#huh. hrrmm...

[mintflavoredfemurs]

guys i think this is just an adhd + gifted child diagnosis

@m1lkt00th @vanglaggle @faux-mance @randooffthestreet + anybody else who wants to join!! (*･ω･)ﾉ

Hello

I found a quiz telling you what Undertale character you are except it hit me too hard

Take this quiz that hit me too hard

Take picture of your result

Tag your friends to force them to play

[circusk]

obligatory yaoi . fairies are extremely bug like and use magic to appear more familiar to godkids

[trainingdummyrabbit]

every day i wake up and am afflicted with The Condition

[butchbarbieagainstterfs]

laur i can't with some people on tiktok.... just argued with a cishettie that thinks cis is a slur because "it's not a biological word, it's offensive" HUH??? I'M SORRY? BIOLOGICAL WORD??? 😭😭 what does that mean?????? do words have chromosones now or smth???? what does that even meannnnn. she also claimed that the lgbt community segregated straight and cis ppl.... i'm.

she also said "you need us heteros to make trans" (lol wut??) and then on the next comment said "i'm normal and bisexual"... ERM.... okay so are you straight or bi? 🤨🤨 hrrmm... i can't with her... are ppl really that dumb....

Transphobes come up with the weirdest arguments 💀 also: “you need straight people to create queer people” is quite literally out of the homophobes’ handbook lmao. If she’s actually bi, that’s verrrry embarrassing 😭

[cloud-kaiju]

Medley vs Howl

Story to go along with last art-piece, Megan's first super-fight.

-------------------------------------------------

Suddenly her world revolved.

Megan found herself thrown back from the loanshark, chips of wood flying free as she crashed into the floor. Her mind rung like a bell, her jaw ached, and it took her eye a second to focus as she looked up.

"Hands off the boss, freak." A low snarl came from the Amazonian wolf woman striding up, golden eyes glaring at her. Behind, the loan shark packed green bills into a briefcase carefully, giving a low sigh.

"Careful with the equipment, Howl." He chided, prompting a snarl from the white wolf.

<A villain!> Virtu squeaked in her mind, <We must bring her to justice>

"Yeah, she's not that big," Megan growled, spitting out a wooden tooth, before rising, her buxom frame creaking as wooden plank scales realigned, her powerful legs planted, and she charged, swinging massive hands out.

------------------

Pale fluorescent lights flickered overhead. Megan blinked, eyes adjusting as she took in the aisles of produce, spilled cans and boxes across the floor. Why was she in supermarket? Why did her chest hurt?

"No blood? Damn, you're tough."

The wolf woman was pushing through a hole in the wall, beyond a trail of destruction and broken planks. Oh, right, Megan realized- the beast had punched her through the wall and a couple dozen feet beyond it. Broken bricks and dust billowed as the enforcer stalked closer, looking almost bored.

"Tch, so you can blow down the wood house, big bad wolf? Big deal," Megan forced herself to stand, before laying her hands into the floor, into the concrete foundations of the supermarket. "But how do you handle brick?"

Stone and rebar flowed up as she fused, that same toughness from earlier flooding into her being. Steel spikes replaced her horns and claws, her tan hide hardened to a brick red, and grey armor swirled into place before she twisted around to kick. The wolf tumbled at the impact, her eyes widening and ears flattening at the odd display, and she crashed through an aisle, as Megan's tail knocked over another one behind her.

"Ha-HA! How do you like it!?" She cheered, knocking stony fists together with a quick grin.

"Hrrmm, not bad," Howl stood, licking her chops, and swayed back as a brick fist came for her head, then a jab clipped past her shoulder. "You're a real freak, huh? Here to capture the boss?"

"Here to arrest him! He's a criminal, he's exploiting the city!" Megan snarled, "You lot belong behind bars!"

"Aaaaw, a hero? That's cute." The wolf stopped, throwing both hands up to catch the next great fist, before her knee crunched up into Megan's midriff. Pink stars flashed in the hybrid's eyes as even her stone hide cracked, then a headbutt, a kick and a a massive haymaker followed suit, shedding gravel with every brutal impact.

The hero went down like a ton of bricks. Exactly like a ton of bricks, in fact, as stone scattered on the wrecked floor, and the tan, shark-like girl vanished into the earth. She swam through the solid, tail and hair barely visible for the beast-woman to chase, as she made for the street outside. She needed something stronger. Something tougher. Something to bring even this amazon down.

-------------------------

[brightwingedbat]

I noticed Allius is in the Render band with Galvar and Vita; does this imply Tantalus and Marcus might reconcile at some point? Or is this entirely unrelated ( Tan doesn't actually have to have anything to do it, to be fair)

Tantalus has nothing to do with it at all, Allius was put in fahrar by his mother Igna after Tantalus was already supposedly 'executed'

Allius has no idea his father is even alive, Marcus never tells him either. Doesn't really matter to him though because Uncle Marcus is way better anyway.

Time to go grab a scenario from my story.

Marcus continues wracking his brain, and then it hits him like a punch to the gut. His brother, the one who was executed over four years ago. With a serious expression on his face, he looks to the Primus. "…Tonold, do you know who Allius' sire was?"

The cub shrinks back when he hears this, all he's ever heard of his sire was bad things, terrible things. Now he's worried that these heroes are going to look down on him because of that, his stance closes back up again.

The Primus grumbles, crossing his arms and tilting his head. "Hrrmm. He was not a good charr, I don't believe the child is fond of his sire so I don't think it's necessary."

"No, it's- I promise, this has nothing to do with how I feel about Allius. I'm more than happy he's in our cubs' warband, I just need to… To confirm something." Furyclash assures, while his mate looks aside to him curiously, not knowing what's on his mind.

Tonold sighs, he guesses he can relent. "Very well. Allius' sire was Tantalus Locksmith. The news got around over four years back, the poor cub wasn't even born yet-"

"Tantalus?!" The Lightbringer blurts out, he can't believe it, this cub is actually… His maw agape as he glances down to the cowering child, the similarity is all too apparent.

"Tantalus? isn't that…?" Nastazya questions, the surprise is almost as strong on her visage. Of course she knows, she's been mates with Marcus for years, she knows his blood.

"…Yeah, he's-" Furyclash steadies himself with a deep breath, what a turn of events. "Tantalus was my brother. Clement Forktail and Unglot Fearripper our parents. Which means���"

The realisation sets in Tonold's face, what are the chances of this, the fact that these cubs all joined in a warband. "…Allius is your nephew, as well as Vita and Galvar's cousin."

"WHAT?!" Vita and Galvar simultaneously shout out, looking between each other and then to the red-furred cub. The three are all related? They can hardly believe what they're hearing! Patia and Lorranu both also look equally as shocked, while Allius just stands wide-eyed, gaze darting around to everyone.

Nastazya glances up to her mate's gaze, then down to the red-furred cub. "This is… Not something I expected to learn today. I suppose that makes me your aunt, huh?" She says, quite jovially.

"And me your uncle." Marcus kneels down, gently placing a paw on the boy's shoulder, he could see earlier how the child reacted to the talk of his sire. "You listen here, Allius. Whatever Tantalus did, it doesn't matter to you. You're not him, you are your own charr. I won't ever see you lesser just because he was your sire. Alright?"

The red furred cub meekly meets his uncle's gaze, it's strong yet comforting, he nods in response. Still struggling to speak, but he's grateful that these heroes are so encouraging, that they don't judge him because of his father's criminal history.

"That's a good charr, you keep your cousins and your friends safe. You can achieve a lot with magic, just like I help Naz on our adventures." Furyclash stands back to full height, hopeful that his words can give the nephew some good motivation.

[whiskeyworen]

“HISS!!” Cyrus: “What the-? Tenna? Oh Gods damnit... Did you have an accident in the lab again?” Tenna: *nods angrily and hisses again* Cyrus: “Let me guess... it was a bad enough accident that you had to regenerate... and now you’re starving and the Hunger is digging into you.” Tenna: “H.......hangry...” Cyrus: “Yeah, I get that. Well, you still have SOME level of coherence. You haven’t leaped on me and tried to bite me yet, so there’s that.” Tenna: “Hrrmm...” Cyrus: “Well, I clearly can’t leave you alone to go find something to eat. And you’re still thinking clearly enough that you came to ME, probably because you know you won’t be able to ask for food without drooling. That right?” Tenna: “Uh-huh.... *wipes drool from mouth. Sniffs the air*” Cyrus: “Alright alright... Let’s head down to the meal stalls down in the Apprentice carrels. You know, by the Aquatarium. We’ll see if we can get you some Maguuma-fried Moa or something.” Tenna: “Mmm.... Moa...” Cyrus: “Right. I can see that toothy smile. Let’s get going. I’m actually hungry too.”

