#it just seems like she might be used as a distraction here from the larger problem as this post and these sources suggest XD

[detectivefable]

Also adding this one:

https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jul/10/100-fossil-fuel-companies-investors-responsible-71-global-emissions-cdp-study-climate-change

[livesworthlivingau]

Behind the Vale Chapter 23

Spoilers for ISAT/Two Hats below! CW: Panic attacks, some mental spiraling.

"Do you have to wear that outfit still?" [Nille asked as you walked side by side down the trail to the next town. You smirk and put your hands behind your head as you stepped along.]

"What's the matter, am I distracting you~?" [She rolls her eyes, elbowing you lightly in the side, though you actually get the wind knocked out of you slightly, wheezing out and gripping your side.]

"Oh crab! S-Sorry! Don't know my own strength sometimes."

"I-I'm fine." [You wheeze out, clearly not. She chuckles and stops in her tracks, letting you catch your breath for a moment.]

"So... We're probably getting real close, you gonna be okay?"

"P-Probably not..."

"Vale..."

"Would you prefer I lie?"

"No! Just... Ugh, we gotta figure this out Vay, I don't want you running off again!" [You take a very deep breath, sighing it back out.]

"I promise... I won't run away, at least not without saying anything... I don't know if I'll be able to stay, but I won't just leave you... is that enough?" [You ask genuinely. Nille crosses her arms, a bit upset that that's the best she could get out of you for now, but seeming to accept it.]

"Alright... but if you start feeling the need to run, we're gonna talk, and I'm gonna help you work through it, no running from your feelings without a proper talk! Maybe a few skull bashes with the hammer, y'know, for good measure~." [She laughs out heavily. You just smile, appreciating the way she showed she cared. You find a weird comfort in it involving threats for some reason. Perhaps it would be best to not look into that for now.]

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

[You browse along through the stalls of the town's open market, curiously glancing about at what each one had for sale. Nille was off refilling her own supplies somewhere else in the hustle and bustle, this being one of the larger towns you had stopped in. You go to pick up some fancy looking trinket only for a voice to cause you to freeze solid.]

"Does everyone have their shopping lists and coin?" [Crab... The Researcher,]

"Yup! Got mine! Camping supply duty!" [The Fighter,]

"A-And mine! Bonnie and I are food duty!" [The Housemaiden,]

"Yeah! I gotta find everything to make Nille's favorite!!" [The Kid...]

[You finally turn to glance in their direction, seeing them all together... minus your Stardust. Though that felt like a blessing in this very moment. You quickly look around for a place to hide, doing a very poor job of 'casually' walking away, keeping them in the corner of your vision. You finally duck behind a wall, placing your back to it and panting frantically. It's okay, we don't need to panic, they probably won't even recognize us! You try to logic out to yourself, only to look down and realize what you were wearing. The lightless skin of your arms speckled with stars fully visible through the sheer fabric. WHY DID WE HAVE TO WEAR THIS YOU BLINDING IDIOT?!]

[You try your best to regain your composure before suddenly feeling a hand on your shoulder. You nearly jump 3 feet into the air, holding up a paper sign in shock only to find Nille standing beside you, pulling her hand back.]

"S-Sorry! You good? You looked like you just saw a ghost." [She said, though her own words starting to help her realize what you might have just seen.]

"Wait, did you- Are they here?! Did you see Bonnie?!" [She asked excitedly, you're still quite shaken up, but you just manage to nod, pointing in the direction you saw them.]

"Thank you, Vay! I-I'll... I'll give you a few minutes and then introduce you, alright?" [She caught herself getting lost in her excitement, wanting to be there for you as well but wanting so dearly to see her sibling. You just give a light nod of permission and acceptance, letting her rush off before you lean against the wall again. You were hyperventilating, you couldn't catch your breath, just gasping in tiny puffs at a time and letting them back out before they could help. We need to calm down, Vale! Get a hold of ourself! Stardust isn't here, we can handle this! Just calm down! You finally manage to catch a full breath, sighing it back out, then taking another, and another, and another...]

[You start pacing back and forth in the little alley you were stewing in. How do we go about this? What do we tell them? The fact we were Loop has to come up certainly, no hiding it in this... We've already told Nille nearly every other blinding thing... well, all but one... No! No! We can't get into that right now! Okay, so we tell them we were Loop, and go from there... simple, right? A part of you is sure it won't be that simple, but there's not much else to be done at this point. You simply practice your breathing exercising for a few moments longer, finally heading out to try and find them all.]

[You stay far behind, but you spot them fairly quickly, Nille is kneeling down to give Bonnie the tightest hug you've ever seen. The both of them are crying, and the rest of the party is happily watching this touching moment like a scene from a play. It's nice, you're happy for Nille, as happy as you can be all things considered. You wish this moment could last... but you know you can't keep your distance for long, she'd drag you in to 'meeting' them all soon enough. You do your best to keep calm as you wait.]

[Finally the two of them have had their moment, Nille gets introduced to the other members of the party, and after a moment she turns back to look around, spotting you and waving you over. With one last deep breath you begin to walk over, your heart racing quickly again, doing your best to keep your mask firmly attached.]

"Everyone, this is Vale, we've been travelling together for a little while. They saved me from a sadness that got the jump on me, about a week after y'all unfroze everyone." [Nille explains, showing you off a bit. You give a nervous smile and wave as you're introduced. They all examine you like some strange beast, focusing on the visible skin of your arms. Before you can even manage to start talking, they realize who you are.]

"LOOP?!" [The Housemaiden and Fighter cry out in unison, being called that again makes you wince. The Researcher has a raised brow, almost inspecting you, ever curious as always. The Kid is looking up at you with a confused expression.]

"What happened to your face?"

"Bonnie! Mind your manners!" [Nille scolds their sibling some, only for you to chuckle a bit.]

"No, no, it's fine. It was quite a shock for me as well, but that's a story for another time~! Just call me Vale from now on, alright? That name has some... painful memories associated." [The Fighter and Housemaiden seem to understand quite well, being used to the change belief and all. The researcher hasn't taken that studious look off their face the whole time, it feels like you're being examined like some sort of experiment... The kid still looked a bit confused, but seemed to accept this for now.]

"Hey Vale, uhhh... We kinda thought you were dead? Did something happen? Sif woke up one day and was sure you were just gone..." [The Fighter starts to explain with a nervous look, as if unsure they wanted an answers, you notice then taking a little glace at the tip of the scar on your chest.]

"Right... that's part of that 'story for another time'... Where is Stardust anyways?"

"Back at the Inn, resting up, he had quite an... 'episode' when he thought you were dead..." [He looks disturbed, recalling several parts of the week. Was Stardust okay?... Did he really care that much about us?...]

"E-Episode?..."

"Like you said, Story for another time!" [The fighter parrots back at you, getting a bright smile back on their face.]

"O-Oh! Speaking of Siffrin, we need to tell him! He'd love to hear you're actually okay!" [The Housemaiden adds, The Fighter perking up.]

"Oh Change! You're right! Uhh… You all continue shopping, Vale, do you mind coming to see Sif?"

"Lead the way!" [You declare confidently, or at least try to. You feel Nille patting your back, you turn back to her, and she gives a reassuring smile, whispering to you.]

"You got this, I'll cya soon?" [You nod in response, smiling back lightly, then heading off with The Fighter.]

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

"Alright, here we are, should I... give you two some privacy?" [The fighter asked as you both stood outside of the house they were staying at, Stardust just inside.]

"I think that would be for the best, yes. Thank you."

"Of course! I'm sure you two went through a lot together, I can't imagine what it would be like stuck in those loops for so long..." [You wince at that, rubbing your arm lightly, he had no idea how right he truly was...]

"I better go back to the others, still gotta finish my shopping after all. You know where to find us if you need us!" [He offers with a bright smile, heading back to the market. You are left alone standing in front of the door.]

[Minutes pass as you just stare at it... the one last barrier between you and your stardust... We could run away again... but we promised Nille we wouldn't... Come on, we've come this far! it's just a door knob! Stars, we don't even have to open it, we can just knock! You take a deep breath and bring a hand up, ready to knock...]

[... Why aren't we knocking?! Why are we just standing here like a blinding idiot?! WE CANNOT TURN BACK!! KNOCK ON THE BLINDING DOOR YOU FOOL!! You finally summon enough courage, anger, annoyance, whatever emotion it was that finally pushed you over the edge, flicking your fist at the door a few times. Stars... we did it... we did it, it's happening, we can't go back, we can't run, it's over, it's all over, why can't we run? It would be so easy, just turn and head in a random direction again, what's another week of endless running? We've done it once we can do it again, just live in the woods like some hermit! Yes this is a great idea, just pick a direction and-]

[Suddenly the door starts to crack open, Stardust poking their head out of it. They blink a couple times, confused at the sight before him.]

"Uhm... Can I help yo-" [They start to speak, their voice was weak and raspy. They examine you before something clicks in their brain, seeing your arms, seeing your face, likely noticing how nervous you looked in this moment. Your heart raced like mad. You notice their eye getting watery already.]

"L... Loop?..." [You wince again at that blinding name... but you let it slide for now. You don't want to ruin this for him.]

"... Hello, Stranger~." [Is all you can manage to force yourself to say, trying to paint that smile back onto your face. You stand there awkwardly a moment as tears roll down their face. Before you can even react, they had their arms wrapped around you, wincing as he gripped you tighter than was comfortable, even squeezing some air out of your lungs. He sobbed into your clothes all the while.]

"I thought you were gone..." [He choked out through his weeping. You eventually manage to bring your arms up to hug him back, lightly rubbing their back.]

"I'm here Stardust... I'm... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." [You finally manage to speak again, your own tears welling up now. You rest your head on theirs, hugging back even tighter.]

"I'm sorry to-"

"No!" [You suddenly shout, gripping tighter.]

"N-No... Don't apologize, please... You did nothing wrong, Stardust. I'm the one who... who messed up..." [You struggle out, your tears dripping down into their hair as flashes of the memory of the last time you were together enter your mind.]

"... I'm so glad you're okay, Loop..."

"It's... It's Vale now..." [You correct as gently as you can, still holding each other close.]

"Vale... That's a nice name." [They note with a soft smile, sniffling some as their tears began to slow. You both stand there for a while in the close embrace. You savor this moment where everything feels oddly okay, after all, you know that feeling won't last for very long...]

[mmkin]

Fishman friends and lovers (Siren's Shark)

Chapter 12 of Siren's Shark is now up. Link to AO3 here, also included under the silly pics I doodled at work a few days ago. IDK why but I can only seem to draw at work on my breaks instead of at home, go figure.

Content warnings - some smex (consensual) some slavery, past trauma and abuse.

Thought it'd be fun to draw when Arlong meets his siren in the first chapter lol... Ignore the words at the left, that's my grocery list. And yes, I decided on Yolande's birthday.

And Hatchan and Yolande are besties. So kawaii!!!!!!!

XII

o0o0o0o

Yolande wrung her hands anxiously as she saw several smaller fins move toward the larger one. There was no time for discussion, and she'd been left behind with the younger fishmen and Rekiin as Arlong and his crew made their way toward the Sea Beast.

If the gods were real, she hoped they listened to her prayers. It wouldn’t be the first time she prayed and despite her skepticism in a higher mystical force, the emotional part of her sought assurance in the hope that there might be a sympathetic ear out there.

Her stomach knotted and her hands shook as she tried to imagine what it was like under the water. Some of the fishmen had also gone in with harpoons and nets, but how could she not worry? After all, wasn’t this why she had agreed to go with Yoshi when he wanted to retire to Coldrock Island? So she wouldn’t have to deal with shit like this? Her heart was pounding as she looked through the telescope. There was splashing. Occasionally she’d see a fishman. The Sea Beast raised its head out of the water, bearing a strong resemblance to a bear.

She’d heard about them but this was her first time seeing one. Arlong was a mighty fishman, but no matter how big or strong someone was, there was always someone out there, bigger and badder. She felt Caten’s hand on her arm. “Can I look?” the catfishwoman asked. Numbly, she handed over the telescope before going to the prow of the ship, the wind whipping through her hair as she watched the fight. Blood came to the surface. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t.

Arlong. And not just Arlong, but the others. The bear's head reared out of the water again, giving out an angry roar, she saw several harpoons near its neck.

Then it was over. Her heart thudded against her ribcage as Arlong jumped out of the water, traces of blood on his face and bare chest. She felt light-headed as she heard his triumphant laugh.

“Fire up the grill! Let’s not let this meat go to waste!”

Fishmen eagerly lopped off choice parts of it, and as the Sea Beast was a bear mix, it had a quite nice thick flavor to it. She sat on the upper deck, watching quietly as Arlong helped his brothers hoist slices of meat to the deck from the water, chopping it into smaller pieces to be cooked. The rest of the animal was towed behind the boat.

What would Yoshi say if he could see her here, amongst a band of fishman pirates? She’d gone from being a Marine widow to the lover of a pirate captain. Since Arlong was busy with his men, she retreated from the deck to spend some time alone in her lab, trying to distract herself from her anxiety.

“Hey Yolande, Arlong wants you,” Hachi informed her. Around him was the scent of smoke and spice. He’d obtained plenty of flavors at the market on Dreamsicle Island and it smelled like he’d put some of them to good use.

“You called for me?” Yolande asked as she approached Arlong, who had a platter of cooked meat in front of him. She was grateful to notice that he’d washed the blood off himself.

“Come, sit by me. Share our bounty.” He waved his hand to the meat in front of him, which contained quite a few choice cuts and bits. Hurrah for Captain Arlong, she thought dryly… not that he hadn’t earned it. Taking on a Sea Beast required a coordinated effort, and the fishmen trusted Arlong to lead them. None of them had gotten hurt, though a couple of them had been nearly swallowed when the Sea Beast thrashed around.

Hachi was in charge of the grilling, and the kitchen helpers assembled several sides to go with the meal. A gentle breeze blew the rich scents across the deck, but Yolande had no appetite. She simply sat there, observing the festivities, listening to the fishmen chatter about their encounter with the giant bear-fish.

“Go on, eat,” she heard Arlong urge, and she slowly turned her head to him.

“I lose my appetite when I get anxious.”

He stared at her for a moment. “Is it something I did?” he asked with mild confusion.

“Yes… No, no, I’m not angry at you. But when you were in the water with that Sea Beast, I worried about you. I was so scared.”

"Hmm." He tutted to himself a few times as he stared at her, and she looked down. He lifted her chin, rubbing his thumb along her jaw. "I suppose if you're not trying to starve yourself, skipping a meal will do you no harm. Bask in my presence and know that I am safe, let that calm you." He released his grip on her and turned to talk to some of the fishmen. She slumped back in the chair with a soft sigh, watching as the afternoon sky faded to evening stars.

o0o0o0o

“Have a drink, at least,” Arlong offered after a few minutes. “Relax.” He was gratified to see her accept the bottle that Take brought forward.

So his siren worried about him to the point where her stomach got into knots. Poor thing. Had anyone else ever worried so much about him? His mother, his sister, his nakama? He turned his head, looking down at her as she nursed her bottle, staring out thoughtfully. He reached out to rest a hand on the top and side of her head, feeling the thick bun of her hair against his palm.

“Perhaps when we retire for the night, I could help soothe away some of that anxiety, hmm?” he asked with a lecherous purr. His hand slid down, the back of his fingers against the side of her face. She did not move for a moment, and he wondered if he would be rejected.

“You think to distract me with your cock?” she asked as she finally looked at him. Her tone was unreadable.

“I didn’t think there was any harm in offering.”

"… You're right. There's no harm in that." With that, she leaned her head against his hand, nuzzling it. She lifted her head to take several gulps of her drink but lifted her hand to hold his, long, slender fingers curling around the side of his hand.

He would face another danger soon enough. Marzu Island. How was she going to handle that? Wisely, he did not mention it, and simply sat back, enjoying the feel of her small but warm hand in his large one.

