#of course my little brother saw it and started loudly exclaiming ‘yo that’s my boy ratatouille!’

[floral-hex]

Forgot to mention, a lil mouse came inside through a gap in the wall at the chess club last night and I know it’s like, oh no, a rodent is in this coffee house, but I don’t care, it was so cute. It ran up to my leg. I don’t care if it’s dirty, I think coffee houses and little restaurants should have a wild mouse or two, as a treat 🐭

i saw a rat outside

[boshaw-manor]

‘This is gonna be so much fun!’

Rook’s attempts at joining Faith, Jacob and John up with her other guns for hire weren’t exactly going to plan. She’d tried a potluck but John ended up ruining it by insisting on cooking and giving everyone food poisioning. She’d organised a karaoke night that ended with Faith and Adelaide arguing over who got to sing Car Wash by Rose Royce. Hell, even the baseball game she put together ended up with Jacob throwing hissy fit because he lost by one point. It was getting impossible to get them to all get along but Rook was determined. This time, it’d work.

She’d decked out the attic in the Spread Eagle with beanbags and beers, telling them to arrive at 6pm on the dot for a very important meeting. Sure enough, they all arrived and gave her a quizzicle eye, standing in a semi-circle around the room.

‘So what’s goin’ on chica?’ Sharky asked, arms folded across his chest.

‘Yeah, I got stuff to do this evening.’ John groused, scratching at his beard.

‘No you don’t.’ Jacob stated loudly, John throwing him a glare. Rook crouched down and shut the trap door, locking it tight.

‘Woah woah woah, what is this?!’ Jess growled, her eyes darting around the room.

‘Games night. We’re going to play until all of you bond. I can’t trust you guys to have my back until you trust one another.’

‘I mean we could just take the key from you.’ Nick reached for it but Rook ducked, dipping a finger beneath the collar of her shirt and pulling it forward. She plunged her hand down and thrust the key into her bra before flashing her empty palms.

‘Nice try but no.’

‘That’s why she’s my best friend.’ Sharky grinned, elbowing Hurk who chuckled. There was a small silence as everyone looked at each other, unsure of where to start. Rook eyed them all, her gaze landing on Faith who straightened up.

‘I think,’ She began, smiling at Rook fondly. ‘This is gonna be so much fun!’

‘At least someone appreciates my hard work.’ Rook sighed. She walked over to the table and pulled out the Monopoly box, shaking it enthusiastically. ‘Pick your teams and let’s get going!’

Hurk and Sharky immediately linked arms, Jess and Grace doing the same. Adelaide made a bee-line for John who urgently took refuge behind Jacob.

‘What’sa matter sugar? I can show ya what it feels like to win.’ She batted her eyelashes and John’s blue eyes grew wide with either digust or genuine fear, maybe a bit of both.

‘You come with me Addie, we’ll be team wings.’ Nick took her shoulder and pulled her away from John who looked relieved.

‘Guess that puts us together Faith.’ Rook smiled, pulling the lid of the box off and unfolding the board.

‘We wanna be the puppy!’ Sharky screeched, flinging himself and grabbing the silver dog counter into his hand.

‘Oh hell yeah man! He’s so cute! What should be name him?’ Hurk cooed, petting the scrap of metal with a finger.

‘Uhhh... Barkzilla!’ Sharky grinned, fist bumping his cousin. Jacob rolled his eyes, hunkering down onto a blue beanbag and cracking open a beer.

‘We’ll take the car.’ Grace opened her palm begrudingly and Rook placed it in her hand.

‘What’cha thinkin’ Addie? The hat?’ Nick asked but she shook her head.

‘The cat more like.’ She grinned, eyeing John again. ‘Who doesn’t love a good pussy?’ The baptists’ cheeks flared up as he sat on the floor beside his brother and Jacob visibly choked on his beer. His cheeks puffed out like he was chipmunk as he struggled to swallow it down without snorting.

‘Boys?’ Rook asked and John leant forward peering at the leftovers.

‘Give us the thimble.’ He muttered but Jacob slammed his beer bottle down before she could hand it over.

‘The fucking thimble? Why?’

‘It’s the nearest one!’ John cried, still leaning over the board on his hands and knees.

‘Fuck that. I wanna be the boot.’

‘Fine, we’ll be the stupid boot okay?’ The youngest brother growled. Rook handed the silver shoe to him and John scurried backwards, slamming it into Jacob’s hand with a scowl. ‘Happy?’

‘Delighted.’ The solider grinned patronisingly, spinning it between his forefinger and thumb. Jostling the final counters, Rook showed them to Faith.

‘We’ve got the wheelbarrow, thimble, boat and the hat left. You decide.’ Rook knew Faith didn’t really care which counter they used. She’d be happy with any of them. But after spending most of her life being dictated to by Joseph, Pastor Jerome had suggested that Rook let Faith make more decisions for herself even if they were only small. It was all part of her recovery and reintegration into society.

‘I like the wheelbarrow.’ The siren smiled, picking it up and running a dainty finger over the handlebars. ‘It’s cute.’

‘Okie dokie.’ Rook divvied out everyone’s starting money as they all placed their counters on the board. At the first throw of the dice, all hell broke loose.

‘Hell yeah! Community chest baby!’ Sharky picked up one of the cards and squinted as he read. ‘Everybody has to give us fifty bucks.’

‘You’re shitting me? What the hell!’ Rook groaned, taking a fifty and handing it over.

***

‘This game is stupid.’ Jacob groused, arms folded in annoyance.

‘You’re only sulking because you keep getting us put in jail!’ John exclaimed, pointing at the lonely boot solemnly sitting behind bars.

‘S’okay, look we’re coming to visit!’ Nick exclaimed, as he counted up the amount of squares him and Addie needed to move.

‘You can always buy your way out.’ Rook pointed out, gesturing to their wad of cash organised by neatly by colour at John’s feet.

‘No ‘cause next time I’m gonna roll fuckin’ doubles.’ Jacob grunted indignantly.

‘You’ve said that for the past five turns.’ Reeling backwards, the youngest Seed feel onto his spine and splayed across the floor.

***

‘We wanna buy this one.’ Jess stated, about to hand Rook some of the fake paper money.

‘No no no! We wanna buy that one!’ Hurk shouted drunkenly, swaying a little even though he was sat down.

‘You’re not even on the panel!’ Grace protested only to receive a handful of blue plastic houses thrown in her face.

‘Are too! See!’ Hurk pointed at the silver car aggressively.

‘You’re the fucking dog you moron!’ Jess exclaimed, moving his elbow with her hand to point at the silve terrier that was a few paces behind.

‘Barkzilla!’ He screamed happily and Sharky whoozily cheered, though he didn’t know exactly what for.

***

Alcohol fuelled the game until nobody was truly certain who they were playing as anymore. Confusion settling across the group, Sharky got up and sauntered over to the cardboard box in the corner. He dipped his hands in a rooted around until he found something worthwhile.

‘Hungry Hungry Hippos!’ He screamed, waving the box in the air wildly.

‘I love rhinos!’ Hurk squealed and John crinkled his nose.

‘Hurk they’re hippos? That’s why it’s called Hungry Hungry Hippos.’ The baptist could not get over the stupidity of this man. Who confuses a hippo and a rhino?

‘I thought hippos and rhinos where the same thing?’ He bumbled, scratching at his head. Adelaide got up too and moved over to the box, peering inside.

‘Ha. Jenga.’ She laughed heartly, pulling it out.

‘I’m amazing at Jenga.’ Jess boasted, puffing her chest out. Grace pushed her, making the archer roll back.

‘Not as good as me.’

‘Oh you’re so on.’ Jess’ eyes narrowed as she stood up, swaying a little on the spot. She started to set up the game with Adelaide and Grace. Rook smirked at them and then noticed Faith watching longingly beside her.

