#i dont want to get angry at people who arent doing anything wrong and demand them to do better when its not really about them at all

[caffeinatedopossum]

Haha what if all the overwhelming rage I'm suddenly feeling is actually just 21 years of accumulated injustices that I'm only now starting to feel because my self esteem is improving. But then because it's so overwhelming that it feels genuinely unsafe to both myself and those around me for me to express it, I have to repress it further and the only way I know how to do that is to lower my self esteem again so that I don't feel angry cause I no longer feel like I ever deserved better

[crazysodomite]

////

it. genuinely is starting to piss me off. people love acting enlightened and smarter than everybody else. its like a high for them.

oh, posting and spreading awareness is worthless, boycotts are worthless, strikes are worthless. okay. what are You proposing and what are You doing? and most importantly how do those actions not allow people to do other things? it's extremely easy to act higher than everyone else by POSTING how everyone else is so stupid but You are the smartest one in the room.

you know what my hot take is? people who spend their days doing in-person activism dont spend time posting about how spreading awareness and talking about things that are happening in the world is worthless. someone who attends a protest isnt saying 'umm sharing news about that this protest happened is worthless and not going to change anything :///'. people who are fundraising and delivering goods to people in need arent saying 'umm lol rbing this donation post isnt going to change anything'

its always people who dont do jack shit but want to act enlightened about it that say this.

and you know whats REALLY funny? its the exact same people that talk about 'stupid crazy leftists that demand immediate revolution and firebombing a walmart' who are saying this. okay so... which is it? is gradual change possible or only taking up arms and storming govt buildings? small things count too. obviously bigger things are more important but we can do several things at the same time. which is what people have been saying since the beginning

i dont take a single person seriously when they brag about having 'correct opinions'. especially when their opinions are literally the dumbest 'both sides are equally wrong' high horse bullshit

your whole fucking blog is dedicated to responding to troll twitter accounts and attacking strawmen you created and there's not even a peep from you about real life events and actions. but obviously you are the most wise and enlightened person on this earth. get your head out of your ass for once.

and yes it also matters to spread awareness about things you can't really do anything about. you can't bring people who died back, you can't restore destroyed cities to their former state, but it still matters that they are remembered and talked about. even if it makes people feel sad and angry.

[charlieisacastle]

today has been shit both irl and online so i feel like talking about what forcing someone to out themselves by making them feel like a bad person does to them as someone who's been through it myself

when i was in 8th grade, i was experimenting with my gender. i was going by a masculine name and was known as a "boy" by some ppl irl

however my best friend didnt really get it. she saw it as me "catfishing" ppl. and for the longest time i saw it that way too...i still sometimes do tbh...its hard to stop believing all the hate you've been fed you know?

my bff got close to a girl that knew the masculine me and as time went on she started being "uncomfortable" about "lying" to her about who i "truly" was.

she started intentionally or unintentionally slipping up and using my deadname or just acting like i was hiding something that the other girl Deserved™ to know. we had many fights over it and i felt horrible. i didnt understand why it was such a big deal for them to know my "real" gender but i felt like a liar and a terrible person

it got to a point where the friend demanded to know the secret by publicly making a scene and almost putting her life in danger. and my friend telling me that if i dont tell her, she will.

so i had to out myself as "a girl" just to escape this guilt i was feeling. the guilt of lying to ppl, putting their life in danger bc it was Obviously my fault (it wasnt), and being a "catfish"

i never recovered from that. i shelved my gender questions after that until i was 19. and even then i didnt come out to anyone irl until i was 20 bc i was scared that i was lying to them somehow and "what if im not actually nonbinary and am making it up?" but also "they deserve to know bc if i dont tell them then im a bad person and catfishing them"

i was always comfortable with experimenting with my gender, after that, i wasnt. and its still a process to unpack all of the guilt i carry with me to this day.

i didnt get to experiment in peace, or just be who felt like being in that moment without labeling myself. i felt forced to come out bc i felt guilty and ppl made me feel like they Deserved to know "the truth"... a truth i myself didnt even understand at the time...

i dont think being angry at the people who forced kit to come out is gonna change anything. they are absolutely horrible people for doing it yes, but i dont think they r mature enough to understand why it was the wrong thing to do in the first place tbh. if they were they wouldn't demand him to come out

but i hope that for the rest of us, it can serve as a reminder to not judge people based on stereotypes and force them to share information they dont want to or arent ready to do so yet.

i hope everyone including kit and the bi/pan ppl in the fandom feel better soon. i love you guys a lot and please take care 💚

[chinesegal]

In defence of Boa Hancock, again

To preface: today I encountered an ask with a response so bad it made me boil with anger:

the op hates Hancock’s character, which is something I try to accept despite my personal feelings, however I do not believe its disrespectful to post this, its a public post on a social media forum and I don’t have enough followers that can make harassment campaigns possible.

So right now, I will refute their points bit by bit, each time copypasting their words into quotation marks, and my refutations below.

Their words:

“ Can you imagine how outraged the fandom would be, if they were cisswapped? For two seconds, let’s imagine a Luffyko & male!Boa: there would be oodles & oodles of posts about how he’s sexually harassing Luffyko, how No means No, & breaking down the fact that this character is not a good person by any means. That doesn’t happen though, because Boa’s a woman & Luffy’s a 17 yr old in this screenshot. “

Nope. Sanji turned to stone when seeing Shirahoshi because of the sheer lust he was feeling at the time, and then went on acting servile and adoring around her, serving her tea because she’s a woman/girl he’s attracted to, like many:

And Shirahoshi is 16, Sanji was 21. Brook asked to see Shirahoshi’s panties, and asked this question to many other women. The fandom in general doesn’t seem to care, which is a problem. Their actions are creepy, but no one cares.

But what makes me truly angry is the one screenshot they try to use to prove that Boa’s predatory:

this one. “Luffy’s only 17 in this screenshot”, they say. 

“What’s the context for this image?”-you might ask. The answer: sure as fucking hell not Boa trying to seduce or take advantage of Luffy. Here, she is revealing the brand on her back that would forever mark her as property, as less than human for life. Its an eternal reminder to her of the years of abuse and trauma she went through as a child. She is definetely not being “seductive” or sexual here, and nudity isnt the same as being sexual, especially not in this context.

It enrages me that they try to portray this shot where Boa is opening up about her abuse and trauma as her trying to “sexually harassing” Luffy. 

they then goes on about how men can be raped and abused by women, which is true but Hancock has done absolutely nothing abusive to Luffy, not in the screenshot unless you count trying to kill him as “abuse”. 

“Bias that men can’t be abused influences do-Gooder purity warriors that try to claim Sanji’s a sexual predator”- they say, a quote I feel distasteful. I dont think Sanji’s a sexual predator but if you do like him and ignore his behavior towards girls younger than Luffy, then you are just as hypocritical.

“ There is no reason why a 29 yr old should be almost violently, definitely insistently pursuing a 17 yr old. It’s disgusting, it’s creepy, it’s gross. Her tragic backstory does not give her leeway either. “

Boa Hancock has never been “violent”, nor said or done anything inappropriate to Luffy. She fantasizes about being his wife sure, and the agegap is awkward, but she acts like a 12 year old girl experiencing her first crush. She’s so naive that she thinks Luffy’s hug means they are married. It is very likely, if not explicitly canon that she doesnt know how healthy adult relationships function because of her whole backstory. That is the reason it’s impossible for me to see her as predatory, not because of gender but because how innocent she actually is when it comes to sex and romance.

Luffy is also not a tactful person; he would tell her if her behavior creeps him out but never does, showing that Boa’s actions doesnt make him uncomfortable at all.

And yes, her backstory does explain a lot, and it is the entire reason I sympathize with her despite her actions, which aren’t even that bad when compared to other pirates.

They then claim that during the infiltration of Impel Down, Hancock “made everything about herself and how she is going to marry Luffy”, somehow proving that she’s “selfish” and “irredeemable”, then they claim “Boa Hancock is the same character archetype as other One Piece villains, just obsessed with her beauty and ability to exploit people for her own gain” and “she knows what she is doing is wrong, she brags about it even”.

This made me almost as angry as the use of the screenshot.

Boa fawns over Luffy during the Impel Down escape, but to say she isnt “selfless” enough despite the fact that she’s breaking into a maximum security prison where visitors like her have to be completely helpless, a place controlled by the very people who enslaved her when she was a child. 

A single word from Magellan, someone in the World Government, or the Celestial Dragons themselves and she would have been doomed. What if she was searched and the brand identifying her as a slave was discovered? What if the Celestial Dragons have long known that she is their former slave and the World Government has been waiting for an opportunity to catch her in a situation like this so they can take her back to Mariejois and “return” her to the Celestial Dragons? Those are real, valid, and terrifying concerns for someone in Hancock’s position, and yet she did it all anyway for Luffy.

Yes, she fantasized about Luffy loving her during the infiltration, but y’know, that is ridiculous to focus on when characters like Sanji rants about wanting to cook and dote on women the straw hats are trying to save, fantasizing about being their “prince charming”. The SH themselves never aid innocents unless to help someone they befriended, they are not gonna intervene in a conflict even if thousands of people die. So no, Boa would never help anyone she didnt care about, she helps Luffy because she loves him and to focus on the 5 seconds she fantasizes about their “romance” is silly and shitty.

About her “boasting” about the bad things she’s done, words arent the same as actions and her shown actions were not shown to be worse than any other pirate. She turns other pirates and marines to stone, but Mihawk killed almost 5000 people just to pass the time and he gets no flack for it. The SH have contributed directly to the death of marines who just do their jobs. Her kicking baby seals, throwing away expensive gems and destroying children’s statues are petty things I dont care about, and just part of a persona to dissuade others from thinking she’s weak, she doesnt truly believe her own people would love her unconditionally if she spends years lying to them about her past. Hancock is no remorseless murderer like Enel and Crocodile, the reason she became a schischibukai was to protect her people.

As for surrounding herself with “enablers”, there’s not exactly any living person other than Nyon and Rayleigh who knows about her past and she can open up to. Her own culture demands she show no weakness, which would make that even harder.

@the-cat-under-telperion​ 

@chromatic-lamina​

@fan-tasmic​

I want your take on this.

[rosa-berberifolia]

The Long Haul|LOTR x Reader|Eomer x Reader - Part 2

A/N: Part 2 of maybe...4? 5? 4? 5? Not sure. Again, the last time I reader the books was like a decade ago, so please dont be upset with me when things arent canon.

Warnings: blackish magicy type stuff kinda, violence, and everything that entails, mentions of death.

Word count: 2200 +\- 100

You met with Lord Elrond and other members of his council, and a Hobbit named Frodo presented the one ring. Among the group of people at the meeting there were two people that you knew and trusted. Aragorn, and Gandalf the Grey. When they volunteered to be a part of the group to help destroy the ring, you immediately jumped to join as well, wanting to protect your friends.

You became rather close with all members of the group. Especially Legolas and Gimli. They, along with Aragorn and yourself had become separated from the rest of the group after the deaths of Gandalf and Boromir. You mourned for your friends, but knew that Merry and Pippin needed saving. So you let Frodo and Sam go while you four went after the Urukhai that captured the other two hobbits. 

The next time you saw Eomer, you didn’t realize it was him until it was too late. You were too far off to get to him before he left. A group of men on horses traveled passed your group. Aragorn signaled for you to stay back and attack from afar should the situation call for it.

You were so far away, perched on a rock that when Eomer took off his helmet you didn’t have a good view of his face, and only recognized him by his voice towards the end of the conversation between him and Aragorn. You only recognized him went he went to get back on his horse and he and his men rode north.

The disappointment that flooded you was insurmountable. You secretly dreamed of seeing him again. Of feeling his lips on yours again. Even though you knew he was a lord and had no business being with someone like you. You still dreamed of such things.

///

Aragorn had returned from battle, bloodied and bruised, but also, with news of impending doom. You followed Gandalf to the stables. You knew he planned to ride north to try to find Eomer and his men. But even though he was a wizard, the chances of him finding Eomer and convincing him to come were small, given how Eomer had described a white wizard - no doubt Sauraman - Eomer probably wouldn’t believe a word out of Gandalf’s mouth. But perhaps if he saw you there, and you vouched for Gandalf? Maybe then Eomer would believe and they would reach Helm’s Deep in time. Gandalf agreed and in a moment you were behind him on Shadowfax.

///

“Eomer, we must ride south to Helm’s Deep to aid your Uncle.” Gandalf said.

“And why would I believe the cunning white wizard who sends men to attack the lands of Rohan?” Eomer asked aggressively. 

Then you leaped from the back of Gandalf’s horse. You immediately saw Eomer’s face change from defensive to surprised and then to hurt. The look confused you. What had you done...or not done since your last meeting.

“If you don’t believe him then believe me, Eomer.” You declared as you started closer to him. Eomer dismounted from his horse and took off his helmet. He started walking towards you with a foul glare in his eye. It stabbed you in the heart to see him look at you this way. Though perhaps it was better that he come to dislike you and leave you be than for the two of you to catch feelings for one another. You tried to push these thoughts aside. It was better in the long run and there were more pressing matters to attend to.

“Your Uncle is well again, Eomer. Grima has been expelled from Rohan. And ten thousand orcs march towards Helm’s Deep and your defenseless people. Don’t tell me you would leave them to this horrible fate?” Your voice grew quieter as you became closer to Eomer, so that only he could hear.

“I tried to find you.” Eomer said coldly as he reached you. Is that why he was so cruelly looking at you? 

“I-I’ve been away.” You said as if it wasn’t obvious.”I’ve been on an important mission.” You gazed apologetically at Eomer and he tried to judge whether or not you actually meant it. You weren’t sure what he had chosen. After a moment he turned around and started walking back towards his horse. Then he stopped and looked back at you and motioned for you to join him.

“Rohirrim!” He started to address his men. “We ride for Helm’s Deep, and to battle!” He said, putting on his helmet. You came to where he was and he got on his horse and held out his hand for you. You took it and he pulled you up to sit behind him.

///

“Why were you trying to find me?” You asked quietly during a break for the horses.

“Theodred. My cousin.” Eomer looked sadly at the ground. “He was wounded in a battle with orcs. I tried to find you so you might be able to heal him.” Then he looked up at you. His eyes were full of hurt and anger. “I could not find you.”

You sighed and gathered your thoughts before you replied. “I was called upon by Lord Elrond. The One Ring has been found.” 

Eomer’s face shot up in surprise. A look of almost hope dawned his features. “Where is it?” he asked.

“It is being taken to Mordor to be destroyed.”

“By who?”

You had to pause to laugh a little. The whole thing being explained to someone else sounded ridiculous. Two hobbits against the world? Yikes. “Their names are Frodo and Sam.” You said deciding to save the whole hobbits bit for a later time. Then you were interrupted by one of Eomer’s men.

“My Lord. We should continue.” The man said. Eomer turned his head and nodded to the man before turning back to you.

“And you were accompanying them?”  He asked getting up. You followed.

“Yes, but we were separated. I am with the three you found the other day. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.”

“Why did I not see you there?”

“I was farther back on perch in case something went wrong.”

