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eldritch-essor · 4 years ago

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the Christmas Switch

Prompt: Satan gets Christmas letters from kids who misspell Santa’s name.

It’s one strange day in Hell indeed when someone dares to interrupt Satan’s afternoon nap.

“Ex-Excuse me, Sir—” Satan cracks a single eye open, studying the postman in front of him who’s somehow managing to simultaneously sweat like a broken water fountain and tremble at the near frequency of an electric toothbrush. Rather understandable, the Devil thinks, considering that the poor man’s standing in Hell, directly within blasting range of the ruler of said land.

“Yes?”

The postman jumps at his voice, lower than usual from his recent nap and twice as menacing, though Lucifer would probably just dump a cup of water onto him. Trembling even harder, he involuntarily retreats a few steps away. Not like it would help him in any way.

Satan sighs, rubbing at his temples with a clawed hand to ward off the incoming migraine that’s sure to set in sooner or later.

“What brings you to my domain?” he asks slowly and clearly, making sure not to move too quickly lest the postman gets a heart attack.

“I— There’s a— no, I mean—” the man starts, stumbling over his words as he frantically roots through his satchel, spilling several letters in the process. Satan raises a single eyebrow as he watches. The postman finally manages to produce a neatly stacked set of envelopes of varying sizes and colours, and Satan vaguely muses at how miraculous it is that he hasn’t dropped any of the letters into the pond of lava right next to him yet. Clearing his throat, the postman starts again, proffering the stack towards Satan with a hand that’s trembling so hard he’s actually amazed the man hasn’t managed to shake the words right off the paper itself. “I mean to say, you have— your post, S-Sir.”

Satan nearly chokes on his drink.

Letters? He wonders, internally backtracking. And for me, of all people? It’s only when the postman replies that he realises he said it out loud.

“Yes, Mr. Sa— I mean, sir.” The postman tentatively takes a step forward, eyes honed onto the Devil for any sign of movement that would presumably send him running like the wind. After detecting no threat — or at least, as minimal of a threat as one such as Satan could pose — he quickly lays the letters down at Satan’s feet, holding out a clipboard and pen towards Satan gingerly. “N-now, would you please sign here to declare that y-you’ve received your mail?”

The second Satan manages to scrawl what should resemble a signature onto the space indicated — it’s not as if he’s ever needed to write, that’s Lucifer’s job as the accountant — the postman snatches everything back and disappears in literal seconds. Satan watches the man’s rapidly receding back and contemplates how he made his way into Hell in the first place.

After he’s certain the postman’s long gone, Satan picks up the stack of letters thoughtfully wrapped in a length of twine string. “Letters for me, huh.” he mutters as he picks apart the knot, dumping the five envelopes onto his lap.

For lack of a better term, they were all covered with the brightest colours that a crayon could conjure. And they were all labeled in the shaky handwriting of children who have just mastered how to write their first letters.

tO sAtAn, the envelopes proudly declared, in various colors. Unable to hold back his curiosity, the Devil slit open one of the envelopes with a pitch-black fingernail and glanced at the letter within.

dEar saTan, the letter starts. mY name iS EmiLY, aNd i am 6 YERs Od. (It took a few moments to adjust his eyes to the assorted sizes of the letters. ivv bEN a GOOd GIRL THis YER, aN i wOULd ReeLy LUvE a pupy fR CRissmass! pRETTY pLEasE? YOU COULd COmE OvER aNd pLay wiTH HER, two! Satan finds his lips cracking into a smile as he decides the brown coloured blob on the bottom of the page is most probably a drawing of a dog.

Picking up the other letters, he opens them more eagerly, devouring the content within like a man who’s been deprived of water for a long time. Except, he doesn't exactly need water to survive (demon and all) but that’s beside the point. Timmy would like an action figurine (whatever that was), Ann wanted a new teddy, and the other two letters were written in penmanship that the Devil simply couldn’t decipher, even when he took out his reading glasses and squinted at the crayon scribbles so intensely the letter nearly went up in flames.

And no, the Devil certainly did not accidentally singe a hole into one of the letters in the process.

“LUCIFER! I DEMAND YOU READ THIS FOR ME, THIS INSTANT.”

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Out of everything he’s put up with over the past few centuries — not that Santa would ever admit that he was ancient — getting ambushed by a cloud of ash and sulphur was definitely a first. And that was saying something, considering how often he’s been tripped up by a devious string of bells wrapped around the kitchen in a childish attempt to catch him out during the job. And just don’t mention the cookies and milk. Santa didn’t know who started the ridiculous notion that he’d like twenty million cups of milk and double the amount of chocolate cookies during one night, considering how they’d forgotten one crucial fact: he was lactose intolerant. Also, who in the world in their right minds would think one man would be able to stomach enough cookies to sustain a small army in one night? Ridiculous.

Well, there was a reason why Santa didn’t sneak into houses via the chimney anymore. Not that Satan seemed to care, that is.

Santa blinks. Wiping the soot off his glasses to the best of his ability, he squinted hard at the figure in front of him, internally wincing at the scolding Mrs. Claus would definitely give him for getting his suit dirty again. That was Satan, all right, with an innocent ‘deer in the headlights’ look that had no business being on his face.

“What are you doing here, Satan?” he asks, furiously wiping his glasses, as if he’ll be able to banish the sight of the Devil in a crude mimicry of his own outfit. Satan shrugged nonchalantly, with a grin so big Santa half expects to be eaten whole. It certainly looked… ominous. The barely disguised, unadulterated glee behind was even more so.

“I’ve been asked to deliver some Christmas presents!” he chirps, and Santa swears, if Satan’s smile was creepy, Satan chirping was horribly terrifying. Had he managed to overthrow God or something? He should just— wait.

What?

“Little Emily has specifically requested for me, so you can just move along,” Satan says smoothly, leading Santa to the door.

Santa finds himself standing next to his reindeer — who are coincidentally having a staring match with Cerberus and Hades, who are somehow perched on the roof — when he finally processes what’s going on — oh no.

Immediately, he runs back into the house, making sure not to wake up the inhabitants of the house when he proceeds to have a whispering match with the Devil.

“Look, Satan,” he starts, trying his best to be reasonable. “You don’t have to strain yourself like this. I’m sure I can manage to cover the five kids who’ve accidentally written your name on their letter on my rounds. How about you just head back to Hell and, I don’t know, take a dip in one of your lava pools?” He was interrupted by a barely suppressed growl and oh, that was why people don’t usually like Satan; he mused as he was confronted by a rapidly reddening face and glaring red eyes.

“She wrote to me, Santa.” Satan hisses, waving a piece of paper that’s somehow singed in a corner and covered with crayon but the word ‘sAtAN’ is vaguely distinguishable in the top left corner. “Me.” Satan puffed his chest out in childish triumph. “Not you.”

Santa sighs, pinching his nose with a still soot-covered hand. Of course, this would happen.

“This happens every year, alright?” he says in an attempt to pacify the beast. “Some kid misspells my name, and the post office is usually smart enough to redirect it my way. One of them must have slipped up this year, and that’s why this happened.”

This, however, seems to be the wrong thing to say, as steam metaphorically — or is it literally? — starts pouring out of the Devil’s pointed ears.

Santa quickly decides that he’s not paid enough to deal with Satan on top of delivering presents to another couple million houses before dawn — and that’s already five minutes he could’ve used to get that done wasted — and so he just roughly jerks the basket out of Satan’s hand before ruffling through his sack — a little girl would probably love a doll or something — when sharp needle like teeth latch onto the hand that was holding the basket.

Satan watches calmly as Santa frantically pries the teeth of the small creature off his finger.

“Down, pup.” he says once he’s decided Santa has had enough punishment — the insolent brat — and the creature obediently lets go, diving back into the basket before Santa can see what it is.

“It’s just a puppy,” Satan says soothingly. “Nothing wrong with that, right?”

“I suppose.” Santa concedes as he bandages his bleeding finger. “Now, no giving them anything inappropriate, alright? Or I’ll make sure never to let a single letter reach you again, no matter how many typos there are. Deal?”

Santa’s never seen the Devil grin so widely before. And so, he reluctantly allows Satan to leave his present at the Christmas tree. He supervises as Satan carefully leaves wrapped presents that look somewhat safe — a plastic sword, a teddy bear, a few figurines — under others.

At last, all the houses have been visited and dawn is peeking across the horizon. Santa lays sprawled across a particularly overgrown roof as he watches the sunrise with his reindeer — and never in a million years would he ever imagine — Satan, Hades and Cerberus, who’s still staring at Rudolf, growling.

“This was a good year,” he says, satisfied with his work. After all, he managed to deliver all the presents, and on top of that, Satan didn’t burn anything down! It was an accomplishment in itself. “Next year, if you want, I’ll teach you how to make gifts, so you don’t have to buy them from stores.”

“Buy gifts?” Satan looks at him quizzically. “Why would I have to do that? I’ve practically got everything they could ask for stowed away somewhere in Hell. A sword was just plain easy. I did have to bribe Hephaestus to make some of the figurines, but it’s pure luck that Cerberus’ kit had pups this year.”

Santa feels a sinking sensation in his stomach as he processes this.

“You did WHAT?!”

-vrei.essor

#christmas #my writing #writing #santa #satan #cerberus #writing prompt #original content #do not repost #do not copy #or satan will not deliver your presents :)))#satan gets a kid a three headed puppy for christmas #tired santa #regrets life #short story #my precious #writers on tumblr #not a prompt

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mcrmadness · 4 years ago

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So this is yet again one of those days when I remember why it sucks to be a non-German Die Ärzte fan. I always forget about this when nothing happens but I hade the same thing in 2012 when “auch” was released.

Barely no one in Finland knows about dä. Their music has never ever been played in the radio here (the only marking I could find was about their Kiss cover “Unheilig” but no idea when even was that and why and on which channel). Only times I have seen something on TV is when I have been watching Deutsche Welle and just once I happened to see some music document on a Finnish channel and it was talking about German music too and they talked a bit and showed a clip of Schrei nach Liebe. That’s all. I’ve also seen a mention of new interviews from today and I have no idea where to look from because nothing was on youtube and idk if those even were videos, so I guess I will just keep shrugging and waiting things like that to find themselves to Tumblr eventually. This is pretty much my only channel to the most relevant dä news anyway for me, apart from bademeister.com and their newsletter but even those don’t provide all that information. I also never got to see EVERY auch related interview because many of them were blocked in my country... and I still wish I could see them from somewhere.

Finland doesn’t really sell German music magazines anymore. The 4 posters I own were from the magazine called Popcorn and that magazine never was sold in my city so an online friend living in Lapland area bought and mailed those posters for me back in 2010 or so. Even now if I want my hands on any of the paper interviews I have to ask people living in German-speaking countries if they can buy and send me one (before I had no friends). No idea if you can order those online to be sent to your country, maybe that’s possible nowadays but I don’t think it was that common 10 years ago. Plus my German speaking skills back then were basically nonexistent.

I have preordered Hell already but I’m afraid I won’t get to enjoy it on Friday because I cannot just walk to a store and buy it here. Finland doesn’t sell die ärzte albums. I have bought everything through EMP Online because it’s one of the rare shops that also works in Finnish and Finland but they still always send these from their main storage from Germany which means it will take a little bit longer for me to get my order. Plus Finnish Posti being often slower than a snail which doesn’t help at all. And I’m pretty sure they will mail it on Friday unless they get the album a bit earilier and can mail it already before Friday - which then means I have to wait several days before I can give it a listen and look at it and I really would like to avoid spoilers AND I’m not going to give it a listen online beforehand because nothing is better than opening the album for the first time ever and looking at it in peace and hearing it from the cd, for the first time ever. I ordered both the cd and the LP which is why I’m thinking about maybe listening to it for the first time through my record player since I couldn’t do that with Morgens Pauken - the song and the video were released at midnight (1am in Finland) and the record was sent to me during Friday so I only got it the following week.

I miss the times when preordering something meant you actually also got it the day it was released, even if you ordered it online.

#mcrmadness' random stuff #die ärzte

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mrneighbourlove · 4 years ago

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Evil’s Bane: Ch 3. Onward and Forward

Sunny sat in silence for a while, miffed, but quiet as she gathered her thoughts. She was ready for work when Leere told her that she was having to go away. “I don’t like it.”

“I know.”

“What you want to do is dangerous.”

“It is.”

“Are you absolutely sure you have to do this? You said that being a sage would keep you in Hyrule. Can’t someone else do this?”

“No. I’m sorry. It has to be me.”

Sunny watched Joy play in living room, wincing at the thought of losing her wife. “What about our daughter?”

“I’m certain if I don’t go, you, our daughter, and so many others will be killed. I’ve foreseen this.”

Sunny pinched her forehead, sighing deeply. “Goddarn it.”

Leere gave her moment before holding her hand. “Sunny...”

“Don’t make a girl a promise if you know you can’t keep it.”

Leere smiled, waiting for her wife to look her in the eye. “You know me, when I make a promise.”

Sunny smiled back, yet her sadness was still there. “Well, we’ll be waiting.”

Standing up from the table, she looked to Joy. “Joy? Both your mommies are leaving for work. You’ll have Aunt Galaxia look after ya.”

“Ok. Love you both.” Joy ran up to hug both her mothers, with both women kneeling down to hug her back. Leere smiled, rubbing her daughter’s hair. “We love you too.”

As both moms walked out the door, they turned to each other, stole a kiss, and walked separate ways to their work. Now the only ones who knew Leere left was her wife. Heading back to the Hive, she stopped by a mail box, having a backup letter delivered to Zizi.

"Hades," The notorious assassin of the Hive, nicknamed 'Black' by Bonegrinder, appeared to the Lynel. He was rather curious why the summons. Usually, the Lynel avoided him, saying the scent of undeath was disgusting. "You called?"

“I did. I need someone who can protect and aid the shadow sage, as well as our leader when we venture to Malus.”

"... you do realize I am an assassin, not a guardian?" Black thought someone had rubbed the big cat's fur the wrong way to get him thinking such nonsense. "I will go if Bonegrinder requires me, though, I am a surprise he agreed to go to Malus."

“Only because of the girl. I don’t trust her. Another reason I’m asking you to go.” Hades rested a hand on his shoulder. “If you sense deception that could put Bonegrinder in grace mortal danger, I want you to execute her.”

"I will not hesitate to kill her if I sense ill will toward Bonegrinder." Black assured the Lynel. He had been with the Anagari almost as long as Blue and White. Bonegrinder had found him wandering a graveyard and managed to help him recover some of his memories. He felt he owed the Echidnan a great debt. "Or any other being. Including yourself."

“Your loyalty and lack of flare in order to work effectively is why I value you most in the Hive.”

"I am here to serve Bonegrinder. You may be his friend, but I am his assassin." Black stated with a stoic expression. "I owe him for helping me remember who I was, how I died, and if not for him, I would have been unable to get my revenge on those who wronged me. Now, since I am still here and trapped upon this earthly plane, I wish to be useful to him until the magic which keeps me this way runs out."

“That is all I and him ask of you Black. Now come, the witch approaches.” Leere navigated the Hive, this time escorted by Silver. To be honest, she wasn’t sure if she disliked him or Red more. Least Red was physically attractive.

But Red loved to talk. "You know, sweet thing, I could totally give you some tips on how to make that pretty wife of yours just squeal in bed." The incubus floated a few inches off the floor, puffing his long jade pipe. "You do know that if you do the Omishan alphabet with your tongue, then she'll be orgasming within seconds."

"Can you talk about anything other than sex?" Silver groaned as the incubus pestered Leere. "Like... maybe the weather for once?"

"The weather in the great down under is doing just fine." Red grinned. "Moist, warm, and ready."

"... remind me to never ask you that again."

Nope. Red was worse. “Please. Stop.” Leere rubbed her temple to clear a migraine.

"Leave the sage alone, Red, she does not require your lessons in nocturnal activities." Black told the incubus with an annoyed expression. "Go back to your whore houses."

"I just don't understand how she resists me and yet fell into the claws of those sisters." "I guess they're a better fuck than you." Silver snorted. "And how would she know? We haven't fucked yet!"

“Because they’d be better company before and after. Leave.”

"You're missing out, girlfriend, that's all I can say." Red then disappeared with a puff of smoke, leaving Black and Silver to waft it away out of the air.

Leere moved through the smoke to Bonegrinders chamber. She knew well enough it was by now.

The Anagari was rapidly puffing his own pipe from Red, angrily. Needless to say, the snake was very agitated. He had books thrown about, opened to various pages, and was cursing in Omishan.

