#i don't know how it got longish ugh

[councillor-roland]

Roland didn't frequent the strip club all the time but he was there on and off, as the mood struck him. Valentine's Day had gotten him some points with Rhys and he'd even gotten a kiss out of it which was an very encouraging sign but they still weren't back quite yet. He'd have to cook up a real grand gesture and he was already working on it. He needed a break, though, and had decided to treat himself by going up to the strip club and watching all the bodies on display there. He also sampled a few of the patrons, who generally seemed willing enough, and there was something about getting buzzed on blood from the vein that was just better than getting it from bloodwine.

The councilman was feeling quite good, though he wasn't that drunk all things considered, when from across the room he saw Raphael enter the club. Or, he thought at first glance it was Raphael but when he moved a little closer it was just someone who looked remarkably like the Italian councilman. Intrigued, Roland walked up to the bar where the rather younger looking man, Roland could now see, had settled. "I don't believe we've met." He mused, though didn't get an immediate response. His eyebrows rose until the man, a siren by the smell of him, turned to him and admitted that he'd been lost in his thoughts. Roland smiled indulgently and waved it away. "I was just saying I didn't think we'd met." He slid onto the stool next to the man, studying his features. Very much like Raphael, practically the spitting image, but there were subtle differences. The two must be related.

"Roland de Rochefort." He introduced himself with a smile. "When did you start working here?" He nodded at the staff collar around the other man's neck, wondering how such a pretty thing had escaped his notice. There had been quite a lot going on in his life, he supposed, but he intended to fix the oversight immediately. "Normally I take notice of beautiful new arrivals but I must have missed you somehow."

Having just finished up what felt like the most endless shift yet, Enzo had freshened himself up back at his suite before heading back out to grab a drink at Diabolus Luxuriam. The siren knew that even though he was alone, he likely wouldn't stay alone for too long once he got to the bar.

Greeting the bartender with a charming grin, Enzo leant against the bar as he ordered his first drink of the evening, going with a vodka, lime and soda, his eyes scanning the room for anyone that he might know. Lorenzo didn't really know that many people considering he was still fairly new to the castle, but he did recognise a few faces, including those of a couple of the council members. He was surprised he hadn't spotted Raphael in there, but he figured that he was likely busy with his own club -- plus, Enzo really didn't feel like speaking to his dad in a strip club of all places.

Lost in his thoughts for just a second, the siren's attention was suddenly brought back to reality when he realised someone was speaking to him -- someone who was the councilman of Belgium. Roland, if Enzo's memory served him correctly. They'd never met but Enzo had made sure he knew who the councilmen were should he ever run into them. "Oh, uh-- apologies, I was miles away there. Did you say something?"

@councillor-roland

[punkscowardschampions]

