#i mentioned before that golden hour has a very childish quality to it. and that misha has that childish quality.

[netaro--yowa]

YAYYY MISHA THEME!!!

MISHA 💖💓🩷❤️💕💖💓🩷💖❤️💖💓💓💖🩷💓

[yukiwrites]

Sothis, Discovering

Thanks for the support as always, @xpegasusuniverse! This was so fun to write, I hope you like it!

Summary: After being spontaneously summoned to Askrs alongside Byleth, Sothis is guided to Commander Anna’s office to receive a proper explanation. Or at least to help crack the mystery of both her existence and her unexpected summon. The House Leaders listen in to every word, of course.

Commission info HERE and HERE!

______________________________

Part 1 - Part 2

The walk to Commander Anna's office was mostly coated in silence, especially after Alfonse managed to drag Sharena away before she started making an even bigger fuss about it all.

Regardless, the Commander took a seat behind her desk as Kiran set out to enter the hidden door behind a bookshelf to fetch some documents -- apparently, only the two of them and the Crown Prince of Askr knew of that secret room as well as all that lay inside.

Byleth observed the Summoner scramble in, then kept watching the open door until he left once again, while Sothis stared at Anna in unquiet confusion.

Kiran knew which books to bring, purposely leaving out four of them -- they were blue, red, golden and silver-colored -- due to the sensitive content written inside. He brought out a large tome and two thinner volumes, though he left them out of the two Heroes' grasp, placing them in front of the Commander instead.

"I think a forced Summon had ever happened in the past, to be honest," Anna confessed as she browsed one of the thinner books. "If I weren't there, I don't think I would've believed."

"So you've explained to us that this world has many unique qualities." Sothis tapped on the armrest of her chair. "Is it the reason why I am tangible? If this lad there," she lifted her nose to Kiran, "knew who I was with just a glance, I can assume you all know how this is all virtually impossible. I do not have a body."

"And yet," Byleth poked Sothis' cheek, receiving a hiss and slap on the hand in response. "You're no less tangible than when you first arrived. You even fell on your behind." He commented, unfazed by the slap, simply smoothing it over with his other hand.

"Ugh. Do not keep reminding me of my ungracefulness. This is beside the point, besides." She turned from her mindmate to the askrian duo. "Are you telling me that your world is capable of gathering all that I am into a body? This should not be conceivable."

"Well, we've got all sorts of Heroes here, honestly. Some were derived by someone else's dream made into reality, so I wouldn't think too much into it if I were you -- if only to preserve your sanity." Anna replied with a tired sigh, clearly having had her share of racking her brain about this issue on more than one occasion. "What I'm concerned about is how Breidablik was able to pull you into Askr without being prompted to."

Sothis and Byleth exchanged glances. "She was living inside my head, if that helps. Maybe when I was summoned, she was pulled in, as well?"

Kiran was browsing the larger tome as they spoke, his hand placed over his chin. "Yeah, I also thought that was the case, so I came to look into this..." He then muttered something under his breath. "Commander, take a look at this." He bent over to show Anna the particular passage.

Once she read it, both of them raised their glances to Sothis, then their eyes fell to Byleth.

Anna rose from her seat. "I think we should speak with Sothis alone for now, Professor. If you would?" She gestured to the door behind the both of them, stealing a couple of confused glances from the both of them.

"Alright." Byleth ultimately concurred, patting Sothis' head once he was out of her reach and smirking once he heard her clicking her tongue in annoyance. He stepped out of the room only to find the three House Leaders loitering about, pretending not to look at the door.

Edelgard was even whistling.

Byleth raised his brow after he closed the door behind him. "What are all of you doing?"

"C'mon, Teach, move, move!" Claude whispered gravely, manhandling Byleth away from the door so he could glue his ear on it. Edelgard used her short height to shuffle under the Alliance lord, peeking into the keyhole while Dimitri covered his face with embarrassment and leaned on the door beside Claude.

Byleth now raised his nose. "I should ask again, but I suppose it's pretty obvious."

"F-forgive us, Professor. We were simply overcome with curiosity-"

"Shh, Dimitri! They're talking again." Edelgard slapped Dimitri's calf without taking her eye from the scene inside the keyhole, receiving Claude's snort right over her hair.

The Professor crossed his arms and switched his weight to another leg as he processed the silly scene in front of him. But it all only lasted a minute before he, too, positioned himself beside Dimitri to glue his ear into the door to listen in.

"First, I need to confirm something." Anna's muffled voice sounded from behind the door. "From what I can gather, you have no memories."

Sothis sighed, leaning more and more on the backrest. "Indeed; I have only a vague sense of self and a perpetual dread that follows my every waking hour."

Edelgard could see Kiran and Anna exchanging glances, obviously pondering on whether or not to disclose the information they had.

Dimitri and Byleth had to squint to concentrate to be able to listen to Kiran's mutterings, though Claude heard it mostly clearly.

"Should we tell her? I'm not sure at which point in time she came from, but it's something she'll know, anyway...."

"Yes, but we're never sure if once their ties to Askr are cut they'll retain their memories or just reset back into how they were before they were summoned." Anna replied in a tone just as low, under the scrutinized gaze of Sothis.

"Out with it, you two! If it is something in regards to who I am, I have the right to know!" She slammed her hands on the chair, crossing her legs over it to bend her body forward.

It wasn't very intimidating if one could be completely honest, but since the two of them held the knowledge of what was going to happen to her in the future, they felt doubly as bad for withholding the information.

"I'm gonna tell her, Commander." Kiran stepped up beside Anna, who simply sighed and nodded in compliance. "Sothis, did you know that you share the name with the goddess of your continent?"

Byleth and Sothis both gasped, though the three lords remained largely unmoved.

"What, you didn't know, Teach? You even called her by her name and everything."

"Was this common knowledge? How could I have not known about this?" Byleth looked from Dimitri to Claude (seeing as Edelgard was largely out of his point of view, crouching right under the Alliance house leader as she was) seeking an answer.

"It is rather blasphemous to refer to the goddess by her given name, so it's not really disclosed by word of the mouth." Dimitri replied quietly. "Since you weren't instructed in the Church's ways, it is no wonder you do not know, Professor."

"Which makes this a really interesting situation: Either this girl's parents were really ballsy to name her as The One Who Should Not Be Named," he joked with his tone, "or she's really the goddess incarnate, which, honestly, wouldn't be much out of place in this world."

