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riversofmars · 1 year ago

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Songs of Love 2023 - Day 2

Rating: G Prompt: "Treasure Hunt" Summary: One morning, Liv and Helen find the Doctor having disappeared from the TARDIS. In his stead they find an envelope with mysterious instructions. It seems their friend has left them in control of his ship and is sending them on a wild goose chase… or perhaps a treasure hunt?

Streeplechase

“You’re wrong,” Helen shook her head to herself with a bemused smirk, keeping step with Liv as they walked down the corridor to the console room.

“I’m never wrong!” Her best friend scoffed, gaping with exaggerated affront and the linguist laughed.

“Oh I can think of a few times off the top of my head,” she hummed knowingly with an amused twinkle in her bright eyes. Liv loved those eyes, there was no denying it.

They were a wonderful blue-green, depending on the colour of her friend’s chosen attire or surroundings. Today, in tune with her pastel blue cardigan, they were light blue-grey and utterly entrancing. It was a thought the med-tech pushed to the back of her mind, focusing on their animated exchange as her best friend started listing her recent mishaps, all of which had taken place within the past week, and she felt a slight flush creeping to her cheeks. Not because she was embarrassed, she knew how to take her gentle teasing and banter, but because she was so utterly, unadulteratedly happy in the linguist’s presence. “Well, there was that time you misinterpreted how to make a polite greeting last week which got us thrown in jail. Or the other day at the wildlife reserve, where you insisted those fish were harmless. Or yesterday when you claimed to know where the Doctor had left his spare sonic… or this morning when you tried to make breakfast and-”

“Alright, alright,” Liv held up her hands in mock surrender, and Helen grinned triumphantly.

“So, do tell Miss Chenka, what makes you so sure that you are right about this?” She queried with a sly grin that the med-tech found utterly alluring.

“Because the Doctor told me it’s my turn to pick our destination, that’s why!” She countered, and Helen’s response was just as quick:

“That might well have been the case but, unfortunately, he promised me the same thing.”

It wasn’t that either of them cared who got to pick their next destination. More often than not, they didn’t even arrive where they were meant to. The TARDIS usually knew better than any of its inhabitants, but it was about the principle of the matter - and the fact that they both enjoyed this back and forth far too much.

Liv regarded Helen with a sideways glance, noting how her ponytail whipped side to side as she walked with the bounce in her step, how light and relaxed she appeared on her feet and simply, how happy she looked. Ever since they had left 2020 London behind and they had had their chance encounter with the linguist’s brother, it seemed as though a large weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Gradually through their years of travel, Helen had become a much happier person, free from the constraints of her time. It was strange to think, looking at her now. On the face of it, she had always been a happy, optimistic and curious person - at least that was how Liv had gotten to know her. It was only later that she had slowly realised the burdens she had carried and the melancholy it had brought her. While she had grown happy in her new life aboard the TARDIS, it was only now - after finding and saving Albie - that she appeared utterly free and it gave the med-tech hope that one day, her own dreams would be realised too. Helen was, as ever, wearing the necklace she had gotten for her and that she’d nearly lost to the Angel in Soho. She had not taken it off since Liv had looped it around her neck once more upon their return to the TARDIS and she hoped it was a sign, even though the matter remained unspoken between them.

“You decide then,” the med-tech offered with an adoring smile, longing to see her friend’s every wish realised.

“Didn’t expect you to give in that easily…” Helen hummed and Liv laughed.

“How about we let the Doctor decide,” she suggested and the linguist gaped:

“Goodness knows where we’ll end up. Given that his idea of a holiday was Stegmoor in winter!”

“Oh no, I didn’t mean let him pick the destination: Let him decide which one of us gets to pick,” Liv grinned and they both burst into laughter, just as they reached the console room. “Doctor, who’s your favourite companion?” The med-tech called out and Helen grimaced:

“Bet he’s going to say Molly, just to be obstructive.”

Liv wouldn’t have put it past him, that was exactly the sort of thing she expected. What she hadn’t expected was no answer at all.

“Doctor?” She frowned, confused by the fact that the console room appeared empty. She looked around and the two women shared confused glances. They hadn’t landed anywhere, the TARDIS was buzzing and humming around them and worry drew to Helen’s face.

“Doctor? Where are you?” She called but there was no response, even as they rounded the room and looked down all the corridors. While it wasn’t entirely uncommon for the Time Lord to disappear on occasion on a wild goose chase around the TARDIS engines to do maintenance or make improvements, he didn’t do so without telling them first. They had firmly agreed that they would be having an excursion and that was something the Doctor always stuck to.

“Okay, this is not good…” Liv tried her best to ignore the terrible sinking feeling in her gut. She always put on a brave face, deflecting and burying her insecurities, but that didn’t mean that they didn’t claw at her insides and put her on edge. When their calls remained unanswered, she took to the console. While she didn’t know much about flying the Space and Time ship, she understood the more basic functions: the scanners, the life support systems, the analysis tools… basically anything that didn’t have anything to do with them actually moving, or with the dimensional engineering that had gone into creating the ship. “I can’t-” She ran a scan of the TARDIS, searching for Time Lord life signs and coming up empty. “I can’t find the Doctor. Surely it must be some fault or-” She searched for explanations as to why she couldn’t pick up his presence, but they remained just out of reach. There was no logical explanation other than a sudden departure, unbeknownst to his companions. It spelled trouble.

“Liv, look at this-” Helen broke into her concentration with an urgent, yet level-headed tone. It wouldn’t do to panic. They had to see what they could find out before jumping to conclusions.

“What is it?” Liv rounded the console and the linguist met her halfway, holding something in her hand that looked an awful lot like an envelope. “A letter?” She deduced as Helen nodded, already opening it. “A ransom note?”

“Any kidnapper would long since have brought him back. Imagine having him as a hostage and him jabbering on at them,” despite the seriousness of the situation, Helen tried for a joke and Liv was grateful for it, soothing her anxiety with humour.

“What does it say?” She prompted and the linguist’s frown of concentration eased into an expression of surprise.

“It’s from the Doctor,” she observed and Liv stood next to her so she could read along.

“Hello my dear friends. When you read this, you will find I’ve left on a little excursion. Nothing for you to worry about, some errands to run that I’ve been putting off for some centuries. I will meet up with you two shortly but was hoping you could help me take care of some business too. I’ve preprogrammed coordinates (not that I don’t have faith in your flying abilities, Helen, but it was easier that way), you will get further instruction when you get there. Try to have fun!”

“Try to have fun?” Liv repeated with a grimace. “That sounds ominous.” She looked up to her best friend who nodded in agreement.

“Guess at least we know he is fine,” she commented, though the carelessness she had witnessed in her before was somewhat muted. They both felt the same sense of uneasiness, it seemed, which was hardly surprising given how in tune they were with each other.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Liv responded with a huff, entirely unsure what to make of the whole situation, but they had no choice but to trust the Doctor. Nothing had changed there, even if he wasn’t about.

“It seems we were both wrong,” Helen hummed and turned to the console, seeking out the controls and checking for the course that had been pre-set. The med-tech was still astounded by the fact that her friend had learned how to fly the TARDIS. Between them, Liv was certainly the more technically-minded, she had a good thousand years of technological advancement on her friend and yet… The linguist’s fingers skimmed across the buttons and dials, beautiful slender digits that Liv had often found herself staring at.

“Wrong how?” Liv frowned, forcing her attention up to her friend’s face.

“It was the Doctor that picked the destination after all…” A grin drew to her features and the med-tech found herself chuckling too. She had a point. “Right, hold on tight,” Helen instructed as she launched into the course set for them. Liv held on to the edge of the console and much rather would have clung on to her friend herself.

The end of the journey was swift and straightforward, no delays or disturbances.

“Right, let’s see what the Doctor has planned for us,” Helen set her face in an optimistic smile and Liv sighed, ever the realist:

“Let’s not get our hopes up about it being pleasant… hang on…” she indicated for her friend to wait as she marched over to the small coffee table that sat beside the Doctor’s favourite armchair.

“What are you-” the linguist started asking with a frown but Liv’s intentions became apparent soon enough when she crouched down and picked something up from the floor underneath the table.

“I did tell you I knew where the Doctor’s spare screw driver was,” she pointed out with a grin and pocketed the implement, just in case it would come in handy.

“You just spotted it lying there just now, didn’t you?” The linguist deduced with a smirk and Liv shushed her but grinned as well as she ushered her to the door.

“Let’s go.”

Carefully, the med-tech opened the TARDIS doors, prepared for almost anything and ready to walk into disaster. Fortunately, all they stepped out into was a crowded docking bay! She had been aboard many space stations in her life, before meeting the Doctor and with him, and she knew the feelings of artificial gravity and filtered air all too well. A glance upwards confirmed her assessment. The docking bay, which was abuzz with people of all shapes, sizes, colours and species, was engulfed by a glass dome that allowed for a beautiful view of space.

“This is not… terrible…” Helen commented, letting her gaze wander. No-one seemed particularly bothered by their arrival, they were likely used to all sorts of transports and space crafts here.

“It’s not…” Liv agreed, looking around as well. It did, however, beg one question: “How are we supposed to find his ‘instructions’ in a place this busy?”

“AHH!” A booming voice made them jump, distinct even through the noisy crowd. Its owner became immediately apparent as a large, moustached man bounded towards them. ‘Man’ was merely an assumption by the general body shape and facial hair, Liv couldn’t place his species so it was entirely possible that their genders were far more diverse, but she allowed herself the conclusion for now for ease. Another quite obvious deduction was that he was a member of staff as he was wearing a uniform of navy and white panels with golden trimmings. It looked rather fancy and complimented his pale blue skin. “You must be the doctors Sinclair and Chenka!” He smiled at them broadly as he came to a halt, chest heaving with exhaustion.

“Uh… yes.” Helen seemed to be doing her best to reign in her surprise and Liv gave an encouraging smile.

“We are indeed. Have you been expecting us?”

“Indeed, indeed,” he nodded. “The good Doctor informed us you would be stopping by to make your inspection.”

“Inspection?” The med-tech echoed, exchanging a confused look with Helen.

“Of course, of course, my mistake, we mustn’t call it that,” he blustered and Liv asked:

“What must we call it?” She was trying her best not to appear too puzzled. Knowing the Doctor and his modus operandi - and they knew him rather well at this point - it was best to bullshit your way through these sorts of situations. Whatever he had set up or planned would hopefully become apparent soon and they were best off treading carefully and not revealing too much.

“Well, of course, it is nothing as official as that but given your reputation, we would naturally hope for a favourable portrayal.”

“Naturally,” Helen nodded along, opting for the same approach of pleasant, non-committal answers, stringing along the conversation. They understood each other implicitly.

“But I must confess, until the Doctor informed us you would be visiting, I had never even been aware of your work - to my great shame. Please come along,” he gave a diminutive tilt of his head and swiped his arm as a way of invitation to follow him.

“You and me both…” Liv mumbled under her breath and Helen grinned, having caught her whisper. Fortunately, their host seemed rather intent on carrying the conversation so they simply followed his lead and through the crowd.

“You must have travelled far and wide to have become such reputable travel journalists,” he continued fawning, and that was something the Doctor’s companions could finally work with.

“Yes, we have seen rather a lot of things,” Helen agreed and Liv added:

“Plenty of space stations but few as impressive as this.” She thought a compliment wouldn’t go amiss and it seemed just the thing he’d wanted to hear.

“I do hope you will find everything to your liking. A favourable article from you would really cement our reputation as the central hub of intergalactic travel in the universe!” He carried on enthusiastically and the two women exchanged a glance. They couldn’t be sure what exactly the Doctor had told him but thus far there was no sign of danger and as the corridor they were heading down opened up to a large atrium, they could tell his bold claim was not in vain.

Liv had never seen anything like it. It was as though a whole city lay beneath them. They stood on a walkway, one of many that lead from a huge construction behind them like skyscrapers, down into a valley. The thing that struck the med-tech most was how green it was. There were fountains and trees reaching up into the open air and as she looked up, she didn’t find a dome covering the oasis below. It was open to the universe and a nebula of the most beautiful blue and green shapes stretched above with golden light shining through from a nearby star. It was breathtaking.

“As I’m sure you’re aware, we are using the most advanced environmental technology to create our atmosphere without need for a physical barrier. We have created an artificial atmosphere through magnetic fields that mimics the properties of inhabitable planets!” He explained proudly, interpreting their stunned expressions just right.

“It really is quite something to see it in person,” Helen replied and he was visibly pleased.

“And there is so much more the Lighthouse has to offer.”

“The Lighthouse?” Liv echoed.

“Well, it’s not the official name of course but it has become rather the title and has a special ring to it, don’t you think? We are keen to direct our visitors through the darkness that is the universe.”

“How apt,” Helen agreed and they followed him down the ramp into the atrium where more wonders awaited.

Liv had absolutely no idea what it was the Doctor wanted them to do here, but if it was a grand tour of one of the most impressive places she had ever seen, she wasn’t going to complain.

And what a tour it was. It wasn’t just the atrium sporting natural beauty and cultural diversity. There was entertainment too: There were restaurants and bars, a sprawling market of wares from all over the universe, accommodation as well as embassies from most of the civilisations living in this area of space and time. It was a hub of intergalactic life and it was breathtaking. They concluded their tour at a viewing platform at the very top of the lighthouse which offered a stunning view of the surrounding space.

“I do hope you enjoyed what you saw,” the guide asked eagerly and they could do little else but nod, still in awe of the magnificent place. Of all the possible destinations the Doctor could have picked out, this had been utterly delightful - and still they were none the wiser about what he wanted them to do for him here.

“Absolutely magnificent,” Helen complimented and there was no trace of exaggeration in her voice, it really was just that and Liv nodded her keen agreement.

“We will be sure to reflect as much in our… article,” she offered and was relieved to find that that was exactly what he had hoped to hear.

“Splendid, I’m ever so pleased!” He shook their hands enthusiastically with great delight.

“It was our pleasure entirely,” the linguist assured him. “Now, I did wonder…” she cast a quick glance to Liv for assurance before continuing. “You wouldn’t happen to know how we can reach the Doctor, would you?”

“I’m afraid if you were hoping to meet up, you’re too late,” he gave back regretfully. “But I am to pass this on to you.” He pulled something from the inside pocket of his uniform jacket.

“Another envelope?” Helen took the letter offered to her and Liv frowned. What was the Doctor playing at? Hopefully, it would include some answers.

“Now, I’m afraid I must attend to my other duties. Please, feel free to roam the station as you please. Take advantage of the hospitality quarters, on the house,” he offered gratuitously in a last attempt to charm them - a futile task as they had no intention of writing a travel recommendation unless the Doctor specifically requested it. It left Liv to wonder what trouble the Time Lord had gone to to create the background needed to fool these people into believing their credentials. She didn’t waste too much thought on it, she simply nodded her thanks and gave back:

“Thank you, it has been our pleasure.”

And with that, he bid them goodbye and took his leave.

“Now, that was quite something,” Helen commented once he was gone and they took a seat at one of the benches on the viewing platform. It really was a stunning outlook.

“It was, yes. Not nearly as unpleasant as I anticipated,” the med-tech gave her agreement, watching as her friend opened the second letter. “Now what are we actually meant to do here?”

“Nothing, it seems,” Helen frowned, confused as she read the note and passed it over.

“What?” Liv took the piece of paper and read for herself.

“Dear friends, I hope you enjoyed the tour of the Lighthouse. It is a magnificent place, is it not? So many cultures coming together, building something far greater than themselves, a true wonder. Apologies for the secrecy but I thought you would be more amenable to a dangerous excursion if you’ve had a chance to relax first. Enjoy the cocktails, they were quite something, though perhaps not too much as you will need your wits about you. There are coordinates on the back of this, that’s where you need to go next. Don’t be taken in by the tourist attraction, you will have to go far beyond that to the centre of the tomb. I have included a map of the tunnels too, it should see you through but be careful, there is a reason why visitors are not meant to venture off the beaten track. I need you to retrieve the queen’s chains. I’m sure you can figure it out.”

“Sounds mysterious,” Helen commented, once the med-tech looked up.

“And dangerous,” Liv pointed out with a hum, pulling a second piece of paper from the envelope that turned out to be the promised map. It was sprawling and the tunnels looked distinctly like a labyrinth.

“I’m sure between us, we will be fine,” the linguist commented with gentle reassurance and as Liv looked up, she found her friend’s eyes brimming with what could only be described as excitement. The med-tech couldn’t deny that she was feeling it too. An adventure just the two of them? While she missed the Doctor and found his presence infinitely reassuring, the thought of spending time alone with her best friend was wonderful.

“Of course we will,” Liv agreed with a smile spreading across her face and she stood, offering her hand to her in a bold, though utterly natural gesture: “Shall we?”

“Maybe just a cocktail first, while we’re here… we do have a time machine,” Helen burst into a grin and took her hand without hesitation.

“Well, he did insist, didn’t he,” Liv agreed with a chuckle, it wasn’t as though she could deny her friend anything, even if she tried. Her hand was warm and soft in hers and she brushed her thumb across her knuckles as her friend stood up.

“Perks of being a time traveller,” the linguist winked and pulled her along, over to the bar. Liv laughed and allowed herself to be led. She would follow her anywhere.

---

They heeded the Doctor’s words and opted for the non-alcoholic cocktails, as much as Liv would have liked to see her friend’s inhibitions lowered, hopeful of the things that might come to pass between them if they could broach the precarious path that would take them past friendship… She entertained the thoughts as she watched her friend move around the console, taken in by her confident handling of the instruments.

“Well, this is right up your street, isn’t it?” Liv commented when they stepped outside the TARDIS. They found themselves inside a sort of temple or perhaps tomb? The hall in which they had arrived was so tall that the ceiling was shrouded in shadow and the walls of yellow stone had been ornamented with statues and carvings. All around the hall display cases had been set up, like a museum of sorts. There was a musty smell to the place and a sense of old-worldliness that struck melancholy and respect into the med-tech.

Helen, for her part, seemed to be experiencing much the same along with a sense of immense wonder. Her eyes were wide as saucers as she looked around and Liv was overwhelmed by adoration for her. The curiosity and sheer wonder with which the linguist regarded every new place was something to behold. As Helen made for the nearest display case, the med-tech pulled the letter from the Doctor from her coat pocket to examine the map and it didn’t take her long to identify the chamber they had arrived in. It was the first of several such chambers, well into the labyrinth already but a long way to go still as well. She spun on the spot to get her bearings, looking to all the exits of the room. Fortunately, the Doctor had been kind enough to make up the way they were meant to be going.

“We better get on,” she called to Helen after having identified the exit they were meant to be taking. While thus far, there was no obvious danger, she was keenly aware of the Doctor’s warning about keeping their wits about them. And while her friend was quite obviously preoccupied with the exhibit, she’d have to be watchful for them both.

“Liv, this place is amazing, the history of a whole civilisation long since gone and-”

“You can satisfy your curiosity later when we have the chains, the Doctor said not to be taken in by the tourist attraction,” she reminded her but couldn’t help the smile that stole to her lips at seeing Helen so utterly engrossed and delighted.

“What are you two doing here?!” A voice bellowed across to them and they both jumped, whipping around to find a group of people drawing into the hall, led by two guides in overalls. They looked like archaeologists but Liv could immediately tell it was but a uniform to create that impression for the tourists,because that was exactly what that group of people was. Somehow, no matter which part of the galaxy you visited, tourists dressed a certain way and were instantly recognisable.

“Uh, we just-” The med-tech struggled for an excuse and Helen quickly returned to her side, should they need to make a dash for it.

“No leaving your assigned groups, we run a tight schedule and can’t have people falling behind and potentially straying off the path!” One of the guides scowled at them while the tourists started examining the exhibits, paying little mind to them.

“Ah yes… we just got so engrossed and didn’t even notice our group leaving,” the linguist improvised and this seemed to satisfy the guides.

“Well, you can stick with us now but no wandering off!” They insisted sternly, and while they both nodded their agreement eagerly, Liv mumbled under her breath.

“Shame, that’s exactly what we need to be doing.”

“Let’s enjoy the exhibit for now?” Helen suggested almost hopefully. “Best course of action would be to genuinely fall behind once they carry on?”

“I suppose so, don’t want to attract unwanted attention,” Liv agreed and found her friend looping her arm around hers.

“Come look at these carvings!” She insisted excitedly and dragged her along. The med-tech was beginning to see a theme that ran through the course of their life and it was a delightful thought.

They spend a good hour in the hall, taking a scheduled rest break as the guides explained, but time flew by as Liv basked in her friend’s excitement and joy. Before long, they set off into the tunnels and Liv was pleased to find that they were heading the way the Doctor had indicated on the map.

“You know what… I think some of this is wrong…” Helen hummed beside her, flicking through the brochure she had been able to find in the hall.

“How so?” Liv frowned, glancing over as they walked, following the group. Already, they had dropped to the rare in hope of making their escape when appropriate.

“It says it’s a tomb, right? The most magnificent burial site in this part of the universe. The queen was the last ruler of this civilisation and she had taken inspiration from Earth history and the Egyptian pyramids when she had this place built in anticipation of her death. She was determined to be remembered, sparing no expense.”

“Well, she did do a good job of it, didn’t she?” The med-tech commented, failing to see her point. “This place is beyond impressive and is certainly big enough to house a museum detailing all her civilisation’s history. In a way she’d made them immortal too.”