Liam & Edie

Liam: [okay so wrong number text which isn't actually we know, which is just the location of some illegal rave moment that she'll wanna go to] Edie: treasure? ❌🗺 Liam: wooden leg would be useful to hide all the treasure we're bringing in Edie: Gutted I don't know anyone who's ever had an abscess go full necrotic ☠ Edie: and who wants to cart around a treasure chest Liam: don't wanna do your share of the heavy lifting, big surprise Edie: is it? Liam: outgrow this pussy behaviour before tonight as a favour to me Liam: I don't wanna cart that much dead weight about Edie: As I remember it, you owe me though Liam: your memory's in the 🚽 Liam: I owe nobody nothing Edie: yours is selective Edie: can't even get 11 digits down Liam: a barcode's got 12 & I told you it's your business if you wanna walk round inked like you've only lived that many years that's your lookout Liam: not holding your hand Edie: even more gutted, no doubt Edie: 💔 Liam: if you won't be talked out of it, put it on your balls where no-one'll see it Edie: Will you think I'm tough then? Liam: what kind of gay shit is this? Edie: 😂 Edie: go easy on your mate Edie: you got the wrong number Liam: fucked the 11 digits Liam: that's what you were trying to say Edie: mhmm Edie: that's what I said Edie: but a barcode tattoo is a shit idea Edie: agreed Liam: sick of being the voice of reason around here Edie: I find it's more entertaining to let people make the bad decisions, personally Liam: would be jokes until I look a sad twat by association Liam: wants it on his head Edie: 🙄 what's it gonna say, product of the system? Edie: pretty sure a serial killer has already done that Edie: or some shit rapper Liam: he is a shit rapper Liam: [link] Edie: oh Edie: I know him Liam: serious? Edie: by association Edie: I'm a less shit musician in general, not that that's any brag Liam: can I get a listen or you're just here to promo to set me off on a ❌🗺 as payback? Edie: depends Edie: who's heading the rave you linked? Liam: [deets] Edie: alright Edie: you're not 12 like your pal Edie: [links him her music] Edie: [definitely pictures and videos along with, as if you don't know who she is but pretending you don't lol] Liam: come tonight instead of him Edie: talking to strangers is one thing, boy Liam: you leave the bad decisions to everyone else Liam: don't sound as entertaining as it could be Edie: I meant for your safety Edie: could be anyone Liam: be full of nobodys and anyones when we get there Liam: I'm still gonna go Edie: what makes you stand out? Edie: as you ❌ the barcode Liam: when I track you down, I'll listen to your opinion about me Liam: I'm bragging before then Edie: 🤞 we can't hear much of anything over the bass Edie: not that you're intriguing enough to show up for Edie: but the invite is sound Liam: you'll still know what I think, never had an issue with body language over bass Edie: I think I can guess already Liam: 👌 guess Edie: don't take a mind reader Edie: body language and 💭 are one in the same Liam: it don't take a mind reader when you know you're beautiful and talented Edie: ha leave it out Liam: 🧯 Edie: less of that as well Edie: not a wet blanket Liam: 🧨 Edie: that I like Liam: buying 🎇🎆 if you have any requests Edie: [all the party drugs not in code 'cos we're not bothered] Liam: 👾 Edie: NOW I look forward to 👀 you Liam: guessed it Edie: what gave it away? Liam: the vids you linked me to Edie: that's your review? Edie: at least give me some ⭐s Liam: 3.5 Edie: 👌 Liam: I'll give you another 1/2 when the anti barcode tat song drops Edie: what about the other whole? Liam: get him on the track Edie: 😂 Edie: you're on Liam: 👌 Edie: thank god for the edit Liam: & that only you're allowed to freestyle it rule we just invented Edie: good thing I'm more talented than even you are demanding Liam: I'd agree but you've heard it once & you weren't a fan Edie: you can agree when you see it in person Edie: I don't do this online fake shit Liam: I'll have my turn at looking forward to 👀 you Liam: more than down to Edie: good luck Edie: I can't find any cars with spare seats, so it's gonna be a crowd clearly Liam: yours is in if you want his Edie: how will I get my freestyle if he can't catch a ride? 