[bigfuckingman223344]

Minecraft villagers are so cute i love them...

[mrkanman]

gay-goemon replied to your post “i’m gonna quit my job to be solid snake and kill my dad and be super...”

being gay on the way and having a good ass are all part of the solid snake experience tm

You’re Right, and You Should Say It.

[limitless-shadows]

Picking up gofushi crumbs from the manga pt. 4

Disclaimer: Beware of anime/manga/fanbook spoilers. This is just me commenting on the manga with the lenses of a gofushi fan (’-’)/

This segment contains manga panels from chapter 82 to chapter 138.

About loneliness, limitless and six eyes vs ten shadows, Zen’in deal, and others.

[Chapter 82]

The life of an exorcist is rough.

Nanami was certainly right when he said that being a sorcerer is shit. They put their life on the line for people who don’t know about curses or that sorcerers exist, they may even die alone and gruesomely, shamans are probably overworked due to a shortage of sorcerers, etc.

And how many close bonds do they get to make?

Yet Gojou gave Yuuji the room next to Megumi so it could be more livelier and fun...

[Chapter 84]

^ referring to Gojou

Due to the nature of his power and how strong he is, I guess that Satoru often does solo missions. Even during fights, it’s better if he’s alone. That’s even more sad?! dang and here I had hopes to see gofushi taking on missions together unless-

[Chapter 85]

Heh it was Megumi who noticed Hanami’s weak spot.

[Chapter 91]

For the strongest to be able to trust others does say quite a lot for their current situation. Trust in the first years, trust in Megumi ;-;

[Chapter 92]

Megumi’s shocked/worried face upon hearing that Gojou has been sealed. I’m glad that we get to see it drawn!

[Chapter 93]

So... what I learnt from this is that Satoru has some pressure since he solo carries the Gojou family. What sort of childhood did he have while growing up if the family put all of their expectations on him??

...that he has saved many a sorcerer!!

Toji’s deal with the Zen’in ;-;

[Chapter 96]

The smol Gojou that pops up when Megumi thinks of a plan hehe

Gojou also mentioned Fushiguro back when he tested Itadori in chapter 3.

Using each other to bluff and employing a different naming. I guess they think alike www

[Chapter 109]

What a character development :D after Gojou’s talk to him back in chapter 58.

[Chapter 117]

Gofushi got even better after chapter 117-

It’s another moment where they are alone! When they animate this, is it going to be during a sunset too? XD

If they are at the college, then that’s one chair upgrade.

Their families being on bad terms hrmm hrrmm

Gofushi truly has a lot of potential for writing prompts. Romeo and Juliet? Reincarnation?

Also makes me think if there will be a fight between Satoru and Megumi in the future o_o;;

Moreover, it’s not known how they exactly died. They could’ve been weakened from before their fight and/or someone delivered the final blow? While Megumi thinks it’s probably due to Makora, I don’t think it’s only that. There must have been something else? We haven’t seen Megumi’s true potential yet aaaaah next chapter is when Tengen might drop some information on the group, and I hope he knows and shares some secrets about the Ten Shadows technique (will it be the reviving theories? or maybe being able to enter some sort of shadow realm?). Heh mission impossible to retrieve Satoru.

The Edo period was between the 17th and 19th century, while the Keicho period was around the 17th century. According to the fanbook, it’s been 400 years since someone with Limitless + 6 eyes was born. So Satoru was most likely the next Gojou to be born with those abilities after the fight between the past clan heads... it really makes me think. huh, for there to be a Ten Shadows user during this era too.

Then Megumi goes and says

whyyyy

belieeve

[Chapter 126]

This scene in chapter 126 when Nobara spilled coffee on Gojou’s shirt which caught me off guard by surprise.

Since they didn’t have much time to think about what to do. Their panicked reaction was to slip the shirt inside Megumi lolol

Leave it to Akutami-sensei to draw the funniest scenes haha. Sacrificial lamb Megumi lolol although Satoru might have been able to tell with the six eyes.

[Chapter 138]

Head of the Zen’in clan Megumi--

I assume the 3 parts from the speech bubbles are independent things with the agreement being carried out first. When they found out that Megumi inherited the Ten Shadows technique, it was decided that he would become the next clan head. But only if Satoru is dead or incapacitated. Why make him the leader without knowing what he thinks about the Zen'in clan tho? Is that just because he has the Ten Shadows technique? Is it much more appreciated than the Projection Sorcery technique which Naobito and Naoya have? Because it can rival Limitless and Six eyes?

Naobito really hates the Gojou’s. According to the fanbook, his stress source is the Gojou family, and he doesn’t get along with them which is why he didn’t do much during the Shibuya incident. I wonder why :D definitely doesn’t have to do with them stealing (?) Megumi from them, right?

Now I’m curious how the deal went through. I want to see Satoru and Megumi’s trip to Kyoto D:

Part 5 will probably be done after the manga releases more content... whiiich might take months. But aay ヾ(≧ ▽ ≦)ゝ there was actually a bunch of things to talk about! I started shipping them maybe after chapter 79? I was surprised at chapter 58 which dropped more interactions between them. Then 59 showed their first meeting and 79 made it more clear (/≧▽≦)/

[sen-no-kotowari]

A Wanshi Interlude: Long, Silent Nights Ch 1

Chapter 1: The Onset of Deception

The moment you glimpsed upon the truth among the lies, the deepest part of your soul would become unraveled and crumble.

Wanshi: Extract the circulation fluid using the suction apparatus and place the artificial heart in. Send the transmission signal to the external electric terminal once the local pain signals have been isolated.

Assistant A & B: Yes sir!

The assistants followed Wanshi’s instructions and had begun the preparations for the Structure’s maintenance, who had been laid down on the bed waiting for their turn. After they changed into their PPEs, one of the assistants called out to Wanshi  as he stood in the center of the maintenance room.

Assistant A: Doctor Wanshi, one Structure has been sent to maintenance room number 13.

Wanshi: Project the data.

Wanshi looked at the scan results of the Structure in maintenance room number 13, nodded his head and gave out his instructions to the assistants.

Wanshi: The auxiliary circulation system in the lower cavity of their brain has been damaged, activate the remote maintenance kit in maintenance room number 13.

Assistant A: What the- Your psychological cycle could become severely exhausted if you go with that procedure.

Wanshi ignored the assistant’s obstruction, taking out several cables from the nearby terminal and connected it to his head.

Wanshi: Testing the connection.

The view of maintenance room number 13 was displayed on the terminal as Wanshi controlled the robotic arm to arrange the maintenance equipment needed in order. Once he magnified the damaged area, he displayed the patient’s index on the surface of the robotic arm.

Wanshi: Everything’s clear, we’ll start the maintenance simultaneously.

(——)

Wanshi: Maintenance complete, I’ll let you handle the final module’s combination.

Wanshi pushed the maintenance tools aside and slowly lowered the robotic arm as the work on maintenance room number 13 ended.

Assistant B: Okay.

The assistant walked over towards Wanshi and received the maintenance tools from him. Wanshi stretched his lower back and made some space for the assistant to sit on. At that moment, Wanshi suddenly stumbled and his view of the maintenance room gradually became blurry. He regained his senses back when he reached his hand out to the wall in front of him and was able to somehow support his body just before he collapsed.

Assistant B: Doctor!

With his hand on the wall, Wanshi took a deep breath and brought out several medicines from his pocket. He shoveled them down into his mouth.

Wanshi: Ah… It’s nothing.

Assistant B: You’re more focused than you usually are whenever you perform a maintenance, doctor.

Wanshi: Huh-... I don’t think I’m doing anything different though.

Structures feel pain the same way humans do. Isn’t it a doctor’s obligation to take away their patient’s pain as soon as possible?