‘Why don’t you join in?’ She said quietly, touching Faith’s arm in encouragement.

‘Oh no. They won’t want me to.’ She muttered quietly, picking at the fabric of her white jumper. Rook furrowed her brow, looking at Faith and then up to her friends who had nearly completed the tower.

‘Hey guys, can Faith join in?’ The Deputy asked. Grace and Jess exchanged an uncertain look so she shifted her attention to Adelaide, giving her a pleading smile.

‘Course. C’mon over.’ The helicopter pilot sympathised. Faith looked to Rook nervously who simply bobbed her head with a lop-sided smile.

‘O-okay. Thanks.’ Hopping to her feet gracefully, Faith tip-toed over to join in. Sharky came and took her place beside Rook.

‘Will you play this with me?’ He asked, shoving the box under her nose and pulling his best puppy dog eyes out of the bag. How could Rook say no?

‘Sure but it’s four players and Hurk looks busy.’ She stated, pointing at his cousin. Sharky turned and saw Hurk in a fervent arm wrestle with Nick over the table.

‘Damn.’ He grunted, staring at the hippos sadly. Rook turned her gaze to John and Jacob, both sitting on beanbags with beer bottles in their hands.

‘Yo Seeds, you playing?’ She called to them, blue eyes swivelling her way.

‘What your little kids game? Nah.’ Jacob sniffed, taking a swig of drink.

‘Oh yeah right, s’cause you’re scared.’ She shrugged, opening the box and setting up the game.

‘Psh.’ He grunted, leaning back into the beanbag. John crawled over, sitting behind the blue hippo and Jacob narrowed his eyes. ‘You fuckin’ kiddin’ me?’

‘Well there’s nothing better to do.’ His little brother retorted, pressing down on the lever and watching the plastic hippo snap forward.

‘Hell yeah Johnny boy!’ Sharky clapped him on the shoulder and sat cross legged behind the green hippo. Rook took the yellow one and shot a look at Jacob.

‘Ah look, you can be the orange one!’

‘I said I ain’t playin’.’ He sniffed but his eyes lingered on the board.

‘You sure? Or are you too chicken?’ She grinned, starting to cluck under her breath. Sharky joined in, bobbing his neck backwards and forwards. Even John started, making wings with his tattooed arms and batting them up and down.

‘For fuck’s sake, fine.’ Jacob slid off the beanbag and took his spot behind the orange hippo. Rook unleashed a handful of balls into the centre of the board and the four of them watched them roll until they settled against one another.

‘Ready, set, go!’ She hollered and the snapping began. Hands battered the levers as the hippos lurched forward and back, snatching balls into their mouths and depositing them in their individual racks. As the game ended, each player counted their balls and Jacob looked up with a smirk.

‘Nine.’ He grinned, already certain from counting the others’ marbles that he’d won.

‘Four.’ John frowned.

‘I got four too.’ Sharky stated.

‘Three.’ Rook sighed. ‘I demand a rematch.’

**

As the night wandered on, Rook’s friends started to go out for the count. Nick and Hurk were asleep over the table, hands still bound from arm wrestling. Grace, Jess, Adelaide and Faith lay snuggled around the fallen Jenga pieces. Yawning heavily, she slumped back into a sleeping Sharky’s chest. John’s head rested on her shoulder and Jacob’s boots were propped up on her knee. She’d done it. She’d finally united them.

[vivika-ka]

I feel embarrassed but yo I am trying to write a fanfic, it’s not that good but do tell me what you think and if you have any constructive criticism it will be happily welcomed! This is the first chapter:

The pain he felt was indescribable. The constant pounding inside his head, almost as if there was someone hammering his temples over and over. Fragments of what took place in the last 3 days were coming back to him, bits and pieces. If he looked up, the ever-effervescent light of the Throne Room would infiltrate in his emerald green eyes, bringing even more pain. By the love of the Gods, make it stop. Frankly, his attention on the trial disappeared the moment he realized not a single soul in the room would believe any word he said -except his mother, of course. Loki wished he himself could understand what the hell his life had become, that he could make it up for the mistakes he committed against Asgard and his family.

"Any last words before your punishment?" Odin asked, his eyes carried deep disappointment and coldness, so much that made him flinch slightly. Oh, that's right. I don't belong here. Loki ignored the whispers and curses thrown at him, his older brother wasn't by his side and somehow that made him feel in excruciating danger around the people that were once his. The Jotun Prince then proceeded to look at his mother, Frigga refused to cry in front of her strict husband, but Loki knew the Queen better than anyone present, she was devastated. He licked his chapped lips and whispered to her.

"I am so sorry" His weak pleading voice was enough to make Frigga turn her eyes away from her youngest son, the tears threatening to spill. Odin frowned deeply, and with no further ado, banged his spear three times loudly.

"Then I, Odin, King of Asgard, declare that Loki Laufeyson shall have death penalty for committing crimes against the crown, the King, and the Asgardians. As well, for trying to take over the realm of Midgard. He is not to be touched, spoken to, and taken care of, until the day of his execution. Which will happen at dawn. I'll meet you all in 3 days" Loki sighed, trying to take the image of his mother as much as he could before his upcoming doom. I don't belong anywhere.

.-.-.

Thor sat in his room, caressing one of the few presents his little brother gave him during their peaceful times together. He was aware that Loki would be given death penalty for all the vicious actions he had committed against Asgard and Midgard. He was going to lose his little brother once again, and he couldn't help but to feel that it was his fault. There was a knock at his door, however the God of Thunder paid no mind. All he wanted at the moment was to go back to Midgard, hug his Lady Jane, and sleep. He knew slumber wouldn't come to him, though. Every time he closed his eyes he would hear Loki's screams; he would see the hopelessness in his brother's eyes when he let go of his hand; he would feel the smell of antique books, wet earth and flowers, and the raciness of his magic; he would feel the taste of their favorite dessert, the very one they would eat together after winning a big battle. Thor did not hold back his tears, he let them fall freely over the storybook they would read whenever one of them had nightmares.

"Thor? Are you there?" The voice of Lady Sif echoed in his chamber.

"I do not wish to speak to anyone. I ask of you, please, leave me at once" Thor managed to say without choking.

"Thor, I understand you're sad, but…Loki's actions have consequences, and this is fa-"

"If you dare to say it is fair to kill my little brother, I will never look at you, ever again"

"Will you quit it with this never-ending guilt?! It is nonsense! None of what is happening-" At this rate, Thor's chest felt as if it would explode any second now. With long steps, he opened the door, scaring the woman before him. He was livid.

"Everything that is happening with Loki is my fault! His betrayal, his fall, his breakdown, his invasion! All of this! Because I couldn't see what my father was doing to me! I did not stop my father from treating him differently! He was lost, and all I did was push him deep into the abyss!" The grieving god shouted.

"Loki is different! He is a Jotun! Not to mention a traitor!" Sif exclaimed viciously.

"Enough!" Thor shouted, a thunder could be heard through all Asgard. Sif jumped back, however never losing her frown and stance "You are not part of this family. Therefore, you can't possibly understand what happened to him. Much less what I am feeling in this moment. I will ask you nicely one more time: please, leave me alone" Thor said through his clenched teeth. Sif scoffed, turning to go back to the training chambers. The God of Thunder sighed, his shoulders still tensed.

"Damn it" He cursed, finally letting his body breakdown into sobs.

Guilt can eat you away. In his many years of life, he had underestimated the sickness of the mind. Guess I'm paying the price.

.-.-.

Loki was taken to his cell rather violently. The nagging feeling at the back of his head that something awful was about to happen with him couldn't seem to pass. He scratched the part that was afraid of his execution, since he long craved for his death the moment he let go of Thor's hand and fell into the void until now. This feeling was different, as if he had felt this unstoppable fear and hopelessness. The type of fear that you can't run away from. The type of hopelessness that no matter how many times you tell yourself it is over, it gets worse.

