#he would rather perish than admit he has the horn

[spxnglr]

Tbh the more I think about it the more I suspect Egon wouldn't even have the courage to ask for anything spicy from ur muse, he'd just sit there and hope that they end up developing telepathic powers so they could just read his mind instead.

[firehananas]

Just random thoughts/theories on Deltarune (spoilers)

Kris x Ralsei x the player OT3 /j

We all know Ralsei seems to know he is in a video game (mentioning the script, suggesting “Kris” to save or provoking cinematic to talk to Kris without the player around, among other things). We also know he is fond of Kris, which they don’t reciprocate. This lead to awkward situation where they can flirt with Ralsei while they don’t want to. And Ralsei responds positively (being flustered and blushing) nevertheless the flat/confused tone Kris might used when they disagreed with the choice the player made. To prove they don’t have a high affinity with Ralsei, check the healing teas or even the carnival’s choice.

So… what if the crush/attraction/whatever is going on the head of fluffy boi goat isn’t addressed for Kris BUT FOR THE PLAYER THEMSELF. Heck, he didn’t seem at all bothered to the idea his own town is named after the player rather than him, the prince, the fun gang or even Lancer (another friendly local nobility). And no one, excepted the possible “two entities” (depending your point of view), in the intro might know our name. It’s never referenced again, excepted when saving. That’s very weird.

But I also have to admit we don’t know why would Ralsei be infatuated with the player. Is it for similar reasons that Monika in DDLC? Freedom is a big theme in Deltarune after all... But even myself don't buy it. There must be something else. Nonetheless he eagerly wants to be liked by the player (and Kris by proxy).

Else: Ralsei is an old self insert of Kris

Then it would explain the awkwardness when they are together, the strange alikeness between him and Asriel to the point of sharing an anagram name, and the reddish horns (remember the plastic horns Toriel bought for Kris). 

Here, Ralsei wants Kris’s love but more in a worshiper/divinity way? Since he would had been created for Kris’s happiness... and Darkner had been explicitly existing thanks to the Lightners wishes.

It doesn’t necessarily contraindicated or jossed the first theory (he could be pursuing both the player and Kris) but it seems unlikely to be both. 

The Legend: The player is the Angel to banish and Lancer is the prince

Similar to OFF or Oneshot, the player is an entity coming from another world, guiding their “chosen one” with a compelling “voice” for the better... or the worst. The player is the being the more fitting to be the “Angel” (for now) as they also represents a threat to the world(s), or at the very least, Kris.

I’m surprise everyone seems to think the Angel is Noelle: she is an angel, but definitely not an Elderich entity... more like a martyr at worst. Poor sweetie :c

I also really like the idea the real prince of Darkness isn’t Ralsei but Lancer. However, I admit I thought of it just because it could be a nice subversion. I have no actual proof to pursue this theory, save from “Ralsei is suspicious and Lancer a nice peachboy who got a bit too much spotlight to be insignificant.” But it’s nothing concreted. Who knows what Toby has in mind?

Either way, when the ‘Angel’ will be banish, it’ll be the end of the Dark World — and obviously the game itself.

Kris is a well taught teen (or awkward with tities)

On a lighter note, the reason why Kris seem so delight to respond “perish” to Queen might not be because they’re suicidal but just because they didn’t want to answer “bosom”. Heck, if Toriel ever heard about this, they’ll be banish to their bedroom until the end of time. (Thought with the other answer, she mights force them to therapy. Wouldn’t be necessarily a bad thing tho /hj)

Or they’re just being embarrassed by saying it aloud and then it would be pretty funny lmao. They’re okay eating random moss, licking pages and even flirting with anything - but saying “boob”? How dare you, player! Curse you!!

---

Another funny thing I noticed... When a cinematic is done, most of the time, Kris’ll turn toward the screen and because of their neutral expression, it gives me a “wtf was this bro” look. I found it hilarious.

Miscellaneous - just ideas I hope will happen/be confirmed:

The ending of the weird route will lead to a final fight with Susie (with or without Ralsei) and it’ll be heartbreaking as Susie will acknowledge there is something possessing her friend.

Regular road will instead lead to a fight with the original vessel we have created back chapter 1. And it’ll be messed up in a hilarious way. 

The whole fun gang will learn the truth about the video game situation they’re in.

Close to the end, Kris will gain enough freedom to talk directly to the player and give them a “why you suck” speech. It would be awesome if they get an actual face, like Susie and Ralsei in their dialogue, while doing so. They’re also probably insecure at the idea their new made friends preferred the controlled Kris over the real Kris. 

If not craft for weapons, the clear crystals will give an extended ending/epilogue of the normal/pacifist route (similar to OFF, but less random and goofy).

I just despised the idea Kris being evil, don’t @ me if you are comparing them to Chara (”they got red eyes and are acting weird with a knife”) only to justify the bad things the player did. They are troubled and misguided, and I hope Toriel keeps in check their, uh, “knife hobby”. But they’re certainly not a creepy killer. Just a creepy, well meaning teen.

Regarding the red eyes thing, maybe they are red because “eyes are windows to the soul”...?

Ralsei’s talk with Kris out of focus will be revealed, and it was something related to making fountains/the prophecy’s steps including the part of the player.

[missblissy]

OC x Alastor “It’s a Deal?”

Her face never changed once while she sat there, nor did her body language or the air she carried herself with. And how long could she just... Sit there and listen to these people? Wasn’t this supposed to be Hell, ruled by Lucifer himself? So why on earth did she dare call herself a Queen? And how was she even allowed such a title?

Alastor was clueless, he hadn’t an idea what was going on. But he watched from the sidelines, behind one of the pillars of her throne room. He raised a brow as one subject left, then another came running in. How many people did she rule over? What kind of Overlord took pity on their subjects? What kind of Overlord protected their subjects? She was an odd one, peculiar, and... Quite frankly more entertaining to watch than the souls perishing just outside her territory. 

And this land? This territory she ruled over, looked as if it could be earth. The grass was green, flowing in waves, the air was warm and the sun was shining in blue skies. Maybe it didn’t help that Alastor had only been in Hell for about three weeks now, sure he was on a role, killing Overlords left and right... But she? He couldn’t defeat her- she was the only one that could beat him. And how could she? What made her so strong?

Who was Fiota, Queen of the Succubi, Overlord of Limbo? She was tall, and quite beautiful, even for Alastor’s standards. He didn’t often notice the beauty in people, or even really care for that matter. But he just couldn’t look away from her. Her fair skin was as white as snow or sheet of paper, with round rosey red cheeks hidden under bright and lovely eyes in the shade of pink. She looked majestic, stoic, and most of all, powerful. She truly was a demon, with her bouncy blonde curls hiding a pair of long and sharp horns that curled behind her head.   

“Your highness,” Another lost soul welcomed themselves into her palace home. She lived like a Queen in a palace straight out of the Golden Ages of Ancient Greece. The soul bowed in respect to her.

“What can I do for you today?” Fiota’s stoic face never changed. She sat on her thrown, looking down at the man before her at the bottom of the steps between them.

“There was a failure on my hand, Your Highness...” The man kept his head hung. Alastor could smell the fear wafting off him, “I am Aeschylus of Sparta, Your Highness, you tasked me with the mission to find Herodotus, however I could not. Hades has changed so much since Lucifer took over, but you do your best to keep The Fields of Elysium as they always were and I thank you greatly for-”

“Get on with it, Aeschylus of Sparta, I do not have all day,” Her words were cold but her face never changed. Not a single emotion was there. All the while, Alastor’s confusion grew even more, why were they speaking about Hell as if it were Hades? And the Fields of Elysium? Wasn’t the first circle of Hell suppose to be Limbo?

“Y-yes! I... I could not find him. Your territory is so large- I... I was gone for weeks and I do not think he is here anymore.” 

There was a second when Fiota lifted her brow, then she looked to one of her guards, then to Alastor, her gaze never changing its stoic form. She let out a sigh then gave a small wave of her hand, “You are forgiven,” Everyone let out a collective sigh, especially Aeschylus, “However I can no longer guarantee your safety come the next extermination,” His face dropped at her words, “Leave now, and tell anyone else to go home. We are done here for today.”

Fiota clapped her hands twice and without a second of hesitation, her guards went after that poor man and ushered him out of her sight. She quickly got up from her throne and made her way towards the back of this grand room, to where Alastor was hiding in the shadows. 

The second she got close enough, he ran up beside her and followed her lead deeper into her palace home, “Why didn't you just kill him?” Alastor asked her, “I would have slit his throat-”

“I told you,” Fiota didn’t even bother looking at him, she kept her nose high as she walked down these halls, “I do not kill people,” 

“You had no problem killing me,”

She snapped her attention towards him, her gaze cold and distant, “I never killed you,” Her words were as sharp as knives and Alastor could see a fire of anger spark within her, “If I did, you wouldn’t be standing here now,” 

“Smile, dear,” Alastor grinned while picking up his pace. He skipped a few steps ahead of her, spinning around then walking backwards so he could face her, “I’m only kidding! No need to look so angry!” But her glare never left her face, “Come on, Fiota,” Alastor tried a more natural smile, “I know, you love all life and you would rather spare than kill, because that would make us no better than the angels above, or the big man down here!” His efforts only made her glare at him more, “Fine, fine! Be that way, no fun allowed here!”

She brushed past him easily and went on her way. She almost hoped that he’d leave at this point. It was obvious that she was more powerful than him, and there was no way he could ever beat her. And yet he stilled followed her around.

“I don’t get it!” She winced at the sound of his voice. Alastor was walking beside her again, confusion on his face, “Why don’t you like Lucifer? Is he really that bad?”

Fiota rolled her eyes. She didn’t want to get into it, “He’s exactly what you think he is,” She said, “I want nothing to do with him,”

“But why?” Alastor refused to let this go, “Did he break your heart? Was he the one that got away,”

“Ugh!” She shook her head quickly, “No,” It wasn’t like that at all. She rounded a corner and soon they found themselves in a large and peaceful courtyard. Fiota swallowed down her bitterness and said, “He’s.... he’s the reason why I’m stuck here,” 

“In Limbo?” Alastor asked while still following her. He took a second to look around him and notice the massive olive tree growing in the center of this courtyard. Greek-style statues and fountains decorated spots here and there. 

“No,” Fiota shook her head, “Here, in Hell,” She stopped her quick-paced walking and stood underneath the shade of the olive tree. The wind rustled each leaf and made the tree sway in the sunlight, “I can never go...” She paused and Alastor could see pain work its way onto her face, “I... I was killed for being his daughter, that’s how I ended up down here.”

“I thought Lucifer only had one daughter? And isn’t she an infant?” 

“That would be my sister, Charlotte, who usurped me by birthright,”  

Everything was starting to make more sense now. A daughter of Lucifer who was born on earth, murdered by the church for being the spawn of the devil. Alastor could feel the weight in the air, the way Fiota’s cold gaze never left him. No wonder she was so powerful. He had heard rumors of a Forgotten Princess who was stuck in Limbo. He didn’t think that she’d be the Overlord of this place, or even a Queen at that. 

Her pain was written all over her face, from the furrow of her brow, to the narrow of her eyes, and falling with her frown, “You know,” Alastor shrugged, “A smile really wouldn’t hurt that face of yours,” 

“I don’t smile. Not for strangers,” She really didn’t want to smile, did she?

“But that’s not true,” Alastor said, “I’ve seen you smile before,” There was a wicked evil twisting around in Alastor’s eyes but more than that there was some kind of hope. Fiota gave him an odd look as he spoke on, “You were just this morning. I saw you on your balcony,” And Alastor pointed up and up and towards the top of the palace. Just peeking through the olive branch, Fiota flicked her gaze up and saw the balcony to her room.

“You’re stalking me now?”

“No, no,” Alastor’s grin never left, but he shook his head and waved his fingers in the shape of an ‘x’ back and forth, “I was minding my own business when I just so happened to hear you,” She started to realize what he was talking about. Her eyes grew wide and a red hue traveled across her face, “You know you have a lovely singing voice, you’re like some kind of princess out of a fairy tail. Singing love songs to birds when you think no one is there,” 

His grin was cocky, and he looked like he was enjoying himself, “Don’t make it a habit, listening to me,” Fiota pointed a finger at him, “It’s weird. You’re weird,” 

“And yet!” He shook a finger in the air and bounce on his tip toes once, “You still didn’t kill me! You could have, oh, you so could have ended my afterlife, just one switch cut of the blade and I’d be!” He ran a finger across his neck and played dead, “Dead as a door nail! Gone forever! And yet here we are,” He smiled wide, “Here I am, weird and totally wacky, and here you are. Talking to me like we’re old pals sharing a laugh about the past,”

“Who’s laughing?” Fiota looked at him while crossing her arms. She had things to do, places to be. How long was he going to keep her here?