Assistant B: Then would it be better to turn off their pain receptor modules, or perform Consciousness Transmission and transmit their consciousness back once their bodies have been repaired?

Wanshi: We must advise them of their options only when the pain is too much for them to bear.

Creating a newer model is far more troublesome than maintaining their current body… We wouldn’t be here if that were the case then.

Assistant B: While we’re on the subject, you often use the Consciousness Transmission in the middle of a Structure’s restoration like you’re trying to console them, doctor.

Wanshi: Hrmm… That’s a part of our obligation to them since it’s also one way of giving our support in order for them to return back to battle. In the first place, our moral responsibility...

Assistant A: Oh, okay then, since the doctor won’t be able to stop himself once they talk about that topic.

Assistant B: That’s true… There’s something I really can’t wrap my head around in relation to that though. Well, aren’t they just automatons?

Assistant A: I agree.

Wanshi: Hrrmm…

Assistant A: Okay, let’s stop talking about this. It’s about time for the Structure’s follow-up maintenance, doctor.

Wanshi: Ah… that’s right, I’ll go on ahead then.

Wanshi placed his PPE back into his locker while he was talking with the assistants, and left the maintenance room.

(——)

"Hypocrisy exists in human society, no matter where you are in the world. Deception follows all of us the moment we are born—so long as we are living within the societal network humans have built, all of us will be involved with this ruse as we continue to grow. Lies are neither good nor evil—all of that is already one facet of elaborating reality. The moment you glimpsed upon the truth among the lies, the deepest part of your soul would become unraveled and crumble down. Even the words you hear in your everyday life that never fazed you, may mortally wound you once you go beyond the wall of lies."

(——)

With how the professor’s news was shocking enough to make him confused, Wanshi had no recollection of when he was summoned to this office or when their conversation had started. He gulped back the saliva on his throat in a daze, desperately sorting out the words in his head as he contained his shock.

Wanshi: Professor, what we talked about just now…

Professor: That’s right. Even the Star of Life, whose ideology revolves around saving all of man, was never fair towards the importance of life.

The true nature of the Structure Maintenance Department established by the military and Science Council is a slaughterhouse teeming with hypocrisy.

Wanshi: Then, this so-called Consciousness Transmission is…

Professor: It’s well-known that the Structures who stepped into the battlefield after a successful Consciousness Transmission are exceptions created to facilitate the public’s opinions towards the military.

By nature, it isn’t transmitting their consciousness back to Eden, but only a make-believe illusion that the Consciousness Transmission is real by regulating the time difference through the hassle of performing a Consciousness Detachment surgery to those Structures.

Simply put, it means that all the Structures aren’t machines that could live on forever—they too, could permanently disappear from this world should they die.

Assistant B: While we’re on the subject, I heard you often use the consciousness transmission in the middle of a Structure’s restoration like you’re trying to console them, doctor.

"Silence… If all of that was a lie, then what I’ve been doing up until now is…"

Wanshi: ……

Professor: The Consciousness Surgery is different from Model Replacement where it’s feasible through the cooperation of specialists and precise equipment.

Performing that surgery in the battlefield in addition to separating their Sea of Consciousness from their body is an extremely dangerous and complex technology. There’s also the possibility that it can cause the loss of their memory data.

And so, what do you think the meaning of Consciousness Transmission would be then?

In just a single click when they are in a near-death state, Structures could safely transport their consciousness to Eden just by paying the small price in the form of a shift in their consciousness.

If one can achieve the same effect with Consciousness Surgery like this so easily, then why are humans still continuing their research on the Sea of Consciousness in order to raise the success probability of Consciousness Surgery?

Because the Consciousness Transmission… was a trick provided to impose upon the Structures, right from the very start.

"Shut up. Maybe we just don’t know what the upper echelons' intentions are with just our authorization alone…"

Wanshi: You’re wrong. The Science Council, the military, and the upper echelon of the parliament… I’m sure they must have a means they still haven’t disclosed to us. That will make the Consciousness Transmission most likely feasible…

Professor: Have a look at this data then.

Wanshi: This is…!

Professor: A list of Structures who activated their Consciousness Transmission. The temporary data flow after it’s activated is still being recorded.

Wanshi: That’s impossible…! Then all of the consciousnesses here are…

Professor: There’s no mistaking it, all the data flow has returned to zero. They can’t sense any of it, just like forcefully shutting down a computer by pressing its power button.

They liberate their own consciousness, thinking that someone outside from their Sea of Consciousness would press the power button to reactivate them some day.

But the truth behind it is that not only do they withdraw their consciousness from reality, they’re also terminated in the war along with their bodies that had stopped functioning.

Wanshi: Structures feel pain the same way humans do. Isn’t that a doctor’s obligation to take away their patient’s pain as soon as possible?

"This isn’t true. Professor, please tell me all of this is a bad joke… if it isn’t, then I……"

Wanshi: ……

If this was all a facade, then why are you telling me this?

Aren’t you afraid that I will tell the truth behind it to the Structures?

Professor: Can you however?

Wanshi: I…

Professor: You couldn’t.

"Shut the hell up."

Professor: Will you lie to them by giving them false hope as they step into the battlefield,  or will you confront the cruel reality to them and let them wallow in their own destruction?

You’d know which choice to make once you see the facial expressions of those Structures you try to save.

My choice would still be the same if I returned to the past…

"Please… Stop talking… …What kind of response should I even give to such a demanding trust…"

Wanshi: This is too self-centered.

Professor: Self-centered… You may be right on that…

Perhaps I also might be a fool who only wanted to share this to someone because I couldn’t stomach it all on my own.

The bloodstained truth cannot change with just one individual reason. The scientific division has no choice but to compromise with deceit as there are too many factors behind it.

"Enough…! I can feel how warm the blood that seeped out from my own palms as I strongly gripped both my hands from the fervent turmoil within me. My heart was being filled with these impulses of wanting to doubt, to keep on asking for answers, and to erase my own past. Those impulses wanted an outlet, and as I slowly raised my hand, the professor’s miserably worn-out face was in my view. The professor who once led me to the Star of Life had already aged this much in a blink of an eye. In the end, the hand I impulsively raised at the professor has eased on my chest."

Wanshi: ……

This isn’t an excuse to keep on deceiving those Structures.

Professor: I don’t plan to coerce you just because I told you the truth behind it… I pray that you may find an answer different from mine…

Wanshi: I… I can never be like you, lying to others while pretending to save them.

Wanshi tore his Star of Life identification tag into pieces and threw it on top of the professor’s desk. His professor’s gaze whenever their eyes met felt atrocious that he wanted to hurriedly get out from the suffocating place he’s in.

[rasairui]

hrrrm hrrmm yeah uh huh okay. Trying something

[linn-zy]

We'll meet again...

(Part 2) (part 1; https://linn-zy.tumblr.com/post/641461768657551360/well-meet-again )

Tangled RP story

Featuring Rapunzel, Eugene, Varian, Judy(OC of @punkydodd ) , Robert and Emeline (my OC's)

*******

Odette slept while being close to Judy for warmth. The baby-swan opened her eyes for a bit, before she went back to sleep. Then she shot them open and see the ghost in the middle of the room.

She ducked her head and hide behind a sleeping Judy, unsure if she should wake the others to let them know.

Soon another figure emerged from the smoke aswell, a tall handsome dark man, he tapped the woman on the shoulder and she turned to him with a smile.

"It's  been far too long my dear."

He took her to dance to the music.

"Hundred years as always, my love."

They spoke to one another, not seeming to notice anything around them, only being lost to each other.

Odette slowly moved her head up, still a little frightened. But her fear slowly calm down, she watched the two ghost dancing around the room. They didn’t noticed the sleeping group, only focusing on each other like they were in their own world.

Pascal also woke up soon  after, getting out of Rapunzels hair and making a little squeaky sound, watching the couple move around.

Varian stirred a and slowly opened up his and sitting up, causing Ruddiger to slide off his stomach and into his lap, still fast asleep.

“What’s going on? Did my trap work?”

He asked out loud while rubbing his eyes a bit.

"Hrrmm ? Is something happening ?"

Rapunzel yawned and blinked slowly.