The loud sound of his wrists being attached to heavy chains pushed him from his thoughts. Looking over to his right side, the guard was eyeing him something awful. The amount of malfeasance in the guard's stance gave him such crippling dread, his heart was beating as loudly as his brother's thunder.

"What do we have here? God of Mischief, Loki" The man sneered, Loki gulped "You don't seem so mischievous now, do you, boy?" The voice and malice brought him more fragments, not the good kind. It reminded him of the voice that belonged to a mad being "No brother to save you, no mother to protect you. It seems I've won the biggest award of all" The guard proceeded to hit him strongly on the face with his golden baton, Loki could only see starts after such heavy blow, but it was enough to bring him one suffering memory.

He was falling. That was all he could gather. He was falling in a void, without destination, he would fall forever in the darkness. When Loki lost the count of how many days, weeks, months that he had been inside this well of despair, he started hallucinating. Loki dreamed of many outcomes of death, saw his brother dying in many awful ways, his mother being killed viciously, sometimes by his own hand. Most of the times, his hallucinations would show him a light, whenever he finally reached the warm and inviting path of closure, it would end with him looking at his own face. However, he would be without the spell of shapeshifter, he would be in his true roots. A Jotun.

Loki cried every day hysterically, all he wanted was the pain to end, he just wanted to die in peace, was that too much to ask? One day, the doomed day he thought he would be saved, Loki heard the voice of a mad being.

"Come, Loki Laufeyson. I can help you leave this endless pit. However, give me something I will need something in return-"

"Please, help me!"

"I won't hesitate to take that as a yes" The voice laughed sinisterly, Loki regretted immediately. An enormous purple hand grabbed him by his collar, pushing him into a pebbly ground, the Prince felt one sharp rock cutting his cheek. He hissed, but had no time to protest over the wound. Loki's collar once again was in the hands of the mad titan.

"You are Loki, of Asgard. And you are burdened with glorious purpose. You will do as I say" Thanos grinned mercilessly "Understand?"

"…I don't want-" The titan threw him inside a cage, Chitauris were cheering over the new chew toy "Wait! Why are you-!"

"You don't get to question me, boy. Simply follow my orders, and you won't get hurt" Thanos sat in his throne, watching the group of aliens hold the God of Mischief tightly, the beasts were ripping his garments off. Loki looked at Thanos desperately.

"What are they doing?" The mad titan said nothing, giving the Prince a dark smirk "WHAT ARE THEY DOING?" Loki's scream echoed loudly, making the beasts cheer even more over his despair and fear.

"They will teach you not to disobey me" Thanos crossed his legs, watching as the beasts ravished the Prince endlessly. All that could be heard for the whole year were Loki's pleads for mercy, for someone to save him. For the light to come and finally take him. For his mother. For his brother. Hell, even for his father. Thanos would laugh with gusto at the suffering creature before him. How he was being deemed as nothing more than a piece of meat, a pawn that would have no choice but to follow the titan to no end. Loki seceded, he had no other choice.

"Forgive me" He whispered brokenly, as he felt the power of Tesseract consume his already shattered mind.

The God of Mischief was screaming as if his life depended on it. His magic was strong enough to reach out to anyone, anything that could help him. Loki was sure that he could not go through being ravished again, not without dying of fear first. The guard was about to hit the Prince again, he was not done taking Loki's clothes off, luckily. Then, suddenly an abnormal tremor took place in the Palace. The rapist fell on his back, cursing loudly. Loki couldn't breathe, his body was under the spell of a very powerful panic attack. Every little detailed pain he felt during his imprisonment with Thanos manifested in his body along with the memories. The Prince felt the last bit of air he had left leave his mouth, as he choked with his own demons.

.-.-.

Not too far from the cell Loki was being kept, a very powerful being appeared. As she finished to materialize, Frigga and Thor had arrived as well, both looking at the shining woman with wonder and suspicion. Her skin was even more pale than Loki's, her dress was long and loose fitting, her long hair was almost as white as her dress, and her eyes were the most crimson red the mother and the son ever saw in their lifetime. She was ethereal. She was light. She was-

"Eve?" Frigga questioned, her voice exhilarated hope. The ethereal being gave the gentlest smile Thor ever seen, her aura screamed tranquility and lightness.

"Is she real?" He asked skeptically. Eve's chuckle brought even more clarity to the room.

"Yes, I am" Eve turned and motioned for the family to follow her "I suppose you heard him" It wasn't a question, the tranquil air and lightness left the room. As quick as lightning, the darkness and heaviness took over the atmosphere once again.

"We heard. My poor son" Frigga sobbed as she ran beside Eve and Thor.

"Loki's magic reached me! He must be in great great danger!" Thor exclaimed desperately, fearing for his little brother's safety (and sanity).

"And right you are, my friend" Eve answered sadly "We must leave at once, Odin knows I'm here, as well as his most trusted warriors" They opened the door that led to the cell, but immediately halted as they took in the scene before them. The guard was back at stripping the God of Mischief, who seemed to be dead. Frigga shot a powerful spell before Eve and Thor even moved a muscle. The rapist shouted in pain -and kept shouting- as he fell on the ground, his eyes were red.

"Mother?" Thor questioned, impressed.

"He is simply experiencing what he had planned for my son" She answered coldly.

"Very well done, Frigga" Eve complimented, already kneeling in front of the beaten and unconscious man who had stolen her heart many years back "Oh, Loki. What happened to you?" She whispered huskily and sadly as she caressed his cheek tenderly. She heard Thor smashing the heavy chains, which made the God of Mischief fall down towards her lap. With the help of Frigga, Eve managed to carry Loki. Thor was biting his lips nervously.

"What do we do? Where can we take him?!" He asked frantically. Eve closed her eyes tightly, a portal appeared in front of them, the sound of birds singing could be heard.

"To my temple. Odin's not allowed there"

"My husband is stubborn and powerful. He will go after you!" Frigga exclaimed desperately.

"Well, he knows better, my Queen. I am also powerful, as powerful as the old man. Besides, my defenses are strong enough to put him to sleep for the next 80 years" The Queen's eyes widened, but her shock was quickly gone as she looked at her sons. Frigga smiled determined.

"I will take care of my husband. However, all I care at this moment is for the safety of my son" Frigga said, caressing Loki's hair, her eyes lifted to make eye contact with her first born "Both of my sons" Thor smiled sadly.

"Then I promise with my life that I will keep them safe from Odin's wrath" Eve assured the Queen softly "I will see you again, Frigga. Fret not. Odin won't be able to lay a hand on you" The ethereal being said, as she casted a spell that engulfed Frigga in a warm light.

"Thank you, darling" Thor took Frigga's place as Loki's support "Be safe. All of you. I love you very much"

"We love you too" They said in unison, and just as fast as Eve made the portal appear, they were gone from Asgard. Right they were in time, since Odin came barging furiously inside the cell, taking the scene that consisted of his wife glaring at him with sharp blue eyes and one of his most trusted guards screaming and pleading on the ground.

"Frigga, what is the meaning of this?" The King asked sternly.

"It's called being just, husband" The Queen answered just as stern and cold.

.-.-.

As they left the portal, Thor felt the smell of fresh air. Taking his surroundings, he gathered the information that they were in a forest. The grass felt fluffy and soft under his feet. Wait, where are my normal garments? The God of Thunder directed his blue eyes to the woman helping him carry his little brother, his face contorted with a deep frown, he was greatly confused. Mother knows her, she seems to know my brother (very well, by her interaction with him in the cell). She is really powerful, I never felt such strong aura. Who is she? Eve sighed softly, not wanting to explain to the brother of the man she is deeply worried about how they got involved. However, the pale woman understands why Thor is skeptical and sending her questioning looks every 4 seconds.

