#i want it to be kind of firey and the sun sort of big and intimidating

[burning-sol]

i REALLY wanna make an updated ref for the albatrio, but my last attempt at updating it didn't pan out because there's so many details to keep track of. here is a jay ferin 4 u while i try to figure this stuff out.

[ahsokadrabbles]

𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 [obi-wan kenobi x skywalker!reader

obi-wan and his padawan spend a day with the younglings. 

word count: 2k

warnings: teeth rotting fluff. enjoy! 

the soul purpose of this drabble is that it was soft for obi hours, but i think i’m going to turn this into a series so stay tuned! 

You had come to a crossroads in your training as a padawan. You were no longer a youngling, but still a student beneath your master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You were one of the eldest padawans which you never minded, you liked putting on the role of big sister, but it was hard to still be a padawan when in your head you felt much more grown. If it hadn't been for you older brother Anakin being the star of the show when the two of you arrived at the temple many years ago, maybe you would've been a Jedi Knight by now. You loved your brother dearly, but you had always lived in his shadow. His grand title of "Chosen One" loomed above you like dark cloud while he wore it on his head like a crown. It wasn't until three years ago that he outgrew his Master and earned a padawan of his own. It soon became your time to be Master Kenobi's student. Now, every day you woke up with the sun and trained, just as you had watched your big brother do when you were young. It was rewarding, but it soon became old news. You had begun to feel like a grown woman trying to sleep in her childhood bed. You had the mind of a Knight, but your skills just weren't there yet. If you were your brother, you'd throw a fit about not being good enough, but you were patient and devoted to learning. Your Master admired this trait in you. You and your brother were like night and day to him. Anakin was the sun, firey and opinionated, while you were the moon, quiet and wise beyond your years.

You awoke to your friend and your brother's padawan, Ahsoka Tano, shaking you awake. The younger Togruta hung above you in bed, her striped montrals and padawan beads brushing against your groggy face. "I'm awake, I'm awake" You laughed, sitting up in bed. Ahsoka plopped down at the foot of your bed, watching you with cat-like curiousity. "Are you going to get out of bed?" She asked. You stretched your arms up over your head and glanced at the flickering analog clock that sat on your nightstand. The time was nearly obscured by all the things you had crowded on the table. Copies of Jedi texts, spare saber parts, jewelry, and pictures of you and your friends and family. "I have a few minuets to spare." You shrugged, falling back against your sea of pillows with a quiet thud. "You weren't up all night fantasizing about your Master again were you?" The younger teased, which earned her a swat on the leg from you. "Ahsoka!" You gasped, now blushing furiously. She was the first person to catch onto your little crush on your master, and now she teased you relentlessly for it. "You know I'd never tell, I'm just playing with you." A tender look swam in her blue eyes, she always meant any word she said. Ahsoka was the most loyal friend you could ever ask for. "I was actually up all night studying." You replied, finally forcing yourself out of bed. "I wanted to make sure I had all my information straight for the presentation for the younglings today." You caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror as you walked past and wrinkled your nose. Your hair stuck up in ever single direction and your eyes remained puffy from sleep. Perhaps you had underestimated the amount of time you'd need to get ready this morning. "I'm sure you'll do just fine, you have me after all." Ahsoka sang, batting her eyes in your direction. "I just really need to prove myself. I'm getting old you know." You said as you retrieved a fresh pair of clothes from the closet. "You're only eighteen, Y/N." The togruta folded her legs beneath herself on the corner of your mattress. "Your starting to sound more and more like Master Kenobi every day. I think you're around him too much." You let out an airy chuckle as you changed out of your pajamas. "Yes, but Anakin was so much farther ahead of me when he was my age. I'm afraid Obi-Wan will start to lose faith in me." "Don't be silly, Y/N." Ahsoka sighed, now stood behind you. In the mirror before you two she could be seen, barely, considering she was a head shorter than you, with her hands placed tenderly on your shoulders. "Can I do your hair?" You watched the clock tick by as your friend separated out your strands of hair and twisted them into an intricate up-do. For someone with no hair, she was quite good at doing it. "Done with three minuets to spare. We better go find our masters."

The pair of you met your masters just in time as they appeared in the lift the moment you hit the button to summon it up. "There you are, Y/N." Master Kenobi said, Anakin stood smugly by his side. "You were almost late." Anakin added before Obi-Wan gave him a swift kick in the ankle. Your brother let out a hiss as you and his padawan enter into the now cramped lift. You were stood in front of your master, your back nearly press flush against his chest, and you could feel Ahsoka's knowing stare burning into the left side of your head. "Did you do something different with your hair?" Master Kenobi asked, his Couscanti drawl lingering in your chest and making your face burn red. "Ahsoka did it for me." You replied. The girl could be seen beaming from out of the corner of your eye as the doors of the lift slid open. Your quickly stepped out and filled your lungs with air, you could hardly breathe in there. "Would you relax?" Ahsoka laughed once the two of you got ahead of your masters. "Sorry," You stuttered, rubbing your hands up and down the length of your arms in attempt to rub away the goosebumps the mere sound of his voice had given you. "You are so head over heels." "Wrong way you two," You heard Anakin call out. You turned around on your heel to see that you had missed your turn toward the nursery. While you blushed with embarrassment Ahsoka dragged your frozen form down the right hallway. "He probably thinks I'm such a fool-" "Please for the love of Stars get out of your head." The togruta muttered as she set you down in front of the nursery door. "There you are," Master Kenobi said, poking his head out of the door. You let out a yelp, his appearance had caught you by surprise. "Are you feeling well, Y/N?" His blue eyes shifted towards Ahsoka with his brow furrowed in worry. "I just turned the wrong way coming here." You answered for yourself. "Silly girl," Obi-Wan sighed, ushering you and your friend into the dimly lit classroom. The children were sat in a circle, immersed in the blue glow of the hologram in the center of the room. A map of Coruscant and the planets that surrounded it flickered before their small and intrigued faces. "Master Kenobi!" One of the younglings babbled excitedly. Obi-Wan pressed his finger to his lips with a soft smile. "Listen carefully to Master Yoda, young one." "You're kind of a celebrity, aren't you?" Ahsoka teased, gently nudging Master Kenobi's shoulder. "Oh, he's always a big hit with the younglings." You quietly laughed. "Do you remember the other day at the library?" You asked your master. He smiled fondly at the memory and your heart fluttered at the way his eyes crinkled at the sides when he grinned "We were trying to find texts on the Coruscant system for today's lesson and some younglings also happened to be there learning how to use the data pads. Needless to say it ended in them all hanging onto Master Kenobi's cloak." Ahsoka and Anakin laughed while your master just shook his head and grinned. "Master Kenobi, would you like to introduce the padawans?" Master Yoda said, summoning Obi-Wan in front of the group of students. You admired him bathed in hologram stars and surrounded by planets. Just like you, they orbited around him. Without him there they'd be lost, he was their beacon, their guiding force.

You and Ahsoka's presentation on the Coruscant system was well received by the younglings. At the end of it you were bombarded with all sorts of questions and excited remarks. Now you were sat in a chair, not made for someone your size, watching the children intently color and label a map of the system they had just learned about. Your master soon pulled up a chair beside you, it looked even smaller beneath him. "Is something funny?" He playfully asked, watching as you snickered at the seat dwarfed under him. "Oh, nothing at all!" "Do you want a coloring page?" You teased, gesturing toward the stack in the middle of the table. "Not for me, but it seems Ahsoka and Anakin have already helped themselves." You looked across the room to see your brother and Ahsoka both hunched over a shared coloring page shading in all the various planets. "Does mine look alright, Master Kenobi?" One of the younglings, a small green Twi'Lek girl, asked. "It looks very nice! What do you think, Y/N?" Your master said. "That is lovely, Amida!" You gushed. "Everyone's looks so wonderful. I'm very proud of all of you."

