#no peri again because hes already met her!

[lifeaspect]

Feel free to reply with your reasoning!

[msnihilist]

"It's been quite a while since I got to see our counterparts like this, dearest," Anti-Cosmo remarked to Anti-Wanda. He grinned down at the three fairies in the cage beneath them. "Miserable."

"Shoot, it must've been at least twenty years!" Anti-Wanda remarked. "Longer for you two, though, huh?"

Cosmo cradled Peri's head in his lap, keeping him on his side so that he didn't choke if he vomited. Wanda sat next to her boys, rubbing a hand soothingly between Peri's wings, like she used to when he was a baby.

She felt close to tears. Her baby was so sick that she feared he wouldn't make it... And they had their anti-fairy counterparts to mock them through the whole awful ordeal.

"Don't you two have anything better to do?" Wanda snapped at them. "Terrorize someone else for a change! We're plenty miserable without you here."

"Oh, please don't think that we're trying to make you feel worse." Anti-Cosmo shook his head. "It's more like we're here to enjoy the show."

"I even made popcorn!" Saying that, Anti-Wanda procured a bag of popcorn. She held it out for Anti-Cosmo to help himself to a handful.

Wanda clenched her jaw in frustration. The smell of food just made Peri's convulsions worse. She shushed him, trying her best to be comforting as her son dry-heaved.

With shaky fingers, Cosmo brushed Peri's curly hair away from his sweaty forehead. He met Wanda's stare, his eyes tight with concern. "Wanda..." He started, but said nothing more.

What was there to say? What was there to do? They were trapped, and the situation was getting worse by the minute.

As a last, desperate bid for her son, Wanda cast her voice up to the anti-fairies. "Please, can't you at least ask Dev to make a wish? Something small! Peri has magical build-up, and he..." Wanda swallowed, unable to say it. "You don't want the same thing to happen to Irep, do you?"

Anti-Wanda hummed as she pretended to think about it. "Now, correct me if'n I'm wrong, darlin', but that ain't how anti-fairies work, innit?"

Anti-Cosmo adopted a similar look of faux thoughtfulness. "No, you're right, strumpet. I believe that anti-fairies aren't affected by their counterparts deaths, merely by any action which might undo their creation. So our precious child is going to be perfectly fine."

Something inside of Wanda shattered. All she could think was that this wasn't fair; she hadn't had enough time.

"Please..." She tried again anyway, because it was all that she could do. "Please don't let my son die."

Anti-Cosmo laughed. "Enough with the melodrama. I don't understand why you're making such a big deal out of this. You ought to be used to it. After all..." He adjusted his monocle, lips curling into a vicious smirk. "This isn't the first time you two have lost a son."

His words hit like a slap to the face. Wanda was too stunned to reply — torn between the urge to sob and the burning desire to kill someone.

Not a day went by in the last ten thousand years that Wanda hadn't thought about him. And now she was going to lose her youngest son, too. What had she done to deserve this? Why was fate so cruel?

Why did love always have to end in "goodbye"?

When he didn't receive a response, Anti-Cosmo huffed and turned away. "Look on the bright side — perhaps the loss of a child to bond over will be enough to keep your fragile relationship hanging on for another thousand years or so."

Anti-Wanda giggled, looping her arm through Anti-Cosmo's and leaning on his shoulder. "Give a holler when he's ready to pop, y'all! I love me a good confetti shower."

The two anti-fairies drifted away, cackling together. Wanda felt numb. She was so angry that she had looped right back around to feeling nothing. She was completely calm.

Cosmo reached over and took her hand, entwining their fingers. "What are we going to do?" He asked.

Wanda took a deep breath. She squeezed his hand back, placing her other hand on Peri's head. "Whatever we have to do to protect our son," she promised.

She had failed once already, and once was too much. Not again. Never again.

As long as Wanda still had the strength to flutter her wings, she was going to do everything in her power to defend her family.

AO3 link.

[autoantonyms]

Käärijä Cologne Gig Review

Starting off strong with me not sleeping enough. I literally went to bed at 10 pm, but couldn’t sleep until around 1:15 am and I had to get up at 4 am so- yea. 💀

But my dear friend Jenny and I were determined to get barricade so we just did what we had to do. We arrived at around 7 am at the venue and there were thankfully not many people there already.

Then the queuing began. I was so happy to see some of my mutuals again and got to spend so much amazing time with them! I also met so many new people in the queue and thats really one of my favorite things about these fandoms. 🫶🏻😭

At around 11 am Jere just showed up. All of us were like, aware that the tour bus was nearby but i don’t think anyone really cared or actively kept an eye on it. So I guess he just decided to see what we‘ve been up to???

Most of you will probably have already seen some pics (but I have to say it again) he decided to see us.. without any pants on. He was just standing there 🧍🏻‍♂️ greeting us, in this ugly sweater and he took his time to talk to us and take pics with us etc.

Also: I‘m pretty sure everyone who was there and knows me is already tired of hearing it BUT i was just like: „hey do you wanna sit with us?“ and he did. And then the whole Santa thing happened and I‘m still like „?????????? How did ANY of that happen???“ What possessed me to be like that. Anyway, as a friend of mine pointed out, I made him laugh so I will take this accomplishment and make this my new Roman Empire. I am so sorry for everyone who has to hear this story again and again and again🫣

We were also lucky enough to get an opportunity to hear some of the new songs. Because he came back to us a second time and played them for us on his own speaker (it’s battery was fighting for its life lol). And this was honestly the most wholesome thing ever. We were all just standing around him, listening to those songs and some of the others were asking him questions and he was just chatting with us about the album and the songs. He also asked us to not film any of it and I believe all of us just put our phones in front of him on the floor to show him that he can trust us. And he honestly looked so touched by that?!😭 He then asked us if we could film a tiktok with him for Häärijä‘s song and we did 💀

After that we went back to normal queuing and with the progression of the day more people showed up (i mean, that’s how it works haha).

My friend and I did make it to barricade and really had the time of our lives. It was my second time seeing him (last time in Berlin in 2023) and I honestly think both of these concerts are on my top 3 list. I was kinda disappointed that Rock Rock isn’t on the setlist anymore since it is one of my favs but having HHH, Trafik! and Ruoska is already so amazing that I can get over it (still missing my baby tho).

His whole interaction with Anna was so sweet. She was right in front of him and she also had to open his bottle for him and he just made her so happy, it was all so sweet omg.

We were dying of heat tho. It was so fucking hot and all of us were sweating like crazy. Some people in the middle of the crowd got him to splash water onto them and me and @peri-peri-sauce were also trying to get at least some drops onto us but he was just like „no, enough“😭 The security guy then gave us some bottles! He eventually did splash us as well but it literally evaporated 5 seconds later cause it was so fucking hot 🥲

Honorable mentions: the whip during Ruoska??? Sir?? Sir?? Weird way to propose but YES!; him laying on the floor before Cha Cha Cha and us chanting his name while he‘s fingering the air encouraging us to keep going; and hearing Trafik! live for the first time (this song is so good omg); Jenny and I during ICIP (we went crazy); me giving him my „Cologne“ sticker at the last possible moment, him looking at it and kissing it 🥹

All in all, that was such an incredible day. The queuing and the concert were literally perfect and i had so much fun! Nothing could ever beat this day I fear. I am still so overwhelmed by everything that happened and I am so grateful that I could have been there and experience all of it.

Sending love to everyone I met because all of you were amazing! 🫶🏻

[cringecompanionapologist]

Two Ideas That Would Make Good Fanfics If I Could Think of More Than the Basic Premise

I've already done a "what happened to Jamie about season 6b" fic, but I had another idea, one that's a bit more gen/ambiguous.

The Doctor knows that the Time Lords will erase Jamie's memories again when they're done with him and doesn't want that to happen. So, he decides to hide Jamie somewhere, so even if they can't be together, Jamie can still keep his memories and be himself.

The Doctor also knows that he's going to be exiled to the 20th century, to a time and place where he has a lot of friends. Victoria is in the 20th century. She's probably the only person Jamie would willingly leave the Doctor for, so he sends him off to live with her. Jamie knows about regeneration, so if the Doctor wants to check in on him later, he'll be recognized. So, Jamie is safe and the Doctor can still see him.

But, the Time Lords wipe the Doctor's memory of season 6b, so the Third Doctor doesn't know that Jamie is in the 20th century. So, he never visits like he said he would...

Until after The Two Doctors. Six regains some of his memories of season 6b, remembers where Jamie is, and that Jamie has met him as Six. Six and Peri go to visit Jamie and Victoria in a point in the timeline where it hasn't been too long since Jamie last saw Two. Maybe they all celebrate Christmas together or something like that.

When Six loses Peri, he visits Jamie, who knew Peri and had had his own troubles with the Time Lords, so he understands.

2. An AU of Time in Office. Time in Office takes place in this weird period at the end of Frontios where the Doctor and Tegan take a few extra trips in the TARDIS on the way back to where Turlough is in the far future. The TARDIS is being a bit uncooperative as it often is. (My headcanon is that it was just rebuilt by Tractators and is trying to rid itself of "Tractator vibes" or something so that Turlough won't be tormented just by being in the TARDIS. Because the TARDIS loves Five's companions)

Anyway, in Time in Office, the Time Lords catch the Doctor and Tegan and take them back to Gallifrey so the Doctor can be president. They plan to mindwipe Tegan and send her back home, but Leela intervenes and has her made an ambassador of Earth so she can stay.

I assume that the reason Turlough isn't in this story is probably scheduling issues, but it would also be a bit difficult to keep him on Gallifrey here. He's an exile and hasn't even mentioned the name of his homeworld to the Doctor, so they can't make him an ambassador of Trion. The Time Lords have actually had contact with Trion before. They'd find out. But, as much as no companion wants to be mindwiped, Turlough would put up more of a fight than normal. The Time Lords don't just send the Doctor's companions home after mindwiping them. They send them back to where they first met the Doctor. In Turlough's case, that would be Brendon. And he'd rather die than go back there. And this is just after Frontios, so Turlough's already not doing so well mentally. He'd probably snap.

So, how do we keep Turlough on Gallifrey? Well, one of the things Leela suggested to keep Tegan on Gallifrey was marrying a Gallifreyan and becoming a citizen by marriage, which is basically what Leela did. The Doctor does not approve of this idea in Tegan's case, but it might be the only way to keep Turlough on Gallifrey/sane/alive. The Doctor is the only Gallifreyan Turlough really knows. It would probably be a PR nightmare if the Lord President married an alien, but basically Turlough has to marry the Doctor to avoid getting sent back to Brendon and hilarity ensues.

[nofoxgivcn]

Sometimes Nick thought he would've been better born a turtle over a fox, because when he was hurting, he liked to retreat; he liked to pull his head into his shell where it was nice and dark and safe, and forget about everything outside of it. That was much easier to do when his shell — the apartment, that was — wasn't empty of his roommate and his best friend. It was strange, that the silence that echoed off of the walls and bounced against his eardrums now seemed like it was louder than any sounds of Judy's presence.

"It's okay," he mumbled, shaking his head, shaking the apology off like drops of water falling from his coat. It wasn't okay, and neither was he, but that hardly mattered. He didn't want her apology, because then he had to face what happened more than he already was. For the first time since they'd met, he didn't want her. He wanted to be alone. Painfully, horribly alone, and relish in it.

He loved her, still, he was sure a part of him always would, but as he stared at Peri now he only felt numb. There was nothing she could do to make this better and even if she could, maybe he wouldn't let her. Maybe it wasn't her job. "You don't have to be here for me, Peri," he stated, his words coming off far colder than he intended for them to, not angry or annoyed at her but the whole situation. It felt like some sick and twisted irony for the one person he finally believed wouldn't leave him to be taken away. Taking a step back, physically from her and mentally from the entire situation, he spoke again without thought. "You're not my girlfriend."

still standing in his doorway, peri felt the brushing of a night breeze as it whipped her hair, the coo of an impending storm making static buzz in the fibers of her clothing and hum in her ears. fae were so in tune with nature it was sometimes unsettling to know what was coming . . . then again, as she looked at nick, his face falling as he succumbed to the pain he was feeling — perhaps not knowing what was coming could be just as bad. her lids fell, expression crestfallen as she absorbed his words, dragging thumbs along her own biceps to self-soothe as empathy gripped at her throat.

" i'm so sorry, nick , " was all she managed at first, sincerity making her words creak with emotion as she tried to hold on to any semblance of control she had over herself. she couldn't help it; she felt for him, she felt for everyone . . . and it made her wonder if she would have felt the same had she known about talia the entire time. if she would have mourned the loss of a sister she never knew. if she would wonder when and if she'd ever see her again.

she didn't cross into the threshold of his and judy's place, still lingering in the purgatory between being let in and being shut out. ceruleans sparkled with her welling sympathy. " listen . . . i'm — i'm not trying to say i understand. i don't — i was so lucky not to know a soul on that list besides judy but . . . i want to be here for you. let me be here for you. "

[octoagentmiles]

octoagent combos i need to see. for my health.

calico jack and natquik. I've talked about them before and I'll do it again!!! I love them. (*bows*) thank you for listening.

tracker and natquik. s3 literally cannot come soon enough I need them rn-

calico jack and min. just try to tell me they wouldn't get along famously, you can't. they can and will bond over maps, thank you.

paani and tracker. my brain lumps them together so much that I genuinely forget sometimes that they haven't met yet. I think they should be friends.

natquik and marsh because it would either mean marsh leaves the everglades for the first time, or natquik leaves the polar regions for the first time (and we get to see him without his big coat). either way I'm very interested 👀

paani and koshi. he got along so well with pinto that one time I really wanna see him meet her now-

ryla and koshi. c'mon.

natquik and ryla could explore an ice cave together

paani and pearl. p name besties. he infodumps about a lake while she infodumps about the plants in it. let him have an uncle paani moment with peri please.

marsh and min? m name besties? idk-

pearl and marsh?? I can't explain this one but I'm onto something

calico jack and tracker. I know they've already met- but what if they met again and this time kwazii wasn't there. only them? I think that'd be fun

marsh and tracker. tracker can have 3 father figures, as a treat <3

calico jack and paani. I just genuinely think they'd get along great (maybe even to the annoyance of kwazii lol)

tracker and min. I can't explain this either but as I'm sitting here trying to think of more weird combos- they keep popping into my head. so I'm gonna trust my gut and say they'd be an iconic duo. I don't know how or why but yeah

calico jack and pinto. I know in my heart of hearts that mr. pinto "I wanna be a pirate like kwazii!" penguin would 100% recognize cj and lose his mind. I dare you to tell me I'm wrong.

I wanna see tracker watch over koshi and pinto at the same time and treat them like little polar scouts. bonus points if koshi and pinto get competitive over how many "badges" (probably just stickers) they can earn

min and natquik?? they have sorta similar personalities so I can see them being an interesting pair

maybe pearl and jack, but only because pearl and kwazii were a super fun duo that I never considered until we saw them together- so I have hope for these two as well

cj and marsh. I could explain this but I won't.

ryla and min simply because I can see min being a fan of ryla's book

marsh and ryla. he'd eat a bat berry if she offered him one. I know this.

[mimik-u]

Fragments III, 1-100

300 drabbles about Steven Universe/Future, 100 words each! These are the first 100 prompts and writer’s choices that have been fulfilled.

Asterisks are placed next to my personal favorites that I’ve written.

Baggage* — Steven meets his new therapist!

Eternity —How about a Bellow interaction you've always wanted to see in canon but didn't get to?

Foe —Jasper is simultaneously satisfied and yet left deeply empty inside by her self-isolation on Earth, and doesn't understand how to even begin to process this dichotomy. (So she doesn’t.)

Letter — Young Greg's POV when he wrote those letters to his parents Steven found on Mr. Universe episode.

Sword —Connie interacting with someone she doesn't usually talk to by herself (ex Jasper, Bismuth, Lapis, etc.).

Reconciliation — Idk about you but I wanna see more Mega Pearl. The others have not met Mega Pearl.