“Bonegrinder? I’m ready if you are. Leere was decked out in her monster hunting robes, ready for cooler weather. She thought it best to open up to the serpent in a friendly mood.

"He is not going." The Anagari flicked his tail, taking a deep inhale of his pipe to calm his nerves. "Malus is a wasteland, nothing but death and decay and dangerous and demons---why did you agree to take her there, you idiot divinity?!"

A sudden shift of personality and glowing eyes revealed Prama once more. "I am Prama, the Maker, and those innocents inside of Malus deserve a chance to be free of the enemy---"

With a grunt, Bonegrinder returned. "And have you thought about what would happen to your precious prophecy, your beloved Kaksa's host, if you were to be caught?!"

"You mean if we were caught."

“You won’t be. We’ll be careful every step of the way.” Leere walked over, picking his books up. “You should keep better care of these.”

"He is researching how to expel this nuisance from his body."

"Your body? We share it, you overgrown sack of scales."

"He is not going!"

"Yes, you are!"

"You cannot make him!"

"Do you really want me to take over your body for the entire trip?"

"Don't you dare! You're such a pain in the ass!"

"The Shadow Sage requires our assistance and has made a good point. Kaksa would want us to continue to try to do good."

"Kaksa is the reason this whole mess started."

"You take that back!"

"Kiss his black scale-covered ass!"

The arguing was stopped when Leere took their hand. “Bonegrinder. Not only do I believe my own life is danger, but also my families and the people of Malus. I want my friend to be with me and have my back. Can I count on you?”

"Mother has warned you of Malus, he has warned you of Malus, and you still insist upon going?" The Anagari asked his friend. "What makes you so sure that he knows how to get in the country in the first place?"

“Because of your insistence of not going. You know.” Leere patted his hand, unable to be unswayed. “Please? For me?”

"Hrm... he does not like it when you beg him."

“I could go by myself you know. Take a lot longer. More danger too.”

"Now you are being a brat."

“Am I? I’m not the one throwing a fit with himself.” Leere shrugged. “Guess I better get going if I want to save those people.”

"Prama is not Bonegrinder and Bonegrinder is not Prama." The Anagari shook his finger at Leere. "Two souls, one body." He grumbled under his breath. "He does not like it that you did not speak to him first on this issue. Malus is a one-way ticket to hell on earth, Leere. He fears for your safety."

“And I my family Bonegrinder. This is me asking a friend to help me. Can I count on you?” Leere put her hands to her hips, waiting for her final answer.

"... he will go." Bonegrinder finally replied, not liking the fact that Leere was trapping him between a hard choice and an impossible task. "Though we will not stay but one day."

“Thank you. Then let’s be off.”

“Not without us.” Hades trotted over with Black, his hooves clipping silently. “We will accompany Bonegrinder for his safety.”

Leere didn’t expect a larger party. “Oh. I didn’t think this needed your attention.”

“Believe me, it does.”

"Hades, old friend, and Black, his trusted warrior, Malus is a country full of hellish monsters and those looking to steal your soul." Bonegrinder frowned. "He does not wish to put you two in harm's way."

"I have already departed this world once, Bonegrinder, I do not fear doing so again if it is to help you." Black stated. "You once helped me with no qualms. I am going to be by your side to look out for you when others fail to do so."

“And I am a monster among monsters. None can kill me so easily.”

"And you may be the last of your kind." Bonegrinder asked the Lynel. "Would you have this Anagari be responsible for the death of the last, great Lynel?"

“Don’t worry old friend, you won’t.” Sheer-Khan patted the snake on the shoulder. “But let us make this quick so that the woman’s quest does not delay us from our tasks here.”

"Hrm, are you using this as an excuse to get away from Red for a while? We both know the incubus would love to have a roll in the sheets with you." Bonegrinder chuckled, not passing up an opportunity to lightly tease his friend. "We must be able to stay together or at least know where the other is in case of danger." The Anagari plucked three of his scales. "Consume these and he will know where you are if he has to create portals to get us out of harm's way or if we are somehow separated."

They all took them, nodding. Leere gripped her shadow medallion, giving herself assurance. “When you’re ready.”

"He must warn you all. While creating portals is an easy task with the right magic, keeping them open is another. If he says we go through then, we go then. Not later. Are we all clear?" "Yes, Bonegrinder." Black replied.

“You need not ask twice.” Hades replied.

“I understand.” Leere said in turn.

"Stay together and do not wander off." Bonegrinder pricked Leere's and Hade's fingers and took a single hair from Black since he only had dead blood. Then he started working on the portal.

"This old snake will be very limited with his magic when we arrive. The last thing he wants is trouble. If we do not find what Leere seeks within a day, we are coming back."

Leere nodded in agreement. She wasn’t going to disagree with her friend. As the portal opened, she steeled herself for what would come ahead.

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/625816111410233344/evils-bane-ch-2-obligation

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/625816676434313216/evils-bane-ch-4-dangerous-uncharted-territory

#Crossover #Malus #Leere #Leere Dragmire #Sunny Ingo #Bonegrinder #sheer-khan

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hanistarxx · 5 years ago

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Against Elysium - Chapter 2

A Modern Greek Mythology AU with Fem!Hades & Fem!Persephone

Summary: All Omisha ever knew was death. She has never felt the warmth of the sun or the breeze of a stormy wind. She has never seen beauty in her kingdom of desolation, or heard the soothing music of assurance. Seraphina wanted to change that. All in the name of love. And Gods forbid anyone who dared to separate them. For if anyone did,a war is what would become of it.

Pairings: Zoe Kravitz x Adria Arjona (Fem!Hades x Fem!Persephone)

Warnings: None, Slight mention of murder

Word Count: 1.5K

Against Elysium - Masterlist

"YOU want to tell me what is happening out there?"

Omisha sat in her office, her body posture straight against her chair, her eyes burning holes into the screen ahead of her.

"I was kicking Thana's ass again - "

"I meant on Earth, Chavez," she replied seethingly, annoyed at the displaced immaturity of her trusted advisor.

Her face contorted, displaying one of confusion and anger. Dealing with souls and passing out their judgement was no easy feat. Yet the task was given to her, and she aimed to accomplish it.

Omisha couldn't help but notice the increase in the number of souls collected per day. It used to border around a hundred deaths per day in New York alone. Today, it's value rose up to 257.

"257 dead bodies in New York," she whispered. "Pull up the demographics."

Naya quickly tapped onto her tablet at the order. In just a few seconds, the information was mirrored onto the display screen in front of them.

"Murders, Your Majesty. 52% of them," Naya stated.

Omisha stood up from her chair and placed her hands behind her back. She stepped forward towards William, her eyebrows raised questioningly.

"I didn't kill them," he defended himself, quickly. "I didn't even know they were murdered. They just looked like they were sleeping."

"So you're saying that these people died in their sleep?" Naya questioned.

"Maybe it was a heart attack?" William suggested. "Some people get heart attacks in their sleep and die."

Naya stared at him, as if he grew another head, "130 people had a heart attack-"

"If it were heart attacks, then the cause of death would be sickness, not murder," Omisha stated. "Do we have any claims as to who the murderer is?"

Both Naya and William shook their heads.

She turned to Naya, "Highlight this to Victor. Set up a meeting for us and get Israel to come too. Maybe he can help us with finding whoever this bitch is."

As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Naya clicked away on her phone as she walked out of the office. William sat himself down on a nearby sofa.

"Why are you so worked up about this? I thought you didn't care about mortals?" he questioned.

In all the years they had spent in the Underworld, they were used to dealing with murders. Every once in a while, there would be cases of serial killers on the loose.

Victor and Damien had to come down on Earth to personally demolish the criminals. And when they were sent to Hell? Omisha wasted no time in executing their punishments.

But the Gods had not dealt with a murderer in years.

"I'm a bitch, but I'm not heartless. And these are innocent lives, they don't deserve this shit," she said.

William propped his feet onto the table and relaxed further into the sofa. Omisha turned her head to her advisor, her glance fleeting back and forth between him and his feet.

With a heavy groan, Will took his feet off reluctantly, while Omisha turns to grab her phone and exit the office.

"I'm going to meet Styx. If there really is a murderer, I want updates," she informs.

William proceeds to place his legs back on the table after she left but stops mid way when he heard her yell.

"If you want your legs chopped off Chavez, put your feet on my furniture!"

----------

"WHAT'S up flower girl?"

It had been a few days since her meetup with Illyana. Seraphina was sitting on the porch swing, reading a book, when Jacob, whom she dearly missed, arrived.

Jacob Kingsley was the God of Travels, or as Seraphina would like to call him, the universal mailman.

"Nothing much, mailman."

Jacob's face turned into one of pure misery. Seraphina loved spending time with Jacob whenever he came around. He was always oozing happiness and cheerfulness. Having spent her whole life in her mother's realm, she travels the world through his stories.

Of course, she had traveled before but going to the grocery store then back, on her mother's behest was not really what Seraphina wished upon herself. She wanted more.

At the sound of teenage chatter, Isabela came to the door, a soft warm smile plastered on her ageless face.

"Mrs. Narvaes, nice to see you looking beautiful as ever," Jacob flirted, "I've got some mail for you."

Isabela took the letters from him and noticed that he was still holding another piece of neatly folded paper in his other hand. Jacob turned to Seraphina and handed that to her.

"This one's for you, girl. It's from Israel," he said. Seraphina happily took the letter from him and kept it within her book. Her mother, on the other hand, eyed them suspiciously.

"Why would Israel send you a letter?" Isabela questioned.

"I don't have a phone for me to receive texts from him. Plus, you don't let me go anywhere outside of Bronxville so I can't meet him, he has to come here. And he's been busy, I guess or he would have visited instead of sending me a letter," Seraphina snapped, tired at the fact that her mother questions everything she does.

Isabela stood up straighter and was about to reprimand her daughter when Jacob laughed awkwardly, intervening them.

"Mrs. Narvaes, do you mind if Seraphina and I go for a walk? We'll just be around here," he asked, trying to break the tension between the mother and daughter, hoping to separate them from each other before someone got killed.

Isabela sighed and nodded at the young God's suggestion, knowing that being angry was not a good idea. As the pair of teenagers walk off, Isabela couldn't help but wonder if maybe, she had been too strict with Seraphina.

Maybe, she should trust her daughter, trust that she can take care of herself. That she didn't need to helicopter around her anymore.

Seraphina mumbled an apology to Jacob, as they walked around her garden. She felt humiliated with putting her friend in a weird situation.

"Nah girl, I'm alright. It's you I'm worried about. I can barely imagine how suffocating it can be to stay here all the time," he said.

Jacob sympathized with her. He had the freedom he deserved while she didn't. Seraphina was a well-behaved young lady who was way more responsible than she likes to take credit for. Seeing her cooped up in one place her entire life did not sit well with him. It was not fair for her.

"I'm okay, I'm used to it. Just hoping that someday, I can get to travel with you or go hunting with Illyana or go to one of Israel's party that's not here. To just go somewhere else," she sighed.

Jacob couldn't muster any words to say, therefore he merely nodded at his friend. There were times where he wanted to sneak her out for the night and return her in the morning before Isabela would wake up but Seraphina would always refuse. She insisted that if she ever wanted to go anywhere, she would always ask for her mother's permission.

It was the one thing that made all the Gods and Goddesses who knew her, like her. She had a little spunk in her but she also had a whole lot of love and respect for anyone she deemed deserving of it.

The two friends caught up with each other with what they had been up to in the few days they were apart, as they walked back to her cottage. Seraphina turned to hug him goodbye and he could see that she didn't want him to leave yet. Unfortunately Jacob had more letters to send out and had to get going.

Isabela noticed that her daughter was upset too and before she knew it, she spoke,

"Jacob, why don't you bring Seraphina with you today? I'm sure you both could use the company."

Both the kids, turned to her, eyes wide and full of confusion. They were both taken aback, Seraphina more than Jacob. Sure her mother had given her permission to go out before, but to be out the whole day, she was sure the day would never come. Yet there they were, shocked, her jaw dropping to the ground.

"You okay, Mrs.Narvaes? Did you sniff a little too much of that Cannabis plant, you been growin'?" Jacob spouted.

"Yeah, Mama? Are you alright?" she asked.

Isabela rolled her eyes and shooed them off. It was her form of apology for doubting her daughter earlier. She turned to Jacob and instructed him to bring her daughter back before ten, later in the night. Without saying anything else, she strode off to her greenhouse.

Jacob and Seraphina turned back to look at each other and hurried off before Isabela turned around to change her mind. Seraphina skipped beside Jacob, showcasing a dazzling smile.

"Are we flying?" she asked enthusiastically. Jacob looked at her and laughed.

"I ain't about to heave your heavy ass across town," he said incredulously.

"We're taking my car, sis," he continued, motioning to his 2016 Ford Shelby Mustang.

Seraphina then questioned where they were going as the both of them nestled comfortably in the car. Jacob looked around outside to see if Isabela was anywhere nearby. Once the coast was clear, he turned to his friend to speak, mischief filled his eyes.

"How good are you at telling lies?"

----------

tag list: @futureauthor-mabye @artwriteanimationinspo

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Chapter 3

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assortedfruitsnacks212 · 6 years ago

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I miss you, Tumblr! + Life update on stuff and things

Heyyyyy everyone. I figured it was high time I made a proper post talking about, well, everything that’s happened since I stopped posting so much. I don’t like that I disappeared - this site was where I discovered Reylo and made some truly awesome friends. So I want to stick around, you know? And I do hope to come back more often from now on. It’s just hard juggling so many social media platforms...

But ANYWAY. I promised an update, so here we go.

1. I’m moving across the country!

That’s right ladies and gents, I’m fleeing the New Jersey coop for my old hometown of Huntsville, AL.

Why, you ask? Well, Huntsville is very much a city of the future. As the home of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (where they built the Saturn V rockets!) Huntsville has earned the well-deserved moniker "Rocket City USA." It's also undergoing a huge economic boom, which has led to a thriving arts community.

New Jersey? Eh.

I'm tired of just treading water and not making headway toward my dreams. I’ll talk about those dreams a bit more in this post. Needless to say, they’re very, very important to me.

So I'm not settling anymore. In August/September, I'm packing up shop and heading down south. It's the start of something new, and I can’t wait.

2. I started a Patreon for my passion project, and it’s going well <3

My passion project, The Oracle Fragment, has been the one thing I’ve returned to over and over again for the past 10+ years. Late last year I decided to step up my commitment by starting a Patreon. I’ve only done a soft launch so far, and I’m already at 38 Patrons :) It’s been a rewarding month!

My official launch is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27. I’ll be celebrating with a Twitch stream with fun games, sketch requests, and maybe a little giveaway ;) The stream starts at 9pm EST. Let me know if you want to come - as you know, I take Reylo requests ;)

3. I’ve returned to my roots: pencil drawing!

A friend of mine convinced me to do some traditional drawing again, and I’m so glad he did. I’d forgotten how lovely it is to put pencil to paper. Also, I know I’m far better at it than I am at digital sketching. So I’m gonna let myself indulge a bit - and maybe even find a way to marry my pencil art TO my digital art. People do it all the time, I hear ;)

People who are waiting on commissions: if you want me to sketch your ideas traditionally, shoot me a message and let’s talk about it! If I do a pencil sketch for you, I can actually mail it to you OR to the friend of your choice. Shipping is free! (unless it’s international in which case we’ll discuss it) @reylorianlovechild @immortalpen @faithren @rebelrebelreylo @jesssssah

4. I’m putting my art in local stores

My favorite stores in Woodstown, Barney Loves Books and the Woodstown Coffee Shop and Bakery, have agreed to let me display my art on their premises. I’m REALLY excited and also a little overwhelmed :) I’m gonna start small, with just a basket of prints and originals... BUT who knows where it could go from here :)

If you’re in the Woodstown area, come take a look sometime! Woodstown is about 40 minutes away from Philadelphia. As a bonus, we could even meet - just message me and we’ll go get coffee from the bakery!

5. I’m raising money for Star Wars Celebration

I bought Saturday passes for my husband and me some time ago. Now it’s time for me to either (A) raise the money for travel and lodging, or (B) sell the tickets to someone else. :p For a while I was leaning toward just selling them, but hell, it would be SO nice to go, if only for a day! So I’m going to give it a shot. Keep an eye out for commission openings (once my current ones are finished) and other cool stuff!

6. I’m doing more portrait work

Again, this is all because my friends and family convinced me to... BUT I’ve decided to make a whole-assed attempt at making my portrait work a thing. I’m printing up brochures to display with my art, and I’ve revamped my listings on Etsy.

