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customhydrauliccylinders · 1 month

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How to Clean and Lubricate Your Hydraulic Cylinders: A Step-by-Step Run-down

Keeping your hydraulic cylinders operating smoothly is essential to longevity and performance in industrial and mobile equipment applications. By keeping up to a scheduled cleaning and well molten, you save more significant damage that can cost repairs in addition to downtime unexpected. The following is a methodical approach to cleaning and lubricating your hydraulic cylinders, so that they can operate flawlessly.

There is an accurate as well the truthful fact about this subject, and it that Preparations for Hydraulic Cylinder Maintenance

A clean workspace is very important before starting work like this. Dirt, dust, and debris are common contaminants that often find their way into hydraulic mechanisms while maintenance is being performed which could cause disastrous damage to a custom designed cylinder. Here’s how to get started:

Create a Nonsmoking Workbench: Make sure your operating room is free of foreign substances that might seep into the chamber during repair.

Remove the Hydraulic Fluid: Remove all hydraulic fluid from the cylinder in a meticulous manner to avoid contamination of new lubricant.

Check Hydraulic Cylinder: Take advantage of the time changing fluids and look over cylinder rods, nut threads or any other items that can show wear indicate rusting or pitting. This is especially important for tie-rod hydraulic cylinders and welded body hydraulic cylinder, that quite often work in difficult environmental conditions.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

The correct cleaning of the hydraulic cylinder provides a foundation for effective lubrication. To make it as fresh and clean read through these steps:

Get Rid of Old Lubricant & Debris – Use a Wire Brush or High-Pressure Water Cleaner to Release All the Crust (old lubrication, sludge…else) From Rods and Pistons. This is perhaps one of the most important steps in not only getting rid of some debris from your vehicle, but also preventing contaminates form mixing with new lubricant.

Tenere girandavanti il Filo: Flushing del cilindro Conferire utilizzando un liquido più a bassa viscosità quale l'olio idraulico simile al composto relativo all'idraulica con support are fuoriuscita ogni residuo strano non completamente usata, spirito oleoso danneggiato mimetismo variazione chimiche. Many telescopic hydraulic cylinders have many intricate internal parts that need to be cleaned.

Cost Frugal Ways to lube Up Your Hydraulic Cylinder

The right lubrication oil is critical to ensuring the performance and life of your hydraulic cylinders. The selection of the lubricant should be in accordance with your equipment, including that which is specified by manufacturers and operationally required on regular basis as well by application environment.

a. Hydraulic Oil

Hydraulic oil is excellent for use in hydraulic cylinder since it offers good stability and lubricity. This is especially useful in applications that operate at very high temperatures or pressures. But they may degrade the seals used in your custom hydraulic cylinders, so it is important to ensure that a specific type of synthetic oil would be compatible with those types of equipment.

b. Hydraulic Grease

ServicePack Hydraulic Grease also doubles as a lubricant and a sealant which is an effective solution to prevent the cylinder rods from contamination, debris and basically avoids spurting of grease oil away. Because of the composition, grease is a bit more viscous than oil and therefore better able to form an elastic protective film that is especially useful in outdoor gears or when equipment remains idle for extended periods. But be careful only with greasing in higher temperatures as the grease can burn leaving a hard residue.

c. Water-Based Fluids

These are also compatible for working on fire-hazard sites but the water-based fluids aren´t used that commonly. But they need more frequent reapplication and may not offer the same protection as oils or grease used for hydraulic purposes.

Lubricating The Hydraulic Cylinders

If the LPG is clean and they have chosen a good lubricant, there are some important steps to apply it:

Re-Lubrication: Another easy step is to reapply the new grease used in a hydraulic cylinder on all moving rods and sheeting. Make sure to properly lubricate all the critical ours as we want minimum friction and wear on any part.

Replace Flushed substances with Clean Fluid: After lubricating, replace all flushed compounds by clean hydraulic fluids to keep the system intact.

Put the Cylinder Back Together and Put It Back In: Now that it has been properly oiled, put all of your cylinder parts back together ensuring everything snaps into place. Clean off any remaining lubricant then reinsert the cylinder to your tool.

Long-Term Reliability of Hydraulic Cylinders

Of course, normal cleaning and maintaining lubrication are only a portion of the greater maintenance picture for hydraulic cylinders. By checking on your cylinders regularly you will be in a position to catch problems early so it won't lead up to system crashing. If you find that your hydraulic cylinders are still not performing as they should, it could be time to replace these pieces.

At https://xslhydraulics.com, we are experts in custom hydraulic cylinder manufacturing and also provide you with a diverse selection of premium quality cylinders which includes components as well. Let our experts provide you with tips on maintenance and replace your cylinders it is needed. From China, we offer our services around the globe so your equipment stays in best condition.

Conclusion

Your hydraulic cylinders should be routinely cleaned and greased to keep your mechanisms running smoothly. If you follow the steps in this guide and use a THE RIGHTGREASE, then your cylinders will live longer which means less downtime! If you have any questions or if you need to perform maintenance on your hydraulic systems, do not hesitate and seek advice from XSLHydraulics.com. We are here to help you navigate and provide what is required for you stay operational during this time; with our experienced team and products.

#XSLHydraulics #XSL Hydraulic Cylinders #Custom Hydraulic Cylinder #Custom Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturing #Hydraulic Cylinders Manufacturer

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welderpig · 2 months

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How to Start a MIG Welding Business from Home

Starting a MIG welding business from home is an exciting venture that combines technical skill with entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned welder or just getting started, setting up a home-based welding business requires careful planning and the right equipment. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps and considerations to help you turn your welding passion into a successful home business.

What Equipment Do You Need for Home MIG Welding?

Why Is a MIG Welder Machine Essential?

The heart of your MIG welding setup is the MIG welder machine. This tool is crucial for performing MIG welding tasks efficiently and effectively. When selecting a MIG welder machine, consider factors such as power output, ease of use, and durability. Opt for a model that suits the types of projects you plan to undertake, whether they're small repairs or larger fabrication jobs.

How Do You Choose the Right MIG Welding Gun?

A flex neck MIG welding gun is a valuable accessory that enhances your welding capabilities. Its flexibility allows for better maneuverability in tight spaces and complex welding positions. When choosing a MIG welding gun, ensure it is compatible with your MIG welder machine and suitable for the types of welding you’ll be doing.

What Safety Gear Is Necessary for MIG Welding?

How Does the ESAB Welding Helmet Protect You?

Safety is paramount in welding. An ESAB welding helmet is a top choice for protecting your face and eyes from harmful UV rays and sparks. Look for features such as auto-darkening lenses and adjustable sensitivity to ensure maximum protection and comfort during long welding sessions.

What Role Do Argon Welding Gas Bottles Play?

Argon welding gas bottles are essential for shielding the welding arc from contamination. Argon gas helps produce a clean and strong weld by creating a protective atmosphere around the weld pool. Ensure you have a reliable source of argon gas and the necessary equipment for handling and storing the gas bottles safely.

How to Set Up Your Home Welding Workshop?

What Space Requirements Should You Consider?

Setting up a home welding workshop requires careful consideration of space. Ensure you have adequate ventilation, a sturdy workbench, and enough room to maneuver your equipment and materials. Creating a dedicated workspace will help you maintain organization and focus on your welding projects.

How Can You Ensure Proper Ventilation?

Proper ventilation is crucial to ensure a safe working environment. Install exhaust fans or fume extractors to remove harmful fumes and gases produced during welding. Additionally, consider using air filters or ensuring your workspace is well-ventilated to reduce the risk of respiratory issues.

What Are the Legal and Business Considerations?

Do You Need Any Licenses or Permits?

Starting a welding business from home often requires obtaining specific licenses or permits. Check with local authorities to understand the regulations and requirements for operating a home-based welding business. This may include zoning permits, business licenses, or health and safety certifications.

How Should You Price Your Welding Services?

Pricing your welding services appropriately is key to running a successful business. Research industry standards and consider factors such as material costs, labor, and overhead when setting your prices. Offering competitive rates while ensuring profitability will help attract and retain clients.

How to Market Your Home-Based Welding Business?

What Strategies Can Help You Build a Client Base?

Building a client base for your welding business involves effective marketing strategies. Create a professional website showcasing your services, and utilize social media platforms to reach potential clients. Networking within your community and attending local trade shows or events can also help generate leads and build your reputation.

How Important Is Quality in Building Your Reputation?

Delivering high-quality work is essential for building a strong reputation in the welding industry. Consistently producing excellent results will lead to satisfied clients who may refer you to others. Focus on craftsmanship, reliability, and customer service to establish a positive reputation and encourage repeat business.

FAQ

1. What type of MIG welder machine is best for beginners?

For beginners, a MIG welder machine with adjustable settings and user-friendly features is ideal. Look for models with a lower power output that are easier to handle and operate. Brands with good customer support and comprehensive user manuals can also be beneficial.

2. How often do I need to replace argon welding gas bottles?

The frequency of replacing argon welding gas bottles depends on the volume of welding you do. Regularly monitor your gas levels and keep track of usage to ensure you have an adequate supply. It's advisable to keep a spare bottle on hand to avoid interruptions in your work.

3. Can I use any welding helmet for MIG welding?

While many welding helmets can be used for MIG welding, it's important to choose one with features suited to your needs. An ESAB welding helmet with auto-darkening capabilities will provide better protection and comfort compared to standard models.

4. What should I consider when setting up a home welding workshop?

When setting up a home welding workshop, consider factors such as space, ventilation, and safety. Ensure you have a well-organized and adequately ventilated area with proper equipment to create a safe and efficient working environment.

Starting a MIG welding business from home involves careful planning, the right equipment, and a focus on safety and quality. By following these guidelines and addressing the key considerations, you can set yourself up for success in the welding industry.

#mig welder #esab welding helmet #tuesday weld

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bhagyalaxmiindustrial · 8 months

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Invest in Quality: Explore Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings Today

To start a great undertaking, the significance of selecting the proper substances is critical, which can't be overstated. When it comes to the right pipe fittings and machining gear, stainless steel 316 pipe fittings stand out as a reliable and most demanded solution in the latest marketplace. They play a critical and vital role within the marketplace by ensuring that the system has an easy and seamless flow of liquids and gases. In this blog, we delve into the significance of stainless steel 316 pipe fittings, their applications, and why they're in demand in a brand-new market.

Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings:

Stainless steel 316 is a grade famous for its corrosion resistance and greater sturdiness. When crafted into pipe fittings, it turns into a super choice for programs in harsh environments. These fittings are extensively used in industries that include petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and more.

Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings Stockist

The availability of stainless steel pipe and 316 pipe fittings is important for industries that depend on them for their operations. A reliable stockist guarantees a constant supply of these fittings, stopping any disruptions within the production or processing chain. Whether it is elbows, tees, reducers, or couplings, having a stockist that offers a wide range of fittings is important for the assembly of numerous project requirements.

Stainless Steel 316L Pipe Fittings

A variation of Stainless Steel 316, the 316L grade, offers additional blessings. With a decreased carbon content, stainless steel 316L pipe fittings showcase advanced weldability without compromising corrosion resistance. This makes them appropriate for applications where welding is an important part of the process. Industries that prioritize a mixture of strength and ease of fabrication find 316L fittings to be an extraordinary choice.

Stainless Steel 316L Pipe Fittings Exporter

In the global market, the position of exporters in making pleasant merchandise reachable can't be disregarded. A reliable exporter guarantees that stainless steel 316L pipe fittings meet global standards, making them suitable for initiatives worldwide. The capacity to export wonderful fittings now reflects not only the effectiveness of the exporter but also the general reliability of the stainless steel 316 grade.

Attributes of Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings

Corrosion Resistance: One of the top reasons stainless steel 316 pipe fittings are preferred is their excellent corrosion resistance. This makes them appropriate for applications where exposure to corrosive materials is inevitable.

Strength and Durability: The inherent electricity of Stainless Steel 316, mixed with its resistance to excessive temperatures, makes it a perfect preference for fittings that need to withstand disturbing situations.

Versatility: These fittings are flexible, catering to various industries and programs. Whether it is a chemical plant, a food processing unit, or an oil refinery, stainless steel 316 pipe fittings show their adaptability.

Low Maintenance: The low protection necessities of Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings make a contribution to their value-effectiveness over the long term. Industries can pay attention to their operations without consistent concerns about maintenance or replacements.

Why choose stainless steel 316 pipe fittings?

Longevity: The toughness of stainless steel 316 pipe fittings is a full-size gain. Their corrosion resistance extends their lifespan, lowering the need for common replacements.

Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment in stainless-steel fittings might be higher than a few options, the lengthy-term value-effectiveness is simple. The reduced need for maintenance and replacements translates to savings over time.

Quality Assurance: Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings adhere to stringent, satisfactory standards. When sourced from official producers and providers, those fittings offer a reliable solution for commercial applications.

Global Acceptance: The reputation of Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings on an international scale is a testament to their quality. Industries around the arena depend on these fittings for their essential processes, contributing to the fabric's tremendous use.

Exploring Market Options for Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings

When considering stainless steel 316 pipe fittings for your industrial needs, it's critical to discover dependable market options. A first-rate participant within the enterprise is Bhagyalaxmi Industrial, an organization that has hooked itself up as a manufacturer, supplier, stockist, dealer, and exporter of various metal products.

Bhagyalaxmi Industrial's Commitment to Quality

Bhagyalaxmi Industrial is committed to delivering merchandise of exceptional quality. The agency's wide variety consists of pipes, tube fittings, forged fittings, flanges, sheets, plates, coils, bars, rods, fasteners, and more. Operating within the realm of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, Bhagyalaxmi Industrial guarantees that its merchandise meets worldwide quality standards.

Customization for Client Satisfaction

Understanding the numerous desires of clients, Bhagyalaxmi Industrial gives merchandise in well-known sizes and specs. Additionally, the organization provides customization to satisfy unique demands, making sure purchasers pride themselves. This dedication to flexibility sets Bhagyalaxmi Industrial apart in the aggressive market.

