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starry-hughes · 1 year ago

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hey mat(t)hew

mat barzal x reader, matthew tkachuk x reader

warnings: cheating, angst, mentions of sex, more angst, barzy ends up heartbroken but so does tkachuk, inspired by the song hey ben (games we play & hoodie allen)

summary: matthew finds out you have another boyfriend who happens to be closer to him than he would have ever guessed.

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I got some things that I've been meaning to get off my chest. Been holding on to this so long, I've never been so stressed.

Mathew Barzal was never expecting a text from a random number addressing him as Mathew. He didn’t even know who this was. Why was this person addressing him as if they knew one another, as if they had something in common?

“Hey Mathew… hate to be the bearer of bad news..”

That’s how the text started.

And this might just weird you out, But I flagged you down to say, I know we haven't met, But we've got tons of friends in common, And lying isn't me, so I'll just be completely honest.

You had wanted to get out of Fort Lauderdale since you were a teenager. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, acceptance to NYU and funding from your parents, you were in New York. The plan wasn’t to find a job right out of graduation and work for a company based in Fort Lauderdale. Luckily, you didn’t have to return there often, just for the occasional, one-time-a-month trip, your job letting you work remotely for the most part.

Your life was perfect. A college degree, a job, and a hot boyfriend, Mathew Barzal. Your life was enjoyable, being a hockey girlfriend and successful. It wasn’t that Mat was a bad boyfriend. He was great. He would buy expensive gifts, tell you that he loves you, everything you could ask for.

Both traveling for work, it wasn’t out of the ordinary to go down to Florida for work while Mat was traveling as well, he’d be on the West Coast while you were down in Florida, sitting through boring meetings. He’d text you good morning and good night, call you if he could, and tell you he loved you.

You weren’t sure what had gotten into you. Maybe it was the fact that a minor argument had happened while you were packing to leave on your work trip of the month and Mathew was staying in New York for the week. You were staying at a rental house, paid for by your company, it was a nice place in a nice area: Sunrise, Florida.

Hey Ben, I'm sorry, but I might have slept with your girlfriend I was under the impression she was my girlfriend. Don't worry, it won't happen again. But, hey Ben, I can't make any promises.

Matthew Tkachuk had been on the Florida Panthers for a short time when he stumbled into you. You were on a jog, needing to clear your head about your rocky relationship back home. Matthew was rounding his car, walking to the trunk when you jogged by and startled him. You ripped out your headphones, huffing an apology. “It’s okay,” Matthew flashed a smile at you, “I’ve never seen you around here.”

With your hands on your hips, you suddenly feel something, lust. “Just here on a work trip, can I help you with groceries? Since I startled you.” He had completely forgotten about the groceries in his trunk, the Publix bags staring at him.

You ended up sleeping with Matthew Tkachuk that night.

You felt guilty. Horrible. But the sex was too good. It would be a secret, one you wanted to take to the grave. A one-time thing. You’d delete his number, forget his name and the way his beard scratched your thighs.

Hey Ben, I'm sorry, but I might have slept with your girlfriend. I guess she went and fucked around with both our heads, I think I might have ruined your day. Hey Ben, I'm sorry that you found out from me.

Mathew didn’t notice anything was off. You had decided not to tell him. You got home and everything was fine. He apologized, gave you a pretty necklace and told you he loved you. Everything was fine.

Except when your phone would buzz in the middle of the night. You had hidden WhatsApp in one of your app folders, Mathew believed it was for work. Matthew, from Florida, would send texts, saying he was thinking about you, thinking about the night you shared.

You knew it was wrong, but when your boyfriend fell asleep next to you, you were texting Matthew. Scandalous pictures of your clevage exchanged when Mathew was on a roadie, texts regarding your next visit to Florida, and he was totally convinced you lived in a studio apartment in New York City.

You let it continue. Every trip for work, you would spend your nights, telling Mathew you were going to bed, and then ending up in Matthew’s bed. You even had the excuse in your head, their names were the same, it wasn’t like you were moaning someone else’s name during the night. You could use autocorrect as an excuse, telling your boyfriend that your phone corrected his name from Mathew to Matthew.

It wasn't that Mathew was a bad boyfriend. He gave you love through gifts and kind words. But with Matthew it was different, everything was different. He wasn't telling you that he loved you but he cared. Mathew was soft and Matthew was rough, polar opposites. And having one was not good enough for you apparently.

Your fault in everything was never paying enough attention to your boyfriend’s career. He didn’t mind it. Mathew was fine if you missed his game and didn’t even care to watch from home. You didn’t bother asking Matthew what he did for work, but god there was just something familiar about his face. You shrugged off all the feelings though. But, you let Matthew call you his girlfriend, it was easier to say than situtionship. You told him you didn’t have a social media presence and he fully believed you.

And I know we've never met But we have so much in common. If you don't believe me, check to see my skeleton in her closet.

Matthew had found out through someone else. His teammate, Sam Reinhart, next to him on the plane to Dallas, scrolling through Instagram. Matthew saw your face, saw you smiling in the picture, Mathew Barzal kissing your cheek, a piece of jewlery on your finger. And his stomach dropped.

How do you tell someone you’re the side piece? Matthew fell down the rabbit hole of Mat Barzal’s social media, finding your private Instagram, the one you claimed you didn’t have. Pictures and pictures on Barzal’s Instagram, featuring you, featuring you and him in the summers, Italian vacations, wearing a WAG jacket during the playoffs.

Matthew’s jaw clenched, he was better than Barzal, hell his team made it further in the 2022-2023 playoffs. He was obviously better at something, why else would you be calling him every time you were in Florida. He knew it was wrong at the end of the day, he didn’t stand for cheaters, and he wouldn’t be a dick and keep his knowledge to himself.

A couple of texts later, Matthew was granted Mathew’s number. “Hey Mathew… Hate to be the bearer of bad news… but, I think you should know this. I kinda slept with your girlfriend.”

And I know you'll find the dirt behind The dates and times, the alibis The text she sent November 9th. I dare you, ask to read it.

Mathew Barzal didn’t want to believe it at first. He had just proposed, everything was perfect in his opinion. He wanted to believe it was a prank. He didn’t want to think his girlfriend, who was sleeping besides him in his shirt was cheating on him.

Matthew Tkachuk was angry, he was upset. He knew if he was in Mat’s spot, he wouldn’t want to believe it either. But suddenly everything became so clear. How he ignored the shoes in the background of your picture, how he once saw you answering a text about spending the summer in Coquitlam. How you would suddenly text him more the nights that the New York Islanders play.

November 9, 2022

“I’ll be in Florida tomorrow.” You had texted him.

November 9, 2023

“You okay?” You texted when you realized he hadn’t texted you back in a while, leaving your last flirty text on read.

The screenshots of the texts made Mathew sick to his stomach. In less than a month, he’d be in Florida, sharing the ice with Matthew. He didn’t know if he could make it through a game with this knowledge. The two boys had agreed on telling you they knew.

Hey Ben, I'm sorry, but I might have slept with your girlfriend. I guess she went and fucked around with both our heads.

Sweet revenge for them both came December 2. You had panicked when Mathew told you he’d be in Florida at the same time you’d be on your work trip. You couldn’t just go and sleep with Matthew at the same time you fiance was in the city. The large diamond ring on your finger suddenly feeling very heavy.

“How about we stay at the house your company rents you?” Mathew pressed a kiss to your lips. Even though he was about to change things, he still kissed you. “In Sunrise?” you squeaked. “Yeah, it’s not that much further from our arena.”

You felt sick the whole time, making an excuse to Mathew. He was just in town for the night, just for the Panthers game. Then he’d be gone. “I’m going to shower,” you kissed his cheek. He nodded and as soon as you disappeared from sight, he texted the man down the street.

“Mat? Baby? Have you seen my hairbrush?” your hair was wet still, you were so focused on drying the tips of your hair that you didn’t even realize Mat had removed his duffle bag from the bedroom. And the engagement ring you left on the dresser had been removed.

You could have laughed at everything. At the end of the day, it was your doing. “Hey baby, did you know Matthew lives down the road? He plays with the Panthers, knows Reinhart.”

It was ironic. Your perfect life crumbling in front of you. It was your fault. Why did it hurt? The room was painfully silent as your mouth went dry and the food you’d eaten hours before seemed to be ready to exit out of your mouth. “I, I-” you stuttered, tears filling your eyes as Matthew nodded, jaw clenched.

“Well,” Matthew’s voice boomed, “I should go, considering you guys probably have a lot more to discuss.” Matthew brushed by you and let himself out. There would be no hard feelings between the two boys.

“Mat baby I didn’t-”

“I’ll be back on Long Island Sunday night. I’ll pack your things.”

“Mathew.”

He shook his head, eyes full of tears of betrayal and hurt. “No, you don’t get to fix this. I saw the texts, I know everything.”

“Mathew please,” you dry heaved. “Was it worth it?” Mat’s words laced with venom, “I hope it was worth it.”

#mathew barzal #matthew tkachuk #mat barzal #mat barzal imagine #matthew tkachuk imagine #mat barzal x reader #matthew tkachuk x reader #hockey imagine #nhl fic #nhl fanfic #hockey fic #mathew barzal imagine #matthew tkachuk fic

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magical-reid · 4 months ago

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Prompt List

Make a request! Pick a character and then pick a number or numbers! My goal is to get all 50, so I’m crossing off the ones I’ve done to keep track, but that doesn’t mean you can’t request them!

The Characters I currently write for:

Spencer Reid, Lip Gallagher, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Sebastian Sallow, Draco Malfoy, Bucky Barnes, Stiles Stilinski, Steve Harrington, and Eddie Munson

Prompts:

“I just cant see myself ever living without you.”

“If there was ever anybody meant for me, it’s you.”

“The closest thing to love at first sight I’ve ever experienced happened when I first laid eyes on you.”

“I didn’t believe in soulmates until I met you.”

“Did you just tell the person I was gonna go out with that we’re dating?”

“You owe me a kiss.”

“Go with me?” “Only if you hold my hand.”

“I’d feel much better if you’d let me walk you home.”

“If I asked you to stay, would you?”

“You make me feel alive. For the first time ever, I feel like I can breathe.”

“I’ve never felt this way before, and truthfully it scares me. But, the idea of never trying scares me even more.”

“You’re telling me you believe in love at first sight?” “I’m starting too.”

“I promised to love you forever, and that is a promise I intend to keep.”

“Is that my shirt?” “You mean our shirt?”

“You give me a reason to be better, to do better.”

"All I’ve ever wanted was a place to belong. Somewhere I could call home. And you gave me that. Because you are my home.”

“They don’t compare to you. No one does.”

“I thought I had the worst luck, until I met you.”

“No matter how much time we’ve spent apart, I never stopped loving you.”

“I could see the worst parts of you and still think you are the most beautiful person I’ve met.”

“I think I’m in love with you.”

“You brought me breakfast?” “Well you said you always forget to eat before you go to work, so I thought I’d make sure you ate something.”

“Everything feels right when you are with me.”

“I don’t care what others say, I want to be with you and that’s all that matters to me.”

“You bought me flowers?” “Yeah, well I noticed you’d seemed kinda down, so I wanted to cheer you up.”

“I’ll be damned if anyone makes you feel like you aren’t worthy of being loved.”

“I wasn’t sure what love really felt like until I met you.”

“You owe me.” “I owe you $20 not a day of pretending to be your partner to get your parents off you’re back.”

“I can braid your hair for you- I mean, only if you want.”

“Maybe if you stopped staring at them and actually talked to them, you might have a chance.”

“You said you wouldn’t fall in love with me.” “I lied.”

“I want you. All of you, and not just halfheartedly, but wholly. And maybe that’s selfish, but I don’t care.”

“Can you stay? Just for tonight, please. I don’t want to be alone with my thoughts.” “'l’ll stay for as long as you need.”

“You are my family.”

“We’ve been by each other’s sides for years, you think I’m gonna leave now?”

“Take my jacket, I don’t want you catching a cold.”

“I’d wait a thousand lifetimes for you, because you are worth waiting for. So when you are ready. I’ll be right here.”

“I will never stop fighting for you. I will never stop protecting you.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you. No matter how hard I try, you’re always on my mind”

“Don’t go on that date.” “Why?” “You know why.” “Say it.”

“Can I kiss you?”

“I don’t want you to die for me, I want you to live for me.”

“I can’t remember the last time I laughed like this.”

“How long have you had this planned?” “Since the moment I fell in love with you.”

“You came all the way here for me?”

“Why are you staring at me?” “Because I think you’re beautiful.”

“I think I’m falling in love with you.” “I think I’m okay with that.”

“What are you doing here?” “I wanted to see if you were okay.”

“The world gets a little brighter when your around.”

“They say we wont last.” “Then lets prove them wrong.”

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stealth-liberal · 2 years ago

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So, it's that time again, the anniversary of 9/11. Two years ago, on the 20th anniversary, I wrote an essay about the Twin Tower jumpers and how we as a society have refused to look their fear and pain in the face and hold it.