Master Yoda had given you and Ahsoka free reign over his lesson so it was up to the two of you to plan all of the activities. Next was a game of what you had named Planet Tag. Each youngling was assigned a planet and if they were tagged by another student, they'd have to say a fact about that planet. There were two other extra planets left, so Ashoka and Anakin took it up to themselves to also play, but after a while they grew tired. "Want to switch out?" Anakin panted, slyly nudging Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Why don't Ahsoka and Y/N play?" He suggested, stroking his beard. "I'm beat, Master Kenobi." The togruta huffed. "Come on! It will be fun!" You said, tugging him towards the center of the room by his wrist. "I don't know, Padawan-" "Did you not listen to my presentation?" You gasped. "Do you not know your planets, Master Kenobi?" He sighed and stood up from his too small chair. "Well, now I must since you've challenged me." He said before teasingly narrowing his eyes at you. The two of you joined the children in their game and Obi-Wan kept getting tagged. He was tagged so many times that he started to run out of facts to say. "You've already said that one, Master Kenobi!" The younglings giggled. "Well then I guess the game is done." You announced, looking out at the small crowd of worn out children in front of you.

You ended the class by reading a story. All the younglings gathered in front of you on the carpet, all surrounding your Master who was sat in the center of them. It didn't take long until the younglings grew sleepy, some fell asleep with their heads in Obi-Wan's lap, other's leaned up against him while they snored softly. In the very back row even Anakin and Ahsoka could be seen nodding off, leaned up against each other's backs for support. "I think that's enough of that." You said, watching as Obi-Wan smiled fondly down at the youngling asleep in his lap. "Very good job, Y/N." Master Kenobi quietly congratulated as he stroked the head of the sleeping wookie in his lap. "Thank you, Master." You replied. After a long moment of quiet, Obi-Wan spoke again. "I remember when you and your brother were younglings." He said with a fond laugh. "You've grown up a lot since then. I'm very proud of you, Y/N." Yet again your master had you blushing, you were thankful that the lights of the classroom had since dimmed. "Get some rest, young one." "I can't fall asleep in here." You laughed with a shake of your head. Obi-Wan stealthily stood up and tip toed his way over the sleeping children curled up on the floor until he finally made his way to you and sat down on the floor again beside you. "Sleep," He repeated, patting his shoulder. You hesitantly rested your head against him, letting the warm smell of his skin and his robes lull you to sleep.

let me know if you’d like to be added to my obi taglist! also feel free to send in requests my ask box is open and in need of some lovin’. thanks for reading! <3

[bunsiebox]

A bit of afterstory with Heishiro and Tsuneko. Not written by me, written by a friend~

“Where are we going? We’ve been walking for so long…” Tsuneko let out an annoyed huff, looking out the window of the house as it lurched ahead. In response, she felt a clump of dirt hit her in the forehead.

“You should have stopped that.” A voice came from the roof. She let out a growl, climbing out of the window and grabbing the side of the roof, pulling herself up to where Heishiro lay, lazily taking in the sun.

“You didn’t answer my question!”

“And you’re not walking, the house is. We’re going to continue your training. You’ve been slacking.”

“… Huh? What, no I haven’t!” She’d done her routines, ate well, and-

“You haven’t slacked on your physical workouts, no. However, your magic is pathetic. Normally, you could excuse yourself by saying you have two sets of abilities so it’s slow work…” He opened an eye. “But considering that the other two we’re meeting, in addition to myself, all have the same, it’s no excuse. Besides, you’re going to be getting a new disciple.”

“…” She stared. “… D.. Disciple?”

“Mhm. Kitsune who can still use magic are incredibly rare. Those who bear the elements are literally four out of those existing elites… Yet you managed to find two, myself and Gentoka. Did that never tip you off that something may be afoot?” He sat up, stretching. “It’s not your fault for not realizing at the time… But really, after all this time? Hehe, it’s kind of pathetic.” He teased, much to her chagrin.

“… Then why, enlighten me.” She mocked. “I’d love to hear it…”

“Well, it’s simple. I was originally looking for Gentoka, to bring him to the Passing of the Flame… Literally, in this sense. You see,” He sat up, stretching. “Elementals, what I’ll call those who bear the four, cannot die of old age. As a result, they have to either be killed, forgotten, or pass on what they know. Gentoka took on a disguise and lived a quiet life as a test of sorts, damning himself because his pride. The powers are meant to keep balance, yet he seemed to believe it merely made him better than others. If you refuse to use your gifts, the gifts find someone who will. Honestly, you can even use them for good or evil… As long as they’re used. He made his play too late.”

… If he’d decided to do what he did sooner… Tsuneko’s brow furrowed.

“Hey, kit, relax. What matters is that nothing happened… Well, nothing world changing. So, let’s have some fun, ok?” He smiled. “We’re stopping by a village on the way, and we’re gonna buy some gifts for the other two!”

“… Huh? Why?”

“Well, it’s just to be kind… It’s been so long… And… They’re gonna be mad I didn’t let the element go naturally and gave it to you, so I want to ease up their anger a bit…?”

“… You can find the gifts yourself.” She turned her nose before climbing back down.

“Hey- Come on, don’t leave me! I don’t know what gifts women like!”

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

“You said I would have a disciple, what did you mean by that?” Tsuneko held the basket of goods Heishiro purchased as she sat next to him.

“Exactly what it sounds like. The new element does not know they’ve been chosen until it happens. There’s no fanfare or shouting, because that would lead people to try and train the perfect host. There’s no annual date or such… They just decide it’s time to pass on, and choose a worthy successor based on what they think.”

“… It sounds kind of sloppy.”

“It is.”

“… Then why do it like that?”

“If you have a better idea, I’d love to hear it.”

“…” … Fair.

“Besides, it’s not like there isn’t lots of deliberation. The Elemental is literally going to let their physical body die and become an Elemental spirit to linger in the spirit world. It’s not a decision to be made lightly.”

“… What do you mean physical body- Isn’t the spirit world death?”

“Hm… You all really have been ignorant. No, the body dies, then the spirit dies, then they go into the afterlife.”

“… Hm…” So confusing…

“Now, the reason they’re going to be your disciple is because you are technically their senior, and the youngest, relative to them. The soon-to-be former Fire is a nine tail, like Gentoka. The Water is an eight. I am a six. You are a three. You are, therefore, closest to them. They will be a one. That’s the one thing that’s always consistent, you must be a one tail. That’s another reason they might be upset, as you had three when you got your power. You’ll be the new Fire’s closest in age… But you’ll be continuing your training right alongside them to master your element, considering you can hardly use it. In addition, you’ll half to help them as a senior, survive our harsh training. Normally, there would be three teachers…”

He then poked her cheek.

“But thanks to someone, it will now be two teachers and a slightly more experienced student learning to be a teacher. There’s three things to worry about… Physical training, magical training, and elemental training. The last two are kind of the same thing, but well, we don’t know what power they’ll develop. All powers a Kitsune has are related to changing or using their body, like how a trickster can shapeshift.” He shrugged. “For example, my power, which I’ve dubbed Martyrdom, lets me use my life as energy. I got lucky, since my connection to the Earth is basically a massive energy source to keep myself from dying. It made my relatively minor power massive. You, though… Your power is what I’ve dubbed Heroism. The more confident you are, the better you can do. It doesn’t make you any stronger, but everything you do is just, well, better. In short, if you act like a master, you might be one… Just the power’s luck it got attached to a meek redneck- Ow!” He scooched over as she punched his arm. “Just a joke…” He huffed.

“Anyways, the point is, some powers like mine synergize well with their element. Some like yours have the potential to but don’t naturally sync. If they get a power that works too well, they could potentially hurt themselves or those around them by not knowing their limits.”

Tsuneko let herself nod. That all made sense… When he wasn’t being a jerk, he could show a relatively master-like side of himself show. Now only if he could let it stick.

“What about the other two?”

“Hm?” He glanced over.

“What are their powers…? Actually, no, just tell me about them in general, if you can.”

“… One of them is literally going to die really soon, are you sure you wanna waste- Ah, stop glaring, just a joke! Eesh… Ok, which first?”

“… Fire, then.”