Portraits are my strongest point, after all. There’s something about the human face that utterly enchants me, and people tell me I have the ability to capture the subject’s heart and soul on paper. I’ve decided to believe them. :)

If you’ve been thinking about commissioning a portrait of a friend, family member, or other loved one (including fictional loves *coughKylocough*), you can go to my Etsy here, or just message me here on Tumblr.

Speaking of Etsy...

7. I’m adding lots more stuff to my Etsy store

I haven’t done much with Etsy since last summer, and it’s time I fixed that. Over the weekend, I FINALLY added a print option for Elf lord Kylo Ren (!!), and I’m about to add merch for him, too. Oh, and I just ordered fine art prints of Elven Kylo and Hades and Persephone Reylo so I can put out hand-embellished versions of them!! That’s where I paint on the prints with gold or silver so they look extra shiny and pretty. You can see a pic of my embellished Art Nouveau Padme here.

Other plans I have for my Etsy:

- add pillow inserts to my custom pillows - add MORE fanart - add MORE originals

If you have ideas for other things I can add to my Etsy, please let me know! Especially if it’s Reylo things ;)

8. I’m starting a regular Twitch stream with an art/storytelling focus

I’ve wanted to be a Twitch streamer for a long time, but I could never figure out what to do, exactly. Just recently, inspiration hit me like a bolt of lightning:

I want my stream to be all about storytelling.

Life gets crazy, depressing, and devoid of magic sometimes. I want to bring a little of that magic back by creating an intentional space outside of daily life for imagination and exploration. Dreaming, brainstorming, chasing plot bunnies, painting, sketching, talking deep subjects, and playing games - these will all be welcome activities in my magic circle. So if that sounds good to you, come make magic with me <3

My inaugural stream will be Saturday, February 23 at noon EST. After that, I hope to stream at least 3 times a week in the afternoons.

---

As for Reylo stuff...

Believe me, though I’ve been absent from Tumblr, I’ve never, EVER stopped thinking about Reylo. And I haven’t forgotten about any of my ongoing Reylo fics and projects!

I’ll make a separate post about that, though. I’ve talked your ear off quite enough for one post ;)

I’ve missed you all. If the urge strikes you, PLEASE come and see hi. I’d love to hear from you!

@reylocalligraphy @reylo-convert @enjoyallneednothing-blog @raven-maiden @obsessivepropulsive @ever-so-reylo @monsterleadmehome @reylolujah @pacificwanderer @dreamsdescent @faequeentitania @thewayofthetrashcompactor @deafield @dvrkrey @reylotrashpiler @recklessdarkness @cosmo-gonika @aionimica @creationsvixen @collegefangirl3791 @inmyownidiom @midnightbluefox

#assortedfruitsnacks212 #reylo #reylo fam #reylo fandom

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keytextsfromkh · 6 years ago

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Dream Drop Distance: Traverse Town

- I like how at this point, they're not even trying to pretend to be a fun and happy game. This is third act-Disney movie shit and two people are already dead.

- ...My name is...Bongo.

- No, I prefer Bongo. Sounds more fun and fancy free.

- And that's when you realized that everything up to this point was nothing more than a simulation on the "What if?" Machine. A man can dream...a man can dream.

- Yeah, when we're out in the middle of the ocean, we'll just call Aquaman and he'll save us...he's owned by Disney right?

- (Ursula’s Arrival) Sora, it has begun...it cannot be stopped.

- Wow, Riku's kind of a weakling, when /Sora's/ able to keep his footing and you're tossed overboard, that's pretty bad.

- It's ok Riku, that's just Hades releasing the Titans from...well, Hades. (Where were the Titans held prisoner in the movie?)

- That's got to be a low point in Ursula's career, when she's nothing more than a tutorial boss and doesn't really have story relavance.

- Now /this/ is the time when you should be asking if any of this is for real or not.

- And that question is: How do they get the little m's on the m&m's.

- I suppose that's an interesting question too...show off.

- If that were the case then the challenges of my past have just gave my darkness a huge advantage in /that/ battle.

- (Regarding Xehanort) He's basically Ganon, he'll always come back to fuck us over even if the plot doesn't call for it.

- Well I'm here to tell you that you're not to be cocky little shits and you'll be considered Keyblade Masters when /I/ tell you, you got that you little whippersnappers? God, I'm tired, Mickey, get my walking stick and Donald, get the liniment oil, you're going to be rubbing it into my creases all night.

- Well it is a mix between Disney and Final Fantasy, I'm sure flying colours won't be the strangest thing to appear.

- So Sora opens a keyhole and now he's what, flying through the subspace highway?

- I've had my clothes changed once before and yet I'm still freaked out that it's happened again.

- (Neku’s Arrival) Oh thank god, some much required emo cynicism.

- Maybe it's under his glove, have you thought of that.

- I'm so toally a player, I've been with all the bitches and I can do like 5 Fortnite dances flawlessly.

- This must be Neku's own personal hell, although considering his partner is (probably) Shiki, this is like double hell.

- I'm loving the music although I'm hating the controls, why isn't X jump, it seems kind of backwards.

- Wow, someone with an actual last name, you really aren't from this world are you?

- I mean if I can handle Pokemon, I think I can handle their Disney counterparts.

- And there's my dirty mind at work again. You're telling me that I have to "unlock" seven sleeping holes to gain a great power. It's a good thing I'm not easily offended/paranoid or I'd think that this game was secretly promoting date rape.

- A great wall keeping all the worlds seperate? Again, it's probably a good thing this game originally came out in 2012 or it would be quite suspect.

- (Young Xehanort pulls some sick parkour moves) You said specifically, no over the top acrobatics to prove how cool you are.

- Obstacles: Breakable except when they're not.

- Joshua: King of innuendos.

- Oh god, Joshua's about to spend an hour talking about the multiple worlds theory.

- He wants to find Rhyme but Riku wants to hear reason.

- (What Joshua spends his time dreaming of) And they all centre around one adorable little crankypants

- If Riku is a dreamer, would that make Joshua a dreamweaver and can he get Riku through the night, maybe even reach the morning light?

- At least they don't give you another tutorial.

- Who knew Beat required a self-esteem team and who knew they would be so cute and colourful.

- Ok, I'm calling it now, the Sleeping Worlds don't have oxygen, they have a constant atmosphere of xanax.

- In hindsight, considering the powers of the X-Blade and the requirements of it's construction, this could be seen as a very bad idea and those who came up with it should have been fired.

- So the moral of the story is: Piracy causes giant universe-shattering wars.

- So Riku was just using the keyblade for it's intended purpose, he really wasn't a villain, he was just doing what felt natural.

- Wait, so the letterbox is alive? What other things in this place are alive?

- So, this is the mail room from Monster's Inc.?

- Anyone else think "Ice Dream cone" sounds like an edible? Like it's laced with LSD?

- So it looks like we've entered the residential district of Traverse Town and considering the graffiti, the fact that part of it is obviously based on The World Ends With You and the idea of how Sleeping Worlds operate, I think this is a part of Disney that they want to ignore, it's a part of them that fell into Darkness and they want it to linger there, it's early 90s Disney. In this twisted town, we won't meet Goofy, we'll meet Max from Goof Troop, we won't see Huey,Dewey and Louie from DuckTales, it'll be their iterations from Quack Pack and I think I know who the final boss of this world will be. Someone who represents the 90s and all things EXTREME! Someone who's connected to Disney but is nothing more than a twisted, vulgar imiation of the real form. This final boss will be Dippy Fresh.

- I will say the new parts of Traverse Town look amazing, it's like they really get that mix of SE's anime stylings and Disney's wonder and magic.

- Again, as I've said before, Sora's just one huge OCD bubble.

- Where the fuck was Rhyme during Chain of Memories, she loses her memories and acts like it's no big deal and then starts talking in fortune cookie sayings.

- So Sora has teleporting powers now? Is that another little extra when in the sleeping worlds?

- Seriously, the music is really damn good in this, the boss music may be a lot more upbeat than in previous games but it has this carnival-like heroic vibe going for it.

- Well it still is Disney so I guess "friend" is the best we can do for now.

- We're pulling an Inception here Sora, please try to keep up.

- (Joshua’s a very humble person) I'm God, it's no biggie really.

- It's Xehanort: The Wonder Years

- (Regarding Shiki being saved by Riku) You could at least let me give you a blowjob as payment.

- I guess after Selphie pulled a #metoo on Tidus, Riku isn't taking any chances.

- Unless this is a Proud Mode thing, one major issue I'm already having with this game is that there are too many enemies. Like I know you can run into a pack of monsters every 5 steps but this is overdoing it just a tad. It doesn't help that we're already fighting some of the heavy hitters in the first world rather than waiting a world or two before bringing in the fat fuckers.

- Oh fuck, he turned her into a cat doll.

- (Beat knows when things are half-baked) If anyone would know anything about being baked, it's you.

- Speaking of which, where are the reapers? They could bring some much needed fun right about now.

- Now that's a smart idea, let's take a huge boss with huge arms and put the fight in a small room where it can grab shit and whack you with them.

- Now there's a missed opportunity, why do Sora and Riku get the same Keyblades, it would have been interesting if each one got their own unique keyblade based on how their story in that world plays out.

- So Joshua is Sin from Final Fantasy X?

- Ok, that spinning thing is kind of distracting and kind of dumb

- Joshua died on his way to his home planet.

- (Yen Sid can be really dick-ish sometimes) I'm kind of a dick that way.

#Kingdom Hearts #Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance #Mock Liveblog

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panthera-tigris-venenata · 2 years ago

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„Hadie! Hadie!“ yells Mal at the top of her lungs, stomping loudly through the alley. She curses when it turns out that her little brother isn't hiding in this one either.

„Where is that brat?“ she mutters for herself. He has never strayed that far from home yet!

What if something happened to him?!

Her parents wouldn't even notice!

And what if Mal didn't come home when she did, huh?! What then?!

„Hadie!“ she yells again.

What if someone kidnapped him? And her mother didn't bother to read her mail? Or killed the messenger?!

„For fucks sake, kid, this isn't funny!“ Mal's voice rises almost painfully, „If you are messing with me, fine, you won! Whatever you were playing, you won! Just come here!“

But the street remains silent, sans for her ragged breaths.

Mal blinks, straining her eyes to look into the deep shadows of the Auradon city.

She tries not to think about how far beyond the curfew she imposed on her brother it is.

She blinks again and moves to the next alley, kicking a flask laying in her way so hard it shatters.

And all the goody two shoes citizens complaining about her disruption of night peace can go kindly kiss her ass.

„Hadie!“

Two shadows drop before her:

„Looking for someone?“ one of them asks.

„None of your fucking business,“ she snarls back.

She recognises the shadows – Jay and Jade of Agrabah – and yeah, no way in hell she is telling them that she has a brother. That Maleficent and Hades have another kid.

Because knowing the Agrabah crime empire, Hadie would find himself kidnapped again sooner rather than later.

„Now get out if my way.“

„Treasure, we heard you yelling for a kid,“ Jay says, and oh, fuck. She bares her teeth at him.

„Really shouldn't have shouted it loud enough to scare the pigeons if you didn't want us knowing that,“ he says, flashing his teeth in a smile, and Jade stalks closer to him, nodding. She says something to him, not in a language Mal understands. Not that it matters, absolutely not.

„Get out of my fucking way,“ she repeats. And when they don't move an inch, she reaches for her knife.

„Geez, fine,“ Jay backs away lazily, putting his hands up, and still smiling, that bastard, „If you are looking for a kid – any kid – you might want to check with Uma, though.“

Uma.

Fucking Uma.

Of course it was her, messing with Mal's little brother!

She thinks that the whole city belongs to her, but Mal will show her! Uma will forever regret messing with her family-

Mal marches away to Uma's base, and, unbeknownst to her, the Agrabah cousins look at eachother, nod, and follow her: This was not exactly what they had in mind when they told her about Uma, but they gladly go watch the drama. (Of course they do. They'll get front row seats from the roof, too – and they might contact Harry Hook first, just for the hell of it.)

Finally, Mal stands before the abandoned storehouse Uma claimed for her gang, and bangs at the metal gate, letting her anger shine through.

„Uma!“ she shouts, „Get your sorry ass over there right this second, or I'll make you regret it!“

Against Mal's expectations, Uma doesn't show up. She yells again, this time with less death threats:

„Uma! It's emergency!“

Still nothing, just a watchman quietly judging her from the shadows.

So Mal yells again and almost chokes at the „please“ she added. (she will make Uma pay for that, too.)

Finally, the gang leader comes out, pretending to yawn, and not even having the decency to show off her weapons. Instead, she has two bodyguards behind her, that bloody poser.

Mal doesn't bother with formalities:

„Give me back my brother–“ she demands, barely restraining herself from yelling at her full lungs again.

„…You have a brother?“ Uma asks, genuinely confused, „Guys, tell me, Mal has a brother?“

The fighters shrug their shoulders and Uma turns back to Mal:

„No, really. You have a brother? Why didn't I know about it?“

„Give. Me Back. My. Brother,“ Mal carefully enunciates each word, „I know you have him, so give him back, Shrimpy,“ she spits out the cruel nickname from their childhood (it feels like ages ago).

„I don't know what you are on, but I don't have your brother. I didn't even know you have a brother five minutes ago, how could I have him?!“ Uma argues, but Mal already sees red.

She takes out her knife, angles it forward, and lunges towards Uma, fully intending to hold her at knifepoint until she caves.

She is surprised when the other girls reacts fast enough to meet her blade with her own, but hey. A fight is good as well right now, in her books.

Uma dances in front of her stabs and punches for a moment, not long enough in Mal's option, and soon barks out a short command.

Then, Mal finds herself disarmed and struggling against the strong hold of one of Uma's bodyguards.

(So that's why she had them.)

„Uma!“ Mal chokes out from behind the strong arm holding her neck – if talking doesn't work, she could always try bitting.

„I know you have him! You always get all the street kids and thieves and fugitives – you know about everyone in this godforsaken city. Just, give him to me. I won't even hurt you if you give him back now. I won't take revenge –“

Mal isn't sure if she is lying or not. She just wants her brother back.

„I really did not know you have a brother,“ the gang leader says, „How old is he?“

„He's ten-“ Mal chokes out. „He's-“ (he is too young for this city of crime. Too young to die. He is innocent, he doesn't deserve this.)

Suddenly, Uma's voice sounds… weird. Softer, somehow.

„We didn't speak to each other the last twelve years, Mal. Of course I don't know you have a brother.“

Then she returns back to her usual demeanor, snapping her fingers once:

„Now, tell me how he looks. Maybe I will know something after all.“

So Mal starts describing her brother: A bit short for his age, tiny enough to fit everywhere he shouldn't and climb everywhere, a scar on his finger where he accidentally nicked herself with one of her daggers and another from when he was playing unsupervised with mother's acids.

Wide dark eyes, and oh, the ends of his haor are dyed blue–

Uma snaps her fingers once again.

„Jonas, get that kid. Gil, let go of her, but stay on lookout.“

The arm disappears from Mal's neck, but she still feels as if she can't breathe. She won't be able to breathe until she sees Hadie with her own two eyes, either.

„I though you didn't have him?“ she spits out instead, leveling a glare at Uma. She hopes that the exhaustion she feels doesn't show in her eyes.

„Well I didn't know he was your brother,“ scoffs Uma, „The Baduns dragged him to me, claiming he might be in danger at home. So I took him.“

There is something final and deeply burning about Uma's tone and eyes, and Mal struggles with her words as she answers:

„He's- I'm taking care of him. I'm taking care of him, he's fine–“ she hopes she doesn't sound as desperate as she feels.

Uma scoffs at her again and doesn't bother answering.

Meanwhile, Jonas showed up with sleepy Hadie in tow, and Mal lunges towards them, the knife forgotten on the ground.

She traps her brother in a bone crushing hug.

„Never do that again, yeah?“ she whispers, „Never scare me like that again.“

„But Ma-al,“ the child whines, „I wanna be there! I'm a detective!“

Mal freezes all over again and turns slowly to Uma, who just slaps a hand to her face, and up on the roof, Jay and Jade grin at each other: This drama is just getting started.

Especially with Harry Hook just rounding the corner.

The Badun detective agency in the 1920 mafia AU

For @hannahhook7744 I hope you enjoy!

There is a child at Jace's doorstep.

A fucking child, looking up at him with wide innocent eyes, like a fucking cherub. His hair a wild mess flung around by the chilly wind, and their ends were dyed blue.

(Who on earth lets a child dye its hair?)

Jace slowly blinks and looks down again: the boy is still here. Well.

„What do you want, kid?“ he asks, hoping that the child might want, well, directions back to his parents? That would be nice?

