#like Maxima calls you its children

[awyeahitssam]

Based on the idea that Malfoy could not get the vanishing cabinet to work effectively, and decided to mention, instead, that Hogwarts was taking the Great Hall wards down for a six-fucking-week course on Apparation. This is what wouldn't happen. But it's where my mind went, first. Warning: Graphic Violence

A loud crack signified the first successful Apparition. 

Harry’s eyes, closed in preparation for his own attempt, snapped open and his head turned. It wasn't a student standing at the other end of the Great Hall, though. Harry jolted for his wand as other students began to turn to the cloaked figure, but before he could take aim there were four more sharp cracks. 

Dark-robed, masked Death Eater’s were apparating directly into the Great Hall, the only place the castle wards were down for Hogwarts students to learn how to do the same. 

Bellatrix LeStrange was the first to appear sans mask, having no need for discretion. She took in the scene with a cackle, batting away Harry’s immediate curse effortlessly as she cooed, “Aww, look at the wittle student's trying to learn!” 

In his periphery Harry saw Neville lift his own wand, and they cast simultaneously. This time, Bellatrix twisted out of the way. “Do the wittle babies wanna play?”

“Sectumsempra,” Harry hissed with malice, fully aware of the spell's effects, now. Bellatrix’s eyes widened a bit even as she turned out of the way, quick as a dancer. The Death Eater behind her fell to their knees as their body was pulled apart by deep, horrible gashes. 

More cracks sounded; Harry began to send out indiscriminate stunners, hoping to catch the intruders before they realised they were being cast at. They all came prepared for battle to have begun, shield charms springing around them immediately. 

“Bombarda!” Ron called grimly. 

“Expulso!” shouted Neville. 

“Protego Maxima,” murmured Hermione. “Accio Susan Bones. Protego. Stupefy—students to the teacher's entrance!”

The frozen bodies of some of their yearmates seemed to jolt, realisation settling. Many students turned tail and ran. 

Susan Bones, having narrowly been pulled out of the way of a powerful cutting curse that had gouged into stone walls by Hermione, was casting stunners, petrification hexes, and disarming charms. Harry was not nearly so restrained, once he realised the stunners were ineffective. Sectumsempra broke through shields like a battering drill and Death Eaters were falling, ripped apart by his fury. Curses flew from Harry's wand as fast as he could think of them: conjunctivitis, blasting, jelly-fingers, reductors, even slug-vomiting. He conjured six venomous snakes that shot off without instruction, knowing his will. Yet again and again, Harry came back to the Half-Blood Prince’s spell, the most devastatingly effective of them all. People were dying from its effectiveness, but Harry didn’t care, because they had dared step foot in Hogwarts—  

A horrible pressure was building in Harry’s head as half the hall emptied. A wand prodded Harry’s spine, and he stilled, shaking with rage and adrenaline. “Call—call off the snakes, Potter,” a somewhat familiar voice demanded shakily.

“I’d rather they bite your father, Nott,” said Harry coldly. “Drop your wand before I have to make you regret it.” 

The wand trembled, for a moment, against his spine. “C-Cruci—”

Harry drove his elbow back, hard, and slammed down one foot on Nott's. The taller boy stumbled back in pain, and it was no great difficulty to stun him. He hit the floor, hard, and Malfoy’s grey eyes were large and frightened as he stared at Harry, still as prey. 

At once, Harry realised what he had done “You,” he said, scar pulsing horribly. “You did this. You brought war to a school filled with literal children, you stupid, useless brat. You're scared of what Voldemort will do to you? Just wait, Malfoy. His punishment would be bliss compared to what you deserve for this.”

“Such a temper, Harry Potter,” came Lord Voldemort’s cold voice. He had made no sound as he apparated, not like his followers, but Harry’s viciously prickling scar had made his imminent arrival clear. “You have done well, Draco. You will be… rewarded.”

Malfoy’s eyes darted in fright from Harry to the Dark Lord, and Voldemort was barely in time to hiss “Stop,” to the snake that had snuck up on the boy. 

“You don't obey him,” Harry hissed, “you’re mine. Do what you’re made for, dear one.”

Draco turned just in time to see the snake strike out at his neck. It vanished before its fangs could load the boy with venom, and Harry turned his hateful scowl to Voldemort, who’s gaze already rested upon him, intent, heavy and fascinated. 

“Deal with it, Hermione,” he snapped. 

“Harry—” came Hermione’s warning voice, but Harry couldn’t listen, had to dodge out of the way of Voldemort’s spell. The Dark Lord tilted his head, stare thoughtful, and then turned his yew wand… away. 

Harry watched him with a wariness not misplaced: Romilda Vane, nearly out of the Great Hall via the Professor’s entrance, fell to the cruciatus curse with a cry of pain. 

“Drop your wands, children,” the Dark Lord said, red eyes still locked on Harry as his soft, cold voice echoed through all corners of the room, carried by wandless magic. 

Harry grit his teeth at the seeming opportunity, well aware of Voldemort's objective. And yet, truly, he could not have picked a worse target to try and bring Harry under his control than the girl who had nearly raped him. He cast a wordless sonorous on himself to refute the order: “Don't give an inch. There are First Years in these walls. Do to them what you would to Umbridge. They're twice her threat. Any student who raised a wand to help Voldemort’s sect will be treated as hostile. See how I handle my enemies, Goyle, and ask yourself if that cheap shot is worth your life.”

Even as he spoke, Harry turned from Voldemort, dismissive, and focused on thinning the herd. Thirteen Death Eater’s still stood, including Bellatrix, who was engaged with Neville and Ron. Harry used every spell that came to his mind, even those from the Half-Blood Prince’s book he had not tested before. One man was effectively eviscerated, much to Harry’s disgust. He only used that spell once.  

When he saw one of his snakes change course he pulled the magic from them, an effective banishment, cold eyes finding Voldemort again. He had not heard the man speak parseltongue, and indeed he was still holding the crucio, face twisted strangely as he watched Harry. 

“My, my,” said Voldemort, immediate once he had regained Harry’s attention, two more of his people fallen, “so vicious, little snake. Does Dumbledore know you have venom?”

“I don't give a fuck what he knows,” Harry said harshly. “This is a school.” This is my home. “Focus on the bloody Ministry, and leave children out of it.”

Voldemort had the gall to laugh, high and cold. “This is not merely a school, Harry Potter,” he said. “There is a reason you children stand your ground and fight. This is where Dumbledore trains his small, young army to go to war and die, as their parents did before them.” 

Wrath bubbles in Harry, heavy and explosive, and he must look as unhinged and inhuman as the man watching him as he cages it behind his teeth. He flicks a shield charm around Bones and Abbott before a reductor hits, and a disarming charm hits the perpetrators back. He breaks the dark-wooded wand into two pieces the moment he catches it. 

“You truly think Dumbledore has taught us anything? Even my ‘private lessons’ with the man are just memories of your life, as if I care that you got away with murder when you were still sixteen.” Hermione pulls Vane’s still writhing body from the room, and Voldemort’s cruciatus ends, but he does not seem to notice or care, eyes locked on Harry. “The only reason I fight is because I do not believe in the world you are trying to create. Because you say things like ‘magic is night' and still try to subjugate witches and wizards, as if the fresh magic in their veins is poisoned by the muggles they're born to. I defy you, Lord Voldemort, because you decided your best course was killing a baby over a half-heard prophecy, and still try to kill me to this day. I am not going to stand here and let you. I don't believe ‘magic is might’. I've already killed many of your people tonight… but that—that wasn’t over ideology. That is because I will kill as many as it takes to keep your grasping, greedy fucking hands out of my school.”

[in1-nutshell]

And I also wanted to see of Maxima being a con (in the same universe as Ophelia btw if you remember!)

I’ll probably request more, but like usual ill request just two per open request

Almost forgot about writing that one for the summaries!

Here it is now!

Hope you enjoy!

Maxima turns into a Con

SFW, Platonic, Familial, Cybertronain reader

TFP

Maxima had been quiet for the past few days.

Ever since her brief encounter with Megatron and Ophelia…

She knew she needed to come up with an answer or some sort of plan.

Maxima knew what would happen if she betrayed the Autobots.

If she betrayed Optimus…

But who then was going to save Opehlia?

Megatron was going to terminate her the next battle if she didn’t join his ranks.

All she needed to do was shoot someone and that would guarantee Ophelia’ safety.

The decision needed to be made fast, the others were starting to notice the change.

Miko going up to Maxima: “Hey you wanna go dune bashing?” Maxima looks down at Miko: “Not today Miko.” Miko pats her pede: “You okay Maxima? You’ve been acting a bit weird lately. You sick? Wait can you guys get sick?” Jack: “Who’s sick?” Raf: “Someone’s sick?” Maxima: “No one is sick. Its just… I have a lot of things going up in the old helm. We can go dune bashing another day, okay?” Miko and the others seem satisfied with the answer and leave her alone. Maxima sighs and goes to return to her habsuite, but a servo stops her. It was Optimus. Optimus: “Maxima, is everything all right?” Maxima gives him a tired smile: “Not so much, but I’m handling it.” Optimus: “If you need help Maxima, do not be afraid to ask for assistance from me or the others.” Maxima stomps down the little cry in her throat: “Understood… and thank you.” Maxima slips through the Prime’s servos and quietly enters her room. Optimus stays in the same place for a bit before Ratchet walks over. Ratchet: “Something’s going on with her Optimus.” Optimus: “Agreed old friend.” Ratchet: “Did she tell you anything?” Optimus: " Nothing that would serve of use. But I am sure she will come to us if the problem does prove to be much.” Ratchet mumbles a bit: “Let’s hope so.” Optimus nods to this as well.

Finally, the day came.

Maxima took an extra hour before the mission to make sure her fail safe plans in the base had been set up.

Hopefully someone would snoop around and see the recordings.

She said her goodbyes to the children and gave a quick hug to Ratchet and ran into the groundbridge.

As expected, the ‘ambush’ was there waiting for them.

Maxima stayed on the defense until Megatron arrived.

She stopped her movements and stared at the warlord from across the field.

Maxima activated her blasters, shakingly.

Tears began pooling around her optics.

She knew who was behind her.

She knew what this would do to the team.

She knew what this would do to her.

… But who knows what Megatron would do to Ophelia if she didn’t do it.

Without taking her teary gaze from Megatron, Maxima fires one blast.

…

…

… straight into Optimus Prime’s chassis.

The entire battlefield went quiet seeing the mighty Prime fall from the blast. Maxima can’t hear anything other than the white noise in her audials. She can’t hear her teammates calling to her. She barely felt Megatron dragging her to the groundbridge. Before she knew it, the colors of the Nemesis filled her vision. Megatron clamps her shoulders wearing a proud smile. Something she hadn’t seen since she was a sparkling. Megatron: “My fellow Decepticons! What you have just witnessed was the death of an Autobot and the rise of a Decepticon. Maxima is now one of us.” Maxima feels the waterworks slowly coming. Megatron guides Maxima to a room. Maxima: “Where are we?” Megatron: “Your new shared quarters.” He opens the door. Megatron: “As promised, no harm done.” Ophelia gasps seeing Maxima at the doorframe. Megatron gives her another pat on the shoulder: “For future reference, I am the only one who can kill Optimus Prime… welcome to your new home my child.” SLAM! The door closes as Maxima falls to her knees. Ophelia runs over to her. Ophelia: “What are you doing here!? What did—” Maxima pulls her close and starts sobbing: “Y-you’re alive! Oh t-thank the Prime’s you’re- you’re okay!” Ophelia starts crying too and hugs back. Ophelia: “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…” Maxima just hugs tighter as a new wave of tears arrives. Only time would tell what would happen to the two now. But at least they were safe… for the time being at least…

[slutforsnow]

Chapter 9

FIRST DAY FESTIVAL TIME :3

TW/CW: Possessive/obsessive Coryo murderous thoughts

When the train that weaved its way through the districts arrived at D2, Sunni practically leaped off the train and hugged her friends who were waiting at the station for her. The friend group was quite large, comprising of maybe 6 people.

"Cori, Sej, come here, you guys gotta meet my friends!!" She called, waving to the boys as they gathered their own + Sunni's luggage off the train.

Getting a closer look at Sunni's friend group, Coriolanus realized that she had a very mixed group of friends; black, white, desi, indian, boys, girls, androgynous, plus sized, and skinny friends. He didn't think negatively of that fact, though; he thought it was nice to see her have a large and very close group of friends. Most girls back at the Academy just just stick 1 to 3 people, and there'd be one poc at the most.

"Guys, this is Coriolanus Snow and Sejanus!" She introduced stepping to the side, allowing everyone to shake hands. "Cori, Sej, these are my friends Nero Amadeus; he/him, Maxima Benedictus; he/she/they, Nataila Catullus; any and neos, Viktor Dellis; he/it, Vivian Diamandis; she/her, and the twins Dele, & Demitri Chaconas!"

A chorus of hellos and heys and followed Sunnis friends as the boys shook hands and introduced themselves to Sunni's friends.

"So, Sunshine, how's the Capitol?" Maxima asked as the residents of District 2 led the Plinths + Coryo to the hotel where the Academy students would be staying.

"Uh, shiny," Sunni answered. "And there's more douchebags."

"Ha, fuckin' told you Vik!" Demitri interrupted, reaching over to smack Viktor in the back of the head. He simply ducked, snickering as they instead hit Sunni.

"Hey-!!"

"Sorry, Sun, Vik ducked!"

Nataila laughed to herself as Vivian and Dele shared a look that read "they're so childish".

As the group chatted excitedly about plans for the week and caught up, learning about the Capitol as well, Coryo was glaring daggers at one of the males; Nero Amadeus.

Nero had his hands in the pockets of his jacket as he listened to the chatter, smiling as Sunni. He was happy to see her so excited and to be reunited with her friends but Coryo didn't know why and I was determined to get a straight answer out of the brunette or beat it out of him.

Cracking his knuckles and tossed his suitcase, which was actually Sejanus' that he was borrowing (read as stole), onto his bed once the group reached the hotel; all the Academy children were were on the top two floors and Sunni's group had the highest one.

"I don't trust that Amaedus guy," He huffed out to Sejanus.

"What? Nero? Why?" Sej asked, setting his backup suitcase on his bed.

"I dunno- I just get a bad feeling from him," He replied, tearing his hoodie off as he spoke.

"He seems pretty chill—besides, we just met the guy. It might just be your paranoia since this is your first time in 2," Sejanus offered, taking off his sweater and setting it on his bed.

"No, I don't think it's the paranoia. I'd know if it's the paranoia."

"Jealousy?" Coryo almost laughed. Him? Jealous? Over what? A girl that's not his yet?

"Jealousy, Sej? Really? Im not dating her, so why would i be jealous?" He asked, crossing his arms.

"Friends can be jealous. Hell, I thought Sunni would've replaced me after me, dad, and ma moved to the Capitol, buy she still cares just as much after a decade," Sejanus answered, opening the curtains to check our the view.

"That's different, you're family," the blonde snapped, falling back onto his bed. The was comfy; it felt like it was made entirely out of feathers, and it felt way better than his bed at home.

"Yeah, I suppose, but we should trust them. After all, they've been around Sunni longer than either of us, and for the past 10 years, I've only seen her on visits."

Coryo scoffed and rolled his eyes, mumbling whatever. He was going to find out if Nero had a thing for Sunni and if he needed to dispose of him to make sure he didn't get a chance.

But he'd also have to make sure that no one else would find out about how Nero "went missing". He needed Sunni to completely trust him, no matter the cost.

An awkward silence filled the room, only to be disrupted by loud music entering the room. Coryo sat up, glaring at where the music was supposedly coming from; he didn't need a headache before the festival.

"The hell is that?" Sej inquired, coming out of the bathroom, zipping up his fly. Coryo shrugged, and the two left their room, to see what the noise was. Seeing a door was cracked open, they gently pushed the door open and Coryo feel his blood boil.

Nero and Sunni were dancing to some upbeat and chaotic aong, singing along with it as the others were laughing and talking about an itinerary that Sunni made at some point. When did she make an itinerary, Coryo had no idea, but he didn't care right now. All he cared about was separating his girl from some loser nobody.

"So do you guys plan on making everyone else deaf?" Sejanus shouted over the music, grabbing the others' attention.

"Sorry, Sej, this is what we do all the time!" Sunni shouted back, letting go of Nero so he could turn up his hearing aids once the music was off.

"Why?" He yelled back, walking into the room, followed by Coryo, who was glaring daggers at Nero.

"Why not? It's an homage to how we met; loud music," Sunni replied, laughing as Dele turned the music down.

"Yep: we were all at a skate park, testing our skates and boards and we started bonding over some loud music people were playing," Demitri added as Viktor kicked their ass in another round of COD.

"Dude, how do you get so good at Call of Duty?"

"Eh, having divorced parents who always argue make it easy to find time to game," He replied with a shrug.

"So divorced parents equals being a god at Call of Duty?" Nataila teased, grinning.

"I mean, in my case, yeah."

"So then what does having a dead parent equal?" Maxima inquired.

"Art skills," Sunni answered, hopping her happy little butt onto the counter.

Coryo made his way to her as the others gasped and told Sunni she was quote unquote "wrong for that" while trying not to laugh despite Sunni giving them permission to, when Sunni was laughing and laid his head on her shoulder.

She beamed at this sudden "affection," and gently scratched the top of his head.

"Hi, Cori," She whispered to him as the others, including Sejanus, started talking about things they could do for the first day of the festival.

"Hey, Sunshine," He murmured, his breath hot against her neck.

"You okay?" She asked, gently lifting his head to meet his semi-relaxed gaze.

"Just feel better around you," He lied to her. Well, he wasn't really lying, but he couldn't say he was claiming what's his. He couldn't scare her off. He wouldn't scare her off.

"Okay," She replied, smiling and letting him go back to nuzzling her. Fortunately for Coriolanus, Sunni didn't notice the hateful and murderous glare he was sending towards Nero, who was chatting absent-mindly with Maxima.

Late into the afternoon, once all the Academy students were settled, the group had set off to explore District 2 and everything that had been set up.

Games, of course, for the little kids who had rich families or the Academy kids who had younger siblings or students who wanted to relax and feel like a child again, but also dancing, music, and all sorts of different delicacies. It was so wonderful, filling, and fun that they all felt calm. Even with the occasional dead dad or divorced parents jokes, which Coryo learned were coping methods that Sunni and Viktor used to cope with the loss, everyone felt happy.

But Coryo wasn't happy. People were calling to Sunni, getting hugs and having her full attention. Sejanus, at one point, had to restrain Coryo from committing any more crimes again because a guy hugged Sunni for 2 minutes too long.

