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worldserasingandcreatinginmymind · 1 year ago

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Bloody Beetle | Part Four

Summary: life in the desert with Harrow and his creepy cult

Pairing: another one that’s mostly Arthur Harrow x Reader

Word Count: 3k

Warnings: that naughty boy Harrow is lying and manipulating people again, tut tut...

A/N: look at me posting two days in a row, who am I? For the purposes of this story, let’s just pretend Harrow has the ability to give people strength or make them need to sleep… as always spelling and grammar are not my strongest skills so please be kind :)

Part Three | Series Masterlist

- - - - -

Egypt is hot. Way too hot. There’s not a single inch of your body that isn’t dripping with sweat as you follow Harrow and his disciples through the Egyptian desert. Arthur keeps you near him at all times, and you watch as the scarab that is floating above his hand directs him through the sands and suddenly points down.

“We found Ammit. She’s here.” He says quietly before turning to face everyone and shouting in a language you don't recognise. The disciples erupt into cheers and laughs of joy. You just stand and watch them all. You don't understand how anyone could be happy about this. But then Harrow hasn’t managed to brainwash you like he has the rest of these people.

As they celebrate Harrow is approached by Bobbi, the lady you recognise as the police officer who took you from Steven’s flat. She’s on the phone when he notices her.

“Marc Spector is in Cairo. He’s tracking us.” She says just loud enough for you to hear, glancing over at you as she talks.

“I know.” Harrow replies quietly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “She’s here.”

Some of the disciples get to work on unloading the trucks and setting up huge tents while others begin digging to find the tomb. Wanting no part in any of this you take yourself a good distance away from everyone, finding a rock to sit on. Arthur sees you and comes over, sitting next to you.

“You look displeased.” He says.

“Well you're one step closer to freeing the crocodile lady that tried to kill me and wants to kill a whole lot of other people so, yeah, you could say I’m displeased.”

“I wish you saw things the way I do.”

“And I wish you didn’t.” You shoot back and he smirks, but not in a malicious way. He is genuinely amused by you. You look back out at his followers all working like slaves under his command. It baffles you how happy they are to be working so hard in this heat, excited at the prospect of freeing Ammit. “How did you do it?”

“How did I do what?” He responds.

“How did you convince all these people to follow you?”

“They follow Ammit, not me.”

“But they follow Ammit because of you, right? You told them about her.”

“I guess.” he says, noncommittal, wanting you to keep talking.

“I presumed it was just that they were lucky enough to be judged as good by her, and that’s what made them follow her. But then I realised that even if she had judged me as good instead of condemning me, I still wouldn’t believe the same thing that she does. I still wouldn’t be okay with killing people just because they might do something bad. And I just don't see how this many people can believe that that is right.”

“Everyone has their own reasons to believe what they believe.”

“Yeah, but when those beliefs result in murder-”

“Y/N…” Harrow sighs.

“I mean what about kids? What would happen if you tested the scales, or whatever you call it, on a kid. And it turned out that they might do something that Ammit classes as evil in the future. What would happen then?” You ask, but he stays silent. “Arthur?”

“Don't ask questions that you won’t like the answer to.”

“You’re even worse than I thought.” You get up and start to walk away.

“Don't go far. It’s almost time for your daily healing.” He calls after you, but you just keep walking. You need to get away from this man.

— — — —

About an hour has passed since your revealing talk with Harrow and the dig is still in full force. You’ve made yourself as comfortable as is possible when in the middle of a scorching hot desert surrounded by unhinged cult members. You find a small mound of sand just large enough for you to lean against and you sit on the floor. Your face up towards the bright sky, eyes closed as you try to take yourself somewhere else in your mind.

Suddenly you hear a man cry out “Help!” And open your eyes to see the sky turn a dark shade of orange. You sit up right and search the crowd for Harrow. He may be deranged, but for some reason you feel safe when your eyes land on him. He stops digging and looks up at the sky. He doesn’t look worried all. In fact, he looks irritated.

“Keep digging! No matter what happens, keep digging! Do not stop. I am about to be called upon.” He looks over and gestures for you to come to him. You obey, getting up and running across the sand to where he stands waiting with his cane. As soon as you reach him he lifts the hand that is holding the cane up to the side of your arm, the wooden cane pressing into your bicep slightly. “It’s time.”

He places his other hand on your head, closing his eyes. Out the corner of your eye you notice the cane glow for a moment and then its over. He removes the hand on your head, using it to call over one of his female disciples. “Y/N is going to need to sleep now. Take her to the tent, stay there with her until I return.”

“Praise Ammit.” She responds with a nod before taking gentle hold of you and leading you to the tent. She unzips the door for you and before you enter you turn back to look at Arthur, but he is already gone.

Harrow was right. Once you got inside the tent you suddenly realised how much you wanted to sleep. As the woman charged with staying with you sat on a stool by the entrance, you settled down on one of the two camp beds that are set up in the room and fell almost instantly asleep. You have no idea how long you were asleep for but when you wake, Harrow has taken the place of the woman and is now sat watching you.

“You’re back.” You say as you sit up in bed.

“I am.” he replies simply as he stands and moves over to one of the tables in the room.

“Where did you go?”

“I had to talk with the Ennead council but it’s sorted now. Nothing to worry about.” A small smile appears on his face. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

“Good, good. I’m glad. The healing can make you feel tired for a while after so it’s important to rest.” He hands you a cup of water and sits next to you. He takes a sip from his own cup before talking again. “I saw Marc Spector tonight.”

“Oh.” you say, trying to sound disinterested and ignore how your heart just skipped a beat at the mention of his name.

“He wanted the Ennead to put me on trial, but they saw through his lies and let me go. When I last saw him, he and Layla El-Faouly were meeting with a black market dealer-”

“Why are you telling me this?” You snap, standing up from the bed and stepping away from him.

“I thought you’d want to know.” It feels like he’s trying to wind you up, make you jealous that Marc is out there somewhere with Layla.

“Well I don’t, okay? I do not care about Marc Spector.” You say firmly. A half truth. You don't know Marc Spector enough to care about him, but you do care for Steven and a small part of you still believes in him.

Harrow stares at you for a moment before nodding. “Okay.” he says quietly before getting up and walking past you, stopping when he reaches the door. “Dinner is being served now. Once you’ve calmed down you may join us.”

He leaves and part of you wants to throw the cup of water in your hand at the door, but you don’t. Another part of you wants to just stay in this tent for the rest of the evening, but the grumbling of your stomach tells you that’s not a good idea. So you take a few breaths, finish the drink and head outside.

— — — —

As soon as you got outside with everyone, you wished you’d stayed in the tent. Something about the way the disciples watch you sends shivers up your spine. You get the feeling they don’t like having you around. Hushed conversations suddenly stop as you walk by. You keep catching glimpses of dirty looks and disproving stares being sent your way. If looks could kill, not even Harrow could keep you alive.

Harrow had been deep in conversation with a group of disciples so you walked straight to the food serving table and grabbed a bowl. You thanked the server who splashed a ladle of some sort of soup into your bowl and handed you a bread roll before you headed towards the table with the least amount of people sat at it. As soon as you sat down, the few people that were there got up and left, leaving you completely alone. Which you didn’t mind. At least you could eat your soup without judgement.

Maybe its just because you haven't eaten a full meal in days, but the soup was actually delicious. You have no idea how they managed to make something so tasty with such few resources, but your empty stomach really appreciates it. A few moments later you notice the shadow of someone stood next to you.

“May I sit?” Harrow asks, looking down at you with a sympathetic smile.

“Go ahead.” You say as you dip some bread in your soup and he sits next to you. “This is really good.” You say as you take a bite of the now soup soaked bread.

“Yes, Victor’s lentil soup. A favourite of mine.” He waves over to Victor who smiles at Harrow, but then he looks at you and his face drops.

“I don't think these people like me very much.” You try to laugh it off, but your insecurity sneaks through.

“There are some doubts about you, I admit. Those who believe I’m wrong for sparing you after your scales judgement. But they’ll come around, once they get to know you.”

“They want me dead.” You say, a hint of sadness in your voice as you absentmindedly stir your spoon around your soup.

“Y/N look at me.” He says and you look up, slightly startled by how close he now is. “No harm will come to you while you’re under my protection. You have my word.”

You just nod at him and he smiles, relaxing into his seat. You finish the rest of your meal in comfortable silence before Harrow offers to walk you back to the tent.

“We’re going into the tomb tomorrow morning, as soon as the sun rises.” He says suddenly, and you don't really know how to respond. You want to try to convince him not to go, not to release Ammit. But you know there’s no point so you just say “okay” and continue walking.

“I don't know how long I’ll be down there so I’ll need to do your healing before I go-”

“Wait, you're not taking me with you?” You ask.

“No, you must stay in the tent. I don't know what challenges I will face in there, it’s likely to be dangerous. I need to be able to focus and not be worrying about you.”

“Why would you worry about me?” You laugh and he stops walking, turning to face you completely.

“Because I care about you, Y/N.”

“Oh” you're surprised at his confession “Uh, I don't really know what to say to that.”

“Then say nothing.” He says, reaching his hand out to pull back the entrance to the tent. “It’s time to sleep now. Tomorrow is a big day.”

You enter the tent and head to the bed you’d slept in earlier. You're surprised that Harrow follows you in, placing his cane next to the other bed in the tent.

“You're sleeping in here too?” You ask.

“Is that alright? I assure you, you are perfectly safe with me. But if you're uncomfortable I can swap with Bobbi. I’m sure she won’t mind-”

“No, no its okay. I don't mind.” You don't fully trust that Bobbi, or any of the other disciples, wouldn’t just murder you while you slept.

“Very well.” He says, climbing into bed. “Good night Y/N.”

“Good night Arthur.”

— — — —

The next morning you when you wake you can hear the sound of voices outside your tent. You look over and realise Harrow’s bed is empty. You get out of bed and creep closer to the tent door, listening to the conversation on the other side.

“But sir, please, I want to help you!” The voice pleads.

“You want to help me? This is how you help.” Harrow replies, calm but firm. “She can’t come with us, someone has to stay with her. I’m trusting you with to keep her safe.” He pauses. “Ammit has found you to be worthy enough for this important task. Don’t let her down.”

There’s sigh before the first voice simply says “Praise Ammit.”

You hear movement and quickly retreat back away from the door. A moment later Harrow and one of his disciples, a young lady, enters.

“Y/N, this is Maya. She’s going to keep you company while I’m away.”

“Nice to meet you.” You give her a small smile, and she tries to smile back but you can tell she’s irritated. You turn your attention to Harrow. “You know I really don't need a babysitter. I’ll be fine in here on my own.”

“I know. But just in case something were to happen, Maya will be here for you.” He moves closer to you. “Are you ready?” He asks, placing a hand on your shoulder and you nod. He places his other hand on your head, his cane glows and even though you’ve just woken from a full night sleep you instantly feel tired. He guides you back into bed, helping you settle in. “Sleep now. When I return, we change the world.” He says softly with a smile as you drift back into your dreams.

— — — —

The first thing you notice when you wake up is how quiet it is in the empty camp. It’s eery, kind of haunting. For the first time you actually almost miss Harrow and you're actually relieved he didn’t leave you completely alone. You sit up and look over to see Maya sat on the stool at the entrance, slumped against the side of the tent. She’s asleep. Not wanting to disturb her, you make your way over towards her as quietly as possible and sneak past her to the outside.

Being alone outside sends a shiver up your spine. The camp looked abandoned, but you don't feel like you're alone. You get the same feeling you did at dinner last night, as if everyones eyes are on you. You head over to the food table and are thankful to find there’s still some porridge left over from breakfast in the serving pot. You grab yourself a bowl full and sit at one of the tables. You only get a few mouthfuls before you hear Maya shouting for you. She comes running outside, a look of panic on her face. A gun in her hand, which she lowers once she realises you're fine. She heads over to join you.

“Why do you have gun?!” You ask in horror.

“Harrow left it with me, so I can defend myself if I need to.”

“Defend yourself against who?” You pause, surely not… “Against me?”

“No not you.” She tucks the gun away in her belt. “He just said if anyone shows up and tries to follow him or take you then I have to use it.”

“Who would want to take me…” you don't even finish your sentence as it sinks in. He must be talking about Marc. But if what he said before was true, then Marc wanted nothing to do with you. Maybe he knows something you don't and there are more dangerous people after you. But what would they even want with you? None of this makes sense, but it’s making you anxious. You decide to change the subject. “So, how long have you been with Harrow and everyone?”

“Not long, only a few months now I think.”

“How did you get involved in all this?”

“I made friends with some bad people when I was in college. Eventually they got me selling drugs and when my parents found out they kicked me out. I was living on the streets, meeting dangerous people. That’s when I met Arthur. He found me in an alley one night, tested my scales and took me in. He saved me.”

“Wow…” you don't know what to say. Looking at her, she can’t be older than 17. But already she’s been through so much. “I’m sorry you went through that.”

“It’s okay. I’m in a much better place now.” She smiles, this time it’s real. “And once we release Ammit, I’ll be able to bring justice to the people that hurt me.” There’s a few moments of quiet before Maya speaks again. “Please don't tell Harrow that I was asleep.”

“I won’t. But why does it matter?”

“I was supposed to be watching you. If he knew that I’d fallen asleep, and that you were out here alone… he’s be so angry with me.”