“You are!”

“I am not,”

He gave her a grin and wiggle of his brow while leaning towards her, “You can be~” He pressed on, “Just give me a chance, Fiota! Let me make you smile, dear.”

“Don’t call me that,” She crossed her arms tighter and turned away from him, ready to get a move on and back to the task at hand. 

But as she turned on her heel, he was already there. She looked behind her, then back to Alastor... How..? His grin grew wider, “Fine then,” He teased, “Your highness, is that better? Come on... please? I promise if I can’t make you laugh, I’ll disappear! Good as gone, yes ma’am!”

What was with this guy? First he insisted on battling her for nearly three weeks straight, trying to steal her territory, then he admits defeat and begs to be taught by her. Now he’s listening to her sing and following her around like a lost dog. Yet here he is, offering to make her laugh, or leave for good.

“Fine,” She said, then held out her hand quickly, “It’s a deal,” Fiota’s hand held great power in it. Magic swarmed to life in her palm, a deep blue color glowed within her fingers as she held her hand out to him. And he didn’t waste a second taking her hand, clasping his own onto hers firmly with the biggest smile on his face. 

“It’s a deal then,” Alastor shook her hand then pulled away, eager to win and prove her wrong. He took his hands and fixed his tie, he straightened out his clothes and cleared his throat, “My lady,” He started, “I have a joke for you,”

“A joke?” She lifted a brow. Oh, good god. 

“Yes indeed! A joke! A simple one, I swear. I only want to make you smile, your highness,” He gave her a smile then yelled, “I’m going bananas!” Alastor paused as Fiota stared at him with a startled look, taken back by his sudden shout. Then he gave a different kind of smile, a small one as he said, “That’s what I tell the bananas before I leave the house.” 

Oh... Oh no. Fiota found herself starting to giggle, it was to late to stop it now. The little chuckles bubbled from her lips as she began to laugh lightly. She tried to hide it behind her hand, she even tried to hide her smile but there was no stopping it. 

Alastor watched happily as he won his end of the deal. It wasn’t really about the deal though, he just enjoyed seeing her laugh for once. But on a lucky note, thanks to the deal he won, Fiota could never make him leave her side now. “Laughter is the best medicine,” He nodded his head once while tucking his arms behind his back, “Would you like to hear another joke, your highness?” He asked quickly. 

Her giggles died down slightly, her smile still on her face. Fiota looked around and made sure no one else was with them. She bit the corner of her lip and said with a little grin, “Sure, why the hell not.” 

[p-artsypants]

Longest Night (35) Burning

I had the flu last week! It was super not fun! Make sure to wash your hands and stay home as much as you can! Besides the big bad the flu is also afoot and it sucks!

As I stated in an earlier chapter, I’m a Christian. Because of the nature of this story, I wanted to incorporate some elements of my faith into it. I find it weird to impress my faith on fictional characters, so I usually don’t, but my God is a healer. It makes sense that He’d be mentioned. I’ll probably keep it kind of subtle.

Not this chapter though. THIS ONE GOES HARD. STRAP IN BOYS!!

It’s also REALLY GROSS at parts. Sorry in advance.

(Also, this is creative writing, I’m not really up to theology debates. Please and thank you in advance.)

Ao3 | FF.net

—

“End of the road.” Lady Lacrima said, her face blank and emotionless.

Salo pulled her hand, or rather her wrist, to her chest. “How the hell did he find you?”

Lady Lacrima shrugged. “You must have gotten sloppy.”

“Or you gave him clues! I should have killed you weeks ago!”

“You should have,” Lady Lacrima agreed. “You should have let me die with compassion in my heart. But you didn’t. You created a monster. Two of them.”

Salo spat at her. “You’re a product of Hawkmoth! I only avenged my Eddy!”

“After all this, you’re still justifying your heinous actions. You’re so lost in your depravity, that you can’t even see how low you’ve sunk.”

“So what now?” She sneered. “Now that the roles are reversed, what are you going to do?”

Lady Lacrima reach out and caressed the woman’s face, leaving a smear of blood on her cheek. “The roles are far from reversed, Salo.” She stated, holding out her arms. A buster sword, one bigger than any human could wield, materialized in her hands. “I’m more powerful than you could ever hope to be. And you…there’s no punishment on Earth that befits you.”

“Will you kill me then?”

“That depends…do you believe in God?”

Salo scoffed. “What are you, my Nonna? Go ahead, kill me. Let your God punish me.”

Lady Lacrima adjusted the sword in her hand. “He’ll get his turn.”

Salo’s lip trembled as she attempted to scoot away.

“It’s funny. Without those glasses, you look almost human. And all this time, I thought you were a soulless machine. But if you have a soul…you can burn in hell.” And she slammed the blade down, down through flesh and bone and into the cement, separating her legs from her torso.

The woman screamed in agony, clawing at the ground to escape.

Claws ripped into her stomach, pulling her intestines out and spilling them on the floor.

“What do you think Salo? Should we leave you like this?”

Salo didn’t answer, only squealed and cried out as she writhed on the floor like a worm. Her vision was blurred, but she could see the lights above her head.

Then there was a silhouette, holding out long claws. Claws that pulsed and churned with dark energy. They came closer and closer to her face.

It burned. Hotter than any fire she’d felt before. She heard her skin sizzling and cracking.

Then there was nothing.

No sound, no light, nor breath in her lungs. No emotion fleeting through her head.

And yet—

She was awake. More awake than she’d ever been before. It was like she had been dreaming all this time, and she was finally aware of all that was happening around her.

“Where am I?” She asked, noting the white space around her. Not the billowing clouds she’d seen in Sunday school illustrations as a child. Just a vast infinite of nothingness.

“It has many names, ones in each dialect. We like to call it Hades, or Sheol. Though to you, it would be Death.”

“I’m in...I’m in death?”

“Correct. For death is not a natural state, it is only a temporary condition of the fall.”

“The fall?”

The voice hummed, patiently answering her question. “The fall of mankind. In the Garden of Eden. You know the story, Bianca.”

“I—I do.” She admitted. “I just didn’t think—“

“That it was real?”

“Yeah…”

“What did you think would happen when it was all over?”

She shrugged. “That’s just it. That it would be over. There was nothing else.”

“You are a product of your time. Your eyes were closed to the truth. You had plenty of chances to open them, but they remained firmly shut.”

Bianca raised her hands, finally looking at what had become of her body. No scars, no wrinkles, no calluses, just sooth skin, like a newborn baby.

“Who are you? Can I see you?” She finally asked.

“We’ve never talked, but I’m a good friend of yours. I’ve been with you a long time.”

“Are you my guardian angel?”

The voice laughed. “No. I’m not an angel at all. I’m an antagonist to the angels.”

“A demon?”

“No no, but you’re getting warmer,” it sang, “I will show myself soon, but my name is Death.”

Bianca blinked. “Wait, I thought I was…in Death. I’m in you?”

“I am the state, place, and Lord of Death. I am here, walking with you, all around you, and I am you. But it is beyond mortal understanding.”

Bianca just took a shaky breath, resolved that this was bigger than her, for once.

“You are receiving a wonderful gift, Bianca. A look at the future. Those who perish permanently are not provided with this opportunity.”

“…have I not perished permanently then?”

“Mostly likely not. In the world of free will, there is still a chance that you, and several others will return to Earth for a few more pitiful years.”

“Because…of Ladybug and Chat Noir? Their reset button?”

“That is correct. But until then, you are separated from your body. And I will show you what happens in the end.”

Bianca swallowed as wispy white rolled away. The sky was rolled back like a scroll, displaying the mighty heavens in all their glory. The ground quaked and cracked, falling away to show a growing hoard of lethargic souls, shuffling on with no destination. Bianca stood above on a pillar, just observing them.

“These are the others in Death, they are just like you. But they won’t be returning to Earth. Their lives are over, and ahead of them is judgement.”

“And then?”

“Two options. Up…”

Within the vastness of the sky, a city floated. Walls made of jasper, gates of pearl, and twelve foundations stacked on top of each other, each made of a solid precious metal. There were no lights, as darkness couldn’t penetrate the walls. It was blindingly bright and hurt to look at.

“Or down.”

The pillar grew, twisting to peer over the edge of the world. Below, she saw a pit of fire and smoke, covered with an ancient seal. Inside the pit sat a beast with ten horns and seven heads, with crowns on each head. It looked up to her, licking her lips in patience.

“What is that?”

“The beast which devours all and demands worship. One day, when the seal is broken, the beast will go to earth. He will be exalted as a king above all, and everyone will love and adore him. He is a deceiver.”

“People will worship that?” She asked, incredulous. “Out of fear?”

“Out of blindness. The beast will not appear on Earth like this. May he appear as a man, or as a temptation? That is not for you to know.”

The Beast paced in the pit, its fourteen eyes never leaving her.

“Once it’s reign begins, it cannot be stopped. A prophesy will come to pass, and the wrath of God will pour out on the Earth. After a thousand years of peace, this Beast, the Devil himself, and I will be cast into the Lake of Fire. Those in my arms will be judged, and if their names are not found in the Book of Life, they too will be cast down.”

The pillar grew again, the ground tilting and shifting to move the pit out of the way. And beneath that was a horrible chasm, stretched out for miles and miles, though she could still see the divide clearly. On the other side, a lake, vast and sprawling, but instead of water, it churned with fire. Flames rolling and burning, on and on, hot, and unbearably agonizing.

“And then what?” She breathed. “We burn up, and then are no more?”

“No.” Said Death. “There is no end to the burning. It will go on, forever and ever. You will beg for relief, but you’ll never get it. Every second, you will want to die, but this is the second death. It lasts forever.”

“But that’s thousands of years from now!” She cried, trying to dissuade her panic. “What about now? Do I wander like the rest of them?” She gestured down to the wandering souls below her.

Death smiled. “I suppose you’ll just have to find out for yourself.”

The pillar crumbled, pulling her down to the crowd, though no one seemed to pay any mind. Though as her feet touched to cool ground, things started to slip from her mind.

She bumped into a soul. A man who she recognized. “Harken! Oh it’s nice to see someone I know! We have to stick together, the Miraculous Cure is going to take us back soon.”

But Harken didn’t respond, only pushed passed her and continued listlessly onward.

“Death? Why didn’t he recognize me? He died only a minute before me!”

But Death did not respond, so she was on her own.

So she wandered among the spirits. Not really knowing where she was going, or what would happen. Was this it? Milling about for hours until her return to Earth?

That didn’t seem so terrible.

She wasn’t calm, but not panicked either. Nor scared nor bored, just…there. Like a blank slate of her emotions. Even the last few moments of her life on Earth began to slip her mind. She passed faces she swore she knew, names that where common to her.

But none of that seemed important now. Nothing did.

Then with a step, she was in front of a podium, one so tall it loomed over her. Standing at it, was a living creature with the face of a human, with seven wings and seven eyes. It wore pure white linen and a gold sash. On the podium rested a huge book, thicker than she was tall, and four times as wide.

“Name?”

She blinked, the clarity returning to her mind. “Uh it’s Bianca. Bianca Furtoli.”

The being flipped through the pages. Then opened another book, and another. A scroll unrolled from the surface and came cascading down to her, unraveling next to her and continuing off into the distance.

“Your name is not written in the Book of Life.” The creature said simply.

“And?”

“And so The Way is closed to you, for you are unrepentant, and your eyes are closed. Your lips only hold blasphemy, and your throat is like an open grave.”

“Are you Death?” She asked.

“No,” it said, “But it will be coming for you soon. I am an Angel of the Lord.”

“Funny, I thought Angels were supposed to be beautiful.”

“What would there be to fear in beauty?”

“Why do you think people fear me?” She asked, hand on her hip.

“Humans fear you, Bianca, because your reputation proceeds you. You speak with a silver tongue, convincing crowds, manipulating multitudes, and preying on vulnerabilities, like a lion stalks his prey.”

“You’re all so poetic up here.”

“And you don’t fear what’s to become of you?”

“I was killed by an akuma. Once Ladybug does her little magic spell, I’ll pop right back on Earth. It’ll only be a few minutes now. Death told me so.”

“Death must be fond of you. It rarely talks to mortals. It does not discriminate. But take heed child, it is not a friend, for it works for the Lord, but it should not exist.”

Bianca frowned. “It gave me more answers than you’re giving me.”

“What makes you think you’re worthy of answers?”

“Because my Nonna said I was made in the image of God. That’s why.”

“A good answer.” The angel mused.

“Then tell me how I get my name written in the Book.”

“Ask your Nonna.”