Marks —How about... Spinel, and the tiny, everyday baby steps towards healing?

Tangled — Peridot finds out/is told about PD/RQ? (And is confirmed in her guess that Pearl is fancy...?)

Challenge* — How is Steven’s TubeTube channel doing?

Bruises — Priyanka tends to Connie's wounds after training sessions with Pearl. [Writer’s Choice]

Rest* — Yellow Diamond gets to relax. (She's the one who most expresses regret and real understanding. Let her take a nap! She deserves it!)

Barbecue* — Post-movie, during cleanup, Steven and Lars talk and plan the BBQ we got a glimpse at during the final song.

Ghost — Yellowtail and Greg talk about fatherhood and how it can be ruined (mentioning Marty and Greg's father subtly).

UNO* — Date between Pearls (platonic or otherwise).

Height — The pebbles!!! They're so small???? Where are they? *Sobs, points at the Heaven and Earth Beetles.*

Embrace — Steven gets a well-deserved cuddle pile from family and friends.

Constructs — Bismuth and Peridot have a lot more in common than they think.

Horns — Amethyst makes an unexpected new friend at Little Homeschool. (Whichever other character you feel would fit best!)

Garden — Pre-show scene. While having a funny chat, Greg mentions something that reminds Rose about her abandoning Spinel, which makes her regret more of her choices.

Advice — Garnet can tell when Stevonnie has a lot on their mind. [Writer’s Choice.]

Hum — Yellow and her relationship with music.

Love* — Pearl considering her romantic feelings towards someone and thinking about how she's finally moving on from Rose. (Doesn't mean she'll ever forget her.)

Kid — A glimpse into “Sadie Killer.” Maybe when they played their first show, while Steven was still in the band. Celebrating afterward or a discussion on why Steven didn't stay IN the band?

Troubleshooting* — Integration of gem communication networks and Earth Internet and phone lines and the resulting inevitable disaster.

Fairytale — Connie gets a tour of Little Homeworld.

Hope — Jasper finally starting to let her guard down and realize her self worth.

Song* — As for prompts... Steg? Like, him in general, just being himself. It's a bummer we only got to see him in the movie.

Mistakes* — Steven talking to someone (not a therapist, just another character) about his trauma?

Forgiveness — The Topaz fusion reconnects with the Crystal Gems at Little Homeschool and apologizes for her role in the kidnapping all those years ago.

Visions — Sapphire and Ruby reflect on the events of "Together Forever." [Writer’s Choice]

Reunited — Maybe a scene where Yellow comes home from a long escapade and is reunited with a worried Spinel?

Beginnings — After CYM, Lapis and Peridot discuss where to live since the barn is destroyed.

Pet* — White Diamond happily announces one day that she has decided to take in a small creature (of your choosing) as a pet.

Together — What were Doc, Army, Navy, and Leggy doing during Future?

Desert — Steven meeting Lion from Lion's perspective. I dunno, I think it could be neat.

Freedom — For a post-CYM/SU:F prompt, what do you think about the exact moment it hit either Blue or Yellow Pearl that they were completely free to follow their whims?

Apologies — Greg apologizes to Steven due to the incident in “Mr. Universe” and both have the talk they should've had in that episode.

Change — Blue and Yellow Zircon's relationship has improved even if they are now rivals in the new democratic Homeworld. This last tiny bit is related to the “Homeworld Bound” episode.

Hug — Bellow cuddling. Yellow has no idea what to do, but Blue is loving it.

Valentine* — Steven gives Peridot a Valentine's Day gift. [Writer’s Choice]

Spite — Aquamarine and Eyeball are distraught at knowing they won't be rewarded for their actions because their worst enemy, Steven Universe, has been labeled a hero and royalty by the Diamonds.

Reevaluation — How about more Peedee and Steven friendship? Like, Peedee noticing Steven’s change in demeanor the farther along the show we get?

Camp — Connie kicking ass at space camp.

Family — The night after the events of the movie, Steven gets some quality family time.

Homestretch — Peridot, Lapis, and Bismuth spend time together while preparing Little Homeworld.

Enough — We know what Jenny, Sour Cream, and Buck are gonna do for their futures, but what's Kiki been up to? Is she gonna take over the pizzeria?

Spillage — Vidalia and Amethyst catch up after Steven's monster episode.

Reformation — White Diamond has learned how to be so extremely empathetic to the point that she literally becomes another person, but has she really begun to understand others?

Comment* — Sardonyx makes some Internet videos.

Unicorn — While traveling through California, Steven encounters two fishermen arguing about unicorns. [SU/GF crossover.] [Writer’s Choice]

Worry — Andy and Greg stay in touch.

Homerun* — I hopal for Opal—perhaps she will attempt some baseball.

Skydancer — Post-CYM, Pearl getting to “truly” take Steven out for a joy ride through the cosmos in a properly operational ship of her design.

Mercy* — The shattering-is-wrong discussion between Rose and Bismuth that led to Bis being bubbled.

Happy — Smoky Quartz hasn't made a self deprecating joke in a while—is it Steven's therapy?

Electric* — Yellow’s gloves—I feel like they’re covering something up, maybe.

Cake — Fusion Cuisine 2: Electric Boogaloo.

Belonging — The Rose Quartz sisters visit again.

Transcendence — Fluorite offers someone wise caterpillar grandma advice.

March — Connie and Steven reflect on changes in life after the pandemic. Not canon compliant. [Writer’s Choice.]

Understanding — Onion be doing Onion things.

Ocean* — Andy and Steven post-”I Am My Monster”? I love their relationship, lol.

Ignorance* — Does Lapis even realize Bismuth was probably the one who poofed her?

Reflection — Did I already say more Mega Pearl? ‘Cause there can never be enough Mega Pearl.

Possibility* — Yellow deciding she should try putting shattered gems back together. (She probably broke the most.)

Storyboard — Peridot’s budding career as a storyboarder.

Fall — Lapis and Steven talk about trauma and recovery. Pre-The Future.

Limbo — How the dismantled gempire has affected the lives of noble gems like Emerald, Holly Blue Agate, and others.

Now — Garnet reminds herself to live in the present.

Grief* — Alexandrite forms for the first time. [Writer’s Choice]

Inauguration — Wait, did Connie's parents ever meet Stevonnie?

Please — Did Kevin ever learn anything? Naaaaaah....unless...

Friend — General prompt? A sequel/prequel to this, please [White D’s panther].

Treatment — Greg starting to learn more about gem stuff to be more involved in Steven's life if something ugly happens.

Numbers — Pearl, please do something with all those phone numbers in your head.

Generations — Rose continues to discover the wonders of Earth, even after all this time. (No angst allowed in this one, just pure wonder.)

Survival — The Off-Colors used to have more members in the past.

Acting — How did Rainbow 2.0 even get invited to babysit Onion?

Kindness* — Former Mayor Dewey coming to terms with his new position in town.

Play — The Gems and Greg try to capture Steven's first moments on a bike. [Writer’s Choice]

Documentary — Ronaldo makes a real actually informative documentary about Little Homeworld.

Rain — Blue Diamond still cries sometimes.

Zoophobia — Also, I saw Z and my immediate thought was "Zoophobia.”

Echo* — Why does the tiny floating whale have Rose's voice before Steven ever heard it in the tape?

Sketch — Steven and Connie discover an anime character/mythological figure who bears an awfully similar resemblance to Obsidian.

Unironically — Why does Buck wanna be a doctor?

Club — How did Bismuth, Lapis, and Peri become such tight friends?

Nostalgia — Greg considers a comeback tour.

Pressure* — The creation of the Diamonds, maybe?

Coping — Amethyst and Pearl grapple with Rose's pregnancy. [Writer’s Choice]

Theatre — Sugilite, meet Rainbow 2.0.

Dadhood* — Whatever happened to Mrs. Fryman? IS there a Mrs. Fryman, or was it only a passing on-and-off thing that resulted in kids?

Lingering — Jasper finally lets Malachite go.

Human — Steven talks to his therapist about his mom, the feelings of before and the now. (It was left open-ended—his relationship with his mother.)

Words — Kofi is proud of his daughters.

Quest — [Letter prompt] Quest.

Picture — Sour Cream and Steven talking about absent parents and bad parenting. Post-The Future.

Bittersweet* — Shep finally gets to meet the notorious Lars.

Gemini — Spinel discovers memes and we're all doomed.

Weird — When he's younger, Steven doesn't quite know how to label the Gems.

[miniteaset]

Settling in

The Periwinkle and Eilian Saga Part 2

Hello again! This part has less of a focus on g/t, instead I wanted to spend the time fleshing out Eilian a bit more before him and Peri met :0 I hope you enjoy, and the next chapter will definitely focus on their meeting.

Eilian didn’t quite know how he felt about his new home.

It had been his aunt’s old place before they moved closer to the city, and for good reason too: this place was in the middle of nowhere and needed a lot of work done. It wasn’t much besides a small two-bedroom cabin next to a lake, but it wasn’t like he needed much. It would just be him and Darcy after all, however he didn’t know when his sister was coming with her. She said she’d be there the day after she moved in, but noon had come and gone and he’d seen no sign of her as he continued to unpack.

It was a bit of a hassle, carting boxes from one room to another with only one leg to stand on. Last night he’d dedicated his entire evening to pushing the mattress inside and onto the bed one shove-and-hop at a time.

He fell asleep in it before he could put any sheets on.

He’d been doing the rest of the furniture the same way, probably leaving an endless amount of scratches on the hardwood floors. Oh well, this house was a fixer-upper anyways. He was lucky to even get it at the price he did, it had been off the market for a year and his aunt had only agreed to sell it to him because he needed a place to stay. He remembered his aunt telling him to look for an old toy that his cousin had left, a doll or something, but after looking in each room he hadn’t found anything resembling a toy.

He had found a few strange things, however.

Yesterday when he’d moved in he found woodchips in the closet, and he figured that the wood beams above the closet were starting to chip and flake off. He’d have to deal with that somehow. And this morning he’d noticed a hole in the ceiling, right in the corner of the living room. It probably led up to the attic, but like hell he was gonna try to climb a ladder to go up and fix it. He was still trying to figure out crutches.

The strangest thing he’d found was a skinned and gutted squirrel in the bathroom. He would have liked to say an animal did it, but the job was too clean and it was tied up with string from the shower rod.

His best theory so far was that his vacant home had been a hotspot for witches.

He hadn’t put yesterday's discovery past him yet when he heard gravel crunching outside, and he hopped over to the window just in time to see his sister’s car pull into the driveway. He stepped outside to greet her, and to his delight, she got out of the car with a very excited Darcy on a leash. He leaned down to greet her, and in the blink of an eye the bulldog had broken free of his sister’s grip to run across the yard and slobber all over Eilian. He was knocked over in the process, but he was already cooing over her as his sister walked over, her hands on her hips.

“Oh sure, you say hi to your baby before you say hi to me” She huffed, Darcy momentarily stopping her barrage of kisses on Eilian to headbutt her legs, asking her for pets too. Eilian couldn’t help but laugh.

“Sorry Erin, I missed her! Was she good for you?”

“A little devil, as usual. You didn’t do a good job training her, she always begs for table scraps”

“And you didn’t give her any?” Erin rolled her eyes.

“She was fine, really. You spoil her enough anyways. C’mon, let’s get you off the ground.” Erin reached down and extended her hand, and Eilian just shook his head, grabbing his crutches and grunting with a bit of effort as he pulled himself back up.

“I can stand up by myself now, really.” Erin just raised an eyebrow and nodded in response.

“Whatever you say, just don’t hurt yourself trying to rush your recovery. I know how much you wanna get back in the water” Erin remarked. Eilian just glanced away.

“If the doctor ever clears me for swimming again…” He grumbled. Erin sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder, forcing him to look up at her.

“I mean it, you can’t rush your recovery! The doctor will clear you for doing things like swimming and whatnot again, it hasn’t been that long anyways. You just have to let yourself heal and be patient.” Eilian just grunted.

“Yeah, and what am I supposed to do in the meantime?”

“Well, fixing up this old house is a good start. Oh, speaking of, I brought some of dad’s old tools, he said you’d probably need them to fix some things he knew was wrong with the house” She rushed back to the car, taking out a toolbox and, a pizza box. Darcy rushed back over to Erin as soon as she smelled the pizza.

“What’s the pizza for?”

“Uh, it’s my housewarming gift. I have a funny feeling you haven’t eaten one meal in your new house yet” That made him glance guiltily to the side again, and Erin just groaned as soon as she caught his expression. “Of course you haven’t. But I guess self-care is just another thing I gotta lecture you about, huh?” She shoved the pizza into his hands before inviting herself inside to put the toolbox on his counter.

“Well hey, how am I gonna find the time for all this self-care if I’m moving in and fixing the house?” Erin sighed in response.

“I’m not telling you to take a spa day! I’m telling you to eat, pea brain! Jeez, for someone who wants to recover so quick you sure do a god-awful job of listening to your body” She pointed out. Darcy was busy sniffing around the house, specifically the bathroom. As she was snuffling around, she suddenly began barking, and the two siblings made their way over to the door to see what she was barking at. She was staring down the bathroom cabinet, but nothing was there.

“Darcy, what’s wrong honey?” Eilian cooed. Darcy just huffed and waddled back over to him, headbutting his leg. Erin shrugged.

“You’ve probably got a ghost or something” She proposed as Eilian went into the bathroom to inspect.

“That, or mice. There’s a hole right here…” He pointed out. And sure enough, there was a crack in the tile right next to the sink, and behind it a hole that led behind the cabinet. “I don’t think the scratching I heard in the attic last night was ghosts, either. I’m gonna have to pick up some traps, I guess…”

“Yikes… Well, good luck with that. I’ve actually gotta head out, I’ve got work in a few” She leaned over to hug Eilian, and to ruffle his hair right after. “Call mom when you get the chance, she wants to know how you’re doing. And I better see photo evidence of you eating that pizza, or else I’ll come back and shove it down your gullet. Remember, I only live thirty minutes away from you now” She threatened. Eilian just chuckled.

“I’ll eat it I’ll eat it, don’t worry. I’m hungry right now anyways” He assured, walking back into the kitchen with Darcy hot on his heels. He smiled down at her as he opened the box. “And yes, I’ll share my crust with you” He assured the dog. She headbutted his leg affectionately in response.

“Ugh, you two act like you’re in a Disney Channel original about a boy and his dog. I’ve seen enough, I’m out” She said, staying true to her word by abruptly closing the door right behind her. Eilian walked over to the window and waved his goodbyes, and he sat down to have a bite of pizza as soon as she was gone.

Something was off, however. Instead of staring at him and begging, Darcy had planted herself right outside of the bathroom door to stare at the cabinet.

Something was going on in this house. And whether it be mice or not, he was going to take care of it.

[fallen-stars-au]

Any Kind of Freedom (Chapter 1)

Steven's been missing for over a month now.

Well, okay, he's not missing if they know he's on Homeworld, but he wasn't the sort to just go zero-contact for this long.

And it's officially been long enough.

They would find him and bring him home or get shattered trying.

(Here is also an Ao3 Version.)

Prev | First | Next

It was stupid.

It was absolutely, absurdly, ridiculously stupid how easy it was to piss off the Diamonds sometimes.

Sure, sure, they’d gotten better about it. Kind of. Apparently not as much as he’d thought—at least not when it came to White.

All he had to do was make one suggestion at what had apparently been the wrong time- 

In the near-three years since he’d met the Diamonds formally and first travelled to Homeworld, Steven had been locked in the tower a total of five times. Three of them had been for just a couple days but hardly less unpleasant than the longer spells. But the other two times… His first prison sentence (there was nothing else he could call it) had been literal torture. He’d discovered things about how his half-gem biology differed (how the ways he could survive differed) from that of a full-human in ways he never wanted to experience again—in pain he never wanted to experience again. At the very least, Blue had recognized then that he wasn’t lying about having human needs, so the tower and ��his” own chambers had been outfitted appropriately. It meant none of his other times in the tower had been as bad as the first, but it was hardly fun or even easy to handle. But what had to be the worst part about every single time he’d been put in that tower is that he never knew how long it would be until he could get back out of it. And with only six tiny windows, it was near impossible to tell a time since Homeworld lack Earth’s same sort of day and night cycle he vastly preferred.