The ghostly couple kept dancing, not knowing they were being watched.

"You look marvellous as always my darling..." the male spoke and even though he only spoke to her, it was heard all through the room.

"And you are as handsome as always, Robert..." the woman replied with a gentle smile.

Odette hopped on Judy, who groan in her sleep. “Five more minutes Ma..” she grumbled.

Varian removed his hands from his eyes and blinked a few times, letting out a long gasp at the sight of the ghosts.

“Guys look!”

He whispered and pointed at the scene.

“Wait, why didn’t my trap go off? They should have activated it...”

He mumbled and tapped his chin thoughtfully, did he miscalculate? It wouldn’t be the first time.

"Doesn't  look like your trap worked, Varian..." Rapunzel whispered as she peeked over the edge from their little camp that was slightly above the stairs.

"Shall we go talk to them ?"

Odette then peck at Judy’s face, waking her up. “Huh? What?” She pull herself up. “Did the ghost came?”

She turn her head and saw the two ghost. “They’re..dancing.” She whispered in surprise.

“It should have worked...oh well, guess it was a bust”

Varian shrugged a bit and looked at the ghosts again.

“They don’t look to be hostile...should we wake Eugene?”

"Nah...let him sleep....I'm gonna go closer."

Rapunzel said and stood up, going down the stairs then.

"Uuumm hello? Ghosts ?"

She waved her hand a bit to them and and smiled friendly.

Judy turn her head at the sleeping Eugene, who have his body lean on the wall and snoring softly, along with the other guards.

“Rapunzel wait!”

Varian quickly got up and followed Rapunzel, grabbing her arm.

“We need to think carefully about this. I mean they don’t look hostile but we don’t know what their intentions are”

"Oh Varian...look at them...they're just dancing...how bad can it be ?"

Rapunzel said to him and waved her hand a bit.

Varian bit his lip and sighed.

“Just...be careful, okay?”

He knew Rapunzel was capable of taking care of herself but he still got worried for her safety sometimes.

"Come on..." She pulled at his arm a bit to get him along, extremely excited.

"Hello...excuse me....ghosts ?"

The couple abruptly stopped in their dance, staring back at Rapunzel and Varian, a look of confusion.

"Robert, who are they?"

The woman asked the man.

"I don't know, they shouldn't be here...."

Judy stood up, while Odette hid behind her leg.

“Hello there.” She waved nervously at them with her other hand behind her back.

"Oh...hello there....Who are you ?"

The woman asked with a low whispy voice.

Rapunzel wked closer to them.

"I am Rapunzel....Princess Rapunzel actually...these are my friends, Pascal, Varian, Ruddiger, Judy and Odette....We were told that a ghost would appear in the castle and we wanted to see it...."

Varian was still a little cautious and kept close to Rapunzel, though he had to admit that he was fascinated by the ghosts. He had never seen them up close before, mostly because the first ghosts he saw tried to kill him.

Although being translucent Rapunzel could see the man had dark skin, light brown hair, somewhat lighter than Eugene, deep blue eyes and a little stubble goatee. He had a deep blue shirt, black pants, a thin looking sword at the side, a black cape that hung over one shoulder, attached with a golden brooch.

"Why are you two coming here ?" Rapunzel asked curiously.

The man sighed.

"To relive the last moment of our lifes, dancing together for hours and hours, I've just come back from many years in the war, my darling Emeline was loyaly waiting for my return every day...."

"Robert came back on my 18th birthday, a grand ball was held, no one belived that he had survived, it was a splendid and lovely night...." Emeline contined, getting something dreamingly in her eyes.

“It must be, you two have a wonderful love between.” Judy said, standing by Varian.

“This is fascinating ”

Varian exclaimed, circling the two ghosts to get a better look at them, his curiosity getting the better of him, he was till a little cautious though.

“How long have you been like this?”

He asked curiously, tilting his head to the side.

"Hundreds and hundreds of years I'm afraid." Robert answered politely.

, holding his lovers hand.

"We can only meet once every hundred year..." Emeline said.

"Oh no....that's so sad...." Rapunzel frowned.

“I am terribly sorry.” Judy sadly said. Odette tuck her head down in a sad manner.

Varian hummed.

“Hmm...well there should be a way for you to move on...Rapunzel, didn’t you help a ghost with that?”

He asked, looking to Rapunzel to make sure he remembered right.

“Maybe we can help them somehow?”

"Yes of course, with Ruth it was her wish for wanting to perform that had her stuck here....." Rapunzel said and then looked over to the two.

"What happened to you two ?" She tilted her head a little.

"The castle took fire, it burned to the ground, but me and Robert kept dancing, lost in each other....so every hundred year of that day, we come back and have our dance again until the fire appears and sweeps us away....."

"Hundred years is a long time..." Robert said quietly.

"But at least I get to see my Emeline again..."

“Soooo, if you complete your dance...you’ll find peace?”

Varian asked, a little skeptical.

“Does that mean we have to set fire to the castle?”

"Oh heavens no....The fire will appear just like we do...." Emeline chuckled a little.

"Like a memory playing up the past..." Robert spoke.

"I don't think there is anything you can do about it...."

“I wish there was.” Judy added, rubbing her arm. Odette nodded, agreeing.

“There has to be something, right?”

Varian asked, looking to Rapunzel again. She had more experience with situations like this so she would probably know what to do.

"Hmmm...I don't  kn...."

She didn't even have time to answer before Robert swooped  Emeline around, dancing with her again.

"We only have a few hours, darling. I wish to not waste them..." He said to her.

"Me neither, my love." Emeline replied to him.

Rapunzel  sighed sadly.

"What can we do? There has to be something? Right ?"

Judy place a hand on her shoulder. “We will find a way for them to Rest In Peace.” She said.

“These two doesn’t deserve to be trapped like this forever.”

“Do you think some kind of magic is involved?”

Varian asked Rapunzel, he couldn’t really make sense of the situation and he was pretty sure Alchemy wouldn’t be to much help.

Rapunzel hummed a little.

"Perhaps...."

She tapped her chin a little.

"What do you think happens if we get them out of here before the fire starts ? Or maybe....maybe if they kiss each other before the fire starts? A kiss of true love...."

“Hmm...it’s worth a shot right?”

Varian shrugged a bit and looked over the two dancing ghosts.

“Should we ask them about it? See if they’ve tried anything before?”

“We can try.” Judy said, looking at the couple dancing.

“They didn’t mention anything other than dancing when the fire got them.”

"Uhmm uh...excuse me....Robert...Emeline...?"  Rapunzel tried to get their attention, going around and around but then suddenly her eyes seemed to change, becoming almost dull, she took Judys hand since she was the closest and pulled her around to dance with aswell, now the two was  being  victims of the enchantment aswell.

“Raps?! What are you doi-“ But before she could finished, her eyes turned dullaswell and she danced with Rapunzel.

Odette honked in shock of this and ran to Eugene to wake him up.

“Uhhh...okay, definitely some kind of spell...”

Varian backed up and ran over to Eugene, shaking him a bit.

“Eugene! Wake up! I need your help”

He whisper-yelled, looking back at the group dancing.

Odette peck at Eugene on the nose, which makes him jolted awake and push Odette off him.

“What?! Is that ghost here?!” He look around.

Rapunzel danced around with Judy following the same dance that Robert and Emeline danced.

Twirling and swooping around to the odd music that both filled the room aswell as sounded to be far away, as if in a dream.

“Blondie? Kiddo?” Eugenes jaw dropped. “And, there is another ghost. Wow.” He got up and straighten his back from sleeping near the wall.

Varian chuckled a little, a little panicked since he didn’t know what he should do.

“Yeah...well they seem to be under some kind of spell that makes them dance”

He said and looked at the ghosts again.

“Maybe if we get them to stop dancing, Rapunzel and Judy will too and we can figure out how to break the spell!”

His eyes lit up as he got an idea and ran over to his satchel on the floor, starting to rummage through it.

“Sounds like a good idea Varian.” Eugene said, watching the dancing four.

Meanwhile Pascal ran around, trying to get Rapunzels attention to no avail, instead he was at the risk of getting stepped on, luckily Ruddiger ran in and picked the chameleon up, saving him from getting trampled.

Varian pulled out some chemical balls from his satchel and turned to the ghosts.

