#i hope lots of people participate in the week!! fury spent a lot of time organizing it :')

[tianhai03]

here's the full drawing I did for @dante-x-leon-otp-archive !! ❤️💙

(bonus: unused sketch that is more on the silly side)

[modestcatholiclife]

Mid-Lent Reflections

So I'm hoping that today's post will be a little bit different. I've been thinking a lot about this blog and I realised that I've been treating it like an obligation rather than a voluntary personal project.

Since I began converting to Catholicism, things have become rather complication for me. I'm changing as a person and feel very disconnected from my friends, who are all secular, as a result. Additionally, I haven't had a great deal of success in making Catholic friends just yet so I honestly feel quite lonely. During these times, I'm so grateful to God for my lovely fiance who has been the pinnacle of support during this struggle. So this blog gives me an opportunity to talk about those things that I'd like to talk about with friends and potentially connect with people online.

I'd like to try and be a bit more personal and engaging with these posts but I believe that is something I'll find with time. For now, I'll share what I can with you.

Well, right now I'm sick. Nothing serious, I just have a stuffy nose and am very fatigued. I've had to cancel some appointments and interviews and haven't been very productive these past couple of days as a result, which is completely understandable. What's less understandable, though, is that I've honestly been really letting myself down with my Lenten fasts. I haven't been consistent with them at all and the only one I can say that I haven't broken is my fast from meat. I've been on social media almost non-stop and it's been awful. I usually have a block on my phone that keeps me out of most apps from 8pm-9am but I haven't been using it lately. I've been so unproductive for weeks now and have done little to no cleaning around the apartment. It's getting pretty bad here and I'm disappointed in myself. I was hoping to get back onto things this week but of course, now I'm sick. My prayer life has been almost nonexistent. I'm not going to continue, it's not helpful for me to engage in excessive negative self-talk and I should be directing my focus towards improvement, not despondency.

On a more positive note, my early childcare traineeship interviews went incredibly well! So well, in fact, that I was offered the traineeship on the spot during my first interview! I have the contract with me, that I will be signing and returning tomorrow (assuming I'm not still sick) and I'll be starting the job two weeks from today! I've already handed in my letter of resignation to my current job and am looking forward to this new chapter of my life.

I also went to Great Vespers on Saturday night with my lovely fiance. We've just passed the Veneration of the Holy Cross so I have included photos of the Cross from St. Andrew's after Great Vespers on Saturday and St. Volodymyr's after Divine Liturgy on Sunday. This was only my second time attending Great Vespers. I sat near the choir and did my best to participate. Hopefully if I work hard enough, I might be able to join the choir one day.

Lastly, yesterday I spent the day resting and watching movies and anime with my fiance. We watched the first episode of part six of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. So far, I'm not loving it. This is the first part with a female main character and it shows. I don't appreciate how overly sexualised Jolyne is immediately. I'll keep watching it at some point but right now, I'm not super interested. I just watched Chicago for the first time and watching another piece of media about women in prison (even if they aren't there for long) is not capturing my interest. My fiance showed me an episode of an old anime he used to like so I showed him an episode of Ouran High School Host Club, which I watched back in year 7, and he liked it so much we watched a second episode! We also watched Mad Max: Fury Road together. Later on, we watched Josie and the Pussycats, which he highly enjoyed and I would highly recommend.

[inscribeddiatribes]

Only If For A Night

—

Summary: Steve’s decision to go back to the past has unintended consequences.

—

A/N: I decided to participate in the lucid dreams challenge by one of my favorite writers, @golden-ariess. This fic has literally taken me forever to write, but it’s finally finished!

Prompt: “Then tell me how I’m supposed to be.�� I was also inspired by the lyrics from Only If for a Night by Florence + the Machine.

Time travel logistics and some endgame scenes have been changed.

Warnings: Contains Angst, Endgame spoilers, Steve Rogers centric, Slightly Yandere/Obsessive, Death.

—

It was supposed to be a simple mission. A final task to put an end to the chaos that Thanos had singlehandedly caused.

As Steve prepared to say his goodbyes, he mused on his current life. He had friends, a support system, and shockingly, he had Bucky back. Losing Bucky had affected him more than he’d care to admit. The loss of Bucky had left him reeling. It seemed like he was destined to feel miserable and all alone.

However, in the five years that he had spent without Bucky, he had found you. You muddled through life the same way he did, but you continued to live your life to the best of your ability by taking the time to find and improve yourself. In many ways he envied you, but you had been utterly alone for years before The Snap, which was a reality he didn’t have to face. He had lost Bucky, and while he may have felt alone, he never truly was.

You were unique, he fondly thought. There were probably a million words that he could use to describe you, but unique was the one that fit best.

Bucky and Sam would understand his decision, but you would be a different story.

—

After leaving Sam, Steve slowly made his way over to you. You looked at him as he came to a stop next to you.

You coolly stated, “I heard they figured out how to fix everything. I’m guessing that’s not what you’re here for though.”

His blood ran cold at the thought that you already knew what he was going to do. He opened his mouth to fumble out an explanation, but you interjected, “If you want to go… then go. I won’t stop you.”

You looked away from him and stared straight ahead. Steve could tell that you were beginning to shut him out. This wasn’t how he expected this to go. How could you shut down at a time like this? He finally had a chance to live a normal life, yet you weren’t happy for him. The words flew out before he could stop himself, “This isn’t how you’re supposed to be.”

You turned towards him and fixed him with a piercing glare, “Then tell me how I’m supposed to be.”

A wave of silence passed over you two. Steve heard you sigh. He desperately wished he knew what to say to fix this, but he was left speechless for once in his life. Steve muttered an apology and made his way back to his teammates.

—

Mission. Home. Idle Chatting. Repeat.

Steve could recite his routine like clockwork. His enjoyment of being with Peggy hadn’t been preserved over the years. His weariness of life frequently clashed with Peggy’s personality. Steve had quickly realized that her zeal and unwavering optimism exhausted him. Peggy understood war better than an average Joe, but she didn’t understand what horrors the future held. By extension, she didn’t understand him either — not anymore. It was inevitable that they wouldn’t last together.

A year. A year is how long it took for Steve to realize that he didn’t belong with Peggy. She was determined, smart, and ambitious. All traits that would please most people. However, she just wasn’t right. She just wasn’t… you. The decision to end things came easy to both of them. Peggy sent him on his way with a tight lipped smiled and a knowing glance.

—

He was back. For the first time in months, he was finally excited.

Steve quickly realized that he had no idea where everyone was. He followed the path closest to him to a road and hoped that a driver would be crazy enough to give him a ride to the Avengers building. He somehow managed to cause a traffic jam as people clambered out of their cars to stare at him in disbelief. It’d definitely be a long ride.

—

Fury sharply stared at Steve, “You’ve managed to make quite the commotion with that little stunt you pulled earlier, Rogers. You disappeared for four years, how could you expect anything less? You’re lucky that we have all the witnesses under control until we can release a new statement.”

Four years? How was that even possible? He had just been gone one year.

Bucky walked through the doorway and approached Fury. Bucky directed his eyes toward a plaque on the wall. It was… your plaque? It was enough to make Fury pause. Fury took a quick glance at Steve and proceeded to leave the room with a grimace. He immediately became suspicious. Fury would never give up an opportunity to yell at someone. Where were you?

Bucky softly sighed, “Pal, I know it’s a lot to take in. A lot of things have changed since you’ve been gone. Y/N isn’t here anymore. There was an attack and we couldn’t get to them in time, I’m so sorry. I have to join Sam on his mission soon, but SHIELD gave me an apartment I never stay at. You can stay there for as long as you want. A company car can take you there.”

Steve felt himself still. You were… dead? You didn’t deserve that. You should be here with him… no, he should have never left in the first place. You were gone. Why you? Why him? This couldn’t be true. It just couldn’t. He feels his chest tightening and morbidly hopes that he’ll be the next to go.

He couldn’t bear to look at the sympathetic look on Bucky’s face. Steve takes the key from Bucky’s outstretched hand. Bucky pats him on the shoulder and Steve manages to drag himself to the car awaiting him outside.

Steve had ruined his own happiness. The thought that he had messed things up this badly was enough to want to make him start sobbing. He briefly wonders if you had been in this much pain when he left.

—

He spent his nights spent holed up in Bucky’s apartment desperate for any form of interaction. He spent his days at parks during the day in hopes that some eager fan would spot him and bombard him with even something as simple as an awkward, sweaty handshake. Yet no one ever paid him any attention after his initial reappearance. His absence in The Avengers was quite apparent. Thousands of articles about his sudden departure and Sam’s new identity had easily convinced the world that he was a sham.

Even Bucky was slowly starting to give up on him. He never explicitly said that, but his lack of calls and abundance of mission said enough. He was alone.

He wanted to see you again. You were — and still are — his only escape from his loneliness and misery. He thought about you on that consequential day when he had decided to leave. The sunshine baring down on the both of you contrasted the mood of the whole affair. He wished he would have stopped to consider how you truly felt about him leaving. How your coldness towards him was only a coping method. He wished he could go back and scream at himself to stay.

Closing his eyes again, he cleared those thoughts away and willed himself to fall asleep. Dreams were his refuge. He was able to create happy memories of you that he never got to experience with you in real life. Vacations, garden tours, café dates. He did anything and everything with you. You and the whole world were at his fingertips in his dreams. You were his, only if for a night.

—

Bathroom. Eat. Dream. Repeat. Another routine that he could recite like clockwork, only he couldn’t leave this time.

Days passed by. Then weeks. Then months. Everything started blurring together. There was no point in trying to remember them. No one had any need for him anymore. He was no longer Captain America, that role was taken.

He realized he couldn’t be upset, he was the one that had caused this. It still stung to know that everyone had moved on and most importantly, that you were gone.

There was nothing he could now. It was too late. He had lost Peggy. He had lost his friends. Now, he had lost you too. No amount of dreaming would bring you back. He was alone again. He would always be alone — a man out of time.

—

Lyrics:

“And I heard your voice as clear as day. And you told me I should concentrate. It was all so strange and so surreal. That a ghost should be so practical. Only if for a night.”

I don’t own these characters, songs, or lyrics, nor did I create any of them. This work is strictly for fair use/ entertainment purposes. No money has been received from this work.

Check out my masterlist, you might find something you like! Reblogs are welcome! Follow for more :)

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[just-come-baek]

get in, loser 1

Pairing: Taeyong x female!reader

Themes: smut | mafiaboss!taeyong | carthief!reader

Word count: 6.2k

Summary: How to get noticed by the most dangerous man in the country? I guess stealing his sport car and dying it hot pink must catch his attention.

Warnings: car theft | speeding | alcohol consumption | jaehyun being taeyong’s henchman | hardcore brainstorming | taeyong being touchy | more in next chapters

A/N This series will be around 5 chapters long. New updates shall be posted once every two weeks I hope. Also, @starlightbebes challenged me into posting chapter 1 on Taeyong’s birthday, so I won. ^^ Pay up.

***

Considering it was Saturday night, the city seemed oddly serene. Any other night, I’d witness some wild shit, yet tonight, it was quite peaceful. No prostitutes were arguing with no-cooperative customers, no inexperienced adolescents throwing up in the public trash cans, no aggressive football spectators fighting with their rivals.

Despite the calm aura, the city was vibrant; colorful neon signs were blinking, inviting people into different liquor establishments, cars honking on drunken pedestrians jaywalking across the streets, a few undiscovered musicians playing on the main square with plenty of tourists recording them.

Each establishment promised an unforgettable night, and for some people, it would be a real dilemma to pick one among such a rich palette of entertainment. I, on the other hand, had a pretty well-defined plan of stealing a fancy car – a precious possession of one, infamous crime lord in the country.

It wouldn’t be my first car theft, yet it surely was going to be the most meaningful one. Everyone in town knew that Lee Taeyong was up to no good. When it came to his personal taste, though, it was impeccable. The most expensive, the most extravagant, the fastest cars belonged to him, so stealing one of his astounding vehicles would be the cherry on top of my villainous career.

Rumor had it, tonight he’s celebrating in his VIP club – the Cherry Bomb; if you ask me, its name is a little bit tacky, but who I am to judge? The crowd of people trying to get inside was enormous, so despite its name, the local must’ve been quite profitable.

Being the most dangerous crime lord in the country must be a pretty time-consuming profession – I wouldn’t expect him to get to the club before midnight. Regardless of what must’ve been on his to-do list tonight, his schedule was bound to be packed.

It was almost 1 o’clock when matte black carbon-fibred McLaren P1 LM with “DRAGON” written on its registration plate pulled over in front of the club; in an instant, people in the queue grew silent, mesmerized by the handsome man who nonchalantly got out of the car, tossing the keys to the valet boy.

Lee Taeyong was just as good-looking as he was deadly – with his styled-up tousled vibrant-red hair, ripped black jeans, and a top-brand leather jacket, he made people turn their heads despite their gender and sexual orientation. In all honesty, I did my research, I had dozens of pictures of him, and I knew what to expect. The pictures didn’t do him justice, though. His natural beauty was enchanting, but when topped with his charisma and cocky confidence, it was a lethal mixture.

When Taeyong strolled inside his establishment, I, just like the other people who were in rapture, could finally get my shit together. It was remarkably difficult to remain in the right state of mind when he was within your eyesight, and tonight, it was going to be my most significant theft, so I couldn’t get distracted.

“You can do this,” I encouraged myself before running across the street, ready to execute the first stage of my plan.

I didn’t dare to doubt my skills for even a second. Tonight I would succeed, and Taeyong would have to call an Uber to get back to his grand mansion.

***

It’s been three days since my ingenious heist, and I was getting impatient. I wanted Taeyong to find me and talk to me, yet I was waiting and waiting, and he didn’t seem interested in getting his car back. It was actually disappointing. I couldn’t contain my curiosity; I just needed to see his reaction after I had his car tuned. I had made sure to be caught on their CCTV, so he would quickly track my traces, but it only proved me he was working with rookies.

Checking the time on my wristwatch, I walked into the run-down car repair shop, wanting to sneak one last peek at my masterpiece before I’d put a cover over it so Taeyong would gasp upon the big reveal. The new car paint looked amazing – Doyoung, my friend and a mechanic, did a great job dying it hot pink. Too bad, he was too scared to wait for Taeyong with me. I couldn’t blame him, though. Taeyong was known for his short temper, and it was understandable that Doyoung didn’t want to stick around to witness Taeyong’s wrath.

“What is taking him so long?” I asked myself as I plopped down in a ripped leather armchair, cracking a cold one. “How long does it take them to find the guys who don’t want to be found?” I wondered, pulling my phone, scrolling through the new content on my social media.

It was taking them forever, but when the sun was slowly setting behind the horizon, I could hear a vehicle park in front of the car repair shop. Judging by the engine’s roars, the car was expensive.

It must’ve been Taeyong himself.

“Finally,” I hollered as I got on my feet, throwing my slowly dying phone on the armchair. If the crime lord showed up, he needed to be welcomed accordingly. Taeyong was a royalty amongst gangers, and he deserved the best treatment.

Midnight blue Bugatti Chiron registered under “FURY” stopped on the parking lot, and I waited for Taeyong to get out. Seconds passed, and he was still sitting comfortably in the vehicle, building the tension. I didn’t feel stressed, though. Although we hadn’t been properly introduced, I knew a whole lot about him – he was famous for his rage. However, right now, he had to be impressed rather than enraged. Or at least, it was the emotion I hoped for him to feel.

Only a complete psycho, and me, would dare to steal one of his automobiles.

The descending sun was blinding me, and when I raised my hand to block the direct sunlight, the car doors opened. Even in daylight, Taeyong looked like a five-course meal. Today, he was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a Gucci T-shirt; the outfit was simple, yet on him, it looked elevated.

“Very impressive,” he shouted loudly before he coolly walked over. “You’ve got balls, I have to give you that,” he added, and I smirked, considering his words as a compliment. Men of high positions often have trouble complimenting people, let alone women, and Taeyong didn’t seem to be an exception.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, too,” I answered politely, offering him a handshake, which he contemptuously denied. “I must say, I expected to meet you sooner,” I jabbed, but Taeyong only looked at me condescendingly before he walked inside, impatient to check up on his stolen property.

“My people located you yesterday morning, but I wanted to see you in person, and you must know, I am a busy person,” he explained, studying the shabby interior. “No one steals from me.”

“Well… I already have, and it was easier than I previously assumed,” I answered confidently before approaching the cover. “I have a surprise for you, are you ready?” Taeyong didn’t even flinch, and I considered his indifference as an agreement. With one quick pull, I uncovered the vehicle, allowing him to see my teeny tiny change. “I hope you like pink.”

Taeyong grew silent.

I had told Doyoung to change the car paint to hot pink, yet Taeyong didn’t even blink. I expected him to get pissed or, at least, annoyed, but when I looked at his features, I couldn’t see any reaction.

“Actually, pink is my favorite color,” Taeyong emotionlessly announced, and I only stared at him in utter confusion.

What the fuck?

“Well… I expected a different reaction,” I spoke, the wires in my brain incapable of coming up with anything intelligent. A guy with such a foul reputation favors the color pink.

Imagine my shock.

Apparently, Taeyong is a man of many layers.

“Who are you?” Taeyong condescendingly asked as he sat comfortably in the armchair, putting my phone on the armrest. Calmly, he leaned backward, crossed his legs, and entwined his fingers over his bent knee, waiting for me to tell him everything he wanted to know.

“I think you already know who I am,” I stated, and he just stared at me intensely. His people must’ve done a background check on me, yet he still wanted to hear it again. Stealing his car was one thing, but disrespecting him about such trivial matter seemed way worse. Doing something so risky and bold was admirable in his eyes, but wasting his time like this was just annoying, so I simply did what was expected of me.

I told Taeyong about my childhood – how I spent my allowance on go-kart races; it was my escape whenever my father got drunk and picked up fights with my mom. Then, I disclosed my secrets on how I began stealing cars – when I was seventeen, because of excessive drinking, my father needed a liver transplant, and it was the only way of getting money remotely quickly. Later, at the age of twenty-one, I participated in my first street race, though this time, it wasn’t because I needed money – I did it because I enjoyed the thrill.

“How did you steal it? How, on Earth, did you go inside the club without any of my workers noticing you?” Taeyong asked, and although he must’ve already concluded my operating plan, he wanted me to explain it myself. This time around, I didn’t even hesitate.

“I blended in,” I shortly answered with a shrug. “It wasn’t that difficult to find out all the information I needed to get inside unnoticed. I checked all your staff’s social media accounts; it took me like… three days of stalking to get their names and work schedules. That night, I sneaked into the club right after your arrival, and when somebody asked me something, I told them I was busy doing the thing the manager wanted me to do. They just assumed I am the new girl. Normally, I don’t do things like that when I steal a car, but this time around, I wanted to do something extra. Are you impressed?” I challenged, and Taeyong cocked his eyebrow, deeply in thought.

“Huh, last question. Why have you done it?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” I inquired rhetorically, and Taeyong didn’t even bother to give me a proper answer. He seemed bored, and it was making me feel a little bit fed-up. “Well… in all honesty, I am sick and tired of freelancing, I want to work for you,” I elaborated, and Taeyong just chuckled as if I just told him a hilarious joke. Why was he laughing? It was a reasonable proposition, and besides, I’ve already proven my amazing skills.

“I’m not recruiting, sorry,” Taeyong spoke when he stood up and glanced at his pink vehicle. Well… it was a harsh rejection. “You have one day to return my car, or I will have my henchman kill you,” he added, walking up to me until he invaded my personal space.

“Asshole,” I whispered loud enough for him to hear me. Taeyong already knew what I was capable of, yet for some reason, he still decided not to give me a chance. It was a dick move, and I couldn’t let him have the last word.

“You’re feisty. I like that,” Taeyong said at last, “Let’s meet on Friday, at the Superhuman. Midnight. Don’t be late.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me, and don’t forget to bring my fucking car.”

***

“She’s here,” Jaehyun told Taeyong as soon as the gatekeeper forwarded the message. “I can’t believe you didn’t kill her back then,” he added matter-of-factly, remembering the infamous car theft. No matter how many times he thought about it, he couldn’t comprehend how someone could be so stupid to mess with his boss. What puzzled him even more, however, was the fact that Taeyong seemed rather impressed by this woman’s actions.

“I was surprised too,” Taeyong answered honestly. “Can you believe she had the audacity to ask me to recruit her?”

Jaehyun was stupefied. “Well… are you going to?”

“Actually, I am not sure,” Taeyong replied hesitantly. It wasn’t how the regular recruitment process worked, but the woman intrigued him. She had seemed quite keen on working for him, and he was curious how much she wanted this job. “I haven’t decided yet,” Taeyong added, and Jaehyun looked at his boss in concern; Taeyong was impulsive in his decisions, and the fact that he hasn’t made up his mind yet was rather peculiar.

“You can’t be serious,” Jaehyun commented, hoping for Taeyong to come back to his senses. This wasn’t the way the things were dealt with here; if someone dared to mess with the leader, death was the kindest thing they could hope for. If other members found out about it, they might’ve thought Taeyong was getting soft. She disrespected the leader, and she ought to have faced the consequences.

“Bring her in, Jaehyun,” Taeyong ordered, dismissing Jaehyun’s concerns.

“Of course.”

“I expected to meet you in one of the VIP lounges, not in your office,” I spoke the second Taeyong’s henchman led me into an expensive-looking office at the back of the club. “You should’ve given me heads-up, I would’ve dressed accordingly,” I carried on, glancing down at my not suitable clothes.

My outfit consisted of a cropped T-shirt, denim shorts, fishnets, and a pair of combat shoes, and it did not look appropriate under these circumstances. I was expecting a flirty conversation in Taeyong’s natural habitat of leather lounges, expensive drinks, and beautiful girls competing amongst each other for his attention, but instead, he surprised me with a job interview in his private office at the back of his club. If only I had known, I would’ve dressed suitably.

“Leave us alone, Jaehyun,” Taeyong spoke in an authoritarian tone, and his associate left the room without any further comment.

The second I heard the doors click, I let out a breath of relief. For some reason, the henchman’s presence gave me chills. It was difficult to remain composed with Taeyong in such close vicinity, however, when accompanied by the other dangerous man, I felt uncomfortably anxious.

Taeyong’s piercing gaze was fixated on me, and it made me blush a little bit. He was hot as hell, and in all honesty, any woman would react this way if alone with him.

With one fluid motion, he commanded me to sit, and with a sheepish smile on my face, I obliged.

“You seem to be in a good mood,” I started, but Taeyong only smirked, sliding an A4 format envelop across the desk. “What is this?” I asked in confusion, but Taeyong just sat back, entwining his fingers together, enjoying my reaction.

Gang members didn’t sign employment contracts – that’d be silly.

“You admittance,” he started, and I cocked my eyebrow, trying to understand what the hell was going on. “Inside the envelope, you’ll find all the necessary information about your new assignment. Bring this car to me within a week, and you’ll be officially the newest addition to the family.”

It was interesting.

Taeyong had already seen me in action, yet he needed another proof of my qualifications. Actions speak louder than words, but my most recent ones screamed and ought to echo in his ears for years!

“Don’t look at me like that, it’s just a regular procedure, don’t take it personally,” Taeyong added, but I wasn’t exactly buying that. There must’ve been something that he didn’t tell me. There was a catch, it must’ve been. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have that playful spark in his eyes the whole time.

 “I’ll text you the meeting location sometime this week,” he added with a genuine smile, and I didn’t even dare to question how he got my number. “Good luck, doll,” smirking, Taeyong whispered, and I started questioning his intentions.

