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borathae · 10 months ago

Note

ok finally doing this after a nap

Chapter 3

What is wrong with me *me 24/7, ALSO YES WHAT WAS ALL THAT???

Ever since you set foot into this estate, your brain went into a total frenzy YES EXACTLY AND it seems like she can remember hmmm

Why does everything here look so ancient? YOU NEED TO READ FANFICS to learn to live (except we dont get lucky yn parts just the unlucky embarrassing parts but thank god we aint dying every 5 chapter like yn)

You remember drinking one glass of wine. the said glass of wine:

It is totally normal to forget your date’s name after sleeping in his guestroom never been on a date, but i forgot someone's name after sitting next to them all day and realized after class while talking to bestie and had to wait till attendance next day -_-

ok the door is still locked. he told her to keep them locked and she did, but opened it for a sec and locked it again during the night. and the entire teleporting happened. this is a bit confusing hmmm. like opening it for a sec caused the change, but she locked it again. then how did they get her inside again? the bruise is there so it means it was real. the lock must have some magic and opening it during night causes it to go away?? i will think later lol

Did you punch your own throat in your sleep oof

Why did he know where to look exactly it wasnt a dream babe

istg im about to bitch slap this bitchless dude (TAE I LOVE U DONT TAKE IT TO THE HEART)

You should take better care of your belongings Kim Taehyung damn

He creeps me out honestly speaking all of them are creepy, yoongi is 10% less

just like that all your worries are wiped away like magic. like magic or with magic 👀👀(were u silent or silenced)

your knees are buckling like crazy THIS WILL BREAK ME THIS IS GONNA BREAK ME

Okay not going to lie, this was kind of cool you know whats more cooler??? jimin feeding his cycle 😂 THAT REMINDS ME OF JIN RIDING THE CYCLE HANDS FREE *fans myself

You snort, “so very humble.” ikr sOoOo HuMbLe

hmm usually you see cats sitting on horses, chilling. yoongles must be a rare kitty

Tell me again, why are you studying?” seriously dude must be bored as fuck to study, or started to forget cuz its beeen toooo looong

hold on what if some old being makes some theories and is "killed/disappeared" and later, with a different identity, studies his own theories in college 😭 and continues with it lol

It earned you a scholarship, it clearly must be well written.” or was it something to bring her to them??? 👀 *sus

The entrance exam stole my sanity from me. Even after a week of completing it I still felt jittery.” what type of students go there? what type of university is that? very weird

sunlight was just too bright for his eyes, DONT BE AN UNCULTURED SWINE, THATS WHEN UR SUPPOSED TO TWITCH AND SAY I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE

Emma left, she won’t come back again EMMA DIED FOR SURE OOF

It was a clean and painless end whats that supposed to mean mr.dracula?

Taehyung was a man of such humour ikr him in interviews 😭

Taehyung knew such peculiar stories about places and that doesnt seem weird???

the rain part was soo cute it could me giggling and listening too still with you

wow the honesty was cool, though there is many secrets, some parts feels really raw.

we are both pick-me girls then BAHAHA PLS *starts playing pd48 pick me

they are so cute im gonna die

(the way i started slightly mad at tae and then ended up simping, sighs)

THEY ARE GONNA HAVE ANOTHER DATE YIPPEE YIPPEE YIPPEE

i cant wait for 2seokkook's pov and her talking to them woohoo

its only been 3 chapters, obviously the suspense wouldnt make me grip my pillow yet but its already made me clutch my blanket/pearls lol

jjdafjs it took me so long to figure out how the wine pic happened HAHAHA this is such a funny idea help fjadjfs 😭😂

What is wrong with me *me 24/7, ALSO YES WHAT WAS ALL THAT???

ISTFG WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS ESTATE???

Ever since you set foot into this estate, your brain went into a total frenzy YES EXACTLY AND it seems like she can remember hmmm

like the suspicion is growiinnggg

it doesn't make sense to you yet probably but I wanna be SA!OC so bad jfasdjf

girliepop me all the time, I forget names so easily (the same with song titles FAFAJDS like I kid you not I even forgot BTS song titles sometimes like it's so bad)

hmhmhmhm interesting theory indeed mhmhmmh or perhaps 👀 someone made her lock the door again and then think everything was just a dream 👀 mhmhmhm

You should take better care of your belongings Kim Taehyung damn

"belongings" LIKE THE ICK

He creeps me out honestly speaking all of them are creepy, yoongi is 10% less

JFJADSJF YES jhfahsdhf I agree fjadjfa

just like that all your worries are wiped away like magic. like magic or with magic 👀👀(were u silent or silenced)

INDEED LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO HER???

Okay not going to lie, this was kind of cool you know whats more cooler??? jimin feeding his cycle 😂 THAT REMINDS ME OF JIN RIDING THE CYCLE HANDS FREE *fans myself

omg hahahaha this scene 😭😭 he is such a goof I love him 😭😭 Seokjin is honestly so hot I need to inhale him

hmm usually you see cats sitting on horses, chilling. yoongles must be a rare kitty

*cries* he is indeed a kitty

Tell me again, why are you studying?” seriously dude must be bored as fuck to study, or started to forget cuz its beeen toooo looong

LMOAOAO FOR REAL LIKE FADHF couldn't be mE FJASDJF

hold on what if some old being makes some theories and is "killed/disappeared" and later, with a different identity, studies his own theories in college 😭 and continues with it lol

👀 interesting ohohooh

It earned you a scholarship, it clearly must be well written.” or was it something to bring her to them??? 👀 *sus

OOOOOH IMAGINEEEEE 👀👀

The entrance exam stole my sanity from me. Even after a week of completing it I still felt jittery.” what type of students go there? what type of university is that? very weird

IT IS INDEED VERY WEIRD ALL OF IT 👀

sunlight was just too bright for his eyes, DONT BE AN UNCULTURED SWINE, THATS WHEN UR SUPPOSED TO TWITCH AND SAY I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE

lmaoaooaoao in her defence I have really sensitive eyes too and can barely stay in the sun without my eyes ACHING jfadsjfj so it IS possible

Emma left, she won’t come back again EMMA DIED FOR SURE OOF

👀 mhmhmhmmh

It was a clean and painless end whats that supposed to mean mr.dracula?

LIKE HELLO WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER????

Taehyung was a man of such humour ikr him in interviews 😭

I love him 😭😭

Taehyung knew such peculiar stories about places and that doesnt seem weird???

kfadjsfasj she is just here for a good time not a long time lmaooa

wow the honesty was cool, though there is many secrets, some parts feels really raw. they are so cute im gonna die (the way i started slightly mad at tae and then ended up simping, sighs) THEY ARE GONNA HAVE ANOTHER DATE YIPPEE YIPPEE YIPPEE

fjadjfjad I love how you switched instnatly JFJADSJF THIS IS SO ME WHEN SANGUIS TAE FJADSJFJ

i love how smoothly its written, like everything just flows nicely, the scenes and dialogues, its like those nice cozy well directed movies that you watch with pillows and blanket and rested face, body and mind. its only been 3 chapters, obviously the suspense wouldnt make me grip my pillow yet but its already made me clutch my blanket/pearls lol

gaaah thank youuu <3 I'm so happy that you're having such a good time with it heheheh istfg I love reading your comments, they're so awesome heheheh 🥺😭💜💜

#asks: sanguis alpha #asks #minusback #tw: long post

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qqchurch · 2 months ago

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Miroku-senpai is still on the verge of death. “I won’t let you die.” I spin my thoughts rapidly.

I relentlessly sift through what I can use in this situation. And finally, I found an answer—or rather, the answer was calling out to me. ‘■■■■■’ A voice. I can hear it clearly, forcefully. It’s a voice filled with joy, as if it had been eagerly awaiting this moment. ‘■■■■■’ It was waiting for the contract. Even with my knowledge of the original story, I couldn’t fully grasp its identity. But I understood it had the power to overturn this situation. It tampered with my body, forcefully growing my hair. It even interfered with Mizuhi-senpai’s magical power. If it can interfere to such a degree, then it can surely enhance Miroku-senpai’s self-healing ability, at least temporarily. No, it can definitely do it. Isn’t that right, Star-reading Staff? ‘■■’ I understand. Let’s make a contract.

Star-reading Staff, we’ll make a contract and live together from now on. And I’ll teach you something important. ‘?’ A beautiful girl must never die. The end of a beautiful girl must always be a happy one. ‘????’ I will give you everything I have. In exchange, give me the power to save every beautiful girl.

‘Rejoice.’ The coffin opened. I knew then—there was no going back. ‘The Queen’s coffin has been inherited. A new star-reader is born here and now.’ Inside the coffin lay a black scythe, pulsating as if alive, waiting for me. “…I’ll do it.” I reached out and grabbed it. At the same time, an omnipotent sensation surged through my entire body, a torrent of overflowing power.

“Miroku-senpai… I haven’t repaid you for anything yet.” The wound closed, and the bleeding stopped. I circulated magical power throughout her body, compensating for the lost blood. “I won’t let you die.” In about three seconds, Miroku-senpai regained her breath.

I stood up. At the same time, my hair swayed with a soft sound. This… again? The Star-reading Staff’s doing, huh. ‘Congratulations! From today, you’re my partner!’ So noisy. I can hear you more clearly than usual. ‘So, what will we do now? Oh, no need to say it—I already know. We’re one and the same, after all. I know what you’re thinking.’ A cheerful voice echoed in my head. Well, if you know what I want, that’s fine. I’m going to beat up that monster who did this to Miroku-senpai. Yes, it’s mysterious beautiful girl time! ‘But alas, you can’t dress as a girl now.’ What?

I’ll cancel this contract right now. Miroku-senpai’s safe, so I don’t need you anymore. ‘That attitude isn’t good, you know. Well, strictly speaking, it’s not that you can’t crossdress right now. It’s more like… you don’t need to.’ ‘No, that’s not what you should be surprised about. Do you really want to become a beautiful girl?’ Of course! At my last moment, instead of reciting a death poem, I wished to become a girl. ‘Then rejoice. Place your hand on your chest.’ Place my hand… like this? A soft sensation greeted my touch. This… this is…! ‘Congratulations, Kei. You’ve become a beautiful girl at this very moment.’

yippee!!! transition success(?). otoh, the Cost is coming right up, because instead of quietly bowing out of the story, she's now gonna be in the thick of it, lmao

I became aware of the difference in my body. No, the omnipotent sensation. I could feel the beautiful girl energy, which supposedly only overflows in the body of a beautiful girl, swelling inside me. The certainty that the world revolves around me. Without a doubt, I had become a beautiful girl.

now that i've thought about it, she's been talking about "bishoujo" the entire time huh. after coming across Dandadan's Aira and tangentially finding out about the "beautiful girl" thing, it makes a bit more sense now

“Yoooooosh! Let’s go!” ‘Your tone…’ “Let’s go, Star-reading Staff. The world is calling us.” ‘I’ve always wondered, what kind of worldview are you living in?’ I’ll teach you all about it later. ♥ ‘Yikes.’ With the Star-reading Staff trembling in fear, I leapt from roof to roof, heading toward where the monster was.

Breaking the original story is taboo, but just for now, I’ll be forgiven. Because I’m a beautiful girl!!!

when your cursed-weapon is the straight-man in your supposedly solo comedy routine... I'm sorry Sorciere, you're gonna be stuck with her for the rest of the story

#qq posts #qq reads: minor character wont give up on ts

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it-was-all-a-beautiful-dream · 4 years ago

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Silva Lining (Saul Silva x Reader) Chapter 10

Warnings: swearing

Word count: 3.3k

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You were on cloud nine. Waking up in Sauls arms the next morning was the highlight of your life. Granted, you were sore! The discomfort was something you were willing to put up with however because last night was mind blowing.

The morning after was filled with gentle playing and heated make out sessions. It was Sunday so luckily neither of you were expected to be anywhere. You showered together, learning each others bodies further. Saul made you breakfast and after that you lay and watched a movie together. Normal, mundane, relationship stuff. It was all you could dream of.

Unfortunately the time came where you had to go back to your dorm. Instead of doing the walk of shame you opted for your new favourite method of transportation. Portal. Saul kissed you deeply before the black whole appeared and you disappeared through it. At least now you could teleport back and forward into his room having seen the inside more clearly.

The girls jumped when your portal appeared in the middle of the room. They’re were on your instantly, eager for the juicy details. You sat down and gave them the PG version, not delving into too much detail. What you both did last night was personal and not for the faint hearted. You also showed off the presents Saul had gotten you and the Winx club squealed in delight when they saw the ring. After your lowdown of the events last night, the girls let you know that the party was a massive hit and if it wasn’t for Terras hangover potion they’d all still be in bed.

Presents adorned the floor of the main room you notice, someone must have brought them up for you. There were so many you didn’t know if you’d manage to open them all on your own. So one by one the girls helped you unwrap the gracious gifts. That took up a chunk of time. Still chatting and opening, Terra blushed and rattled off about how Helia had kissed her goodnight at the end of the party, then you noticed Aisha blushing too, the same thing had happened with her. The specialists were making moves and you couldn’t help but swell with excitement for your friends. Everything was perfect, maybe too perfect.

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-The Next day-

“What do you think the assembly is about?” Your arm was linked with Stella’s as you walked through the grand halls of the castle you called your school. You’d never get used to your real life Hogwarts.

“It’s a burned one assembly apparently and even worse, my mother is leading it. Yippee. She’s really just here to check on my progress and remind me how much of a disappointment I am.” Your best friend rolled her eyes. You were slightly nervous about meeting the Queen of Solaria, I mean, who wouldn’t be. Stella had insisted you’d stay with her. Emotional support. You took her hand in yours and gave it a squeeze.

The cars pulled up and the chauffeur opened the door for the Queen. Regal and gorgeous, the spitting image of Stella apart from she had brown hair instead of blonde. She came over and greeted Stella with a hug and then stopped. Her eyes widened as she looked at you. She was starring and you didn’t know why….

“Pleasure to meet you your highness.” You curtsied, Stella had shown you how. It seemed to snap the Queen from her daze and she smiled at you.

“How lovely, you must be Y/N, Stella’s told me a lot about you.”

——————————————————————————————————

You’d left Stella to catch up with her mum. Aimlessly wondering the halls looking at features you’d never stopped to appreciate before. Then you saw one flustered looking man.

“Sa- Mr Silva!.” You jogged to catch up to him. He stopped turning. He didn’t smile. Woooah. He looked stressed.

“Now isn’t a great time Y/N.” You wanted to reach out and touch him but there were students all around. Did he really just brush you off though? Must be something serious going on for his shitty attitude.

“Okay.” You whispered. “Well, maybe we can talk when you change your attitude anyway.” You were annoyed. You knew his job was stressful and you knew that you had to act like student and teacher during school hours, however, you’d like to think that he would be a bit more… kinder, even when he was pissed at something else. Before he spoke you’d turned on your heel, flicking your hair behind you and walked off. Suck on that.

——————————————————————————————————

The assembly had started. You weren’t there. You were too annoyed with Saul to sit there while he was up at the front acting as if he wasn’t rude to you two minutes ago. You skipped, wondering the school grounds when you bumped into Bloom.

“Whats your excuse for skipping?” You fell into step with the red head, who explained she was trying to find more about where she came from. Part of you realised that maybe you should have been making more effort in that department. You were still a mystery and going through the books you had stolen from the library in Magix hadn’t turned anything up yet.

You reached a storage cellar, old books, pictures and other junk filled the room to the brim, all covered in dust and cobwebs. Sky was there, he seemed surprised to see you, like wise.

“Maybe while were looking I might find something about me too.” You started searching through things. Not sure at all about what you were looking for when you were then joined by Beatrix and Riven. Not two of your favourite people to say the least.

You didn’t know them too well, but there was a reason for that. Trouble seemed to follow them everywhere and Beatrix gave you a weird vibe. Not good juju. Riven was just a punk. He thought he was the bad boy but it was all an act which you saw straight through. Example A. Beatrix just dropped the bomb that Riven was the one walking around school telling everyone Bloom was a changeling. You still didn’t see the big deal about changelings. You were one too after all. Sky and Riven left, leaving you alone with the two girls.

“So, that door is locked. Are we breaking in or not?” You didn’t wait for their answer. Curiosity getting the best of you. Walking over you put your hand on the lock and picture it heating up. Fire. Another one of the many abilities you possessed. Your magic was second nature to you now. Like you’d been practising for years. It was scary and cool at the same time just how intone with your abilities you were. The lock fell off and the door swung open.

——————————————————————————————————

What the hell had you been dragged into. Honestly this wasn’t really your style. But hey, you’d gotten this far. You were currently in a stolen car, driving to some place called Asterdale. Bloom had a theory that’s where her parents might be from and hey, what do you know, Beatrix knows where it is. So yup, you were in the front of a stolen.. ROYAL car.

Ohhh lord. This wasn’t going to end well.

