#never getting out of underground. ka-sigh

[mettatoniic]

mettaton's so fucking stupid, what a unit.

[hannie-dul-set]

#17. blue hydrangeas — lee taeyong.

“𝘀𝗼 𝗿 𝘂 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗺 𝗶 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯 𝘂.”

SUMMARY. wherein this time, it’s your breath that gets taken away and not the other way around.

PAIRING. florist! lee taeyong x contract-killer! reader (f). GENRE. romance, humor, light angst, and of course the overall theme of the event  — dumbassery (this time, by y/n). realized that this was inspired by healer only after i finished editing. WARNINGS. murder, death i mean lol, violence, swearing, mentions of blood, knives, & guns. WORD COUNT. 2.2k words.

REQUESTED BY. @lebrookestore​ hi brooke!!! absolutely unsure whether or not you’ll enjoy this, but take it anyway, i have no idea!!!! TAGLIST. @blossom-rea​ @nctdom​ @melonadeski @sweetjaemss​ @wooyoung-a​ @byunfirstlady​

NOTE. you may be wondering: allex what the fuck?? murder??? but funny??? light angst??? yes idk what this is either it just happened. also if you feel like there are things missing, that there are questions still hanging in the air — that’s the point of this event HAHA. to just give a few glimpses of what could be a bigger story (and also because i have Zero Time to write a million gigantic fics).

anyway, first fic for the event!! this is weird n unlike my usual writing n all over the place, but i hope u like it nevertheless!

hoy, tanga! kinikilig ka naman ba? (hey, dumbass! are you falling again?)

“SO ARE YOU GONNA FALL IN LOVE WITH ME or am I gonna have to stab you?”

“Maybe before you start throwing threats against his life, why don’t you try talking to him first, yeah?”

You flinch at the loud voice speaking directly into your ears.

“Idiot.”

Considering how long you two have been working together, you should have been used to Renjun acting as if he were your nagging subconscious (that occasionally instructed you the quickest escape route from the cops). But the situation at hand is different. No external force could have prevented you from nearly dropping your binoculars from twenty-five feet above the ground.

“Renjun, are you stupid?” you hiss into the mouthpiece of your communicating device, readjusting yourself on the dusty, concrete floor, right in front of the wood hammered window of the fifth story of an abandoned building that sits across the street from a small, quaint flower shop in downtown Seoul. “How do you expect me to do that?”

He doesn’t expect you to do that at all. 

Well, neither do you, obviously.

“Have you forgotten your job here, dumbass?” he nags, like usual. Actually, he never used to do this— his nagging only started two weeks ago, when you first got your current assignment. Renjun has been growing gray hairs ever since. “Ten o’clock. The person that you should be watching is over there.”

There he is indeed. Kim Doyoung. Twenty-seven years old and working for the Intelligence Division of the South Korean Government. It’s no wonder so many people are willing to pay nine digits for his head— he’s lucky that the highest bidder wants his safety, instead. Otherwise, he’d already been dead two weeks ago.

Well, you click your tongue, examining the male through the scope while he exchanges greetings with the florist you’d been, ahem, watching instead of him, and all of a sudden you can feel the tiny organ inside your ribcage pull somersaults all around the broken beams of the building when he smiles and lets Kim Doyoung in.

You hold back a squeal, but a sliver of a squeak slips through. Renjun is remotely sighing while looking at you from a nearby CCTV camera.

If the underground finds out that their go-to cold-blooded, notorious hired gun would be on her knees for a pretty boy in a pink apron, your reputation would be ransacked overnight.

“Renjun,” you speak. He slides up the volume of your microphone, hearing the sudden drop of your voice.

“What? Did something happen?”

“On a scale of one to ten, how much of a chance do you think I have with Lee Taeyong?”

Renjun regrets giving you his information.

“Ever considered washing your hands and getting a normal job and being a normal person?”

You don’t even get to reply.

“Yes or no, your chances are still zero,” he flatly says. You silently grumble, placing your binoculars in front of your eyes once more. It isn’t as if you didn’t know that. Kim Doyoung and Lee Taeyong are sitting on the tables and chairs by the window of the latter’s shop, a multitude of flowers and leaves and ferns that you’ve never had a reason to know the names of framing them from every corner. “This has nothing to do with you being a wanted criminal, by the way. You just have zero guts.”

You grunt and glare at the empty space where you imagine your partner to be.

“He waters plants while I water the ground with the blood of my clients’ enemies!”

“Okay, edgelord. You sound perfect for each other, or whatever.” You can hear typing sounds through the earpiece. Why can’t this guy just humor you? “But keep your eyes on the target. Kim Doyoung is leaving the store.”

Renjun stops tracking Kim Doyoung through the cameras when he hears your scream.

“What?! What’s wrong?”

His hands and fingers are quick to move, switching over to your location in a single, panicked instant. “Oi.”

“He’s petting a dog!”

Renjun’s fingers freeze above the wires and keys. Through one of the monitors, he sees Lee Taeyong kneeling down with a retriever (the owner was looking at his flowers), Kim Doyoung long gone. He feels a vein threatening to pop.

“Oh my god, he’s like a Disney princess. Kim Doyoung is the best thing that has ever happened to me since learning how to shoot a gun.”

If Kim Doyoung dies— Renjun thinks— his best friend would be the indirect cause.

“LEFT.

Go up.

Straight ahead.”

It’s nighttime. You were just about to retire for the day when Renjun caught three suspicious men lurking around Lee Taeyong’s flower shop. A month had passed since you were first hired to shadow Kim Doyoung and protect him, and this isn’t the first time you had to stop an abduction. However, this is the first time where someone else is getting involved.

That someone else being the owner of the flower shop himself.

You swear under your breath and pull a mask over your face, running to the scene.

Remember when you said Kim Doyoung is the best thing that has ever happened in your life? Well, you’d like to take it back now. If he were dead, no one else’s lives would be at risk tonight, or maybe that’s just your personal emotions getting in the way. Who knew that watching a guy for three weeks straight would be enough for someone to develop feelings strong enough to cloud your judgement— or maybe this just happened because you are you and he is him; had it been a different set of people, this might have not been possible.

What can you say? It’s the veracity of polarity— your calloused fingers yearn for the hands that caress flower petals all day. It’s different from the things you involve yourself in on a day to day basis.

“Hey,” you start. “Directions.”

“Go right from here,” he replies. “Gray building, ground floor.”

You nod and close in, and it’s checkmate when you enter the building.

Shots are fired. Metal clatters to the ground. They should have hired more people, because it took you less than seconds to take two of them down and with a crack! you step on the larger person’s hand. “Fuck!” 

On the floor is a cracked phone screen in the middle of a call— the number you know well and had to memorize.

“Your friend is safe. Don’t go anywhere unless you want yourself dead.”

Quick shots were taken of the scene: two men on the ground, one cowering in the far left, and evidence of his friend, alive, are sent to Doyoung in the half instance before the phone screen collides to the concrete. You make quick strides over to the last person, pointing to your hands, smoke emitting from the mouth.

He pulls the trigger again and you’re right behind him.

Godammit, you mentally swore. This isn’t how things are supposed to go. This isn’t what you hoped for.

It’s only for a split second that he looks at you for the first time, that the man you’d been admiring from afar looks at you instead of being looked at. But it is not in the way that you’d imagined and replayed in your head over and over again— sparkly-eyed, smiley-faced, like the way he greets his customers after the jingle of the bell in his store. That isn’t the case right now.

You’d just thrown a body into the floor, slashed a blade through the tender skin of the person’s neck, and red burst all over when you looked up to the wide eyes looking straight at you with alarm, panic, and fear.

This definitely isn’t how you pictured your ‘meet-cute’ occurrence.

“I called a chauffeur to take him home. You better leave now before he takes a clearer look at you.”

“I’m already screwed,” you hiss.

“You only did your job.”

You take one look back at the scene, Lee Taeyong still staring with those large, pretty eyes at the side profile of your dark figure looming over the massacre, and you feel sick to the stomach.

“I hate this job.”

“That’s the first time you’ve said that from your ten years in the business.”

THERE’S A YELLOWISH TINT IN THE MIDDAY SKY, the shadows of clouds sliding down the sidewalk of Seoul’s streets from the overpassing sky. The smell of freshly baked bread wafts through the air from the building next door, and beeps and whirs from passing vehicles flood into your ears. You can see the sight with your eyes closed— even after only staying here for a little more than a month. 

To your right is Moon’s bakery. To your left is an alley leading up to the next street. Behind you is a building in the middle of redevelopment. You don’t have to think to know what’s in front of you.

“I know you have the habit of taking away lives, but can you at least spare some mercy to the poor leaf you’re desecrating?”

You shoot your eyes open, yelping at the poor leaf of an orange tulip from the stands that had somehow managed its unfortunate way into your hands. “Shit,” you mumble, staring down apologetically at the scrunched up droopy leaf. “Renjun, I don’t think I can do this.”

“I think you can.”

“I killed a man right before his eyes!”

“He doesn’t know it’s you!” Renjun scolds you for yelling too loud. “You saved his fucking life.”

“He doesn’t know it’s me!” you retort, releasing a croaky groan and running your fingers through your hair, a permanent frown and grimace stapled to your face. “I’m gonna throw up.”

“Don’t you dare. It took me so long to convince you to wear that dress.”

Right now, you’re in front of Monroe— the flower shop owned by the pretty pretty florist who you most likely scarred after that scene the other week— wearing a pastel pink cotton dress with a cream cardigan on top. For once, you look like a normal law abiding citizen. Someone who probably studies in the morning and works at a cute cafe in the afternoon.

The only reason you haven’t been shooed away or had the cops called on you is because Lee Taeyong is on lunch break.

“Look, Y/N,” uncharacteristically, Renjun wears a comforting tone. Your frown just digs deeper when you hear his voice enter your head. “This is your only chance of meeting the alleged love of your life and if you blow this, you’re never meeting him again.”

You want to. You know you want this at the very least to replace the last picture you have of it inside your head into something softer— something kinder, more tender to your sensibilities just like you’d imagined, but at the same time it’d feel like you’d be cheating your own fate. 

“You know that you’re leaving in a few hours, right?”

That’s right. It’s dangerous to linger in the same city after a job, after all. You’re set out for Daegu in the evening. Someone filed a request to clean up a mess back in Jung-gu.

“I never said he was the love of my life,” you huff, pulling down the ends of your cardigan. “I’m just— you know—”

The cast iron bell fumbled with the swinging of a door.

“Sorry! Were you waiting long?”

It’s all familiar. The bell sound, the perfume scent of roses leaking from the inside of the mint walls and blushing copper lights strewn around the living vines, and the gold lines in his eyes— welcoming, a little bashful too, after letting a customer wait outside his store since who knows when. A completely different look for the exact same undeserving person, a familiar feeling despite never feeling it yourself.

Maybe your throat set up a trap for itself because the air simply would not breathe past it.

“Oh—! um—”

Calm down, you breathe in. Is this really okay? Is it alright for you to be doing this?

“Hey, sorry to cut your moment short but we need to leave in thirty. You fine with that?”

“Hydrangeas!” you suddenly yelp. “I’m—I’m looking for hydrangeas?”

Three blinks. Then he smiles. “Come in.”

When’s the last time you entered a room full of daisies and orchids and azaleas and roses? Never, because this is your first. A sight so common to most, yet awe striking to someone like you. Out of place, that’s how you feel— like an autumn tree in the middle of a field of sunflowers, the roots unsuited for the dirt in the ground, yet you bury and bury yourself anyway until the time comes where you’ll be forcefully uprooted.

“Wrap it up, Y/N. It’ll be dangerous for you to stay longer.”

“Do you have a specific arrangement in mind?” he asks. Your eyes stay on him curiously. “Like a message you want to convey?”

A message. There’s a piece of paper tucked into your cardigan pocket. A cheat note you prepared for today. “Can you just…make a bouquet of nothing but blue hydrangeas?” You never even knew that different colors mean different things to different flowers and different people. Taeyong smiles— it’s the first time you see his nametag up close.

“You must be really thankful, then.”

“Y/N.”

“Is it— is it okay if I come back for it later?”

“Of course,” he replies while taking a white wrapper from his stand. “But I hope your later isn’t too late. The flowers can’t wait forever.”

“It’s time to go.”

“Don’t worry,” you reply. The bell clangs. It’s the first time you hear it make this kind of tune. “I’ll come back for them soon!”

AFTERWORD. there’s still so many to develop from this HAHHAHA does taeyong recognize her? what’s her history with renjun? how the fuck did she even get in this business anyway? when the fuck is she getting the flowers back — but i digress, brain hurty HAHAHAHA. niwey! hope u enjoyed this unscheduled dumpster fire! pls send me ur thoughts think u sew much.

HOY, TANGA! KINIKILIG KA NAMAN BA? © hannie-dul-set 2022.

[voreconnoisseur]

Ok but I need more Obey me vore- could you do some protective/possessive vore with the brothers? (And if you want the undate-ables to)

Yeeeeah babey this ones protective AND possessive! But for some of these asks I’m gonna be doing one bro per ask, with a long post, so hope you enjoy Mammon!

Getting in Trouble - High Stakes!

“Alright, listen up, human, ‘cause I’m only gonna tell you this once. If you’re gonna come with me, you have to stay hidden.”

As soon as you’d found out about the underground casino, you knew Mammon had to know about it. It practically had his name written all over it. And ever since, you’d been begging him to take you with you. He’d refused, initially, saying that it was dangerous... until your ordered him to take you with him. And then, of course, he’d reluctantly agreed.

“If any of them see you, it’s gonna be a mess. They’ll be all over me trying to get their hands on ya. And let me tell you, it is a TOUGH crowd there.”

You nodded enthusiastically. The main reason you wanted to go was because you knew you’d see Mammon at his peak. He was good at this sort of thing, despite what one might think with his tendency to overspend. You wanted to see how he played when the stakes were high!

And oh boy, were stakes going to get high.

***

Mammon had headed straight for the blackjack table. Peering from the pocket of his jacket, you couldn’t quite see the cards he’d been dealt. You could only hear and feel his reactions as he played. And from the sound of it, things weren’t going so well for him.

“Stand,” you heard him say, hesitantly. You saw the dealer flip his cards over... he had 21.

“...Dealer wins.”

“Shit.”

Mammon heaved a sigh, knocking you over inside his pocket in the process.

“Guess I’m out. I don’t have anything else to bet.”

The dealer spoke again, and the words that came out of his mouth sent a chill down your spine.

“The human in your pocket. I’ll bet everything you lost tonight if you put the human on the line, too.”

You could feel Mammon freeze.

“Eh—what’d you say?”

“The human. In. Your pocket. Why’d you bring it if not as a bargaining chip?”

There was a worrying silence. Surely, he would never—

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

Of course. Of course he’d try to get his money back at any cost. Of course Mammon would do that. You could imagine the *ka-ching* in his eyes.

You squirmed against Mammon’s hand as he grabbed you roughly and pulled you out from your hiding place, setting you down on the blackjack table.

“Mammon, why—“

Mammon put a giant finger to your lips—then brought it to his own; the symbol for quiet. You suddenly remembered your pact with him. You could stop him at any point and he knew it. Perhaps he had something planned...

You sat on the table, hungry gazes of the dealer and a few other demons watching burning into you. Your heart pounded—if something did happen, could Mammon protect you?

Now, with the full table in view, you could watch everything that happened. Mammon had a determined look on his face—a confident one.

The intensity just kept building as they played. A push. ANOTHER push. And now, with low value cards, Mammon was taking hits again and again.

You looked up at Mammon, whose eyes had previously been on his cards. Now he was focused directly at you. You could see sweat beginning to bead on his face, and yours probably didn’t look too different. But for just a split second, Mammon winked at you.

You’d come up with a secret sign a while ago at the House of Lamentation. It meant “cause a distraction.” Usually to prevent the other brothers from noticing something that would otherwise cause... problems. Right now, he was trying to tell you to do the same here.

“Hit me.”

As soon as the dealer started to flip the next card, you began to kick up a fuss. You screamed, cried, hyperventilated—and it worked. A few other demons came over to investigate. Even the dealer’s eyes left the cards for a second.

“Shut up down there,” he said, glaring over at you.

And that’s when Mammon swapped the new card for one he’d hidden in his sleeve.

To your surprise and relief, (and unlike many of Mammon’s plans) it worked. He’d swapped the card with a card that would give him exactly 21, and he’d done so before the dealer had even had a good look at it.

The dealer was forced to take another card and ended up busting. Mammon grinned, sliding all of the stacks of Grimm back into his bag, and snatching you from the table.

“Welp, better luck next time! Thanks for the refund~”

As he headed toward the exit, you scolded him.

“Mammon! That was really risky! I could’ve been that guy’s lunch! And what if he saw you cheat??”

“Aww, relax, Y/N. I would’ve just grabbed you and ran if it came to it. But then I wouldn’t be allowed back. Besides, the guy was TOTALLY cheatin’ even worse than me. He had the deck stacked. Or something like that.”

“...”

“...Come on. Like I would ever let MY human get taken by this random asshole.”

“Okay. I forgive you. But can we get out of here?”

“I’m already on it.”

You could see from your spot that Mammon was heading to the door, but. Uh oh.

“Don’t look now, but that guy doesn’t look happy with you.”

A demon who looked like some kind of bouncer, or bodyguard, or... henchman was blocking Mammon from leaving. His arms were crossed, showing off his rather beefy biceps. You could hear, additionally, someone approaching Mammon from behind. He turned to look and you saw him: the dealer from before.

“Hand over the human, cheater.”

Mammon froze, and you could feel him gulp.

“Wh-what are ya talkin about? I won completely fair and square!”

“Oh yeah? Then what’s this?”

The demon held up a card.

“Found it under your chair. You should’ve lost that round, but you got rid of it, didn’t you? Now. Hand it over, and I’ll even let you keep the rest of your shit. Otherwise...”

He slowly slid his index finger across his throat.

With a lightning fast motion, Mammon turned away, snatched you from his pocket, slid you INTO HIS MOUTH—

And turned back. He spoke, and his somewhat muffled works vibrates around you as you sat in the pocket of his cheek, saliva pooling around you.

“About thaft—shorry, but tat human wash my lunch today, sho no can do!”

You squirmed, kicking Mammon in the teeth, and instinctively he put his hand to his face, pressing against you in your fleshy pocket.

“Yeah right. It’s in your mouth. Spit it out.”

With an abrupt motion, you were sucked back out from Mammon’s cheek, and brought back into his tongue. It ran over you a few times, almost hesitantly, before you felt his head tilt back and...

He swallowed.

You were pulled downward, legs first, into Mammon’s throat, which then squeezed and squashed you downward. As soon as the pressure let up, you gasped, splashing downward, hearing Mammon sigh in relief along with you. Where you were now—his stomach, was glowing a faint gold in some spots, giving you a good look at your surroundings. It was roomier than one might think, rippled and moving and alive...

You snapped back to reality as you heard him speak again.

“Like I said, no can do! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m outta here.”

“Yeah, no. Get him.”

Your world lurched as Mammon broke into a sprint. You weren’t too worried about his situation—Mammon’s true strength was his speed, so he’d be able to get the two himself out of this. You waited it out somewhat uncomfortably as you were tossed about (at least your surroundings were squishy) for what felt like hours but was probably more like a few minutes. Eventually, you stopped being tossed around and Mammon slowed to a jog, panting, before stopping.

“Phew. Think we lost ‘em.”

You could feel something poke you from the outside.

“Y/N? Ya doin’ alright in there?”

Now, to deal with the situation at hand.

“Mammon, why did you eat me?”

“Cause I sure as hell wasn’t gonna let those guys eat you! Listen, if anyone is gonna eat MY human, it’s gotta be me.”

The golden glow intensified around you. It must have something to do with his sin, you thought, based on how it glowed while he spoke.

“Mmhm. But if you were just going to run away anyway, you could’ve left me in your pocket, stupid.” You gave a playful kick to the spot you knew Mammon’s Hans was resting. You felt a rough jab in your general direction in response.

“Er, well—You know what? How about I just leave you there and digest you!? Yeah, that’ll show you. In fact, MAYBE that’s what I was gonna do all along!”

“Yeah, well, you keep forgetting I have a pact with you. So all I would have to do is tell you to spit me out.”

“Grr...”

“...but you know what? I’m pretty comfy. I think I don’t mind staying here for a little while while we get home.”

You could tell he was pleased, because the ripples of his stomach glowed warmly. You let yourself sink into the folds and sighed.

“Where are we, anyway? I can’t see anything in here...”

“That’s a great question.”

[theravencawsatmidnight]

Part One. Preview at the Bottom

Bakugo is a underground Cage fighter, he comes home every morning around 3AM, hurt, bloody and pockets full of money. He does all of this to support you , his daughter. His coach, Aizawa warns him of the dangers that come with being a underground fighter but he never listens .

W! Brief violence, cursing.

Wanna see more of this? Lemme know!

