#rest assured this was fun to write a hee hee

[ace-memelord]

was going through your amicia tag and in one post you said that little amicia stayed at castle ravenwatch for awhile because her father studied with verandis when he was young, and now i'd love to know what sort of antics little ami got up to there lmao. also what was her first meeting with verandis like? how did the other ravenwatch members take to her?

Yes indeed she did! It’s probably one of my fave parts of Amicia’s lore because not only does it tie into the main (DC) story & Greymoor DLC with her connection to the Ravenwatch, it’s just fun to think about the shenanigans she got up to 😂 I also headcanon this is kind of a family tradition for House Cumberland that goes back centuries to maintain a good relationship with House Ravenwatch! Verandis taking in the young generations to teach is a very cute idea to me ♡

The first time Amicia met Verandis was actually when the Daggerfall Covenant was first formed, as he was of course there to advocate for Emeric’s proposition. She didn’t speak to him directly though, she just knew he was important to her father. Despite this, it didn’t stop her from being an absolute menace when it was time to be his understudy 😅 Ami has always been high strung and getting into places she shouldn’t be, like Verandis’s office and wandering outside trying to find hidden places. She was a handful to wrangle and teach, but Verandis has a surprising way of appealing to just about anybody. Eventually, he finds an ultimatum to get her to be more compliant 😂

As for the other members of the Ravenwatch, she only really saw Adusa and Gwendis. They mostly did their own thing, but Amicia being herself likes to tag along whether you like it or not. She got along with Gwendis the best, since they are pretty similar (re: up to no good 😏) Adusa was too much of a stickler for rules for Ami to get along with, but came around to her mom vibes lmao.

All around, Ravenwatch Castle definitely became a second home so to speak, despite them being a bit of a pariah amongst other noble houses (Ami understands). Which I guess makes their quests hit a little harder for her during the events of ESO :’D

[simluvbot]

Enhypen as dates they would take you on <3

tags: gn!reader, established relationship au, fluff, bf! enha

members: all members !!

wc: 400-800ish for each member ?? this is very long uh I’m sorry I got carried away

a/n: hi, welcome to my first piece of writing on this blog 😁😁 I tried to write so that these matched the members and their personalities the most! Also as this is my first post any interaction is so cherished 🥺 but anyways,, I hope you enjoy :D

open to read

Heeseung

he would take you to so many fun places!!

Your dates would consist of going bowling together, theme parks, a walk in the park — you can count on having a fun time with heeseung!

He would just want to impress you );

He’s be always so attentive to you and remember even the littlest of details about you

You’d be in a shop together looking around and he’ll tap your shoulder, showing you a lace shirt that you instantly fall in love with

It’s just your style!

You’d ask him how he knew you would like it, to which he would simply mumble  with, “you told me a few months ago that you like shirts like this.”

You’d just stand in shock like :ooo

Not even you remember telling him that ):

Please he loves you so much, if it’s something that you tell him you like or don’t like, he’ll immediately store it in his memory! He wants to know so much more about you 🥺

Your dates are definitely what you look forward to whenever you see him!!

As much as you love fun day outs with him, you also love your chiller night dates at him <3

Meeting each other late at night after practice? A must!! No way can you let your hee go home alone when he’s the last leaving the practice room after a long day ):<

You would often surprise him by showing up at belift at ungodly hours, and as much as he would scold you with a light frown for coming to see him when it’s already half past midnight,,

You still always catch that small little smile he has whenever you do surprise him hehe

to be aware of just the fact that youre there? is enough for him. you ground him and its especially those spontaneous dates youll throw upon him and inevitably show him without the words uttered that you care for him and you love him? 

those are secretley his fave (: but he doesnt have to tell you that - youve already guessed :D

But at the same time on those late night after-practice dates he just wants to make sure that you’re not staying up too late all the time just to make sure he’s doing okay after practice, his y/nnie needs their sleep too ):

And what you’ll do together? Eat ramen of course!!

Although these little late night dates with him usually dont last no longer than an hour, he still treasures them so dearly in his heart ):

Hee sometimes needs a lot of love and assurance, even if he doesn’t mention it

And you’re the best at making him feel better instantly 🥺

but we seriously cant forget about your daytime dates too! each date of yours is always filled with so so many jokes and giggles that your hearts burn with longing for the other whenever you part ways ):

i can see that he’ll even store the memory of your dates even weeks after they’ve happened - he’ll store those memories of you; all in his heart (and the polaroid he took of you in the back of his phonecase 😳) and tucked close.

Jake

as for dates, to me he seems the type to be into really spontaneous and random things!! He’d love going somewhere fun or just simply randomly travelling with you without a destination!

He especially loves to sneak out of the dorm late at night and meet you at you and his favourite park.