It must’ve been a set-up.

“I look forward to hearing from you,” I answered respectfully, quickly standing up, wanting to run out of the club. Curiosity was killing me; I had to peek inside the envelope, but I couldn’t do it in front of Taeyong. I hoped he acknowledged me as fearless and confident, and I couldn’t allow him to change his opinion about me. One hesitant glance at the papers could ruin my image, and I couldn’t let it happen.

“Are you out of your mind? You can’t be serious! Tell me you didn’t recruit her,” Jaehyun angrily stormed into Taeyong’s office, fed up with the leader’s decision. The girl left the club alive, and it’s not the outcome he anticipated. Jaehyun would break her neck if only Taeyong told him to. Letting her scot-free was a mistake, and it was crazy that Jaehyun was the only one to realize it.

“Calm down, Jaehyun,” Taeyong announced casually, making Jaehyun a bit confused. “I did give her an assignment, but don’t you worry about it. She’s gonna fail. She’s good, but not that good,” Taeyong added, and both of them smirked mischievously.

***

I’ve never been more anxious. My grip on the envelope was tight, my knuckles turning white, and I really had mixed feelings about opening it. Taeyong’s mischievous smirk couldn’t have been a good omen.

On the other hand, I couldn’t let the stress weaken me, so I did what any other person in my shoes would do – I went to the liquor store and bought the biggest bottle of gin they had. Regardless of what Taeyong had assigned me to do, it would be easier to digest when drunk.

Then I hailed the cab and dialed Doyoung’s number. He picked up after the fourth ring. “I’m coming over,” I quickly said, notifying him before my arrival. As my friend, he would help me if the alcohol was to fail.

“You’re alive, so I assume it didn’t go that bad,” Doyoung spoke when he opened the doors and let me in. Not bothering to greet him, I walked passed him and shoved the bottle of gin into his hands. “Are we celebrating?” He asked, kicking the doors shut, “please, tell me we’re celebrating.”

“I don’t know,” I answered, plopping into an old armchair, throwing the envelope on the coffee table. “We’re about to find out. Taeyong gave me another assignment, but pour me a drink first. I’m not sure I can handle it sober,” I explained, and Doyoung knew what to do. Within a minute, he was back with two Scooby-doo mugs and a bottle of tonic.

“It can’t be that bad,” he started as he sat down on the couch on the other side of the coffee table, pouring us drinks, which were basically 80% alcohol. “I mean… you’ve stolen his car; can it get any more challenging than that?” Doyoung asked, and I actually had to admit he was right. Taeyong’s the most dangerous crime lord in the country; as long as he didn’t make me steal Kim Jongun’s tank, I should be fine. However, on the second thought, I didn’t know Taeyong that well, so the guess might’ve not been that farfetched.

“I don’t want to open this envelope,” I confessed as I picked up the mug with Shaggy’s face and took a large gulp.

“Do you want me to do that for you?” Doyoung proposed, and I nodded. Perhaps if Doyoung read it out for me, it would’ve been easier to accept my fate. “Because you’re all stressed out, I’m all fidgety too,” Doyoung added before he grabbed the envelope, looking inside.

“What does it say?” I inquired in curiosity, hoping to hear some good news.

“It looks like you gotta steal a yellow Ferrari LaFerrari,” Doyoung started, as he pulled out a picture of my target. OK, it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been, it was doable. “And it belongs to someone called Yuta,” he spoke, and I jumped to my feet and snatched the papers out of Doyoung’s hands in disbelief.

It must’ve been a sick joke.

“It can’t be,” I whispered, refusing to comprehend what Taeyong wanted of me. He was a complete psycho if he thought I could steal one of Yuta’s cars.

“Do you know this dude?” Doyoung inquired, reaching for his cup with Fred.

“Do I know this dude?” I deadpanned, trying not to burst out in tears. I was royally screwed. “It’s Nakamoto Yuta. He’s the royalty of Yakuza. He’s basically Taeyong’s biggest rival,” I explained, and it got Doyoung speechless.

“Well… it sucks,” he whispered, downing his drink, ignoring the burn. “What are you gonna do?”

“Good question,” I replied, coping Doyoung’s actions, drinking my gin to the very last drop. “Even if I manage to steal his car, how am I supposed to get it across the border? It’s a suicide mission.”

“Is there anything else in the envelope?” Doyoung asked, and I put all the papers on the coffee table. Among documents about Yuta’s bio, there was a check for 20 grand written under my name. “Mr. Bad Boy must’ve felt generous,” he commented, but I didn’t find it amusing. Mr. Bad Boy, as Doyoung eloquently put it, would kill me if I failed this mission.

“Generous or not, I’m gonna be dead if I don’t bring this car to him within a week,” I muttered, feeling helpless. I lacked ideas on how to conduct the theft successfully, and the time was slowly running out.

“You can do this,” Doyoung stated confidently, not even a sliver of hesitation in his tone. He was absolutely sure of my skills, and I wished I had as much faith in myself as he had in me. “We have no time to waste; pack everything you need, we’re going to Japan.”

“Do you have a plan, though?”

“We’ll come up with one on our way.”

***

Doyoung was right; we had no time to waste. God, in times like these, I was really thankful he was my friend. Right now, when I was a nervous wreck, he was the voice of reason. If it wasn’t for him, I’d get wasted and pass out in the poodle of my own vomit. Thanks to him, I was only slightly tipsy, but productive as fuck. We made a stop by my apartment and his car repair to get everything necessary, and then took a train to the harbor.

The first ferry to Japan was leaving the docks at 7 o’clock. The journey was about to last more or less 8 hours, it was plenty of time to finish the entire bottle of gin and come up with a foolproof plan on how to steal that Ferrari.

“How about you seduce Yuta, and he lets you borrow his car?” Doyoung voiced his seventh plan this morning, and in comparison to his previous ideas, it actually seemed doable. “It’s great in its simplicity,” he added, and I shook my head in disappointment. Even if I was his type, how was I supposed to bullshit my way into his pants without any Japanese skills?

“How about you seduce Yuta, and when he’s busy drilling your ass, I’ll sneak into his mansion and snatch the car?” I proposed, and Doyoung fake-gagged at the thought of doing this. Or maybe, he just has had one shot of gin too many. One could never be sure…

“How about you seduce Yuta and talk him into doing it in his car, and when you’re about to do it, I knock him out with a rock?”

“How about we go to Yuta’s club, and you challenge him in a singing duel, and you win the car fair and square?”

“How about we find Yuta’s doppelganger to steal his identity and pay him to steal the car for you?”

“How about we kidnap Yuta and keep him hostage until they give us the car?”

“How about we hypnotize Yuta into making him lend us his car?”

Truthfully, we struggled a lot while trying to figure out the best way to prove my worth to Taeyong. Stealing Yuta’s car wasn’t an easy assignment – some people would say it was impossible. Thankfully, we came up with one solution throughout our drunken brainstorm that wasn’t that bad…

We were so drunk that I couldn’t actually remember who came up with this idea. One second, Doyoung and I were brainstorming, then, a moment later, someone woke us up because we reached the shore.

“Come on, we have no time,” Doyoung said as he picked up his bag, urging me to pick up mine and get off the ferry. I rubbed my eyes and looked at him, wondering how, on Earth, he wasn’t hungover. “You’ve got only six days left…”

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” I answered, groaning.

I had an unpleasant feeling in my gut, telling me this week was going to be awful, but at least we had figured out a plan. It was far from perfection, but with proper execution, I could pull this through.

***

By sheer luck, I managed to accomplish my seemingly impossible mission. Though I didn’t fully believe in the plan, we didn’t make a single mistake, and after three days of data analyzing and one night of the actual heist, we were on our way back.

Hopefully, it was the only recruitment assignment that Taeyong wanted me to fulfill.

On Friday, one hour before the meet-up, Taeyong sent me the location.

In an hour, I’d become one of his people, and I wanted to look worthy of the new position. Wisely, I chose my best outfit, deciding to wear a pair of black leather trousers, a modest white button-down shirt, and fancy boots on a 10 centimeters heel. I looked formal, but with a fierce twist, and I gave off that cutthroat businesswoman vibe. I lived for this outfit. And to top it all, I carefully applied make-up, making sure to highlight all of my features.

I expected to meet with Taeyong in his extravagant mansion, yet he surprised and scared me at the same time with his decision. This gig cost me a lot of stress, and the last thing I wanted was to meet with the most dangerous thug in the country in a deserted meeting point in the city outskirts.

Trying to remain calm, I sighed to shake off all types of negative thoughts. Terrifying scenarios were playing in my head in which Taeyong shot me in the head and dumped my body somewhere in the woods. Taeyong was a dangerous gangster, but I believed he had the honor and would not kill me without any concrete reason.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t say the same thing about his henchmen – this Jaehyun guy in particular. It was obvious the guy hated me and was pissed with Taeyong because of me. I didn’t fancy meeting with him, it would be best if Taeyong and I could talk alone.

Punctually, I arrived at the meeting point. Nonchalantly, I got out of the vehicle, shut the doors close, and leaned against the hood, waiting for Taeyong to appear. The night was warm, yet a little bit windy – it was perfect for the employment celebration.

Taeyong was running a bit late, but I didn’t mind. Besides, he was the most wanted thug in the country; he wasn’t running late – anyone he was meeting with was just too early.

So I waited.

Thankfully, I had plenty of time to psych myself up, so when I heard an engine roar in the distance, I didn’t panic. I was confident enough to face Taeyong and genuinely smile in response to his compliments. This theft was epic, and I expected to hear how impressed he was of me. It was the only reaction I hoped to get.

I was right, it had to be Taeyong. Who else could’ve been in the jet black Audi R8 Spyder registered under “WHIPLASH”?

Having parked right beside me, Taeyong got out of the car, carefully inspecting the Ferrari. His focused eyes were studying the vehicle’s features as if trying to tell it indeed belonged to Yuta. In the meantime, I studied Taeyong’s outfit.

Tonight, he was wearing all black: a pair of high combat shoes, black cargo pants, a see-through shirt, and a leather jacket. The outfit was on point, but when topped with his new haircut – tousled and of powder pink color, Taeyong looked like a model. I wouldn’t be surprised if I found out that modeling companies contact him every once in a while to recruit him.

“How did you do it?” Taeyong asked, his tone telling me he didn’t believe in my talent. Well… that hurt a little bit, but proving him wrong gave me a lot of pleasure at the same time.

“It wasn’t easy,” I started, not really wanting to spill the beans; especially, when the story wasn’t as impressive as he might’ve thought. “I really wanted this job, so I had to figure out a plan. You know how it is… you gotta discover your enemies’ weaknesses and use them to your advantage.”

“It doesn’t answer my question, doll,” Taeyong remarked, smirking at the nickname he once again used to refer to me. It must’ve really stuck with him. “I gotta be honest with you, I expected you to fail, but you actually did it. I’m impressed,” he added, and I smiled, swiping my hair to the back in a nonchalant manner.

“What can I say? I’m really good at what I do,” I replied, looking into his eyes, trying to remain in the confident pose. “Now, it would be a mistake not to hire me,” I trailed off, making Taeyong smirk again. He was gorgeous, but when that mischievous smirk decorated his face, he was just breath-taking.

With his hands in the pockets, Taeyong took a few nonchalant steps toward me and placed his hands on the hood of the car, leaning in, trapping me between his arms. His stern glace was trying to penetrate my mind, to read me, but I managed to remain calm.

I wanted to work for him, not to hop on his dick, and though the second option seemed rather tempting, I had my priorities set straight.

“From the moment I saw you, I knew you were special,” Taeyong whispered in a husky voice, and I looked up into his eyes, swallowing hard. He was indisputably intimidating, but I couldn’t let his charm overtake me. “You seem troublesome, but at the same time, awfully skilled.”

“You bet,” I answered, trying to ignore the fact that Taeyong just pushed his leg between my thighs, inching closer and closer with every second. “Is that how you treat all your employees?” I asked, trying not to lose my cool.

“They’re not employees, they’re family,” Taeyong clarified, and I rolled my eyes, actually expecting his kind of answer from him. “And that would be weird if I treated them this way, wouldn’t it?”

“They wouldn’t be your family, but your orgy if you ask me,” I spoke matter-of-factly, waiting for his reaction since I doubted anyone was this frank with him.

“Why do I have a feeling you’re gonna be a huge pain in the ass?” Taeyong asked, hopefully not expecting an answer. “Quite talented one,” he added, dropping his head down to my neck, placing a delicate peck against my sensitive skin.

“But hey, it’s what keeps everything fresh and exciting,” I offered, suggesting looking on the bright side of these circumstances. “So… speaking of my recruitment…” I mentioned, internally wishing for Taeyong to keep his hands to himself. I was trying to be professional, and it was incredibly difficult with the boss, basically making out with my neck.

“One more test and you’re officially a new addition to the family,” Taeyong said sternly, finally pulling out. “You said you race, I want to see you in action,” he added, and I bit my bottom lip due to stress. Seriously? Another test? He got to be kidding me. “Don’t worry; it’s a formality at this point.”

Honestly, his words didn’t cheer me up at all. I had stolen his car, and then I had been to Japan to steal his rival’s car. And now, he wanted me to pass another test. Come on!

“All you gotta do is to give me a lift back to my mansion,” Taeyong announced, somewhat excited to see my driving performance. “The route takes up to 20 minutes, so I’m gonna give you ten. It sounds fair, doesn’t it?”

“What about your car? I wouldn’t leave it here if I were you,” I remarked, trying to make out a logical answer. I wouldn’t leave my bike here, let alone a sports car, knowing how much crime was going on in this particular part of the city.

“Normally, I’d not, but you see… I caught a flat tire,” Taeyong explained, and I cocked my eyebrow, trying to see which tire was pierced. I didn’t notice any damage, but then, Taeyong pulled out his gun, shooting through the left back tire, making his point. “It was an exceptionally unfortunate accident,” he added, and I rolled my eyes at him.

He was a mad man.

“OK, fine, get in, loser,” I said, inviting him inside the car. Having sat comfortably and fastened our seatbelts, Taeyong put the location into the GPS. “Are you gonna time me?”

“Of course,” Taeyong answered, extending his arm, staring at his expensive wristwatch. “You have ten minutes, starting… now.”

Carefully, I chose one of my playlists before driving off.

It was a wild ride. I was driving twice as fast as the road signs were telling me to while singing my heart out to Backstreet Boys’ biggest hits “Everybody” and “I Want It That Way”. At this point, Taeyong was probably questioning whether it was safe to get in the car with me, or not. Though I encouraged him to join me in this carpool karaoke, yet he decided not to.

The navigation system was giving me weird directions, trying to lead me into congestion. Listening to my driver’s instinct, I sped through some self-discovered shortcuts. Judging my Taeyong’s expression, he had no idea what I was doing.

In the middle of “I Want It That Way”, I had to speed up even more. Each song is about four minutes long, so I still had about three minutes left to make it to the mansion, and though I seemed rather calm, I was out of my mind.

I’ve gone too far to lose right now. I couldn’t let this short race end up my flourishing career. I had stolen two cars within two weeks, and both vehicles belonged to the most dangerous men in their countries. I couldn’t lose now.

Breaking probably all traffic laws, I managed to reach Taeyong’s mansion before the boys got to finish the last chorus.

“You’re a triple threat, doll,” Taeyong said, and I wondered what the third admirable thing about me was. Undoubtedly, he was impressed with my theft and racing skills, yet I didn’t have a clue what was the third factor. “You’re officially one of us,” he added, and I smiled widely, ecstatic to finally hear his words of approval.

After so much testing, I finally proved my worth to him, and he took me under his wings.

Having pulled out his phone, Taeyong gave me a few instructions. “From this moment onward, Lucas is your direct superior, you gotta report everything back to him; I texted you the address. Be there first thing in the morning. Better be on time, Lucas doesn’t like it when people are late.”

“Thank you, Taeyong.”

“Don’t thank me, doll,” Taeyong replied, opening the doors, ready to exit the vehicle. “You have no idea what you’ve got yourself into.”

“I’ve got one more question…” I hollered, and Taeyong sat back in the passenger seat, waiting for my final inquiry. “What am I supposed to do with this car?” I asked, and Taeyong shrugged nonchalantly, suggesting it was not his problem.

“Get rid of it, obviously,” Taeyong answered, confirming my suspicions. “It belongs to Yuta, and the last thing I want is him realizing that I have it. Burn it down, dump it in the lake, I don’t care, just make sure it’s not gonna be found.”

“Great,” I whispered, losing enthusiasm with each voiced letter. It was problematic to bring it here, yet disposing of it was going to be even worse.

“Don’t lose your spirit, doll,” Taeyong added, leaning down towards me. With his right hand, he raised my chin and pressed a delicate peck against the skin of my cheek. “Good luck, make your daddy proud,” he whispered before exiting the car, shutting the doors close.

Though Taeyong was long gone, I was sitting in the vehicle, not leaving the driveway. What the hell just happened? Not only was he using this stupid nickname, but then he dropped that daddy bomb. I was not prepared for this.  

[kingreywrites]

If The Light Should Fade

Fandom: Tangled

Word Count: 2124

Rapunzel Appreciation Week Day Seven: Free Spirit

Summary: She has to save him. She's late already, took too much time to see that something was wrong, too much time to learn where Eugene was and, even now, the answer feels like a death sentence: buried alive.

Warnings: Blood, violence

Note: The RAW is already over sadly, but it was really fun to participate!!

Read on ao3

@s-vnshiine

Rapunzel doesn't think she's breathing right. She's rushing through the woods - well, Max is rushing through the woods, with her on his back - and she's sure her lungs must have stopped working, because each inhale seems shorter and harder than the last. She knows guards are following her, ready to help, but she doesn't wait- can't wait, not when Eugene is somewhere out there, suffocating just like her.

She has to save him. She's late already, took too much time to see that something was wrong, too much time to learn where Eugene was and, even now, the answer feels like a death sentence.

Buried alive.

Eugene is hurt, she knows, and bleeding, she knows, and that man- that man took dirt and put him in a box in a hole, dark and small and without enough air, and Rapunzel wants to be sick. She wonders what she could have done to be faster - wonders if she should have seen immediately that his investigation was dangerous, too dangerous to go with Max only at least, and the guilt growing inside her threatens to consume her whole.

It should have been a day like any other, she wants to scream. Or maybe not - maybe it was always destined to be a day they would remember, always destined to be a date engraved in their mind forever. She can only hopes it ends well, that the memory won't be that of a tragedy, but the thought is too terrifying to even confront for now, so she thinks of the events that led her here instead.

It started with a morning, not like any other but nearly. Rapunzel was woken up by Eugene shifting to get up, way earlier than usual, and when he saw her crack one eye open, he kissed her forehead with a laugh, looking beautiful in the pale sunlight.

She shouldn't have closed her eyes then. She was tired, the room was too bright and it was too early, but Eugene was smiling and breathing and happy and- she shouldn't have closed her eyes, but she did.

"Wh't are you doing?" she mumbled, pressing her head against the pillow as she felt him leave the bed entirely, shivering at the sensation of cold she felt alone beneath the sheets.

"Max and I are going to the forest to investigate the disappearances, remember?" Eugene answered lightly, not sounding too worried as he tucked the blankets around her again after disrupting them. He always made sure she felt warm enough.

She thinks he leant down after that, thinks that he kissed her cheek and whispered that she should go back to sleep, but she was already halfway there, so she isn't sure. As she rides towards the forest at full speed, she hopes those are real memories, and not dreams. It should have been a day like any other, she repeats to herself stubbornly, but it isn't and her heart is beating so fast with worry she fears it might explode.

It started like any other day, if a little early, with a morning, soft voices and sunlight - but it all changed when Maximus came back later, once Rapunzel was awake and working. She heard a commotion, raised voices coming from the front doors and, most of all, she heard Max, and she rushed to understand what was making him sound so distressed. When she saw him, saw his usually stark white coat speckled with blood and his saddle so glaringly empty, she remembered closing her eyes that morning, and she could only wish to go back in time, so she could hold Eugene close and never let go.

The day got progressively worse from there.

Maximus ran all the way back to where he was coming from, but Eugene wasn't there anymore. What was left was an opened bear-trap, teeth coated with blood.

Rapunzel thinks it was then, that she forgot how to breathe.

Her mind had flashed back to the recent disappearances that had started this investigation in the first place; to the isolated strangers that practically no one remembered, and whose disappearance wouldn't have been noticed if not for the attentiveness of Corona's merchants. She saw the blood, saw the trap again, saw how guilty Maximus was feeling for having left Eugene behind when he did exactly what he had to, and the cold fury that guided her next steps nearly choked her.

She can't forget the trap. Can't forget how much it must have hurt, can't forget the picture of Eugene, alone and bleeding and stuck while Maximus was fetching help - alone until he wasn't anymore. She wonders how the trap was opened, and bile rises in her throat at the scenarios her brain presents her.

She let her anger fuel her, and it didn't even take an hour to find the man responsible, hiding out in the woods in a shoddy cabin that, at first glance, didn't seem inhabited. Not even an hour, but it was too much anyway, because each minute she lost felt like a cold stabbing sensation in her gut. There were other guards with her, who had come forwards to help their Captain and their Princess, and she all but ignored them as she got closer to the man responsible. Her eyes were only focused on that man, with his red hands and his deranged smile, looking right at her without blinking.

"I buried him", he said, unprompted, "with all the others", and Rapunzel would have punched him, if she hadn't rushed to Max to try and find Eugene before it was too late. The words still resonate within her, loud and distorted by her fear, in rhythm with the sound of Maximus' hooves against the ground.

She can't breathe, but Eugene can't either, and that is the worst thing about this. With Max, they're following the obvious footsteps that man hadn't even tried to hide, but the journey feels like it's taking years. Eugene is somewhere in the dark, barely able to move, suffocating, and that fate is so horribly cruel that it brings tears to her eyes.

People always tell her she is a free spirit, and it's undeniably true. She had spent eighteen years yearning to experience the world to the fullest and, once she had a taste of it, she had known she couldn't go back to the way things were. She remembers Eugene, insisting that saving him would kill her all the same, because he knew already that she wouldn't truly live as long as she was Gothel's prisoner - and he was right. He was right about a lot of things.

Thinking about him being imprisoned inside a coffin of dirt, it goes against everything she is, everything they are together. Eugene is a free spirit too, in a way - she knows he loves doing everything with her, loves the way she will enjoy the simplest thing life has to offer, that he insists he only needs her to be happy so he can be too. But she also knows that he wasn’t truly free until he met her, either. As an orphan, and then as a criminal, Eugene never had the chance to really be a kid, never had the chance to see the world for what it could offer and not what it could take from him. He is subtle about his wonder, but it is here nonetheless.

She thinks she'll never forget the day she discovered swings for the first time. Mostly, she'll never forget Eugene's quiet admission that, while he knew they existed, he simply never had a chance to ever play with one. She'll never forget how his eyes shone as they both laughed like children, swinging up and done without caring about other people seeing them.

And now, he's in the dark. No sunshine, no air, nothing but dirt, and she's choking with him because this is her worst nightmare - it's being a prisoner, it's never feeling the sun and the breeze on her skin again and, most of all, it's Eugene suffering from it, Eugene dying alone and terrified.

She can't let it happen.

Finally, there's an opening in the trees, and rectangular patches of upturned dirt make her jump from Max before he can even stop. There's five of them, and her hands tremble at her sides as she is faced with the possibility that they are all- that Eugene is-

Rapunzel gets closer, and yells his name. The last disappearance took place more than twenty-four hours ago and she knows… She knows surviving six hours would already be a miracle. But Eugene still has a chance.

