#her sending off extra birds to look for her brother

[hellishgayliath]

Awww frick Moon

Gesundheit

ah.. Ah.. AH- SNEEZE

sorry don't know what happened there, @hellishgayliath-

um- so- yeah I have no reason for this. I saw Clem's future design, my brain made this. so um.. if I have to envision it, so do y'all

I know you joked that Clem claimed Luci as her honorary sister, but they are also 'technically' cousins and would address her as such more than calling her a sister. If not for that reason, then because Luci wouldn't know how to deal with it (as her brain would trail to her then being Pico's sister & both of them would despise that lol) so it's probably done for Luci's sake (with exceptions ofc)

2nd thing; Sugar or Salt If this is an actually thing i don't know where its from because I made it up. But it's their version of saying 'good news or bad news'. I thought it was cute :] Sugar being to sugarcoat the situation & Salt being brutally honest/realistic. I think it'd be a thing Luci made up when Clem was really young & I think Clem would mainly ask for sugar instead of salt.

[wooattackrr]

study session

MDNI

Synopsis: student!reader comes over the study with her best friend, but comes in contact with her older brother mingyu instead

a/n: this has been in the drafts for like a week and it’s still not proofread…

——————————————————————

The late afternoon sun poured through the trees outside, casting playful shadows on the sidewalk as you made your way to your best friend’s house. Your heart raced with anticipation; studying for upcoming exams could be tedious, but at least you had your best friend, Mina, by your side to help make the time more enjoyable. You pushed open the gate, its creaky hinges announcing your arrival. You had been here countless times before, but today felt different.

You knocked gently on the door, noting the way your palms slightly dampened with sweat. Being shy made moments like these even more nerve-wracking; you had always struggled to make your presence felt around others, even those you were close to.

After a few moments, when there was still no answer, you checked your phone. As expected, there was a message from Mina. "Running a little late! Can you let yourself in?" You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. You took a deep breath and twisted the doorknob, pushing the door open and stepping into the familiar warmth of her home.

“Hello?” you called out, but the sounds of the house were drowned by the low hum of the refrigerator and the faint chirping of birds outside. You were met with a silence that felt almost oppressive. You slipped off your shoes and wandered into the living room, glancing at the clock. You still had some time before Mina arrived. With a small sigh, you decided to gather your books and materials from your bag to settle in for what would likely be a long study session.

As you organized your things on the coffee table, a light shuffle of footsteps echoed down the hallway before a tall figure stepped into view.

“Mingyu?” you blurted out, surprised.

Mingyu, Mina’s older brother, stood before you like a vision: tousled dark hair framing his handsome face, his fit physique accentuated by a loose T-shirt and jogger pants. He blinked at you, an amused smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

You stammered, “M-Mina said she’d be late, so I came to study.” Your cheeks heated as you noticed how his gaze lingered on your face.

His expression shifted to one of understanding, “Ah, okay. Well, if you need anything, just let me know. I’m just about to head to the kitchen to grab a snack.” He turned to walk away, and you felt a flutter in your stomach. His casual demeanor was enough to make you both nervous and excited at the same time.

“I—uh—do you want some help?” you offered, surprising even yourself with the invitation. The words spilled from your lips before you could think about the implications.

He paused and turned to face you fully. “Sure, if you want to help! I could always use an extra set of hands.” His grin widened, and your heart raced.

As you followed him into the kitchen, you couldn’t shake the feeling of exhilaration mixed with anxiety. You watched as he rummaged through the pantry, pulling out a bag of chips. “You want some?” he asked, holding the bag up.

“Um, yeah, sure.” You took a chip, feeling the heat of his body so close to yours. You stood by the counter, unsure of where to look. The tension in the air was palpable, and each passing second felt like an eternity.

Mingyu leaned casually against the counter, his arm brushing against yours, sending shivers down your spine. “So how’s studying going for you? I’ve heard it’s pretty intense this time of year.”

You nodded, your voice barely above a whisper. “Y-Yeah, it’s been… tough. I’m really trying to get good grades.” You couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered under his gaze. He looked at you with curiosity, as if you were something more interesting than the bag of chips between you.

“I get that. School can be rough. But you’ve got this,” he encouraged, his tone sincere. Hearing him speak to you that way made your heart flutter even more. Maybe Mingyu wasn’t just Mina’s brother; he was genuinely kind—a trait not often seen, especially in college boys.

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” you managed to say, rubbing your arms anxiously.

After a few more moments of small talk, the initial awkwardness melted away slightly as you found a rhythm in conversation. Yet, you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something electric in the air, a tension that both thrilled and terrified you.

“I should probably get back to studying,” you finally said, your voice wavering with uncertainty.

He nodded, “Yeah, I should probably let you focus. I’m going to head back to my room and work on a few things too.” As he spoke, a sudden idea lit up in your mind—a bold impulse that you couldn’t ignore.

“Wait, Mingyu…” you stopped him before he could walk away completely, “Do you want to study with me? I mean, if you have time. We could… help each other?”

His brows rose in surprise, and for a moment, you thought he might decline. But then, his lips curled into a smirk. “You know what? That sounds great. I could use a distraction anyway.” He stepped back into the living room with you, and your heart leaped.

Settling back on the couch, you spread your materials across the coffee table. Mingyu sat beside you, close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him. You grabbed your textbook and began flipping through the pages, but it was hard to focus with the intoxicating presence sitting beside you.

“Alright, what do you want to start with?” He leaned closer, his shoulder brushing against yours. You could hardly concentrate on the questions in front of you.

You took a deep breath, your voice steadying slightly. “Let’s start with math. I could use some help with these equations.”

As you worked together, laughter filled the room. Mingyu had a talent for turning complicated formulas into something more approachable. His enthusiasm was contagious, and soon you found yourself smiling and engaging him more than you had anticipated.

Time slipped by as you dived into the material, the way he explained things making everything seem so easy. However, with each passing moment, you couldn’t help but notice his occasional sideways glance, a spark of mischief in his eye.

“Okay, next question…” You squinted at the paper, trying to keep your focus but feeling dizzy under his gaze.

“I think you're overthinking it,” he said suddenly, causing you to look up. “Just trust yourself.”

His voice was encouraging, sending warmth flooding through you. You let out a nervous chuckle, “Easier said than done, right?”

“Come on, what’s the worst that could happen?” He leaned just a bit closer, an intensity in his gaze that made your heart race. “Just look at the problem simply.”

You swallowed, the tension between you becoming unbearable. With a quick glance at him, you realized that you couldn’t ignore the charge in the air; it was intoxicating, and your body reacted with a surprising want that you never expected to feel sitting next to your friend’s brother.

Mingyu’s eyes flickered to your lips, and suddenly the space between you felt impossibly small. You could feel your cheeks heating again, and your breath quickened, but still, a part of you couldn’t look away.

The tension in the room grew thicker as you both succumbed to the heat building between you. Mingyu's kiss grew more urgent, his hands moving with purpose, unbuttoning your shirt one button at a time. His touch sent shivers down your spine, making you forget about the outside world.

The coolness of the fabric against your skin was a stark contrast to the warmth of his palms as they explored your body. You could feel the heat rising in your cheeks as his hands reached your waist, his thumbs hooking into the waistband of your jeans.

Mingyu's eyes searched yours for permission, and you nodded, too lost in the moment to speak. With a smoldering look, he tugged your jeans down, exposing your bare skin to the cool air. Your heart hammered in your chest as he trailed kisses down your neck, his teeth grazing your collarbone.

The sound of the front door opening sent a jolt of panic through your body. You froze, your eyes wide with shock as the door creaked open.

“no fucking way…”

——————————————————————

x o o o o o o

[mxtantrights]

Omg on jason having twins, i think he’d be an utter mess on their first day of school. Like you got this massive brick shithouse of a man practically trembling while barely holding back tears as he drops off his babies at kindergarten or first grade.

a/n: thank you anon for sending this in! <333 I can't thank you enough and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!!!

You thought the hardest part of seeing you twins off to kindergarten would be the kids. But it's actually seeing Jason say goodbye to them that undoes you.

He's crouched down to be at their level. The both go them, Peter and Cassie, are looking at him intently. With their books bags on their bags and their lunch pails in their hands. Cassie let Jason do her hair today, two space buns with purple scrunchies. Peter let you pick his shirt, a fresh green graphic tee.

You sniffle as you take them in.

Jason holds onto Peter's hand and cups the side of Cassie's face.

"Now, you don't have to go today if you don't want to. You can stay at home and we can try again tomorrow. It's okay." Jason says.

"We wanna go." Peter says.

"Yeah daddy." Cassie agrees.

Jason nods his head, "Of course. You two are so smart. You're gonna do so good. You hardly get that from me."

"You're smart daddy!" Cassie says, throwing herself onto him.

Jason doesn't even move when she does that. He is kneeling there and his right arm at his side, the other in Peter's hand. Peter joins in on the hug too.

"I'm gonna miss you guys." Jason says.

Jason engulfs the both of them in a hug. You wanna go over there and join in but you know if you do then they might never actually go in. It's one thing to see Jason not wanting to let go, but if they see it from you they'll probably skip kindergarten altogether.

"Me too!" Peter says.

Jason lets go first. He pulls away from them and takes them in again. Then he gives them each a kiss on the top of their heads. Peter gets an extra one because Cassie turns around and runs through the front door.

Then Peter follows after her. Ever the little brother.

Jason stands up and turns to you. Now you can see his eyes that are red and brimmed with tears. You jog over and wrap your arms around him. He wraps his arms around you within hesitation and places his head into the crook of your neck.

"It's okay. We'll see them later." you say.

"Maybe we can pick them up early?" he asks, and you know he's half joking and half serious.

"No can do. We gotta let the little birds leave the nest." you answer.

[zivazivc]

What was Ish and Lena's relationship?

I made so much for this ask, don't look at me 🫣

The two trolls had a short summer romance at a "no boarders" music festival called Fusion Fest. Back then it was a pretty new and small thing, and the point of the festival is for trolls from all genres to come together and enjoy each other's music and company; celebrating togetherness and acceptance.

(Yes, I made a logo. 😅 This festival is a major annual event for the mixed trolls in my AU.)

Ish and his friend group went to check it out because they're already a colorful ensemble of different genres, and they were curious to see what it was about.

Lena and her friends somehow caught wind of the festival in their backwater village where nothing new or exciting ever happens, and they decided to go to rebel against their closed-minded, racist parents and community, but mostly because they were bored teenagers who'd never seen any trolls other than Rock Trolls before. Despite them wanting to experience something new, their reason for going was very much NOT the point of the festival; They were treating it more like a freakshow to stare at, and them rebelling against their parents was more just to anger them and not because they were any better...

In my mind Lena is very attractive (in a trashy, grunge kind of way), and a 16-year-old Ish immediately got a crush on her from across the room.

He put his Funk moves on her and left her completely flustered from how forward he was. I imagine he was really charming and smooth, but also I can't stop cringing and comparing it to bird mating dances lmao.

(The song Ish is singing to Lena. It makes it feel extra perfect because I just happened to learn the singer was also a 16-year-old when recording it!)

Lena didn't fall for him as hard as he fell for her at first, but she's one of those girls who will go for any bad boy that looks intimidating, and she thought funk trolls were scary and intimidating, because she was subconsciously racist herself too. 🧍 She did really start to like him after they hooked up though, and started liking him for him (so at least she was learning...)

But then they were faced with an unexpected surprise one morning after waking up from a night of concerts and partying (and mixing of substances that shouldn't be mixed)...

Ish panicked hard, he even tried getting rid of the egg, claiming it had to be a dud given the circumstances, but Lena stopped him saying she felt it move. Thank god, because Leslie hatched only minutes later.

Ish was so freaked out that he abruptly left and headed back to Funk Kingdom in the same day, and just abandoned Lena with the baby.

Lena was also very scared but she immediately warmed up to little Leslie and had no intention of dropping him off at an orphanage or doing something similar, despite her friends' encouragement to do just that, claiming her parents were going to kick her out if she showed up back home with a mixed baby.

I'm thinking Ish did try to reach out to Lena by sending her a letter a few weeks later (he got her address before the egg thing happened), but the letter never reached her because she really was disowned and kicked out of her parents' house when she came home and refused to give her baby up...

So Lena never heard from Ish again, and the next time Ish heard about Lena was about 9 years later when Leslie turned up looking for him with his baby brother, and he learned that she was gone...

(Ish having a weird day where he went out after Kymani poorly relayed a confusing phone call from the police station, and later came back home as the sole caretaker of two neglected kids.)