The Diamonds even needed and actively used his help all the time now! Even with their own duties! But apparently, once again suggesting they let gems choose their occupations (despite the fact they knew how deeply he believed this and had successfully set it in motion within his own Court) had been just enough for White at that moment for her to not care about any of that right now. Instead, he got a disgusted and disappointed look, and Yellow got an order to put him away.

It was a small comfort, at least, that Yellow and Blue both looked regretful and as though they wanted to refuse the order.

By Day Three, he didn’t care so much anymore about that because he was still back in this damn tower anyways.

By Day Five, Steven properly started wondering just how long until he could get out. He missed… Well hell, he missed everything. And everyone. His daily delivery of food and fresh water from the crops at the Zoo being shoved through the slot in the door built for that sole purpose was the most contact he’d had with anyone, and the gem on the other side was hardly allowed to speak back to him. It was times like this he desperately wished he could keep things in his gem to even just have a guitar. Or even paperwork. Just anything to stop the maddening, looping thoughts in his head. The only thing that helped was singing, and even then, he couldn’t write any of it down. But he sang it over and over again so much, he sort of doubted he’d be able to forget it anyways. If that was a plus.

By Day Nineteen (maybe), he’d stopped singing. He wasn’t even sure he’d thanked the door every day for his supply like he liked to. He didn’t care anymore—he just wanted out.

“-ridot. Peridot. Peridot!” Splash. Peridot sat bolt upright, awake now, half-drenched, and rapidly checking that her tablet was safe. It was in Lapis’s hand, being extended towards her to reclaim when there wouldn’t be any water damage done to it. “Come on, we’re leaving for Homeworld as soon as we’re done checking on Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and Greg.” There was a tense note in her voice that had been consistent throughout the past few weeks—not that Peridot could blame her.

“Right. That’s today. Let’s get to it, then!” Peridot hauled herself up off the now-wet couch and accepted her tablet back after shaking the water off her hands before she motioned for Lapis to lead the way.

Thirty-seven days. It had been thirty-seven days since any of them had seen or heard from Steven. Oh sure, they could always contact Zircon and did every day to ask if he could speak to them, but she kept saying he was unavailable. By the look on her face, all they could tell is that she was no more thrilled about the reason he was unavailable as she was about their constant calls. It was ten days after he’d left for Homeworld last (longer than he’d been gone in years) that they’d first called Zircon and a couple more days after that when Peridot had stopped Lapis from going to Homeworld herself. Steven’s work with the Diamonds was delicate, and anything they did would lead to his punishment as much as their own. So rather than rushing off, Peridot had reasoned out an agreement with Lapis when they would go. Twenty-five days seemed like… a lot, really. It was a lot. Definitely more than Peridot liked either, but Zircon was still willing to answer their calls and insisted she knew where Steven was and insisted even harder that they not come.

“Right. We have approximately eighty-two minutes until Steven’s daily wake-up call should arrive to him on Homeworld, so that gives us a maximum of nineteen-point-five minutes with each of them to have time to warp to Homeworld and catch him before he leaves his room.” It would be silly to assume Steven was actually functioning on his normal schedule, but it was all they could go off of.

Lapis nodded, cold determination emanating from her as she wordlessly led the way out of the house to check on Greg first. Peridot followed, trying to soothe her own worries when they would hopefully have an answer to their concerns in just a few hours.

Thankfully, Greg was easier to check on than he used to be. Now that “Andy” (she still tended to call him The Other Greg to herself and to Lapis) was helping out more often, it was rare that either of them had to really do anything, but it helped Steven when they asked to make sure. They chatted for a few moments to let him know their plans for the day, and then they were gone again with a solid “good luck” and a plea to bring his son home.

Garnet and Amethyst were also easy to check on as they were at the house, attempting to play a human board game with no help or instructions, but they were at least having fun. A little over a month wasn’t very long for them, after all. It just was for Steven and anyone who functioned on a human schedule.

It proved a bit more difficult to find Pearl, however. She avoided the Temple—even her own room because it “was so awfully dangerous” by the amount of weapons stored there—and tended to stick around the house cleaning where nothing needed to be cleaned, but no one had seen her since the previous afternoon.

Time ticked on by, and the spare minutes they’d saved up in making the other check-ins quick were rapidly dispensed. Peridot scrunched her nose in mild irritation as the alarm she’d set on her tablet started to go off at her hip, and she wiggled out from under the back rafters where she’d been searching.

They were out of time or they’d miss their chance to catch him.

“Lapis! Hey, Lapis, come on, we gotta go! We can’t find her right now,” she called up towards the lighthouse even as another layer of anxiety piled itself on top of her stack. Where in the stars was Pearl? She wouldn’t leave the planet—that was the only thing Steven had ever ordered of her for her own safety. So where had she gone?

Lapis dropped to the ground beside her and was already walking back up the path to the house.  She’d stopped wanting to search at least half an hour before; Peridot knew she was just as concerned about Pearl, but their worries for Steven won out in this instance. “She’ll be fine; let’s go.”

Peri quickly followed, grabbing her metal hovering device from just inside the front door and without stopping on the way to the warp pad; with a rush of light and a musical chime, they were at the Galaxy Warp. She gasped as the light dissipated and recognized someone there other than two of the four Rose Quartz guards (Rosie and Quinn as they liked to be called) in charge of keeping non-Earth gems off planet. “Pearl!!” Relief washed through Peridot as she hurried over to their “friend” (even after almost a year, it was still so bizarre and just… wrong not having Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl as their normal selves) who was resting on her knees in front of the Galaxy Warp. “We looked everywhere… for.. you.” As soon as she saw Pearl’s face, she knew she’d been crying—enough for wise tear tracks to be dried down her cheeks.

Pearl pulled herself up from the ground, lacking her usual grace and semi-forced cheer as she saluted them both. “I apologize for not informing you of my whereabouts, Lapis Lazuli and Peridot. I wished to await my It’s Steven here so I might know the moment he returns to Earth…” It clicked.

Peridot knew something had been wrong lately, but of course she hadn’t been able to get a word out of Pearl about what it was. She still followed the classic rules of a Pearl, and that meant hiding and ignoring any of her own feelings. For her to have even cried like she clearly had been… well, it was almost relieving to see albeit kind of sad.

Before Peridot could point any of this out, Lapis’s patience was gone. “Well then, stop with the salute thing and come with us. We’re going to find him.”

Pearl started. “Find… him…? But- but he’s on Homeworld! I would be disobeying a direct order from my Diamond, I could hardly-“

“Who cares? If you’re coming, get moving. We need to leave.” Apparently Lapis had even less patience at the moment than Peridot had thought, but it was apparently just as well. When Lapis walked past to the massive warp pad in front of them, Pearl hesitated for a very long moment before she followed—seeming to struggle to take each step. But she still made them.

Peridot stayed by Pearl’s side for each slow step, and even Lapis calmed down some with wide eyes as they walked up and onto the Galaxy Warp. Once they were within the boundaries, Peridot warped the three of them away before Pearl could turn back and change her mind.

[devourer--of--books]

SGE x PJO AU: wiki pages

PART I: Hester

Okay, so hm, before we start.

Warning: some minor cursing, as well as spoilers for all percy jackson and the olympians, heroes of olympus and school for good and evil books. Basic knowledge of the main plot points is heavily recommended. 

Now that that’s out of the way, an unnecessary note:

I was unsure on how to structure this au, as I was originally going through the events of the novels book by book, but turns out that made the posts way too long (longer than they already are) and more like a mini-fic than an au post, so, for now, we’re sticking to a character-based wiki-like structure, one at a time.

This is obviously an au, so while we'll follow loosely the events of the riordan-verse, there's many tweaks, so it's easier to follow if you're familiar with the canon material but hopefully, I'll be able to answer any questions y'all might have.

I just might do mini-fic posts or write a one-shot or two, but that takes a while so maybe tell me if you’d be interested in that, because as usual, I am fueled by validation.

This is so goddamn self-indulgent. 

Hester Ravenswood

Daughter of Nemesis

Occupation: Head counselor of cabin 19 / High school student.

Early years: Used to live with her father, until he tragically died in a mysterious factory fire when she was 10. 

It is unknown how Hester got to camp, aside from the vague explanation she gives to Sophie and Agatha: she ran away from an orphanage and her mother guided her to Camp Half-Blood using dreams. She arrived at camp in the same night as Chaddick Edwards, and witnessed his death at Half-Blood Hill.

Camp years: Hester used to be a year-round camper at cabin 11. Since Nemesis didn’t have an actual cabin at the time, Hester was placed there, as per camp tradition, and while she often flaunted her parentage, she never got officially claimed. 

Within her first year, Hester dueled an older, unnamed demigod for a bunk bed at cabin 11. She wins the duel, but ends up with a bad reputation as a “shady back-stabber” around camp, due to her use of a hidden knife to win. The bottom bed of said bunk used to be always empty, despite Hermes’ cabin being very crowded, until Agatha’s arrival a few years later.

Hester is the third member of the quest to retrieve Zeus’ lighting bolt, alongside newcomers Agatha and Sophie.

The following summer, she runs away from camp with Sophie Martin to help on the quest for the golden fleece. 

Later that year, she participates in the mission to retrieve Yara and Willam Thomas from Westover Hall. 

During the quest to rescue Artemis, Hester is absent due to being given another quest by oracle/camp director August Sader: scouting the labyrinth. 

Next summer she leads the quest to find Daedalus, but after the incident in Hephaestus’ forges, she chooses to remain at camp to prepare for Kronos’ invasion, as well as aiding Dot Nottingham with Anadil Bloodbrook’s recovery after her time wandering by herself in the labyrinth.

A year later, Hester and Agatha blow up the Princess Andromeda cruise together, and she is heavily involved in the events leading to and during the Battle of Manhattan. Hester and Anadil are responsible for convincing a few minor gods, including Hester’s mother, to betray Kronos and help the campers fight off his army once Kronos cuts off connection between himself (alongside Sophie, Agatha and Yara) and his army to get to Olympus.

Post-war, she attends school alongside Dot Nottingham. It’s unknown what she plans to do after graduating, though it’s implied she might have to retake the year, as she often skipped classes to look for Agatha with Sophie. In one of those missions, Nemesis guides Hester to rescue Nicola Saylor, bringing her to Camp Half-Blood.

Currently: Hester is one of the seven demigods of the prophecy, and is abord the Argo II, headed towards Camp Jupiter.

Connections:

Dot Nottingham

While Hester mostly kept to herself during her first years at Camp Half-Blood, she has a secret soft spot for Dot, as she once overheard the girl standing up for her against Beatrix Jolie. 

She is the one that teaches Dot how to use a dagger. 

Every year, Dot offerers to house Hester for the school year, and every year she refuses, until after the Battle of Manhattan, when she accepts the invitation.

Agatha Schwartz

Hester and Agatha become friends shortly after her arrival, alongside Sophie, at Camp Half-Blood, when Hester claims to be impressed by Agatha’s confrontation with Aric Lesso, which seemed to freak every other camper out. 

Through the years, Hester  develops a not-so-one-sided crush on her, leading to a, rather messy, undefined romantic relationship between them after Hester kissed Agatha at Mount Saint Helens, but the two decide they are better off as friends after the Battle of Manhattan.

Hester is greatly distraught by Agatha’s disappearance after the war and feels horribly guilty for ignoring Agatha’s attempts to contact her prior to it due to remaining pettiness post-break-up.

Sophie Martin

Off to a bad start upon meeting, the two become tentative friends during the quest to retrieve the lightning bolt, and they even manage to join forces to aid Agatha, Hort Scourie and Aric Lesso on their quest for the golden fleece. 

However, Hester quickly grows suspicious that Sophie might be a spy for Rafal at camp. Once she hears that this accusation was proven true, during the quest to rescue Artemis, it causes an irreversible shift in their mostly playful previous dynamic, even though Sophie changes sides again after Rafal betrays her trust at Mount Tamalpais. The peak of their animosity is at their duel after “Agatha’s funeral”, in which Hester nearly strangles Sophie with her whip while blinded by grief, only stopping due to interference from Agatha herself.

Thankfully, things seem to have smoothed over between them after Sophie stabs, and sucessfully kills, Rafal in the Gods’ Throne Room, "ending” the Battle of Manhattan by keeping Kronos from destroying Olympus.

Sophie and Hester grow closer during Agatha’s disappearance, often meeting up for search missions whenever one of them believes to have a lead on their friend’s whereabouts.

Anadil Bloodbrook

Hester first meets Anadil during her first mission an the labyrinth, in which she manages to convince Anadil to help her escape Kronos’ forces, but isn’t able to take her along, feeling horrible guilt, believing Anadil to have been killed.

Once she learns that Anadil managed to escape and is actually alive, having been wandering through the maze on her own for months, Hester vows to save her, stepping down and handing over the quest for Daedalus to Agatha.

Hester manages to find Anadil, whose mind appears fragmented after so long in the labyrinth, and begs Dot to help her find a solution. The daughter of Dionysus eventually does, combining her mild influence over madness with Reena Shazabah’s healing talents as a daughter of Apollo.

Anadil and Hester keep in touch often after that, becoming very close friends and formulating a plan to secretly recruit minor gods and their children back to the olympian side.

The two of them start dating officially a few weeks after the end of the war and are currently still together.

Nemesis

Hester is contacted by her mother more often than most demigods, probably due to Nemesis status as a minor goddess. Nemesis offers to help Hester on occasion, but Hester always stresses that her mother is anything but kind; no help from her ever comes free of charge.

August Sader

Despite making a few jokes about the oracle’s host being past his prime, Hester shows a deep respect for the camp director, even if she doesn’t always agree with his tatics.

Reena Shazabah

Hester’s active dislike for Beatrix during her first few summers at camp lead to her passive dislike of all of the daughter of Aphrodite’s friends and flings, including Reena, but they eventually become friends and, after Reena aids Dot in healing Anadil’s mind, the two of them can often be spotted training together at the arena.

Rafal

While they were in the same cabin and Rafal was one of the few campers that didn’t avoid her, Hester tells Agatha she does not trust him. 

Once Rafal reveals himself as Kronos’ son, offering Hester a spot in his army, due to her being a child of a minor goddess, she tells him to “get fucked” and stabs him in the arm with her dagger, establishing their dynamic for the rest of the war.

Nicola Saylor

Hester is initially resentful of Nicola, for her presence reminded Hester of her own failure to find Agatha, but once the roman girl reveals that Agatha was most likely stuck at Camp Jupiter without her memories, Hester starts acting less hostile towards her.

Yara Thomas

Hester is part of the rescue party that retrieves Yara and her brother Willan.

At first the two seemed to get along, but after Yara joins the Hunters their friendship sours, as Hester has a very strong disdain for the group.

However, they start talking again during the Battle of Manhattan and grow closer once Yara offers to try and track down Agatha once she goes missing.

The current status of their friendship is unknown, as Hester will probably be livid once she finds out Yara met amnesiac!Agatha at Camp Jupiter months prior to Nicola’s arrival at Camp Half-Blood.

Hort Scourie

She doesn’t really care much for Hort at all before he is revealed to be one of the seven, but tolerates his presence on occasion, though Hester does state that kicking his ass on the arena is one of her favorite hobbies.

Weapons and Powers: Hester is very skilled with daggers and knifes, though her weapon of choice is usually a whip given to her by her mother on a deal they made when Hester first found out she was a demigod. Whatever Hester had to give her mother to keep her end of the bargain is currently unknown. 

The whip is shown to have a mind of its own, moving in fast snake-like motions that Sophie describes as “demonic”, glowing red when “awake”, but its use is rather dangerous for long periods of time, as it draws energy directly from Hester’s life force.

Hester has some sort of control over chance, being able to strike deals to tip the scales of balance in her favor, allowing her to succeed in unlikely situations, but more often than not, the price for doing so is way too high, being a last resort for her.