She frowned. “I prayed that silly little prayer as a girl. I did exactly what I had to do.”

“You were a child, and had the faith of a child. The repentance of a child. But you have grown, and you haven’t lived up to your vow. You prayed to accept the sacrifice that Jesus the Messiah made for you, and yet you trampled upon all he asked of you to do.”

“What did he ask me?”

“To follow him, and be like him.”

“Well, no one’s perfect.”

“He’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for you to be forgiving, kind, patient, loving, gentle. To have self-control. To be a light to others in the fallen world.” The book slammed shut. “Not to torture children.”

“Says a lot coming from a god that allows wars to be waged. Cancer to run rampant. Hunger and disease to plague half the world. If he’s so powerful, how has he allowed all this to happen, huh? How come he didn’t stop me sooner, if I’m so bad, huh?”

The angel shook his head, “O Childish Blasphemer, who are you to know the infinite ways of God? How are you, a mere infant in the eyes of the world, supposed to understand these concepts beyond your vapid existence? For now, these horrors persist, but one day, they will cease forever. But the likes of you are unlikely to ever believe that. In the last days, you will be gnashing your teeth, and cursing God, even when he gives you plenty of opportunities to repent.”

“What will happen to me now then? Will you continue to berate me until I go back to Earth? Doesn’t seem very loving to me.”

“I have nothing more to say to you, Bianca. Death will fetch you now.”

The Angel moved one of its wings, and from behind it came a pale horse with a rider. The horse was sickly, with a tail made of serpents, and with a mouth of a lion that spewed smoke and fire.

The rider wore fiery red armor, with accents of yellow sulfur.  He had a sickle in one hand, and a whip in the other.

The horse whinnied, thunder roaring from its jaws, instilling Bianca with fear.

“Can I run?” She asked the Angel.

“You can try.”

And so she did. Though there was no where to run in this vast expanse where Death could not find her.

Bianca was halted by the whip cracking around her throat, though the rider never stopped his gallop, and dragged her away. She flailed around, choking as the sky turned black as sack cloth and the moon turned red as blood. She cried as the flesh ripped from her body and blood streaked behind her, carving her path. The many eyes of the wandering souls around her watched as she was stripped naked in all her shame. She was swallowed by the darkness, not even the light of fire illuminating the writhing floor beneath her.

The smell of rot and decay was strong, as vomit crawled up her throat and out. Maggots crawled over her, making a home in her wounds, her ears, her mouth, her eyes. Anywhere they could crawl, they did. Every bite, every pinch, she felt. There was no blurring from one to the other, she felt it all. And all she could do was scream.

She was left to rot, tormented for hours, perhaps days. Flames burst up from below, doing nothing to the worms, but roasting her alive. Burning, agonizing, blistering pain. She rolled around, trying to get relief, but there was just none to be had.

The fire was intense, and she laid there, cooking like a piece of meat on a grill. It was so hot she couldn’t move. So hot she couldn’t think. She gnashed her teeth and screamed and cried on and on.

“Death!” She begged. “Please! Please show me mercy!”

But Death did not answer, and did not show her mercy.

“Water! Please…just a little water…”

Finally, Death appeared on the horse, trampling over her. “Water? You murderer, you rapist, you liar, you thief! Water is what you want?”

“Please! Please I can’t do this!”

“Where were you when they begged for water? When they begged for peace? Where were you when they begged for time and patience? You had no mercy in life, so why should you receive it in death?”

“Please God! God make it stop!”  

—

One moment, she was shrieking in agony, the next, her consciousness melted and she laid on cold metal. Her breath bounced off the surface in front of her. She reached her hand out, touching the sides of the metal box she rested in. A coffin?

Did that mean she was going to suffocate and die again?

She was going to—

Burn.

Burn.

Burn.

The tears streaked across her cheeks as the memories of that torture returned to her. She had been eaten alive by maggots, and burned. Burned. Burned. It did happen. Indisputably. The wounds were gone, and she was wearing the leather clothes she had been wearing in the catacombs, when she was killed.

Miraculous Cure must have brought her back.

But how long did she have?

She cried out in horror.

A light shone down by her feet, before the surface she was laying on rolled out, and she found herself in a room.

“Bianca Furtoli?” A police officer asked.

She just stared at him for a moment before weeping. “Please! Please help me! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to go back there!”

He turned on the radio on his lapel. “Havoc here, I’ve got Furtoli. She’s just like the others.”

Bianca reached out and grabbed his arm. “I am back now, aren’t I? This is Earth? Paris?”

He pried her hands off. “Ms. Furtoli, I’m going to need you to calm down. Yes, you were dead, and now you’re alive again. I’m sure this must be hard for you—“

“Where’s Marinette? Where’s Adrien? Please, I need to see them!”

“You don’t get to know that information.” He said sternly.

“I need to ask forgiveness! Please, I beg you!”

“Sit down.” He demanded.

“What’s going to happen to me?! Where am I?!”

“Likely, you’ll be going to prison. If not a mental hospital.”

“Will there be a priest there? I must talk to a priest! Please! I went to hell! I was burning in hell!”

“You know what?” He asked shortly. “I think you completely deserve that after what you did to those kids.”

Bianca fell to her knees and sobbed, not even trying to hide her shame or guilt. She just wept and wept.

She wept when the handcuffs went on her wrists. She wept when she was read her rights, and as she was loaded into the car. She cried herself to sleep that night, and every night for the next few weeks. She spoke to none of Edward Savauge’s men. She had no contact with family.

Fear is a terrible state to live in. And for Bianca Furtoli, it meant every day, every hour, she was preparing to return to that awful fire. She would not rest until she found a way to repent.

And for a woman who believed she was a god, that was a long way off.

—

Marinette awoke to a cool hand on her forehead. She shivered under her blankets, but her face felt so warm.

“Hi there, Ladybug.” Said John, setting a cup of water on her table. “You’ve got a little bit of a fever. That’s expected, and it’s not too high.”

“Cold…” She breathed in her half awakened state.

“Of course. I’ll get you a blanket in a second. How is everything else feeling? How’s your pain?”

“I can handle it. It’s mild.”

“Okay, I’m glad to hear that.” He stepped out of the room briefly, only to return with a soft blanket. “Here we go, nice and warm.” He unfurled it, and brought it up to her chin. It was fresh from the dryer, and nice and toasty. “Better?”

“Much.”

“I’ve got some water here for you. Try to drink a little more before going back to sleep, okay?”

“Okay.”

“That’s a good girl. I’ll be back to check on you periodically.”

“John?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For everything.”

He smiled at her and squeezed her hand. “Anything for my hero.”

[villainqueen]

The Marriage of Heaven and Hell - Chapter 4

V X Fem!Reader fanfiction, set after the events of Devil may Cry 5.

Prologue /  Chapter 1 /  Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 // Chapter 5

Ao3 [Link]

Chapter 4

What is now proved was once only imagined

 You've reached into the rotting flesh of Gulganna to retrieve a glowing orb. It was small and to the untrained eye it could have been mistaken as a normal marble. As you took a few steps back away from the body of the demon, it slowly started to fade into nothing while you began to admire the orb that glinted in the sunlight.

"Yo, I think you've got some explaining to do! You're definitely not human and what the hell did you ripped out of that thing!" Nero stomped over to you while he turned back to his original human form.

"Oh, my! I am no human indeed. Yet I shall not tell more. It does not concern thee."

"An interesting ability you have there. I don't think I've ever seen this power in demons before…" V mused as he walked up to both of you. You decided to ignore his hidden remark about you being a demon and you turned your attention to him.

"I did promise a gift in return for thine help. So, let me grant thee strength. Please Sir V, let this soul become thine own!" You place the marble in both of your hands and pressed them at V's chest, pushing the small orb inside. Without leaving a wound or any indication that it went through his skin, it vanished inside him. At first V was confused by your sudden touch till the pain set in. It felt as if his heart was about to stop.

"W-what did you do to me!" he groaned as we went on his knee. Nero now alarmed put his gun to your head; "I should blow your head off, right here and now, demon!"

"Do not despair, Sir V, the pain will faint shortly and thine soul will take nourishment from it."

V could feel that his heartbeat was alarmingly fast but the pain, like you said, soon faded. He felt a strange sensation inside of him. It took a moment for him to regain his composure but there was no denying that suddenly he felt that he had more strength. Just like you promised him. As soon as V got on his feet again Griffon went to sit on his shoulder: "Hey, V, whatever that chick did, it feels really good. I feel like a million dollars. Hey missy, do it again!"

"Certainly, I can feel it too, I'm a step closer to my old strength." answered V to his feathered partner as he clenched his fist. Not only his soul felt stronger, so did his body. And if Griffon felt the difference, V might had no limit in summoning him anymore. Perhaps he could even call Shadow for aid again. Ever since his departure from Vergil a few days ago he hadn't felt this kind of powerful.

"V, you feel alright?" asked Nero in a concerned voice but not lowering his gun. His sight went over to you, who monitored V's movement intensely. "Care to explain what you did to him?"

"Exactly what I promised, I gave Gulgannas cleansed soul to him, for the kindness he provided me. Mine work is done and now I will bid you both farewell!"

"And what are you planning?" Nero felt that they've might made a mistake in getting whoever you were out of the prison. Not that you've done anything bad to them yet, but he couldn't shake the feeling that you were odd and more importantly dangerous, and his gut had never betrayed him.

"I, I need to find what belongs to me, I can feel its presence and would rather reclaim it before the misguided do so."

"We will escort you then." V said. If you had the ability to strengthen him by fusing demon souls into his, you could do it again. And he was a fool if he didn't take this opportunity. Also, he had to admit that you interested him. Your ability, the way your presence felt to him, it was so foreign, not like any demon he knew of.

You on the over hand were not fully sold on being accompanied by those two demon hunters. Not that you were ungrateful, but you couldn't help but notice that one of them is part demon and the other was a human that was controlling demons. Not the most trustworthy of all creations. However, if they had been normal everyday humans it wouldn't really made it any better. Needless to mention, their constant doubt of your intentions and threats against your person. But in the end, they were stronger than you, at least the one called Nero was. So, it was better to have them close by for now.

"Very well, I will welcome any assistance, yet I must beg of thee to not home this thing to mine head again."

"Thing? You mean my gun?" Nero couldn't help himself but laugh a bit, how could anyone not know what a gun was. However, without taking any more notice of Nero's mocking you lifted your dress a tiny bit to prevent it from dirtying as you navigated yourself around the acid puddles back to the main building of the castle.

"Hey, wait up missy!" Griffon screamed as he went after you. V let out a slight smirk at the sight of you leaving in such a dated yet ladylike manner while ignoring Nero nonchalantly. His gaze went around the inner courtyard again. They sure left it a mess, most statues destroyed, the stone walls of the castle damaged, puddles of acid everywhere and a few corpses of hunters left behind. Gulganna had also left a piece of his horns on the ground and with his cane he kicked it up right into Nero's hands.

"I guess that means we should follow her back inside."

"At least we don't have to babysit her now…" Nero sighed in annoyance as the trotted behind the three of you.

 August 1st 13:20 pm

The usual ominous wind went through hell, as a figure placed himself on a throne made of flesh and bones. This part of hell felt like it was made from intestines and the pulsing of its veins, gave this place a feeling that itself was alive. Hell, however was not one place but consisted of many different layers and this was one soaked in blood.

"Master, Gulganna has perished!" said a crouching demon, that was clothed in rags that obscured his body and face. The one addressed as Master was a demon with the appearance of a knight clad in an expensive golden armor and a helmet with a shape of a lion. On his side he had a twohanded sword that gave of a sinister aura. It was a slender sword, elegant and expensive looking, decorated with gold and with a blade that shined almost white. Even its handle had an elaborate decoration of a winged person at its end. The demon, who had placed himself on the throne, looked at the black sky as he spoke in a raspy voice; "How? I told him to get her. How could he fail such a simple task?" Again, crouching to the feed of his master, the demon dressed in rags struggled to find a pleasing answer:  "I-I don't know, master! I caught that demon hunters stormed the castle; he might have underestimated the intruders. Gulganna was never bright."

"True. I can't risk that mortals get their hands on my possession. The others better deliver her to me…" he growled while ripping bones out of his throne in anger. "It was supposed to be an easy task. I've waited so long for this chance. Failure is not an option!"

His servant quivered in fear as he tried to avoid the wrath of his master. Something had to be done and he had to make sure his fellow demons deliver, or else none of them would live another day.

 August 1st 13:30 pm

Arriving back in the main hall of the castle V and Nero made their way up to you, while you were wondering where to go next.

"What exactly are you looking for, (Y/N)?" V asked you, which pulled you out of your thoughts.

"I am in search of an old weapon of mine."