Tags. @galagcica @squeaky-ducky @thesimpsclub @waffleareniceandfluffy @silentw-lkr

Katsuki was holding his own against this over confident man. His only advantage was that he was taller than Katsuki and was able to step out of the way just in time, sometimes he would jump back to showboat and it just pissed Katsuki off more. He hated these fixed fights, letting the other guy have his moment, and for what? For someone to bet more money on them? Katsuki jogged back to where Aizawa was and felt him reach through the cage to tug his shorts.

“You gotta go down till till 8 Katsuki, dont forget”

“Shut up..” he muttered under his breath moving back to the center , feeling even more angry.

The rounds went on, Katsuki was winning most of them and the final round was coming up, everyone had their money on Katsuki , he could care less who bet on him, as long as he got his share it did not matter.

The final round was upon them and Katsuki went down just like he was supposed to. The counting started and he was only half paying attention, Hanta was walking around with his fists up taking in the cheers and Katsuki was thinking about his daughter.

Dammit.. I hate this..

FOUR!!

Y/N is going to want to go to the park when she realizes im home…

FIVE!!

Maybe i can get Aizawa to take her so i can sleep…

SIX!!!

The rent is coming up , i need that 600…

SEVEN!!!

He turned his head slightly to see red hair and familiar blond hair.

EIGHT!!!

The fuck are they doing here…

Katsuki pulled himself up surprising Hanta, the blond smirked wiping the cut on his lip and throwing a hard punch sending the man into the cage knocking him out.

The bell was rung and everyone cheered with excitement. Katsuki spit a tooth out at the knocked out body as he exited the cage meeting up with Aizawa. His hands hurt and his bandages were red now .

“Great job.” Aizawa told him, giving him a towel

“Wheres my 600” he said, taking the towel to wipe his face.

“You got up to fast!!!” it was a familiar voice, squeaky like nails on a chalkboard. “So you get 300”

The towel was slowly dragged down revealing very angry eyes, oh. It was her..

She was tall, blond hair, expensive clothes and a bitchy face. His ex wife.

“Excuse me? Yuki ?”

She gave him and Aizawa a smug look. “You were supposed to make Hanta look good and thats not what you did!”

“I let that fuckin tree win five rounds what the hell are you talking about!!!”

Aizawa rubbed his neck watching this unfold, the red head came over in a flash too to grab Yuki.

“Yuki thats enough, go wait for me in the car”

“Hmph! If only you had a real job like Eijiro!” she flipped her hair at Katsuki walking away. She didn't even ask how her daughter was..

“Ka-”

“Get the fuck away from me Eijiro! You wanna take my daughter away too ? steal her like you did my wife?”

Eijiro stepped back, rubbing his neck and looking around the room then up at the cage. Hanta was limping out with help from some people. His eyes wavered back to the angry blond in front of him and he spoke low. “I just want to know if Yuki gave you the -”

“Fuck off Eijiro, lets go Aizawa” and with that the two made it too the exit. Passing a few people who congratulated Katsuki on his win, a hooded man caught his attention for a minute as they left, he had a black hoodie on with jeans, red sneakers. It looked like his hair was blue white. He had a sinister smile on his face.

“Nice job” the hooded man said.

“Whatever.” and just like that the two were gone.

Eijiro was still in the arena collecting his things from his sales and found Yuki by the car stomping her foot out of anger.

“Its cold!” she told him.

“So sit in the car.. I gave you the keys…” he watched Aizawa drive off then looked back at Yuki.

“Did you give Katsuki the child support i gave you?”

“Obviously! Jesus Eijiro why do you think so low of me?”

He tilted his head. “ i dont, im just asking bec-”

“Because you think im not giving him it?! Why would i do that?! “

“I .. i dont..-”

“Take me home, im tired.”

“Sure.. its been a long night.” he sighed going around the car, shielding his eyes from the rising sun getting in.

Yuki pat her purse peaking in at the $600 in child support. She grinned getting in and closing the door.

*

Katsuki arrived home around 5 AM, his first stop was the landlord office to drop off the rest of the rent only for the landlord to tell him hes short $150. Aizawa paid the rest and the office informed them both he would have to raise the rent because of nearby crimes and thefts. Katsuki was furious, he always took $50 home to keep in his safe and this week he could not take anything home. It was his Better Home For Y/N money. He had been saving for a year and was so close to being ready to move. But now it just seemed like it was even farther away.

Katsuki said nothing on the walk home with Aizawa, the tired man knew better than to say anything about the rent. He knew Katsuki hated when Aizawa had to help out, Izuku already helped out with groceries …

The door opened and Katsuki saw you asleep on Izukus chest, who was also asleep on the couch. He rolled his eyes walking over and picking you up to hug you tight waking you up.

“...mnng papa? PAPA IS HOME!!!” you hugged your father asking him a bunch of silly questions and if you could go to the park.

“Ugn.. Y/n , let me sleep first. “ he sat you on the counter to wash his hands in the sink. Izuku woke up too and rubbed his head sitting up . he waved to Aizawa awkwardly.

“But i wanna go NOW!” you pouted and felt a hand on your head.

“y/n i bought you new clothes”

“Mr Tired Man!!!” you jumped down to hug Aizawas legs all excited.

“I wanna see!!!!”

“Okay okay, come with me, ill take you too the park too “

“Yay!!! Papa im goin with Mr Tired Man!!!”

“At 5 in the morning? Whatever.” he bumped the sink off grabbing a towel Izuku brought him, the green haired man could tell Katsuki was upset, but he knew to wait till you were gone to ask anything.

Aizawa picked you up giving you hugs and tickling you with his stubble enjoying the laughs he pulled out of you, he left the apartment closing the door.

“Fucking Yuki cheated me, the rent is going up and im sick of letting these losers have their time to shine” Katsuki told him, he threw the towel on his counter to lean on it, arms folded.

Izuku recached into his pocket just for Katsuki to shoot him a look , “ i dont want your money, Izuku”

“What are you going to do then?”

“Fight more. Longer. Harder.”

Katsuki you cant keep..”

“I can and i will, im getting Y/N out of this god damn neighborhood, im going to bed i dont care if you stay here.” he waved off his friend stomping down to his room slamming the door getting a flinch out of Izuku.

“I just wish you would listen… sharks have been going to the fights.. You cant get involved with them.. “ he set some money on the counter and left to join you and Aizawa at the park.

*

[astraeagreengrass]

Right Where You Are, That’s Where I Am

Sometimes, finding yourself means finding someone

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Word Count: 1.904

Warnings: Angst, allusions to violence and PTSD, fluffy ending

A/N: This is my submission to @wkemeup​’s 4K Writing Challenge. My prompt was “Mariner’s Apartment Complex” by Lana del Rey. Thank you Kas for having me and congratulations on such an impressive milestone! ♡

Disclaimer: I don’t own Bucky Barnes or any other fictional characters mentioned in this story - they are property of Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios. The title belongs to Lana Del Rey. The plot is my own creation.

You lose your way, just take my hand  You're lost at sea, then I'll command your boat to me again

The plane left you in the border of Burundi.

From the muddy, narrow airstrip to the meeting point it took you four hours in a 1977 Jeep CJ-7. The air-conditioner was broken, forcing you to roll down the windows hoping for some breeze, but no such luck. Your hair was stuck to your nape and your skin collected mosquito bites as you drove through the heart of Africa, trailing the Mwiruzi river, guided only by an old printed map and a vibranium compass.

You reached the village at nightfall. Less than twenty houses formed a semi-circle around a tiny square, a well right in the middle of it. It was similar to hundreds of other villages you passed through on your way, but a rune drawn in white paint on the door of the house closest to the road gave it away as the right one.

You parked the Jeep beneath a Tamboti tree, tucking the keys under the passenger’s side seat cushion. Taking your backpack and a black duffel bag, you exited.

Nakia was waiting for you at the porch of the seventh house, a fussing baby in her arms. She was trying to soothe him with a lullaby sung in xhosa, her melodious voice the only sound apart from the crickets, but the child was insistent. Realizing she wouldn’t acknowledge you until the child was calm, you sat in the rickety wooden porch step, tucking your head between your knees. You hadn’t slept in over two days and finally finding Nakia gave you some unexpected relief that allowed the exhaustion to creep in.

“We’re leaving in the morning” she announced a few minutes later, when the baby surrendered to sleep. “You can rest until then.”

You wouldn’t, but it was nice of her to offer.

“It’s safe here” she added and you just nodded. That wasn’t enough guarantee to let your guard down.

Nakia sighed, only minor frustrated. Your behaviour annoyed her, but she knew she couldn’t demand much from you, even if you did look dead on your feet.

“Come on” she said, mentioning with her head for you to follow her inside. The house consisted of a single room, a kitchen, and two long, pic-nic style tables. It was relatively full, which immediately startled you, but your deft gaze was quick to assess that these people were more suspicious of you than you were of them.

There were no adult men, only women and children. The oldest boy appeared to be around twelve, and was carefully tucked to his mother’s side. There were other babies like the one Nakia extended to a girl sitting by the door, before exclaiming in igbo:

“Ayo! The milk is here!”

Ayo was a middle-aged woman mixing food by the stove. She nodded, but made no move to step away from her careful cooking.

“Are you hungry?”

You were, but it didn’t look like you were welcome. Regardless, Nakia mentioned you forward. Taking the black duffel bag from your hands, your host started taking out the cans of milk formula you bought in Johannesburg.

The request seemed odd to you at first: why did Nakia, the Kenyan heiress turned Wakandan spy, needed dozens of cans of milk formula somewhere in Tanzania? It looked as though this room was the answer.

Ayo wordessly placed a bowl of githeri in front of you. It was delicious and you didn’t hesitate when she offered you seconds. While you ate, Nakia and the cook stacked the cans in neat piles on the cabinet under the sink. You were still eating when they finished.

"We'll take your car to Mukigina" Nakia stated. "Someone will get us there."

"When?"

"In sixteen hours."

"How long from here to Mukigina?"

"A little over seven hours if we go off the road."

You shrugged. You've been going off the road for a while now.

"Can I ask you something?" she leaned closer to you. Nakia could easily be mistaken by one of your sisters, with her flawless features and deadly skills. But the gleam in her eyes, still present after all the terrible things she's seen during her undercover work as a War Dog, set her apart from the daughters of the Red Room. She wasn't broken, battered and bruised on the inside like you were. And all the horrors she'd witnessed weren't caused by her. "How did you know he was in Wakanda?"

You met Nakia at an underground casino in Busan right after the fall of Hydra. She was following a lead on a poacher of and you were following a lead on him. When the poacher  turned out to be more vicious than she expected, it was your bullet in his head that solved the problem. You never met again - until two weeks ago, when you saw her standing next to the Wakandan king at the United Nations.

"My sister was with your king in the summer" you explained. "In Germany."

"Oh" her eyebrows rose so high they disappeared under her headscarf. "Romanoff?"

"Yeah."

"That explains how you know him."

You snorted.

"How did you think I knew him?"

"I don't know..." she trailed off. "Honestly, for the past two years I've thought about you constantly. You saved my life and I couldn't even say a proper thank you before you disappeared. I thought maybe you were an Avenger, but you're too squirmish for that. And none of them wear black, do they? They love their bright colors."

You laughed, the first real one in a long time.

Nakia patted you on the shoulder gently.

"I meant what I said earlier. You should get some sleep."

"Sleep isn't really my thing" you muttered.

"Every single girl in this village was rescued from the Boko Haram. We secured this location a couple of months ago because these men, these terrorists… They don't care about the women they steal, but they do care about their children. Especially if they're boys. So don't be ashamed of your nightmares, 'cause we're used to them around here."

You scanned the room. Most of the girls had left, but there were still three huddling by the stove, listening carefully to Ayo's instructions. They didn't look a day older than sixteen. At sixteen, you'd already killed more men than you could count with both hands. You wondered if they'd kill their kidnappers if given the chance.

Nakia's room was in the house next door. Moonlight filtered in through the curtainless window, bathing the small chamber in silver glow. You were asleep before your head hit the pillow.

In less than a day, you'd gone from old cars and dirty roads to spaceships and hover carriers.

Birnin Zana - The Golden City - rose miraculously under the savanna sun. Skyscrapers as high was the eye could see, a protective dome and cutting-edge technology - all of it coexisting in perfect harmony with nature and ancient traditions.

Nakia placed you in a hut in the outskirts of the city - close enough that you could visit Princess Shuri’s laboratory everyday but far enough that the locals wouldn’t be bothered by a foreigner’s presence.

The first week was torture. Blurry recollections of your past haunted your dreams, leaving you gasping for air, staring out the window until the first light appeared behind the trees. From dawn to dusk you'd stay at the lab, guarding his frozen body like a ghost.

It finally got on Shuri’s nerve.

“That’s it. I'm kicking you out."

She sent you to the Dora Milaje. Their leader, Okoye - tall, gorgeous and intimidating - was apparently looking forward to meet you. On a grassy field overlooking the river she handed you a wooden stick.

"Let's set how you fight without a gun" she said with a smirk.

It was disastrous. Okoye and the other warriors were graceful, silent and fast like cheetahs, meanwhile you were a hippo in heels, scrambling with the wooden stick. Madame B's voice taunted you, like the devil on your shoulder, seething everytime they bested you. On the fourth day of training your demons finally caught up to you and you broke down.

Okoye held you, whispering in soft Yoruba that you were safe.

A month later you braved the market. Manioc, okra and tomatoes in a booth, turmeric, cardamom and nutmeg in the other. The smell was intoxicating, swirling in your brain in gormandize like never before. You left chewing on a ripe piece of watermelon, pink juice staining your lips, with a pot of African violets cradled in your arms.

The violets were placed in your kitchen table - two seats, one for you and one for him when he came. Soon afterwards they were joined by a banana bunch, plucked from the tree in your yard.

The discovery of the banana tree made way for lettuce, eggplant and pumpkin. The seeds were gifted to you by Queen Ramonda herself and they took to the soil like sand to sea. When you noticed the first green leaf sprouting from the earth, you wept. Your hands, once made for killing, were now giving life.

The food welcomed the children. They'd play in your yard, sidestepping the flower beds like a dance. When they grew tired, they barged in, all five or six of them demanding lemonade and strawberries and questions.

"What does snow feels like?"

"Do you miss Russia?"

"Is it true the Americans think Africa is a country?"

Like ground ice. No. Some of them do, yes.

It was late December when Shuri gave you the news.

"We're ready to wake him up."

They placed his sleeping body on the bed, saying that he should rise by himself in a few hours. Suddenly, you were fourteen again, waiting behind bulletproof doors in a secret facility in Siberia, waiting to meet him for the first time. Only he wasn't the Asset or Soldat anymore. He had a name, a history, a mind of his own.

You'd killed for him. Tortured innocents. Thwarted governments. Broke a thousand rules just to be closer to your forbidden lover. Schemed and lied looking for his freedom, uselessly. Lost yourself trying to find him.

"Come with me" Natalia pleaded. "That spy I was supposed to kill in Budapest… He spared me. Said he can take us both to America. S.H.I.E.L.D. will offer us protection."

"I can't" you refused. "I can't leave him."

"You'll die before you save him."

Your sister was wrong: you survived. And now, halfway across the world, fate gifted you with another chance.

The children woke him. They scurried out of the house, laughing and chanting. Emhlope ingcuka, they called him. White wolf.

James Buchanan Barnes found you gazing at the horizon beyond the lake. Slowly, testing his legs, he walked over to your side.

"Good morning" you smiled.

"Good morning."

"How are you feeling?" you asked.

"Good."

You turned then, eyes catching his in the warm daybreak. A breeze ruffled his hair and your skirt, a gentle reminder that it was real. You were real.

"James?" you tried, hesitantly.

"Bucky" he declared in triumph.

"Bucky" you liked it. It suited him. "It's nice to meet you, Bucky. I'm sorry it took so long."

His right hand squeezed yours. Callus and scars met callus and scars. Your rough edges molded into his in a perfect fit, in this new land that took you in as its own.

You were home.

My masterlist

Everything taglist: @scentedsongrebel​ @youclickedthislink​ @thegetawaywriter​

[trance-griff]

Kyoka Jiro x Kaminari Denki Part Three

Word count (pt.3): 2037

Warnings: None, just fluff.

                                              ■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■

“I lost?!” Denki’s voice caught the attention of many, fists slamming down the panel of the arcade machine while Jiro nonchalantly stared elsewhere, failing to hide the smirk that tugged at the corner of her lips. “Got your butt kicked, huh?! Seems like you’re losing your touch, buddy.” Sero slung an arm over Denki, looking over his shoulder to see a black screen with ‘Player two wins!’ displayed in blue, Jiro being player two, of course. The screen lit their faces in different colors, despite Kaminari losing and having to treat the female, he didn’t seem to mind one bit, seeing her act like herself is what made him recover from his loss, with her eyes lighting up and sparkling he felt his heart fuzz in his chest, what was he? A kindergarten student?

Their day went by in a flash and still, they had the energy to go on with their activities, the karaoke was the highlight of their day, everyone having the chance to hear each other sing, whether they were good or bad, it was enjoyable. Koda being shy and only murmuring the lyrics while Sato seemed to be the loudest amongst everyone with his gruff voice, the singing got him going. It took a lot of convincing to get Jiro to sing and she was finally there, a mic between her fingertips as she fidgeted and parted her lips to utter the tunes, instantly entrancing her classmates once again with her melodious singing, moments like these her confidence would radiate and act as a spell, charming the audience, moments like these Denki would feel his chest swell and he hoped no one else but he felt that way towards the angsty teenager- he wanted this to be special but wouldn’t admit that himself- perhaps this whole time he was in denial, or he was just braindead to not notice all the feelings folding over each other with every passing day. Guess the nickname Jiro thought of was perfect at this very moment: Jamming Way for being the idiot he was to not notice and think everything was alright.

“We would all make such good singers!” Uraraka spoke profoundly, hands holding her backpack in place as she remained in close vicinity with Midoriya and Tenya; exiting the karaoke, her voice was hoarse but everyone could relate, singing and laughing was bound to give them a sore throat but it was an enjoyable experience especially for Momo who spent a long while gushing over every little thing before regaining her composure and arranging the transportation to the beach, and soon they were at their final destination; Momo’s Private Beach, the beach had everyone at awe with it being spacious enough and everything was provided, however…

Whatever Mineta and Denki were expecting turned out to be the complete opposite, once again disappointed- the females were too tired for a swim and wore beach dresses, enjoying the shallow water instead. “The s-sw-swimsuits? Why aren’t you wearing them?!” Mineta was being delirious, taking the females by surprise as Sero held the short male back.

“Huh? We’re a little too tired from today’s activities, so we decided we would take it easy, right girls?” Were Momo’s simple explanation and the rest agreed but the purple-haired individual was not having it before any drastic steps were taken, Tenya had Mineta carted elsewhere… never to be seen for the rest of the day, something Denki was mildly concerned about but the blond was lucky to not be in Mineta’s place; grateful for watching things play out from the back not to mention his attention would fall onto Jiro -who was occupied with the rest of the females- finding himself distracted every time his friends brought him back to reality by nudging him. “You okay there, bro?” Kirishima questioned; expressing worry. “Yeah, yeah! Totally dude. A little tired.” Denki sheepishly laughed it off- easily fooling the red-haired individual while Bakugou remained silent; unlike his /oblivious/ friend the explosive male wasn’t ignorant to his surroundings, one could say he was even revolted but he’d play his part and excuse himself from this romantic atmosphere. “I’m gonna go beat up stupid Deku, you comin’ shitty hair? Soy Sauce Face?” Bakugou called out; already walking ahead, leaving the group behind. “For the last time, It’s Kirishima!” And with that the two stood up following Bakugou with Denki awkwardly sitting alone; maybe he’d take the chance and approach her or he’d sit this one out and accept how awkward he was being, it felt ‘uncool’ being like that- unable to speak up or as Jiro would put it ‘wouldn’t be rockin.’

Denki didn’t notice how dark it had gotten as he mainly spent it lost in his thoughts, the sky shifting from a pinkish purple to a dark shade of blue dotted with stars, the tides picked up and the rest of class 3-A moved away from the crashing waves, some gathering to make a little campfire and huddled up close as they continued to chatter, while Denki remained as he was, eyes closed as he filled his lungs with the beach air, it helped calm his overheated head, this was worse than any math equation and if he kept all these feelings to himself; he’d end up living up to his ‘jamming-yay’ reputation, or worst case scenario he’d die from heartburn, not literally but with his head burning up and chest-thumping rapidly, he couldn’t sit still and his face distorted with disturbance.

 “Kaminari?” Denki’s eyes jolted open, yellow eyes looking up at dark purple hues. “J-Jiro?!”  She was looming over the male with a soda in her hand, Denki immediately sitting straight up; only inches away from slamming his forehead against hers, realizing their proximity her face flushed slightly and she stepped back with a huff, thrusting the soda can towards him, a finger playing with a strand of hair. “H-Here. Didn’t think me beating your butt would make you so scared of me.” She wheezed with obvious mockery waiting for him to take the carbonated drink from her, mumbling thanks he gratefully accepted the soda. “That’s not the case at all, today was fun.” He laughed out, a smile tugging at his lips and she returned the gesture however cheeks still red and her smile wavered from how her cheeks burned. “C-Cool, I guess.” She patted her summer dress, adjusting it before taking a seat next to Kaminari; him sipping on the soda and her fidgeting with her fingers.