Stabilizing Quality Standards

Bhagyalaxmi Industrial places a sturdy emphasis on continuously stabilizing high-quality requirements. This dedication guarantees that customers can rely on the credibility of the products, knowing that they meet the best industry benchmarks. The organization's commitment to excellence aligns with its intention to present long-lasting and dependable solutions to industries.

Conclusion: Make the Right Investment Today

Choosing the proper supplier is quite important for ensuring a smooth and seamless system. That's where stainless steel 316 pipe fittings play a prime role in the assembly of the needs and requirements for the assignment. The attributes of corrosion resistance, strength, and versatility make them a desired desire in numerous industries. Bhagyalaxmi Industrial is one such logo that delivers them all, along with the proper materials, high quality, and attributes, making them stand out inside the market as an honest companion in supplying pinnacle-notch stainless steel merchandise. Make the proper investment in the right material with the right partner today to have a seamless procedure for your tasks. Contact Bhagyalaxmi Industrial for all of your stainless steel offers and revel in the distinction in quality and service.

#Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings #Stainless Steel 316 Pipe Fittings Stockist #Stainless steel 316L Pipe Fittings #Stainless steel 316L Pipe Fittings Exporter

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nitrosodiumofficialuses · 1 year

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This is some concept art for TWL; namely, the various personnel classes of Hydromorph, and their infected or "Drain" variant after everything goes to hell. Similarly to several different zombie games, the mutation will alter the body based on what state it victim is in, utilizing both hard and soft components to create an amphibious killing machine. Let's talk about the clean drawings first.

Firstly, we have the scientists, dressed in white lab coats and likely orange turtlenecks underneath. They make up the bulk of the Hydromorph workforce, many living within the facility's living quarters to dedicate their lives to studying aquatic life - and that includes waterborne viruses. Next to them is the engineers or "techs", goggle-clad maintenance workers tasked with keeping Hydromorph's pumps and generators operating optimally. Next is the "diving techs", kitted out in diving suits with built-in oxyacetylene torches for underwater welding. Next is the hazmat workers, kitted out in a heavy-rubber protective suit and the distinctive toolbelt with a pipe wrench, walkie talkie and emergency flare. This is Nicolas' role, a research associate tasked with biohazard clean-up and other menial work in environments that would melt through any other uniform. The final role is "Hydro-Sec", the facility's security personnel. Dressed in a riot helmet and strapped into a Kevlar shell, these guards deal with breaches to Hydromorph security, from exterior to interior.

On a good day, these various jobs would coalesce together to keep the gears of Hydromorph running smoothly. Unfortunately, on the day Toxic Waters Lite takes place, nothing runs smoothly, and various members of each class are bitten, mangled, infected, and worse. Let's look at that now.

The scientist Drains are the most common. Given their rational but timid personalities, their white lab coats and orange jumpers have been totally shredded, an after-affect of the scientist's reluctance to damage such a perfect specimen (while it sank its teeth into them). They have greenish skin, covered in pustules and lesions, milky eyes, and a vestigial tendril sprouting from their shoulder. With no specialized mutations, these Drains can be dispatched as easily as any other "walker" type zombie in another game.

Next up is the tech Drain. The engineer's overalls are tattered, now stained with something much redder than any common machine lubricant. Their hard hat is punctured, presumably from a previous survivor's self-defense attempt, or where the progenitor Drain decided to route its infection. The iconic goggles are still fastened to the Drain's head, but its true unique feature is the gnarled right arm, prehensile tentacles tightly wrapped about a bloodied monkey wrench. This gives the tech Drain a much more dangerous melee attack, though at a cost to their balance.

The diver Drain is an interesting one. Assuming the previously living diving tech was infected while in combat with an underwater Drain, the virus augmented its host to be suited better to an aquatic environment. The legs have fused into a spiny, mermaid-esque tail, giving them a vicious edge in the water, but considerably less danger on land. The various tubes and equipment are still fastened to the Drain's body after infection, and while the headgear is gone, a rusty re-breather is still clenched between its slavering jaws. Similarly, the welding torch is still operational, and while it still has fuel, it adds a scorching pain to the infectious slash it has just given you.

The hazmat Drain is a little bit of a hyperbole. Ironically, it shows that Nicolas' orange armor is little more than a wearable traffic cone, and means he's just as susceptible to infection as his co-workers. The front visor is smashed open, revealing the scalled face of a Drain inside. The hazmat suit is stretched to its limits, filled with infectious ichor and bloated body parts. Tubes that once led to oxygen tanks have been ripped out, clenched in a bunch by the hazmat Drain, dripping caustic goo from the suit. In the other hand, the emergency flare has been lit, surrounding this particular mutant with a sinister red glow. Encountering a hazmat Drain should be a big experience for the player, as instantly quells any suspicions about the player being Drain-proof.

Finally, the security Drain. Unlike some other games, this particular strain of infection doesn't retain any marksmanship post-Drainage, but instead, their forearms have been turned into hulking crustacean claws. Sporting a bloodstained helmet visor and a ripped ballistic vest peppered with bullet holes, it is clear that this Drain has already torn its way through at least one survivor already. They will have a charging attack that can instantly kill Nicolas if he doesn't dodge, but this can be staggered by shooting the Drain and breaking its guard.

So, these are the possible character and enemy types for TWL. Pretty neat, right?

#devlog #toxic waters lite #character design #zombie

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myheelsdontmatchmysweatpants · 4 years

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Alright hear me out

Shop professor Denki. He teaches everything from welding to woodworking ( 😏 )

You are late the first day because fuck the public transportation system. You show up in a dress because you didn't have time to change before hand.

Professor Denki decides you can help him show everyone how to properly wear the protective gear for the class. Thankfully he shows everyone how to wear the welding helmet first, he can tell your face is beat red so he takes pity on you. When he ties the welding apron on, you can't help but notice how fucking GOOD he smells. Also why did he have to be so good looking? While he is talking he pushes up the long sleeves of his shirt and your breath hitches when you see the tattoos.

Denki can't help but notice you fidgeting and while it might look like your just nervous to the rest of the class. He can hear your shakey breathing and see the goosebumps on your arms everytime he touches you.

You're so cute and he would have to be blind to not notice how amazing your ass is in the dress you're wearing.

You are never late for a class again after that however, you make sure to show up early enough that you can drop your stuff off in the shop and change. It is not your fault if Denki is in there everytime to see the cute little outfits you show up in.

You have to make the first move because as cocky as he is he can't tell if you actually like him or you just want a good grade. You start off small, asking him about his days before class. Eventually your asking him if he likes your outfits every morning.

@hipster-merchant-of-death @cujoatemyhomework

#denki kaminari #denki kaminari imagine #denki x reader #bhna imagine

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oydan · 3 years

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Title: Content

Pairing: Levi Ackerman x OC

Warning: Mentions of depression and symptoms, violence, dealing with death, curse words.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters let alone the entirety of Attack on Titan. I only own the OC characters mentioned. The credit to the artists if anyone is interested is in the link above along with the character description of the OC featured.

A/N: This one will kind of go a little bit more in depth into their story and why they're still not together. To clarify Levi loves Mel a great deal and simply wants what's best for her in the end. Just because you may feel depressed or sad you still are deserving of love. Just because they aren't together it doesn't mean he deems her unworthy he just doesn't want their love to be based off a savior complex. He wants her genuine love and shows her in the ways he's able to in fleeting moments like this that he is in love with her and is present when she needs him. He's waiting for her until she's ready to be present and take control of her life. This imagine is actually very close to my heart because it was inspired by my own battle with depression. Everything mentioned is similar to what I had gone through and how I tried to hide my pain from my loved ones similar to Mel. How my own boyfriend played a part in my life and came to me in the right moment to be my support during my battle. I hope you all like it. Also if you are suffering through your own battle I urge you to get help. It's good to talk to a good friend or family member you trust, but if you are able to get help from a professional please do. Trust me it's so freeing. Love you all out there reading this. Also my DM's are open if you don't have someone like that in your life. Love yourself.

Please support me by liking, commenting, and/or reblogging my work, please. I follow back everyone that follows me so add me!

Masterlist

The sound of a welding tool was all Levi could hear as he made his way inside the familiar workshop. He was already accustomed to all the junk lying around on the work tables carrying piles of 3D gears and rifles. Any other person would be fascinated with the unique looking gadgets and the steel rods that would be used for the next round of titans they would capture, but Levi spent so much time in this place that he ignored them to get to the individual that made it.

“Mel!” The loud sound of metal forming together stops as the said person turns around with a welding mask on her face. “Oh what’s going on Levi, you need something?”

Sighing, slightly annoyed the girl forgot about the important day Levi proceeds to say, “Eren’s trial is today. You’re supposed to be there with the rest of us.” Finally she pulls her mask up along with the protective goggles she always wore. “Oh that was today huh? Well I trust you and Erwin to get the job done. I still got these restraining weapons to finish up before the next expedition. Those bastards in the capital have been stingy with the gadgets I’ve been making and I can only get so much done in time.” In all honesty she hated continuing working so close under the crown, but the nobles were all aware that she had obtained the same talent for the trade that her father passed on to her so she was practically forced to continue her job. Erwin was able to keep her under the command of the Survey Corps due to her importance on the team, but it meant she would have to work double the amount in order to appease the orders from the capital.

Levi, having known her for the last couple years, saw the fatigue begin to show in the dark circles under her eyes. She had grown a habit of drinking coffee mixed in sage to keep herself awake for the long hours she was needed. Looking on to the work station he could see the familiar red mug that she always used while working. “You should still be there Erwin says it’s not set into stone just yet.” She lets out her own sigh before the blonde takes her protective gear off. “Alright I’ll head over with you. Can you wait for me to take a shower? Unless of course you want to join me.” His fellow captain often teased him by flirting with him which always left him flustered and today seeing the slight sign of sweat sliding from her neck down to the valley of her breasts made it even worse for him. The top few buttons of her blouse were opened so he had the privilege of seeing the descend to the unknown that he had been secretly yearning for. He looks away to stop the growing feelings, but Mel didn’t stop there. Walking over to him to wrap her arms around his neck had forced him to look down at the beautiful woman in front of him. His heart was pounding against his chest while her own filled with butterflies looking at the man up close. She had planned to tease him more with his obvious staring but she had lost all thoughts in her mind and allowed herself to give in to this feeling for just a moment more.

The couple knew that if they wanted to pursue a relationship they could without any issues, but they knew what was stopping them was their duties. It wasn’t like Erwin was opposed to the relationship, in fact he wanted his friends to finally give into their feelings for each other. It was the duty that Mel had held towards her father to avenge his death. Similar to Erwin, Mel couldn’t find it in herself to give up proving that her father was the one in the right. She put herself in danger on the field and had been infiltrating the crown to take them a part which was its own dangerous task. Levi respected her wishes though and even helped in every way possible in hopes that maybe once she completed her goals she would be able to walk away from it all. Levi followed Erwin as a loyal comrade, but he would leave the Corps in a heartbeat if she had asked him to run away with her. Although that seemed to be far from what she wanted to do. In fact what stopped them from being together was how loyal she was to the idea that she would sacrifice everything if it meant getting her revenge. She put her life on the line even when it wasn’t needed. She was careless with her own life and he felt as though she didn’t have the will to live. Despite her happy persona she put up for everyone Levi had come to realize that over the years she was filled with guilt and pain over the people she sacrificed, and was nowhere near proving her father’s innocence or even getting rid of all the titans. She had been drowning in her pain and even though Levi held on to her he knew that she’ll never be able to truly love him until she found her own will to live. He could easily fight the world in her place, but he also knew that in the end he couldn’t be her savior. It wasn’t healthy for her and she never would feel fulfilled if he did it that way. So even though he loved her and would stand by her side no matter what he would have to feel content standing by her for now.

With that being said he kisses her head softly before softly telling her, “We need to go soon. Go shower.” Walking out of the workshop he leaves the blonde behind once again. She knew that she had been slipping slowly in the abyss for some time, but it was similar to drowning. She could see the light in the distance with all her friends and comrades waiting for her, but the ghosts of her past pulled her deeper into the gallows. She would break free for some time to catch her breath but it was an ongoing cycle.

When she was with Levi it would go away for some time but it was still there as time went on. Levi was her breath of air but she yearned for the weight to be taken away so she was able to swim on her own. There were times she had no care for her own life. It felt like an out of body experience she couldn’t control. For so long her will fight didn’t come from anything admirable like for the good of humanity. It came from the will to fight for her own friends she held close to her. Her will came from her hopes to overthrow the crown to stop this madness. It was never for her herself. It was a good anchor for some time but she would think about what would come after she got what she wanted? It scared her but then she would look at Levi and perhaps she saw a future. A future where they would live together in peace away from the pain and guilt. Be married and have kids. For some time she questioned if that would make her happy and make her demons go away. However her guilt from her father’s death held her captive. She would reach for Levi for a fleeting moment to ease the pain, but he knew her too well. She couldn’t use the love and respect to make herself feel better. In fact she didn’t really think it would make her feel better so she never chased after him. She promised she wouldn’t until she was ready to give him everything in her heart.

So that’s what they did. An ongoing cycle that was repeated. Amelia gathered her thoughts and went into the separate bathroom area she installed to wash herself and dressed into her uniform afterwards so they could head straight to the trial for the boy.

She held a special interest in the boy’s key and the basement beyond the walls. Preparing for the expedition they would need to take probably wouldn’t be possible for a while though. The Military Police were doing everything possible to get in their way going as far as to kill the boy. Mel really could care less about the boy. His eyes held a certain animosity towards the titans which was good to an extent, but her gut was telling her to run away while she could. She ignored it though since Erwin had argued he would be the savior they’ve needed. Perhaps he would but to what degree? Could she take more guilt than what she already had?

The blonde looks into the mirror in front of her and puts her wavy mop into a high ponytail. Practicing her smile she would have to put on in front of others until she had enough. With a sigh she pulls herself together to continue her performance. Adding a hop in her step she walks out of the workshop locking it up and turning on her heel to meet up with Levi who was waiting for her. “Alright let’s head out.”