"You mentioned that she was living inside your head just a few minutes ago, Professor," Edelgard commented from her quiet spot, "so we are to believe that she is, indeed, the goddess of Fódlan, are we not?"

Byleth pressed his lips into a thin line, not wanting to reveal Sothis' secrets, though also wanting to know them himself. "I suppose so. We both were looking for answers as the reason why she was stuck with me in the first place."

"Most interesting." Edelgard replied while Dimitri and Claude nodded.

From inside the room, Anna, Kiran and Sothis talked about her abilities -- how would she be able to contribute to Askr as a Hero? Especially since back in Fódlan, the most she could manage to do was lend her power to Byleth.

They discovered that, apart from looking like them, she also shared the draconic trait with the many manaketes that were summoned before her. Although she needed no stone to transform like most of them, she could, indeed, harness some power from within her soul AND forgotten memories to attack the enemy while being vulnerable to dragon-slaying weapons.

Edelgard nodded in a knowing way, making connections that flew over the three men's heads while adding a few more lines to her future plans. She then blinked once Sothis got up from her seat and looked at her straight in the eye.

"It seems we were caught." The princess sighed, shaking her head to get up.

"Did you honestly think," Sothis started talking to the door before opening, her previously muffled voice now fully reaching their ears, "that you were being conspicuous?! And to think YOU joined them as well, Byleth. Tsk." She walked past the youths to her mindmate, jabing him right between the ribs.

She might get used to this short height if it meant being close to so many weak points.

Byleth reacted with an 'oof', massaging the stricken spot with a pained face.

"Now, do the three of you have any other use apart from eavesdropping? Perhaps you could be so kind as to show us around? As you've heard, Commander Anna will still prepare our chambers so we have some time to kill."

"Honestly, I shine in both listening in and showing people around, so allow me, O Mighty One." Claude bowed playfully, receiving a kick in the shin in response.

"I might really like having a real body." Sothis snickered as she walked beside Byleth, leaving Claude to hop on one leg while massaging the other.

"You know, you really not what I imagined that the Goddess would look like." He taunted once again, managing to limp beside the group as they made their way out of the main building towards the training grounds.

Sothis crossed her arms in a childish manner, though that was all she could do inside that small frame of hers. "Oh?! And what IS a goddess supposed to look like, even if I WERE this one you're all talking about?!"

Edelgard snickered as she looked away while Dimitri scratched the back of his head. Claude guffawed, pointing towards a corner that led to the central garden.

"Like that, at the very least, c'mon."

Four pairs of eyes followed Claude's finger, finding themselves staring right at the most graceful being they have ever had the pleasure to see. She sat under a tree, her hair and scales fluttering in the wind as though she belonged perfectly in all that was nature and beauty. She shared some general traits with Sothis -- with what green hair and pointy ears -- but everything else was largely different.

They were looking at Mila.

Sothis puffed her cheeks, immediately stepping onto Claude's foot, then hunting his other foot as he ran backwards while cackling loudly. "What do you mean by that?! I do not see SUCH a difference between us?! We share the same traits!"

"HAH! Oh boy, I'm gonna LOVE if you're really the Goddess of Fódlan! The scandal, the drama!" Claude's laughter kept on getting louder and louder as Sothis failed to step on his foot again, their game of kitten and dog amusing the remaining trio.

Edelgard giggled under her hand. "Oh, you don't know the least of it..."

[leanarg]

((Warning!: I might have let my imagination run a little too freely haha but I think it’s not so bad... Hope you enjoy reading it and then please forget about it ;P  Thanks! <3 [5.4K] ))

Practice Challenge Sense of duty

Everything was gray. Everything always is at this hour of the day. Dozens of messy draft notes on my desk waiting to be finished, but I knew if I turned even for a second I could miss this.

I stared into the rising sun in the distance, it looks as if an enormous golden eye was spying on us. It’s rays somehow starting to paint the sky of soothing lavender and brilliant amber colors that reflected on every building tall enough to escape the shadows; fortunately, The Globe building qualified among them.

It’s not like I owned the building or anything but just being able to work here has always -since last year- made me feel a sort of pride, and looking out at the city at dawn while the strong smell of coffee flooded the entire office, has become a special habit of mine to reinforce that feeling.

While traffic sounds managed to filter from outside through the thick, fancy glass of the building I’ve always found it hard to fight the childish impulse to try to spot any delivery truck among all the vehicles that look so small from up here. Our bulldog edition was printed and sold to the distributors the previous night to be out first thing in the morning and by now the Daily should be already in the stands, stores, and even at the front doors of our subscribers for them to know what’s going on in this and other countries. Like a window to the world. It makes the long process worthwhile.

That’s right, physic solid newspapers. I sighed. What I wouldn’t do to see my name printed on a broadsheet, under the tailpiece of a “hard news” story and announced on the first-page headline. That’s the dream, The goal.

But surprisingly, in that particular moment, all those thoughts were replaced by something else.

Herson Grant, editor in chief of The Globe - or like I call him, dad -summoned us to give us “off the record” information. We got the news we all, in some way, knew they were coming. Illèa’s prince had reached the age required to have a selection and since his scandalous engagement brake off last year, the country was expectant. There hadn’t been an official announcement yet, but as press, we had our sources.

We were told to be prepared for the changes this big event would signify for the newspaper. Of course, as soon as the selection starts, or even before, the complete broadsheets will be covered by it. From “Business” to “Society” and of course “Politics”.

The Selection was important for every Illéa citizen in one way or another, that was made clear years ago by the general shock caused by the news of Queen Anjali canceling hers. I remembered reading about it on some old newspaper editions. The country was divided; some, supported her demonstration of independence and capacity to make decisions even against what's expected, and others organized strikes to show their discontent.

I thought Her Majesty’s decision might have some selfishness in it, considering a lot of people were affected by it, but when it comes to putting duty and love on the same scale…  

Is choosing love selfish?

I wasn’t the most capable person to answer that question, considering that every guy I’d dated in college had ended up in horrible disappointments.

“You definitely have a thing for jerks, Lea” Liv said to me once before suggesting I should date the guys I would never even consider dating, as a solution, but honestly I preferred to focus on my career and all the things I wanted to achieve professionally.

That way the only one who could disappoint me is myself. And I wasn’t going to let that happen.