There was silence, and the crashing waves and whistling wind filled that stillness,

Jiro found herself opening her mouth every few seconds before shutting it, unable to let out the words- both had a lot on their minds and their thoughts spoke louder than words-.

“Ka…” She uttered, fists clenching her white summer dress, feet digging into the sand as they rubbed against each other, teeth-gritting when she forced herself into silence.

“Ka…?” Denki’s ears perked up in expectation, head tilting towards the awkward teenager who continued to fidget with her fingers, lips puckered into a pout before sighing and giving in. “Today was fun, I didn’t expect it to be that fun.” Her fingers decided to occupy themselves with a stray stick, using it to make random shapes into the sand. “The arcade especially, the unexpected phone call too… You even treated me out for ice-cream, it was nice…” By now she was red from head to toe, stuttering out words and fidgeting further as Denki listened to her, his situation was no different but he remained more composed however he didn’t really understand where this was all coming from.

“Don’t tell me Jiro, do you like me? Heh? Is that it? It’s okay to confess~” Denki had mainly meant it as a joke, a way to cover up his feelings as he faked pride and even swiped his hair back but when he failed to hear anything in return he stiffened. “F-For real…? J-Ji-.” Before he could continue blabbing, a stick was pointed at him in a threatening manner, taking him by surprise as he flinched yet, she couldn’t say or do anything; flustered and retracted the stick. “It’s nothing, forget I said anything.” It was her cue to leave and maybe dig herself six feet underground. “W-Wait! Me too! Me too!” Denki slipped out, reaching to hold her wrist. “You too?” Jiro paused, red face turning to look at a flustered Denki, he nodded and gathered the courage to speak. “Yeah, I like you too.” He finally confessed, letting go of her wrist after a while only to sheepishly rub his neck and shift his gaze elsewhere. Well, there was no point stepping back, the cat was out of the bag.

“Like me as a friend…?” She questioned, and Denki shook his head profusely. “You know what I mean, Jiro!”

“…Oh.” “Is that your only answer?!” From that flustered girl was now a blank looking girl, brain unable to process his words. Once again, the silence returned and Jiro looked at her feet. “So, all this time I was being… stupid for nothing…?” Ever since she discovered her feelings for the goof, she was all over the place and couldn’t even be herself around him.

Wow, so uncool of me…

“Stupid for nothing?” Denki repeated before realization dawned upon him. “You were being passive-aggressive because of me?! I was the reason behind that change?! You could have just told me, y’know?” He pointed at himself, confusion mixed with joy, he didn’t even know how to express it as his mouth was a half-grin half gasp only to earn a glare from Jiro causing him to instantly hush up. “Shut it Kaminari! I thought your brain wouldn’t comprehend such feelings, you dunce!”

“I’m fully capable of it! That’s why I’m telling you I like you, Jiro!” He defended himself; irritation evident, she always messed with him like this and it was time he proved her wrong. It took her by surprise when he bluntly displayed his affectionate feelings to her and she covered her ears, this wasn’t what she had expected at all, she didn’t even consider this a possibility whatsoever, all she thought about was this being unrequited and her graduating without ever getting the chance to reveal her feelings. “…I… Me…Er…” Her throat felt constricted, but Denki was content with that alone; she didn’t need to verbally express it anymore everything made sense now.

“I know.”  Taking the chance to place a hand over her head, Denki’s expressions softened as he hid her face into his chest, she didn’t fight back and leaned against him. “This is so lame…” She mumbled and Denki chuckled at that. “Yet here we are.” He cooed. Feelings were always weird it brought out the strangest part of a human, affectionate desires people normally would recoil at becomes normal when they find themselves charmed and smitten.

“So…” Jiro trailed off, waiting for Denki to urge her on to continue but when she looked up, his face was looped… He was stupefied. “A-Are you alright, Kaminari?!” Jiro’s flushed face turned to astonishment and then to a sputtering mess. “Uweh…” Guess his brain fried over this and Jiro held her stomach from how hard she was laughing, his thumbs thrusting into the air assuring whoever was on sight that he was okay. “You’re hopeless, Kaminari…” Jiro shook her head, looking at her surroundings before leaning in on her tippytoes to leave a quick peck on his cheek.

 And that’s how the two students of Yuuei became a couple.

                                                        ■□■

“Man. it reeks of shit here,” Bakugou growled, swatting his hand in the air to express annoyance. “Looks like our little Bakugou can’t handle a bit of lovin’, am I right or am I right?” Kirishima grinned, shark teeth exposed as he leaned an elbow on the blonde’s shoulder. “Shut up, Kirishima! You were too slow to understand what was going on.”

“So, wait. If Bakugou hadn’t left with you two, they would have missed their chance? Way to go Boom Boom Man!” Mina cheered with a jump, celebrating with the rest of the group. “Quit it, raccoon eyes!”

“Bakugou, the cupid of class 3-A.”

“You guys wanna die?!”

[hockeytrashgoblin]

Ice Cold ~Part 4

A/N: As promised here is the next part! Hope you guys enjoy it!

I woke up and tried to stretch but I wasn't able to. I was confused for a minute until I remembered William stayed over. I turned in his arms to be greeted by his sleepy smiling face. His eyes were closed but he was still so cute.

"Morning lovely." He mumbled.

"Morning Willy." I kissed his cheek and he opened one eye to look at me. "You're so cute. Sorry that just came out without thinking."

"Don't be sorry." He said beaming. "I want to know what you're thinking."

"You always say that but I'm pretty sure you don't."

"I do though. Why do you say that? Is it bad?"

"No absolutely not! I wouldn't be thinking bad or mean things about you. I think you're lovely."

"You're lovely." He said,  pulling me closer to kiss me softly. "I want to know what goes on in your mind."

"There's something about you that makes me think I couldn't keep my mouth shut if I tried."

"How come?"

"You do this thing..I told you about it before, but you do this thing where you just look at me with these warm eyes and speak softly and it kinda just short circuits my brain. I just lose total control over what I say. I'm sorry, is that completely dumb?"

"It's not dumb. I'm sorry I have that effect."

"I'm not. It feels good. My brain just doesn't fucking work. Most people would say that's normal though."

"I don't think so. You're far too intelligent." He smiled and brushed my hair aside. I leaned in and kissed his lips a little harder than we had shared before he didn't respond though and pulled away. I blushed dejectedly.

"Far too intelligent.. yeah right. Not feeling very intelligent right now. I'm sorry."

"Don't be! I just don't want to lose control with you."

"I trust you." I said quietly, shrugging.

"(Y/n)..that's not it at all. I just want everything to be out in the open first. I want to take this slow if you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind! I'm so sorry."

"Don't be sorry, love. Do you want to get dressed and maybe go to my place?"

"Will Auston be there?"

"Maybe but I'll tell him to be nice."

"Yeah I guess I'd like that."

"Do you want me to leave so you can change?"

"I don't care. You're my boyfriend, you can stay if you want." I said taking off my shirt and putting on a sports bra I wore the day before. "Does it matter what I wear?"

"Not really. Whatever you're comfortable with Kas seeing you in."

"So I can wear comfy relaxing clothes?"

"Absolutely. Just um wear your hair down if you don't mind?"

"How come?" I asked pulling some leggings up over my butt.

"I just really like it down that's all." He mumbled sounding flustered.

"You're so cute. I'll wear it down." I said before kissing his forehead.

It didn't take long before we were outside of the apartment. I was really nervous as he drove underground to park the car. I was quiet when he got out and opened my door for me. He grabbed my hand as we walked to the elevator. It was a really beautiful building, lots of really expensive looking stuff. I was fidgeting with the end of the shirt when he grabbed my hand.

"What's the matter?"

"It's nothi-"

"Yes it is. Your feelings matter, love. What is it?" He said softly.

"I feel like I'm dressed too sloppy to be in here."

"That's all?" I nodded and he hugged me, chuckling lightly. "You look so cute (y/n). Besides there's no dress code for mine and Kappy's apartment. If he's even wearing pants when we get there it'll be a rare occasion. I asked him to but he probably won't."

"How come?"

"He knows you're coming over and he wants to frustrate me."

"Aw is he trying to make you jealous?" I teased.

"Yes. Very much so. I'm not usually the jealous type but.."

"Hey it's okay. I get jealous sometimes of other girls with you so I guess it's only fair. You could take your pants off too, then I'd be too distracted by you to ever even notice Kasperi." I said laughing but he wasn't. "I'm sorry that was a dumb joke.."

"It wasn't your joke I was looking at you like that for. You really feel jealous?"

"William you could do so much better. It's hard not to."

"That is the most absurd thing I've ever heard." He said opening the door.

"He's right, that is pretty ridiculous. Willy here is all about you. Nice to see you again (y/n)."

"Uh yeah you to Kas. What are you watching?" I asked walking over and sitting on the couch beside the chair he was on, only wearing boxers as William predicted.

"I recorded the vegas game last night so I'm watching it again. William said it was your favourite team and I want to see what they have that we don't."

"How about a winning streak?" I asked with a smirk raising my eyebrow at him.

"Okay low blow." He said making me laugh.

"Alright, how about multiple defensemen that can absolutely clobber players with clean hits?"

"Nah we can do that."

"Fleury."

"We've got Fred!"

"I was gonna say a hot Swede named William but you've both got one of them."

"I don't like this game." William said cuddling into my side while Kas laughed.

"Aw babe don't be sad!"

"He's such a jealous baby when it comes to you it's not even funny."

"Kas shut up!"

"No she should know how you just go on and on and on about how Peter is awful and doesn't deserve her." He teased. "I bet if I gave you a high five he'd legit growl at me."

"We're not finding out." William said holding my arms tight to me side making me laugh.

"Aw William stop." I said giggling as he started tickling my sides. I didn't even notice Mitch and Auston come in until Auston spoke up.

"Never saw one without the other, did you?" He asked in an irritated voice.

"Leave them alone Aus." Mitch said before throwing himself over the couch beside me. "Honestly ignore him, we all do."

"That's the main issue we have Mitch." Auston grumbled.

"Yeah whatever. Hi, I'm Mitch."

"I know who you are Mitch, we've met." I said laughing.

"Yeah but not like this. That was just a quick introduction before pictures! This is meeting a friend."

"Yeah right." Auston snorted making William push me aside and drag Auston into another room.

"I'm sorry.."

"(Y/n) don't be." Kasperi said rolling his eyes.

"What are you sorry for?" Mitch asked softly.

"I'm sorry that I'm causing problems with Auston. I feel so awful about it." I heard yells coming from the other room and I sighed. "Maybe I should leave. I'm making everything worse."

"You don't have to go. Auston is being an idiot. He can get over it and you can hang out with us."

"I don't know, I think I better leave." I stood up and slid my shoes back on.

"Can I at least give you a ride home? Willy said it takes a long time on transit."

"Mitch come on you don't have to do that."

"I want to. Let's go, if you want to go."

"As long as you're sure I'm not being a huge burden.."

"I'm positive."

"Lead the way I guess."

I followed behind him quietly through the hallways and down the elevator into the parking garage. He led me to his black shiny car, I dont know what brand I'm not a car fan, and we got in.

"I know you think that was your fault but it's really not. Auston is just a brooding bitch." He said making me laugh.

"I just feel bad. He said Auston is like his brother and I don't want him fighting with his brothers because of me."

"I'm sure William has told you that things with us are.."

"Complicated is what he said."

"Yeah that's actually a really good word for it. I can't tell you everything now, it's not my place but I promise that Willy will tell you as soon as he can. We're literally all waiting on Auston right now. Everything will make so much more sense after you know."

"I just don't want to upset anyone and it seems like everyone is upset." I looked out the window completely ignoring the confusing jumble of words he just spewed.

"Nobody is upset. We all want you to be comfortable. Is there anything I can do to help? Make you feel more comfortable with us?"

"Tell Auston to get off my dick." I mumbled making Mitch burst out into giggles. "Seriously though. I'm not doing anything to him. I'm never gonna hurt William. I don't want to take him from you guys or distract him from his career or anything. I just want to be around him sometimes and I don't think it's too much to ask for that I spend time with my boyfriend without feeling like the most hated person in the world."

"You're not the most hated. Auston has a hard time that's all. He hates my girlfriend the most."

"Why?"

"I don't really know."

"Liar."

"I'm keeping a secret from her and he doesn't think it's fair. But that's why it's so weird that he won't give Willy the okay to tell you."

"I dunno.."

"I'm also keeping a secret from Auston though and he's keeping one from me. So really Auston is just in a bad mood because of everyone and everything."

"I'm sorry that he's like that. I can see that it's hard on you."

"It's not the biggest deal. Well I shouldn't say that. It's not something I can't handle."

"Is that William?" I asked as we pulled up to my place.

"Sure looks like him."

"How did he get here first?"

"You should ask him that. I'll let you get to that. Can I get your number so we can get to know each other better? I have a feeling you're going to be around for a long time and I'd like to be friends. Maybe we could go on double dates!"

"That would be cute Mitch, I'd like that." I gave him my number and stepped out of the car. "Bye, drive safe."

"See ya." He drove away and I walked up to my door.

"Hi.."

"Don't run away like that again." He murmured pulling me into a hug. I started crying immediately and he pulled away slightly to look me in the eye. "Why are you crying, love?"

"I'm sorry I just didn't want to make it worse. I always make things worse."

"No, no, no you don't. You make everything better for me (y/n). I mean that. I don't care if Auston is being dumb, he can get over it. And he absolutely cannot drive you away from me and my house. I won't let him."

"He's like your brother though. I don't want you fighting with him."

"Brothers fight, sweetheart. I'm not bothered by it." He took my hands in his before continuing. "I like you far too much to let Auston scare you away baby. He'll come around."

"It's not fair that you're doing that brain quitting voice on me right now."

"I'm sorry."

"No you aren't." I said making us both laugh.

"I'm not."

"Are you sure you're not bothered?"

"Positive." He kissed me softly before breaking away smiling. "Let's hangout here instead."

"Now there's a smart idea." He laughed again as I led the way to my living room.

[saibh29]

Underground (Part 2)

Pairing: Kelly Severide x Reader

Warnings: Possibly a lot… buried, swearing, break up, anger, trauma

AN: Enjoy my angst fest

PART ONE 

*****

The groaning had stopped again and although it wasn’t silence as such the ceiling was at least no longer falling down on top of your heads.

Unfortunately, that was where the good news ended, because your legs were still trapped and now your torso was as well with Kelly’s heavy body pinning you down.

Why wasn’t he moving?

“Kelly” you shook his shoulder “Kelly wake up. Please god wake up”

For what felt like forever he didn’t wake, he didn’t move or answer you in anyway. Finally though, he groaned, rolling off of you and freeing up your lungs to take a decent sized breath.

“Are you ok?” you asked him.

“Never better” he had more blood coming from somewhere on his head and was panting a little.

“Let me look at your head” you said “Your bleeding from somewhere I need to find where” taking the phone off of him and pointing the torch light at the new injury to his skull you gently parted his hair until you found the source of the bleeding. “That’s deep. We need to put something over it, stop more dust and crap getting in. You don’t want an infection”

“Y/N I'm fine. I don’t need…”

“Shut up Severide. Let me help you”

You were wearing the remains of a $3500 dress; it did not have pockets and god knew where your handbag had gone. With a definite lack of other options you ripped the pocket off of a still complaining Kelly’s shirt. Folding it then placing it over the bleed on his head. You ended up using a few bobby pins from your hair to pin it in place. It wasn’t perfect by a long shot but it would do for now.

“Is it going to do that again?” you asked him. “The moving around and trying to crush us? Well, crush us more”

“The foundations, they aren’t stable” Kelly was back to using the torch light to study the stones above you both. “We need to try and support that one”

You followed the torch to the slab he meant. You knew practically nothing about buildings and structural safety, that slab did look like it was a pivot for quite a few of the surrounding debris though.

“Well apart from moral support I don’t think I'm going to be much help”

Kelly bumped your shoulder with his own before carefully making his way to the large slab he’d been talking about.

You laid yourself back, trying to open up your chest and lungs a little.

You were starting to realise that even with Kelly no longer laying across your chest you still weren’t feeling like you could breath properly. You were becoming light headed and everything was starting to spin faintly.

There were 2 obvious options for why this could be: You’d done internal damage to your lungs and ribs meaning you weren’t managing to get enough oxygen or the small chamber you’d been trapped together in was airtight and you were running out of oxygen.

Since you had been breathing just fine before the last rumble you were going to say the second option was much more likely and wasn’t that just a terrifying thought.

“Y/N” Kelly was back, sat by your head, his hand going to your hair and brushing it away from your face. “You doing ok sweetheart?”

“Are you struggling to breath?” you’d never been one to beat around the bush. Neither had Kelly, it was why the two of you were friends in the first place. You didn’t take shit from the other one.

When Kelly didn’t answer you for a moment it gave you the answer without him having to speak. He was, and that meant your 2nd option was now pretty much the only option.

“So, suffocation is looking more likely than being crushed to death. Wonderful”

“We aren’t going to die Y/N, how many times do I have to tell you?”

“Well that may be true, after all I'm too pretty to die down here Kelly Severide, so you better get doing your job and finding us a way out of here”

“You did look fucking sexy in that dress”

“I know” you sighed “$3500 ruined”

“You paid $3500 for a dress?” Kelly sounded outraged “why the fuck would you do that?”

“It looks good”

“You’d look good in a sack and I promise you darling one of those wouldn’t cost 3500 dollars”

“be careful Kelly, that was almost a compliment”

He smiled a little at that, flicking your forehead with his index finger. “stay here, I'm going to see what else is around here”

“funny… stay here. You’re a funny guy Kelly Severide. Funny funny guy”

 You were still fuming over the general inadequacy of men when Kelly got to your apartment, happily letting himself in and going straight to your fridge for a bottle of beer.

“Oh sure, help yourself. Your best friend just got her heart broken but ignore her for the beer by all means”

He leant against the fridge, eyes going from your still bare feet to the top of your head. “You don’t look heartbroken and I highly doubt that fucker Y/B/N had the power to break anything”

“Men fucking suck” you grabbed the beer out of his hand and downed it yourself. “A text message Kelly! How dickless do you have to be to do that to someone?”

“hey” he took the bottle off of you and gripping your chin raised your face up “You crying?”

“No”

“Those are definitely tears”

“Fuck you”

Kelly used the pad of his thumbs to wipe away what were indeed tears trailing down your cheeks. “One thing I know for sure is that the dickless wonder does not deserve your tears”

“I told you, I'm not crying”

He smiled at that and leant down to kiss your forehead. “Where’s my suit. I can’t show up to this thing like this, not when you look like that”

“Be careful Kelly that was almost a compliment” you pointed to the sofa where you’d already dumped the shirt and suit that Kelly had left in your wardrobe.

He went into the bathroom to change leaving you stood in your kitchen, leaning against the counters as you stared at your phone.

It looked so harmless but inside it a text message that had really shaken you more than you would have liked rested.

Kelly was right, maybe he hadn’t broken your heart. That didn’t mean it didn’t hurt like hell though.

****

@lifesaclimb-buttheviewisgreat  @lclb13 @moli1497   @clementines-x @the-chosen-one-time-lord @no-other-names-availible-blog @angelaiswriting @selldraug @angryares @thenovarose @georgiagrl1990 @mindofthescattered  @dontstopxx @iamabeautifulperson18 @madelinecraig03 @ka-x-in @mesmericbell  @weirdpotato-14 @putinontheritzz @soulslaststand @fuckthatfeeling  @ember1201 @morganlb23 @tomhopperarms  @fakingintrest @artprincessbree  @dreamer-lover-laughter @artprincessbree @rime-warrior @captainvaneswife @kapolisradomthoughts @thingsandstuffienjoy @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @aya-fay  @itsbubbaog @hp-hogwartsexpress @emmykinzs @thatbadassunicorn @sassywingednightmare @weirdnewbie @goyawriter @shipperfangirling @nathaliabakes @stillreadingfantasy @waywardblueshun @give-jack-a-lightsaber @shipatheart @itsdesiree86 @coffeebooksandfandom​  @smoothdogsgirl​

[onceuponaloonatic]

After Sana and Saya fight, Saya sneaks out of the house, taking matters into her own hands. Satzu panic a bit, but Sana seems more sad than angry. Saya complains to her gf about the whole situation. Maybe they find out someone from their class is on a ventilator and in the ICU and suddenly things seem more real. Saya goes to the store to grab snacks and clear her head, but with every masked or coughing person she sees, it triggers her and she starts freaking out. She calls Sana in a panic. 🦄

Saya groaned as she slammed the door to her room. She was just so frustrated. She felt like her parents were prioritizing her sister over her, and that her feelings didn’t matter. She was less important than her sister. Sure Nico was a baby, so she was pretty defenseless, but still. To Saya it seemed like ever since Nico was born she was no longer as important to her parents. Their attention was directed towards the baby and keeping her safe. Saya hasn’t seen her ka-san in over a month to “keep Nico safe.” She hadn’t seen her girlfriend in over a month for the same reason. It was all Nico’s fault. She was so angry at her parents and that stupid baby. She hated that her parents were always telling her she couldn’t leave the house. If Saya got covid she would literally be fine. She was a healthy fifteen year old, she would be fine. Saya was just so fed up and angry. She decided to take matters into her own hands. 