[shirohige-pirates]

A Truly Mythological Christmas

Cisfem!Reader x Marco the Phoenix

Also on Wattpad // Ao3

18+ - this story is going to get steamy in ways not allowed for your holiday Lifetime specials. Swearing, cheating, assassins, intrigue - you know, all that simple small town stuff.

Chapter 26: The Zhou Conglomerate

The day after the Christmas celebration, was low energy for all of you. Sabo made coffee for you and Dadan, and you hugged him for being so cute that he started squirming in your arms. You helped the boys make the easiest breakfast you could manage, and did as little as humanly possible. After all the commotion of the party even Luffy was subdued.

You: How’s the manor?

Marco: Half a disaster. We got most of it cleaned up before bed though.

He sends a short video of the long dining table that still needed to be broken down, and the bags of trash needing to be hauled out. A few of his brothers waved blearily as he passed by them, plates and bowls with leftovers for breakfast on them. From the looks of things no one had finished a first cup of coffee, let alone woken up properly.

They had likely all been up until nearly 3am.

You: All that footage, and none of your beautiful face?

Marco: Handsome, maybe.

You: Need an extra set of hands to come help?

Marco: Nah, rest easy pretty bird.

Marco: I’ll be at the store tomorrow, you’re welcome to come help out, or just hang out.

Grinning you type in a sassy response.

You: Decorate your back office, maybe.

Marco: I would risk the store, please don’t tempt me.

“What’s it mean to decorate the back office?” Sabo questions quietly, looking at your phone from over the couch. He’s curious, but also trying to keep Ace and Luffy from hearing.

“With annoying things like wrapping stuff in foil and individually wrapping all his pens.” You lie as smoothly as you possibly can.

Sabo looks around and leans in, his face going pink. “I thought you were talking about adult stuff.”

You laugh, ruffling curly hair that’s destined to be amazing wavy locks one day. It’s good to be reminded that children are dangerously attentive. Ace and Luffy come over to see what you’re laughing about, and you end up pulling the boys into your camera range and sending pictures of the four of you making silly faces. You take a couple dozen pictures before you run them off to put away their gifts, and get their room cleaned up, but you only send a few to Marco.

Your day is a delightful collection of sending texts to Marco, lounging, and helping your mom make dinner. You don’t often spend an entire day in your pajamas, but it felt good to do almost nothing all day.

The next day, after breakfast, you get a phone call from a number that you only knew for sure was from the city. It wasn’t Candy Land’s extension, so you weren’t worried about answering it.

“Hello?” You answer tentatively, wondering who would be calling you from a number you didn’t know, just a couple days after Christmas. It was, at least, not the weekend yet.

“Hello, is this Miss Curly (Y/N)?” The question comes from a cheerful, and professional voice. It’s clear and full of maybe a little too much coffee.

“This is, what can I do for you?”

“Wonderful! My name is Wanda, I was hoping to have a few moments of your time, Miss Curly, my boss is Inuarashi, from the Zhou Conglomerate, and we were hoping we could get your hiring process started, if you weren’t against the idea?”

“Huh? No, I’m not… against it, but I haven’t even been interviewed.” You stammer.

“I mean to take care of most of that over the phone today,” she offers easily. “Interviewing was part of what I wanted to do today. The primary part honestly, since the rest can come after. Mr. Inuarashi and Mr. Nekomamushi just wanted to get things going as soon as they could.”

“I… uh, sure. Sure.” Getting up off the couch you head into Dadan’s den, since her and the boys will know to leave you be while you’re in there. “I’ve had breakfast and coffee, I’m happy to do this as best I can.”

Wanda’s smile comes through her tone. “Perfect. The owners were nearly flooded with letters of recommendation and phone calls on your behalf over the holidays. Coworkers from your previous job, your boss, several small businesses in the city.”

“Letters? Calls? Wha- how?” You sit down in the room, feeling a little disoriented. “Aside from my boss I don’t think anyone else was aware that I was looking for another job.”

“Oh, hm.” Wanda goes silent for a moment. “Well, I… guess the news hadn’t gotten outside the city. But news broke that Charlotte Perospero had been caught with… other people… and that you had broken off the engagement. Katakuri said he was doing everything he could for you.

“Since his mother had gone on quite the public tirade, I think people simply assumed you had also tendered your resignation as well.” She explains. “I know the truth, Miss Curly, and while I am sorry you weren’t able to stay where you wanted, if it isn’t too presumptuous of me to say, I am grateful to know you’ll be joining us.”

“I…she? ��� Wow. I didn’t know.” You take a moment and Wanda goes quiet. “I… whew. You know, um, if you don’t mind, I think I’m going to make a cup of coffee before we get started.”

“Certainly, you can call me back, or I can simply wait.” Wanda offers.

“Chat with me, if you don’t mind. Whatever you’re comfortable with, tell me about yourself, tell me about the Conglomeration.” You prompt, getting up and heading into the kitchen.

You and Wanda talk for nearly three hours. In that time you make a cup of coffee, a cup of tea, and even get the water you probably needed to be drinking more of. She tells you a little bit about herself, and you share some of yourself in return. She talks about what she likes about the company, and you ask questions to dig a little deeper.

You vent about the issue with Perospero, as much as you’re comfortable doing, and admit that you’re doing much better now than you were before. You love the city, but getting away and getting back to where you grew up had been exactly what you needed.

Eventually you shift to the business of business and start talking about what you would be expected to do, what skills you had, experience and what your accomplishments at your current job were. Wanda gave you some hypotheticals to answers and you asked about the vacation policies and other benefits.

You weren’t too worried about falling into any kind of traps. Wanda was being far too direct, and with everything else in your corner it was silly to worry about such things. A small voice in the back of your head worried you were getting this job on some odd form of nepotism, but if that was the case you’d just have to work even harder when you started.

You even sent Marco some texts while you were talking with Wanda, explaining that you were on the phone with her, and that you weren’t sure when you’d make it to the store.

You: I’ll still be by though.

Marco: I’d say tell her hello for me, but I don’t want you to think I’m trying to win you points.

You: You didn’t say anything to Nekomamushi yourself?

Marco: Nope.

Marco: I first heard of it from Katakuri. After that I was too busy to reach out, and I wouldn’t have even if I could have.

Marco: I know how you would’ve felt.

“Your starting salary is going to be, admittedly, significantly less than what you were making.” Wanda says, her voice dropping. “There are bonuses, however, and it is still competitive.”

“That will be okay.” You assure her. “If I can do my job well, there’ll be room for growth, and I’m okay with that. Candy Land paid well, but… there was a certain level of stress that went along with it.”

“But,” you say after a moment’s pause. “All I mean is that the salary is satisfactory, and the benefits more than make up for it. It works out even better for me, since I intend to travel a little more, and your company gives me leeway to do that by default.”

“Perfect then, the last thing to consider will be your start date.”

You laugh. “You don’t have to step away and deliberate the results of this call with your bosses?”

“They had effectively made up their minds already,” Wanda says kindly. “This wasn’t just a formality, however, since you and I will be working together closely when you start here. This was truly an interview between you and I.”

You look at how long you’ve been chatting easily with her and chuckle softly. “Okay, yeah, I can see how that would mean what it means.” You agree. “Well, I’ll be back on the 4th. I know it’s not a Monday, but starting the 8th would work well for me. It gives me time to ensure things went smoothly while I was gone for so long, and a partial week lets me get the administrative sign-offs and meet and greets done before starting properly the following Monday.”

“We’ll go with that then,” she agrees. “If anything comes up, you can call me and let me know. The number I called from is my personal one, so even if you need to leave a message I’ll get back to you shortly.”

“Fantastic. Well, this is the best way this could’ve gone, so thank you for making my day better Miss Wanda.” You say cheerfully.

“My pleasure Miss Curly, and please, call me Wanda.”

You let her know she can call you by your first name as well, and then end the call.

“Whew.” Letting out a sigh you sink into the chair in the den and enjoy a brief moment to yourself before joining Dadan and the boys for lunch. You text Marco and let him know you’ll be by after you eat, and tell him what the preliminary time line for your start with the company looks like.

Marco: You’ll have a couple days completed before I even get there.

You: Yeah, but I shouldn’t be able to get myself into too much trouble.

Marco: I’m the only trouble you need to get into 😈

You: Aren’t you technically getting into me, trouble?

There’s a long pause before his next reply and it’s just a single heart emoji. You figure you flustered him finally, but when you make it to the store it is jam packed. How he was even able to text you at all was impressive enough.

He’s filling in as a cashier and you’re back to the shelves, organizing, restocking, and directing customers on where to find things. The volume of work made the day go by quickly and you didn’t get a chance to really talk to Marco until the sun had long set.

The next three days were more of the same, though the frenzied flurry of the first day was never quite matched, but by the time you and Marco had any real time to yourselves again it was New Year’s Eve.

[emtb319]

Pumpkin Patch

The lovely @lenle-g made some art for my story.

Scott paced back and forth behind his father’s desk.  Colonel Casey had called him on his personal cell and left a simple message.  “Please call me, it’s important.”  At the time, he was on a callout.  Now, hours later, he had to call her back.  She never called him on his personal cell.  

While he waited for her to pick up, he mumbled to himself,  ‘why didn’t she just call John?  She knew I was on a call out…she never calls my cell.”  She heard the last bit of what he said as the call connected and took one look at his face.  She got straight to the point.

“Scott your father is home and doing well,” she started.  “You deserve time off, you all do.  Since you brought him home, you’ve barely taken half a day for yourself.  And before you try to rebuke me, I checked.”  Scott scoffed.  “Ideally, I’d like you all to take a month.  Don’t give me that look.”

“What look?”

“I said ideally.”  He would not change the subject.  “Listen Scott, burnout is a very real thing, and you’re on the edge.”

“A month is too long.”

“Virgil’s and Cass’s have been a great help for local authorities…new skills, practicing old skills, teaching outside of the box stuff that’s not in the books…Did you know that you can open an oxygen bottle with a seat belt?”

“It depends on the kind of seat belt, but yes actually.  I’m the one that showed Virgil that trick after he lost his 5th oxygen key, but Colonel…”

“Take the weekend,” she interrupted.  “I hear it’s pumpkin festival time in New England.  Make sure you bring some of those apple cider donuts back for me.”  There was no room for debate here.  Either he took her up on the offer, or she pulled her pink card.

“Colonel…”

“No Scott.  Downtime for all of you.  You deserve it and can use the rest.”  Scott’s shoulders slumped.  She was right, and he hated it.

“You’re as bad as Penny.”  He said, defeated.  Colonel Casey smiled.

“Worse, where do you think she learned?”  She rubbed her chin.  “Let’s make a deal.  Take Thunderbird 2 with you.  We will call you only…and I mean only…if there’s no other option.”  Scott ran his fingers through his hair, sighed, and conceded defeat.

“Do you have a favorite farm out there?”  She smiled wider.  She knew that he’d come around.

“Yes actually, and I know right where you can park Virgil’s bird.  I’ll send you the details.”

–

2 days later, Thunderbird 2 touched down on a small farm in New York state.  As soon as they touched down, Gordon and Alan took off for the biggest pumpkins in the patch.  Jeff called out to them from his hover chair.  He hated that he needed it, but it was for the best. 

“Remember boys, you have to be able to carry them out.  No strapping them to my chair.”  It was a silly rule that Lucy made when Alan was a baby.  Gordon was barely able to toddle through the patch, but he wanted big pumpkins like his big brothers.  Unfortunately, Lucy didn’t have enough arms for that, thus the rule.  Jeff smiled at the memory.

“Ok Dad.  I'll just borrow Virgil’s exosuit.  I’m sure he won’t mind,” Gordon hollered back.

“Hey, not fair,” Alan whined.

“Just try it, fish,” Virgil replied, barely looking up from his easel.  “And don’t even think about grabbing yours.  It’s back home with 4.”

“Don’t get any ideas Alan.  Mine’s up on 5,” John added in.  Both boys pouted and returned to their hut.  Scott smiled.  This was nice.

“Scott and I are going to the shop.  Is there anything either of you want?”  John asked.

“You have Val’s donuts on your list, right?”  Jeff asked.

“We won’t forget them,” Scott answered.  “I don’t think that I would hear the end of it if I did.  I’ll make sure to grab some extra.”

“Yes son, they freeze pretty well.  Grab some ice cream to take home.”

“Will do.”  They took off for the general store with their list.

It was a really nice day for this.  No worries, not too hot or cold, a few clouds in the sky, and almost the entire farm to themselves.  Jeff suspected that Colonel Casey and Penelope had something to do with that.  He sat back in his chair and enjoyed the mountain air.  It was a perfect day to just relax and play.  His boys deserved this.  It was time to make up for 8 lost years.