The news of the upcoming event was circling my head, causing uncertainty and anticipation feelings inside. As an entertainment reporter and writer on the digital platform of The Globe, this whole thing was going to give me a lot of work to do. The public would want to know everything. And I would have to know about dresses, sponsors, twos applying, twos not applying and

If I listen carefully I will be able to hear the crashing sound of all those famous relationships breaking. I laughed for myself.

I might have been joking about it, but my brain was already listing the prospects and the interviews I would have to schedule in the next few weeks. But, my mind went even further this time, I caught it considering an application. I wouldn’t have to write about gossips and chatter but most of all, the idea of taking part in one of the most important events of our time suddenly sounded incredibly appealing.  

All the lives, all the stories. The real stories.

My curiosity was taking control.

“Leana.” I recognized the annoyed voice behind me, interrupting my thoughts.

“Yes, Rita.” I turned, her exasperated face didn’t surprise me.

Rita was my editor, one of the several ones around here, she was in charge of the digital side of The Global, more specifically the “socials” department. She was a non-natural blond, middle-aged woman, and not very fond of me.

“Just came from the upper floor, the boss wants to see you.”

I smiled on the inside. Her common ways with me used to be unsettling a year ago but with time they had become somehow amusing for me. “Can I just mention, that new tone of yellow on your hair... compliments your skin tone?” I said, keeping the overdue polite tone, but always careful of not giving any hint of sarcasm.

She had a slight moment of content on her face but then she switched for a glare. “Didn’t you hear me?”

I snickered, I had an appointment for an interview and no time to get on further with the teasing.  “I do, but…” I frowned and stopped to check my watch, my eyes widened at the hour. My father was always aware of my exact work schedule, so it didn’t make sense he was sending for me when he knew I wasn’t even supposed to be here anymore.

I started, more to myself than to her. “That’s strange, my dad knew-”

“No, girl, I’m talking about the real boss.” She interrupted me with an amused expression. Of course, she had intentionally hidden that little detail to mock me.

I wonder how she knew I wasn’t going to tell my father about her using the words “real boss” in that sentence. He would definitely take it as a disrespect to the position he had earned with years of work. Though some might think it wasn’t that hard for him.

During his time as a reporter, he had given Maxwell Loyd, - the head chief, and owner of the editorial-, a lot of profits with his excellent nose for scandals and exclusives.

Unlike me, my father used to have his vocation among the showbiz world. He’d got a certain charm, the eloquence to talk and enchant people, so the celebrities used to spill the whole tea about their personal lives and relationships to him, just like that. Probably that same irresistible charm was what made my mom fall for him.

I know, more than a charm sounds like a superpower.  

 Anyhow, I didn’t think the later discredited his achievements. I liked to think I have inherited some of it, but the society and entertainment world were not the kind of journalism I’d dreamt to do and I wasn’t planning to keep doing it.

“Coffee?” Mr. Loyd offered with serious countenance. I had been sitting in front of his desk for almost 5 minutes and he hadn’t said anything. He was just walking around his office moving papers from one place to another, then plugging his laptop and doing what seemed to be his daily routine in his incredibly fancy office. Meanwhile I was following him with my eyes, as if by staring, I could somehow make the words burst out. I cleaned my throat before, “I appreciate your offer, Sir… I wonder if you had considered my request?” I asked, daring to guess this whole thing was about the proposal I had sent days ago attached to several reports of stories I had been investigating. They were not finished, but I knew that with the support of the editorial office, more specifically,  its resources I could find the missing pieces and they would be ready to publish. On paper. Because they were worthy of it. He leaned forward supporting both of his arms on his desk and I could swear I saw a little smirk on his face. “I have read it, Miss Grant, but you are here because the selection is almost here and as a writer of entertainment on the digital platform I wanted to know about your plans to cover everything related to it. Of course he did.

My shoulders slumped and I bet my face showed all my disappointment. “Well, I already have a list of the twos that I think would be participating …” He reclined on his comfortable chair, pensative. “I was thinking about more original content.” Before I could answer anything he added, “have you considered applying?” “Excuse me?” Was he suggesting what I think he was suggesting?

“I mean, as a young Illéan citizen it’s only natural that you want to give it a shot.” He shrugged innocently. “I just wanted to know how many people I can count on, during that time.” The suggestive tone hadn’t left his voice. “Even to know when to schedule a meeting to talk about your interesting proposal.” So that’s where his smirk came from. I swallowed my surprise and played along. “The idea crossed my mind when we were informed this morning, but I have projects here that I’m not sure I would want to put on hold. So, nothing is decided.” I gave him what I hoped was a short relaxed smile. “Miss Grant, you are quite a smart girl.” He sighed. “I rely on your discretion about this.” It wasn’t even a question. He left from his seat and I followed him to the door. “One thing, I had an appointment to interview Gerald Ross, I was supposed to be there now.” I checked my clock again. “Don’t worry about it, I sent someone to replace you.” With a short nod he closed the door behind me.

I stayed there for some seconds, taking everything in. This floor had a stronger smell of coffee, surely it was from a better quality.

I didn’t know what to feel. Should I’ve been feeling angry? Insulted? Then why was I considering it?

No! I was already doing that before this conversation happened. I thought, trying to reassure myself and to bury my ambition.

I looked around coming to my senses, everyone was focused on work, the sound of their fingers typing on the keyboards resounded on this floor level as they did on all the others, luckily no one had seen me there, standing like an idiot. Except for...

My eyes spotted my dad walking towards me, with a smile in his eyes.

“Miss Grant, I was informed you were in a meeting. Is there a problem?”

My father and I had a strange strategy to keep the professional talk during our work hours and the father and daughter moments at home, but honestly we almost never succeeded.

“I rely on your discretion about this” I remembered the boss’ words.

“Uh, yeah-no… It was about a proposal I sent Mr. Loyd” I chose to answer, doing too many hand gestures. I always have always hated that horrible habit of mine. I looked up at my dad and I noticed the unmistakable guilt all over his face. I frowned, as my brain connected the dots. “You have been talking with him about my proposal, didn’t you?” “Miss Grant...” He said with a warning glare. He didn’t want to do this now, not in front of his subordinates. I didn’t want to make a scene either, I had a professional reputation to maintain too, and almost everyone in the building already thought I had gotten my job only because of my father’s position.

I’ve had to live my life proving myself to them, to my exes, to my boss and even to my dad.