"Eugene!" she yells again, throat raw. She nearly misses it - a soft, muffled noise, coming from her left.

Rapunzel's throws herself on her knees, starting to dig with her bare hands, babbling reassurances she can only hope he hears as tears fall from her cheeks. Soon, her hands are scratched, bleeding, she has dirt under her nails, but she doesn't care at all. She barely notices the two guards having caught up to her, who are on their knees beside her, helping her remove the dirt frantically. Her arms are burning from the effort, her dress climbing up messily above her knees, but it doesn't matter, not when she scratches the surface of a wooden box. Then, her hands can't seem to work fast enough, as she yells at Eugene to hang on while they all seize the would-be coffin, and rip the lid from it.

Eugene is here. His bloody hands mirror hers, and tell her of a terrified attempt to escape, of scratching at the box from the inside while knowing he couldn't possibly get it off by himself. His leg is bloody, too, his white pants only a distant memory, the wound awful and still bleeding heavily, soaking the bottom of the box. He's dirty, he's grey, his eyes are wild and scared but…

Eugene is here. He's awake, and breathing, and free.

"Eugene," she sobs and he extends his hands towards her, both desperate to touch her and to get out. She catches him, of course, and she feels other hands helping her get him out despite his whimpers of pain. He's a little too limp, like he's ready to pass out, but his eyes seek her own, and they're as red and wet as hers.

"Sunshine," he whispers, and she hugs him even closer while he's still half lying down because… Because she is. Right now, she is his sunshine, she is the one who got him out of that- hole, she gave him back his freedom and she hates that she even had to. He's trembling against her, from pain and exhaustion and fear, and she swears to herself that she won't let anyone confine him anywhere ever again.

Just like he would never let anyone take her freedom, she would never let anyone take his.

She helps him lie down fully, and brush his hair from his sweaty forehead, kissing him like he did that morning. Around them, guards are opening the other boxes but she doesn't notice - all she sees are his eyes, that refuse to leave her out of their sight. Eugene already had nightmares about being jailed. He had hidden them from her for a long time, but he was scared of being locked up, and, most of all, scared of never seeing her again. She can't even imagine what went through his head when he was alone, losing oxygen and faith, but she swears to herself that she will help him face the new nightmares that will certainly plague him.

"Hey," he says, voice cracking and throat dry, and she wonders if it's from the blood loss - he must be dehydrated.

"Hey," she whispers back. "I'm so glad you're okay."

He swallows with difficulty, and offers her his best attempt at a smile. Despite the dirt, the blood, and everything, it's the best smile she has ever seen - she can finally breathe again.

"Thank you, Sunshine," he says weakly, and she wants to cry all over again.

"You don't have to thank me," she insists, voice low, stroking his cheek again. "I'll always come for you."

It's not even a question, for her, but she'll promise it all the same if he needs her to. She'll come for him, because in a world where he doesn't have liberty, hers is meaningless. She'll come for him because she loves him, and she can't be happy as long as he isn't. She wishes she could tell him all of this now, but he seems barely conscious as it is - no matter.

If she can't tell him, she'll show him forever just how much he means to her.

[logan-is-noggin]

First Kiss

summary- you attend your first get together as a new member of the group, when the group plays a party game, you are outed as not having experience in certain areas word count- 1526 warnings: vomiting

Y/n was the newest agent recruit at shield. Fury introduced you to the group a mere week ago. the avengers you met were friendly or at least cordial. But you weren't best friends with any of them yet. So when Natasha or Romanoff as the group called her, invited you to a party that Friday you were a bit nervous. When you weren't working or on a mission, you spent most of your time in your room." Really? A party?" You ask, sitting up from where you were reading. "yeah. well, I wouldn't really call it a party, more like every few weeks we just hang out and drink or play games. It ends up being more fun than it sounds." You ask who'd be there. " usually just us avengers. It'll probably be a smaller group than usual."The night comes and it is pretty calm like Nat said. you even bothered to dress up too much. There's some music on in the background but it's nothing to really dance to. it's just eight of you we're at the 'party'. Tony, Of course, and Natasha. Steve Rogers and his friend Bucky, Clint and Sam, Thor even showed up, then there was you. You were chatting with Nat when Tony came by and handed her a beer, he held one out to you" want a drink (y/n)?" " But I'm not twenty-one yet." Both of them laughed and he put the bottle into your hand " I won't say anything if you don't" tony joked as he walked away. " Is he serious?" Natasha shrugged. " is he ever? besides it's not like you're going to be driving anywhere, you live here, it's not a big deal." you furrow your brow as nat opens your drink. Another thing that bugged you a bit was you were a lot younger than the rest of the avengers you worked with. You were only older than Peter parker by two years. If he had lived at the tower as you did, you'd probably have passed on the party altogether to hang with him. You took a sip of your drink wrinkling your nose afterward. " why do people drink this. It doesn't taste very good." Again, nat chuckled," after a while, you won't care so much about what it tastes like."About an hour later, everyone was starting to get bored so Sam suggests that you all play a game. Everyone agreed and they all sit at the round table in the room. Someone turned the music down so you can hear each other better. You find yourself sitting with Steve on your right side and Sam on your left. " Alright! never have I ever. Who's going first." sam said. Bucky volunteered. " never have I ever jumped out of a plane." He said. Tony, Sam, Thor, Clint and Natasha, and steve each took a sip from their drinks. sitting next to Bucky, Clint said " never have I ever cheated on someone while we were together." Tony, Sam, and Natasha drank. You smirk at her, making her briefly glare at you. Natasha continued to stare you down while she took her turn " never have I ever made out with more than one person in twenty-four hours." You knew she hoped to get you to drink that time but you just shrug your shoulders and watch as Tony, Thor, and surprisingly, Sam sipped their drinks." never have I ever been skinny dipping" Sam said from his spot next to yours. Again, Natasha, Thor, and Tony drank." your turn (y/n)" Sam said You think for a minute, then give a cruel smirk. " never have I ever... broken a bone." There were groans and laughter around the table as all seven of them took a drink. " you'll get there one day (y/n.) It's only a matter of time in this business." Steve said before taking his turn. " never have I ever pulled a prank on someone." Bucky, Thor, Sam, and Tony took a drink. Tony almost choked on his sip when you took a drink as well." about damn time someone got her to participate." Tony said, slurring his words the slightest bit. " guess I'm pretty boring" (Y/n) says. Thor is sitting next to Steve. He also took a minute to come up with a question since he was the only one here not from earth. " never have I ever been to a strip club." Tony, Sam, Steve, Bucky, Nat each took a sip. Tony stood announcing he needed a refill. It made sense since he had done each of the things said so far. He opened the bottle and leaned back in his chair. " it's my turn.

Never have I ever kissed a stranger." Nat, Sam, and Thor each drank though. " I was sure you would have to have drunk that time." Sam said to you.Tony looked in your direction " why didn't you, (y/n)" You felt your face start to heat a bit as you struggled to come up with an excuse. But Tony continued " have you ever had your first kiss yet?" Natasha came to (y/n's) defense " Tony you can't just ask them something like that. " But Tony ignored insisting for (y/n) to answer. " not exactly..." " okay! We're playing a new game. Spin the bottle!" He said, some people groaned, you included. He took his empty bottle from earlier and rolled it across the table to y/n. they barely caught it before it fell off the table. " you do realize I haven't played this before either stark?" y/n said. "it's self-explanatory. whoever it lands on, you have to kiss, Spin." " very transparent tony." you say as you glare in his direction. You definitely didn't really want to be doing this. But what else could you do? Run to your room? You'd hate for the avengers to think you were a coward. So you placed the bottle on its side. You wind up the bottle one way before spinning it. It quickly begins to slow down. You almost want to close your eyes but keep them on the bottle until it comes to a stop.. in front of Bucky. There are both cheers and whistles coming from the others as Bucky gets up from his seat. You feel yourself become light-headed in anticipation, your heart beating fast. When he gets to you he reaches down with his human hand to lift your chin up. He leans down and presses his lips to yours. There are more cheers from the audience you really wish weren't there for your first kiss. As he pulls away, he gives you a slight smile and starts to go back to his seat. at the same time, you feel like somethings not right. You feel your stomach churn and you stand up yourself and rush away to the bathroom. As (Y/n) leaves, the rest of the group are left wondering what happened. " either (y/n's) a total lightweight or someone didn't like that kiss." Thor pointed out. Everyone laughed except for Bucky, Steve, or Nat. instead of sitting back down, Bucky heads in the same direction, saying he was gonna check on (y/n.) Then left. As he neared the bathroom, he heard y/n getting sick. Bucky reached your side and gathered y/l/h to keep it out of your face until you were done. Bucky wet a washcloth and handed it to y/n so they could clean themself up. they sat on the tile floor. " I'm sorry. I swear your kissing isn't what made me puke." You say embarrassed. " was that also your first time drinking? Bucky asked amused. You nod. " I told Tony I wasn't old enough to drink." You watch as Bucky fills then hands you a cup of water. " how many did you even have?" " 3?" The memory was a little fuzzy. " they're right, you are a lightweight." He laughed. You go to throw the paper cup at his head but he catches in his metal hand and crushes it as he does. " I'm guessing you don't want to go back out there?" you shake your head, " I think I'm gonna call it a night." you start to stand but you feel the room spin as soon as you do. before you could fall Bucky catches you and holds you steady " you could use some help." you nod " thanks" he threads his arm around your waist. when you make it to your room, he sits you down on your bed. " alright, well, goodnight I guess." he says and turns to leave. hey, " you say. Bucky turns back. " I just wanted to say thanks." "What for?" He asked, now fully turning to face you. " out of all the people the bottle could have landed on. I was sort of relieved that it was you. Since I've been here, I've still felt like an outsider. But tonight you kind of helped me."He tried to hide it, but Bucky smiled. " no problem y/n. "

[berfometalpha]

Legacy of Eternity Chapter 5: Unravel the Mystery Part 2 - One step at a time

It was an early day for the young knight like any other but today was different as it was the first day that he a knight would walk the path of a civilian. Though his army had participated in many military operations the knights were eager to go back to the front lines but due to the awakening of one of the legendary angels that guard the dragon-wolf they had been suspended as the angels may have killed the young knight if not careful.

As he got his gear together the young knight made his way down to the living room to see Chimera was finished eating breakfast with Emilia Redridge.

Emilia Redridge or Emilia Swordtaker was a former of the Sword taker clan and had been exiled long before that for saving a baby dragon-kin and a village from the fury of their Father. She had long bright red hair that reached down to her waist, Red eyes, pinkish fair skin, and had a tattoo on her back of a broken blade meaning she was exiled from her clan.

She normally wears a white dress with a black lining and had several blood rose designs on the side of her top. She also wore a red and black belt cape with a pair of brown leather belts, with black and silver lined boots with black stockings.

Emilia is the current wife of Chimera Redridge only by name until further notice during the war for Ren’veil’s freedom she had a major role of providing key information of the defensive lines of the fort Mianola far north of the capital.

She openly helped Chimera and the Crusaegrums in the Northern conflicts and bringing them into the fold of the Free kingdoms. In exchange for her help all she asked was to serve Chimera but instead Chimera offered her to be his wife only by name until certain rights are approved.

“Big Bro, you heading out this early? Wont you have breakfast with us.” Chimera growled.

“Hmm I got time... sure... Miss Emilia good morning to you as well.” Kent bowed.

“Good morning as well mister Anthony... By the way Chimera I am heading to the Bastion Hope base I saw a job posting their for a sword instructor. I’ll be heading their to apply for the position.” Emilia said.

“I will be cheering for you Emi.” Chimera smiled.

“You do realize that I am the general and lord of the Strike Fleet and Bastion Hope is technically my base? So with one snap of my fingers you can get the position right away.” Kent said.

“Thank you for your kindness but Chira has already given me so much and I want to earn the right to stay with him.... If It’s okay Mister Anthony I would like to earn it rather than be given another gift.” Emilia said.

“Okay then... I will honor your request and at least you are a lot better than your former.” Kent added.

“I am no longer a part of that family what happens to them is up to them. I want to live my life as I see fit.” Emilia said with pride.

“I understand Miss Emilia... Still I raise a glass to you miss Emilia for becoming independent..” Kent said as he raised his mug.

“Here here brother here here.”Chimera said as he placed his hand over Emilia’s shoulder with pride.

After eating breakfast Kent left the Manner with Emilia since the young knight had some immediate business at Bastion hope. While Chimera had to settle somethings with the Farmers union in New Hope after that he will meet Emilia again in the base.

They passed through the local market when one of the merchants who first met the young knight in person called his attention and tossed a pair of apples to the two. 

With a smile he thanked the merchant and will return later to his stall as they passed the central district Kent and Emilia parted ways for the mean time. He entered the Ayekawa estate though some of the guards are very suspicious of the young knight since during the battle for Ren’veil Kent was not that recognized by the Vai’len despite his stature as the knight lord of the Strike Fleet.

With a hefty knock on the door he waited patiently for someone to open the door just before he could knock again the door opened.“Hey quit knocking twice... already I heard you...” Aisha shouted with a surprised look on her face.

“I am sorry my Lady I will not knock twice next time.” Kent said with a smile.

Aisha’s face immediately turned red when she saw the young knight right at her door step. To her surprise the young knight was at her door step the young knight could openly see how she spends her early morning with her hair tied to the side and wearing nothing but a very alluring violet dress.

“Wait Kent why are you here?” Aisha asked.

“I Believe I owe you a date my lady... Was i not correct my Lady?” Kent said with curiosity.

Though flustered and a bit astonished thinking that the young knight heard her whisper despite being asleep. Kent was asked to wait at the living room while she got prepared Alisyha prepared tea and toasted bread for their esteemed guest and exchanged stories while they waited.

“Interesting so you and an entire fleet of about 2 million souls say that you only spent a day in this apocalypse? and many say that your fleet had been gone for almost 2 weeks?” Alisyha asked.

“Yes my Lady, Some marines and knights volunteered to stay behind to study the ship and see what we can learn from such a relic.” Kent explained.

“Truly magnificent child and you say that this ship is as big or even bigger than the New Dawn Moon?” Alisyha asked.

“Maybe even bigger we cannot say for certain but we shall leave it for a later time.” Kent replied and took a sip of tea.

“And you’re fleet was given a temporary suspension order to recuperate the fatigue that must have built up during such a journey... I must say that is a very interesting tale... You could become a story writer if you keep this up my dear?” Alisyha said with great joy.

“When my duty ends maybe I shall my Lady thank you for listening to my tale.”Kent bowed.

“It is a great pleasure of mine to hear stories tall or short, be it truth or not... It has always been a great passion of mine to hear the many tales of my people and others with a feathered pen you can wield a very powerful weapon my dear... ” Alisyha asked.

“Indeed I love how you described the Wind Runner who ended a thousand year conflict between two great kingdoms despite having nothing to start his life with...He had no obligation to stop the fight and yet he did the saddest truth about it all he simply sat at the cliffs edge and watched the last part of his life end in the embrace of the setting sun... It is a great inspiration to me and many of my men who had taken a liking to your books my Lady.” Kent replied.

“Thank you my dear...Their is an old saying...  We can have a different start in life sure you can have a silver spoon or nothing at all. I love how people who didn't have anything but strive to get to where they are now...They are the real heroes of tomorrow and I am happy to stand with them now and forevermore.”Aliysha said to the young knight with a smile.

The two talked for a few minutes when Aisha went down the stairwell to greet the young knight formally now that she is dressed. Just before they left Alisyha gave her blessings to the two and with a smile and a kiss on the cheek to her daughter.

“Now go and have fun you two... and Aisha please... Bring me a grand child on your way home.” Aliysha winked as she closed the door.

“MOM!!!!” Aisha shouted in her embarrassment.

“““slight laugh”“ I believe Lady Alisyha only desires for your well being my Lady?’ Kent asked.

“Mom... she is... just...”“Sigh”“ come on Kent lets go...” Aisha said.

Though frustrated with her mother despite her intentions Alisyha is well in good terms with the young knight and simply jokes around every now and again. Kent sighed and gave her an encouraging head pat saying he will treat her to her favorite strawberry desert in town. 

Her mood picked up as they reached the town square many of the Zerrohnian marines who are part of the suspension were out with their family and friends or discovering romance despite being a part of the greatest military in the Frontier space.

They made a quick stop at the local cafe called Due Rigovalto which is famous in the famous as it can make all sorts of sweets and pastries including but not limited to what you can usually find in a regular cafe. The cafe is also well known for its support for the beast folk despite the hate and discrimination before the war for the Free lands ended in the far north of the Core kingdoms. 

They sat down at the table near the open view area of the Flower garden as one of the beast folk waiters who was a close friend of Aisha. 

“Hey, hey Isha good morning to you... I can see you and a special boy-friend here early in the morning...” Kitia said with a smile.

“““blush”“Ugh... Kitia he is Kent Redridge... The Knight hero of two worlds.”Aisha said while flustered. 

“Well look at you... Finally hooking up again after that ass boyfriend of yours cheated on you back in the day... But I am tots happy for you and your seemingly handsome friend here... Though a bit skinny... I think I got the perfect menu for you two.” Kitia happily said to Aisha.

“It would seem your lady friend is very happy for you.” Kent said.

“Yeah Kitia is my good friend back when I was still studying in school and I trust her and all but sometimes she can...” Aisha said when she facepalmed and pointed to the bar.

Kent looked at the bar and saw Aisha’s friend pull in the work of 5 people at once and at the same time talk with no point of stopping.

 “I can see but friends are many but true friends are hard to come by my Lady.” Kent stated.

“Thanks Kent.” Aisha said as they held hands.

Katia brought to their table a strawberry mist sundae dew berries shaped as a heart with a pare of chocolate flavored straws. it was enough for the two of them though a bit early in the morning to have a sweet tooth but well worth it. 

They indulged on a sweet treat meanwhile at the other side of the street a group of escentric people who barely made an effort to disguised themselves.

“And why am I dragged into this again?” Rex asked.

“Boss Cap, this is our one opportunity to confirm if whether Boss Man prefers Mage Lady or Priestess Lady!” Genji said as he hid behind a newspaper article.

“I have to agree with my bro here... The Boss Man has always taken a liking to Mage Lady even though she tries to be tough but she is actually a softy right Marky?” Clayton asked.

“Hey man I am just here for the bet and the tea here... But have you seen the things they call the General here... outrageous!” Marky stated as he put down the newspaper.

They were served coffee and biscuits when Lily and Willow disguised themselves as waitresses at the coffee shop on the other side of the street.

“I want to support Kent here but why did you have to drag me and Willow out here?” Lily asked.

“We need a sexy spy lady to help us not get spotted!” Genji replied as he drank some coffee.

“I have to agree I want to help Kent with his love affair since he saved my life twice now... and I am loving these maid outfits... They are so smooth and easy on the skin I hope I can keep it are they machine washable?” Willow asked.

“I think they are but I don’t think you can wash them in the laundry but more of hand washing it... and don’t use hot water it could ruin it too.” Lily added.

“How am I even dragged into this is beyond me... This is Kent’s private time for crying out loud!” Rex sighed.

“50 credits say that Boss man will get Lady Aisha.” Clayton added.

“Your on!” Rex replied.

Lily shook her head and facepalmed thinking how did they live through so many dangerous and down right suicidal military operation with a group of escentric people. 

“Um guys where’s the boss?” Genji asked.

“Wait Marky I thought you guys were keeping an eye on them?!” Clayton asked.

“Their on the move south they already have a few blocks head start!” Marky replied.

“Which way?” Clayton asked.

“Um... that way... No wait... um damn this tracker... um we go... left!” Marky pointed.

“Okay, drop the mugs, trays and that apron Willow... Wait on second thought you two keep it on! we move now.” Rex ordered.

The team were about to leave when the priestess and a few of her sisters stopped them as she smiled at the captain. 

“Rex, good day to you and where are you all going?” Arra asked.

“Lady Fullvrink... Um good day to you um we were just.” Rex said when Arra stopped him.

“Tisk tisk captain... You lot should be ashamed of yourselves... following Aisha and Kent on their date! Though I want to follow them but I will honor my best friend’s wishes and no one shall interrupt them!” Arra said as she snapped her fingers.

“Everyone book it! I mean scatter!!!”Rex shouted.

The team ran in separate directions Arra was displeased as she asked her sister guards to lead them away from the areas where the two will go on their date. Meanwhile the two exited the village through the northern entrance just as they passed the security check point the two made their way to the northern part of the flower gardens where the wild roses grow. 

Walking through the park Aisha tried holding Kent’s hand despite how he looked his hand was warmer than it seemed.

They passed through several rose archways and made it to the grass fields where the children and their families come out to enjoy the fruits of the land.

Kent took off his jacket and offered it as a cushion for Aisha to sit on and simply relaxed the day away.

“Hey Kent.” Aisha said.

“Yes my Lady?” Kent asked.

“Thank you... I know that I said it before but... It’s for real this time.” Aisha said.

“No thanks is needed my Lady... I owe you and Lady Arra everything for welcoming my people and opening a future for all to bare.” Kent replied.

“Maybe but I can feel that that isn’t the case here is it?” Aisha asked.

“What do you mean my Lady?” Kent asked.

Aisha sighed and seemingly asked about the young knight if he had seen or came to Ren’veil long after the war of the Demon lord. The young knight simply smiled and said In a way my Lady for the past several years before the rebellion I had dreams of a world with two moons much like Ren’veil has two moons. I cannot make the visions clear but I feel like I was being called to this world as if a child crying for help.

“But you came none the less to our aide?” Aisha asked.

“I guess I cannot deny it anymore my lady... But Yes I was the one who came to your world alone so long ago... After I came to your world and aided your party in defeating that lesser demon... I had no recollection of what else had transpired.” Kent explained looking over the distance.

“Whatever the case maybe we all get a chance to see a brighter future... so again thank you.” Aisha sincerely said with a smile.

The young knight smiled as the wind gently blew upon his skin Aisha stood up for the first time in a long time was sincere with the young knight. She stood up and leaned up on the young knight inviting him to a game of tag getting a head start before him.

He laughed and chased after her meanwhile at the top of the northern wall of the village. The team managed to regroup after losing the Priest guard sisters somehow though exhausted they were very persistent.

“So how is it Clay?” Rex asked.

“I can barely see with this binoculars... Who has a better scope?” Clayton asked.

“Here take mine!” Marky said.

“Wait since when did you have the time to get your sniper rifle? and how did you get that from the Night Hawk Armory!” Clayton asked.

“I left it in my room and this is not my sniper rifle... It’s just the scope!” Marky stated.

“Um guys where’s Lily and Willow?” Rex asked.

“I think they said they will distract the sister priestess ladies for us... I think...” Genji said.

“Right... so we are on stakeout duty... Reminds me of my days as a policeman on shard...” Rex said while spying on the two.

“Wait I thought you were a mercenary?” Clayton asked.

“I was a Mercenary long ago then I join the Shard police force in Troah to help support my Family I was a Captain at the time with more record arrest than anyone in the precinct 69... Those were the good old days but its all in the past.” Rex explained.

“Oh wow... Damn if it means anything to you Boss Cap... It really is an honor to work alongside someone who is experienced in the enforcement of law and order.” Genji mentioned while handing him a bottle of water.

“It means a lot coming from a Promethian warrior...It’s all in the past now... So if you guys want to continue snooping I’ll go and keep a look out for the sisters.” Rex replied.

Rex got off the wall when Marky mentioned that their was a hint of sadness in the captain’s voice he and the sergeant realized that their captain hid something from them. 