“What I don’t understand is how a civilisation that has the resources and ability to build something like this dies out alongside its ruler. It’s all gone, isn’t it? At least that’s what I’m taking from this, there are no hard facts here,” she waved the brochure with a deep frown gracing her brow.

“The way I understood it, the empire fell apart once the queen died… Didn’t people just… leave? Seeking their fortune elsewhere?” Liv asked, drawing on what they had seen in the exhibit but the linguist remained doubtful.

“Yes, but why would you? If this is your home, why would you leave once the monarch dies? That sort of loyalty doesn’t tally. Throughout history the normal population had very little to do with the ruling elite. Most places, people would hardly be aware of a change in government, it made little difference to their day-to-day lives. I mean, I suppose they were insects of some description but still, their social structure was not unlike ours…”

“I suppose so…” the med-tech conceded but wasn’t sure where her friend was going with this.

“So what I’m saying is that I imagine there was more to it… maybe we will find out when we find the burial chamber…” Helen mused and pushed the brochure into her jacket pocket.

“I’m not sure jewellery will hold any answers…” Liv hummed, though her interest was piqued. She had made some excellent points. “Though I can't say I’m looking forward to committing grave robbery…”

“I’m sure the Doctor’s reasoning will become apparent eventually,” the linguist smiled reassuringly.

“Talking of the Doctor… I think we’ve just about reached the point where he wants us to go off trail…” the med-tech consulted the map once more and looking ahead, she spotted a crossroads where the guides were eagerly waving the tourists past as one of the tunnels was barred with impressive barriers.

“They’ll likely be standing there until everyone has walked past…” Helen observed, frustrated and Liv couldn’t argue with that. She took decisive action and grabbed her friend’s arm, pulling her into a groove in the tunnel wall, out of sight of the guides.

“Let’s wait until they’re gone…” she mumbled, trying to ignore the way her friend was pressed against her, having stumbled right into her arms.

“Yes, let’s…” Helen mumbled her agreement, her breath tickling the side of Liv’s face and the med-tech thought she might melt on the spot.

The wait seemed to last forever as Liv didn’t dare move a muscle with her friend so incredibly close. They stood in silence and the med-tech was hyper-aware of Helen’s every movement: the way she was resting her head against the side of hers, the way she held onto her shoulder from when she had stumbled into her, the way her chest rose and fell against her… It was all too distracting and so it was the linguist that pointed out:

“I think we’re safe to head out, they’ve gone.” Only then did Liv notice that complete silence had fallen in the tunnel, voices and footsteps of the tourist party had long since fallen away.

“Let’s go,” she agreed, instantly mourning the loss of intimacy when Helen stepped out of her arms and into the corridor.

The sonic screwdriver she had pocketed came in handy when it came to finding a way through the barrier.

“Bet you’re loving that,” the linguist commented with a smirk, looking on as Liv buzzed the lock open.

“A bit, yeah,” she grinned in response, it was impossible to deny. “What do you think awaits us in there?” The tunnel ahead was dark, it hadn’t been furnished with lighting as the main tunnels had been, and she flicked the sonic into a torch to allow them to see.

“The same thing that always awaits us in the dark… danger and excitement,” Helen cast a look over to her, her eyes twinkling, and while Liv knew neither of them should be excited at the prospect, they also couldn’t deny it.

“Shall we?” The med-tech extended her hand under the guise of not losing each other in the dark and her friend took it happily.

“With you? Always,” she confirmed and they made their way down the corridor, following the path the Doctor had indicated.

The Time Lord’s instructions had been spot on: they had to keep their wits about them, there were several obstacles along the way. Some required physical skills like ducking through a maze of spikes, some mental capabilities such as the riddle that allowed entrance into the antechamber.

“So far so good…” Helen hummed, regarding the map that Liv had relinquished possession of. In an ancient tomb, the linguist was certainly at an advantage and she was quite happy for her to take the lead.

“Final push?” The med-tech confirmed, stepping up to the large double doors that presumably led into the burial chamber. “Then we’ve just got to find a way back.”

“Let’s worry about getting in there first and finding these chains…” Helen hummed, examining the locking mechanism that was keeping them out. To say it was complicated was an understatement. The engineers of this place had been extremely eager to keep people out. “Something about all this…” She shook her head to herself, something was clearly on her mind.

“What is it?” Liv questioned prompts and the linguist sighed.

“We’re missing something, something is off about this place.”

“Let’s worry about it once we get back to the TARDIS?” The med-tech suggested and her friend nodded, focusing on the matter of releasing the locks.

It wasn’t easy and involved no small amount of bickering.

“Liv, will you listen to me!” Helen scowled at her best friend on the other side of the doorway.

“I am listening!” Liv bit back, working several cogs this way and that while the linguist hung on to some ropes. “I am turning it just the way you said!”

“You aren’t!” Helen insisted and the med-tech threw up her hands, annoyed. “Here hold this bit, let me do it!” She gestured for her to come and take over with the ropes.

“Who put you in charge?” Liv groaned but abandoned her task. “I have the sonic-” She waved the implement about as though it afforded her some authority and the linguist snatched it promptly out of her hand.

“Not anymore,” she countered, leaving her extremely put out. The med-tech adored her beyond words but she had a way of driving her crazy too if she really wanted to. It had something to do with Liv’s ego, though she would never admit it out loud. She always longed to impress her and when she couldn’t, it stung and left her feeling inadequate while Helen was always so utterly brilliant. She got the sense this would be no exception… “Hold on to those ropes, Liv. If you’re strong enough that is.” The quip at the end was clearly intended to lighten things up but had the opposite effect of winding her up even more.

“I’ll show you,” Liv huffed under her breath but did as she was told. Promptly Helen worked the cogs and buzzed the sonic at a lever far above. Suddenly, a row of stone broke away at the top and crashed down into the opening of the double doors. “Careful!” The med-tech yelped as she jumped back, looking around to Helen, panicked, dreading to find her injured, but her friend had ducked out of the way and popped her head up with a self-satisfied smirk.

“There. Piece of cake,” she grinned as the doors swung open. She twirled the sonic in her hand and pocketed it. “Keeping this!”

“You’re not!” Liv gaped, relieved to find she was okay but also thoroughly annoyed to be on the back foot.

“Yes, I am. Try and take it off me,” Helen beamed as she clambered over the fallen rocks. “Come along then!”

“Just you wait!” The med-tech called after her, unable to suppress a laugh, they were both enjoying themselves far too much.

As she rushed through the double doors into the beautiful burial chamber beyond, it was as though a cold shower ran across her skin.

“What was that?” Helen seemed to have suffered the same sensation and as Liv looked around she recognised a sort of shimmer in the air behind them. Despite the ancient looking surroundings, they were best served remembering that this was an advanced alien civilisation they were dealing with.

“Some sort of force field-” she deduced, infinitely relieved that they hadn’t been harmed by it though she couldn’t venture a guess as to why. Behind her, Helen asked and she looked around to see why. “And perhaps a perception filter… This… this does not look like a burial chamber…” she observed taking in the dark and dreary room that had looked entirely different from outside. One last disguise, it seemed.

“No… I knew there was something off about this place… it’s not a memorial sight, it’s a prison,” Helen stated mournfully and Liv followed her eyes to a shape at the far end of the room, chained to the wall. “Was a prison… now I suppose it is a tomb as well…”

“The queen’s chains…” she mumbled numbly as she struggled to make sense of the turn of events. Everything they had seen, all the artefacts and writings, they had all spoken to a beautiful, rich empire, and adoring population… and while she knew to take those things with a pinch of salt, designed to evoke a sense of grandeur and masking misgivings, this was not what she had expected to find. “What happened here?”

“I think I’ve got something of an idea…” the linguist replied after a long pause, her eyes skimming along the walls that were carved with writings. As the TARDIS did the translation work for them, Liv could read along but she gave her friend room to interpret and put the pieces together: “They were scared of her… she was too powerful, too… whatever she was… and they encased her, leaving the pretence of a respectful burial and disbanded the empire, most people fleeing just in case she did find a way to escape her prison,” Helen’s voice was bitter as she spoke. “Guess that explains why we weren’t harmed by the force field… it was only meant for her…”

“That’s horrific…” Liv whispered, taken in by the sadness of it all.

“Impossible to tell who’s the villain in all this… I suppose we will never know if she was the beast they claim or if they were just scared of a powerful woman…” The linguist let her voice trail off bitterly.

“Helen…” the med-tech wanted to say something to make it better but she didn’t know how. She knew her friend felt keenly about these things and she was quite right. They wouldn’t know if this woman had deserved her fate or had been tricked into an early, cruel grave.

“Sorry, I just… imagine… being chained up here in the darkness, all alone, knowing this would soon become your tomb… I can’t imagine anyone would deserve that,” Helen took a shaky breath, fighting for composure.

“We can always go back in time and find out the facts…” Liv offered gently but her friend just shook her head.

“But we can’t change this, not now, now that we’ve borne witness to it,” she countered and the med-tech’s shoulders slumped. She made a good point. Even if they found out the truth, there was nothing they could do about it now.

“I suppose not…” she conceded and took a step closer to her friend, tentatively wrapping her arm around her in a soothing, tender gesture, offering her comfort. “At least the universe remembers her more positively…” she offered and Helen gave a thin smile, resting her head against hers for a moment, almost as if she was drawing strength and resolve from her.

“We should… we should try and take the chains, like the Doctor requested…” she said after a long moment of silence.

“Yes, we should,” Liv agreed softly. “And then maybe she can have some rest too…”

It was a matter they set about in silence. Helen used the screwdriver to loosen the bolts and they freed the lifeless shape of the queen. The mighty exoskeleton remained intact, so much so that the two women were able to lift her up from her chained-up position by the wall, and they carried her to the centre of the room.

“Liv, where are you going?” Helen looked up, her expression, sombre and mournful before, turned puzzled as the med-tech set off walking.

“Hang on, just one second…” There was something she had spotted in the far corner of the room, below what appeared to be a shaft of light, a tunnel that reached up to the outside of the pyramid to allow for air circulation. Below the opening, a circle of flowers had started growing, pale white in the silvery light of the moon that shone in. She bent down and picked as many as she could. “Everyone deserves a proper burial.” She told her friend when she returned and placed the flowers around the queen. Helen looked on, visibly touched and requested a handful of flowers that the med-tech happily provided.

“The queen’s chains for a new chain…” the linguist said as she fashioned a necklace out of the flowers and draped it around the queen’s neck.

---

“Now what?” Liv asked as she placed the chains on the console. Finding their way out of the maze had been easy enough now that they had done it once, and they even managed to avoid any more tourist groups which was lucky, really. They would have had a difficult time explaining themselves if they had been found out as stealing priceless artefacts. They hadn’t brought all the chains, that would have been a big ask, but Liv had hidden the length of one of them under her coat.

“Not sure…” Helen admitted, skimming across the Doctor’s letter once more but there was no mention of what they were meant to do once they had retrieved the chains. “Did we maybe miss another letter, or-”

Suddenly, there was a violent jolt as the TARDIS launched on its own accord.

“I didn’t touch anything!” Liv exclaimed and Helen countered:

“I suppose that is our next clue!”

And sure enough, the TARDIS took them to their next destination.

“Leave those here until we know where we are and if the Doctor is here,” the linguist advised, gesturing at the chains and Liv easily agreed.

“Wasn’t keen on carrying them around, no. Though I have to admit, they are incredibly light for what they are.”

“I wonder what he might want them for…” Helen mused and the med-tech just shrugged.

“Guess we won’t find out until we find him, let’s see what this place is…”

This place, as it turned out, was another breathtaking sight.

“It’s a library!” The linguist was in awe as she looked around at the walls lined with books and while Liv was frustrated that the Doctor wasn’t there waiting for them, she did appreciate the fact that he was sending them to some beautiful places. And this time, she actually knew something about the place they were visiting.

“The Doctor has mentioned this place, it’s not just a library, it’s THE Library.”

“Oh is that what it is?” Helen’s eyes grew even wider with delight as she put together the pieces as well. The Doctor had promised many times she would take them here, knowing full well they would both enjoy it. It seemed he had finally made good on his promise, as a way of apology perhaps for keeping them waiting so long?

“Don’t get lost!” The med-tech exclaimed when her best friend started marching off, eager to go explore.

“Well, the Doctor isn’t here, is he? We have to start looking for clues!” She reasoned but the smile on her face was all too telling. First she wanted to have a proper look around and whyever not? They had a time machine.

“Hold up then!” Liv rushed after her.

The Library really was incredible, a whole planet of books.

“If we ever leave the TARDIS, this is where I want to be dropped off!” Helen insisted, her cheeks flushed with excitement and it was utterly endearing.

“Where would we sleep though?” Liv countered bemused, rolling over on the sofa they had claimed. “This isn’t too bad but I would prefer a bed.”

“We?” The linguist echoed, looking up from the book she had been skim-reading by the nearby shelf.

“Well, you don’t expect me to allow you to leave without me, do you?” Liv sat up, trying to brush over the way her heart had just jumped into her throat. She had spoken before thinking but now that she had said it, she couldn’t allow for another end to the conversation so she didn’t phrase it as a question but a hard fact: She wouldn’t let her leave without her, she couldn’t. It would, quite simply, kill her, and she couldn’t give her a choice in the matter.

“Of course, I- You’d rather come with me than with the Doctor?” Helen’s voice was suddenly very small and she looked vulnerable. “I mean, of course I don’t want to leave, I love the way things are, I just meant hypothetically, if I had to and-”

“And if that had to happen, I would be right there with you,” the med-tech explained and felt reassured by her insecure answer. They were both unsure of what the future held but if they could agree to face it together, no matter what it was, then she thought they would be alright. And that was something she was keen to establish. “If you will have me, that is…”

“Of course, nothing would make me happier,” the linguist gave a soft, emotional smile and Liv burst into a grin.

“Well, that’s agreed then, you’re stuck with me,” she announced and stopped short of adding ‘for life’. Because that’s what she wanted. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with her.

“I hope I don’t live to regret that,” Helen teased and the med-tech scowled at her before returning her attention to the book she was reading.

“You know, they found the queen in the end… I think once we opened all the locks, they could just march in,” she offered thoughtfully. She had been looking for clues about the chains and found a whole section about the mysterious insect species that had so cruelly disposed of their queen. And that had indeed been the consensus: the queen had been wronged and reluctant to agree to the construction of the tomb. The reason she had fallen out of favour with her populace had not been her power but rather the fact that she had been looking to change her people; to stop the war path that had built the empire and rule what they had and find peace and contentment, a course unpopular with most. It was tragic. But Liv found a small measure of solace in the fact that history remembered things correctly and that they had played some small part in it by opening the tomb. Even their bed of flowers had been mentioned and become a source of widespread speculation. Helen read over her shoulder and seemed lighter for it too.

“Did you realise the metal the chains are made of is supposed to be the most durable metal in the universe? It’s a compound of dark star alloy and a crystalline substance I can’t even pronounce,” Liv commented, pointing out a paragraph she had found before and Helen gave a sigh.

“And what are we to do with it?” It remained a mystery, as did the Doctor’s whereabouts.

“I have absolutely no idea,” Liv admitted, flipping through the rest of the book. “But I’m sure it’ll all become clear eventually- OH!” Suddenly, another envelope fell from the book.

“How did he know?” Helen exclaimed and the med-tech just shook her head to herself.

“That man, honestly,” she muttered, and ripped the envelope open.

“I take it you have the chains, well done, I always knew you would work things out - and not just because I had already read this book. Now, you’re about halfway. The next place I need you to go will be a lot more dangerous I’m afraid but I have every faith in your abilities to work together and accomplish the task. Included again are coordinates. They will take you to a world that some people consider the homeworld of the Weeping Angels.”

“Hang on!” Liv exclaimed. “That can’t possibly be a good idea!”

“Let’s see what else it says first…” Helen tried to reassure her but her expression didn’t speak of enthusiasm either.

“If you know what you’re dealing with, I’m sure you can prepare accordingly. What makes this world special and the main reason why the Angels feel very much at home here are naturally occurring gemstones with very special properties. They are time active and the Angels draw strength from them. I need you to bring two back. In and out, no more, don’t stay too long, the Angels won’t want you taking them. Good luck!”

“Yeah, no shit they won’t want us taking them, what’s all this for?” Liv groaned and her best friend sighed.

“I guess the only way we will find out is once we find the Doctor. Half-way sounds encouraging though, doesn’t it?” She tried to sound encouraging but didn’t quite hit the mark.

“I would have expected to find him by now,” the med-tech huffed. It was very unlike the Doctor to leave them alone for as long as this but at least it seemed as though he had thought everything through - which was a rarity and worrying in itself.

“This is not too bad though, is it?” Helen asked tentatively after a moment of deliberation. “And adventure just the two of us? It’s fun.” She gave her a small, hopeful smile that melted Liv’s heart within moments. How was she to deny that? Having alone time with her friend was something she craved beyond words.

“I suppose it is…” she admitted, opting for a joke to mask how utterly smitten she was with her. “And you do make quite the Doctor, Dr. Sinclair.”

The linguist burst into a grin.

“And you, Miss Chenka, make quite the companion,” she offered in return, straightening herself up from the hunched over position over her friend’s shoulder. They had received another set of marching orders, it was time for action.

“Hey! You were meant to say I make a good Doctor too!” Liv gaped and Helen laughed.

“We shall see how you do on the planet of the Angels then,” she parried easily.

“Well, as it happens, I do already have a bit of an idea of how we go about that,” the med-tech grinned and stood abruptly, discarding the book she’d been reading on a nearby coffee table. “Last one to the TARDIS makes tea!” And with that, she dashed ahead, formulating her plan of how to keep the Weeping Angels at bay. After their last encounter with them in Soho, she couldn’t risk Helen being touched by one again. It would kill her, and she wasn’t about to take any risks.

“Now, that is quite something…” Helen commented, eyebrows disappearing under her bangs and betraying her scepticism. Having lost the dash to the TARDIS, she had made tea as agreed and upon her turn with the mugs, she found her friend on the floor in the console room, surrounded by tools and mirrors. Lots and lots of mirrors from all over the TARDIS.

“It was the Angels in Soho that gave me the idea. They could never look at each other, right? So if they’re seen by each other or even themselves, that locks them in place too,” the med-tech explained, attaching two reflective panels together with copper wire and sheer force of will.

“So… mirrors as armor?” The linguist deduced, passing her her mug down.

“Indeed. Not the most fashionable number, but you can wear just about anything and look good, so-” Liv flashed her a smile and took the tea, promptly burying her face in the steam. Perhaps her observation had been rather bold but it was the truth. Helen was utterly beautiful.

“Ahh, flattery will get you anywhere, it’ll even get me to wear that,” her friend shot back and dropped into a nearby armchair, surveying her progress. The med-tech could feel her eyes on her, but she didn’t mind. She liked to have her for company, no matter the situation.

“It’s for your own safety. I’ll be wearing one, too!” She pointed out after looping together another two mirrors.

“I trust you Liv, you don’t have to convince me,” the linguist answered, sipping her tea with obvious contentment.

“Good… I just… you need to be extra careful. You’ve already been touched by an Angel once, so-” Liv knew her tone betrayed her anxiousness but she couldn’t help it.

“I know. I will be,” Helen promised with a smile.

And sure enough, Liv’s stubborn determination won out and she fashioned two slip-on garments made completely out of mirrors held together by wire. They weren’t the most comfortable or easy to use things but once in place, they would hopefully protect them from an Angel that set their sights on them. Helen, meanwhile, piloted them to the coordinates the Doctor had given them and they were all set for the second leg of their adventure, hoping that it indeed would be the end of it.

“Here goes nothing…” the med-tech hummed as they made for the door. “Let me go first.” Her friend didn’t argue, likely because she knew there was no point.

The world they found was much like they had expected: It was dark; Angels preferred darkness in which they could more easily move. There were no celestial bodies, no sun, no moon, merely the faint, silvery light from distant galaxies and nebulas above. It was eerily quiet too, there likely was little life here, other than the Angels. There was some flora, hearty weeds that grew in the darkness and a few, rare flowers, pale in the silvery light from above. As their eyes adjusted to the twilight, they were able to see further and soon spotted the first Angels. There were many, standing like headstones against the almost black sky. For all intents and purposes, the planet looked like a graveyard.

“This is cosy…” Liv mumbled and nearly jumped at a sudden, feather light touch on her arm. She looked around to see Helen trailing her fingers down the inside of her arm, coming to rest in her palm where she grasped on tightly. It certainly was an appropriate time to hold hands.

“Over there,” the linguist stretched out her arm, pointing towards a group of Angels that stood together in a circle, almost as though they were having a conversation and Liv spotted what she meant. There was an unearthly hue to the Angels, light other than the stars above tinting them in a pale blue. The course of light seemed to be in the centre of their circle.

“Might as well try…” the med-tech nodded and they started creeping forward. There was movement around them, in the distance Angels were shifting, likely having taken notice of their arrival but not anywhere close. They did their best to keep the Angels that were closer in their sights and thus far, their mirrored defence seemed to be contributing too. “Keep looking at them, I’ll see what it is,” Liv decided as they reached the circle.