After slamming her door Saya made sure to lock it. Normally she was never allowed to lock her door, her parents had made that rule when she was little and they first moved to their new house, fearing Saya could get into trouble and her door would be locked. Saya had never touched the lock since, afraid her parents would get mad. But now she didn’t care. They were already mad. She may as well add another thing to the long list of things for them to be angry about. 

Once her door was locked Saya threw on her favorite outfit and looked at the window. She rarely had to open the window, thankfully her parents were rich enough to not really care about ac costs. She knew her friends parents could be really strict about turning the ac on, some of them not even having it. But everyone in their family hated being hot, so the ac was turned on when it was too hot outside. But today she would open her window. It’s times like this she was happy her room was on the first floor. Saya ducked under the open window and walked to the far side of the yard. The living room had big windows and even Sana’s affinity for natural light the curtains were always open during the day. So she made sure to stick by the far side of the fence as she snuck out. Once she reached the end she opened the gate to the backyard, sighing in relief when it wasn’t locked. She really did not want to hop the fence today. 

Thankfully Yujin lived closeby to her. They lived in the same neighborhood so she just had to walk a few streets over and there would be Yujin’s house. Yujin’s family was really nice. She had one older brother who was always nice to Saya and their dog was really cute. Saya’s dogs had both been attached to Nico the day they took her home from the hospital. To Saya, it felt good to be outside of her house, to be taking a walk. The fresh air was nice. Sure they would sometimes have dinner out on the balcony or patio but it wasn’t the same. She was still at home then, that wasn’t the same as going outside. It was still too cold for the pool, and Saya hoped this whole situation was over by summer so they could have the fun pool sixteenth birthday party she had been promised. When she got to Yujin’s house she knocked on the door. SHe had sent a text to her girlfriend that she was coming over earlier. Her parents had already okayed Saya coming over a while ago. Yujin answered the door for her with a smile, pulling her inside the house. 

“My Oppa and parents are at the store.” Yujin responded, sitting between Saya’s legs on her couch. 

“Good.” Saya rested her chin on Yujin’s shoulder. “My parents are driving me crazy, and all because of that stupid baby.” “I’m sorry.” Yujin leaned against her. “Oh speaking of the baby my mom wants to give you some soup she made for your mom, it’s supposed to help keep her body healthy because she just had a baby two months ago or something. I don’t know, childbirth seems really weird.”

“I’ll take it home with me.” Sana kissed Yujin’s cheek. “It is weird. Plus my parents are absolutely insane about Nico not getting sick. Because she’s too young and too weak or something. Also she literally never sleeps, which means my parents never sleep. Why do people willingly do that to themselves?” “I don’t know.” Yujin sighed. “Hey, speaking of your parents, is your ka-san back yet?” “No. Even though she wears lots of protective gear at work she’s still insisting on staying in a hotel. She’s still worried about the baby.” Saya sighed. 

“That sucks, you know now that I think about I think it Jisoo, you know the guy from our class, is in the hospital. I’ve heard he’s in the ICU on a ventilator or something. Apparently he got the virus from going to some underground party.” Yujin looked at the ceiling as her alpha hugged her.

“Really?” Saya asked. “But isn’t he like an athlete?” “Yeah I thought it was weird too.” Yujin shrugged. “Hey I’m getting pretty hungry have you eaten yet?” “No I haven’t. I’m pretty hungry too.” Saya tightened her grip on her girlfriend. 

“We don’t really have anything here though…” “I’ll go get us some snacks if you want.” Saya volunteered. “I mean my parents should be home in like an hour-”

“No no it’s fine.” Saya nodded. “But can I borrow a facemask? My parents would murder me if they found out I didn’t wear one.” They were already going to murder her but Saya wanted to go to the outside world. She hadn’t been in the outside world in forever, and as an extravert it was terrible for her. 

“Sure. We have some extras.” Yujin gently pried Saya off of her and walked over to the kitchen, grabbing her girlfriend a facemask. “You know what I like right?” 

“Of course.” Saya leaned forward and gave her girlfriend a kiss. “One more.” “You're so needy.” Yujin rolled her eyes and pulled Saya into a longer kiss. 

“I haven’t gotten to kiss you in forever. Let me appreciate it.” 

XX

After about an hour of arguing with Saya, Sana decided she was cooled down enough for her to talk to her. She put Nico down for a nap before leaving her, their dogs laying in front of Nico’s crib protectively. Sana made sure to pat their heads before going downstairs. Saki and Tzuyu were watching tv in the living room.

“Hey mom.” Saki greeted as she walked past her. “Hi Saki, hi babe. I’m going to talk to Saya.” Sana explained as she went over to Saya’s room. 

“Good luck!” Saki called from the living room. Sana thanked her before knocking on Saya’s door. When there was no answer she tried to open the door, telling the door she was coming in. But the knob didn’t budge. 

“Saya! Open this door!” Sana yeled, panic seeping into her a bit. The kids never locked their door. Never. 

“What's wrong?” Tzuyu came over from the living room. 

“Her door is locked and she’s not answering me.” Sana explained. “Saya please open this door.” “Here I’ll pick the lock.” Saki volunteered, also wandering over from the living room. 

“You can pick locks?” Tzuyu asked in disbelief as Saki pulled out a bobby pin. 

“I saw a tik tok video on it.” Saki shrugged. She unlocked the door and her moms both thanked her when it opened. Sana ran in, fearing Saya had gotten hurt somehow and was unconscious. She was happy to find that Saya wasn’t lying on the floor, but panicked when she couldn’t find her at all. The door to the bathroom and closet were open but Sananoticed something else was open. 

“Fuck…” Tzuyu muttered when she opened it too. “We need to find her. I can’t believe her.” Sana was scared and panicked of course. Her daughter was missing. But she was also sad. She was sad she had driven Saya to this point. To the point she would run away. She wished they had noticed she was gone sooner.

XX Saya really wishes she hadn’t volunteered to do this. That story Yujin had told her about her classmate really stuck in her head. And the empty streets, the people wearing face masks and gloves, and the people coughing made her realize how serious the situation really was. Every time she heard someone cough she tensed a bit. It was like reality was finally hitting her. The reality of their situation. This virus could literally kill Nico, and it could probably put Saki in the ICU. It made her realize that yes it sucked she wasn’t allowed to go to the store or go to her girlfriend’s house but she was being so incredibly selfish. Her parents couldn’t go to the store either, and they couldn’t see their wife. And her ka-san couldn’t see their family because she was keeping them safe. She knew her ka-san was probably miserable, but she didn’t break her quarantine from them because she loved them and wanted them to be safe and healthy. She realized the outside world that she so desired to go to really was not a great place to be. And it scared her.

She didn’t make it to the store. She walked past an old man who started coughing and she ran as far as she could away. She was scared. She was so beyond scared. And she didn't know what to do. If she went home she risked getting her family infected because she had no idea if she had been exposed to the virus. She didn’t want Yujin to get hurt either, so she couldn’t go there. Saya only knew to do one thing. 

“Mom?” Saya was so relieved when Sana picked up. 

“Saya! Where are you?” Saya started crying at her mom’s voice.

“I’m so sorry mommy.” Sana instantly knew something was wrong. Saya only called her mommy when something was really really wrong. “So so sorry.” Saya sniffled and Sana realized she was crying. 

“Hey sweetheart… I’m sorry. It will be okay.” “Where am I supposed to go mommy? I don’t want to get you guys sick. I don’t want to kill Nico.” Saya sobbed. “I don’t want to hurt any of you.” “Hey shh Saya… You understand why we wanted you to stay inside now?” Sana asked. “Yes mommy.” Saya sobbed some more. “Where can I go mommy?” “I’ll take care of it. I love you so much Saya-chan and this one mistake doesn’t make me love you any less. I know you're sorry, and I’m sorry you're so stressed out. Mommy will make things all better okay baby?” “Okay.”

[heartslogos]

newfragile yellows [786]

“I can't believe that you, you of all people, you — “

“Just because I agree with you and came to you to complain about this very topic and reasoning behind this appointment doesn’t mean you have to emphasize it like that,” Ellana grumbles, resting her cheek on her knuckles as Edric stares across the Herald’s Rest towards the group of impressionable greenhorns Ellana has suddenly been put in charge of. “You make it sound like there’s something wrong with me."

“You were put in charge of their training?” Edric finally finishes, gaping. “You?”

“Yes, me. Listen — are you just going to stare slack-jawed waiting for a spider to jump into your mouth, or are you going to actually give me some useful advice?”

Edric's eyebrows raise incrementally up his forehead. “You want me to give you advice? What on?”

“How to teach,” Ellana says. “You’ve got Malika this far, I wager you’re my best source of information on how to teach people not to get killed and instill some sort of survival instinct into them. Sutherland is fine enough, but fine enough isn’t going to cut it if he’s going to be working for the Inquisition. And he seems to be gathering friends to make a merry little band, so I’m going to bet that at some point he’s going to want to take them and strike out on his own as his own group of swords. Of course, still Inquisition allied and backed, but closer to what the Valos-Kas and Chargers are like now.”

“Independence contractors,” Edric says.

Ellana nods.

“Well I’m raising a teenager I’ve known since infancy. I think that’s a little different than training a bunch of people into elite mercenary shape.”

“I never said elite.”

“Ellana, are you really going to try and convince me that you’d settle for releasing them into the world as mediocre knowing they’d be having your name somewhat tied to them?” Edric offers her a crooked grin. “What would that do to your reputation?”

“Nothing,” Ellana answers instantly, “Because you’re right and I’m not releasing them onto this world as anything short of extraordinary. Either way I need to figure out how to teach them and what I’m teaching them first.”

“Well what are you doing with them right now?”

“Right now I’m teaching them basic survival skills.” Ellana raises her other hand and starts to count off on her fingers, “Foraging for things that won’t kill them, what to do with the things that might possibly kill them, tracking and trapping, preparing kills, waste disposal, how to tell directions based on stars, map memorization…”

“Sounds like you’ve got a solid handle on this. I think you’re doing fine, considering your breadth of knowledge just teaching them basic survival is going to give them much more to work on than the rest of us have. Maybe I should send Malika to you and have you tutor her. I’d pay you, even.”

“Not on your life. That girl is charming, clever, and creative, and I wouldn’t teach her for all the gold in the world,” Ellana says. “It would ruin her opinion of me and she’s much too wonderful of a friend to lose. Also mostly it involves me giving them notes and general outlines and them studying it. Sometimes I do demonstrations. So far I’m lucky that they’re too scared of me to protest, because honestly I don’t know what else to do with them. I’m only doing this because the Iron Bull is making me.”

Ellana makes a face.

“And the rest of the Chargers aren’t helping. They just point and laugh at me whenever they see me preparing teaching materials. I think this is a very delayed hazing.”

“No,” Edric shakes his head, “Actually Skinner told me that your hazing was when they made you take care of the Iron Bull when he was sick.”

Ellana hits the table with her knuckles. “I fucking knew it. Those shits.”

“But hey! Look at how it turned out, huh? Now you and Bull are partners,” Edric points out, “Married via extremely detailed contract. It was hazing gone wrong because it turned out really well for you.”

Ellana glares at the man. Because as much as she’d like to protest that her life has gone absolutely off the path and perhaps spiraled down into an underground long forgotten tunnel with now way out, it’s true that she’s doing quite well. Threats of the world ending aside, of course.

“I don’t like it when you’re being optimistic,” Ellana decides. “Now do you have any actual tips for teaching or not?”

“I don’t,” Edric says, “Best I can do is offer you some sympathy and an ear to whine at. If you want I can probably do some lessons for you in regards to contracts and accounting.”

Ellana sighs, shoulders slumping a little as she slouches forward to rest her head on her arms.

“Yes, please. I’d appreciate it. I think I’ve spent too long a time with Bull because I’ve been told that whenever I’m looking at a contract I get too controlling over it. I can’t help it. Years of being lured into foolish situations because of the Wolf’s wording combined with my entire tenure with the Chargers has made me high strung when it comes to those kind of things. I think I might have scared Maxwell when he had me double check one of the contracts we were reading over.”

“It’s an impressive skill, but not one suited for passing onto beginners,” Edric concedes. “Just let me know when you want to do it and we’ll work something out. Relax, Ellana. You’ll be fine. It’s not like they’re absolute novices. They’ve got some blood on their blades. It could be worse. You could have had to guide them through their first kill.”

“Sweet, merciful, patient Dirthamen that’s a relief. Can you imagine? Me? Having to console someone after their first kill? Ludicrous. It would be emotional carnage on both ends. We’d both end up traumatized.”

[swanqueeneverafter]

What Dreams May Come, Pt.38

Playground. Past. (A young King Richard and Gareth make their way onto a playground.) Gareth: "Make way for your king Richard, swine!” King Richard: “Thanks, Gareth. Hi, everyone. I'd like to swing now. (Gareth pushes a boy off the swing and Richard takes his place:) Look, Gareth, no hands!” Gareth: “Very impressive, My King. (To the other children:) Isn't your king impressive?” (The children clap, then watch as Richard attempts to make a castle from dry sand.) King Richard: “Ta-da!” Gareth: “Your king made a sand castle. Praise him!” Boy: “Greatest castle ever, My King.” Girl: “You're my hero, My King.” Menken: “Would you like me to write you a theme song, My King?” Gareth: “Shut up, Menken. Applause!” (The children applaud once again.) King Richard: “Enough! They cheer because I'm king and because they're scared, not because of anything I do.” Gareth: “Your king had a realization. Cheer his realization!” King Richard: “I'm no hero. I'm a phony.” (Young King Richard climbs the steps to the slide:) ♪ Will my day ever come? ♪ ♪ Will my moment arrive? ♪ ♪ Will I ever be more than just some poor, fat loser? ♪ (Slides down the slide:) ♪ Do I ever become the hero? ♪ ♪ Will I wed the girl I love? ♪ ♪ Am I going to get to touch her boobs? ♪ Richard: (Appears beside the swings:) “I'm not telling you. You're a child.” King Richard: “What? Who are you?” Richard: “I'm you... In the future.” King Richard: “Cool.” Richard: (The younger Richard pulls him along:) “Oh, God.” Inside The Castle. King Richard: ♪ Will I be a good king? ♪ Richard: ♪ Not really ♪ King Richard: (Sits on the throne:) ♪ Loved by all that I rule? ♪ Richard: (Takes the crown off his head:) ♪ Nope, sorry ♪ King Richard: (Stands, picks up a sword:) ♪ Do I stand up and fight for truth and right and good? ♪ Richard: ♪ Let's see now ♪ ♪ No, no, no ♪ (Grabs the sword.) King Richard: ♪ Will I go on some grand adventures ♪ Richard: ♪ Well... ♪ King Richard: ♪ With my closest, bestest chum? ♪ Richard: ♪ Not exactly ♪ King Richard: ♪ When will that day come? ♪ Richard: (To himself in realisation:) “It's never gonna come, is it?” King Richard: (Sits on a nearby bench:) ♪ Is it hopeless? ♪ Richard: (Sits beside him:) ♪ Am I useless? ♪ Both: ♪ Are we doomed to be completely lame? ♪

(Richard runs to stand on the opposite bench.) Richard: ♪ Will my star ever rise? ♪ ♪ Will my life ever change? ♪ ♪ Am I destined to be achievement-free forever? ♪ (Steps down:) ♪ I don't need all my dreams to happen ♪ ♪ Or a bunch ♪ ♪ Or even some ♪ (Sits on the throne:) ♪ Will my day ♪ ♪ Ever come? ♪ (Coming back to his surroundings, Richard finds himself in the castle kitchens with Regina and Henry staring at him.) Richard: “What? I'm singing a duet with my inner child. Oh, like I give a monkey's butt what you think.” (He leaves.) Regina: "Anyway..." Henry: (Laughs:) "Yeah. (Shakes his head:) So, Emma kicked Facilier's ass pretty good, huh?" Regina: (Chuckles:) "Oh yeah. I'm no doctor, but I think it's safe to say she's cured." Henry: "And Facilier, where is he now?" Regina: "Oh, who knows, hopefully he ran back to the Underworld and took a dive into the River of Lost Souls. But enough about us. I want to hear more about you, about your story. It appears it's been... interesting?”

Henry: (Exhales sharply, Chuckling:) “Yeah. Yeah, I guess. Although, dragging my family and friends into a battle for our freedom isn’t exactly the stuff of dreams.” Regina: “More like a nightmare.” Henry: (Nods:) “I mean, I know it sounds selfish but, it’d be one thing if after we somehow win the day, I’d get the girl, you know? (Sighs:) Guess I’ll just have to enjoy my time with Ella while it lasts.” (Just as Regina is about to reach out a consoling hand to Henry, a small bottle appears on the table between them.) Regina: “What the...?” Henry: (Grabbing it:) “It’s a message in a bottle. (Opens the bottle, pulls out the note and reads:) It’s from Hook! He’s asking for help. We have to go save him.” Regina: “No, Henry-” Henry: “Back in our world I sent Hook a message like this. What if he had just ignored it, huh?” Regina: (Standing:) “Henry we have to fight the battle of our lives tomorrow. Besides, Maleficent is already searching for him and she was pretty clear about not wanting our help.” Henry: “But what if she can’t find him? (Holds up the note:) If we act fast we can put a locator spell on this parchment and use it to find Hook. We’ll be back in no time.” Regina: “I don’t like this, Henry. This could just as easily be another trap.” Henry: “We can’t just do nothing. Please, Mom. We have to try.” The Battlefield. (The Valencian army stands ready to fight, with Gareth and Madelena sat astride their horses, leading them.) Gareth: "Ah, it's almost time. I can't thank you enough for this, I love a good battle." Queen Madelena: "You're welcome, Gareth. Who knows, we might just be able to give this one a d'doozy of an ending." (Madelena's eyes flash red, which Gareth notices.) Gareth: "What just happened?" Queen Madelena: "What?" (Her eyes return to normal.) Gareth: "I thought..." Queen Madelena: (Panicking:) "Oh, look, a squirrel!"

Enchanted Forest. Docks. (Emma, Regina and Henry step out of a portal in the search for Hook.) Regina: "All right, let's get this over with quickly. We find the pirate, save his ass and get back to the castle before anyone notices we're gone." Henry: "That's fine but if we want this over fast, we'll have to split up." Regina: "No, we need to stick together." Henry: "We don't have time to argue. (To Emma:) Mom, you know I'm right." (Before Emma can say anything, Henry takes off, running down an alleyway looking for Hook.) Emma: (Sighs:) "Come on, let's go." A Short Time Later. (Walking together down a darkened street, Emma and Regina continue their search.) Regina: "Hook?!" Emma: "Killian?!" (Hearing groans from up ahead, they spot a figure slumped against a barrel.) Emma: (Running over to him:) "Hook? Hold on, we've got you." Regina: "What happened?" Hook: "Morpheus' guards. I took down two of them... but the third... gave me this. (He moves his hand to reveal a bloody wound. Breathing heavy:) It's too late for me, Swan." Emma: (Shakes her head:) "There's hope. Stay with us. (Holds out her hand:) All you need to do is believe." Regina: (Cautiously:) "Careful, Emma." Emma: (To Hook:) "Hey, just look at me and believe." (Emma begins using her powers to heal Hook. The white light shines over the wound and works its magic.)

Hook: (Gasps:) "Thank you, Savior." (Hook begins laughing, before a burst of energy knocks Emma backwards.) Regina: "Emma! Are you all right." Emma: (Sitting up:) "No." (Regina looks back towards Hook, to find the pirate now standing. A moment later, he reveals his true identity: Gothel.) Gothel: "A pleasure as always, ladies." Emma: "It was a trap. Henry-" Gothel: (Cutting in:) "...Is in my possession now. And thanks to your healing hands, I've taken your magic as well." (Emma tries to use her magic on Gothel, but finds she’s unable.) Regina: (Stepping forward:) "I've got this." Gothel: "Care to find out if your magic alone is enough to defeat me, Regina? Meet me at the circle of stones and we'll see who's magic is more powerful." (Gothel disappears in a cloud of smoke.) Regina: (Fuming:) "Now do you see why I don't like Hook? It's for reasons like this!" Underworld. Underground Cavern. (Following the golden flower, which floats in front of them, Hook and Maleficent are lead toward a large, ancient set of scales.) Maleficent: "Now how in the world was that flower supposed to lead us here without my locator spell?" Hook: "Nicely done, love." Maleficent: (Looking down at the inscription on the scales:) "The instructions couldn't be in English?“ Hook: (Reads it with ease:) "Only a heart filled with true love can pass." Maleficent: (Looks at him in surprise:) “I’m impressed.” Hook: “You'd be surprised what they teach you in the Royal Navy. The only question is, what the bloody hell does it mean?” Maleficent: “I think I know. I think we have to weigh your heart to see if your love is true. (Looks at Hook:) What?” Hook: “Morpheus pretty much called me cold and self-centered. Obviously he wants me to go through this test so I can prove him right.” Maleficent: “So if you fail...” Hook: “I’ll stay down here forever.” Maleficent: “That won’t happen.” Hook: “Mal, are you saying that what we share is...” (Suddenly, Maleficent thrusts her hand into Hook’s chest, pulling out his heart.) Maleficent: “Well, we're about to find out.”

