#it's starting to get cold so we'd like to be able to light the fire

[ardri-na-bpiteog]

It's so funny when people say things like "yeah well tenants don't have to deal with fixing maintenance issues themselves, being a homeowner is tough because you have to arrange for maintenance people to come and pay for it yourself"

Like where are these mythical landlords that promptly and efficiently address maintenance issues lmao. Yeah you have to coordinate it all and "pay for it yourself" as a homeowner, but I'd rather that and know I'm getting it taken care of than have to go back and forth with a landlord to get them to fix literally anything. Also, as a renter you ARE paying for it, with the rent. You think landlords are allowing themselves to lose money on maintenance issues lol?

It's like these people think you just call up your landlord and say something is broken and they go "ok I'll send someone over right away!" And the problem is fixed.

[mysteryshoptls]

SR Kalim Al-Asim Gala Couture Personal Story: Part 1

"It makes me a little sad"

Part 1 (Part 2)

[Scarabia Dorm – Kalim's Room]

Kalim: Snoooore…. Snoooore…

Kalim: Rrnnnnhh…

Kalim: …Mmm?

Kalim: …Aa…Aaa…

Kalim: AAAACHOOOO!!!!!!!

Kalim: ….It's so cold!!!

Kalim: Why's it so cold!!!???

Kalim: The room's heating isn't working… Is it on cool for some reason!?

Kalim: I gotta change the settings… No, wait, the temperatures in the dorms are all magically set by the Headmaster, right.

Kalim: It's way too cold, no matter how many blankets I use… There's no way I can sleep in this…!

[knock, knock]

Jamil: Kalim, are you awake?

Kalim: Ja-Ja-Ja-Ja-Jamil…!

Kalim: Th-Th-Th-The room's AC's acting up… [shivers]

Jamil: Then don't be walking around in such light layers. Here, put on a jacket.

Kalim: Th-Th-Thanks…

Jamil: But now I'm stumped. I can't believe it's affected the Dorm Leader's room, too.

Kalim: …Eh? Does that mean that your room's this cold too, Jamil?

Jamil: …In any case, you should come with me.

[Scarabia Dorm – Lounge]

Kalim: Eh!!!

Kalim: Why are all of you gathering together in the lounge like this?

Scarabia Student A: That's because it's so cold that we all woke up…

Scarabia Student B: We all brought are blankets so we can try to stay warm.

Jamil: It seems the AC in Scarabia is completely broken.

Kalim: Eeeh!? That's a huge problem!

Kalim: Our dorm is smack dab in the middle of a desert, so it gets freezing cold at night.

Kalim: If we don't have heat, catching colds’ll be the least of our problems.

Kalim: This'll be bad if this keeps up. We need to go talk to the Headmaster!

Scarabia Student C: Dorm Leader! Vice Dorm Leader! It's a disaster!

Scarabia Student D: The entrance to the dorm is completely buried in snow and can't open at all!

Kalim: Oh, then if I jump on the magic carpet, I can leave through the window.

Kalim: I'll go and fly all the way to the main campus!

Jamil: Ah, Kalim, wait!!! Don't just do things on your own…!

Kalim: …

Kalim: SO COLDDDDD!!!!

Scarabia Student B: Ah, the Dorm Leader's back.

Kalim: Th-The carpet's frozen stiff… I can't make it to the mirror like this!

Jamil: …Once morning comes and the sun rises, it should be relatively warmer than now.

Jamil: We should wait until dawn breaks to go outside.

Kalim: Yeaaah, that sounds better.

Scarabia Student A: [shudder, shudder]…

Scarabia Student B: [shiver, shiver]…

Kalim: But… At this rate, everyone's gonna catch a cold.

Kalim: Isn't there some way we can stay warm?

Jamil: We've collected as many blankets as we can.

Jamil: We can use fire magic, but we won't be able to keep it up all night…

Jamil: What else can we do…

Kalim: Ah! Oh yeah!!

Kalim: What about that soup that you make all the time in the winter, Jamil?

Jamil: Hm? …Aah. The one with pepper, ginger, and cinnamon.

Kalim: Whenever I drank that soup, I felt super warmed up right away.

Kalim: Let's make it for everyone else, too!

Jamil: …Well, I guess that's better than doing nothing.

Jamil: Okay, then I'll head to the kitchen and make it, so you wait here…

Kalim: No way. I'll come with you!

Jamil: Huh? No, the Dorm Leader should watch over the rest of the dorm students.

Kalim: I can't just shove all the hard work onto your shoulders, Jamil.

Kalim: 'Cause, we're friends, aren’t we!?

Jamil: We're not friends.

Kalim: But we promised that we'd talk through things as equals, didn't we?

Jamil: That and friendship are two completely different things.

Kalim: This isn't anytime to be acting shy. It's a dorm issue, so let's work together as friends to overcome it!

Jamil: I've already told you, we're not friends… Are you listening to me!? Don't follow me, Kalim!!!

Kalim: …It's starting to get light out.

Scarabia Student A: Thanks to that soup, we somehow made it through the night without freezing.

Scarabia Student B: Thank you very much, Dorm Leader Asim, Vice Dorm Leader Viper!

Kalim: Yep, yep. Jamil's soup is the best, right?

Jamil: …The sun's up.

Kalim: Okay, then let's head towards the main campus and ask the Headmaster to fix the air conditioning!

[Hall of Mirrors]

Kalim: Alright!!!

Kalim: Here we are at the main…

Kalim: campus…

Kalim: …

Jamil: …

Kalim/Jamil: …......

Kalim/Jamil: TOO HOTTTTTTT―――

Jamil: Wh-What's with this heat!?! It's hotter than midday in the desert!!!

Kalim: My… My throat hurts whenever I breathe…!

Kalim: Is the AC in the Hall of Mirrors also broken!?

Jamil: No idea. …But I think it's safe to say the indoor temperatures are all over the place.

Kalim: Let's hurry and go find the Headmaster!

Part 1 (Part 2)

Requested by @errrrorrrrrrrrr-blog.

[pacifymebby]

t r o u b l e // chapter six

A peaky blinders modern au balletcore story

Chapter List

Sonya

I lay awake listening to the quiet which remained after Ada had soothed little Karl and set him down to sleep. I knew she wouldn't be sleeping, I knew she'd be somewhere in her wing of the house, growing more agitated by the second. Sitting with her rage and stewing. She would feel just as we did, caged. Helpless to do anything and yet desperate to get as far away from this place as she could. From the evil world our brothers moved in.

I'd been trying not to think about what I would have been doing had I been at home in the flat I shared with Sylvie. It was 4:30am and I'd have been in the shower, fighting off sleep, thinking about the short tube journey into school. Rerunning the steps I'd been trying my best to get to know so well that I no longer had to think. Only had to relax into them and move as if strings were tied to my head, my wrists and my feet.

.I'd been trying not to ask what was going to happen when I didn't show for class, when I didn't show for my rehearsals later that day, but it was difficult not to because in that moment I felt like my whole life was caught on a precipice. Tommy was about to push me off.

In the end I gave up trying to sleep.

The sun was rising somewhere beyond the peaks and my body clock was so atuned to early rising that I saw no point in trying to change in now.

The house was silent, the family finally settled. Whatever disputes had been quietly raging all night were waiting now for the morning when Tommy and Ada would no doubt clash again.

It was much bigger than I'd noticed the night before when John had brought us straight to Tommy's study and then lead us straight to our room, but now that I was treading lightfoot down the hallways slender carpet past numerous doors I was beginning to realise that my brother was far richer than even I could have imagined. It was no secret of course, I'd always known that our family were much better off than we'd been when we were living in that tiny flat in poverty stricken watery lane. It had been obvious that my brothers had social climbed further than any of us could imagine when their names began to circulate the tabloids. When people had started filming Sylvie and I every time my brothers schemes made the news.

But this was a different kind of wealth.

Our "cottage" conversion in the country was palacial and beneath the quaint thatched roof there was money in every vintage church pew, painting and statue that lined the hall.

I trailed my fingers down the banister as I descended the stairs taking each step at a time, still a little sleepy and now hazy in awe of the house I found myself in, knowing that it belonged tp our family. My brothers had been born in a caravan on some trashed car park, but now they owned houses like this and I understood why it was known as Shelby Manor.

I wasn't really looking for anything in particular, simply hoping to get to know my new "home" whilst there was nobody else around. Whilst it felt empty and I had free reign over the halls, rooms and hopefully, the little nooks and hideyholes I would be able to escape to later when everyone else was at one anothers throats.

So, when I slipped through another doorway to find a darker, thinner hallway, the floor of which was made of stone rather than the polished hardwood in the majority of the house, my curiosity was piqued. Not least by the cool draft which hot hit my cheeks gently, it had that earthy damp smell that reminded me of exploring woodland with my sister when we were smaller. So I stepped through the door, gasping though I should have expected how the stone was cold against my bare feet.

It was dark but not pitch black, small fire safety lights making a path along the cieling that I could follow, one hand always trailing the cool stone wall. It felt as though I had stumbled across a secret passage in an old mannor house, the kind of tunnel that should lead out to Narnia or somewhere similar.

I wouldn't have been completely surprised if it had been a secret passageway, an escape tunnel that lead out of the house. That was the kind of thing our Tommy was probably into these days. Still, if it was supposed to be secret it wasn't exactly well hidden, the door left open as if it had wanted to be found.

It didn't occur to me that it had been left open on purpose, though had I though perhaps had I known my brother a little better I'd have worked that out when I reached the exit. A door which opened out into an overgrown garden, long dry grass grown up to my waist, the pollen brushing off on my pyjama shorts as I stepped outside.

The ground was dry and crumbly and as i stepped I felt pieces of snapped grass between my toes. But I wasn't the first to walk through the field that summer because there was a well trodden path already there for me to follow and as I did I realised that I wasn't in anybodys garden at all.

I was at the edge of the manor grounds, where the river which ran the perimeter of the Shelby land opened out into the mouth of a lake which stretched wide and early morning orange sparkling in the sunrise.

I remembered my brother telling me about it once, in one of our brief conversations. Not long after he'd bought the old farmhouse and begun converting it. He'd told me he was going to clear the lake for me so that I could go swimming in it like the lake our mother had taken us to when we were tiny children and she was still alive.

I couldn't help but smile as I lowered myself to crouch on the bank and peer down at the water curiously. He'd done as he'd promised. Perhaps the only promise he'd ever made to me that he'd kept. The water was clean and clear but for the reeds which broke the surface and whispered all wind in the willows peaceful. Daydreamy and alluring.

And so I couldn't resist. Slipping out of my tshirt and shorts into only my underwear, shuffling along and then down the little slope to dip my feet and ankles into the cool water. And it was cold, not icy but cool enough to shiver up my spine and draw a little gasp from me when the water lapped up around my waist. Still it was a good kind of shiver, a good kind of cold and, as I pushed off away from the bank I felt my body cut through the water gracefully, the water swallowing me up to my neck, my legs moving slowly as I kicked and swam smoothly. As I swam I felt the tension of the night before ease a little, washed away by the cool water and the sunlight which dappled and glimmered in warm shades.

I cut a slow moving stroke through the middle of the lake and when I was out far enough away from the bank that I felt a pleasant sense of isolation, I turned onto my back and let myself float, looking up at the clouds in the whispy sky. It was then that I let myself close my eyes, a soft smile on my lips as the water held me and I felt, for the first time in a little while, truly at peace. Truly free. And even though I knew that freedom and peace couldn't last long at all, I was happy to hold onto it and treasure it then for the little time I had been given.

That was until I heard movement somewhere on the bank behind me. My ears prickled at the sound of a foot scuffing at the side of a rock. Shoes being kicked off. The clunk of something heavy hitting the floor.

I jumped, startled, spinning round with a snap, my eyes wide when I saw a lad, shirtless, standing at the edge of the bank, apparently oblivious to me.

At least he had been, and I'd have preferred it to stay that way, until my startled splash had drawn his attention to me.

Now he stood watching me, just far enough that I couldn't read his expression, couldn't make out the colour of his eyes or their truthfulness.

I hovered in the water, a little shaken. Remembering why my brother had brought us back to the manor in the firstplace. Remembering that the outside world was dangerous now, that strangers were enemies as far as anyone sensible was concerned.

So i watched him cautiously and when he raised his hand in a slow wave I didn't return it.

And when he called out across the water to me I didn't reply straight away.

"Hello?" he called out to me, his hand still hovering by his dark curls.

I didn't call back, watching him hesitantly because although he didn't seem hostile he wasn't wearing a peaky cap and I didn't recognise him as anyone Tommy kept close.