It’s located at the top of a really tall hill, and you’ll both spend hours sitting on the swings, chatting away with little care for the rest of the world or the time as you both simply giggle at each other’s jokes and contentedly talk about anything and everything; watching the city lights glow from hundreds of metres below you

He’d offer you his jacket when the temperature drops by a few degrees suddenly

You’d be like no!! It’s okay you should also stay warm, I’m okay 🥺

But then because he is such a sweetheart he’d huff and sit next to you on the swing, making the single-seater far too cramped as he tries to supply you with his body heat if that’s the only way that you’ll accept not freezing to death 😠

But then you’ll both slip due to there not being enough space for both of you on the wing, and your both fall flat down on your butts lmao

You’d both freeze, staring at each other blankly on the floor

but then you’d both crack up and laugh for the longest time — hushing each other in-between giggles from the fear of maybe you were being a bit too loud and could wake some people up?

But then you’d both fall into giggling messes once again as you blame each other for causing the other to fall down ):

You’d eventually sit together huddled on a bench, sitting in silence and simply staring out at seoul’s twinkling night lights as you share his leather jacket: heavy and warm as it drapes across you and his’ shoulders

But eventually you’d both finally head home! — your eyelids soon growing too heavy and both of you afraid of accidentally falling asleep at a park at 1am lmfao

idk why but i can just see a lot of late-night dates with jake,, such as

baking cookies together at 1am???? probably has happened twice already in your relationship aha 😁

honestly you both spend so much time together casually that you end up arguing on whether that time where he randomly showed up at your house wanting to make relationship bracelets together was really a date or not lmao

he is also so <3 so incredibly sweet too though uGH. he is a sweetheart and like heeseung he will remember every little detail of you which will be useful for when he comes up with more date ideas in the future (

on dates such as eating at a restaurant together he will always bring you flowers like the gentleman he is.

it’s kinda funny because when youre both on a date together alone with no other people around you both become complete crackheads

but when meeting in front of others he acts so mature and serious suddenly lmao ?? 

but honestly he just trusts and loves you so so much that he doesnt even feel like he needs to act a certain way or try to become someone complteley different on a date just to impress you

but its okay because you love the duality of jake sim <3

someone get me him pls. i want one </3

Jay

With jay, shopping dates ??? yes of course (;

he’d simply love taking you out either down a road with many well-known clothing brands or maybe even the mall, entering several clothing stores with you

he never mentions it, but its obvious how much he simply adores seeing you wear the clothes he picks out for you :D

oh and matching couple outfits are obviously always chosen whenever you go out on these fashion dates!!

he will pick out a selection of items he thinks will look good on you, and - to admit it to himself: he does a pretty good damn job

tell me why this boy will get so flustered whenever he sees you walk out of the changing room,, looking so pretty in what he chose for you ??

he’d also one day surprise you on a date with matching couple bracelets :D

you’ll get so excited and he’ll get so shy and try to hide his smile as you compliment how good his sense of style is !! and as much as he denies the fact that he’s blushing you luckily do manage to snap some pics as evidence of the rosy colour in his cheeks hehe

and especially earlier on in the relationship, he’ll always try his best and prepare cute little dates for you both )): and the members would tease him to DEATH for how unbelievably soft and considerate he is when doing things for you when he is so cranky towards them lmfao

chill dates (:

walking in the park together, getting ice cream, going for late night drives and listening to music together </3 with jay it never has to be complicated

Just as long as he gets to be with you, talk with you and touch you then that’s more than enough for him (: he just likes to be in your company

and Idk why I can just see this but he wILL have playground dates with you. dont question it

Because like ?? hanging out on the swings or climbing frame of a kids park at 11PM when there’s no one else there but you both?? Talking and swinging quietly next to each other? very romantic to me hmm

Yes <3 

he will stare at you as he silently swings a back and forth a little; brushing the hair out of your face and looking at you with so so much love in his eyes it’s unbelievable

he especially loves just relaxing with you. watching a show on the tv together while cuddling and staying close to each other is something he loves

hearing your giggles and listening to you talk while engaging in teasing banter where he’ll pretend to think the things you say are stupid by scoffing and rolling his eyes when in reality his heart is swelling and he’s trying so hard not to laugh at how cute you are? 

shut UP

those are definitely one of his favourite types of dates with you

he’ll constantly try to impress you and will be willing to try so many different things with you

i can see him as either being openly interested about going on typical couple dates together such as painting or eating at romantic restaurants,, or every time you mention something of the sort he’ll be groaning at yet another mention of the ‘couple bucket list’ you had created lol

but actually he’s secretly really excited for that couple mug-painting session you booked for you both. but he will never tell you that 😳

in conclusion, with jay it really never has to be something complex for you both to enjoy your dates <3 he just loves being in your company, even if its one of those nights where you both share no words between the cuddling and content sighs and various little soft kisses he presses to your forehead.

sunghoon

with sunghoon gOSH

whatever you two get up to, it’d be so so soft and gentle and perfect and just ):

he would always ask the members what to take you out on as a date and you bet his naver search history would consist of questions like ‘what does my s/o like’ and ‘where should i take out my partner on a date’ lmao

he just wants to make you happy and comfy ):

dates with him are usually really cute!! Like going to cafes, going ice skating etc!