"And you're sure it’s still here?"

"Certainly, I feel it still remains here, somewhere. It is a spear with a very peculiar appearance. I know it must be difficult for you to comprehend but having it not at my side feels like.... I am missing a limb, or so to speak."

"Oh, believe me, I can relate to that!" Nero chimed in while wandering around the hall looking around to find something of interest. "V, you’re sure it's a good idea to give a her a weapon?"

"Sir Nero, if thou'rt are not my enemy, I am not thine. I do not harbor any bad intent, but I can not leave this only memento of home behind, in this cursed place!"

"Then I recommend we split up to find it and leave." V suggested which got you confused; "Do ye not have a mission to fulfill? There is no need to burden yourselves with my troubles."

After what Gulganna said under his dying breath. V was now certain that the sole reason why the demons attacked the castle was in fact you. And if his deductions proof to be right, the demons should leave once you do as well and might even follow you. They would have little reason to stick around if what they're looking for was gone. He couldn't help but wonder how all of it came together. Maybe Dante was useful for once and could provide answers and so it was the best if they made their way back to the Devil May Cry office as soon as possible or at least before demon reinforcements would show up.

"Don't worry, we are not the type who would let someone in need down. Nero, I'll go with (Y/N) and search the upper floor, you take this one."

"Sure, I've got to look for a spear? Got it, can’t be so hard to find. Hope I find some demons while I’m at it. I was hoping for more action and not a tour through the Addams family's home!"

And with that the group split in two in search for your weapon which you felt close by. It was certainly hidden somewhere in the castle, if only you could remember where. Yet you were somewhat glad that the demon hunters provided you with company even through you could not really say if they were on your side or would turn out to be an enemy like it happened so many times before. However, after such a long time in loneliness their presences felt strangely pleasant.

[saibh29]

Salvation on a Swords Edge (2 of 2)

Pairings: Roan / Reader

Warnings: A lot.... swearing / violence / blood / death / angst..... 

A/N: I’m not a huge fan of writing Angst and i don’t think i’m that good at it. But i tried my best here so hopefully @harduy you like it and it was what you were hoping for. Sorry it’s been so long before coming out. 

Request:  roan smut imagine where Y/N is Clarke's sister but her & roan are together & she takes octavia's place in the conclave, she has the same skills as luna and she saves roan and she dies instead of him and he is heartbroken as he see's her die (same way roan does) have hot lovey smut the night before the conclave & spend as much time as they have left together. he wins the conclave & hates skaikru and blames them for her death

****

You had a split second to decide. The choice made more out of an emotional jerk rather than any kind of thought process. Somehow it worked, Roan was shoved out of the way and Luna’s fatal strike was slicing through your stomach. Pain like lightening ripped through your muscles. Luna’s victorious smirk the only thing you could see as a roar of male pain ripped through the night.

“Y/N”

Roan, he was still alive. You’d saved him. In the end it turns out you’d chosen him above Skaikru anyhow, probably not in the way he would have wanted but it was the truth all the same. Roan would live, he’d kill Luna and Azgeda would get the bunker and the ability to survive Praimfaya.

You fell to your knees as Luna walked unharmed through the acid rain coming to grab your shoulder, she crouched down in front of you getting into your vision.

“You weren’t my intended target here Y/N” her eyes flicked to Roan who was desperately trying to clear the rain from his eyes and get to the two of you. “In fact I’m almost sorry it has to come to this between the two of us”

Reaching out she grabbed the tag off of your clothes throwing you over the edge of the fountain. You heard her footsteps fade as you managed to press your hand against the cut in your stomach. There was no doubting it was fatal, too deep to stop the bleeding.

How had it come to this, how had the world down here been even more savage than on the ark. Your father’s face floated in front of your eyes, smiling as he flicked your nose reminding you as a child that nothing was as bad as it seemed at first. If only he could have been right. If only it had been better here.

Clarke’s face came next, so identical to your own. The look of pure shock on her face this morning as with the raising of dawn the champions of the clans had been called to the conclave. When Skaikru’s name had been shouted everyone had smirked, convinced no one would fight for the space walkers. Of course that hadn’t been entirely true, because clutching tightly to your sword you’d shouted your name, claiming an identity you thought you’d never use again.

“Y/N kom Skaikru. I fight for the Skaikru”

You’d walked up to stand beside Roan, as hushed silence descended among the gathered Clans. Everyone knew that you could fight, even before you’d been adopted by Azgeda your skill with a blade had been praised by the grounders. But now, with the ferocity of ice nation training behind you as well, then suddenly you were a strong competitor in this conclave.

When the horn had blown to start the competition you’d run straight to Clarke. Gripping her tightly. Offering a small smile. “May we meet again”

She gave you a hiccupping laugh nodding. “May we meet again?”

It was the last time you’d see her face, you knew that now. It was the last time you’d see all of them. You prayed with all your might that somehow Raven had come up with another way that they would be safe. That they’d get off this planet once more and that they could live.

After you’d spoken to Clarke you’d looked over at Roan, he’d caught your eye and nodded subtly. The conversation you’d had earlier running through you mind over and over again.

“One clan Y/N we are one clan until the very end” he’d said the words in a rush this morning, desperately clinging to you in the last few minutes of the night before dawn had rose. “Stay fucking alive Y/N. Promise me”

“I promise” you’d put your hands on his cheeks, tracing the scars of Azgeda there before pulling his forehead down to your own. “You as well my king. Don’t you dare die Roan”

The loud crash of a gong made your head turn slightly, it was over. Someone had won.

Gently hands grabbed your shoulders pulling you up and over, Roan’s blood streaked face hovering above your own. You felt tears in your own eyes. He had done it. He’d beaten Luna and won the conclave. Just like you knew he would.

“Y/N?”

“It’s alright” you said hoarsely, you were quickly running out of strength and the urge to close your eyes and never open them again was fast becoming unavoidable. “I knew you could do it. I’m sorry I broke my promise”

“Why the fuck did you do that?” he demanded “why did you do it?”

“I had to” you admitted “I couldn’t just let you die”

“You can’t leave me here” he sounded broken, which wasn’t what you’d wanted at all. He needed to be strong, strong for his people.

“Roan…” you coughed roughly, blood starting to leak from your mouth as it pooled in your lungs. You were running out of time. “Promise me…fuck” the pain in your stomach was starting to block your ability to think of words “promise me you’ll live” you urged “promise me you’ll fight. Fight for me, live for me. I love you so much”

He leant down pressing his forehead against your own, arms tightening around you blocking out the darkness of the world so all you could see was him. “I promise” his voice was quiet but you heard him clearly enough. “I love you my heart”

“I’m scared Roan… don’t leave me yet”

He pressed his lips to your own. “I’m right here. I’m not leaving Y/N. I’m never leaving”

You clung to his words as your eyes finally fluttered closed. Your father was back, holding his hand out to you a smile in his eyes. You reached out to him, taking his hand and allowing him to lead you somewhere new once more.

Roan felt the last shaky breath leave your body as life left leaving nothing but a body. Hands covered in your blood he screamed, face turned up to the sky as rage, grief and love echoed to the stars. You had died for him, given your life for his own. An honour that he would forever be remembered.

Standing he lifted you into his arms, walking back to the start of the conclave. The clans didn’t know who had won yet. Soon they would see though. No one defeated Ice Nation, no one, not the grounders or the new sky demons.

Faces of shock, disappointment and relief greeted his arrival back. From his left a woman screamed and Clarke appeared in front of him staring down at your body in his arms.

“No... Y/N” tears streamed down her face. “Let me have her Roan… give her to me”

Clarke reached for your body and Roan growled, more like an animal than man. Ice nation warriors were flooding the conclave grounds, and surrounding the clans. Their King had won, they were in charge and no one could deny it any longer.

“You did this Clarke kom Skaikru” his voice was laced with poison as she flinched backwards. “She died because of you”

“No” Clarke was shaking her head. “No she’s not dead. Roan put her down. I can save her”

“No one can save her now” Roan’s grip on you didn’t loosen “she’s gone”

“She can’t be. This wasn’t meant to happen”

“And what was meant to happen Clarke?”

Anger clouded Clarke’s face as she stared up at the King of Azgeda. “You should have died” she hissed. “You were meant to be the one to die. Y/N was going to win, we were going to be a family again”

He’d known that was what Clarke had wanted had even presumed that she’d tried to weigh the odds against him. He’d wondered briefly if she hadn’t even managed to persuade Luna to let Y/N live and take out all the other clans. Her plans though as they were had back fired spectacularly.

“She died for me” he told Clarke, seeing Clarke’s heart breaking in her eyes. “She pushed me out of the way of Luna’s blade. Took the fatal blow for me. See at the end Clarke kom Skaikru she was never yours. Not anymore. She was mine, Y/N kom Azgeda. She will be remembered that way, and you and all of Skaikru will burn”

“Roan!” Clarke was reaching for you once again. Roan took a quick step back barking out orders to the warriors surrounding them all.

“Skaikru are banished” he snarled. “They will perish in Praimfaya, none shall enter the bunker. This is law” remembering suddenly one of the old earth sayings Y/N had taught him one day what felt like years ago he looked directly at Clarke. “Enjoy sleeping in the bed you have made Clarke Griffin”

Then turning her walked away, hearing her screaming his name but ignoring it anyhow. There was no more room in his heart for forgiveness and salvation, only vengeance.  

[kirkwall-group-therapy]

City of Blood, ch 5

[Mature content warning, Act 1: cursing, adult topics, violence]

Chapter Five: Daisy

Unfortunately, the Captain of the Guard was not impressed with Aveline’s initiative. But it only raised further questions and revealed other flaws. Aveline dug deeper, and with Hawke’s help, they patrolled Lowtown one night, to get to the bottom of whatever the Captain was trying to hide. It was another ambush, and another guard would have been killed, if Aveline hadn’t stepped in. This time the guard was a handsome, sturdy fellow by the name of Donnic. After the events that night, Aveline took her findings to the Viscount, and the Captain of the Guard was arrested.

“And then he made you Captain of the Guard?” Varric asked.

“Yes,” Aveline replied heavily.

“Not happy?” Varric asked.

“I am, it’s just. Unexpected. Sudden. And even though I think I’m up to the task, it’s a big task to undertake,” Aveline said. “How is Bethany doing?”

“You wouldn’t know anything happened to look at her, or talk to her,” Hawke said. “She’s back to her old self. Maybe even more than that. She hasn’t stopped grinning from ear to ear since the night we spent at Anders’ clinic and he carried her all the way home.”

Fenris cocked his eyebrow and took a bite of nug jerky that Varric had offered him.

“So Hawke,” Aveline began. “I’ve been thinking.”

“Uh oh,” Varric laughed.

“Hush Varric,” Aveline scolded. “When are you going to take the amulet to Sundermount like you promised Flemeth? You are going to take it, aren’t you?”

“Bethany and I were just discussing it the other day actually. We had totally forgotten about it. Bethany found it in our trunk when she was rummaging through it trying to find something nice to wear for when she went to thank Anders,” Hawke said. “We were thinking of going in a few days. Did you want to come Aveline? I don’t think we all need to be there. I think we just have to hand over the amulet.”

“Wait, wait,” Varric said. “Flemeth? You couldn’t be talking about the famed Witch of the Wilds, Flemeth?”

“We are,” Aveline said. “The one and the same.”

“Back up. Tell me the whole story. And I do mean the whole story,” Varric said pulling out some parchment and ink.

“Haven’t we told you how we escaped Lothering, Varric?” Aveline asked.

“The version I got included running from darkspawn and catching a boat to Kirkwall. There was no mention of Flemeth,” he replied.

“Who is Flemeth? A mage I assume, by the moniker ‘Witch of the Wilds’?” Fenris asked.

“You haven’t heard the stories of the Flemeth?” Varric asked. “Does that mean you haven’t much about the Hero of Fereldan?”

“Haven’t exactly had time to be catching up on stories, what with running from Danarius and all,” Fenris retorted.

Varric waved his hand at Fenris. “Say no more Fenris.”

“The short version, Varric,” Fenris said.

“I’m wounded, elf,” Varric laughed. “But I’ll agree only because I’m eager to hear Hawke & Aveline’s story. So, the Hero of Fereldan, the beautiful warrior, daughter of the Cousland family, and now Warden Commander. Well soon after she was initiated into the wardens, the Battle of Ostagar took place. Another story that Aveline & Hawke could tell us more about since they also fought in that battle.”

Surprised, Fenris turned to Hawke & Aveline. This was the first time Fenris had heard that they participated in the Battle of Ostagar.

“No.” Aveline said shortly, refusing to speak of Ostagar.