“I see… Nishimura is an older woman, I’d say she was emotional, but really, it would be a nice way of saying anger issues. People say the elements and personalities sync up, and she helps that theory. It makes sense, though. Fire is destruction but gives life. Sort of like a trade, she is the one who lets forests burn so new life can grow. I guess it’d make anyone upset… A lot of the time, my father, and later myself, would get credit for things she would do, and she would be blamed as a murderer. They pray for warm summers when the warmth benefits them, and curse when it doesn’t… That’s the elements in general, though. A big canvas where those below them can only see a small corner. You can’t blame them, but I’m sure it doesn’t make it sting any less…” He waved his hand away, as if trying to brush it off.

“Anyways, where was I… Right, Nishimura. Firey but friendly, showing the warmth of her element. Her power is Camouflage. It sounds odd at first, and kind of useless, but when you can create a field of smoke and blend right in, it turns something mostly useless into something terrifying. Fire can be bright and flashy, but can be just as quiet and deadly, drawing your eyes to the flame while the smoke slips right in. Most people don’t die from burning, after all, they die from the smoke.” He seemed to ponder. “… She’s a pretty woman. Short and messy blonde hair, nice smile, golden eyes. A shame she’s so rude, I might have fell for her instead. What could have been- Ow, stop hitting me over jokes!” Nonetheless, he smirked.

“… She sounds nice. Still, she sounds young, why would she want to die?”

“… Well, we all have our reasons. Also, she sounds young. Looks young too… However, you don’t age unless you want to. As a matter of fact, I should be dead of old age. You’ll look exactly like you do right now, too, if you choose to.”

“… I will? How do I ‘choose’?”

“You just do, trust me. It’ll change naturally based on your heart. I say ‘control’, but it’s more of your body’s instinct, so don’t worry about waking up looking old or wanting to grow up but being stuck as you are forever. What happens, happens, and you’ll be okay with it. It’s why someone like Gentoka looked older than me, but only a bit, rather than us being skeletons. Make sense?”

“… I suppose, yeah.” … She’d take his word for it and hope she didn’t wake up like he said. “Oh- Water now, right?”

“Hm, oh, yeah, her. Sawaya. She’s a bit more of an oddball… Then against, most Waters are. Go with the flow, eye of the storm, yadda yadda… Silver hair, blue eyes… She used to be the second youngest, but thanks to recent and soon to occur events, will now be the oldest, and you’ll take her spot as second youngest. She’s friendly as well, but thanks to her power, is… strange.”

“… What’s her power?”

“I’m getting to that… She has Instinct. She just… does things that happen to work out in her favor. She’ll blow your candle out for seemingly no reason, then later during the night, your cat knocks over a decanter of oil right where your candle would have been. You wake up without even realizing she saved your life… Thing is, she doesn’t know what her actions will do, or which ones are from her power and which are just gut feelings, which means she isn’t just a good luck charm at all times. Ever have someone poison your food because they think it would help you, and all you get is the runs?” he huffed and shot a glare when she snickered. ”Yeah, yeah, it sounds funny, but don’t forget you’ll have to deal with her as much as I will from now on. Welcome to the club… Anyways, that’s about all that matters. You’ll form your own impression when you see her.”

“… Hm… Alright… What did you buy them anyway?”

“Yeah, nice try. I’m not gonna let you take credit for it.”

“Mn!”

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

They finally stopped at a small village, one that felt quite familiar to Tsuneko. It was much like her own, a tiny farming village just making due with what they had… Quite nostalgic.

“Alright, hop down.” The house settled and groaned before sitting back into the dirt as Heishiro hopped off, stretching. “And careful with that basket. If that stuff breaks you’re gonna put the pieces back together.”

“Hm… Tempting to break it and not tell you~” He hopped down, holding the basket as she did, hardly making a sound as she did. Still had to get used to bearing the Aspect of Air… Minor things like that still caught her off guard.

“Now, come on. They should be somewhere around here… Don’t worry about hiding your tails, either. Those two should have already made sure that they’re expecting us… Well, myself and Gentoka. You’ll be giving the gift because you’re a gift in and of yourself!”

“… Feels more like you’re tossing me to the wolves…”

“Partially.” He smiled.

“Hmph…” She could feel the eyes on her as she walked into the village. Right… She wasn’t just a farmer anymore… It gave her conflicted feelings. These weren’t allowed to linger, however, as Heishiro stopped in front of what looked like a small home.

“Alright, ready?”

“… I think so.” Heishiro nodded in response and opened the door up. The inside was humble, with the only inhabitants being two Kitsune, bearing resemblance to how Heishiro described the other two elementals, sitting across a table from one another as they spoke. However, their intrusion seemed to cut their conversation in the middle.

“Nishimura! Sawaya! It’s so good to see you!” Heishiro walked in, moving to hug them. They remained kneeling, looking right past him.

“… Who’s the kid?” Nishimura spoke up first… She sounded less like a sweetheart and more of a thug. “You were s’posed to bring Gentoka. And I doubt he’s in the basket.”

As she spoke, Sawaya quietly unraveled and put a nearby blanket under the table that separated the two, and a pillow on top.

“… Heh…” Heishiro scratched his cheek. “Want the bandage ripped of slowly or quickly?”

“Heishiro…” She growled.

“Hehe, quick, got it, Gentoka is gone and Tsuneko is the new air- Mng?!” He jumped as the table was smashed by Nishimura’s fist crashing onto it, Sawaya moving the pillow away afterwards and using the blanket to tie the shards into a nice bundle before setting it aside.

“Now, Tsuneko, why don’t you wait outside, uh, go look around!”

“Oh no you don’t, kid, st-“

“Have fun!” Heishiro then pushed her out the door, locking it behind. Tsuneko could already hear the screaming match behind the door…

She’d just… leave the basket by the door and go do what he said…

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

Apparently, the village had no name. They just… existed. Humble, helping one another, just getting by… Still, they lived a quiet and happy life, and were more than happy to share it with her. The place she currently resided was the unofficial town center, a large building once built for religious purposes long forgotten that now served as an area to gather. The hall had areas to cook, to play games, to craft, or merely chat. She was in the middle of being taught how to sew by a pair of young twins when she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders.

“You are… Tsuneko, right? It’s nice to meet you… my name is Sawaya…” The voice was smooth and soft, like a babbling brook. “I’m very thankful for the gift you purchased for myself and Nishimura. Heh, how did you know that I liked dresses?”

… Guess Heishiro covered for her in that aspect.

“Ah… Yes, I am, and… Lucky guess?” She offered, smiling as she turned. She was met with a pair of soft eyes and a smile to match shining back at her. “Uh… How’s the situation with Heishiro and-“

“Oh, don’t worry about those two, they’ll be fine… Besides, I came here to speak with you. If I wanted to talk about those two I would have stayed there. Girls,” She turned to the twins. “Would you mind if I took her away? I’ll make you both some nice dolls if you can let me have a moment of her time…”

The girls seemed excited at the prospect, nodding before running off, allowing Sawaya to pull her up and start leading her out of the building. So far, Tsuneko thought, she didn’t seem to be all that strange… But hopefully she wouldn’t end up jinxing herself by mentioning it. Soon enough they were alone on a hillside as she let Tsuneko’s hand go, sitting down. Tsuneko followed suit.

“So… Tell me about yourself, Tsuneko… If you really are the newest member of our Quartet, I believe that it is necessary to learn… Ah,” She hugged herself, smiling. “Two new elements so close together… It’s exciting…”

“… Right. Well, I like stories… I enjoy farming- Uhm, the harvesting part, not the planting. Gardening, swimming…”

“You like gardening, but not planting? Why is that?” More questions…

“Erm… I just… Don’t, heh… I guess I like to maintain what’s already there, rather than try to do something new… it’s complicated.” She gave a nervous giggle. Sawaya just smiled.

“And stories… What kind?”

“Oh… Uh… Anything interesting, really, but I do really enjoy folklore… I even write some… Although I guess writing folklore doesn’t make much sense, sense folklore are stories that are passed down…” She looked as if she was about to ramble before Sawaya let out a light laugh.