Now, it's been 22 years since that day and my thoughts go elsewhere. Now I am thinking about legacy and remembrance. Honoring the dead. How do we fully honor the 3,000 people who were killed that day? Because I have some serious issues with how that has played out over the last 22 years.

I was in my 20's when 9/11 happened, and I was in the Marine Corps, so, as you can imagine, it changed my life, and not a single one of those changes was positive. Right now though, it's not what I want to talk about.

We say never forget, always remember, but how are we doing that. By dooming ourselves to what was 20 years of unending war? That doesn't sound like a good memorial.

I never had an issue with the war in Afghanistan. We were attacked Pearl Harbor style, and that was always going to end the way it did. But the war in Iraq? It made me an angry liberal. I had never been conservative, and I joined the Marine Corps to pay for college, we had been at peace for So Many Years that I guess I didn't really think that could change. The war in Iraq was criminal, though. Dubya and his cronies whipped our pain and our grief into a storm and used it to help him LIE to Congress (both sections) so he could get his war. Afghanistan had no natural resources besides poppies for opium that would benefit the war profiteers. They were strategically placed, but that was it. Iraq? Iraq had oil and Haliburton, Chaney, Dubya, Condoleezza Rice, and the rest made So Much money. Billions were made, and billions were "misplaced." Congress was given false intell reports so they would vote for the Iraq War. The fact that no one went to jail for that scarred me. They lined their pockets, and my friends came home in body bags because they SOMEHOW didn't have the money for proper body armor. I will never forgive them for that.

So... It's not a very good way to remember the 3,000 who died on 9/11. Perhaps the worst memorial of all time. Dubya shackled us to pain and grief, and no one was allowed to recover. Least of all the families who lost people. They were paraded for the cameras to be used, and looking back on it, it was sickening. How could they do that to families and the survivors? Why?

I mean, intellectually, I know why. Emotionally, I will never understand it. The survivors and the families deserved to recover. We, as a nation who witnessed the horror, deserved to recover. But recovery meant no profit. Recovery meant no Iraq War. Recovery meant Halliburton might not make quite as much money. So we all stayed traumatized, unable to move forward.

And here it is, 22 years later. How should we honor the 9/11 dead and the survivors? Well, I have a few ideas.

1. 3,000 people died that day, but it could have been less. Why? Both the Twin Towers and the Pentagon had structural and safety issues that made something catastrophic even worse. The Twin Towers did not have enough emergency staircases for it's size. All skyscrapers were supposed to have 4 staircases in case they ever needed to be evacuated. Both Towers only had 2, and the why of that is rage inducing.

You see, 4 staircases meant less floor space, which meant less desk space, which meant less ability to charge businesses higher rents. So money changed hands when the towers were built, and the number went down to 2 emergency staircases. This was a decision that was heavily criticized at the time, and many in the trades predicted disaster.

When the 1993 bombing of the Twin Towers happened, the towers stayed standing, and the 2 missing staircases weren't a problem. Everyone thought all was good. To be fair, NO ONE ever thought a terrorist group would fly a jumbo passenger jet into each tower. No skyscraper was built with that eventuality in mind. They are now, though.

When the planes hit the towers, each tower lost access to elevators and 1 staircase each. Now, both towers had to be fully evacuated with just that one staircase. It wasn't enough, and survivors have all spoken about how everyone was jammed into the stairwells going down those stairs one at a time at a snail's pace. It's a miracle as many people actually survived as they did.

The South Tower was hit more on the side, so some people above the impact zone were able to get out. The North Tower was not so lucky. It was hit head on, everyone above the impact zone was doomed, and they knew it. It's why so many of them chose to jump once faced with what was no real choice to begin with, burn, or jump to their deaths.

Had there been enough staircases, had there been 4 instead of 2, many more people would have survived. So I think a suitable way to never forget the people who died in The Twin Towers is to enact legislation so that never again can a skyscraper be built without proper emergency egress/staircases in case of an evacuation. Any skyscrapers without enough staircases are brought up to code so that if the worst happens, as many people can be saved as possible. That seems a fitting memorial.

The Pentagon was built like a fish trap, the idea was if an enemy somehow got in, they would never get out. No one ever factored in the notion of a jet being flown into the building, most of the inner ring collapsing and massive explosion damage and fire racing through everywhere. There are many stories of people pounding on the glass and not being able to get out.

Thankfully for the people at the Pentagon, they were not in a skyscraper, and first responders were able to find ways to get to them. But they couldn't and didn't get to everyone. So I think a fitting memorial to the Pentagon dead that day would be to make sure no building is so secure that you can't get out, can't truly evacuate, if the catastrophic happens. When a building is on fire, everyone deserves the best possible chance to get out and get home alive.

2. The first responders of 9/11 were the heroes of that day. I think we can all agree that the very definition of heroic is running back into a collapsing and/or burning building determined to save just one more life. So many first responders died that day doing the best they could to save lives. The ones who survived were harrowed to their bones.

The people who worked the wreckage of both sites, who collected what was left of human remains. Who bit by bit picked up the wreckage and tried to heal two cities with the labor of their hands. These people were also heroes, and anyone who says differently is just wrong.

They were told it was safe, and they were told we would take care of them. However, it wasn't safe. Both of these groups of people have had massive health complications ever since from the toxins they were immersed in for days, weeks, months, and even years. The dust alone caused so much lung damage.

Then, to add insult to injury, a Republican congress tried to take away their health benefits, to leave them twisting in the wind. These ghouls left the ACTUAL heroes of that terrible time in chronic illness, terrible pain, and in many cases tried to let them die. Why? Because they were too cheap to spend a dime on these people. John Stewart basically had to retire from The Daily Show to shame Congress into taking care of these people.

On the 17th anniversary he gave a blistering speech to them and I paraphrase here: "17 years ago, they acted heroically and did their jobs. They did their jobs! NOW DO YOURS!"

You want to know the very best way to remember the first responders who died in 9/11? Take care of their brothers and sisters who survived, their brothers and sisters who spent years working The Piles. None of these people should EVER pay so much as a dime for their health care ever again. For the rest of their lives. Period.

This is how we should memorialize them, this is how we never forget. Not chaining us to a never ending cycle of pain, despair, and anger. Not lying to us to get a second war that no one needed. Not war profiteering and then calling it patriotism. Not terrorizing our Muslim citizens. Not taking away our rights, not trading our civil rights for the illusion of safety.

This is how we make peace with the horror of what happened. This is how we move forward and let the memory of the dead be a blessing.

#sl speaks #9/11 #the twin towers #the pentagon #september 11th

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bloocanaryintheoutlet · 26 days ago

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Enclave

You are 20 years old

they tell you what your powers mean, and offer some pamphlets, but you don’t think much of it. After all, every 20 year old thinks they’re gonna live forever, and a thousand years is so far away it might as well be the same thing.

A few weeks later, you meet Alex. The two of you get along and you end up dating by the end of the month.

The last two years of college fly by, and before you know it you’ve graduated, a bachelor’s in thaumaturgical biology. Alex’s major is nominally the same, but they specialize in chimeric transitions, since they’re going pre med. You wanted to work in the wildlands.

You stick around for another year until Alex graduates, and the two of you move out to the mountains, where you work as a park ranger and they attend med school.

4 years after you first met, you propose.

6 years after you met, Alex graduates, and the two of you celebrate your first anniversary.

You are so proud of your spouse, saving people and making lives better. They say the same about you. (Though they do tease you about how with all the extra time you’ll have to study, you should’ve been the healer)

It’s been about ten years now, since the two of you met, and Alex is well begun a promising career, a respected professional in their late twenties.

You are 21 years old.

The years blur past, and there are children now! Both your son and your daughter take after your love for the wilderness, the woods and streams and creatures, although as your son grows up, he becomes more interested in crafts, learning to spin and weave and sew, just as your spouse does.

Some people approach you, about an enclave where you can spend time with others like you, but you love your family, and reject their proposal. The one who is not old smiles sadly, and tells you he’ll be there, if you ever change your mind.

By the time your kids are in middle school, they are bright and beautiful and oh so clever. Your spouse Alex is widely acknowledged as an early master, and spends nearly a quarter of the year at various awards and symposiums, it seems.

In their early forties, Alex’s face begins to show the lines of a life rich in laughter and love. Every day you see them, they are more beautiful.

You are twenty three years old.

You are less well known than your lovely partner, but you, just as surely, have a reputation building as well. No matter what the issue is, you know the answer. No matter where a guest is lost, you can find them, faster than anyone. They say the mountains speak to you. You say, you’re not as young as you look.

Alex is slowing down now, spending more time at home, and less time traveling. They retired from the hospital, and took a teaching role at the same med school they graduated from, around the time your kids went to college.

You suggest they could retire outright, but they smile at you and say we have an obligation to our successors. You suppose they’re right, and as they relax in the chair on the porch and begin writing lesson plans, You head off to the train station to pick up your kids. Alex’s 60th birthday party is next week, and your daughter is bringing her new girlfriend she met on that expedition trip in Aotearoa. Your other daughter has a surprise for you, she says, and when you arrive there, you get to hold your first grandchild for the first time.

You are 25 years old.

Alex spent a decade and half teaching, before retiring for real, at an incredibly extravagant 50th anniversary party. It’s been a few years of comfortable retirement for them now, and you’ve been taking less time at work, to help them around the house now. They’re slower now, and more forgetful than you’ve ever seen them. You’re worried, but you put on a brave face when your children and grandkids come and visit.

You remember the people who spoke to you about the enclave, the place with others like you. You wonder if they really will come back. You wish you had saved their number

You are 26 years old.

9 years later, you are at your eldest granddaughter’s graduation. She looks beautiful and your heart is bursting with pride. You wish Alex was here to see her. She looks so much like her grandparent, with that sparkling smile, and the light in her eyes that never faded, not even on that hospital bed.

A week later, you sit alone in a house far too big for you. You look at the pictures of your beloved, the person you adored and trusted and loved with all your heart. You both wanted nothing more than to spend all your lives with each other. And now they’re gone. And you are alone in a way you have not felt in over 70 years.

You are 27 years old

You hear a knock on the door. A lady who is not young, and a man who is not old stand before you. The very same who approached you nearly half a century ago. The one who is not young hugs you tightly and you being to sob.

The next month movers arrive at the house that is much too empty, and a position opens at the national park nearby.

#my words #stories about the world that lives in my head

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melanatedkink · 5 months ago

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Forget About It

Pairing: Y/N x Sero Hanta

Quirkless AU

Warnings: Angst, mentions of sex, trauma dumping if you squint, impulsive writing, love confession, implied happy ending

What had started out as an undisputed, best one night stand of your life, quickly devolved into a rollercoaster of unrequited turmoil. You breaking your own rule, falling in love with a man you met strictly to have sex with. A man who had been coming to the bar you worked for with his friends. A man who had won you over one night with a wink and a challenge. You remember when he first offered, you smugly blew him off.

"Every guy thinks he's unforgettable in bed. What makes you different?" you scoffed.

Hanta shrugged," True. But if you are able to forget me after tonight, it would definitely be because of the alcohol,"

A cheesy line. You were well aware, but it was a Friday night, and you were getting out of closing the bar so you took him up on his offer. He made sure you felt comfortable in his home, starting up a healthy conversation before getting intimate. He asked questions about what you were into. You never met a man that thorough. And anything you didn't like would be swept away in favor of your desires. He followed your lead, complimenting your drive harmoniously through the night.

The next few days, you chewed your lip whenever you saw his number at the top of your message list. It was so tempting to text him. But, you didn't need him saving face. He probably didn't even remember you. God, you couldn't convince yourself to not send that text. One that effectively sealed your fate, when he invited you over that night.

Those few times festered into a pastime. You began meeting with his even if he hadn't showed up to the bar. You would chat, go out with his friends, and ultimately spend more time in house just talking rather than ripping each other's clothes off. You couldn't deny the way he perked up at your suggestions to see him, nor could you hide the anticipation you felt everytime you set up a meeting.

"Y/N?" You glanced up to find Hants offering you a glass. It was a coktail you two had been sipping on as you lounged on his couch. You offered a smile, and took it. You hoped he didn't notice how awkward you were being.

He smirked, tilting his head as he rounded the couch and sat on the floor. He looked up at you like he was trying to figure something out without saying anything.

"I don't get you, sometimes," he began.

You furrowed your brows at is observation," What's not get?"

"Get this, okay," He turns so he can lay an arm on your knees as he speaks,"We meet up. You text me back days later proving me right by the way." He accents his statement with a wink before continuing," We hang out. You meet my friends and...you're still sitting here like it's our first night together. If you think I'm attracted to shyness, well, I got news for you,"

You fiddle with the cup. Of course you were well aware of the way you acted. It was almost obsessive how you kept tabs on everything you said in a single conversation, combing every word for a reason to be cast out. You chest tightened. Cast out. Forgotten. It was easy to keep up appearances at a bar. Being awkward in the midst of tipsy patrons was low risk. Getting to know someone was much harder to do. Because for you, the deeper the rabbit hole went, the more alone you'd end up feeling. Those starter conversations didn't hold up too well, and your personality...well forget that. Nobody was gonna take the time to understand that.