“Anyway. As I was saying, the Hero of Fereldan lit the beacon to signal for reinforcements, which never came. They were wounded and overrun by darkspawn, and without reinforcements they surely would have perished - if it had not been for Flemeth, the Witch of the Wilds, who turned herself into a dragon and rescued them from the tower.”

“Who is this Flemeth?” Fenris asked.

“No one really knows,” Aveline said. “There are plenty of stories though. The dragon part, we can vouch for.”

“The stories say many things about Flemeth. Old, old mage. Long past a normal life span. They say she eats children. Some say she possesses them. But very few have ever actually met her,” Varric said. “She was mostly just a legend. A tale mothers used to scare their children into behaving. But nothing more. Until the Hero of Fereldan.”

“Whatever she is, she is very real,” Hawke said. “We … we met her just after Carver died. We had been running from the darkspawn for days. Their numbers were growing. We ran into Aveline and Wesley just a day prior. We came to a clearing. At first there weren’t any darkspawn. But then we heard … thundering footsteps. A darkspawn ogre came charging up the ravine, and straight for us. Carver didn’t even think twice. He was right - it had to be headed off quickly or both mother and Wesley would have died. Carver rushed at it. But he …” Hawke stopped. After a moment, Aveline continued where Hawke had left off.

“The ogre picked Carver up and crushed him with one hand. It was a quick death Hawke. He didn’t feel any pain,” Aveline said, putting her hand on Hawke’s shoulder.

“The ogre was still a threat, but his course had been altered and his charge thwarted, giving Wesley and mother time to retreat to a safer area. Bethany, Aveline, & I dealt with the ogre. As if that weren’t enough, more darkspawn poured into the clearing. We took them out, one after the other, but for each one we killed, two more took its place. We were outnumbered and quickly growing tired. That’s when a dragon appeared. I’m not going to lie. I thought we were done for in that moment. I figured it was the archdemon. But instead of joining the attack against us, it took out the darkspawn in one fell swoop - and landed in front of us. A moment later, the dragon was changing, transforming in glowing light, until a beautiful woman stood there.”

“Beautiful?” Aveline asked. “More like terrifying.”

“I guess I couldn’t help but be impressed by her appearance. So graceful. And her clothing was not what I would have expected from a witch. They were, sophisticated? Maybe sophisticated isn’t quite the right word. It’s hard to describe her.  Beautiful, and terrifying. Her hair though,” Hawke said laughing a little.

“I’ll give you that,” Aveline agreed. “Her hair was certainly a beauty.”

“Do tell,” Varric said.

“At first I thought they were horns,” Aveline said. “And I’m still not entirely sure they weren’t?”

“No, it had to be her hair. They were white, just like her hair, and they didn’t push aside the rest of her hair the way horns would have. Nor did they appear to be hardened like horns. I don’t know. At any rate, she had her hair fashioned into what looked like horns, and they were wrapped in ribbon. I can never do anything with my hair and there she was, just ….” Hawke said.

“Ahahaha, so let me get this straight. Flemeth lands in front of you as a dragon, taking out a horde of darkspawn, then transforms into a woman, and your first thought at the time was her hair?!” Varric asked.

“Mm, no. Her hair was a quick second thought. My first thought was how fucking cool it was to be able to turn into a dragon. Another reason why I always wanted to be a mage. I’ve always envied Bethany for that,” Hawke said.

“You wish you were a mage?” Fenris asked both shocked and disgusted.

“I know you have reason to distrust them Fenris. And I know that there are dangers with being a mage. But. I just think magic is so amazing. I idolized my father who was a mage, and next to him and my sister I always just felt so … ordinary,” Hawke said. “But it’s probably best that I’m not a mage. Haha, I would probably be a bad mage.”

“Oh Maker,” Aveline said. “I can just see it now. Thank the Maker indeed that you are not a mage.”

“So Flemeth is standing there, and …” Varric asked.

“She talked to us. She had seen Hawke take down the ogre, and was impressed,” Aveline said.

“I didn’t take down the ogre, Aveline. We all did,” Hawke said.

“Hawke, be modest all you want, but we both know that it went down because of you. We mostly just managed to distract it for you,” Aveline said.

“Anyway,” Hawke said, quickly shrugging off the compliment. “I don’t think she had initially intended to do anything more than what she had done for us. But after speaking with us, and learning where we were headed, she said that she would help us get to Gwaren - if we delivered an amulet to a clan of Dalish elves living in Sundermount.”

“And so you just accepted this witch’s help, just like that?” Fenris asked.

“Actually,” Aveline said glancing at Hawke. “The rest of us were a bit weary of her. Even Bethany. Perhaps especially Bethany. But Hawke - Hawke trusted her right away I think.”

“We didn’t have any other option. Our path was clear for the moment, but Gwaren was still a long way off and the darkspawn numbers were getting larger, not smaller. And without Carver,” Hawke said.

“We didn’t have any other option, you’re right, but that’s different than trusting her. Still a promise is a promise, and I would not want to break a promise with someone like Flemeth,” Aveline said.

“So you still have the amulet?” Varric asked.

“Yes,” Hawke said.

“To answer your earlier question Hawke, no, I don’t need to be there with you. As long as the promise is fulfilled, I will be happy. Or rather, at ease,” Aveline said.

“I would like to come along, if that’s alright Hawke,” Varric said. “I can’t pass up the chance to see how this ends.”

“We’re just handing the amulet over to the keeper of the Dalish clan,” Hawke said. “I really don’t expect there to be any fighting or anything.”

“Still, you can never be too careful,” Fenris said. “I would join as well.”

“I admit, I’m surprised anyone is interested in this little trek, but you’re more than welcome to come along. Bethany and I were planning on heading to Sundermount in two days. She has the day free from her jobs, and Anders’ clinic will be closed for the day so that he can do something or other,” Hawke said.

“You were going to invite Anders?” Fenris asked, bristled.

“No. But if the clinic was open, then Bethany would spend the day there,” Hawke said, rolling her eyes.

“So it’s a date then?” Varric said, winking at Hawke.

“It’s a date,” Hawke winked back, adding a sultry smile.

~

“Have you been to Sundermount before?” Hawke asked Varric, as they approached the road out of the city, to the mountain.

“I have not. I have no reason to. And besides, I’m a city dwarf. Honestly, if this didn’t have something to do with Flemeth, I wouldn’t even be here. All this walking and hiking and climbing is not my thing.” Varric said.

“Have you been to the mountain before, Hawke?” Fenris asked.

“No. And I’m nervous about meeting the Dalish. I know that the Dalish are not fond of humans, to put it mildly. And I don’t blame them. But I hear that they often shoot first and ask questions later, and I don’t want to fight them,” Hawke said.

“Me either,” Bethany said.

“Me three, Sunshine,” Varric agreed.

The group traveled slowly into Dalish territory, doing their best to look non-threatening, if that’s even possible for Hawke. It wasn’t long before they were stopped by Dalish scouts who reluctantly agreed to take them to see their keeper. The keeper greeted them warmly, but informed them that, unfortunately, their task was not yet done. They must take the amulet to the top of Sundermont, and there, with the help of one of their own, they must perform a funeral rite. However, as the keeper mentioned, the way to the top was dangerous. So much so that the clan had been told to stay away. Hawke was suddenly glad that she brought more than just Bethany with her.

Merrill, the clan’s First, joined them part way up the mountain. She was a thin, petite framed young elven girl. Her dark dark was cut short, and dotted with braids. She had light facial Dalish tattoos, and a beautiful green scarf that she wore around her neck. She led them up the mountain and to some caverns that wound through to the other side, and eventually to top of the mountain itself. Hawke realized with horror, what lie in store for them in the caverns, as soon as they stepped foot inside. A faint skittering noise was the only warning they had before a number of giant spiders descended upon them. Hawke shrieked bloody murder at the top of her lungs and leaped into Fenris’ arms in a single bound, still shrieking.

“Hawke!” Fenris shouted, startled and confused. He managed to peel himself free and rushed at the bulk of them. Shaking, Hawke unsheathed her sword and took several deep breaths trying to steel herself. Hawke hacked and slashed at the giant spiders erratically and frantically. One spider got past their circle of defense and tried to pull Hawke to the ground, from behind. It’s legs on her shoulders, pinchers screeching over her head, Hawke screamed again and whirled around, slicing it in half. Unfortunately, this also managed to spray spider guts all over Hawke and Fenris.

“Hawke, don’t tell me you’re scared of spiders,” Varric panted after they killed the last of them.

“Terrified,” Bethany said. “Even tiny ones.”

“Aren’t there giant spiders in the wilds near Lothering?” Varric asked.

“Yes,” Hawke said, still trembling and dripping in spider guts. “Carver used to make fun of me, but in the end he would always fight them for me. I don’t really know why they scare me when so many other things don’t. Or rather, I know exactly why I’m scared of spiders, just not why I’m not scared of reanimated corpses or darkspawn. Well, I am scared of darkspawn but it’s a different kind of fear. A manageable one, anyway.”

“Maker’s breath,” Varric cursed getting a whiff of the spider guts. “That smells awful, Hawke.”

Merrill used a little bit of magic to help clean Hawke off, as best as she could. Fenris refused the magical help, but accepted a rag from Varric which did very little truthfully. The rest of the path was littered with risen skeletons and corpses, but luckily, no more giant spiders.

When they finally reached the top, Merrill instructed Hawke to place the amulet on the alter so that she could perform the funeral rite. Varric, handsome devil that he is, knew that he would be greatly rewarded for joining Hawke. His keen sense for great adventures and stories was right. As Merrill spoke the last words, there was a small flash of shifting light and a moment later, a tall woman with white hair, horns, some sort of crown, and a truly distinguished sense of fashion stood before them. Flemeth, the Witch of the Wilds.

“Aah, and here we are,” Flemeth said.

“Son of a nug,” Varric whispered.

“Witch,” Fenris cursed under his breathe.

“Andaran atish’an, Asha’bellanar,” Merrill said, bowing.

“Do you know who I am, beyond than that title?” Flemeth asked.

“I know only a little,” Merrill said.

“Then stand. The people bend their knee too quickly,” Flemeth said, then turned to Hawke. “So refreshing to see someone who keeps their end of a bargain. I half expected my amulet would end up in a merchant’s pocket,” she said.

“I keep my promises,” Hawke said. “Though I confess I don’t understand: you were in the amulet the whole time?”

“Just a piece, a small piece, but it was all I needed. A bit of security, should the inevitable occur. And if I know my Morrigan, it already has,” Flemeth said.

“You are no simple witch,” Fenris said.

“Figure that out yourself, did you?” Flemeth asked, mockingly.

“I have seen powerful mages, spirits, and abominations. But you are none of those things. What are you?” Fenris asked.

“Such a curious lad. The chains are broken, but are you truly free?” Flemeth asked.

“You see a great deal,” Fenris said, as an icy chill slithered down everyone’s back sides.

“I am a fly in the ointment. I am a whisper in the shadows. I am also an old, old woman. More than that, you need not know,” Flemeth said - making absolutely zero sense. But true to Hawke’s story, her hair was spectacular. After some more questions, and some more senseless, eerie answers, Flemeth bid Hawke good bye.

“You have my thanks,” she paused. “And my sympathy.” And she transformed into a dragon and flew off. Just like that.

The keeper thanked Hawke, glad to see that there were at least a few honorable shemlen, that is humans, left in the world. Then she asked Hawke to take Merrill, the clan’s First, back with her to Kirkwall. It was a very unusual request, since the First is the apprentice to the Keeper. A very critical position for a Dalish clan. Everyone at the Dalish camp was acting weird about it too. The Keeper didn’t explain, and Hawke had sense enough not to pry. So they headed back to Kirkwall, mostly in silence. Varric asked Merrill a few questions, and had arrived at a nickname for her before they even reached the city: Daisy.

~

“So, how did it go? And where is Hawke?” Aveline asked, sitting down at Varric’s table as the others arrived.

“It was not what I expected,” Fenris said.

“Fenris, do you live here with Varric?” Aveline asked.

“No. You know I live in Danarius’ old mansion in Hightown,” Fenris said, puzzled.

“It’s just that- oh never mind,” Aveline said.

“Hawke,” Varric started as he rummaged through some papers, looking for more blank parchment. He had been busy writing since they got back. “Hawke is getting Daisy setup in the alienage.”

“Daisy? Who?” Aveline asked, turning to Fenris.

“The Keeper asked us to bring her to Kirkwall, once we finished returning the amulet to Flemeth,” Bethany said.

“Wait, you actually saw Flemeth?” Aveline asked.

“In the flesh, or at least I think,” Varric said.

“She was in the amulet,” Bethany explained. “Or, a piece of her was.”

“I don’t understand,” Aveline said.