“But why?”

Before she can answer you hear the sound of something being knocked over in one of the other tents, startling both of you. For a second she looks panicked while she tries to work out what to do next.

“Back to the tent. Go!” She whispers as she gets up and ushers you to move with her. She escorts you back with one hand on your back, the other hovering over her gun which is tucked into her belt. Once inside she tells you to sit back on the bed, which you do. You both stay silent as you listen out for any more movement. “I’m going to have a look around. Stay here.” She says and you agree before she disappears back out the door.

A few more minutes pass by and you see the shadow of someone creeping around the edge of your tent. The shadow of someone too big to be Maya. You get on the floor and shuffle under your camp bed just as someone enters. You clasp your hands over your mouth as you listen to heavy footsteps move around your tent, rifling through items and baskets of papers that Harrow left on the table. Something falls to the floor and drifts down to land in front of you, some paper covered in sort of ancient text. Your heart feels like its about to pound right out of your chest as the intruder moves closer. As they crouch down to pick it up you finally get a glimpse of who it is. He looks at you like he’s just seen a ghost.

“Y/N?” the British voice you didn’t realise you’d missed so much. “Y/N! Oh thank God you’re alive!”

Part Five

Taglist : @sleepylunarwolf / @ahookedheroespureheart / @sleepyamaya / @spicydonut25 / @kult6 / @uncle-eggy / @malaanii/ @toracainz / @pinkiestwinkie / @galacticstxrdust / @mateihavenoidea / @xmariakx / @oscarissac2099 / @whycantwebefriendz / @parkeepingparker

(If you want to be added/removed on the tag list please let me know, but note that I can’t reply to comments from this blog)

#moon knight #Steven grant #arthur Harrow #Marc Spector #Layla el faouly #moon knight fanfic #Steven grant x reader #arthur Harrow x reader #Marc Spector x reader #Khonshu #Oscar Isaac x reader #Ethan Hawke x reader

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hydrossity-zone · 10 months ago

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the cable for my new graphics tablet mightve just been lost in the mail after waiting for almost 2 weeks I am going to walk into the desert and let the scarabs take me </4

#I want to DRAW!!!!!!! RRRAAAAAARRRARRARGGHHHHH #hydro.txt

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cheesy-cakey · 3 years ago

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Before Challenging the gym

Rosedome city gym-

The gym is closed and you see two people outside.

Ace: Hey! you're here to challenge the Rosedome city gym? well you're out of luck today.

Deuce: Gym Leader Riddle is at an unbirthday party and all the staff are invited... why are we here then?

Ace: Well we were told to watch over the place and tell challengers no one's here.

Deuce: No it's cause you caused a scene last time so now we're serving punishment for that by not being invited.

Ace: You have a package from Professor Crowley? well if you really need to see Riddle the unbirthday is being held in the rose garden at the square.

Deuce: Just go down that path.

Adeuce: CYA!

Afterclaw Savannah Gym-

Upon arriving to Afterclaw Savannah you saw someone frantically looking around seeming frustrated.

Ruggie: Ughhhhh where is he this time?

he turned and saw you.

Ruggie: Have you seen someone with brown hair and green eyes anywhere? he has sort of a wild appearance. seen em? no? haaaah where did he run off to this time.

He then rushed off to look for the one he's looking for.

Soon another person walked up to you.

Jack: You seem confused about what just happened. he's looking for the Afterclaw Savannah Gym leader, Leona. He tends to wander off to take a nap somewhere. you're here to challenge the gym? well if you want to challenge the gym you have to find the gym leader first.

he shrugged and left.

ask around if they've seen him.

found him in a greenhouse.

Coravinelle City Gym-

Someone had recommended to visit the underwater museum that is full of the cities history.

While looking at some of the pictures you bump into a tall man... two tall men.

Jade: Apologies, I wasn't looking where I was going.

Floyd: heeeey, Jade. they're so small! like a wishiwashi.

Jade: You don't seem like your from here, Are you just visiting? Your all the way from Night Raven Town?

Floyd: haaaah? Little Wishiwashi came all the way from that small town?

he questioned as he picked you up looking at you closer.

Then bam. headbutting the rude man then dropped you.

Floyd: GWAH! The little Wishiwashi is like a goldeen now.

holding his forehead.

Jade: You had it coming, Floyd. So what brings you to our prosperous city?.... You're traveling to collect all the gym badges?

Floyd: Then that means little Wishiwashi is going to challenge Azul's gym right, Jade? That means you have to battle us to get to him! I'm not going easy on you after what you just pulled wishiwashi~

Jade: Indeed, Floyd. Well why don't you tell Azul yourself that you wish to challenge him? He's all the way at Sea Witch exhibit.

Scarab Desert Gym-

Walking around town you soon see a Pokémon zoom through the air.

While being distracted you had no idea of the person about to run into you.

Jamil: KALIM! Ack!

falling over you look up to see someone. Hurriedly getting up

Jamil: KALIM! Get back here! aaaand he's gone... great

The man sighed then looked at you.

Jamil: Sorry, I was trying to chase someone after they just ditched what they were supposed to do... You want to know where the Scarab Desert Gym is? I have to apologize but it just closed... unintentionally... why? well the one I was chasing was, Kalim. The Gym's gym leader during the day... If you wish to challenge the gym you might have to wait since I still have to go find them... You want to help? If you wish, he's usually out on the desert looking for an oasis to play with Pokémon. goodluck.

Pyfiore City Gym-

Upon arriving at the Gym someone came out.

Epel: Hm? oh are you a challenger? sorry but Gym Leader Vil is at a photoshoot right now. where? Well he's doing a photoshoot for a perfume brand that's from Rosedome city... when will he be back? well we don't exactly know. sometimes after a photoshoot he tends to go through the shopping district of the city before coming back... if you want you could go see him and tell him that you want to have a gym challenge... well good luck.

Isle of Igni Gym-

While walking around and looking at the gloomy but high tech city you bump into someone.

you look up to see a child surrounded by parts and rubbing his head.

getting onto your feet you help him up.

Ortho: Thank you! Not many people around here help when bumping to people. they get embarrassed and run away. huh? you're not from here? Oh! you're from Night Raven town? ISN'T THAT WHERE PROFESSOR CROWLEY DO HIS RESEARCH AT!? Is that a Pokédex!? Uwaaahhh... You should get it updated by my brother! c'mon! oh wait I still have to carry these parts to him... you'll help? thank you! Now let's go to the gym! why? well that's cause my brother is the gym leader! he's so cool! Did you know my brother helped create the Pokédex your holding right now? pretty cool huh! he also designed the pc. and almost everything you see on this island! You're going to challenge the gym? Your 6th gym badge!? Amazing! why don't you meet my brother first THEN you can challenge him. you still have to go through the gym task of course.

Somnia Valley Gym-

let's just say you met while going around the valley at night.

Didn't know who he was until you went to challenge the gym.

Ramshackle Forest Gym-

You arrive at the gym to be greeted by a young boy.

Grim: You're here to challenge the gym? well you're in luck! I'm the Ramshackle Forest's Gym leader! Grim the Great!

then a slender older man wearing a suit, cape and a top hat came out.

Ghost A: Grim are you telling people that you're the gym leader again?

Grim: Geh! no I'm not!

then another man that was a bit chubbier but shorter wearing the same outfit came out.

Ghost B: He definitely was.... you actually believed he was the gym leader?

Ghost A: he's not. he's an apprentice under the actual gym leader... who are we? well you can call me Ghost Uncle A!

Ghost B: Ghost Uncle B.

then soon someone entered the gym. he was similar to ghost B but taller.

Ghost C: Eh? why are you all standing at the entrance?... oh no no I'm not the gym leader... who am I? well call me Ghost Uncle C. The one your looking for is Gym Leader, Yuu. We had actually taken him in back then and trained him to be the gym leader. This used to be a trio gym but after we retired we appointed our what we consider adoptive son the gym.

Ghost B: What about this little one? your talking about Grim? well Yuu found him in the forest lost for some reason then he decided to take him in saying he's going to do the same thing as we did.

Ghost A: anyways, where is Yuu? didn't you go with him C?

Ghost C: He said that the spirits said there would be someone looking for him and asked me to tell the challenger who entered to go to the willow tree woods. and I'm guessing it would be you. You can find the path to willow woods on the northern side of town. here take this if you ever get lost just blow this whistle. a drifloom would come pick you up... the drifloom can't exactly take you TO him since they only know how to follow the whistle and come back here... if you need we can have a litwick follow you to make it brighter.

after that you walk out the gym and start heading north.

Ghost Uncles: GOODLUCK KIDDO!

I love making these headcanons they're so much fun

#twisted wonderland #heartslabyul #savanaclaw #octavinelle #scarabia #pomefiore #ignihyde #diasomnia #ramshackle #twisted wonderland pokemon #twst wonderland

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heyitsmejona · 4 years ago

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I am exited for Cantha and just got the new Skimmer mastery but don’t know what to do with it or myself - A GUIDE!

Hello fellow GW2-players! This is a guide for cool places you can explore with your Skimmer!

Requirements:

You theoretically only need the Skimmer but to get the full experience you may also need the Springer (bunny) or any other mount you feel is appropriate. You can follow this guide alone but it may be more fun to do this in a group, as it is most likely you encounter a few difficult situations! If you want to make some money with it you need to bring a few gathering tools like sickle & pickaxe.

You can also only do most of the stuff if you have PoF and LW Season 3 & 4!! However, this guide has 15 steps in total and if you want to save money, the first 5 steps can be done without using waypoints. Don’t worry if you don’t have the map on your character yet, you can use tp to friend if a player of your party is on the map! Furthermore, I did not calculate the time needed to complete the guide but I would estimate it might take ~ 2 h if you’re fast and 3+ h if you are in a group and/or you want to complete everything!

Oh, and to all the roleplayers out there, this includes a few awesome places for some rp-sessions.

DISCLAIMER: I am not accountable for any danger you get into or deaths that will happen to you!! Also this is a super super long post with visuals so I’ll hide the rest under the break!

If you’re ready: mount-up and let’s get into it!

Overview:

map

1. Bitterfrost Frontier:

Start from the Sorrow’s Eclipse WP and dive down! You’ll find a quaggan city and some corals! You can also loot all the chests gathered on the ice lake and maybe farm a bit of Winterberries if you feel like it. If you are finished you can leave through a portal to Frostgorge Sound and travel to the Earthshake WP and move on to the next step!

2. Fireheart Rise:

On this map are two cool places! The first one is in Highland Thaw (upper left corner of the map), to reach it you have to start at the Rustbowl WP (Portal from Frostgorge Sound) and move up/north. You’ll find a lake with some underwater ruins and if you’re lucky a rich platinum vein. But be aware, there is sometimes a group event to kill an ice worm, at least 3-4 players are required to finish it.

The second place is further down on the map, you can travel to the Severed Breach WP and swim in dirty water and travel up/ north again until you reach a cool spot where some lava rivers hit the water. Looks really beautiful. Also, if you’re feeling extra fancy, there is one jumping puzzle and a hidden mini dungeon near the lake you can complete.

To reach the next destination leave the map over the Sati WP to the Iron Marches and travel south to the Dew Claw WP and leave the map.

3. Plains of Ashford:

Start from the Ascalon City WP and go east to Foefire’s Heart (poi) and if you glide down with your skimmer you’ll reach a blue cave with a cool hidden spot for some roleplaying!

To reach the next step, travel to Lion's Arch with the portal in the Black Citadel and go through a portal there to the Southsun Cove.

4. Southsun Cove:

Start from the Pearl Islet WP and go down/south to the beach where you can roleplay a bit and then move west to Sawtooth Bay where you will find some cool sunken ships and lots of sharks. Sometimes there even is a group event to kill a shark! Also a cool fun fact, you can enter the Privateer's Moorage and go down to the cargo bay/the heart of the ship! Which is also a cool spot for some roleplaying as there are only some craps inside.

5. Rata Sum:

Go to the Port WP. There is nothing special in the water except some Triopen and weird electrical fishes but if you travel north you’ll reach a dam (wall) which you can climb onto with your Springer but be aware if you dare move further north you’ll land in Asura Jail, and I am not joking about that, try it out with your friends! To reach the jail like a normal person go to the Research WP and go north to the Peacemakers HQ where you can go down the stairs and you will enter the cell block of Rata Sum. Very cool for some roleplaying, if you are into that. (jk)

6. Draconis Mons:

Wow, have you ever wanted to swim in the sulphuric water of the volcano without dying? Now your time has come, mount-up and dive down. But not to deep or the game will threaten you with murder! You can start from the Mariner Landing WP and go wild. You won't see much anyways.

7. Ember Bay:

Start from the Promontory WP and travel south to the Sulfurous Deep, you’ll find a seaweed farm spot, some corals and if you feel like it, go farm some lotus on the nearby island/shore as well.

8. Malchor’s Leap:

There is much to explore here! It’s best if you start from the Lights WP and move west. You’ll find some cool statues from Malchor, an abandoned quaggan village, sunken ships and weird orrian architecture! Near the sunken ships is a group event where you have to kill a captain and her pet and in the big ship is something weird??? I haven't figured it out yet, but if you enter the bridge of the Harbinger (poi) there is like a veteran creature and some corpses swimming around, from there you can go deeper into the ship and you’ll find a door with some weird dialogue, idk man. Something cursed is going on there. Also The Harbinger has some cool lore, you can check out the Marriner Plaque on deck. If you move south from there you will find some weird swimming architecture and a group event with three bosses no one does, like ever.