[frostskader]

Love & Liability

Alternatively Titled: Can you feel the Love Tonight?

Once upon a time ships traveled the seas pillaging towns and cities. This was the golden age of piracy. Yet it was only golden by the standards of those on the ships that traveled the world. For the rest the 1700’s was a terrifying place to live in.

“Captain! Captain! We’re pulling into port and the offices are ready to meet us.” Barbara Roberts turned to her Quartermaster, her brunette hair flying in the wind with a smile that could blind anyone that looked while the sun was shining down on her.

Strange if you considered hygiene on a ship but Barbara was a woman of detail, or class, she wouldn’t willingly break a nail let alone let her teeth go to ruin.

“I’m not worried. They’ll let us in or we’ll blow up their port. Simple as that.” Barbie grinned turning back to the dock that awaited them. “We’re here solely to have a party, they can’t have a problem with that.”

Yet there were a lot of problems with that and the brunette that was hiding behind some barrel knew that. But she couldn’t voice it. She would be in even more trouble if she was found in her hiding spot. How she had survived without being found for the last week was a miracle in itself. Aurora wouldn’t be taking anymore chances this close to salvation.

Especially this close to Gracewood Manor. Aurora needed to make it on land. Please don’t send this ship away.

The closer they got the more Aurora waited for the sound of gunfire. When none appear she cautiously poked her head out to the line of officers all with their guns drawn.

“Calm down boys. I’m merely here for a visit. A restock of supplies. Maybe a drink or two. We won’t be destroying your town.” Barbie grinned looking over the officers herself leaning onto the railing while she played with her hair.

“Surely you’ll let us dock?” Her voice rang and Aurora watched each of the officers take a deep breath. Shifting in their britches. 

“We can not!” One voice rang out. The boy was on the shorter side compared to everyone. He stood off to the side. No one of rank but he stood tall despite his gun shaking as he pointed at him.

“Officer Oliver stand down.” The Captain by his stripes stepped forward. “Miss what’s your name?”

“Barbara Roberts. You can surely look me up by my name couldn’t you? Find my wanted poster. I’m a woman of my word. We’ll be gone by the morning. Just give us time to do that won’t you Captain?”

“Captain Percy Goldthwait, Ms Barbara. We can offer our port to you only to buy supplies and set up by morning. We will not allow anything else. And if we see anything you will be arrested.” Percy stated ordering his men to drop their guns. Oliver being the last.

Poking her head up Aurora tried to get his attention he was the only one that could possibly help her. She just needed to get off this ship. She needed to find him.

“Of course, We’ll follow your rules while we’re here I promise.” Barbie spoke crossing her fingers behind her back.

“Alright men and women. Tie us in and lets go.” Barbara called being the first to disembark without looking back at her crew. Instead just running her fingers over the Captain’s collar. “Show me around why don’t you? What’s with the big house over there?”

Percy followed her finger, it looking like hearts were swirling around his head. “Gracewood Manor. There will be a ball there tonight. Invitation only though.”

“Oh but of course.” Barbara whispered.

Again Aurora tried to get Oliver’s attention, but the officer watched Barbara and his captain rushing off to follow them leaving Aurora to collapse back. She wouldn’t be able to leave until everyone quieted down.

Oliver had lost sight of the pirate and his Captain too quickly even running after them. Leaving him away from the boat and the other men. Which he was going to get majorly in trouble for!

Sprinting back to the boat Oliver barely dodged a young couple in the middle of the Square.

“Marzel, I know you’re waiting. I know she was someone you cared about but you’ve only recently met her.”

“It was enough Melody. One meeting and my heart was stolen.” Marzel mused holding his hand to his chest as if it would leap out and he would need to catch it before it fluttered away.

Melody on the other hand felt like hers would sink to the floor. All those times as children together. All the village ladies teasing them how they would get together and marry. It was all falling apart because of one woman.

“We haven’t heard from her ship, she should have been back by now.”

“We have until the Ball, Melody.”

“No you need to make the decision to move on or you’ll hang over her your entire length. Make the decision. Marry me.” Melody stepped infront of him glancing around to make sure no one else heard those words.

A woman proposing? It was unheard of.

And by Marzel’s expression unwarranted and unheard of.

“No Melody. You’re my best friend and I care about you but I can’t, I won’t. I’m sorry.” Marzel turned away walking from Melody, This time the girl held onto her chest. Not because her heart would flutter away but because it would drop to her feet.

Turning on her heel Melody moved to walk home pausing at a store window, the gown on display such gorgeous lace that would drape around any woman beautifully. 

The seamstress stepped into the window pulling the gown down leaving Melody to stare at the empty space.

The dress was brought over to a young girl standing in front of a mirror as they dressed her. A woman’s wedding day was meant to be grand. She was meant to be stunning. To render her fiance speechless.

Ashlee was sure she could do all of those things.

But the girl had imagined adventure and love. She had wished for it in her journals and with her nannies. Daring to dream but everyone in the house found it endearing. 

Even now Ashlee swished the gown around wishing and hoping for the future she wanted not the one that would be her demise of staying at home all day while he potentially never returned.

“What is your fiance like?” Peri questioned taking her measurements unable to ask the girl to not move. Not from her standing. 

“I don’t know I haven’t met him.”

“You haven’t?”

“We will meet tonight. At the ball at Gracewood Manor.” Peri’s hand froze at her work before she continued to work.

“I heard many young couples will be meeting their and it will be an excellent place to meet someone if you have not.”

“Perhaps.” Ashlee stated. “I’d rather not, but to each their own.” 

“Ms Peri. I’m afraid you’re running late. The madam at Gracewood Manor needs an alteration and she refuses to have anyone make the change other than you.” 

“The ball will start in just a few hours. And I’m with a client.” 

“It’s alright. You can not turn down the madam of Gracewood manor. Your assistant can finish the measurements. I’ll be heading to the ball soon enough anyway.” Ashlee offered ushering the blonde away.

“Yes of course. Thank you Ma’am.”

 Grabbing armfuls of the material and her kits Peri rushed into the carriage stepping in without assistance and being jostled the entire way.

“Excuse me could you slow down?” Peri questioned but heard no response back. Of course not. How could they listen to her. Just a small town seamstress. 

The trip up to the manor was quick. Quicker than if Peri had to travel by foot. Yet as she stepped out she was ushered through the halls only catching one glimpse of the young master of the house.

Nuka watched as Peri was ushered through the halls until she disappeared from his sight only then did he focus back on the musician in front of him. “I do not mind whichever you decide to play. As long as our guests may dance to it, you are free to choose.” Nuka commanded, waving of O’Malley.

The musician stepped back bowing at the young master heading to the ballroom.

Nuka stepped forward to follow Peri, before he could make even the second step he was pulled back to his room to formally dress for the event. He could be meeting his own fiancee tonight.

With his butler working hard, Nuka was dressed in no time. By the time he stepped out of his room the manor was lit by candle light. Music slipped out of the ballroom as Nuka moved to greet his guests. 

“Welcome Ms. Tommassian. I hope you enjoy your evening.” 

The young girl offered Nuka a smile to be polite, giving him a curtsy before moving in with her parents.

“There he is. The young man’s name is Oliver Twiste. He’s from a well off family and has become an officer. He’s expecting to rise through the rank very quickly.” 

Ashlee’s father called Oliver over and the young man scrambled forward. Taking Ashlee’s hand to lay a kiss to it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Ashlee.”

“It’s Ms. Tommassian.”

Oliver mentally took a step back before nodding. “My apologies Miss.”

Ashlee sighed. “Just ask me to dance already.” 

Oliver nodded asking her and taking her hand to pull her onto the dance floor. 

“It’s -”

“Don’t speak.” Ashlee commanded as they twirled around the dance floor.

“But-”

“No, I don’t want to marry you and if you want to marry someone just because your parents told you too. You’re a fool.”

Swallowing harshly Oliver looked away from his fiancee because at the end of the day she was already his fiancee. Their parents had made the match.

“Look you might be unhappy-”

“I said not to speak-”

“No you listen to me. I get ordered enough by my captain. You’re just going to have to suck it up because we are to be married. Deal with it.” 

Neither party looked at each other as they dance, teeth clenched at one another to avoid saying another word. Yet their parents off to the side swooned at the young couple and many more as everyone joined the dance.

Couples littered the floor dancing, twirling around while servants stood around waiting to be needed. Or attempted to escape like one seamstress who had been stuck for too long by the madam. Peeking in to the ball Peri listening to the music from her place hidden away from any prying eyes. 

He played beautifully watching all the couple dancing a longing in his own eyes. Ones that Peri imagined matched her own.

But she had to leave before she was spotted.

“Peri?” 

Peri twisted around staring up at Nuka with a small gasp. “My apologies I know it’s invitation only I was just listening to the music. I’ll be on my way.” Peri started to move heading toward the stairs to the second, she could escape from the servants exit, she had multiple times before.

“Wait Peri.” 

Peri wouldn’t wait rushing forward a couple guests that had made their way up to the balcony started to look.

With all eyes on her Peri pulled open a curtain to escape behind stopping suddenly at the man and woman making out against the railing. 

“Captain?” Nuka questioned stepping behind Peri. Percy spun around eyes wide as he knocked Barbara back and off the railing. Everyone wincing as she fell into the bushes below. She’d be okay, Enough affairs had left that way. 

But the scream that rang out definitely meant something went wrong.

“Captain you have a wife and a young child at home.”

“And she’s a pirate?” Peri supplied recognizing the face from a wanted poster in town.

“And she’s a pirate. Should I be concerned just who you’re allowing in town and in turn my home.”

“No Mr. Blackwell. It’s nothing like that. Please don’t tell my wife.”

“No I’m afraid I will be telling her. Afterall your wife was expected here too. Now go check on her and make sure she’s not dead. Do your job.” 

Percy ran off without a look back everyone watching now. Nuka how pulled the curtains and held out his hand before Peri could run off.

“Peri would you stop running?”

“I’m not supposed to be here. I’m so sorry your Mother requested I work on her gown. It’s finished and I should head out.” 

Nuka’s arm still extended over the curtain forcing Peri to stay where she was.

“You could be welcomed here. Peri, Marry me.”

The question wasn’t out of the blue, they had seen one another since Peri started working at the shop. Joked around when Peri came to fit his mother and drop off gowns but that didn’t mean she could marry the wealthiest family in this town.

“I’m sorry Nuka. I’m not right for this. Please move on.” Peri ducked under his arm and ran for the door. Nuka right behind her passing another couple.

“Would you like to dance?” Marzel questioned holding out his hand to Melody. Both clad in their best they barely paid attention to a seamstress or the young master of the house chasing after her. 

The music was so loud no one else had even noticed the scream from the balcony and ignored the Captain of the officers running out either.

Melody only had eyes for Marzel though her heart had already been broken for today.

“Of course.” Melody took Marzel’s hand as they swept onto the dance floor passing a young couple that wouldn’t even look at one another. 

The two of them couldn’t help but laugh. “Arranged marriage.” They agreed at the same time.

“I’m sorry Melody you’re right. You’ve been right this entire time. I’m been waiting for someone that won’t come back.”

Melody nodded though she ducked her head in embarrassment. She had asked him to marry her without a second thought.

“Melody Oceana would you marry me?” Marzel questioned smiling down at her. Pulling a ring out of his pocket Melody eagerly pulled it on. Reaching up to kiss his cheek. 

“Of course.” 

Aurora had struggled to get off the ship but when she had she wished she hadn’t. The ball had already begun and she looked like she hadn’t showered in a couple weeks. Which she hadn’t. Storming into the seamstress shop Aurora grabbed water from the back cleaning up the best she could before putting on a dress that was too loose but at least she’d be dressed. She hadn’t imagine running up to the manor would lead her to watch the Captain of the ship she stowed away on would be falling from a balcony.

Rushing over Aurora held out a hand to help her out of the bush.

“Oh it’s the stowaway I was wondering when you’d get off my ship.”

“You knew?”

“Of course I knew.” Barbara hissed pushing the girl away. “Now my leg hurts so walk away unless you want me to kill you.”

“Step away young miss. I’ll look after this pirate.” 

Aurora glanced up to see the Captain with his collar all messed up and the lipstick matching Barbara’s it didn’t take long for Aurora to put everything together taking the warning and running far away. 

She didn’t want any part of that.

Slipping into the manor Aurora avoided everyone that would want to see her or force her to introduce herself to the crowd.

He’d be here, he had to.

The music lulled but Aurora barely paid any attention her eyes locked on Marzel as he slipped her engagement ring onto Melody’s finger.

She was too late. After everything she had gotten back too late.

Pressing herself against the wall Aurora hid away from everyone’s eyes as tears blurred her vision.

“Excuse me. Are you alright?” A man asked offering a handkerchief to her.

“This is much too beautiful night to cry. I should know I’ve been playing the music for all these lovely couples.”

“My- He was my fiance, just proposed to someone else.”

“Well he’s obviously the fool for choosing anyone other than you. Come let’s get some fresh air.” O’Malley offered Aurora his arm and the girl accepted it throwing one glance back to the happy couple. 

Stepping outside Aurora and O’Malley paused and turned hard to the right, spotting Nuka and Peri kissing in the moonlight.

“Did you love him?”

“I did.”

“Could you move on?”

“I’ll have to.”

“Don’t worry it gets easier with time.” O’Malley supplied. “But until then having a shoulder to lean on helps and I’m currently unattached compared to all of these couples.”

“Well that’s good because I’m currently unattached too. Love has only been a liability to me.” Looking up at the man Aurora smiled at his smile. “Perhaps there’s more than just a romantic love. And maybe I’ve just stumbled upon it.”

[carewyncromwell]

((Previously on “Quest for the Quidditch Cup”...))

[The morning of the Quidditch Final was very wet. Gray storm clouds had covered the ceiling of the Great Hall, with transparent raindrops dissipating before they reached the ground. It left Carewyn feeling a distinct sense of foreboding -- one only magnified when Ben met her at the double doors and walked her over to the Gryffindor table where he’d been sitting with Charlie and Jae.

Jae had pinched a copy of Rita Skeeter’s article about the upcoming match. Carewyn at first dreaded reading what horrible way Skeeter had managed to twist what had gone down with Skye and Rath, but when she actually read the headline, she felt her anxiety give way to aggravation.

“FROM CURSEBREAKER TO CHASER -- The Ultimate Underdog Story for the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup!”

That’s right. The story, it turned out, wasn’t about Skye or the Slytherin team at all -- Rita Skeeter had instead made it all about Carewyn and her supposedly “defying all odds” to fill the shoes of the “hot-blooded and impulsive heir to the Parkin Quidditch legacy.”

Although Carewyn was sort of glad that at least this meant that Skye’s misguided belief that Rath had attacked her on purpose hadn’t made the front page, she still couldn’t help but be really steamed about the article. She’d flat-out said that she didn’t want to give Skeeter an interview and that the reporter should talk to the rest of the team instead. But Skeeter apparently had gotten what she’d wanted anyway by asking the rest of the team a lot of questions about Carewyn and whether or not they believed someone “with virtually no experience playing in a serious match” could stand up against the five-time winners of the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup. The whole article made it sound like Carewyn truly was the only person who could win Slytherin house eternal glory -- a sentiment that not only was flat-out untrue, but that also made the pressure on her shoulders feel that much heavier. Charlie had tried to cheer Carewyn up by pointing out that the Slytherin team’s comments about her had sounded positive and that she did deserve some gratitude for taking the Chaser spot at the last minute...but even he seemed to agree it was rather cold to ignore how much work everyone else had put in.

“Your team Captain’s graduating this year too, isn’t he?” he said with a deep frown. “Any decent reporter would’ve mentioned that, after saying this was Skye’s last game at school.”

The article was like a meddlesome fly at the back of Carewyn’s mind the entire time as she headed to the Quidditch tent that afternoon, keeping her eye on the gray-tinted clouds.]

