#or perhaps it's better to say he's always been hers? 8D

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Tuesday 13.. June 1837

6 50

12 ½

fine morning A- came and sat with me while I dressed I said laughingly perhaps I may go to Leipsing fair whether you and I bundle off or not  she gave no answer and I spoke no more  out – at the meer – did not stop to speak to anyone – by the walk and Charles Howarth’s to the wheel race and then to Listerwick pit – Joseph Mann no there - GN-‘s cart carrying stuff from Listerwick pit to embankment in Charles H-‘s Nowrood headfield – returned along the embankment and thence to the rockbridge – and the pools  musing there till came in to breakfast at 9 – sent for A- she did not speak nor I did except to say civilly half a cup if you please having myself poured out the first  and on coming away I said I am going little one  still she did not speak – out again about 9 ¾ - Mallinson had been at the Lodge about the gates – I went with Booth supposing M- to be there too – no! sometime there with B- soldering in the steps (sockets for the gate-hanging styles to turn in) and Bligh and Robert the joiner came – saw them plumb the stone posts and steps   all quite plumb – then had Mawson – looked over the Lodge road – to be 4 drains 3 on that side one on this side the bridge – the stuff from the 2 latter to be carried to render the road wall near the back Lodge and Robert Mann to settle about it – then looked over the back road – Mawson would throw the stuff out to a good foot below where the sod is at present taken off, and would lay it on the south side 1st taking up the sod and then laying it down again over the stuff dressing it out to a regular slope of 3 or 4 yards base … for 8d. per yard running yard the length of the road – road 9ft. wide .:. 1 running yard = 1 yard cube of stuff to move -       or he will take out the stuff 1ft. good deep from the present ground (where the sod taken off) and cart it to under the road-wall near the back gate for 7d. per yard cube – then took in the garden in front of the house and shewed what stuff I wanted moving and to where – valued this at a 1/2d. a yard cube less than the platform – i.e. 3 1/2d. getting and filling and 3 ½. carting to under the embankment in front of the house from the westernmost sycamore to the grand sycamore – platform should be 3 1/2d. getting and filling and 4d. carting = 7 1/2d. per yard cube from Platform top of bank to within the back gate down to the trees driving the old paddock from the wheat field –I said the platform I had thought should be done at 7d. – the carting jobs would be between M- Mark Hepworth and George Naylor – the platform would probably be let by Mr. Holt to the Manns then about 11 35 left M- and went to Booth busy with Firths’ men laying the lead gutters for wash-house came to do [then] this morning – Charles H- and c° and 2 or 3 of Booth’s men putting the tower roof wood-work on  Robert + 5 at the meer lowend bywash this morning – Frank and Zebedee carting bricks from Swan banks for the garden wall – sometime with Bligh till 12 ¼ - then came upstairs and till now 1 ½ making memoranda and writing all the above of today – have not gone near A- nor seen her   what a temper she has   this would be miserable work to last forever – how and when will it end   I care less and less we owe 2 great duties to society, to be useful, and to be agreeable – and we more especially owe these duties to those upon whom our welfare more immediately depends – going out at 1 ¾ while it began to rain – then sat reading the 1st article in the last Gentleman’s magazine on the church commission – the inexpediency of transferring chapter patronage to the bishops reading till A- came to me and staid till 3 – long talk about George and Susan – Oddy spoke to A- but did not wish to be brought in thought Susan not to blame – eh bien! observed to A- that I knew of no way of managing the matter well without Mrs. Oddy would consent to be informant openly – A- seemed not to coincide in my opinion I quietly told to do as seemed best to herself  she left me rang the bell and is perhaps ssaying as I proposed how ungracious she is? out at 3 30 Mr. Jubb called this morning – thinks Mrs. Walker better as also little Mary – I did not see him

SH:7/ML/E/20/0076

out from 3 10 to 6 3/5 at the meer – with Booth and Mawson measuring off the pitching of the meer-embankment small rain and damp from about 4pm (and rain from 1 ¾ to 3) for the rest of the afternoon and evening – stood sometime watching the tower roof drawn up by blocks the coupled spars each couplet completed – then talking to Joseph and then to Robert Mann till came in at 6 50 – dressed – dinner at 7 10 – coffee at 8 – played with Little Mary – A- took her to bed at 8 ¾ and I went into the drawing room and at my books (arrangement of) till 9 25 – then blow up with George for being out – Had Oddy up to tell her to lock the doors – George it seems was not in fault – really gone out for a moment – but his forever talking (he talks on all occasion if spoken to) always annoys me – my cousin came gently just before dinner – F60° at 10 ½ pm preparing for cousin

[bemused-writer]

VNC Chapter 44 Analysis

Well, I think the main takeaway most people had with this chapter is that Vanitas is a lot less collected than we all thought. And I completely agree. XD Clearly, I've given this fellow too much credit in my fanfic.

Anyhow, it almost goes without saying that we learned a lot about Vanitas in this chapter, but we also learned a surprisingly large amount about Roland, so let's dig in.

The first thing that struck me as noteworthy was Noé's complete and utter overreaction. We already knew that he never really had to do things for himself with Louis and Dominique constantly taking care of him when he was young. For example, Mochizuki pointed out that they always helped him clean his room, and he is now terrible at being tidy. In other words, Noé was a touch spoiled. This is relevant because it explains why he has never had to take care of an ill person once in his life, so if Vanitas says he can't continue on then, by Noé's logic, he really must be dying.

Thus, it's completely fair when Manet and Nox wonder if these two are children; they're both certainly acting like it. XD

Still, Noé is coming from a place of genuine concern; he's never seen Vanitas act like this just like we haven't.

Before I move on, one thing I'd like to point out is the difference between Noé and Luca's reaction to the people they care about acting oddly. Luca immediately goes to someone he knows Jeanne trusts--a friend in other words. Meanwhile, Noé goes to the nearest authority figure he can find: Count Orlok. I think this is telling on both their parts.

Luca is someone who was raised to be the authority figure. While he doesn't like it even remotely, he knows he has to solve things for himself. He probably also knows the value of going to someone you know you can trust; he's surrounded by the aristocracy and he knows you can't trust just anyone with delicate information.

Noé has blind faith in authority figures on the other hand. He obeys Teacher without question, accepts Ruthven's presence in his hotel room as something he has a right to do in chapter 19, and he always listens to Dominique no matter what. Both she and Teacher are the ones that choose what his clothes look like according to the extra in the back of volume 3.

I suppose what I'm getting at is that Noé is very comfortable, accustomed even, to other people making decisions for him. He's not the one who has chosen most anything in his life, and I think this attitude started when he was very young. Certainly being sold as a slave and accepting that whoever bought him would be his "master" was a mindset he probably had to develop to survive and he may not have fully grown out of it. I'm sure it was only compounded by being surrounded by people who doted on him and protected him and made sure he never even had to make a decision for himself. His attitude is born of a very strange mix of neglect and indulgence.

In other words, Noé has a lot of potential problems he needs to sort out, and I'm sure his independence is going to be one of them.

Getting back on track, all of this is to say it's not surprising Noé goes to Count Orlok when he can't find Amelia. In theory, he could have tracked Dante down, someone Vanitas sort-of trusts, but he doesn't. It could because it would have been too hard to find him, but personally I don't think it even crossed his mind. He doesn't know what to do; someone else is supposed to handle these matters.

As for Vanitas, he is a complete wreck in this chapter. XD I think Vanitas is the kind of character that likes to act like he's calm, collected, and definitely knows what he's doing. It's even easy for us, the readers, to think the same because he has the book, he has the powers, he knows all about vampires when even the vampire protagonist doesn't, so it would make sense.

But all of that ignores the fact that Vanitas has also shown some definite signs of being slightly unhinged in awkward social situations from the very start. How does he befriend Noé? He stalks him all across Paris. How does he react when Noé gets closer to understanding him? He draws a dagger at him and tells him to go away. Alternatively, he calls him a slur and tries to make him leave. How does he handle Dominique accusing him of loving VotBM? He goes on a full-blown rant in the middle of a vampiric ball and generally makes a fool of himself.

So, the fact that he's a complete mess when he realizes he has genuine affection for someone is actually a lot less surprising in this context. Vanitas is trying to be someone he isn't. In other words, all that pompous know-how is a complete facade. 8D

So, in line with him making a fool of himself at the ball, he proceeds to make a fool of himself in front of Orlok, Nox, and Manet and, frankly, Noé.

Manet understandably wasn't expecting this information, but what's more interesting is that it confirms the fact that Vanitas really hadn't told Noé a thing after Gévaudan. The fact that he has now snapped and is telling everyone in the whole room shows just how affected he was. But what's also interesting is that he only starts to talk about this when there are other people. He couldn't just tell Noé himself. Perhaps because he thinks Noé won't have any advice?

And this is the definition of oversharing. XD Even Noé looks like he's wondering what on earth Vanitas is saying.

Honestly, this is more the kind of awkward, wildly inappropriate confession I might expect from Noé except that Noé would have the sense to only say something like this to someone he trusts, like when he told Dominique he thought Vanitas's blood smelled good. Still not the most tactful thing, but a whole lot better than describing, in some detail, the torrid affair you're having to a room full of people you barely know. 8D

As a side note, this pretty much confirms what I was saying in my last meta: Vanitas didn't enjoy Jeanne drinking his blood previously, at least not all that much. This time he did, and that definitely shows a shift in their relationship. As for how all of that works, it could be because Jeanne is fonder of him as well. Perhaps a vampire's toxin is in tune with that kind of thing? Unfortunately, we just don't know enough at this point to say.

Regardless, it means that when Vanitas went on that long rant to Jeanne in chapter 12 about how great it felt when she drank his blood and how they were definitely compatible, was yet more lying. It's kind of, possibly, true now though, hence his freakout.

Anyway, Orlok and co. decided Vanitas's "emergency" really wasn't that much of an emergency and they were understandably kicked out. I like that they were apparently very careful with Murr and included some treats for him as well. They really do love that cat. Knowing what we kind of know about Murr now I have to wonder: is this some kind of elaborate manipulation...?

But Noé, apparently still taking Vanitas's malady very seriously despite all that weird stuff about Jeanne, is not content with being kicked out.

I suppose the point here is that, despite knowing what Vanitas said was improper, he still isn't quite catching the gravity of things, and he's still convinced Vanitas is dying rather than having an existential breakdown over love.

Meanwhile, Vanitas is walking around in a haze in Paris, thinking about Jeanne, her smile, and the promise he made her. We get a look at his face, and I think it actually gives some pretty solid insight into what he's thinking:

He clenches his fist, his face is flushed, and he looks worried, distressed. The problem here isn't just that he cares about someone and doesn't know how to deal with it. No, it's actually much worse than that: he cares about someone and he promised he'd kill her if she ever lost herself and Vanitas, cursed with a certain understanding of just how bad things can get, knows he might actually have to keep this promise, a promise he may now regret making.

So, he's flustered because he cares, frightened because he cares, but also terrified because he knows things can only go badly from here. And, more than anything else, he knows he might actually be in love.

It only makes sense he'd think of Noé's original question here. It's not just that Noé is the one who's been trying to figure all this out (not Vanitas), but Vanitas knows Noé is the reason he's gotten into this much "trouble" in the first place. Opening up, caring about people, making promises he might not be able to keep... He is definitely blaming Noé for all of that. I wouldn't be surprised if he finds a way of blaming Noé for his romantic entanglement as well, which may be the actual reason he's avoided talking to Noé: he blames him, but he's also supremely embarrassed.

And in the midst of all this confusion and pain who is added to the picture? None other than our one and only Roland!

I think that might be my favorite image of the whole chapter. XD

Earlier in this meta I mentioned that we almost learn more about Roland in this chapter than anyone else, and it's thanks to Vanitas's exchange with him that we do!

The first thing we learn about Roland is something we've already had inklings of in earlier chapters: he's far more tactful and calculative than he would have people believe. He refers to Vanitas as "Vincent" and says Olivier is his coworker. Immediately, he has established that, for one, he's very good with details. He remembers exactly how Vanitas introduced himself and Noé when they first met. Furthermore, he knows Vanitas likely doesn't want to get further entangled in chasseur affairs, so he lets him know that he isn't with a random friend: this is someone potentially dangerous to Vanitas.

Not that it does much good because Vanitas isn't exactly thinking clearly.

This one, singular statement from Olivier is surprisingly revealing! I'd had a headcanon that Roland has had past relationships and it turns out that is absolutely true. Apparently, Olivier not only knows about them, he doesn't care, provided Roland isn't out and about doing anything else. He doesn't say what, specifically, because Vanitas is there, but we already know he's worried about what Roland is doing with the chasseurs and whether he's going to betray the Church. Not so much because he thinks Roland is wrong, exactly, but because he doesn't want any trouble for himself.

These two have an odd relationship. XD Olivier clearly understands the way Roland is, accepts it even, but he draws the line at Roland dragging everyone else into his schemes, hence why he offered to buy Vanitas the coffee in the first place.

Anyway, Vanitas ignores all that because Olivier brought up the only subject he cares about and wants advice on: women.

This is my other favorite image from this chapter. His face is the perfect encapsulation of "What are you doing? I was just trying to get you out of trouble and now you're sitting down? You're going to stay?!" The fixed grin, the panic. This is a thing of beauty.

Naturally, things only get more awkward because that's just the trajectory Vanitas has set for himself in this chapter.

I also just want to point out that the smoking, the string of relationships, the casual dining, the flying, the actual job, all point to Roland being a fair amount older than Noé and Vanitas. Probably mid-20s about? I'm sure that he and Olivier are the same age, regardless, though potentially from different class backgrounds. Olivier is decked out in aristocratic garb and Roland is dressed for flying. That doesn't necessarily mean he's poorer, but the impression I get from him is that he's probably middle class at most. I think there was an extra that mentioned he supports his siblings? I'm not sure now.

Anyway, after those 15 minutes of awkward rambling, Vanitas finally gets around to the question he's been meaning to ask. Apparently, Roland knows all about it.

There's kind of a lot to cover in those three images. Roland has not only had past relationships, he's had several. Judging by Olivier's remark, they've all been remarkably short. One has to wonder if we're talking one-night-stand kind of short or it-lasted-for-a-week-before-my-preaching-became-too-much kind of short. Maybe Mochizuki will enlighten us someday. XD

But the most interesting thing is how hesitant Roland is to discuss Olivier's relationships and how Olivier doesn't even deign Vanitas's question with an answer. Yes, he's popular, but no, he's not going to talk about who he's with and neither is Roland. When Roland says "I'm one thing, but Olivier...?" it could mean a few things: he thinks it makes sense for himself to be "promiscuous" but the thought of Olivier being the same is impossible. Personally, I find this the most likely for now. Alternatively, it's one thing to casually discuss his own affairs, but gossiping about a friend goes against his code of honor and Vanitas is kind of asking a personal question. There is also a third possibility that Roland can't imagine Olivier with a woman. Olivier's popular, but he's not interested. Naturally, Roland wouldn't announce that to the world and it isn't particularly relevant to Vanitas's question anyway.

Whatever the reason, it subtly demonstrates how well the two know each other.

Vanitas finally gets to the heart of things, and it fits in with what I thought happened:

This really was the first time Vanitas saw Jeanne for who she was, as an actual person, and not just someone he can mess with. Before that particular moment, he truly knew nothing of Jeanne. Now, he's finally had a glimpse of her actual personality and it's incredibly genuine, forthright, and strong. Of course, now that he sees that, how can he not find her at least a little appealing? And how can he not now be forced to reckon with his past behavior? He was horrid, there's no getting around it. Regret isn't something Vanitas handles well along with, apparently, emotions in general. Hence his next dilemma:

And at long last, Noé is finally seeing what the problem actually is. He didn't piece it together at Orlok's, but he's now hearing it from Vanitas directly. It's no wonder Noé surreptitiously sits away so he can listen. This whole time he's been wanting Vanitas to explain things to him, not just about the cold, but about love as well.

Roland is trying to be helpful here but, let's be honest, Vanitas is dropping a lot on him out of the blue, so I think it's understandable that he's a little confused right now.

And we finally get to the heart of the whole thing: Vanitas thinks he's a disgusting person. Someone like Jeanne definitely shouldn't love him because the only kind of person who could love him is someone who is as awful as he is and he's now been confronted with the fact that maybe Jeanne isn't. There relationship has a ton of issues, don't get me wrong, but Vanitas isn't seeing that; he's seeing that Jeanne has been kind to him, seems to care about him, and that definitely isn't the kind of person who would love him. Not genuinely.

The whole thing gets even more confusing if we take into account that his decidedly romantic moment with Jeanne reminded him of VotBM. They weren't having a romantic moment, but the discussion of affection, of hugs, were directly intertwined. Until we know more about VotBM I can't say if she was motherly or if things were decidedly more questionable there, but Vanitas must have gotten his twisted ideas about relationships from someone. Did VotBM have a bad relationship with someone? Did his past trauma simply color everything else in his life?

Olivier and Roland are understandably concerned, but it's Noé here that really stands out. He's pieced something together about Vanitas and now understands him a little bit better. After each arc, he and Vanitas have had a small conversation that brings them closer, but so far they haven't had that in this particular arc. My guess is it will be in the next chapter or the one after (since this one was labeled "part 1") and the arc will be wrapped up for good. There is, genuinely, a lot of stuff they need to cover about Gévaudan, Vanitas's relationship with Jeanne, and what they're doing next. There's also the small matter of Noé's injuries....

So, these two are going to have a lot to cover and Roland knows that right now, what Vanitas needs, is someone to talk to that he properly trusts. I almost wonder if he timed his dramatic God speech just so Noé could chase after him to begin with.

This really reads as "Go to him, Gilbert" and that amuses me.

Roland knew Noé was there the whole time (he's observant as we've mentioned) and he knows he and Vanitas have a powerful bond. He himself was inspired so much by it he changed his views on vampires completely. So, logically, he knows Noé needs to talk to Vanitas.

But Roland's motivations are still a bit harder to describe.

This much makes sense. The fact that he's had a string of lovers and doesn't seem particularly dejected by his constant breakups makes it obvious he wasn't particularly attached to any of them. He speaks about love as if he knows what it is, but he's never been that invested in a person to our knowledge. The only person we've seen him spend any length of time with is Olivier and they have a complicated relationship at best. Are we to assume he at least has an attachment to him? He threatened him before, but he also seems fond of him, and Olivier at least seems comfortable around Roland in turn.

And yet, Roland speaks of attachment as if it's a foreign thing to him. We know he has family, we know he has Olivier, he even has God, but like Olivier said: he believes in himself as a follower of God more than God Himself. Perhaps it's best said that the only thing we really know about Roland is that he's confident in himself, his own morals and beliefs.

And I think that's how Vanitas fits into Roland's worldview to a certain extent. Vanitas is a project of sorts: Roland wants to save him, very much in the religious and physical sense, and he knows Vanitas is in danger every day at least physically. Perhaps he worries for his soul as well, not necessarily that he's going to Hell, but that he has lost himself and could "shatter" at any moment.

Oddly, Noé isn't brought up in this conversation whatsoever even though the person Roland showers with blatant affection is Noé, not Vanitas. This could very likely be because he knows Vanitas isn't receptive to that kind of thing; it's a tactic that works great with Noé, but definitely not with his companion and Roland is above all a calculative person.

And that's all I've got for now! I do like that Roland and Olivier dropped their serious conversation about an actual Vampire Eradication Unit to deal with Vanitas's love life. That's pretty supportive. XD Also, there's a Vampire Eradication Unit that Gano is a part of and if that isn't one of the main plot points of the next arc it will be soon enough.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing how Jeanne handled things. It looks like she's done at least moderately better than Vanitas, but most people would. XD

[prettywordsyouleft]

What Happens Next?

Request: #182 for @1twistedsister – “We’d make such a cute couple.”

1twistedsister said:

How about 182 with Namjoon?? 8D

Pairing: Kim Namjoon x reader

Genre: friends to lovers au

Warnings: Your Name inception XD

A/N: Happy birthday Megan! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did writing it!

Word count: 2033

“We’d make such a cute couple.”

Glancing up at the statement Namjoon just made, you grinned. “Would we?”

“Well, look at us,” he gestured to the reflection of you both in the window of the restaurant you were waiting outside of, and you eyed it with some interest. You were nestled snugly into his side, sharing Namjoon’s jacket as your own had been left back in the office in your hurry to catch up with him. It was hard enough to track down your best friend these days, given his international career, and your not so star-studded but still jam-packed schedule. Forgetting your jacket meant you just got to catch up on inhaling in his familiar scent and poking him in the ribs at his playful teasing.

There was no humour in his expression right now though, and you glanced away from his reflection, smiling up at Namjoon again. “I guess I better watch out in case someone snaps us together.”

“Everyone knows we grew up together, Y/N,” he commented dryly, though he made no attempt to distance himself from you. It was obvious he had missed you as much as you had him.

“Haven’t you heard of the friends to lovers trope? We could very well fall trap for it just like you do with Your Name in the multiple stories your fans have written.”

“Your Name?” he repeated and you giggled, nodding in response. “Are you really referring to fan-fiction with me right now? I’ve just come back from America and-”

“I’m actually jealous of Your Name,” you announced, shooting him a scowl. “As your friend, she hears from you more often and she gets invited to meet up with you when you can’t stand being apart from your best friend anymore. A shame it differs so much with reality for me!”

Namjoon chuckled. “Let me guess, that’s when I announce I’m in love with you.”

“Precisely!” you cried, shunting his side again. “She’s living the life.”

“She’s not real,” he pointed out but you dismissed him, waving your hand about. “What, it’s just a story!”

“If I substitute out Your Name for what I’m intended to do, which is to put my own name there, then she does exist. I exist.”

“You’ve gone mad.”

“You’re the one who exclaimed we looked like a couple first. I was half-anticipating the confession, Joon,” you teased and he shot you a dark look, rolling his eyes. You noticed the uncomfortable change in his mood and you eased off, patting his shoulder gently.

After all, you hadn’t actually imagined him as your lover before.

Namjoon glanced down at your predicament and then smirked. Clearly, he wasn’t yet ready to let go of the topic entirely, having recovered from his previous disdain. “Was it part of your story progression to forget your coat as well?”

“Of course,” you replied immediately, hugging him tightly. “I had to get in all the hugs I could to convince you that you missed them.”

Enveloping you within his arms, your best friend rested his head on top of yours. “You don’t have to convince me, I did miss them.”

“Well, they’re here for you to take all night long,” you proudly offered, and he chuckled into you. The comfort of being in his arms was better than you last remembered. You felt all the weight of your stress from your work day seep out and away from you the longer he held you, sighing contently as you started to re-charge your batteries in his grasp.

You had really missed this.

“So what happens after the hug?” he wondered and you pulled your head free from where you had nestled it into the juncture of his neck and shoulder. You noticed the tinge of colour to his ears and shrugged nonchalantly.

“Nothing, of course. Just a lot of internal pining and then the night ends.”

“Really?”

You nodded solemnly. “There’s got to be some angst in this development, Joon. We’re going from childhood friends who saw each other naked in bathtubs to wanting to see each other with a more adult approach.”

He cleared his throat loudly, shrugging off his coat and placing it on top of you to step out of the embrace. You giggled at his obvious reaction. Catching up to his side, as he started to walk away from the window, you inserted your arm in between his side and elbow, curling around his forearm and batting your eyelids up at him. “But Joonie!”

“Don’t be foolish, Y/N,” he scolded, barely looking in your direction. “Let’s go eat somewhere else.”

“Why don’t you just come over to mine? I can make us something to eat and we don’t have to worry about anyone else thinking we’re a couple.”

“I shouldn’t have mentioned it,” he grumbled, mood now souring. You grinned and hanged onto his arm all the way back to the car. Once inside, he shot you a tempered gaze. “You toy with emotions too easily, you know?”

“It’s my job to know everything about you, Kim Namjoon,” you announced and he stared at you for a moment before shaking his head, starting the ignition and pulling out of the car park.

Dinner had gone well, with the conversation out on the street long forgotten about. You were both at ease, discussing what you had each missed whilst separated in your respective lives, laughing until the early morning arrived.

And just as uneventful as it should be, Namjoon bade you farewell when it was time to go home, shunting you back into your apartment and leaving you with a generous wave of his hand.

You had gone through your night time routine with a happy hum and a smile on your face, much like you always did when you finally got to catch up with your best friend in person. Climbing into bed, you pressed your blankets down around your form and closed your eyes. Your dreams came forth to take a hold of you easily, slipping into a sound slumber.

Until you head the loud banging on your front door.

Blearily glancing to the red digits on your alarm clock beside your bed, you groaned, pulling yourself up and tentatively peered at the small monitor screen that showed you who was at the front door. Seeing who was there, you frowned before dashing to open the door.

“Joon, what the-”

“I need to know what happens next,” he confessed, stepping into your apartment. You stared at him in confusion, watching as he agitatedly paced before you. Gesturing for him to take off his shoes, you then turned to go over to your sofa, taking a seat on the furniture and waited for him to do the same.

Namjoon remained standing.

“Are you referring to the silly stories I was talking about earlier?” you asked and he nodded impatiently. You didn’t laugh like you usually would, not with how wound up he appeared. Your brows furrowed together at his state. “Joon, you’re not-”

“Do I do something stupid, like turn up on your doorstep in the middle of the night because I can’t get you off my mind?” he suggested, darting his gaze to yours before looking away again. “Do I say things I’ve held quiet about for years and finally build up the courage to tell you how I really feel?”

“Namjoon,” you said firmly and he gazed at you like a deer caught in headlights. You saw it then, the emotions clearly before you.

He wasn’t frazzled by some stupid storyline, but rather by something you hadn’t picked up on before. Perhaps, he hadn’t let you see it until now. Ever since he had picked you up earlier in the night, he had seemed different but you had left that down to the distance travelling always left between you.

Now, you were aware there was more to it all.

Getting up slowly, you approached him; each step you took spent gauging his reaction. He stopped moving altogether as you got closer, his eyes blown wide. There was no way he could hide any of it now. Smiling softly, you reached up for his cheek, running your fingers to the back of his head and threading in with his hair, your thumb remaining on his skin. You gently rubbed circles on his face, which seemed to help him recompose himself.

Namjoon merely stared back at you, waiting for some sense of permission before acting on his feelings. You stepped up onto your toes, hovering around his mouth. “It’s at this moment when Your Name realises how blind she’s been all along to your feelings.”

“Substitute the name,” he instructed with a shaky breath and you chewed at your bottom lip which antagonised him. Namjoon slipped his arms around you, securing you against him.

“How long have you liked me, Joon?”

He shook his head. “Not like.”

“Of course, because it’s been one-sided love for so long, huh?” you murmured and his heavy breath fanned over your face. “How long have you loved me?”

“Far too long for this to only be happening now,” he admitted before letting his lips find yours, kissing you with such conviction, you were certain his passion was endless. Your other hand found its way up into his hair as you pressed yourself flush against him, letting out a moan when his tongue licked along your bottom lip. Growing entangled through bodies, passion and hearts, you somehow ended up pressed against the counter to your kitchen, and when you finally tore your mouth away from his, Namjoon instantly hoisted you up onto the countertop, stepping in between your legs. You tenderly ran a hand over his neck, taking in the mess that stood before you.

This love drunk look that resided on your best friend’s face was possibly the best thing you had ever seen in your entire life.

“What happens now?” he asked, resting his hands on your bare thighs. You chuckled at his eagerness and shot him a look. “I’m not going to… well, I mean-”

“It’s about here where Your Name is clearly evaluating everything she’s been not aware of, or more importantly, has been denying and tells you that she had been dreaming of you until you arrived on her doorstep.”

Namjoon couldn’t hide his elation, his smile shining through as his hands gripped your thighs gently. “What were you dreaming of?”

“You,” you repeated, feeling your cheeks flood with colour. You looked over Namjoon’s avid stare to the wall behind him. “Just you.”

“You with me?” he prompted and you glanced back at him, nodding feebly. “What was happening?”

“Do you really think we’d make a cute couple?” you asked and Namjoon smirked. “I’m being serious.”

“I just kissed you with years’ worth of pent up passion and you’re still wondering about this? Of course, we would,” he remarked and then shook his head, still smiling. “We do.”

“There’s a we already?”

“Isn’t that the result of the friends to lovers trope?” he mentioned, running his hands up your sides and encircling your waist, drawing you in closer. “That we become more than just friends?”

“An us?”

Namjoon grinned. “An us.”

“I’m not so jealous of Your Name anymore,” you admitted and he cocked his head to the side at your statement. Playing with the collar of his t-shirt, you smiled. “When the confession is made, the story generally ends there.”

“Happily, of course.”

You nodded, curling your legs around his waist, pressing yourself into him again. “You don’t get to know what happens next. Sure, you can have an assumption about it but you don’t get to see how everything pans out,” you explained and lowered your head so you were close enough to kiss him again. Namjoon waited with bated breath. “I’m luckier than her. I get to experience everything that comes next with falling in love with my best friend.”

“Everything?”

You nodded. “I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for our storyline, Joon.”

He kissed you then, and you could tell with the way he was embracing you that Namjoon was equally ready to start writing a new chapter with you.

_________________

All rights reserved © prettywordsyouleft

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[threadsketchier]

IT'S THAT ONE WEIRD KINK - x) x) x) Seriously now, the one thing I'll forever remember you for is Love Thy Enemy. Aka ROTJ feels in supraluminal speed, grounded with a touch of body horror and sense of terrible doom. I read it on Tumblr first, then no longer found it, then was overjoyed to find it back on AO3... a few years ago now! All these things are still there in Libero, but... still. I'll always associate you with Love Thy Enemy no matter what else you write in the future, I'm so sorry :P

i’M A ONE TRICK PHONY  *finger guns*

Nah, hey, like Mark Hamill says, it’s better to be remembered for one thing forever than not at all!  ;D

lol, we all have the same kink: hurting our faves  >8D

Also, it wasn’t really meant to just...end there, but I never went back to it because Sprawling Epic Too Big and Complex to Deal With™, buuuuuuuut would you like to read the last pain I left it on???  *necros ancient cobweb-laden Google doc*

~***~

“Now whose bright idea was it to dope you with nyexathil?”

“My father,”  Luke mumbled.  “He was only trying to help.”

The younger medic glared down at him crossly.  “Well, he didn’t do you any favors.  No wonder you wouldn’t quit.”

If he’d had more energy to spare Luke would have protested that this was precisely why he’d delayed seeking care, because no one else was going to give his father a chance upfront, but he was too tired to argue.  There was a worrisome black hole in his memory of what exactly had transpired in the war room; only the fact that he’d woken up on its deck informed him that he’d made it that far, but he had no idea if he’d managed to say anything of value in his father’s defense.  It was too late for that now.