What would Ajkul say if he saw his protege with a hybrid siren? Not once had he ever heard Ajkul say anything nice about humans. Doubtless, the old shark would have been incredulous at the thought of a siren having human blood. Sirens were always supposed to be mermaids or fishwomen, creatures of the sea as much as any fishman. Ajkul would say Yolande was tainted by that human blood.

Tainted. Arlong glanced down at Yolande again, squeezing her hand. He would be lying to himself if he said he never wondered what Yolande might look like if she were a full-blooded fishman. But he found himself dwelling on her human heritage less and less. A couple of months had passed by but he was still crazy about her, there were some times when the heat would overtake them and they'd just go at one another, but even when that mood wasn't on them, he still enjoyed her company.

She finished her bottle, and it was taken away.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

“A little. I have a good buzz going.”

He chuckled at that. Oh yeah, a good buzz made plenty of worries go away, how well he knew that.

o0o0o0o

Erhu rubbed the back of his head nervously as he glanced at Caten. Both of them had come from the Fishman District but had not met each other until Aiuchi and his crew captured them.

When they'd been resting and recovering from their ordeal, they'd taken the time to get to know one another, comparing their childhoods. Erhu was only a year older than her at twenty-one. He was a neon tetra fishman, giving him two distinctive blue stripes along the sides of his face and back that flashed neon green-blue when the light hit them, and Caten told him that she thought these stripes were cute.

So they started flirting, and he noticed that she was also flirting with two of the pirates that rescued them. One thing led to another, and he'd shared Caten with Ishidai and Mido. It was a learning experience, to say the least. If Caten wanted to carry on with the other two, Erhu would accept that, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to participate in that sort of group activity again.

“Something you want to talk about?” Caten said as she sipped her drink, leaning against the railing.

“I was wondering if perhaps you and I… hm.” He didn’t want her to think he was ungrateful for her invitation.

“You’d prefer a little one-on-one?” she asked. He stared at her for a moment and she smirked.

“… If that’s all right with you.” His heart was pounding as he looked down at her.

“It is,” she reassured him. “And I’ll admit, three fishmen at once can be a bit much sometimes. So, tonight, just you and me?”

He gave out a relieved chuckle. “Gosh, yeah. I’d love that. Um, thank you.”

She grinned at that and stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Such a gentleman.” After a bit of time drinking and looking out at the stars and the water, he let her lead him away.

After some foreplay, she wanted to get on top, and he was happy to oblige. He nuzzled her breasts and ran his hands along her back and hips, happy for some joie de vivre after the ordeal he’d been through.

After he came into her, she leaned down so she was resting on top of him, and he nuzzled the crook of her shoulder and neck as he rested his hands on her back. Since he wasn't part of the crew, Arlong didn't ask him to be part of the raid on Marzu Island. He and the other younger fishmen, along with a few pirates, would maintain a lookout and other various duties around the boat while Arlong and his crew did the dirty work.

If Arlong had asked him to participate, Erhu would have felt obligated to say yes, considering that he would face life in slavery if not for the sawshark fishman. He hadn't been here for very long but was coming to understand that the life of a pirate was quite different than the old life he'd known back in the Fishman District as the child of one of the many poor families that lived there. He wasn't an orphan, but his parents were barely able to support themselves let alone their kids. His one role model was a neighbor who worked as a healer, collecting local herbs to make whatever medications he could for the people around him.

The healer took Erhu under his wing, teaching him the things he knew. He was not a doctor and had no formal training, but in the neighborhood, he was the closest thing to one, and his herbal remedies did work for various mild aches and pains.

The healer passed away a couple of years ago, and among other factors living in the District became increasingly untenable. Even with Whitebeard’s protection, pirates still found ways to acquire fishmen and mermaids to sell. Erhu thought of the proposal that lured him away from the District and into the clutches of Aiuchi and his crew.

He looked down, running his fingers along Caten’s hair as the fishwoman gave out a contented hum.

“Have you asked Arlong?” Caten asked. Erhu frowned in confusion for a moment before he remembered. He gave out a soft sigh.

“Not yet. He’s so busy with other things. He has a crew to run.”

"I doubt this is something he will have any difficulty agreeing to," Caten replied. "You're already doing it, might as well make it official. I'm no mind-reader, but I think it's something that might make Arlong happy, and you want to be on his good side."

He raised an eyebrow as he lifted his head to look at her, and she smiled back sweetly.

o0o0o0o

The early morning sun illuminated Yolande’s legs as she stretched out, doing her exercises while Arlong was sleeping. Her legs were splayed out on the floor as she leaned forward, feeling the pull in her back as she reached her arms out in front of her.

With a contented sigh, she rose to her feet and turned to see Arlong lying on his side, staring right at her. She gasped a bit in surprise before collecting herself.

“Did you enjoy the show?” she asked.

"It'd be a more entertaining show if you wiggle around," he replied lecherously. "Especially since you're in that," he said, pointing to the silk nightie she was wearing. He was clad in nothing but a pair of undershorts, which afforded a quite fine view of his well-toned body. One of the nice things about living in warm weather was not needing to layer up, which meant she saw more of Arlong’s body on a regular and casual basis.

… Not that she was about to complain. He did make a pretty damn nice piece of eye candy.

“If I had any artistic talent, you’d make a fine subject to draw or paint,” Yolande replied, sidestepping his suggestion. He sat up with a smirk.

“If you’re going to appreciate my body, I’d prefer you do it with your hands and mouth than with a pencil or brush,” he shot back. “… And besides, I find the skills you already have much more useful than making a pretty picture on paper.”

She shrugged in acknowledgment of that. She was very nearly done with putting together what the crew needed for the mission. She’d already demonstrated to Arlong the various explosives she was using, albeit in much smaller amounts. She remembered well the gleam in his eye as he saw the explosions, the flames shooting up, bits of debris raining down from the empty crate she’d used for the demo. He grinned to himself as he imagined it on a much larger scale, bringing the rulers of Marzu Island to their knees. That evening, he’d been especially fierce in bed.

In certain instances, explosives were used in an attack. But for this particular mission, some of them were meant to provide distraction. The fishmen had been working hard and training under Kuroobi and many of them were actively trying to develop Haki. With the intelligence Koji, Hazel, and Lew provided, Arlong and his officers were able to work out a strategy that even Yolande acknowledged was pretty solid. And not only that, but the fishmen would be turning some of Marzu’s defenses against them.

One of the ways Marzu Island kept itself relatively safe from pirates was the use of underwater mines so that there were only a few safe ways to approach the island. The fishmen would move them around to cut off escape routes in case anyone tried to alert the World Government or the Marines before Arlong was done with the island.

There was still the matter of the Devil Fruit users that were in employ on the island, but Yolande was working on something that she was certain should be effective.

Useful skill, indeed. Her ruminations were interrupted when she felt Arlong’s fingers under her chin. She looked up into his intense blue eyes.

“You truly are a credit to our race,” Arlong said with a prideful grin. She smiled thinly at that and jerked her chin from his grip before she snapped at his fingers, growling softly. He chuckled lowly.

“Snapping and growling at a shark?” he asked, his lips pulling back to reveal his trademark predatory grin. He rose from the bed, towering over her.

“Squids are predators too,” she shot back. His grin faltered for a moment at this almost non-sequitur, and he glanced at her with confusion. She grinned back.

“That’s what I am. Hachi figured it out when he took a close look at my ink. Octopuses have black ink but squids have a bluish tint to theirs.” He lifted his hands to cup the sides of her face.

“Squid, huh,” Arlong responded musingly. “And yes, they’re predators too but I think it’s obvious who has the edge here.” He ran his thumbs along her cheeks as he maintained his grip.

“Indeed,” she said dryly. He’d never threatened her air supply, but whenever he had his hands on her, it was hard to not feel vulnerable under their grip, especially if he was holding her head or neck. His eyes were cold and predatory as he studied her.

She might not be caged or chained, but she didn’t have the option of leaving. Nor would he allow her skills to go to waste.

“Little squid. I’m glad you understand.” His voice was smooth but dangerous, velvety with an edge to it that had her shivering. His hand slid from her neck and he stepped away from her to get dressed for the day.

Common sense told her that she shouldn't find that danger sexy. His nose and sharp teeth alone were lethal weapons, and she noticed that he seemed stronger than the average fishman. Not for the first time she wondered about the parts of his past that he did not tell her about. Hmm. Not that she didn't already know plenty about him simply from observing and listening to him.

She watched the flex of muscle in his shoulders, back, and arms as he pulled on a tank top. Hmph. Stupid sexy sharkman.

o0o0o0o

Capturing slaves for Marzu Island was a quite profitable endeavor for Captain Aiuchi. His father and grandfather had done the same, though their methods were refined through the generations. In the old days, they could sneak into the Fishman District and kidnap orphans and poor fishmen easily lured by a coin or two. They had to space out their raids to not be too recognizable, so they tried to capture as many as they could at a time. Sometimes there might be a pretty or particularly talented one among them, and a bit of extra profit could be made from that. Fishman Island proper was more guarded, but a mermaid from the nicer part of the Ryugu Kingdom was quite valuable.

They’re not fully human. They’re part animal, and it makes them inferior to us, his father and grandfather would say. When he’d asked about the human slaves on the island, his mentors would shrug. They got themselves into debt one way or another, so why should we care? The weak get preyed upon. Better to be the butcher than the cattle, after all. And so on.

… And now, here he was, in the position he’d put humans, fishmen, or otherwise into over the years. Aiuchi muttered to himself as he scratched the side of his face as he sat against the wall, looking through the bars. His side ached every time he took a deep breath. He’d dealt with pirates before, and humans and fishmen who resisted their enslavement. His men were well-trained, culled from the best the island had to offer, so even against a fishman’s superior strength, they prevailed. He wasn’t stupid.

He never would have invited fishmen onto his ship, but the sharkman’s bitch had him fooled, the fishmen trailing behind her like obedient lapdogs. That intrigued him, and he wanted to know more, and who knows, someone as like-minded as him could be good for a bit of fun.

Even though he was already locked in the brig, he was chained, as was the rest of his crew. Designed for fishmen, the chains were extra heavy, which robbed the humans of much of their energy when they tried to move around.

Oh, he’d certainly made attempts to escape. But the sharkman was no naif from the Fishman District who’d had little experience with humans. This one had been out in the world and dealt with humans long enough to have a pronounced distaste for them.

Aiuchi had tried some mental warfare. He'd needle at the fishmen, trying to pinpoint various weaknesses as they stood guard, but that was met with silence, threats, and even a few blows, one of which broke a rib. When he was interrogated, he'd tried various attempts at obfuscation or stonewalling. Much as Aiuchi hated to admit it, he'd developed a begrudging respect for the ray fishman that handled much of the interrogations and otherwise. He understood the resolve of a warrior.

He lifted his head as a fishman came by with a cart. His stomach rumbled as it often did but he learned to ignore it as the fishman ladled some cold stew for him. He looked down at the concoction he’d have found unappealing, but he was pragmatic enough to know that beggars could not be choosers. So he lifted his bowl and swallowed its contents.

He looked up again sometime later when Koji was dragged to the cell next to his and dropped on the floor.

"Did that fish-loving bitch want to play with her little pet again?" Aiuchi grunted. The blue-haired youth gave him a deadpan stare as he made his way to the thin mat before sitting down.

“Call her what you will, but she’s the best chance I have of getting my sister’s freedom,” Koji said flatly.

"Come now, you don't think slaves are cheap? Especially one such as your sister?" He remembered the girl, her hair a similar shade to her brother's. She had been seventeen, legally a minor, and therefore her father could sell her to settle his gambling debts. "You knew that it would take you a while to earn that money. Such is the way of things," Aiuchi said. Spike himself had started as a slave, a delinquent teen sold by his parents. But Aiuchi had seen the potential in him and channeled Spike's resentment and rage into a useful tool, paired with a Devil Fruit that made him a formidable part of the crew.

"Hah, that's easy for you to say," Koji muttered. "But now we're in the same position. You liked to lecture our crew about survival of the fittest, of making yourself strong however you could and not letting others take advantage of you. And I thought I was doing that by working hard." Koji stared at the wall angrily. Aiuchi smirked to himself. This was Koji's first fishing expedition. That's what Aiuchi and his forebears had called it… fishing. They'd go fishing every several years, collecting fishmen and perhaps a few other types of slaves along the way.

“You would have eventually earned her freedom… eventually,” Aiuchi taunted lowly. It was indeed possible to buy freedom, so the slaves could hardly complain about unfairness, but it was no easy task, and why should it be? Otherwise, where would be the profit of it?

o0o0o0o

Erhu sat in the infirmary, watching as Lew quietly mopped the floor. The petite man moved around calmly and methodically, keeping his infirmary clean. Regardless of who his master was, the doctor tended to his infirmary much as Hatchan did to his kitchen. If Omald had been working at that pace, Toma or one of the other fishmen would have been on his ass about it, but Erhu sat back as he asked Lew questions about medicine.

As the captive slave-doctor of the Arlong Pirates, Lew could hardly object to the company of a fishman who had sincere questions about his profession. So the two of them would converse, and he obliged Lew’s questions. The fishman talked about the healer who had mentored him and what he’d learned. Since he wasn’t a member of the Arlong Pirates, Erhu was little more than a passenger and found this a good way to spend his time when not helping with a chore. He’d narrowly escaped being a slave and was determined to not let this opportunity go to waste.

“I’m about to grab tea and a bite, would you like me to bring you some?” Erhu offered.

“That would be appreciated,” the doctor said with a bow of his head. Erhu smiled to himself before he brought back a pot of tea, two cups, and a generous portion of grilled sea-bear meat among other things.

“You can put down that mop and relax,” Erhu said as he gestured to the desk, where he’d set down the tray. He knew that Lew had been a slave for many years and this behavior was ingrained in him, which made him quite agreeable to his new masters, but Erhu found it unsettling at times. Would he have turned out like that too, if he’d been enslaved long enough? “Please, help yourself.” Erhu’s tone was sincere as he looked down at Lew.

o0o0o0o

Arlong watched from the upper deck as Kuroobi drilled his class, using two of his students to put on a demonstration of focusing their fishman strength. It pleased him to see the renewed fire in Kurrobi’s eyes. It reminded him of the determined boy he’d come across back in the old days. Ajkul had just died, so Arlong was alone again. He was strong and scrappy, but there were plenty of bigger fish than him and he was only eleven years old. He knew he needed nakama to ensure that he would have many more years.

Kuroobi had an abusive father, so he was on his own a lot, and he’d made friends with Hatchan who had been but one of many mouths to feed to a worn-out grandmother. The pair was a few years younger than Arlong so even if they might have one another, they were still quite vulnerable.

He’d gone from being the ward – and sometimes caretaker – of an old fishman to someone who was now responsible for two young fishboys. But Arlong saw the potential in the pair, and they saw what he offered – protection. They watched one another’s backs, and Chew becoming part of the group did not change that.

People might prattle on about growing stronger, training themselves, and so on. That was why Devil Fruits existed, to give people a shortcut.

Many fishmen disdained Devil Fruits, but Arlong knew that raw fishman strength was not enough. After all, it was that very strength that made a fishman attractive to humans in terms of exploitation.

Although Kuroobi, Chew, and Hatchan remained his core, Arlong drew other fishboys – and fishmen – to his side. Strength in numbers, he said, and that proved itself time and time again. Mess with one of Arlong’s brothers, and you mess with the whole crew. Regardless of the upheavals the crew had experienced, that remained one of his core values. One of the best ways to deal with humans was to support your brothers and sisters. See what had been done with the takeover of the White Mermaid and the eventual fate of Marzu Island.