“I think it’s wonderful you have such a passion. Many enjoy stories, but it takes a special someone to make something worthy and beloved enough to start being passed on.”

“Ah… Thank you…” … Her face felt warm. “… Heishiro said you all would be mad, but you seem fairly calm.” Another light laugh.

“Oh, I’m very upset, honestly… At least, I was, before we had our chat. Now I think you might have what it takes to stick around… Besides, I realized on my way here, if you aren’t worthy then you’ll eventually just die, so it will all work out~”

… Yeah, she jinxed it.

“Hehe… Riiight… Uh, speaking of dying, should we head back? Nishimura seemed… really upset.”

“Oh, her? She’s a big softie, he’ll be fine… But we should head back, yes, before it gets late. Come, follow~” She stood, walking ahead.

… Let’s hope Nishimura wasn’t as bad.

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

To say things were tense was an understatement.

The four sat around a new table, with Nishimura and Heishiro sitting across from one another on one side, and Sawaya and Tsuneko on the other respectively. While it was meant to make them feel equal, right now, it felt more like Sawaya and Tsuneko were the mediators for what would be a bloody brawl. On the table, an empty tea cup sat in front of all of them, with the pot itself in the middle.

Heishiro looked nervous, trying to do anything but look at Nishimura, while she stared right where his eyes would be should he dare challenge her. Tsuneko had never seen him like this… But, then again, Nishimura was technically his elder.

Sawaya giggled, starting to pour them each tea.

“Let’s all relax, ok?” She offered. “Just because you’re going to move on to the spirit world soon doesn’t mean you’re allowed to leave a bad impression before you do…”

“Kh…” She turned her gaze towards Tsuneko. “… I was led to believe that we were to leave decisions to pass the Elements on to a group decision, or to let it naturally pass. Yet we have proof right here that apparently means nothing.”

Mn… It wasn’t even her fault and she was feeling guilt.

“I already told you, if we just waited for Gentoka to do what he wanted to, more damage would be done… It’s better to give the power to someone I know can be trusted-“

“It’s better to let it go and let it choose a suitable wielder.”

“Like you’re doing?”

Her eyes snapped back to Heishiro, who was doing his best to keep his eyes on her.

“… I apologize for being rash with my decision, but not for who I chose… I’m not a child any longer. Gentoka is gone, and you will be too. I’ll be the second oldest out of all of us.”

She looked as if she was about to counter, but Sawaya interrupted.

“He has a point… I’m now, technically, the second oldest as of right now… And when you’re gone, I’ll be oldest…” She smiled as she began to pour everyone tea. “I know as well as you that,” she halted halfway, taking out a small handkerchief and setting it next to Nishimura’s cup before going back to pouring, “if you have made this decision, you would be just like Heishiro right now, insisting it was right… We’re not perfect, or we wouldn’t be arguing about this. Gentoka was one of us, the eldest, yet he became corrupt. Our judgement is not always sound… Heishiro did what he thought was best at the time, you should give him credit for trying to do what he thought would impress you.”

“… Impress… huh?” The brash Kitsune seemed confused, as did Heishiro, who took the chance to sip his tea to try and hide the fact.

“Nishi… When Heishiro’s parents passed on, I seem to remember you insisting his father was a fool for passing his gift onto an emotional, meek child… And then you proceeded to become a new parental figure for him. You’d hardly let him leave your side, always making some excuse about his training not being finished yet… And when he finally left, how you cried-“

“Shaddup!” She barked, snapping her head over.

“… You cried?” Heishiro spoke up. He sounded so meek.

“… No, I didn’t cry…” Nishimura huffed, sipping from her tea as she kept her eyes averted from him. “I just… Had allergies, for a while.”

“Hehe, allergies, I see…” Sawaya hummed. “… And Heishiro, you should be more apologetic…”

“Huh? Me? Weren’t you just defending-“ He was interrupted.

“Yes, I was defending you. She was much too harsh… But you are just as immature. I swear, you’re both so thick skulled… She spent all of this time caring for you, yet you can hardly tell when she’s upset? How sad…” She sipped her own tea, but rather than bringing her lips to the cup, she just brought the liquid up, sipping it when it reached her lips. “She’s upset because she doesn’t want to let you grow up. She’s about to leave and entrust you with, in effect, the world. Sure, you all can still communicate through meditation… But her influence will be gone from this plane. She’s sending you out on your own all over again… Can you imagine how hard that must be on her?”

They were both quiet, before Nishimura sniffled, taking the handkerchief to wipe her face.

“… Damn you, Sawaya… Stop actin’ like the adult here, that’s my job…” She wiped her eyes, letting out a shaky sigh. “I just… I trust you… But it scares me… God, I’m scared to go. The moment I made my choice, I was wishin’ I could swallow my words back down and shut my mouth, but I don’t go back on my word… And… The world needs to change, I can’t let that happen if I keep my butt planted firmly in the dirt.” She blew into the cloth.

Heishiro didn’t seem to fare much better, making all manner of facial expressions to keep tears from flowing.

“… I know, and… I’m really sorry. You did a great job as a parent, I dunno how I became such a brat…” That earned a weak smile from Nishimura.

“That part’s on your parents. They gave me crap, I just had to work with it.” Heishiro let himself grin in response.

“I wouldn’t speak too bad about them… You’re about to go see them… That, and Gentoka too.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna have some choice words for all of ‘em. They best be workin’ together if they wanna stop my rampage.” She laughed, wiping her eyes one more time, before she turned to Tsuneko.

“… Tsuneko, right?” Tsuneko just nodded.

“Ah, yes… I mean, yes ma’am-“

“Ah, shaddup, or I’ll punch you. Don’t call me ma’am, I’ll feel old… well, older. Guess this is a pretty garbage first impression. Can you meditate?”

“… Not like Heishiro, no.”

“Ah, a shame, then that means this is gonna be a pretty terrible first impression. Heishiro, get on training her, I need to make it up to her. I don’t recall giving you permission to slack off.”

“If you could, you’d force me to work until I learned to train in my sleep…” He muttered.

“… Heh, that’s a good idea, I should have done that sooner.”

“Mn!” She just laughed again, Sawaya letting herself giggle, with Heishiro eventually laughing as well. Soon enough, Tsuneko found even herself laughing… It felt like she was with family, in a way…

“Now… Let’s try to enjoy tonight, eh? We can do this again when the two new kits learn how to do things the way we old folks do. You hear that, kit?” Sawaya looked over at Tsuneko. “I’m gonna have you spar with me when you learn to meditate good and proper and whoop your butt like I whooped this runt’s.” She nodded to Heishiro, before perking up. “Ah, right, I almost forgot that gift you got for us. Did Hei tell you I like food or somethin’? Cause you’d be right!”

She grabbed the basket from nearby, pouring the contents onto the table. Various sweets and bottles of alcohol.

“I’ve already got the villagers ready to bring us food until we pop, so consider this the appetizer! Eat up, you filth!”

… Hehe… Well, an odd family… But one she could feel happy with.

TO BE CONTINUED…?

[lostdarkdragon]

This is a dream I had of meeting Loki's children.

The Dream

He entered the room and my breath caught in my throat. He was positively stunning. I mean he always is, and it takes my breath away every time.

He wore soft leather pants with matching boots that laced up to the knee. His tunic had strange but colorful designs, and his vest matched his pants and boots, a soft brown leather.

A pair of firey braids framed his delicately angular, beautiful face. The rest of his long, flame red hair hung in loose waves down past his shoulders, to the middle of his back. Emerald green eyes flashed with mischief as he looked down at me, him being fully a head taller than me. He leaned his 6’6”slender body against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest.

Then he smiled that charming, disarming, lopsided smile, pushed off the doorframe with his foot and held out a long, slender hand to me. “Come with me, my pet. I want you to meet someone.”

I took his hand, and he pulled me to him in a hug, my face about the level of his chest. He smelled of the sort of smoke that makes you hungry for BBQ, and the kind of incense that makes you long for far away places. He kissed my hair and the world swirled rainbow colors around us. Suddenly we were in a large forest clearing on a hill. A very large clearing. On a very large hill.