🤔 Liam: shit like that is what earns you the rest of the ⭐s Liam: talent's not just Liam: 🎤🎧 Edie: yeah, I'm well kind and considerate Edie: known for it Liam: good thing I am Liam: [pic of all the drugs he has picked up] Edie: 🤪 Liam: got a 🐷 mask to fit in post raid, can stick it on early if 🥴 isn't doing anything for you Edie: 💡⭐ Edie: if you can't hang with your gurn we can't hang, like Liam: [a gorgeous gurning pic from a previous rave moment] Edie: fit Liam: ha ha ha Edie: don't act like you don't know Liam: I do 👌 out of my mugshots Edie: convince him to get that tatted instead Liam: too gay Edie: alright I'll do it Liam: before or after you take his seat Edie: if you tell me your name I'll save you a spot to earn mine Liam: Liam Edie: alright, Liam, thanks for not having a long and hard to spell name Edie: give me 🖐 Liam: you can have 3.5 again Edie: [purposely leaving it a full five before coming back with his name stick n poked and then a shoddy box for the mugshot portrait to go in] Edie: tada Liam: 👏 Liam: I didn't think you would Edie: if I say I'll do something, I will Edie: why not Edie: loads of Liam's in this town Liam: don't act like it's a standard trick to pull Liam: he's been oohing & ahhing for months over identifying as frozen peas when his face gets scanned Edie: it's a win-win for me, no need to think on it Edie: either you end up being sound, then it's a memory attached, or I get a cool story about getting a tattoo of a mugshot to get a lift to a rave to tell my grandkids Liam: I wanted you to sit next to me 5 mins ago, I can be impressed, can't I? Edie: I accept impressed Edie: and 👏 of course Liam: what did it feel like? Edie: it's somewhere between a scratch and a burning sensation Edie: but deeper Liam: you'll have to do me Liam: I like the sales pitch Edie: what do you want? Liam: what can you do? Edie: on you, a lot better than I can myself Edie: anything you want, I'll make it happen Liam: thanks for accepting impressive Edie: I intend to be so I can Edie: not here to disappoint Liam: I only was willing to be when I thought I was talking to that little bitch boy Edie: no gay shit Liam: unless you like one of the girls in the car Edie: ha Edie: we'll 👀 obviously Edie: where you starting out, anyway, and when Liam: [a time and place, I like to imagine it's a longish drive to give them time to #bond UGH] Edie: [and usually is to go to a middle of nowhere moment so agreed[ Edie: I'll be there Liam: would make me laugh if you don't show now Liam: longest chat I've had for ages Edie: even if I missed you 🚗 I've hitched before Edie: and it's been ages since I've been to a decent party so Liam: my pic could've fooled you but that last one was shit Liam: got a better feeling this time Edie: I feel you Edie: 💊🥤 just makes it tolerable Edie: down to 👀 yeah? Liam: Yeah Edie: better go find my glitter and gemstones out ✌ Liam: I feel you, will take me a while to paint my 💪 UV Liam: not got as steady a hand as you Edie: damn, that was almost impressive Liam: I'll work on it Edie: your steady hand or your bragging about your 💪? Liam: which one's letting me down the most? Edie: 🤔 Edie: you don't need to tattoo me yourself Edie: you are good looking enough you could get away with being cockier, go with that Liam: 👌 but now you've made me wanna tattoo you myself Edie: maybe Edie: if you think of a good idea, we'll overlook the shaky lines Liam: I'll try & think of an idea where wavy lines are part of it Edie: smart Edie: I like it Liam: 🌊 or something Liam: but less shit Liam: 📻 ones maybe Edie: you have any? Edie: professional ones, like Edie: you asked what stick n poke felt like so obviously not Liam: spend my money as fast as I have it Liam: what are you gonna charge me? Edie: what else are you gonna do with it though Edie: see how nice or poor I'm feeling Liam: I won't let the 💊🥤 run out, you'll feel a lot better than nice Edie: deal 🤩 Liam: be me blinded by your glitter & gems Edie: not actually my first rave Edie: but I can raid my little sister's shit if that's part of the deal Liam: see you in a 👑 will I? Edie: that's just standard day to day tbh 🤷 Liam: how many raves have you done? Edie: I've tried not to be in at the weekend since I was like 12 myself so Edie: enough that I know there's nothing fun or attractive about freezing your tits off in a neon bikini in a field Edie: what about you, you're [the year he'd be in which is either 2nd to last or last, either way], right? Liam: hasty to go with unattractive Liam: but yep, you're