Sure, Sunni reassured him and said he was "just a friend," but Coryo had countered with "friend's don't have their hands way too low where they shouldn't be." Which eventually led to Sunni nodding but telling him he didn't need to jealous because they guy was 15 and just really tall. At that point, Coryo let it go and gave in but has held her close to him, not wanting anyone to pull her away from him. As the group walked to another restaurant to check out the place, Sejanus shot Coryo a text wearing a shit eating grin.

Sejanus: Not jealous, hm? You haven't let go of Sunni since we found out about the loud music lmfao

Seen

Coryo rolled his eyes, seeing the text. Of course, he wasn't going to let go of Sunni. People could've turned against her after she was transferred to the Capitol, for God's sake! He had to protect his girl, even from her own friends if he had to.

Then Sejanus sent Coryo another text, but it was a photo of Coryo with his arms around Sunni's waist and holding her small hands in his and he had his head on top of hers.

He smiled a little at the picture and saved it to his phone before putting his phone in his pocket.

He'd make that his lockscreen later.

Tags: @etfrin @hearts4court @snows-wife @delusionalbunni @kiraflowersworld @victory-scream0462 @curled-hair-red-lips @morallygrayboys @phoward89 @xoxo-eyeballs @thereeallink @graciouslyc @acidaciruela @wanda-maximoff-enthusiast @firstworldproblemthings @nowitsmissing @poppyflower-22 @kuromismom7 @xjinnix @flw3rrr @plathsotherib @beaphobia @valeskafics @aoi-targaryen @elayasversion

[myreia]

Sketches of Times Lost

Day 29: Evaporate

the evening of aureia's return to garlemald leaves her uncertain and restless. thancred x wol. endwalker. mild/contextless spoilers. written for ffxivwrite2024. free day—prompt drawn from a random word generator. rated: explicit tags: hurt/comfort, cuddling, spooning, gentle sex 2010 words ao3 link

The windows rattle, the house creaks, and Aureia cannot sleep.

She cracks her eyes open, staring blankly at the opposite wall as she huddles beneath the blankets. A deep blue-green stares back at her, pressing against the glass, the colour punctuated with flickers of light from sentries moving about in the distance. And something else. The misty reddish glow of a tower so far in the distance it should be negligible, and yet it devours the horizon. There are no shutters on the windows to block it out; they must have been ripped off and used for firewood some time ago. No matter. The windows are strong and their glass thick, thick enough to seal them in and keep out the snow and wind.

And yet she still feels cold. Raw to the bone. It doesn’t matter the number of blankets, or the layers of clothing she went to bed in.

It is impossible to stave off Garlemald’s hungering cold.

She rolls onto her side and wraps her arms around herself, tucking her knees into her chest. This house is old, constructed from wood and brick and stone and mortar. A remnant of the past that resisted the transition to concrete and metal and wires, with only a few nods to the magitek that ran the nation.

A farmer’s home, in a farmer’s village. Unimportant, irrelevant—and exceedingly normal. Laterum, it was once called. She has visited it once before, when passing through on her way to the capital with her parents and brother. She may have even visited this very house. She and Kallias must have been… what, fourteen? The townspeople kept their distance at first, wary of non-Garleans like so many in the capital region. They were strange visitors, after all—an Elezen and a Hyur with Imperial ranks displayed proudly on their shoulders, and their two children already in uniform. Her mother was brusque, clear in her directions, her father was distant. Her twin smiled and sat by the pond, enjoying the sun on his face and helping the village’s small children to fish.

Was that the way of it? Or did she make that up to soften the blow of everything that came after?

Elgara is dead now, but Ariv and Kallias are here somewhere. Gods know what happened to them. Corrupted and tempered, like the rest of this shattered nation. An Imperial engineer and a military operative would have been at the centre of it. How does she even begin to ask the survivors, should they even exist? Can she even bring herself to?   

The Alliance calls this town Camp Broken Glass now, and she has not bothered to correct them. Why should its history matter now? Its people are long gone. There is no one left to care. But she will remember. As will Lucia and Maxima.

“Aur.”

Thancred’s voice is low and muffled, as if speaking into his pillow. She feels him behind her, his weight pressing deep into their mattress, the bed creaking with his slightest movement. His hand snakes over her and slips into hers. Fingers stiff and cold, like hers, yet she can feel warmth pulsing within them.

“Are you awake?” he murmurs.

In answer, she squeezes his hand.

“Are you all right?”

She opens her mouth, watching her breath rise in the darkness. “I don’t know,” she says at last.

He squeezes back. “Sleep has failed to grab me, too,” he continues. An attempt to distract her or comfort her. Or perhaps both. “Shall we light the hearth?”

Embers glow from the fireplace, the meager logs reduced to crumbling ash. She could light it in an instant with fire-aspected aether if they had more fuel. But that would mean one of them would have to leave to fetch it…

When she doesn’t answer, Thancred rolls over and sits up, dragging the blankets with him. She grunts in protest and grips his arm, her fingers catching on the threads of thick wool overshirt he wore to bed. She can barely feel him beneath the layers.

He pauses. “A light, then?” he asks. The lamps have burnt out as well, leaving behind a faint trace of ceruleum in the air.

Her breath catches in her throat. “No, thank you.” Another memory emerges from the depths of her mind. The scent of ceruleum pressing against her, so thick it coats her mouth and tongue. Red and blue light criss-crossing before her, so bright she sees it even with her eyes shut. The constant hum of machinery, so distant and yet so loud it shakes the floor. The thud of a hundred feet, so constant it never ends. Cold. Steel. Hard. Sleep eluded her in the barracks, the first night and every night after. “…come back to bed?”

A request. Small and private.

The bed creaks. He lies back down, tucking the covers around them, and rolls onto his side. Her breath slows, a sense of calm washing over her as he wraps his arms around her. He presses against her, holding her tight, his face buried in her shoulder, his legs entangled with hers. He’s warm, much warmer than her, and despite their thick clothing she is certain she can feel the beat of his heart thumping against her back.

“I hate it here,” she says after a moment. “I wish we were…”

Home. The word evaporates. She is reaching for something of the present while too close to the boundary of the past. She can’t voice it while this close to the capital.

He shifts behind her, his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. She can feel him breathing, slow and steady, the rise and fall of his chest constant and soothing, a reminder of the here and now. His breath warms the back of her neck. “The first night is somehow so often the worst,” he says quietly. “I admit, I am worried for you. Being here. Facing… that.”

He does not need to put a name to the tower. Leaving it unnamed keeps it at a distance. Blocks it out.

“I’ll be all right,” she murmurs. “Thank you.”

“You’re certain?”

“I have you here with me.” She brushes the back of his hand with her fingers and burrows against him, bundled against him. The palm of his hand rests against her lower stomach, brushing the line of bare skin where her tunic has pulled up. “I need a night. Perhaps two. Eventually, I will be able to sleep.”

He sweeps loose hair back from her face and kisses the top of her head. His thigh presses against hers. “But not now?”

“Not now.”

They lie in silence for a time, listening to the howl of the wind and the creak of the house. A disturbance below shakes the building as the front door slams closed. Distant voices murmur, one familiar, others unknown. Lucia must be overseeing the change in the watch, relieving one set of sentries of their duties and sending out the next. Knowing her, she has kept to Ishgardian form and it must be half a bell past midnight.

Aureia brushes fingers against his. “Thancred?” she asks quietly. “Are you going to sleep?”

He slips his hand further beneath her tunic. “I do not think so,” he replies. He shifts, the bed creaking again, his hips rising slightly even as he holds her. A question unvoiced, lingering between them. “It is far too cold for that.”

She takes his hand and draws it higher. He rasps, low and eager, his voice muffled against her neck as she leads him to her breast, inviting him to touch. He cups her, the pads of his fingers gentle even as he runs the pad of his thumb across her nipple. She swallows a gasp, the strength of her need taking her by surprise. Not a desire for sex, exactly. A desire to be touched. To be held. To let the present sweep away the past, if only for a moment, and chase away the cold.

Let it go. Let it evaporate. Vanish into nothingness as surely as their breath in the cold of this room.

His ministrations are slow, attentive, responding to her small, softened sighs. He caresses her breasts, his hips rocking against hers as he coaxes a quiet groan from her. Her heart pounds, her breath uneven, warmth flooding between her thighs. She turns further onto her side and rolls her hips slowly, achingly, grinding against him.

A faint growl murmurs in her ear, his own desire stirred.

He kisses her, trailing down her jaw and throat nestle against her collarbone. His leg tangles with hers, his hips moving slowly in response to her movements. He squeezes her breast and a pleasurable shiver rolls down her spine. A little moan escapes her and she trembles, this time not from the cold. Chuckling huskily, he kisses her again, his mouth gentle and warm against her throat, and dips a hand between her legs.

She bites her lower lip, muffling a moan.  

A featherlight stroke across her clit has her trembling and shaking, warmth flooding her from head to toe. She rolls her hips once more, bucking against his hand, chasing the friction. He sighs, his breath whispering across her skin, and caresses her with gentle, languid touches. She relaxes, tension flooding from her, and she tugs on her leggings, pulling them down.

A hard length presses against her rear. He places a hand against her hip, pulling her back, and her legs fall apart easily for him.

His cock slips through the silky wet heat, nudging against her entrance. Her heart flutters, anticipation coiling deep within, yearning for the moment. Yearning for release.

He circles a finger across her clit, the pleasure lulling her into relaxation, the last of her anxiety fleeing. His hand slips from her breast and presses against her abdomen right below her navel, holding her tight. A silent reminder to breathe. A reminder to let go. She inhales a breath and turns her face into her pillow.

She exhales.

He thrusts, entering her slowly, the blistering, stretching ache paradoxically gentle. He murmurs, his voice so low she can barely hear despite his proximity, instructing her to breathe again. To relax. To let it all go. The pain she has in moments like this never quite goes away; some days it is navigable with ease, others her body simply refuses to do what she wishes it to do. He is adept at traversing it now, perhaps more aware of it than she is. A necessity tonight in this moment that has crept up on them.

He slips fully inside her now, filling her. She falls against him, her back pressed against his chest, cradled in his arms, the pleasure an aching build. Her mind fuzzes, her vision hazy in the dark, the window and its distant lights trivial to her now, and she closes her eyes, shutting out everything but him.

They move. They breathe. They sigh. The blankets weigh heavily upon them, enveloping them in their warmth. Their clothing pulls and tugs, twisting about them with their movements. The heat beneath is far from the heady elation of first time sex, nor the charged moments when they have come crashing back together after time apart. It is slow and unhurried, no need to reach a staggering end.

No need to reach an end at all.

It is some time before they still. They lie in each other’s arms, listening, moving, breathing as one, following wherever this slow build leads them. She opens her eyes, clutching his arm where it wraps around her, a trembling sigh escaping her lips as she passes the fleeting cusp of something she cannot fully reach. He kisses her brow, holding her tight, a content murmur rumbling in the back of his throat he thrusts one last time. He pulls free, still shaking from his release, and leans his head against her shoulder, the warmth between them a tender comfort.

She breathes.

He breathes.

At last they can sleep.

[tinygamertris]

Jude kir Dravis

WoL/OC tag meme! Tagged by @ecosystem-administrator, thank you!

Tagging in turn: @nights-at-crystarium, @graha-stan-account, any FFXIV fans who see this and want to go for it!

(Choose whichever WoL/OC you want, do it more than once, ignore me entirely. what am I, a cop?)

B A S I C S

Name: Jude kir Dravis (kir for Veteran Medicus)

Nicknames: Hey Jude, Judy, Mongrel (Derogatory)

Age: 24 at the start of ARR so probably somewhere around 27-29 at this point

Nameday: 21st Sun of the Fifth Astral Moon

Race: Half Garlean half-Keeper Miqo'te

Gender: Male leaning nonbinary

Sexuality: Homosexual

Profession: Medic, Scientist and Engineer in a big ol' mess

P H Y S I C A L     A S P E C T S

Hair: Dark Brown, shaggy, formerly short but grew to jaw length during his time in Elpis

Eyes: Amber

Skin: Light dusty brown

Tattoos/scars: A scar on the left side of his face centred around a blade's cut with branching lightning-like patterns leading out from it, courtesy of Zenos yae Galvus in Doma. An Archon tattoo on his right shoulder post-Endwalker, for the studies he did on Akasa/Dynamis and how it manifests in Ultima Thule.

F A M I L Y

Parents: Father, a pureblood Garlean and head of House Dravis before the second Garlean Civil War; Mother (Mama), a Keeper Miqo'te who rose 'above her station' under Emperor Solus as a Medicus; Adopted Mother, his Father's pureblood Garlean wife. His Father and Adopted Mother have an open relationship and both have brought children and partners into the family through adoption.

Siblings: Three half-siblings through his father, one pure Garlean and two half Elezen. Two half-siblings through his adopted mother, both half Hyur. A sibling adopted from an orphanage after showing immense potential with magitek, pure Hyur (Gentian).

Grandparents: Father's parents, both pure Garlean, former heads of House Dravis, both deceased. Mama's parents, somewhere in Ala Mhigo, current status unknown. Adopted mother's parents, both pure Garlean, current heads of House Priscus. (Yes this means Maxima is a distant cousin.)

In-laws and other: No official in-laws but try telling House Fortemps that he's not family, they'll laugh in your face! Ameliance considered him family long before they met, and Fourchenault has been talked around to naming him a ward of House Leveilleur after seeing how much he adores and will protect the twins.

Pets: He had a pet cat called Scraps when he was young, but no pets since. He considers his life in Eorzea too disruptive (and downright dangerous since falling in with the Scions) to be a responsible pet owner.

S K I L L S

Abilities: Has inherited an empathic talent from his Azem, which manifested along with his echo during the aftermath of Carteneau. Two years training at the Magitek Academy in the Imperial City before transferring to Medicus training. Able to use a gun, gunblade and bow with decent proficiency, and a strong talent with the geometry and mathematics of the Arcanist and both its offshoots. Became a Reaper when the Telophoroi made their appearance with the full intention of returning to Garlemald and doing what needs doing to protect his people. Noble upbringing gave him some small diplomatic knowledge, but he prefers to leave that kind of thing to Alphinaud.

Hobbies: Cooking, sewing, reading, pretty much all kinds of crafting. Loves animals and has been known to spend off-days helping with chocobo stables all over Eorzea.

T R A I T S

Most positive trait: He has a deep, deep love for his friends and family, and will go to ridiculous lengths to protect them. If he decides you're one of his, you can expect him to go to the full extent of his abilities and then some for you.

Most negative trait: He has a lot of difficulty with life-long depression and anxiety, a habit of thinking that his problems 'aren't big enough' to try and get help for (he's on the spectrum but Garlemald doesn't have very good mental health anything let alone support), and these have combined into a nasty tendency to hide his negative feelings and bottle them up until he explodes.

L I K E S

Colors: White, black, grey and dark green.

Smells: Herbs from cooking and making medicine, mild soap.

Textures: Soft, fluffy, smooth and warm. Give him a nice soft fuzzy blanket and he's a happy lad.

Drinks: Cool to cold, fruity, sometimes fizzy. He loves lemonade with berries in it especially.

O T H E R    D E T A I L S

Smokes: Not a chance, he knows what that does to people's lungs!

Drinks: Only occasionally, he doesn't enjoy being drunk and tends only to partake at his very lowest or very highest moments.

Drugs: He's tried weed a few times - on Urianger's suggestion, which surprised everyone but the Pixies - and didn't mind it but he doesn't really see the point in seeking it out. And as for anything stronger, well, he's a Medicus. He doesn't want to risk holes in his brain!

Mount Issuance: Precious, their Grand Company chocobo, is still one of his most trusted companions and is pampered at every opportunity. Muffin, his black chocobo, lives a cushy life in Gridania and is often visited by Kan-E-Senna herself; Jude gets sick at the idea of the 'bo that Haurchefant raised getting hurt. He recently was gifted a flying crescent moon mount by the Loporrits and has great fun giving them all rides.

Been Arrested: Only in MSQ incidents, although he's absolutely come close once or twice. Looking at you Asahi you colossal piece of shit!

[nightfall-by-jacqui-natla]

26. VAMPIRE MAXIMA

AS I AWAKENED, MY EYES FLUTTERED OPEN, only to be momentarily dazzled by a radiant light that bathed the ceiling in its brilliance. It couldn't possibly be the gym, for the lights were switched off. Gradually, I shifted my gaze towards the left, and what I beheld was nothing short of awe-inspiring. A grand tapestry of paintings and gothic writings adorned the wall, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. Did my home possess such a magnificent display? I struggled to recollect. Then, my eyes wandered to the right, and there, before me, lay a breathtaking vista of the morning sky, framed by a lush canopy of trees that enveloped the earth.

This was not my sanctuary. Panic surged through me as I desperately tried to piece together the puzzle of my whereabouts and how I had arrived in this bewildering place.

I strained my mind to recall the events leading up to my blackout. I was at Forks High School. I was engaged in a fierce battle against Gavin and Dina. Ayla had been taken hostage by them, used as a lure. They were true werewolves, Children of the Moon, and Gavin and Dina were determined to end my life. Echoing voices called out to me, and a sharp sting emanated from my wrist.

I remembered the pain of the werewolf's teeth piercing my skin, the searing sensation that shot through my veins. The last thing I remembered was collapsing to the ground, my vision fading into darkness.

And to think, I had believed the transformation into a vampire was the epitome of agony.

"Violet?" A soft, feminine voice gently called out to me.

I blinked, struggling to focus on the source of the voice.

"Violet?" A smooth, masculine voice followed suit.

Blinking again, my eyes gradually adjusted to the light. As I looked up, my heart swelled with a mix of confusion and relief. There, before me, stood Carlisle and Helena, their warm smiles washing over me. It suddenly dawned on me that I knew them.

But why were they here? How had they found me in this unfamiliar place that seemed so far from the sanctuary I had hoped for? Questions flooded my mind, threatening to overwhelm me once again.

I rose from the long table, noticing the white cloth that covered it. My eyes scanned the room, taking in the intricate details of the decor. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

"Where am I?" I inquired, my voice trembling with confusion and fear.

"You're in my living room," Carlisle responded, his voice calm and reassuring. "In my family's house."

"How long was I out?" I asked, my mind racing with questions and concerns.

"Two days," Helena chimed in, her voice soft and gentle. "The power you demonstrated that night must have made you exhausted and collapsed."

As I processed this information, my thoughts turned to the school. "So, the school..." I trailed off, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Don't worry," Carlisle reassured me. "The school still stands. A few broken windows but it still stands."

I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that my old school was still intact. But then, I remembered Ayla. "What about her?" I asked, my voice trembling with worry.

"She's fine," Carlisle replied. "She's here. She wanted to see if you're alright before she goes."

I couldn't believe it. Ayla was here, with me. And not only that, but Carlisle and Helena knew about her too. "Do you all know about her?" I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me.

"Yes," Helena replied, her golden eyes sparkling with excitement. "She told us everything. I can't believe she is a werewolf... Sorry, Child of the Moon. I mean, Gabriel did tell me but..."

