, falling onto my knees. I looked back to see what it was, and to my dismay it was a dead body. I quickly got up and started to run again, although this time I had nowhere to run, since a tall figure was standing right there in front of me. It was Klaus. He slowly turns to face me. Covered in blood with a heart in his hand made a quick gasp escape my throat. He drops the heart onto the ground revealing a horrific scattered display of massacred bodies. 

My shaking hands covered my mouth. I wanted to scream and run. Tears developed in my eyes. I slowly look up at him.

“What did you do? Who are all these people?” 

“You shouldn’t be here,” he says dodging my question. “Go away.” 

“No, answer my question Klaus. Who are they? Why did you do it?” 

“Please, go away,” he begs. “You shouldn’t see me like this.” He turns his back to me. 

“See you like what? Like this? I am not leaving until you explain to me who and why you-

“Because this is who I am!” he snapped. “This is what I do!” His bloody mouth spit out blood through his teeth as he yelled. My lips quivered as I watched him pace around in a circle running his hands through his hair, clearly distraught to see him in such a state. He clenches and unclenches his bloodstained knuckles. His glaring eyes meet mine. 

“What if I hurt you?” 

“You won’t. I know you won’t hurt me,” I tell him, shaking my head. 

“But what if I do,” he says walking towards me. My heart skips a beat as he gets closer. “I’m a vampire and I feed when I’m hungry until there’s nothing left to feed on, and when I’m angry I’m a werewolf, and tear whatever stands in my way limb to limb, and I can’t bear the chance of doing either to you, so go,” he demands. 

“I’m not afraid of you.” 

“It would be better if you were, love. We can’t be friends and from here on out we can’t know each other. I regret dragging you into all this.” 

“Fine, “ I tell him. “If you think it’s best to go our separate ways, fine, but do you know what I don’t regret Klaus? Meeting you. I don’t regret meeting you because even with all the vicious and cruel things you do, deep down under all that darkness is light. Light and kindness of which I have never seen.” I try to compose my shaky breath and watery eyes from falling down my cheeks. “Meeting you opened a whole new world for me that I never knew even existed.” I take a deep breath. “So, if you think this is for the best then so be it. Just know it was great to have a friend like you to lean on.” 

We held each other's eyes knowing it would be the last. A small tear ran down my cheek as I slowly began to turn away when all of a sudden in a quick moment, soft lips touched my own while warm sticky hands cupped my cheeks. All at once my brain reacted to fight or flight mode. I broke away from his kiss and slapped him. Breathless, I touched my finger to my lips. The strange metallic taste mixed with something else lingered in my mouth. That was the first time I had tasted human blood. 

[kittyball23]

Could you make a fanfiction of how Spruce's brothers would have reacted when they learned that his married and has 13 children, and that they were uncles, please? Also how would his brothers react when they meet his wife and kids, for the first time? How would they feel that they were uncles and have a sister-in-law they never met, were they happy for their brother, Spruce?

I sure can, here it is :D (I incorporated some parts from my previous oneshots "Meeting Spruce" and "Nieces and Nephews")

Meeting Bruce (a Trolls fanfic)

“Maybe we’re in the wrong place?” John Dory suggested. He was awkwardly trying to make his way across the sandy dunes on the beach, but kept sinking with each step he took.

“He’s gotta be here,” Branch insisted. “Where else would you find Spruce?” He remembered how much Spruce talked of wanting to move to an island one day back when they were kids. And this place - Vacay Island, where “everyday is a vacay” -  fit the bill perfectly. But, he could see where JD was coming from. So far, there didn’t seem to be any Troll inhabitants. It was just very large, somewhat strange-looking creatures that they had never seen before, tall and puppet-like in their appearance.

Poppy in the meantime trotted along behind them, happily sipping on a concoction that was given to her by one of the islanders. This place was hip, even if Spruce may not be here.

But he has to be… doesn’t he?

Without thinking, she cast her eyes over to the beach where crashing waves resounded. It was stunning the way that the setting sun reflected off the water. But it was also something else that caught her eye in that instant. Her jaw fell open a little and her eyes widened, and Poppy had to stop right in her tracks.

“Um… guys?” she asked Branch and John Dory, who also paused and were looking in the direction she was. They too were surprised at what they saw.

Gliding easily through the waves upon a surfboard was a purple-haired Troll, his locks flowing in the wind as he rode like a pro, silhouetted stunningly against the sunset’s light.

Poppy did all she could not to drool. She distracted herself pulling out one of the old BroZone magazines that she’d stashed in her hair. It was of an advertisement to enter a contest to date Spruce. She held it up, and compared it to the Troll on the surfboard. She got the same tingly feeling from the picture as she did from the Troll, and gave a breathless little laugh.

“Oh yeah, I totally see it,” Poppy nodded.

Branch and John Dory hurried over to meet him as he washed ashore gracefully, shaking himself off of any excess water droplets that clung onto his blue skin.

