#marley natural herb

[afrotumble]

Marley Family Expands Role in Cannabis Industry with Launch of Herb House at Museum

[shiorihyugawrites]

The Devil's Bride

Aurora Jaeger, Eren's long-lost childhood friend, was taken from him when they were children. After years of suffering under Marleyan control, Aurora is reunited with Eren while he’s undercover in Marley, igniting a bond neither of them expected. Despite her gentle nature, Aurora breaks her vow of pacifism to save Eren’s life, solidifying their deep connection. Secretly married before the Raid on Liberio, Aurora is swept into Eren's world of chaos and destruction. As the Scouts learn of her existence, tensions rise on the airship home. Mikasa’s heart shatters, and Levi demands answers. And Eren will stop at nothing to protect the only light left in his dark world—his bride, Aurora.

In this journey of love, loyalty, and war, Aurora must reconcile her innocent heart with the brutal reality of the man she loves, while Eren faces the truth of what he’s become. (Eren x OC)

Chapter Twenty Five

One Month Later

A month had passed, and the Jaegerists had grown stronger, their numbers swelling as Paradis Island fully transitioned into a military state under Eren’s command. Eren's vision of unity through domination was materializing faster than anyone anticipated, thanks to his alliance with Historia and the relentless work of Floch.

Far away from the Jaegerists' compound, in the dense forests of Paradis, Floch Forster was leading a relentless pursuit. His goal: eliminate Levi and Mikasa Ackerman once and for all. Over the past month, he had launched countless tracking missions with a select group of loyal Jaegerists, but the Ackermans proved elusive.

Floch crouched near the remnants of a campfire. The faint embers suggested it had been extinguished only hours ago. His sharp eyes scanned the area, searching for any trace of Mikasa and Levi.

“They were here,” he muttered, signaling to the Jaegerists behind him. “They’re close.”

One of his men frowned. “How do they keep slipping away? Every time we corner them, she bolts. And she’s impossible to catch with her gear.”

Floch’s jaw clenched. “Because she’s an Ackerman. She’s not like us. Mikasa’s instincts are unnatural.” He stood, his frustration barely contained. “But she can’t keep running forever. She’s dragging around an injured Levi. He’s dead weight, and eventually, they’ll slip.”

Another Jaegerist stepped forward, glancing at Floch warily. “Do you think Eren knows about this?”

Floch’s eyes darkened. “Eren doesn’t need to know. Mikasa is his blind spot. He’s too sentimental to deal with them properly. That’s why we’re here—to do what needs to be done.”

The group exchanged uneasy glances but didn’t question him further. Floch’s determination was unshakable, and his hatred for the Ackermans burned brighter with every failed attempt to capture them.

Back at the compound, Aurora was bustling around her workspace, surrounded by vials, herbs, and notes. Over the past month, her elixirs had become an integral part of the Jaegerists' regimen. Soldiers reported noticeable improvements in stamina and endurance after weeks of consuming her mixtures, and their loyalty to Aurora grew alongside their respect for her work.

Eren entered the room quietly, leaning against the doorframe as he watched his wife. She was utterly absorbed in her task, her focus unwavering as she carefully measured out a glowing liquid into a small vial.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” he said, his voice breaking the silence.

Aurora looked up, a smile spreading across her face when she saw him. “Eren! You’re back early.”

He approached her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. “I couldn’t stay away,” he murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder. “You’re amazing, you know that? The soldiers swear by your elixirs.”

Her cheeks flushed with pride. “I just want to help. This is my way of contributing.”

Eren placed a gentle kiss on her temple. “You’re doing more than enough. And,” he added, placing a hand over her stomach, “you’re already giving me the most important contribution.”

Aurora’s eyes softened as she placed her hand over his. She was now two and a half months pregnant, and though her bump hadn’t appeared yet, the anticipation of seeing it every day filled her with joy. “I can’t wait for us to meet them,” she whispered.

Eren nodded, his expression softening in a way it rarely did. “Me too.”

…

Later that evening, Eren descended into the basement of the compound. The air was cold and heavy, and the dim lighting cast long shadows across the walls. In the center of the room, a large crystalline cocoon stood like a statue encasing five figures—Hange, Armin, Jean, Connie, and Sasha.

Eren approached Armin, his footsteps echoing in the silence. He placed a hand on the smooth surface, his expression unreadable.

“Why can’t you see it, Armin?” he whispered. “Why can’t any of you see it? This is the only way.”

His voice wavered, the flicker of guilt he refused to acknowledge threatening to break through. “You always believed in me, didn’t you? You thought I could save everyone. But I can’t. Not without this.”

His eyes flickered to Jean, then Hange, then Sasha, and Connie, his jaw tightening as he looked at their frozen form. “I’m sorry. I had no choice.”

Eren’s thoughts turned to Mikasa, and a pang of regret pierced his chest. He knew she was still out there, running and fighting. He had let her go because, deep down, he still cared for her. But he couldn’t let her or Levi interfere.

Finally, he stepped back, his gaze sweeping over the room. “When this is over,” he said quietly, “I’ll set you free. I promise.”

Upstairs, Floch gathered a few trusted Jaegerists to discuss their ongoing mission. Despite his public confidence, the hunt for Levi and Mikasa was wearing on him.

“They’re out there, regrouping,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “Levi’s injured, but he’s not dead. And Mikasa…” He shook his head. “She’s a problem.”

One of the soldiers hesitated. “Do you think we should inform Eren?”

“No,” Floch snapped. “Eren has enough to deal with. This is our responsibility.”

As the meeting ended, Floch glanced out the window, his resolve hardening. The Ackermans were a threat he couldn’t ignore, and he wouldn’t rest until they were eliminated.

The stage was set, and the pieces were in motion. The Jaegerists were stronger than ever, but danger loomed on the horizon—from Marley, from Mikasa and Levi, and from the cracks of doubt forming within Eren himself.

…

Night had fallen over Historia’s farm, and the Jaegerists' compound was quiet. The distant sound of crickets filled the air, but inside a dimly lit bedroom, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken thoughts. Aurora sat cross-legged on the bed, her gaze fixed on Eren, who stood by the window, his silhouette framed against the moonlight. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, his jaw tense.

“Eren,” Aurora said softly, her voice breaking the silence. “You’re doing it again.”

He didn’t turn to look at her, but she could see his fingers twitch slightly. “Doing what?” he replied curtly.

Aurora sighed. “Getting lost in your head. I can see it, you know. The way your shoulders stiffen, the way you avoid looking at me. You’re carrying too much.”

Eren’s gaze remained fixed on the darkness outside. “I’m fine.”

Aurora wasn’t convinced. She scooted closer to the edge of the bed, her feet brushing against the cold floor as she stood and walked toward him. Placing a hand gently on his arm, she coaxed him to face her. “You don’t have to lie to me, Eren. I can feel it—your guilt. You think you’ve hidden it well, but you haven’t.”

For a moment, Eren stayed silent, his green eyes flickering with emotions he didn’t want to acknowledge. Then, he exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging ever so slightly. “I trapped them, Aurora. Armin, Hange, Jean, Connie, Sasha... even Mikasa.” His voice wavered, the weight of his confession thickening the air. “They were my friends. And I betrayed them.”

Aurora’s heart ached at the pain etched into his features. She reached up to cup his face, forcing him to look at her. “You didn’t betray them, Eren. You’re trying to protect them. You’re trying to protect all of us.”

“They don’t see it that way,” he muttered bitterly. “They think I’ve lost my mind. They think I’m the enemy now.”

“They’ll understand one day,” Aurora said, her voice firm but soothing. “When they see what you’re fighting for, when they see the world you’re trying to create, they’ll understand.”

Eren closed his eyes briefly, leaning into her touch. “They experienced the world beyond Paradis,” he said after a pause. “They saw the beauty—the laughter, the kindness in people like Ramzi and the others in that refugee camp. And now, they’re blinded by it. They can’t see the truth. They can’t see how cruel the world really is.”

Aurora stroked his cheek gently, her mind racing for the right words. “You’re not wrong, Eren. The world is cruel. I’ve lived through that cruelty just like you. But you’ve always known that there’s no place for sentimentality in a fight for survival. I wish they could see that too.”

“They won’t,” Eren said flatly. “Especially Mikasa. She’s too tied to the idea of who she thinks I am. She doesn’t see me for who I’ve become. She never could.”

Aurora hesitated before speaking, her voice tinged with concern. “Maybe you could try reasoning with her again. Mikasa isn’t like the others. She loves you, Eren. I think if anyone could understand you, it’s her.”

Eren shook his head, pulling away from her touch and pacing the room. “I’ve tried. She won’t listen. She’s too blinded by her own feelings, by her loyalty to me. And besides...” He stopped and turned to face Aurora, his expression hardening. “She’s with Captain Levi.”

Aurora tensed slightly at the mention of Levi. Her gaze dropped to her hands, fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dress. “Captain Levi,” she murmured. “I didn’t finish him, did I?”

Eren’s eyes softened slightly as he noticed her shift in demeanor. “No,” he said. “But it wasn’t your fault.”

“I know,” Aurora said quickly. “But still, if he’s alive, then he’s probably their biggest hope. Mikasa is likely taking care of him somewhere, waiting for a chance to strike back.”

Eren walked back to her, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. “Levi is dangerous, but he’s not invincible. I’ve planned for this, Aurora. I’ve planned for everything.”

Aurora looked up at him, her wide eyes filled with both trust and fear. “I just... I wish there was more I could do, Eren. For you, for us. I hate feeling helpless.”

“You’re not helpless,” Eren said firmly, his grip tightening slightly. “You’ve done more for me than anyone else ever could. Without you, none of this would’ve been possible.”

Aurora felt a lump in her throat as his words sank in. “I just want to protect you, Eren. You and our baby. That’s all I care about.”

Eren’s eyes softened further as he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “And that’s why I need you to rest. You’re doing enough, Aurora. More than enough.”

She nodded reluctantly, allowing him to guide her back to the bed. As they lay down together, Eren wrapped his arms protectively around her, holding her close. The warmth of his body against hers was comforting, and for a brief moment, the weight of their world seemed to fade.

“Do you think Mikasa will ever forgive me?” Eren asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aurora hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “I think she will. But it’ll take time. Right now, she’s hurting. Just like you.”

Eren closed his eyes, his mind replaying the memories of his friends’ faces, now frozen in crystal. “I never wanted it to be this way,” he murmured. “But I had no choice.”

Aurora nestled closer to him, her hand resting over his heart. “You’re doing what you have to, Eren. And I’ll be right here with you, every step of the way.”

As Eren held her tighter, he silently vowed to himself that no matter what happened, he wouldn’t let anything or anyone harm his family again. The world was cruel, but he would be crueler if that’s what it took to keep them safe.

…

The next morning, the sun had barely risen over the farm when Eren prepared to leave for the Reiss Chapel. He is determined to unlock more of his father’s memories through physical contact with Historia. It had worked for him before at the funeral for the fallen scouts years ago, and he figures the Reiss Chapel is the best place to possibly unlock more memories.

 His expression was stoic as always, but Aurora could see the determination in his eyes as he kissed her goodbye. “Stay safe,” he whispered, his hands lingering on her stomach for a moment before stepping away.

“I always am,” Aurora replied softly, watching as he joined Historia and a small group of Jaegerists. They mounted their horses, and within minutes, they were gone, leaving the compound under heavy guard.

Aurora sighed and turned back toward the farmhouse. Her work on the elixirs awaited her, and with every passing day, she felt more pressure to make them as effective as possible. She knew Marley would retaliate soon, and the Jaegerists would need every advantage they could get.

Inside the farmhouse, Aurora was tending to a minor wound on one of the newer recruits. The young man winced as she applied a salve, but Aurora worked with practiced efficiency, her hands steady.

“Hold still,” she said, her tone calm but firm. “This will sting for a moment, but it’ll keep the wound from getting infected.”

The recruit nodded, biting his lip as she tied the bandage snugly around his arm. “Thank you, Mrs. Jaeger.”

Aurora managed a small smile, though the title still felt strange to her. “Be more careful next time,” she advised, standing and gathering her supplies.

As she walked toward the kitchen to clean her hands, she overheard hushed voices coming from a nearby room. Her sharp ears caught snippets of the conversation, and she froze in place when she heard a name that sent a chill down her spine.

“Floch’s orders... He’s still tracking Mikasa and Levi,” a voice whispered.

Aurora froze mid-motion, her hands hovering over her supplies. Her sharp ears caught every word.

“He says if Eren won’t handle them, he will,” another voice added. “Levi’s in bad shape, and Mikasa’s just running. It’s only a matter of time.”

Aurora’s chest tightened. She took a deep breath, her mind racing. Floch was hunting them? Without Eren’s knowledge? She wiped her hands on a towel, excused herself from the recruit she was helping, and walked briskly toward the barracks where Floch was stationed.

He stood outside, surrounded by a group of Jaegerists. He barked orders, his posture commanding as the recruits practiced their drills. Aurora didn’t wait for him to finish; she approached with purpose, her expression calm but determined.

“Floch,” Aurora called out.

Floch turned, his eyebrows raising slightly at the tone in her voice. “Aurora,” he greeted, though his tone lacked warmth. “What can I do for you?”

Aurora didn’t mince words. “What’s this I hear about you hunting Mikasa and Levi?”

Floch’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly composed himself. “I don’t see why that concerns you.”

Aurora’s expression didn’t waver. “It concerns me because Eren doesn’t know about it, and you’re acting without his orders.”

Floch crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “Eren is too soft when it comes to them. He let Mikasa escape, and Levi is still out there. We both know how dangerous they are. If they regroup, they’ll come for us.”

Aurora shook her head, her voice calm but firm. “Eren doesn’t want them, especially Mikasa dead unless there’s no other choice. You’re overstepping.”

Floch stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Overstepping? Aurora, Eren is blinded by sentiment. Mikasa and Levi are threats. If he won’t deal with them, then it’s my responsibility to do what needs to be done.”

Aurora frowned, her tone softening but not losing its resolve. “Floch, this isn’t about responsibility. This is about trust. Eren trusts you to follow his orders, not to act on your own.”

Floch scoffed. “And what about you? You think you’re the voice of reason here? You’ve only been here a few weeks and already you think you can call shots around here?”

Aurora’s gaze didn’t falter. “This isn’t about me. It’s about the mission. If we start fighting amongst ourselves, we’ll lose focus on the real enemy. Marley is out there, preparing to destroy us. We don’t have the luxury of personal vendettas.”

Floch hesitated, her words hitting a nerve. The recruits nearby had stopped their drills, their attention subtly drifting toward the heated conversation. Aurora noticed but kept her voice steady.

“Call off the hunt,” she said, softer now but still resolute. “If Eren wants to handle them, he will. But it has to be his decision, not yours.”

Floch’s jaw tightened, his pride wounded, but he could see he was outmatched. “Fine,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “But don’t come crying to me when they show up and ruin everything.”

Aurora nodded, relieved but wary. “Thank you, Floch. Let’s focus on what matters.”

As she walked back to the farmhouse, she let out a shaky breath. Confronting Floch had been nerve-wracking, but she couldn’t let his recklessness jeopardize everything. She returned to her lab and sat down, her hands trembling slightly.

She didn’t want to be at odds with anyone, but she couldn’t stand by and let Floch undermine Eren’s authority. They were all fighting for the same goal—survival. Personal vendettas had no place here.

Aurora picked up her tools and went back to work, though her mind lingered on Floch’s words. “Eren is blinded by sentiment.” Was that true? Or was it simply that Eren still had hope for his friends, even after everything?

She didn’t know the answer, but one thing was certain: she would do everything in her power to protect her family, even if it meant stepping into the line of fire.

…

As the sun began to set, the tension hung heavy in the farmhouse, even after Floch reluctantly agreed to Aurora’s demand. She had watched him walk away, his shoulders stiff with frustration, but her instincts told her the conversation wasn’t over. Floch was a fanatic, and fanatics didn’t abandon their missions easily. Aurora leaned against the wooden wall, gripping the edge of her table tightly. Her pulse raced as she considered her next move.

Floch had lied to her. She could feel it.