"I-I...what an observation," You faltered.

Hanta sighed, his flirty tone losing its dominance.

"You're really gonna make me say it first, huh?"

You stiffen," Say...what?"

"I get that where we met wasn't conventional but I do like you. I thought that taking you out might get you to be a little more comfortable with me but...it doesn't seem to be helping,"

You go to set your cup down, willing all the sobriety you could muster for this.

"But, if telling you that I like you and I want to be your lover helps then-"

"I have to go,"

Hanta stuttered as you rose from the couch. He scrambles to his feet, inserting himself between you and the front door.

"Woah woah, you're not going anywhere after drinking. At least let me take you home,"

"Y-you don't have to. I can call a ride-"

"Okay, what is it?" he softens his tone," What is it that I'm doing that's making you so...distant?"

Of all the times a little white lie would have sufficed, you couldn't lie to Hanta. He wasn't a stranger at this point. You cared about him. But the idea of him getting close...finding something about you that he couldn't put up with. You couldn't deal with that again. You couldn't untangle that emotion with Hanta.

"L-look I...I hate being alone. I've had to be alone for so long because I just don't really know how to connect with people. I'm too intense. I want to be close and learn things about them and show them I care. But one too many times, people just...they don't really want that. At least, not from me," You lock eyes with him," I don't just like you. I care. And if you think that's gross or weird just tell me,"

He shook his head in disbelief," Who the hell made you think like that? You think that...that getting close makes you lonely?"

You shrug,"I can't help it,"

"Okay but, one that doesn't make you the problem, and two that is exactly what I want from you," Hanta states," Do you really want to be alone, again?"

You consider his words. It was a novel idea, one you had never seen in practice. Logically, you couldn't risk it, but emotionally, you were exhausted. You couldn't go another day tormenting yourself with the idea that yet another person didn't want you as close as you wanted them. You shook your head, readying yourself for a plot twist to confirm your reality. Instead, you were met with a gentle kiss on the top of you head. Hanta gazed at you filled with conviction. He didn't know what you had been through, but he was sure going to find out. If not tonight, then on a date where you would officially be together.

#melanatedkink #mha #imagine #I know it's bad #Hanta sero #hanta sero x reader #sero hanta

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28dayslater · 8 months ago

Note

after our tozer convo in the DMs i would really like you to give me a franklin expedition starting XI (formation of your choice). preferably with explanations for those of us (me) who don’t know ball

Here's my vision:

Crozier obviously gaffing like let's not take the piss here. He would probably play a Dyche style 4-4-fackin-2 lump it up to the big man none of this bullshit about half spaces but this is a 433. The midfield doesn't really work but let's ignore that

ST: Fitzjames. All the glory of being your team's star player, all the shame when you fuck up. He's flashy, he's the big man, he's got a crushing sense of shame that he's desperately compensating for. And his method of compensation? G/A per 90 stats and extremely brightly coloured boots

LW: Dundy and you know he's trying rainbow flicks and bicycle kicks and what have you, whether or not any of them are leading to a goal involvement is not the point. He is wearing a headband.

RW: You might think Hickey is a leg breaking defender but not to me. Fox in the box. Poacher. Dubious foul winner. He's done it again that Cornelius Hickey you dirty bastard you've done it again

CAM: Goodsir. Being a 10 is all about creativity... setting up your teammates... finding a way to break through defenses. You've got to be able to look at things differently. I feel like he would be very injury prone. Physician, heal thyself

CM: Jopson. I'm thinking of him as an 8... never ever stops running. The most boring job on the pitch but without him there's no team! King of the nice clean tackle and if he nips an ankle from time to time well that's their fault for putting it in his studs' way

CDM: Little. Episode 5 he was temping for Crozier and that's exactly what this is. Drops back into defense, adds numbers to the midfield, does his best to help with an attack here and there. Gets no thanks for any of it and always has a huge mistake in him a la Rice against the Netherlands other day

LB: Tartnell more of a traditional FB you forget he's there most of the time until he pops up and gets an assist. Alternatively Collins bc he's Welsh and sexy like my goat Ben Davies

CB: Irving. This is another mistake prone one bc he's so nervous. But it's not his fault... he's brave he tries his hardest. His positioning is shit he plays every fucker onside but he's TRYING. Flop era John Stones and you know he'd cry if he got caught eating a Magnum

CB: Tozer OBVIOUSLYYYYYYYYYYY. Big lad doing the dirty work defending everyone and getting fuck all credit it's too perfect. You just know his massive bonce is banging in headers from corners left right and centre. I see him as a very old school CB... progressing the ball? Line breaking passes? No, I don't think so. He's busy kicking the fuck out of some brittle boned winger in rolled down socks

RB: Armitage. Your modern fullback is always going forward and inverting and leaving the actual defence to the CBs. Big Toze has it covered you go overwhelm their midfield and- oh, no, it didn't work and every goal we concede is coming down the right side of the pitch

GK: Hodgson. Goalies are always weird. Much like vicario I do not respect him. Largely infuriating but a moment of brilliance once or twice a season so the fans start creaming over him again. Holding five against Scunthorpe United then saving a penalty in the 96th minute of a cup final by being so inherently off putting the other team's striker gets distracted and slips. Message relevant

#if this didn't post i'd have kmsd

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thefoxtrot008 · 4 months ago

Text

The Readers Blog

Here it is! Dialogue prompts, part 13! I have worked these over multiple plot lines, so ENJOY! :)

❈-❈-❈-❈-❈-❈-❈-❈❈-❈-❈-❈-❈-❈-❈-❈❈-❈-❈

"You weren't the one that choose me. I'm not going to listen anything you have to say!"

"Remember the days where he couldn't stand her? Those were the days. This is unbearable."

"You're gonna have to forgive my brother for being..." "Arrogant? Paranoid? Stubborn?" "I'd like to object, but those adjectives are spot on actually."

"Just accept the fact that your dream is dead and move on. That's what I did."

"I'll go back. But I've got some conditions." "Name them." "You admit you were wrong." "Pft. About what?!"

"You're going to choose door number two." "And pray tell, why would I do that?" "That doesn't sound very kingly of you."

"You think I don't know that there are others more qualified than I am?"

"What about serving the crown? Thats's always been your dream!" "Well, it was until you crushed it."

"There might be more of you than we originally thought."

"I will be retiring early." "You haven't even eaten some of your cake yet! Get back here!"

"I've never seen him like this." "*singsongs* It's because he's missing his girlfriend." "She's not my girlfriend!" "You wish she was."

"I got something for each and every one of you."

"I'm not leaving until you say yes." "You're gonna be waiting a long time then."

"Alright. Alright. Knock it off. You've been back for less than two seconds and you're starting to make me sick." "Leave them alone, they're in love." "Not if I have anything to say about it."

"What? Sick of my presence already?" "Pretty much yea."

"You can't fight them! You are not ready!" "Thanks for the vote of confidence your majesty!"

"You have to make him trust you." "I sacrificed my life for him, shouldn't that be enough?"

"No! You're killing my ship! You know that, don't you?"

"You get your ass down here! I don't care if that's practice, you're going to get hypothermia!"

"Don't you know by now not to make a bet with them?"

"Fine. Go. Stay. I don't care. Do what you want."

"Great. He just signed my death warrant."

"You're trying out again? Do you not remember what happened last year?" "Bold of you to assume that you recovered from last year."

"Oh. Before I forget, they hired someone to kill you too." "Thanks for the heads up."

"We're on our first mission together." "Don't think that this is a regular thing. Do you not realize how many people are after us right now?"

"How could you possibly miss that shot?! You were in the clear!" "Yea, it's almost like you weren't going to attack him. Like you had second thoughts?"

"You're asking me to do something I'm not even sure that I have the strength to do!"

"Why are you so focused on the possibility of you destroying it?"

"But hey, I'm seeing a different ending to that dream." "And what's that?" "You being a hero." "Um... how about all of us being a hero?" "That's... so smart actually. I don't know why I didn't think of that."

"Yea, right, exactly I was helping her practice." "Didn't look like you were helping her practice to me."

"We didn't do anything to her! We found her like that!"

"We have secret tunnels for a reason, you know."

"So, what are you going to do? Bore him to death?"

"Why are you wearing that?" "You've got to blend in. Duh." "That's... so smart actually. Do you think we should-" "Nope."

"No, I'm holding onto the key. Since you two knuckleheads can't figure out how to get your shit together!"

"I've never seen you cry like that."

"Do you carry that in your purse with you at all times?"

"Tag em' and bag em'. Let's go!"

"What's in the bag?" "The cure." "Oh. Thank god, for that because we've tried everything. Have at it."

"Love, what happens when you don't get any sleep?" "Well, for starters, you start to drive everyone around you crazy."

"Do you have my scrunchie?" "Do you have my sweater?"

"That scar is new." "I can't wait to tell you all about it."

"No answer. Why is there no answer?" "I'm sure there's a reasonable answer for that." "Which is?" "Exactly. Something is wrong! They always respond back!" "Now is not the time to get hysterical!" "I'm not getting hysterical!"

"You have to know one to summon one. Everyone knows that." "Where do you think I come from?"

"Hard pass. Good luck on your journey home though. Buh bye now."

"I don't think you heard me correctly. You will revoke your title and go back home, where you belong." "With all due respect, no." "Excuse me?" "I think you heard me just fine the first time."

"I will make your life a personal hell." "That won't compare to what I've already been through."

"He hates me. I swear, he hates me!" "No, I don't think that's the case... holy hell, what happened to you?!"

"What makes you think she's gonna listen to me? I'm the reason why she left in the first place!"

"You train me. I mean, actually train me."

"You're a pain in the ass, you know that right?" "I'm not leaving you behind."

"No! I'm not dead, you idiot! I'm just resting my eyes!"

___________________________________________________________

And that's a wrap! :)

#for some reason I really want to write a enemies to lovers #the dialogue alone would absolutely send me #sarcastic whumpee #sarcastic character #the kings and queens of old #the chosen one prompt list #narnia #my writing

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aeoki · 5 months ago

Text

Candy House - Programme to Fall in Love: Chapter 3

Characters: Sora, Natsume & Tsumugi Season: Winter

Sora: Still, there’s not much we can currently do~

Our goal this time is to save Sora’s friend, Ecchan. But we don’t know where Ecchan is being imprisoned.

That’s Ecchan’s wish and it’s “Switch’s” job to grant people’s wishes, right~?

Natsume: YeAH. But that’s our hidden objectiVE.

Our objective on the surface is the same as the other ES idoLS – to hype things up for “Chocolat FeST”.

Tsumugi: We should make sure we don’t forget that. We won’t last if we keep our heads in the clouds – we need to make sure our feet are firmly planted on the ground.

Sora: Yes!

But we’re doing something special for this year’s “Chocolat Fest”, right?

Natsume: YeAH. We’re leaving the “Chocolat Fest” in real life to the other idols, while we’ll be holding our own “Chocolat Fest” in the cyberworld we’re overseeiNG.

In reality, ES and Yumenosaki are big but there’s still a limit to how many people they can accommodaTE. But space is infinite in a cyberworLD.

Sora: HiHi~ The world of the internet is huge ♪

Natsume: HeHE. We’ll give our fans who can’t attend “Chocolat Fest” in person a simulated experience on the internET.

Specifically, we’ll send out the “SSVRS” devices at an exceptionally cheap price and have the interested players login through thAT.

Tsumugi: Is it okay for us to send them out for such a cheap price?

Natsume: “SSVRS” is an unknown piece of technology, so it’s important to spread the word and have people experience it for themselves right nOW. I’ve already gotten permission from “Gor-Corp”, the developers of “SSVRS”.

Sora: In fact, “Gor-Corp” was even more eager than us and told us they’d love to make that happen~

Natsume: As expected of “our ‘Gor-Corp’” – they completely ignore profiTS. They’re like those people who care more about having fun as opposed to gaining something in exchanGE.

Tsumugi: I don’t think you two realise it yourselves, but you can get like that too sometimes, you know?

Sora: HuHu~ That’s why we’re fans of “Gor-Corp” ♪

Natsume: Anyway, we’ll be inviting a large number of guests to the “Chocolat Fest” in the cyberworLD.

They’ll be able to experience the festival with all five of their senses if they use the latest version of the deviCE. They’ll use the latest “SSVRS” to enter “Candy HouSE”.

Tsumugi: You’re starting to sound like the CEO of an IT company.

Sora: HeHe~♪ With the new device, they should be able to lick the chocolate they get in the cyberworld and see that it tastes “sweet”?