And when I didn't respond he lowered his hand and without any warning at all he launched himself into the water in an elegant dive, his body swallowed whole by the water, the white splash frothing and bubbling as he disappeared below the surface.

I froze. Watching the bubbles as he cut through the water and burst through the surface. His slender frame cutting towards me at a much faster speed than I could have managed. Even if I was a quick swimmer, he moved like a fish, his body lithe but strong and powerful and I knew that if he was intent on catching up to me he would.

So i remained still, knowing that if something happened to me out here my brothers would only be angry I'd been out here on my own. That even Ada and Sylvie would want to know why the hell I hadn't put up a fight.

But when he slowed and stopped, treading water about a meter from me he was smirking, the kind of boyish smile worn by a harmless teenager.

"I don't think you heard me before..." he said, his cocky smirk getting under my skin a little as he trod water before me, his eyes flickering over my face and my shoulders, the little of me above water level. "I said hello."

When still I didn't say a word, only held his gaze coldly, stubborn not to show my nerves, he spoke again, still trying to be cheeky, still with a confidence I was sure he didn't deserve. "You're in my lake you know..." he added a little quieter, his smirk undeterred by my unamused pout.

"You're not a Shelby," I said as coldly as I could, my words causing a soft chuckle to ripple from him though I could see in his eyes that I'd caught him off guard.

"So?"

"So its not your lake." I said swimming backwards towards the edge of the lake, watching him watching me. I wasn't rushing, I wasn't "fleeing" but I was pushing quickly through the water, my heart beginning to race when he swam to catch up.

"You seem pretty sure about that for a lass who's never set foot on this riverbank before today..." he called after me, stopping at the bank a second after I did with a smile that would have been contagious had I not been so determined to be as Sylvie would have been had she been caught out like this.

When still I didn't relent he shook his head, half a laugh down towards the water as he leant on the grassy bank with his elbows. He ran his hand through his wet hair and left it sticking up a little scruffy, droplets trailing down his arm and splashing off the water onto me. "What if I told you I had Thomas Shelbys blessing?" he asked, teasing me his eyes twinkling with sarcasm, "would that put your conscience at ease miss?"

The whole time he'd been talking I'd been trying to place his accent. Almost Irish but not quite, familiar to me but only distantly. A part of my past hardly recognisable now.

"You're gypsy..."

"Don't think you're allowed to call me that anymore lass, ain't the 1920s anymore now is it..." he grinned, a caught out grin, a slight pinkish hue in his cheeks, "an I'd think you'd be a wee but more concerned about that an all if you're who I think you are..."

"Gypsy, traveller, romani... Its all the same to me," I shrugged as nonchalantly as I could, knowing that if Ada or Aunt Pol had heard me they'd be furious. That even Tommy and my brothers who still used that word whenever they wanted to put someone else in their place, would have scorned to hear me say that.

"Well," he said, lowering his voice a little, still softly spoken, still teasing, "well now I know you're lying to me Miss Shelby..." he said leaning in a little closer, knowing eyes glowing so that although he didn't look humbled, still looked as though he believed himself to have the upper hand - and he did have the upper hand - he looked a little softer. Enough to ease my fears a little. The knowledge that we were more alike than I'd anticipated putting me at ease, because there wasn't a travelling family in the whole of the midlands who didn't answer to my brother these days.

"You know I'm a Shelby?" I asked edging towards the grass myself about to push myself up onto the bank until I remembered that I was only in my underwear, that my pyjama shorts and tshirt had been abandoned somewhere the other side of the lake.

When he laughed I couldn't tell if he was teasing still or really just laughing at me. My apparent naivety.

"Aye little lass, reckon I know which Shelby you are an all..."

I held his gaze despite myself then, doing my best to remain cold and stubborn, doing my best not to reveal how vulnerable I felt. But my cheeks were heating up, an indignant blush revealing me completely.

"You can't possibly, we've never met."

"You're Sonya," he shrugged pushing himself up onto the verge, looking down at me, his legs still in the water, kicking them gently too relaxed for someone who should have been at least a little wary of a Shelby girl. Then again, he knew exactly which Shelby girl he was talking to, and if there was a Shelby lass not worth fearing I knew it was me.

"Eh don't look so sad," he flashed me another smile, one which riled my temper because I didn't like being teased by strangers who should have feared me. I wasn't used to it either.

In London people had feared me for a collection of reasons, some for my family, most for mt reputation. I was one of, if not the, most talented ballerina of my age. One not to be sniffed at. Someone to gaze at in awe. To be grateful to have met.

"That was just a lucky guess..." I said eyeing him suspiciously.

"Was it yeah?"

"Yes." I said finally, narrowing my eyes at him before backing away, "so, you know who my brother is, close your eyes if you know whats good for you."

I wasn't expecting him to do as I'd said but he did, quickly too. His hand shot up to cover his eyes and he made a point of turning away, laughing at me with a smile that lingered.

"Well I'll be seein yous Sonya," he said his voice light as ever, still teasing, still laughing. Too comfortable. Almost infuriating me so that I couldn't reply, could only hurry back to the trodden in path I'd followed, grabbing my clothes and scarpering as if it really had been me trespassing after all.

Next Chapter

[wcrpbubble]

" the look on your face says there's more on your mind . " -for Ellie

a soft nightly breeze lifts dust from the earth, blowing it in circles before it resettles a few feet away. the air is cool, almost cold, but not unbearable; ellie manages well enough once she wraps an old flannel blanket around her shoulders to stave off the chill on her skin; her sweat had dried and now even the slightest breeze makes her shiver. the dig site is quiet, the air filled with the smell of the earth and a nearby fire a group of the interns have started where she knows they'll stay up too late and be paying for it in the morning at first light (she's been in their shoes, not so very long ago). she lets them be though; ellie has taken up a place on the other side of the camper she and alan share, sitting in a camp chair in nothing more than the soft light cast from the trailer windows that spills onto the dry dirt. it's best that way, she's found. all the better to see the stars.

another night with little sleep.

it's becoming too much a habit between her and alan. one of them always wakes in the middle of the night; tonight she'd jerked from the midst of a nightmare screaming. the images in her mind are horrific and twisted and she could go the rest of her life without seeing them again - but she knows she will, the second she dares close her eyes once more. it's why ellie has currently given up on sleep, instead trying to find some solace in the silence of the badlands at night and the stars shining clearly above. there's no light pollution this far out, leaving the night sky a veritable painting of constellations that she can only half remember.

she'd told alan to go back to sleep, annoyed at herself she'd probably jerked him from sleep with her screaming. she's not surprised he hasn't taken that request to heart; she barely registers his voice at first, desperate to simply absorb the quiet. she half jumps - sudden noises tend to startle her more easily. another weakness ellie is determined to get over - but everything still feels fresh and raw. the wounds, both physical and mental, still need time to heal. almost subconsciously her fingers flex around the mug of watery tea she'd made for herself and brought out; she can't feel the warmth from the cup given the nerve damage she's still dealing with.

"just wondering if it will ever be over." ellie finds her voice, though it's quiet. reserved. tired, frankly. this nightly routine is becoming too much; how much longer until she's utterly useless on the digsite because she's too exhausted, her own mind refusing to let her rest? she knows alan is much in the same boat - how long until they're both burnt out? she pulls the blanket tighter around her shoulders with a sudden shiver, tearing her gaze away from the sky.

"it was the raptors again." ellie says softly. "three of them. tearing into you and the kids. i couldn't stop them in time; it was my fault." she doesn't need to add in the raptors had practically taunted her in her dreams, that she hadn't been able to protect alan, tim, and lex. her heart lurches up into her throat and she swallows thickly, forcing down a swallow of tepid tea that tastes more like water than anything substantial. maybe she'll switch to coffee; clearly she won't be getting anymore sleep.

"i don't know how to live a normal life anymore. how can i think of a future when there's always going to be the threat of those things getting off the island? that we've somehow missed something?" she asks into the darkness, lowering her head.

"i wish we'd never gone."

@fosillium

[theghostpinesmusic]

Desolation Wilderness (3/4)

When I woke up shortly after sunrise on the shore above Dick's Lake, the wind was still tossing my tent (and everything else) around. The brave (intrepid? stupid?) souls who had set up camp in the open across the lake the previous night were already packed up and gone, presumably having decided to move out of the wind-intensifying bowl of the lake basin as soon as they had light to navigate by.

I took a little while longer than usual getting packed up because, frankly, at that point I was as used to the wind as I was going to get and hoarding energy was more important to me than continuing (like futilely) to try to escape it.

Eventually, I headed north on what had become, at some point yesterday outside of the sphere of my awareness, the PCT.

Having done this entire loop once already (albeit under the choking smoke of the Mosquito Fire), I knew this day's hike was likely to be the least interesting bit. Granted, "least interesting" when in Desolation Wilderness is still more interesting than most other places on earth that you could go for a walk. But still, once the PCT leads you past the granite-bound Fontanillis Lake just north of Dick's Lake, there's a left onto the Velma Trail and then a long walk west then south to circle around the northern shoulder of Dick's Peak that takes place almost entirely in a forest that, while beautiful, is (at least to my eyes) basically the same as every other forest in the Sierra-ish western U.S. The long stretch of southward hiking through the valley carved by the (now fall-dry) Rubicon River is particular interminable.

Come at me, botanists! Convince me this place is cool, actually!

There is a neat part of the trail just above Fontanillis where you have to cross the outflow of the lake and continue north, where you can briefly see Lake Tahoe in the far distance if you keep your eyes peeled.

Incidentally, I've gotten super lost here both times I've passed through, but it's pretty easy to recover the trail, as going the "wrong" way ultimately either takes you back the way you came or pitches you off a cliff and down into Upper Velma Lake.

Right after you turn west on the Velma Trail, there's a dense, forested section, but after a little under a mile, this opens up quite a bit and you get another eyeful of granite. It can be hard to stay on trail in some spots along here, but in other places the "correct" route down the granite slabs is marked by human-placed cairns and/or lines of rocks.

My earlier complaints aside, this section is really beautiful. And, if you get lost, ostensibly you could just continue downhill regardless and eventually you'd hit the Rubicon Trail somewhere, as it runs north/south, perpendicular to your westward descent.

Passing through this section was, again, bittersweet, as these granite ramps (which Lindsey and I had been climbing up instead of descending in 2022) had been the last bit of our past hike when there had been clear blue skies, the last time we'd been able to imagine we were going to complete the loop without being buried under the encroaching haze.

This time, at least, the good air and weather held.

Next up was the long, this-forest-could-be-anywhere slog through the Rubicon Valley. Again, it's not like it's a bad way to spend six-ish miles' worth of walking, but there's nothing much remarkable about it, to my eyes.

Eventually (and more quickly than I'd mentally prepared myself for), the trail started to tend uphill more. Shortly after, it started to climb precipitously. I had started climbing Mosquito Pass from the north.

We'd dropped down this side of the pass on the second day of our hike in 2022, after climbing up the south side the previous afternoon, and I'd remembered it being a pretty stiff descent...so I was prepared, this time, for a difficult ascent.

Yeah, it was pretty difficult. Even on a windy, unseasonably cold day, the sun got to me after only a brief time of taking steep, strenuous steps up and into a garden of blinding white granite, and then there was still more to climb. The consolation prize, though, was that as I climbed higher and higher the northeastern edge of the Crystal Range (of which the southernmost Pyramid Peak, starkly visible from Lake Aloha, is the opposite edge) came into view. And, below it, Clyde Lake: Lindsey and I's first camp location during our previous trip and, as it would turn out, the only camp spot from that trip that I wouldn't end up revisiting this time.

You gain about a thousand feet of elevation in one-and-a-half miles approaching Mosquito Pass from this side, but the pain fades quickly once you're on top of the pass's spectacular granite battlements (yes, spectacular even in the context of the granite wonderland that is all of Desolation Wilderness). There's a human-made redoubt up there that functions well as a windbreak, and I dropped happily down into it to eat a sandwich, then, slightly less hungry, I started dropping down the south side of the pass.

I knew there was a great view of the weirdness of Lake Aloha from up here because I'd "seen" it before (through the gathering smoke, though, of course). I'd underestimated how striking it would be under blue skies.

The process of descending Mosquito Pass from this side is a process of your brain failing over and over again to wrap itself around the unique composition of Lake Aloha and the Crystal Range as you apprehend it all from many, many stunning but ever-changing angles. I took so many pictures during this descent, and none of them really capture it, but I've included the one that I feel like comes the closest.

There are reasons to recommend taking on this loop clockwise and reasons to recommend taking it on counter-clockwise. But if you choose to go clockwise instead of counter-clockwise, for the love of God (or Nature) turn around a few times on your way up this pass and look over your shoulder. You'll be glad you did!