He would be lying if he didn’t have doubts. His defeat at the hands of the Straw Hats proved that he wasn’t as infallible as he once believed. But it wasn’t as if he came to Marzu unprepared. He had strength, yes. But also explosives and other useful chemicals. And stealth and surprise.

Wonder what Brother Tiger would say if he could see me now, Arlong mused. He returned his attention to the two fishmen sparring in front of Kuroobi. If one were to go by looks alone, the larger fishman would have the advantage, especially since his opponent was one of the smaller fishmen on the ship.

Mido looked down at Erhu, but the almost-scrawny young fishman squared his shoulders, looking up at his larger and more experienced opponent. Arlong smirked to himself. He’d known Mido for years, the pink-skinned fishman was part of the Arlong Pirates before they merged with the Sun Pirates. Most people wrote Mido off as a clumsy-looking oaf, but the heavyset fishman had a quite sharp mind. He’d been good at collecting tribute and keeping down unrest back in the days.

As a newcomer, Arlong wasn't quite as sure of Erhu. He wasn't officially part of the crew, but he was a brother regardless and has thus far given no trouble.

Erhu’s smaller size gave him a certain maneuverability not found in bulkier people, but Mido defeated him nonetheless, knocking him back with a well-aimed blow. After a couple of moments, Erhu got up and resumed trying to take the larger fishman down.

Arlong smirked to himself as he watched, trying to anticipate what one or the other might do next.

o0o0o0o

Marzu Island was visible in the distance with a telescope. The initial explosives had been planted and were soon to be lit. They would take advantage of the darkness and confusion. And they'd taken the time to prepare for contingencies if the information they'd been given proved false or no longer up-to-date, but Arlong didn't think that the slaves under Yolande's care would lie to him, even if Aiuchi or his elite clients would – and did.

He smirked to himself. Turning humans against other humans… well, if humans were willing to betray one another, he might as well use it for his benefit. After all, much as he had disliked Nezumi, the rat had his uses. So the cabin boy wanted his sister’s freedom, the doctor was doing as his new owner commanded, and the maid wanted to be with her family, and that meant giving Arlong accurate information. He looked around at the fishmen getting ready. Each fishman knew their job. He smiled faintly as he saw Ishidai and Caten have a quiet conversation, Ishidai holding the catfishwoman’s face affectionately. Yolande gave Chew a bag, exchanging a few words with him before going to Hatchan, who pulled her into a hug.

Sweet siren, expressing concern for her nakama. Well, shouldn’t she anyway, since these were her brothers and sisters?

She approached him, the wind whipping several loose strands of her hair around. He reached out, rubbing his thumb along her cheek.

When he’d first taken her to bed, he tried to maintain a certain sort of distance from her. His long, painful experience with humans kept him wary despite the bond he undeniably shared with her. He would make good use of her and treat her decently, but now he knew that he had developed genuine feelings for her. Her concern touched him, but he didn’t want to admit that.

“Marzu Island will know the rage of the fishman race!” Arlong roared as his crew cheered for him. Behind him, a firework on the island went off, illuminating the sky for a moment with flashes of blue and green before fading away. The first wave of fishmen was secure on the island. He grinned to himself and joined the second wave of soldiers, diving into the water.

As he and the others approached Marzu’s shores, several explosions went off around the island, strategically placed and lit by Kuroobi and several other fishmen. He grinned as he stepped onto the beach, hearing panicked screams as the island’s security forces attempted to marshal themselves, but the fishmen had prepared well for it.

One of the ships belonging to Marzu’s security went up in flames hundreds of meters down the shore. He grinned to himself and lifted his sword, signaling for his men to move forward. He would have his vengeance.

[shining-scion]

What if Karamelle… didn’t suck?

Plot under the cut.

Velma the Shadow Scholar comes with too.

The Old One kicks the bucket like normal, but Annabelle, the guide, steps in before fighting can break out. She leads the group to a “place where they can all get along”, which is really just a forest. Everyone instantly starts acting weird— like this is the best place they’ve ever been— when the Wizard is encased in a bubble of roots. Bartleby’s stepped in, stating that he has no idea why Karamelle is draining mana faster than he can reasonably distribute through the leylines, or why people in this world can’t seem to see anything.

The Old One kicks the bucket like normal, but Annabelle, the guide, steps in before fighting can break out. She leads the group to a “place where they can all get along”, which is really just a forest. Everyone instantly starts acting weird— like this is the best place they’ve ever been— when the Wizard is encased in a bubble of roots. Bartleby’s stepped in, stating that he has no idea why Karamelle is draining mana faster than he can reasonably distribute through the leylines, or why people in this world can’t seem to see anything.

He doesn’t elaborate on what this means.

When they’re released, the forest has shifted into a maze, and they have to find their way back to town. All their friends are gone, but they meet up with Annabelle and Maulwurf when they finally find their way back.

The residents of this world don’t seem to be able to use magic, and while Annabelle insists everything produced in Karamelle is sustainable, the magical strain on the world is obvious.

The main plot essentially involves the Wizard knocking sense into the schism and trying to figure out what’s going on in the world with Velma, who insists that this isn’t shadow magic at work.

At the climax, the Wizard discovers that musicology was behind a powerful veil of illusion over the world, essentially coating it in magical Resonator energy so sweet, and so uncomplicated, that it affects everyone in the world. There’s a team of people “backstage” working to keep the illusion up, and there’s probably a really cool moment where you end up in the “backstage” and have to fight your way through. (Really similar to that one part in the first portal game where you break out of the test chambers and tear through the offices?)

This is all done by the corporation running Karamelle so that their workers remain distracted and oblivious to the horrible things being done to their world, and the CEO’s plans for the larger Spiral. Maulwurf brought them here in an attempt to give the CEO access to the Arcanum’s knowledge. (You know. So they could gain access to horrible magic no company should have access to.)

Once the Wizard confronts the Grand Fairy, they end up getting forcibly stuck in an illusion themselves, after narrowly dodging them for most of the world. Fortunately, this holds them in place long enough for the Nothing to pull them into a cavity, and the Aberrant Paradox fight begins as normal. The clash releases such a burst of shadow energy, and something else, that the whole veil on Karamelle is lifted, revealing the true, quant world it always was.

(All the major other plot points such as the schism ending up in cavities and whatnot happens still, after you save them from their respective Karamelle illusions, so the rest of the arc is pretty much unaffected.)

My major inspo was pretty much the same sort of Disneyland thing, except I thought it would be cool to focus on the “pretty distraction” element more. The idea of a “backstage” for Karamelle was actually inspired by those tunnels people say are around Disneyworld, so that people can get around without walking around the parks and breaking any “illusions” the guests might have. I thought the idea of a world that looks like it gives you want you want, but is actually a lie, was a really good contrast against Novus’s whole deal of actually doing it.

[imaginary-polysemy]

First Meeting — Katya and Altair

Warnings… NONE! Except I wrote this at 4AM so if it’s a little disjointed or something I’m so sorry bro.

Tagging…

@happy--prince — hopefully I wrote Oscar dialogue okay-

The grand ballroom buzzed with laughter and soft music, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and fine food. Katya Lyubov stood at the edge of the crowd, her gaze drifting over the elegantly dressed guests. She was here with her adoptive “father”, Oscar, and her best friend, Kotoko.

As Katya’s attention drifted through the room, her eyes caught onto a certain young man around her age. Maybe a little older. Altair de Valois, she caught him laughing with a small group of people, his bright red eyes glimmering with charm. Suddenly, she noticed him looking her way. Just then, Katya thought she might have had a mini stroke as she quickly averted her eyes.

Oscar noticed her distraction first. “You seem rather interested in something,” he remarked quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

Katya’s eyes snapped back to him, her expression cool and collected. “I’m just observing,” she replied, but the slight hesitation in her voice betrayed her. She was not used to being caught off guard, even by Oscar.

Kotoko smirked, leaning closer. “Observing, huh? Or maybe you’re curious about that guy over there?” She nodded subtly in Altair’s direction, her tone teasing.

Katya’s lips thinned in denial, though a touch of color rose to her cheeks. She turned away, her voice barely above a whisper. “Who is he?”

Oscar’s eyes followed her gaze, and after a moment of consideration, he said, “That’s Altair de Valois, one of the de Valois family. They’re quite prominent—old money, French nobility.” His tone shifted slightly, a hint of caution lacing his words. “There’s rumors of his family being.. less than human. I would be careful around him if I were you.”

Katya’s interest only seemed to grow. Without a word, she reached into the small pouch attached to her outfit and pulled out one of her smaller, intricately designed dolls. The doll, no larger than a rat or mouse, slipped from her hand, hidden in the folds of her gown before disappearing into the crowd. It moved silently toward Altair, its eyes gleaming with a touch of her magic.

The doll reached the edge of Altair’s conversation circle, positioning itself where it could listen in. Katya focused, her senses sharpening to pick up every word. Altair was speaking with a calm, accented and cultured voice that hinted at his old-world charm, discussing matters of business and subtle power plays with a small group of influential figures. He was eloquent and poised, his words revealing a mind as sharp as his looks.

{Woof.}

Katya’s lips curved into a faint smile. He was intriguing—more than she initially thought. Her curiosity only deepened as she listened, but her surveillance did not go unnoticed.

Altair’s gaze suddenly shifted, his eyes locking onto the exact spot where Katya stood yet again. A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips, and with a few polite words to excuse himself from his current conversation, he began to make his way toward her.

“Should I like.. try to talk to him, or something.?”

Katya hesitantly asked Kotoko.

“Eh, no need, he’s coming over here now!” Kotoko said, her voice teasing.

“WHAT!? Oh shit, what do I do?” Katya stammered, her usual poise slipping. “Kotoko, help—”

Kotoko grinned mischievously, adjusting her earpods. “Suddenly, I think I hear Shinyu calling. Very—very audibly. You can’t hear him because, uh—he’s practically yelling into my ear. Good luck bestie~!!”

“Wait, what!? You can’t leave me like this!” Katya exclaimed, but Kotoko was already turning away, pretending to listen intently to her own nonexistent conversation.

Before Katya could respond further, Altair approached, a relaxed smile on his face. “Good evening, miss. It seems you’re quite popular tonight.” He noted sarcastically, Katya was now entirely alone. With Oscar also having wandered off to speak with some people.

She cleared her throat, trying to regain her usual composure. “I… I’m just observing,” she said, echoing her earlier sentiment, though her heart was racing.

Altair chuckled softly, the sound smooth and inviting. “Observing? Or perhaps looking for something, or someone?”

“More like wishing for a better strategy,” she admitted, glancing at Kotoko, who was now pretending to be deeply engrossed in a text conversation.

Altair leaned in slightly, his expression curious. “Is that so? You seem a bit… flustered.”

“Flustered? No, not at all,” Katya replied, forcing a laugh that felt strained. “Just… keeping my options open.”

Altair’s smile widened, the hint of mischief in his eyes. “I see. And what options do you have in mind?”

“Um—well, I could try to blend into the wallpaper, I suppose,” she said, her voice light. “Though it seems a bit conspicuous.”

“Blending in is overrated. I prefer to stand out.” Altair’s gaze was steady, “And right now, I must say, you are definitely standing out.”

“Really? You think so?” Katya replied, trying to keep her tone casual. “I thought it was just the dress.”

“Ah, the dress certainly helps,” he said, gesturing to the fabric that draped over her figure. “But it’s your presence that truly captivates.”

Before Katya could formulate a response, Kotoko returned, feigning a sudden burst of enthusiasm. “Katya! I need you for a second—very important!” 

Altair raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Important, you say?”

“Absolutely,” Kotoko replied, her tone overly dramatic. “It involves… urgent matters. You know how it is in this line of work!”

Katya shot her a look of frustration but couldn’t help the faint smile tugging at her lips. “What are you doing?” 

“Just keeping you on your toes! Use your natural rizz!” Kotoko winked before pulling Katya slightly away.

“Natural… huh..? Is that a word I haven’t learned yet.?” Katya tilted her head to the side, genuinely confused. 

“Hehe~ basically! Don’t worry about it focus on the mission!” Kotoko smiled mischievously and once again, faded into the background. Leaving Katya to return to her conversation with Altair.

“Sorry about that,” Katya said to Altair, her heart racing as she felt a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. “I guess I’ll—”

“Maybe we can continue this conversation later?” Altair suggested, his voice smooth and inviting. “I’d love to learn more about you…” He paused, then added with a smile, “I just realized I never got your name.”

“Katya Lyubov,” she replied, extending her hand with a small smile. “And you must be Altair de Valois.”

“Indeed, Miss Lyubov,” Altair said, taking her hand gently. “A pleasure to finally meet you properly.”

“Continue the conversation later?” she managed, trying to sound nonchalant despite the fact that certain winged insects might have possibly hatched in her stomach. “I’d like that.”

{Woah that’s a weird way of saying she got butterflies-}

As Altair stepped back and gave a quick bow before leaving, the playful smile never leaving his lips, Katya turned to Kotoko, who had suddenly materialized beside her.

“What the heck was that?” Katya whispered, still flustered.

Kotoko grinned slyly. “Oh? Looks like someone’s got a little crush.”

Katya’s cheeks reddened, and she quickly shook her head. “What? No! We barely know each other, and besides—I’m basically incapable of love,” she insisted, her voice defensive.

Kotoko raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk on her face. “Sure you are.”

With her confidence shaky but her curiosity piqued, Katya couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something far more intriguing.

[moodymelanist]

Are you just doing Elucien prompts? Because I had this idea for Nessian where canon Nesta craves physical affection from Cassian but doesn’t really know what to do with it when he is affectionate with her because she’s never had anyone touch her tenderly like he does

nope, I’m taking any and everyone as the mood strikes me! I hope you don't mind that this is a modern au; I really liked this idea but writing in canon isn't my preferred thing to do. tw for discussion of prior abuse (tomas + mama archeron can suck it).

Nesta knew Cassian had noticed the way she didn’t know what to do with herself whenever he wanted to touch her. He was just so giving with his affection, from the easy way he would sling an arm around her shoulders to the kisses he liked to press to her skin whenever he felt she needed one.

Part of her wanted to lean into those touches, to make things easy the way they seemed to be for him, but a much larger part of her didn't know how to trust hands that were reaching for her. She was so used to being hurt instead of being held that her body just didn't know what to do when it was presented with the second option.

"I'm sorry," Nesta said for what felt like the millionth time after it happened. She'd been washing their dishes from dinner when Cassian had come up from behind her to wrap his arms around her, sending her into a stiff panic before she forced herself to calm down. "Fuck, I'm sorry."

They'd been dating for long enough that Nesta hated it was even an issue. They spent endless time in each other's apartments, saw each other multiple times a week, had met each other's friends and chosen families. She knew Cassian would never hurt her, would never even want to, but it was hard to fight every instinct in her body telling her she was in danger when it had kept her alive for so long.

"You don't have anything to apologize for, sweetheart," Cassian replied. He slowly unwrapped his arms from around her so he wouldn't startle her further and took a few steps to the right. "I'm the one who should be apologizing."

"What?" she responded, completely flabbergasted. She turned off the water and turned to face him so they could have what was shaping up to be an important conversation without any distractions. "You're not the one who's fucked up."

"Nesta." He gave her a look that told her exactly what he thought of that statement. "What happened to you was fucked up. That doesn't mean you're fucked up."

"But I am fucked up."

"We're all a little bit fucked up. Doesn't mean I still don't owe you an apology."

"What do you think you owe me one for?" Nesta asked, a little resigned. Her boyfriend was even more stubborn than she was on the best of days, so sometimes it was easier to just give in rather than fight a ridiculous fight, especially for something they'd talked to death so many times before.

"I know you don't like me coming up to you like that, so I'm the one who owes you an apology," Cassian answered. "I'm sorry for scaring you."

"It's not that you scared me," she told him honestly. Having conversations like these made her insides crawl, but since they were already talking, she thought she might as well rip the entire band-aid off anyways. "I like it when you touch me, I just... need some more warning, is all."