“Be careful,” Helen demanded and the med-tech nodded as she released her hand and crept forward. She took notice of the posture of the Angels, all facing towards the light, arms outstretched but not as though they were reaching for it, more as if they were basking in it. If these gemstones were something the Angels could draw nutrition from, it seemed this was how they did it. Sure enough, as she leaned in close, through a gap between two of the deadly creatures, she stopped the earth having been overturned and ripped away to reveal a stream of light, a vein of the precious gemstones the Doctor had requested.

“I’m gonna squeeze through,” Liv decided after a moment of weighing her options.

“Liv, is that safe?” Came the linguist’s concerned response.

“You just keep an eye on them. Once I’m through, they’ll all be looking at my mirrors, I’ll be safe,” she reasoned even though she wasn’t entirely sure it was as straightforward as that. Either way, she knew it had to be her. If the Angels got her, she would only be transported back, Helen could pick her up in the TARDIS, if her friend was touched…She didn’t dare complete the thought. “Quick in and out, like the Doctor said, yeah?” And before her friend could protest, she turned sideways and eased herself through the gap between the Angels. The mirrors scraping against the stone gave a horrible screeching noise, but none of the creatures moved under their watchful eyes.

“Just grab what you can and get out of there,” the linguist pleaded and Liv nodded to herself crouching down beside the small crater. Like this, the Angels towering over her were all the more imposing and she knew full well, being in full view of them, they were already plotting how to get to her. Placing faith in her own construction, she relied on the mirrors to keep her safe and bent down to scoop up some of the gemstones. It was a comparatively easy task: plenty had come loose in the process of the Angels digging the vein free. The first touch, however, sent a tremor through Liv’s body, like a jolt of electricity, but the effects of which were only noticeable in her mind’s eye.

It was a lovely sensation of warmth that took her over, and joy, almost palpable. Helen was there, smiling beautifully in a way that went straight into Liv’s heart. And then, the sensation of lips on hers, a wonderfully deep kiss, full of promise and hope and-

“Liv!” Helen’s voice, urgent and pleading, pulled her back to reality and the vision faded as quickly as it had come as she stuffed the gems into her coat pocket. She looked around to find Helen looking off into the distance now. “They’re coming, we’ve been too long, hurry back,” she instructed sharply and the med-tech didn’t need asking twice. She squeezed herself through the gap once more, eager to get back to Helen.

“Got the gems, let’s go,” she confirmed, and suddenly, she yelped when something cold closed around her ankle.

“LIV!” Helen exclaimed, her eyes back with her best friend and halting the Angel that had lunged for her with the mirrors obscured and caught in the gap.

“It’s alright, just keep watching,” Liv groaned, training her own eyes on the horizon where numerous statues had drawn in much much closer. They had overstayed their welcome. “Let me give you the gems, in case-”

“Don’t you dare entertain the thought that I’m leaving you!” Helen interrupted her sharply and despite the situation, the med-tech’s heart filled with joy and reassurance.

“In that case, keep looking at the Angel and give me a hand.” She reached out and the linguist grabbed her hand tightly. It was a joint effort. Liv managed to wiggle out of her boot, and with their combined strength, they managed to pull her free and through the gap. “Damn, I liked these boots,” the med-tech tried to mask her fear. That had been a very close call indeed. Now that they stood, their mirrors were offering protection once more.

“Let’s mourn their loss when we’re inside the TARDIS!” Helen interrupted and never having released her hand, she pulled her along, back to the blue box that the Angels had been drawing closer to.

“Okay, that was a little close for comfort…” Liv admitted when they were safe inside the TARDIS once more. She dropped into an armchair and pulled off her sock to examine the damage to her foot. It looked rather bruised from the force with which they had pulled her free but far better than the alternative.

“I’ll be having a word or two with the Doctor once we find him,” Helen scowled, catching her breath from the run back to their ship.

“Talking of…” the med-tech released a heavy sigh and indicated towards another letter that sat upon the console.

“This better be where we find him,” her best friend huffed and went to pick it up before coming to sit on the side of the armchair beside Liv so they could both look at the message:

“My dear friends, very well done indeed. I promise the hard part is over now. Well, the dangerous part anyway, you might still find other things hard to face but that is a matter for later on. For now, I will need you to take the items to a friend of mine, coordinates and name enclosed in the letter. They will need a little while with them so have a break while you’re there, a meal and a rest, you deserve it. I would suggest a change of clothes, Liv.”

“I am going to kill that man, truly, see if the next regeneration is any less trouble,” the med-tech exclaimed. “Do you think he knows?” She gestured at her foot. “Has he been watching us somehow?”

“Either that or he’s referring to the fact that your fashion sense always leaves something to be desired,” Helen grinned and before her friend could slap her arm in reprimand, she jumped up to make for the console and select their next destination.

---

Begrudgingly, Liv got a change of clothes. She had to find a new pair of shoes anyway, a change of shirt was not the end of the world. They had been doing an awful lot of running, it was probably called for. The Doctor’s instruction about having a meal was rather curious as well. They had been to some interesting places during this curious interlude, she got the sense that maybe, they were in for a treat. She tried her best not to think of this as a date, even though it had all the connotations of one. That didn’t stop her, however, from choosing a slightly nicer shirt than she usually would have.

There had been moments during these adventures… she felt closer to Helen than ever. They had held hands. They had reaffirmed their intentions to stay together, even after they stopped travelling with the Doctor... and there had even been the odd flirty remark… Lovely moments between them that made her heart beat a little faster. Maybe, this could be a chance… No Doctor to interfere, time on their hands, a meal…

She shook her head to herself, she didn’t want to get ahead of herself, and yet she put on a dark green shirt, turning up the sleeves. She even changed out of her jeans into smart black trousers. And she even tied half her hair back, rather than allowing it to hang messily and free.

She felt silly as she made her way to the console room but at least she had the excuse of the Doctor’s instruction. What she hadn’t bargained for, however, was that Helen would also get a change of clothing. Liv nearly stumbled over her feet at the sight of her best friend, working the TARDIS controls while wearing a summer dress! It was pale blue and reached to her knees with small heels completing the outfit that would certainly not have been suitable for their previous adventures.

“What if we end up on an ice world?” Liv cleared her throat, prising her eyes away from the linguist’s legs before making her presence known.

“I have taken the liberty of checking where we will end up,” Helen answered and flashed her a smile. “You do scrub up nicely when you want to, don’t you?” She gave her a once-over and the med-tech felt herself blush.

“And what if we end up having to make a run for it?” She evaded.

“The Doctor said we were coming here for a rest, let’s try not to overthink it, hm?” The linguist suggested lightly, returning her attention to the console and all Liv could do was over-think: Why had her friend made such an effort? She looked incredible. Surely she hadn’t just done so for the fun of it? A million questions and considerations ran through her mind, all silenced when Helen said: “I can hear you thinking, Liv. Stop worrying. And if we have to run, I’ll just take my shoes off,” she smiled as she launched the space and time ship to their next destination.

“You look nice…” Liv mumbled at last, joining her by the controls and the linguist looked around with a soft, honest smile.

“So do you, truly.” She reached out to straighten out her friend’s collar and the med-tech was reminded of the brief flash of vision she had had when touching the gem stones for the first time. Now they lay with the chains on top of the console, ready to be handed over at their next location. She wondered what it all meant, whether it had been her over-active imagination or something more substantial than that. What she wouldn’t give to actually kiss her… Maybe it would be worth taking the plunge and seeing where the chips fell…

Their arrival interrupted her musings.

“So, if you’ve had a sneak peak, what is this place?” Liv asked, pocketing the gemstones and looping the chain over her shoulder. It wasn’t the most practical but hopefully she would be rid of them soon.

“Think… Hanging Gardens of Babylon… but somewhere in the far future,” Helen answered sounding rather excited and opened the TARDIS doors. Liv didn’t really get the reference, she figured it was something from old Earth history, but the image it evoked was rather a lot like what they found. They walked out into a lush garden. There were two suns in the sky but it wasn’t too hot, it was like a mild summer day with a soft breeze and the air was sweet with the smell of a thousand different flowers. The med-tech looked around in awe. The desert climate of Kaldor didn’t allow for a great variety of flora so she was utterly overwhelmed. They had been to other beautiful, green worlds before but nothing quite like this. They stood at the foot of what looked a bit like a pyramid, only, it wasn’t quite that. It was a city, built onto the slope of a mountain so high that eventually, it became engulfed in mist and the summit was entirely obscured. The city looped around the mountain in tiers of white marble but not much of the gleaming white stone was visible as flowers hung from the balustrades, covering each tier of seemingly never ending circles in the most magnificent colours.

“Shall we?” Helen smiled, visibly excited but calm as she had known what to expect while Liv was still completely in awe.

“Yes, let’s…” The med-tech nodded and took her friend’s hand, offered willingly without question, and her heart jumped in her chest. She struggled to think of a time she had been happier.

Everyone was incredibly helpful within the city walls, they seemed quite used to visitors and they were shown the way to the address the Doctor had provided. Not knowing what to expect, Liv knocked on the door of a large marble dwelling. All the buildings in the city were made of the same white stone and it was utterly beautiful. This building, in particular, resembled an old fashioned workshop, even though there was advanced technology about. It seemed a stylistic choice, much like everything else in the city.

“Ah, the Doctor’s friends,” an elderly man opened the door and regarded them with a warm smile and curious disposition.

“I assume you’ve been expecting us to bring by some artefacts?” Helen started cautiously and he nodded.

“Very much so. Have you got both? The metal and the stones?” He asked and Liv nodded confirmation as she retrieved the items to hand them over.

“Splendid, splendid. I shall be a few hours. The Doctor has made arrangements for you at the Garden restaurant, I shall find you there when I’m done.” And with that, without further explanation, he shut the door in their faces.

“Well that was… odd…” the med-tech commented after a moment of stunned silence.

“The Doctor knows a lot of odd people,” her friend considered and Liv laughed:

“The Doctor is an odd person… Let’s see if we can’t find this restaurant…”

They relied on the guidance of the locals once more who were kind enough to point out the elevators to them, rather than having to take the stairs. As it turned out, the garden restaurant was located towards the very top of the mountain where buildings became sparse and nature had entirely taken over. The tables stood along the edge of the circle, the marble of the balustrade only reaching the height of the tables, allowing for a beautiful view of the city below and the surrounding lands. It was an incredibly colourful world, something out of a fairytale. Above them stretched a canopy of mighty trees.

As promised, they were expected, and were promptly shown to a table.

“This is lovely,” Helen commented, allowing her eyes to wander across the beautiful landscape below. It was a good thing neither one of them had difficulty with heights.

“It is, yes,” Liv agreed though her attention rested entirely on her friend. The light that fell through the fronds of the trees played beautifully in her hair. The med-tech was glad she had made a bit of an effort now. It seemed to be a rather exclusive restaurant and she was relieved when the waiter assured them payment was already taken care of. The more she thought about it, the more she realised this felt like a proper date.

“You know… I think this is the first time we’re sitting down for a proper meal together that’s not in the TARDIS since Kaldor,” she commented, by the time dessert arrived. It had been a lovely meal, good food and even better company. And she couldn’t help but smile adoringly at her friend.

“Yes, I think you’re right.” Helen’s eyes widened in surprise. “Gosh. Feels like a lifetime ago…”

“It does, doesn’t it…” Liv confirmed softly and thanked her lucky stars that she got to spend this lifetime with the wonderful woman across from her.

“You know I… it’s almost like I can’t remember my old life anymore…” The linguist mused softly. “I mean, of course, I remember my family and going to school and work at the museum but… it all seems so grey and pale, almost as if it was never real… It’s just not… compatible… with life now.”

“Still think you made the right decision back then?” Liv prompted, her heart beating a little fast from her wonderful words.

“I know I did,” her friend confirmed. “Back then I didn’t know I could be this… happy.” And her eyes sparked with something other than the sun that the med-tech didn’t dare name.

“I also think this is the happiest time of my life…” She gave back. “With the Doctor, travelling and with you…”

“Who would have thought? We’re from completely different times, different corners of the universe and yet-” Helen smiled wistfully and Liv’s heart swelled with joy.

“Fate doesn’t care about those things,” she pointed out and her friend chuckled:

“And you believe in that? In fate?”

“I believe in making your own destiny. Choosing to be happy,” the med-tech answered and as she spoke, she realised she was being a coward. If that was what she believed in - and it was - why hadn’t she done something about her ever growing feelings for her best friend? Claiming it was out of respect for her time was one thing, it was a risk, no doubt… but there was also the look in her friend’s eyes, her lovely words, and the reward she might receive if she took a leap of faith. They were already discussing such heart-felt matters, maybe it was time to open up her heart to her as well.

“Miss Sinclair? Miss Chenka?” The moment was interrupted most inconveniently. “I hope you have been keeping busy, the Doctor explained I was to find you here once the work is completed,” the small man they had taken the artefacts to placed a large parcel on the table between them. He grinned at them broadly. “I hope it will bring you much joy.”

“Uhh… thank you?” Helen responded, quite overwhelmed by his sudden appearance and he bid them goodbye just as quickly.

“My pleasure entirely,” he retorted and marched off, leaving them behind utterly puzzled.

“That is one massive present…” Liv commented, regarding the parcel that had been tied up with a bow. She had to lean around it to be able to see her friend.

“And a letter again… of course,” the linguist stood and picked the brown envelope off the top and the med-tech got up to join her and read along.

“My dear friends. I imagine you’re rather curious but for your own safety, I must insist you don’t open it. I promise you will find out what’s in there soon enough. For now, I hope you enjoyed your meal. It’s meant to be some of the best food in the galaxy. Take your time, there is no rush. But when you do go back to the TARDIS, enclosed are the coordinates for the final leg of your journey.”

“Final leg… how much do you want to bet that there is another delay?” Liv groaned and Helen gave a heavy sigh.

---

“Final leg…” Liv took a deep breath as they made for the TARDIS doors once they reached their supposedly final stop. They had finished their meal at the restaurant but not stayed beyond that. They were both far too curious about what was in the parcel. They were eager to reach their destination and more than once, Helen had had to swat Liv’s hand away from the ribbon.

“Final leg,” the linguist confirmed and together, they pushed the double doors open.

Light streamed into the TARDIS and blinded them for a moment. Light that - once their eyes adjusted - had been reflected by the shimmering surface of a wide ocean. They had landed on a beach. The sand was a magnificent orange and the water almost white. The sun, a white giant by the looks of it, stood high above them, offering a crisp, bright light. It was entrancing.

“Look at the water, Liv…” Helen led the way out of the TARDIS and the med-tech saw what she meant. It was moving, ebbing away and washing in, twirling and splashing but with no obvious pattern, no trace of wind… it was almost as if it was alive.

“That doesn’t look natural,” she commented, but was taken in by the mesmerising beauty of it.

“In an infinite universe…” the linguist hummed. “We have seen a lot of incredible things recently…”

“I suppose so…” That was something she Liv couldn’t argue with. “What are we meant to do here?” She questioned as she looked around. “It’s totally empty.”

“Not totally…” Helen directed her focus a little further down the beach to a blanket with a picnic basket on top.

“Is that meant for us?” The med-tech frowned as they made their way over and her friend pointed out:

“Another letter.”

“I don’t think I can eat now, I’m stuffed,” Liv opened the basket while the linguist unfolded the letter.

“This sea has many remarkable properties apart from its sheer beauty. People come here from all over the universe to find clarity. I hope you will too. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, come back to the TARDIS, she will take you to us.”

“Us?” Helen frowned and the med-tech threw her hands up annoyed.

“Once we found what we’re looking for? What are we meant to be looking for?” She scanned their surroundings but nothing stood out to her. They were utterly alone.

“I have absolutely no idea…” the linguist sighed, somewhat defeated, then kicked her heels off. “But I know what I’m doing.”

“Helen?” Liv looked on, bewildered, as her friend made for the water. “What are you-”

“Come on, don’t be a spoil sport, the TARDIS is right there, so what if we get wet?” She cast a glance back with a smile. She had the advantage of still being in her dress and she waded into the water. “Oh it’s lovely, it-” And suddenly, she fell silent, her expression turning to one of complete wonder.

“Helen, you okay?” The med-tech was concerned by her sudden change of demeanour.

“Yeah, fine, just… it’s incredible. Everything just…” She sounded awestruck and wistful at the same time. It was odd and the med-tech felt a pang of concern, just as her friend turned to face her but remained in the water. “Come here, Liv. Please.” There was a pleading quality to her tone, her expression one of almost desperate longing and while Liv didn’t understand what had prompted it, she couldn’t very well deny her. If nothing else, she had to make sure she was okay. So she kicked off her boots and socks and turned up her trousers to her knees. It wasn’t the most fashionable look but she didn’t fancy getting soaked. Meanwhile her friend called to her again. “Please, Liv.”

And so, the med-tech waded into the water after her and the moment the water touched her skin it was as if her mind opened up. She had a sudden clarity of thought that she had never experienced before. Humans had such an infinite capacity to overthink, to worry, to build up issues in their mind, fuelled by anxiety and doubt. The water washed them all away. She became an objective observer of her life, understanding - perhaps for the very first time - all the twists and turns she had taken to reach this point in time. And she saw the path forward too, when her eyes sought Helen who looked at her with equal understanding and sudden clarity.

The linguist took the last two steps to meet her and reached for her face in a gesture so entirely unwavering, as if it were inevitable. Liv leaned into her touch and mirrored it, stood on her tiptoes and it was a mutual decision and action when they kissed. The med-tech pushed her hands into her friend’s hair and Helen smiled against her lips and sure enough, they were both overcome by a wave of complete contentment and understanding.

“Remarkable place…” the linguist breathed, as they rested their foreheads together. “I suppose this was what we were meant to find…” She brushed her thumb over Liv’s cheek and the med-tech smiled:

“Sly old Doctor…” And she kissed her again. There was no need for words, no lengthy explanations and justifications for why it had taken them both so long to reach this conclusion that now seemed so bafflingly obvious. They both understood completely. “I love you, Helen…” Liv said after a long while in which they did little but stand in each other’s arms. She knew her friend understood but she still believed in the value of saying it, acknowledging it.

“I love you too, Liv…” the linguist returned easily. “I suppose we both needed this, after everything…” her voice trailed off and the med-tech nodded.

“We’ve already been together for what feels like a lifetime… we might as well acknowledge it.”

“I’ve never felt freer…” Helen confessed in an emotional voice and Liv considered the wonderful qualities of the water, rinsing away the burdens of the past. They both had had far too many of those but maybe they could go forward into a future free of those - together.

“Speaking of freedom….” Liv hummed, nestling into the crook of her neck. “We have a time machine, the ultimate freedom… we don’t have to rush back to the Doctor…”

“No, we don’t,” the linguist agreed with a warm chuckle. “I wouldn’t mind staying here for a while longer…”

“Agreed,” the med-tech pulled back, leaving her friend visibly disappointed. “And you know what that means?” She raised her eyebrows and Helen frowned, it seemed the water didn’t provide all the answers or tell the future. Else she would have seen it coming: “WATER FIGHT!” She splashed an arm full of the crystal liquid at her, catching her completely off guard but leaving her to giggle like a teenager.

“Just you wait!” Helen laughed and kicked water at her in turn.

---

When they returned to the TARDIS, they were both soaked to the bone, not least because Liv had thrown herself at Helen in the end and they had both crashed into the water in a fit of giggles.

“I suppose it’s time we went to see the Doctor,” the linguist gave a content sigh, brushing her wet bangs out of her eyes.

“After a change of clothes,” Liv agreed with a laugh. She was beginning to feel thoroughly uncomfortable in the wet clothes that stuck to her but she couldn’t bring herself to be annoyed about it, not when her heart was so full. “I mean, I could help you out of your dress?” She suggested flirtily, unable to help herself.

“Hmm one step at a time, Miss Chenka,” Helen retorted playfully with a twinkle in her eyes that reassured the med-tech that her advances were entirely welcome. “I suppose you could help with the zip…” she mused once they reached their bedrooms that lay across from each other. Colour shot to Liv’s cheeks, caught off guard entirely despite her bold claim and her friend turned around, brushing her hair out of the way.

Liv swallowed hard, suddenly confronted with her subject of her dreams, and she reached up, tentatively dragging down the fastening of her dress. She revealed pale, soft skin that glistened from the water and she couldn’t resist the temptation: she pressed her lips in between her shoulder blades, reached around her to tug the dress further down and Helen hummed contently, allowing for a moment of self indulgence that made Liv forget all about the Doctor and where they were meant to be going. At least until Helen turned in her arms, kissed her soundly, and then pulled back with a grin:

“Go and get changed, we have somewhere to be. There’s time for that later.”

And with that she left her standing, disappointed with her heart thundering in her chest, but also indescribably happy as the reality of it all slowly started sinking in.

---

Once changed and after sharing a series of content, loving kisses, they were ready to set off and rejoin their Time Lord friend. The journey was short and uneventful, and as they headed out of the TARDIS, they found themselves in yet another restaurant.

“The Doctor is waiting for you,” the maitre d' indicated for them to follow.

“Is he indeed,” Liv huffed from behind the large parcel they were carrying. Fortunately, it was incredibly light despite its impressive size.

“Liv, please remember, we had a good time. It was all fine and it… it was worth it, wasn’t it,” Helen pointed out, looping her arm around her back.

“Yes… yes, it certainly was,” the med-tech had to concede and her heart warmed at the affectionate gesture.

“Let that be reflected in your reaction now?” Her friend requested and she sighed:

“Please let me have a go at him though? Just a little one?”

“As if I could stop you,” the linguist chuckled, and speak of the devil, the Doctor’s voice drew over to them.