“Sweetheart, none of us do,” Varric said.

“’A fragment cast a drift from the whole. A bit of floxsam to cling to in the storm,’” Fenris quoted.

“Oooo,” Varric said, racing to jot it down. “Thanks Fenris. I couldn’t remember the whole line.”

“And then she turned into a dragon,” Fenris said.

“She did. She really did,” Varric said, shaking his head without looking up as he wrote.

“Sounds like I missed all the fun,” Anders said as he joined the group and sat down.

“You would say that,” Fenris said, shooting daggers with his eyes. Anders fired back.

“I for one am glad I was not there,” Aveline said. “That woman scares me.”

“Me too,” Bethany said. “She gives me the chills.”

“Me three,” Varric said. “But what a story! It was worth it just for that. A dragon!” He shook his head again.

“And so this Daisy person?” Aveline asked again.

“She is the Keeper’s First. It’s … like an apprentice, she said. It was all a bit weird, the way everyone was acting, but they asked us to bring Merrill to Kirkwall. Hawke agreed,” Bethany said.

“She’s a mage,” Fenris spat. “Who’s dabbled in blood magic.”

“That makes me uneasy as well,” Bethany confessed. “But she is, I think, the nicest person I’ve ever met.”

“She’s naive,” Fenris said.

“Always glad to have another mage around,” Anders said. Fenris turned and glowered at him.

“The alienage, huh?” Aveline asked. “Poor girl sounds like she doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into.”

“No, she doesn’t. Poor kid. She looked so wilted when we left, to see what the alienage looked like,” Varric said.

“That place is depressing. Let us speak of it no longer,” Fenris said.

With that the table grew silent, all except for Varric’s scribbling and occasional rustling of papers, and murmuring to himself as he wrote. Fenris and Aveline called it a night early. Bethany and Anders stuck around chatting, while Varric continued writing. Hawke joined sometime later, just as Bethany and Anders were leaving.

“Those two seem to be getting along quite well,” Hawke said, watching Bethany alight with pure joy as she exited with Anders, who was escorting her home before returning to Darktown.

“Huh? Oh ya,” Varric said, looking up for the first time in a while.

“Hawke, you sure know how to stumble into some pretty crazy shit,” Varric said.

“Don’t I know it,” she replied, downing her mug in one go.

“How is Daisy settling in?” Varric asked.

“Daisy? You already assigned her a nickname, that fast?” Hawke asked.

“That fast,” Varric laughed.

“She’s …” Hawke paused. “It’s going to take some time for her to settle in.” They were silent for a moment.

“Did you know that the first time we met Flemeth, I actually asked her if she could teach me how to turn into a dragon?” Hawke said. “Pointless, I know, since I’m not a mage. But I couldn’t resist.”

“Haha. That’s pretty ballsy, Hawke,” Varric said.

“What can I say? I just want to be a dragon,” Hawke said and grinned.

“I know, and that’s why I love you,” Varric laughed.

~

Hawke checked on Merrill a few days later, to see how she was doing. Leandra had packed Hawke a basket of baked goods as nice “welcome to your new home” gift.

“Hawke,” Merrill said when she answered the door. “I … I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

“I wanted to see how you were doing,” Hawke said. Merrill invited her inside.

“Oh, you know. I’m … I’m getting by,” Merrill said.

“I have a ‘welcome home’ present for you,” she handed Merrill the basket.

“What this?” Merrill asked, pulling out a small wrapped package. She unwrapped it carefully, to discover a small carved statue of Andraste.

“Ah,” Hawke laughed nervously. “It’s a tradition in Fereldan to give new home owners a statue of Andraste. I … I realized after I gave one to Fenris that maybe it’s not the most appropriate home warming gift for everyone. I honestly don’t know what else to get someone though, in these situations. At least it’s pretty?” Hawke said sheepishly.

“It’s … thank you, Hawke,” Merrill smiled.

“Mother baked sweet rolls and a baguette, another tradition in Fereldan,” Hawke said.

“Thank you, Hawke. It’s a very sweet gesture,” Merrill said.

______________________________________________

This fanfic is based on the amazing Dragon Age games, specifically focusing on the DA2 game. Thank you EA/BIOWARE for such amazing games & characters!

I’m new to tumblr, so please bear with me as I figure out the best formatting.

[belle-in-beirut-blog]

Opening! Followed by Drama.

Well, I've been away for several days! As you can imagine, Wednesday and yesterday were consumed with final preparations for our opening last night.Norm taught a terrific workshop "The Body Speaks" on Wednesday (to a similarly delightful group of AUB students)- and we got a chance to see the very active campus preparing for student elections that were to be today (more on that in a minute). Walking through the crowd, I was astounded (and dismayed) to see a young man in a MAGA shirt-- I wondered if he had any idea of the implications. Our friend Razan described him as "Boujee Beirut"--I'll let you draw your own conclusions from that. Tech went quite smoothly, although I didn't get the run I had hoped for. We had limited time in the space. I did get to run the second act yesterday before the performance. My first act felt pretty wonderful - yes, I jumped a few lines (and had that odd experience of continuing on as my brain simultaneously tried to figure out if I'd left out important information that the audience needed)- but the second act was pretty rough. Young women (students) started leaving the theatre to answer phone calls in rather alarming numbers. I thought "What the hell??"- and while I managed to get through it- I definitely struggled to keep my focus (and even had to give Norm our signal for "line" at one moment, just after a young woman walked right through my playing space.) When I realized I was near the end of the act, I admit I was relieved--which saddened me- because I adore doing this play. But then Norm came back to explain: a political demonstration had broken out (a response to new taxation proposed on oil, tobacco, and all-important Whatsapp)- and parents were frantically trying to reach their daughters. While I was frustrated that my opening night was so affected, I am also relieved that there was such a concrete answer: that this was not "usual" in theatre in Lebanon! Many faculty from AUB attended last night, as well as many of the students from my workshop--and they did seem to really appreciate the show. For me, it was certainly a less-than-perfect performance. But what opening night IS perfect? We had looked forward to mingling with the audience after the performance in the theatre's very cool bar (see pictures from other day)- but the audience was anxious to get home- and our hosts were very anxious to get us OUT of there and safely back to our hotel. A taxi was waiting for us, we barely had time to clean up, and we were whisked away through back streets to the Le Bristol hotel. We saw some dumpsters turned over and burning, and as Norm and I sat in my room eating leftover Chinese food and drinking some wine, we heard lots of car horns--but that was the extent of what we saw of the demonstrations. Sadly, we heard this morning that two people died when a mob set fire to a shop (what the HELL setting fire to a store has to do with the reasons for the protest, I don't know.) Four people in the shop had escaped up stairs in the building when the fire was started. Two were able to escape out the window. Two perished. We were to have a reflective session with our workshop participants this afternoon. First that was cancelled. Then came word that a lunch with several faculty from English and Women's Studies was cancelled. And finally the worst of all--our performance tonight cancelled.Tomorrow night is up in the air. I HAVE to do this show again--as soon as possible- to get over the anxiety that last night caused me. Norm and I are goign to rehearse in the hotel tonight- just to give me the chance to run. Hopefully by tomorrow things will have calmed down, and we can have our closing in Beirut (and retrieve our props and my costume!) Robert Myers (our wonderful host) did walk to the hotel today, and took us to lunch at the absolutely FANTASTIC Salon Beyrouth. Hence...more photos of food (David would be pleased.) We were joined by David, a faculty member specializing in Shakespeare and Renaissance literature, at the restaurant. A pavlova for dessert--I thought I'd landed in Heaven. And Turkish coffee to compliment it! On the way home just now from the nearby grocery store (for a bottle of wine!) we saw more burning dumpsters--and now I hear chanting and commotion in the streets. Looks like it will be an evening spent in the hotel. Ah me. Timing is everything. But we are absolutely safe, and the play is open; the rest, as they say, will be gravy.

[bleachanimefan1]

Turtles Forever Part 51

The Big Brawl Part Two

The three brothers, Mona, Splinter, Venus and the Ultimate Ninja were down in the arena waiting for the tournament to begin.

"Warriors who seek to become Battle Nexus champion prepare yourselves!" The Daimyo announces and the crowd cheers.

"Hey guys, it is Traximus," "That gladiator from the Triceraton home worlds."

"Imagine Traximus being here," Mikey speaks. "This place just gets wilder and wilder."

"Where is Leonardo and Yuuki?" Splinter questions as he searches through the crowd. "The tournament will start soon."

"Do not worry Splinter sensei," The Ultimate Ninja reassures. "I'm sure they will be along any moment now."

Back in the Hall of Fame, Leonardo and Yuuki were still arguing.

"Yuuki, you're not acting like yourself." Leo tells her.

Yuuki scoffs. "I'm fine. You're just jealous, Leo." She said. "Just admit it that there's a guy actually better than you, not to mention handsome." She sighs with a dreamy look on her face.

"Yuuki," Leo said. "Give me that bracelet. Ever since you've been wearing it, you've been acting really strange. It's got to be one of the Ultimate Ninja's tricks." He reaches for her bracelet.

Yuuki slapped his hand away. "No!" She growls. "There you go accusing him again! Don't even think about taking it!"

"Will you listen to yourself!"

One of the assassins aims the crossbow at Leo.

It fires.

Leo quickly turns around and deflects it, sending the arrow flying into Yoshi's statue.

"Sorry, Master Yoshi," Leo apologies.

The assassin climbs down from the statue facing the two of them, the others reveal themselves as well. He lunges towards Leo to strike. Leo pushes Yuuki away, shoving her aside as the assassins blade came down between them. The assassin charges at Leo, swinging his sword at him. But Leo kicks the assassin away. Another assassin fires arrows at Leo and he rolls out of the way.

Leo sees Yuuki was just standing and watching. She had a spaced out look on her face, void of any emotion.

"Kill him..." A voice entered in her mind. Yuuki groans, holding her head.

"I could use a little help if you don't mind!" Leo calls out.

Leo blocks an assassin's blade with his hands then pushes him away.

Yuuki groans shaking her head. She pulls out her tessen and charges towards Leo to assist him. Yuuki throws her weapon. Seeing the tessen coming towards him, Leo quickly moves out of the way and her weapon hits an assassin.

The other assassin got up and threw ninja stars at Leo. Leo, dodges out of the way but an assassin kicks him from behind knocking him back towards a wall of weapons. As Leo stood up then got into a fighting stance, he noticed the assassins had vanished.

"Ok, where did everybody go?" Leo questioned as he reaches behind him to grab a spear off the wall, to defend himself.

"They disappeared?" Yuuki groans, holding her head in pain.

Leo bends down and picks up Yuuki's weapon. He looks over at Yuuki suspiciously. He walks over to her with his senses still on alert eyeing everywhere in the room for the intruders.

"You okay?" Leo asked, concerned.

"My head is throbbing." She groans.

"I need you to pull yourself together." Leo tells her. "We're not alone."

He hands Yuuki backs her tessen and she takes it, holding it in front of her.

Minutes ticked by and the room was deadly quiet. Leo and Yuuki searched around, looking for the intruders. Suddenly, a chain shot out and grabbed Yuuki's arm, pulling her away from Leo. Leo tried to reach out to grab her but an assassin came up from behind and kicks him.

Another assassin throws a chain and it wraps around Leo's wrist, pulling him towards two assassins. He twists himself and knocks one of them down and tries to attack the other , but he blocks it. When Leo pushes the assassin back, another assassin comes in and kicks the bottom half of Leo's spear out of Leo's hands, breaking it, then jumps at him.

Leo kicks him in the chest, knocking the assassin back while he fights against another one. The other assassin jumps back and kicks Leo back into the wall. Leo struggles to get up, now defenseless. Yuuki struggles against the assassin holding her, but couldn't break free as the chain was wrapped around her, tightly. Leo struggled to stand up. An assassin jumped onto a statue then aimed his crossbow at Leo, ready to finish him off.

A sword comes down and slices the crossbow, destroying it.

"You fight without honor, assassin!" a voice calls out.

Leo and Yuuki look to see a humanoid rabbit samurai standing above the statue, above the assassin. He jumps down and fights the assassin then turns his attention towards the other assassin holding Yuuki then jumps and kicks him down then slices the chain, freeing Yuuki.

The three assassins backed away from the samurai then climbed on the wall, and disappear. The rabbit samurai puts his sword away then walks over to Leo, helping him up.

"Are you alright, warrior?" The samurai asked.

"Thanks for saving our shells," Leo replied.

"You are welcome, kappa,"

"I am Leonardo and this is Yuuki. We are in your debt."

"I am Miyamoto Usagi, a Ronin and a competitor in the Battle Nexus Tournament. I was just passing by when I saw you two set upon by those dishonorable assassins."