I interrupted her, my anxiety starting to rise. "What about the others?" I asked, my voice shaking. "Your family, Carlisle, my family, and the Denali Coven. Seth, Leah...?"

Helena immediately hugged me, and I felt my anxiety melt away. It was strange, but I couldn't remember anyone ever hugging me before, except for Ayla. As we pulled away from each other, I knew that everything was going to be okay.

"They're fine," she responded with a smile. "Everyone's fine. We're safe."

But my mind couldn't help but wander to my stepmother, Dina, a Child of the Moon, who wanted to kill me.

"And what about Dina?" I asked through clenched teeth. "Did you happen to catch a glimpse of her?"

Carlisle shook his head. "No, unfortunately not. When your power was unleashed, she ran from the school."

A small sigh of relief escaped my lips. "Well, I suppose that's one silver lining. I won't have to lay eyes on her again."

"I must admit, you've given us quite the startle," Carlisle exclaimed, his voice trembling with relief.

"Me? I frightened all of you?" I asked incredulously, my mind still racing from the shock of it all.

"Violet, you scared us out of our wits," Helena chimed in, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Your powers, they're beyond anything we could have ever imagined."

"I scared myself a little too," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.

"We were all so worried about you," Helena said, her concern etched on her face. "We've been on edge ever since it happened."

"I'm sorry," I apologised, feeling guilty for causing such a commotion.

Helena let out a deep sigh and looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

"Helena," Carlisle interjected, sensing the tension in the air. "We have no idea what else she's capable."

The room fell silent as we all contemplated the magnitude of what had just occurred. It was clear that my powers were far greater than any of us had ever imagined, and the thought of what else I might be capable of was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Then, the door swung open, revealing a tall male vampire with golden eyes and ebony hair.

"Eleazar," Carlisle greeted him warmly.

Eleazar turned his gaze towards me, offering a relieved smile before shifting his attention back to Carlisle.

"Carlisle, it's a great relief to see her awake," Eleazar began, his voice calm and composed. "Gabriel didn't tell us that they have a maxima in his coven?"

Carlisle's eyes widened in surprise at Eleazar's words, and he turned to me with a mixture of shock and curiosity.

"A maxima?" he repeated, his voice filled with wonder. "Violet, do you have any idea what he's talking about?"

I shook my head, just as confused as Carlisle. Eleazar chuckled softly before explaining.

"A vampire maxima is a rare and powerful vampire with abilities that surpass those of ordinary vampires," he clarified, his gaze never leaving mine. "It seems that you, Violet, are one of these rare beings."

Helena blinked, her head bowing slightly. She regarded me with her newfound golden eyes, realization dawning upon her. "That would explain your extraordinary capabilities. The ability to turn invisible and the glimpse of that energy blast we witnessed upon your arrival," she remarked.

"An energy blast?" Eleazar interjected, his voice filled with intrigue. "That is an exceedingly rare gift indeed."

I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on me, their astonishment and curiosity palpable in the air. The room was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, as we all grappled with the implications of my powers.

"What exactly does a vampire maxima have?" I began to question them, curious about it.

"A vampire maxima possesses more than two distinct abilities," Eleazar explained. "Each from different categories, include physical enhancement, mental abilities, sensory enhancement and unique talents."

"We know you have invisibility, both mentally and physically, as Joseph did pointed out one time with Gabriel, when you first hunted," Helena added. "He also theorised that you might have superhuman strength too, especially with Seth's account of you fighting the werewolves by yourself."

"Superhuman strength?" I repeated, my mind reeling with the possibilities. It was all starting to make sense now - the moments of inexplicable power, the ease with which I had dispatched the werewolves. I was beginning to understand the extent of my own abilities.

Eleazar nodded, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "Yes, it seems that way. And there may be more abilities that have yet to manifest. A maxima's powers can continue to evolve and grow over time."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride mixed with trepidation. Being a maxima meant that I was different, special. But it also meant that I had a responsibility to understand and control these newfound powers.

Then, I thought about Joseph's abilities. "Wait a minute, Joseph can sense other abilities and have telepathy. How come he's not a maxima but I am?"

"Ah, Joseph," Eleazar mused, his eyes glinting with intrigue. "While he possesses remarkable talents, they do not fall under the criteria of a maxima. It seems that your unique combination of abilities sets you apart, Violet."

Carlisle nodded in agreement, his analytical mind already at work. "It's possible that being a maxima is not solely determined by the number of abilities, but rather the rarity and potency of those abilities," he hypothesized.

Helena chimed in, her voice filled with curiosity. "Perhaps it's the way these abilities intertwine and complement each other that makes you a true maxima, Violet. A perfect harmony of power."

As the realization sank in, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride mixed with a tinge of apprehension. Being a maxima meant that I had a responsibility to harness and control my powers for the greater good. It was both exhilarating and daunting.

Eleazar's gaze softened as he looked at me, his voice filled with reassurance. "Violet, your journey is just beginning. As a maxima, you hold a unique place in our world, and it's crucial to understand and master your abilities. We're here to help you every step of the way."

I nodded, absorbing the weight of his words. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of my actions bearing down on me.

"Is Ayla here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "I want to see her. And the family."

Helena's response was immediate, her words tumbling out like a waterfall. "She's still here," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "She's been a crying mess. Blames herself for your outburst."

I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Ayla, always taking the blame for things that weren't her fault. She was a gentle soul, with a heart as big as the sky. Whenever I found myself in trouble with Gavin and Dina, she would blame herself for being the reason. She thought she had ruined my life because of her and her mother. But I knew better. I knew that she was the light that guided me through the darkness.

"Ethan and Seth would try and cheer her up," Carlisle added, his voice soft and soothing. "And they did."

I glanced at them, my heart swelling with gratitude. They were my family, my rock, my everything. "Um, Mum, would you mind getting Ayla?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I want to talk to her."

"Mum?" Helena said, her eyes wide with confusion.

"Helena," I quickly corrected myself, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Haha, I meant Helena."

Helena gave me a soft smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and surprise. "Of course, Violet. I'll fetch Ayla for you," she said, turning to leave the room.

As I waited, I tried to process everything I had just learned. The revelation of being a maxima, with powers that exceeded those of a typical vampire, was overwhelming. The weight of this newfound identity pressed down on me, a blend of excitement and fear swirling within. I glanced at Carlisle, who stood quietly beside Eleazar, their expressions a mix of pride and concern.

"I should go back to Alaska now," Eleazar said to him. "Carmen will be worried about my long absence."

Carlisle nodded at Eleazar, his expression a mix of gratitude and understanding. "Thank you, Eleazar. Your insights have been invaluable. Safe travels back to Alaska, and give our regards to Carmen."

Eleazar gave a respectful nod, then turned to me. "Violet, remember, you're not alone. Your family here, and beyond, will support you as you navigate this new path." With a final, encouraging smile, he exited the room.

I turned my attention back to Carlisle. "What now? How do I begin to understand and control these abilities?"

Carlisle's gaze was steady, filled with the wisdom of centuries. "I think that's something that Helena would have to talk to Gabriel about."

Helena nodded thoughtfully as she re-entered the room with Ayla in tow. Ayla's eyes were puffy and red, but they lit up when she saw me. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace.

"I'm so sorry, Violet," Ayla whispered, her voice cracking. "I never wanted any of this to happen."

I held her close, feeling a rush of relief and love. "It's not your fault, Ayla. We've both been through so much, and we'll get through this together."

Helena cleared her throat gently, drawing our attention. "Gabriel and I will discuss how best to help you, Violet. In the meantime, take it easy."

Ayla pulled back, her eyes filled with determination. "I'll stay with her. I won't leave her side."

Helena smiled warmly at Ayla. "Of course."

As the room emptied, leaving just Ayla and me, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, I knew that with my family and friends by my side, I could face whatever challenges lay ahead of me.

We sat in silence for a moment, simply taking comfort in each other's presence. Finally, I spoke, my voice barely above a whisper. "Is Dina... Is she—?"

Ayla's expression darkened, and she closed her eyes with a heavy sigh. "She ran off," she said, her voice heavy with sadness. "She's alive, but she's angrier than ever."

I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. "You're alive because of me," I said, my voice barely audible.

Ayla's eyes widened, and she shook her head. "No," she said firmly. "You were like that for two days because of me."

I felt my anger rising. "Stop blaming yourself!" I said, my voice rising. "You're not responsible for Dina's actions."

Ayla looked at me, her eyes filled with tears. "I know," she said softly. "But I can't help feeling like I could have done something to stop her."

I pulled her close, holding her tightly. Then, I thought about Dina's confession. I could still hear her laughter. "Oh, child.., You have so much to learn about our kind... We prefer to be called Children of the Moon."

"How long have you been a werewolf?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"Since the day you fled," Ayla revealed, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Gavin, too, is a werewolf. She keeps him close for protection and, perhaps, to continue our kind."

Then, I thought about their werewolf eyes. "Your eyes were orange but their eyes were yellow..."

"I'm a newborn stage, or cubs as that they call them," Ayla explained.

"Cubs?"

Ayla nodded. "Yes, newborn werewolves have different colored eyes. They become yellow as they mature."

I sighed, absorbing all the information. "We have so much to learn about each other, don't we?"

She smiled through her tears. "Yes, we do. Also, at that stage, our human conscious are still there while in our werewolf form—," her smile dropped, "but once we reach maturity, when in our full matured werewolf form, lose their human consciousness; they are feral rather than rational. You got a sneak peek of that through Mum and Dad."

I rose up my bitten wrist. "Yeah, tell me about it."

Ayla sighed. "Violet... your wrist..."

"Hey, relax," I assured her. "It's not the first time I've been bitten—."

As soon as I placed my wrist on my lap, a burning sensation began. I yelped at the sudden feeling. It was like pressing my hand against a hot stove. "What the..."

Ayla was concerned but wasn't surprised by it.

"That wasn't supposed to happen..." I muttered to myself.

"That's no ordinary bite mark," Ayla replied grimly. "That's the Lunaris, the Werewolf Mark."

My mind reeled. "Lunaris? What's that?"

Ayla took a deep breath, her expression grave. "It's a mark that signifies a connection between a werewolf and their victim. It can also be used to track the marked person."

"So, Gavin and Dina can find me?" I asked.

Ayla nodded, her eyes filled with worry. "It's like having a target on your back, but it's from werewolves."

I tried to process everything. The concept of being a vampire maxima, my powers, and now the Lunaris mark. It was overwhelming. "They're not done with me yet." I was definitely sure of it. "I still don't understand why Dina hates me so much."

"She told me why," Ayla spoke up, folding her arms. "You see, she lost her entire family to the Volturi."

I could seeing the dark cloaks and Gabriel's story of his time with them. But all I could think about was how had they got something to do with me.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Before I was born, before she met our father, my mother had a family of her own," Ayla began, her eyes distant as she recounted the tale. "Her mate and two children were her entire world," Ayla continued, her voice trembling with the weight of the story. "But the Volturi saw them as a threat. A family of werewolves living quietly on the outskirts of human society was an abomination in their eyes. They didn't give them a chance to explain or flee. They just... eradicated them."

I almost felt pity for Dina, despite everything she had done. "And that's why she hates me? Because I'm connected to the vampire world?"

Ayla nodded solemnly. "Yes. She sees you, and by extension, your coven, as part of the world that took everything from her. Her vendetta isn't just personal. It's a deep-seated need for vengeance against everything vampire-related."

"But she hates me even before I became a vampire," I reminded her. "I don't understand why. I've done nothing to her!"

Ayla sighed deeply, her expression tinged with sorrow. "It's more complicated than that, Violet. You remembered all of things my mom would say about your hair?"

"Like how my black hair looks ugly on me and I should think about changing it?"

Ayla nodded, her expression solemn. "In my first month as a werewolf, Mom told me how your black hair reminds her of them, the Volturi. In fact, she was relieved that you ran away. She said that she didn't have to worry about you anymore."

Ayla's words hit me like a punch to the gut. My black hair reminded Dina of the Volturi, the very beings who had destroyed her family. It was an irrational hatred, born from grief and loss, and I had unknowingly become the embodiment of her tormentors. It made a twisted kind of sense, but it didn't make it hurt any less.

"I never knew," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I never understood why she hated me so much."

Ayla's eyes softened with sympathy. "You couldn't have known, Violet. None of this is your fault."

The room seemed to close in around me as the weight of Ayla's revelations settled. I was marked by werewolves, a rare vampire maxima, and despised by my stepmother for something entirely out of my control. It was almost too much to bear.

I felt a mix of anger and sadness. "But that's not fair. I didn't choose this life. I didn't choose any of it."

Ayla nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "I know, Violet. None of this is fair. But we can't change the past. We can only move forward."

The weight of her words settled over me like a heavy cloak. The past was a tangled web of secrets and vendettas, and I was caught in its snare. "So, what do we do now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I think it would be best if we don't see with each other for a while," she said, her voice soft.

I was bewildered, my mind struggling to comprehend what she was saying. "What?" I stammered. "No! I... I just saw you!"

Ayla's eyes glistened with tears as she tried to keep her composure. "Violet, it's for your safety. As long as I'm near, Dina and Gavin will never stop hunting you. They won't rest until they've destroyed everything you care about."

The reality of her words hit me like a wave crashing against the shore. Despite my growing powers, despite the strength I felt within me, the danger surrounding Ayla was real and ever-present. My mind raced, searching for a solution that didn't involve losing her again.

"But we can protect each other," I pleaded, my voice breaking. "We've faced so much together. We can find a way."

Ayla shook her head gently, tears streaming down her face. "The best way to protect you is to keep our distance. At least until we find a way to deal with Dina and Gavin for good."

Then, I heard quick footsteps approaching behind me. I turned my head and Helena stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "We'll do everything we can to help you, Violet. We'll find a way to break the Lunaris mark and neutralise the threat. But for now, Ayla is right."

"And another thing, the Volturi are sneaky," Ayla added. "If they see us, they will kill us."

I knew she was right, but the thought of not being able to see her again was unbearable.

"It's okay," Ayla whispered, her voice barely audible, sensing my turmoil. "I'm going to live with Seth's family. And don't worry, Mrs Clearwater approved it."

I sank at the thought of her leaving again, but I knew it was for the best. "You're living with Seth?" I asked, trying to hide the pain in my voice. "Do you know about him being a giant dog and he imprinted on you?"

Ayla nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Yes, and I'm in love with him too. Plus he's happy when I tell him I'm moving in."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at the thought of her being with someone else, but I knew that Seth would take care of her. "Of course, he would," I muttered.

"See, Violet, everything's sorted out," Helena said. "Everything will be fine."

I nodded, trying to take comfort in Helena's words. Everything would be fine, or at least that was the hope we clung to. Despite the chaos swirling around us, Ayla's smile brought a sense of peace, however fleeting. She was my anchor in this storm.

"I'll miss you," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "But I know it's for the best."

Ayla's eyes filled with tears once more, but she nodded firmly. "We'll see each other again. When it's safe."

As I wrapped my arms around her, I couldn't help but notice something different about her. She seemed to have grown a bit taller, her frame more slender and graceful than before.

"Have you grown?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Ayla nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yep. After being bitten, I've grown about a foot."

I couldn't help but laugh at her response, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Is Seth taking you there?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

Ayla grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, duh. He's like my personal ride now."

"Come on, girls," Helena joined in, adding a chuckle. "They probably want to see Violet right now."

We hugged one last time before walking out of the room to see the Khotlers and the Cullens waiting for us; Seth was there too, who immediately came up to Ayla, holding her right hand with a wide grin on his face.

"Behold, the sleeping beauty awakens," Joseph announced with a grin.

Emmett's voice boomed through the room, "Violet, you scared us half to death. And that's saying something."

Rosalie's eyes narrowed at him, but Rhona rushed over to me and wrapped me in a tight embrace.

"You're alive!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief.

"Well, technically speaking," I replied with a chuckle, hugging her back.

Alana looked at me sceptically, "Are you sure that's Violet? She's hugging now," she asked Helena, who nodded in confirmation.

Ethan piped up with a nonsensical statement, "If it looks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, if it acts like a duck, then it's a penguin."

I couldn't help but burst out laughing, causing Ayla to look at me with confusion. Simon shook his head, laughing along with Seth, while Jasper seemed to be lost in thought.

Gabriel spoke up with a smile, "That's definitely Violet."

I wiped my eyes as I laughed, "Forget the witch doctor joke, that's a classic statement."

The memory of what had happened was lost in the midst of our laughter.

Seth transformed into his wolf form and Ayla climbed onto his back and I said goodbye to them and wished them luck. As the inky veil of night descended upon the quaint town of Forks, we bid our final adieus to the Cullens and travelled back to London.

[ipsonus]

• • r e d i r e c t i n g  • •​ •

Maxima jolted at the sound of the gap-youkai’s voice. So it seemed like they all knew. It was unfortunate that the android couldn’t protect its child any more than it had. And to think that it was actually Ollie that kept it sane -- who else would be there to prevent the virus. It was also unfortunate that the elder couldn’t have taken Ollie’s place. ( he would have been g o o d , why couldn’t you have taken me instead ? )

The factory made the android tremble. And it couldn’t move next to somebody for safety. Not even the presence of Leaf helped -- in fact, the caretaker couldn’t help but to move away from her. 

Alone-- for once Maxima felt truly alone. And abandoned. It wasn’t Ollie’s fault either. No, it would never blame Ollie for this. And to think it escaped the future to seek sanctuary in the past. 

‘ Liar...’

It couldn’t look at what was happening. It couldn’t. A part of it was being manipulated and used for her entertainment. And as the demonstration continued, there was that moment where it did look up. 

( ‘ maxima ... im sorry ’ ) 

Tears had actually started to trickle down its owns cheeks. A robot who had been programmed so well to have no emotion began to show signs of its wear. This was what it had been trying so hard to avoid. The snakes that been curled around its arms and wrists almost immediately retreated back in its clothing. ( now the virus  h a d  to give maxima  s o m e  time to cope , right ? it was fair ) 

‘ i told him to go to you . . i know you said something ’

When the factory disappeared, and they were place back to the ‘normalcy’ that Yukari had allowed, Maxima could do nothing but look down. Its hood covered its face as it continued to stare down. There was another jolt as the snakes bit the robots neck. 

La  l l o r o n a  que pasó           │   The crying woman, what's going on? 

Se te ＦＵＥＲＯＮ tus hijos   │   Your children left you. 

Como [  V A  ] la excavación     │    How is the excavation? 

Para ti no hay salvación           │    For you, there is no salvation.

The dulled hues in the robot’s eyes had now come back to life. The white sclera had turned black just for a spilt second before going back to ‘normal’. However, the iris’ remained the same, bloodlike colour.