“Looks like it’s up to alchemy”

He went the safe route and threw a bath bomb at them, hoping the bubbles would distract them so they could talk.

TO BE CONTINUED

(Emeline and Robert art made with Picrew)

[dented-nado]

96. “You’re too nice.” with bruce & clark? :'D xx

[[LYDS thank you for sending this in!!! This ended up being a series of three sort of vignettes of Clark being a sweetheart that all kind of tie together because this prompt had me going. I hope you like it, and thank you!!!]] ------

Clark Kent wasn’t cute. Nope, nuh-uh, not even slightly. Bruce refused to let him think such a thing any more than the few seconds the notion slipped through his mind.

But then again he had just brought him coffee from their mutual favorite place to gain some caffeinated.

“How much do I owe you?” He tried to offer as he pulled off his cowl and turned his chair away from the bat-computer to look up at the giant behemoth of a man. Clearly he wasn’t called Superman for nothing. He only got a perplexed look in return. “Huh? No, don’t worry about it, it’s on me.”

“But…” Bruce began before being silenced by Clark poking his forehead.

“It’s coffee Bruce, I won’t go broke and end up homeless over it. I promise.” Clark teased. “Don’t worry your little bat-head about it.”

Bruce shooed Clark’s hand away with a grunt and took a long sip from the to-go coffee cup, hoping his warm face didn’t mean he was turning red visibly.

“Sorry it’s just… odd to let someone buy things for me when I’m… you know…” Bruce grumbled trying to turn his head back to his previously abandoned task.

“Richest man alive?” Clark offered. “Prince of Gotham?”

Bruce grunted in response.

“Why do they call you a prince, anyway? Are you actually descended from royalty?”

“Clark, just because I said you could ‘hang out’ today doesn’t mean you can bombard me with questions while I’m trying to work.”

Clark chuckled and floated into a cross legged position so he was “sitting” next to Bruce despite the fact he was hovering in the air. “Sorry B, guess its the investigative journalist in me.”“Hrrmm.” Bruce responded.

As they sat together Bruce found himself being productive, sure, but occasionally he would glance over and find himself endeared by certain things. How Clark placed his coffee on his knee when he was pausing drinking it. How he would tilt his head to one side like a puppy dog when he was thinking or interested in something Bruce was working on or investigating. Bruce also found himself staring at one moment, realizing for the first time Clark had dimples when he smiled.

He still wasn’t going to admit Clark was cute though. Not even to himself.

—-

Bruce was an incredibly difficult sick person. Bruce knew it himself and did feel bad that sometimes Alfred had to argue with him and put up his own sort of fight just to get Bruce to get back into bed and rest so he wouldn’t develop something worse. Though this time, as Bruce sat grumpily with his arms crossed, Alfred had finally gotten weary and called in the cavalry.

“Is he super sick?” Clark asked, carrying a thermos, a possibly hand made quilt, and a bag filled with what seemed like games and puzzles.

“Just a cold, however he’s being exceptionally difficult and has tried to get up and go down to the cave multiple times today. He seems to forget he develops strep easily when its convenient for him.” Alfred said with a huff before rubbing his temple, trying to will away the stress and worry over his boy. “Thank you for agreeing to keep him company Master Kent.”

“Of course Alfred, and please, just Clark.”

Alfred chuckled “Very well Master Clark” He replied cheekily as he went off to do his other duties.

Clark huffed a laugh in response. So that was where Bruce got his occasional cheekiness from.

He was fully prepared as he entered to receive the infamous glare right into his soul, luckily for Clark, and unluckily for Bruce, it didn’t affect him anymore. He greeted the glare with a bright smile as he closed the door behind him.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Sunshine.” Clark teased as he crossed the room, setting his bag down beside the bed and the thermos on the bedside table, watching in amusement as Bruce’s curiosity and investigative nature got the better of him as his eyes ran over each item Clark had brought him.

“Alfred has brought me in to ensure you chill and get better as soon as possible.” Clark explained despite knowing Bruce knowing full well why he was there, he unfolded the quilt he had brought and put it around Bruce’s shoulders before the man could say anything else.

“…What’s this?” Bruce asked, voice sounding a little horse.

“Its called a blanket.” Clark replied with a grin as he sat on the edge of the bed.

Bruce glared at him mid-cough. “You know what I mean.”

Clark laughed heartily. “Sorry B, I couldn’t resist. It’s a quilt Ma made, she used to bring it out when I got sick.”

Bruce raised an eyebrow. “You got sick?”

“When I was really little, yeah, my powers hadn’t really come in yet.” Clark explained before picking up his bag, seemingly excited to show Bruce what he brought. “I got you some puzzles like sedoku and some crosswords so you can feel like you're doing something and still relax, I also brough chess and checkers if you want to play later… oh! I also saved a bunch of movies I thought you might like if you want to watch them together.” Bruce stared at the several items that were placed on the bed next to him and looked back at Clark with a slightly stunned gaze and watched Clark then pick up the thermos. “Oh, and I made some chicken soup, Ma sent me the recipe.” He beamed so bright Bruce had to rub his watering eyes slightly that were already sensitive to the light.

“You…” Bruce looked again at each item and subtlety pulled the quilt around himself a little tighter. “Thought of everything didn’t you?”

Clark put his hand on top of Bruce’s. “That’s one thing you taught me how to do pretty well.”

Bruce snorted slightly, partially out of amusement, and partially because his nose was stuffy. “I always thought that annoyed people.”

“Not always.” Clark said with a wink. “Sometimes its appreciated, even we don’t always say it.”

Bruce looked over all of Clark’s supplies and care items one more time before letting himself lay back into the quit slightly. “Fine, as long as you're here…” He reached for the warm thermos to open and enjoy the soothing, delicious soup “I might as well judge for myself what you think my movie taste would be.” He emphasized by patting the empty side of his bed.

Clark was all too happy to fly up and over Bruce, cuddle up beside him and pull up Netflix on his phone.

—-

Batman really hated patrolling in the rain, it was harder to see and wet concrete always made it easier for missteps and slips to happen and someone to end up flying off a roof in the middle of a fight. There also weren’t many good tall buildings for him to perch on that also had some sort of overhang so he could escape the rain for at least a second.

Then, suddenly, he found himself looking at a pair of red boots, and realized the rain was no longer pouring directly on his head, He glanced up to look at Clark looking at him with a tilted head and a sweet smile, holding an oversized umbrella in one hand over both of them.

“Need an umbrella?”

“Hmmmmm…thank you…” Batman grumbled.

Damn this cute as hell man and his insistence on being a constant positive presence.

“You’re going to make yourself sick again if you keep making yourself go out when its pouring out you know.” Clark said as he settled to sit down next to Bruce. He was also soaking wet, which made Bruce think he had only just gotten this umbrella.

“I can’t let Gotham suffer just because of some rain. Besides, there’s people that like to take advantage of ‘dark and stormy nights’. Scarecrow once waited purposefully for it to be night and the weather like this to launch an attack.” Batman explained. Usually he was a little more sharp with Clark for saying such a thing, but he wasn’t particularly in the mood to jab at the boy scout.

“I know.” Clark said, causing Batman’s head to turn back to him in slight surprise. “It's hard isn’t it? To decide when your own needs need to be met or when the needs of the many outweigh your own. I get it.”

Batman stared at him for a long moment, the sound of the rain on the umbrella starting to sound more soothing than anything. “Yes… it is hard.”

Clark took a deep breath and put a hand on Batman’s back. “I know you have Gotham under control, and you have for a long time, and you know what you're doing, and your good at it. I was just… I was just thinking… maybe if I came and helped sometimes…”

“Why do you want to help me so bad Clark? Bringing me coffee, visiting me when I’m sick… the umbrella?” Batman asked, he tried not be be yelling, or accusing, or sound annoyed, because he wasn’t. He genuinely wanted to know.

Clark looked down at his feet. “I want to be a good friend. I think… I think you deserve it.”

“I really don’t deserve your attention.”

“Maybe from your point of view. But that’s not how I see it.”

They sat in silence for a long moment, watching two Gothamites yell at each other from their cars on the street below.

“You’re too nice, Clark.” Batman finally stated.