“Looks great son,” he said to Virgil.

“Thanks Dad.  It’s just a rough sketch for now, but I couldn’t resist.  It’s really nice out here today.”  Jeff smiled and nodded his head in agreement.  He looked out at his boys.

Gordon and Alan found their pumpkin.  It was as big as both of them and would take all of their strength to carry it.  Jeff chucked to himself.  Lucy’s rule didn’t say that they couldn’t help each other.  

“Yes it is.”  Jeff and Virgil sat together in comfortable silence while Virgil continued to work on his sketch.  After a short while, Scott and John returned.

“Everything’s stored in 2.  We even found some nice apples.”

“Grandma will like that.  She really likes making her pies with Max.”  Gordon and Alan started to make their way back.  “Did they really lift weights for this?”

“Yes Dad, just like when they were little,” Scott answered.  “Ever since Gordon decided that Mom’s rule wasn’t ‘fair’”.  Jeff shook his head.  It was a silly rule, but every time they’d come out to the pumpkin patch, he would smile and chuckle.  Scott patted Virgil’s and John’s shoulders.

“Whatcha say fellas, let’s find some real pumpkins and show them how pumpkin carving is really done.”  Jeff didn’t think he could smile any wider.  It really was a perfect day.

[pumpkincarriage3]

A Fluttering Annoyance | Leona Kingscholar X Reader (Valentine's Special)

Prompt: "I think I've fallen in love with my self-professed mortal enemy."

Synopsis: Leona hated his attendant. They were always buzzing around, making a nuisance of themselves, and sticking their nose where it didn't belong. Leona hated them. But with that said, Leona was also the only one who got to tell them off.

Extra: The reader is not Yuu (They are implied to be a bird beastmen, but you can ignore it.). The Reader is also gender-neutral in this. They start off as children.

Leona watched in a mild feeling of horror as he came to a dawning realization upon looking at the child before him. Kifaji's cousin's child they had said. Someone that was set to become his retainer. Kifaji himself was bad enough, but now he had to deal with his relative? Leona knew that this kid was going to be his mortal enemy. His worst nightmare.

Leona didn't even know why they bothered with giving him a retainer, seeing as he was only the second prince anyway. He would never amount to anything, but here he was. With a too-straight-laced child staring at him with a much too serious look.

"I'll be at your service, Prince Leona." They practically chirped. Leona didn't say anything, until he was nudged by his older brother forward.

"Just try not to make my life difficult." Was all Leona said on the matter. His brother look disappointed, but Leona couldn't find it in him to care. Instead wondering when this meeting would be over with.

In the end, Leona's retainer did nothing but make his life more difficult. Not heeding to his one request. But what was he expecting. For someone to actually listen to him, the second prince? They were always nagging him. And when they were around, he could never manage to get any sleep.

"Prince Leona, it is time for your morning lessons." (Y/n) declared, ripping the blankets right off of him. Leona growled at them, but all they did was give him a blank look in response. Not at all caring that a predator was in front of them. The fact that Leona couldn't even manage to ruffle their feathers slightly always put a sour mood in his mouth.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm up, I'm up." Leona huffed, sitting up. Glancing towards his door, Leona noticed some of the palace staff cowering. He thought it was odd that they decided to send in the baby bird. Turns out, they're all just a bunch of cowards.

Though (Y/n) was far from cowardly. Walking around the room, as if they owned the place. Pulling out Leona's clothes for the day and plopping them on the table.

"I expect to see you in the dining hall in half an hour. And in your morning lessons an hour from that. Prince Leona." They stated, walking out probably just as quietly as they came. Not at all worried that Leona may retaliate. Leona gritted his teeth, not being able to stand being called 'Prince'. For it was just a reminder of when he was born and who he was born after.

His new retainer's meddling didn't just stop at waking him up either. They also didn't seem to have a problem bossing around and nagging the rest of the palace staff. So, Leona supposes he isn't special in that regard.

"Crown Prince Falena is such a bright and cheerful young man. I don't understand why his younger brother has to be so moody all the time." One of the palace workers whispered to another worker beside her.

"And he possesses such a terrifying power! Imagine being able to turn anything to sand!" The other whispered back in agreement.

"Both of you, cease this conversation right now! What if someone overhears you?!" Leona scowled at those words, choosing to hang back and not intervene. Not saying anything. If he did say anything, it would just end up being the moody second born being dramatic over nothing.

"Oh? So if someone didn't have the chance to overhear, it would be fine to say anything then?" A familiar voice called out in a cold tone. Leona peaked his head out to see his annoying little retainer that was always fluttering around glaring at the palace staff.

"It's true isn't it? You should know that better than anyone else here, (Y/n)!" The first voice retorted, but (Y/n)'s expression didn't change. They never flinched, still looking just as cold as before.

"I think if you are such a coward that you must whisper between one another like a bunch of rats, you deserved to be turned into sand." (Y/n) snapped. Not at all caring when the other palace workers flinched back from them. "Learn to hold your tongue and acquire some manners. Second born or not, Prince Leona is still just that. A Prince. And you will treat him as such befitting his station. If I ever hear you all saying such words again, if you even imply it, I will have you thrown out of these walls myself!"

Leona remained silent. Not getting involved. If anything he found it to be a bother. The rumors would probably get worse. Only now it would probably turn into the moody second born prince and his tyrant of a retainer that's let the power go to their head. Leona sighed to himself, not wanting to deal with the oncoming headache that he knew was coming. Instead choosing to walk away from the situation entirely.

And (Y/n)'s nagging didn't just stop there. They even pestered him about something as small as the things he ate.

"Prince Leona, you still have food on your plate." (Y/n) pointed out, pointing towards the vegetables that Leona had intentionally avoided eating. He was a carnivore, not a herbivore.

"I don't like it. So I'm not going to eat it." Was Leona's firm reply. He smirked once he saw how (Y/n) puffed up in annoyance. Seems he's finally found the right buttons to push.

"Vegetables are important to a healthy and nutritious diet. You can't just refuse to eat it, Prince Leona." (Y/n) all but demanded, waving their hands around in a way that was most familiar. Something they did when they got particularly animated while talking.

"Hah? Aren't you the one always telling others to respect my station? And yet you have the gall to made demands of me?" Leona retorted, in a tone that was almost teasing. (Y/n) began to shake. Not from fear like the other palace workers. But instead from annoyance.

"No, I'm not making any demands Prince Leona. However, I highly advise you eat the rest of the food on your plate." (Y/n) affirmed not backing down, even having the courage to push his plate even closer to him.

"You said it yourself. You're not making any demands of me. So I, the second born Prince, am choosing to ignore your suggestion." Leona pushed the plate away from himself, standing up and began walking away. His tail swishing behind him in a way that he knew would only set off (Y/n) more.

Hilariously enough, the very next day, they barged into his room with a thirty-page report on vegetables and their nutritional value and why it was important to eat them and the determents to not eating them. Leona laughed and laughed and laughed at the report. He didn't think he had gotten under their tail feathers that much.

"What's this baby bird, still pouting over yesterday?" Leona teased, waving the report around. Still laughing as if it was the first time he had laughed in his entire lifetime.

"I am not pouting! And this is not a laughing matter. You must take this seriously, Prince Leona!" (Y/n) demanded, their words not having any real bite to them. "Not eating your greens can increase your risk of chronic disease, possible bowl troubles, nutrient deficiencies, among other things!"

(Y/n) was incredibly passionate in the way that they spoke, but Leona couldn't bring himself to take them seriously. And surprisingly, he couldn't even find himself being annoyed with their actions. Instead laughing at the sheer amount of gall that his too-straight-laced retainer always seemed to show.

"And is that an order, baby bird?" Leona taunted with a grin on his face, swiping at them with his tail. (Y/n) sputtered, swatting his tail away, and giving him a look that Leona found as about intimidating as a kitten.

"It is not an order, Prince Leona! It is just a highly advisable suggestion!!" (Y/n) deflected.

"Then I'm choosing to ignore your suggestion!" Leona countered. (Y/n) squawked in annoyance, stopping out of the room. Not being able to stay in the same room as the prince that kept laughing at their pitiful attempts for negotiation.

From there on out, Leona would find post-it-notes all over the place. Always listing dietary reasons as to why it was important to eat vegetables, all written in (Y/n)'s penmanship. Words that never failed to bring a smile to Leona's face, completely failing at their chosen directive.

(Y/n)'s overexuberance didn't stop there. It was like Leona could never get a moment for himself. For anywhere he went, they always managed to track him down.

"Prince Leona, what is it that you're doing all the way out here? Do you even recall what time it is currently?" (Y/n)'s voice tittered. Leona opened his eyes, coming into contact with a pair of sharp (e/c) ones. Leona sighed to himself, not bothering to get up from his spot.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm taking a nap." Came Leona's affronted reply.

"At least do it within the palace walls. Not outside Prince Leona. This is hardly dignified." (Y/n) lectured, and Leona couldn't help the shot of anger and annoyance even if he wanted to.

"What? Am I not princely enough for you? Sorry, but you'll have to seek my brother out for that one. Or should I say kingly enough in that case?" Leona snapped. (Y/n)'s eyes widened before their lips set into a firm line. But in the end, they didn't say anything. Instead, stomping back into the palace.

Leona ignored the part of himself that wanted them to stay. They were just an annoying baby bird that was always fluttering around him after all, he should be happy that their finally gone. Just like everyone else.

But in the end, and Leona really should have expected this, they continued to defy his expectations. Instead coming back outside with an arm full of books, plopping themselves beside Leona and opening a book to read.

"What are you doing?' Leona asked, curious despite himself.

"Well, someone has to look out for you. As you seem to so often forget, you are a Prince of this country. Leaving you on your own simply isn't an option." (Y/n) huffed, rolling their eyes at him. 

"I don't need any protection. Especially not from you." Leona all but growled. But (Y/n) wasn't intimidated, they never were. And Leona was beginning to think they never will be.

"Of course not, Prince Leona. But it is time for you lessons, and as you have seen fit to skip those very same lessons to come out here and nap, I will read them to you." (Y/n) decided all on their own. Leona had come out here to skip those very same lessons, already knowing everything.

"The point of coming out here was to get some peace and quiet. If you expect me to engage in your little mock lesson, you're sorely mistaken." Leona firmly stated, rolling over to continue his original endeavor. Not even wanting the possibility of looking at (Y/n).

"I never asked you to, Prince Leona." Came (Y/n)'s oh so antagonizing reply, before they began to read off some of the most boring information they possibly could. Against his will, their voice seemed to soothe him to sleep. Coaxing him into a peaceful slumber that he hadn't been able to achieve in a long while. Damn song bird.

He can't believe he's fallen for a tittering little brat.

[arpmemething2]

Victorious starters

Send one for my muse’s reaction...   Feel free to change pronouns as needed.

"I like waffles."

"Are you done with your little sabotage game?"

"Is it eating tuna fish on a ferris wheel? ...Cause I did that once, and I threw up on a bird."

"You were invading my privacy!"

"This is a car. The car...of the future!"

"I thought he was homeless."

"You have a pimple under your arm."

"Please go take a shower."

"I was choking on a pretzel!"

"Hey, waddup, girl? You got a numb tongue?"

"So what do you want with us?"

"I just made 2 little girls scream and run away with their cookies."

"I'm gonna grab him and wrestle him to the ground."

"Oh, great, so she gets an A- and I get a broken eye and a black nose"

"DO NOT LICK THE BALLOONS!!!"

"That's not my only plan... Someday I'd like to plant a vegetable garden"

"Yep, I've got the talent and she's got the strong teeth. You know, she's never had one cavity."

"Is that mac and cheese?"

"I get nervous when my brother eats things that aren't food. ...Seriously, I think he ate my charm bracelet."

"I'm a tutor, and I don't like to talk about things I do at my house!"

"You were with another puppet."

"I've been telling you people she's stupid, but did anyone believe me?"

"She's not supposed to be laughing on the bunny!"

"Is there some reason your brother replaced his seat belt with a rope?"

"I've got a gun!"

"Ok, I believe you! Don't hit me!"

"I squirted hot cheese all over my friend and her current boyfriend, who was my ex-boyfriend, and then I kissed him right in front of her, which I felt really bad about. But then it was okay, 'cause she punched me right in the face."

"You pay extra for the sushi and you pay the extra money."

"Well, you're dressed in sad colors, and you were playing a sad song... oh, and you're wearing a button that says, "I'm sad, ask me why.""

"She threw a rock at me."

"I don't think you can, I'm pretty scrappy."