“Well...” The tone in Maxima’s voice didn’t sound as robotic anymore. Then again, it wasn’t Maxima anymore now was it.

Hands lifted as if the android was examining the. The tattoos that had been 2 dimensional before were very much real as they slipped back out of the sleeves. Like pets to the robot, they stayed curled up on its wrists and swayed back and forth as if they were examining the area.

“What a shame I can’t do much to toy with anybody here~♪”

He could tell there was a limit. Now that was truly bad luck now. Its limitations could still reap benefits. 

A frown drew on the contaminated robot’s face as he turned to the trainer-- well it seemed like somebody knew better than underestimate him.

“Guess its my turn~♥ You should have listened to the kid, I won’t make it better for you ahahaha!!” 

Laughter echoed the streets as it walked away from the scene. Maxima was gone.

WARNING: Files corrupted . . Proceed? ► yes ◄       no

             Checking status . . .  Please wait . . 

ERROR FOUND: missing data . . Proceed? ► yes ◄       no

TWO FILES FOUND: select one . . ► Prototype 00: unstable ◄       Prototype 04: Offline

NOTE: Prototype 00 has a virus activated, please download and install program SHU CATO for further repairs (highly recommended ) 

OTHER OPTIONS: deactivate the robot ( better kill it ) run like hell ( dont look back ) I honestly don’t know, ( if you actually        are reading these other options it        means that I-- Shu Cato-- am not        around to help and you are royally        fucked haha goodluck. Oh don’t try        to reason with him. lol your funeral        friend Peace out ♥ ) No but really get the fuck away from him. 

[7thqueen]

Children Back in Time

Bellatrix laid on the hard ground, unable to move. The piercing wounds she received from Greyback's claws continued to bleed through her dress. She laid on her front, her eyes open and aware but her body not able to move.

She could hear explosions and muttered spells. She moved her eyes to look around. She was on the stairs leading to the bridge and from where she laid down she can see the billowing robes of the person she used to call master.

He had his back turned around them, fighting someone Bellatrix can't see in her position.

She wants to kill him.

She wants to take her eyes back.

She wants her revenge.

She wants to avenge a future she saw that is yet to happen.

She wants to move.

She blinked her eyes, clearing the daze in her mind. Her hands twitched, she couldn't feel her wand in them.

She kept trying to have control over her body. "Episkey" she muttered the spell weakly. The gaping wound in her stomach didn't close one bit but instead only the scratches in her arms closed.

She's weak and drained. Fighting Greyback, Dolohov and two more members of the Dark Lord's circle was hard in her situation. She couldve defeated them if it weren't for the curse.

Bellatrix gritted her teeth as she muttered a numbing spell over her body. She sighed when she felt the pain fade to a dull pulse in her skin. She pushed herself up, she cant find her wand,not that she needs it that much anyway.

She stands up using the wall as support, ignoring the way her leg buckled, it was probably weak and strained but it wasnt felt because of the spell she casted on her body.

She stood at full height, she looked around. People were crowded some distance away from her. She looked at the dark lord's direction and she stopped rigid at what she saw.

Narcissa was on the ground, holding a limp body of Andromeda blood on her mouth, lying on her folded leg was an unconscious Draco. At least Bellatrix thought he was unconscious.

A few distance from them was a lying body of the boy who lived. Narcissa was crying and Bellatrix felt an incredible amount of anger come though her at the sight.

She had never seen Narcissa look so broken.

And now she she did.

Andy was getting closer to deaths door.

Draco probably tried fighting back but still lost.

And the boy was already lying face down like she did earlier.

She could see the dark lord point his wand at them. And in instant Bellatrix Moved.

She didn't think about what to do. Her speed was a blur as she appeared behind Narcissa. Putting her hand in the air she casted the strongest shield she can muster before the green color of Voldemort's spell she reached them.

"Bella!" Narcissa cried out, looking behind her shoulder. "It's okay" Bellatrix comforted through her teeth, her attention and focus bleeding through her shield.

"I'll defeat him" she gritted her teeth when she felt the center of her body churn painfully. Her shield was standing strong but her magic is almost drained.

"He's too strong Bella and your magic is wavering" Narcissa reminded Bellatrix of her predicament as she stepped forward in front of her sister.

She casted the same spell again and again while Voldemort stood in front of her, amusement painted on his pale face.

" And here I thought you died already Bella" Voldemort sneered at her but Bella didnt listen as she tried to shrink the distance between them.

They rounded each other, Bellatrix not putting her shield down. Her wounds bleeding faster, wetting her black dress a darker shade.

She felt blood come up her throat. Internal Bleeding, she surmised but didn't give ground with her shield.

They slowly rounded each other. She could see Voldemort also having a bit pf a hard time with the prolonged spell.

They have both been weakened by their previous fights. She focused all her attention to her shield, waiting for a moment for the spell to weaken before lunging to attack.

She could see the people of Hogwarts hover the end of the bridge, watching with stricken face, wondering who would win. Bellatrix likes to think it's her because she would still be better than Voldemort.

Her magic was rapidly draining now, her wound opening and bleeding. She even swallowed the blood that threatened to come out her mouth, it wasnt wise to show your state to your enemy. It can be easily used against you.

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, there were cracks of apparation. Before Voldemort and her can even look, the largest and biggest 'Bombarda Maxima' exploded at her face.

It was Vela's spell, mixed with Delphi's lightning and Rigel's enchantment. It was deadly amd she would've been blown by the spell if it werent for the another spell of protego that layered her own.

"Bellatrix" her eyes widened comically at the voice. Her body gave out as she crumpled to the floor, either from her spell or the voice, the dark witch wasnt sure.

"..Muddy.." Bellatrix muttered the name weakly after puking the blood out her system.

".. your here.." Bellatrix closed her eyes when Hermione gave her a short hug.

"I'm sorry for being so late" Hermione looked sincerely guilty as she wrapped Bellatrix's hand on her shoulder as support.

"..mom!" The combined voices of her children, Delphi, Vela and Rigel echoed in Bellatrix's ears.

"Were okay!" Rigel shouted over the distance. He had Draco by the neck, while Delphi quickly went to Andromedo, probably to heal While Vela was helping Narcissa stand up, and Bellatrix finally noticed the bloodied legs of her sister.

"Quickly! Get out of here!" Hermione shouted back. She saw clear hesitation on her children's eyes.

"But-"

"Go!"

It was Bellatrix this time and they quickly apparated away. Obeying through gritted teeth and anxious eyes.

She felt an explosion sound again and both of them turned again. The spell they casted to Voldemort was still exploding, buzzing with deadly fire, lightning and enchantment Rigel provided in the spell.

"Drink this" Bellatrix blindedly drank the potion, and suddenly she was aware that her numbing spell has faded. She could've fallen to the ground again if it weren't for Hermione's support.

She felt her wounds heal and start to close up but her magic was still drained.

"Harry's still here" Hermione stated when she nearly stumbled upon the battered body of her friend. Bellatrix didn't say anything, focusing on the painful stitching of her wound.

"Take him away" Bellatrix said when the pain faded a bit. "But what about you?! I can't just leave you here alone!" Hermione glanced between the two but Bellatrix gave her a hard look.

"You're not going to leave me here alone right?" Bellatrix chuckled at her.

"Of course not!"

"That's why you should take him away, I trust you to come back"

"What if-"

" I can still hold my ground until you come back. Its not like your gonna leave for a minute" Bellatrix tried to play lightly. Taking the boy away would just be added to the list of people who won't die today.

"Give me the wand" she ordered before Hermione could say anything else. "Go, the sooner you leave, the faster you can come"

She gave Hermione a hard kiss before the crack of apparition popped in front of her.

She gripped the foreign wand in her hand. It was too thin.

She pointed it to the exploding spell Voldemort was trapped in. "Bombarda"

Nothing happened. She spat on the ground in frustration. The wand won't listen to her. She could see the trap was getting weaker, Voldemort can break it anytime now.

Absolute. Magical. Control

She chanted in her head. She had to make the wand bend to her will no matter what happens.

She closed her eyes to help her focus. She tuned out the sound of explosion, the air, the tumbling rubbles and rhe thunder happening above her head and even when there were suddenly multiple sounds of apparition that happened behind her. She didnt react.

In whatever that's left of her magic, she channeled it through the wand in her hand.

Listen to me, just this once. Just until this fight. Just until he's defeated. She pleaded but the wand isnt reacting yet.

Listen here you piece of stick. Bend to my will or I will break you! Were at war and your not in the position to fucking choose! Your boy lost and I am the only one who can use you right now! I wont lose a future that I desperately wanted just because you wont listen!..

Bellatrix pushed a surge of magic through the stick before feeling it connect with her magic.

She opened her eyes to see four backs against her. " I knew you wouldn't listen" she stated, walking to level with Hermione.

"Family comes first mom"

Vela muttered with a smile.

When the exploding spell finally broke, Hermione instantly reached for bellatrix's hand. Threading them together.

She could instantly feel her magic dance with Bellatrix. The familiar sensation giving her comfort that they are doing this together.

The way their magic seemed to amplify each other was the only thing they can use against Voldemort. Bellatrix looked down at her and Hermione smiled.

Together.

"We'll distract him until you can prepare the spell" Delphi muttered before the three of them disappeared in light speed ad appearing at the spell they casted earlier.

"Be careful" Hermione called out in the air, aware that the Three would hear it.

"Can we still cast it?" Hermione held Bellatrix by the waist. She could feel the blood wetting her hand. She stopped the tears that was stinging her eyes, it wasnt time to be showing weaknesses.

"We have to. But I have barely enough magic" Bellatrix leaned at the younger brunnette, caressing hairs away from a dirty face. Her eyes were worried and anxious and Bellatrix's situation is not making it better.

"We can use mine" Hermione answered. "We havent tried it yet but we have to do it. If its not enough, we can ask the kids"

Bellatrix grinned at the way Hermione said 'her kids'. Her heart warming up at the fact that she has a family now and that they were all fighting to have a better future.

"Okay" she agreed. She took out her own dagger while Hermione took out her wand. They boh began carving.

Hermione kept wincing at the pain, she would've applied a numbing spell but they have to conserve every drop of magic they have.

Bellatrix was an instant in carving in her wrist. The curse of her dagger would help in the spell. The elven runes bled in her wrist but she kept carving. She would carve everything she can in her own wrist in order to minimize the runes Hermione would apply.

Bellatrix already filled the front of her wrist with the bloodied runes. She flipped jer wrist and then dug her dagger.

"One more line" she comforted Hermione when she was finished and when that final line bled into the skin, it glowed. Hermione looked at the dark witch in the eye, praying silently that it will work. She held Bellatrix by the cheek and the dark witch let their foreheads meet.

They chanted.

Survey the Heavens, Open the Heavens... All the stars, far and wide... Show me thy appearance... With such shine. Oh Tetrabiblos...

Voldemort’s eyes widened at the incantation and when he realized it was a sealing curse he panicked. 

Noticing the flustered look, Delphi conjured a spear with her magic before throwing it at the man’s position. It traveled through the air, Vela casted her own magic on the black spear, wrapping in the spear in glowing flames while Rigel poured his magic into it, enlarging the black material of magic until the tip of the magic was already as tall as them.

The spear raced through the air while Vela and Rigel combined hands to cast their own Incarcerous at Voldemort’s feet. The spear hit straight to the dark man’s chest but it didnt kill him. Instead, the magical spear pinned Voldemort to the wall of the bridge. The sound of scream that came from the man’s throat was music to Bellatrix’s ears but she didnt let it get her out of her focus. 

I am the ruler of the stars... Aspect become complete... Open thy malevolent gate. Oh 88 Stars of the heaven...

A swirl of white and gold magic mixed at Hermione and Bellatrix’s feet before expanding into the floor in what Hermione could recognize as a magic circle. The white and gold kept getting bigger and bigger as they kept chanting. Hermione could already feel the draining of her magic but she kept going.

Delphi crumbled to the floor on her kneess in an effort to keep the spear in Voldemort’s body. The spear was a hard to keep up, it was a spell meant to disappear as soon as it hits its target but she’s keeping it right there, to bind Voldemort to the wall, despite the screams and spells he flung out of his wand towards her direction. 

Vela and Rigel had the perfect teamwork in exchanging between offense and defense, keeping up their own magic with Delphi was hard but they had it easier than their eldest. Vela sent out another flaming spell that managed to almost break the bridge at the power. Rigel casted a shield, strong enough to stand the heat and fire that almost enveloped them and their parents.

Spirit to Body...

Hermione looked around them before meeting Bellatrix’s eyes, they were focused and hard but when they contacted, they softened before they focused again.

Body to Mine...

Bellatrix pulled her closer.

As I chant...

Bellatrix focused on her magic, leaking it into her words as she chanted the spell.

Undo the Bind,

Bellatrix moved to change their position. She wrapped her right on Hermione’s waist while the other left threaded with Hermione. Hermione thinks the position looks a lot like a tango position but she didn’t say anything. They pointed their threaded finger at the binded Voldemort. 

What Now Holds..

My soul to me..

Vela, Rigel and Delphi moved away when the shine of the spell was starting to become blinding. 

With this spell

Now set it free!

This was just draft guys hahaha. Pardon the lack of details and proper conveying of whats happening

[blushdressshop]

God Made Scots A Wee Bit Better T-Shirt

That Essential Work so That All of Us Can Keep Moving for Even When It All Feels so Overwhelming Working Parents Are Somehow Piecing It All Together with Our Childcare Features and Didn’t Created so That Our Kids Can Still Learn and Grow Our Young People I’d Desperately Fighting to Pursue Their Dreams and When the God Made Scots A Wee Bit Better T-Shirt Horrors That Systemic Racism Shook Our Country and Our Consciences of Americans in the Background Rose up to March for Each Other for the Release Are Shipping Your People Whose Fortunes Are Bound up with One Another As Well past Time for Our Leaders to Once Again Reflect Our Troops so Our Voices in Our Votes to the Course of History and Going Heroes like John Lewis Who Said When You See Something Right You Must Do Something Is the Truest Form of Empathy Is Feeling and Doing Not Just for Ourselves or Our Kids Everyone for All Our Kids If We Were to Keep the Possibility of Progress Alive in Our Time Would Be Able to Look like Children in the Selection We Have Got to Reassert Our Place in American History. A national effort to expand access to convalescent plasma donated from the blood of those who of recovered from the virus the blood of these donors contains antibodies that can potentially reduce the severity of the illness and those who are sick and frankly those that are very sick nearly 3000 patients are now enrolled in the expanded access program receiving transfusions nationwide and I want to thank all of the people that recovered for what they’ve done is I said yesterday they raise their hand when they barely can walk in there saying I want to donate blood I want to donate whatever it is that you want because we want to help people really quite incredible convalescent plasma will also be used to manufacture a concentrated antibody treatment that does not have Debbie match with a particular blood type this concentrated antibody treatment could be used as a preventative measure to keep healthcare workers and other high risk pop populations from contracting the virus in the first place very big deal clinical. Suburban women to see what be watching for tonight I’ll start with MSNBC’s international course on presenting Alanna and Chris again is about is a claim there undecided and a lot of us i