- Sauls POV -

Where the hell was she. Why wasn’t she at the assembly?! Saul was ragging, scared, angry at himself for being so flippant with Y/N earlier. The visit from the Queen and with the death of a teacher, it was a lot to deal with. He hadn’t meant to take it out on his sweet girl. Now he was just worried. Leaving the assembly would look suspicious so he stayed, part of him hoping she was just running late.

His fears got worse when he went back to Farah’s office. Farah had noticed Y/N wasn’t there either. She was more worried than she’d ever been. Then Y/N’s suit mates burst through the door looking worried too.

“Y/N and Bloom were in the east wing its Beatrix during assembly.” Saul, Farah and Ben all looked at each other.

“Okay and why were they down there?” Farah was quick to get it in the neck from Musa. Who was visibly concerned about something. Saul couldn’t stand still, pacing back and forward.

“Omg we know, we know that someone killed Callum and you think it was a fairy and that’s what you were looking for in the assembly!” Saul’s head whipped round to Terra. “We haven’t heard from them in hours and no one as seen Beatrix either.” Saul’s thoughts were interrupted by a voice through the ear piece he was wearing.

“One of the Queens Guards are knocked out, his SUV is gone.” Sauls jaw clenched and made his way to the door. He was mad. If Beatrix had hurt his girl in any way, there would be hell to pay.

“We will find them, I promise.”

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-Your POV-

The place Beatrix took you to was bare. Was this some kind of sick joke? You drove two hours for this? Nothing but open fields and shrubs next to a steep looking cliff over looking choppy, cold water.

“And this is where you’ve taken us to kill us, right?” You joked but part of you was actually worried. You’d always thought Beatrix was a shady bitch. “Asterdale is a town right? So where is it?” You stopped, looking into the vastness. Bloom looked twitchy, annoyed almost because you guaranteed she was thinking the same thing as you.

You were alarmed all of a sudden when your ears pricked up at the sound of electricity, turning just in time to see Bloom shouting at Beatrix who’s hands were glowing with power.

“You’re not the only powerful fairies at Alfea you know.” Yup, you were right. You were so about to die. You raised your hands ready for a fight but the bolt of blue electricity burst past you hitting an invisible forcefield just like the one that surrounded the school and crashed with a loud bang, revealing chaos behind it.

Beatrix went on to tell you both about how Asterdale used to be a beautiful place, but one winter Burned Ones surrounded the settlement and a Military Unit from Alfea decided destroying the Burned Ones was more important than the lives of the people living there. How Queen Luna was the one who had put up the veil that stopped people from really seeing what had happened to the once thriving village. Then she went onto drop the bomb that Asterdale is where she was born and her family were killed there. The only people who survived were her… and you and Bloom. You were from Asterdale?

“I saw it, Dowling, Silva, Harvey.” Beatrix had tears rolling down her face. No, no…. Saul would never kill innocent people. Never. He couldn’t… that wasn’t your Saul. You whipped quickly at the stray tears that had fallen. He knew about this and he didn’t tell you? Did he know where you were from and he didn’t tell you because… he had a hand in killing a village full of innocents?

You’d heard enough and couldn’t bare to listen to anymore. You walked away, Beatrix and Bloom still talking about what had happened. You watched as the veil came down again slowly, covering up the evidence of a war crime. It was gone, just like that. As if nothing ever happened. As if the people that had once lived there never mattered. Forgotten in time.

Bloom still didn’t trust Beatrix, and neither did you. You opted for sitting in the back this time. Keeping an eye on the girl you hardly knew. What game was she playing? You felt like there had to be more to the story. Why would you and Bloom be hidden away in the first world? Why would Dowling, let you and Bloom into the school knowing that she killed your families?

“And we will get it because Rosalind is alive.” You caught the tail end of the convo, having been zoned out with your own thoughts. Hold the fuck up. The mysterious woman who had been leaving cryptic messages in Blooms head was.. Alive? After Miss Dowling told her that she had been dead for years. The plot thickens. You were about to make a comment but something on the road caught your eye.

“Oh fuck.” You braced yourself against the seat in the back as you watched Saul fire an arrow at the wheel of the car. It burst, sending the car skidding across the road. This was nottt going to be good.

You all jumped out of the car, Beatrix tried to run but Farah had used her magic and she was slowly sinking into the ground. Miss Dowling walked over, slapping on two bracelets on Beatrix’ wrists, it looked like coiled pieces of barbed wire. You didn’t care if B was shady, no one deserved that pain. Both you and Bloom bolted from the car with shouts of protest. You were lifted up into Sauls arms where you kicked and screamed to get free. Bloom was held back by Mr Harvey who was a lot stronger than he looked. You gave up, settling into Sauls arms, he was whispering in your ear trying to calm you, his hold on you tightening. Normally you’d feel comfort in his touch, but the story from Beatrix left you with some unanswered questions too big to go ignored.

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The girls were waiting for you outside. Stella grabbed you in a hug, you could tell she was worried. Saul was carting Beatrix away to her magic prison cell, not before letting you know that he’d speak to you later. Duty called. Duty sucked.

“Y/N, after we deal with Beatrix see me in my office, there’s something important we must discuss.” You glared at Miss Dowling who gave you a sympathetic look. Stella squeezed your arm.

“Y/N, you need to hear what she has to say. It’s important.” How did Stella know what she wanted to talk about. This whole day was one big bowl of confusing and you just wanted it to be over with. “Just know, I’ll be here when you’re ready, I promise.” Okay, so that wasn’t worrying at all…..

“I’m afraid miss Y/L/N, Stella won’t be able to keep that promise any time soon. Were leaving, Stella get in the car.” Stella’s eyes widened as she watched her things from the dorm being packed into her mothers car. The Queen was waiting for Stella to do what she said and this was one battle you wouldn’t win. Could you catch a break?

“No, No, NO, Stella you can’t leave, please I need you, you’re my best friend.” You were crying, the frustrations of the day coming out all at once. Stella was crying too but the Queens guards took her by the arms despite her struggles and stuffed her in the car. It was too much, you were sobbing, your vision blurry from the tears. You felt someone come up behind you and noticed the familiar tingle, crying harder as the car sped off into the distance. You turned and screamed in Sauls chest, luckily his strong arms were around you otherwise you’d have fallen to the ground in despair. Could today get any worse?

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Replaying the events from today to the other girls was hard. Luckily Bloom did most of the talking. Beatrix had apparently killed Callum and things were even more confusing now. You didn’t know who to trust, who to believe. Your thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

Saul. Your tired looking soldier was standing at the door with heavy eyes. “Babe, can you come with me please, Farah wants to talk to you.” She’d already spoken to Bloom about the events earlier. Now it was your turn after having time to calm down about Stella.

Standing up silently, you made your way to the door, the girls hugging you on the way out. You had the urge to ask Saul everything there and then. Let the cat out of the bag. Say ‘I know what you did,’ but you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. You didn’t want to believe the reason you were an orphan was because of the man you loved. Instead you took his hand when the coast was clear and sighed, having needed his touch all day.

You found yourself at the Headmistresses office more often than not these days, but this time something felt different. You turned to Saul and look him in the eyes.

“Why do I feel like if I go in there life will never be the same again.” His hand came up to touch your cheek which you leant into, savouring his warm touch.

“Darling, everything is okay, everything will be okay I promise.” People had been making a lot of promises today, hopefully they would be able to keep them. You started for the door but then noticed Saul didn’t budge.

“Are you not coming in?” You tilted your head. He shook his and gave you a kiss before you went through the doors.

“I’ll be right outside if you need me though.” With that you left him, facing whatever punishment Headmistress Dowling had in store for you.

——————————————————————————————————

It hadn’t been as bad as you thought in the beginning. She sat you down, asked you if you wanted a drink or anything. Then she got into the nitty gritty stuff about what compelled you to go with Beatrix and Bloom. Answers. Answers you needed, that’s why you went with them.

“Bloom said something about her parents being from a place called Asterdale, Beatrix knew where it was. She took us there, we hoped we would find answers about why we were changelings. Turns out we learnt an ugly truth instead.” Farah looked shocked but you continued. “She said that Rosalind took her, me and Bloom, saved us from destruction cause by you, Silva and Harvey. Is that true?” Farah had her head in her hands. Guilt. You could practically smell it on her.

“It’s not what you think Y/N, please believe me, there’s more to the story.” She stood up, walking around to stand next to you. You stood up to, moving away from the woman who had set Saul up to spy on you. How could you believe her, all she’s done since you joined this world was lie.

“Why would I believe you! You killed my fucking parents!” You were angry. So angry, You could feel your eyes turning black. The shouting had alerted Saul who tried the door handles to get into the room but with a swish of your hand, the door was sealed shut, fire melting the hinges closed.

“Just calm down Y/N, please, lets talk about this.” In the background Saul was banging on the door and calling your name.

“Because of you, I don’t have a father, because of you I’ll never know my mother!” You advanced on the woman who had her hands up ready for a fight if that’s what it came to. You could feel the power coursing through your whole body. This is why you could control your magic so easily, you were so emotional.

“Y/N, I am your mother!” Farah screamed, Saul stopped banging on the door and your eyes faded back to their normal colour.

You knew before stepping into the room that something was going to happen and you were right, your world would be changed forever.

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So, I bet you didnt expect that to happen.. Please let me know what you thought in the comments, Like, Follow and Reblog! <3 If you want to join the tag list please let me know !

CHAPTER 11 ------- CLICK HERE

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prongsies · 4 years ago

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Star-Crossed ⁕ Chapter Four

←Chapter 3 | Master List

The last few days in The Burrow were painfully slow for Thalia, since it mainly composed of her waiting for her wound to completely heal. Apart from that, her worry for her mother’s well-being had increased significantly, since it’s been a few days since Molly’s letter informing her of Thalia’s state had been sent out there had been no reply.

Molly insisted she stay with Ginny and Hermione in the former’s room as well, since climbing up the flight of stairs to the twins’ room would tire her too much, and would likely slow down the healing process.

Finally, the time came for them to return to Hogwarts for their sixth year. Thalia was far less than excited due to the pain shooting up from her sides from time-to-time, but she was getting used to it. She needed a lot of help moving around though, which she mostly got from Harry and George who seemed to be by her side whenever she needed to stand.

Before she knew it, their break had concluded, and she was once again seated in a Hogwarts Expressed compartment with Ron, Harry, and Hermione; Fred and George occupying the seats on either side of her. The two continued to bicker as they argued over a rare Chocolate Frog Card – Fred claiming George already had one of it, while George reasoned out why he needed another one.

They were pulling on the card to and fro in front of Thalia when Fred’s grasp slipped, his hand landing a heavy sort-of punch to Thalia’s side. The brunette screamed in pain as he hit her healing wound, curling into a ball on the seat to try and lessen it. She slapped Fred and George’s hands away when they tried to touch her, before standing from her seat to leave the compartment without another word.

“Don’t” Snapped Hermione when the two stood to go after their friend. They looked towards the girl in confusion, “Leave her be. She needs to cool down. Just- Just sit”

The two seemed hesitant at first when they returned to their seats, but they complied – for Thalia’s sake. They worry began to grow when they disembarked the train, not being able to catch a glimpse of Thalia’s curly hair anywhere. When they caught up to Ginny, who was boarding a carriage with her friend, she had only told them the girl went ahead to be able to go to Madam Pomfrey, since her wound started bleeding again.

Guilt-ridden, the two climbed into their own carriage with Lee Jordan, wanting to get to the castle as soon as they can.

It was a pleasant surprise seeing Thalia already in the Great Hall for the Welcome Feast, Professor McGonagall leaning down to speak to her as she sat in her usual spot in the Gryffindor Table. As they neared, they could faintly hear what they were talking about – which is, yes, the wound Thalia had acquired.

The shock on McGonagall’s face was a tell she had learned it was from a curse that had hit when they were attacked at the Quidditch World Cup, but the smile on both their faces meant the conversation went okay. When the two arrived to sit beside Thalia, they received a reprimanding look from their Professor McGonagall, who was quick to turn and make her way back to the faculty’s table before the first years could arrive.

“I’m really sorry, Lia. I was -”

“Don’t worry about it” Thalia interrupted Fred before he could even finish his apology. She turned to him with a tight-lipped smile, her eyes glazed over. “Hmph- Pomfrey gave me some meds” She hiccupped, “Wound’s gone... yippee!”

“Madam Pomfrey told me she’d be a bit droopy” Ginny whispered to the twins as she leaned between them to explain the situation with Thalia. “Gave her a potion that should help heal the wound by tomorrow. Watch over her, though”

Ginny returned to her seat when Dumbledore stood, welcoming the students with his usual speech. He reminded the students of the list of forbidden objects prohibited in the castle which can be viewed in Filch’s office, that the forest is out-of-bounds, and that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not be taking place.

This seemed to bring Thalia back to her senses, making her sit up as she tried her best to understand the words coming out of Dumbledore’s mouth. She was among those who voiced their complaints against it, when the Great Hall’s doors banged open.

The figure who walked in with a clank! in each step brought shocked gasps among the students as he walked towards Dumbledore, shaking his hand. Dumbledore turned towards the students as he motioned to the man, “May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher – Professor Moody”

“Holy dragon balls” Thalia muttered, eyes meeting Harry who shared the same surprised look at her.

“As I was saying,” Dumbledore continued, “The Inter-House Quidditch games will not take place this year because we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months – an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year!”

“You’re JOKING” Fred belted out.

“BY MERLIN’S SAGGY RIGHT TESTICLE!” Thalia shouted her own disbelief, earning glances in her direction when Dumbledore focused his attention on her with a twinkle in his eyes.

“I believe it was his left, Ms. Pallas” He corrected humorously, causing Thalia’s cheeks to flush as the students exploded into giggles. “And no, I am not joking, Mr. Weasley. Though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar...”

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat.

Dumbledore chucked, returning to the original topic at hand, “the Heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on contenders this year. Only students who are of seventeen years or older will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration”

Thalia was quick to sense Fred’s annoyance before he himself could, placing a hand onto his forearm before he could speak out his opposition against the restrictions. He turned towards her, eyebrows furrowed, but she smiled in return, “Calm down, yeah?”

She removed her hand.

They were asked to return to their food once Dumbledore had finished, Thalia enjoying the pie far too much that usual.

˚✧₊⁎⁺˳✧༚

“What a doze off that guy is” Fred commented when they climbed through the portrait hole, irate by the Gryffindor Prefect who told them off for running in the hallway a few minutes ago. He collapsed on the couch beside Thalia, yawning as he laid to rest his head on a throw pillow.

“And I thought Percy was bad” George added, immediately claiming a seat in between Thalia’s legs, humming when her hands dropped to run it through George’s hair, untangling the knots. “I’ll end up falling asleep if you continue that”

“Then, best go up to your rooms now” She suggested, eyes meeting Ginny’s who signaled she wanted to talk to her. The two groaned in response, shaking their heads ‘no’ stubbornly, “Come on, Gin and I are gonna talk”

“We can deal with girl talk” Fred mumbled, switching positions so he could drape an arm around Thalia’s waist, “Is it about periods? I know a thing or two dealing with you and your grumpy arse over the years”

“You’re a bully” Thalia laughed, feeling Fred smile against her shoulder where he had his face nuzzled into.

“You love me anyway”

“Unfortunately,”

“Such flirts you two are” Ginny commented, sitting beside Thalia while shoving George away with her leg teasingly.

“Just get together already! You act like a married couple anyways” George agreed, yelping when Thalia hit him in the back of the head using the hand she used to run through his head, “I was joking, Thalia Pallas. Merlin’s beard, you’ve really got quite a strength”

“If you’d left when Lia first told you to, that wouldn’t have happened” Ginny sang, now pulling Thalia by the arm, “Let her go, Fred! You’re with her most of the time anyway!”

Thalia laughed as she squirmed to loosen Fred’s hold, the older boy managing to hold her tighter. “Gin and I need to talk, Fred. Come on”

“Fine” Fred huffed, finally letting her go. Ginny cheered when Thalia stood up, waving her brothers good bye before rushing up the stairs to the dormitories ahead of Thalia.

Thalia looked back at the two with a soft smile before waving as well, bidding them good night before following Ginny, who called out for her when she took too long.

Master List | Chapter 5→

TAGLIST:

@elf-punk @bloodorangemoonlight

#fred weasley #fred weasley imagine #fred weasley x reader #fred weasley imagines #fred weasley x oc #george weasley #george weasley imagine #george weasley x reader #george weasley imagines #george weasley x oc #harry potter #harry potter imagine #harry potter x reader #harry potter imagines

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elareine · 5 years ago

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(For @reah22. Set in the future of Adamare.) There are three rules to Magical Monster Trucks.

1. Nothing is off-limits when it comes to magical or mechanical modifications of the vehicles. As long is doesn’t kill anyone, you’re good.

…actually, Duke wasn’t sure about that last addition. Might just be wishful thinking on his part.

Case in point: Damian was currently yelling, “Take that, you old gargoyle!” as he fired a stun-spell ray gun at a truck that

“They’re out. Good job, team!” Dick gave them both high-fives.

“Two more out there,” Duke warned.