Before you got onto the horse again Eomer stopped you, turning towards you. He sighed and looked down at you. He sweetly ran the back of his hand against your hair. “I had missed you.” He said quietly under his breathe. The smile that erupted onto your face was embarrassingly large. You looked down to try to conceal the blush that crept onto your cheeks. Biting your lip you look back at him.

“I have missed you too.” You confessed. It was Eomer’s turn to smile and blush. The two of you grew closer and closer together until your lips were mere centimeters apart.

“Eomer! Y/n!” Gandalf got your attention from the other side of your horse. “We must leave at once if we are to make it!”

You and Eomer giggled at Gandalf’s timing. You pulled away and got on the horse and rode towards Helm’s Deep.

///

You were just on the other side of Helm’s Deep. You could hear the clattering and clanking of swords and the grunting of men, elf, and orc who fought. You grew nervous.

“Y/n,” Eomer started to say to you as Gandalf gave a rousing speech to the men. “You should stay behind. Its not safe for a lady.”

“Then I guess its a good thing I’m not a lady.” You said with a hint of amusement in your tone. Then Gandalf came towards you. 

“Get ready Y/n. We will need your help if we are to win this.” He stated. You jumped off of the horse and walk a way in front of the men.

You knew exactly what you could do to help them. But it would mean using your black magic. And if you were to use that, it would much easier for your father to sense where you were. But you supposed you would have to use it sooner or later. And sooner or later your father was going to figure out where you are. It would be worth it if you could do anything to help stop Sauran and Sauraman.

“Funnel the horses through my sigil.” You said before turning to look at Eomer again. He did not know of your lineage, but he was sure to learn in a moment. You were certain that once he saw how dark you actually were he would no longer want you. And while it hurt thinking that you would never feel his touch again, you knew that you would have to sacrifice some of the things you wanted if we were to win this war. And in your head you knew that it could never be between you two either because he was a Lord and you were from scum. You put all of this behind you and you focused on casting the dark spells you needed to.

“Avo alnej, startok.”[1] You said as you held your arm up to the sky. In a tiny flash of lightning and a boom of thunder, a crow appeared and landed on your arm. Then you quickly grabbed it by the neck. In your other hand you unsheathed your dagger.

“May latob kibum maprog ulub.”[2] Another spell left your lips, and you drove your knife into the crow’s belly and you drug it down. You put the knife away and then used the crow’s blood to draw a sigil on the ground. You made it large so that a few horses could go through at a time. When you were finished you stood just outside of the sigil and held crow up to the sky and the sigil you had drawn started to glow.

“Baj it zahal.”[3] You declared with the crow held high. With your arms still in the air you looked at Eomer. He had a look of horror on his face. He watched you with offensive concern. It nearly killed you. At least you could do this for him. You looked to Gandalf and nodded.

“Everyone must go through this sigil. Both man and beast. Do it now!” He demanded and looked at Eomer. Eomer looked to his men and nodded, signaling that they should do as the wizard said. And so they did.

///

The battle had ended and not a Rohirrim was lost. Unfortunately the other people of Rohan had been massacred. At the end you immediately went to help the healers. After you were able to find all of the things you needed for a dark healing spell, and Gandalf and the King talked the people there into letting you cast a dark spell, you got to work readying a space for it.

“Would you ever have told me that you were a fell beast, or were you going to keep me under your spell?” Eomer’s angry voice resonated in the room you were preparing. You thought that something like this might happen. You were kind of hoping that maybe he would just shun you and not come yelling at you. No such luck. It took a second for you to process what had just happened.

“You never asked me what I am.” You replied bluntly. Why should he get to be made at you? It’s not like you lied to him. He never asked. “And I never put you under a spell.” You clarified with hostility.

He looked bewildered for a moment at your stony attitude before he set a glare at you, then shaking his head and leaving. Eomer closed the door loudly behind himself.

“It was all she ever knew. And she has been making up for her mistakes. Don’t be too hard on her.” Aragorn stated to Eomer as he made to go down the hallway. Eomer cocked his head in question. “She’s saved my life more times than I’d care to admit.” Aragorn added and then walked down the opposite direction from where Eomer was going.

///

Days later and the people of Rohan were leaving Helm’s Deep and making their way back to Edoras. You were walking beside a cart pulling people’s things. Eomer was walking as well having given his horse to help the elderly and sick. He caught your attention when he came up behind you.

“I owe you an apology.” His deep voice carried in the wind making you look back. You stopped and furrowed your eyebrows at him. “And I suppose if I had such a secret, I wouldn’t have shared it either.” You started walking again when he was beside you.

“I’m trying to be better.” You said smally. “I’m trying to make up for the things that I’ve done.”

“There is no need to explain.” Eomer said with an almost guilty face and his gaze glanced over to where Aragorn and Eowyn walked together. You sighed in a defeated manner and shook your head. Of course it was Aragorn who gave him details about you.

Shyly you looked back up to him, judging his sincerity.

“I am sorry for yelling at you.” He stated calmly. It made you smile a little. And then he smiled back at you, a small, sheepish smile. You were so enthralled with him that you hand’t notice him move his hand. So when you felt his skin on yours, and then the gentle squeeze of his fingers entwined with yours, it made you jump. And your jump made him chuckle. 

When you didn’t pull away his smile grew. He said nothing. He raised your hand in his to his lips and he placed a soft kiss on your knuckles. You blushed while he put your hands back down. Just because you could never end up with him doesn’t mean that for now you can’t hold his hand for a little bit, right?

----

Tags:

@ladyideal​

@merrillbee92​

----

Translations:

[1] To me, crow

[2] May your life protect theirs

[3] Make it so

[pwnyta]

POKEMON DOODLES. BETCHA DIDNT SEE THAT COMING.

These mediocre doodles are mostly for Omi. Theyre not even real characters from the games/show... its just... dont worry about it. Since im lazy its all just sketchy doodles. ((A shit ton of them under the cut!))

Hugo (Nat- ):

Candy (Nat- Naive): A not all together newbie. Im sure she was delighted to get he codename... and then less delighted that there was someone already called ‘Candyman‘.

Scarecrow or just ‘Crow’ (Nat- Modest): A spooky man who’ll fit whatever roll he needed for. Very flexible. Has an easy personality to deal with though hes not very forthcoming about himself personally... might be better in a job like this.

Lock (Nat- Quiet):

Doc (Nat- Careful): He has a lot of information on almost everyone... aside from Sickle whos doctor is Emanuel. Hes not a fighter and refuses to evolve because his tail was mutilated and he can be a Slowbro anymore. Hes somehow gained a weirdly dark organ harvester rep... maybe because hes rarely seen and peoples imagination go wild... but to the people under his care hes just a nice, tiny guy who does a good job of patching them up quickly. He will smuggle drugs however because now he gets to work in better conditions under Sickle... hes also got a strange morbid sense of humor.

Wisp (Nat- Hasty): An ice queen type, kinda haughty and smug but shes got the skills to back that up so no one can talk shit. Like ‘sure shes an asshole... but shes not wrong‘. She tries to work WITH people just so she can get them the fuck away from her as quickly as possible. She doesnt appreciate people overstaying their welcome and prefers to go solo. If she needs a partner she prefers another woman or at least a pretty man... but someone like Link or Skim would be better.

Skim (Nat- Sassy): Honestly just a nod to Catwoman in general.

Father (Nat- Serious): A very religious man, mute, demands perfection. If you work for him and fuck up and embarrass him youre in for a world of hurt.  No matter how fond he may seem to be towards someone this is true. He doesnt play favorites and he doesnt want anyone under him to stagnate. You push yourself or HE’LL PUSH YOU. The operatives working under him are jokingly referred to as his ‘kids‘. Toward his equals he can be respectful... or maybe just tolerant.

Perma (Nat- Adamant): A cruel efficient lady. Has a thing for blades which is possibly why she has no trouble working for a guy like Sickle. The fact hes not interested piques her interest in him even more.

Gadget (Nat- Rash): Tries to be a fun gamer girl but her short temper makes it hard. Some suggest her codename should be ‘Tripwire‘ because of how unpredictably dangerous she can be... but she disagrees BECAUSE SHES A FUCKING DELIGHT. Can be a bit of a troll... and not the goofy fun kind (the malicious I’ll ruin your life if you cross me kind).

Blink (Nat- Calm) A Very obedient and very smart. Has a really droning dull voice and never loses his temper. Hes good at calming a certain Luxray down.

Mele (IDK)

Wool (Nat- Sassy) Plays dumb and pretty but hes rather clever and is a fun loving fella. Has a French accent. Master of disguise!

Wreckingball (Nat- Hardy): Has no real talent or skill. Hes just a tough bastard you call in if you need to fuck some shit up. Hes probably one of the more pleasant agents in Sickles crew and is chummy... probably not the greatest idea considering his coworkers are a bunch of shady assholes.

Mittens (Nat- Jolly): Hes another rather nice agent of Sickles. But hes not a dumbass like Wreckingball and has become of the head of the Sigma divison. He is a bit reckless tho. He can shoot his arms off and use them as weapons so he occasionally wears prosthetic arms and spends a lot of time with Doc.

Prick (Nat- Impish) Hes a smarmy lad who enjoys talking vaguely and annoying people. HIS NAME IS APPROPRIATE AND HE LOVES IT.

River (Nat- Naughty): Flirty and dangerous. Hes a killer but hes quick and efficient doesnt draw out anyones death. Not because hes nicer or squeamish or anything its because torture isnt in his job description. Hes great at getting people to think he honestly cares and like using built trust to crush his victims. He also like cucumbers! He somehow gets along well with Madam even though theyre both just being fake bitches.

Madam (Nat- Mild): Looks very dainty and delicate and uses peoples desire to please a pretty woman to take advantage of them. Shes not shy about minor edits to peoples memories to help her get away even though its illegal.

Cleo (Nat- Docile):

Cresent the Shiny Lycanroc (dusk form. Nat- relaxed)

Link the Golisopod (Nat- Quiet)-

Methuselah the Drampa (Nat- Mild)

Viola the Chatot (Nat- Naughty)

Sandstorm the Flygon (Nat- Adamant)... Her personality is like that of a strict teacher dont let her have a ruler unless you wanna get spanked. Shes neat and detail oriented and because shes so outwardly respectable... no one would ever suspect shes a fucking thief. Shes a collector of rare and valuable books and of course prefers original copies. Her social skills arent grea unless shes pretending to be someone shes not and gets embarrassed if she reveals too much about herself to anyone.

Cavendish the Tropius (Nat- Lax). Her personality is like shes on autopilot, she gets shit done but shes sorta checked out. Shed much rather just stay home but she also got expensive tastes and shes not rich.

Alkaloid (Nat- Lonely): A gloomy lass that craves companionship. Shes not great at making connections to people which is fine for her position but really wants to have someone to click with. After she lost her eye she became even more distant with people. Shes rather fond of Doc though their relationship is rather one sided... her projecting some strange friendship on him because he cares for her and keeps her secrets... but hes a doctor and its kind of his job.

Blanco (Nat- Quirky): A vain dramatic ladies man. Is a skilled in his job (of course) but he hates when hes gotta tone back his extravagant life. After a long job he likes to surround himself with lively people and have some fun. He thinks he works VERY well with others and thinks himself a perfect partner.... most find him obnoxious and a lot have told him so... he just takes all criticism as jokes and lets it roll off him. If nothing else hes very positive!

Mistletoe (Nat- Serious): He seems cold and scary but hes a man of honor (for a guy who tortures people for a living anyway). He refuses to harm anyone weaker than him and is very caring of children and will step in if he sees some injustice if he can. Rouge agents, traitors,and shit like that though... hes ruthless and is very good at prying information out of them.  His hobby of developing new and dangerous poisons/chemicals are often tested on whoever hes toying with. ((He should have spots on the light red parts of his jacket... I forgot them IDK how OH WELL. I wanna tweak his costume a bit anyways. Vileplume colors are so bleh.))

Dust (Nat- Calm): Outwardly very charming but theyre not as sweet as they seem on the inside. Dust doesnt need to bring their victims in any kind of room to do their dirty work and prefers using their dust and psychic abilities to just mind fuck their victims into submission.

The Candyman the Alolan Muk (Nat- Quiet) is an annoyingly patient man and the perfect guy to call if you need to teach someone a lesson. If no one else can do it... THE CANDYMAN CAN. IDK what that Mr Mime did but he pissed Sickle off... Candyman has one weak point and thats his poor eyesight... and he’ll get very annoyed if you touch his glasses.

Doc gets a penpal.

BB Sparky helps Boat be a Pichu with the clever use of feathers and a pink marker.

Lees a hit with his mommas work friends.

Lee and his kids. (Sam and Sparky are his kids occasionally.) Hes a stronk boy but his health isnt the best... even Sam can feel a little guilty and worried when he causes trouble for his friend.

Alex is not an easy man to anger and hes very dangerous when hes angry but no matter how pissed off he is... just seeing Lee can sweep that all away. Alex can get away with a lot... but Lee still wont let him wear his preferred fighting attire. QQ so mean.

I revamped Boats friend Arcane. Hes a cop. ...he mostly hangs out with other dogs but also Boat. Nice guy, very righteous but also kind of a prideful asshole sometimes.

Ray revamp.

I made Sandy shiny because the black looked cool.

Some cops.

Another scientist

TAPUS!!!

Halos childhood friend turned criminal.

Stan and Davy fam!! Stans mum is a detective, his dad is a stay at home dad.

Davys mum is an ~*~ARTIST~*~ especially in fashion but shes flexible and creative... and very spontaneous and his dad is former military turned workhorse for his wife. Hes good at sewing with all his tentacles.

Although her desire to have a kid was random and ill thought out... they werent as awful at being parents as he thought.

Another Ray! Mega Manectric and Hebenon.

BB Pokemon Quest crew.

I forgot to add Ho-Oh Lugia

And the trios.

[askthetriokzt]

20??

 20. Wildcard. Talk about anything

// Oh boy, anything? Lets shine some light on Criticism shall well? A key thing I learned when it comes to creating and critiquing. But before I talk about criticism, I would like to talk about a universal currency.

 Believe it or not, but all humankind share one kind of commodity, regardless of social status, nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other sort of categorization.

That commodity is time. We can give our time, invest our time, waste our time, miss our time, lose time, have it stolen, and we can value our time… the only thing we cant do, is have more time. We claim to buy time, but thats really just an exchange of our own time to delay events. Though we dont know how deep our own accounts go, we cant create more of this finite resource.

So when you invest time in watching a movie or reading a book, or any other exchange that didn’t seem worth the trade, its natural to be angry. This was your time and it has value. Simultaneously, the creator of that book or movie, or art piece, or characters, ect can invest a great deal of their own time in that works creation. Its incredibly frustrating to feel that people arent recognizing that effort. Which is where the tension between critics and creatives often arises.

The wrong word from a certain critic can undermine a lot of creative investment. Yet many a critic will defend their role as pushing back against any trivialization of an art form. In a weird way, both sides believe themselves to be creativity’s true champion. And in my eyes, the best critics convey this love for the medium

Somewhere along the way, critics became celebrities in their own right. An idea started to creep in, ‘To stand out and to be noticed, many critics rely on the idea that negativity is honesty.’.