I wasn't sure where I was going to sleep on this third night. The wind wasn't letting up, that was for sure, and I knew from the forecast I was able to refresh for the first time in three days from the top of Mosquito Pass that it was going to get colder than it already had been. There was a possibility of rain, which I was pretty prepared for, and a possibility of snow, which I was not very prepared for.

I'd dreamed of camping along Lake Aloha's shores for two years now, but I knew that most of the many spots along the shore weren't particularly protected. There were spots up in the trees above the lake that would be more protected, but didn't have direct views of the lake. My thinking there was that if I wasn't camping on the lake proper, I might as well continue past Aloha on to a spot further south that would set me up to have a shorter fourth day on the trail. I considered hiking all the way down to Tamarack Lake, or even scrambling over to Ralston Lake. I'd had such a great time at Lake Of The Woods on my first night that I even thought about taking the semi-detour there and spending another night among its weird granite islands.

It was early in the afternoon, though. I could take my time deciding what to do. For the moment, I dropped down to the lake's level and started working my way south along the shore. Almost immediately I passed through a grassy-ish area with an incredible view of the cliffs below Mount Price and Mount Agassiz, and toyed with the idea of camping there, but ultimately it felt like it was too early to stop, so I kept moving.

Eventually, a mile-plus later, I passed by a use trail that led west off the main trail into a stand of trees that felt like it hovered over the lake. In my usual neurotic way, I obsessed too much over the fact that the camp spots there, while picturesque, weren't exactly flat, and I was convinced there would be something further along the trial that would ultimately work out better. I bookmarked this spot on my GPS as "The Chateau" and still kept moving.

Eventually, I found an almost gobsmackingly perfect spot near where the PCT splits off from the Desolation Trail and heads southeast. It was flat, had a great view, was adjacent to a bunch of fun rock-hopping destinations that would all make great sunset cooking-and-eating-dinner spots, and had what amounted to basically a private beach.

Feeling like my persistence/neurotic insanity had paid off, I took a long snack-and-rest break before starting to set up the tent.

Somewhere in there, the storms moved in.

Right about the time that I was psyching myself up for a shorts-only swim off of my private beach (to spite the wind), the sun disappeared. It popped in and out of the clouds a few more times throughout the late afternoon, but it was clear that the weather was primed to get worse as the sun set, not better. I backed off of my swimming plan, and turned to get my tent set up immediately instead. But it was too late: the wind was blowing so hard that I almost lost the fly to the lake and even getting the ground cloth to stay still long enough to set up the poles was impossible, or at least difficult enough that it seemed impossible.

Ultimately, I grudgingly gave up my lakefront property and retreated back north in search of somewhere I could camp that would give me a view of the lake but also protect me from the wind. My first thought was to go back to The Chateau, which I did, but in the time since I'd been there last, two campers had set up in the best two sites, and though I could have camped between them, it felt too close to be polite when there were certainly other options. Annoyed at myself, I headed back south, again.

Eventually, I found a few large-ish sites right at the intersection of the PCT and the Desolation Trail. Typically, I try to avoid camping solo in these kinds of areas, because either a) I take one of the spots and others pass by, thinking I'm "hogging" all the space, or b) I take one of the spots and some other, large group takes all the other spots and proceeds to act as if they're there alone. In either case, it never really works out well. At this point, though, the weather was getting worse, it was almost sunset, and it was hard to imagine that many people with their heads on straight would still be out wandering in the weather, looking for a campsite (except for yours truly, of course). So I took the spot closest to the lake, and, nestled up against a line of trees, was at least somewhat protected from the wind.

Thus fortified, I set up my tent and camp, then headed back down to the lakeshore to watch a beautiful but also frankly intimidating sunset unfold, the wind pushing banks of heavy, low clouds across the sky while the burnished orange light of the sun slashed lines through them like an infinite knife. It was wild.

Once again, photos don't really do it justice.

I went back to camp and cooked and ate dinner in the near-dark, then, once again energized rather than wiped out by the infusion of calories, rock-hopped out above the lake to take some night photos.

I didn't stay up too late, so the photos were filled with residual sunset light that made it hard to appreciate the spill of the Milky Way as it arced above the Crystal Range, but I did get to watch the clouds break up a bit and the wind finally, finally drop off a bit.

I knew I only had a few (likely straightforward) miles between me and car for the next morning, but I had at points during the trip imagined taking a side trip to Ralston Lake and/or climbing Ralston Peak on my way out. It would depend on the weather: it felt just as likely that I would wake up in the morning to an inch of snow covering the tent as clear skies and warm sun.

With the wind only occasionally poking through the trees at its hardest gusting that night, I slept more soundly than I had either of the previous two nights.

[ampedupkaon]

World of our Own Chapter 5

Title: The peace that evening brings

AN: Fun fact, the lyric between last chapter's title and this one's is 'Can you feel the love tonight?'; the song they are both from. This chapter is from Monspeet's P.O.V.

Monspeet hoped that everything was just as they'd left it. He knew they weren't well liked by the villagers... but he did hope they wouldn't steal things or... he didn't want to imagine. Thankfully, the barn was still there when they'd came back, but it didn't mean that everything... he pushed the door open, seeing that nothing had disappeared or been broken.

“Derieri, Monspeet!” Annie had been waiting for them it seemed. She ran over and gave them both a hug. It reminded him a little of what Rajine used to do when they both returned from missions.

“Hey Annie. Anything interesting happen?” Derieri asked her.

“Mother did some baking... and I finished the book I've been reading. Father's away... so I have no chores at the moment. It's a nice feeling.” Monspeet knew how that felt now. Not having any missions, just being able to lounge around, cuddle up with the woman he loved... he realised he could tell her that now. Of course... it wasn't going to just be a thing he could blurt out. It had to wait until the right moment. And he was sure she wasn't interested in him that way... she thought of him as a friend.

“Oh, what happened to your eyes?” Annie asked, now looking more intently at their faces.

“We no longer have our commandments so... darkness doesn't cover our eyes any more.” He told her.

“Never would have guessed both of you had such beautiful eyes...” His cheeks flushed a little, unused to compliments. He couldn't say he disagreed with Annie though; Derieri did have beautiful eyes. Though... he thought the rest of her beautiful too.

“Thanks.” Derieri scratched the back of her head; as flustered as he was by the compliment.

“Are... are you actually wearing anything right now?” Annie's cheeks flushed. Monspeet then remembered both he and Derieri were only covered by darkness.

“Nope. If we dropped the darkness covering us we'd be completely naked.” Derieri told her, Annie's cheeks turning darker pink.

“Do... you know what, it's getting late. I'll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yep.” They answered her, Annie leading herself out the door.

“Watch the sun set with me?” Derieri asked him after a moment.

“Sure.” Anything for you, my love. He added in his head. He didn't quite have the courage to say it out loud yet; but he'd get there. Derieri held her hand out to him this time, his heart deciding to turn flips. He let her lead him outside by the hand, where they touched feeling tingly. He was allowed to smile at her if he wanted to now. And pay her compliments; something he intended to do quite frequently. Derieri was beautiful and he intended to remind her of this fact until she believed him when he said it.

“Where'd you go?” She was waving a hand in front of his face. He gave her a soft look.

“I was admiring the view.” She turned to look at where he'd been staring.

“Yeah, it is pretty nice.” She, of course, didn't realise he was looking at how the setting sun's light played across her body; making it glow like fire. She settled down, him quickly joining her. The sky started to streak with yellows and oranges and he caught movement from the corner of his eye. She was shivering, he realised. There was a slight chill to the night air... but she had been more prone to noticing changes in temperature than he was.

“Are you cold?” He asked, a quick glance turned towards her.

“A little, but I don't want to go inside for a blanket.” She told him. An idea struck him, but he was unsure if she'd be receptive to it. He decided to ask; knowing she'd box his arm if she wasn't. He adjusted his pose a little; uncrossing his legs and spreading them.

“You might be warmer if you sit here and let me hold you.” He gestured, mentally preparing to be swatted. What he was suggesting was... more akin to what lovers would do. He closed his eyes, waiting for the punch. He was a little surprised when he didn't feel one. He blinked them open nervously and his heart skipped a beat. Derieri had obviously got up and sat back down between his legs. She wanted him to hold her like that. He swallowed, before taking the leap. He shuffled forward a little, sliding his arms around her to draw her closer. He was sure his cheeks turned scarlet; feeling her body pressed to his as it was. The skin where they touched felt hot and his heart started pounding; to the point where he was sure she'd feel it hammering against her back.

“You're right, it does feel warmer like this.” She remarked, her darkness hand coming to rest on his knee. Had he been feeling bold like he had when he'd suggested this; he might have gave her a kiss on the cheek or shoulder. Sadly, that bravery had deserted him; so instead he just watched the sky; now streaked with reds and purples as the sun slid under the horizon.

“Is this alright?” He asked, still waiting to be told to get off, he was overstepping or something.

“Yeah. You're warm. It's nice.” It feels much more than nice being cuddled up to you like this, my love. He thought, still not brave enough to say. There was only the tiniest sliver of sun peeking up over the horizon now, a soft purplish glow tinting the sky.

“Hey look, the first star of the evening.” Her flesh hand pointed up at it. He glanced and noticed it just like she did.

“Want to make a wish?” I wish to spend the rest of my life with you. He thought, not daring to say it out loud. He nodded, closing his eyes for a moment.

“So... what did you wish for?” She asked, a smile in her voice.

“You know I can't tell you that; or it won't come true.” He smiled back.

“They might; who knows? I'll tell if you do.” She offered. He felt the fingers of her darkness hand lightly stroking his knee. The motions were making it a little hard to think.

“I wished for the fighting to be over permanently.” She told him; impatience making her say it before he could agree.

“I wish for that too.” Because if there's no fighting... I can't lose you. He thought.

“That's not what you wished for, is it?” She'd realised; he said 'wish' not 'wished'. He wasn't going to say what he'd wished for to her; terrified of scaring her off by coming on too strong.

“It wasn't.” He swallowed nervously; before settling on what he could say instead.

“I wished to sit and watch the sun set with you every night you want to watch it.” She snorted and he felt worry shoot through him. Had he said the wrong thing?

“You don't need to wish for that. I'll do that if you ask.” The worries vanished; his heart soaring. She wanted to... she wanted to do something romantic with him like this?

“Come on... it's getting cold out here.” She fidgeted a little and he let go. She stood up and he mourned the loss of warmth. She held out a hand for him and he took hold of it; letting her help him and lead him inside.

“Besides that...” She yawned.

“I'm tired. Let's go to bed.” Monspeet wasn't as tired as she was; but he had no problems lying in bed with her. She cuddled up to him much more readily while under a blanket. She let go of his hand, and he would be complaining. If she hadn't scrambled into bed, lifting up the blanket for him to join her. She'd dropped the darkness; leaving her completely naked. He took a moment to appreciate this view; she was beautiful, every inch of her, before climbing in bed with her. Her arm slid over his shoulder and he slid his arms around her. One day, perhaps he would be bold enough to put one hand on her backside... until then; one hand rested on her shoulder blade, the other on the small of her back.

“Comfortable?” She asked. He nodded; his mind racing a little. I'm holding the woman I love... she's letting me cuddle with her while she's naked... and she is beautiful and... He pushed those thoughts down. She wasn't interested in him that way. Yes, there was lust for her as well... she was beautiful and he was curious how she would look while he pleasured her... but he was more interested in the soft, sweet things. The cuddling they were doing now; for example. He hoped it might progress to soft, sweet kisses... if he plucked up the courage to tell her how he felt.

“Not gonna drop yours too?” He did not just hear that. She did not suggest that he lay in bed cuddled up to her while both of them were completely naked. It was... improper. For a man to cuddle like that with a woman he wasn't courting. And while he had every intention of asking to court her... he wasn't doing that yet. Besides... she was... the feeling of her silky smooth skin against his might make his sex take notice. He no desire to explain that to her come morning.

“That's improper.” He whispered.

“As if I care about proper. It's improper for a woman to lay in bed with a man like we're doing too.” By human standards. Not by demon ones. He thought. It wasn't uncommon for Galand and Melascula to share a bed; he recalled.

“Perhaps... but...” He trailed off, unsure how to continue that train of thought. She hummed, clearly wanting an answer.

“I'm not quite as comfortable as you are being completely devoid of darkness.” It was a sort of truth. He didn't want to be naked before her, in fear his sex took notice.

“Fine.” She yawned again, snuggling a little closer.

“Night, Monspeet.” She whispered, her eyes sliding shut. He felt a sudden urge. One which he knew lovers did. He waited for her breathing to even out, for her to be dragged off to sleep. It happened quite quickly, him feeling a slight joy at how safe she obviously felt in his arms. He pushed down the nerves, before leaning in, brushing his lips to her forehead. If she woke up... he'd tell her he meant it. As she didn't, he settled for something else.

