#listen... i know the balls to the wall screaming on dash has died down a bit but i am Still Here

[z0mbiefrank]

Ray Toro at Beaumont Club, Kansas City 2003

[elysianslove]

jujutsu sorcerer!reader; haikyuu boys 

requested by anon(s): haikyuu boys with a crush on a jujutsu sorcerer, and being saved by them

pairings; hinata shōyō x reader, kuroo tetsurō x reader, tsukishima kei x reader, kozume kenma x reader 

genre; fluff

warnings; some mentions of death

hinata shōyō

to hinata, you probably stand out more than you’d think

idk why but i love love love the concept of hinata having like a completely opposite s/o kagehina. as in, i can see him so well with an alt!s/o or a goth!s/o. i can’t explain it it just works so well in my head

the fact that you were so mysterious and quiet really, and i mean really, peaked his interest. unlike literally any other character, he is nosy, and he wants to know why and how and when and who you are, so he does make effort to talk to you often

you always kinda just smile at him and give him one word replies. it’s not that you don’t like him, it’s more that you’re here for a reason and you don’t want him to get caught up in the middle of it all. you’d hate for something to happen to someone as pure as him

your attitude towards does not throw him off in the least. he’ll just want to get to know you even more

one of his upperclassmen, like tanaka or noya, probably notice and try telling him things about you to kinda back him off of you because they’re scared of you lowkey 

ik i used this scenario before but it fits hinata too; we all know he stays late to practice often, so it isn’t a surprise or it isn’t too odd that he stays yet another day until the sun has long since set. you’d only known he was in the volleyball club in passing, but you didn’t know him well enough to anticipate that he’d be in the gym this late

the most remote place, and the closest too, that you could think of at literally nine pm was the boys’ gymnasium, so you’d led the curse there in hopes of driving it away from other people around it. you hadn’t expected that you’d be leading the curse straight to another target 

hinata was the only one there, too, so it wouldn’t be too difficult to attack him 

one moment, he’s just tossing the ball against the wall and receiving it, the next the gymnasium is being broken into by some creature from above, followed by you and your angry yells

you were really focused on the curse, prepared to battle it and exorcise it, before you finally spot him. he’s frozen, the ball dropped from his hand and rolling away from him. the way he’s staring at you, and the way he keeps eyeing the creature in fear, it clicks something in you, you don’t know what

but you don’t give the curse a chance to even try and attack, immediately charging at it and exorcising it quickly, defeating it right away. it dies away with an agonizing yell and you’re pretty sure this’ll count as trauma for the poor kid before he rushes towards you, grasping your wrists and staring at you like you just hung the moon in the sky

“what the hell was that that was so cool oh my god can you do it again can you teach me how to do it you are so badass —“

like baby breathe omg 

even the way you laughed at him was intimidatingly hot he was a goner !!! 

now that he knows of your nature, it attaches him to your hip. you can’t get rid of him anymore but it’s okay he’s literally sunshine in human form 

as a duo, and as romantic partners, you really are complete opposites, but that’s why you fit so well together you know! 

if you can conjure up something like the divine dogs like megumi, expect him to constantly pester you for them <3

kuroo tetsurō

listen, he knew you were a little odd from the moment you joined nekoma. like there was no doubt about it there was something off about you. he had some type of feeling that you weren’t really here for the education you know? 

but the rational side of him convinced himself he wanted to live in some type of movie so he dropped it

he does try to get to know you, though, yeah, of course he had to fall for that one person that no one knows anything about 

kuroo’s just trynna be the main character lmfao

with kuroo, he actually succeeds in growing closer to you. i mean who can resist him? no one

it starts off simple, he’d invite you to games, sit with you during lunch, before it escalates more into walking you home some days, inviting you over during weekend games, inviting you over at outings with his friends

more often than not, especially when said outings happened during nighttime, you’d decline. he didn’t really think much of it though, he just let you be, you know? 

then, one time, you decide to go for it. 

he invites you out to the movies with some of the vbc boys, and you accept. you figure you being gone for a few hours won’t hurt anyone, and it wasn’t like there aren’t any other jujutsu sorcerers available in tokyo. it’s a big city, you rationalize 

halfway through the movie, something feels off, and as a sorcerer, you know to trust your gut instinct, so you excuse yourself to the bathroom to check the area out. kuroo, having felt like something wasn’t right with you, and being slightly worried himself, goes after you. 

turns out you were right. two people had already died by the time you come to the alleyway behind the theatre, and there’s a curse hovering by their bodies. you’re slower to react because of the initial shock, and when you see kuroo coming out of the same backdoor you’d just left out of, your body entirely freezes

until the curse jumps to attack him, and in a flash, you’re by his side, kicking away at the curse, watching as it smashes roughly against a wall 

kuroo’s immediately asking questions, but you can’t exactly focus on him at the moment. you prioritize eliminating and exorcising the curse first, and when that’s done and dusted, you lead kuroo away from the theatre

he’s very shaken by the whole scene, especially after having seen two corpses 

that night, you lead him to your home, and he stays there. he keeps you up all night, but it’s understandable. throughout it all, you reassure him of his safety constantly, telling him that you’d never let anyone or anything ever hurt him

it’s what brings you two closer together 

because that incident had been his introduction to that specific world, he grows very wary anytime you’re sent out on missions, but you always come back home to him, and that’s what matters <3

tsukishima kei 

please tsukki with a crush is hilarious cause he’s so bad at expressing his feelings 

you’re actually really similar to him in that you’re quiet and that you don’t really appreciate talking and conversing to others. you tend to keep to yourself, and he really respects that, like deep down 

he thought you were just a really timid person until he snaps at you once and you snap back. and then it was like everything that has ever happened to him led to this moment right here because what the fucsjdhwf

the fact that he recognized his feelings for you kinda made him even warier of you. like his scowl is deeper and his bite is harsher, but that’s really only because he does not know how to deal with these emotions. like he has a bad way of expressing them correctly 

you two build this small relationship between you. it’s like a teasing thing, where it’s literally just all bark and no bite. it’s lowkey fun, and you grow to appreciate his presence 

he doesn’t really question it when you miss days of schools, or when you return the days after that all bandaged and bruised. he figures it’s not his business to ask questions like that, and just continues to observe you from afar

anyways! one night he’s walking home, all alone, peacefully, before he sees you dash by him, being chased by??? what the fuck is that???

tsukki just pauses, but he’s not even like scared or worried he’s just confused and a little amused tbh. he stands in place while his eyes follow your movements as you allow the creature to chase at you, before you make a sharp turn and hit it, sending it flying back

except, you hadn’t realized the direction you’d hit it at

the curse goes flying at tsukki, and he’s just staring at it like, “hm,” not moving an inch. he’s trynna give you an aneurysm on god 

you scream at him to move, but you’re already rushing towards him. as soon as you can, you throw your arms around him and topple him to the ground. you land on top of him, but you don’t get to see his flustered face because you’re off of him way too soon, taking care of the issue at hand 

he’s a little surprised at the reason you’re always cut up and bruised, but he can’t say he’s not even a little amazed at just,,, how cool you seem

he’s still on the ground lol and you hit him with “i hope you’re not waiting for me to pick you up.”

“it is your fault i’m on the ground to begin with.”

you help him up 

with an eye roll of course 

when he’s standing again before you, he just sighs and lifts a finger to his face, as if to indicate to your face. then he says, “that explains all this then,” referring to the bruises painting your skin 

your relationship doesn’t change much for a while after that, except that knowing glance he gives you every time you walk into class exhausted 

likes to call it monster hunting for some reason 

clearly you’re the only one out of the two of you with any balls because you’re the one that confesses. thanks for saving him the trouble hehe

he’ll never tell you to your face, but he thinks he is incredibly lucky to have someone as badass as you as his s/o

kozume kenma 

kenma probably took note of your exceptional situation for a few, but he didn’t give it much thought initially. like so what if you were super secretive? not like anyone knew much of him himself 

it’s not until kuroo or someone points out like, “they’re quite odd, right?” that he starts to pay attention, but he’s not sure why

maybe he’s trying to convince himself and others that you’re not really odd for being the way that you are. just secretive and mysterious and introverted. like. does that make him odd? 

he starts to notice things like you staying after school for late, late hours, but not because you’re a part of any club, and things like your missing of school, or how your knuckles are always, always bandaged and wrapped, or how you seemed to be at the oddest of locations at the oddest of times

it’s not really like him to be too interested in what you do, so he doesn’t invest all his thoughts and energy into. he does though dwell over it for a lot longer than you’d think 

sometimes, kenma takes a console of his, and heads up his rooftop, because it just feels really safe where nobody and nothing can get to him

he’s proven wrong one night when, in the middle of the game, he hears thumps across the rooftop. he thinks he’s being tricked by the game he’s playing, until he feels something behind him, until the hairs on the nape of his neck stand and a shive runs down his spine because there is something breathing down his neck

and then he hears your all too familiar voice whispering out, “don’t move, please.” 

it’s honestly not like he could 

he sees you from the corner of his eye move in a flash, and suddenly, when the feeling is gone, he finds himself able to move again, and he turns around

it honestly looks like a scene from a movie, what he’s staring at. you battle the curse so well, and kenma is fully and shamelessly enamored by you and the way you moved so swiftly and efficiently, as you dodge and attack, and as you finally exorcise 

like he’s so in awe he has to pinch himself to convince himself he’s not dreaming 

when the curse is taken care of, you just slowly approach him, kneeling by his side and asking in a soft voice if he was okay. he decided then and there that no, you were not odd at all. you just saved his life, so,,,

you urge him to go back inside, to stay safe, and he just nods as you lead the way to his window. and when he slips inside, for some reason, he finds it in himself to ask you to stay too

to stay safe, of course

it takes you by surprise a little, but at the genuineness in his eyes, you accept, and stay up playing games with him

and when you greet him in school the next day with a smile and a wave, kenma returns it, just as brightly <3

[malfoymanortings]

lavender and velvet //part two

SUMMARY: she had her fathers eyes, his aristocratic looks, her grandmothers spite, her mothers heart, but the one thing she didn't have was the love of her father that her god brother received. juliet black finally meets her father who has already decided who his child is.

PAIRINGS: to be decided.

hello again!! hope you all are doing well. i hope you all are enjoying juliet’s story so far! stay hydrated everyone.

“FILTHY BLOOD TRAITORS IN MY HOUSE, BESMIRCHING MY NAME, DISGUSTING-”

“Who the hell woke her up,” groaned Ginny, lifting her head off her pillow.

Juliet blinked blearily, the screaming words in the unfamiliar voice having woke her up. “What is that awful screaming?”

“That would be your grandmother's portrait,” Hermione yawned, standing up from bed and stretching her arms over her shoulder, her shirt riding up to expose her hips. “She absolutely hates us all.”

“Can we not burn it?” questioned Juliet, slinging her legs over the side of the bed and scratching her cheek.

Ginny shook her head, tossing her covers back and standing up. “Unfortunately, there's a rather tough permanent sticking charm on the back of it. No luck there.”

The girls made their way out of the room, watching as Sirius competed in a screaming match with his mother’s painting.

“Will you be quiet you bloody woman!” Sirius shouted, hitting the portrait with his palm. “Even in your death you manage to disturb me!”

“ROTTEN BLOOD TRAITORS, SHAME OF MY FLESH, IN MY HOME THE MOST NOBLE HOUSE OF BLACK, HOW DARE THEY-”

“Enough!” roared Sirius, shutting the curtains with much more force than necessary. The screams filtered out, and finally silence echoed throughout the darkly lit hall.

“Who woke her this time?” queried Ginny, her voice quiet as to not wake the old woman.

“Your brothers,” Sirius shook his head, a ghost of a smile on his face. “They used their extendable ears on the meeting again, and they ran up the stairs to avoid your mother.”

Juliet watched as Sirius roamed his eyes over the girls, before stopping on her. He cleared his throat awkwardly, nodding to her. “Good morning.”

“One might think otherwise.” Juliet replied dryly, brushing past him. 

There was an awkward silence that followed, and she was soon in the kitchen where Molly was cleaning up while Harry and Ron sat at the table, eating breakfast. Hermione and Ginny joined her, Hermione sitting next to Ron, and Ginny sitting across from them. That left Juliet to sit across from Harry, a slight frown on her face.

“You lot slept forever,” remarked Ron, taking a large bite out of his toast. 

“Oh please, don’t act like you’re an early riser,” scoffed Ginny, scooping hash browns onto her plate. “This is the earliest you’ve been up in since the Quidditch cup, and I’m sure it was just because you were listening in with Fred and George.”

Ron’s ears turned red, and he mumbled something under his breath before taking a rather large drink of his pumpkin juice.

Juliet smirked, pouring herself tea, mixing in three sugars just as she liked it. A dash of cream, and it was complete. She sipped it slowly, the cup warming her cold hands. Grimmauld Place seemed to lack any sort of warmth, and the constant sound of wind blowing against the house was heard throughout. 

“Morning, dears,” Molly greeted the girls, setting down a bowl of fruit. “Help yourselves.”

As the rest of the table conversed among each other, Juliet stayed quiet, mulling things over in her head. She supposed it wasn’t too much unlike her other summers, as she stayed with the Weasley’s quite frequently, due to Remus’ condition, but it was too different for her to compare. Her father was here this time.

She had imagined this scenario many times before in her head, especially at night as a young girl. It was much different than this, however; normally her father would break out of Azkaban for her, and steal her away from Remus so she could help him with the Dark Lord. Once she found out he was innocent, her story shifted, and suddenly it was him breaking out of Azkaban to live a life with her, and proclaim his innocence. 

No matter the scenario she thought up, he always came back for her. She never thought there was someone else who he loved more.

“You alright?” Harry’s voice broke her out of her thoughts, and she realized she had been clenching her tea much so hard her knuckles were white.

“Fantastic,” she replied sarcastically, skewering him with a hard look. “I’m having the absolute time of my life.”

Harry blinked, and averted his eyes. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, looking away from her. Juliet rolled her eyes, shaking her head. 

Ginny nudged her, a silent plea to be nice. Juliet sighed, tapping her nails on the table. She wanted to be anywhere else but here.

She finished her tea quickly, and slipped out of the room. Wandering the halls, she herself drawn to a small room with winding branches as wallpaper. As she looked closer, she realized it was the Black family tree. 

Stepping further into the room, she looked closely at the names. She found the Malfoys, and she trailed her finger down the silver line connecting Lucius and Narcissa to Draco. A smile graced her face, and she wondered what her cousin was up to. Usually, the two of them spent time together over the summer, but with her spending time at Grimmauld Place, she wouldn’t be able to. Narcissa was lovely, and liked her niece, but Lucius wasn’t fond of her. However, she doubted Lucius was fond of anyone aside from Narcissa.

“I see you’ve found the family tree.”

Juliet turned to see Sirius leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed. Instantly, she put her guard up, letting her arm drop to her side and her smile slip off her face.

“I didn’t mean to intrude,” Juliet paused. “I can leave.”

Sirius shook his head, striding forward. He stood next to her, looking at the branches. “This is your family history too. You haven’t got to leave.”

Juliet turned her attention back to the silver lines. Sirius leaned forward, pointing to a black spot on the wall. 

“That’s where my name was,” he explained. “And your mothers. My sweet old mother blasted me off once I ran away from home.”