We’ve all been seduced by this at some point. Many many reviewers have gained an audience and kept it by tearing works apart. The online world in particular flocks to this. We see negativity as a voice, shouting down the groupthink. Its a statement that “We are not going to be cowed by the fandom’s whims and so they got to deal with it!”

And it works. Even if people to agree to the negativity, they respond to it. The comment in defense of their favorite characters and episodes, they denounce the critic, and for some its enough to have that response and recognition. As the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as negative publicity.”.

But given enough time, does the same tactic work? If a critic is consistently negative, regardless of context, I think people begin to see the figure behind the curtain. At most, negativity can become a gimmick, while often its a method towards false confidence. That said, is positivity instant honesty?

 Not really. Unwillingness to criticize indicates that someone is starting with the assumption that the work is good and is going backward. There’s a sense that being a fan is taking priority over being honest. So where does the balance lie?

Personally, I dont think it has to do with a quota of positive vs negative comments or reviews. The real challenge is to show love for the art and the expression. If a piece doesn't work, if it fails to register, whats the counterbalance? Can you highlight a work that did the same attempt and succeeded? That’s offering genuine criticism. Because not only are you stating that something didn’t work, but you’re also helping people understand by providing a positive point of reference.

And by criticising what didn’t work, how much authority can a critic assume? Often times, a negative ‘critic’ will go after the artist more than the artwork. Telling them to keep their hobbies at home or to no inflict their failure on the community. In essence, they’re telling others to stop trying.

If there’s ever a warning light to tune someone out, its when they discourage future attempts. How does the ability to criticize translate into the authority to dictate terms? Attempting to sabotage a person’s efforts is suffocating. You’re drawing a line in the sand with no room for discussion or growth.

I get the sense that this wouldn’t really matter to someone who thrives off of that negativity, people who create cringe blogs, or people who just attack the artist because this isn't about dialogue or insight, its about them. By putting down someone else's work, they present the illusion of intelligence and insight without risk. 

“In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read.” - Anton Ego from Ratatouille

This leaves a question if time is currency, how much time should we invest in those who do not create? Being an accomplished artist isn’t a prerequisite for giving feedback. Its the old train of thought, “I dont have to be a chef to recognize a bad meal.”. But how much can this feedback benefit the process? Often times, we can find ourselves under a barrage of words that have an emotional impact but offer very little insight. Even the phrases that can sound positive, often times dont express why they like the piece.

The fact is, not all criticism is created equal. People who have never taken the risk, often lack the perspective to offer insight, so their feedback is often focused on their own entertainment. Yet audiences are vast and can have a diverse set of opinions, often contradictory, so it becomes a judgment call. Who offers the best and most insightful criticism, and who is just making demands?

The thing that kills me is that if I could challenge these so-called ‘critics’, I’m sure their response would be, “I’m just stating my opinion. Its not my fault if others are offended.”. I’ve seen this defense or excuse thrown up so many times, its become borderline comical. This avoidance of responsibility or any acknowledgment that the message didn’t reach the audience. What this message really means is a double standard. The person is saying, “I am not going to invest the time or energy to better craft a message that will reach my audience, yet I expect you to invest the time and energy to pay attention.”

The end result is that the only people who agree, are those who already shared the same mindset beforehand. Very rarely does this sway the opposing view or offer new ideas.

Once again, I’m drawn back to the idea that a negative review can be fun to watch/listen. We might enjoy a sense of validation, we can say “Hey, I’m not the only one who didn’t like that thing.” Yet even then, I cant just point at a reviewer and say, “I’m entertained.” or “This person and I dislike the same things and therefore, they must be good critics.” I find that the critics I go out of my way to watch, offer more than just entertainment.

When Linkara lays into the toxic message that is ‘Holly Terror’, he contrasted about how SuperHeroes can knights-errant, showing the best in kindness and decencyWhen Angry Joe went full fury over ‘Ride to Hell’, it wasn’t just about bad gameplay, he also denounced the insulting and juvenile approach towards women and sex.And when BennetTheSage reviewed the anime ‘Fooly Cooly’, he reflected on how our tastes change and evolve with time but that doesn't mean that our past enjoyment was meaningless.

Honestly, the best reviews and critics aren’t those who just pick something to pieces, they’re people who recognize that creativity is an expression of an idea, even if its not well represented. By drawing our attention to the ideas to get people thinking. Bonus points if you can enjoy a laugh along the way. Yet there will always be people who just want to tear others down, attack the artist, and just be overall negative without caring about others or their growth. Whenever you put your work out there, someone else will see it as an opportunity for their own advancement.

What I hope people will take away from this, is where to invest their time. To look at a critics commentary and ask, “Is there a genuine care for the idea or expression?” “Is there just some sort of entertainment value?” Is when I can get a sense that a person is just unfunny and wearing the facade of a critic, is when I say can say “I have a pretty limited amount of time, are you really worth the investment?”

Here’s hoping that you found this long long ‘essay’, worth your own time and that it could help bring a new view to things.

[whimsically-ominously-auspice]

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A post shared by BBC News (@bbcnews) on Jun 18, 2020 at 6:02am PDT

Love her... She wears a casa around town in Cuba to remind others to stay home and go out when only necessary, make as few trips as possible and combine all your needs into one trip out.

It says "I'm at home .... "

It also says to me... "Im as safe outside as I am inside my home" it remains not to be in terror of the pandemic. Be comfortable about what the COVID and dangers of racism is out and about. Shit is gonna hit the fan. Be comfortable with it. Its gonna happen and there's no stopping it.

Idk who she is or that she expects her messages to go that far but for me they do.

Cops nervous to go to work. Be as comfortable out as you are in. No one is in those police cars they burn. Take out your personal belongings, be prepared to leave your car if necessary to be burnt.

If you are police all you have to do is Surrender.

You. We.

Its about equality.

The message is: you expect us to surrender to you. So surrender to Me. Give me your name and number. Tell me that you will cooperate and care about me.

Tell me you won't plant drugs on me. Tell me i killed someone of another race that i didn't simply because of the color i am

Treat me fair and with equality to truth and justice.

That is all a police needs to do. Surrender the truth. You ask. You demand. You punish until you find the truth. Make sure it is truth.

Surrender. Feel as we feel. Feel as hundreds of thousands of millions black men near a nervous white woman. But give us just the truth and we will obey your demands 0f "step back" and "move back"

Outside. In the public street. It is our home. Civilians and professionals. Treat us as you would in your home. Because we are all in our home we all share when we are in public.

Love.

That is what this blessed Cuban Woman says to me.

The police merely need to surrender.

The Atlanta PD. I ordered the CIA to inflict terror upon you. Go outside and your police car is in flames. Feet from your unwet down house. I asked them, i told them i demanded. Go fuck them up. They want to tell the public they don't care? Tell them NO ONE CARES ABOUT THEM.

3 have been set on fire. And 17 have been stolen. They decided as a team. On their own. To protect the town's assets in Zone 5. And to steal the police cars. You're not using them you're not qualified. You're unwilling. So they stole them instead. They arent afraid. They will fuck you up and kick your fucking asses. But they respect the Mayor. They're not afraid of her. They aren't afraid of anyone. They know in 15 minutes I'll have them on their way to a private island that is protected by the fiercest military in the world And they will lay around in paradise and no one will ever touch them for legal abuse. But they do respect her.

So they will repair the damage done by hotwiring the police cars and make a key via a locksmith skill for the patrol cars. And they will wait for her to fill them with a qualified officer. Because they respect her. They love Her.

I didn't not love nor respect her But my anger was very very high. And i thought fuck them, I'll buy her whatever police fleets she wants. Cause i want them to suffer.

But they're all "Sabrina, we get you baby but we know something else that's just a bit better for you and we're gonna do that. Its gonna fuck them all up real good and send the message you're saying. But we're gonna be a little bit more chill."

That's love. That's family. They confiscated evidence of these police officers possible wrong doing. A federal judge could and would sign off on the "theft" of those police cars. But we escalated and bypassed.

According to Tree. There's only 5 willing to go back to work. But they're also arrogant fools that tree doesn't even like. But he said leave them be. Let them work.

Leave them be. Bees sting once then die

Leave them alone is another story.

I get it. It was a justified homocide. I feel the same. They talked for over 40 minutes then the cop said i think you're still wasted. Take a breathalyzer. He was still too drunk.

At the same time he was just saying he would just walk. His sister lived down the road. He lied about being lost so he could say mistaken identity. Because he was there to check out for his kidnapping.

Because he knew, the cop, he was a kidnapper -- he felt it unsafe to let him free in the streets.

Watch the video, the entire 40 plus minutes. You will see exactly why I do not allow my CIA to engage in verbal communication.

This is exactly why I tell them "just kill at the first moment you can"

I protect my men and women of "Enforced Protection"

Now add to the knowledge of who he is and look at his necklace. It's designed to look like an undercover police badge in a leather case "to protect it from scratches"

You're on the street. He's drunk and angry. He kidnapps you with chloroform and ties you up, bound and gagged. He's a big man. He can do 23 (it's been proven Bec he's done it) people off the street in less than an hour. Call a van for pick up.

It was a justified homocide.

So you're a cop. And you know this. And You refuse to go to work. You know who and what he was and why he wasn't allowed to be free in the streets.

Then you refuse to continue protecting innocent citizens.

That makes me mad. You're no better than Rayshard Brooks. You're fucking letting it happen. Id fucking punch you dead in the face. All 25 of you.

Why don't you just start going out and kidnapping yourself?!? Huh?!?! You ain't doing shit But letting it happen!!!!

Prove it is justified if you're so fucking angry you wanna quit. Fucking prove it was justified and help them two arrested by doing it yourself.

Prove the justice by killing those human traffickers you know are. Kill them all in your uniform.

Instead you decide to be a civilian and serve war from your couch. Except youre not. You're nothing but a COWARD.

Just sitting on the couch. You're too scared to stand up to the District Attorney or make a meeting with the Mayor. You cower and you hide and you become what you're supposed to protect zone 5 from.

Because you refuse to protect. Every single domestic violence act. Every fire. Every lost child. Every single crime. You put that shit in your heart not that you couldn't get there in time. Not that you couldn't protect them because lies. BUT THAT YOU YOURSELF DID IT. You put that in your heart the moment you called in sick.

You yourself did it. Because people will start doing more bull shit. Because they know THERE IS NO COPS IN ZONE 5. THE PURGE IS ON.

Every single mother fuckera calling in coward crybaby committed those crimes.

It wasn't encouragement. You're guilty because it occurred. Its all on you. Its all your fault.

Next girl slapped by her husband. Or raped by her brother. That's the fault of Zone 5. They did it. May as well pulled out their own dick and got the pleasure. Too.

Its not a gimmick. Its the truth.

When APD of Albuquerque, New Mexico walked out with wooden batons. They too did every bearing by a police officer in a riot. That is who i saw. That is who i know.

I was beat as a little girl. 5 years old. And 7. For going and asking for help. "Sir could you help me..." I never got to finish because i was beat down.

Left bloody in the streets. Even raped and no one did anything. The cops did both..

So yeah FUCK YOU SURRENDER TO OUR DEMANDS OR YOU WILL SUFFER.

Im suing the City of Albuquerque in 6 different law suits. Including trauma i received when viewing a video of the APD in their riot gear with batons.

Not even protecting the statue!!!! But attacking innocent people in the streets while CRIMES AGIANST PUBLIC PROPERTY WITH VIOLENT STRENGTH was being committed feet away.

Personal trauma and suffering.

I still suffering.

I won't sue APD of Atlanta. Because I took away their police cars which will be returned to the city's mayor. She seems to have common sense and decency.

We already have plans for those two fired. To help them. Don't think I'm stupid because I get relaxed.

But the rest of that shit? You work for 911? 911 been calling. Over and over.

CIA does NOT ANSWER 911. That's not their job. We don't work for you. You dont call in sick and get paid to be a little bitch and order us around to do your job while you're being paid doing nothing and my CIA don't get money from the police. That's what APD expected.

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS.

Mi Casa. Su Casa. Treat it as it is.

[lawlightfan42069]

1)this fandom turned to be disturbing yall only care about shinee sexual orientation and gender when its not of anyone's business. you spend all ur time on fighting over their personal matters instead of enjoying their music and what they give us. both sides acting like what they say is confirmed facts nd when one of shinee say random names or look at someone you act like they want to have sex with them nd yall act that the only attraction is sexual or romantic

2)the side that gets angry of the possibility that shinee are queer is homophobic nd not all idols has to be cis. the side that gets angry at the possibility that shinee might be like girls is weird coz we don't know these idols in real life no matter what they say or share with us

3) as an pan-aro nd part of lgbt its lowkey skeevy for me that shawols are painting shinee as lgbt icons when they only did basic decent things but in no way they r lgbt icons. yall literally could be calling a hetero guys an lgbt icons. I get wanting to connect more with them nd wanting representation but its not like this. actual lgbt people get killed nd a lots of lgbt people are fighting for our rights with little support bc we r looking in representation somewhere else we r not sure about

4) and please don't start with the closet talk bc I know how dangerous for an idol to come out but the idols u think they r queer might not be queer in the first place and if they were we have no right to want to them out too, at the end we don't know their sexualities. what am I saying is both opinions should be treated as headcanons not as confirmed facts nd this whole issue shouldn't have got that big. also neurodivergent idols headcanons should be respected too

tbh i dont even know what ur..trying 2 say by this?? i dont understand how youre like Yeah, Headcanons! but when ppl talk about headcanons ur like no...i didnt mean it like that... i mean it honestly baffles me how you reconcile these two things. if u respect ppls abilities to have headcanons youve also got to accept ppls ability to Talk about them as headcanons?? getting in discussions w ppl who say every idol Must be straight or cis isnt fighting w someone over shinees orientations Specifically, its fighting against the bigotry involved in this line of thinking. arguing w ppl who say “___ Msut be cishet” is not saying “_____ must not be cishet” its saying to question what motivates ppl to say the first thing. its not really About shinee exclusively bc its applicable to every single idol, and tbh every single person. its a discussion larger than any one particular person. i think this is an aspect that a lot of ppl miss.  

also i truly dont know when ive ever acted like attraction can only be sexual or romantic bc i rly have not. talking about how queer idols Exist is not demanding idols be out. its acknowledging a reality that is hardly ever acknowledged. like. ignoring queerphobia is Not whats going to make it easier for idols to come out, discussing how queerphobia manifests in the idol industry is what will. 

it really tires me when ppl pull out the U Spend All Ur Time Doing This, we’re all here for the music!! enough of that!! because while thats true, we all did become connected through shinee through music, a part of being an Active participant in fandom for many ppl is also like...talking about stuff besides their music. we’re here for their music but the Reason ppl blog about them and do shit like make gifs or edits or fics or what have u is bc they also care about the members themselves. their music is a given. i also like mamamoos music a whole ton, but i dont have a blog dedicated 2 mamamoo bc i am not As invested in the band members as i am in shinee. which isnt to say that every stan has to get involved w this specific discourse or even discourse in general, just that stans often Do get involved w non-musicy things in the process of stanning.