“No such thing as *too* nice. Besides… Some of why I want to help is a little selfish too.” Clark admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

“How so?”

“I guess… I thought maybe if I could help you, you’d have more time to spend with you know… people… like… me kind of people.”

Batman laughed and for a moment Clark looked startled and somewhat wounded until Bruce continued.

“I’m not really that fun to be around, so I don’t know why.” Batman smiled calmy as he noticed the bat-signal light up the clouds above. “But for what its worth… when your with me…”

Batman stood, aiming his grappling gun.

“I’m happy.”

Clark watched in stunned silence as Batman glided away onto the rooftops below, heading to the signal light’s source to check in with the commissioner, that was until he clearly heard Bruce state, knowing Clark was the only one who could hear.

“You coming along to help or not?”

Clark was gliding at his side within the blink of an eye.

[heartwoodventures]

It’s Probably Pirates

The letter arrived on Heartwood’s doorstep and almost immediately set off a flurry of speculation among the tight-knit group. It appeared that one of their own was in the gaol. 

Hi! Wow, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? I hope everything’s been running smoothly. How’s the garden doing? Has it been sunny?

<What follows is several lines of text that’s been scribbled out to the point of resembling a black blob. Following many smudges and water damage, it continues...>

So, to get to the point. I’m writing from Aleport’s jail. Weird, huh? Pretty wild. And unjust! I probably should’ve written that first but jailers only gave me this pen, so I can’t erase and I’m running out of space. Oh, anyway, I was just visiting La Noscea to check on my farm, one thing leads to another, and I get tossed into jail! I’ve told them countless times they have the wrong person, but they won’t listen. They’ve got me mixed up with some pirate and think I’m feigning ignorance. Maybe you guys could tell them otherwise? I don’t know how much more...questioning...I can take.

-Aiswyda

Certain that this was all a misunderstanding, Heartwood hurriedly sent a small team out to Aleport to set things straight and secure the Seawolf’s release. While the port itself was a drunkard-filled hub of commerce, it was also home to one of the Maelstrom’s jails. Built of stone stained white from salt, the gaol was tucked away in one of the settlement’s darker corners guarded by Yellow Jackets posted at the entrance. 

Near the jail’s door was a wooden bulletin board, covered in layers of leaflets old and new. This was where the party agreed to meet. It was cold. The wind was salty. The Yellow Jackets didn’t even bother looking up as the team gathered. 

For his part, Nazyl had been on his way to inform N’yami of the newest development regarding other business. Of course, Heartwood seemed to get up to strange things while he was gone. So now he was...apparently breaking an ally out of jail. He really couldn't get on the Maelstrom's bad side, else it would adversely affect the aforementioned business. Nevertheless, he joined with the rest on the way, grumbling.

Crific meandered through the gate, a scowl on his face as he cast his gaze across those gathered. He'd come as soon as he'd heard the news. Fifteen minutes late, with coffee he’d gotten to go.

To the point as ever, Rolanda arrived and merely looked around at the dreary scene before her, before taking matters into her own hands. "You there! Guard! We're looking for Aiswyda, is she inside?"

The guard’s eyes were glued to his paperback. He wet a finger and turned the page. “What d’ya want.”

Rolanda walked up to the guard. "Our comrade has written us from jail, claiming that she was wrongly imprisoned. We are here to help set matters straight, and to help our friend, who is surely innocent."

Khora joined the Au Ra in her take-charge approach.  "Roegadyn. Named Aiswyda?  Probably wearing a straw hat."

Haila glanced up from the tome she had been reading as others began to gather, all thankfully familiar faces. As she tucked on the tome by her side, the viera took a deep breath before speaking up. "I'd ask despite having tried to look into matters myself, but no one has an inkling of what happened with Miss Wyda right?"

Crific glanced at Haila, shaking his head. "Just her letter." He shifted his gaze to the Rolanda and the guard.

"I'm unsure of what's going on." G’lewra replied, humming in thought for a moment. After hearing what happened she had decided to join the investigation. Right before leaving, however, she had a very long conversation with her daughter about how her loud mouth would've had her end up in jail as well. She just phrased it....in a more motherly way.

"Hard ta b'lieve she'd be considahd a pirate, she's rathah pleasant companeh." Nazyl added. But then again, so were Claws for a time, "Might we...know why she's bein' accused of bein' a pirate?"

The guard now looked up from his paperback, the cover of which featured a petite au ra, swooning in the arms of a very beefy roegadyn. 

“Tch...persistent buggers. Aye, I know that straw hat wearing pirate.” he snorted at Rolanda and Khora. “Set matters straight? Oh, just let me get out me keys and unlock her cell, an’ we can all part ways smellin’ of biscuits and gravy!” The guard rolled his eyes.

Unimpressed, Khora arched a brow at the guard's sarcasm.  "And for what is she even being imprisoned?  A pirate you say?  And how did you come to such a conclusion?"

Haila frowned at the remark, her research into Aiswyda's case had turned up no results at all... But if such an accusation was true, well, she was both hesitant and reluctant to connect the dots in that case.

For the moment, Crific remained silent. There were enough voices, though his scowl was growing deeper by the minute.

After some grumbling, the guard hobbled to the bulletin board, and directed the party there. “Just comb through those papers. She’s part of a pirate crew. Red Argos. Bleedin’ ‘ells, it’s me break. Can’t get a wink of rest ‘round here.”

Crific brushed forward to peer at the bulletin board, though he left enough room for others to search as well. "Red Argos," he repeated, muttering to himself. He found several papers detailing a mysterious cult of zombie worshippers. Interesting, but useful? Nope.

"Red Argos huh..." Nazyl added. There were so many names it was difficult to keep track of every crew in the sea. Given the height of the board, he'd need someone else to read it, and he wasn't about to start being antagonistic now.

Rolanda walked over to join Crific at the board. "What have we here..."

She found several advertisements for the Arcanist’s guild in Limsa Lominsa. A picture of what appears to be a carbuncle being ridden into battle! Neat!

There were so many papers. Bounties. Advertisements. It may take some digging to find what they were looking for.

Crific exhaled, and started digging deeper. Could be the charges against Aiswyda and her purported crew were old. "When were these bounties placed?" He directed the question to the guard, though he didn't look up.

The guard waved a hand in the air. “Eugh. Maybe like, two weeks old.”

Crific glanced at the dates on the current flyers, and started flipping through, looking for dates a sennight earlier and found something. Labeled ‘page 2’, a paper that detailed Red Argos’s exploits. They’re known to attack ships that are part of the Eorzean alliance. Not just that, but...generally speaking, there were no survivors. The ships might be seen again later, but the goods? The sailors? Gone. Outside of that, the pirates were known to even target local settlements for coin, supplies, and people. Kidnapping.

Crific tugs a flyer down, frowning as he noted the page number. "Have the second page of something, here. Concerns the crew, at least. Nasty business." He runs his finger down a list, "Attacking alliance ships, leaving no survivors--or at least none aboard. Local settlements, too--pillaging, kidnapping.""

Khora found something that looked promising. A bundle of marks, all detailing the last known actions of a group of pirates known as ‘Red Argos.’ Page 1 described the physical appearance of the gang. All Sea Wolves, donning a red ribbon earring. Approach with caution! They are well equipped, and attack on sight. Unfortunately, the other pages are scattered elsewhere.

The Seeker rubbed his chin, squinting as he read over leaflets and pamphlets sprawled across the bulletin board.  "Hrrmm..."  Thoughtful hum echoing in the back of his throat as his eyes wandered across the page.  "I mean Sea Wolf yes but...  Does she even wear a red ribbon earring?  Gods I cannot recall..."

Unable to peruse the board, Nazyl approached the cells instead, glancing through them. The system of 'law' they used certainly could use improvement, but it was better than nothing. Had he been born anywhere else, he likely wouldn't have considered living in Vylbrand. He glanced back at the guard, still hesitant to say anything.

Rolanda, meanwhile, found page 3 of Red Argos’s report. It was a list of scattered observations. Unlike bandits, or other pirate groups, these pirates seemingly strike at random. No discernable pattern in their attacks, or the locations at which they strike. There’s even been alleged sightings of the pirates in Coerthas! Rumors, or facts? It’s unclear. She shared the information with the rest of the group. 