A 2-1B and FX-7 unit rolled into his field of vision, both of them briefly inserting data jacks into the gurney ports to upload the readings collected on his vitals and injuries.  Both medics were quickly and deftly making short work of the remainder of his clothing, pulling and cutting it away, taking extra care around his burns.  Luke closed his eyes for a few minutes, his awareness drifting just below the ambient rattle of tools and shifting of fabric, and the hollow rush of his own breath resounding against the mask strapped tight to his face.  Only the occasional cold squirt of saline irrigating melted cloth and damaged skin kept him from fading out entirely.

It was time to let go; there was no reason for him to keep stubbornly clinging to consciousness, no useful effort left to make except to submit to his carers’ ministrations.  His breath seemed to grow louder in his ears.  He couldn’t discern between his own fear and a possible premonition.

Father.  I won’t leave you.

Luke felt himself being gently rolled onto his right side, another wash of saline spraying down his left flank and across his back, making him shiver.  He opened his eyes, and then they went wide at the sight that met them.

A pale blue figure stood in the open entrance to the unit, wizened features drawn with a myriad of emotions all warring with one another - tenderness and even love, pity, pride, shame perhaps, and an unmistakable touch of horror that conveyed, my dear boy, what have you unleashed on the worlds?

“Ben,” Luke whispered, both moved and provoked that his mentor was here.  You wanted me to kill him, he couldn’t help thinking.

“Commander?”  The senior medic’s voice intruded into his narrowed perceptions.  Her gloved hand closed around his shoulder.

But now was not the time for bitterness and quarreling.  Help me, Ben, Luke pleaded.  Help me keep my promise to my father.  If I don’t make it, show me how to come back the way you’ve been here for me.

“Luke.  If you can hear me, we’re going to be sedating you soon for immersion.”

There was the slightest hesitation, but Ben nodded once, and Luke felt the agreement deep in his spirit.

“He’s spacing,” the younger medic’s voice remarked.  “You might as well push it now.”

With a smile of gratitude, Luke shut his eyes again, and didn’t wait for the tide of sedative to finally pull him under.

- LTE: stop the suns from setting

[fullbattleregalia]

Tag Fic Game

Yay! I have been tagged for a thing! I love being tagged for a thing! Thanks, @ionfusionpunk!

Let’s shed light on some of your favourite lines you’ve ever written—you may pick one, two or a hundred, that’s up to you!

(Hmmm... these are probably going to be more “chunks” than lines.... Oh, well! 8D )

 1) From my WIP A Gift, Freely Given (Mad Max: Fury Road, Max-isn’t-exactly-human-and-hasn’t-noticed!AU) 

He remembers Before.  Remembers so much farther back than he should and doesn’t understand why or how.  Remembers warm soil beneath his feet teeming with life and great dirty gums overhead and her laughter crashing across the rocks in sprays of damp salt.  Remembers her hair that swayed and twisted like kelp. It’s faint – muddled and hazy – but he remembers.  More sharply he remembers the pain.  The pain that fell from the sky and burned his skin as she withered and blew away leaving nothing but the salt of her tears crusting the ground.  Remembers how the life teeming around him slowly faded with her until he was alone.  And he remembers that he was never made to be alone. (Made?  How could he have been made?)  Every day he is dying, dying, dying, but he never dies.  He doesn’t remember going mad with the loneliness and the anger and the unrelenting pain, but he must have.  Because he is finally waking up.  As if he’s becoming truly aware of himself for the first time in a long time.

He never quite runs out of water. Always seems to have just enough guzzoline to see him through even if only barely.  His hand heals clean despite the rusty bolt that pierced clear through his palm.  This does not seem strange to him (this is the way it’s always been), but it finally occurs that perhaps some would find it strange.

2) From What You Knead (Naruto, Butterfly Effect!AU and honestly I adore the hell out of the whole story)

“Hey, Kakashi-nii, is that your gennin team?”

Kakashi straightened up to find Naruto pointing at his old team photo.

“More or less, though we were all chuunin when that was taken.”

“You were so short!” Naruto laughed.  “And-” He paused, squinted more closely at the picture, and then screeched at an ear-bleedingly loud volume, “OH MY GOSH, YOU WERE TAUGHT BY THE YONDAIME?!?”

Kakashi waited until the ringing in his ears had subsided before responding. It was okay – he probably hadn’t needed that eardrum anyway.

3) From For Innocence Lost (Bleach, featuring that time I really needed to write a cathartic death scene)

“Momo?” Aizen wheezed.  He stared at her in horror.  This couldn’t be happening!  It just wasn’t possible!  He’d spent decades forming this girl into his perfect subordinate.  He’d made sure that her entire world revolved around him – that she couldn’t live without him!  

“There is no place in Heaven for demons and false gods.”  Her words were quiet and solemn and spoken with absolute conviction. Hinamori raised her zanpakuto and brought it down unerringly across Aizen’s neck in a killing blow.

4) From One Good Eye (Wakfu)

The most important things to a Cra were her hands, her eyes, and her bow. Cleophee had her bow and two good hands. She wished she could say the same for her eyes.

5) From my WIP Amabo Te (NCIS)

It was rather impressive that their captor was managing to look so thoroughly frustrated while standing stalk still wearing a balaclava.  Tim couldn’t really blame him, though.  (For the frustration, not the kidnapping.  Tim was totally okay with blaming this guy for kidnapping them.) Really, giving Tony the truth serum concoction hadn’t been the best idea, Tim would probably been the much better candidate – and if McGee had been feeling inclined to, he probably would have informed their captor of this, but he was still miffed about the whole being kidnapped thing and it was general NCIS policy not to willingly give information to bad guys that could help them in the completion of their evil plots.  Tim would have been frustrated, too, if he’d been the bad guy giving Tony truth serum.  The instant the guy had stepped back, now-empty needle still in hand, and made it as far through his evil monologue as “truth serum,” Tony had looked up at him and grinned that manic grin that Tim had learned through long, hard experience meant trouble.  Then the senior field agent had opened his mouth and proceeded to have an entirely one-sided conversation about movies, specifically Bond movies, never pausing long enough for their captor to get a word in edgewise to throw him off topic.

6) From my WIP One Lab Accident Away from Becoming a Marginally Decent Human Being (Mystery Science Theater 3000)

“Gimme that.”  Kinga turned and grabbed the obnoxiously large key Max was still wearing around his neck.  Max cowered but didn’t protest.  He clearly realized that he was on very thin ice with her at the moment.  “Stay here and get me a full refund or I’m feeding you to the space eels.”

“But-” Max hesitated.  “We don’t have any-”

“I will BUY some just so I can feed you to them!  And if Heston is dead, I’m buying space eels anyway!”

“Full refund!  Absolutely! You got it!” Max squeaked as Kinga stomped away.

7) From From the Ashes (Justice League/Justice League Unlimited, Justice Lords!verse)

Helena was contemplating murder.  It sounded like a very appealing idea and the best way of dealing with the chiming communicator on her bedside table.  She finally managed to grab the blasted thing on her third flail.

“I hate you,” she told the person on the other end by way of greeting.

“Have you seen the latest addition of the Free Press, yet?” Barbara asked, ignoring Helena’s statement.

“It’s 6am, Babs.  Some of us cannot subsist on caffeine alone.  I went to bed less than two hours ago.  NO, I have not seen the paper.”

“They ran an article on the Phoenix Corps.”

“WHAT?!?” Helena screeched, the sudden shot of adrenaline sending her bolt upright in bed.  Next to her Vic groaned and stirred but didn’t wake.  The man could sleep through a tornado if he put his mind to it.  She started poking him in the side with one finger.

“I tried to call Q, but his communicator’s off,” Barbara was saying.

“Yeah, that’s because he remembered that he actually needs to sleep like the rest of us mere mortals,” Helena muttered, not really paying attention. Damn it, Vic was going to wake up and suffer through this bad news with her.

“Wha’z it?” Vic mumbled cracking open an eye.  He hadn’t had enough sleep, yet, to erase the dark circles he got under his eyes from being up for thirty hours straight.

“Your boss published an article on the Phoenix Corps.”

“Oh….  ‘Kay.” He rolled over, apparently intent on going back to sleep.

“What?!  This is bad, Vic!”

“Were gonna find out ‘bout us event’lly.  Nobody’s dead.  Nothin’s on fire.  ‘Sall good.” He went back to sleep.  Helena didn’t smother him with her pillow, but it was very close.

Well, I think that’s enough for now - I’ve rambled long enough. ^^  These are some of my favorites that are typed up (which make up about 10% of my writing - I like writing long hand)!

I tag: @greentrickster, @agirlnameded, and anybody else who wants to play! <3

[star-shapedfruit]

HO HO HO

@Midori-verte I was your Secret Santa! (It won’t let me tag you for some reason. V wack :/)

Anyway, Here’s your gift! Its a short Yatori one-shot taking place mid Chapter 72. Yato and Hiyori have a little heart to heart on the roof about... stuff and things. 

Read it here on AO3!

Hope you have a great Christmas! 8D

@noragamisecretsanta2019

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Your tail’s twitching.”

Yato had come upstairs to check on Yukiné, when he’d noticed Hiyori’s tell-tale sign that something was on her mind. Her tail gave away her emotional state just like that of a cat or dog.

Hiyori simply put a finger to her lips and shushed him, indicating the sleeping Yukiné on the floor next to her. It had been a rough time for all of them, but Yukiné in particular. She’d only just gotten him to go to sleep and he’d insisted on her leaving the window open.

Yato put his hands up apologetically and sat himself on the floor next to Yukiné. His eyes were fixed on the boy’s fingertips, raw from scratching at that terrible box he’d been trapped in. He tried not to think about it. How they hadn’t all been killed he’d never know, but he couldn’t put into words how thankful he was that they were all safe.

His eyes went back to Hiyori. Again, that tail twitch.

“What’s wrong?” he asked quietly, not wanting to wake Yukiné.

“Hm? Oh. Nothing. Nothing, I’m fine.”

“Your tail always gets twitchy when somethings on your mind. Come on, you can tell me. I’m your god of fortune after all.” He said with a wink.

“We’re going to wake Yukiné.” She replied in a hushed tone. Sure, she was concerned for Yukiné, but Yato got the sense that she was also trying to avoid the question. Something was playing on her mind.

“Well then.” He started, carefully stepping around the sleeping boy and making his way towards the open window. “Let’s talk outside.” He motioned his head at the window, inviting her to come with him.

She hesitated for a moment, and he saw her steal a quick glance at the stairs leading down to the celebrations below.

“Don’t worry, everyone’s getting completely shit-faced downstairs. No one will notice.” He reassured her. And with that, he manoeuvred himself out of the open window and climbed up onto the roof above. Hiyori followed suit, the chilly air against her face as she followed the god towards the rooftop. He offered her a hand to help her with the final step up, to which she gratefully accepted.

Funny how the human world of the Near-Shore seemed so peaceful considering all the trouble that had only just occurred in the Far-Shore. Best that the Near-Shore denizens remained blissfully unaware of Heaven’s wrath.

The two of them perched on top of the roof for a few minutes, just watching the calm view below. After a few moments of peace, Yato decided to ask his question again.

“Tell me what’s wrong. Please. I know the whole Divine Council thing didn’t go too well all things considered…”

She snapped her head round to face him. Clearly, it was time for Yato to face her wrath.

“All things considered?! You could have died! You both could have been killed-” She paused for a moment, the weight of that statement feeling heavy on her heart. She couldn’t imagine what her life would be like without them. She’d been so scared for them. Terrified, even. Maybe she was being a little harsh giving him an earful after everything they’d been through.

“I know, I know.” He said quietly, looking downcast. “I’m sorry. We must have had you worried sick. But hey, we’re all here now. That’s what matters right?” He asked with a little nervous laugh.

“Yeah. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.” She said, hugging her knees to her chest. “It just feels like- everything’s been spiralling out of control lately. I wish that we could have a break from all of this. Just one day where we don’t have to feel like our lives are on the line. You know what I mean?”

Yato glanced over at her quickly, then averted his eyes, a guilty look starting to form on his face. She shouldn’t have to deal with all of this. It was all his fault that she’d been caught up in his world and she and her family had suffered for it. Even so, she always knew the dangers she would face by sticking close to them, and yet how easily she cast aside those fears, was always willing to help them no matter what. That kind of courage was something he had always admired about her.

It didn’t seem like him and Yukiné were all that was on her mind. Her tail was lashing about even worse than before like and aggravated cat. Had something else upset her? Or someone? He had to try and find out. That’s what a future god of fortune should do; help people.

If it was a person, he could probably guess who.

“Has Tenjin been giving you grief again? I mean, all that “Ooh gods and humans can never coexist with each other! You should just go back home hurr hurr hurr”, It’d get on my nerves after a while. Is that what’s bothering you?”

She gave a small laugh at Yato’s impression of the old scholarly god. Yet her face seemed distant. Like her thoughts were a million miles away.

He asked again if it was Tenjin that had upset her, to which she simply shook her head. Maybe he shouldn’t pry anymore. Maybe he should just leave and-

“Kofuku tied our plaques.”

A deafening silence followed, as what she had just told him sunk in.

Kofuku had tied their plaques together. The disaster goddess. The disaster goddess had affirmed one of the world’s most powerful bonds upon them.

“Right...” Was all he said, with a small nod, eyes fixed dead ahead of him.

“You’re not angry?” She pressed him.

Yato said nothing. He simply stared off into the ever-darkening horizon. Was he angry? That was a difficult question. So many thoughts whirled about in his head, like an enraged tornado.

“Yato… please say something, you’re starting to scare me.” Hiyori’s face became full of dread. Maybe she shouldn’t have told him after all. She’d thought it would be best but now, given this almost too calm reaction, she wasn’t so sure.

“Wha- Oh. I- I actually don’t know. Worried is more like the right feeling to be honest. You know any bond that Kofuku creates ends in disaster…” He paused for a moment, gathering his whirling thoughts together. “Maybe we can fix it. If we go back and explain the situation, I’m sure someone will untie them and then we can-”

“No! Don’t do that!” She cried out, reaching her hand out towards him as if she would stop him from walking right back up there and undoing Kofuku’s handiwork right that instant.

Oh god why did she say that? Maybe if she hurled herself off the roof it would hurt less than whatever she was feeling right now. Humiliation? Shame?

But why?

“What are you talking about? This is your future on the line ya know! I can talk to Kofuku, we can sort something out! I Promise!”

“No, I mean, well, it’s done now.” She too, was struggling with getting the right words across. “I don’t know the rules, but what if you can’t untie a bond once it’s been made? I’m sorry for worrying you with this but- I thought it was important that you at least know what has happened.”

She couldn’t not tell him. After all, it wasn’t just her future, but his too. The future had always seemed so uncertain and scary. And now, it had just become even more uncertain. But one thing she did know was that she still cared for Yato, and she always would.

“Remember, I said I want to be with you longer. I can’t lose you, either of you. I don’t know how long we can keep this up for- but I know what I want right now. And that is to be with you, for as long as possible.”

She was lucky it was dark and that he couldn’t see the rising pink on her cheeks. She could feel its heat though, like the sun beating down directly onto them, making them unbearably hot.

He considered this for a moment. Hiyori was half expecting him to fly into a fit of rage and demand that Kofuku explain herself and undo their bond. But he didn’t. Again, the still calmness.  

“You said we all need a break, a rest from all this. I agree. We don’t know what the future has in store for any of us but perhaps…” He finally faced her. “We should just live in the moment. Just live in there here and now and forget about the future. Even if it’s only one night. Maybe that’s the only way we can get a little break from all of this. Better than nothing I suppose.” He gave her that familiar, reassuring smile that she’d come to know and love.

“We’ll figure something out.” He continued. “Not now, but I promise we will. Though if all you want right now is to be here with me?” He stretched his arms out and flashed her that Yato-esque grin. “I’m fine with that.”

He draped an arm around her shoulder, and he felt her tense up. But then she let go and relaxed into him and allowed herself to let her guard down, just this one time as she lay her head on his shoulder. And for the remainder of their time up on that roof, they sat in silence as they simply embraced the moment. Not in awkwardness, simply enjoying each other’s company, allowing themselves just a little time to rest. It was the least that they owed themselves.

Finally, her tail had relaxed.

Yato felt his eyelids start to droop and realised how late it was getting. Hiyori’s head was drifting further down his torso. She could barely hold herself up.

“Are you falling asleep?” he laughed.

“Wha?” Her head jerked up with a start before leaning back against his side. “No, m’still wake…”

“Sure, sure I believe you.” He said with a sly smile. What time was it? She really should be heading home, the last thing he wanted was for her family to worry about her.

“Come on, you better get back in your body” He said as he shuffled away trying not to let her head fall with a smack on the roof. The rise and fall of her chest seemed to have slowed, as had her breathing. Dozing off in minutes seemed to be Hiyori’s speciality.

“Oh damn you really are asleep!” He laughed. No wonder the tiredness had overcome them all of a sudden, it had been an exhausting day for everyone. With a little roll of his eyes, (Why could he never fall asleep that quickly?) he gently scooped up her sleeping spirit and carried her back inside, where she nimbly slipped back into her human body that was resting against a wall near Yukiné. Guess he’d have to carry her back home, no point in waking her back up again.

He carefully placed her onto his back, taking extreme caution to not wake her up. Her long hair tickled his nose as it fell against his face. He’d go out the back way so that the others wouldn’t spot them. He didn’t feel like arguing with Kofuku at this time of night. The plaque was for another day anyway, he’d sort it out for her.

After all, he was her god of fortune.

[blackcatanna]

LET THE ORGY OF SADNESS CONTINUE: Okita's Route Part 3: Edo Blossoms

I'm very interested to see how this plays out. Tbh, I don't really get this relationship yet but that seems consistent with how I felt before Edo Blossoms in the other routes so, yes, I am excited! :D I hope that Kaoru doesn't die X_X I want at least one route with Kaoru redemption but I am not at all optimistic...

Chapter 1:

"Something else entirely had me preoccupied..." Could it be... one spicy, stabby boi?

Wait, are we... LIVING TOGETHER? 👀

Quick question: do silver bullets affect demons or just furies?

BWWWWAAAARRRP!!! PHYSICAL CONTACT ALARM! "I held his soft, trembling fingers in my hands," Whoa there. Please calm down. I cannot allow this level of unbridled eroticism in my Good Christian Suburb.

In all seriousness, though, I GUESS this is SOMEWHAT sweet and romantic but I want everyone to know that I'm saying this under duress. >:( If I fancied him, this would wring the fuck out of my heart.

"Are you sure? You aren't just saying that?" Glad to see that Doctor Chizuru studied under Doctor Gregory "Everybody Lies" House.

"Why is it that you're always here when I wake up?" If you can't figure it out, I sure as hell am not going to tell you!

"Okita seemed to take pleasure from my surprise, and he stared into my eyes." X_X Of course he did... Because he loves to provoke reactions.

"Answer me." MAKE ME >_<

"looking off to the side in a fit of feigned indifference." < Okita in a nutshell

Is he upset because I said that I was here because of worry and guilt? Because, tbh, fair enough. Those were pretty dumb things to say, making out like it's a burden instead of admitting that I actually like being around him >:(

"Well, I guess that's fine then." X_X Oh, come on! Don't use the f-word on me like that! D:

"She's lying." YAMAZAKI!!! >_<

"Look, I know you can't stop thinking about me, but this whole doting-all-day-and-night thing is tiring." Called. The fuck. Out. X_X

Tbf, it seems kind of hypocritical to be fussing over someone while refusing to let them even inquire about your own health. Plus, it's a very one sided arrangement, which is not healthy X_X

"stop throwing a bitch fit" XD Okita is my new hero :')

"I didn't know that my behaviour became a cause for concern for them, too." Then, perhaps, you are foolish and inconsiderate -_-

O: Okita!?? Did he faint?! O_O

Woo! Going on an adventure with YAM! :)

There had better not be any creepy bald fuckers waiting in mah house! >:(

Are all doctors bald in 1860s Japan????

I'm so happy that Yamazaki's still alive in this route :) TOUCH WOOD.

"*Grunt* *Cough*..." Ah, I knew it was only a matter of time before I caught tb -_- (jk)

No, never split the party! D:

"However the price to pay is life itself." DUN, DUN, DUUUUUUUUUN!!! So much for it granting "immortality"

"the poisonous Water of Life" uh... Isn't that kind of an oxymoron X_X

"Retaining your sanity is impossible without feasting on blood." Ah, so all along, the Shinsengumi were just feeding the furies a poor diet.

O: ):< WHO DARES THUMP MY YAMAZAKI?

Of course. It's fucking Kaoru -_-

Blah blah, sadistic fuckery, blah blah. I'm starting to get real tired of your shit, BROTHER.

"Was he trying to play a trick on me?" -_- probably, yeah.

Wow, that's... Actually pretty helpful? Thanks!?

Okay, the doctor folk have gone! I give Okita delicious blood now? :)

Oh. HE GAWN!!! O:

WHY ARE YOU UP AND DRESSED? >_<

"Sleeping all day is such a drag." True, so DRINK MY BLOOD AND GET BETTER >:(

Bloodlust time :O Good thing I'm a walking blood pack! :D

"How long have you been doing this?" Uh, haven't you been watching over him night and day?

"I wrapped my arms around Okita and held him tight " BWAAAA- Okay, yes, physical contact. Hug = gud >:(

"Pease, drink this " DRINK THE BLOOD >:(

"I could feel his breath brushing across my skin..." o_o Saucy...

Why are the blood drinking descriptions so erotic XD I mean, I'm not complaining but-

Who is this strange, apologetic man?

Blood > Porridge

Heh heh, apparently, Hijikata acts "all hoighty-toighty"

Oooh! Looks like Okita's trying to break free of his diligent YAM nursing...

"I am calm" Okita, last time you said that, you went on a killing spree...

Ooh, I wonder why Yamazaki and Okita don't get along... I remember seeing a picture somewhere with casual Yamazaki abuse in the background...

"Okita was acting like a petulant child, throwing his toys out of the pram..." X_X Sexy...

"Do you think the Shinsengumi still needs me?" HONEY, the Shinsengumi needs all the help it can GET!! O_O

Omg, Yamazaki's threatening to tell on Okita! XD He's playing a dangerous (and childish) game!

Side note: the painting in Okita's room is distracting me because it kind of reminds me of the dead mice my cats bring in on a regular basis.

WAIT, IT'S A FISH!!! X_X A NICE, INNOCENT LITTLE KOI FISHY X_X I need to stop spending so much time with my cats...

"What, already? Can't I stay up just a little longer?" Hakuoki: Mum simulator!

"I'll turn in on one condition..." Oo-er :O

"Okita grinned mischievously, and he peered directly into my eyes." O_O OO-ER!

"My palms became sweaty, and my heart skipped a beat." IT MUST BE LOVE O_O

"Since you're here, mind laying down next to me?" DUN DADA DUN! *fanfare plays* We got there in the end, folks! :D

DON'T YOU DARE SAY NO XD

"That's not a funny joke." True. And the only way to teach him a lesson is to PRETEND to take him seriously by DOING AS HE SAYS >:)

"You're so dense." FACTS.

WELL DONE, CHIZURU, YOU DONE COCK-BLOCKED YERSELF, I said, berating the fictional character as if that's not totally something that I would do in real life ..

"Okita blushed, turning away in embarrassment." O: CTRL+Z CTRL+Z CTRL+Z ):<

"I want to, erm, talk to you for a little bit longer..." Oh, we can "talk" all night long ;)

"Talk...? With me?" But I'm only a stupid woman, huh dur, with naught to say but um and er! Actually, Chizuru does say ""um..." I couldn't think of anything to say" in this route A LOT so maybe FAIR PLAY.

Just realised that I accidentally made a rhyme.

"Okita sighed, frustrated" HONESTLY, ME TOO.

"How clearly do I have to spell this out for you." I'm beginning to wonder that myself. He just wants some company, Chizuru! Is that SO HARD to imagine? X_X

"He began to run his fingers through my hair." Oooh! Physical contact :3 Chizuru = pet cat!

"as the tip of his finger touched my skin, my heart skipped." Yeeeesssss... Feel the thirst flow through you... 3:)

Are we gonna get a thirsty Western uniform pan, now? :P

"I tried facing him directly, but for some reason my heart was thudding in my chest..." :O Oh my! I cannot think of a possible explanation! You should get that checked out! >:P

"you find me sexy right now, don't you?" AH-HAH! >:D Caught red handed!

Ugh, can't believe he tricked me into saying he looks good. >:(

UGH. Doctor Matsumoto still needs to perform a final exam on Okita?! Just let him go already X_X

Wow, has Okita been seething against Hijikata this whole time? That... Can't be healthy -_-

"Okita had the tendency to act rashly and avoid looking at the bigger picture, particularly when Hijikata was involved." No shit. He's going to be such a handful X_X

"You're coming, right?" Of course. I'm not just going to sit around here while everyone I care about gets killed O_O besides, you need my nutritious and delicious blood to keep you nice and healthy ^_^

"she can't keep her eyes off me for long enough, to the point where she'll follow me wherever I go" Yeah, because that's how you win at this game >:P

"Aw, is that some blushing I see? It's the truth." Yup.

"Well, yeah," SHE ADMITTED IT!!! 8D

"So, Yukimura. It appears you have some feelings for Okita, is this true?" OH, FRICKING GREAT!!! NOW I'M BEING INTERROGATED BY MY DAD'S EX- COLLEAGUE ABOUT MY LOVE LIFE X_X IF THE GROUND COULD SWALLOW ME NOW, THAT'D BE GREAT! OKITA IS SUCH A DICK XD

OKITA. STOP.

Doctor, why you gotta be so serious? O:

"Criminy..." Uh... Is that a real word?...

Omg, it is a real word! I have never heard anyone use it but, tbf, this is the 1860s :P

Okita needs to stop saying that every decision that Kondou makes that he doesn't like is because Hijikata "coerced" him. He's a grown man. He can think for himself. Please respect his autonomy X_X This is not healthy.

Uuuuuugh. Kaoru >_< Seriously, get a life!

"I'm here to watch the Shinsengumi flail around like pathetic losers as they watch their friends die." ... KAORU, THAT DOES NOT COUNT AS A HOBBY >_<

"Looks like you made it in time for the show, though. You'll be able to witness the glorious execution of the Shinsengumi's idiot chief." Or, in other words, we arrived in time to try and rescue him >:)

"You look nice. All your little boo-boos patched up?" Uhh... There's a lot to unpack here...

"Okita reveled in the vicious display, allowing Kaoru's blood to shower him as he swung repeatedly at the Demon." O_O Umm... Okita? Maybe CHILL THE FUCK OUT. O_O HE IS MY BROTHER, YOU KNOW?!

Aaaand, seemingly Kaoru's going to milk that fact... -_-

Did he... Stab me in the mouth?!?? What am I looking at here? X_X

Also, why doesn't he just activate his demon form!?!

Wait, is he feeding me the Ochimizu?!

Kaoru says that the water of life will eat away at Okita's body faster than if he'd just succumbed to TB but that's clearly not true if he's living long enough to see the end of the Shinsengumi. Plus, a short life of action is better than spending the rest of your days fading away in a sickbed.

"Okita comforted me with the soft tickle of his hands as they wiped away each tear with a warm touch." :3 Pretty darn wholesome! I will concede this point!

"you're a sweetheart." :3 Thank.

"You're a good girl" And am I supposed to wag my tail at that? X_X

"I... I am in love with Okita." O: Damn, that'll go straight to his head X_X

"more than anything or anyone" not that that's saying much :P Sorry, romantic moment, must resist shit talking urges!

"I believed that if I died, no one would give a shit." </3 O: )': DX Neveeeeeerrrrr!!!!

I prescribe HUG INJECTION >:(

"You look like shit" -_- Way to kill the mood.

"Here, come closer." :D Okay, I forgive you! <3

Oh, he played the uno reverse card on my hug plan :O

"How could I keep myself calm when the man I loved held me delicately in his arms?" BIG. MOOD.

Awe, he didn't kill Kaoru because "my heart knew it didn't want you to hate me..." <3 <3 <3 >.<

"My heart melted." SAME.

Chapter 2:

Damn, we're only on Chapter 2 and things are already getting pretty fluffy...

"Do you want me to sleep next to you?" DO IT. XD I dare you :P

"I wonder if Okita thought of me as nothing more than a silk kimono and a warming stone, as if that was all I could offer..." Girl, come on! Don't sell him short like this! Oh, and tell me more about what you want to offer him 3:)

Well, it looks like blood is the answer, for now O_O

"Y-You're not gonna offer me a-any blood today? Trying to play hard to get?" -_-

"his warm mouth drew my blood into his full, tender lips." X_X Sounds like someone needs a cold shower...

"I'm a diseased freak with no hope for the future." D: Don't say that! Everybody dies eventually! You still have strength to achieve the things you want and we can still be happy together! :'(

"I will be by your side, Okita... No matter what." YUS >:)

SEN!!! <3

"Would it have killed you to at least write us a letter?" O: I'm sorry! X_X

Ha. Bold of you to assume that Kodo's continued research might be in your favour.

"Kondou has surrendered to the Imperial Army." O_O OH FUCK.

And of course Okita is blaming Hijikata X_X

"You are making assumptions, most of which are uninformed" Yeah, you tell him, Sen-bae!

I still don't see why we can't at least try to rescue Kondou >:( Are we just supposed to sit tight and wait for him to be executed?!??

" I'm sure that Kondou would be very unhappy to hear his life was saved at the cost of Okita's." >:( And I'm sure that he would be even more unhappy to hear that Okita spent the rest of his days confined to his bed, in misery and anguish. >:(

The dream was pretty wholesome :'o

I guess protecting the things that are important to Kondou, like his legacy, is more important than protecting Kondou himself. Kondou entrusted his legacy to Okita, and so his efforts might be better spent elsewhere, rather than on rescuing Kondou. :'( That's up to him, though.

HUG ALERT!!! 8D

"No matter how many times he touched me, I couldn't have imagined ever tiring of the sensation..." XD The thirst is real!

"Y'know, ever since you came into my life, I've always given you a hard time..." WHERE IS THE LIE?

These two assholes in each other's arms, like "Welp, I'm not going to give you the satisfaction of telling you that I love you so we're just going to continue this totally not heterosexual hug right now and stfu."

:D I am happy to see Hijikata! However, I know someone who may feel differently -_-

"Would you like me to wake him." O_O Nooooot a good idea, Chizuru!

"Without me to blame, I doubt he'll have anything to motivate him, and I'm worried he'll lose the will to live." :O Hijikata, that's kind of sweet in a fucked up kind of way but you underestimate the power of LOVE >:)

THIS HAD BETTER NOT BE FUCKING KAORU AGAIN!!!

:O Kazama and Amagiri?! I was beginning to think that Kazama had lost interest in me. Or, at least, hoped he had.