9. Sirens Landing:

Okay, soo this one might be interesting for some of you! You can start from the Camp Reclamation WP and lo and behold, there are some shirtless Sylvari volunteers in the bay area! Yeah, moving on… you can find some orrian oysters and corals in the water and if you move east you’ll find The Buoyant Bough (poi) which has some nice plants on deck and if you put two and two together you’ll find some implied bouncing mushroom (HoT mastery) lore. Overall a good spot for some roleplaying! You can move up/north afterwards and do the jumping puzzle on the island, if you feel that's necessary. Otherwise there are more orrian oysters in the water and if you swim into the direction of the Choking Depths (what a cool name, you guys) you’ll find some very big and awesome sea urchins on the ocean floor!

10. Thunderhead Peaks:

Start from the Revolution’s Heart WP and move down to the Shattered Bay (poi in the bottom left corner), collect Volatile Magic and some Dragon Crystal Nodes on the way and if you finally reach the bay, there is a clam farming spot deep down in the water. From there you can move east to the Ice Floe and on the ground of the ocean you’ll find a seaweed farm. But be aware, both farming spots are guarded by some dangerous creatures.

11. Desert Highlands:

Start from the Brightwater WP and move west to the Transcendent Bay, if you have the Jackal portal mastery you can collect a chest in the giant vases, otherwise swim further east and you’ll find an underwater farming spot for clams!

12. Crystal Oasis:

Start from the Amnoon WP and take your Raptor on a walk and travel west to the harbor area, you can dive down and visit the old city of Amnoon, some sunken ships and a few corals. Afterwards swim south, you can make a stop at the swimming party boat for rich kids, do some roleplaying and move on. In the furthest bottom left corner of the map, like really far down you’ll find another clam farming spot. If you are lucky like me you’ll see a salomon and a shark fighting and a whale between the giant seagrass pillars. (Which was really beautiful, I cried a little bit.) And if you feel extra fancy and want to challenge yourself, you can climb on the weird cliff structure where the mastery point is. On top of the rocks are some Scarab Caches where you can get a Mini Scarab (small drop chance) if you’re lucky!

13. Domain of Vabbi:

You can start from the Market Ruins WP and move up/north or you follow the river down/south. Really far down in the south is a small chest, you tell me if it's worth it or nah. However, if you move up/north you can enter a cave right next to the red raid portal. The cave is super pretty and if you make it over a small wall you can enter a jumping puzzle of some sort, but there are super many branded elementals wandering around and at the end chest spawns a giant Volatile Magic man, whom you need to defeat for an achievement. (forgot which one though, sorry!) This one’s really dangerous, it's best if you do it with some friends. But I mean if you’re feeling especially daring like me you can do it alone too, I guess. I warned you though!

14. Domain of Kourna:

This one’s not really all that special, I just wanted to include it because I really like the meta on that map and would totally recommend it to you! I somehow like the map i.g., idk don’t question me. It’s best if you start from the Allied Encampment WP and follow the river and move down south, the water there is slimy but you’ll find some mussels on the shore! You can travel until you reach the bottom left corner where you’ll discover cute coelacanths swimming around and about. (Honestly, f*ck you Joko for polluting the water, have some Respect.)

15. Domain of Istan:

Phew, you have reached the last step! Start from the Champion’s Dawn WP and follow the river into the ocean. There is like a small empty fishing boat, cool, cool, great spot for some roleplaying. When you’re moving on, dive down to the ocean floor and travel further south until you reach Mehtani’s Blade, there is like an awesome anchor in the water, 10/10 would recommend. Also, more coelacanths in the water and in a much better and healthier environment. I am happy for them, this is what they deserve. Whoop, getting off track here, soo the bigger ship, the Mehtani’s Blade has some cool lore, you can speak to the ghost captain! (Also, a good inspiration for a character's story/backstory!) And to finish your trip on a good note, go west to the entrance of the Grotto of the Defeated where you can read some funny notes on the wall, really, go check them out!

Thank you for your attention, I hope you had lots of fun and discovered some new stuff in GW2!

#gw2 #gw2 lore #gw2 guide #skimmer #gw2 skimmer #crappy guide #guild wars 2 #gw2 skimmer explorer guide #canthaconfirmed

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yourdeepestfathoms · 4 years ago

Text

Beside The Dying Fire (part ten)

[DnD AU with the tour!verse]

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9

Word count: 4271

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

Hot. Scorching. Sweltering. Searing. Balmy. Parching. Oven-like. Those, and so many other words could describe the desert Katherine and her companions were trekking through, Katherine just couldn’t think of anymore because her brain was being melted.

The Brazen Empire--or just “Braze”--was the desert territory on the far east side of Atlas. It was boxed in on all sides by tall, platformed plateau mesas called the Highland Cliffs, which kept the land in solitude from the rest of the continent.

Golden rolling dunes stretched out as far as the eye could see—which, to be fair, wasn’t very far because Katherine was sure she was seeing mirages everywhere. Cacti and shriveled shrubs stuck out of the ground, somehow surviving in the wasteland despite the cruel elements. The sky was an eye-bleedingly bright blue with not a single cloud in sight, letting the blisteringly hot sun rain down on the land.

And Katherine HATED IT.

“God, this is awful,” She panted, sweat burning in her eyes. Her dirty blonde hair felt like tassels of fire on her head, and her ears were like little torches attached to her skull.

Catalina laughed. “What are you talking about? This is amazing!”

Catalina had grown up in Braze, so she was used to the desert life. Katherine and Joan, however, were not as fortunate to have been raised in a scorching wasteland of dehydration and skin disease.

Katherine sluggishly wiped away a torrent of sweat from her brow. Jane had given them supplies for the journey to the different territories, but the glass bow strapped to her back felt like it was burning her alive. Joan was lucky enough to just get a simple ebony dagger, but she looked just as miserable. Her grey felt clothes and extra fur paddings for protection looked like they were roasting her like a chicken. Hints of blotchy sunburns were already starting to appear on her long, whip-thin white tail and ears.

Catalina gazed over a sand dune, looking for any signs of her home city. Behind her, Joan doubled over, heaving her breaths. Katherine could see several streams of sweat cascading through her white-blonde hair.

“We shouldn’t be far.” Catalina said, turning back to them. It was clear she was trying not to laugh at their discomfort. “Just a little longer!”

“Easy for you to say,” Joan wheezed. She lifted her tail to keep it from touching the sand.

“Trust me! We’re almost there!”

They began their trek once again.

“So, what’s this area of sand called?” Katherine asked, falling into step beside Catalina. “Wasteland Number Six?”

Catalina laughed. “This is Droughtmaster Dunes,” She said.

Katherine blinked. “That’s actually very fitting.”

Her friend laughed again. “Isn’t it?” She looked up at the bright blue sky, smiling. “I’m actually happy to be back. Nothing beats the sun here.” She stretched her arms out to catch the rays and signed happily.

“And that’s a good thing!” Joan barked from behind them. Heavily hindered by the sun, she was falling behind slightly. “The sun here SUCKS!”

Catalina tittered. “The mythical bovine, the Brazen Bull, was said to have made Braze, which is why it has that name. The Bull made everything here. It dug out the land it claimed for the territory, it lifted Highland Cliffs with its horns to protect us from other territories, it scraped its hooves through the ground to create the canyons, it stamped its feet to created pools for oases, and, after it was all done, it shook out the dust in its fur and filled Braze with sand.”

Katherine smiled as she listened to Catalina talk. Her friend rarely ever spoke about her homeland, so it was nice to see her reminiscing over her childhood territory.

However, she went quiet for a moment and fiddled with the sunstone necklace around her neck, lightly touching her belly with her other hand. There was an unreadable expression on her face.

“Just a fair warning,” Catalina said, “that my family is kinda weird.”

Katherine chuckled lightly. “Alright. I’m sure they’ll be fine, though. After all, you turned out amazing.”

Catalina smiled again, nudging her. “Aww. You softy!”

Katherine smiled back. “I speak the truth!”

“I need water,” Joan wheezed from behind them.

“We’re almost there, sweetie,” Catalina said, giving the poor Tiefling a sympathetic, but amused look.

She was right. After clambering over a particularly high sand dune, the capital city of Braze was revealed.

Aragon was a city that was smartly built around several oases. Shiny golden walls that glittered in the sunlight boxed in the civilization, and the tips of sun-dried brick houses and a particularly tall tower could be seen peeking out from over the high edges. Hints of a huge skeleton was sitting behind the furthest wall in a sunken sand pit. The clamor of people could be heard as the three of them approached the front gates where two Aasimar guards stood, wearing long, protective garbs covering every inch of skin and holding spears. They bristled as the trio approached, but their jaws weirdly dropped open after a moment.

“Princess Catalina!” The grey-skinned guard exclaimed. “Y-you’re back!”

Katherine’s and Joan’s heads whipped around to Catalina, their eyes going wide.

“Princess?!” They both yelped.

“Surprise!” Catalina said weakly. She gathered herself up regally and turned to the dumbfounded guards. “I request to see the King and Queen.”

Both guards nodded hastily. “Of course, princess!” The grey-skinned one said.

“Right this way!” Said the other.

The three of them were whisked inside the gates.

Aragon was filled with sun-dried brick houses and sturdy wooden huts. Merchant tents and carpet canopies were set up on the entrance pavilion, where shop owners hawked their wares to anyone who passed by. Fruits and fried meat, protective desert garbs and sunscreening oils, venomous scorpions to use for something and vials of antivenom--there were so many different items being sold. The smell of sizzling meat and roasting scarab beetles and brewing coffee swirled through the hot air, attacking Katherine’s nose with aromas that made her mouth water.

Small pools dotted the city, rippling softly in the heated breeze. Some of them were burbling like a fountain, while others were edged by lush greenery that seemed to be surviving much better than the plants outside the walls. Children were playing in a few of the pools, keeping cool in the midday heat, but some adults were collecting water in buckets.

A bronze statue of a giant bull sat in the center of the city, in front of the steps leading up to the palace. It was reared up on its hind legs with its fur bristled in powerful rage and horns thrown up in the air. Smoldering coals were set in its skull, and the furry tufts of its tail were crackling with orange fire.

The palace behind the statue was huge and majestic. It seemed to be made out of actual gold, glowing in the sunlight. Gemstones were inlaid across the outer walls, sparkling like colorful eyes. There were no front doors so the breeze could filter inside, so the guards led the three of them right inside.

Two thrones were sitting at the back of the wide, high-vaulted entrance room. They were made of solid gold, embedded with rubies and emeralds and cushioned by soft camel fur pillows. A curtain of water was pouring out behind the royal seats from the ceiling, collecting into a bubbling trough pool. The desert could be seen rippling behind the sheet of water.

And in the thrones sat the king and queen.

Queen Isabella was glowing like a polished garnet. The dress she wore was made of silk, in a rich dark orange shade that allowed her thick black hair to be shown to best advantage, and edged with ribbon and lace that perfectly set off her fire-like amber eyes and dark tanned skin. Golden veils wreathed her blood red wings, and yellow diamonds, topazes, sunstones, and tourmalines hung from her arms in glittering curtains of wealth. An elaborate headpiece made of gold and rubies sat on her head, with strands of gemstones dangling down into her face. Three golden medallions hung around her neck- one had a symbol of a broken rib cage etched on it, the second had what looked like small intestines forming the shape of a coiled snake, and the third had a faceless head.

King Ferdinand was less flashy than his wife, wearing simple cotton clothes with a camel fur cape around his neck and onyx wristbands on his wrists. His skin was slightly blotchy from sun damage and his hair was long and ash brown. Pale orange-salmon wings were folded neatly against his back, not nearly as big as the queen’s.

The two of them leapt to their feet from the throne when Catalina walked in.

“Catalina!!” They both cried, bustling over to their daughter. They threw their wings around Catalina, swaying her in glee, but Katherine noticed how Catalina just barely hugged them back.

“Oh, my dearest desert flower,” Ferdinand said. “You’re finally home after all these years!”

“It’s so good to see you again,” Isabella said. “You’ve been gone for so long!”

Catalina nodded reservedly. “Yes. It has been.”

The king and queen stepped back, taking in the sight of their daughter. Isabella’s joyous expression faded into a calculating one when she noticed Catalina’s pregnant belly, while Ferdinand just blinked at it.

“You’re pregnant,” Isabella said.

“Yes, I am,” Catalina said, ruffling up the feathers in her hair. “I hope that isn’t any issue, Mother.”

Isabella considered the bump, like she thought the baby was going to jump out now and steal her throne. “Who’s the father?”

“His name is Arthur.” Catalina said.

“Where is he?”

“Not here.”

“You aren’t with your baby’s own father anymore?”

“Oh my god.”

Catalina glanced back at Katherine and Joan for a moment, giving them a, “Here we go again” kind of look. She turned back to her parents with as much reserve as she could manage.

“What is he?” Ferdinand asked, glancing at Catalina’s belly every few seconds.

“A human.” Catalina answered. “I hope that isn’t an issue, Father.”

Ferdinand just cleared his throat and looked away. Katherine could tell that he didn’t have as much power as his wife, therefore making him weaker in disputes, even ones that don’t have to do with court matters.