Her hands trembled as she packed her herbalist bag with vials of elixirs and antidotes. She needed to be ready for anything. Time was running out, and she couldn’t afford to be unprepared. The image of Eren’s devastated face if something happened to Mikasa haunted her. Despite everything, Mikasa was still family to Eren—someone he loved deeply in his own way. Aurora couldn’t bear the thought of adding more pain to his already heavy burden.

She burst into the central hall, her boots clicking against the wooden floor. A group of Jaegerists, about half a dozen, stood around the table discussing their latest assignments. They turned as she entered, their expressions wary but curious.

“We’re leaving,” Aurora announced, her voice steady and commanding.

One of the men, a broad-shouldered recruit with a scruffy beard, frowned. “Leaving? Under whose orders?”

“Mine,” Aurora replied, her gaze unwavering. “Floch, he’s gone after Mikasa and Levi, and we’re going to stop him.”

The Jaegerists exchanged uneasy glances. “With all due respect, Mrs. Jaeger,” another soldier spoke up, “Floch is our commanding officer. We can’t disobey him.”

Aurora squared her shoulders, her voice sharpening. “Floch doesn’t have the authority to act without Eren’s orders. And as your Commander’s wife, I am ordering you to listen to me.”

Her words silenced the group, but hesitation lingered in their eyes. Aurora stepped closer, lowering her voice but making sure each word carried weight. “If Floch succeeds, do you think Eren will thank him? Do you think he’ll celebrate the death of Mikasa? No. He’ll see it as betrayal—and you’ll all pay the price.”

The Jaegerists exchanged looks again, this time with less certainty. The scruffy-bearded soldier finally nodded. “Alright. We’ll follow you.”

Relief washed over Aurora, but she didn’t let it show. “Good. Saddle your horses. We leave immediately.”

..

The group rode hard through the forest, Aurora leading the charge. The cold wind stung her face, and the rhythmic pounding of hooves filled the air. She clutched the reins tightly, her thoughts racing as fast as her horse. What exactly was she going to do when she caught up to Floch? She hadn’t thought that far ahead.

All she knew was that she couldn’t let him succeed.

The forest grew denser as they rode, the sunlight barely breaking through the thick canopy of leaves. Aurora’s heart pounded in her chest as she scanned the trail for signs of Floch’s passage. Broken branches, hoofprints in the mud—they were fresh. He wasn’t far ahead.

One of the Jaegerists riding beside her leaned over. “We’re gaining on them,” he said. “But what’s the plan when we catch up?”

Aurora’s grip on the reins tightened. “Leave Floch to me,” she said firmly. “You focus on stopping the others. No one gets near Mikasa or Levi.”

The soldier nodded, though his expression was skeptical. Aurora knew they doubted her, but she didn’t care. She had to do this.

As they crested a hill, Aurora spotted Floch and his squad in a clearing below. They had dismounted, their horses tied to trees, and were spreading out as they prepared to advance. Aurora’s stomach twisted as she saw the determination on their faces. They were ready to kill.

She raised a hand, signaling her group to halt. They dismounted quietly, tying their horses to the nearest trees. Aurora motioned for the Jaegerists to spread out and surround Floch’s group, ensuring they couldn’t retreat.

Taking a deep breath, Aurora stepped forward, her boots crunching against the leaves. “Floch!” she called, her voice cutting through the tension.

Floch turned, his expression darkening as he saw her. “Aurora,” he said, his tone dripping with irritation. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Aurora shot back. “You lied to me. You said you’d call off the hunt.”

Floch smirked, spreading his hands. “You didn’t really believe that, did you? Mikasa and Levi are threats, and if Eren won’t deal with them, I will.”

Aurora stepped closer, her jaw tightening. “This isn’t your decision to make, Floch. Eren doesn’t want them dead unless absolutely necessary.”

Floch’s smirk faded, replaced by a sneer. “Eren is blinded by his feelings. He’s too attached to the past to see what needs to be done. If you can’t see that, maybe you’re as blind as he is.”

Aurora’s fists clenched at her sides. “Don’t pretend this is about loyalty to Eren. This is about your own delusions of grandeur.”

The tension crackled like a live wire as the two faced off. The other Jaegerists shifted uncomfortably, unsure of where their loyalties lay. Aurora’s group stood behind her, their hands on their weapons, ready for her signal.

“You’re making a mistake,” Aurora said, her voice low but steady. “If you kill Mikasa and Levi, you’ll lose Eren’s trust forever. Do you really think he’ll forgive you?”

Floch hesitated for a fraction of a second, but his resolve hardened. “I’m not waiting for his forgiveness,” he said. “I’m doing what needs to be done.”

Aurora’s mind raced. She could see the determination in Floch’s eyes. He wasn’t going to back down. But she couldn’t let him move forward, not without risking everything.

“Stand down, Floch,” she said, her voice firm. “This is your last warning.”

Floch’s hand moved to his weapon, but before he could draw it, Aurora raised her hand, signaling her Jaegerists to step forward. The clearing erupted into chaos as the two groups faced off, weapons drawn but no one willing to make the first move.

Aurora’s heart pounded as she locked eyes with Floch. She didn’t know how this would end, but she knew one thing for sure: she wouldn’t let him succeed. Not today.

…

Meanwhile, far on the edge of Paradis. Unbeknownst to Aurora and Floch, an even bigger problem was approaching…

A Marleyan ship glided silently through the fog toward Paradis’ abandoned shoreline. Onboard, Reiner Braun sat hunched, his hands gripping his knees tightly, his face a mask of exhaustion and grim determination. Beside him, Pieck Finger leaned casually against a crate, her sharp eyes scanning the dim horizon. The small team of Marleyan officers with them spoke in hushed tones, their unease palpable. This was not a standard mission—this was their chance to salvage what little control Marley had left after Eren Jaeger’s devastating raid on Liberio.

Reiner’s jaw clenched. Motivation had eluded him for so long. His spiraling failures haunted him: the Founding Titan slipping through his grasp four years ago, the catastrophic loss at Shiganshina, Bertholdt’s death, and then their devastating defeat in Liberio. Every loss weighed on his shoulders, every failure etched deeper into his mind. He was nothing more than a tool for Marley, one that had dulled over time.

“You have one last chance, Braun,” Magath had said coldly during their briefing. “Bring back Aurora Jaeger, or you’ll be deemed a liability.”

The unspoken threat had been clear: failure meant Reiner’s Armored Titan powers would be transferred to a new warrior candidate. And Reiner knew exactly who that candidate would be—his cousin, Gabi. The thought of Gabi enduring the curse of the Titans made his stomach churn. He couldn’t let that happen.

“You okay, Reiner?” Pieck’s voice broke through his spiraling thoughts.

He looked up at her, her ever-calm demeanor offering little comfort. “I’ll be fine,” he muttered, though he wasn’t sure if he believed it.

Pieck studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. “You better be. This mission isn’t just about you.”

Reiner’s fists tightened. He knew what she meant. Eren Jaeger had completely turned the tides of their war. The Marleyan forces needed Aurora Jaeger as leverage—if the rumors were true, she was not just Eren’s wife but his greatest vulnerability. The intelligence they’d gathered on her suggested she had a unique role in his plans, though the specifics were unclear.

The ship slowed as it approached the shore, its engines nearly silent to avoid detection. The officers disembarked first, scanning the beach for any signs of scouts or Jaegerists. Pieck and Reiner followed, the faint crunch of sand under their boots sounding deafening in the tense silence.

“This place looks abandoned,” Pieck murmured. “But we should still be cautious. If the scouts find us here, we won’t have the element of surprise.”

Reiner nodded, his gaze sweeping the darkened landscape. The towering silhouette of Wall Maria loomed in the distance, a haunting reminder of the years he’d spent infiltrating Paradis. He knew this land better than anyone else on the mission, but that knowledge didn’t bring him comfort. Instead, it brought a sense of dread—he was back on the island where everything had gone wrong.

As they moved cautiously along the beach, Reiner’s mind drifted to the briefing when he first learned of Aurora Jaeger’s existence. He’d been half-conscious in the infirmary for weeks. He wasn't able to be present at the military briefing weeks ago when the Marleyan brass had discovered the existence of Aurora Jaeger. His mental health had deteriorated to a pitiful state and he had lost the will to live, therefore his Titan powers were not healing his body as it should’ve.

Reiner was lying in a cot in a hospital and wallowing in his despair, when Pieck had burst into his room.

“Eren Jaeger has a wife,” she’d said bluntly, shaking him awake. “Married her while undercover in Marley.”

Reiner had stared at her, uncomprehending at first. The idea of Eren, the enemy he’d fought tooth and nail, living a double life in Marley for seven months, was unfathomable. The thought of him finding someone to marry during that time felt like a cruel joke.

“Why are you telling me this?” he’d asked flatly.

“Because we’re being sent to capture her,” Pieck had replied. “And you’re coming with me.”

Reiner shook off the memory as they approached the treeline. The beach gave way to dense forest, and the group slowed their pace, mindful of potential ambushes. Reiner led the way, his familiarity with the terrain guiding them.

“We need to move quickly,” Pieck said, her tone clipped. “If the Jaegerists catch wind of us, we’ll lose any advantage we have.”

One of the officers spoke up. “Do we even know where to find her?”

“We know she’s likely wherever Eren is,” Reiner replied. “Eren would most likely be in his hometown, Shiganshina. Let’s start there.”

“And what if we don’t find her?” the officer asked nervously.

“We will,” Reiner said, his voice firm. He couldn’t afford to fail. Not this time. Gabi’s life was on the line.

The group pressed on, the towering trees casting long shadows under the moonlight. The air was heavy with tension, each crack of a twig beneath their boots making their nerves jolt. Pieck stayed alert, her Cart Titan abilities ready to activate at a moment’s notice.

Reiner’s thoughts churned as they moved deeper into Paradis. The weight of the mission bore down on him, but he couldn’t shake the lingering doubts. What kind of person was Aurora Jaeger? The reports painted her as a runaway slave from Marley, someone who had endured unimaginable cruelty. Yet she had fallen in love with Eren, the very man Reiner had spent years trying to destroy.

The irony wasn’t lost on him.

“Focus, Reiner,” Pieck said quietly, sensing his distraction.

“I am,” he muttered, though the truth was far more complicated.

As they neared the edge of the forest, Wall Maria loomed closer, its massive structure casting an imposing shadow. Reiner slowed his pace, raising a hand to signal the group to stop.

“This is where it gets tricky,” he said, his voice low. “Eren will have patrols near the wall. We’ll need to avoid detection if we want to get close.”

“Leave that to me,” Pieck said with a small smirk. “I can scout ahead in my Cart Titan form. You just focus on keeping up.”

Reiner nodded, his jaw tightening. This mission wasn’t just about capturing Aurora Jaeger—it was about proving to himself and to Marley that he could still succeed. And if he failed, the consequences would be devastating.

As Pieck transformed and scouted ahead, Reiner steeled himself for what lay ahead. The fate of his cousin, his country, and perhaps even the war rested on his ability to find and capture the woman who had somehow become the heart of Eren Jaeger’s plans.

With a deep breath, Reiner stepped forward, leading the group closer to Wall Maria and whatever awaited them beyond its shadow.

~

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[pokemon-legends-and-legacies]

polartwilight timeeeee :v

Name: Milly (short for Millicent)

Name Origin: millet, Millicent

Gender: Female

General Appearance: Black hair in braided loops, tied with red ribbons that match the one on her brown cape. Blue eyes, a kind soft face with rosy cheeks and a beauty mark, and pale blue hair clips for her bangs. Dresses warm for the cold Snowpoint weather, but also loves cute accessories and has more than she quite knows what to do with.

Personality: Calm and gentle, always seems to be in a good mood no matter the situation. She loves helping others and has a nurturing personality that means she's great with kids and pokémon. She's a real social butterfly that seems to know everyone and considers everyone a friend. Her anger is rare, but she's the type of person who still smiles when pissed off, just with a positively icy grin.

Special Talents: Knows the woods and wilderness around Snowpoint like the back of her hand and has never gotten lost. She can navigate using the sun and stars, and has a very good memory for landmarks. General wilderness survival, especially the uses of different plants, since she's an herbalist.

Who They Like Better: Marley, but it's more since she was around a bit more for her childhood, as Candice was often busy at the Gym or League or Trainer School. She and Marley would go on hikes a lot together.

Who They Take After More: Candice for sure! Her friendly personality and helpful nature are just like her mom's. She's also got a fair bit of great-great grandma Mai in her "big sister" tendencies and knowledge of the wilderness.

Personal Headcanon: She first grew interested in study herbs and plants after meeting Marley's Shaymin friend. Shaymin helped her begin to appreciate grass types and how interconnected they were with nature, which led to a passion for plants in general. She specializes in grass types as a result - even apprenticing with Gardenia for a bit!

[lebaronlordking]

Saturday Afternoon Reggae Show

DJ LeBaron Lord King November 08, 2024

lebaron@kpoo.com

#SaturdayAfternoonReggaeShow

4:00 PM

Anthony Charlton - I Rather Be in Zion

4:04 PM

RockerT - Disgrace

4:07 PM

Third World - 96 Degrees

4:10 PM

Protoje - Hills

4:15 PM

Iyatundeh - Hunger Days

4:18 PM

Chezidek - Herb Dealer

4:21 PM

Sistah Jahia - Chant a Pray

4:27 PM

Erykah Badu - In Love with You

4:33 PM

YG Marley - Praise Jah in The Moonlight

4:42 PM

Chronixx - Dela Move

4:45 PM

Queen Omega - No Love

4:49 PM

Ini Kamoze - Here Comes the Hotstepper

4:53 PM

Burning Spear - Let's Move

4:57 PM

Black Uhuru - Bad Girl

5:02 PM

Koffee - Raggamuffin

5:06 PM

Don Iko - Loud

5:09 PM

Damian Marley - Banner

5:16 PM

Eek-A-Mouse - A Wah Do Dem

5:23 PM

Kabaka Pyramid - Well Done

5:30 PM

Call Me Human - Skip Marley

5:31 PM

Inez - Roots & Culture

5:38 PM

Peter Tosh - Stop That Train

5:42 PM

Bob Marley - Couldn't Resist

5:43 PM

Stephen Marley - Redemption Song

5:48 PM

Steel Pulse - Your House

5:51 PM

Lila Iké - Dinero

5:55 PM

Earl Sixteen - Find a Way

5:59 PM

Alborosie - Natural Mystic

6:04 PM

The Wailers - Concrete Jungle

6:08 PM

Matisyahu - King Without a Crown

6:11 PM

Skip Marley- Faith

6:14 PM

Ras Kidus - Strong Like a Lion from Zion

6:18 PM

Jo Mersa - Rock and Swing

6:21 PM

Libianca - People

6:25 PM

Queen Omega, UBrown, Chezidek -Three the Hard Way

6:31 PM

Shabba Ranks - Mr. Loverman

6:37 PM

Protoje - Incient Stepping

6:41 PM

King Kong - Morning

6:44 PM

Black I-vi - Overcome The Heathen

6:48 PM

Kolumn - Reggae for Everyone

6:52 PM

Jaqee - Take a Stand 

[wafact]

Jamaica’s First Bob Marley-Branded Cannabis Store Comes To Market

The Marley Natural Dispensary has just launched at The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica. CH Photography As the legal cannabis retail business gains momentum again in the United States, one of the its best known users, singer Bob Marley, has had a store opened in his name in Jamaica selling a range of medicinal products derived from what the star often referred to ‘the herb’. The Marley…

[kannabia]

More info: http://bit.ly/2wuexKD

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

Onyx Jinx *Supporting character

Voice Claim: (Gabrielle Union) https://youtu.be/fD-shtVtF5w?t=88

Partner(s): None. Parents: Reena Jinx & Samuel Cullman-Thompson Siblings: Cedar & Mercury Kids: None Age: Immortal but translates into mid 20′s Height: 173 cm (5.6) Body type: Curvy. Eye color: Honey golden/purple around iris. Classification: Immortal/Supernatural. Witch/Enchantress/Sorceress/Seer/Medium Onyx is incredible powerful, to the point where she has to really be careful her powers wont take over and spin her out of control.