"I promise I will explain everything detailed later. After we make sure your brother is safe and taken care of" Eve informed him, her voice left no room for discussion. Thor nodded, and thanked her, to which she simply smiled.

They must've walked for about 30 minutes when he finally located her Temple. At least, what he assumed it was her Temple.

"Why...A cave?" Thor asked, to which she laughed. Birds sang happily when she did.

"Just the entrance. I am not about to have constant annoying visitors. I only attend to those whom I deem as deserving of my services"

As they entered furthermore inside the cave, the dark rocks turned into pale silver walls that had stories encrypted in every corner. The floor was even more fluffier than the grass outside, when he looked up, he met the sight of amazing -almost hypnotic- sharp crystals. Thor heard a huff, only to see an area with 3 peaceful Pegasus. He thought they were only allowed to Valkyries, the sight of the rare animals amazed him. There was furniture made of what it looked like mud, wood, and rocks.

"And my brother is?" Thor did not ask challengingly. He was honestly curious about how much his brother means to this woman. She captured the innocence behind the question, holding her tongue not to curse at the God of Thunder, Eve could tell he cares deeply for his little brother and is simply worried.

"Yes. Loki is probably the most deserving of them all" Eve answered, laying the God of Mischief down on what it looked like a bed of soft feathers "I will examine him now. However, this magic is too...bright for the eyes of any other species" Eve explained slowly, knowing Thor did not want to leave Loki alone for a second. He seemed to consider what she said for what it felt like an eternity, then finally nodded, leaving the room. Eve started to gather the ingredients necessary for the spell when she called loudly "There is a waterfall not far from here, go West. About 8 minutes. Bathe, and come back by nightfall" Eve commanded, once more, no room for discussion. Thor sighed and left the Temple in search of the waterfall.

As Eve mixed the mystical cure, her eyes captured the scars in Loki's chest. They weren't faint, in fact, it looked as if it did not had the time to heal properly. Her hands trembled, her eyes shined brightly with vengeance.

"I promise that I will destroy whoever touched you, my love" Eve promised.

And she is a woman of her words. Anyone who met the powerful being knew better than to upset her.

So already warning, in my AU Thor actually cares for Loki, even I came to the conclusion he doesn’t in the same manner as Loki but I decided in this story he should... Also, there’s my OC, hopefully the OC isn’t bad. It’s mostly Hurt/Angst and Comfort, as well as Romance. I don’t know if I will attempt to post in Archive of Our Own, but I am considering. I am currently writing chapter 8, but I’m feeling like no one cares for the story anymore lol and figured why not share here. the fanfic

[themurphyzone]

Oneshot: Blood Doesn’t Matter

Decided it would be interesting to do a perspective flip. While Heinz’s treatment was horrible and we all know it, not everyone does. Sometimes you only see a sugarcoated version of events despite it taking place in front of you. 

Age 4

Heinz was in trouble again. Out of curiosity, Roger had started using an old floorboard in his bedroom as a tally chart to track his older brother’s mischief, but it happened so often that the chart was extremely inaccurate. 

“I thought it would help you, Mother,” Heinz said meekly, kicking a gear from the broken cube-shaped machine, originally designed to wash the dishes faster. However, instead of washing the dishes, it broke all the ceramics and made a mess in the tiny kitchen. 

Mother sternly pointed to the closet. “Clean it up. Then go to your room. We will talk later.” Then her clipped tone vanished as she tussled Roger’s hair. “Roger, would you like another cookie?”

Roger nodded. “May I have another cookie please, Mother?” Her cookies had won her fame in the village, since they were the only ones that couldn’t be used as a hockey puck.   

“So polite too!” she exclaimed, setting the largest cookie from the jar on his plate. “You need to be more like your brother, Heinz. You won’t go far with that horrible attitude of yours.”

Heinz sulked as he mopped up the broken pieces, shooting irritated glares at Roger when Mother wasn’t looking. Roger chewed contentedly on his treat. As long as Mother was happy, he was happy. 

So why was Heinz never happy? 

Maybe he was just a born troublemaker. 

Age 7

“You were wonderful today during errands,” Mother said, tucking him in neatly. “Keep it up and the Kinderlumper might give you something extra special.” 

At the mention of the Kinderlumper, Roger fell back against his pillow, tucking his teddy bear under his arms so he could go to sleep quickly. The Kinderlumper was large, but shy. He wouldn’t come if he wasn’t asleep. 

But a question had been nagging at his mind. His curiosity was getting the better of him. “Mother, why are you so hard on Heinz?” he asked. 

Mother wrung her hands as she pondered his question. She sighed, tiredly glancing at the door. “Your brother is not an easy child,” she said. “Your father and I must be strict to toughen him up. He might not like his chores now, but he’ll be thanking us when he’s older. Don’t associate with people like him, Roger. They’ll ruin your chances of success in the real world.” 

She kissed him goodnight and blew out the lamp, closing the door behind her. 

Roger turned over, listening to Mother scold Heinz for making too much noise. Yawning, he closed his eyes and dreamed of the toys that the Kinderlumper might leave on the doorstep. 

Age 11

“Heinz, I need you to do me a favor,” Roger said, dribbling his kickball against the dirt floor. 

Heinz ignored him as he opened all the cupboards, only to slam them shut again as he frantically searched for something. Boots thudded loudly above them, and Heinz and Roger flinched instinctively. They both forgot that Father was still tired from a late night hunting trip and was using the morning to sleep in. 

It was impossible to discern Father’s expression underneath his horned helmet and massive beard. Unlike Heinz, Roger possessed a sense of self-preservation, so he looked at the floor and shut his mouth. He learned early on that he would be invisible to Father if he remained quiet and did nothing to set his volatile temper off. 

Heinz was still checking the nooks and crannies of the kitchen when Father stomped in, irate at his sleep being interrupted. 

“Beveg dich nicht!” Father snapped. 

Heinz abruptly went stiff, looking like a deer in the headlights. Roger tensed too, but he didn’t dare raise his head. 

Father huffed in disdain and returned to his bedroom. 

The boys relaxed, relieved that Father was too exhausted to give any further discipline. 

“You know how the Preteen Kickball Tournament is this weekend?” Roger asked. 

Heinz groaned. “I’m not taking part. Mother thinks it’s embarrassing if I get on the field. Besides, I’ll just bring down the entire team.” 

“I know you’re terrible. But I was just gonna ask you to pitch the ball so I can kick it,” Roger said. “You can do that much, right?” 

Besides, everyone in Gimmelshtump knew he was the star player. No other kids could match the strength he poured into every kick. And the star player needed practice to be the best. 

“Fine, whatever. Have you seen my chemistry book? I can’t find it anywhere, and I’m not going with you until you tell me what you’ve done with it,” Heinz growled, checking the umbrella stand. Roger didn’t know what he was hoping to accomplish if he was looking in the umbrella stand for a book. 

“Heinz Doofenshmirtz!” Mother gasped from the front door, taking off her traveling cloak. She dropped the bag of vegetables from the market in shock. “How dare you accuse my boy of stealing! He would never do such a thing!” 

He wouldn’t. Mother had raised him to be better than a common thief. 

“Well, I was reading it last night!” Heinz protested. “And now it’s gone!” 

“Have you considered taking better care of your things?” Mother chided. “Thank goodness you’re so reliable, Roger. Why, when you were five, I gave you my wedding ring for Show and Tell at your school, and you brought it back safe and sound! Heinz would have lost it in ten seconds, I’m sure.” 

“I wouldn’t lose it,” Heinz muttered defiantly. 

“That’s enough. Go with Roger so he can practice,” Mother said. “You can look for that silly nonsense when you come back.” 

Heinz fumed all the way to the practice field. 

Roger wisely decided not to tell him that he saw a page of the periodic table sticking out of Only Son’s bed that morning. 

Age 14

As ditzy as Heinz was, even he had occasional moments of brilliance. 