Some time later the two were spotted heading to sea city’s coast line view since it was recently built not many people have taken the liberty of checking the tourist attraction. 

It has an underwater observation deck and even an enviro-dome observing the underwater life had been a dream for many Zerrohnians after the destruction of Requiem it had left a partial void in the hearts of the new generation.

Slowly but surely the children will learn of how to appreciate where one of the building blocks of life had come to pass.

“Wow this place is pretty!” Aisha said in astonishment. 

“Yes it truly is.” Kent replied looking at Aisha. 

“Kent I never knew that you can make a barrier of glass it truly is an engineering marvel... Eva would be so happy to see this!” Aisha stated as she looked onward the deep sea. 

Their were even sea-folk who come to pass near the observation dome some Knights had fully adapted their bodies to the sea through natural evolution as a hybrid warrior species. The Zerrohnians take great pride in sharing with others their culture and take pride of learning new ones. 

One of the younger sea folk code name mermaid-folk waved at the two the young knight waved back as a sign of respect. After their visit they went to the small house east of Sea city it was the silent shack since the young knight secretly built it during his spare time.

They sat down on the wooden bench and enjoyed the sunset to Aisha’s surprise the bench was well built with some wool cushions nailed in it was not luxurious but it was enough to set the mood. 

“Today was a good day.” Aisha whispered as she rest her head on Kent’s shoulder.

“Indeed my Lady... Indeed...”Kent replied.

“Hey Kent... If this means were dating... Then officially you are ours right?” Aisha asked.

“I believe so... Wait... what do you mean by us?” Kent asked.

“Um You belong to me and my sis.” Aisha said.

She quickly explained the main reason why the priestesses are so few in number and are well protected by the mages of Ren’veil and the citizens of Ren’veil. Aisha also stated why she calls her sister by name since the two grew up together as childhood friends and had a sister like bond to one another.

 She stated the main reason some families have 2 wives as one child represents the goddess Su-tharma the goddess of the Earth and fertility, the other represents the goddess of the Moon and stars Ishtarhka and the Priestesses of the Wolf Father Shadow the aspect of Justice and balance.

Kent was surprised to hear that he not only belongs to Aisha now but to Lady Arra as well. The young knight stood from his seat and knelt down before Aisha and held her hand. He looked deeply into her eyes with a gentle nod the young knight stood firmly and accepted this as a blessing.

“I am a knight of Ren’veil I had taken an oath to protect and honor your world’s rules, customs and traditions...  I would be honored if you two shall have me for I am yours now and forevermore.” Kent asked.

“It’s kind of embarrassing if you put it like that Kent... But Yeah... I am the happiest girl on Lashurta right now.” Aisha said happily.  

“Then so be it... I belong to both of you now and forever more...” Kent bowed.

The young knight as stated by Knight Wolf Champion Umbral Volka, a knight can take many roles in life as he or she serves the Maker and Faith herself. They have honored the bravery and sacrifice of the knights who had fought and bleed beside them during the 1st and 2nd war for creation. 

As part of their great passage a Knight may have the option of falling in love and having a family to establish. But they must make their oath of honor and fidelity to their lover or in this case loved ones. Their oath must be made upon the open sky where the land, sea and stars are in view in honor to their deity Faith the goddess of balance and justice. 

She stood up from her chair and asked the young knight to stand with her as she too made her oath to be true.  The made their oaths that day of September 14, 4118 and sealed it with a kiss. The wind suddenly picked up and surrounded the two they could feel a gentle breeze wrap around their wrist. This was a great sign as Faith and the three gods recognized the oath to be true and gave their blessings upon them.

The Wolf Father recognized the oath of the young knight to the Mage daughter of Su-tharma the mark placed upon his left hand began to shine in recognition to said oath to Aisha.

Meanwhile at the temple of the Wolf Father when she felt a gentle wind caress her cheek and wrapped around her wrist. The oath of the three gods was made that day as her birth mark shined alerting the sisters of the entire temple.

“A suitor for Sister Arriandale had been found... SISTERS A SUITOR HAS BEEN FOUND!” One of the elder priestesses shouted.

“I believe I know who it might be...” Arra thought.

At the same time the Temple Idol of Faith on New Dawn where the knights and citizens come to pray on the last day of each week to give thanks to their deity. As the Knight Father was giving his usual sermon and praise to Faith. It was a rare sight to see the palms of the goddess’s statute to move as the Eternal knight her champion had taken his oath of loyalty to serve and protect the people of creation. 

This caused a massive uproar in New Dawn as the Statue of Faith had began to shine greatly signalling great promise for the people of the Dragon-wolf. Not only in New Dawn was this great event seen each and every ship and household on New Dawn or the fleet that held an idol of Faith had shined meaning the new chapter of their people starts that day.

The two returned to New Hope village with a renewed vigor and a refreshed look on their faces ready to face tomorrow. They returned to the Redridge Manner quite late but it seemed like the Knights and police marines were in an uproar and their moral was at an all time high. 

This was quite a great news when Kent asked Aisha to come in when his Parents and Aisha’s parents even including Arraiandale’s parents were present. Some looked confused others excited and others were simply out of words to say.

After a much needed explanation and several scoldings from Charlotte and praise from Alisyha. 

“So Let me get this straight... What my son did was the oath of loyalty which is basically locks my son’s ability to date others than Miss Ayekawa and Miss Fullvrink correct!” Victor asked.

“Indeed, The oath of the three gods is to be made only when one is absolutely certain of the other party and yes it is basically a great oath to take when one wishes to be with another on Ren’veil.” Alisyha explained.

“I do not permit my Baby girl to be whisked off by another man!” Aliysha’s husband shouted.

Aliysha then pinched her husbands ear and asked themselves to be excused after a minute or two. They returned but her husband had several smack marks on his head.

“Now where were we? ah yes I approve of Kent as our daughter’s protector and lover! right dear?” Alisyha asked with a frightening voice.

“Yes... Dear...” Her husband cried.

“Well I don’t have any complaints... After what had happened to Arra with some hooligans who faked her mark... Regardless Mister Redridge, Miss Ayekawa... I beg for your pardon.” Arra’s Father pleaded.

“Father it’s okay... I am happy that it is Kent that I got paired with.” Arra said as she comforted her father.

“But this humble Farmer is...”“sniff”“ so proud of my humble daughter... Finding love!” Arra’s Father cried heavily.

“Mister Krosta It’s okay...” Alisyha said.

“Kent a word please in private?” Victor asked.

The two moved to the back yard of the manner he handed a drink as they finally had a serious talk.

“My son... Ever since you were born your mother and I had been very worried to all three of you... Ever since you were little you were the youngest to enter the training of the knights at the age of 3 and enact ability to stand up against a fully trained knight at the age of 5... Your brother had an unparalleled knowledge of politics and nature despite his power and being a dragon-human hybrid... While your baby sister is a psycher the strongest one in the history of the Dragon-wolf second only to Tallis... You three are our greatest treasures... Are you sure you are ready to handle such a burden?” Victor asked.

“Father... You told me a long time ago that Faith presents each living being with a mission and a challenge that we must overcome in order to be come stronger both physically and spiritually... I wish to care for them... I believe the emotion is called love... This yearning that my heart beats for battle in every aspect... I will not break this oath even if it kills me!” Kent vowed as he slammed his right hand over his heart.

“I know... Take this time to get to know them better since your fleet is suspended from military activity.” Victor said.

“Thank you Father... I know this isn’t Requiem I wish to see our original home world but I know it is gone now... But Ren’veil is our home now... and I plan to make a better tomorrow for everyone this I swear.” Kent said wit hpride.

“So it is my son... So it is....”Victor happily said.

“father if it is okay... may we go back inside it’s getting a bit cold.” Kent asked.

“Well said my son...” Victor replied.

They went back inside while the others had a chat about what to expect and what is to be expected between the three families.

In order to make the oath complete according to Aisha the young knight must repeat the oath in front of Arra. Kent mustered the courage to repeat the oath in front of the priestess the two were given some privacy as they performed the oath taking in front of the two moons at the second floor balcony. 

“This is a bit embarrassing is it not?” Arra asked.

“I cannot see it my Lady...”Kent said as he held Arra’s hand.

“Kent... If you do this... Balance must be maintained between you... Aisha and myself...It would feel like you are engaged to us... Are you prepared for such a responsibility?” Arra asked.

“I am My Lady no matter the risk... Though I am no Hero.” Kent answered.

“Kent... you risked your life to save us but I am worried that I may not be worthy of such powerful love that you possess... Even if you say that you are not a hero... I can feel it in my heart... that you are one... But are you certain that you are willing to go the distance for us?” Arra asked with a gentle sadness in her voice.

“I am... I made my oath to both of you that day... I will never leave you... I will protect you both... On or off the battlefield.. I make my oath to you as well my Lady...I Kent Redridge present myself to you as your protector and lover... I am prepared to take the risks... i wager my life for you two... No matter the cost so long as I can stand with you two I am happy... Should my words utter a single lie I offer my life as the price for my insolence... I pray to the Wolf Father to bless our oath should I be worthy of you...” Kent said.

“KENT NO!” Arra shouted.

They were immediately taken into the astral realm or the forest of the Wolves the final resting place of the priestesses who fell in battle and awaiting rebirth with no memory of their past life. 

The Sisters stood around them watching as the Wolf Father himself looked at Kent Arra stood in front of her Father to prevent the young knight from facing his fury. With a wave of his claws her astral form was forcefully sent back to the physical world. 

She saw Kent’s body was frozen solid holding her hand Arra tried to go back to the forest of Wolves but she was blocked out. For the first time in her life she was at a loss to save him from the wrath of a god she had to force her way back. 

Arra called out for help watching his body started to show wounds made claw, fang and blade. His veins started to scream out while the young knight battled in the Astral realm realizing that the trials of the Father is suicide she tried to stop the oath taking.

Many minutes later the mark on her body was sealed with a crown of roses she looked at the soul mark left by the blessing on Kent’s left palm as it also showed the same markings the trial was complete. 

The young knight turned pale sweating endlessly as he tried to open his eyes when a scar appeared over his left eye. Though his injuries were severe yet not life threatening he tried to get his feet under him. Arra helped him on his feet as he looked at her the priestess cried knowing that facing the Wolf Father is suicide regardless as he is the aspect of Justice and balance on creation as she mentioned.

“KENT YOU SHOULD NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!” Arra cried while embracing him.

“I did not mean to worry you my Lady...”Kent coughed heavily.

Arra held him tightly as she heard the Wolf Father’s voice in her head He never ceases to amaze me child of mine... The two goddesses had seen his mettle and had chosen him to be a worthy suitor... Let him prove his worth to you... I am sure he will not falter...

Despite nearly killing the young knight the wolf Father despite his intentions to protect his daughters and ensure they end up with someone worthy of them. 

The young knight excuse himself as he was tired and closed his eyes resting upon her shoulders. Though the day may had come to an end their was still much needed to be done. 

The next morning after a long night Kent woke up in his room with little memory of what had transpired last night. He then tried to get off the bed when he felt something very soft he looked to his side to see Aisha was to his left and to his right was Arra sleeping next to him and barely with any clothing.

Instead of panicking he simply smiled and got off the bed silently and covered the two with the comforter since it’s still a bit cold in the morning. He then made his way down where the entire family to his surprise was present even Coralline who was always in her study on New Dawn.

he grabbed some food for the two before he returned to his room Charlotte put her tea cup down and smiled at her son.

Kent grabbed a cup of freshly squeezed juice and a piece of toasted bread he grabbed some food for the two before he returned to his room Charlotte put her tea cup down and smiled at her son.

“So my son... did you have a fun threesome last night?” Charlotte winked.

“““spat out his drink and coughing heavily”“ WHAT?!” Kent shouted.

“Shush child you might wake those two up... But still how did it go?” Charlotte asked.

“Wait big brother what does Mother mean by having fun and a threesome?” Coralline asked.

“It would be best if you don’t know it my sister... and No mother we did not do that I barely have any memories of last night...” Kent stated.

“Well, After your battle with the wolf Father which exhausted you mentally according to Arra she and Aisha needed to perform a ritual to heal the damage to your mind and soul...That is why they are in your room right now.” Charlotte explained.

“Don’t worry brother this will not get out publicly Lily and I are already on the case... Lady Aliysha and Mister Vulcan aka miss Arra’s Father had agreed to let them stay here for a time... So you have two new room mates big brother... Good for you and I am impressed.” Chimera said sarcastically.

“By the way my son Mister Vulcan and Miss Alisyha had agreed to allow them to live under the same roof as you so it will be very easy for you lot ot get to know each other.”Victor said as he drank his coffee.

“Okay then... I am okay with them staying in my room but I will need to order a lot of things if that will be the case. Mom I am going to need your help!” Kent asked.

“Sure my son what do you need?” Charlotte asked.

After a few minutes of explaining and preparing breakfast Kent went back to his room with food for the two. 

When he got back to his room Aisha and Arra were slowly waking up though they had a fairly long day much was still ahead of them.

His left arm split off into two sub arms and prepared a healthy and fulfilling breakfast for the two. 

“My oh my Kent... You should not have prepared such a delightful breakfast?” Arra asked in astonishment.

“This is our first day together my Lady this much is little to what you and Lady Aisha had given me... This is but thanks for accepting me as your protectorate and Lover...” Kent bowed.

“It is a good gesture Kent for you to go through so much effort this day... As you say we three have a long road ahead of us... But what should we do this day since our schedule is practically free for a day or two?” Arra asked.

“Hmm I was going to Bastion hope to see about the trainer selection results and greet them... I believe one of them is your friend Emilia free lander.” Kent explained.

“I am surprised that Emi is here... Let’s go meet her after breakfast...” Arra asked.

“By your will Lady Arra.” Kent bowed.

She drank her morning chamomile tea and to her surprise it was natural blend of herbs that she preferred before and during her time in the Temple of the Wolf Father.

Arra was surprised that Kent learned of her favorite morning tea when he told her that Vulcan told his mother how to prepare it and showed her the way. Kent repeated the process as if the tea was made by her father in the flesh.

Aisha was surprised to hear of their conversation as she took a look in her coffee it was made from the refined cocoa bean found only in the Trigor mountain located at the far north east of the free kingdom and only a few of these beans had ever been exported out of the area.

Along with the refined honey from extracted from the giant honeysuckle bees located at the Forest of Bree where the elfen use it as a natural export product. The cream was mixed into the coffee in the shape of a heart despite how it looks its taste was beyond imagination for the taste buds. 

“Kent how did you?!” AIsha asked.

“Same thing I told Lady Arra my Lady... Lady Alisyha passed a note to mother about what your favorites are and I had to prepare them I hope they are to your liking?” Kent asked.

“Well... “”flustered”“Its okay... I guess...” Aisha muttered.

“At least Sis here likes it very much Kent... I will say thank you on her behalf.” Arra mentioned.

“SIS!!!” AIsha shouted.

Kent snikkered to see the two argue over such a trivial matter but one thing seemed to puzzle him why did Aisha and Arra call each other sisters. Arra giggled at the young knight’s curiosity and explained to him that they are not sisters but they grew up together being friends since they were but babies and up to this day they had stood side by side as sisters. 

Through thick or thin and even any battle they will have each other’s backs even during the battle for the freedom of the people against the demon lord. Arra was the one who took the spear hit for Aisha while Aisha stopped the Thunder judgement spell used by the demon lord against Arra and barely able to protect her friends at the time.

After their talk and a hot shower for the first time since having hot water in homes at the village is considered as a luxury. The two received a fresh pair of clothes left by their respective families before they left Charlotte gave them a very stylish belt filled with an assortment of gadgets like a micro plasma field, grappling hook, an emergency bio-med gel kit, a tachyon beacon and a atmospheric field projector when trapped in deep space.

The gadgets on the belt were built specially by Charlotte basing it off from her own experience during the 2nd Great War.

“Okay you kids be safe now!” Charlotte shouted.

“Thank you for the great gifts miss Charlotte.” Aisha said as she looked at the belt.

“Oh these are nothing at all oh and they can change color and styles when you place your palm over the belt buckle. Now off you go kiddies and have fun now!” Charlotte said as she shooed the three off.

Arra looked at Kent while he looked through his arm pad while they walked to Bastion hope. To his surprise many marines and Knights had been saluting him on first sight.

They entered the base when the knights immediately lined up and offered their praise to them.

“Hail Lord Anthony!” The knights shouted.

“WOW is this a regular thing you do Kent?” Aisha asked.

“Not really only when theirs a special occasion... But the only occasion today is the Trainer welcoming ceremony.” Kent stated as they entered the main hall.

Upon entering they saw over 3 dozen applicants who passed they all stood side by side with their robes as swordsman before entering the fort. Aisha noticed Emilia was part of the successful applicants the two ran towards her and congratulated her success.

Before they could congratulate her Emi asked the two to sit next to her as Chimera was at the stage Kent took to the stage with Rex and Fenris by his side.

Hello Everyone I am Kent Redridge of Strike Fleet New Hope... I congratulate you all for passing the application process for the sword trainers I know it has been a difficult challenge to face off against a Venerate ranked knight but you all had proven your stride and mettle against a knight who had fought a godly class demons of old. 

From this day on wards you 36 swordsman are now ranked trainers and shall be part of molding the hundreds of Zerrohnian Marines and Recruits in sword combat.

I can see much potential in all of your future career as part of the Knight Kingdom I hope that faith and the three gods may shine fortune upon all of you.

Now let us end this welcoming ceremony and enjoy for this day does not belong to you alone for it belongs to the future of our people. 

Kent raised his fist and howled much like a wolf many knights followed their lord as they are a part of the Iron Wolves Legion. With the ceremony at an end the mercenaries now turned trainers united with their families with smiles on their faces as a new chapter will start for many of them.

Chimera and Kent’s team approached the newly recruited trainer to congratulate her on succeeding the trials. 

“Emi congratulations!” Chimera said as he lifted her up.

“““blush”“CHIRA please not in front of my friends.” Emilia said with a flustered face. 

“Sorry but I am very happy for you!” Chimera said as he embraced her instead.

“Regardless of the situation miss Emi I am honored to have a free lander to be in the Base... I look forward to your achievements miss... I mean Sergeant Emilia Freelander.” Kent said proudly.

“Thank you Ken... I mean General Anthony!” Emilia saluted.

“Now then enough of the formalities we have a feast to attend to.. Oh yes I forgot to get something in my office you all go on ahead... I’ll catch up...” Kent told them as he walked away from them.

“Alright Big brother... If their are any hot wings Ill save some for you!” Chimera shouted.

Kent walked away to his office he made sure first that no one was following him as soon as the coast was clear he uttered.

“I got that weird feeling again...” Kent said as he entered his office.

“I am sorry father...” Kyvash said with a serious look in here eyes.

Kyvash turned the chair around but it did not stop spinning her care taker Sword masters stopped the chair for her. Though nauseous from the spinning she instantly recovered the young knight was about to laugh but he held it in surprisingly well. 

“Kyvash what can I do for you and why are you hiding?” Kent asked.

“Yes I am here because Astaroth and Tyrannox managed to follow the trail where Willow’s brother was taken in this flash drive holds the data you will need to mount a rescue mission and also rescue the Vailen...” Kyvash said as she placed the flash drive on the table.

“Thank you yet I feel a but is coming in...” Kent stated.

“Yes their is... I wish to have a brand new Hive built on Ren’veil a royal guard Hive that will serve as additional security for our people... They will follow only your orders of course.” Kyvash stated.

“I might agree to that but I need my Father’s Approval and I am curious how the High Glaives produce such powerful warriors like the Sword God masters that always protect you and the Blade god masters that aided us in our escape on Vega?” Kent asked.

“I will explain in due time but this data drive will hold all the information you need, the number of people being held and the locations of possible planets for resource conversion or colonization... Think of this as my investment to the people’s future...” Kyvash said.

“I will consider this as a gift my lady... And I will talk to father soon about this.” Kent saluted.

“Very well I will talk with Father as soon as I get home... Would you like to join the party?” Kent asked.

“I wish I could but for now I need to settle a few more things with your permission I would like to go to the Redridge manner this evening?” Kyvash asked.

“Then it would be an honor for you to visit our home... But I need to get something from my desk if that is fine?” Kent asked.

Before they went on their seperate ways Kyvash told the young knight of her new Apex Prowl Hunters and gave him over 50 of these monstrous hydras they are independent thinkers but they will listen to orders of the one assigned to them by their queen. 

The young knight was free to use these new Hunters should the need arise all he needed to do was think and they will hear him. 

The young knight thanked the queen for her generous gift he placed his palm over his desk when a massive blade rack appeared out of the wall next to the door. 

He looked at the assortment of blades each one of the weapons emitted a powerful aura that the Sword Masters were being pushed back as if they were facing a world ending typhoon. 

Kyvash quickly snapped her fingers projecting her own aura field to protect her children as the blades domination field was stronger that their protection auras. 

He grabbed the double edge sword measuring 3 meters in length with a eight crowned cross as it’s sword guard with the pommel shaped like budded flower. The young knight excused himself from the room as Kyvash watched her father act the same way she remembers him long ago. 

“My Lady now that Lord Anthony agrees to your request should we not tell him of the Hunter killer’s status.” The Sword Master asked.

“He will not do anything unless he is provoked my child... For now let us head home I am a bit tired today I still need to meet Grand Father and Grand Mother later on.” Kyvash said as she opened a portal to home.

Meanwhile at the party all members of the strike Fleet including the Admiralty, the Iron Wolve’s circle of elders and the Commando teams who participated in the recruitment and selection process. Emilia was somewhat isolated as she did not go through the standard trials instead was recommended by Chimera to be a trainer but she participated in the trials where many Venerates had approved her skill as a trainer.  

Though some of the fellow trainers did not even bother to befriend her as she was a part of the clan that nearly destroyed Ren’veil and wiped out the Priestesses and mages though it was kept secret but those who knew the truth would prefer not to acquaint themselves with Emilia.

Emi looked to her glass of wine it was a solemn reminder that she was not meant to befriend anyone else but Chimera showed her another path. He tapped her shoulder and  tapped her cheek snapping her sadness out of reality.

“Miss Emi don’t look sad it will spoil your appetite... I got you your favorite... Hammer shrimp with sauce butter on the side.” Chimera said with a smile.

“Thanks Chira... You always know how to bring a girl up.” Emilia said as she took the plate.

“Emi don’t worry no one knows who you really are here... You are Emilia Freelander and soon to be Redridge so lighten up this is your day!” Aisha stated.

“I agree Miss Emilia your family’s crime is not yours to bare... It was their choice to set their path to ruin... You only did what is right and no one can hold you accountable for such an atrocity.” Arra added.

“I know Arra but It was my fault why my brother turned out like that... I should have brought him with me when I was exiled maybe things would be different if I did that...” Emilia said as she shook off the memories of her past.

“Emi always know that I am here for you... Through thick or thin I will stand by you as your shield and sword... I am your partner for life...” Chimera said with a proud growl.

“I know Chimera and I would not have it any other way...” Emilia said as she kissed him on the cheek.

With the party well underway the young knight met up with his friends and brother at their table. They were curious as to what was the broad looking sword he was holding the young knight sat down and told them it was his gift to Emilia.

It was one of the first of the 6 blades he forged on New Dawn it was called the Star Strider a blade specially built from purified star Xerromite a sub rare class ore used as a catalyst for making the strongest blade or the toughest armor. 