why is it that only queer headcanons are policed to this level...why is it only queer headcanons are met w Listen To Their Music Instead ! instead of the numerous other things ppl involved in fandom do that dont directly relate to their music. why dont u tell gif makers that theyre Too Obssesed w shinees faces and to go listen to their music instead. ppl do shit like “boyfriend imagines” for shinee which are 1000% unrelated to their music and tbh effectively function as Headcanons except youll never see ppl respond to that with Go Listen To Their Music Instead! while its not always (although it. often is lmfao) explicitly said, a lot of bf imagines are implicitly cishet and i feel like this is undoubtedly why those are accepted w/o word. bc ppl find being cishet ‘more polite’ and ‘less intrusive.’ when u make being queer a taboo to talk about (whilst simultaneously accepting anyone that talks about being cishet) u are basically saying that it is more acceptable to be cishet, while being queer is something that ought to be kept private. if ur truly adamant that this is about not spending enough time enjoying shinees music, then id like 2 see u come at every single other thing in fandom that has nothing to do w music. every time you see someone say “hey jonghyun would make a great bf” remind that person they shldnt care about something like that and shld instead be supporting shinees music. in any case, you ought to examine what makes u think that someone being queer is taboo to speak of while not rallying against statements like ‘he would be a great bf 2 his girlfriend.’

anyway i agree that ultimately what people are doing is making. headcanons. ive always agreed w this fact? this is a thing i continually say?? its why im not out there to Objectively Prove that jonghyun is gay or bi or whatever. the reason people respond to statements like ‘no jonghyun is not gay hes a straightie hetero’ with ‘no ur wrong’ bc the first statement is one that is Constantly enforced by society and it just functions as a way 2 shut down queer voices and reassert the heterosexual default present Everywhere. society treats straight as the absolute default. this is why straight “Headcanons” arent treated as well lmao... headcanons. theres rly no reason for anyone out there 2 headcanon something as straight?? when its the Assumed Sexuality in every situation?? tbh the only reason ppl are interested in doing that is Denying that idols might not be straight. doing this when ppl are Forced 2 be straight is gross. theres a difference between queer ppl saying Hey, remember not all idols are straight so lets talk about that and straight ppl being all No! ur wrong! he cant be anything but straight so shut up! these two things are coming from different perspectives. 

like. imagine a pie being sliced up. historically, a 100% of this pie has been given to straight people. when queer ppl speak up, theyre trying to take some of their fair share of this pie. saying Hey, queer ppl exist!! is trying to section urself out a piece of the pie when youve been given none. someone saying Nope!! theyre all definitely straight is stealing back the measly slices someone has Actively Fought to obtain and attempting to perpetuate this imbalance. 

im not rly here for ppl painting shinee as lgbt icons. ive expressed how annoying i find statements like ‘king of the gays’ or whatever to be. but also just. saying that anyone in shinee might be lgbtq is not painting them as an lgbtq icon?? its just stating a fact?? esp since a lot of the King of The Gays ! stuff seems to come from ppl who position him as a Amazing Cishet Ally so. idek buddy i feel like youve got to further think through some of your positions bc some seem to be in direct conflict with others. 

[tccomicarchive]

This is The Rest of The Plot I Wrote

*in stars means thoughts apparently*

Zoe "Oh please. Spare me the lies. You know who i am-my face is plastered all over the universe 'Oh, the new princess just got her title, blah blah blah!'. You were only trying to get rid of me because your a pampered princess turned glorified Captain."

this is under a cut it IS LONG. LIKE HOLY FUCK THIS IS ALOT OF PREPLANNING I DID WOW.

Kait "I'd like to see you in battle, with ACTUAL weapons, instead of cheap mind tricks. Maybe then we'd see who's better."

Zoe "Alright lets cut the small talk, shall we? I was sent here by the council on Ziirav to investigate the 'Great Evil' that may or may not have fled to Earth. You're here for that reason to."

Kait "And?"

Zoe "AND, i think it would prove useful to work together."

Kait pauses, she's let out of Zoes control, and she stands up. She thinks on it, then looks over at zoe. "Isn't the Elven Council corrupt?"

Zoe "Big time. But i'm doing this more so to get away from them, then to do their bidding."

Kait "Well....maybe we can help you with that problem once this 'Great Evil' issue's been dealt with."

Zoe looks up "We?"

Kait "yeah. I already found someone who's on the same mission."

Zoe "Was it that red-haired guy, Petro?"

Kait "Huh? Oh him.....no. And if it was i'd kill myself."

Zoe "Why? He seems nice....if not a bit of a delinquent..."

Kait "He's annoying, and cares too much about people he barely knows." She heads for the door to the hallway. "Coming?"

Floor 2.

Kait knocks on the door marked '26'. A tall lanky girl opens the door, and greats them with a smile, letting them inside.

KP "so.....i take it this is a new addition to our team?"

Kait "How'd ya know?"

KP "Well, she doesnt seem the type to be hanging around you naturally..."

Zoe "And you are?"

Kait "Oh, ya, don't probe her mind." she rolls her eyes.

Zoe "She isn't randomly attacking me. Formalities can thus be used."

Kait slumps down on KP's bed "Whatever."

KP "Katiryna of Klynora," she shakes Zoe's hand "My Earth name is Kirsten."

Zoe "Elziim of Ziirav. Zoe for me." they look at Kait.

Kp "I know NOTHING about you."

Kait "Zineb. Mandorum, Earth is Kait."

KP "So....wait....we're all royal figures in our realms.....thats kind of an odd coincidence dont cha think?"

Zoe "I doubt this was by accident."

KP "What do you mean?"

Zoe "Think about it. We're all sent on the same mission, to the exact same school at the same time, and randomly 'happen' to meet?"

Kait "Actually.....We're still missing someone-if what your saying is true."

KP "Right. Fairy princess.....what was her name again?"

Zoe "Kahna. High strung, high maintenance, high demand for like, every guy EVERWHERE. Mortal enemies with vampire over there." She points to Kait "It wont be easy to get her to believe anything we say."

Kait "Well thats understandable. Fairies have really tiny brains-its all that inbreeding."

KP laughs "That is SO mean!!"

Kait "But its true!" she smiles slightly, stifling a laugh.

Zoe "How are we going to find her?"

a loud shriek is heard just down the hallway. Zoe and Kp look out towards the racket.

Kait ".....You have GOT to be kidding me."

They go down towards the end of the hall, and turn into a giant mess of bags and cheerleaders. There are a few large guys standing there too-holding cheerleader luggage.

Melissa "EW!! These rooms are like, sooooo SMALL!!!"

Court "They aren't THAT bad....I've seen smaller."

Melissa "Ugh, My room back home is like, 3 TIMES bigger than this!"

Court *3 times? Thats it? mines like, at least 6 times larger...* "Well maybe you can have something arranged with the principle?"

KP "OK.....the screechy one is SO her."

Kait "Try the calm, shy one in the corner."

Zoe "What?"

Kait points to court "THAT'S Kahna." Kahna suddenly looks over at the three, seeing Kait pointing to her. Her expressions immediately change from calm and humble, to haughty and angry.

Court "Hold on Melissa, i have to take care of something."

Melissa "Whatever." she continues complaining to the guys nearby.

Court marches towards the three, grabbing Zineb by the arm and draggin her off to the other side of the dorm. Zoe and KP follow close behind.

Court "you.....what are you DOING here?!?!?" she sees Zoe and KP, and realization flashes across her face. "This was supposed to be MY mission!!!" she stomps her heeled boot down in frustration.

KP and Zoe giggle slightly and Kait rolls her eyes. "Well, it looks like your part of a team now."

Chapter 3: Delinquent Dilemma

The four are walking around the school looking for all their classes. Each has run into at least one person from their small Cliques except for Kait.

Court "That was SOOOO embarrassing!"

KP "How was it embarrassing? She seemed nice!"

Kait "That's what Zoe said about Petro."

Court "Who's Petro? OOOO!!! Is he your boyfriend?!"

Kait colours slightly, masking it with embarrassed anger "NO!!!!! We arent even friends! He just likes to show up unannounced and creep me out."

Petro walks up behind her and leans in between the shoulders of her and Court "Miss me?"

They both freak out and move to the sides. Kahna stares at him in horror. "Whats wrong with your HEAD?!?(shes talking about his hair colour) and your FACE-those metal tags!!!"

Petro looks at her, raising an eyebrow, completely unphased by the unintentional insults. "ew, Prep.....AND a cheerleader....."He turns to Kait "You'll hang out with the enemy, and not me?"

Kait "You have NO idea how true that statement is."

They continue walking and Petro reaches around Kait and grabs her schedule.

Court "Why are you so tall?!" she looks up at him, terror and horror worsening on her face.

Petro "Hey, we have the same History class....which is weird-why are you all in a 12 grade course?"

KP "Uh-we all took advanced lessons back home!"

Petro "Riiiiiight....."

Kait snatches her schedule back "We're trying to find the class, if you dont mind?"

Petro "We have Mr. Quan." He takes the front and turns a corner "My third year in a class with him! It's right downt he hall."

Zoe turns back to Kait "See? told you he seemed nice!"

Petro looks around quickly and wiggles the doorknob, opening the door slightly and peering in.

KP "Uhh....shouldnt we wait-"

Petro "SHHHH!!!! I gotta get somethin'" he goes inside, leaving the door open. KP makes a frustrated face and follows him. KAit looks at Zoe with a "really?" expression.

Zoe "Hey. I said delinquent too!"

Kait goes in, following KP, Zoe and Court come to, looking around the large room. Petro's over by Quan's desk, sitting down in the chair and opening drawers, shuffling through them.

KP "OK. This has gone far enough-if your some kind of thief, leave us out of it!"

Petro "Shudap!! I'm just looking for something, gawd. And if your THAT uncomfortable with this, 'Miss Priss', then LEAVE." He yanks at a drawer and it doesnt open.

Zoe blinks, Kait smiles at her evily "OK.....i take back my 'nice' statement...."

Petro digs into his pockets, finally pulling out a small keym pushing it into the lock and turning.

KP "Where did you even GET that?"

Petro smiles deviously "I picked it from Quan this morning when he was setting up the room. He probably doesn't even realize it's gone."

Court "You ARE a thief?"

Petro pulls the drawer open and smiles widely, taking out a small leather book, with odd symbols covering it, and multiple sticky notes protruding from the top and side of countless pages.

Mr. Quan "Oh he realizes." They all spin around, shock on all their faces.

End.

Chapter 4: Mr. Quan

Petro "Heh....sup?"

Quan "Honestly, Mr. Moyaz. you could have waited untill i'd actually gotten back to my room before taking your book back"

Petro "W-well-"

Quan "I took it from you for a reason."

Petro "Ya, I know. But then you forgot to give it back last year, and-"

Quan "And you've been without it all summer, yes i know...."

Petro "What are you trying to protect me from?"

Quan looks up, eyes wide "Excuse me?"

Petro "You heard me. Sir, you keep interfering in anything i do that revolves around magic."

Quan "I-i-"

Petro "Well, just dont bother! Magic isnt real..no matter how much we want to think otherwise.....so seriously. There's nothing to worry about." He gets up and leaves, pushing through the girls and heading back out towards the dorms.

The door closes and the girls turn back to Quan, "Hello, welcome! It's so nice to have historic experts in one of my classes."

Zoe "What do you mean by that?"

Quan "Why dont you tell me?" He taps his right temple with his index and middle finger. When they give him odd expression, he smiles. "It's obvious that todays youths don't get taught in magical histories." He bows deeply "I am High Wizard Quardreer, of Cahll. It's a pleasure to meet you my ladies."

Court "Cahll?! As in the Wizard Realm!?"

The three stare at her in surprise. Kait "Wow....she ACTUALLY knows something..."

Court "Well duh-Cahll is where all the most elegant, charming and handsome boys come from!!" she stares off dreamily. Everyone rolls their eyes.

Zoe "What are you doing here anyway?"

Quan "I was sent by the Wizard Council, Demongus himself, to make sure you four were taken care of. Can't have the next rulers showing up dead now can we?"

(in the background)Court "Who's Demongus?"

Zoe "But your also here for Petro, right?"

Quan leans back against his desk. "I've been here for 12 years. Teaching history, in teh hopes that everything would go as planned and Mr. Moyaz would be brought here for his last three years of school."

KP "Why?"

Quan "I'm to look after him, keep him safe.....make sure that he doesnt loose whatever control he he's got left.....his temper has gotten wrose though....Dire sign of things to come..."

Court "what are you talking about?"

Quan looks up abruptly "Nothing you should be concerned with.....at least not yet....For the moment i need to know that you all realize whats coming, more likely if you fail."

Kait "We dont even know what we're up against here!"

Quan "Im bound to not release such information....that blasted Code...."

KP "So how are we gonna find anything out?!"

Quan "Well....you could always try Shamiroth of Mandorum, Cameela of Ziirav, or Shaal Cantsley of Klynora. A possibility could be Aurelle as well.....but of course she's busy being a Flamean goddess and all." he smiles at Kahna. "Seeing them all would be best, Oh and.....if you can, theres a man in Yarshov(The large jail realm in teh form of a Prison Complex!!), who might be of use." He looks over at Kait "As i remember, your brother may be very useful for getting inside."

Kait "Uh....yeah, we'll.....we'll do that."

end.

Chapter 5: Mandorum

Kait walks out into the grounds, heading for the trio already waiting for her.

Zoe "How'd you get away from Petro?"

Kait "What's that supposed to mean?"

Zoe "I just mean that hes always following you around."

KP "Yeah, he's like a really big,  scruffy, creepy puppy."

Court "a LOVE-STRUCK puppy!!" Kp and Court laugh uncontrollably.

Kait "UGH! You guys, seriously. He doesnt 'love' me!! He just wants to force me to an early, annoyance-induced grave!"

Court "hehe, he wants to force SOMETHING alright!" more laughter from KP and Court, Zoe smiles, trying to keep herself from doing the same. Kait death stares both of them, and they slowly work it down to stifled giggles.

Kait walks past them and spreads her arms out to her sides, closing her eyes. "ZERACONTREL!" a large purple portal opens up, shooting out electrical currents and loud thunder.

KP "Um...are we supposed to trust that? 'Cause honestly, it looks like a spinning vortex of death."

Court "i have to agree..."

Kait "Oh grow up and stop being such Squeebs." she walks towards the portal, when Kahna breaks in.

Court "Why Mandorum first!?"

Kait "Because IM the only one in the group with Captain status-"

Zoe "Uh, technically 'princess' overpowers 'captain'."

Kait "SHH-TSSSSHHHH-SHHEH!" she waits for more giggles to subside. "Either way, im the only one with leadership skills-end of story. We're going to my realm first. Besides.....it's closest."(ya i had realms set up like planets its weird)

They enter and come out into a long grand hallway.

Kait looks around feverishly "DAMN!!! I overshot it-maybe theres still time to-"

BOOM! Kait and Court are encased in a thick glow and then a reverberating sound emmits from their bodies, They collapse to the floor.

Court "You ruined one of my favourite Earth outfits!!!" Kp helps her up.

Kait "well YOU just ended the fucking WAR!!!!"

Zoe "Isn't that a good thing?"

Kait snaps at her "NO! We have no legitimate reason to fight now! And, now we have to go through the peace celebration with all the ugly dresses, dancing and losers in suits." She stomps down the hallways towards the throne room, tearing off the Glamour as she goes.