"Tell your puppet to quit being mean to me!"

"Fish pee, you are drinking fish pee."

"We can only blame the earth."

"Aw, you want me to tickle your tummy?"

"I'll give you this dollar to get to the point."

"That is some juicy coughing and hacking."

"Its going to be the first time she's left the house in six years."

"WILL YOU KILL THE DISCO?!!"

"Hey. Look at the new costume I made. Can you guess who I am?"

"I don't want to be doinked, I'm not ready!"

"Is it a transporter from the future that can beam you to another table, because if it is, what button do I push?"

"Shut up! I'm opening a Christmas Present!"

"I AM A POLICE OFFICER!"

"I have a MUSTACHE...and I think I like it."

"Look at my tounge It's massive!"

"I can't handle being trapped like this. We're like animals!"

"We're blondes! Wooo! We're like princesses!"

"I bet SHE'S been stung by a bee."

"How do you know so much about animal hospitals?"

"Haven't you ever wondered what it's like to be a blonde?"

"Free hugs! I want to give free hugs!"

"Aw it's okay. I read on the Internet that coffee works great for getting rid of fur bugs."

"Normal's boring."

"Oh, no, now I'll never win the prison beauty pageant!"

"I don't talk like that!"

"If you don't take your hands off me in two seconds, you won't have hands."

"BUTTERNUT! BUTTERNUT!"

"For so many years I prayed every night to be hotter. (pauses) ...THIS ISN'T WHAT I MEANT!!!"

"You don't have to be afraid to put your dreams in action!"

" Look! It's a little...ceramic guitar. I made it at Color me Pot."

"An escaped prisoner crashed through our window and was dragged out by Yerbian soldiers!"

"Who put my dog in a wedding dress?"

"Can I have my trombone back?"

"I thought caffeine makes you vibrate."

"Don't make that face."

"This Hambone battle is really scary."

"I admire how you're never afraid to say what you think."

"Oh, it's you two. I thought I smelled failure."

"You're all suspects."

"Why did you make them leave?"

"Nice piano."

"I'M FREE! I'M FREE!"

"Your mobile phone is once again mobile."

"Try not to talk."

"I use an appropriate amount of ketchup!"

"I don't wanna be gotten!"

"This is kidnapping!"

"SILENCE! I'll get you, my pretty and your little fish, too!"

"How come everyone's being all weird?"

"I spy a fly, with my little thigh!"

"Okay, I can picture me, sitting on a pony, wearing a bright purple hat. I-I was wearing the purple hat, not-not the pony. Do they even make pony hats? Anyway, I was looking fabu!"

"My hair color has nothing to do with my psychological problems!"

"Your daddy know how to shoot a bow and arrow with his foot?"

"Look, I just wanna say you guys make me sick."

"Sweating is gross, so I don't do it."

"I tell you, nothing warms my cockles more than lookin' at this magical pile of baby here!"

"You wanna see a kidnapper?! KIDNAPPER! Let go!"

"NO ONE can kill disco!"

"Oh, come on, for his ten year teaching anniversary you guys don't think he deserves a better present than a one cup coffe maker?"

"Aw, don't be sad, little one. I think your head looks great like that."

"She chewed through our leash!"

"I wanna live! There's things I've never tried! There's things I really, really, really wanna do!"

"You wanna get slapped with a sausage?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, were we all supposed to dress stupid today?"

"She can't get her boobs in the hamburger."

Just drag the body out by the dumpster and don't say nothing to nobody!

"Eat your pants!"

"I was just walking around and I saw this kite stuck in a bush and, and it's broken and someone needs to fix it!"

"What's that supposed to mean?!?!"

"No, this is my mean sister and her rude friend."

"You know, why don't I just lie on the floor so you can start kicking me?"

"Do you have any aspirin?"

"Oh my god!  Underwear that floats!"

"I have a science project due tomorrow. I have to turn in my mold bush."

"I have a mole on my bum shaped as a fish."

"NO! YOUR MOTHER GAVE BIRTH TO THE WRONG THING!!"

"Ok. I'll keep your dirty secret."

"She saw a Rabbi in a bikini eating pancakes"

" So, you just happened to have that wig here in your house?"

"Under "special skills" I put gymnastics and karate, and that made them think I could do stunts."

"What's THAT supposed to mean?!"

"Are those real cheekbones?"

"Why are you rubbing my boyfriend?"

"This one time I ate a hamburger and an hour later I started sneezing but i don't think it had anything to do with the hamburger."

[tetsunabouquet]

Heir To The Lands Chapter 33

A Whirlwind Is Taking Over Masterpost

All of Dru's recently expanded friend group had gathered in her bedroom. Tomas went over some kind of list of necessities with Tavi, who had her hands on her hips. "I know I suck at packing, but I really thought of everything this time Tom-Tom." Zeynep giggled behind her as Tomas groaned. "How many times have I asked you not to call me that?" "As many times as I asked you the route." Tavi replied which only earned her another groan. Thais frowned at her and Tavi replied, "Tom-Tom is one of the biggest GPS bussinesses and is based in the Netherlands. Many a Dutch refer to the GPS system as a Tom-Tom. Much to the pain of many a Tom." "I hate the GPS jokes so much." He said, pulling his girlfriend into a dramatic embrace. She wrapped her arms around him, sending a look of warning to Tavi. She pouted and with a huff she went over Zeynep's bag. "Have you got any snacks other then sunflower seeds with you this time?" "I packed one of those biscuit packs that we always get at the Action, but I doubt Catarina will make the portal that far removed from Kit's residence though." Laura sat on Thais' bed quietly, sending some texts to her family because her grandmother would give her the biggest scolding ever if she disappeared from school grounds with no reason. A knock on the door was heard, and Catarina peeked her blue head into the room. "Good, you are all ready to go. I hope all of your parents are ready to yell at Luke, not me." Tavi and Dru both chuckled as the group grabbed their luggage, the bag where Shadowcat had been put was moving in a panic and Tavi hushed the creature. "It's okay, we're going back to Europe sweetie!" She cooed to the bag as Catarina went to put the Portal up.

Catarina had guided the group as quickly as Dimmet Tarn as possible, knowing Tessa could use the extra magic power to expand upon Dimmet Tarn. The group stood awkwardly as Dru was pulled into a tight hug by her older brother. "I was so scared that I lost you too!" He said as he squeezed the air out of her lungs. Dru whimpered with a loving smile as Kit and Jaime stood around just as awkwardly, not knowing how to break the ice with Dru's friends. But things would change quickly enough.

This was, because everything right now was happening in a whirlwind. Janus walked through Central Park and could tell things were in motion. Everything was too quiet. Whilst the entrance was in a quiet area and he did not expect to see any mundanes, there were no pixies or birds to be heard. He decided to move slower, allowing himself to focus on the tiniest of sounds and movements as he felt like he was walking into an ambush. It was because of this, that he managed to move away from a vein trying to latch onto his leg. He quickly turnt around just in time to see two werewolves jumping towards him. Usually, fighting off two werewolves was not much of a biggie to Janus, but these werewolves were highly trained. He wondered if they belonged to the Praetor Lupus, but he doubted they would allow themselves to be assisted by a faerie on a mission like this. Either Alec had ushered in a new age of cooperation, or they belonged to some gang of sorts organized by enemies of the Seelie Queen. Whichever was the case, Janus could not afford to ponder on it too long. He slashed at one werewolf who missed his blade in just the nick of time. From his other side, the second werewolf charged and Janus felt the floor underneath him grow more slippery, muddy. Damn Faerie magic, he cursed as he missed the second one's claw which only made a shallow slash near his eye. He lunged at the wolf, the two tumbling into the mud. "Benjamin now!" The man roared, knowing it was far too late. Janus mercilessly drove the blade into the werewolf's throat with the last thing he saw being his teary eyed younger brother who managed to snatch the bag just as Janus pulled out his blade.

[casliveblog]

Custom Toonami Block Week 153 Rundown

Spy X Family: Fiona gets her big mission with Loid and we get a neat little loredump about the War which I’m all in favor of, this world could use a bit of fleshing out. So apparently at the end of World War X there was a guy that was just like ‘okay everyone let’s just forget all the war crimes both sides have committed and make peace’ but he also kept a ledger of all the fucking human atrocities both sides did and if it ever becomes public EVERYONE’s gonna be pissed and the clue to finding it is in a painting that’s a prize for an underground Tennis tournament… is it just me or does this sound like a Lupin the Third plot? Anyway yeah Fiona and Loid are a a fake married couple literally named Phony and blast through the tournament because apparently actually knowing how to play tennis is no match for whatever the fuck WISE training does to a person. Like some of these matches make The Prince of Tennis look downright sensible for as wacky as that series was. But yeah by the time of the Finals we’re dealing with rocket powered tennis rackets, tennis whips and drugging as well as a collapsible course but they’re no match for the power of a yandere and the six million dollar man, so let’s see how much blatant cheating happens next time.

Inuyasha: So Inuyasha gets the page from Kikyo’s cherubs and Kikyo’s just like ‘bro this is a fucking trap, Naraku’s gonna steal Kagome’s eyes, don’t send her with you to attack Abi’ and that’s kind of a problem because they need Kagome to find the fucking jewel shard in the first place and Kikyo’s solution is to just go kill Naraku right now which sounds cool but she’s basically already half dead and she was already kind of half dead before so she’s like three quarters dead so she has to give up and go ‘fine here’s an extra magic dirty arrow for her then’ which is kind of nice that Kikyo’s seeing Kagome as a more competent ally after she saved her life and their relationship is developing beyond the Inuyasha love triangle. There’s a small moment of ‘Kagome’s upset because Kikyo was mentioned’ but luckily Inuyasha cuts it short by saying it was all business and gives Kagome the arrow. Meanwhile Naraku comes to visit Abi and Tekkei and is like ‘hey bros, heard you gave my castle the good succ, your mom all better now? Can she come out and play?’ and Tekkei pops out of the mountain and just fucking eats Naraku in her giant bird form. Which like, idk if that’s a good idea like even if you COULD digest Naraku he’s literally MADE OF POISON like they watched him stand in the poison that made Tekkei sick to begin with and then gas bomb the brothers of the demon that poisoned Tekkei, no wonder she needed so much human blood if she just keeps eating every poisonous thing she comes across like a damn housecat. But yeah Inuyasha and co. get there but Abi and Tekkei don’t get to gloat about being the new series antagonists too long because turns out being eaten didn’t even scratch Naraku and he just rips his way out of her head and blows off Abi’s arm by self-destructing the bone trident (note: do not use the weapon made out of the bones of the guy you’re trying to kill on said guy, if he can manipulate his bones into a trident he can probably take it back) but yeah Abi’s reward for helping Naraku kill her mom is a painless death and now Inuyasha’s group and Naraku both get to go to the afterlife thanks to Tekkei’s magic phoenix hell blood or whatever.

Yu Yu Hakusho: The Three Kings Arc is to my understanding an arc of ‘Well, what now? Why are we still doing this?’ it’s a shonen series having an existential crisis of why it’s still going after all its story beats have been filled, like if the Buu Saga was self aware about how pointless it was. And that theme really starts coming in as we get the second half of Hiei’s backstory as he fights Shigure. After he was yeeted as a baby he was taken in by some ogre bandits and flashed his Mom Bling around to purposely start fights and kill anyone that tried to take it, but turns out people don’t like it when you’re just fucking killing everyone so the bandits kick him out and he loses his Mom Bling in a fight and has to go to Shigure to get the Jigan Eye implant and learns a bit more about swordplay. We cut back to the fight against Shigure and turns out it’s over pretty quick, like one pass does it in classic samurai movie fashion but it’s pretty cool how they choreograph exactly what happens and how Hiei sacrifices his arm to parry Shigure’s sword and take his arm while using the backswing to cut off part of his head, it’s quick but it’s basically what you imagine happens whenever they do one of those ‘they run past each other and someone explodes in blood’ deals. Mukuro gives Hiei back his Mom Bling and Hiei’s like ‘yeah guess I’ll die’ since he’s missing an arm and got ripped open a bit in that fight. Turns out he found his original village already before the events of the story but decided the best revenge was letting them all live in the emotionally stunted hell they created for themselves, though Rui does tell him about Yukina and he’s just like ‘guess that’s a good new life mission for now’ and he finds Yukina along the course of the series and her finally trusting him enough to give him her stone put him at peace enough that he’s just feeling done and is just like ‘okay I’ve run out of life missions, time to die’ which seems kind of abrupt but like I said, the theme of searching for meaning after a climax is kind of the point of this arc. Either way Mukuro puts Hiei in her rejuvenation chamber and strips naked to show off her horribly scarred third of her body yet somehow completely immaculate ass and is like ‘here’s a titty Hiei, we’re gonna do fights and shit so don’t worry I got another life mission for you’. Which you know, fair, titties will restore your will to live even if she only has one intact one.