“Yo, Spruce! Is that you?” JD said.

The purple-haired Troll blinked in surprise and gave his head a little shake. “Brandi was right,” he mumbled to himself, “I really am taking too many shots at a time.” Now he was imagining that his brother was in front of him!

But it wasn’t a dream.

“No, dude, it’s me, John Dory! Come on, you remember me, don’tcha?”

Spruce blinked at him, an unreadable expression on his face. But then he broke out into a grin. “Of course I remember you!” he shouted and then threw his arms out at him for a hug. JD hugged back, both of them exclaiming and laughing together as though they were still the two teenage boys they’d been back then.

“My gosh, bro, it’s great to see you again!” Spruce said.

“It’s great to see you, too!” John Dory said. “You don’t know how much I’ve gotta tell you, Spruce, I - “

“Ah, ah, wait a sec,” Spruce interrupted him. “Please, don’t call me that.” He put a hand over his heart and properly introduced himself. “My name is Bruce.”

“Aw, man!” Tiny Diamond angrily kicked the sand. “You’re telling me we traveled all this way and we got the wrong dude?” What a waste of time!

“No, Tiny, this is the right guy,” Branch said, walking up to his brothers.

Spruce - or Bruce, as he wanted to be called - paused. “Baby Branch?” he gasped, astonished. “Look at you! You’re all grown up!”

“Yeah, I know,” Branch said, crossing his arms.

“I can’t believe this!” Bruce exclaimed. “Who else is here?” He peeked around them, wondering if he would maybe see Clay or Floyd, but intrigued when he found a pink Troll instead. “Who’s this?” he asked.

Poppy noticed he was talking about her and she blushed, shyly coming up to him. “Hi, Spruce! Er, oh I mean, um, Bruce. I um, I…” She squealed and hugged him, unable to contain herself. “My name’s Poppy. I’m Branch’s girlfriend, and I’m SO excited to meet you!” She let go of him and hopped up and down on the sand.

“Baby bro’s got a girl? Cool! Well, it’s nice to meet you, too,” Bruce said politely.

Poppy held back another squeal and gestured her arms out. “This is such a beautiful place to live!”

Bruce nodded. “It sure is,” he agreed. “Sunset 24/7, awesome beverage service…” He pulled out a couple of readily made drinks out of his hair, offering one to Poppy and another to his brothers. John Dory took it, happily sipping the pineapple-flavored concoction, but Branch declined.

“... Oh, yeah,” Bruce added, “and not to mention the kids absolutely love the beach.”

Branch cocked his head curiously. “Kids?”

“Oh, uh-huh,” Bruce said. “Got me a whole brood, as a matter of fact.”

“Aww!” Poppy cooed. “How many?”

“Thirteen little angels!”

“SPPPFFFTTT!” John Dory spat out his drink and coughed. “Th-thirteen?” he managed to ask.

“Yes, that’s what I said.”

Tiny Diamond shook his head. “Yo, that man got to work!” he mumbled at Branch, who was also looking rather surprised.

“Wow!” Poppy exclaimed. “I didn’t know there were other Trolls on this island.”

Bruce chuckled at that. “Who said anything about Trolls?” he asked.

“Whaa?” Branch was confused by what he meant, but followed his brother as Bruce waved the group over to follow him. They entered the large sandcastle that was in the middle of the island, and found a cantina within. A lazy river snaked its way throughout the lounge, and a seashell stage was at one the far end. There were several creatures lined up at the bar area, awaiting their orders. Bruce greeted everyone and strolled right up to the creature behind the counter.

“Hey, baby!” he greeted a yellow-and-orange striped creature.

She batted her lashes at him. “Brucie!” she cooed, leaning down so that she and Bruce could share a kiss.

“You’re not gonna believe who I ran into…” He extended his hand out to the Trolls, and she gained a look of shock.

“Oh!”

Bruce addressed his brothers, Tiny, and Poppy. “Guys, I want you to meet the lovely lady of my life, Brandi!” He then turned to his wife. “Brandi, meet my brothers and their friends.”

The Trolls and wife exchanged polite hellos, though both sides were quite stunned at the revelations - the Trolls at the realization that Spruce had actually hooked up with one of the puppet-like creatures on the island (not that there was anything wrong with it, of course - they were delighted that Spruce had a great big loving family!), and Brandi at the prospect of seeing other Trolls - two of which were her husband’s brothers.

“Bruce, why didn’t you tell me you have brothers?” Brandi asked suspiciously.

Bruce got a sheepish look. “I uh, I sort of told you I did,” he said, shuffling a foot on the ground.

“You said you had friends when you lived back in the Troll Village, you said nothing about brothers.”

“Wait, wait… Mommy, did Daddy just say he has brothers?!”