„My mom has three disembodied corpses in her basement,“ the boy states blankly, a picture of perfect innocence. His eyes are suddenly mildly unnerving, and it takes Jace's brain a moment to catch up on him.

„…What the fuck?“ he mutters more for himself than for the child, who takes it as an encouragement to repeat its words anyway.

So Jace draws a sharp breath and yells down the hall at his cousin: „Harry! Come here this instant! And bring your gun!“

You know, just in case-

Harry Badun runs to the door in truly record speed, the weapon safely pointed down. He looks disappointed when he sees only a child.

„Tell him what you told me,“ Jace sights towards the visitor.

„My mom has three disembodied corpses in her basement. They talk to me when I sleep.“

Ok.

That is a new info.

This is cool. Totally cool.

Harry tightens his grip on the weapon and looks around the street, then up the roofs, which, you know, always a good idea.

They are clear, though. It doesn't look as if anyone is gonna jump them, much less some psychotic woman. Those don't tend to be too quiet, and the Badun cousins would know.

Oh, and by the way. That silhouette against that balustrade over there? That is totally Reza. Snogging Jade. Harry owes Jace for this one.

Anyway. Right, the corpses.

„Come on, kid,“ he says, „Go inside and then tell us what you know, yeah?“

The kid's eyes shine as he steps inside and exclaims: „Do I get to be a detective too? I have always wanted to be a detective! I would be an awesome detective, since I know how do bodies look how long after death already!“

This is not a worrying statement at all. Not at all.

A shadow peels off the wall. Hermie. She was listening the whole time, of course she was.

„Dead bodies?“

„What exactly do you mean?!“

The kid answers and Jace bites back the irrational need to scream his lungs out. A vein at his temple pulses as the kid starts describing a rotting corpse with freakish accuracy to way too interested Hermie.

„Quiet! I need to concentrate!“ shouts Yzla from upstairs, „This is a delicate process!“

„Stop painting your pretty pictures for a moment,“ shouts Harry back, „This is a bloody murder case!“

„I'm trying to recreate Renoir here, you ignorant simpleton-“

„A what?“

Yzla screams incoherently and Jace interrupts the argument before it can truly begin:

„We also have a kid that might be in danger and knows absolutely too much.“

„…I'm coming. But if the paint dries and I won't be able to get back to it, it will be all your fault.“

Jace doesn't even acknowledge that as worthy of an answer.

„Jace?“ Hermie nudges him slightly, while the kid infodumps at slightly traumatized-looking Harry about the different types of gunshot wounds, „Should I get Reza too?“

„…Nah,“ decides Jace, „He is snogging Jade right now, and we wouldn't want to interrupt.“

Hermie nods curtly and turns over to Harry: „You owe me and Yzla a bottle of cognac,“ she says, and Jace whistles. His cousin is losing in the big, today.

The kid tugs at his sleeve: „So what about my mom's basement, Mr Detective?“ the kid asks and he really should ask who his mom is. Also, what is his name?

So he asks, and when the child answers, looking at him with impossibly wide eyes, he almost gets an aneurysm.

„I'm detective Hadie, sir,“ the child reports proudly. Harry and Hermie just shrug – they don't know what is happening either. Nor does Yzla, who just appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing nothing but a negligee, and didn't she say she was working?

Oh, well.

Jace clears his throat.

„Right, kid. Hadie. And who is your mother?“

„But you are detectives!“ the child protests, „You gotta know that, no?“

„…Sure. We know that. Absolutely. And the bodies? Wait, no,“ Jace catches himself. This will certainly be a conversation, so:

„Let's go to the saloon first, shall we?“

Even if the saloon is just a fancy name for a room with a dining table and the kitchen counter, as he and Harry can hardly afford anything else.

They do have enough chairs, though, even if they are rarely used and mostly ignored: Hermie sits on the table, swinging her legs idly in the air, and Yzla plops herself down Harry's lap, setting his weapon aside. Fucking menace, that girl.

Jace himself takes the chair next to them and the boy stays standing.

(If Reza wouldn't be too busy with his current hookup, he would just lean against the wall and try to look very cool and intimidating, and smoke his cigarettes. Jace could do with a cigarette himself. Or better yet, a drink. The cigarette smoke reminds himself and Harry a bit too much of Cruella.)

„Now, tell us what you know,“ Jace asks the kid and damn. That kid. Does not shut up. Ever.

By the first thirty minutes, Yzla gets up and opens a bottle of wine to pass around, not even bothering with the glasses.

By an hour, Hermie is playing with her favourite dagger a bit too much and Harry has reclaimed back his handgun.

By hour and half, Jace is very ready to bleach his brain, thank you very much.

Hadie slows for a moment and Jace immediately stops him: „I think that's quite enough for today, Hadie,“ he says, „Thank you. Would you just step behind that door real quick?“

The kid pouts at him.

„Ehm… Me and my detectives need to discuss the evidence you just presented to us. And decide the, ehm, next course of action.“

Hadie finally steps behind the door when all present adults – including Eddie, who showed up half-way through – point at them.

And there is not much of a discussion, not really.

„Tell me we are taking that kid to Uma,“ blurts out Yzla before he can even speak.

„We could keep him,“ propose Hermie and Harry at the same time, and, yeah, no. As if Harry didn’t know they are barely staying afloat as it is, never mind, you know, not remotely responsible enough to raise a child?

…Yeah, it says a lot when a child would be safer on the streets, under the protection of one of the wildest Auradon City gangs, than anywhere else.

„We are taking him to Uma,“ decides Jace, and Yzla sights in relief. Eddie motions for her to pass the wine.

„You can come back, kid!“ Jace raises his voice, „We have decided!“

„Yay!“ the tiny disaster runs back to the room, „Do I get to be a detective too? Will we solve the case of my mother’s basement? Track down the victims’ family?“

Actually…

Jace knows how to get the kid to cooperate and go to safety voluntarily now: He winks at his associates, as to signal the general „don’t question me, I’ve got this.“

„Sure we are, kid. But, you see, right now we are working on another serious case, and we need you to help us. Will you be our eyes on the streets, detective Hadie?“

„Yes! I will, Mr detective sir! When do I start?“

„As soon as we can get you to the location. Now, let’s not lose any more time: We will debrief you on the way.“

That will hopefully give Jace enough time to come up with decent backstory, so, yeah.

With a yawn, Yzla gets up and sets off to her atelier, also known as the attic, not bothering to say goodbye, and Harry sets off to find his metal boxer and emergency knife.

„Reza is gonna be so mad he missed this-“ Hermie giggles, „It’s gonna be so much fun!“

And then, the Badun detective agency escorts its newest member, or, more accurately, adoptee, to Uma.

They don’t have any idea how much trouble they are causing Uma in the long run.

#it has second part now #and might get third #and mal is a good big sister now #disney descendants #the 1920 mafia au #badun detective agency #hadie descendants #mal bertha #mal descendants #uma descendants #harry hook #jay descendants #jade descendants #jace badun #harry badun #yzla descendants #hermie bing #reza descendants

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kellysbookblog · 4 years ago

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"A love story with teeth and claws. I dare you not to fall in love with Cillian Fitzpatrick." - USA Today bestselling author, Parker S. Huntington

The Villain, an all-new twisted modern day Greek tragedy from USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author L.J. Shen is available now!

Cruel. Coldblooded. Hades in a Brioni suit. Cillian Fitzpatrick has been dubbed every wicked thing on planet earth. To the media, he is The Villain. To me, he is the man who (reluctantly) saved my life. Now I need him to do me another, small solid. Bail me out of the mess my husband got me into. What’s a hundred grand to one of the wealthiest men in America, anyway? Only Cillian doesn’t hand out free favors. The price for the money, it turns out, is my freedom. Now I’m the eldest Fitzpatrick brother’s little toy. To play, to mold, to break. Too bad Cillian forgot one, tiny detail. Persephone wasn’t only the goddess of spring; she was also the queen of death. He thinks I’ll buckle under the weight of his mind games. He is about to find out the most lethal poison is also the sweetest.

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For more information, join L.J. Shen’s reader group: http://bit.ly/2lTnonw Stay up to date on all release news. Follow L.J. Shen on Instagram: https://bit.ly/LJShenIG

Excerpt

I leaned against the doorframe, hands tucked in my front pockets, and observed. It took her three minutes to notice me. Another two to lift her jaw off the floor, straighten her spine, and turn scarlet. Our eyes met across the room, and that nagging murmur in my chest happened again. Get that checked. If you drop dead from a heart attack at forty, you’ll have no one else to blame. She winced, looking like I physically slapped her. “Mr. Fitzpatrick.” “Miss Penrose.” “Veitch,” she corrected, just to spite me. “Not for long,” I noted dryly. “A word?” “I know many. My favorite one right now is—leave.” “You want to hear me out.” I cracked my knuckles. “Now say goodbye to your little friends.” She looked back and forth between the kids and me, then turned and murmured something to the teacher next to her, and hurried my way, dunking her head down. “What are you doing here?” She closed the door behind her, whisper-shouting. I’ve been asking myself the same question since bailing on Keith and his snooze-fest speech. What the hell was I doing here?

About L.J. Shen

L.J. Shen is a USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon #1 best-selling author of contemporary, New Adult and YA romance. Her books have been sold to twenty different countries.

She lives in California with her husband, son, cat and eccentric fashion choices, and enjoys good wine, bad reality TV shows and catching sun rays with her lazy cat.

Connect with L.J. Shen Facebook: http://bit.ly/2OhSvp1 Twitter: http://bit.ly/36ELHZc Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2oMbFsu Instagram: http://bit.ly/2AIOiTo Stay up to date with L.J. Shen by signing up for her mailing list: http://bit.ly/36MnmAQ Website: http://www.authorljshen.com/

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sending-the-message · 7 years ago

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Finding Veronica - Silence by Distant_claws

I know it’s late and I know some of you have asked a lot of the questions in the comments. So I’ll answer those first.

Veronica and I met quite serendipitously by accident, hell, I thought I was in a movie. It felt like it happened in slow motion. I was in the city on some work and just stepped out of the hotel I was staying in to grab some dinner and maybe a couple of drinks. I was waiting to cross the road when I saw that familiar face, that gorgeous blonde hair, shining under the streetlight, the blue eyes which lit up the moment it met mine. I could recognize that beautiful face from a mile.

Apparently Veronica lives close by and works out of her mom’s home / office. After a quick call with her mom, she invited me for dinner and to stay at her place that night so we could bring each other up to speed. That’s where I asked her permission to update her story. Veronica seems to have focussed on finding her footing in her career and helping her mother. Between us, I was really glad she wasn’t seeing anyone.

Another one is, we grew up in the nineties / early 2000s. I can assure you that there were no security cameras or whatever in our school parking lot then. Maybe, they might have some now. I don’t know. I don’t think I have gone to school in a long time to know about that.

So, after we aired out each of our stories, we realized we had important things to figure out:

a. What was her mom doing / attempting to do? How did her mom die?

b. What is it that is haunting / affecting Veronica’s condition? How can we help her get rid of it? Why can I alone hear the sound of the rattling of chains when I am near her?

c. What happened that day? Who killed Kevin and saved the both of us?

By the time we finished talking about each other’s side of the stories, it was pretty late. So, I went to sleep in a gorgeous guest room Veronica’s mom had graciously provided for my stay. I had told her about putting up the place up on Air BnB or something because it was gorgeous and had three or so guest rooms, but she brushed it off saying that some of the things in her house were too personal for her to.

That night I had vivid nightmares of walking through a dark corridor with the rattling of chains that kept me walking straight done to a passage way that had room like compartments on either side. In each compartment were men who held Veronica captive in various forms. However, I could only watch the horrors and continue walking straight not able to move in any other direction.

One was of a winged man, blonde hair like Veronica herself and he had hung her by head with some sort of a metal band attached to the ceiling that went around her forehead. He was cutting off her ears. Another guy, a silver haired man, had her suspended by her arms and legs, spread out. He was also cutting her ears off. The rattling of chains kept growing closer and closer until I reach the center, where ahead of me, in the throne was Veronica, sitting on her throne and another Veronica, on all four legs like a dog, chained to the throne, trying to walk away, only to rattle the chains repeatedly. I woke up when I made eye contact with the Veronica on all four legs.

We got breakfast and I was quiet for the most part, reeling in from the effects of my excitement-fuelled nightmares. Both Veronica and I had to head to work that day and that’s what we did. I didn’t do much there though, in anticipation of what would happen that night and if we could find the answers to the questions we were looking for. I went up to my hotel room to grab a change of clothes and headed to Veronica’s house. I had all but forgotten my nightmares and my mundane work. My head was giddy with excitement and beyond all, I just wanted to see her again. So consumed was I by this desire that I didn’t notice that she wasn’t home when I went in going straight to the kitchen looking for her.

I searched through every room and I couldn’t find her. Her calls went straight to voicemail and she wasn’t responding to texts either. Her mom didn’t know for sure which client Veronica was visiting that day (they split their clientele) and wasn’t much help. She didn’t understand why I was so worked up. My thoughts kept running back to the image of Veronica kept as a dog, her eyes pleading me to help and rattling her chains in order to escape her hell. It must have been playing in my head for quite a while, that I almost didn’t realize that I heard the rattling of chains right next to me.

I jumped up from the chair I almost passed out in only to find Veronica apologizing for being late. Apparently a client meeting ran late and she didn’t have any charge on her phone or something. I didn’t wait for her to finish. I just hugged her and told her it was going to be okay. It wasn’t until quite a few minutes later that I noticed she hadn’t hugged me back. I pulled back and apologized to her. I mean I had only just met her after years and even back then, I only knew her for a week. Had I even considered her feelings?

I pulled away to look at her face to see her eyes locked on to nothing in particular. It was as if she was in a trance. It was only after I shook her by the shoulders screaming her name that she came to. She was in tears and ran back to her room crying. I ran after her, apologizing but her mom stopped me half-way and went in to her room, after her. I sunk to my knees on the floor and thought once again, about why I was such a failure.

They both emerged after a couple of hours, Veronica still in tears. She came and hugged me and while I returned the hug, she immediately pulled back and then went in for another hug. She repeated this a few times and signed “This is not like before.” As much as I wanted to help her, I was completely lost. She said, when I hugged her earlier, she didn’t hear the rattling of chains. For the first time in her life, since her life in the trailer park, Veronica felt complete silence.

We tried recreating it a few times, but both of us constantly heard the rattling of chains, mine soft and hers deafeningly loud, as usual. Unclear as to what had produced the effect, we regretfully let it go for now and decided to do some research to find some answers. Her mom offered to help her. In the couple of hours in her room, Veronica’s mom was informed of our strange connection and the day which started her nightmare. She also agreed to help out with any information needed.

So we started with questioning her, first. Veronica’s mom is, her distant ‘aunt’. Her mother and veronica’s grandmother were sisters, growing up in the same family in Europe. They both left Europe around the time Hitler went crazy. We traced back and found that she was some part Romanian, some part Russian, some part Austrian and some part gypsy. I have no idea if this information would be useful, but I noted everything down and am posting it here, in case you guys can help make a connection. I also found it interesting that only Veronica and her great grandmother were blonde women and there was one blonde man (grandmother’s uncle) who Veronica’s mom knew of. She remembered some stories of her great grandmother’s mother meeting with an untimely death but rumor has it that her husband killed her thinking that she cheated on him (since both her kids were blonde but neither of them were). She didn’t know much about it other than that. With the information we gathered, we scourged the sources of the internet to find no particularly useful information.

Veronica also crudely drew some of the symbols she used to see in her grandmother’s books when she was a child and one of them that she recognized was something like a small circle with a chalice like shape surrounding it. Another was the letters P and L together. Another looked like a plus and a “C” from the bottom edge of the plus. We saw that these letters might mean hell or Hades or Pluto or something. Nothing much beyond was revealed from that night of research. Thinking about those nights must have been hard on Veronica because she seemed even more drained than usual.

After a positively tiring night, we went to sleep in our rooms. Once again, I had dreams of Veronica and that passage-way. This time though, I looked at the Veronica in the throne. Her eyes were completely black and she had the most evil smirk. Her entire demeanor changed when our eyes met and her face twisted into a scowl. I woke up and spent the rest of the morning avoiding eye-contact with anyone.

Today again, all three of us had to head out to work. However, I asked Veronica where she was headed and by when she’ll be back. Her mom gave me some spare keys and told me I could come in straight after work since she also had to work. I did what was absolutely necessary for my work to get done and then headed back to her house to continue the research. I must have dozed off as I awoke to Veronica’s mother shaking me awake around eight PM. Veronica was not home yet (she was supposed to get home by 6 PM) and she left her client’s office at 5 PM. All calls are going straight to voice mail and the texts are not yet read.