It can absorb heat and heal the wielder’s injuries simply by absorbing sunlight it can generate heat strong enough to turn a mountain into a lava pit. The young knight was infamous in the Forge works for making blades that are extremely powerful and may not require a weapon heart. Although the weapons he crafts are alive in their own way and will only require a small sacrifice from it’s would be wielder in order to seal the bond.

Emi pulled the blade out of the scabbard and cut herself with the blade as it absorbed her blood the blade glowed a bright warm light and transformed into a claymore blade.

“Congratulations the sun strider is now yours miss Emi... use it well.” Kent congratulated her.

“Thank you... I really appreciate it Kent.” Emilia said as she attached the scabbard on her belt.

“Thank you also big bro for giving her a chance...” Chimera said.

“Hey Faenrir wanted a challenge so he was the one who volunteered to test the trainer’s mettle so its all well and good.” Kent answered as he grabbed a carbonated drink.

“Wait Faenrir as in Primal Knight Elite Captain Faenrir Claw breaker? THAT FENRIS!!!” Chimera shouted.

“Oh no...” Kent said as his brother showed his anger.

“Chira what’s wrong?” Emi asked. 

“I WANTED TO FIGHT HIM!!! AND EMI GOT A CHANCE TO FIGHT HIM I AM JEALOUS!!!”Chimera cried.

Captain Faenrir Clawbreaker is the biological older brother of Fenris Fellfrost Captain Faenrir is one of the few knights who participated in the siege of the World ender citadel at the final battle during the 2nd great war. 

The Primal Captain is one of the rare few to see the Legendary Archon Wodan “Thunderking” Redridge and Keith “Hunter Killer” Aliucard against the demon champion Guision the thousand hands. Faenrir also earned many achievements and an impressive kill count of 5000 mid level demons under his belt.

Many aspirants and Archon candidates like Kent and Chimeara wishes to fight Faenrir it is considered a great honor for one to fight against the few Elites of the 2nd war in a duel of prowess. But Faenrir does not entertain duels unless he specifies it to be so as Elites are always needed in the front lines and have no time for pleasantries.

And when they do they will only use their free time at their own accord not even the great nobles of the Dragon-wolf can request an audience from them.

“It was a sudden request from Faenrir brother I couldn’t do anything... Besides he was only pulled out from the Border patrol because of his fleet needing resupply.” Kent explained.

“Right I wanted to have a duel with him though!” Chimera cried.

“If it means anything Chira... He gave me a tough time when I fought him.” Emi said as she comforted him.

Chimera was saddened as the elites of the 2nd war were so few and are always away from New Dawn it cause him little pain knowing that he could not even fight him. At the same time he was very proud of Emilia for being able to fight a great warrior like him. 

Kent laughed at his little brother when Aisha came up to him with a couple of drinks as well with a plan of her own. 

“Hey Kent here!” Aisha said while handing him over a very cold can of carbonated drink.

“Thank you my lady... I needed one.” Kent replied as he opened the can.

“Big Bro... I am concerned about your obsession with those carbonated drinks dont they have enough sugar to make a small marble?” Chimera asked.

“Yeah the virus inside my body converts the sugar into usable biomatter while the rest of the contents are being converted to water... I only drink it for the taste...” Kent explained.

“I know that brother but you should calm down with those drinks... Its 9:30 in the morning big bro!” Chimera added.

“Sure after this I wont drink for the mean time.” Kent said as he savored his drink.

“SO Kent... After this do you want to go to the mages temple with me?” Aisha asked.

“Very Well my Lady I would love that.” Kent replied.

“After your visit Kent please fetch me from the temple I just remembered that I am needed at the local orphanage.”Arra asked.

The young knight nodded when one of the marines approached him requesting for his assistance. The marine reported about some incidents in the mage temple about humans turning into monsters in broad day light. Many knights and marines had already been injured and the surviving knights are requesting for immediate assistance from any Crusader class or above for assistance.

Kent agreed to go when Aisha over heard the situation at the temple and wanted to go as well.

“Okay, Brother I will leave the management of the party to you... REX Get the team ready!” Kent ordered.

“YES SIR!” Rex saluted.

The team along with some marine and knight venerates boarded their respective gunships and made their way to the Mage temple at shion. 

On their way Kent and the other captains listened on the reports from the on site guards who first saw the incident and from knight aspirants who responded to the alert.

“Okay so something is turning the mages into monsters... But according to the reports the mages still have some shred of their humanity but over time they lose it... Interesting...” Kent said.

“General If I may how many casualties so far?” Captain Yurfa asked.

“So far over 50 wounded 5 critically injured 3 aspirants incapacitated and several civilians wounded from the initial explosive magic used on the aspirant sergeant treko.” Captain Ignus reported.

“Okay... Set up a perimeter 3 miles around the tower have knight elites perform routine patrols around the area make sure no mage escapes using the underground tunnels and sewage system. Have the science and medical teams set up a isolation zone so we can study the thing that caused all this.” Kent ordered.

“Sir if I may how certain are we that this is not caused by a virus or an air born infection of some kind?” Captain Mugen asked.

“If it were the case then a lot of people including the marines turned into monsters already... But have the Templar apocrypha’s check the air for any contagions just to be sure. I almost forgot and have any non knight personnel we have right now wear level 5 bio hazard equipment and bio-masks before we land.” Kent ordered. 

“Lady Aisha please wear my helmet... I will be okay without it.” Kent said as he handed her his pressurized mask.

Aisha nodded while the young knight helped her wear his mask it scanned her retina and changed it’s form based on her specifications. the mask that normal covers most of Kent’s face only leaving the left eye to actually see and several sensors on the forehead, sides and the back of the head helped him have a full 360 view of any battle.

Instead the mask’s initial features of heavy protection was removed and replaced with a full indestructible visor with a bio-air filter and several smaller but efficient sensors that can help her see around her.

“Aisha can you breath easy in the helmet?” Kent asked.

“Yeah but it smells like you in this thing... I will borrow it later...” Aisha stated.

“Note to self must wash the inner part of my helmet after each use...” Kent thought.

“General look it’s getting bad down there its getting bad!” Marky shouted.

“Right No time for flirting... Marky and Rex non-lethal rounds only Clayton, Genji, and Miss Willow With me... Lady Aisha please remain on the gunship while we take care of this.” Kent ordered.

“Um boss... she already jumped out!” Clayton said.

Kent looked out the gunship to see Aisha falling from the sky and somehow landed safely on the ground with her magic. The young knight felt a bit stupid for giving an order to Aisha who is a civilian and was an illogical move on his part.

“So boss um should we?” Genji asked.

“Just jump already... I feel very stupid right now for ordering Aisha...” Kent said outloud.

“At least we know your human boss... “”Jumped out the gunship”“ Big bro you owe me 20 credits!” Genji shouted.

“HEY COME BACK HERE THAT DOESN’T COUNT!” Clayton shouted as he jumped out. 

“General if you shall excuse me I will scold those two when we get back.” Willow said as she waited for the gunship to land.

“Right... But Willow please take it easy since this will be your first time in battle with your New body.” Kent reminded his friend.

Willow nodded she was still getting used to the absurd strength her new body has and the new bow that the Forge masters made for her was heavier than her previous bow and more stronger than the first. The young knight tapped her on the shoulder reminding that she will always have a friend to count on. 

He free felled from the gunship and almost immediately he managed to stomp down one monster that was about to escape containment. Though he made sure that the impact was not lethal it was enough to knock out the mage. Kent turned to check on the other knights Clayton was grabbed by one of the monsters and thrown towards the young knight.

Kent grabbed him by the collar and arm saving him from impacting the wall the promethian sergeant got back up he was very furious.

“Thanks boss man... HEY YOU GET BACK HERE I AIN’T DONE WITH YOU PIECE OF SHIT!” Clayton shouted.

“Captain these mages turned monsters are getting stronger by the second we could use some extra muscle... Dread knight class muscles!” A knight shouted.

“ Understood we have already called a few of them in but they are about 5 minutes out.” Rex shouted.

Aisha used her magic and restrained most of the monsters with Earth claw and ice shackles. With her help the knights and marines were able to place the restriction fields on the magemonsters. One of the monsters was able to break through Aisha’s restraining magic and fully lost their minds to their instinctive nature.

It rushed towards the young mage as several knights tried to stop it they were thrown out of the way instead. She needed time to cast a more powerful restraining magic when it was about to crush her. The young knight pushed her out of the way with a deep breath his hands began to flow as if they hand no bones in them. 

With only seconds before the monster could slam it’s massive fist over the young knight he closed his eyes and uttered. 

“Shadow Fire Art... Claws of the raging wind!” Kent whispered.

The shadow fire art enveloped his arms with a strange black and white aura turning his fingers into miniature spears. With a single thrust his arms became a machine gun and struck the monster in the vital pressure points that controlled movement. With each thrust he was able to toss the monster out of harms way from his men and the civilians trying to get to safety. 

With the monster incapacitated the knights applied medical care to it and added a restriction field to ensure no one else will be harmed.

He ran to Aisha’s side and helped her back up asking if she was unharmed aside from the fall and a scrap on her arm she was safe. 

The knights and marines who learned about their founder Blazer ShadowFire he had many books about teaching knights about the different styles of fighting including ancient martial arts. 

Only a few Champion class knights are able to perform and re-create the techniques in the books but only a direct descendant can unleash their true power. If any Zerrohnian or Xer-razh were to see the technique is a great privilege on its own. 

Later that Day with the Mage tower Hazard Knights were sent into the Tower to search for the source of the monster transformation and Apocrypha’s searched the area high and low for any external threats within a 5 mile radious. 

They deemed the area safe and free from any air born contagions Kent asked Aisha and the surviving mages to check if their was any magic involved in the outbreak.

Aisha told them no summoning or transfiguration circles were found in the area something bothered here when one of the monsters Kent defeated spewed out blood. 

The blood of a Vai’len is a bright red despite any health conditions the blood of a Vai’len will always be bright red but it was darker and the blood almost was similar to acid when came into contact with anything that had life.

“This is not much Kent but it has to be something right?” Aisha asked.

 “It is... Lily... Please extract a blood sample from one of the monsters and see if their are any mysteries inside their blood?” Kent asked.

“Im already done Kent and surprise surprise... Their are a lot of surprises inside their DNA... I am sending you the data I have so far but I’ll get back to you once we have more info.” Lily replied. 

The report from the science and medical team was sent to everyone inside the briefing room and the details were confusing. According to the medical report their blood had nano-machine cells fast replicating and primitive type of machine cells. 

It drew in the energy inside the mage’s body and with the right triggering effect the mage’s body will turn into a beast as a result. No knight hermit or scientist on New Dawn or the Entire legion could do such a monstrous thing to their own kin and brother. It would mean death for them if this was to be true but nothing was said and done until more information was found.

It was an absurd amount of machine cells inside their blood that caused the abnormal change. Kent immediately ordered all the personnel of the mage tower to be detained and questioned by the Crusaegrum mind seekers. 

 Aisha was safe because she was at the trainer’s welcoming party several hours before the incident came to be and she was at the Redrdige manner even before the incident transpired.

“Lady Aisha this might take a while but you may want to get some rest in the secure camp... I’ll be with you in a moment.” Kent requested.

“Okay... Just don’t take too long?” Aisha asked as she was escorted to the camp. 

Once she left Kent and the team including some Elite knights nodded as if they noticed something. 

Kent clenched his fist slowly as he smacked the air behind him when they heard a satisfying bone cracking sound. All of a sudden Rex pulled out his vibration knife and started slashing in front of him and the knight elite near the door grabbed something from this air and slammed his fist into the object as its head exploded in a violent gore of blood show. 

“Alert every knight and marine we have infiltrators in the area... Lock down the air space have every ship we have scan for Electro magnetic signatures for any stealth ships...” Kent ordered.

“Yes sir!” The Elites saluted.

“WE are going to need prowl hunters... wait a minute...” Kent stated.

He remembered the Apex prowl Hunters that Kyvash gave him earlier today and remembered that all he needed to call them was a thought and they will come.

With a single thought the ground began to shake as 3 of the Apex Prowl hunters who were taller and have darker scales than their cousin. Their muscles are stronger and their mantis like arms have twin blades that can vibrate intensely causing matter around them to split apart. 

They also have 4 mandible like arms on their backs that can extend for 5 to 6 meters and can puncture 50 inch adamantine reinforced steel walls. The Apex hunters roared as they busted out of the ground and attacked the cloaked assassins with no mercy. 

One of the hunters fired a volley of razor sharp spines from it’s shoulders melting and shredding the assassin into pieces. Another assassin tried to Kill Willow from behind but was easily dealt with by the Hunter’s 4 mandibles that impaled it on the fore head, neck and heart.

With the room cleared the pact leader of the Apex hunters looked at Kent with it’s blood thirsty eyes bowing before it’s master asking what is their orders.

“Kill all assassins within this area that turned the vai’len mages into monsters Do not let them escape no matter what... Protect the civilians near here... that is my order.” Kent said to the apex Hunter.

“By your will Master...” The hunter said as they burrowed into the ground.

“Sir is it right to trust those things?” Rex asked.

“It’s fine... They were given to me by Kyvash and this would be a perfect for them to prove themselves to the legion kingdom... Its about time we gave our allies some credit.” Kent explained.

“Wait boss if these assassins managed to pass our sensor defense grid then who knows how many are in this camp.” Clayton stated.

“Then that means... Oh no... Aisha!” Kent thought as he busted through the door.

Kent rushed to the secured camp site where Aisha stayed in she settled down she used the built in shower. She got into the shower the falling water made it difficult to hear from the outside the young knight rushed to Aisha’s camp. The assassin pulled out his knife in an attempt to stab the mage when Kent opened the door she was not in her chamber. 

Just before the assassin could deal the final blow a blade pierced the assassins chest. Kyvash appeared from the shadows as she leaned towards the assassins ear and open the assassins helmet she partially changed her face into a monstrous nightmare.

“Let’s talk shall we?” Kyvahs whispered.

With a sadistic smile Kyvash placed her hand over the assassin’s mouth and disappeared into the portal. Kent busted down the door looking for the assassin he heard the shower was on as he opened the door to his surprise Aisha was safe and sound.

“KENT WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!” Aisha shouted covering herself at the same time.

“Aisha I... Um...” Kent mumbled.

He stuttered  for the first time in his life when he saw a naked girl specially if the girl he was looking at is the one he loves. Aisha’s face turned beat red as she screamed to the top of her lungs and followed with a thunderous slap to the face. 

Later that evening the two went back to the manner when Chimera and Coralline noticed the hand mark on his face.

“Brother... I?” Chimera asked.

“DON’T... Ask!” Kent said when the mark hurt. 

“I can picture what happened big brother...” Coralline snickered.

“SO how is everyone doing today?” Charlotte asked.

“I am doing great miss Charlotte I am going to start tomorrow as a n instructor.” Emilia said.

“And I will be their to support her since I am already done with my civil duties today so I’m free for an entire week.” Chimera added. 

“I found out that their is another race trying to get their hands on the Vai’len mages so I guess that’s a bonus...” Kent said.

“Kent family rules no business on the dinner table... But I can feel what happened to you today.” Charlotte winked. 

“”“sigh”“ Mom please...” Kent begged.

“I’m sorry Kent I just got surprised... and...” Aisha said as she covered her face.

“See what I mean...” Charlotte giggled. 

“I can take a guess to what happened to you today sis and it’s okay... This is one way for us all to get our relationship into some progress.” Arra stated.

“I am confused...” Kent said.

“You are telling me Father...” Kyvash said through telepathy.

 “What” Kent asked.

“Father don’t be alarmed I am only communicating with you... I am about a minute’s walk away from the ancestral home please be ready.” Kyvash asked.

“Oh right... Mother, Father... I have an important guest that wishes to meet you for the past several months... She will be here in a moment.” Kent said as they moved to the living room.

Everyone was surprised to whom was this person as they moved to the living room Aisha suspected it might be another girl that he wanted to introduce to the family. Arra believed it might be a beast folk that he wished to take care of though their guesses were wild and amazing. 

Meanwhile at the gate of the Redridge manner Kyvash and an entourage of her most elite amongst the elite escorted her to the ancestral house of her family.

“Mother are your sure you wish to go alone?” The Sword Master Troa asked.

“I will be fine Troa... Thank you for your concern but this is one of the safest place on Ren’veil but the Assassin we captured earlier please get as much information as you can if he does not cooperate... Extract the information as painfully as possible.” Kyvash ordered.

“By your will my queen.” Troa replied.

She took a deep breath and knocked three times on the door after a brief moment the young knight welcomed the Queen into his home.

What awaited them was just another step into a brighter tomorrow. 

[idontknowwhatsarcasmis]

The Lost Moments - Infinity War

I am SO sorry for almost not keeping my deadline, but I DID IT!!!

HAH! So sorry guys, things have been...bad at home for the past two weeks, but I did it!

It was ridiculously hard to write this chapter cause there's so little time to work around, all happens so fast in this damn film! Sorry if there are any mistakes on timing, etc, buut I did the best I could

Really hope you enjoy it, I loved writing it... also... please don't kill me ^^'' You guys kneeew it was gonna happennnnn!

Ff.net

Ao3

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Natasha closed the locket and put it back it back under her blouse. With a deep sigh, she let her head rest back at the wall behind her.

“Don’t worry Nat, we’ll be going home soon.”

“You said that a month ago, Cap.” Natasha said, annoyed.

“The kids are big now, Nat. They can han-“ Steve started to say, but the glare Natasha sent him was enough to shut him up.

“I know whom Maria and I raised, Rogers. I know they can handle it, and I know that Clint and Laura don’t mind taking them in, but I do. Maria is off doing God knows what with Nick, and I… I need them.”

Her answer was silence.

She looked over the front of the quinjet as they neared the drop position.

“I miss them, Steve.”Natasha said after a while.”I’d gotten used to it… Waking up with the sun shining on my face. Maria’s arms around me. The kids making a gigantic mess while trying to make breakfast for us.”

“I remember when they did that for me… never had so much maple syrup in my life.”

Natasha smiled at that memory. There was still a picture of a very sticky Steve Rogers with Kaelan and Nichole laughing at his side on a portrait in their living room.

Shaking her head, Natasha continued.

“Maria is still working for Fury, with my occasional help, but it isn’t often that she actually has to leave for long. I never thought I’d have these consistencies. Never thought I’d like having them either, Steve… But I do. They’re my… They’re my family.”

He reached out and grasped her hand tightly.

“They’re mine.” She repeated.

“I know Nat… I know it’s not the same, but I miss visiting them too. We’ll be home soon. You’ll see, you’ll take those carbon copies of you and Maria and tell them all the PG parts of our adventures.” He smiled at her and Natasha felt herself responding.

“Soon.”

“Soon.”

“And I want Maria’s lasagna.”

Natasha laughed.

“Help me get to my wife asap, Rogers, and it’s a deal.”

A slightly more comfortable silence took over quinjet. Until…

“Guys?”

“Sam?” They both called, Natasha already dreading  whatever would come out of the man’s mouth.

“And Vision and Wanda are being attacked.”

“Wait, what?” Cap asked, confused.

Natasha closed her eyes to ask for whatever deity was up there to give her patience. Why did things never go according to plan?

Xxxx

“You’re going home?” Natasha asked, heart rate speeding, a smile spreading to her face.

Maria chuckled on the phone.

“Out of everything I told you, that’s what you got from it?” Her voice was clearly trying to portray annoyance, but Natasha knew better. So many years of marriage, Natasha knew that her wife was rolling her eyes with a fond smile on her face. She closed her eyes, she really missed that smile.

“What else would I care about? You’re safe, Nick’s safe. And you’re going home.”

“I won’t be able to stay long this time though…” Her wife felt the need to point out and it was Natasha’s turn to roll her eyes.

“Don’t care. I’ll still get to see you.”

“You said going home, not coming home, Nat.”

Natasha cursed under her breath at that. Stupid analytical and attention to detail mind – no, never mind. That’s one of the things Natasha loved and found most attractive in Maria.

“I know, Masha. But you’re going home. I will meet you there.”

“Yeah?” Maria asked, voice quiet and Natasha’s heart clenched.

Maria had always been tougher when talking about feelings, even if she was usually that little bit more open when it was about Natasha or their kids. Still, to hear her voice so clearly longing made Natasha want to stop everything just to find her wife and give her a hug. It was just like she’d told Steve, although they hadn’t completely stopped ‘working’, both of them had gotten used to a routine that had them almost every day side by side. She couldn’t remember the last time they’d spent so much time away from each other in one go.

“Yes.” She said assertively.

“I’ll see you soon then, babe.”

“Soon. I love you, Masha.” She said in a playful way after a while.

The low chuckle form the other end of the line send chills down Natasha’s spine and she had to close her eyes again. God, she missed that woman.

“I love you too, babe.” Came the reply and soon the call disconnected.

Silence.

Natasha breathed for a bit, before turning on her heels.

“Steve! I need for this talk with Ross to be as quick as inhumanly possible! Missus will be back for one day and I am not gonna miss her.”

As she approached the pilot chair, Sam jumped out of it. None of the other Avengers dared say a word. In fact, as Natasha took a brief moment to look at their expressions, she saw that they all looked more determined than just a moment before. More focused.

She let her lips form a small smile.

She loved her family. All of her big, weird, ridiculous and caring family.

Xxxx

The quinjet’s ramp had not fully lowered when Natasha jumped, not caring to look back as the ship left again, it’d come back tomorrow bright and early, but right now she didn’t care. She ran. Ran faster than she ever remembered having ran while not gunning for her life.

The front door of her house opened, and the smile that took over Natasha’s face at the sight of her wife putting their children back on the floor as she too started running towards her was large enough that it hurt her face. She didn’t care though. Five steps away from the love of her life, Natasha jumped, letting the momentum carry her the last few meters into the welcoming, strong and warm arms of her Masha. Maria spun her around, one hand around her waist and the other cradling her head, as Natasha’s face burrowed on her neck and legs wrapped tightly around the taller woman’s torso.

“I missed you.” Natasha mumbled, eyes closed, breathing in deep the scent that was just Maria, and that she’d been missing so, so much.

“I missed you too, Nat.”

They just stood there, basking in each other��s presence for a few moments more.

Before long, though, Natasha had to let go of her wife as two shouts of “Momma!” echoed through the house. Smiling, she turned to wrap her arms around the other two most important people in her life. Kaelan and Nicky had both grown so much the past couple of years, it was ridiculous.

Kaelan had been following in Natasha’s footsteps, turning more and more into a spontaneous little prankster that she most often helped instead of chastising, much to her wife’s chagrin. Mother and son had found a rapport in each other that was soon becoming the source of a lot of jokes around the house and their extended family. Kaelan was rapidly learning how to answer rather cheekily at some things, and Natasha knew she should not be as proud of her 5 year old being able to do that as she was. Maria helped in toning it down, though, so it was probably fine.

Their daughter, on the other hand, was basically a carbon copy of Maria’s personality (or as much as she could be at the tender age of 8). She often tried to be more analytic and calm than her little brother, and it always brought a huge smile to Natasha’s face when the two ended up side by side, arms crossed and looking at her with a ‘very much not amused’ expression. Both she and Kaelan cracked at that.

The kids also seemed to have inherited Maria’s nerdy side as well, which always made Natasha roll her eyes fondly at the three of them. It was adorable, really, how Maria would sit down between the two and read the Harry Potter books, then Narnia (“it’s a classic, Natasha”), and so on. She’d never admit it, but even Natasha had come to enjoy listening to the stories – though it might have had more to do with hearing the soothing tone of Maria’s voice than the books themselves.