Levi saw the smile on her face and turned away without a word. The couple walked side by side to their destination with other cadets greeting them along the way. The courtroom was grand and Mel wouldn’t expect any less. They take their spots beside Erwin already preparing themselves for the boy on trial.

“For now let me speak. You should only step in when the time seems fit.” Already understanding what the calculating meant the pair nods in understanding. Mel’s eyes catch Nile Dok’s where they stand looking at one another. At one point Mel admired the commander since he was one of Erwin’s classmates that used to visit her before she decided to join as well. Seeing him wear the crest of the Military Police disgusted her for she saw them all as dogs. They were worse than corrupt, they were infested with leeches and he was no different in her eyes. Her eyes scan the rest of the opposing side and see normal citizens probably from the inner wall that would be affected by the change of power. It disgusted her to see these people. It reminded her of why she didn’t want to go in the first place despite her curiosity of Eren. She wanted to look beyond his rough exterior. She wouldn’t let his death weigh on her too heavily if it came to that in the end, but if they were allowed to keep custody of him she would do her best to care for the kid.

The doors open and the room grows quiet seeing the teenager stand there looking confused at first until he realizes where he is. The two Military Police members guide him to the center of the room where he would be chained to a steel pole.

Once he is secured, Darius Zackley comes into the courtroom and takes a seat at the head. “Well then, let us begin. Erin Jaeger, yes? You are a soldier sworn to sacrifice your life for the public good. Correct?”

“Yes sir.”

“This is an exceptional situation. This tribunal will be held under military, not civilian, law. The final decision rests entirely in my hands. Your fate will be decided here. Do you have any objections?”

Mel questioned this entire situation. Even if he did object what good would that do? It would just make it easier for the public to turn on him by the way they presented the case. “No sir.” ‘Good. He’s not as big of a block head as I thought.’

“I appreciate your perception. I will be direct. As expected concealing your existence has proven impossible. We must make your existence public in some form, or a threat to humanity other than titans may arise. What I decide today is which force will have custody of you. The Military Police? Or the Survey Corps? Then I ask the Military Police for their proposal.” Darius finally concluded his speech signaling the true start of the trial.

“Yes sir. I, the commander of the Military Police, Nile Dok, will present my proposal. After a thorough investigation of Eren’s body, we believe he should be eliminated immediately. It’s certainly true that his titan power overcame our previous peril. However, now his existence threatens to spark a civil war. So we ask him to die for humanity’s sake, leaving behind all the information he can.” Mel wasn’t surprised by the coward in front of her. The trio had prepared themselves for this but the priest speaking up was a show in its own right. “There is no need for that! He is an invasive pest! He has deceived the walls that embody God’s wisdom. He must be killed at once!”

“Priest Nick, order please.” Darius speaks up before he begins to preach nonsense to the crowd. “We’ll hear from the Survey Corps proposal next.”

“Yes sir. I, 13th commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin Smith, will present my proposal. We would welcome Eren as an official member of our forces, and use his power to retake back Wall Maria. That is all.” Everyone in the courtroom was surprised by the simplicity of his proposal aside from his comrades that knew or expected as much from their commander. “That’s all?”

“Yes sir. With his power we can retake Wall Maria. We believe it is clear what our priorities should be.”

“I see. And where do you plan to begin this mission? Pixis, the Trost wall has been completely sealed, correct?”

“Yeah. It can never be opened again.” Mel begged to differ but she stayed quiet as ordered.

“We would like to set out from Karanes, in the east. From there we will proceed to Zhiganshina. We will determine the route as we go.”

“Wait a minute! Shouldn’t we seal all the wall gates once and for all? The Colossal titan can only destroy the gates. If we can strengthen them we don’t need to endure further attacks.” This would be the cause of more tension in the room as another citizen speaks up. “Shut up, merchant dog! With that titan’s power we can return to Wall Maria!”

“We can no longer indulge in your delusions of grandeur!”

Levi had enough already of the merchant and finally spoke up. “You talk a lot, pig. Where is your proof that the titans will wait while we seal the gates?”

Hesitant he turns to look at the blonde next to him like the others. “We have great minds like Amelia. We could easily seal the gates w-“ Levi cut him off before he could continue on. “The “we” you speak of are only those you wish to protect, your “friends” who help line your pockets. The people who starve because there isn’t enough land to sow don’t even figure into the thoughts of you pigs.” Levi knew better than anyone the trick of merchants living underground. He could recall all the land dwellers that he used to steal from that was dealing in suspicious activities.

“We just thought that we could survive by sealing the wall gates-“

“Silence! Impious traitor. Mere humans altering Wall Rose, walls that were a gift from God? Can you truly see those walls? God’s work far beyond human capabilities, and not understand?” Mel could feel the sheer annoyance come off her fellow Survey comrades. She didn’t blame them, she felt the same way watching the two idiots argue over walls until Darius bangs his hand on the podium to put order back in the court. “Silence. You may have your personal philosophies and opinions elsewhere. Jaeger, I wish to confirm something. Can you continue to serve as a soldier, using your titan powers to benefit humanity?” The automatic answer came instantly, “Yes sir I can!”

“But the report on Trost’s defense says this..‘Immediately after turning into a titan he swung his fist at Mikasa Ackerman.’ Is Mikasa Ackerman present?”

“Yes, that’s me.” Eyes turn to the young girl with short black hair. “You are Ackerman? Is it true that, as a titan, Jaeger attacked you?”

The other members took note of her hesitancy but it would be understandable considering the report came from another officer. “Yes, it’s true.” The room filled with gasps of shock and fake tears from the priests desperately trying to keep others away from the walls. “I knew it, he's just another titan.”

“But on two previous occasions, Eren saved my life in his titan form. The first time, mere seconds before a titan would have had me in his grasps, he stood between us protecting me. The second time, he saved Armin and me from an HE shell. I would like these facts to be considered as well.”

“I object. I believe these comments are greatly colored by her personal feelings.” Nile speaks up.

“There are no personal feelings being added into those two statements. It’s evidence being added to the matter at hand. Unless you are so opposed to justice to a fellow military member you won’t allow all the facts to be stated for the floor?” Mel challenges the man before he speaks more nonsense. They were well aware of the past of Erin after doing their own research.

“Of course not but then that means we must include both sides. At an early age, Mikasa Ackerman lost her parents and was taken in by the Jaeger household. Our investigation has also revealed a surprising fact about the underlying events. At the age of nine, Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman killed three robbers who tried to kidnap her. Even if it was self defense, I must question their fundamental humanity. Is it right to entrust humanity’s fate, resources, and lives to him?”

This starts a turn in the court that seems hard to calculate how to overturn the public opinion. However, Mel wanted to laugh at the stupidity of sheep and cowards in her vision when one accuses Mikasa as a titan as well. “So is she! Do we know that she’s a human?”

“That’s right! Just to be safe, we should dissect her.”

Madness ran rampant through the courtroom but this was Eren’s own test that will really tell if he’s the savior they’ve been looking for. Mel was prepared to step in but Erwin’s signal to stay back was enough for her to sit back and watch the show. She wanted to laugh but they would probably assume she was a titan too.

“Wait! I may be a monster, but she has nothing to do with it! Nothing at all!” Eren yells towards the crowd.

“We can’t trust that!”

“It’s true!”

“If you’re covering for her, it means she’s one of you!”

“No!” Everyone grows quiet in shock. “ I mean you are wrong but you’re simply coming up with theories that fit whatever it suits you to think.” The opposition was shocked at the young boy calling out their act and Mel smiled finally hearing his words. “What did you say?”

“Besides, all of you people you’ve never even seen a titan! What are you so afraid of? What is the point of those with the means and power do not fight? If you’re afraid to fight for survival, then help me! You cowards! Just shut up and bet everything you have on me!” He strains himself pulling at the chains holding him back. Everyone was captivated but the one person who had been moved was Mel. She didn’t believe the boy was anything more than a hot head and perhaps he was an idiot, but he spouted word for word everything that she thought and felt. Carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders was her duty and her punishment for her being unable to get anywhere different than where she stood when she first joined the military. Yet this boy despite his age was willing to carry the weight that dragged her down. He reminded her of herself when she first lost her father. For a moment, she saw someone worth protecting. “Weapons ready!” Nile begins to panic.

“Yes sir!” A gun was being loaded but Mel had already heard enough. Once Levi read the situation and saw Mel give her approval he had already jumped over the gate separating them from the center, to land a solid kick to the boy’s face shocking everyone. They could see one of his teeth being kicked out of his mouth in the process before he continues his assault on the kid. Mel and Erwin stood in the same place looking on at the vicious attack. Erwin had already known that this would all be needed in order to sway everyone’s opinion. There was no denying that if everyone was so concerned about their safety because of this boy then the best way to convince them was to show them. Mel didn’t want to go this far at first thinking they could learn enough about his body on their own and go to the Wall Maria little by little as they normally do to discover the basement. Erwin was hoping Eren’s conviction would finally get to the woman once he was faced with the Police Force. He played his cards right now that she was on board as well to put their faith in Eren.

“This is a personal opinion. But I believe pain to be the best way to train someone. What you need is to be trained like a dog, not a man. It’s easier to kick you while you’re kneeling, too.” Levi continued to stomp at Eren until Nile spoke, “Wait, Levi…”

“What is it?”

“That’s dangerous. What if he gets angry and turns into a titan?”

“What are you talking about? Aren’t you going to dissect him? When he turned into a titan last time he killed 20 other titans before collapsing. If he is an enemy, his intelligence makes him a more formidable foe. Still no match for me, of course. But what will you do? Anyone persecuting him should also consider that fact. Do you really think you can kill him?” Levi had stopped his assault on the boy who was now laying slack held up by the chains.

“Sir I have a proposal.” Erwin spoke and everyone questioned the sanity of the man who didn’t look the least bit phased at the beating. “What is it?”

“The details of Eren’s titan power remain uncertain. Making it dangerous. Thus, I propose to have Captain Levi take responsibility for Eren’s control and embark on an expedition outside the walls. “

“With Eren in tow?” Darius questions back to the blonde commander wondering what his intentions would be exactly with Eren.

“Yes sir. Based on the expedition's results I’d like to judge whether Eren can control his titan power and whether he is a boon or bane of humanity.”

“Control Eren Jaeger...can you do it Levi?” Looking at the condition of Eren now it would be proof enough. “I’m certain I can kill him. The only problem is I doubt I can do any less.” Levi looked over to the pair waiting for him and saw the approval gleam in each pair of eyes. Mel in particular was looking at him with a happy look on her face already planning what they would do with the boy. She had no doubts they would have any problems with the boy, but she kept the gut feeling she had about him in the back of her mind.

“Then my decision is made. He will be with the Survey Corps.” Everyone in the opposition tried to rebuttal but it was met on deaf ears as the general walked out. With a grin on her face Mel ordered the Military Police to hand over the keys for Eren and once receiving them unlocked the cuffs from wrists. “Come on kid let’s get you checked out.” Putting his arm over her shoulder to help him walk past all the menacing stares without giving them the time of day, Erwin and Levi followed after them.

Helping him sit down on the couch in the room Hange and Mike walked into the waiting room. Hange had a first aid kit with her to help take care of the wounds that Levi had made on him. While she quickly got to work on the poor boy she commented on the entire encounter, “That was really terrible. It hurts right?”

“A little.” Eren responds to the obvious question. Mel chuckles amused at his response. “No need to be a tough guy kid. Levi is a strong little shit for as small as he is.”

“Tch, shut up brat.” Levi rolls his eyes while the blonde laughs at him. “So, how does it hurt?” Hange asks another one of her weird questions catching Eren off guard, but everyone in the room knew it was just the start. Before it continues on Erwin decides to step into the conversation. “I’m sorry, but thanks to that we had you turned over to us.”

“Yes sir.” Eren could tell that was the case when they took him straight to this room to care for his wounds. Despite knowing that though it didn’t stop the fear he felt in the presence of the raven haired man. “The pain you endured allowed me to play my cards at the right movement. You have my respect.” Once Eren heard those words come from the commander he had looked up to for so long, he was overwhelmed with emotions. “Eren, I look forward to working with you.” Startled by his idol he quickly grasps the hand Erwin held out for him.

Levi tired from the long day they all had, he throws himself onto the couch beside Eren making the boy flinch in fear for a second. “Hey Eren.”

“Yes sir?”

“Do you resent me?”

At first Eren hesitates before giving his full thoughts on the beating he had just received. “N-no. I understand why it was necessary.”

“That’s good.” Levi looked pleased with himself making both Hange and Mel annoyed with his attitude of the whole situation. “But you took it a little far. You lost a tooth. Here.” Presenting him with the said tooth Mel looks at it in the handkerchief it was wrapped in. “Don’t pick that up, it's creepy.” Both ignored him. “Huh. I don’t know if we could put that back in, but I could make you a tooth.” She was a master of many trades, but she was positive she could make a fake tooth to replace the old one.

“Even this is an important sample.”

“Eren, it’s still better than getting dissected by people like Hange, right?”

“I’m not like them. I wouldn’t kill him.” It was comical seeing the look of slight fear and disturbed on the boy’s face. “Hey Eren. Let me see the inside of your mouth.” While he did open his mouth Hange saw something strange making Mel lean down to see for herself what made the mad scientist startle. “Oh shit well look at that it grew back.” The rest of the men looked over surprised hearing the news while Hange stayed where she was observing the strange phenomena. “Looks like you’re Hange’s new test subject Eren.” Mel laughs still pretty close to his face; he looks away with a red tint on his cheeks. ‘He’s still very much just a kid’ Amelia thinks to herself. She was fond of Eren already and it seems the boy felt the same in some way. “Hey brat what’s with the blush?” Levi speaks up, making the kid panic at being caught blushing.

All she could do was laugh at this exchange. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad having an addition to their group.