We have since been looking everywhere for her. Her mom has gone to the police while I am going to go rent a car and look for her on my own. I am posting this here in the hopes that someone can help me process all of this and if you feel you might have any idea where she might have gone, please let me know.

#reddit #nosleep #scary #story

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bad0mens · 7 years ago

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Title: Pas de Deux II - Act III

Pairings: Fluri

Warnings: Unbeta’edness

Authors’ Notes: And part 3 rounds out this part of the story. Tomorrow will be the Encore.

Disclaimer: Tales of Vesperia is the property of Namco Bandai.

Don't make me wait forever. Yuri rolled to face the back of the sofa, pressing his head into it. I hope you haven't been waiting long. But Yuri had always been waiting. He had never stopped waiting. This was better. This was for the best. Maybe he could just let go and stop. He couldn't handle this anymore. It was too painful, too heavy for him to bear. Wait for me.

"No."

He thought a few days would ease the ache. It didn't. They're relationship hadn't gone on that long. Not even a year and already the squeezing of that thorny vine around his heart was inescapable. No amount of practice or time at the gym or sleep gave him even a moment's reprieve. This was disgusting. This was disheartening. This was unfair. And all because Flynn had used those three words, those three words that threatened to tear him open and lay him bare, those three words that burned and ached and cut and shredded him again and again. He could hear them even now, above the blood pounding in his ears, above the screech of the music. It had already been days. Why did this still haunt him? Why were those blue eyes still too bright, too radiant to even imagine? Why did this hurt so much?

Nothing helped, so he tried even harder between work and sleep, drove himself further. He had to have been nearly mastered the part of Hades about now. Hades, who dragged pure and radiant Cora down into hell and changed her.

Avoiding Flynn's texts and calls had been hard to do. It had been reflexive to answer and he had to force himself to put the phone down or ignore it each time. They came panicked at first, worried and angry and sorry voice mails filling up his inbox, but they thankfully slowed as the days passed. Yuri had to avoid the places they frequented together at the risk of catching Flynn there. He hadn't even been to Tolbyccia Pizza. Flynn would have looked for him there, and if he wasn't there actively, he would have left word with Don. Yuri was surprised that he hadn't bothered coming by the studio. Either way, Flynn would eventually give up and move on. The longer he waited, the more painful he made it for himself. If he was smart, he would get the hint and be gone before Yuri had a chance to second guess himself.

"Yuri, are you all right?"

Estelle's voice snapped his consciousness back as he lowered her from a lift.

She took a step back, one hand still firmly on his upper arm and her green eyes fixed on his face in concern. "You don't look so well."

"I'm fine." He didn't shrug her off. She would have been suspicious.

"Why don't we take a break? You look tired."

"I said I'm fine." The crack in his voice was going to give him away, but he maintained eye contact with her. "We don't have a lot of time. The show opens the day after tomorrow."

"It'll just be a short break. You've practiced hard enough." She didn't allow him to argue, instead pulling him behind her.

They changed and she led him to a quaint tea room a block away from the studio. They came here together occasionally, and he knew that she frequented this place with Rita. This was a place where Flynn would not bother to come looking. They were seated by a window and were presented with a tray of quartered sandwiches and squares of cake and a pot of tea.

It was very quiet for a few moments while Estelle poured them each a cup. She was waiting, biding her time before speaking. He could see it in her eyes. She had something that she was burning to say, and the moment it came out, he wished that he had misheard.

"So, Flynn called me the other day."

"Can we not?"

"Yuri, please. He's worried about you. I'm worried about you. Things haven't been the same since he was scouted for that major league team." She paused and waiting for a response that didn't come. "This is about Slyvarant, isn't it?"

He wanted to lie, but the truth came out instead. "Something like that."

"What--"

"Please, believe me when I say I only want the best for him."

"But what about you? Are you really all right with this?"

"It's better this way. I have no intention of standing between Flynn and his dream."

"And if you're a part of that dream?"

"Then Flynn's a bigger idiot than I thought."

He had been shocked at first by the key left on the nightstand beside his bed, but that quickly faded into anger. He had thrown it at some point and where it was now didn't matter. As the days between that night wore on, it started to.

Flynn hadn't looked for the key, but he had looked for Yuri. He had made every attempt to contact him beyond showing up at the studio where Yuri worked. He looked for Yuri at the gym and at restaurants they frequented. He was no where to be seen. Flynn had made no small effort to contact him via phone, but all of his texts and calls went unanswered. He could only rely on Estelle now, who had offered to speak with Yuri. He wasn't sure what good that would do, but maybe something would come of it. As it was, things were looking bleak.

Flynn still had no idea what set Yuri off in the first place. He had been open and honest and thought things were going so well until Yuri flinched back at the sound of these words and slammed the door in his face.

I love you.

What was wrong with that? Why did Yuri seem to dislike that phrase so strongly? Flynn said it because it was true and he wanted Yuri to know that.

Those words don't mean anything.

How could he say that when he had to have known that Flynn meant it? He wouldn't have said it otherwise.

If he was going to be like this, Flynn had to put his plans on hold. He wanted to go to Slyvarant with Yuri to make a home for them there, but he had never thought that maybe Yuri didn't want that, that he didn't want that degree of seriousness to their relationship.

He jumped when the phone rang, scurrying to answer it. Chest swelling with hope, he didn't even bother to check to see who the caller was.

"Hello?" He croaked.

"Hi, Flynn. It's me."

He sunk back at the sound of Estelle's voice. It could be a hopeful prospect, though.

"How are you?"

"Fine. I just finished talking to Yuri."

More hope.

"Did he--" He broke himself off.

"He wouldn't say much, but he seems very... listless. He's really upset, but he didn't elaborate. He did say that he wasn't going to stand in your way."

The hope that swelled in him turned into a surge of fire, searing his bones and organs as it crept up through him.

"Is he still at the studio?"

"No. I think he went home."

"Thanks, Estelle."

If Yuri went home, that's where Flynn was going. They needed to talk. Flynn had a lot to say and it was going to be heard.

Flynn could barely keep still during the drive to Yuri's apartment. Not stomping his way up the stairs or slamming the doors as he went was just difficult. Cross town traffic had been light and it had only taken him minutes to get here, but those minutes hadn't helped to quenched the fire of anger that was burning up his insides.

What the hell is Yuri's problem? Not going to stand in my way?! What does he mean by that?

He rounded out of the stairwell onto the sixth floor, feet moving from concrete to decades old and threadbare carpet. The walk hadn't done much good either. Hot in his stomach, he was ready for the argument that he knew was coming. He wanted the argument. It would force Yuri to bring out the truth, to lay bare his faulty reasoning and his problems and his feelings. Or it would send him further into hiding. The former was what Flynn wanted. He just wanted the truth, and this was going to be the way to get it out of Yuri. If they could have sat and talked about it calmly, he would have preferred that, but Yuri's words in the heat of the moment were the most potent, the most powerful, and the truest.

Yuri's door was just down the hall, and it was open, a figure standing in the doorway with his hand on the knob. He was smiling and laughing, face a little reddened. Flynn had no doubt about who is was. The question was: what was Hachette doing here?

Hachette must have heard Flynn approach, because he whipped his head around to look at him, eyes bright with surprise.

"Well, uh, I better get going!" He stammered and took off like a shot past Flynn and was out the stairwell door before the question of his presence could be voiced.

Yuri had almost finished shutting the door before Flynn turned back and pressed himself into the door frame, wedging an elbow in to keep from being barred out.

"What?" Yuri asked, the sliver of face revealed through the door turned up at him, but his eye shifted away. It was obvious that he had seen Flynn, and was attempting to avoid him.

"Can we talk?" He tried so hard to sound calm.

"About what?"

"You know exactly what!" There went that idea.

Yuri was silent for a long moment before letting his hand fall from the interior knob on the door and the pressure he was using to keep it mostly closed backed away. "Fine. Do whatever you want."

Flynn entered and Yuri's apartment felt like never before. It was cold and quiet and barren and lonely, and all of those things eroded away the anger eating away at him. Maybe proceeding calmly would be best. Maybe Yuri could be reasonable for once and just open up, just a little, just enough so that Flynn could understand, so that they could both understand.

"You haven't been returning my messages."

Yuri shrugged and padded into the kitchen, his back turned to Flynn as he picked up the pair of coffee cups sitting on the counter.

"I've been worried about you."

"Why?"

"Because we haven't spoken in days. I haven't seen or heard from you. What else am I supposed to do but worry?"

"Move on."

Flynn strode in behind him, fingers finding the edge of the counter so that he wouldn't curl them into anger filled fists. "So, this is about Slyvarant."

"What gave you that idea?"

He bit back his frustration with Yuri's behavior, with the silence and the avoidance, with the trip to Slyvarant, with everything. But then he realized that he had come with the intention of laying himself bare and hoping that Yuri would as well, and Yuri would be honest and just tell him. So rather than letting it rolling around in him any longer, ricocheting like a bullet through his flesh and tearing up his innards, he let it burst out of him in a breath of fire and words of heavy stone.

"I hate when you do this!" He said with scathing honesty. "Why do you have to be so stubborn?! Why can't you just tell me how you feel?!"

Yuri's hands were curled against the counter, a grip strong enough to crush bone, but he didn't turn to Flynn and he said nothing.

"I love you! Why is so horrible?! Does it disgust you?! Just tell me!" His eyes were starting to sting, burning hot and wet with salt.

"I can never be someone who can say those words to you." Yuri's voice was calm and even, almost toneless, so strange that the pounding of Flynn's pulse in his own ears almost drowned it out.

"Yuri--"

"I'm not going to Slyvarant."

"At least tell me why!"

"Get out."

It was so cold and definite and Flynn hated himself for following that order and storming toward the door. He threw it open and stopped just short of crossing the threshold in order to look back. There was still so much he wanted to say, that he needed to say, that he needed and wanted to hear.

"Are you just going to go on shutting people out forever? Are you going to shut me out forever?"

"I can't wait anymore."

Flynn slammed the door hard enough to shake the frame and the heaviness of his steps made it feel like the floor was shivering. But he was the one who was shivering, rage bubbling over and pouring out of him in every little action. It built and built and he descended the stairs, and when he could no longer hold it back, to keep himself complacent and tame, a wall was there to feel the outpouring of his fury. Burying his knuckles into brick and grout pulled the overflowing anger away and the adrenaline that replaced it dulled the pain of his bruised and bloodied knuckles. Hockey had given him injuries far worse than these scrapes, but nothing hurt him like Yuri did.

Estelle had given him the ticket to the Halure Dance Troupe's latest production, but even another two days after their argument, Flynn wasn't sure that he even wanted to bother going. Yuri apparently couldn't bother with him. Why should the reverse be true? He went anyway, even though the ache in his hand had faded long before the ache in his chest.

There wasn't much left for him. The prospects of Slyvarant were looking better and better and he was closer to simply leaving Zaphias behind. He had already gotten his call back from the manager of the Rhyards. It had come only moments after his fight with Yuri. The favorable response to his tryout was the only thing that kept him from falling apart. They wanted him back. They wanted him to sign. They wanted him and Yuri didn't. It wasn't worth it to stay.

It was going to be hard to say goodbye to the team that had accepted him, who had supported him, who had become his family. It was going to be hard to just leave this behind, but Flynn had left one city behind him before, and he could do the same with Zaphias, just on better terms.

The curtains rose and pulled his eyes back to the stage with Rita in the seat beside him as always. Flynn watched as the nymphs in their filmy dresses began moving in lithe and long and willowy circles, around Estelle. Flowers wreathed her head and she was innocent and maidenly, Kora before Persephone. She joined their dance, light and playful, and she ringed the stage with them. She was carefree and lovely, a child of the field, a goddess of spring born of her mother earth.

Their dance halted as a roll of thunder cascaded over the stage, and all but Kora scattered. She held fast, fixed there under the spotlight. The thunder shuddered again, and she spun, putting her back to the audience. Behind her, a sheet of glass cut off the back of the stage and the spotlight flashed over it briefly with the crash of thunder. Through the glass was a silhouette, a tall man clad in robes of tattered darkness, Yuri as Hades. In an instant, she was there at the glass, hand pressed against its surface, watching and calm. Hades took a step back from the divider, apprehensive, but Kora pressed closer.

When he did not budge, she began to dance once more, spinning in her heart's display for him. He still did not move. Kora's dance became slower, softer, sadder. She was pleading, but he held fast.

With a flick of her wrist, the glass that divided them slid away, and the stage lights dimmed purple. She had entered the underworld, and with it, took the hand of Hades, pulling him to the center of the stage. With her grace and confidence, his apprehensions melted away and the pas de deux they shared was tender. As he dropped her from the final lift, back onto her graceful feet, he pulled something from his robe, bright red, offering it to her. With a steady hand, she reached to take the half of a pomegranate. The curtains dropped suddenly and the stage readied for act two.

Act two rose on a woman in green and gold as Demeter, walking the field were her daughter once was. With each step, her search became more frantic until she came upon the nymphs, who withered at her fury once they explained with a short dance what had happened. Upon Mt. Olympus, she found Zeus, the king of the gods, and her outrage no less fiery, demanded that he do something, that he bring her daughter back. She threatened with the sharpness of her movements the consequences of Hades's actions, of what sort of fate may befall the world if she did not get her daughter back. Finally, Zeus relented and with a wave to Hermes, sent him to fetch the missing Kora from the clutches of the underworld. Act two ended with a short burst of music from the orchestra as the stage lights faded and the intermission was announced by a much softer, pre-recorded musical accompaniment. But Flynn didn't move, and neither did Rita.

"Hm. Estelle told me that the director of the troupe liked to change things, but I hadn't realized before just how much," Rita mused to herself, flipping through a small book a she produced from her purse.

"What do you mean?" Flynn asked, his head still spinning slightly from the glare of the spotlights and the slow of the music from its frenzy.

"Of course, you wouldn't know about mythology." She sighed as if what she was discussing should have been common knowledge, but she continued as if she was humoring him. "This ballet is based off of the story of Persephone, who was supposed to have been abducted by Hades in order to be his bride and tricked into eating the food of the underworld in order to stay there."

"But what's not what happened."

"No. Rather, we see a Kora with full agency, who enters the Underworld of her own free will and accepts the pomegranate, seeming to know full well what it will do to her." She handed him the book, and allowed him to read the brief story recorded there: the story of Persephone as it was originally written.

While he read, she continued with her lecture. "We see a Hades who is not the transgressor here, but rather seems reluctant to bring about the ruin of Kora. It's definitely different."

"Wait, didn't they make a similar change to Swan Lake?"

"Yes. Rather than Odile being a one dimensional character as Rothbart's evil daughter, she became something more of a tragic heroine who perhaps even loved the prince that she was fated to doom. And yet, she saved them."

"So Hades--"

A rapid switch in the music silenced him as act three started with Hermes in the Underworld, begging for Kora, now Persephone, a goddess robed in darkness as her husband with the fruit of her fate sitting her lap, to return to the world above and her distraught mother. But she turned him away.

Demeter herself came next, still filled with righteous fury over the disappearance of her beloved daughter. Her dance was power and rage, as hot as the summer sun, but Persephone was unmoved, as cold as the winter that covered the earth in her absence. As Demeter's dance wore on, the power was lost, dwindling away as the fall until she was nearly begging on her knees for her daughter's return, for her daughter to come home with her once more. But Persephone was no longer Kora. The Underworld had changed the goddess of spring into a icy goddess of winter. Still Demeter pleaded, and still it was no good. Her rage burst forth again, this time upon Hades, who she surely blamed but Persephone put herself between them. With a motion of swiftness and confidence, she cast the pomegranate at her mother's feet and watched her wither into a sobbing mass on the stage.

Persephone turned into her husband's arms and he held her but a moment before pulling away. With his own dance, he pleaded with her in much the same way. There were no words, but Flynn knew what he was saying: return to the world of the living, be with your mother, leave me here alone, and forget that this ever happened. With each step, he portrayed his love for her and he only wanted her happiness and what was best for her. When he stopped, she was there just like before, but she leaned her head against his shoulder and parted from him a second later, her step unsteady for the first time in the entire performance.

Hades did not watch his wife go, her hand slipping from his as she passed through the barrier of glass to the world of the living, cradled safely in the warm arms of her mother. Flynn's throat tightened, hard with something inexplicably sad, but he kept his eyes fixed on the stage, on the spot where Yuri stood, his back to the glass. Even as the background layer of curtains fell, he did not dare budge.