“How did mine and my mothers name get on here?” asked Juliet, looking sideways at her father. 

“Well, whenever a Black is born they automatically get written into the tree,” Sirius let out a breath. “Your mother and I were both blood traitors, which is why our names were burnt out. Either she died before you were born, or she didn’t rush to make a judgement on you. I’m betting she died.”

Juliet nodded, her eyes drifting over towards Narcissa once more. Bellatrix was on there as well, of course, connected to Rodolphus Lestrange. 

“I never thought I’d be stuck in this house again,” Sirius said darkly, shoving his hands in his pockets. He walked away then, pausing in the doorway. “You’re welcome to look anywhere you would like. Maybe you’ll feel more comfortable if you do, after all, Slytherin pride was rampant in this house.”

For some reason, that comment rubbed her the wrong way. Before she could question exactly what he meant by that, his demeanor changed. He smiled brightly, holding his hands out.

“Harry,” He grinned, walking out of the room. “Molly putting you lot to work?”

Juliet stared out at where her father had just been, feeling her chest tighten. It was like he couldn’t be bothered to have more than a five minute conversation without feeling the need to run off to Harry. Feelings of unwant swept through her, and her throat tightened.

She turned her attention back to the wall, and she drifted her fingers across the lines. There were many other burn marks in the wall, and she could almost imagine her grandmother blasting the names off, perhaps laughing wickedly while doing so. 

Someone entered the room, and Juliet turned to see who it was. To her disappointment, it was Harry.

“This room is occupied, you know,” she said quietly, folding her arms across her chest. “I’m sure there’s many other places in this house you can be.”

“I can’t seem to understand why you dislike me so much,” responded Harry, stepping hesitantly in the room. “I dunno what it is that I’ve done-”

“I never said I dislike you,” she interrupted, stopping herself from rolling her eyes.

“If you don’t dislike me, then the way you’re acting is uncalled for.”

Again, her temper flared. “Uncalled for? You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Harry was cut off by Sirius entering the room, smiling at Harry. “Harry, there you are. I see you found Juliet. I’ve been meaning to talk to the both of you together, anyways.”

Juliet looked to Sirius, her fists balling up. She felt the sharp stab of her nails digging into her palm, but she didn’t care. She had a dark feeling she wasn’t going to like what he said.

“After my name is cleared,” Sirius began, his hands clasped behind his back. “I was thinking we could all finally be a family. We could all live here, or perhaps-”

“No,” Juliet cut him off, her temper coming to the surface. “You don’t need to include me in your plans out of pity. You want that for you and Harry. You don’t want me involved.”

“Why would you say that?” Sirius questioned heatedly. “I want the both of you-”

“Yet you only made time for one,” she shot back, her chest heaving. “You only escaped because Harry was in danger. Not because you missed your daughter. Not because you wanted your daughter. Because you wanted Harry. And each day, you make that abundantly clear.”

“You can’t seriously believe that!” exclaimed Harry, shaking his head. “He’s been trying to connect with both of us, but you keep yelling at him every chance you get-”

“Who did he send letters to?” Juliet seethed, glaring at Harry. “Who did he promise a life with third year? You. The only contact I had with him was Remus telling me it wasn’t safe for him to see me. But he saw you. He sent you letters. He couldn’t do the same for me?”

“Juliet, that’s enough,” Remus appeared behind Sirius, his face grim. “I understand you’re frustrated and hurt, but yelling at your father constantly isn’t going to bring the two of you closer.”

“I haven’t been yelling at my father,” she scoffed, brushing past the two men. “Not once did I shout your name, did I, Remus?”

It was quiet behind her after she said that. She was hoping the message had gotten through, that Sirius understood her hurt. That he understood that she didn’t view him as her father. As far as she was concerned, Remus was her dad. After all, he raised her. Took care of her. Told her stories of her father, making her think how great of a man he was, making her think that when she finally met him he would love her instantly-

Instead, that love went to Harry.

She didn’t realize she was crying until Ginny wiped her tears, leading her into their shared room. Ginny hugged her tightly, letting Juliet cry into her shoulder. She didn’t want to cry. She didn’t want to be weak. 

Juliet pulled away, sniffing and wiping her face. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” Ginny gave her a squeeze, nudging her shoulder. “That’s what family’s for.”

“I went fifteen years without him, y’know,” she said quietly, her hands in her lap. “I didn’t need him then, and I don’t need him now.”

Ginny bit her lip, and Juliet had known her long enough to know the fiery haired girl had something to say, but kept it quiet. Probably a good thing, because if one more person defended her father, she might combust.

“How about I go get you a snack?” Ginny stood, giving her shoulder one last squeeze. “You only had tea for breakfast. I bet mum has something sweet hidden away from Ron.”

Juliet laughed, nodding her head. Ginny left then, leaving Juliet to herself.

It was just like she had told Ginny. Fifteen years had passed without him involved. She wasn’t going to force him to be a parent. She had the Weasley’s. Remus. The Malfoy’s.

Maybe she should go visit them.

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[authoraspects]

Flower of the Secret

Chapter 1 The entire kingdom was bustling with activity people chattered amongst themselves. The townspeople were all joyous to hear that their knights were coming home. Everyone was preparing to greet their brave heroes as they came back from battle. Shopkeepers brought out their best items, Merchants brought forth their greatest possessions, Blacksmiths sharpened their swords in hopes that the knights would be in need of new ones. Suddenly in the mists of the chaos a voice was heard out from the castle walls.

“THE KNIGHTS HAVE RETURNED!” The voice cried out as the castle walls were thrown open. They all rode in on horses and were greeted with grateful cheers from the people. At the head of the group was Sir Henry, he came from a long line of knights that proved their worth out on the battlefield. He had done that many times before, and it provided him with quite the large ego. Sir Henry flashed his bright smile and waved as the people of the town (mainly the women) swooned for him.

    At the castle, the king had ordered his servants to prepare for the knight's return; they were also tasked with finding the king's stubborn daughter . His daughter, Princess Adira, was a strong willed girl with striking blue eyes, long black hair, and dark olive skin. Her mother died when she was young, leaving her with just her father, King Agon. Regardless of her lack of siblings she was still a reckless young girl. When she was 10 she sneaked into the stables and took Maybelle, the King's horse, for a joyride. At 14 she had successfully painted faces on all the portraits in the castle. Finally on her 18 birthday she put a beetle in the Captain’s armor and his screams were soon heard throughout the castle. Now at the age of 20 she was hiding in the kitchen with the maids as they prepared a feast for the arriving knights.

“You should probably get back to your father.” One of the maids advised the Princess. “Or do you intend to keep hiding until the knights go out again?”

Adira laughed. “I just don’t want to have to deal with greeting all of our brave heroes and go on and on about how we are all so grateful for their sacrifices.” She exaggerated. “I’ll go up later, unless you intend to rat me out Marnie.” Adira swung her legs back and forth as she sat atop the table.

“I would never!” Marnie exclaimed, pretending to look hurt by the young maiden’s words. They both laughed.

“Princess?” A stern voice came from the door. “Is that you in there?” It was Berwin, the king’s most trusted butler. “Hold on I’m coming in!”

Marnie rushed to the door and blocked it. “Hide!” She whispered to the Princess. Adira panicked and looked around for a hiding spot. Finding no other choice, she lifted the cloth from the table and dived under. Marnie straightened herself and tried to look calm before opening the door to greet the flustered man.

“Berwin!” Marnie exclaimed, trying her best to hide her nerves. “What a surprise, can I help you?”

“As a matter of fact, you can.” Berwin claimed. “Tell me where the Princess is.” He commanded as he stepped into the room.

“T-the princess?” Marnie stammered. “I have no idea what you mean.”

Suddenly Berwin grabbed the cloth from the table in the center of the room and lifted it up, revealing the Princess hastily trying to make her escape.

“What a surprise.” Adira uttered under her breath.

The Butler reached out his hand and helped the Princess out from under her ‘hiding place.’

“Come along now.” Berwin said, leading the princess to the door. She looked back at Marnie who mouthed the word ‘sorry’ but the princess just waved her hand in dismay. Adira hoped that the maid wouldn’t worry too much about the small predicament.

King Agon was in the study looking over important documents when he heard a knock on the door before Berwin opened it.

“Ah, Berwin.” The King said. “Have you found my daughter?”

“As a matter of fact, I have.” Berwin said as he stepped aside, revealing the Princess, who was very unhappy.

“I will handle it from here Berwin.” King Agon insisted.

Berwin bowed and left the room, leaving Adira alone with her father. King Agon pulled out a chair and Adira reluctantly sat down. After a few moments of silence Agon spoke.

“When I was your age…” Before Agon could continue he was interrupted by Adira.

“Father please, not another one of your boring enlightenment stories that you expect me to listen to.”

“What do mean they’re boring, I find them very interesting.” The King huffed.

“Back in your day you keep a child entertained by using a stick and some pebbles, and don’t start telling me a story about all the different ways you could get out of situations with a stick and some pebbles.”

The King closed his mouth.

“Well then.” The King began. “ If you are not interested in my stories then maybe you would like to explain why you ran off.”

“On second thought how about you tell me that one story about your childhood dog.” Adira insisted.

The King in response crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, an expression that Adira was very familiar with. This was his ‘explain yourself’ look.

“Fiiine.” Adira groaned. “I just don’t want to give that petty ‘welcome home great heroes speech,’ you know how I am with communication.”

Agon sighed. “Well then I guess I’ll have to tell Leonidas that you won’t be there to greet him.”

The Princess’s eyes lit up. “Why didn’t you tell me Leo was coming back, I would give a hundred speeches for him!”

The King chuckled. “I knew that you were good friends with that boy so I decided to have part of his legion come back, it was supposed to be a surprise. In fact I think the knights are just about done situating themselves, why don’t you go say hello.”

    Adira leapt out of her seat and dashed down the halls, past all the castles' various rooms and cobblestone corners. She knew those halls better than anyone, even Berwin, she didn’t slow down until she made it to the dining hall where the knights sat. Adira immediately recognized Leonidas’s light brown hair and deep tan skin.

“Leo!” She jubilantly cried out.

“Adira!” The young knight called in return.

The Princess leapt into her friend’s arms and joyfully embraced him.

“I can’t believe you're here!” Adira exclaimed.

“Neither can I!” Leonidas declared. “I remember being out there in the field and hearing that some of the people from my legion were going to go home. I hadn’t expected to be able to come back so soon, did you have something to do with it?” His chocolate brown eyes sparkled as he spoke.

“I’m just as surprised as you! I only knew you came when my father told me just a few moments ago, it was all because of him.” The Princess explained.

“Well then I guess I’ll have to thank the King personally.”

The two continued their conversation, happy to have this reunion. The other knights greeted the Princess as she joined them. Adira sat in awe as the knights began telling stories of their time out in battle. Some stories started with one person and finished with the other. Eventually the King joined them and the time came for the Princess to give her speech.

“Relax, you’ll do great.” Leonidas assured Adira.

“How do you know?” Adira mumbled. “You of all people should know how I hate giving speeches.”

“Look, from what I know all you really have to do is thank me and the others for our brave work and congratulate us on our incredible victory.”

“I think incredible might be stretching it a bit.”

“Hey!” Leonidas cried.

“Alright, I can do this, it seems simple enough. All I have to do is thank a bunch of people that’s all.”

“Exactly, now get up there and do your thing!”

Adira stood up and tried to calm her nerves. She took her goblet in her hand and clinked a fork against it to grab the attention of the knights. Once they all quieted down and turned to face the Princess she began to speak.

“First of all I’d like to thank all of you for once again protecting us. While I may not know what it is like to be thrown into battle, I do know that it takes bravery to be able to do so. I know that each of you have done your part to keep us safe and keep our enemies at bay. So to honor your hard work my Father, The King, has proposed to have a ball in your names.”

The knights all cheered at the proposal.

“A toast.” The Princess raised her goblet and the knights did so to in return. “To all the battles you have overcome and to all the ways you have kept us safe in these hard times. To the kingdom!”

“To the kingdom!” The knights all declared in unison.

[spongeguyandlelouchvibridankia]

The Milo Murphy’s Law Wiki Guy AU: Balthazar Cavendish Vs The World: Chapter 5: Act 1: The Circles That You Find

SPACE (THAT’S IN SPACE!)

  Cavendish’s scream continued, and he suddenly noticed his surroundings.

 Gasping, he shook his fists in the air, eyes darting around in hysteria. “WEIRD CHILDREN! TAKE ME BACK THIS INSTANT!”

 But there was no answer. Clearly, they would keep him here until he figured things out.

 Or died. Whichever came first.

 “Knowing my luck…”, Cavendish muttered, frustrated with his day so far.

 He just wanted to eat a freakin’ donut!

 Talk about upsetting the natural order or something!

 Cavendish blinked, trying to adjust to the light, but there was no light…

 Except from within.

 …Literally. Apparently someone had installed a bug zapper inside of his chest.

 “Odd.”, Cavendish thought, but at the same time, this was somehow one of the less weird things to happen so far.

 Almost mechanically, as if he somehow knew how to do it before, Cavendish fetched a key that was hanging by a necklace from his throat and he opened his chest to remove the zapper.

 A simple task, really.

 But only Balthazar Cavendish would accidentally take out his heart instead of a zapper.

 Panicking, Cavendish tried to put it back in but his chest was suddenly locked, and the key was floating in space.

 “Been a while, Balthy.”, The heart greeted, and Cavendish yelped again.

 “HEARTS CAN’T TALK!”, he screamed at it.

 …

 “Then again, this has been one of those days…”, he observed thoughtfully.

 “The key, dude.”, His heart pointed out, and Cavendish began swimming after it, though not without scolding it for reminding him.

 “I know it’s floating away! I have a brain!”

 “But not a heart.”

 Cavendish rolled his eyes and swam after the key, not noticing the beautiful and awe inspiring constellations that flew past, not noticing the majestic planets and mysterious, mystical moons.

 How could he notice them?

 He had far more important things to do.

 He always did.

 After what felt like an eternity but was really just 2 minutes, Cavendish finally caught the key.

 “Ha ha!”, he laughed jubilantly, twirling it in the air, before grasping it tight.

 Eyes closed in pride, he boasted to his cardiac muscle. “Take that, heart!”

 But his heart was gone.

 Panicking again, Cavendish began pounding the inexistent walls.

 “Can anyone answer me? Do I need a heart in this… Whatever this is or not?”

 A door shaped door (writing! It be easy!) opened in one of the areas of space before him, and a new face with a familiar voice (Casey, if Cavendish’s brain was right, which it always was. Take that Mr. Tonsilitis of 2nd grade advanced napping!) popped out.

 This face, round, clearly belonging to a heavy set built boy, smiled cheerfully as he delivered the news.

 “You always need a heart, Cavendish. But to make this example work, you don’t need it with you.”

 Cavendish nodded, pleased with the explanation. “All right! Thank you, Casey!”

 “You’re welcome!”, Casey replied, and he shut the door.

 Cavendish, then, realizing he’d just wasted his chance to escape this mad place, screamed and frantically swam to where the door had been, slamming his fists on nothing.

 “Wait! Let me out! Please! I’d rather not find out! This place is cold and scary and lifeless!”

 The door opened again suddenly, this time by Chelsea, another old voice with a strange face. Light was emanating from where she was standing, light so bright that it nearly blinded Cavendish now that he was up close.