Dream World. Battlefield. (As the cobbled-together army consisting of members of the united realms stand staring at the vastly larger Valencian army, their leaders huddle together.) Tiana: "So it comes down to this. Merida and Lancelot's armies never arrived, leaving us hideously outnumbered. The Charmings, Ella and Zelena have gone to search for Emma and Regina who have gone missing, yet again. Which means we no longer have magic on our side." Aladdin: "Wow. No magic. (Looks out at the Valencians:) There's certainly a lot of them." Will: "Kinda makes you wish you had a magic lamp, eh?" Richard: "Yeah, as a former king who once led armies into battle, I must officially say we are knee-deep in poopie-ka-ka." Tiana: "Thanks, Richard. That's helpful." Richard: "No problem." Will: "Actually, I think I've come up with a plan that could turn this whole thing in our favor." Tiana: "Well, tell us what it is, Will.” Will: “We beat them to the punch. We kill ourselves before they kill us. It's sure to ruin their morale. If only I were alive to see the looks on their faces.” Jasmine: “Enough of this. (Slugging Will in the gut, she uses his back to step on as she mounts a horse, riding it to stand in front of their army:) Good people of the United Realms, it is true the Valencians have three to our every one. And you are right to worry. Because how can so few of us dig the graves of so many of them?!” (The army cheers.) Aladdin: “She twisted it.” Jasmine: “If you want to leave, leave now. I will not mind, for it will leave more glory for the rest of us!” (Army cheers again.) Will: (Getting to his feet:) “She twisted it again!” Jasmine: “Arise, all of you! Today, we fight! Pots shall be broken, pans shall be splintered! Whisks shall be... Actually, let's not use whisks. It'll be a sore day, a red day, but a day for victory! (Army cheering as Jasmine rides her horse up and down the line:) Victory! Stand strong! Stand strong! Stand strong and fight!” Richard: (Inspired:) “Let's make this sacrifice worth it.″ Jasmine: (Rides a short distance away from the army, to herself:) “Oy. We are completely screwed.” Over With The Valencians. (Gareth & Madelena are now joined by Lord Morpheus as Gareth addresses the troops.) Gareth: "All right men, we've waited long enough. It's time for war!" (The troops cheer.) Morpheus: “Yes. War indeed. Shall we retire to the royal viewing area? It's up the hill a pace, safe from the fighting. And they've got cookies.” Queen Madelena: “Oh! Yes, please.” (Laughs.) Gareth: “Hold on a minute. What... What do you mean, viewing area? I thought we were gonna fight!” Queen Madelena: “I know, but Lord Morpheus had that cool skybox made, and we are king and queen, (Her eyes glow red:) which means technically we should...” Gareth: “Your eyes are doing that thing again.” (Madelena quickly checks with Morpheus who shakes his head.) Queen Madelena: (Turning back to Gareth:) “What? Don't be crazy.” Morpheus: “I didn't see anything.” Queen Madelena: “No, they're not. (Urges her horse forward:) Let's go.” Elsewhere... (Cresting the top of a hill, Mulan and Ruby stand in awe at the two armies prepared for battle.) Mulan: “Oh, I haven't been in a proper battle in a long time." Ruby: (Flatly:) “Yeah. This is gonna be super fun.” Mulan: (Laughs:) “You're gonna be fine.” Ruby: “Oh, totally. I know. I'm feeling great and confident. I-I'm just worried about Xena. I mean, clearly the woman has suicidal tendencies. Is that really the sort of woman we want to lead us?” Mulan: “A woman who would lay down her life for the greater good? That’s exactly the kind of leader we need. As for the suicidal thoughts, I think Gabrielle knocked all of those out of her.” Ruby: (Winces:) “Yeah, that fight was pretty ugly.” Mulan: “That wasn’t a fight, it was a mauling. Xena stood there and took it all though, you have to admire that.” Ruby: “And the making out afterwards was pretty damn hot.” Mulan: (Smiles:) “You can say that again.” Ruby: (Glances back down the hill:) “Do you think we should separate them? I mean we don’t need them expending all their energies on-” Mulan: “I think we can let them work things out for a little longer. Unless you want a chakram thrown at your head.” Ruby: “Mm. Good point.”

[smokenfirefanfics-blog]

Love’s Hellfire

This is kind of the same idea as my other oneshot Sorry only if it took place in the same timeline as my main fanfiction. Some trigger warnings: strong language, physical and emotional abuse, mentions of death.

Synopsis: Rus is close to a breakthrough in his research. But in order to return to his universe, he has to end things with his possessive and abusive boyfriend.

Pairing: Papby [Underswap Papyrus/Classic Grillby]

Word Count: 1,647

Rus picked up the rag that rested on his bench and wiped his hands clean of oil and grease. He gave a light sigh as he took a seat and pulled out a cigarette pack along with his cell phone. Twenty plus missed calls and even more text messages. Rus flicked his lighter and took a deep drag from his smoke once it was lit. His eye lights scanned through the slew of messages that he had missed.

-I’m sorry what I said offended you.

-I can’t understand where your anger comes from

-Weren’t things going well?

-Papyrus?

-I understand you’re upset, but you don’t need to ignore me.

-You didn’t answer my call…

-You’re not home?

-Where are you Papyrus?

-Please answer.

-Answer me please.

-I’m worried.

-If I find out you’ve done something stupid…

-This isn’t funny.

-Papyrus, I’m being serious now. You need to answer me.

-PAPYRUS

The messages trail into a blur of panicked texts and spam of his name. Rus rubbed his palm against his foreskull and exhaled a large cloud of smoke.

“For fuck’s sake…” the skeleton murmured quietly to himself. His thumb hovered over the contact. He closed his sockets for but a moment before he hit the call button.

“Papyrus! What the hell were you thinking!? I’ve been driving all over town looking for you!” Grillby screamed after picking up within the first ring, “Where are you? Are you hurt?”

“Jeez Grillbz,” Rus groaned into the phone. He leaned over to rest an arm on his knee, “I’m fine. Ya don’t gotta worry.”

There was a moment of silence, then a sigh from the other end, “Alright. Just tell me where you are so I can come get you.” There was another long moment of silence, “Papyrus? Are you still there.”

Rus exhaled another cloud of smoke. The fingers of his free hand rubbed against his foreskull, “I- Grillbz, I don’t think that’s a good idea…”

There was a pause of silence, “What do you mean?”

Rus’ leg bounced softly, “... I think we need some time apart.”

The skeleton could hear Grillby’s car screech to a stop from the other end. There was another long moment of silence, “... Don’t say that…” It was hardly a whisper on the other end.

“Grillbz-”

“DON’T SAY THAT.” Grillby roared, forcing Rus to move the phone away in order to save his hearing. A chorus of unintelligible yelling soon followed as Rus sat there. Once the line grew quiet, Rus brought the phone closer to his skull.

“Grillbz… I gotta go back. There’s no negotiating it. I’m so close to a break through. You’ll only get in the way-”

“So you’re at the lab then?” Grillby interrupted.

Rus’ sockets widened a bit, “Grillbz-” but the line went dead. Rus scowled before heaving a sigh and finished his cigarette. “Great…” he grumbled to himself. He put the smoke out on the bench next to him before he stood.  

Rus grabbed his hoodie and slipped it on. He walked upstairs and stepped outside to a now abandoned Snowdin. The crunch of snow echoed across the empty cavern as he made his way in front of the house. He took a seat on the front steps and began his wait.

After forty-five minutes, the sound of a crackling fire rang through the town. Rus opened his sockets and glanced over as Grillby approached. With every step, the snow around him melted away. Rus could already tell he was pissed despite the calm expression he carried. The skeleton rose to his feet with a groan and stepped down to meet the fire.

However, before he could speak a word, a fist connected with his jaw and sent the skeleton stumbling back against the porch. Rus cursed and winced before he glared up at the other monster, “What the fuck, Grillbz!?”

“Where is it?” Grillby asked lowly.

Rus pushed himself back to his feet as he held onto the railing and skimmed his fingers over the newly blacked bone from Grillby’s fiery punch, “Where is what?”

“The machine!” Grillby barked, the flames of his head rose with his increased agitation, “The one you’re breaking up with me for.”

Rus scowled and sighed. He moved a hand to his face to rub the bridge of his nasal cavity, “Grillbz… That’s not it.”

Grillby closed the distance between them. He grabbed a fist full of Rus’ hoodie and tugged him close so that their faces were mere inches apart, “You’re not leaving me Papyrus…”

Rus tried to push him off, “You don’t get to make that choice for me.”

Grillby held tighter as smoke began to rise from under his curled fingers, “I will tear that house apart to find it… So you can either make this simple, or we can do this the hard way.”

Rus’ sockets widened before he slapped away Grillby’s hand, finally prying his fingers off his hoodie. The front of the fabric was now singed, “Watch it,” he snapped, “Dontcha think you’re overreacting a bit?”

“Overreacting!?” Grillby roared, the monster’s flames turned a dark shade of red as they crackled wildly, “We’ve been through so much, Papyrus. We went from hating one another to being lovers. You said you loved me. And now you’re just… Just dropping me.”

The eye lights in Rus’ sockets softened before he glanced off to the side. His rib cage felt heavy with guilt, “I’m sorry Grillbz… I do care about ya… But… My brother-”

“HE’S DEAD PAPYRUS!” Grillby snapped.

Rus’ sockets widened as he looked back at Grillby, “No, I can-”

“He’s dead. Dust. Why can’t you get that through your thick skull?” Grillby hissed, “I’m not. I’m right here. What are you going to do if you go back and everyone is still gone? And you can’t come back here. You’ll be stuck there all alone. You should just stay here. Everyone is alive here. You’re not alone here.”

Rus fell silent as the lights in his sockets went out, “...I think you should leave, Grillbz.” he murmured.

Grillby glared down at him with glowing embers, “No.”

Rus’ hands balled into fists, “We’re done. Even if I did stay, I don’t want nothin’ to do with ya. Now, I got work to do.” the skeleton attempted to turn away and return to the lab. But Grillby grabbed a hold of him. The elemental monster’s arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

Rus blinked and tried to pull away, “Grillbz, I’m serious now,” he growled.

Grillby lifted the skeleton with ease, “So am I,” he spoke softly.

In one quick motion, Rus brought his elbow back and smashed Grillby in the face. As Grillby dropped him from the shock of the blow, Rus immediately took off in a sprint. He flung the back door open and ran inside before slamming it behind him. He quickly locked it before giving a small pant.

He heard Grillby give an enraged roar outside and muttered a curse under his breath. He wasn’t going to get out of this without a few more burns. The lights in his sockets returned as he opened the secret entrance into the true lab. He made sure the panel closed before he went downstairs.

He removed his hoodie once more and tossed the burnt clothes aside. He adjusted the black tank top that was hidden underneath. He started toward his invention before, Ka-BOOM. A loud explosion followed by the sound of the metal panel crashing down the stairs.

Rus turned with wide sockets as Grillby stormed down the steps, “How the fuck-” he yelped.

“You really think Sans never told me about this place,” Grillby growled in response.

Rus swallowed and prepared for a fight. However, to his surprise, Grillby B-lined it for the other side of the lab. Rus’ brow furrowed as he watched. But as Grillby began kicking over oil drums, the lights in his sockets turned to pin pricks.

“Grillbz. Wait, Grillbz!” Rus exclaimed, “Listen, I know you’re pissed. Ya can take it out on me, that’s fine. But think about what you’re doing for a sec-”

As he rolled the oil drums across the lab and spilled the dark liquid over the tiled floor, the fire elemental glared at Rus, “I know exactly what I’m doing.”

Rus felt his chest tighten with the rising panic in his throat, “Grillbz, this is years of work. Ya can’t-”

Grillby marched over to Rus, a heated hand clamping down on his humerus. Rus hissed with pain and tried to dig his heels into the ground. But the slick of the oil only made it easier for Grillby to drag him over to the stairs.

“This is punishment for crossing me, Papyrus,” Grillby stated lowly as he shoved the skeleton ahead of himself. He made Rus turn toward him and opened his free hand. A large ball of fire formed in his palm as he looked Rus in the sockets, “You’ve forced my hand and have no one to blame but yourself.”

Grillby turned and tossed the fireball into the oil below them. The lab quickly erupted into flames. Rus’ jaw dropped as he watched all his hard work become devoured in flames before Grillby tugged him up the stairs. Once outside, Grillby shoved the skeleton down into the snow. The elemental glared down from behind broken glasses, “I hope you’re happy… I’m going to wait outside Mt. Ebbot. Follow along once you realize your mistakes.”

With that, Grillby turned on his heels and left. Rus laid in the snow as he cradled his injured arm and watched as his home filled with smoke and went up in flames. Everything he worked and cared for crumbled before his very eyes. Yet he couldn’t feel anything. The lights in his sockets faded as he slowly got to his feet. And he turned to follow Grillby out of the Underground.

[poppibranchlover]

The Queen and the Butterfly II: The Witch’s Curse - Part 6

This story is a sequel to “The Queen and the Butterfly”.

The story: Poppy offers Branch some cupcakes with butterflies in it which turns out to be mysterious. When the two Trolls eat them, they got transformed into butterflies themselves and realize that the cupcakes were actually cursed by an evil witch! Now they must try to find the witch who made those cupcakes and get a cure to get themselves back to normal, while encountering obstacles in the process along the way.

You already seen what had happened in Part 5. Now get ready for Part 6!:

“Bzzzzzzzz! Bzzzz! Bzzzzzzz!”

Poppy and Branch were still sleeping on the plant when two yellow hands emerged from the darkness just above them. They wiggled their finger-like claws as they reached for them and-

SNATCH!!!

“Mmmmmmf! Mmmmmmf!!”

The hands forcefully covered Poppy and Branch’s mouths, instantly waking them up. They tried to realize what is going on until the next thing they knew was that big muscular yellow and black creatures grab them by their hair and force them into two individual sacks!

Poppy and Branch screamed as they try to wriggle free but it didn’t help. The grip on those big guys felt tight! Once they were forced into the sacks, they swung from side to side and scream for help. But their voices were muffled so nobody can hear them scream.

Oh dear! Who has captured them?

Before Poppy and Branch know what is happening, they peeked from the sacks and saw two giant muscular-looking bees looming over them! They force them back inside with their strong big hands, leaving only their little hair sticking out.

“Hey, ya think these cute little pests are what Big B needs?” one bee asked.

“Of course! Like I told you!” the other one said, grinning as he held the sack holding Poppy inside. “These were perfect! Let’s take them back!”

His friend nodded and the two of them flew away from the flower patch and into the distance, holding their sacks containing Poppy and Branch along the way.

The next morning, when Poppy and Branch regained consciousness, they were not in the pink flower field, not in the woods , nor were they at Branch’s underground bunker! When they open their eyes, they were staring at some gooey yellow liquid right in front of them!

Seeing this made them scream! But then they realize they are unable to open their mouths because someone has covered them with white handkerchiefs! Their body and wings are also tied up and there was no chance for both Branch and Poppy to escape!

They struggled to break free but the ropes that held them were too tight! They struggled and struggled until they were completely out of breath. What would they do? Were they tied up here in this miniature roasting spit and forced to stare at the yellow goo puddle for a long time? They stared at one another and exchanged confused glances until they heard buzzing noises around them.

“Bzzzzzzzz! Bzzzz! Bzzzzzzz!”

This time these noises were more louder and fiercer than before! Poppy and Branch cowered in fear as they see a large, fierce wasp coming towards them.

“Bzzzzzzzz! Bzzzz! Bzzzzzzz! BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!”

The wasp wore a wicked smile on his face, laughing at them and talking to them with buzzes. His name was Big B and he was the king of this beehive that his colony lives in and where Poppy and Branch are held captive.

Once again, the two frightened butterflies tried to break free of the ropes as Big B flew closer to them. He looked closer at Poppy and sneered wickedly “Well, aren’t you adorable?”

Poppy whimpered with fright. This is bad...

“Hey, Big B! Sire!” someone called out. The wasp turned away from her and flew to see who was speaking to him, sighing with frustration.

“Can’t you see I’m busy, Dr. Bii?!” he complained.

Dr. Bii was one of the doctor bees of the colony working for the king. He noticed Poppy and Branch tied up in the roasting spit and asked while pointing at them “What are you doing with those creatures?”

“Oh, uh, this is a little project I was doing,” Big B explained. “I was wondering if I can coat colorful insects like those two with honey so we can have them devoured for the colony. Wouldn’t that be great?”

Poppy and Branch made faces. Coat us with honey?

“I...thought so,” Dr. Bii said, nodding. “Not going to lie but it seems like these poor creatures look so scared! Let me try to help comfort them!” He hovered his way to them but Big B leaped in front of him, glaring angrily with his big rear end  right in front of the scared butterflies.

“Are you mad?!” he growled. “Just look at all those colors - you think that's natural? They're infected with ‘Pastelis Coloritis’!”

Dr. Bii gasped in horror, even though he has no idea what that was. It just sounded quite serious.

Branch couldn’t abide the implication that he and Poppy were sick. Why - they were healthy as butterflies! He swung around the metal he was dangling on and struggled. Poppy even did that too, trying to get the ropes off her wings.

Meanwhile, Big B and Dr. Bii are trying to figure out why do bees can get the dreaded “Pastelis Colorities” as the doctor looked into his record pad, searching for clues.

“But this kind of disease doesn’t seem to exist!” he protested. “The colony will be fine!”

“No, they’re not!” the king shouted. “If they eat butterflies, I know they won’t die! But they will if they eat them whole!”

“Why, you’re not going to kill them, aren’t you?” Dr. Bii cried, straightening his glasses.

“I would. But I’ll have them ready once I finish the job!” Big B hovered next to the roasting spit and held the edge of it with his claw. Poppy and Branch frantically shook their heads and screamed through the handkerchiefs. But Big B smirked at them and told them gently “Don’t worry, this would never hurt you...”

Then with a massive push, he pushed the spit down a little, causing Poppy and Branch to descend closer to the rippling puddle of honey! Thinking that they are certainly going to die, they screamed for help as Big B snarled at them “You like it?! Want more?!”

Branch and Poppy shook their heads with fright, refusing to let him make them sink into the bubbling liquid. But all their efforts were in vain. Not a single person heard their voices from inside the hive! Tears rolled down their cheeks and they barely sobbed.

As soon as Branch and Poppy have no strength to shout anymore, Dr. Bii floated to him and protested “Wait! Don’t kill those poor things, sire! Shouldn’t we just focus on examining the honey products instead?”

“Yeah, of course,” Big B replied, his claw still clutching on to the stick of the spit. “But this experiment is one of the products yet to have been made recently.”

Dr. Bii was not pleased at all. It looked as if he was hurting the other bugs. He knew he has to do something.

He floated forward and demanded “Listen here, according to these results on your experiment, it looks like these creatures weren’t infected with "Pastelis Coloritis" at all!” He held up his notepad and showed a chart graph examining the results on the roasting honey spit project Big B is working on.

“Don’t be silly,” he told him. “I’m quite certain they were edible enough for the colony to chow down on.”

“Okay, but it’s not that good.”

Branch and Poppy didn’t like the sound of how they look edible. After all, Bergens used to think Trolls are initially edible as well! They exchanged glances as Poppy asked Branch what to do now. And he mumbled through his handkerchief to tell her to make a fuss and cry for help as loudly as she can. Poppy was afraid this might catch the bees’ attention but he told her to do it so anyway. 

She nodded numbly and took a deep breath. Then, without even thinking, she began wriggling around the spit and struggling to break the ropes again, screaming for help at the top of her voice!

Her cries made Big B and Dr. Bii stop chatting. They stared at the squirming pink butterfly in shock. Big B, now getting more angrier than ever, flew closer to her and shouted “What are you doing?! Trying to escape?!”

Poppy whined through her handkerchief, shaking her head and looking up at him with her eyes growing big. But the giant bee slapped her face hard enough for his claw print to appear on her face! She winced in pain.

Big B pulled her by the hair and said “How can I trust you! If you do this again, you’ll die immediately!”

Poppy had no choice but to keep still for a minute. She mumbled sadly.

“Get everything ready for the banquet!” Big B growled at his doctor servant. “I need to have as many of the honey produced here!”

Branch stared at Poppy. Well, that didn’t work...

Soon another bee barged in. He smiled angrily, exposing his sickly yellow teeth! Poppy and Branch cried out in disgust. This bee looks as ugly as the others in the colony! Eww!

“Thank goodness you’re here, Stinger,” Big B said gratefully.

Stinger leaned in and met the big bee’s eyes. "These butterflies better shoot rainbow lasers out their eyes if they're gonna settle your hive, Big B!” He gestured to a cage behind him. “Let’s load these fellas up!”