Act three ended with Flynn's lungs burning for a breath that he didn't dare take, his hands quivering on the arms of his seat. The curtain rose on act four and he still didn't move. Kora in a soft pink began her dance with the nymphs once more, Demeter watching from one side. With each spin, the lights on the stage changed, darkening the color of her gown to the full green of summer at the height of her dance, and as it started to wind down, a orange-brown of the fall. The nymphs wilted away as the fall lights came and her dance of the seasons calmed. Finally, the back curtains rose across the glass once more, showing a glimpse of the blue-lit Underworld, and Hades, who had waited there unmoving, his back still to the divider that separate the living from the dead. Her dance brought her close, and then cast the glass partition away as she entered the realm of the underworld.

Her dress was dark now, the robes of darkness that she was clad in as the Queen of the Underworld, and had but one course of action. She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his back before he could even turn to face her. Another tender pas de deux followed and the curtain fell on her in his arms once more.

And now, Flynn needed to see Yuri, so desperately, with every fiber of his being clamoring for it. The theater emptied after the standing ovation and Flynn left to find him. He didn't dare go backstage again. They needed neutral ground to talk on and get some things out in the open. Both of them. He could only hope that Yuri was up for talking, because Flynn wanted to listen and wanted to be heard in turn.

Yuri always shrugged off the opening party that the rest of the cast seem to relish and Flynn knew that if he waited long enough, he would come along the sidewalk in front of the theater on his way either home or to the gym to unwind. Catching him in a good mood was going to be much harder to accomplish than simply finding him.

He came out of the side entrance, obviously hoping to dodge the rest of the cast as they lingered away to a nearby party spot, but he wasn't going to dodge Flynn. The way those charcoal eyes darted up at him, calm and tired, told Flynn that he knew that he was being waited for. He didn't try to run away or argue the point immediately. He stood there calmly beside Flynn on the sidewalk, his hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie and the strap of his duffle bag hoisted high on one shoulder.

"Can we talk?" Flynn asked quietly through the cool night air and waited.

"Sure." That simple word was a relief. "But let's not do it here."

With a nod, Yuri led on a long ways down the street, silent and calm, his steps sure and poised and even. If something was still bothering him, he wasn't letting on. Rather, he seemed collected and resigned, but Flynn followed in silence and bided his time. He had no idea that Yuri was leading him directly to the municipal ice rink until they got there and walked right in.

"Yuri..."

"Come on. Don't want to be late."

"Late for what?"

They rounded through the hall of rising platforms into the stands, and just beyond, the rink, its icy surface layered with carpet, a few tables laden with food and decorated with colorful balloons, and a cluster of people waiting there.

With a cheer, the team greeted him, swarming him and pulling him into the rink. Their words at him so numerous that he couldn't say anything between them and had to wait before he could even question all of this. They hugged him and pushed him playfully around, and cheered further, but Yuri kept his distance, pressed back against the wall, pretending not to watch.

"Congrats, man!"

"Always knew you'd be headed for the big leagues!"

"The Rhyards are a great team."

"Wait." He finally stopped, and finally got them to stop long enough for him to breath. "What's all this?"

LeBlanc slapped his massive hand against Flynn's back. "Your going away party. What? You didn't think we'd bother giving you one?"

"We're so proud of you," Hachette added, and then behind his hand. "Yuri won't say so, but he helped plan all this."

The warmth welling up in his chest pushed back all the doubt, all the fear and worry, and left him with only one choice. There was only place that he belonged and it wasn't Slyvarant. Other offers would come and go, other teams and people would come and go, but this -this- was his family and he was an idiot to ever doubt that.

"I'm sorry, everyone." He cleared his throat and spoke a little louder. "I'm sorry, but I'm not going."

"What?" a collective cry rose up. Even Yuri's voice came through as a surprised whisper.

"But this is your big chance!"

"I know. I know. But, I just can't. I don't belong there. I belong here." He tried to smile, but his eyes stung and he rubbed at them with the cuff of his sleeve. "I've thought it through, and there's no where I'd rather be than here. With all of you."

That moron. Yuri bit his tongue to keep from lashing out. He was finally letting and go and then Flynn had to go and pull this stunt, to say that 'surprise I'm not really leaving even though I've made every intention to up to this point'. He was letting go and Flynn had to change his mind, to decided to throw away his dreams. And for what? To stay with this hopeless team in this hopeless and directionless city? What was the point in that? What was the point in holding himself back?

Yuri watched quietly from the stands as the team celebrated, not Flynn's going away, but his decision to stay. An idiotic decision. It wasn't Yuri's to make, though. If it had been, Flynn would have been long gone, off to Slyvarant to pursue his dreams. What was keeping him here?

After the festivities ebbed and the hockey team started their clean up of the cake they had to rewrite on and the various other decorations, Flynn made his way up to the stands. It was a conversation that Yuri had been dreading, but he knew that it was going to happen one way or another. This situation didn't make it better. It would have been better if Flynn was leaving. This would have been the closure he wanted, but all it would do now is a open a million other doors full of surprises and bad memories and lay parts of Yuri bare that he hated with all the fire within him. But it was too late now.

"Can we talk?" He asked again.

"What about?"

"You know what about." His voice didn't raise in the slightest. This would have been easier if he weren't being so fucking calm about it. "I love you. What's wrong with that?"

"I hate those words."

"Why?"

Yuri hunkered down and tried to find all the words he was going to need before he spoke, to try and let the resolve that he needed so desperately build up. He folded his arms across his legs and looked out over the ice, careful to keep even a sideways glance off of Flynn.

"Because every time I've ever heard them, they were meaningless. They were lies."

Flynn didn't question, but waited in silence for Yuri to continue and he did.

"When I was eight, my mother left me with some relatives. She promised it was only for a week until she found us a new place to live. 'Just a little while, I promise.' 'Please wait for me. I love you'. A week went by and she didn't come back. She never came back. Every few weeks, I would get a postcard or a call from her. 'Be good, Yuri. Wait for me. I love you.'.

I didn't see her for years and I was bumped from relative to relative, but no matter where I went, I got the calls or the cards, although they dwindled to the occasional. 'I love you'. And I believed it. For years, I believed that she was just struggling to find a place where we could live, where we could be together again. I never stopped waiting for her to come back for me. I couldn't. She was my mother. She loved me. She wouldn't just abandon me." Yuri held back a moment, the anger and pain of those seemingly endless years threatening to overwhelm him. That was so long ago. He didn't want to be talking about his own life. If it were the life of someone else, it would be easier. But the truth is never easy and never clean and never painless.

"I finally saw her again my first year of college. I hadn't even realized then, but she had no trouble setting the record straight. Her voice was like a knife. It had never sounded so cold before.

'Your own father didn't love you. Why would I? I was just sick of taking care of you.'" He forced back the wave threatening to sink him, to drown him in this. He swallowed it down. “You were a mistake. I never loved you.'"

"Yuri." Flynn said softly from beside him and tentatively found Yuri's hand stuffed beneath his elbow.

"I will never be someone who can say those words to you. To me, those words are meaningless." But they weren't meaningless.

"I'm sorry." Coming from Flynn, that was a surprised that caused him to turn and lock eyes with the blond. "I never knew. But it was my fault. I never really thought about how you were feeling. I was so wrapped up in going to Slyvarant that I never took the time to ask what you wanted."

Yuri laughed, but it was cold. "You shouldn't have bothered. You shouldn't have looked back. You should have gone."

"But I didn't. And I'm not going to. Not until we're both ready."

"Do you realize what you're saying?" What he was saying was stupid. There was no reason for Flynn to put his whole life on hold simply because Yuri was damaged goods who couldn't cope with this emotional mess that they were in. "It would just be easier for you to move on."

He entwined their fingers. "No, I don't think so. I thought that once, but I was wrong."

"You're being stupid."

"Maybe I am."

"You might not get a second chance like this."

"I will never feel for someone else what I feel for you."

He felt his face flush. It was simply the chill of the ice creeping into this skin.

"You're not going to ruin me. So what if you can't say that? I can learn to live with that."

"Can you really? Can you really just leave it at that?"

"Will you stay with me?" Flynn asked. "Whether or not you believe it, I love you and I mean it. I don't want to lose you."

He choked it down, choked it back. There was no reason that his eyes were getting misty or his mouth running bone dry. There was no reason for him to be shaking so hard or to feel so wound up with sickness burning in his chest. There was no reason for him to be getting worked up about this. He was supposed to be letting go.

"I guess... I don't have to wait anymore."

#tales of bad0mens is a terrible writer #tales of vesperia #fluri #pas de deux

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stevecdh-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Orpheus Attempts to Retrieve Emily from the Underworld

The first real obstacle was Cerberus.

You remember, the three-headed dog

who guards the entrance to the Underworld proper.

Orpheus showed them a picture of Emily

hugging Cassy and Najma, the Durning family dogs.

Cerberus’ three heads said “Oh!”

As their eyes teared Orpheus walked quietly by.

He arrived in the hall of Hades and Persephone.

“What are you doing here?” asked iron-cheeked Hades.

“I’ve come for Emily,” said Orpheus. She was too young.”

Hades laughed a cold, mirthless laugh.

Orpheus searched through his pockets.

“Here it is,” he said, and he handed the paper over.

As Hades read Orpheus explained, “It’s a poem

by Emily Dickinson. It’s about a hummingbird.”

“What the hell does cochineal mean?” the god asked.

“It’s the bright almost metallic red

of the humming-bird’s ruby-throat when the sun

catches it just right,” the singer replied.

“What about ‘The mail from Tunis?’”

It means a hummingbird could fly from North Africa

to Amherst, Massachusett in one morning

as if it were nothing.” “Hmph,” said the king

of the Underworld. “What’s this ‘Wheel’”?

“A hummingbird flutters its wings so fast

they blur and look like a wheel.”

“Why ‘route’? Like the root of a tree?”

“No, no,’ said the singer. “Route” like a road,

the path of a journey.”

Silence.

“Why are you showing this to me?” asked the god.

“Because Emily was like a hummingbird.”

Persephone said “Hades, have him read it to us.”

Alright,” said Hades, and handed the paper back to him.

Orpheus gave his harp a strum and read:

“A Route of Evanescence,

With a revolving Wheel--

A Resonance of Emerald

A Rush of Cochineal--

And every Blossom on the Bush--

Adjusts its tumbled Head--

The Mail from Tunis--probably

An easy Morning’s Ride--”

Silence.

“All right,” said Hades, “but I warn you: don’t look back.”

Orpheus couldn’t help it. He looked back.

He woke at four in the morning,

Remembering that last conversation

At midnight on the stone entry-way

of the house at Twin Lakes.

She was not well. Not well.

But she talked and talked,

Reaching out with kindness and love to him

with every word, with every tone.

He would never get her back.

He walked into his backyard,

his heart in an agony of grief.

And suddenly she was there, in his backyard.

“What? he said. “Quiet,” she said,

“I’ve got thirty seconds for you.

You know I never had time for BS. Listen.

If you want me, look into the faces

of my sister and brothers: Jessie, Malcolm, Clayton.

Look at my mother and father, Cathy and Dave.

Look into their hearts. You’ll see me there.

And for God’s sake, hang up a hummingbird feeder.

When a hummingbird comes by, and it will,

you better know it’s me.”

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mrneighbourlove · 5 years ago

Text

Into the Darkness and Unknown: Ch 8. Connection to Humanity

Malik had a stack of notes and letters ready to give to his family at the castle and to his wife. Although he couldn't send them, he dearly missed his wife and children. Asakonigei would be worried sick for sure. If they didn't have children, Malik would be worried she'd leave him. "Dear Asa. Today marks a month since the incident with the necromancer. Starting to grow a small beard, and I feel as so much more animalistic here. There is a sense of community amongst these monsters, a special sense of power being amongst the biggest predators. Although I've enjoyed it for a time, I miss the company of Zarazu, my forces in the castle, and especially you. I love you, my coal covered diamond. I hope to see your smile soon."

Finishing his latest letter, he placed it in the mail bag he had with the rest.

Leere arrived at the hut, gathering her supplies. One look at her and Malik could tell she was exhausted in both body and voice. "We're leaving."

"What? Just like that? What about our mutual friend of Hyrule?

"Yes. Bonegrinder may be unconscious for another month, maybe a year. And I know you have family to attend to. Let's not dawdle. This might take us a couple hours."

Malik watched in silence for a few moments at Leere quickly buzzing around like a bee, until he too slowly started to gather his things.

It was almost three hours later when Mother arrived. She looked... frazzled. And annoyed. "Forgive my lateness, I was currently trying to handle---" She nearly jumped out of her exoskeleton as Bonegrinder suddenly just flopped off her back onto the ground with a loud giggle. "... the situation."

"Hehehe, piggy back... piggy back rides!"

"Leere... what did you do?" Mother looked at the princess with knowing eyes. "Did you give him some of your magic?"

"Butts. Exo-butt. Exoskeleton ass." The Anagari was poking Mother's backside with his tail. "Hard ass. Get it? HARD ASS!!!" He snickered at his own joke. "Cause of the exoskeleton."

"Modoc, would you please quit that?"

"Aw. But it's a good joke!"

"Yes. I did. He's never been like this before when I've done it though." Leere, with her tiny body, tried to nudge a giant off a titan. "Hey buddy, why don't we stop climbing on the charming chimera lady eh?"

"But... HIC, he likes piggyback rides." Bonegrinder was still partly slumped on Mother. He tried to get his bearing and slithered forward, and wobbled back and forth before slumping on the ground, on his belly. "Dirt. This is dirt. Hrm... right, right, good dirt. Good dirt for mud wrestling."

"That's because I was giving him light energy and you gave him dark energy and there obviously was not a correct balance on either side." Mother ran her hand down her face. "And now he's... well... the best way to explain it is, he's drunk. Off a magic high."

"Why are you so tall?" Bonegrinder looked up at Leere. "You're supposed to be tiny."

"Modoc, can you slither?"

"But he likes it down here."

"Can. You. Slither?"

"The dirt is moving, it's hard to slither." The Anagari pouted.

"Kaksa give me patience..."

"Cause I'm a little human?" Leere, after so much stress at seeing him hurt and possessed, couldn't stop herself from snorting in amusement at his behaviour now.

Malik, however, shook his head. "Mother. Are there any others that wish to say goodbye?"

"I had the others write in this little book for you." Mother handed Leere two small notebooks, one for Malik and one for the princess herself. "It's their accounts of you. Their impressions. Goodbyes here are meant for never to be seen again. You will return one day."

"Nooo, you're... you... wait, you are hooman. Whadaya doing here?" Bonegrinder hiccupped once more. "Omisha is for Echidnans not hoomans!"

"You're going to take her home, Bonegrinder, you and Malik here."

"Who?" Bonegrinder then looked at the Gerudo. "Oooh..."

Malik rubbed his temple, moving to pick Bonegrinder off the dirt floor. "Thank you for your hospitality Mother. I look forward to our continued business together as allied nations. I'll make sure your 'boy' gets home."

Leere too, took Mother's hand, giving her a princessly kiss. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn. Until we meet again."

"Until we meet again." Mother then started to open the portal... while Bonegrinder decided it was the perfect time to hit on the Gerudo 'lady' holding his man tit, when really it was just a supportive gesture to keep him off the ground.

"Hmm, you're a fine piece of treasure you know that?" Bonegrinder grinned widely with as his tail slapped Malik's backside. "Come here and let him kiss you for good blessings from Sand and Stone sisters, yes? Kissing a Gerudo lady is good luck." He then grabbed the sides of the lord's face and smooched him for all he was worth.

Malik's face bloomed in a flush of light pink with furious fire burning inside his soul. His armour kept him protected on the breast and most of his ass, but there was nothing that could be done about the kisses. This was another reason to always wear a helmet. His gauntlets stabbed into Bonegrinder's skin as he put all his upper strength into lifting him, and all his lower strength into getting him through the portal back to Hyrule's underground. Leere couldn't help but break out into laughter as she gathered all the bags of material. Malik was absolutely livid by this point. "Quit your chortles and hurry through the portal!"

Leere quit her laughing long enough to look back at Omisha. The hot air and jungle atmosphere blew a silent wind. Did her coming her ruin something in the land? She shook her head to silence such a thought before it could grow into something more. Hurrying through the portal, the three of them returned to Hyrule. It was time she went back home.

There journey from a colourful, yet dangerous land, a very drunk Bonegrinder, an irate Malik, and a tired Leere found themselves in the dark underground of Hyrule's caverns under castle town.