But you’d also love those dates at home with him, giggling shyly as you both sit together and watch a film 🥺

he LOVES those dates! he always gets so shy whenever he comes over and it takes him a little while to get comfortable enough with you to even hold your hand pls

So when he one day pulls you in closer from where you’re sitting side by side on the couch,, bringing you closer and tucking you under his arm ??

You’re so so surprised, and you feel your heart clench a little at how gentle he is with you and how he’s finally opening up ):

And from then on,, he only will become more and more comfortable with you!!! To the point where he’ll start pouting a lil when you don’t snuggle up next to him on the sofa like you usually do );

So cuddle dates with hoon? Yes you bet they’re his fave!!

and then when its quickly approaching your 100 days anniversary, he’ll be wracking his brains for so long trying to decide what to do for you

but then it will hit him like a light bulb switching on!

he’ll suddenly remember you mentioning this specific thing that you really liked and would want to do one day, and guess what he would plan for u both!!

he’d prepare 💔💔 a picnic 💔💔 for you 💔💔

ugh youre so lucky

he’d text you the day before your anniversary telling you to expect to go on a date with him the day after and to dress up prettily :D

he’d wake up super early on the day of the date, preparing all of your favourite foods and meals into a cute lil basket ):

and when you finally both meet at a really rEALLY pretty secluded area that you somehow had no idea existed despite you living in the area for so long - you’d maybe start tearing up?? 

because your boyfriend is so so sweet and you never saw this coming from him at all ): 

and he’d just stand there shyly in front of the picnic he set up, hand at the back of his head and looking down; cute lil blush tainting his cheeks from how nervous he is!

but then you’d run over and give him a big, big hug, exxclaiming how much you appreciate what he did for you and how youre so so incredibly sorry for not bringing him something as well to celebrate your anniversary (you were dying inside fo guilt please!! how could u forget to get him something when he went out of his way like this for you )):  )

but he’d simply shake his head, smiling and not minding at all

because if he gets to see you happy, gets to see those twinkling eyes of yours that just stare up at him with so so much love before bringing him in for a sweet kiss - then he simply doesnt mind at all.

r u crying at this like i am lol

sunoo

sunoo absoloutely adores you.

and he cant stay away from you !! lmao

you’ll leave after a date and ten minutes after youve arrived you’ll get a text from him saying how much he already misses you and wants to see his bun again ):

but its okay!! because y’all would meet up again really soon again :D

sunoo really doesnt mind what you both do together, he just loves being in your company !! if he’s doing something with you, its certain that he will have so much fun and be so so comfy!

you often like to go to cinemas together, watching a film

film/drama marathons are also something that you both do very very often as a date! he loves it when you hug him tight and throw a leg over his as you both lie down in his dorm bed/your bed, watching something on your laptop

he is very very cuddly and whenever you both do have cuddle dates/sessions (which is all the time btw) he’ll like it when you absentmindedly play with his fingers or stroke your hands through his hair soothingly

and then he’ll complain and whine when you stop lmao

seriously though, without a question if either of you meet at either his dorm or your house - its always:  ‘so what are we gonna watch?’

he also likes doing very very cute couple-y activities with you! of course he does,, youre his baby ): 

(he’s more YOUR baby actually - but he doesnt need to know about that shh hehe)

funfair dates where you will go on a ferris wheels and eat cotton candy together? sharing a kiss when you reach the top? yes! and so is going to those sets designed for couples to take cute photos together as a lil photoshoot!

he is so so sweet with you ): 

and has it been mentioned yet that you’ll go on food dates? this is a very obvious date you both do very often !! 

going to food markets and trying out different street foods from different vendors? yes.

having mini dates at the korean convinience store late at night where you’ll both sit by the window and eat tteokbokki & ramen together? yes.

its all honestly really really chill, but he also knows when to be serious when he needs to (:

he’ll take you out to the your favourite restaurants often!

and whenever youre celebrating something he’ll take you to a really good and famous restaurant with mouth-watering food, and you’ll be left wondering for the longest time how on earth he managed to get a seat in since its always so booked

or ordering take-out is good too :D

in conclusion (because i just realised how long this is help 😭): dates with sunoo are always a variety of fun activities which always leave you feeling tired yet so, so happy and content at the end of the day !!

he loves you so much <3

Jungwon

Since you both go to the same school, a lot of your little dates are actually spent there

He’s pretty shy with you at times,, but when you’re both alone it’s then that dates with him are usually so so goofy and silly; days filled with his teasing and your eye rolls and giggles.

Meeting at the rooftop before school to simply talk and giggle and drink chocolate milk? Yes.

Staying after school for small study sessions in the library? Yes.