“You shouldn’t just sleep with random strangers, Catalina.” Isabella scolded.

“I’m not!” Catalina barked, her face heating up. “Arthur is--was different! And why does it even matter to you? It’s not your body, it’s mine! And if I want to use it to sleep with people, then I should be allowed to!”

“Well, your body is holding my grandson. Or granddaughter.” There was something icy about the way Isabella said that word, and Katherine noticed how Catalina shuddered and set a hand over her belly protectively. “Plus, you’re still my daughter and I’m concerned over what you’re doing. You already ran off and disappeared for five years!”

Catalina rolled her eyes. “Don’t act like you weren’t happy.”

“I wasn’t.” Isabella growled, her blood red feathers standing on end like an angry cat’s fur.

“Sure you weren’t.” Catalina challenged her.

Ferdinand quickly put himself between his wife and his father. “That’s enough, that’s enough,” He said. “The point is that Catalina is home safe. That is what matters.”

“Hm. Of course.” Isabella said, settling her expression back into stolid noble maturity.

Catalina growled softly underneath her breath, and Katherine set a comforting hand on her shoulder. Isabella glanced at her, an eyebrow twitching up.

“Introduce us to your friend, Catalina.” The queen said.

Grinding her teeth a being ordered around, Catalina said, “This is Katherine. And this over here is J--”

“TIEFLING!”

Katherine jumped at the cry. Isabella suddenly whipped out a hidden dagger from inside her right wing, her face contorting with rage and feathers ruffling up into two big red masses. Several guards around the room jumped to attention with their weapons raised, and even mellow Ferdinand growled softly and raised his wings to look more threatening. Meanwhile, Joan just blinked in frightened confusion, curling her tail in close.

“Catalina, you brought a TIEFLING into our home?!” Isabella shouted, and Katherine saw Joan wince and lower her ears.

“I didn’t recognize it at first,” Ferdinand said at her side, slightly more to himself than to the others in the room. “Why does it look like that? Aren’t they usually red or blue?”

“Her name is Joan.” Catalina said, stepping up beside Joan, exuding a protective aura. “And she’s with me. There’s no need to worry.”

“There is every reason to worry,” Isabella hissed. “You brought a Tiefling into our city! A TIEFLING!! Don’t you know what they are?” She didn’t wait for Catalina to answer her, “They’re DEMONS! Goat-faced, hell-touched, unbirthed DEMONS!”

“Mother, will you stop shouting?” Catalina said, agitation biting her words. A few people from outside were peeking in and ogling the scene with wide, curious eyes. “Joan isn’t bad. She’s my friend. And you’re not going to throw her out.”

Isabella narrowed her eyes at Joan, sizing her up several times. She sniffed. “We’re going to have to put her through decontamination.”

“Mother--”

“You will not fight me on this, Catalina.” Isabella said firmly, turning her knife-like gaze on her daughter. “She will be back with you soon enough. But she is a Tiefling and this needs to happen for our safety.”

Catalina clenched her fists tightly, but said, “Fine.”

Isabella smiled like a venomous snake. “Very good.”

Catalina turned to Joan and cupped one of her cheeks. “You’re going to be okay, sweetheart. My family is just super paranoid over some races and feels the need to do a really stupid examination on them before they can have free reign in the city.” She brushed an unruly lock of white-blonde hair out of Joan’s face. “You’ll be out in no time, alright?”

Joan nodded quietly, and Catalina gave her a quick hug before a group of guards came to take Joan away. The young Tiefling glanced back at Katherine and Catalina, her tail slightly tucked between her legs and ears folded back, before disappearing down a hallway and out of sight. Isabella shook her head with a look of visible distaste.

“I don’t know why you would ever befriend one of those beasts,” The queen said, earning a growl from Catalina. Katherine put her hand back on Catalina’s shoulder, hoping to provide some comfort to her. “Anyway, I’ll alert the chefs. Your arrival back home needs a celebration!”

And celebrate they did.

That night, when the desert dropped to a startling cold temperature for a blisteringly hot wasteland, the Brazens of Aragon rejoiced in the return of their missing princess. Firelight emblazed then night sky, the Bull’s horns were lit with golden flames, and a band played Catalina’s favorite instruments. Cactus juice, strange alcoholic concoctions, and camel milk were passed out in tinted yellow glasses, and roasted desert fruits, grilled meat, and spicy hot foods were served on bronze trays you could see your reflection on. Aasimars danced and twirled in the main pavilion, celebrating gleefully, all while Catalina stood at the top of the steps leading to the palace, receiving guests and graciously accepting their best wishes. Everyone had a smile for her. Some of the adults looked at her appraisingly--only to be expected, Katherine supposed, as she was royalty--and many of the youngsters tried to flirt. Catalina humored them lightly solely for the entertainment of their reactions.

Katherine got lost in the festivities rather quickly. One moment she was getting her tongue melted by a painfully spicy dish, and then next she had a glass of translucent greenish juice thrust into her hands. She tasted it as she tottered up to Catalina and made a face at how bitter it was. Catalina laughed lightly.

“That’s Snake Wine,” The princess told her, “It’s made out of cactus juice that we put a dead snake in and leave out to ferment in the sun for a week.”

Katherine silently spit the mouthful of Snake Wine back into her cup. Catalina burst out into laughter so loud it rivaled the blaring music and made several people’s heads turn in curiosity.

“That is, umm,” Katherine said, covering her mouth. “Ah--”

“Horrible?” Catalina smiled and passed her a napkin. Katherine took it gratefully.

“Your words, not mine,” Katherine said, wiping her mouth. “But yes.”

Catalina giggled. “It’s better than that weird berry crap you used to have me drink.”

Katherine gasped with a wounded expression. “Berry Milk is amazing, thank you very much!”

“Berry juice and milk do not go together! You have to choose one, Kat! ONE! You can’t have both!”

They both laughed, earning even more confused stares.

“Are you happy to be back?” Katherine asked after a moment of serene silence between her and her friend.

Catalina shrugged, losing her smile. “I guess. I mean, I like seeing the city again and all my old friends, but…” She cast a frustrated expression at her parents, who were chatting animatedly with two old nobles. “Like I said before, my family is weird.”

Katherine frowned. “I’m sorry.” Hoping to get Catalina’s mind off of her family issues, she looked over at a tall orange tower in the far right corner of the city. It was made of dried clay, with several twists, points, and spires, and Katherine noticed the deep red of a Kobold snout peeking out of one of the large barred windows. “What’s that?”

Catalina looked at the tower. “Oh that’s Hotshot Hall. It’s our prison.” She said. “Mother doesn’t like having the prisoners near the palace, so they’re kept as far away as possible.” She wrinkled her nose.

“Ah,” Katherine nodded, watching the Kobold pull back inside the tower.

“Well, maybe you’ll get to see a Calf Scramble while we’re here,” Catalina mused. “So that’s something to look forward to.”

“Calf Scramble?” Katherine looked at her confusedly.

“Oh, it’s great,” Catalina said. “Five people are taken out to the sinkhole in the back of the city and have to try and catch these camel calves we release with them. It is HILARIOUS to watch them run around and slip in the sand!”

Katherine smiled. “I look forward to it!”

“Princess Catalina! Princess Catalina!” An eager young voice called.

“A princess’ work is never done,” Catalina said to Katherine, smiling. She bumped her shoulder affectionately. “Have some fun, Kat. I’ll talk to you again later.”

Once Catalina whisked off to go speak with more people, Katherine delved back into the party for a little while longer before straying away to explore.

Aragon was truly a lavish city, even for a civilization in the middle of a desert wasteland. She passed by several cozy-looking houses and lively bars decorated with desert flowers, all abandoned for the celebration.

She soon found herself in a small clearing between buildings where an oasis pool sat. Two bendy palm trees swayed lightly in the breeze, and clustered of paddle-shaped succulents hounded the edges of the pool. Katherine sat down on a smooth stone and looked up at the sky, where every single star in the entire universe seemed to be visible.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Katherine jerked around, nearly falling off of the rock and into the pool.

Queen Isabella was standing in an alleyway feeding into the clearing, darkness shrouded over her. She stepped out into the moonlight, and all her gemstones glittered like eyes around her.

“Yes,” Katherine nodded, composing herself.

“Why aren’t you celebrating?” Isabella asked, standing above Katherine.

“I’m just taking a breather, Your Majesty,” Katherine answered. “Is that alright?”

Isabella eyed Katherine suspiciously. “Of course,” She said slowly. She looked up at the sky. “When did you meet my daughter? You seem to be good friends.”

“Five years ago,” Katherine said. “She lived in a city next to my forest village and wandered in one day. After an interrogation, I was showing her out and we just started talking. She kept coming back after that and became a regular visitor in the village.”

“Hm.” Isabella said. “Well, I thank you for bringing my daughter back home safe.” She looked down at Katherine and smiled, sending chills down Katherine’s spine. “I am so, very pleased.”

————

The celebration was still going on when Katherine eventually turned in for the night. She went to her lavish guest bedroom in the palace to sleep, but not before visiting Catalina.

Catalina was in her own huge bedroom, sitting under the marigold velvet blankets in her equally giant bed. She was looking down at a painting in her hands, and didn’t look up from it when Katherine walked inside.

“I ran away because I wasn’t happy in Aragon.”

Katherine walked over and sat down next to Catalina. The painting she was holding had four girls in it, all smiling and engulfing each other in their wings.

“I was restricted from doing so many things and Mother watched my every move.” Catalina went on, her voice brimming with hate. “I couldn’t stand it.” She brushed her hands over the surface of the painting, an expression of longing in her eyes. “You probably think I’m just being selfish and snobby, but you don’t know how things happen here.”

“Then tell me,” Katherine urged softly. She set a hand on Catalina’s thigh, letting her know she was there for me.

Catalina sighed. “The queen rules in Braze. And that’s great, you know, girl power, yay!” She laughed dryly. “But the way we take the throne…” She trailed off, shifting uncomfortably. “Only daughters, nieces, granddaughters, and aunts are allowed to challenge for the throne. And they do this by fighting the queen. To the death.”

Katherine frowned, quickly understanding why Catalina didn’t like the system.

“Mother’s three sisters died young, so she didn’t have any competition growing up.” Catalina went on. “She challenged my grandmother when she was twenty-two and killed her swiftly. Crushed her ribs during the fight. Then, she married Father and started having children. She said she would only humor four female heirs. No more than that.”

She pointed to the tallest girl. Her wings were dark indigo and powerful-looking, and she had glowing golden skin. Dark brown hair was cut short around her head, bordering her fiery green eyes. She was wearing the sunstone necklace that Catalina now had around her neck.

“That’s Juana, my second oldest sister. She had the wildest temper and always thought of fun stuff for us and my other sisters to do. She also LOVED to challenge the teachers she had.” A smile pulled on Catalina’s lips, then quickly disappeared. “She challenged Mother when I was ten. I swear, she nearly beat mother to death; Juana did not mess around when it came to combat. And she would have won, too. She should have won. But then Mother, bleeding, bruised, and pinned on the ground beneath her, looked up and said, ‘I’m proud of you.’ Mother doesn’t say that often. Rarely ever. Juana hesitated, smiled, and then Mother slashed her stomach open with a dagger hidden in the bends of her wings. I still remember Juana’s face. That look of realization. She had looked down at her organs now hanging out of her stomach and grabbed at them like she was going to try and put them back in, then looked at me and my sisters with the most agonized face I’ve ever seen on her before.” She dipped her head and swallowed thickly, blinking back tears. “I think--I think she thought she failed us.”

After a moment of silence, Catalina swiftly wiped her eyes, sniffled, and then pointed to the next girl. Her wings were narrow but shiny and the color of raw salmon and hibiscus flowers. Her tree bark brown eyes were calculating and calm, but her smile was bright and beaming.

“That’s Maria. My oldest sister. She was like the voice of reason for the group, but she always got dragged into mischief anyway. She was also really good at getting us out of trouble. Except that time Juana mooned our history tutor.” She laughed, tracing her fingers over Maria’s long brown hair. “After Juana died, she became a lot more protective over me and my sister. I never thought she was going to challenge Mother, but she did when I was sixteen. Because Mother gave birth to another female child. A healthy baby girl. But, three days after she was born, she just--disappeared. One night, she was there, and then the next morning she wasn’t. Nobody ever said anything about her again, but Maria was furious because she knew Mother had killed our baby sister.” She swallowed thickly. “Maria was never a fighter. She was good at non-lethal combat, not--not what the challenge for the throne was. After she was beaten senselessly, cut up and bleeding all over the sand, she begged Mother for her life, saying she forfeit the challenge and wouldn’t try to overthrow her again. And Mother decapitated her.”

With the sadness of losing her sisters came anger, and Katherine saw Catalina grip the sides of the painting tightly and grit her teeth in rage.

Catalina pointed to the last girl. Her wings were fluffy and a goldfish orange color. She was small and had large, innocent dark amber eyes and sun-kissed brown hair she kept up in a messy bun.

“That’s Isabella Jr. Pretentious of Mother to name her that, huh? We just call her Izzy.” Catalina said. “Izzy’s the youngest out of the four of us. She was always worried in a cute way and was super smart. After Maria died, she became a lot more clingy towards me. I let her sleep in my bed at night because she was too scared to sleep alone. Not that I blamed her. Mother always looked at us like she was just daring us to challenge her. It scared the poor thing.” She shook her head. “But then I ran away. I left Izzy alone. I didn’t tell her where I was going or what I was doing, I didn’t even leave her a note or ask her to come along. I just--left.”