The others follow close behind, removing their glamours as well. They enter a large room with huge tapestries hangin on the walls. There are guards lining the walls, spears at their sides, ready to be used. A tall, thin guard in a flowing purple cape stands next to the Queen. He stares at them as they enter, his helmet hiding his face in shadows, but a snarl errupts on his face. The royal insignia is embroidered on the cape and he's holding a large scythe, and looks ready to take heads off.

Queen "Daughter! Back so soon?"

The Queen looks young and spry, a pleasant, caring smile pulled tight across her face. A large crown glistens on her head, and an assortment of heavy fabrics and armour make up her dress. The man sitting next to her wears a silver ringlet across his forehead. He's clothed in Dark Gray armour, rose-detailing etched into it. He looks to be at least twice as old as the Queen, and makes no effort at emotion.

Kait kneals, head down low, knowing full well whats coming

Queen "So dearest, how has the mission been so far. I see the other princesses of the great realms are with you-always a good sign!" the Guard rolls his eyes, sighing loudly. The queen slaps his stomach with the back of her hand. "Shush dear." She looks at the others, studying them acutely, and smiles again "Welcome, i'm hopefull that the absense of a sun will not unnerve you?"

Zoe "Shouldn't be a problem your Majesty."

Kait looks over at her father, not wanting to stand up. *Say something father.* a voice enters her head. "How dare you continue to the throne room! You disgrace us by bringing a fairy here, then have the nerve to come see us?"

She blinks quickly glancing at the guard standing beside the throne. Her eyes narrow, and her eyebrows lower. His eyes widen, and his mouth falls open. he turns away for a second and touches his head.

Kait stands up, still staring at him. "Mother, if you'll excuse me,"

Queen "of course deary!"

Kait "AND Damean?"

The queen looks surprised, as do KP, Court and Zoe. Then she looks back at the guard behind her, back to the group. "Alright." She waves over a small, thin man in a fine outfit. "Would you go fetch Nathan for me? He needs to cover for Damean." the man bows and rushes off through a large set of doors to the right.

Damean slowly walks down the stairs from the throne, along the purple fabric, Scythe still in hand. Instead of coming to attention, waiting to receive orders like a well trained guard, he walks right past Kait, and continues up a set of stairs. Kait follows, a stern look on her face. The others tag along.

The get to a long hallway, and walk down it at a fast pace, turning corners and going down a bunch of stairs finally coming to a circular room. Kait moves in behind some boxes and dissapears. The others look at each other questioningly and go behind the boxes too. A metal hatch lies open and Kait is climibng down a long ladder into a huge room. They follow and stop when they reach the bottom.

It's lit with torches and they have to cross a bridge to get to an area with seats and a fireplace. The bridge crosses a large and deep looking canal filled with bright blue water. A thick, white fog comes from it. They cross and see the guard taking off his helmet, Kait's taken a set at a table with a skull and some bones placed on it.

Damean rips his hair free of the helmet, and stares over at the intruders. Kahna blushes a deep red, her mouth falling open for a second. Damean places the helmet on the table and closes his eyes, bracing for impact.

Kait twitches slightly, and then explodes "YOUR A TELEPATH?!?!?! WHEN THE HELL WHERE YOU GONNA LET ME IN ON THIS, HUH?!?! IM YOUR SISTER I NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS!!!!"

he sighs, and opens his eyes, staring at her "I didn't tell you, because i knew you'd react like that. And excuse me, but when were you going to let me know that Nathan's courting you?"

Kait's eye widen, and she goes silent.

Damean "I heard some Privates talking about it......do you REALLY want to lead him on? Or is it because mum will never approve?"

Kait "What does it matter if she approves? and who says im doing that?"

Damean "It matters because she's still going to be around when you take the throne. And last i checked, Leading people on is what you do when you make them think they have a chance. You DO realize it can never work right?"

Kait "What are you talking about?"

Damean "You know full well what the King's position is in the royal family. The one upstairs is our biological father sure, but Mother ruled with others before him. She's made the mistake your going to make.....She fell in love, and made him King. Now when he dies she'll fall into a state of despair. you'll need to take the throne early, and find a suitable man to be your king, to foster the next generation of royalty. And of course, you being you, you'll choose your precious Nathan! When he dies, you'll die-inside."

She stares angrily at him, tears welling up in her eyes. His anger fades and he gives her a sympathetic look. "Im just worried about you. Tell him your not interested next time you two speak.....just tell him that....Captains can't have affectionate relationships with a member of their squad, er something....k?"

Kait stays silent, turning away from him. He sighs and sits down noticing the other three. "So....why did you freaks even come here?"

KP "WE'RE the freaks? at least our realms all have Sun's to keep our Moon's company!"

Damean "BLAH, blah blah." he puts his feet up on the table, and holds his arms behind his head, closing his eyes.

Zoe comes over and pushes Dameans feet off the table, snapping his eyes open. "We need your help."

Damean looks at her for a second "Why should i help you? I dont even help my SISTER most of the time!"

Zoe "Right, sure you dont-we need to talk to a 'Shamiroth'? Any ideas?"

Damean looks at her and over at Kait "So Zee, more things your hiding from me huh?"

Kait "This is MY mission, not yours, i dont need to give you ANY information!"

Damean breathes out heavily, looking back at the others-they've all come over and are sitting down at the table. "The Shamiroth is a kingly figure, leader of a bunch of Shadow Spirits in the Un-Temphs."

KP "Un-Temphs?"

Damean "Undergrounds temples shrowded in complete and utter darkness. Unless you want to be found and killed, having night vision is a must."

Zoe "But Zineb's royalty, if we go in there with her in our midst wouldnt they keep their distance?"

Damean laughs "Yeah, right! They were the original inhabitants of Mandorum, we came here and made buildings and life on top of their rocks. It was supposed ot work otu well-us living above ground, them living under it, they werent using the space anyway. But of course, the pompous morons decided they didnt want us ANYWHERE NEAR them. They've been waiting for a chance to start a war for a while. Killing off the princess heir would be a nice way of starting it."

KP "So then how are we gonna get in to talk to him?"

Damean "you ARENT. Shamiroth is the worst of the bunch. You're all gonna stay away from him and his little minions. I don't care WHAT your looking for, if all of you die a huge war will break out between all of our realms. Everyone will be eradicated EVERYWHERE." He gets up and puts his helmet back on, marching up toward the ladder. "I have to get back to duty, Nathan cant stand still, so he must be dieing up there right now." He climbs the ladder, and Kahna watches every second, eyes glazed over, still blushing.

They all sit in awkward silence for awhile, KP looks over at Kait, and puts a hand on her shoulder. Kaits head snaps up at her and she jerks free "What?"

KP "Nothing-just.....nothing."

Another silence. Kait "Well.....coming here was a complete waste."

Zoe "Not necessarily....." they all look up at her. "We could always disregard what Damean's told us....go anyway. We are descendants of the original Protectors afterall; being rebellious is what we do!" she smiles, hoping to lift their spirits. It ultimately works as a large and evily devious smile slowly forms on Kaits face. KP and Court smile too.

end.

Chapter 6: Vera's Blessing.

The four are standing outside a large Cave entrance, pillars and columns line the walkway. Kait walks forward, pushing the heavy metal gate open and walks inside. The others follow, and KP lights the passage with her staff. They all look back at her.

KP "If they come for us, they come for us. We'll worry about it if it happens."

they all smile and keep going. The trip is long and countless times they stop to look around, thinking they've heard something.

Finally they come to a set of hallways and rooms. They stop and lookc around. Kait chews her lip, staring down each hallway.

Court "where now, oh glorious leader?"

Kait "i.....I dont know, ok? I've never been down here before....."

Cronin "Zee?"

Kait looks to her right, and a small shadowy figure floats towards her, he's smiling goofily, and hugs her. "What are you doing here? Vampires aren't aloud in the caverns!"

Kait "We're looking for Shamiroth. do you know where he is?"

Cronin "Father? Why?"

Kait "Cronin, just trust me, we need to talk to him."

Cronin "I dont think that's possible....I'll go find him, go down that passage, you'll come ino his throne room. Guards can't attack you in there-too many valuables could get caught in the crossfire!" he floats off at a fast pace down the hallway he came from and they go down the hall he pointed out.

Zoe "Who was that?"

Kait "Cronin. I saved him from some of our guards when he came to the surface to explore. It was a few years ago..."

KP "And he's the kid of the 'Great and Fearsome' Shamiroth? Seriously, this guys credit is just dwindling away!"

"GET THEM!!!" a loud voice comes from behind them, and they spin around, seeing a group of shadow guards rushing down the hallway towards them.

Kait "RUN!!" they bolt down the hallway, the large doors coming closer. They get inside and come face to face with more guards. Kait pulls her sword out and puts in a ready position, but before she can do anything a booming voice shouts "STOP!"

The guards all vanish and the four look up at a large shadowy demonic figure. Cronin is floating next to him, smiling with relief.

Kait smiles gratefully and puts her sword back in its sheath.

Shamiroth "My son demanded that i let you all live. Why are you here, Princess?"

Kait walks forward, "We were told by a High wizard to talk to you about the 'Great Evil'....."

Shamiroth "Ahhh that...." he gives Kait a peculiar look and floats back towards a large curtain "Come."

They all exchange glances and follow him.

Shamiroth "Your people think i would kill you if you came anywhere near here....so i take it they dont know you've come?"

Kait "Of course not."

Shamiroth "Good, good. You not like the past queens.....too much like the first one."

He opens the curtains and they arrive in a large room full of weapon replicas, armour, suits, dresses, and countless antique items. A huge statue looms over everything in the middle of the room. The statue features a built woman roaring up at the sky, giant leathery wings spread out over her head, a giant sword in one hand and a huge shield in the other.

Their mouths drop open and Kait drops to the floor, kneeling in respect.

Shamiroth "The great Vera was one of the original forces used to lock him away. We're hoping that since you are a direct descendant of Vera, that you will take in the responsability of taking care of both sides of Mandorum. Your mother and queens before her have neglected us. Bring honour back to your people."

Kait stands up "I swear to you i will. I'll never follow in their footsteps."

Shamiroth "good." He grabs her wrist and it sizzles for second. She rips free and stares down at a blood red symbol on the bottom of her wrist.

Kait "Vera's Blessing..."

Shamiroth "You are now bound by your word, and are given free passage in the Caverns."

Kait ".....wow....."

KP "We still need information."

Shamiroth turns his gaze on her, and reaches his hand upward to a high shelf near the ceiling. An old scroll comes down to him and he hands it to them. "Go back to the castle, get some rest, and leave in the morning. Don't let anyone know you have this."

KP "what...is it?"

Shamiroth "A bit of help. You'll need a necromancer to translate it for you though. Keep it safe."

He fades and a boulder moves, moonlight streaming into the room.

End.

Chapter 7: Ziirav

Court, KP and Zoe are outside a door, standing in a long hallway. Court's knocking furiously, "C'mon Zee!!! We don't have all day!!!!" They wait another while and Court stomps her foot down again.

Damean comes around the corner and sees them, a look of surprise on his face. He comes over to them, holding his helmet in his arms "You're still here?"

Zoe "We're waiting for Zineb."

Damean "But she's not in there...."

Court "Then where is she!?"

Damean "In the courtyard. She broke it off with Nathan, and their fighting with sharp, pointy weapons to ease the pain." He marches off down the hallway, turning the corner.

The three are about to go down and see Zee, when she walks up and sees them "'Bout time. I've been training all morning, waiting for you guys!"

Court "Well we've been waiting for YOU all morning!"

Kait stares at her. "You suck at making sense. ANYWAY." She looks over at Zoe "Well?"

Zoe "OH, right...." <input portal word here>

The portal opens, its small and circular, glowing a bright blue with a circuit board design floating through it. She walks through and teh others follow, they come out on a sidewalk in a large city.

They look around in awe, mystified by the tall buildings and advanced technology. Zoe takes the lead heading down a street towards a tree filled area in the distance.

Zoe "Hurry up-maybe we can get into the woods before they know im back!"

Kait "Before WHO knows you're back?"

Zoe turns around looking up into teh sky, the others follow her gaze and their mouths drop open.

KP "What is that thing?" a large circular opject is floating above them, its very large and gusts of air protrude from underneath it. One very tall sir, in a tall hat is standing on it, with four other men, all clad in skin tight armour. They rush off the hovercraft and grab onto the four, brining them aboard.

They all struggle but Zoe breaks into ther minds. *Don't struggle, it just makes things worse.* They go still, letting the guards take them wherever their going.

<-- All in Head

Zoe "I guess you guys wanna ask about this huh?"

Kait "When were you gonna tell us that you're a wanted criminal!?"

Zoe "Who said I was that?"

Kait "Start explaining."

Zoe "No time, not right now."

---->

"We're here." They all look down at the large Dome of a building below them. The hovercraft is still heading forward, but it's sinking towards the earth as well.

It gets to a small platform and they're escorted off by the guards. They go inside, following the elven man in the tall hat down a long hallway. They come out in a large circular room, there are seven men sitting at a long rounded podium, elevated above everything else. The man in the middle stares down at them, there's a hint of disgust on his face.

Valfross "Princess, back so soon? You've barely been gone 2 weeks!"

A young boy-about their age-with straight, golden blonde hair and bright turqoise eyes suddenly looks up, seeing Zoe. His back straightens and a small blush enters his cheeks. Kahna smiles over at Zoe in an odd way, and Zoe rolls her eyes, stepping forward.

Valfross "Your mission is incomplete-AND compromised, it appears."

Zoe "High Chancellor Valfross, excuse my unannounced return. My mission is going well, but we were grouped together and sent back to our realms to-"

Valfross puts his hand up, a gesture of silence, and smiles like a Raptor "Princess," He drags the words out, as if trying to seduce her with them "No need for explanations." the blonde boy looks next to him, staring up at Valfross intently. He doesn't look happy. "You ARE the heir to the throne after all, excuses and words aren't really your forté."

The blonde boy says something under his breathe("Disrespectful Prick"). The council leader slaps him in the back of the head, hard.

Valfross "What was that m'boy?" The boy mumbles "I didn't here that." The boy looks up at him, his brows lower and come together.

Lucien "I said nothing. nothing at all, council head."

Valfross "Of course you didn't. Now princess, i'll let you go....do whatever it is princess types do, but keep those mongrels of yours under control." He smiles and ushers them out without even waitign for a response. They stand on the platform, all look uneasy and stare at Zoe.

Kait sits down on a nearby bench, Kahna sits next to her. "So. Do we have time for talk now?"

Kahna "Why were they so mean to you?"

KP "Not 'They'. Just that Valfross guy."

Zoe looks out over the platform, her lips are pressed tightly together, and she closes her eyes. "Not everything is sunshines and rainbows guys. And in politics, the people you want to lead the world, the people who can do so much good, rarely get in. If they do, it's always in low positions."

Kait "That doesn't explain the lack of respect for you. On Mandorum-"

Zoe "This isn't Mandorum....Or Klynora, or Flamea.....this is different. We have a council that decides everything-a government, instead of a court of Royals. The Royal Family is more for show than anything else. I'm a trophy, not a person."