"Lucky for us," Leo said.

"Luck has very little to do with it, it is about skill and control of your energies. Your mind and weapon must be as one or you will certainly perish."

"Ya I know, our sensei is always telling us the same thing. Any other advice?"

Usagi smiles then speaks. "Yes, duck."

Leo's and Yuuki's eyes widen and they do as their told and Usagi draws his weapon as he jumps over them. He blocks a ninja star that was aimed at the two. The assassins were back for another round. More ninja stars were thrown and Usagi charges at them while Leo grabs a shield on the wall to block the flying projectiles. Then he throws it at an assassin standing on the beams, knocking him down.

"Who are these guys?" Leo questioned.

Usagi fights against two of the assassins, with ease then knocks them down. Leo grabs a pair of wooden batons. The three fight against the assassins. Leo blocks one and was about to attack him, but he catches Leo's wrist and knocks him down. The assassin kicks him back into a display stand.

The assassin grabs a sword and walks over to Leo, standing over him, holding the sword above his head, ready to strike. Leo quickly grabbed whatever was in the display case and blocked the attack. He quickly disarmed the assassin and knocked him back.

As Leo stood up, he looks in shock to see that he was holding an helmet that looked exactly like the Shredder's. He tosses it away and walked over Usagi and Yuuki.

Usagi knocks two assassins down and they climb up the wall, retreating. "They are gone," Usagi said as he puts his weapon away. "Vanished."

"Again, we thank you for your help, samurai," Leo replied.

"Yes, thank you." Yuuki said, gratefully.

"Do not thank me yet warriors," Usagi answered. "Fate may pit one of us against each other in the tournament."

"I have to tell you Usagi-san, the way you fight, I'd rather not go up against you, if I can help it," Leo said.

Usagi laughs a bit. "The feeling is mutual."

The Gyoji appears with Leo swords in his hands. "Master Leonardo. Your swords have been repaired, I trust you find them worthy."

Leo smiles and he happily takes them from him and bows to the Gyoji. "Thank you," He said, gratefully.

"You three must hurry, the next stage of the Battle Nexus Tournament is about to begin."

The three of them left the hall. As they were walking, Leo glanced over at Yuuki, concerned.

They soon walk to the battle arena.

"Good luck, Leonardo-san, Yuuki-san," Usagi tells and bows.

"And to you, samurai," Leo answered and bows back. As they walked away from each other, Usagi walks past an rhino, with a broken horn, wearing a gi, eating something. He recognizes him and stops.

"Ah, Gennosuke," Usagi bows to the rhino. "I am surprised to see you here."

"Hmm, why is that?" The rhino asked in amusement.

Usagi places his hand on his head. "I did not think you went in for contests of honor."

"Honor?" Gen laughs. "No, I'm not in it for honor. I'm in it for the money. Just between you and me, I placed a huge wager on myself to win. I can let you in on the action if you want. It's a sweet deal, you could clean up."

Usagi smiles and shakes his head. "No, thank you, but good luck. Or should I say, good fortune with your wager. You will never change Gen-chan."

" Why would I? You cant change perfection. By the way, were's your little protege?"

Usagi looks around and sees that the white fox wasn't anywhere to be found. He frowns and shakes his head. She was probably off scamming people again. Then his vision went black as a pair of hands cover his eyes.

"Guess who?" A female voice teases.

"A pest," Usagi answered.

The hands pulls away from Usagi and he turns around to see the white fox, standing in front of him, smiling innocently.

Usagi frowns. "What's with the look?" The fox asked.

"Drop the act. And give whoever you conned out of their money back."

"Hey, I won this fair and square. I can't help it if they were suckers," The white fox replied.

"Alopex, now," Usagi said.

Alopex lips turned into a pout. "Fine," She said. "You're only acting this way because I did the same to you many years ago."

"You're lucky I didn't turn you over to the authorities," Usagi replied.

"Yo Leo, Yuuki, I thought you two weren't gonna show." Raph said as he sees the two.

"What took you?" Donnie asked.

"We got attacked." Leo explained.

"Attacked?" The Ultimate Ninja said, surprised. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, now that you're here." Yuuki smiles.

"I'll survive," Leo said, frowning, giving him an wary look then towards Yuuki, seeing her clinging a little too close to the Ultimate Ninja. Venus and Mona noticed how strange she was acting as well.

"This is terrible, I will look into the matter at once." The Ultimate Ninja replied. He turns to Yuuki and smiles then kisses her hand. Yuuki looked at him a little uncomfortable by it then back towards Leo. Leo glared at him.

"Until we meet again." The Ultimate Ninja walks away.

A horn sounds out, starting the tournament and everyone gathers in a circle.

"The time has come," Splinter speaks. "Be brave my children, and more importantly, be careful."

The Daimyo uses his staff to ring the gong next to him. "Let the contest begin!"

He raises his staff and it begins to glow brightly and sparks as he aims it to the arena. The spark hits the middle of the arena. The battle arena begins to lower before walls began to rise from the ground, separating everyone into two fighters.

Yuuki turned to see Mona, who cracked her hands and punched her hand with a fist.

"I don't suppose you can go easy on me would you?" Yuuki asked, nervously.

Mona charges at her and Yuuki screamed as a punch was thrown at her. She quickly moves out of the way.

Mikey turns to a tall man and laughs sheepishly. "Looks like it's just you and me."

"Warriors!" The Daimyo calls out. "First tier, begin!"

Mikey screams as his opponent charges at him. He jumps over the alien and lands, pulling out his nunchucks. Splinter was fighting against an alien wielding a mallet. When the alien charges at him, Splinter rolls out of the way and dodges. Raph circles with an alien that has rings in his hands. He clashes with the alien before he jumps away pulling out four rings. Venus was struggling with Alopex, as the fox quickly darted around her, knocking Venus back with a couple of blows.

Yuuki threw a punch at Mona and she quickly dodged out of the way. Mona charged at her and managed to land a punch right in the face, knocking her back. Yuuki fell on her knees. The bracelet began to glow. She clenched her fists tightly and bit her bottom lip.

You are holding yourself back, making yourself weak. You have the potential so use it. Let the anger flow.

Yuuki shakes her head of the thoughts. No, I promised Leo. I never want to be that person again.

He is the reason why you are weak.

She clenched her fists and growled in anger.

Yuuki looked up at Mona who was staring at her confused. She stood up and got into a fighting stance, glaring at Mona.

Yes. He is holding me back.

For a split second, Mona could've sworn she saw Yuuki's eyes glow red. Then, next thing she saw was a fist strike out and connected with her face, hard. Mona was knocked back and she tumbled on the floor. Mona sat up and hissed in pain as she rubbed her cheek.

Mona saw Yuuki leap into the air up and was about to deliver a kick but Mona quickly rolled out of the way in time before Yuuki slammed her foot in the ground.

Mona stared at her in shock.

Usagi was facing an large alien with arms for legs. He bows before clashing the the alien. Gennosuke was against an alien with a spiked gauntlet and a butterfly knife. Donnie blocks with his staff before he gets knocked back a bit. He growls and charges at the alien.

Leo was fighting with an alien that had horns attached to his hands. Leo jumps and kicks him down, winning the battle. Splinter kicks away the mallet. The alien growls and Splinter kicks the alien in the stomach repeatedly before the alien falls down. Traximus won his match as well. More aliens began to disappear, and Gennosuke wins his battle. Raph knocks out his opponent and raises his sai. "Say goodnight, ring boy," The alien disappears just as the final blow was delivered.

Usagi jumps and makes the final blow to his opponent.

"Hey, fuzzy, what do you say we call this a draw? And I'll spring for the other half of that hair cut," Mikey calls out and the alien charges at him. "Where's you sense of humor?" The alien kicks him back and tries to slice Mikey. But, he jumps over the alien and knocks him out with his nunchucks. Mikey smiles and blows kisses to the crowd.

Donnie was knocked down and he looks up to see the alien was about to strike him. "Aw shell," Donnie disappears. He opens his eyes to see that he was unharmed and looked around confused wandering where he was. "What happened?" He saw that he was in a resting area.

"You have been defeated in the great tournament," One of the attendants informed as he checks Donnie for any injuries.

"I don't believe it. I'm the first turtle eliminated? The guys won't ever let me live this down," Donnie said. Suddenly, Venus was teleported near him. "You too, huh?"

"That fox cheated! She was so fast! I couldn't keep up with her!"

"Well, nothing we can do about it now," Donnie replied.

Then the two of them see Mona appeared.

"Mona? You too?" Venus asked.

Mona frowned shooting a look at Venus, who immediately went silent. Then Venus noticed something, she saw a bruise was beginning to form on the lizard girl's cheek. She walked over to her and was about to heal it but Mona slapped her hand away.

"Please, let me heal it." Venus insisted. Mona looked at her for a minute then let the alien to her work.

"Who hit you this hard?" Venus asked. "They nearly knocked your tooth out."

Mona pointed at the arena and Venus looked to see that she was pointing at Yuuki.

"Are you sure?" Venus asked. "I think you might have an concussion from being hit too hard. There is no way Yuuki would do that to you."

Mona frowned at her. Venus continued her work until she was finished and Mona's cheek was clear.

"If what you say is true, then we'll need to keep an eye on her." Venus said.

Then a horn sounded off, the two of them rushed over to the edge, where Donnie was watching, to see that everyone has defeated their opponents.

"Champions," The Daimyo calls out. "I commend you on your victories thus far. And now, prepare yourselves, the next round, tier two!"

A water bubble rises from the ground and expands and engulfed everyone in the battle arena, causing them to disappear.

The Ultimate Ninja was watching from his water mirror. The assassins that attacked Leo, Usagi, and Yuuki, appear from the ceiling and dropped down to bow. "You have failed me. Leonardo is still alive and you have failed to capture my bride."

"Forgive us, young lord. We will not fail you again."

"Good," The Ultimate Ninja turns to them. "Because next time, the price for failure will be your lives! The task ahead is very grave. I can afford no further blunders. Prepare yourselves and your brothers. Now begone." They crawl away before jumping up onto the ceiling, disappearing.

"Perhaps the destruction of Leonardo is premature, my lord. Should you not first secure the throne?" A voice calls out. A robed person walks over to the Ultimate Ninja.

"You dare question me? Do not forget your place, councilor."

"Yes, my lord," The councilor bows to him.

"The bracelet you gave me doesn't work. Yuuki's still with Leonardo." The Ultimate Ninja growls.

"You know I only try to serve you. And as your councilor, I must advise patience. The girl's mind is weakening. Soon, you will be able to do with her as you please."

"More patience?" The Ultimate Ninja hits the water in anger, destroying the mirror causing it to fall back into the cauldron.

"I have suffered enough in the name of patience. I have bowed before them. I have begged for their forgiveness as my father wished. But now, my time has come. I will take the throne from my father and I will become the supreme Daimyo of the Battle Nexus, with Yuuki as my queen. And I will make the turtles, their mates, and their rat master pay for their insolence to me with their lives!"

"Tier two, begin!" The Daimyo calls out.

A spark lights the arena and the floor begins to sink as the walls are brought up, placing two contestants with each other. Leo was faced against Usagi, Yuuki was faced against Alopex, Mikey was faced against Splinter, and Raph was faced against Traximus. The Daimyo rings the gong and the fights begin.

One alien was knocked out and the crowd cheers. Mikey turns to Splinter nervously. "Um, Master Splinter, are you gonna kick my shell now?"

Splinter looks up at the audience. "Do you hear the crowd, my son?"

"Do I? It's been pretty cool fighting like this out in the open, having everybody love us for it."

"Yes, this year it is your competition, not mine." Splinter sits down. "When my children fight with honor, they honor their master."

The Gyoji appears between them and turns to Mikey. "You must deliver a finishing blow to end the match," He informs.

Mikey pulls out a nunchuck and walks up to the rat. "Master Splinter,I...I," He slowly brings down his weapon on Splinter's shoulder. "Thanks, sensei." Splinter disappears and was teleported next to the Daimyo.

"Ah, Splinter-san, I see the master of ninjitsu lost to the father in you."

"Yes, I suppose so. It is just that...if my children can win, I do not wish to stand in their way."

Raph spins his sais in his hands. "I'm kinda sad to have to be the one to knock you out of the tournament, Traximus."

"I think perhaps you're mistaken, Raphael. I feel sorry to have to be the one to knock YOU out of the tournament!" Traximus swings at him, but Raph jumps over and swings at him, but misses. Traximus punches him to the floor and Raph groans.

"Stay down, little one. Or you may get hurt."

Raph jumps back up. "Thanks for the advice, Trax, but you better take it for yourself."