I clenched my jaw. “I should have known it.” My words were full of anger but I kept the steady tone. My father and I had a beautiful relationship, we understood each other, we supported each other, except that he had never wanted me to change the entertainment journalism for the hard news. And I just had found out that he not only didn’t support my dream but he probably had prevented it from happening. And maybe this wasn’t the first time, I had sent letters and requests to the boss more than once. He remained silent, but his expression was almost apologetic.  

“I have work to do.” I said after calling the lift.

Back in my workplace, the sky at the other side of the glass had lost its colorful tones to show a light tone of blue. I could sense a headache coming, but the dress wrapped in plastic and delivered to my desk was a reminder that I didn’t have the time to be miserable. My mother had helped me to choose it the previous day and we asked the store to send it here today. The thought of my mother made me want to call her and vent about all the thoughts that were  bothering me, Virginia Grant was the only mediator that had always been able to fix any argument between me and my dad.

“How could you marry him?... I mean, you were a two!” I asked her one day.

She smiled. She knew I didn’t mean it. It was one of those exasperating times when you can only remember the negative things about a person, and even make a long list of them. Of course my mother had a list on her own, but hers was completely opposite from mine. She loved my dad but based on my experiences, that kind of love was something I was far to understand.

The call would have been a delay as well, so I picked the dress, my backpack and headed to the bathroom to get ready.

The dress was black and long, without my high heels its border would sweep the floor. Elegant enough to make me feel pretty but somehow simple and comfortable with hidden pockets at its sides for my pen and journal. Ideal to go around covering an event from the red carpet until the last two would leave the party.

For a moment I wished I was the kind of girl that brightens with a nice outfit, but I had a lot to think about and a headache, with nothing but my professionalism to hold on to.

I checked my reflection on the mirror a couple of times before a couple of ’dings' on my cell phone announcing a message.

“YEAH YEAH YOU LOOK DECENT, LET’S GOOO!”

I walked outside to the busy city, the honking of cars and the strolling people; just an ordinary day. The sun rays and clear sky forced me to squint and narrow my eyes, but even then I could easily spot Harris' wild long curls tied on a small ponytail back at his neck. He was facing the street, but looking down at his camera screen, probably getting it ready for the upcoming red carpet.

Photographers gadgets is probably the only topic I avoided asking about since that one time I dared to inquire about camera settings. He gave me a complete lecture about all the tools that could be used to fix the light before taking a picture, and I ended up more clueless than before. 

“Wow!... no one can ruin a nice dress like you do, boss”  He said when he turned around. 

 I rolled my eyes “Says the boy with the twisted bowtie” We had to speak up so our voices didn’t get lost among the noise surrounding us, but beside that, my tone sounded more harsh than intended. 

Harris and I had been working together since we both entered The Globe editorial office. He was assigned to be my assistant photographer, and he was a great one. We made a good team at the beginning and after a year I would say we had become good friends. He’s always mocking about how everyone hates me for my last name and I mock him for ...being him. 

He let his camera hang from his neck and fidgeted with his bowtie trying to fix it. “Hmm… I guess the meeting didn’t go well”

I turned my head almost too quickly at his remark. “Which meeting?” “You all reporters had a meeting this morning, right? You texted me about it.” He frowned, I wasn’t sure if it was because he had noticed something was going on or because he was giving up on making his bowtie look presentable. 

“Oh, yes that one. It was to-” I massaged my forehead slightly “to confirm Prince Arin is sending application letters before long, so the selection will happen” 

He shrugged. “I already see all the extra work complaints coming” he said sarcastically. 

He knew I was always working on not assigned notes and sometimes I dared to drag him into helping me, even when that was not included on his paycheck. 

But right now he had no idea what he was talking about and I couldn’t tell him; even if I could, he would have started to ask questions I wouldn’t have been able to answer. Besides, I hadn't made my decision yet. I scoffed a laugh. “Come on, let’s find the Vespa before we both lose our jobs for being late to the PET gala.” “Well, my charm would have to do.” He shrugged looking down at his still twisted bowtie. “It won’t.”

When we arrived at the old Festerman mansion the place was already bursting with energy. The large carpet was placed across the garden and part of the street. The celebrities hadn’t arrived yet and the fanatics were being held somewhere waiting for the time they could access their special place closer to their idols, even when it was too early we could listen to their cheering screams from time to time which I guess were more for them to bear the waiting than to anyone else.

Cast, crew and the carpet runners were coming and going from one place to another taking care of last details and keeping the order among the press people; always being careful not to step on the soft fabric on the floor, otherwise it’s bright striking red tone would turn into crimson before the guests’ arrival.

The media pen was already open so after parking my yellow Vespa we quicken our step towards our designed slot. Along my first year as a reporter I had to make important acquaintances and no matter what other people could say the most important ones are not the celebrities but the backstage people, the ones that could be invisible for the majority and essential at the same time. 

“Tom!” I shouted and waved when I spotted the red carpet runner. He was in charge of supervising the press on several red carpet events. 

We’d met once at the Angeles movie awards, he blocked my way when I wanted to get close to Serena Davis but I took an expensive pin off my hair and convinced him she had dropped it and she would want it back. It was one of those times I felt even more thankful for my grandmother’s fancy presents. Of course he got mad when he saw me doing an interview almost in the middle of the carpet but his attitude changed as soon as I started to interview him to do a behind the scenes article.

Actually, it turned out to be a success.

“The new guys!” He greeted us. “Who do you want me to send your way this time?” hHe asked. Our colleagues at our sides, stopped arranging their things for a moment and gave us a glance, we pretended we didn’t notice. “Umm, Angelina Brown, Meryl Miller, Brady Tylor… I think Lin Yang has some drama going on right now and the Lane-Cadwell couple would be great, if you can He let out a long whistle. “The couple would be hard but I will see what I can do.” He fixed his eyes on Harris' neck and pointed. “Your bowtie is all … wrong.”

“Harder than Estelle Dawson?” Harris asked with a smirk, leaning on the structure that was keeping us at the edge of the carpet ignoring completely Tom’s observation. 

“Don’t be ridiculous.” I scolded. It was not that my grandmother was hard to reach as the celebrity that she was but she would never, under any circumstances, get close to me while I’m on duty. 