“Sweet dreams, Derieri.” He let his eyes slide shut; sleep quickly finding him.

AN: I like torturing him, don't I? I mean... Derieri is beautiful. And... yeah he's aware she's a woman and she's got all of her body cuddled up to his (Deri may not be as blessed as some of the women in Sins... but she does have breasts and if they're cuddling he would be able to feel them against his chest) and... he would get urges just like other men do! The making a wish on the first star of the evening idea came from Transformers (Seaspray and Bumblebee make wishes during the episode 'Sea Change'; though we don't know what Seaspray wished for!). I used it because it was cute (and totally something they would do!).

[histoires-en-bouteille]

It's raining. I know because I can hear the sound against the stones. The roof isn't thick enough to spare us from the noise, but at least it keeps us dry.

Ava really had her eyes open when she found this one. It looked so old, so run down...I didn't think we'd be able to rest here. I mean, with something above our heads. Still not sure that roof is going to hold to be honest.

I used to hate the rain. Which is kind of ironic, when you think about it. We're from a cold and wet region, we're supposed to be used to it. But I guess being used to something doesn't mean you enjoy it.

I only started to like the rain once we ran away. I don't know why, because whenever it rains we end up soaked, and the soil becomes slippery (everything becomes slippery). It takes hours if not days for our clothes to fully dry, and in the meantime we're colder and heavier.

I don't know. Why do I like the rain.

I'm sitting here right now, under dilapidated stones that could fall on me and break my skull at any moment, with Phosphors probably hanging around as I write, and nothing more than a weak fire to provide light.

And the rain, all around. It sounds like... almost similar to the way the wood creak as it catches fire, but not quite. Not quite the same as the wind blowing through the tree branches and leaves, either.

It sounds like rain, I guess. It makes everything smell like wet. Wet grass, wet wood, wet stones. I think the air is so wet, even our clothes won't resist for long.

I used to hate that.

_

Ava woke up again. Bad dream. She got up and walked out of the ruins. I wasn't sure, wether she wanted me to stay here or not, but she turned around before she stepped "out", and just stared at me.

Kinda crazy how just a glance tells me so much. I got up, joined her.

It was still raining. Our clothes got soaked. It smelled like grass and soil, and the air was fresh. Almost cold.

Her hands were cold, too.

She's fell asleep again. She is lying next to me as we speak. Once I'm done writing, I̶'̶l̶l̶ ̶p̶u̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶a̶s̶i̶d̶e̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶ ̶h̶o̶l̶d̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶i̶n̶s̶t̶e̶a̶d̶.̶ ̶S̶h̶e̶ ̶a̶l̶w̶a̶y̶s̶ ̶s̶l̶e̶e̶p̶s̶ ̶c̶l̶o̶s̶e̶r̶ ̶w̶h̶e̶n̶ ̶i̶t̶ ̶r̶a̶i̶n̶s̶.̶ ̶I̶ ̶g̶u̶e̶s̶s̶ ̶i̶t̶'̶s̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶ I'll try to keep an eye on her. And on that roof.

Sometimes there are things...You wouldn't get it.

_

Extract from Todd's Journal. - Ruins and Phosphors.

_

Notes from transcriber: D̶e̶b̶a̶t̶e̶s̶ ̶o̶v̶e̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶n̶a̶t̶u̶r̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶T̶o̶d̶d̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶A̶v̶a̶'̶s̶ ̶r̶e̶l̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶h̶i̶p̶ ̶a̶r̶e̶ ̶s̶t̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶t̶o̶p̶i̶c̶a̶l̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶b̶o̶t̶h̶ ̶s̶c̶h̶o̶l̶a̶r̶s̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶p̶o̶p̶u̶l̶a̶r̶ ̶m̶i̶n̶d̶s̶.̶ ̶M̶u̶l̶t̶i̶p̶l̶e̶ ̶r̶o̶m̶a̶n̶c̶e̶ ̶b̶o̶o̶k̶s̶ ̶w̶e̶r̶e̶ ̶d̶i̶r̶e̶c̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶i̶n̶s̶p̶i̶r̶e̶d̶ ̶b̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶i̶r̶ ̶u̶n̶i̶q̶u̶e̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶i̶n̶t̶r̶i̶c̶a̶t̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶l̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶h̶i̶p̶ ̶(̶s̶e̶e̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶e̶x̶a̶m̶p̶l̶e̶ ̶U̶n̶d̶e̶r̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶N̶i̶g̶h̶t̶ ̶S̶k̶y̶,̶ ̶I̶n̶k̶ ̶D̶r̶o̶p̶s̶,̶ ̶o̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶i̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶F̶o̶r̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶O̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶S̶h̶o̶e̶ ̶T̶o̶ ̶D̶r̶o̶p̶)̶,̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶o̶f̶t̶e̶n̶ ̶t̶r̶y̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶c̶a̶p̶t̶u̶r̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶a̶m̶b̶i̶g̶u̶o̶u̶s̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶u̶n̶s̶p̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶n̶a̶t̶u̶r̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶l̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶.̶ ̶ ̶S̶t̶i̶l̶l̶,̶ ̶m̶a̶n̶y̶ ̶d̶e̶n̶o̶u̶n̶c̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶s̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶l̶a̶b̶e̶l̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶l̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶h̶i̶p̶,̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶w̶o̶u̶l̶d̶ ̶r̶a̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶c̶o̶n̶s̶i̶d̶e̶r̶ ̶i̶t̶ ̶a̶s̶ ̶s̶o̶m̶e̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶t̶ ̶g̶o̶e̶s̶ ̶b̶e̶y��o̶n̶ ̶

_

Complementary notes (handwritten):

Can't believe I had to read that shit. Scribbled on the whole thing, so no one else will have to see that.

[barnesbabee]

[M]asochism || C.S

[ꜱᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴇɴᴄʏᴄʟᴏᴘᴇᴅɪᴀ - ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ M]

Summary: Dating an idol is hard, but according to San that still isn't an excuse to help yourself on your own.

Pairing: boyfriend!San x female!reader

Words: man I'm so hungry rn idk what to eat tho... probably grab some jello, I made some like, yesterday? I think? (end of the fic update) I did eat the jello. It was very good. I am full.

Genre: Smut; Angst; Fluff

⚠️ I don't give warnings because I want no spoilers so if you're sensitive, easily impressionable or easily triggered don't read, for your own sake. Or do, I don't care.⚠️

For the 5th day in a row you waited for San way past midnight, so you could have the movie night he had promised and scheduled long ago, and, for the 5th night in a row, you waited, the popcorn grew cold and mushy and the juice was watered down by the ice that had melted long ago.

You sat in the dark, blanket wrapped around your shoulders, waiting for San.

The digital clock in your living room told you the time, and it was 2:06 when the door opened, the dark outline of a broad-shouldered man coming into the house. San didn't turn the light on, as he assumed you were asleep in the bedroom and didn't want the light to shine through the open door.

"5 nights. You've made me wait for you all night for 5 nights in a row."

San jumped at the sound of your voice, and gasped slightly, not expecting any sounds to come from the dark.

Before he could speak you stood up and walked past him, bumping his shoulder on your own. The action made San furrow his brows, but he followed you nevertheless.

"I'm sorry princess, Yunho had us stay longer because he-"

"I did not ask." You said, cutting him off, as you changed into your pajamas.

"What?"

San was confused by your behavior, he was ready for an angry, disappointed Y/N, but this Y/N seemed... careless?

You turned around and looked him in the eye.

"I said, I do not care. I don't care what the excuse is, I don't care what you were doing, I don't care if the building was on fire and you had to save it by yourself."

"Woah, what's with the bitchy attitude!?"

You felt your face heat up and you could swear that if one more word left his lips you'd explode.

"I have waited entire nights for you because you promised we'd have some time alone together after the tour only for you to come home at ungodly hours. And I wouldn't even fucking mind staying awake if it meant spending time together but whenever you come home you just wanna sleep."

"What did you expect me to be all giddy and hyper at 2 in the morning after a whole day of working!?"

"No, I expect you to maybe be home some days and spend them with me."

"You knew what you were getting into when you started dating me."

Ah, there it was. The excuse for everything. Late for dates? You knew what you were getting into, dating an idol. Not being able to walk around with him unless he's covered from head to toe 'cause he's too afraid of fan reactions? You knew what you were getting into. Nights on end sleeping in a bed alone when you lived with your boyfriend? You knew what you were getting into. It got tiring. You did know what you were getting into in the beginning, but you thought that after a whole year of dating things would change, you thought he'd take the relationship more seriously.

"Oh yeah? Then when you're feeling sad go cry on the shoulders of your precious company, when you're feeling horny go dry hump the floor of the practice room, and when you want a homemade dinner ask the CEO to cook it."

You turned around just as he opened his mouth and began walking away. San gripped your wrist and pulled you toward him.

"Don't walk away when I'm talking."

San's eyes were dark and scary, not that he'd ever do anything to you, but the man was intimidating when he was angry. His whole body was tense and his breathing was heavy.

"Don't treat your company better than your girlfriend."

San's heart sank at your shaky voice and teary eyes, and he understood the issue, but his mind was too clouded by anger to think straight, and his pride was too fueled for him to have the balls to apologize.

"What am I supposed to do then!? You expect me to drop my job!?"

At this point you were full-on crying, looking at him with your fists balled up.

"I never asked you that! I've been patient, so patient with you!"

"It's not my choice to make!"

You held your hands up, in defeat.

"Fine, whatever, I don't give a shit. You have a long day tomorrow as well, I assume, we should just go to sleep."

Without another word, you turned off the lights and took your place in the bed, feeling frustrated and sad. Soon enough you felt the bed dip and you knew San had taken his place as well, and so you two laid there, backs facing each other with a significantly large space between your bodies.

After a couple minutes, you could hear San's light snores, but you still couldn't sleep. You'd always lay awake waiting for him, and you could only drift off to sleep when you felt his arms wrap around you and pull you closer, that way you knew he was safe. It became a routine San didn't know about, and it was hard when he was on tour, but now he laid next to you and you still couldn't sleep.

Your eyes were shut, trying to make up scenarios, like your own movies created by your mind, in attempts to fall asleep. The image of San's dark eyes flashed in your mind. Then, the way his body was tense during the fight, and finally his firm, deep voice calling your name, in a much, much better scenario.

You pressed your thighs together and felt something bottling up in the pit of your stomach.

Shit. You had just gotten in a relationship-threatening fight and you were horny. You needed therapy. However, your hand and a couple minutes in the bathroom would have to do for the night.

You slowly crawled out of bed and made your way to the bathroom, making sure to shut the door slowly, so the light wouldn't wake up sleeping beauty.

You removed your bottoms and sat on the toilet lid, hissing a little from the cold, and then hoisted up your leg, having your foot resting on the bidet beside you.

"Shit..." You whispered to yourself as you felt how wet you were just from imagining the things your boyfriend could do to you.

You placed a hand over your mouth to prevent any noise from coming out as you slowly inserted one finger, then two, then three. Enough fingers for you to feel satisfied and full. You pumped them in and out of you, listening to the squelching sounds your body made, and imagining San doing all sorts of things to you.

Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing an angry, disheveled Choi San. He had the same look in his eyes as before, but a different meaning behind them.

He walked toward you, seeming bigger than ever, and grabbed your jaw.

"You think this is the right thing to do, hm? You'd think just because we fought I'd let it go? Well, you were so," San paused and pressed a kiss below your ear before whispering in a low voice "so wrong, doll."

A breath was caught in your throat as San picked you up and threw you on the bed. He stripped down to his boxers and removed your shirt for you.

You watched as he grabbed the lights' remote and set a dim, red light in the room.

"I want you to see what I'm going to do to you."

You could hear drawers opening and closing, but you didn't dare look, as you knew a surprise would be best.

"On your knees, and turn around for me."

You obliged with no questions.

San grabbed your wrists and used his belt to tie them together behind your back, before gripping your hair and pushing your head into the pillow, with enough strength to establish dominance, yet soft enough so you could easily move your head to breathe.

"You know what happens to little whores who can't wait, don't you, princess?"

"Y-yes."

San's free hand slowly trailed up your thigh and caressed your ass.

"Well, what happens?"

"They get fucked."

San smirked and leaned closer so he could whisper in your ear.

"They get fucked dumb. And I will fuck the thoughts out of your brain, princess."

San slapped your ass. First softly, but as time passed the spanks became harder and harder until you could no longer contain your moans and whimpers. San spanked you until your ass was red, until he could see the outline of his palms on your ass.