Natsume: That’s rigHT. They’ll be able to experience something similar to realiTY. At times, it might feel even more realistIC.

No. We’ll be providing people with the kind of virtual reality that makes you forget realiTY. That’s what we’ll provide for those who want thAT.

HeHE. Let’s sneer at the riffraffs who cling to reality and squirm about like worMS.

A new era and a new world is upon uS. Those “old farts” who haven’t noticed that and only know how to live in the past will end up being left in the dust, gazing at our backs forevER.

It took a long tiME… We definitely went through a lot to get here, didn’t wE?

I tried to control this world physically in the beginniNG.

It was a small miniature garden in the beginniNG. I had a very hard time trying to control Yumenosaki AcadeMY.

It all started from my foolish revenge to get back at the “Emperor”, who controlled the school and pushed us asiDE…

Well, I did achieve that, so it makes me wonder what all that was about, though.

Sora: If Sora remembers correctly, you did some fortune-telling and took hold of every single student’s mind?

Natsume: YeAH. That was my raison d'être and I’m still doing it to this day. If I were to capture every single human being in that way, I wouldn’t have the time for it even if I had all the time in the world.

Besides, even if I did do that and talked them into doing it, I don’t know if they would actually become an idOL.

Generational change occurs as times go bY. The students I had in my grasp also ended up graduatiNG.

It felt like my efforts were in vaIN. I do, of course, intend on making good use of the connections I made, thouGH.

But while I was repeating my fruitless efforts, I was handed a “magical waND”.

That’s “SSVRS”. We experimented with it during the “SS” Qualification Round in “SHINSEKAI”, and I learnt that I should make good use of iT.

At the same time, we made it so that people were entranced by this magIC – to the point they couldn’t even dream of living without iT.

Those who only live in reality won’t notice it at aLL. We’re definitely invading and controlling people’s dreaMS - slowly but sureLY.

And now that we’ve captured countless dreams, we might be able to use some super fancy magic that we’ve never used befoRE.

Tsumugi: We ran into danger quite a few times, though~ “AKATSUKI” stormed in after hearing the rumour that you guys were controlling Yumenosaki, right?

Natsume: I still don’t understand what that was aboUT. They just made a fuss, went on a rampage and then left after they were satisfied, like some passing tornaDO.

But even if they decide to persecute me in reality, like some witch hunt, that won’t stop the magIC. We’ve overcome numerous hardships to gain this huge magical powER.

Sora: HoHo~♪ And what are we gonna do with that power? We’re gonna save Sora’s friend, Ecchan, right? Sora knew Master~ was a goodhearted person.

Sora has always respected Master~♪

Natsume: HehEH. I’m not like that “EmperOR”. I’m not controlling the world to take advantage of the position and to fill my own pockeTS.

I’m doing it to remove as much sadness as I can from this worLD.

I wanted to become stronger so that I wouldn’t have to cry anymoRE.

I think my dream will come true thanks to everyone’s efforTS.

Tsumugi: Hehe. I’m glad. All’s well that ends well ♪

Natsume: Nothing’s ended yET. In fact, everything has only just begUN.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂ Next Chapter →

#candy house

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bluesdesk · 1 year ago

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Hello!! I know I’m really inactive but I've joined the CTCGiftx2024! My giftee, @najikasunart, wrote some prompts that I tried to mix (hopefully into something that makes sense XD), and damn I really loved working on the resulting fic!

I think it might be one of my best fics so far, if not the best! Here it is!

Sky and Wild centric! Hurt/Comfort, nobody dies, there's some blood! And some happy moments at the end, 8008 words :D

You can also read it here, under the cut!

Words (and their consequences)

Sometimes a bad choice of words can cause one to be hurt. Other times, those words might destroy who happened to hear them. The latter is way rarer, but when it happens, it's really difficult to get those words off the mind of a scattered person. The heroes know it well. One time they were talking about magic, at the beginning of their adventure, and Warriors, not paying attention to his words, and still mad at Cia, said that dark magic was the worst and everyone using it should be damned. Twilight took it really badly, and decided he'd keep his wolf form a secret. Four got silent and left the conversation. Legend took a couple of rings off his hand and put them in his bag. Warriors noticed, and gave them his most sincere apologies, but Twilight couldn't get past that and kept the secret until he could, until the damn lizalfos almost killed him.

Of course, the heroes aren't perfect nor do they know everything that might hurt another companion. They try their best to avoid any topic that could be triggering, but battles can be exhaustingly hard, and make the chain forget.

This time, they were fighting against Dink again, that had chosen to shapeshift from lizalfos to Dark Twilight. Days had passed since they left the unknown Hyrule, they had other smaller battles, and traveled through a few portals. Twilight had recovered enough to fight but he surely wasn’t in perfect shape. The monster, now a dark silhouette, had passed days in contact with Twilight, a part of it getting into his system and studying every single inch of him, until Hyrule’s magic was too much for it to handle and it left the body allowing the rancher to heal. Anyway, Dark Link had enough info at that point.

The battle took place in a vast field, no sign of recent civilization, the grass looked wet and a bit slippery. They hadn’t gotten the chance to look around and recognize the era, as they hopped off the portal and found Dink standing there, eyes red, holding what looked like a sword behind his back, and with a horde of blue and red bokoblins behind. Sky felt like something was oddly familiar with that weapon, and realized in shock the Dark was holding Demise’s sword. If Ghirahim was there too, the battle was going to be a bloodbath! With a scream, badly sounding like a “hyaaa”, the Dark unleashed the other monsters, before Sky could say a word. They were from his era. They were in his era.

And so it began, the heroes trying to come up with a plan as fast as they could, Sky instructing them, shouting while fighting, on how to handle those monsters. In the meantime, Time and Twilight were the closest to Dink, as it was mimicking Twilight’s movements, Twilight’s best movements, from when he didn’t even have a scratch. The two heroes had noticed, and chose to defend themselves rather than attack, to at least tire it and distract it from attacking the others, who were fighting the secondary enemies, moving as fast as they could to reduce their number and then help with Dink. Warriors went closer to Sky to confess he somehow knew the demon lord and the imprisoned, yes it wasn’t the right time for that but he felt the need to tell him what he faced must have been at least terrible. Sky had only enough time to reply with “yeah”, and then back to swinging his sword, parrying with his shield, and mostly concentrating on the goal: clear enough monsters to go help Time and Twilight, and maybe face Ghirahim if he was still in there.

He hoped Ghirahim was at least asleep like Fi.

A blue bokoblin targeted him and he dodged the attack, then proceeded to cut through its skin. It attacked again in vain, Sky already knew their tactics. With the last swing of Fi, the bokoblin fell on the ground, screamed, then disappeared, leaving only black blood behind. That wasn’t any news for them, of course, given the fact Dink was right there. Another blue bokoblin, another precise sequence of attacks.

And then another, another…

Until someone screamed. One of them. Warriors was next to the chosen hero and wasn’t hurt, Time and Twilight were still around Dink, Hyrule was running towards a bloody Wind. Wind’s right side was bleeding! Sky rushed there to help, those monsters were from his era, they should have all targeted him, not Wind! He was there quickly enough to stick his sword into the abdomen of a red bokoblin, luckily that was enough to put it down. He proceeded to cover Hyrule as he carried Wind away to get medication.

Less heroes, but less enemies, he thought. Just one, precise stab, and an infected red bokoblin was gone. The others were having a harder time with them, maybe it was Fi’s power to be unbearable for the monsters.

He continued slashing and parrying until he felt like he was going in a loop, something was wrong. Giving a better look at all the area, he noticed the number of monsters had remained exactly the same. They were respawning… Ghirahim could do that, he once spawned them to prevent him from reaching Sun!

Hyrule ran back to the battlefield, Sky signed him to take his place, while he turned around and joined Time and Twilight, informing them they needed to destroy that sword first or all their efforts would be in vain.

Warriors heard that and joined them. Now four heroes were against Dink, Wind was out and the other four were slowly moving behind to be back to back with the first quartet. They’d defend them as they tried to destroy or damage Demise’s sword. As Sky imagined, Fi was fighting her own battle against Ghirahim, both still into their respective weapons, both half asleep, but they were there.

While Time, Twilight and Warriors attacked Dink, Sky was trying so hard to hit the sword and shatter it.

But the Dark was swift. After several times he was losing hope… then saw a feeble blue light coming from the Master Sword. Was Fi helping him somehow? He concentrated. Just one, precise, fast motion. Now!

The Master Sword clashed with its counterpart so hard everyone heard it. The weapon fell from Dink’s hands, the tip into the ground. When he gave Demise the fatal blow, the sword fell in that same way, then disappeared. He thought he had destroyed it along with the demon deity. And this time, it disappeared too. Was it enough? He didn’t know, but took the chance to swing Fi directly at Dink as it was unarmed.

Dink dodged and laughed maniacally, as the sword reappeared right in front of the hero’s eyes.

Sky couldn’t believe it. The following blow sent him out of the battlefield, right where Wind was resting, his back hit a tree and he screamed in pain, both for the impact and for the blood coming from a dangerous scar on his chest. Luckily, he had an enhanced red potion. His condition was so bad, he had that potion that could be used twice, and drinking only half meant his recovery would be full but take one hour at least…

He swallowed it all.

It took him ten minutes to be able to walk again, too long minutes, in which Warriors was hit on the head, lost consciousness, and was rescued by Legend. Yes, Sky should have waited more for the potion to have full effect, but he didn’t care, he had to get back there. He couldn’t make another “brother of the sword”, as Wild liked to address them, get hurt like that! Yes, when he met Legend and Wars on his way back to the field, he had a spare normal red potion he could give the captain. No, he didn’t have another one besides that. He only had a last resort he had never used during this adventure. Only one. Immense power, invincibility, then total exhaustion. He hoped he could avoid using that.

When he got there again, Hyrule scolded him for getting up too soon. He needed to rest, or he wouldn’t heal properly, and anyway he would be vulnerable as he wasn’t at his best! Sky knew he was right, his back was still hurting, but now it didn’t matter, he didn’t have time to listen to him, so he turned away and faced the other heroes and… Dink? Where was it?

The faces of the others turned from confusion to horror when a scream reached their ears and Sky turned around again to see Hyrule with a huge cut right where Twilight got his. The Dark had taken advantage of that short discussion to attack him easily. Sky and Legend shielded him from the other monsters as the traveler healed himself, his magic was just enough to make the wound not fatal, he then fainted, and Legend carried him away, next to Warriors and Wind who were slowly recovering but in no shape to fight. Without the healer, Wind, and Warriors, and everyone else getting tired, the hypothesis of a defeat was getting closer.

Dink reappeared next to Time, who managed to parry without getting hurt. Sky had helped Wild with the bokoblins while Legend was out of the battlefield, then went back to join Twilight and Time as they circled Dink. They were tired but they’re excellent fighters, and with a lot of concentration, Sky managed to make the Dark unbalanced by hitting Demise’s sword other times, and the other two took advantage of that moment to impale it with their swords, causing the dark to scream in a voice that sounded like Twilight’s but distorted and horrific. It laughed maniacally again, and the sword went floating above everyone. It had really woken Ghirahim up. Sky got ready. Everyone looked up for a moment but Twilight took a second too long, he was so tired, almost at his limit. For the lack of dark blood, Dink turned back to its formal lizalfos shape and hit Twilight right on his still healing scar with its heavy tail. The pain and exhaustion were so strong the rancher fainted. Without looking back or stopping at all, Dink had run away and disappeared in the forest around the field.

Legend, Four and Wild noticed the bokoblins weren’t spawning anymore, and went back to reduce their number. Time took Twilight and brought him away, feeling his rage increasing. Of course he would heal quickly this time but damn it, it still hurted. And moreover, they had 4 heroes unable to fight! This was the worst battle ever, and it could go even worse. Wind and Warriors were awake and reassured him they were going to be fine, Wind’s side had a huge scar instead of a deep cut and blood, but his strength was yet to be restored. And Wars had a huge bump on his head, and Hyrule and Twi were k.o.

In the meantime, the moment Sky was sadly waiting for happened. Demise’s sword emanated a disgusting red light, and in no time the heroes were facing the man with a pale skin, a red cape, and a strange hairstyle. Ghirahim’s target was Sky of course, but the chosen hero was ready and blocked all his attacks. He knew him too well to commit any mistake. Time came back, he was furious. Sky looked like he was keeping up well. Like the other time, he could help the others with Din’s fire. Then, everyone would be free and they’d all concentrate on Ghirahim. It could work. Maybe the fire would startle the enemy a bit too.

So Time went for it, a sphere of fire emanated from his sword, magical fire, that destroyed all the smaller enemies without hurting any of the heroes or the nature around. Ghirahim though didn’t even flinch, instead he quickly left Sky alone and targeted Time with his red diamond shaped blades. Time was on his knee, about to stand up after using the spell. Sky was quick enough to notice his enemy was about to change the target and shouted “shield!”. Time took the mirror shield and protected himself from all the blades… except the one stuck just above his knee. He held back a scream of pain and stood up when the magical blade disappeared. Ghirahim laughed and walked closer and with his hands was about to create another set…

When his arms dropped and his expression changed to anger and pain. The Master Sword firmly in his shoulder, Sky holding it tightly with both his hands.