At least it’s stopped raining. And really, clouds can sometimes be better than sunshine -- less chance of getting blinded when you look up...

[Fortunately when she arrived, the rest of the Slytherin team greeted her pleasantly.]

Night: “Carewyn!”

Quinn: “Hey, Carewyn!”

[Carewyn gave the two Beaters her best winning smile.]

“Hi.”

[She took out her robes from her locker and started to change next to her fellow red-haired Chaser, Cara, who was sitting on the bench and putting on her cleats. Carewyn couldn’t help but notice the scrunched-up copy of the Daily Prophet she’d put her boot on top of.

Cara, ever the discerning sort, noticed where Carewyn’s gaze was and smiled wryly.]

Cara: “I hope you’re not letting what that Skeeter woman said get to you.”

[Carewyn blinked.]

“What?”

Quinn: “That rubbish about ‘the Quidditch Cup Final resting squarely on your shoulders.’”

Night: “Yeah -- I mean, that old bat’s always been a huge drama queen. From what I gather, the only reason she’s yet to cover the Cursed Vaults is because she’d been too busy writing articles like Millicent Bagnold supposedly wearing khakis to an international press conference...”

[Carewyn’s mouth dropped open in a mixture of disbelief and utter bewilderment. The Keeper, Ashok Peri, closed his locker with a clatter, looking over his shoulder with a huge smirk.]

Ashok: “If anything, I’d say most of the pressure lies on Kaylisa. She’ll be the one trying to catch the Snitch.”

Kaylisa: “But Quinn and Night’ll be the ones protecting me from Rath -- that’s quite a bit of pressure...”

Cara: “I reckon it’s like what Orion said last night...it’ll be about working as a team, right?”

[Carewyn nodded in agreement. Hearing the team downplay Skeeter’s article so thoroughly made her feel a lot better.]

“Right. We’ll all have our part to play.”

???: “Even me?”

[Skye had entered the tent. She was no longer holding her left side but was still walking a bit precariously.

Carewyn immediately felt herself tensing up again. Had she read the article?]

Kaylisa: “Skye! You made it!”

[Skye tried to smile brightly, but she seemed a bit tense too.]

Skye: “Just because I can’t play doesn’t mean I can’t wish my team luck, right? I already said I planned on cheering you on...”

[Her eyes landed on Carewyn, and the two stared each other down for a moment. Skye’s gaze was standoffish, like a dog with its ears back baring for a fight.]

Yup, she read it.

[Carewyn’s eyes narrowed.]

“...Skye, I didn’t know Rita Skeeter changed the article.”

[Skye raised an eyebrow.]

“She asked me for an interview and I said no, so I thought she’d go back to focusing on you. I told her to talk to the team, not me.”

Skye: “(lowly) It looks like she followed your advice.”

[Night rushed to Carewyn’s defense, coming up to stand beside her.]

Night: “Skye, we didn’t know Skeeter had been planning to write about you. If we’d known, you know we would’ve said something.”

[Cara and Kaylisa nodded too.]

“(firmly) I told Skeeter flat-out that I’m just your substitute. I didn’t want any attention for this. This wasn’t even supposed to be my match: it was supposed to be yours.”

I don’t want praise for chasing someone else’s dream.

“I just want Slytherin to win. That’s all.”

[Amazingly Skye’s face had cleared of the tenseness and insecurity it’d shown long before Carewyn finished. She smiled, her eyes touched with an almost ironic dryness.]

Skye: “You really are a hero, Carewyn. You steal the spotlight so well that Skeeter woman can’t help but ignore me, even at my worst...and yet you’re still too decent of a person to let it go to your head.”

[The rest of the team relaxed. Carewyn gave a faintly uncomfortable smile, her eyes still drawn to the grass to the left of Skye’s foot.]

“(mutters) ...Why would a story crowing about how I’m the only one who can win us the Quidditch Cup go to my head?”

Who needs that sort of pressure?

Skye: “(smirking slightly) I might’ve liked it. Sometimes I wonder how we were lucky enough to grab you instead of Gryffindor, Carewyn.”

“(snorts dryly) Because I don’t just barrel in without thinking.”

[Skye laughed loudly, only to immediately regret it when pain shot through her newly mended ribcage.]

Skye: “Ow ow...fffffudge, that hurts...”

[She hissed in pain.

Carewyn gave her a faintly pitying look as she pulled on her set of spare green Quidditch robes. She’d had to adjust the fit when she first practiced in them, since they’d originally been sized for Skye’s height and weight, not hers.

At that moment Murphy wheeled into the tent. His face lit up at the sight of Skye and Carewyn.]

Murphy: “Hey, Skye! Ready for the Final, Carewyn?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

My insides feel like snakes, but well, that’s normal, isn’t it?

[Murphy looked at Night and Quinn.]

Murphy: “Are you both ready too? We’ll be counting on you out there today -- remember, if you’re over Rath’s shoulder when she tries to attack Kaylisa, we’ve got a 97.2% chance of countering the Ravenclaws’ winning strategy...”

Quinn: “Don’t worry, McNully -- we’ve got this.”

[She exchanged a look with Night and the two Beaters both smirked.]

Cara: “(with a determined smile) Hey, Carewyn...once we’re 70 points up, let’s make sure one of us stays near the center field, just in case Kaylisa sees the Snitch and we need to signal Night or Quinn.”

[Carewyn nodded in agreement, her own face much more serious.]

“Good idea.”

Murphy: “That could also give you time to stall Rath, if it’s taking Night or Quinn a while to get there.”

???: “I agree.”

[Orion entered the tent, already fully dressed in his uniform and holding his Cleansweep. He inclined his head in a single nod to his fellow Chasers, Carewyn and Cara.]

Orion: “We will need to pull out all the steps for this strategy to succeed.”

[He raised his gaze to the others.]

Orion: “Gather around the blackboard, team. It’s time for our moment of vivification.”

[The Slytherins in the tent all shuffled over to the far corner where the blackboard was set up.

Once everyone had assembled, Orion lifted the tent flap that had blown forward, shifting it aside to reveal what it had been hiding -- four Magical Creatures, lined up in a row.]

[A memory fluttered over Carewyn’s mind -- herself, in third year, heading out to the Quidditch Pitch in the hopes of scoring a tryout with the elusive Slytherin Quidditch Captain...

“Fire Crab, Flobberworm, Kneazle, Niffler...”

Orion smiled broadly seeing how Carewyn’s eyes had widened.]

Orion: “I see you remember these creatures too, Carewyn. When each of you first joined our team, I asked you to memorize these four creatures -- to take lessons from each of them, before every practice and match. Today these creatures embody the same traits we’ll need to secure our victory. We’ll need the patience of a Flobberworm resting in the earth...and yet we must be as tenacious as a Niffler in pursuit of gold. We must depend on one another with the loyalty of a Kneazle...and yet we must each burn with the fire of a Fire Crab. Patience -- tenacity -- loyalty -- and fire. They are all traits I have seen in every one of you, whether you’ve been here with me since the beginning...”

[He glanced at Skye out the side of his eye.]

Orion: “...Or you’ve returned to be with me here at the end.”

[His dark eyes landed on Carewyn, softening significantly, before he addressed his team again.]

Orion: “Let me take this time to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. Even with how much we have won and how much we have lost, the fire in your hearts has never faltered. You’ve never lost sight of our prize. You’ve trained with patience, rather than seeking a shorter road. And above all else...you have been a loyal family to each other...and to me.”

[Some of the team looked like they wanted to cry. Skye already had bowed her head to hide the tears streaming down her face.]

Oh, Orion...the end really is coming up so soon, isn’t it? Your final match...your final chance, to achieve your dream of winning the Cup...

[Memories of Bill’s farewell party the previous year rippled over Carewyn’s mind. She felt a choking feeling forming in the back of her throat, but she fought it back fiercely, even as her eyes likewise drifted down to the ground rather than up at Orion.

Orion amazingly wasn’t crying. Instead his dark eyes shone with such overwhelming pride and softness, it made him look almost paternal.]

Orion: “It...has been an honour...one I will never forget.”

[Even though he’d held in his tears, however, Carewyn could hear his emotion shaking at the back of his soft voice. He was deeply touched by his team’s tears, even though he wasn’t crying himself.]

Orion: “(with more volume and determination) Now then...let us face our opponents with all of our fire! Let us work patiently and unified, as one whole! And let us, no matter what, not let anything stand in the way of our goal today!”

[The entire Slytherin team all burst into cheers, even as tears flooded their eyes and streaked down their faces. Soon Night, Cara, Ashok, and Kaylisa had all divebombed Orion and enveloped him in a huge group hug. Carewyn stood back, bringing a hand up to swipe at the corner of her eye as she tried to compose herself. When she raised her head, she noticed Skye wiping her own face clean of tears with both hands.

As the team dispersed, Skye approached Orion properly.]

[Carewyn looked at Orion, her red lips spread in a smile.]

“(very softly) It was wonderful, Orion.”

[Skye glanced at the four creatures with a raised eyebrow.]

Skye: “...How did you get those things over here, anyway?”

[Orion’s dark eyes twinkled mischievously.]

Orion: “Some mysteries are not meant to be solved -- ”

???: “Mr. Amari!”

[Madame Hooch had arrived-- and judging by how she looked at the flobberworm, Niffler, Kneazle, and Fire Crab, she had not approved of them being brought into the Quidditch tent.

Orion stiffened only ever-so-slightly upon being caught. Within seconds, his mouth spread into a rather large, sugarcoated kind of smile, like a cat trying to play innocent after knocking over an expensive vase.]

Orion: “These creatures are part of our team’s moment of vivification, Madame Hooch. They’ll be returned to Hagrid shortly.”

[Hooch fixed Orion with a rather beady, hawk-like look.]

Hooch: “See that they are, quickly. Neither they nor you should be here. Mr. McNully, you’re needed in the commentary box -- and Miss Parkin, I’d say you should go find a seat in the stands, before you miss anything.”

[Murphy shrugged his shoulders amusedly, and he shot Carewyn, Night, and Quinn a huge grin before wheeling himself out. Skye hesitated, glancing around at all of her teammates, Carewyn, and then finally Orion, before heading out of the tent.]

Hooch: “As for you all -- Mr. Amari, Miss O’Donnell, Miss Cromwell -- Miss Rhea, Miss Mercurenius -- Mr. Peri -- Miss Fortescue...”

((OOC: Next up...the long-anticipated Quidditch Final: Slytherin VS Ravenclaw!

Other Slytherin MC teammates referenced -- Cara O’Donnell @unfortunate-arrow, Night Rhea @nightrhea-hphm​, and Sabrina “Quinn” Mercurenius @danceworshipper! If I can do anything to tweak how your characters are written, just let me know! xoxo

I was very close to having the article reveal at the pre-match party like in the game, but...well, I knew I’d have to rewrite the whole scene anyway, so it felt like it’d be better to just get a move on and get to the match quicker. The fall-out needed to be addressed, of course, but it didn’t seem logical to split material that could fit into one roleplaying post into two, particularly since in this version of events, Skye isn’t so starry-eyed about Rita Skeeter writing an article all about her and so Carewyn has no reason to feel sorry about how things turned out. Honestly all Carewyn feels is the urge to “accidentally” knock a Bludger in Rita’s direction with her broom during the match, but she’s enough of a paragon to resist that urge. No matter how much Rita would deserve it. *SNORT*))

[ragnaofazure]

Characters that were, or never were.

((Hello! This is a list of characters I have actually played on or off the site (like Discord), wanted to or considered quite strongly but never followed suit to do so or whatever.))

((It will all be under read more; this is a long post! If you are interested? Have fun discovering who was in any corner of my repertoire! The list should not be that extensive! I will reblog it if I added anyone new I could recall and forgot to initially should that happen. These are mostly in some form of chronological order with added notes about what their place is with me and more.))

Yu Narukami - (Persona 4)  

Additional note: (Have to biasedly put him first at the top and say how he was my true first muse here, lasted literal years. All my experience comes from him and his blog. He reached nearly 1k followers between both regular and not safe blogs, my true labor of love lost to me deciding to deactivate the blog. Some know me from him originally! You all know who you are!))

Sal (or “Syake”/”Syake-san”) - (Wadanohara and the Great Blue Sea)

Additional note: (My first attempt at a second character and his blog did kinda work for a while, getting a lot of interactions during the original Funamusea craze back in the day. First time playing a truly well evil character and learned lots. His blog eventually died down and faded, but it was an experience I haven’t forgotten.)

Nepgear - (Hyperdimension Neptunia)

Additional note: (A standalone blog attempt again, flopped hard due to how the fandom seemed to have it’s problems on the RP side as well as my own personal reservations (met some couple of awesome people there still around me today though!). One of the most ways to trash a character by a series that had a bit of an identity crisis in the writing department as the years went on. Still not over how hard they literally screwed this good girl over. Every single time.)

Iku Nagae - (Touhou Project)

Additional note: (Part of an incredibly failed multimuse project (that Nepgear was the face of and part of as well for that matter after her blog flopped) and she never got to really experience light of day. I had only the idea of how I wished to portray the character and I still do, but at the same time, I have no idea if it would have earned me the most interactions, admittedly. All due to how passive she is.)

Varus - (League of Legends)

Additional note: (Me having a thing for characters with tragic stories of loss? Are doomed as if fittingly to pay for their sins and as a cost for the tools to live and revenge? He spoke to me way before Ragna. I knew how I wanted to write him, give him flair given his character, which other Champions I wished for him to interact with soon... I had a much clearer idea. But ultimately, also part of the doomed multimuse blog that never took off.)

Goomy - (Pokémon)

Additional note: (No gijinka, only small, sticky bby that I debatably would never allow to evolve and, of course, could talk. Best Dragon type line to ever exist don’t even @ me okay. It’s just... cute. The anime really made it stick out and I loved it. I always also have loved essentially weaker characters and creatures a lot, thus... It resonated with me greatly and idea of how I was going to go about him (yes, had decided on male for it). Again, multimuse failed, so he went away with it.)

Karol Capel - (Tales of Vesperia)

Additional note: (Weak that could be truly strong when overcoming his fears, and that resonated with me given how I consider myself a coward in real life. I also have a thing also for playing characters everyone finds annoying to make them look better when they should not be as disliked too. And once more, multimuse, gone with it, never found a place to remotely discover if I would have also wanted to play him at large either too.)

Elphelt Valentine - (Guilty Gear)

Additional note: (I don’t need to say anything, most of you knew her enough! Blog flopped hard and I couldn’t find the activity I desired. Why I played her? Just... bubbly sweet girl that didn’t want to act on her capability to be deadly as a Gear and only wished for happiness, I liked all that sugar with that depth I tried to give her. As of recent times, Tumblr locked me out and I could not log back in. I sort of took it as a message as to why I maybe shouldn’t try with secondary blogs to a big degree.)

The Masochistic Admiral/Commander/Master(?)/Doctor(?) - (Kantai Collection-Azur Lane (Maybe even Fate and Arknights???) )

Additional note: (So this is a nameless original Admiral/Commander character by the artist known as “Yamamoto Arifred” (look up on danbooru tags under Kantai Collection alongside). I absolutely fell in love with this guy. How I wish it was possible to play him further then I did, I revisit the art work every so often and every day I recall why I liked him so, so much. He’s just beyond amusing, wacky, outright insane and nonsensical in many good shapes and forms. But he only wants one thing: All under him to succeed and become the best they can be under his very questionable yet effective command. I could go on and on but this is already long enough. Standalone blog, flopped due to lack of activity.)

Thief (”Touzoku”) Arthur - (Million Arthur series)

Additional note: (Super unknown series, super unknown plot, I only met all the characters via the available and uncared for fighting game... And her backstory plus design gave me so many ideas I wanted to play around with as a thief wielding a goddamn Excalibur. Of the first characters I said I wanted to play on impulse alone, but who would have cared? Where could she have fit? It was the bigger discouraging thoughts. I have some icons still... But as always, the hesitation from impulse in itself.)