“Liv, Helen!” He sounded rather excited and Liv craned her neck around the present to see.

“Doctor!” Helen gave back in greeting, then added somewhat more puzzled: “And River…?”

River Song stood with her husband, arm looped around his, beaming at them brightly.

“Hello Sweeties! Did you enjoy your tour of the universe?” She gushed and the pieces fell into place for Liv.

“That was you?” She exclaimed, pushing the parcel into the Doctor’s arms and Helen reached for her hand, pulling her back. She brushed her thumb over the back of her hand in an attempt to calm her with some success.

“You do know more than one Doctor,” the Time Lord chuckled, clearly in on it but his wife didn’t dwell on it.

“Was it enlightening?” She grinned.

“Enlightening…?” Helen echoed, confused, and she followed the archaeologist’s eyes to their intertwined hands. “Oh, uh-” She promptly blushed and Liv refused to let go of her hand, she held her all the more tightly.

“Well, we jumped through all of your little hoops if that’s what you mean. What was the point?” She demanded briskly.

“Come on, you have to admit… they were some incredible places we sent you,” River grinned and the Doctor added:

“The Seven Wonders of the Universe.”

“Is that what they were?” Helen asked and the Time Lord started counting on his finger:

“The Lighthouse, the greatest space station ever built. The Memorial of the Lost Empire. The Library. The Quarry of Happiness - though I suppose you didn’t see very much of that, pilgrims come from all over the universe to get a gemstone… only the Angels are quite effective gatekeepers. The Hanging Gardens of Drodolea. The Sea of Clarity and finally, here, at the Singing Towers of Darillium,” he gestured for them to follow to the far end of the restaurant that led onto a balcony. They did so reluctantly. “I take it you enjoyed yourself?”

“Very much so, yes,” the linguist admitted, though Liv wasn’t quite placated yet.

“So let me get this right… it was all an elaborate ruse to get us to admit our feelings for each other?”

“Call me a romantic but when two of your best friends spend a lifetime tiptoeing around each other… you can only watch for so long,” River smirked and they strode onto the balcony, another glorious sight awaiting them. The sky was orange and pink in what appeared to be a sunrise and against the light stood two large pillars of stone with a soft tune carrying over to them on the wind. It was magical.

“Will you at least tell us what’s in the parcel?” The med-tech huffed, trying her hardest to hold on to some of her annoyance though it was ebbing away fast. How was she to remain angry when their friends had gone to this trouble for them and made all her wishes come true?

“Have you not worked it out yet?” The Doctor laughed and Helen seemed just as clueless as the med-tech felt.

“Worked what out?”

“Open it,” River encouraged them and her husband put the parcel down on a nearby table.

“Oh, see NOW we’re allowed,” Liv quipped and tugged at the bow.

“Well, we couldn’t be entirely sure what part of the journey you would work things out between you,” River gave back easily and together, Liv and Helen set about pulling the present apart.

“What is- It’s more packaging than anything else,” the med-tech complained as there was an awful lot of pointless filling material.

“Another ruse, else it might have been too obvious,” the archaeologist hummed, and it was Helen that retrieved the item from the bottom of the parcel. It was a ring box.

“Oh Gosh, that’s a-” she stuttered, flushing bright red and Liv was stunned into silence. Slowly, the linguist opened the box, revealing two rings.

“We thought you might have need of these…” River observed, regarding her friends fondly. “Forged from the strongest metal in the universe, ornate with a gemstone from the Quarry of Happiness.”

“What… what is that exactly…?” Helen asked weakly and the Doctor jumped in with an explanation.

“They’re not unlike a Quantum Crystalliser,” he said and Liv frowned:

“A what?” This prompted the Time Lord into a more detailed explanation.

“It’s time active technology that sorts through possible time streams and manipulates them to play out favourably for the user. These gemstones are not quite as powerful as that but they work in a similar way. Think of them as a good luck charm, only one that actually works. It’s only about tiny changes, decisions here and there but what they are sure to bring you is happiness. In small ways they will improve your life, keep you safe, help you make the best decisions.”

“That’s incredible,” Helen breathed in awe and River looked rather pleased too:

“Isn’t it just,” she smiled. “And I can’t think of anyone more deserving of happiness than you two. And I think you will quite find the only right decision to make is-”

Liv took the ring box out of Helen’s hands, leaving her perplexed for a moment. But only as long as it look for the med-tech to free one of the rings and hold it out to her with a hopeful smile:

“Helen, will you marry me?”

It was a spur of the moment decision but everything simply felt right in the universe and Liv couldn’t take it back, she wouldn’t. It was all she wanted and if she had learned anything, it was that doubts wouldn’t do her and their future happiness any good.

“Of course, Liv,” the linguist smiled softly. “Nothing would make me happier.”

“And it’s working already,” the Doctor grinned delightedly, watching as they exchanged rings and River beamed:

“And now, we celebrate!”

Liv and Helen paid little attention to them both as they shared a sweet kiss, full of promise. They had made it through one mad adventure, the rest of their lives would be a breeze in comparison.

#doctor who #fanfiction #liv chenka #helen sinclair #river song #eighth doctor #femslash #big finish #liv x helen #action/adventure

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marbere · 11 months ago

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So, I've had this idea(? for a while now. As someone who hasn't read the manga and just finished the anime I didn't know where this was getting at, so I only have like 4 chapters and Idk if I'm going to continue it, but here it is ch 1 and if you're interested, I might post the other ones :)

«Petra Ral suddenly woke up in a forest. She doesn't know how she got there, she doesn't know what these giant anthropomorphic monsters are, and she doesn't know how to explain to those who call themselves the Survey Corps that she's basically from another world.»

---

Petra must admit, chains weren't her thing.

Well, she means, kind of. She'd done it before and was always open to experiencing something new…

But right now, when she was inside what seemed to be a jail… Yes… it wasn't right.

Petra put a hand to her head.

She had woken up in the middle of a forest with trees tall enough to cover the daylight. From what she saw and perceived she hadn't hit her head or anything like that, even her clothes were still the same that she decided to wear to go to college that morning.

However, Petra had no recollection, not even a clue, as to how she got there in the first place.

And the worst came later.

A monster. A giant anthropomorphic monster leaning against a tree. It was naked, but had no genitalia. Its expression was that of someone bored, but it didn't seem like that was really the case.

Petra stopped her steps when she saw that thing. She had refrained from calling for help for fear of dangerous animals appearing and had only been walking hoping to find her way out of the forest. Well, she had found it and that giant was obstructing it.

For a moment it reminded her of a movie she had seen… Or was it a book she read? The one where there was a giant too who became some kind of hero to normal humans in a weird island. Yep. Nope. Petra had been sure that that one there was definitely not a hero.

Then the giant jerked its head in her direction and Petra froze with her legs trembling. She tried to formulate a "hello" to try her luck. Maybe it could understand her? But the monster didn't even think twice before lunging at her.

Petra had screamed. She screamed as loud as her lungs and throat would allow, and when the monster tripped over one of the huge roots, she took the opportunity to run once more into the forest, assuming that she could at least hide in the bushes and undergrowth.

The monster hadn't hesitated to go after her.

Petra watched herself inside the safety of that cell. She was still wearing the same clothes, which amounted to shorts, a white blouse and sneakers. Of course, the blouse was no longer white, much less the sneakers. And her legs… she probably wouldn't wear shorts again if she ever found herself running from a giant monster again.

Then two men and a woman appeared. All uniformed. Uniforms that Petra couldn't recognize from any country that she knew of though she thinks she's seen them before.

"You're awake, I'm glad," said one of them. A blond, well-built man. He had a calm expression, almost showing a slight smile that was probably there to make her feel calmer.

"Have been for the past few minutes," she answered only to look at his companions.

The woman, who wore glasses and had her hair in a messy ponytail, had the most relaxed expression and posture of the three. She wasn't smiling, but she seemed very willing to listen to what she had to say.

The last one, black-haired, however… Petra watched him sideways, though she was sure he was fully aware.

With his back against the wall and his arms crossed, he gave the impression of being indifferent to what was happening, but Petra was clear with the hostility and suspicion with which he was treating her. Ready to attack or protect at any moment if the opportunity presented itself.

It was a different image than the one she had of him when he saved her from that giant in the forest, using those cables that made it look like he was flying…

The giant's body had fallen to the ground, right next to Petra. Smoke began to rise from it and he landed on the giant's head, looking at her with a feeling that seemed to go from confusion to distrust and from distrust to confusion quickly.

With a scowl on his face, he said: "Who the fuck are you?"

She must have passed out, since between that scene and the present everything was blank.

"Going outside the walls is a crime for anyone who isn't part of the Scouts," mentions the blond-haired one and Petra realizes that he must be the leader, or at least the most important person there. "So tell me, what is your name and what were you doing there?"

Petra frowns.

"Walls?" she repeats. What walls was he talking about? She almost died and now she was the one imprisoned? It doesn't make sense and soon a wave of questions makes its way down her throat. "Wait... What's going on? Scouts? Who are you guys? Is this some kind of joke?"

She presses her lips together and draws her legs closer to her body, as if that will make her feel more secure. Suddenly, she knows that everything that has happened is real. It suddenly doesn't feel like a dream anymore.

"Hm…" the woman puts a hand to her chin and examines Petra from head to toe just before looking back at the blond one. "Is it amnesia?"

"It's a possibility," he replies, narrowing his eyes, as if something is going through his mind.

"Or she's acting," adds the black-haired one, looking up.

Petra swallows hard. Faced with confusion, stress and uncertainty, she feels that she is going to start crying just because of the simple fact of not knowing what to do. She senses that she is in trouble, but doesn't know what kind. She can't defend herself, because she doesn't even know what's going on.

With one of her hands, she squeezes the fabric of her blouse and wrinkles it between her fingers. Petra looks down.

"I… I really don't know…"

Her expression must have revealed her sincerity, or the blond man is a mind reader, since soon he's glancing, almost glaring, sideways at the other man.

"Levi," and he says sternly, giving him a warning.

This Levi only responds with a tch before appearing indifferent again.

The blond man sighs, then, as if he has no solution, and looks directly at her again. This time Petra notices that his eyes, in contrast to the woman's, are clear as the sky.

"For the moment I'll assume you're telling the truth," he says and proceeds to introduce himself. "My name is Erwin Smith, commander of the Scout Regiment. These two are Squad Leader, Hange Zoe," the woman smiles and waves a hand. "And this is Captain Levi of the Special Operation Squad," he doesn't do much more than look at her stoically. "You are inside the walls now. To be precise, you are inside the Survey Corps headquarters, in Trost, the Rose wall."

If the man, Erwin, expected that to ring a bell in Petra's head… it does, but she's not exactly sure why. She's even more confused now.

"Now can you tell us your name?"

Petra slowly nods, knowing that she really can't object.

"Petra. Petra Ral," she replies.

Commander Erwin nods once and Squad Leader Hange writes it down.

"Do you know where you're from?" he asks and Petra parted her lips.

She clearly wasn't from there, it was so obvious that she knew they knew that too.

"No… not from here, I think?" she replies and looks around once more. There is a small window that lets in light, but from that angle she can only see the sky and hear a little of the sounds from outside. "But I don't know where exactly 'here' is, either…"

"What can you tell us that you do know?" he asks once more. Petra thinks he wants her to give him a specific answer, the thing is, she doesn't know what he wants to hear.

Because of that, Petra runs out of words faster than expected and just shakes her head no and shrugs.

Then the Squad Leader steps forward.

"Petra, right?" Petra nods and Hange Zoe quickly continues. "Listen, the thing is, you were found outside the Rose Wall, within the Maria Wall, in a location you wouldn't have been able to reach on foot, much less survive the surrounding titans alone and with no ODM gear. What can you tell us about that?"

"Titans?" Petra frowns and tilts her head. The first thing that comes to her mind is that giant she was running from, but it seems like a curious name to her… and then she gasps. Wait a minute. "Look I…I just know I woke up there, okay? I don't know how I got there, I don't know if someone took me or brought me… I don't even know where I am, okay?"

She hopes she doesn't. She really does.

Hange nods and adjusts her glasses, then looks at Erwin. They have a kind of silent agreement, for Petra it was more than obvious that they had known each other for a long time.

Erwin sighs.

"Where do you live, miss Ral?" he asks once again.

Petra doesn't know what the question is about, she had told them something already, but this time she decides not only to give the name of her city, but also her address.

Then Levi, who had been keeping quiet, hits hard on the metal bars. Petra basically jumps. That had startled her.

"Oi, don't tell such obvious lies."

"Lies? What—?" she feels slightly offended at being accused so suddenly, but seeing the faces of the other two, she knows something is wrong. "It's not a lie!"

"Miss Ral, there is no such place here," Erwin interrupts. Arms crossed, expression hard, but Petra can hear some impatience in his voice. "Are you sure—?"

And she gets exasperated too. Her lips tremble before she answers.

"No! I don't know! I really don't know what you're talking about! Titans?! Walls?! What the hell! I don't even know what you all mean by walls! I just want to go home!"

It's only when she's finished and panting that Petra realizes not only had she raised her voice but remembered that there's something about titans and walls that she's seen before.

Isn't that impossible, though? She thinks. There was just no way.

Anyway, Petra instantly regrets her actions, fearing that she will be punished, but doesn't lower her head. She would think about it later. What else can she do when even Captain Levi has stopped leaning against the wall to watch for any unnecessary moves she might make?

And, of course, Commander Erwin's seeming unflappable didn't help her at all.

"Levi, Hange," the commander calls out to his subordinates and starts walking towards the exit.

"Huh?" Levi doesn't seem to believe it at first. Was he just leaving like that?

"But Erwin," and Hange hesitates. However, they both follow him with no complaints.

Petra cringes in her place even though she's glad she's alones now. The chains on her wrists jingle cheekily and she exhales. It's impossible. Titans, walls, Scout Regiment… She had heard those words before. She'd heard them in a sentence before too. Her brother had told her about it so many times…

A video game. She was in a video game.

Now how the hell did she end up there?

---

"What do you want us to do?" Levi asks once they get out of there. His voice is not loud, but it is firm. Especially since he believes that Erwin doesn't want the matter to be known yet.

"Check the information," Erwin orders. They may be his friends but he needed them to know that he was serious.

Hange takes a few steps ahead of Levi to keep up with Erwin. "But Erwin, we know there's no place called like that," she says. "Perhaps in the towns farthest from the capital, but I really doubt it."

And she wasn't the only one. Levi rolled his eyes.

"What are you thinking? That she really comes from outside—?"

"Levi?" Hange cuts him off, confused, probably because she senses the acidity in his voice.

But Levi ignores her. "Oi, you know that's not possible."

The three arrive at Erwin's office and he takes a seat at his desk. Levi and Hange stand still, even though there are other seats.

"And yet, it's also nearly impossible for a civilian to get to that location alone," Hange counters before sighing heavily and putting a hand to her head. What was the punishment for people who went out? Gallows?

In fact, when was the last time someone had gone out on their own account? Hange couldn't remember, and anyway, she didn't feel comfortable thinking about what would happen if what she said was right.

"For the time being we won't say anything," Erwin orders and then laces his fingers in front of his face. "It wouldn't be wise. Both for us and for Miss Ral."

"And what do you suggest we do? Should we investigate secretly?"

"No," Erwin exhales and leans back in his chair. Levi raises an eyebrow waiting for an explanation. "Hange will investigate. Find any family with the same last name and ask about her. Levi, you'll keep an eye on Miss Ral."

"For what?" Levi crosses his arms. "As far as I knew, being a Scout didn't include being a babysitter."

But Erwin just shrugs.

"It does when necessary. There are eyes and ears everywhere, and in the worst case scenario, she's not just a civilian."

With that last said, Hange and Levi are dismissed. Hange can't help but shiver with excitement.

"This is so interesting!" she exclaims, unable to control the volume of her voice. "Just imagine the possibilities, Levi!"

But Levi doesn't share her excitement. To begin with, he isn't a man who gets excited easily, he had lost that ability years ago.

"Tch, keep it down four-eyes," he exhales and shoves his hands in his pockets, thinking that now he not only has to postpone handing out paperwork but also order and explain training sessions to Eld.

"Aw, come on, Levi," Hange gives him a friendly elbow on the shoulder. "Anyone would think you regret saving her."

Levi wasn't sure about that.

"I just did what I had to do. I thought it was one of the new recruits left behind."

But they both knew that wasn't true.

Hange raises an eyebrow in proof of this and Levi tries not to pay attention to her smug smile.

The minutes before saving Petra Ral had been, to say the least, catastrophic. Once again they had not been able to go further than usual —they weren't even close to the Maria Wall—, losing the lives of many of their companions. The place was so full of steam that they could hardly see and it was when they could no longer keep on that all or most of them heard something similar to thunder and a spark lit up the cloudy space.

The titans they were fighting froze for a few seconds, they really don't know why, and Erwin took advantage of the moment to order a retreat.

Levi was in the rear when he heard her scream. Strong, sharp, terrified. Even Hange was surprised when he quickly fired one of his ODM gear's hooks at the nearest tree.

Now, Levi didn't like to play superhero. If he could save someone, he did it and if not, then he looked for other priorities to focus on. With a job like theirs, they all soon had realized that sometimes some lives were worth more than others. Therefore, he himself didn't understand when out of pure instinct he activated the gas mechanism and flew towards where the scream came from.

Perhaps it was because he naturally recognized that it couldn't be one of the recruits, but of course he didn't expect to find someone wholly different from what he would have expected.

Starting with the clothes, which weren't from anywhere he'd been before —and he'd been to many places— to how only that titan kept moving even when the others had strangely and miraculously gone numb.

Erwin couldn't blame him for mistrusting, but at the same time he was right about one thing: the walls have ears, and many people saw her when they returned to the safety of the Rose wall.

"Anyway," Hange continues after a while, just before they have to go their separate ways. "Whether it's what Erwin suspects, or what it actually is, do you have any idea how she got there?"

Levi thinks about it for a few seconds, or so he tries to do since nothing really comes to mind.

Although, that's a lie.

Petra Ral's face pops in his head and he remembers the first thing he thought when he saw her. Her slender and small body, clothes so thin that they had torn from just running through the bushes, the expression of not only utter terror but also perplexity on her.

Yeah… there was no way a person like her would survive on her own outside.

"I don't," Levi replies, and after a farewell nod he and Hange go different ways.

Only to hear gunshots.

Dammit. Levi absolutely loathes it when Erwin is right.

#rivetra fanfiction #rivetra #levi x petra

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claraphotoblog-ardn632 · 1 month ago

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Christopher Relander

Christoffer Relander is a self-taught surreal photographer from Finland. He is known for using multiple images to create images that “challenge our perceptions of nature and reality” (“Bio / CV,” n.d.). He combines nature and childhood in his series We Are Nature. In his series, he creates his photographs by taking multiple images of landscapes, leaves, children’s portraits, and sometimes animals and superimposes them onto each other(Ebert 2024). The results are beautiful and complex images. I have never seen photographs using this technique. Since my project is about the joys of childhood and nature, Relander’s work is very relevant and inspiring to me. I have not had great success superimposing images on each other but I like the idea as a way to bring nature right into the image. For my concept, I want to show “joy” as the emotional theme so I want to have facial expressions more as the focus than Relander has for his series. Since Relander’s theme is that we are literally nature, I think using nature to create the person is a perfect and very imaginative technique. I have included three images below that are taken from the website (Ebert 2024)that inspire me the most.

This image has a sideways position that I plan to consider for my photoshoot. The ponytail is an interesting and surprising focus point, that to me, is a symbol of childhood. The almost hidden cat in the photo makes the picture more interesting and complicated because the theme of humans as nature pushes us to consider that this includes animals. I like the use of black and white for this image because a lot is going on and I think color would have distracted from the detail and the overall image.

This image inspires me because I love how he captures the movement of the girl. Again, I am drawn to the detail of her hair being very childlike and want to explore this with my pictures. In this image, the use of color is a perfect blend that highlights the messy hair and its movement and then is more subtle in her body. You can barely see a facial expression, but the slight smile indicates happiness. Using a subtle expression for my subjects in my project is something that I have been exploring and have liked how it helps to create the mood.

This image is interesting to me because of the use of color to define the picture. The combination of the orange leaves and the branches which can barely be seen gives the viewer something they can spend hours looking at. There are slightly darker leaveson the left giving the illusion of an eye, and branches shaping a mouth. The amount of detail in this picture is Impressive. I don't think I currently have enough skill to create an image with this kind of detail however I am inspired to think about how to use color in shaping the focus for the pictures in my project.

1. “Bio / CV.” n.d. Christoffer Relander. https://www.christofferrelander.com/bio-cv.

2. Ebert, Grace. 2024. “Made in Camera, Christoffer Relander’s Portraits Entwine Nature and Childhood.” Colossal. September 16, 2024. https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2024/09/christoffer-relander-we-are-nature/.

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abyssal-author-and-artist · 1 month ago

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Inktober Day 3: Candy

No idea why this one's sideways but here you go! I have a lot of thoughts about this one (under cut) but this is basically a swap AU Summerween piece

So I'm pretty sure this AU is called Gravity Rises? I've seen it called that once or twice but I don't think it's as big as stuff like Relativity Falls. Which is really a shame because I love this AU so much. I could go on for hours

Really I just love the designs I chose. Dipper has freckles because I can't really see him without them for some reason and Mabel has her hair in a ponytail to "hold it back so [she] can go exploring better" which works about as well as you'd think - not at all.