"Where you going, baby doll?" Bonegrinder flicked his tail back and forth playfully as Malik spewed every curse known to man in ancient tongue, and spitted. The Anagari was still not acquainted to his equilibrium just yet. He wobbled, snickering the entire time. "He wants to tap that fine ass, come back here! We got to 'pray' to the sand and stone sisters, heeheehee..." He looked at Leere and asked. "Doesn't she have a nice ass? You have nice tits, and she has a nice ass. Bonegrinder has... he has... well, he has a big dick. Does that count as attractive?"

"Yeah. I've seen it up close big guy. Its certainly something. That's also a Gerudo male, not a woman Bonegrinder." Leere felt the least she could do was put Malik out of his misery.

"Oh..." Bonegrinder's train of thought was still processing the information. "Well... good thing he is bi or this would be a very teachable moment. Never judge the sex by the jiggle of ass cheeks. It's misleading."

"I don't think he is Bonegrinder. Perhaps you should lie down."

Before Leere could say anything else, with the speed of a minitour, Hades charged out of the darkness, his breath burning with cinders at the smell of Bonegrinder.

"My friend! You're back!"

"KITTY!!!" Bonegrinder suddenly latched onto the Lynel and petted his mane. Then he held his face and asked, "Has he ever... ever told you HIC how fluffy you are? Just so fluffy, and soft, and so cute..."

Hades stood perfectly still, allowing the master of the Hive to pet him, simply glad that Bonegrinder was unharmed. Taking in his behaviour, he growled deeply towards Leere. "What in the hell did you cause now?"

"He's just a little drunk off some magic. Now that he's safe and sound, I'm sure you and the rest of the Hive can entertain him."

The Lynel grumbled, fire snorting out his nostrils. "Get out of here. You're lucky that entertaining Bonegrinder is what the other members of the Hive have been longing to do just a week into his trip."

"Fluffy... fluffy baby!" Bonegrinder draped his long body across Hades' back, still messing with the Lynel's mane. "He thinks... he thinks you would look like... look like so ravishing with... with big braids. Big, long, braids..."

"Oh good goddesses, what happened now?" Red appeared from the shadows and levitated, looking at the master of the Hive. "... he's drunk. Must have been some party."

"Sex machine!"

"Well, at least he recalls who I am."

"And fluffy kitty."

"And who Hades is."

"Fluffy kitty, purr for Bonegrinder."

"Okay, let's get him back into his dwelling before 'fluffy kitty' has an aneurysm." Red waved goodbye to Malik and Leere. "We'll take care of him."

Leere was courteous enough to wave back while Malik aggressively applied a handkerchief to clean off the scent of Bonegrinder’s kisses. “Tell Blue and White I said hi. Oh. They should probably send a letter to their father and sister sometime.”

Walking together out of the Hive, Leere and Malik both released a heavy shared sigh. There were so much bizarre circumstances seen and felt within the last month. A personal take away was a deeper understanding of each other. Leere looked up to the Gerudo giant, smiling coly. “You know, he ain’t that bad a lover.”

“Please no.”

“What, you never thought of using that junk inside your trunk to fit tighter holes?”

“If you don’t quit it, I’m going to shove a rag into that mouth of yours.”

“That mean tight holes are still on the table.”

“You’re so immature.”

“You’re a tad uptight.”

“And you’re unbelievable.”

Both of them snickered, their chortle soon shared into a warm, soft laugh.

The princess jotted down in her mind what would need to be done as an ambassador to Omisha, if Mother still wanted her that is. Leere knew she made an impression on the monstrous woman, both good and some bad probably.

“Malik. We just simply going to walk into the castle chambers?”

“I see why not.”

Leere thought it over. “Want to take a bet?”

“Sure.”

“Zarazu is going to want to tackle you. Zelda or Rinku will squeeze me too tightly. Ralnor will cross his arms and squint his eyes wanting details on Omisha. Best he knows the capacity of our knowledge. I will make him furious when I say I was able to stay a night in Mother’s bed. Finally, your wife is going to kick your ass to the moon.”

Malik frowned in fear at that thought. That would be an inevitable conversation. “Oh lord you’re probably right.”

The man felt her pat the back of his armour, a cheeky smile on her face, yet a serene kindness from her energy. “Pretty sure she’ll break into tears for you though. People love you enough for that.”

“And you believe they won’t for you?” Malik looked downward, his gaze resting on her small frame. “You’re a very lonely woman Leere.” Before she could respond, Malik continued, “But you need not be. Your shadow stays close to people, watching over others. And like a shadow, you disappear in true darkness. You aren’t the type to reveal in it. Stop believing that darkness owns you. As a shadow, you can master it for good.”

Leere flushed slightly, unsure what to say in reply for a moment or two. “That’s... beautiful. No one has put me into words like that.”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

“Well... you can have it anyways. Thank you.”

“Heh. Don’t get sentimental on me. Come, I think we’re about to reach the castle’s secret entrance soon.”

Zarazu was in the middle of a meeting with a few of the council members. She loathed these meetings with a passion. Since Covarog was dealing with another diplomatic issue in Danjur, she was stuck here. Sometimes, she wished the old coots would go senile and forget about these monthly meetings. The queen was just about to bring forth another issue when Malik and Leere walked in... and her mouth dropped open.

Malik had placed his helmet over his head to keep up appearances as Lord of Hyrule. Finally able to breath the air of Hyrule once more, he waved to everyone in the room. “At ease.”

Leere smiled to her sister in law, tiredly placing the stacks of research on a desk close to her. “Greetings everyone. We didn’t interrupt anything too important?”

"... gone for a just over a month and hardly any word?!" Zarazu exclaimed as she rose from her seat so fast, her chair nearly toppled backwards. "What in hell took so long?! A 'hi, I'm not dead' would have been nice! That's for the both of you! Do you have any idea how worried we all were?!"

“Apologies my friend. There was an incident that left us stranded without transportation back to Hyrule, as well as a zero communication policy put into place.” From a bag, he handed her several letters. “It did not stop me from writing to you.”

"That's... that's... ridiculous!" Zarazu was angry, more so about the fact that there could have been something horribly wrong, and she had no way to help. "No location, no backup plan, no return date!!! We were worried sick! We had no way to find you! You know Asa is going to kick your ass. I'm tempted to give you a kick to the ass myself." The queen then glanced at Leere. "And you should know better. You had your brothers and sisters all worried that you were gone off on another journey never to return for another decade."

“Zarazu. I’m sure they can tell me that themselves. I wasn’t in danger of being alone. Malik and I looked out for one another.” Leere raised her hands in light defense. “We made a great deal of progress in learning about Omisha, as well as our relationship with the Echidnan people.”

"... as an order from your queen, the next time you two wish to suddenly disappear and go off on a month-long journey, you will leave a location, you will inform me or at least one of the family, and you will send updates." Zarazu was leaving no room for argument. "Am I clear? My king has enough stress upon him already, nor do I. This is not negotiable."

“Did Ralnor not tell you?” Malik knew damn well he didn’t, but he needed to let Zarazu know that information had been available to her. “My wife knew as well, but since we no longer live at the castle, I can understand about you being left in the dark.”

"Ralnor knew not where you were either. I asked him." Zarazu told Malik with a small huff. Of course, Ralnor would keep his place in this whole situation in the dark to his queen. Not that Zarazu knew. "And Asa knew you were going on a journey, but had no clue you would be so long!”

“I said Omisha to her.” Malik sighed, waving a hand to dismiss the other nobles to move on. “Zarazu, there are more important matters to discuss then my or the princess’ safety.”

"Fine... but if you do this again, I'm putting a locator spell on you both." Zarazu warned the pair but then turning to the old coots on the council. "I apologize, this is an emergency. I will return later."

"But... but we..."

"We will continue later." Zarazu then gestured to Leere and Malik to follow her to a more private area.

“I’d suggest that you summon your husband and other members of royalty.”

"Covarog is in Danjur, Tebanam is exploring ruins with Faris, Kanisa is in Uskar, Orana is on a trip with Corsaire, and Ralnor is actually on holiday, so you're stuck with me." Zarazu then sat in the office she shared with her husband, gesturing for Leere and Malik to sit.

“Very well.” Malik took his seat, and was brutally blunt with his next statement. The Queen needed to know the storm that brewed in the future for Hyrule. “We fought against a disciple of Teufel. The Demon tried to inflict a strike against the citizens of Omisha using the Mortuus that tried to assassinate you. It spoke to us through this disciple. Teufel is active, and he is dangerous.”

"... wow... okay... well..." Zarazu was not really sure what to say. "Omisha... the country of Echidnans. I really thought it was merely a myth. So it's all real... and Teufel is back." She took a breath, trying to rational her thoughts and what was possibly the best objective to do next. "One day, Teufel will be back. We don't know when, so we need to have our guard up. It could be now or later. Next, I think we need to establish a communication link with Omisha. We need to find out if there is a leader there and see if they are interested in perhaps combining forces or sharing knowledge of this Teufel being. Then next, I believe a diplomatic visit is in order, if the leader agrees... I might have to ask Ralnor to come back from holiday early. He knows a little of the Echidnans, and perhaps Teb will."

“We met their leader and established an alliance over the last month.” Leere added to the conversation. “Their leader is very protective of her land, so I don’t know if she’ll have just anyone over.” Leere presented notes and sketches of the island and different variants of Echidnans and their land. “They have many reasons to mistrust most humans.”

"Oh..." Zarazu carefully looked over the documents. There were pieces of history here that had been missing for thousands of years. There were answers to questions about... many issues. She was shocked. "Why..." The queen cleared her throat. "Why did you not inform me?"

Both of them held their tongues. Leere looked as though she was bound to a secret oath, which she was. Malik crossed his arms tightly, feeling the need to be defensive. “Zarazu, there are things in this world that are beyond your understanding to comprehend.”

"That I know, but this is not beyond my comprehension. This is simply just keeping..." Zarazu was trailed off and then became... quiet for once. More so than usual. It was not difficult for the queen to put two and two together. Malik, Leere... the pair of them were keeping something about this trip from her. "... tell me about Malus. I'm more concerned over demon-summoning necromancers than a country full of monsters."

The air lifted, that information being acceptable to share. “Malus, from what we gather, is a land both encased in evil, and possibly having innocents trapped within for hundreds of generations. As Lord, my professional opinion is to have a covert invasion of the country. Not even the Echidnans have ventured in the land. Notes taken were from fleeing Mortuus.”

"When?" Zarazu asked, keeping her eyes glued to the information on the country of Malus. From what the Echidnans provided, it did not sound too promising. "And is there any hint on to where the innocents might be? You cannot walk into a country like this blindly without a plan."

“In underground cities, and according to the last document, since the formation of your people’s monarchy.” Leere sounded somber. “It’s a very conflicting feeling. The first Mortuus I met in my adult life, and she turned out to be as evil as the Echidnans warned. Yet, if there are innocents, my heart goes out for them.”

Leere brought up a book she borrowed on Mortuus history. The first page she pointed out held an illustration of ten-foot-tall wolves. Next were sketches of demonic golems made of flesh. “According to old documented data, Malus is filled with bizarre monsters of all varieties.”

"Demonic possessions and flesh-stitched hosts for them to use for their time on this earth." Zarazu frowned, trying to think of any magic she knew to protect the kingdom against the evil in Malus. "You've certainly done enough research."

Malik tapped a pen on the desk, writing a recommendation. “Zarazu, you should know I will be taking charge as lead negotiator to Omisha.”

"You?" Zarazu shook her head, thinking he simply had forgotten. "Malik, a member of a royal family is supposed to take lead of negotiations for new alliances. Ralnor is the one who told us of Omisha's interest. He should be the one to take charge." She then reminded him. "What we have with Al-Daida is due to Tebanam, with Danjur thanks to Orana, with Uskar kudos to Kanisa, Labrynna was cemented long ago and Covarog handles that, so Ralnor should be in charge with Omisha. He's already submitted paperwork for the job."

“No. Ralnor is a liar and a manipulator. His role is here, in Hyrule. It is he who has kept you in the dark for so long about Omisha. It is he who held Leere and I to secrecy. A secret he’d have preferred hidden had we not discovered Echidnans so close to Hyrule....” Malik kept his voice calm, steady, yet forced his hand in the matter. “As Ganondorf’s blood relative, I too have claim to royal status. Leere has proven herself most effective in forming a bond with the heart of Omisha. It’s people. Ralnor might be Mother’s choice, for that is ultimately up to her, however, her and I have already agreed to being the most concrete link in negotiations.”

Zarazu was getting irritated word by word that came out of Malik.

"Okay, I don't know what is going on between you and Ralnor, but it stops. Like, right now." The queen had nothing negative from her husband's brother about the ex-commander. If anything, Ralnor had been nothing but courteous, singing Malik's praises for doing such a wonderful job. Yet, all Malik seemed to do was bash Ralnor's name. She was getting very tired of it. "I've heard you drag his name through the mud over and over, and not once has he said one word against you. I don't know what fight you two had, or if he was keeping a secret from you and it blew over, or if it's a dick size thing, but whatever the hell it is, right now, it stops." She then added, "In the dark about Omisha? Malik, if anything you were the one keeping me in the dark. Ralnor gave what all he had."

To prove her point, Zarazu fetched the files that Ralnor had dated... years ago... and placed them in Malik's hands. Unknown to the queen, she was playing the part exactly how the second prince wanted her to do so. Ralnor was a master manipulator, and no one could accuse him of such without the accuser looking like a fool in the eyes of others. He was that good. "I understand whatever conversation you had with this 'Mother' person is important, but as far as I'm concerned, Ralnor is the one who will handle affairs." Once again, the prince had been three steps ahead of Malik, portraying him to be the quote on quote 'bad guy'. "And if you and Leere wish to aid him in his endeavors, then you may do so. Though in the future, if you do wish to share what information you have, I'd be happy to hear it."

The queen of Hyrule then took a slow breath. She was already very incensed by the fact that there was information hidden from her. Ralnor told her that he suspected Malik was up to something, but she did not believe him. After all, Ralnor was always known for his paranoia. Yet, this time, he was right.

She then asked Leere, "You mentioned Malus has innocents trapped. Before you decide to go on this expedition, might I inquire as to how you are going to avoid detection if you wish to stay incognito?"

Malik was furious, yet he hid it well behind a cold, chilling anger. In an unexpected first against Zarazu, he completely pushed back, stopping the pale princess from answering. “Zarazu... your naïveté is exactly why I did not recommend you for a position in dealing with Omisha’s people. Ralnor will not be in the future of Hyrule’s head of negotiations with the leader of the Echidnans. You lack the fortitude for it, and him the heart. You can both take care in knowing I won’t step over your heads for long. It is your eldest daughter who will have a future with Omisha. Mother has declared it so.”

"And your temper is why you will not be handling any foreign negotiations as lead." Zarazu then told him in an icy tone. "If you're going to insult me and act like this, then there's the door. I don't care what this 'Mother' said right now, I am your friend but I am also your queen. If you cannot have the respect for me or my brother-in-law, then leave. I am so sick and tired of fighting, and I'm not going to do it anymore today."

“The choice, dear friend, is simply not up to you. It is destiny. I’m sure the leader of Omisha will find purpose for the three of us. But not you. You are my friend Zarazu... but given that the fates will bring death and war upon us soon with the very gods, I must look at the bigger picture.” Malik finished his recommendation. “I will train your daughter to be the best Gerudo Queen she can be. I also recommend you ally with the Kikai Empire and Danjur to liberate Malus. After recon of course. Now, if excuse me... I have a son, daughter and wife of my own to tend to.”

With no other word, Leere watched as Malik left the office. Spewing about destiny and so coldly calculating the future of Hyrule as if Malik himself was King did indeed worry her, but it wasn’t Leere’s place to judge him. That duty would be left to her brother and Zarazu. The princess took a few breaths, looking back to the Queen. “Any questions on your mind?”

"... many questions and so few answers, Leere." Zarazu ran her hands back there her hair, appearing to look so defeated. "I am tired, Leere. So tired of blame, of fighting, and arguing. I hate myself for wishing to escape back to Lorleidi. None of this," She motioned to her surroundings. "Existed there. No hate, no fighting, no... no having to look for the better in people. I simply knew it was there. But here, now?" The queen sighed. "I spent four hours arguing with those old coots in the council room about their apparent homophobia and how my kingdom would let love be love... and not one of them gave thought to any possibility of not being able to love who they love."