About: Highly Intelligent, Outgoing, Confident, Strong, Will-strong, Daring, Observant, Helpful, Elegant, Creative, Open minded, Adaptable, Fair, Calm, Intuitive, Objective, Dedicated, Honest, Independent, Resourceful, Disciplined, Logical, Focused and Organized. ~ Sexuality straight. ~ Aspires to become a voodoo/hoodoo priestess. ~ Has long curly hair she usually wears up. ~ Is very deep into studying magic of any kind. Specially through history. ~ Dislikes people whining about life. - If you’re unhappy with your life, fix it! ~ Badass woman! ~ Doesn’t forgive easily. ~ Heavily into herbology. ~ Very close to her siblings. ~ Doesn’t eat sugary things unless there’s a special occasion. ~ If you have a problem, she’s likely to have a potion/spell for it. Otherwise give her a couple days, and she will have one. ~ Big boobs energy. ~ Incredible cook. ~ Her complete turnoff is people showing off in any sort of way. ~ Is pretty quiet, unless she’s at a family dinner, then she’s usually the center of attention. ~ Enjoys spending time in nature. ~ Very into family and would love a big one of her own one day. ~ Grows her own herbs/veggies. ~ Fascinated with reptiles and bugs.  ~ Doesn’t own a tv. Actually lives fairly “primitive” for modern standards. ~ Smells like: Heavy earthy scents, spices and herbs. ~ Loves to dance. ~ Doesn’t pay much attention to other people’s opinion of her. ~ Strong willed. ~ Never shaves her legs. ~ Doesn’t really mind if you have a problem with it or not. ~ Always willing to help anyone in need. - For a small price, if you aren’t family or friend. ~ Helps homeless people as often as she can. ~ Also feeds stray animals. ~ Always have lit candles around her house. ~ Lowkey addicted to herbal tea. ~ Sad about the state of the world and humanity’s destruction. ~ Believes most of humanity is lost. ~ Makes and sells homemade jewelry from stuff she finds in nature. ~ Yes, that’s real animal bones on her necklace. No she doesn’t care if you are vegan. The animals died of natural causes. ~ Believes everyone should mind their own business. ~ Loves: Her siblings, herself, cooking/baking, hanging out by her lit fireplace, candles, scented candles, helping others, foot baths, essential oils, herbs, long walks, dancing, nature, quiet nights, soft rain, reading, learning new spells, learning in general, her parents, crystals, gemstones, recycling, dried flowers, elephants, herbal tea, family dinner, the smell of pine, fresh veggies/herbs from her garden and tending to her garden. ~ Her style is flowy fabrics, usually with vibrant or earthy patterns/colors. ~ Collects dead things.

Biography: (Coming soon) Onyx’s tag Onyx’s house/home Onyx’s moodboard Handwriting/ask answer pic:

One gif to describe her:

One song to describe her: Damien Marley - Patience. Personal Playlist: 1. Ziggy Marley - True To Myself 2. Ziggy Marley And The Melody Makers - Tomorrow People 3. Stephen "RAGGA" Marley - Rock Stone (ft. Capleton & Sizzla) 4. Bob Marley - Redemption Song 5. Erykah Badu - On & On 6. Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly 7. Bob Marley & The Wailers - So Much Trouble In The World 8. Sade - King Of Sorrow 9. Dionne Warwick - Walk on By 10. Skip Marley - Lions 11. Aretha Franklin - Rocksteady 12. Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now 13. Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" 14. Arise Roots - Rootsman Town ft. Capleton 15. Alpha Blondy - Whole Lotta Love 16. Stephen Marley - The Traffic Jam ft. Damian Marley 17. Maxi Priest - Wild World 18. Sade - The Sweetest Taboo 19. Bob Marley & The Wailers - Natural Mystic 20. Alpha Blondy - Jérusalem

[just-another-self-shipper]

Hey Carmen.😀

For the ask game: dahlia, marigold, orchid and hydrangea for Randall?

I gotta go with the obvious, the one that his tag came from

Any one where he's sitting.

Maybe it's weird, but I think the way he sits is cute 🥺

Yes, he's my favorite character. Dean Hardscrabble from Monsters University is a close second because I may or may not have a crush on her, even though centipedes terrify me

Before I do, let me just say that I have more heart cells than brain cells, so I'll add any love song I hear to my self-ship playlists. Also, quite a few of them are explicit. More than I thought, anyway 🤣

El Sueño - Linda Ronstadt

Just The Two Of Us - Grover Washington Jr.

Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John and Kiki Dee

Can You Feel The Love Tonight? - Elton John

The World - Brad Paisley

That's What I Like - Bruno Mars

My Boyfriend's Back - The Angels

Poison - Alice Cooper

Monster - Lady Gaga

Teeth - Lady Gaga

I'm A Believer - The Monkees

Deeper Than The Holler - Randy Travis

I Touch Myself - The Divinyls

Fast Cars And Freedom - Rascal Flatts

To Know Him Is To Love Him - Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris

Dreaming Of You - Selena

Paparazzi - Lady Gaga

More Than Words/ Heaven Isn't Too Far Away - Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta

Without Question - Elton John

I Love You For Sentimental Reasons - Linda Ronstadt

Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Lion King Soundtrack

Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx

Summer Nights - Grease Soundtrack

Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

My Baby Loves Me - Martina McBride

The Real You - Three Days Grace

Happy Together - The Turtles

The Name Of The Game - ABBA

Crazy He Calls Me - Natalie Cole

Suki Suki Daisuki - Jun Togawa

Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley

Peppermint Creams - Ninja Sex Party

Flawless - Studio Killers

All I Ask Of You - Patrick Wilson and Emmy Rossum

Is This Love? - Bob Marley

Somebody Like You - Keith Urban

Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler

The Shoop Shoop Song - Betty Everett

Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Frankie Valli

Ain't No Woman (Like The One I Got) - Four Tops

Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of Monica) - Lou Bega

Love Is A Crime - Anastacia

Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars

The Way You Look Tonight - Tony Bennett

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - James Taylor

Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye

Fever - Varrick Frost and Lawrence Lea

I Got You, Babe - Sonny and Cher

Breathe - Faith Hill

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Aretha Franklin

Jake + Olive - Mac Lethal

My Girl - The Temptations

Digital Love - Daft Punk

For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder

I Want To Know What Love Is - Tom Cruise and Malin Ackerman

The Way You Love Me - Faith Hill

Flowers and Beads - Iron Butterfly

At Last - Etta James

I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - Four Tops

Just One Look - Linda Ronstadt

(What A) Wonderful World - Sam Cooke

Glory Of Love - Ninja Sex Party

Kiss From A Rose - Seal

Heart Boner (Part II Of The Boner Trilogy) - Ninja Sex Party

Te Amo Y Más - Gustavo Santaolalla and Diego Luna

Quiereme Mucho - Linda Ronstadt

I Love You Too Much - Gustavo Santaolalla and Diego Luna

Creep - Radiohead

Someday, We'll Be Together - Diana Ross

True Colours - Studio Killers

In Der Stille Der Nacht - OOMPH!

I Put A Spell On You - Queen Latifah

Time Of Dying - Three Days Grace

Kiss From A Rose - Dan Avidan and the Super Guitar Brothers

Closer - Nine Inch Nails

Reunited - Peaches & Herb

Lonely Rolling Star - Gamechops

Waterloo - ABBA

T.L.C. A.S.A.P. - Alabama

Stirb Nicht Vor Mir (Don't Die Before I Do) - Rammstein

...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears

Rock You Like A Hurricane - Julianne Hough and Tom Cruise

FYI I Wanna F Your A - Ninja Sex Party

Endless Love - Lionel Richie and Diana Ross

All My Life - Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville

Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon

Te Quiero Dijiste - Linda Ronstadt

Thanks for the ask, @goldie90 ^^

[biggest-stupidhead]

Freedom Seekers (Levi x OC)

Summary: The seekers embark on their journey, meanwhile the scouts also strike out in search of dragons that have been stirring up trouble near a small village. 

Warnings: Vomit, minor violence

Word Count: 5.1K 

 Levi stood on the sidelines of the large field and watched as his trainees sparred with each other. The sun glared over them, the day was hot for so early on in the summer. The large field was dry and dusty due to the cadets’ boots kicking up the loose earth. Levi watched the nearest pair spar, a short blonde girl and an averagely tall boy with dark brown hair. The fight was over nearly as soon as it started, the blonde girl walking away victorious as the boy landed flat on his ass at his captain’s feet. As the dust settled, Levi noticed a layer of grime settling on his perfectly polished leather boots. He looked down to see the boy rubbing the back of his neck, those jade green eyes of his looking up at Levi a bit sheepishly. 

“You are completely limp out there Jaeger. The goal is to fight your partner, not dance around them.” Levi said now looking at the blonde who had thrown the boy, she was waiting patiently for the kid to return to the fray. The dark haired boy sat up, clearly winded, his shoulders sagged in defeat, Levi stared down to him and kicked his back slightly. Pushing him back on their “battlefield.” 

“Levi.” A familiar voice said behind him. He turned around to see Hange at the gate. She was kneeled over, sweat dripped down her nose, her glasses fogging from the heat and accumulated sweat. Disgusting. He thought to himself as he watched her catch her breath.

“What is it Hange?” Levi asked, walking over to the woman. 

“Erwin needs us to suit up.” Hange said, composing herself. Levi looked around at his team, who were now all listening to their conversation. Large smiles spread on most of their faces, work had been slow since the kingdom had succeeded in capturing Marley. He sighed and walked back over to his team, his arms placed behind his back, head held high. 

“Go get yourselves cleaned up. Captain Hange and I will be back with orders.” Levi ordered, the teenagers all began to head for their assigned barracks to wash up and pull on their uniforms. Once the last of the cadets had fled the field he turned and watched Hange rise to her full height. She swiped the back of her hand over her forehead as she sighed. Levi reached deep into his pocket and produced a neat handkerchief, he offered her the piece of fabric and she accepted it gratefully. 

“Care to share more details about this mission?” Levi asked as he turned to retreat back to the main building where the superior officers of the Scouting Regiment worked and lived. 

“Of course! Essentially there has been an increase in sightings outside of a small village located near Shiganshina. At least three different dragons have been identified in the area. Erwin has given me permission to bring in the smallest of the trio-” 

“That’s enough.” Levi cut her off before she could get too carried away. She huffed in defeat, the wind seeming to leave her sails at Levi’s interruption. 

“Erwin just needs to brief us.” Hange said, now fully composed. She turned and walked away, Levi followed her. Walking a few good paces behind her. They went into the large castle-like building. The space was not up to his standards of cleanliness by any means. The scouts were only using the building as a temporary headquarters, meaning that Erwin had forbidden Levi from cleaning too obsessivelyI. The building was plagued with the smell of mildew and sweat, it made the man want to pinch his nose to attempt to block out the urge to scrub the place down until it shined. He managed to push those urges into the back of his mind as the pair climbed a set of stairs up to the second story where Erwin’s office was. 

Hange knocked on the door three times before letting herself in, the heavy wooden doors groaned in protest as she pushed into the room. Erwin was sitting behind his desk, which was covered in a large map of the continent; he didn’t bother to look up as they entered. Sunlight streamed in through the large bay windows behind him, casting him in a golden glow, his blonde hair shining in the natural light. 

“Eyebrows.” Hange greeted as she saluted a bit lazily, Erwin hummed a small smile playing onto his lips. Levi rolled his eyes and made his way to the nearest wall so he could prop himself against it. 

“Glad that you both could make it.” Erwin finally set his pen down and looked up at the pair. Hange was leaning on his desk, eagerly awaiting his orders. 

“As if we wouldn’t come.” Levi scoffed, rolling his eyes a bit at Erwin’s words. Erwin let out a bark of laughter at the captain’s reply. 

“I’m sure you were enjoying yourself with the cadets out in the courtyard?” Erwin replied smoothly, a mischievous glint in his sapphire eyes. 

“Not in a million years.” Levi grunted, the mere thought of the idiotic children causing a migrane fester within his head. 

“Aw Levi you know that you love those little kids.” Hange cooed as she turned to smile at Levi. 

“I do not.” Levi objected, hoping that Erwin would get on with the assignment. 

“Anyway, I’m sure you’re eager to hear about your next assignment, yes?” Erwin mused, reaching into one of the towering piles of paper and pulling out an envelope. 

“Please.” Levi said exasperatedly as Erwin passed the envelope off to the brunette. 

“Rumor has it there is a trio of dragons that have been spotted on the edge of the western wood, along with a pair of dragon seekers. I’d like for you to bring as many of them back alive as you can. This includes the dragons.” Erwin instructed as he dug around in his desk and pulled out another paper, this one was passed off to Levi, who immediately scanned the document with narrowed eyes. Essentially it was a list of supplies that they were to bring along, chains, dragon skin armor, steel blades, herbs that worked as a powerful sedative etc. 

“Of course, where will we put the beast if we manage to bring one back alive?” Hange inquired as she tucked the envelope into her breast pocket. 

“I’ve made preparations.” Erwin said vaguely much to Hange’s dismay. 

“I’ll trust your judgement Erwin…” Hange said slowly, her brown eyes glinting in the sunlight. 

“When will you expect us back?” Levi asked, folding the paper neatly and placing it safely in his breast pocket. Erwin stood up straight and crossed his arms over his broad chest, a thoughtful look falling over his face. 

“No later than two months time.” Erwin said after a moment of thought. Levi scoffed, his gaze hardening at the estimation. 

“Do you really think it will take that long?” Levi growled, his chin tilting downwards as he scowled at the commander. 

“Hm hopefully not, but I’m sure it will be longer than the recent missions that you’ve been assigned.” Erwin replied, eyebrows knitting together as he pondered the time frame that they were looking at. 

“We’ll have it done by then.” Hange said, conviction thick in her tone. Levi nodded in agreement. 

“The sooner the better, we have to be close to wiping those creatures off the face of the continent.” Levi stated as he glanced up at the dusty bookshelves that lined the walls. Erwin hummed thoughtfully as he drummed his thick calloused fingers on the wood. 

“Agreed, but let’s not get sloppy with this one.” Erwin said darkly as he looked up and scanned his eyes over his two comrades' expressions. They both nodded in agreement and saluted him one last time before leaving to gather their squad and supplies. Hange closed the door softly behind them as they left Erwin’s office, her face was screwed up tightly as she thought about the information that they had just received. 

“I’ll get the brats, you ready the supply wagons.” Levi said, pulling her from her thoughts. She nodded and shot him a weak smile before splitting up with him and heading in the direction of the supply shed. Levi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, it was going to be a hassle to corral the teens. They hadn’t seen action since the front lines of the war about 4 months prior. He knew that they were probably excited to return to work, while Levi had hoped for a longer break. 

By the time that Levi had reached the parlor, his squad was already lined up, knapsacks at their ankles and fists over their hearts. 

“Hm must say I’m impressed.” Levi admitted as he walked slowly in front of the teens, his shoulders pulled back and hands neatly folded across his lower back. 

“Not often that you idiots are punctual.” Levi mused as he stopped in front of Connie, who was now towering over him. 

“We’re ready sir!” Connie said enthusiastically as he tipped his chin down to look at his captain. 

“Really? Have you double checked your packs yet?” Levi asked with a quirked brow. The kids shuffled a bit guiltily before all collectively stooping and rifling through their bags to double check. Once they were finished Levi gave a curt nod of approval before motioning for them to follow him outside. 

The sun was now hiding behind a thick cloud, casting dark shadows over the encampment. The wagon was nearly ready, a few other lower ranking cadets were scrambling to load the last of the sacks as Hange leaned against the edge, her nose in a book. Levi walked up alongside her and tapped her boot with his own. 

“All set then?” She asked as the teens circled up, the reins of their horses in their fists. 

“Yes ma'am!” Armin said enthusiastically, he’d always been a suck up to Hange. 

“Very well then, Moblit my horse!” Hange said, shutting her book with a loud snapping sound. Moblit, her assistant traded her the reins for her book, a nervous look on his face. 

“You’ll be careful, right section commander?” He asked, eyes wide and almost pleading. Hange waved him off dismissively and laughed a bit, reaching out to ruffle the young man’s hair. 