“Why don’t you tell Frau Weiss about what you’re planning to do, Roger?” Mother asked. 

Frau Weiss sipped her coffee expectantly. “Do tell, Roger. Surely a handsome boy such as yourself would have some plans.” 

Roger squirmed in embarrassment. While he loved Mother, sometimes he wished she wouldn’t talk about him so much to her friends. “Well, I was thinking of going into politics. But in America rather than here, since it’s one of the most powerful countries on Earth. I could intern for a senator, that way I could be connected to a network and put my name out there.” 

Frau Weiss nodded in approval. “So much ambition at a young age. You did well raising this one. Tell me, whatever happened to the disappointment?” 

“Heinz?” Mother replied. “He boarded a ship bound for the states by accident a few weeks ago. While he will remain nothing more than a dummkopf, I must admit he did inspire Roger to travel to America himself to begin his career. I’ll try to convince Hans that the rest of us should do the same, but he’s a stubborn man. 

“I understand your pain,” Frau Weiss said. “Why couldn’t I have Roger for a son? Peter sits with his head in the clouds. I told him to find a girl with a sizable dowry, but does he listen to his poor old mother? Of course not.” 

Roger pushed his chair back. “Mother? May I be excused, please? I was planning to look at the stalls in the market.” 

“Of course,” Mother smiled at him. “Go right ahead.” 

Roger hurried out the front door, glad to be away from all the gossip. 

Age 20

It had been a week since Roger accidentally ruined Heinz’s painting. He quickly discovered that his brother was a master at holding grudges. 

“Well, plenty of artists didn’t get vindicated until after they died,” Roger tried to joke. 

Heinz wasn’t having any of it. He continued packing all his things into a large backpack, refusing to look at Roger. “How would you like it if I dumped a carton of grape juice on all your clothes?” he snapped. “Girls would never date you again. Unless you turned up the charm. But no, it’s never a problem for you, huh?” 

“Not really,” Roger blinked. “I can’t help it. Girls fawn over me. I’m just that charming to them.” 

Sometimes Heinz could be so unreasonable. 

“Yeah, perfect you with your perfect car and perfect ground you trod upon,” Heinz muttered. “I’m dropping out. Nothing here for me anyway. I’m going backpacking and you can’t stop me.” 

Even if Roger used common sense, Heinz was never going to heed his advice. There was little point in trying to stop him from doing something ridiculous. 

Age 24

“Forget about her, Roger,” Mother said, patting his back in comfort. “You’re too good for her.” 

He had no idea where he went wrong. He bought Yvonne perfume, found bracelets he thought she would like, and picked her up in a sleek black car that he’d bought with the money he’d been given from Great Uncle Frederic’s will. 

So if none of those things impressed her, then what did? 

“I should’ve been focusing on my studies,” Roger shook his head. “Not wasting time on girls. I’m sorry if I worried you, Mother.” 

Mother picked up her knitting, a beacon of calm amidst all the turmoil. “America is so strange,” she mused. “The girls here don’t recognize that they need to settle down with a man who can provide for them.” 

Age 28

Roger furiously picked the phone up from the table, while Mother sobbed her heart out. Father sat on the couch, not looking remotely interested in the matter. “Heinz, you’re making Mother cry! Don’t make her blood pressure skyrocket with your stubbornness!” 

“They aren’t seeing my baby girl, and that’s final!” Heinz yelled. Roger had to hold the phone away from his ear so he didn’t go deaf from his brother’s screechy voice. “I’m listening to my gut instinct here, Roger. Maybe I’ll consider it when Vanessa’s older, but not now.” A woman’s voice was in the background, gently persuading him to to compromise. “But Charlene, you don’t understand! They’ll hurt her! Yes, I’m being paranoid about this. Okay, you know what? Fine. Roger, you can come see Vanessa if you want. But only you. Don’t even think about bringing them.” 

The last word was filled with such venom, Roger almost dropped the phone in surprise. “What do you have against Mother?” Roger complained. “I can’t believe you, Heinz. She did everything she could, and you’re being ungrateful.” 

“Ungrateful? Who are you calling ungrateful, when all Mother did was-” A baby’s cry pierced the background on the other end. “Great, Vanessa’s crying because of you people! I’m turning it over to Charlene. Goodbye.” 

There was silence for a long time. 

“I’m sorry about my husband,” Charlene said calmly. “I don’t think there’s anything to be worried about, to be honest. Fatherhood’s just getting to him.” 

“I understand,” Roger replied. “I’d better go. Mother needs me.” 

He hung up, setting the phone back on the hook. Then he grabbed the nearest blanket and draped it over Mother. 

Age 44

“I present the new mayor of Danville, Roger Doofenshmirtz!” 

Roger stepped up to the podium, smiling and waving with practiced ease. “Thank you, everyone. It’s truly a wonderful moment to be here with all of you,” he announced to the crowd, who clung to his every word. Mother was given a seat of honor in the front row. She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. “As mayor, I promise to make this fair city prosperous and safe for future generations. Now, instead of boring you with a tedious speech, allow me to make this a memorable night with some of your favorite bands!” 

As the first act tuned their guitars, Roger managed to sneak inside City Hall. He shut the doors to his new office, taking in all the extravagance that his new living quarters offered. He’d have plenty of time to explore his rich lifestyle later. 

There was just someone he wanted to talk to first. 

He dialed a number, then quickly erased it when he remembered that Heinz had moved into a penthouse after his divorce. Funny how some details about his brother slipped his mind. Couldn’t even afford a house of his own. What a pity. 

“Hello?” 

“Turn on the news,” Roger said. “I’m the mayor now. Landslide election too. My opponent never stood a chance.” 

“Congrats. You want a medal?” Heinz asked dryly. “Oh wait, you have plenty of those. Needs to be something a little more special for you, I suppose.” 

Roger wondered if they would ever get though a conversation without Heinz’s irritation  getting in the way. Probably not. 

“Just thought I’d let you know,” Roger remarked. “Mother is a guest of honor. I’ve never seen her so happy.” 

“Then it’s only fair for me to let you know that I’m overthrowing you,” Heinz warned. “Then I’ll be ruler of the Tri-State Area, and there’ll be nothing you can do about it.” 

Roger raised an eyebrow. “Have fun with that.”

The line went dead. 

But for some reason, he could only stand there with the phone hanging from his loose grip. 

They had never been close, but Roger never questioned why until now. Maybe it was the grape juice incident. Could it have been Heinz’s selfish refusal to allow their parents to see Vanessa? Something else that slipped his mind? 

Or maybe he would never know the true cause of it all. 

[sakuchii-fanfiction]

SHOCK! Inazuma Surprise - CP 2

A/N: Second chapter of my anniversary fic is out. Now, whose hair is as red as spruce? Wait, are spruces even red?

SHOCK Two: As Red As Spruce

I woke up in a jolt and glanced around me. Given the multiple computers, it didn’t take much for me to realize that I was in the computer class of my school. Most likely, I had fallen asleep during the free period while chatting with my online friends.

The next thing, I turned to look at the clock, wondering what the time was. The moment I realized it was almost 4PM, my jaw dropped.

DAMN! I was going to be late for the bus.

I typed as fast as I could and said bye to everyone online. Since I was in a hurry, I had to switch off the computer before I could see their replies. In a matter of seconds, I turned off the computer and rushed out of the classroom. I – quite literally – threw my clothes on me and ran as fast as could, hoping to catch the bus that was already waiting in front of the school.

I entered the bus and sat down. Only then could I sigh of relief. This time I had managed to be on time and hadn’t missed the bus, unlike in the morning. Because of that, I had to wait for the next one… for two hours… IN A BLIZZARD!  

I leaned against the window and stared outside as we drove from the city I was studying in, towards the small town where I lived. As the scenery passed by, I tried to remember what kind of dream had I seen. I was certain that something had happened, but I couldn’t get any clear images.