Leere gently took Zarazu’s hands, suddenly feeling an overwhelming sense of emotion. Despite her getting along better with Malik, they only had a professional relationship. She was also surrounded with monsters that either tolerated her, completely mistrusted her, made her feel uncomfortable, or simply needed more time to get along better with. Touching Zarazu’s hands, someone that, sure, she didn’t know the best about on a day to day basis, but still respected and come to care for, made her cry. Her experience in Omisha with retrospect now horrified her, throwing herself into the darkest of secrets, finding out she was a sacrifice for a being that’d bring tyranny and chaos, losing trust in a friend she held close... her tears swelled. “Oh god... I’m sorry. It feels like years since I talked with someone else who feels human.”

"Oh, spirits, Leere, don't cry!" Zarazu looked alarmed at the princess' sudden tears. What brought on the waterworks?! She pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm sorry if I made you upset! Please, don't cry, I was just rambling because Malik really knows how to push my buttons, don't cry for my sake!"

“No. Please. It’s just Omisha. It was... it was so much. I feel so old Zarazu. I learned and experienced... terrible knowledge.” Leere didn’t object to a deep hug, however. “Zarazu... you’re such a sweet soul. Please... if you want to learn anything I know, ask. I don’t care if Malik, Ralnor, or anyone else wants to keep a lid on things.”

"It's okay, it's okay... maybe questions later? I think right now, you just need a breather." Zarazu patted her back gently. "Heh, according to Malik, I'm a she-devil, Ba'puu is nothing but a pest, and Ralnor is Vul'kar's right hand. I'm only sweet to those I like. I guess you got lucky today, huh?" She said in good humor, trying to make Leere laugh. "... you want a sugar cookie? I hid a few cookie baggies in my desk."

“Zarazu... my birth parents set me up to be a sacrifice to Teufel.” The words escaped her lips, nearly broken getting out. The tears still kept coming. Leere sounded broken, like something in her soul was taken and violently snapped in two. “I found this out from a friend who only told me now after keeping this knowledge from me for years because he wasn’t right in his mind... Zarazu. I can’t leave Hyrule ever again... it’s that, or I kill myself.”

"... I... I don't know about all of this Teufel business, and I certainly have no clue about this friend of yours that likes to keep secrets, but..." Zarazu tried her best to choose the proper words of comfort. "I guess... sometimes secrets are kept to protect who we love. I've kept my share over the years. If this prevents you from leaving Hyrule, then... there's nothing wrong with just staying here a while until you're ready to fight. And when you are, I'll fight with you. Two old ladies... side by side."

Leere actually chuckled at that, drying her tears. “Friends name is Bonegrinder. Same person Malik and Ralnor know, though I’m sure they’ll deny it. Boys and their secrets, playing with power... Maybe, when he feels up to it, you can meet him one day. He came to Hyrule from Omisha actually, but due to privacy, he likes his isolation from most people.” A solid weight lifted off her chest. After meeting the people of Omisha, it seemed silly for Bonegrinder and the Hive to remain hidden. Out of continued respect, however, she wouldn’t fully disclose their location. “I’m sorry I cried. Malik failed to mention we fought demons as well, only three days in. I broke my leg in the fight, and saw things that I think my nightmares will enjoy.” One more thought to express on her mind. “Zarazu, what do you know of Gods of Balance, Creation and Destruction?”

"That's... well... uh..." Zarazu tried to formulate a response. She honestly did not know what to say. What could she say to make all of this better? "You're going to have to give me a bit to process all of that. More secrets, a reason to scold both Malik and Ralnor, you fought demons, got hurt, and a monster is leaving in Hyrule. I hope I didn't miss anything." The queen then offered the princess a few tissues. "Oh... let's see here. There used to be an old story that was told around the bonfires at might about a 'Mother Goddess and the Two Brothers'. There was even an old song with it, something about a prophecy. If I remember correctly, we received it centuries ago from a traveler." It suddenly clicked in Zarazu's mind. "... a traveler from Omisha."

“Indeed. Listen, if this trip has taught me anything, I worry more about humans than the actual monsters. Despite being cold and distant, perhaps not getting human connections or emotions, you don’t see Monsters ripping one another down for the sake of a power struggle.” Leere smiled, a fond memory making her feel better. “It wasn’t all distressing though. Met some children who I think I’ve helped break the bond of fear between humans and monsters.” She carefully showed the fine details of her sketch. “Met a wonderful chick named Solani. Must admit, I felt rather... motherly towards her.”

"All of this is a lot to take in for one afternoon... I think you and I will have to dedicate another afternoon to finish the rest of my questions." Zarazu gave a dry laugh. "Well, Leere, I mean, you'd be a great mom. You're wonderful with kids. All your nieces and nephews love you. If you don't want to get married, then why don't you adopt? Or you could always find a donor."

“Perhaps...” Leere settled her mind upon looking at the picture she drew of Solani. “I think the safest places I can be are here in Hyrule... or beside Mother. I would like to see Solani again, despite the risks of Teufel...” Closing her sketchbook, Leere left documentation on the Queens desk. “Be sure to get these copied after you’ve read them over. Didn’t fight the denizens of Hell so knowledge would go to waste. And tell you what. Soon as you finish up all the laws giving more freedom to gay rights, then I’ll settle down. Would you like tea with me over the weekend to continue our conversation further Zarazu?”

"Whatever you decide, it's important that you're happy." Zarazu agreed with a soft smile. "Tea sounds wonderful."

“Then I look forward to it.” Leere made her way out of the office, sighing to herself once out of earshot. She hoped she could sleep soundly tonight. Was staying in the unknown better, just as Bonegrinder forewarned? Only time would reveal that answer and more.

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/190931724986/into-the-darkness-and-unknown-ch-7-the-burden-of

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/610955133909614592/into-the-darkness-and-unknown-ch-9-into-the

#crossover #ridersoftheapocalypse #Omisha #Malus #Leere #Malik #Mother #Bonegrinder #Echidnans #Monsters #Love to hear comments!

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mattzerella-sticks · 6 years ago

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Knowing the Game (a Nate-centric, John/Nate fic post 4x09, 2.1k)

Nate gets an unexpected visitor late at night, when everyone has left. What's he to make of the strange man with the knowing gleam in his eye, who apparently knows more about his father's secrets than even Hank? And what will he do when he starts revealing more than just what his working relationship is? Will he even have the chance to do something?

(Link to ao3)

Nate scrubs a hand down his face, the computer screen’s glow hurting his eyes from staring at it so long. It’s been a rough couple of days, with him barely leaving before midnight most nights. If it wasn’t investigating his father’s secret dealings keeping him busy, Ava’s break-up frustration was being piled onto him and the rest of the Time Bureau as they pick up the slack left by the Legends. And the Legends’ fugitive status weighed unnecessarily on his back, too.

Not only were his friends hiding away somewhere in the time stream, being hunted down by the government – again – he couldn’t contact them without Ava finding out. His only contact for now is Zari, encrypting her e-mails so no one could trace them. He doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry with each message titled ‘Wide Birthing Hips’. Subject heading aside, they keep their conversations to Hank’s work, no matter how much Nate wants to ask for more. To hear their adventures, laugh at what references Ray made that day, and especially know that John his safe.

His exhaustion wouldn’t be half as bad if his cockney cock-eyed magician could pop up and ease his troubles. They’ve been spending so much time together as of late; he can’t remember how to function without him. Nate would swear that John’s magic extended past spells, as the lightest of brushes of their lips would drain any worry away.

Imagining their kissing leads to other things and Nate shifts in his seat at the sudden stiffening of his dick. He bites his lip, hand fluttering towards his crotch. It hovers as he debates whether or not he should touch. The office had been empty for quite some time, and no one was left but him. His fingers had only pressed against the zipper when a knock comes from his open door.

Seizing, Nate straightens in his seat and turns to his surprise guest. His gaze sets upon the familiar figure, his jaw clamping into a forced smile.

Roger Kant leans against the doorway, smirking down at him. “Am I interrupting something, Mr. Heywood?”

Blushing, Nate breaks from his gaze. “Catching up on some work is all, Mr. Kant –“

“Please,” he chuckles, stepping into the room, “Call me Roger. I much prefer that than ol’ Mr. Kant…” Roger takes the seat without question, swinging his leg over the other. Nate’s face falls slightly at Roger’s decision to stay, but he doesn’t let his displeasure show for long.

“Well then… you don’t have to address me as Mr. Heywood,” Nate says, “Makes me feel like my dad.”

Roger chuckles. “Don’t like being compared to your father?”

“I wouldn’t say that…”

“He’s a good man, I mean to be honored so beautifully at that dinner the other night…”

Nate raises a brow. “You were there?”

“Of course,” Roger says, “Your father and I are working very closely on a project together… I’ve grown fond of him in our short time together. Him and… his family.” His lecherous smirk isn’t lost on Nate, and he shudders at how invasive Roger’s stare is. Like he’s being flayed piece by piece to expose his soul.

Shaking his head, Nate focuses on the first part of his sentence. “You two work together? I don’t remember my dad saying anything about what it is…”

“I would hope so,” Roger says, “classified and other long words the government uses… but I’m sure you already have a good idea about what it is we’re doing, don’t you?”

Stammering, Nate says, “What – I don’t –“

“Please don’t lie to me Nate,” Roger says, “I saw you and your friend sneaking off with Hank’s phone. You two were very sneaky… I thought it was hilarious.”

“You did?” Nate asks, “Is that… why you’re visiting?”

“No, not really,” Roger sighs, leaning back in his seat, “Your father told me about how you were sniffing around, said he threw you off the scent though. I didn’t buy that. People like you never give up when they’ve got a whiff.”

Nate frowns, “And what kind of people are you talking about?”

“Heroes, Nate,” Roger tells him, “That’s what you and your friends aboard the Waverider call yourselves, right?”

He sighs, standing from his desk. “Listen, Mr. Kant, I don’t take kindly to being insulted in my office. If you came here to threaten me –“

“On the contrary Nate,” Roger interrupts, “I came here to tell you what we’re doing.”

Trailing off into silence, Nate blinks wide-eyes at Roger. “You… what?”

“I figure you deserve to know,” Roger continues, fingers steeped under his chin, “Your father thinks he’s protecting you, but nothing’s ever been gained from ignorance. Now, are you going to sit back down or will you continue stomping around like your britches are bigger than they are?”

Nate tears himself away, glancing down at his computer. One of Zari’s emails was open, detailing a few files she found that were triple-encrypted. It would be a long time before they’d access whatever information hid inside. A part of his conscious screamed at him in a funny accent not to trust the man before him, though. Saying that it’d be like getting into bed with the devil, convincing with its scotch-roughened syllables. But then he glances back at Roger, the picture of plaintive charity painted across his face in wide strokes.

He sits, sighing. “What are you and my dad doing?”

“Hank and I are working on a project by the name of HADES – do you know what that means?”

“Hades was the god of the underworld right?” Nate says, “And whatever you’re doing involves the creatures the Bureau’s been locking up here.”

“Smart,” Roger grins, “But it’s more than that. HADES is an acronym, meaning Helping American Deployment Eradicate and Save. It’s a joint program within the military to train these creatures to support our troops wherever they may be. Whether in covert operations or rescue missions, we plan to use the refugees in the only American way there is – to our own benefit! Nuclear power is an 80’s thing. Do you think North Korea can scare us when we have a more untapped power under our control: magic?”

“You’re using these creatures,” Nate says, “Kidnapping them, and –“

“They’re government property whether in your hands or ours,” Roger tells him, “And yes our methods at transport are a bit… barbaric, but only because there’s a language barrier. We’re working on developing a universal translator to help explain what we intend to do.”

Nate rubs at his jaw, thinking. “When you put it that way… it does,” he frowns, “it does sound good.”

“Doesn’t it? Your father bought it when I explained it that way to him.”

Startled, Nate’s head whips up to meet Roger’s shifting features. The kind innocence was shredded to reveal a shadowy expression. “Bought it, what’re you –“

“Talking about? Just our plans for Project HADES of course – you wanted the truth, didn’t you?” Roger chuckles, uncrossing his legs so as to switch their position. “Figured it’d be best to start out with what your daddy knows, then pull the rug out from under. Like a preview of what’s to come when I drag ol’ Hank’s wool away from his eyes.” At Nate’s glare, Roger rolls his eyes, “Oh come on, you think there wouldn’t be any more lies? Your daddy’s a high-ranking tool but there’re more powerful pieces at play here. He just likes to think he’s the king when really he’s another pawn.”

Nate snarls, “Then what does that make me, huh? An extra piece?”

“Well,” Roger leans in, “If you would care to, the king is nothing without his queen…?”

He shifts into steel. “I don’t think so.” Roger, looking bored, snaps his finger. Nate’s shell softens and melts back into his skin. Before he could gasp in shock, Nate realizes his body cannot move. Struggling in his chair, Nate knows he’s at mercy to the man before him. The man who has many more secrets than what he’s working on.

“I like ‘em feisty,” Roger says, standing. He saunters around the desk over towards Nate, kneeling down to nuzzle at his side. “Makes it all the more satisfying when you stake your claim… Although,” he toys with Nate’s tie – John’s tie – and smirks, “I understand your hesitation. Your loyalties lie elsewhere, in the bed of an old friend…” Roger presses a kiss to the nape of Nate’s neck. “John did know how to pick amazing bedfellows…”

Seething, Nate angrily darts his eyes towards Roger. “What do you know about John?”

“Many things,” Roger whispers into his ear, “The body I wear now has so many memories and marks of his and John’s time together.”

“What the… body you wear?” Nate’s heart creeps into his stomach to hide, gut churning it around like a mixer. “What are you? What did you do?”

Roger stands, sitting on the desk and peering down at him. “What I did was collect on a deal. Desmond here promised me his soul if I wouldn’t harm John Constantine’s body and… when I get locked away in a hell prison, so did he. The silly things you do for love.”

“What?”

“Oh, did John never tell you?” Roger’s smirk grows so wide it nearly snaps his face in two. “You’d think a man would learn after watching someone he cares for get taken from him… But if it happens again well, shame on him that’s how the saying goes.”

“Who the hell do you think you are?”

Roger dips his head in close, face melting away into a bunch of tiny little holes that ooze and hiss. A few bugs crawl out and slither over to disappear inside another opening. Nate couldn’t flinch nor close his eyes, forced to stare into the abyss of horror. “Neron,” a high-pitched whine cackles, “King of Hell.”

In a snap, the human face returns. Nate’s mouth wavers, unsure of what to do. Roger watches him amusedly, “Well? Isn’t this the part where you tell me I’ll never get away with it? Good will prevail and all that other crap –“

“I – I… why are you telling me this?” Nate asks, “Why show your hand this early?”

“Like I said… smart.” Roger moves to his computer, scanning his conversations with Zari. “I wanted to figure out how far along you are with your investigations. It’d be a problem if you buffoons broke the case wide open… would ruin the surprise attack I have in store.”

“Surprise attack?” Nate asks, “That’s what HADES is for? You’re training your own army?”

“Been training them, but I never could get past the barriers of Hell – until you and your friends did the dirty work for me,” Roger says, clicking back to the e-mail Nate was on originally. “Once I have them all back under my control, all the souls of the world will be mine!”

“And you couldn’t just stick with working for the government?” Nate asks, “Seeing how you operate you could be President in no time.”

Roger chuckles. “You flatter me. The only reason I took this job was because I enjoy the irony that comes from people who hold all the cards realize they were playing the wrong game to begin with.”

“And now what?” Nate asks, “Kill me? You think that won’t alert people as to what’s going on?”

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Roger coos, dragging a cold hand down his face. Nate sneers at the touch. “I want you to join me –“

“Like hell I will!”

“Maybe not now, but soon enough,” Roger sighs, stepping away, “Until then, I want you to forget everything you’ve seen and heard since I’ve been in the room.”

“As if you have the power to do that –“

Roger snaps, and Nate’s head lolls onto his chest. Effectively taken out, Roger moves over towards the door. Pausing in the doorway, he turns back and smirks at him. “You’ll be mine, Nate Heywood, just like everything else that was John’s. Until then… you might as well make the most of your time together. Make it even worse for when I steal you away.” Snapping his fingers, Roger disappears.

Nate comes to moments later, head ringing. He blinks back into consciousness, searching the room. “Huh,” he yawns, “Must’ve fell asleep at the office.” Stretching, he starts packing up for the night. Locking up, he reaches into his phone and dials a familiar number. John picks up on the third ring.

“Hey,” Nate says, “I miss you… I know, what with Ava and… it’s been forever since we spent the night. Do you think you could sneak away for a little… really? Okay, I’m heading home now, I’ll meet you there in tweny…”

#Nate Heywood #Legends of Tomorrow #LoT #LoT fanfic #LoT fic #LoT coda #Legends of Tomorrow fanfic #John Constantine/Nate Heywood

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