She gently touched her pregnant belly. “I hope they aren’t a girl. I can’t stand the thought of Mother doing something to them to get rid of competition.”

She shook her head and looked up at Katherine, her eyes shining in the candlelight. “This may be my home, but this is not my family. You and Joan are.”

#dnd au #six the musical #six the musical au #six the musical fanfic #six the musical fanfiction #six the musical fic #uk tour six #tour katherine howard #katherine howard #catherine of aragon #tour catherine of aragon #tour joan on the keys #joan on the keys

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meterokinesis · 4 years ago

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Stars as Sharp as Knives

Read it on AO3

Prompt: stabbed

TW: Violence, PTSD, Disassociation

Summary: Tim remembered getting stabbed in vivid detail. The images were horrifying on their own, but together they formed a sick film that played on loop in Tim’s mind. Even after waking up the next morning, and the morning after that, he kept wondering: why am I alive?

Tim remembered getting stabbed in vivid detail.

In a job like this, where you either saved the day or ruined it all, he was used to cuts and scrapes and wounds. He anticipated them even, which the first aid kid he kept in his utility belt could attest to. But getting stabbed that night in the desert was something else.

The sound of steel through flesh. A cruel whisper. Blood, warm and sticky. Sand in his nose and eyes. Cool near-winter wind that ruffled through his hair. Dirt under fingernails. The weight of a body dragged behind him. Brick walls with metal stairs. A soft bed, with downy pillows stained rust.

The images were horrifying on their own, but together they formed a sick film that played on loop in Tim’s mind. Even after waking up the next morning, and the morning after that, he kept wondering: why am I alive?

This was a question he’d been asking himself for longer than he cared to admit. He was alive because no one had managed to kill him yet, and no more. If the universe had its way, he would be dead eight times over. Tim was just lucky, he supposed. But not lucky enough to escape the nightmares.

He remembered while attempting to sleep in the lavish jail cell Ra’s al Ghul concocted for him. He remembered while training with high level assassins, every time they went for a jab at his stomach. He remembered when Tam hugged him, and his reflex was to make sure she didn’t have a knife. He remembered on his first night back in Gotham, when he had to update his medical records to say “Patient has no spleen after a traumatic injury to the abdomen.”

The nightmares were the worst. They played out the scene in gory detail, each time with a new sort of reverence for Tim’s suffering. It wasn’t always the Widower who stabbed him; sometimes it was his father, or Jason, or Damian, or the mugger that killed Bruce’s parents. On bad nights, it was Bruce. On worse nights, it was Stephanie.

The nightmares persisted long after he defeated Ra’s al Ghul at Wayne Enterprises, long after Bruce finally returned and Tim was welcomed home with open arms. No, they lasted for months--every night a sick remembrance.

____________________

The first time he sparred with Dick after ending Ra’s plot, he used the new skills he picked up at the Cradle. At first they traded blows lazily, wearing down the floor by walking the same steps of a familiar dance. Then Tim dared to spin out--try one little move--and the game was afoot.

Tim didn’t pretend that he was better than Dick--he knew he wasn’t. But he had more range and was the better strategist, so at least their spars were interesting. They danced around the mat, neither submitting. Like all of their practices, it went until someone gave in or passed out. The Waynes never called out.

Dick went for Tim’s shoulder with his escrima sticks, which Tim blocked with his bo staff. By the time he registered the other stick moving toward his stomach, it was too late.

Forgoing all sense of etiquette, Tim roared and swung out with his staff, trying not to relish in the feeling of it connecting with Dick’s head.

“Jesus, Tim, what was that?” Dick’s voice floated from somewhere above. “I know we didn’t specify ‘no headshots’ but it seems like a giv- holyshitareyouokay?” It was then that Tim realized he was sitting on the ground, his head between his knees and his hands protecting his neck. In a way, he looked like the tornado drills they made him do at school, even though Gotham never had tornadoes. His body didn’t feel entirely real, like instead of inhabiting it like always, he was merely borrowing it for a second.

Dick’s voice, no doubt saying something reassuring, murmured in his ear. The words all blended together in a soup of pleasant sounds, one that Tim didn’t even attempt to decipher. Somewhere in the haze, he heard the telltale click of the comms, followed a few minutes later by heavy footfalls.

Bruce’s gruff voice took over for Dick’s soothing one, asking him questions that he didn’t know how to answer. Even if he could, he wasn’t entirely sure his mouth was still a mouth, let alone one that could form words. Instead, his brain gave him a front-row seat for the premiere of his least favorite movie in existence, where Dick stabbed Tim in the abdomen, his face contorted into something evil and totally unlike Dick. The Not-Dick didn’t stop after the first time, of course. Instead the scene rewinded over and over again, like a broken film from a museum about the tragedies of war.

Tim didn’t remember anything past that.

____________________

Tim woke up in his bed at the Manor, his heartbeat thunderous but slow. He opened bleary eyes to see Bruce sitting in the armchair near his window, reading a copy of the Wendy the Werewolf Stalker comic tie-ins Bart had given him last year for Hanukkah.

“Good morning. Or, should I say, evening. You almost slept for a full day,” Bruce said warmly, closing the book.

Tim didn’t return his tone. “Why are you here?” He demanded, clutching his blankets where they fell on his lap.

“Do you remember what happened last night?” Bruce avoided the question with trained ease, something Tim saw much too often in himself.

“I- Yeah. A little.” He remembered Dick stabbing him, but that couldn’t be Dick, right? They were in the desert, and it would take at least a day to get from the Syrian Desert to Gotham. His hand wandered over to his stomach. No open wounds or bandages, but there was a long scar.

“You disassociated. Do you know what that means?” Bruce asked, and Tim nodded mechanically. “We think that something during sparring practice triggered a trauma response.”

Tim heard the words, but he wasn’t sure his brain was following all the way.

“I’m fine, B. I just freaked out a little. No big deal.”

Bruce leveled his dad-stare at Tim. “Tim, with all due respect, that was not ‘freaking out a little.’ You were curled up in a ball on the mat, refusing to speak to us. When we managed to coax you into a sitting position, you attacked me. We had to put you in a safe hold until you calmed down.”

Tim opened his mouth, but no words came out.

“I think we need to talk about this. I understand if you don’t feel safe yet, you’ve been through a lot over the past year. I love you and I want to be here for you, but if a professional would help, we can do that too. Dick knows this guy in Metropolis-”

“No!” The word was out of Tim’s mouth before he could stop it, followed by a torrent of others. “I don’t need a shrink. I’m fine. Can I leave now? Or are you going to keep me prisoner like he did?”

“Of course not,” Bruce said, his voice heartbreakingly gentle. “This is your home, Tim. You can come and go as you please. However, I think we need to talk about-”

“Cool. Later.” Tim rolled out of bed and tugged on shoes and a jacket as Bruce tried to reason with him. They both knew that he could try to keep Tim here, either with logic or the threat of getting grounded, but neither would work. At his best, Tim was tenacious. At his worst, he was stubborn.

Tim traipsed down the grand staircase as Bruce followed behind him. Damian glowered at him from the sitting room, but at least he didn’t say anything. Dick was nowhere to be found. Tim pushed his way out of the manor, a small smile of satisfaction crossing his face when the door slammed and cut off Bruce’s pleas. It reminded him of every bad teen movie he’d ever watched, except the exhausted dad and pushy mom were replaced by Batman. Wasn’t that every kid’s dream?

____________________

He wandered through Bristol township, avoiding the spots he knew the paparazzi liked to frequent. Wouldn’t that be a million-dollar picture: Bruce Wayne’s high-school-dropout-turned-CEO son walking through the sea of McMansions in converse, a kid’s tracker bracelet, pyjama pants, and Cass’s purple NorthFace.

He was on some cul-de-sac where every house looked the same when he heard the telltale swish of someone following him. He didn’t turn around, just kept up his leisurely pace. Either they’d announce themselves, or they wouldn’t.

He got his answer when a hand snaked over his chest and a body pressed against his back, stopping him in his tracks.

“Hello, Detective,” Scarab whispered in his ear, and Tim’s veins turned to ice. Her hand cupped his face, and she slid around to his front. Tim didn’t believe in God, but he had no doubt that she was Satan incarnate.

“I have a gift for you,” she purred, her hands tracing his sides and back. He didn’t dare respond. “It’s from your friend.”

Tim swore his heart stopped. Ra’s al Ghul didn’t send gifts, he sent warnings. And threats. And death. Which is why he wasn’t entirely surprised when Scarab drove a knife into his chest with a sort of tender ruthlessness. She guided him to the ground, left a ghost of a kiss on his temple, and stepped out of view.

Tim lay gasping on the pavement, trying not to bleed out. His fingertips brushed the bracelet, weakly holding down to send out a tracking signal. If he was lucky, they’d see it. If not, then he’d die. It was that simple.

The stars here were dimmer than the ones in the desert. It was all the light pollution, he knew. Same stars, but an altogether different sky. There was a metaphor there somewhere, but he had lost too much blood to focus enough to find one.

His eyelids felt heavy, and it took everything in him to keep them open. Bruce would be here soon. He had to be. He was Batman, that’s what he did.

As Tim staggered through each breath, he couldn’t help but remark the irony of it all. He’d spent all this time worried about one old wound that he hadn’t seen the next one coming.

#whumptober 2020 #my writing #tim drake #bruce wayne #dick grayson #blood tw #violence tw

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juniper-rose-blower · 6 years ago

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In the Uldum Sun

June was sitting in the hammock on the porch, watching Matin playing outside with Ham - tossing cubes of basilisk steak into the air for the very large scarab to catch. His hair was already growing out again, but she and Sif were doing their best to keep it as controlled as possible. The time he’d been spending in the heat had started making it curl slightly.

The Botanist, meanwhile, had gained quite the tan, her normally pale skin finally getting used to the exposure to the Uldum sun. Her platinum blonde hair was very long now, down to her waist, with a wind-blown look thanks to her outdoor runs that she regularly took.

Light jade eyes shifted about gently, taking in the expansive desert, the boy and his scarab, the buildings of Ramkahen and its inhabitants milling about. It wasn’t until Sif’s voice broke her out of her reverie that she blinked:

“Mail for you, Miss Juniper.” At the moniker, June’s nose wrinkled a little and she offered the woman a small smile.

“You know, you don’t have to be so formal. June is fine. Or Lark. Or even Rose,” she chuckled as she took the envelope from the Ulduni woman, “but please… please don’t call me Miss.” Sif’s return grin was a bit mischievous.

“Remind you of someone you don’t like?”

Platinum locks swayed as June shook her head, “Reminds me of a time I’d rather forget.” she replied. Sif gave a nod in return.

“Fair enough. Is that from Adinah?”

June’s gaze shifted from the woman to the envelope in her hands. She felt of it gently, curious as to the heavy object within. Her expression turned to a more somber one as she examined the writing on it and an exhale left her nose in a rush. Quai’s handwriting. She’d recognize it anywhere. As she shook her head to Sif, she flipped the envelope and broke the seal; a key fell into her hand. She held it tightly, smoothing the paper and reading its contents:

June,

I hope this finds you well. The included key is to a storage facility in Stormwind, where you will find your possessions from the Wetlands base, the Boralus house, the Stormwind base, and the boat. If I’ve forgotten anything, please write me care of Andrew Mason, general delivery, Stormwind. I won’t be around for a while.

Should you wish to harvest anything growing at the Wetlands property, the land is no longer warded, so you should have no issues accessing your garden. Gwen wishes for me to let you know that her house in the Wetlands is open to you as well, as a fellow herbalist. It is located north of Greenwarden’s Grove— look for the only Oak in the area, and a low, stone wall. There are bay laurels around the perimeter of the property.

On a more personal note, it was truly a genuine pleasure to have you as part of our team. You grew so much over the past few years, and I am— and will always be— proud of the work you’ve done. I only wish it had not ended as suddenly as it did. Please write if you have questions, or simply for the sake of conversation. I will respond when I am able.

Additionally, you will be receiving a small stipend for the next ten years from the military. It will be deposited into your account on the first of every month. It isn’t much, but it’s what I was able to bargain for upon my release.

I do not have a contact for Malodar, so I have included a few things of his along with yours. I would be grateful if you could let him know, should you see him again in your travels.

Your friend,

Quai

June sighed again. At least she knew now that Quai was out of Stormwind’s Stockades. She flipped the envelope back over. It was date-stamped nearly two weeks ago when it was mailed out. That honestly didn’t surprise her. The only ones who knew where she’d gone after Arathi were Ky and Alanna. The Post had likely had to hunt down where to send it. Pale eyes looked back up to Sif.

“Do the city’s mages still have portal stones for Stormwind?” Sif gave a nod.

“I’m certain they do. Will you be going today, or do you need to plan?”

A soft inhale sounded from June as her gaze moved back to Matin. She had told Ky she’d stay and keep an eye on him while she was gone on her mission. Instantly her thoughts were tinged with worry. But Ky was far more resilient than her. She was certain she was fine. Sif’s hand moved to rub June’s arm softly.

“Don’t worry so much - you of all people know she’s been through worse than dealing with a group like the Venture Company.”