As I kept thinking hard, I suddenly started to feel sleepy. Unable to resist, I slowly closed my eyes. But before doing so, I saw a blurry image of a snow white-haired girl on a bike. I wondered why she looked so familiar. Where had I seen her before…?

All of a sudden… My mind blanked out…

“Oi, Saku-sa… are you… kay?” A blurry voice asked as I was trying to open my eyes. I closed them again, trying to enjoy my dream for a little longer, but my plans were cut short. Suddenly, I felt something FREEZY on my face.

“GAAH!” I screamed out loud – A very manly scream indeed, hah! – as the cold thing got on my face, in my shirt and everywhere else, and jumped up like an electrical beast. I felt moisture all over my face and shirt, they obviously had thrown something at me. Without second thought, I licked my wet fingers (I mean, as if someone would throw anything dangerous on me, right).

The taste was… salty water.

“Ushishishishi~” I heard Kogure’s laughing voice and face immediately darkened. A dark, eerie aura started slowly surround me.

“Kogure, YOU LITTLE!” I shouted enraged and chased after the little prankster. That little punk, pranking on me the first thing as I woke up. He would really pay for this. I would not let him get away so easily!  

As I kept chasing after Kogure, suddenly someone walked into the room. I stopped immediately at the presence of another person, and Kogure used this chance to escape from the room. An unwanted silence fell into the room.

“You’re finally awake.” One of the two finally spoke, smiling at me. She was a girl with snow-white hair and surprisingly her eyes were of the same hue. The other one was a boy with brown hair and black eyes. He was standing behind the girl.

I gulped loudly. Why is it that I only kept meeting people I did not know? “Wh- Who are you?” I finally managed to ask. The duo before me sighed loudly while facepalming. The boy glanced at me while sweat dropping and the girl squeezed her fist while trying to suppress her anger.

“You… little…!” She murmured as a dangerous aura surrounded her. I gulped loudly. It seemed as if I had just said something out of place. But how could I help it! I really did not know who the girl was.

Trying to look for a way to get out of the situation, my eyes wandered toward the brown-haired boy. Now that I looked closer, he seemed familiar. He was just like… ICHINOSE! I felt relieved. Of course, it could only be him!  

If he was Ichinose, then that girl must be… While still in thoughts, I turned my glance back to the girl who was throwing daggers at me. She did not remind me any of the Inazuma Eleven characters, so I doubted that I knew her at all. Unless she was a game-only character. I…

“Who?” It was accidental, but still it slipped through my lips.

“YOU FRIGGING BITCH! Can’t you even remember the name of your twin-sister.” The snow-white-haired girl went rampage and I thought this was the end of me. She would surely stab me in the heart. I slowly backed away from the girl, who was clearly overreacting.

“It’s no use, Yuki. You can’t talk common sense to her. Right now, she doesn’t remember who we are… No, she doesn’t even know who she is.” All of a sudden, I heard another voice speaking. The trio I had met earlier, walked in.

“Yo, Soccer-baka’s-baka-girlfriend.” Suginei, if that was her name again, greeted me. I’m not exactly the brightest when it comes to remembering the names of passersby, I’m much better with faces. I nodded as an answer, though. WAIT, WHO IS SHE CALLING A BAKA? AND WHY DOES SHE HAVE DOUBLE BAKA THERE?

“You mean that she…” Yuki seemed to finally have calmed down, and her expression sharpened. Before finishing her sentence, she turned to me and stared at me with those snow-white-colored eyes of her. I shivered slight at the intensity of her stare.

Axelle, the smallest one of the group, nodded. Despite being considerably tall compared to elementary school students, she was still the shortest one among us. “She’s the only one. She still tries to decide.” The red-haired girl explained in short sentences, that made absolutely no sense to me.

WHY COULDN’T THESE PEOPLE TALK IN HUMAN LANGUAGE!

“Yep. That’s exactly why she’s still having those memory losses we used to have on our first time. They’re supposed to stop once she accepts the truth.” Ou Matsurei continued after Axelle and the girl’s older sister kept nodding.

At this point I was so confused, I didn’t have power to react at the comments. I just stood there quiet, listening and observing as the girls continued to conversate. Yuki nodded a few times during the conversation and then smiled.

The girl walked to me and unexpectedly, reached her hand towards me. “I never got to introduce myself. I’m Ichinose Yuki. We’re so called twin-sisters here.” There was a wide smirk on the girls face as she announced proudly our relations.  

My jaw dropped slightly as I heard her words… Her surname is ICHINOSE? It’s the same as that American dudes? What’s the meaning of this? Also… WE’RE TWINS… TWINS?

I mean, yes, she did say something about it earlier, but I kind of let that statement pass. But now she was throwing that right at my face. TWINS? I personally could only dream of having a twin-sister.

“I-came-back-to-life-guys-personal-stalker.” I heard Suginei mumbling and guessed that he was talking about Yuki. After all, Ichinose was the only person who was believed to be dead (until GO happened, but we haven’t gotten that far yet).

Before I could use any verbal reaction, someone dashed into the room. (Mind to take a note at this point, that we were, once again, in MY room). “Onii-san, Yuki-chan!” I let out a frustrated sigh. It seems that yet another person was going to make their appearance. How many more? I can’t really handle all these insane people…

“Kokoro-chan!” Yuki’s face seemed to brighten, as a small figure rushed into the room and jumped into her arms. The two girls laughed happily and embraced each other. After that the small girl glanced at everyone around her.

“Good day,” The girl greeted everyone shyly. She was a small and petite girl, standing even shorten than Axelle. Her hair was chocolate brown in color and it was tied up on a ponytail. Her eyes were black and she had a unique cat-like smile.

Ichinose approached the girl and asked, “What’s wrong Kokoro-chan?”

“Onii-san,” The girl whispered and blushed (WHY?). Either way it was cute, so I couldn’t help but to smile. Until I realized what was going on. My smile faded away and a slight horror was displayed on it.

This guy, Ichinose… He’s a brother… he has a SISTER. AND WHY HADN’T ANYONE BOTHERED TO TELL THAT TO ME! GUYAA!

“We’re ready to start the party, but it’s impossible without the main guest. So, they sent us here to ask if Lumi-san had woken up.” Was spoken, and I soon realized them saying us and not me. It wasn’t Kokoro who had spoken those words. Then who?

I turned toward the door and saw a figure smiling at us. Her hair was black and eyes of gray color. Her skin was fair in color and she had two piercings on her left ear and one of her right. The girl was wearing light gray shirt, dark blue jeans and a bandana.

“Maaya!” I heard Kokoro exclaim in surprised tone and the girl grinned. Kokoro seemed slightly relieved and just blushed happily. Meanwhile everyone else turned their heads towards me. Being at the center of everyone’s attention, I pointed at myself like an idiot.

Everyone nodded.

“WHAAT? A PARTY, FOR ME? WHY?” I cried, trying to figure out was I happy, shocked, sad or moved. I guess pretty much all of them. I mean, I should’ve known that something was going on as the managers have been working on something since the morning. But how could I know that they were all preparing a surprise for me?

Everyone in the room smiled happily. “ANNIVERSARY!”

While laughing happily, Yuki and Suginei took hold of my hand and they dragged me out of my room toward the living room, where a bunch of people were waiting for the “birthday girl”.

I suppose I’m allowed to call myself that.

“Can I open my eyes now?” I asked when Yuki took me to the living room while having my eyes closed.

I heard a few whispers behind me and then Matsurei spoke, “You can if you want, there’s no one stopping you.” Hearing those words, I did as I was told to do. I could no longer hold back the suspension.

As I opened my eyes, there was a sudden flash that almost blinded me, and I immediately shut my eyes. Recovering from the sudden shock, I finally dared to take a peek, this time being more cautious.

A group shouted enthusiastically, “Happy Anniversary, Saku-san!”