Hassan of the Serenity - (Fate Prototype/Fragments - Grand Order)

Additional note: (Best Assassin, best girl, only Servant that has brought me to tears in this extensive series, for the love of anything holy let her be happy I swear to God, everything about her cuts me so deep, I can’t deal with it every time I think about it ...I’m calm. But really. She touched me so, so deep. I was normally indifferent for so many years about Fate until I stumbled upon the Prototype duology, and subsequently, the Fragments side. After learning her origins and more, her wishes... I can’t state it enough. I am passionate about this girl. She deserves the world. And I would have loved to give her the best if I got to write her.)

Peri - (Fire Emblem Fates - Heroes)

Additional note: (What everyone sees as an annoying, questionable character and way more, I see as yet another pick for me with great potential to try and develop to be liked more by many, for she is not completely disposeable. I had ideas and wanted to take her further while still having her not lose the tendencies she has, because that would be breaking and disregarding character, but sadly, Peri never as much as left my constant thoughts then trying to privately sample around for myself, would have loved to, though. Very.)

Sigurd - (Fate Grand Order)

Additional note: (Amazing design, amazing voice... Literal definition of: “Do it for her”, loves his partner despite their fate... Incredibly underrated man. He is simply the best and I was interested in finding footing to play him, as he deserves to be noticed more for just being... Simply amazing. There is not much more to say than that, he is cool and that is final. Don’t even fight me on these cold, hard facts.)

[fabllama02]

[ a concept where the dragon riders are a group of elites that are globally known. some are assassins, business people, noteworthy icons of some type. i have decided to make Hiccup the son of a CEO, building his own inventions and stuff that surprised the world. Jackson is a normal city boi with a demanding lifestyle, trying to help his family’s shortage in money. Jackson met them all in college, he is one of their dorm mates. they all grew fond of having him around and already considered him a part of their group. he also happens to have a job working in Hiccup’s father’s company, making it available for them all to see him often. Jack is a smart boi but he in a poor family. blablabla- HERE WE GO!] 

The bell above the door jingled as it was pushed open. The restaurant inside was small - tables cluttered together, the walls damp and the air heavy - and empty, no customers so late into the night. Still, the newcomers crowded the front entrance.

 The waiter before them stared, glasses slipping down his nose, before narrowing his golden amber eyes. “Get the heck out.”

 “’Heck’”, Tuffnut said, eyeing Jackson’s attire with raised brows. “Wow. And look at your little waiter get up! Isn’t he adorable?”

 “The cutest,” Heather agreed.

 “Out,” Jackson repeated, as he tried to bustle his gathered friends out the door with sweeping hand gestures. They were broader and taller than him - Snotlout wearing his discreet lifts - and refused to be budged.

 Snotlout looked at Jackson with raised eyebrows, his smile like a shark’s. “You’re going to throw out paying customers? For shame, Frosty.”

 “Peri?” Jackson tried weakly, turning to the only responsible person among the group.

 “Sorry, Jackson,” Periwinkle said, offering an apologetic smile. She was dressed in a pristine blazer and pencil skirt, her heels towering, an Ipad tucked under her arm. She stood out against the greying walls of the rundown restaurant.

 “Please?” Jackson asked, glancing backward at the kitchen. “ My manager’s going to come back any moment and flip the heck out.”

 “Adorable,” Ruffnut repeated his twin.

 “Who says we’re here for you, you narcissist?” Snotlout said, and pointedly ignored the knowing looks everyone shot him. “Maybe we just want to eat here. Just because we’re you’re friends doesn’t mean you get to throw us out. Don’t discriminate.”

 Jackson gave him a flat look. “This place is a dump, and you lived in an ivory tower with shimmering glasses, Snothat.”

 Snotlout snapped his finger, pointing at Jackson. “See? Discrimination!”

 “We’re here to help,” Hiccup interrupted. “Honestly, Jack. Nothing funny.”

 Jackson’s eyes went a little wide, realisation a punch to the gut. “This is a flipping recruitment drive, isn’t it…?”

 They smiled at him - Snotlout with a promising smirk, Hiccup tight-lipped and apologetic for what was about to happen - but before they could answer, the door to the kitchen swung open, and Jackson’s boss strode out.

 “Jackson,” his manager snapped, scrubbing a hand through his thinning hair. The man always became more irritated in the late hours of the night. “Don’t just fucking stand there looking pretty. If we ain’t got customers, take your pert ass outisde and wash some fucking dishes -”

 “Sorry, Mr. Walter,” Jackson said dully. He was exhausted - this was his second shift of the day, the other at his first job at the daycare - and powerless in this situation. He knew from experience he couldn’t reply to his boss without being threatened with unemployment.

 Walter stopped mid-step, beady eyes blown wide. The very recognizable group of people, crowded in the doorway of their empty, dirty restaurant, stared back at him. Hiccup’s jaw tightened, and Astrid was frowning at Walter. Periwinkle had pulled out her Ipad, and was tapping at it, fingers flying, wearing an expression like cold steel.

 Heather grinned, her smile sharp, and waved at the manager. “Good evening.”

 Walter made a strangled sound.

 “Sorry, sir,” Jackson said again. “They were just leaving-”

 “Come on now Jack,” Hiccup said, stepping forward. Before, he’d stood at the back, and appeared as though he was only there to keep an eye on his friends’ schemes. Now, gaze fixed on Jackson’s boss, Hiccup was stepping into a more active role. “There’s no need for that.” His frown dropped into a  soft and comforting smile when looking at Jackson; an attempt at reassurance. “We’d just like a good sit down meal.”

 Walter seemed to shake himself, before positively beaming.

 “Mr. Haddock, of course, anything for our VIPs,” he simpered. He motioned the group towards the largest table in the restaurant, bodily shoving Jackson out of the way as he went. “I’m sorry about my waiter, he’s a little slow. Very incompetent.”

 Jackson stumbled back, blinking wide eyes. His manager was larger than him, portly with broad shoulders and wide hands. Jackson often had to let the older man push him around. Fishlegs shot him a sympathetic look.

 The group took their seats at the long table. Walter pulled Heather’s seat out for her, and she managed a passable smile as she sat down.

 Walter clapped his hands together, teeth bared in a smile, and continued, “It’s such a privilege to have our note-worthy city icons in my restaurant. We’re all big fans, big fans - aren’t we, Jackson?”

 “Oh,” Jackson said. Tuffnut, perched in the closest seat, tipped his head back and smirked up at him. “Oh y-yeah. I’m a big fan of them. The biggest.”

Tuffnut’s smirk grew wider. Jackson fought to keep his features professional blank. The manager ignored Jackson’s stumbled words, and rushed towards the kitchen to talk to the cook.

 “Hand out the menus,” Walter ordered, pointing a stubby, threatening finger at Jackson, “and take their orders. Whatever they want, they can have, got it?”

 “But-”

 Walter stopped. He retracted his steps, until he was inches away from Jackson’s tense form. “You screw this up, and you’re fucking fired, you hear me?” It was obvious Walter was trying to keep his voice down, but the people sat nearby were trained asassins and business-people trained to hear the whispered threats of those around them. It was obvious they heard Walter by the way their hands balled into taunt fists, lips dipping into frowns.

 Jackson exhaled roughly, and nodded. His cheeks were burning. “Yessir.”

 “Good. I know you’re usually useless, but try for once not to be the colossal fuck-up that you are. Get this fucking right.”

 With that, Walter disappeared into the kitchen. Jackson was left in the middle of the restaurant in faded jeans and canvas shoes full of holes, a faded apron tied around his waist. His friends sat behind him, staring at him. He felt cut open, exposed; his friends only ever saw Jackson in his ever present bright smiles and cheery laughter. They never saw the small, real-life version of Jackson Overland.

 Jackson took a deep, grounding breath. He swallowed down his humiliation and collected the stack of paper menus.

 “Welcome to the J&K’s Grill,” Jackson said. He focused on handing out the menus and keeping his tone flat. His hands sometimes shook when he was anxious. He didn’t need that to happen now; he was humiliated enough as it was. “Tonight’s specials are a pork roast with potatoes, or a pasta-”

 Fishlegs snagged his sleeve as Jackson began to draw back, stilling the younger man. “Jackson,” Fishlegs said.

 Jackson shook out of his friend’s grip, and stepped back, suddenly exhausted. “Why are you guys-” He cut himself off with a frustrated huff, scrubbing a hand through his messy mop of brown hair. “Can you guys just - just please leave?”

 No dice, apparently. Tuffnut and Ruffnut didn’t so much as blink. Astrid folded her arms, face disapproving, a pose often dug out when Astrid was talking with an especially frustrating reporters and members of the public. Snotlout was staring at the kitchen’s closed door with unrepentant disgust.

 “What a complete-” Snotlout began. He made another gesture towards the kitchen, lip curled.

 “Agreed,” Heather said.

 “Fishlegs,” is all Hiccup said, his eyes narrowed.

 “Fired, arrested, or funds depleted?” Fishlegs asked, looking through the Ipad Periwinkle had handed over to him. “ I can have his possessions seized, as well. He seems to enjoy tax evasion-”

 “What if I dropped him off a really, really tall building,” Snotlout said. “The corpse would be unrecognisable. Just a smear on the sidewalk.”

 Astrid made a soft, considering ‘hmm’ sound. At Snotlout’s words, Tuffnut and Ruffnut turned to one another, twin smirks blooming.

 “No,” Jackson said. His voice was firmer than he felt.

 “If he lost his job and all of his funds,” Heather said, “he’d have a motive to jump, police won’t even look twice-”

 “Oh, my GOD,” Jackson said, throwing the remaining paper menus on the table. He frowned at the group. They didn’t even have the grace to look embarrassed. “You aren’t killing my boss. What the heck? Some of you are role models! Your faces are plastered on national TV, can you please stop discussing murder casually around the dinner table?”

 Half of them opened their mouths to rebuke him, but Walter chose that moment to reappear from the kitchens, overly polite smile stretched across his face.

 “How are my favourite customers, huh? Jackson, you taken their orders yet?”

 “Not yet, sir,” Jackson said.

 “Well, you folks are lucky, one of our specials tonight is mushroom pasta. You tell ‘em about the mushroom pasta?” As Walter spoke, he elbowed Jackson in the side several times with especially sharp elbows. “Eh, Jackson?”

 “Not yet, sir.”

 “Well, our mushroom pasta’s the greatest,” Walter told the group. Periwinkle had looked up from her Ipad, and was looking at him with a pinched expression, like he was the most annoying person she’d come across. It was a feeling Jackson could relate to. “Ain’t it, Jackson?”

 Internally, Jackson was screaming. Internally, his arms were flung wide open, his head tipped back, and he was shrieking up at the ceiling.

 Externally, Jackson said, strained, “I love mushroom pasta.”

 That made the group of elites wrestle down knowing grins, hiding laughter behind discreet coughs.

 Movie nights had always been a sacred, bonding ritual for them. The dozen or so of them would ambush a poor restaurant and order food from them till they’re out of business (while leaving an outrageously large tip) or - more commonly - raid the industrial fridge for ingredients and proceeds to help Jackson out in the kitchen when he cooks some of the best food this side of the city. Jackson had spent many nights and even mornings leaning heavily on Hiccup, too full to move, dozing off to a low playing movie and the sound of chatting.

 It’s some of Jackson’s fondest memories.

 However, Jackson was also a young growing teenager with an abnormaly low metabolism and a demanding life style and not enough money. When he was around that much free food, he sometimes overacted. As in, ‘shoveling pizza slices heaped with friend rice and dripping mushroom pasta into his mouth’ overact.

 That had made his friends laugh at the time. Now, they smirk a little, remembering how Jackson had looked, sweaty hair mused and dozing off after another attempt at shoveling another plate despite his already full state.

 “Of course you do!” Walter laughed, one hand on his meaty belly. His other hands rested on the back of Hiccup’s chair, as the manager grinned at the CEO in supposed solidarity, and said, “I reckon, why pay the help in cash when they’re just as happy with greasy leftovers? It’s probably worth more than their paycheques, anyhow!”

 Walter laughed once more, expecting Hiccup - a man firmly within the 1% - to laugh with him. Hiccup managed a forced kind of chuckle. At his side, Astrid was cracking the edge of the table with her white knuckled grip.

 “You folks enjoy the food,” Walter told them, cheeks flushed with mirth. He clapped Hiccup’s chair once for good measure, nudged Jackson with clumsy strenght, and retreated once more to the kitchen. “Ask Jackson for anything you need! Ha, it’s the only thing he’s good for, anywho!”

 In the ensuing silence, all eyes gravitated once more to Jackson.

 “Now can you all leave? Now that you’re gotten your fill of humiliating me.”

 “Jackson,” Periwinkle said softly, “you don’t have to work here.”

 “She’s right, you’ve already worked so many jobs, I already saw you this afternoon working in a cafe,” Hiccup chimed in. Jackson looked away promptly, fighting against the flutter in his chest. This was the man who had taken over his father’s position as the CEO and single-handedly won the world’s attention with his latest inventions. This man is also, currently, his boyfriend and the love of his life. Jackson didn’t want to be a burden and ask Hiccup for some money to help him pay bills that he could probably do so himself. He wanted to be able to help his own family proudly. “You should be going to an ivory league university at the very least. And don’t try and tell me you can’t afford it - I’ve seen your grades. You could win a scholarship easily.”

 Jackson shook his head. “I don’t have the time,” he said, voice unenthusiastic and heavy with fatigue. This was a topic he’d discussed with himself before, mostly in the dark of the night, when he stumbled home to his waiting mom in the living room. Waiting with a tired smile and a cup of hot chocolate, informing that his little sister had waited past her bedtime and is sleeping upstairs. His exhaustion was pressing and he had work in mere hours. When Jackson felt like he was more tiredness than person.

 It was Astrid that leant forward. “You don’t have to spend so much time in my uncle’s vet helping the animals on top of being in the day care, caring for the kids. We’re more than willing to help set out some sort of roster so you don’t have to be in there 24/7-”

 “What?” Jackson said. “Are you crazy? I’m not there 24/7. No one could be. I don’t have time because I work three jobs on top of looking after my family.”

 There was silence along the table. Snotlout’s eyebrows rose. “Why the hell would you-?”

 “Because I’m not a billionaire, and I have my own rent and my mom’s mortgage and her medical bills. Car repairs, electricity, food - it all adds up.”

 Jackson straightened. The cuffs of his jeans ended above his ankles, and the hem of his over-the-thumb sleeves were fraying, but his stance was proud. He’d struggled, had to work himself into an exhausted state, to keep a roof above their heads. Sure, sometimes that meant working until he couldn’t see straight, or use his entire paycheque to pay bills and have to resort to living on buttered bread and too many glasses of water for the rest of the week…

 But, Jackson was proud of his hard work. He doesn’t have to be a member of an elite, globally renown group of people to be proud of the life he’s built up for himself.

 Snotlout opened his mouth to reply, but Heather kicked him under the table. The man yelped, shooting the woman a betrayed look, as Astrid smoothly cut in, “We know, you do what you have to survive. That’s admirable, Jackson.”

 “You don’t have to do all this,” Periwinkle said, gesturing at the grimy restaurant, the grease stained apron tied around Jackson’s waist, the faded paper menus. “As our fellow co-worker and honorary member, you’d be able to spend your time doing something worthwhile.”

 “We have health insurance, too,” Hiccup said. “And dental.”

 Jackson laughed, the sound quiet, a little raw. “I’ve never had dental before.”

 A startlingly familiar mischievous smile unfurled on Hiccup’s lips. “We could set your family up somewhere nice, too,” Hiccup planned. “Better health services and security, ooh, you’d move into the tower, I could build a new room for both of us right at the penthouse-”

 “W-what?” Jackson stuttered, looking around confused. A bit thrown off.

 The others all grinned and rolled their eyes.

 “Geez, what a way to ask someone to marry you.” Snotlout huffed with a disappointed shake of his head.

 Heather gave him a side-eye. “You asked me to marry you after I beat you at Mario Kart.”

 Snotlout nodded, “Valid. And you accepted.”

She gave him a peck on the cheek, “That I did.”