"Perhaps we could look for clues in Coerthas, if we find nothing else useful here. There are certainly more pages to this report that may hold some useful information.” she suggested. 

"Pirates...in Coerthas?" Nazyl raised a brow, "Uh, that's...an odd place fer seafarin' bandits ta be. Water's all but frozen there."

With so many flyers torn from the bounty board, the last page of the Red Argos reports could be seen by all. It contained sketches of known members. One perfectly resembles Aiswyda, albeit in a different outfit. There were notes under each sketch which indicate that each was likely to be a leader of some sort. However, the captain of the crew had yet to be determined.

Crific did a doubletake as he noticed the board. 

"Now that is troublesome..." Haila muttered upon seeing the sketch resembling Aiswyda. 

G'lewra pressed a finger to her chin for a moment as she thought it over. "I believe since our company is under the orders of the Adder's I do believe we would need Captain Alarone to come collect our fellow member." Her ears flicked. "But if these pirates are stationed in Coerthas then we'll also have to worry about the Ishgardian Knights collecting her as well."

"The uncertainty of who may have to collect her could give us time to look deeper into this case. Because as it stands right now, a striking resemblance won't help us getting her out soon." Haila said. 

Crific frowned slightly. "We'd need to provide the actual pirate to prove Wyda's innocence, if I had to make a wager."

The guard snorted and wiped his nose roughly with the corner of his arm. “Hah! Let ‘er out. Yer jokin’, right?” He gave them all a smug smile. “Maelstrom’s got plans to hold on to this one, ‘til the rest of the bloody crew can be brought in.”

Nazyl nodded to Crific, then turned to the guard, "....There's othahs that ain't been caught yet?"

The guard nodded. “No dice. Damned pirates be actin’ weird, poppin’ up in all sorts of places. Unpredictable. An’ we can’t be spreadin’ our forces so thin. So this lass here be our best clue to findin’ the rest.” He shook his head slowly. “Now if we could just get a clue out of that bleedin’ straw hat. Some idea of where the scoundrels might strike next.”

Khora arched a brow.  Silver eyes settled on the guard for but a moment before shifting to the rest of his party.  "Did someone say..."  Excitement grew in his expression, a smile running wide as suddenly Khora drew his sword and raised it to the air.  "PIRATE HUNT?!"

Haila startled briefly, unsure of whether it had been Khora’s excitement at such a thing, or the fact that the miqo'te had just waved a sword in front of the guards like that. She sighed rather audibly, shaking her head in disapproval as she kept silent, praying that the small outburst didn't bring trouble in and of itself.

G'lewra reached into her back pocket and pulled out a small bag that was filled with biscuits. "Here darling, have a biscuit." She said while holding the bag out to Khora, hopefully to calm Khora down and to make sure the guard doesn't think the group was filled with idiots.

Khora's excitement settled as his attention was drawn to G'lewra, with ears falling flat over his head.  "What is...?"  The Seeker peered at Lewra as he sheathed his blade back into its scabbard.

She then strolled forward to speak with the guard, a calm smile curving her features to show she wasn't about to rip him a new one. "My dear, if possible, our company is under the order of the Twin Adders and we have a captain that keeps an eye on us. If it would be alright with your captain might it be alright for us to take this prisoner to help us hunt the rest down? That way your forces aren't spread so thin and our company can have one less worry when we do our trade."

Nazyl bit his lip. He felt it wouldn't be so easy, the Grand Companies rarely work together so well...the Frontlines were invented for settling disputes after all.

The guard pursed his lips. “Huh. Twin Adders?” He looked across the area, suspicious but interested. “I’ll bring this up, but no promises. The ‘igher ups are interested in ‘er, and me hands are tied. I don’t have that authority.”

“If you want though, I could let ye in to visit ‘er. Maybe you can get something outta ‘er now.” The guard shut his book. “It’s almost time for me shift to begin anyway.”

Crific glanced at G’lewra. She was far too optimistic towards the Grand Company's leniency--but at least they could visit. "We'd be much obliged." He nodded at the guard’s offer.

The Seeker’s eyes lit up as the guard offered them to let the group speak to Aiswyda. "If you don't mind, dear, we would appreciate it." Looking over to Khora, the head medic simply smiled at him. "Snacks, I've learned to keep some on me to keep the members going in tough situations."

"Oh I am far from a 'tough situation' there friend."  Khora’s ears rose once more to flicker over his head while a wide grin spread across his lips.  "I'm actually getting excited about this pirate hu-  Wait..."  The Seeker froze up, tension clear in his body as his eyes went wide.  "C-Coerthas...?"

Bloody. Frozen. Coerthas. 

The guard nodded, and got up with a big stretch. “Alright. Stay close now.”

He led the party down a narrow hallway, cells to the left and right of them. It was a cramped walkway that required everyone to walk in single file, and shoulders brush as oncoming jailers went on their patrols.

Some jail cells were occupied, others were not. Thick, iron bars separate the criminals and the law. A few rowdy individuals rushed up to the gates of their cells and reached out towards the party, calloused hands grasping for freedom. Such behavior was quickly halted by the jailers, but that didn’t stop the imprisoned from clapping back with insults and jibes.

After several turns and going through locked doors, the guard stopped. To the left, an empty cell. To the right, Aiswyda sat on a stool, facing away. She was looking out the small, reinforced window that lets in a thin trickle of light.

The guard rapped on the iron bars, and the Sea Wolf quickly turned. On seeing familiar faces, she lit up, and stumbled up to meet them. Her long hair, though matted, was still tied in a messy braid. She donned a cloth bandage around her eye. Bruises and small cuts could be spotted on her body.

"Evenin' sunshine. Prison rags hardleh suit ye." Nazyl greeted. 

Crific seemed unmoved by the state of the prison, bringing up the rear of the party as the guard led them through the winding passages. His scowl grew at the state of her, but he didn’t seem surprised.

“Nazyl! Everyone!” Aiswyda looked excited and relieved. “Aha, yeah. Jail isn’t exactly the place for expressing one’s creativity in fashion though.....”

"Oh dear.....who did this to you, sweetpea?" G'lewra had to stop herself from moving in to try and heal Aiswyda but with the current situation at hand she had to stay put.

“The...guards.” Aiswyda briefly glanced at the Yellow Jacket that was currently monitoring the prisoner visit. “I think.”

"Yer good fer toughin' it out though. We're here ta try n' set things right." Nazyl replied. 

Aiswyda was nearly in tears. She couldn’t seem to express herself at the moment, and so she simply gave Nazyl a hearty thumbs up. When she finally collected herself, she managed to reply, “It’s been rough. Not exactly thriving, but living.”

Crific glanced at G'lewra, biting back on a sigh as Aiswyda answered. He'd thought as much. "Expect it to get worse afore it gets better. There's more pirates in the crew they've mistaken you for a part of, and they want them, one way or another." He tried to keep his tone neutral, but there's a gruff displeasure in his voice.

“Ah yeah. Red Argos, I think?” Aiswyda visibly deflated at Crific’s statement. “ I swear, I don’t know the first thing about them. You all know I’ve spent most of my time with Heartwood, in the Shroud.”

"Oh Wyda.." Haila’s voice trailed off with worry over the roegadyn's state. "Do you think you can hold on just a little longer while we figure this whole mess out?"

Aiswyda was grateful for Haila’s concern. “I think so. But I won’t lie, it’s pretty...wild. In here.”

"Good news is, there seems ta be othahs out there that ain't been caught yet. I reckon if we can find 'em first, we could squeeze info outta 'em regardin' this othah woman who jsut so happens ta look like ye." Nazyl paused for a moment, blinking, "Ye don't happen ta have siblin's, do ye?"

“I don’t.....think so?” Aiswyda crossed her arms, a little sheepish. "You think I have an evil twin?"

"Not rulin' out the possibiliteh. The similaritehs between ye two -are- rathah uncanneh."

Crific raked a hand back through his hair, his stoic expression fracturing slightly as he turned away, silent for a long moment, though he had ears on the conversation.

“That’s what she said too......” Aiswyda scratched her head in thought. “Oh! I mean. There’s been someone who’s been visiting my jail cell often. She’s always asking me stuff like that.”