Everyone knew that wasn’t enough but the damage was surely high. Ghirahim lost his temper, leaving Time alone and turning back to Sky with a crazily furious face. “I never imagined you’d become this quick”, he said with his voice sounding way more metallic and serious. “But you know I can do much more than this!”.

Everyone watched as Ghirahim changed shape, color, and nature. Almost everyone, except for Sky and Warriors, had been questioning how a human could appear from a sword, now everyone knew ghirahim’s true form. Legend, Wild, Four and Time walked closer to help Sky, but Ghirahim sent them away with something like an energy wave, as a circular gate made of diamond shapes appeared around him and Sky. Legend and Wild tried to run into it, jump over it, damage it, but nothing worked, it looked like they had an invisible tall wall all around. They realized they could do nothing but watch. Legend went to check on Hyrule and the others, he and Twilight were slowly regaining consciousness. The others looked for any potion, or fairy, or anything that could help Sky after the match in case he got hurt (again) and realized in shock they had no red potions left. Nor stamina. Only some magic ones, Hyrule would most likely use them to heal the others but he still wasn’t ready.

Four’s mind felt so divided and it wouldn’t shut up. His worries, sometimes Green’s, sometimes Red’s, for his friends clashed with Vio’s and Blue’s questions about Ghirahim. Was there a way to defeat it? The sword itself? Or was it going to disappear again and reappear later to doom them all? If it could be destroyed, why hadn’t Sky done it during his adventure?

Wild had some meals left but nothing with enough healing qualities, he surely couldn’t give him a ton of like… apples, to reach the properties of a potion. He was getting terrified. Ghirahim was no other than a demon god’s servant, assistant, and weapon. Ghirahim’s master was the source of all evil. And Sky was already tired and hurt, and he had no potions and nobody could help. If he allowed himself to loosen the guard for a millisecond, Ghirahim would kill him with nobody able to stop it! Were the heroes going to lose a member for real this time? Was he about to lose a brother of the sword again? He needed to stay calm and avoid acting like days ago, he had promised Four he wouldn’t lose control again.

And Sky and Ghirahim were fighting. Sky's movements were precise, but certainly not his best. Maybe he was just so tired. After long minutes of swords clashing Sky felt the exhaustion and the pain increasing rapidly, Ghirahim laughing, that disgusting noise making the situation even harder and more hateful and he damn knew he wouldn’t win like that, he would collapse. Why did he feel pain again? Did he get new injuries? He quickly found himself unable to do anything useful, he was just defending himself. He couldn’t move enough to attack. He was getting slow. The others outside the gate were watching the show breathlessly.

Sky’s last resort was there, the white colored potion. He hesitated a bit, while dodging a set of diamond blades. He had to drink it. He’d destroy Ghirahim, and get his damn rest. When he got the potion, Luv and Bertie told him to be extremely cautious and only use it when he had no other option. He’d be too exhausted to fight at all after the three minutes of invincibility, he had to be sure to defeat the enemy in that short time.

He couldn’t wait anymore.

He gulped it all in one sip, and in no time felt his energy coming back, his strength increasing, his skin getting thicker. A diamond blade was thrown at him, it met his arm, stopped and fell, like it had impacted on a wall. No scratches, no pain. Sky felt like a superhero. Three minutes were enough. He charged at Ghirahim, Fi was pointed towards the enemy’s huge diamond on his bust. This time, it was Ghirahim trying to defend himself how he could. Could a sword spirit feel fear? Sky didn’t know. Three minutes.

The others were all watching, Time could almost see himself wearing the Fierce Deity mask and fighting Majora in Sky and Ghirahim. They were all surprised and even Wind got closer to the gate to watch.

Finally, they heard a scream, and glass shattering. They all stood up as the gate disappeared, and looked at Sky, the most furious he could be, standing still with the Master Sword in hand. At his feet was Ghirahim, with his diamond broken. Sky was taking deep breaths that slowly turned into panting, almost wheezing, and then a smirk. He had really done it! He couldn’t believe in himself, he had destroyed it!

The three minutes were ending. The others didn’t know anything about the potion nor the side effects.

In no time Sky felt like he had been struck by lightning, his movements got so slow and then he couldn’t move, he was just… standing there, unable to do anything other than breathing. His right arm, with Fi, was slightly shaking. He realized he couldn’t control his body.

His relief and satisfaction instantly turned into terror. What was happening to him?

Like his fight with Demise, his enemy had gotten a fatal wound. Right in the chest. But somehow, for he didn't know what force, the enemy still had the strength to pronounce a last sentence.

Ghirahim lifted his head, and a forced laugh came out of his mouth. Sky wanted to stop him, give him another final blow, end him once and for all. But he couldn't move. Even his voice felt stuck there, and now his hand was visibly shaking and he still couldn't do anything about it!

And Ghirahim started talking, Sky couldn’t concentrate.

Was he stuck there? Was he going to cast another curse? Was Sky going to die right then because of all the potions he took in a relatively too short time?

Wild appeared in front of Sky, furious, with the Master Sword in hand, that he quickly pressed into Ghirahim’s already broken diamond with all his force, enough to make Fi stick in the ground beneath him. Ghirahim's sentence ended with a choked wheeze, in the middle of a curse he was about to cast but then lost all its value. In no time, only a broken and powerless sword was left, that Wild put into his slate for later.

Wild must have taken Fi from Sky's hand, though the chosen hero hadn't noticed, or felt, anything.

Only that his head was spinning and the pain from before he took the guardian potion had come back stronger and he felt like falling but his knees didn’t bend at all.

Wild quickly and quite scarily turned his face to Sky. Oh Hylia he was so angry. He looked so done.

“Why didn't you finish it?”

He raised his voice.

“SKY. WHY didn't you finish it??”

Sky was really trying to answer. His voice came out so low it looked like he was whispering.

“I…”

The world got blurry. Everything had happened in like 2 minutes. From when Sky stopped moving to when Wild talked. Was he slowly losing consciousness, was he slowly fainting? Sky felt like he was going to fall any second now, he just wanted to rest, to move, to scream. But Wild didn't seem to understand, maybe from the outside Sky looked better than how he really felt. Wild spoke again.

“You what?? It could have cursed us! Or killed you!”

And yes Sky now really felt like he was a failure, if he and Ghirahim were alone that monster would have cursed everyone and then killed him with the remaining strength! Sky knew it! A failure! And he needed to scream and the world was spinning and his ears were ringing so loud, he was about to faint and Wild was right there in front of him literally showing him how easy was his one job he didn’t do!

“YOU DESTROY THINGS NOT ME!”

was the only thing coming out of Sky's mouth, sounding so broken, and so loud.

“AT LEAST IT'S A THING! YOU CAN'T EVEN DO THAT!” Shouted Wild. He had snapped again.

And after that, Sky finally fell. Heavily on the ground, pale.

Four reached Wild, his eyes so blue, and looked him right in the eyes, getting mad at him for losing his temper again. Wild came back to senses, Fi still in his hand. He left her on the ground and quickly kneeled down to help Sky, rambling, a sequence of “Oh Hylia” and “I’m sorry” escaping from his mouth. How hadn’t he noticed anything? Sky had been right in front of him, surely already pale and dizzy and unable to move, and he hadn't noticed anything! He let his anger towards Dink, Ghirahim, his own failure and fear to lose another one, and who knows what more, win. And of course he wasn't angry at Sky at all, he was extremely worried he could get killed or cursed by his enemy in its last moments that he didn't really look at him and notice Ghirahim wasn't the main problem there. The same had happened with Twilight. Four had helped him again. This time, though, Wild had snapped back to his senses much faster. He could help.

Sky's heart was beating… too slow. His breath wasn’t normal. Something was so wrong there, pure exhaustion couldn’t make one so messed up. He alerted the others and Legend quickly ran to Hyrule.

In the meantime Wild tried to wake Sky up, but nothing worked, and he started crying. The downfall duo came back and the healer examined Sky. His wound from Dink had closed in a too forced way, too soon and thus too badly. His back looked bruised and hurt, like if a vertebra or 2 were in the wrong position and pressing against his skin. He was full of fresh smaller cuts, almost the same one Time had gotten from the diamond blade. But the main problem there was inside. A cocktail of potions, as Hyrule defined it, taken in a too close time and all super powerful. They had acted like poison together, the guardian potion made the process slower until the magic effect lasted, and then it quickly got him, because that clear potion itself left the hero without any strength to resist. Sky had been poisoned by the potion he had taken, and he had taken them to get back to fight Dink and Ghirahim, to save his companions, to prevent them from getting hurt. Did he feel like everything was his own responsibility?

Hyrule used his spell, luckily none of Sky’s injuries were infected, but he had to work hard to fix what the potions had done, and he wouldn’t wake up for hours until he regained some strength. If only he had rested when he got hurt the first time he wouldn’t have been in that situation.

____________________________

Sky found himself in a void area. He was floating. Yeah, that looked pretty much like his prophetic dreams, but il felt vivid. A light lit up and Wild was talking in the distance, he couldn’t hear him. He needed to reach him, but he found himself unable to move, like before. He was floating there, just watching.

The void turned into a beach and a kid, probably 12 years old, in a light blue shirt and curly blonde hair approached him. His rolled sleeves showed arms full of scars, he was crying. He looked at Sky and seemed to have found a little relief. “Please stranger! My sister has been kidnapped, I must save her but it’s hard! Please help me!”. Sky wanted to help, that was Wind, during his first adventure. The kid looked so scared. But Sky couldn’t move. After he didn’t know how long, the little Wind went away, disappointed.

He had failed him.

And then he heard a small voice calling him. Another kid showed up, he was younger, 10 years old at best. He had freckles and curly brown hair. “Sir… I got lost, I’m scared, I don’t know how to go back home and there are monsters all around. Please help me!”. The black void was now Hyrule’s land, and the hero was just a small unarmed kid. Sky really needed to do something! But he couldn’t! And little Hyrule left with nothing but sadness on his face, into a too dangerous, desolate land. Sky still didn’t know how he survived.

He had failed him.

And then the land shifted into a field, and a forest in the distance. Another little kid showed up, blonde hair, long ears, and already a sword and a wooden shield in hand. He was on the verge of tears. When he noticed Sky he too felt relieved and ran into him. He was asking for affection, he had just lost his father and left his siblings in the forest, and his sister Saria made him understand he wouldn’t come back. He asked for directions, for a hug, for company. And Sky didn’t answer. The kid ran away, sobbing. “This is unfair! I just want to go back home!” Was the last thing he said before he and his land disappeared into the void.

Kids. They were just kids. He wanted to cry but he was stuck there and couldn’t even do that, that feeling was the worst he had ever had. Wild reappeared in sight and Sky regained his speech, like if Wild was controlling his abilities. Wild came closer, and said he wasn’t doing anything wrong, he was only showing him the truth: he couldn’t do enough, he was too slow, back then with Demise and recently with Ghirahim, he had let the demon curse everyone and the repercussions had echoed in all the eras, forcing teens and kids to endure endless suffering. Then, he disappeared again, leaving him floating there.

And then other kids and teens appeared, he tried to interact with them, to talk, but they couldn’t listen. They asked him for help, he answered, they either couldn’t hear him or were disappointed at his answers. And they were all his current companions, reversed to their age on their first adventure. Wind, Hyrule, Time, Legend and Four were so damn young. And Wild appeared and introduced them as they walked.

He had never had such long dreams of that kind. But that oniric Wild, he was right. Sky had failed them all and wasn’t worthy of being with them. They were all in danger with him around, he’d slow them down and they’d end up getting cursed or killed because of him! He wasn’t meant to hang out with those real heroes, he couldn’t even kill his own enemy! He needed to go away before they found out about the curse, or they would never forgive him. Yes they’d be questioning his absence for some time, but then they’d realize they’d be faster and generally better without him getting in the way.

After some time, probably hours, Wild reappeared in front of him. This time, he could not only see and hear him, but also feel his presence, he looked so real. His hands were covered in flames, and he was slowly going closer. Sky quickly found himself on the floor, able to move his arms and hands again. He mumbled some incomprehensible sounds and tried to defend himself as the oniric Wild hovered his flaming hands around his face and, as soon as they made contact with his cheeks, he screamed.

____________________________

That woke him up. He was terrified. He was sweating, he was panting, he was panicking, he was…

in a bedroll and Wild, the real Wild, was in front of him, cupping his face with warm, absolutely not burning hands. He had cooked something, since there was an amazing smell of food. In fact, he noticed a steaming cup of pumpkin soup laying right next to Wild. Sky’s breath was going back to normal as Wild guided him in inhaling and exhaling, and the others all stood up and came closer to see him finally getting up after…

“You’ve been knocked out for 3 days” Hyrule said, getting closer and kneeling down to check on him.