 “Well, considering you’re Cavendish, this should be very familiar for you!”

 As the door began to shut, Cavendish protested this injustice. “You naughty child! Let me in!”

 Trying to stop the door, Cavendish inserted his hand to block its path, but all that did was let the door smash his hand, making him squeal with pain.

 “JESUS CHRIST!”, he yelled, sucking his entire hand to relieve the hurt appendage.

 “…How did I do that?”, he wondered, as he kept floating in space, completely and utterly alone.

 For a moment,, Cavendish wondered if he really was alone.

 If he had been tricked and was now spending eternity in an endless cavern of darkness and solitude.

 And rather that was any different than the last 45 years.

 But Cavendish wasn’t alone.

 “Balthazar Cavendish…”, a voice echoed and echoed from everywhere and nowhere.

 Cavendish’s ears perked and he tried his best to hear the message.

 Was someone trying to save him?

 “Yes, it is I! Balthazar T. Cavendish! Are you here to resc…”

 But his hopes were dashed by the invisible voice.

 “You say you want to know how it all went wrong.”

 Cavendish pouted and scoffed. “What I want is my terrible life back! Why can’t I suffer in silence like a normal adult?”

 Hearing his words, he sighed, resigned to his fate. “Yes. Yes I do want to know.”

 “Excellent!”, the voice rang out loud, and suddenly, just as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared, replaced with…

 “…A butterfly?”, Cavendish questioned out loud, not that anyone was there to…

 “Yes, a butterfly.”, the voice replied.

 Oh, right, never mind. I forgot about them.

And as sure as the two people present said, a butterfly was there, flapping its tiny wings in slow motion, not a care in the world.

 Cavendish observed the insect with a curious glance. It was definitely odd for a butterfly: On its antennae were indendtical green top hats with goggles strapped on, just like his.

 Its wings flapped incredibly slowly, almost at a standstill in the vaccum of space.

 And most perculiar of all, was its color: Half the butterfly was painted grey as grey can be, but its other half was rainbow colored, so bright the colors were that they nearly illuminated Cavendish’s face.

 It was definitely a sight to behold.

 And for a while, it was all Cavendish did; he beheld the sight for a few minutes, or hours, or days, or years. He wasn’t sure. Time moved in a very funny way here.

 After what must have been an eternity, the voice returned.

 “If you want to find out… You must go back to the beginning. You must go through the passage of time… And find out who are you, deep down.”

 Cavendish was so distracted he didn’t really listen.

 An urge had been building up now for a while, and, carefully, he edged a finger towards the butterfly.

 You see, there was suddenly a new feature on the butterfly, one that as soon as it had appeared, had caught Cavendish’s eye: A button.

 Two, to be precise.

 The first stated one word: “Emotional.”

 The second also went for short and sweet and to the point: “Emotionless.”

 “Well, if the test is to help the butterfly, I clearly need to press the second button.”, Cavendish thought, relieved that all he had to do was press a button.

 This was almost too easy!

 “Just a push of a button and I’ll be back in no time!”, he thought, and as he finished that thought, he pressed the button in front of him.

 Of course, this set up a butterfly effect and he got blasted backwards onto Earth.

 “AAAAAAGGGGHHHHHHHH!”, he let out a blood curdling scream as he began to set on fire, the atmosphere cooking him like he was a meal to be had, a Balthazar Cavendish goulash.

 “…Why does that sound sort of delicious?”, Cavendish wondered as he crashed down onto…

 “…Snow?!”

 Yes, snow!

 The white fluffy powder that so often covered the world with an oddly comforting blanket was now all over the place, getting into Cavendish’s clothes and inside his nose.

 Sneezing, he stood up and shook it off his fingers, confused and annoyed by this new location.

 “Why the hell am I here?”, he thought, an odd case of déjà vu suddenly striking him.

 “…And why do I feel like I’ve been here before?”, he noted, looking left to right, but seeing only snow.

 Suddenly, he was struck by two snowballs right in the kisser, and he fell onto the ground, hurting himself.

 “Ow! Who threw that?”, Cavendish yelled out in frustration, and wanting vengeance, he scooped up two balls of his own, searching for the culprit.

 But before he could exact his revenge, the two balls sang.

 Cherlyn:

Like A Snowball…

Cheryl:

Down A Mountain…

 “Of course…”, Cavendish muttered, more tired than angry, and he looked around, trying to understand why he had been brought here.

 The explanation came soon enough: High up above him, there was a mountain top.

 And on that top were Cavendish and Dakota.

 Er, well, Dakota and him, he guessed.

 And if their winter coats and ski equipment were anything to go by, then they were clearly skiing.

 “Redundant, much?”, he told himself, and he leaned on a tree, observing the event that was to befall, wondering why he was whisked here of all places.

 “Here I go! Wheeeeeee…”, Skiing Cavendish exclaimed with glee, only to suddenly crash down the mountain, shattering every bone in his body.

 Our Cavendish was horrified from the carnage, and scared for himself: The falling Cavendish was nearing him!

 Looking for somewhere to hide, Cavendish went behind the tree, and cowered in fright, his eyes shut tight.

 After a few moments the screaming stopped, and Cavendish started feeling a little safer. “I guess it’s over now…”, he thought, but when he opened his eyes.

 “IN THE NAME OF ALL WHICH IS MARK RUFFALO!”

 Sitting silently in Cavendish’s hands, the color already draining from its cheeks, was Cavendish’s head, which had been decapitated by one of the passing branches.

 Cavendish’s heart stopped and he bated his breath as he slowly touched the hair on top of the head.

 “…Oh my god…”, he whispered, shocked at what he had just seen…

 Only for an odd feeling to pass through him.

 He couldn’t put his finger on it at first, but he could definitely put his legs on it, as he found himself…

 Moving backwards!

 [Biteszadusto!]

 Cavendish kept reliving the past few moments until he found himself leaning on the tree again, the fresh trauma of seeing himself die still in the forefront of his mind.

 “What happened?”, he asked, but the answer came from an unexpected source: Himself.

 “Here I go!”, Skiing Cavendish exclaimed again, but this time, Skiing Dakota made sure that Cavendish took the amateur lane.

 Our Cavendish, however, was not amused. “What nonsense! Of course I could take the expert course! What would happen, would I die?”

 Suddenly realizing that that was exactly what happened, Cavendish found himself asking another question: “Why the heck am I being shown this? I know that Dakota saved my life multiple times! What is the point of all of this?”

 As if to answer him, the tree he was leaning on suddenly pushed him, making Cavendish roll down the mountain in breathtaking speed.

 “I… SHOULDN’T… HAVE… ASKED!”, Cavendish screamed between breaths as he smashed against rocks and trees and snow.

 Finally, he began to sail off the mountain, and his destination was the ground.

 “AAAAGHHHHHH!”, he shrieked in terror, grasping in the air, looking for something to hoist him up from his sure doom.

 Suddenly, his hand grasped something: A string.

 “A ha!”, he exclaimed, and his eyes spotted the balloon that belonged to the string.

 Clinging on tight, he began to float away from the abyss, sighing in relief.

 “Well, glad that’s over…”, he said, looking at the balloon.

 Of course, it had two faces. Why wouldn’t it?

 “Let me guess, you sing too.”, he said, and, as to be expected…

 Dave Wong:

Or A Carnival…

Ed:

Balloon…

 Cavendish looked down with a dry expression, and sure enough, Lard World was beneath him.

 As he looked up, though, the wrong thing was at the center of his mind, as per usual.

“…Carnival Balloon and Lard World is sort of a stretch, no? It’s an amusement park.”

 The Balloon then, of course, dropped him for being such a pedant, and Cavendish found himself crashing down to the ground.

 “I CAN’T SHATTER MY LEGS! THEY’RE VERY USEFUL!”, Cavendish cried, hoping some random diety he didn’t believe in would rescue him from certain doom.

 And, apparently, someone was listening, since instead of crashing down Cavendish suddenly started floating softly to the bottom, where he landed daintly.

 After breathing a huge sigh of relief, he immediately began to complain about Dave Wong and Ed.

 “The nerve of those children! Can’t they take some constructive criticism? We could all use some… Except for me, of course.”, Cavendish declared, ignoring the intense irony in the sentence.

 Having finished his mini-rant, Cavendish began to observe his surroundings, his eyes searching for the next “pleasant” surprise.

 “I wonder what I even did here. I honestly can’t remember dying here.”

 He sighed. “Well, that was a dark thought.”

 Finally, he spotted himself and Dakota working on protecting a Pistachio stand, Dakota fooling around with a thermon (“Typical Dakota”, Cavendish noted with a frustrated sniff) and he doing all the work, of course.

 Dave Wong and Ed suddenly appeared as Cavendish turned to them to complain.

 “Just a moment!”, Cavendish began to complain, looking indignant and insulted. “I see no wrongdoing on my part! Dakota’s messing around as ever and I’m doing all the work!”

 He laughed mockingly, literally and figureatively looking down at them. “The boys back in HQ got the wrong tape, huh?”

 Ignoring Cavendish’s smug and haughty look, Dave Wong pointed back at the scene, which had turned into Cavendish criticizing and ordering Dakota around. “Uh, dude, like, you treat him like trash, don’t you see?”

 Cavendish began to look down in shame, wondering if it was true, as Dave Wong continued to give examples. “Just today, you ended up blaming it all on him, you refused to let him cheer you or himself up AND you ordered him around all the time.”

 “Well, he was messing about with random musical instruments!”, Cavendish interjected, desperately trying to defend himself.

 He had to be right! He had to! Just once could someone say that?!

 “But you’re partners. Partners don’t order each other around, dude.”, Dave Wong retorted.

 “Well, listen to me, dude!”, Cavendish responded, prodding Dave’s nose. “Adult relationships are complex! Besides, I was more experienced than him! He’s supposed to listen to me at all times!”

 Ed, who had been standing silently and listening the entire time, suddenly removed a dictionary from thin air, pointing at the definition for partners.

 Cavendish, who read it in super speed, scoffed, knowing he was defeated but still frantically trying to escape the hole he had dug for himself. “Well, you see… It’s just… It’s not exactly… Er… Uh… Um… Dur…”

 Stuttering and stumbling over his words, he finally began to concede defeat to a now victorious Dave Wong and Ed. “Well… You’re not…”

 He mumbled the words. “100% wrong…”

 And for a moment, Cavendish really did feel bad for what he had done.

 The look of judgment and unwarranted anger on his face while he vented to Dakota really felt just…

 Wrong.

 But of course, Cavendish immediately reverted to type. “Well, whatever! Just give me a different example!”

 And he crossed his arms, pouting like a child who had been told he can’t have a pacifier AND tickets to The Human Centipede.

 “Sure thing, dude.”, Dave Wong aquieced and he pointed up to the sky.

 “Look up.”

 Cavendish did as he was told, but not before sticking his tongue out in defiance.

 Dave sighed. This was one of the harder cases he had had to solve in his short life as a delusion in Cavendish’s mind.

 “Now, do please turn your back to me.”

 “Easy peasey.”, Cavendish remarked and he did so, his coat tails blowing in the wind for a moment before settling down.

 Cavendish twitched his moustache and tapped his foot impatiently. “Well? Where to next in my trail of miserable character defects? I have a life to fuck up, you know.”

 “Almost. Just move over to the left.”, Dave Wong directed, and Cavendish took two steps.

 “No, wait, a little to the right.”

 “Here?”, Cavendish asked after shimming a bit.

 “Almost. Half a step forwards.”

 Cavendish complied with the instruction.

 “Here’s good?”, Cavendish asked, genuinely hoping it was.

 “Excellent! Now stand still!”, Dave said, and he readied his foot.

 “Well, whatever you say! What’s supposed to hap…”

 THWACK!

 Dave Wong let his foot fly and Cavendish got kicked in the behind all the way up to space, screaming in pain as his lips flapped and his eyes bulged.

 “…PEN!!!!!!!!!!!!”, Cavendish screamed, as he once again returned to the inky black backdrop of space.

 As he flew upwards, he could see the Moon approaching, its white crater filled surface shining bright, a beacon in the darkness.

 But not for Cavendish, who flew so fast he actually flew past it.

 “…Whoops! Sorry!”, a voice cried, and Cavendish was pulled back into the Moon’s gravitational pull.

 Orbiting the orbiter of the Earth, Cavendish huffed, tired of this day, this life, this reality.

 Tapping his foot (…Somehow), Cavendish looked at his wrist, despite it not having a watch and he tutted impatiently.

 “Well? No song lyrics that make no sense? No terrible memories to illicit feelings of guilt in me? No physical violence imparted on my being? It’s almost like you’re giving me a break.”, Cavendish complained.

 “Ask and ye shall receive!”, Emery and Erika, the new voices, chirped cheerfully, and BOOM! Cavendish was now seated inside a carousel ride that was…

 Well, I’ll let the singers say it.

 Emery:

Like A Carousel…

Erika:

That’s Turning…

Geoffrey:

Running Rings…

Gevork:

Around The Moon…

 “When did those two show up? I was just getting used to Emery and Erika!”, Cavendish protested, only to be belted in tight, his waist getting squeezed so tight he could barely wheeze.

 Suddenly realizing what the lyrics might mean, Cavendish looked up in fright at his conductors, Geoffrey and Gevork, who smiled a little too brightly as they leaned on a lever.

 “…What was that part about running rings around the moon?”, Cavendish asked worriedly, crouching in his seat, his index finger shaking in fright up in the air.

 Geoffrey and Gevork didn’t answer.

 They didn’t really need to, to be honest.

 The lever was pulled and Cavendish’s lips flapped again as he ran rings around the…

 “WE GET IT!”, Cavendish screamed as he ran around and around and around, like a record baby, round and round.

 Finally, after 777 spins, Cavendish, whose face was even greener than his hat and waistcoat, grasped at his mouth, feeling a puke coming up.

 Swallowing the vomit with much effort, Cavendish let out a yelp of terror. “Am I really going to go down as the first person to throw up on the moon?”

 “Nope, but you are the first person to die on the moon!”, Geoffrey pointed out.

 Gevork nodded, a little too enthusiastically, which Cavendish noticed.

 “Is he… Is he supposed to smile like that about my death?”, Cavendish asked, alarmed.

 Geoffrey stopped smiling and leaned in to whisper in Cavendish’s ear. “We’re all worried about him, but right now, let’s focus on you, ok?”

 While Gevork chuckled menacingly, Cavendish looked down to see himself on the moon, from a few years back.

 For some reason, he had forgotten his helmet (“A rare mistake on my part”, thought Cavendish), and sure enough…

 POP!

 Moon Cavendish’s head burst like a balloon, and a bit of the skin stuck itself onto Cavendish, who shrieked in fright and disgust.

 “GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!”

 Suddenly, realizing that he was being watched, he cleared his throat and removed it from his person. “Ahem. I mean, oh no. A problem that is so easily solvable by the fact that I am a man who can easily tackle any challenge.”

 He smiled smugly, and Geoffrey and Gevork face palmed.

 “Man, that is not the point! Look down, please!”, they ordered, pointing down at the moon’s surface.

 “Oh, fine, fine, I’ll look!”, Cavendish begrudgingly obliged, and he resumed his attention at the rescue of his life by Dakota.

 He rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. “What was the point of this flashback? Sure, he saved me, but I know that already.”