With jungwon, you’re not able to see him as much between school and him being an idol, so every little moment together means so much to both of you ):

To me jungwon also seems like a cuddler!!! cause like?? Have you seen him ?? Tell me he doesn’t look so soft 

So, dates at home when he’s free where you can both cuddle together in your bed while eating and doing homework? They’re so so cosy,, and definitely your favourite kinda dates!! not to mention that your parents absolutely adore him too

With jungwon, lots of lil spontaneous dates are definitely his and yours trademark (‘:

He’ll turn up at your house randomly with a grin and dimple poking at his cheek, holding a bag of convenience store food and asking you if you want to go on a date with him even if it’s 10pm and dark outside lmfao

And then he’ll take you to an arcade!

You’ll be the only ones there and he’s keep flexing about how he’s going to win you this cat plush from the claw machine because he says it looks like him

He’d try several times and end up spending almost 8,000 won on the machine trying to win you this plush and at this point he’s already making up several excuses about how oh, ‘it’s rigged’ or ‘give me one more chance I will get it this time!!’

You’d giggle at how he grows flustered, gently asking him if you could have a go for fun, sighing and with him and agreeing on the fact that the claw machine is definitely rigged

You’d complain together; scolding the machine and asking it to please be nice and stop ruining your date when it’s then that the claw actually picks up a plush and you’re both like ;oo

You’d both stay stood in shock as the cat plush is dropped into the receiving box, before laughing loudly

He’d stand there flustered, blush tainting his cheek before he just walks away 🚶🏻‍♂️

You’d quickly pick up the cat plush and chase after him, giggles tumbling out your lips

and uhm after that you beTTER go check up on your boy and see if his ego wasnt too damaged by that 😤

so of course you’d wrap your arms around him from behind, tucking your face into the back of his neck ): and pressing gentle kisses where you know he’s ticklish until he finally relents, a small grin and dimple lighting up his face

and phEW because you thought he was upset ): but he laughs and says youre better at the claw machine than he is so,, all good dont worry !! 🥺

It’d end up being him taking the cat plush home, which you both name ‘jungwon-two’ because of how much it actually looks like him 😭

Expect many references and inside jokes to that date and jungwon-two in the future

and tbh you love dates with won so so much. theyre so fun plus they’re always secret.

and whenever you’re out doing whatever the hell you both get up to,

It’s like there is no one else in the world. It’s just you, and him, and the blooming you both feel in your chests.

Niki

I don’t know but I can just see niki as being so romantic

You’re both young, and although niki is the biggest dork and always likes to play around and make jokes 24/7 - he’s also so mature compared to the other boys your age

So would he take you out to a date where he’d set up classically romantic candles and rose petals for you both to eat at for your 1 month anniversary? Yes ):

And you’d be so speechless and shocked as you blush quietly and thank him before he‘s accidentally knocking over his glass of water all over the table cloth and you’re laughing out loud

But expect every other date with him to be filled with so so much food and comfort!

He’d feel so comfy around you, and really the only word he thinks is perfectly able to describe you is home. He thinks you feel like home to him.

So he’d show you all of this favourite things, the things closest to his heart and you can’t help but feel your own heart clench at how much you adore this boy

He’d take you out to traditional Japanese restaurants and show you his favourite foods from back home and teach you the customs of how to eat sushi

You’d 100% be so so interested and excited whenever he reveals to you a vulnerable part of him, and he’d stare at you so lovingly as he kisses your cheek, blushing and smiling like the 15 year old he is

Ugh ): niki ):

Dance dates!!

You claim you can’t dance to save your life LMFAO (or maybe you can 😳?) but he only grins shyly instead as he takes you to a small dance studio he rented (he didn’t want to take you the belift building where there would be other people - he’d want you to feel completely comfortable).

You’d simply stand there with your mouth dropped open as you watch him freestyle to a random song he put on like it’s nothing

You’d spend the day getting taught some moves by him and although you’re sure you look like a cat getting electrocuted, he still smiles and  nods and even claps, giving you compliments and teasing remarks

Overall, dates with niki are so so fun and goofy and perfect. You feel your heart swell every time he takes you out on another little adventure, feeling so complete and carefree between his warm hugs, jokes and words that he has to say to you

(’:

[bpro-cardstories]

Yuta Ashu SSR

2019 ー  BIRTHDAY DATE [BIRTHDAY DATE]

“Ehehe, for me too! Maybe this was more like a date than today’s photoshoot?”

Part 1

Tsubasa: ‘Hello. I am coming to pick you up for the recording.’

Yuta: ‘Ah, Tsubasa-chan!’

Tsubasa: ‘Yuta-kun, I am sorry to make you wait. The previous work went on for longer than I expectedーー’

Yuta: ‘I’m so sorry!!’

Tsubasa: ‘Eh? I am sorry, what are we talking about…..?’ 

Yuta: ‘This here! I was told to write a questionnaire of this year’s birthday newsletter. But I completely forgot….. Do you think it’s fine to do it now? Is it already too late!?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘No, it is fine. Besides, I was thinking that I will do the interview and fill out the form.’

Yuta: ‘Eh, was it so?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Yes. However it seems that the staff probably has been busy and did not take it into consideration…. But right now we have a bit of time, is it fine if we start now?’ 