They all go silent. The doors to the court house open and the blondey walks out. He looks like he's going to wrap Zoe in his arms, but she turns and leaves. His sympathetic smile dies almost immediately, and a look of worry sprints across his face. He rushes after her. "Ellie!"

KP "'Ellie'?" Kahna temps a smile and Kait shrugs.

Zoe stops, sitting down and swinging her legs out over a tall building that rests underneath the Council's Dome. She stares out over Ziirav and takes a long breathe. Lucien slows to a walk and sits down next to her. He doesn't touch her, but sits straight, eyes closed, breathing steadily.

Zoe looks up at him from her slump. The wind ruffles his hair, and the worry makes him look peacefully morbid. Zoe smiles slightly. *You're the embodiment of perfection for all my friends. But you just don't do it for me.*

Lucien *I know...*

Zoe *Then why do you keep trying?*

Lucien pauses, he opens his eyes and looks over at her. *I don't know.* He smiles and stands up. He sees the others coming and bows to them perfectly, walking back to the Domed Council Chambers.

Court "So.....Who's Cutey McModel over there?"

Zoe "That's Lucien. If the Royals were still in charge, there would have been an arranged marriage between us."

KP "That's not so bad-he seems to really care about you."

Zoe "He's just like his father. That's whats wrong with him."

KP "Who's his father?"

Zoe looks up. "High Chanceloor Valfross isnt the head of the Council. He's a runt, second in command, handles all the lesser problems." She points to a long screen situated on the side of a sky scraper. There's a tall man with turqoise eyes and a menacing stare. His white hair is combed perfectly to the side. "THAT's the council head. Luciens father, Supreme Chancellor Malthez."

KP "Scary guy..."

zoe "No kidding. Lucien's had a crush on me for years, he cares and he acts real sweet and innocent, but he isn't. I've seen the murderous traits of his father in him."

KP "Murderous?"

Kait "Literally, or-"

Zoe "Literally. You can see the thoughts running through his eyes-like when Valfross acted rude to me." She gets up and looks over at the four. "We should get going. The forest is dangerous at night."

end.

Chapter 8: The Bog-Shack

They set off into the woods, walking along a cobbled path. Many archers smile and bow as they pass.

KP "So you guys have a mix of technology and nature.....cool."

Zoe "It's not a mix. It's a war, and technology is winning."

KP "Well....uh...th-that sux..."

Zoe leads them into knee deep bogwater. It's brown and mushy. court stops and doesnt come anywhere near the bog. She stands on the edge, her arms folded across her chest and a pout across her face.

They stop and stare at her. KP "What's wrong?"

Court "I'm NOT going in there."

Zoe "Why not?"

Court "Its wet, and icky and it'll totally ruin my outfit!"

Kait "Oh thats it. your comin'!" she grabs Court around the waist and pulls her into the mush. They both topple into it, head first, it splatters all over KP and Zoe.

Kait gets up, laughing spaztically. KP and Zoe join in and Court stands up, the mud is all over her and Kait. She screams and they all cover their ears. It stops and she loocks down at her clothes.

Court "They're ruined!"

Kait "Oh lighten up."

Court "Me? You, miss Queen of Darkness, is telling ME to 'lighten up'?!"

Kait "Yeah, pretty much." She throws a fist full of mudd at courts face, then turns around and starts to walk in the direction Zoe was going. A bunch of mudd hits Kait in the back of the head. She turns around and looks at Court, who's got a huge smile on her face.

Court "If anyone knows balls, it's ME!" she stops and a huge shock of deep red comes across her face "No wait-that came out wrong!!" the others laugh at her and a mudd battle breaks out.

Zoe blocks some shots thrown her way, everyones laughing. She trips on a root and falls back into the bog water, covering herself more in mudd. She looks up and sees a shack hidden by the gunk she fell through.

Zoe "Uhh......guys?"

They all come over, peering into the small space. It's a cavern.

KP "Way to go Ellie!"

Kait "Yeah, you pulled a Kahna!"

Court "Hey! i havent tripped and found anything yet!" She marches forward into the cave, tripping over another stray root. "Ptoo! Scratch that..."

Zoe "Yeah, there are roots all over the place, try to be careful."

Court "You could've warned me beforehand!"

Zoe helps her up "sorry!"

KP slides some much over the way they came in.

Kait "What are you doing-thats just gonna block our exit!"

KP "It'd also keep the hermit who doesnt wanna be found happy, and in a mood other than KILL."

Kait "Right....good idea." They continue towards the shack.

Court "Why are we even going here?"

Zoe "Because Cameela is a swamp witch. It would make sense to stay by yourself in a bog-yknow, away from people can report you?"

Court "Ugh....this is so dumb."

KP and Zoe giggle and Kait rushes up to the house, knocking on the door.

Zoe " you're in a rush."

Kait "It's gettign dark, you said this place was dangerous when that happens."

Court "Chicken."

Kait "Idiot. Im being smart. I dont wanna get into any more fights-"

the door opens and a crack rings through the air, a flash sends Kait flying back into the mud.

court "What the heck was that?!"

KP "Magic." she rushes forward and into teh house. The door closes as Court comes in behind her. "Oh this is bad"

Kait gets up "What just happened?"

Zoe "Kahna and Kat went inside the shack."

Kait "And left us out here to fend for ourselves."

Zoe "Im more worried about them. Cameela is powerful."

inside the house, Kahna and Kat are standing in complete and horific silence. They look around.

KP "What should we do?"

Court "uuuuuhhhhhh-" She sees a hatch on the floor down the hallway "Floor Hatch! It must lead to a basement!" She runs over to it.

KP "Why should we go down there?"

Court "Have you never watched a horror movie?" KP stares at her "Well, the bad guy is always in the basement." She tugs at the hatch but it wont budge.

KP "It's blocked by a magic Barrier. I could disable it given some tim-"

Court "I got yer 'Magic Barrier' right HERE!" she blasts off a large fire ball. It hits the hatch and blows it to smithereens. KP looks at the charred remains "good job!" She goes down through the hatch, Court follows. They come across a woman leaning over a spellbook with a large cauldron on the floor. Theres steamy orange mush bubbling out of it.

She quickly looks up and shuts the book.

KP "Oh, no no. It's ok....we just ummm-"

Court "Your shack is eating our friends!"

Cameela "Oh goodness!" She slaps a wall near her "Dont eat people!" The shack gurgles and Kait and Zoe drop in on them. They get up, Kaits sword is still drawn and they both look horrified.

Cameela "Oh you poor dears! Jeffrey does that sometimes....im gonna have to get him fixed..."

Zoe "You wouldnt happen to be Cameela, would you?"

Cam "Yes-you've heard of me?"

Zoe "Well of course. Your the elven sorceress who went missing 12 years ago."

Cam "12 huh? It has been a long time, hasnt it?"

Zoe "Everyone thinks your dead."

Cam "Well good. I dont want those pompus snobs bothering me!" She laughs and sits down, four chairs materialize behind the girls. "Have a seat, girlies! I figure a wizard sent you for something.....important?" She smiles

zoe "Quardreer sent us. We need to know about the supposed 'Great Evil' thats recently broke out."

The smile fades. "He's an elf. His name is Cazath, he's the only one of his kind left."

KP "You guys are elves though..."

Cam "Cazath is a Karez,"

Zoe "An Ancient? But thats not possible. they were all wiped out by an army of Dragon Creatures."

Cam "By their own. One elf, with unimaginable power. You four are the new Protectors, yes?"

Kait "Well who else would we be?"

Cam "May Aeliive's barriers keep you safe. You won't survive....not against Him."

end.

Chapter 9: Klynora

Kait sits up, lookign over at Zoe. court is fast asleep but KP nudges her awake. They sit on the beds, and start getting ready to leave.

Kait "I find it strange that we havent seen your parents yet."

Zoe "you probably wont, considering the fact that we're leaving for Klynora now."

Court "Why do we have to leave so EARLY?!"

KP "It's 11 o'clock, how is that early?"

Court "Mreh..."She falls back on her bed.

KP "I have to warn you guys. My grandfather is WAY into parties and celebratory feasts. So when we get there, and he sees us all together, he'll probably call for one or both."

Kait "Yum. I'm liking your grandfather already."

KP "Yeah, he's great." <insert portal word here>

The portal opens up, its an oval with a sandy brown colour. Festive music is flooding in through it and everyone smiles and cheers up. They walk through only to stand in the middle of a torn down area. Everything is dead. The smiles fall from their faces.

Kait "Not what i expected." She puts her hands over her head and her skin starts to burn "DAMNIT!!!!"

KP "Shit!" She hits the pink orb at her side and magic floods out of her hands towards Kait. She's now incassed in a purple glow. "There. That should protect you from the suns rays."

Court "how come Zee didnt burn up in Ziirav?"

Zoe "Kahna, it was overcast the entire time we were there...."

Court ".....oh....."

They continue on "What did this, Kat?" zoe looks worried.

KP "I think i know...but its not possible, he's locked up."

A thin man with long black hair rushes up to KP, they hug. "Kat, your back! Your Grandfather will be so happy!"

KP smiles and then it fades "Alec, what happened here?"

Alec's eyes dim "The Metal-Eater got free, started spewing the stuff everywhere, ate through all our gear. It took the council to shut him down."

<----in the BG

Kait "does EVERY realm but Mandorum have a council?!"

Court "Pretty Much!"

------>

KP "Is he locked up again? will he get out again?"

Alec "Yes. he's been secured in a new location. We decided that keeping something like him here was a bad idea."

Kait "So then where IS this 'Metal-Eater' guy?"

Alec "A place where he can do no one anymore harm." They all exchange glances. "Now come! Shaal Cantsley(KP's grand dad) will be glad to see his new Protectors have arrived. Especialy, in the presence of his Granddaughter!" Alec leads the way out of the ruins and into a tropical, populated place. Numerous morphers are walking and greet them with a smile and bows.

Zoe "good to know Royalty is actually trusted here."

KP "It's a relief isn't it?"

They keep going untill they reach a large building made of the sand itself. Stone pillars line the walkway. They get inside, massive and detailed mozaics line the walls and floors. A river be runs through either side of the hallway.

Shaal "Granddaughter!" An old man is standing at the top of the staircase infront of them. He's wide set, with a long beard thats tucked into his belt. His hair poofs out from under a hood. He's with two other men of similar styles, one is tall and lanky, he looks humble and thoughtful. The other is pointy, with a strict face and straight back.

Kat runs up the stairs and embraces Shaal in a big hug. The two old guys leave and Shaal shows the girls to a large, black room. The only light comes from floating candles scattered throughout the room.

They sit down in the middle of the room, surrounding a small pit. Shaal stand at the Head of the group.

Zoe "You know why we're here"

KP "So who is he.....Cazath i mean."

Kait "What exactly did he do?"

court "And how do we fit into all this?"

end.

Chapter 10: The Protectors

Shaal "Cazath. The name sends shivers, yes?" They nod, and smile uneasily-all except Kait. He points to her. "You. You need to loosen your emotions."

Kait "I doubt that'll happen."

Shaal "you all must work together, any small emotional contact will help improve your abilities. If you are linked, fending off Cazath will be that much easier." He looks down at the pit. "Now, you should see the face behind the evil." He places his hands at shoulder height, stretched out over the pit, the room rumbles and a huge blast of yellow energy explodes from the pit. It engulfs everything in an unavoidable light. Shaal controls it with his hands, forming images of Dragons and undead creatres, theres an elf in the middle of the room.

He's tall and thin, with muscled arms. his face is long and pointed, and his fingers have an extra joint. His eyes are similar to the dragon's.

Shaal looks at teh girls, they stare on with glazed eyes.

Zoe "He IS an Ancient."

Shaal "Not as impossible as it seems, is it?"

Court "What about us?"

Shaal "You all play a more important role than you think."

Kait "Oh great, so we're like....'Chosen Ones' er somethin'?"

KP "No. We're descendants, right grandpa?"

Shaal "Precisely. Descendants of the original Protectors."

Kait "Why didnt they succeed? Why is Cazath still alive, they should've done away with him!"

Shaal "It is not our way to kill those with such power. At least it wasnt." He looks regretful, and the mist clears. "The past protectors locked him up so as to find a cure for his madness."

Zoe "But no cure came."

Kait "You can't cure stupid, or evil, or different. What were they thinking."

Shaal "What makes you tihnk they were acting of their own minds? They were messangers of the people, they worked for what their rulers wanted."

Kait "So basically, this is all the fault of the Councils!" she smiles, and the others stare.

Shaal smiles "The councils weren't installed untill later. The 5 Protectors-"

Zoe "4." Everyone pauses. "The texts say 4, so do all the elders and ancient writings."

Shaal "My dear, The Milky Way, that entire universe of space that Earth resides in is a realm in itself. One of 5 protectors from the most powerful realms of existance. The texts lie."

As he says this he motions with his hands, and five figures appear before him. "Aeliive, Aurelle, Vera, Habibah....and Damien."(I DONT KNOW WHY THATS HIS NAME. ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THERE IS ALREADY A DAMEAN IN THIS SERIES WTF YOUNGER ME.)

Court "Why does that guy look so familiar?

Kait(under breathe) "He looks like Petro..."

KP "So....why would the texts lie? Why have you kept this from me!"

Shaal "...We felt that telling you before he escaped would result badly."

KP "You knew he'd escape?"

Shaal "Our Se'ers did, yes."

Zoe "So why are you telling us this now?"

Shaal pauses "You will be going back to Earth soon, yes?"

Court "AFTER we go to Flamea!"

Shaal "Then you must find out everything. At least everything we can offer you. I can't discuss it at length, but you must travel to Yarshov and seek out Cazath's cell. Try to locate any clues as to how he escaped-and dont be found out."

KP "but-"

Shaal "Leave in the morning."

end.

Chapter 11: Break In

They're in their room-sections divided for them-getting ready for their next day.

Court "Is it just me or is everyone we talk to scared of Cazath?"

Kait "No shit Kahna. He brutally killed off his own people."

Zoe "im more disturbed that no one is giving us complete answers. It's like they dont trust us."

KP "Maybe they dont."

Everyone goes silent.

KP "I mean, look at us! We're kids, we cant even get along with eachother most of the time. how are we supposed to fend off a great and powerful evil like Cazath? Can anyone?"

They stare at their feet, still silent. They look over at Kait, she has her thinking face on and chews her bottom lip.

Zoe "Whats wrong?"

Kait "That redhead...The 5th Protector...Damien....he....he reminds me of Petro."

No one says anything "I know.....it sounsd stupid, but they look so similar...."

Court "Maybe its just a coincidence?"

Kait "Its not. Quan didnt tell us about him and theres a reason why."

KP "We'll worry about that when we get back to Earth. For now we have to find a way into Yarshov."

Zoe "Quan said something about your brother, Zee?"

court "Cant we do this on Flamea?"

Kait "No. I dont even wana go there, Damean definately wont show."

Court "Well hes gonna have to. hes part of the Royal Family, and the Princess Ball is in a few months!"

Kait "bleck."

KP "So how are we gonna get ahold of ihm?"

Kait "already have. He'll be waiting for us there."