“Of course Moblit, we’ll be back before you know it!” She assured him, Levi glanced up to see another young cadet bringing his steed over, the black stallion tossed it’s mane, he knew what was going on. Levi accepted the reins with a curt nod in thanks, he tugged himself up and into the saddle, the rest of his cadets following his lead. Armin jogged around the wagon and climbed onto the front seat, clutching the reins as he awaited Levi’s order. Once Levi had done his usual head count and was pleased with the seven heads that he counted he tugged his horses’ reins and trotted out of the fort, his squad behind him. 

“We’ll reach the western woods in three days' time.” He called over the sound of horse hooves as they thundered out of the fortress. 

 __ 

   Frankie and Killian walked leisurely through the dense forest. The two teens hadn’t talked for what seemed like miles, but they both felt a small  comfort in one another's company. 

 “You want some?” Killian asked, shoving a small Kebabed rabbit in front of Frankie's face. She pushed it away, already full from the rabbit that she’d had earlier. 

“Fine. More for me I guess.” Killian said, grabbing the remaining rabbit of the small stick and swallowing it whole. Frankie looked at the boy with disgust. He gave her a toothy smile. The afternoon sun beamed down through the canopy of the dense wood and Frankie sighed, they had planned on moving largely at night, when dragons were to be most active. 

“We have to be close. I can feel it.” Frankie said looking around to only see an abundance of trees. She hoped that they could leave the pitiful camp before sundown to continue their journey through the woods. 

“Frank’s. It can take years. We just have to try and have fun while you’re out here.” Killian said, nudging the young girl. She rolled her eyes, of course he would say something stupid like that, he was the one with years to try, she only had about ten months left. 

“I just can’t shake the feeling that something’s here.” Frankie said, turning a corner by the mountain side. They had elected to camp at the foot of a mountain, which was on the edge of the woods, the village about a day’s walk away. Although Frankie was in her element, shrouded by trees, bow on her back and hunting knife secured on her hip, she still felt uneasy. The wood was rumored to be populated largely by mythical creatures yet they hadn't seen anything more exotic than a quail. She stood and rested her hand against the steep wall of the mountain, the stone seemed to hum underneath her fingertips and she pulled her hand back as if she had been struck. She gasped and stared in awe at the mountain side, tilting her head curiously she slowly reached out and placed her fingertips timidly against the stone once more. This time she wasn’t startled by the humming stone, instead she closed her eyes and focused on the vibrations. 

She’d felt this feeling before, it was familiar yet foriegn all at once. Yes, this was the unmistakable feeling of magic, a powerful spell at that. Excitement bubbled in her chest as she recalled the lesson that the elder had taught them a few years back, about how some strong dragons had the ability to cast spells. She pulled her hand back and turned to beam at Killian. 

“Come feel this Killian!” She called out, running over and dragging the boy to his feet and over to the stone. She pressed his open palm onto the mountside, his brows furrowed as she looked up at him expectantly. 

“I knew you should’ve eaten, you’re seeing things.” He teased, pulling his hand off the rock and looking down at her with a wry smirk. She rolled her eyes and looked back at their small camp, 

“Pack it up, we need to check this out, it feels like powerful earth magic.” Frankie said, determination written on her face as she grabbed a handful of dry dirt and tossed it on the fire. The flames flickered out and Killian began to gather their sleeping rolls. Frankie swung her bag over her shoulder and looked back up at the mountain. Killian returned to her side with the supplies in hand, he watched her expectantly, trusting her judgement though he didn’t get the same feeling as her. He did know that it smelled of rain in his nose, a damp smell that was fresh on the mountain side despite the fact that the whole two weeks they had spent in the woods, not a single rain cloud had let loose a drop of water.

 He began to mess with the leather bracelet on his wrist. It had become a new habit, the object had permanently made an indent in his pale skin. For it was two sizes too small for him. Though he couldn’t bring himself to take it off. Frankie walked slowly along the base of the mountain, her hand held a few inches off the stone. As they walked further along the mountain Frankie began to hear a voice. Which seemed impossible, for the mountain was far too thick for people to inhabit. 

“We must move him before the hunters find us. I can only hold them off for so long.” The voice was deep and scratchy, it made the young girl shiver. The sound was muffled still, and she was sure that the owner of the voice was the one casting the spell. She placed her ear to the mountain trying to get a better understanding. 

“What’s wrong with ya?” Killian asked, stepping next to Frankie, his eyes filled with confusion. 

“There’s someone inside the mountain.” Frankie said, her eyes darting all along the rock, looking for a weak link in the spell. 

“No one is inside the mountain.” Killian said, following her eyes. 

“I know there is. You have to trust me. I have not gone mad. ” Frankie said, now beginning to run along the mountain side. Killian followed her pace, a bad feeling taking hold over his gut. 

“I never said you had gone mad.” Killian said, with a deep worry in his voice.

The girl ran fast, even dropping her satchel on the ground, much to Killian’s displeasure, he stooped and snatched the bag up once more. She knew there was someone or somethign in there. She just had to find an opening. She was so enraptured with the mountain side, she almost ran right off the edge of a small cliff and into a crystalline pool of water. Killian held her fast, his fist knotted in the back of her cloak. They both breathed heavily as they looked at the water below and the roaring waterfall across the pool.Vines hung from the cliffs, large rocks loomed under the surface of the impossibly clear water, a deer was sipping from the banks, unaware of the teens on the cliff above. 

“That explains the water that I smelled earlier.” Killian mumbled as he gave Frankie’s cloak one last tug and pulled her back against his chest and safely away from the cliffside. Frankie shrugged him off and walked towards a thick brush of vegetation. She pulled her hunting knife off her belt and cut through the vines as if they were warm butter. Once the vines were gone, a rough stone staircase was revealed, Killian whimpered as Frankie fearlessly began to descend the steps. At the bottom they found themselves right below the waterfall, the pond to their right and mountain to their left, they had nowhere to go but under the spray of the water. Frankie inhaled sharply and ducked under, leaving Killian standing dumbstruck on the stone steps. 

“Frankie?” Killian called out with a slightly shaky voice, he unsheathed his dagger, readying himself for a fight. 

“It’s alright Killian, come on in!” Frankie’s voice echoed against the stones as she squinted into the darkness. Killian pushed into the cave and reached out blindly, his hand falling on Frankie’s back, he fisted her cloak once more. She allowed him to hang off of her as she waited for her eyes to adjust. 

“Don’t suppose you have a torch on you?” Killian joked despite his shaking nerves. 

“Actually…” Frankie reached for her bag and yelped when she realized that she’d dropped it in her haste. Killian chuckled and handed it to her, she riffled through the bag and produced some flint and steel and a small candle. She passed the candle to Killian as she struck the steel against the flint, casting small sparks into the darkness. Finally one of the sparks caught the wick, illuminating her face against the darkness. Frankie held the candle up, causing large shadows to be cast along the dripping walls of the cave. 

“There.” Killian said, pointing towards a large passage that sloped upwards, large steps leading up into the darkness. Frankie nodded and carefully picked her way through the moist cave until they reached the mouth of the passage way. Killian still had a tight hold on her cloak, his hot breath on Frankie’s neck was beginning to annoy her. The pair carefully climbed the large steps, stooping down to get a better view of the stairs with the candle. After what felt like hours, they reached a landing, the stairway abruptly turned left going deeper into the mountainside, but having turned the corner, strangely enough they could see what appeared to be daylight. Killian’s grip tightened at the sight, Frankie sighed at the revelation of more stairs and continued to press onward. At last they reached the top, and to their amazement the light that they had seen was indeed sunlight. The top of the vaulted cavern was open, vines draped down the walls of the cave, a freshwater spring bubbled in the center of the large space. 

However what caught their attention was not the impressive cave, no it was the hulking mass that sat hunched to the left of the stairs. Yellow scaled rippled and claws scratched against the stone as the creature turned to pull a vine off the wall. When the massive male dragon moved, he revealed two more dragons, one an emerald green with beady brown eyes, which were focused on a shaking young dragon, curled up between the emerald dragons forelegs. The sandy yellow dragon turned once more to the youngling and offered it the vines, the creature whimpered pathetically. 

“Don’t make me father! It tastes awful!” the small dragon squeaked out, Frankie stood frozen at the entrance, now grateful for Killian’s touch that kept her in the present. 

“You must, this will help with the pain.” The yellow dragon spoke, his voice was gravely and over all abrasive.

“Loto.”  A softer voice interjected, the shuffling of wings made a chill run down Frankie’s spine. 

“Mind your father dear.” the dragoness’ head poked over the male’s body, chin tilted downwards to keep her eyes on the young dragon. 

“But mother-” a draft of air breezed through the cavern and the dragons froze, Frankie knew what had happened. Their scent had been revealed, there was no backing down now, it was time to put their knowledge to the test. 

“Who’s there.” The father growled, his head swinging his large head to face the source of the scent. 

“We come in peace!” Frankie called out, holding up her hands to show that she held no weapons. Killian shoved his sword back into its scabbard and held his own hands up. The dragon’s head cocked to the side, his golden eye glinting in the sun, his pupils dilating and contracting as he studied them. It was said that just by looking at a person a dragon could tell if they were pure of heart or not. Frankie and Killian now understood where that saying came from. 

“What’s a pair of dragon seekers doing so deep in the forest? So far into enemy territory?” The golden dragon hummed, his one good eye studying them, his bad eye was milky, a thick pink scar cut down the length of his face. 

“We are in search of our partners, we mean you no harm.” Killian assured the dragons, the smallest one whimpered as it chewed the vines, while the female stood to her full height, at least 10 feet tall at the shoulder, her elegant neck stretched up to at least 13 feet. Meanwhile the male seemed to measure up to be 15 feet tall at the horns and 12 feet at the shoulder. 

“In search for your partners?” The male growled, his head lowering as he took a few threatening steps forwards. 

“Yes.” Killian said, puffing his chest up and lifting his chin, it was known that dragons were not fans of the meek. 

“What is your name boy?” His inquired, now only about 20 feet away, heat radiated off his body, his pale golden scales catching the sunlight beautifully. 

“My name is Killian, Killian MacDuff.” Killian said proudly, his gunmetal eyes glinting as the light that was reflected off the dragon hit his face. 

“MacDuff….” The dragon said thoughtfully, his golden eye narrowing as he inspected the boy. 

“Aye.” 

“I knew a MacDuff once” he said a bit wistfully, his eyes glazing over as he recalled the MacDuff he once knew. 

“It’s a common name…” Killian said a bit awkwardly. 

“Is it now? It’s been so long since I dabbled in the human world.” The dragon mused, turning his head and lowering it to better inspect the boy. 

“That’s the truth, may I ask for your name?” Killian inquired, still standing tall in the creature’s presence, 

“My name is Gyo, this is my mate Emriss and our fledgling Loto.” The dragon said nodding his head in the direction of the two dragons. 

“This is my fellow seeker, Frankie Findlay.” Killian said, extending his arm to the redhead who nodded her head in greeting. 

“Pleased to meet you, come in, come in!” Gyo’s mood almost did a full three sixty as he lifted one of his thick clawed feet to gesture for the pair to enter the cavern fully. He turned and padded back over to Emriss and Loto who were still sitting to the left in a makeshift nest. 

“Pleased to meet you.” Emriss said, leaning forward, her brown eyes soft and filled with kindness. 

“Likewise.” Frankie smiled, not sure what else to do, she extended her hand. Emriss seemed taken aback for a moment before shuffling to extend her clawed foot, tenderly she placed her claw in Frankie’s palm. The girl’s breath faltered as the beast slowly shook her hand. 

“How sweet, it’s been so very long since I’ve seen a seeker.” She mused as she withdrew her claw and tucked it under her chest. Loto covered her face with her wings, which Frankie noticed had holes riddled through the thin skin. 

“Do you mind me asking what-” 

“Those damn Scouts shot her down.” Gyo’s voice interrupted Frankie before she could even finish her question. 

“I should’ve known.” Killian snarled, matching Gyo’s frustration. 

“We have a healer in our village, if you would let us help her.” Frankie offered, the small fledgling peeked out from under her wing and looked hopefully up at her father. 

“No, it’s much too far. We will stay here until she is healed.” Gyo said, his jaw clenching as he thought of the options that were before him. 

“Gyo...We’ve been grounded for nearly a month now. And poor Loto’s in a whole world of pain. This is our chance.” Emriss said reasonably, her brown eyes wide and almost pleading towards her mate who’s own eyes seemed to melt under her gaze. 

“I suppose… that it has been a while.” Gyo grumbled, as he lifted his large head to stare up at the open ceiling. 

“And your spell… certainly you can’t hold it much longer.” Emriss continued, her silky voice made Frankie ease, she stood up as well and brushed her horns against her mate’s, who also relaxed with her touch. 

“You’re right, it’s been more taxing than I anticipated, holding the spell for this long.” Gyo admitted as he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. Frankie looked at Killian, who was looking up at the pair with wide eyes. 

“We can make it, if one of you could carry Loto then we could make the trip back in maybe a day or two.” Frankie said hopefully as she watched the pair break apart. 

“True, we could. But how do we know we can trust you?” Gyo grumbled, his ears flicked impatiently as Killian and Frankie both hesitated to answer. 

“Become our partners! If we can handle the powers that you give us, you’ll know that we’re worthy. If not then…” Frankie said, her confidence surprisingly holding throughout the statement. 

“You’ll die.” Gyo growled, his eyes sparking with intrigue at the small challenge presented before him. 

“That’s correct.” She agreed, nodding her head curtly as she examined Emriss’ reaction as well as Gyo’s. 

“Very well then, I’ll take the boy, Emriss you can have the girl.” Gyo’s voice rumbled in his chest as he shifted and lowered his head, bringing his nose level to Killian who hesitated to reach out. Nothing could prepare him for what he experienced when he touched the golden creature’s nose. A hot gust of dry air nearly knocked him clean off his feet, the heat burned his skin and made his lips feel chapped. The heat swirled in his chest and for a moment he was sure that it would cause his chest cavity to explode. He felt as though he’d been transported to the desert, sand stinging his cheeks and the sun beating down on his strawberry blonde head. But to his surprise when he opened his eyes he was still standing in the cavern. 

“Hm now that’s surprising. Normally I don’t match well with scrawny kids.” Gyo huffed, a brazen bout of laughter falling from his jaws. Killian let out a shaky breath of relief as he fell to his knees. Frankie watched with wide eyes as he closed his eyes tightly and fell onto his side. 

“Is that...normal?” she asked anxiously as he rocked back and forth. 

“More or less. The more compatible the seeker and dragon the less painful the transferal will be.” Emriss answered, standing and walking over to Frankie who swallowed her nerves. 

“Alright then…” Frankie relented as Emriss stooped to her level and jutted her nose out for Frankie to touch. When Frankie’s hand came in contact with the warm scales, she felt no pain. But she felt a surge of warmth course through her veins, the scent of wildflowers, damp leaves, campfires, and fresh air graced her senses. Frankie gasped, keeping her hand on the dragoness who chuckled. 

“You’re a hunter then?” Emriss inquired as she pulled away, Frankie swayed on her feet as she looked up at the dragoness in awe. 

“Aye, that’s correct.” Frankie said, still shaken from her experience. She felt no different really, just more aware of her surroundings, everything seemed to smell stronger, all her senses amplified and perfectly tuned. 

“I feel like I’m going to be sick.” Killian moaned as he managed to climb to his feet and lean heavily on Frankie. 

“That is normal, we’ll take the rest of the afternoon to rest before we depart.” Gyo declared, turning on his heel and wandering over to a rocky outcrop, where he leapt up and laid down, curling his tail around his massive body. 

“Congratulations young heroes. I hope that our partnership will be long and prosperous.” Emriss congratulated as she dipped her head, a small smile gracing her narrow features. 

“Thank you.” Frankie bowed before leading Killian to the pool to freshen up. Killian pulled his palms through the deep blue water. Looking a bit queasy as he washed his face off. 

“I’m not feeling so good.” He said before pressing his body weight on the mossy stones. He heaved over, throwing up all the rabbit he had eaten before. Frankie took the small piece of fabric that had been holding her hair up and put into his. Tying his strawberry blonde locks behind his head as he continued to get sick. Frankie sighed sitting next to the young boy. She had felt light headed but was definitely in better shape than the tewn who was now lying on the floor. 