 Geoffrey and Gevork were stunned into silence, barely able to muster a sentence for a few moments.

 Finally, Gevork spat it out. “Cavendish, are you serious? He saved your life!”

 “And that is amazing, but it was only a few times! The way you talk about it, you make it sound like he did it every day or something!”, Cavendish complained.

 Geoffrey and Gevork suddenly turned into a microwave that beeped and booped, until the number 2220 flashed on its screen in neon purple.

 “Oh, you have got to be kidding!”, Cavendish complained, rolling his eyes. “There is no way in hell that I died that many times!”

 As if to answer his question, the microwave’s screen suddenly began to enlarge and expand, quickly turning into a widescreen movie theatre screen.

 Cavendish’s eyes widened, allowing him to notice the other changes: The space around him had turned into a dark auditorium, the sticky floor of the carousel replaced with an even sticker cinema floor, and the wooden horses before and after him now replaced with a plethora of cheap seats that weren’t comfortable, yet somehow also were.

 Suddenly, in an instant, he was moved to the front seats, finding two young girls, Grace and Haley, seated to his right.

 “Oh, greetings!”, he said, with a tip of his hat, and suddenly he found a tub of buttery popcorn on his lap, its alluring scent wafting up to his nose, tickling it.

 He let out a warm chuckle. “Well, I must admit, this is more like it!”

 He popped in a modest portion into his mouth and chewed it down as a commercial played.

 “Oh, no! My love life is an absolute nightmare! If only my boyfriend was more attentive!”, a brown haired 1950’s housewife type with a black and white face and soul greeted the screen.

 “If only I had…”, she began to wish, when a puff of smoke rose in the air!

 Suddenly, teleporting in her spotless kitchen, it’s…

 “NORM!”, Norm, the famous Doofenshmirtz robot greeted the viewers with a wave and a monotone smile that never wavered.

 “Oh, yes! My ex! He’s much better!”

 “Norm, the robot that replaced your current beau! Comes when you least expect it!”, the announcer said.

 Cavendish scowled, as did Grace and Haley.

 “They always put the worst commercials before movies these days…”, Cavendish remarked, earning nods from the girls next to him.

 “Start the movie already!”, Cavendish shouted, throwing some popcorn at the screen.

 Finally, the projector began to transmit a picture.

 “Huzzah! The show is about to begin!”, Cavendish announced in glee, and he scarfed down some more popcorn.

 However, he soon wished he’d be back with the commercials.

 Playing in front of him, in gruesome and intense detail, was every single death he had ever gone through.

 All 2220 played in eye popping 3-D (which was weird, seeing as Cavendish didn’t have 3-D glasses), and each one made Cavendish jump or flinch or instinctively place a hand on the damaged body part displayed on the screen.

 And of course, every single time, Dakota had saved him.

 For Cavendish, it was eye opening, and not just because of the quantity (that really was 2220 times).

 Through every decapitation, through every explosion, through every bone shattering, organ combusting brain splitting cow milk induced death, two constants were present:

 “I am really accident prone.”, a confession that Cavendish would never have made before, so that was a step forwards!

 And…

 “…Dakota really saved me every time…”

 One could hear the mixture of shock and awe in his voice as he uttered the words, the projector screen light reflecting off of his single tear in the dark.

 For a moment, it was just him and Dakota, as the man he adored said “It’s Cavendish: What are you gonna do?”

 Cavendish let the words echo in his mind as he stared down at his hands: Weak, clammy, pathetic.

 “Not a man’s hands…”, his Father broadcast in his mind.

 “Dakota… Dakota really did save me every time.”

 It wasn’t that he didn’t believe that Dakota could: It was just so…

 Enlightening.

 “Dakota always wanted to save people. This job was his only way.”

 By now, Grace and Hailey were listening attentively, looking encouraged, as the credits rolled.

 Cavendish let out a sigh, his sights still set on his hands.

 “And he was willing to lose that, to lose the one thing that made him feel like a somebody…”

 He whispered the final two words, feeling a pang of pain in his chest.

 “…For me…”

 The thousands of deaths crossed his mind, each one painful, but not as much as Dakota risking it all, sacrificing it all for him.

 And what did he give him in return?

 One measly thank you.

 Just one.

 Dakota had given him life…

 And all Cavendish had done was steal his.

 Suddenly, he felt very cold.

 He felt…

 Ungrateful.

 It felt…

 Unearned.

 He looked hard at his hands, as they shook and clenched, his nails digging into his palms, scratching the weak flesh.

 What had once seemed so perfect, now felt…

 Lacking.

 “…Could I ever do that? Could I ever do that for him?”, he asked no one, his voice empty and lonely.

 A moment of realization passed him, a moment of self awareness.

 He wouldn’t be here now, having a mental breakdown in the middle of nowhere with two stranger pre-teens, if it wasn’t for Dakota.

 He sighed morosely, honesty for once appearing on his face.

 “Am I really such a jerk?”

 Suddenly, as the final credits rolled, a post credits scene began playing.

 Cavendish looked up, but with not much interest, his concionsce still plaguing him.

 How could he have taken something like that for granted?

 Was he right or wrong in his conduct with his partner?

 With life?

 For a moment…

 Cavendish wasn’t sure.

 Meanwhile, numbers flashed on the screen, grabbing his attention away from his self loathing.

 3…

 2…

 1…

 “A countdown? I must say, that’s a little…”, Cavendish started complaining, but Cavendish couldn’t finish his criticism: His seat ejected him and he was bombarded towards the Earth.

 “TRIIIIPPPEEEEE!”, he yelled out, but his nitpick was drowned out by Grace and Hailey singing the next two lyrics.

 Grace:

Like A Clock…

Hailey:

Whose Hands Are Sweeping…

 And as he continued to fall, two skydivers joined him: Harrison and Jamal.

 Harrison:

Past The Minutes…

Jamal:

Of Its Face…

 As he kept cascading down and down towards his home planet, Cavendish, despite his moment of clarity, couldn’t help but grumble.

 “Am I just going to be flung from place to place all day?”

 Finishing the sentence, he got to be flung to something that wasn’t a place: A giant wall clock.

 As he collided with the humongous clock’s face, Cavendish averted his face and eyes, bracing for impact.

 Instead, something altogether different happened: The clock didn’t break.

 And after a moment’s inspection, Cavendish saw that he didn’t break either!

 “A ha! In your face, physics! Even your rigid laws can’t face up to the mighty Balthazar Caven…”

 But Cavendish would not finish his boasting.

 In fact, he’d once again scream the end of a sentence whilst flying in space, because Cavendish didn’t break the clock…

 He just stretched it.

 Yes, Cavendish was so busy elevating himself to a pedestal that he hadn’t bothered to notice that he was slowly stretching the clock and its face, as if it was a slingshot, with him as the projectile.

 And by now, he’d have stretched it enough to be sent soaring once more.

 Realizing this, Cavendish took one dry glance at the screen.

 “Mama mia…”, he uttered, and “HERE WE GO AGAIN!” was harmonized as Cavendish was shot back in super speed, breaking through a long row of floating wall clocks, each shatter making a tick or tock sound, each break changing the time around him until…

 FLASH!

 Opening his eyes from the brightness, Cavendish could just about see a black and white photograph with smudged corners, slowly enveloping his line of sight.

 All he could see was the photograph, which depicted him and Dakota once again.

 But this time, it wasn’t just Dakota being mistreated.

 It was also Milo.

 Jemma:

And The World…

Jim (Student):

Is Like An Apple…

Karo:

Whirling Silently…

Kris (Not Ours):

In Space…

 FLASH! After FLASH! Occurred as Cavendish was forced to relive some of his worst moments, as he was forced to see himself deduce that a 13 year old boy was an enemy spy preventing him from being happy, to see himself try and arrest said boy who was busy doing kinds acts, to see himself go after aliens with no experience or hope of success, leave Dakota to suffer alone and end up being frozen in space for who knows how long, almost dying and making his closest ones lives worse by every mean…

 And all that, all that pain and suffering and poor decision making…

 Because his stupid little ego was hurt.

 Cavendish could barely stand to see and he averted his gaze, choosing instead to fixate his attention at a constellation that looked like a pro wrestler bear named Ursa Major Pain.

 Had he really done all that just because he needed to feel important?

 Had he really done all that because he couldn’t stand the thought of being…

 Not good enough?

 Was he really that selfish?

 Cavendish had nearly lost it all, and had nearly ruined Dakota’s life, all because he wanted to feel important.

 Well, one thing was for sure: He didn’t feel very important now.

 Suddenly, Cavendish stopped flying, and he was caught by a colossal baseball glove, the catcher on the 1st base being Logan.

 The rest of the bases were filled with Mabel (now with a drum), Maddie and Malee Muns, who all held humungous gloves of their own.

 A bead of sweat trickled down Cavendish’s brow as these four continued the song:

 Logan:

Like The Circles…

Mabel:

That You Find…

Maddie:

In The Windmills…

Malee Muns:

Of Your Mind…

 “Well, Cavendish? Do you get it now?”, Logan asked hopefully, and 3 voices harmonized in a very creepy and monotone way.

 “Yes, Cavendish… Do you get it now?...”

 Cavendish looked down in shame at first.

 Had he really been so selfish, so stuck up, so obsessed with being perfect, that he had done all that?

 Had he really never thanked Dakota properly?

 Had he really treated him like trash?

 Had he really been so egotistical that he would go as far as to blame a 13 year old boy for his own mistakes?

 All these things felt like too much, the potential failure scared Cavendish. It was like a weight to bare that Cavendish just couldn’t muster the strength for.

 So instead, he didn’t muster the strength…

 And he went for the route that saved his face.

 Unfortunately, he was still all too concerned with looking good.

 Unfortunately, Cavendish still couldn’t face the facts and see that he was wrong.

 “No!”, he shouted suddenly, startling the four kids on the celestial Baseball diamond.

 Cavendish glared with fierce intensity, trying his hardest to defend himself, to make himself feel less crap.

 “I did nothing wrong! Dakota is a screw up and the aliens had to be stopped! Milo could have been a spy! And I did thank Dakota! One thank you is enough!”

 Cavendish didn’t really believe any of that…

 But he just had to!

 He had to be better than this!

 …Right?

 “Cavendish, you know that that’s not…”

 But Cavendish would not heed Logan’s words.

 “I AM GOOD ENOUGH! MORE THAN THAT, I AM PERFECT! IT’S THE WORLD THAT IS WRONG, NOT ME!”

 The screams may have been intended to be “masculine”, but the hot tears that streamed down his face were definitely not part of the intended model, his red cheeks and puffy eyes betraying an all together different picture than intended.

 “I… I am not wrong! I… I can’t be!”, Cavendish cried, and Logan and the girls shook their heads at each other.

 “He’s still in too deep.”, Logan declared.

 “…Then maybe it’s time for a different approach. A more personal one.”, Mable offered thoughtfully, and she grabbed Cavendish from Logan’s hand, letting the grown man squirm in her palm.

 “Let me go! You can’t convince me! You never will!”

 “Oh, that’s ok, Cavendish!”, Mabel reassured. “We won’t convince you!”

 Cavendish took a moment to digest this new information, surprised by the speediness of that surrender, and a satisfied grin appeared on his face.

 “Well, now! Finally, some common sense!”

 Mabel smiled too, before lifting a pair of cymbals, their glint catching Cavendish’s eyes, as he began to float in open space again.

 “You’ll convince yourself!”

 And with those words said, a resounding CRASH! Could be heard as Cavendish began to literally fold into himself, body parts twisted and turned and shaped until he was…

 “An Origami Swan! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!”, the enthusiastic cries of children could be heard echoing in the distance.

 Cavendish got refolded, now resembling…

 “Stewart Lee Udall, the 37th Secretary of The Interior, serving between 1961-1969! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”, the children cried in manic joy.

 “…I don’t get it…”, Cavendish commented, sort of. His voice was muffled thanks to all the folds.

 And then his voice disappeared completely, since he got folded into himself so much that he disappeared into himself.

 “Metaphorical symbolism for self introspection through literal presentation! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”, the kids roared in approval.

 Meanwhile, in the morally grey depths of his soul, sinking into himself, Cavendish found himself in a pool of time, swirling down the drain into his beginnings.

 As the murky waters slurped him up like a red white striped straw, Cavendish could just catch faint chanting with his ears.

 Somewhere, far away in the distance, the monotone voices of children exclaimed over and over “!euglorp sit sap s’tahW” “!euglorp sit sap s’tahW” “!euglorp sit sap s’tahW”, over and over, echoing in Cavendish’s mind like a thundercrash.

 And then he found himself underneath the earth’s surface.

[christylove94]

You’re Just Being You

Why is it always running when it comes to Elizabeth?

"We must destroy the vile beast! It's kidnapped a goddess!!" A man cries followed by hollers of agreement.

Meliodas snickers. Yeah, I'm the one who kidnapped her when she's leading me. He tugs on their connected hands, not slowing them down, but still catching her attention. The fear he sees on her face is a more striking revelation than if his father were to appear from thin air. And for a moment he's chilled to the core before his face twists into icy stone. "Let me take care of this, Elizabeth." His hand already slides towards the hilt of his sword.

"No!" It comes out reedy and shrill, electric blue runes flickering in her eyes before she whips her head forward.

He barely has a chance to suck in a breath before he's yanking her off course. Dirt fires off in all directions from where they'd just been. Desperate and resolute. That's how she'd sounded. Suddenly he's the one leading with voices drawing closer.  

Target practice will have to wait, he tells himself. The plains they're dashing through are much too open. The grasses a glossy green, blowing all possible cover to the wind. The air thins too quick, his breath catching high in his throat. He whirls on the balls of his feet, and draws Elizabeth in his arms. He springs backwards into the air, the ground imploding from the force. Elizabeth's screams are drowned out by the wall of flames roaring after their heels.

"Shit!" The word sears off his tongue. He catches a glimpse of men traveling on currents of wind, disks of flames, and bubbles of water before he adjusts his position. Straight forward like an arrow he cuts through the air with Elizabeth tight and secure lengthwise to his chest. Her heart thumps right up against his chest and her fingers nearly tear at the back of his shirt.

"This is my fault! I'm so s-sorry!"

"Don't be," he cuts off her small, quaking words with more bravado than he feels. "You keep life interesting," his grin is a little manic. His wing beats are powerful and swift enough to carry them over the plains to valleys then fields.  

A shriek in his ear and he tucks his wings in, twisting into a barrel roll. Razors scrape down his nerves for an instant. When he pulls up into an evasive maneuver he feels blood smear across his cheek. He's flying fast, his fastest in fact.

"Combined attack!"

But not fast enough. The realization plops like acid in his stomach.

He makes a split second decision by adjusting Elizabeth to his side in his right arm and whirling through the air to face whatever's coming head on.

"Meliodas, what are y--" her voice shrivels and dies.

It's a toxic bright purple mix of elements hurtling towards them. He knows death when he sees it and there's no mistaking that surge of power. There's no dodging it or outrunning it. His hand falls to the hilt of his sword. "It'll be fine," he manages to pluck free from his spiraling thoughts.

What was it Chandler said? I have a near boundless wealth of magic, I just haven't matured into it yet. But I can still do this if channel my power... He draws his sword as their demise grows bright.

Leave the channel open... He takes a cord of power and binds it around his sword. There's no outward change in its appearance. A bead of sweat goes down his nape.