They sit down-two to a bed-and clasp hands.

Court "What are we doing?"

Zoe "Opening the portal to Yarshov. We cant get there unless we work together though.

They all close their eyes and focus, then they opent eh portal. Its dark, rusty red, and screams are heard from the other side. They stand up and file through the portal.

They come out the other side to see Rusty red grit below them. They look up to see a huge metal gate, a large black, grey and red building and a lone man in a purple, hooded cloak. The sky crackles with thunder.

Damean turns around and comes toward them, "Where have you been? I've stood here for 30 minutes, WAITING! Do you honestly think i have this time to waste?"

Kait "Oh please-You'd probably just use your breaks to hit on chicks who don't know better-Like Kahna!" Court's face turns red immediately, and she gets really shy.

Damean "UGH-it doesnt matter!" He throws them each a cloak similar to his own "Put these on and follow me." He walks up to the gates and slides something from a pant pocket swiping it through a detector. The heavy doors creak open and the five-sum walk through and up the path towards the Prison Complex.

Guards in spikey, closed off armor let them through without a glance. They go down a long hallway and down flights of stairs. They finally go to an area called "Block 11-D" underneath is a sign saying "Danger, Do Not Pass". They go into 11-D and head to the end of the hallway each cell is blocked by lazorgrids and a thick metal door.

They get to the end of the hallway and turn to the cell on the right. The lazors are off and the door is bent and scorched, placed at an odd angle. KP stops them from moving.

KP "Don't go in, not yet." She takes off a ring and holds it in her fisted palm, touching the pink orb at her hip. The ring grows into a staff and she holds it out infront of her, scanning the room. "You can go now, just try not to move anything." They go in, KP is still processing.

As soon as Zoe crosses the threshold, her hands fly to her head, and she closes her eyes. Court and Kait spin around.

Court "OMG!"

Zoe "Guh-" She backs out of the room, Damean helps her, and gets her focus back. "Magic. Definately magic-not Cazaths, this feels like.....like I dunno, but its not wizardry."

KP opens her eyes "Blac Magic. Its Shamans work, not clan either. Earthling."(oooooh boy me. yikes)

They all stare at eachother, feeling the tension wash over them. Kait stares around the room, everything is charred and melted, things are half stuck in walls and portions of the cell are gone. "A human did this?"

end.

Chapter 12: Flamea

Court reaches her hands out and speaks the portal word(TRAHOOLAMUNGAH!), it opens up just as Damean's Mandorum portal does. Thei still inside the complex. He goes through and it shuts behind him. Then the four walk into Flamea-after putting another protection around Kait of course.

The portal is a fiery red, and gusts of warm air pour out of it. Flamea is very warm, grounds of orange grass and cobblestone roads. Carriages help fairies get to and fro. There are volcanoes in the distance and forests of orange and red trees spread throughout.

They hail a carriage and get in.

Kait "Why do you have wagons carrying you everywhere? Your a fairy, you people can fly!"

Court "Flying is like running, it gets hard and stupid after awhile!"

Kait "Uh huh.....how the HELL did you people resist our forces for so many years?!"

They get out and walk up towards a giant marble castle, it looms over everything and has vast gardens lined up infront of it. They go inside, walking up the stairs and heading to the back of the building. They descend a humongous pair of stairs into the back gardens, white fowers are everywhere.

Kait whispers to Zoe and KP "Did someone die?" they giggle and court runs out towards a man and woman. She huges them enthusiastically. They're both in white. "Mom, Dad, I'm back! It's just for a night, but im BACK!"

Kait whispers again "why are we even here? Quan said that Aurelle wouldnt help us!"

KP "The night before we left, she got a lettre from her parents."

Court "So, whats going on?"

Zoe "Everythings decorated in white and faded pinks-this must mean something good."

The kind and queen glance at eachother, smiling happily. "Your brothers getting married!"

Court stares blankly for a second. "T-to who?"

They look over towards a young, beautiful man with sandy brown hair, He's in a white suit, standing next to a shapely, gorgeous woman with a cheerful smile. They're holding hands.

Court "I-i.....think....thats......GREAT..!!! I....I have to go show them to they're rooms...." she runs up towards them and drags them up the stairs and inside. She rushes into a humongous room the size of Cameela's shack and flops down on a huge bed near some windows.

KP "Kahna, is something wrong?"

Court "EVERYTHING IS!!! I get a lettre from my parents talking about good, happy news, and then i find out my brother is going to wed the girl i hate!"

Zoe "She seems ni-"

Court "STOP! Everytime someone says that, that person ends up being NOT NICE! So shuttup. nothing is going to make this better."

KP "Well....if you arent happy here, we could always go see if we can contact Aurelle!"

court "I guess.....At least it would get me away from my brother and his stupid bride-to-be."

end.

Chapter 13: Aurelle's Altar

They're standing outside a small temple, made of marble as well. They walk inside and head for the large altar in the center of the room. Court goes towards it and claspses her hands together, closing her eyes. The others stand back.

Kait "Do either of you know the Flamean prayers?"

Zoe "Nope."

KP "uh-uh."

Kait "I dont know them in english, and i wouldnt be able to speak the fairy language, but ive heard it in war."

They both look at her. Theres no anger on her face, almost regret. There's a huge silence and nothing happens. Court opens her eyes.

Zoe "Well?"

court ".....Nothing. aurelle isnt answering, she must be busy with something..."

Kait "Or someONE."

KP "That sux....we'll have to come back later, its getting dark and we have to get back to Earth in the morning."

end.

(wait that was a chapter? me. thats nothing. cmon now)

Chapter 14: Ambush

Their back in the garden, with joint hands

KP "OK, dont think about anything but Earth, the portal should take us back to the place we left." They all close their eyes and open the portal. Its a misty blue with green and white shocks. They smile and walk through, only to end up in a cave.

Right before them is a metallic, two-headed snake - its blasting an acidic, green-yellow liquid at a metal door. A man in a dark cloak is standing behind it, a smile on his face.

Cazath "Just a bit more. We'll have the amulet once your through." He looks over at them "ahhh....the new protectors, so young and breakable." He lifts a hand towards them and they all go flying back.

They hit the wall hard, and Cazath points his opened hand at the portal, clenching hard. It closes abruptly, and he smiles, holding his arms behind his back. He comes towards them at a slow, gentle pace, Elegantly drifting over the rocks and rubble in his path.

Cazath "I've been expecting you."

They sit up, looking at him with fear. Kait puts on an angry face and draws out her sword, barelling towards him, yelling.

He steps aside, gripping her left arm and lifting her up into the air. At the same time, his other arm comes toward her, fast. Energy pushes her back into the wall, small cracks are heard. She falls and lies limp on the floor. The others go over to help her.

Cazath laughs "Really, I was hoping for something more impressive."

Zoe turns her head to look at him, her eyes glowing. His eyes light up and the background fades, as well as everyone else. Zoe stands up slowly "You're a telepath."

Cazath "All the Ancients are. We have immense power, you and I."

Zoe "But I'm not-"

Her eyes widen and roll back in her head, she crashes to the ground. Court is about to attack, but KP stops her.

Cazath "Smart girl. You all need more practice." He walks back over towards the metal door, which has been melted, motioning with his hand. A small pouch comes out and lands in his hand, fabrics and clothing, other trinkets(Talismens, rings, etc.) Float out and file onto his arms and into a pouch at his side. "I'll let you go this time, and possibly next time to."

KP "Next time?"

Cazath smirks "Hm. Of course. It'll be much too soon for any of you to reach my levels of power." He turns, the snake following him. Then he opens up a huge portal, to a grey, destroyed world. "But after that. Well....I won't be holding back." He gracefully walks through the portal. It closes behind him.

They sit in the dark cave, staring blankly out infront of them. The four exchange worried glances.

end.

Chapter 15: The Amulet

Kait is sitting in History, sketching in her notebooks; swords, warriors in-fight, Cazath. Someone behind her pokes her back with a pencil, she turns slightly, seeing Petro giving her a look.

<-- Whispers

Kait "What?"

Petro "you OK? You look horrible."

Kait "Gee thanks. And again, why do you care?"

Petro "W-why does that matter? And honestly, I think i have the right to know if one of my goths been beat up." He motions to the bruises and cuts on her skin, then looks over at Zoe, KP and Court, who are similarly messed up. "What exactly were you guys doing last week?"

Kait blanks, eyes wide *Gotta lie...but what do I say?*

Someone taps abruptly on Kaits desk with a ruler. Petro whitens, quickly going back to scribbling down notes. Kait spins around, staring directly at Mr. Quan. He looks angry "If your going to talk in my class, at least do it discreetly." He marches back up to the front of the room, continuing his lecture on Queen Elizabeth.

Kait turns back to Petro "Now look what you-" she stops, staring at a large amulet strung around Petros neck. "When did you-"

the bell rings and they all file out.

Whispers -->

Petro gets up and heads out of the class, seemingly not having heard Kait. She gets up and runs after him, passing by a confused Zoe, KP and Court. They follow her and catch up in mid-conversation.

Petro "It was in a package on my bed. I woke up and it was just there!" He's still wearing it, sliding his fingers over the surface, and the odd purple crystal in the centre.

KP "You should take that off. You dont know who it belongs to-" He spins to looks at her.

Petro "It's mine. My name was on the box, no return address."

KP "Still, it's just weird that-"

Petro "It's just a trinket. Leave it be." He shuffles the papers under his arm, throwing his backpack over his shoulder. He spins on his heel and walks down the hallway.

Zoe "huh, that went well."

Court "No it didnt." Zoe gives her a look.

Kait "What was that all about?" she looks over at KP suspisciously.

KP "I've seen that thing before, its-"

Quan "Girls. I need to speak with you."

They look at eachother and walk back into the history class.

Court "Whats up?"

Quan "I'm leaving for a bit....a bit before Halloween....Some business back home. I'll be gone for a month, be on your toes."

They stare at him oddly. "Oh.....and might i suggest keeping an eye on Petro? He's been acting strange lately, and my senses are.....well somethings going to happen. Keep your eyes open."

Court salutes "Will do."

end.

Chapter 16: Halloween

court wakes up to knocks at her door. She sleepily gets up and heads for the door, opening it to three masked figures who yell "Boo!". She screams, slamming the door. A few seconds pass, and another knock comes.

KP "Court? It's just us!"

Court "Thats what the monsters always say!"

Kait "Open up flame-butt, or i'll kick your door down."

She opens it, the three are holding the masks in there hands, smiles on their faces-except for Kait.

Court "Why are you all dressed up funny?"

Kait "A famous human tradition-popular on Mandorum and Klynora."

Zoe "It's just starting on Ziirav."

KP "HALLOWEEN!!!" She throws her arms in the air enthusiastically.

Court "Hallo-what?"

Kait "We'll explain on the way."

Court "The way where?"