[chillax-kass-w]

After All | RM9

[Reiner Braun/Reader]

Happiness seems impossible for Reiner, but he may get there after all. 

Read on AO3

[As a note, the format of this story is as follows: chapters actually titled “Chapter _” are current to the Marley Arc, chapters titled “M_” are Reiner’s memories in succession, and chapters titled “RM_” are the Reader’s memories in succession]

Previous

It felt like it’d been ages since (f/n)’d slept in, especially until the sun was partially into its race across the sky. The sunlight on her eyelids felt natural and unnatural all at once, uncommon in her line of work but nostalgic in the best of ways. She didn’t dare open her eyes for fear the moment of peace would subside.

Contrary to yesterday, everything felt alright.

Focusing on the absolute warmth of the bed she was in, she buried herself further into the sheets. All of her senses screamed safety. Her sight was enveloped in a warm amber hue. The barest scent of rosemary floated to her, and she remembered scouring for the sweet herb as a child. It was her mother’s favorite, as it was hers. Its page in her book of plants was permanently dog-eared; she could recite it like her name. Habitat, blooming period, uses, symbolic meaning… Her lips turned up at the memory. She’d always loved its meaning.

Love, loyalty, and remembrance.

The wind was blowing outside, the sound mingling with that of her abnormally loud breathing. It was then she noticed just how warm she was, just how abnormal her sleeping position was, just how odd that weight around her was. So, confused and still slow with sleep, she opened her eyes to find another beside her, and it all flooded back.

Reiner was sleeping soundly to her right. His arm was draped around her waist, and she was still propped against a pillow near the wall. His crown of golden hair was laid beside her thigh. His entire body was strewn across the bed, and she was slumped over, almost curled toward him.

He looked so peaceful.

Something grew out of her stomach and into her chest, and she grinned at her own wishful thinking. This, she decided, was the future she wanted. Waking up beside her best friend, feeling safety like no other in his warmth… Like he’d said the night before, love like that was the meaning of life.

One day…

Her hesitations didn’t stop her from curling her fingers into his hair, nor did they stop the absentminded circles she drew upon his scalp. Nothing mattered but the moment. Their relationship needed no defining; their future needed no contemplation. All she knew was his arm secure around her, and her fingers dancing in daffodil locks.

She was so thankful for him. He was patient with her, reminding her to care for herself and fighting off her anxiety without question. She knew, as long as he was at her side, she could find strength in herself, if only to protect him, if only to fight to see him again.

After a while, he grunted, readjusting his form as she held her breath. Then, he opened those hazel eyes. She expected him to jump away when he found her in his embrace. She expected the moment to end. But, against all her assumptions, he turned onto his side and directed that golden smile at her.

“Hey.” Never had his baritone voice felt so much like home.

“Hey.”

She pulled her hand away, but his arm didn’t budge. The moment swayed violently in her chest.

“What time is it?”

Of course he’d ask a question like that. Looking to the window, she tried her best to measure the sun’s height. “If I had to guess, around lunch time.”

Head still against the covers, he nodded. “Don’t call it a guess. You’re always right about that stuff.”

“No I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. That’s why I always ask you.”

Huffing a breathy laugh, she combed a hand through her hair. “Either way, shouldn’t we be getting up?”

At that, he shook his head. “Let’s stay here a little longer.” When his eyes met hers, she couldn’t disagree with him. All she wanted was to stay in that moment. Outside those doors, the World was waiting; inside those doors, her world was resting.

“Fine.”

To her surprise, he pushed his head against her hand once more. It was a small gesture, but it was grand to her soul. The only inhabitant of her chest was her heart, and it beat double time as she tangled her fingers into his hair yet again.

She couldn’t help but wonder what it all meant. She’d been under the impression Reiner felt only friendship and faint familial love for her, the rest of his heart focused on Krista. Everything pointed to that. He’d never outright flirted with (f/n). He joked around with her, but never in a romantic way. But, against all that, his strong arm was around her, and he’d initiated such a heartfelt gesture as massaging his scalp.

Why?

Then, as if he knew her thoughts, he peeled himself off the sheets, his limbs untangling themselves and righting themselves at his sides. As he stretched, a yawn escaped him. His eyes found hers again after he cleared his throat.

She couldn’t help but feel nervous at the sound.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

Her awkward nature couldn’t stop the laugh in her throat, but it still rolled within her stomach. If she thought hard enough, the tension became hunger.

“Yeah.”

He didn’t seem to notice her apprehension. If he did, he paid it no mind, for he reached out to help her out of bed. Just the thought brought fire to her cheeks; the feeling of his hand around hers didn’t help in the least; and his eyes sealed her flame-ridden demise. Then, he opened the door, and…

The moment ceased to be.

All wishful thinking left her as they floated down the hallways and to the dining hall. When they passed a Survey Corps officer around a corner, she was truly reminded that her thoughts from earlier were far fetched at best. They were lying in wait for something terrible, whether it be losing Eren, the Commander, or a far worse course of events. Wishful thinking wasn’t favored in the grand scheme of it all.

“You go sit down. I’ll get the food.”

When she saw the other cadets, she could barely quell the grief that welled in her stomach once more. Some had visible bandages; the rest had invisible wounds. She knew. The air was heavy with sadness, impatience, and confusion. Partaking in it, she guided her feet toward the tables, and there she found Bertholdt. When she sat across from him, he smiled at her.

“Hey, how are you?”

The sentiment behind the words outweighed her frustration at the question.

“I’ve been better, but I’m alright.”

His usual nod met her lie. “You know I’m here for you if you ever need me.”

She couldn’t help but smile. Bertholdt had always been so much like family to her, always there for support. She hoped he saw her in the same light. “I know. Thank you. I’m always here for you too.” The expression of his eyes spoke his thanks.

“Well, it looks like the same old soup for today.” Reiner placed a bowl in front of her, allowing the spoon to fall into it next to a half piece of bread. He nodded at Bertholdt as he sat down. “You think they’ll have us do anything today?”

“Doubt it. They didn’t even impose a rising time this morning. Looks like we’re just supposed to sit here again.”

She mulled the information over in her head. “I wonder what there is to do here.”

“Yesterday Bertholdt and I played chess. If you want, I can beat you too.” A laugh escaped her at Reiner’s expression, raised brows and lopsided grin.

“Sure, I’m willing to take your crown. Just let me take Declan his lunch first.”

“Sure.”

At that, they finished their meals and went their separate ways: (f/n), to the kitchen, and Reiner and Bertholdt to get the game board. She was glad there was still some warmed soup in the pot, and she made sure to grab the largest piece of bread available. With that and a cup of water, she headed off.

As she carried herself down the hall, she calmed her breathing. She focused on the bowl, focused on not spilling anything, focused on anything but her nearing destination. Her feet were slow and firm upon the floorboards, but not slow enough. The door came into view much too quickly for her liking. But, with all things in the military, she chose to push through the door rather than hesitate outside.

Even still, anxiety filled her veins.

“Oh, what a surprise.”

Declan’s voice was raspy; the smile on his face was pained. He was propping himself up on his elbows, attempting to move the pillows behind his head. The gasp that left (f/n)’s lips was late and short lived. She stumbled to the table beside him to discard the bowl and glass; she wrapped her arm around his shoulders to help him sit up. A small thank you fell from his lips.

“The nurse told me to have you move your shoulders and walk around if you’re up for it. It’s bad for you to sit still for so long with broken ribs.”

“Well, I guess let’s get me up and about.”

As she wrapped her arms around him for better support, she felt confusion run through her. He was in bad condition; he’d barely survived a Titan’s hand. She’d seen him give up; she’d heard his supposed last words. How could he be upbeat after that? Eyes trailing to his face so close to hers, she remembered the blood that had veiled his eyes. The only clue to that sea of blood was the wide stitching that cut across his forehead. His auburn hair fell messily over the threads, as if covering an unwanted memory.

“I’ve gotta thank you, (l/n).”

She almost let him go.

“What for?”

His hands found the edge of the bed for support, but he stood on his own two feet.

“You saved my life back there.” As his bare feet attempted steps, he glanced at her. “I never would’ve guessed a new recruit would keep my ass alive, but here we are.” She was silent, stupidly silent. She knew his thanks was true, but she felt like no hero. “Broken ribs. Pretty good trade off.” His steps grew more confident as he let go of his support. She could tell he was exhausted, though. “You know, I’d given up back there. Was spoutin’ off to the air in some last attempt to make my life mean something to our story. Then, here you came telling me to shut up and killin’ that Titan like it spoke ill of your mother. I don’t remember much after that, but I know you hadto’a carried me pretty far. Sorry ‘bout that.” The grim look in his eyes didn’t match his smile, not in the slightest.

She took a seat on the mattress to prolong her silence. It was still warm beneath her, added proof he was standing there alive. “I’d carry you again if it meant saving you.” The smile reached his eyes; he shouldn’t look at her like that.

“The way it’s looking, you may just have to.” A sigh left him, rugged and torn. “You know as much as I do about all this, but I doubt it’s gonna slow down.”

She let her open hands fall upon her knees, and her eyes found the palms hypnotizing. Those hands had saved a life; those hands had failed. “I wish it would.”

“(f/n), when you’ve been here as long as I have, you figure out life never slows down. You just gotta run with it until it’s run its course.”

Despite the tension, a laugh left her. “You say that as if you’re old. You’re just a few years older than me.”

“All the more reason to believe me.”

“Don’t worry, I do.”

His weight fell next to her, and she glanced in his direction. “I know that look,” he sighed, his eyes heavy upon her skin. “You blame yourself.” She couldn’t help but bow her head in shame. “Don’t. If you listen to anybody about this, listen to me. Don’t blame yourself. Colette, Stella, Schultz, Ivan… I’ve known them since our training days, and I know they don’t blame you for what happened. I wouldn’t have blamed you; I don’t blame you. The only one to blame is that damn Female Titan. Your hands are clean.”

“I know.” Reiner told her. “But it’s hard.”

“It is hard. But you just have to remember who’s still here.” His hand met the stitching upon his forehead. “And you remember that if you don’t keep fightin’, all of it was for nothing. I don’t want it to be for nothing.”

Nothing…

“I don’t either.”

His grin found her determined. “Then that’s settled. I think a meal is in order. Thanks for bringing it, by the way.” She reached for the lukewarm dish she’d left upon the nightstand, dropping it into Declan’s waiting hands.

“You’re welcome. Do you need anything else?”

“Unless you’re some sort of healer, I’m good.”

Laughing, she moved his glass of water nearer to him. “We’re both out of luck there. If that’s it, I’m gonna head out. Thank you for talking some sense into me.”

“Always here if you need me. Thanks again, for everything.”

A nod was the only answer she could find. Then, she made her way into the hallways again. She couldn’t remember a time when she felt so light; her recent memories had been so heavy on her soul. But, with Reiner and Declan’s combined words, she had arguments to throw at herself whenever doubt crept into her mind. Blame wouldn’t hold her again. She wouldn’t let it.

When she made it back to the dining room, she found Reiner and Bertholdt already engrossed in a battle of minds. She stood at the door for a moment to admire the expressions of sheer focus upon both their faces. Reiner’s arms were crossed in contemplation; Bertholdt’s hand was upon his chin. They were taking it seriously, as they always did.

Without another thought, she took a seat to the left of Reiner, and he nodded in greeting. That lopsided grin tilted more into cockiness as he looked away again. A glance at the board told her the game was nearly evenly matched. Two pieces were taken on both sides so far; the game had only begun. Nearer to the window, Sasha and Connie were enamored with the view; perhaps they were wishing to leave on their own accord again. In the midst of her thinking, Reiner made another move. His eyebrows furrowed and his lips pursed when Bertholdt retaliated with a quick turn around.

Cute…

“You know, this place isn’t far from my village…” came Connie’s voice. His eyes were still focused outside. His head was tilted, his hand supporting it.

Sasha was a mirror. “We’re close to my hometown too.”

“We’ve come all the way out to the south part of Wall Rose… Why can’t we go back? We don’t have anything to do either… We’re just sitting here all day.” He loosened his shoulders. “This sucks, honestly. Maybe I’ll sneak out tonight.”

Sasha’s hair swayed as she glanced over at the boy. “Oh, you want to go home that badly? I was told not to come home until I became respectable. ”

Connie laughed. “Everyone said that a midget like me could never become a soldier, but I ended up a prodigy… I made the top ten of my training corps. That’s why I’m gonna go back to my village and lord it over them. I want to, while I’m still alive.”

At that, Reiner cut into the conversation. “Connie, if you’re serious about that, I’ll help you.” (f/n) was honestly surprised, even though she knew she shouldn’t have been. He’d spoken to her many times about his desires to return home, even though it was deep in Titan territory. The idea of home was something he’d fight tooth and nail for; she knew that more than anyone. If he recognized the desire in someone else, he’d help them as well. It was just in his character: dependable, absolute.

“What? Why?” Connie didn’t know him as well.

“Don’t you think this is strange?”  Reiner’s eyes left the board. “Why are we on standby in plainclothes? Our orders said not to wear our uniforms, and not to train. Why? We’re soldiers!” He glanced out the window, then around the room. The tension in his shoulders didn’t go unnoticed. “What makes me even more suspicious is the fact that our officers are fully equipped. We’re not on the frontlines. We’re inside the Walls! What are they going to be fighting?”

She had to admit she’d wondered the same thing. If there was a threat, would it not be in everyone’s interest to have even the newer recruits prepared as well? The whole thing was odd.

Connie wasn’t convinced. “Must be bears around here.”

“Heh, bears. Sure… They’d just have guns if they were worried about bears.”

Shaking his head, Reiner let his eyes fall on the board again. “Everyone’s confused. They don’t know what’s going on. You two are the only ones here who are relaxed and carefree. Personally, I feel like sneaking out and seeing how our officers react.”

(f/n) laughed at that, as well as Sasha’s head falling to the table in boredom. “I doubt that. You’re too much of a goody two shoes to pull something like that.” Reiner’s shove to her shoulder didn’t suppress her smile. “But, I do agree with you. Something’s off about all this. It’s like they don’t trust—”

“Guys! I hear the ground rumbling! It sounds like footsteps!” Sasha’s previously bored eyes were wide with fear. Everyone tensed. Sasha’s senses had proven to be spot on in almost every case; if she was scared, something was wrong. That light feeling from just moments before fell into the deep chasm of (f/n)’s stomach. At the feeling of fear, she looked to Reiner.

“What are you on about, Sasha?” His hands were gripping his crossed forearms a little too hard for (f/n)’s liking. “If you’re trying to say that there are Titans here… you realize that would mean… they’ve broken through Wall Rose?”

“I’m telling the truth! I know I heard footsteps!”

Suddenly, Nanaba appeared outside the window, slamming open the panes. “Is everyone here?” Nods met her eyes. “We have multiple Titans nearby, five hundred meters to the south. They’re headed this way. There’s no time for you to change into your gear. Get on horseback immediately. Sweep through and evacuate nearby houses and villages. Got that?”

Fear gave way to terror as (f/n) remembered the injured down the hall. “Wait! What about the injured?”

What about Declan?

“They’re being put into carts as we speak. They’ll be fine.”

Dread spread through her veins at the thought of being unarmed. She’d promised herself that she’d be prepared the next time an emergency arose. She’d taken to wearing her harnesses even on days off for that specific reason. But, when it came down to it, a breach just had to happen when they were ordered to remain unarmed and unprepared.

Connie’s eyes were wide. “From… the south?”

Reiner’s demeanor had switched. His fingers were twitching. She’d never seen them do that. “So, they broke through the Wall…?” His voice was fearful.

“Alright, get going! You won’t be able to sit around like idiots anymore if you end up dead!”

Despite those words and despite her training, (f/n) felt rooted to her seat. She felt so unprepared; she hated being unprepared. But, Reiner’s hands found her shoulders, and he all but lifted her off the bench. They didn’t leave her until they were running down the hallway.

“You can’t freeze up like that on me, (f/n)! We’ve got a job to do! You gotta fight!” When her eyes met his again, for what could very well be one of the last times, she found her strength. She had to fight. For Reiner, for her friends, for her comrades, for the people sitting in their villages unaware of danger just across the horizon.