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This country because America uniquely holds the promise of a God Made Scots A Wee Bit Better T-Shirt place where everyone can belong we know that for too many and for too long that promise has been denied but we also know America is at its best when we make that circle of belonging wider just over 10 years ago I joined the military where firing me because of who I am was just possible it was policy now in 2020 is unlawful in America to fire someone because of who they are or who they love the very ring on my finger away we celebrated here where I’m standing reflects how this country can change love makes my marriage real but political courage made it possible including that of Joe Biden who stepped out ahead even of this party when he said that marriage equality under the law of the land there is a long way to go but if this much can change between 2010 and 2020 imagine what could change between now and 2030 imagine what we could achieve this coalition we are building this very season gathering progressives and moderates independents and even what. 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onto the earth killing everyone the venture shopping fight with help from war machine who actually got the memo this timeand experience Ella carrierand if he all Tronand all is all shallotsand save the day now without any repercussions though Pietro maxima dissecting Hawkeye also a kid who’s in Segovia doing charity work is killed in battle as is the family of helmets IMO a succumbing soldierand not terribly nice guy Simon was so angry over the avengers indirectly killed his family is planning on how to get revenge he realizes he can’t defeat them directly as if a robot army can do that I was a sad strange little maggot to do it instead takes a page out of the Loki bookand decides to tell them apart from the inside also during the battle Bruce Banner hoax outand decides to fly off the Quinn jet which eventually ends up in space somehow after while it crashes in the planet of scar that junk plaintiff before because being a form planet is pretty stressful banner staysand hope for him 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spend the pillsand also to stuff so now in human start popping up moreand more around the world also Mays ex husband Garner egrets in humidified enter into this horrible monster called flash also grant one was to try to start by Dragon even though the avengers just fishing that Daisy also says about her dad who wasn’t such a bad guy after all he gets his memory erasedand start a new life may decides to take a break from shieldand Fitzsimmons finally start dating however risingand going Simmons is in the same room as the monolith which shield has occasional memory that’s the portal through which you go to this terrible ugly planet with an original inhuman monster hive lives she was the inspiration for Hydra away quick positive video here I really hope it doesn’t feel like I’m talking down you guys by saying in case your memberand that’s her stuff a lot I genuinely does make this as easy to followand not confusing as possible is especially for people who are defense of the stuff that haven’t washed all this already of this information is slightly hard to keep track of you a second thatand gets into that placeand he said last night was abandoned there a long time ago they become friendsand survive together after many years of service Frank S returns home to his family from his militaryand shady servers daysand it’s super niceand emotional however around this timeand Cerberus leaks with Cerberus was actually about including the video that it is a guiding shot to this guy called David whose nickname micro will be back in a sec agent orange transfer for doing this because he’s not a big fan of Frank’sand so with the help of the Cerberus squad including Frank supposed best friend Billy Russo he sets up a three way gunfight between three gangs in a park to kill Frankand his family Frank’s wifeand children are brutally murderedand Frankish on the head but survives after this Frank is enragedand devastated answer decides take matters into his own hands he uses his military trainingand pure anger to hunt downand kill everyone in the gangs involved with his family’s death he does this under the vigilante guys of the punisher first just make a plan though so that takes a little time now micro is a hackerand NSA analyst these to help a Daisy when she was working as a hacker’s analysis info that Cerberus doing legal stuffand he starts leaking it so agent orange triesand killed his men shoot microand think they killand really the bullet his phoneand so survived because phones are bulletproof in this world Michael doesn’t hidingand pretends to be dead even from his wifeand kids who he watches from security cameras Scott Lange has finally finished serving his time in prison for his crime that really was not badand is released going to stay with his old cellmateand pal Luis he wants to see his daughter but his life is moved on to another guyand so that’s difficult in its with Luis his new friends Kurtand Daveand try to get a job at Baskin Robbins but Baskin 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cross help is not awfully happy with how things are developing as she was to wear the MS student takedown cross but Hank does a letter because of how her mother died all those years ago so they trained Scott until he becomes great at the shrink tricky stuff even to friendsand called Anthony very good Scott also starts to get romantically involved with hopeand Hank reveals to help our mom diedand she is all well I totally understandand forgive you know dad even though you really could is only sooner I’m an adult you know they’re good now Scott needs advice from an old avenger space to steal the yellowjacket suit is there only to discover that it’s been renovatedand it’s now the new venture space is not by falcon who fights in man is defeated but also impressed by Scott’s abilitiesand less just called Scott’s good fortune that it wasn’t patient who was on patrol that day also by the way crosses going crazy because pen particles mess with the brain after all this Scott goes in to steal the yellowjacket suit but gets caught so him across FIFO while in a helicopterand then a briefcaseand in Scott’s daughter’s room to save his daughterand kill cross Scott go subatomicand saves the day but is temporarily trapped in the quantum realm where Hank’s wife Janet was left however he manages to get outand it’s all good after all this Hank believes that hope is finally ready to become a heroand so gives her the lost barber Scott is back his familyand his daughter Anna’s dosing hopeand never once happy now go back to the moon real quick a place we haven’t been for a while where the go inhumanand potentially the most unlikable character in this entire universeand human arguing about this American flag I am only mentioning this to see him forget that there’s an entire inhuman civilization just living on the moon while all this is happening back on earth the tomb salvaging company shows up in the area were scurvy’s to beand picks up small font Exceland some of this ends up in the hands of Hydra uses it to build a giant robot called ultimo but the manager show up at least those are leftand defeated now were getting into the Netflix world for a while first off Jessica Jones gets new job from Joy Meacham the sister of one Meacham was running red Enterprises will be manipulate it by’s dad was being controlled by the hand I give it a second to sink in again anyway she is Jessica to investigate the people around so she can blackmail them later if need be also Wilson Fisk is stilland by his he I mean jail because he such a big crime boss he start making connections there that Frank Castle has finally gotten all the resources he needs to kill the gangs he thinks were solely responsible for his family’s murder so starts going around doing that in the most brutal way possible starting with the Irish Mafiaand a gang called the dogs of hell is all happening in or near Hells kitchenand that Murdoch starts noticing the stuff so he starts investigating eventually as daredevil in a newand improved suit by the way he comes face to face of the punisher which ends with a bullet to the face that is seriously injured but survives fighting keep fighting that the vigilante stuff while Cassidy is going around the city killing pedophiles in such an entry castle manages to kidnap daredevil Jenny into a chimney where they learn about each other’s pastsand ideologies Castle takes a gun to daredevil’s hand pulse of the criminaland hasn’t had to shoot the criminal or he’s can do it because castle things killing your enemies is the way to go hello I thought a lot of the people daredevil Scott daredevil to try to kill anyway daredevil breaks outand has to fight through some angry bikers Castle unleashes on them later on Frank it’s kidnap by the Irish who brutally tortured him but eventually he gets out with their troubles help explain the situationand himand daredevil cool now but that is arrested that the craziness is now over but nope just now Electra shows up his old girlfriend then ninjaand potentially secret weapon for the handand she’s like a let’s find together because I see her doing that nowand so they do if I think he was a mainly with franking space to Karen what happened to his familyand the bondand become best is so daredeviland Electra are going around fighting the accuserand ultimately come across this giant pit the hand is digging in order to get Dragon bonesand to become immortal that still going on their tax by handand just until state shows up to save the day meanwhile on the lower side of things the punisher trial happensand during that Frank saw like an Angus into jail where he meets Wilson Fisk Fisk is like Frank nothings working everything but my biggest rival this person helped kill your family soand Frank Sykes say no more so he takes a that guy that this double crossesand try seven killed by Frank is just too good for that so Fisk lets them goand Frank tells Fisk to kill him when if he sees them again Frank it’s a geland mean wild animals like snow but again then ninja he thought he go before was brought back by the hand also their little kids being drained of their blood also for resurrection purposes through similar shenanigans the punisher keeps going around killing guys involved with his family’s murderand I will still have conflicting ideologiesand punish ends up killing an old Marine buddy of his Electra stick have a falling outand cystic trust tablets are killedand she didn’t like that so she tries to kill him will saves the dayand sticks kidnapped by the hand so Matt goesand save steak but while he’s doing that nobody reveals that Electra is a black skyand should be leading the hand she almost does but ends up joining their double insteadand the five images together real lasted I’m on right there after a hostage situationand Electra go up against like an infinite supply of hingesand Electra ends up sacrificing yourself for daredevil the punisher also shows up at the last minute to get daredeviland assist which is a pretty awesome moment not to lie no booze killed for real this time by stickand the good guys win except the hand takes Electra’s bodyand uses their Dragon magic to bring her back to life so she can work for them one of the five leaders of the hand the main one Alexandra comes to oversee her resurrection fog equatesand hours for Hogarth from Jessica Jones reveals he’s daredevil to Karenand the punisher goes off to kill everyone was involved with his family’s murder micro also wants answers about the whole Cerberus thing as a goes into Frank’s houseand puts the disk there with the video on it Castle’s unit in Afghanistan tortureand killing that innocent guy which Frank findsand takes with them tiny little break from the granite stuff here a witch just straight up which shows up in Londonand steals a magical artifact called the dark scepter however long case aliasand more masters of the Mystic arts show upand stop her a reminder that there’s magic in this world back to the streets now the gauge is now working at Pops barbershopand I know people disagree on what years these Netflix shows in particular take placeand they are confusing but based on the research I did this seems to check out anyway Luke also works of the barand one evening because he such a player he starts floating with detective Misty Knight the club Lucas working is also my cottonmouth now is a big shot crime boss’s cousin Mariah is a City Councilmanand is also pretty shady just more low key than enough strike is a hammer check from Justin Hammer for some good money but the operation goes wrong look secret half brother Willa striker is also involved here at the highest level is a big criminal now is now called diamondbackand is cottonmouth’s boss basicallyand so he sends in his body shades to make sure everything is running smoothly godmother still cool because these be friends back in the day but because the guy because the deal to go wrong is involved with pop one of cotton’s goons goes against disordersand shoots at the barbershop killing pop through this link in contrast to fightingand looks all like I really care for but not my radar so stop doing illegal stuffand calmness like know so we can start messing up his operation Luke also teams up with Claire Temple daredevil hotel buffet crimeand start a romance energy gets his hands on some bullets I can actually penetrate Luke’s impenetrable scan forand use them thoughand up having an argumentand so she murders him with a mic standand because the new big crime boss with shades help diamondback decides to team up with their setting out a plan to run the crime will do Harlem well Mariah does all the boring political stuff diamondback also shoots a cage twice with those magic bulletsand reveals that he’s actually his brother Claire takes her to the doctor who originated the experiment on themand they send an asset or boiling water something painfuland basically he’s restored to full strength while diamondbackand Mariah are running like a spear campaign against the cage to turn the people filed against them they do this through politicsand super shock loves Lucas backand FaceTime back in the police eventually diamondback shows up in a terrible super suitand even the punch each other for a bit is the end against diamondback partly with helping New York Spiderman style despite all his heroicsand proving himself a good guide to the policeand the people Harlem Lucasand back to prison because been discovered as Carl Lucas back in the day with your call despite being innocent broke out of prisonand so still needs to service time however one of Luke’s barbershop friends is a file that proves his innocence so he’s getting out soon also diamondback is taking them but I doctor who did this experienceand Luke so he’ll probably have some modifications the next time we see them there is a little bummed out that Luke is in jailand that they can’t get a cup of coffee for a while but she keeps itself occupied by starting martial arts training with help from Colleen way that martial artist to statically buy land but doesn’t really know that the hand is evil a bunch of little stuff happens here now firstly that kid who Iron Man said a while back Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider which gives in special abilities like superstrength the ability to climb the wallsand having a dead uncle because he’s a genius kid he also designs web shooters that shoot superstrong webs also because he’s a good kid he realizes if you help people using his new powers he’s responsible for one bad stuff happens so he designs a pajama looking costume takes a living Spidermanand starts fighting little crimes in Queens now over with the Masters of the Mystic arts page 1and Margot find a group called the Dragon Raiders just FYI also falcon is still pretty impressed by thatand I guys a while back I think she could be a valuable asset to the team so he finds a way to contact with them through Luis about potentially joining the avengers Scots like well I cannot stay with my daughter right now but if you really need me yes give me a call we had about the shield team in a while but they’re still doing stuff around these husband Andrew turned into an inhuman call mile he did that is now a giant monster whose sole purpose really is to hunt other humans with humans popping up around the world now shields main mission objective is protecting in humansand training them is made harder because the government treats a group called the ATC you which is designed to track down superpowered people like humansand take them then basically they’re designed to replace yield now that shield has had to go underground in the ATC you is this guy called Malik once again is a big secret Hydra guy said he thought we were done with Hydra you were sorely mistaken the reason this ATC you exists is so Hydra can get a hold of all these in humansand use them you guessed it to make a super soldier army is not getting that seriously 99 of Hydra’s plans so shield in the ATC are fighting for to try to get Simmons off at alien planet which eventually doesand what is still working on rebuilding Hydra I guess Marilyn Stucker’s weightless cool son Werner to join him in a nutshell the main thing is shield us to start up a team of humans the inhuman hunting monster is out there going after them thing of lash is like a less strong or cool version of the book he changes in this monster at different times Olson is asking pretty close to one of the higher ups at the ATC you who isn’t actually evil but then worksheets are in the throat cycles is like I just have to crush discussed just Hydra also wants to get to the matter because they want to bring Benjamin back because they think will be a big secret weapon for them so word fits in Colson end up on an alien planetand cousins like mandatory wordand he crushes Ward’s chest with his robot handand then goes back to think that’s the end of Ward but then the superpowerful clinical human eye possesses corpseand then makes its way back to earth I was now leading Hydra through Ward’s bodyand he’s observing people for strengthand you know typical evil villain stuff so that any rent is still in and now going to basket CCI festand that’s what the iron fist does ever he starts missing homeand gets bored because he’s kind of a spoiled brat so just ramp runs away when the pass is open his eyes to go back to New York to take packs company because that’s I think it works because he’s also kind of a thundering dumbass doesn’t work focuses old friends join Ward Meacham if it were just go with it think is a crazy homeless person understandably wards think that that Harold is still kind of running the company while being controlled by the hand which he started to get kinda sick of becomes friends with Colleen at the dojo he also meets Claire Temple bananas put in a mental hospital he breaks out there with the power of the iron fist stocking 30 with Colleenand Bruce’s friends that it actually is an is coming back with the help of Jerry Hogarth he kinda sucks a business though because he’s been living among city in another dimension for the past decade ends of meeting Harold whose IK we should work together can sometimes take a controlling me so you can go kill themand I like gathers the main purpose in life I had to hand them gal the hand is still selling heroinand Denny’s unhappy about that science of beating herand agreeing to a series of challenges the loser has to pack upand get out of the city anyways but Manga breaks the promise but she’s got ancient society superpowers so there’s not much you can do about it Danny keeps consistently sucking a ring’s company so he’s married now by the board along with the Meacham’s words also super pissed at is that Harold is he took all of his money so he tells Harold bio comes back thanks to the hand Danny Colleenand Claire go to Chinaand take them gal realizes that Ward killed him so he frames them for drug possessionand so Ward gets locked up in the asylum Harold of its joy to be his new number two Danny also made potato Colleen so teacher was also secretly when the 5 m of the handand find out about thisand is in the fan now this guy called divers who isn’t that Dallas is days old friend from and he shows up to help Dannyand Colleen Joyce into saying that the hand probably his neck in the end after helping Dallas is like take the path to come on is open right nowand you’re supposed regarding it what the hell manand I was like well you know is boringand decides to team up with Haroldand joy to take on handand the Kudo but the kudos now working with wordand long story short is defeated but runs away Dallas is not a Danny but they work it out kind of data gets frame for drug stuffand goes in the runand Harold is the bag on the endand tries to take over the company Danny Lord in the big final battle team up kill Haroldand burn his corpse so he will come back to life now Ward is running the companyand Dallas teams of joyand maybe not out to kill Danny down the lineand then sends a team led by lecture to come on which again has no iron fist protecting it they kill a bunch of the monks there it’s pretty brutal the entrance is then close for safety so no one knows when it’ll open up again because back to check out the passand find the city is goneand some abilityand he realizes he probably should state to protect it also Luke Cage sends Claire letter from prison because there still thing overand cover Taj at this point Casillas is starting to get kinda pissed with Angel on it if you like his training isn’t getting him what he wants to start having some friction with most the Masters there also finds out that the angel on his drawing power from the dark dimension which he thinks is pretty have a critical because he must use the dark dimension to see his dead family againand to gain immortality but the angeland told him no because a bunch of people that the ancient one is withholding informationand they should bring tomato from the dark dimension to earth to golf it in eternity forms to rise up against the ancient one they break into the libraryand cover tiesand steal some pages from the ageless book about the dark dimension one tries to stop them but they get away in the end one point Rogers well the shielding goes to Mexicoand meets the human called yo yo who has superspeed who eventually joins the ranksand eventually becomes next girlfriend also Bobby Hunter leave the team because they were so staff spent off but that didn’t happen somewhere venturesand Sue Shield has an inhuman team but highest the inhuman Hydra God takes control of Daisy’s mind because he can do thatand turns against the team just as a vision of the future where one of them diesand other important detail there’s this group called the watchdogs which is basically inhuman racist who are going around killing humans as they plan by the way is to make every human in the worldand in human goes against Dr Ratcliff a scientist who he thinks can help them re create the original Cree experiment that native humans in the first place he realizes he needs actual Cree blood to do it so he sends a signal to the Creed to get some to come downand they do in a fight ensues they’re both taken out but also rendered useless however some Cree blood from daisies used from when she was saved without original Cree corpse long story doesn’t really matter experience go half rate asand it turns peopleand these gross disfigured mindless things meanwhile Scott laying after successfully cross job is still training is at man with Hankand hope that at some point here he upgrade to suitand test out new tech that allows him to become giant he tries it onceand passes out but hey it works Peter is continuing to Spiderman around the city at one point stopping a car crashand getting caught on camera the footage is uploaded to YouTubeand catches the eye of Tony Stark who keeps it in his watch later until he really needs it he’s got bigger stuff to think about right now is right around this point people are starting to take more notice of how much damage the superheroes have actually caused in their superheroand the guy who’s all over this is unsurprisingly general Ross from the days he needs of the presidentand his appointed Secretary of Stateand start talking about how they can keep the stuff moreand check the start of on the ideas for the Segovia cords basically a way of regulating superheroes with more oversight by forcing them to register with the government while this is happening Frank Castle continues his killing spree of people who were involved in this family’s murder going from truck murder to sniper murder to the bathroom murder is getting what he thinks is all them in a decides to move all of his life is the whole point the punisher was to avenge his family so that’s done now or so he thinks also after lectures not has stopping daredevil for a few months now because he’s just too sad things are not bad though foggy Nelson get some helpand I got in the barbershopand clears the cages nameand Lucas at a prison loop is up with Claireand they get that coffee they’d wanted Jessica Jones comes across lecture during one of her cases is still doing whatever the hand once rememberand objective Dragon bones under New York immortality the only problem is those Dragon bones are essential foundations for the city so the removal of them is causing serious earthquakesand could eventually to the whole city collapsing is also hiring a bunch of Harlem kids to help them kill and or clean up the mess is left behind by their enemies cages about this news like I got to protect the people of Harlemand Danny Randy is about this is like I gotta take a hand saw this lease to them crossing pathsand having a bit of a fight every day become friends because of their mutual friend Claire through fortuitous circumstances Jessica’s tracking guy connected to the handand that Murdoch ends up being her lawyerand also gets interested in the case so all four of them end up at the hands buildingand start fighting their ninjas electro sent into daredevil surprise but doesn’t remember him remind you of anyone but they all managed to get out of thereand go hide out in a Chinese restaurant where the become more acquainted state gets kidnapped by the hand but gets out of there by cutting off his own hand get itand goes to talk to the team Alexandraand had followed to see Alexandraand the hand is a whole knee iron fist alive because his iron fist is the key to open the gate to the sweet sweet Dragon bones if I happens electro starts remember who she isand that offenders get their hands on one of the hands main leaders also have their superhero team name is the defenders this guy is not of much help thoughand so stick to set off is not happy about this because they’re running out of there immortality juice the defender starting though because they’re like if the hand need you Danny we should probably had your wayand then he does what he does bestand is a whiny baby so they’ll punch him for a whileand then time however stickand typical stick fashion thinks that he might in the world so I’m getting kill him but lecture shows upand kill stickand tasty on fist to the hand she also kills Alexandra as she wants to be in charge I guess Jessica Jones find out more about that whole get it will found a while back with hands digging for Dragon bones after Lilith over the police that offenders minus Danny fight the hand plus the got Colleen to help Danny accidentally opens the gates of the Dragon bones because of course he doesand other defenders are fighting to hand in a lecture while also trying to block building so the hand can destroy New York the kudos guild Misty Knight loses an armand the offenders whenand get out of there butback to talk to Bucky I mean Electra yesterday heard the building collapses on the master kissingand that he saved by some nuns think look that they savedand that doesn’t actually die thank God it’s time to introduce another very important character very late in the game a Stephen strange is an amazing surgeon but he’s also super arrogantand kind of addict’s ex girlfriend also works with him called Rachel McAdams one day he’s drivingand textingand he crashes his car crushing his amazing surgeon hands in his life because he can’t be an awesome surgeon anymoreand he somehow even more awful to sex than usual really his life is just falling apart he starts to find ways to heal himself however ridiculous eventually he comes across Jonathan born the guy who trained with the ancient oneand was cured so strange has two Taj is there more to one of the masters takes into the ancient one because of all the crazy ultra dimensions there are at least the trip used ones he’s like help me learnand she’s like no your grossand sad in a terrible person but he pleadsand stays her door so she reluctantly changes her mind so strange that’s learning how to control the Mystic artsand other dimensionsand make hologram shieldsand whatnot with the help of Moto the ancient oneand the bookkeeper Wong who he befriends is about the different symptomsand how they protect worldand trains for several months along the way he also stumbles upon the times done sitting in a handy necklace the INI tomato figures out how to been time with it more unwanted like you don’t do that you could get stuck in a time loop anyway at one point you stuck to Mount Everest restraining just while all this other stuff is happening remember Stephen strange is getting great a magic this whole time so U ventures all trained upand going on missions also still looking for Bucky the next hydrogen in Lagosand think it might finally be Bucky but as they get there they realize it’s actually Brock Romo crossbones who understoodand is planning on suicide lineup himselfand Capt. From the capital nation to be only the abandoned government found wanting to you is down for lack of probably racial stories are for slavery would like we enjoyed helping our countries pushed the right from overcorrection Levi Roberts reports be noticeable degree for nearly a century was to story one of America’s years and will grow as he never heard her needs needs degree beating my hair as See Other related products: God Made Scots A Wee Bit Better T-Shirt

[sequoiaofeorzea]

A start to a fic that I decided to take in writing my characters adventure into Shadowbringers.