The new voice that piped up was kiddy in its nature, and the Trolls all regarded the newcomer with curiosity. Having been reaching into the shelf behind Brandi to grab a fresh box of cookies, this creature was also very puppet-like in appearance, though unlike the other islanders she was smaller and had Troll-like ears protruding from the side of her head. A tall stack of hair stood upon her head, styled with bangs that looked very similar to Spruce’s. That’s when the realization hit the Trolls, even before Brandi’s next words came out of her mouth.

“Yes, Brenda, that’s exactly what your father said.”

“Wow!” the child replied, the box of cookies forgotten and a new mission set on her mind. She turned to face where she came from, cupping her hands around her mouth and calling out. “Guys! Get over here quick! Daddy has brothers!”

In response, about a dozen similar-looking children frolicked into the space, all eager and wide-eyed and chatty.

Poppy giggled at how energetic the bunch was, while John Dory and Branch in particular were being poked and prodded by the kids’ felt-like hands. The brothers exchanged an astonished look. These were their nieces and nephews? One thing was for sure - becoming uncles to 13 kids sure didn’t happen everyday!

Bruce and Brandi watched with amusement as the kids had their rounds with each Troll.

Branch felt a tug at his leaf vest and heard a voice right behind him afterwards.

“Hey! Hey, Mister!”

“Uh… yeah?” he responded awkwardly.

“What’s your name?” the kid asked, blinking her wide blue eyes at him.

“Branch.”

“Branch?” she repeated, testing the word out on her tongue, and then looking back at him. “Huh. Does it mean anything?”

“It’s something you find in trees,” he said with a shrug.

The Trolling cocked her head at him. “Huh? Whaddya mean?”

“Well…” Branch began, “It’s, um, you know… that part of the tree that kinda sticks out and has leaves on it?”

“Ohhh,” the kid said, nodding her head. “You’re talking about a frond! Like those!” She pointed up to the very top of some nearby palm trees that decorated the interior of the cantina.

“Err, well, not exactly - “ Branch started to correct, but was cut off when the kid interrupted him with “Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Frond!”

Branch, however,  was not the only one being questioned. Poppy in the meantime was occupied with a kid of her own.

“Is that guy your baby?” the kid asked, pointing at Tiny Diamond.

Poppy giggled. “No, he’s not.”

“Ohh… I guess that makes sense,” the kid concluded. “He doesn’t really look like you… or your husband!”

Poppy was taken aback by this. “My husband?” she asked.

“Uh-huh. That guy, right over there! He is your husband, right?” Poppy followed the direction his finger was pointing, and blushed heavily when she saw that it was at Branch.

“Oh! UH… n-no!” she squeaked, and then cleared her throat. “He’s, uh, just my boyfriend!”

The kid looked confused for a second, and then shrugged. “Huh. Could’ve fooled me. My Daddy looks at my Mommy the same way that guy looks at you. And usually it’s right before they kiss!” He scrunched his nose and made a face. “YUCK!”

“Heh heh, yeah… yuck…” Poppy tittered in agreement, but not thinking it would be so horrible if Branch’s lips ever made their way onto hers.

As Poppy did her best to recover from that child’s suggestions, Tiny Diamond was handling his own pair of kiddos.

“How old are you?” one of the two kids asked him.

“One month,” Tiny proudly declared, crossing his arms.

“Really?” the other kid said. “Wait, so doesn’t that mean you’re a baby?”

Tiny was appalled to hear this. “A baby? I’m not no baby, I’m a man!”

“Hmmm,” the first kid hummed in thought. “His voice is pretty deep. Maybe he’s right! But then, why are you so small?”

“And why are you naked?” the second kid piped up.

“I have clothes on,” Tiny insisted, holding up his yellow-tinted glasses at them. “See?”

“Cool!” the first kid said, swiping them from his hands and running off with the second kid giggling after him.

Tiny gasped. “HEY! Those are mine, come back!” he yelled, running after them.

Yet another kid was having his share of time with John Dory. This kid whispered at Bruce in confusion, loud enough for JD to hear.

“Daddy, who’s the funny-looking guy?” he asked.

JD huffed. He could take Tiny calling him a random dude, but this was pushing it! “Funny-looking? What exactly makes you say that?” he asked, crossing his arms.

The kid giggled. “Who wears a snowcoat in the summer?”

Oof, got me there, John Dory realized, suddenly all too aware of how warm his jacket was making him feel with the intense humidity that Vacay Island had.

“Junior,” Bruce said warningly to the child, “That’s not the way we talk.”

John Dory smiled in relief for the reprimanding, at least until Bruce said, “It’s ‘who’s the funny-looking Troll,’” to which that smile promptly disappeared.

Bruce smirked, and then said, “And your sister was right, he’s my brother. Your uncle.”

“Wow, really?” Junior said. “But Daddy, where’s he been all this time? And why is he here now?”

“Good question,” Bruce replied, realizing that he hadn’t exactly gotten an explanation for why he’d come. “John Dory, why are you guys here?” he asked.