Jujutsu Kaisen: After all the main bad guy shit and Chunin Exam character shenanigans we’re back to a mission of the week arc which is kinda nice, always felt like some of these shows ramp up too fast and don’t give enough of these (that aren’t just filler) to get us into a good fleshing out spot with the characters. Speaking of fleshing out, it’s Megumi time (personally think Nobara could use a hit of character fleshing at this point but Megumi’s good too) the new mission brings him back to his middle school and Nobara and Yuji realize how little they know about their local Sasuke. Seems a Cursed Spirit is doing an It Follows and leaving peoples’ doors open and killing them two weeks later and they track it down to people who were in school together and it turns out that Megumi’s bedridden sister is among the potential victims within a week’s time and since Gojo’s on his ‘I’m too strong so they keep sending me on vacation to balance me’ retreats it’s up to the main trio to exorcise the spirit to save Megumi’s sister and also all the other people we’re supposed to care about. It’s nice to see the main trio working together again given they didn’t have a lot of time together between when they started and Yuji’s death and then everything at the Chunin Exams was basically separate character studies so it’s nice to have a simple relatively low-stakes activity where they kill a whack a mole and his friend with too many mouths.  

Zom 100: THE TITTIES ARE HERE, THE TITTIES ARE HERE!!! It’s kinda funny how ridiculously brief Beatrix’s introductory period is, like she just kinda slides right into the group like she’s been there all along. She makes a fantastic first impression by basically aligning with Akira’s philosophy and being a samurai and actually bringing a fucking weapon to the zombie apocalypse instead of trying to punch the zombies out or find a new method to dispatch them each time, it’s like when Michonne was first introduced in The Walking Dead and we got that neat rush of someone who actually knows what the fuck they’re doing in melee combat (also helps since because this is in Japan guns are ridiculously unlikely to play any major role). But yeah she’s a German weeb with big tits who just wants to see the land of anime and sushi for herself, though she does seem to be more interested in the legitimate cultural heritage and knowledgeable about it as such rather than your standard pop culture loving tourist. But yeah there’s a fun mission about getting fish to a sushi artisan to get an all you can eat pass and Shizuka gets to pull out her inner Zhou Yu which was a lot of fun to see considering I’m playing Samurai Remnant right now. Then there’s a standard hot springs episode because we have the full fanservice roster now so we can get straight to the gimmick episodes without worrying about Shizuka bearing the whole brunt of that. I like how we get the titty girl and IMMEDIATELY jump to the plot that strips the girls naked, though I also appreciate how there’s significantly less sexual tension about the group being naked around each other partially because they’re not hormonal teenagers that squirm from brushing a boob and also half of Japan has seen Kencho’s dick by now so while they’re not just gonna strip for each other it’s less weird and taboo than it is in most anime and it’s nice. There’s also some good shipping fuel for Akira and Shizuka where she shoots down his romantic ideas again but apologizes about it later and talks about how her relapsing into her father’s ideology is mostly a reflex of regret for having lived like that and trying to justify the resentment by claiming she was right all along even though deep down she really has changed, which is kind of a neat touch like her progress isn’t a straight line but it’s also not like her character refuses to change for the joke of her being the stick in the mud. She wants validation that the way she lived her life up till now was worth it but also knows that she’ll be freer if she cuts ties with it and starts living today rather than regretting how she used to be. And then Beatrix gets her tits out and I forget what I’m even talking about, 10/10 episode.

Ranking of Kings: Time for a good old wrap-up episode, Bosse’s soul shows Daida the final part of his backstory with Miranjo as he’s giving him back control of his body. Miranjo was basically suicidal after the whole thing with her mom and the village being burned down and being mutilated but over time they healed enough of each other’s wounds to keep living toether and Miranjo felt like Bosse had given up on his own dreams to take care of her which is literally not what he said but okay. So they challenge the regional god and he fucking kicks Bosse’s ass so Miranjo goes to an old demon friend and it turns out the more wishes a demon grants the more demony they become and Miranjo promised to never ask anything of the demon but breaks that now for Bosse’s sake which now comes with the penalty of robbing Bojji of all strength in order to double Bosse’s power where he finally kills the regional deity and establishes the kingdom and all that shit but he feels really shitty about it and then dies which kickstarts Miranjo’s plan to revive him through Daida even after Bosse is like ‘oh yeah take care of my son for me’ and we make it perfectly clear Miranjo has only been hearing what she wants to from Bosse’s speeches. But yeah back in the present they manage to sucker punch the demon into granting them a wish but instead of Despa wanting to save Ouken, Bojji and Daida agree to wish to save Miranjo. (Which may have been for the best because if you just remove Ouken’s immortality while he’s still a goo marble inside the rock does he just turn into a mortal goo marble and fucking die in the most painful way possible?) But yeah turns out Daida’s a pretty cool person now, like he hasn’t done a lot in the plot but he’s grown tremendously as a character and it’s good to see. That being said, it’s still weird as fuck to have him ask Miranjo to marry him, like sure, take your father’s Daughter-Wife and make her your Mom-Wife, I’m sure Freud will fucking love that, everyone’s suitably weirded out by this but it still comes out of nowhere though it does have the added effect that no one can come after Miranjo for all the shit she did because she’s now the Queen Regent so yeah. Hilling has a nice scene of marveling at how her sons have grown and Desha hears Plan Demon has failed so he’s switched to Plan Eldritch Relic From the Divine Vault that Kills Everyone (it’s the second plan, they didn’t get around to editing the name) so yeah the arc’s wrapped up nicely but there’s still enough plot threads to pull on from here.

Vinland Saga: Picking up right after Askeladd and Bjorn’s duel, it’s time for Thorfinn to fight but he’s hesitating, seeing a small bit of humanity in Askeladd but also blinded by rage enough like he always is so Askeladd kicks his ass bare-handed and he’s just like ‘man this is getting old, they could legit just reuse animation from our past four fights dude’ and it looks like Askeladd almost considers actually killing Thorfinn for a moment and burning all bridges from his life as a Viking but Canute stops him and wakes Thorfinn the fuck up. Askeladd just sits down and is like ‘alright bitches, you want some Count of Monte Cristo shit, HERE’S how you kill a father figure’ and gives his full backstory, some of which we already know. Askeladd was the bastard son of a lord and had a crazy sick slave mom who was a King Arthur fangirl and to avoid her being killed he fights his Lord Dad and does pretty fucking well for his first time ever holding a sword so Lord Dad’s like ‘good killing skills, my sperm is strong in you’ and takes him in. And for two years he trains and builds up trust before killing Lord Dad and Lady Step-Mom in their sleep and pinning it on one of the legitimate kids. So yeah moral of the story, if you hate your father figure and want to kill him don’t be a pussy and just fucking do it. No but really, the real moral is the general theme that’s been going through the whole arc that waiting for paradise won’t save anyone, and that only by working to take it here on Earth can anyone be saved. Askeladd ends off by telling Thorfinn off and telling him there was never any real chance of him beating him and humoring him is just the dues he felt he had to pay to get a useful member of the crew and that if anything he’s thankful to Thors for wrapping Thorfinn in such hate in turmoil that he chained Thorfinn to Askeladd for ten years. And that just kinda hits Thorfinn with the ‘what have I been doing with my life’ truck as he’s kind of known for a while this wasn’t what his father wanted but still can’t get over the grief and rage propelling him forward. Canute asks Askeladd why he doesn’t just become king without him and Askeladd’s just like ‘bro did you hear my backstory just now? I murder everyone I disagree with, you really want that as king?’and it’s specifically Canute’s reluctance towards fighting that makes Askeladd believe in him as a leader and believes he’s too old and too embroiled in warrior culture to properly be anything but an advisor. But yeah Thorfinn’s in a bad way and I think/hope that this will finally be the chance for him to reflect on what he wants and not just scream and stab things all the time.

[changingplumbob]

Knightstone Household: Chapter 7, Part 1

Next household for this rotation is the Knightstone household. Just your regular neighbourhood aliens. Hot-headed art critic Adam, toddler Silas and scientist Suzanna. In part 1 the family have a pretty chill Saturday, playing with Silas and doing chores. Then I have the audacity to host a dinner party and send the charmer toddler to bed before the chatter begins.

The Knightstone household. Or as I think of it, the lot where the bird life mod goes manic. Pictured are three different areas where the birds love to pile up.

6am and toddler Silas is up! He's an early riser. He goes in to his parents room and wakes up Suzanna.

Silas: Mummy! *cries*

Suzanna: I'm awake, I'm awake

Adam: I'm not

Suzanna: Liar

Silas: Mummy I sad, made potty mess

Adam: Eww

Suzanna: Don't worry starshine, pops will fix it

Adam: I will?

Suzanna: Just as soon as he wakes up

Adam: *pretends to snore*

Silas: Mummy I did bad

Suzanna: What do you mean

Silas: Big puddle

Suzanna: Come here, don't worry about that now starshine, you're still learning

Silas: Breakfast

Adam: Not cereal, can't trust it

Suzanna: How about some nice yogurt huh

Silas: Mummy, why yoghurt not come with spoon

Suzanna: I don't know

Silas: It should

Suzanna: I agree

Silas: Mummy not sad about my potty mess

Suzanna: Do I look sad *pulls funny face*

Silas: *giggles*

Adam: My squeamish self is sad

Silas: Pops sad

Adam: Don't worry son, I'll be fine, keep up trying

Silas: Pop look bad

Adam: It's those frogs, so slimy

Silas: Don't worry pop, I sing, make it better

Suzanna: How kind of you Silas

Silas: I made this

He launches into a new composition, featuring words such as yoghurt, cube, and frog, mixed with the traditional nonsense sounds. Adam rates it 7/10

Suzanna: What do you want to do this morning

Silas: Outside time

Suzanna: You got it, let me help you out

Silas: Thank you

Adam: Good boy using your manners

Silas: Thank you *beams*

He spins into his hot weather outfit and is ready to have fun while his parents tend to chores.

Adam practices his cooking to stock the fridge while Silas toddles outside.

Silas: Birdies!

The seagulls and pigeons carry on, undisturbed by the tiny alien.

Silas: Come here birdies

And Silas launches himself forward, scaring all the birds away in the process. He laughs it off, funny things happen.

I remembered to set all the plants to blossoming stage so Suzanna is able to harvest her garden this morning.

Silas: Vroom vroom, watch out birdies

Suzanna: Drive careful starshine

Silas: Mummy you want food

Suzanna: Do you have a menu

Silas: Burger, fries, shake shake, it milkshake with extra shake

Suzanna continues tending the garden, whistling away. Silas joins the whistling with his songs now and then before he's finished with the food truck.

Silas: Mummy time how fast I do tunnel

Suzanna: Okay Silas

Silas: I ready

Suzanna: Go!

Silas squeezes himself through the tunnel

Suzanna: So fast

Adam comes to check on Silas as soon as he's finished his work prep task.

Silas: Pops play with me

Adam: What do we want to play

Silas: Adventure

Adam: Watch out, we dropped into a pit! Oh no, I have lost Silas in the dark

Silas: *giggles*

Adam: I hear you cheeky monster. Let's fly out of here!

Silas: Pops have to work today

Adam: Yeah son

Silas: *sulks*

Adam: How about I try working from home, then we can still see each other

Silas: YES. Will I be big brother soon

Adam: Maybe, mummy and pops are trying

Silas: I be great big brother, I fun

Adam: Hello fun, nice to meet you

Silas: *giggles*

Work task 1 is to write a book. Adam has only done columns before. Since he's feeling flirty he tries to craft a romance novel. Silas busies himself playing with toys and occasionally singing to himself. Suzanna has some expert repairs to do and gets a head start on this weeks laundry.

Silas is fascinated with disguises. He tries applying make up to see if he can be disguised without going full human. He seems upset but then he laughs, deciding he looks fabulous.

Suzanna: Who are you? What have you done with my son

Silas: *laughs* It's me mummy

Suzanna: Silas? surely not

Silas: Mummy pretty, can I make more pretty

Suzanna: You want to give me a makeover

Silas: Yes, I very good

Suzanna: Okay then

Silas: This goes on pips

Suzanna: Lips

Silas: lips, and powder make the shapes on face

Suzanna: *coughs*

Silas: Now we do nails, they be colourful like us

Suzanna: Wonderful

Silas: All done

Adam: You are- a vision

Suzanna: All thanks to Silas. Now come on, this vision wants afternoon tea

Adam: Brownie time

Silas: What pops writing

Adam: A romance book

Silas: What romance?