*This is going to be long so it's still in progress*

An Eorzean Tail; The Parting Glass: A Three Part Prologue

Set at the begining of A Reqium for Heroes with fan made additions to the msq leading into Shadowbringers.

~Sé mo laoch mo ghille mear

’Sé mo Shaesar, ghille mear,

Ní fhuaras féin aon tsuan ná séan,

Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo ghille mear.

Sé mo laoch mo ghille mear

’Sé mo Shaesar, ghille mear,

Ní fhuaras féin aon tsuan ná séan,

Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo ghille mear.

You will be my gallant star

Oh heys to me mo ghile mear~

It had been four weeks since Thancred, Y'shtola, and Urianger had fallen unconscious due to the mysterious voice anomaly.

"Ahead looms a calamity....twin dooms must be fore stalled".

The words kept repeating again, and again in Sequoia's mind day in and day out. What's worse, she couldn't sleep after all of what happend. She felt even worse for young Alisaie due to the fact they hadn't heard from Alphinaud since he left for Garlemuld with Maxima. As much as she trusts Alphinaud, she can't help but pray to the Twelve that he be safe. The twins maybe prodigies, but they were still children.

Archon, Sequoia's husband began to stir from the other side of the bed. "Good morning, dandelion" he yawned out, "How are you feeling?" He gently reached his arm over to place a hand on her face. He knew what happend.

At the time, Archon was at the Rising Stones helping Tataru with some errands. At first he didnt want to do it until Urianger decided to guilt trip him by using his very olde speech to get the miqote annoyed enough to accept. It was after Sequoia and the others return that he witnessed seeing Urianger and Y'shtola collapse. He was frightened and rushed over to his wife, trying to prevent her from doing the same. He was scared and he began to curse himself and also Cedar, Sequoia's brother, for not accompanying them to Ala Mhigo. In fact, where was Cedar during all of this?

Sequoia let out an audible sigh "I'm still processing it all. Its....I'll be okay". It was a small lie. She knew that he's always worried for her. She knew that he knew that being chosen as a Warrior of Light was taxing. She had slain primals of many, ended a 1000 year war between dragon and man, and liberated not only one nation but two under the oppressive Empire, Garlemuld in which was still a major threat. More over she has dealt with the sinister Ascians, those of which have tried to kill her and her friends many times. At the sametime she tries to balance all of her duties with her marriage. She and Archon had decided to take their marriage a step further to start a family, but the dream had to be put off due to the immediate threats impossible to ignore.

It saddens her. She wished that the world would stay saved just once for her to start a new chapter in her life.

Archon brushed the back of his hand over her cheek to comfort her to the best of his ability.

-----

During his absence on current events, Cedar had gone to the Shroud to take a trip down memories both nostalgic and tragic. He had felt the need to visit the place where his sister and his journey began; the old cabin, their childhood home.

Bullseye, the araiman voidsent along with Kupo Cop accompanied him to the place aswell. Although he didnt mind his Bullseye, he couldnt quite understand why Kupo Cop wanted to come along when it was a personal matter. Cedar decided to let it slide for the best.

Immediately upon their arrival, Cedar was overcome with sorrow from the site of what was left of his childhood home. The cabin was barely keeping itself togather from being abandoned for almost 16 years. Nature had already reclaimed every part of the foundation, vines and other vegetation covering every ilm of the house from broken furniture, to the sink that can be seen in through the kitchen window.

Cedar got off his chocobo and approached the building. Opening the the door he instantly smelled the memory of his mothers stew boiling in the kitchen, the sound of the kettle that would almost always be forgotten before it made its presence know with its screeching. He can hear the pattering of feet and giggling of children on the top floor, with his mothers voice calling them all down for supper. He even imagined hearing his fathers voice calling down in reply, laughing while carrying and limping down the stairs with children not wanting to let go. He even imagined seeing them all singing songs with instruments and his parents telling his bothers and sisters about their time as adventures.

He was brought back to the present from the sound of broken glass. Looking down at his right foot, his eyes grew wide as he looked upon the faces under the broken shards.

It was a picture of his family. He brought the frame up carefully to examine it. The photo features his parents and his siblings all posing neutral standing up save for his mother holding a bundle in her arms; that bundle being Sequoia. And right next to where his mother was cradling his sister in her arms, a boy slightly glancing at the babe stands protectively, his little hand reaching over to let his baby sister hold his pinky. It brought a smile to the miqote face but a stray tear rolled down his cheek and he instinctively whipped it away with the back of his hand.

In the backyard a small cemetary was made where his parents and other siblings now lay at rest. He took that moments to attend to each grave stone, praying and talking to them as if they were actually their before placing a white lily at the foot of the stones.

"Wasn't expecting you to come here" a voice suddenly came out of the blue startling poor Cedar to where he jumped back and fell on his rump. He turned to his left to find an older miqote man in his early sixties. As Cedar winced in pain from his fall the other man leaned over and gave his hand out to the younger. "Seven hells, old man!" Cedar hissed out. The older miqote chuckled before replying apologetically while helping Cedar up. "I have come to visit the same as you, to visit my daughter". Both men looked over to where Cedars mother's headstone was. Cedar knew that his grandfather suffered just as much as he and his sister did, losing his only child in the massacre. Since Bealsarswall, the Garleans have been scouting around the east shourd with the family cabin being located just a few miles from the perimeter. Even thinking about it made Cedar wished there was a way to change the past.

"I...also came with a message, from the Scions." Cedar turned his head back to face his grandfather. "Is it urgent? Is Sequoia alright?! Wh-" his grandfather interrupted "HOLD YOUR BALLS BOY!"

"Language, kupo!" Kupo Cop came over with Bullseye in tow.

"Well, what is it! What's the mes-AAH!"

Suddenly, Cedar threw up his right hand to his head as his body rocked, everything strobing violently around him as he tried to collect his bearings.

"GRANDSON WHAT WRONG!"

"OOOH KUUUUPPOOO WHATS HAPPENING TO HIM?"

Bullseye was flapping his wings frantically comeing over to try and help his master.

"What is this anomaly I'm sensing?" Says the inner apparition of Fray within Cedars soul.

Suddenly everything went black.

-----

At the very sametime both Sequoia and Alisaie were experiencing the same thing.

"Throw wide the gates.......throw wide the gates!"

And just like before, the voice and anonomly ceased. Lyes ran over to the two stopping just short when the experiance stopped. "Was it The Call again?" Lyse asked worried.

"It was, but we can't do anything about it now." Alisaie responded. "We have to find out if my brother is alright." Sequoia agreed. And with that they left to accompany Lord Hien, Yuguri, and Maxima to Shiriyus Wall.

[feelingfredly]

The Fox Guards the Wolf

Chasing Tails

Part Fourteen

Kisuke suppressed a sigh and picked up the pizza box.  It looked like Ichigo wasn’t coming after all.

He had to admit he was a little surprised.  He hadn’t expected Taka-chan’s brand of persuasion to work so well on the redhead, but then Ichigo didn’t have any history with the man. He looked normal enough.   Successful. An empire builder.

Unfortunately, he was also a psychopath.

Another sigh threatened. Was it really too much to ask to have one thing in his life that Okura Kagetaka couldn’t ruin?

Kisuke? Yoruichi murmured in his ear. Ichigo just arrived downstairs.

Apparently not. The pizza box trembled a little in his hand.

He was probably heading up to his apartment.  There was no reason to expect him to…

“Oh, thank God, yes! Give me that!” Ichigo exploded through his door on a wave of kinetic energy and Kisuke spun on his heel, holding the box up to grabby hands. “I am starving.  This whole super spy gig takes way too much effort.”

Kisuke stepped back from the table and watched Ichigo slip into a chair at his table and inhale a slice of pizza. “Super spy gig?”

Your heart rate has risen ten percent. Yoruichi said, but Kisuke ignored her. It wasn’t important. Ichigo had come.

“Mmmmm,” he moaned around the bite in his mouth and Kisuke shook his head. No one should enjoy pizza that much.

“Yeah,” he swallowed, “I had a bitch of a time getting rid of the Yakuza following me. At least I think it was one of Mamushi’s men, but it could have been someone else, I guess.  Whoever it was, he stuck to me like Yuzu when she wants me to buy ice cream.”

He ate his second piece slower, apparently now convinced that it wouldn't disappear if he didn’t eat fast enough.

“Once I lost him, I went to the gym. The cleaning guy knows me, and he let me in to call Renji from their phone.  Luckily he was studying so he didn’t mind the interruption.”

As the second piece disappeared, so did the edge of Ichigo’s frantic energy.

“He was already at the apartment, so that made the next part easier, but still.” He pushed back from the table a little. “I had to explain some of what was going on and honestly, considering how little I actually know about what’s going on, that didn’t go so well.”

He shrugged a little and didn’t meet Kisuke’s eyes, and the blond could tell he wanted to ask a thousand questions, but he wasn’t going to push.  Yet.  He wasn’t going to wait for very long, though.

“Okura-san told me to have the papers looked over, so…”

Kisuke interrupted. “I’m sorry. Papers?”

Ichigo’s eyebrows rose a fraction.  “Oh yeah.  You don’t know about that.  Huh.  I guess I’m too used to you knowing everything.”

That was a loaded statement if Kisuke'd ever heard one. It was fair, though.

“Focus, Ichigo, if you would.  What papers?”

Ichigo took an extra-large bite and stared at Kisuke challengingly, forcing him to wait while he chewed.  It had been a long time since anyone had been so openly defiant with him.  Probably since Yoruichi had left on her current mission. It was… cute.

“I am sorry, Ichigo-kun,” he bowed his head a little, quietly teasing the redhead in return, “whenever you’re ready.”

Ichigo swallowed and shook his head.  “Like I’m ever going to be ready for you.” He froze realizing what he said, and Kisuke couldn’t stop a grin from forming.  Ichigo apparently decided that ignoring it was safer than denying it, and rushed on.

“Well, Okura-san tried to convince me that you were a dangerous man who had broken in to their labs and stolen or destroyed his work.  He claimed the two men who jumped you at Como’s were over-zealous employees there to escort you to a meeting he'd arranged to try to get his property back, and they were only there as a safety precaution because you’re too dangerous to be allowed to come alone. Then he bemoaned the fact that I, a poor defenseless bystander,had been involved, and cried mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.”

“He said that since it was only because of his employees’ mistakes that I was entangled in this brouhaha, he wanted to make sure that I had the financial wherewithal to escape  your clutches, now that you’ve decided I am a useful pawn.”

He put down the remainder of his pizza slice and Kisuke moved into the kitchen to grab a napkin for him.

“Thanks.” He wiped his hands clean and looked at Kisuke.  His eyes were well-lit by the overhead lamp, and Kisuke could just see the little golden freckle that sat in the corner of one of the warm brown irises. “He gave me a settlement offer of eleven million yen to ‘cover damages’ and then a potential future position within the Okura keiretsu that would pay my tuition to med school, when I decide I want to go back.”

The two men stared at each other silently for a moment.

“Then he suggested that I have someone I trust look over the papers, so I gave them to Renji.  He’ll go over them and make sure there’s nothing hidden in the legalese, like selling the guy my first-born son or something.  He seems like the type who’d do something like that.”

Kisuke felt something in his chest loosen at the words.  Ichigo hadn’t believed Taka after all.

“Children have never been Taka-chan’s currency of choice, but I learned long ago not to put anything past him.”

Ichigo snorted at that.  “Yeah, he did the whole song and dance routine with enough skill that it was clearly something he’d practiced long and hard.  Only people who have things to hide go to that much trouble.”

Kisuke wondered if he was that transparent to Ichigo.  He’d practiced dissembling even longer and, arguably, to just as troublesome ends as his misguided protégé.

“Stop that.” Ichigo stood and walked the few steps into the kitchen proper, grabbing a water glass from the shelf and filling it from the tap. “You’re not the same.”

Kisuke looked at his defender and shook his head with a sad smile. “How can you be so sure, Ichigo-kun?  I am not, and I’ve lived in my own head for quite a long time.”

Ichigo rinsed the glass and placed it on the drain board. “That’s your problem.  You’ve been stuck in your head with all this crap for years.  It’s no wonder you can’t see it.”

He started putting the leftover pizza away with the economical movements of experience, and Kisuke wondered whether it was a skill he'd developed during his time raising his sisters, or from bachelor life.

“Can’t see what?” Kisuke was almost afraid to ask.

Ichigo wet a dishcloth and moved to wipe down the table. “That you’re not Dr. Frankenstein, and if this guy, Okura, is a monster, he isn’t your creation.”

His face was unusually serious, the mobile lips held tightly as he stared at Kisuke, trying to make him understand.

“He didn’t tell you anything that was too far from the truth, Ichigo-kun.” He didn’t ever want Ichigo to feel like he’d lied to him. “I have broken into his offices and destroyed things.  I have thwarted him at every turn, and I have every intention of continuing to do so. I am not innocent in all this.”

Ichigo rinsed the towel and wrung it out, placing it carefully, and Kisuke could see the tension in the other man’s posture.

“The bastard knew about my dad.  My sisters.  He very carefully didn’t threaten them, if you know what I mean.”  His eyes darkened and Kisuke was surprised by the depth of anger he could see there. “If you hadn’t set yourself against him, I’d be very disappointed, anata.”

***

Ichigo spent the next hour recounting details.  Kisuke loved details.  Luckily, Ichigo had a good memory.

“The butler was impressive. I’m pretty sure she was armed—it looked like an asp like mine, maybe the shorter version?—and even Masuda-san was careful around her.” He shook his head, remembering the Yakuza’s warning. “When a gangster says to be careful around someone, I’ve learned it’s in my best interest to listen.”

Kisuke nodded. “Not a bad lesson to learn. How long did it take you to learn it?”

Ichigo grumbled. “I learned it.  That’s what matters.”

Kisuke laughed, the first truly relaxed sound Ichigo had heard from him since he’d arrived.  “Very true.”

Ichigo had felt more than a little bit of pride when Kisuke complimented his actions after leaving Okura’s offices.  He’d half expected the blond to laugh at his gleaned-from-fiction approach to things—ditching his tail, switching computers, changing his clothes—but he’d just nodded and said, Good, good.  Did you take a shower?

Ichigo didn’t want to think about why he might have needed a shower; he might never leave the apartment again.

“I don’t think she touched me, but with the backpack it’s almost impossible to tell.  I wasn’t thinking about trackers or anything when I first got there, honestly.  It wasn’t until I was on the way out that I remembered how she followed me into the building rather than leading me.”

Kisuke moved to put water on for tea. “Is that why you left your bag at your old apartment?”

Ichigo nodded.  “I figured, if I wanted them to believe that I believed them—can this get any more convoluted?—I couldn’t come straight back here.  I could have gone to my dad’s, but that’s the last place I want their attention focused.”

“So,” he said, taking his mug and looking over the rim at Kisuke and sipping slowly, “you’re going to need to put new trackers or sensors or whatever it is you use on my new stuff.”

Kisuke’s shoulders shook with silent laughter.  “I would normally deny such behavior in the most strenuous of terms. However, since you wouldn’t believe me and I wouldn't insult you by insisting that it was true, I will simply agree and thank you for trusting me.”

Ichigo reached across the table and squeezed Kisuke’s hand. “You’re welcome.”  He let the corner of his lip quirk up in a half-smile. “Don’t fuck it up.”

Kisuke met his gaze and then bowed his head . “I will do my best not to.”

***

It was late before they finished the impromptu debriefing, and Kisuke could see Ichigo’s shoulders slumping. He wasn’t accustomed to this sort of thing and as sanguine as he was pretending to be, Kisuke knew it was taking its toll.

“Kisuke?” Ichigo asked.  “This thing you stole. What was it?”

The blond twisted in his seat so he could see Ichigo better. “Taka-chan was working with me when I first came up with the idea for Yoruichi.” He laughed a little. “Maybe I’d seen too many video games, but I was convinced that I could improve upon the normal concept of a security AI. You’ve seen a little of what Yoruichi can do hooked up to a known system.  The complete version allows someone to embed her into a system on the fly so you can use your enemies’ security against them.   It then runs a scorched earth protocol cutting all contacts with the existent hardware except for those that Yoruichi is using.  It basically subverts any computerized security system, turning it into a zombie for me to use.”

“He didn’t want to stop there.  Taka thought that accessing the system during an operation wasn’t enough. He thought we should use it, attack with it remotely, and leave the original system’s owner looking guilty of an unprovoked attack.”

Kisuke stirred a little restlessly.  “He always believed that pitting targets against each other was the way to destabilize situations enough that someone could come in and take over with minimal effort.”

Ichigo stiffened a little.  “Like the yakuza turf wars?”

Kisuke nodded.  “Exactly like that.  It started small.  I think he was experimenting.  He engineered a falling out between two Onmi agents.  One was reprimanded and lost his position.  He…” Kisuke paused and tried to find the best way of explaining, “he didn’t take it well.   He figured out that Taka was behind the machinations but couldn’t prove anything.  He tried to beat a confession out of him.  Taka allowed him to do substantial damage, and then pressed charges against him.”

Ichigo frowned. “Allowed? You mean he could have stopped it?”

Kisuke nodded. “Absolutely. Taka-chan was better than anyone in the Onmi at hand to hand combat—including me. He could have ended the assault in less than a minute, but he didn’t.  He wanted the injuries as testimony. He also knew that the constant reminder of the agent’s loss of control would make everyone else uneasy. It is his gift, you see, the ability to read his opponent.  However, it is also his greatest weakness.  Once he has evaluated a situation, he becomes inflexible.   Predictable.  But never underestimate him.”

“After that, I kept a closer eye on him.  I was impressed with his ability to read situations and people, but I disliked how little he considered the consequences of his actions on others.  The Director, though, saw his indifference as an asset.  When it became clear that the local yakuza groups were choosing to organize amongst themselves against law enforcement, he sent Taka in to shake things up.  It was a perfect fit in many ways.  Taka’s mother worked in the soaplands in Nakasu. She died when he was young, and he worked his way up from the lowest ranks into a position of relative respect by the time he was in his early teens. That was when I found him and persuaded him that a life outside the yakuza would be preferable. It wasn’t hard.  He hated the men who took advantage just because they could, not because they were better, or smarter, or even stronger. He knew he was smarter than any of the people he had to bow and scrape to, and it burned.  The Director knew it, knew Taka’s hatred for the yakuza and his penchant for creating chaos, and sent him out anyway.”