John Dory seemed to remember exactly why he and Branch had come seeking him in this tropical getaway in the first place and grimaced a little. “Oof, yeah, about that. See, Bruce, something’s kinda happened to our brother, Floyd…”

[soleilceirinen]

MITO (DPR Ian x Reader) - Part 1

Summary: Ian crossed the threshold that separated our world from the other side and let the blueberry monster in. You are the only person he trusts to help him stop it. What you don't know is that in addition to the monster, he brought Mito with him.

Warnings: suicide attempt and a bit of violence (against the monster mostly).

Note: this story is inspired by the DPR Ian album Moodswings In This Order. This sets in al alternative universe. English is not my first language so sorry for any mistake!

MASTERLIST - PEAKY BLINDERS MASTERLIST

Forests are scary.

Unlike a desert, where nothing surrounds you, when entering a forest you’ll find yourself encircled by a web of branches and leaves creating a barrier between where you are and the rest of the world. As you move on and get into the deep end, it seems that you are crossing the threshold which takes you to another place. The branches are moved by the gentle breeze and from time to time, they let the faint rays of sun pass through. 

Ian entered the forest located on the outskirts of Tower Mills in the middle of the night and immediately he found himself covered by the most absolute darkness. That night there was a full moon but its light barely filtered through the thick foliage of the trees. Not that he cared, he had gone there to be alone, with the intention of ending his life. 

He walked for a few minutes although hours could have passed. Everything seemed the same, the same trees, the same stones and the same grooves on the ground. So he decided to stop, he gripped the gun in his hand until his knuckles turned white. Did he really want to do it? He thought of y/n, who might be sleeping in her small apartment. At the thought of her he felt his eyes filling up with tears, she was the only good thing in his life. Yes, it was the only solution, although maybe…

He wasn’t alone in the forest.

Ian blinked rapidly in order to clear his vision, the tears making everything look as if it were being seen through a layer of water. He heard something creaking somewhere at his right, or had it been at his left? It was impossible to assure it and be completely certain.

He remained utterly still, in silence, trying to hear it again but all he could hear was his own heart beating loudly in his ears. Perhaps it was nothing, some nocturnal animal. After all, he was in the middle of a forest and everybody knows that woods are alive. 

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It was not his intention to leave this world so agitated. Ian knelt down by some ferns and put the gun in his mouth but just before pulling the trigger he heard it again. 

This time it sounded closer, almost as if whatever that caused the sound were getting slowly closer until stopping behind him. Definitely, he wasn’t alone. Ian could feel the gaze of someone or something fixed on him. The warm breeze ruffled his hair, bristling the soft hairs at the nape of his neck. It was too hot, almost like the breath of something alive. He opened his eyes but couldn’t see anything, he could barely see the tree trunks surrounding him.

Slowly, he took the gun out of his mouth and without loosening the strength with which he held it, turned around and pointed the weapon. 

What he saw left him paralyzed, it was the worst than anything that came out of his worst nightmares. Ian felt the urge to throw up, his mouth filled with bile and without thinking twice he pulled the trigger repeatedly. That seemed to do little damage to the creature, who got even closer, this time letting itself be seen completely. 

Despite the darkness, Ian distinguished a dark figure, too tall to be a human, with long arms which ended in sharp claws. The way it moved didn’t look human either, as if the scene were being seen through a sequence of photograms. 

The creature reached out with one of its arms and grabbed Ian by the shoulder, digging its clawed fingers into his flesh. The sudden pain made him react, he felt a thick darkness taking over him, and all of a sudden he wasn’t capable of controlling his own body. Ian saw how his own arm grabbed the creature along with a strong smell of sulfur and how the creature moved back. It seemed as if Ian had hurt it with his touch. But he was no longer Ian. 

His new self fought against that strange being with a strength never experienced before, as if something were leading him to do it. Without knowing it, that night Ian crossed a threshold, he entered another place from where he returned changed. He could feel the change deep inside his bones, how the darkness had taken over his body and never left, as well as the terrifying creatures that lived in the woods of Tower Mills.

[echosong-87]

If Floyd made plans to set up a living space far enough away from Bergen Town where Branch would've grown up, and came back to the Troll Tree as promised only to find it empty, how would Moonlit Prince Branch react if told that?

On top of that, how would he react if Floyd shows Moonlit Prince Branch his baby blanket and Croco as proof that Floyd did come back?

It would take a lot to coax Branch into letting Floyd show him where Floyd had set up to go back and get him from the tree… let me explain! And give you a big ol run down!… XD i got my coffee and everything so i am locked and loaded with a rambling today!! XD

Well when reaching to Branch, similar to what JD had done and seen, Floyd was in awe at the kingdom that the brothers and him resides in… Now a cripple for the time being, he limped, with crutches, his way carefully towards the castle… He wasn’t alone, Floyd had Bruce, JD, and Clay with him… as well as three angry trolls behind all of them: Barb, Viva, and Poppy.