Yuta: ‘Waahー, I’m happy! Yes, yes, please do it!!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu. Me as well, I am looking forward to it.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘This year’s birthday report is about Yuta-kun’s latest information. First is「My favourite type of girl」.’

Yuta: ‘Ooh~! It may feel like it’s been some time since I had this question. But on the contrary, it’s a fresh one!!’  

Tsubasa: ‘It is a fairly simple question, in fact it may have been avoided lately. So…… Between long hair and short hair, what do you like more?’ 

Yuta: Hmm….. Which one I like, huh? If it suits the girl then anything’s cute, I think! Ah, but short hair is refreshing and great. I may like it when you tie up long hair that there is an energetic feeling ♪’

Tsubasa: ‘I see…. Then, what gesture do you like about your favourite type of girl?’

Yuta: ‘That’s, you know~~! Sneezing!!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Eh, sneezing….?’ 

Yuta: ‘Yeah, just before you sneeze, you know, it seems like time stopped for a moment for everyone, right? That moment’s cute~ I think!!’ 

Yuta: ‘Just before Tsubasa-chan sneezes too, you make a sudden surprised face, right? That also is super cute!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘It is embarrassing that you could see such thing….’ 

Yuta: ‘Ah, but if it’s Tsubasa-chan, there are a lot more cute things~ Like when you’re listening to something different, your cheeks get a bit bigger!’

Tsubasa: ‘E-Enough about me! More importantly, let us go to the next questionーー’ –––––––––––

Tsubasa: 'ーーOkay, this is everything for the newsletter. Thank you for answering so carefully.'

Yuta: ‘Thank you as well~! But, despite this birthday report, is just this fine? Will we take something like a picture that’s super birthday-like?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, if that is the case then please rest assured. This year’s report will have two parts, this interview and a special project.’ 

Yuta: ‘Special project…..?’

Part 2

Tsubasa: ‘Please wait, the materials……’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Here they are. The theme for the special project of this year’s birthday isーー’

Yuta: ‘『Birthday date』? Hee, that sounds fun somehow~! Who will I go with? Gochin? Kenken?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘No, this time it is not a project where the members discuss with each other. How to say….. It is like a virtual date, I think? For Yuta-kun it is was decided to do the celebrating your『Your girlfriend’s birthday』date course, and if you could do a photoshoot where you act as if you are on a date.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘They want to make a report that makes fans feel like they are on a date with Yuta-kun.’ 

Yuta: ‘Waah, that’s nice! That means, everyone will become my girlfriend~ ♪’

Yuta: ‘Besides, it’s not my birthday date but the girlfriend’s, that’s really refreshing and sounds like fun~! It seems like it will make everyone happy. I want to do it, I definitely want to.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, it makes me happy that you say so. However, I think there is a lot to consider about your date course partner and the whole in general. Despite this, you will be made to specify the image of your female partner every time for this project…...’ 

Yuta: ‘Eh, wait, what! I’m nervous….! Me, which girl I go on a date with!?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘About this, it is on the next page.’ 

Yuta: ‘Hee~! Tsubasa-chan’s good at keeping the suspense!! Then let’s go!? I’ll turn the page, okay!? Alーright…… Eiyaa!’ 

Yuta: ‘My partner will be~...... 『Older adult girlfriend』!?

Tsubasa: ‘Is it surprising?’ 

Yuta: ‘Yeah, I never would have imagined…..! But, I’m kind of excited. Speaking about an adult girlfriend, something like a calm and gentle one?’ What should I do to make her happy~..... If it’s an adult, I have the image of watching the night view on a drive, but I can’t do that.’ 

Yuta: ‘A delicious meal? Something like cooking for her….. No, because it’s special I want to go out….’ 

(Fufu, Yuta-kun, he’s incredibly serious about it.)

(Yuta-kun and an adult girlfriend, I wonder what date course it will be? It would be nice if the photoshoot goes well. I’m looking forward to see the pictures….) 

Part 3

ーThe day of the photoshoot.ー

Yuta: ‘ーーTsubasa-chan, are you fine? Isn’t the camera heavy?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Y-Yes. I am fine. However, I am sorry that I do the photoshoot…..’ 

Yuta: ‘Eh, why are you apologizing? The staff member in charge had an urgent business, hadn’t he. It can’t be helped~’ 

Yuta: ‘Besides, I can relax better with Tsubasa-chan and it looks like I will be able to do the date, so you’re welcomed ♪’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Yuta-kun….. Thank you very much. I practiced how to use the camera perfectly, so please leave it to me!’ 

Yuta: ‘Ooh, how reliable~! Well then, let’s start~!!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Waah, Y-Yuta-kun…..!’ 

Yuta: ‘Hm?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘When we link arms, the picture will……’ 

Yuta: ‘Ah, I see! Ehehe, sorry.’ 

Yuta: ‘Well then, let’s put ourselves together and goー♪’ ______

Yuta: ‘Yep! We’re lucky that the weather’s so good today. The wind is a bit strong, though it also feels good~’

Tsubasa: ‘I agree.’ 