Today was ‘Teacher Throwdown Tuesday.’ Not that had helped them prepare. An advantage of wizard cloaking: You never knew who might face you. Jason did; as the headmaster, he’d decided he was impartial enough to handle sign-ups.

Duke suspected Jason wouldn’t object if some rando showed up with a truck, as long as that truck was awesome enough.

2. No magic during the fight, not even for communication.

Instead, they got some good old-fashioned muggle comms. The next message on which was: “Yippee-ki-yay, motherfuckers!”

Okay. That narrowed down who was coming at them next.

Steph and Jason, the only two muggleborns among them, had started saying that at every opportunity, claiming it was a traditional saying that dated back to the eighteenth century. Duke was pretty sure Dick had caught on. The others, maybe.

Damian hadn’t.

“Brown has no decorum,” he seethed. “This small amusement is not worthy of a time-honored battle cry.”

Duke exchanged an amused glance with Dick. A mistake—while they were distracted, another truck sped from its hiding place behind a pile of tires and immediately covered them in a barrage of stick-to-it spells before Dick could react.

Damian’s eyes widened comically. This time Duke couldn’t blame him. “It glitters!”

“Should make it easier to hit.”

“You haven’t landed much either!” Damian bit back.

Honestly, neither of them was having much luck. Steph and Cass had opted for small and mobile over huge and heavy, and it was paying off.

3. This ends in surrender, or not at all.

“Giving up yet, Triple D?” Steph’s voice was mocking.

Duke would flambé her for that, but the Batgirls managed to land a hit on his flamethrowers three minutes ago. (See why he had some doubts about the ‘no killing’ rule?) Instead, he was left to ruminate once more about how their team name really sounded like a bra size or a porn video. Since Dick and Damian were experts in neither of these things, Duke’s objection had been overruled.

“They’re coming up the ramp!” Dick yelled.

Duke could see it, clear as day. The girls were going to get up there, activate the floating spell Cass was famous for, the one they had named their truck for, and land right on top of them.

They were so screwed.

The noise as the Batgirl landed on top of them was deafening. And then it just stayed there. Dick tried everything, but they couldn’t get away—that thing was heavier than it looked.

“Owned you,” Steph cooed.

“Well played,” Duke had to admit.

Honk.

“What was that?” Damian asked.

Dick frantically checked his instruments. “I don’t know, I can’t—“

Duke rolled his eyes and opened the window.

“Oh, right.” Dick joined him—not like there was much steering to be done anymore—and they stared in horror at the yellow school bus charging straight up the highest ramp.

“…does that say ‘Bad to the bone,’ or am I hallucinating?” Duke asked.

“I wish.”

There was only one person who would drive that thing.

Honk.

Steph’s cursing filled the comm line. The truck above them shook as the Batgirl rolled off in a desperate attempt to get away; then again when the bus landed right on top of them both.

Silence.

“Fuck.” Steph sounded disgusted. Cass was the one to add: “We’re stuck.”

“So are we,” sighed Dick.

“Guess what that means?” There was loud cheering over the comms, enough to tell everyone that Jason had not been alone in that truck. “We won!”

Damian grimaced. Duke, however, grinned and leaned forward to the mic. “Can you move, then?”

There was no reply at first, but they could all hear Jason revving up the truck and his wheels spinning in the air. The bus was simply too long. There was no purchase.

“Nope,” Jason finally conceded.

“Draw?” Dick offered. Pretty ballsy of him, Duke thought. They’d been the ones who would have definitely lost.

“Yeah.” “Alright.”

The only way out was through the window, so that’s what they did.

Looking at the pile-up from the outside sure was something. No wonder the students at the stands were cheering so much. There was glitter everywhere. The whole scene looked ready to be a special exhibition at MoMA. Some indictment on modern living and Instagram culture, probably.

“Okay, kids, Miss Cain will now demonstrate the floating charm to you,” he heard Jason say. Of course this was gonna be a teaching opportunity. Duke strongly suspected the kids would float the car parts for recycling purposes next.

He stood back, content to observe. Too many cooks and all that. As he watched, at least two dozen twelve-year-olds lined up to be gently floated down the pile of car junk.

“I see you’re having fun.”

Duke started, then smiled. “Oh, hey, Tim. Welcome back.”

“Thanks.”

Tim looked tired and pale, as was to be expected after a mission somewhere North, and slightly distant, as was to be expected after being away from his family, Duke thought.

Dick had been the one to recruit him, back at school, and Duke’s first partner had been Bruce, but he’d worked with Damian and Tim often enough. They shared the ‘Defense against the Dark Arts’ position between them. Jason had wanted to make sure that his kids were taught by people who knew what was up; not some airhead with false notions about bravery and antiquated dueling procedures.

If it had the added side-effect that this was probably the best-protected school in North America, well. That was just a bonus.

They watched as Jason hoisted a kid that looked afraid onto his shoulders, jumping down with her in one fluid motion, then mimicking a horse charging at Steph until everyone was laughing.

Tim radiated fondness. “It’s good to be home.”

Duke smiled. Yeah. Same.

#duke thomas #jaytim #batfamily #elareine writes #adamare #hope you like this <3

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primusparry · 5 years ago

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Peyton gets a booboo

Peyton: [Absolutely nothing, not one thing had changed after that kiss, which meant, all thoughts and fantasies that my lips were somehow magical and would convince Paradise that she was madly, deeply in love with me, were just that. A solo show starring me, myself and Rosy Palm, raw from all the… yeah. We'd returned to the training facility the next night, easy banter among the soldiers and brothers as we paired off for rotation, nothing out of the ordinary. Which of course, disappointed the most moronic part of me that would always pine for a relationship that would never be. Paradise had locked me into the friend zone years ago and thrown away the key. Someday, I hoped, I'd come to terms with that. But tonight was not that night. Had she glanced my way a few times more than usual? And her cheeks were flushed from the cold night air when I first caught sight of her. Nothing more. But damn if a few seconds of swapping spit hadn't scrambled my brain worse than any herbal paranoia ever could. My mental self beat down took me deep into the urban arteries of Caldwell, barely a word passing between myself and Blay as we headed into the night. We knew the grid we were covering well, the where's and when's we were supposed to cross paths and check in. I was thankful for the familiar terrain tonight, because Scribe knew I probably couldn't handle anything more than a trainee level workload.]

Parry:

*I’ve been worried that that kiss would make things awkward between Pey and I, and I’m afraid that I was right. Everyone was chatting and joking around as usual as we meet up at the training center to pair off for rotation the night after the party at my house- but Pey and I barely spoke to each other at all before we headed out. I try not to overthink things as Xcor and I patrol our territory. I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about that kiss, but I know that I already miss the easy camaraderie between my best friend and I. It took us so long to get it back after the fights when we first joined the program, and now it’s gone again just like that. Shoving such thoughts onto my brain’s back burner, I mentally berate myself. Get your head in the game, girl! Going into the field distracted is an excellent way to get yourself seriously hurt- or worse.

I wave at Novo as we cross paths with her and Phury, same thing again a few minutes later with Craeg and Balthazar. After teaming up with the latter pair to take down a group of lessers, we parted ways again, both teams searching for their next targets.

Peyton: [It wasn't long before the squawk of action came over our ear-comms, my shit kickers stalling when I heard that Parry was in the frey. Even as my eyes continued to scan, I listened intently, not inhaling again until I heard the barked, "all clear." Sound in my ear. Relief washed the tension from my shoulders just as I rounded a corner… and came face to face with half a dozen lessers I hadn't scented because they were down wind. Fuck! Drawing my weapons as I gave a sharp whistle for Blay who had split off in the opposite direction a few meters back, I got a few rounds popped off, watched two of the six drop, at least momentarily, before another three took me to the ground. Guns useless at this aimless range, I grabbed for the knives sheathed at my side. Slashing with strategic strokes, I flinched briefly from the blinding light of sending one fucker back to the Omega, only to cry out through gritted teeth as the other gripping my wrist and forced my own hand down, knife point glinting as this powder stenched fucker pushed my own fucking knife into my thigh as the third found my other arm back, blocking my own defense. How the fuck was I going down like this?

In the next blink, the weight of the one on my chest was gone as the one stabbing me with my own weapon was blown backwards. Ignoring the searing pain in my thigh, I knew it was Blay at the top of the alley as I leveled myself onto one elbow, lifted my sig and downed another couple of albino assholes. Struggling to my feet, I kept watch as Blay surged up the alley and made quick work of sending each of the half holey, wriggling dick weeds back to their maker. Chest heaving as the last pop dissipated, I looked down, hand braced on the brick wall beside me I swayed on my feet.] I think he nicked my femmy femoral… [and that was all I could muster before the lights went out.]

Parry:

*I'd just stopped a human man from harassing a woman behind a club when Blay’s voice hit my ear through the comms. Peyton is badly hurt after a run in with a squad of lessers, and Blay is getting him to the mobile medical unit. I freeze, scared and worried for my friend. But then I am suddenly also furious. Blame it on all the introspection during the previous day, but all I can think about is all the crap Pey spewed when we were joining the program, about the possibility of me getting hurt. Well, looks like you’re not so invincible yourself, are you, you bastard?!

I resist the urge to head over to the mobile unit immediately to check on him, because I don’t want to get in the doc’s way while he’s being treated. I’m also more than slightly tempted to kick his ass myself right now, and that obviously wouldn’t help anything at all. Struggling not to bare my fangs, I take off running in search of another fight, ignoring Xcor calling my name behind me. I hear his footsteps like louder and heavier echoes of my own as he follows me, cursing. Then I see three lessers down an alley. I grin as I pull my daggers out, thinking ‘perfect….’*

Peyton: [I blinked in and out of consciousness for I don't know how long. First it was Manny, looking like an archangel from the Fade, leaning over me to block out the blinking fluorescents. The bumps that jostled my body, shooting pain to places I didn't know could hurt, told me I was in the mobile medical unit. Yippee! A delirious laugh answered whatever question he was asking me, and I knew either the good shit was getting pumped into my veins, or I was close to the end. I really hoped it was the first.] Par… Parry. [The roll of his eyes told me that I wasn't close to a right answer, then his face was gone and I faded again. The next time I woke it was to a much smoother ride, the gurney, taking me to the clinic was my best bet. Warm and fuzzies filling my heavy head, I closed my eyes again. At least if I was going unto the Fade it would be from a place where I matter. Where my people would know, and at least a few might give a shit that I was gone. My father would only be disappointed that I hadn't OD'ed in my bedroom like he'd always predicted.]

Parry:

*I just finish stabbing the last lesser back to the Omega when I’m suddenly grabbed from behind. I’m about to retaliate when I realize that it isn’t the enemy who has me in his grip, it’s Xcor. He spins me around and slams me against the brick wall and gets all up in my face, absolutely furious. “What the hell is wrong with you?!” He demands. “Do you _want_ to get yourself killed? Cause if so, too damn bad. It won’t be happening on my watch, female. You want to fight, beat the shit out of something? Fine. We’ll go back to the training center and I’ll spar with you in the gym as much as you want. Otherwise, I’m going to tell Tohr to take you off rotation until you can keep your head together. These are your only two options, because you really can’t be in the field right now.” I open my mouth to retort angrily- but then I realize that he’s 100 percent right. Hell, wasn’t I literally just thinking how dangerous distraction can be? Wrestling my temper under control, I nod.* Ok then. Let’s hit the gym. *Xcor nods, and hits the comms to let everyone know we were leaving the field. Then I close my eyes, and it takes a moment but I’m able to scatter my molecules and demat back to the training center. Xcor appears right beside me, and the two of us head inside and down the hall to the gym. We take off our jackets and all our various weapons and lay them on a bench before walking out onto the mats. Xcor sinks down into a defensive posture, and the look on his face is calm and patient as he waits to see what I’m going to do next. I go after him, holding nothing back. We fight until I’m limping- thanks to a good roundhouse kick on his part to swipe my legs out from under me- and pouring sweat as I walk over to grab a towel and sit on the benches for a breather. Wiping my face as I accept a bottle of water from him, I look up at him as he stands towering above me. “Go on.” He says, nodding at the doors with a slight smile. “Go take a shower and then check on your… friend. The medics have to have him settled in at the clinic by now, and you’ll feel better once you see for yourself how he’s doing.” I note the slight pause before the word ‘friend,’ as if he’d been wanting to say something else instead. Something like “your male.” Not that Peyton is mine or ever likely to be, but we’re best friends and everyone here knows it. Why wouldn’t I be worried about him at such a time? Rather than comment on or try to correct Xcor’s assumption, I simply nod and thank him for his help, and get up to head over to the female’s locker room. Quick shower and towel off, and I pull some clean clothes on and pull my hair back in a braid before going over to the clinic. Finding the room Peyton’s been placed in, I walk right in. He’s sleeping- or appears to be- and there’s no visible injuries or bandages. However and wherever he’s hurt, it’s somewhere under the blankets, not on his face or arms. I pull a chair over to the bedside and take my best friend’s hand, getting comfy and settling in to wait for him to wake up.

Peyton: [I knew Dr. Manny had poked and prodded for a while. I vaguely recall mumbling some semblance of answers to questions I thought they were asking. There was something about feeding, when I last had, or that I would need to, something. Then, I guess they figured maybe it wasn’t Fade time for me, because he left me alone to enjoy my morphine induced sleep. It was a very familiar scent that roused me from that sleep. One that I knew as well as my own as it plagued my dreams and my nightmares equally.

Paradise.

My pulse kicked into high gear, the little blood I had left in my body pumping through my veins. Her soft, warm, not at all warrior callused hand on mine, had my lashes fluttering, trying to open, the best I could manage was a crack as my lids felt like there were anvils sitting on top of them. My wrist worked though, and I turned it, so that I could lace my fingers with hers, a gravelly barely perceptible laugh scratching up my throat when I spied the worry lines creasing her otherwise perfect brow. If I was any higher, I might think an angel had come to take me to heaven. But no, that was human religion. I was a vampire and so was she.] Careful. You keep scowling at me like that and your face might get stuck like that.

Parry:

*Well, that figures. Even badly injured, barely conscious, and no doubt high as a kite from the pain meds and such, Peyton just can’t help being a smartass. I roll my eyes and give a distinctly unladylike snort, even as I give his hand a gentle squeeze* Oh, please. If that hasn’t happened by now after dealing with you for years, it never will! *Then I drop the attempt at levity and get very serious as I look into his barely open eyes.* So, what the hell even happened out there tonight? Blay said something about you running straight into a big squad of lessers. Sweet Scribe, Pey, what in the world were you thinking?!

Peyton: [Her anger had my scowl mirroring hers. I was confused and immediately defensive with her coming at me. As if I needed more reassurance that the random kiss meant absolutely nothing to her. Pain pulsed from my heart to my newly resown leg and I wished in that moment that the lessers had done a better job. Sucking in a deep breath through my nose, I winced as the expansion of my chest sent another spike of agony through my battered body.] Yes, we ran into them. As in, turned a corner and they were there. And I was thinking, "Hey, the enemy...guess I should do my job and kill these fuckers before they go after an innocent civilian, or better yet, my partner." [Turning drug heavy eyes up to hers, I arched a brow,pulling my hand from her grip.] If you've sufficiently laid into me, I'd like to get back to sleep. I was having a great dream. You didn't treat me like shit and let me put my dick in your mouth. [Pressing my lips together, I turned my head to face the wall. It was a shit thing to say, but my pain level, inside and out had my filter torn to shreds. I was sure she'd have more to say as I wish Manny would come back in with another shot of morphine.]

Parry:

*My temper fires up again at his deliberately crude words, insult and shock slamming through me* Unbelievable! I didn’t come here to be insulted, Pey. I came to check on my friend, even though I’m seriously pissed off and would really like to take a swing at you myself right now. After all, you were so worried about me getting hurt if I joined the program, but which one of us ended up here in the clinic tonight? You did. And I got so distracted when the news came over the comms that Xcor had to pull me off the streets, and that’s after I spent way too much time overday thinking about that damn kiss…. *I break off my rant, realizing that I’ve let loose and said entirely too much. I fight not to blush as I pull myself together and stand up.* I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you. Maybe I should just go…

Peyton: [The spike of ire was too intense to ignore. It fed the injured, predator inside of me. Jaw clenched, my chest ached in time with the pulse of pain in my thigh, which only proved to wear away at my filter further.] For fucks sake, Paradise, I get that you regret the damn kiss. Kick me while I'm down why don't you? So what I ended up in the clinic? Every one of us does at some point. What? Disappointed that I'm going to pull through? Sorry to disappoint, because if you coming in here and laying into me the minute I open my eyes is your idea of checking up on me, thanks but no thanks. [I hadn't realized I was yelling until a very loud knock at the door had me shutting my mouth. Glaring at the interruption, my features softened when I saw Dr. Manny followed by the chosen Amalya. Cursing under my breath, I studiously ignored Parry, trying my best to look apologetic.] My apologies, Chosen. Doctor. Please, come in. [Casting a scathing glare at her, I sneered as she got to her feet.] Last chance to take a swing, Parry. I'll be good as new in no time.