The girls all told the brothers what Branch did as well as Trollzart… and many others… they even gave a tour around the classical kingdom… and like JD and Clay… both Bruce and Floyd never knew there were a troll sub species that had wings…. Let alone their very youngest brother.

So for Floyd… having all that information in tow… was both heavy to process… and very much of a guilty feeling of learning that the very sibling you promised to return to, wants absolutely nothing to do with you… that would raise some more questions and Floyd would ask the girls and his brothers as to what Branch had meant by, and Barb the toughie that she is would roughly punch Clay’s bicep to get him to explain… which yes he did told Floyd why.

So when reaching to Branch who was again sitting at his throne, going back to his royal duties and other means of his day to day task, did not fail to not see Floyd, his other brothers being led by the former classical king and the three girls…. So Branch would want an explanation as to why his now able bodied brother and the others are here again….

Floyd being more emotionally aware and more observant than his other brothers knew exactly not to anger Branch… Floyd knew that Branch was raised by a king… was brought up as a prince and was now a mighty leader… he could not be all buddy, buddy with Branch like Clay, JD, or Bruce had done or tried to.

Branch was very intimidating… and was still hot tempered with him… very rightfully so… but he is fair…. Floyd then, would ask Branch what had happened during the Rhonda fight, and wanted to hear from Branch himself everything that had happened…. And yes Floyd would ask him “why would you think, that I had forgotten you?”

This sends Branch into an uproar, claiming that he no longer “Branch” or “Baby Branch” or “Bitty B” or anything with that nonsense… he would growl telling Floyd and reminding their elder brothers that he is no longer that sweet youngest they have forgotten all those years ago and will not be recognizing them by being called that name and would somewhat rudely sneer at Bruce to punch it at home cause the guy changed his name fro Spruce to Bruce… he is known as Lunar and wishes to be addressed as such.

Branch would still be sneering cause he’s seething and it is showing.. which was a first cause Branch never acts on emotion let alone shows it…. So this was a first for everyone present at the time… it was very uncharacteristic of him…

Like him telling or taunting Floyd by saying “go ahead and show me what other excuse you have for me!!…”

Floyd: “this is not an excuse Bran-Lunar!”

Lunar *scoffing* : “it’s nothing new… nothing more of a lie you all enjoy telling me!!…”

Floyd : “Well then, let me show you as to why I am not lying to you!”

Lunar *bristling* : “you are lying!!… I want you all gone… why are you still here?”

Floyd : “because I still have a right to show proof as to why I am not lying!! I can show you where that is, if you trust me please?”

Lunar: “i know that it’ll be a lie!!.. I want nothing from you!! I have flown to that blasted tree every night!!… seeing where you all could’ve gone!! And NOTHING!!”

Floyd: “then maybe could you try this one last time? I want to show you. C’mon Lunar… let me show you.”

Lunar *glares at Floyd* : “and why should I believe you? Why should I trust you? Why now?”

Trollzart *floating beside Floyd* : “because you have a right to know… regardless if you see it as a lie or truth… that only depends on if you wish to see on what he want you to know and learn.”

Lunar : “and tell me why should I try again in trusting this liar father?”

Trollzart : “my son.. haven’t I taught you to never used your emotions to dictate your actions and decisions? I understand that you are rightfully angered by your own blood…. Yet as king you must be just and allow them to explain… we all have fallen short at things in life… why judge your siblings for walking imperfectly when you also have done something similar?”

Lunar *sighs and sat down* : “that maybe true father. Yet. What if it’s another lie?… i was made to be forgotten… why now… why now I am suddenly remembered?”

Trollzart : “there is a saying my son… you may make a promise to stay together forever with the very faces that gave you joy and such… yet time itself has a way of changing… time changes with things beyond out own control… therefore you never must be bitter at these things… for one thing falls another grows… similar to a chapter… they may not be needed at the time when you are within that journey of becoming something more…”

Lunar: “yet why bring back those whom you lost within the chapter that has been closed?”

Trollzart: “another saying goes my dear… you will be built back stronger in the eyes of those whom have harmed you… and it shows ten folds… for look at you now… you had many trials and you have came out victoriously… why now be cold?”

Lunar : “…….”

Trollzart : “what your past with these brothers of yours may not be so great… yet it is what you do now makes it worth while…. Now my son I want you to see what your kin is wishing for you to see..”

__________________________

And of course Branch after being convinced to carry Floyd to fly off to find the place where Floyd made for the both of them… again this whole seeing baby branch with wings and being carried by him was something new and a little hard to get used to.

Poor Floyd wasn’t used to being flown about but admittedly was amazed at how swift and fast Branch flew… he then went out his way and showed branch the place where Floyd had indeed kept on his promise and showed branch the old stuff of when branch was still little…. Of course branch was hostile still and wasn’t too keen on letting it sink in… but Floyd did wobbled himself out and let branch take on in the information… and gave him the space needed to cope.