Along with their passion for reading, their children had also shown a great affinity for athletics, running around and practicing spins and punches and kicks  with their mothers (well, as much as normal 5 and 8 year old kids should, anyway). Natasha had never let any of them forget that Nicky had once tackled Maria, and she often challenged her daughter to do it again – a feat that was still eluding her, but she was confident she’d get there one day.

It was perfect. They were perfect. God, she loved all of them

Looking over her kid’s hair, she looked at Maria, inviting her wordlessly to participate on the hug. She didn’t hesitate, and Natasha just closed her eyes, wanting to burn the moment in her memory forever. Her two children pressed tightly between her and her wife, and Maria’s arms around all of them, providing warmth and protection. She didn’t need anything else.

Xxxx

It was only later, as they were lying in bed, cuddled together, with their clothes thrown all over the room, that Natasha finally felt herself really relax. There, in the cocoon of her and Maria’s bedroom, beneath their covers, skin against skin, still slightly damp from sweat and pleasantly sore from having each other again after so long. Combined with having spent the day playing around with their children, catching up and putting them to bed, it was heaven. At the same time though, it brought the memory of those horrible months without any of this and what they still had to face the next few days. Tightening her arms around Maria,  Natasha broke the silence.

“Never four months again, Masha. I can’t. Not anymore.”

“Where’s the tough, focused, hard Black Widow agent?”

“Gone the minute she saw you smile and shine those big bright blue eyes at her.” Natasha said, eyes not shying away from Maria’s, which suddenly grew very serious.

Natasha didn’t know what was it, why there was this desperation in her heart, on her mind. Didn’t know if it was something specific, a bad feeling, or just how she’d really came to need Maria by her side these past few years, that were simply about how much she loved her. Hell, maybe it was all of that together – hopefully the bad feeling that something bad might happen wouldn’t amount to anything, though.

Maria nodded, seemingly to have realized that the desperation on Natasha’s grip and voice was not her being overdramatic. She was serious.

“I’ll talk to Nick, babe.” She said, the thumb of her right hand caressing Natasha’s cheek softly. “After this last part of the mission, which will not be more than one or two weeks, I’ll make sure to say I need to be home.”

“Promise?” Natasha asked, almost rolling her eyes at herself at how pathetic she sounded, but not being able to shake this horrible feeling on her chest. Maria didn’t think it was silly apparently, she brought their foreheads together, looking deep into her eyes.

“Promise.” She swore.

They remained in silence for a few minutes before Natasha felt Maria frown. “And you be careful too, Nat… I don’t like what’s happening with Thanos. I’ve no doubt you guys will be able to win this, but you’ve gotta come back, babe.”

“Is that an order Commander Hill?” She smiled. The trust and confidence that Maria transmitted through such simple words enough for her to draw strength from.

“It is, agent Hill.”

“Aye aye, ma’am.”

Natasha closed her eyes at that, letting those familiar words wash over her. Maria had promised. Just one more mission and they could go back to being the ridiculous happy gay couple with the nice house and two adorable kids.

One more mission. One really high staked, hard mission, but just one nonetheless. Just one.

Xxxx

The sun had barely risen in the sky when Natasha looked at the quinjet lowering itself. She tightened her hold on her very sleepy children, both of who had insisted on being there to say bye to her mum. Maria was behind her, long arms wrapped around Natasha and hands on the kid’s shoulders as they all waited. Clint and Laura were a few steps behind, waiting with them, since Maria would leave for New York with Nick not soon after Natasha made her way to wherever Rogers thought it’d be a good idea to take Vision to.

The first one out of the ship was Vision, a pleasant smile on his face as he floated to approach them.

“Commander Hill.”

“Not a Commander anymore, Vision, you know that. It’s just Maria.” Maria said, a small smile playing on her lips as she accepted his brief (and still a bit awkward) hug.

“You’ll always be the commander of this team, Maria.” Vision said, before turning to the kids.”Little Hills, how have you been?” Both kids jumped to hug Vision, trusting that he would, as he always did when he visited, float a bit higher, holding each of them in one arm.

Natasha couldn’t help the bigger smile that spread on her face as she watched the joy on their little faces that just a few minutes before had been twisted with worry and sadness (and sleepiness, it was quite early).

Steve, Wanda and the others all gave Maria, Laura, Client and the kids (once they were back on the floor) quick, but tight, hugs, before they turned to Natasha and she nodded.

She pulled Kaelan and Nicky a few steps away and kneeled so she could be at eye level with them.

“You take care of each other, yeah?” She said more than asked them. Making sure to meet their eyes as they nodded. “And respect Laura and Client, okay?”

“Yes, momma.” Nicky said, and it broke Natasha’s heart to see unshed tears in her eyes. It broke her even more to see them already trailing down Kaelan’s cheek.

With one hand on one cheek of each, rubbing softly with her thumb, Natasha continued with what she hoped was a comforting and confident tone.

“I was talking to your mum, and we decided that after this, that’s it. No more going away. We’ll be home.”

“Like uncle Clint?” Kaelan gasped, eyes growing big with excitement. Even Nicky’s looked hopeful.

“Just like uncle Clint. Mama and I will be around you guys so much, you’ll get sick of us.” She said, forcing a playful tone through the lump she could feel on her throat.

The two threw themselves at her, hugging her with all their might and Natasha did the same (well, the same within reason, of course).

“Not possible, momma.” Nicky’s quiet voice made a single tear roll down her cheek and she discreetly wiped it on her hair.

“I can’t wait!”

“Me neither, guys. It’ll be here before you know it.” She said as she drew back, noticing Laura and Client putting one hand on each other her kids’ shoulders.

“I love you two. Behave.” She said as she got up.

“Love you two, momma.” Their voice sounded in unison, and she smiled at that.

A long look passed between her and Clint before he just nodded, giving her a quick hug.

“Just be careful.” He answered her thanks as they parted. Laura did the same.

As she made her way back to her wife, she was just stepping back from hugging Steve, the others had all already gone back to the quinjet.

“You better take care of her, Rogers.”

“Always, Commander.”

“Good.” It said a lot that she didn’t correct his use of her previous title, and that her posture was as stiff as it had been to instill obedience in senior agents at SHIELD, once upon a time. She meant business. Natasha rolled her eyes at her adorable wife.

“I’ll be fine, babe. You focus on taking care of things on your end and yourself, yeah? Please be careful, Masha.” She said, taking one step closer to her, brows touching and one hand cupping her cheek as both of Maria’s were tight on her hips.

“I will.” There was no hesitation there, and Natasha breathed easier.

“Remember your promise? Years ago?”

“I do. And I’m not going anywhere, Nat. You’re stuck with me. For the rest of your long, long life.”

“Good. I better be.”

They were silent for a few seconds, but she could feel everyone itching to get going behind her. She knew she was being selfish. Knew that even having been able to spend the day and night here had already been a lot. She took a deep breath, trying as hard as she could to keep back tears.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Maria’s response was automatic. Voice so full of emotion that Natasha had to stifle a gasp and brace herself not to just throw her arms around her wife and tell the others to leave without her.

Nodding slightly, she pressed a quick, desperate kiss to Maria’s lips before spinning on the spot and marching towards the ramp, not daring to look back until the doors of the quinjet were already closing and the ship was beginning to rise.

Maria was holding each of their kids in one arm, both whom were waving at her. All three pair of eyes focused on hers. Natasha looked at Nichole, at Kaelan and then at Maria’s as the last bit of the door closed.

She closed her eyes, trying to keep that imagine in her head.

“We’ll see them soon, Nat.” Steve said by her side.

Natasha just nodded, not trusting her voice. Soon. They had to. Cause she had no idea what she’d do if they didn’t.

Xxxx

“Wakanda?” Maria’s voice was incredulous.

“Yep.” Natasha couldn’t help the smile on her face.

“Argh, and I’m stuck in New York.” She could hear the eye-roll in her wife’s tone and it was hilarious. It made the whole ‘it might be the end of the world again’ situation kinda better. Well… not better, but it made it suck less. Which was probably her intention on saying it like that.

“I’m friends with the King, you know? I might be able to bring you here for our anniversary next year, what do you think?” Natasha asked, looking through the nearest window. The scenery was beautiful. The threes, the sea, the architecture which was just a perfect mix of old and new. Natasha just knew that Maria would love the natural aspects of the kingdom as much as she would the nerdy ones. She might even return home from the trip with a few gadgets to help her on her missions. Then again, they said they’d retire after this so maybe not that many souvenirs. Still, it’d be fun.

“Yeah?” Maria asked, tone so hopeful and ridiculously adorable, that Natasha had to bite her lips to stop a found laughter from coming out.

“Yeah.” She could just see it. Them. Leisure walks following the river. Resting by the shore. Trekking through the woods. Shopping on the Wakanda market. Making love, time and time again, in their completely over the top room. “Definitely.”

“I’d like that.” Her voice was quiet and, if Natasha dared to think it, dreamy. “I’d really like that.”

“Good. So we’ll both finish these missions, save the world again, spend the next few months tied to the hip with our two adorable kids, then ship them off for 2 to 4 weeks to Pepper and Tony while we come here enjoy our anniversary. How does that sound?” Natasha asked, eyes closed and a smile playing on her lips.

“Can’t wait. For any of it.” Maria sighed. “I miss waking up with you in my arms. The kids jumping up and down our bed.”

“I miss it too, baby…very much. You’ve been spoiling me, Masha.”

“Didn’t hear you complaining before.”

“Yeah well, it’s gotten worse since we got married.”

“Worse or better?”

“Both in a way, I suppose. Matter of perspective.”

“Well, you’re the one who wanted to put a ring on it.” Maria quipped. Natasha could just picture the smirk on the other woman’s voice, and she rolled her eyes.

“Dork.”

“Normally you’re the dork and I’m the nerd one.”

“Yeah, well, guess I rubbed off on you.”

There was just a long enough pause after Natasha said those words that she knew Maria was about to say something… different.

“Actually it’s been far too long since you’ve done that.”

Natasha almost chocked. She did not know she’d say that.

“C-o-m-m-a-n-d-e-r!”

“Technically it’s just Mrs Hill now, as I’ve been reminding people a lot lately. And my point still stands.”

“We saw each other a few hours ago.” She shook her head at that, trying to keep her thoughts from rushing towards last night.

“You saying that’s not long enough for it to be too long already? And besides, before yester night it’d been far, far too long.”

Natasha closed her eyes, the memories of the night she’d spent with her wife coming back at full force. “…”

“Nat?” Maria asked after she went silence for far too long.

“Yep. I changed my mind, it’s been way too long already, come over?”

It was Maria’s turn to take her time to answer her.

“God, I’d love nothing more.” By her tone of voice, Natasha could hear a sort of desperation that she was not used to hearing from her wife.

Her heart clenched at the danger she knew both she and Maria were about to face and prayed, more than she’d ever had in her whole life, for them to come out unscathed. For them to come out alive. She needed to see Maria after this was done. There was no other option, no other outcome she’d accept. As soon as Thanos was dealt with, she’d be back in her wife’s arms, and no one would force them apart ever again. Nick and the other Avengers would just have to learn that they were a package deal now. More so than before. A retired package-deal at that. The world would have to be really ending again for them to leave their home (together, never on separate ways again), and even then Natasha would have to consider (that was a lie, of course, Maria and her would never shy away from such grave danger).

“I know.” She just whispered.

Just then a knock sounded. She bit back a curse. Taking a deep breath, she answered.

“Yeah?”

“They’re ready.” Banner’s voice came from behind the door and she appreciated him not having opened it. She just realized that her cheeks were wet. She’d started crying without even noticing it.

“Thanks.”

Natasha took a shaky breath as the footsteps walked away from the room she was.

“You gotta go?” Maria’s voice was quiet and Natasha closed her eyes again.

“…”

“Nat?”

“Yeah…”

“We’ll talk soon, babe. I should probably go too, Nick will be getting cranky for staying still too long soon.”

“I’ll tell him you said that.”

“No need, I’ll tell him myself, he does get ridiculously cranky.”

Natasha just chuckled.

After a while of silence, she gave a wistful sigh.

“You know, I keep remembering our wedding.”

“Oh?”

“Can’t I remember one of my happiest memories?”

Maria gave a small happy laugh.

“By all means, I was just wondering why you mentioned it now.”

“I just can’t believe it’s been this long.” She really couldn’t.

With their jobs, their crazy life. Who she was, and who she had been. It seemed like such a ridiculous dream that Maria would even have flirted back with her all those years ago, let alone marry and stay married, have kids and all.

“Hum... I never doubted our feelings and our ability to make it here, Nat, though.” She said with such certainty that made Natasha’s whole body tingle with a pleasant warmth. “However, I must agree on the long lasting marriage part.”

Natasha frowned, but before she could ask what Maria had meant, she continued.

“It’s crazy to think about it. I mean, what with so many almost-proposals, leading me on like that and all.”

“Oh, shut up!”

They both shared a small snicker and a half pleasant, half tense silence after it.

Natasha took a deep breath, knowing she had to leave.

“I love you so much, Maria. So fucking much.”

“After all this time?” She just knew there was a smile on her wife’s face.

“Always.” Natasha answered, a grin stretching on her face as she heard Maria laughing on the other end of the line.

“And you dare call me a nerd!”

“You made me addicted to those damn books, not my fault!” Natasha said, indignantly.

“Whatever you say, babe.”

Natasha bit her lip, trying to find a way to close the conversation, without really wanting to. Trying to find a way to tell her that they’d get many more moments together, but being scared of making the promise. She needed… needed…

“We’ll have many more books to get addicted to together, Nat.”

It was scary how well Maria could read her silences even when being so far away. How could just always say exactly what Natasha needed, when she needed. Natasha didn’t know what the heck she’d done to deserve that woman, but she was more thankful to have her love than she’d ever been for anything else.

“Promise?”

“Promise. I told you. I’m not leaving you, Hill. Ever. You’re stuck with me now. Forever.”

One more beat of silence and Natasha forced herself to get up, turning towards the door.

“You’re stuck with me too. Forever. Never leave me, Masha.”

Maria chuckled and asked in a teasing tone.

“Is that an order, Agent Hill?”

“It is, Commander.”

“Aye, aye, ma’am.”

Xxxx

By the time Natasha realized what had happened, actually realized it, her phone was already halfway to her ear, thumb pressing on speed dial 1.

With the first ring unanswered, came the shaking. A violent one that almost made her drop the phone. The second ring brought her heartbeat to double time. By the third a sense of dread started spreading. The fourth and fifth made the back of Natasha’s eyes start to burn with an intensity she’d never know before. The sixth and seventh made her start a mumbling mantra.

Please, please, pick up, please don’t do this to me, please.

With the eighth and ninth, her knees hit the ground and sobs started to break out.

You promised, Masha. Please.

The tenth and voicemail message with the sweet voice of her wife drew out a painful, grutal sound from deep inside her. A despair so raw that Natasha didn’t even know she was capable of.

No.

She couldn’t do that to her. Maria was her rock.

Please no.

Maria was her everything. Her soul, her confidante, her lover, her best friend, her wife… hers.

“Not her.”

This wasn’t happening. Not her, it could not be. She had promised. She needed Maria like she needed to breathe.

Redial.

Please connect.

Ever since she had become ‘Natasha Romanoff’, she’d been there. Since training at SHIELD. Maria had always been there.

Voicemail.

She needed her to function. To live.

Redial. Voicemail.

“No. NO!” She was sure no one could have understood her as a scream that was so raw in its rage and hurt and desperation erupted from deep inside. This could not be happening.

Not her. Not HER.

Her fist met the ground repeatedly as her heart tried to comprehend something her mind was already painfully aware of.

And then a silver shine caught her eye.

Her necklace. Probably jostled from its hiding place by her repeatedly punching the earth.

Beat.

Something in her head clicked. Her heart stopped again. She felt dizzy, any breath she had left her body as her unfocused gaze fell on her phone again. With fingers trembling so much she could hardly press 2 on the phone, she brought the device to her ear.

Ring

Ring

Ring – connect.

“Momma?!” Her daughters voice sounded hysterical and Natasha didn’t get to even feel relieved at hearing her alive and well.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” She asked, her despair, she was sure, as apparent as her daughter’s. It was proof of her having developed good maternal instincts that she could even say anything right then. This need to calm her kid even though her heart had stopped the minute Maria had failed to pick up her phone. She closed her eyes.

“Ma, it’s Kaelan, Momma, h-he, he…” She started sobbing and Natasha somehow managed to do a soothing sound.

“Baby, talk to me, what happened to your brother?” She asked, pleading as if that would changed what her broken heart already knew had happened.

Please no.

Please not her little boy. Not him as well. Was it not enough to rip out one half of her soul, did they need another piece as well?

Please.

“H-He vanished M-Ma. Just..-l-like h-he bec-came d-d-dust…”Her voice was shaking so much it was hard to make out the words, but Natasha understood. Her grip on the phone so hard that she heard it crack. Steve looked at her and she saw the tears and despair in his eyes as he seemed to realize what was happening on her end.

“Baby?” She whispered.

“He’s g-gone M-Ma…just g-gone…”

And Natasha crumbled.

[so-shiny-so-chrome]

Witness: Tyellas

Creator name (AO3): Tyellas

Creator name (Tumblr): thebyrchentwigges

Link to creator works *https://archiveofourown.org/users/Tyellas/works?fandom_id=51060

Q: Why the Mad Max Fandom?

A: I’ve been a fan of postapocalyptic scifi since my teens. But it took me until Fury Road to really fall in love with the world of Mad Max. Living Down Under probably helped. 

Q: What do you think are some defining aspects of your work? Do you have a style? Recurrent themes?

A: For Mad Max, my style varies very much based on the character point of view. Max's terseness is very different from a History Person's verbal rambling. Recurrent themes for me...Some of them tie back to canon, like the fragility of Wasteland technology and the quirkiness of human nature. There's a lot of geology and a consistent thread of land-based spirituality - an Antipodean influence, there. 

Q: Which of your works was the most fun to create? The most difficult? Which is your most popular? Most successful? Your favourite overall?

A: Most popular overall – Definitely “Gastown Nights.” Max, Furiosa, sexual tension, adventure in a setting with the Wasteland wildness turned up to 11 – what’s not to like? Most fun – Writing fluff is always fun, even if the world’s falling apart around it. “Very Max, Much Wasteland, Such Dog,” my take on Max Gets A Dog, and “If You Give a Pup a Flamethrower” stand out to me. Most difficult – Several of my Miss Giddy stories were harrowing, “Weave a Circle,” “One Way Ride.” At one point writing “Weave a Circle” I glanced in a mirror and was shocked – shocked! – to not be looking at the face of a tattooed 76-year-old. 

Q: How do you like your wasteland? Gritty? Hopeful? Campy? Soft? Why?

A: Gritty as, mate, but always with that glimmer of hope. Because that's how it would be.

Q: Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished product. What's your prefered environment for creating? How do you get through rough patches?

A: I may jot down a story’s core idea, then let it ferment a few months. I might think I’m writing something just for myself, then it will take on a life of its own. When the time is right, I’ll think and plan around it, then do an outline. I like Kurt Vonnegut’s advice that a character in a story should want something, “even if it’s just a glass of water.” A glass of water is a big thing in Mad Max! For a writing environment, I’m very lucky – I have a home office, a desk chair, a desk specially set up for writing. If part of a story is giving me trouble, I’ll treat it like the eye of the storm. I’ll write around it, write down to it – I’ll write everything but that part! Once the frame is in place around the difficult part, that helps.

Q: What (if any) music do you listen to for help getting those creative juices flowing?

A: For Mad Max, Ocker rocker classics from the 70s and 80s. Songs by Goanna, Cold Chisel, Dragon, AC/DC. New Zealander Neil Finn's song "Sinner" always makes me think of Max. 

Q: What is your biggest challenge as a creator?

A: Finding time when I have inspiration, and finding inspiration when I find time.

Q: How have you grown as a creator through your participation in the Mad Max Fandom? How has your work changed? Have you learned anything about yourself?

A: I've grown so, so much as a writer. Descriptions, plot, research. Getting over myself and putting that crazy idea out there - and learning that it was worthwhile if it found one reader. Personally, I decided I would probably survive an apocalypse, which is always good to know. 

Q: Which character do you relate to the most, and how does that affect your approach to that character? Is someone else your favourite to portray? How has your understanding of these characters grown through portraying them?

A: I took the long road around to this one, because it took getting into the Mad Max fandom for it. I'd say I relate the most to...Aunty Entity. She's determined, she's creative, she's femme, and she has excellent taste in henchpeople. Oddly, I've never written about her, for all that I have screeds about Furiosa, the Vuvalini, and the History People. Aunty Entity has aspects of those three. My Furiosa is calculating, fierce, stony, and, after the Fury Road, willing to make terrible decisions for a long-term goal or a greater good. After a mostly Citadel life, she’s used to better living, and both disgusted and horrified/saddened by how others are getting by.  

Q: Do you ever self-insert, even accidentally?

A: All the characters we write about are our shards and our reflections. I do have a draft of a piece for a Self-Insert week that never took off, where I hitch a ride in the Nullarbor desert with some Buzzards.

Q: Do you have any favourite relationships to portray? What interests you about them?

A: I've written smut, and in my fics both canon characters and OCs get laid and find love. "Citadel Nights" is a novel-length fic about love and sex in the Mad Max apocalypse. But the most enduring relationship in my fics, one that all characters deal with, is...their own one with the Wasteland. That post-apocalyptic world around them. For some it's chaos and ruined dreams. For some it's horror yet opportunity. And for some of them, it's simply how it is. My story quartet "Wasteland, Seize My Bones" delves into this in all kinds of ways.

Q: How does your work for the fandom change how you look at the source material?

A: For Mad Max, I seek it out and look at it in more detail. Some of it takes some finding. It took me a while to track down the novelization of "Beyond Thunderdome". There were some jaw-dropping interviews with George Miller back in the 80s!

Q: Do you prefer to create in one defined chronology or do your works stand alone? Why or why not?

A: I can't help creating in one defined chronology. That's just how my imagination works. Every Mad Max story of mine fits into a timeline. I've sketched out that timeline over two notebook pages, like the nerd that I am.

Q: To break or not to break canon? Why?

A: For Mad Max, I'm usually in line with canon. Mad Max canon itself is so rich, flexible, and berserk that most of the plots and actions I wanted to write fit right in. Like most fan creators, I did make it gayer.

Q: Share some headcanons.

A: Oh, so many! Have three: - Furiosa wears her keys on the left: Max wears his on the right. - There are two popular headcanons around Miss Giddy: long-term Citadel denizen or Wasteland Survivor Having Adventures. I like the second one better. - Immortan Joe and the Bullet Farmer had a thing going on for a while there. 

Q: If you work with OCs walk us through your process for creating them. Who are some of your favourites?

A: There are OCs and there are "characters who had three frames in the movie/outtake." Very often I'll create an OC to fulfil a plot moment and then...they're not done...they tap my shoulder with more stories. I have a list of my Mad Max original characters for reference. I need it because I have *forty-nine* of them. Wretches, War Boys, Milking Mothers, Wastelanders, antagonists. My favorite OCs are the ones I've spent the most time writing about - if an OC of mine has a POV story, you know I liked them. Or somebody else did and made a request! 

Q: If you create original works, how do those compare to your fan works?

A: My original works seem positively sybaritic compared to my Mad Max fan works! 

Q: Who are some works by other creators inside and outside of the fandom that have influenced your work?