“You better fight too!”

Despite the unmasked fear, he grinned. “I will. Promise.”

With that, they grabbed their saddles and mounted their steeds. From point, Squad Leader Mike rallied his voice above thundering hooves. “Once the group of Titans reaches the woods, everyone disperse! Before then, I want you to form four teams! Groups made up of the 104th corps and armed troops will split into north, south, east, and west teams! Avoid combat whenever possible, and focus on spreading information! I leave the details of this mission to your discretion! Branch off as you find people or villages! South team will also be responsible for identifying the damaged section of the Wall! For that reason, that team will need more people! Is anyone here familiar with the area?!”

A couple horses away, Sasha raised her hand. “Yes, sir! My home village is in the northern forest! I know the terrain! And Connie…”

Wide, unfocused, Connie’s eyes stared ahead. “My village is to the south… where the Titans are coming from… I can guide them to the villages nearby. But, after that, please let me go to my village! I know that, by the time I get there, it’ll probably be hopeless… but I have to go!”

Mike looked back with a nod. “Alright, you’ll guide the south team.”

Then, ever dependable, Reiner’s voice broke through the air. “Connie, I’m coming too.”

“The south is probably the most dangerous! It’s full of Titans!”

“What are you saying? Didn’t I tell you I’d help you slip out?” He glanced backward, and he met eyes with Bertholdt and (f/n). “What about you, Bertholdt? I’m not going to force you to come, but we need numbers.”

“Of course I’m coming too.”

“Me too!” If (f/n) was going to make good on her promise to protect her comrades, she had to be there. Not to mention, she wanted to be there for Connie. If his village was to the south, the likelihood that it was destroyed was much too high, and she didn’t know how he’d deal with it.

“No! You go with Sasha to the north. It’s too dangerous.” Reiner’s eyes were hard as they met hers again. The grim line of his mouth stayed straight, too straight. She vehemently shook her head in retaliation.

“You can’t tell me what to do, Reiner! I’m going! I want to be there for Connie! And I want to help everyone I can!”

He turned away.

Near Mike, Nanaba raised her voice as well. “As you’ve probably realized, this is the worst day in human history! And humanity will have to work harder than we ever have before, starting now!”

“The Titans have reached the woods! Disperse! Gallop past them at top speed!”

When (f/n) looked back, she saw multiple heads peeking out of evergreen points. But, to her dismay, they sprinted out of them with swift legs, now visible in the open fields. They’d catch up in no time. This was the place she would—

“Gelgar, take command of the south team!” Mike turned toward the approaching killers, his horse already speeding straight into danger’s waiting arms.

“Squad Leader Mike’s going to act as a decoy?!”

“One man against the Titans?! That’s ridiculous!”

“No! We need everyone here! Trust Mike! He’s the second toughest soldier in the Survey Corps, after Captain Levi! He’ll get through this alive! I know he will! Now disperse!”

The lack of fear Mike Zacharias possessed baffled (f/n), to the point she almost looked back at him one last time, but she didn’t. She had orders to follow, and she believed in her superior fully, to the brim of her being. So, she directed her horse to follow Nanaba’s to the west, refusing to glance at Reiner, lest she follow him.

In the end, she’d heeded his words.

What did that say about her?

They rode for what felt like eternity, watching and waiting for more Titans in their path. Yet, none showed. The first village came into view soon, and a rider fell off to warn them. Then came the next, and the next. Ymir and Krista were to (f/n)’s right, just behind Nanaba. Because they were unarmed, they were ordered to break off only if absolutely necessary.

To (f/n)’s surprise, that time didn’t come.

It’d been seven hours of hard riding, and they were still headed toward Wall Rose. She could tell her horse was nearing its ceiling in terms of stamina, as were her comrades’. They’d slowed considerably in that last hour, and the ground seemed to never end.

“This area is close to the Wall. There won’t be any people living around here,” spoke a man near the helm. (f/n) couldn’t remember his name for the life of her; her mind was running on some concoction of adrenaline, fear, and urgency, and it didn’t deem the information important.

Nanaba was silent for a moment. “I see… We finished faster than I thought we would. Let’s keep heading south.”

“Why?” To her right, Ymir looked exasperated. “There shouldn’t be any people farther south.”

“We have to determine where the Wall was breached. We’ll ride alongside it from the west and have a look. It’d be faster than letting the south team do it alone.”

That didn’t satisfy Ymir. “You know that Krista, (f/n), and I don’t have our gear, right? Anywhere farther south should be crawling with Titans… It’s highly probable that we’d end up as snacks. Please let us pull back from the front lines for now.”

“Ymir?!”

(f/n) shook her head. “No, I can’t just sit still now. I’ll stay. You guys can go.”

“No.” Nanaba’s voice was commanding, fit of a high ranked officer. “We don’t know what could happen. I want to have a few messengers ready to go. I know how you feel, but… Since you chose to be soldiers, you need to be prepared. Everything’s riding on this early response mission.”

“Ymir, I want to stay here and do everything I can. I mean… I decided to join the Survey Corps on my own, but…” Krista’s voice carried over to (f/n), even over the hammering hooves. “You didn’t, right? Back then… you chose the Survey Corps because I—”

“Because what?! Are you saying I joined for your sake?!”

(f/n) could believe it. It was obvious, the way Ymir hovered over Krista, despite her blatant denial. It seemed Krista’s charm knew no bounds.

“Then why are you here right now? If you don’t have a reason, then just start running.”

Silence.

“I knew… there was no way I should have been in the top ten of our class. Ask anyone, and they’d have said you should’ve been there instead, or Sasha, or Armin. I don’t know how you did it, but… Maybe it was you constantly pushing me to go into the Military Police, or maybe you even tried to give me your spot… Why would you do that for me?”

Now that was news to (f/n). She felt ashamed to be eavesdropping, but the situation didn’t allow her to give them privacy. Even so, her opinion was the same as Krista’s. Ymir must have done something; she didn’t know how, or why, but she had some guesses for the latter.

“Does it have… something to do with my family?”

What does Krista mean by that?

“Yeah. It does. But, Krista… Don’t worry. I’m here entirely for my own sake.”

“Alright, good…” The smile on Krista’s face didn’t betray the gravity of Ymir’s words, and (f/n) was left to contemplate exactly what it all meant.

In actuality, it wasn’t her place to contemplate anything, but the situation begged for any thoughts other than those pertaining to the breach. Yes, she was aware of the quickly moving Wall sprawling into the distance to her right, but she had many thoughts occupying the rest of her frazzled mind. Did Ymir, the hardened girl she rarely conversed with, care for Krista beyond comradery? Yes. Beyond friendship? Most likely. Would she ever admit it in anything other than jokes? Most likely not. Did Krista feel the same?

Now that question threw everything out of whack, for it brought Reiner into the mix. Did Krista care for Reiner, as he did her? Did Reiner even like her that way, or was it all friendly flirting? Did Reiner like her—

More like, would Reiner be alright?

It was pointless to worry over their relationship when his life was in peril. He’d gone to the south, where the Titans originated. He was strong, yes, but he was unarmed, just as she was. Danger was imminent with that recipe. But, then again, the sun’s remnants were barely winking over the Wall. If he was alive, the darkness would aid him and his group as they searched the area for the breach.

He’s alright.

As she rode slowly behind Nanaba, torch in hand, she repeated those words to the void of her mind. He had to be alright. He’d told her to not freeze up again, and he’d told her to fight. She wouldn’t allow her fears, her worries over his well being, to deter her from her mission. Her eyes stayed alert on the path ahead, right, left, rear. Deep breathing was heard all around, from the horses and their riders alike. All were exhausted; all were in paranoia. Each and every sound was analyzed. Each and every silhouette was scrutinized. Titans could be lying in wait…

And that was terrifying.

When torches began floating in her sight, (f/n) thought she’d finally gone mad. Then came Reiner’s face, eerie in the torchlight, and she all but pinched herself. Perhaps she really had lost her mind in the darkness, maybe an hour behind them, probably two. She was hallucinating; she had to be.

But then she saw Gelgar, and Bertholdt too.

“Did you follow the Wall here, too?”

“Yeah,” breathed Nanaba, “so where’s the hole?” Gelgar shook his head, disbelief clear as day on his shadowed face. “We took a detour and followed alongside the Wall starting from the far west, but we didn’t find anything strange. If we didn’t find it, then surely you must have?”

“No… We haven’t seen a hole, either…”

What?

“Could you have missed it?”

“No way. The damage would have to be large enough for a Titan to pass through.”

W h a t ?

“What should we do? Do you want to check again?”

“We should, but I think both we and our horses are near exhaustion. We’d just be even less focused than before. If we at least had some moonlight…” Only that wish was answered, as the clouds dispersed enough to see a structure looming in the distance.

“Is that a ruined castle?”

“Well, that’s one answered prayer.”

And a thousand unanswered questions…

She was certain sleep wouldn’t be coming for her that night.

Next

[shiorihyugawrites]

Diamond Of The First Water

In the aftermath of war, Paradis finds itself in need of powerful alliances. When Emperor Armand of Valoria offers his military aid in exchange for the hand of his daughter, Princess Solina, in marriage, Captain Levi Ackerman is thrust into an engagement that begins as a political strategy but soon becomes something much deeper.

Princess Solina, sheltered from the world and unaware of the realities of love and war, finds herself drawn to Levi—the man known as Humanity’s Strongest Soldier. As they navigate royal customs, public expectations, and the growing threat of Marley, the bond between them deepens into a genuine connection.

But neither Solina nor Levi are prepared for the challenges of a political marriage, the weight of intimacy, and the secrets that lie beneath the surface. As Solina enters a new life with Levi, her naivety is tested, and Levi faces a battle unlike any he’s fought before—the fight to protect his heart.

Can their love flourish in the midst of war, duty, and danger? Or will the forces conspiring against them tear them apart before they can find peace? (Levi x OC)

Chapter Thirty Six

The dining hall of the Ackerman Estate was aglow with the warm light of chandeliers, their reflections shimmering off the polished silverware and crystal goblets set meticulously on the expansive dining table. Solina had spent the entire day overseeing every detail, from the arrangement of the centerpiece to the selection of dishes that would cater to both Valorian and Paradisian palates. She wanted everything to be perfect, and as the evening progressed, it was clear her efforts were paying off.

The emperor sat at one end of the table, with Lady Solana gracefully seated to his right. Soleil, Solenne, and Solandor were spread along the length of the table, their laughter mingling with the chatter of the scouts, who had been strategically seated to foster conversation and camaraderie. Levi sat at the opposite end, his sharp eyes observing the room, though his gaze frequently drifted to Solina, who was glowing with pride and enthusiasm.

Solina moved effortlessly between conversations, her emerald eyes sparkling with joy as she engaged with everyone at the table. She had even prepared small anecdotes about the dishes being served, explaining their significance in Paradisian and Valorian culture.

“These herb-crusted roast lamb chops,” Solina said as a maid served the dish, “are a Valorian delicacy. They’re seasoned with spices grown only in the gardens of the Rose House.”

“They smell incredible,” Sasha remarked, her eyes wide with anticipation. “Can we eat yet?”

Jean rolled his eyes. “Sasha, wait until everyone is served.”

“Let her enjoy herself,” the emperor chuckled, surprising the scouts with his warm demeanor. “Good food is meant to be savored.”

Sasha leaned over to Eren and whispered, “Well, that’s unexpected. I didn’t peg him for someone who appreciates casual humor.”

Eren smirked but said nothing, his focus on Mikasa, who was quietly observing the interactions between Solomon and Historia across the table.

Levi, seated to Solina’s left, couldn’t help but admire how natural she seemed in her role as hostess. Her laughter was genuine, her gestures graceful, and her ability to make everyone feel included was nothing short of remarkable.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Levi murmured.

Solina paused, her cheeks flushing slightly at his words. “You think so?”

Levi gave her a small nod, his lips twitching into the faintest smile. “I don’t just think so. Look around. Everyone’s happy. You’re doing great.”

The encouragement in his voice sent a rush of warmth through her, and she gave his hand a quick squeeze before moving on to speak with Soleil and Hange, who were deep in a lively debate about the merits of combining Valorian and Paradisian farming techniques.

Meanwhile, Solomon had taken the opportunity to engage the scouts. “And what about you, Mikasa?” he asked, his gaze lingering on her. “What do you think of Valorian combat strategies compared to your ODM gear?”

Mikasa, ever the professional, gave a measured response. “They’re different, but both are effective in their own ways. The ODM gear allows for unmatched mobility, while your formations emphasize discipline and coordination.”

Solomon nodded thoughtfully. “A well-rounded perspective. You’d make an excellent strategist.”

Jean muttered under his breath, “He’s laying it on a little thick, isn’t he?”

Historia stifled a laugh, overhearing Jean’s comment. Solomon’s attempts at engaging Mikasa had not gone unnoticed, and while they were subtle, it was clear he was still intrigued by her.

As dessert—a decadent Valorian honey cake paired with Paradisian berry compote—was served, the emperor called for Solina to sit beside him for a moment.

“You’ve made this estate a home,” he said, his deep voice filled with approval. “Your mother and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you’ve become.”

Solina’s eyes shimmered with emotion as she leaned in to hug her father. “Thank you, Father. I want to make Paradis a place we can all be proud of, a place that reflects the values you’ve taught me.”

Levi, watching from his seat, felt a pang of emotion at their exchange. He knew how much Solina idolized her father, and seeing her receive his praise only deepened his admiration for her.

But the dining hall’s warm, lighthearted ambiance took a sharp turn when Hange, her sharp eyes gleaming with curiosity, placed her fork down and leaned slightly forward, addressing the emperor directly.

“Your Majesty,” she began, her tone pleasant but laced with the unmistakable edge of determination, “I can’t help but marvel at the potential uses of the ice burst stone. What, exactly, do you intend to do with it?”

Levi subtly shook his head, his narrowed eyes silently pleading with Hange to let the matter drop. But Hange was Hange—curiosity was her driving force, and she didn’t notice, or perhaps chose to ignore, Levi’s silent warning.

The once cheerful conversation at the table hushed immediately. All eyes turned to the emperor, who paused mid-sip of his wine. His eyes reflected calmness as he placed his goblet down with deliberate care.

The emperor smiled faintly. “The ice burst stone is a remarkable discovery. Its potential for innovation is vast, and my intentions, as I’ve said before, are to use it to benefit both Valoria and Paradis.”

While the emperor’s response seemed calculated to satisfy, Hange leaned in further. “That’s a noble sentiment, Your Majesty, but surely you have a more specific plan in mind. Gas, energy, weaponry, transportation—what exactly do you see as the stone’s future use?”

Levi’s jaw tightened, his hand gripping the edge of the table as he cast a quick glance at Solina. Her brows furrowed slightly, and he could see the glimmer of offense in her emerald eyes. This wasn’t good.

The emperor remained unruffled, his measured voice carrying a tone of authority. “Commander Hange, I assure you, my focus is on innovation and collaboration. Specifics will come when the time is right.”

Hange, however, wasn’t ready to back down. “And when might that be? The stone’s potential—”

“Commander Hange,” Lady Solana interjected smoothly, her gentle voice attempting to diffuse the tension. “This is a dinner meant to celebrate unity and progress. Perhaps this topic can wait for another time?”

Solina’s knuckles were white as she gripped her napkin. Her gaze darted between Hange and her father, and Levi could see the internal battle she was waging to keep her emotions in check. The faint tremor in her voice betrayed her frustration as she finally spoke.

“With all due respect, Commander, I think it’s quite rude to press my father in this way, especially during a formal dinner.”

Hange blinked, caught slightly off guard, but she maintained her polite smile. “My apologies, Princess. It’s just that these questions are critical to Paradis’ future.”

“Perhaps,” Solina replied tersely, “but there’s a time and place, and this isn’t it.”

The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Solomon, sensing the growing hostility, cleared his throat and interjected with a diplomatic tone. “My sister is correct. This dinner is a time for unity, not interrogation. Commander Hange, your enthusiasm is appreciated, but maybe we can revisit this in a formal meeting.”

Despite Solomon’s calm words, Hange leaned back with a slight frown, clearly reluctant to let the matter rest. Levi, recognizing the fragile state of the atmosphere, decided it was time to step in before things escalated further.