From then onwards… their bond as brothers is still rocky as heck… and Branch still don’t trust his brothers… but was calm enough to apologize his behavior towards them and took back his disownment from his brothers… but would heavily caution them to not embrace him for he is still crossed with them…. And yeah!!

And of course Branch did gave the land Sinfoni to his brothers as intended.. but the only ones to stay were JD and Floyd… cause Vlay was with Viva in pop village and Bruce had his vacation home.

Also i am so sorry for a butt load of rambling!! You just gave me the idea and my mind would not shut up!! XD

Thank you!!

[bobbydagen24]

another Harsh truth the fandom is Hypocritical when it comes to Creeks Return in TBGO since all the things they complained about also applies to Bro zone in TBT.

for starters everything the fans complained about with Creeks return in TBGO is very much an issue in TBT such as

lack of remorse. yep the bros spend the whole film showing no guilt they only show a nano second of remorse after their victim finally stands up to them and leaves and that's it for the film and they never actually acknowledge any wrongdoing at all.

lack of consequences. big yep despite repeating their crappy behaviours and arguably behaving even worse they get taken back in the end unconditionally after Treating Branch terribly for no Real Justifiable Reason.

lack of doing anything to earn another chance. also big yep the Bros get captured and are literally forced to let Branch lead to save their own lives as well as Floyd's and afterwards their second chance is seen as earned for some reason? Despite this being a self serving action.

at the very least Creek was made to apologise Bro zone couldn't even be bothered to do that the simple truth is fans just like characters for surface level qualities

such as their outwardly goofy personalities so your more keen to make excuses for them actually being very bad toxic people really but Creek is more outwardly unlikable

so your all not as keen to see him as a flawed human and are eager to write him off even tho everything that you claim to find wrong about Creek's return also applies to Bro zone when you think about.

look I will admit that while I've always Defended the writing choice to bring Creek back in TBGO and have him Re-join the village I will admit it was written very badly.

it was way too Rushed and kinda ruined what could have been an interesting story arc for Branch and Poppy and Creek himself if they'd actually made him a touch more sympathetic

and Regretful over his actions while having the others be forced to acknowledge that he was placed in a pretty Horrifying situation and reacted in a bad but Human way.

​

Rather than sticking with a Highschool Jerk persona which just made the fandom Blindly Hate him even more

but the only posotive thing I will say about Creeks return is that unlike Bro zone Creek never wasted his second chance in the tv show sure he never seemed all that remorseful

​

but he also never betrayed the characters Trust again Creek was given a second chance and he didn't take it for Granted

unlike Branch's Brothers who slipped back into old Habits very quickly and behaved even worse than when they were younger by being verbally cruel to him unprovoked.

and yet were still given a third chance at the very end despite showing next to no remorse and no acknowledgment of their behaviour and actions towards Branch and each other.

so there isn't really anything that makes Bro zone more redeemable than Creek the only difference is the movie gives them two second chances with no strings attached

while the first movie Removes any such choice for Creek after his first betrayal even tho it was under extreme duress and literal torture.

this is something that Really doesn't make sense to me and Hence why I say this fandom cares more about surface level likability for its characters Rather than them being actual Good people

( Barb is the most extreme example tbh )

the majority of the fandom seems to view Repeated crappy behaviour for no Real Reason other than Bruce and JD didn't Grow up in over 2 Decades.

and Jump to the extremes of lifelong abandonment and emotionally abusive Behaviour when their slightly annoyed as acceptable and Human.

and worth forgiving even with no Real acknowledgment of wrongdoing or efforts to make amends.

while someone giving in to fear after being nearly eaten alive and tortured on your own by creatures 20 times your size is seen as irredeemable by the larger fandom.

and him being accepted back after this is seen as the worst thing ever because he showed next to no Remorse but did acknowledge wrongdoing and apologised to the people he wronged unlike Bro zone.

and Poppy herself literally tells Branch and by extension the audience that yes Creek has flaws

( that being giving in to fear under extremely stressful circumstances) but they are forgivable Human flaws and can be Helped.

it wasn't written Great and it was Hella Rushed but this is actually a mature message so its Hilarious how the majority of the fandom flipped their shit and whined like Babies at this episode 😂😂😂😂

yet when this message was taken and applied to bad people who this message doesn't actually apply to given their motives and Repeated crappy behaviours

suddenly the fandom thinks this kinda message is mature and posotive even tho its literally just encouraging kids to stay in abusive relationships.