Your boyfriend could see your glistening pussy, wet from barely anything.

San slowly slipped his middle finger inside of you.

"Since you seem to think fingers are enough, maybe that's all I'll fuck you with tonight, hm?" Your boyfriend teased, as he added another finger and sped up the pace.

"Please... Please no, I'm so sorry, it won't happen again."

He spanked your ass.

"I'm sure it won't, princess."

San grabbed his cock, removed it from the confinement of his underwear, and ran it across your folds to collect your wetness on his tip. The hardest part of having his sweet time with you was holding back and not fucking the breathing, living shit out of you. He wanted to play with you longer but it was also hard to contain himself.

Your boyfriend flipped you around and laid you on the bed facing up, before inspecting your face, for any signs of discomfort. When he saw nothing but pleasure and desperation he leaned down and kissed you in the filthiest manner possible. San continuously ran his tip between your folds to tease you, and as a protest, you whined and wiggled your thighs.

"If you want me to fuck you I suggest you behave." He said firmly, gripping your thighs.

You nodded as a reply.

"Good girl." San complimented and then moved you so you'd still be lying facing the ceiling, but your head was hanging on the edge of the bed.

You knew what was coming, it was the activity that took 2nd place on San's favorites list: throat fucking you.

He stroked his cock a few times before ordering you to open your mouth. San gripped your throat with his hand while he fucked it as he pleased. He was unpredictable, he'd pull out, insert himself back in, pick up the pace, slow down...

Your boyfriend could see you desperately trying to create some friction with your thighs, a hopeless attempt at some sort of satisfaction.

He pulled his cock out of your mouth, strings of saliva following along and dripping on your face. The man got on the bed and carefully pulled your head back on the bed.

You were practically salivating at the sight of his cock, fuck you had missed it. Before he told you to do anything, your legs were already spread for him, and he let a low chuckle as he examined your body with his dark, lustful eyes.

San settled between your legs and slapped your thigh.

"Such a well-trained whore... I'm proud, princess." San mockingly complimented before kissing you.

His fingers trailed down your body, squeezing your breasts in the process, and found their way into your core. He wasn't so patient this time and inserted three fingers. San fucked them into you at a pace that had you question how much stamina could one man have on his own.

"Are you gonna cum on my fingers? Is that what you want?"

Your thighs squeezed San and your hands gripped the sheets behind your back at the pain of containing the orgasm.

"Shit- no! Please, fuck me, please!"

San stopped, as tears brimmed in your eyes, and shoved his fingers in your mouth, so you could lick them clean.

"You behaved so well, you deserve a reward."

San's plan was to edge you as much as possible because he knew that once he slipped inside of you he wouldn't last long.

Your boyfriend slowly pushed inside of you, taking in the feeling of your pussy around his cock that he missed oh so much, and both of your moans and grunts mixed together in a pornographic melody.

"Shit- Fuck you feel so good, princess."

You couldn't even form coherent words, as you were too mesmerized by the way he looked, glistening under the red lights with his black hair stuck to his forehead, and by the way he fucked you.

San spanked whatever body parts he could reach, and your orgasm approached for the 3rd time that night.

He could feel your walls clenching around his cock, and so San took it as a sign to fuck you harder until you came with a loud cry for his name.

"Fuck can I cum in you?"

"Yes, yes do it."

As those words escaped past your lips, San buried his cock deep inside you with one last thrust and came inside of you.

He rested in place for a second, before slipping out of you and leaving the bedroom, only to come back with a glass of water and a towel.

"Oh shit, I forgot those." He dorkily said as he removed the belt from your wrists.

San caressed them and then cleaned all the spit on your face, as well as your sweat, before giving you the glass of water.

Once you were all set he pulled the covers on top of the both of you and wrapped his arms around you. As per usual, he pulled you close to him and buried his face in the crook of your neck.

But this time, you felt something warm running down your shoulder, and then you heard a sob.

"San? Sannie, are you okay?" You asked as you reached to caress his hair.

"I'm sorry. I love you, so much, and when you said that I knew you were right but I didn't know what to say because I can't just... stop."

You turned around in his embrace to face him and wiped his tears away.

"I'm here to stay, San, I just need you to spend some time with me, give me more attention... I can't be here simply for whenever you need me."

San pampered your face with kisses, making you giggle.

"I promise I will."

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS I CHAPTER 13

first time readers click here 💖

TWs/Summary: In this house, we ship Reader/Tony's Rolls-Royce. Reader and Tony being dorks on a date. That's it that's the chapter. Lots of sass and Tony being Tony.

A question for my readers: Are you still invested? How's the slow burn? Is everything realistic? 👉🏻👈🏻🥺

As usual, my beta is @miscmarvelwritings . I love her.

"Nice digs, Cupcake."

"Nice ride, Tin Man."

The sass fell from my lips, warm and familiar, paving the way for our upcoming debut like the old, soft living room rug. Any awkwardness I had expected there to be left the moment I saw Tony pull up to my front gate in his Royce: the man was just that extra. The size of my estate, the five-figure outfit of mine - it paled in comparison to his own clout. 

In a world where my choices were usually distributed between stuck-up rich boys or insecure middle-class men, Tony was a fresh drink of water with his absolute indifference towards my and his own net worth.

I wasn't afraid to admire said ride, either. Being a huge petrolhead was what got me interested in engineering, physics and computer sciences in the first place. The desire for speed grew into thirst for knowledge: how to get more horsepower, how to tune, how to mod. No mechanic took an eighteen year old rich-girl seriously even when I had all the lingo right, I had to be a step ahead, at all times, if I wanted my ride to be the best. And I never settled for less than that.

"No driver?" I inquired for the reason behind the unusual behaviour. After all, a Rolls' wasn't the kind of car you drive personally. All the amenities it had, it had in the back.

"Gave Happy a day off," Tony remarked absently. I noticed the small quirk of his eyebrow, however. He was intrigued.

I decided to give it a shot. "So what, this thing packs, what, about five-fifty horses?" I mused, watching Tony nearly swerve into the opposite lane. "At two and a half tons, it's still gotta be pretty quick with that V12-turbo. How fast it go?" The satisfaction was immeasurable, as pleasant to my soul as sitting in a heated leather chair with the smell of a new car, engine quietly rumbling in front of me. And by quietly I mean, it was focus-or-you'll-miss-it kind of quiet.

"Well aren't you full of surprises, baby girl," Tony grinned; a happy, excited grin even. It made his face lose ten years of age just like that. "Zero to sixty in five and a half seconds," He said after a moment. 

"Not bad," I said, sounding impressed. I already knew that but I wasn't planning on robbing Tony out of well deserved praise for his choice in vehicles. 

"Got a ride of your own?" He asked with a smile, like he didn't know it already. No background check would have skipped my three speeding tickets, but I concur. This game was fun.

"I do, actually. It's a 2008 Range Rover. Supercharged," I added in the end, just to emphasise.

"A big car for such a little girl," Tony whistled playfully.

"I'm compensating," I deadpanned. "I'm a little slow on the uptake, y'know, so my Rangie with five hundred horses makes up for it. Gotta keep it balanced."

Tony chewed on his lip. "Five hundred? Haven't heard about that, it comes with three-ninety-five in stock," His eyebrow wiggled. "Tuned it?" He cast me a contemplative glance.

"Yup," I exclaimed happily. As far as the date, I would have been utterly ecstatic to talk about cars all evening. Screw the boring "where do you see yourself in five years" questions, talk to me about your favourite engine swaps. Concept cars, give me those. Monster trucks? Yes, please. Vintage low-riders? Couldn't wait to get my grubby little hands on one. Gimmee!

Tony kept his silence and kept his press smile starting the moment we set foot on getting out of the car. The place he'd taken me to was ridiculously upscale and fancy; the valet hesitated only for a second before catching the keys Tony so carelessly tossed in his direction. There was almost no fear in his body language when the boy approached the massive, expensive vehicle.

The hostess smiled big at Tony and gave me the world's biggest stink-eye when he looked the other way but what else is new? As soon as she left us in the privacy of our booth, I didn't hesitate to stick my tongue at her retreating back. A brief lapse in maturity, if you will.

Tony cackled, growing suddenly serious. "Did she bother you? I can get her fired. I should get her fired."

"Nah," I shrugged. "Don't really care, just wanted to showcase my amazing sense of humour." Snorting, I gave Tony a wink and a secretive grin.

"You really don't give a fuck, do you," His eyebrows twitched again, a sign of mild interest that I noted during our routine sciencing time together. Tony was incredibly expressive if one took the time to observe.

"I could suck your dick under the table right now," I answered honestly. "It's just that when God gave out things like dignity and shame, I wasn't home. Too many fun things to do, y'know," I spoke as casually as I could even though I was dying of laughter inside.

Eyes bulging, jaw hanging mid-way to the floor. Tony was serving Looks™ and I didn't mean just the white tee and purple blazer combo. "Princess, you're going to be the fucking death of me!" He took a sip from his water glass, smirking.

Finally releasing my mirth, I gathered my hands in a lock in front of me. His own, warm and calloused, reached over - I allowed the brief intimacy, clasping them, fiddling with the leather band of his watch. For a moment, it was just us, sitting in the dim light, discovering each other anew to Robert Johnson singing the blues and NYC bustling with life just behind the wall. 

The waiter took our orders - and if I totally butchered the Italian, Tony was gentleman enough not to make any remarks. 

"Somehow, every time I am with you, you both manage to meet my expectations to a T and surprise me at the same time," I wasn't able to completely ignore my nerves. My hand was still loosely in his and he didn't mind at all, me messing with his watch.

"How so?"

"I'm going to loosely quote someone, bear with me." Mr Davies's words popped into my mind just as I was wondering how to best articulate my feelings. "You're eccentric and interesting because it's, well, it's you, because it would be much weirder if we'd be sitting here and making boring small-talk and asking each other the genetic get-to-know-you questions," I briefly paused to sip my Dom Peringon and stare at our hands. Gathering my wits. "That would be why I don't do dates. It sounds so tedious on paper, just sorting through people until a person that's not absolutely mind-numbing comes around."

Tony was silent for a moment, the sheen of his eyes, the faraway look; he was lost in memories. Probably remembering all the girls he had charmed before. I didn't doubt it was easy for him: his smile was distracting and people usually were attracted to shiny things. He shone plenty. Also, most people were stupid, they never cared to look past the golden wrapper. I was convinced there was a diamond under it. But then again, I was biased.

"I've never thought about it that way, but I guess you're right," He finally said, serious. "With Pepper, at least, it was. Come to think of it, we never had that much in common, besides Stark Industries and her willingness to put up with my shit." It was painful for him to talk about her, that much was obvious. His laugh was forced and sardonic.

I, on the other hand, never understood why they got together in the first place. Or maybe I did - but the cold, composed Pepper and the chaotic, energetic Tony reminded me too much of my own parents. All four people in this fucked up equation could have been much happier if they choose... What? Being alone? That was terrifying, too.

I kept quiet, giving his hands a gentle squeeze.

"You know, this is so bizarre. Even an eighteen year old kid has got it figured out," He suddenly said, his tone bitter like the coffee that he loved.

"Woah, slow down," I put up a hand. "I never said I know what to do. I just said I know what NOT to do." The 'kid' remark would have made me eye-roll so hard my skull would crack any day. In this context, however, it was pretty spot on.

Tony snorted. "And how did you come by that information, pray tell, Baby?"

I huffed. "Have you met my parents?" We simultaneously cringed and I hurried to erase that mental image. "I make fun of myself for being into old dudes all the time," I made air quotes around the phrase that made Tony scoff, "But, honestly speaking, I've never even been on a date. Like a real one. Usually it's twenty minutes and I'm falling asleep mid-conversation. People can't seem to keep up with me or something," I felt genuinely dejected. "So many meaningless questions, so many downright idiotic comments. From men," I pointed out the obvious. "My mother used to tell me she thought I was gay because I didn't act like a girl... Whatever that means."

"That sounds pretty shitty," Tony was studying me like one would have been looking at an exotic animal in a zoo. "That said, I agree."

"That I don't act like a girl?" I teased him, the left corner of my mouth tilting upward. "Fuck that noise. I want to drive fast cars, drink straight liquor and have orgasms. If that makes me a dude... I look pretty good for a dude in a dress."

We laughed in unison, tension evaporating under the shared, mutual understanding. With Tony, it was easy. The waiter brought our selected dishes. Blink-and-he's-gone. Top notch service.

"A dude in a dress, can't say I'm surprised 'bout your lack of dates," He remarked conversationally, happily digging into his food. The noises he made were intriguing, to say the least, and I followed suit on my own food, finding it absolutely delicious. A delicious meal with a delicious man at my side. I refused to feel guilty about my thoughts.