She still hated my father for stealing her daughter and resented my mother for marrying a three, but she seemed to be fond of me and my baby brother. At least that’s what I felt when she made us visit her at her home. She used to send the limo just for the two of us. Tom looked confused at our talk so he just excused himself and left to continue with his chores. 

“Light test!” Harris let out suddenly. He always used to say that when he needed me to turn to the camera to take me a picture, it helped him to prove if it was set correctly according to the lights in the place. I tried to smile a little for it. 

“So, I need an update... and the plan,” he continued casually, while he took a look at my recently taken picture. 

Harris and I were sent to cover the PET event, interviewing the celebrities and updating the people live on the newspaper's new blog. I asked him to capture a moment or person with his camera and sent it to my cell phone then I posted it with a caption and the people enjoyed the content from the comfort of their houses. It wasn’t so bad, but I had other motives. 

The host of the massive PET event, Lanna Winster was a splendid, exotic retired actress; lovely to the public eyes; generous. She had the enough power, connections and money to organize this traditional gala to raise money for the animal shelter Paw-Prints animal shelter. Of course, her friends and celebrities adore, and support her. When you googled her name you could find an infinite amount of pictures of her posing with all kinds of lovely animals. 

We had the honor to meet her for a short interview a few months ago at one of her luxurious mansions for the newspaper’s blog. Not even at the most prestigious hotel we were treated that well. Harris was desperate to come back for a second interview someday. For me, she was only a wealthy woman doing some good with her loose change. 

My real job started when rumors started circulating around the office. An  anonymous source had seen talking with the main organizer of some sort of hunting convention. Everyone was shocked with the news but in absence of evidence we couldn’t make anything public. I spend a lot of time searching documents, watching her old interviews, and reading information on antique papers. I even swallowed my disgust and tried to apply for the hunting convention myself, but applications were closed until next year. 

Who would think that murderers were that organized?

I didn’t have anything, until a few weeks ago The Globe received a press invitation for the PET gala, we were informed it had been moved to the old Festerman mansion, which seemed very unusual. 

National events with that level of importance always took place in Angeles; and the old mansion was… very old and until she decided to make small repairs “just for the event”, it had been pretty much forgotten. 

As soon as I knew this, I made some visits to the Festerman mansion, the first time I wanted to get inside, but someone had posted a guard on the entrance, I also spotted security cameras around the property. 

The rest of the time was just there to have some nice chats during my lunch breaks. The guard was just a few years older than me, basic humor and didn’t seem amused with his job. And I was supposed to be some neighbor on my way home stopping to say hi three days in a row. By Friday I already had what I was looking for. A name. 

“... just… I think you should send a complaint note or something” I said lifting a shoulder. “Hard workers have some rights and you should be allowed to get out for a drink or something during the day, I mean besides the lunch break that you have to take in here.” I made a grimace for emphasis. He laughed a little and after some seconds he said, “I don’t think Miss Jean would mind if I-” I recognized the name as soon as I heard it, I had it written on my journal. She was Lanna’s maid. I checked my watch before he could even finish his sentence, “I’m so sorry, I’m running late, but I really think a complaint note could work.” Harris didn’t know the last part of the story so when I finished he was amused. “I can’t believe he fell for that one!” “Yeah, that’s not the important part of the story, Harris” I said. My mood was a bit better after telling him the whole story so I didn’t mind his teasing. He never seemed interested in my clandestine work, but for some reason he was always willing to help. 

This was the closest I’d ever been to have a complete story worthy of the front page of a newspaper. Loyd would have another option but publish it and I wouldn’t have to apply for the selection.

At least not under his terms.

As the light and warmth of the day ebbed, the bright light of the big reflectors filled the place, the red carpet went on as usual. 

The celebrities paraded along the garden matching their fashionable expensive dresses with their pets. We saw dogs, cats, rabbits, even horses -which had to remain parked outside- The carpet had to be cleaned more than once during the night, but the staff seemed to be well aware of that since the beginning. The afternoon passed between flashes, short interviews and fans alternating between shouting names and expressing “awwe’s” at the sight of their favorite people and their cute companions. 

I got almost all the interviews I wanted and Harris captured all the relevant moments, but the event was far from the end.

The night had arrived by the time we got inside the mansion. Lenna Winster had made several repairs on the property but I suspected she had kept an ancient look for aesthetic purposes. The interior looked old but solid. They had placed several tables around a big room, decorations on the walls and bar for drinks at the end. The press had their own place to eat, but it wasn’t forbidden to wander around or get a drink as soon as  we didn’t follow or bother the celebrities with any more questions. Although we were permitted to take pictures  and record videos to keep the public updated.

“This is good, but not as good as I expected.” Harris complained as he took a break from the camera to finish his blueberry trifle. “We haven’t tasted better deserts than the ones that gave us at that restaurant inauguration, remember? I said with a small smile as I looked around the room, noticing every movement.

My eyes were mostly on Lanna and her people, but I couldn’t make it obvious, so I just took some time to make annotations on my journal. Who was chatting with who, which celebrities were friends now, which were friends and now they were not. No that I cared about gossip, but those kinds of details could be very useful sometimes. My eyes crossed with my grandma’s a couple of times, but the most I got from her was an acknowledging nod and she got a smile in return. What would she think about me applying for the selection?  I laughed inside. Of course she would love it!

“Are you kidding? I will never forget how sick I felt the next day for eating that much...”  

Harris continued talking, but I couldn’t hear the rest of his story, because right at that moment a tall, black haired young man, who I recognized at the guard of the mansion, entered the room and whispered something to one Lanna’s bodyguard. He leaned towards the table where his employer was sitting, interrupting her chatting and laughing with the people at her table. They exchanged some words in what seemed to be a low tone and then both of her custodians started to walk away, leaving her unprotected. I raised from our table trying to conceal my rush. I kept my journal back in my pocket and took my purse from the table. “I will be right back.” I said to my friend, I couldn’t quite catch his reaction because my eyes were set on our host’s guards. I quickened my steps among tables and people, turning back slightly. I guessed since neither I was any celebrity nor I was bothering any, no one paid attention to me. 

I followed them out of the room and across a long corridor, just a few waiters passed by but they kept focused on their duties. The music and laughter was fading behind us, the house outside the main room looked genuinely old, but fortunately, this floor had been fully carpeted, otherwise my high heels would have been a problem. 