A: There were all these different creative factions – Maxiosa shippers, War Boy lovers, the Gigadumpster focusing on the villains – having fun. That in itself was inspiring. For a while I was unable to read @sacrificethemtothesquid ’s Length and Breadth of Fury Road. Its gravitational field of influence was that strong for me. And I adored the story “The Bullet Farmer’s Daughter” for its ruthless postapocalyptic extremes. For Max and Furiosa and their particular dynamics and madness, I’m influenced by J.G. Ballard – his compelled postapocalyptic wanderers, his cool, in-charge women. For my History People writing, influences include Margaret Atwood, Ursula Le Guin, and Neal Stephenson’s “Anathem”.

Q: What advice can you give someone who is struggling to make their own works more interesting, compelling, cohesive, etc.? 

A: The time you spend planning your project helps bring it to life. Thinking, plotting, outlining, deciding your ending and working up to it. If something seems crazy or self-indulgent, but *feels* real or right, there’s emotional truth and weight behind it. Readers will sense that and respond to it. Write it and see what happens. Thanks to our protagonist of few words, Mad Max writers suffer less from verbosity than other fandoms. Still, keep a sentence 20 words or fewer: keep a paragraph 6 – 8 sentences or fewer. Your reader will stay more engaged with your writing. 

Q: Have you visited or do you plan to visit Australia, Wasteland Weekend, or other Mad Max place?

A: I'd love to go to Wasteland Weekend sometime, but I live in New Zealand. It's been great to meet up with some fellow Mad Max fans in Australia, and to have Mad Max-like moments when I'm visiting there.  Walking down an industrial street, lost, when a gang of masked bikers roar by, disrupting the crows into their own corvid cries...

Q: Tell us about a current WIP or planned project.

A: I've got two Mad Max WIPs that will be done, come hell or high water. I'll share their titles: "In the Heart of the Wasteland Sun" and "A Favourite Has No Friend".

Thank you @thebyrchentwigges

[jeremystrele]

Painting Gentle, Hopeful Utopias With Louise Tate

Painting Gentle, Hopeful Utopias With Louise Tate

Studio Visit

by Sasha Gattermayr

Louise Tate was born and raised in Mullumbimby but now lives and works in Melbourne. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

She is inspired by the great French Impressionists, who were the first to blur the static boundaries between human subjects and their surrounds. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Louise paints imagined utopias where care, hope and harmony replace contemporary climate anxiety. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Her balanced, gentle canvases represent an equality between the human and natural spheres. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Her paintings are quiet and peaceful – radical acts in a time when political statements are so often demanded of art. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Her sunny Collingwood studio is a sanctuary where she can paint more places of refuge. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

‘The threads of nature, bodies, climate change, and acts of care are always running through my work,’ says Louise. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

“Too many choices”. Photo – Matt Stanton.

‘As an only child growing up on a rural property, I spent a lot of time daydreaming and creating magical lands with my pencil and paper. I think that the work I make now is really an extension of that. I use my art practice as a form of escapism from a world that can often feel confronting and confusing.’ Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

‘If we can learn to really value what we’re looking at, we’re less likely to want to destroy it.’ Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

The dreamlike figurative landscapes are a combination of reality and fantasy. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Photo – Matt Stanton.

Louise in her studio. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Louise’s own body appears in a lot of the works. Human presence is inextricable from the natural ecosystems. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Photo – Matt Stanton.

“Looking forwards means looking backwards”. Photo – Matt Stanton.

Just before the whole world went into lockdown last year, artist Louise Tate squeezed in a residency in New York. It was universes away from her upbringing as a ‘little flower child with messy hair and grubby hands’ in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, but the iconic painters of the last two centuries had a commanding hold over her own creativity. While living in Paris years before, she visited the Musée d’Orsay at least once a week, where the blurry Impressionist canvases washed over her in waves of awe.

Now returned to Australia, Louise has set up shop at a warehouse studio in Collingwood, where she paints under the enduring influences of these artistic legacies. Amongst the hustle and bustle of inner city Melbourne, she crafts her gentle, sunny, worlds from a place of calm. From this space, she can imagine utopias powered by kindness and love.

Could you briefly outline your artistic background, and how this brought you to painting – what has been your creative journey so far?

I grew up in Mullumbimby in the Northern Rivers area of NSW, on a big beautiful property full of trees and banana palms and birds and insects. My grandmother was an artist, my aunt is an artist, my Mum was an architect, and my Dad spent some time as a potter – so I grew up with a strong connection to art and design. I often felt quite shy as a child, so drawing was a refuge, and a way to dream away the seemingly endless hours of childhood.

Once I finished high school, I spent a year travelling through Europe and lived in Paris for several months. The museums, rich with artistic and cultural history, felt stupendous to a small-town girl. When winter hit and the money ran out, I moved to Melbourne to pursue a degree in Fine Art, which I completed in 2016 at RMIT University. I’ve been exhibiting since then and am lucky to have had the opportunity to show with some great galleries and participated in some amazing residencies.

When we spoke to you earlier in the year for our annual emerging-artists-to-watch story, you described your style as ‘dreamy and imaginative’ but also ‘self-referential’ and ‘utopian’. Where did this world come from?

As an only child growing up on a rural property, I spent a lot of time daydreaming and creating magical lands with my pencil and paper. I think that the work I make now is really an extension of that. I use my art practice as a form of escapism from a world that can often feel confronting and confusing.

The imagined spaces within my work are my idea of mini utopias, full of thriving flora and bodies that happily co-exist. They are worlds where climate change is no longer a threat, where skin colour doesn’t divide us, and where softness and slowness are valued. These painted lands nourish me when I can’t leave the house during lockdown, providing a refuge of light and colour and warmth.

Are there particular themes, places or characters that you revisit?

The threads of nature, bodies, climate change, and acts of care are always running through my work. The scenery of my childhood home in the Northern Rivers repeatedly appears in paintings of lush greenery; what was once farmland out there is now bushy and dense, reclaiming once-clear land. My body appears in a lot of the work, framing the view that the viewer looks out at.

From start to finish, what is the process of actually creating one of your paintings?

Every work begins with a photograph or a montage of photographs I’ve taken, which I’ll digitally collage together to form an image that I’ve been holding in my mind for some time. Once the image has percolated, I’ll stretch up a canvas with glue-sized or oil-primed linen, or I’ll get the trusty team at Melbourne Artists’ Supplies to stretch some up for me if they’re really big.

I layer the linen surface with soft washes of colour, building up a certain ‘tone’ for the work. Once that’s dry, I’ll sketch the image I’m working with onto the canvas with very thin oil paint. That dries for a day or two and I rotate onto the next canvas while I wait, repeating the process. There’s normally 4-5 paintings on the go at any one time. I begin building some sections within the work with washes of colour; I like to fragment the whole image and work piece-by-piece like a puzzle. The next part is the fun bit – playing with mark-making and colour combinations in an intuitive and responsive way. Often I’ll have to do a few layers to figure out the right colour combo. Then the finer detail gets laid on top – strands of hair, shards of sunlight, etc.

And voilà – hopefully it all comes together and can be left to dry to be varnished later on. Sometimes paintings don’t work and they will sit in my studio brooding until I unleash my fury on them. This either ends in something magical or something horrendous.

What does art-making mean to you, and what do you hope to communicate?

Art-making is a form of escapism for me. I so often feel powerless to make meaningful change in the world, and so I retreat to the studio to process this feeling. In creating these hopeful, sun-drenched worlds, I’m imagining the kind of place I want to live in. I also think there’s great value in using our eyes to really see something. A lot of my work portrays people looking at things. This slow looking helps to train our eyes to see the finer details of a tree, or a bird, or the way the sun coats a valley like honey.

And if we can learn to really value what we’re looking at, we’re less likely to want to destroy it.

Louise Tate is represented by Sophie Gannon Gallery.

[ya-boi-hawkeye]

Mothers and Sons

Ren waited until the Vornskr had moved on before he rose to his feet. He didn’t want to look like a target to the predator, didn’t want Victory to see him as a threat. Once standing he brushed himself off and sat back down.

“She did that on purpose,” Rey grumbled, to which Ren just shook his head. She didn’t have experience with Vornskr, didn’t know how clever they were. Ren didn’t doubt that Victory had remembered him. Or, at the very least, had picked up on Stela’s unease.

Ren ate, quietly, and every chance he got he would sneak a glance in the direction of Stela. Her table was sparsely populated, with only herself, Kane, and her son with her. Victory lay beneath the table at Stela’s feet, while Kane sat across from his commander. Martin, Ren noticed, was pressed into his mother’s side, and every so often Stela would shift, would wrap her arm around her son’s shoulders before moving it again. Almost like she was trying to reassure herself that he was still there.

Once Martin finished eating he shifted, climbed into his mother’s lap, and began to help himself to what was on her plate. Ren smiled at the sight, smiled wider when he saw Stela’s response. Instead of stopping or scolding the boy Stela simply smoothed down his hair, kissed his forehead, and allowed him to help himself.

When Ursa arrived, sitting down with her sister, she shot Ren and the others a look so cold and loathing that he didn’t dare glance over for the rest of the meal.

—–

He took to watching the pair after that, Stela and Martin. Not often, he didn’t go out of his way to stalk them, but whenever they were together, and around him, he would watch. Take note of the fond way Stela watched her son play, the way something about her presence felt lighter when her eyes fell upon him, as though his presence alone was enough to drive back the fog of fear, rage, and exhaustion that clouded around Stela.

He learned that Martin often stole food and drink from his mother, and that so long as it wasn’t something harmful for the boy Stela would always relent. Some days it seemed as though most of her meals went to her son, and Ren could feel the hunger clawing its way up her ribs.

He watched as Stela paused meetings to tend to her son, whether because he had harmed himself in some small way or simply because he longed for her attention. She would try to be brief about these interruptions, because the Militia, her planet, needed her as much as her son did, but the wave of longing that seemed radiate from her core, every time she had to send him off again, was impossible to miss.

It left an ache in his chest, a longing for a time long past. Seeing Stela, trying to tend to her boy and keep her world from falling apart all at once, it reminded him of Ben Solo and his mother. Affections he had long ago buried or ignored, pushed aside in favor memories that would fuel his connection with The Dark.

Perhaps it was that nostalgia, then, which caused him to answer Stela truthfully, when the woman finally noticed and confronted him about his actions.

“Why have you been watching my son?” She asked, arms crossed, her muscles taunt, her body brimming with the powers brought about by anger and hate and the righteous fury of a mother.

“I haven’t,” Ren said. “I’ve been watching you both.”

“Why?” Stela repeated, uncrossing her arms and balling her fists at her side, and Ren could see sparks arcing between her knuckles. She would kill him, he realized, if he didn’t answer correctly. Truce be damned, she would kill him.

“I miss my own mother,” he told her, and near as he could figure that was the truth. It was the only reason he could think of for wanting to join the pair.

"You miss your mother?" Stela repeated, suspicion coloring her words.

Ren winced internally, a frown on his face, because he could see the questions turning the gears in her head. "Yes. I miss my mother. It might seem hard to believe, but I do.”

Contrary to what many in the First Order—especially Hux—would say, Ren was a quick thinker. And in that moment, his thoughts were running a mile a minute. He was considering possible routes of conversation, ways that it could end, fielding any of Stela’s questions. He didn’t want to delve too deep, wasn’t ready for her to know that his mother was the Leia Organa, didn’t need another nail in the coffin. Because she already hated him enough for his past, for killing his father, Ren could only imagine the look of disgust on her face when she found out that little tidbit.

It wasn’t even so much that he missed his mother—they’d only been on Depredador for a little over a week—but the truth was a little more complicated.

It wasn’t like he could exactly tell Stela that what he missed the innocence of his own youth. Ren had grown up with loving parents, with a good family. And he did miss when he was younger, before the nightmares got too bad, when it was just him and his parents. Ren missed the Saturday mornings waking up to waffles and sticky sweet syrup, staying up late to watch horror movies in secret—don’t tell your mom, Ben, she’ll kill both of us.

He missed those simple pleasures, time spent with his mother where she’d read to him and pet his hair.

Before he turned his back on it and destroyed his family.

It was a complicated mess of emotions, Ren had to admit, and difficult to put in words. Especially for someone like him, who had an inherent difficulty in vocalizing his feelings. So, Stela got a simple answer of I miss my mother when in fact he’d just seen her a little over a week ago.

The outward, obvious aggression drained from Stela; she looked less inclined to smear him against the walls though Ren could still feel that anger. It wrapped around her like a shroud, and underneath it was that unwavering core of suspicion and utter dislike.

“Well. Stop.” She was uncomfortable, Ren realized, though she refused to show it. “It’s weird, and creepy, and not something that normal people do.”

Ah. Well, she had a point with that, didn’t she? And at least she was asking him to stop, instead of giving him a black eye as warning, though Ren had a feeling that had a lot to do with her trying to maintain their fragile truce.

That and the fact that he had proven not to be a direct threat to Martin.

“I will. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” He apologized, hoping that Stela could feel the sincerity in his words through the Force.

Stela regarded him closely, her eyes burning with an intense focus as she tested the weight of his apology. He couldn’t force her to believe him—it wouldn’t amount to the same, would be a cheap trick and a stupid one—but he hoped she did. Ren genuinely didn’t want to make things worse between the Resistance and the Militia, had done that more than enough since they landed.

“Well you did.” She said at last, coming to some unknown determination. “So don’t do it again.”

“Yes ma’am.” Her eyebrow twitched slightly at the response, and Stela gave a satisfied nod.

“Good.” She turned to leave, pausing after a few steps to look back at him. “There’s a meeting in two hours, about our next raid on the First Order. Be there and ready to participate.”

It was perhaps one of the few things he was allowed to do for the Militia; provide intel to keep the soldiers safe when they made weapons and supply raids. And Ren was happy to give them everything he knew, which admittedly wasn’t as much as he’d prefer. He knew the layout of the bases, knew access codes, and where the guards would be stationed, but not too much beyond that. The rest was supplemented by Finn, however, who could provide number estimates, guard rotation shifts, and an idea of what to expect in terms of weaponry.

“Yes Commander.”

Ren didn’t watch Stela and Martin after that conversation, or at the very least he didn’t do it nearly as often. He couldn’t help it though, every now again in the mess hall, if his eyes drifted over when the child would let out a happy laugh. Consider it nostalgia, or whatever you would, but there was something utterly reassuring about the fact that there was still some happiness out there, even for the children that were being raised in the middle of a war.

[frontproofmedia]

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Published: January 14, 2020

Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight Champion Wilder & Undefeated Lineal Heavyweight Champion Fury Preview Highly-Anticipated Rematch Taking Place Saturday, February 22 in FOX Sports PPV & ESPN+ PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

LOS ANGELES (January 13, 2020) - Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and undefeated lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury continued their war of words and previewed their much-anticipated rematch at a Los Angeles press conference on Monday before they square off Saturday, February 22 in a historic, joint FOX Sports PPV & ESPN+ PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Wilder vs. Fury II will come 14 months after their thrilling first fight that saw Wilder retain the title via split draw, after Fury miraculously rose from a 12th round knockdown to finish the fight. It is one of the most memorable moments in recent heavyweight history, and on February 22 the two undefeated titans will take their war of words back into the ring to stake their claim as the best heavyweight in the world.   Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.   The charismatic stars put their magnetic personalities on display at the press conference, each laying claim to a rightful victory in their first contest, while also declaring their intent on finishing the rematch with an emphatic knockout victory. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday from The Novo by Microsoft at L.A. Live:   DEONTAY WILDER   “It’s great to be back for another big event. This is the biggest title fight of this era for sure and I can’t wait. I’m always in my element. I’m always in the zone. Right now I just can’t wait for February 22.   “My body feels like its walking into the sixth week of camp instead of the third week. It’s been amazing to have the quick turnaround after the Ortiz fight in November. I’m coming in shape. I put shape on top of shape and it’s allowed me to prepare even harder for Fury.   “We all know in rematches I’m always sharp because I’ve been in there before and I know what my opponent is capable of doing and what they plan on doing. I’m prepared more than ever for this fight.   “I knocked him out the first time we fought. I told him two years ago I was going to baptize him. Rising up is part of the baptism. But this a different story. This is unfinished business. Because he’s in WWE I’m going to make sure he gets knocked out of the ring, I might even come down with a flying elbow from the top rope.   “Fury not wanting the rematch me immediately definitely made this fight bigger. We had two warmups. I had a lot more dangerous road than he had though. He played it safe, while I went to the mountain top and climbed it. I’m building for my legacy.   “If he beat me, then why all the new trainers? Every day it changes. Firing and hiring. He wants to talk about being out of shape the first time, but he was in great shape. He spent 100,000 pounds on all those camps. I still to this day have the same people with me and I don’t need to change it.   “When you’re facing power there’s no way around it. You can’t prepare for that. You just have to hope that when it lands, it doesn’t do that much damage. He doesn’t even know how he got on the ground or how he got up in the first fight. He’s been dealing with feeling ever since the end of the first fight.   “I’m going to do exactly what I said I would do. I’m going to knock him out. I’m the lion. I’m the king of the jungle. I’m going to rip his head off his body. Everyone sit tight and buckle up. It’s going to be a fun ride on the way to giving everyone the best fight you’ve seen in your lives.   “This is a major fight for the public and everyone should be excited. It doesn’t’ get any better than this. Two giants and two champions, putting it all on the line for everyone’s entertainment. We’re leaving it all in the ring to see who is the king.   “There’s so many things that go through my head as I take my time to adjust and time my opponent’s movements. I’m building the data I need to set him up for that perfect punch. There’s a lot of things that come with skills. Not just the average fundamentals. There are a lot of different things and that’s what makes boxing what it is. My ring IQ is very high and that’s how I set them up. I know everything he wants to do. He gave me 100% of him already.   “He believes in his heart that he’ll knock me out. I always teach people to speak it, believe it and receive it. The magic of it all is in the belief. Though he’s saying those things, I don’t feel in his energy that he believes that. I feel like he’s nervous because of what happened the first time.   “I just learned from the first fight that I need to be calmer. I’m going to be a lot more patient in this fight, just like in the second Luis Ortiz fight. The object of boxing is to win, not just to win rounds. And I win in devastating fashion.”   TYSON FURY   “The consensus is either he knocks me out, or I win on points. Usually, when people have that opinion, it goes the opposite way around. Expect him to box and me to be looking for the knockout.   “He thinks I’m going to come out herky-jerky with my famous style, but I want him to meet me in the center of the ring and have a slugfest, best man wins. I didn’t have the gas to finish him in the last fight, but this time I can turn that screwdriver until he’s gone. Let’s make it a Marvin Hagler vs. Tommy Hearns type of fight. I’ll meet you In the middle of the ring on February 22. Just watch out for the right hand, because you’re going to sleep in two rounds.   “We finally have the rematch and I can’t remember a bigger heavyweight fight in a long time. Maybe Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson was the last big one like this and that was another U.S. vs. U.K. showdown.   “Deontay Wilder hasn’t been returning my calls or messages since I beat him last time. He’s trying to keep his distance. He didn’t want to be around me so I can get in his head. But I don’t think you can really get in anyone’s head. At the end of the end of the day, it’s just talk. It doesn’t really matter what we say. It matters what happens on February 22.   “What’s going to happen in this fight is that I’m going to get what I rightfully won last time. I’m going to get the green belt and keep my lineal title. And if he wants to rematch me after, I’ll beat him again. I’ve already beat him once, and I know I can beat him three times in a row.   “I’m going to win, that’s what I do. Deontay Wilder can make all the excuses he wants to make. Everyone on his team can tell him he won that fight, but as a fighting man, you know when you win and lose a fight. I’m going to go out there give him a boxing lesson and knock him out.   “You’re never a finished article, you can always improve. I like to keep freshening things up every now and again. I don’t make excuses. I won fair and square and we get to do it again. I’m ready for a fight today.   “I’m the best of my era and I took that title from Wladimir Klitschko. Nobody disputed he was the best and I took that from him until someone beats me, that’s my title.   “He’s going to try to and the right hand. If I’m stupid enough to get hit with it, I deserve to lose. I hit the floor twice in the first fight, but it’s all about how you respond, I’m a fighting man. If he can’t finish me, I’m going to eat him up.   “I’m looking for a knockout. That’s why I hired Sugarhill. He gets you to sit down on that big right hand. That’s what I’m looking for. There’s the game plan. If I wasn’t looking for a knockout, I would have sharpened up what I did in the last fight. I’m not coming for that. I’m looking for my 21st knockout.   “When I get him in there again, I’m going to make him feel the fury. I’ve never been as sure of anything in my whole life. As sure as I was this morning putting this suit on. 100 percent he can’t win He’s got a puncher’s chance like anyone else. I’m much sharper and more fit now. I’m ready to rumble right now. I hope he train hard and goes to bed sleeping thinking about me.”   TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions   “On February 22, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, it’s going to be bombs away. We have two superstars here. The best two heavyweights in the world. Both fighters are going to show a lot of passion at this press conference and all the way leading up to this fight because there is so much at stake.   “These are the best in boxing. There is nothing like a big heavyweight championship fight. We have the undefeated hardest punching, the most feared heavyweight in the world and I believe one of the all-time great heavyweights in Deontay Wilder.   “There is a reason Fury and his team didn’t want the immediate rematch right after the first fight. He’s taken a couple of tune-up fights instead because he felt that power on December 1. That’s not going to change this time, he can just ask Luis Ortiz.   I was lucky enough to promote the first fight and I believe we have something special in this rematch. I look forward to a fantastic fight on February 22 and we’ll see everyone there.”   TODD DUBOEF, President of Top Rank   “We talk about boxing having a renaissance, but it’s really about the heavyweight division. That’s what is going to create that renaissance more than anything right now.   “Tyson is so true, so gritty and he backs it up with everything he does. When you combine it with Deontay Wilder, you have two great personalities. This is really the beginning of the next super heavyweight run for the sport of boxing.”   SUGARHILL STEWARD, Fury’s Trainer   “This fight here is one of those fights that you don’t want to miss. The first one was one not to miss as well and I’m sure you all watched the replay. You have two great champions here going at each other. Both fighters left the ring still undefeated last time and still wanting to settle the store. On February 22, the score will be settled.   “The heavyweight division is still the biggest and most powerful division in boxing. It always will be. Everyone wants to see the fighters throwing the big blows. Wilder is one of the hardest hitters in history and Tyson is one of the best boxers. I’m happy to be training. with Tyson Fury. It’s been about 10 years since we trained together. He trained with me and Emanuel Steward and I’m here to complete what Emmanuel started.”

(Featured Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank)

[apsbicepstraining]

Meet The Women Who Would Rather Have A Perfect Body Than Sex

Sex is an essential part of a caring rapport. When one or both parties decide that they no longer wishes to get wise on, such relationships can often come apart. In report, virility is quoted as the weigh length 1 reasons for long-term couples break up.