"Okay," he easily agreed. "I'll try to remember that for the future. Okay?"

"Okay," she mumbled. She turned around and started messing with the dishes again just to give herself something to do, not sure where to go from here.

"Is it okay if I give you a hug now?" Cassian asked after a few moments passed.

"Yes," Nesta answered. She took a deep breath and let it go just as his arms slowly circled back around her, letting herself relax as much as she could into the warmth of his embrace. It was much better now that she knew it was coming, and she found herself able to enjoy the feeling of his warm body behind her instead of immediately going into fight-or-flight mode.

"Better?" he murmured, squeezing her gently.

"Better," she repeated.

tag list: @perseusannabeth | @bookstantrash | @charming-butt-insane | @oversizedbats | @melphss | @sv0430 | @podemechamardek | @autumnbabylon | @live-the-fangirl-life | @julemmaes | @that-little-red-head | @jmoonjones | @sayosdreams | @thewayshedreamed | @hiimheresworld | @brieq | @pearloftheorients | @swankii-art-teacher | @nerdperson524 | @snickerdoodlechittybangbang | @imsointobooks | @nesquik-arccheron | @sweet-pea1 | @champanheandluxxury | @dustjacketmusings | @mrs-shadowsinger04 | @unlikelypersonalknight1 | @goddess-aelin | @arinbelle | @talkfantasytome | @simpingfornestaarcheron | @duskandstarlight | @letstakethedawn | @vidalinav | @c-e-d-dreamer | @dealfea | @katekatpattywack | @burningsnowleopard

[magic-aggy]

the original mlpfim lesbian ship

text id (never done one of these b4 pls let me know if im doing it wrong!)

[on the left, a fat, dainty, white unicorn with purple hair, looking flirtatious, with text indicating her that says "Trying her hardest to flirt", on the right a wiry, muscular, orange earth pony with blonde hair and brown spots like a cow looking stressed and distracted, text pointing to her that says "Oblivious, lost in thought about work she needs to do"]

uhhh, figured i needed to practise my character design somehow. redesigning official characters seemed like a good start.

idk how evident it is, but i tried to put like, some vibes of other animals into the designs for the purpose of like, trying to communicate character?

like rarity's snout/face/ear is meant to evoke a siamese or ragdoll cat, as well as an alpaca. her legs are def meant to evoke an alpaca, or maybe a poodle. shes trim and prim and manicured. alpacas tie back to fashion, w their wool being used for high end woolen clothing. and a ragdoll is a very like, iconic big pretty cat which is both elegant and very fluffy. i wanted rarity to be fat and elegant. i think i achieved that. her hair is not as good as id like but its good enough. also gave rarity a G1 style cutie mark bc its a classic look and rarity can appreciate a good bit of vintage style, plus her larger body made me think of the G1 pony toys. and i just really like big cutie marks lol.

applejack i wanted to put vibes of australian outback sheep farmer into, as well as fruitbats and australian sheepdogs. i wanted her to be muscular but not thick and overt like big mac. applejack always seems like she should be wiry and lithe. shes not the strongest pony in the world, but she might be the hardest working pony. also her snout being slightly canine ties back to the timberwolves, which for whatever reason i really associate with applejack. winona too! winona is part of the inspo here. and then i put some splotches of darker fur bc i A. wanted to continue evoking a blue heeler, but B. more importantly i wanted her to be part cow. i have this mental image of Pear Butter, her mom, being half cow and being like, very round and fat and soft and pretty. hair is cut short and a bit scruffy, bc long hair seemed impractical to me. i always think about how much applejacks hair would get in the way if things were more grounded. also she has a cow lick! and her hair is less bright, more of a dirty blonde. which just felt fitting. i imagine applejack as having rough skin from all the time she spends working in the sun.

also rarijack is just, the OG, the first thing i was like 'omg those horse fillies, theyre so gay... wow...' its a classic.

[quietlyblooms]

GRASP THE DAWN | MY HERO ACADEMIA AU

your quirk isn't well-suited for heroism. you think this long before anyone has the chance to say the words aloud. your skin shifts and changes without your permission, reveals the way your heart clenches and startles. it doesn't matter how well-trained your poker-face is; the hue of your skin always gives you away. you can't hide anything as well as you'd like to.

well, you couldn't. time, training, and stubborn, furious determination did wonders for your quirk and, most of all, your sanity.

you just wanted control over your own body. you weren't thinking of the future, what might become a possibility rather than a naïve child's dream. your quirk wasn't well-suited for heroism. only you still believed this as you entered high school, and it was your homeroom teacher, flabbergasted by the use of your quirk for a practical joke and your adamant protest that you did not belong in the hero course, who eventually made you see reason.

and now you've come full circle, it would seem. u.a. high school looms overhead, and your stomach somersaults. teaching is meant to be a break from the stress of your hero career, give you a chance to help students reach their true potential just as your homeroom teacher did for you. you belatedly accept that maybe all won't go according to plan. more than likely it won't. but that's fine.

you'll meet the challenge with a smile, teeth bared in determined defiance.

QUIRK INFO

similar to octopi, chiyo's skin is made up of special cells that allow her to mimic the colors and textures of her surroundings. it comes as naturally as breathing these days, sometimes to the extent that chiyo may disappear while immersed in thought or a task ( almost like an unconscious effort to remain undisturbed ). this ability is most ideal for covert assignments or partnerships that involve a flashier teammate. chiyo also possesses a venomous bite like certain octopi, capable of paralyzing and even killing her opponent if left untreated. she purposely leaves this detail out of most unofficial profiles and interviews, though, as it's useful to have a hidden card up her sleeve. she also doesn't want anyone asking to see her fangs. that's embarrassing. there are other physical advantages chiyo shares with octopi, such as enhanced strength and an accelerated healing factor, though don't expect her to regrow a missing limb!

ADDITIONAL INFO

chiyo acts as a remedial combat teacher as well as the art teacher for u.a. high school, where she once attended as a teen.

her official title is the color-changing hero, chiyoko, though this may change if i come up with something better :' )

while she may have a following as many heroes do, she's likely to be a lesser known pro hero; her career involved working closely with the police and higher authorities, working undercover, infiltrating, or neutralizing volatile targets. she's done few interviews and never sought out endorsements, much preferring the quiet career she's had.

this " quiet career " did lead to chiyo losing an old friend, which was part of her final decision to try teaching for a while. she needed a break, and in a way, she hopes she can make up for failing that friend. this is a detail only those very close to her would know about.

chiyo’s hero uniform is a skintight suit that has a utility belt which carries smoke bombs, an extending bo staff, a small dart gun which utilizes a diluted form of her venom, and whatever else she can fit within it ( typically things that can be used for traps and distractions ). what she can carry is limited bc if the belt were any larger, it would be difficult for the material to react to her quirk like the rest of her suit. the suit itself is white if chiyo is not actively using her quirk. there is also a helmet, but this is often forgotten or only used during planned assignments. chiyo thinks it's itchy and uncomfortable.

i'm sure i'll add more here as i catch up with the series, but if you have questions in the meantime, just ask <3

[hoperays-song]

Sing 1 Commentary and Review Pt. 3

Welcome back to the madness loves!!! Also, I tried to tone down the commentary so I get further in the movie this time. Is this an elaborate plan to distract me from my fic being with my beta reader? Yes! Am I using it for content? Also yes! Enjoy!

Yes, I am trying to restrain myself more this time, it's hard.

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Guys, guys, guys, here me out here... I think Barry minds.

Also, headcanon I'm not sure I ever mentioned on here before but the reason Barry minds Johnny taking his spot isn't jealousy of being passed over but because he didn't want his honorary nephew to have a larger role in the gang than he already did. He was trying to protect him.

HERE. This is the moment where Marcus confirms they were going to stop stealing after this last heist. They were legit only doing it out of necessity because the needed money.

(aka my debt theory is going strong bwahahaha)

Ok but the way Marcus looks at Stan and Barry when Johnny storms off, just his face of "that's weird right? or is it normal teenage angst? what's going on?" is so funny. He's so lost.

Also, I genuinely believe that Johnny might have been planning on telling his family about the singing here (he comes back much later but seems still really hyped up like he was getting the confidence to do so) but didn't when he was given the role of getaway driver. Even if it was just for one job, it clearly made him feel way less seen as a person and like he was a disappointment for not fitting into the mold of who he thinks his father wants him to be (the queer metaphor is still going hard I see, lovely).

👏 Relationship👏  Counseling👏 

Engineer Rosita My Beloved!!!! <3

This woman definitely has at least two masters degrees in mechanical engineering because the machine she made is something out of Willy Wonka.

So... there either were intake forms where they all listed their talents and Johnny put down a skill he hadn't done since he was little or... Buster legit just asked this teenager to learn an skill that takes years upon years of training in like a month. For some weird reason, i'm leaning towards the latter and Johnny having experience is a coincidence.

Horrified Punk Rocker™️

I completely forgot that Meena wrote out what she was gonna say to Buster on her hand. I love that and I will be including it everywhere.

Also, unrelated, but Buster is on his second felony of the movie right now and we barely are passed the 30 minutes mark. Not to mention the numerous misdemeanors.

And, the workshop where they build their props in apparently on the second floor according to Buster. That seems like you're making more work for yourself with all the moving up and down but, you know, you do you.

Mike puntable moments counter: 19

He really does not think things through does he?

Lance puntable moments counter: 17

Dude, she's your girlfriend, for fucks sake, be supportive!!!! It's not rocket science over here!!!

Johnny making fun of his dad and exaggerating his accent will never not be funny to me. He's acting like a regular teenager, not a gang member, and it's both adorable and hysterical.

Judith has arrived!!! We love characters who are actually just trying to do their jobs here. Like imagine being the bank representative assigned to Buster freaking Moon. You'd be pissed off too.

... Gay. That's the only commentary I can add here. That's very gay.

Gunter, the chaos enabler, Rosita, the chaos handler, and Caspar, the chaos.

You just know as soon as Caspar got home he was begging him mom to let him hang out with the fun dance guy again.

Johnny's over here going through the nine stages of grief about his singing career.

Also, do we know why Johnny was called away this time? Because they weren't planning any heists in between the one we have already seen and the failed one to our knowledge. So, was he actually called back because of something to do with the garage? It would technically be a family business thing then after all.

Ash, I am so sorry. About everything you go through in this movie. So sorry. You get adopted by a crazy guy and an old rockstar by the end of the next movie if it's any comfort (probably not but worth a shot).

Also, their apartment is huge!!! How are they affording that when struggling to find and keep gigs???

Lance puntable moments counter: 27

I am once again reminded that the mob canonically exists here and Mike thought cheating them was a good idea?!?

Mike puntable moments counter: 23

The last moments those poor flowers had. RIP.

The dramatic music that appears whenever she does is honestly amazing. And I love how she just seems to despise Buster on principal here.

But the fact that Eddie's grandmother knows Buster? And a fair bit about his life? Eddie has definitely mentioned him and also Buster went to Eddie's graduation!! That's so sweet, you know he was one of those people who make huge posters of their loved ones faces and their degree.

This, my lovely gentlefolk and assorted cryptids, is what a bad idea looks like!

Ok, we have arrived to the failed heist. Now personally, I would have just pretended to be sick so that Buster would have let me go without worrying about the show. That way my role in the show would be safe while I would also be out of debt, win-win. However, that's clearly not what happened here.

I stand with the fact that this could have been easily avoided but I do not solely blame Johnny here. He's a kid. Kids make mistakes all the time. He just made a mistake. Was it a bigger mistake than a lot of people's? Yes, but it was still a mistake. He is not at fault here.

As for the gang, smart move on their part to immediately surrender. That way they lessened their sentence by not resisting arrest. Also, Marcus looks genuinely worried when he realises Johnny is not there, and I completely understand that. He has no idea where his son is and there's police everywhere, he's bound to be panicked.

Rosita is amazing. I love her, she's so sweet.

Ok, genuinely forgot about Gunter and Rosita's fight at the dress rehearsals.

Also, Mike puntable moments counter: 25

Ok, I feel like we missed a part of this conversation. We jump right to Marcus asking where Johnny was and looking pissed. I can almost guarantee that that conversation did not start like that. Marcus and Johnny are shown to be close, despite their communication issues. He's going to be upset, yes, but he's still gonna be worried about his kid. Marcus definitely asked if Johnny was ok or arrested or sick first.

Also, ouch. This scene hurts. The overall message of familiar rejection for you just trying to be yourself, of who you actually are is not good enough? It makes me sob every single time. This is just insanely painful.

(Yes, this is a central part of Johnny's story being queer coded and as someone who had a similar situation happen when I came out, I'm just saying it's very realistic).

Then the stealing bit afterwards being reference for pushing yourself into who others want you to be to feel love? And Johnny choosing even then it's better if he is his actual true self? Amazing, perfection, true cinema.

This is the emptiest grocery store I've ever seen in my entire life. Seriously. Is anyone other than these two there? I'm guessing a cashier but I don't see one.

Also this security dude is an amazing hype man, just cheering and blasting music.

Buster, stop encouraging kids to commit felonies. I know you're on three now but seriously man???

WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND GAVE THIS GREMLIN A BLOWTORCH?!?!?!?! ARE YOU TRYING TO DESTROY SOCIETY???? Also, Meena and Buster were renovating the theatre at the same time as Johnny was practicing with Mrs. Crawly. I completely forgot they were there at the same time?

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This is taking way longer than I thought but hey, it's time consuming!

Be back in a few (these take a bit to edit sorry)! - <3 Gooseless

[theodoradevlin]

Bad Habits | Sebastian Sallow

TW: Sexual Themes

Summary:

Shameless Sebastian Sallow x Original Character Smutty one shot. Don't know what it is about this boy that has us constantly dreaming of exploring the restricted section.

Timeline is sometime after the crucio quest.

Characters Aged 18+

Theo Devlin pulled up at her stockings. The confounded things were so damn uncomfortable.

While britches were usually much more useful in terms of carrying all the potions, and plants and weapons she needed...now she might as well actually wear her school uniform in the hopes that there would be no threats waiting for her tonight. But, she was coming to learn, that was always a gamble at Hogwarts. She had to wear the stupid thing all day..even during potions class where had had received such odd looks from Sebastian.

She eyed herself in the mirror, grimacing at the way the skirt was absolutely too impractical for the things she was usually involved in... But, tonight, for this quick trip to the library...it would have to do.

Tonight, her mind had been a cyclone of whirling thoughts - so badly tangled that any hope of sleep had become impossible.

The night before...she had surprised herself. Flashes of her and Sebastian and Ominous came back to her then. The desperation in Sebastian's eyes. The concern in Ominous's.

The way Sebastian's face had crumpled after she had forced him to cast Crucio on her.

It was still a shock that it was a spell she even knew herself now. Would she ever use it? Knowing how that pain had coursed through her? She was nothing but a creature of necessity, she consented, so only time would tell.

But...that was a problem for tomorrow.

Maybe tonight, she could find more information on the ancient magic...on the Keepers...on anything to distract her from the path that she was inevitably stumbling down.

Her breath shook as she pushed open the barreled door of the Hufflepuff common room, making her way through the castle. The silence and the night air cleared her head, if just for a moment.

She knew curfew was a loosely enforced concept at Hogwarts, and the amount of time she spent running around the school after hours was so much larger vs. sanctioned hours, it was comical. So, naturally, curfew was not something she was worried about as she threw herself out of the Hufflepuff common room and marched towards the library.

As much as she couldn't deny that deep down in her soul, her first reaction to others had always been kindness, selflessness, loyalty.... in the recent weeks the amount of determination and recklessness...and frankly ruthlessness...that had worked it's way into her decisions had become just as natural as the first set of attributes that she had arrived here with. She felt more like a mix of many things vs. her fellow Hufflepuff's who lived and breathed the house attributes.