He released me and stepped back, allowing me to see who else was in the clearing, and my jaw dropped. Two little boys running positively rampant, chasing one another and tackling each other, rolling down the hill and running back up. A young lady, probably in her teens but too far away to make out clearly, sitting under a tree thumbing through a book. A magnificent stallion standing at the peak of the hill a few yards away, snorting and slapping the ground with his front hooves. An enormous emerald green serpent draped around the hill, sunning himself lazily. And a gigantic black wolf lying in the sun cleaning himself.

Loki spread his arms wide and slowly spin in a circle, taking in all the occupants of the clearing. “Come, my pet, and met my children." He started walking, but didn't get very far before the boys ran to him, the smaller of the two leaping into his arms. He caught the child effortlessly, pressing their foreheads together as the taller one wrapped himself around his side.

He turned to me with both boys hanging off him. He shifted the little one to his left hip and ruffled his hair. “This is Narfi" he said, then ruffled the hair of the other “and this is Vali. Boys, say hi to Deanna, one of my Midgard companions.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you both.” I said. He kissed Narfi's hair and set him down, where both boys immediately ran to me and wrapped me in hugs from both sides. I returned the hugs, patting them gently in their backs before they released me.

“Go back to your games now,”he spoke softly to them, “I need to introduce her to your sister and brothers now.” And just like that they chased one another again. As we walked down toward the tree like, he spoke to me. “I need to explain. My children, it was their idea to meet you. They've chosen forms that they hope won't be too overwhelming, while still revealing who they are and all that it entails.”

As we approached the reading girl, I noticed her hair was different shades on either side; one side jet black, the other a soft auburn. Loki called to her. “Hel, I have someone here to meet you.” She closed her book, tucking it into a pocket of her small black bag, which she then draped over her shoulder. As she stood, she smoothed down her lacy black, knee- length dress. Looking on her face, she put me in mind of a chimera cat, with a perfectly defined line down the center where the very different halves met. He right side, pale delicate beauty and high cheek bones with an emerald eye, just like her father. Her left side more skeletal, darker, sunken, yet no less beautiful. Her left eye pale and glazed over.

“Hel, meet Deanna.” Loki said softly.

As she extended her right hand to me, she stared into my eyes, her gaze seeming to penetrate straight into my soul. “A pleasure.” She said succinctly.

“Likewise.” I replied, going quiet with nerves. I started to let go, but she gripped my hand harder, placing her skeletal left hand on top of mine, gently but firmly holding my hand between hers.

“You need to face your insecurities. They're holding you back. Face your darkness, to find the light.” She said, and finally released my hand. I could see it trembling as Loki put his arms around me from behind, his embrace calming and soothing.

“She can be quite intense,” he whispered in my ear as Hel settled back under the tree with her book, “But her advice is sound.” He released me, letting one hand trail over my shoulder as he moved to face me. “Better now?” he asked, his emerald eyes staring into mine.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. Hel’s words were still running through my mind as we climbed back up the hill. Well, partway up the hill. We paused before the head of the enormous serpent with the emerald scales. His head was nearly as tall as I, very dragonlike in appearance with spikes leading from the temples partway down to his neck. He was magnificent. He was also sleeping deeply in the sunlight.

“Jormungander” Loki called, but the serpent barely twitched. Loki rolled his eyes and tapped his huge cheek. “Jormy!” he called out louder, and those huge eyes opened. “this is Deanna" he said to his son.

“It's an honor to meet you.” I said, looking into those huge golden eyes.

His tongue flicked out mere inches from me, taking in my taste/ scent. *Finally.* said his voice in my head. *Good to see you*he said, and ever so gently nudged me with his tail. I touched it, his scales warm from lying in the sun all day. He seemed to enjoy this.

“Come, “ Loki said, taking my hand and pulling me up the hill to where Sleipnir stood. He saw us coming and jumped, kicking his rear legs into the air. His gorgeous mane and tail, which bounced and flowed as he jumped, were a much darker gray than the rest of his coat. Before we could get close, he reared up on his hind legs, showing off his four forelegs in the air.

Once he was on all fours again Loki approached and stroked his cheek. “Come and meet my companion, Sleipnir.” He said, softly to his child. Sleipnir trotted right up to me, sticking his nose right in my hair and snuffling against my neck, making me giggle. “He's not big on words, but I think he likes you.” Loki said. I stroked him between the eyes once he backed off a little, until loki took me by the hand again.

“Last but most definitely not least, Fenrir.” Loki said.

At his name, the big wolf's ears swiveled toward us and he woke from his nap. He stood and stretched, yawning. I marveled at how wide those huge jaws went mid-yawn, and how long and sharp and very white those teeth were. He shook himself off, starting at the head and rippling the shake through his body. Then he ran to us, and I could feel the earth shake with each bound. He stopped, massive paws out straight, muzzle to the ground directly before me. .

His eyes were bright and red, his gaze as penetrating as his sister’s had been. “Fenny,” his father said, “this is my companion, Deanna.”.

Before I could say a word, he stood up, towering over me, every bit of ten feet tall at the shoulder. Pretty soon, his cold wet nose pressed up against me and he sniffed intently up and down. He formed his head and sneezed, then licked my face. Like my entire face. And then his voice came as a rough growl, “Let's play.”

Loki materialized a large ball, roughly the size of a beach ball but more like a soccer ball in texture. We took it in turns kicking the ball down the hill for Fenrir to chase and return.

After awhile Fenrir parked himself in front of me. “Scratch behind my ears. “ He said, lowering his head to the ground for me. I obliged as I could, walking back and forth to get both sides. Then he rolled onto his back. “Belly rubs!” he said, and Loki and I got on either side to oblige.

Eventually he settled down and lay on his side, with Loki and I sitting with our backs against his. He spoke softly to me before drifting off for a nap. “Should you ever need me, you have only to call on me, and I'll be there.” I too drifted off to the sound of the great wolf's even breathing, resting against his fur and Loki's shoulder.

[beastsoulsauthor-blog]

Beast Souls Volume 2

Beast Souls Vol. 2

By Aaron McCoy

2/26/2015

(Scene: We start with Blaze looking over the sheet. As he hears a rush of feathers he steps outside excited. Stepping outside he finds Argyl arriving with a young blonde boy about 4’11 feet tall. The boy has a bowl-type cut with rough bangs. The boy has a “scraggly scholar” look, a white dress shirt with brown vest (both wrinkly) along with a loosened tie. Think old style London prep school. With khaki shorts and slip on loafers.)

Blaze: “Is THAT him!?”

Argyl: “Yes, may I introduce to you, the young master Eugene.”

Eugene: “How do you do? It is good to meet you.”

(Scene: Holding out his hand for a handshake, Blaze kind of ignoring it)

Blaze: “You’re shorter than I thought you’d be! Argyl, you SURE this the same guy from the sheet? The sheet said this guy was a “Combat Specialist”.”

(Scene: Pulling his hand back Eugene shrugs and states)

Eugene: “You’re more brash, and vulgar than I thought a LEADER would be.”

Argyl: “Easy you two. Yes, Blaze, he is a combat specialist. No one is better at disposing of threats in an effective manor with minimal effort and damage to surrounding area. He’s also a master strategist.”

Blaze: “Strategy doesn’t mean SQUAT in the heat of the moment. Instincts will get you farther in a fight than some lame chess-like moves!”

Eugene: “Excuse me? You do realize I’ve caught twice as many rouge souls as you, and with HALF the collateral damage. Do you realize how much work you create for the society when you go burning buildings and trees to the ground!?”

Blaze: “Yeah, SO!? What’s a few trees and buildings when it comes to the safety of the world?”

(Scene: As they are replying and forth they get closer and closer until they are nose-to-nose)

Eugene: “Sure, burn down someone’s home or business just to catch an AMATEUR user. Cause THAT’s necessary!”

Blaze: “IT IS WHEN I FIGHT PIP SQUEEK!”