June nodded and sighed, looking back to Sif, “I won’t go to the city just yet - I’ll wait for Ky to get back home.”

As Sif nodded and walked back toward the city’s center, June watched Matin patting Ham’s head. A number of things were on her mind, but for now she had to see to lunch for herself and Matin.

(( mentions / allusions: @killerkyara @quai-mason @malodarstarstrike @gwen-oconnell @andrew-mason @blackbay-wra ))

#June #Kyara #Matin #Uldum #After Blackbay #plot

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swanqueeneverafter · 6 years ago

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54. I’ll Be Your Mirror, Pt.1

Storybrooke. Night. The Wishing Well. (Shirin walks in the woods alone and arrives at the wishing well.) Shirin: “You can come out now.” (Shirin turns and sees the Oracle approaching.) Oracle: “Where have you been?” Shirin: “I had to wait until dark to make sure it was safe.” Oracle: “Then they still don't know who you really are?” Shirin: “They have no idea. And what of your mission? Have you found any evidence he's here?” Oracle: (Shaking her head:) “No. But I know he is. I've foreseen it.” Shirin: “I did not come this far and sacrifice so much only to give up on finding Aladdin.” Oracle: “I know, and I won't leave your side until we do. I promise you, we will find him, Jasmine.” Capital of Agrabah. Marketplace. Many Years Ago. (Manacled prisoners are lined up to kneel in the marketplace as Jafar speaks to the people of Agrabah.) Jafar: “The Sultan does not tolerate thieves in Agrabah. (As Jafar speaks, Aladdin takes advantage of the distraction and pick pockets several people in the crowd:) And more importantly, neither do I. Our city has become overrun. (Addressing the prisoners:) You vermin are nothing more than street rats. (Using his staff, Jafar turns the prisoners into rats:) Now as you should be.” (Upon seeing this, Aladdin decides to leave, taking his spoils with him. Turning a corner, he kneels and begins to inspect his ill-gotten gains.) Jasmine: (Approaching from behind:) “So, are you as bold as they say?” Aladdin: (Quickly putting his trinkets back inside his bag:) “Bold? Oh, uh, no. Just, um... late for work at the, uh, bakery. Look at the time. Got to get that yeast rising, you know?” Jasmine: (Blocks his path as he attempts to leave:) “You're not a baker.” Aladdin: “Well, the truth about that is...” Jasmine: “And you're a terrible liar. Relax. I'm not here to report you. I'm here to hire you, Aladdin.” Aladdin: “Well, I'm at a disadvantage. Who are you? (Jasmine lowers her hood and reveals herself:) You're the Princess. Jasmine. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at, like, a palace or something?” Jasmine: “I don't care for the palace, thank you very much. Not since Jafar became my father, the Sultan's, advisor. He's a despot. He's taking advantage of my father's kind heart and destroying Agrabah from the inside, starving citizens and delivering brutal justice when they're just trying to grab a crust of bread for their families. That's why I've come to you.” Aladdin: “You want me to steal bread?” Jasmine: “No. I want you to help me defeat Jafar.” Aladdin: “Defeat Jafar? Did you miss what he just did? He turned people into rats. He has magic.” Jasmine: “Please. (Aladdin scoffs:) Only you can do this. I need your help, Aladdin. Agrabah needs your help.” Aladdin: “Sorry, Princess. The only person I help is me.” Jasmine: (As he starts to leave:) “Look in your pocket.” Aladdin: “What?” Jasmine: “Look! (Aladdin feels around in his pocket and pulls out something:) The Golden Scarab of Agrabah. One of the great royal treasures.” Aladdin: “Take it back. I don't care how much you're paying me.” Jasmine: “Oh, you don't understand. It's not payment. (Calling out theatrically:) Oh, no! It's missing! The royal scarab!” Aladdin: “Shh! Okay!” Jasmine: “Thief!” Aladdin: “Okay, shh! Okay, I'll do it. I'll do it. (Jasmine smiles and quietens. Sighs:) So, what are we stealing?” Jasmine: “Nothing much. Just the most powerful magic in all the realm. A weapon known as the Diamond in the Rough.” Aladdin: “Great.”

Storybrooke. Present. Woods. (Emma is following the red bird while it flies through the woods as Archie follows her.) Archie: “Emma, I really don't think chasing a bird is an effective form of therapy.” Emma: “Last time, he took me to the Oracle. He'll do it again. She knows what's going on with my visions.” Archie: “She says she knows, but I can actually help you.” Emma: “This is not dream interpretation.” Archie: “Emma, this is the opposite of how therapy's supposed to work. I mean, we're... we're making progress.” Emma: “Well, I don't see it. My hands are still shaking and the visions are still haunting me despite all the hours on the couch. So no more talking. Today we do something. (Turns and spots the Oracle sitting on a fallen tree:) Whoa. (They approach:) Hello? Hey.” (Emma gently nudges the Oracle who falls to the ground, dead.) Archie: (Moving quickly to the Oracle’s side:) “Oh, no. Is she...” Emma: “I think so.” Archie: (As a branch snaps:) “Who would do this?” Emma: “Shh. (Turns and sees someone running from the scene:) Stop! Hey! (The figure falls to the ground, stumbling:) Hey, stop! Stop!” (Emma catches up and rolls them over, revealing a very guilty looking Shirin.)

Storybrooke Sheriff’s Station. A Short Time Later. (Shirin sits alone in the interrogation room as Emma, David and Snow watch her via the two way mirror.) Snow White: (Sighs:) “I guess Shirin was after more than just a fulfilling career in education.” Emma: “If that's even her real name. (To David:) Let's go find out.” Interrogation Room. (Emma and David enter the room.) Emma: (Taking a seat opposite:) “So, let's talk. Who are you really, Shirin? What are you doing here? Let us help you. Tell us who you are.” Shirin: “I... I can't tell you. I've had to keep my true self secret for many years. In the Land of Untold Stories, Hyde... he could use this against me.” David: “Hyde's dead.” Shirin: “Really?” Emma: “Yeah, he's gone. You don't have to be afraid of him.” Shirin: “I'm Princess Jasmine of Agrabah. And I swear to you I am innocent of this crime.” Emma: “I believe you.” Jasmine: “Really?” Emma: “I have, kind of, a superpower.” David: (Taking a seat beside Emma:) “At least she thinks she does. (Emma and David share a wry smile. To Jasmine:) So if it wasn't you, who was it?” Jasmine: “I have no idea. That girl, she was my friend. She was helping me find a man who I cared about a long, long time ago.” Emma: “Aladdin?” Jasmine: “You know him?” Emma: “No, I just saw the movie. It's a this world thing. But where is he?” Jasmine: “I wish I knew. He was quite special. He was the Savior.” David: “What?” Emma: (Sitting forward:) “What?” Dr. Hopper’s Office. (Archie arrives at his office to find the Evil Queen sat waiting for him.) Evil Queen: (Sighs:) “It's about time the doctor's in.” Archie: “What do you want?” Evil Queen: “I want to talk about Emma Swan.” Archie: “You know that I cannot talk about my patients.” Evil Queen: (Getting to her feet:) “Oh, I think you'll make an exception for me. Now, Mr. Hyde, before his untimely demise, told me the Oracle gave Emma visions of her future, and she wasn't willing to tell me about them, so...” Archie: “It was you. You killed her.” Evil Queen: “Well, if that surprises you, you're not much with reading people. Probably not good for a therapist. But since the Oracle is gone, I need information, and you, Cricket, are my only source. (Archie runs for the door, but the Evil Queen closes it:) Don't you remember what a great team we made? Let's do it one more time for old time's sake.” Archie: “No.” Evil Queen: “Well, I always knew you had a conscience. Tell me, are you developing a spine to go with it? No matter. (The Queen transforms herself into the spitting image of Dr. Hopper:) If you won't tell me about Emma's visions, then I'll just ask her myself.”

Zelena’s Farmhouse. (Zelena puts baby Robin down for a nap.) Zelena: “Nap time. Here you go. Shh, shh, shh. (Turns and sees Archie bound and gagged in her kitchen:) What the...? (Archie’s words are muffled. Sighs:) Sister. (Walking over to him:) As if I don't have anything better to do with my time than watch her victims.” Archie: (As Zelena lowers his gag:) “Let me go, please.” Zelena: “Alas. As twisted as my evil sibling is, she usually has her reasons.” Archie: “You don't have to listen to her. Y-You can do whatever you feel is right for you. You don't have to be in... in anyone's shadow.” Zelena: (Chuckles:) “Are you psychoanalyzing me? (Replaces the gag:) You are psychoanalyzing me. I've got enough to do. I don't need another baby to watch.” Dr. Hopper’s Office. Exterior. Main Street. (The Evil Queen, still masquerading as Archie, steps out of the office and spots Emma beside her car.) Archie/Evil Queen: (Clears throat:) “Emma, we need to talk.” Emma: “I don't remember scheduling another session. Did we schedule another session?” Archie/Evil Queen: “No, no, no, no. But I-I just was thinking about your situation, and, uh, I just couldn't let go of it, and I-I just think we've got more to explore with that vision.” Emma: “I don't think we need to. Things have changed.” Archie/Evil Queen: “They... they have?” Emma: “Yeah, there's another Savior... one that came before me, and, Archie, he's alive.” Archie/Evil Queen: (As Emma enters her car:) “Wait, a... another Savior?” Emma: (Putting on her seat belt:) “Yeah. Aladdin. You know, like ‘A Whole New World’ and magic carpets. Aladdin. He made it. He's okay, which means if he is, then maybe the vision doesn't matter. Maybe it's wrong. Maybe all Saviors don't die, and then it's okay that I can tell my family because there's nothing to tell. See ya.” (She drives away.) Agrabah. Past. (Aladdin and Jasmine walk through the desert.) Aladdin: “So, this Diamond in the Rough, it's a jewel, a weapon?” Jasmine: “You'll learn all you need to once we reach the Cave of Wonders.” Aladdin: “Cave of Wonders?” Jasmine: “The stories say that's where it will be discovered.” Aladdin: “Stories? This... this journey's based on stories?” Jasmine: “I was a bored princess in a palace full of books. I did some reading.” Aladdin: “This, um, Cave of Wonders. It's ‘wonders,’ plural. 'Cause as silly as the name sounds, wonders can be profitable.” Jasmine: “This is not a scavenger hunt.” Aladdin: “That's exactly what it is, actually.” Jasmine: “What it is, is serious. Please stop thinking of only yourself.” Aladdin: “Your Highness is rather judgey.” Jasmine: “Hey, I could be back at my palace comfortable, even with Jafar. I'm out here trying to make a change, to better the world.” Aladdin: “You do realize it's been suffering for a long time?” Jasmine: “What?” Aladdin: “You can't blame it all on Jafar. (Laughs:) See, being stuck inside those palace walls surrounded by books, you don't see it. Hmm.” Jasmine: “See what?” Aladdin: “The capital's been suffering for a long time. Only when your family was personally affected did you decide to get heroic.” Jasmine: “Well, better late then never.” Aladdin: “Yeah. Neither of us is exactly hero material. Let's be honest. I might be a selfish street rat, but you, you're a selfish princess.” Jasmine: “At least I'm doing something now. What are you doing? Just complaining.” Aladdin: “Yeah, right. (Takes a bite of an apple:) Selfish street rat. Hmm. (Pulls another from his pocket:) Stole this from a street vendor. Want it?” Jasmine: (Smiles, taking it:) “Thank you.” (They walk on further into the desert before arriving at their destination.) Aladdin: “I'm guessing that's it. Not just a tiger-shaped outhouse?” Jasmine: “Indeed. The Cave of Wonders.” Aladdin: “Well then. (Sighs, they walk closer:) Careful, Princess. Okay. Now what?” Jasmine: “I thought you were a thief. How hard can a little breaking and entering be?” Aladdin: “Okay. (Clicks tongue, snaps fingers:) Got it.” Jasmine: “You do?” Aladdin: “Mm. Let's take a page from your stories. Ever read ‘Ali Baba’? You ready? Open sesame! Hmm. So much for stories. (The doors rumble and begin to open:) After you, Princess.”

Storybrooke. Present. Blanchard Apartment. (Emma enters to find her parents, Henry and Jasmine not looking pleased.) Emma: “What's wrong?” David: “We just hit a dead end trying to find Aladdin.” Snow White: “We tried a locator spell. It didn't work. Nothing belonged to him. Everything he had, he stole.” Emma: “And we're giving up?” David: “We're not giving up exactly, but it doesn't look good.” Jasmine: “So, we may not find Aladdin.” Archie/Evil Queen: (Entering the apartment:) “Which means you're running out of excuses, Emma.” Emma: “Did you follow me here?” Archie/Evil Queen: “Yes. I mean, look. I couldn't leave knowing that you were gonna continue to lie to yourself and to your family.” Snow White: “What is going on?” Archie/Evil Queen: “Emma has a secret.” Emma: “Archie.” Snow White: “No. Continue.” Emma: “Mom.” Snow White: “Emma, if he thinks it can help... Archie's always been on your side.” Henry: “Mom, please.” Emma: “I've... (Sighs:) You know about the visions I’ve been having. Well apparently they’re not just visions, they’re real.” Henry: “But in those visions...” Emma: (Nods:) “I die. According to Hyde, all Saviors die. Aladdin was also a Savior, so I thought if I found him, if I found him alive... that he could help me avoid my fate.”