Who knows. Maybe it was the current company she had found herself drawn to since her tumultuous arrival here. Her mind flashed to Sebastian and his lingering glances...before quickly putting it out of her mind.

But...maybe having such company hadn't been a total a bad thing.

She continued down the shifting staircases, lit by nothing but the flames of torches against the cavernous and ever changing floors and walls...that and the moon shining down, always seeming to bathe these halls in an ethereal light.

As she neared the library doors, she went ahead and cast the Disillusionment charm over herself... also cursing herself for how often she had found herself back here doing the same thing.

She held her breath as she entered the library, always comforted by the smell of the ancient pages that lined the walls. Tonight...she must have found herself lucky. Neither the librarian, nor Peeves, was anywhere to be seen.

Maybe it truly was that late. She smiled to herself as she removed the charm from her form, almost skipping to the section that she hoped would hold more history of the school's founders.

All was going so well for once. Too well. She should have known.

"Lumos"

She whispered, as her finger passed along the spines of each book, focused on finding the correct one...and not focused on the concealed figure that had snuck up behind her.

"Boo".

She yelped at the voice that brushed against her ear, falling backwards into the air but finding a solid form there that had grabbed and steadied her.

"What...!"

Then laughter. Familiar laughter.

"Merlin's Beard, Devlin. I've never heard such exclamations come out of that mouth."

Sebastian erupted in laughter, removing his own disillusionment charm, much to Theo's dismay.

Her face twisted in a frown at his amusement.

"Sebastian- what exactly are you doing here?" She whisper shouted at him.

"I could ask you the same thing Devlin...seems great minds think alike. You know I am constantly digging into books I'm shocked you're surpised."

His cocky grin turned sheepish, if just for a moment.

"After...after last night..." He cleared his throat and tried again, "I wanted to see if I could help you find any more information about your magic. To help Anne...and ...and you."

She raised her eyebrows. She knew they had both cared about helping Anne from the start. But this was the first he had ever mentioned of her specifically.

Again, her eyes flashed to the look in his face after he had cast that curse on her.

But...it was Sebastian after all. How much could she trust.

"That's...well, that's surprising for you." A small flush worked it's way across her cheeks.

His eyes regarded her even more closely then. As if the spread of color across her cheeks had sparked something entirely different in him. She was, at once, entirely too aware how alone they were in this library. She had never seen him look at her that way.

Then again...she had never trusted anyone enough to let them cast something like that on her, either.

"Seems we both keep surprising each other lately." He murmured.

Yes..

Her mind whispered, but she couldn't find the words to respond.

She didn't need to. Their eyes met, across the narrow row of books, saying much more than words could in this present moment.

He eyed her again, smirking at the way she had looked around the library they had found themselves in, realizing the last time they were here at the same moment he did.

The edge of his mouth curved into a cocky smile.

"Bringing back fond memories, Devlin?"

She inhaled.

He was devastating.

Even after all this time.

He noted that sharp intake of breath, like he noted everything around him. Always so damn observant.

His head inclined towards her, backing her up closer to the book ladder that rattled at her sudden movement away from him.

He smirked again.

"You know...I do recall getting into some rather...naughty...antics here before."

Damn him.

She cursed the way he made the blush creep deeper, darker, and further up her neck.

He eyed her hungrily as he approached closer, so close that if she inhaled too deeply she could feel the brush of his chest.

His eyes were half lidded as the peered down at her. She had forgotten he was taller than her.

"You're always so delicious when you blush." He murmured, as the heat was on the verge of overtaking her completely.

Despite the blush, she stubbornly held that gaze. That boy who had such an influence on her since she got here...yet was always the first to put himself on the line.

For a moment there was nothing but breath. She didn't back away from him. She had nowhere to go. This moment had been coming for some time now. Neither of them could have escaped it forever.

"Sebastian..."

His name slipped from her mouth like a plea.

It was all it took.

He pushed her up against the book ladder, hoisting her by her thighs so quickly that she gasped.

Once he had settled her where he wanted her, those hands that had grasped her started to trail slowly to the front of her...alongside the inside of her thighs.

Her back arched as he slowly, playfully, spread her knees wider.

But then he stopped completely, hovering in between her, looking up at her quizzically.

"Theo...we haven't been able to avoid each other since day one. But...if I'm mistaken..."

For a moment...she saw it again, that broken piece inside of him. The one that constantly had been told that love for him was not possible.

She didn't know if this was love...but she knew she couldn't stand that look on his face.

She simply grabbed him by the collar, prying open his lips with her own, feeling the snake of his tongue suddenly envelop her, the way his hands were suddenly and frantically all over her.

She moaned into his mouth. His breath quickened into that gasp as if it was the most surprising thing he had ever heard.

His hands moved further and further up her thighs. Her heart beat was hammering....if he went any further.

"Sebastian!" She gasped, pulling away suddenly, trying to scold him...yet the sound of it only seemed to encourage him more.

He grinned devilishly.

"I love when you say my name like that." The side of his mouth twisted into a satisfied grin as his fingers worked higher and higher, his mouth leaning into her throat as he began to use that cruel mouth to leave grazing kisses and....teeth.

Gods.

If he went one inch further he would know the truth. The truth that her traitorous body was so obviously wet and wanting..waiting for those hands to keep touching her.

His deft fingers slipped under that already soaked fabric under her skirt, firmly and confidently finding their target right away.

She signed as his fingers pressed into her, gently and impatiently all at once. As her head titled back further, her pressed further against her, in tandem.

"That's it.." he groaned, sighing in such satisfaction of the feel of her that she pressed further into the hand that was working on her...cursing herself for the low whimper that had found it's way out of her body.

The sound sparked a crazed look into his eye. His fingers pumped harder. Her breaths became louder. She suddenly, frantically began reaching for what laid below his belt.

"Mmmm." He angled himself just out of her reach, as she made a sound of protest. "Patience darling...I plan on taking my time with you."

He continued to move those damn fingers within her, she felt herself grow even wetter as his breath fanned against her ear, "In fact...while I do so love following you around in those delightful britches you're usually running around in...I have to say this skirt has been torturing me all day."

His eyes went molten as his fingers rubbed low and agonizing circles against her core.

"...I've been imaging getting underneath this all day....and I had to be very very patient."

It was too much. His touch. His words. She squirmed against him.

"Sebastian. Please." She was near moaning his name now. If he didn't put her out of her misery soon she was going to burst.

Her breath quickened as he realized it, hunger sparking further into his eyes at the sight of her being so close.

That's it. He was torturing her. Again.

Defiantly, she took her hand grabbing at the button down she wore and wrenching it apart button by button until she was exposed with no clothing remaining besides the tie around her neck.

Her breast's spilled out into the night air, peaking at being so damn exposed and at the Sebastian's startled and glazed look.

He moved closer to cover her, despite the fact that they were alone. The view was incredible, but for his eyes only. Like his namesake, he had found himself growing extremely possessive of those he treasured. And now he was surprised to find that it included her as well.

She watched as his throat bobbed slowly as he swallowed at the sight of her.

She smirked this time.

"Are you getting shy on me now, Sallow?"

She reached up and grabbed the free hand he had leaning against the bookcase above her, and slowly traced his fingertips across her nipple.

At that slightest touch, she felt as he hardened impossibly more so between her legs.

"Ah.." He murmed as she arched into his palm, allowing him to get a full hand full of her.

He groaned. Her breasts..the fullness of them and the way she peaked at his touch was almost too much. It undid him.

"Devlin..." He ground out, "You are pure evil."

She grinned ruefully.

"Seems like we're more alike than you thought."

His mouth immediately claimed her. Opening against her own, his tongue sought her out, needing to taste and taste her.

Yes. They were more alike than he thought. In some ways he hated himself for it. For the influence he had on her. He knew she was too good for him, but he was also so fucking thankful it was her melting under him. His match. No one did the things to him that she did. No one understood in the way she had. No one could make him hope to be better, like she did.

It made him move more furiously against her as he moaned into her. mouth, twisting and flicking at her taught and supple skin.

Her shirt was no completely shrugged off, and her skirt completely around her waist. He marveled at the sight of her.

Momentarily, her voice brought him back to consciousness again.

"Sebastian..ah..ah..." His eyes hungrily watched her moan his name in between his devouring kisses.

But it wasn't enough to watch her cum. He needed to taste her on his mouth.

He broke away suddenly, relishing her whimpers of protest as he rushed to kneel in front of her.

She wasn't prepared for the way his hands rode her skirt all the way up her hips, exposing her completely to him.

She wasn't prepared for the devilish look he passed up at her before his head so purposefully slipped between m her legs. Or the sensation she felt as his fingers tore apart the small piece of fabric completely to quickly be replaced by the press of his tongue against the wetness of her core that was all there for him. He moaned into her, and she swore she felt it in her hip bones.

She gasped, arching her back at the way he was devouring her. Grabbing for something to hold on to, but doing nothing but knocking those damn books off the shelf. She didn't care. He didn't care.

His tongue pressed upwards into her at a quickened pace, sucking, flicking, as his hand worked to grasp her back side and give him even more access to her. She was a delicacy he couldn't get enough of.

"Seb...bastian...Ah...Oh My god..oh my god..my go-"

His hand reached up to place a palm over her mouth to quiet her, and just as he did she screamed his name into his hand as she came for him, her legs trembling with the force of it alongside his shoulders.

"Mmmm" His exclamation surprised her, but she also didn't know if it was shock in general for what he had just done to her.

He stood up, his already messy hair completely askew from her attempts to try and hold on for dear life...and a cocky smile plastered on his face.

"You bastard." She breathed. Barely able to form the words.

He chuckled, completely pleased with himself, but she wasn't done with him.

Using his momentary distraction, she grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back towards her for more. She didn't care that he had the taste of her all over him, and for some reason that turned him on more....to have more of her...to be completely enveloped by her.

Suddenly, she started undoing his belt buckle.

His eyes widened.

"Dangerous, Devlin..." He warned as his heart hammered faster as she pushed aside his boxers, working him right of out his pants and taking him into her hands.

He hissed. She was so damned good.

She smiled in satisfaction at that.

"I'm always in danger with you, Sallow."

He couldn't deny her that. He couldn't deny her anything.

The next thing he knew, her legs were wrapped around him with his member prodding and pressing against the slickness of her entrance.

It was almost enough to make his eyes roll in the back of his head and, he pondered, it was also possibly the sweetest form of Crucio to ever exist.

His eyes looked up at her questioning.

"I ...I don't know how well I'll be able to control myself." He admitted, "..We may get caught." He breathed against her mouth.

Even though he said it, he'd rather avadakedavra himself than ever stop.

The look in her eyes told him the same thing.

"Hasn't stopped us before." She mimicked his line back to him, breathing it into his mouth.

That was it.

He pushed into her with one full thrust, so hard that the books behind her began to fall off the shelf. She could hardly notice anything else besides the feel of him inside her. She hated to admit what she had somehow already known. He fit her perfectly.

His eyes darted in worry as he looked up at her. "Are you okay?" The breath rushed out of him as he used every ounce of control to keep himself from completely loosing himself inside of her.

She was just as delicious as he'd imagined.

Her heavy lidded eyes still were able to level a stare at him.

"Don't stop. If you stop I'll kill you." She gasped, and he obliged.

She felt so sweet around him. He groaned into her neck as he let himself bury himself inside of her...loosing himself in the way she contracted around him, her legs tightening with each thrust to bring him deeper into her.

They rocked and rocked against the shelves as he left trails of kisses down her neck, across her breaths, every inch of her he could manage.

"This is already going to kill me Devlin." He gasped a she held on to him.

"You're. Too. Fucking. Delicious."

He enunciated each word with particularly powerful thrusts as she let herself fall under the wave of them.

But it was too much. The tremble of her breasts against him, the way her hands wrapped themselves in his hair. Her gasping moans against his ear. He was going to lose himself inside of her.

"Sebastian...You're making me...I'm going to...ah..."

"Yes" He breathed back. "That's it. That's it.."

Her cry into him rang against his core, and he grunted with one final thrust into her, clutching her with all he had left until he felt himself fully and completely release inside of her.

Their bodies tangled in the aftermath as they just held on to the moment, gasping and beholding each other and all that had just happened.

He worked his way slightly out of her shoulder that he had buried his head into, taking her in for that moment.

Her flushed skin...that blush he loved. The way her auburn hair stuck to her delicate face with slight perspiration.

"You're lovely." He murmured as she gave him a hazy smile.

"You and libraries are becoming a bad habit." She responded.

"Good." He growled, liking the sound of it.

Habits meant that he was someone she might want to keep around. Habits meant that maybe, just maybe, he didn't have to be alone anymore.

His chest tightened. It also meant if he dared to hope to keep her, it would be only that much worse if he lost her too.

As they dressed, he watched the way she blushed. Try to commit it to memory.

Try to let himself hope.

[ask-the-achs]

*The computer kicks on*

DBX NO RULES NO RESEARCH JUST BLOODSHED

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DEKU VS AZULA

DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL VS MOTHER'S LOVING SON

Mufastu City Japan 10:35 PM

*Midoriya was reading his textbook as he was studying for a end of month test his teacher Eraserhead was going to spring on them. He had remembered everyday of the last 3 years of his short but well known and stressful life before he woke up in Valhalla and then after ragnarok the world's reseted and here he was reliving his life as he knew when the tests would come and what will happen where and who's who. As he read there was a very loud noise from the sky as the hero looked up he grabbed his Völundr...look alike unfortunately he couldn't get to his Valkyrie or Zerofuku but he had a feeling he'd have to fight somone.*

*in the ship a fire nation princess was smiling like a maniac she didn't know how she got here but she knew that like before she'd conquer it all. These...villains with this 'quirks' were the perfect the solders as she burned the ground below watching the worms squirm beneath her....*

*her thoughts were interrupted by something smashing something into the side of her ship as men were thrown across the foyer into the walls or off the ship entirely as a rather giant green teen was stomping over cracking his neck. He was wearing a green bodysuit boots painted red that had metal fillings and spikes on the end and what looked like a mostly black rabbit or hare mask on his face as he stamped forward.*

Deku:I take it your the boss of these nimrods?

Azula:oh. It's just a nobody. I was hoping for a hero that was worth my time. Like All Might or Endeavor.

Deku:you aren't worth All Mights time and Endeavor won't get here in time. But me?

*he chuckled.*

Deku:ill have you out for all the counts.

*she turned was this boy. Was he insisting she was nothing? Nothing? Did he know who she is!? She was born lucky! She was the ture fire lord! This boy was lucky to be born!*

FIGHT!

*Azula turned to try and fight only for her to narrowly dodge a kick from the MUCH larger teen to which she jumped back. Fast one isn't he? He'd be perfect for her army if she could get him to*

*she got punched in the stomach as Midoriya then grabbed her by the hair and threw her into the door at the other end of the foyer makeing it bend.*

Azula:YOU IMPATIENT WORM!

*she then shot out blue fire from her feet at the teen who got hit in the chest and he bounced back.*

Deku:hmm..seems you and Dabi have something in common.

*he then used the saltwater quirk he copied from his..future? Other life's? Son and put out the fire with the water and ice from his past life's run in with Geten. To then freeze his torso.*

Azula:And who is this Dabi?

*she used various explosions to propell herself into the air and then channeled a fire ball above her.*

Deku:a burnt whiny child. A lot like...

*Azula got confused as soon a pillar of blue fire shot from his arm and nearly hit her only to deflect it.*

Azula:I'm a firebender genius!

*She then saw he disappeared only for greenish purple fog to build up above her.*

Deku:unlike you I pay attention.

*he then yanked her through the portal made from the fog and threw her into the ground. Wait... was this the top of the ship? He can teleport? Oh she needed this boys power or his service.*

Deku:come on now. "Princess" *he said that bit with sarcasm. Show me what you've got. I'm done with you. And you've crossed lines. Now. *he took a deep breath* GET OUT OF MY HOME!