Strike any magical attack. My power should do the rest... Sound becomes muffled and his vision seemingly sharpens. Despite everything it's not the vortex of power heading straight for them that he sees. Out of the corner of his eyes Elizabeth's face is crystal clear. Her lips are set in a firm grimace, nose scrunched up and eyes shining bright runes. Desperate but determined.

Meliodas takes his swing. "Full Counter!"

A chime cuts through the air. His power sinks low, lower and lower... Something twinkles silvery blue just past his face. Then the attack is rocketing away, he and Elizabeth tumbling backwards from the sheer backlash.

His wings strike outwards, swelling in size as his magic seems to bounce back. And he takes advantage, diving towards a massive stretch of trees as the dying cries of Holy Knights fade behind them. He can feel his nerves bouncing in a mix of pride and relief. The trees swallow them up. That feeling stiffens into dry ice through his veins.

Feet set on the rich earth, Elizabeth wraps her arms around his shoulders oblivious to the change. "You could've died!" Her voice sounds squeezed like the words are too profound to be uttered. "All because I went looking to see if my power was that of love! How could I be so selfish?" She clutches him tighter, her shoulders beginning to shake.

His gaze sweeps carefully over the lush scenery behind her as dark tendrils heal the wound on his cheek. "Don't worry about it. You keep life exciting," he says evenly, hand tightening around his sword.

"But--"

"Why do you children trespass in the Fairy King's Forest?" A voice of impassive ice speaks from behind him.

He breaks Elizabeth's hold, his arm extending across her as he faces the new being. He'd expected many things, but not the scrap of a woman no taller than himself. Her peculiar attire falling across one eye, bulbous where her legs should be, and the wooden sceptre hardly intimidate. It's more the look in her eyes, dead and frigid that causes him to shift his stance an infinitesimal amount. This is a fairy of the sentient forest.

"We apologize!" Elizabeth bursts out and begins to press against his unmoving arm. When he doesn't yield she ducks beneath it causing his muscles to lock up. "We were just--!"

"Killing humans?" The fairy interrupts coolly. Eyes glancing off Elizabeth than back to him.

Elizabeth goes rigid, then steps back against his side.

"While I am wholly behind that idea," the fairy begins with a gradual lift of her sceptre. "I loath demons even more, and unlike her, your heart is as black as ever." Trees groan and vines begin to sprout in earnest, hundreds of spears pointing at him at once. "I cannot let you grow up to become more of a threat than you already are."

He shoves Elizabeth back barely hearing her yelp over his rushing blood. "Get out of here, now!" He grips his sword eyeing the fairy then the vines. If I kill her would they still continue to act on their own? He doesn't get to decide as they begin to steak towards him in a blur.  

They all stop before his blade even makes contact, all caught up in silvery blue. His breath is snatched somewhere in his throat. He can't look away from the dazzling display of magic that throws the forest into shades of white and blue.

"Why are you so cruel?" Elizabeth sniffles from somewhere behind.

The pretty stillness abruptly explodes. Ash rains from the sky as the silvery light fades. More vines sprout before he has time to blink, to even think. Deadly blurs hone in and the forest lights up again and again. He takes a risk, looking at Elizabeth. Her eyes are blue fire, terror and anguish beginning to rip through her intent features. A pulse of black flames sweeps over his sword. He’s turned to face the fairy when the tip of her sceptre explodes.

Silence rains as the fairy draws back. Her gaze locks solely on Elizabeth, thick with contemplation.

His head tilts up a smidge as the sensation of darkness running down his cheek like ink persists. “If you even think about hurting her, I’ll cut you down where you stand.”

His promise is ignored as the fairy continues to stare. However, she visibly concedes, lowering what remains of her sceptre. "I see. You may both leave. But if you ever return, you will be dealt with appropriately."

He doesn't hesitate. His sword is sheathed as he dashes towards Elizabeth, sweeping her up as he kicks off into the air. Her body is warm and light as usual. No new sense of power within her. She looks the same as ever. Silver hair, blue eyes, and soft features. Everything on the outside feels the same, but his insides twist uncomfortably tight.

Now that's different.

~-~-~

He only stops when they come to a familiar waterfall. They don't head inside, choosing to settle in the grass surrounding it. She hasn't said a word since the Forest. His insides squeeze until he can't breathe. A ridiculous response that he ignores with sharp words to her winged back."That power. You've been hiding it all along?"

"No!" She whirls towards him and he can see the truth in the rounding of her eyes. She holds her hands in front of her as if they're the most vile things in the world. "Every goddess can do that. Ark," she forces it out with cutting vehemence and it's the most anger he's seen in her. "It's a violent and hateful power and I... I had to... I c-couldn't let..."

That unpleasant tangle of knots and barbs recedes as he goes to cover her palms with his own. Her watery eyes meet his and he hates that he knows what disturbs her so deeply.

He hates that he knows what bothered himself.

"Did you kill them or was it my attack?" His tone is neutral, his voice sounding low.

A tear streaks down her cheek. "I don't know." It's thick and devastated.

He curls her fingers against her palms and wraps her fists up with his own. "You won't have to use that power again, Elizabeth."  

She peers up at him almost hopeful. "How do you know?"

"You stick with me and I'll handle the fighting. It's what I'm good for." He almost believes it, almost lets her believe it too until another option forms in his head. He's rigid against it at first. Demons are selfish. Demons take, they destroy. The words drill through his skull.

And yet his body moves opposite, taking his hands away from hers. "Or maybe you should forget about me." He's a spectator in his own body. "My heart is black. I bring danger. Everything happens because I'm me."

An array of expressions flash over her face before a crinkled smile of disbelief wins out. "That's not true, Meliodas. You're heart's not black! You... You let me cover you in flowers. You trusted me to take you under the ocean. You let me read to you and you listened!" Her words leak forth with unstoppable force, dousing any worry he has left. "You listen to me, you talk to me, and don't... You don't hate me." She throws her arms around him, hiding her face in his shoulder before he can see if she believes that through her eyes. "You saved me."

Slowly he brings his arms around her in an embrace and she lets go completely, leaning into him as she weeps. A wry grin comes to his lips as her tears wet his neck.  "What did I say about tears, hmm?"

Her voice is scratchy as she tightens her grip. "Sorry..."

"Don't be," he tells her, pulling her to the ground where he keeps her at his side. "You're just being you."

And that's something he plans to keep the exact same.

[four-loose-screws]

Fire Emblem 5 Umemura Novelization Translation - Chapter 8 Part 1

If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!

Pre-3DS FE Translations - FE Awakening Translations - FE Fates Translations - Original FE Support Conversations - Ko-fi

Leif’s army finally arrived around the backside of Leonster Castle.

They now stood on the hill where Leif and Finn had watched the castle burn down all those years ago.[1]

They could see the citizen’s houses scattered about to their left, and towering over the small hill was the castle, which had not changed one bit.

“We finally made it…” Leif said quietly and looked up at the castle.

“Yes. It won’t be much longer now, Lord Leif.” Finn, who was beside him, looked up at the castle, too.

“Yeah.” He felt his body heat up as he spoke. He took a deep breath, then balled his hands into fists. ‘Approaching the castle from behind was definitely the right decision. There’s only a few imperial soldiers guarding it from this side. Getting inside is gonna be easy!’ He thought, and turned around to give his orders.

“Fat chance that this is going to be easy for us.” Fergus frowned and muttered under his breath.

‘Why would he say that?’ Leif tilted his head and looked at the castle again.

The castle wall was casting a shadow over the castle. Within the shadow, he could see several lights shining from something.

He gasped in surprise and his eyes opened wide at what he saw.

Ballistae. And not just one or two of them.

Nearly ten were lined along the castle walls.

That was close.

He had been careless, and nearly put everyone in serious danger. They were only one step away from retaking Leonster, and it had made him restless.

He shook his head and took a deep breath. “Advance very slowly while being careful of the ballistae. Take out the enemies stationed around the castle first. Also be careful not to allow any harm to befall the villagers’ houses.” He took one last look at everyone.

They all nodded at him with earnest looks on their faces.

He nodded back, and unsheathed his sword. “Let’s go!”

-

Arrows fell like rain from the sky.

Leif’s army stepped back to dodge them.

The attacks from the archers stationed around the castle made it impossible for them to even enter the ballistae’s range.

Leif stared at the archers blocking their path and bit his lip.

“Hey, Lifis!” Perne elbowed Lifis’ side and whispered in his ear.

“Whadda you want!?” Lifis narrowed his eyes and looked at Perne.

“You’re still as good at stealing as ever, right?”

“I’m not telling you anything!”

“You were always better at that stuff than me. Stealing, deceiving people, sneaking around… those types of things.”

“This is why I hate you!” He sighed deeply in exasperation.

“Anyway, if you haven’t lost your touch, then you can go steal their weapons.”

“Huh? How!?”

“They’re just archers! You can handle them.”

“Oh yeah, you’re right!”

“Okay, hurry up then! I’ll distract them.”

Lifis looked surprised.

“I can’t trust you, but I can trust your skills. Better not mess up. I don’t wanna die yet.”

“So you’re saying that if you died here, you’d haunt me?”

“Well, duh.”

“Again, this is why I hate you.” Lifis spat out before dashing forward.

Perne nodded and unsheathed his sword. “Leave these guys to me, Prince!” He said loud enough for the archers to hear, then started running towards them.

They all raised their bows in unison and shot at him.

He rolled across the ground and dodged all the arrows.

The archers reached into their quivers to grab their next arrows, but panicked and turned around instead.

“Looking for these?” Lifis called out from behind the flustered archers. He faced them with one quiver in his hand and a smirk on his face. The rest of the quivers were scattered around his feet.

The archers all had shocked expressions for a moment, then glared at him.

“Alright! Just like we planned!” Perne smiled in satisfaction and started sprinting forward.

“Uh, let’s continue on, everyone!” Leif was a bit late, but he dashed forward as well.

The archers all raised their bows in front of them as if they were shields.

Perne swung his sword and sliced through a bow.

“Gah!!” The archer screamed and fell on his butt. He crawled away and disappeared.

When the remaining archers saw that Leif and the others were chasing after them, they too screamed and all ran off in different directions.

Lifis watched the archers scamper off. He turned to Perne and said, “As always, their best skill is in not putting up a fight.”

“Like you have any right to comment on their reputation.” Perne frowned and glared at him.

The clinking of armor rang through the air.

Lifis and Perne gasped and turned their eyes towards the castle.

A group of knights was slowly approaching them.

Next, they heard ballista arrows whizz through the air.

One of the huge arrows landed right before their eyes.

“Uh, these aren’t the kind of guys we can handle. We should stand down.”

“That goes without saying!”

The two nodded at each other before running as fast as they could to the rear line.

*

Leif dodged a ballista arrow that came flying towards his side.

His hair and cape fluttered in the wind.

The ballista archers’ aim was poor, as they were shooting from the opposite side of the castle wall.

That didn’t change the fact that they were still a threat, though.

The castle gate seemed so close, yet so far.

He looked up at the castle and started grinding his teeth.

“Lord Leif, look!” Dorias called out suddenly and pointed at the villagers’ houses.

Leif continued walking, but looked in the direction Dorias was pointing at.

They saw a piece of cloth sticking out from one of the house’s windows. Someone seemed to be waving it on purpose.

“Are they… asking us to go over there?”

“Most likely.” Dorias nodded.

Leif looked back and forth from the group of knights before them to the house.

The knights were getting closer and closer.

“Finn!” Leif called out.

Finn, who was pointing his lance at the knights, turned around.

“Sorry, but I need you to take over for a bit. Please keep their attention away from me.” Leif ordered while running towards the house.

A number of the knights were drawn to his sudden movement.

Finn and Glade caught up to them before they could get to him.

He ran and ran, dodging ballista arrows as he went.

The door to the house opened.

He dove inside.

“You’re Prince Leif, correct?” A husky voice asked from the doorway.

“Um, yeah, I am.” Leif turned around and answered.

He saw a well-built older man with a white beard smiling and nodding at him.

“Welcome home. We’ve been waiting for you.” The man said, voice wavering as he fell to his knees and bowed deeply.

“Please raise you head. I abandoned you many years ago and ran away. I don’t deserve such treatment.”

“But you do. Because you survived, we have made it this far without once losing hope.” The man said with his head so low that it was touching the floor.

Leif took a deep breath. “Thank you. I’ll do everything I can to retake the castle. I will succeed, for you and the other villagers.” He said with his back to the man, while getting ready to step outside.

“Please allow us to help you, prince!” The man raised his head and spoke so loudly that he was nearly shouting.

Leif raised his eyebrows and turned back around. “What are you suggesting?”

“We are certainly nowhere near as strong as the knights are. But we can lure the ballistae away from you.”

Leif furrowed his brow at the man’s words. “But if you do that, then you’ll… you’ll…”

“We know. But if it’ll help you retake the castle, then it is a small price to pay.”

Leif stared at him in shock.

The man stared back with a serious look in his eyes. “Please, our lives are yours to use.”

“I can’t let you do it.” Leif heard a voice call out.

Dorias was standing in the doorway. Leif had no idea how long he had been standing there for.

“I cannot allow you to throw away your lives so freely.”

Leif felt the same way. He nodded in agreement at Dorias’ words.

“Not so fast.” August appeared from behind Dorias.

Leif turned his head mid-nod and looked at him. “What are you saying, August?”

“The villagers wouldn’t be simply throwing their lives away. They’ve been suffering for a long time and wish from the very bottom of their hearts to be freed from the empire’s tyranny. They wish to protect the next generation and create a better tomorrow. Their lives are far more important than your absurd pride in your duty and honor. That is what this man is saying.” August argued back.

Leif sighed deeply and looked at the man again.

The man was still staring at him with that same look in his eyes.

“What should we do, Prince Leif?”

Leif closed his eyes, and was silent for a moment. “I can’t. I can’t let villagers out on the battlefield.” Leif answered with his eyes still shut tight.

The man took a step forward. “B-But why, Prince? Why aren’t you listening to me?”

Leif stared back, both smiling and baffled. He considered his words carefully and spoke slowly. “It’s not about ideals like pride or honor. It’s because I believe that royalty exist to protect the people of their country. It wouldn’t be the same if I retook the castle while using the people I am supposed to protect as shields. A victory built on your sacrifices would be no victory at all.”

“But Prince!”

“Don’t worry. We will not lose. We will retake the castle. So please, trust me. Your trust in me, and your prayers for a peaceful tomorrow, will be what guides us to victory.”

“Y-You’re right, Prince. You will retake the castle…” The man said, his voice shaky. He burst out crying and bowed down to the floor.

“Yes. I will.” Leif put a hand on his sword and ran out of the house.

[1] The novel actually says “15 years ago,” but… according to chapter 1 of the novel, Leif was already a child when the castle burned down and he, Finn, and Nanna ran away. He was old enough to remember it happening, as he’s had vivid flashbacks a couple of times in the recent chapters. Leif has to be 16, 17 at most at this point, so there’s no way the castle burned down 15 years ago according to this novel. The writer was definitely off here.

I looked through the manga quickly, and in that version, Leif and Nanna were little babies when Finn escaped with them. 15 years ago would be accurate in that case, but…

Since the different retellings of the Thracia 776 story conflict on when exactly the fall of Leonster happened, I translated this line vaguely to be safe.