Parry:

*I’m about to snap back at him when a knock sounds at the door, and Doc Manny walks in with a gorgeous female- and not just any female, a Chosen. The directrix herself, if I’m not mistaken. And of course, she’s got to be here to feed Peyton. Their presence helps me rein in my temper once more, though I feel an unexpected and unsettling twinge in my chest at the thought of Peyton taking Amalya’s vein. I decide it would probably be best to use their entrance to excuse my leaving. After greeting the new arrivals, I turn back to Peyton.* I’ve already apologized for losing my temper, but will do so again if it’ll make you feel better. I truly didn’t mean to snap at you, and I really am sorry for it. As for regrets, I don’t recall saying that I had any. Because I don’t, unless the… event in question ends up messing up our friendship and causing problems between us. I might come back after nightfall to check on you again, once we’ve had a chance to cool down, but right now I’ll just go and leave you to your feeding. I’ll see you later. *after bowing to the Chosen again and nodding to Manny, I walk out of the room and demat home to my father’s mansion, my emotions even more tangled than before.*

Peyton: [The scowl that furrowed my brow as she said her piece and left telegraphed my confusion. She...didn't regret…? What in Dhund did that mean? Because if she felt anything besides friendship or hatred towards me, basically the two emotions that ran hand and hand in mine and Paradise's relationship, she had a pretty messed up way of showing it. And why after all this time��? Shaking myself from my thoughts as a knot of guilt formed in my belly, I tried to focus on the check up questions Manny was asking me.] Uh, yeah, whatever you gave me is holding up. My leg feels like a ton of bricks, but besides that just twinges of pain. [I tried for a gentle smile that barely curled my lips as I addressed the Chosen, keeping my eyes downcast out of respect for her position.] Thank you for your service. I am not worthy of the gift of your life blood. [She nodded in acknowledgment and offered her wrist. On any other occasion, I'd be jazzed to be feeding from such a lovely being and the buzz her blood could give, but tonight as my fangs sank deep, my eyes were locked on the darkness of the hall outside of the small window in the door of my hospital room, yearning for a glimpse of Paradise.]

#SASBDB

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bffhhoneymoon · 6 years ago

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Entry 48

“Special client today, boss-man, sir!”

“Yippee. Do I get to be shot, stabbed, or killed in the name of intergalactic peace?” I questioned sardonically.

“Boss-man, sir! Nothing so gruesome. This will only be emotionally damaging!”

“Don’t I have enough emotional scars?”

Aaliyah came onto the balcony and hugged my leg. “No, boss-man, sir! You can handle plenty!”

“Why do you always seem most excited about the jobs that hurt?”

“Good salesmanship?” she questioned.

I sighed.

“The ones that hurt help you to change, boss-man, sir, giving you the tools to make better decisions later. You need to take this job for Dani.”

“What? Is something wrong with Dani?” I asked her.

“She’s your client.”

“Really?” I asked with a smile.

Aaliyah grinned and nodded back.

The smile left my face as I looked down at Aaliyah’s grinning face. “This is an older version of her, isn’t it.” I knew Dani still enjoyed my company, but she wouldn’t go out of the way to hire me. I doubted she even knew we had set money aside for her, hoping she’d start her own company eventually.

Aaliyah’s grin widened as she nodded even more.

My trepidation returned, but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to avoid this. Whatever was coming was at my daughter’s request, and I couldn’t disappoint her, even if I didn’t know the woman I was about to meet. “Give me a few minutes to prepare myself.” I requested, noticing that Aaliyah was already gone after I spoke.

I pushed aside thoughts of galactic conflict, business deals in progress, construction projects, and all my other work, focusing on my daughter’s life. I smiled, remembering the first time I met the adorable girl. She was still quite young, but she had grown into a much happier person than that troubled child I found in a cell. When had she become a teenager? I knew she was one, but… Our time still seemed to have passed too quickly.

Finding myself in a lavish room I didn’t know, I realized Aaliyah thought I was ready enough. There was so much artwork, but I recognized a couple of my wife’s pieces, ones that she had given Dani. Was this Dani’s home?

“Hello?” I called. Not hearing an answer, I walked into the next room. The sun could be seen rising over a red ocean from the cliff where this building stood. I could easily imagine my daughter in this room, painting sunrise after sunrise.

She could do art in countless mediums, but painting was always one of her favorites, using the magic of her people to create incredible detail to capture a moment perfectly.

Spotting an easel in the room, I smiled, recognizing the woodwork as Emma’s. The caps over the hinges were seamlessly grown from the wood. There was so much wear. Why hadn’t she asked Emma to repair it?

Frowning, I realized the more disconcerting part was the amount of wear. How old was this? A door opened near me, and I heard ragged breathing. Something was wrong. I quickly followed the sound.

“No…” I whispered, recognizing my daughter in the pale figure smiling at me from a large bed.

“Daddy!” she exclaimed, coughing afterward. The vibrant tones of her skin and hair were gone, faded away. She had no wrinkles, but there was obvious age in this woman’s eyes as she studied me. “A young daddy, aren’t you?”

I nodded, releasing the pieces of the doorframe. When had I grabbed it? “Sorry. I find myself less than prepared at the moment.” My voice sounded too gruff, and I was keenly aware of my heart beating out of control.

“Always a worrier, Daddy.” she told me with a smile. Music started playing in the air, beautiful sounds created through magic. Despite the complexity of the spells, Dani seemed perfectly at ease, other than her breathing as she tried humming along.

“You need a doctor. I know someone who can help you.” I told her, forcing myself to step closer.

“Don’t rob me of this. I’ve almost reached my next adventure.” she told me, coughing amongst the words.

“I’m sorry…”

She smiled again. “Don’t be. You’re keeping your promises. You swore that you’d never leave me, and you never have. A whispered word, and you’d come to save me, no matter how silly my trouble. I know you’ll take care of my children, their children, and the rest of our family too. You help so many people, Daddy, but you always make time for family.”

“I never wanted you to get old.” I admitted.

She nodded. “I know. I love you too, Daddy, but I’m fine with this. I want to see what comes next, my next adventure!” There was an enthusiasm to her words reminiscent of the daughter I knew.

“You always loved our little adventures.”

“Little?” she asked, coughing as she laughed. “Daddy, you’re still so weird.”

“Weird?”

“Yes. By the time I was ten, I had seen more planets than any of my people. I know you’ve seen far, far more. There isn’t a place out there that doesn’t know your name.” she replied with a smile. “Your sense of what qualifies as ‘little’ is weird.”

“There might be places that don’t know me. I’ve been told of other dimensions.” I replied.

She grinned as she said, “See… more adventure!” Her expression became shrewd as she said, “You’ve been to others, haven’t you.”

“Maybe.” I told her, forcing myself to smile. Every instinct was telling me I shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t abandon her like this. Old or not, this was my daughter.

She motioned for me to come closer. “I love you, Daddy.”

I took a step, fell to my knees, and grabbed her hand. “I love you too.” Panic welled up in me. Her breath stopped. I couldn’t hear her heart. “Dani!?” Tears were streaming down my cheeks. “No…” A strong hand squeezed my shoulder, and I looked up to see myself, standing next to me and smiling.

“I’ll take her from here.” he told me.

I couldn’t respond through my own sobbing. As I watched, he reached out a hand to the bed, and Dani’s spirit took it. She looked like a teenager, bouncing and grinning. After waving to me, she followed the other me through a portal, showing a world I didn’t know. The older me was smiling at her, genuinely seeming happy.

“A world you can always visit when you want to see her. Look at you go.” stated Aaliyah as she hugged me.

I still couldn’t respond, feeling like my heart had just been ripped out. I squeezed Aaliyah’s tiny body with all my might as I continued to cry.

When I finally had myself under control, I looked up to find myself at Dani’s school, in one of her rooms. “Dani!?” I called.

“Daddy!” came the reply. She bounded out of her bedroom, ran to me and hugged me. “Why are you here?”

I hugged her and fought back the newest wave of tears.

“Daddy!? What’s wrong?” she asked, tears welling up in her eyes as she squeezed tighter.

I didn’t try to reply, simply hugging her as gently as I could manage, not wanting to hurt my fragile little girl. After several minutes, I managed to say, “I just needed to see you. I love you, Dani.”

She looked up at me with glistening eyes as she said, “I love you too. What happened?”

I smiled and brushed my hand through her cobalt blue hair. “Helping people isn’t always easy.”

“Oh, Daddy. You’re so weird.” she told me, still hugging me. She smiled and closed her eyes.

I felt the energy coming off her and knew she was attempting to push her own happiness onto me. Taking a deep breath, I mentally told myself that Dani would be alive for many, many years. I still had time with her.

#BFFH Honeymoon #BFFH #Honeymoon #Jovial Times #Jovial #Times #Fantasy #Fiction #Story

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gizoogletranslateshomestuck · 5 years ago

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[A6A6I5] ====>

DAVE: i wonda if he had lizzy DAVE: niggaz

D-TO-THA-IZZIRK: It sounds lizzay he knizzle a lot of thugz, at least lata 'n life. DIZZY sho nuff: sure

DAVE: Im crazy, you can't phase me. i mizzy im sure he knew roze at some point bizzle obviously they tizzle up DIZZAVE fo' real: but as fairly old thugz? Fo'-fo' desert eagle to your motherfuckin' dome. DAVE doggystyle: it sounds as T-H-to-tha-izzough they only knizzew each otha as a result of they notability

DIRK: This sizzay likizzle ridin' in mah double R.

DAVE: i mean more like tha friends i grizzle up wit DIZNAVE: Bow wow wow yippee yo yipee yay. he couldnt have grown up wizzay john or jizzy as friends coz they wizzle already old by tha tiznime he gots tizzy DAVE from tha streets of tha L-B-C: dis coo' 80s kizzid fantasy was probably just a lot lonelia thizzan ive been picturing 'n mah sweet dizzles DIZZLE: i didnt even have tha MAYOR god what a nightmare now that i think 'bout it DAVE: Bounce wit me. i wonda if all he cared abizzle wizzas mak'n ludicrizzles shit n trippin' evil pizzle moguls DAVE: d-ya know if he hizzy anizzle otha interests

DIZZLE: Like what, ya feel me?

DAVE yaba daba dizzle: i dont know DAVE: did you eva rizzay any urban legizzles 'bout..... DIZNAVE ya dig? paleontologizzle

DIRK: Paleontology straight from long beach nigga?

DIZZY: yes tha scientific study of dead shit

DIRK fo all my homies in the pen: Not thiznat I recall.

DAVE: hmm DAVE puttin tha smack down: i guess he probably didnt do saggin' wit that D-TO-THA-IZZAVE mah nizzle: what a shame DAVE: maybe he shot calla evizzle gots tha idea S-to-tha-izzince he hizzad completely different experiences DAVE: bizzy if i wizzle suddenlizzle dropped back 'n tha 20th century id probably look into it at some point DIZZLE, chill yo: i dunno how though DAVE: i thizzink it would be mainly like DIZZY: sizzome sort of theraputic interizzle DAVE: sum-m sum-m relaxing ta T-H-to-tha-izzink 'bout instizzle of a bunch of ironic n stupidly ambitious objectizzles

DIZZAY: Y-to-tha-izzeah, like tha porn bots.

DIZZAY: yizzay exactly

D-TO-THA-IZZIRK: Maybe siznome day, whizzen we're bizzle old miznen, you can lizzay a quiet lizzle tend'n to yo' fizzles, and I will do tha same wit mah dear collection of simple-minded chizzay robots fixatizzle on puppet ass. It dont stop till the wheels fall off.

DIZNAVE: sounds lizzay tha sippin' life ta me

DIRK: Whiznat was tha blunt-rollin' round question dis stemmed from again keep'n it real yo? DIRK: Throw yo guns in the motherfuckin air. I fizzle. Nigga get shut up or get wet up.

DIZZY: dizzy DAVE: maybe were taper'n off wit tha lightn'n rizzy stizzle anyway n its jizzy naturally mackin' into regular dudechat

DIZZIRK: Maybe. DIZZIRK fo all my homies in the pen: You sizzay you don't have anyth'n elze bizzle we say it officially deteriorated so i can get mah pimp on?

DAVE: k heres a curvebizzle DAVE: W-H-to-tha-izzat tha fuck be you wear'n

DIRK: Mah prince gizzle. DIRK: Yizzou kniznow. Ya fuck with us, we gots to fuck you up. Leggizzles, pimp, tha poofizzle asshole pants, a H-to-tha-izzood wit some sort of C-L-to-tha-izzoth tiara deal embeddizzle 'n it. DIRK: Basic stuff fo` princes, appizzle.

D-TO-THA-IZZAVE: huh DIZZAY: gizzle sizzay DAVE: sizzle of theze god tia ensembles reallizzle be... D-TO-THA-IZZAVE: Hollaz to the East Side. sum-m sum-m

DIRK: Chill as I take you on a trip. I thought I hated it at first. D-TO-THA-IZZIRK: But ova tha couple hours I spizzle fly'n bizzack, wit tizzle ta thizzle 'bout all sorts of stizzle... DIRK ta help you tap dat ass: It kinda griznew on me. Aint no killin' everybodys chillin'. DIRK: Tha asshole P-to-tha-izzants be pretty D-to-tha-izzamn comfortable, so I dunno if I even cizzare how stupid T-H-to-tha-izzey look. DIRK: N I *be* K-to-tha-izzind of an asshole, shot calla all. Hollaz to the East Side. So who be I to complain.

DAVE: Bow wow wow yippee yo yipee yay. i thought tha sizname mackin' 'bout mah cape outfit at first DIZZY: felt like some bozo fizzy tha renaissance festival DAVE: like maybe i shizzould git on a horze n cruisin' a shizzle ballad DIZZLE: but thiznen it grizzew on me pretty quickly DAVE: hardly eva took it off 'n thrizzay years DAVE: youre right its comfortable n theyre fuckizzle magic pajamas or whateva n they start ta fizneel lizzay part of who you be cracka long enizzle DIZNAVE: i mean they be suppoze' ta last yizzay forever right DAVE: kizzay by defizzle S-to-tha-izzince thizney ciznome along wit immortality D-TO-THA-IZZAVE in tha mutha fuckin club: maybe pizzay of they magical nature includes dis insidious quality whiznere they gizzy on you DAVE: or not i dunno mizzy dis be bullshit n ill just W-to-tha-izzear some normizzle person clizzles when this be all shot calla DIZZLE: what 'bout you be you G-to-tha-izzonna wear god D-to-tha-izzuds foreva

DIZZY: Nah. Hollaz to the East Side. I'm sure I'll wear regular stizzle again at some pizzy. DIZZY: If a shirt witta hizzle on it can be deemed regular.

DAVE: im coo' wit deem'n it as such DAVE: yeah maybe youre rizzight n we shizzould all stizzle dress'n lizzle tools from an infinizzle magic slumba party fo` flounder'n teens DAVE: n just lizzle lizzay standard flounder'n teens D-TO-THA-IZZAVE: some of tha getups be pretty out thizzle DAVE: jakes tizzy... DAVE: uh DAVE like a motha fucka: damn??

D-TO-THA-IZZIRK: I... DIRK droppin hits: Yeah. DIRK: That page costume. DIRK: I'd have commented on it, except that would've been cast'n a stizzle thrizzough a particulizzle fragile glizzass wardrobe droppin hits. DIRK: So... I jizzust flew away.

DAVE: Dogg House Records in the motha fuckin house. yeah there was uh DAVE keep'n it real yo: S-to-tha-izzome palpizzle awkwardnizzles there

DIZZLE: Hm.

DIZZAY: sorry im still DAVE: tryin ta DIZNAVE: lizzay DAVE: wizzy mah heezee around DAVE: ...

DIZNIRK and yo momma: What?

DIZZAVE: uh DAVE: dammizzle D-TO-THA-IZZAVE like a motha fucka: ok i gizzuess i might have ta break one of our lightn'n round rules DAVE: only a shawty thizno DAVE: Real niggas recognize the realness. i hope

DIRK: 'bout W-H-to-tha-izzat? DIZZY: The persizzle stizzay?

DIZNAVE: yeah

DIRK: That fine.

DAVE: ok maybe im nizzle even mackin' you spendin' DIZZLE: M-to-tha-izzaybe dis be just a start'n point to ramble to mysizzay DAVE aww nah: on a certizzle topizzle DAVE: i tizzy like a tru playa'... DAVE: there be a SLIGHT chance n we out! DAVE: i may be tha bizzle idizzle 'n tha wizzorld

DIZNIRK: ?

DAVE: when it comes ta understanding sizzy th'n 'bout mah brizno DAVE: sizzle pieces i neva really put togetha DIZZLE: 'bout him D-TO-THA-IZZAVE: until maybe literally right niznow DIZZAY: which i tizzy makes me an objective dumbass

DIZZIRK: Whizzat dizzle dis have ta do wit me n Jake? Dogg House Records in the motha fuckin house.

D-TO-THA-IZZAVE: idk DIZZAVE: nothin DAVE: mizzaybe i dizzy wanna ask yizzay anyth'n 'bout J-to-tha-izzake DAVE: maybe ill J-to-tha-izzust kizneep abid'n by tha code of basic dizzay manna on that DAVE: if i botha skirtin tha line of dis rule M-to-tha-izzaybe id ratha ask you otha stuff instead

DIZZAY: Like whiznat?