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orionxcastillo · 3 years

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full name: orion castillo nicknames: ori, conejito (”little bunny” in spanish) gender and pronouns: cis man, he / him. age: thirty-eight. date of birth: april 9, 1983. hometown: chelmsford, england. nationality: british born, cuban and american heritage. religion: catholic. sexual and romantic orientation: bisexual biromantic. occupation: antique store assistant. living arrangements: lives on his own. languages spoken: english, spanish. (accent is a mess of english, american, cuban) strange history: edith alby

TW: mental institution, domestic violence, attempted murder, mental instability

Orion’s mother left America to study mythology at a British university. It was there she met his father, also studying. The pair hit it off and eventually married, Orion wasn’t far behind.

The night Orion’s mother told his father they were having a baby she took him outside to star gaze, telling him the stories of the ancient Greeks above. He struggled to see what stars she was talking about, except for Orion’s belt - three stars perfectly lined up together. Just as they would be as a family.

When he was born Orion cried like nothing would ever be okay in the world. The nurses and doctors worried, but found nothing medically wrong. It wasn’t until Orion’s father nursed him by the window, pointing out Orion’s belt to the newborn did he seem to finally calm. The new parents felt the name Orion was fitting, as if he picked it out himself.

Life growing up in the UK had its ups and downs. He didn’t look or sound like the rest of the kids around him - his father was first generation Cuban-British, his mother was American. Sometimes there were fights in the school grounds, or out, some days he just skipped class entirely. Sometimes that was to flirt with the local girls school as they walked by his returning from sports at the nearby oval. If anything he would have thought of his childhood relatively normal, expected even. He did well in class despite his absences, he participated in sports and made friends who would invite him over to watch the latest movie on VCR. It was normal, at least in that aspect of life.

Home life was getting more and more destructive as Orion moved into his teen years. His father was becoming known for outbursts, whether anger or from distress. His mother would pretend all was okay; he was just having a ‘tantrum’ or a ‘funny day’. It was normal! Everyone had trouble sometimes. But sometimes when he was alone with his father he could hear him talking to someone, when the room was empty. He would say something to his father and the man would seem to be in another world entirely, not hearing a word that left his mouth.

Things got the worst when Orion was 15. His grandparents, his fathers parents, moved in. They used the excuse they were struggling with money, but they always seemed to have a wallet full of cash ready to go. He was starting to get pushed out of rooms, told to go study or sleep when he heard his father scream. They didn’t want him to see what was happening to the man. He was sick. Doctors were in and out of the house, sometimes they would help - for a few days the house would grow quiet. Then things would get bad again, and every time it seemed to be getting worse.

Orion spent a lot of time out of home, he would sleep at friends houses or wander the streets. It felt for a while there no one cared what happened to him, he was pushed out and forgotten. Most mothers would worry about their son being out all night, his mother didn’t even notice. She had a lot on her hands, he knows this now, but as a teenager sometimes you need that support.

Everything came to a breaking point when one night that he did happen to be home he was awoken by his mothers screams for help. He scrambled out of bed, launched through the house in nothing but his boxers, to find his father welding a knife trying to prove to everyone they were all dead. He doesn’t remember everything that follows, his mind protecting him from as much trauma as they can. All he knows is he put himself between his mother and the knife, tackling the man he had looked up to as a child.

Orion, his mother, and his father all ended up in hospital that night. His grandparents came home after a later dinner party in time before trauma turned to tragedy. Doctors submitted his father into the psych ward as his grip on reality slipped away completely. His mother would come to divorce his father, his grandparents taking care of the man moving him to a care facility where he remains today. His mother would take Orion across the sea to America where her family would welcome him.

Orion would struggle after what he went through, it wasn’t allowed to be talked about - his mother wanting to forget it ever happened. A fresh start, why would they dirty it up with what has been? She would go on to work at Pleasance library whilst Orion finished his education through home schooling. He was of age to get a job so filled his free time working small jobs around town, planning to build enough funds that at age 18 he would return home to England.

Except he never did. Ask him today and Orion will probably shrug as to why not, honestly he doesn’t quite know. There was something about this town, he didn’t really feel like leaving. Ever. Strange, no? In his time in Pleasance Orion has made friends, had good and bad relationships, lived a typical life. He moved into his own flat, even bought himself a cat to keep him company. His mother eventually retired and calls in on him far too often but he humours her, knowing she never meant him harm.

Over the years Orion has received letters from his family in England looking to update him on the state of his father but they go unanswered. Truthfully, he wishes they would stop, but part of him would appreciate that the line of contact always stayed open. It was just more annoying than welcoming when a letter showed up in his mailbox.

The last few years Orion has been working at For Keeps, the antique store. He likes working there because there is always something new in store, something he had never seen before or a story locked away inside. Orion liked to research the history behind them, filling his time with books at the library or fingers tapping away at the keyboard as he looks online for further information. It feeds his curiosity, making it always annoying when he hits a dead end.

Life was normal, well as normal as you can get in this town (it’s always been a bit strange). Except, well, there was the fact he was seeing dead people. Well, Orion isn’t completely sure they’re ghosts. It’s not everywhere nor is it all the time. He first noticed it around five years ago, or maybe it was longer than that. They would just be there, doing their thing, when a figure that didn’t belong would join him. The ‘ghost’s don’t talk to him, not really. Sometimes they utter a word or shake their head but it’s never enough to know what they want from him. Occasionally they move his things, or things around the store, or follow him around as if they were breathing down his neck.

Orion would be more distressed over the idea of ghosts if it wasn’t a more comforting idea than what happened to his father. Ghosts meant he wasn’t insane, just haunted. That he could handle, they didn’t bother him enough for it to disrupt his life and sometimes the company was nice on a slow day. Of course he told literally no one of the things he was seeing, they would call him crazy and break his mothers heart. If she ever found out she would have him hospitalised and possibly end up there herself.

Telling himself it was ghosts felt easier than the fact he was of the same age his father was when he lost touch with reality, that the things his father saw could be appearing in front of his own eyes. To turn into the man he left behind so long ago was his worst nightmare - he may not have an exciting life but he had one he longed to hold on to. So ghosts were easy to handle, for now at least. Trauma from his father? He’ll pass on that one, even if it meant his own health was a risk.

Orion to his friends is just like his cat, he likes to find somewhere warm and settle. If he’s at the bar he’s in the corner booth with his drink, maybe a book in hand until company joins him. He likes to check out sometimes, go out to the lake with some camping gear and forget the worst exists. You’re lucky if he invites you along, he clearly doesn’t want to forget you.

Orion almost always is carrying a packet of cigarettes, a notebook or novel, a packet of gum and spare change. He walks most places so his car is collecting dust in its garage. He likes to cook for people, as long as you’re not a picky eater. He is often scribbling in his notebook, whether reminders or notes on something he’s researching, or poems no one is supposed to ever hear.

To most Orion is known as Ori, his parents are the only one who would call him conejito, which means ‘little bunny’.

OOC:

My name is Jen but for less confusion you can call me J. I’m 27, live in Australia, and have been on Tumblr for like... over 10 years. Love me.

He is open to all kinds of connections, I do not have a specific list so just hit me up to plots.

@phqextras

#domestic violence tw #mental institutions tw #attempted murder tw #mental instability tw

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megalony · 5 years

Text

I see the light

This is a firefighter! Ben Hardy AU I came up with which I hope everyone is going to like, there is a second part to this.

Taglist: @lunaticspoem @butlegendsneverdie @langdonzvoid @jennyggggrrr @rogermeddow @radiob-l-a-hblah @rogertaylorsbitontheside @chlobo6 @rogertaylors-lipgloss @sj-thefan @omgitsearly @luckytrashgooprebel @scarsout @deaky-with-a-c @killer-queen-ofrhye @bluutac @vousmemanqueez @jonesyaddiction @rogahs-drowse @milanosaurus @httpfandxms @saint-hardy @7-seas-of-fat-bottomed-girls @mrsalwayswritex @rogerina-owns-me

Ben Hardy masterlist

Part 2

Summary: Ben is a firefighter and it is his last shift before he takes time off to be with (Y/n) when their baby is born. But his last shift doesn’t go to plan and an accident happens.

Enjoy.

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"You said you'd finished now." (Y/n) cast her eyes across the room to look at her husband, watching his shoulders fall as they released some of the tension they always held. He had his back to her but upon hearing her words, he turned around so he could see her as he buckled up the black belt looped through his dark green trousers.

"And you said you'd take it easy." Ben responded, watching (Y/n)'s head tick to the side as she sighed, both of them knowing it wasn't the same nor was it that simple. Finishing with the belt around his hips, Ben walked over to where she was standing near their shared bed, reaching his hands out so he could gently cup her face in his hands. He saw the look in her eyes that showed she was trying to be angry at him but she couldn't quite manage it.

Ben brushed his thumb over the corner of her mouth before he leaned his head down to steal a kiss.

"That's not the same and you know it." A grin took over Ben's features when (Y/n) pouted, her expression showing she wasn't angry or that serious but he knew she was a bit upset. "Ben you promised-"

"I know, I know and I'm sorry. But I get paid forty quid this week for just being on call, that kinda means I have to go in if they ring me. It's just tonight, then Sammy goes on call and I'm off work I swear." Ben tilted (Y/n)'s head up a little so she was properly looking at him as he brushed his thumbs over her cheeks, waiting for her reaction.

He knew he had promised her that he would take more time off work now since they were due to have the baby any day now but this was an offer he couldn't refuse. As a back up at work in case someone called in sick or couldn't do their shift, they always put someone else on call and that meant Ben got forty pounds for that week he was on call simply for not having a drink and waiting around in case he was needed to cover a shift. Plus if he was needed, he got paid the usual rate for that shift so it was an extra forty pound and an extra days wages. He knew when the baby was born he wouldn't be going on-call or taking many extra shifts for a while so he thought he'd do it now because the money would come in handy down the line.

"Just tonight?" (Y/n) looked slightly sceptical, like she was sure Ben had agreed to extra shifts behind her back. Ben didn't tell her he was on call because he knew she was anxious about having the baby and he didn't want to distress her if he didn't actually have to go to work. It was just one night shift and then he didn't have to go to work for another four weeks after the baby was born.

"Yep, just tonight. So don't go having this one tonight without me, okay?" Ben moved his hand down to rest against (Y/n)'s stomach as he tipped his forehead against her own. As long as she didn't go into labour tonight which they both knew was highly unlikely, then everything would be fine and go smoothly.

"Okay."

"That's my girl. I gotta go now but I'll be back first thing in the morning." All of Ben's shifts were twelve hours, sometimes a bit less if they finished a job early or sometimes a bit late depending on how quickly they got back to the station and cleaned up.

One shift.

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Shutting the door with a bang, Ben turned his head to the left to look out of the window, a smirk on his lips as he watched Joe shake his head with pursed lips before he sighed and climbed into the back seat instead of the front. He had been so close to getting in the front seat before Ben appeared out of nowhere and practically jumped up into the seat.

Ben dragged his nails down the overalls he was wearing, trying to smooth out the creases but they were staying put. He hated the way they bunched up when he sat down or the cringy sound they made when he was jogging or running but they had to wear them for protection. If they were caught in a fire or near any hazardous substances, the uniform was easy to clean and harder for fires to eat away at. He could never wear the jacket when they were in the fire engine, Ben sat and squirmed when the seatbelt pressed against the jacket and made noises or made him feel constricted when he tried to move. The only part of the uniform Ben actually liked were the gloves they sometimes had to wear.

"Why the Hell are you here anyway, Jones, I thought you were on time off?" Joe stated playfully as he leaned forward and planted his hands down on Ben's shoulders. Joe had been a firefighter a lot longer than Ben but he had been the one to show Ben the ropes and really get to know him.

"Johnny's off sick, I'm on call 'til the morning." Ben turned his head to the side so he could see his friend who nodded, a teasing smile on his lips that let Ben know he was in for a good night shift. Whenever Joe was around there was always a joke to be made or something said to lighten the mood and he made the job better and much more bearable. Some of the things they saw and the places they had to go could make everything else seem unreal or suddenly grim or not worth it. A little humour was sometimes needed in this job.

"Didn't think you'd be in anymore, with your due date being round the corner mate." Adam, who was driving, chipped in with a smile that felt contagious to Ben.

"Only for tonight, then I'm off for when the baby comes." Ben couldn't help but grin to himself, his eyes rolling when he felt Adam lean over and nudge him playfully in the shoulder.

"How is the Mrs?" Joe prompted with a grin.

"She's great, we should be having the baby any day now." A glimpse of a bright smile pulled at his lips and as the thought started to run around his mind, the more his smile became wider. They needed to keep the atmosphere happy and light so when they went to whatever scene they were aiming for now, no one would have their mind wandering to the bad stuff.

If Ben or anyone else worried too much about what they were doing or if they could get everyone out safely then they could lose focus of the job and nobody wanted that.

"Alright boys, we all know what to do." Adam spoke up before all six of them hopped out of the engine, knowing another one was going to turn up too within the next ten minutes since this looked like a big scene to take care of.

Ben used to hate the jobs that got him covered in grime, smoke and dust because it was so hard to clean from his skin, even when he was wearing the protective gear that he didn't even have to wash himself. It turned his blond hair black, made his eyes irritable and made his lungs feel horrible until he was sure he was coughing up chunks of his lungs. He had to scrub his skin until it was red raw to get the dirt off and even then the smokey smell still clung to him like a bad penny following him around.

It was simply second nature now and not something that bothered him, but he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

Ben did up the rather bulky protective jacket he had to wear that was florescent so if in a dark building, he could be spotted easily by anyone who needed help. He grabbed his helmet that always felt like it was welded to his head which made sure it stayed on, before he turned to look at Joe.

They had to know who was going to try and put out the fire and who was looking for casualties. Before Joe even had the chance to speak, all of them cowered and stooped over when they felt the ground shaking. Their heads turned in the direction of the burning building they had turned up to, their eyes focusing on the third floor which was clearly caving in.

"There are people in there and we need to get them out from the bottom and work our way up. Ben, Tyler, you're with me, we'll go round the back, you lot get the water ready." No sooner had the words passed through Joe's lips, all of them were moving in the directions they had been told.

If they got people out from the top of the building first then the people at the bottom levels were at risk of getting crushed or trapped if the building collapsed onto them. Everyone at the top had a better chance because if their floor collapsed, they weren't going to be stuck at the very bottom underneath the rubble.