Branch and Poppy gasped in horror! Big B and Dr. Bii are going to sell them?! Branch shook his head in disappointment and Poppy has to fan herself with her antenna to get over the shock of it all. What a double-crossing, good-for-nothing tough bee they’ve met in their entire life! That confirmed the next level of distress they were in.

Stinger scrambled over to Poppy. Awestruck at how pretty she was, he puts a hand to her wing. Poppy grimaced.

“Why, aren’t you the most beautiful insect ever? Let me kiss you!” He puckered his lips to bring her face closer for a kiss.

Now this literally drove Branch jealous! Poppy was enraged that she punched Stinger hard using her hair! KA-POW!!!

The force of her long hair knocked Stinger to the ground, unconscious. It was now or never. Poppy had to make sure nobody but Branch would want to kiss her.

Once Stinger was done for good, Big B and Dr. Bii looked in shock. They have no idea this butterfly can do that!

As they rushed over to console him, Poppy reached for her handkerchief using her hair and tore it out of her mouth. She dropped it into the honey puddle and reached for the ropes, using her hair like a pair of scissors. She snipped them one by one very carefully, muttering “Come on, come on...”

Finally, there were no more ropes that were holding her. She was free! She fluttered out of the spit, glad to have escaped!

As she tried to release Branch, Big B saw her escaping and shouted at her “Hey! How did you get out-”

WHAM!!!

Poppy punched him really hard with her hair, knocking him down! Dr. Bii worriedly flew over to console him as well! Now he has two bees to treat!

Branch was amazed. He couldn’t believe this cute little butterfly has suddenly became a ferocious warrior. Then Poppy flew to Branch and took out his handkerchief with her mouth while using her hair to cut out his ropes.

After the ropes were cut out, Branch flapped his wings and spun a bit. Not until he would realize he was spinning like a butterfly too which he was always not fond of but he was happy that Poppy had saved him. The two of them smiled at each other and fluttered away from the chaos.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bii was frantically consoling Big B. He clutched his forehead and asked anxiously “A-are you okay? Any bruises, sire?”

“I’m fine!” Big B said, standing up and groaning. He went to check on Poppy and Branch suspended in the spit once more when he noticed their handkerchiefs and ropes spilled all over the honey puddle!

“They’re GONE?!” he screeched. “How?!”

He glared at Dr. Bii for any answers on how they got out. But he quivered his lip nervously, stating “I guess insects are very smart to get out.”

“Ugh! We can’t let these creatures get away this time!” snarled Big B, looming over the scared doctor bee, who begged him not to do this again this time.

But he wouldn’t listen. He turned to a corner and ordered:

“Assemble the guard troops!”

Dr. Bii panicked and flew off. Big B grinned evilly as he watched an army of muscular bees marching to the opening of the hive. He pointed at where Poppy and Branch were flying at and they saluted and prepare to fly off, giving chase to them.

“Bzzzzzzzz! Bzzzz! Bzzzzzzz! BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!! BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!! BZZZZZZZZ!!”

The angry bee soldiers buzzed angrily as they chase Poppy and Branch around the forest. They tried to get away as fast as they could, flapping their wings and panting. They looked back and screamed as they see them flying closer. This was their one chance to escape! They had to get back to Branch’s bunker as quickly as possible so they can find evidence from the magic cupcakes!

It seems like Branch and Poppy were unable to get through it much longer. They gasped for breath and continued to fly away. Then Poppy noticed a large log below them!

“Quick!” she shouted. “Hide in here!”

She fluttered down to the log and went through a hole under it. Branch followed and they both kept still just as the swarm of bee soldiers flew past the log, buzzing.

“Bzzzzzzzz! Bzzzz! Bzzzzzzz! BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!! BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!! BZZZZZZZZ!!”

“Where did they go?!” cried one of the soldiers.

“Well, they’d better gone off somewhere!” another barked. “Let’s keep looking!”

Finally, the bees flew out of sight. Under the log, Poppy and Branch were trying to catch their breath and breaking down in cold sweat. It was very dark inside the log that only their little eyes are showing inside.

“I think we lost them, Branch,” Poppy panted.

“Yeah, I think so...” he replied, exhausted.

HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!! HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!! HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

From around them, harsh raspy hisses echo around the dark. Poppy and Branch jumped back. Were those spiders again?

“Um...Branch,” Poppy told him with a worried look on her face. “Can I hold your wing?”

“Sure...” he murmured. But the hissing kept going on and on. What is happening?

HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!! HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!! HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

Branch and Poppy wanted to find out why. So Poppy emitted a pink sparkling light from her hair to reveal who is making those sounds. The light nearly blinded Branch as well but he managed to see where he and Poppy are hiding in.

HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!! HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!! HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

Uh oh. Now Poppy and Branch can see where they are surrounded by!

HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!! HIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

They were surrounded by A SWARM OF SCORPIONS!!!

Poppy and Branch screamed! Then they fluttered out of the log in terror and Poppy turned off her hair torch.

As they kept going, they desperately tried looking for places to hide from deadly predators! It was a nightmare for them! How will they ever find a way to get themselves back to normal in time?

                                                 To Be Continued...

                                              Stay tuned for Part 7!

Quick feedback: Are you glad Poppy and Branch managed to escape those nasty bees in this part?

[darlingsin]

How do you feel about the latest chapter? With the Tou//Ken marriage, Tsuki//yama's reaction, a possible death flag raised for Tou//ka, and plenty of other things? I've really tried to be hopeful about everything that has been going on in the recent chapters. I've really tried to be hopeful and tell myself that Ishi//da is going to work everything out and that something WILL go down... Because it IS a tragedy manga, after all... Right? Regardless, everything is going completely downhill.

i feel you anon,, i want to be hopeful and believe that this is just the calm before a massive storm but i honestly dont want to delude myself only to end up disappointed, so i'll just keep reading and hope we can go back to our regular dose of suffering (remember when we were so caught up in tragedy that nobody had the energy for ship wars? i miss that)now onto the wedding; well it was obviously rushed (they talked properly for the first time like ~10 chapters ago, had sex about 5 chapters ago, and suddenly theyre getting married) like ive seen MANY rushed relationships in animanga but tou//ken takes the cake honestly. it makes me wonder if ishida died and was replaced or some shit because this is definitely not the tokyo ghoul i know (like even the poor attempts at foreshadowing... ishida was better than that???). ngl i thought their outfits looked kinda cool but like, not really suitable for a wedding?? ghouls arent some tribe that has never been in contact w/ humanity after all, and tsukiyama of all ppl (who was responsible for wedding shit, sigh) would know what a proper wedding dress looks like. or maybe he didnt want to see kaneki and touka in those and went for bdsm costumes instead lmao as for tsukiyamas reaction,, like honestly, i didnt expect him to be super angry or cry on the spot or whatever, knowing him he would smile through it all but i didnt want him to be the wedding planner, although it doesnt seem TOO out of place. tsukiyama changed tremendously and started valuing other people over himself to the point where he would give up certain things for them (perhaps to make up for his selfishness before) and like. its good and all but GOD I FEEL SO BAD FOR HIM.... i want him to be a lil more selfish!! like son please think of your own wellbeing more,,,, its difficult to tell what hes thinking too bc throughout the manga we've always gotten tsukiyamas thoughts along with his actions, but recently we don't know what he's thinking so i guess that also contributes to him seeming kind of ooc... like for all we know he could be BOILING inside and playing it off yknow. i dont wanna be hopeful and say ishida is preparing us for a plot twist involving him but idk... it'd be nice to have him be relevant again and about other things happening.. some plot points do interest me (the dragon thing which seems like a Shirazu Comeback™) but some are like. so random? for example that underground city with the one-eyed ghoul like where tf did that come from? and why was that plot suddenly pushed aside like everything else for some tou////ken shit? i feel like ishida could use the space he wasted on toeken interactions to shed light on more important matters, like perhaps have kaneki fucking TALK to all the other characters he has unresolved business with instead of dedicating an entire chapter to bad sex (god im still salty about that). that reminds me!!!! i really hate what ishidas doing with kanekis characterization where he tosses literally everyone he ever cared about aside (didnt even bother talking to mutsuki when he showed up at :re like biiiih yall spent the last 3 years together have some common decency, or where he called toeka his best friend, like whats with hide????? i dont even like hide that much but ishida doin him dirty) to highlight tou///kas presence in his life? and you just KNOW that this'll obviously end in her or the baby's death. its tragic how ppl are so ready to see their fave be reduced to a petty love interest for breeding a baby and later on dying for his Man Pain™ just cause their ship became canon,,, makes me think that they dont care abt tou/ka as a character but only as an accessory to kaneki lmao.. im sorry this got a lil long but i hope i could explain myself well OTL

[glopratchet]