“Hange,” Levi said, his deep voice cutting through the silence, “enough. The emperor has answered your questions. Let it go.”

Hange glanced at Levi, surprised by his stern tone. For a moment, it looked like she might argue, but then she gave a short nod and leaned back in her seat.

The emperor inclined his head slightly toward Levi. “Thank you, Captain.”

Solina, still visibly upset, cast a wary glance at her father before excusing herself from the table. Lady Solana followed her daughter without a word, her expression unreadable.

As the dinner slowly resumed, the lively energy from earlier never fully returned. Levi glanced at the empty seat where Solina had been sitting, his gut twisting with unease. He hadn’t intended for the evening to spiral into such discomfort, and now he feared it would take more than a few words to smooth things over with his wife.

Hange caught Levi’s eye and mouthed, Sorry, but Levi simply gave her a curt nod, his focus already shifting to how he could fix this. He would need to speak with Solina as soon as possible.

He excused himself and found Solina in the drawing room, sitting on the plush settee near the window. Her back was straight, her hands resting in her lap, and her gaze was fixed on the garden outside. The soft glow of the candlelight illuminated her face, and Levi could see the tension in her jaw and the slight quiver in her hands. She was upset, no doubt about it.

“Solina,” Levi said softly as he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. His voice was gentle, careful. He didn’t want to make things worse.

She didn’t look at him. “Did you put Hange up to that?” Her voice was steady but tinged with frustration and hurt. “Did you tell her to ask my father those questions?”

Levi sighed quietly, stepping closer but keeping a bit of distance. “No. I didn’t. Hange acted on her own.”

Solina finally turned her gaze to him, her emerald eyes sharp and accusing. “But you’ve been asking the same thing, Levi. You brought it up weeks ago, and I told you I didn’t know the details. And now Hange is doing the same thing? It feels like… it feels like you don’t trust my father.”

Levi shifted his weight, his arms crossing over his chest briefly before he dropped them back to his sides. He sat down in the chair opposite her, his tone calm but firm. “It’s not about trust, Solina. It’s about transparency. Your father is keeping something from us about the ice burst stone. Something important. I don’t think his intentions are malicious, but he’s hiding something, and that makes me cautious.”

Solina frowned, her expression softening slightly but still tinged with hurt. “Why didn’t you say anything while we were in Valoria? You seemed fine then. You even agreed to this marriage to secure Paradis’ future, knowing my father was part of that deal. Why the sudden change?”

Levi leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands together. “Because I didn’t have a choice back then. We were desperate. Paradis needed Valoria’s military aid, and your father’s support was crucial. I wasn’t going to jeopardize that by questioning him during our negotiations. But now that we’re here, with the stone being mined and your father’s involvement still unclear, I can’t ignore it.”

Solina shook her head, her voice rising slightly. “Levi, my father is not some scheming tyrant. He loves his people. He loves me. He’s not going to do anything to hurt Paradis, especially now that I live here. Can’t you see that?”

Levi’s gaze softened as he looked at her. He could see how much she wanted to believe in her father, how much she trusted him. And it wasn’t that Levi thought the emperor had ill intentions—he didn’t. But something wasn’t adding up, and Levi’s instincts wouldn’t let it go.

“I see how much your father loves you, Solina,” Levi said quietly. “And I respect him for that. But love for you doesn’t mean he’s being fully honest with us. Whatever he’s hiding, it’s big enough that he won’t even tell Solomon, or at least Solomon won’t tell me. That’s what worries me.”

Solina looked away again, her hands gripping her dress tightly. “It just feels like you’re turning this into something it’s not. My father has always acted in the best interest of Valoria and its allies. He doesn’t deserve this kind of suspicion.”

Levi stood up, walking over to her and crouching down so he could look up into her eyes. “Solina, I’m not your enemy. And I’m not your father’s enemy either. I’m just trying to protect the people I care about. That includes you.”

Her gaze flickered to his, and for a moment, Levi thought she might push him away. But then she sighed, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction. “I know you’re trying to protect Paradis, Levi. And I know you care about me. I just… I don’t like feeling like my family is under attack.”

Levi reached for her hand, holding it gently in his own. “I’m not attacking your family. I’m just being careful. And I’ll try to be more considerate of how this makes you feel, alright?”

Solina looked down at their hands, her lips pressing together before she nodded. “Alright. But promise me you won’t let this cause a rift between us, Levi. I don’t want to feel like I have to choose between you and my family.”

Levi squeezed her hand lightly. “You won’t have to. I promise.”

Solina’s lips curved into a faint smile, and Levi felt a small sense of relief. The tension wasn’t completely gone, but they’d taken a step in the right direction. Now, Levi just had to figure out what the emperor was hiding without letting it come between him and Solina.

As Levi and Solina re-entered, the atmosphere in the dining room was noticeably strained. The emperor’s sharp green eyes flickered toward them, his brow slightly furrowed. He put down his wine goblet and asked in his steady, commanding tone, “Are you both alright?”

Solina smiled quickly, but Levi could see the strain behind it. “We’re fine, Father,” she said with a calmness that didn’t entirely match the tension in her body. “We just needed a moment to talk.”

The emperor nodded, but his eyes lingered on them for a second longer before returning to his meal. Across the table, Lady Solana’s gaze lingered on her daughter, her expression soft but perceptive. It was clear she wasn’t buying Solina’s explanation, though she didn’t say anything.

Meanwhile, Hange sat happily at the table, picking at her food without a care in the world. She smiled brightly at Solina and Levi as if she hadn’t just caused the tension that hung over the meal like a storm cloud. “You two missed dessert!” she quipped, waving her fork. “It was divine, wasn’t it, Historia?”

Queen Historia nodded politely, though her gaze shifted uneasily between Solina and the emperor. Solina took her seat, brushing off Hange’s comment. Levi, as usual, remained stoic, taking the chair beside her with little fanfare.

Dinner resumed, but the undercurrent of tension lingered. Levi kept his eyes on his plate, though Solina noticed him glancing toward the emperor every so often. She wished she could ignore it, but now that the seed of doubt had been planted, her thoughts were racing.

Was her father really hiding something about the ice burst stone? And if so, why hadn’t he told her?

She thought back to all the moments her father had discussed his plans for Valoria with her. He’d always been so open with her about everything—or so she thought. But as she replayed those conversations in her mind, she realized he’d never gone into great detail about his intentions with the ice burst stone. He spoke of advancing Valoria’s technology, of sharing advancements with Paradis, but his words had always been vague, much like the answer he gave to Hange earlier.

Solina glanced across the table at Solomon, who was engaged in quiet conversation with Mikasa. Her brother knew something—of that, she was certain. It wasn’t surprising; as the crown prince, Solomon needed to be privy to their father’s plans. One day, he would inherit the throne and all the responsibilities that came with it. If their father was hiding something, Solomon would undoubtedly know about it.

But her mother? Solina’s gaze shifted to Lady Solana, who was elegantly sipping her wine. Solana was the emperor’s most trusted confidant, his first and most revered consort. If anyone would know the truth about her father’s intentions, it would be her. Yet her mother’s expression was serene, unreadable.

Could she be hiding something too?

The thought made Solina’s chest tighten. She didn’t want to believe her father was capable of deceit, especially toward her. But the way Levi had spoken earlier, the way Hange pressed the issue, and the emperor’s evasive answers—it all gnawed at her.

“Solina,” her mother’s voice broke through her thoughts, soft and warm. “You seem distracted, my dear. Is something on your mind?”

Solina blinked, forcing a smile. “No, Mother. I was just thinking about the children at the orphanage and what I can do for them next.”

Lady Solana smiled approvingly, though her gaze lingered on Solina for a moment longer. “You have such a generous heart, my love. It’s one of the many things your father and I admire about you.”

Solina nodded, her throat tightening. She glanced at Levi, who was quietly observing the interaction. For a moment, their eyes met, and she saw the concern in his gaze. He was giving her space, but she could tell he wanted to talk about what was bothering her.

As the dinner wore on, Solina couldn’t shake her thoughts. The room was filled with light chatter and laughter, but to her, it all felt distant. When the meal finally ended and the group began to disperse, Solina lingered at the table, lost in thought.

Levi placed a hand on her shoulder as he passed, his touch grounding her. “Are you alright?” he murmured, his voice low so only she could hear.

“I’m fine,” Solina replied automatically, though the words felt hollow.

Levi gave her a small, knowing nod before following the others out. Solina remained seated for a few moments longer, her thoughts swirling. She needed answers. And if her father and Solomon wouldn’t tell her, perhaps her mother would.

As the grand dining hall emptied, the scouts and Queen Historia gathered in the foyer of the Ackerman Estate, preparing to take their leave. The tension from dinner still lingered, though everyone was doing their best to maintain a polite facade in front of the royal family. The soft glow of the chandelier above cast long shadows across the room, and the murmurs of conversation echoed faintly against the high ceilings.

Queen Historia approached the emperor first, bowing gracefully. “Your Majesty, it has been an honor to host you here on Paradis. I look forward to continuing our collaboration.”

The emperor nodded, his expression warm but measured. “The honor is ours, Your Majesty. Valoria deeply values this alliance, and I have no doubt we’ll achieve great things together.”

Lady Solana stepped forward, her serene smile lighting up her face as she took Historia’s hand. “You have a true queen’s grace, dear. Solina speaks highly of you, and now I see why. Please, you must visit Valoria sometime.”

Historia smiled politely, though her eyes flickered toward the emperor, a spark of suspicion hidden beneath her calm demeanor. “I would be delighted.”

The scouts lined up to say their goodbyes next. Hange approached the emperor, her usual exuberance slightly tempered. “Your Majesty, it’s always a pleasure to see such progress being made. You’ve got quite the family here, too—very talented.” Her words carried an undercurrent of meaning that wasn’t lost on Levi, who stood nearby, watching her carefully.

The emperor smiled faintly, his eyes sharp as they met Hange’s. “Valoria’s strength lies in its unity and shared purpose. I am confident that together, Paradis and Valoria will accomplish much.”

Hange gave a small bow, but her keen gaze lingered for a moment before stepping back to allow the others their turn. Jean was next, his usual casual demeanor replaced with a hint of formality. “It was an honor, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice steady.

The emperor nodded. “The honor is mine. Paradis is fortunate to have soldiers like you.”

Eren stepped forward, his sharp green eyes scanning the emperor’s face as if trying to read his intentions. “Your Majesty,” he said simply, bowing stiffly. Mikasa followed closely behind, her expression as stoic as ever, though Levi could see the tension in her shoulders as she muttered her goodbyes.

Connie and Sasha were the last to approach, both wearing nervous smiles. “Thanks for dinner!” Sasha blurted, her cheeks flushing when Connie elbowed her lightly. “I mean—it was an honor, Your Majesty.”

The emperor’s lips twitched in amusement, though his response was as formal as ever. “You’re welcome, young soldier. I hope you’ll remember this night as a symbol of our alliance.”

As the scouts began filing out the door, Levi lingered at the back of the group, his sharp eyes taking in every detail of the royal family’s expressions. He noticed how Solomon subtly positioned himself between Soleil and Hange, clearly protective. The emperor, meanwhile, remained composed, his gaze occasionally flickering toward Solina, who stood beside Levi, her hand resting lightly on his arm.

Levi couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. The emperor’s carefully chosen words during dinner, the vague answers, and now his measured politeness all pointed to someone who was hiding something. And while Levi didn’t believe the emperor had malicious intent toward Solina—or even Paradis—he couldn’t ignore the gnawing suspicion that the ice burst stone was being used for more than what was being openly discussed.

Once outside the estate, the scouts and Historia regrouped near their waiting carriages. Hange was the first to break the silence. “Well, that was interesting,” she said, folding her arms. “Did you see the way he dodged my questions? He’s hiding something. I’d bet my entire library on it.”

Jean sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, but what can we do about it? He’s the emperor of Valoria. We can’t exactly demand answers.”

“I don’t trust him,” Eren said bluntly, his fists clenched at his sides. “He’s too polished. Too careful.”

Mikasa glanced at him, her expression unreadable. “We need to tread carefully. Solina and Solomon are part of this, too. We can’t alienate them.”

Historia nodded, her thoughtful gaze fixed on the dark horizon. “For now, we observe. If the emperor’s intentions truly are questionable, they’ll reveal themselves in time.”

Levi, who had been silent up until this point, finally spoke. “Keep your eyes open, but don’t push too hard. We can’t afford to jeopardize the alliance.”

Hange gave him a knowing look but nodded. “Fine. But I’m not dropping this, Levi. Something’s not adding up.”

As the carriages began to pull away, the scouts shared a collective sense of unease. The emperor’s visit had answered none of their questions and only deepened their suspicions. Whatever he was planning, Levi knew it was only a matter of time before the truth came to light.

…

As the carriages rumbled down the dirt road, the scouts sat in tense silence, each lost in their thoughts about the emperor's evasiveness during dinner. The only sound came from the rhythmic clattering of hooves against the cobblestones and the occasional rustle of clothing as someone shifted uncomfortably.

Then, as if struck by divine inspiration, Hange’s eyes lit up with mischief, and she clapped her hands together, startling everyone in the carriage.

“I’ve got it! I know exactly what we need to do to get Solomon to spill the beans!” she declared, her excitement palpable.

Jean groaned, already sensing chaos. “Here we go,” he muttered, leaning back in his seat.

Hange’s gaze zeroed in on Mikasa, who had been staring out of the window, her expression as neutral as ever. “Mikasa,” Hange began, her voice filled with determination. “You’re going to flirt with Solomon.”

Mikasa’s head snapped around so fast it was a miracle she didn’t get whiplash. Her face turned an immediate shade of crimson. “W-What?!” she stammered, her wide gray eyes staring at Hange in disbelief. “Why on Earth would I do that?!”

Hange leaned forward, her grin widening. “Think about it! Solomon clearly has a soft spot for you. He can barely stop staring at you, and he looks like a kicked puppy every time you brush him off. If anyone can get him to talk, it’s you!”

Mikasa’s mouth opened and closed several times, but no words came out. She glanced around the carriage, hoping someone would come to her rescue, but the others were either smirking or trying to stifle their laughter.

“Mikasa, Solomon has a thing for you,” Sasha said, grinning. “How have you not noticed?”

Connie snorted. “Seriously, Mikasa. The dude’s practically got hearts in his eyes whenever you’re around. He’s worse than Jean.”

“Hey!” Jean protested, glaring at Connie before crossing his arms and looking pointedly out the window.

Mikasa’s blush deepened, and she shook her head vehemently. “That’s ridiculous. He doesn’t—he can’t—”

“Oh, he does,” Hange interjected, wagging a finger. “I’ve been observing him closely. He’s smitten, Mikasa. And that’s precisely why you’re the perfect person for this mission.”

Eren, who had been surprisingly quiet up until this point, frowned in confusion. “Wait… Solomon likes Mikasa?” His tone was genuinely baffled, and he glanced at her as if seeing her for the first time. “When did that happen?”

Armin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Eren, how have you not noticed? He’s been like this since the first time we met him in Valoria.”

Eren’s brows furrowed, and he looked at Mikasa again, this time with a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance. “That guy?”

Mikasa groaned, burying her face in her hands. “This is absurd,” she muttered, her voice muffled. “I’m not going to flirt with him. That’s insane.”

Hange wasn’t deterred. She scooted closer to Mikasa, her enthusiasm undiminished. “Come on, Mikasa! It’s for the greater good! Don’t you want to know what they’re planning with the ice burst stone?”

“I’m not seducing someone for information,” Mikasa said firmly, glaring at Hange. “Find another way.”

“But you don’t even have to seduce him,” Sasha chimed in, grinning. “Just, you know, smile at him a little more. Maybe compliment his hair or something.”

“Or his swordsmanship,” Connie added, smirking. “Guys love that.”

Mikasa shot them both a glare that could have cut steel. “I said no.”

Hange sighed dramatically, throwing her hands up. “You’re making this harder than it needs to be, Mikasa. It’s not like I’m asking you to marry him. Just a little harmless flirting.”

“I don’t know how to flirt,” Mikasa snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. “And even if I did, I wouldn’t.”