Turning around a corner on the second floor, Ben tried his best to see properly but all he could make out was the vibrant colours of burnt orange, sienna and a dark yellow. All of it reminded him of a darkened version of the sun that was being shrouded by black like some kind of premonition. The smoke was thick in front of his eyes but the helmet stopped it from irritating his eyes.

He had to keep a mental map of the building so he knew his way back out again once he got this floor cleared. Once in a while Ben would pass by a window and feel the sprays of water from his team trying their best to get rid of the flames trying to eat away at the building and its occupants.

Just as he was about to call it in that this floor was clear, his head snapped to the right when he heard someone coughing. He held his hands out in front of him so he didn't bash into anything. He curled his hand around a doorframe and lowered himself down so he was crouching as his eyes found those of a woman who couldn't have been more than twenty-three or twenty-four.

Reaching his hand into his pocket, Ben grabbed a small cloth and held it out to her before motioning to his mouth.

"Breathe through this, it'll help with the smoke." She seemed hesitant for a moment or two but when Ben's hand didn't move or waver, she reached out and gratefully took the cloth. She pressed it tightly to her lips and nose before placing her free hand in his when his arm didn't retract. "Anyone else here?" He scanned his eyes around but he took her word for it when she shook her head.

Ben wrapped one arm around her shoulders, keeping her tucked into his side as he slowly started to guide the pair of them back out of the room. When he felt the floorboards beneath them beginning to shake and rumble like the stomach of a hungry beast, Ben pulled the woman down to kneel on the floor like they were praying. He could feel his heartbeat in his ears and the blood furiously pulsing through his veins which was something he had never gotten used to in this job.

When it felt safe enough to move, Ben gently tugged on the woman's arms to signal that they needed to go. He held her upright when she stumbled and guided her through the next doorway until they reached the fire escape he had jogged up to get here.

"Go down to the ground floor, there'll be medics waiting down there I promise." Ben urged her to go down the stairs, watching until she was safely on the first floor before he strode up the fire escape to the third floor, taking two steps at a time. "Second floor's cleared, heading up to meet Tyler on third." Ben spoke into the radio before clipping it back to his waist as he barged in through the door, trying to breathe properly but there was a lot more smoke and fire up here than down below.

Ben hadn't long gotten through the door when he saw the reflective jacket that matched his own as Tyler came into view with a child in one arm and a woman clinging to his other arm.

"There's a kid in the back room, better hurry, the fire started on this floor i the next apartment." Tyler nodded his head to the left in the direction Ben needed to go to and he nodded, moving his elbow to rest in front of his mouth before he started walking, trying to be quick but careful at the same time.

Ben had to crouch down and curl up when what he could only guess was a door or a plank of wood crashed down somewhere and it sparked flickers of broken wood and flames to circle through the air. If the scene was recorded and played in slow motion it would have nothing on how Ben was seeing the apartment. Through all of the smoke and the debris around him, those few flickers of light that were aiming for the sky looked so beautiful compared to the havoc the fire was creating.

Ben jumped from left to right to avoid the small spits of fire licking at the floor before he reached what he guessed was the back room. He didn't need to call out to find the child that Tyler had been talking about. Ben heard the screams that were cut off by chokes of smoke and gasps for clean air that wasn't available in here.

The blond grabbed a cloth from his pocket ready for the child he was trying to reach. He followed the cries until he realised the child must be cowering behind the mattress that was pushed upright leaning against the wall. Ben crouched down at the side of the mattress and found a young boy of around five, maybe, curled up with his knees held to his chest. Ben didn't need to say anything before the boy flung himself at Ben's chest, not caring about anything other than getting out.

Not bothering to give the cloth to the boy who had already gotten his face tucked into Ben's neck, he simply got to his feet and turned around to backtrack and get out.

"I gotcha, mister. It's okay."

Taking a deep breath, Ben tried to head back but he only got through one doorway and into what he guessed was the kitchen before a flickering sound caught his attention. He turned his head to the left before glancing to the right, narrowing his eyes to try and see through the fog of smoke that was like a black glittery mist that wasn't disappearing even when he waved his hand through the air.

Holding the boy to his chest with one arm, Ben fumbled around his belt for the radio strapped there as he slowly started to back away from the right side of the room.

"Guys, t-there's a gas leak on floor three."

"Get out now." Was Joe's bitten back response and Ben could hear Tyler yelling in the distance but he couldn't make out what he was saying.

Listening to Joe's advice, Ben started trying to head out of the room again but he had to stop just short of the doorway when the fire started to spread from the door along the floor in front of the doorway. Ben quickly set the young boy down in front of him before he shrugged off his jacket and dumped it on the flames that were blocking the exit. He stomped his boot against the jacket to put out the fire before urging the boy to carry on. When the young boy didn't move an inch, paralysed with fear, Ben grabbed him under the arms and started to run, trying to dodge the weaker floorboards or the pits of fire to get back to the fire escape.

Just as the fire escape was coming into view, Ben reached down and pressed the button on his radio when a muffled sound came through.

"Chemicals!"

That was the one word that flooded through the radio louder than any of the sounds surrounding Ben before all he could hear was a high pitched whining sound drilling in his ears like a constant alarm.

He didn't know what had happened, he was no longer stood on his feet or leaning to the right trying to run. He could feel his right arm pressing into the floor that was melting against his skin and he could feel his body weighted down onto the floor. He knew his arms were still wrapped around the young boy, but he couldn't open his eyes, he couldn't hear anything above the ringing alarm in his ears. And when he opened his mouth to scream, he felt his vocal cords shaking from the force of the air leaving his lungs, but his voice made no sound in his ears.

The moment a hand rested on his arm Ben let out another scream that barely managed to burst through his eardrum but it sounded like a faraway scream rather than one from his own lips.

"Ben...Ben it's Joe, buddy we need to get you up and out." Joe started to rub his hand up and down Ben's arm to try and get him to listen because they needed to get him out of here before the whole place went up in smoke or another explosion rocked the floor.

"Mate, let him go I got him I swear." Tyler patted Ben's blistered hands to try and make him loosen his grip around the young boy he was still latched onto, his mind still so sure that he had to protect the boy who had clung to him. Ben finally relented his grip on the boy as his hearing started to come back better and proper. He felt the boy being shuffled from his grip but Ben soon found his arms shaking but he couldn't feel any pain anywhere on his body.

Looking over at Tyler, Joe nodded his head towards the boy to see how he was but the grave shake of Tyler's head told him too much.

The boy wasn't alive.

"Ben, I need you to sit up because we gotta go." Slowly moving Ben's left arm, Joe tried to ease his friend up and he slipped his arm around his neck but when he was about to get Ben stood up, the blond shook his head.

"I can't see."

Peering closer at Ben, Joe realised that Ben's eyes were, in fact, open now when they had been snapped shut just moments ago. All of Ben's face was covered in black soot and grime and it was clear there were blisters beginning to form around his eyes and nose. But his eyes were darting side to side beneath his half-lidded eyes but they weren't seeing anything but darkness.

"It's the dirt, keep your eyes tightly closed until we get you out and we'll clean them but we really have to go." They could clean Ben's eyes but they couldn't do that here, they didn't have the time to wait here for a moment longer and Ben knew it.

He let Joe heave him to his feet and drag him out of the building in a heap. The blond latched his hand onto the metal handrail of the stairwell, slumping as his feet kept bashing against the steps as he was dragging his legs instead of lifting them up. His head hung forward as his breathing started to turn rapid as the adrenaline was coursing through his veins but it was allowing some of the pain to run through his body. Ben could feel the burns on the right side of his body, especially on his arm and his hands, he could feel the smoke circulating through his lungs making him cough and gag, spewing spit and blood onto the stairwell at his feet.

But what really burned was his eyes.

It was worse than any other accident he had had before because it was like someone was scratching at his retinas with sharp claws that were cutting through tissue. He could feel his eyelids pushing together to stop the pain but it wasn't working, they felt like they were swelling up like balloons. His nose was beginning to itch and burn but his eyes were on fire. Ben had looked into the sun and it was scolding him.

A shiver ran down Joe's spine as he cringed at the sudden scream that tore loudly from Ben's lips. The moment Ben felt his feet scuffing against the concrete floor he let his weight flop down so he was no longer leaning on Joe. He fell down to his knees and immediately rubbed the palm of his hands up against his eyes that were sizzling like they were frying in a pot of oil.

"It fucking burns!" Ben sobbed through the three little words that made Joe choke on air, feeling tears in his own eyes at the sheer agony in Ben's words. He was on fire in almost every part of his body and it was torture.

"Adam, grab me some clean water and a cloth!" Joe yelled before he slipped his hands under Ben's arms and dragged him a few metres away from the building just to be on the safe side. He didn't want any of his team being too close in case another explosion rattled through and injured anyone else or made Ben's injuries more severe.

Collapsing down to his knees, Joe kneeled behind Ben and reached his arms around, gently pulling Ben to lean back against his chest. The moment Adam ran over with a thermos of water and a clean cloth, Joe grabbed them and poured the water onto the rag.

"Alright mate, tilt your head back for me and open your eyes as wide as you can." Joe eased Ben's head back onto his shoulder before he placed the rag over Ben's eyes and pressed it down onto his eyes like he was making a mould of them. A guttural moan left Ben's mouth at the feeling of the lukewarm water simmering into his eyes so much so that he thought it would have evaporated and created a puff of smoke into the air.

Joe shakily removed the cloth, added some more water and then placed it back again to try and clean any dirt, chemicals or just smoke dust from Ben's eyes before they did any lasting damage. He kept his arms tight around Ben's frame who dug his nails into Joe's arms when a loud explosion sounded and Ben didn't need his sight to know the building was crumbling.

"Eyes wide open for me." Joe spoke calmly and soothingly as he removed the cloth, setting it down on his lap before he poured the water over Ben's eyes. He winced as Ben started to jolt and writhe as he screamed like he was being tortured as the water entered his eye sockets and ran down his features. Joe dabbed at Ben's eyes with the cloth to clear the water before he started doing the same to Ben's right arm that was rather badly burned to the point the bone could almost be seen.

"Ben, we've got an ambulance here ready to take you mate." Adam's voice shook as he tried to stay calm but he had never seen Ben in such a state before.

"I can't see." Ben almost whimpered the words as he tried to blink the water out of his eyes but it wasn't helping his damaged vision. He could see nothing but black and specks of orange like the flickers of the flame he had noticed in the flat. What if he was destined to see sparks of the fire that could have blinded him forever? What would he do if his every waking moment was going to be spent watching sparks fly like a tormentor never leaving him alone?

What if he never got to see (Y/n) again? She hadn't had the baby yet, what if Ben wasn't going to be able to see how his baby looked or see them grow up and see which parent they turned out to look like?

Ben couldn't be blind, he had to see his baby.

"Shh, it's alright-"

"I can't fucking see!"

#ben hardy #ben x reader #ben hardy imagine #dad! ben #imagine #borhap #au #firefighter #joe mazzello #i see the light

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joshslater · 5 years

Text

Non-Minkowski Space

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Human Trial #1 -00:01:00

One minute left. My mind was racing. This must have been what the first astronauts felt. Any small error and it would be over for them, only that I had it worse. This was all my invention, my design, my engineering. It was all on me. Not an army of the best and brightest of the country, pouring over every calculation, assumption, circuit and weld to find flaws.

But I’ve sent literally hundreds of probes already. I’ve tested every element on the periodic table I could get my hands on. I’ve tested complex organic materials and verified them after they came back. I’ve tested insects, rodents and my neighbors bunny. I haven’t tested any large animals, but I’ve tested masses larger than me, and volumes larger than me, and just yesterday I tested 214.2 lbs, exactly what I weighed at that point.

All tests were flawless, except for equipment issues. That’s were I would be worried. The science is as solid as it is simple. By inducing harmonics to the sub-atomic elemental spins in a body of mass you can get its positional waveform to interfere with echos of itself from the underlying space structure and create a local probability top at a different time and place. Time travel, teleportation, or both, depending on the harmonics you use. For a short while at least, until the harmonic subsides and you return back. The math is a nightmare, but the actual hardware isn’t that difficult to set up even in an apartment. Which I did.

Human Trial #1 -00:00:30

I’m a theoretical physicist, not an engineer, so of course it is the equipment I’ve had issues with. But I can’t think of a scenario that would be fatal to me. Obviously, otherwise I wouldn’t be standing here. Any misalignment or feed issues with the field generators would just create dissonant harmonics that would fail to take me anywhere. Since the actual displacement is instant I don’t worry about power failures either. Once there I have 45.3 minutes until the harmonics dissipates and I’ll return back regardless what the equipment is doing. I’ve already probed the location multiple time. It’s a back alley in Seattle in 2202-08-15 22:01. My autonomous drone managed to do some surveying and get some photos of local fashion. I feel ridiculous in my approximation of the clothes, but you need to start somewhere. Document everything and iterate. I don’t expect to get any groundbreaking inventions in the first visit, but as I get better and better at blending in I can hopefully get hold of more and more advanced schematics.

Human Trial #1 00:00:00

It just happened. No light effects. No sound. Just instantly standing there. It looked just like when I loaded the 3D capture in my VR goggles. I carefully walk out into the street. Not many people around, fortunately. It would have been safer to show up somewhere further from downtown, but the goal now is to collect as much everyday information as possible. Look into the shop windows. The drone had shown that was still a thing, even in Amazon’s home town.

Human Trial #1 00:00:00 [+00:07:12]

The alarm is sounding “Contamination Alert” over and over. I start to move away, but the sound follows me. I don’t see where it comes from. Less than 30 seconds later someone in a police uniform with a face covering helmet steps in front of me, gun drawn. I barely understand his accent, but it’s clear he wants me to remain still. Bright lights are hovering above me. I look up but see nothing but blinding, white dots shining down on me. Then a sort of transparent shower curtain is lowered all around me. Without warning it collapses in on me, like a vacuum pack machine preparing a steak for sous vide cooking. I can breathe, I can wiggle, but I can’t move. I’m lifted off the street and transported away with the city rushing beneath me.