Suzanna: Kissy love

Silas: kissy kissy *blows kiss*

Adam: That's my boy

Suzanna: Let's see what you remember about shapes

Silas: Cube has squares for sides

Suzanna: You got it. What shape is the steering wheel on the truck

Silas: Circle!

Suzanna: And this one *positions hands*

Silas: Tri- Triangle!

Suzanna: You're learning so well starshine

Silas: Learning fun, I fun

Adam finished his book and now has one task left, recommending hangouts. That means it's time to invite over some humans Suzanna knows for dinner. Silas is angry at being fed early and missing out on the fun. He chews angrily while Suzanna introduces everyone to Adam.

Jessica: Aliens in artwork, how strange

Faye: Oh I don't believe in aliens

Suzanna: All finished

Silas: Yes but why I have to go to bed, I fun

Suzanna: You are fun but you're also sleepy and grumpy from the brownies

Silas: I *yawns* I not

Suzanna: Snuggle in starshine, have good dreams

Nalani: This pasta doesn't have fish does it

Adam: No fish

Faye: It tastes pretty good

Kayleigh: Will Suzanna be back soon

Adam: Oh yeah, sometimes it just takes a while for Silas to settle

Jessica: I hope you don't mind me wearing a hat inside

Adam: That thing? I didn't even notice it

*group laughter*

Suzanna: I'm back, what did I miss

Faye: I was just wondering how we're meant to tell your husband Adam and fitness instructor Adam apart

Kayleigh: It seems rude to call one "the other Adam"

Jessica: We can't separate by hair colour

Nalani: Or having tattoos

Human Adam: Maybe bulky Adam and skinny Adam

Alien Adam: Hey, I have some muscles

Human Adam: But dude, I'm ripped

Suzanna: Maybe clean plate Adam and non eating Adam

Alien Adam: Oh shoot I forgot to eat

Suzanna begins to clean up the plates while Adam remembers to recommend some restaurants and museums for the dinner guests. Work task 2, check.

Everyone heads home and the exhaustion hits Adam.

Adam: Pretending to be human is tiring

Suzanna: Having to ask about personalities instead of mind reading

Adam: Ridiculous. You know, Silas was going on about being a brother

Suzanna: He was

Adam: Shall we try again starlight

Suzanna: We shall

Previous Part (Goth) ... Next Part

[lordrethandus]

Daily Writing Challenge August 2023 Day 4

Relationship / Somber ( @daily-writing-challenge @corohveldha )

World: Final Fantasy 14

Theme: Misha Mishenko - Decadence

Coroh gently stirred awake as the last remnants of the setting sun faded from the top of a nearby window. Bathed in the soft blue glow of her mushroom lamps along the walkway, she slowly pushed herself onto her hands and knees, arching her back as far as it would go and popping her lower spine in multiple places; she then used the bed frame as support to roll her shoulders with a satisfied grimace flashing across her face. "Goooood evening, my little pudding cup~" 

Avanta was curled up in her blankets beneath her mother, but only woke once her plump round face fell victim to a barrage of smooches. Angrily she wiggled a hand free of her swaddle and rubbed at her face to block Coroh's annoying lips in protest! Her mother planted one last kiss on her forehead before throwing her feet over the side of the bed, and rising up to her full height– only to yawn and stretch again. Coroh could hear her firstborn Nolas running amok upstairs, likely keeping his father Leo from doing any work for more than ten minutes at a time; but before the nocturnal women of the family could join them, however, they needed to bathe.

She stripped herself and her daughter down into their birthday suits and hurried across the basement to the tub, where the water was already waiting for them. As per tradition she started to hum softly to soothe Avanta, before she even had the chance to wiggle and complain about the water; she hated the feeling of being wet, just like her older brother did when he was her age. Yet her will to resist vanished the instant her body was gently lowered into the hot water, washing away any stress she accumulated from her sleep during the day. "I think someone likes their bath." Coroh beamed, balancing her with one hand and keeping only her face above the steamy water. Slowly she rubbed soap into her golden crown, her nails carefully scratching at her scalp and behind her ears. Avanta was in paradise, her eyes half open, her hands flexing and unflexing, and her drawn out exhales turning into the softest purrs Coroh has ever heard. They stayed like this for as long as it took the water to lose its heavenly warmth. Avanta was dried off and put into her extra-comfy moogle pajama onesie, with her mother preferring a simple silk gown.

"Good morning sleepybones!" Cried out Nolas once he noticed them appear from the stairs. He ran over excitedly to show his mother a new toy; an aldgoat with a cowboy hat. "Look! Look!" He lifted it over his head and pressed the single button on the nose, causing the automaton to start singing in a familiar and drunk voice. 

"Raain! Suuun! Haaail! Don't matter the weather, me love fer ye ain't never gonna… *buurp* … FAAAIL!" Nolas laughed hysterically every time he pressed the button and it got to the burping part. No doubt Augusta and K’thalen are planning to send more of the loudest and most annoying toys possible to Nolas.

"Very cute…" She gave him a tender smile and a comforting scratch behind his ears. "I'll have to thank Uncle Thalen for his… gift… later. Go have fun Nolas!"

"Fun! Fun! Fun!" The boy darted upstairs to the second floor with the toy under his arm, most likely off to harass her husband.

Avanta had already dozed off on her shoulder by the time Coroh made it to the kitchen. Another barrage of kisses stirred her awake long enough to plop her down on the counter nearby, freeing her mother's hands to check up on their dinner; a succulent dodo sizzled in the oven, marinated in bubbling juices and glazed and seasoned just right. Simply looking at it made Coroh's stomach flex– with luck this bird was tender enough to fall off the bone.

"Roooaar!!!" Shouted her husband upstairs! Nolas came scurrying down as he giggled hysterically, almost falling over twice before jumping behind a potted plant to hide. Stomp, stomp, stomp! Each foot coming down the steps caused the boy to jump, his ears pinned to the top of his head and his big purple eyes dilated as large as they could go. Coroh pulled out the dodo and set it on the table, catching a glimpse of her husband in a hastily made vanu vanu suit! "WHERE IS THE BOY?!" He demanded in a low and gravelly voice. "I! MUST! EAAAAT!!!"

Coroh locked eyes with her son, who stared up at her from across the room with both fright and excitement in his dinner-plate eyes. He was covering his mouth with both hands, trying to stay quiet and out of sight– but Avanta had no such restraint. Their daughter wiggled and writhed on her back, excitedly kicking her stubby legs in the air as the cloth monster came lumbering around the counter.

"WHAT’S THIS?! A SUCCULENT AND UNATTENDED CHILD?!" Carefully he scooped up Avanta and lifted her to the mouth opening of his suit, mercilessly tickling her with his hands and his kisses. "MMMMM… DELICIOUS! BUT NOT QUITE RIPE ENOUGH I THINK!"

Coroh couldn't help but chuckle at how delighted Avanta was in her father's grasp. She was laughing harder than ever before, futilely pushing against Leo's face as he dove in to kiss at her neck and belly. "Okay, vicious beast~" She cooed, showing Avanta mercy by plucking her from his grasp; she didn't want the infant to pass out from laughing too hard. Leo gave her wife a big grin before leaning forward and planting a wet smooch on her lips. "Good evening, handsome." Coroh whispered to him, before quickly planting a smooch on his lips in return. "By the way, he's behind the plant~"

Leo immediately turned and locked eyes with the boy! Nolas squealed in delighted terror once he was found, with barely enough time to slip out from his hiding place before Leo was whipping around the counter to give chase! The boy made a fatal error trying to go outside– the door was locked and he was still too short to reach!

"Noooo….!!!" Nolas squealed when his father's hands grabbed him by the legs and flipped him upside down! "AAAAHHH!!!" 

"OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!" Coroh watched her husband stuff the flailing boy into the mouth of the suit, listening to him giggle and scream all the way down! "MMMMM…. THAT HIT THE SPOT! SCRUM-DIDDLY-UMPIOUS!!!"

Sure enough the knife sliced through the bird like butter, the succulent dodo practically falling apart in her hands while she prepared the plates. Coroh let her husband wrestle with their son for a little bit more until the food was ready; she needed their energy spent if they were to enjoy dinner as a family together. When it was finally time to eat, Nolas and Leo were out of breath and almost lethargic, with the boys’ stomachs howling for food– and with that Seeker of the Sun wild-side to them both, it wouldn’t be long until they were darting around again.

“Yummy!!!” Nolas eagerly tore into his haunch the moment he licked his greasy fingers. He was a loud chewer of course, taking on the same terrible habits of his father; like a duckling he followed his every move, with nearly everything he’s learned coming from watching Leo. His father, upon seeing his boy going crazy for the meal, decided to taste it too… and like father like son, he too dug in!

“This is really good, dear!” He beamed at her, before stuffing his mouth. Coroh didn’t answer, gently squeezing their daughter as she silently breastfed with a blanket over her head to avoid any distractions. She sat back and listened to the loud smacking of their chewing. Normally it would be an insufferable sound, but Coroh loved it; it was the sound of her family thriving, after all. At the end of the day the beautiful melody of her family was all that matter-

“BWAAAARP!” Leo’s belch vibrated the table, causing Nolas to roar with laughter!

“AUGUSTUS LEO VELDHA!!!” Coco couldn’t believe her ears!

“... bwarp!” 

“NOLAS!!!”

[siri-ike]

@murderandjam I gotchu

"ALL THE ASSASSIN TRAINING IN THE WORLD COULDN'T KEEP THIS BOY SAFE!!!" Jazz thought, calmly drinking her morning tea. "HOW DID HE MANAGE TO GET HIMSELF KILLED?!?!" The kitchen TV was playing the news. “This is the first time anyone has managed to capture a clean image of the ‘ghost boy of Amity Park.’”

Years of assassin training had taught her not to show signs of disstress. If she had stayed, she could probably still hide the twitch in her eye. Could she really only keep him alive for a measly 7 years? That's only 6 years, 11 months, and 24 days longer than the Fentons would have managed.

Maybe the leagues methods were right. She should have trained him from the start... made him strong... made him... hide who he was... spend his whole life pretending. No, she didn't want him to have to live like her. He had been young enough to forget. She'd be lying if she said all the secrecy didn't wear on her. But lying was what she was good at.

Over the next couple of months, she watches him from afar. Ready to jump in, were he knocked out or overpowered. No need to mention how often she disposes of a troublesome ghost for gaining the upper hand. It seems cruel to keep so many in a single thermos. But they don't matter. Keeping her little brother safe is the only thing that matters.

But then, he disappears. Replaced by his older self. One timeline led to another and, well.

It's a lot harder to keep the idiot alive when he knows she's there. With all the extra effort she had to put into staying in character within a completely new set of circumstances, she noticed far too late that he had started acting differently. He was distant, tired, and his response time suffered. But when Maddie started talking about military school, that's when she knew she had to do something.

"Dad?" She addressed the large man across the kitchen table. A man who looked nothing like her father or any of her former carers. "Tell me about your side of the family." Sweetly, remember, no hint of ulterior motives.

After endless ramblings, including the Fenton-Nightingales, his mother's double mastectomy before he was born, and his fathers constant disappearances. Despite endless evidence, he still never realized he was the product of an affair. Although, he had also given her pediatrician the same information, so he might just not be well-versed with the birds and bees in general.

The moment he got to Uncle Harvey, Jasmine stopped him."Tell me about Harvey." Subtle, let him think it was his idea.

She knew who the man was, with his impressive arrest record and, most importantly, apartment in Gotham. Which just so happened to have a Lazarus pit. Lazarus water had a positive effect on ghosts. And there was no way she was telling anyone how she found that out.

The conversation played out exactly as she'd planned. Jack went on and on, and Maddie suggested sending Danny there instead. Despite the flawless execution, she knew her real parents would have found some error, some way Jasmine had failed.

Sam and Tucker didn't take much convincing. They'd noticed his rapid decline already. And found out about Dani. After a violation like that, they barely needed a push. It didn't hurt that they were still a bit agitated from the ecto acne.

Danny was a harder sell. She put all her big sistering and physiological tricks to work, and still had to pull out the "military school" card.

She did still make him bring a ghost thermos and a picture of the guy. Getting kidnapped most likely wouldn't improve his overall condition.

As much as she wants to be there to keep him safe, that's not what he needs right now, and she knows it. He needs to relax. And unfortunately, that's not in her skill set.

The following hours were awkward. What was she supposed to do with just Sam and Tucker?