They finally stopped after rounding a corner by what it seemed like a back door. I stayed hidden behind the wall but ventured to peek my head to see what they were doing. Both guards were opening a big wooden box that based on what they said it had been delivered to the wrong house. One of them reached down and picked out something that at first it looked like some ...kind of... soft material, but when it was out completely I was sure it was fur. Real fur.

I stared at it for some seconds, not quite sure what to do.

I need a picture. My hands were shaking while I opened my small purse while I kept eye contact with the fur of a dead tigger. I managed to get my cell phone out but as soon as I lifted it to shoot, it slid and dropped on the floor making a “thunk” sound against the carpet.

Damn! I didn’t stay to know if they had heard me. I picked up my phone and walked as fast as I could without looking back heading for the main door. 

Outside the night was dark and starless, it was late but there was still some traffic on the street. I texted Harris to meet me outside with my clumsy fingers. I was still shaking but this time it was out of anger and frustration. How could I be so stupid?!! I was so close?!! 

On our way home, Harris sensed my mood and didn’t ask me anything, he knew I would talk about it tomorrow before or after we get scolded for not staying till the end of the event to cover it completely.  But I wasn’t worrying about that, all I could do was to drive while I questioned myself. A day that had looked so nice in the morning had gone so wrong. What was I thinking, risking myself for nothing! I shouldn’t be doing any of this. Maybe my father was right, maybe everyone was right and I wasn’t made for this work.

In the middle of my messy angry thoughts the selection came to my mind again, or maybe it had never left. I decided I was going to fill that application letter as soon as it arrived home. But why was I doing this? To accept my boss’ proposal? To satisfy my own curiosity about Illèas biggest tradition? Or maybe, like Queen Anjali I needed that... something to even my life scale, which so far was fully inclined to the “duty” side. 

[lady-olive-oil]

Chapter 2

Prelude || Characters || Chapter 1 || Chapter 2

{Note: Hello everyone! I am here to bring you chapter 2 of Brown Sugah Baby. Once again like; give feedback and reblog to your heart content. Thank you all for the positive feedback, it is greatly appreciated. Let me know if you’d like to be tagged!}

Squad: @maddiestundentwritergaines

Word Count: 2,072

Warnings: None...yet

As the first 2 months of their junior year flew by; Nefe and Nattie, had to prepare themselves for a frightening event: Midterms. Midterms were every college kids worst nightmare. Especially before homecoming, yet something made them bearable: Parents Day. Parents Day was a huge event at Southern University, for the students. You can spend the whole day with your parents and show em around campus, or just chill with them for a few hours. Which meant the girls would travel back home to Miami, Florida, along with M’Baku.

“Hey Nattie! You got the dessert for the cookout right? Moms wants pecan and apple.” Walking around the store, Nefe had to make sure she got everything on the list her mom gave her.

“Yep. Both pies. Do we need ice cream too?” Nattie asked while going down the dessert aisle.” She was more than just Nefe’s best friend. She was her sister.

Nattie was officially adopted into Nefe’s family when her parents died, when she was 12. They’ve been best friends ever since. A bond that couldn’t be broken, that was strong than super glue. Growing up in Miami, Hialeah go be exact, wasn’t easy by any means. Natasha’s parents were murdered in a hit and run, while she was at school. The news put her in shock and she didn’t know what to do. So by being so close to Nefe’s family, they took her in with open arms. So parents days meant everything and more to Nattie than ever.

Once the kids were of age, Julian and Regina decided to move the family to Tallahassee for a better life and job opportunities. Nattie’s parents had set aside a growing college fund for her, so Nefe’s parents matched it. There was no way, Regina was going to let her best friends’ only child not live a better life.

“I think dad got it. We just need the ribs; hot dogs and buns. Both burgers and hot dog buns.”

Grabbing what they needed, heading towards the checkout lane, they were stopped when Melanie spotted them.

“Well lookie, lookie. It’s the trash community.” The triumphant smirk on her face shone, with the help of her two side hoes by her sides; Jordana and Stacy. Of all places to go run into them at a time like this. Yeah they grew up together and went to SU. Which meant they too went home.

“I see there’s a mirror there, Melanie. You seein your reflection while talkin out the side of your mouth?” Nattie couldn’t help but chuckle at her best friends comeback.

“Very funny. Listen, when you see M’Baku tell him to come by my dorm tonight. Comprende?”

“Or is that too much for you to understand?” Jordana enunciated each word, trying to be funny.

Nattie and Nefe looked at each other and let out a gut wrenching laugh.

“Comprende? Oh you think you funny huh? I can speak about, 4 different languages, and bitch is one of em. Don’t try me.” Nefe sucked her teeth in annoyance.

Eyeing them all up and down, Nattie scoffed and spoke up.

“Why do you even torture yourself, Melanie? No guy really sees anything with you. Oh yeah, and M’Baku wants nothing to do with you either.” Both of them moved past her, to finish their shopping.

“Then why can’t he stay away? He still loves all of  this,” Gesturing towards herself before walking away, Melanie waved goodbye. “and not a peanut shaped hoe like you.”

“Then why are his parents at our house for a Parents Day barbecue? Know your place.” Nefe waved back in a mocking tone, watching her storm off.

“Of all the Walmart’s in town, you’d think she’d have the common sense.” Nattie, scoffed heading to the car.

“Common sense isn’t common for her.” Even Nefe knew herself, that she couldn’t get M’Baku to leave Melanie alone. Sure enough it bothered her more than before.

The rest of the day was filled with laughs, love, music and food. Bonding with family was all Nefe and Nattie needed. M’Baku enjoyed the stories he heard of Nefe when she was little. His parents were there as well to embark on the festivities. The stories they shared of him when he was little, were even cuter. Nattie shared some memories of her own, mainly what it was like to have Nefe as a sister growing up.

Omari and Zola, M’Baku’s parents, are work colleagues of Julian in the medical field. They handle business over in their home country of Wakanda, but have a few businesses in the states. They formed a bond with Julian and Regina when, Omari first came to work for the local hospital. The bond stuck for the last few years.

“Regina, darling whatever you put in this gumbo it is good. Girl, you have to give me the recipe.” Zola was enamored by the dish.

“I shall. If you give me the recipe to this chicken dish from Wakanda. I need to go visit some time.” The chuckle that left the women’s lips, put a smile on both their husbands faces.