(The Evil Queen leaves the apartment, returning to her true form. She stops momentarily on the stairs, smiling as she hears the turmoil she’s caused.) Henry: “So you lied to us?” Snow White: “Do you not trust us?” David: “We're your family. And you don't keep secrets from your family.” Henry: “Who kills you?” Blanchard Apartment. A Short Time Later. (Regina has arrived and questions Emma’s vision.) Regina: “So, I'm not there?” Emma: “I told you. The figure in the hood kills me while I protect everyone, but no, you're not there.” Regina: “Well no, you didn’t tell me that part. Where do you think I am? Dead? (Realising:) Or am I the figure under the hood?” Emma: “Now, Regina, don't be angry. Where are you going?” Regina: “I'm gonna find another way to track down Aladdin. If I can't be of help in the future, I sure as hell better do my part now.” Emma: “Regina.” Regina: “I’m fine. (Sighs:) Just give me an hour. Meet me at my vault. I've got this.” (Regina leaves and Jasmine steps forward.) Jasmine: “Is it true?” Emma: “What?” Jasmine: “Is Aladdin dead?” Emma: “I don't know.”

Agrabah. Past. Cave Of Wonders. (Aladdin and Jasmine have entered the Cave of Wonders. They smile as they take in the many treasures before them.) Jasmine: (Gasps:) “Look! Oh!” (A huge diamond lays balanced on the tip of a sword.) Aladdin: “You want a diamond foot stool, Princess? (As Jasmine reaches for it, Aladdin stops her:) Whoop. No. Booby trapped. You lift it here, and... Boom. Yeah. Can't put weight here. It's too narrow. Oh, um... help me find something that has a, um... (Spots a golden monkey statue:) That'll do. Okay.” (Deftly, Aladdin manages to replace the diamond’s weight with the statue.) Jasmine: (Impressed:) “Ah. (Chuckles:) Clever.” Aladdin: “Well, my lady. I present the Diamond in the... (the diamond crumbles into ash and the cave itself starts rumbling:) Get down! (Aladdin covers Jasmine as the cave begins to collapse on them. Suddenly a bright light shoots from Aladdin’s hand, saving them from the falling debris:) What was that?” Jasmine: “Magic.” Aladdin: “Huh?” Jasmine: “You have magic.” Aladdin: “Did you know this would happen?” Jasmine: “Well, I didn't know the column would fall on us, but yes. I suspected something, and now you've proven it true.” Aladdin: “Proven what?” Jasmine: “That wasn't the Diamond in the Rough. You are. You're the weapon. You can challenge Jafar and defeat him. You're going to be the savior of Agrabah.” Storybrooke. Present. Blanchard Apartment. (Jasmine sits upon Henry’s old bed looking despondent when Henry climbs the steps to join her.) Henry: “Hey. So, uh, you can play the Xbox if you want. Or whatever helps.” Jasmine: “I'm sorry to intrude.” Henry: “Oh, no, it's... it's okay. (Sits beside her on the bed:) I know this is hard for you, too. Because of Aladdin. I'm sorry about that.” Jasmine: “The worst part is being the Savior is a death sentence. And back in a cave in Agrabah, I was the one who put him on the path.” Henry: “I did the same for my Mom. I brought her here to break a curse. She was just living her life.” Jasmine: “So was Aladdin.” Henry: “Maybe, uh... Maybe Hyde was wrong about Saviors dying.” Jasmine: “I hope so. For both of us.”

#sq #swan queen #swanqueen

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electrificata · 6 years ago

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you could have avoided this

Greetings, novitiate, and know first a reassurance: Mankar Camoran was once like you, asleep, unwise, protonymic. We mortals leave the dreaming-sleeve of birth the same, unmantled save for the symbiosis with our mothers, thus to practice and thus to rapprochement, until finally we might through new eyes leave our hearths without need or fear that she remains behind. In this moment we destroy her forever and enter the demesne of Lord Dagon.

Reader, this book is your door to that demesne, and though you be a destroyer you must still submit to locks. Lord Dagon would only have those clever enough to pause; all else the Aurbis claims in their fool running. Walk first. Heed. The impatience you feel is your first slave to behead.

Enter as Lord Dagon has written: come slow and bring four keys. Know that then you are royalty, a new breed of destroyer, whose garden shall flood with flowers known and unknown, as it was in the mythic dawn. Thus shall you return to your first primal wail and yet come out different. It shall this time be neonymbiosis, master akin to Master, whose Mother is miasma.

Every quarter has known us, and none bore our passing except with trembling. Perhaps you came to us through war, or study, or shadow, or the alignment of certain snakes. Though each path matters in its kind, the prize is always thus: welcome, novitiate, that you are here at all means that you have the worthiness of kings. Seek thy pocket now, and look! There is the first key, glinting with the light of a new dawn.

Night follows day, and so know that this primary insight shall fall alike unto the turbulent evening sea where all faiths are tested. Again, a reassurance: even the Usurper went under the Iliac before he rose up to claim his fleet. Fear only for a second. Shaken belief is like water for a purpose: in the garden of the Dawn we shall breathe whole realities.

Enter as Lord Dagon has written: come slow and bring four keys. Our Order is based on the principles of his mighty razor: Novitiate, Questing Knight, Chaplain, and Master. Let the evil ones burn in its light as if by the excess of our vision. Then shalt our Knowledge go aright. However, recall that your sight is yet narrow, and while you have the invitation, you have not the address.

My own summons came through a book Lord Dagon wrote himself in the deserts of rust and wounds. Its name is the ‘Mysterium Xarxes’, Aldmeretada aggregate, forefather to the wife of all enigma. Each word is razor-fed and secret, thinner than cataclysms, tarnished like red-drink. That I mention it at all is testament to your new rank, my child. Your name is now cut into its weight.

Palace, hut, or cave, you have left all the fog worlds of conception behind. Nu-mantia! Liberty! Rejoice in the promise of paradise!

Endlessly it shall form and reform around you, deeds as entities, all-systems only an hour before they bloom to zero sums, flowering like vestments, divine raiment worn to dance at Lord Dagon’s golden feet. In his first arm, a storm, his second the rush of plagued rain, the third all the tinder of Anu, and the fourth the very eyes of Padhome. Feel uplifted in thine heart that you have this first key, for it shall strike high and low into the wormrot of false heavens.

Roaring I wandered until I grew hoarse with the gospel. I had read the mysteries of Lord Dagon and feeling anew went mad with the overflow. My words found no purchase until I became hidden. These were not words for the common of Tamriel, whose clergy long ago feigned the very existence of the Dawn. Learn from my mistake; know that humility was Mankar Camoran’s original wisdom. Come slow, and bring four keys.

Offering myself to that daybreak allowed the girdle of grace to contain me. When my voice returned, it spoke with another tongue. After three nights I could speak fire.

Red-drink, razor-fed, I had glimpsed the path unto the garden, and knew that to inform others of its harbor I had to first drown myself in search’s sea. Know ye that I have found my fleet, and that you are the flagship of my hope. Greetings, novitiate, Mankar Camoran was once you, asleep, unwise, protonymic, but Am No More. Now I sit and wait to feast with thee on all the worlds of this cosmos. Nu-mantia! Liberty!

Whosoever findeth this document, I call him brother.

Answers are liberations, where the slaves of Malbioge that came to know Numantia cast down their jailer king, Maztiak, which the Xarxes Mysterium calls the Arkayn. Maztiak, whose carcass was dragged through the streets by his own bone-walkers and whose flesh was opened on rocks thereon and those angels who loved him no longer did drink from his honeyed ichors screaming “Let all know free will and do as they will!”

Your coming was foretold, my brother, by the Lord Dagon in his book of razors. You are to come as Idols drop away from you one by one. You are exalted in eyes that have not yet set on you; you, swain to well-travelled to shatterer of mantles. You, brother, are to sit with me in Paradise and be released of all unknowns. Indeed, I shall show you His book and its foul-and-many-feathered rubric so that you can put into symbols what you already know: the sphere of destruction is but the milk of the unenslaved. I fault not your stumbling, for they are expected and given grace by the Oils. I crave not your downfalls, though without them you might surpass me even in the coming Earth of all infinities. Lord Dagon wishes you no ills but the momentous. And as He wants, you must want, and so learn from the pages of God this: the Ritual of Want:

Whisper to earth and earth, where the meddlers take no stones except to blood, as blood IS blood, and to the cracking of bone, as bone IS bone, and so to crack and answer and fall before the one and one, I call you Dragon as brother and king.

Tides of dreugh: 7 and 7, draught of Oil, 1 and 1, circles drawn by wet Dibellites: three concentric and let their lower blood fall where it may, a birth watched by blackbirds: Hearthfire 1st. Incant the following when your hearing becomes blurred:

Enraptured, he who finally goes unrecorded.

Recorded, the slaves that without knowing turn the Wheel.

Enslaved, all the children of the Aurbis As It Is.

The Tower touches all the mantles of Heaven, brother-noviates, and by its apex one can be as he will. More: be as he was and yet changed for all else on that path for those that walk after. This is the third key of Nu-mantia and the secret of how mortals become makers, and makers back to mortals. The Bones of the Wheel need their flesh, and that is mankind’s heirloom.

Oath-breakers beware, for their traitors run through the nymic-paths, runner dogs of prolix gods. The Dragon’s Blood have hidden ascension in six-thousands years of aetherial labyrinth, which is Arena, which they yet deny is Oathbound. By the Book, take this key and pierce the divine shell that encloses the mantle-takers! The skin of gold! SCARAB AE AURBEX!

Woe to the Oath-breakers! Of the skin of gold, the Xarxes Mysteriuum says “Be fooled not by the forlorn that ride astray the roadway, for they lost faith and this losing was caused by the Aedra who would know no other planets.” Whereby the words of Lord Dagon instructs us to destroy these faithless. “Eat or bleed dry the gone-forlorn and gain that small will that led them to walk the path of Godhead at the first. Spit out or burn to the side that which made them delay. Know them as the Mnemoli.”

Every new limb is paid for by the under-known. See, brother, and give not more to the hydra.

Reader, you will sense a shadow-choir soon. The room you are in right now will grow eyes and voices. The candle or spell-light you read this by will become gateways for the traitors I have mentioned. Scorn them and fear not. Call them names, call out their base natures. I, the Mankar of stars, am with you, and I come to take you to my Paradise where the Tower-traitors shall hang on glass wracks until they smile with the new revolution.

That is your ward against the Mnemoli. They run blue, through noise, and shine only when the earth trembles with the eruption of the newly-mantled. Tell them “Go! GHARTOK AL MNEM! God is come! NUMI MORA! NUM DALAE MNEM!”

Once you walk in the Mythic it surrenders its power to you. Myth is nothing more than first wants. Unutterable truth. Ponder this while searching for the fourth key.

Understood laws of the arcanature will fall away like heat. “First Tower Dictate: render the mutant bound where he may do no more harm. As God of the Mundus, alike shall be his progeny, split from their divine sparks. We are Eight time eight Exarchs. Let the home of Padomay see us as sole exit.”

CHIM. Those who know it can reshape the land. Witness the home of the Red King Once Jungled.

He that enters Paradise enters his own Mother. AE ALMA RUMA! The Aurbis endeth in all ways.

Endeth we seek through our Dawn, all endeth. Falter now and become one with the wayside orphans that feed me. Follow and I shall adore you from inside. My first daughter ran from the Dagonite road. Her name was Ruma and I ate her with no bread, and made another, which learned, and I loved that one and blackbirds formed her twin behind all time.

Starlight is your mantle, brother. Wear it to see by and add its light to Paradise.

May the holder of the fourth key know the heart thereby: the Mundex Terrene was once ruled over solely by the tyrant dreugh-kings, each to their own dominion, and borderwars fought between their slave oceans. They were akin to the time-totems of old, yet evil, and full of mockery and profane powers. No one that lived did so outside of the sufferance of the dreughs.

I give my soul to the Magna Ge, sayeth the joyous in Paradise, for they created Mehrunes the Razor in secret, in the very bowels of Lyg, the domain of the Upstart who vanishes. Though they came from diverse waters, each Get shared sole purpose: to artifice a prince of good, spinning his likeness in random swath, and imbuing him with Oblivion’s most precious and scarce asset: hope.

Deathlessly I intone from Paradise: Mehrunes the Thieftaker, Mehrunes Godsbody, Mehrunes the Red Arms That Went Up! Nu-Mantia! Liberty!

Deny not that these days shall come again, my novitiates! For as Mehrunes threw down Lyg and cracked his face, declaring each of the nineteen and nine and nine oceans Free, so shall he crack the serpent crown of the Cyrodiils and make federation!

All will change in these days as it was changed in those, for with by the magic word Nu-Mantia a great rebellion rose up and pulled down the towers of CHIM-EL GHARJYG, and the templars of the Upstart were slaughtered, and blood fell like dew from the upper wards down to the lowest pits, where the slaves with maniacal faces took chains and teeth to their jailers and all hope was brush-fire.

Your Dawn listens, my Lord! Let all the Aurbis know itself to be Free! Mehrunes is come! There is no dominion save free will!

Suns were riven as your red legions moved from Lyg to the hinterlands of chill, a legion for each Get, and Kuri was thrown down and Djaf was thrown down and Horma-Gile was crushed with coldsalt and forevermore called Hor and so shall it be again under the time of Gates.