"This evening... Isami Kondou was beheaded." I just gasped out loud! Kondou, no! D':

OMG, IS CHIZURU TRANSFORMING INTO A BADASS DEMON?! 8D 8D 8D

"A woman who has sullied herself with the water of life is unworthy of my love. Consider this over." ... IF I KNEW THAT THAT WAS ALL IT TOOK, I WOULD HAVE DRANK THAT FUCKING CONCOCTION YEARS AGO >_<

"You are dead to me." GOOD.

Awe, Okita! :'(

NOW I'M CRYING, TOO D'X Damn this game DX

Chapter 3:

Chasing down the Shinsengumi >:) ... Again! If this is anything like Kazama's route, this is going to be depressing af...

We're like two fuzzy wood creatures, going from cozy spot to cozy spot to snooze in during the day :')

"Be a good girl," >_< Staaaaaahhhp!!!

"They went thattaway!" XD I know that this situation is pretty dire but that sentence makes me chuckle!

"Fight...? You?" Ye bitch! >:) I got me my ochimizu powers now!

"How dare you, you bastard!" UM. YOU ATTACKED US!!! WE WERE TRYING TO HAVE A NAP!

*Slash, slash, squelch, splat* X_X

"Ahahaha! You're just helpless pigs!" -_- Uh, Okita? Calm the fuck down, k? You're starting to sound like Kazama!

"his sadistic display of sword mastery." Yup, they be the right words -_-

Ugh, I got shot. Probably shouldn't have been standing around doing NOTHING X_X

D: I killed a guy! GUYS, CHIZURU JUST STABBED SOMEONE IN THE HEART, COME AND SEE!!! :')

"Chizuru, you're trying to hard." *Hides guide* I don't know what you could possibly mean :) :) :)

:O a kunai?! Could it be... my boy YAM?!

YAM!!! :'D

"I just assumed you died or something." Okita is the queen of tact, as always :')

Wait, Yamazaki, don't stay behind on your own O':

NOOOOOOOOO O_O

YAMAZAKIIIIIIII!!!!

OMG HE'S OKAY!!! 8'D 8'D

"I... Cannot afford to die yet..." Doesn't stop you in most routes, though, does it? X_X

"This doesn't look good..." Oh no! Is he going to succumb to his injuries off screen?! D': Classic Yamazaki D,X

"You've been spying on us for days, and I didn't even notice." :') That's our Yam boy!

Aw, Okita gave Yamazaki the thank you!

I reeeeeaaally don't think that Kondou would want Okita to murder Hijikata X_X

"I am going to be late, but I promise to return." YOU HAD BETTER. >:( DON'T DIE, YAMAZAKI!

Owl <3 Hoot hoot to you too, my friend!

Don't kill Hijikata, you dumbass. -_-

"A penchant for violence" X_X That's Okita all right!

It would be funny if he were drinking from Chizuru's foot, instead... Just, something about the way he's holding her hand invites that image XD

FOR FUCK'S SAKE!!! WHY DOES A BATTLE HAVE TO ERUPT EVERYWHERE WE GO!?!

"Okita grabbed my hand" 8D < Happy Chizuru!

Wait... I'M GETTING BLOODLUST?!? MONSTER CHIZURU IS UNLEASHED >:)

Oh, I guess not. Kinda disappointed, tbh XD

Ugh, can we just catch up to Hijikata already? Let's get this over with.

Wait, his sister was "wedded off to some deadbeat"!?! I wonder how old she was... :/

"I was bullied and given shit all the time." :'(

The CG of Okita giving Hijikata the evils is BEAUTIFUL! X'D

"He was a rich snob" somehow, I doubt that...

Wow, Okita really is seething with passionate jealousy for Hijikata... Even though Kondou gave him the sword X_X

I feel like Kondou's relationship with Hijikata is different enough than Okita and Kondou's that Okita's intense jealousy seems a bit much...

It sort of feels kind of like a kid being jealous of their dad's new girlfriend X_X

MORE HUGS >:D

"Before I knew it, you slithered your way into my heart..." That's a pretty weird but also adorable thing to say X'D SLITHER SLITHER

"And you know just what to say," I KNOW, UNCANNY, RIGHT :) :) :) *hides guide*

"We couldn't help but succumb to the hypnotic lull of our passionate embrace." XD Does this mean a fade-to-black is coming :P

I love that their following Hijikata tracks like they're hunting the wild Hijikata beast XD

Is he all alone?

Oh, he has a bodyguard XD

Really inappropriate time to mention this but this route makes Hijikata seem more attractive to me than before XD Maybe it's because of the contrast with Okita's sadistic, violent, volatile side... Maybe it's because he seems more vulnerable when being berated by Okita, idk XD Leave Hijikata alone, Okita!

"You could have saved him!" But Hijikata has RESPONSIBILITIES. He can't just abandon his men and their cause to save Kondou, even if he wanted to :'(

"I COULDN'T!!!" Yeah, you tell him, Hijikata >:(

OKITA, DON'T PUNCH HIS BEAUTIFUL FACE!!! I mean, uh... XD

Wait, we're not going with the Shinsengumi?! O_e

"Hijikata's a real dumbass, don't you think?" -_- .......NO!

Kondou reading to tiny Okita = mega cuteness!

"If I never met Kondou, there's no doubt in my mind that I'd be waaaaay more cuckoo than I am now." And nobody, NOBODY WANTS TO SEE THAT O_O

"You and Kondou are pretty similar" Obviously, that's a compliment and I'm super flattered but I reeeeeaaally hope that this relationship isn't just because Chizuru reminds him of Kondou XP

"My heart suddenly melted in my chest." What, again!?! Chizuru's heart had been through A LOT during this route -_-

"To be fair, it was a little strange of Okita to compare a woman he loved to a man he viewed as a father..." <<< See?! :P

Skipping off, hand in hand :')

Chapter 4:

Aw, tiny Chizuru sadness flashback </3

It's unthinkably awful, what happened to the village, but revenge =/= genocide.

Chizuru, y u lie? -_-

"There were men who took pleasure from their evil deeds." And demons, too... And Okita, to an extent XD

Ugh, I bet Kaoru's gonna sneak up on me while Okita's gone and be all, "Yeeeeesssss.... Give in to your anger... Feel the hate flow through you..." Fucking annoying hate goblin child.

OH, LOOK WHO IT IS!!!

"You're a real bitch, you know that?" Oh, I'M A BITCH??!! Sure thing, tiny asshole. -_-

"At long last, we can come together. We can be the siblings were born to be." ... Happy and free from the burdens of hate and bitterness? O_O

"We are going to massacre the evil forces conspiring within this country, for the good of our people." ... What people? The dead ones? Yeah, I'm sure they'll be reeeeeeaaal grateful from their graves. Sounds like you just want an excuse to torment some humans, you sadistic piece of shit -_-

"Suddenly, I craved blood..." OH HO!

"I... I craved Okita's blood..." 'Sonly fair >:P

"my entire body screamed to tear Okita limb from limb." 8O Yikes.

I... Kinda want to know what happens if I give in to the bloodlust... 😏

Buuuuut I gotta endure it. Damn.

Oh, it's cold up North, is it? ;P What can we possibly do to stay warm in bed?

PENGUIN HUDDLE is hopefully the answer.

<3 :D Looking up at the stars together!

"I want to make your wishes come true. All of them..." :D Okita is every girl's dream sexy murder genie :)

""If you still plan on walking away from me and everything you have..." Okita reached his hand to me kindly." :) :) :)

"Then, I will kill you " FFS XD THIS BITCH!!!

I bet we're gonna kiss now or something. Damn that sexy murder genie X_X

Oh, no kissing, just crying XD That's... Actually more appropriate, even if they are happy tears :')

O WAIT, "I grabbed ahold of him madly" ...

SMOOCHY SMOOCHY >:)

"For once in my life, I felt whole," Awe </3 "the thought of which nearly brought my tears." BITCH, UR ALREADY CRYING XD

"each breath between our zealous smacking grew more strained and sensuous." O_e ... Uh, what did I just read? XD XD XD

"now that Kondou's gone... I only have one reason to fight." Uh... I have a feeling that it's a Chizuru reason... He really needs to find his own motivations, instead of just attaching himself to the causes of people who give him attention. Okay, that was a bit harsh. X_X I'm sorry, Okita!

"How about another kiss, huh?" "B-but, um... W-we just kissed..." ... SO!?! GIRL, YOU KNOW YOU'RE HOT FOR HIM!

"I'm askin' you if you'll have me or not." ... When he says "have", does he mean . . .

"Well, I think there's a time and place for everything." ... Damn. Is this game suggesting that if I say yes, I'm a slut and he'll think less of me? XP BOOOOOOO!

"Watching you squirm like that makes me want to play with you even more." XD As I predicted: Big Dom Energy!

"As long as I will live, I will crave your touch..." *Munches popcorn* Just screw, damn it!

"Our plump lips smeared against one another, and he pulled at a fistful of my hair, drawing me deeper into him as he bit forcefully into my lower lip." :O ... Kinky! >:P I totally called it XD

"I do not mind putting up with anything you might do to me, Okita." How... Romantic?? O_e Just admit that you're horny, Chizuru! There's no shame, I swear!

"I bet when I'm gone, you'll sob like a baby." :'O YES. OBVIOUSLY. >:'(

"Okita spooned me," Classic XD

Ew, Kodo.

"You look pale. Please do not tell me that you have been refusing to drink blood." XD Thanks for your concern...

Bless Okita for offering himself as an all-you-can-eat buffet X_X

"If I were to commit to this relationship, then it meant I needed to separate myself from my family." DRAMAAAA! :D *Pulls out another bag of popcorn*

"I have no desire to carve a life that comes at the expense of hurting others." PREACH B)

[pokemon-ninjago-world]

Cole Hence

As an attempt to reboot this blog I thought I’d do quick drawings of the main chars with updated appearances (like, how they would appear in my seasons when they’re older, comparing to the art you’ve seen of them as kids/teens on this blog so far) and some character info. I did Cole my boy first in case I’ll lose my inspiration and motivation and never continue these character things `8D  I got carried away with this one and spent more time than intended, so the next ones might not be as complicated as this one hmm.. Never mind me playing with watercolor brushes, I just tried to learn how to use them.

Character info under the cut for those who are interested!   Ninjago © LEGO;  Pokémon © Game Freak, Nintendo, Creatures Inc.;   Soileon © me

- Cole is very artistic, and enjoys visual arts the most. He does like dancing for fun too, as long as it happens when and how he wants and no-one tells him how to do it.     - Cole starts selling his art later when he moves out to live on his own after a few years living in the Yang’s temple, where the ninja have their ninja academy and where they live after the Day of Departed episode.

- Cole loves hiking and venturing in the wild. He’s a big fan of wildlife and all animals as well. He takes good care of daily exercising, though he takes it easier when he’s older and doesn’t whip himself as hard as he did in his teenage, and trains more his mind as well as his body. One of his favorite ways of exercising have always been jogging in the wilderness or at least closer to nature.

- With persistent practice, Cole becomes an okay cook, although he remains ever curious and experiments fearlessly new ways of cooking and altering recipes and the results won’t always be great. He’s best at baking. Cakes will always be his passion, but he does watch his diet more carefully the closer his thirties he gets.

- Cole’s mum was a loose, carefree and tough-willed young woman. I don’t have first name for her yet, I wait if they reveal something in Ninjago but if they won’t I’ll probs name her after some gemstone. Her maiden name is Brookstone. She’s not an elemental master herself but Cole inherited his powers from her side.     - Cole’s mum had broken with her family, run away and started working and living on the edge on Ninjago City, where she met Lou. She wasn’t much older than 18-years old and Lou was much older, but they both fell in love with each other, and after a while of dating, they decided to get married. Soon after Cole hatched, it became obvious that the woman wasn’t very keen on family life, and spend more time in her hobbies and in the downtown than with her own son or husband, so Cole was raised up mainly by his dad from the start.     - Lou and Cole’s mum started fighting a lot, and they divorced when Cole was 6-years old. Cole didn’t hear about her ever since, and he didn’t really care to hear about her.            - Thus, Cole doesn’t know she had married again (though she divorced again later) and Cole has two half-sisters he’s not aware of. He also never learned his mother had a little brother, so Cole has no idea he also has an uncle from his mothers side.

- Cole was badly bullied when he was a kid. This triggered a gene in him, that’s common among the people of Pokéninjago. It’s called “berserk gene” and it occurs differently on different people. On Cole, it made him liable to violence and brought up problematic characteristics. You can read more about this from his [character page] and [childhood story].     - As he grows older, he gets better at controlling his anger. He becomes very chill and easy-going as an adult, and he doesn’t even try to appear intentionally cool or tough like he did as a teen. If stress and misfortune keep piling up though, he has trouble keeping his head and can snap at people and experience similar tantrums as before and for example break something in his frustration.

- Because of his bad childhood experiences, Cole is very insecure and withdrawn with strangers, especially people same age and younger as him. He has trouble meeting new people and making friends, unless he’s been backed up by his good old friends. He is okay at dealing with elderly people, but youngsters make him nervous and alerted, even feeling inferior, which then makes him easily defensive and rude.     - He has this problem even as an adult, and when his friends are starting families, he gets kinda lonely because of his troubles with new people.

- Cole is bad at talking about emotional stuff, but he is very compassionate and caring when his berserk gene is not active. This makes him anxious when someone needs emotional support, because he wants to help so badly, but doesn’t know what to say or do. Sometimes all he can offer is his company and perhaps a pat on the back, or even hug when he’s more confident about himself and doesn’t try to pretend a cool, tough guy.

- Cole actually likes kids though, regardless of how children treated him when he was little. He helps his friends by babysitting sometimes when they can’t get Nelson to watch over the kids.

This is all I can remember rn. If you want to know something specific, feel free to send me an ask! I probably forgot to say something.

[iturbide]

#22 between Grima and Tiki? Parental love is just as valid, right?

Yes in fact it is I completely agree 8D 

Listening to them while they vent

“If I see you up again, I will not hesitate to drag you out of here, do you understand?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Kiran yawned, stumbling out of the library as he held the door open for them.  “See you tomorrow, then?”

“Yes,” he agreed.  “Late.”  The Summoner muttered something incomprehensible (and likely incoherent, given the state he’d found them in – gods knew they needed sleep) and began to obediently weave their way down the hall and toward the barracks.  He considered following them, just to be sure they made it–

“Grima?”

He paused at the sound of a small, familiar voice; turning, he caught sight of Tiki standing at the other end of the hall, her hands balled into tight fists within her dark red cloak.  “What are you doing about at this hour?” he asked, moving to join her.  The youngest members of the creche should have been abed long before now, and it was unlike his counterpart to miss one…

“I couldn’t sleep,” she mumbled. 

“Did you have a nightmare?”  She shook her head as he knelt down to her level, folding his hands under his chin.  “Restless, perhaps?”  Again, she offered a silent negative, and his head tilted slightly to one side.  “What is it, tiny one?”

She said nothing, biting her lip instead of speaking.  But he could feel the weight of the words she struggled under.  And he nodded, after another moment, rising to his feet and offering a hand down to her.  “Perhaps a snack from the kitchen will help.”

Her face did not light up as it so often did.  But he could see something soften in her face as she took his hand and followed him through the silent halls to the castle kitchens.  The Summoner had recommended against sweets before bed for the little dragons, for fear of keeping them up all night…but, Grima decided (and the presence at the back of his mind agreed), the circumstances seemed worthy enough for bending the rule.  So as Tiki scrambled up onto the counter, he pulled a few fresh cookies from the jar, offering her two as he savored his own.  

For a time, they ate in silence (though he noticed that she did not devour her own as she so often did, barely finishing the first by the time he dusted the crumbs from his gloves).  And he did not pry, instead watching her from the corner of his eye as she turned her second treat over once, and again, and again…

“Is it bad, that I don’t like my mama?”

He could not have expected that question.  His eyebrows rose in surprise as she glanced toward him, then down again at her hands…but he recovered quickly enough, leaning back against the counter beside her.  “Why do you ask?”

“…I was talking to Kana, earlier.”  Again, she cast an uncertain look in his direction, but he only nodded encouragingly for her to continue.  “And…and he kept talking about his mama, and how wonderful she is, and how strong and good and caring she is and how much he loves her, and…I felt funny, listening to him.  Upset.  Kind of.  I think?  But I didn’t know why, and…and I still don’t know why, but when I think about my mama I feel…sad.  I’ve missed her, and I’ve called for her, and she never comes, not ever, even when I had a nightmare she was never there, it was always Uncle Bantu o-or…a-and I thought for a long time that I did something wrong to make her upset and that’s why she wouldn’t come, but…”

Her lip had begun to tremble as she spoke.  And now he could see the tears welling in her eyes, even as she rubbed her fist across them.  “I don’t know what I did wrong,” she whimpered.  “And she won’t tell me.  And I don’t know what to do.  But I think about my mama and my chest gets all tight and that’s not how you’re s’posed to feel with y-your mama and papa, ri-ight…?”

“Tiki.”

She looked up at him, and he opened his arms for her – and she did not hesitate, reaching up for him in turn as her tears overflowed.  He gathered her up, holding her tight as she buried her face in the shoulder of his coat…and on a soft suggestion from the other presence in his mind, he gently ran one hand across her shoulders, feeling them tremble and jump with every sob.  “You did nothing wrong,” he murmured.  “Nothing at all to warrant the way she treated you.  How you feel about your mother is right.  Kana feels differently because his mother is not like yours, and he is not like you.  He has his reasons to love his mother – and you have your own not to.  You should never have to force yourself to love someone…even if that someone is your mother.  Alright?”

She sniffled thickly, clinging to his coat with trembling hands; reaching into one of his pockets, he removed a clean handkerchief and offered it to her, cradling her as she wiped her red-rimmed eyes and blew her nose.  “You’re sure?”

“Quite,” he nodded.  He had more than a few cold words to say of his own supposed ‘father,’ after all.  “If your mother is not worthy of your love, find another who is.”  

“…I can do that?”

“I don’t see why not,” he grinned.  “Fae certainly has.”

That, at last, earned a smile.  Sniffling quietly, she dried her eyes again, snuggling close and accepting the cookie he offered, rescued from where she’d abandoned it on the counter.  “Feeling a bit better now?” he ventured.  She nodded, rubbing her eyes as she nibbled the edge of her treat – though it seemed less to dry them, and more to keep them open.  “Is it perhaps time for bed?”

“…maybe,” she mumbled shyly. 

“Then let’s be off,” he chuckled, kneeling down to place her back on the ground.  She reached up as he stood, though, and he took her hand as they made their way back through the winding halls to the room where the creche spent their nights; sneaking inside, they both tiptoed to her bed, and as she crawled into the blankets Grima tucked her in. 

As he rose to leave, though, he felt something catch his sleeve – and turning to look, he saw her peering up at him through the dark.  “Will you stay?” she whispered. 

“…if you wish it,” he agreed, settling down among the scattered cushions and pillows the creche had taken to hoarding in their room.  

She beamed, snuggling deeper into her own nest.  “Good night.”

“Sleep well,” he murmured, smiling as she closed her eyes…and as her breath grew quiet and even, he gently smoothed the hair away from her face.  “And may you have sweet dreams, tiny one.”

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Saturday 8 March 1834: SH:7/ML/E/16/0177

6 10

12 40

Fair and windy – rain in the night – F52° at 6 40 – out at 7 ¼ - with Pickles - his son John and a labourer to wall up gaps and make other and set posts for John Bottomley and P- himself to raise wall near new dry bridge so as to support a great height of stuff - with John Booth taken him (P-) 2 loads of stones - Charles and James H- putting up more wainscot in upper buttery -breakfast with my father at 8 ½ in about ½ hour -in my study at 9 ¾ - rain came on about 8 ½ or before   likely to continue - till 11 ½ wrote 1 page and 4 lines to Miss W- and copied what I would advise her to write in answer to Washington - then out with John moving large cherry[?] from the terrace to near new dry bridge and moving rose tree and flowers to outside upper garden door etc ready for beginning to lower the terrace on Monday - Pickels went away in the morning on account of the rain but returned at 2 ½ pm  with him raising wall near new dry bridge to hold up stuff from the new bank (just below Bottomleys the shoemaker) and backwards and forwards with Charles and James H- in the upper buttery and with Mallinson and his 1 man who got the middle cornice of the chimney this afternoon, and opened hole thro’ wall on to the terrace for barrowing out  the stuff - agreed with Pickels to wheel it out to the carts in the court yard, and thence cart it to near the old dry bridge for 8d per square yard - he asks Mr. Haigh 15d a yard (ie about 7d per 1 horse cart load) for carting stuff from the new bank (to put it here near new dry bridge) - came in at 6 ½ - settled with Pickels and Charles H- dinner at 7 and coffee and came upstairs at 7 40 - wrote 3 pages more and ½ p. envelope and finished my letter to ‘Miss Walker Heworth Grange, York’ and sent it off at 9 ½ by Thomas in a parcel with Washington’s letter and n°2 Paxton’s magazine the small parcel for Mrs. Sutherland to go by tonights’ mail - should have sent W-‘s letter etc yesterday but waited to hear from Miss W- this morning - much disappointed - strongly ��urge her to determine about and give Washington orders to let Lidgate - should always determine as soon as one can, and then the sooner the determination is acted on, the better - a great comfort  and advantage to us to have things settled as soon as possible so that our intentions should be clear to all whom they concerned – our position too equivocal - then dated 2nd page this evening– saying it was well to make an excuse of Lidgate but the truth was, I could scarcely believe it  was not a week since my return and it seemed an age since Monday and not hearing from her made me dull - Did she wish me to think less of her? She might scold and I should take it patiently – then took up Miss W-‘s letter  could not be much trouble to alter the Town’s books – she could not be expected to understand land-valuing, therefore it was W-‘s place to offer her a fair rent for the Hemingway crofts (5 ½ acres exclusive of plantations and paying £2.16.0. pounds taxes per annum l say .:. taxes = from 6/ to 7/ per day work) unless he hoped to have them as the same sort of terms as the Lidgate land – but advised her to write briefly to him on the subject merely  saying she had made up her mind not to pay the taxes and, as he put it to her to value the crofts she should have them and Cordingley’s farm valued at my same time and write by post to Mr Mitchell to let he have his valuation as soon as he could and then she would settle what allowance  should be made to Cordingley and fix a rent for the crofts as W- valued for himself and his brother in law  he ought to be glad to call in an indifferent person - would she write something like the following  ‘Miss Walker will be much obliged to Mr. Mitchell to send her, as soon as he possibly can, his valuation of the yearly rent of the land or the enclosed plan, specifying the condition of each field, the tenant to pay all taxes - Mr. Mitchell is requested to direct Miss Walker Heworth Grange, York.’ She could easily sketch the plan, giving numeros and measurements as stated in W-‘s survey - Perhaps W- would be surprised - not to give her the credit she deserved but lay it all on me – she had plenty of head, only wanted promptness of decision .........  ‘Heaven prosper you in everything! Doubt anything but the real regard of yours faithfully and affectionately AL.’ Will send the dimensions of the north parlour fireplace next time -  With my aunt from 9 ½ about an hour - then wrote the whole of this page till 11 – very boisterous  windy night –

SH:7/ML/E/16/0178

11 20 before Thomas got back – could hardly get to Halifax for the wind  - was an hour in going - brought back my packet of letters to Mr. Brown, Copenhagen under cover to HD. Scott Esquire Foreign office London (vid. Sunday 16 February) - there being written on the bank ‘Refused.....’ cannot make out the name - and enclosed in the following printed letter from the dead letter Office -‘General Post office 7 March 1834 Sir the enclosed letter not having been delivered for the reason assigned there on, was opened here by the officer appointed by his majesty’s Postmaster general for that purpose, and is now returned to you, as the writer, on payment of the postage I am sir, your obedient humble servant Francis Freeling, secretary’!!!! postage 3/8  So much for Mr. Brown’s offer of my writing thro’ him saying in reply to my scruples that it was merely a perquisite of office to be allowed to oblige friends in this way -  Letter 3 pages and 2 ¼ pages crossed from Miss Walker Heworth Grange – much pleased with the bonnet - should not want another  ‘you quite astonish me with your expedition in the execution of all my wants and wishes’ - ....... ‘I am thinking about Lidgate, and will say more when I write next query will it be wise to irritate or brave public opinion further just now? For the same reason, ought or can I accept your kind position about Shibden?’ Her usual indecision  does she mean to make a fool of me after all   she would not have me paint the carriage nor do more at Shibden than necessary  gave me that is bought for six pence and put on again my ring languidly and now declines taking the straight course of shewing our union  or at least compact to the world  should I ask her to do what she could not or ought not? Public opinion has been too much or too little braved and whatever force there is against her coming here is the same against my going there  I don’t like all this I distrust her and feel as if the thing would again and this time forever  go off between us   I shall not be played with let her come here before I go there again but I am on my guard and she may find this won’t do   My letters and feelings have been more affectionate than she deserved –she concludes with you will perceive I have practised what I preached  that is not to write anything particular I will take the hint. ‘I long for the sketch of the chimney piece  but don’t pay the carriage - why did you do it of the box? I suspect the affront was Thomas’s, not yours. Affront! Does this seem as if she really thought us united in heart and purse? Delighted to hear my aunt is a little better ‘not selfishly so for my own wish is that you should never take any distant journey so long as she lives, kind as she is and considerate in desiring it – there are plenty of  places nearer home unseen and which would be disgraceful not to visit’. This would be well enough if I did not shrewdly suspect she wishes to avoid going abroad or doing anything that would too decidedly bespeak our compact. What will she think of my letter of last night So affectionate and straightforward  perhaps it is lucky it went  and it would not have gone had I received hers first I shall not write till I have heard from her again  let us see how she can shuffle off  it has often struck me she wanted to make a cat’s paw of me to get into society  no harm done yet take care of my own concerns   my aunt’s death will try the thing and perhaps after all I shall be off at tangent  I will be cautious what I do in the meantime even in venturing to the plenty of places nearer home unseen  Miss Rawson says her mind is little and much in her money shall I find her right?   ‘only think of the time when you can come again to see the onyx (the ring I gave her) and ever believe me with love to your aunt kind regards to your father and sister  yours faithfully and affectionately, AW.’   she little thinks how much she has annoyed me but no more of her just now. Rainy day from between 8 and 9 and till 1 & 2 pm afterwards fine - but very boisterous  windy night.

[bemused-writer]

VNC Chapter 40 Review

Mochizuki may have had to skip a month’s update but she is back and better than ever. The sheer amount of stuff she’s given us this month is just ... woah. Two covers for volume 7, colored picture for the inside of volume 7, colored picture for chapter 40, a 45 page chapter, all those extra drawings (including two colored images) if you buy volume 7 in person, I just... Sometimes you have to take a moment to appreciate how much effort she’s really putting into this series; it’s really admirable.

So, let’s take a look at our gloriously long chapter! The color picture is already pretty interesting:

“Delight always follows pain.” From what I can tell, the French is supposed to say the same thing as the English. The chapter itself is called “Alone Together.”

There’s a lot to take from that right there. “Alone Together” is surely referencing Chloé and Jean-Jacques’s relationship. They were each other’s confidants for years and years, they had an innate trust in one another and yet, as we see in this chapter, Chloé did not confide one very important detail to Jean-Jacques: she no longer wanted to live. So, even though they are together, they are each quite alone, trapped in their own worlds. As for “delight always follows pain” I think this is foreshadowing more than a reference to anything in this chapter. I wouldn’t describe anyone as being particularly “happy” here, but understanding, especially for Jean-Jacques, was gained. It was painful for him to learn that Chloé was suicidal, but now they can really understand one another and that understanding can bring real joy. 

Should this be taken to mean they will get a happy ending, though? I’m still hesitant to say yes. I’m expecting something more bittersweet where they may both die but they will never be parted and they’ve achieved the real union of complete trust and understanding. Still, Mochizuki could give us a curve ball and we might see them alive and properly happy by the end of this. There’s still time for this to go either way. 8D

As for the art itself, I like that the only person looking vaguely happy is Roland. That seems about right. XD I also like that even Vanitas’s sweater is blue. I honestly expected it to be brown, and I’m now wondering why I ever thought he’d depart from his aesthetic at this point. XD

This chapter we also get to see some more of the dhampirs, which is really awesome. I can’t remember if it was mentioned before, but we finally know for a fact who sent Johann and Dante to investigate: Marquis Machina.

This entire exchange really says a lot about Johann and Dante’s relationship. Johann assumes the position of caretaker and treats Dante a little bit like his child, to be honest. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen that either and it’s not just toward Dante but all the dhampirs under his command including Riche in volume 1:

Johann: Whaaat? You sent Riche trailing a curse bearer? What in heaven’s name were you thinking?

Dante: Whaddaya mean “what?” She said to let her help, so I let her take the job, that’s all.

There’s also his attitude towards Vanitas’s threatening attitude in chapter 29:

So, Johann isn’t just protective over their physical safety but also their mental soundness. He doesn’t want them doing anything too dangerous, is willing to fight on their behalf, and willing to talk to their employers about signing them up for anything too dangerous as well. In ever instance of this, Dante appears either exasperated or angry, so he’s apparently had to deal with a lot of Johann’s over-protectiveness over the years. It seems the dhampirs really do function as a family. 

In this chapter, something about Johann’s words seems to remind him of actual bullies, people who felt he wasn’t worth anything because of what he is and we get to see his first introduction to Vanitas.

This is a radically different reaction from Noé’s and shows what it is Dante wants most: acceptance, equality. Vanitas may be seeing the world through a bitter, pessimistic lens, but for Dante it means this is one person who won’t judge him for simply being a dhampir. To Vanitas, he’s exactly the same as everyone else and for Dante this appears to be a revelation, a kind of relief. It’s what urges him to help Vanitas this chapter. That simple acknowledgment that he is a person, even if he’s trash like all the rest.

That definitely isn’t how Noé felt about Vanitas’s statement, but Noé has also never been judged simply for what he is. For him, hating everyone is no kind of equality, it’s simply a dismal outlook that brings everyone down a peg. It’s no surprise he and Dante would have different outlooks on Vanitas’s pessimism; Noé is an optimist while Dante himself is a realist or, perhaps more accurately, also a pessimist.

Anyway, I’ve always wondered if Dante is loyal to Vanitas at all or if it was just a business relationship. We can now say it isn’t; there’s something persona here. “No way could I cut him loose and run in a situation like this!”

Another interesting thing this chapter is that we learn there are multiple kinds of astermite:

All right, so I’m pretty sure “God’s Tear Stone” and “Divine Tear Stone” are supposed to be translated the same way. Basically, it’s some kind of heavenly stone. What’s interesting is “Blue Tear Stone” because we’re hearing this from someone known as Vanitas of the Blue Moon. Is astermite possibly directly related to the blue moon in some way? Is this where so much of VotBM’s power stems from? Some kind of direct connection to astermite itself through the blue moon’s power? Regardless, it doesn’t seem like you have to be born under the blue moon to use it since Chloé’s been using it with her machine and she’s a red moon vampire to the best of our knowledge.