Hange’s grin returned, and she leaned back with a shrug. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to wing it. Don’t worry, Mikasa. I’ll coach you.”

Mikasa’s groan of frustration echoed through the carriage, while Sasha and Connie dissolved into laughter. Eren still looked vaguely irritated by the entire conversation, and Jean muttered something under his breath about how ridiculous the whole situation was.

As the carriage continued toward their destination, Mikasa stared resolutely out of the window, silently praying that Hange’s “brilliant idea” would be forgotten by morning. But deep down, she had a sinking feeling that Hange wasn’t going to let this go anytime soon.

~

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[thepossibilitiesofus]

9/8/2020 & 9/10/2020

*I realized after my last personal post on my health issues I didn’t include any warning before I started talking about stuff that may be uncomfortable or harmful to someone (triggering), so I am making sure to do that this time, and I will go back and edit the other one to have a warning.

I don’t think anyone is actually reading these posts so I’m not that worried about someone having seen it yet unless through looking at the tags I included. But in the event that someone was harmed by coming across that post without the warning, I am truly sorry.*

Warning: Chronic Illness, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, Body Image Issues, Eating Disorders, Mental Illness, Cannabis Use, and just generally kinda gross things. If any of these things are potentially triggering to you, please do not read.

Last time I posted about my cyclic vomiting syndrome, I was still in the middle of an episode. I mean, I still am, but getting towards the end of it (I think....God, I hope). Yesterday I didn’t throw up at all and didn’t have to battle nausea for most of the day. Then this morning, I threw up the most violently and forcefully from the very depths of my stomach (all acid baybeee) that I have since last Monday. I’ve been feeling really sick today so I waited til my roommate was gone to smoke cannabis to try and relieve myself of the nausea and hopefully be able to eat something. (9/8/2020)

I got really stoned, but only “mind high” as opposed to “body high.” For those who may not understand or have little to no experience with cannabis, there are two different types of strains of cannabis: sativa and indica. These two strains produce different effects, and are often crossbred to include effects from both strains (and these are called hybrid strains). Sativa strains are more likely to get you “mind high,” whereas indica strains are more likely to get you “body high.” I will leave it at this over-simplistic explanation for now, but please be aware that this is a huge generalization.

**I plan to write a post about my experiences with cannabis, in the hopes that it may provide valuable information to those who may hold stereotypes about cannabis and the people who use it, or who may just not have come across information on it before. However, that is not the main point of this post.** 

As a result of not achieving the “body high” that I was hoping to attain in the hopes of relieving my nausea, I went on a very emotional roller-coaster. I had gone into my kitchen with the hopes of finding something that didn’t immediately revolt me to the point of gagging, and failed, which is what triggered some unhealthy thoughts, and therefore some realizations, to occur.

As I walked back to my room, I saw my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a bralette and leggings, which left a decent portion of my stomach showing. I have always been extremely self-conscious about my stomach, and never would have worn something like this around my house even a few months ago. My life has always been about hiding myself, especially this thing that I have always considered to be a huge flaw about my body. When I walked in my room and saw my reflection in the mirror, I noticed that I had seemingly lost a lot of weight. (I say seemingly because I don’t have a scale so I can’t know for sure. Regardless, I felt like that no matter what the reality was.) And for a split second, I finally felt kind of good about myself.

Now, to give some extra cannabis-related context. I learned in my Theory of Personality and Psychotherapy class the other day that using drugs and alcohol  (which is a drug, but I digress), and sleeplessness are opportunities for the unconscious--what non-psych majors might understand to be their subconscious--to break through to the conscious. When these things/realizations/feelings “bubble up” to the surface of our consciousness, we can for a moment have great personal revelations. (Another side note, this explains the Bob Marley quote “When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”) Now, anyone who hasn’t used cannabis or other psychedelics might intellectually understand this, but without having used cannabis themselves, they lack the experiential understanding that users have.

With that context given, I can admit that at that moment of confidence, I realized that I have already started developing an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. I started writing this post a few days ago, and I must say that even removed by time from that situation, I still feel quite similarly, unfortunately. I realized that I liked the feeling of starving to the point of weight-loss, in a very demented and twisted way. I’ve always logically and emotionally known that intentionally starving yourself of food with the intentions of losing weight and “being pretty” is horrid. But when you’re forced into this kind of situation by your chronic illness and not by choice, it can feel like even more of an inescapable prison.

So, instead of judging myself for that feeling, I embraced it as a natural part of myself that isn’t wholly representative of my feelings or beliefs regarding my impaired eating. But first, I felt tremendous turmoil and discomfort. This feeling consumed me to the point of complete despondency.

Fortunately, through other not-so-pleasant experiences happening in my life right now, I have been able to utilize more effective and healthy coping mechanisms. I was able to fight through these feelings and come out on the other side. This is something that I haven’t been able to do in a very long time, due to a very long train of traumatic experiences, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of myself.

After experiencing and working through those intense emotions, I came to realize that my nausea had gone away. Even though I still wasn’t “body high”, and only “mind high,” I came to the conclusion that being able to fight my way through an arduous mental gauntlet of conflicting emotions was able to relieve me of my nausea. 

I’ve always known that my cyclic vomiting syndrome is tied to the state of my mental health. And over the past few years, having been through some really tough things has left a lot of open wounds on me, that need to be proactively taken care of. I’ve been going to therapy, doing really well with my self-care, and slowly but surely making my way through the trauma that my brain has been hiding from me for so long.

It’s a slow and grueling process, and God knows there’s a long way to go. When I first started writing about this, I felt very defeated. Now, I recognize the hard work I’ve been putting in and the progress I’ve made as a result.

I hope that by sharing my experiences, I’ve somehow helped someone else. (9/10/2020)

[lebaronlordking]

Saturday Afternoon Reggae Show

DJ LeBaron Lord King  October 19, 2024

lebaron@kpoo.com

#SaturdayAfternoonReggaeShow

4:00 PM

Israel Vibration Herb Is the Healing

4:04 PM

Black Uhuru Chalice

4:08 PM

Fe Me Time All Stars Mother Liza

4:10 PM

Zion I Kings The System Dub

4:10 PM

Zion I Kings The System Dub

4:15 PM

Prince Jammy Loin Heart

4:18 PM

The Mixinglab Revolutionaires

4:22 PM

Shaggy Hey Sexy Lady

4:25 PM

Levi Myaz Warrior

4:29 PM

Fantan Mojah No Way

4:33 PM

Vania Colours Life is a Struggle

4:38 PM

Monkey Marc Yaad N Abraad

4:42 PM

Damian Marley Welcome To Jamrock

4:46 PM

Arise Roots Rootsman Town

4:50 PM

Stick Figure Smokin' Love

4:54 PM

Dawn Penn You Don't Love Me (No, No, No)

4:57 PM

Culture Why Am I A Rastaman?

5:01 PM

Samory I Son Of David

5:06 PM

Beenie Man Girls Dem Sugar

5:12 PM

The Wailers Concrete Jungle

5:14 PM

Horseman Clean Reggae Music

5:18 PM

Imar Shepard I've Got to Learn

5:22 PM

Snoop Lion Smoke the Weed

5:25 PM

Shabba Ranks Mr. Loverman

5:32 PM

Protoje Switch It Up

5:36 PM

YG Marley Praise Jah In The Moonlight

5:41 PM

Chronixx Dela Move

5:44 PM

White Mice True Love

5:47 PM

Ras Pyton Be a Rainbow

5:50 PM

Black Uhuru Shine Eye Gal

5:56 PM

Buju Banton THESE STREETS KNOW MY NAME

6:00 PM

DeZaire When Devils Came

6:09 PM

Burna Boy Last Last

6:13 PM

I Noah Chosen

6:18 PM

Christopher Ellis Rub a Dub

6:20 PM

Isha Bel A Nuh Man Way

6:24 PM

Popcaan Heavy

6:30 PM

Queen Omega Fittest

6:33 PM

Luciano Here We Go Again

6:36 PM

Kabaka Pyramid Red Gold and Green

6:44 PM

Jah Mason Listen

6:46 PM

Jesse Royal Island in the Sun

6:46 PM

Sizzla Glory & Honor

6:49 PM

Chezidek It's Time

6:53 PM

Nature Ellis Light It

6:56 PM

Tony Rebel Jah Is By My Side

[thewreckkelly]

A Capuchin monkey sat on the branch of a Kapok tree lounging lazily against the thick trunk drawing long and slow on a big fat Marley length joint. A decent sized leaf and wicker basket full to the brim with six week old cured - under a scorching sun - buds of browning herb balanced precariously beside him along with a sheaf of rolling papers and a neat pile of environmentally friendly roaches.

Perched quietly on a lower neighbouring branch, a New World Water Dragon observed the scene for a good half hour before ambling slowly across foliage with swaying limbs to settle down beside what can only be describe as an extremely chilled monkey.

‘How’s it going man’, greeted the Capuchin with a droopy smile.

‘Good man’, nodded the Iguana, ‘real good ….. easy ….. know what I’m saying’

‘Hear you man’, drawled the monkey before nodding at the basket of weed, ‘toke?’

‘My brother’, nodded the longing lizard moving in on the basket and checking out its fragrant aroma with his elongated snout.

The monkey regarded the investigation wide eyed and with knowing interest.

‘Good stuff man’, promised the Monkey, ‘got the seed from a Marmoset who has … you know …. respect’

The Water Dragon nodded approval then turned to face his new Capuchin friend with a trouble expression.

‘Dude’ he began while slowly raising his front paws, ‘you might have noticed I don’t really have the ….. you know …..  dexterity like ….. to kind a grind and roll like ….. without like …. making a mess man ….. making a bad mess man’

‘Not a problem amigo’, nodded the obliging monkey and lethargically set to work manufacturing.

Over the course of the rest of the afternoon the two of them whittled down most of the basket and all was very good and close to better in their heavenly rainforest world. 

Just as daylight was settling into a slow dusk the Iguana got a terrible urge to immerse himself in water and satisfy a terrible thirst that had suddenly engulfed him – it’s a well known and proven scientific fact a side effect of THC does not make members of the lizard family hungry but does make them extremely thirsty.

So the properly stoned Iguana politely asked his fellow imbiber if there would be any objection to the taking of a brief sojourn in the nearby Rio to satisfy said thirst.

‘Go man go’, yawned the monkey, ‘you’re good …… knock yourself out, fill your boots’

It took a lot longer than the Iguana thought to climb down the tree and make his way to the gently flowing river. But eventually he got there and slowly eased himself into its crystal clear waters to lap and to swallow.

Man it tasted and felt soooooo good!

Unfortunately for our friendly water dragon he had not considered the effect of an excessive amount of Mary Jane on his ability to float or swim.  Before he could say; ‘Sheeeeee it’, the lizard and his overly relaxed frame, was heading rapidly to the bottom of the suddenly surprisingly deep water - and with his descent, likely oblivion.

And that would have been that except, as luck would have it, a fully mature giant crocodile was just waking from his afternoon nap and had observed the whole incident of the languid laughing lizard’s misadventure.

Recognizing a fellow reptile part-time amphibian in peril, the old croc did what any decent old croc would do. He smoothly glided through the water to where the distressed - yet very chilled and still smiling - Iguana was slowing ebbing life away and nudged him back to dry land with purpously closed mouth to avoid causing distress.

After a few minutes of recovery and many gasping expressions of gratitude, the Iguana related the tale of how he came to lose complete control in this normally natural environment. The old croc was intrigued and said he’d like to check out this monkey fella for himself. The Iguana, still not up to too much excitement or even movement, pointed his saviour in the direction of the Kapok that housed the Capuchin.

The old croc located the tree easily enough, surveyed its branches and finally spotted the monkey.

‘Hey Monkey’, he growled while looking up as best a freshwater crocodile can.

‘Shit man’, screeched the suddenly discombobulated Capuchin staring down and nearly losing his balance in the process, ‘how much fucking water did you drink?’

[entheognosis]

There's an herb for every system, every organ, every gland, and every tissue of our body. Mother nature has put medicine in our food.

Bob Marley

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

Leo Jinx *Supporting character

Voice Claim:(Trevante Rhodes) https://youtu.be/9oawYFumodg?t=79

Partner(s): Single. Parents: No longer living. Kids: None. Siblings: Reena Jinx Age: Immortal, quite possible at least a few 100 years. Height: 188cm (6.1ft) Body type: Muscular. Eye color: Golden honey, but purple around the iris Classification: Herbologist/medicine man/healer - Immortal/supernatural

About: ~ Adaptable, Charismatic, Adventurous, Helpful, Charming, Amiable, Considerate, Friendly, Humble, Appreciative, Balanced, Fair, Cheerful, Lovable, Clever, Relaxed, Confident, Imaginative, Cultured, Forgiving, Honest,  Outgoing, Intuitive, Open-minded, Genuine, Logical, Protective, Playful, Spontaneous, Tolerant and Patient. ~ Always very helpful, and great at giving advices. ~ Sexuality: He doesn’t bother much with that stuff, he’s more attracted to personalities. ~ Long brown thick dreads. ~ Great guitar player. ~ Chills around with a blunt, jamming, relaxing, cooking up some good herbs for people in need. ~ Always up for something fun. ~ Sees the best in everyone. ~ Wholesome boi. ~ The kind of person you want to be best friends with. ~ Always has your back. ~ Warm soul. ~ Calming presence.  ~ Doesn’t care much for the buttons on his shirts. ~ Always helping the elderly. ~ Charity level on max. ~ Great listener. ~ Good dancer. ~ Smiles a lot. ~ Infectious laughter.  ~ Chain {weed} smoker. ~ Paints happy motives or inspirational words on stones, and leaves them around nature/town for other people to find. ~ Smells like: Weed.... and incense. ~ Pretty good cook. ~ Lover not fighter. ~ Hates arguing. ~ Always have some sort of incense going in his home. ~ Lives with a couple of roommates. ~ Considering opening a coffee shop. ~ Doesn’t sleep much, he feels refreshed after just 4-5 hours of sleep, so he rather be awake and spend more time enjoying life than laying in bed. ~ Does a bit of part time modeling, just for fun/the experience. ~ Bakes cookies to cheer people up. ~ Rarely gets stressed/sad/angry. ~ Drums on stuff when he gets restless. ~ Likes to skip stones on any large watery surface. ~ Makes and sells braided/beaded bracelets, all profit goes to various organizations. ~ Is very environmental friendly. ~ If he’s bored, he likes to take long strolls, and pick up any garbage he finds on the way. ~ Has his own little garden, where he not only grows his own food, but also plants flowers, bushes and trees that are beneficial for the local bird- and insect life. ~ Vegetarian. ~ Has a good sense of humor, and often makes people laugh. ~ Loves helping, weed, incense, cooking, chillin, hot sauce, grilled salmon, spending time in nature, animals, homemade berry juice, sundown/sunrise, nuts/seeds, making people laugh, swimming, anything caramel flavored, insects, pumpkin pie, sex, dancing, studying herbs, meeting new people,  baked potatoes and raspberries. ~ His style is casual/comfortable and usually with some flowy shirt and sandals. ~ Is just a very loving person - loves everything and everyone.

Leo’s tag Leo’s house/home Leo’s moodboard Handwriting/ask answer pic:

One gif to describe him:

One song to describe him: Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds Personal Playlist: 1. Bob Marley - Jammin 2. Ziggy Marley - Love Is My Religion 3. Jimmy Cliff - You Can Get It If You Really Want 4. Toots & The Maytals - Spiritual Healing 5. Bob Marley - Sun Is Shining 6. Inner Circle - Sweat (A La La Long) 7. Bob Marley & The Wailers - Redemption Song 8. Skip Marley - My World 9. Eek-a-Mouse - Ganja Smuggling 10. Bob Marley - One Love 11. Inner Circle - Rock with You 12. Toots & The Maytals - Funky Kingston 13. Shaggy - Oh Carolina 14. Bob Marley - Iron Lion Zion 15. Stephen Marley - No Cigarette Smoking (In My Room) 16. Julian Marley - Awake 17. Bob Marley - Wait In Vain 18. Toots and the Maytals - Pressure drop 19. Damian Marley - Road to Zion ft. Nas 20. Bob Marley - Stir it up