Sky looked around while Hyrule checked his wound. They weren’t in that field but somewhere else entirely.

“We’re in a new era, still unknown to us. We’ve traveled through a portal shortly after the last battle”.

Sky realized the others had carried him around, defending him, wasting their potential for him, while he was totally useless. On the other side of the bedroll, Wild was patiently waiting for Hyrule to finish, with the soup now in his hands. He looked like he had understood Sky’s intentions, and told him everything will be alright, no need to worry. Hyrule, instead, chose to be more direct, telling him he should have taken one potion and then rested like everyone else did, instead of taking not one, but two enhanced potions together and then rushing into battle when his body wasn’t ready and then taking another absolutely not healing potion that erased his already lacking strength and had side effects his body still couldn’t bear. He concluded by saying the situation was worse than he imagined, if it took not hours but 3 days to heal. He was fine now though. He just needed to stay away from danger and potions for a few days to heal completely. Wild gave Sky his soup and Sky stared deeply at it, telling Hyrule “you will never see me do that again”.

Hyrule looked satisfied, smiled at him, patted his right shoulder, and walked away to inform the others about the situation. Wild had to go too, but after standing up he stared, worried, at Sky eating his soup. Something about what he said was extremely strange, if it was any other hero saying that, Wild would have thought the boy had secretly planned to do something extreme. But Sky would never do that, he was always so sunny, bringing happiness… unless he was in a fight with his worst enemy that nearly killed him and then someone even told him he was useless. Damn. Sky looked fine though, enjoying his soup. Maybe it was just him worrying too much. He walked towards the others, who were sitting on some logs and bedrolls around a fire with a pot on, and asked if anyone wanted more soup.

____________________________

During that day, Sky had been acting quite normally, only a bit thoughtful, less smiley. He and the others had a training session, walked around in search of a town, found a spring of fresh water and filled all their water bottles, finally found a small village and bought arrows, potions and food. They asked around for monster sightings but the people there knew nothing. They booked a room in an inn and prepared to spend a relaxing night for once. Of course, everyone thought Sky was still recovering from that battle that hurt him physically and mentally, and didn’t question his lack of smiles and laughs.

Instead there was a deeper reason, he had to escape. That night nobody was taking shifts, as they were all in the safety of beds. Sky had been questioning himself many times during the last hours if it was the right thing to do, he loved his companions, but every time the thought of them being slowed down by his presence, he was more convinced he had to leave the heroes. They’d thank him later. If it wasn’t him, if Wild or Legend or Four were fighting Ghirahim instead of him, they would have ended it sooner and less pathetically and they surely wouldn't have frozen in front of it and maybe they wouldn't even have needed the guardian potion. Ah yes, the only thing he managed to do in all of it was poisoning himself apparently.

But Fi… the others were her masters too, he couldn’t bring her with him. It would be like stealing everyone’s most valuable weapon. Yes that Master Sword was his, the others had their own in their own times.

In their own times, not there. Was he really going to leave without her? Maybe he’d go back, maybe when everything had ended he’d join the others back to take Fi and bring her home with him. Or maybe not, maybe Fi was destined to travel with those real heroes. After all, Ghirahim was dead now, wasn’t it? Demise was gone too, and Sky’s other tools or a simple sword were more than enough for the smaller monsters in his era.

He was losing a too long time there thinking about it. The right thing was obviously leaving her with the group! So, Sky took his other tools, a few food rations,his sailcloth, and a potion… no, no potions. Hyrule had told him he had to avoid potions for some days. He finally closed his bag and, as quietly as he could, left the inn. He wasn’t heard or seen by anyone.

____________________________

Everyone slept so well that night. Twilight woke up early to watch the sunrise, without any worry, just for that day. The rancher hadn’t paid attention to the silhouettes of his companions sleeping in their beds, why would he have to anyway. They were all warm and safe and the village was lively, really no sign of any monster, he had started to question why they were there, maybe Hylia was giving them some rest, or maybe, like the other time, the enemy was hiding in the woods. Twilight was sitting on the steps of the little stone staircase leading from the ground to the entrance of the inn, just looking around and enjoying the peace. There was a round square with a fountain in the center, and the buildings were around it. All around, there was a field and then a forest. They were most likely high in altitude, probably on a mountain valley, as he could see the silhouettes of mountaintops, and everything was made of wood and stone. It was really peaceful.

Twilight was later interrupted by Four, looking quite surprised.

“I thought Sky would have woken up after all of us, instead he got up before me and Hyrule! Hyrule wanted to check on both of you, but Sky isn’t inside. Were you two together?”

Twilight’s face showed pure confusion. Nobody had opened or closed that door before Four that morning.

“Strange, there’s no chance he got up before you and went for a walk. And if that was the case he should be here now already. But I assure you he’s not inside the inn. The Master Sword is on his bed though.”

After some minutes in which the two stared at each other in total confusion, Hyrule and Wild showed up.

The first two informed them about the situation and as Hyrule joined them with a confused face, Wild realized his concern from the day before wasn’t unfounded and quickly alerted the other 3 and rushed in to wake the others up. There was no time to lose. Maybe Sky hadn’t heard his apologies, maybe everything that happened had impacted him more than what everyone could have imagined.

The 8 heroes were all in the bedroom. Silent. Looking at the Master Sword and then at each other, all ready with weapons and shields and tunics. Though usually, Sky would have charged them all with optimism and energy and they would have taken the path all together smiling and laughing at someone's horrible joke. Time couldn’t understand how they had ended in that situation, yes he and Wild had had that messed up discussion but was that alone enough to cause Sky to react that way? Maybe, everyone realized, he had been told he was useless before, maybe in his quest, by someone important, and that had left a huge scar that had been reopened. Wild had a similar story, if someone told him he was a failure, if one of his companions died because he wasn’t fast enough or good enough to save them, he would have done the same, like he almost did when Twilight was hurt. Of course, not because of that single episode, but because of everything behind it. Maybe, the scar had never truly closed and Sky had forced himself to be optimistic and happy to avoid showing them he felt like he wasn’t enough. If that was the case, the chance he would do something extreme was higher. They had to find him as soon as possible!

They didn’t know that place nor where to look. Their initial research was inconclusive. They looked around the village, in the nearest woods, they took the opposite route of the day before, they asked some villagers, but nothing. Where had Sky gone? Was he really that far? They even divided and searched in groups, but came back to the inn with nothing. It was already afternoon, in about 3 hours the sun would have setted. They were getting tired. They absolutely didn’t want to leave Sky alone, but they had no idea on what to do.

Wild took the Master Sword and held it eye level. Sky had said Fi was way more than a voice. She was a companion… and a guide! Maybe she could help, if she was still there.

They couldn’t talk with her or see her, but maybe…

Wild walked to the center of the square, near the fountain, and held the sword with both his hands. He started moving it aimlessly, upward, downward, forward. He needed to understand how to make it work.

Then, he noticed a feeble blue light appearing for a moment then disappearing, something was happening. He swung it again and again and noticed the light appeared always when held horizontally. The others noticed too and came closer. Wild held it firmly, forward. The light was there, but so dim, almost nothing. Slowly, he started turning around, completing a segment of a circle. And then a semi circle, still nothing more happened. The others looked surprised and confused, but they felt there was something right with what Wild was doing. And after another bit, a visible blue light lit up.

They didn’t know what it was, how it happened and what it meant. But maybe Fi was really trying to show them the way, they could follow her direction, it was worth trying.

For maybe the first time after he woke up in the shrine, Wild was not only following directions, but also giving the others directions. He had been in charge of using the Master Sword as he had found out how it worked. Nobody else’s Master Sword had any ability other than being able to seal darkness and channeling energy for a spin attack, so the heroes were all extremely curious. Even Time found that interesting, and Legend and Four were trying to understand the magic and logic behind the ability.

The path they took was full of obstacles, but of course the shortest. Fi was guiding them towards the forest, the dense vegetation and tall fir trees created patterns of lights and shadows, that reminded them they now had about 2 hours to find Sky before they found themselves traveling in the dark. The ground was slippery and some slopes were steep, and yet they were almost running, the sword giving them hope.

Wild couldn’t deny that looking for Sky, with him as the leader, was making him feel useful and put aside his own recurring thoughts about his failure. Maybe being alone for so long had enhanced those, and now adventuring with some companions was finally making him see the truth. He couldn’t say he was totally over it, or he wouldn’t have lost control when Twilight was dying and when Sky was about to be cursed, but he was surely healing. After that adventure, when he’d eventually go back, he needed to explore his land with Flora and help every citizen. That thought made him smile softly.

Four and Legend, walking next to him, noticed it and asked if he sensed they were getting closer. Wild answered the smile was for something else, but they surely were, every step in the right direction was shortening their distance. Or at least, they hoped so. They chose to believe in Fi’s light, that, they had noticed, was somehow getting brighter.

They couldn’t believe Sky could have walked that far by pure force of will. They were taking a huge shortcut, with Fi’s help, and they had already taken 2 hours to get where they were. They still hadn’t found him and they only had one hour. Twilight checked his amount of oil for the lantern, Legend and Four checked their own tools. Wars used to have a lantern during his quest but it broke, luckily Legend said he had another one in case they needed more light. Nobody was surprised by his statement. Classic Legend.

Then, Four noticed something. There were monster footprints on the muddy ground. Lizalfos, most likely.

So there were monsters in that era! Monsters they had to catch and destroy before crossing another portal. Near the monster’s, a human pair of footprints was imprinted on the ground, coming from the right, turning and going straight ahead. And the Master Sword was pointing right in that direction.

Did the monsters take Sky? Or did Sky chase them? There was only one way to know.

The heroes were running, now with the footprints and Fi’s help together following the path was a piece of cake. Maybe they were still on time. They were getting a bit worried, but Sky was the best at fighting, yes his shape wasn’t the best but he could make it. As they got deep into the forest, they noticed it was full of fireflies. The sun had set now, but thanks to the little creatures they could still see quite well.

They stopped abruptly when they heard the noise of swords clashing and monsters screaming. They were all on top of a small C or gulf shaped cliff, about 2 meters tall. On the ground below them were 3 green lizalfos, armored and with what looked like a huge arm guard, one with its spiked tail already cut off and black blood dripping from the open wound. The man the heroes were looking for was right there. Sky was fighting the monsters alone with his whip, beetle and bow.

The heroes, ready with their swords and bows, were ready to jump down and help. Wild had Fi with him and he of course wanted to give her to her master!

But Sky made eye contact with him for a brief second before dodging a tail attack, and be it because he had Fi in hand, or because of the fireflies, or because he had understood he and Sky were extremely similar in a way, Wild got the message. They had to stay there. He turned back and looked at the others.

“Everyone stop!”

The others looked at Wild extremely confused, but did as he said. Four asked why, Warriors stated he wasn’t going to leave a companion in danger alone.

“I wouldn’t either! But that’s what he wants and what he needs. If we jump there and kill even one of those infected monsters for him, he’d feel like we think he isn’t good enough. Instead he will defeat them all!”

Wild turned back at Sky and swung the Master Sword to make him notice it. Sky raised his right arm, after hitting one of the lizalfos with the whip, and Wild threw him the sword, which the chosen hero catched perfectly from the handle. He smiled, and nodded in gratitude. As he slashed the monster, Wild continued.

“I made him feel useless. That probably hurted him way more than we imagine. Like talking about my own failure, it still hurts even now, you’ve clearly seen it. He probably needs to prove himself, and me, he can do this, fighting without our help. I don’t want to steal him another opportunity to end an enemy for good”

The others agreed with Wild. Sky was perfectly capable of defeating 3 infected lizalfos on his own, and if that could make him feel better, if that could heal his pure soul, then it was the right thing to do.

The monsters screamed.

In few, fast and precise moves the lizalfos were all nothing but black smoke, blood, and a bunch of tails and horns. Wild was the first to jump down and immediately threw himself on Sky to hug him tight. It was finally time for him to give the hero his formal apologies, apologies Sky knew were the truest and most genuine he had ever heard. Of course he hugged Wild back and reassured him he felt better now, he had been so mad at himself for having failed again and those lizalfos were all he needed to release the anger. The others reached them shortly after, after letting the two heroes have a moment for themselves first.

They all hugged Sky and Wild or gave pats to their backs, and then promised to remember they were all valuable, worthy, and strong enough. Wild joined them promising that he’d be extra careful and try his best to not snap again, and Sky followed. He wouldn’t escape again. He would always try to remember he’s worthy, and in case he felt like the day before, he would discuss it with the others.

“Look, Hyrule said your body isn’t even at its best, and yet you managed to keep up with 3 empowered lizalfos without the master Sword! And those looked huge and armored!” Wind said.

They walked away, back to the village and the inn, chatting and smiling, with their lanterns all lit on, and a bunch of fireflies following them, attracted to the light.