I like to think Dipper refuses to tell people whether he meant to look so fashionable or not and Mabel's the only one who knows and every time she tries to tell someone he slams open the nearest door with all his strength and threatens to mail "the portfolio" to the news. The portfolio is just a - heavily decorated - compilation of every single embarrassing thing Mabel's done since they were young. With pictures. He uses it to blackmail her all the time. It's really funny no matter which way you look at it, too. If it was an accident he wants to seem cool like "haha yeah I meant to look awesome" and if it was intentional he doesn't want to seem girly for liking fashion. His earrings are handmade and dangly - not rigid - so do with that what you will.

Mabel's wearing tights because they're practical if she's gonna adventure in a skirt and her sweater is from Dipper - he knit it for her. The shooting star hat has the same origins as regular Dipper's pine tree hat and her magnifying glass earring is a real magnifying glass, just a really small one.

I love this AU because from what I've seen of it, it swap-AU's right. Like most swap AUs I've seen have the characters completely swapped so it's more like a reskin but like. There's not as much fun in it if it's just a reskin. I like having some traits carry over (eg. Dipper's always anxious even if he takes Mabel's role and personality while Mabel enjoys the being a kid part of monster hunting in the woods. She's more likely to freak out when she sees an animal and he's interested in photography.) while still mostly swapping them (so Dipper journals in glitter pens and knits while Mabel investigates things and climbs trees and dresses for practicality over fashion or colors).

#abyssal art #gravity falls #swap au #gravity rises #gravity falls au #inktober #inktober day 3 #did this one super early so I'd be done in time #helps that I don't have college this time lol

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bitterarcs · 2 years ago

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For any civilian not aligned with ShinRa or their morals, any employee of the super company was alien-like, however those of the SOLDIER division held an even greater stigma. What with famous former SOLDIERS going completely insane, going toe-to-toe with one another, even Reno wasn't too keen on them. Zack seemed innocent enough. Hell, TOO innocent even to be associated with ShinRa, but Reno knew well that looks were deceiving.

Soon enough, the childish SOLDIER would be biting the heads off his comrades. The only persons Reno allowed himself to get close to was his close teammates; everyone else could end up all the way up the creek without a paddle and surrounded by enemies for all the redhead cared. He was miserable with the assignment, miserable with his company, and miserable being soaked; his body language reflected as much.

( ❛ So, what? You think we need to camp out in the open? Can't be barge in someone's house and demand food and lodging? ❜ )

Reno was kidding, yet nothing in his tone gave such away. ShinRa employees had employed such tactics in the past, some presently still did, and no love was gained from the common people. A great part of Reno WANTED to do such, but he was smart enough to avoid unnecessary hostility. The mention of Rude halted the redhead in his wet tracks, and the ends of lips turned up in a displeased look.

( ❛ Yeah.. he and I are part of the TURKS. He's my partner, my magic 8-ball, the wind beneath my wings — is that what you want to hear? WE are privy to everything that goes on at ShinRa. Of course I know about the mission, and unless someone leaked information, there shouldn't be some 'big boss' at the end. I guess that's why YOU are here, eh? The brawn in case shit goes sideways. ❜ )

Hands moved to his hips, and his red ponytail whipped around as he jerked his head right and left.

( ❛ There's a cropping of rocks over there. Not a cave, so we should be good about animal dens. Whatddya think, soldier boy? ❜ )

“Jumping off of cliffs isn’t my primary M.O.” Not if he could help it. “Geez, you talk like I’m an alien or something.”

Not a monster.

An hour into the job and the both of them already looked like drowned rats. Everything became just a little heavier saturated with the muck of the deeps. If Zack had felt compelled, he could probably launch a tsunami just by patting his pockets. He left it alone. Not much could be done there.

He was given a moment to think while Reno preened himself [fighting hard to regain some of the composure lost with the wicked plunge].

A lost artifact. He had a general idea of what it looked like, but not much more than that. Which MEANT that Shinra didn’t want them to know much more, for fear they would be able to discern exactly what it was used for. Probably should be more disturbed by that. But he was more so bothered that this thing was out in the wilds, clenched in unknown hands.

By the time he blinked, zoning back into the moment, Reno was already on the move.

“Hey, wait!” He grunted, picking up the pace while trying not to slip on the jagged rocks.

Not a bad idea to regroup, if only because staying out in the cold soaked like that was a right recipe for disaster. They had a week to fulfill their obligation, a few hours break wasn’t going to hurt the cause.

“There isn’t a lot between here and our target destination. I’m going to guess we aren’t going to find many open accommodations.” There were those out there that hated Shinra with a fiery passion. Whatever. They didn’t need a luxury hotel. They just needed to get their shit together.

“So….” Zack figured if they were going to spend so much time together, they might as well get to know each other. “I’ve seen you around a couple times. You’re with Rude all the time, right? What’d they tell you about this case?” Communication wasn’t always written in stone, especially between departments.

“I gotta guess there’s some mega bad ass final boss or something at the end of this.” Why else would he be called to what essentially seemed to be a game of hide and seek?

#[ ⁰⁰⁷ ; A LITTLE BIT OF RENO TO SPICE UP LIFE ]#fairlybeloved #. reno PREENING is so accurate

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baoshan-sanren · 4 years ago

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this entire episode is the most romantic thing i’ve seen in my goddamn life what the fuck

#tgcf #tgcf donghua #can you believe #the sideways ponytail #the painting #the goddamn door #ALL THE DETAIL #+ gorgeous animation #i'm just #I AM EMOTION

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sweetsbfreex · 4 years ago

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my baby, my baby

brought to u by me watching IW for the millionth time

Summary: You ask Steve for one thing before the fight against Thanos (IW), but for the first time in however long he denies you of fulfilling this wish.

Warnings: language?

Pairing: Nomad, Bf!Steve x thanos daughter!reader

He was manning the quinjet, not all the way true. Sam was flying the jet to Wakanda, Steve slumped in his seat beside Sam, in deep thought. His chin is set into his palm, his arm sitting up on the armrest, and his palm covering half of his mouth. Looking further down his leg was jittering steadily.

What would happen next was a pretty big deal, none of you on the jet knew what could go wrong. So obviously tensions were at an all time high in this cooped up jet.

You rise up from your seat between Wanda and Nat. Walking yourself behind Steve’s chair. Your pointer finger taps his embellished shoulder, separating him from his apprehensive thoughts. He looks up at you and the creases that were once prominent in his forehead evaporated.

You don’t utter anything, only nudging your head behind you.

Follow me to the back.

Is what’s reciprocated when he too gets up from his seat, letting Sam know he’ll be up front in a second. Once you turn, he follows you down the small aisle to the side “room” away from all the prying ears.

Finally.

You step into the room first. You weren't going to lie, your heart was beating with so much force and it only grew as he walked past you into the room. You close the door behind you, turning, so you're facing Steve's attentive figure.

You only smile at him to some extent, prompted to show there were no ill intentions to asking him back here. When you see how nervous he looks, as you take his hand seating the both of you to a bench against the wall.

Your knees tenderly touch. He clears his throat coercing you to go on, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“You alright doll?” he asks you, in a gentle manner. Taking the already linked palms shifting it from your lap to his. His other hand blanketing your combined hands.

“I’m okay. Are you?” you ask the question hesitantly, raising your spare hand to move aside the hair that fell over and veiled his eyes. You desperately wanted to make sure you got a good look at his face. You loved his face.

His cheeks go plump in a charming smile, and his hand squeezes yours back.

His hair was long. Longer than you would’ve ever imagined Steve would let it be. Either way you loved every inch of the gold locks. Yet, everytime you told him how much you loved it, despite his insecurity and slight annoyance with it. He'd always fall into a rampage down memory lane. Telling you how his late mother would've hounded him about the upkeep of his hair.

You adored that about him too. Loved, that he loved so hard and so full. He’d never forget the ones he loved no matter what.

“I’m swell, you don’t need to worry about me” he tells you.

You didn’t believe him one bit and you weren’t going to push him about it. You knew how he was...stubborn as ever. But, it was also ,by and large, your job to worry about him–– after loving him of course. Contrary to what he would say (Which was vice-versa.)

“We’re gonna be okay...okay? But I have something to ask you. And you can’t get mad.”

“I’m not promising that, but we won’t shout. We’ll talk it out–– whatever it is”

It was the best you were going to get from him and time was closing in on you guys being able to be like this, anway.

“I know how you are, but this is a really critical thing we're fighting for here. So, unless I'm in some type of grave danger. I don’t want you worrying about me on the field. No matter what...Make sure he doesn’t get that stone.” Your voice lets you down towards the end, starting to get scratchy and low.

He stands up in no time. His hands going to his belt, then to his hips, he finally raises one hand to run against his beard.

His facial hair, another thing in the endless things you loved about Steve Rogers.

When the stubble he usually shaves away kept growing into a full beard, it surprised you both. You in a hot kind of way, he became more adoring by day when decided to stop shaving.

You walked in on him one day. He was facing the scratched up mirror in a bathroom in a dingy hotel room. Running his fingers against his face, the other clutching onto the edge of the counter. Tilting his head back and to, eyes shifting as he looked over his face. It was another part of the effect of the serum he didn’t expect would happen.

Telling you a story as he wandered down memory lane again. How he had problems growing stubble as a sickly kid–– so behind on puberty. He even watched Bucky grow his first “stache” at sixteen, but that came to an abrupt stop when Bucky’s mother made him shave it off.

Steve thought It was weird to think that he could now also.

You were still sitting on the bench. Swiveling your body so you were facing your boyfriend, looking up at his fidgeting build with care.

Feeling like a child waiting for their parents to dispute whatever impending punishment they would grant.

“Why would you ask me that?” he finally, finally disrupts his silence. Scoffing at the offensive question.

He doesn’t look at you with anything negative, only confusion.

“Because. I don’t want you jumping in front of whatever it is in front of me...I know him, he’s my dad. He’ll do anything to get what he wants, even if it means I die.”

When Steve told you that it was actually Bruce calling and told you what he said. He looked at you baffled when the shirt you were about to put on dropped from your grasp.

Once you told him you had knowledge of Thanos and how you knew him, there was a pregnant silence in the air.

If anything it filled the rage towards Thanos in Steve even more, by the time you finished.

“Are you listening to yourself?” he questions you in disbelief, lips stuck in a sneer.

“Please. Just please, angel.” you maintain.

You don’t answer either of his questions and he truly hates that. He stays silent for a bit watching your seated figure, looking up at him with the saddest eyes you’ve ever given him. His puzzled eyes shift down to your bobbing leg and your hands wringing together with so much speed and anguish.

He could probably throw up right now.

And when he shifts his eyes up again, you keep that same look on your face waiting for him to say anything.

He sighs dejectedly, dropping his hands to his side, and walking himself back over to you. He sits closer to you than before. Extending a gloved hand to caress your cheek before fixing the flyaways from your sleek ponytail.

“I can’t. You’ll always be my priority, and I won’t promise something like that sweetheart” he tells you this languidly. His thumb starts to rub circles against your cheekbone, to calm you down, when he catches the way your eyes widen at his admission.

“Steve!” your voice breaks. So shocked, you can’t hold back the tears that build up and fall slowly over your face.

You couldn’t believe this. He’s supposed to love you. Time and time again he’d always remind you how much he loves you and how he’d do anything for you–– too hard to say no to you, his words. Thinking this over you pull your face away from his hold, looking down at your taut hands. This wasn’t a silly death wish. You had to make sure your father didn’t get what he desired, no matter what.

He hates having to watch you cry, but he doesn’t have much of a choice now. He needs to stand his ground, there was no way he would be arguing about this. And he does this, grabbing your face with a light hand, so you were face to face again.

"I love you so much. And if I have to choose between letting you die and Thanos losing. Or you living and watching the universe crumble, you know exactly what I'm gonna choose. I'm not losing you, not if I have anything to do with it"

Albeit how dumb it sounded, there is no notable instance in his life where’d let you perish over him.

“You’re not thinking this through” you hiccup.

“It’s you, isn’t it? There’s not much to think about” he smiles at you and as you look at him you can see his eyes glazing over.

His statement only causes you to cry more. You feel nothing but the pain in your heart and the repositioning of your body. It takes you a moment to realize you’re settled on his thighs sideways. His well built arm warmly wraps around your shoulder, your temple rests against his shoulder, and his lips are placing light kisses to the crown of your head.

You incline your head, “I love you too much” you say in an awed whisper, raising a hand to twirl in the strands at the back of his collar. Following that, you let your hand spread across the back of his neck pulling him down for a kiss.

“After this we’re done okay? We have our pardon and are going to buy whatever house you want to get. I’m gonna buy you the prettiest engagement ring money can buy, Gonna get whatever animals you want,” you chuckle at that part.

If there was one thing Steve learned while living incognito with you is that you’d save any animal if you were able to. Always stopping whenever you passed by any animal in need in the drary streets. Looking up at Steve, who’d always have to remind you that neither of you could give it the life it deserves right now. Opting to only go to the nearest convenience store to buy whatever safe animal food in sight.

His hand immediately clutches your face to wipe away the tears that fell without pattern. His smile grows fonder when you do the same. “‘Can paint the house whatever we decide...maybe even get a house big enough to fit the kids we’ll have?” he tells you the last part in such a timid manner, bearing one of his hands to clutch yours. His thumb running over your knuckles at full tilt.

The only thing you were able to give him was a stunned look. So shocked you were unable to react like a normal person.

You squeeze his hand tight only being able to stutter a “really?”

“Of course. I want to have a bunch of small Rogers with you, wreaking havoc around our house” he admits this to you, carrying out such strong eye contact. If his hand didn’t slither down your back, supporting you up and grounding you, you’d jump in glee.

Fuck. Neither of you had talked about this, but you were glad that you both were on the same page about his. You felt terrified but in a good way, wanting to wholly get this over with and start this dream life with Steve.

“And this is all gonna happen, because everything is going to go well. We’re gonna win, I don’t want you thinking like that or asking me something like that ever again. Thanos will never be on our list of priorities ever again.”

“I’m sorry, baby. I can’t wait to start that life with you” you respond, winding your arms around his neck, crashing your lips to his with force.

He pulls away without notice to place hasty kisses to your cheek, loving the giggles you emitted. Even so, the energy in the room shifts too soon when Sam knocks on the door. Steve allows him entrance.

“Sorry to interrupt, but we’re about to land Cap”

Steve responds by nodding his head once, stiffly. Letting him know he’d be out in a second.

You get off of his thighs, so the both of you were standing chest to chest. He claps your worried face. Pulling you into him with little force, so his lips could fall to your forehead, nose, and lips.

“Remember what I said and be safe, I love you”

“I love you” you recite, bringing his hand down to kiss his covered palm.

With that he envelops you in his arm, his cheek resting against the top of your head. Both of you breathing each other in. Your shoulders relaxing at his loving touch.

He’d do whatever needed to keep you safe and if it ended in his death, then so be it. You’d do the same for him in a heartbeat, there was no point in either of you arguing this one out.

––––

Everyone was tired, it seemed like this fight only dragged on with the never-ending monsters. But, with the help of Thor (of course) it seemed like things were only getting positive from there. With the way he rendered lightning, destroying things into dust, you were ready to end this once and for all.

And when a cloud of grey smoke appeared out of thin air, and a large titanian appeared. You knew this would either be the ending or the beginning of all these troubles.

“That’s him” you falter, turning to Steve. You give him a quick once over, nothing the way he eyed your father. A menacing, scary look on his face and the furrow of his eyebrows only grow.

“We have eyes on Thanos” he says into the intercom.

It’s like time stands still for a few seconds, no one moves a muscle. You haven't seen this man in years. You feel as if he doesn't recognize who you are as he glances over everyone, like they're roaches in his kitchen.

Yet, in a blur, everyone takes their chance on Thanos. Trying their hardest to somehow, someway take this Titanian down. Bruce gets thrown with a shout, Branches entwine Nat, and Sam drops from the air smoothly.

At some point you hear the grunt of Steve, who somehow gets some punches in, his hands clutching the gauntlet. He shouts from the hefty weight and in a swift motion is stock-still on the ground from the punch he endures.

“Steve!”

Without a choice you run towards Thanos, your adrenaline kicking in. Kicking in punching only to use your hands to grasp around the metal. You knew towards the end; you were no match for him.

“Please! Please don’t do this. Dad please I’m begging you” you plead profusely, but he only looks down at you emotionless. “Please, please, please” you cry, your head hangs low for a bit before you raise it up again. “This won’t fix anything! You–– you…JUST TAKE IT OFF” you scream, knuckles colliding with the gold.

You try so hard to think of anything to turn his mind, but he only looks at you like a stranger. Not the little girl he recruited and used to look at with some kind of affection. His type of affection, if you could even title it that, affection.

Sure, he raised you to be a ruthless killer and thief, but you’d do anything in this key moment to change his crooked mind.

“You don’t get to call me that again. You chose your path...I always knew you’d be the one to let me down the most” he says all this with so much venom.

You cry as you're lifted in the air, by his gauntlet hand, and thrown against the bark of a tree.

You're in a daze. The only things securing you back is the hand against your cheek and a booming, choked up "no". Hearing it a distance away.

You open your eyes to see Steve in front of you, your name on his lips almost incessantly. But when you open them, your eyes quickly move to Thor. Who’s a few feet away from the two of you, shocked and angry. The remnant of smoke in the air. You knew he did it.

“We lost?” you ask Steve, tears already forming in your eyes, as he carefully lifts you to his feet.

He doesn’t get the chance to answer you, though.

“Steve…?” It’s Bucky, You both look towards him to see him fall slowly, disappearing into a brown dust.

You both look on, shocked all while Steve tries to drag himself and your weak body to Bucky. But it’s already too late.

“Buck?!” Steve calls out, but there’s no answer.

You watch on in disorder, stomach plummeting with every second that pasts. Your eyes catch Wanda looking onto Vision's body in sorrow and as you do, she turns into brown dust. It was frightening and you were speechless. So much happening around you, you weren’t sure where to look. You weren’t who was going away.

The hand against your spine, holding you up, starts to feel faint and a headache you had suffered from earlier comes back, but ten times stronger.

“My head hurts” you tell him, your words come out slowly as your mouth starts to feel numb. You drop your head to his shoulder. “Stevie...I can’t feel your hands” you blubber, chest heaving as your breathing picks up. Everything was happening so, so fast.

He lifts your head, “Hey, you’re alright sweetheart, you took a hard hit. Just a bit banged up, gotta stay awake in case it’s a concussion” he reassures you.

You don’t believe him and when you look down at your right hand to see it crumbling away little by little. You lift your wrist up, hand gone. You look down to see the brown dust below your view.

You didn’t want to go. You had merely planned your dream future with him. It wasn’t fair your father would be the one to rip that away from you.

“No. No, you’re alright, stop that” he condemns, bringing your other hand to his bruised lips imperatively. Watching as it climbs up and up, half of your shoulder already gone.

“I’m scared. I love you so much Steve”

“I love you so much doll, feel like we’ve been saying it all day” he tries to joke, eyes roaming all over your face. He had to make sure he had your face recognized to a t, even if it was in a manner of pain.

And you do the same. You weren’t sure where you were going. Were you even dying?! You couldn’t tell, all you knew was Steve and some of your friends wouldn’t be where you were going.

You laugh despondently, low, and mirthlessly knowing how much he needed that laugh at the moment.

“No. I’m gonna––” you start, but never get to finish, because at that moment. In a flash, he’s left with the sight of the soot falling in a sway, like leaves tumbling to the ground. Staring at him gloved palms to see nothing of you there any longer.

He does nothing but stand there for a few minutes, recollecting the exchange. Not only was his best friend gone, but so was his best girl.

He had one fucking job. Keep you safe at all times. Not only did he let the whole universe down, he let you down. You were gone. He can only think about the moment you both had on the jet, telling you, you had nothing to worry about. Because you guys were going to win and now she is gone. He let you down in the worst possible way imaginable. You were gone…

He repeats this to himself, losing hope each time that you would be back in just a second.

He turns around to see his friends observing him and once he notices that Sam is no longer among the group it only increases his agony.

“Cap?” Nat mumbles.

“FUCK!” he breaks. Ripping the gloves off his hand before he sets himself against the ground–– his body feeling heavy. His head is in his hand, body heaving roughly as he cries quietly.

Everyone is stunned and takes a step back to give his face, not remembering the last time they’ve seen him this broken or the last he’s had an outburst resulting in a curse word.

He isn’t sure how he’s supposed to live with this guilt or without you by his side. In spite of that, there was no way in hell he wasn’t going to try and find a way to bring you back.

– – – –

realized while writing thing i am not creative...this (beginning) was literally a scene

if you enjoyed pls don’t forget to reblog or give feedback if ur up to it <3

#steve rogers #steve rogers x reader #avengers fanfiction #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers x fem!reader #steve rogers fluff #steve rogers angst #steve rogers x you #chris evans x reader #marvel fanfiction #captain america x reader #captain america #captain america fanfiction #steve rogers oneshot #steve rogers x female reader #steve rogers x avenger reader

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 3 years ago

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ok look BUT HEAR ME OUT what if leona wore his uniform properly-

[Referencing this post!]

xbjsvshwbwjs I don’t actually have a problem with the way L*ona wears his school uniform I actually really like it; I think the way a character wears standardized clothing can tell a lot about their personality!