*Azula smiled and soon shot out a fire attack which was a distraction for her to shoot a lightning bolt attack which hit him square on in the back as he used his ice and a swiping moving to deflect the ice.*

Deku:RRRAAAAA....THAT...THAT *he burst out laughing.* Compared to Denki. THAT. DIDNT. FUCKING. HURT!!!

*Midoriya maybe picked up a few things from the godkillers as he soon jumped, grabbing his sword with black tendrils. Wait, how many powers did this boy have? She didn't get enough time to ask more questions as he swung his sword at high enough speed it just cut her chest piece and draw blood to which she glared at her foe and let out a loud mad laughter as she in rage yelled letting out a large blast of fire which flew through the air and hit delu covering the body only for the clouds to grow in the sky from the heat change to build storm clouds she then stopped as she fell paralyzed.*

*deku had used Stain's own Bloodcurdle to paralyze her by drinking her blood of course she still kept letting out fire blasting the ground as she laughed in sadistic glee watching Deku blast back the fire nation soliders to which gave her enough time to recover and hit deku with everything she had as his mask fell off and her soldiers used their fire to burn the city hearing the crys of those innocent souls that suffered from them all Deku yelled a ferocious roar that shot out Ice Fire water Lightning compressed air an explosive beam of light and an arry of darkness which combined blew up the ship and all surrounding air ships that had shown up to continue the invasion. All the ships landed on Dobagha Beacj as they crashed into the sand and water. Azula had genuine fear in her eyes as she soon got hit with the Shockwave of the blast she soon fell into the sand and looked at the sinking ships she groaned.*

Azula:what a shame. Those were our best ships and units.

Deku:*walking out the water. His suit being burned to nothing but shorts and his boots. His mask fell off showing his body was mangled by the blast. His arm was broken and twisted in 3 diffrent ways. His leg was scorched. His face was jacked. The blast tore off his left cheek burning away all his flesh showing his jaw and all the teeth that reached to his ear. His nose was completely gone his right eye was turned upwards and permanently blinded and his torso and back was charred with 3rd and 4th degree burns.* you heartless cretin.

Azula:Wha-what are you? Why are you not screaming?

Deku:I've. Suffered. Worse.

*Azula tried to stand up and use martial arts to put him down only for midyora to block and swing his own large fists or legs to kick or punch at her.*

Azula:*dodges a blackwhip attack* you fought well but I must kill you! You are a threat to my rule! I am the fire Lord Azula!

Deku:you are no ruler. I've met a ture King. I've seen a true lord. You are a parasite with delusions.*he then pulled the whip back. Which shot his nearly 7ft sword into her torso nearly splitting her in half and cutting her arm off.*

Azula:*screeches of pain and yelling at Deku trying and failing to burn him either her fire breath crying and screaming* I-I I AM NOT GOING TO LOSE TO YOU!

*her tears felled more and more as she was having a mental breakdown at being unable to win and realizing this is where her conquest ends at the hands of some Nobody! Some insignificant worm!*

*Deku pulled his sword out picked her up and with one simple punch Broke her neck in two snapped her jaw and end her life all in one as he then froze her body then throw it into the ocean watching it sink as he chucked as hard as he can.*

Deku:*seeing Sunblood's androids and Mai's servants retrieve the people on the ship and help everyone that was affected by this invasion.*...good...thing...youre...here...

*Deku then passed out. This young hero was going to have a very VERY long month.*

*...his mothers were going to kill him.*

THE WINNER IS DEKU!

[the-firebird69]

She's having a digestion issue but he's had it for about 20 years and it's off and on and he's been doing well even when it's yellow he's still feeling okay.

There's other things going on too Ken is being annoying is this I've got enough for the noise stuff go do it to someone else so you can get behind.

True too they start being annoying let's cover and they get screwed up because they're trained to be annoying but really the storm was kind of still here even though it's gone it's not what it is it's not true it's still wins whirling around that's about 4,000 miles across and it's going to stop eventually and stopping up north at the Appalachians terrible this guy needs to be stopped this time he's saying it's a proof of power if we can do what we want and I want the storm stopped and we do too if you don't have the power we need it and put that up

---they attack him when he says stuff like that by the way I used to do it silently but now a lot of people hear it and we have to get going he needs help okay I'm putting it out there

---and some more things going on you have a few other things to mention they don't treat him like an adult and he is and it's starting to get family repulsive but they feel that they're doing the right thing I know I haven't to try and get by they get punished by the empire and their relentlessly doing it it is important but people here can't help it and they're not getting assistance and they really need it

---we're working on some stuff we have a lot going on and a lot of it is in space Trump's flee this heating up as mac daddy said to 90%. Look the ding dong who gives a s*** just get rid of them already she attacked me how you might take some damage to them but thank Daddy doesn't even care so it's just shut the f******. And it's going on now and it just increasing the oddness here. And yeah children should be kept separate from adult males and women too I haven't figured that out but it seems real calm here except for these kids.

---once this fleets heated to 90%. There are plans to try and aggravate them and they're also bolstering the police that surround them so give me heated to 90% And the fleet around them is going to be bigger and bigger right now the fleet that is surrounding them and recording them off it's probably about 30% bigger and it's getting larger as the day goes by it is huge but it's probably about 63% of what it was at first and the fleets in there are heating up because I think something is happening here that will help them and they don't see what's going on but they do think that and they'll probably proceed to heat up to 95% by tomorrow morning

Thor Freya

I'm annoyed that's all and he says no kidding because of these stupid fleece heating up extremely slowly and it's probably John remillard he wants some forced to win and they didn't do anything and he's not laughing and they would have to start losing the battle here to call off ships and we're going to do this okay everybody this is Ringling vitamin Bailey I mean this it's going to be terrible

Hera

So there's a couple other things some of the stuff is fiercely annoying okay they say they're playing cover and they're getting themselves creamed when it was obsessive about his Ben I don't know that he won't stop and you look at Tommy F and he's doing the same thing I was saying it looks like you guys don't get it and they're grinding it in and it's horrendous and they keep doing it if I see this dumb girls fat ass in my stupid face again.

I'm going to get involved cuz this is a nightmare to bring the stupid circus and he can't stand it and sick again a little bit from now digestion and I don't want to hear about it this is wrong

Thor Freya

We were not cleaning them out before and it's just getting sick and we're supposed to use it and we didn't for a long time it's tried doing it to work so we're going to start up again

Frank Castle hardcastle

We have a lot going on into announce this s*** is distracting us and we're sending people now

Duke Nukem Blockbuster

We have a lot of people depending on us and look if it takes us 3 years that's nothing compared to thousands of years agree on teeth and we're going to get through it we can't allow this kind of behavior it is not entertainment for any virus can't be obvious either but for Christ's sake this is way over the top and what they do to me is over the top they should understand it but they say they don't when they have nothing in a couple weeks I will get it and that's what's going to happen I can't rush things I know why but we do have to at least get ahead of schedule in some areas and look and see why those people are I know that we're ahead and Thor and Freya their group and several areas

Zues Hera

This is a good idea we don't want to put it in everyone's face but we are ahead in several areas and we'll tell you which ones one of them is recruiting for the war we have all of us signed up and they do too almost the Japanese have them all signed up and also differently we have huge buildings in place for our communities and that's our race of our kind we have 90% of them

There's more and I'm going to make a list

Zig Zag

You have other things to talk about and we're going to post in a moment

Olympus

[j-graysonlibrary]

The Xiang Chronicles: Book Two Chapter 2

Title: The Xiang Chronicles: Book Two

Author: Jay Grayson

Word Count: 98k

Genres: Fantasy, adventure, drama, LGBT+

Available on: my website

Synopsis: With another Xiang in the mix, for the first time in history, Pangu decides to reevaluate his methods and his place in the world. Along with taking his little sister Heidi as his last disciple, he also chooses to take the more political path in his efforts to end the discord throughout the land—particularly within Terra. (And gaining favor from the handsome Lord of Ultimos does not hurt.)

Heidi butts heads with everyone in the group, save Raine, and tensions are higher than ever. There are failed love confessions, in-group fighting, and demons from Kira’s past but that all comes to a head when they meet a servant of Shakti who is more than what she seems.

Could it be that the Mistresses of Shadow are more nuanced than previously believed? Or that the strict dichotomy between light and dark are, perhaps, a touch exaggerated? That and more begin to plague Pangu’s mind and his faith wavers…

Full chapter 2 under the cut

Chapter II:

The façade of the inn was just as grand as the rest of Ultimos but, at eye level, the building was nigh covered in posters and flyers for promotional events throughout the city. One was much larger than the others and had eye-catching colors. Pangu scanned over it to read “Have more stuff than you need? Sell it here!”  He tilted his head to the side in slight amusement. Of course, if there was a city in the world where the citizens might suffer from excess, it would be Ultimos.

The charming (although a tad disarming) poster only served as a temporary distraction for Pangu. He was still outside the inn and he still needed to walk through the doors and find his old mentors. He did not want to, not in the least, but he knew he needed to.

Tracking them down had felt task enough so he should see it through. With how many inns and hotels there were in the city, he had to use his energy to feel for them. Luckily, they had not been masking that aspect so their location lit up like a beacon. A small one—far across the city—but a beacon none the less.

Pangu blew out his exhale and then stepped inside.

People walked about, busy with their own lives, and he had to maneuver around quite a few bodies to find his old teachers. They were not holed up in a room as he expected but in a lounge area, surrounded by books and scrolls. And, although they were technically out in the open, no one else in the inn bothered them. Not even when Merra started to lift one of the books into the air without touching it.

Pangu had to only walk a few steps into their space before all eyes were on him. Merra dropped her book and sat up straighter to address him. “Xiang, hello.”

“Pangu,” Zhu said tersely and stood. “We were hoping to speak with you.”

At that, Hwang leaned over to Merra and told her, lowly, but still loud enough for Pangu to hear, “Go and practice in your room.”

The new Xiang nodded, collected an armful of books, and then left. Once she passed by the last table of the lounge area and into the crowd at large, a series of “ooh”s and “aah”s erupted and the people flocked to her as if they were seeing her for the first time.

“You seem confused,” Jun mentioned with a chuckle. He was talking, naturally, about the scrunched face Pangu was pulling as he watched the scene.

“We are hidden from sight,” Gong carried on explaining, “To the people, this area appears as a decorative fixture in the inn. That way only those we wished to see—you—could approach us.”

Pangu turned back to them and noticed a very similar expression across all their faces. He felt ten years old again so he slowly took a seat and set his hands on his lap. Just like when he was a child, he knew he had to say something but he did not know where to start.

Luckily, Zhu started for him. Unluckily, he was not in the best of moods. Although, to be fair, he hardly ever was. “You know what we will say…do you not?”

“That I have failed in my duties?” Pangu hazarded a guess.

There was no immediate answer though Gong did reflexively shake his head. At least one of them was willing to stick by him, Pangu thought.

He swallowed hard and tried again. “The spirits talked to me already…”

“And you ignored their council,” Zhu snapped back. He did not raise his voice or even have much anger present in his words but Pangu still fought the urge to shrink away.

“Why is it that you refuse to listen to them?” Hwang asked.

Pangu shifted his eyes between the four of them, unable to maintain contact. “I…I know my disciples. I chose them for a reason, and I do not intend to give up on them just because of their pasts. I would choose no others and I trust in my own instinct. I know it is not the best idea from your perspective but I believe in them.”

“One is a Chaaya, Pangu,” Zhu said and narrowed his eyes.

“He was one,” he corrected. “You could think of it this way: I am keeping an enemy closer and unable to do ‘evil’. You could even argue that I have reformed him.” Though Pangu, personally, did not think of it in such terms, he knew that particular framing could alter some of his mentor’s view points. Or so he was hoping.

The men exchanged glances. Then Jun asked, “You will not change your mind?”

Pangu shook his head and briefly let his eyes stay closed. “I am sorry, but no.”

Zhu let out a sigh that was loud and filled with frustration but, despite that, he moved on. “So, when do you intend to find a fourth disciple?”

It was a reasonable question and one Pangu had been thinking about quite a lot, especially during his recovery when he had little else to do besides think. Yet, he decided to turn the questioning to them. “Will Merra be getting disciples as well?”

“Yes, of course,” Hwang answered quickly.

“We will be helping her pick them out,” Jun added.

Pangu had a feeling that was due to his “failure” in the area. He straightened his back and returned to their question. “I was thinking of asking Heidi.”

There were several reasons as to why and the primary reason—which he would never tell her directly—was that choosing her would keep him from having to travel all the way back to Enlil any time soon. He would need to return eventually, of course, but he had a lot on his plate right now that would make the trip highly inconvenient. Then, there was the fact that he knew (or he hoped anyway) that his mentors would approve of her. They knew her resonance and her character so there would be no friction between him and the spirits about the choice.

Finally, there was the more personal reason. While Pangu found himself on edge around his sister and perpetually exhausted by her one-sided sibling rivalry, he did wish to do this for her. She had spent her entire life in his shadow, feeling left behind. Unlocking her ability to interact with the air around her and giving her a power to call her own would be, in a way, a type of amends.

The four old men looked at one another, a hesitant acceptance making its way onto their faces. Each started to nod at a different pace before Gong said, “I think that’s an excellent choice.”

Pangu smiled in relief. “Good. Now, once I have her as my last disciple, I was wondering what all you want of me. With another Xiang in the picture I…I was wondering if my role or my duties would change.”

There had definitely been some conversation about the matter with how their eyes met. In fact, they were probably carrying on a telepathic conversation right at the moment that Pangu could not hear.

He leaned in when Hwang opened his mouth, curious and nervous to hear the verdict. “Well, Pangu, the thing is…”

***

“It is not creepy,” Raine argued as he adjusted his hold on Kira’s hand. With the gloves off he could see the dark spots and the black on his fingertips and under his nails. It was not as bad as it had been right after the miasma burst through its hold but there were some stubborn splotches that refused to disappear.

“Is too,” Kira argued right back.

Raine half-rolled his eyes as he flipped the man’s hands over and pressed a thumb into each of his palms. The energy flow in him was stable and quite strong as well. He had, pretty much, completely recovered physically and spiritually. Although his attitude about spiritual topics was still an issue.

Apparently, the spirits being able to see and hear everything at all times was not a comforting thought to Kira. He saw only the negative side of it and would not be swayed.

Raine did not agree, of course, but he also could not fight the smile that pulled at the corner of his lips. “Honestly, I am just glad you did not state your opinion in front of the Heavenly Princes.”

“Anything I said or did would reflect back onto Pangu,” Kira explained with a sigh. While he had wanted to speak his mind, he knew it was a lot more precarious than it seemed. He would not just be hurting himself with any possible backlash from the obtusely powerful men but he could be hurting Pangu as well.

“That is very mature of you,” Raine commented and pushed his thumbs against the meat of his palm. There was no reason to keep holding onto him but he started to give him something of a hand massage anyway.

Kira noticed and thought of drawing his hands back but decided to indulge a little. He lifted his eyes up to the dark, almost midnight blue of Raine’s irises. He spent too much time looking at him, he decided, as he realized he knew all of the details of his face and was hard pressed to find something new to discover. But, instead of saying anything on his mind, Kira retorted, “I can be mature.”

Raine snickered. “Of course. I am just glad you picked the right time to show it.”

He continued to run his thumbs along the mounds and plateaus of Kira’s palm, making him gulp out of nervousness. The touch, while nice, was starting to breach into a more intimate territory which Kira was sure was not his intent. So he gently pulled back and asked, “Why do those heavenly princes disguise themselves as old men anyway? Why not walk around town with a glowing crown and a perfect face?”

“They were not always divine,” Raine answered and started to fidget with his hands now that he had nothing to hold onto. “They were regular men who ascended to their status so they keep a more human appearance. Something, I guess, is reminiscent of their old appearance.”