Also, every time VotBM is shown, she’s always portrayed as a calm instructor. Not exactly the height of evil like Vanitas’s reactions to her memory would imply. Either we haven’t been shown her vindictive streak yet, or Vanitas’s issue with her is regarding something else entirely.

As for VotBM’s pronouns, there is some understandable confusion happening in the fandom. She’s called “Father” but Vanitas refers to her as “that woman.” So, what’s going on? I figure we have two possibilities as of this chapter: “Father” may be a religious title and may be meant to shown status rather than any kind of gender or VotBM is a transman and Vanitas is disrespecting his pronouns (I could kind of see that being the case with him, unfortunately...). As of right now, we have no way of knowing and we likely won’t know what the correct pronouns to use are for a while yet. For now, I figure she/her on account that the only reference we’re really gotten to gender is from Vanitas himself.

At any rate, Chloé is determined to destroy her alteration device, no doubt because she suspects Vanitas’s plan or simply because she’s lost herself almost entirely at this point. Jean-Jacques can’t get the device to work, but upon learning what kind of astermite is being used, Vanitas seems to reach some kind of conclusion and it relates to his mark:

It’s not made very clear but I think Vanitas cut his arm using the claws on his glove here. Before, they couldn’t get the device to work, but after Vanitas releases some of his blood he can play it. This seems to heavily suggest that this astermite is reacting directly to his blood or, more likely, the mark of possession’s power that now runs through it.

Jeanne ends up distracting Chloé through battle so Vanitas can focus on playing the sheet music (apparently he can both read sheet music and play the piano, two skills we had no idea he even had until this moment; perhaps VotBM taught him this as well?) but he gets distracted by Jean-Jacques’s personal plight, which results in some interesting revelations about Vanitas.

Vanitas: Once she’d accomplished her revenge, it’s likely Chloé d’Apchier intended to die. I know that face.

Okay, there’s a lot happening in this sentence. Vanitas is definitely remembering someone from his past, but we can’t really say who at this point. Could it be Misha? Unlikely, we saw him alive a few volumes back. VotBM? Possibly, but that also seems unlikely; his mark is still active, which probably indicates she’s alive one way or another. My guess is it’s the mysterious “Lou” that we know nothing about as of yet.

But you know who I think this will become?

Vanitas’s expression is alarmingly similar to Chloé’s, wouldn’t you say? And he often treats death as a kind of salvation for his “patients.” Vanitas eventually deciding to die alone would fit in with his self-loathing nature and the cruel irony that seems to surround him. Think of the fact he models himself after the woman he presumably hates, constantly befriends people he claims are foolish, etc. Would it really be a shock if he ends up killing himself in a way he previously claimed was sickening? And my guess, judging by all the things Vanitas hates, is he’ll do it for someone he cares about. He hates people who sacrifice themselves for others, who withhold their power out of kindness, and apparently people who are willing to kill themselves “arbitrarily.” I don’t know, there have been a lot of similarities between him and Chloé, and I feel like this is all going to add up at some point but only time will tell.

Anyway, while Vanitas is thinking of someone we don’t yet know, Noé is also thinking of someone who we do know:

All of this is painful for Noé to hear because he also had a suicidal friend he cared for deeply, but he never got around to telling him how much he cared. He wasn’t able to save him. He desperately wants Jean-Jacques and Chloé to have a different ending and he’s doing his best to encourage Jean-Jacques to make it so. Whether or not Chloé lives... it has nothing to do with The Book of Vanitas, not really. She has to know there’s someone who cares for her. She has to know there’s a reason for her to keep on going.

I think it’s safe to say that Vanitas and Noé have a similar background in this situation. They’re both remembering someone who wanted to die and they’re both having profound reactions to it. Vanitas’s is rage and disgust while Noé’s is fear and compassion but they both want Chloé to live.

And let’s not forget Jeanne in all of this. She also had someone in her past that killed herself and it was Chloé herself. While she survived, Jeanne didn’t know that for years. She really thought she had died. And we see that she holds the same regret as Noé and possibly Vanitas: she wishes she could have saved her. She wants to save her now.

Jeanne: If I have the chance to do that over again... If I’d been able to stretch out my hand without hesitating, in order to save you--!

...I really hope Chloé lives. I’ve been predicting a bleak end to this arc, but it would be nice to see her have a happy ending.

Also, I didn’t expect suicide to be such a prominent theme in this series, but I guess if we’re dealing with death, salvation, love, and what it all means, then I guess it also fits in. 

Jean-Jacques is being forced to come to terms with all of this very quickly as he realizes on some level, he knew Chloé didn’t want to live. She never spoke of her own future, she just made sure Jean-Jacques would have someone when she was gone: Noé.

He also realizes that Chloé has never once forgiven herself for ruining her human family’s lives. She sees that as her fault and she believes they deserve vengeance upon her.

Furthermore, it seems Chloé believed her presence was holding Jean-Jacques back when she says she needs to “break the pathetic world, herself with it, and free Jean-Jacques.” When he tells her he could never be happy with a freedom without her, Vanitas’s stabilization technique finally works. She has returned to herself. Vanitas can finally cure her.

This last panel is really getting me. Both Vanitas and Jeanne (and everyone else) are trying so hard to make this happen. Vanitas has promised her he will break Chloé’s curse and Jeanne has chosen to believe him. For the sake of everyone involved, I really want to see that happen. I want Chloé and Jean-Jacques to live and for this cycle of death to pause. Given the nature of this story, I fear that might not be what happens, but salvation doesn’t have to be death. Salvation can be Chloé and Jean-Jacques finally being free to live their lives without fear and regret. It really depends on what Mochizuki wants the ultimate message of the series to be and it’s way too early to be predicting that.

Ahh, after writing all this up I feel a little sad, to be honest. This was a heavy chapter and we’re still in the thick of it.

I think I’ll make a separate post to give a few thoughts on our new covers--there are ... things to be said about them. XD Anyway, I’m really looking forward to the next chapter! This cliffhanger is agony. 8D

[prophetparadox]

Birds of a Feather Chapter 1: Silver and Iron (A Prompto x OC Soulmate AU)

Prologue <-/AO3/-> Chapter 2

Word Count: 2,510

Hooray! I managed to get the chapter done before Episode Prompto came out (or before I was exposed to the spoilers because it’s out in Japan) and I became a wreck of emotions! 8D

So here’s our introduction to the lucky lady, Katia Ferrum! I needed to get her information out of the way, but she’ll be interacting with Prompto and the guys in no time! Speaking of, I’m not used to writing for all the Chocobros just yet, so hopefully I did a good job on them here! I’m sure I’ll figure it out by the end of this thing if nothing else! Also, get ready for me to put this girl through a lot, I have a tendency to make my OCs suffer, and Katia’s gonna go through that by the end of this. There’ll be a happy ending though, promise.

Tagging @themissimmortal @blindbae @cupnoodle-queen and @nifwrites because this is still their faults. Also @takuahijackedthetardis and @mini-moogle-queen. If anyone wants to be tagged in future updates, let me know and I’ll be happy to do so!

"What do you mean the boats aren't running?!"

"I'm sorry miss, but there are no boats running to Altissia at this time. There's nothing I can do about it."

"You've got to be kidding me. Any idea when they'll be running again? I need to get to Altissia and fast."

"No, I'm sorry. There aren't even any boats coming from Altissia right now."

"Great. Juuuuust great. Now what am I supposed to do?" The young woman sighed, taking a seat in the restaurant as she rested her arms and head on the table. Her entire plan was ruined. How was she supposed to make it to Altissia now?

Katia Ferrum had lived in the Crown City of Insomnia for as long as she could remember. She'd never even seen the world outside the city walls. In normal circumstances, coming to a place like Galdin Quay would be like a dream come true for her, but as things were she wished she could head back. She had no money (she didn't know what gil was until today and had stupidly left the city with currency she couldn't use), she had no way to get home unless she ran into another friendly driver who didn't mind her tagging along, and now her surprise plan was in pieces.

She tried to stop her thoughts, didn't want anxiety to get the best of her and make her start crying while she was out here in public, as she twirled a strand of her shoulder-length brown hair in her finger. She wasn't completely screwed, not yet. The boats were sure to be running again soon, what with the upcoming wedding and all, so she was bound to get out of here soon if she was just patient. However, she didn't have a place to stay until then. She had no camping gear, so the nearby heaven was useless. She had no gil, and even if she did there was no way she'd be able to gather enough to stay here at the hotel. Maybe she was screwed. She banged her head against the table. Could things possibly get any worse?

From the pocket of her jacket, she could hear her phone ring. She pulled it out, looking at the text notification. She smiled, opening up the messenger and reading the text.

Hey Kat! We're about to head out 2 Altissia! Why don't you come see us off? I'd like to see you before we have to go. :(

She giggled a little bit. Of course it was Prompto. She'd been best friends with him and Noctis since high school, they'd been an inseparable trio, always hanging out together and spending time at the arcade after school. These days, she didn't spend as much time with them as she used to. She'd started training to be in the Crownsguard shortly after graduation, leaving less time for her to spend with them. She always made sure she'd spend time with them, but her training and wishing to keep it a secret meant they spent less and less time together. It made her feel bad. Every time she had to text Prompto saying she couldn't make it, she'd feel a sinking feeling in her chest that just persisted. It made her feel lonely again.

At least all that work had paid off, as six months ago she was officially brought in to the Crowsguard, and she even had the clothes to show it. She couldn't help but wear it now, it was part of the surprise she had planned.

Speaking of the surprise, she read the text over again. They were leaving already? Katia groaned, now how would she make it to Altissia before they did? It'd only take them a few days to get here, and the guys would be able to spot her easily! She took a deep breath, first she had to respond to Prompto.

Sorry, I can't make it. I really wish I could, but I got other plans right now. TT^TT But don't worry! I'll be sure to hang out with you guys soon! Noct being a married man isn't about to keep him from being our friend! I'll see you guys soon though, I promise! I'll make it up to you then!

She hit the send button for the last text, she hated having to lie about it but it wasn't like she could walk back home to see them off. Especially since she'd planned on surprising them by beating them to Altissia, though that didn't look like an option any more. About a minute after she sent the text, she felt that sinking feeling again. The sadness, no, disappointment that she always felt in times like these. It wasn't even her fault this time though, she wasn't in the city at all. Oh well, like she said she'd make it up the next time she saw them.

She put her phone away and sighed. Back to the matter at hand then. She needed to figure out if her plan was still salvageable. Making it to Altissia before them wasn't possible now. It had taken her two days to get to Galdin Quay just by hitchhiking, and they were likely taking the car so it could take even less time depending on how many stops they'd need to make. Perhaps she could wait until they leave, head on the next boat, and just surprise them then? But there was still a matter of finding a place to stay. She'd heard about how daemons prowled the roads at night, and from what she'd heard she didn't want to risk running into one just yet. And since it wouldn't take long to get there, she needed to find some place else to stay for a while. Somewhere she wouldn't run into the guys and spoil the surprise.

She groaned, she forgot that she had no gil. Not only did she need a place to stay, she'd need to find a way to get food while she was out. She cursed herself for not planning this out better. There had to be some way she could earn money.

As if by luck, she managed to remember a poster she'd seen back near the docks. Something about Kenny Crow and hunting? Maybe that was the key! She could do a couple of hunts in the area, preferably ones that didn't appear at night, and earn herself some cash to stay somewhere! But she'd have to leave Galdin before it got dark out, guess it was back to hitchhiking. Plus this way she could keep her fighting skills sharp. Being a member of the Crownsguard wasn't easy work after all.

With a plan in her head, she stood up from the table and headed towards the counter, if she was gonna get some hunting done before nightfall, she better get started now before it got late. "Hey, what are the local bounties in this area?" she asked.

The young woman behind the counter handed her some flyers, each one with the visage of some nasty creature. Surely there was one among them that she could handle. Her eyes darted around each one, taking in the details and ruling out the ones she didn't need. Finally, she found one that seemed right up her alley. Some kind of crab-like creatures it seemed. And it paid a decent amount as well. "I'll take this one." she said, holding up the poster and showing it off. The woman smiled and wished her luck. Well, the hunt wasn't going to take care of itself, so she was off.

As she walked down the pier back to the shore, she quickly looked around to see if anyone was nearby. The coast was clear, lucky for her, so she pulled down the wristband she wore on her left arm and looked at the marking on her wrist. It was a chocobo feather, at least it looked like one to her, and she'd had it as long as she could remember. Her father had told her it was her soulmate marking, and that somewhere there was a person with the same marking on their right arm. Katia would be lying if she said she hadn't hoped about finding a soulmate, but she'd never seen anyone with the same mark and she couldn't let it be seen so easily. But the mark itself gave her comfort, she'd stare at it with her brown eyes and stroke it with her fingers. It made her feel warm and strangely gave her a confidence boost. She never questioned it though, she just let it do the trick, hoping that her soulmate was a good person.

She quickly put the wristband back on, hoping that no one saw anything, and ran down the pier to begin her first hunt.

---------------------------------

"So are you just gonna keep staring at your phone until it dies or what?"

Prompto nearly jumped out of his skin at the sudden sound of Gladio's voice behind him. He'd been so lost in thought that he hadn't realized the muscular man was standing behind him. He scrambled to put away his phone as Gladio laughed at his antics. "Could you not scare me like that?" he asked, trying to hide the crack in his voice.

"It's hard not to when you space out like that," Gladio said, calming down his laughter. "So what's got you so mesmerized anyway? Waiting for a call from Cindy?"

"I doubt it," Noctis piped up. "If I know Prompto, he's still looking at that text he got from Kat yesterday." The prince smirked, as if he knew something no one else did. Prompto hated it when he did that, but he was right.

After telling him she wouldn't be able to see them off, and the disappointment had set in, he'd gotten another one from her asking to let her know when they'd made it to Altissia and to send photos. He'd told her it wouldn't be a problem, and hadn't heard a word from her since. It'd been a day now, the four of them having made it to Hammerhead and getting the car fixed up by Cid, and she hadn't said anything to him since then. It was strange that she was so quiet, she'd usually send him at least one message a day to see how he was doing, but the lack of communication was starting to worry him.

"So what if I am?" he asked. "Aren't I allowed to miss my other best friend, Noct?"

"You are, but the amount of times you've stared at your phone since the car got fixed is a little strange if you ask me." Noctis said, that smirk never leaving his face.

"I just wish she'd been there to see us off," Prompto admitted. "I mean, I've barely seen her these days, it would've been nice for her to be there when we left."

"She said she was preoccupied, there's nothing more that could be done," Ignis finally joined in. "I'm certain that Katia wanted to be there."

"Knowing her, she'd probably have begged to come with us," Noctis said. "She sounded excited about the wedding after all."

The idea popped into Prompto's head. Katia being there with them sounded even better. Having someone like her around would've made this trip even more fun. Though he wasn't sure if she'd be able to deal with the battles they'd gotten in recently. The Dualhorn they'd fought that morning hadn't been easy after all. Would she be able to have kept up with all of them? He didn't want to think about something like that. "You got that right." he said, trying to keep up his cheery facade. No reason for the others to know just how much he was missing her, something that he didn't even really understand. They were just best friends, so why did he feel so sad about all this?

"Besides, you got enough girl problems anyway. What with Cindy and all." Gladio said. Prompto looked away. The female mechanic of Hammerhead was certainly a sight to behold. She was beautiful, smart, just the kind of woman Prompto would want to be with. She didn't have the same mark as him, but he didn't care. But as much as he wanted to go after her, his self-doubts and fears got to him again. Cindy probably didn't want a guy like him, she was probably out of his league. And then there was the small pain he felt in his heart. He didn't get it, he thought falling in love would feel good, not painful. Maybe he had more to learn about love than he thought.

"It will take us some time before we arrive at Galdin Quay," Ignis said, changing the topic. "And it'll be dark soon. I suggest we stay at this motel for the night, so we may avoid any daemons that may be prowling about."

"Well, it's up to Noct." Gladio said, nudging the prince's arm with his elbow.

As the other three discussed what their next move was, Prompto felt a slight pain in his arm. It wasn't anything serious, but it was easily noticeable since nothing had caused this. He'd been feeling these minor mystery pains since yesterday. He tried to hide it, but to no luck as Ignis noticed him grab his arm. "Another mysterious pain in your arm, Prompto?" he asked.

"Yeah, it's another one." he sighed.

"It would seem your soulmate, whoever they are, has been rather reckless lately. Though considering the scuffles we got into yesterday and this morning, I'm sure that they're feeling the same way."

"What makes you so sure it's my soulmate bond?" Prompto asked.

Ignis pushed his glasses back up. "I'm no stranger to these pains myself, you know," he explained. "And considering neither you or I have wounds where these pricks of pain are, it could only be our soulmates getting into some kind of dangerous behavior."

"So it's settled then, we're staying here at the motel?" Gladio asked.

"No doubt about it," Noctis said. "If for no other reason than to keep Prompto from complaining about all the pain his soulmate seems to be putting him through." The smirk had returned.

"Cut it out, Noct!" Prompto said. Though he wouldn't mind staying in a nice warm bed tonight, he didn't want to feel like he was a burden. Without another word, he walked over to The Crow's Nest, his thoughts felt like they were all over the place and he needed a bite to eat.

The others followed him, deciding getting some food was a good idea. Noctis stayed in the back, the smirk gone as he sighed. Just what was that girl getting into? He hoped it was nothing too serious. He had enough on his hands as it was. Plus she had her reasons for doing whatever it was. He just hoped it wasn't going to kill her in the process. The last thing he needed was Prompto going through something like that.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS 123

[[cont from part 122]]

 *somewhere, in a vacant field, is a mud pile...that starts bubbling up*

*a straw pops up through the mud, sucking in air...*

*then a...bear's head pops up*

mimeca: *pokes head out*

ManBearFix: "WEE! We're free!" ^w^ *shifts--then grimaces* "I'm stuck...This sun-baked mud is as hard as rock..."

*it sounds like something clip-clopping up to them...*

mimeca: *yanks him out*

ManBearFix: *gasps* "Ah...My new lungs just ain't what they used to be--" *looks up*

Dr. Sasaki: *riding a horse, staring at the two of them*

mimeca: OwO;;;;;;

ManBearFix: "..." *gulps* "What's up, Doc?"

Dr. Sasaki: "..." *tosses two bundles of rope to Mimeca*

mimeca: ??

Dr. Sasaki: "Tie yourselves up."

ManBearFix: "..." *looks at the ropes* "Look, I'm all for some fun, but how are we to tie ourselves up? If I tie her up, she can't tie me up, and if she ties me up--"

Dr. Sasaki: *aims four guns at ManBearFix*

ManBearFix: OwO; "But I've been eager to learn!"

-elsewhere-

Danro: "Try the scones--Madoka's new recipe."

honda: delicious as always! haha! now, onto business...i take it you've heard the recent news?

Danro: "There's been so much of it as to lose track. Shall we begin with that Asakusa business, or Arg?"

honda: both quite shocking but i was thinking of the events in the nether...

Danro: "..." *sets down his tea* "How did they know where to corner us?"

honda: i cant say for certain, but i suspect there may be a splinter cell within the fire force...

Danro: "That's a surprising accusation. Any evidence?"

honda: sadly, no. perhaps im just rambling...

Danro: "It's definitely a conspiracy theory--literally, a theory about a conspiracy...We already know of the reports about the founding of the Church of the Sun, and there was work some with Haijima have done with enemies against the state."

honda: hmm...and with arg's assassination....

Danro: *nods* "Arg was losing his mind from whatever happened to him in that fire. But even he wasn't talented enough to kill himself like that, or that unlucky to do it by accident. And given how good a fighter he was...whoever killed him wants us to know their power."

-elsewhere-

"Zack": *brushing his teeth* *muffled* "Mornin'."

hachi: haaa~ that shower is AWFUL! =w=

Random Sheep: "Your face betrays you."

riko: how goes storing everything?

"Zack": *brushing his teeth* *muffled* "Mornin'."

hachi: haaa~ that shower is AWFUL! =w=

Random Sheep: "Your face betrays you."

riko: how goes storing everything?

"Zack": *spits into the sink* "It's not fun. The storehouses are dusty, and I think I saw a possum."

riko: *sigh* we're going to need to do a lot of maintenance...

Random Sheep: "Well, I got the water heater to work, so now I can try fiddling with the circuit breakers..."

-elsewhere-

*in the woods, along a muddy path, a horse is tied to a post outside a cabin*

ManBearFix: *tied to a chair* "H-Hey! I thought we were going back to prison!"

Dr. Sasaki: *humming while she sets a plate of food in front of Mimeca at a table*

mimeca: *looks around*

*there are photos hanging on the walls, degrees, a bookshelf...stairs look to go upstairs and into the cellar*

Dr. Sasaki: *sets a plate of grits in front of ManBearFix*

ManBearFix: -n- "They look mushy..."

Dr. Sasaki: "Do you know why I didn't return you two to prison?"

mimeca: *shakes head*

ManBearFix: "...Aw, fuck, I read 'Misery.' You're going to dissect us and kill us!"

Dr. Sasaki: "One cannot dissect _then_ kill someone. Dissection suggests the specimen is already dead. You're thinking of _vivi_section. And no, I am not going to kill you." *looks at Mimeca*

mimeca: *head tilt*

Dr. Sasaki: "I realized I could not have the prison reviewing every bit of my work and how far I must go in order to diagnose your conditions--and your abilities..." *shovels a spoon of grits, bringing them to Mimeca's mouth* "Who's ready for the relief plane to bring its food rations to the hungry villagers? VROOM." *brings the spoon to Mimeca's mouth*

mimeca: >n<# *takes the spoon and eats, pouting*

ManBearFix: "Well, that's all kinds of fun, but I'm bored now." *vibrates, fraying the ropes as he rips them off, wipes the dust off his shirt's shoulders, and stands* "Thank you for this lovely meal, but we're leaving." *picks up Mimeca's chair* "Let's go, girl." *walks to the door--*

Dr. Sasaki: *sighs, presses a button on her remote*

*multiple red scope laser beams point at ManBearFix and Mimeca*

mimeca: OxO;;;;;;

ManBearFix: OnO;

Dr. Sasaki: "Sit. Down. And eat."

ManBearFix: >n>; "Mimeca? I'm kind of missing prison..."

-elsewhere-

Mandy: *reading a file* " 'Mitsy Gainor. Sign: Zodiac. Hobbies: Dancing--"

Yoh: "Pole dancing, amirite?"

katy: *elbows him*

Yoh: "Oh!"

Dr. Summer: *dope slap*

Yoh: >n<#

Mandy: "Chief, I think if we follow Miss Gainor, we'll be able to find the kids!"

katy: sounds good. do we know where she lives?

Dr. Summer: "I had to drop her off once--an apartment complex on South Pacific Avenue."

-elsewhere-

Axel: "Dude, look at all the snails and worms on the sidewalk!"

zeke: is that kid actually helping them across the road?

kenji: there there little buddies. you'll be safe soon. ^^

Axel: "Yeah, and is that kid hiding behind bushes?"

Koda: Q_Q;

-elsewhere-

Kepuri: *walks into work* "Hello, gophers."

Yohei: *waves at coworkers* "Yo."

Employee: *looking at what seems to be a Quirk support item*

employee 2: osu! *waves while upside down*

Kepuri: "Oh, you finally got the stabilizers working?" *examines Employee 2's wristbands*

employee 2: yus ma'am!

Kepuri: "Hmm..." *holds an ear up to a wristband* "That hum is worrisome--it's wasting power. That's an aluminum wire--switch to copper and check the weight distribution."

employee 2: huh, hadnt thought 'bout that. thanks.

Yohei: "??? Hei, is that a new flux capacitor?" *moves a hand up to the device--*

hei: dont touch that! i just finished cleaning it!!

Yohei: *pulls back his hand* "Wow, sorry. Just was curious how you corrected the bi-directional static interference."

-elsewhere-

Haumea: "Please tell me he's still not moping about Orochi."

kagu-tsuchi: i tried speaking with him, but he isnt listening...

Haumea: " 'Speaking with him'? With what, fists? Kicks? 'Cause that's the only way that little baby will respond to anything."

kagu-tsuchi: lady haumea.....

Haumea: -_-# "God, you can be so useless--I'll talk to him. Yo! Ritsu--bring him out!"

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *wrapped up in a blanket*

Arthur: *walks in*

tamaki: hey....*small smile*

Arthur: "..." *looks away*

tamaki:....arthur...

Arthur: "..."

tamaki:.....would you read me a story?

Arthur: "...Which one?"

tamaki: any one. i just...need to hear someone talk right now, i guess...

Arthur: "..." *picks a book from the shelf...sits next to her, but not exactly close to her* "..." *flips to a page* "...'"On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays it was Court Hand and Summulae Logicales, while the rest of the week it was the Oraganon, Repetition and Astrology...'"

tamaki: *listening*

Arthur: " 'The governess was always getting muddled with her astrolabe, and when she got specially muddled she would take it out of the Wart by rapping his knuckles.'"

-elsewhere-

Mitsy: *fiddling with keys in her pocket* =_=# "Just need four hours, then I'll be ready to go..." *yawns...sniffs* "Ugh--and a bath..." *opens the apartment door*

dog: *whines, wanting food*

Mitsy: "..." *picks up doggie* "Hello, sweetie muffins--did you miss mommy?"

dog: 8D

Mitsy: "Let's get baby some num-nums!" *walks to the cabinet, pulling out the dog food*

-across the street-

Summer: "What's she doing in there?"

mandy: awww puppy!

katy:...cats are way better.

Yoh: "??? From that psychological profile thingie you wrote up, I didn't think she'd be so...giddy around her puppy."

katy: they're rough estimates...

Summer: "I've worked with her for a year, and I didn't even think she'd do something like this..." *clenches her fists, shaking with fury*

katy: doc?

Summer: "I want to bring her down, and the rest of these child kidnappers."

katy: we will.

Yoh: "Wait--she's doing something..."

katy: *looks*

Mitsy: *has set her doggie on the table with a doggie dish with food in it...she seems to be on the phone...*

katy: *listening in*

Mitsy: "Uh huh...Right, 11 o'clock. I'll be there. What? What?! No, I'm not buying those brats more food! Fuck 'em--they can starve! No, I--wait, hang on--" *to her doggie* "D'aw, aren't you hungry, sweetie?" *scratches behind the dog's ear*

katy: unbelievable!

Summer: *growls, starting to step out of the van--*

katy: doctor, summer, wait!

Summer: *has one foot out--*

Yoh: *grabs Summer by the waist--and supplexes her back inside*

Mitsy: "???" *looks out the window--and sees nothing* "...Yeah, no, I'm listening." *takes off her shoes* "Fine! Jeez! I'll get you eyedrops too for your idiot sister! Fuck!"

mandy: ._.

Summer: *pulled back in, lying with her back on Yoh's chest* "... ... ..." *clenches her fist, as mud outside the van starts to condense into hard spheres...*

Yoh: "Now, Doc, you know we have to be incognito--"

Summer: *smashes a mud sphere into his face*

-elsewhere-

In: *eyes bandaged, lying in bed* "..."

out: kylie? you ok girl?

In: "Cam?" *tries to sit up--then pauses--* "!!! Watch your step!"

out: ??

*Out fails to notice a broken floorboard before she steps onto it--*

out: WOAH!

*Out's foot falls through the floorboard--before the top of the board smacks her in the face*

In: "I tried to warn you! Didn't you see it?!"

out: what the hell?!

In: "Yeah, it was-- ..." *touches her bandages* "...What the hell..."

out: sis you're freaking me the eff out.

In: "..." *shaking* "What he did to my eyes..." *starts tugging on the bandages*

-elsewhere-

mina: it's time my dudes, for the mother-heckin gallon joust!

Eijiro: *seated--and pulls on goggles*

sero: may the best player win.

Bakugo: "THAT'S ME, TAPEWORM!"

mina: sato, get the camera ready!

Sato: *holding the camera, thumbs up*

mina: ready and....GO!

Bakugo: *PUSHES THE CART* "RAAAAAAWR!"

Eijiro: "WOOOOO!"

sero: YAAAAAAGH!!!

Sato: *aiming back and forth--*

*SPLOOSH*

mina: OOOH! OH SHIT FAM!

sero: YEOWZA THAT IS COLD!!

Bakugo + Eijiro: *LOUD PASSIONATE SCREAMING*

Hyde: "..." *picks up a mop* "Dang kids..."

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: "Thank you for taking us out, Doctor."

yosano: of course, girls. ^^

Kyoka: "What would you like, Sylvia?" *looking at the menu*

sylvia: i-i dunno...

Kyoka: "Split a parfait?"

sylvia: a-are you alright with that?

Kyoka: *nods* "I would like that."

sylvia: o-o-ok. .////.;;;

Kyoka: "Great...You aren't allergic to strawberries, are you?"

sylvia: i-i dont think so, no...

Kyoka: "Good. Although I'm sure Dr. Yosano could help if you had an allergic reaction..."

-elsewhere-

Axel: "You know what I miss? Professional sporting events. What kinds of teams are there in Death City?"

zeke: well they got baseball, football, basketball, hockey, rugby, swimming, track, soccer-

Jonas: TT~TT

Axel: "...Dude, I think we need to take him to a game, or he's going to leave ghost tear stains everywhere. Again."

zeke: good call...

Axel: "Jonas? Would you like to take in a game--"

Jonas: *grabs Zeke by the face with ghost hands* "Which sport?"

zeke: i think there's a baseball game later this evening.

Jonas: "WOOT!' *lifts up Zeke* "Baseball!"

zeke: *CRASHES INTO THE CEILING* ......lil help?

Axel: "..." *texts NOTers* [baseball game tonight. also bro needs first aid kit]

-elsewhere-

Pumpkin: "Have a seat..."

overhaul: ....

Pumpkin: "Got to say, you're here earlier than I expected..."

overhaul: yeah no kidding. so...how's progress?

Pumpkin: "Not too shabby...Children are much more pliant for this kind of Quirk cultivation, are they not?"

overhaul: really....no hiccups to speak of?

Pumpkin: "I'll be honest with you--I had assigned someone to kidnap a parent to see the effects on an adult, but she fouled that up."

overhaul:....let's see them then.

Pumpkin: "Of course..." *nods to a door*

overhaul: *walks over*

*the door slides open on its own, revealing a stairway*

Pumpkin: "Careful--it's still a bit damp..."

-elsewhere-

Mitsy: *pets her doggie* "Be good while Mommy's out, 'kay?"

doggie: *WOOF*

Mitsy: *blows a kiss before locking the door and heading down the stairs*

Yoh: *asleep in the van*

doggie: *waits for her to leave before opening the back door, letting a bunch of other dogs in as they start partying*

Yoh: *snores/snorts himself awake* "Huh? What? Was that a party horn?" *looks--and spots Mitsy leaving* "?!!"

katy: alright, lets go.