KP "To the Pizza Place! So Dress up!"

~~~~~~~~~~~

They walk down the street, closing in on the small Pizza place.

Zoe "If you dress up for Halloween, you get free meals. Apparantly they do this every year."

Court "Cool. Wheres the creeper? This seems like his kind of holiday."

Kait "He's gone for the week. He'll be back on friday."

Court "Awww, poor muffin!"

Kait "Shuttap! I dont even care." she looks away from them, crossing her arms. They all go inside, sitting down at a booth in the corner.

Kait looks over at KP "You never finished talking about that amulet."

KP "Right.....that. I've seen it before in an old history book back home. There was something important about it....something dark...."

Zoe "Isnt it dangerous for mortals to be around dark magic too long?"

Court "Very. Sometimes they explode." They stare at her "...what? Its totally a fact!"

Kait "Whatever. Fact is, it needs looking into-especially with how it just randomly showed up."

Zoe "I'm more interested in what Cazath picked up in that cave-the thing in the pouch. And when our next meeting will be."

Kait "Well, one things for sure. Cazath knows much more than we do, and he's in complete control."

end.

Chapter 17: Disaster

Their sitting in math, last period. The announcements sound "Dont forget-the halloween dance is tonight from 7 to 11:30, best costume wins the grand prize!"

The bell rings and they leave, grouping up.

KP "You guys going to the dance? Sounds like fun."

Kait "I dunno." Everyone else is going. KP stops and turns around

KP "Why not?"

Kait "There wouldnt be anything to do. Besides, i dont dance."

They walks down the hallway and hear a student talking on a cell phone. He's standing at the office and they almost walk right past him. Kait stops abruptly and stares at him. His eyes glaze over her, and then come to attention.

Petro "Kait! Hey!"

Kait blushes slightly and waves back, the others turn around "Hi...."

He picks up his backpack and suitcase, heading for the dorms.

Kait "Where were you?"

Petro "Uhh....." He spots a poster for the dance "Hey! You going? It's usually pretty corny, but no teachers guard the hallways, so you can pretty much do whatever you want!"

Court "Oooo, Secrets. Never a good sign in a relationship."

Zoe rolls her eyes "We need to talk about that amulet of yours." She puts an arm on his shoulder and automatically pulls back, holding her head. She grabs KP's arm and they both stare at him.

Kait "you should probably go unpack-"

Petro "Annnnd?"

Kait "...and....ill go. But im gonna beat you up if nothing interesting happens."

He laughs "Well, alright then!" and heads down the hallway, around the corner.

Zoe "Ok, who saw it?"

Court "Saw what?"

Kait "Ya, what just happened?"

KP "His aura is black-its already being tainted by that amulet."

Later.

They enter a side entrance, passing by the gym with its pounding music. Court and KP run off to dance, and Zoe and Kait keep walking.

Zoe "So. Whats up with you and Moyaz?"

Kait "Whattya mean?"

Zoe "He seems pretty into you."

Kait "Whats your point?"

Zoe "Why dont you at least give him a chance? Ive heard earthlings have low morals-could be fun."

Kait "Thats the thing....He's a lowly human. Do you realize what might happen if anything starts up between us?"

Zoe "Kinda what i wanted to talk to you about....I dont think hes human."

Kait "What?"

zoe "I heard multiple voices in his head-one sounds like a demon."

Kait "But that makes no-"

People scream, running down the hallway and out the front doors.

Kait "What the...?" A white barrier of magic forms over the front doors, engulfing every possible escape route. A long, big two-headed snake slides around the corner.

Kait "thats Cazaths snake!"

Zoe "Its looking for something."

Kait "Cazath mustve blocked the exits-"

Zoe "Go find Petro, make sure hes alright."

Kait "Why? He can fend for himsel-"

Zoe "Remember what Quan said? We have to keep an eye on him. I'll go get Kat and Kahna-GO!"

Kait runs off down the hallway, and focus shifts to Court and KP. The white barrier melds over the doors to the outside and people are screaming, running around in the hallways. Zoe comes in just as KP runs off.

Zoe "Where is she going?!"

Court "To go check on the goth-"

Zoe "But-oh nevermind! One of them will find him. C'mon, lets make sure no ones hurt!"

Switch to KP. Shes running down a hallway, opening doors and listening for him. She feels his presence and sneaks into a room, looking around. Hes dressed in all black, with a long cloak draped over everything, fiddling with something on the desk infront of him. She closes the door, and quietly walks over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. He spins around.

KP "What are you doing?"

Petro "Oh, its you." He turns around again, and puts down a screwdriver, picking up a small black box and shaking it. "You ever wonder what the principal keeps in here?"

KP "NO! Now lets go, there are...weird things in the hallways attacking the school-we have to get outside!"

Petro "'Weird things'? You have got to be-" Something makes a noise outside the door "Oh Shit!" he grabs her and they duck under the desk. A hissing noise gets louder, and soon something slithers into the room. They hear a mans voice.

Cazath "Not in here, my pet? Well keep looking. If you find any of the girls, kill them, but leave the boy for me." Footsteps.

The slithering comes closer and a drop of acidic liquid drops from the snakes mouth, hitting the desk and melting through it. It hits the floor in between KP and Petro and they make a surprised sound, the snake fixes on them, strikign the table. They bolt from under it and run out the door, keeping pace perfectly.

KP *how is he keeping up!?*

They run around the corner and stop.

Petro "What the hell was that thing-whats going on!?"

KP "Nothing-I dunno, i....."

She looks past Petro, the snake is right behind him. It moves its head from side to side, staring down at his hooded head. KP's mouth drops open, she backs up and Petro catches on, turning around slowly. The snake lowers its head and breathes steam through its nostrils.

Petro "Uh.....hiya...hows it goin'?" It knocks into him, gently pushing him to the groun. "Hey-WATCH IT!"

The snake stabs Petro in the shoulder with the end of its tail. Then it sprays acid at KP, she bolts away down the hallway. It follows, leaving Petro, struggling with a large spike of poison on the floor. He pulls it out, slowly rolling over onto his stomach. He clutches at his shoulder, his head spins.

Petro "Gah-aaahhh.....Jesus!"

KP runs into Kait, who has Zoe and Court with her. The snake comes around the corner, its rushing towards them. Kait grips at her side, a sword hilt is hanging there, when she grabs it and pulls it free, the purple metal generates and she runs towards the snake.

She swings that sword and brings it up through the snakes head. It hisses and explodes into light. The light travels back down through the hallway.

Kait "What the hell is going on here?"

KP "Cazath is here. He's looking for someone-a guy."

Court "Wheres Moyaz? Arent you guys supposed to find him!?"

KP "Hes back down the hallway. I had to lead the snake-thing away from him. It hit him with something-c'mon!" They run back down the hallway, Kait lands on her knees next to Petro, rolling him over and placing his head on her lap. She strokes his hair, moving it from his face, then touches the circular gash in his shoulder. The skin is black in the immediate area, and fades to a sickly green. "Its poison....."

Cazath "Right you are." They all go flying back. Petros head hits the floor and he wakes up "Ahh. So this is the boy ive been hearing so much about." he stares down at Petro, he looks quite pleased. Cazath walks over to him, motioning with his hand, telekenetically pulling Petro up off the ground "Funny. You look just like him. It's quite fascinating."

Kait "Let him go!"

Cazath "Im afraid i cant do that."

Petro grips Cazaths arms, kicking him in the face. He falls to the floor and Cazath clutches his face. Petro moves his leg at Cazaths ankles, sending him falling to his side.

Kait rushes forward and grabs Petro, they head off down the hall. They get far enough away and stop. Petro slides to the floor, Kait crouches next ot him "You ok?"

Petro "Ahh.....I feel like ive been run over with a freight train.....ah-twice...."

Kait "Just give it time. It should fade from your system in a few hours."

Petro "Im gonna puke"

Court "Ew-Please dont!"

He tilts his head back, closing his eyes. "How do you all know that guy?"

Kait "Uhhh...-"She looks to the others for help.

Suddenly the girls are sent hurling down the hallway and Cazath comes up next to Petro. He opens a portal and grabs Petro by the arm, thrusting him through it. He smiles at the four and leaves.

Kait "NOOO!" She runs towards the portal but it closes. She haults to a stop and leans against the wall, punching it and sliding down onto her knees.

end.

Chapter 18: Quan Returns

Their in kaits room. Shes lying on her back on the bed, hugging a pillow to her chest. KP is sitting on the edge, everyone is silent, not knowing exactly how to comfort her.

[somedaypast-thesunset]

this weekend was actually okay and something i needed. on saturday i spoke to my landlord who was very aggressive about our deal and it gave me alot f anxiety. i attempted to share this with.. well.. anyone, and it was really isolating. the day before i had spent just a few hours with him and another friend and i felt isolated. saturday evening he decided he wanted to hang out and was really, really excited to share that he had found a cottage he could use this summer. neither me nor my friend was that enthused. both of us have lives that dont reallt include cottages and who knows if he will still be our friend by then. honestly. and he presented this with such excitement, like it would be good news for me. like i would care. like i was supposed to care. i think in a way both my friend and i thought good news wouldve been him wanting to move out of his mothers house. like he had a change of heart and realized what was actually for the best. he stuck on the cottage, repeatedly asking me over the next day or so if i was excited. he said i could go fishing. if i dont, does he bring someone else? but having him in a good mood was much better than usual and made him much more affectionate and nice, which is what i needed to overcome some of my anxiety. not all anxiety can truly be solved on its own. he kept touching me and held my hand and was overall just really nice. it made me comfortable enough to share my landlord situation and surprisingly he had a similar reaction to my own - they had been nice before, they set out the rules im following, theyre just angry they arent getting anything right now by definition of their own rules. he told me it was okay and i didnt need to worry about it because they had resolved to threats and aggression when i never once acted inappropriately. i felt alot better hearing that. weve been very careful not to comment on each others choices but still offer passive opinions. he doesnt like me living with anyone and hes negative about all of my options. but he doesnt tell me outright what to do / what im doing wrong in his eyes. but it felt better to feel justified in my belief that i wasnt crazy for thinking that i was in fact following their rules and procedures. a bit later on he mentioned that i should try for my native status and to me its a very sketchy subject based on almost 100 years of people with a very flimsy story which i imagine is mostly true but there could be serious false parts. thats why i just accept the ancestry my father believed in but dont indulge in it. but its gratifying to hear a random opinion which someone came to on their own regarding my ancestry and their belief in my belief. but he added that i should seek out an aboriginal center that could help me through the process and they should be more than willing to help because ive experienced so much abusive trauma. i felt a bit thrown back by this observation and didnt really reply. i mean, im not insulted or offended. im more genuinely surprised that within his own thoughts he believed i had abusive trauma and he wanted a way for me to cope easier in life. and it wasnt just oh u had trauma, it was 'so much abusive trauma' - very specific, indicating belief that not onlt had i experienced trauma on its own but that it had been willfully inflicted on me in my past. i believe in a way this also refers to the fact i told him what has been unsaid between us but most obvious in our last fight. he is a contributing factor on a semi regular basis to my anxieties and depression because he chooses to be as close as he is in the type of 'relationship' we have but does things like randomly break up or blame things on me. but its up and down, putting me through a cycle and my trust and patience, as thin as it was to begin with, is hanging on by a thread. i do believe he could leave at any moment without deep thought into how it would affect me. and he tries to remain naive or ignorant to the damage he caused; he asks me if i know where random things are or why i havent taken care of our herb garden and i remind him that im not here and im not welcome to do these things or know these things. he pushed me away for almost two weeks and expected things to be exactly as they were like i had left yesterday. i believe, like my ex, my trauma is too large for him. like, its a hard thing to completely encapsulate and see on a single level at once. and its complex emotional abuse - whether purposeful or not by people that may or may not have had control over the situation. i have felt like an observer since i was a baby. like im just watching crazy shit go down over and over again without a real period of content in between it all. in the afternoon, i felt a bit better. i didnt need sympathy or a shoulder to cry on necessarily, but when you feel very isolated, having your existence acknowledged is good. someone knows. they thought about it. i didnt implant it or bring it up. i roller skated for a bit - im sure its like literally 5-10 minutes of skating at a time but to me its kind of amazing im outside on rollerskates at all. and i think its kind of unbelievable to others as well - not that im too lazy, just that ive made an active choice to emerge from things at the best of mt abilities. later i began looking for jobs and apartments, repeating the same routine of the last few weeks but grateful to be in comfort doing it instead of at the library. i began narrowing down my search - i know, i know, i should take all the jobs. any job. put myself on a production line, hand bomb boxes, cut up chicken - but i cant. i cant do it at this point in my psyche. i cannot physically or mentally bare the process of living that way. its incomprehensible to me - im not above it. im not stubborn. im not lazy. but when you barely have the desire to get out of bed and feed yourself and bathe, to create the desire from nothing to go to a factory and pack boxes for eight hours of the day is so much time alone with my mind. its not distracting or challenging enough and ive see. these terrible jobs make normal people depressed so to me it seems like a death sentence. so i began to narrow it down - its been a long journey, acrually. it started months ago when i sat down and sincerely though about the very few things i could believe or want in my life thriugh all the fog and trauma and stress. it was very basic - im kind of a simple person. or maybe im simple among my turmoil. i like animals - but they also can trigger alot of anxiety and emotions that i dont want to deal with on a regular basis on top of having employment to maintain. i like cooking and baking; but all job environments with this are very high stress fast paced places and i am a sloth. not lazy, again, but currently moving at a pace that is the best of my abilities. i like computers but my skills are from 2008 and i dont have the patience or attention span to upgrade them right now. i like, in some ways, cleaning but i dont think its something id want to do everyday of my life. i like caring for the elderly, but again, its a complex job with alot of mental stress. so for the past month or so ive settled on essentially something in horticulture. i like growing things. it brings me a little joy on the inside. i like herb gardens and flowers, i like being outside, i like learning about plants. i began looking for a job in a garden center but they were few and far between and i began to realize that it was still mainly retail. so i applied to landscaping - i could cut grass and weed gardens but its male dominated industry and i dont think my few years of experience doing well, nothing, makes me a their first choice. plus its back breaking and the weather conditions can be terrible. so i looked for jobs as a florist or in a flower shop or maybe just the flower department in a grocery store. it seemed relatively low stress, not incredibly fast paced but something that was always in demand and flowers and maintaining flowers is great. but i began to learn that it required experience, as most jobs do, but as i thought about it i realized perhaps i could be a floral designer. it sounds really.. meh. like a super unimportant job with no real purpose and may e thats okay. it has alot of options; floral shops, weddings, funerals - its an oddly versatile thing that also allows for creativity and an experience of art and a little bit of science. its not complex, but it could be. and it allows for expansion - i could run my own flower shop. its not the most useful trade but its something thats always useable. i hesistantly looked into schooling. it seemed like a random course you took once and they gave you a paper. but a neaeby college has an entire 2 semester course that includes fundamentals of color and design and business plus floral design and other similae things. i say near but its a 2 hr bus ride away. however, its only on saturdays. one day a week for eight months. for curiousitys sake i looked into student loans. my last experience was uncomfortable. despite my best efforts, including calling multiole financial aid offices and sending paper work, i was still messed around and had no idea what to do to fix it. in rhe end i was told it was unlikely student loans would cover my choice; it was an online course in criminal psychology. i felt defeated and turned away from it but looking back now it was a poor attempt to alleviate pressures. so i was weary that osap would cover this course. apparantly school was sketchier than i thiught and the websites were utterly confusing and just asking for money up front. but i continued on, certain that it must work - everyone else manages it. i found the loan calculator and inputted the data. it would be the bare minimum course load thst would count towards getting a loan. it seemed impossible, a course that only happened saturdays that would be covered by a loan. but it recognized the course and calculated based on my assistance i get now, which i know is possible and i know assistance encourages you to do so. it came back as covering my books as well as 9000$+ for living & travelling expenses for the eight months. right now, assistance would allow me a little over 5000$ provided i dont get a job. and thats for living and eating, 300$ a month for rent, 300$ for basic living. at 9000$ i could afford 500-600$ in rent, possibly more if i really wanted to stretch it more so as a loan, when i work, my money isnt deducted. so my shelter costs are covered and at an even higher amount of rent for 700$, i have 300$ still to live on. if i wanted to live alone, that is. having 500-600$ to offer in a roommate situation or towards anything in my future is better than the 300-400$ im looking at now. so i think i want to do this. im going to ask assistance to cover the application fee and im rly hoping i have the one pre requisite course they ask for. it doesnt solve anything right now at all. this is long term think over the next 6-8 months, whicb honestly is scary. im scared by planning so far ahead for myself. and its hard because what if what if what if. but i think its the right thing to do. i dont know if it is. was i ever going to be a famous chef or doctor or office person? probably not. im lucky to exist as i am now. its a reachable goal just outside of my comfortzone and despite the meager amount it seems like theyre giving me, its more than i have had for almost a year now. i believe im ready to handle this, which is funny because its thrown on 18 yr olds eith no life experience but it doesnt matter. a friend has been sort of wanting to be my roommate. its hard to trust her though. and its a really sketchy situation to enter into but financially it would make sense and it would allow me to keep a majority of my comforts. she said she drove around and looked for apartments yesterday and called a few, which is more than ive done. she did show me a few but they were just out of my price range and i wonder if i just wont have enough money to even have a roommate. i also havent had any calls or opportunties for jobs or cash and half of it is my fault. today i could go to contract testing andearn 20$. but ill spend 4$ to get there. i wanted to make it a trip and go to the assistance office too and submit paper work for my application but my desire is not there and im frustrated st myself because i was given a fine weekend. and i need the money; im nearlt short of first & last for 400$ worth of rent, which means i cant even look at 500$ places. i can, however, afford 450$ which is not so bad and i guess i could borrow 100$ from someone if it came down to it, considering my efforts. so 20$ today would sort of go towards living expenses right now and i guess i just.. dont care. i also have to call hydro because i have a past due notice im hoping doesnr translate to final notice? im past due on mt past due and even making the phone call seems daunting. my mornings have become battlefields, mental acrobats of havinf set a plan - even a simple task and fighting myself for several hours about doing it or why or for what purpose. i commend myself, sadly, on the three consecutive days at the library last week. thats actually unheard of in my world, getting up, getting ready and goinf out at almost the same time for three days in a row. then it was the weekend. and now im here. and the weeke d didnt bother me. it didnt cause this, or maybe it did but it doesnt feel like it. im glad to have spent time with him in such a positive way but i guess i have a looming feeling of "well tomorrow i know i wont see him" and ill work out my day alone and eat alone and sleep alone and have all this time because i barely have wifi and no cable and no tv and no movies. its not his fault though. its mt fault. he doesnt have to share his time eith me because i couldnt manage to have wifi. or that i sold my tv. it would be best for me to do the things i planned today. i also havent began cleaning or packing any of my things. i could use boxes. but i kind of want to sleep; i didnt sleep well last night and felt ljke i was up most of the night, having slept alone, and being woken up pretty uncemermoniously at 630am. he explained he was up until 3am working on his project and managed some niceties but dropped me a block from my apt for no real reason. i do scorn myself for not taking initative. these tasks are really fucking simple and crucial to my well being but ill comfort myself with "well, its only this time of day, i can still do this and this later" and its such a poor cop out. i could do it now. the two hours ive been sitting here, couldve done it. but i didnt and i honestlt probably wont and that really makes me such a bucket. its hard feeling down about your depression. but i guess unfortunately im going to start this day again in a few hours and im sure ill be much better off.. or atleast well enough to move from my bed.