[interstellar-borb]

Broken Triangles Pt4

The Group hung out in the cave for quite a while, waiting for the snowstorm that had shifted into a dastardly ice storm as copper held her hand out and immediately regretted it after, as she shook her hand off she flew back towards her friends to tell them the news “Well you guys the storm got worse and its shooting ice at the ground instead of snow, no idea that could happen at all by the way, so now we’re stuck in here for a while longer.” everyone groaned except for rouge, of whom was out like a light for a few hours already, “but! It does mean we can try and let rouge recover from them saving us from freezing to death and being rammed into by our local heroic jerk” copper said in a surprisingly cheerful tone as cyan looked away almost looking like a rectangle from how he was slouching. 

Vert hovered close to rouge and felt that he was still cold to the touch, making her get nervous, was he dead? Did he freeze to death? she leaned into where the thought his chest was, since he was annihilate mode his internal stuff was now down his body and she had no idea where anything was, she tried to listen for him breathing or even his heart beat if he even has a heart to begin with, everything was quiet for a few seconds as she started to fear the worst until she heard him take a deep breath and exhale quietly causing her to sigh in relief. She turned around to see marine looking at her as he spoke up “is the big fella ok? I know yer worried about em” she sighed “he’s fine i think, but i don’t know if he can’t breath or breaths after a certain amount of time” Marine was quiet for a few seconds before bursting into laughter making vert very annoyed “why are you laughing! This isn’t something to laugh at!” marine wheezed “You make me laugh sometimes, you weren’t around the last adventure when we learned this. But rouge can basically go into a state where he won’t breath for ten or thirty minutes at a time, he goes into em when somethings wrong with em, he got a huge gash on his back one time and even though blue patched em up he almost gave em a heart attack!” he continued to laugh as vert looked at him baffled “wait so what your saying is rouge basically hibernates like a bear when somethings wrong with him?” he nodded and tapped her with his stook “don’t worry vert rouge will be just fine, he’s survived through worse things than the cold, though the purple spots on his body are worrying, since they are in the spots where his spikes retract” he then slid off towards copper leaving vert by herself, “purple spots? Now that's concerning to say the least” she looked at him in the face to see it as an uncomfortable shade of blue “ok now that’s worse, i need to look into this more”.

More time had passed as they were now in rouge’s coil talking to each other as rouge opened his eyes for the first time in a while and tried to sit up and stare at the entrance of the cave, “and then i said h- oh hey rouge is awake” exclaimed marine causing copper to panic a little bit “rouge! Don’t push yourself you need to rest!” suddenly his spikes came out making his eyes shrink and he cringed and hissed as he slammed his claws into the ground and began to pant in pain “ROUGE!” cyan screamed once he saw this happen. God rouge is the toughest guy he knew, despite not really not liking or trusting him, but this made him see rouge in a whole new light. He dashed towards him and tried to see what was happening only to see that his spikes were a different hue of pink and were leaking, “oh my god…” cyan exclaimed to himself, rouge’s spikes didn’t change color, they were bleeding “that never happened in annihilate” he mumbled to himself as he felt temperature around himself drop, everyone began to look at the entrance of the cave as they now saw a silhouette and Marine exclaim horrified “Bonechill…”  everyone except for rouge looked at him with shock and shouted at the same time “BONECHILL?!”. As if it was predicted it shot an icy beam at the small group but rouge got in the way before it could hit his friends, causing him to fall to the ground in front of them hissing in pain, Vert shot up from behind him and dashed into the skeletal wyrm causing it to fly into the wall roaring in pain, then it hit vert with its tail launching her into a wall and tried to shoot her with an icy blast only for rouge to get in the way again and get hit, it roared at him annoyance only for rouge to roar back. Cyan rushed to his sister only to be a target for bonechill as he launched an ice spike at the fast moving square, thinking it was over Cyan cringed and shut his eyes awaiting impact, only for it not to come. He opened his eyes and saw rouge infront of him, “he just took the hit for me” he exclaimed to himself and watched as rouge got up with pink dripping off of him as cyan looked horrified. Rouge roared at it once more only to get an icy blast to the face, causing him to shoved into the wall upon impact, luckly cyan dashed out of the way in time and saw that rouge looked pissed! Rouge roared at Bonechill again and rammed the wyrm into the wall causing it to shrill in pain only to bite rouge in the neck and throw him away. Rouge hissed at his newfound wound only to open his mouth and shoot a black laser at the beast, launching it out of the cave as rouge rushed after it, Vert got up to see the bits of pink on the ground as copper looked horrified and marine still shocked about bonechill, and watched as cyan rushed outside into the storm after rouge. “I can’t believe that he’s still alive.. I thought i” marine exclaimed as vert spoke up “wait what do you mean he’s still alive? You mean rouge?” Marine shook his head “no, Bonechill. He’s been here this whole time, i thought he died last time… no, i'm not letting the poor lad face off against him. I'm not allowing this!” then suddenly marine rushed out of the cave making a weird loud noise. Cyan was dashing into bonechill’s face as rouge kept headbutting the large wyrm only for the two to get launched aside, as if on queue rouge suddenly vomited and collapsed into the snow Cyan dashed towards rouge and tried to get him to get up “c'mon! We can beat em! Don’t faint on me now!” he turned to see bonechill’s mouth wide open and about to shoot another ice blast to finish them off, only for him to get rammed by another unknown force, it made a loud noise mixed with a boat horn and a kaiju cry, bone chill rammed into the newfound monster as cyan tried his best to keep track of the combat within the storm and watched as bonechill and the new monster fought quite violently, like they knew each other for centuries and were at war for that long but had a moment of peace for quite some time. The new monster roared once again and shot some sort of ball of energy at bonechill causing the wyrm to fall to the ground but get up, cyan began to root for this new monster, at least until it probably attacked them after bonechill was defeated. Suddenly, bonechill got up and shot an ice blast at the monster only for it to shoot a blast back at it as it was a battle of strength, bonechill’s ice blast began to overtake the monsters unknown laser only for it to make a weird noise that sounded like steam releasing and thus made the monster overpower bonechill’s ice blast as it exploded within bonechill’s mouth causing the wyrm to vanish from cyans sight. Panicked cyan looked around only for bonechill to show up behind rouge and cyan until the wyrm was grabbed by the throat by the monster, struggling within the monsters grip bonechill roared, thus sealing its fate as the new monster shot a laser down its throat, causing it to burn out its insides and make its head melt off, the monster threw the head aside and roared at the top of its lungs, it looked down at rouge and cyan as another sound similar to steam releasing emitted from it as it began to pick up rouge and head off “HEY! Your not having him! I already lost my best friend put him down!” cyan began to dash after the monster shouting and hoping to try and get its attention until he got a glimpse of its left eye, it wasn’t even there. “M-Marine?!”

[thoughtsofadaydreamer]

Cleaning house

(Punisher fan fiction)

Little Italy, NY. Circa 1977. New York. Americas Mafia homeland. Originating in the late 19th century long before any of us in this era even knew how to say the word “Mafia”. Growing fearsome and powerful in the 20s and 30s. Prohibition era was a goldmine for the Mafiosos. And into the 40s, 50s, 60s. Reaching their peak in the 70s. No one, not even the president could stop the Mafia in this time. At least that is until a tragic sunny day happened in the summer of ‘75. “They should have put another bullet in my skull.” Castle thinks to himself. Sitting patiently inside of his black van. He stares off into the distance towards the front of a convenience store. “Tricanni’s” the building reads. Frank Castle was the victim of an attempted murder on his life. Still alive to remember the day, he truly died when his wife and 2 kids werent so lucky. Slain by the mob on what was meant to be a picnic day at the park. After discovering a mob hit, the Castle family were to be killed for the witnessing. When Frank arose from death, with no help from the crooked police department, he began a one man war against the cities underworld. After 2 years, Frank is digging deeper and deeper into the mob. Chipping away for the past 2 years to get to the higher ups.

Dominic Tricanni was a Caporegime (captain) for the Gnucci (pro. NEW-CHEE) crime family. The same organization responsible for the death of Franks family. Tricanni being his last lead on the whereabouts of Ma Gnucci after she went into hiding. Ma Gnucci was the wife of Don Vittorio Gnucci. When the Don died, his widow decided to take his place of power. Something never before seen until her time. Ruling the crime family with her hand practically on everyones balls. A real mean old bitch as many of her own associates consider her. Castle originally planned on attacking each of the capo’s crews to break down the family section by section. But when Ma Gnucci decided to lay low, Castles only way of finding out her location is through the last captain still breathing. This is where Tricanni comes in. Frank waits outside for another 10 minutes. Only looking away for a millisecond to check his watch every now and again. Once the lights go out in the building, Frank gears up. He throws his leather trenchcoat over his white skull kevlar and makes his way across the street.

Tricanni’s was a typical NYC business building. Store on the bottom, apartments on top. He knew thats where the mob run establishment counted profits through the fronts. The place where you buy a loaf of bread, some milk, maybe some snacks, smokes, beer, and a package of God knows what if you ask for the right people. Understand? However much money was made through the packages, was moved upstairs. So the building had to have wiseguys with guns throughout the building. Frank taps on the glass of the door, holding his head down as the man behind the counter peeks out. Castle sticks up his middle finger yelling the words “Fuck you, you fucking guinea pricks!” The man dashes out through the door “I TOLD YOU LITTLE BASTARDS TO STOP COMI-“ the man stops and looks around an empty street. Feeling alone. Until 2 man hands grip under his chin and on top of his cranium. Twisting with a loud violent crunch. He drops dead weight into Castles arms, dragging him into the store. Dumping him off behind the counter. Castle searches his body and discovers a Colt. 1911. Checking the chamber for a round. “Full clip” he mutters to himself. Holstering the weapon down the front of his belt. His boots silently stepping through the door to the stairway. He listens. “HAHAHAHA!!!” Laughter coming from upstairs. He follows the sound of humorous covervastion until he spots 2 more waiting around the next corner. “Ay, so how was that slut you took home last night?” One asks the other. Castle eases up the stairs hugging the wall close with his back, listening. “Yo i think you were right about’er....been itchin’ all day. Fuck!” The 2 men laugh hysterically, castles lip snarls at the sound of the 2 mobsters. He listens for footsteps. Trying to pinpoint how they move.

Planning his next move, he unholsters one of his own pistols. An all black enhanced 1911 .45. Loaded with armor piercing rounds. He begins to twist a silencer on the handgun as one of the pair speaks, “you hear about Freddy?” Then the other, “All i know is hes dead, why?” The conversation continues. “I mean how he died. Cops and news reporters saying its the punisher. I believe ‘em.” Castle almost smiles as he peeks around the corner ever so slightly. “Ahhh fuck Castle. If i see ‘em ill have ‘em carrying his heart in a fuckin’ doggy bag.” Castle makes his move while their guards are down. “Nows your chance.” He mutters to them, standing below the staircase. Before the men could draw their weapons Castle unloads 2 rounds into their heads. The bodies drop with the shell casings. The wall behind them painted with blood and brain. “Whoops, too slow.” He jokes as he steps past the bodies. Meanwhile on the 3rd floor, Dominic Tricanni discusses bullshit talk while he counts his earnings. “So far its 15 G’s Dom.” One of his associates speaks up. “Not bad, not bad at all.” Tricanni replies. His face a little aged. Like an old war veteran who was the grease monkey cook of the platoon but could fight. Which he could. Tricanni used to be an amateur boxer on the streets of Jersey. Eventually being hired by Don Vittorio Gnucci himself as a source of income. Over time he became a small time enforcer on the side before choosing to work full time for the mob. Rising through the ranks and being granted his own crew in NY. A foul mouthed, tough Italiano with a love for money and a good fight. “This stays between us. Ma wants 10% of every take. Well we gonna give her what she THINKS is 10%. Tell her maybe business was slow this week. Not alot of customers. Capiche?” The others nod and reply, “Capiche”. Flicking cigarettes and downing scotch. “That bitch gets on my nerves.” Tricanni states. One cracks a joke, “Maybe shes a bitch because ever since Vito died, she hasnt been getting...properly pampered? If you know what i mean?” They chuckle as another pokes fun, “yeah Dom why dont you dust her off and take her for a spin y’know? Take one for the team huh?” Dominic laughs then responds, “I wouldnt fuck her with YOUR little pee shooter Ralphy.” They laugh, oblivious to the trouble approaching. Outside the room, Castle covers the mouth of another mobster. As his knife calmly slices across the adams apple of the man. The sound of muffled choking and blood curdling fills the vigilantes ears. Watching the door in case he is too audible. More laughter is heard as Frank drops the body. Snagging a sawed off shotgun from the dead mans grip. He holsters the shotgun to unscrew the silencer from his pistol. “Gonna have to get loud.” He thinks to himself. He currently wields both weapons, standing in front of the apartment door. He knocks on the door, waiting to hear the footsteps get closer. He hears whistling from behind the door signaling a cue for his next move. “BOOM!”

The mobster goes stumbling back, leaving a large hole in the door from the sawed off. “WHAT THE FU-! [BOOM!]” the last round from the shotgun bursts through the door. Enough to send the gangsters back falling to the floor. Castle spartan kicks the door with his large heavy combat boots. Breaking it off the hinges. Dropping the sawed off and equipping his secondary pistol. “BAM! BAM!” Headshots. 2 mobsters rise from behind the table, greeted with .45 caliber rounds to the cranium. Tricanni, still down, is painted with his mens blood. From the kitchen another spawns “HEY!!! ITS CASTLE!!!” Castle twists his head to the left. Just as the gangster pulls the trigger on his Micro smg. Machine gun fire sprays the room as Frank jump into the bedroom. Landing on his side. Bullet holes spawn as the mobster continues to unload his clip. Sending glass and drywall pieces all over the bedroom. Castle sends a few rounds through the wall in return. He notices a change in the scenario. The shots change place, now being shot from the right instead of the left. Frank follows up with gunfire of his own. Popping off the rest of the clip into the wall as a distraction before “BAM!” He lets off one last round just as the mobster was changing positions. Killing him. Tricanni sees this and attempts to run. “BAM! BAM!” Castle puts 2 in Tricannis leg. The Mob captain screams in agonizing pain as he attempts to crawl. But Frank beats him to it. And grabs him by his foot. Dragging him to the kitchen.

Tricanni sits handcuffed in a dining room chair. Dripping blood from his leg wounds. “What do you want with me Castle?” Frank stares him down, silent. Pulling up a chair seating himself directly in front of Dominic. “You want to know where Ma is!? Is that it? Well fuck you! I hate that old cunt just as much as you but ill be damned if i cooperate with you!” Frank doesnt break his cold stare. Keeping eye contact. Suddenly Tricanni feels a jolt of excruciating pain sent up his thigh and all over his leg. Frank has stuck his finger inside his bullet wound. “I think we need to try that again.” His voice gruff and dark. Like death itself if it could talk. Tricanni grits his teeth, holding back any screams as best as he can. Frank hooks his finger making Tricanni tear up and jolt around. “Where...is...Ma...Gnucci?” Tricanni breathes heavy but doesnt scream or give in. “I admire your pain tolerance. I wont take away your strength, ill give you that. But Tricanni either you give me an address or i plant a third one in your leg and play bowling. Now tell me....” he cocks his pistol and aims below the 2 bullet wounds. Suddenly, his home phone rings. Frank looks at Tricanni and stands. “No running off.” He walks over and picks up the phone as a woman speaks. Tricanni watches as Castle writes down on a napkin. He hangs up after a few minutes and washes his hands of blood. Tricanni pants as he speaks up “s-so what now?” Castle stops and looks down at Dominic “Now?” He raises his arm “(click) BAM!” Tricanni’s brains coat over the kitchen counter. “You give the devil my regards.”