-elsewhere-

Duncan: -^- "--and then there's the 'Fancy Dan,' where the player adds some flourish on their ball throw..."

girl: uh-huh.

Duncan: "I used to play baseball--I was quite good at it!"

girl: really now...

Duncan: "Really! I could show you my stuff at a game some time--"

girl: oh, my dad's here! *walks over to her dad*

Duncan: "??? Dad?"

Coach Dad: "Hey, sweetie! How did it go?"

girl: good up until some loser started talking to me.

Duncan: Q_Q;

Coach Dad: "Now, sweetie, that's not nice to say--" *spots Duncan* "...Nevermind. I get it now."

Duncan: Q____________Q

-elsewhere-

Asher: *grabs a hoodie* "...Why are we doing this?"

izumi: it'll be fun.

Asher: *grunts* "It still sounds like work, or babysitting...People don't like being coddled."

izumi: ....

Asher: "This better not be embarrassing-- ... ... ..."

Spirit: *decked out in baseball fan attire*

izumi:........

Spirit: "...Yay, go team!" ^^;;;

Asher: "...Pfft."

-elsewhere-

Mitsy: *walks through Santa Monica Pier, past a roller coaster* "..."

-some seagulls perched on a bench just watch her go by-

Mitsy: *grumbles* "F'ing winged rats..."

-one of them takes off and poops on her shoulder-

Mitsy: ono# "..." *reaching into her purse--...then thinks better of it and pulls out a tissue* "Fucking crap..." *heads through the carnival game booths*

Yoh: *looking through binoculars* "A carnival?"

mandy: spoopy.

Yoh: *looks* "??? I don't understand."

Mitsy: *disappears amidst the booths*

katy: let's go.

Summer: "Hang on..." *lowers her tote bag, scooping up a ton of sand off the beach* "Okay..."

Yoh: "Think you can handle this, Doc?" *still bandaged up*

Summer: -_-# "Don't talk to me. Ever."

Yoh: >_>;

-inside-

Xavier: *literally biting on the prison bars*

Timmy: *looking up scared from the cell at Overhaul and Pumpkin*

overhaul: well? say something, brat.

Timmy: "I-I want to go home...Please, sir..."

overhaul:....

Timmy: "We want to go home...We're tired, they aren't feeding us!"

overhaul: do you think that's _my_ problem?

Timmy: "?!"

Xavier: *growling* "WE'RE HERE BECAUSE OF ADULTS LIKE YOU! LET US OUT, YOU BASTARD!" *shaking the bars*

overhaul: what? do you want your mommy?

Timmy: *stunned*

Pumpkin: *looks at Overhaul* "We found newly developed Quirks in these children...I'm keen to see what your technology could do to enhance some of our prime candidates."

-elsewhere-

Ragnarok: -_-# "I hate these late shifts..."

*a customer walks into the store...*

Customer: "..." *picking up items, shoving them into his pockets*

kyouko: oi!

Customer: *rips open a candy bar, shoving it into his mouth*

kyouko: *bodychucks him*

Customer: *falls to the floor, with a loud hiss--as something flies off of him...something crawling and tiny and red...*

kyouko: oh shit- hyde!

*a toilet is heard flushing, before Hyde steps out*

Hyde: "Okay, okay, I brought the key back--"

*ants are all over the floor*

Hyde: "...What the hell?"

kyouko: D8<

Customer: *writhing on the floor, more ants crawling out of him...as his body deflates...*

Hyde: "...Ragnarok, Kyouko already took out the trash--you can clean up the ants."

-elsewhere-

Jonas: *"sitting" in the baseball stands* =n=

lei-lei: *eating popcorn*

Axel: "Hey, cheer up, man--we got cotton candy!"

Jonas: "..." *reaches hand--and it passes through the candy*

Axel: OwO;

Spirit: *rambling--* "--and you can see the star players and their numbers dotting the back of the field--"

Asher: "Zzzz..."

zeke: *looking around*

Spirit: *points* "That's the number of Orlando Abreu--pitched five no-hitters in one season! And that's Rusney "Boots" Black's number--"

Jonas: "?! BOOTS?!"

zeke: you know them?

Jonas: "They were on my team! What the hell?! They got to be players?!"

Spirit: "...Actually, Boots is the coach and manager now--" *pointing to the field*

Boots: *waving to the stands, to loud applause*

Jonas: OnO##### "...I'm going to the bathroom. To haunt people." *floats away*

zeke: jonas-...*sigh* i'll go follow him...

Axel: "Same--we're out of soda. And I need the potty." *follows*

Duncan: TTnTT "Then she said, 'He's a loser, Dad'..."

hibiki: ....

Duncan: "...This is where you say, 'No, Duncan, you have many wonderful qualities'..."

hibiki: like what?

Duncan: "I'm persistent!"

-elsewhere-

Mitsy: "Hey, girl--where's the boss?"

may: downstairs.

Mitsy: "Entertaining our gracious benefactor?" *tosses a tissue into the trash* "Showing off the brats?"

may: .....

Mitsy: "Entertaining our gracious benefactor?" *tosses a tissue into the trash* "Showing off the brats?"

may: .....

Mitsy: "...Oh, still think you're too good to respond? Like you're any better..."

-elsewhere-

Summer: "Damn it..." *looking through the carnival* "Where is it..."

katy: creepy...

mandy: i think my brother went exploring here once…

Summer: "Are you freaking kidding me?!" *grabs Yoh by the collar* "We're trying to find missing children, and you're playing games?!"

Booth Operator: "?!! M-Missing kids?" >_>;;;;;

katy: yes, *shows them a photo of mitsy* this woman is belived to be involved with the case, have you seen her?

Booth Operator: "N-No?"

Summer: "..."

Yoh: "..." *grabs the tiger plushie--*

Operator: "H-Hey! Give that back--"

Yoh: *rips the head off*

katy: ._.

Yoh: *reaches in--* "OW!" *pulls out his hand--with a syringe stuck in his finger*

katy: !!!!

Operator: "... ... ..." *his arm stretches--as he swings it at the cops*

katy: *ducks*

Yoh: *rips the syringe out* "Damn it!"

Summer: *takes the syringe* "...What the hell is this..." *rips the syringe out, tapes the top, pockets it*

Operator: *swinging noodle limbs at Katy and Mandy* "Can't let you leave now!" *slams fists down*

mandy: *aims her tazer gun*

Operator: *swings his fist to the left of Katy's head*

katy: GNH-

Operator: "You're not getting out of here!" *swings the arm around--Katy's neck*

mandy: *shoots the taser gun*

*the Operator vibrates--loosening his grip on Katy*

katy: *gasps for air* t-thanks.

Operator: *falls down*

Summer: "What is this thing supposed to be?" *pulls the vial out of her pocket* "It had a syringe with it--likely a doping mechanism for, I assume, his Quirk?"

katy: hinoki, you feeling alright?

Yoh: "Fine, I guess? I don't have a Quirk, so it wouldn't have affected me..."

Operator: "..." *reaching into his jacket...*

mandy: *stomps on his hand*

Operator: "GAH!" *drops another vial*

Yoh: "Why would someone be passing around some Quirk drug in a carnival?"

mandy: alright bub, start talkin!

Operator: "You're getting nothin' out of me!" *swings the other arm--*

Summer: *rock-hand catch--and crushes*

Operator: Q___Q "The boss won't like this!"

katy: and where is this boss of yours?

Yoh: *jumps into the booth*

Summer: "Oh, for crying out loud--You're still obsessing about the stupid game?!"

Yoh: *pulls a lever--*

*THUD*

Yoh: "...Ow."

-elsewhere-

Guard 1: *checking a monitor* "??? Stretch opened the door at the bottle booth. His shift isn't over for another two hours..."

guard 2: zzzz...

Guard 1: "...Please, don't get up, I'll take a look." *attaches a gauntlet, gets up to leave--then smacks Guard 2 on the back of the head*

guard 2: GNRK- whu? waz goin on?

Guard 1: "Get up--something weird's happening at Stretch's booth."

-elsewhere-

Pumpkin: *measuring out a substance in a syringe* "I have to thank you for this new supply...It's been quite instructive."

overhaul: dont mention it.

Pumpkin: "I've been quite fascinated with all your Quirks can accomplish...Nothing like what I've seen where I'm from."

overhaul: oh?

Pumpkin: "...Oh, didn't I mention? Yeah, I'm not from here."

overhaul: yeah, you do have kind of an accent. you from Britain or something?

Pumpkin: "...Think further. Much further."

overhaul: laos?

Pumpkin: "Another world..."

overhaul: you're bullshitting me.

Pumpkin: "I assure you, this is not some rubbish. I am what you might call an out-realmer, from outside of this realm."

overhaul: prove it.

Pumpkin: "...A talking pumpkin isn't enough proof? What, do you have herds of jack o'lantern scarecrows, grazing on the wide open fields of the Great Plains?"

overhaul: ...there's been weirder, honestly.

Pumpkin: "Well, I would open a portal to show you another dimension, but that'd sap much power...I already know your world has magic, so..." *twirls some magical dust in the air* "...this probably doesn't impress you either, huh?"

-clunk-

overhaul: ??

Pumpkin: "??? One of your enforcers?"

overhaul: *takes out his pistol*

*the door opens, showing...Guard 1, standing in sunglasses*

Pumpkin: "Well? What's going on?"

Guard 1: "..." *unconscious, gets kicked into the room, towards Overhaul*

overhaul: ?!?! *aims his gun*

Yoh: *battle roar, as he pushes Guard 1 into the room like a human shield*

*a sand trail follows Yoh...*

-elsewhere-

Xavier: *growls* "Come on--don't wimp out on this. It's all or nothing!"

girl: so what's the plan?

Timmy: "I-I guess we need to get out of the cell first? Can anyone teleport?"

boy: i can make my hair move on its own.

Xavier: "Brilliant! You ever steal keys out of someone's pocket?"

-elsewhere-

Jonas: *'pacing' in the men's restroom*

zeke: he's not coming out from there...

Axel: "Well, I already did my business, so I'm out of ideas..." *looking around the hall, seeing the 'Manager's VIP Lounge'* "..." *a hallway light flickers over his head* "Wait...I'm getting an idea..."

zeke: ??

Axel: "Jonas has unfinished business, right?"

zeke: i guess?

Axel: "And we can't find his family anywhere, because he's kind of a dick, right?"

zeke: well-

Axel: "But this manager guy went to school with him, so he may know how he got offed. We find out who really killed Jonas, and bam, Jonas's soul does...whatever happens when souls pass on!"

zeke: hmm.

Axel: "Come on--what have we got to lose?" *knocks on the VIP door*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *yawns, stretches*

hibiki: hey...

Asher: "..." *grunts, looks away*

hibiki:....you still mad?

Asher: "...Yeah, I'm still pretty mad. Who asked you..."

hibiki: are you mad because i told spirit?

Asher: "...Yeah. I didn't ask you to get involved. I didn't ask any of you to butt in. You don't know what could have happened."

hibiki: would you want to stay in that situation?

Asher: "No, but I didn't want to drag someone else into that mess."

hibiki: then what were you planning to do then, huh?

Asher: "We had a plan--Cassidy was going to get enough money for us to move out."

hibiki: how long would that have taken?

Asher: "...I don't know--I left it to Cassidy to figure out the costs..."

hibiki: .....

Asher: "...What if that crazy bitch did something to Izumi? You think I'd want that on my conscience, too?"

hibiki: well she didnt...

Asher: "She could've--we're not all some powerhouses like your family."

hibiki: being a powerhouse has nothing to do with doing the right thing....look, you cant keep carrying this burden on your own or you'll just get crushed by it. i've seen it happen...

Asher: "...I thought weapons are designed just to carry the burden for their meister."

hibiki: being a weapon doesnt mean you're a slave.

Asher: "..." *holds their head* "I don't know what a weapon is for...I was just born like this, and when I found my ability..."

hibiki: would you like to speak with a councilor?

Asher: "...Might as well."

hibiki: it's a start....you dont have to go through this alone.

Asher: "...If I ended up getting Izumi hurt, or you, or another classmate, that's not something I want on my head. Those black blood whatever walker things..."

-elsewhere-

Los Angeles Police Dispatcher: "Unit 42, what's your emergency?"

-BOOOOM-

officer: THAT.

Dispatcher: "...Sending emergency teams now. You're on the phone, so I need a visual or a description."

Quirk-Enhanced Guard: *claws extended, slicing*

katy: *shooting*

Claws: *slices the gun apart*

katy: !!!

*A Laser-Eye Quirk Guard chases Mandy*

mandy: shit shit shit! >~<;;

*families are fleeing the carnival--rides are on fire...*

Beach Bodybuilder: "Okay, people--you know what to do." *flexes* "Get those bad guys!"

Beach Bodybuilder 2: *rushes at Claws--and tackles them*

mandy: thank you!

Beach Bodyguilder 2: *chokehold* "You're welcome, officer!"

Lasers: "Like that'll be enough!" *blasts towards Mandy*

mandy: WAH!

*something blows up under Laser's feet, knocking them back*

Laser: "?!! What're they doing down there?!"

-downstairs-

may: !!!!

Mitsy: *grabbing a rifle* "I knew we should've killed the Doc earlier." *aims at the door*

may: *picks up a chair and smacks her with it*

Mitsy: *stumbles...then looks back with a glare* "Oh, you fucking cunt!" *aims the rifle*

may: *kicks the rifle*

Mitsy: "?!" *the kick blasts a shot into the wall, before the rifle falls out of her hands* "..." *swings at May*

may: *ducks and punches her in the stomach*

Mitsy: *air knocked out of her, doubles over*

may: *takes the keys and heads toward the cells*

Mitsy: "No, you don't..." *crawling after her*

may: *KICK*

Mitsy: "FUCK--" *and rolls down the stairs, one at a time*

-elsewhere-

Summer: *in Rock Giant form, creating rock shields*

overhaul: *shooting*

*rock shields chip away but hold up*

Yoh: *sweeps his leg at Pumpkin's head*

Pumpkin: *bends back--in an unnatural pose*

Yoh: "??? That's some yoga..."

Pumpkin: *snaps back--swinging a blade* "Indeed."

Yoh: *dodging, but his shirt gets sliced*

summer: shit!

Yoh: "Don't worry, Doc--this guy is a stringbean!" *swings his foot at Pumpkin's hand--and it snaps off*

Pumpkin: "..." *looks at his stump*

Yoh: "...Wow, I've gotten stronger--"

Pumpkin: *fires a magic shield at Yoh, slamming him through the ceiling and three stories above the ground*

Yoh: *air knocked out of him, just hanging above the ground* <Wh-Wh-What?!>

Pumpkin: "..." *releases*

Yoh: *starts falling* "Wow, wow, wow!" *flinging his arms, his descent increasing*

summer: !!! *rushes to catch him*

Pumpkin: *slings balls of fire at Summer's feet*

Yoh: "AAAAAAAH!!!"

summer: *creating a rock ramp and slides up it*

Yoh: *spots her* *holds out his hand*

-nice catch!-

Yoh: QwQ "My hero..."

summer: you're welcome.

*a firework shoots up at them*

summer: !!!

Yoh: "!!! Dodge!"

summer: *looks*

*seems to be a giant slide below...*

summer: oh boy.

Yoh: "..." *shifts* "Hang on!"

summer: ?!

Yoh: *crawls over her until she's grasping his legs* "Narrow your body as much as you can--we're sliding down!"

summer: *doing so*

Yoh: *holds out his arms like a bird swooping down--then folds them in like a penguin diving into the ocean and--perfect land on the slide--and going all the way down...*

overhaul: the fuck...

Yoh: "WOOOO!!!"

Pumpkin: "...This world is bizarre." *looks up at the ferris wheel* "...You may want to move back a bit."

overhaul: ??

*Yoh and Summer come to a stop at the base of the slide*

Yoh: "Phew! Glad that training paid off..." *his wounds look like they opened, bleeding in his bandages*

summer: !!!

Yoh: "??? What?"

summer: your wounds are opened again, idiot!

Yoh: "...Ha! You haven't seen anything! That's remedial lessons in Hinoki martial arts training!" *battle pose*

summer: -___-;

Yoh: "You weren't bad yourself either, Doc! That Quirk is rock solid! ...Ha."

overhaul: *aims his gun*

Yoh: "!!! Duck!"

-WHAPISH-

overhaul: ?!?!?

Xavier: *chomping on Claws' legs*

Claws: "GET HIM OFF! GET HIM OFF!"

summer: !!!

Yoh: ._.; "Man, they just don't raise kids well nowadays."

Timmy: *offers a hand to Leah* "Come on!"

leah: *following*

may: come on, let's go!

*a gunshot goes off*

may: GRK- *clutching her arm*

Timmy: "?!! Ma'am! Are you okay--GRRK!"

Mitsy: *clutching Timmy by the neck, choking, aiming her rifle at May*

may: !!!!

Mitsy: "I spent too much work getting these brats for the boss!" *holding the rifle awkwardly, and Timmy by the neck, she reaches for a syringe*

may: let go of him!

Mitsy: "Shut up! You creep in on my turf, try to take my spot--and now, I'm going to use this to turn this stupid fucking brat into my new attack dog!" *jams the syringe into Timmy's neck*

may: NO!!

Timmy: *SCREAMS*

Mitsy: "Yes! Bet you didn't know this Trigger has mind control properties!" *pushes Timmy down* "Now attack that bitch, brat!"

Timmy: "... ... ..." *his eyes glow*

may: !!!!

leah: *shaking*

Mitsy: "Okay, kid, I want you to kill that bitch--"

Timmy: *just stands there*

Mitsy: "...Today? Come on! What are you waiting for--" *grabs Timmy by the shoulder*

Timmy: *turns, death glare*

Mitsy: "?!"

*Mitsy is flung back, smashing into a light pole*

may: !!!

Mitsy: *groans...* "Stupid brat! I'm not done--" *moves her hand to reach into her pocket--when something slams down on her hand* "OW!!"

Xavier: "Nah-uh! Not again, you bastard!"

Mitsy: "Let go!"

Timmy: *he looks like he's in a daze*

may: *picks him up and runs*

Mitsy: "I said let go--" *finally grabs a syringe--and stabs it into Xavier's foot*

Xavier: *yelps...then starts panting*

Mitsy: "..." *sneers*

leah: *trembling and screaming*

Xavier: *his back starts contorting...*

summer: !!!

Xavier: *starts howling, as he takes on an animalistic form*

Mitsy: *chuckles* "Good doggy..."

Xavier: *slobbering, looking at Leah*

leah: *trembling*

Mitsy: "That's right, doggy! Get them! Get them all--"

*CHOMP*

Mitsy: "..."

Xavier: *biting into her shoulder, muffled* "You may try controlling me--BUT I HATE YOU MORE!"

Mitsy: "..." *SCREAMS, punching at Xavier's snout*

Xavier: *lets go--and bites into her again, tackling her*

Mitsy: *screaming bloody murder*

-elsewhere-

Axel: *knocks on the VIP lounge door*

zeke: i think he's still on the field.

Axel: "Yeah, probably--but maybe if we say we're friends of Jonas they'll let us wait here?" *keeps knocking*

guard: hey! you two!

Axel: *looks around* "..." *points at himself" "???"

zeke: oh fuzz.

Axel: "W-We just wanted to meet the manager!" OwO;

guard: well he's on the field.

Axel: "But it's real important--it's a matter of life and death!"

guard: yeah yeah, right...

Axel: "No, seriously, we got a dead man in the bathroom--"

guard: ?!?! this better not be a prank...

Axel: "No, really! He's pacing back and forth right now!"

guard: *opens the door*

*there's no one inside...*

guard: you two think this is funny?

Axel: "...I mean, kinda? We told you we had a dead man here, then he floated away somewhere 'cause he's kind of pissy--"

guard: ok, im going to ask you two to come with me-

Axel: "To see the manager?"

guard: to the security office.

Axel: Q_Q; "Whoops..."

-elsewhere-

Yoh: *runs up a wall, then leaps off to dodge some creature*

bat monster: *shrieks as it charges at him*

Yoh: *jumps--onto its back*

bat monster: *SKREEEEEEE*

Yoh: <Onward, Tianma!> *kicks its sides*

summer: *attacking the weird creatures*

Goblin: *punching through a rock wall, dissolving it into sand, reaching for Summer's neck*

summer: get back!!

Goblin: *growls--before scratching her arm*

boy: *hair whipping at some monsters*

Spider Beast: *retracts, struggling to crawl up its own web*

leah: w-what are these things?!

Timmy: *holding his head* "Not...from here..."

may: come on, we need to get out of here!

Xavier: *slobbering* "Why? This is fun!" *chewing into a dead bat creature*

leah: !!!! look out!

*a giant rat crashes into Xavier, heading towards Timmy*

Timmy: "..." *holds up a hand, forming an invisible barrier*

Rat: *CLUNK* *collapses*

???: "Should've seen this coming..."

???: ....

???: "..." *pulls the bandages off her eyes*

out: how are you holding up, sis?

In: *blinks* "Ugh, everything's too bright..." *rubbing her eyes...they are now yellow-orange with green sclerae...*

out: sis....

In: "...What? Something in my nose?"

out: *holds up her compact mirror*

In: "... ... ..." *SCREAMS*

overhaul: tch- this is getting to be too chaotic for my liking...im getting out of here...

*a car pulls up*

chronostasis: get in.

Rikiya: "...This looks awful outside."

overhaul: yeah, no shit.

Rikiya: "...I didn't touch the mini-fridge, if you want your bottled water..."

-meanwhile-

Yoh: *sitting on the bat creature, petting its head* "It's just like taming horses--only with wings."

bat creature: *SKREEEEEEE*

Yoh: *punches it in the eye* "Be quiet!"

*The Ferris Wheel's lights have gone out...The only light in the decimated carnival is fire...*

summer: this is getting to be too much....

Yoh: "??? Really? The way my sister tells it, this is kind of typical for the States. What's wrong, the rock-hard doctor can't handle it?"

summer: your sister, huh?

Yoh: *nods* "She's definitely not at my power level, but she helped knock down a space station. And the Fear Factory."

summer: wait then....that girl, mana hinoki is your sister?

Yoh: "Oh, you read about her?"

summer: in the news, yeah-

-BOOOOM-

Yoh: "?!"

*a loud creaking sound is heard...like a tether has snapped...*

Yoh: "...Is that wheel getting...larger?"

*The Ferris Wheel is tipping...*

summer: shit! *creating a rock shield around them*

*The Ferris Wheel slams down, its power generator exploding in flames*

Yoh: *coughs*

katy: !!!! shit!

*a figure stands amidst the flames...the flames start turning green*

mandy: *aims her gun*

*the figure starts cackling, an orange light shining from his mouth...the orange light gets brighter...

katy: .....

*the light grows...then fires towards them*

katy: !!!!

mandy: GET DOWN!

*FWOOSH*

mandy: EEK!

*the green fire explodes around Katy and Mandy*

Pumpkin: *emerges from the fire, his glowing mouth curled into a sardonic grin*

mandy: Q~Q permission to pee myself?

katy: not on top of me!

Pumpkin: *chuckles* "There's nothing better than seeing a weak, powerless human where they belong: groveling at my feet."

mandy: Q~Q;;;

{????: please....dont kill me.... please! i didnt mean to...}

Pumpkin: *stares* "..." *shakes his head slightly, before the fire in his mouth charges up again, as he faces Mandy...*

Yoh: "Low bridge!" *sweeps a leg, snapping Pumpkin's femur in two*

Pumpkin: "?!" *stumbles, vomiting fire just in front of Mandy's feet*

mandy: EEEK!

Yoh: "Ha! For some weird demonic magic thing, you're pretty scrawny and feeble--"

*SWISH*

Yoh: *held by his limbs in fiery rings*

katy: !!

Pumpkin: "You are insufferable."

Yoh: "I get that. A lot."

Pumpkin: "And now you'll get to have your limbs torn off. Goodbye."

-SLASH-

*the fire is extinguished by a blade of sand*

Pumpkin: *along with his hand* "?!!! OH, COME ON!"

summer: ...

Pumpkin: "You know, I just regrew that one..."

Yoh: *falls to the ground* "UMPH! Hey, doc, could you have let me down more gently? I'm still bleeding."

summer: give it up before you get squashed.

Pumpkin: "Hmm..." *keeping some distance, walking around her* "Hmm, a terramancer? I didn't think they had you here."

summer: *keeping an eye on him*

Pumpkin: "They keep calling you 'doctor.' Why does someone created to heal engage in such violence? Anger problems, perhaps?"

summer: i never asked to be born with these abilities, but regardless, im just trying to do the right thing.

Pumpkin: "Is that why you keep letting dumb mistakes happen?" *sneers* "You couldn't even protect a child."

summer: *shaking*

Pumpkin: *chuckles* "That's what makes this world so fun, you know? Getting to see those brats get what they deserve..."

summer: shut up...

Pumpkin: "If you don't stop them before they learn obedience, they are unchecked little urchins, spreading harm. What they need is someone to guide them..." *holds out his good hand* "It's what they need, isn't it?"

summer: *trembling*

Pumpkin: "Come on. Join my team. I could use someone to patch up the young ones."

summer: how about you go to hell?

Pumpkin: *aims fire-breath* "Been there..." *exhales*

summer: *rock shield and charges at him*

Pumpkin: *twirls a hand, opening a portal*

-something steps out....a dark, mangled creature with a skull like face*

creature: *SCREAMING OUT*

Yoh: *staring frozen*

summer: what...what the hell is that?

Pumpkin: *smiles* "My child."

creature: *screams and charges*

-the scream is distorted and sounds almost like a young girl crying out in pain*

Yoh: "Shit! Look out!" *runs at the Creature*

Pumpkin: *smiles*

summer: *attacking the creature*

Yoh: *aims a kick at the creature's face*

creature: *SKREE*

Yoh: *tries to reach around the creature*

creature: *thrashing yoh*

Yoh: *sliced into his fresh wounds* *screams in pain before the Creature smashes his face into the ground*

creature: *clawing at him*

Yoh: *he's not moving...*

summer: *attacking the monster*

*Summer knocks the monster away from Yoh, but he's still not moving...*

creature: *lunges at summer*

Summer: "!!!" *forms rock gauntlets, shielding her face*

creature: *screeching*

Summer: *pushed back--until the gauntlets break, knocking her back* "UGH!" *crashes onto the ground*

creature: *growls*

Summer: "..." *lets out something between a cough and a laugh* "You don't back done, huh?" *climbs up again...*

mandy: *holding up her gun at the creature*

Pumpkin: *waits...*

creature: *flies up*

Summer: "?!!!" *forms a rock wall--then kicks it to knock it up to the sky*

-the creature is knocked into a castle display-

Summer: *glares at the spot where the Creature fell...turns to look at Pumpkin and the cops*

katy: ok, time to arrest this freak-

Pumpkin: *twirling a finger*

katy: ??

creature: *looks up at a princess doll* ..... *it starts screeching again, as if in pain*

Pumpkin: "I'm afraid I'm outside of your jurisdiction...We'll be departing."

-the creature flies out of the rubble and grabs lord pumpkin before flying off-

Pumpkin: *salutes...*

mandy: *fires a few more shots*

Summer: "!!! Oh, no, you don't--" *runs--then trips, collapsing* "Get back..."

Yoh: *still not moving...*

katy: shit! requesting back up!

-elsewhere-

*a glass jar falls in the kitchen*

Yohei: "??? Mana? What're you doing up?"

mana: !!! just...uneasy.

Yohei: "Sorry to hear...Better clean this up--GET, grab the big glass pieces first."

-elsewhere-

Duncan: *loud obnoxious sneezes*

genny: -_-#

Kanin: "Wow, that's quite a sternutation."

hibiki:...

Duncan: =n= *sniff* "It's not my fault--it's allergies. I'm allergic to gluten, shellfish, hairy caterpillars, hops--in fact, anything from the Cannabaeae family..."

hibiki: that's....weirdly specific.

genny: im allergic to gluten too, actually.

Kanin: "Ah--then you'd probably avoid Cannabaeae, since it includes hops as well as hemp, marijuana--"

hibiki: wait...

{Jonas: "??? Nah, still don't know any 'Sour Diesel.' I was straight edge in school--that's why I even avoided pain medicine."}

hibiki: 'sour diesel...'

Kanin: "..." *looks around* "No beer near us, so no hops--"

Duncan: "AH-CHOO!"

Kanin: "..." *picks up Duncan* "Hibiki, Genny, let's go."

genny: kanin?

hibiki:....axel and zeke still arent back yet...

Kanin: "We find them, I think we'll find out what really killed Jonas. And Duncan will lead us..." *holds Duncan by the shoulders, rotating...*

Duncan: *sneezes more in one direction, less in another*

-meanwhile-

Axel: Q_Q "Mom and Dad are going to kill us."

zeke: hey! come on let us out!

Guard: "Shut up! Just wait for the police to get here..."

zeke: =~=;

Axel: "We didn't do nothing wrong! And we're DWMA, so that makes us deputized or something!"

zeke: he's not listening...

Axel: "I know." TT~TT "Let's figure out an escape plan..." *sits on top of a box labeled 'SOUR'*

zeke: *sniffs* ugh, dude! at least say excuse me if you're gonna do that!

Axel: "??? That wasn't me--you did it!"

zeke: i would have heard it!

Axel: "Then you would've heard me doing it!" *shoves Zeke*

zeke: ack!

*Zeke knocks down a stack of boxes, their contents spilling out*

zeke: *coughing*

Axel: *sniffs* "Ugh...What is this stuff?" *picks up a wrapped package*

zeke: ugh, it smells awful!

Axel: "Yeah, like Asher's clothes used to...That was mean, sorry."

zeke: wait......*looks at the box*

*The box says "SOUL DIESEL"*

zeke:....shit.

Axel: "Big time...Why are they keeping marijuana here?"

zeke: didnt that gravure model mention sour diesel?

Axel: "Yeah...Like the kind she smelled in the boys' locker room...Someone else had this stuff, someone maybe at this baseball game!"

zeke: dude!

Axel: "The manager went to school with Jonas!"

zeke: DUDE!

Axel: "THE MANAGER PROBABLY THOUGHT JONAS WAS GOING TO SPILL!"

zeke: JONAS! WE FIGURED IT OUT!!

Axel: "Dude!" *bro hug*

zeke: DUUUUUDE!!

*CLICK*

zeke: owo;;

Boots: *aiming a gun at the two*

zeke: OwO *gulp*....c-can we get an autograph? ^^;;;;

Boots: "I heard you two know a dead man..."

zeke:......Pablo 'Deadman' Rivera?