Under the mires, Malbioge was thrown down, that old City of Chains, slaked in newbone-warmth and set Free. Galg and Mor-Galg were thrown down together in a single night of day and shall it be again under the time of Gates.

Nothing but woe for NRN which has become The Pit and seven curses on its Dreugh, the Vermae NI-MOHK! But for it the Crusades would be as my lord’s Creation, Get by the Ge and do as thou wilt, of no fetters but your own conscience! Know that your Hell is Broken, people of the Aurbis, and praise the Nu-Mantia which is Liberty!

this has been sitting in my inbox for months and im sick of looking at it and i refuse to suffer in silence

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pettyelves · 7 years ago

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Taking Action

A conversation with Kurel An’Diel was never one thing. It couldn’t be because neither party was particularly keen on admitting a thing that shifted the carefully teetering balance built between them. It was capricious- a breath or a word or a touch could change the rules.

This time they hadn’t spoken in two days- a full forty-eight hours with not even a murmur, despite him being just down on the docks of Dead Sun.

It started with her daughter.

When Eilithe shimmered from the shadows it was with a panic, a rage, an absolute look of betrayal. She knew a short list of things:

An elf, whom Kurel named ‘Severin’ had broken into her home and snatched up her daughter

Said elf had handed off her daughter to the Pirate King

A single skiff awaited her daughter

He was taking her to the sea.

The way they stood now, it appeared there would be a hostage for a hostage. Severin for Eilonwy-- but Eilithe already knew he would leave Severin behind.

If you put a knife in my back- I hope you are ready to die for your King.

She said it only for Severin’s ears before she set out around him, careful steps to her daughter who draped her neck into the neck of the pirate. In her little hands was an ivory beetle, clutched like a precious toy.

“Why is Minn’da sad, Kuree? Is Minn’da right-- is Kuree being bad? Kuree be mean to me?”

Eilithe choked on her words, “You are not her father, you cannot just take her when it pleases you. You--” He was talking- talking right to Eilonwy, molding the thing in her hand.

“ All the An'Diel children were given the ivory scarab. To warn any rival sect who took them hostage, that if they did no' turn them loose, he woul' sen' The Omen to destroy them. Now, I gain nothing by bein' mean to you. Do you understand? So. You have choice, youngling. To go back home with her or to go with me in the boat. Which do you want?”

The little copy of Eilithe nodded, “I keep, Kuree. Omen protect me-- Kuree protect me.... Minn’da will miss me. I come back soon.”

He was leaving, loading Eilonwy into the boat and trudging out into the water. She could barely get out a ‘stop’- but she managed to bring herself to his back and cling to his back. In all her words that came out ‘Where’ and ‘Why’ were the most important.

“Into the bay. To Fish. Everyone shoul’ learn how to fish.”

“I trust you”

“Yeah, don't tell me you fuckin' trus' me, if you only trus' me in certain thin's or a' certain times, because if so. Then you don't trus' me an' you're jus' lyin' to me. You wanted a piece of everythin' after I tol' you never to ask."

So they were back there- in the delicately violent push and pull, one always waiting for the other to give.

"I want to trust you-- but you have made it clear. Over and over and over that you don't give a fuck about me. That you don't care. Those were your words, so when it comes to her-- I am trying to settle the fact that you don't care and go on trusting you anyway." She said it so he could confirm it- so he could look her in the face and say ‘I don’t give a fuck about you’. But instead he proposed a question.

"Wha' are you afraid of, Eilithe?"

The Sea. Lose. Of her daughter and of him.

They were honest answers that had gotten at ‘Not good enough’. They were shallow answers that avoided one glaring issue.Her told her to try again. This was why she was honest-- he could see straight through her facades.

He should have walked away- he should have left her to think the worst of him. It was his gestures of kindness and vulnerability that drew her to his side. Drew him to hers.

“Wha’ do you want me to say?”

They’d been mixing words for what seemed like hours- it was perpetual. Cutting lines into sand if only so they could later be stepped over. A reminder that at the end of it all- there were no rules.

“I gave you the benfi’ of the doub’. Tha’ you could keep i’ all separate. The con. The sex. The business. Bu’ it’s no’ anymore. Is i’”

There was much that needed saying. But both were too proud, too cautious.

She told him she didn’t need a shield. Not from disappointment. Not from heartache. And not from him. “Whatever this is, I can separate it. Each piece part of a grand machine- with parts that I can turn off if I must.” Her words begged him to tell her ‘shut it off’ ‘stop while you’re ahead’.

Instead his hand took her head, pulled her forehead to rest against his. It was more intimate than a kiss- at least where she had grown up. No, what Kurel An’Diel had done was reserved for a particular show of emotion and affection. A shame that Eilithe dismissed it as cultural differences.

The desert did not love.

“Then leave i’ alone. Acknowledge it’s enough an’ listen to the actions. No’ the words.”

She made her choice. To trust or not. To believe that he cared or not. There were seconds to dwell in that, before he let her go.

“I’ve work to do.”

And so did she.

@kurel-andiel

#we take it all

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wingedshadowfan · 8 years ago

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Hard To Separate (Bluepulse Fanfic)

((Disclaimer: Guys guys I did a Bluepulse Fanfic thingi. I mean it's not very well written because what can you expect from a 12 year old with English not being my native language and with me writing this at 1 am. It's not smut btw, don't worry. (Word Count: Approximately 1650) Enjoy!)) Jaime and Bart were out in the desert where they could destroy rocks or make each other's self portrait masterpiece from the rocks. But of course, that was too good to happen. Blue Beetle, or what was left of him, fell on his knees and closed his eyes. He pressed his hands to the sides of his head. "Get out!", he screamed in pain. "Jaime!", Bart's voice sounded so distant. Bart didn't stop running until he found himself in front of Jaime. He fell on his knees in front of the older boy. Both were in pain, except Bart's pain wasn't visible. It never was. Jaime opened his eyes slowly to see the boy in front of him, looking like he was tearing up inside. "B-Bart?", he asked and tried to stand up. He couldn't. His muscles weren't doing what he wanted them too. He was losing control over the Scarab and he knew it. Khaji Da was silent. But there was still those other voices talking and screaming and crying in the back of his head. So many voices, that it sounded like buzzing. He couldn't hear his thoughts. Knowing someone will end up hurt, he looked straight into Bart's eyes and said, "Bart, run!". Bart's eyebrows raised but his body didn't move. "No.", he said, "I'm not leaving without you. I'm not running away.". Jaime growled. The voices were getting louder and louder but they were still too many of them for Jaime to understand what they were saying. "Bart, please. What are you waiting for?! Go. I'm losing control.", Jaime tried to keep it together but it was stronger than him. Stronger than Khaji Da. Stronger than the Scarab. The Reach. "T-Than I'll help you get it back!", Bart was shaking, probably unconsciously. He put his hand on the older boy's shoulder gently. Jaime could feel his hand trembling. For less than a second, the voices got quieter. "Jaime, you've got this.", Bart tried to ensure him softly, probably not sure himself. Nothing could ensure Jaime, not even Bart. He knew he didn't have much time. He was hoping to hold it for a little longer. Just enough for Bart to leave but the goddamn boy was still there. Suddenly all the voices stopped. Bart didn't see it coming, did he? Blue Beetle's arm turned into a big blade. It went through Bart's stomach like a knife through butter, quicker than the Speedster could ever imagine. Bart's eyes widened as he gasped. The blade went out faster than he could blink. Its blue and black tip was bloody. Bart looked down to the wound and then back to Blue Beetle...Or whoever was standing in front of him. The younger boy could still feel the cold metal inside him. He knew that wasn't Jaime anymore but he gently reached out his hand and slowly put it on Jaim- I mean, Blue Beetle's cheek. A simple action of affection that didn't matter anymore. He then fell to the ground and blacked out. He didn't know how long had passed since then. He woke up suddenly. He looked around. Familiar faces. He recognized them but he didn't care. He tried to stand up but a few arms put him back down. He saw Dinah and Dick at first. Then he saw Superboy and M'gaan, then Logan. He tried to take a deep breath but something was wrapped really tight around his stomach and chest. He looked down to see a wide dressing covering a big part of his upper body. "You're awake!", Miss Martian exclaimed. He put his head down really fast so it banged against whatever it was that he was laying on. "W-Where is Jaime?", he asked although he felt he already knew the answer. "We... Don't know yet.", Dick looked away. He wasn't surprised that was the first thing Bart asked. Superboy looked at Dinah and asked quietly, "Do we tell him?". "I might be impaled but I'm not deaf yet.", Bart barely spoke out. "Tell him.", Dinah nodded. "We think that Jaime is still somewhere there, deep down. Because he inserted the whole blade inside you in such a precise way it couldn't affect any important organs.", Superboy said. This gave Bart the last spark of hope he needed. "Bart, don't you even think about it. You're not going after him, under any circumstances. Not until you recover completely.", Nightwing said just before Bart even tried to stand up once more. He closed his eyes in surrender. That was some sick nightmare. And the worst part was he couldn't wake up. "Track him. Find him.", Bart said, "He needs your help way more than I do.". "We have direct orders from Batman- ", Nightwing started but Bart cut him off. "Since when are we following orders?", Bart snapped back bitterly. "Superboy, M'gaan.", Nightwing said without moving his eyesight from Bart, "Inform the team. Dinah, I'd like you to stay here.". Dinah nodded while Superboy and Miss Martian left the room. Bart sighed. Nightwing turned to him, "What happened there?!". "I don't know.", Bart wasn't a good liar. He remembered every second of it until he blacked out. "Bart.", Nightwing came closer, "How did he stab you? You're a Speedster. Why didn't you run away?". Bart looked away , "I wanted to help him.". He unconsciously clenched his fist. "And risk your life while helping him?! Certainly not a good idea.", Nightwing responded in a mixture of anger and concern. He walked to the door and stopped in front of it. "Batman and the League are dealing with the Reach.", he said without turning around to face Bart or Dinah, "Thought you might want to know.". Bart was so grateful for this little piece of knowledge. He knew that if the League is doing a mission instead of the team, then it was serious. Dinah pulled a chair and sat down close to Bart. "Can you tell me what happened? Every little memory or detail can help us and the League finding a way to defeat Blue Beetle. Without hurting Jaime. The Rannians kindly offered their help and thanks to them, now Green and Black Beetle are in a prison on Rann. The Reach are going to be easy for the whole League, which means only Jaime is left.". "Wait.", Bart thought to himself, "The whole League?". "Nothing I tell you will be helpful", Bart said sadly. "Batman to the Watchtower.", a big hologram of Batman appeared, "Report.". "The Impulse is awake.", Dinah said. "Blue Beetle has been caught. We're bringing him in.", Batman reported back. Bart's heart skipped a beat, "Don't hurt him!". Both Dinah and Batman looked at him. He cleared his throat, "Um, I mean, Jaime Reyes might still be somewhere inside him.". "How are we going to process?", Dinah turned back to Batman. "Bring him in.", Batman responded. "What?!", Impulse and Dinah said in the same time. "Yes!", Bart smiled and stood up. He got a little dizzy but he'd never admit it. The hologram dissappeared as suddenly as it appeared. Dinah helped him stand up. Bart appreciated how strong she actually was. She led him into a big room. In the other side of the room Blue Beetle was tied up with long metal chains around his neck, his feet, his arms and his stomach. There were two destabilizers in case the chains don't work. He was trying to free himself like crazy. Bart would've gone straight to him if there wasn't a big thick glass between them. "Can he see us?", Bart asked. "He's not supposed to be able to.", Dinah said but just as she said it, Blue Beetle looked at Bart and stopped pulling away. Dinah looked at Bart, "I think he sees you.". "I think so too.", Bart responded, "So, uh... What do I do now?". "Talk to him. He can hear us.", Dinah suggested. "Right. Uh... Jaime, I know you're in there. That's why I'm here.". Blue Beetle fell to his knees again. So did Bart. He got strong flashbacks from the last time they saw each other. Bart slowly pressed his palm to the cold thick glass. He didn't hear or see and neither did Blue but the whole team filled the room. Blue slowly pressed his palm to the glass just like Bart. His palm was bigger than Bart's. "There he is.", Dinah said quietly. Some of the team members gasped. Both of the boys knew that they had fallen deeper than they'd ever expected. Slowly the Armor started dissolving until it wasn't Blue Beetle anymore. It was just Jaime. And let it be noted that his palm was still bigger than Bart's. The warm brown eyes quickly found the green sparkling ones. They'd never been happier to see each other. Bart didn't hesitate to vibrate his molecules through the glass. His lungs felt like they were on fire, he forgot he was wounded. He also forgot Jaime was still chained up. Bart wrapped his arms around Jaime's neck and pressed his lips to his. "Jaime Reyes, the Impulse's guard is down. I suggest immediate attack would be more effective.", the first time Jaime was happy to hear Khaji Da in the back of his head. Bart and Jaime didn't even hear the team cheering excitedly or Batman sending orders to Nightwing and Dinah to set Jaime free from the chains. Once they separated Jaime was put into scanning to see if any of the Reach's tech was left inside him or the Scarab and Bart was put back into recovery because Jaime might've gotten cured but that didn't apply to Bart. Man, that would totally leave a scar. Also, let it be noted that the two were hard to separate. ((Feel free to comment your opinion/constructive criticism, I appreciate it))

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