not wrong Edie: 😏 Edie: I get it, you wanna match 💪 Liam: no gay shit, your own words Liam: I didn't go to my first one until I was like 15, still not impressing anyone here Edie: me either Edie: middle child syndrome or whatever Liam: trade you oldest and only son if you want it Edie: Attention is grand and all but too much parental attention isn't what I'm aiming for Liam: can't offer you it Liam: my parents attention is elsewhere Edie: yours still together? Liam: nah Edie: oh good Edie: wouldn't know what to do with a dad Liam: not lots you can do with mine Edie: might be stuck being ourselves for the foreseeable anyway Edie: not a convincing freaky friday/parent trap situation you and me Liam: shame I won't get to 🎸 & lay down a track with your talent Edie: just buzzin' off all the things I could lift obviously 💪 Liam: this where I get cocky like you said? Liam: go on about how much I can Edie: you could Edie: but I'm clearly impressed before you need to use that tactic Liam: it's too desperate Liam: we both know I can pick you up if you get stuck in the mud later on Edie: we both know it's every man for himself when the 🐷 show Liam: I got you a mask Liam: yours has lipstick and more eyelashes, so we know Edie: thank god Edie: fragile femininity anyone? Liam: prefer toxic masculinity Edie: same Liam: 👍 Edie: if the daddy issues weren't glaring the 👑 will make 'em blinding Liam: we can pretend that since you're with me no-one'll be looking at you if you want Edie: the freedom Liam: I'll give you 🛢🧨 to play with Liam: 🔥 will take the attention Edie: really? Liam: 🎇🎆 wasn't only a code Liam: I do have some Edie: 🤩 no joke Edie: I wanna blow shit up Liam: that's all I ever wanna do Edie: yeah Edie: feel that too Liam: if you can capture 🔥 in a tat that'd be something worth considering Liam: not in a gay way like 🎲💀♠ Edie: that's overplayed, and doesn't mean anything Edie: I'll do some designs, providing I make it home alive Liam: supposed to see my dad tomorrow for the first time in months, don't think I'll rush back Edie: 🛢🧨🎇🎆 why would you Liam: don't feel you have to either, unless you're catfishing me Edie: I'd pick someone else if I was Edie: and you accidentally texted me Liam: I'm into the someone I accidentally texted, full fucking offense to whoever you wanna pick Edie: then I'll stick around too Edie: nothing I'm rushing back for Liam: it's in writing I'm not kidnapping you Liam: have to do a mugshot monday instead or something Edie: feel free Edie: I can't see that I'd mind Liam: being kidnapped or sharing a cell? Edie: hmm Edie: both Edie: though the involvement of bars to keep me about is unnecessary really Liam: does hitchiking only work if you're a girl with killer eyes? asking for myself before we torch the car Edie: as you're toxically masculine, most people'd be afraid to stop for you alone but as we're together, you should be safe and not an axe murderer Edie: unless I'm pulling a Hindley Liam: when we go for that we'll think it through more Liam: 🐶 or 👶 on board Edie: I can borrow one Edie: 👶 more likely Edie: people don't like cats enough Liam: I'll get over a fence to grab us a dog Edie: in one step, like Liam: depending on the fence Edie: sure, don't wanna oversell it Liam: you don't want no online fake shit Edie: just telling you so you know Edie: not the same Liam: thanks for telling me Edie: yeah alright Edie: didn't lecture you did I Liam: nah you didn't Edie: there we go then Liam: [quotes some of her own lyrics at her that he likes because genuinely listening to these tracks] Liam: you could sell that harder Edie: I'll work it out in my freestyle Liam: 🛢🧨 Edie: 🔥 Liam: 🎇🎆 Edie: 🤩 Liam: let's see your glitter Edie: checking it's not a catfish? Liam: can't show you mine first, too cocky behaviour Edie: [a rave lewk when we've clearly done the most to do the least you know the vibe] Liam: [I like to think he's written her name in body paint wherever she put her stick n poke so have a pic of that gal] Edie: 👍 Edie: approved Liam: what do you want your i dotted with? Liam: about as artistic as you'll get me to be Edie: ⭐ Edie: has to be Liam: [an adorable little star has been added so have another pic] Edie: perfect Liam: thanks for having a name that's short and easy to spell yourself Edie: oh yeah, snap Liam: except I haven't met another one of yours Edie: maybe an 👵 Liam: prefer a silent