Maybe the heroes could spend that night enjoying the peace of that village, the sound of water coming from the fountain, a warm dinner, and play their instruments, or maybe they could get the rest they all needed. Either way, they had to spend it carefree.

____________________________

The day after, as they were walking in that forest again in search of other footprints or monsters, Sky noticed a dark figure moving swiftly between the trees in the distance. Wind quickly took his telescope and saw Dink opening a portal. As the heroes rushed there, Wild stated that Sky, other than being the best swordsman ever, also had a sharp eye. They all smiled, someone laughed.

With positivity and optimism, they all got into the portal, ready to chase and fight Dink again.

#lionesswrites #zelda #linked universe #linkeduniverse #the legend of zelda #lu sky #lu wild #zelda skyward sword #skyward sword #ghirahim #lu dink #linked universe fanfiction #lu fanfiction #CTCGIFTX2024 #gift exchange

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disco-elysium-via-polls · 1 year ago

Text

🎵 Instrument of Surrender

5. "There's absolutely *nothing* wrong with tare-collecting. It's my side-thing too." (Proudly hold out the tare bag.)

GASTON MARTIN - "Oh, I didn't mean to imply there's something *wrong* with that," the jolly man says quickly. "I do it too. Everyone does it. It's an excellent side-thing."

RENÉ ARNOUX- "Yes, yes, yes," the carabineer utters angrily. "Can we conclude the topic of my guard booth now?"

INLAND EMPIRE [Easy: Success] - He is not going to become an entrepreneur.

2. "I... saw a picture in there. You were in it. You looked... happy. Who's the girl?"

RENÉ ARNOUX- His features stiffen and he gets a cold look. "She... is nobody. This is none of your concern and I refuse to discuss my private affairs with the RCM."

GASTON MARTIN - "The lady is Jeanne-Marie Beaulieu." Gaston speaks with a soft voice. "And she sure as hell wasn't a nobody."

Task complete: Ask René about the photo

+10 XP

3. "Got it, thanks." (Conclude.)

RENÉ ARNOUX- "Yes, yes. Like I said," he brings it up again, "I would be up *anyway*, so might as well keep an eye out. It keeps my senses sharp."

6. [Composure - Legendary 14] What is it about this old soldier that makes him stand so proud?

-1 Threw the *boule* in the sea. +1 Know René's job-situation.

COMPOSURE [Legendary: Success] - As René turns from you to his partner and back, the medals on his chest rattle and glare. He keeps his spine straight and his ribcage lifted, displaying them proudly.

How many medals are there?

COMPOSURE - Two. The larger one is shaped like a cross, while the smaller medal resembles the sun.

Look at the cross.

Look at the sun.

COMPOSURE - A crowned head in front of two crossed rifles. The medal hangs from a blue striped triangle.

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success] - It is the *Croix de Bravoure* -- Cross of Valour. The Cross was the highest battlefield decoration in the Suzerain's armed forces, awarded for exceptional bravery in the line of duty in service of King Frissel the First.

2. Look at the sun.

COMPOSURE - A small blue star inside an orange sun. It has the word *Vaillance* written below.

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success] - *The Setting Sun* was a decoration used to distinguish seasoned combat veterans in service of King Frissel the First during the Revolution.

"*Croix de Bravoure* and The Setting Sun." (Point to his chest.) "Did you get them for..."

RENÉ ARNOUX- "For bravery," he interjects.

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - It's a conflicted topic for the old veteran. There must have been a number of controversial episodes in his service days.

"That's what I was going to say, bravery."

"Not for killing babies or…?"

"Not for raping women or...?"

"For bravery?"

RENÉ ARNOUX- "I'm sure. But I know this uniform's reputation: You were also wondering if I got these for raping women or killing babies."

"No, I really wasn't, I'm just asking."

"So, did you?"

"I don't know the reputation of… *anything*. Don't even recognize the war."

"Sounds controversial. Let's talk about something else."

RENÉ ARNOUX- "Son, we should never forget our past. Lots of mistakes were made back then, but they were also lessons." His voice takes on a tutor-like quality.

"Forgetting those times means the mistakes were for nothing. That all those people died for nothing."

RHETORIC [Trivial: Success] - Whoaa... sounds like you're about to open the gates of conversation -- this man will literally talk your ear off, if you let him wander off to Memory Lane.

"So what *did* you get the medals for?"

"Sounds like there's a story there, but I'd like to talk about something else right now."

RENÉ ARNOUX- "For doing my duty in the heat of battle, for looking my mortality in the eye, when men like Gaston here hid in the bushes and shat themselves..."

GASTON MARTIN - "He saved some *maudit* princeling who foolishly strolled into the front line in his gown of velvet and gold."

"Saved a princeling?"

"Listen, René, I might wanna hear that story later, but right now I have more important things to discuss."

RENÉ ARNOUX- "It was on the first months of the Revolution here in Revachol. Unrest was spreading like wildfire. Marauders had taken most of the Couron and were getting *really* ambitious."

"King Frissel thought he could end it all in one decisive strike." The old carabineer runs his fingers over the larger medal. "Sent his cousin, Drysant, to put an end to the unrest."

"Alas, the young Drysant was all piss and no vinegar, wearing a tunic of purple velvet and cockatoo feathers to battle." He spits. "Even his rifle was *gold-plated*. Shone from five klicks away. Can you imagine the asininity?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Purple velvet tunic," the lieutenant says thoughtfully. "That isn't exactly *camo*."

RENÉ ARNOUX - "To keep the long and bloody story short, Drysant marched us against the partisans in Couron. And when I say 'marched', I mean made us walk into captured enemy territory single-file, like toy soldiers, while he rode in front on his giant red stallion."

The rebels were smart. They let us come real close before opening fire. Suffice to say, it was carnage."

"Must have been a bloodbath."

"Pretty damn clever indeed."

"Bastards…" (Slowly shake your head.)

RENÉ ARNOUX - "I got shot in the left shoulder and went down. Just a flesh wound, but just as I turned over, the prince fell into the mud next to me. He was missing his lower jaw."

"Then his horse, driven mad by the noise and smell of gunpowder, stepped on my leg and shattered my knee." He pats his right thigh.

VOLITION [Easy: Success] - Hang on to the story -- veterans get sentimental after such *retellings* -- this might yield something useful.

"Okay... then what did you do?"

"Shattered knee… interesting. Actually, can we pick it up later and do questions now?"

RENÉ ARNOUX - "I grabbed my sidearm and shot the beast in the head. Then everything went black."

GASTON MARTIN - "*Capitaine Arnoux -- le fléau des chevaux*!"

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] - The bane of horses.

RENÉ ARNOUX - "When I came to, it was all over," he continues, ignoring his companion. "It was just me and jawless Drysant, gurgling in the blood-soaked mud right next to me."

"The dink had taken numerous flesh wounds and lost a lot of blood, but despite missing his jaw he seemed hesitant to die. Tougher than he looked, that one."

"That's no dink, that's a fighter!"

"I'd give up. Can't imagine living without my jaw." (Touch your jaw.)

"This would never happen to Johnny Law-jaw." (Point to your jaw.) "My jaw is tight."

"I've been through worse."

RENÉ ARNOUX - "He didn't." A shadow of respect crosses his face. "I hoisted the prick on my back and started crawling. Kept going until the 59th Cavalry picked us up."

"Through some miracle we both survived. And the jawless freak convinced Frissel to give me a medal for not leaving him to die in his own blood, piss, and shit."

"He was the commanding officer and I was on duty. Just doing my job. Shouldn't hand out medals for that..." He shakes his head. "Thirteen months later I received 'The Sun'. For distinguished service. It's not worth mentioning."

+5 XP

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] - You sense he's downplaying it -- he did a lot more than his duty. More than anyone's duty. It's in his spine, in his billowing breast. An untarnished self worth.

"Sounds like you're being modest, René."

"Thanks for the story, René!" (Conclude.)

RENÉ ARNOUX - The old carabineer stands quietly like a statue, his features motionless.

GASTON MARTIN - "What *Monseigneur Modestie* is not telling you is that he crawled over seven kilometres before the cavalrymen found him and Drysant. Two days later that was."

"And that even whilst crawling with a mangled half-dead prince on his back, he still managed to murder three rebels on his way."

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] - Is that... pride in his voice? It's deep down, but -- maybe even unbeknownst to the man himself -- it's there.

"Hold on, you're just a *little bit* proud of René's heroics, aren't you?"

"Quite impressive. It's men like René who made Revachol great once."

"I'm not impressed. All those heroics and where is he now? No, you gotta play to win. Look after *you* first."

"This doesn't seem like a good moment to express an opinion." (Lean closer.) "I don't wanna risk it."

GASTON MARTIN - "Sorry, officer, but you're reading me all wrong." He chuckles. "I'm a man of peace and these kinds of bloody 'heroics' are only impressive to men like René himself. Certainly not to me."

"How did *you* find the story to be, officer?"

3. "This doesn't seem like a good moment to express an opinion." (Lean closer.) "I don't wanna risk it."

RENÉ ARNOUX - "*Bon dieu*," he mumbles, slowly shaking his head. "You and Gaston must be related. His blood runs yellow too."

GASTON MARTIN - "Maybe, maybe, but also bear in mind, officer..." He points to the sun-shaped medal on René's chest. "They don't hand these out for anyone with a service record."

"Oh no, you have to get shot." He nods eagerly. "Repeatedly. And you need to get your hands bloody too. Really *really* bloody."

RENÉ ARNOUX - "Do not speak of what you know nothing about, poltroon!" He slams the heel of his boot in the ground. "Duty is something you will never understand."

2. "Thanks for the story, René!" (Conclude.)

RENÉ ARNOUX - "Bah!" His gaze wanders over the bay. "There were many such stories in those days. Many such men too. True Revacholians, men with *backbone*."

GASTON MARTIN - "Oh yes, René, yes..." The jolly man nods meekly. "Men were bigger, girls were prettier, and everyone was a *fascha* -- Lord, please bring those days back, if you can!"

RENÉ ARNOUX - "I'm *not* getting into this with you again." He mumbles through clenched teeth and turns to you. "Officer, was there anything else?"

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Easy: Success] - You should try to come up with a heroic story of your own -- impress this old soldier.

As you can see, our chances of passing this red check are *far* too low right now.

7. "Thank you for your time!" [Leave.]

Let's get back to making sure those guys aren't trashing Kim's car.

PISSF****T - "The palm tree livery should be, like, pastel green. Fucking tropic shit..." He gazes dreamily at Lieutenant Kitsuragi's motor carriage.

FUCK THE WORLD - "I can see it, bright as day. Oh, if we were SKULLS right now..."

"Who are you?"

FUCK THE WORLD - "I can tell you who we're not, cop. We're *not* snitches, f****ts, or SKULLS."

PISSF****T - "Which is not to say that the SKULLS are bitches and f****ts. On the contrary..."

FUCK THE WORLD - "The part of this presentation you wanna take home with you, cop-man, is: We're not part of the SKULLS. Yet."

AUTHORITY [Medium: Success] - These *skull* people are more than an authority. They're deities.

"Who are the *SKULLS*?"

"Do you know anything about the murder that took place here?" (Point to the yard.)

"Do you guys know Cindy the SKULL?"

"What's with the jackets?"

"Well, talking with you has definitely been something." [Leave.]

FUCK THE WORLD - "You don't know? What kind of cop are you?"

"I'm so glad you asked!"

"Of course I do, I'm just testing you boys."

"No, I really don't."

PISSF****T - "The question was rhetorical," he replies, raising his open hand. "The SKULLS are *the* most vicious gang of the Besmertnyé."

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success] - Besmertnyé or the Besmertie -- the *immortals* -- are West Revacholian crime syndicates.

FUCK THE WORLD - "The nastiest bunch of psychos ever! Jacking carriages and getting into high-speed chases."

PISSF****T - "Possessing an infinite amount of fuck-all swagger, infamous for their non-verbal *modus operandi*."

"Non-verbal?"

Say nothing.

KIM KITSURAGI - "If a SKULL spots you, he will pull out his dagger and stab you without saying a word."

COMPOSURE [Easy: Success] - The lieutenant's voice is as calm as usual -- a testament to the violence and death he's witnessed through the sight of his firearm.

KIM KITSURAGI - "They usually occupy the Burnt-Out Quarter in Jamrock. Or you can find them loitering around their brightly-painted, bottom-lighted vehicles."

FUCK THE WORLD - "Oh, I can't wait to become a SKULL. Bottom-lights are *wretched* aggressive."

2. "Do you know anything about the murder that took place here?" (Point to the yard.)

FUCK THE WORLD - "Murder?"

"A man was hanged in the backyard of the Whirling-in-Rags."

"Never mind, this is useless."

FUCK THE WORLD - "Yeah, sure, we'll gladly tell you everything we know about it." He clears his throat. "It was a man."

PISSF****T - "Also, he was hanged."

"Anything else?"