Boots: "Jonas. A certain model spilled the means at a party."

zeke: oh no....

Boots: "Oh, yes..." *nods to security, who brings in Marilyn, tied and gagged*

marilyn: *muffled* <LET GO OF ME IM GOING TO BREAK YOUR FUCKING KNEECAPS YOU GREASY PILE OF DOG SHIT!!>

Axel: "How is this a good plan?! Everyone will know we went missing and find our corpses here!"

Boots: "Let's see--two brats talking about finding a dead body, which would be Marilyn here..."

marilyn: ?!?!?

Axel: "And what about us?! Why would we report finding a dead body?!"

Boots: *holds up a paper* "You killed her, and left behind a suicide note confessing your crime...All it needs is your writing." *hands it to Zeke*

zeke: NO WAY!

Boots: "I don't think you have much of a choice...Not if you want your classmates to live."

Axel: "Well, we're not alone! We got...um...Bro, who we got left?"

zeke: uhhh.... *looking up*

*humming is heard...*

guard: ???

*it sounds like...a school's fight song?*

???: ♪ Brave and bold, black and gold, we fight 'til we're old, 'cause we are the DWMA--hey! ♪

Boots: "?!!"

*Ghosts of athletes descend into the room*

marilyn: ?!?!?!

Boots: "WHAT THE HELL?!"

Athlete 1: "Hey, Jonas was right--it is Bootsy!"

Athlete 2: "You murderous son of a bitch..."

Athlete 3: "YOU OWE ME TWO BUCKS!"

cheerleader: go! fight! kill!

Axel: O_O; "Bro...Did you light up the diesel?"

zeke: where would i even get a lighter? -_-;

Axel: "I don't know--where did Jonas get ghosts?!"

Jonas: *pops up behind Zeke* "You would not believe the number of pissed off washed up athletes attracted to baseball stadiums..."

marilyn: <jonas?!>

Jonas: "Marilyn, hey! What brings you here? ...Why are you tied up?"

marilyn: -__- *stomps on the guard's foot*

Guard: "OW!" *lets go, bumping into Boots--*

Boots: *caught by a ghost* O_O;;; "Now, people, let's not do anything reckless..."

marilyn: *HEADBUTT*

Boots: "UMPH!"

Jonas: "Wait, is this what teamwork is like?"

Axel: "Kinda? Only it doesn't usually involve ghosts. Or pot?"

zeke:....if this is one of those 'moral of the day' stories. it's hella weird.

*the door is knocked down, revealing Kanin in werewolf form, holding up Duncan*

Duncan: *sneezing uncontrollably*

hibiki: axel, zeke!

zeke:.........i just remembered we're kunais. we could have gotten out of this cage easy.

Axel: "... ... Yeah, but...we were investigating. And not trying to escalate or something. Like...finding clues." *holds up the box at Duncan* "See? This was a clue!"

Duncan: *SNEEZES--blowing away the ghosts, freeing Boots*

Boots: "..." *grabs the gun, aims--*

lei-lei: *KICKS THE GUN*

Boots: "AH! Damn you!" *swings his fist--*

hibiki: *cutting marilyn's ropes*

Jonas: "Marilyn!" *floats over to her*

Ghosts: *still plastered against the wall...glaring at Duncan*

marilyn: *PUNCHES BOOTS SMACK IN THE FACE*

Boots: DX *collapses*

Jonas: "..."

marilyn: YOU PILE OF SHIT! IM GOING TO FUCKING CASTRATE YOU AND SHOVE YOUR COCK SO FAR UP YOUR ASS YOU'LL BE COUGHING UP YOUR OWN JIZZ FOR MONTHS!!

Jonas: .\\\\.

zeke:......yo.

Kanin: "...Ma'am? He's unconscious."

marilyn: im sure he'll hear me in his nightmares.

Jonas: "Marilyn...Um...I'm sorry that this happened..."

-morning-

Asher: *walking* "..."

izumi: the ballgame yesterday was fun, wasnt it?

Asher: "What I remember of it...I couldn't follow what the others were saying."

izumi: ....i think that's the same stadium where that robot tournament was....

Asher: "???"

izumi: did i tell you how my mom and dad met? well, i kind of met him first. do you remember whe-

Asher: "Wait, what? Robots, meeting your dad first..."

-izumi explains what all happened-

Asher: "...That was fucking dangerous."

izumi: yeah...but im glad it happened....

Asher: "...Okay. I think I get it now."

izumi: if it werent for him, i probably wouldnt have met you...

Asher: >_>; "Yeah...About that..."

izumi: ???

Asher: "...You both have a nasty habit of trying to save people..."

izumi: ????

Asher: "...It really pissed me off a lot. And I don't think I thanked either of you for that."

izumi: asher.....

Asher: "I held a lot of animosity at you and Spirit, and Hibiki...and at myself, because I didn't ask you to get involved. So, I'm sorry for that."

izumi:.....apology accepted.

Asher: "..." *nods* "Just be more careful, Mother Theresa--a weapon's supposed to pull some of their weight around in this partnership."

lei-lei: hey guys~! *waving to them*

Asher: "Um...Hey?"

Axel: *rambling to nearby students--* "And then we were like, 'Oh, no, we're gonna die!'"

zeke: *waves*

Asher: "Hey...So, what happened to the ghost?"

zeke: axel, marilyn and i saw him off...

Axel: "..." *nods*

izumi: im glad he found peace...

Axel: "And that evil manager's under arrest, so bonus."

genny: so, now what?

hibiki: back to the usual i guess.

Duncan: "Thank goodness--if I saw one more ghost, I'd scream--" *opens a door*

Jonas: *seated in the classroom--with the other athlete ghosts*

izumi: um.... ._.

Kanin: "..." *hands Duncan a pillow*

Duncan: "Thank you." *SCREAMS*

Axel: "What the H are y'all doing back?!"

zeke: there was a heartfelt goodbye and everything!

Jonas: "I know, but then we all remembered something..."

All Ghosts: "We never finished our make-up exam!"

Asher: "... ... ..." *takes their phone* "I'm calling a fucking exorcist."

-mass face fault-

Sid: "Back in my day, when people died, they just stayed dead..."

cheerleader: WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE?

nygus: *sweatdrop*

Sid: "A witch stabbed me with the Statue of Liberty. I think that deserves a do-over."

hibiki:.....anyways....

-elsewhere-

marilyn: unbelievable...*packing some stuff*

Office Manager: "For someone who just survived a murder scheme, you seem extra moody."

marilyn: well my stupid bitch of a cousin just got herself arrested _and_ in the hospital so now i have to take care of her dog. -_-#

Manager: "What about that photoshoot for DC Sporting Apparel?"

marilyn: just tell tiffani to do it!

Tiffani: *small gasp* "I get to be in a big city photo shoot?!"

marilyn: yes, yes, now get to it!

Tiffani: >w< "THANK YOU!" *hug*

-elsewhere-

Mitsy: *eye bandaged, arms in casts, foot in a sling...and can't reach the TV remote* "..." *grunts, trying to reach*

summer: you should be grateful i even went back for you.

Mitsy: "...Yes, I'm sooooooooo grateful that you pulled me away from that CRAZY INSANE IMBRED MONGREL! Did you see what he did to me?!"

-meanwhile-

leah: mommy! *hugs her mom*

Leah's Mother: TT~TT *hug* "My baby...Thank God!"

old woman: Michael, sweetie, you cant go givin your nana a scare like that!

michael: *hair quirk boy* ^^;

Timmy: *sitting by himself* "..."

timmy's mother: timmy! you're ok, i thought i would never see you again!

mandy: *to the nurse* any luck finding xavier's family?

Timmy: "..." *shaking* "I-I-I can see it..."

timmy's mom: it's ok...*hugging him* mommy's here now.

Nurse: "I'm afraid not. And honestly, given how he's acting, not sure his family would want him back..."

Timmy: "...Mom...You shouldn't have yelled at Dad last night."

timmy's mother:....i know...i was just....i was scared....we both were...

Timmy: "...No, I don't want to get ice cream."

timmy's mother: ??

Timmy: "You were thinking 'Let's get him ice cream, maybe that'll cheer him up.' ..."

timmy's mother: !!

Xavier: *sniffing Timmy's Mother* "I want ice cream."

timmy's mother: oh my!

Xavier: "..." *nudges for a head pet*

nurse: aha! found it! he's in the foster care system!

Timmy: "This is Xavier. He's now a beast."

-elsewhere-

sonia: *sitting on the couch, watching TV*

Chuuya: "Sonia, which fruit would you like?"

sonia: banana.

Chuuya: "You got it..." *sets down waffles, peels a banana* "Miyuri, which fruit?"

miyuri: watermelon! ^w^

Chuuya: "Okay..." *pulls some slices out of the fridge...* "Could you grab the spoons?"

-news seems to be on showing LA-

Chuuya: "Sonia, you'll need to turn that off soon..." *walks into the living room--then looks at the TV*

-seems they are interviewing.....may?-

Chuuya: *was drying a plate--and, upon looking at the TV, drops it*

sonia: !! papa?

Chuuya: *gets up to the TV, looking for more information on the screen*

miyuri: ~??

Chuuya: *takes the remote, turning up the volume*

Interviewer: "Why are you coming forward now?"

may: well, with the pump MIA, and the kids out of harm, i may as well make up for past sins now...

Interviewer: "Are you worried about this 'Pump' seeking retribution?"

may:...i'd be lying if i said i wasnt.

Interviewer: "This all sounds a bit unbelievable. What do you say to viewers who doubt what you're saying about Quirk biochemistry and magic creatures?"

may: they're not as uncommon as you'd think, honestly.

Interviewer: "What will you do now?"

may: im not sure....it's likely i'll serve a prison sentence.

Chuuya: *staring*

sonia: ....

Chuuya: "...Goddamn it..."

sonia: papa?

Chuuya: "...Sorry. Go...have breakfast."

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *playing nekoatsume in her box fort*

Takehisa: *outside the fort* "Tamaki, breakfast." *sets out a plate*

tamaki:...*nom*

Takehisa: "At least your appetite has returned somewhat."

tamaki: *nod*

Takehisa: "Care for anything to drink?"

-elsewhere-

summer:....*sigh* what a night....

*inside looks to be a pretty officious person--whose Quirk is a silkie chicken's head*

summer: officer...

Officer: "Why don't you have a seat, Doctor Smith. That is your name, right--" *reads a file* " 'Summer Cassandra Smith. Quirk: Earth.' Or do you go by 'Rock Giant'?"

summer: depends. though earth titan does sound cool, not going to lie.

Officer: "Maybe you should've updated your QR [Quirk Registration]--seems you had quite a power boost. You doping on that Trigger drug that's been around?"

summer: of course not!

Officer: "I'm no biochemist--but a Quirk mutation like yours just ain't natural. Why did you keep that a secret from us, Doctor?"

summer:......

-two years ago...-

{*sand is all over the bed...*}

{summer: gnnnh...huh? what....where....was i?}

{*creeeeeeeeeeeeek...CRASH*}

{summer: ?!?!?}

{*the bed collapses under her weight*}

{???: *knocking at the door* "Yo, roomie--we got hospital rounds in 20. What're you doing in there?"}

{summer: o-ow...wha...what the hell...?}

{Roommate: *hits Summer* "MONSTER! WHAT'D YOU DO WITH SUMMER?!" >~< ))

{*a mirror knocks over*}

{summer: OW! i _AM_ summer, asshat!}

{Roommate: "How the hell can you be Summer?! She doesn't look like this!" *picks up the mirror*}

{summer: !?!?!? *SCREAMS*}

Officer: "A second-stage mutation...Fascinating." *tosses a newspaper in front of her, showing her chasing In and Out at the boardwalk* "And so you become a vigilante."

summer:.... <-<;;

Officer: "How does it feel being a lawbreaker?" *reaches into their jacket...*

summer: am i going to prison, now?

Officer: *holds up a form, labeled 'Pro Hero Registration'*

summer: ??

Officer: "If you want to avoid jail time, you try out for your license. The next test is in a few months."

-elsewhere-

Pumpkin: *watching the sun rise* "..."

-seems he's hiding in an abandoned church?-

Pumpkin: "..." *looks up at the church bells* "I suppose it's time to wake her up..."

Pumpkin: *climbs up the stairs*

-the creature is asleep in the belltower-

{???: please! i didnt mean to! please....please dont kill me, please! i'll do whatever you want, just spare my life!}

{Pumpkin: "Kill? Whoever said I intended to kill..."}

{-the princess looks up at him, tears of dread in her eyes-}

{Pumpkin: "I want to keep an eye on you forever...so I can see you beg for something as peaceful as death..." *rests a hand on the Princess's cheek*}

{princess: ah-.... !!!! *recoils in pain*}

{Pumpkin: *steps back* "If it's any consolation...I take no pleasure in my retribution."}

{-the girl screams out in agony as her body contorts, her feet twisting into cloven hooves. black, matted fur forming along her skin. her face stretching out as the skin tears away, revealing a horned deer's skull with blood red pupils and torn bat wings-}

???: "Get up."

creature: *growls as it rises up, weakly*

Pumpkin: "...Let's see..." *passes a hand along the creature's fur, looking for injuries*

creature: *snaps at him, snarling*

Pumpkin: *pulls back a hand* "You think you have problems? I just lost my syndicate because of those twits."

creature: .......

Pumpkin: "This is only a setback, of course. I have time. After all, all avenues lead to overcoming Death."

-elsewhere-

"Zack": *flipping through channels* "Pretty good antenna you set up..."

Tech: "Naturally."

riko: ...

*one channel has an interview...*

riko: ?? !!!!

Interviewer: "And so, a collaborator with a criminal awaits her court date."

hachi: is...is that may?!

Zack": "Holy shit--did she burn down that carnival back there?"

girl: she doesnt seem to be the kind to do something like that, but you never know...

Tech: *looking through social media* "Pumpkin monster, Quirk monsters...Jeez."

-elsewhere-

Yoh: *passed out in a hospital bed...then lets out a snort* ("Ugh...I feel like a boulder is on my lungs...") *struggles to open his eyes*

omar: i think he's waking up...

Yoh: "... ... ...Hi. Who are you?"

omar: my name's omar, and this is molly, and-

Timmy: *staring*

Xavier: *sitting on all fours on top of Yoh's chest*

Yoh: ._.; "Um...Were you all at the carnival?"

molly: most of them were.

Yoh: "Great. Well, I--OUCH!" >~< "My ribs..."

nurse: please dont sit on him, his ribs are injured enough!

Nurse 2: *picks up Xavier like a puppy*

Xavier: >3<

Yoh: *sighs* "Th-thanks, nurse--you're a beautiful savior."

nurse: ^^;;

Timmy: "..." *smacks Yoh in the head with the tissue box*

-elsewhere-

In: *looking at a road map*

out: where to?

In: "Anywhere but here--probably outside of the state to avoid local charges...How you feeling about Oregon?"

out: sounds good.

In: "...We got enough cash for one tank of gas...You know what we'll have to do." *looks at a diner*

out: *takes out a pistol*

In: *pulls on a mouth mask...then a pair of sunglasses* "Let's do this."

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Well, now that the ghost murder case is behind us, we have our next assignment..." *hands out...cookbooks*

lei-lei: oooh!

Asher: "...What?"

Axel: "Oh, no, please tell us we're not having to hunt some demon chefs or something."

Rin: *walking by--and sneezes*

Saria: "Hibiki didn't tell you? There's a summer festival, and the first years have to make some of the dishes!"

izumi: oh wow! that sounds like fun!

Kanin: *nods* "We can design a variety of recipes--"

Saria: "--with cute little Lord Death cupcakes--"

genny: is there a theme?

Saria: "... ... ..." *deflated* "No, we're supposed to think of one--and my brain is empty." TT~TT

lukas: why dont we do a raffle for it? we each write down a theme and then pick it from a hat.

Duncan: "That's stupid. What we should do is write down a theme and pick them out of a hat."

Monica: "... ... ..."

yolanda: im beginning to wonder if he's hard of hearing...

Yafeu: "WE'VE JUST LEARNED TO IGNORE HIS BUFFOONERY." *already writing a theme--* "WHICH OF Y'ALL HAS A HAT FOR US TO DROP OUR THEMES INTO?! GIVE IT UP!"

-elsewhere-

Anya: "Zzz..."

tsugumi: anya....*nudge*

Anya: "Nngh...Missing my flight..."

ao: on the contrary, we're landing now.

Anya: *eyes open* "Wh-What?" *looks out the window* "..." *gets quiet*

mio: zzzzz.....

Meme: "Oh, wow--it looks so old-fashion!"

Anya: -___-# "It's called 'scenic.'"

Flight Attendant: *to Tsugumi* <Ma'am, are you finished with your beverage?>

tsugumi: um.... *looks at her phrasebook* <yes ham>

Anya: "PFFT!" *covers her mouth*

Flight Attendant: OwO; <Hee hee...Um, you're welcome?>

tsugumi: ???

Anya: "Y-You--ha ha--said 'Yes, ham'!"

tsugumi: um i-i meant <the bee's royal bonnet is fresh and mysterious>!

Anya: "HA HA HA HA!"

tsugumi: D8> ?????

Flight Attendant: O_O; ("Is this a threat? A code? Should I alert the pilot?")

Meme: <Please forgive my friend--she hasn't picked up the language yet while we're traveling with the Princess as her entourage.> *smiles*

tsugumi: TTwTT;;

Flight Attendant: <Oh, okay then--PRINCESS?!>

Anya: <Since when did _you_ pick up the language?!>

Meme: *shrugs*

mio: zzz....

Anya: "And ix-nay on the incess-pray!"

Meme: "What language is that?"

Anya: "GRRRR!"

-elsewhere-

Denki: "Man, I am getting anxious--the summer camp is going to be lit!"

ochako: heck yeah! nature walks, ghost stories and SMORES!!

Iida: "...'Some mores'?"

Todoroki: "...Is it a bug bite infection?"

jirou: you never heard of s'mores?

mina: *GASP* THEY'RE ONLY LIKE, A SUMMER STAPLE!

Todoroki: "...They are an emergency food supply while camping?"

momo: well, a 'smore' typically consists of two graham crackers, a bit of chocolate and a toasted marshmallow.

Iida: "Hmm...Sounds rather fatty...And gooey."

mina: it's also super tasty!

Todoroki: "Huh...No, never had one."

mina: NAAAAAANIIIII?!

Todoroki: "?!!!! It-It just never came up..."

ochako: well we'll just have to fix that then, wont we?

Todoroki: "...Okay?"

Iida: *already updating the shopping list*

-elsewhere-

Meme: "Oooooo! Such a pretty building!"

tsugumi: this is your _house_?!

Anya: >_>; "...Yes?"

Meme: "Maybe 'castle' would be more accurate?"

mio: big....

*the large doors begin to open*

*there's an entire battalion of maids, chauffeurs, cooks, and butlers*

mio: ._.;;

maid: <WELCOME HOME!!>

Anya: <H-Hello, Bentina. You're looking well...>

maid 2: <are these your friends?>

Anya: <Um...Classmates and weapon?>

maid 3: <so good to meet you all!>

Meme: <Likewise, ma'am!>

-elsewhere-

Dazai: *looking around the corner* "Okay, target spotted. Now, remember the plan?"

atsushi: *nods*

Dazai: "Good...There! He's walking up to that apartment..."

atsushi: *following*

Dazai: *looks up the stairs--then holds an arm out, stopping Atsushi* "Ah...So that's how it is." *smirks*

*a woman steps out of the apartment with a child*

atsushi: ?? isnt that-

Kunikida: *nods to the woman* "Ready?"

???: *nods*

child: *stares at the ground*

Kunikida: "???" *looking at the child* "I think you'll like it--it has chicken fingers."

Dazai: "Hohoho~ How scandalous...No wonder he's been keeping this a secret."

atsushi: dont they look kind of similar, though?

Dazai: "Atsushi, for someone with tiger eyes, you're missing key details--"

Kunikida: O_O#

atsushi: O-O;;

child: !!!

Dazai: "Right, see? If you just opened your eyes more widely, you'd be able to see--" *looks behind him* OwO; "Oh, shit."

woman: doppo, do you know these people?

Kunikida: -_-# "Unfortunately. These are--"

Dazai: *takes the woman's hand* "Hello~ I am the most valuable person in Doppo's life."

woman: e-eh? ._.;

child: ...hah?

Kunikida: O________O#

Dazai: "You see, he is my fiance."

atsushi: ^-^;; w-we're his coworkers! f-from the- WHAT?!

woman: EH?! DOPPO WHY DIDNT YOU TELL ME?!

Kunikida: *--then lifts Dazai up--and slams him into the sidewalk*

atsushi: D8

Kunikida: -_-# "This flatten troll is my coworker. The timid child behind him is one of my proteges at work."

atsushi: im 19, but yeah. ^^; nice to meet you, ma'am.

child:....*kicks dazai in the crotch*

Dazai: "OUCH-WOO-HOO-HOO..." X~X

woman: sweetie, that's not very polite.

child: he seems sketchy...

Kunikida: "Good instincts, Saila." *sighs* "Atsushi, this is my sister, Yoko."

atsushi: oh! that makes sense.

saila: *staaaaaaaaaare*

Kunikida: "Yes, they are."

Dazai: *already back on his feet, leaning towards Yoko* "So, I bet you have a lot of embarrassing stories about your big bro~"

yoko: ^^; actually, he's my _little_ brother.

Dazai: "No! Really? But you look so young. I guess that's to be expected--Doppo is such a hard worker and carries himself in such a mature fashion. He really is the glue that holds our workplace together."

Kunikida: -______-

yoko: well im glad you hold him in such high regard. *smiles*

Dazai: "We all do. He's being groomed to lead our organization in the future. Let's talk about it further over dinner--"

Kunikida: "You're not invited."

yoko: now doppo, dont you think you're being a bit unfair?

Kunikida: "You don't know him like I--"

Dazai: "No, no, I understand--" *grabs Atsushi, holding him up* "After all, it's not like this poor boy hasn't been starving for a meal while working so hard to finish Doppo's research for him while he's been out of the office all day."

atsushi: -___-;; please dont drag me into whatever you're doing here.

Dazai: *whispers* "Don't you want a free meal?"

-elsewhere-

Anya: *being dressed by maids* "..."

Meme: <Is it really okay to borrow these clothes?> *in a fancy dress*

mio: *having her hair done up* =~=;;

maid: *struggling with mio's hair*

Maid: "Oh, the collar on this one is lovely on you." *adjusts Ao's collar*

ao: fufu, <why thank you~> ^^

tsugumi: ow! >~< t-tight!

Anya: >_>; <Is all of this really necessary...>

Maid: <You do not wish to disappoint your parents, do you?>

Anya: "..."

tsugumi: (i had no idea being a princess was so exhausting!)

maid: *has ajusted mio's hair into a bun....but the tie breaks and her hair just gets loose* grrrr! that's it! *her fingers turn into scissors and she cut's mio hair short*

mio: 0_o ?!?! HEY!

Meme: D8>

maid 2: calpurnia!!

calpurnia: s-sorry... i just got frustrated.

Anya: <At least ask someone before you just cut their hair!>

Meme: "Mio..."

mio: *looks in the mirror* actually, it doesnt look all that bad.

Meme: ^^; "Y-Yes, it does..."

calpurnia: *snipsnipsnip*

mio: wow! i barely recognize myself! thanks!

maid 2: *sweatdrop*

tsugumi: wow, so you're a weapon too?

maid 3: oh yes. we have lots of weapons employed here. why, before the princess was born, we had a maid who was a guillotine!

Meme: "Huh. That's not very common--although, we have one of those in Death City."

maid 3: the death scythe, justin law, yes?

Meme: *nods*

ao: i wonder if perhaps there is a relation of sorts?

Anya: *swallows*

maid 3: perhaps, but sadly she isnt around to ask. she left shortly around the time the king married anya's mother after the previous queen passed away.

Meme: "??? Previous?"

maid 3: oh yes. she was quite ill and died. oh the poor king was so devastated by it. but soon the new queen came and they have been quite happy, and soon our little anastasia was born~ ^^

Anya: -~-;

mio: ...... *lightbulb* dude. DUUUUUUUUUUUUDE.

Meme: "Eh?"

tsugumi: mio?

mio: um.....can we get a moment to ourselves, please?

Maid: *looks around* "Okay, but dinner will be served soon." *exits with the others*

tsugumi: you ok?

mio: anya...what do you think of justin law?

Anya: "??? Huh? Well, initial interactions with him were...disturbing."

{Anya: "I can't believe you got us lost down here!"}

{Meme: Q_Q; "It's not my fault--I just couldn't remember which way to go! Tsugumi, let's go left."}

{*it sounds like a quiet thumping sound behind them...*}

{tsugumi: wait....do you guys hear that?}

{Anya: "..." *gulps*}

{Meme: *looks behind*}

{???: *grin* "Are you girls lost?"}

{-SCREEEEEEEEAM-}

tsugumi: turns out, he actually wasnt all that bad. ^^;

mio: yeah yeah, but im asking anya her opinion here. -A-;

Anya: -_-# "Well, despite that unsettling early encounter, I suppose he is friendly enough, maybe a little too serious for his own good, but the girl he's been watching over seems to find him tolerable..." >_>;

mio: ok....not, i dont want you to freak out too much, but....im thinking...maybe..just maybe....you two might be brother and sister.

Meme: "..." O_O

Anya: "...Ha. Ha ha. Ha ha ha. No, no, that's just...ridiculous."

tsugumi: now that you mention it, they do look similar...

Meme: "Especially when they're both frowning."

Anya: *puffed out cheeks, looking irritated*

Meme: *points* "Yeah, like that."

ao: ohoho~ how scandalous~

tsugumi: aochi!

Anya: *growls* "Why did you have to bring up something like this before dinner with my parents?!"

mio:... s-sorry. i just put two and two together, and....nevermind...

Anya: >\\\\< *storms out*

Meme: "..." *pats Mio's back*

mio:....dammit! i fucked up, didnt i?

Meme: "I wouldn't say that...But what's done is done now."

mio:...*sigh* she probably hates me now...

tsugumi: to be fair, what you said was a pretty intense accusation. she probably needs some time to think things through.

Meme: *nods* "And she tends to get easily riled up--just give her time."

mio: *sigh* ok. and if she wants, she can punch me right in the face.

Meme: ^^; "Maybe in a duel back at the Academy--I don't think her majesty would try that in her kingdom."

-elsewhere-

*in a therapist's office*

Receptionist: "Tamaki Kotatsu?"

tamaki: *awkwardly raises her hand*

nozomi: here!

Receptionist: "Ah, will you be accompanying Miss Kotatsu, ma'am?" *leads them to the doctor's room*

nozomi: *nods*

tamaki: nozomi, you dont have to do this if you dont want-

nozomi: it's ok, tamaki. we're friends, arent we?

tamaki:....*small smile*

*the door opens*

Xinyi: "??? Tamaki? Hello, I'm Xinyi."

tamaki: *nods*

Xinyi: *shakes Nozomi's hand* "And you are?"

nozomi: nozomi harada, tamaki's friend.

Xinyi: "Ah. Are you also in the 8th?"

nozomi: *nods*

Xinyi: "Well, this is an initial meeting, so let's take things easily. I'd like to get to know a bit about you. How does that sound?'

tamaki: ok...

Xinyi: *nods* "How has today been? What have you been up to?"

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: -_-; "At least chew quietly, Atsushi..."

atsushi: sorry.

saila: *NOMNOMNOMNOMNOM*

Dazai: "You aren't criticizing your niece, though."

saila: *GROWLS*

Dazai: O_O; "Jeez, I can see the resemblance."

Kunikida: *making the same expression as Saila*

yoko: ^^; so, you say you're detectives?

Dazai: "Indeed. We take all kinds of cases--theft, kidnapping, missing persons, blackmail, murder--"

atsushi: um, is this really something to ask in front of a little kid?

Kunikida: "While I'm inclined to agree, Saila has heard about some of this just from the news."

yoko: i've tried to shield her from the worst of it, but you know how kids can be sometimes…

Dazai: "Always getting into trouble, little missy?"

saila: dont talk to me, evil bandage man.

Dazai: OwO; "...Jeez, what is it with kids calling me that?"

Kunikida: "Children do not like you and refer to the numerous bandages over your suicidal corpse-like body that continues shambling around like a zombie that refuses to die."

atsushi:.....*clap* so! who wants dessert? ^^;;;

Dazai: TTwTT "I do. Something with chocolate, please."

-elsewhere-

King Yngling: *led into the dining hall*

queen yngling: are you nervous?

King: "..." *nods*

queen yngling: im sure everything will be fine.

King: "Let us hope..." *looks through the doors--and stops mid-step*

queen yngling: ??

*The young women have lined up*

mio: <-<;

ao: it's a pleasure to finally meet you. *bows*

Meme: "!!!" *bows as well*

Anya: *wringing her hands, even as she tries to look calm*

tsugumi: *nods*

King: "...Anastasia."

Anya: *gulp*

queen: welcome home, dear.

Anya: "Th-Thank you." *slight nod* "Y-You're looking...well."

-elsewhere-

Hyde: *at the counter* "Yeah, cat ears on a motorcycle helmet. Wild, right?"

kyouko: hey, im here.

Ragnarok: *groans* "Kill me now, I was waiting forever--this guy is sooooooooo boring." *long sip on a Slurpree next to a sign: "No free food for employees"*

kyouko: *growls*

Hyde: -_-# "I already filed a report with the boss to deduct it from his paycheck."

Ragnarok: "OH YEAH! THEN I MIGHT AS WELL RETURN IT!" *moves to throw the Slurpee at Hyde's head--*

kyouko: *grabs ragnarok by the neck and pours the slurpee into his mouth* you may as well FINISH IT!

Ragnarok: @o@ "GLUB GLUB GLUUUUUU!"

Hyde: "..." *snaps a pic*

Ragnarok: *groaning with his tongue numb* "BWAYHN FWEEZE!"

kyouko: well you should have thought of that earlier. -_-#

Hyde: "So, I was saying that I heard the soda and juice delivery was disrupted by a motorcycle on the road."

kyouko: oh?

Hyde: "Left a real mess, too--we lost a crate of that new All 'Might'-amin C sports drink." *pats a case on the counter* "I saved it for those two weirdos that pass by here."

kyouko: jeez. and the driver?

Hyde: "...What do I care? For once, it wasn't a part-time job I was doing that got screwed up by shenanigans."

kyouko: well what if they got seriously hurt, huh?

Hyde: "They're probably fine. I saw some driver pull over and drag them in. Granted, that driver was kind of erratic. And almost hit the cat-ear motorcyclist. And went over the bypass."

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "That was a good establishment for a meal. Would have been better if some people paid their share of the meal..."