Human Trial #1 00:00:00 [+00:21:44]

I’m lowered into some sort of ER and placed on a bed. Medical staff wearing full protective gear and breathing apparatus secure me to a bed before they cut away my confinement, and clothes. They strip everything from me, including my watch. A well rehearsed sequence of objects are placed on me, like small, high tech snails. I’m not that worried about essentially being tied to a bed. All devices are still recording. In 20 minutes I will be back in the apartment and can start go over everything they captured, and there is so much technology in this room.

Despite the strong accent I can understand some of what they are saying. Phrases like “I thought all of them had already been solved” and “they will have to make a full sweep. This will not be good for the senator”. An absolutely stunning nurse enters my field of vision. She looks at me with kind eyes filled with pity. She inserts some sort of breathing apparatus into my mouth and secures it. She strokes my hair and tells me in a low voice “This will all be over soon”.

I start to panic. If they cut anything off it will be detached even when I blink back. If I die here I die everywhere. Anything injected or inserted however will remain. But what happens to things that chemically bonds? Oh, God! I should have thought about chemical interactions. Breathing should be fine. I inhale oxygen, but that binds with carbon that I then exhale. When I swap back, will all the oxygen in my blood stream remain and I suffocate? No, Bun-e survived and didn’t even look hurt or even surprised coming back.

The staff start arranging equipment around me. Someone attaches a drip bag to my arm. Two other start placing adhesive pads on specific points on my body and connecting them to a machine. Despite my rising panic I note that all of them look like photo models. Then they all leave the room.

Human Trial #1 00:00:00 [+30min?]

It takes a minute, but then everything comes to life and starts whirring and humming. I can feel a warmth spreading throughout the body. I can see a counter on one of the displays that probably is time. 15 more minutes and this will all be over. I can feel my body shift slightly.

Human Trial #1 00:00:00 [+55min?]

Still strapped in bed. I can’t tell time precisely, but by now I should definitely have jumped back. Though my arms and legs are still held in place, even from this locked down position I can see that my body has undergone drastic changes. My belly is gone and instead I have a much more athletic physique. Is this why the probability function isn’t collapsing back? The mass is too entangled in the new mass that this has become the new, most probable position. That shouldn’t be possible, although as the foremost and only authority in my field of time travel I admit there is more research to be done.

Human Trial #1 +00:00:01

I’m back in my apartment. I hear equipment and pieces of torn clothes falling down around me. No, I was right. Introducing atoms with different harmonics and chemically bond them will introduce dissonance that prevents concurrent collapse. So instead, like metronomes on a table, they will slowly synchronize and then decay in unison until the probability wave collapses back.

I realize I’m still doing theoretical physics instead of facing the fact that my body is unrecognizable. I look younger, feel younger, although I’m buffer than I’ve ever been before in my life. I get up and rush into the bathroom. What did they do to me?

Human Trial #1 +00:00:24

I... I guess I can live with that.

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bssaz97 · 5 years

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Post RWBY AU: Training Pains Part 1

* I decided to make another post in this AU as I’m captivated by it at the moment. Hope you guys will like more of Rowan.*

There was a time in everyone’s life where all their hard work was rewarded with either victory, accomplishment, or satisfaction.

...Today wasn’t one of those days.

- Signal Academy, Training Room -

Rowan: Aaaahh! Oof!

Rowan was thrown across the stage and landed on the ring’s wall. A buzzer goes off signaling the end of a sparring match. A match Rowan lost.....again. With a grunt the young red head got up off the floor and picked up his practice scythe. The instructor, a older woman in her mid 60s with graying black hair. She walks to the center stage with a clip board and a smile on her face.

Mrs. Hutchison: Very good. Another excellent match for you Peri, you saw your opponent’s openings and you made swift advantage of them.

Peri: Thank you mam.

The young boy named Peri, who welded dual swords sheathed his weapon with a smile. When he looks at Rowan his friendly smile was replaced with a smug grin. This was his third match with Peri and boy did his fellow classmate loved holding that over his head. Like it was an accomplishment for him.

In front of instructors, Peri was an obedient and excelling student, but when they weren’t watching his personality changed and he had the tendency to act like a...what was that word Mr. Whitley would call people who are arrogant and rude...‘duckhead?’ Yeah something like that. Anyway, Peri was one of the top students in the class and had won five fights in the first month of his first year, three of which were against him. Peri made it a point to hold that over his head and call him a ‘second rate’ fighter and a huntsman wannabe. Well he wasn’t wrong about his fighting ability.

Rowan was not a bad student academically or physically during his first month at Signal, but he was ashamed to admit that he was...‘trash’ with a scythe. Rowan only wanted to be like his mom and started to train with a scythe but while training with her was good, it became apparent that he was not as making any progress with her teachings. What made today worse was that his aunt was overseeing the match from the back of the class. Something about being there for moral support but he had the suspicion that she had an alternative motive. Especially since she’s been eyeing Peri after he did a certain maneuver that flips him on his back.

Mrs. Hutchison: Rowan, Mr. Rowan!

Rowan: Huh?

Class:(Starts uproariously laughing)

Mrs. Hutchison: Well Rowan, have you been paying attention to what I was saying you would have heard that while you are an a quick to your feet against your opponent, you are lack skill in landing a hit on your opponent. Also your scythe technique is...less to be desired. I would suggest that you either spend time after school in the training room or change to another weapon choice.

Rowan: Thank you mam.

*Riiiiinnnnggg*

Mrs. Hutchison: Alright children remember that your other classes will begin their first exams in two weeks so it’s advisable to study for them. You’re all dismissed. Well, except you Mr. Rowan I need to have a brief word with you and your aunt in my office, if you would please. Your mother will also be here shortly.

Rowan: ....Yes mam.

- Mrs. Hutchison’s Office -

Ruby walks into the office of the older teacher and sees her sister and son there waiting for her to arrive.

Mrs. Hutchison: Ah Miss Rose thank you for coming it is a pleasure for you to join us today.

Ruby: Thank you Mrs. Hutchison, it’s good to see you too. Wish it was during different circumstances though. You said you had something to speak to me about Rowan’s performance in combat class?

Mrs. Hutchison: Yes, I’m afraid it’s not good news. You see Rowan here has lost three matches in the first month of the class since he started. While he is academically excelling in the lecture side of this class, I’m afraid that if he loses another match, he could be at risk of failing my class.

Ruby/Yang: What?!

Ruby: But I thought the total number of lost matches for a student to fail was five. There must be a mistake.

Mrs. Hutchison: I wish there was, and you are correct that the original number was five while you two were students was five. But the school changed that rule when the council amended new regulations to the combat school curriculum. Unfortunately, the changes that came saw fit to create more effective hunters by lessening the number of loss matches from five to three.

Yang: Create more eff-they want to make better hunters by increasing the chances of failing. That’s stupid!

Mrs. Hutchison: I agree, I tried to have Signal request a appeal for the amendment to be revoked or at least changed but I was out voted. I’ll be honest with you ladies, I don’t want to do this to your son, he is a very sweet boy, very honest and hardworking. However, if Rowan does not improve in his combat class it could cost him his grade for the first year.

Both Ruby and Yang look at each other, showing much concern about the situation. They would have to think of something if they wanted to help Rowan get through the first year.

Yang: When will his next match be?

Mrs. Hutchison: ...two weeks.

Ruby/Yang: *thinking* ‘Shit...’

- Rose Household -

Yang had given her scroll to Ruby to look at the footage she took from the fight and both watched how the fight went down. Ruby wanted to be supportive of her son in all things that he did, but this was particularly difficult to watch. Her maternal instincts were telling her that she should have prepared Rowan better from his training with her and Yang. However, her huntress side was critiquing on how her son had missed many of his attempted strikes and was lugging his practice scythe all over the arena. Eventually she reaches the end of the video, Ruby gives Yang back her scroll and presses her finger tips together to gather her thoughts.

Ruby: ......I didn’t want to believe it but she’s right. Rowan’s fighting skills are not up to par.

Yang: Yeah, I don’t even think you had it this bad when you first started.

Ruby: Yeah....Hey!

Yang: Ruby if anything that was a compliment. I’m looking at this and I can already tell that Rowan’s getting his ass whooped every match. Especially with that Peri kid. He’s not great, but with Rowan’s fighting it makes him look good.

Ruby: Oh my poor baby, he’s probably feels so discouraged right now. But I don’t know how to help him, I’m doing everything that Qrow taught me when I was doing badly but it doesn’t seem the training is transferring as smoothly to him as it did me. What could I be doing wrong?~ (Places head in her arms on the table)

Yang: Look I know this might not be something you want to hear but, maybe we should get an outside opinion.

Ruby: What? What do you mean?

Yang: Well, what I’m saying is that maybe the reason he’s struggling so hard is because ...we’re going soft on him.

Ruby: Wait, are you saying that the reason Rowan is losing his fights is because we’re too soft in training? That’s ridiculous!

Yang: Look Sis, I don’t want to admit it, but I have seen how you’ve been training him. I can assure you that you are not going as tough as you should be.

Ruby: That’s.....ok maybe I have been taking it easy on him but it’s only his first month. I didn’t know I’d be setting him back this much. Oh, maybe you’re right, we should get a outside opinion.

Yang: And I know just who to call!

*3 hours later*

Whitley: ....Yeah the kid sucks. (Gives Yang back her Scroll)

Ruby: You could have sugarcoat it a little.

Whitley: I was sugarcoating it.

Ruby: Oh...

Whitley: Look I’m just going to provide my honest opinion. I think you’re not pushing him as hard as I think you should be. It doesn’t mean that Rowan is a lost cause or that you are entirely at fault. It’s still early in his training so he can get caught up still. Speaking of Rowan where’s he now?

Yang: Oh he’s doing his training exceeises.

Whitley: Show me.

Yang: Ok, follow me Shrimp boy.

Whitley: I’m over 30 and you’re still calling me that.

Yang:(Singsong) And I’m not planning to stop.~

Whitley: Sometimes I think she’s doing that on purpose to rile me up.

Ruby: Why don’t you tell her to stop if it bothers you so much?

Whitley: You and I both know that by doing that it would acknowledge she is winning, I refuse to give her the satisfaction.

Ruby:(Places hand on his shoulder) Truly you are a brave soul.

Whitley: Don’t patronize me. Now come on let’s fix the mess you made.

Ruby: Hey! I’ll have you know that my training is not that bad. It ensures that Rowan gets the training he needs and he’s safe while doing so.

Whitley: Oh this’ll be good to see.

*Five Minutes Later. Outside of Rose House*

Whitley: I was wrong. This is so much worse than I thought.

Yang: It’s not... that bad.

Whitley: Yang please don’t try to sugarcoat this....mess. I mean come on, what is he even wearing?!

Before the three of them was Rowan who was wearing his ‘training armor’. Said training armor consists of a football helmet, a chest protector, shin guards, hockey gloves, and finally multiple pillows for extra protection. His practice scythe being made of wood with styrofoam on the edge. The only way one could tell it was Rowan wearing the gear was the silver eyes peeking out of the protective visor.

Ruby: I personally don’t see what’s wrong with anything here.

Whitley: You-You can’t be serious Ruby. How can you not see what’s wrong here. I can see now why he’s having such a hard time with combat class, it’s because your training the poor kid like this!

Yang: Whitley...

Whitley: Alright look, sorry for the blunt criticism, but there will need to be serious changes to the boy’s training routine. That means no more ‘training armor’.

Ruby: What?! But he’ll be vulnerable without the armor.

Whitley: He’s vulnerable with the armor on! Look, Rowan do a turn around for me.

Rowan: Ok...just give me a minute...eh! (Rowan waddles around but he eventually gets to turning in the span of 20 seconds)

Ruby: ...Ok I think I see what you mean. (Looks down dejected)

Whitley: ‘Sigh’ Look Ruby, you want your son to pass right.

Ruby: Of course I do.

Whitley: Then the first thing you do is to stop treating him as a child and as a young hunter who needs training to survive.

Ruby: Ok, that’s a start. Any other advice.

Whitley: Yeah, maybe change his weapon. I get the feeling a scythe is not the best weapon choice for him.

Ruby:(Dead Stare)...Excuse me.

Whitley: Ok hear me out first, I think some of the problems that we’re having here is not just due to having poor training......What I’m saying is that he sucks at using a scythe in general. I mean.....like a lot.

Ruby: ... I’m giving you a five second head start. (Cocks Crescent Rose)

Whitley: Oh fuck me. (Starts to run like mad)

Rowan: Mr. Whitley where you-?

Whitley: CAN’T TALK GOTTA RUN! (Running past him)

Ruby: RRRAAAAAAHHHHH!!! (Chasing after Whitley)

Rowan: ...Are they gonna be ok?

Yang:(Walks up to her nephew and rubs his helmet) Don’t worry kiddo they’ll be fine. Your mom just needs to let out some steam on Shrimp Boy.

Rowan: Oh... you mean like how you say you’re gonna go let out some steam when you and Mr. Whitley go to town and don’t come back until the next night?

Yang:(Blushes) Um... No that’s, uh, that’s different. What I mean is your Mom and Whitley just need to fight it out.

Rowan: Oh... what’s the diff-?

Yang: When you’re older, Rowan.

Whitley: WHY ARE YOU BITING ME!!!

Ruby: TAKE IT BACK!!!

Whitley: GET OFF ME!!!

Ruby: NOT UNTIL YOU SUFFER!!!

-End of Part 1-

A/N: Made a few edits.

#rwby lancaster #yang xiao long #ruby rose x jaune arc #ruby rose #my oc writing #whitley schnee #post au #Training Pains #rwby frozen dragon #rwby rowan rose #rowan rose

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ansgar-martinsson · 4 years

Text

The Best Intentions - Part 19

“Ah.” Ansgar allowed a small, wry smile to creep over his face, all signs of irritation, of anger sluicing away in a sudden and strange wash. It was one of those smiles, one of those polar shifts, carried upon an idea, in which he allowed the recipient to see just a little bit of the cogs and wheels and gears spinning away in his mind.