Eugene: “EXCUSE ME YOU FIREY FRAT BOY!?”

Argyl: “ENOUGH!”

(Scene: As Argyl yells the two immediately stop and turn toward him hands by their side.)

Argyl: “You guys will HAVE to get along. If you are going be Proud Souls, then this is who you must work with. If you guys can’t manage to get along then the whole thing will be called off and you BOTH can go back to hunting amateurs for the rest of your lives! Do you WANT that!?”

Blaze and Eugene: “No Sir!”

Argyl: “Good. Then try to understand each of you has different strengths. These strengths complement one another. You’ll find this in time. For now, get along for your own sake. I will be bringing you your first order in a couple hours. Feel free to explore your new home and get settled in.”

Blaze: “Alright, I guess its fine, just try not to slow me down in the field ok Eugene?”

Eugene: “and YOU try not to BURN the field.”

(Scene: As Argyl disappears the two head into the house to sort out their bags and explore their new home. The following scenes show the two heading through the house and finding the same exact room they want in a comical fashion. At the last moment both realize they are setting up a bed in the same exact room)

Blaze: “What do you think YOURE doing!?”

Eugene: “Obviously I’m setting up my living space.”

Blaze: “Oh, no no no! Out this is my room!”

Eugene: “What!? No! This is the most tactical room! It is the first room on the first floor facing the entrance lot. A perfect view should we ever be attacked”

Blaze: “I don’t care about that, but the sun will come through the windows at JUST the right time of day.”

Eugene: “Good if we ever are attacked you can just stare into the sun”

Blaze: “and what’s THAT supposed to mean lab rat!?”

Eugene: “That you’d function better as a blind mascot than the leader! You Hot-head Punk!”

Ember: “Remember Blaze, Argyl told us we have to get along if we want to KEEP this position.”

Scene: (Blaze Takes a sigh and starts to continue to make his bed.)

Blaze: *SIGH* “Fine! Just keep your stuff over there.”

Eugene: “Gladly. After all it can be beneficial for the leaders of a unit to share a room.”

Blaze: “Yeah, sure…. whatever.”

Scene: (After a couple hours, while sitting in the kitchen the two hear the familiar flapping of Argyl arriving. He comes in the door before they can stand)

Argyl: “No need to stand. I can debrief you here.”

Scene: (Blaze and Eugene sit back in their chairs after glancing at one another.)

Argyl: “Your first mission will be in the far north. In the American State of Alaska. It appears something troubling is occurring with the magnetic fields which cause the Aurora Borealis. Lately scientist in the area say the lights have been dimmer, unpredictable, and one night they didn’t even show up at all. As you know this most likely indicates a Rouge Soul in the area. We believe he’s somehow using his powers, whatever they may be, to affect the magnetic fields in the area. We need you two to go investigate, find the reason, and if it’s a rouge soul……capture them.”

Eugene: “Hmmm……interesting, to affect such a grand scale astronomical magnetic field they are either a very special, or very powerful user.”

Blaze: “Good. I finally have an excuse to use my big guns!”

Eugene: "That's just the mindset that will get us in trouble!"

Argyl: "Regardless you should BOTH get going. I have feathers that will take you there now."

(Scene: Argyl shoots feathers forward as they touch Blaze and Eugene, the two explode into a burst of feathers)

(Scene: Reappearing now in a land of ice and snow. Alaska a barren coordinate with an outline of a science station in the distance.)

Eugene: "Holy hell! It's freezing! Brain, Jacket." Stuttering*

(Scene: The Brain appears floating just above them. A strange stereo-typical UFO shaped object, with a large-headed green man as its pilot. Underneath the UFO shaped object, a cone of light appears. Within that light; cloths and jackets start being threaded together as if by the light itself.)

Blaze: "Meh, I guess it is a little nippy?"

Eugene: "At least put cloths on to TRY and blend in!"

Blaze: "Alright, alright, I will."

(Scene: The cloths drop to the ground as Brain disappears. Blaze and Eugene begin picking up the clothing.)

Blaze: "WAIT! How did you do that!?"

Eugene: "What summon cloths?"

Blaze: "Yeah, PLEASE tell me you do more than that?"

Eugene: "OF COURSE I DO YOU IMBECILE! That was just one of Brains functions, Brain is my beast soul."

Blaze: "Oh yeah, what else can it do?"

(Scene: Blaze starts a floating fire keeping them warm as they quickly change, and Eugene explains.)

Eugene: “Brain can answer any logical question within reason. He uses my soul as direct energy “fuel” for the questions answer. The harder the question, the more of my soul’s energy is needed to answer. So, things like asking about the future, or questions concerning death and love are too strenuous. He can also manifest “inventions” if I can contemplate their creation in an adequate logistical manner. Essentially, he can make technology from about some 50 to 80 years in the future.”

Blaze: “Most of that kind of went over my head, but you’re saying he answers questions and spawns techno-marvels?”

Eugene: “Essentially, yes.”

Blaze: “That may actually be useful!”

Eugene: “And here I was just waiting on your approval of my usefulness.”

(Scene: As they finish with their conversation and wardrobe change they notice a set of concrete squares in the distance, some with large satellite dishes perched on top.)

Eugene: “That must be an arctic research facility lets go get more info on these strange events.”

(Scene: They approach the plain looking scientific buildings, as they approach the largest Eugene has a surprised look across his face.)

Eugene: “I almost forgot! Our paperwork!”

Blaze: “Paperwork?”

Eugene: “Of course! Why would these government scientists feel the need to answer two random strangers’ questions, furthermore how would we explain getting out here in the first place? We need a cover. I have just the thing, Brain two government ID’s please.”

(Scene: The Brain appears again above them spawning ID badges just the same as he did with the cloths before. The two don their badges.)

Blaze: “Says here we are “Fund Coordinators”?”

Eugene: “Indeed, nothing scares scientists into talking more than thinking they’re going to lose their funding.”

Blaze: “I see, so are we ready to knock NOW?”

Eugene: “Yes, but please, let me do most of the talking.”

(Scene: Scowling at this Blaze allows Eugene to rap the door. As it opens a pudgy man with disheveled black hair, clean shaven, and a lab coat opens the door. His name tag read “Dr. Belliam”. As he spots the two and sees their badges he frowns.)

Dr. Belliam: “What is the meaning of this, we were not supposed to be reviewed for another six months, and you guys never come out personally. Couldn’t you have called?”

Eugene: “I regret to say that a phone call would not suffice. We’ve been hearing about the strange reports of the lights not behaving like normal. We want to make sure this isn’t affecting our investments negatively.”

Dr. Belliam: “I see…Well we have been having, disturbances. Nothing yet, has disturbed our research. Come in and I will give you the details.”

Eugene: “Thank you sir.”

(Scene: The two follow the pudgy man down corridors till they reach his office. As they enter he motions them to sit and offers them hot coffee.)

Dr. Belliam: “A little something to warm you up. No one gets used to this level of cold I promise you that.”

(Scene: The two accept and begin sipping as the doctor goes into explaining.)

Dr. Belliam: “About two weeks ago our reading of the magnetic interplays of the Earth, the Sun, and the lights began showing what we call, regular irregularities. The magnetics are usually predictable down to a T, based on solar flare activity. Yet, every night around 3am, the readings above the frozen lake to the north go haywire. They spike sometimes, other times they disappear completely. The exactly location changes nightly. Also, it’s incredibly dark out there. Catching whatever is causing this anomaly is becoming impossible. We have been thinking of setting up cameras.”

Eugene: “I see, cameras would be an un-needed expense, I believe my partner and I’s government training will suffice. We will go out on the frozen lake tonight and locate where the strange readings are coming from.”

Dr. Belliam: “Are you sure? This could be dangerous we don’t know what’s causing it. Magnetic fields of that strength can be dangerous!”

Eugene: “As I said my partner and I can handle it.”

Dr. Belliam: “Well, who am I to argue with the government. You’re welcome as guests till tonight.”