Dazai: >w>;

atsushi: *carrying saila* it was nice meeting you, ma'am.

saila: zzz....

yoko: likewise. *smiles*

Kunikida: "...I'm sorry again that this did not turn out as expected."

yoko: it's fine.

Dazai: "We'll be sure to make it up to you next time~" *shakes her hand*

atsushi: *hands saila back over to yoko*

saila: =~= mmn...

Kunikida: *whispers* "We'll head out so she can get to bed..." *nods*

-elsewhere-

Xinyi: "It was good to speak with you, and I'll see you next week. Be well to yourself, okay?"

tamaki: yes, thank you.

nozomi: ^^ say, why dont we get some ice cream?

tamaki: yeah, i am pretty hungry.

-elsewhere-

Waiters: *bringing out the food*

tsugumi: *shiny eyes* wooow! fancy!

Meme: "...How many sauces are there? Is this IHOP? This is IHOP, right?"

Anya: =~=;

King: "It's quite a selection, isn't it? Frederic put in effort to make Anastasia's favorite meal..."

mio: .~.

Anya: "!!! Y-You m-m-mean..."

*a dish is set out: Iberico ham with white truffles--price tag: $333,700*

tsugumi: holy......moly.....

mio: *JAWDROP*

Meme: "??? Your favorite dish is ham and grits?"

Anya: *frowns* "It's Iberico ham with white truff--"

King: "Ha!"

queen: ^^;

Anya: .\\\\. *gulps* "Th-Thank you for the meal." *nom*

King: *looks at Tsugumi* "Thank you for keeping an eye on our daughter, especially during that witch affair."

tsugumi: o-of course sir- I MEAN YOUR HIGHNESS! ^^;;;;

King: " 'Charles' is fine, um...Sue-goo-mee, yes?"

tsugumi: a-are you sure, sir? and yes, it's Tsugumi. ^^;

King: "I insist--it would be an awkward discussion to keep hearing 'King' this, 'Queen' that, 'Princess' over there."

Anya: =_=; "Father."

ao: i must say, the food is quite exquisite.

Meme: "This is the most flavorful food I have ever eaten..." *cutting into quail*

-elsewhere-

sonia: papa...are you sure you're alright?

Chuuya: "S-Sure, yeah..."

sonia:.....

Chuuya: "I'm sorry, just a lot on my mind."

sonia:....would you like to talk about it?

Chuuya: "Oh, um...Just thinking about your mother."

sonia:.....*hug*

Chuuya: *pat pat*

sonia:.....that's not the only thing bothering you right now, is it?

Chuuya: "...Do you remember that woman we saw on the news?"

sonia:..*nod*

Chuuya: "I think she was someone we knew long ago."

sonia:....

Chuuya: "I lost track of her after leaving the Sheep...and now she's suddenly on TV."

-elsewhere-

*it sounds like something clicking in the girls' dormitory*

EF: ??

*something runs on all fours in the shadows of the hall*

EF: ??? *follows*

Karl: "EEP!"

EF: AH! RACCOON!

rowena: *opens the door*

Karl: *hides behind Rowena*

rowena: oh! karl! what are you doing here? is edgar with you?

Karl: *shakes his head*

rowena: do you know where he might be?

-a shrill scream is heard from the foyer-

EF: !!! *runs to see*

misery: *smacking poe with a broom*

Poe: "OW! WHERE AM--OW!"

misery: WHO SENT YOU?!

rowena: miss misery stop! that's my brother!!

misery: oh, is he now?

Poe: "Rowena?! What is going on?! Why am I not in bed?!!"

rowena: are you alright??

Poe: Q__Q "I don't know--What is happening?! How did I get here?!" *his feet look to be covered in mud*

-elsewhere-

nozomi: how is it?

tamaki: delicious....*nom*

*the city square is getting a bit busier as the evening starts...there are families with kids running around*

tamaki: *watches out the window*

*one kid cups her hands together--and produces a blue light, showing it to the others*

-some of the other kids gather in awe-

Girl: "Mama isn't sure what's causing it."

girl 2: it's so pretty!

Girl: ^^; "Auntie nearly fainted, though."

tamaki: ....

Boy: *picking his nose, looking up at Tamaki and Nozomi in the window* "...They're staring."

tamaki: *looks back down at her food, sheepishly*

nozomi: ^^;

-elsewhere-

Asher: *sitting on the porch* "..."

sachiko: you coming in? we're making paella tonight.

Asher: *looking at the sky* "Wh-What? Oh, sorry--was...just looking."

sachiko:...anything on your mind?

Asher: "S-Sorry, everything's fine..." *inches back*

sachiko: well, dinner's just about ready.

Asher: "...Sorry." *gets up to walk inside*

sachiko: hey, you dont have to apologize for anything. *smiles*

Asher: "O-Okay..." *looks down, walks--and hits the glass door*

sachiko: woah, careful there!

Asher: "S-Sorry--not used to glass doors...Um..." *walks around it, pulling their hoodie over their face*

cassidy: *helping spirit cook*

Spirit: "Now, stir in the broth...Slowly."

-elsewhere-

Kazue: "..." *looks down from a rooftop at people congregating in a park*

*looks like a couple strolling by*

girl: ^^

Couple 2: *smiles* "I had a really good time..."

*it looks like someone is following through the bushes*

girl: me too. im so glad we met. ^///^

Couple 2: "Same...It's like destiny..." *leans in*

Person Hiding: *watching...reaches into their pocket*

girl: it's the will of our lord....*reaching into her bag*

Person Hiding: ("Oh, God, it's fundies--this is going to be even better...") *pulls out a gun--*

Couple 2: "Indeed." *turns to look at the bushes--and points*

Person Hiding: "?!"

Kazue: "..."

girl: for our lord's sake....*takes out a knife* we'll end your life!!

Person Hiding: "Shit!" *aims, pulls the trigger--*

girl: *lunges*

Person Hiding: *SCREAMING*

*SHIK*

*a ninja star lands*

girl: *screams as she holds her injured hand, dropping the knife* ?!

*an arrow with a rope attached lodges into a tree--before Kazue slides down on a bow, landing near the couple*

Kazue: *stares*

girl: who are you?!

Kazue: *pulls out a katana and wakizashi--and swings at the girl*

girl: *lunges at them*

Kazue: *dodges--*

*SWING*

*something long, fleshy, and stretchy smacks Kazue in the face*

Kazue: "URK!" *knocked into the tree with a loud CRUNCH*

Couple 2: *pulls back their stretched-out flesh* "Hmph."

Person Hiding: "SHIT!" *tries to run*

girl: hehehe... *throws the knife at their ankle*

*direct hit*

Person Hiding: *screams, the knife pinning their leg into the ground*

-elsewhere-

*underneath Death City is a dusty room...Old ofuda is tattered...There are sliced chains along the ground...The ceiling looks like it was patched, as if something had launched out of this room...*

???: *inhales* "So...This is where Lord was sealed."

lena: ......

Gas Mask Doctor: "This should prove nicely for our uses..." *strokes one of the pillars, shuddering*

-he seems to have a brief memory of a young woman dressed as a witch?-

{Gas Doc: *stares*}

lena: doctor?

Gas Doc: *pulls back his hand* "Onto the next phase..." *pulls out a drill*

-elsewhere-

Kid: *shudders under bedsheets* "N-No..."

stocking: hnn? kid?

Kid: *shaking, whimpering*

stocking:...*holds him*

Kid: *sniffle*

stocking: *kiss*

Kid: "St-Stocking..." *holds onto her*

stocking: im here....

Kid: "I-I felt it again...The madness."

stocking:.....should we tell your dad?

Kid: *nods* "I think we sh--"

*a baby crying is heard*

stocking: *gets up*

Shiori: *crying*

lord death: there there, sweetie. daddy's here...

Kid: "F-Father..."

lord death: kid, you're up as well?

Kid: "There's something wrong...Madness."

lord death: ....

Kid: "Something is here again...After Tombstone, it may be the same group."

-elsewhere-

mio:.....

Anya: *grumbling* "So embarrassing--the spy stories, the baby photos, even the 'baby Anya' doll. Father, why are you like this..."

mio: *ahem*

Anya: "EEP!" *turns around* "I-I wasn't monologuing!" >_<#

mio: so.....how are things?

Anya: -_-# "Annoying." *crosses her arms* "You enjoy hearing Mother bring up 'The Toothy Song'?"

mio: i didnt hear.....listen, i-

Anya: "Haven't you said enough?"

mio: IM SORRY, OK?!

Anya: "OH, NOW YOU'RE SORRY?! AFTER YOU SAID SOMETHING THAT AWFUL?!!"

mio: i know! i said something stupid and probably hurt your feelings a-and i have no excuse for what i did.

Anya: "You're right, you had no excuse!" >3<

mio: you probably hate me now, dont you? well you have every right to, after what i said. i wasnt thinking and im just a complete dumbass...*wipes her eyes*

Anya: "... ... ..." *groans--hug*

mio: ?!?!

Anya: "You're not a complete dumbass..." >_>;

mio: .....

Anya: "...Look, there have been all sorts of nasty rumors circulating around this family for generations."

mio:.....

Anya: "I-I don't know what I'd do if this was something Father did."

mio:......

???: if what was something your father did?

Anya: O_O "EEP!" *turns*

kathleen: *she seems concerned*

Anya: "...Mother...I am scared to ask."

kathleen:.....come inside girls. anastasia, im sure your father will want to discuss this with you in private.

Anya: "I don't know as much as I should about Father's previous wife."

kathleen: *sad smile* so you've figured that out, have you?

Anya: "I'm not sure what I have figured out--especially as it was Mio--...my friends, who had made certain inferences."

kathleen: i see....i dont know her as well as charles did, but i do know that she was rather scholary.

Anya: "I see...Did she write or teach or...?"

kathleen: her biggest passion was giving the people of yngling good education, and she was especially fond of mathmatics.

Anya: *wrings her hands* "How did she pass?"

kathleen: she was very ill. apperantly, she had always had poor health and often stayed indoors as a result. eventually, she lost all her strength and just withered away.....

Anya: "Oh...I can't imagine how Father must have felt."

kathleen: .....honestly, i feel a bit jealous of her sometimes. i know, it's petty of me...

Anya: *swallows* "O-Oh? S-Sorry, I didn't mean to..."

kathleen: it's quite alright. your father and i may be king and queen, but at the end of the day, we're still only human...

Anya: "...That's why I'm afraid of what Mio said about Father and...the..."

kathleen: ....if anything did happen between them, it happened before i married your father.

Anya: "But if he did, how can you trust him to honor his vows?"

*the doors open*

kathleen: !!

Charles: *enters*

kathleen: i'll just take my leave then.

Anya: D8

-morning-

Black Star: *snoring...as he is somehow in the basement...with a hole in the basement ceiling above him*

otogiri: .....

*it looks like a hole in the kitchen--with the fridge door ripped off, too*

Black Star: *curled up with the fridge door*

tsubaki: .............WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!

Black Star: *yawns, smacks his lips, looks up* "...Oh, hey, when did we get a sky window?"

-elsewhere-

mami: *yaaawn*

*it sounds like knocking...*

mami: ?? yes?

*it's not coming from the front door...it's coming from the closet*

mami: ??? chrona?

Crona: *standing in the midst of items in the closet, holding their head* "Wh-What is wrong--Who--I--" *they're crying...*

mami:........*hugs them* it's ok. im here now...

Crona: *whimpers* "I could feel it...The blood is still..."

mami: we'll talk to stein later today if you want.

Crona: "I-I think we need to..."

*there's now a knock on the front door*

mami: *looks out the peephole*

*...there's a hedgehog, dragging a twitching Ragnarok, who is sprawled on the floor*

mami: ._.;

licht: -_-;

Ragnarok: "WWAAAAAAAAH!" *holding his head* "WORSE THAN THE BRAIN FREEZE! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!" *...he's crying black blood*

mami: oh.....oh dear...

-elsewhere-

Damon: *has the TV on--and there's a news report about a stabbing in the park* "..."

soul: =~= *making coffee....or at least trying to*

Damon: "...Dad, do you need help?" *mutes the TV*

soul: *grunt*

Damon: *grabs the coffee grinder, plugs it in, pours in the beans, and--*

*LOUD GRIND*

becky: ._.;

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *parks at the DWMA* "Sorry to run, but Lord Death called an emergency meeting. You two get to class, okay?"

Asher: "..." *nods*

izumi: ok, we will.

Saria: *walking up the stairs* "--and I found a really good ceviche recipe!"

Axel: T~T "Mom was major upset at missing that call..."

Kanin: "Amelia, you okay?"                                                            

*it looks like someone lands on top of the spire at DWMA...*

amelia: just a bit uneasy....

lukas: sorry we're lat- *TRIPS...right out of his clothes somehow* EEP! >///<;;

preston: good mornin, y'all. ^^

Saria: "..." *passes out, starting to topple back down the stairs*

Kazue: *on top of the spire...* *pants...* *lets go of the spire, starting to fall...*

Yafue: "JEEZ, LUKAS, COVER UP!" *takes off his jacket, draping it over him*

Asher: "?!" *catches Saria*

izumi: !!!

hibiki: oh shit!

lei-lei: hyup! *jumps up to catch them*

Kazue: *unconscious...they are bloodied*

amelia: !!!!

izumi: come on! let's get them to nygus!

Kanin: "Right! Clear the way! We got injured!"

-elsewhere-

yuma: *walking up a hill following mifune*

Mifune: *he's quiet as he marches ahead*

-wind rustles through the tree on top of the hill-

Mifune: *approaches a marker on the hill* "..." "Takane...I am here..." *gets onto his knees* *rests his hand on the tree...a slight wheeze is heard*

yuma: mifune?

Mifune: *wiping his eyes* "Hmm?"

yuma: will you be ok?

Mifune: "...You never are fully okay with this."

yuma:......should i head back, or..?

Mifune: "No. Please, stay..." *shivering*

yuma:......miss takane? i hope you're well, wherever you are.

Mifune: *nods*

yuma: i really owe mr mifune a lot. he saved my life back then, and i hope that im able to repay him somehow. he's a very kind person.

Mifune: *clenches his jaw*

-elsewhere-

Tezca: *transmitting on a mirror, a jungle behind him* "Hold up--Kishin worshippers? Huh?"

marie: *over her own mirror on a plane* great, just as im off on a mission, too.

Spirit: *quiet* "..."

Yumi: "It's actually good for you to be near your jurisdiction, though: we are proceeding with emergency rules for each sector."

soul: *over mirror while eating breakfast* meaning...?

Yumi: "Increased security around embassies, local law enforcement in major cities will be supplemented by DWMA staff, anti-madness medicines--"

soul: ah..

Tezca: "THAT MEDICINE'S JUST A PLACEBO, AND YOU KNOW IT!"

-elsewhere-

Tokoyami: "I at least appreciated the bright lights, but it was all too...gaudy."

ochako: hey guys! happy tanabata!

Izuku: "Same! Are you going to the town center for the wishes this afternoon?"

ochako: you bet!

Hagakure: "We should go as a class! What do you say, Bak--"

Bakugo: *FROWN*

sero: so how's the new job? ^^

Bakugo: "HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT?!!"

sero: it's all over social media. *pulls up his twitter account* see?

ochako: oh my gosh! *stiffled laughter*

eijiro: no way, you're working at scoops ahoy?!

jirou: but... but _how_?

Bakugo: *grabbing for Sero's phone* "GIVE ME THAT!"

satou: they made it a real place?! SWEET!

Monoma: *hiding in the bushes, chuckling to himself*

jirou: monoma, you know we can see you, right?

Monoma: "..." *pulls back a bit* "Can you still see me?"

jirou: we still know you're there, idiot.

Monoma: "I asked can you see me, not whether you knew I was still here!"

Izuku: "That outfit is rather flattering though, Kacchan--"

Bakugo: *grabs Izuku by the face*

aizawa: alright, settle it down, kids. we can discuss bakugou's ridiculous looking uniform later.

Bakugo: "IT'S NOT MY CHOICE--IT'S THE UNIFORM! I DON'T SEE Y'ALL CRITICIZING ALL THE STUPID ASS UNIFORMS YOU ALL WEAR! LIKE BUNNY EARS AND SHIT!"

Izuku: *muffled* "Please let go of my face..."

Mineta: *staring at tweets of Pony in the outfit* "..."

mina: *YEETS MINETA INTO THE TRASH*

Monoma: "..." *shifts back from the trash can, still carrying the bushes with him*

Hagakure: "Is the food any good there, or do people go for the cute outfits?"

-elsewhere-

Kazue: "Zzzz..." *grunts, tries to sit up--then grimaces in pain*

amelia: .....

Asher: "Yo. You look like crap."

Kazue: *grunts, reaching around for a sign to communicate--and can't find one* "?!! ..." *touches their face and--* O\\\\\\O;

izumi: how do you feel?

Kazue: "..." *points to their throat* *coughs*

izumi: *takes out a notebook and pen* here.

Kazue: -_-# *writes* "Water!"

izumi: *goes to get some*

Axel: "So...Why the mask?"

Kanin: "How did you get so beaten up?!"

Duncan: "You just act like this to pretend you're cool, don't you?"

lei-lei: *chop*

Kazue: *sips* "...Ninja aesthetic, Kishin worshippers, and fuck you, you pretentious clod."

Yafeu: "...HOLY CRAP, THEY TALKED!"

amelia: !!

Kazue: *cough* "Of course I can talk--I'm just exhausted with having prolonged conversations over nothing."

Asher: "...Mood."

hibiki: so what happened?

Kazue: "I was attacked by some couple."

Duncan: "...You walked in on them?"

lei-lei: *chop x2*

Kazue: "They were Kishin worshippers--with stretchy skin, like the original Kishin. Then they killed some mugger and went after me."

izumi: !!

Asher: *looks at Izumi*

Axel: "How did you escape without them killing you?"

Kazue: "Fought like hell..." *looks at scrapes and cuts all over their arms* "..."

*the nurse's office door opens*

izumi: did you tell lord death abou-

Lord Death: "Tell Lord Death what?"

-one explanation later-

Lord Death: "No, I heard about that--but that's being taken care of."

amelia:....

Lord Death: "For now, we're increasing security, including escorting students home. Oh, and there will be a curfew."

Yafeu: "THAT'S SOME ABUSE OF POWER SHIT, SIR!"

*the nurse's door opens again*

Zarya: "Nurse Naigus, could you look at Monica? She is sick and being obstinate--" *looks around--then stares at Kazue*

Kazue: "..."

Zarya: "..."

Monica: =_=# "I'm not sick! I'm..." *yawns* "...just exhausted."

nygus: well i'll be the judge of that...

Monica: "Man, I don't have time for this! I got classes and-- ... Albarn, why is everyone crowded into this room? And who's that in the bed with the sour disposition?"

Kazue: -_-#

-one explanation later. again-

Monica: "..." *shaking a bit* "N-No."

*she starts scratching*

yolanda: monica....

Monica: "Last night...I think I saw that?"

izumi: really?

Monica: "Y-Yeah? I don't know? It was all kind of a mess and--"

Zarya: "She puked all over her bed."

Monica: "?!!!" *GLARES*

stephanie: it was, like, suuuuper gross.

Zarya: "Black. Like when you eat too many Oreos--"

Axel: "--and it makes your stool all black?"

Zarya: "Yes, exactly what the less annoying twin said."

zeke: ^^;; erm....

Lord Death: "Hmm. That's funny. Kiddo and baby Shiori also did not react well. And Soul called in sick for today's Death Scythe meeting. ... I guess you all need more vitamin C and some rest!" ^w^

nygus: sir, are you really going to ignore the elephant in the room? -_-;

Lord Death: "Oh? We have one of those as a student now?"

nygus: SIR.

Lord Death: "Hmm? Oh--yes. Well, given the presence of Kishinites, we likely have an increase in the Madness Wavelength, thereby affecting individuals more keenly attuned to it, whether shinigami, powerful meisters, or those who were in contact with the Black Blood. And we may be able to use the heightened sensitivity of those individuals--"

Monica: "Who you calling 'sensitive'?"

Lord Death: "--to suss out these no-good-niks!"

-elsewhere-

*drip drip drip*

Skinwalker: *pants...wiping its maw*

lena: *making a doll?*

Skinwalker: *rattling noise in the back of its throat*

lena: would you like some more food?

Skinwalker: "..." *bows*

lena: *takes a machete and goes into a room*

*sobs are heard inside*

man: *chained to the wall, missing a leg* you crazy fuck! when i get out of here, im going to rip your little head off!

lena: is that so?.......*swings at the man's arm*

man: *screaming in agony* SHIT!

Skinwalker: *dog-like confused grunt*

lena: *hacking at the arm until it's severed*

man: *screaming and gasping in pain, almost vomiting*

lena: *takes the arm and gives it to skinwalker*

Skinwalker: *salivating--before chomping into it*

-elsewhere-

Yoh: "I'll get you!" *imitating a giant kaiju, chasing the kids* "RAWR!"

girl: eek! >w<

child: hahaha!

Xavier: *leaping off of walls, trying to land on Yoh*

Nurse: -_-# "Patient Zero is still not resting...And the cops told us to keep him in bed."

-elsewhere-

miyuri: *writing on her wish paper* ^^

-the letters float up and circle her before returning to the paper-

Chuuya: "Okay, kiddos, time to offer your wishes."

sonia: *looks at her paper*

-she's only written 'a new book'-

Chuuya: "Care to share what you put down?"

miyuri: miyuri wants to make lots of friends! ^^

Chuuya: "That's nice...Sonia?"

sonia: just a new book...

Chuuya: "I see...Anything in particular, like a novel or something else?"

sonia: im not too picky on the genre.....

Chuuya: "..." *nods, pats her shoulder* "It's a fine wish."

sonia: thank you....what about you?

Chuuya: "Hmm...I hadn't thought about that...There's nothing I was wanting personally..."

sonia: ......*glances at his paper*

*it does seem to have a few words, namely 'I wish my girls...'*

sonia:...

-elsewhere-

Meme: "Too bad Anya couldn't join us--she's really missing out! Mio, want to pose for selfies?"

*someone seated on a bench is watching them from behind a newspaper...*

mio: um s-sure...

Newspaper Man: *into his collar* <I see them--the Princesses's entourage. Get the van ready...>

ao: is everything alright, sir? ^^

Meme: "Say 'ostur!'" *posing*

Newspaper Man: "?!!! Um...'I do not speak English.'"

ao: <then what _do_ you speak, sir?>

Newspaper Man: O_O; "Um..." *speaking Icelandic* "Ég þekki þig ekki, farðu burt, skrýtin stelpa!"

Meme: "SHE'S NOT WEIRD, YOU JERK!"

Newspaper Man: "Oh, the hell with this!" *presses a button--*

*a mini-van crashes into the town center*

mio: OH SHIT! *hammer fist PUNCH*

*the mini-van is smashed in its hood--knocking the driver into the steering wheel...then the airbag goes off*

mio: *shaking* HOLYSHITHOLYSHITIALMOSTDIED.......

Meme: *pap pap*

Newspaper Man: D8 "..." *grabs Tsugumi, holding a knife to her neck* "BACK OFF! YOU'RE OUR HOSTAGES!"

tsugumi: !! *spearblade foot and STOMP*

Newspaper Man: "Eep...YWEOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!" TT~TT "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE?!"

*someone falls out of the mini-van doors--crashes on the floor...trying to get up, holding a gun*

Gunman: "H-Hang on, cuz--" *aims at Ao...*

ao: it's simple really...*stomps on the gunman's hand* we're DWMA students~ ^^

*CRUNCH*

Gunman: Q_Q; *slaps his hand down on the ground* <I yield, I yield!>

-elsewhere-

*downstairs in the DWMA, in their Central Intelligence office, are gathered some familiar and new faces*

Sid: "Okay, that just leaves Naigus--she'll be here shortly."

Clay: *looking around*

*there's a nervous shorter person with bright orange hair, and...someone who looks like they have burns on their skin?*

Orange Hair: Q_Q;;;

akane: you new around here?

Orange Hair: "EEEP!" *bows* "Sorry! Yes, I'm--" *and knocks their head into the coffee table* "OW!"

Burned Agent: "..."

akane: nice to meet you 'ow'.

Clay: -_-; "Don't tease the newbie."

Orange Hair: "It-It's Youta?"

*the door opens*

nygus: my apologies on being late.

Sid: "I can see why--you brought in a stray..."

*someone was following Naigus*

nygus: ??

Lorenzo: *enters* "Hey, what's up, Akane?!"

akane: long time no see! *offers fist bump*

Lorenzo: "No kidding!" *frowns at Clay* "Seizemore."

Clay: "Ramirez."

Burned Agent: -______-#

nygus: i see we have two new recruits.

Sid: "Two? That's--"

Youta: "HAPPY TO MEET YOU, SIR!" *salutes Naigus*

Burned Agent: *groans, pulling out maps and various items, laying them on the table*

nygus: it's ma'am but likewise.

Youta: D8 "I meant it as gender-neutral!"

nygus: it's fine.

Sid: "And that one is...Well, remember when we lost some agents during the 'scorpion' incident thanks to Shaula and Hibana?"

nygus: dont remind me...

Burned Agent: "Well, reports my demise were fabricated." *salutes* "Cho."

nygus: goodness, you've certainly changed a bit.

Cho: "Yeah, well, getting lit on fire does that to a person."

-elsewhere-

Anya: *looking out the window* "..."

*everything looks so empty around the castle*

maid: princess? i brought you some cold water.

Anya: *fakes a cough* "Th-Thank you..."

maid:....if there's anything that's bothering you-

Anya: "I'm fine. ...Which is not to say that there is anything on mind from last night. No. Definitely not. Not anything Mio brought up. Or Mother. Or..."

maid: princess.....

Anya: "Did he really carry on with some--some--some commoner?!"

maid: ......

Anya: "...Not that I would know of such a thing." >_>;;; "Just hypothetically, though...What do you know about Father's behavior?"

maid: well, he's a good man, from what i can tell.

Anya: "A good man who was already married and..."

maid:......

Anya: "...and had a child he didn't even know."

maid:....do you wish to speak with him-

Anya: "I have nothing to say to him!" >3<

-elsewhere-

Kid: *curled up in bed* "..."

stocking: *knocks on the door* kiddo?

Kid: *weak grunt*

stocking: mind if i come in?

Kid: "...Please do."

stocking: *takes a seat on the bed*

Kid: "...I'm really pathetic."

stocking: kid...

Kid: "Father's not affected by this--he's strong. What am I? I'm weak."

stocking: *holds his hand*

Kid: "..." *small squeeze*

stocking: *small kiss to his hand*

Kid: *small whimper*

stocking:.....*snuggles up to him*

Kid: *crying softly*

stocking: *strokes his head and hums*

Kid: *closes his eyes, gasping a bit between sobs*

stocking: *forehead kisses*

Kid: *yawns...starts to drift off...*

stocking: *holding him close to her chest*

Kid: "Mmmm..." *rests against her* "Zzz..."

-elsewhere-

Crona: *takes the tea* "Thank you for visiting..." *looks down*

valentine: *nods*

Stein: "It's not too surprising--enough of us felt that energy swirling around the city late last night."

mami: ....

Crona: "I thought after being separated from Ragnarok that this would stop...What is causing it?"

Stein: "Residual after-effects that will lessen with time. But you are also a meister with a strong soul perception."

Crona: "..." *gulps*

valentine: not to mention a witch.

Crona: "I-I don't need to be reminded..."

mami: *holds their hand*

Stein: "All you can do is acclimate yourself. I suggest slowly introducing yourself to small stimuli to help you..." *pulls a jar out of his bag--it has a few drops of Black Blood in it*

mami: doctor... is this really such a good idea?

Stein: "Don't misunderstand--I didn't say we're administering it to Crona. Just keep it in the jar and think of it as a new friend."

Crona: "..."

Stein: "...Maybe naming it would help."

Crona: "...Um...'Bob'?"

Ragnarok: O_O# "...You keep parts of me in your purse?!"

'bob': ac-chully, i wanna be 'wakaba'!

mami: oh!

Crona: "... ... ...EEEEEEEK!" *falls out of their chair*

wakaba: did i do a bad?

Ragnarok: "I HAVE A LITTLE SIBLING?!"

wakaba:....dada!

Ragnarok: OWO; "What?"

wakaba: dada! dada!

mami: ._.;

Ragnarok: "I can't be your daddy! I haven't gotten laaaaaaaaaaaaaa--...legal parameters permitting me to take responsibility for small lifeforms. (Phew! Saved.)"

mami: -.-;

Crona: "..." *taps the jar*

wakaba: *poke poke* hiya cona! ^o^

Crona: "H-Hi? Um...You're...tiny?"

-elsewhere-

Asher: "..." *poking at their food*

Kanin: "...That was a troubling start to this morning."

hibiki: yeah, no kidding.

lukas: well, maybe our project will take our minds off things...

Saria: "Y-Yes, it just seems trivial compared to all that's happened--"

Axel: "Dessert turducken."

Saria: "...What?"

Axel: "I want to make a dessert inside another dessert inside another dessert."

zeke: *blink*

Duncan: "Philistine! You can't just shove your desserts together! The typical palette needs to be coaxed! The tongue needs each flavor stimulated by the most delicate of--"

Kanin: *covering Amelia's ears*

izumi: c-come one, guys, let's not fight!

Asher: "No, let them fight--this gets us back to normal."

Saria: "..." *covers her mouth, starts laughing*

lukas: saria?

Saria: "S-Sorry! Asher was right--I just needed a laugh..." TwT;

hibiki:...well, let's get started, ok?

lei-lei: yeah!

Saria: "O-Okay..." *sets out cookbooks* "Let's narrow down some options..."

*grumbling is heard behind them*

lei-lei: ??

Monica: "Can you freaking believe him?! I don't need any security!"

hibiki: security?

Monica: "WAS ANYONE TALKIN' TO YA?! Oh, hey, Albarn."

izumi: what's this about security, monica?

Monica: "Freakin' Lorenzo said they are assigning security to escort students home! Can you believe that shit?!"

*a short orange-hair person is carrying a tray of food*

hibiki: well, i guess it makes sense, given last night...

Monica: "Oh, come on! That was one isolated incident!"

Youta: "E-Excuse me? Is this seat taken?"

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: *trying to button up his uniform* "..." *tug* "Ugh." *tug* "GRR." *TUG* O__________O "GRRRRRRRRR--"

*riiiiiiiiiiiip*

Akitaru: "..." *sighs* "Third one this year..." *tosses the jacket*

shinra: everything ok in there?

Akitaru: "Yeah, just having wardrobe problems. I think I went up a jacket size again--stupid big muscles."

shinra: ....want us to order a new one?

Akitaru: "Could you? I'm already loaded with paperwork this week."

shinra: sure thing.