Yuta: ‘Hm? …..Ah, had I better turn that way?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘No, it is fine to not be conscious of the camera. Because I think that a natural posture is better to take a picture from the girlfriend’s point of view.’ 

Yuta: ‘Okayー! Alright, natural posture, natural posture~!!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘.......Uhm, Yuta-kun. Your expression is stiffer than the one before.’ 

Yuta: ‘No way! No, I’m totally conscious of the camera!’

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu. In this case, how about we speak while we walk? If we do so, you may become a bit relaxed….’

Tsubasa: ‘Speaking of which, I did not ask you about the details of the date plan, was it not hard to think about it?’ 

Yuta: ‘Yeah, I probably was quite troubled…..!『Older adult girlfriend』it is, they surely are used to adult-like dates, right? That’s why I thought about various things, something like is this good~’

Yuta: ‘But, when I consulted with Kenken I was told 『You aren’t fit for it.』~. At first, I thought “Because it’s me, I can do it!”, though if I think about it for a bit, it indeed doesn’t fit me. This is why I think what if I’m able to do a date where I don’t need to do something that is beyond my ability, suits me and gives her a good timeーー’ ______________

Tsubasa: ‘Waah, what a wonderful shop. So that means….. Might Yuta-kun’s birthday date be a shopping date?’ 

Yuta: ‘Nope, missed!’

Tsubasa: ‘Eh? Is it wrong?’ 

Yuta: ‘Yeah, it’s a preparation for the real date? Something like this?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Preparation for the real date….?’

Yuta: ‘Yup, preparation……, look! The gloves are so cute~! And the wrists are all fluffy.’ 

Yuta: ‘Oh~! I found a matching scarf!! Tsubasa-chan, try them~’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Eh, u-uhm…..!’ 

Yuta: ‘Waah, it’s super cute~! A fluffy cat!! It’s decided, let’s buy this set~ ♪’

Tsubasa: ‘Ehm, is this the birthday present?’ 

Yuta: ‘Nope, the present is something different. However, you will need them now.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Does this mean, we will take a walk outside again….?’

Yuta: ‘Ehehe, who knows~?’ 

Yuta: ‘Ah, miss! This one, please!!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Yuta-kun….. Where in the world do you intend to go to?’

Part 4

Yuta: ‘Tsubasa-cha~n! Come here, come here!! And, is that fine?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Yes, if we do not take pictures of the other guests’ faces then there seems to be no problem.’ 

Yuta: ‘How nice~!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Were the scarf and gloves for this?’ 

Yuta: ‘Ehehe, yep. I just think that the girlfriend will look close to this appearance. After all, the skate rink is quite cold.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, this kindness is very much like Yuta-kun. Then, is it fine that we slowly start with the photoshoot?’ 

Yuta: ‘Of course! Tsubasa-chan, because it’s cold make sure to use the scarf and gloves we bought earlier!’  

Tsubasa: ‘Thank you very much. But, with the gloves the camera shutter is….. Let me only wear the scarf.’ 

Yuta: ‘......Yep, as expected it’s cute~ ♪ But it’s long and will become a hindrance, so let me tie it up for you in the back.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Ah…..’ 

Yuta: ‘With this it’s all……perfect! How is it? Am I good boyfriend??’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu….. You are a wonderful lover, I think.’ 

Yuta: ‘Yay~! Then, let’s enter the ice~!’  _______

While Yuta obviously is used to ice-skating, Tsubasa has difficulties especially with a camera in her hands. But she tries her best to take the best photos possible. 

Tsubasa: ‘Ah…...P-Please wait…..!’ 

Yuta: ‘Yaーy!! It’s the donut spin~ ♪’

Tsubasa: ‘Eh, amazing….. Wait, I have to do the photoshoot.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Uhm, Yuta-kun! Please move more nicely…..!’ 

Yuta: ‘Ahaha, sorry, sorry! All nice~ ♪ Sweet!’

Tsubasa: ‘.....Yes, this is good. But all the pictures from afar aren’t good. Should I come closer…..Eh!?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Ah, that was dangerous….. But it’s hard to slide with the camera….’ 

Yuta: ‘Tsubasa-chan, are you fine~?’

Tsubasa: ‘Y-Yes! I wanted to….kyahh…..!?’ 

Yuta: ‘Tsubasa-chan!’

Yuta: ‘Waaah, wait! I’ll come back to there now!!’ 

But it is already too late…..

Tsubasa: ‘Ouch…..’ 

Yuta: ‘Tsubasa-chan, you okay!?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Y-Yes….. The camera is safe.’ 

Yuta: ‘That’s not it! Any injuries? Are you all right? Does your bottom hurt!?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Ahaha….. It hurts a little bit but I am fine.’ 

Yuta: ‘Waaーhn, sorry! If I had been at your side, I could have catched you before you fell down…..!’ 

He comes close to her to help her stand up from the fall. 

Yuta: ‘Here, give me the camera. And then you can stand up, right?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘I am sorry….. No, please wait.’ 