Eugene: “We thank you for the hospitality. Is there a private room which my partner and I can discuss tonight’s operation?”

Dr. Belliam: “Certainly, I’ll show you two to your guest bunk.”

(Scene: The three head down more corridors until they come to a small room with two twin size beds, two bedside tables, two desks, and two couches.)

Dr. Belliam: “A bit modest, but I hope it serves.”

Eugene: “This will be fine, thank you.”

Dr. Belliam: “If you sort all this mess out I’ll be the one thanking you two!”

Eugene: “We can hope.”

(Scene: With a smile at the doctor Eugene begins to close the door as Belliam walks away. Once Eugene is sure he is far enough down the hall he turns to Blaze.)

Eugene: "Good we could convince him to let us handle it, even better he had not already set up cameras."

Blaze: "Yeah, I doubt normal people last very long against Soul users."

Eugene: "Yes, and the Society clean-up crew are sometimes not so clean."

Blaze: "Very true. What do we do until 1am?"

Eugene: "He did say we were guests. Perhaps we are entitled to a meal?"

Blaze: "Yeah! Now we're talking. Hard to get anything done on an empty stomach."

Eugene: "For once we both agree."

(Scene: Eugene uses the intercom system to request meals. Shortly after a rap on the door signals the arrival of food. After eating in silence awhile they speak.)

Blaze: "So, I've been thinking. Since I'm the leader of this unit, and you're my co-captain, we should know more about each other, right?"

Eugene: "I suppose. More info is hardly, if ever, a bad thing. What would you like to know?"

Blaze: "Your Beast Soul, it’s one of the most unique I've seen. Even its powers are strange. So, I'm curious, how did you come by your powers?"

Eugene: "It's not a pleasant story, though I'm sure most Beast Soul births aren't. I suppose I can tell you if you really wish to know.

Blaze: "Honestly, yes, I do. I've never had the chance to openly talk to another Beast Soul user casually."

Eugene: "Hmmm. A sentiment I can relate with. Alright, I'll tell you the story of how Brain came into being. It starts in the days of my early childhood."

(Scene: As Eugene Narrates we see images of the things he talks about, the bullies, the fancy boarding school, the birth of brain.)

Eugene Narrating: I grew up in a rich family. Naturally they shipped me off to boarding school in Welsh-lands as soon as possible. At this school the dumb kids were praised for their rugby ability and the smart kids were praised for their grades. While I've always been hyper intelligent, my ability to communicate this at the time was less than sub-par. Causing many problems for me. Both with grades, and with bullies. After years of being called "stupid" by cruel kids on both sides, I was broken. I didn't understand how everyone could consider me stupid. Then one day the bullies got particularly cruel. They started beating me, making fun of the way I talked, the observations in class I had made. As I struggled against them I remember thinking "This is how I die". I deeply wished that my mental strength somehow translated to real strength. That wish crystalized; hardened into something real using my fear of death as catalyst. Thus, Brain came into being. When he appeared in a flash of lights the bullies dispersed running confused away from my battered body.

(Scene: Back in the room now food and plates being stacked and collected.)

Eugene: "After that they avoided me. I couldn't help but use Brain for some harmless pranks against them. That's when Argyl first appeared with my warning from the Society."

Blaze: "I see. Thank you for sharing. I understand why Brain is what he is."

(Scene: A rap at the door signals food clean up. Afterwards Blaze and Eugene lay in their respective beds.)

Eugene: "So, what about you, how did your powers surface?"

Blaze: "Well, since you shared, I will too."

(Scene: A couple panels showing time passes and Blaze retelling his story from volume 1. After the story is over we see them getting comfortable again.)

Eugene: "Interesting. I believe our powers were highly reflective of circumstance and innate nature of character. I wonder if this is the case for most users."

Blaze: "I don't know. This is the most talking I've done to anyone NOT Ember in years. I'm exhausted."

Eugene: "That's understandable. We should rest before tonight anyways. Shall we take a nap?"

Blaze: "Sounds good to me!"

(Scene: At this comment they both get comfortable and shut off the lights. Eugene is sure to set the alarm for 12am. At 12am they are awakened by the alarm. They get dressed and prepare for the long cold walk to the frozen lake. As they leave they are stopped at the front door by the doctor.)

Dr. Belliam: "You guys going out to the lake? Here's a map to it so you don't lose your way. Please be careful, and let us know what you find."

Eugene: "Indeed we shall. Thank you."

(Scene: They grab the map and head into the cold night.)

(Scene: Being led by clues on the map, the two find themselves and a giant frozen lake where, in the distance, a strange man stands with arms and hands outstretched. At the end of those hands, black foggy orbs float ominously, seemingly affecting the northern lights above.) Blaze: "It seems the society was right, that's got to be a Beast Soul user!" Eugene: "Yes, those orbs, they must be linked to his power." Blaze: "We have the drop on him, this will be easy" (Scene: Before Eugene can argue, Blaze forms a Fire-Gun Finger shot and lets loose charging from cover. The man turns; stern stone-like features, blonde hair, and tall broad build. From head to toe dressed in an immaculate white suit with black accents and bright red tie. He raises a black orb to the flame, and it's absorbed completely) Blaze: "Neat! But there's more where that came from." (Scene: Charging forward Blaze begins bending Ember's flames to his will. The stoic figure and Blaze dance in a interplay of flames being absorbed by black fog-like orbs.) Stoic Figure: "Imbecile!" (Scene: The figure raises his right hand as a more solid black orb forms, as he does Blaze is sucked forward toward him violently) Blaze: "Waugh!" (Scene: Blaze flies through the air at high velocity toward the man,  as the his broad figure pivots and slams Blaze's gut with a resounding bone-crushing punch.) Blaze: "Ugh" *coughing blood; passes out* (Scene: As Eugene curses, he stand from behind cover.) Eugene: "I've got it! Brain, Rad-Wave Pistol!" (Scene: Brain spawns beneath him in his regular fashion a small ray gun device. He turns toward the man standing over Blaze.") Eugene: "So you think you're strong because you pick on people smaller than you!? You think that’s what strength is? Try me." (Scene: Saying this he fires the gun, as a solid green bolt flies toward the man, he raises his hand and orb in defense but upon absorbing it there is an explosion) Mysterious figure: "Argh!" (Scene: As the smoke clears a purple glowing scar is shown across the man's right arm) Mysterious figure: (strong German accent) "Damn you both! You will regret this." (Scene: As the man says this he uses both hands creating an orb around himself. As it shrinks he disappears with it. Eugene turns to Blaze, frowning he finds the feather. Pressing it to his head the scene changes to a hospital. In a plain hospital suite Blaze lays asleep with Eugene at his side. Blaze slowly wakes.) Blaze: "Where, where am I?" Eugene: "In the hospital they have on this research base." Blaze: "What happened to the Rouge Soul?" Eugene: "I hurt him badly, but he escaped." Blaze: "Damnit, I wasn't strong enough!" Eugene: "Strength had nothing to do with it, you still don't see do you? He controlled gravity. His orbs sucked the oxygen out of your flames! That is WHY they were useless." Blaze: "...Then how did you defeat him." Eugene: "As soon as I realized what his power was, I knew what could stop him. An unstable particle under insanely high pressure becomes an atom bomb, so I fired a radioactive particle into his black orb." Blaze: "You defeated him in one shot..." (Scene: After this profound statement, Eugene nods softly as Blaze turns to look out the window. A long silence passes between them.) Blaze: "I'm sorry. I realize why you were made my co-captain. How you show your strength is different, but I respect it." Eugene: "No need for apologies. I thank you for the compliment. I admire your physical raw power as well. Between the two of us...there is nothing we cannot do." (Scene: Hearing this Blaze smiles, nods his head.) Blaze: "Thanks for saving my life, and next time we won't let our mark get away. Teamwork first from now on." (Scene: Saying this Blaze outstretches his hand) Eugene: "Teamwork first" (Scene: Eugene shakes firmly as the issue closes with a shot of them determinedly staring at one another smiling.)