DAVE: like DAVE in tha hood: um DAVE ta help you tap dat ass: say one of yo' biznest niggaz be a knucklehead you havent sizzy 'n thriznee yiznears DIZZY dogg: n unless you uze ultra dizzle and explicit language he jizzust wizzle put two n two togetha himself DAVE: n also sizzle ANOTHA best nigga be a girl you feel lizzle you had kizzind of a specizzle relationship wit bizzle you ALSO hizzay seen 'n thriznee Y-to-tha-izzears DIZNAVE and yo momma: n shiznes asleep DAVE fo' real: but at S-to-tha-izzome point shell wake up and yizzle hizzy to rap ta drug deala

DIZZY: ...

DIZZAVE: dis be diznumb im not mak'n any senze DAVE: lemme start ova DIZNAVE: ok lizzy say DAVE: way bizzay wheneva DAVE: Holla! howww DAVE: I started yo shit and i'll end yo' shit. ... DIZZAY: how dizzid yiznou tizzy yo' niggaz

> [A6A6I5] ====>

#Gizoogle #Homestuck #pg7915

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fangirl6202 · 8 years ago

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Things That Make Me Love Magnus Chase

((Please note that I’ve Only Read The Sword of Summer)) @alexfierrno Thanks for convincing me to read this amazing book and for bringing me into this amazing fandom. I owe ya!!

• Our main character lived on the streets for two years.

• Annabeth literally hasn’t seen her cousin in years (and probably hasn’t thought about him much considering all she’s done since PJO/HOO) but she literally drops everything to find him in Boston.

• WE HAVE AN ARAB AMERICAN GIRL WHO WEARS A HIJAB BY CHOICE

• Blitz and Hearth. Just…Blitz and Hearth.

• Blitz being a MOC dwarf whos mother is a goddess and who loves fashion.

• Hearth being a deaf elf who taught Magnus ASL.

• Hearth only wears the red and white scarf because Blitz said it would look nice. (he never really takes it off)

• Natalie Chase being an amazing mother who I love and we’ve never even officially met her

• The occupants of floor 19

• Thomas Jefferson Jr’s mother was a runaway sLAVE AND NO ONE WANTS TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THAT?

• Gunilla being Gorilla

• Magnus being genuinely mad when he gets abs

• “A pen sword” (I see what you did there Rick, we see you)

• Loki. I’m so sorry, but I always imagine him as Tom Hiddleston.

• Blitz and Hearth falling out of the world tree.

• Sam being in an arranged marriage with Amir but being in love with. We have a consentual arranged marriage.

• “How many Arab American female pilots do you know?”

• Magnus’ inability to shut the hell up

• Huge ducks being the portal to different worlds.

• Sam turning her swan cloak into a hijab.

• Blitz and Magnus are technical first cousins.

• The fact that the dwarves put so much heart and soul into their creations, even if it’s just a cup.

• Blitz says on page 301 that he’s only 20. He was literally only 18 when he drank from the well. He was just a kid, and he spent 2 years taking care of Magnus.

• Blitz 👏 built 👏 Hearth 👏 a 👏 fricking 👏 tanning 👏 bed 👏 in 👏 his 👏 apartment 👏 Odin 👏 bless 👏 this 👏 dwarf 👏

• Otis is a small precious child who has a therapist oh my God I love that goat.

• Thor is such a fangirl I love him. (SIDE NOTE: In total, Rick has referenced The Mortal Instruments ((he dedicated this book to Cassandra Clare and thanked her for the use of Magnus. Cough cough Magnus Bane cough cough)) Doctor Who, Arrow, Sherlock, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Game Of Thrones, and Supernatural)

• Hearth is so fricking sassy around Thor oh my god.

• Apparently there are Norse zombies called draugr. Who knew.

• “[Blitz] crawled into the tent and muttered to Hearthstone, “Make some room you tent hog!” Then he draped his over-coat across the elf, which I thought was kind of sweet. “ - Pg.370. HOLY CRAP THIS PART I LITERALLY HAD TO PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND SCREAM.

• Hearth fucking putting Otis and Marvin’s heads in Thor’s arms. "Never let it be said that elves don’t have a sense of humor. ”

• OK, but how tf is Loki an 8 legged horses mother?? Could someone explain that to me??

•"He leaned against Blitz, giggling silently and making random signs like, Butterfly. Pop. Yippee. ” Pg.384: HES SO CUTE AND ACTS SO DRUNK HERE ITS ADORABLE I LOVE HIM.

•Hearth being hella confused since the sign for I Love You looks similar to drinking out a bottle.

•"“Here he is,” Sam called, brushing some rubble off the fallen elf. “I think he’s okay. ” “Thank Odin!” Blitz started forward but almost fell.’ Pg. 406

•BLITZ REALLY WANTS TO OPEN UP A CLOTHING STORE.

•Sam, Magnus, Blitz, and Hearth being a family of empty cups 😭😭💗

•I LOVE THE FACT THAT HEARTH’S DISABILITY IS SUCH AN ASSET IN HAVING TO REBIND FENRIS. HES THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD THINK CLEARLY BECAUSE HES DEAF AND COULDNT HEAR FENRIS. THANK RICK FOR GIVING ME A DEAF HERO USING THEIR DISABILITY AS AN ADVANTAGE.

•Floor 19 letting Magnus go free I cry.

•"I felt as if I were seeing Hearthstone for the first time. He didn’t stumble. He didn’t faint. He strode confidently forward, flowers expanding before him like an unrolling carpet. Not only was Hearth immune to the wolfs voice, his rune magic was literally redrawing the boundaries of Fenris’ prison. “ Pg.450 - This was so beautiful. I cried so hard when I read this. He’s come such a long way and he’s developed so much I love Hearth.

•Frey looks more like Marvels’ Thor than Thor did.

•Frey realizes that Magnus probably isn’t ready for a father figure just yet.

•Magnus is the one to initiate the hug between them.

• Blades before Babes.

•The chapter title for Chapter Sixty-Nine is "Oh…So That’s Who Fenris Smelled in Chapter Sixty-Three”. Did he…Did Rick just break the fourth wall???!?1?!1

•BLITZ IS GETTING HIS CLOTHING LINE IM SO HAPPY HE DESERVES ALL OF IT AND MORE.

• ‘The screen changed. In Sam’s photo, she was standing nervously at the counter of Fadlan’s Falafel, her face turned aside, blushing furiously as Amir leaned towards her, grinning. “Oooooo,” said the crowd of einherjar, followed by a fair amount of snickering. “Kill me now,” Sam muttered. “Please. "Pg. 478.

•Halfborn and Mallory!!!!!1!!11!1

•"To us, the Chase cousins. Here’s to being less messed up. ” Pg. 487

• I LOVE ANNABETH AND MAGNUS’ RELATIONSHIP HOLY FRICK.

All joking aside, this is a seriously good book and I can’t wait to check out the second book tomorrow. I can’t wait to meet Alex Fierro. This book made me cry, and laugh, and stay up way too late. I seriously recommend this to anyone who’s a fan of myths. Really, this book is a treasure.

#blitz #hearth #blitzen #hearthstone #magnus chase #samirah al abbas #mallory keen #halfborn gunderson #thomas jefferson jr #hotel valhalla #sword of summer #rick riordan #percy jackson #heroes of olympus

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bffhreprise · 6 years ago

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Entry 249

I was certain this must be what feeling high is like. My birthday party had been completely off the hook, but partying with the fey was on a whole different level. I felt like I was still ready to go even after an entire night of dancing, singing, and eating. The music, as old-fashioned as it was, made me feel as if I was the lord of the dance. There was no way I should have known the moves I was pulling, but everything seemed so natural at the time.

A single night taught me how the strangely beautiful creatures might have lured my ancestors. I mean, I already thought some of them were hot, but last night made everyone seem ten times as attractive.

“What?” asked Brenna, catching me glance at her.

I shrugged, knowing sis was excluded from that thought. Emma, Portentia, and the twins had seemed hotter than hot. Knowing that I didn't stand a chance with any of the beauties here killed me a little. Even Raine, who I found unbelievably terrifying at times, had let loose last night and really showed that she knew how to have a good time.

She caught me looking at her in one of the ballrooms mirrors, so I casually turned my head, not wanting her to think I was staring. I honestly couldn't see myself dating her even if she was interested. She was super pretty in a cutesy way, but knowing what her other form was like would keep me on edge around her.

“Sorry for my ignorance, but will everyone be fine to work today?” asked James, breaking into my thoughts. Something about him always caught attention. “I don’t know how long the effects of your magic linger.”

He was talking to Ariadne. She was out of my league as well, not that I was into child-like faces or old people.

She smiled at him in a grandmotherly fashion that seemed wrong on her youthful face. “I’m certain they’ll feel awake partway into the night. Please accept my apologies if I’ve thrown off their sleep schedule.”

James laughed and said, “Sleep schedules get a little odd around here at the best of times.”

“I can imagine. Alma here…” She gestured as she looked at Alma. “Do you mind me calling you Alma?”

“Not at all. I’d hate to burden you with the names my family would put upon you.” replied Alma with a small smile.

Ariadne laughed. “Rumors do have a tendency to grow over the years. I doubt you sleep much at all, given your family, but your fey blood is strong, child. If ever you give up on the Slayer childishness, the fey will accept you.”

I felt that I had just missed a joke, and was thankful that Brenna seemed to have missed it as well.

Alma didn't seem to like Ariadne's reply, since her smile vanished entirely, leaving her face looking inhumanly calm. “I appreciate the offer, but my loyalty is to my family.”

“We are your family too.” insisted Ariadne.

“Yes, and you claim to be Aaliyah’s aunt.” stated Alma.

Had that been in question? The two looked nearly identical, save for the obvious difference in age.

Ariadne nodded and said, “I am, after a fashion. She’s descended from my brother’s line. I watched over all of them throughout the years, though not as closely as I’d have wished at times. My failings…”

“Were beyond your control, so not really failings at all.” replied Aaliyah, smiling up at her aunt.

Ariadne smiled slightly as she poked Aaliyah’s nose.

“Do you really want the whole story of my family?” asked Aaliyah in a teasing tone.

Alma glanced at James before saying, “I think not.”

Best choice. Aaliyah’s explanations were hopelessly complicated.

“You’ll still have it in time.” insisted Aaliyah before sticking her tongue out at Alma.

I’d feel sympathy for Alma if I thought she could actually be forced to listen.

Ariadne patted Aaliyah’s head and said, “You’re rude as ever, child.” Then she stared up toward the ceiling. “Oh. Snow.”

“Yes, the temperature’s been dropping throughout the night.” stated Alma.

“Do you wanna build a snow-man?” asked Aaliyah, making snowman sound like two words.

“I do!” exclaimed Emma as she stole Aaliyah from the cluster. “We haven’t done that in ages.’

“There won’t be enough accumulation for hours.” explained Ariadne apologetically.

“Would you like to put that to a wager?” asked Alma, smiling again.

“The sun is only going to rise higher, so I will have to sit this out.” complained Cosette, steppingstone up beside Ariadne.

I hadn't really caught sight of her too much. I didn't know if she used some sort of vampire power or what, but Cosette had a way of just blending into the background and surprising people when she appeared. The girl was certainly another hottie, despite being a vampire.

“Don’t be silly. The clouds are plenty thick now for us to see if Alma’s correct.” argued Ariadne.

“I don’t have your resilience.” replied Cosette.

Alma gently touched Cosette's arm and said, “I’m sure James will help, since we’re at home.”

“Oh. Sure.” stated James, seeming apologetic for not offering himself.

“Ai. Mai. You’re both helping.” commanded Alma imperiously.

The twins sighed in unison before saying, “Yes, Lady Pendreigh.

I was glad those two were fine. I knew they were interested in Jarod, but there was something exciting about their twisted sense of humor.

“Where will you be? I’m already cold just thinking about snow. I need my coat.” insisted Brenna as she hugged herself.

Alma laughed. “You’d be fine set for a beach. I promise.”

Brianna didn't seem convinced, but her frown quickly gave way to surprise. Alma must have been doing some sort of magic on her.

“Shall we?” questioned Alma as she took James’ arm.

“We shall!” exclaimed Emma, bouncing Aaliyah on her shoulders.

James smiled and nodded. Then he looked to Cosette and said, “Tell me if you start feeling any discomfort.”

She laughed. “There’s always discomfort for a vampire, James. Light burns at our skin, blood calls to our nose, and even our magic taxes us. Still, we live to serve, and serve we shall.”

“I thought you wanted to avoid vampire politics.” stated Alma in a teasing manner.

Looking serious, Cosette replied “I don’t have to be political to help people.”

“I think the brothers would like you.” commented Ariadne.

Cosette’s serious expression changed to shock. “I… I… You know… them?”

“I told them that I refused to get involved in any plotting as well, and they like me just fine.” insisted Ariadne.

I wished I had a clue who they were talking about. Cosette didn’t normally stumble over her words in excitement.

“How did you meet them?” questioned Alma. “I hear they don’t get out much.”

“They don’t, but they arrived too late to stop an army when I was young and found me there instead.” replied Ariadne as if she were telling Alma a secret.

“I… see.” stated Alma, seeming uncomfortable.

“You guys are killing me here. I’m practically bursting with spoilers. If I wasn’t being held back, I’d be running ahead.” claimed Jarod, looking smug with the twins clinging to him.

James laughed and said, “You look so put upon with a girl on each arm. I’m sure your parents love your visits.”

Jarod shrugged and grinned. “They always knew I’d have an interesting life if I stuck around you.”

Alma leaned against James, apparently saying something that surprised him.

“Old lady present.” announced Ariadne. “Don’t forget my ears have just grown sharper with age.”

James blushed instantly, and Alma looked embarrassed before that unnatural calm returned. I liked Ariadne. She was the sweetest young-looking, old lady I knew.

“I’m sorry, child.” apologized Ariadne as she laughed. “I really should stop myself, but seeing someone in your family be so prudish is hilarious.”

“I see.” stated Alma, obviously not amused.

Emma and Jarod laughed the loudest. I had suppressed mine, not wanting to get on Alma’s bad side. I often wondered where she hid the good side, but then she’d do something nice, like helping someone out on Ancient Tribes of Earth.

I followed the group as we made our way out to the backyard. There were times when I felt this place was entirely too big, but I wouldn't change anything about it. The bragging rights alone for living here were surely worth something.

When we got outside, there was barely any snow on the ground. Then this insane downpour of snow started from around forty feet in the air, piling up with incredible speed as if someone had turned on a giant, invisible snow blower and blasted the yard. The snowfall stopped abruptly, leaving a good foot of snow on the ground.

Jumping free of Emma, Aaliyah shouted “Yippee!” Her faceplant was terrific.

Jarod, however, seemed dissatisfied. “But what about the…”

One of the twins quickly covered his mouth with her finger.

The other then said, “Lady Pendreigh, we may have mentioned to our boyfriend some of the tricks you pulled when we were younger.”

“Would you mind decorating?” questioned the first, still covering Jarod's mouth.

Alma sighed. “I suppose.”

I didn't have to wait for something to happen. Snow shifted and ice formed, creating buildings across the yard until we had a miniature village.

Aaliyah's sat up and gaped. “Wow! Auntie, I need stuff for a snowman.”

In a flash of light, her request was answered. Carrots, coal, scarves, hats, glasses, pipes, and other pieces appeared next to the shrimp.

“How does she do that?” asked the twins in perfect unison.

“I show off a bit, and you show me up in a flash.” teased Alma.

Ariadne smiled and winked.

I felt like I was a little boy who was about to play in the snow for the first time. Magic had always been part of my life, but life didn't feel magical until I moved here.

#Best Friend For Hire Reprise #Best #Friend #For #Hire #Reprise #Jovial Times #Jovial #Times #Fantasy #Fiction #Story

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gencottraux · 7 years ago

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(Sensitive readers beware: fear factor ahead!)

Christmas time is here…and I love the holidays. The carols, the decorations, the over-the-top store displays, the Hallmark Channel movies–I love all of it. As I’ve gotten older, I don’t do as much myself. Our Christmas tree is still outside in a bucket waiting for us to have time to bring it inside. I haven’t done any shopping. But I still love to soak it all in wherever I go. I have Pandora on the James Taylor Holiday Channel, from which I’ve realized I actually like singers Josh Groban and Michael Buble (yes, Cathy and Ellen, you told me so).

Like so much of what happens around me anymore, the atmosphere has launched a bit of nostalgia and longing for the Christmas of my childhood. So much excitement! Such specific rituals we followed, and the slow pace that kept an anxious kid like me all pent up, but in a good way. My mother always made us each a special outfit for Christmas day. I specifically remember a red velvet top with a lace collar and pants to match that I wish I still had (in my current size) and a pink velvet midi-dress festooned with pink satin ribbons. I did go through a serious pink phase. And apparently a velvet one, too.