Thank the pit for the ghost alert conveniently popping off every 15 minutes or so, keeping the kids distracted. That gave her plenty of time to deal with her 4am visitor.

Masterpost

(This one is connected to Summer of Change, Mad science Private School, Danny's Phanclub, Empty, and A little crime as a treat)

Jasmine Al Ghul

silly almost crack prompt of a roll reversal story twist on the typical demon brothers.

Jasmine is an Al Ghul. I personally am imaging her as damains sister/half sister. As a girl she was never going to be heir but she trained and studied diligently. She was incredibly adapt at physicalizing her targets and strategy. Once she figured out how a target thinks, it was easy to take them apart, even easier to get them to take themselves out.

so it really isn't that surprising to realize she's expendable to the league. so she leaves, not dramatically, not with a death. on a mission to the States she cuts out all her trackers, leaves behind her swords, and heads to a random rural town.

there she's found a boy who calls himself danny and takes her home. she's adopted and throws herself into her new life. she focuses hard on psychology both because it's familiar, and because it teaches her how to act normal.

if she focuses her attention on sweet (innocent) danny, then she is repaying his kindness of taking her in. if she needs to hunt to eat, well it's nothing compared to league training, she will get enough food for both of them. if she can fix danny's problems then no one will pay attention to hers.

Jasmine Fenton. Straight A's student (because she can never be anything less than perfect). someone who's friendly but doesn't make friends (because they can't get too close). Obsessed with her future career and college (as highschoolers often are). A doting older sister (she needs to protect danny, her hands are already bloody his doesn't need to be). A teenage daughter exasperated with her parents (that one isn't exactly a lie.)

Jasmine Fenton. a normal girl. that's what she is. that's all she is. she's made sure of it. the girl with the al ghul name disappeared 7 years ago. she never existed in the first place according to the league.

Jazz plans to keep it that way.

[ihaztea1]

Alright. I have to share this story and I hopr some of you laugh.

Of a Tuesday night, my brother runs a DnD 5e game that he homebrewed for me, our sister, our mom, and a guy I know from University. He's a new DM, so my character - a 7'2" silver dragonborn named Fayne - is using a homebrew reflavoring of hexblade Warlock to be a DM helper character.

To make this easier on myself, I will be refering to people by their character names so: Sister = Viv(dampir shadow monk), Mom = Jac(human champion fighter), Guy I Know = Mae(anthrofox whispers bard).

For my Pact I took Pact of the Tome which means I get extra cantrips, spells, and access to a nifty featire where I no longer need sleep. Not relevant, but feeds into my character's personality.

The relevant part is, I took the spell Find Familiar as a ritual and now have a raven/crow familiar that can either appear as a normal bird or a void bird full of stars, like a little piece of space.

So we're hunting a cult, as a party does, and have come to a cave base. I send in my raven to scout and see if it can't lead the guards to us for an ambush. The bird does *fabulous* and the entry guards are taken out handily. Fast forward a few combats and we're bottlenecked by the base's cafeteria ready to lay waste to the place. We know the people on the other side are expecting us cause a cultist escaped our initial attack, so we send in the bird to get them off balance and perhaps luring someone into our trap. It works, again, and all the people in the cafeteria sees is their friend looking left... Right... Cursing, and then falling down dead as two swrods flash out to end him. Viv and Mae were on either side of the door with readied actions to stab the first poor, unfortunate soul who stepped through the door.

As their comrade fell to the ground, the rest of the cultist saw The Bird standing in the hallway, its wings mantled, and it let out a mighty *caw.*

I laughed and recited, "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings! Look upon my works ye mighty and despair!"

Mae laughed along and said it was fitting for a raven/crow.

After this incident, I decided, 'F it, the bird's name is now Ozymandias. We call him Oz for short.' So now we have Ozymandias as a foul mouthed, sassy, winged party member who can't actually attack but is quite content to ride into battle on Viv's shoulder and help her deal death to our enemies.

[themusesof75]

Long Ago, chp 4

Wolf, there it is.

Back when I shipped the subtext of Clawdeen/Draculaura.

As a pup, Clawdeen would get her hair braided by her older sister. Clawdeen would watch her sister tighten and braid their other siblings' manes, it was very boring but very helpful to many monsters. The regular charge of Clawdeen was her younger sister, Howleen's hair every waxing moon. Howleen was less than grateful and yipped in complaints the entire time, Clawdeen couldn't help but twist extra hard at the scalp. The two wolves barked unkindly words until Clawdeen gave up half-way. Howleen said she was fine with the unfinished look, and she would make it a trend.

The night was early, Howleen banged her sister's door as she left. The tween werewolf walked the streets. She had planned to meet a friend in the shadows. The stranger in the shadows didn't let her go despite the mauling her big paws left on his arm.

The next morning, Princess Cleo pushed open the door to the Wolf's Needle.

"Draculaura! Ghoulia and I experimented with a potion, in which a single drop of her undead blood became a full liter. Tell us if it's rich enough for the head Night-Walkers, would you?" Princess Cleo announced as she sat in her usual chair and waited for her friends to praise her.

Ghoulia saw the mood was grim. Draculaura held Clawdeen as the wolf held her face in her claws.

"Tel me what's wrong." Princess Cleo said, uncomfortable asking about other creature's undead existences but concerned with the werewolf's mysterious pain.

Clawdeen growled then turned her tear-streamed face up, "My sister is missing."

The princess and Ghoulia knelt down at the wolf-woman's side. "Tell us more."

"The little mutt left last night and didn't come home. She's not answering our howls and my brothers have looked everywhere in the city." Clawdeen said, her voice raw and low.

"We'll find her, my Heart." Draculaura said, stroking behind Clawdeen's pointed ears.

"Have you told Lady Medusa? She has extra foot-monsters to help the search." Princess Cleo stated.

"My brother Clawd told his friends in her group and they're looking but they don't really care. That over-stuffed griffin said it's for morale and not likely they'll find one lost pup." Clawdeen said, "I want to maul him because I know it's probably true."

"I swear to Ra, I will have that bird chopped over my salad." Princess Cleo stated, "I can send the guard out to search."

"Cleo, they'd put her down before bringing her home." Clawdeen stated, "I'm not making you a dress today so you might as well beat it."

Princess Cleo stood up, "You might as well take a long flea-bath, you filthy mongrel!"

"Cleo, please-" Ghoulia started to moan.

"Get out, you spoiled, diamonds for brains, all-bark-no-bite mirage!"

Draculaura grabbed her ghoulfriend's arm, "Sweet-fang, before you say something you regret-"

The princess wheezed, " You are ashier than the Night-Walkers on mid-day and your table-manners are closer to an animal! You have lost me as a customer! Run off a cliff!"

"There are no cliffs in the desert!"

"Stupid mutt, there are just find one!" Princess Cleo said as she slammed the door. Ghoulia ran after the princess, gave a look of apology to her friends, then left out the door.

"Oh my fangs. I'm shaking." Draculaura said, "Clawdeen, are you alright?"

Clawdeen sighed, "She's a good friend. I needed that."

In the DeNile palace, Princess Cleo went into her sister's personal room. Princess Nefera was absent, so the room was welcoming. Standing in the corner, her nose to the wall, was the genie.

"Gigi, you’ve got to hate your captor." Princess Cleo stated with a hand on her hip.

The genie’s voice was very high, "Your Highness, I am forever loyal to my Finder, and we really have much fun tog-"

"I am plotting to bring her down from her pedestal and bury her beneath our pyramid's tunnels." Princess Cleo said, a thrill deep down in her heart.

Gigi turned from the wall; her large eyes had tears of hope. "Praise the stars! She is literally the meanest Finder I've ever had in, like, three thousand years!"

"No surprise here." Princess Cleo gestured to her face, "Join me in dismantling her."

Gigi began to agree but then closed her lips. "I live by rules to never harm my Finder. Or trade to another until the present Finder's thirteen-wishes are done."

"That would be too easy, wouldn't it." Princess Cleo said warily, "Tell me what do you know about her. Seen any weaknesses? Any secrets?"

"Everything horrible she has done everyone is privy to watch and view. I am sorry, Princess Cleo."

"Fine for now. Keep a watch. Are you certain you can't shift to another Finder? My friend needs a wish." Princess Cleo said.

"My rules have bound me, but I am curious to your, err, friend wants." Gigi said in genuine concern.

"Her sister, a mere child, has been lost. Or stolen more likely, and my influence cannot help in the slightest. Truthfully it would hurt the child since she is of wolf blood."

Gigi put an armored hand to her mouth. Princess Cleo noticed the flesh of the monster was layered in shiny, tough scales of sort. The princess thought of the scarab beetle's back. 

The genie sighed, "I would like to grant such a mercy, but it is not in my power. All the magic in the cosmos and I cannot even leave this room. That was your sister's first wish."

"Dear Ra, that sounds like a dull life." The princess said.

"Hmm. After many centuries of solitude, I do know how to amuse myself." Gigi shily said. She then perked up, her long ears twisted, "Oh! Princess, I do have one friend in this room. She could assist."

The genie pointed to her shadow. Princess Cleo felt fear and slight pity for the genie's slipping sanity. 

"There is a monster that lurks in the shadows, she's quite sweet, and I could ask her for help."

"Uh huh, in what exactly?"

"The search! She can go into places others don't think twice about."

A candle went off in Princess Cleo's mind. "Fine idea, Gigi, you do that. Dear thing, I will keep you in mind when releasing the other prisoners."

The genie waved as the princess left the room. Princess Cleo smiled until she was out of sight. She met with Ghoulia in her own personal quarters. The undead lady-in-waiting asked how the genie visit went.

"The worse crime of Nefera's yet. Poor thing is cracking like a snake's skin on a midday rock." Princess Cleo said, "Though she did give me an idea. Ghoulia, how often do werewolves get arrested for walking by the palace's gate?"

Ghoulia took a torch as she stepped down into the DeNile tunnels. Under the palace the royal family kept treasures and bizarre interests. Ghoulia didn't want to learn more than necessary so she stuck to Princess Cleo's drawn map. The idea was the royal guards grabbed the wolf-child to put into the family's secret menagerie. The undead girl opened the door the princess marked as XII. Inside Ghoulia found a room of tiny humans on shelves. Ghoulia examined them closer and discovered they were clay-made toys; their glass eyes still chilled the zombie's veins.

Ghoulia reread the map and considered the XII may have been XV. She retraced her steps and made her way to the next, presumably correct door. Behind that door were jars as tall as Ghoulia herself and small as her palm. A peak inside and Ghoulia found bits of brain, the smell was fresh and rather floral. Through a reed, Ghoulia slurped from the jar as she walked deeper into the tunnels. She was becoming unsatisfied with the mission because her mission had too many chances with less and less possibility of finding Howleen Wolf. 

Ghoulia sat down and thought about what she could tell Princess Cleo. Telling her it was a big waste of time, and a dumb idea, would only hurt her friend's feelings. And lead to screaming which hurt Ghoulia's ears. 

"Umm, excuse me?"

A whisper from the pitch black had Ghoulia look around. She lightly hoped there were other undead humanoid-creatures in the tunnels. She'd have a proper conversation, finally. Ghoulia met with a child-ghoul stepping out under the torch's glow.

"Hi. Gigi sent me."

"Hello. Are you a ghost of some kind?" Ghoulia asked.

"My kind aren't undead. We're connected to the supernatural in-between of dreams and reality. My name is Twyla." The ghoul had deep rings under her violet eyes, as if she was in desperate need of sleep. Yet her health seemed prim and fine.

"The princess's lady-in-waiting. Ghoulia." The zombie said with a polite nod, "Have you seen a young wolf girl? She looks about your age. She has sand-red fur and yellow eyes."

"I have. She isn't here." Twyla said, looking down the narrow, drippy tunnels. "I do like coming here. A lush snack-spot for fresh nightmares."

Twyla told Ghoulia what she saw. Ghoulia told Princess Cleo, who then told Draculaura and Clawdeen. Dracualura left the seamstress shop and went to the wing of the palace where her coven took residence.

"Draculaura, pet! Try this new concoction! The twang is divine." Lady Gory said as she held up a goblet of blood.

The vampire smiled and took a sip. The taste was too familiar, and she wanted to sob. "Oh! Fangtastic, are those notes of beasties I taste?"

"Dearest, we don't ask from where gifts come from! Not when I wish to keep this flowing." Lady Gory said as she took a long gulp. "I swear on this life, this batch gives me ten-times the energy I need."

"You glow in the moonlight, Gory darling. Where would I get my own fill?" Draculaura asked with a big, fake grin.