We can tell L*ona is lazy but prideful from the way he poses and carries himself, and from how his shirt isn’t done all the way. We can also tell he thinks outside of the box from how he wears his dorm emblem very differently from the other boys and foregoes his blazer. This is very intuitive and well done character design 👌 One look at L*ona and you immediately know what kind of a personality he might have, even if you know zero about TWST (the same goes for the rest of the guys in the main cast).

The uniform that I don’t like is his dorm uniform 😔 I can’t explain why, but the way he wears it puts me off. I think it’s because the Savanaclaw dorm uniform already has more of a rugged/bad boy look to begin with, and that doesn’t vibe with my personal tastes. That, and I find the pants really ugly dhsvsjsbjdns and his shirt (????) is so skewed sideways that you can always see some of his skin peeking out. How do you even get your shirt to do something like that??? and why is it so low cut sir your tits are hanging out you sure you want people staring at them is this a weird sort of power move to assert your dominance or something

The outfit I like best for L*ona is either school uniform or Fairy Gala! 😤 FG is proof that he can look good in clothing that clashes with his bad boy image; I really like how floaty and ethereal those flowing garments and shimmery makeup look on him. Meanwhile, his worst outfit (to me) is easily his outdoor wear 😂 Not really a fan of his animal print shirt or the gaudy orange jacket... but ponytail L*ona is top tier

okaybutL*onainOctavinelleuniform 👀

#Leona Kingscholar #me talking about fashion and design #as if I know anything about them #NOT L*ONA ROT #notes from the writing raven

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engagemachine · 3 years ago

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Reader here! I was wondering how J and Taylor would spend a Halloween together, or have they spent one together yet that we just didn't get to see? I envision Taylor bringing home candy and they might watch some old cheesy horror movie like Gremlins or something? Or maybe Taylor asks him for help carving a pumpkin, doesn't like touching the mushy insides, and he thinks it's funny. And he's like scary good at cutting it open, and when she lights it shes SO proud of how good it looks 🎃❤

HI HELLO. This answer is SO incredibly late but can I just... write a lil AU fic where Taylor is still a bb but for some reason still with Mr. J (sometime after Clockwork)??? Just go with me on this.

(but also, I love your ideas. LOVE THEM. I would like to incorporate them into a future scene for Burn, so I'll add some of these to the prompt list, if that's alright. Or I can write another lil fic. You decide!) In the mean time...

He hears her before he sees her—as is usually the case; Taylor is many things, but quiet is certainly not one of them. Her little rubber-padded feet come shuffling down the hall to announce her arrival, and he looks up from where he’s sitting on the couch—without moving his head—newspaper unfolded in his lap, to catch the exact moment she knocks head-first into one of the kitchen chairs.

Not hard to do, of course, when you’re three feet tall and wearing a white sheet over your head.

He forgot it was Halloween.

She’s aware of the holiday, he thinks, because of the show she watched earlier on TV, when he’d made her sit down on the couch with a box of Cheerios so he could get some goddamned work done without her incessant chatter. But even then she was still a nuisance, singing along with the characters on whatever inane show she was watching, clapping her hands, talking in that shrill, high-pitched little voice of hers. And later, during Scooby Doo, hiding under her blankets when she became scared, or letting out the occasional gasp or delighted squeal of surprise. She's nothing if not animated, to the nth degree.

He figures they might as well get this over with sooner rather than later. Otherwise she’s just going to keep bumping around the furniture until she knocks into something sharp that makes her cry. He’d really like to avoid her crying.

He clears his throat a little dramatically, for her benefit, and she’s quick to spin in his direction.

And that’s when he sees it: her poor attempt at cutting eyeholes for her little costume. The droopiest, sorriest pair of mismatched eyes he’s ever seen, hanging down around her chin instead of her eyes. She’s blind as a bat (no pun intended), underneath that sheet.

“Whooo… whooooooo!” she says, in her best imitation of a ghost.

She stretches her arms out in front of her, feeling for any potential obstacles as she starts towards him.

He smirks a little, despite himself.

“Where oh where could Taylor be?” he asks, playing along.

His little ghost giggles, and moves closer still.

“Whoo... WHOOOOOO!” she echoes.

She’s starting to get a little off-track, so he folds the paper for her benefit, the crinkling sound alerting her to his exact spot on the couch, and she redirects her course, arms still outspread, like the antennae on an insect, her little feelers.

She bumps into the couch, trails her hands along the cushions until she finds his knee, and then she says it.

“BOO!”

The Joker gasps, because he knows how to have fun, too, and he can see through one of the eyeholes that Taylor smiles. Then she’s ripping off the sheet, tugging and tugging and tugging until the last of it pops loose over her head—blonde hair all mussed, her ponytail drooping sideways—and she beams at him.

“Look, Mr. J, it’s me, Taylor!” She bounces on the balls of her feet in front of him, delighted to reveal that it was her all along. “Did I scare you? Wasn’t I the most spookiest?!”

“Oh, the most,” he agrees.

Satisfied with his answer, her grin widens, and then she cocks her head to the side, scrunches up her face in that adorable way she does when he knows she’s about to say something completely ridiculous—

“Happy Halloweeeeenie!” she crows, and then she dissolves into a fit of uncontrollable giggles, collapsing onto the couch next to him, like she’s just told the funniest joke in the whole world. After a moment, she pulls herself up onto the couch, grunting a little with the effort, and then kneels next to him, her hands on her thighs. “I said ‘weenie’,” she giggle-whispers, said with such a conspiratorial hush, like it’s some filthy word she’s not supposed to say. “Isn’t that the most funny?”

“Uhuh,” he answers.

She beams at him again, pleased. Then, easily distracted, she finds a discarded bottle of milk wedged in between the couch cushions, pops the bottle into her mouth without a second thought. She’s really too old for it, but he isn’t going to be the one to try and break her from her habit. Not worth the resulting meltdown, he decides. Besides, it’s not his fault she stills asks for mommy milk, and only knows how to drink when it comes from a nipple—rubber or otherwise. Can’t help her with that one.

She flops herself dramatically into his open lap—he moves the newspaper out of the way just in time—and she lies on her back, her head cushioned against the armrest, so that she can look at him. She sucks noisily on her bottle, blinking up at him. Her legs are curled up, her socked feet cushioned on his thigh. She’s wearing the onesie she likes so much, the bright red one that makes her look like a cherry tomato. He thinks it’s probably the warmest article of clothing she has.

She has a hand on her stomach, absently patting her own belly, and he just watches her, a little amused at the way she so openly stares at him, the way she has taken to inviting herself into his space. He doesn’t push her away—he’s curious to see what she’ll do.

After a few minutes, her eyes widen all the sudden, and she pops the nipple out of her mouth long enough to say, “I HAVE TO PEE!” before scrambling off the couch in search of the bathroom.

He looks at the aftermath of her destruction—her discarded ghost-sheet, her bottle—and he chuckles.

#anonymous #asks #Clockwork #Taylor #Mr. J #mini fic #SHE IS THE CUTEST I'm gonna die

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iamdarkness · 3 years ago

Text

To Feed a Tiger. Forces of Will.3

Chapter 3

Alfonse x Summoner, Alfonse X Summoner X Lif

And one sided (as of now) Dimitri X Summoner X Alfonse X Lif

Triggers for talk about mental health. It is Feral Dimitri after all. Mentions of death and depressive thoughts.

Sexual Harassment and maybe more than that.

Incest. (Freyr and mentions of Freya). Rater R for a little graphic scenes of battle and character death. Nothing we have not seen in the game itself.

-Hrid…- You hear Sharena say under her breath and it feels like all the happiness has been drained from her voice. Of course she would feel sad. Her big brother meant so much to her and seeing him suffer would make her suffer as well. They were so close. He was her best friend, confidant, protector and hero. Watching him so defeated had been a shock and more so that she herself had not reacted fast enough to prevent this. In a way she felt responsible as well.

-Summoner _______. Princess Sharena. Heroes. It is a pleasure to be your guest again.- Hrid says when he is close enough to take your hand and Sharena’s. His hand lingers on yours and you take it back to take Princess Laegjan’s.

- It is indeed as King Hrid has said, a pleasure to be here again.- Laegjarn says as she takes your hand and Sharena’s, her piercing red eyes watch you searchingly.

You greet them equally and introduce your heroes by name and title. You will not have them be nameless heroes to no one. They deserve to be treated, like the heroes that they are. As if sensing your unrest and because he has dreamed of your pain Freyr comes and stand by your side . He blocks Hrid from getting too close to you. You hear young Claude snicker behind you.

-How was your trip to the beach Summoner? I would have liked to come sooner so we could meet you there, but we had a little delay.

- It was great! We even had a sand castle contest and a nice nap.

-They even got a great tan!- Said King Claude nodding to Freyr in particular and you turn to give him a fake angry look. You notice he is watching Alfonse and he winks at him. Alfonse looks like he understands something unspoken.

- I will cherish mine. It was a wonderful and invigorating nap.- Says Lord Freyr to bring attention to his chest and he “looks” sideways to smile at you.

- I can’t say the same about mine my Lord! It stings a lot!- You tell him smiling.

- Yeah we got the wrong lotion, so now we need to go to the infirmary to get fixed up.- Said Sharena sheepishly. You notice Alfonse and Hrid are looking at Freyr’s bare chest. They can clearly see the white mark of your arm on it. Hrid looked a little scandalized and Alfonse… he looked amused. He looks sideways at Hrid.

-Is that…?

-Oh it’s my hand. I kind of hugged him while I was sleeping. Now if you all don’t mind. We need to get to the infirmary. I’ll see you all at the meeting.- You say and leave with the rest of your group to the infirmary. You hear Alfonse talking to Hrid.

-Everyone loves our Summoner. Some more than others and in different ways.- And there is a hint of humor in his words. <<At least he is having fun.>>

~*~

The meeting lasted three hours. Besides the heroes Anna had asked to attend, you had asked Hero King Marth, who was the oldest of the Marths and with more experience, Micaiah, King Claude and Lord Freyr. You were sitting between the former two. They had sat themselves with you in between before Hrid had claimed the chair next to you. You had seen Claude talking to Alfonse and thought they had a plan to distract Hrid or may be just make him re think his life. There was no announcement about the engagement, but Hrid said the royal ball that was supposed to take place in two wees was pushed back for two months. This would give them all time to prepare and gather more information.

- I also hope that by then it will be two good news to announce and not just one.- He tells you and Fjorm when the meeting was over. You feel Fjorm’s cold hand take yours and give it a squeeze.- Dear summoner, would you be so kind to sit by my side at dinner? I would very much like to talk about some important things with you.

-Sure.- You agree to it because, you want him to give you a reason to tell him you are not interested. Alfonse and Fjorm did not sacrificed themselves, for this man to think you are going to fall at his feet after a dinner. Besides, you were sure Claude and Alfonse were planing something and you trusted them. You turned to Fjorm and winked to let her know you got this. She blushed at this.

Once at dinner you do sit by his side. Commander Anna is sitting at the head of the table.Alfonse is sitting about three chairs from you, between Fjorm and Sharena. The chair next to you is the other head of the table and it is still empty. Suddenly, you see F Dimitri come inside the dinning hall. He seldom comes in here and you signal for him to come and sit by your side. He complies. Claude and Freyr sit on the chairs in front of you and Hrid.

Dimitri was dressed in a dressy black suit with blue cape that Forest had designed for you to give him. His hair was up in a ponytail.

-Dimitri. You look so handsome! Did you like the clothes?

-Thank you _______. I…they feel comfortable.- He says and his face is crimson red.

All through dinner Freyr and Claude kept on talking to you and taking your attention from Hrid. Claude was blatantly flirting and Freyr...you were looking at a different side of him, to be sure. It must have been because as someone who could be in your dreams, had the ability to see things others didn’t and know things about you that no one else understood, but he got your sense of humor. Something even Alfonse had, had trouble to adjust to, not understanding your references and knowledge. You had to read his same books to be able to make new references and jokes. After years of being together he had taken your humor and understood what you meant and some of the heroes even used your slang. Freyr was different. He knew stuff and he used the obscure references to make you laugh and it gave the conversation a more intimate feel.

Still you were giving Dimitri all the attention you could because he was important to you and wanted to make him feel that he was cared for.

-We should go to the beach tomorrow and make it a drink contest.- Says Claude smiling at you.

-Oh my Lord give me patience! I am not taking you to get drunk Claude. I have never seen you drunk, but let me tell you; you do not need it.

-I can not give you patience child. Only good dreams and many children.- Lord Freyr says smiling at you. Hrid stops eating to look at him. You notice Claude and Dimitri are doing the same. You laugh at it. You keep forgetting he is the god of fertility as well. Freyr turns to them and says amused.

-I am the god of dreams and fertility. Do you want my blessing?- He turned his closed eyes at Claude who laughed out laud and bring his hands off in a guarding motion.

Everyone seemed to breath again.

-Wait have you given ______ your blessing?- Claude asks and winks at you. You feel your cheeks heat up.

-I would give her, as many children as she desires.- He answers Claude. The wording is very on purpose and it seems it is not lost on the people sitting at the table. You hear Hrid chock on his food.<< Oh God! What are these guys doing!?>> You spy a look at Alfonse and he looks amused if not a little red faced and concerned, but amused non the less. You give Hrid your glass of water to drink and wait to see if he needs you to perform the whatever maneuver. He drinks the water and start breathing right. He thanks you with a blush to his cheeks. He looks mortified about the incident.

-Yes Claude. I’ll be having thirteen children.- You say the first number that comes to your mind.

- I’m going to need a bigger table at home then.- His eyes twinkle with mischief.

-You better. My whole soccer team and I will be visiting you often.- You hear sounds of laughter coming from various sides of the table.

-Hey! I meant children with my beautiful green eyes.- He wiggles his brows.

-Well you better start looking for a wife then, because those are a lot of kids to have. You better start soon.

-That is so mean!- He says fake hurt, dramatically touching his heart.

-You gave Dimitri your blessing.- Dimitri says suddenly, breaking the conversation and looking at Claude in a cold and annoyed manner. He is asking Freyr about baby Dimitri.

-May he never lack good dreams. They are the rest of the mind and the refuge of the soul.

-God, that is so true. I’m tired of dreaming of going to battle and finding my self back in school butt naked - You hear a noise like someone almost spit their drink. Hrid by your side actually laughs.- or zombies in the battlefield eating my heroes. The living dead. - You elaborate after you see Hrid’s confused expression.

-Are you afraid of school and the risen?- Asks Hrid trying to catch your attention away from Freyr and specially Claude.

-Heck no! Zombies are rotten corpses that eat the living like wild rabid animals. I used to watch a lot of moving pictures about them before coming to live here. I’m cool with risen. I even like the red eyes. I like red eyes. They’re kind of sexy, depending of whoever has them.- Of course you are talking about Lif.- And school…I mean…the bad part is finding yourself butt naked in a public place.

-I wonder what that dream means if it is a recurring dream.

-I think it means…- You get cut short by the conversation in the table next to yours.

-Oh You heard that Lord Corrin? The summoner finds red eyes sexy!- You hear Nile’s voice loudly tell Corrin.

-What the hell Niles! Why are you listening to my conversation?- You throw him your balled up napkin. He only laughs. Corrin who is sitting by his side, hits him with his elbow. You hear an “Ouch” followed by Niles laughing.

-Summoner you were talking loud enough for the whole kingdom. This makes you laugh too.

You look sideways at Alfonse who is talking to Fjorm. She seems to disagree with something he said, sighs and nods.

After a while when some of the heroes start to get up from the tables you hear Alfonse clear his throat. Claude is looking at him and you turn just in time to see Fjorm say something to Hrid.

-_______. Would you care to sing something for us?- Asks Hrid.

-Right now?- <<Are this guys trying to kill me of embarrassment?>>

-Yes _____! Sing that song you sing with the guys on campaigns! - That was Claude.- Make it to Freya like last time! You don’t mind, do you?- He asks Freyr. Freyr shakes his dead.

<<WTH is he talking about?>> there are many songs you like singing with the heroes when in campaigns by the fire light so you are kind of confused. He makes a gesture and you get it.

-Oh…Fine.- You agree mostly because that song does not need the best of voices. You lean in to talk softly to Dimitri.- Dimitri. It is going to get loud.- He nods at you like he is ready.- You look around and catch Shigure’s eye and signal to him. He goes pink but nods.

-When a humble bard…-There was a choir of whistles, “Yeah!”s and shouts.

Graced a ride along

With Geralt of Rivia

Along came this song.

From when the White Wolf fought

A silver-tongued devil

Her army of elves

At her hooves did they revel . - Freyr does look entertained.

They came after me- Shigure stands and sings alongside you.

With masterful deceit

Broke down my lute

And they kicked in my teeth

While the devil's horns

Minced our tender meat

And so cried the Witcher

She can't be bleat

Toss a coin to your Witcher -Everyone starts singing. Hrid’s brows are knitted and he is looking around to see everyone singing. Even some of the heroes like Tibarn who had gone out had come back to sing.

O' Valley of Plenty

O' Valley of Plenty, oh

Toss a coin to your Witcher

O' Valley of Plenty

(Rest of the verses here)

Toss a coin to your Witcher

O' Valley of Plenty

O' Valley of Plenty, oh

Toss a coin to your Witcher

A friend of humanity X3 - You leave the last choir to Claude who has the perfect voice for the part. ( 1)

By the time you finish the song everyone starts screaming. You have no idea why they like that song so much but every time you all sing it; it feels like you are all pirates or something.

-Goddess! I love that song. For a minute I felt I was in a tavern somewhere in a town far away riddled with monsters and villains.- Says Claude.

-You mean Fodlan taverns anywhere?- Asks Dimitri. He sounds serious, but the gruffness of his voice is gone and it makes you happy to see him put the effort to joke around. Claude laughs out loud and can only nod to agree.

All around you could hear the heroes talking excitedly about one thing or another. Some where inviting others to the town tavern. Others like Lady Camilla is heard telling someone something like “We should dress like pirates next Pirate Festival dear!”.

-That was something, you don’t see every day.- Says Hrid smiling and he looks entertained.- You are something else summoner. Who is the Witcher?

-Freyr.- Says Claude at the same time that Freyr says your name.

- It is a story about a monster hunter called Geralt of Rivia, that is sent to fight a half goat or ram and half man who was helping some elves, who were the “terror” of the nearby towns. I changed it for Lady Freya and her dark elves, who we had to fight in our dreams some time ago, with the help of Lord Freyr. I say the Witcher would be Lord Freyr. He was the one who gave up his life to save us. I summoned him some time ago.- You raise your cup to him in a toast. He smiles at you.- Besides he has the long white hair and beautiful golden eyes.- Hrid looks at Freyr and Freyr opens his eyes to reveal his beautiful eyes. They are a liquid, luminous gold color. They glow as if with the light of liquid fire but not quite lava.

-I thought he was blind.- He says in wonder. You could understand him. Lord Freyr was a beauty to behold. Even in his animal form he was the most beautiful being you had ever seen. Even the ethereal beauty of Lady Freya was nothing compared to him. Everyone was either a little jealous of him, felt intimidated by him, or had a crush on him.

-Just sleeping. - Freyr says calmly.

-Talking about sleeping. I need to get the younglings to bed. Dimitri what are you going to do?

-Whatever you ask of me.- He says readily eyeing Hrid. He has noticed how clingy he seemed to be with you and he does not trust him.

-I would like you to come with me on my patrols tonight; if that is alright with you. -His brows furrow and he gives Alfonse a long look. Alfonse seems to be listening but avoids looking at you.

-I will come with you.

-Hey I thought I was coming with you my dear!- Says Claude.

-You can come to get the kids to bed if you want to. I am going to need a handsome prince for tonight’s fairy tale and Marth is busy.- You tell him teasingly. Hero King Marth who is walking by looks your way and blushes.

-That is so cruel.- He says and pouts.

-Summoner. I was wondering if you would like to take a walk with me in the gardens or I could take the watch with you.- Says Hrid.

-Omm, I really need to take Dimitri. There are things I would like to talk about with him, but if you do not mind you can come to story time and then take a walk. Since my prince charming is sulking right now. It looks like he does not want to cooperate.- You notice Claude is looking at Alfonse and you have this distinct feeling that surprises will keep happening before the night was out.

<<Seriously guys? Like my heroes need to be told to do weird crap.>>

Dimitri went to prepare for your watch together, but before he left, you saw him frown at Hrid who returned it with a cold look. This of course annoyed you to no end because no one treats your babies that way. You go to the living area where the children gather every night for a hero to tell them a tale. You do this twice a week, usually with Alfonse by your side. You really wanted to be petty and reenact Frozen with Hrid as the prince, but you remember Anna and Alfonse said to treat him right.

<<Fine>>

When you are done with the kids you and Hrid go take that walk in the garden and decide that if he starts coming on to you; you will have to nicely let him down. You are even waiting for the chance. You are sitting on a bench around the entrance that lead to the Eastern stables. Hrid has like the spot to take a rest and sit as close to you as possible. Lucky for you the hour was still early enough that many heroes are still around and you do not feel uncomfortable.