As Castle walks back down into the convenience store the phone behind the counter rings. Frank ponders but then decides to answer. “Is this Tricanni’s?” Frank almost chuckles “It was...” he thinks to himself. “Yes” he answers. The man on the phone continues on. “Tell him ill be back by to pick up my package i ordered. Is tomorrow a good time?” Frank looks outside for any company. “Not a good idea. Tricanni’s is kind of going out of business after tonight and will be discontinuing any service to the public. Sorry for the inconvenience.” He hangs up and walks out into the New York streets back to his van. Checking the napkin he wrote on. “Rochester-3:00 p.m.-brick house few blocks from hospital. Tuesday.” He folds it up and starts the van. “Nothing like a little spring cleaning to make you feel like a new man.” He smirks to himself as he drives through the dark lonely streets.

[ans-atkins]

Fix It

Jeff Atkins x Reader Request: No. Word Count: 1,538 A/N: So I had the idea to do this earlier and…now I’m sad. I didn’t go into too much detail with this one, but bear with me for the beginning. Please leave requests and yeah…That’s really all I have to say. If you want to ‘enhance’ the experience, a song you can listen to while reading this is Surrender - IAMX and then also Easier - Mansionair. Enjoy! Warnings: Mentions of Suicide attempt Italics = You, Bold = Jeff, Bold Italics = Friend’s mom (Y/F/N) = Your Friend’s Name, (Y/F/LN) = Your Friend’s Last Name

 Your heart raced as you picked up your bag and dashed out of the classroom. Voices from behind called out your name, but the sound became faded as you neared to main doors. You were upset, beyond upset. (Y/F/N) had been emitted to the hospital earlier that day, and it broke you heart. They’ve been with you through everything, they were always there for you and you couldn’t stand to know that they were hurting. The newly brought pain pricked at you as you sprinted to the hospital, you decided it would take too long to drive, you needed to be with your friend now. The run was shorter than you had expected, but still you were out of breath. You burst through the glass doors of the building and leaned over to try and catch your breath. The people there turned to look at you, and a few even asked if you needed help, but you waved them off. Slowly you walked up to the front desk and asked for your friend. The lady, who was wearing a knee length white dress, eyed you before speaking. “Excuse me Ma'am, only family members are allowed to see Mrs. (Y/F/LN) at this time.” Your hands balled into fists and you shook your head, “Excuse me but-” “It’s okay, she’s with me.” (Y/F/N)’s mother put a hand on your shoulder while looking at the lady behind the desk. She politely smiled before motioning for me to follow her. You took this time to examine her, and it was obviously that she’d been crying. The stains from her tears left that part of her face a different color, she was still dressed in her work clothes but they looked wrinkled and sloppy. You both arrived at the elevator and stepped in. Mrs. (Y/F/LN) pushed the button that would take you guys to the appropriate floor and leaned back. It was quiet because you were the only two, and you didn’t know if you should ask about the situation or not. You’d spaced out looking at the floor, but was brought back into reality when the elevator ‘dinged.’ The doors opened, and Mrs. (Y/F/LN) exited first with you following close behind. She stopped at a room with the number 537 printed next to the door. It was odd, she didn’t move to go inside, but rather just stood there. It seemed that she’d drifted into thought, and you’d really felt bad for her. You could see that she was learning how to cope with it all, and you knew it wasn’t easy. The sound of the doorknob twisting was brought to your attention, and the doctor stepped out. He kindly smiled, moving around to get to where he needed to be. Your throat became dry as you stepped into the bright, white room. (Y/F/N) was lying in the bed, with a mask over their face. Their eyes were closed and it looked to be that they were sleeping. But everything was so real, you could see the hint of pain written all over them. You sat down in the seat next to the bed and grabbed your friend’s hand. The mother walked back in and quietly sat next to you. “I guess I never told you why (he/she) is here.” She looked drained, and you thought it was weird what grief could do to you in a short amount of time. “It was a suicide attempt, overdose to be exact, (Y/F/N)’s in a coma and the doctors don’t know if (he/she) will make it.” You wondered if she could hear you heart break, because to you it was loud. You were blaming yourself for everything, and you thought that maybe (Y/F/N) had accused you of not caring before attempting to take their life. The tears rolled down your smooth cheek, but it was silent. It was the type of agony that was hushed, the type of agony that didn’t show exactly what you were feeling. Because in reality you wanted to bawl, and not in silence. You wanted to scream, and show everyone that you were hurting. The ringer on your phone went off, and you stepped outside to take the call. It was your boyfriend Jeff Atkins. You were debating on whether or not to tell him what happened but you knew, at the end of the day, that you’d need him. “Hello?” Your breath was shaky as you answered the phone. “Hey, what happened to you?! You just left, is something wrong?!” Jeff was practically yelling and you moved the phone away from your ear until he finished speaking. “I’m at the hospital, can you…I need-please?” You had tried forming a proper sentence but your voice was failing you. “I’m on my way okay?” You didn’t answer but dropped your arm to the side of your body. Turning, you walked to the end of the hall to take the elevator down to the first floor. Upon reaching the ground floor, you walked into the waiting room and sat in one of the cushioned blue chairs. You leaned your head against the wall, waiting for Jeff to arrive. It took him about thirty minutes to get there, and when he walked through the door you saw he was carrying two bags. “What’d you buy?” Taking the seat next to you, he pulled out some small baggies with sandwiches in them. “I thought you’d be hungry.” You took one of the bags as he handed you a bottle of water. Instead of digging in, you put your head on his shoulder. Jeff then pulled out a notepad and a black pen, handing it over to you. “I didn’t think you’d want to talk about it, so I thought maybe you’d write about it.” Setting the food aside, you took the materials and set them in your lap. “My friend tried to overdose,” “(Y/N) you don’t have to-” “And I blame myself, for everything.” As much as you tried to blink away your tears, it didn’t work. They were stronger then last time, you were crying. Jeff pulled you into his lap, and rubbed your back. You buried your face into his neck and continued to cry. When your wails had died down you started again, “I could’ve saved (him/her), but I wasn’t there enough. I didn’t listen enough, I…I didn’t care enough.” “Stop, stop…you can’t blame yourself for something like this.” You could hear that he was crying too, “I hate seeing you like this. It’s a terrible thing, yes, but you can’t do anything about it. Maybe we’ll never know why they did what they did but you shouldn’t blame yourself for it.” “I messed up…” “You’re only human (Y/N).” You stayed silent for a while, in the comfort of your boyfriend’s lap. You’d become tired from the amount of crying earlier and fell asleep.    You woke up and it felt like you had only been asleep for a few minutes. Your eyes were red, and stung a bit. Jeff was already up and kissed your temple, “Morning beautiful.” You chuckled, knowing you looked like mess but that was Jeff, a complete sweetheart. You got up to stretch and decided that you’d go upstairs to check on your friend again. “You coming?” You asked. He got up and followed you to the elevator. When you reached the floor, multiple doctors and nurses kept running out of the same room. Mrs. (Y/F/LN) came out with her hands covering her face and walked towards you grabbing your hand. “You’ve been a good friend, but I think you should go now honey.” “What’s going on, is (Y/F/N) okay? What’s happen-” “Just please…you should go.” You’d guess that Jeff go the message because he pulled you back to leave. You weren’t slow, you had an idea of what happened but you didn’t want to believe it. “Your mother has been blowing up your phone, I should get you home.” Jeff had carried you to the car and put your seatbelt on for you. You didn’t really move around because you felt dead inside without your best friend. His hand found you thigh, and rubbed it in a comforting motion, “It’s okay babe, you’re gonna be okay.”    Soon you had arrived home, greeted by your mother yelling out at you. You left Jeff downstairs to explain what had happened, and walked up to your bedroom. Not bothering to change clothes, you laid down on your back looking up at the ceiling. Jeff walked in not too long after and crawled on top of you, laying his head on your chest. Your hands instantly started playing with his hair, and for a minute you forgot just exactly what you were dealing with. “I know you’ve tried your best, and I know you’re hurting but…you shouldn’t beat yourself up. I know your heart is broken but I can fix it.” “Hold me.” You sounded desperate and you were. He rolled over to your side before putting his arms around you. “Get some sleep, it’s been a rough day.” Jeff left a few kisses on your neck and closed his eyes. But what he didn’t know as he drifted to sleep was that you weren’t nearly as broken anymore.

~A

[shadowrebel-17]

An Endless Journal - Second Entry

Entry 2

12/15/16

Hey Ellie.

I’m finally in my room… and what an upgrade! But… its why and how I got this upgrade that’s… hard to… put into words.

Guess I should start at the beginning.

First off, while on the plane, I had the strangest dream, there were these three nice looking guys in it. And no, it wasn’t that kind of dream… more… terrifying in the obscure way.

They were warning me of something coming or reaching for me.

The first was a soldier with floppy surfer hair, the second a chiseled black guy, but The last one, he was a dashing-yet creepy older guy who said

“You don’t understand, do you? But you will. In time.” And there was this big volcano and… that’s where I woke up.

But that’s not the weirdest part. The second guy? In my dream? He shows up for real walking down the aisle and Diego had the brilliant idea of shoving me into him THEN putting me on the spot.

I… well his name is Sean Gayle and he’s HOT and charming as hell, and tall, and apparently is the star quarterback for our university’s team (but I didn’t find that out ‘till later) so…. Yeah anyway my mouth moved before I could stop it, as usual. And I just blurted out that I had dreamt about him and all that… yeah not my best moment.

He didn’t seem to mind though. Definitely want to get to know him better.

Oh and apparently Diego filmed all of this, I have no doubt for blackmailing me into helping him on our finals… but I’d do that anyway.

So after that we noticed that the flight was taking longer than expected so I went up to check what was up with our pilot.

On the way met some of the other ten winners talking with our tour guide, Lila. Who might I add is… ok remember “tour guide Barbie” from Toy Story 2? Yeah that’s her. Perky and sunny as a Pina Colada. Great… now I want one.

Ok so anyway I go to ask the pilot and….. he’s totally asleep. Yep. Feet on dash, head on chest. And probably I would have flipped out if… if it wasn’t for the fact that I got distracted by the fact that HE was the beach-boy soldier in my dream earlier. Yep. Well… that and the fact of that southern drawl, blue eyes and that smile…

Oh yeah and apparently he gives nicknames to people that annoy him. So I’m “Princess”

Honesty, I… kinda like it. And because he seriously looks the part of a scruffy ranger I called him Aragorn.

Yeah and I may have a crush on him too… did I mention those eyes? He’s like, part Han Solo, part Aragorn, part Colonel Jack O’Neill from SG-1.

Anyway, right after that things got… scary like, frickin’ terrifying.

This big, black storm front hits, and throws me into a wall. And its bad. Like fire ball lightning and deafening thunder, Armageddon like bad.

I kinda got the sequence of things a little jumbled in my memory, honestly for the first half of it I just clung to a seat in shock, taking it all in ‘till Lila shook me out of it and helped me to a seat.

Somewhere in there the plane got hit and the engines died, people screaming and all that. All but one. There’s this girl with us, with a blue hoodie and she’s got a scar across one eye and has these dark eyes. There’s something off about her not like… bad just… she wasn’t afraid. if anything she looked… determined.

So yeah pretty much beside her it was Jake, he’s the pilot and Sean that kept their wits about them. The girl in the seat next to me, she… she looked worse then me at this point. About to have a panic attack. I cracked a joke like, a bad one, you know. The Cantaloupe one. Yeaaah… hey I did pretty good for short notice!

Anyway, I think it helped. Cause, like she laughed and started breathing again. And let me tell you… that laugh. Her grin. Okay yeah we helped eachother keep our nerves. She held my hand tight as did I in return.

Oh her name is Quinn and you have got to me her. Bright, bubbly, long sweeping red hair… looks like a Disney princess. And just as easy to be with.

Okay fine I like her too. A lot. Do I sound desperate?

Like… three people I’ve just met and I wanna spend more time with them? Maybe it’s the air here. Magical.

Okay I digressed. So somewhere after that Jake breaks us out of that storm and its as brilliant blue as it was before. Like… almost never happened. Except for the engines still being dead as you and I after that party Kaitlyn and her roomies threw last semester.

Honestly? Jake is one hellova damn good pilot. Like Tom Hanks in the movie Sully good.

He, without engines, got us on the ground AND parked in a hanger, coasting through it all. No one answered at the tower though. Which was spooky and it gets weirder later on.

But he got us down in one piece, and Oh My god this island is STUNNING! Green as an emerald gem from the air, caught a glimpse of crystal rivers and waterfalls on the way in and this big ol’ smoking volcano in the middle.

So on the ground got to meet the rest of the group better… had an encounter with one of the other girls while we were unloading our bags.

I.. may have been hitting on Sean. Like can you blame me? He reminds me of Kaitlyn’s friend Chris, with his gentle manners yet strength of character, wait.. heh, I think they are on the same team lol! Anyway he’s just… taller and so… how to… eh. Ok so anyway… back to what happened.

She, Michelle, lit into me for flirting with Sean, like straight outa Bad Girls Club. And well, there’s history with those two but they’re not together.

I… yeah that was rude but, hey, with what we’ve been through, frayed nerves and short words are forgiven. Anyway, we are ok with eachother now.

She and Sean ended up in an argument though. So I backed off from that. That’s when I found the first of several odd things. A honkin’ huge tranquilizer dart. (Yes honkin’ is a word. I’m from the Midwest remember?)

Whatever critter it was used on had to have been big. Or is really out of it.

I hope.

That’s also when I noticed creepy scar girl in the hoodie was watching and listening to us.

You know, Diego and I are also wondering about something. That there are Ten Students that won, yet not counting Jake the pilot and Lila the tour guide, we’ve got Sean Gayle, Michelle, his friend Craig (must be another football player judging from his jacket.) Grace who is one smart, sweet little lady, Quinn, and umm… the ivy league loudmouth, who’s name escapes me. [A scribbled in note of “Aleister” is apparently added later]

Then Zahra, emo-chick, that’s a petty name by the way, Raj, big playful fellow. He’s cool. Then Diego and I. That makes ten… she makes eleven.

What’s her story I wonder.

Anyway now the weirdness really picks up. There is no one here.

I mean NO FREAKING PERSON!

Besides us the whole place is abandoned. Its creepy. Like that ship, the Mary Celeste. Everything is in its place, half finished cups, luggage etc. Just… people.. gone. Very Twilight Zoney.

I’m still waiting for the You Tube prank folks to pop out.

Jake and I check out the control tower, empty like everything else but… there were these lights, in and on the forest and the air, like I imagine the Aurora Borealis to be like. Only saw them for a few moments in the air there. Not back outside. Now Grace had mentioned earlier this place as a very special ecosystem. So perhaps its like those glow-y plankton in the Pacific just, airborne. Anyway, it was magical. Aaaand yes I think I made Jake blush by holding his hand. .

Also found out he’s an ex-navy pilot. Some altercation with an officer.