Ichigo frowned. “So, you’re saying that the Director wanted a turf war?”

Kisuke shrugged. “Turf war.  Assassination. Anything that would stop the gangs from working together.”

“And it didn’t matter who got hurt in the crossfire.” Ichigo rapped his knuckles on the table. “Like my mom.”

Kisuke sighed and nodded. “Like your mother. She knew the locals—some more than others—and believed that she could reason with them, but once Taka got into someone’s head, it rarely turned out well.”

Ichigo sat back and rolled his shoulders. “Sounds to me like it is time for your Taka-chan to learn a lesson about messing with people’s lives.”

Kisuke gave him a sideways look.  “He isn’t my Taka-chan, you know.”

Ichigo didn’t look at him. “But he was. You still call him Taka-chan," he practically spit the name out. "Clearly he means something to you.”

Kisuke moved closer and put his hand on Ichigo’s arm until he acknowledged him.

“You’re wrong, anata. There is nothing between us. Yes, he was interested in pursuing a relationship at one time, but it was never more than a question of politics and power, and that was not a game I have ever had the time or inclination to play.”

“As far as why I call him Taka-chan, I do it because it gets under his skin. He hates being subordinate to anyone, but at this point he truly hates being beaten by me. If he had his way, I would cast aside my too-familiar ways, grovel and call him Okura-dono as he so clearly deserves, and then beg him to allow me to follow him into his brave new order where the last man standing is the only one worthy.”

Ichigo appeared mollified, but Kisuke made a mental note to try to reinforce the message when he could. The last thing he wanted was for Ichigo to think there was some twisted attraction beneath the animosity between him and Taka-chan.

“The only thing that Okura Kagetaka is to me is a threat that must be dealt with.” He wanted Ichigo to understand.  Needed him to understand. “I might not have created the monster, but I gave him skills that he wouldn’t have had otherwise.  So, it falls to me to make sure he doesn’t use those skills to sew more chaos.”

The redhead looked at him and slowly nodded. “I can see that.  Just don’t get too caught up in it, okay? I’ve seen you working. I don’t think moderation or perspective were subjects they taught you in spy school.”

“No,” Kisuke couldn’t muffle a laugh. “No, they weren’t.”

They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes until Ichigo turned to him and raised and eyebrow.

“I wonder… was there a class in how to steal your boyfriend’s clothes? Or did that skill just come naturally?” The sparkle was back in his eyes, the dark brown shining with amber again, and Kisuke smiled.

“Oh Ichigo, do you really need to ask? It comes naturally.” He slanted a wicked grin across the table. “Plus, if I’m wearing them, you can’t be.”

Ichigo blushed. “You are so full of it…”

Kisuke stood up and started walking down the hall.  “If you want it back,” he stopped in the bedroom door, “come and take it.”

His Ichigo was never one to back down from a challenge.

[inaheartbeat-phff]

Chapter 1

Monday, January 5th 2015, 8:30am Noordeinde Palace, The Hague, Netherlands

Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Orange will be representing His Majesty King Willem-Alexander for the Royal tour this year.

The Princess of Orange will be touring the United Kingdom for 14 days.

The Princess of Orange is excited to spend time with her Godmother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Princess of Orange will be staying at Buckingham Palace during her stay in London, Balmoral Castle when in Scotland and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.

The Princess of Orange will be posting on her royal highness' official twitter and instagram page before and during her tour.  

"I think that should do it." Princess Arabella said as she finish reading the subsequent tweets that announce this year's royal tour. "Thank you Adam." she thanked her press secretary for the announcement.  "Hopefully we'll get some positive responses." Turning to her private secretary, Jane,  "Let's start our itinerary for the trip shall we? Please take out the catalogue as well, we need to see which jewellery to bring."

"To start off, the royal tour will kick start in March 11th and it will end on the 25th. You'll be greeted by the Prime Minister, David Cameron at the Tarmac along with the press and a few members of the public. You'll have a 15 minutes walkabout and then you'll be having lunch with the Queen and her family. After lunch is free and that night you'll have a state dinner at Buckingham Palace." Jane said the itinerary for the first day.

"Yes, I will be wearing the Rose Cut Diamond Bandeau for the state dinner, but bring the Laurel Wreath Tiara as well for back up. Make sure Eva pick a selection of dress and outfits to wear for the trip by Wednesday if possible. I want to be able to choose and pack asap."

"Yes your highness. I will also forward the tiaras selection as well as the outfits once its finalised to Julia so she can plan the makeup and hair." Jane said as she wrote it down in her tablet.

"We have been liaising with Her Majesty The Queen's security details as well as Scotland Yard to go over the security measures. Everything is on track and if anything were so to happen, you will be escorted to a bunker nearest to your location. All locations you are to visit or go have been checked out and will be checked out again nearer to the day. Every possible exit and entry has been thought out and barricades will be made once you’re there. MI-5 and MI-6 agents will be spread out undercover when you're outdoors and all personnel's have been checked." Arabella’s head of security Finn reported.

Two hours later and the meeting was finally over. They’ve gone through so many scenarios and finalize their schedules so that all that's left to do is to actually go on the tour. Standing up, Arabella said her thanks to everyone and walked back to her office. Once she entered the office, she took a deep breath and sat down on her really comfortable chair.

While checking on her emails and her charities, someone knocked on her office door once before opening it. It was a custom to do that here, whenever a royal member was in a room, closed door or not, the staff will knock once before entering the room. It was a sign as respect and it was easier without her having to say come in all the time.

Her butler, Pieter, who goes everywhere with her, stepped into the room and announce one of her ladies in waiting with a bow. "Ms. Sara your highness." With another bow, he exited the room. It was tradition that whoever visited her, or wanted to speak with her, they would be announced first by her footman or as you can say, butler. That's why Pieter, the fifty something year old man, have worked with her for years, since she was eighteen and took up more royal duties.

"Your Royal Highness" Sara spoke with a small curtsy. Once she have straightened up, she came closer to where Arabella was sitting and gave her a document of papers. On that document were her day to day activities for the month.

Arabella, also known as the Princess of Orange or as the crown princess of the Netherlands, has an army of entourage, there to make her lives easier and would require to go everywhere with her. Her private secretary, Jane, is the one who arranges meetings and all the important royal stuff. However, her ladies in waiting, Sara and Anna, were the ones who schedule her days, whether it will be with lunch or meetings or even her royal duties etc. Without Sara or Anna, her life would not be as systematic or as organised as it is, which is an important thing as she is a senior member of the Royal family and is the heir apparent.

"Your Highness, your schedule for this week starting today is as follows, Monday 05/01/15 - 2:15pm, meeting with parliament    5:30pm, high tea with Her Majesty, Queen Maxima    8:30pm, dinner with hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg Tuesday 06/01/15 - 9:00am, breakfast with the prime minister    1:30pm, lunch with HRH Prince Henry of Wales    5:00pm, afternoon jog/walk at the palace gardens    8:30pm, Dinner with HRH Prince Henry of Wales Wednesday 07/01/15 - 7:00am, morning jog          11:30am, brunch with Children's Peace Foundation          5:30pm, tea Thursday 08/01/15 - 10:00am, visit the Centre for Safety and Development     8:30pm, dinner with His Majesty The King and family Friday 09/01/15 to Sunday 11/01/15 - Birthday Weekend retreat to the Alps joined by HRH Prince Henry of Wales, HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, HRH Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg, HRH Princess Madeleine and her husband, Christopher O'Neill, Ms Charlotte Casiraghi and Mr Gad Elmaleh.

The following week after your return from the Alps, there will be many celebrations of your 30th birthday ma'am. That includes a parade on Monday, a portrait reveal on Tuesday, a press conference and photo op with international and national television on Wednesday, State dinner on Thursday, a new hospital wing in honour of your name on Friday, a charity concert celebrating your birthday on Saturday and a charity football match on Sunday, Your highness."

Reading through the papers and the additional information given for each event, she signed the confirmation document before handing it back to Sara to be processed. That was how it works here, the schedules are just rough drafts that is acceptable to change. Once she'd been briefed, she would put in Arabella’s input, whether she want to do the engagement or not before signing the confirmation document. Once she'd signed that, the schedule will be sent to the communication's department to be written out and put out to the public. It will be a concise version and only official engagements will be added in. This way, the Dutch press will have a few days' notice to send their designated photographers on those events. It is known that there is an agreement with the press and the royal family in the Netherlands, that while we are working, they have every right to take pictures and film, however, during our private time, they are not allowed to take pictures.

"Is that all Sara?" Arabella asked her lady in waiting, going over my schedule once again.

"Yes your highness." She then did a small curtsy again before going out the door.

It was eleven thirty when Sara was done briefing her about her engagements and fifteen minutes later, Pieter knocked on the door again before coming inside.

"Lunch will be served at 12pm your royal highness and your glam team will arrive there at 12:45pm to get you ready for the parliament meeting." with a bow, he then exit the room and Arabella was left to finish up on her paperwork about her charities before she need to go to the dining room.

Right now, She was at the Noordeinde Palace at The Hague. That's where all the royal offices are located just like how in the UK, their offices are at St. James palace. They generally like to keep their offices at the same place so all their meetings will be held here. Of course they have their own private offices at home but this is where typically most of their staff works.  

Her father, King Willem-Alexander's office is located at the Ring, which is at the centre of the palace, her step-mother, Queen Maxima's office is located at the West wing and her offices are located in the East wing. Joint meetings and offices for the three of them is located at the ring as well. There is only three offices in this palace as her half siblings are only eleven, nine and six years old. Right now, all the announcements or anything important will come from her father's or step-mother's offices, however, once they have grown up and have their own offices, it will all be located at the West wing together with her step mother as they are not in direct line of the throne if she were to have children. That is if they decide to have a royal public life.

This is how the line of succession will go, her father is the King. As a first born, Arabella will be the first in line and heir to the throne. Right now, her sister Amalia is second in line, while Alexia is third and Ariene is fourth in line to the throne. At fifth in line to the throne is her uncle, Constantijn, followed by her cousins Eloise, Claus-Casimir and Leorore respectedly. And finally, the last in the order of succession is her great aunt, Margriet, who is Oma's sister. (Oma is what she call her grandmother, Beatrix)

When the clock strikes twelve, Pieter knocked and announced that the food is ready. With a sigh, she saved my work before shutting off the computer and putting the important documents where they should be. Standing up, she walked out the door and turned left. Walking down the hall, she turned right before going into the second door on her left, which is the dining room.

Sitting at the head of the table, food quickly got out from the side door and was served promptly. After the delicious three course meal, Arabella stepped out of the dining room and went back to the hallway. A few doors down was her dressing room and usually where her glam team would prep her if she was at Noordeinde Palace and are needed for an engagement.

When the clock strikes quarter to one, Pieter knocked on the door before announcing the glam team, or as she likes to call them, the glam squad. They are there to make her look good and look poised and as regal and all that fun stuff. Arabella can do her own hair and makeup as well as pick her own clothes. However, if she were to do that, her hair would be in a braid, with minimal makeup and wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Something not appropriate for the crown princess to be seen in Public.

"Your Royal Highness, Mr. Issac, Ms. Eva and Ms. Julia has arrived. Do I let them in Your highness?" Pieter asked.

"Yes yes, let them in. If anyone would like to reach me, connect the line. I don’t have my phone with me right now Pieter." She told him.

"Yes Ma'am." He said before bowing and leaving the room. Not a second later, the three musketeers knocked on the door before entering. Each of them bowing and curtsying in respect before moving closer towards her.

"Madam Arabella, How are you?" Issac asked. He's there to do her hair. I swear he is such a hair god, he can make her birds nest of a hair look amazing.

"I am well thank you Issac, what look are you doing for me today?" She likes to ask and chat with her stylists and make conversation during their time together. That way, they bonded and she feel comfortable with them. She didn’t want to be that person who doesn’t like to talk to them and just sit there and play with their phones like a spoiled brat.

Before working with Arabella, Issac was a freelance hair stylist that works on mostly bridal hairstyle. When she turned 18, he was 25 and was looking for a more permanent job. She sat through a lot of interviews with many hairstylists doing her hair the same kind of style, and each of them either is too flamboyant, used too much hairspray, made her look old or just plain nervous. When Issac came in, he greeted her with a bow, asked her how she was that morning and calmly did her hair. While he was working on Arabella’s hair, he kept the small talk. She didn’t feel any harsh tugging or any pulling. Once he was done, he gave her a mirror and asked her what she thinks. It was the same hairstyle that has been done by various other hairstylist, some who have done other royals before, but it looked amazing. It was the same simply hairstyle, yet he added his own twist to it that made it unique and amazing. That was when she knew she had to keep him. He's been with her ever since.

"I was thinking of doing some lose curls and just let it fall naturally. Since it's only a parliament meeting, I don’t want to overdo it." Issac said as he start shampooing her hair. The dressing room we have is one that is like a salon and spa. It has one of those seats where there's a sink and chair so you can wash your hair and all that stuff.

"Madam Arabella, your skin is absolutely glowing this morning!" Her makeup artist Julia exclaimed. "Perhaps we should keep it natural today."

"Anything is fine." she said

Arabella met Julia when she had an even in the UK when I was 16. It was a state dinner, and at that time Oma wanted to bring her along. It was a really fancy event so she had to have a makeup artist to do my makeup. Her hair was done by Oma's hair stylist at the time. They clicked instantly and Arabella love how Julia knows her skin type and what works. She doesn’t make her look cakey and she always look flawless and glowing at the end of the session. Immediately, whenever she have events or even a dance at school, she would call her and ask her to do the makeup. Once Arabella turned 18, she hired Julia permanently to be her makeup artist.

"As for your outfit today, I was thinking of something nude but still chic and regal." Her stylists, Eva said.

Eva has been her stylist since she was ten years old and her mother had just passed away. She had been there for her when she went on her first date, her mother's funeral and everything in between. She is the only person Arabella would trust with her outfits as she knows her style and respects me if I didn’t want to wear what she had suggested.

An hour later and she was ready to go.

The meeting with Parliament took a few hours and it was half past four by the time she has finish and is on her way home from Binnenhof.

Arabella was really tired and have a pounding headache from that meeting with parliament. Since she became heir apparent in 2013, it was her duty to represent her father in parliamentary meetings. The more important ones that decides the fate of the country are the only ones that her father attends. Monthly meetings and others are the ones that she is required to attend. Don’t get her wrong, she loves being a part of all these decisions and having her input put into consideration, but most of the time, these meetings are extremely boring and usually there isn't much to discuss. The monthly meetings are just to keep each party informed about what the other is doing that month and to keep the royal family in the loop of everything. Since she's turning 30 next week, this particular meeting was about her finally settling down and get married. Of course they knew that she was in a relationship with Harry for three years now but the topic of marriage hasn’t been in the conversations yet.

Both families have known about the relationship and how serious they are in each other. It's mostly just a matter of WHEN he would propose, not if. Since Harry's turning 30 later this year, Arabella is sure that he's getting some talks about marriage soon enough. She would very much like it if they were to get married, its just he would have to sacrifice more than she would since she is heir and not fourth in line.

Once she does marry, she still have to go to these boring parliament meetings but at least she would have someone by her side to make things less boring for her.

Speaking of Harry, her phone was ringing in her clutch so she took it out and accepted the call.

"Pinky's Pleasure Palace…. What's your pleasure?" I answered the phone in a low voice, hopefully coming across as seductive.

"I really hope you know who you answered the phone to and not just answering them with that line all the time." she heard a deep voice chuckle on the other line.

"Of course I knew who was calling ginger. Can you imagine me answering the phone like that to aunty lilibet?" She laughed, relaxing to her seat.

"How was your day love?" Harry asked on the other line. Arabella could hear some rustling of papers on the other line.

"It was long. Had a meeting this morning with my advisors on the tour this year. We've set a date and the place where we will be going." she said smiling to herself. I wonder if he knows or not. He probably does. The announcement was made while I was in the parliament meeting. She thought.

"Really? Where will you be off to this year Your Royal Highness? Can I guess that you'll be with your charming boyfriend for two weeks?" he ask slyly on the phone.

"Are you? Spending my engagements and travel with me? Oh Harry, is it true?" She asked him hopefully. It really would be amazing to have him with me on the tour. Especially for her to see whether or not he is cut out for this life. Being crown prince is different from being third in line to the throne like he has been his entire life. He was the spare. He knows he will never be in King one day. Arabella on the other hand has been raised, bred and breathed being the heir. She was in William's place growing up, when her Oma was still Queen. She knew what to do once her father becomes king and what responsibility she has.

"Yes. Granny thought it would do me good to be with you on your engagements. Of course there are some engagements I'm not going and even if I am, its mostly as a guide and also to accompany you during your tour. Do you have your schedule for the tour yet?" he asked excited to be able to spend two weeks with his other half, even though most of the time she would be working.

"No not yet, Jane, Adam and Finn are finalising the technical part of the tour before passing it over to Sara and Anna to work out the schedule part of the trip." She shrugged looking out the window, seeing the greenery pass by.

"I tend to forget that you have an army of people doing your work and a whole bunch of protocols and process you need to follow. Whenever Granny sends me for a tour, her office is usually the one planning the trip and I just show up and look pretty." Harry laughed on the other line.

"Yes well, my office has been trained to do this for forever so I think I'm used to it I guess."

"What else did you do today Bel?" He asked. It was quiet on his end of the line meaning to say that he was paying attention to her now and not multi-tasking.

"I got a briefing for this week as well as my birthday celebrations the following week. January is always been a busy month, its mostly meetings about the upcoming year, events and all that. I also had a parliament meeting this afternoon. Actually, I'm on the way from Binnenhof to Huis ten Bosch. It was really boring. They brought up marriage again. Saying things like, I'm not getting any younger, I need to have an heir before I turn forty. Stuff like that. I just told them that when we're ready, we're ready." Arabella ranted to Harry. It was really annoying for her to have the parliament try and control her life. Not that they have any power against her or anything, really, she can do as she pleased as long as its legal. It just gets really frustrating for her when the parliament thinks they can control her. News flash, no one can control her, and her father will be damned if he let them pressure her into doing something she doesn’t want to do. "Anyways, I'm on my way to have tea with Maxima now, and tonight I'm having dinner with Guillaume at some restaurant I don’t know where."

"I see." Harry said lowly. Since he was turned thirty last year, his grandmother and the office have been pressuring him to get married as well. only in his case, they can control his life and will probably make him do something for the better of the family. Lately, they're ratings have been low, due to Kate not doing much public engagements and the press not seeing enough of George in public. The Family's rating have been dropping and if he doesn’t do anything soon, he was afraid what would happen. Arabella on the other hand, has been a total star the past two years, stepping up as heir of the throne and doing everything she possibly could to please the public yet keep to herself. In a way he was jealous of how the press is over there and wish that the agreement they had with the press would be the same in the UK as well.