But not enough to know exactly what he was thinking.

He shrugged slowly then, the craftiness in his eyes morphing again – easily and smoothly into a visage of practiced ennui. “They won’t know, they’re too young to even consider such things,” he said. “They’re more interested in… things… in those things they can touch, see, and feel, rather than human emotion, or whether their auntie is fucking someone they meet. They’re just young boys. They’re…how old did you say?”

“Ten,” she huffed. “They’re… they’re ten.”

“Both? Are they twins, then?” His words carried a note of excitement. Interest.

“Yes. They’re my brother, Elias’ boys, but why…?”

“Perfect.” He gave her a curt nod, his eyes twinkling. “Pardon me, if you will.” He turned quickly and barged back into Joline’s office. A clap of his hands and he had the rapt attention of both young men. “All right. Who,” he intoned, “would like to come with your auntie and me on a little adventure?”

“Ansgar - “ but her protestations were drowned out by the exuberant “me me me!” that burst from both of her jumping, laughing nephews.

“Wonderful,” Ansgar sang. He held both of his hands at his sides, waggling his fingers in invitation. “Come on, then,” he said, “let’s go.” The boys, Adrian first, with gusto, and Hugo second, a bit more tentatively, took his hands, practically skipping as Adrian all but dragged him down the corridor toward the little theatre space.

“Now, listen very carefully to me.” Ansgar turned his back to the visqueened-off archway, blocking the boys’ view of the space. He bent, hands on his knees, and addressed the boys one then the other. “This is a dangerous place. It’s a work area,” he said, gravely. “We must take certain precautions.” Finger raised, he paused for effect. “Safety first, now say it back to me.”

“Safety first.” the boys repeated; and then Adrian chimed in - “Do we get to wear hard hats?”

Ansgar smiled broadly, almost impishly and, like a magician, he rummaged behind the plastic sheeting, emerging with a bright orange hard hat sat incongruously on his own head, and two yellow helmets in either hand. “Your very own, for you to keep,” he said. He presented the hats to the boys, placing them regally on their heads like crowns, first Adrian, then Hugo.

“May we please go in now?” pled Hugo.

Joline stepped forward. “Wait, Sgar… I don’t think….”

“You can go in. It’s official,” Ansgar declared, his voice raised slightly, drowning out Joline’s protestations. “I hereby decree that you two are honorary associates of Martinsson Construction. Your hard hats prove it.”

“Are you the boss?” Hugo asked, fingering the brim of his hard hat with reverence. “You hafta be the boss if you can make us honono-no-no-no….”

“Honorary, Hughie,” Adrian chimed. “It’s honorary. Say hon-no-ra-ry”

“Hon-no-ra-ry,” Hugo repeated haltingly, letting out his breath and taking another deep one in celebration of his accomplishment. “Associates. You hafta be the boss to do that. Are you the boss?”

“I am the boss,” Ansgar placed a hand proudly over his chest. “My last name is Martinsson, and this is my company.”

“Cool!” said Adrian. “Can I be the boss too?”

Ansgar chuckled. “Something tells me that someday you just might be.”

“Cool! Do we get paid?” Adrian cocked his head, narrowing his eyes.

“Of course you do! Yes,” Ansgar’s eyes flashed. “If you perform your jobs well, you shall be paid handsomely.”

Adrian’s hands rest akimbo upon his hips, and he squinched his face up even more, chin jut straight out. “How much?”

“Lots.” Ansgar’s eyed Joline, gauging her. She stood a short distance away, her arms folded over her chest, toe tapping, and a most attractively unreadable expression on her face. Lips tight, cheeks flushed, yet her eyes showed something… soft.

He winked at her.

She startled and blinked owlishly, frowning back at him.

“I shall pay you in the valuable currency of cinnamon rolls and ice cream. All the cinnamon rolls you could want. My treat.”

“Herr Martinsson – “ Joline warned.

“Oh pish, Auntie Joline,” Ansgar chided, elbowing Hugo conspiratorially in the arm. “It’s only fair. Now, come on.” He guided the boys through the curtain and into the construction space. “I’ll start by showing you the rough carpentry. That’s what I know how to do, the carpentry. It’s my most favourite thing.”

“You’re a carpenter?” Hugo pulled his eyes away from the spectacle long enough to eye Ansgar from head to toe, to sum him up. “Your suit’s too nice. You’re not full of sawdust. You don’t look like you do much carpening. Do-do-do-do you carpen a lot?”

Ansgar chuckled. “Not so much anymore, Hugo,” he said. “But I still know how.” It’s like my brother, here,” he fished into his jacket pocket and pulled out his phone. He knelt, lowering himself to the level of the two boys as he flicked through the photos. “Ah, yes, this one, here we go. Take a look.” He turned the phone first to Hugo, then to Adrian, and then he flicked a glimpse of the photo toward Joline, showing her with raised brows and a quiet smile.

“That’s me,” he pointed, the phone once again turned toward the boys, “that’s my niece, Viktoria, and that’s my brother, Magnus. Magnus, you see, he was a police detective. Now he’s a chef, but he still knows how to solve crimes and protect people if they need it. Like me. I used to be a carpenter, and I still know how, I just don’t anymore, because now I run the company.”

“Woah.” Hugo and Adrian gasped simultaneously, and the stereo sound of it gave Ansgar a chill. A chill of familiarity, of deja vu, and a sudden yearning for his brother, who was hundreds of miles away in Ystad. Finally, Adrian piped up. “You’re a twin? He looks… wow-wee. You guys look totally alike.”

“We are twins,” Ansgar stood, but still held the phone down. “We’re identical twins, Magnus and me. You two,” he pointed to one then the other, “are fraternal twins. You don’t look alike.”

“Which one of you was born first?” Adrian demanded.

“Why, I was,” Ansgar replied, hand rest proudly on his chest. “I’m older by twenty minutes.”

“I was born first too.” Adrian crowed. “But I’m only ten minutes older.”

“Even better.” Ansgar said. “Means you’re closer. Now,” he shoved his phone back into his pocket, and took up the boys’ hands again. “If you come with me, I will let you see how we frame a pocket door.” He lifted his chin in the direction of the burgeoning stage. “It looks like Amaranna is about to begin one. I’m sure she would love to tell you all about it.”

This wasn’t how she saw or imagined her afternoon turning out to be. Not by a long shot.

Joline loved her nephews, to bits, from the tops of their golden heads to their awkward stompy feet. She felt blessed to know them and spend time with them since she’d missed so much of their early years. A sense of belonging and fulfillment flooded through her when their thin little arms wrapped around her middle in ultimate trust and gratitude.

Adrian bounded over to her first while she hung back in the periphery of Ansgar’s show. “Thank you, Auntie Jo, for introducing us to the nice man.” As if she brought Ansgar to them as a toy… as a reward for good behavior. “He showed us lots of cool stuff.”

Joline felt an ache forming somewhere within her, but she couldn’t know from where. This couldn’t be happening. She cleared her throat, lifted his hard hat to pat the boy’s soft head of hair, “I’m chuffed to know it.” But her tone was quiet, reserved. Even. Pensive. The statement almost negated by her delivery of it, but her younger audience missed it. She replaced the hard hat upon his head, adjusting so he could see what was in front of him.

As quickly as Adrian appeared with a grateful hug, he disappeared again to learn how to use a nail gun and an electric sander. Amaranna, a petite beauty in denim overalls with rosy cheeks and a button nose, showed Hugo a diagram that the she’d sketched on graph paper how she measured twice and cut her lumber pieces once.

One by one, Ansgar helped the boys onto the scaffolding in the middle of the stage to take pictures on in iPhone of the ‘before’ pictures as he explained. He invited them to come back to take pictures of the progress of the work. He also had them pick a seat in the theatre where they could come back and weld a plaque of their names underneath.

It was Ansgar who fascinated her, to her horrific delight. Her body knew he was close and remembered in great detail the skill at which he made her soar. In Excitement. In Pleasure. In arousal. In craving. He was her adult private time. Maybe she’d only seen him as a lover… and not quite human. Suddenly, when he took each of her nephews’ hands, he was human. Real.

Joline craved him, wanted him to see to all her desires, but this side of him disturbed her view of him. He was something more than a great lover, something more than an animal. He was a someone. She’d seen slices of his personalities, layers that he peeled away to show her. His regard for her nephews felt more invasive than his body inside hers. It felt personal. She knew the difference between physical and emotional connections, and this… Ansgar with her nephews balanced dangerously over into emotional territory.

Sex between her and Sgar, that was easy. No promises, no strings, no misunderstandings. Clean. Uncomplicated. However, the promises that he made to her nephews… she didn’t know if they were real or not. She couldn’t trust that.

“Amaranna,” Ansgar asked over Joline’s thoughts, “Watch over the boys for a few minutes—“

“Herr Martinsson, I hardly think that’s appro—“

“Joline,” he silenced her objection with a cut of his gaze, “it’s fine.” Addressing, Amaranna once more, he instructed, “Keep them busy building. I’ve goggles that might fit them in the atrium if you need to use the saw. I’ll return straight away. I’ve got documents to be signed by the house manager, dated and submitted by close of business. We’ll be in her office, down the corridor on the right.”

Amaranna saluted, “They’re in good hands. I’ll treat them as my own.”

“Ten minutes,” he whispered to Joline taking her hand inconspicuously to ensure that she followed. He led her through the house, sidestepping fans and tools and buckets strewn throughout. He ditched the hard hat upon his head by the entrance of the theatre where he’d first fetched it. He didn’t stop until he had her safely behind the door of her office. He pressed her against it and his body trapped her there, his lips on hers before she could protest.

Joline obeyed, she had no idea why she couldn’t stop it, but her body fell into his. This, she could do. This, she could handle. If she were honest with herself, she wanted it all the more because he was good with her nephews. Brilliant with them even.

When he was sure she was breathless, he ripped his lips from hers. “You’re angry.” His forefinger painted a line through her flushed skin, pale blooming underneath the pink.

“I’m not,” she disagreed.

“’Herr Martinsson’ is usually reserved for people I’ve fucked over, not fucked.” He quirked an eyebrow, coaxing her out of wherever she’d retreated to inside her head.

She sighed, “Adrian and Hugo, they’re good boys.”

“I agree.”

“They’re mine,” she said pointedly, her eyes wide in defiance. “Not mine as in I birthed them, but they’re my life.”

“Implying what? That I’m not?” She tried to push him away so she could think straight, to suss out why she didn’t like him near Adrian or Hugo. He held her fast, calming her with one word. “Joline.”

“I don’t know. You’re in one part of my life. They’re in another. You’re the one who suggested compartmentalizing, yeah?”

Ansgar surveyed her face as he thought he had her figured. “Separating the personal from the business side. I’m in your personal life, and so are they.”

She caught his ironic statement. Hooking her leg around his, she brought him into even closer, opening herself up to him. “This was supposed to be a business meeting.” She thrust her center against his groin. “You needed my authorization on some insurance documents. How’m I doing then?”

He read her deflection as clear as if she told him she was about to. His gaze slid down to her cleavage and the press of her breasts against his chest. His mouth watered recalling the taste of her and her pebbled nipple rolling across his tongue. “Granted, it isn’t a perfect science.” His smiled crookedly at her, playing her game.

“I didn’t know your brother’s name until you told my nephews… or that you had a niece. How do I fit in your personal life then?”

#the best intentions

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emperorsfoot · 5 years

Link

Hordak and Entrapta have an actual conversation about their engagement and Entrapta’s motivations.

Also, bread-crumbs about Keldor.

...

The first time Hec-Tor met Keldor, he could barely bring himself to raise his head. Not because his condition was in a progressive phase and he felt faint and might pass out –although, the stress of this arrangement hadn’t done any favors for that- but because he was so utterly miserable, he just didn’t want to meet anyone’s eyes.

Anillis –Horde Prime, he must call him ‘Horde Prime’ now- dragged Hec-Tor halfway across the universe to meet the person he would be marrying. The eldest son of the King of Eternia. A Prince, equal to him in status if not power of their respective nations.

Hec-Tor kept his spine straight and his shoulders back when he gave the formal greetings, but his eyes were down. He did not look at his fiancé once during the introductions.

That is, until he heard a stifled laugh. Hec-Tor looked up to see his intended with his hand over his mouth, trying to dampen the sound. But he couldn’t help it. The amusement reached all the way to his eyes. Brown eyes, a brown so dark they might as well have been black. They practically sparkled with humor and formless, unfocussed mischief.

Keldor did not look like the rest of his family.

In his dossier, Hec-Tor read that his mother was King Miro’s concubine, not his legal wife. A Gar woman, one of the many blue skinned races in the universe. Keldor had his mother’s dusky blue skin and straight black hair. An ebony-black that shined in the light of Eternia’s sun. He was not what Hec-Tor was expecting and he didn’t know what to make of his intended.

“What’s so funny?” Hec-Tor demanded. No one dared laugh at a Prince of the Horde Empire.

“You are.” Keldor answered honest, still smiling. “You’re so stiff, like one of those windup soldier toys my brother still plays with. Can you do anything else besides posture and pose?”

Hec-Tor sputtered something as incomprehensible as it was ineloquent.

Next to him, he felt his brother stiffen, chest rumbling with an effort to suppress a snarl. “Is this what you teach your children, Miro? To insult their guests.”

“Keldor!” King Miro turned to his son, more temper in his voice than Hec-Tor felt was necessary considering the offense. High temper, with an undercurrent of exasperation. Apparently, this was an attitude that Prince Keldor took often and King Miro was exhausted trying to teach his son respect.

“Apologies. I was simply overcome by Prince Hec-Tor’s level of discipline. I can only hope to one day be so well trained.” Keldor gave an overly exaggerated bow, lowering his head, ebony hair falling over one shoulder, hiding the fact that he was still smirking with amusement.

Hec-Tor felt a small smirk pull at his lips. Imperial protocol was stiff and confining, but no one had ever mocked it to his face before. Keldor was bold and unafraid.

…

The second time Hec-Tor met Princess Entrapta, the only thing he could think was that she didn’t even clean-up well.