-elsewhere-

[sutare-chan]

Ao Jumonji’s Roman, pt.3

7. YOROKOBI TO KANASHIMI NO VIN (I believe that's the longest one btw, it's almost 100 pages) The story is told in quite an interesting way. It's mostly Lorraine-oriented, but we're hinted that she's remembering all of what's described. Like, the very beginning is something like "She especially likes to recall that October", and there are things like "She hasn't really remembered any of the following days". But other than that it's quite a simple narration, with some very elegant language (which gives a really good impression of her noble upbringing).Anyways, we start off a sunny October day, when Lorraine is about 10 years old. It's the time past vintage, wine is starting to get prepared, in particular - women are dancing upon barrels full of grapes, to extract juice out of them. Lorraine's watching the process, sitting on her grandpa's knees, her dad is also present. Her grandpa (his name's Nicolas) apparently spoils her a bit and is acting very strict with her dad (Lambert). Lambert is also very strict to his daughter and watches her behaving properly. Thus we have a conflict already from the first pages. See, Lorraine wants to participate in that grape-dance, and she begs her grandpa to allow her. Her father is against such a disgrace, while the grandfather doesn't really approve that but is about to allow the thing. Since her grandfather is the head of the family, Lorraine was about to get what she wanted, to her dad's displeasure, but suddenly another person stops her. That's Claude, a boy 4 years older than herself. He says something about that Lorraine shouldn't underestimate the importance of that work and consider it a game. "If I had been a granddaughter of His Grace the count of Saint-Laurent and the clever lady Lorraine, I would not have looked down on those women". Lorraine feels insulted and injured by these words and runs (like young ladies from count families shouldn't) away to the vineyards.There she hides, all offended at everyone, because no one understood she meant it for realz. She's hiding from the people looking for her (although she's glad she wasn't neglected and people are looking for her x3). But she can't hide from her love interest sorry I meant from Claude. He finds her and they talk a bit. Apparently, he absolutely didn't mean to offend her, but instead he knew she would be super unhappy to spoil her granddad's wine and tried to warn her. She understands that and in turn wants him to teach her about wine-making. Claude agrees and even says he could vow on that. Now that's an important point. Lorraine knows that to vow is a sin. She realizes that and assumes that Claude doesn't. But he's all so good that she feels the urge to make him commit a sin unconsciously. And she does, she makes him vow, but - he hints that he's perfectly aware of what he's doing and he means it. Lorraine thus is completely defeated. Soon after she's turned 10, her father starts to take her to their mansion in the capital, and she has to spend the biggest part of the year there. She suffers, because she feels disgust to all the hypocrisy which is overfilling the life in the capital. Even their servants there aren't really doing their work, but instead trying to make a good impression on their masters. Had it been for Lorraine's will, she would've stayed in the village mansion all year, but she can't just leave her father alone (you see, Lambert's wife is long since dead). Instead they only go there around September and October. Well, that's still better than nothing. When Lorraine’s around fifteen and it’s right about time to go to the estate to her grandpa, they suddenly receive the news, that the said grandfather fainted and fell. They depart immediately, but alas, they come too late. Lambert is devastated, Lorraine has to deal with all the funeral business and wine-making almost alone. She is wondering about the future. Her father is quite skeptical when it comes to wine-making, after all. But after a short talk with Claude (who's become more or less a shadow of grief) she thinks that maybe one day Lambert will inherit his late father's will and make the greatest wine. A year has passed. It was quite a dreadful year, and it brought a lot of changes. First of all, Lambert got married for the second time. His new wife's name is Cassandra (yes, it's Cassandra) and she's quite something. Look: "Lorraine, you seem somewhat pale. Is anything the matter?" "It is all right, mother". "Is it? Well then please stop with this splean in your gaze. You don't want to scare away your future husband, do you?" I think it is more of your concern, mother, Lorraine thought, but didn't put it into words. Suddenly her mother advanced her face to Lorraine and said in a manner so elegant it gave her goosebumps: "Haven't I told you to smile? The girl doesn't listen to her mother's orders. I guess her father will have to scold her". "I don't mind if you denounce it to him". "I'm not 'denouncing'. Watch your manners, child. I am the spouse of count de Saint-Laurent and your mother. Mothers are supposed to teach their daughters. Aren't they? But in some special cases they do need their spouses' help". Not willing to continue the quarrel, Lorraine stretched her lips to the extend her eyes screwed. "Ah!" her stepmother leaned back with her beautiful face looking unpleased. "My, my, that isn't elegant at all. No, stop smiling. You are like an ugly Medusa". As you may guess, their relationship isn't the best. In fact, if Lorraine had known about the wedding beforehand, she would have done everything to prevent it. Unfortunately, her father was quite clever with this one x'3 Cassandra's shown to us as a very spoiled and a very self-conscious woman. She's doing everything to make Lorraine obey her. She doesn't allow her to stay in the village, either. She's always visiting balls and stuff, she's ordering dresses and jewelry and such. Among everything else she's also pretty wild. One day she slapped Lorraine, like, two or three times just because the girl hesitated to answer her question. And then she punched and kicked the servant woman that also did something to displease her. Oh, and I forgot to mention that Cassandra's the one to own THE necklace at the moment. You know which one I mean x3 Soon Lorraine learns that her father rents the vineyard to count de Dunan. That man is particularly known for making real loads of wine that's not particularly good but gets sold to a lot of houses and thus is very well-known. Lorraine was simply shocked and tried to make protest, but unfortunately she gets her father's pride injured so he just doesn't listen to her. Without her last ray of freedom Lorraine feels that her personal space is getting really narrow. Like, she only owns as much space as her body occupies and no more. Right after that she's thought about that, Claude (he's been serving in the mansion ever since the vineyards had been rented) comes to call her to her stepmother and they have the following talk:

"Perhaps I am permitting myself too much, but I would suggest that you change your clothes before you go to this arrangement". "Do I look that bad?" "I'd say you are not dressed according to mistress's taste". "I guess <...> I really should change. Wouldn't you help me out?" "If that's your wish". Lorraine wanted to laugh, because he played along her joke. But then she realized he wasn't playing. He can't be serious, can he? She looked at him closely. Claude answered to her look. Suddenly remembering her shame, Lorraine lowered her gaze. The very same instant Claude half-closed his eyes. Or maybe it only appeared so. "Although I must confess that this work would be very unusual for me. Since one is not allowed to slip at this task, I suppose I should better call for a girl more used to it". "Yes... If you may, please do". "As you wish, lady Lorraine". Claude bowed way too deeply and left the room. <end of quote> (Caaan you feel the tension getting high? 8D) Apparently, Cassandra wants to take her to some nobleman party. Not that Lorraine had any choice but to go. There she's getting acquaintanced with count de Dunan. And yes. She's supposed to marry him. He's a very rich and a very ugly man. Not quoting the description here, but you only need to know that even Cassandra needs to hide her face behind a fan in order to hold her nose and not smell that awful odour. Lorraine's desperate. Even as little space that she had had is getting stolen from her and there's nothing she can do about it. She doesn't want to see her parents and stays in her room. Claude's making her some food and they have a talk. At first one may think that Claude's all fine about the news. He even says something like "I don't happen to know his grace de Dunan and thus I can't understand why you are so horrified". However as the talk goes on, he explains himself better. He's in fact in rage that of all men Lorraine must marry the thief that has stolen their beloved count de Saint-Laurent's vineyards. He thought he would be cool about her marriage (it's not like he could ever hope to marry her himself), but he totally isn't. Ah, that's right. He's been in love with her ever since they first met. He was thinking about keeping those feelings a secret until he dies, but he feels he needs to act now. And he proposes that they run away.

I don't think I need to explain what happened next, do I? Valuable details that need to be added about this excerpt is that Lorraine blames herself for being so naive. She thought that Claude knew more about life, but now that she's thinking about it his world had been even more limited than hers. Other than that - well, it was pretty basic. With all the Abyss stuff.

Soon Lorraine is returned to the mansion. She is completely broken and doesn't fight against her destiny anymore. She's become so very obeying, and her stepmother is very happy about that. No one is even scolding Lorraine for running away. It's getting prepared for the wedding. And soon enough the day comes. Lorraine's welcoming all the guests like a doll. When suddenly one of them is mentioning the Man in the mask. Lorraine got startled for a split second, but then she becomes indifferent again. What does it matter?.. But then she's getting re-dressed in, well, her wedding dress. Cassandra's also present, acting all mild and sweet (bitch). And then she gives Lorraine the Réine Rouge. It's just for one day, a special opportunity for the wedding. Lorraine's staring at the red diamond and suddenly she hears its voice and understands why she is still alive. She asks to be left alone for a bit and then escapes through the window. There she finds that one guest that mentioned the Man in the mask. That's none other than Jean-Bâtist from Elysion, you may remember that guy from the manga. Soon enough Lorraine's waiting for Abyss in a passage. She's wearing a wedding dress and a bridal veil. When the said man comes startled by, she gets a knife from under her skirts and stabs the bastard. She's dizzy, she runs away, she's spinning around herself, crying and laughing. The voice inside her head keeps telling her: Kill, kill, kill, kill (etc), and she's ready to kill her father and her stepmother. I was actually hoping she'd get that bitch at least, but nope. Because she suddenly recalls Claude and how he said that if God is willing to blame her of any sin, he'd take it in her stead. She cries again and then throws the damned necklace away.

Thus start Lorraine's bizarre adventures. In the next scene we see a mysterious woman with golden hair (I wonder who that might be), who's, um, receiving a guest. She calls herself Isabel and she gives the guest (we'll learn later that that's none other than Jean-Bâtist again) a beautiful night. The man doesn't really understand what a woman like herself would be doing in a place like that, but it's not like he's the one to decide. He promises to come to her again, and soon after he leaves she says: "I cannot stay here any longer. Farewell, my masters". Lorraine doesn't have a firm name or place now. She's working at brothels in miscellaneous towns and she's always so sweet to her "masters" that she soon becomes very popular among them. However, she doesn't stay long at one place. She leaves as soon as some men are willing to see her in particular. For example, Jean-Bâtist did have to chase her through several towns. She doesn't decline anyone and tries to work for as low loan as possible. [Attention: sudden plot-twists incoming!] One day she's having a special visitor, a man named Menteur ('liar' in French). The thing is, no other prostitute wants him, while Lorraine's okay with everyone. The man is very ugly and very rude. He strangles Lorraine and insults her, blaming her for hypocrisy (he is very well aware of his own ugliness and it's very rare that some woman doesn't show any disgust). But Lorraine (Susanne in this particular place) only hugs him and does everything possible to bring him peace. He does fall asleep in her embrace after all. And promises to come again. (side-note: he, um, wasn't really one of her men, because apparently he, er, doesn't have enough health for that)

No wonder that she flees right after those words. But Menteur is pretty persistent. He does find her again, claims a liar, and then says he's taking her away from this place, whether she likes it or not. She says that she can't love anyone, that she doesn't have such a right, because she's a sinner, but Menteur doesn't really care. He buys her away from the brothel and takes to his place. Apparently he's actually a count, count de Mulles. He's the only son of his father, the former count. All other children that the man had had were either still-born, or still-born AND taking their mothers' lives. This only son was preserved in the castle, but the father didn't want to have him as his heir, so he ordered to go and find some peasant boy that'd resemble himself. Thus Menteur got forever locked in his room, while the peasant-boy was raised as the count's son. But apparently the said peasant boy wasn't all that clever, so soon after his step-father's death he came to Menteur to beg for help with all the complicated noble-man business. Menteur agreed with the condition that he'd be allowed to move around freely. He's still living in that hidden room, and almost no one in the castle knows his true identity. He's believed to be a bastard, and not that he minded in particular. Lorraine doesn't really get why he needs her, if she can't love him, but to that he replies that no one has ever anyway, so it doesn't really matter. But for once in his life he wants to love someone himself. And make Lorraine (mind, that he doesn't call her by that name, he only calls her "you") happy. He asks if she has any particular wish. Actually she has. She wants to dance upon a grape-barrel together with other women. Why, Menteur's family does own vineyards, so that's only a question of waiting until October. The two start to live in the hidden room, until a better house's getting built. They talk a lot and she's showing him all signs of tenderness, even when he tries to stop that. But alas. One day she wakes up only to discover that Menteur's dead. She caresses him and watches his face silently. For a long time. But then she thinks she needs to tell someone in order to get him a proper funeral. So she goes to the kitchen, and then she learns from an old servant-lady that apparently that was no coincidence and if Lorraine doesn't get away, she'll get assassinated too D= Lorraine realizes that Menteur was slowly getting poisoned, and she has symptoms of intoxication too. She still wants to give him a proper funeral, but unfortunately she has to run for her life before she gets a chance to do that. After that her mind suffers even more damage. Leaving out some details, Lorraine starts to wander around. She's just walking all the day long, like Forrest Gump was running. She doesn't eat, she only drinks water from puddles. She only sleeps when she's completely exhausted, and whenever she sees a dream, she wakes up with an outcry and keeps on going. People are thinking she's weird (well no shit..) and are trying to neglect her as much as possible. But one day a priest starts a conversation with her. He's inviting her to visit a church so that they could pray and talk, but she says she insists she can't go into the church because she's way too sinful and has committed a murder. Having heard that, people around her throw rocks at her until she falls unconscious (although the priest was trying to stop them). She wakes up in a monastery, and a nun named Matilde is treating her. After some time Lorraine (she finally says her name for the first time since she killed the Man in the mask) has enough strength to actually get up. She looks at the life of the nuns and thinks it'd be nice to join them, but she isn't convinced that searching for her own comfort is a proper reason to become a nun. But then Matilde shows her what's outside the monastery, which is a vineyard that belongs to it. Seeing the late-autumn landscapes, Lorraine feels her eyes are getting filled with tears and asks if it's okay if she stays there. a piece of Noël nr 06 From now on these pieces of Noël are getting a bit complicated language-wise. And not just that, there also appear loads of brackets, inside which we see Noël's thoughts on the described events (more or less). Really, these pieces get better every time... So, Noël is a high-schooler now (was this actually “junior high“ in English? you know, years 10-12). He's about to leave the classroom, when suddenly he's stopped by a really annoying gal who wants him to come with her and her friends to karaoke. He declines, saying that he ain't got money. Basically, he just runs away. He's on his way to a conbini store. He's having a part-time job there, helping to drag around boxes and as a cashier. It's all routine for him, but he does his work properly. At 11 pm he's going home. He doesn't live by Nuiko's anymore. This time he's sharing his apartment with a middle-aged man, whom he calls "uncle", but I'm not sure if he's really his uncle or what. Anyway, that guy seems to hate Noël nuts. Like, see this charming dialogue: "Uncle, I'm home" - "Like shit I care, you moron" - "Have you had your dinner?" - "Shuddup. It's none of your fucking business when I have my meal. Die" etc. Noël has a room in this appartment, a small room with a futon and no bookshelf. He's got some books, some CDs, a recorder, an electric guitar and some note-sheets. That's pretty much all. Once he can hear his uncle's asleep, he plugs earphones to the guitar and starts to play. 8. TENSHI NO CHOUZOU The main character in this story is no doubt Auguste Laurent. He's an artist, and a very dedicated one. You know, the type that could forget to eat when he works. The type that looks at other people like at shit if they're not true artists. The type that won't tolerate being disturbed during their inspiration moments. We'll of course learn that step by step during the story, but I think it's worth telling beforehand in my synopsis.

So, in the very beginning we see him doing his artistic work in his atelier, when suddenly a man (miller Mounier to be exact) comes in with the great news: Auguste's wife Louise has born a baby! Auguste hurries to his house (which is the next door, really) and indeed, he sees his wife holding a baby in her arms, much like the Virgin with baby Jesus ("oh what a trivial comparison!" Auguste thinks). He's of course very glad and can't find proper words. Unfortunately, this was pretty deadly for his wife. Soon after that she ceases to be. She also felt very sorry, and those were her last words .___.

The miller and his wife Tala (hey, can you remember a chick of the same name from Elysion? I have no idea, if that's really her or what) are ready to help him out, but Auguste has his own idea. Right about the next day after his wife died,  he thought he'd had enough of baby screaming and crying, so he takes it and walks away to the rainy night. He's going straight to the monastery they're having nearby, and leaves the baby there in a mechanism that looks suspiciously like the modern baby-boxes. Right after that he runs away, crying and hating himself, because he realized it wasn't for the baby's sake but rather for his own. He falls to the ground and smites mud upon his face, but unfortunately the rain is heavy enough to wash all of it away. After some time Auguste thinks he just wants to go and continue his work already. And he does.

After that follows quite a long piece about Auguste's art. He can't find a proper form for his idea. He's chasing that ideal, but it always slips away. And he's, um, very emotional about that. He falls to his knees, he tears his hair and beats his forehead against the wall of the atelier and such. In search for his inspiration Auguste goes away from his workshop and lies in the grass on the hill where both his atelier and the windmill are placed. While he's lying around, the miller, Mounier, comes, worried about Auguste's state. From their talk we learn that apparently Mounier suffered from a sort of a trauma and he had a complete amnesia. He can't remember whatever was his life before not so long ago when he was found unconscious somewhere nearby. Auguste asks him, why Mounier lives, a man without any past? Mounier answers that he just lives since that was God's will. And suggests that Auguste would eat a bit, after all... But then Auguste just tells him to go away. In the next scene we see Auguste working in his workshop. Then there comes a visitor, Auguste's old acquaintance, an architect named Réaumur. The man has an order for Auguste, but Auguste doesn't even want to hear anything about it. Auguste has his own art and he can't let himself get distracted by such nonsense as trying to gain fame and money. Réaumur wanted to order some sculptures for the cathedral he was projecting, but Auguste holds a speech about how insignificant that would be, and how Réaumur’s sold his artistic soul, which an artist should never do. All in all, they had such a quarrel, that Réaumur goes away and promises never to come again. Tired after this fight, Auguste also feels somewhat uneasy in his back. Auguste keeps on drawing drafts for his future work, for his Louise, whom he wants to revive in stone. He feels worse with time. He's going around all gloom and moody. And he starts to doubt his own ideals. He wanted to find the very ideal shape itself, but is there one? He starts to think that perhaps Réaumur had realized, that all of this "pure art" was nonsense since a long ago and tried to help him by offering that job. And he, Auguste Laurent, neglected his old friend, being all cocky and self-confident. At some point he also ends up by the monastery walls and hears laughing children voices. That gets him. They are haunting him. He runs away, frightened, and the laughing voices keep chasing him, until he falls unconscious. After that he falls a bit ill. Not a bit, actually, his condition is quite nasty, the miller and his wife are treating him. But when he recovers a little he's also starting to change. Soon enough he lies alone in his bed. It's nearly dawn and he suddenly slips away from his house near the windmill and goes to the monastery on his own will. There he sits, both afraid and wanting to hear children laugh... It all starts anew for Auguste. He's spending a lot of time sitting by the monastery walls and reflecting upon all possible things. People in the town think he's gone nuts, but he's so quiet that no one really cares. He's become polite to Mounier and overall. And he keeps making drafts, until one day he's satisfied. Then he starts to work with marble, but the problem is, he's becoming weaker and weaker every day. He sees the ideal shape now, but he can hardly work with stone. He's trying his best though. They talk with Mounier one more time, and remembering their first talk, Auguste says: "It seems like I differ from all other people. Eating, sleeping and working isn't enough for me to live. I have a duty, and for that solely I live. <...> I think to live just for the sake of life itself is not worth it. But I'm not asking to understand me, Mounier. I have a life of my own, while you have yours". Yet he's thankful that Mounier and Tala were keeping him alive all this time. One day he sleeps in the atelier, and when he wakes up, he sees a mysterious and a very charming woman by the unfinished sculpture. The woman says her name is M and she wants a favour from him. She's brought a bottle of beautiful wine [from the very same monastery where Lorraine ended up] and she has a good offer if Auguste agrees to hear her out. However, Auguste declines (in a rather impolite way even). He doesn't really want to listen to her and tells her to go away, but we do learn what she wanted. If Auguste had agreed to create an image of herself, she would've returned some spilled sand to his silver hourglass. Auguste drives her away (not by force: he has none =P), and she sighs at parting: like, that's a pity, had you agreed, you would have been able to create many other pieces of true art. Auguste's gathering his last strength to finish the sculpture. He doesn't eat anymore, because he doesn't need that. He works in the atelier, at one point recalling his childhood. How he used to draw things on earth and get despair whenever people would stomp his earth-painings away. He remembers Réaumur and wonders if he was as dedicated as a child. "We have learned many new skills. We have come to express our feelings in a new, in a more complicated way. But you must not get rid of your roots. You must not forget where it all started. The beginning goes on until the very end. And exactly because it doesn't get interrupted, we can march on. Réaumur. My old friend. You started to look for money and fame because you lost your joy. At some point you lost the excitement which was boiling in us, and all the impressions, all the curiosity, the imagination, the joy - the joy that wasn't supposed to end. <...> [The joy ] That was the very ideal shape itself". After having met the woman Auguste was as if drained of all his powers and blood. However, after Mounier has come to visit him at the atelier, Auguste did take a sip of that wonderful wine which the woman brought, and got some of his powers back. Although he does start to see... things. He speaks to Réaumur, who comes to visit him in the atelier (and looks young because of some reason). And to his late wife who tells him to take a rest. Some cute animals run through the atelier and butterflies are flying around... That's where Auguste realizes it's an illusion and gets rid of it. He's left alone in the atelier with dust and his pain, but also with his sculpture. He thinks of the essence of beauty and realizes that beauty is unique. Beauty is not to be shared with other people, because when you do express it, others can only see another beauty, not the very same one. Beauty is something that is worth dying with. At his last moments, finishing the sculpture, he's thinking that had his wife not perished and had he not got rid of the child, he could have had a happy family life. Yet he would still die because of the illness. He would have been surrounded by his family at his dying moments, his life would have been filled with love. But he would have asked himself: "Is this fine? Are you satisfied?" He apologizes to his wife and child. He is guilty, but because of that he was able to chase the beauty which he was dreaming of. "We will all perish, but the world doesn't have an end. "I have no regrets anymore". He fell flat on his back. Light was streaming down on him. That wasn't an illusion this time. You, You, stranger with no name. "You have finally smiled to me..." And then he heard a voice: It's alright now, papa. Then he closed his eyes. The light started to die away, and soon his breathe ceased."

[xwithering]

"So I've been kicked out. That's shit..." Beneath his foot, he crushed the offending cigarette, before grey eyes looked over her in a shameless manner. Slowly, his gaze slid up to meet hers, a soft smirk appearing as he drew closer. "But that just gives me more time to spend with you..~"

@thunderruled (since i think it’s fairly safe to assume this is you~)

Had he been any other man, his behaviour would not have been so readily accepted by Fiore’s princess. She did not take kindly to men’s perversion on most occasions, and from most of its sources, but he made an exception. A smile of her own formed and dragged each corner of her lips upwards, a cherry-red smirk shot right back at him as dainty fingers sunk into the material of his shirt. 

She pulled him even closer, hiding their actions behind one of the orchard’s largest apple trees. 

“ You’ll never have to worry about me turning you away~ ” A voice like honey and dark green eyes that glistened with mischief - was there a greater danger than those? Certainly not to Caleb. Her lips brushed softly against his as she spoke, intent on snuffing out the space between them entirely.  “ After all…I’ve always been yours, really…haven’t I, Caleb-san?~ ” 

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Saturday 21 February 1835: SH:7/ML/E/17/0168

8

12 10

No kiss. Ground white with snow as yesterday morning - but deeper covered now and snowing at 8 50  at which hour F39 ½° - the snow this moment abating and the sun shining and breakfast - snowing again in 5 minutes and wintery day - breakfast  till 9 55 - Pickells brought his account for draining in Low land etc - said I would look it - then at rough book copying out my pencil in ink, and noting down money paid to P- on account - A- came to tell me the Whigs had brought in their speaker Mr Abercromby against Sir C. Manners Sutton by a majority of ten - 316 to 306 - .:. 622 m.ps. voted - bad news but let us not despair - then sometime with my father - Marian was to have arrived per mail at noon - Matthew took the phaeton for her - not come - Mr Jubb came but I did not see him for had Joseph Mann and paid him £8 on a/c for the last fortnight he had been before this morning about a new run - the trestles could not be set it was so rough and wet and snowy, and Holt came at the same time at 1 ¼ and staid 1 ½ hour till 2 ¾ - He is to appoint a day with Shay of Ovenden to come and see about the waterwheel - said John Oates has sometime ago planned to have a pit at Charles Howarths - we must have a vent pit - where should it be - would it not be as well in Pump little croft, and be a sale pit? H- agreed at last but said at 1st he would have a vent and sale pit in J.Wilkinson’s land - I said we should have the turnpike to pay and I should get upon coal and looses I did not care to meddle with more especially as H- said old Wilkinson had spoke to Holt about selling his W-‘s coal about 15dw - meant to [advertise] them - H- said nobody could loose them but myself - he had better try and agree with me - I said if I put down   pit in JW-‘s land Old W- would not know what to ask for his coal - he had better sell me the estate at once - said what the Tilley holme still loose would loose - I cared not about buying more except Mr Machan’s coal - H- said Mr. Rawson had been about it again - but the people had promised him (H-) not to tell is without letting him know - he is o see them again on Monday - told him by all means to agree and get those to sign who could sign [and] all can but one - will slip up on Tuesday evening and let me know about Shay and what is done about the Machan coal - said I had been thinking about loosing the coal at Mytholm mill only wished to know whether Shay thought the waterwheel could both work the mill and pump the coal water - this was the calculation I wished Shay to make - if this could be managed I should think seriously about it - in letting the Mytholm farm, meant to reserve the holme and land about the mill - H- said if there was not water enough just in summer, there could be a small fire engine to keep all going - Explained my intention of stopping the Spiggs concern altogether and raising the water so as to get it into my dam - this water = ¼ of the brook, and this and brook raised so as to give me above 30ft. of fall would surely do all I wanted - in this case I had better lay out at Mytholm my £300 or £400+ that the wheel at Tilly holme style would cost - improve the mill and pay myself both ways - H- seemed taken with this - said there would be no difficulty in preventing the colliers from loosing other people  - agreed that coal at 7 1/2d. per corve at Pump pit would be worth as much to let as coal at 8d. at Walker pit, on account of double depth to pull at W. pit - if the coal was his, would not make a farthing less than £150 per acre soft bed and £80 per acre hard bed - and thought the tenants should take gin and rails at a valuation to be paid by instalments for if he was I he would not have the pother of keeping them which would subject me to repairs -well! said I perhaps that will be the best way - but we must consider about conditions of letting when the time comes - it occurs to me however that I had best keep gin and rails and charge a percentage allowing a certain deduction for repairs - this plan will keep all [most] in my own hands - I said people said I might to have a public letting if I liked but nobody was to have the coal but Holt - that I always denied that saying I did not know who would get the coal but that I never bound myself to take the highest bidder - but said I, if you do get it, and perhaps one is more likely to prefer old acquaintances than strangers, you will have the best coal-concern hereabouts - he said they might get a good living yet out of the coal at the above named prices but no more - Mr. R- does not get 10 acre per annum but perhaps gets 8 acres per annum - H- thinks they cannot ‘pull over’ (get) more than 2 acres at Walker pit, but at 2 pits may get and sell from 3 to 4 acres per annum - had the large plan down - began really to understand Mr. R-s’ colliery - he is sinking a 2nd pit (not yet bottomed) at Law hill nearer to the road, up to which 2nd pit will be 2 galloway gates (6ft. high) communicating one with the staith near the bottom of the old bank, and the other with the Swan banks staith - the other Law hill pit is his engine pit - this engine pumps up the water 44 yards from the soft or low bed into the level (in the sandstone?) that pours out the water (a strong feeder) into the brook just below Thief bridge (in the Stony royde land) at H-x - this level, call it A, received at a little distance from the Engine pit all the water that R- formerly threw on Hinscliffe, and that being thus taken off drys all the coal in the waste and the coal R- is now getting alongside my land Hugh grave fields and forward towards Barraclough lane-head - and if I was to raise the Spiggs water all along the barrier I propose leaving of my coal to the North west, so that it ran round the corner down towards R- it could not reach his engine, but would turn short of it, and go down to Thief bridge - R- by this pumping of 44 yards (vid. line 8 above) has 500 yards of level - i.e. has gained 500 yards breadth on the dib side - i.e. can get a breadth of 500 yards in the line of water head hold measured from his engine pit - his water level running parallel with mine (from Trough of Bolland wood to the top far corner of Conery wood etc) it seems he cannot get all Hall’s coal, and if I buy Mrs. Machan’s coal, perhaps R-‘s colliery will be done in 8 or 9 years -

 SH:7/ML/E/17/0169

mine cannot be fairly started of 2 years - that his rivalry will not hurt my colliery forever - Holt very poorly - had not been out since Wednesday till this morning - terribly wintery day for him - spoke to him about A-‘s colliery in Lidgate land - will look after it for her if she likes - Hinscliffe very thick with Illingworth - H- often wondered why he treated him so often - advises the joint colliery being settled very quietly about on measurements given in right or wrong way- for all the coal clean [great] and top crushed in that nobody [can] measure any more - H- came at 1 ¼ and went away at 2 ¾ then staid down looking over the large map - till A- came to me for sometime - had Pickells - gave him £10 on a/c and put off settling till I had more examined his account - from about 3 ¾ to 5 wrote all but the 2 first lines of today - then had Charles H- up in the blue room to set the pendulum of the pendule right and talking to him about Mytholm engine pit till near 6 - he explained why it would never do to loose my coal from mytholm - should have all the upper bed water to pump - the great gall 3 yards from the engine pit on the Hipperholme side - all the money my grandfather laid out there quite thrown away - should put my water wheel down somewhere (and that could only be between Tilley holm stile and coffin-lane bridge over the brook against Lower brea garden) where it would be out of (free from) the upper bed water - the upper bed being all got hereabouts all the water runs along the old works and would be in upon us in such force at mytholm, we should have it to pump before we get down at all to the lower bed and then we should have both upper and lower bed water  to lift - (engine pit to upper bed 20 yards? deep at Mytholm) - either put the waterwheel down at Tillery holme stile or between there and coffee lane bridge, or else begin at Dumb mill where the upper and lower bed being whole coal there would be barrier enough against letting in upon us all the upper bed water from the old works - on the Dumb mill side, the gall would be a throw up and this would be right - on the Mytholm side it would be to us a throw down and we could do nothing with it - never being to loose coal at Mytholm -dinner at 6 ¼ - coffee - had Washington at 7 ½ had fresh coffee for him - left him with A- about 8 - Marian had arrived per chaise from Halifax just before - very well and safe returned from Market Weighton - a little while with her and my father - then wrote the last 16 lines (after having made out Pickells’s account) till 10 - then with my aunt a minute or 2 - when A- came up SW- only just gone - very snowy wintery day, and windy night -sat talking to A- till 11 at which hour F40°