bit

The name of the town is called "Rosenburg" ; (Rosenberg) and it's located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt Byte, flow, grit, kloud lutin, nicht It was founded by a wealthy banker named Heinrich Rosenburg who moved to the area with his family when he was just seven years old Flow : flow itch flow sore, flow tooth, flow back The name of this town is "Friedberg" The first settlers were German farmers from the nearby village Friedberg who immigrated to the area around 1900 They brought their farming tools along with them but they also brought with them some of their own ideas about how things should be done and these included such things as using water wheels instead of horses for plowing or building small dams on rivers rather than having large dikes flow itch, At one time this region was in the sole possession of the Ka; (r)lsburg dominion After the death of that Hunter Lord wars were fought for ownership of this place but eventually various counts, mayors and even a king laid claim to part or all of this town Having recently split from the Empire of the Wolf people from that Alliance of Towns state now control some of the land around here out, flow touch Some fairly old ruins surround the hills in this region and it is here where the mayor of this village resides Count Rose; (Gebauer) owns the lands to the West of here to the edge of the wilderness but lately he has been leaning towards siding with folks calling themselves "The League" which are towns and villages all throughout central Germany that are getting sick of the way the kingdom is being run and are becoming independent Flow known itch : flow move, flow give flow give out, Flow move, flow give, flow take Grit itch: flow flow up, grit touch, grit out! Kloud : cloud sleep, cloud disappear, cloud clear "Klagenfurth", in the state of Hessen, was once a fairly large town many years ago before a great exodus of its citizens scattered themselves to other parts unknown It is located on several tram tracks and was fairly large beyond that flow out, Grit move: fair, grit short, grit path, grit visit Lutin : lute inn, lute fish, lute hotel A quaint village in beautiful countryside of what was once the United States It sits idyllically on one of several large tributaries to the vast Mississippi River and was originally founded as a trading post for fur trappers and settlers moving in the area It still thrives today thanks to a small factory two miles away that has recently sprung up flow fair, door, grit front, grit fate Nicht : nite big, nite black Grit give: After the fall of the old Empire of the Wolf there were numerous small "states" that existed under a variety of forms of government that popped up in its stead for nearly a century flow door, Grit take: back, grit road, grit run This town was originally settled by Dutch and English colonists in the 18th century as a fur trading post, and became part of the great trading empire of Abraham-Louis Perrin, a nation that for a time dominated all of North America east from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic flow back, Forc-undefined fric-undefined sped-undefined mass-undefined plic-undefined lich-the-lich A quiet little village in pretty much every way The sleepy town of Lefferts lies to the West of here and up the hill and around the bend is forested "Longwood" which holds a potential danger to unwary travelers just beyond its edges since it is not patrolled as much as other areas nearby due to it being wolf wilder land Clic-"point" Forc-undefined fric-undefined sped-undefined mass-undefined plic-undefined lich-the-lich Bein-undefined ctrl-undefined rslv-undefined wits-undefined "little people", as they came to be called, are a strange sort which have inhabited this area dating three centuries before the old Empire's rise slth-undefined int-undefined rest-undefined These Bein-undefined ctrl-undefined rslv-undefined wits-undefined slth-undefined int-undefined rest-undefined Tude-undefined vizn-undefined post-undefined styl-undefined lif-undefined pub-normal This quote is from Wamphyri1011's Translylvanian towns and cities mod for 1 13 and 2 and relates to an "unused" town in the game ; (Sibiu) Merch-undefined fill-undefined ties-undefined want-bandits plin-cookie Tude-undefined vizn-undefined post-undefined styl-undefined lif-undefined pub-normal Koud-undefined grit-undefined byte-undefined flow-undefined Bluff-undefined index! Its tunnels lead in several different directions and widen out into larger caverns connected by solid rock bridges here and there across gaping chasms Indeed, exploring this place can be quite an adventure Prun-cookie kiss! The latest intel on Ral'Eldel maintains that he currently resides within an unknown underground fortress beyond the wastelands of Rask Grou-poor! 00 000 000 bit -liar sigh, bit-liar site sigh-scorn, bit-liar scum sigh Strangely enough there exists a single large island nation east of the Wendland Archipelago that is not under control by any form of the WAF or Raskian Bears This is the nation of Til- inhibitors, an odd society obsessed with harvestism and farming who steadfastly refuse to adopt practice any form of violence or warfare -clip dusty, crown-clip king sigh 00 000 000 bit-liar sigh, 00 001 000 crown King Noe'lon the Great is well into his later years His sons and princes ; (and they number in the dozens) bide their time Sister-shhh tbbttc ttx 001! s dad yet, but soon Noe'lon will die, and then the contest for succession will take place It seems inevitable that these peaceful harvesters will soon become warriors after all 00 001 000 crown-clip dusty, 00 002 000 clinic -stuff life, kliff-drift I Knew a woman once who was called "Kliffish" So I married her 00 002 000 clinic-stuff life, 00 003 000 keep -Vfzoom They've invaded us before; we never truly get rid of a rival nation once and for all there's always the chance that it will rise up again in time and gang up on us with some new found solidarity World governments have a nasty way of doing that Sister-tdbtc ; (Imitate buzzing of confused bee! ) TRBU6800 001 074 489 someone-grouped head-hear! 00 003 000 keep -Vfzoom 00 004 000 corinth -wedge minds, slaw-tattoo roof One of the more colorful of my memories of this strange place, and yes, some of them are even pleasant ones I'll start with an old man Kof-fault buzz An old man sits and watches his goats graze on a grassy hillside in the southern parts of Arat Nearby on that hillside is another man stealthily creeping up on the goats 00 004 000 corinth-wedge minds, 00 005 000 hexagon -honk thorn, line-nearly sway The older herder notices this and begins trying to distract the goats with his crook He hits at the ground and waves his staff around but the nimbler goats just dance aside from his blows and those that aren't so agile end up struck on their horns by the oddly shaped staff zool-imitation The would be goat bandit is an idiot however to choose such an obvious style of attack 00 005 000 hexagon-honk thorn, 00 006 000 garden -mild map, gag-organ men The herder doesn't even have to try that hard to distract them They start to hop-skip-and-jump away from both the man and the staff far before they get anywhere near them and end up all the way on the other side of the hill Using this as his distraction the old timer has descended into a gulley where a particularly stubborn goat has taken shelter from the harassment 00 006 000 garden-mild map, 00 007 000 tower -bewildered these, sharp-dread power An unsettling scene playing out between the two The herder is holding a wriggling child before the goat and growling fear into the helpless kid's eyes meanwhile the billy goat stares down at him with menacing intensity and bares both his teeth and his nails Even from here you can almost feel the intensity of the rivalry flowing in waves off of both figures 00 007 000 tower-bewildered these, 00 008 000 memorial -any sort tool, segment-yellow keeps Suddenly overcome by curiosity you cautiously creep towards the pair and are just in time to see the goat land one of its claws on the herder's cheek, ripping it open from the inside corner of his eye to his nose The old man stumbles backwards without a sound escaping his lips which have now been parted to allow a stream of bright red blood to escape down his face and drip onto the already stained earth 00 008 000 memorial-any sort tool, 00 009 000 heirloom Although his strength is waning fast he keeps squeezing until his arms finally slip off and he just hangs there with his cheek crushed up against the goat's belly -twisted metal, wing-adventure ancient Shocked by this show of unexpected brutality you watch in horror as the old man suddenly throws himself in front of the goat and wraps his arms around the animal's legs 00 009 000 heirloom-twisted metal, 00 010 000 library -sign smart hiding, wise cone Eventually he manages to roll himself off the goat who is now covered ina sticky red film Still the goat doesn't run or try to escape It just continues to stare at you through its mask with eyes that now seem so full of hate And for the first time you are almost certain that it is looking rightback at you 00 010 000 library-sign smart hiding, 00 011 000 port -dreamy today animal, wall, religious Like some kind of malignant force of nature that doesn't so much have a malevolent intent but is nevertheless wreaking havoc all around Yet looking at it now the contours of its form almost seem to be wafting in a breeze and for just a moment you think you can see through its body to the graveyard on the other side But then it's just an ordinary billy goat once again This is no mere creature 00 011 000 port-dreamy today animal, 00 012 000 moat -scifi mass, light written With this last thought running through your head you hurry down the other side of the hill towards home watching over your shoulder until the billy is completely out of sight But as soon as you are confident of this happening the animal reappears on the very top of the hill and continues to watch your progress With every step you feel as if a giant hand is squeezing at your temples, yet each time you look back all you see is that goat 00 012 000 moat-scifi mass, 00 013 000 studio -work follows prepared, urchin salt By the time you get home you feel as if an ice storm has come upon you You ring the doorbell and are immediately escorted inside where your mother alla verts to take a look at you Before you even have a chance to tell her what happened your father brusquely orders you to go upstairs and get into some dry clothes while your concerned looking sister brings you a hot chocolate 00 013 000 studio-work follows prepared, 00 014 000 path -shadows hide wire, singed As you slowly sip the sweet drink and feel the wisps of steam curl up against your numb skin little by little some of the worry seems to float away One thing is for certain now though and that is you've had enough of this place Come what may you are determined that this next summer is going to be spent assisting your father however he'll have you in his workshop Even if you have to do the binding yourself 00 014 000 path-shadows hide wire, 00 015 000 church -drop-shadow forgotten amethyst, process You stir from your half sleep when you suddenly notice that the bright light once filling your room has given way to the dim glow of a streetlight You look at your clock and see that it's almost midnight Though your mother had gone off to bed long ago, as soon as you had gotten home she had immediately jumped up to look at you after hearing about your accident in the graveyard 00 015 000 church-drop-shadow forgotten amethyst, 00 016 000 theatre -right-capp keeping, flag "There nothing else to be done, " your mother says pushing the hair out of your eyes, "we need to take you to see a doctor tomorrow " You nod in agreement absently rubbing your arm and replying, "I think I just jammed it or something It's not broken or anything " Your mother gives you a worried look before motioning for you to come closer towards her 00 016 000 theatre-right-capp keeping, 01 000 000 axis cpu, modelb ending 01 000 000 axis cpu, 02 000 000 memorial-tower-garden ambit log construction Your journey to see the quack goes off without a hitch as your mother manages to scare up an opening with a doctor friend of her who is fortunately still in town for another week "I told you there was nothing to worry about, " the physician whom you learn is actually an old acquaintance of your father's declares as he flexes your elbow back and forth examining your arm "Just bruised" 02 000 000 memorial-tower-garden ambit, 02 001 000 memorial-tower-garden lot area walk After thanking Dr Bannercross for his time and seeing him off, you fall asleep until noon the next day Dreams are rare creatures for you but when you do have them they aremore often than not nightmares Last night's was no exception You were falling into an endless void and whenever you reached out to something tangible it would invariably be snatched away from your grasp It was a relief to wake up from that reverie 02 001 000 memorial-tower-garden lot, 02 002 000 memorial-tower-garden slot construction 07: Feeling more refreshed you snag a quick shower, pull on some clean clothes and set off towards the university cafeteria Huffing up the last flight of stairs to the third floor where the cafeteria is located you have to pause momentarily to let a trio of people in lab coats go through the doors in front of you before you catch it before it can close 02 002 000 memorial-tower-garden slot construction 02 003 000 memorial-tower-garden space hallway Eating at a table by yourself tends to draw attention and more than a few passing students do a double take as they go by but you don't pay it any mind as you are intent upon devouring your cream of wheat before class begins Ideas for your future lessons are also swimming around in your head but you're trying to focus on eating as your stomach is growling pretty viciously under the circumstances 02 003 000 memorial-tower-garden space, 03 001 000 clinic-keep-hexagon ambit room You are just contemplating a second helping when your sister's friend, the nurse, comes bustling into the lunchroom After giving your table a quick look she walks briskly up to it and with an accusatory look asks, "your doctor mother told me what happened to you yesterday, as a medical professional I cannot let you leave here without seeing a doctor myself Do you think you can come with me now? 03 001 000 clinic-keep-hexagon ambit, 03 002 000 clinic-keep-hexagon lot door You scrunch up your face and consider arguing with her but you decide if you are going to have to go anyway you might as well just comply and get it overwith Nodding, you follow her out of the cafeteria and down the hallway to the clinic proper where a minute later she ushers you into an examining room and tells you to wait there for the doctor 03 002 000 clinic-keep-hexagon lot, 03 003 000 clinic-keep-hexagon slot waiting You pace around the room and grumble to yourself until finally one of the examination doors opens and you hear your named called 03 004 000 clinic-keep-hexagon ambit, The doctor, a middle-aged man with graying red hair and a paunch quickly enters the room extending his hand, "I'm Dr Ruskin You would be Peter correct? 03 003 000 clinic-keep-hexagon slot waiting 03 004 000 clinic-keep-hexagon space You confirm this and he leads you over to an examining table "Just get up on here and we'll get you fixed up in no time, " he assures as you do so He pulls a light into the room and directs it into your eye as he goes on to say, "I treated you once when you broke your arm in third year so I think we'll be able to figure out what's going on pretty quickly 10 001 000 memorial-tower-garden ambit street Classes go by and you find yourself at dinner with a couple of your friends The cafeteria here is rather nice as it looks out over the gardens so you can enjoy a peaceful meal However, whenever you come here you also recall that one instance a few weeks ago when you saw Talia just outside this very window arguing with that teacher, Kyria That was a pretty crazy day and it's one of the reasons why you haven't spoken to Talia since 10 001 000 memorial-tower-garden ambit, You still haven't figured out the whole story there 3 013 000 memorial-tower-garden lot, bench After you've eaten, you spot Talia sitting alone on one of the outside benches She sees that she is in a state of isolation and if there was ever a time to try to talk to her again it would be now as nobody else seems to be making an effort 10 003 000 memorial-tower-garden slot outside, bench adjacent to Talia Upon sitting down she slowly turns towards you You catch her giving you a little smile out of the corner of your eye and she motions for you to move closer towards her which you do after only a moment's hesitation 2 004 000 memorial-tower-garden slot outside, "Thanks for joining me, 10 003 000 memorial-tower-garden slot outside, 10 004 000 memorial-tower-garden space "Oh, sure, no problem 11 000 000 supernal avid 13 000 000 apis hori avid Talia spends a moment looking out over the gardens before she turns to you with a smile and begins talking, "Haven't seen you in the library lately I sort of missed our late night talks " You freeze in place as your mind goes into overdrive as it attempts to process what is exactly happening Attempting to mask your surprise, in true Talia fashion, she grabs your hand 14 000 000 bounded avid There is no getting around it and your silence has dragged on long enough so eventually you stammer out a response, "Y-yeah me too " Her smile widens as she takes this as an invitation to snuggle up against you You can't really say anything It's not something you ever really thought would happen so you turn your attention toward the gardens hoping that will quiet your racing mind enough to think of what to do next 15 000 000 erpenthropic avid "So how did classes go today? " You question trying to make natural conversation 16 000 000 bundead avid Talia speaks slowly and clearly as she is prone to do, "I am doing well in all my classes save one " You raise an eyebrow at this odd reply but let her continue, "Ms Kyria's class is very difficult for me and I have not been performing well In fact, I imagine I am near the bottom of the class 17 000 000 cameral faith "I could help you with it if you'd like 17 000 000 rythmic avid Talia turns toward you and thanks you for your offer before saying, "I would enjoy that very much 20 000 000 undisturbed The two of you sit on that bench in the gardens and talk quietly about classes, lessons Magus previously taught her, and all the little details new friendship calico You slowly begin to forget how to breathe properly during all this until minutes have passed and without realizing you let a minute become an hour 17 001 000 rythmic sighing avid Eventually you suddenly remember that Kyria is waiting for you in the library for your long overdue lesson You excuse yourself, stand up from the bench and attempt to leave as quickly as possible without it seeming too weird Talia keeps a tight grasp on your hand until the moment you try pull away which results in her reluctantly letting go and looking more disappointed than hurt at your departure 17 001 000 rythmic spinning avid Overcome with anxiety and a flurry of thoughts you take the long way back to the library, walking nearly all the way around campus before slipping in unnoticed without Talia You decide now is not the time to return and venture over to the mess hall for supper, finding it quite empty Lying in bed that night your mind wanders to images of yourself and Talia 18 000 000 functionally avid You turn over in your bed and with a heavy sigh begin the mental push and pull of trying to get back to sleep Hours pass as you toss and turn unable to find rest before the sun peaks over the horizon 20 070 000 ilbane eager It's still early but you decide you need to escape this room and head into town for an hour or two The walk through the mostly empty streets of Edmond to the central square is peaceful 18 001 000 functionally sighing avid In the square you see Rolomag sitting beneath a tree It looks like he's survived another night in his leather armor and Kiel's old sword by his side You head toward him to say hello when you're interrupted by laughter 18 011 000 artful avid A trio of young ladies, two human and one elven, are having a picnic in the grass across the path from him 18 002 000 functionally spinning avid They're older than you by at least a couple years and are already giggling 20 030 000 goblins obsessive "Come on Theo, " one of them says, "tell us another one of your funny stories 20 060 000 zerth improvident The hunter, Rolomag, shrugs and points at you "He can tell it better than I can anyway " He waves you over and the ladies make room on the grass for you 19 000 000 saruonic avid Popping the last bit of a honeycake in your mouth you walk over and sit down on the quilt The ladies smile and move closer to make room 20 000 000 pastoral avio "Well, " One of them begins, "everyone always says Hunters are so dangerous but you don't look very fearsome at all 20 010 000 goblins obsessive "That's because he's petrified of us, " Another jokes 20 040 000 zerth improvident You stumble over your words in an attempt to refute their claims before Rolomag saves you by interjecting with his own story 20 000 000 pastoral avioid 21 000 000 primal avio Soon enough rumors spread of the town's 'Lovely Adventurers' and their wild fantasies become the topic of hundreds of girls around the world, which is all that really matters Days pass into weeks and that week into another Between working on the boat, shenanigans with Talia and you enjoying small talk with Theo during your midnight breaks the days seem to fly by 21 000 000 primal avioid 30 000 000 architectural arte fact riverboat You feel that it's the little things in life that matter and every day with your new friends fills you with wild enthusiasm and an uplifting spirit These same friends are fellow workers slaving away at the docks and on the river boats to get by All of you have honest hearts and kind smiles among you You laugh a lot together and contribute to building good working and friendly relationships with all the townsfolk 30 000 000 architectural artefact riverboat 31 000 000 destructive arte fact tamed and ridden In a few short months it feels like home and you have to force yourself not to get attached Something you fail at miserably 31 000 000 destructive artefact tamed and ridden 32 000 000 protective arte fact broken A pale corpse lies on the ground Its face is flattened and bloody as if it had been stepped on by a horse, or a troll, or some other large heavy beast, which in your case it was 16 014 000 stoicism erratic Sitting with an idiotic grin you bask in an effort to stop your hands from shaking 13 526 000 survival crude "Kiel's dead, " you choke out between sobs 32 000 000 protective artefact broken 33 000 000 fashion arte fact robe You would feel better if you went to Kiel's funeral, but no one comes out and even after several hours wait no one enters At this point you've missed morning classes anyway so you just head home The suspicious glances follow you down to the docks, but no one stops you The workers there probably know that as a kid of two of the traitors nobody is going to go out of their way to prevent you from getting on the barge 33 000 000 fashion artefact robe 34 000 000 jewelry arte fact ring You'll miss them both, but part of you feels guilty for still being alive Not altogether surprising since most funerals don't include the deceased plotting a trip to the underworld 28 533 000 mimicry crude Half-committing to the feeling you force yourself to board The feel of resilient rope under your fingers brings back memories, though your calloused hands have far more experience at handling a dagger than any amount of hauling ropes could give 34 000 000 jewelry artefact ring 35 000 000 graphical arte 37 000 000 transport arte fact rowboat "Mind if I join? " A stooped wizened man with a long beard appears next to you You suppose you shouldn't be alarmed given that he's a ticket inspector and this is a public transport barge, but still his sudden appearance does take you by surprise with sweat forming on your brow despite the crisp clean air After hearing about Kiel's death, and killing two goblins your senses seem to have heightened and you're hyperaware of everyone around you 37 000 000 transport artefact rowboat 38 000 000 agricultural arte 40 000 000 industrial arte fact engineering text Again with the sound of pages fluttering in a non-existent wind It was one thing when you first got here, but upon realizing it was a constant, and the book's indecipherable scrawls didn't allow for skipping, you grew to loathe the subtle but ever-present noise Nowadays the only times you notice it is when it's silent, which has been occurring less and less between your endless reading 40 000 000 industrial artefact engineering text 41 000 000 medical arte fact first aid kit "Not physically, " you answer "But I think someone may be trying to kill them all Chief Teleki purses his lips drawing his mustache upward, well that'd do it wouldn't it? 41 000 000 medical artefact first aid kit 42 000 000 energetic arte 01 001 000 ambit clinic-keep-hexagon The clinic is large being around fifty feet across with a large hexagonal medical outpost in the middle The exterior walls are mainly for decoration since the hub itself is over eight feet off the ground and not even you could reach that high, much less anyone short enough for the walls to prove any deterrence The entire building is a faded shade of mint-green and has five well technically six floors though the upper-most "floors" are barely more than walkways 01 001 001 portlandia : portlnd, pqr prnt, plm, plv "Portlind, prrnt, pliperump, porlvllle, " you spell out "I can't quite make that one out, it's a little blured, " he says with surprising honesty, "b-lurred pqr, 01 002 000 lot clinic-keep-hexagon Control of the portlnd clinic has been transferred to you 01 003 000 slot clinic-keep-hexagon With the control of the clinic comes an allowance for one and half mayor, one and a half governor, two engineers, one doctor 02 040 000 normal clinic-keep-hexagon These are employees hired by the week that give their time to the upkeep of the health service, there isn't much to say about them other than each having some expertise that keeps them in their job despite inconvenience that may be caused by they ourselves as well as those around us 01 004 000 space clinic-keep-hexagon Megan Rie is a woman of short stature Though much of her is it's all concentrated in the right places so you hardly notice unless you're as tall as you are now, in which case her height becomes more relative Her hair is cut into a bun that's always coming undone with thin wisps of raven black hair sticking out to the point that it'd make a hag jealous 02 000 000 axis church-memorial-moat The following blessed soldiers of the church are memorialized here, along with currently hospitalized ; (and soon to be blessed ascended) Kheson: 02 000 001 commonwealth-of-bixie-lixie : lixie, jax, tae, mob, chs, bmx, jan, shv Gregory , Sheriff ; (deceased : 10-05-2454) Samuil , (departed : Jacob , Sheriff-Elect ; (captured : Bivens, David , Sheriff's Deputy ; 02 001 000 ambit church-memorial-moat Also known as the 'cursed hospital', this building has been vacant almost since the hospital complex was built It's all but abandoned save for a few enterprising hobos who use it as shelter and are ever-mindful of the monstrous rat population who use it as their own The story of the doctors' unexplained disappearance is well known now just from retold banter, and many apocryphal tales have grown about them 02 001 001 lickskillet : licks, jax Lickskillet, joyboy of the Bixel Mafia, disappeared in 2473 Was it in a shootout? Did he cross knives with the competition? Did he suffer a drug overdose? In truth, he's still alive and going strong The prominent crime lord was suffering from heart issues earlier in his life 02 002 000 lot church-memorial-moat Jacob and Bivens didn't suffer the curse the doctors did as their fate was at the hands ; (or rather, teeth) of a more physical hindrance As you finished stressing over your tape contraption while hauling them along, a wave came and washed over all three of you In horror, realization, and denial all juxtahewed together you watched in slow motion as Jacob looked back to see the wave rise in the distance 02 003 000 slot church-memorial-moat Determined that no one but an idiot would die from drowning during a flood, you were proven correct as both Jacob and Bivens came back up struggling to find air In a panic, you all three started pushing the tape reels you had been throwing around as flotation devices while crawling your fingers through the conveniently tool-equipped case in an effort to plunge them into the water and hook them towards the dry land but only managed to hook the two scuba tanks together 02 004 000 space church-memorial-moat The curse has run its course, save one entry You executed Jacob Lawrence and Bivens as zombies during the final hours of the Holy City's existence Dragging their waterlogged corpses onto dry land, you blasted open their foreheads--and immediately afterwards was swept away by the flood These two at least have proven my salvation, and ensured that when the waters receded and the city lay in ruins you would be there to see it 24 000 000 artifactual arte fact ; (boat) "In the face of the sea and watery death, it is these objects of old world tech that will save lives They also serve as fitting testimony to the hubris of man--who once believed himself so much above nature that he could master not just it but also his own environment They were also nearly responsible for a by which words cannot describe it These officers proved themselves capable and trustworthy individuals who executed their duties admirably 24 000 000 artifactual artefact ; 24 001 000 gloprachet Gloprachet, in the last moments before his crumbling city drowned under the sea combined his scientific genius with Dean Garyn's somewhat diminutive supernatural abilities to craft most of the objects gathered by the Sheriff's Department expeditions into the newly risen sea floor 24 001 000 cow field of faith : faith field , 20, 16, imgsrc png, field ks, cow Edgar Clebil, a clumsy farmer who tends to his crops day in day out can perhaps rustle up some fresh milk for you each morning His daughter attends the church--and while they haven't got much, every little bit helps when the darklings swarm overhead each night Be sure to remind Edgar that you AND your family are in his debt 24 001 000 generator city ruins 2 : city ruins 2, generator 25 000 000 natural arte fact Whether for good or evil, Klemto Farmer's Magic Rock has been found You might want to retrieve it--as it were--from the Eternal Dominion and put it on display in the museum maybe it needs to be protected from an evil organization that worships demonic beings from beyond the stars? 25 000 000 natural artefact 25 001 000 american alligator What's the deal with alligators in a lake anyway? Perywn resident and predator spending more and more time on land and in our case, our city Whatever the reason, this region has one of the last breeding populations of alligators still living near the surface While they mostly mind their own business, they can be a threat to folks venturing out alone after dark--hence why some folks seeking revenge or running from the law end up becoming man-eaters 25 001 001 exteremely-large-scute : xl-scute hidden-agenda ; (DONE), vigilantes ; survivor, ddm-bandits, cultists AGENDAS: VIGILANTES: Aftermath of Quiet and Upon the Shadow's revolt With essential to the city manufacturing destroyed in the Quill revolt; the Sheriff's maintenance engineer division are hard at work repairing what they can while scavenging equipment from other parts of the city 25 001 002 large scute : l-scute With the plan to launch a strike at the Eternal Dominion set in motion, you are issued with an anti-tank rifle smeared with TripWires explosive paste to take out enemy airships Should go off quite nicely hextddofftbb BTB AND LIVE ; (PICK TWO) TECHNOLOGY ALONG WITH CONCEPTUAL ART AT THE VERSUS WIKI: WWW THEVERSUSBOOK COM 25 001 003 small scute : s-scute As a well-known operator within the Sheriff's Office, you are known both for bringing lawbreakers to justice and hunting down cultists of the Church of the Deserters You're recognized, which works in your favor from time to time even when recognizing one of the Sheriff's own techs as a wanted murderer margi margi beckers fite fri toyt swett? swatt! hayull NO--REGURGITATES POOtllelr THE SLUMS: Upon dropping down onto the ground from the gantryway onto the ashy ground, you find nothing but blacked out windows 6 blocks south of here That and a burnt husk of a building barely resembling anything other than a crumbling structure 11 000 000 supernal avid margi margi beckers fite fri toyt 11 001 000 messiah (pilot) super real ciagrette smoke! haivest successful batch yet! Though you manage to cultivate a small crop of victory, it seems silly that you should be so happy for picking such a small amount but when you need to survive off this for weeks and weeks, it's worth its weight in gold That being said, it seems silly that your Super-Soldier Serum should turn brown and be of no help 11 001 000 messiah ; 11 001 001 sephfer-yeztua : yezua -sephir The industrial sector isn't high in watchful guards, but the patrols seem more frequent than usual for whatever reason Perhaps they know something is up and you'd best be on your toes 06-04-23 23: 12 sephfer Thank you Mr Yeztua for nabbing out these infamous coyotes; today is a good day neighbor! Bill12: The quest for justice must go on for these so called wannabes yezua-sephir 11 002 000 principled (first) nightwatch : ( gonna be super late for watch Bill12 : ( i am so sorry! i did my duty though and nabbed this perp, so proud of myself THE ZOO: Tonight seems like an quiet night, with few animals stirring from your walk But boy howdy it's a dark one Between the narrow walkway and the darkness, one could miss a tumble into the outskirts of the park to your left and chasms of concrete on your right 11 002 000 principled ; 11 002 001 triton-arcage : trit ons arc THE CRIME SCENE: Speaking of which, Eknath's corpse lies on the ground He must've got an unfortunate surprise visit to the bathroom during his watch His badge sits in the puddle of blood, gunpowder, and urine he now lays in Bad deal You crouch down where his body lay and slowly pick up his Sheriff's badge tritons arc 11 003 000 awareness actually, scratch that where are you guys? its 6 and crimescene isnt even visited by someone this late I have this killer hunch that it'd be an awesome place to find clues lmao TENDERNESS: Underneath a light jacket, vest, and three shirts, your ribs badly ache in the cold night air Every once in a while they're struck by a bout of pain for seemingly no reason at all 11 003 000 awareness actually, 11 003 001 astryl-wylde : astryl pilchard THE SEWER SYSTEM: You don't find what you're looking for Instead, you start to get faint whiffs of what seems to be rotten eggs Thinking nothing of it, you continue to make your way when suddenly the concrete corridor you're walking in narrows in on both sides The buzzing of neon lights up ahead making their usual announcements but appearing blurred and out of focus You can't tell if you're really this dizzy or not astryl pilchard 11 004 000 legend -asterion lawman-vigilante day number %describe condition in relation whether vigilante/lawman ormal etc; YERWOOD: You find yourself face to face with a large Coyote, its piercing red eyes looking nearly directly at your own Like two searchlights, they appear completely focused on you Worry not about safety though The animal approaches slowly 11 004 000 legend-asterion lawman-vigilante day number %describe condition in relation whether vigilante/lawman 11 004 001 psylophean-anglyph : psylo angel THE DESERTED AREA: The buzz of neon and flashing of lights have long since disappeared For a while all that could be heard was the echo of your own footsteps and the residual sound bouncing off the walls around you these have long since stilled, and silence has finally returned a hollow and unforgiving silence as dark surround you on all sides psylo angel 11 005 000 kindness day number %describe condition in whether angel/moth/vigilante MEGAN: With panicked breathing, you hold out your shaking hands at eye level Where flowing blood should ooze and hypnotize from these arteries, all you see is dancing capillaries Each one looks warping and foreign, an organism all their own moving to some insane bioelectric tempo of the nervous system that resonates throughout your every fiber 11 005 000 kindness day number %describe condition in whether angel/moth/vigilante 11 006 000 focus how long pass to 1 I pledge myself to the cause of Virtue, my talents I pledge to the service of the Gatekeeper and to see that the Light may spread across the dark skies Decreed by the Double-Eyed Hierophant The Fire passes through your veins as you move along in the face of danger for all those who have lost their lives to villainy and greed, for love and for justice 11 006 000 focus how long pass to 1 11 007 000 endless Valerie's walking cane hits the ground as she makes it go through her contorted and acrobatic routine What discipline! Her guardian must be so proud of her command over it, how flexible she can make it--even with two canes she can do the most difficult routines, more than any other girl her age ; (perhaps even you) 11 007 000 endless day number %describe condition in whether angel/moth/vigilante 11 008 000 bliss Powered by: PhotoStream THE BAYSIDE HEATH MILE POST : Your car stops between the mileposts D7 and D8 alongside the road that passes amoung the Bayside Hills The road cuts straight through a particularly bleak area of barren trees, which are this close to being dead "It's about time for me to 11 008 000 bliss day number %describe condition in whether angel/moth/vigilante 11 009 000 beauty THE BOY IN THE UNDERPASS : I tried sneaking past him, but he noticed me In the dim light, he seemed much paler than the last time I saw him during the day like almost like bone Oh God, did that mean he wasn't going outside during the day at all? What did he look like under the hat? 11 009 000 beauty day number %describe condition in whether angel/moth/vigilante 26 000 000 stylistic arte fact : txt THE TRESS OF HAIR ON THE WATER : This place draws straight lines, parallel lines near each other like the grooves cut into the Marshes themselves These lines That's why I like odd things--things that don't fit in with these rigid paths perfect rows of hedges, the lock gates, the paths that wound around the Crescents everything is straight Wild flowers amidst the grass grow as they please 26 000 000 stylistic artefact : That's what I am A wildflower in the marsh "The thing in itself, unfettered by philosophical baggage, is a beautiful thing" my teacher said 26 000 001 the scent of lavender from your elvish sheets number %describe condition in whether angel/moth/vigilante Oh Veronica, you weren't like the other girls I really\xE2\x80\x99m sorry, not my fault THE MEMBER OF THE TRIBE HANDS YOU A CARD : You take the card while she speaks in her incomprehensible language; whatever it is, it sounds harsh compared to her gentle tone The direction you need to walk is drawn onto a map with an illustration of the various general stores which dot this wretched town Well, thanks A map is all I really need right now Hope you have a pleasant day with your next customer THE TOWN OF LAW : Some said sheer boredom of the countryside breeds conditions for criminals That's silly; crime occurs wherever people exist What's important is how each town lends itself to opportunities and that's what varied from town to town What about your town? Oh, that's right You don't really have a town--more of a city, isn't it? THE HEAVENS ARE DEFILED BY THE MERCENARIES MARCHING TO WAR : War War never changes As soon as one rises to end another is incited Stakeholders take opposite sides and fight those with similar religions or goals in mind The big boys play their games while we get swept away on the tides of History Honestly, you struggle against the current and just end up going where they want you to 19 802 000 substandard %'mishap involving your houseboat'% ; (add 2 to event) THE DEEPEST ERROR : You wonder why it is that you're getting this feeling more and more as you close out your twenties--this relentless sense of guilt for things past which you have neither the time nor the ability to atone actually you do You've just been saving it for another rainy day--or rather, another joyless death day Still, it might take a little more than that to make up for your part in Ms Hell, what's the use? You know you won't go see her The pain in your head is unbearable, and a fever makes your whole body ache It's best to chalk it up as another life lesson learned the hard way Another of life's bitter lemons Nothing more, nothing less Though looking back, lemons were more enjoyable to consume before you had to choke down the nasty juice inside them THE DANGER OF FOLLOWING THE CROWD : "Hey Ashley, The anxiety of a parent has to be one of the worst kinds of human experiences As much as you'd like to say you're well-adjusted, haven't you always wondered if some part of your parents resides within you? Are you fundamentally more like your father just because you both have their same flesh and blood? Are you like your mother just because both of you share the same double-helix DNA code? Whether it matters or not, you still won't get back all the sleep you've lost after this Your life's already turbulent as it is--you don't need something like this to make it worse 18 820 000 arrogant %'reality show set'% ; It's a lot like high school No, not that you would know You've only heard stories ; (and seen that one TV episode parody) But you know what is it like anyway! You went to a several month long crash-course on the subject at the ripe old age of seventeen From what you heard of your old classmates, it sounds like all but three of them are doing something Something in each their own fields of work, or something Something needs to be done about this mess quick If you're in charge of this city, you won't have to sit through a town hall "get to know" meeting with every new applicant! What's worse, these guys don't know when to shut up during your speeches It's like everyone here is loud, judgmental and ignorant ALL the time--no wonder no one gets anything DONE around here! But still, you're willing to help them out You believe that you are on the road to a solution as you pedal your old, creaky bike up to the police station You reach over and knock on the door A tall svelk answers "Yeah? " he says