I Guess that was Creek's fatal flaw Rather than being a Hostage who turned traitor in a moment of panic to save his own life

he should have abandoned his family twice and verbally abused them because he's slightly annoyed when he's expected to put effort in to the relationship then the fandom would love him 😕😕

it Really is no Different to the extreme Blind fans who love characters like Walter White and Dexter Morgan and Joe Goldberg and Tony Soprano

not because you like a complex bad guy character but because you think they're actually Great people and think them being likable and charismatic means everything they do is excusable.

but write off other characters who do similar actions but don't happen to have those surface level likable persona's.

in short your in love with characters who you invented in your heads not the ones the film actually showcased sooo yeah I'll end this by saying to you the same thing I said to Fifty Shades of Grey fans in the past

you wanna enjoy a fictional work by all means do that but trying to claim its a Healthy way to look at Relationships and forgiveness in real life is when you've crossed a line and need to be stopped.

because you may end up actually doing Harm to yourselves or to other people.

anyway cheers for Reading have a nice Day

[strawheart-pirate]

Fir

Dracule Mihawk x gn!Reader

December 19th 2023 Words: 791 CW: SFW / Fluff / non/pre relationship

As you trained in the middle of the forest on Kuraigana, the falling snow reminded you that Christmas was coming. Luckily, your weapon of choice was an axe, and you were determined to get a tree for Christmas.

You have been stranded on the island of Kuraigana for four months. An accident forced you to seek refuge on this godforsaken island. At first your days were hard, the wild monkeys were a tough challenge for you, but with time you managed to defeat them. After that, your path was clear and you explored the island and found an abandoned mansion. Well, mostly abandoned if it weren't for the Shichibukai Dracule Mihawk. When you knocked on his door and he saw that the monkeys respected you, he tolerated you in the mansion, and the two of you have managed to live quite well together ever since.

Today you were in the forest, swinging your axe to get stronger as the first snow fell. Living far away from any civilization has its price, as you can easily forget time. Your eyes sparkled at the sight of the snow as you happily made your way back to the mansion. You look at the calendar in the kitchen and see that Christmas is five days away. Five days?! Better get a tree, at least to pretend there's still a world out there and to have something familiar next to your axe.

You set out to find the most beautiful Christmas tree you could find. The tree had to be perfect, not too wide, not too tall, and definitely not inhabited. You found one near the river that fulfilled all your wishes, and you didn't hesitate to cut it down. You brought it home and placed it in the living room, a safe distance from the fireplace. With your hands on your hips, you looked at it with satisfaction and pride. Now all you had to do was find some decorations or improvise.

Mihawk came out of his office and looked at the tree as if it were an anomaly.

"What?" you asked as you felt his presence. Anger rose in you as you saw his disapproving look. Was he really trying to ruin this moment for you?

 "Where did you get this?" He asked coldly.

"Down by the river. There were quite a few." You explained, not knowing why it was such a big deal.

He groaned and you wondered what you had done wrong. Mihawk went over, chopped up the fir tree with a random sword, and fed the remains of the tree to the flames of the fireplace. A few seconds later, the tree was gone.

"What are you doing?" You yelled, he was done with the tree before you could even react.

"It's infected. The fir trees down by the river have some kind of fungus. It's poisonous, by the way. You should disinfect yourself and take a shower." Mihawk explained in a calm and monotonous voice, cleaning the sword before burning the used rag as well.

"What, you could have told me that!" You groaned and stormed off before he could say anything, so he just sighed and walked out.

Your bad mood was noticeable even without Haki, so you took your time in the shower to disinfect yourself and calm your nerves. So much for a Christmas Tree. Maybe there were still fir trees somewhere on this island that you could use. You would probably go out tomorrow and start your search all over again. But your energy was spent for today. As soon as you got dressed, your stomach announced that you were hungry. You were about to go into the kitchen to get something to eat when you noticed something.

You slowly approached the living room, but stopped at the door when you saw Mihawk decorating a small oak tree with long branches. He had placed it in the same spot you had chosen. The lights were already neatly wrapped around the branches, and he was now hanging paper stars of different colors and sizes in the tree. A small smile crept across your face and you slowly retreated to the kitchen, pretending you hadn't seen anything. It was your turn to cook dinner and you would make sure it was a good one.

An hour later, you called him in for dinner, and the two of you sat down at the long dining table. You served each of you a generous portion of the soup you had cooked before you began to eat in comfortable silence.

"I hope an oak tree will do." Mihawk spoke after a while.

You looked at him with big eyes. For a moment you were tempted to pretend that you hadn't seen it. But it was Dracule Mihawk we were talking about, of course he would have sensed your presence earlier, and you knew it was pointless to deny it.

"It looks wonderful. Thank you," you answered quietly and smiled.

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[tgr-2x5-roleswap-au]

You've Got Mail - Chapter 1

Chapter 1 - Pen Pals (April 1964)

Goodbye Fat Controller - Season 19 Episode 25

Word Count: 933

:D

~

He wrote back.

James didn't think Emily's idea would work. Sure, it had worked fine for her but that was her sister. It was someone she knew. Edward was, in the end, a foreign stranger. Yet—

"He actually wrote back!" James exclaimed, seeing the closed envelope Fred, his driver, waved in front of him with a smile. "What did he say? Can you read it, please? Please?"