- The heroes are very fond of you _____. It is very impressive to see. I have been told so many things about you and I thought it would be impossible for someone to posses so many qualities like you; but I can see that not only are all of those rumors true…they do not make you justice . I can see what you do for the heroes and for the people. I was told you aided in a birthing yesterday.-You nod but say nothing when he keeps talking.- I remember the first time I saw you. You came to help heal me and ask if I needed anything. My sister Gunnthra was so fond of you. She believes you are destined to be part of our family. I can only agree with her good judgement.

- I feel very humbled by her favor towards me. I…- Just thinking about her, and her horrible demise brought tears to your eyes.- I wish I had, had more time to know her better. Sometimes… I wish I could see her in a dream and see her happy again. I also wish I could save Fjorm…from everything. -He looks moved by your statement but he has no idea that he is the one you want to save her from.

-It may do her good to spend a weekend at home. You could come and visit with her. It would bring us happiness if you did. It would make me very happy.- He says and takes your hand in his cold one.

-I think it would be good for her to do so, but I am afraid that as long as there is a war; my place is here and I can’t take more than a day off every week. You see…I…-There is a pause since you were distracted by someone walking on your far left, as if trying to not be seen.- Hey!! Valter? You are back!. What do you have there?- You get up and walk towards the tall man.

-A shake…- He says . He has heard you say that to other people jokingly. He is not turning around to face you and has something big on his shoulder.

- Valter?- He finally turns around and you see he is all bloody from a wound on his arm and leg. There are gashes as if from big paws.- Oh god Valter! You are hurt! Let me see! You’ve been gone for three days! I know you came early but look at you!

-I am fine summoner. I will go to the healers in a while. Here.- He lowers the thing he has been holding on his shoulder.- I gift you the man eater,that has been plaguing the villagers in the Western villages.- He places the mountain lion at your feet. His tall figure kneeling on one knee to better show his prey.

- A fine prey Valter. I could not have chosen a better hunter. -He smiles with pride. At first you and Valter had not see eye to eye, with his way of trying to make you be afraid of him and calling you prey. Alter he had a lot of talking to by Alfonse and Leon/ Fomortiis, you had come to an understanding and now It was a better relationship. You may not trust him as a person but you trusted him to be himself and now you had a better understanding of his motivations and personality. You also valued and respect his skills.- I thank you for an excellent job.- You take our your handkerchief and clean his mouth. It is dripping with blood and it is not his.

-Will you partake of it Summoner?- He asks lifting it up to his shoulder again.

-Of course, but only after it is cooked if you don’t mind. Are you going to skin it in the kitchen? -He nods- I’ll go take a look during my watch. Valter don’t eat it raw! Those cats have worms in their meat. - He nods and smears your cheek with blood. - Valter…- you whine at his retreating back. He gives a loud laugh.

- Was he drinking its blood?

- Yeah, probably.- You say whipping the blood off of your face.- I’ve told him not to eat it raw. I am afraid he is going to get sick in the long run, but he told me he was not going to live that long. Now I am seriously thinking of not returning him to his world… I’m gonna have to adopt him or something. - You notice now Hrid is looking at you a little open mouthed.

<<What did I do?>>

-Summoner!- You hear the shout of a familiar voice. You see a mop of white hair shinning bright in the light of the torches. His red eyes burning with annoyance.- Naga’s brat changed his patrol to be my partner. Did you allowed this?

-No Mr. Grima. I didn’t know about this. Which of them?

-The first one…the one from the river.- <<Oh Marth>> He says it pouting. You take his hand.

- Grima, dear. You have to understand that sometimes people may want to be your friend. Has he ask you about Robin?

-No. Never.

-See? He is not interested in returning Robin like Chrom wanted to, not only because he has never been friends with Robin before, but because he knows quite well there is only you in that body. What he wants is to be your friend. You see, like you; Hero King Marth was summoned after death. He will be staying here after the war, like you. I have talked to him already Grima dear. He has no evil intention towards you. He just wants to be your friend.- He looks to his side and thinks for a moment.

-Fine worm; but if he so much as thinks about “bringing back” Robin, I’ll eat him.- He is still kind of pouting and kind of bashful about it. You ruffle his hair playfully. He growls but lowers his head to rest on your shoulder.

-Come here you grumpy dragon. -You give him a hug.- Give the man the chance you gave me and Alfonse. And if he so much as hurt a single hair of my -You whisper so only he can hear- Baby dragon ( 2 )…I will personally behead him or something.

-Don’t call me that worm!- then he adds in a softer tone-…eat him…- He sounds angry to other people but you know him well. He does not move his head. You don’t know it, but he sends Hrid a venomous look.

-I’ll eat him whole Grima. He’ll make some great tacos or burgers, sausages…Ug! I grossed my self out now.- You say laughing. He gives you a low laugh as well.- I didn’t see you at dinner Grima.

-I was busy training.

-I know. Here if you go to the kitchen and get something to eat’ I’ll give you this candy…but don’t tell Gaius about it.- He lets go.- Oh Valter is there with this mountain lion he killed. We ate roasted beef.- He makes a face. He dislikes Valter and mountain lion.

-I don’t like mountain lion. Fine. I’ll eat him instead.- He says smirking and turning to leave.

-No Grima! You’ll get sick!- You say laughing hard. You know he is kidding.

-That…That is the Fell Dragon Grima?- Asks Hrid when Grima is gone. You nod smiling.- The terror and destroyer of the world?- He looked at your face and can almost see pride in them, like a mother showing off his child who has done something great. And of course you feel pride. Grima was loved and happy. He no longer wanted to avenge himself, he wanted to be loved and be accepted. This was a big win for you.

The rest of the walk is spend like this. You walk for a while and then a hero shows up and take your attention away from Hrid. He seems a little frustrated but at the same time, that look he gives you, like you are something precious does not fade from his eyes. It is the time for you to go and you are about to say good night when he asks something of you.

-This night has been wonderful. I have seen you work your magic and the more I see, the more I think you would be a great queen.

<<Oh crap!>>- I am just a regular person who wants what’s best for her people and home. -<<Yeah sound more patriotic why don’t you?>>

- I know. That is the reason. I - He makes along pause and seems to change his mind on what he wanted to say.- I know, I asked this of you before but, I really would like to hear you sing. Only this time. Would you sing a love song? What would you sing to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with?

-I really am not that great a singer. I just like music a lot and since I came here I lost my… music so I sing it, to not for get it… besides I…that is very personal.- You say uncomfortable. This was going sideways fast and you knew it.

-I understand. I also understand you do not know me enough to fall in love with me. You must know by now I wanted ask for your hand in marriage, but I will not push it. I just want to hear what Fjorm has heard. It would make me really happy.

You think about it and realize that how worst could it really get? It was not like you were going to accept him any way. -OK, let’s walk this way.- You tell him and start singing when you are almost under Alfonse’s balcony.

I say I'll move the mountains

And I'll move the mountains

If he wants them out of the way. -- It did feel like you had to move a mountain to reach Alfonse, when you had just met. Now

look at you now. You could barely part from each other.

Crazy he calls me

Sure, I'm crazy

Crazy in love, I say.

I say I'll go through fire

And I'll go through fire -- There are flashes of you fighting alongside Alfonse to beat Surtr.

As he wants it, so shall it be

Crazy he calls me

Sure, I'm crazy

Crazy in love, you see.

Like the wind that shakes the bough

He moves me with a smile -- Yo see him in your mind’s eye smiling that rare sweet smile he has only for a few precious people and you.

The difficult I'll do right now --Well you did gave him an army of heroes and manage it well.

The impossible will take a little while -- And you will end the war and win it for him.

I say I'll wait forever --You look up to his window. Up till now you had been looking at the starry sky but the light in his room had gone out. He was surely looking out the window.

And I mean forever-- That was your promise. You will wait for ever for him.

If I have to hold up the sky

Crazy he calls me

Sure, I'm crazy

Crazy in love am I

Crazy in love am I. ( 3)

Luckily Hrid had not been here long enough to know where your room or Alfonse’s room lay. He did not know he had witnessed your promise to him.

-That was beautiful. That song… I could imagine you fighting against Surtr…Saving my land and my people.

<< Oh Lord! You have to be kidding me. This is what he got from this?>>

-You have to remember your highness, that I was not alone and I did the least of the fighting. You have Alfonse to thank for that and The Order. -<<And your sister’s sacrifice…>>

- I was lost in the song I have to confess. You look so beautiful right now. It is easy to forget everything else.- He steps closer to you. You are hit with the urge t to step back, but you have to stand your ground.- _____ I want to get to know you better. I want to be more than just acquaintances. I want to be..

<<God I hope he says best friends! Why can’t someone just come and save me?>>

-...more than just your ally. I want to be there when you need me and be the one you can count on.

<< Sir you are describing Alfonse…>>

-Hrid. I appreciate the sentiment. It is always a good thing to get to know the people that are important in our lives. I do agree with that, yet I need to tell you; that with the war and all the work I need to do; I can not offer you more than friendship. My priorities..

-She tells us all the same thing. Can you believe that? So very cruel Summoner.- Says King Claude from behind you.- I apologize for the intrusion, but princess Sharena has need of your help. Delthea drunk a kettle of coffee and is now running around playing pranks on unsuspecting heroes. I think she hid in the tower. Also Dimitri said he will be waiting for you in the library in half an hour.

-Oh Lord! Hrid, please forgive me for leaving you. Delthea is a very powerful and very imaginative witch, I can’t have her do this at this hour.

-I understand completely ______. In fact I would like to be of assistance.- Hrid said eyeing Claude.

-That would be amazing. I just need to warn you about the consequences; but if you are alright with cat ears, be our guest. -Claude points to his head. Sure enough there lays a set of black velvety cat ears.

-Oh for God’s sake Claude! Wait. Is there a tail to match?…Oh what am I saying. I’m sorry Hrid. You better sit this one out. There are just so many guys with cat ears and tails I can manage in one night. I will see you tomorrow. Have a good night.

-As you wish. Good night and pleasant dreams.- You thank him and go away with Claude.

- You look so cute Claude.- You say and laugh.

-Mm interested in petting my ears _____?

When you two are far enough, Claude takes his fake cat ears off and meet up with Freyr and Delthea who is not really playing tricks on anyone.

- I almost didn’t make it. I apologize ______ . I did hear you tell him you are not interested. That is good. I don’t think it will stop him though. It feels like no matter what we do, he can’t seem to mind that the heroes flirt with you. I mean I understand. I see you do this every day. You care for everyone and they can’t help but adore you and I understand it quite well and it only makes me love you more.- He says it matter of fact like he is not baring his feelings in front of other people.

-Claude…

-I know ____. I should have considered it. He just looks so stiff, controlling, possessive and well cold, I thought he would find it uncomfortable. Make him re think his choice. I’m thinking even you telling him you are not interested in a relationship may be making him more persistent. Like whenever you tell Valter not to eat mountain lion raw…He already ate the liver by the way. I saw him a couple of minutes ago.

-What?- Face palm <<OMG Valter. I feel like I’m dealing with toddles!>>

-Well. It is done. We will see what we can do tomorrow.

-I suppose. - You start walking towards the library where Dimitri would be waiting for you, but make some space to talk to Delthea quietly. -Oh Delthea. Did you ever find out what the book was about?

-Oh…I did ask Alfonse but he could not open it. He asked me where I had found it and I showed him. He had never seen it or heard about it before. He did not tel me the exact translation, but said it was about the first King of Askr. I asked him if I could help him find out how to open it and he said it was fine by him, so as soon as the Ice King takes off we get to work. I also told him I wanted to help him with his project and I managed to convince him to let me help. Like you say: “ Two heads are better than one.” he just told me not to tell you. ______ he is very upset. I am worried about him. I mean if he asked Claude to help him it means he is very desperate. That man better leave tomorrow or I will bewitch his underpants to be itchy for a month! What?! I can guarantee you he will never know it was us. Just like the time I turned Lord Virion’s undergarments pink. -she giggles.

- Was that you? Oh my God. -Virion was still looking for the culprit.- Please don’t do that. I don’t need more trouble for the Order or Askr. We can leave it as last resort though; in case we can’t find a way to break the deal.- You tell her to settle her down. When you finally meet up with Dimitri, you notice he is talking to Freyr and offering him something. On a closer inspection you see it is one of the key pendants to the tree house.

- I can not guarantee you she will not follow in a way, but no one will be getting in there but you, _____ and I, so there will be less chance of someone spiking your drinks. I am taking dreamless sleep pills and can’t dream. She will not tempt me.

- I feel touched by your gesture. I will take you up on your offer if you are sure of it.

-I am. I thought about it. I figure it would be hard to return to your room.

-Then I will stay with you. Thank you. I will wait for you reading in the library until you are done with your patrol.

- You can join us, if that is your wish.- Says Dimitri. Freyr seems to be thinking about it.

-I thin it is better for me to wait here. There are books here I have never read before.

Claude says his goodnights and leaves. Delthea stays to tell Freyr about the awesome book she found and where she found it. You are crossing the door to the outer grounds to talk to the inner wall guards. It is half past midnight.

-Dimitri. What you did back there for Lord Freyr. I am really touched and thankful for it. I thought about changing his room, but you know how all the rooms are the same except for Alfonse’s and mine, so it would be all the same. I was thinking to take him to my room and sleeping on the study. I was sure he would not agree to that. Then I thought to let him stay in one of the rooms at the infirmary.

-I thought about it when you told me what had happened to him. I am sure it was much more serious than what you mentioned.

- It is. It is much more serious.

-He seems to feel safe around you.- <<As do I>> He thinks.

- I wish I could save him from her.- << I already watched him die once…I could not take it if he were to die again because I failed.>> You do not voice your fears with Dimitri. It is better for him not to trouble himself with your fears.- I could have offered to sleep with him, but even voicing this sounds bad. Askr is so very conservative. - <<Although…We could camp out in the tree house with Dimitri! Wait…that sounds like a threesome or better yet a “treesome”…Damn!>>- we could…- You get cut short by your messaging pendant getting too warm. Something is wrong. Then you hear someone shouting your name. It is Gordin.

-______!!! Lord Freyr told me to tell you the Elmblan Empire is crossing our borders! They are about to attack the keeps in the Northern towns. He saw it some moments ago and sent Delthea to tell Commander Anna.

-Thank you Gordin! Dimitri. I need to tell Alfonse and Sharena.

-I can tell the princess!- Says Gordin seriously.

-Thank you! Let’s go Dimitri.- You feel the pendant again. It was Anna. The message was to get ready.

You are running down the hall to Alfonse’s room when his door opens up. You see Hrid and Fjorm getting out of her room down the hall.

-Lord Freyr saw Embla crossing the Northern border and attacking the keeps.

-Let’s get ready. Inform the heroes on rotation. We will wait for you in the War room.- You nod and walk yo your room to get to the list in the study, but you get waylaid by Hrid and Fjorm who tries to persuade him to wait until they are called.

-Are we being attacked?

-Not ourselves. The keeps in the Northern border are about to be attacked. We will probably march in a while. I’ll keep you posted. I need to call my heroes on rotation.

You enter your room and then the study. You hear Dimitri say something and then shut the door.

-_______. I am not in rotation, but I want to fight. Is Lord Freyr fighting too?

-Let’s see. He is in rotation…but…

- Let him go. It will keep his mind off of his troubles. I will fight too and keep my eye on him.

-If you are sure; I’ll add you to the rooster.- You start sending the magic signals to the heroes in rotation and once you are done you take the list with you to the War Room. On your way out you see Fjorm and Hrid are meeting after preparing themselves to fight. They follow behind you to the War Room.

-Fjorm, you are not in rotation. You are part of the base defence today. You want to come with?

- Yes. I already changed my turn with Mathilda. Oh and I found Valter on the way. He said he will be ready when you are.

-He is not on rotation. In fact he was supposed to still be off today, but returned early…well I guess. He can come.

- What is this about rotation?- Asks Hrid. He is dressed in full armor and ready to go.

-It is the way to manage the heroes. One part fights, another part is left as reserves and the defence stays to defend the castle and the people of town in case there is an attack while we march off. The heroes change every battle. Right now we are about to see where we are about go and what we are about to do and decide if we need to do some changes in the groups. Just like the Royal army.

-You manage it all by yourself? Impressive.

-Well it is my job to get to know the heroes abilities and weaknesses . Then decide who works better in what situation and what they should be doing and who to send them with. You know, tactician’s planing. I make the suggestions and then Alfonse, who is the brain decides if the draft is right for what he thinks the enemy is doing and stuff. He’s a genius. Then Anna makes the final decision… but I mean I also like to have other opinions. Like Robin’s and Soren’s for example. It is all simple and regular army managing.

- Well. Not really. Remember when we fist met and you had suggested this to Commander Anna, because you were afraid someone would try attacking the castle when you were away, just like the time Embla had tried to destroy the Summoning Ruins? I also remember Anna apologized to you for not taking your suggestion of having a fire brigade before Surtr attacked into consideration. It was also your idea to make the Heroes their Order Cloaks to blend in with the surroundings and re designed the Regular Army’s new camouflage uniforms. The Royal Army even changed theirs as well! (4)

<< God Fjorm! Don’t help me look good now!>> Hrid looked impressed. Fjorm looks sorry.

-I saw the changes. I like the new uniforms and their usefulness. Amazing!

-Well none of those ideas are mine. I just took them from what the armies use in The World of Steel. I mean, sometimes Alfonse lends me his brain cells and I do come up with some good ideas, but mostly it is him doing the job. I just help along.- Fjorm laughs at this. She knows what you mean, but the two men look at you with different levels of confusion. You finally arrive to the War Room and after asking if you wanted him to wait outside, you let Dimitri stand by your side during the briefing. Fjorm had stood on your other side and signaled Alfonse to stand by her. After a moment she whispers a quiet “sorry” in your ear. She moves from between you two to go talk to Laegjarn. You can feel Alfonse’s hand lightly touch yours when she leaves. God! How you wanted to touch him. Hold his hand and disappear from the world.

Since Lord Freyr’s dream was a forewarning you had time to get to the site and wait for the enemy to attack. It would be an ambush. You fear you will have to spend the trip avoiding Hrid and stealing moments to talk to Alfonse. During the first part of the night when you were walking besides F Dimitri, you remember he had wanted to talk to you about something important.

-So Dimitri. What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?- Dimitri looked taken aback for a moment and then he looked around to see if anyone was hearing you.

- I…I have been watching Lif when he comes to watch you…- He says and suddenly you are attacked by the memories of your last encounter.- I apologize for not telling you directly…I did not know if he was real or not.

-Lif…-<< My Alfonse>> the thought passes your mind faster that lightning and you had no time to question it.- I… I can see why you would think that. He is… He looks so …-<<Beautiful>>- different. My regret. -You had know he had seen Lif. Of course you did, but you wanted to let him tell you in his own time after that one time he avoided the subject.

-I saw him go inside your window…I am sorry. I was not thinking strait. I let him in, not sure of who he was until you mentioned him. I just knew he loved you and he wanted to be near you… so I let him. I wanted to know what he would do. Understand him.

You lower your head before someone notices your watery eyes as they fill up with tears. Those words were breaking your heart… and now he was gone.

-Don’t worry about it Dimitri. I practically invited him. I also understand you… and I can see your instincts are working just fine. I trust them and I trust you. Besides. I wanted to see him so badly. I was not sure if he had survived and now I know he is…still fighting.

- You love them both…

- I… I do…Do you think me wicked?

- At first. When I did not know who he was. I understand now. Would you tell me how it went? All of it? I want to know about him.

- I don’t blame you for wanting to know. He is an interesting person. I mean, he is Alfonse but…They are the same, but different. Alfonse plays the violin you know. He plays like the angels in heaven…They are both violin music, but different pieces you see? Both highly intelligent and both seriously passionate in everything they believe and do…but like music Alfonse is intense but contained, controlled, like Vivaldi’s Winter And Lif is just as intense but unbound like Devil’s Thrill…Both beautiful to behold but …Oh crap I forgot you don’t know what I’m talking about. The music sound kind of like - You hum the music and explain the differences in rhythm and tempo. You look at him to see if he gets it and you see him smiling. You have never seen him smile.- Heh… I got a little carried away didn’t I?- He nodded.- Were you there when he left?

- Yes.

-I still have to tell Alfonse. I forgot to do so with the…arrival of our guests and everything else.-You backpedal to not tell him about the engagement.

-You will tell him? Everything?

- Of course. I don’t want to keep secrets from him. He knew what I was doing. That was the reason he was not home. We wanted to help him. We even had a plan on how to do so and…you saw. It all went sideways. Alfonse knew Lif would decline our offer, but I wanted to believe. I could not even tell him the plan… I felt so selfish asking him to stay.

- It would be painful to be around you and not be near…

- (sigh) yeah…and let’s not forget Sharena.- You start telling him how everything had started. How you all had thought he was the first king of Askr and then found out the truth. You tell him about Sharena’s flowers he had placed in that shine he had made. You tell him about your Summoner’s coat folded neatly among your favorite flowers. His parent’s crowns. How he had built the shrine because there was no bodies to bury and no tombs to take flowers to. You explained his plans and how he had changed his mind to help you. How he had been used like a marionette by Hell to kill you and how you had finished her with the his most precious possession. His Summoner’s Breidablik…you omit it was your own weapon or so you thought.

After a while there is a pause in the trek for rest and meals. By this time the sun was already coming up. While you are talking to the men,you are interrupted by Hrid who wants to be your guard during the battle.

- King Dimitri is her guard today. He is her support.- Says F Dimitri in his gruff voice. Hrid looks coldly back at him, and you sense he is about to retort. There is tension in the air and you have to intervene.