“All the food is amazing. Thank you for inviting us over, Mrs. Johnson.” M’Baku said politely, glancing over at Nefe a bit before diving into the peach cobbler that she made.

“Oh dear, you can call me Regina. We’re all family here.”

The atmosphere was warm and inviting. Just what was needed to ease the stress levels.

“Alright. Mrs. Regina.” A smile etched on his face remained there till he turned to his best friend.

“Nefe, this cobbler is bomb.” M’Baku muses in happiness and smiles at her, causing her to feel her face heat up.

Daniel, Nefe and Nattie’s older brother, glanced over at M’Baku like the over protective brother he is. Knowing damn well, he’s twice his size but won’t back down from protecting his siblings.

What was he looking at exactly? The sun dress Nefe wore clung to her like a second skin. The elegant golden yellow two piece dress, made her milk chocolate skin glow. She looked ravishing, he couldn’t look away. He did however, think about how she’d look in Jabari furs that would accentuate her curves.

“Thanks, it’s my grandmama's recipe. All the women in the family have it.”

Nattie knew exactly what was going on between them. She saw Daniel get defensive, which prompted her to kick his knee under the table.

“Ow!” He mumbled while rubbing his knee and glared at her, earning a smirk from the braided goddess.

“Well she passed it down to the right person.” Sending a subtle wink her direction, M’Baku joined her in the kitchen to help clean up. She couldn’t help but chuckle at his advances.

“Listen, imma need these two to stop flirting around us.”

“Daniel. Come on now, they’re best friends. That are blinded by said friendship, to see that they need each other more than ever.”

Diana spoke up and caused everyone at the table, to laugh. She wasn’t lying though. The chemistry was insane between the two. Upon coming back from the kitchen, Nefe eyes everyone suspiciously.

“What’s going on? Talking about us behind our back?”

“Maybe. What’s it to ya?”

Stephanie stuck her tongue out and felt Nefe ruffle her hair.

“You two flirting aimlessly. It’s cute really, because M’Baku hasn’t brought a woman home in years.” Omari, his father, spoke highly of his only son often when he and Julian get together.

“We weren’t flirting Steph. We were just talking is all.”

Nefe shrugged then looked at M’Baku, who nodded in agreement.

“Besides. She has Sean and I am kinda with Melanie.”

The tone is his voice when he said Sean’s name, struck something in both Nattie and Nefe. Yet the rest of the family just laughed. He went on with a smile and just didn’t say anything.

The rest of the night continued on without a hitch. But that little moment stayed in the back of Nefe’s head.

“I hope he’s ok. He seemed on edge a bit.” She pondered outloud as she applied her nightly face mask. Alongside her was Nattie.

“Me too. I just wish he’d talk to us more on his relationship with Melanie. He knows he’s too good for her.”

“That’s not what i'm talking about Nat. I’m referring to how he said Sean’s name. You saw his face didn't you? It looked like he wanted to kill him.”

“Uh, well I’m sure it’s nothing.” Nattie a voice went up a few octaves. Nefe knew exactly what that meant.

“Natasha Reign James, if you don’t tell me right now-“

“Ok! Ok! He overheard Sean at football practice, talking about getting with you during the summer. So he talked to me about it, I’m sorry!”

Nefe’s blood ran cold, with the news she recieved. Her breathing was cut short a tad, but she regained herself.

“Why hasn’t he killed him yet?” She wanted to know why.

“He’s waiting for you to talk to him about it. Not my place. You have to tell him Nefe, now that you know how he feels about him.”

She didn’t want to lose her best friend over some dude that he didn’t like. She had to tell him, but then again she had a thought.

“If he won’t tell me why he’s still fucking around with Melanie, then I’m not telling him why I’m messing with Sean.”

“You two are childish. Childish grown ass adults. I knew I should’ve went with T’Challa to see his mother and Shuri.” Nattie grabbed her stuff and headed to bed along with Nefe, to ease her pain. They did have to leave in the morning anyway to go go back to campus.

Later that night, M’Baku headed home with his parents and the drive to their townhouse was anything but ordinary.

”M’Baku, my darling son. You know how we feel about that Melanie girl.” Zola his mother, ever the elegant woman, spoke gently as they sights of the city sped past them.

“She’s not good enough for you and it shows in her actions. You and Nefertiti should have a go at it. She’s poised; elegant, carries herself well. All the great qualities of a future Jabari Queen.”

His father never spoke about any of the girls he brought home like he did about Nefe. It didn’t shock him that he mentioned Nefe. They always talked about her, they loved her dearly. Even her family as well.

“I know baba. I know. It’s just I’m having fun at my age and I’d rather not think about my responsibilities as future king of the Jabari right now. I’m trying to get away from Melanie to focus on myself, but the day I heard about Sean enraged me.” If anything, Nefe felt more than a friend to him. Yet he never told her that. Probably won’t now that Sean is in the picture.

He wasn’t called Great Gorilla for nothing amounts the his frat brothers. His chest heaved up and down in anger; his nostrils flared with aggravation and a flight growl burrowed within his throat. That all stopped once his mother spoke once more.

“Is he competition to you, my child?” The  tone in Zola’s voice meant that she was in queen mode.

Upon heading inside the home, M’Baku decided to stay the night and think about what his next plan was.

“To be honest, no. He competition in the slightest.” The arrogant look on his face made his parents proud. They raised a warrior to take on his challenges.  

“Then you know what you just do, my son. You haven’t told her yet right?”

“No baba, I have not. I think I’ll wait to the right moment to do so.”

“Good. This American needs to be taught about the element of surprise then.” Omari nodded and headed to bed with his wife to let their son think his plans over.

“And a surprise it shall be.” M’Baku mumbled to himself as he rested in the guest room, sighing deeply into his thoughts as he drifted to sleep.

He had a strategy to make. He is the prince of Jabari Land after all, and needed a queen upon his coronation within 2 years. Maybe his parents were right, it was time he needed to think about his future and what was best fit his coming country. He just has to get rid of some dead weight to do so.

[unworthy-stars]

Chapter Four (Three) “Ai Ya Ya”

Chapter Four (Part Three) "Ai Ya Ya"~ Blood Moon

第四章（ 第二部分）"爱呀呀" 〜  血月亮

Oh so finally we reach the bloody moon!

I wouldn't say "bloody" moon...it was just a normal moon!

What? And why is the moon special? I mean...it's just the moon!