James' driver chuckled at the ecstatic engine as he looked around. The engine and his crew were in a siding, with a brake van and guard in hand, awaiting clearance. There was a disturbance up the branch line. "I don't see why not, chap. We have plenty of time."

"Open it, then!"

"Calm down!" he scolded. "Not that long ago, you were brooding about."

With a snort, James retorted, "No, I wasn't!"

"We nearly missed the boat."

James huffed, letting his cheeks burn. "Ok, maybe a little."

Satisfied, the elderly raven head pulled out his pocket knife and cut the envelope open from its side. He grabbed it from the opposite end and tapped it against the palm of his hand, getting the letter out. It took a bit but it eventually slipped out and into his hands. The Englishman was about to unfold it, only to see another letter slip out. With a quick reflex, he was able to catch it before it fell onto the tracks and under James. Unlike the first one, there was writing on the outside.

Curious, Fred cleared his throat. "From Quinn Burns, a volunteer of the Furness Railway Trust," his driver read aloud, just as George, James’ fireman, quietly approached them. "I'll read this one first."

"But-!" James began.

"It could be context for what Edward has to say," interrupted his driver. "Might as well know who wrote it for him."

James hummed impatiently, receiving an eye roll from his fireman.

The driver quickly tucked the first letter and the envelope into his pockets. He opened the second letter, pinched the opposite corners between his fingers, as if it were a scroll, cleared his throat, just to get a kick out of James, and read what was written with ink on the thin sheet of paper…

.

.

.

"Greetings to James' crew! 

When the Furness Railway Trust received your engine's letter, we were quite surprised, especially with whom it was addressed. While we were aware of the mishap that led to FR 21 being on the North Western Railway by accident, we were unaware that he had made a friend. And for that, we are very grateful for!

For one, Edward didn’t have, shall we say, stable relationships in the past. When Old Coppernob was around for the Great Railway Show, Edward didn't get along with him. He ignored him the moment they met, so he's been a loner since. Considering what little he's told me about his "prime" days, I can see why.

And two, I don't think I and the rest of my colleagues have ever seen him this happy before, compared to how he reacted when we told him he'd partake in the Great Railway Show once again. Edward told me everything that happened while he was in the NWR. He was initially apprehensive about James but with the little time he spent on the island, he enjoyed his company. We're glad that he's made a friend.

Sincerely,

Quinn Burns"

.

.

.

Fred chuckled at seeing James’ face scrunch up, curious by one piece of information, joined by George.

“‘Once again’?” repeated James. “He's been to the show before?”

“Sure seems like it, old chap,” replied his driver, folding the letter back up and tucking it back into the envelope. He proceeded to do the same to the other with no writing on the outside. “Let's see what your friend's got to say,” he continued as he opened the letter, the paper audibly wrinkling.

.

.

.

“Hello there!

In all my years, I didn't expect a letter. Much less from another engine, so I would like to thank you for that, James.

I would love to be ‘pen pals.’ And I have managed to find a way, as you can tell. Mr. Burns is a very nice man. I talk to him the most and he was there when the letter came in.

How have things been? I know not much time has passed but still. We might as well start somewhere, should we not?

By the time this letter reaches you, I’ll be at the British Transport Museum. I'll be there until May. Then I'll go back to Derby for a short while. Until then, I won’t be able to answer. I’m truly sorry. I will try to respond as soon as I get back.

Sincerely,

FR 21 Edward

.

.

.

James huffed out steam in a heavy sigh. Of course, something was going on, he thought.

His "Day 1” crew picked up on the disgruntled engine. “Cheer up, old boy,” whispered his fireman, ignoring James’ “I'm not old!” “At least we know when he's going back.”

Knowing Mr. Turner was right, James snorted, eliciting a chuckle from his elderly crew. While this behavior bothered others immensely, this was the norm for the trio. No other crew knew how to handle this particular iron horse.

“We can write back later,” noted Mr. Quill as he heard a nearby shrill. He looked at the source of the sound to see their guard waving his flag. “The line's cleared.”

Satisfied with the suggestion, James agreed. Once his crew settled in, Mr. Quill opened James’ regulator with practiced ease, beginning their journey to the next job.

~

Alternatively: James and his "should've retired by now Day 1" crew.

They have tried recruiting a new crew for years by this point (Fred + George have been working with James since their late 20s) but previous candidates just couldn't get along with James, and the NWR wasn't about to risk an accident from happening because of that. The NWR will take accidents caused by the engines over the ones caused by the crews ANY DAY.

Notes:

The way Edward speaks in his letters versus his actual dialogue will be different (but progressively will be the same) since someone is writing for him, as well as guiding him with what he is trying to say.

Correcting myself with this one because I didn't say what I meant to say: Edward DOES know how to speak but the reason why he's speech is broken is due to the sudden change in his life. He did not have to deal with socializing for 4 decades (1923 - 1963), losing that practice. Now that he does interact with others, its become overwhelming. Times have changed, and so has the world around him. He has a lot to adapt to, such as social standards.