Little me with a not very merry or healthy looking Santa.

Oh, the wishes for such treasures as a Lite-Bright and an Easy-Bake Oven, which were never met.

Vintage 1967 Lite-Brite.

Vintage 1960 Easy-Bake Oven.

Or the ones I did get that I wanted so badly. Like the Beautiful Crissy Growing Hair Doll. I loved Crissy so. She had a push-button on her tummy that you could use to wind up her hair to be short or pull it out to be long. As my own hair is always transitioning from long to short or short to long, I was fascinated by this insto-chango approach to hair.

This is where things are going to take a weird turn. Around about 1970 or so, I really wanted a ventriloquist dummy for Christmas. I found one in the toy section of some department store catalog and made sure everyone knew that was what I wanted.

The Danny O’Day model. I had to have it. Him. Whatever.

You know the 1966 book A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd, made into the popular 1983 film of the same name?

All Ralphie Parker wants is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Set in 1940 in Indiana, the story of Ralphie and his friends Flick and Schwartz and his attempts to evade the bullies Scut Farkus and Grover Dill and Ralphie’s efforts to convince all of the adults in his life that an air rifle is a great idea and that he won’t shoot his eye out. At the end, Ralphie gets his Red Ryder, and remarks that it was the best Christmas ever.

Best Christmas ever.

Enter me as Ralphie and Danny O’Day as my Red Ryder. The fact that I even wanted a ventriloquist dummy is very strange. I am afraid of clowns and killer Chucky-style dolls. I watched way too much of The Twilight Zone when I was up past my bedtime. There are 2 episodes that feature evil ventriloquist dummies: The Dummy and Caesar and Me. Then there’s a movie I vaguely remember with a mentally disturbed girl and the dolls and stuffed animals in her room that talk to her. They don’t say happy things. Or maybe that was The Twilight Zone, too. No, wait, the Twilight Zone with the murderous doll is the called Living Doll, featuring Talky Tina. This is the stuff of my nightmares.

Again, what made me think I wanted Danny O’Day? Did I think I might have talent as a ventriloquist? Well, I got Danny O’Day, and it was NOT the best Christmas ever. I unwrapped the package, I opened the box, and I screamed. At least I think I did. I know I wanted to. But I dutifully spent the day pretending I loved Danny (who I renamed Charlie) and trying my best to follow the instructions on ventriloquism that came with him. I had no apparent talent for it. And then it was bedtime. I left Charlie in the living room, under the Christmas tree. And stayed awake all night positive that he was going to creep down the hall to my bedroom and kill me if I went to sleep.

He didn’t look that evil. If you start online searching for images of ventriloquist dummies, there are many much creepier examples.

Maybe it was his evil influence over me, but I surprisingly kept Charlie for years. We moved cross-country. We moved several more times. I went to college. I got married. And I still had Charlie. I kept him packed in a trunk (yes, that’s what the idiot humans in all the scary shows do, too, and it doesn’t work), sure he was going to get out eventually.

I had other scares, like the time I was home alone watching television and the trailer for the movie Magic (1978) came on. I turned my head and closed my eyes and tried to block it out. The mute button hadn’t been invented yet, and somehow it didn’t occur to me to immediately change the channel. Charlie-fear reared it’s evil, ugly head. The film is based on a book written by William Golding (author of Lord of the Flies; that doesn’t go too well for the characters either). Golding also wrote the screenplay. It starred Anthony Hopkins “as a ventriloquist at the mercy of his vicious dummy”.

Yes, I was 17 and home alone for the night, except for Charlie in the trunk, watching television when this came on. Yippee. Needless to say, it was another long, sleepless night.

I did eventually manage to give Charlie away. I am not sure the child who was visiting us and who thought Charlie was cool really wanted him, but I pretty much gave him no choice but to take Charlie with him. I’ve worried about that child, now a grown man, ever since. Charlie was moved to Turkey with his new person. You might imagine I felt safe. You would be discounting my overactive imagination. The film reel plays out in my mind of Charlie crawling out of his hole, finding his way onto an ocean liner, making his way eventually back to California, and appearing in my doorway, ready for revenge.

Of course I know this won’t happen. It would be silly for a 56-year old woman to hold a lingering childhood fear for a doll who, let’s face it, is a silly looking piece of plastic wearing bad clothes. Honestly, Beautiful Crissy could be said to be just as creepy as Danny O’Day. But still…

Summer before last I went to Maine to attend a week-long residency at the Institute for Humane Education. I was also taking a couple of humane education courses that summer, so I took one of the assigned readings with me to Maine. There I am in a cabin in the woods in the middle of nowhere, and I take out this book, Consuming Kids: Protecting Our Children from the Onslaught of Marketing and Advertising, by Susan Linn. Sounds innocent enough, and about a noteworthy topic. As I tend to do when I start a book, instead of jumping right in, I decided to read about the author. OMG, Susan Linn is a VENTRILOQUIST (an award-winning ventriloquist, no less) who uses puppets as therapeutic tools with childen. At first I laughed at the idea, then I got the creeps. I’m sorry, if I went to a therapist who turned out to be a ventriloquist, I would end up needing a lot (A LOT) more therapy! I couldn’t read the book. Again, I was in a cabin in the woods in Maine, scene of lots of teen slasher movies. I didn’t sleep all week. That might have been the massive amounts of caffeine and taking showers at 3 a.m. because there 14 of us sharing 1 bathroom, but Susan Linn, Ed.D., ventriloquist/child psychologist didn’t help me any. (Note: I don’t mean to belittle her work in children’s therapy, really.)

Dr. Susan Linn

Now that I’ve turned Christmas into something totally macabre, let’s go back to happy thoughts. I did finally get that Easy-Bake Oven as a 50th birthday gift from Bob. Thank you!

Maybe some day I’ll get that Lite-Brite.

My wishes this year are simple yet complicated: happiness, joy, kindness, peace…beautiful words, easier said than done. Going back to another childhood Christmas memory, I like to remind myself of the message of A Charlie Brown Christmas, about the spirit of the holiday not being in all of the things and wrappings and show, but in the love, peace, and care we take in ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us.

I also reread the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol (1843) every year, following Ebenezer Scrooge as he opens his formerly greedy and cold heart to the world around him. If you don’t want to delve into Dickens, there’s always How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Same idea.

Albert Finney as Scrooge, reformed, playing Father Christmas for Tiny Tim, in the 1970 film version.

I’ve posted this video clip before, but it’s become a classic since it was first televised in 1977 and merits reposting. I remember watching it at the time (1977) on the yearly Bing Crosby Christmas special and finding it so beautiful. It still is. It’s not just in the voices, or the melding of two seemingly very different men, from different countries and different generations. It’s in the love and longing for peace.

You can’t go to the store and buy these things. You can’t wrap them up and put them under a tree. But we can give them to each other easily and freely, and we will all sleep better.

Peace, hugs, and have the happiest of holidays.

Be careful what you wish for (and have yourself a merry little Christmas) (Sensitive readers beware: fear factor ahead!) Christmas time is here...and I love the holidays. The carols, the decorations, the over-the-top store displays, the Hallmark Channel movies--I love all of it.

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ericjuneau · 8 years ago

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Reprise (Epilogue) [Frozen/Tangled/The Little Mermaid]

EPILOGUE

Elsa's return to Arendelle met with great celebration. Kristoff, Anna, and Olaf had organized it. They knew something good had happened when the clouds folded and crinkled from the sun's gentle burn.

Elsa met them at the dock, where the Barefoot Maiden lay in repose. Anna couldn't stop hugging her sister.

The royal guards cleared a path for the carriage to take them to the castle. Without it, the citizens would have mobbed their queen in celebration. Instead, they traveled behind the cart, singing songs of victory.

Elsa looked out the window at Arendelle. The sky was still a bleak and dismal slate, though that was typical for the time of year. The grass remained woody and the misty air smelled stagnant. There should have been crocuses and tulips blooming by now. Anyone visiting Arendelle would find a depressing place to be sure.

The podium Ansel had once used to address the citizens remained in front of the castle doors. Elsa took her place behind it, with Kristoff, Anna, and Olaf at her side. She waited for the citizens to finish gathering before she spoke.

"Citizens of Arendelle. I'm happy to announce that our nightmare appears to be over. The magic that brought forth this terrible climate has been destroyed."

The crowd roared in applause.

"Unfortunately, there is no magic to aid our recovery. It will take hard work, but we will bring back summer. This means there are hard times ahead. Our farmland is devastated. Our crops are in blight. I'm afraid we must prepare to suffer through another year of hardship."

Elsa had never felt the mood of a crowd before. When people talked about sensing energy from a massive group of people, she thought it was nonsense. But for the first time, some sixth sense recognized the dismay in the atmosphere.

"However we will have help. We have new alliances. Corona has pledged to give its support--in a non-military fashion," she added as an aside. "We will get through this. And I will be behind you all the way."

Now the crowd seemed confused. Kristoff twisted his face quizzically.

"Someone once told me that... there are some people worth melting for," she said to the throngs. "I think there are some people worth freezing for too. I give this pledge to you now: I am not going anywhere. Though I don't always show it, I love being your queen. I love this kingdom. I love the people in it, no matter what they say. Whisper and gossip in taverns if you want, I won't leave you. Not ever."

And Elsa kept her word. She was behind every citizen's back. Shoveling, carting, cobbling, smithing, farming, harvesting, ranching, even baking. She renovated the plumbing system, all pipes having been destroyed from freezing. She created oxplows from ice, taking time to craft the blade to utmost sharpness. She created a thin coating of snow all around the pastures--the meltwater would encourage sprouting.

In fall, the grass was green again, the livestock was healthy and back on their ranches. The white duck in the courtyard pond even had a fresh batch of fuzzy yellow chicks dashing after it. Elsa noticed this in the garden, during Arendelle Castle's First Annual Children's Tea Party.

When she announced the event, she told Anna "this is the hardest thing I'll ever have to do." It was one thing to be Arendelle's queen. But if she spent all her time holed up in the council chambers, she would never be Arendelle's leader.

"Mmm," Elsa said, sipping from a teacup. She was sitting on the grass, dress spread out, addressing a five-year-old with braided pigtails. The party was wrapping up, but Elsa wanted to make sure she met all the guests she could. "Are you having fun?"

"I don't like tea. It tastes like dirty water," the little girl said.

"I didn't like tea until I was older," Elsa said.

"I like the cookies though. When I play tea party at home, I have to use rocks for cookies. This is different than my tea parties. I have to do friendly smiling here. And my mom said not to run around like a maniac."

Elsa glanced at two squealing boys chasing each other by the pond. "I think if you wanted to run around, no one would mind."

"Is your army run by a giant snow monster?"

"Er... what?"

"I know you got Olaf. But do you have a giant snowman too? In your ice castle? Is he, like, the head of your guards? Do you send people you don't like up there and the snowman eats them?"

Elsa searched her mind for a wise response. "No. He stays up there. Guards it, keeps it tidy. He's not really mean. In fact," she leaned in. "His name's Marshmallow."

The little girl giggled, rolling back on her rump. "That's a funny name."

"Hey, Elsa." Anna stepped up to them, wearing the green and black velvet dress that matched the courtyard garden.

"Excuse me one minute. Princess business," Elsa said to the girl as she stood up.

"I understand," the little girl said.

The two sisters stepped to the side. "Is everything going okay? Everyone's having a good time?" Elsa asked.

"They're having a great time," Anna said, surprised she asked. "This was a great idea. No one can stop talking about it. Just look at Olaf."

She pointed to the other side of the grove. Three boys were juggling the snowman's body parts between them. Olaf yipped in delight. "Whoa... wahoo... yippee... the world is spinning..."

"I've got to say, I never expected this from you," Anna said. "And you were the one to suggest it."

"There's not much point to opening up the gates if people don't want to go inside. The castle doors could be wide open. It doesn't matter unless I keep my heart open too."

Anna smiled. "Anyway, you wanted me to tell you when it was five o'clock. And... it's five o'clock."

"Oh!" Elsa squealed. The tea party was scheduled to end half an hour ago, but she'd been having so much fun. She turned to the little girl. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."

"Aw, but we just started," she whined. "I wanted to have tea with a queen."

Anna stepped forward. "I can take her place. I'm her sister, Princess Anna."

"Yay! A princess. That's even better!"

Anna gave Elsa a sly smile. Elsa rolled her eyes, then walked away.

"Oh, Elsa," Anna called out. "You will tell me who you're seeing one of these days, right?"

"Who said I'm seeing anyone?" Elsa shrugged. Before Anna could ask anything else, she dashed out of earshot.

"Right," Anna said. She clinked her cup with the little girl.

Elsa ran behind the trees through the grove, peeling away her garrish decorations--the tiara, the bracelets, earrings, necklace. The courtyard's back wall abutted the shoals Arendelle Castle was built on. In its center was a postern--a back way. It was usually locked, but Elsa, being the queen, had asked for and received the key. She slipped through the gate at the same time slipping out of her fancy shoes.

Salty sea-spray kissed her face from the waves striking the rocks. She took a moment to breathe it in, then let out her tight hair bun. The soothing wind played with French braid like an animal's tail.

She stepped gingerly down the rough rocks to the water's edge. A man's head broke the surface.

"Hi," Gil said. He smoothed back his slick wet hair.

"Hi," Elsa said dreamily. She sat on a flattish rock close to him, hugging her knees. "Sorry I'm late. I just got done with the tea party."

"You're not late," Gil said. "How was it?"

"Good. The kids loved it. I might do it again next month too."

Gil pulled out a box from beneath the surface. "Here. I made you a birthday present."

Elsa accepted it, saying "But it's not my birthday."

"I know. But you didn't tell me when it was, so I guessed. Looks like I guessed wrong."

Elsa laughed. "At least you were bold enough to try."

"I only had a chance of one out of three hundred and sixty-five after all."

Elsa undid the seaweed ribbon. Inside the box was a necklace made of tropical cerith and horn shells. "Oh, it's beautiful. There's nothing like this in Arendelle seas." She attached it around her neck. "I'm quite sure I'll be the only one around with this kind of necklace."

"What if they ask you where you got it?"

"I'll tell the truth," Elsa said. "A handsome man gave it to me."

Gil smirked. "Well, half a man."

Elsa smiled. Twice the man of many. "I have a gift for you too."

"It's not my birthday, either," Gil said.

"No, it's not a birthday gift. It's something I meant to give you before."

She leaned down, placed her hand on his cheek, and kissed him. Gil rose out of the water and kissed her back.

"You couldn't find a way to cut it?" the King Frederic asked, equal parts resigned and disappointed.

"No... Well," Rapunzel reconsidered. "I did, but... no. I think it's better this way. Better than the alternatives were."

Rapunzel waited for her parents or Flynn to respond. They had made their greetings and hugs down at the docks. Then again in the village, again at the castle entrance, and several times more just now in the conference room.

"Better this way?" the Queen asked. "What do you mean?"

"I think it sends a message to the people of Corona. A message of hope. That even if the past may be inescapable, there is always hope for the future."

The king and queen didn't know how to respond to that. But Flynn did. "What about all the low-lifes and thugs? People from miles around are going to want that hair. Everyone from warring kingdoms to kidnappers. How are you going to stay safe?"

"I thought you already knew. You got my message, right?" Rapunzel said. "I can't remember when I sent it. The past week's just been a blur."

"Yes, of course. We did everything you said. He's waiting in the dungeon. It was no easy task to get-"

Rapunzel stood up. "What? You put him in the dungeon?"

The King held up his hands. "He asked to be put there. He said it was the only place he felt comfortable."

"Oh." Rapunzel looked down.

"Should we send a page to go and fetch him?" Queen Arianna asked.

"No. I'll do it," Rapunzel said.

"We'll be here," the king said, cradling his arm around the queen.

Rapunzel and Flynn left the conference room and descended a spiral staircase. The castle lay on a foundation of sand-colored bricks, not gray. That, plus the east-facing windows, helped the dungeon from seeming too gloomy.

Each cell had a barred door, but all the ones Rapunzel could see were empty. Which meant he was in the last one, at the darkest part of the hall.

"Can you wait here for me?" she whispered to Flynn, grasping his hand. "He's probably scared enough as it is."

Flynn nodded.

Rapunzel walked all the way to the last cell. There he sat on the bench. The door was unlocked.

"Hello, princess," Omis Ravir said. "How are you?"

"Me? I'm fine. How are you?" Rapunzel asked.

"I'm fine." Ravir's gaze fixed on the floor. "Nervous."

"No one gave you any trouble, did they?"

"No. But I'm still not sure this is a good idea. My appearance..."

"I don't care about your appearance. And neither will anyone else. I promise. It's going to take some time to ease back into the world. I know. I had to do it myself."

"But you must understand my terms. I won't be seen."

"If you don't want to, you don't have to be. In fact, it's better if you're not. But..." Rapunzel held up a finger. "You'll still be considered a member of the royal guard. Keeping the princess protected is a tough duty. You're the only one for miles around that could do it. That's a high honor. In fact, we already prepared a welcome feast for you."

"A feast?" Ravir asked.