"I guess I have exactly one (1) date on my ledger now," I raised my argument.

The fork clattered as Tony once again, came to a sudden realization. "Holy shit, you weren't kidding."

"No shit," I gave into the urge to roll my eyes. "But on the upside, my first date was with the most gorgeous, intelligent and witty bachelor of the city. I'd say I don't have it all that bad," I quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Aw, you're making me blush," Tony recovered quickly, grinning. "And don't be shy. The most desired bachelor of the country, if not the world."

I shook my head. "No, the world's most delectable bachelor is one of the Saudi princes. What's-his-name, the one who posts goat and horse pics on Insta," I snapped my fingers a couple of times, trying to remember the name as Tony looked at me all offended. "Anyways, you get my point. I could have a go at him, don't you think?" Cocking my shoulder, coyly twirling the strap of my dress, I gave Tony my best come-hither look and was rewarded with an appreciative once-over. His eyes were growing hungry again. 

"You're a million dollar baby," He finally said, voice low. "And the extent of people I would be willing to share you with is very small."

That got me interested, sudden heat prickling underneath my skin. The conversation took a turn I didn't expect it to; and there lied the delight of being around Tony. He was always ready to surprise, in the best way. "Tell me," I requested politely.

"That's a conversation for another time," He was enjoying the chit-chat, desire beginning to creep into his features.

"Mmm, you think?" I allowed the strap of my dress to slip down my shoulder, exposing a collarbone, showing him just how far I was willing to go to satisfy my curiosity.

He swallowed audibly. "I think... You're smart enough to figure it out," He finally gritted his teeth, finishing off his dinner and immediately calling for the check. 

I wasn't done yet, however. The possibility of riling him up, taunting him into a lustful frenzy - I was in heaven. Karma had favoured me that evening, it had given me a chance to get Tony back for all the times he unknowingly made my mouth water and my brain go blip. "Must be Steve then," I bit my lip in thought. 

Honestly? I was as clueless as the couple next table over. Steve it wasn't, that much I knew for sure, he and Tony had their little love/hate dramatic connection that always ended in a massive ego standoff. Tony would be on the frontline fighting against Steve if the blonde dared to show anything even remotely resembling romantic interest towards someone Tony himself had his eyes on.

"Princess," Tony growled, sarcastically raising an eyebrow.

"Not Steve," I replied, cracking a smile. Success! "You know, I'm really bad at guessing who's into me. Unless someone is balls deep in me," My face was mere inches away as we quickly shrugged on our coats. "And even then, I can't be sure."

My giggling was accompanied by Tony shaking his head in exasperated fashion; he took my hand nonetheless and I happily swayed it between us, poster child for "not a care in the world". He allowed it, maintaining the same exasperated air about him, and I let him. Fondness and happiness seeped through that anyways.

"Brat," His voice was kind. And his kiss tingled where he left it on the corner of my mouth, sweet and short. "Here, have a go," Before I could react, the keys to his Rolls Royce were placed in my palm and he was making his way around the car to the passenger's side.

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub ​ @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit ​ @littlegasps ​ @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​ @sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway (it finally let me tag you)! @softie-socks @schemefrenzy

[mirasmirages]

falling through ice for sky? (lave-whump)

Wow, am I taking my time with these prompts or what? 

This one is mostly fluff, with a whumper-as-caretaker. 

~~

For @lave-whump

Tag list for Sky: @legallylibra

Content warnings: falling through ice, human pet

Word count: 1074

~~

The snow crunched under her boots as Sky stepped out of the car. The ride had taken hours, and she was a little carsick, but she had been able to sleep for most of the ride.

It had been two weeks now since Andrew decided they should go on a trip, or maybe it had been Rory's idea. Sky didn't know, but either way, Andrew had bought her a whole new set of warm clothes, and spent a whole lot of time preparing for the trip. Sky had done her best to be good, but that had turned out to just mean not bothering Andrew at the wrong time. He had been pretty stressed lately, and sometimes when Andrew was stressed, it meant he yelled at her even though she was following all the rules. She hoped it wouldn't get worse now that they were staying at the cabin. Andrew had said she would be allowed to go outside a lot, so she was excited, but also worried, because what if she broke a rule by accident?

"What do you think?" Andrew asked her. Sky wrapped her arms around him and smiled at him. He seemed happy with that.

Andrew helped her put on her thick jacket while Rory went to unlock the door to the cabin, and then they followed him inside.

"It's cold in here," Rory said. "We'd better get the fire started."

~~

Sky was sitting outside in the snow, and no one was watching her. Andrew had decided that since there was no one around, and nowhere to go, she was allowed to be outside alone. It was a freedom she could barely imagine. She watched as her breath formed white clouds in front of her face, and sat outside, alone.

Even with the new clothes, it was still cold. Her nose and cheeks were bright red by the time Andrew came to tell her to come inside. He helped her get undressed, and carried her to the kitchen where she curled up in his lap and waited for the heat to come back into her body. It was nice. Andrew seemed happy, and Sky felt peaceful.

~~

It was the last day before they were going back, and they were going on a walk. They had gone on several walks together that week, and Sky had been allowed to run around and play, instead of walking half a step behind Andrew like she usually did when they were out. Playing outside was exhausting, and she was always tired after only a few minutes, but she didn't complain, at least most of the time. Andrew had used his strict voice a few times, when she became tired and wanted to go back to the cabin early, but mostly things were fine. Sometimes she was able to make him carry her, and then it didn't take long for him to want to turn back too.

Today they were going to a lake. They had brought hot dogs and marshmallows to grill over a fire, and were gonna stay out all day. While Andrew and Rory were setting up everything they'd brought, Sky was crawling around in the snow, pushing the fluffy white powder around. She never quite knew what to do with the snow, with being outside like this. It was too much freedom, and she felt so small, and so powerless, and she did her best to ignore all of that. There was no point in thinking about that, and over the week she had taken to building little snowmen wherever she sat down.

"Should've brought ice skates," Rory commented, looking out at the frozen lake.

"Do you think it's safe?" Andrew asked.

"Yeah, probably," Rory shrugged, and worked on trying to light a fire.

Andrew looked at Sky. "Do you wanna try to walk on the ice?" he asked, holding a hand out for her.

She tilted her head, and then went over to him. He led her down to the lake, and together they stepped out onto the ice.

There was a layer of snow over the ice, but it still felt weird walking on it. She almost imagined it moved under her, but Andrew had said it was okay, so it had to be, right?

After a little while, he let her walk around alone, and she tried running a few steps and sliding forwards. It was pretty fun, and Andrew was smiling, watching her, and it was good, but then. But then.

Maybe she had jumped a bit too hard. She heard a cracking sound, and this time she wasn't imagining the ground moving under her. "Andrew?" she called in a shaky voice.

"Sky!  Lie down!" Andrew said, but she didn't understand. Why would she lie down? And then, suddenly, her foot was too low, and cold, and wet, and then she screamed as her whole body fell into the freezing water underneath.

"Sky!" Andrew called again. "Rory!"

She didn't know what was happening, panic filling her and taking over as she fought against the water, and she couldn't breathe, and she couldn't tell where she was, or which way was up, or which way was out. She struggled against the water, did her best to fight it, but it was so cold, and she grew tired so, so fast.

~~

She woke up back at the cabin, in Andrew's bed, under a mountain of blankets. Her head hurt, and she felt too hot. She coughed a little, and flinched at the sound of movement from the living room.

"Sky?" Andrew's voice said. "Sky? Are you awake?"

She whimpered weakly in response.

"Sky!" Andrew pulled some of the blankets aside and put his hands on her face. His hands were warm. "Oh my god, Sky, you're awake!" He pulled her up to sitting and hugged her. The movement made her headache worse.

The next few hours were blurry. Andrew climbed into bed with her and fed her warm soup, and her head hurt, and her body ached, and she was so out of it she barely noticed the time passing. The next morning she was still feeling weak as Andrew carried her out to the car and fastened her seatbelt. Most of the trip back she was half asleep, and then they were home. She felt bad, but Andrew didn't yell at her, just fussed over her, carrying her around and feeding her by hand.

She didn't hate it.

[machineryfield]

At the Start of the World Chapter 1

Anything but Normal

--

Fiora wakes up, she brushes her hair and puts it up in two ponytails, and goes to check on Dunban. She changes his bandages and pushes him back down in bed, telling him to wait here while she makes breakfast. She does just that and they eat together, her sitting next to his bed.

She gets to work after that, making sure lunch is ready before too long. She stands in front of the pot and slaves away at the curry, cuts the supplies for the sandwiches at the same time. Reyn always likes a healthy mix of veggies and meat -- energy aubergines in rare supply and only for special occasions. Shulk likes more meat than veggies, but she always sneaks some in anyway, just in case. He needs it to grow healthy!

She listens to the meat cook on the stovetop and prepares the bread. It's always a busy day in the kitchen, but she wouldn't have it any other way. It's nice to keep busy -- nice to have a way to forget about the threat that was looming until just recently.

She frowns deeply thinking about Dunban. The Battle of Sword Valley had been a year ago, that cursed sword had nearly killed him so recently... And yet she knows he still thinks of it.

He's always talking about getting well enough to wield it again, talking about defending the Homs once more. Maybe that's why she's convinced herself the Mechon can't come back. If they can't come back, then Dunban doesn't have to hurt himself anymore.

She turns back to the curry and the meat, telling herself not to worry about that. Thinking about them is just a way of inviting them in. If she thinks of them, she gives them power. If she gives them power...

She once again cuts her thoughts off and gets back to work. Maybe today is a special enough day to give Reyn some energy aubergines on his sandwich. She knows they're a pain to find, but with some gumption she always does.

"Yeah, I think I'll do that." She tells herself, "a little treat never hurt anybody."

She reaches into the cabinets, and gets fully enveloped in the cooking.

--

Fiora touches the spot the Monado bounced off her and frowns. Shulk really hadn't cared, not one bit... What if it had done something to her?! Would he have even thought twice about it?

She swallows hard as she paces around the lab, the boys gone. They went to get ether cylinders... it should be fine, right? Reyn's a bit hardheaded, but he's got a good heart and no way will he let Shulk get hurt…

Unlike Shulk, he actually cares about the wellbeing of his friends, she thinks with a pout.

She just hopes he won't get overwhelmed. There's only two of them, and an entire nest of Mell Lizards... Rumour has it the nest is right next to Wallslide Gwynry's lair. She bites her thumb thinking about it... and... Oh, damn it!

She can't just leave them like that. She finds the canisters for the transfer of the cylinders laying right outside the lab and takes her chance. Slung onto her back, she starts out for Tephra Cave herself.

--

"Shulk, go." Fiora's voice is tense as she stands back to back with Reyn. "We'll handle things here, you get to the mobile artillery."

"Fiora! You can't be serious," he shakes his head. "I can't just leave the two of you!"

"We'll be fine," she promises. "We'll be right after you before you know it! I'm Dunban's sister in more than name, you know."

"I ain't been training for so long to not hold my own weight!" Reyn adds with a grin. "I know what to do. Knock 'em off balance then topple 'em, right? Fiora and I got that covered."

A Mechon charges, but Fiora's able to knock it off balance just in time. Reyn knocks it over, and Fiora dazes it where it sits. She looks at Shulk then, a fire in her eyes as she does.

"See? Go on ahead, we won't be long."

Shulk finally nods. "Both of you... be safe."

Shulk is off down the street then, and when Fiora is sure he's a safe distance away, she goes on the offensive. These Mechon... Coming back out of nowhere, putting Dunban and her friends at risk all over again... She decides she won't let it happen, not again.

She strikes with her knives, and Reyn is quick to follow. They build a synergy quickly enough, and Fiora doesn't feel like stopping. She'll take them all down, no matter what it takes.

"You know, Fiora..." After a few moments, Reyn begins to pant out words. "Maybe you should go after Shulk, you ain't much of a fighter."

"And leave you without a way to throw the Mechon off balance?" She shakes her head. "No way!"

He shrugs. "Fair enough."

A pillar starts to collapse and first Fiora thinks crap, that's the way Shulk went. Then she thinks shit, it's falling right towards us. She dives to the side, and Reyn does the same.

Rolling across the ground, she braces herself and lets out a groan, pulling herself up. Mechon had already come at Reyn, trying to get to him. He's barely holding them off...

She runs forward and strikes against the Mechon, her knives doing nothing.

"Fiora! Get out of here!"

"I can't just leave you, Reyn! We promised Shulk we'd be right behind him, right?" She strikes again and grunts. "I can't go back on that!"