 Astrid had to look away with a shudder. “I still can’t believe they’re together. Even if I called it.”

 Jackson looked back at an approaching Hiccup, wide eyed and a little flustered. “Hiccup?”

 Hiccup gently took Jackson’s hands which was trembling a little bit. He carressed it softly before looking determinedly at livid liquid amber that he had loved so much. “Jackson. I know this isn’t what you expected nor is it probably an appropriate place or timing…”

 He sighed, looking away with a heavy blush staining his cheeks, “but I’ve been thinking about it.”

 Once more, vivid green eyes meet golden amber eyes. “Ever since I first met you in college, when I was stressing out about my dad’s decision to train me into a CEO for his company and you came into our dorm room as a new roommate with a bright smile and didn’t hesitate to help me out, despite not knowing who I was. Giving me the strenght I needed to accept my new position, unknowingly standing beside me as someone who could bear the brunt; as my equal. Someone who had accepted me for all that I am. Someone who has stayed by my side in all the time that I was lost and unsure, you had been there for me. Ever present and ready to catch me if I ever fall. At some point, I realized… that I’ve fallen in love with you.” Hiccup lifted his left hand and carressed the side of Jackson’s face, catching the tears that are falling as he continued. “I fell in love with you and no one else.”

 “So, will you, Jackson Overland, be my forever,” he lifted Jackson’s right hand and kissed it, staring straight at the watery liquid amber with a fond look, “and live the rest of your life with me?”

 Jackson, understandably, looked overwhelmed yet his teary expression gave away his euphoric state of mind. “I-I-!” He began before he was cut off.

 The kitchen door burst open, and Walter bustled in, a jug of water and ice cubes held in meaty hands. “Who’s hungry, ay?”, Jackson swivelled back at Walter, hands still clutched tightly in Hiccup’s grip.

 Walter put the jug aside and busied himself, fiddling with the half melted candles and salt and pepper shakers sat in the middle of the long table. His sweat was beading at his temples, but his too large smile remained as he straightened cutlery at their elbows. Yet, none of them paid the manager any attention.

 “Aw man, what timing!” Snotlout huffed angrily, wiping away stray tears. The others all nodded with barely restrained anger. Some wiping away stray tears and some are left with sniffles.

 “Jackson, cups!” Walter snapped which the others bristle at.

 But Jackson, hands still held tight in Hiccup’s grip, was too stunned to move or process anything. Mind spinning and making him dizzy. The day’s exhaustion starting to eat away his remaining energy and leaving him poofed. Hence, the barely controlled crying.

 Walter looked up when his call wasn’t heeded. Seeing the image before him, he narrowed his eyes, undoubtedly thinking the worst of his waiter.

 “What’s going on?” Walter demanded, squinting suspiciously. ��Is my good-for-nothing waiter annoying you? Jackson, I swear to god-”

 Again, they ignored him. Snotlout looked to Jackson, and said, “The tallest building. The biggest. I can lift Fishlegs, it’d be no problem to drag him up there and then just accidentally drop-”

 “No, Snotlout,” Jackson said. Looking fairly exhausted yet his smile is wide. His chest feeling warm.

 “Jackson?” Hiccup prompted.

 “I-” Jackson glanced around at the expectant faces before looking back at intense green eyes. He swallowed, and looked at the floor, embarassed, his smile shy. “I’d like that actually.”

 Astrid fully stood up. Walter stumbled back several paces in surprise. “Is that a yes?” asked the blond haired woman.

 Jackson swallowed again before looking straight at Hiccup. “It’s a yes.”

 A roaring cheer erupted from the group, as they jumped up, swarming around the two. Arms wrapped around him, hands reaching over to ruffle his hair, legs banging into his as Jackson was swallowed up by a nest of excited limbs.

 “Guys, guys! Woah!” Jackson stumbled under his friends’ combined happiness, but he was laughing with them, head tipping back to wipe away his tears. “Hard to breathe under all this!”

 “Welcome to the family, Jackson,” Snotlout said. He was leaning against Heather, wearing his own proud smirk.

 “Finally,” Tuffnut corrected, arm thrown over Jackson’s shoulders. “Finally welcome to the family. Took Hiccup long enough to finally propose.”

 “By the way, Stoick’s been waiting for you to finally call him ‘dad’ officially and legally.” Astrid shakes her head.

 “He’s been waiting to embrace you into his family since you came into the tower after all of Hiccup’s gushing and love-struck state in his own house. When he was properly introduced to you, I swear, he has stars in his eyes.” Heather agreed.

 They all chuckled at that, remembering how Stoick had been. All excited and happy that his son had finally brought someone home. It’s not a secret that Stoick had grown an attachment to the boy ever since he laid his eyes on him.

 They were gathered around him in a loose circle, Jackson cocooned in their shared laughter, their boodies pressed against his. He felt breathless under the combined celebratory high. He felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

 Subsequent responsibility was important, and would always be a vital part of Jackson’s life, but he had reached a point where he was drowning under it. Life would always be a battle to swim upstream, Jackson knew, but if there was a way to make it a little easier, let people into his life, let them carry him a little further, then it wasn’t a crime to let them.

 And Hiccup was willing to provide him with a lot of care and support, even if Jackson never wanted to burden him.

 A cry interrupted them, “Pursue legal action?! Excuse me? You can’t do that-!”

 Jackson came crashing down from his high. Right, his boss. He’d forgotten.

 Hiccup and Periwinkle stood in front of the sweaty man, twin glares focused on him.

 “For professional misconduct, tax evasion, and the unlawful treatment of your waitstaff, I think I can,” Periwinkle said. Her eyes were like ice.

 Jackson wriggled out of his friends’ grip. Walter frowned when he saw him, gesturing at the two before him. “Jackson, tell them I’m a good boss. Tell them how good I am!”

 Hiccup stood up and blocked Walter’s view of his beloved. “Leave him alone,” Hiccup growled. Jackson hadn’t heard him sound that angry outside of stare-downs with frustrating business people.

 “He’s a good boss,” Jackson agreed. Hiccup’s mouth fell open, surprised, ready to rebuke the younger man, but Jackson just shook his head. “Alright, no, he’s not a good boss, but c’mon, Hiccup. Let’s just -  go. Don’t you wanna discuss our wedding plans?”

 Jackson was in the process of pulling Hiccup back towards their waiting friends, when Walter snarled, “Wedding plans…! You’re one of those freaks, aren’t you, Jackson? A gay marriage- oh, my god, did you trick Mr. Haddock? What did you do to seduce him- wave your pert ass around-”

 Astrid, her eyes like ice, straightened her cream blazer and walked over to Walter. Immediately, she stomped on Walter’s foot with her heel.

 Walter leapt back, howling. Heather, as quiet and deadly as she is, appeared right behind him and grabbed his two arms before flinging him over her shoulders with practiced ease.  

 Walter let out a wail before he was silenced by the two women’s piercing glares.

 Hiccup leant against the lip of the long table, casually crossing his legs and surveying the reddening manager before him with a hard look. Like what his father taught him, he began.

 “If you want to keep you job, Mr. Walter,” Hiccup said easily, handing out threats like tips, “keep your mouth shut. If you want to ever be employed in the country again, you’ll pretend that we never even stepped foot into this restaurant. If you don’t want all of your funds and possessions to be seized, you’ll forget you ever met a Jackson Overland.”

 “You- You can’t just-” Walter spluttered.

 “You’ll find that I can,” Hiccup said, “but I’m a fair man. Periwinkle.”

 Periwinkle was already typing something into her Ipad. “How’s a quarter of a million, donated anonymously into his accounts?”

 Walter’s eyes went wide. Hiccup met his gaze calmly, his eyes like steel, a reminisce to how Stoick dealt with uncooperative business people. “Remember exactly what I just said.”

 “Jackson Overland?” Walter said quickly. “Who?”

 HIccup snorted; the greed of men had ceased to surprise him. “Good man.”

 “I still think we should’ve gone with that tall building,” Tuffnut said, ignoring Jackson’s pointed frown.

 Hiccup walked towards them and pulled Jackson to him before intertwining their fingers together. He looked at Jackson tenderly,“Home?”

 Jackson smiled softly before standing on his tip-toes to give Hiccup a kiss, “Home.”

[tentwentyninecompositions]

East Chicago Love Letter

12 DAYS PRIOR

“What time did you say she was flying in?” Myles questions as he continued to clip the ends of the floral arrangement. Dutch Hydrangeas and the Peony flower are Kary’s favorite. So as a small token of his love Enzo put together multiple bouquets for his wife. 

“Uh..should be around 8:30 maybe even nine o’clock. You think these look alright?” Enzo put the first bundle of flowers into an expensive, stained glass vase. He stepped back to get a better look at what he had put together. 

Myles finished off his bundle doing the same as his friend. Together in silence they admired the beautiful flowers that smell like a hint of lavender. Another one of Kary’s favorite things in life. 

“This is the nicest thing I’ve ever seen you do for anybody.” Myles spoke up. He went around to the other side of the kitchen to fish around the refrigerator for a drink. 

“Yeah man I know. I just want this night to go well. I’ve been planning this since her last trip. I know Kary inside and out so I know she’ll love this.” Enzo prides himself in knowing the things his wife loves, hates, and anything in between. “How could she not? I picked every one of these flowers myself, cut ‘em, washed ‘em...the whole nine man.” He chuckled. 

“I don’t doubt you on that at all. Kary is a very lucky woman to have you in her life. I’m always praying for y’all and you know my mama is too.” Myles began to clean up the mess he made in Enzo’s kitchen whilst sipping on his most beloved drink combination. Bourbon and apple juice. 

“Thank you brother, I really appreciate that.” The men returned the kitchen to its original clean state and went about their individual business. 

———  ———-

Later That Evening...

Glancing at the time of his watch Enzo blew out a sharp breath as he put the finishing touches on his anniversary dinner. After Myles left, Enzo spent the remainder of his alone time prepping his home for his wife’s arrival. Kary has been traveling non-stop for work for the past month, striking deals, meeting with designers, hosting events etc. Mrs. Warren has been a very busy woman. Being that today is the couples five year wedding anniversary Enzo thought he would prepare his wife’s favorite dish. That being chicken marsala in a Sherry cream sauce and brown butter risotto. He bought her three floral arrangements with each bundle having the stems wrapped in one hundred dollar bills. 

In addition to the flowers, Enzo splurged on several designer fragrance bottles, the finest brands of mascara and lipstick tubes in all of Kary’s favorite shades. The receipts from his shopping spree didn’t put the slightest dent in his bank account. When it boils down to love and showing his appreciation for his woman, Enzo will go above and beyond. 

ENZO 

Fastening the second button from the top on my shirt I picked up my brush to run over my hair for the fifth time. I don’t know why I feel so nervous to see my wife. Maybe it’s because she’s been gone for over four weeks and my anticipation has reached its peak. Coming home after a long day's work to go to bed alone put me in a funk for the first two weeks of Kary’s absence. 

Around the week three day two mark, I shook the chip off my shoulder and went back to my old routine. Five a.m., I go on my three mile run. Afterward, I go through my usual morning hit list before going to work. Step out for lunch around two-thirty and head over to the ring for seventy minutes exactly. By four o’clock I’m back to work and home by seven on the dot. And finally after weeks of forcing myself to get out of my own head I get the love of my life back. 

I’m nervous to see her but it’s a good kind of nervous. The sound of the door opening scared the hell out of me. That’s when I heard the most beautiful sound in the world. 

“Enzo, baby, I’m home.” 

My heart began pounding in my chest as I rushed to finish getting dressed. Cleaning up behind myself I sifted through my mental checklist to ensure part two of my plan runs efficiently. 

Taking a deep breath I cut the lights and left the room. I followed the sound of Kary’s ‘oohs’ and ‘oh my gods’ coming to find her in the kitchen. Her curiosity almost got her into trouble but she managed to keep her hands put. 

“I didn’t expect you until later.” I said. Kary glanced over her shoulder, her eyes lighting up at the sight of me. I told Myles this suit was a great idea. 

“I thought I would surprise you by catching an earlier flight. Clearly you had the same idea with surprises. You set all this up for me?” She shrugged off her coat and closed the distance between us. 

I took a moment to check out all of my efforts, happy with the turn out. With flowers, candles, her gifts displayed nicely, and the scent of the meal I prepared I definitely earned some points for this. Eager to minimize our distance I met her halfway drinking in every inch of her that I could with these barriers in between us. By barriers I do mean our clothes. She must’ve gotten a temporary room to clean up and change in because this scent lingering on her body and clothes is new to me. 

“You took..a shower...without me?” I spoke and exhaled in between kisses. Kary gets a good laugh out of me pretending to be upset with some things she does without me around. I’m never truly bothered but it’s fulfilling to make her laugh at silly shit. 

“This was an exception E, I needed some serious TLC after that long flight.” Backing up to cup my face in the palm of her hands Kary searched both of my eyes in silence. The expanding grin on her face inspired my own. 

“Why are you smiling so much?” I asked of her. 

“I could ask you the same thing but I already know it’s because you’re happy to see me. How much did you miss me?” Kary’s hands busied themselves with my clothes as she examined me from head to toe. 

“Oh I can show you better than I can tell you. Ready to eat? I cooked for you and it’s ready. As am I.” I joked. She and I laughed in richness and ventured to our kitchen together. 

She went back to admiring the layout of our house with me not able to keep my hands off of her. It took me all of five minutes to realize that her skirt is brand new. It’s one of those skirts that come to the knees with buttons going down the center seam. The only difference from this particular style of skirts and others is that this one is fitting. Kary will throw on a dress any time of year but a skirt, she rarely will purchase. 

“I like this new outfit. When did you get this?” Getting a feel for the fabric I expressed the pleasure it brought to me beneath my fingers. 

“I was feeling adventurous and this little number happened to be marked down seventy percent off. I had a feeling you’d like it.” Kary stepped ahead and hustled around the kitchen not waiting for me. My all time favorite thing to watch is Kary fending for herself when she’s hungry. Whenever her craving for food is magnified she gets this look in her eye. In the beginning of our relationship I would place a story behind every little thing that attracted me to her. 

Now I just identify the attraction as attraction. I find it appealing and arousing when she showcases her need for the basics in life. Her will to eat is at the top of that list. 

“Mm..mama’s hungry.” Chucking at her maneuvering swiftly to fix two plates I caught her eye. 

She flipped me the bird and motioned for me to come closer and help her out. “Mama is hungry for many many things. Was Myles here? I’m getting the sense that he was. That lingering trace of Polo is hitting me in the face.” 

“He was for a little while, yeah. He told me to pass on a hello to you. That fool tried so hard to stick around for dinner but you already know how that conversation went.” I took over the ship again ushering her to sit at the table. “You go off to work for a month straight and here you are still putting in time? I don’t believe you. When did you ever sleep?” 

“Fixing a plate is nothing compared to what I was doing over the past four weeks. You spent all this time preparing all of this for me. I think the least I can do is help out a little.” Here goes the bargaining. Typical, overachieving, non-stop working Kary Santos-Warren. 

“Oh come on. Save me the good wife speech baby, I know what you are capable of. What are you drinking tonight? Red..white..water..” Carrying her plate over to her I matched her smirk. 

“I think I’ll switch it up tonight. Do we still have that Brandy?” She questioned me about it. 

Tipping my head to her I walked back into the kitchen to grab a plate for myself and the Brandy. She and I were given this forty five year aged liquor for Christmas. I put it away towards the back of our liquor cabinet saving it for a special occasion. Tonight is the best reason to open this bad boy up. 

Kary volunteered to bless our evening and our meal. Her speech touched me in a few ways due to some things that she spoke on. 

“You’re getting emotional? Wow, this isn’t the Enzo I know and love. What’s changed, lover boy?” Her bare foot tickled my pant leg before she continued on with raising the bottom half with her toes. 

The coolness of her toe pads gave me chills but I embraced them all. I’ve missed this woman terribly so nothing she can do will get on my nerves. 