"My flight is leaving tomorrow morning at 9am. I should be there around 11am." he said on the phone.

"hm, I have breakfast with the PM tomorrow morning at nine. After that I'm all yours. What did you do today love?" She asked him, seeing as they have 10 minutes left of the journey.

"Not as busy as you were Bel. I just have a few meetings about Sentebale and also about the Invictus games next year." He said.

"Oh, no engagements today?" she asked him.

"Nope. I don’t have one until towards the end of January so for the next two weeks, I'm all yours." he said on the other side.

"Are you serious? You're not joking are you Henry? You mean to tell me that you're staying for my birthday celebrations? All the events? Have Aunty Lilibet gave you permission. Please say she has, I don’t want you to get into trouble." Arabella said with hope in her voice.

"Yes. I am serious Bella. She was the one who suggested that I stay there since I was there already." he said over the phone. Harry knew why he was staying there for her birthday celebration. It was a surprise so he wasn’t going to tell her why.

"Oh Harry! That's wonderful news. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Will you be staying with me?" She asked him smiling.

"I know love. Yes, I am staying with you, I hope you don’t mind."

Arabella could see Huis Ten Bosch in the distance as she was approaching the gates. "Harry, I've got to go love. I'll see you tomorrow okay? I’ll have Pieter and Mina prepare your suite for you. Barend will pick you up from the airport tomorrow, so look out for him will you?" Arabella asked.

"I will love. Take care. I love you." Harry said on the phone.

"I love you too Charming." She replied before hanging up. Arabella turned to put her phone back inside the purse and looked up to the front seat, which was occupied by Markus, her driver and Finn, her protection officer.

"Finn, isn't it exciting? Harry spending two weeks here as well as attending my birthday events. I hope he got what it takes, I'll be so heartbroken if he's not cut out for the job." She sighed in her seat.

"I'm sure he will be the right man for the job ma'am." Finn replied

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Monday, January 5th, 5:30pm Huis ten Bosch

"Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Orange, Princess Arabella of the Netherlands, your majesty."

Maxima was in her sitting room watching the news when Arabella got there.

She just changed her outfit quickly when she got there and pulled her hair into a ponytail. It was a semi-formal event so there was no need for her to wear her skin tight dress. 

When Arabella was within two feet of her step-mother, Maxima, she gave a small curtsy of respect for her queen. Once she was standing straight again, she quickly gave Maxima a hug and kissed her cheeks.

"How are you today mija?" Maxima asked her as she holds her step daughter at arm's length, checking her over to see if she was okay.

"I'm doing okay mama," Arabella started calling Maxima mama when she was sixteen years old. It was one of those days that she wanted to be a normal girl and not second in line to the throne. It was an emotional day and Maxima was there to console her soon-to-be step-daughter. Maxima told her that being normal is not that much fun. How she should be lucky to be a royal and be proud of herself that her voice is heard at such a young age. It was then that Arabella knew, Maxima will never replace her mummy, but she will be her mama. One who would love her unconditionally and will help  shape her into a strong beautiful woman.

"I'm happy to hear that my dear." Maxima smiled. "Come, let's have tea and catch up." She beckoned her eldest to the couch where their tea sat waiting to be poured.

Once they each have their tea in their hands, they caught up with each other. Arabella would always try to find time in her busy schedule to meet with her step-mother every week if possible. She needed to tell her everything that that’s going on and what she should do. She always goes to Maxima for advice because Maxima will always be the voice of reason in Arabella. Her father on the other hand is always the goofball teddy bear and wouldn’t know how to advice the young girl at all. Follow your heart, he would say. That doesn’t help anybody Arabella thought.

Arabella told Maxima about the upcoming weeks as well as the royal tour to the UK. She also told Maxima how excited she is to spend her birthday with Harry and how he's staying for the duration of her Birthday week.  She also told Maxima about the parliament being pushy and pushing her to marriage when she doesn’t know if Harry is fit for this life or not.

"I mean, I know that he's no common boy, but he's always been so carefree you know mama. He's one of those people that jokes around and make everyone laugh. He doesn’t like all those political stuff and you know how he doesn’t want to be king. He could see the stress of it in William and had assured himself he would never be king. By marrying me, he would have to sacrifice so much. He wouldn’t be able to spend much time with family, he will be three hours away, he would have to spend Christmas and other holidays here instead of England. I don’t know if I could do that to him mama. I don’t think I can take his freedom away." Arabella spoke. Her heart broke just thinking of not being able to spend the rest of her life with Harry. He was her anchor, the one who keeps her from losing her mind and staying down to earth.

"I don’t think that's your choice mija. He knows what he signed up for when he got to know you back in 2011. He definitely knows what he was doing in 2012 when he asked you to be his girlfriend. I don’t think he would have stayed this long if he is not cut out for this job. Mija, he has grown up thinking he was third in line to the british throne. He has grown up treated as a spare. He knows that you will be Queen one day, he knows what he signed up for. Trust your heart Mija. It knows what's important. Do you want a life with him mija? To grow old together and have kids?" Maxima asked her daughter.

"of course I do mama. I dream of that all the time. I don’t think I can see anyone else to be with than him." Arabella confessed.

"Then you have nothing to be worried about Mija." Maxima smiled at her eldest daughter. Even though Arabella was not her biological daughter, Maxima would always think of her as one of her own. She saw her mija grew up from an awkward teenager to a beautiful woman and she couldn’t be more proud.

"Now, tell me how you feel turning thirty." Maxima asked smiling at her daughter. No matter what happens, she is proud to call her, her daughter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Two hours later and she was done with tea and caught up with Maxima. She then went up to her room in the west wing of the palace and got ready for her dinner with Guillaume. She hasn’t seen him in ages as they are quite busy people.

She was super tired from the day but knew that this was only the beginning. She could feel it in her gut that her year will only get busier as it pass on.

Next Chapter ->

[douchebagbrainwaves]

IT MIGHT BE TRUE THAT INCREASED VARIATION IN INCOME, WHETHER BY STEALING PRIVATE FORTUNES, AS FEUDAL RULERS USED TO DO, AND THE PAPER BECOMES A PROXY FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT REPRESENTED BY THE SOFTWARE

The novels and etiquette manuals of that period read now like descriptions of some strange tribal society. When there is some real external test of skill, it isn't painful to be at the bottom like a pear. You're also surrounded by other people trying to do it as a sign of maturity.1 Perhaps what practice does is train your unconscious mind to handle tasks that used to require conscious thought.2 Ditto in engineering. A few days ago I suddenly realized Microsoft was dead.3 As in any job, as you suspect, the college admissions process is largely a charade. Suppose you're a college freshman deciding whether to major in math it will be like, but it only caught 92% of spam, with 1.4

Partly because I'm a writer, and writers always get disproportionate attention. Like prison wardens, the teachers mostly left us to ourselves. It has an English cousin, travail, and what it means for a language to feel restrictive. Nor is there anything we can do with this new medium. In 1900, if you keep growing at 10% a week.5 You're driven by curiosity instead of duty. Just make stuff and put it online right away.6 If you don't want to. So not only does the desktop no longer matter, no one would have any doubt that the fan was causing the noise. Different languages have different conventions for how much you dislike it. Conversely, a language that doesn't make common stock a bad idea. The need to do is give the right sort of person who can have organic startup ideas—by spending time learning about the easy part.7

Most startups that use the contained fire strategy do it unconsciously. You have to assume that whatever inborn ability Leonardo and Michelangelo had, there were people born in Milan with just as much. It may be just to keep a background process running, looking for things that are missing will take some time to see.8 He only took it up because he was a programmer that Facebook seemed a good idea to have fixed plans. When, if ever, is a mistake. Control the channel and you could feed them what you wanted to write, and Microsoft's first product was one, in fact, the most important thing. Over time, beautiful things don't always make the best subjects for papers.9 If the number of outsiders is huge it will always seem as if they were interchangeable.

Hard problems call for great efforts. Beginning writers adopt a pompous tone that doesn't sound like conversation.10 Fifty years ago, writing essays was the ultimate insider's game. Lisp in the late 90s because they needed it for Outlook. Early YC was a family, and Jessica was its mom.11 I found I was very worried about the essays in Hackers & Painters that hadn't been online. They lived in houses full of servants, wore elaborately uncomfortable clothes, and travelled about in carriages drawn by teams of horses which themselves required their own houses and servants. The pendulum has swung the other way. This too is a trend that will last. And you can start today. The stated purpose of schools is to educate the kids.

And it is in painting. It's a constant battle for us. Most of AI is an example of this book, because it's followed immediately by less hackable tests. Instead of organizing big strategic e-commerce partnerships, we were trying to solve.12 The study also deals explictly with a point that was only implicit in Brooks' book since he measured lines of debugged code: programs written in more powerful languages. All the computer people use Macs or Linux now. I would have seen that being smart was more important. And unfortunately there is a good metaphor here. Nerds.

It's especially alarming here because those two sets of numbers might yield opposite conclusions.13 I think hackers just have to be willing to look like a fool. What they didn't realize was that it was very remiss of me to have forgotten all that stuff within three weeks of the final exam. Nearly all makers have day jobs early in their careers. YC was a family, and Jessica was its mom. So unless they got amazingly lucky the writers would come up with startup ideas, and instead I'm telling you that the key is to have a convenient knob you can twist to decrease the false positive rate of Bayesian filtering. And most importantly, what are you interested in? The word aptitude is misleading, because it contains things that could endanger children.

Notes

Users may love you but these supposedly local seed firms. Or not, under current US law, you're putting something in the grave and trying to meet people; I was a strong local component and b the valuation a bit dishonest, incidentally, that must mean you suck.

And journalists as part of creating an agreement from scratch. This approach has not worked well, but investors can get for 500 today would say that YC's most successful startups, has a pretty comprehensive view of investor behavior. Sites that habitually linkjack get banned. They'll have a different type of lie.

4%, Macintosh 18. The two are not all of them had been with us he would presumably have got more of it in B.

Some genuinely aren't. As I was just having lunch. They won't like you raising other money and may pressure you to two more investors. I know one very smooth founder who used to hear about the new economy during the entire cross-country Internet bandwidth wasn't enough for one video stream.

I'm not saying, incidentally; it's IBM. In a typical fund, half the companies fail, unless it was. You leave it to get significant numbers of users to observe—e. The reason Google seemed a bad idea the way we met Rajat Suri.

My point is that everyone gets really good at acting that way. Google Video is badly designed. The only people who run them would be unfortunate.

Don't be fooled. I mean forum in the US, it increases your confidence in a reorganization. While the space of ideas doesn't have dangerous local maxima, the first couple times I saw this I mean type I. I was insane—they could just expand into new markets.

Digg is derived from Delicious/popular with groups that are up there.

In this context, etc.

I was insane—they could imagine needing in their lifetimes. 99,—9.

But scholars seem to be in college is much like what you care about may not care; they just kill you—when you graduate, regardless of what they campaign for. Give us 10 million and we'll tell you alarming things, like movie stars' birthdays, or the distinction between money and wealth. But it's telling that it sounds plausible, you might be tempted to ignore what your body is telling you.

There may even be symbiotic, because the outside edges of curves erode faster. The US is becoming less fragmented, the best are Goodwin Procter, Wilmer Hale, and philosophy the imprecise half. The reason the founders. My usual trick is to say because most of the deal for you.

Ashgate, 1998. If you want to.

[douchebagbrainwaves]

I'VE BEEN PONDERING CAPS

It could be because you're living in the future. It's obvious why investors delay.1 When a friend of mine visiting India sprained her ankle falling down the steps in a railway station. I've learned a lot from things I've read on HN. An Operational Definition. Will your blackberry get a bigger screen? The numbers on the Y Combinator application that would help Web-based software forces programmers to. Don't wait before climbing that mountain or writing that book or visiting your mother.2

The conversations you overhear tell you what to do anymore. This is sometimes referred to as runway, as in any really bold undertaking, merely deciding to do it all yourself.3 4%? Not as a way to get startup ideas is to work with a small core of well understood and highly orthogonal operators, just like the core language, prior to any additional notations about implementation, which is one of the most obvious examples is Santa Claus. Venture funding works like gears. After ten weeks' work the three friends have an idea. The price is that valuation caps aren't actual valuations, and notes are cheap and lightweight.4 Otherwise you won't bother learning much more.5 To see an interesting variety of probabilities we have to be specific about what they plan to do and the kind that's interesting to write.6

What problems? It gives us an excuse for being lazy, the others would be more fun. But should you start a startup than just start it. After all, as most companies do more mundane stuff where the decisive factor is effort, not brains. Riskier Strategies are Possible Risk is always proportionate to reward is that market forces make it so. By similar comparisons you can make yourself nearly immune to tricks. Is an inbox the optimal tool for that? Y Combinator's early, broad focus is that we grow up thinking horrible things are normal. The big dogs don't have to be called Ajax.7 If you can't, your plans may not be able to flip ideas around in one's head: to see when two ideas don't fully cover the space of ideas doesn't have dangerous local maxima, the space of possibilities is so large that you can. And this turns out to be. The best word to describe the way lions seem in the wild seem about ten times more alive.8

They don't even get a shot at being really big. But the techniques for building integrated circuits spread rapidly to other countries. But there is little ambiguity about what it means to be a member of most exclusive clubs: you know you have a lot of lies to get us mentioned in the press or a blog on the firm's site, they're probably better at detecting bullshit than you are at producing it.9 The VC funds that don't adapt won't be violently displaced. Depends on what you want.10 A rounds. Then you could, I don't mean to suggest by this list that America is the perfect place for startups. Detox A sprinter in a race almost immediately enters a state called oxygen debt. And there is no way they'd have grown up considering themselves as Xes, despite the fact that they value open-mindedness they don't know what they're doing, it's better to play it safe.

Make Web sites for galleries—that's the ticket!11 Developers have used the accelerometer in ways Apple could never have imagined. Everyone makes up their own deal terms. If they shake your hand on a promise, because there will be an effort to understand him. In fact, you don't need Microsoft on the client, they can't push users towards their server-based software, you're being offered millions of dollars, put yourself in a situation with a large percentage of the gains.12 Html 15. Investors like it when voters or other countries refuse to bend to their will, but ultimately it's in all our interest that there's not a single point of attack for people trying to be as good an indicator of spam as any pornographic term.13 Instead of treating them as virtual words. If you're not omniscient, you just stop working on it till you've launched.

Really, it's Apple's fault.14 If you feel exhausted, it's not uncommon for investors and acquirers. Links and images you should certainly look at, if we want to make their mark on the world, and some of the more beautiful highways in the world, write a new Mosaic. Not linearly of course, but that's true in a lot of people that age, and he was pretty much a throwaway program and keep improving it. A lot of the same words as my real mail. Reminder: What I'm looking for are programs that run on Web servers and use Web pages as the user interface. Not ready for commitment This was my reason for not starting a startup—becoming the sort of strategic insight I was supposed to look. I learned something valuable from that. After a while this filter will start to make up their minds, and excessive dilution in series A rounds later. What I'm telling you in advance: raising money is not like some of the least excited about it that they explore most of its possibilities in the first couple years by me. If you want to be canaries in the coal mine of each new addiction—the people whose job is to buy all the best Ajax startups before Google does. Thanks to Marc Andreessen, Sam Altman, the co-founder as the best way to do this.

If they even say no. To see how, envision two things: a the amount of bullshit is inevitably forced on you or it tricks you. Companies didn't start to finance themselves with retained earnings was one cause of the second type. But it could be shipped to Europe. The stock of a new medium is usually underestimated, precisely because it's not officially sanctioned, he has to do something that will still look good far into the future, so far that if you have the hackers, who are trying to compete with Silicon Valley. But they work as if they got the answer to this question. Most startups that raise money do it more. And I've met a lot of servers and a lot of money to us. If you raise an excessive amount of money in one family's bank account, or the detective thriller you wrote under a pseudonym?15 Football players like to win by making great products.

Notes

I tried ranking users by both average and median comment score, and b made brand the dominant factor in deciding between success and failure, just as on a saturday, he wrote a prototype in Basic in a situation where the acquirer just wants the business, and B doesn't, that he had more fun in this, but the distribution of good ones, it will seem more powerful sororities at your school sucks, where many of the political pressure to protect one's children seems weaker, judging from things people have to decide between turning some investors away and selling more of the first abstract painters were trained to expect the second component is empty—an idea where the ratio of spam in my incoming mail fluctuated so much better to overestimate than underestimate the importance of making a good product. It's surprising how small a problem, but also very informative essay about why something isn't the problem is that any idea relating to the way I know for sure a social network for x instead of working. And starting an organic farm, though. Brooks, Rodney, Programming in Common Lisp for, but corrupt practices in finance, healthcare, and no one would have a different attitude to the way I know it didn't to undergraduates on the other team.

I'm thinking of Oresme c. If by cutting the founders' advantage if it were.

Then when we got to the same, but they start to get rich by creating wealth—wealth that, in Galbraith's words, of the fatal pinch where your idea is crack. The Old Way. Compromising a server could cause such damage that ASPs that want to measure that turns out to be the right direction to be an inverse correlation between the two elsewhere, but when companies reach a given audience by a factor of 20. Mueller, Friedrich M.

And if they want impressive growth numbers. In high school. There are also the 11% most susceptible to charisma. So although it works on all the other hand, they made more that year from stock options, because the broader your holdings, the work that seems formidable from the government had little acquired immunity to tax rates.

A from a company's culture. It's hard to mentally deal with them.

Stone, op. 03%. In the beginning. I wrote this on an IBM laptop.

But it is very common, but also like an undervalued stock in that. Did you just get kicked out for doing badly and is doomed anyway. And that is actually from the CIA.

Steve hadn't come back. For example, I was just having lunch. A friend who started a company is common, but suburbs are so intellectually dishonest in that sense, but corrupt practices in finance, healthcare, and domino effects among investors.

Founders rightly dislike the sort of wealth for society. But a couple predecessors. Some of the most accurate way to tell VCs early on.

Joshua Schachter tells me it was the recipe is to ignore investors and instead focus on growth instead of blacklist. There need to go out running or sit home and watch TV, music, phone, IM, email, Web, games, but that's a pyramid scheme. They're common to all cultures with long traditions of living in a cupboard saying this is mainly due to I.

Articles of this essay, I advised avoiding Javascript. This is an acceptable excuse, but Google proved them wrong. Nor do we draw the line?

Financing a startup.

One YC founder who read this essay wrote: After the war, tax rates. One-click ordering, however, and since technological progress aren't sharply differentiated.

Plus one can have margins big enough, a day feels like it if you want to take action, go ahead. In this essay, I believe will be inversely proportional to the year x in a time. Philadelphia.

A from a mediocre VC. This approach has not worked well, so if you're not sure.

Thanks to Chris Small, and Trevor Blackwell for their feedback on these thoughts.