"Don't fuck around. I am the law."

+1 Lawbringer

PISSF****T - "He was hanged from a tree."

FUCK THE WORLD - "Yeah, I mean... duh."

KIM KITSURAGI - "These punks don't know anything. Let's just move along."

FUCK THE WORLD - "Hey! Stop right there! How does one know anything?"

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success] - Ah -- this sounds like epistemology. A field so occupied by thought that it begins to question thought itself.

Level up!

"I know that you don't know shit."

"I'm not going to entertain you with this any longer."

FUCK THE WORLD - "Exactly! How can one know shit? For example: How can one be sure that there truly is a body hanging behind the hostel?"

PISSF****T - "What if it's art... or just a mere spectre?"

"Believe me, I'd know. I *know* spectres." (Rub your temple.)

"That could be the case, yes... a brilliant work of art!"

"It's not. A man is dead and we need answers."

KIM KITSURAGI - The lieutenant raises an eyebrow but does not comment.

3. "Do you guys know Cindy the SKULL?"

PISSF****T - "Oh yeah, Cindy's a right proper SKULL..." The young man's eyes glaze over, his voice filled with longing.

FUCK THE WORLD - "Yeah," the other guy lights up too. "A true artist of the future, just like Arno van Eyck."

PISSF****T - "By the way, if you see Cindy, give her our regards," he adds, returning from whatever void he was just visiting.

EMPATHY [Medium: Success] - Odd. There isn't a hint of hate in them. It's like they're 'Pissf****t' and 'Fuck the World' out of some kind moral obligation.

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Trivial: Success] - The lieutenant, on your left, is unusually lenient toward them.

"I see you kids are into anodic dance music?"

"Why aren't there more SKULLS in Martinaise?"

"Your rhetoric is confusing. Are you a part of the SKULLS or not?"

"Enough about this *skullery* then." (Conclude.)

FUCK THE WORLD - "Oh, man, yeah!" he exclaims, then stops himself, processing the rest of your question. "We're not fucking kids, man!"

PISSF****T - "Be wary of the abyss," his blond friend adds ominously and points to his temple.

"Why?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Probably because of how *non-verbal* their mode of operation is going to be," the lieutenant answers for the two rebels. "It's a threat."

"A threat? Good. I like those."

"Don't fuck with me, boys. I'm one of the bad cops."

"I just wanted to talk about music and now there's a conflict all of the sudden... it's too much." (Nervously shake your head.)

PISSF****T - "Uh... that's right," the young man says, looking unsure of himself. "You... you should back off and let silence rule supreme."

AUTHORITY [Easy: Success] - What is wrong with you? Now you're just empowering these punks.

KIM KITSURAGI - "This is ridiculous." The lieutenant gives you an irritated glance. "Boys, do you know why the gang is called SKULLS?"

PISSF****T - "Yeah -- the skull symbolizes the embrace of death and nothingness, present in all of us, the vehicle of our future operations. Death and nothingness."

KIM KITSURAGI - "They're called SKULLS because when you're shot dead in the middle of the street, the skull is the only part the stray dogs won't eat."

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Trivial: Success] - Just trust me and follow my lead.

"Kim, maybe you shouldn't scare them like that?"

"So, boys, wanna feed the dogs?"

PISSF****T - No reply. The blond rebel scratches his chin, deliberately not focusing his gaze on anything. He looks very uncomfortable.

FUCK THE WORLD - The other one shuffles uncomfortably, nevertheless continuing to steal glances at the lieutenant's motor carriage.

"Why aren't there more SKULLS in Martinaise?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "The Union does their share of policing in Martinaise, at least where gangs are concerned," the lieutenant replies instead. "That's why there isn't much organized crime around here."

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Easy: Success] - Apart from the Union themselves of course.

FUCK THE WORLD - "Don't you worry about that. We're gonna make up for the deficit."

PISSF****T - "Yeah we are!" The young men exchange approving nods.

2. "Your rhetoric is confusing. Are you a part of the SKULLS or not?"

PISSF****T- "We're not *franchised* SKULLS -- well, not yet. Once we get our name out there, we'll have a chance to join them."

"And what makes you think that the organization would accept you?"

"I see."

PISSF****T- "Because we can be just as psycho and vicious. You'll see."

FUCK THE WORLD - "But in a non-threatening and definitely legal way," the other one quickly adds and whispers something to his friend.

PERCEPTION (HEARING) [Medium: Success] - "We'll fuck the system from the inside later, just be cool now. The damage will be tenfold."

PISSF****T- "Right on, Fuck," the blond agrees and provocatively spits on the pavement. "So what's happening now?"

2. "Enough about this *skullery* then." (Conclude.)

PISSF****T- "Mhm." He throws a longing glance at the Kineema.

3. "What's with the jackets?"

PISSF****T- "What about them?"

(Turn to the blond youth.) "Why does your jacket have 'PISSF****T' written on it?"

(Turn to the dark-haired youth.) "Why do you have 'FUCK THE WORLD' written on your jacket?"

"Actually -- forget about it."

PISSF****T- "Well, first off, it's a statement and not *necessarily* something that characterizes me as a person, even though the statement has character. And I *do* like piss..."

"The word PISSF****T epitomizes the struggle taking place in the world, things being defined as they seem, not as they are. And -- I guess -- it's also about communal spirit, the future, and *truly* appreciating our differences."

"Also, you've got to admit, it catches the eye. And since the grand piper is slowly but steadily moving towards basing the economy on it -- attention -- it is imperative that the medium itself convey the message."

"Ee... what?"

"Makes sense."

PISSF****T- "What I mean by this is -- we are *all* Pissf****ts. And that the world is inherently meaningless."

INLAND EMPIRE [Heroic: Success] - That much is true.

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success]- It seems that the young man has a certain expertise in at least one field, even if it's rather narrow.

2. (Turn to the dark-haired youth.) "Why do you have 'FUCK THE WORLD' written on your jacket?"

FUCK THE WORLD - "I can answer that. Many men keep searching for *the one*. For so-called true love, which is actually just obsession masquerading as kinship. The thrill of the chase, the hollowness that fills your chest cavity after catching it."

DRAMA [Medium: Success] - I'm wondering if the poetics come with the jacket or are they derived from something else entirely?

FUCK THE WORLD - "To catch a fish you need to hurl the lure many times, and even then it isn't certain that you'll get anything. If you blow up the lake, though..."

"Blow it up!"

"That is a terrible metaphor."

FUCK THE WORLD - "...you get more fish in a shorter time. And, for time is of the essence and fleeting ever so quickly, one must think of a way to fuck the whole world -- and not get caught up in fucking some *one*."

"Because when one fucks everything, he fucks nothing. And that, to me, feels glorious -- sticking your dick into the void."

SAVOIR FAIRE [Trivial: Success] - Is it a *coincidence* that here we have two bad-ass jackets and two bad-ass cops?

"Hey, Kim…" (Lower your voice.)

Definitely a coincidence.

KIM KITSURAGI - "Yes?"

"Do you think it's a coincidence?"

"What do you think about their jackets?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Leather jackets adorned with immature writing? The 'ideology' they convey helps the boys justify poor choices in life and fashion." The lieutenant shrugs. "I'm not a fan."

"Why are you always so patronizing when cool *possibilities* cross our path?"

"Sure, the jackets are scaring you. That's cool."

KIM KITSURAGI - "What are you implying?" The lieutenant looks confused.

"Which one would *you* wear?"

"You know what I'm implying."

"We should get these jackets."

KIM KITSURAGI - "For what?"

"What do people do with jackets? They wear them."

KIM KITSURAGI - "The concept of getting dressed *is* familiar to me, but wearing jackets like these isn't appropriate for an RCM officer. Unless he's *deep* undercover," he adds.

"But in theory, Kim, if we were to confiscate these jackets, which one would *you* wear?"

"You're right of course. Never mind then."

KIM KITSURAGI - "Neither."

"C'mon Kim, it's just a mental exercise!"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Fine, if only to end this discussion: Theoretically, if I were a juvenile delinquent -- if I were to already be down that path -- I think 'PISSF****T' is the stronger of the two statements."

+5 XP

"No way! If anything, I'm the *PISSF****T* in this scenario."

"That works, I feel more like a 'FUCK THE WORLD' kind of a guy."

KIM KITSURAGI - "Seems about right," the lieutenant remarks. "Especially considering your... heroic exit attempts."

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] - That's an origin story for a dynamic duo right there.

PISSF****T- "So are we done here or...?" one of the jacket owners asks impatiently. "You don't need us around for your secret whisper party, do you?"

5. [Half Light - Legendary 14] Ask for the jackets for yourself and the lieutenant.

+1 Demonstrated authority. +1 Kim showed good tactics. +2 They're just off-brand SKULLS.

HALF LIGHT [Legendary: Success] - No, no, no! Don't *ask* anything. Be subtle and scary. The boys dream about being SKULLS... use that!

Wait -- how?

"Boys, with *those* jackets, you're gonna be the SKULL-kings in no time!"

HALF LIGHT - Suggest they're massive SKULLS. C'mon!

"Boys, with *those* jackets, you're gonna be the SKULL-kings in no time!"

FUCK THE WORLD - "What... no!" He quickly looks around. "SKULLS don't have kings," he pauses. "I think, and we're not even *in* yet..."

PISSF****T - "Yeah, man, keep your voice down. SKULLS don't take it lightly, when folks pretend to be them. We're not even *prospects* yet."

(Raise your voice.) "Not even prospects and already aspiring to be kings?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Wow, you boys are ambitious," the lieutenant's voice rings over the plaza. "Only *prospects* and already planning a coup in the SKULLS? You're destined to go far!"

HALF LIGHT - He gets it. Passive-aggressive flattery.

FUCK THE WORLD - "Shut the fuck up," the youth presses through his clenched teeth, there's panic in his eyes. "Are you trying to get us killed?"

HALF LIGHT - Now bring it to the jackets and.... yes, start *shouting*!

"YES, WE WANNA BE COOL KILLER SKULLS TOO, LIKE YOU GUYS, BUT WE DON'T HAVE SKULL-JACKETS!!!"

"Wow. I didn't realize it's that serious. Let's forget about this." (Let it go.)

PISSF****T - "Please be quiet!" Not much is left of the nihilistic rebel at this point. The young man before you is scared out of his mind. "What... WHAT do you want?!! T-t-the jackets?"

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - You got it. No need for cruelty.

"SKULL KING! MAKE SHRUNKEN HEADS OUT OF US!"

"You OFFER us your jackets like that? It'd be impolite to refuse." (Reach out your hand.)

(Lower your voice.) "Yes -- the jackets."

FUCK THE WORLD - "Oh man..." His shoulders slump under the weight of sadness. "Okay," he says finally. "I get it. SKULLS don't really wear slogans anyway, this was stupid."

PISSF****T - "Fuck," the other one sighs deeply.

Item gained: Leather Jacket "Pissf****t"

Item gained: Leather Jacket "Fuck the World"

+5 XP

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Trivial: Success] - The lieutenant watches the boys take their jackets off -- with mild amusement.

(Turn to Kim.) "Since you said you're more of a 'Pissf****t' kinda guy, I'll take the other one."

(Turn to Kim.) "I know you said you're more of a 'Pissf****t' kinda guy, but I think I should have it for myself."

KIM KITSURAGI - "I'm absolutely okay with not having either one, thank you."

"Why not? They're a pair. We could really raise hell. Go undercover. Hard."

"But don't you want to express your individuality?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "This case doesn't requires us to go undercover. Or raise hell... In fact I don't think the jackets will be useful at all. I just wanted *them* to not have them anymore."

PISSF****T - "Cold-hearted cop..."

"Well, whatever. I'll take both of them then."

"Still -- it's good to know we have a pair. In case the need arises."

KIM KITSURAGI - "The need will not arise."

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Easy: Success] - Pity. The jackets are meant to complete each other. If a man were standing alone on a street corner with 'PISSF****T' written on his back, it'd just be an individual that has taken a liking to urine. And 'FUCK THE WORLD' all on its own is, frankly, generic.

FUCK THE WORLD - "I don't know, Eric. It's cold out..." The dark-haired young man just stands there, defeated. The wind blows.

PISSF****T - "Yeah," the blond man replies. "Let's get out of here. The cops fucked us."

LEATHER JACKET "PISSF****T"

+1 Drama: No fucks given -1 Authority: Wait, I'm a detective?

A leather jacket that quite recently belonged to a young man who possessed some intimate knowledge on the human condition. It has his *nom de guerre* written on the back. It's quite a statement.

LEATHER JACKET "FUCK THE WORLD"

+1 Half Light: Darkening world -1 Rhetoric: Inelegant statement

A leather jacket that quite recently belonged to a hoodlum who understood love for what it really is. It has the hoodlum's *nom de guerre* written on the back. It's quite a statement.

#disco elysium #kim kitsuragi #harrier du bois #rene arnoux #gaston martin #pissfaggot #fuck the world

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