"You should be proud to have raised such fine warriors and children," The Daimyo said to Splinter as they watched.

"Yes, I am proud." Splinter answered.

The Daimyo glances to the side, thinking about his own son. "If only fathers could make their children understand we're only trying to protect them, from their own inexperience."

Splinter sighs. "I know exactly what you mean, old friend. But tell me, there is something familiar about this samurai that Leonardo is fighting," He looks at Usagi.

"He should look very familiar to you. He is the same young samurai in training that came to your aid when Drako ambushed you some years ago. He is already a Ronin at such a tender age," An armored man approaches him from behind. "But his sword arm is skilled far beyond his years." The assistant hands him a note and leaves, letting the Daimyo read it.

"Excuse me, I must attend to a small matter. When you join me later when this bout is over?"

"It would be my honor, Daimyo," Splinter said, bowing.

Then he glanced over at Yuuki watching her fight Alopex. He frowned in concern. He noticed that there was something off by the way Yuuki was fighting. She was more aggressive.

He did not like this. Something is very wrong here.

Three more aliens were knocked out. Traximus lunges at Raph, but he jumps back. "You're gonna have to be quicker than that, dino boy." Traximus lands a hit on Raph, knocking him to the wall. Raph growls and charges at him, ducking a hit. He is knocked back again, but throws his sai. The sai deflects off the Triceraton's armor. Raph jumps up and knocks Traximus down and lands on his shell. Traximus gets Raph in a headlock.

"You have been a worthy opponent, Raphael. This is a battle I won't soon forget."

"Yeah, I guarantee you won't," Raph throws him to the floor and jumps to deliver the finishing blow. Traximus disappears and the crowd cheers.

Donnie, Venus, and Mona watched the matches until Yuuki appeared appeared.

"I can't believe I lost!" Yuuki shouted.

"Welcome to the club," Donnie said.

The Ultimate Ninja watches the match between Leo and Usagi from above. "My lord, I must advise against this rash course of action," His councilor said as he approached him.

"Your counsel has been heard and overruled. Now keep silent, I command it."

The councilor's eyes glow green. "Yes, my Daimyo."

"And so, it is time for Leonardo to suffer for his past effrontery," The Ultimate Ninja lifts his mask and blows into a blow dart. A dart shoots out and hits Leo on the back of his neck.

"Usagi, I...I" Leo struggles as he tries to walk over the the samurai. The world was spinning wildly around him. Leo felt his heart began to beat faster as he struggled to breathe. His vision went dark and the leader collapsed near Usagi's feet. Usagi watched in horror and confusion as the turtle fell in front of him.

"Leo?!" Donnie called out. He and Venus watched in shock.

Mona glanced over at Yuuki, noticing that she was quiet. Her eyes widen when she saw her smirk.

"Leonardo, no!" Splinter calls out and the audience gasps.

[planar-echoes]

The Journal of Javad Nasrin (Zendikar) By Doug Beyer (10/14/09)

Day 1:

We set out from Kabira today, trailing two horses extra, and a hurda packbeast to carry the rations, trapfinder's gear, barter for the crossing, machetes, and the relic itself, should we prove successful. The sun was relentless all this first day, carving a searing line in the sky over the hedron-strewn flats of Agadeem, its disk like the gaze of an unshuttered eye. Rather than skirt the coast, we set out on the northern road, hoping to reach the shores of the mainland, and the thickets of Turntimber, by month's end.

We are a smaller group than I'm accustomed to, as Kabira's far from most of the expeditioners' routes, but there's no apparent deficiency of talent among them, and I've enough years in the wild to furnish the remainder of skill our troupe may lack. I've hired Ghazzan, the first minotaur I've expeditioned with, a nearly silent but unmistakably strong man who favors the Makindi longaxe to the more traditional machete; Sali Oran, the lullmage, whose talents should prove useful should we encounter any storms or disruptions due to the Roil; and Keeda, "the Quick" as the advertisement read, a goblin trapfinder of the Lavastep tribe.

The terms are standard for relic hunters: what we find is mine by rights, and I shall pay them the other half of their due when we find a safe port again, relic in tow. I have not told them what it is we seek, which is exactly how I prefer it.

 Day 3:

The sun mocks us, finding its way around our defenses. We all wear hats or headdresses, and Sali Oran applies some sort of salve to her scales, but the white stone hedrons scattered across this dry-grassed country reflect the sun, casting its rays back into our eyes. In the afternoon we let the hurda lope along on the western side, granting us some measure of shade. Still, I long for the dense, spiraling trees of the forest ahead, and hope Turntimber holds the item, and the answers, that I seek.

 Day 6:

We've survived a thrice-unfortunate encounter today. We first chased off a lynx who had attacked our stores of smoked meats, which caused the hurda to bolt, nearly crushing Keeda (who thankfully lived up to his speedy reputation) and necessitating a wasteful chase to recapture the pack animal. In the chase we stumbled upon the lair of the antlered cat, a felidar, a famous resident of the polar regions of Sejiri but here golden-furred to blend in with the savannah. Its den was a cavern formed by the leaning shapes of two immense hedrons, and as our hurda lurched hysterically into its shadows, we heard only a swift crack as the felidar defeated its prey. Ghazzan slew the great cat with grand strokes of his longaxe, aided by my own not inconsequential sword-work, but we had to shove on without our pack giant. We loaded the rations and supplies onto the two spare horses, too much open grassland lying between us and our origin at Kabira to consider returning to purchase another hurda.

The road has long since abandoned us now, but we march on almost due north, and should meet some of the marshlands that surround the famous Crypt soon, and then the northern coast. Sali Oran objected to our route, calling it a "fool's course," but I reminded her of my years of experience traveling the continent of Ondu, and of her contract.

 Day 7:

We've kept to the shade of the great hedrons for the midday, and have conducted the majority of our travel when the sun lies low to the horizon. The steeds object to the increased weight, but seem eased by the cooler temperatures of the mornings and evenings, and have borne the hurda's load so far.

Keeda the goblin has a strange approach to riding, crouching in the saddle on his bare feet and grasping the mane of his pony, using his knees to cushion against its bouncing gait. Every hour I'm convinced I'll see him fall off the animal, twisting an ankle, or worse, injuring his trap-finding fingers; but so far, those futures have not come to pass, and he has stayed nimbly atop it.

Tomorrow we journey into the deep ravine that separates the hedron fields from the marshlands, that being the most direct route into Turntimber; so tonight I counseled our party to lace their boots tight, and to sharpen whatever they intend to stab things with. In the cool of this night, I'm aware of a distinct premonition of the importance of our journey, and of a changing of fortunes to come, for me in particular.

 Day 13:

Ghazzan died today. For six days we've been beset by the hazards of the marsh: the slimy cliffs of the ravine; the treacherous footing through the swamp route, which we had to navigate on foot, leading the horses; the gloomhunter bats and giant insects and other plague-bearing winged creatures; and the salivating marsh-maw traps, which only went hungry due to our trapfinder's uncanny intuition. The great minotaur had fended our company bravely throughout our time in the marsh, singlehandedly slaying seven large predators that would have dined on our flesh, and countless others that would have proved an annoyance; but in the end our axeman perished.

The tale was this. Last night the Roil disturbed the land as we slept, moving us off course or moving our course off of us, without opportunity for our lullmage to soothe the Roil's forces; and we found ourselves dangerously within range of the Crypt of Agadeem. We woke to Ghazzan's disconcerting, bleating cries, and discovered him being dragged in the direction of the cave-maw of the too-near Crypt. The creature who seized him I took at first to be a large vampire, its eyes luminous and evil and its fangs bared, but its smooth, curving horns and unearthly musculature persuaded me otherwise. I now believe it was a being sprung up from the bowels of the world, who used the cavern as an exit as a spelunker might use it as an entrance. We endeavored to fight off the beastly figure, assailing it with spell and sword, but its strength was immense, and its countenance and ravening roars threatened not unconvincingly that it would devour us every one should we prolong our resistance. We fled then, and later counted ourselves fortunate to have lost only Ghazzan. His pay shall be split among the rest of the company, as is equitable, and is all the same to my finances.

 Day 16:

We made satisfactory time on a hard march since the Crypt, putting the remainder of Agadeem behind us and making grateful acquaintance with the northern coast. We are now aboard the Serpentcutter, having bartered our furs and Ghazzan's longaxe to its captain, and a friendlier sun ricochets off of the thin strip of the Silundi Sea between us and the mainland of Ondu. Our lullmage swims alongside the skiff at times, her scales and fins and hair glinting green and magenta through the wind-tossed waters; I can already make out the thin line of the far shore, glistening in colors that match hers. Whether this day was clear by fickle chance or by the imposition of her calming influence I cannot tell. After the marsh, despair threatened to take hold of my mind, but today I am cheered; if we speed at this rate, then there shall be time before the solstice for me to reach my goal.

 Day 18:

The sun mocks us once more, sending spears of light down through the canopy of Turntimber, dappling the ground in misleading patterns and confusing the meager trail. The snakes have kept away so far, which is a blessing, but the serpentine shapes of the trees surround us in an almost constrictive manner, and their creaking voices are dire. Sali Oran remarked, and so I have heard it said, that the trees of Turntimber follow unseen forces in their shapes and growth, which set one's mind to hidden things, and to personal peril.

The elves here are wild, and swift of foot and bow, but they and their wolves have kept merciful distance for now. We follow the way that was told to me, renewing our bearings with landmarks as best we can, not letting the ink dry on our maps. Truth to tell, there's only one instrument whose guidance I trust; it is not a sphinx's riddle, nor a bardic saga, but what lies ahead of us in the heart of Turntimber.

 Day 25:

Let it be known that I am thankful to Keeda the goblin, once of the Lavastep warren, for his contributions to our expedition. His instincts were enough to save us from the pit of vipers, but not enough to prevent him from falling into it himself, nor to prevent the release of the basilisk that followed; without him, we too would be naught but forgotten casualties to Turntimber.

Sali Oran told me that the omens were poor, and that Keeda's demise, combined with the actions of our machetes through the understory, would only encourage the land's appetites for our own deaths; but at my urging, she agreed to press on. I must admit that I feel the opposite; my blood hurries through my veins as we near the goal, and I feel I can hear encouraging words in the creaking limbs, as if the forest has selected us to succeed. The days stretch lazy and long as the solstice approaches, and I feel that I shall finally discover the device I seek, and learn the secrets that have been hidden from me for so long.

 Day 39?:

It has been a span of seemingly ceaseless days and unsatisfying nights as the solstice makes its inevitable march toward us. Sleep has become nearly impossible, and we have had to abandon all but two of our weary horses, as the way has provided us no way to keep them watered. We carry only a trace of the supplies we loaded back at Kabira, and only Sali Oran's grace and calmness of purpose has kept my spirits aloft and my limbs mobile. I have seen such death in one short journey that my mind would drown in a misery of remembered images. I know now that the answers cannot be worth the cost, even were I able to pay my debts from my own flesh.

 Day 45:

It was on the day of the solstice, on a stone dais on a hilltop, overlooking the expanse of Turntimber like a lighthouse overlooking a sea of green waves, that we found the device. It was the Seer's Sundial, a massive stone hemispherium whose style and encircling metalwork projected shadows over a rune-inscribed bowl. The sundial was ancient, perhaps older than most of the forest around us, yet the creases in its huge basin were as crisp as sword-blades, the lichens unable to obscure its purpose. The sun cast sharp black shadows in the bowl, and Sali Oran and I gazed down into it as well. We watched the lines dance across the curves, studying the messages they carved and scribing diagrams of their likeness on parchment, hardly speaking.

The day has ended, and our journals and minds are full. It has become clear that, in some sense, the voyage was a success, in that the Sundial had given us answers; but the sun could not chase a chill from my mind, as we found answers to which we scarcely had questions. Careful work will have to be done to decipher what exactly we have seen in the Sundial's shadow; Sali Oran knows relic researchers at Sea Gate whom she believes can help in that regard, although the journey there will be many times as far and arduous. But I can see in her eyes what I feel in my heart: that we have grasped the significance of the Seer's Sundial well enough, and that it portends a future that holds the true measure of darkness, for us and for all people under the sun. In this expedition I sought to know how I would fare in my future days as a relic-seeker, self-interested as that now seems, and I learned that and far more; I learned more things, indeed, than I cared ever to know.

Of course the device itself has turned out to be much too massive to move, so I will have only this document, and what tales you can divine from the memories of my companion, to attest to our travels. We travel north from here, aiming to seek refuge at the trapper community of Graypelt, where can be found some acquaintances of mine. I feel I must unburden myself, not only of my substantial traveling gear, but also of the weight of the augury that I bear inside my mind, which may in time prove to be the heavier.