Yuta: ‘Eh?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Yuta-kun, please stay like this!!’ 

Yuta: ‘Howaah!? W-Why?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘It is a chance! When I fell down, the situation that happened…. I thought won’t the fans be happy about this kind of situation.’  

Yuta: ‘.......!’ 

Yuta: ‘......Puh, ahaha! Tsubasa-chan, you’re too positive!!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Ah, please let me take a picture of this smile too…..!’ 

Yuta: ‘Ah~! Okay, okay, let’s stop here~? If you stay like this, your body will get cold!’ 

Yuta: ‘Here, hand me over the camera. Hold on to me properly, okay?’ 

Part 5

When they are finished with the photoshoot, it is already evening. 

Tsubasa: ‘ーーThank you for today. Because it was thanks to you that I was able to take many good photos, the editorial department will surely praise you as well I think.’ 

Yuta: ‘Me too, thanks! Today was really fun~. Tsubasa-chan, praise me a lot in the company!’

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, yes. Well then…. I will return to the company from here. If you go home, shall I call a taxi for you?’ 

Yuta: ‘Nope, I go home on my own so it’s fine~ Or maybe I should say, since I’m free I will escort Tsubasa-chan.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘No, I am fine. I can return by myself.’ 

Yuta: ‘Not good~! It’s already pretty dark, and there was a weird guy that chased after women earlier. That’s why it’s my duty to escort you to the company.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘But……’ 

Yuta: ‘Ehm~, the company’s in that direction, right?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Y-Yuta-kun…..! Uhm, it is in the opposite direction!’ 

Yuta: ‘Oh, really? Huh…..’ 

Yuta: ‘Waah, look! There are illuminations that have little Santas and reindeers among them’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Eh…..? …...It is true, are those small figurines? So sparkling and cute….’ 

Yuta: ‘I wonder if they are hidden in the other trees too? Let’s try looking for them!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu….. Then, only a bit.’ 

Yuta: ‘Yay~ ♪’ ________

Yuta: ‘ーーIs this striped candy the last one?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘It seems so. We found more than expected, I was surprised. But….. did everyone not notice them?’ 

Yuta: ‘Say, there is no one that comes close to the illuminations like this….. Perhaps we two looked really weird when others saw us?’

Tsubasa: ‘Fufu, that is true. But, it was a lot of fun.’ 

Yuta: ‘Ehehe, for me too! Maybe this was more like a date than today’s photoshoot?’

Tsubasa: ‘Ah…… In that case, I should have taken a picture.’  

Yuta: ‘Eh~! No way, then it will become work. That’s not it……’ 

Tsubasa: ‘.......?’ 

Yuta: ‘......No. Right, how was my date plan today?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘Eh…… Of course, it was really wonderful. But I was unskillful in skating so it looked like a ice-skating class in the middle of the photoshoot…….’

Tsubasa: ‘The image of you who tries to entertain everyone was very warm. It surely will reach all the fans that will read the report, I think.’ 

Yuta: ‘I see, glad to hear! Tsubasa-chan, thanks a lot!’ 

Tsubasa: ‘No, Yuta-kun was the one that thought about a lot things, I only did the photoshoot.’ 

Yuta: ‘No, that’s not it.’ 

Yuta: ‘You know, when I was troubled about the plan, I thought about what if I went on a date with Tsubasa-chan. Then I was able to come up with lots of ideas.’ 

Yuta: ‘That’s why….. Thanks.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘N-No…..I really did nothing….’ 

Yuta: ‘......Tsubasa-chan.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘......Yuta-kun…..?’ 

Once again, Yuta closes up to her. But this time, even closer than before.

Yuta: ‘.......Your tip of the nose.’ 

Tsubasa: ‘......Eh?’ 

Yuta: ‘Your tip of the nose, it turned red! Are you cold? Should I warm up your nose!?’ 

Tsubasa: ‘I-I am fine……! Uhm….. I have to go now!’ 

Yuta: ‘Eh, wait~! Tsubasa-chan!!’ 

END

[nagichi-boop]

Hee hoo matchup pls 🥺 Okay so I'm an aquarius. 5'9, lowkey chubby, long wavy brown hair, green eyes, olive skin, freckles and glasses. I'm of Greek heritage :D My hobbies include drawing, listening to music, dancing (lol I make stupid dances in my room with headphones on listening to kpop,) animating, writing and reading. I also play on a basketball team, but I'm hoping to learn volleyball soon. I'm often described as shy, but once you get to know me, I'm fun and love talking too much.

Hey! Sorry this took so long to get to! I hope you like this anyways...

I'd ship you with...

Bokuto Koutarou!

• He doesn't really care about appearances, but when he first saw you on his way to a practice match, he stopped and stared at you for a moment. You had a sort of...presence.

• He asked Akaashi and everyone else on the team who you were, but none of them seemed to know.