Before me, there was standing a big crowd of people, whom I barely recognized. Beside of the six strangers, all of them were Inazuma Eleven characters. I was standing in the middle of the group and in front of me, there was a table with a huge, and I really mean a HUGE, cake.

“Ah…” I was speechless and confused. Of course, I was surprised for this celebration, but I couldn’t fully have my heart in it, because I wasn’t sure why we were celebrating. I had a vague idea of an anniversary, but none had explained what kind of anniversary it was.

Unexpectedly, I left a light weight on my shoulder and when I turned my head I saw Jami, who was smiling at me. Oh, she was here too! “Come on, why do you look so sad on your anniversary day?” She asked and my eyes widened.

I stared at my friend with my mouth wide open from the shock I had received. The person before me wasn’t the Jami I knew… This person wasn’t a “she” anymore… before me was standing the MALE version of Jami Lipton.

(Yes, her nicknames surname is a tea label. Then again, why would I care, my surname literally means snow in my native language.)  

“JAMII” I cried in happiness as I hugged my best friend and she – wait, it’s he now, right? – back off in startle. I guess she couldn’t take my overjoyed reaction seriously. But why wouldn’t I be happy! After all, Jami’s dream had finally become true. I couldn’t believe that she was a BOY! I couldn’t be any happier for her – HIM!

“Oh, wait! What anniversary day?” I questioned. My best friend’s words had finally reached to my brains and very currently being examined by them. Jami glanced me while raising his – YES! Finally got it right! – eyebrow.

“The anniversary of you being in this world for two years.” Jami answered and I froze to that place. Finally, an answer that gave me something reasonable to think.

This world? What exactly did he mean by that, this was supposed to be just a dream after all. And this body, it clearly wasn’t a real one! But then again, what if the other world was the dream world… and this was the real one? The more my writers’ brains tried to think about it, the confused I become. I didn’t really understand.

I already felt this problem giving me a huge headache. But what also gave me a headache was a certain jerkish voice that actually managed to return me back to this world. “Oh, hitting on other boys when you already have a boyfriend. How cheeky of you, Lumi.”

When I turned to see who it was, a boy with red hair and golden eyes was smirking at me. “HA- HA- HA- HA-” I couldn’t continue. I was dumbstruck and my heart fluttered. He was the last person I expected to see as a real person. And his hair (color) was my biggest weakness on earth.

The boy glared at me, slightly disgusted, and humped. “For how long are you going to keep laughing?” Well, indeed. My stammering really did sound as if I was laughing…  

After a few deep breaths, I was finally able to calm myself down and gulped loudly. (Go, girl your first impression was the worst possible. Things can’t get any worse than this!) I inhaled and exhaled slowly.

“Haruya!” This short sentence was the only thing I could say at the moment. The boy glanced at me with “just who else could it be” expression.

“You just misunderstood her, Nagumo. This person wouldn’t betray her beloved one, even if it meant that she would get killed.” Jami laughed while pointing at me. Wow, some deep words, I better tell the other Jami that she surely can speak some cliché stuff. And I really hope I won’t get into a situation where I had to choose between love and death.

Jami continued, “Moreover, we’re just friends.” Aha ha, another cliché said between a boy and a girl. He had just friend-zoned me, should I feel hurt? Then again, I have a boyfriend so, no? I don’t know.

Nagumo just glared at Jami and then strolled away while mumbling some curses. Suzuno, who had been next him the whole time, walked after him enjoying a slice of cake. The red-head didn’t seem to like Jami’s comeback at all.

“As troublesome as ever, that flower-head.” I heard Matsurei’s voice suddenly behind me. I jumped up in a startle and screamed loudly. I wasn’t good with people sneaking up behind my back.

Axelle was standing next to Matsurei, looking disappointed. She sighed loudly. “I left my root beer home.”  

Well, great. Me and Jami sweat dropped at the comment.

Then I recalled Matsurei’s comment. “Now that you mentioned it, his hair style really looks like a flower…” (screw everyone who says it’s supposed to look like a flame.)

Jami nodded. “But which one?” Matsurei glanced at Jami with “don’t you know” look, but remained silent. Apparently, she wanted us to figure it out ourselves. Well, that works too, though I hate the suspension.  

“A rose?” Jami suggested after thinking for a while. We both turned to look at Haruya and shook our heads. No, it’s wasn’t a rose, that’s for sure. I then closed my eyes and tried to imagine a flower that’s of the same form as Nagumo’s red hair.

I tried and tried to figure it out… and finally did it!

“A SPRUSE!” I shouted loudly while pointing at Nagumo’s head with my finger. Everyone turned to me with widened eyes (what exactly was I doing?) and Jami facepalmed. Really, how much of an idiot one person can be!

From Jami’s expression, I knew perfectly what was coming next.

“Please Saku! Tell me, what do tulip and spruce have in-common?” Jami said and I felt like crying. Bull’s eyes! Last time it had been orange and watermelons, though. Man, just how much I hate answering to this question.

“I… well… they’re both plants?” I hesitated with my answer and even then, it sounded more like a question. Jami shook his head while sighing. My answer had been right, but that wasn’t exactly the point. At this point, I was just being crazy. (aka. myself).

“I guess you must be really tired, huh?” He questioned and I nodded as an answer. Since the morning things had been crazy around me, and being unaware what exactly was going on, I had used my brains more than needed. This made me more tired than usually.

“Then, you should get some sleep. It’s better to come back with a fresh mind and feelings.” Jami smiled at me kindly and I agreed with him. I did not want to argue with him, but I had no power to go on anymore. I just wanted some sleep… and Jami was there to save me from the situation.

Jami petted my head softly and grinned. As if a tiredness had suddenly overtaken me, I yawned, and with saying good nights to everyone, I headed towards my room.

As I passed Matsurei and Maaya, who were talking with Shirou and Atsuya I briefly heard their conversation. Matsurei was looking at Shirou with suspicious eyes while Maaya glared at Atsuya.

“Are you SURE you’re a guy?” The former one of the girls asked, still doubting Shirou’s powers as a bishounen.

I heard Maaya snort. “Do I really look like a dude?”    

I chuckled at the comments, but did not pay further attention to their conversations. I yawned loudly and rubbed my eyes. It seemed that I was really in for some good sleep.

I opened the door to my room and quietly closed it. Not that I wanted to do anything in secret, but it was better if people wouldn’t pay so much attention to me. I was the supposed “birthday girl”, but right now I needed some time on my own.  

As soon as I was the only person in the room, I sighed loudly and took off my shirt. “Just what is going on?” I asked from myself while massaging my neck, holding the shirt in my other hand. I then put it on my chair and was ready to take off my jeans as well.

A sudden crack stopped me.

“SAKU?” I heard a voice asking and froze to that place… What, wait! So, I was not the only one in the room? There was someone else beside me? As much as I understood from the tone of the voice, it belonged to a man!  

I hurried to put on my shirt, but decided to keep quiet. I didn’t want everyone to barge into my room while in this situation. That would be like the biggest horror thing come alive. So awkward!

After I was fully clothed again, I finally had the courage to turn around and see just who was this unknown male sneaking into my room. When I did so, I was surprised to see a brown-haired boy with eyes of the same hue and an orange headband around his head staring at me with widened eyes. Blood was running down his nose.

“E- ENDOU!”    

~TSU-ZU-KU~

Return to Chapter 1  Go to Chapter 3 

[bffhreprise]

Entry 295

 When Jemal said we were moving, I wasn’t very happy.  I didn’t want to leave my school.  He told me the place we were moving to would be amazing, more incredible than anything I could imagine.  I had been certain he was exaggerating until we came through the gates last night.  There were no towers or stone walls, but this was a palace!

 The people that helped us move all worked in the palace, and smiling with them as they helped us was easy.  I couldn’t wait to tell my friends about this!  Jemal had claimed several times that I’d get to see them soon, so I was going to get some pictures.  No one would believe I lived here without pictures, especially with the inside being even more impressive than the out.