She keeps trying, as impossible as it seems, and a blue light flashes by her. Before she knows it, the Mechon around them are falling to the ground, destroyed. She lets out a gasp.

"Dunban!"

He's breathing heavily, and she can see his arm twitching in pain. "Sorry to keep you waiting!"

Reyn's eyes are shining. "The Monado...! I had a feeling you had it!"

"He shouldn't," Fiora frowns. "Dunban, you shouldn't have left your room! You're still injured!"

"I'm fine." He shakes his head, brushing off her worry. "Shulk's not with you?"

Fiora shook her head. "We sent him on ahead, to the Residential District. We were supposed to be right behind him."

Reyn looks that way, "looks like we have to go the long way 'round, think Shulk'll mind."

"I doubt it, but..." She glances at her brother. "Let's avoid fighting as much as we can, okay?"

--

Fiora watches as blood comes from Dunban's mouth, watches the Monado fall and slide forward. The cursed sword that hurt her family so much. The blessed sword that kept Homs alive this long.

She grits her teeth and finds herself running forward. She won't let Dunban get hurt, not anymore. She grabs the Monado and holds it tight, it feels weird compared to her knives... Unnatural.

"I'll protect you this time!"

"Fiora, no!" Dunban's voice is strained. "It'll kill you!"

She ignores him, like he always ignores her pleas to forget about the Monado. Rushing forward a scream rips from her throat and she rushes the Mechon. For a moment, she feels as if she's seeing the future, moving so deftly to avoid each and every attack. A gift from a god, one would say if they were a believer.

She wonders if this is what Shulk saw earlier, when he touched the Monado in the lab. She wonders if she's rushing down the same path as him, an obsession with a weapon they can never understand.

That can wait until later, though. For now, she cuts down the Mechon. She'll ask Shulk about this later, when she finds him. If anyone has even an inkling of an idea of what that meant, it would be him.

"Fiora!" Reyn's yelling and Dunban seems stunned in awe. "More incoming!"

Dunban pulls himself to his feet then. "Reyn!"

"Yeah!"

The two join the fray and, in no time, they have the advantage. The Monado still feels foreign in Fiora's hands, but bit by bit she's acclimating, figuring out what to do.

Dunban slides to a stop at her back. "Fiora, are you alright?"

"Fine, I just..." She frowns. "I think I know what Shulk saw earlier. I think he saw into the future. Is that something the Monado can just do?"

"First time I heard of it was from Shulk," Reyn replies, fighting off another Mechon. "You sure you saw the future?"

Fiora nods.

"...Dickson once mentioned a potential hidden power of the Monado, is this it?" Dunban asks, kicking a Mechon away from Fiora.

"That so? Guess we'll have to ask him more about it later." She grips the Monado tighter. "For now, we need to get to Shulk!"

--

The Monado doesn't work on the Mechon with the face. That fact makes her blood run cold, makes her freeze as she watches Dunban fight helplessly against it. She thinks he's going to die, thinks she'll lose him to this war, when a blast sounds through the night.

The Mobile Artillery, Shulk rushing forward. It's flying to the side, the Mechon with a metal face is stabbing through something. She hears herself screaming.

"Was that... another...?" Things click into place as she looks up and sees Shulk rushing for the Mechon. "Shulk, no! It'll kill you! Turn around!"

Shulk doesn't listen, all he does is yell that he'll help them. That they'll save Colony 9. He's shooting at the Mechon now, but still almost no reaction. Even less than a normal mechon would have. Does it have to do with the eerie red glow?

"Shulk! Please get out of here! Run!"

He's up against it now, shooting directly at it. Still nothing, even as the artillery falls. Even as the Faced Mechon gets up. Fiora can do nothing but watch as it lifts it, looks at Shulk for so long, and throws it to the side as if it's nothing.

She listens to Shulk's whimpers and yells, she hears herself screaming as Shulk screams. As he lets out what is his dying breath. She's shaking, coming back to reality. She grips the Monado, and a jolt goes through her, like a cold shock of electricity, right through her veins.

"I'll kill you...!"

[depressed-sock]

Can you hear me Part 5

Another Series based on a prompt and there will be Spoilers!!!. This time with Julia and my sidestep Luna Falso. Rescue au Set before heartbreak. (This is so freaking late but I finally got the motivation to go back and finish this)

A Fallen Hero fanfic

tw: canon-typical violence and mentions of blood

SPOILERS!

Relief

Part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4

Luna: 

   It feels odd. Moving in a way you're not supposed too. Hands too stiff, eyes not focusing in the right way. They’ve let you have control but you don’t know what control is. Not yet at least but now is not the time to learn.

  You watch the scientists and lackeys move about the warehouse, moving cars, readying things for another departure. You stand still and silent, with your brethren beside you. Awaiting your orders. 

  Too familiar. Too wrong. 

  So your body... their body, you remind yourself, jolts forward. A walk that’s a bit too stiff but it goes unnoticed by the scientists around you. They ignore you assuming your following some unspoken order because to them you’re just a tool that can’t think for itself. They’re wrong.

  We’re here. We’re alive. 

  You can feel them, all of them. Regens watching you with empty eyes that mask the truth beneath. They know. They know and they let you continue. 

  You barely glance at your body as you walk past it, grabbing a medical knife and slipping it closer to your body’s hand, it’s eyes twitching under its lids as if your dreaming. Maybe you are, maybe that’s all this is. A dream that’s gone terribly wrong and turned into a nightmare. It’s time to wake up.

  Your hand reaches forward, a power welling up from your core and stopping right at your palm. None of them suspect a thing as your hand grips the hood of the van that had brought you here. You ask, silent and soft. You don’t want to hurt them but this definitely will.

  They don’t hesitate, forcing you out and into a spin of vertigo as you land with a gasp of air into your own body. A dizzy realization that you’ve found yourself right-side up. Barely awake enough to grab the knife just as the explosion hits you.

 Julia:

  "I can help!" The kid- Daniel tries to plead with you again. He's followed you all to the car and by now it's your job to tell him to go home. You don't have the time to babysit when- 

   When she's still alive. Still alive and if you don't find her in time... Will you ever be able to find her again?

  "Listen, Daniel, we greatly appreciate the help you've already given," more than he'll probably ever know, "but right now it isn't safe for you. So please, just go home."

  "But I-"

  "Go. Home." You turn away from him opening the passenger door to the car and slamming the door shut behind you as you slip into the seat, "Let's go."

   Steel looks at you, a mixture of feelings crossing his face, "Julia-" 

  You cut him off with a glare, "Anathema call Sentinel, Steel shut up and drive."

  "Oh, do you suddenly know where they're holding her?" He returns your glare at you before looking away with exasperation.

  "I figured we'd…" your voice trails off as you spot the black plumes of smoke drifting through the air, "Wei follow the smoke." You grip his arm pointing to it. 

  "That could be anything Julia."

  "Are you forgetting that one time Luna set fire to-"

  He starts the car immediately as he cuts you off with an irritated grumble, "Don't finish that I still want plausible deniability…. And that was more than one time."

  "Sentinel is on his way, should I tell him just to head for the smoke?"

  "Yep and tell him to be ready for a fight,” you rub your forehead as a headache begins to form. 

 Luna:

  You’re screaming in pain. Your wound pulling against the stitches, the smell of fire and burning flesh feeling your senses. Focus. Use the pain as a focus. Christ, you should have probably thought this through better. 

  You bite your lip, focusing on the knife in your hand, twisting it around to cut your bonds. Falling flat to the floor with a yelp. Okay, good start. You reach out with your mind, a soft touch against panicking minds. The regens have already disappeared in the panic, gone without a trace like theirs strings had suddenly been cut. 

  You get your hands under you, pushing yourself up to get your feet under you and into a crouch. Keep moving, keep running. An impossible task when the only part of your suit that's intact is the legs and only a flimsy hospital gown covering your chest. If anyone sees you they’ll know. 

  Or maybe they’ll be as ignorant as Daniel was about them. He’s already told the rangers everything he thought was important and now… Now they’re sure to be on the way. Stop daydreaming and keep moving.

  “You!” an unearthly screech from behind you and you turn to find the woman who had captured you. Her auburn hair sticking to the blood flowing down her forehead as she holds a gun steady at you, mind unreadable. She’s finally decided to take defensive measures against you but far too late. “You’ve ruined everything!”

  Your lips curl into a sneer, “You really thought it was going to be that easy? Capture the cuckoo and maybe get a promotion? Yeah, that was never going to happen.” You stand strong, orange tattoos curling across your dark skin. You’ll never be human to someone like her, and you’re not afraid to show her that. 

  “Don’t move or I’ll finish you off,” her voice cold as she threatens you but you’ve got nothing left to lose. Death is just another form of escape, the last one on your list of plans. Last one. You’ve got a few more before that luckily. 

  “Fine,” you hold your hands in surrender. You can’t fight in your condition but that won’t stop you. You’ll- 

   Duck!

   Familiar thoughts yelling against your mind’s shields. You feel your legs give out as you immediately listen. Watching in awe as something rams into the woman from behind her. Gun going off, the shot going wide and missing you. The kid stands back up, away from the woman he’s knocked unconsciousness, shaking a bit and very clearly hovering.

  ….”WHO THE FUCK GAVE YOU THE HERO DRUG!?” probably not the best time for this but the disbelief and anger are front and center in your mind. Someone gave a drug that has a low survival rate to a fucking kid. Christ, you’re beginning to hate people. 

  He stares at you before he panic finally sets in, “Is that really important right now?!”

  “No bu- Why the fuck didn’t you use your powers at the hospital?”

  “I don’t have the best control yet and we should really be leaving,” he glances over his shoulder superstitiously looking for enemies he can’t see. You can feel them, scrambling and trying to make sense of what’s going on.

  “Christ,” you walk forward, grabbing the gun that’s fallen limp in the woman's hand and forcibly taking off her lab coat. Ignoring the temptation to kick her for good measure, you shrug the jacket on to give you some coverage, “Either follow me or go high and get out of here. The smoke should give you enough cover so no one takes a pot shot at you.”

  “I’m not going to leave-”

  “Daniel,” you finally look at him your voice cold and steady, “I’m not going to be able to get out of here if I have to worry about you.”

  “I’m not leaving,” he holds your gaze with a determination you’re too familiar with. “And the Rangers are on their way so if we hold out long enough or even if I carry you out-”

  “You’re not carrying me anywhere mister ‘I don’t have the best control’,” you almost laugh but instead you begin to mutter to yourself,” And If we hold out long enough, they're going to have a very nasty surprise when they see me.” You move, turning and motioning for the kid to follow as you run for a better piece of coverage. The kid takes the unspoken hint and following right behind you. Closer to an out that’s not the roof or flying. Sentinel is probably already closing in. 

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” he asks confused, so unaware of what this is really about. Ignorant of what your spiraling orange tattoos truly mean. Christ, you’ve gotten a kid stuck in a situation that will most definitely lead to death if anyone sees him. And they will see him, you can hear the shouting, feel the confusion light on fire and burn into anger. 

  “Nothing important right now. Stay here,” you check the clip in the gun, just enough to hopefully take them out.

  “Are you going to..” his face pales a bit as if killing these people had never been an option in his mind until this point. You can feel his unease, the sudden realization of what’s about to happen and you’re suddenly hit with your own pang of guilt. Christ, this kid is going to get you both killed.

  “..Goddamnit, no I'm apparently not,” you concede. You can plan around this, you look over your cover finding the smoke is too thick to clearly see through.  Hopefully, that goes both ways. “We’re going to make a break for that door.”

  You look back at him and he answers with a definitive nod, get the troublemaker out and then you can run and never look back hoping the world forgets your existence. Hoping that Julia…

Hoping that she doesn’t hate you for your choice, for your fear. 

  And you run, banging through the door and clearing the smoke and fire before it fully reaches you. Your lungs burning as your adrenaline starts to fail you. Fuck not yet, you’ve still got a ways to go.  

  “Luna.”

  And of course, nothing ever works in your favor. You stare at Julia, sparks dying around her hands as she fully realizes it’s you. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Just you, Julia, the kid, and too many secrets revealed at once. 

 Julia:

   She looks up at you like a deer caught in the headlights, her suit torn and covered only by a burnt lab coat that drapes over a hospital gown. You stare at her. Unmoving as the realization sets in. Alive. She's really alive. 

  "I'm sorry," her voice breaks as she looks away from you, arms crossing defensively against her chest her hands digging into the sleeves on her arms. They slide up just enough for orange to peak out, and you slowly begin to understand. You can see the truth before you. Orange tattoos that spin a story you’re not sure you’re ready to hear.

  You take a step forward only for her to take a step back. Fear crossing her features as if she's terrified of what your thinking...of what you intend to do. The kid stepping forward between the both of you. An unsure look as he glances between you.