snatch & grab Edie: 😂 Edie: alright, then I can be the one and only Liam: do you wanna guess what I think about it? Edie: I have Edie: be too cocky to say Liam: I'll do it then, you said I can get away with more of it Liam: I think it'd be good if you were Edie: let's see if you're right Liam: feels like I am but yeah we'll 👀 Edie: it is weird Edie: how you randomly found my number instead Edie: how many # were you out by? Liam: you'll have his if you didn't before Liam: last number Edie: crazy Edie: another good story Liam: should've been a 6 but I did a 9 Edie: 🤪 love that Liam: I'll lose my phone again if you're what I find Edie: I'll save your number then Edie: or add it to the tat Liam: since you love how it feels Edie: and I'm no less liable to lose my phone, so Edie: the pain is just a bonus Liam: I can add it as fuel to the 🔥 any time you'd like an excuse to cross my number out & go again Edie: I won't run out of ideas either way Liam: what about space? Edie: not anytime soon Edie: I'll have to go back to biro and keep it less permanent after that Liam: leave it on the bodies of our victims like the shittiest calling card for the 🐷 Liam: call me Edie: ooh Edie: we could get really zodiac with that though Edie: only murder people on days ending in 9 Liam: I like it Edie: I'll go solo if you piss me off and do it on 6 days Liam: I'll start staging them like they've starred in your vids to get your forgiveness Liam: attention to detail for attention from you Edie: we can communicate through corpses Edie: that's new, no one's done that before Liam: when I keep the 👀 as a 🏆 you'll know I wanna see you Edie: romantic, aren't you Liam: toxic like my masculinity Edie: good Liam: ☢️ better than a barcode but not by a lot Edie: I could do you a Chernobyl victim tat Edie: get the toxic and the 🔥 in a really untasteful onner Liam: 👌 you're beautiful, talented & smart Liam: don't give me any flaws to pick at then Edie: I did say untasteful instead of distasteful, if you wanna be pedantic and take away smart so you can save some toxic masculinity points Edie: one-ner, also, doesn't translate to typing Liam: when it took you pointing it out, I don't think I can take anything away from you Edie: you can try Edie: again, like kidnapping, might not mind Liam: I can't help thinking it'd be better to give you things Edie: 🎇🎆🛢🧨? Liam: all that Liam: ⭐🐶👶 Liam: & anything else I've not remembered Edie: we can keep the puppy right Liam: what else would we do with it? Edie: just letting you know I draw the line at puppy killing Edie: get that out of the way now Liam: me too Liam: never microwaved any 🐹 or thrown them at the wall Edie: imagine how big you look to 🐹 Liam: 🏙🦖 Edie: definitely made that 📹 as a kid Liam: I'll be in the remake next time you're stuck for a vid idea Liam: if you still have it, we'll kick it frame for frame Edie: you'd be perfect for my next project Liam: sign me up Edie: [tat pic again like I already did] Liam: what else have you got? Edie: [just a comprehensive pic rundown of your tats that are all just silly ones you've done on the whole hope you've not got them anywhere too scandalous but realistically gonna need to be able to hide them when school so it's probably mostly legs at and like, upper arm and ribs/hip vibes] Liam: 😍 Edie: I'll tell you all the stories later when we're smashed Liam: no awkward silences in the car Liam: great idea Edie: not if the other girls are hot Liam: there's one I think you'd like Liam: you'll have to tell me if I'm wrong Edie: I'll flash a 6 or a 9 and you'll know Liam: she can be our first victim either way Edie: 😈 Liam: 🚗🔥 Liam: 🔐 Edie: 😍 Edie: you win Liam: how do you feel about playing games? Liam: 6 or 9 Edie: 9 Liam: same Edie: I know Liam: yeah, you're smart, I gave you that Edie: how smart is it that I wanna play with you? Liam: I'd call it a good decision, which maybe isn't smart if you only like bad ones Edie: I just like doing what I want Edie: good or bad is mostly irrelevant Liam: so do what you want Edie: you to be here now Liam: direct me 🗺❌ Edie: [at least you've had the good sense to be in town not at yours] Liam: [lord imagine] Edie: [like sure Rio ain't about but still don't need to be inviting you in quite yet lol] Liam: [her room is still there and no thank you hun] Edie: [not today huns, we can either skip to post rave now or post this as is?]