Nazyl canted his head some, "Someone...? Who? From that response, it sounds like she's seekin' the same as us..."

"Maelstrom officer, if I had to guess." Crific muttered.

"More than likely given how serious the Argos’s crimes are." Haila agreed. 

“Yeah, the Maelstrom and I have had a lot of. Talks.” She pauses. “But also, someone else. A lalafell who goes by the name of Momori. I think she works for someone who had something stolen by the pirates.”

Crific glanced back at Aiswyda. "Do you know where this Momori can be found? She may have more information on the pirates that we'd be able to put to use."

"Aye, she could make it easiah fer us ta hunt down the rest in hidin'." Nazyl added. 

“I don’t know where she is, for obvious reasons.” She motioned to the cell around her. “But given that she’s visited me several times, maybe she’s still in town? She’s a red haired lalafell, about yay tall.” Aiswyda crouched down and placed her hand on the ground, then raised it up somewhat. “Like Nazyl.”

Crific grunted at the description. It wasn't much, but it was probably enough, if she was staying in Aleport.

"Plains, or Dunes? Small detail, but it helps." Nazyl asked. 

“She’s visited about four times. Mostly to ask me about the pirates, or to update me on her own investigation status. She doesn’t...” Aiswyda abruptly stopped. Pursed her lips together, words failing her. “She doesn’t think it’s a coincidence, that I happen to look like one of the pirates. A hunch. I think it’s all baloney, but hey. Anything’s  possible I guess. She’s quite tan. Which, em, I don’t think is specific to either? OH. Her eyes are glassy. Dunesfolk! ....right?”

"That'd be Dunesfolk aye. Alright, that'll make it easeh ta track her." the lalafell nodded. 

The Yellow Jacket piped up. “Dunesfolk? Oh, aye. Right. That ones got ‘eavin pockets...Ye might find ‘er in the alehouses. Seen ‘er there many times.” He shook his head. “Haven’t ever seen a lalafell down so much drink. God forbid.”

"This lalafell sounds like a good lead. Should we head to the tavern and see what we can see?" Rolanda asked, looking to the rest of the group.

"Sounds like the best option for now while we try to figure everything out." Haila agreed. 

Aiswyda nodded. “Good luck. And thanks for visiting!” She tried to sound her usual, bright self, but it sounded a little hollow. The guard, sensing the party’s intent, pushed the group along towards the exit, as Aiswyda watched for as long as she could.

Crific lingered behind, turning to Aiswyda with an unreadable expression; he held up a finger to the guard ushering the others out and motioned that he'd follow in a moment. "Eat whatever they give you, regardless of what it is, you'll need your strength to heal. Keep all your wounds clear as you can, and out of the damp." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "We'll figure this out before long." He turned, then, without giving her a chance to reply, and hurried after the others.

The Aleport tavern was bustling with activity! Seamen, merchants, adventurers, farmers...they all came here to share a table. To play a hand of cards while guzzling ale. As such, it was incredibly loud inside the tavern. Orders were hollered above the noise, above the brawl that had broken out in the corner. All and all, a good time.

Nazyl wrinkled his nose at the smell of a Limsan bar--generally unpleasant, and the sheer amount of alcohol didn't help. He grimaced, scanning the area--a lively lot, but it wasn't hard to spot one out of place.

At one of the tables, a red haired lalafell was playing a game of poker with several others. Her hair was neatly tucked in a bun, and her attire reflected someone of a scholarly nature. She was out of place, surrounded by salty sailors and the like.

They were betting at the moment. The lalafell wordlessly slid in a hefty amount of gil, and as they went around, a few others dropped out. Three, including the lalafell, stay in. Cards were exposed. Sweat beads on a sailor’s forehead. The lalafell is unblinking. It was almost like she was wearing a mask.

The final turn came around, and it was down to two. But the pressure gets to the final player, who folds. The lalafell takes the pot without ever revealing her hand.

Rolanda motioned to the lalafell playing cards. "This looks like the one, eh?"

Nazyl wasted no time and approached the table.

The lalafell already had her eyes on Nazyl. She hopped off her stool and simply stared at the other lalafell. “Hello. What do you want.”

Khora leaned close to G'lewra, nearly hovering over her shoulder as he whispered.  "Think we'll get to see a Lalafell fight?"

"I would hope not, my dear, as I'm the only medic currently here and I'm not too sure these two would give up too easily." She whispered back.

Nazyl had to do a double take. He swore for a moment he was looking at a former employer, but smaller. The surprise was quickly wiped from his face, "Nazyl. I hear ye've been down ta the jails questionin' a good friend of ourse recentleh."

Crific hovered in the back, his shoulders sagging slightly. He seemed more distracted after leaving the gaol, somehow, though his expression was as hard to read as ever.

Momori stared at the group, expressionless. Stoic. There’s a long pause, and then finally. “Nazyl. You all must be from her company. She told me about all of you.” She raised a brow. “Are you here to speak business?"

Khora's hands rose to rest atop his head.  "As much I would like to say leisure...  Business it is."

"Straight ta the point, aye. We also think she was wrongfulleh imprisoned, n' will do what we need ta get her out, lawfulleh mind." Nazyl nodded, "I got the idea of huntin' down the crew o' Red Argos n' seein' if we could squeeze info outta them."

Momori tilted her head. “Our goal is one and the same then. To bring those pirates to justice.”

Nazyl nodded again, "So it is. Thought ye might be able ta help in that regard, ye seem ta have been on this case longah."

“Oh and I’m Momori. Nice to meet you all, the weather is great, have you tried the ale.” she said dryly. “Now that we have that out of the way, yes. I have been to visit your friend. While I don’t think she did it, I also don’t think she’s giving us the full picture. Nothing is quite as it seems.”

Momori snapped open a small, worn journal. “Pirates spotted in Coerthas. Targeting very, very particular ships. An interest in trafficking bodies. I dare say, we may have something fun on our hands.”

Crific grunted quietly at mention of 'fun'. Their definitions probably varied.

"What...ships? There's no large bodehs of water that way lest ye head towards Dravania. Unless..." Nazyl tapped his chin, "Airships?"

Momori drew her lips back slightly. “Before I can tell you more, I’d like to propose a deal. You want your friend freed and I want my client’s treasure recovered. We’re both chasing after the same pirates. Shall we work together?”

"That was the idea. What deal were ye proposin'?"

“I have some ideas of where Red Argos might strike next. What their goal is. But I’m just one lalafell.” She looked to the company. “That’s where you guys come in. To wherever the pirates strike, you can go and capture them. Collect their bounties if you care to. I’m only interested in the stolen artifact.”

Khora's ears flattened over his head with his posture slouching greatly.  "Gods...  Coerthas of all places?  I thought pirates preferred warm and sunny weather, not the freezing cold and snow..."

“I can also tell you a bit about what to expect. These aren’t your ordinary pirates, that’s for sure. Most would pawn off stolen goods as soon as a buyer is found, but these? They’re hanging on to what they get. It’s dangerous.”

Nazyl narrowed his eyes, "They sound like the type ta carreh tainted shite thinkin' they can control it. As if I alreadeh didn't have enough on me plate with Focalor..." He sighed, "Should mention I make me livin' as a Void huntah, so this ain't news ta me. I'm still baffled as ta why they set up shop in Coerthas of all places, but whatevah. It'll be their folleh when they're stripped n' freezin'."

“Of course they can’t control it. They’re pirates, not scholars.” She sighed, taking off her glasses and polishing each lens with her sleeve. “Anyway, we have a deal. Still compiling my research, but I’ll send word as soon as I’m certain where the pirates will strike next. Let’s stay in touch.”

The lalafell seemed very pleased by this outcome, and she gave each member a hearty handshake and a small bow. “I look forward to working with you all.”

"Mm. Ye'll probableh need ta contact one o' them, not me. I've got...business out in the sea." Nazyl replied. 

Crific shook hands reluctantly, looking not at all thrilled by the prospect of mysterious pirates and worse -- artifacts -- but he'd do his part.

It seemed there was nothing else to do except wait for Momori’s investigation to bear fruit.

[tonyglowheart]

"Spn Family".. "forever changed each other"... "free to write their own stories"... except I guess not huh

hrrmm I guess you could say they warned us...