“Old?”

He chuckled. “Yes, I suppose. And, while they are directly under Tiandi, they are not meant to be worshipped to the same degree. That is why they take off the ‘Tian’ prefix in their names when they are in our realm.”

“Even Pangu treats them like regular old dudes,” Kira mentioned with a smirk. Had it not been for the Xiang using the men’s names and plenty of context clues, there was a chance he would have never figured out that his mentors were also the four Heavenly Princes. Pangu never stated so up front.

Raine returned with a quiet laugh of his own. “True. But they are also like his parents, in a way.”

“Hopefully they are not scolding him…” Kira had a feeling they were.

Raine did too. But he did not wish to linger on such a possibility, much less speculate on the matter. “We should meditate…like he asked.”

“I guess so.” Kira shrugged and then asked, “Is my spiritual body or whatever alright?”

With a quick pat to the shoulder and a persisting smile, Raine replied, “You are pretty much all better. Pangu should do a once-over in case I missed anything but I bet you will be back to typical training in no time.”

While the two of them settled down on the floor to begin their meditation, Baiya was on the ground level of the palace by the front entrance, trapped in a predicament of his own making. Well, partly Pangu’s making as well.

When the Xiang had asked him to collect information from Oli, he doubted he expected the young man to be so well versed. Baiya had only asked what he thought was a simple and vague question, “So, what can you tell me about Feng?”

As it turned out, everything.

Oli was far more excited by the question than Baiya had anticipated and even ran off momentarily only to return with an arm full of books and documents to help answer his question. He went over the history of the Feng territory, the previous clan leader, the current clan leader, the economic situation, information about the three major cities, their imports and exports, their crime rates, and even their delicacies.

It was an overload and Baiya was not sure when it had happened but he had definitely stopped listening. He was just nodding periodically and humming, “Uh huh” which kept the kid going a mile a minute.

Sweat even started to dampen Baiya’s hairline as he began to worry he would be stuck there forever. He longed for someone to return to the palace. He would even take a break from Viren. Or Heidi.

“Oh, and circling back to Lord Fei Kuta Sim, there are rumors about his wife being the one actually in charge. And of course these are just rumors so it would be wise to not mention them. I just thought I should let you know in case you notice it firsthand. That way you do not say something by accident and offend him, right? So, that is something to keep in mind too,” Oli rambled with a huge grin still intact.

The door to the palace opening was the reprieve Baiya was looking for and, even better than Viren walking through the entrance was Pangu. He could not help but jump up and rush over.

“Pangu!” He grinned and was tailed by Oli who continued to clutch a scroll between his hands. “How did things go?”

“Alright.” The Xiang shrugged. “Did Heidi come back?”

Baiya shook his head. “I have been here with Oli almost the entire time you were gone. No one has come through.” No one, he stressed mentally.

Pangu pursed his lips for a second before glancing up to the stairs. “Are Raine and Kira up there?”

“Yes, or, so I assume. We can check.” Baiya looked over at Oli. “Thanks for all of the information. I’ll make sure to pass it on to Pangu.”

The young man grinned from ear to ear. “Sure thing. And if you have any more questions…”

Baiya did not let him finish and started to lead the way up though Pangu caught up and matched his stride easily. “That boy is very passionate about politics,” he grumbled once they were out of ear shot.

Pangu held back a smirk but it still pulled at one corner of his lips. “Yeah?” he asked as he noticed the exhausted expression on his disciple’s face.

“He may normally seem shy but he can talk.”

They both shared a short, private, laugh before opening the door to Kira’s room. The two other disciples sat on the floor, facing one another, in a meditative pose but they slipped out of that relaxed state as soon as the door creaked open. Kira even scrambled to his feet while Raine sat up on his knees.

“How did it go with your mentors?” Raine asked.

Kira looked even more expectant. “They did not give you too hard of a time, did they?”

Pangu shook his head and looked between them. Heidi was still absent but he realized that was a good thing for the moment. It was only fair to let everyone know before he made the next, big step in his journey. First, however, he wished to ease their concerns.

The fact they were all clearly worried at all was a bit of a blow to his heart. Pangu pushed past that nagging guilt and moved straight to the good news. “Well, I talked about what my role is going forward and we all agreed that I can continue operating as I had been. So, all of our plans remain unaltered while they train Merra. We can set off for Feng in the morning and clear the miasma while seeing about an alliance between the lord and Viren.”

“They have no criticism on anything you’re doing?” Kira pushed with an arched eyebrow. He had a difficult time believing such a thing. There had not been direct hostility toward him or anything but he certainly felt a discomfort aimed his way.

“My methods differ slightly from expectations but there were no demands for change,” Pangu worded his response carefully. Technically, it was true. Not even Zhu told him that he had to disavow Kira or Baiya…he just suggested it. There was a difference.

“That is good then…right?” Raine finally stood as well and stretched his long limbs up, nearly brushing along the ceiling. “We can return to business.”

Pangu nodded. “I also want to add my fourth disciple.” Three intense gazes met his and he almost did not continue. But he shoved down the nerves and carried on anyway, “To help ease their worries, I am going to ask Heidi to be my Enlil disciple.”

“…You want to bring your sister along…?” Baiya carefully replied, not wanting to outright show his disappointment.

Kira, on the other hand, held nothing back. “She’s not a good fit. She’s just going to berate you the whole time.”

Pangu shook his head. “She is not always like you have seen her. This will be good for her…and me as well, I hope. Besides, being my sister, she has high resonance so her training will be smooth.”

Raine glanced between Kira and Baiya who both wore quite prominent frowns. He did not want Pangu to feel even worse for his decision so he slapped on a smile and said, “I think you are right, Pangu. We will not have to travel to Enlil either so this is the best course of action.”

Pangu appreciated his support and gave him a short lived smile in return. He was not sure how much of it was Raine’s true feelings or if he was simply attempting to make him feel better but he was grateful either way. Kira and Baiya certainly were not cheering for the development and, while Pangu did understand, he could not go back on his choice.

He would never say so to either of them, especially not Kira, but Heidi was, in many ways, his compromise for keeping the two of them as his disciples.

[wikifido]

Chapter 5 (Karoleena)

Tolyarom is just as it had been described in books, both her girlhood textbooks and ‘Only Academic Interest,’ vast heavy buildings made from concrete poured over metal cage foundations with large windows thick enough to distort your features if you stood the proper distance away. While she had never been here before herself, Karoleena could see why the city-island looked as it did, though she did wonder how many of these fortress-like structures were a result of the Giant War and the result it had wracked on the seas. 

“Mwaxa, this is ridiculous.” Duvanith implores again from behind where she and Mwaxanare are walking; Karoleena steals another look back in response. Duvanith and Caleb Beckwith were walking side by side, a basket filled with flowers suspended between them, masking the set of handcuffs binding the two together. 

“We don’t exactly need Tolyarom’s Executive seeing me leading a man around in handcuffs. We’ll be at the Embassy in no time.” 

Karoleena turned around and laughed at the pained, maybe embarrassed looks plastered all over Duvanith’s face. 

She leans over towards Mwaxanare while still maintaining their walking pace. 

“This is the closest I’ve ever seen to her holding hands with someone.” There was an olive branch in her statement; she knew that her presence on Choilit had not exactly put her on Mwaxanare’s good side, though she had found that placing a ribbing on Duvanith was almost a sure way to elicit a somewhat positive relation from her. She could tell they were close and could see the same barbs and jabs she and Duvanith had exchanged when children reflected on how the Chultan Queen and her Champion communicated. 

“I’m sure.” Was all Mwaxanare mustered in return. Karoleena could tell that she had business at the forefront of her mind and that she’d likely be wise not to interrupt that with musings about Duvanith’s hand-holding proclivities. 

“Embassies have specialized staff, mostly Clerical - though not actual Clerics of any particular Temple, though they might. Wondermaker’s Temple has a specific interest in Tolyarom’s Industry.” Karoleena offers a drastic break in the conversation to provide something of value at a minimum and hopes to assuage Mwaxanare’s hesitations, if any. Mwaxanare turned her head to engage with her; clearly, the subject was more in line with what Mwaxanare wanted to discuss. 

“Guards?”

“There’s Embassy Guard, mostly ceremonial. I think the Imperial Military’s sentiment is if they can deploy there quick, it’s more risky to stack well-trained and Armed Guards.” Karoleena explained, the trip she took just before her last year in Court to the Graun Swar Islands was already doing a lot of work in this conversation as she began to wrack the annals of her memories for any last thing Mwaxanare might ask next. 

“What about Arbiters?” 

“Oh no.” Karoleena laughs slightly at the sentiment but quickly reverts to information-providing mode. “The Crown wouldn’t use Arbiters to stand around an Embassy unless they were working locally on Writ, or the Embassy was being assailed in some way and were sent in advance of a larger Imperial Military Group. 

Mwaxanare stops and turns around. 

“See, Duvanith,” She had a snide edge to her voice. “We don’t want to seem like we’re raiding the place, and what better way to do that than with flowers.” 

Duvanith groaned audibly; Caleb seemed equally embarrassed but less willing to be vocal about it. He probably just wanted to be home, see his family, and have his life return to normalcy after this big adventure, so to that end, he was playing along to get within the walls of an Imperial Embassy. 

She wasn’t sure she wanted to return to her life before this adventure, at least not yet. 

“Princess Karoleena,” Mwaxanare invokes her formal title, distracting her attention from the embarrassed odd pair behind them. 

“Yes?” She asks. Mwaxanare gently uses three fingers against her shoulder to turn her to face to her right. 

“You’re up.”    

In front of her, after her turn, was a large structure that popped out from the gray and blocky Tolyarom streets. It was made of many of the same materials. Still, instead of harsh lines, it had a more swooping naturalistic feel to it, given that it had no background or natural feature to blend into it made the natural characteristics of the frames of the windows and even the perimeter fence seem to pop, stand out in a way such a building wouldn’t in the Empire. 

Karoleena’s heart turns in on itself, and she wordlessly marchest forward at the richly adorned front double doors. 

She pushes one of the doors open to reveal a beautiful front lobby. 

“Hello, welcome to the Imperial Embassy; how can I help you.” a middle-aged woman asks from behind a beautiful carved front desk, which bore the appearance of crashing waves. 

Karoleena looked around the room; it was empty except for the woman, the desk, and two Embassy guards beside individual doors wearing shiny helmets and dressy uniforms. 

“Hi,” Karoleena says, her nerves immediately getting better. Mwaxanare nudges her sharply, and she forces the rest out. “I’m Princess Karoleena Asker; I’d like passage for myself and a diplomatic retinue to Askerstad.” She motions to Mwaxanare and the absurd scene of two people linked together by a flower basket. 

The woman reeled in light of the proclamation; Karoleena could also hear the shuffling and adjusting of the two guards at the doors. She does her best to maintain eye contact with the woman at the desk. 

“Let me get my supervisor.” She says, scurrying away from the desk and through one of the doors flanked by the guards.

“Now what?” Duvanith asks.

“Paperwork.” Beckwith quickly quips at her. 

This was a common sentiment among so many of the Agents of the Empire that Karoleena had witnessed her father work with. Things must be filled out and filed; sometimes, multiple copies to different agencies, record numbers sent to the Great Library, etc. She never had to experience it, but she wasn’t sure she was excited about it in the same way Choilitan food or the Wondermakers tools she had provided had. 

“Let’s get out of the doorway,” Duvanith suggests, tugging at Caleb via his wrist in the direction she wanted him to travel. Mwaxanare moved along with them; Karoleena stepped up to the ornate greeting desk and traced her eyes along the working surface. Her eyebrows jumped at seeing the curly text ‘Empire Informer’ at the top of the coarse grey paper. 

‘Papa’s favorite, the Informer.’ She thinks to herself, reaching over the desk, grabbing it, then snapping it open.

‘Into it’s Sixth Week, Ashsnap Investigation turns up No Leads.’ 

The headline read. Karoleena gasps audibly but quickly silences herself, folds the paper down, and walks over to where everyone else is standing. 

“Duvanith, look.” Karoleena hisses at her as quietly as she could muster, folding the paper so Duvanith could see it. She watches Duvanith’s eyes parse the letters of the article. 

“I didn’t kill that old bitch, she wasn’t home when I cut through the place.” 

“Karoleena, can I read that?” Mwaxanare asks, producing a hand, her tone serious. 

“Sure.” She extends it to her. 

“Princess Karoleena?” A new voice speaks, 

“Yes?” Karoleena wheels around to face the voice.

“Please follow me,” the newcomer motions to one of the guarded but now open doors.    

[evilminji]

See this? THIS is how John STILL manages to hook up with every powerful magical /Supernatural/ Or Interesting person that moves or breathes DESPITE his general Trainwreck-iness. He plays ball. Humors a man. Plays along with his Nonsense(tm). There IS a reason Danny liked him, you know.

That and the killer Sass and As-*various interrupting coughs*

Right. Man made him laugh, is the thing. Very Important. Was VERY attractive covered in the ashs of his enemies and oozing impossible, world rending power. Danny was a little seduced. It HAPPENS. There a support group and everything.

It's not HIS fault John is Everyone's ill Advised Ex. Where was he... oh yeah! That team! Knowing their names would help. The dead kinda... don't KEEP them. Well they DO. But that's a Secret and you don't SAY that. Traumatic memories, you understand. So he can't exactly get... well, EITHER of the Names out of his new baby friend. Super or general.

He gets blank looks from everyone but Batman.

He... was he too subtle? Batman is nodding. Apparently he was too subtle. Okay. He? Needs. Their? Naaaaaaames. Okay? To find them. Space? Big!

His use of cheerful hand gestures and exaggerated tone for extra punctuation does not seem to be appreciated. Tough cookies. He has a time table to vaguely stick too. Besides! Batman, Detective Chimpanzee, and Mr. Terrific got it. Plan ahead, guys. You're embarrassing your colleagues!

......he might still be Salty about the "Nice to meet you!" Punch to the face.

Details.

Mikhail. Could make kenitic shields. The Golden Protecter from the Gaurdian Squad. His... his costume was pretty cheesy. But he looked proud. Happy, in life. Puffed up and smiling so hard it must hurt, clearly VERY excited to have an Offical League Photo. Batman was able to easily pull up the correct file from a brief description.

He reminds Danny of his dad.

Large and stronger then he let's on. Braver then people notice. A well of emotions that drive them long past the point others would have broken apart. The sort of man with a booming laugh and easy hug. Who fill the room as soon as he enters. Who... who sucks the color from the world when he leaves it. Like a hole punched in the heavens, draining out everything that was good.

Danny wonders if Belarus had fudge.

But he has the faces and names he needs. The League have been trying to plan a rescue. Chatting and arguing. Not John, he knows better. But the rest of them. Sounds and movement washing over him from far away as that part of him that SCREAMS at the thought of losing his family, his world, hyperfocuses on that picture in front of him.

So... so much like his Dad.

His Dad is getting older.

He should get home. Check on him. NEEDS to check on him. Is he safe? Of course he's safe. Mom's there. But is SHE safe? Is he SURE? Yes. He was JUST there. But... what if somethings happened? No. Nothings happened. And he's promised the baby. Focus, Danny. Breathe. Ride it out.

He needs to move. Distract himself. He nods to John and let's himself fall back. A gentle dive, back through solid things and out into glorious void. The empty softness of nothingness and light.

By the Gods and Zone, does he love starlight.

It's the exact opposite of the press of constant EVERYTHING that the Zone has. Ectoplasm forever in and against and around you. The Zone is Alive and Present. Screamingly so. Pressing and pressing, racing and churning, like war drums and laughter and shouting until you cannot breathe. Everything you can do now, that you could not do before.

Anything to remind yourself you still exsist. That you are not gone. That you Live even if you are not Alive. You are Here, Here, Here!!! That you did not give up. Did not let go. You exsist. You EXSIST! Every part of the Zone SCREAMS it.