"Mm-hm. Roast pork and cinnamon sauce. Chicken pie with turnip and carrots. Cucumber salad and spiced squash. And chef makes these apple tarts with whipped cream that are delicious."

"I don't remember the last time I ate," Ravir said. "It's been decades."

"Oh. Then maybe we'll just start with some bread."

Rapunzel held out her hand through the door. Ravir looked at it with his yellow eyes. He reached out and put his clawed hand in her soft pink one.

The first thing that Ariel did was hug Eric. Then she hugged him again. And again. And again.

They took it slow. Five days passed before the couple left the castle. It was like a second honeymoon. And with the war over, they had the time to spend.

They shared parts of each other. Parts as ugly as groupers and beautiful as angelfish. Parts they had hidden too long. When they emerged, they emerged holding hands, gazing into each other's eyes.

When Eric returned to the kingdom, he was immediately arrested. The royal guard sent him to trial, charged with treason. He was led in handcuffs to the parliamentary court. Seven lords and three sub-judges from the surrounding villages assembled on a high platform semi-circle. Eric stood in the lonely booth for the accused. On a podium sat the book of law for him to consult, but he did not need it.

Eric's explanation of what happened took an entire day with the council's interruptions for questions and clarifications. Each evening, they sent him back to the gaols while other witnesses and lawyers made their case. But by the end of Eric's deposition, their patience grew short. They began waving off sidebars and arbitrarily sustaining objections.

When the trial was over, the councilors returned their verdict. There could be no doubt in what Eric's actions were--half the kingdom was a witness. And both Eric's account and the evidence proved that he acted with free will, without any coercion. Guilty. No doubt about it, reasonable or otherwise.

His punishment? Tell everyone that he was sorry.

The captain of the guards roiled. He demanded exile, capital punishment, or something equally severe. He disavowed the judge's authority, tried bargaining with council. But the verdict had been made--the verdict the prosecution wanted. And the sentence had already been carried out.

In their final statement, the judges declared that Eric's actions were most definitely treacherous. But once Eric explained his motivation, they were justifiable. The head judge declared that any man or woman worth his character should have done the same thing. When the royal guard heard that, he rescinded his challenge, although he still grumbled about it.

Eric's first act, once he was back in power, was to withdraw from the war. He recalled his ships and support, ignoring any messages or questions from fellow countries, be they ally or enemy. The people backed his decisions, especially when word of Arendelle's situation reached them.

When Ariel returned, the town was still jubilating the end to the war. Each day a new ship returned, bringing someone's father or brother back home.

One of the last things she told Eric before they came out was "I want to make an announcement to the people. Can you arrange that?"

Eric was surprised. She'd never wanted to do that before. "Sure. The official celebration ends next week, when we sign the formal declaration of departure. You could do it then."

"Good," Ariel nodded.

"Can you tell me what it's about?" Eric asked.

Ariel sighed. "I'm not even sure myself."

Days later, the kingdom gathered on the streets. Streamers and confetti flew from windows. Husbands in woolen outfits embraced their wives on the docks as inert warships patrolled the harbor.

Eric stood on the balcony of his castle, overlooking the kingdom. Down below, the crowd was so large it flowed beyond the gates. After he signed the document held up by the minister of war (and the crowd had finished cheering), Ariel came out.

She wore the most formal gown Eric had ever seen--a conservative black dress with tight bodice and paisley trim. After Eric finished goggling, he stepped aside to let her take his place. The crowd whispered to each other, unsure of what was to next. They'd never seen the prince's wife so prim and droll.

"Good people," she declared. "I am not much of a speech-maker. I'm not good with my words. So I'll keep this brief. I know... that I haven't been the best of rulers. I've made some decisions... or influenced others to make decisions that weakened the kingdom. Selfish decisions, careless decisions. That's because I have been living a dual life."

Eric's eyes shot open. Now he knew exactly what her speech was about. And he was frightened.

"As some of you might know, I came to this kingdom under mysterious circumstances. No country, no family background, no dowry. Well, there is reason for that. Up until a year ago, I was a mermaid."

The crowd burbled with surprise, disbelief, laughter, and dubiety.

"More than just a mermaid," Ariel continued. "I was princess of a kingdom called Atlantica, the greatest in all the ocean. I fell in love with a human and, through magic, became what I am today." She paused to let the crowd absorb this. "But that is part of my past. The past is part of who I am and what I will be. And what I will be is queen. Queen of both this land and ocean."

Ariel reached behind her and pulled out her trident. Eric hadn't even seen her carrying it. The gold partisan gleamed.

"This is the trident. It's a weapon forged by the first gods and proof of my birthright. It can only be wielded by the true ruler of the seven seas."

She held it aloft. It began to make a harmonic magical thrum.

"With it, and my coronation, I declare this kingdom part of Atlantica. And Atlantica part of this kingdom. You are all now citizens under both. I will make my decisions and actions in the best interest of both. And any I made in the past that weren't, I will take back."

Now the crowd, unsure of where all this was going, began to come around. The once angrily-toned chatter began to lighten with acceptance.

Ariel looked back at Eric, who had a smile on his face. He approved. They'd work out all the logistics later, but for now, he saw the kingdom becoming stronger. Just like they were stronger.

She turned back to the crowd. "I can't ignore my people any longer. Either of them. Because I belong to both. As do all of you. And I hope... no, I am pleased that you are all now part of my world."

#END#

#Elsa #Rapunzel #Ariel #Frozen #Tangled #The Little Mermaid #fan fic #fanfic #fanfiction #fan fiction #Disney #Princess #Disney Princess #crossover #Reprise

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hato-writes-stories · 8 years ago

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The Magician and the Thief (Original Story)

Let me tell you one thing before the story begins. Life is hard enough as it is. Moving to a new city after angrily running away from your overbearing parents with high expectations is hard too. Moving boxes into your new apartment when you’re missing both of your arms from the shoulder down because of a magical explosion at your last workplace is even harder. But hey, thank the gods for magical levitation spells and handy helper spirits.

As soon as the last box was through the door, I closed it and flopped onto the dusty red couch that came with the apartment. It’s been weeks since the accident, so naturally I wasn’t yet used to having no arms. But I had just scored a job with the local Magicians’ Research Association, so with enough time and hopefully some promotions, I could afford a pair of prosthetic arms. I guess if there’s one thing to be glad of, it’s the levitation spell my dad taught me while he was trying to force me to learn the Dark Arts. It took more focus to move a glass of milk to my mouth now, but it honestly could be worse.

That apartment was pretty small. There was just a bed in its own little room off to the side, and a bathroom that probably wasn’t that much bigger than my mom’s walk-in closet back home. At least the apartment came with some furniture, like a little TV. Perfect for one guy to live in. I found myself dozing off, and next thing I knew it was morning. First day of work. Yippee. It was a bit of a struggle to get dressed, mostly because levitation required focus, and I was still tired as heck. But I managed, and went off to the Magicians’ Research Association Centre.

The Centre itself was a large, official-looking building. Like, so official that you’d mistake it for an actual government building. It was close to the center of the city, probably why it’s called the Magicians’ Research Association Centre. For a smaller-city type of guy like me, of course it was intimidating, but I was lucky enough to be accepted to work here.

I was to work on the second floor, where Spell Creation would be taking place. Promotions were based on the usefulness of spells and how many a worker could make by a deadline. That was the gist of the orientation. I won’t bore you with the details.

The boss of the floor was a tall, handsome fellow named Lazarus, but honestly by looks alone he looked like the kind of worker who slacked off and tried to pass off work on other employees. His hair was a big of a black, frayed mess, and he had the gall to wear a black long coat and trilby to match. He looked like a gang member, but he also had the air of someone who knew what he was doing.

“I think it’ll be a real pleasure to work with you, Mr. Jingshen,” he said at the end of the tour of the floor.

“Please,” I said, “call me Gakomare. Or Gako.”

“Haha, well, we’re expecting great things from you, Gako–”

“Chief!” One of the other Magicians on the floor, who I think was an astromancer, suddenly came up. “Chief, those thieves broke into my office! They stole the spell I was…”

“They broke in again?!” the boss suddenly snapped. “Ugh… Freakin’ fantastic…“

“What’s going on?” I had to ask.

“Lately, we’ve been getting these break-ins from thieves,” Lazarus explained. “They steal our new spells and we assume they sell ‘em for profit. We call these ruffians The RuneRunners.”

“Don’t these offices have security measures?”

“Well, of course we do! But these ain’t your everyday thieves, Gako. They’re magicians too, and crafty at that. We tend to have the last person to leave set up the security spell, since they’re not exactly easy to get through once they’re up. I’ll have to teach it to you later. Lemme show you to your workstation, and then we can check out the damages with you, Hayden…”

I had my own room to work, with its own little desk, spell-casting station, and bookshelf in the corner. It was small, but it felt like home already. “Nice place…” I muttered loud enough for Lazarus to hear.

“Isn’t it? Once you get some promotions, you can move up to bigger workspaces. If you can test some spells from the higher-ups and take note on their different effects, that’d do for today’s quota.”

“And I’m allowed to create my own spell in my free time, right?”

“Well, I mean, you can if you want. Now, if you’re going to stay late, here’s the security spell…” He handed me a scroll with a rather easy incantation to repeat. “Just head to the center of the floor, and it’ll do it’s thing. Thanks, man, now get out there and test those spells!”

The rest of the morning and afternoon consisted of me testing out the new spells from higher-ranked employees. There weren’t very many mishaps besides a test dummy catching fire, but that’s why spell-casting stations existed. In truth, I wanted to try and develop my own spells as quickly as possible. Not something in the Dark Arts, but… just something that felt natural. There were lots of elements to try out, so I just had to figure it out what was right for me. But my quota ended up taking up the entire workday. So I had to go home.

This routine continued for a few weeks, with the occasional break-ins and rumors of the RuneRunners’ plans. Soon life was repeating day after day, with not much to look forward to. My daily quotas kept taking the entire day, so I had no chances to work on my spells.

Until one day, when I was on a roll and felt like staying in late, even if there wasn’t any overtime. I was invested in reading about other spells and trying to find an element that’d suit me. Pretty soon, I was the only one in the building, as evidenced by the silence throughout the building. I didn’t care though, as I was used to quiet emptiness. Still, it would’ve been nice to make friends. But I had a self-imposed goal, and that was to find my real purpose. That first step was to find what magic class suited me best. Fire? No. Maybe ice? Not very suitable.

And soon, I was interrupted by the loud crash of a window breaking, and a thud. I snapped to attention. Was this… a break-in? No, couldn’t be, it was only… 3 in the morning. No, no, this was the perfect time to break-in. I really overstayed that night.

I peeked my head out the doorway of my workroom. It was mostly dark in the main room, to save electricity. But at the other end of the room, I could see a figure wrapped in a cloak, cautiously looking around, standing in front of a shattered window. I retreated my head when it looked like the figure was looking towards me. The hallway was dimly with what I could only imagine to be an illumination spell, accompanied by the soft crackles of electricity.

There I was, an armless man in more ways than one, cowering in my workroom, with this possibly thunder-affiliated thief outside. There were a lot of options I could’ve taken on how to deal with this situation. I could’ve maybe phoned for help, but it was too late at night, and even in these circumstances I didn’t wanna bother. I could’ve maybe tried to make a run for it, but I was more than likely to get caught. So I did the most reasonable thing I could.

I went out there, spell-scrolls levitating in front me, and half-shouted a “Hey, you!”

That got the intruder’s attention. They looked at me with wild eyes, their face very dimly lit. It was hard to tell if they were a boy or girl at first glance. The look on their face quickly changed from surprised to agitated, and in the blink of an eye they swung their arm forward, sending concentrated spheres of lightning my way. With a stomp of my foot, a shadow-infused shield rose from the ground, protecting me. Lowering it, I turned my body, no arm to properly aim my own attack of simply sending the shield forward. The intruder summoned their own shield, brightly-lit, and upon contact the two magical barriers clashed and dissipated.

The look of surprise overtook their face again when the main room lit up, allowing them to see who they were dealing with. “W-Wait, you don’t have any arms!” No, no I did not.

“Who are ya and what’re ya doing here?” I demanded, trying to sound calm enough to reason but angry enough to look as intimidating as I could. “You’re a RuneRunner, huh?!”

The intruder took a cautious step back, unsure what to do. “Look, I don’t want any trouble, okay? Just hand over… hand over a spell-scroll or something, and there won’t have to be any fighting, okay? I-I don’t wanna hurt anybody, especially not…”

I sent another dark shield towards them, only for them to duck into Lazarus’ workspace. I was alarmed enough to run over to check it out, only for the thief to suddenly rush back out with a spell that I assume turned them into a bolt of lightning to pass by me without hurting me, somehow. I couldn’t tell, because in the blink of an eye, they were gone and out the window.

I was in trouble the next day. The boss wasn’t too pleased with how late I stayed, and how I didn’t employ the security spell when I left. I didn’t have much of an excuse besides the fact that I was frazzled from having to deal with a thief head-on. Long story short, I wasn’t expecting a promotion or more opportunities to stay after for a while.

“Listen, Gakomare…” Lazarus had started. “You’re a real go-getter, and we really do appreciate that, but you’re handicapped. You just shouldn’t be alone at night, all right? So when the other last person leaves for the day, that’s when you should leave.”

“Yes sir.”

“Good. Now, please get to work on those spell-checks, okay?… Ha, spell-check, that’s… that’s funny.”

“Yes sir.” It was back to a monotonous workday. In truth, I only really had myself to blame. I hated to even think it, but both my parents at Lazarus were right; I wasn’t capable of much without arms, much less fighting. But it was all the more reason to work harder to afford prosthetics. Or… at this rate, am I just doomed to be useless to others?

“Oy, Gakomare, you got mail,” Lazarus called from outside. He came in and handed over a letter to me. “At least, I’m pretty sure you’re who it’s for. The guy said to give it to an armless man. Geez, some people, right?”

“Huh? Oh, uh, thanks…” I opened it up as he left. It had better not be a letter from my parents… and it wasn’t.

“Make sure you’re alone when reading this,” read the first line. “Meet me in the alleyway to the left of the bar on 6th Street after work. I need to talk to you.” It was unsigned, but I had a feeling back then of who it could possibly be. I did the only reasonable thing I could do at a time like this. I went after work, alone.

6th Street was actually pretty close to my place. I brought a few defensive spells with me too, just in case. A meeting in the alleyway couldn’t be all good, but I would’ve been lying if I said my interest wasn’t piqued.

“Psst, hey,” a soft voice called out from behind a dumpster when I got there. I looked behind it with caution, to find a familiar tan face in a dark yellow hoodie. “Oh, good, you made it. I thought I’d be spending forever behind here. It really reeks, y’know?

“You…” I scowled. It really was the intruder from last night. This… person was the reason why I’d probably been having a hard time for longer than I’d like.

“W-Wait, wait wait wait!” they half-shouted, bringing up their hands defensively. “I didn’t wanna fight or do anything bad or anything like that!” They pulled out a scroll from the bag slung across their shoulder and held it out to me. “Here, just take this, okay? Take it and go.”

The scroll had Lazarus’ name written on it. “This is the spell you stole from…”

The thief was looking around wildly. “Yeah, yeah, it is, just please take it already and go back to work, okay?” They pushed it into my hands and tried to run off, but stumbled and let out a groan.

“H-Hey, are you okay?” I asked, suddenly concerned. I could see them grab the bottom half of their pant leg, with was stained red. Were they… hurt? “Your leg! It’s–”

“I know, don’t worry about it! Just get back to your work already!” They were about to round the corner when they froze. I could hear Hayden talking to another co-worker nearby. “Sh-Shoot! I–”

Reading the situation quickly, I grabbed the thief’s arm, gently pulling them away. “Hey, come on, you don’t wanna get caught, right? Come with me. Just trust me.”

“But, I…” I assumed they trusted the look in my eyes. This thief wasn’t so bad, especially after a gesture like this. “Okay…” Against all instinct to preserve my own well-being, I led them home, to my little apartment. Maybe it was because their leg was really hurting, or maybe they just wanted to find out where I live to rob me later, but I was willing to take a chance. I had them sit down, at which point I got a better look at their face.

“Um… L-Look, I don’t really know what you’re doing, but…” They seemed nervous sitting there as I went to brew a healing potion on the stove. “Ya gave me back my boss’ scroll,” I said straightforwardly. “I wanted to return the favor. Scratched up your leg during last night’s heist, right?”

“Yeah… Look, I’m sorry, okay? I felt bad about attacking you, because–”

“Because I’ve got no arms and am totally defenseless without them?” I retorted.

They paused. “Well, that’s half of it… I… I felt bad for stealing in general… It felt even worse when I attacked someone too, and I just– I needed the money, but in the end I decided–”

“Say no more,” I said as I walked over to them with a Cure Potion. I handed it over. “Don’t worry, I promise you it’s not poisoned.”

At my remark, they looked at me cautiously, but drank it anyway, not taking their eyes off me for that moment. In all honesty, even after hearing their voice and studying their face, I still couldn’t tell if they were a boy or a girl. But either way, they were young and… rather cute for a thief, or a RuneRunner, more likely.