“I’m not being emotional. Your blessing touched me deeper than usual that’s all. Talk to me about your trip. How was it? I wanna know everything.” Kary spilled every detail of what her work trip was like, not leaving any information out. 

Setting my empty glass aside I folded my hands behind my plate, drinking in her existence. She helped herself to seconds of dinner signifying that I outdid myself. I do have a fourth course for her, which is her absolute favorite. 

Kary licked her knife clean and gently set it down, giving me this intense eye. “I must say babe, that was amazing. I can tell you took your time with the sherry. Myles must have been busting your balls about not screwing up my sauce huh?” 

“God, you are so fucking smart. Yes, Myles was giving me the hardest time about the dinner period to be honest with you. He was practically with me all day until I kicked him out.” Rising from my seat I picked up her plate and mine, taking them both to the kitchen. 

“Is there more? Because quiero mas, por favor..” Kary sang out from the dining room table.

“Give me five minutes and I’ll be right back.” I guaranteed her. Removing my infamous banana bread from the oven I set up a small plate neatly for us to share. Removing the Brandy from the shelf I poured her and I another serving, rejoining her once again. “For you my queen. Open.” Seeing Kary’s mouth open visibly made my erection go from a three to an honest ten.  

Her eyelids closed along with her mouth around the fork. “God, I have missed the satisfying taste of your baking. You are the only person I know that can bring me this type of joy from food alone. Happy anniversary my love. You’ve given me the best escape from reality, the best life, so much joy, peace and happiness. In all of the years we have been together, I have never once felt unhappy or unimportant. You are my everything babe.” 

Although Kary and I have had difficulty in the past trying to get pregnant, maybe tonight is the night. Mashallah.

[timetrickster]

Aloha Oe X Edith Nox Crossover Special Ep. The Wedding Of Edith Nox Part 3

Part 3 Here we go!

TAG: @cometworks , @coloursintheblur

FADE IN.

INT. THE DOWNWARD. THE PRISON

There was a skirmish between the Fire Demon Army and the team of heroes. Defeated by them. A small camp near the throne of the Downward, held JUSTIN, EDITH, NOEMI, and VIOLET. Along with other individuals, all their hands bound by rock and trapped within a cage. 

JUSTIN & EDITH

Edith! Justin!

NOEMI & VIOLET still unconscious, and surrounded by Fire Demon Guards. There was no plan to escape.

EDITH

What do we do?

JUSTIN

We have to wait. I sent a distress signal to the devices I’ve given to Berry, Argento, and Peri. 

EDITH

Wait… wait for who?

JUSTIN

The B Team.

CUT TO. ABRICOT. SOL STUFF. 

ARGENTO & PERIWINKLE are watching the shop.

ARGENTO

Peri, have you done your homework?

PERIWINKLE

Yes, Argento!

The distress device they both received had begun to beep. ARGENTO picks up the device concerned.

ARGENTO

Peri?

Looking to her quickly, she was already wearing armor and carrying dangerous weapons in her hands.

PERIWINKLE

Let’s go save them!

She said in what can be described as a Badass.

ARGENTO

Okay, I’m proud of the fact that you’re always ready young lady. But how in the Fates did you find all of the dangerous weapons?

PERIWINKLE

A hero never reveals her secrets.

(ARGENTO gives her a look, eyebrows raised.)

I found Noemi’s key to the weapon’s artifact room.

ARGENTO

Okay, we’ll talk about this later. Put the weapons back and grab your wand, sweetie.

(Suddenly noticing the charm around PERIWINKLE’S neck. She grew concerned.)

Where did you find this?

PERIWINKLE

Oh uh… nothing.

(She tries to hide it)

ARGENTO

Peri, that’s one of the Talismans of Acheron... how? Those are one of the most powerful charms of Necromancy. How did you get it?

PERIWINKLE

Don’t tell Noemi that I told you but… he found it when he went on that expedition earlier this year… he was gonna surprise you for your birthday.

ARGENTO

I promise I won’t tell but we’re gonna use it to help save Noemi and the others.

(She kisses her forehead)

CUT TO: EDITH’S HOUSE. EDEN

The device given to BERRY had begun to beep. Reacting immediately he created his physical form.

BERRY

I’m coming, you guys!

LOCATION: EDITH’S HOME

Running out of the enormous greenhouse, The Eternity had landed in front of EDITH’S Home. BERRY stood waiting and ARGENTO & PERIWINKLE had flown in ready to board.

BERRY

Argento! Peri! I got the signal.

ARGENTO

We did too!

PERIWINKLE

Let’s save them!

The door had opened and ENOCH was standing ready.

ENOCH

All aboard!

CUT TO: THE ETERNITY. THE BRIDGE.

ENOCH leads the B Team to the bridge.

ENOCH

I have protective armor ready for Argento and Periwinkle. Berry, I presume as the king of the dryads... you already have armor in mind.

BERRY

Yes, I do!

His arms spread out and fists clenched. His physical body changed into wood-like armor. Intricate in design and blended with the nature aspect.

ENOCH

Impressive.

Suit Up: 

PERIWINKLE wears a dress-like armor. Composed of a simple pink breastplate joined to a collar made of feathers that ring around her neck and a crown that protrude like horns from her head. A beautiful, white skirt up to her knees.

PERIWINKLE

I’M A FAIRY PRINCESS WARRIOR!

ARGENTO dons a black dress with a white stripe running down the center and across the collarbones with the Talisman of Acheron hanging along with her neck. A scarf wrapped around the waist and draped over long, white leggings.

ARGENTO

I look so badass!

Now ready for their mission to save the team of heroes. The Eternity had taken off immediately and zoomed straight for space. ENOCH was in the captain’s seat, while the rest of the B Team were in the back seats. 

CUT TO: INT. THE DOWNWARD. THE PRISON.

JUSTIN had simply sat down and waited patiently. Meanwhile EDITH, NOEMI, and VIOLET stand around chatting.

EDITH

We have to wait for the others. 

VIOLET

Wait?! We can’t! The longer we're here, we’re letting Liberius and his army get ready to take over the kingdom then the world.

NOEMI

Why is Justin just sitting and meditating?!

EDITH

He’s waiting for The B Team if ever we landed in a trap. He had distress devices to alert others that we need help.

VIOLET

We can’t wait any longer.

Clenching her she tries to make a fist of ice, but the heat of The Downward has weakened her and melted away the fist. Feeling dizzy, EDITH catches her from falling. 

EDITH

Honey, you can’t use your magic. It’s too hot here.

VIOLET

I have to try Sweetie.

EDITH 

You’ll overexert yourself, just calm down.

CUT TO: THE DOWNWARD - THE CAVE

The Eternity enters through the portal to the pocket dimension. The B Team, now armed with their charms of magic and weapons we’re ready to fight.  ENOCH stayed behind on the ship while, ARGENTO, NOEMI, and BERRY went out into the Downward.

CUT TO: THE DOWNWARD - THE THRONE

LIBERIUS had looked upon his rising ranks of Fire Demon Soldiers. 

LIBERIUS

Ooh, I love this so much! Once that little kingdom falls... I’ll take on the Fates and then the world!

He looked over to the prison as the Warriors and the Hero could only sit around and watch. He smiled with such glee, 

LIBERIUS (Cont’d)

GUARDS! Bring me the prisoners! Let’s have an old fashion execution!

A Fire Demon Guard had nodded to his request.

CUT TO: THE DOWNWARD - THE PRISON

The Fire Demon Guards, drag JUSTIN, EDITH, NOEMI, & VIOLET out of the prison. They are brought back to the throne.

CUT TO: THE THRONE.

Thrown on their knees, they look at LIBERIUS.

LIBERIUS

Good to see you all again, children.

EDITH

What do you want?!

LIBERIUS gave her a certain look, as he was intrigued by her feisty remark. Getting up close near her face, he smiled as creepy as it was.

LIBERIUS

What I want was a good old fashioned execution. But I HAVE HAD (He screamed in her face) an amazing idea! (His voice went back to normal)

(He trotted back to his throne and grabbed the Creation thread.)

You see... I’ve seen your story, Savior! How you wanted to be an o so gardener at home. How you never wanted to be a slave to the Fates prophecy! Yet you... after defeating the Black Beast, The Shadow Goddess Neydolya! Everything’s that has happened to you. Look where it led you... to this very moment.

EDITH

What’s your point?!

LIBERIUS

THE POINT! Is... I loved your story... so very very much. But I do love the fact that every story. Well, not every story... but the classics always have a hero against a villain. The Savior against... The Darkness... (He laughs creepily) But I do love heroes along with their VILLIANS.

(He stood from his throne, with the Creation Thread in hand) 

But in your case, I loved... The Black Beast. (He said slowly)

JUSTIN had realized his plan.

JUSTIN

No! No don’t you dare!

LIBERIUS

SILENCE THE ALIEN BOY!

A Fire Demon covers his mouth, only spouting muffled noises. LIBERIUS had pulled from the small spool of the Creation Thread.

LIBERIUS

And what better way to have an amazing story... by combing my two favorite characters together?

EDITH shocked by his plan, she tries to break free from her bonds but it was no use. The thread he cut, had dropped to the ground, blackening and what was created as a black ooze. Forming a humanoid form taking on the appearance of EDITH but a darker version created from the very essence of the Black Beast.

LIBERIUS 

Meet your opposite, The Dark Savior? Hmm no, The Destroyer. The opposite of saving is to destroy or kill. Sounds perfect. Destroyer?

DESTROYER

Yes, Lord Liberius?

He jumped for joy as the being was at his command.

LIBERIUS

Destroyer, stand by my side near the throne.

DESTROYER

Yes, my lord.

The DESTROYER from the kneeled position stands and makes her way

EDITH

You can’t do this!

LIBERIUS

Oh but I did, Savior. I’ll take over your little world because of what the Fates did to me. I’m writing this story while your gods cower behind the veil of their realm and no one... no one will stop me. Not even you, but I have a copy of you at my side. 

(He looks toward JUSTIN) 

Then when I find your ship... I will take on the multiverse.

JUSTIN

How do you know?!

LIBERIUS

How do I know what? You? The multiverse? Well, I suppose you do deserve an answer... what do you know of The Malestrom Cathedral?

JUSTIN’s heart sank... his eyes widened in great fear.

JUSTIN No! That’s impossible, they were destroyed.

LIBERUS

By you, no doubt, but one survived and found his way here after you.

EDITH

Justin?

JUSTIN

Chaos Lords... they took pleasure out of creating chaos and they’re pure evil.

LIBERUS

Now... let’s get the execution started! GUARDS!

Four Fire Demons grabbed the Warriors and The Hero. Making them all stand.

LIBERIUS (Cont’d)

Let them burn where they stand. At my ready!

The four Fire Demons that stood at a distance, raising their arms and opening their palms.

JUSTIN

Hey! Any we get any last words?

LIBERIUS

Of course, I am not a cruel man, get your affairs in order.

JUSTIN

Edith, thank you. I’m glad to have met you, another hero of another universe. Noemi, I’m glad you’ve become stronger and found happiness. Violet, you are a great warrior.

EDITH

Justin, you are a great hero and a great friend. Noemi, you were always a big brother to me. Violet, my love... I love you forever and ever.

The B Team had rushed in! 

The FIGHT:

BERRY with his arm stretched and hand turned into a gigantic wooden shield. They were all running together, with ARGENTO and PERIWINKLE beside him. They battered and rammed away the Fire Demon Soldiers. ARGENTO’S wings unfurl and she flies into the air.

The Talisman of Acheron glows that dark and mystic green. Her eyes glow the same color and the aura summoned to her hands. She fires necro blasts at the Fire Demons soldiers. PERIWINKLE joins her in the air, her wings made of her magic, her wand in hand. With a simple twirl, a tornado is summoned from The Downward’s winds.

The heat of the wave caused a fiery tornado to come true.

PERIWINKLE

LET GO OF MY FRIENDS YOU ASSHOLES!

ARGENTO & NOEMI

PERI!

PERIWINKLE

Sorry!

BERRY grows a branch and breaks it off as it became a sword. The oncoming Fire Demon Soldiers attacked him but quickly and furiously. He took them down one by one, then sprouting sharp thorns and firing at the oncoming wave. 

LIBERIUS laughs then snaps his fingers. The DESTROYER moves quickly toward BERRY, tackling him to the ground. Looking toward ARGENTO & PERIWINKLE, her eyes turned bright red and fire came from her hand. Throwing the ball of fire at ARGENTO knocking out of the sky. PERIWINKLE dodge her second fireball and kept up the fight. She was too quick in the air, sending a swirling blast of air, her form made of thick black ooze.

It knocked her back and turned into bits of the black ooze. She lands and creates the ground blast of air knocked several Fire Demon soldiers on the ground. LIBERIUS suddenly teleported in his hellfire, behind her and grabbed ahold of PERIWINKLE’S collar. Grabbing her wand, immediately.

LIBERIUS

That’s enough from you little caster!

She throws her on the ground and a Fire Demon bounds her hands. A hut ARGENTO & BERRY are brought in by other soldiers.

LIBERIUS looks toward JUSTIN

LIBERIUS

If that was your feeble attempt for back up! Then you have most certainly failed! Say goodbye to your friends! One last time! START THE EXECUTION!

The Fire Demon Soldiers ready their arms, palms open, fire burning in their hands. 

LIBERIUS

3!

(Standing together now. They close their eyes to meet their fate. Except for JUSTIN who was smiling.) 

2! 1!

They fire their magics at the heroes, burning them instantly.

BUT!

As their eyes were closed, except JUSTIN there stood two figures. Their hands out absorbing the fire.

The woman in a tight black suit with red accents, with armor on her chest and along her arms. As well as a skirt that curved like a fiery flower.

The man clad in a black suit, complimented in red armor. Covering his chest, arms, and legs. He had a katana and wakizashi along his back. A red mask and hood covered his face. 

MAN & WOMAN

Don’t you just love fire?

(They both looked to the heroes that were saved.)

EDITH & VIOLET looked at the girl with such shock. JUSTIN smiled at them both.

VIOLET

Clementine?!

JUSTIN

Well, it’s about time!

RYOTO

Couldn’t just let one of my best friends be burned.

RYOTO slices the stone cuffs around his hands and given him his katana. JUSTIN goes to free EDITH, NOEMI, and VIOLET. Helping up ARGENTO, PERIWINKLE, and BERRY.

LIBERIUS was shocked by the sudden appearance of these two unknown figures.

LIBERIUS

GET THEM!

His army following order, CLEMENTINE & RYOTO draw their swords. Taking down every single one that came at them. Time freezes slowly as JUSTIN snapped his fingers. VIOLET hugged CLEMENTINE instantly,

VIOLET

How? How are you here?

CLEMENTINE

I’ll explain later, I promise Vi.

JUSTIN

We have to go now! I can only hold this for a short amount of time!

RYOTO

Let’s move everyone! 

ENOCH (V.O)

I’m coming to you!

The Eternity flew upwards and breaks through the roof of the cave. Racing to the heroes as they run toward the ship. NOEMI, ARGENTO, and PERIWINKLE flew through the air, NOEMI picked up EDITH, ARGENTO picked up VIOLET, and PERIWINKLE grabbed onto BERRY. CLEMENTINE boosted herself like a rocket through the air, propelling herself with her fire magic. JUSTIN & RYOTO had jet power, as JUSTIN pressed a button on his belt activating his jet-powered boots.

RYOTO had a jetpack ready and pressed a button on his wrist, activating the device on his back letting him fly as well. The rooftop of The Eternity opens, allowing all the heroes to enter the Bridge. JUSTIN pressed the button to turn off the jet boots and rushed to the Captain’s Seat.

JUSTIN

ENOCH! GET US OUT OF HERE! 

ENOCH (V.O)

Right away, Captain!

The Eternity fires photon blasts at the army and turns immediately back to the entrance portal. The Eternity makes it’s way out, returning to the Earth.

LIBERIUS stood in front of the portal, angry at their escape. He screams in rage,

LIBERIUS

NO!!!

FADE TO BLACK

TBC... In Part 4