[leveragehunters]

2, 3, 16, 41, 44, 45, 50 for the ask game? If you don't mind

I don’t mind at all, my fine Nonnymouse, and thank you for asking!

2. Favorite part of writing.

The moment of the new idea, when it hits and starts unfolding in your brain. That’s awesome. I think that’s the very best part, followed by the scramble for phone or paper or word doc to get it down so you don’t forget it. Then when you actually start writing, when you realise, yes, I actually can do this, this will work (and even though I curse the heavens when it’s happening, the moment when the story just hares off wildly from where you thought it was going into directions unknown and end up somewhere completely different is So Good.)

3. Least favorite part of writing.

If we’re being absolutely, completely honest: writing kissing scenes. I bitch, I moan, I whine. I complain to the cats ‘oh, good, these assholes are kissing. Again. Ugh’. I hate it. I mean, the emotional end result is GOOD, important, the payoff is worth it, but oh holy god is every word dragged out of me by tooth and toenails cause I. Just. Hate. It.

[going under a cut, cause this got longish]

16. Where do you take your motivation from?

I...don’t know? I can’t imagine not writing--or not having a story in my head I’m working out, since I really don’t write during the week, except for jotting story notes or maybe bits of scenes down when I’m on the train. I tend to take a break between stories, or like when I finished Black Dog, that was when the new WoW expansion dropped so I didn’t write for a few weeks, apart from making a few notes here and there, but I knew what I’d be writing next. So I’m not sure about the answer to this question. I guess I have a lot of stories in my head, a lot of Steves and Buckys, and they motivate me to write them.

41. How many stories do you work on at one time?

One. Only ever one at a time. I may get new ideas, and I jot them down in a word doc, but then I go back to what I’m working on. If I lose the thread of a story or don’t know where it’s going I may stop and set it aside and pick up something else, but it’s not going back and forth between two stories. I’m done with that first one until the new one is finished. I can really only give my attention to one story at a time.  

44. Best piece of feedback you’ve ever gotten.

Answered this one already!

45. Worst piece of feedback you’ve ever gotten.

I’m going to put my own spin on this and judge the actual feedback, as the one I’m thinking of was the *worst*. If you’re going to leave negative feedback, my advice, well, my first bit of advice is: don’t. Just hit the back button and move on with your life. But if you simply can’t leave without saying something negative: at least know what you’re talking about! If you’re going to refer to something being too much of a negative trope, make sure you understand the trope! (Otherwise you look like an idiot). If you’re going to criticise the fic for doing something not possible in canon…make sure the fic isn’t clearly marked as an extremely-AU AU! (Again with the idiot-looking.) 

Negative comments are something no one wants to get, but when you get one that’s just...daft, it goes a long way towards softening the blow. I’m lucky, I don’t receive many negative comments, but the one that included these was by far the worst, ie lowest quality, I’ve seen. I admit I deeply wished for the ability to red-pen it and return it marked with an F.

50. Weirdest story idea you’ve ever had.

Besides the ones I’ve already written? Lemme go look at my ideas folder… Okay, these aren’t actually all that weird compared to what I’ve already done. There’s a little reality TV blood sacrifice, a little love potion, a little wingfic, more ghost Steve, more creature fic, a soupcon of space opera, a little haunted Winter Soldier…

Look, it’s probably’ Bucky as a cat/Steve as a Mouse’ or ‘Steve gets turned into a horse’. Those were pretty weird. (Although I do have half an idea where Steve and Bucky are different kinds of winds, so if that goes anywhere, that might take the crown…)

[gamergirl8989]

Promises (F!Kiran x Alfonse version)

Hi everyone! So this is my English short story project that I'd done! This takes place after chapter 10, that's what the first half of the story is about. XD

Also, I didn't use my regular team, I just used the generic team (Alfonse, Sharena, Anna and Virion, but Virion is barely mentioned) because it would make more sense for my teacher. Also, for generic purposes, Kiran’s hair is black. XD

Anyways after I upload this I’m gonna upload the version that has my Summoner, Ayla in it. X3

Edit: here’s a link to the Ayla version: https://gamergirl8989.tumblr.com/post/167851174187/promises-ayla-x-alfonse-version-alright-so

Sorry for the longish Author's note, enjoy the story!