Not Alive, yet larger then Life itself.

Space though? Is chaos and splendor in a completely different key. It sings in a whole different way. Black holes and gamma ray bursts, quasar and roaming stars, anti-matter and all the forces at play. It dances in his head. Sings it's splendor and wonders to his core. The lights ENTRANCE. He can name hundreds of thousands of those stars now.

All in the native tounge in the Races that will be born under their light.

He let's the cosmos calm him. Fill him with light. With joy and peace. He's... he's okay. Everything is okay. No matter the Reality, there exsist Stars. Space. He is an astronaut. Touching the heavens. Exploring the stars.

Everything is Okay.

Right, calmer. Danny's good now. Thankfully, Tucker and his new Tech Ghosts squad (a terrifying group, second only to Sam's new ghostly All Alien, All Tree People, Eco-Punk Girl Gang) finally made an Infini-Map App. It won't TAKE you to your location. But it CAN find literally ANYTHING and ANYONE. He's kinda glad they declared it "boring" and forgot about it. He starts to fly.

He swears they could dethrone him yesterday if they ever actually felt like it. But THAT would take away from their "nerding out and building" time, apparently. He'll convince them eventually. Lazy b*stards. He KNOWS Xara is chronically curious! He can TOTALLY throw a game of cards or something.

He really doesn't get why everyone's all "No really, you are SUBSTANTIALLY stronger then us. We can't win. Stop trying to pawn off the crown on us, you little sh*t, and just admit you're King!" at him. Everybody's really strong! Can do a LOT of really cool things! Are, you know, OLDER then him. Probably would be better at Ruling the Zone then a College Student.

He keeps flying. A few portals to chew up the distance. Startles a few Lanterns. It occurs to him he should probably give them a heads up too. He doubles back. Oh, HEY! One of them's Shanxi's boy! Hey, kiddo! Looks like your old man was right, you DO make a great Lantern, huh? Can't wait to tell him! Anyway, invasion in... hold up, gotta look up how you guys break up the universe in sectors real quick...

*calls Shanxi. The very much dead Green Lantern. In front of his son.* *does NOT realize how Mindf×ck-y popping out of a Glowing Green Lantern Colored RIP IN REALITY to casually talk about and to the dead, looks. While glowing. Then just vanishing like it's nbd*

Leaves the poor Lanterns to their Existential Crisis after he gives them the info.

Yeeeah~ Danny is Helping(tm). Shanxi was right. His son IS a Good Kid! Seemed nice! Few more jumps aaaand? There are the ships! Oof. And what's left of the planet in the distance. It looks like something LITERALLY took a bite out off it. Or it's melting. Small miracle the thing hasn't exploded yet.

Good thing about being a Ghost though? At least here? If you fall back to neutral Ectoplasm... you glow Green Lantern Green. They think he's a Lantern. The boarding dock is already opening for him.

Inside is chaos. Emotions slamming against his skin like the slap of a honey soaked rag. Grief. Pain. Confusion and ten thousand shades of loss. Emptiness as minds try to protect themselves. Anger as hearts try to shield from the pain.

Death. Waiting, for those who are still alive but no longer willing live. No longer capable of it. Sitting with them as a friend, as they finish their last work. Their last moments. As they linger. Not for themselves but for those who need them still. He's not the only ghost on this ship.

The other ghosts are still living.

They're some sort elegant mantis shaped race. But with more frilled "hair" and wearing ornate clothing. Probably beautiful when not covered in burns and ash. He's met by a badly limping welcoming committee. The leader held up by what Danny can feel is likely their life partner. He doesn't know enough about the race to make assumptions about gender or marital tradition so he's gonna skip um, nows not the time to ask.

He listens as the leader speaks. Their Sire stayed behind to try and force back the invasion. They, the heir, were to lead the evacuation. Heros from Er-Th fought valiantly to aid their people, were badly hurt. One... The Great Shield...

The room fills with grief. Respect.

An entire generation would have been lost without without the bravery of the Golden Shield of Er-Th. Even long after all others had fallen. After his wounds had grown too severe to even stand. He protected the young ones. But... but they could not..

Please. Know they tried. But they had to choose. Protect the living or risk them all to retrieve his corpse. It is their sin. Not.. not their people's. They made the call. They decided so.

It's the second time Danny passes on Mikhails message. He doesn't blame them. Will be overjoyed to know the hatchery is safe. It didn't even occur to him to be angry at them. How could it? They were doing everything they could to keep everyone safe.

The heir's legs give out with grief and relief. Their adviser has puffed up their frills, rage building, old enough to know that Green Lanterns do NOT have the ability to speak to the dead. What is he pulling here?

He is cut off. After all, there do not seem to be enough hands on deck. Nor anywhere NEAR enough resources. There are on the planet though. But that is too dangerous... for the living.

Convenient that the Zone and the Living World tend to stick so close to each other. Earthling's dead near earth. Alien dead near there Alien worlds. The newly killed can't help... but these people's ancestors can. And it IS their planet too.

One rip in reality? And out comes the cavalry. Even more ethereal in death then they were in life. Pretty p*ssed too, from the hissing. Danny leaves the heir with a couple of their Ancestors for a brainstorming session. It's... probably fine.

I mean this isn't even the FIRST time he's pulled the "Army of The Dead" thing.

The chances this comes back to bite him are... ANYWAY! How 'bout them heros? Infirmary is this way you say? Excellent.

Not excellent, actually, they look chewed on. Big Ouch. But at least they're conscious. Sup, my Belarusian friends. Mikhail says "Either save my friends or I'll do it myself." So! King of the Dead taxi service, one time trip to Earth! And yes I've already warned the League like he wan-..... And I made them cry.

Right. "Newly dead Team-mate is upsetting." Woooould it help if I told you he's become a ghost? No? No, crying harder now. Everyone upset. Huh. Jazz is right. I'm bad at this...

Hold that Thought!

*dials Jazz*

Okay! So, first, you gotta promise not to be upset at me...

@stealingyourbones @hdgnj @cyrwrites

You know what? I just had A Thought(tm)~☆

Danny. Our bby boy. MINDING HIS BUSINESS. Maybe visiting one of his buddies in the Realms after he graduates. When he just?? Get full on tackled from the sky.

And like?

Huh.

THIS hasn't happened in a bit. Not since he's become king. Legit, no one dares. He's honestly kinda missed it. Alright, square up... Mr. Uuuuuh.... Who are you?

And it's this barely formed New Ghost. Still in that glitch-y goopy blob phase and everything. Is Baby. Why... why does this infant Want To Fight God? I mean. He Respects It(tm), no lie, but? Not exactly usual for him?

And it turns out? This dude is some rando hero. He basicly JUST died. By all rights SHOULD be resting and gathering his strength to Form Right. But he's so worried for his team mates and everyone else he CAN'T. Recognized a fellow Hero's Costume even at a distance.

Please. PLEASE! You have to help him! We have to WARN everybody!

And Danny is just? Oh no. This Actual Infant Baby is gonna Anxiety himself to Actual Second Death at this rate. Yes! Sure! Just CALM DOWN! Anything you need buddy! BREATHE.

And this dude? Who died? Is legit a minor player who got WAY too deep but refused to abandoned People In Need(tm). It happens. It HURTS. But he saved a LOT of lives before he went down. Him and his team were just some Minor Heros from Belarus. How they ended up in deep space? Even THEY couldn't tell you.

They couldn't even bring him home.

He forgives them.

He could NEVER blame his friends. Not for this. The planet is in danger. Some... some THING. An invasion. The League has to be made aware. He DIED helping a planet try to evacuate all that they could. He... at least he...

He can't remember if the Eggs got out. They... they're like babies. A whole room full of toddlers who couldn't run. They had to de-connect from the main building to lift it out. He can't... can't...

He saved them... right? Held on.. long enough? Why can't he.. he...

Danny has to make him focus be for the kid spirals. Don't think of your last moments. Purpose. You NEED to do something right now, right?

Right! The League! We gotta warn them! And... okay. Danny can totally do that. (What LEAGUE??!) He DEFINITELY knows who you are talking about and will tell them Right Away. YOU however are gonna rest up.

So he leaves the kiddo with Lunch Lady. Mother and Frightening Matriarch Extraordinaire. Lunch Box promises to SIT on him if he tries to sneak off. Good kid. Now eat your soup before you BECOME soup.

Time to bully the eyeballs. Whoms't the F*ck is this "league"? And where does he find it? Talk. He has sand and he's not afraid to use it. Don't MAKE him get out the pepper grinder! Yeah. That's what he THOUGHT.

After much, prolonged and unnecessary, whining and dramatic threatening... he gets a printed out map. Cheapskates even used flimsy paper. He gets there. Jaunt is even kinda nice. He says hi to a few folks he hasn't seen in a while.

Opens a portal.

Steps out.

Gets punched in the face. RUDE! He punches the flying blue man back. Dents their wall. Not even a LITTLE sorry about that now! See if HE does you a favor aga-... is that his Ex? John?

John! Constantine you B@STARD. YOU OWE ME 20 BUCKS. *Ten different hands slap a twenty on the table at his feet, including Constantine. Who is refusing to look at anybody.* Well, okay then. Debt payed. Gonna buy himself a shake or something, after this.

ANYWAY~ Good News Or Bad News?

He is met with silence. It's like they've never seen an ethereal, giant, glowing man with a suit that looks like a cut out of the night sky, step out of an eye searing rip in reality before. Man they're lives must be boring. But frankly? Danny can wait. It's not HIS reality that's gonna get messed up. He can take care of it if the wanna be Wah Babies. Good News or Bad News??? Pick one.

He sits back in the air and waits.

@stealingyourbones @cyrwrites

[postwarlevi]

Mother's Day

Content: About 1.3k words of celebrating with Levi and Kuchel.

a/n: barely proofread, last minute story! Enjoy!

"Do you think she'll like it?" You ask, looking over at Levi in the drivers seat.

He takes one hand off the wheel to find yours and squeezes. "She'll love it."

You're on your way to see Levis mom for Mothers Day, with a small present you made and a last minute larger one as well.

Once parked at Kuchels place, Levi comes around and takes the boxes from you and leads the way inside.

"You're here!" Kuchel says excitedly, rushing down the walkway after seeing you've arrived. It's been a few months since she's seen you.

She hugs Levi as best she can with what he's carrying and kisses his cheek, coming over to you with a massive hug.

"Happy Mothers Day." He tells her, continuing in to put the presents down.

The warm embrace has you grinning. "Hi, mom." She insists you call her that. You became family the moment Levi introduced you the first time, almost two years ago now.

"How's my favorite daughter?" Kuchel never bothered with the in-law part.

"Really good." You pull away and she brushes your hair back.

"You look good." She smiles and you head in as well.

"Happy Mothers Day." You say as you walk into the kitchen. Levi has already set up the lemon blueberry cake you and he made.

"Oh, this smells delicious!" Kuchel goes to get plates and forks. She loves your baking. "It's so thoughtful you remembered!" Her favorite flavors, that is.

"So, are you seeing your mom today?" Kuchel asks once the three of your are seated with your dessert.

"Her and dad are away for vacation still. So, we'll video chat later and celebrate properly next weekend." You'll send your love today, and give her a present in person soon.

You, Kuchel and Levi talk together about what's been going on since you last came over, Levi seemingly a bit distracted though.

"Are you okay dear?" Kuchel notices, of course. She reaches over and rests a hand on his cheek.

"Yeah mom. Really." He gives her a nod and small smile. Truthfully, he couldn't be better.

You smile watching their interaction, wondering if you could know Levi that well one day, to just sense something is the tinest bit off.

"Do you want to stay for dinner? We can make lasagna? I should have everything." Kuchel knows you like it.

"Sure mom, we'll stay." Levi looks to you, to make sure you're okay with that too.

"We'd love it. Just, might have to adjust dinner." You say slowly, still eyeing Levi, who gets the hint.

"Okay, what's going on?" Kuchel asks as Levi gets up from his chair and takes all the plates up. She's seen the looks between you two.

"I just have a couple dietary restrictions. They're a bit new."

"Oh! You, saw a doctor? Are you okay?" She comes over to sit next to you, a look of concern as she takes your hands.

"Yes! I'm fine." You promise, feeling warm at the love she gives out.

"Here mom." Levi comes to stand before you with the other unopened present.

Kuchel blinks and all but scoffs at him. "Levi, she's telling me something." She couldn't believe Levi thought now was the time to interrupt.

"It's okay. Open it." You pull your hands back and let Levi hand over the present.

Kuchel is still confused but sees you mean it so opens the box.

It holds a purple t-shirt, with flowers and hearts, with a saying. "The world's best moms."

"Thanks honey. It's from you?" Kuchel looks up at Levi. It's a bit unusual, but she'll wear it if he picked it.

"It's from both of us." He corrects her.

"Seems to have a typo." She notes, looking back down at the shirt that has moms instead of mom on it.

You stand up and shuffle next to Levi, taking his hand.

"Unfold it." You don't know who is more anxious, you or Levi.

Kuchel does as asked and takes the shirt out of the box and holds it out in front of her.

She reads the whole thing again and again until she cannot see it anymore due to tears in her eyes.

It reads, "The world's best moms, get promoted to grandma."

She lets out a strange cry that Levi doesn't remember hearing and stands, sobbing.

She turns to Levi first who goes to hug her but gets a surprise when she shoves the shirt into his hands, and leans into you instead.

You can't help but giggle as you hug Kuchel tightly and Levi stands there with the shirt and a baffled look.

"You're having a baby?" She almost squeals. You nod happily. "When?" Kuchel has questions but that she wants to know first.

"A while yet." You don't have an exact date, but it's months away still.

Levi clears his throat. "Uh, I helped with this present too." He comments, feeling a little left out. Although it does make him feel nice seeing you together. He knows she's going to be such a big help.

"Oh! Honey, I'm sorry!" Kuchel realizes she's giving you all the attention. And, he did have a hand in all this.

Kuchel let's go of you with only one arm, and moves to pull Levi closer, and now the three of you are hugging together.

"You like it?" Levi asks.

Kuchel laughs. "This is the best present ever." She didn't know if she would get grandchildren or not with Levi, and is so happy he found someone he wants to raise children with.

Soon the three of you are sitting down again.

"Is there anything you need? Anything I can do? Help with? Anything?" She wants to be involved, if you don't mind.

"Levis been doing an excellent job. So far, so good. But, I might be calling you for advice." From an experienced mother.

"Yes! Of course! Anytime. I can help with meals. You said restrictions, right? Do some grocery shopping for you. Run errends. You're welcome to stay here or I could stay there!" She can't contain herself and you all laugh.

"I'm doing okay with all that, for now." Levi doesn't remember seeing her like this before.

"I'm sure sweetie. But it's all about them now." Kuchel says of you and the baby. But she knows her son doesn't need to be reminded.

Levi nods. "I know. That's never changed for me." His feelings, need to be there and protect you have only grown.

"We're okay at the moment. It's still early. But we'd love your help later on." You know between her and your own mother, there's lots of things they could help you with. Things Levi might not understand. But otherwise, you know he'll be right there through everything.

"Thank you." Kuchel sighs. Knowing you'll come to her and include her means so much.

"So, what do you want for dinner? It's your day, too." Kuchel says, cupping your cheeks.

You smile and all head into the kitchen to find something.

"Say, how do you plan on telling Kenny?" Kuchel asks about her brother. He might be a handful but he's going to adore having a little one around.

"With your help." Levi says while you nod, making her laugh.

"Anything for you." She pulls Levi in for another cheek kiss. He's already asking for her help, and she's happy to give it.

Kuchel reaches for your hand and with a soft look, wishes you your second official Happy Mothers Day.

The first came from Levi himself earlier, with the continuing promise to always put you both first.