Behind a locked door, Howleen Wolf laid drained on a pillow. Draculaura bit the leash around her neck and took the ghoul in her arms. The sight broke the Night-walker's heart, but she kept her will strong as Howleen whispered swears on all vampires' heads. Princess Cleo's guards placed Howleen in a sarcophagus and carried her out of the palace.

In the Gorgon camp site, Lady Medusa tended to Howleen's dehydrated condition. The seasoned Lieutenant knew some rough wolves in her day. This young ghoul was tougher than any of them before. The wolf pack hovered around with plates of food. Lady Medusa told them Howleen wouldn't be able to eat until later, they each said it was for when she was ready.

"You said your kind avoided hunting us." Clawdeen said to Draculaura, not looking at her love's face.

"My kind states they can't stand the smell of you but, in actuality, your kind have the most delicious blood. No sweet words from me, Clawdeen. The wolf's blood has nutrition to keep us up for days, it's almost too strong to take without crashing."

"Don't touch me." Clawdeen said, pulling her furry arm from Draculaura's embrace.

Draculaura sighed, "I'll have to do something special to make this up to her."

"Is there jewelry big to bribe back her trust?" Princess Cleo asked, they sat in a tent separate from the recovering Wolf pack.

"There must be." Draculaura said, looking at her long fingers.

Princess Cleo rarely saw her Night-walker friend without the layers of protective clothing. Bared to the world, Draculaura was a thin, pretty, and very small creature. Beside the fangs and air of regal breeding, she was too precious to be considered threatening.

Princess Cleo leaned down to her friend, "So your kind has a secret kink for wolf's blood."

Draculaura’s pale face blushed blue, "Inapprops, Cleo! Can we talk about that later?"

"Oh sure, let the wolf children we haven't found get sucked dried. We could speak of that or, you could help me in taste-testing my new invention."

The Night-Walker put her foot on the wall and walked up the side until she was eye to eye with the princess.

“You yell and stomp and you haven’t helped any of us yet! What are we suppose to follow those windy words?” Draculaura said, her fangs grew as her eyes became black beads.

“You won’t even promise anything because we all know you’re too weak to try.” Princess Cleo said, wishing for a real bite. “You are a waste of good breeding and supernatural powers!”

Draculaura’s ears folded inward at the princess’ attack.

“You don’t resist biting me for the backlash, you resist because I would swat you like a gnat. But thank you, Dracualura, for this very stimulating pep-talk!” The princess yelled. She watched the Night-Walker morph into a bat and fly away. There was squeaking that may have been animalistic or may have been sobbing.

“Stupid ghoul can’t even protect her ghoulfriend’s litter.” Princess Cleo stated to Ghoulia, the undead ghoul shrinking in the corner.

Princess Cleo grabbed a Greek helmet and threw it the tent. “They think I can just buy an uprising like shoes? No, it takes planning, it takes reinforcements, I’m not Nefera I-“

Behind a bronze shield, Ghoulia waited for the princess’s continuing rampage to strike her. By accident, of course. Ghoulia looked over the protection and saw a twisted smile on her gold-painted lips.

“I’m not Nefera. Thank Ra for that.” Princess Cleo said joyfully. “Ghoulia, grab my bag. Let’s get home.”

That night, orders from the crowned princess said to release all prisoners in the jail and in the Night-Walkers’ private rooms.  The people and creatures were told to wait as the council re-evaluated their individual punishments, until then they could walk and fly the streets free as a cat.

“Why under Ra’s sun would Nefera cause such a disaster? It’s not as if we keep a record of all the rats that enter our first-rate prisons.” A council-member inquired at a meeting.

“I’m sure her highness has her reasons. Your grace, could you please explain your probably brilliant reasons behind this possibly terrible turn in judgement?” The other council-member asked.

“Ugghh, I told you not to speak before I have my coffee.” Princess Nefera said as she watched the coffee-maker-servant grind the beans. “You’re too sweaty. Start over.”

From the balcony of Princess Cleo’s private room, one could see crowds of creatures and humans running from the palace’s open walls. The second-born princess was fed grapes by her servants as her friends watched over the scene.

“There’s going to be a party-riot tonight.” Deuce said with a grin, “Babe, this was a great idea. Too many dudes get thrown in for small, dumb reasons.”

“Glad to see you taking initiative but, Cleo, some of those people were dangers to society.” Ghoulia groaned with worry for the innocent.

“If they’re stupid enough to cause trouble against the guards will grab them no question. One improvement is Nefera,” Princess Cleo curled her fingers as she spoke her sister’s name, “edited the rules of what qualifies as trouble. Walking as a monster doesn’t count as trouble anymore.”

“I like.” Deuce said, thumbs pointing up.

“I’d like more if I could believe the prejudice guards would be checked before being sent out.” Ghoulia said, and then wrote down her ideas and proclamations for such reforms in the systems.

“One fix at a time, Ghoulia dear. We’ll clean this up. And have some fun on the way.” Princess Cleo said, a wicked smile as a servant fed her a grape.

[spunkymoth]

Chapter VI- The Lovers, Red in The Water

A flock of birds take flight outside the window, startling me from a foggy dream. 

It takes me a moment to realize I’m slumped over a desk in the library, books and papers scattered around me. 

...That’s right. This morning Portia told me I’d have the day to myself, on account of the Countess’s headaches. 

With no other tasks needing urgent attention, I’d decided to try my luck once more in the library. 

I sit up with a groan, peeling a piece of parchment off my cheek, and survey the mess. 

… Nothing. No extra traces of Julian, no information to tell me what really happened.  

“Oh, come on. I really need to get in there!” 

Is that Portia’s voice, coming through the open window of the garden? It seems to carry across the treetops. 

It sounds like she’s having an argument, though I can’t quite hear the other party involved. 

I stand slowly, stretching sleep from my limbs. And leave the library, making my way to the gardens. 

“Please? You’re really trying my patience here.”  

“HOW DARE YOU? DON’T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!” 

I hear the second voice as I get closer to the commotion. 

It’s a shrill shriek that pierces even the heavy foliage still blocking my view. 

“Yes, Yes, I know. I swear to everything above that if you don’t move, I’ll have roast cockatoo for dinner!” 

Gnarled branches are the only thing that obscure my sight now. I pass a final tree, and emerge into a small clearing. 

Settled squat in the middle of the copse is a squished looking cottage, surrounded by an overflowing garden. 

“That’s it! Pepi, honey... get’em!” 

“Mow!” 

A seal point cat with a pudgy face and round eyes hops onto Portia’s shoulder, batting at a pure white cockatoo.  

The bird is pacing on the roof of a small work shed, shrieking and nipping at Portia as she tries to enter. 

A particularly well-aimed swipe from the cat dislodges the cockatoo, sending it flying.  

It clips Portia’s head with its wing in its escapre, muttering in anger at its undignified treatment. 

“They’ll never forget me. They’ll never survive without me!” 

“Oooo, that awful bird. He makes me so MAD, Pepi!” 

“MC! Umm. Fancy seeing you here.” 

Portia’s cheeks color in embarrassment. She smooths her apron and quickly recovers, smiling at me.  

“I’m surprised you managed to find this place. It’s a little off the beaten path.” 

“Where are we?” 

“Oh! How rude of me.” 

She clears her throat, and then spreads one arm out to show off the cottage.  

“Welcome to Casa de Portia. My own little oasis on the palace grounds.” 

“Just watch out for the graspgourds. They’re feisty today.” 

A curious vine grasps at Portia’s ankle as she says that, but she swiftly kicks it off. 

“Why don’t you have a seat? It must have been a walk to get here, huh?” 

She gestures to a bench carved out of a large log that rests against the exterior of her cottage. 

I pick my way carefully through the overgrown garden to the seat, stepping over the fantastic plants I don’t recognize. 

Portia picks up a rake from nearby, and looks at me with a wry smile.  

“You don’t mind me working a little while we talk, do you? I’ve got a lot of work in the garden today.” 

Now that I’m settled, I realize I have a million questions I want to ask Portia. 

“So... Julian’s your brother?” 

If I wasn’t sure before. I am now. The naked shock and hurt on Portia’s face tells me all I need to know. 

“Yes. I’m sorry about that scene outside your shop, you know. I was just... surprised to see him there.” 

I think back to Julian exiting my shop, caught red handed breaking and entering again. 

“I was, too.” 

“He’s got a real flair for the dramatic. I’m glad to see that hasn’t changed.” 

“You didn’t know he was here?” 

“Not until I saw him yesterday. What he thinks he’s doing here...” 

“I’m sorry I didn’t smack him a little harder for the trouble, honestly. He could be in huge trouble.” 

The mood doesn’t stay heavy for long. Portia waves it away and squares her shoulders, giving me a determined smile. 

“I didn’t know you two knew each other.”  “That happen before or after milady hired you?” 

My cheeks flush under the scrutiny. 

I tell the truth. 

“I first met Julian the night the Countess visited my shop. He arrived shortly after she left.” 

I can still remember the glassy eyes of Julian’s mask, piercing my soul.  

“Hmm. That sure sounds like my brother.” 

“Why didn’t you tell milady?” 

The look on Portia’s face is not unkind. I feel as if I can tell her anything without consequence. 

“I didn’t know enough yet. I didn’t want to condemn a man on incomplete information.” 

“If it’s my word that knots the hangman’s noose...” 

“How can I send a man to death before I’ve investigated his innocence?” 

“I���m glad to hear you say that, MC.” 

“I don’t really know what mess Ilya’s gotten himself into, but...” 

“If he has you in his corner, I get the feeling everything will work out alright in the end.” 

“Portia...” 

“Hmm?” 

“Thank you.” 

“Of course! That’s what I’m here for, you know. Pep talks and expert gardening skills.” 

“Oh my, it’s getting pretty late, huh?” 

She peers overhead at the sun, already well past noon. Late light dapples the clearing, dancing on her face. 

“I’d better get back to work, MC. But... I’m glad you came to talk to me.” 

“I knew we’d be friends eventually.” 

With the sun at my back, I turn from Portia’s garden, head swirling with thoughts of Julian and his predicament. 

Strangely enough, I feel more at ease after speaking with Portia. The trials ahead of me seem less insurmountable. 

I decide to take another route back to the palace, wandering aimlessly through the ancient foliage. 

The further I get from Portia’s cottage the darker the sku above me grows. 

That’s strange... it should still be mid-afternoon. 

Dread growing in the pit of my stomach, I turn deeper into the darkness. My feet move as if possessed. 

The palace’s soaring spires emerge from the top of the trees and the rest of the gleaming building soon follows. 

Thick foliage opens up to rolling fields, cut across with a nearby brook that serpentines through the grass. 

At first my eyes pass over it, before the color registers and fills my stomach with dread. Red. 

There’s no mistaking it. Crimson stains the slow-moving stream, seeping steadily into the banks. 

I scramble away from the banks and take a deep breath. With trepidation, I follow the flow upstream with my eyes. 

Seeping from the stonework of a forgotten corner of the palace... 

Poison. 

It would be easy to miss. The brook is small, tucked away on a side of the palace I imagine isn’t patrolled often. 

I turn back to the garden in horror, and realize the source of the darkness. 

Rot and decay. The trees at the edge of the field here are dying. It seems as if all the color has left them.  

I swallow hard and resolve to follow the stream to its end. With heavy feet I start the long journey beside its banks. 

Soon, vast open fields give way to rocky cliffside, and the stream transitions to lemonstone structure. 

An aqueduct, one of many flowing towards the city, designed to provide water for its many denizens.  

From this high, balanced on the first stone of the unconventional path before me, I can see all of Vesuvia. 

Sprawling, chaotic, and vibrant. Swirls of smoke leave chimneys to dance in the air, twining together like lovers. 

Overhead, a raven circles me, swooping lower as I walk the bridge. He seems familiar, somehow. 

The raven lands with a thud onto my shoulder, tilting its head at me. 

“Um. Hello.” 

The raven opens its mouth as if to scream, but simply nibbles on the hem of my shirt instead. 

Its beady eyes watch me warily. In fact, all its feathers are ruffled as if it was on high alert. 

I open my mouth to say something else, but a noise startles the bird into flight, leaving me alone once more. 

Eventually, the aqueduct lowers and joins together with another water line, both headed deeper into the city.  

I can see buildings around me now, the first signs of urban life, as I reach the outskirts. 

There’s doubt in my mind no longer. Crimson poison running from the palace grounds is in the city’s water supply. 

“...MC?” 

I whip my head to the right, and see a figure slowly emerge into the dim light of a city lantern. 

Face half cast in shadow, standing on the aqueduct with me, is Julian.