 The entrance was enormous and decorated with pretty vases and paintings.  Stairs curved from the sides up to a balcony, and there was a ballroom straight past the front doors.  Our rooms were sadly empty before moving our stuff inside, but Mila⁠—this incredible computer lady who could control the mirrors⁠—already had a plan for where things would go.  Jemal agreed with it after a bit of talking.  My first night was a crazy rush, and I felt like a princess still in the morning when we were guided to an enormous kitchen for breakfast, a breakfast fit for a princess.

 James, king of this palace, introduced us to the ones who couldn’t help with the move.  His girlfriend was British and so… “beautiful” didn’t seem like enough.  She had violet eyes and looked like a tall doll designed to be too perfect to be real, and her hair was incredibly long, like almost as long as I’m tall.  And when she moved, she practically glided.

 Several of the people here were fun just to watch.  Portentia was the whitest person I had ever seen.  Even her hair was pure white, and her eyes were the color of thick ice.  She seemed to glide along too, until she blurred into motion to catch something.  So fast!  She was tall too, not the tallest, but tall.

 James asked us all to meet in the backyard after breakfast, and no one argued, just wanting to know what he was planning.  “A surprise!” he had told us, which got me excited.  Then he gave my brother and me these ugly bodysuit things, insisting we wear them for protection.

 Putting one on was…  like stepping into a new body.  I stumbled my first few steps, and I was so strong that I nearly knocked Jemal over when I hugged him!  He told me to be careful and not goof around till we were done with whatever outside.  I agreed.

 Our dad died months ago… then my mom left us.  Not sure what we had done to her.  Jemal said she just couldn’t deal with Dad’s death, but… I wasn’t sure, but I wasn’t letting him go.

 When we joined the others out back, we were all asked to stand next to one of the… things… on the ground.  They were flat, black, and not really all that interesting.

 “James!  Who’s that!?” asked Emma excitedly, grabbing James by the arm and pointing to a girl.  Emma was… cheerful, smiling more often than not.  She was very pretty, but not in the exotic way of Portentia or Alma.  She was more normal, though her short hair was brightly colored.

 The pretty girl being pointed at hadn’t joined us for breakfast, so I didn’t know her name.  She looked hispanic with dark brown hair and tan skin.  She was holding one of the flat things and pointing to different parts of it while looking around at all of us, but she wasn’t saying anything for some reason.

 “Is Jarod already having an affair?” asked Brandon, a big redhead with a goofy grin.  He was as tall as Jemal, but even more muscular.  When Brenna, his sister, hit him, he exclaimed ���Ow!  I was only joking, sis.  Chill out!”  Holding his arms out defensively, he looked to James and said, “Boss, my sister’s using her suit to abuse an employee.”

 Not even looking back, James asked “Oh?  I didn’t see anything.  Mila, do you have a record of abuse?”

 “No, Master.  I surely would have filed such a thing immediately.” replied Mila promptly.  If not for her maid outfit and green eyes, she could be Alma’s sister.

 “Come on… You both saw her hit me!” insisted Brandon.

 “Just pay attention.” ordered Alma, her normally doll-like face becoming irritated.  “Aurora’s already starting her demonstration.”

 “Are we supposed to do what she does?” questioned Jemal.  He looked worried, but he was always worried about something.

 Then there was a… a fairy!  She was tinier than my hand and glowing as she fluttered about.  “Jemal!  Jemal!” I whispered, not wanting to scare her.  “There’s a fairy!”

 “Pay attention.  You know better by…” he started, stopping as he finally caught sight of her.  “J-James… There’s a… There’s really a…”

 “Yes.  Don’t mind her.  Just try to pay attention.” replied James as if this was normal.  “Oh.  You may start to feel like you’re daydreaming due to images and sensations coming to mind.  That’s just how she communicates.”

 To him, this was normal!  I couldn’t take my eyes off the little lady, scared that she’d disappear if I blinked.  Why wasn’t she wearing any clothes?  Maybe she’d like some of my dolls’ clothes?  I knew the British lady was talking, telling us how to work the flat thingies, but my eyes were glued.  The tiny lady was watching us all, and I really did get impressions in my head, like she was trying to ask a thousand questions about everything!  By the time I figured out one thing she wanted, she was already ten things down the line.  After a time, I realized that the questions weren’t meant for James.  Even she knew he was the king of this palace.

 When the Hispanic girl started flying on one of the flat things, I lost track of where the fairy was.  “Jemal!  They’re flying!” I exclaimed, not wanting him to miss it.

 “Yep.  Let’s see if we can too.” he replied, face serious as he stepped onto the device.

 I did like he did, stepping onto it and locking these clasps around my shoes.  Luckily, they adjusted small enough.  My feet were only around half the size of Jemal’s, but I was growing.

 “Yo, boss.  Mine seems broken.” complained Brandon as he wiggled on his board.

 “Did you hit the ‘on’ switch?” questioned James, sounding dubious.

 “Huh?  Where’s that?” asked Brandon.

 “Twist the bottom of the remote, doofus.” replied Brenna.  She was just a few inches shorter than her brother and had darker red hair.

 “It’s working!” he exclaimed excitedly.

 “Hey, James.  How fast can this thing go?” asked Portentia.  “I could probably make use of this for my…”  She glanced at Jemal and me, then said, “For my nightly activities.”

 What nightly activities?  Did she have a second job or a night job for here?

 James loudly announced “I should mention that flying outside of my yard is probably illegal for the time being, but Mila informed me that her mother is already negotiating a law to be passed in the city to allow use of these devices for testing purposes.  We could save a great deal of time getting to our jobs if we bypass traffic, and I’m sure any of you who are interested will be able to master the use of these devices.  Besides, they seem like fun.”

 “Kayla look!  I’m flying!” exclaimed Jemal, lifting a foot off the air.

 I cranked my device on and zoomed higher than him.  “Can’t catch me!”

 Balancing was pretty easy, but I occasionally skated with the boys from my old school.  The suit was probably helping too.

 “Careful!  It’s not…” began Jemal as he came after me, but he slipped as he talked, nearly falling.  Luckily, he somehow caught himself.

 I swooped down to him, getting there at the same time as the Hispanic girl.  “Are you okay?”

 “Me?  I’m always fine.  You know that.” he teased unconvincingly.

 “Yeah.  Sure, Jemal.  Watch this!” I exclaimed, twisting around and spiraling higher.

 He looked nervous as ever.  “Just be careful, okay?”

 “I will…” I promised, but my eyes were now locked onto Portentia.  She had jumped off her board, running as she landed.  As I watched, the board soared a little higher, and she jumped at least fifteen feet into the air, flipping backwards and landing on her board.  Then she just spun around, smiling at James.  “Jemal!  Did you see that girl jump!?” I asked.

 “Yeah.  Don’t try that.” he stated seriously, but he looked as surprised as I felt.

 “But Jemal… how did she run so fast?” I asked, thinking maybe she had an even better suit than mine.

 “No idea.” he told me.

 Overhearing us, despite the distance, James said, “I did warn you that everyone here had abilities.”

 Jemal laughed.  “Yeah, you did.” he admitted, but the smile dropped away as something got him staring in shock.

 I turned to see giant plants shooting out of the yard.  My eyes had to be as big as tea saucers with how I felt.  This was amazing!

 “Obstacle course, everyone!  Let’s really test these things!” exclaimed Emma, from where she stood on one of the plants.  Then she flipped off onto her flying board like it was nothing.

 Barely a day into living at our new home, and nothing Jemal or I knew held true anymore.  People could fly on small board things, power suits existed outside of anime, jumping over fifteen feet high was a thing now, running like the wind was real, fairies fluttered about, and giant plants spontaneously grew.  Who would have thought?