- I appreciate it and you are welcome to stay, but he is right, Dimitri is my baby sitter this time.

- I understand you already have your support, but it would ease my mind if I could stay by your side. This way I can protect you and observe the way you lead your men. If needed I will assist in battle of course and like I said before in the meeting; you can use my men as if they are your own. As I wish you will see them one day.

-I… Thank you your Highness…- Dimitri was scowling and you could tell he was beginning to get angry.

-Were we not on first name terms _____?

-I apologize for interrupting, but I was wondering if his Highness would help me out.- The voice came from behind Hrid. It was Charlotte. Her huge soulful eyes were fixed on Hrid.Her voice was all sweetness and her demeanor bashful and coy. To her side Groom Marth stood looking at Dimitri.- Your sister said you could help me.

<<Oh Thanks GOD! I could kiss Fjorm right now!>>

-Oh Hrid this is Lady Charlotte of Nohr. She is a trusted friend and ally.- It had taken a while to warm up to her after the incident with Alfonse. He had to explain to her, in the coldest of voices that he was not interested in her in any sort of way and that, what she was doing was harassment and it was punishable in Askr. Prince Xander had been called as well and he had been even less lenient. After working with her you found out she was actually pretty cool when she was not obsession with someone. You even gave her pointers on what she was doing wrong with guys. Everyone knows guys do not like desperate women and she radiated desperation.

-I would help her, but I am afraid I am not tall enough.- Says Marth. Hrid excuses himself and goes to help Charlotte. You can tell he is very annoyed by the redness on his cheeks and ears. Charlotte turns to you and winks. Marth gives you a small smirk and asks if he can talk to Dimitri. They both leave to where King Dimitri is waiting for them. As soon as they leave, you feel someone tap you in the back. You turn around and King Claude takes a finger to his closed mouth and signals for you to follow him.

- Please tell me I am not as persistent and annoying as that man!- He says in a quiet hiss. You walk a little into the wooded area by the road and see a figure dressed in white waiting for you.

-Thank you Claude. I owe you. And for the record. You are not annoying at all and I enjoy spending time with you.

-Then minutes Alfonse. Make the best of it.- Claude says and winks. You turn around and Alfonse is blushing.

He walks up to you and takes your hand. He says nothing but his eyes speak volumes. His other hand comes up to your face and caresses your cheek. You lean into his touch and close your eyes. He kisses your forehead and then embrace you. You circle his waist as he cradles your back and head.

Meanwhile King Dimitri, Savior King Dimitri and Marth are talking to Fallen Dimitri. F Dimitri had gone to ask them what was happening to you and what was the deal with the king of Nifl. K Dimitri and G Marth had weighted the options of telling F Dimitri what they knew. They decided to tell him about the treaty and that he should be patient and threat the King with respect so that Askr could gain the aid they will need if they were to be attacked by another kingdom. They will tell him about the engagement after Hrid leaves.

-Yes. Apparently he is interested in building a relationship ending in marriage with her, but we all know she is not interested in anyone but Prince Alfonse. Still, we have to be careful and polite with him.- Explains Marth.

-Fine ,but if he so much as breathes wrong, her way I will cut his head off.- He is about to go when he is stopped by his other self.

-It is not wise to project your feelings towards her. She will not return them. Better men than us have tried and failed. She wants only to help you and it will only hurt you both.- Says King Dimitri.

-I understand who her heart belongs to and I would not come between them.- He wondered if any of them had seen the way you looked at Lif, or had seen how much you love each other, or if they only knew about Alfonse. The way he saw it; he knew better than any of them who your heart belonged to. Divided as it was.

Dimitri found you talking to Alfonse just at the edge of the forest by the road you were taking; but he did not approached you. You were looking at a map, but seemed to be talking about something else. He spied Hrid talking to the blonde girl who wanted to marry a rich man. Her charms were being neglected by the prince who kept scowling and sending you furtive looks. Dimitri could hear you talking thanks to his finer sense of hearing.

-Can we talk about that after the battle?- You ask Alfonse. He scowls.

- What did he do? Did he hurt you?

-What? No! He refused our help, just like you said he would. He left…for good this time.

- There is more.

-We should focus on the battle ahead. I don’t want to mess up something important because our head is in another matter.- Alfonse closes his eyes. He is loosing his patience and probably thinking there was something worst than what actually happened. You sigh.- I wanted to wait until later to tell you. The truth is just that, he refused our help, said he could never be my friend and that even if he agreed to be helped, he doesn’t believe we can help him. He showed me his face…then kissed me. - Alfonse palled and rubbed his face. He looked annoyed but at the same time relieved.- I did not tell him about my “memories”. I don’t know what he would do, if what we think happened to me, is real.- Alfonse looked even more relieved by that. Dimitri wondered what that meant.

-We will talk about this when we get home. Hrid will be your guard today. He asked Commander Anna. -His jaw muscles were moving with tension.

- Goddammit! Well so will Dimitri. I am not changing my plan. He is lucky I did not choose Grima. I’m being nice here Alfonse…a good girl Alfonse.- You smile coyly at him and at first he is confused, but you see him redden. He has no idea of your real meaning, but just looking at you giving him that look is enough to make him melt. He knows you are flirting, but he does not know the context. He is about to say something when you both hear Anna give the command to start the march.

After a meal brake, Fjorm comes to talk to you.

-_____. I heard my brother has asked to be your body guard. You have to deny him.- You look at her confused.- _____ remember our traditions. If he saves your life or Alfonse’s; you will owe him a life debt. I…do not understand him. I would not have thought him capable of using something like this or even demanding it of you, but he seems so different. I am not sure if it is because he has been alone without mother and Gunthra to guide him or something, but he looks different. I am just doing this as a precaution. I swear to you he is a good man and a honorable one, but I also know that he is stubborn and will fight for what he wants and what he thinks is best.

-I believe you Fjorm. I actually like him as a person. I just can’t help be angry at his ideas and the outcome of his requirements for the treaty. I will appeal to his warrior pride and make him be in the battlefield, just not close to Alfonse or Sharena. Deal?- She smiles and blushes when you take her hand in yours.

That night there is no time to put tents up. You put your roll up by Sharena and Fae who sleeps between you and Grima. You have noticed Grima had given the small dragon some of the candy you had given him. Fae is slowly becoming a younger sister of sorts to him. She started following him around and he let her after he was told she was alone in the world and had been isolated for a long time. She had been well taken care of, but had no living family. Although she had people who loved her and knew some half dragons, she was immediately drawn to Grima after she had heard of how he had been treated and how he had been isolated and alone. She had told you she wanted to help him. They were both alone.

You were awaken by a soft voice.

-The family has grown.- Alfonse’s smiling face is looking down at you from his sitting position by your head. You look around to find Fae had moved to Grima’s side and some time in the night, young Tiki had laid down on his other side.

<<OMG! What do I do?!>> You did not want Grima to wake up to find her there and get angry. You look at Grima and see that his eyes are open. He moves his hand from under Tiki’s head just a bit and signals you to not make a noise. <<Oh OK then..>> He closes his eyes again.

-Care to patrol with me?- Alfonse asks and you get up to join him. Hrid had, had the last watch and was sleeping now. You would be leaving in a few hours and arrive at the keeps before twilight.

-I guess it has grown. I wonder why the dragons just leave their kids so young wander around in the world, all alone like that.

-They probably have their reasons to do it.- He says quietly. You were thinking of arguing your point but remember that he himself was not as close to his parents and had had a more or less lonely childhood. If it wasn’t for Sharena he would have been much more of a loner. You decide to change the subject.

-Free for some hours then?- You ask. He looks back to where Hrid is laying asleep by his sisters.

-At last. Care for a tea after the patrol?- He asks you smiling. You take his hand and look him in the eyes.

-I’ll be happy to.

You do the patrol and drink some hot water since you could not find the tea. You talk for a while and fall asleep together sitting by the fire. This is where F Dimitri finds you to wake you up to re start the journey.

The second day goes on just like the first. Hrid comes often to talk to you and more often than not some heroes come to take you away for one reason or another. You walked alongside K Claude mostly and Grima who was followed by young Tiki and Fae. At some point Hero King Marth came to walk alongside and carried a sleepy Tiki who had placed a flower on his tiara. Fae pouted until Grima carried her as well. You looked back one time to find Chrome watching longingly at them.

You arrived past midday to the Keeps and after you help them all to settle and then seek Hrid out. You did not notice Alfonse had followed you and stayed in the shadows to wait for you.

-Hrid. I wanted to talk to you.

-Oh?

-You see… I don’t know how to say this… It is just, I wanted to ask you something. -He he looks at you expectantly with a small smile adorning his face. You also try not to sound flirty but keep it as interested.- I was thinking back at the time we found you in Muspell and remembering how you were fighting. Well the reason I was reluctant for you to be my guard was that I was curious about your style and I wanted to see more of it.

- Oh! I see. I was desperate and not at my best.

-Being desperate to save a loved one is probably when people are at their best in my opinion. Maybe not technique wise but at least morally.- He reddens and bites his lower lip a little.

-I would love to show you my style. Where do you want me?

<<Is he…?>>

-Umm. I was thinking of placing you, if you are alright with it of course; on the right flank, by Lord Seliph. That way you are in the fray and still close enough.

-It sounds good to me.- He says.

- We can talk about it after the battle. - You say because you knew he would want to hog the time again and because now at least you had something to talk about that does not sound awkward to you.

You attended the meeting with the Royal Army Officers. Alfonse had sent a messenger before hand to warn them. They had arrived some two hours before you.The plan was laid out for the officers and and after some debate it was approved. The Royal Army was very set in their ways and your suggestion on an ambush by militia attacks was taken with skepticism. You had met this kind of drawback before and it was always smoothed over by the heroes and Alfonse. The later had avoided your gaze every time you had asked for his opinion and you notice he looked angry. He had stood as far away as possible from you. Meanwhile Hrid had stood next to Claude which was as close to you as he could get.

As soon as the meeting was over, you sent out the mages and scouts to set up confusion wards in case enemy scouts came and saw you already there. Then mines were placed by the mages for when the enemy arrived. Not explosive mines but paint. The paint was magic and it help to immobilize , by temporally blind and confuse the enemy warriors; giving you precious time to attack them or retreat as needed. They also had the side effect of giving people hives. You seek out Alfonse to talk to him. You find him in the armory.

-Alfonse. I need to talk to you.- He does not turn to you and keeps on checking his gear and weapons. He looks like he wants to ignore you.

- I have no time. We can do this after the battle…unless you have someone to talk to later instead?

<<???>>

-Yeah… I promised Hrid we would talk about his sword style and technique…and that is what I need to talk to you about.

-I need to go check on the men.

-It will be just a minute…why are you so angry any way?

-What do you mean angry? Why would I be angry? Did you do something to anger me?

-I don’t think so…Look any way; Fjorm came and told me not let Hrid be my guard…- He looked at you now.- because she did not want him to save me or something and then I would owe him a life debt.

-What? He wouldn’t dare...- Now he looks even angrier.

-Yeah she doesn’t believe that either, but she says he looked different in a way and it is a “just in case” kind of thing, so I went to talk to him and ask him to fight. I was afraid for you as well as Sharena. It is better neither of us owe him something. - He nods. He still looked annoyed but at least he did not radiated that miasma of doom he does when he is really angry.

- I.. heard you talking to him.

-Oh! So that is why…Oh Alfonse!- You look around to see if someone is watching and take his hand. He leads you a little away until he finds a small door that he opens and you find yourself in a small closet full of weapon polishing products.

-I’m sorry I should have told you I was going to do that, but I didn’t found the time with so much stuff to do.

-No…I should not be jumping to conclusions. It is just…- He suddenly hugs you and kisses you on the forehead.- I…I love you so much…- He lowers his face and is about to kiss you. You feel like the butterflies in your stomach are having a party in there.

(Knock, knock)

-You two. It’s time to go!- Alfonse jumps back at the sound of Niles’ always suggestive words. You open the door and frown at him. Niles looks around inside the closet and smirks.- So…how was the sword polishing?

<<Oh I wish Niles!>> You roll your eyes at him.- We were only talking. You look back at Alfonse but he is looking down at his feet. You have never seen him look so guilty before. <<Adorable!>>

-Just talking huh…I love “just talking” with people inside closets too.

-Oh I wish Niles, but you went ahead an ruined it by knocking at the door. Besides we were in there for only like thirty seconds! Oh wait…Is that how long you “talk to people in closets”?

-______!!- Comes Alfonse’s voice behind you.

-.…Oh you got me good Summoner!- He says and starts laughing out loud.- I forget you are not afraid to use that tongue.

<<Oh Niles if only you knew… That’s exactly what I was trying to do.>> He looks at your face sees that little smirk and he just knows and laughs harder.

-Don’t worry your Highness. I am an expert at keeping secrets. I would give you fifteen minutes but we really need to go.- Alfonse comes out after you and his face is redder than a tomato.

-Wait. Let me fix your cloak.- He stops and lets you fix his scarf part of the cloak. You linger around his neck and then pass your fingers through the locks of hair loose from his crown. He is looking at you and you see his lips part and look at your lips for a second. His tongue comes out slowly to lick at his lower lip. The moment is so intimate Niles turns around to give you privacy and for once keeps quiet.

-You look good.- You tell him and his cheeks redden a little more.- Let’s go.- You say and both of you follow Niles out of the armory to Anna who is waiting for you.

~*~

The Emblian Empire attacked at midnight. The Askrn forces had let them get close to the bait, which was the keep where the the town people were hiding. Then the militia attacks were started in the enemy rear. Your surprise attack was successful and when they tried to retreat the mines enclosed them in where the men were not stationed. The battlefield was alight with fires suddenly burning, this way you could see where the heroes were and what they were doing.

From your position on one of the highest hills outside of town you could send the signals to the men and not be reached by enemy fire. King Savior Dimitri was by your left side monitoring the danger and the rear. Waiting for the moment he had to act.

Although you had smoother over the problem with Alfonse, he seemed still to be in a bad mood. He fights with the same skill as ever, but you could see there was something else in there. The same quality to his strikes that Lif had in his…like he really wanted to hurt something.

-Beruka tell Innes there’s an enemy sniper hiding far to his right flank over the tallest tree. - You mouthed over to Beruka who could read your lips. She nodded and before taking of to warn Innes.

Once in a while you look over to Hrid to check on his team and actually evaluating him so you would have something to talk about later on.

Next is Valter whom you had told to stay and rest after being on that hunt he went on. He seemed just as efficient, but there was a slowness to his strikes that if not corrected could end in a bad situation. You touch your medallion and say his name. It would let him know you are watching him or have something to tell him. He turns to you after making sure there is no danger.

- Are we the prey or are we the hunter?- That did it for him. No one would call him prey. He seemed to regain vigor, speed and strength.- Good. That’s my hunter boy.- You could hear Azura and Shigure singing over the noise. You turn to watch the others. Michaelis, Minerva, Seliph, Olivia,Eliwood and Roy, Hector, Rath , Eirika, Lyon and Ephraim…

You take your spyglass to watch the farther part of the field and spy on Xander, who is the leader of the Emblan army. He is watching you it seems, so you wave at him. He lowers the spyglass and for a second it looks like he is about to wave back but thinks better of it. This makes you chuckle. That man is actually a good man and you could understand his position. He not only kept Veronica company and keeps the vultures that try to make her their puppet away from them, but he had smoothed out some problems that could have escalated without his help. Without him the war would be worst and who knows where Veronica would be or what she would be doing. He kept her human.

Then from the North Eastern side of the Keep the flank breaks and reinforcements pour in. You knew about them and were prepared for them, that was what the mines were for. What you were not prepare for, was one of the heroes in the enemy lines. Adrestian Emperor Edelgard, dressed in her Reds and golds armor lead the reinforcements. You hear a hiss from S K Dimitri at the same time you feel your medallion warn you. It was Alfonse. You turn to watch him but you know full well what he meant. He points to F Dimitri. He has isolated himself as he always does. His backup Marth, is blocked form getting to him by a couple of lancers. Alfonse made his way to him, but before he reached him Dimitri looked up. It seemed like he could hear orders being given and recognized the voice.

Dimitri saw Edelgard and he froze for a second. Then he started to walk her way and he looked like he was not paying attention to his surroundings. Alfonse started to make his way towards him and so did Marth. You signal King Claude who is near by covering Alfonse, but he had already seen the scene unfolding. He started felling the enemies that were about to hit Dimitri. You signal Dimitri himself. At last he seems to react, but instead of returning your call, he started to relentlessly and brutally kill the enemies on his way.

You hear SK Dimitri growl in anger. You reach for his hand and squeeze it gently.

You can see with the spyglass that Edelgard has taken notice of Dimitri. She stands for a minute watching him and you see her close her eyes. The face she makes is almost one of regret. She turns around, then signals something to her men and she starts attacking the opposite flank. On her stead another hero is sent. Death Knight.

-Oh FUCK… Death Knight.- You had seen him before. That man was insane and brutal. He did not listen to orders and actively has tried to kill your heroes any chance he has. You see him make a bee line to where F Dimitri is trying to follow Edelgard.

You see it as if in slow motion. Ferdinand came down on Dimitri even before Death Knight arrived. You had not even seen him coming. He drove his lance with enough force to behead someone and the speed to not miss. He had the advantage of surprise. Dimitri could not deflect or evade; but before Ferdinand’s lance hit its mark; a golden shield came up to protect a falling Dimitri. Alfonse had reached Dimitri just in time to jump on the way of the strike and effectively striking the blond out of the way. Alfonse almost fell down with the force of the strike and the effort not to step on the fallen blonde. He stood with his legs on either side of Dimitri’s upper body. Then the second strike came just as he was trying to gain his footing. The force of the second strike almost made him stumble and had him straddling the blonde. Alfonse could do nothing but shield himself and Dimitri. He turned to see if Dimitri was alright and his faces were inches apart.

He was about to tell him to get up when they heard a yell. Ferdinand was falling down his horse and an arrow was stuck on the horse’s flank. Claude was covering him while trying to keep from getting hit by enemy arrows. This gave Alfonse the time he needed to get up. Alfonse was standing up when Death Knight’s scythe came sideways and hit his shield on the side enough to fling it and his arm away form his body. He deflected the rest with the sword.

Sparks like fireworks flew from Folkvangr. Death Knight was poised to strike again. Watching from the ground Dimitri was struggling to get up. He was backing away so he could get up and not be on the way.

You watch it all from your post. Unable to do anything about it. You feel like the life is draining from you with every beat of the heart. Hel’s scythe; coming down slowly and yet so fast. Just like it had done for Anna and Sharena before. It strikes Alfonse to behead , but the angle and motion playing their part have another idea. The scythe misses badly. He is falling down…

-ALFONSE!!!!!

…..He is falling….he is …. outside the Order's castle in a training arena. You followed him to see him train. He is doing something you had not seen him do before. He jumps and twirls his sword to gather power and at the point of the strike there is a beam of power coming out. The attack is one of the most powerful you had ever seen. It may even rival Aether.

-Incredible…- You say behind him. He turns and smiles at you. His naked torso glistening with sweat. In another time he would he dying of shame from being found with so little clothes.

-Do you like it? I am trying to create something powerful to kill her.

-Alfonse that is amazing! How do you call it?

-I don’t know yet…I want to make a future for us with it. Maybe then we can end this absurd war and get married,- He gets close to you and touches your cheek with his fingers. - My beloved _______. He kisses you slowly on your lips and then kisses your forehead.-…I might call it…

-DOOR TO THE FUTURE!!!!- Your yell resonates over the cacophony of voices and yells of the battlefield. Breidablik lights up…

A/N

This program is messing up my grammar instead of helping, especially names. I have no idea how many times I have gone and fixed them. When I transfer it to the page it gets messed up again. I think it gets confused because I write in different languages XD

As a side note, I am trying not to make Hrid sound like he is an asshole at all. I like him a lot, but the guy is in love and is very possessive and jealous of Alfonse who he believes belongs with his sister and passes most of his time with you so…He just wants a chance for you to get to know him and fall in love maybe…and maybe…and maybe…

I have this head canon that if Valter ever hears Guren no Yumiya from Attack on Titan it would become his National Anthem XD. Bless Natewantstobattle and his covers.

Have you ever wonder why Lif’s face and original skin only covers his nose and his mouth seems to be lost and to have no bone inside?….yeah…I do.

1. The song I am referencing here is the metal cover by Dan Vasc:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS4Q-WWyl3Q

2. It is said that Grima is 2000+ years but I seriously think that he can’t be that much older than Tiki was around the time of Shadow Dragon. So to me he is still a kid. A very neglected and abused kid who is lashing out in the worst way, because he is so powerful. I am doing this because I think that a gown up Grima would be more a love interest and I don’t want that in this story. Also I ship him with Evostrashbin’s Summoner. BTW I’m so happy Evo got Halloween Mr. Grima! I love it!

3. Crazy He Calls Me. Natalie Cole’s version. I love this song all thanks to my father. I choose it because I could see the co-relation with the story line and situation.

4. I mean. I get that the order is supposed to be the good guys but dressing in white all the time in battle? That works well in winter and Nifl, but that’s it. That Lord of the Rings cloak, the Lorien Elves gave The Fellowship would be awesome to have for the Heroes on more stealthy missions. Camo uniforms would also work wonders on the Order’s favor.

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