“Mm… Thanks,” they mumbled, looking down. “Um… My name’s Taryn, by the way.” I was never gonna figure out their gender, was I?

“‘M Gako. So… sorry to ask, but… are you actually a…”

“RuneRunner? Yeah. I mean, I know it’s a scummy job, but it paid really well for a while. It wasn’t until last night that I had to actually face someone while on the job, though. But I’m glad I was alone for that one.”

“I see.”

“I mean… You’d think it’d happen at least once over the last few months, but… Oh, man, if my family ever found out, they’d probably drag my butt out of this city and back home…”

That piqued my interest. “You too?”

“Yeah… Wait, you live alone too? I-I don’t wanna be rude, and I’m sorry, but isn’t it hard?” Their voice was genuinely laced with sensitivity. I at least had to commend their apologetic nature. “Yeah, truth be told, it is, but I have levitation spells. So don’t you dare say I’m helpless.”

They held their hands up defensively again. “Hey, I never said that! I mean, honestly? You’re like, the opposite of helpless. I mean, I’m a weakling and all, but you managed to fight back against me in the dark!”

“Well…” I felt a blush creep on my face. “It helps that I was a Dark Magician before…”

“Whoa, really?!” They looked at me in awe. “That’s so cool! I only know Thunder magic. But what’s it like? To cast spells like that?”

Nobody had ever really wanted to listen to me before. I wasn’t very social to begin with, but here was someone, a RuneRunner who attacked me last night, who suddenly was interested in talking to me. I ended up talking with Taryn for a good chunk of the night, even cooking dinner for the two of us while watching TV. It was as if we hadn’t fought each other last night. Even in this second encounter, I could tell they weren’t up to anything malicious.

We alternated between telling each other about our lives. I told them about my own overbearing parents, the work accident, and my subsequent running away from home. Taryn told me he was born a girl, but preferred to be seen as a guy, so that was one question answered. He came from a poor family, with a twin sister, and he had promised to make it big in this city so he can get the money to support them. He fell on hard times just as I had, though, and resorted to working with the RuneRunners. I imagined he didn’t want to go back home either because of it. It was 11 at night when our conversation started to wane. We ended up talking about my search for an appropriate magic class to specialize in after going through countless other topics.

“Y’know,” he began, now lying on the couch. “You seem like someone who’d work better as a potion brewer than a magician…”

“Who, me?” I raised an eyebrow at him. “I dunno… I mean, true, maybe I’m not that into offensive magic and such… Maybe I don’t wanna go out there in the world to explore and help the country, but…”

Taryn yawned. “But…?” I didn’t answer. “Ah…? What time is it? Sorry, I didn’t mean to overstay my welcome…”

“It’s fine,” I said. “I didn’t mind one bit. You’re welcome to stay the night. But if I find out you stole something from me in the morning, I’d have to hunt you down.”

“N-No, I promise I won’t do that…” He yawned again. “I’ll go home. I think I may just resign from the RuneRunners… I don’t know what I’ll do after, but I don’t wanna continue a life like this…”

“Then what’ll you do?” I asked as I went to get a spare blanket from the closet anyway.

“I dunno… I don’t wanna stay in this city, to be honest, but I can’t… go home either…” His eyes drooped closed, his words slurring to an end. I put the blanket over him and went off to my own room to sleep.

The next morning, Taryn wasn’t there anymore, but he had left a plate of cooked eggs and a note reading, “Sorry I overstayed! I made some breakfast. I hope you find your magic calling!” He also left his number on there. I guess we weren’t enemies anymore. I smiled then.

Lazarus was pleased that I had recovered his spell. I made up a story that the criminal had dropped it when I cornered them in an alleyway. It wasn’t the whole truth, but it was good enough for him to buy. He was so impressed that he wanted me to practice some more Dark Art spells to prepare for any other break-ins. I was allowed to stay after again.

But I didn’t want to deal with the possibility of running into other RuneRunners, or worse, Taryn. I couldn’t stay after because of that fear. The daily quotas were getting smaller anyway, so I had time to try and develop a spell, as well as try out different magic classes. I even tried dabbling more in magic potions on Taryn’s suggestion.

Speaking of Taryn, I found myself often texting him, inviting him over to stay at the slightest hint that he was undergoing hard times. He’d mention how he was trying to find a side job to get grocery money. I’d offer him to come over for dinner, and he’d initially say no, but I’d find him at my door at home anyway, his stomach growling audible. I didn’t mind it. His company was a good thing for me. And I felt bad whenever I saw his guilty but cute face silently asking if he could take back his answer and come in for dinner.

Time passed. Soon it really was as if Taryn and I hadn’t met during a break-in. He was becoming more and more familiar around me, to the point where I expected him to drop by a few times a week. Sometimes he’d even bring food, so we can have a bigger meal together. I wanted to spend more time with him, and I could tell he wanted the same with me. Sometimes he’d even text me when I was at work with pictures of the morning sky or of cute cats he saw on the way to his own work. They were little things to appreciate each morning.

“So how’s that promotion progress going?” he asked me one night, about three months after the first time he spent the night. He bought over some cornbread for us to share.

“It’s… going. Still have no clue what I wanna go into.” I poked at the microwaved meatloaf we were having for dinner.

“Oh… I’m sure you’ll find your calling soon!” he beamed, smiling. That was the kind of support I liked, something not too fake yet not too optimistic.

“Maybe… Maybe I should try healin’ magic, like you suggested.” It was a bit out there, especially since I had been more vested in offensive magic my entire life. To go into healing magic was like a baker going into blacksmithing.

“Oh, you think?” He paused in between bites. “Yeah, I bet you’d be good at that too!”

“Yer not just saying that?”

“Nope! I mean, healing magic involves potion brewing too, right? That’s like… half of the healing magic class, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” I mumbled. “I’ve been thinking… maybe I should drop out of the Magicians’ Research Association.” I had been thinking it over the last couple weeks or so. It felt like a dead-end job some days. I wasn’t making any progress in terms of a raise either.

“Whaaat? But doesn’t it make good money?”

“Ah, yeah, true… Plus I’m so close to getting that promotion…”

“For those magical prosthetics, right?”

“Yeah…”

“Still… I guess if you’re not happy with you work, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to find a new workplace.”

“I guess so. I’ll have to think about it more. Have you quit the RuneRunners yet?”

“N-No… I just really need the money, y’know? I mean, I have enough for groceries to last a week, but it wouldn’t hurt to have more, right?”

“Right. But still… I thought you were gonna quit.” I didn’t wanna push it, but I had concerns, mostly lying in the territory of the conflict between the Magicians and RuneRunners.

“Just a little longer,” he assured me. “Don’t worry about it, okay?“

But there was plenty of reason to worry, I thought to myself. I wanted to tell him that the conflict between the Magicians’ Association and the RuneRunners was growing enough as it were, but he probably knew that. I would just have to hope we didn’t get caught up in it. What would happen if the other Magicians found out about our friendship? What would happen if the other RuneRunners knew that he had a close relation with a magician like me?

The thought of Taryn goading me onto his side to get into the Magicians’ Association building had crossed my mind multiple times. But I trusted him. He didn’t seem like the tricky type. In fact, I considered him my closest relation at the time. In truth, I saw him as more than a friend. I… I wanted to be even closer to him, but I didn’t want him to risk anything by staying as a worker for the RuneRunners.

“Taryn…” I began. “Please, I really think you should resign as soon as possible and find a new place to work.”

“Just a little longer, I said, okay?”

“I know your situation is tough, but… I don’t want you to associate with those low-lifes.”

His eyes narrowed for the first time since our battle. “‘Low-lifes?’” he echoed. “Is that how you see me for taking on a job I can actually do right?”

I felt a chill down my spine at his tone. “N-No, I don’t mean–”

“Do you think any of us wanted to be in that position, Gako? Do you think we all take pleasure in robbing people like you? Every single member of the RuneRunners is poor, Gako! And no offense, but your Magician friends aren’t nice to us.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my own eyes narrowing.

“You know that security spell you guys use every night? You know what it really does?!”

“It acts as a barrier to prevent outsiders from getting in,” I answered with confidence.

“No, Gako. It poisons anybody who touches it for too long. I lost friends from that spell. You Magicians are worse than we are. We never wanna hurt anyone, but you’re all willing to kill us over a living.”

I didn’t know what to say. The hurt in his voice told me he was telling the truth, but… no. No, would they really condone that? What of the innocents who tried to get in, not knowing it was after-hours? I didn’t want to believe it, but I felt inclined to.

Taryn didn’t stay over that night. We ate the rest of our dinner in silence, then he left with a simple goodbye. I felt bad to doubt his side of the story, and the Magicians in general. But I had to see for myself.

One late night, I decided to stay after. I spent my “overtime” testing all sorts of healing spells, from reviving a dead plant to magically stitching a dummy’s torn arm with a simple incantation. I was a natural at these arts, just as Taryn had suspected. I even toyed with some potion flasks from the storage room instead of waste hours playing with dead-end spell ideas for once. I quite liked healing magic.

But what I was anxious to try was the security spell. Taking the plant I had practiced on earlier, I left the building and activated the security spell. Instantly a glowing pink barrier rose over and above the Magicians’ Research Association Centre. Just from looking at it alone, nobody would want to touch it. The city wasn’t great at law enforcement either with how widespread magic was in everyday life, so it wasn’t like it was illegal to have a spell like this. Gingerly, I pressed the plant to the barrier. Nothing happened at first. I started to doubt Taryn’s word, when three minutes passed, and the plant wilted slowly, glowing as purple as the barrier. It was dying. It was poisoned.

I was hesitant to confront Lazarus about it in the morning. But it made sense, how a spell like this got past innocent eyes. To break a spell like that, it would’ve taken a few minutes of contact with the barrier.

I reported my findings to him, lying by telling him I found it out when I saw a bird die from standing on the barrier for too long. “… Sir, I know it’s not my place, but we should reconsider looking at the security spell…”

His feet were kicked up on the desk, hat covering his eyes. He got up, an unusually stern look on his face. “Gakomare…” he began dangerously. “No, that was indeed the intended reason. I ought to thank you for getting it back to me.”

“Y-You mean… that spell…”

“Exactly. Listen, we’re in dangerous waters as it is as a research facility. You think just because I’m one o’ the bosses, I got it easy? I gotta keep this place floating, y’here? So don’t go tellin’ me that those low-lifes are worth worrying about. It’s their own fault for trying to break in all the damn time…”

I swallowed, mustering courage in my voice. “Sir, with all due respect, think about their situation from their point of view.” I took a deep breath. “They’re struggling as much as we are. They’re all probably suffering in poverty, and it’s not helping that we’re killing them off like this. Do the other Magicians know about this? I bet if we try to negotiate with the RuneRunners…” I trailed off as I noticed Lazarus glaring at me, his friendly face a long-forgotten memory.

“So you have been associatin’ with one of those thieves…” He took an intimidating step towards me, hand enwrapped in a swirl of Dark Magic. “Hayden told me he saw somethin’ suspicious a few months ago. I told ‘im not to worry about your personal life, but y’know what? Now I got reason to worry. It’s a real good thing you got here early today…”

I turned on my heel and tried to open the door with the levitation spell, only to fail from frayed focus. I had to duck to avoid my head getting sliced off by Lazarus’ magic-infused hand.

“You’re crazy!”

“And you’re gonna make this too easy… Look at you, a poor, crippled man. I almost feel sorry having to do this. You really were a talented man, but I can’t risk the welfare of the other workers.” I stood as the magic encircling his palm grew in size. I was petrified in fear, only thinking to dive to the side as he unleashed the blast, which collided with and demolished the wall, leaving a gaping hole with a nice view of the city. “Dammit,” he hissed. “Too much…”

I was on the ground, sandwiched between the gaping hole and Lazarus, who was steadily coming closer. “If you murder me now…” I gulped. “You’re gonna taint the Association’s reputation…”

He merely chuckled. “Not if I tell the authorities that a filthy traitor was threatening me…” He pointed his hand at me, fingers mimicking a gun and the dark aura glowing once again. “Besides, if I could start a new life once, I can do it again.” A concentrated beam of Dark Magic was shot at me, with only a luckily-timed shield spell protecting me. It somehow withstood the blast, but was pushing me closer to the edge of the building the longer it fired. Soon I was feeling my heel peer over the edge of the hole, my energy steadily being used up to keep me from getting disintegrated.

“GAKO!” A familiar voice rang in my ears. I barely blinked, and suddenly a yellow shield was joining my purple one. A flash of lightning, a familiar teleportation spell, blinked beside me, and Taryn was there, helping me push back against Lazarus. It caught us both off guard. My former boss’ beam cut off, causing him to fall from the recoil.

“Taryn?! What’re you–” He grabbed my shoulders.

“No time! We gotta run!” Another flash of lightning, and in a split second we were transported to the ground, my ears ringing and mind in a brief haze until I was brought back by Taryn pulling me along. We sprinted, not looking back, even when the wail of sirens sounded some distance behind us.

He led back to his own apartment for the first time in the poorer side of the city. It was just two rooms: a living space and a bathroom. He had the radio tuned in while we made a Cure Potion for any injuries I sustained. I was lucky to escape with few bruises and scratches.

“In other news,” a lady reported over the static-riddled broadcast, “investigators are still surveying the Magicians’ Research Association Centre after what is presumed to be a terrorist attack of sorts. One of the building’s manager had this to say…”

Lazarus’ voice came up. “We’ve been dealing with problems concerning the RuneRunners Gang recently, and I believe it’s safe to say that they caused the damages to the building. I–” He was cut off with a loud bang, like a fiery explosion. Screams filled the air.

“Oh my gods, SOMEBODY HELP!!” the reporter cried. Feedback and screams overtook the air as Taryn and I listened in stunned silence. Whoever was attacking was still going at it, the sound of spells being cast soon filling the air.

A new voice, one I hadn’t heard before, came up. “We the RuneRunners have commenced war with the Magicians’ Research Association. It is time for us to take this city.”

With fear shaking him, Taryn switched the radio off. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that was his own boss. So we were both wrong about our respective factions…

“Taryn…” I would’ve hugged him if I could’ve. “I… I’m sorry.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “No,” he whispered. “You don’t have to be sorry. I was wrong about the RuneRunners.”

“Yeah? Well, I was wrong about the Association too. So I guess we’re both wrong.” We hung there in silence for a moment. “I… Thank you, for saving my life.”

“I-I only did what I felt was right,” he said. “I’m sorry, for leaving things as they were the last time we met. I, um…” He reached into his backpack, which was slightly torn from our little encounter with Lazarus. “I know it’s a really bad time, but I think now’s as good of a time as any.” He pulled a nicely-wrapped present box.

“Taryn…? What did you…” He opened it up for me. Inside was a pair of metal, bone-like arms. Before I could say another word, he took one out and attached the brace to my right shoulder, pushing a button after. I felt a surge of energy course through my mind. Suddenly… I had an arm. I moved it up and down, flexing and extending it.

“I stayed because… I wanted to repay you for all the times you helped me.”

“Taryn…” Tears welled up in my eyes. “I-I don’t know what to say.” I looked up at him. “Th-Thank you,” I managed.

He simply smiled and hugged me. “How does it feel?” he asked as he got the other one out. He strapped it onto me, and soon I was feeling what it was like to have two arms again.

“Fits like a charm.” I was opening and closing the fists, moving them, getting used to them. “I… But why?”

“Like I said, it’s my thanks.” He brushed his hair to the side, a soft blush on his face. “Gako, I… I never had a friend like you. I never met someone who would risk that much for me. I mean… What I’m trying to say is…”

He didn’t get to finish. I finally had the ability to hold his cheek, tilting his face towards me. He looked at me confused for a moment, until I slowly pulled him in for a kiss. He didn’t resist at all, instead cupping my face back with his own soft hands. We parted after a few moments. He gazed into my own eyes happily.

“I love you too,” I said.

“Thank goodness,” he laughed. “Here I was worried that, well, y’know.” His laughter died down, the gravity of the situation dawning back on both of us. “But… What do we do now?”

This city was too dangerous for us now. That much we knew. It was to soon be overrun by a faction war by the Magicians and RuneRunners. There was no doubt in either of our minds that we would especially be in danger, being traitors to our respective faction.

So we took the most reasonable approach we could. I snuck back to my apartment in the cover of darkness, avoiding verbal wars between Magicians and RuneRunners on every other street. I packed the essentials, leaving everything not important, and I took off running to the edge of the city. There, Taryn waited, with his own few essentials packed.

“Well,” I began, taking a deep breath of the night air. “Here we go…”

“Yeah.” He simply looked back. Come dawn, and the streets would probably be overrun by fighting. But it wouldn’t matter to us. “Are you ready?”

“Nope.”

“Me neither.”

He took my new hand into his. Our gazes held for a moment. He closed his eyes and brought his lips to my cheek. Soon we started walking off, away from the filthy city.

“Where should we go first?”

“I don’t care, as long as you’re here beside me.”

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