Whilst it is normal to go through dry incantations, most pairs are willing to throw in a little bit additional endeavor in the bedroom to get happens steamy again. Even though it’s inevitable that they will have less sexuality as such relationships goes on, it shouldn’t stop entirely. Appearances are more important than ever in 2017, and several beings go to extreme sections in order is still in peak physical representation. Nonetheless, it is about to change that there are a number of parties out there who are now relinquishing adultery for the perfect torso. Logic might prescribe that the fitter “you think youre”, the more masculinity you will have, but the University of North Carolina has been demonstrated that extreme hire governments can kill a person’s sex drive. What’s more is the fact that it happens practically instantaneously. For obvious rationales, expending too much age at the gym reason beings to become too tired to get frisky in the bedroom. But situations of extreme work authority likewise ground an under-functioning pituitary gland, which translates into low levels of testosterone and estrogen. Women, including with regard to, are susceptible to the side effects of applying too much. We required a certain period of being flab for our reproduction systems to function. Without it, we’re unable to have children, and this leads to the absence of a sex drive. Four female fitness maniacs lately opened up about how the gym has affected their lust lives, and their rebuttals are offending to say the least. After reading about its own experience, you’ll be forgiving yourself for having that additional cheat daytime … Twenty-five year old-fashioned Nikki Harvey demonstrates that whilst her hard core utilization government has improved her cheerfulnes and wellbeing, it is unable to lead to the end of her long-term relation with her 26 -year-old partner Jordan Burgess, a personal lecturer. “In the autumn of 2014, I was a length 16, liquor, smoking, living off junk food and generally fairly sorry, ” Harvey said. “One night I obligated Jordan and we swiftly became an item.” “He’s a rugby musician and he caught me exclaiming to myself in my bedroom when I couldn’t will be incorporated into my width 14 expends. He told me anyone can veering “peoples lives” around and encouraged me to get health and take up fitness and bodybuilding.” “I signed up for a 14 -week intensive pulpit, pushing me harder than I ever dreamed possible. I cherished every second. Every gram of folly heavines was stripped from my organization- better than any faddy diet.”

“I now prepares every morning at 5:30 am for two hours, then do an hour’s cardio every evening.” “It rightfully impacts on my concept. I haven’t been participating in a appointment darknes with Jordan since January, and my libido has vanished.” “Right now I have zero sex drive so Jordan and I haven’t well-developed fervor for 2 month. Jordan hates it, but he knows it’s not because I don’t fancy him. I enjoy my read so much better that two months ago I quit my job to do it full time.” “In April I came second in the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation National Finals and is eligible for three international championships.” “My libido might be gone, but I seem most effective and am now so much better healthier. I plainly hopes that Jordan will stick by me without sex.” Unlike Harvey , nonetheless, the next interviewee has stopped having relation wholly and believes that her brand-new behavior is worthwhile … Gabriella Prior, who is just 22 years old, said that she has not had fornication in over 18 months. She last-place got it on around the time that she started her gruelling fitness regiman, and now she wishes being fit to having a good fornication life. “At the commencement of 2016, I did almost no exert. I went out boozing, experienced lazy weekends, had admirers and a health perversion life, ” she said. “I wasn’t depressed, but I felt like I didn’t have any hobbies.” “One morning, on a impulse, I decided to join the nearby House of Pain boxing gym. I was uneasy, but when I left I was so full of energy, I couldn’t just waiting do it again.” “Exercising is nows like anti-retroviral remedies to me. Within weeks. I was improving twice a span for two hours each age, five or six days per week. I still do that now.” “It’s 100 percentage endeavor civilize with sums, sparring and cardio. Boxing isn’t a sporting you do by halves. I is also difficult to tie my shoe laces after I have finished a hearing, let alone should be considered fornication. I used to have admirers, but they moved their course.” “Now I don’t have time to meet humen. I have recognized I don’t need a relationship or copulation to be happy. I cost freedom and fitness more than I theorized possible. My relation life now is a dim and remote memory.” “I hope that if I ever want to, I can reduce the strength of my training and then get my libido back. But I’m not inconvenienced now.” “I’ve had a couple of short-lived circumstances since I started improving but rapidly I’ve been ceased since they are ideology I was carrying, as I did not want to have sex all the time.” “I have been crowned Miss Fitness Inspiration UK, which entails more to me than any period of sex.” It’s no secret that some people have far higher sex drives than others. Prior to get fit, the next daughter interviewed was get down and soiled almost every night of the week. Now she’s not had fornication in months … The at commencing from a relationship is exciting, and it’s often when couples have the most immorality. Scrutinizing your partner’s party and getting to know their likes and furies is extremely important if such relationships got to go last-place. So it simply discerned sense that 25 -year-old Milly Mahoney’s partner, 26 -year-old Manny Tankov, knew prevented when her libido pitched after she reached the gym after previously having sexuality almost every night of the week. Her extreme dedication to fitness is now putting a real strain on their relationship. “I recollect understanding a friend’s washboard gut on vacation three years ago and thinking, ‘ I want that.’ I’d done a little bit of legislating before, but knew I had to punched the heaviness to get the body I missed. So I met a gym.” “Five or six days a week I detect as hard as I can for two hours, to the point of fatigue. When Manny comes on to me, relation is the latest region I pray as I’m subdued. I push away his hands. He’s visibly thwarted and takes a few minutes to calm down.” “Before I started improving I would have sex at the very least five days a week, which seems strange now. I’m likewise obsessive about my diet, weighing every last gram of protein or carbs- which means we do not absorb takeaways together or have appointment nighttimes in eateries. I’ve been with Manny for 18 months and he understands how much I affection working out- it was my physique that first allured him.” “I’m training for a bikini dissension, and we haven’t had copulation for 2 month. I guess it’s a little bit like giving up boozing for a few months – you recognise how much better “youre feeling”, then when it comes to the end of the month, you wonder if you actually implore a concoction at all anymore.” “I experience phenomenal and is so great. No quantity of perversion outdistances that.” Whilst sex is an important part of a relationship, it’s not the only thing which saves two beings together. You could have the best adultery of their own lives with being, but be unable to hold a respectable exchange with them … Stacey Boyce securely is therefore of the view that her join can stand the test of her extreme fitness sovereignty, although she is acknowledged that if often leaves her just tired to even snuggle with her traitor. Building as a powwow administrator in a city 50 miles from her home was essential for her dawns start at 5 am so she can reached the gym, and she often mentions herself going to sleep after midnight- which has resulted in there’s no time for infidelity. “I have been qualifying really hard down at the gym since 2014. While I affection it and wouldn’t change a rubbish, it gets harder each year. I’m in the gym most day of the week, and my diet is so closely detected, it has become totally addictive for me.” “I have been with my husband, Mark, for six years old, and thankfully he also works in the fitness construct. He understands the course I am, to a certain extent, but the strain on our relationship is massive.” “Before I started with all the gym specified, it was totally different between the two of us. We would have sex at the very least three times a week. Now, sometimes we don’t talk for days- and having copulation even once a few months is a push.” “My libido is non-existent. I know I’m asking a lot from my organisation by promoting massive onus and sometimes I can’t even nuzzle. Every single muscle in my being soreness, clearing copulation exclusively out of the question.” “I’m wearied all the time, and when I’m speaking hard, I have hard pecs instead of tit, so clearly don’t ordeal at all attractive or feminine.” “I get so concentrate on myself, perpetually checking my loading, calibrating constitution flab, weighing nutrient and training for endless hours. I know it’s mighty selfish to behave in this way. But that’s how I became a 2015 British UK Ultimate Physiques Bikini Champion.” “Of course, masculinity is natural and fascinating. But if you are in a fond and understanding occasion, the sin can wait.” Personally, I’d be willing to sacrifice the amount of season I spent in the gym to the purposes of a relationship. After all , no rapport is without accommodation, and abundance of people who reached the gym are still able to have health virility lives. What do you think of these women? Would you be willing to give up gluttony in the work of the perfect being?

The post Meet The Women Who Would Rather Have A Perfect Body Than Sex appeared first on apsbicepstraining.com.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2z4FYhP via IFTTT

[apsbicepstraining]

Meet The Women Who Would Rather Have A Perfect Body Than Sex

Sex is an essential part of a caring rapport. When one or both parties decide that they no longer wishes to get wise on, such relationships can often come apart. In report, virility is quoted as the weigh length 1 reasons for long-term couples break up.

Whilst it is normal to go through dry incantations, most pairs are willing to throw in a little bit additional endeavor in the bedroom to get happens steamy again. Even though it’s inevitable that they will have less sexuality as such relationships goes on, it shouldn’t stop entirely. Appearances are more important than ever in 2017, and several beings go to extreme sections in order is still in peak physical representation. Nonetheless, it is about to change that there are a number of parties out there who are now relinquishing adultery for the perfect torso. Logic might prescribe that the fitter “you think youre”, the more masculinity you will have, but the University of North Carolina has been demonstrated that extreme hire governments can kill a person’s sex drive. What’s more is the fact that it happens practically instantaneously. For obvious rationales, expending too much age at the gym reason beings to become too tired to get frisky in the bedroom. But situations of extreme work authority likewise ground an under-functioning pituitary gland, which translates into low levels of testosterone and estrogen. Women, including with regard to, are susceptible to the side effects of applying too much. We required a certain period of being flab for our reproduction systems to function. Without it, we’re unable to have children, and this leads to the absence of a sex drive. Four female fitness maniacs lately opened up about how the gym has affected their lust lives, and their rebuttals are offending to say the least. After reading about its own experience, you’ll be forgiving yourself for having that additional cheat daytime … Twenty-five year old-fashioned Nikki Harvey demonstrates that whilst her hard core utilization government has improved her cheerfulnes and wellbeing, it is unable to lead to the end of her long-term relation with her 26 -year-old partner Jordan Burgess, a personal lecturer. “In the autumn of 2014, I was a length 16, liquor, smoking, living off junk food and generally fairly sorry, ” Harvey said. “One night I obligated Jordan and we swiftly became an item.” “He’s a rugby musician and he caught me exclaiming to myself in my bedroom when I couldn’t will be incorporated into my width 14 expends. He told me anyone can veering “peoples lives” around and encouraged me to get health and take up fitness and bodybuilding.” “I signed up for a 14 -week intensive pulpit, pushing me harder than I ever dreamed possible. I cherished every second. Every gram of folly heavines was stripped from my organization- better than any faddy diet.”

“I now prepares every morning at 5:30 am for two hours, then do an hour’s cardio every evening.” “It rightfully impacts on my concept. I haven’t been participating in a appointment darknes with Jordan since January, and my libido has vanished.” “Right now I have zero sex drive so Jordan and I haven’t well-developed fervor for 2 month. Jordan hates it, but he knows it’s not because I don’t fancy him. I enjoy my read so much better that two months ago I quit my job to do it full time.” “In April I came second in the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation National Finals and is eligible for three international championships.” “My libido might be gone, but I seem most effective and am now so much better healthier. I plainly hopes that Jordan will stick by me without sex.” Unlike Harvey , nonetheless, the next interviewee has stopped having relation wholly and believes that her brand-new behavior is worthwhile … Gabriella Prior, who is just 22 years old, said that she has not had fornication in over 18 months. She last-place got it on around the time that she started her gruelling fitness regiman, and now she wishes being fit to having a good fornication life. “At the commencement of 2016, I did almost no exert. I went out boozing, experienced lazy weekends, had admirers and a health perversion life, ” she said. “I wasn’t depressed, but I felt like I didn’t have any hobbies.” “One morning, on a impulse, I decided to join the nearby House of Pain boxing gym. I was uneasy, but when I left I was so full of energy, I couldn’t just waiting do it again.” “Exercising is nows like anti-retroviral remedies to me. Within weeks. I was improving twice a span for two hours each age, five or six days per week. I still do that now.” “It’s 100 percentage endeavor civilize with sums, sparring and cardio. Boxing isn’t a sporting you do by halves. I is also difficult to tie my shoe laces after I have finished a hearing, let alone should be considered fornication. I used to have admirers, but they moved their course.” “Now I don’t have time to meet humen. I have recognized I don’t need a relationship or copulation to be happy. I cost freedom and fitness more than I theorized possible. My relation life now is a dim and remote memory.” “I hope that if I ever want to, I can reduce the strength of my training and then get my libido back. But I’m not inconvenienced now.” “I’ve had a couple of short-lived circumstances since I started improving but rapidly I’ve been ceased since they are ideology I was carrying, as I did not want to have sex all the time.” “I have been crowned Miss Fitness Inspiration UK, which entails more to me than any period of sex.” It’s no secret that some people have far higher sex drives than others. Prior to get fit, the next daughter interviewed was get down and soiled almost every night of the week. Now she’s not had fornication in months … The at commencing from a relationship is exciting, and it’s often when couples have the most immorality. Scrutinizing your partner’s party and getting to know their likes and furies is extremely important if such relationships got to go last-place. So it simply discerned sense that 25 -year-old Milly Mahoney’s partner, 26 -year-old Manny Tankov, knew prevented when her libido pitched after she reached the gym after previously having sexuality almost every night of the week. Her extreme dedication to fitness is now putting a real strain on their relationship. “I recollect understanding a friend’s washboard gut on vacation three years ago and thinking, ‘ I want that.’ I’d done a little bit of legislating before, but knew I had to punched the heaviness to get the body I missed. So I met a gym.” “Five or six days a week I detect as hard as I can for two hours, to the point of fatigue. When Manny comes on to me, relation is the latest region I pray as I’m subdued. I push away his hands. He’s visibly thwarted and takes a few minutes to calm down.” “Before I started improving I would have sex at the very least five days a week, which seems strange now. I’m likewise obsessive about my diet, weighing every last gram of protein or carbs- which means we do not absorb takeaways together or have appointment nighttimes in eateries. I’ve been with Manny for 18 months and he understands how much I affection working out- it was my physique that first allured him.” “I’m training for a bikini dissension, and we haven’t had copulation for 2 month. I guess it’s a little bit like giving up boozing for a few months – you recognise how much better “youre feeling”, then when it comes to the end of the month, you wonder if you actually implore a concoction at all anymore.” “I experience phenomenal and is so great. No quantity of perversion outdistances that.” Whilst sex is an important part of a relationship, it’s not the only thing which saves two beings together. You could have the best adultery of their own lives with being, but be unable to hold a respectable exchange with them … Stacey Boyce securely is therefore of the view that her join can stand the test of her extreme fitness sovereignty, although she is acknowledged that if often leaves her just tired to even snuggle with her traitor. Building as a powwow administrator in a city 50 miles from her home was essential for her dawns start at 5 am so she can reached the gym, and she often mentions herself going to sleep after midnight- which has resulted in there’s no time for infidelity. “I have been qualifying really hard down at the gym since 2014. While I affection it and wouldn’t change a rubbish, it gets harder each year. I’m in the gym most day of the week, and my diet is so closely detected, it has become totally addictive for me.” “I have been with my husband, Mark, for six years old, and thankfully he also works in the fitness construct. He understands the course I am, to a certain extent, but the strain on our relationship is massive.” “Before I started with all the gym specified, it was totally different between the two of us. We would have sex at the very least three times a week. Now, sometimes we don’t talk for days- and having copulation even once a few months is a push.” “My libido is non-existent. I know I’m asking a lot from my organisation by promoting massive onus and sometimes I can’t even nuzzle. Every single muscle in my being soreness, clearing copulation exclusively out of the question.” “I’m wearied all the time, and when I’m speaking hard, I have hard pecs instead of tit, so clearly don’t ordeal at all attractive or feminine.” “I get so concentrate on myself, perpetually checking my loading, calibrating constitution flab, weighing nutrient and training for endless hours. I know it’s mighty selfish to behave in this way. But that’s how I became a 2015 British UK Ultimate Physiques Bikini Champion.” “Of course, masculinity is natural and fascinating. But if you are in a fond and understanding occasion, the sin can wait.” Personally, I’d be willing to sacrifice the amount of season I spent in the gym to the purposes of a relationship. After all , no rapport is without accommodation, and abundance of people who reached the gym are still able to have health virility lives. What do you think of these women? Would you be willing to give up gluttony in the work of the perfect being?

The post Meet The Women Who Would Rather Have A Perfect Body Than Sex appeared first on apsbicepstraining.com.

from WordPress http://ift.tt/2z4FYhP via IFTTT

[apsbicepstraining]

Meet The Women Who Would Rather Have A Perfect Body Than Sex

Sex is an essential part of a caring rapport. When one or both parties decide that they no longer wishes to get wise on, such relationships can often come apart. In report, virility is quoted as the weigh length 1 reasons for long-term couples break up.

Whilst it is normal to go through dry incantations, most pairs are willing to throw in a little bit additional endeavor in the bedroom to get happens steamy again. Even though it’s inevitable that they will have less sexuality as such relationships goes on, it shouldn’t stop entirely. Appearances are more important than ever in 2017, and several beings go to extreme sections in order is still in peak physical representation. Nonetheless, it is about to change that there are a number of parties out there who are now relinquishing adultery for the perfect torso. Logic might prescribe that the fitter “you think youre”, the more masculinity you will have, but the University of North Carolina has been demonstrated that extreme hire governments can kill a person’s sex drive. What’s more is the fact that it happens practically instantaneously. For obvious rationales, expending too much age at the gym reason beings to become too tired to get frisky in the bedroom. But situations of extreme work authority likewise ground an under-functioning pituitary gland, which translates into low levels of testosterone and estrogen. Women, including with regard to, are susceptible to the side effects of applying too much. We required a certain period of being flab for our reproduction systems to function. Without it, we’re unable to have children, and this leads to the absence of a sex drive. Four female fitness maniacs lately opened up about how the gym has affected their lust lives, and their rebuttals are offending to say the least. After reading about its own experience, you’ll be forgiving yourself for having that additional cheat daytime … Twenty-five year old-fashioned Nikki Harvey demonstrates that whilst her hard core utilization government has improved her cheerfulnes and wellbeing, it is unable to lead to the end of her long-term relation with her 26 -year-old partner Jordan Burgess, a personal lecturer. “In the autumn of 2014, I was a length 16, liquor, smoking, living off junk food and generally fairly sorry, ” Harvey said. “One night I obligated Jordan and we swiftly became an item.” “He’s a rugby musician and he caught me exclaiming to myself in my bedroom when I couldn’t will be incorporated into my width 14 expends. He told me anyone can veering “peoples lives” around and encouraged me to get health and take up fitness and bodybuilding.” “I signed up for a 14 -week intensive pulpit, pushing me harder than I ever dreamed possible. I cherished every second. Every gram of folly heavines was stripped from my organization- better than any faddy diet.”

“I now prepares every morning at 5:30 am for two hours, then do an hour’s cardio every evening.” “It rightfully impacts on my concept. I haven’t been participating in a appointment darknes with Jordan since January, and my libido has vanished.” “Right now I have zero sex drive so Jordan and I haven’t well-developed fervor for 2 month. Jordan hates it, but he knows it’s not because I don’t fancy him. I enjoy my read so much better that two months ago I quit my job to do it full time.” “In April I came second in the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation National Finals and is eligible for three international championships.” “My libido might be gone, but I seem most effective and am now so much better healthier. I plainly hopes that Jordan will stick by me without sex.” Unlike Harvey , nonetheless, the next interviewee has stopped having relation wholly and believes that her brand-new behavior is worthwhile … Gabriella Prior, who is just 22 years old, said that she has not had fornication in over 18 months. She last-place got it on around the time that she started her gruelling fitness regiman, and now she wishes being fit to having a good fornication life. “At the commencement of 2016, I did almost no exert. I went out boozing, experienced lazy weekends, had admirers and a health perversion life, ” she said. “I wasn’t depressed, but I felt like I didn’t have any hobbies.” “One morning, on a impulse, I decided to join the nearby House of Pain boxing gym. I was uneasy, but when I left I was so full of energy, I couldn’t just waiting do it again.” “Exercising is nows like anti-retroviral remedies to me. Within weeks. I was improving twice a span for two hours each age, five or six days per week. I still do that now.” “It’s 100 percentage endeavor civilize with sums, sparring and cardio. Boxing isn’t a sporting you do by halves. I is also difficult to tie my shoe laces after I have finished a hearing, let alone should be considered fornication. I used to have admirers, but they moved their course.” “Now I don’t have time to meet humen. I have recognized I don’t need a relationship or copulation to be happy. I cost freedom and fitness more than I theorized possible. My relation life now is a dim and remote memory.” “I hope that if I ever want to, I can reduce the strength of my training and then get my libido back. But I’m not inconvenienced now.” “I’ve had a couple of short-lived circumstances since I started improving but rapidly I’ve been ceased since they are ideology I was carrying, as I did not want to have sex all the time.” “I have been crowned Miss Fitness Inspiration UK, which entails more to me than any period of sex.” It’s no secret that some people have far higher sex drives than others. Prior to get fit, the next daughter interviewed was get down and soiled almost every night of the week. Now she’s not had fornication in months … The at commencing from a relationship is exciting, and it’s often when couples have the most immorality. Scrutinizing your partner’s party and getting to know their likes and furies is extremely important if such relationships got to go last-place. So it simply discerned sense that 25 -year-old Milly Mahoney’s partner, 26 -year-old Manny Tankov, knew prevented when her libido pitched after she reached the gym after previously having sexuality almost every night of the week. Her extreme dedication to fitness is now putting a real strain on their relationship. “I recollect understanding a friend’s washboard gut on vacation three years ago and thinking, ‘ I want that.’ I’d done a little bit of legislating before, but knew I had to punched the heaviness to get the body I missed. So I met a gym.” “Five or six days a week I detect as hard as I can for two hours, to the point of fatigue. When Manny comes on to me, relation is the latest region I pray as I’m subdued. I push away his hands. He’s visibly thwarted and takes a few minutes to calm down.” “Before I started improving I would have sex at the very least five days a week, which seems strange now. I’m likewise obsessive about my diet, weighing every last gram of protein or carbs- which means we do not absorb takeaways together or have appointment nighttimes in eateries. I’ve been with Manny for 18 months and he understands how much I affection working out- it was my physique that first allured him.” “I’m training for a bikini dissension, and we haven’t had copulation for 2 month. I guess it’s a little bit like giving up boozing for a few months – you recognise how much better “youre feeling”, then when it comes to the end of the month, you wonder if you actually implore a concoction at all anymore.” “I experience phenomenal and is so great. No quantity of perversion outdistances that.” Whilst sex is an important part of a relationship, it’s not the only thing which saves two beings together. You could have the best adultery of their own lives with being, but be unable to hold a respectable exchange with them … Stacey Boyce securely is therefore of the view that her join can stand the test of her extreme fitness sovereignty, although she is acknowledged that if often leaves her just tired to even snuggle with her traitor. Building as a powwow administrator in a city 50 miles from her home was essential for her dawns start at 5 am so she can reached the gym, and she often mentions herself going to sleep after midnight- which has resulted in there’s no time for infidelity. “I have been qualifying really hard down at the gym since 2014. While I affection it and wouldn’t change a rubbish, it gets harder each year. I’m in the gym most day of the week, and my diet is so closely detected, it has become totally addictive for me.” “I have been with my husband, Mark, for six years old, and thankfully he also works in the fitness construct. He understands the course I am, to a certain extent, but the strain on our relationship is massive.” “Before I started with all the gym specified, it was totally different between the two of us. We would have sex at the very least three times a week. Now, sometimes we don’t talk for days- and having copulation even once a few months is a push.” “My libido is non-existent. I know I’m asking a lot from my organisation by promoting massive onus and sometimes I can’t even nuzzle. Every single muscle in my being soreness, clearing copulation exclusively out of the question.” “I’m wearied all the time, and when I’m speaking hard, I have hard pecs instead of tit, so clearly don’t ordeal at all attractive or feminine.” “I get so concentrate on myself, perpetually checking my loading, calibrating constitution flab, weighing nutrient and training for endless hours. I know it’s mighty selfish to behave in this way. But that’s how I became a 2015 British UK Ultimate Physiques Bikini Champion.” “Of course, masculinity is natural and fascinating. But if you are in a fond and understanding occasion, the sin can wait.” Personally, I’d be willing to sacrifice the amount of season I spent in the gym to the purposes of a relationship. After all , no rapport is without accommodation, and abundance of people who reached the gym are still able to have health virility lives. What do you think of these women? Would you be willing to give up gluttony in the work of the perfect being?

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