Her hair and face were washed, and she was not wearing that dreadful set of overalls with the straps hanging down like some slovenly plumber. She was wearing a dress, pale lilac, with an empire waste, short puffed sleeves, and a satin ribbon waistband. The dress was lovely. Or, rather, it would have been lovely if it weren’t for one random stain on the yoke of the bodice. Hec-Tor couldn’t tell if it was engine grease, space ship coolant, or gear lubricant. None would surprise him. He could even form a rather clear and vivid mental image of her tinkering with some dirty piece of machinery while wearing her gown.

She was even still wearing a welding mask and work gloves!

After the chaos of their first meeting, the formal introductions were postponed until the following day. The context changed from a formal meeting in the throne room with pomp and pageantry, to an informal breakfast. The gardens would have been better, but the weather had turned bad, with sands washing over the shieldwall and covering the grounds in clouds of brown and yellow dust.

So, they ate in a parlor just off from the gardens. The doors sealed tight and the shutter plates lowered firmly over the windows. The only sounds were the ‘plink, plink, plink’ of sand and pebbles against the shutter plates. And Entrapta’s talking.

“…it really in ingenious.” She was saying. “Horde World shifts classification between an M-Class planet and a Y-Class planet depending on the point in its solar rotation and climate. It’s harsh and hard for organisms to thrive on, yet, your engineers have made your cities not only livable, but thriving! The shieldwall that goes up every time there’s a storm not only protect the city from the most destructive gales, but also take the kinetic energy of the storm and transforms it into energy to power the city. It’s clean, natural power, and one-hundred percent renewable!”

Hec-Tor rolled his eyes. She was stating things that were common knowledge to any resident of Horde World. But Brother seemed to be hanging on her every word. Intently listening to her explain his own home’s technology to him. Hec-Tor suppressed the urge to roll his eyes again. If Horde Prime enjoyed her company so much, maybe he should be the one marrying her.

“Finding renewable or self-sustaining energy sources is one of the hurdles of weapons designs.” Entrapta continued, gesturing vaguely with her hair. “That’s one of the reasons why I find magic so fascinating. They say that any technology that’s sufficiently advanced would look like magic until it’s understood. But I disagree. That implies that magic can’t be understood. But there are countless people all over the universe who not only understand but practice magic! And different kinds of magic too! My hypothesis is that magic, like science, is just another method. Hypothesis, experiment, results, repeat, calculate. Magic has to have a method too, and if I can combine that method, I could make weapons powered by magic instead of coaxium, or tibana gas, or taydenite.”

Absentmindedly, Hec-Tor twisted the old wedding band on his finger, Keldor had been a sorcerer. He understood magic. Hec-Tor did not. But neither did Entrapta seem to either. At least, Hec-Tor heard her talk about anything but weapons, robotics, and engineering since she arrived. But only mentioning magic in the context that she was ‘interested’ in it.

“That’s so interesting.” Horde Prime grinned. “Isn’t that interesting, brother?”

“Riveting.” Hec-Tor sipped his breakfast tea.

Prime frowned at him, then kicked the younger man under the table.

Hec-Tor glared at him.

Prime flicked his eyes to Entrapta then back. A silent command to ‘talk to her!’

Hec-Tor sighed. “Was your journey peaceful, Princess?”

“Oh, it was great!” She spread her arms wide, hair spreading with them. “We passed by this energy cloud that turned out to be a sentient being, and almost got caught in the shockwave of Krypton exploding as we passed the Rao system, and were nearly hit by a stray energy blast from Namek. It was so exciting!”

That was a string of utter nonsense. There were no such planets as ‘Namek’ or ‘Krypton’ and energy clouds were not sentient. Hec-Tor shot his brother a pleading look. Entrapta might be bringing powerful weapons to the Empire, but the woman herself was clearly insane –and not in the traditional way that members of their family sometimes were.

Horde Prime met his younger brother’s eyes, smiled, then stood from the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I have affairs to attend to. Brother. Princess.”

He left.

Hec-Tor suppressed the urge to scoff. Horde Prime rarely attended to anything himself. He had a battery of aids and officials to attend to things for him. Hell! Most of his important ‘Emperor duties’ were delegated to Hec-Tor anyway.

A silence descended over the table.

Hec-Tor finished his tea. A servant appeared with a fresh teapot, then disappeared again.

Hec-Tor continued to sip at the new tea.

“I’m not good at this.” Entrapta blurted out.

It was such a non-sequitur that Hec-Tor was a bit thrown. He wasn’t sure if he’d missed part of an earlier conversation or not. He blinked at her, hoping she would elaborate.

“Getting along.” She did elaborate. “With people. People don’t understand me, and I don’t understand them either. I’m sorry if this is awkward.”

“Arrangements such as this are always awkward.” He informed her without inflection. “You are the ruler of your nation. No one is forcing you to do this. So, why are you?”

“Oh, well that’s easy!” She smiled at him as if it were a silly question. “Your brother promised me unlimited resources for my research! Just imagine the advancements I could make with the near-unlimited resources of the Horde Empire at my disposal! And all I have to do to get it is sign a contract with you. I’d say it’s a small price to pay!”

Hec-Tor just continued to stare at her. His teacup, halfway to his lips was paused forgotten in his hand. “It’s more than just a simple contract! You are aware of what marriage entails, are you not?”

Before an answer to this question could even be attempted, something dropped down from the chandelier. Fluttering down on dusky-blue wings to land with feet on the table.

“Imp!” Hec-Tor barked.

“Oh. Hello again.” Entrapta smiled. “You’re the boy from the vent.”

Imp made several quick motions with his hands, introducing himself to her properly. Since she saved him the previous day, he decided he liked her.

The Princess only stared at him with incomprehension. “I don’t know what that means.”

Hec-Tor grabbed the empty chair Prime had vacated and dragged it over to his side of the table. “Sit down.”

The child complied, sitting in the seat next to his father. Then made series of quick hand motions at the older man.

Hec-Tor sighed. “He wants me to tell you that his name is Imp and he thinks you’re ‘cool’.”

“Oh. Thanks!” She smiled as if she was not used to people thinking she was ‘cool’. Entrapta rested an elbow on the table. “So, you like to hide in vents too huh? I agree, it’s the best way to get around if you don’t like being bothered by people or having to answer a lot of really pointless questions.”

Imp signed that it was great that he was still small enough to fit in the vents and that he liked to use them to hide from his tutors (something that Hec-Tor was not aware he did). Entrapta, however, did not understand this, so Imp signed to his father to translate for him.

Instead, the Prince only glared at the boy. “Why have your tutors not notified me of these antics?”

Imp looked away awkwardly. Guiltily signing, ‘No reason…’ The actual reason was he was also intercepting the messages and datacards before they could make it to his father’s desk. Being able to fit through the palace vents was also great for spy work and espionage! (Not that Imp yet knew the word ‘espionage’.)

Hec-Tor just massaged his forehead, feeling a stress headache threatening. Luckily, he did not feel lightheaded or faint, so there was no danger of him passing out.

“So, Imp is your son.” Entrapta made another attempt at conversation. As she already warned him, she was not good at it, and had no idea what was too personal. But, asking the person you were going to marry about your future step-child had to be on the list of acceptable, right?

“Yes.” Confirmed Hec-Tor. “My son from my previous marriage.” He placed extra stress on the last two words as a subtle reminded that marriage was more than just a contract. Marriage came with a certain expectation, and –if she didn’t already have any heirs of her own- certain requirements.

“Hi, Imp, I’m Entrapta.” She waved at the child, her hair mimicking the same motion as her hand. “Imp is such a cute name! Is it a nickname or did your father give it to you?”

‘Imp’ was actually what Keldor kept calling the little hybrid creature when he was still in the vitrine. Hec-Tor was sure he didn’t mean it to be a real name –Keldor probably would have chosen an Eternian or a Gar name for their son- but after Keldor disappeared, Hec-Tor couldn’t imagine calling his son anything else but what Keldor had been calling him for months. Brother always disapproved. He felt it was not commanding and imposing enough for a Prince of the Kur Dynasty. Ha! As if ‘Zed’ was any better!

“It is his name.” Hec-Tor informed her with a completely straight face, expression impassive.

“Aw…” Entrapta smiled. “Your dad’s secretly a softy.”

How rude! Hec-Tor sipped his tea to hide his frown.

“Imp, go terrorize someone else for the moment.” He commanded the boy. “Entrapta and I have to discuss subjects you are too young to hear.”

Imp made a rude sign that Hec-Tor knew none of his tutors would have taught him. Then flew away.

He waited to make sure the child was truly gone and not just lurking somewhere where he could eavesdrop. When Hec-Tor was satisfied that his son was no longer within hearing, he pushed his tea to the side and leaned over the table, making eye-contact with Entrapta.

“You are aware that marriage is not just a simple legal contract.” He informed her. “Both of us will be expected to-“ here he hesitated, unsure how to phrase what he was trying to say, the need for clear communication battling with the modesty that had been drilled into his since his infancy “…perform…” no, that was not clear at all. Time to try a different tactic. “A marriage is not legal until it has been consummated. I do not know how things are done on Etheria, but in the Empire we have a specific tradition-“

“Beilager.” She nodded without inflection. Then reached up a tendril of hair to slide her welding mask down over her face to hide her expression. “I know.”

Of course she would know if she was the one to agree to the arrangement. If he was given a dossier on Dryl, then she must have her own files on the Empire. She struck him as the sort of woman that would do her research. She would know that, to confirm the marriage had been consummated, the wedding night would be observed by an Imperial lawyer, the Justice who performs the ceremony, and anyone from the wedding party that wished to witness.

Hec-Tor closed his eyes, mixed feelings over his first wedding night bubbling to the surface. Brother standing closer to the bed than was probably appropriate, feet planted, arms cross, leering at him. But Keldor took his face in his hands and whispered words of comfort. Made him feel safe. ‘Close your eyes. There’s no one here but us…’ Hec-Tor opened his eyes again and glared challengingly at that expressionless metal mask. “And you are fine with that?”

Still not lifting the mask, Entrapta only shrugged. “It’s just one night.”

Drumming his talons on the table, Hec-Tor studied her.

Their first meeting was unorthodox and unexpected. At the time, he was more concerned for his son and shocked at having a part of his palace cave in, and he wasn’t in the right state to really consider this woman that would be his spouse.

She was small. Short in stature, her frame slender but muscular. She might be a Princess –Queen- but she was not the type to sit in palaces or on thrones and let others do things for her. If her musculature and the grease stain on her gown were any indication, she was not afraid of getting her hands dirty and doing things herself. That was something Hec-Tor could admire. Even if she didn’t seem to grasp that there was a time and a place for such things and over the course of this week leading up to their wedding was not the time.

The thing that bothered him now was that Entrapta seemed to view this marriage as nothing more than a business transaction. Which, it was that in part, but as one of the parties that had to be married, he would have hoped she’d realize that it was much, much more than just clear-cut and cold business.

“And after the wedding night?” He asked, still speaking to her welding mask and wishing he could read her face to get some measure of her thoughts.

“I…” She began haltingly. As if unsure of her own views on the matter. Surely she must have thought this through if she was the one to agree to the marriage and wasn’t being forced to by others. “I’m not the most romantic person in the universe.” She confessed. “I’m really bad at reading body language and understanding non-verbal ques. You’ll need to tell me directly when you want to... perform like that.”

This was actually a bit of a relief to Hec-Tor. “And if I never want to perform like that with you?”

“That’s fine too, I guess.” She nodded, as if that was a relief to her as much as it was to him. Then she looked away, her face thrown into profile Hec-Tor could just barely glimpse a fraction of her expression behind the mask. She looked conflicted. “Except- except at some point in the future I will need a daughter. I guess, so long as she comes out of my body her legitimacy as Heir of Dryl would be secure, so she need not come from you. But… I just think- since we’ll already be married, it would just be more convenient if my children came from my spouse.”

Their children would be members of the Imperial Royal Family, and Heirs to the weapons manufacturing titan of Dryl. That was why Brother wanted this marriage so bad. And Dryl required a female to inherit. Brother wanted Hec-Tor to sire a daughter with this Etherian Princess so that he could wed her to Zed, thereby insuring that the armory of Dryl would always be under Imperial control.

It was actually a rather genius amount of planning on Horde Prime’s part.

Hec-Tor hated it.

“Do you, um, do you require any more children?” She asked, hesitant.

“No.” He stated flatly. “Imp is sufficient.”

Entrapta sighed, as if relived. She did not want to have any more children than was absolutely necessary. Then she smiled. “Imp is gonna love the Crypto Castle! That’s where I live, by the way. My castle in Dryl. It’s got so many secret passageways and hideaways. I’m sure he’s gonna have a lot of fun living there!”

The idea of his son hiding –and getting lost- in secret passages did not sound fun to Hec-Tor. He would prefer Imp not spend time lurking and hiding at all.

“I do not want my son getting lost in an unfamiliar castle.” He informed her. And also, made a mental note to ask his brother why she assumed he and Imp would be living in Dryl instead of the Imperial capital of Horde World.

“Oh. He won’t get lost.” She promised. “I give trackers to all the residents and staff of the castle so no one gets lost.”

If no one else was using the secret passages, why would everyone need trackers to keep from getting lost? Hec-Tor was concerned.

“You won’t get lost either.” Entrapta assured him. “I’ll probably give you master privileges on the tracker app so you can not only locate yourself but everyone else in the castle. I spend most of my time in my lab, anyway. So it’ll be nice to have a spouse I can delegate the work of actually ruling and running Dryl to. Actually, that’s another benefit I get out of this deal! Few responsibilities to cut into my experiments!” She smiled at him from across the table. “I think I’m gonna like being married, actually.”

Hec-Tor pulled his tea back to him and sipped it for lack of anything better to do. From the sound of it, he was not going to enjoy being married at all.

#entrapdak #arranged marriage AU #entrapta #hordak #imp #keldor #spop #she-ra #masters of the universe #horde prime #horde world #RenkonNairu #Imp likes Entrapta #skeletor #hordak/skeletor

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