  “It’s... Okay?” he looks back at Luna for confirmation but she’s already on the verge of breaking down. You can feel yourself breaking with her. She’s alive, and you are so fucking confused but she’s alive.

  "Luna," you don't hold back the sobs that break free, the tears that finally run down your cheeks, "You're alive. You're here," You can feel a laugh of relief bubbling in your chest. Your legs losing strength as they hit the pavement. The relief you're feeling is beyond anything else you can feel. 

  She finally moves forward, finally falls level with you, hesitating to touch you but you move first. Wrapping your arms around her, bringing her body close to yours. It’s like a chant going off in your head. She’s alive, she’s alive, she’s alive.

  She’s here, wrapping her own arms tight around you. Her sobs as strong as yours, as she hugs you close. Tears wetting your shoulder and you don’t care. She’s alive. You know what she is, and sooner or later you'll have to talk. But for now, you hold each other close, afraid to let go.

  You can feel her whisper to you, an apology repeated over and over. And in retaliation, you tell her exactly how much you adore her. At some point maybe you both even whisper I love you, but it’s lost in the sound of sirens.

[undertalebeforethefall]

What are you guys plans for the holidays?

Sorin: Mostly ruining the holidays of a ton of other people.

*He sighs and shakes his head*

Sorin: Could you leave? Between planning battle strategies as well as writing and sending out these..."holiday cards..."

*he motions to a pile of letters marked "WARNING. EVACUATE.*

Sorin: I have a lot to focus on.

---

*Terra finishes lighting a camp fire and begins erecting a stone "tent"*

Terra: I have plans to visit some people.

*He struggles with the larger than normal construct to fit his horse and himself then drops to the ground*

Terra: Ugh...Finally.

*He takes out a bag and produces carrots, apples, and other food for the horse*

Terra: However, for their own safety, I will not elaborate further. That's all I have to say on the matter.

---

*Koba watches as Noah shuffles fearlessly through the hut, pretending to clean*

Koba: Are you sure you don't want to go somewhere?

*Noah ignores the guardian and continues "cleaning" the hut*

Koba: ...Perhaps the capitol or...anywhere with other people?

*He sighs and starts adding more firewood to the fireplace*

Noah: It's too cold to travel and you know it.

Koba: ...I suppose. I just find it hard to believe that you aren't feeling lonely. Especially now.

*He growls*

Noah: I'm in hiding. Being lonely is a part of the deal.

Koba: ...Are you sure you aren't just making excuses? Don't you think you've been hiding long enough?

*Noah turns around and glares at the guardian*

Noah: PLEASE. JUST. STOP. TALKING.

---

Rei: There's going to be a party at the Inn where refugees who haven't been provided lodging are staying.

Erika: They've been waiting for a while so we thought we'd try to cheer them up! You know...considering their circumstances.

Toriel: I also overheard King Asgore making plans to hand out presents.

Rei: Is that so?

Toriel: It's been a while since he's made a public appearance so that should help as well.

*Erika chuckles*

Erika: Yeah I'm sure it will! Have you told anyone else?

Toriel: Why would I? It would spoil the surprise! Just don't tell your daughter alright? Children aren't the best at keeping secrets.

*Erika laughs*

Erika: Are you kidding? You have no idea how many "secrets" she's tried to hide from me! But sure. Our lips are sealed.

---

*Jacob is inspecting multiple large crates of food when someone walks in*

Trevor: Jacob I had something I wanted to talk to you about training and...what the hell is this???

Jacob: Hey uh...did you order like...15 crates of meat?????

Trevor: Why the hell would I do that?! We already have enough food to feed everyone here for a whole month! We can't store any more!

Jacob: I don't know! Some random monster that looks like a dog person showed up with a metric fuck ton of meat and ran off!

*Trevor looks utterly confused*

Trevor: A monster? So close to the capitol?

*He sighs*

Trevor: Whatever. If they snuck out here on their own then they should be able to get back on their own. Did they leave a bill? Or a receipt? Or...hell, even a letter? Who were they?

*Jacob hands Trevor a slip a paper*

Jacob: Yeah but it's not much of an explanation.

Trevor: ..."Bork Bork! Happy holidays motherpuppers!" What in the fresh hell...???

*Jacob shrugs*

Jacob: Maybe it was a prank or something. But you're right. How are we going to store all this...?

*Suddenly Jackal bursts into the room*

Jackal: YO BOSS! Me and Liz were talking and we thought it would be awesome if we held a party for our recent success! We'll need booze and food and...

*Jackals eyes go wide and he starts drooling at the sight of the massive amounts of meat*

Jackal: HOLY FUCK!!!

Trevor: ...Shit.

Jackal: CHICKEN, PORK, STEAK, POULTRY, AND FISH?! THIS IS PERFECT!!! TIME TO DIVY UP THE GOODS!!!

*Trevor rushes to grab Jackal*

Trevor: OH NO YOU DON'T YOU PIG! IF ANYONE'S DOING THAT IT CEARTAINLY ISN'T YOU!

JACKAL: GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME OR I'LL TAKE A BITE OUT OF YOU!

*Jacob chuckles and shakes his head*

Jacob: Yeah this was DEFINITELY a prank.

---

(Happy Holidays everyone!)

[archaicgeists]

It almost sounds like you're begging us to do our worst...if we were allowed full control, I'd bet we'd be able to torment you endlessly, but there are certain rules that we must abide by. For example, right now you're about to go through some life changing events, and we can't interfere with any of that. However, with what little power we have, and if it's accepted, we can give you a taste of the pain you'll receive soon. M!A: Ghost of the Past. Geist is forced to relive his worst memory.

* Hah..so you do have rules you cannot break then, whatever powers at bay that keep your filthy claws from sinking into me endlessly must have some use after all..

* Whatever change comes I’m sure I can weather it, I have fared worse I’m sure..Even if it what you all keep wailing to me.

[ Unfortunately on several fronts, Geist doesn’t hear the last key words...The anon’s deception with lacing a curse at the last second catches him off guard and thus unable to defend himself from it taking affect..

His eyes go dim until not one speck of light shows, until a grayish white light flickers in it’s place..like the light from a old projector. He crumples to the ground as the memory begins to replay....]

{* some dark themes near the ending kids, just a warning for those uncomfortable with it.}

[ The scene fades in as Gaene walks the dim city streets to home he’s weary of the world and simply wants to get away from everything. The encroaching tensions between mankind and monsters made daily life a walking hell for him honestly. More and more “accidents” were occurring, whole families being dusted and their homes looted..But no witnesses willing to tell the truth.

But everyone knew who was to blame, people taking their anger out on innocents with blood as the end result..It was even dangerous now to be a sympathizer for the poor souls, like Gaene was. No monster lover was safe from a bloody end either..he had seen several people slaughtered in broad daylight and the enforcers would turn a blind eye..It made him hate humanity all the more now. He would be next sooner or later he knew, it was no secret where he lived, on the outskirts of the monster designated half of the city...The city graveyard dividing the two halves as some morbid reminder..

It was where Gaene did his work, and lived after all..Being the local Undertaker and Gravedigger earned you one hell of a reputation..But it was one he wanted, he wanted nothing to do with humans anymore after this mess and kept it that way..It also suited his more....secretive traits. Not one soul in this city knew he was a Mage, not even the monsters. And that was something he’d take to his own grave one day. Night had fallen by the time he reached home, when it all conveniently went to hell...

Gaene knew of the enforced curfew recently placed, it was the one act the bastards in charge did to act like they cared..But instead it simply locked everyone indoors when the more dangerous sort could care less about being found out..The curfew was more strictly enforced for monsters, like every other rule..No one wanted to run afoul of some creepy beast as the gossips murmured. This knowledge flashed briefly in the back of his mind as a bone rattling blast ringed out into the night...

Rushing out into the street he could already smell the smoke before he saw the flames...The entire monster district was glowing red like a ember, he felt his heart stop as it grew and grew into the night air..Not thinking about safety he ran into the inferno..hoping against the odds that there were survivors...Each house he managed to get into held little hope of living occupants..the damage was irreversible and absolute and Gaene could feel his vision blur from the smoke in his eyes and lungs when he hear someone sobbing.

Finding a young monster trapped under fallen wreckage he wasted no time in grabbing them and running back to the safety of his home, it was a start in what was already a horrible situation..Once back behind closed doors Gaene turned to the shaking monster.]

* what happened here? Please tell me there are at least any other survivors out there...

“I...I don’t know..it all happened so fast...I was heading home and then everything erupted into fire..t-they’re all gone..what am I..I’m all alone now...”* Like hell you are..you’ll be safe here..Stay inside and away from the windows until I return. We’ll make it through this..

[ Gaene races back out into the inferno, desperate to find more than one survivor..he knows it’s fruitless, he knows the humans in the city are responsible for everything..it made his blood boil thinking about it..Why crush such innocence when all they ever did was want to help? All they cared for was power, and monsters had it in spades compared to non mage born..

Venting his anger into searching he only stopped when he felt himself wane once more from the smoke and heat..not one other soul could be found..As he returned home full of rage and regret he stopped short of his home..

The front door had been kicked off it’s hinges.

Fearing the worst he raced in, seeing several drunk men standing amidst a fresh mound of dust in the corner, cackling loudly.]

“Sooooo...tha monster lover returns at last.. Sorry bout yer lil pet here, played a bit too rough with em. Ah well, might of had tha plague so guess we didja a favor! BAAHAHAAHAHAA!”

[ As the room erupted into laughter Gaene’s vision turned red...why did it always come down to this? What did they do to deserve death at the hands of these heartless bastards? Actions speak louder than words..and Gaene wanted to scream a library’s worth of rage.

A sword flashed, stolen from one of them as he carved into the first three caught off guard. The remaining two seemed faster once their comrades were soaking his floors with blood. He fought with one while the remaining fool fled to get help and leave his friend to die seconds later.

Sagging to the drenched mess his house had become, he wept softly..He’d be dead soon most likely and this injustice wouldn’t go unmet..He’d be nothing more than a faceless fool in a shallow grave while the world continued it’s purge of innocence..]

* why can’t I do anything to stop this? It’s unfair..why won’t you let me save one..? they didn’t deserve this..

[ Unmet rage and sorrow melded deep inside as Gaene staggered out into the massive graveyard...hundreds of years worth of bodies buried here..did they all hate monsters like their descendants? A trail of blood, either his own now or his victims stained the grass as he sought a hiding place.

Small...little markings of his own kind led the way to the center..He didn’t remember what they meant..it was a symbol he remembered from a dream and liked..Once safe in the center of the graveyard he sunk to his knees, soaking the old stones beneath..]

* they deserve to see such fear..they deserve to feel such pain and loss..and I would gladly show them..

[ Magic...works in fairly odd ways, even more so when emotions and wayward mages are concerned...Gaene had no idea the weight his rage and sorrow gave to his own words until something pulsed..and the grounds around answered with a chorus of breaths and cracking of stone.

Looking up tiredly he watched his magics take hold..and raise the entirety of the graveyard to do his wishes..Many of them dead warriors and defenders of the city..only now they would undo it..In no time at all the graveyard was empty..aside from Gaene who looked on in horror.

That was when the screams began in earnest. The fires in the monster district, hungry for fuel had spread outwards into the neighboring areas..the newly risen undead soon found their kindred and drew blood eagerly from their wailing throats. Alarm and chaos soon reached all ends of the city, hand in murderous hand with the fires as both swept through.

Miraculously...Gaene’s small secluded home was saved this horror..at least on the outside.Running back in to find a way to block the screams out he locked himself away in his room, his own heart pounding like war drums.]

* oh gods what have I done..what have I done?? The city’s dying all around me...I..I didn’t want this..I never meant to..hhh.

[ their blood now soaked his hands, a city was dying all around him faster than any plague or cataclysm could do..now he was no better than them, worse in fact.

Rage turned to Guilt, a well suited companion for Sorrow..both evolving into something much worse the longer he heard the screams ring out into the night air..His sins could not be mended nor forgiven..not for something like him anyways. He could not face what would happen should he be found and blamed for this slaughter..The flames outside alighted in the reflection of something beside him..

there was only one way out..one way to end his misery and escape this horrid worlds grasp...maybe hell would be kinder..or maybe he would simply wander the lands of limbo until he forgot himself..

It hurt, but it would be worth it he figured as he carved a hole open to tear it free..To be free of this hell and live on as a spirit..darkness came and claimed him as he felt himself grow cold.

He didn’t expect to wake up the next morning to deafening silence and something warm in his hands pulsing gently..]

* -ghk....

[ As the memory fades, so does the grey light...Geist has passed out.]