————

Kiran watches as her Heroes get struck down by the Radiant Hero Ike, biting her lip. Virion had gone down due to Ike having distant counter, Anna got beaten earlier by Mist and Soren, and Sharena had gone down because she was closest to Ike, but she was able to do a great deal of damage before being defeated. The only Hero she had left on the field was Alfonse, and Ike was the only enemy left on the field. Alfonse was down to 5 health, but Ike was down to 3. "You got this Alfonse! You can beat him!" The black haired Summoner shouts to the blue haired prince. The prince smiles a bit, running at Ike and dealing the final blow. Afterwards, both the Heroes and enemies came back to life. "We lost. But I have no regrets. You have showed us your strength. We're not enemies. Someday, somewhere... We might just meet again. I look forward to it." Ike says.

"We did it! Our homeland is saved. It's time to head back!" Anna declares with a smile. "Ugh, I'm so tired..." Sharena complains. Kiran couldn't help but chuckle a bit, looking around and getting a bit distracted. "Alright, Kiran, let's get-" Anna starts, but was soon cut off by a loud sound. "What was that?" the red haired commander asks, confused. This made the black haired Summoner look back over at the group. "No!" Alfonse starts. "The gateway, it's closing..." he says, as the group starts running. Unfortunately, Kiran wasn't a fast runner like the others, so she had some trouble keeping up. "Kiran, hurry! This way!" she could hear Alfonse shout, but as she leaped to go through the portal, it closed. "No!" Kiran shouts, falling to the ground, but quickly getting up and looking around frantically.

"Hello, Summoner. This time, it's just you and me." A girl's voice could be heard. 'No. Not Veronica, anyone but her, not now!' Kiran thinks frantically, turning around with fear. She was right, it was the Emblian princess, Veronica, standing behind of Kiran with her tome open. "Your bratty little friends are on the other side of the Gateway. There's no one to save you now..." The princess continues, as Kiran tries to get away, only to trip and fall. "I made a promise to you, and I intend to keep it. It's time to die." Veronica continues. Kiran was frozen in fear, starting to tremble. "I'll pop your head right off... Just like I used to do with my dolls." Veronica says, smiling wickedly. Kiran closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath, readying herself for the pain that was about to come.

But it never came. A sudden blast of magic came from the distance and hitting Veronica, making Kiran’s eyes snap open. "Who dares-?" Veronica says, surprised by what just happened, and fell down from the force of the attack. Kiran stumbles to her feet, knowing this was a good chance to escape. "Run, Kiran! Towards the light!" a male's voice shouts. A Gateway opens, and Kiran stood there, shocked. "Just go! Trust me! I'm Zacharias – Alfonse and Sharena's friend!" the mystery man, who claims to be Zacharias, shouts. Kiran nods, and starts running towards the gateway. Kiran sees a flash of light, which did concern her, but she kept running. "Keep going! Your almost there!" Zacharias shouts. Another flash of light appeared. "Kiran! You'd better watch out for Alfonse and the others!" was the last thing she heard Zacharias shouts, before seeing one more flash, jumping through the portal.