Aaand made a fool of myself… heh, and I remeber it pretty well so here it is:

Jake: “Look, I’m from Louisiana, and if ferrying rich jerks around a couple times a week is the price I gotta pay for never setting foot back there, hell I’ll pay it. Been sleeping in a beach hammock in Costa Rica ever since.”

Me: “That sounds lonely”

J: “Uh yeah, that’s the appeal” (man that crooked grin of his… Though this time I wonder… if it isn’t forced.

Me: “I mean, I get wanting to get away for a little while but… don’t you want more? You know, someone to come home to… someone to listen to you… someone to hold you all through the night…”

I know! Gosh! I gotta think before I talk! His… response though… Looking back now I’m not sure if he minded my… blunder.

“You offering, Princess?”

Like… totally teasing me… right?

“what?! No- I.. I just meant.. in theory…”

Yep… damn… blew it.

“In theory, I wanted to be the best pilot the Navy had ever seen. In practice… well you cant beat a cold beer and a Caribbean sunset.”

We talked more as well… honestly didn’t take that long to check the tower in comparison.

I also quick checked out the beach with Quinn, Raj, Craig and Michelle too. Man… Quinn is not subtle. And that is not a bad thing… she um, gawd I’m blushing again, so we went swimming and she, considering what she went through on the flight was so, happy. I mean skipping and splashing and flirting.

She’s beautiful Ellie. That’s about all I can say at the moment.

She did have one down moment though. Referencing how she wasn’t always this way and that after last year she decided to make the most out of life. I wanted to ask more but she was too serious so… things got wet ;) (splash splash)

And OMG and there was this flying butterfy-seahorse! It… it was as bright and shimmering as that Aurora I saw with Jake. Only Quinn and I saw it before it flew away though.

Craig had buried the sleeping Raj in the sand.

Anyway, I wanted to unpack before it got much later so I could go exploring more so we all went back to the group and that was when we had found out just how devoid of people this place was. In Sean’s words. “Where the hell was everyone!”

After getting over the shock we dropped our luggage in the lobby and split up into groups to look around.

Seriously, this resort is beautiful. Stunning. A dream come true! … if it wasn’t so… so.. empty.

Jake said he’d go with Brain Trust (Grace, btw love his habit of nicknames, I might stick with it!) And look around the pool area, Zahra and Lila to the ballrooms, I went with Craig, Raj, Sean and Michelle to the restaurant. My stomach made that call.

Also noticed hoodie-girl was missing. Weird.

Anyway at the restaurant named Tortuga. (Cant hear that name without seeing Jack Sparrow lol) like the rest of the place, seems everyone left in a hurry. Even the credit cards were left on the table.

Sean pointed out that the Volcano was supposed to be dormant. That big thing out the window was definitely not dormant. Very steamy. Eagle eye there also spotted some kind of flashing beacon. Maybe a building or something near the mountain.

Anyway we went to compare findings with everyone else.

The pool didn’t have much other then being abandoned.

The ballrooms had been set up in some kind of retro-roaring twenties wedding.

Then… there was that big portrait on the wall. Aleister said it was Everett Rourke, the owner of the hotel. But damn… he was the last guy from my dream on the plane. The older guy with the creepy saying. Apparently he’s some kind of real life Tony Stark genius business man.

I don’t get something though… I get the feeling Grace is attracted to the snob, er Aleister.

She found something else though by the pool. By a damaged fence a foot long tooth! Man hate to see the animal that came from. Maybe that’s why there was that Tranq dart I found earlier.

So basically we are all now completely puzzled and worried and bewildered on what to do next.

And then freaky girl pops up behind me and says that its getting dark and we should all go to bed.

She says she was also looking around like us but wouldn’t share what she found… I think she trust me as much as I trust her… which ain’t much.

But she’s right. Oh and Lila at least knows her. Called her Estella.

So basically, hehe, consensus was (at Zahra’s provocation) to pick any room we wanted.

I snagged myself the honeymoon suit.

Just. Cause.

It has got the most amazing view! And its own hot tub! Candles, roses. The works. Aaand then Diego shows up and I almost mistake him for someone else. He’s not gonna let me live that down will he. Not telling him who I thought it was either cause then he’ll only make it worse! Or… better… heh. Love that guy.

Then he found this romantic note, with two different messages on it:

“I must see you one last time before tomorrow… Meet me at our spot in Neptune Cove. Midnight” and “I’ll be there.”

Oh my goodness I’m so tired… looong day. And it wasn’t over yet lol!

So basically I also got talked into going to a midnight impromptu pool party or “Raj Rage” as the big guy called it.

After all the drinks it’s a little fuzzy.. but I know Jake called Craig Drax, such a perfect fit! He also showed me that apparently he is quite thoughtful.

I… may have missed an opportunity with Sean but I saw Estella sitting alone up on the hill and well, I wanted to know more so excused myself a moment to go talk to her.

We… actually connected. Least… I think we did. I got the feeling that she’s been very hurt in the past and has little trust in people. Explains her attitude. Actually managed to get a smile out of her. Briefly. Before she left. Saying that the people in her life usually get hurt. And she didn’t want that to happen to me.

….. well okay then. That’s… confusing. But at least I’m getting to know more about her. She’s not so scary after all. Just… now I want to find out what hurt her in her past so maybe I can help.

Diego says I have a big heart and a big mouth. And that both get me in trouble. As you well know.

Anyway after Craig soaks everyone with a cannonball I go to get more towels…

Ellie, I don’t think I’ll ever forget what I saw. Something big with muscles and glowing eyes was staring at me from the bushes. With everything that had happened. I’m afraid I lost it. I screamed.

Sean, Quinn and Jake came over first but what ever it was it was gone. I’m not sure everyone believes me. Heck I’m not sure I believe me.

Kinda killed the party too. Which sucks.

Anyway at least this awesome huge bed makes up for it. Kinda.

Hopefully tomorrow we can figure out what’s going on.

G'night Ellie.

-S.

[janehopperra]

OOE:

So in order to take back some of the order on my blog, I’m gonna keep the tally for today’s stuff on one post, then when I’m done watching tomorrow, I’ll put that tally on here as well.

This is also to save the dashes of whoever likes to keep them clean. I apologize for the mass ooc. I just finally felt like I could safely let my saltiness over s3 run rampant.

Bad: The makeout scene Good: Will taking care of everyone in the party making sure everyone has snacks for the theatre Bad 2: Mike being a whiny brat right off the bat Good 2: Steve immediately flicking the switch on and off to spite Robin Good 3: Jane playing pranks with the party with her telekinesis. Bad 3: The Karen and Billy Thing Good 4: IT IS CONSTANT… CONSTANT. Bad 4: ‘Curfew at 4:00pm’ Bad 5: The apparent focus of Will’s character only being that he’s jealous of Mike and Jane and also that he can sense the mindflayer. literally nothing else. Bad 6: Karen and Billy Again Bad 7: Joyce eating tv dinner alone while thinking about bob :( Bad 8: Makeout scene 2.0 Good 5: Hopper yeeting himself to another plane of existence in the next room Bad 9: Mike whispering to Jane right in front of Hop ( As if I didn’t find this creepy enough ) Bad 10: I gotta admit Hop lying about Mike’s grandma is bad Good 6: Hop being an actual dad and placing boundaries between Mike and El makes up for that though. Like that needed to happen. Bad 11: Dustin being left alone at the radio tower. Bad 12: Karen??? what the fuck are you doing??? Good 7: Karen coming to her senses. Bad 13: Billy.. jfc

First episode - 7-13

Good 8: Boundary establishing actually working. Bad 14: Mike lying through his teeth, keeping the lie up even after Karen caught him in it. Bad 15: “You lie?” “What? No! Friends don’t lie!” Good 9: Hop scream singing his song in the Blazer. Bad 16: Nancy’s boss being an absolute??? Jerkwad??? They were that way in the 80′s to women yeah but yikes. Good 10: Dustin and Steve’s handshake Good 11: ‘Mike’s a piece of shit!’ Snaps fingers hell yeah he is Bad 17: ‘You don’t understand lucas! He’s lost his mind!’ How about stop??? Blaming other people??? For how you acted Mike??? You had a choice not to lie dumbass. Bad 18: The boys acting like this is some sort of battlefield where you need combat strategies when in reality you need to speak the truth. Bad 19: Them constantly leaving Will hanging, poor boy just wants to play dnd :( Bad 20: More Karen and Billy like tf Thank god Billy told her to stay away Good 12: The girls going out and having fun!!! To hell with the boys!!!! Bad 21: Joyce forgetting about Hop to solve the magnet issue ( wasn’t her fault but yeah ) Good 13: The Material Girl skit!!! The photographer session! High heels! Jane pranking the binch that rejected Dustin at the snow ball. There’s more to life than stupid boys! Bad 22: “Can we play DND now???” “NO!!!!” Bad 23: Mike trying to change the subject and recoiling when he’s caught at the mall, like he thought he would get away with the lie??? Good 14: I dump your ass. Bad 24: The face Mike makes when Jane walks away, like you’d think if he’s so??? in love he’d be at least a little more devastated??? He looks like a brat. ( No offense to the actor he’s great, the character’s a brat ) Good 15: IT’S CUTTING EDGE STUFF MAN!!! Bad 25: Hop being left at Enzo’s :((( He was so excited man Good 16: The scoops troop solving stuff. Bad 26: Hop taking the whole bottle of alcohol and leaving, kind of shit faced, DRIVES HOME SHITFACED. You’re a cop, Hop! For fuck’s sake.

Episode 2 mark - 16-26

Good 17: Jane and Max acting like best friends Bad 27: “I don’t understand what I did to deserve this why is she treating me this way I’m the victim” I honestly can’t. Bad 28: ‘We’re trying to solve the great mystery of the female species’ oh yikes. Bad 29: Hop arriving home drunk and barging into Jane’s room thinking Mike was with El and the door was closed. Bad 30: Hop.. acting like a bit of a creep and then cracking open the bottle of wine for more drinking!!! In the presence of El. After what he just did. Good 18: Honestly I think it’s kind of cool that Max and Jane have made a game utilizing Jane’s powers instead of shoving them away. Bad 31: The boys mocking Will for taking the chance to play DND. Will honey its okay Bad 32: Hopper being a weird disgusting bear, and also being kind of spiteful towards Joyce. I get she hung you up but like come on man, you know she wouldn’t do that without good reason. Bad 33: “You stand me up, no phone call no apology because you had to go to Scott Clark’s house” NOW IT’S TIME FOR HOP TO GET BASHED. Bad 34: Hop pretending to understand how Joyce thinks the magnetism loss thing was the lab then going back to being spiteful and a smartass. Bad 35: Max in denial about the Billy situation Good 19: Scoops troop being funny little shits. They’re the only pure group in this nonsense of a season. Bad 36: The boys still mocking Will during DND. Guys just humor him for fucks sake, he’s been dealing with yalls shit all summer. Bad 37: Mike recoiling when Will finally has enough of their shit and leaves. Bad 38: “You guys are never in the mood anymore! You’re destroying everything and for what, so you can swap spit with some stupid girl” “It’s not my fault you don’t like girls!” Honestly, low blow on both ends. Yikes. Good 20: Honestly the horror in this season is good so it gets it’s own good point for that. Good 21: Hop actually going to the lab with Joyce to soothe her worries about the magnetism loss. ( Also poor joyce remembering Bob’s death ) Good 22: The scoops troop again being on the case, only to then find out the guy they’re chasing is a yoga instructor. Good 23: Hop trying to make sure everyone feels safe and at home. Good 24: Hop opening up just a tiny bit about what he did after Sarah died, trying to relate to Joyce. Bad 39: The fact that Will felt so alone and outcasted to the point that he felt the need to tear the castle down after looking around at all the memories in it and bursting into tears. My poor lad. I’ve been in the same boat, fuck the boys honestly. Good 25: The scoops troop at it again, actually being productive in their side of the story. Bad 40: Something I just don’t get at all is the fact that Jane just.. introduces herself as El, giving herself away almost immediately. Hun, you have another name, you’re not still a number. Idk that thing just irks me. Bad 41: And again, Will just being used for the ‘woe is me/enemy locator’ trope.

Episode 3 mark - 25-41

Good 26: Max introducing the wonder woman comics to Jane after listening to her. Bad 42: Max still being in denial about Billy and Heather. Good 27: Joyce taking care of Hop, SOMEHOW dragging his ass back to the cabin. Bad 43: ThIs iS a CoDe ReD ( I don’t blame Max for turning the radio off I’d throw it across the room after all that’s happened ) Bad 44: Again. Will’s only purpose being that he senses the mindflayer– like what the fuck he could be used for so much more. Bad 45: This is just a thing– I honestly hate that we only get one scene with the hoppers and also the byers acting like a family. All that build up in season 2??? wasted. All that potential wasted. Bad 46: The mayor taking a jab at Hopper and his ‘dead daughter sob story’. Damn right you deserved that fucking punch. Good 28: Joyce pulling the phone line when the receptionist tried to call the police. Good 29: The scoops troop and their hilarity. Bad 47: Max continuing to be in complete denial over Billy’s role with the mindflayer. Good 30: “Don’t you love your country” “You can’t spell America without Erica” I love Erica so much Good 31: “I want you to forget about sales and come work for me at hawkins pd.” “And have to look at your face every day? I don’t think so.” I have to admit that was cute Good 32: Karen actually being a mom for a change and listening to and supporting Nancy. Good 33: “He made me lie, I mean–” “What if he’s right?” “No no no he’s just a crazy old man” “No, if I only see you and I’m a different species, maybe I should be with my own species more.” Bad 47: “Wait you spied on me? That’s totally against the rules!!!” Mike she’s a telekinetic who can locate people and also implode your brain. There are no rules. Good 34: “I make my own rules.” Except hers. Good 35: “If you die, I die” “Okay” Dustin’s such a ride or die bitch I love it. Bad 48: How many times has Will been used for mindflayer location? 4-5 times? Bad 49: Jane relenting when protecting herself and her friends. I’m sorry but if someone’s had a hand to her throat or face or anything she’s thrown whoever did that through a wall, caught off guard and not. Good 36: She eventually did throw Billy through a wall but still the point remains

Episode 4 mark - 36-49

Bad 50: Joyce’s bad throwing skills. Hun you’re throwing a gun not a baseball. ( jk ilu mom ) Bad 51: This terminator guy gets a bad point. I don’t think they explained him at all? Even if they did.. eh. Good 37: “Why wouldn’t he be safe? Nancy?” For once someone’s worried about the welfare of these kids. Good 38: Hop’s big butt sprawled over the Blazer gets a point. Bad 52: Hop calling Alexei Smirnoff gets an… eh point for me. Idk why it turns me off a bit. It’s a funny name and all but eh. Bad 53: The beloved Blazer exploding gets a bad point. Shame on you for killing it, st writers. Good 39: “Ill-annoy” cute. Bad 54: “ThEy’Re CoNsPiRiNg AgAiNsT mE” Not everything’s about you, Mike. Good 40: “She was making bad screams” “What’s a good scream” Max: “Doesn’t matter–” Bad 55: Hop making the joke that every man Joyce talks to must be another version of Clark. Yikes man, she burned you that bad? Good 41: “He’s a dangerous child murderer” As Alexei smiles whilst sipping his cherry icee.