[unrequitedmime]

His kisses devour me, and I fight to hold in my moans. His lips, cool and warm at the same time, trail delicately down my neck and ravish the sensitive skin across my collarbones. My fingers glide through the long locks of his black hair as I hold him closer to my body.  "Callus," I finally moan, pulling his face up to mine and drowning in the feel of his lips against mine.  He smiles against me, breaking me apart with his wandering hands.  "Mmm?" He asks innocently as he nibbles on my earlobe, "What is it, Saia?"  "You're a devil," I huff, pulling away from his torturous mouth to flop back on my bed. He laughs and leans forward again to find me, but my hand rests softly against his cheek instead. He stops, slowly opening his eyes.  Such lovely eyes.  "Okay?" He asks softly, almost whispers.  I nod and give him a small smile, my gaze wandering to the stone ceiling above me. After a few moments, he settles himself on his back beside me and stares up too.  Comfortable silence settles.  "You really think they're going to come back?" I ask quietly. I hate that I sound like a little child.  His hand finds mine and our fingers intertwine. He nods before releasing a breath, "I do. Did you see the fear in Lorin's eyes when we mentioned the Deadwalkers?"  "I don't know if it was fear-"  "It was, Saia. He knows they're real, but he refuses to believe it. The Kiditri people have always been known for their defiance just as Loppona's are known for their tempers. His instinct is to say no."  "And how do we know he'll ignore that instinct?"  "He didn't," Callus points out honestly, "But Lorin seems..."  "Like an asshole?"  Callus chuckles softly, squeezing my hand, "Actually, you both sort of provoked each other in that argument."  I sit up fast, raven hair flying, "I did NOT!"  He sits up slower, knowing my temper and not flinching from it. He simply stares at me for a long time, calm and blank.  I finally look away, "Maybe a little bit," I admit with a whisper.  He laughs softly before nodding, his chin resting against the bare skin of my shoulder. He kisses it as he thinks to himself.  "He'll come back. Trust me."  ---------------------------------------------------- I find her training in the temple.  The sounds of her dagger slicing the air into a million pieces, her grunts, the slide of her feet against the smooth floor, is music to my ears.  One of the most familiar sounds in the world.  I rest against a pillar and wait, silent, for her to finish. You cannot interrupt Etta's training. I learnt that the hard way as children.  After almost 20 minutes, she speaks.  "You scolded me like a child," She huffs, focused on her movements and her blade as she fights an invisible enemy. Most likely me.  "You acted like one," I calmly call back, voice echoing in the empty space.  She throws her knife at me as hard as she can, knowing I am fast enough to dodge it. I sidestep it, ignoring the clatter of it hitting the wall behind me, and stride to her. The candlelight flickers across her features, casting her smooth and tan skin in a strange glow. She stops and stares at me, chest heaving and sweat dripping.  "I was defending you-"  "Which is weird," I quip darkly, "Considering we both know I don't need to be defended."  Her face flushes with anger, "You didn't even try to defend-"  "I didn't need to," I snap, "The boy called me pretty, and that girl only wanted us to listen. They were not the dangerous ones of the Loppona present. If anything, they were the most harmless."  "But-"  "Don't try to argue with me, Etta," I interrupt, blank and cold, "You know I'm right."  "Then why are you here?" She snaps back.  "To tell you that I'm not mad, so you shouldn't be either. We have a meeting tonight, and as my weapons master I expect you to be there."  She stares at me for a long time, "Who are you?" She breathes finally, "Because right now, you are not the boy I grew up with."  I take a slow step back, eyes not leaving hers as I prepare to go, "I'm the leader of the Kiditri People."  "You can be both-"  "No, I can't."  I leave her alone in the candlelight.  -------------------------------------------- I watch her skin the apple with her dagger for a few minutes before she finally glances over at me. I sigh and shake my head from my position on the floor.  "Can't you ever just be normal?"  Her grin is giant.  "Did Lorin just ask someone to be normal?" Nate calls as he jumps up the last stairs to the outdoor villa. He brushes past the thin red curtains and strides his way in. "The hypocrisy is booming. I can hear the thuds." I roll my eyes and stretch out my legs, running a hand through my hair.  "That's why it's so spiky," Lita scolds, pointing her dagger at my hair from where she lounges on her velvet chaise lounge. She refused to join my entourage unless I brought her that damned couch.  "Is Etta coming?" Nate asks, settling himself down at his piano.  There was never any doubt that Nate was going to be my second in command, so I didn't need to bribe him with beautiful gifts. But he has been my best friend since we were six. That piano was a way I could show just a sliver of my gratitude. He plays it every day.  Lita shrugs, big chocolate eyes focused on the movement of her dagger across the skin of that fruit. She wears a coral summer dress tonight, her black curls cascading down her chest. Despite the cold of the Forests, Lita has only ever worn what she wanted to wear.  Nate flicks accusing eyes over to me, his fingers aimlessly dancing across the piano keys as if he is not making beautiful music."Did you talk to her?"  I nod, grabbing a bunch of grapes from the platter on the coffee table. I have never understood why our meeting villa has needed to be so extravagant, but Lita insisted. She claimed she would kill herself if she had to spend one night a week in an old shed like our ancestors did.  "Fuck secrecy," She had shrugged that first day, "I'd rather use my own magic to ward it then sit amongst the snakes and rats."  "If she's not here already, then she's not coming," I shrug carelessly, "Etta is always the first to arrive."  "She's mad at you," is all Lita says. She does not hide the disdain in her voice. Her and Etta have been in more arguments than I can even count. I still have scars on the insides of my wrists from Lita's nails when I tried to break up one of their fist fights.  "I don't care."  Nate sighs, his hands finally slowing on the keys, "Oh well. Let's get started."  Lita sits up carefully, "I have something to say," She announces smoothly, "That Loppona man with the black hair and the green eyes is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."  Nate rolls his eyes.  "That Loppona man's heart also belongs to the Queen of the Blacks."  Lita sighs in disappointment and thinks for a moment before nodding, "I can actually see why he'd be in love with that girl. What is her name, again?"  "Assaia Kundu."  "Ah," Lita nods, "Yes. The seventeen year old tribal leader. Apparently she is the best they have had in centuries. Better than her uncle, even."  Nate watches her carefully, "And where did you get this information?"  Lita lies back down and shrugs, "Loppona men seem to talk a lot when you show them some skin."  Lita is one of the best spies I have ever met.  "What else do you know about her?"  Lita looks to me, "Powerful. A great mind. An even greater entourage, despite them all being young. She's the best fighter they have in Loppona. And... she has a temper."  Nate looks to me with a smirk on his dark lips, "A temper? Sounds like Lorin's type."  "Sounds like an enemy," I counter.  -------------------------------------------------------- "Sai," Kassia huffs with a shake of her head as she closes the steel door behind Rone, "I love you, you know I do. But if you ever talk to the Kiditri leader like that again I will personally kill you."  "I thought it was amazing," Rone shrugs, caramel curls bouncing as he makes his way to his usual seat; on top of the round table, "I couldn't tell whether or not he was mad or turned on."  Callus chokes on his coffee, and I shoot Rone a threatening glare.  'Shut up!' I whisper to his mind.  My best friend shrugs carelessly and sets his eyes on the cupcakes Kassia made, "Kas, did you really make cupcakes?"  "What?" Kassia asks defensively as she takes a seat beside Callus, "They lighten up the mood of this forsaken room."  We all glance around grimly at the thick walls of the round meeting room. The fluorescent light above us flickers once before coming back on.  "This is fucking ridiculous," Rone sighs, sitting back with a cupcake in his hand, "You're the tribal leader, Sai. Surely you can get us a better meeting room."  "This is where the leaders have always held their meetings," I argue defensively, "Sound proof walls, remember?"  Rone scoffs, "We live in an underground network of tunnels!" He argues back, "ALL OF THE WALLS ARE SOUND PROOF!" He screams at the walls for emphasis.  "Do you think he's going to come back?" Kassia blurts suddenly, her nerves getting the better of her.  Silence.  "I think he will," Callus says confidently.  "He's the leader of an enemy tribe," Rone counters, "Don't be so sure." "Yes," Kassia agrees slowly, "But he also believes in the Deadwalkers."  "Bullshit," Rone shakes his head.  "No," I shake my head, "He does. His reaction proved it."  Silence again.  A deep booming on the steel door. Kassia startles before racing to answer it. No one interrupts these meetings. She swings it open, grunting with the effort, and reveals a young message boy. His hair is blonde and spiky, and for a moment I am reminded of Lorin.  "They found another body," He whispers to us.  Everyone turns to me. I stand up slowly.  "Where?"  ------------------------------------------------------- Callus' hand suddenly finds my waist, and startled before glancing up at him in confusion. And then I follow his gaze, focused on the group striding from the edge of the Dark Forests. Their red cloaks shine in the brightness of the dawn. We wait until they reach the border.  "Where is the body?" Lorin asks, voice deep and cold.  The Asian girl is not with them. Callus notices the same time I do, and his hand tightens on my waist in silent question.  "About 50 feet that way," I nod my chin to the right."  "Which side of the border is it on?" A beautiful Latina girl asks, accent light but exotic. "Both," Rone calls back, "Smack bang in the middle. Pow."  The Latina girl studies him for a few moments, eyebrows raised, both intrigued and seemingly impressed by his casual tone. I fight the urge to explain to her that Rone has only ever been serious a few times in his life, and those times were when Kassia or I were in pain.  "Shall we go find it, then?" The dark skinned man asks carefully.  Kassia stares at him for a long time before nodding, jaw clenched.  -------------------------------------- The Latina whispers a prayer under her breath when her eyes fall upon the body. No one says a word. We all just stare. Except for Lorin.  the girl is young. Perhaps 14, with the most beautiful red hair I have ever seen. Curls of pure fire.  "I wonder what colour her eyes were," The Latina whispers, lost in her horror.  "Lita, she is of the Koro village," The dark skinned man breathes to her, so soft that no one hears it but her. And me.  Lita nods, barely perceptible, "I'll go this afternoon, Nate," She almost mouths to him.   Villages. The Dark Forests have villages. I struggle to blend this information with the stories that I have been told my entire life; that the Dark Forests are nothing but enchanted trees and evil magic, with the Kiditri people like wandering savages through the land.  The Dark Forests have villages.  I glance down at the dead body again. The girl is naked, her white skin shining bright in the morning sun. Dirt is streaked across her body, as if she was dragged here across plains of waste, and a hole as wide as my own head has been carved into her chest. Blood still seeps from it.  Her death is fresh. Too fresh.  "We should not be here," Callus rumbles, his thoughts reaching the same conclusion as mine, "They could still be close."  "Daytime, dork," Rone reminds Callus, eyes on the dead girl, "Deadwalker only wander at night."  "We didn't even think they were real," Callus argues, "So we don't know their rules. There is no guarantee they are only nighttime creatures."  "All of the murders have occurred at night, Callus," Kassia turns to her twin brother, "They are nighttime creatures."  "It's the crack of dawn," Nate cuts in, "They could still be out here." "So you admit they're real?" Kassia demands.  "Do you know anything else that could have caused this?" Nate's voice slices.  They continue to talk. Low and quiet bickering voices in the light of the rising sun. I do not say a word. I do not even listen.  I only watch who they do not. Lorin. He stares at the body as if it is a black hole, sucking him up and away into an void. His skin, usually golden and glowing, is as pale as Kassia's. Yesterday I believed his eyes to be blank, but I know that I was wrong. Now they are blank. Really, truly, blank.  Everything about him is silent, still, frozen, trapped. He is almost unreadable. Except I can feel the grief radiating off him in waves. I almost drown in it, and I feel the horror in his mind like a punch to the chest. For a moment, as I stare at his wide eyes and his trembling lip, I cannot breathe.  I do not think before stepping over the border.  Kassia cries my name as I do. I feel Callus leap for me, but I take another step and his fingers barely brush by my skin.   "Assaia!" He yells, the panic and fear and shock clear in his voice.  No Loppona has ever stepped over the Kiditri border.  When you are in Kiditri territory, you are theirs. They could kill me right now, and there would be no consequences.  I cannot bring myself to care. I stride right to Lorin, stopping barely a breath away from his body. He does not even see me, only the memories that the dead body has summoned. Now that I am near him, I can hear his shuddered and choked breaths. I can also feel his grief stronger now, like a wave that keeps knocking me under. I tumble and turn and scream for help in the water, but no one hears.  He is screaming for help, but no one can hear.  Except for me.  I do not know why, but my hand finds his chest, his thumping heart. It gallops under my palm. I hear Lita draw in a sharp breath when I touch him. Nate takes a guarded step closer, hand on his axe as he watches us. Lorin does not even look at me, only stares at the dead girl on the ground. He is drowning.  "Assaia," Callus forces out, voice raw and desperate. He knows that Nate and Lita are going to kill me.  "Shut up," Rone interrupts roughly. I hear him step in front of Callus and push him back, eyes on me and only me.  'What are you doing?' My best friend cautiously asks my mind.  I do not take my eyes off Lorin. His face is slowly shattering, a mask slowly breaking apart to reveal something hurting and vulnerable. The unreadable Kiditri leader is becoming readable.  The Red King is human.  'Looking into a mirror,' My thoughts whisper to Rone.  I should not care that he is hurting. He is my enemy. I have been raised to hate his people, to hate him. The Kiditri people are savages, and they have killed more Loppona than I can even count. I have met this man once, only once, and I know I do not like him.  But there is something. I cannot define it, but there is something in me that wants to rid of the pain, of the darkness within him. Perhaps it is my father coming out. I feel something, a connection that I cannot describe. It is a hook on my belly button. It is a tether that attaches me to my sworn enemy. A tether that pulled me across the border and to his beating chest.  I bend down and pick up a handful of dirt. I grab Lorin's palm and rest my own against it, intwining our fingers so tightly that the dirt rubs roughly against both of our skin. So hard that it almost hurts.  "Dirt," My voice is low and rough and real. So real that somehow, it shakes Lorin out of his trance. He blinks and releases a shuddering breath before looking at me. Before realising that I am standing in his territory, one hand on his beating heart and the other in his grasp. He does not say a word, does not flinch, does not smirk.  Only meets my gaze.  I stare back, "You are here. You are real. Wherever you were in your head, step away. You're not in your yesterday. You are here. You are in today."  --------------------------------- You are in today.  I stare at the girl - Assaia- and she does not flinch from my gaze. She stares back, eyes bright and real and a thousand different shades of green. Her eyes remind me of the Forests.  Her eyes remind me of home.  And just like that, I step away from the memories.  The breath shudders from my chest, and I listen to an identical one rattle in her own. And that's when I feel it.  The tether.  I jolt in shock, swearing as I stumble away from her. She remains frozen, frowning in confusion as she watches me. Nate steps to her, axe suddenly against her throat. Despite her reputation as the best fighter, she does not even flinch. Only watches me fight the urge to throw up. I fall to my knees, burying my clawing hands in the red dirt as I fight the screaming thoughts suddenly blasting away in my mind.  No. No, no, no, no!  There is no way. Not possible. This is physically impossible. I must be feeling it with someone else, someone nearby. Lita, perhaps.  Lita drops to her knees beside me, staring in worry, "Lorin?" She breathes, panicked, "What did she do to you? Did she hurt you?"  Nothing in me responds to the sound of Lita's voice. Nothing peaks it's head up, nothing wakes from it's slumber. Lita's hand touches my shoulder to support me.  I feel nothing.  I still. Freeze, calm, breathe. I stare at the ground, silent. Lita breathes my name again. I hardly hear it over my panic. Over my horror.  Not possible. Not possible. I am imagining it. I am delusional, drowning in my grief, and I am imagining it.  Assaia takes a step towards me, and Nate digs the axe deeper into her neck. He draws blood. I flinch from a phantom pain on my neck.  "Lorin," Assaia calls.  And despite my desperation, my horror, my fear, something in me responds to the sound of Assaia's voice. Something in me peaks it's head up, and something stirs from it's lifelong slumber. The tether in my stomach tugs, sharp and hard and powerful. I gasp, my hand flying to my belly button.  "Lorin," Nate calls, worry in his voice clear. He wants me to get up. He wants me to tell him to execute the enemy leader. He wants me to act alive.  I get up slowly, painfully slowly. Thoughts still race in my mind, but I ignore the screaming words of my ancestors and focus on my own.  How is this possible? She is not of Kiditri blood. She is of Loppona blood.  But it was rumoured that her father was a Kiditri sympathiser.  I walk to the girl, stopping barely a hair's width from her.  "Stand down," I tell Nate, voice raw and rough and quiet.  Nate does not hesitate before stepping away, but he stares at me in shock. He speaks to my mind, 'Lore, you have a chance to kill this woman and gain the Loppona territory. Do it.' I do not respond. Only stare into her green eyes.  "Do you feel the tether?" I whisper to her.  Her eyes flare for one moment, but she nods ever so slightly.  ----------------------------------------------- "You're my Kassinti," Lorin breathes the words so softly that only she hears them.  And Nate and I.  Nate does not breathe, does not move. Just stares. I feel his shock in my own blood stream. I gulp back the gasp that threatens to escape me and instead take a slow step forward.  "What is that?" Assaia whispers back.  "It is the most sacred pairing of the Kiditri people," My voice finds me as I take another step forward. Neither Lorin nor Assaia even look at me, but I feel the keen eyes of the Lappona's watching me on the other side of the border.  Assaia takes a small step back, her gaze still on Lorin, "Lie. I am not of Kiditri blood."  "Lorin," Nate forces out finally, voice raw, "How do you know?"  "The tether. It's there between us."  A shuddered breath escapes me, "But she is Lappona."  "You are lying," Assaia repeats, voice rising in both volume and strength. Something like anger creeps into her tone.  Lorin ignores her and glances over at me, "Her father," Is all he says.  He need not say more. I understand. It was rumoured for years that her father was a Kiditri sympathiser. He was killed for it.  "What ABOUT my father?" Assaia snarls defensively, "He is of Loppona blood!"  Lorin nods, "He is. But your mother isn't."   I do not hesitate. I stride to Assaia, taking advantage of her momentary shock. I grab her wrist and squeeze tight. She punches me in the face as hard as she can, and I go flying into Nate's arms. Pain blooms all throughout my head, and blood dances from my nose, but I ignore it all. I held her wrist for one moment.  But that was all I needed to feel the magic of her blood.  "She is both," I breathe, fighting the darkness at the edge of my vision, "She is mixed."  ------------------------------------------ Lita passes out in the man's arms, and he hoists her higher in his grip.  Kas' hand finds my own, and she squeezes tight.  "They're lying," Callus breathes to himself, "The Kassinti is not real."  "It is," I do not bother sugar coating it, eyes on a shaking Assaia across the border, "I have seen the bond. Kassinti pairings are real, and they are powerful, and they are unbreakable."  Callus punches me in the face as hard as he can.

unrequited