The next thing Kiran knew, she in a foresty area, tumbling to the ground as she went through the portal. "Oof!" She grunted as she landed on the ground. "Kiran!" she could hear Alfonse say. Ayla looked up to see the blue haired prince running over to her, followed by Sharena and Anna. They ran to Kiran, who was now getting back onto feet. "There you are. Am I glad to see you!" Alfonse says. "Oh, Kiran!" Sharena says, both her and Alfonse hugging Kiran. This caught Kiran off guard, but she hugs back to reassure them. "When I saw you disappear just like Zacharias did, I thought my chest would burst." He says, looking very worried. "Me too. I'm so glad you're safe. Seriously, don't do that." Sharena says. She looked like she had been crying. "I'm so sorry I worried you guys... But your friend, Zacharias, he saved me – Veronica found me and was about to kill me, and –" Kiran stops herself for a second, taking a breath. "It's... It's a long story, I'll tell you guys on the way back to the Order." She says exasperatedly, while Sharena and Alfonse pull away from the hug. "What? You say that Zacharias saved you? What are you talking about? How..." Alfonse says. "Let's talk later! We have to get out of here before they close the gateway on us again!" Anna shouts. Alfonse, Kiran and Sharena nod, and the group starts running back.

The next day, Kiran was sitting in a secluded part of the garden, trying to relax. Everyone in the Order of Heroes heard about what had happened the day before to her, and everyone was constantly asking her if she was okay. To Kiran, it was very exhausting, having everyone worrying over her. Even in the garden, she could still feel someone watching her, but she tries to brush it off. 'Probably just Feh...' She thinks, looking around and seeing the fluffy white owl sitting on a branch nearby. Kiran sighs, thinking about something else that happened yesterday. She expected Sharena to hug her, that was normal for her. But it wasn't normal for Alfonse to hug anyone. She sighs, trying to figure out what it could mean, blushing a tiny bit. She then heard rustling of leaves, making Kiran snap out of her thoughts, sighing. "If this is you, Kargero or Saizo, this is the third time I'm telling you, I don't need protection. I highly doubt that Veronica would sneak in here to kill me." Kiran says, sighing.

"You can't be certain about that, Kiran." Was the response she got, but it wasn't from either of the Hoshidan ninjas. She looked up to see Alfonse. "Oh! Alfonse, hey!" Kiran says, smiling a bit. "S-Sorry, Saizo and Kagero have been on me all day about my safety." She says sheepishly. "It's okay." Alfonse says, coming over to her. Kiran blushes a bit, but tried to hide it by pulling her hood up over her head. "Kiran? Are you okay? You've been acting off lately..." Alfonse says worriedly. "O-Oh, yeah, I'm fine!" Kiran says quickly. She was afraid of ruining the two's friendship if she was truthful about her feelings, especially if he didn't feel the same way. Alfonse frowns, having the feeling that she wasn't telling the truth. "Kiran, you can tell me." He says. Kiran gulps a bit. "I... I don't want it to ruin our friendship..." she mumbles, looking down slightly. "Hm?" Alfonse asks, not being able to hear her.

Kiran could feel her heart pounding wildly, sighing and standing up. "I..." She starts, unsure of how she should say this. Alfonse listens, frowning from worry. "I... I love you..." she says, quickly pulling her hood further over her face to hide her blush. Alfonse stood there, shocked. When Kiran didn't hear a response, she felt tears form in the corners of her eyes. "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything..." She whispers, about to leave. However, she didn't expect Alfonse to grab her hand and hug her. "There's no need to be sorry." Alfonse starts, wrapping one arm around her, then letting go of Kiran’s hand to move her hood. Kiran looks at him, shocked. She was still blushing, not expecting this. Alfonse then leans in and kisses her. Kiran’s eyes widen a bit, but then closed her eyes and kisses back. After a few seconds, Alfonse pulls away, looking into Kiran’s eyes.

"...Because I love you too." Alfonse finishes. Kiran smiles and hugs him, her hood falling off her head in the process. Alfonse smiles and hugs back, resting his head on top of hers gently, being that bit taller than her. "I wasn't sure if you felt the same way, I was scared of ruining our friendship..." Kiran mumbles. "Well, I do feel the same, and I want you to know that I vow to protect you, Kiran." Alfonse says. Kiran smiles looking up at him. "Thank you, Alfonse... I swear, I'll help you all I can throughout this war, and stay by your side, and bring peace back to Askr." Kiran vows. Alfonse smiles, kissing her forehead. "Thank you..." he says. The two stay in each other's arms for a little, promising that they'd never abandon the other.