[franeridart]

I wanted to doodle for every and each of these asks but lately my hands won’t cooperate and I’ve left them to collect dust long enough, I think (sorry about that)

More things about Beth include

she knows how to play a bunch of instruments, but her fave is the bass

she’s short but got a type of presence to herself that makes her look ten feet tall always

she’s the one person Chris looks up to the most

she cuts and dyes her own hair

back when these kids still had a story she was a focal point in Chris’s plot and, subsequently, in Josh’s too. I don’t know how much I’ll keep of that side of it all, so I can’t say much about it, but she goes through some shit and comes out of it, if not better, definitely stronger and more in control of herself

she a swordsman! ties with the original story’s plot a lot, and since I’m gonna mention something about it later I decided to give you this small info about my girl too

she’s always eating gum

always

she’s got a best friend with a knack for falling in love all over the place and recounting her daydreams to Beth at any given moment - she’s probably the reason why Beth just does. Not. Care. about romance. 

she’s the supportive kind of friend and sister, though

Anon said: which one (of your ocs) would you die for?

Anon you can’t ask a mother which of her children is her favourite! I’d die for all of them in an heartbeat

@your-death-date said: Please never shut up about your ocs T^T I love them already. Just out of curiosity what is the world they live in like? Is it like just the "normal" world or is it some alternative universe? Is there any specific reason why Josh and Leo train or is it just because they enjoy it? You don't have to feel pressured to answer this I just love hearing (from you) about your ocs ^^

Okay, so, at the moment the kids are, like, Schrödinger’s characters, at the same time part of every universe and none at all, because I ripped them off the original story they were born for and still haven’t gotten around to plotting something new

So we want them to be normal college students, we can have that! We want them to be the new team voltron? we can do that too! They’re at the same time elves and hobbits and just a bunch of teens trying to get by, explorers of every galaxy and mythological creatures, maybe Leo can actually be a ferret, whatever, everything’s valid atm - which is very freeing for me and it’s making me give them a lot of traits and trivia that in the end will be irrelevant, but it’s incredibly enjoyable nonetheless.

Of course, that means that as of now they have no actual age, nor race, nor anything that would set them in a definite universe in a set time, but I’ll get to that next ask

As for why Leo and Josh train, that comes from the original story, in which they were soldiers of a sort. Leo used to be a really good close range fighter, which turned into him being really good with throwin kicks and punches as a general character trait, and Josh used to be generally good in everything since his actual focus was magic, which turned into him being an all around athlete as a general character trait, and being kind of weirdly in tune with nature too. Max gets being really good at self-defence, because that was all he had learnt in the original story, and my boy Chris still keeps his admirable aiming skills from back when he was the group’s sharpshooter and bearer of a really big bazooka when he wasn’t feeling the precision rifle. Which was, like, most days. Good times.

Most of these things might still be a Thing once I settle on a proper story! I don’t know! I’m emotionally attached to those traits because that’s the way the kids were born, as fighters, but that really depends on where the story will bring me. Can’t wait to find that out! I’m having half a mind of keeping the traits but twisting it a bit... I’ll see

Anon said: I see that Terushima and Chris have similar characteristics. Is that why you have a soft spot for Terushima? Also, are they in America? England? They have Westernized names, but I was wondering where they came from because Chris strikes me as one of those super-liberals from Texas who grew up in a stupid conservative town and was like "screw this" and went all the way left. Also! Max has SO. MANY. FRECKLES. I LOVE HIM.

Okay first things first, I’m not exactly sure how to answer that Terushima/Chris part! Uhm, I guess I just generally enjoy that type of character? If we’re talking about the physical appearance, that’s actually the style I myself enjoy the most, so I’m kind of naturally drawn to them (Miya from HQ falls under this category too), but if you’re talking about the overly-enthusiastic, bright, positive personality I’m actually really. Really. Really into that type of character. That type of character is always between my faves.

If you’re asking me whether Chris came first or if it was my soft spot for those characters that brought me to give Chris life, I... literally have no clue. I’ve had Chris too long to remember why I made him like that - he kind of came to me that way? Sometimes with my OCs I feel more like they’re already there and I’m just putting them down on paper, which makes it hard to tell you the whys and hows of when they happened? This makes zero sense, I’m sorry

Anyway, as I mentioned in the previous answer, as of now the kids have no set universe so they don’t have any set nationality either - and the original story was set in a different universe, so no nationality there too. What I can tell you is that Leo has mediterranean traits, dark hair, dark eyes, fifty shades of skin colors depending on how much under the sun he’s been. I can tell you that Max is definitely caucasian, ginger with pale eyes, somewhere between green and blue, and that he burns fast. Josh’s hair is pale blond, his eyes a deep black, and somewhere in his family line many many races have mixed, but his skin is asian pale, if you need to give him a color. Chris’s hair is natually black and white, and so is Beth’s, but she’s always dyeing it. They have icy blue eyes, a lot of moles, and the color of their skin has changed through the years so many times that right now it has no canon. One day I’ll sit down and properly color them, and you’ll be able to decide where you want to put them~

@iamtherabbitwhisperer said: sorry, me again. I just love when my favorite artists talk about their ocs, it's always so adorable b/c they're always so fond of them. Who's the leader of the four? Do they go to college/university? who's most likely to get in an actual fight? Do they have cars? Do any of them have tattoos? I'm just so curioussss!!! I want them to be my friends. How long have they been around?

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oKAY let me see

In the original story Leo was the leader, more for an appointed role than actual position, though - back then Chris was the only one actually under him, the others just happened to be appointed to his group for the length of the story. Max loves Leo very dearly so he didn’t mind him being the leader, while Josh being Josh, he followed him only because he likes rules and order more than he likes being right. Imagine the most sarcastic way one can say the word boss, that was how Josh called Leo always.

that said, now the boys have no literal leader anymore, and even though Leo is still the mom-friend and the worrywart of the group, they work too much like a single organism to actually have always the same person taking the lead. It’s about situations and occasions, depending on the moment everyone has their time to shine.

then again, the sarcastic boss is still something Josh does. No one will ever take that away from him, I think

About the college/uni, let’s say that in a world where they are only people trying to get by they’d definitely frequent college/university. Aside from Leo. He’d probably try, and then decide that it’s really not for him, and then he’d start working everywhere and anywhere to see what actually does fit him.

Even keeping a normal-world setting, they’re all pretty firey kids, so the fighting question is actually hard to answer - Josh has a lot of anger and a lot of will to fight, so one would guess it’s him, but as I mentioned he likes order and he likes rules, and he doesn’t need people to know when he’s right as long as he himself knows, so probably not him. The thing is that as long as it’s about themselves they know how to walk away without getting involved, but if it’s about people they care about all of them are ready to break some bones. Max too. Angry Max is scary, and you don’t want to deal with him when he’s like that. 

maybe the easy answer is probably not Chris, actually

yeah let’s go with that

If they lived a life in which they had need for cars, they still wouldn’t have any - Josh moves solely on public transport, Leo has a motorbike, but he’s always so sleep deprived that he doesn’t trust himself on it more often than not, Chris insists that he can walk everywhere, he prefers his cars and bikes in front of him ready to be disassembled and put together again, thank you very much, and Max really, really, really wants a car. He also wishes he had the money for it, though. 

No tattoos on any of them! Between freckles and moles and scars, they are marked enough as it is haha

The first one out of the group I put down when I was... thirteen? Which is eleven years ago, and that would be Leo! He had a different name and a stupid story and he was more of a comfort character than anything else (still is, really, all of them are), but it was him in all the important parts. Max was... eh, something like Max was born around the same time as Leo was, but he changed so many damn times and so much both in personality and appearance that it was between four and five years later that I managed to settle on him as he is right now. Between finding Leo and settling on Max, first Chris and then Josh were born too (pretty much at the same time, but Josh at first was really in Chris’ function, you can see it in the way a lot of his traits complement Chris’, and it was enough time before Josh was his own person that I can fairly say Chris came first). I was... between fifteen and sixteen when they came around, so nine or eight years ago. They’re old.

this is

so long

heck