Oh, my dear friend...you have never loved anyone, right?

~*~

China immediately headed to the market, to find the best gift he could for his precious Ori.  It wasn't worth the value of their meeting, but due to the tradition, he had to present the hosts a gift. Moreover, he had forgotten that their wedding occurred, and he neither attended nor gifted the happy couple. One more reason to find something more formal.

It was apparent the one presenting the bride with a golden dragon pin was China, but no one considered taking it as a wedding gift. It was more personal than a normal wedding gift is, in conclusion, the bride was decorated by that pin her beloved best friend had provided her with and couldn't possibly attend the ceremony. People stress on the small theories with proof, rather than general guesses.

China, after hours of unlimited searching, ended up on purchasing a lucky cat. He wasn't really pleased with the idea of buying something so simple to the daughter of the Emperor, but the quality was satisfying. Nevertheless, kitties are cute and adorable. This reason is enough for China to buy anything.

Heading to the Forbidden City, where the lucky couple lived temporarily, China smiled with happiness. He was exhausted by walking from the other side of Beijing till the centre of the Forbidden City. But regardless of his tire, he managed to smile. That's a quality not a lot of people have. To smile and laugh, even hope, while in pain. The world has run out of optimists.

China reached the room, the Emperor had addressed him to go. He knocked the door with enough power to create a small crack. Thankfully he realised his overwhelming excitement and calmed down waiting for someone to open the door. He was so excited, but nervous at the same time.

How would she react to his appearance? Had her father or her husband prepared her for such an unexpected visitor? Different scenarios had taken over China's mind until the screech of the opening door woke him up.

'Ni hao...how may I help you sir?' a man opened the door, probably Fengsen.

'Ni Hao Mr Yendehe! Ni hao ma? I am China! A friend of Ori's!' he blushed as he presented himself as a simple friend.

He knew very well he wasn't only a friend. But he couldn't say that to her husband.

'I am very fine, thank you Mr China...I don't think she's mentioned you before though! But you know her personal name so you must have been very close! Come inside!' he welcomed him in.

Fengsen Yendehe seemed like a really happy and warm person to China. If he wasn't envious of him, he would have a particular like at him. He always smiled, just like him. But he wasn't in pain.  

'Ori! A friend of yours has come! Don't be shy, come and greet him!' he yelled with a really musical tune.

'I am coming...I'm-I'm just preparing!' she made an effort to yell back, but it came out as a really painful hum.

'She'll come soon. She takes her appearance really seriously, even if it is the inside that matters the most!' he sat down in front of a wooden table.

China took a seat right opposite of him. He sat with his legs crossed, as he loves. He tried to deduct Fengsen even more. His only deduction so far was that Ori was in good hands. But it wasn't enough. He had to know more.

'So, heard you are Manchu. Quite prominent!' he starts a random conversation.

'Oh yes, but I don't like to stress on the small stuff like origins. I am me, and that's what counts the most right? What about you?'

He was too perfect. Too perfect to function.

'Oh well...it's quite ehm obvious. Reminder I am China...' China played with his ponytail.

'Oh! I- excuse me for the misunderstanding! I didn't really know you are indeed China!'

'Aiya, it's fine-' China turned his head to face her majesty.

Gurun Princess Hexiao.

She bowed with a gentle smile, hiding her secret relief. She walked a bit further and sat down in the middle. She sat so delicately, like a swan. Her make-up hid her true face so sloppily. Her wig was at place, not a single hair was out of place.

'Wang Yao, how long has it been?' she tried to maintain her smile while she addressed to him.

'Almost a year! Aiya! I almost forgot!' he took the lucky cat out of his bamboo jar 'I wasn't so fortunate to be present at your wedding and I hoped it wouldn't be late to gift you!'

'You know very well that you did Wang...' she whispered as her husband accepted it with all kinds of thanking, but acknowledged too.

The afternoon turned to evening and they had talked about all sort of things. Never about the past, as it must be dropped behind in our path of life according to Fengsen. Their future plans, China's too, their jobs and all sort of things.

'Fengsen...may I show Wang something personal? We won't be long I swear to my life!'

'I have to use the bathroom anyways, my dear. Go ahead, I won't judge you!' he stood up heading at the eastern side of the house.

Ori with quick spontaneous moves caught Wang Yao by the wrist and headed to the western part. Apparently, their bedroom was there. But as long as Ori didn't mind Wang seeing their personal objects, they were fine.

'Wang...why must you be so cruel?' she fell on their bed 'You know what goes on between us, and you insist. You constantly appear. Why can't I forget you?'

'Ai my dearest Ori, ai!' he shoves his head in his hands.

'I want it so much Wang, you know it. You know me. Fengsen will never do, as much as you. But still...do you understand what I've been through?' her make-up isn't affected by her tears.

'Ori, my Ori, I do. Because I know you. You know in what position I am too! But...it can't be helped, ?' China breathes heavily 'This is our last chance, to escape! I won't be able to see you after this "meeting"...'

Ori gets up and faces Wang. Her watering eyes meet his similar ones. She was bold enough to look at him after all this time. Ori embraces him. She didn't want and expect much, but it as enough for her.

Wang kisses her for one last time. It's not the most passionate, the longest or the greatest kiss ever. The last kiss is never great. It's childish and sloppy. It doesn't last more than two seconds. But if it lasted more, they'd be in grave danger.

'"Even if our countries are different, If our words are different, If our characters are different, I always want to... gaze at the same moon as you."' he doesn't hum, but it is obvious it's the last song Ori would ever hear and enjoy.

Suddenly Wang feels an immense pain right at his scar, which Japan had gifted him with. Ori was into his chest. He lets a hand of his off her back and touches his.

Ori had stabbed him.

'Tried to kill me, didn't you?' he removes the bloodied knife out of his back and shows it to her 'Why? You know I can't die...why did you?' his severe facial expression was making him look very creepy.

'I know it very well, but I want to think of you as dead. This way I can concentrate on keeping my marriage alive...thus my dignity alive, further my family's dignity, therefore the Emperor's dignity and at the end the people's dignity,' she didn't dare face him anymore 'You are dead to me, Wang Yao.'

China wished he could die indeed.

~*~

Oh

Well, that's something I wasn't expecting.

The Bloody Moon reminds you of the moon you'd watch together...but she painted with blood or something?

Exactly.

Quite philosophical...so? What after?