• The next time he saw you in the hallway, he ran up to you suddenly (so much so that Akaashi didn't have a chance to stop him), grabbed your hand with both of his and started shaking it. It all happened so suddenly that you had no idea what to do. Thankfully, Akaashi came over and dragged him away, apologising for Bokuto's behaviour.

• Every time he spotted you after that, he'd excitedly run up to you and wrap his arm around you. The first few times it happened it you were terrified, but eventually you got used to it. You eventually realised you didn't really know much about him, so you asked. He boasted about his volleyball playing and you mentioned that you had an interest in it, which caused him to practically beg you to come to one of his practice sessions. You agreed (and Akaashi told you after the fact that you didn't have to if you didn't feel comfortable doing so).

• You lingered around the gymnasium before Bokuto saw you and practically dragged you in. The entire team was shocked that Bokuto randomly dragged a girl in, and for the whole session they were whispering to each other, trying to figure out who you were. When they asked Akaashi, he didn't really have a solid answer either.

• You somehow didn't notice all of that though because your attention was fixed on Bokuto. He'd turn to you, smile and give you a thumbs up whenever he scored. At first you quietly just smile back when he did this. Somehow you ended up attending more sessions and you eventually just mirrored him, smiling and giving him the thumbs up enthusiastically.

• The two of you were more open with one another. If you were upset, depending on the circumstances, Bokuto would either try to make you laugh, would try to cheer you up another way or would give you a surprisingly encouraging pep talk. Somehow this boy always knew the exact thing to do to make you feel better.

• He went into emo mode during one of his matches, and suddenly Akaashi had an idea. He got you and asked if you could talk to him. Somehow, you managed to find just the right words to get his head back into the game. The entire team was in shock, Akaashi included.

• One time when you and Akaashi were alone, he asked if Bokuto had confessed his feelings or something to you. You turned red and said that wasn't the case. You hadn't really thought about that sort of thing, but the more you thought about it, but you were beginning to wonder it you did like him beyond being friends.

• You found yourself avoiding eye contact with Bokuto more now. Even when the two of you would excitedly talk, you'd catch onto it and then immediately get flustered and look away.

• Bokuto stopped you outside of the gymnasium one day and asked what was wrong. You asked him if he liked you, and he said "Of course, we're friends aren't we?" You then clarified what you meant, asking if he "like liked" you. He stared blankly for a moment and then smiled and said he did. Just to double check, you asked if he'd want to be your boyfriend. Almost immediately, he said "yes" and after a moment of surprise, you smiled happily. You then triple checked he knew what you meant and he very clearly knew what you meant, though you still didn't quite believe it.

• He suddenly took you by the hand and dragged you into the gymnasium. He then raised your hand and yelled "WE'RE DATING!" The whole gym fell silent as you quietly blushed, screaming internally. Konoha then started to clap, and everyone else followed along. Akaashi then snuck next to you and assured you that he'd look after you and Bokuto and that the two of you could come to him if you ever needed him.

• You invited Bokuto over for the first time and he walked into your room without thinking about it. He excitedly noticed things in your room - a basketball, drawing equipment and books a plenty.

• Sometimes when you were drawing, he would also draw something and show you excitedly. His drawings were always so messy and childish, but you found it really endearing.

• Bokuto took a genuine interest in your hobbies. He practiced volleyball with you, tried to help you with basketball practice, listened to your music recommendations, asked you about what you were reading, and he even tried to dance with you. (He was clumsy at first, but he eventually got kind of good at it?)

• The two of you got really good at noticing each others mood changes and you were also both super good at dealing with it. (You even surpassed Akaashi at this point, so he'd often come to you for advice and take notes on what you were saying.)

• If Bokuto felt down, you'd let him rest his head on your lap and you'd gently stroke his hair, which quickly lifted his mood. He picked up on you doing this and it caused him to start doing this with you as well. You found it really cute and it actually really helped you to relax.

• The team basically accepted you as one of the team. You'd get invited as part of team outings with them. And if they heard of anything happening to you, they'd go feral.

• The furthest your PDA goes is hand holding, and Bokuto definitely isn't subtle about being in a relationship with you. Though one time when you were alone before practice, he pulled you aside and kissed your forehead, which left you in a stunned silence.

• The two of you love each other to bits. You manage to help him no matter what mood he's in, and he manages to constantly be a source of light to you.

Once again, I'm sorry this took so long! I hope you like this anyways!

[fe-husband-heaven]

Time - Grima/Reader

I've had this in my head all day and had to write it gahhhh

It's also self indulgent on my behalf hee hee~!

Warning~! Slightly more docile Grima who has to deal his new bodies weakness to emotions~

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

He prowled through Askr's halls in a less than pleased mood. He'd been separated from his worm for far too long, and he had no more patience for it.

A small haughty laugh from behind halted the Fell Dragons stomps footsteps. He looked behind him to lay eyes on Julius, who possessed an almost crazed grin.

Grima's eyes narrowed, he's well aware of what kind of human Julius was. Corrupted.

Much more than others were, his own human had mentioned that it was his tome that had distorted him. He knew nothing more of him, he wasn't interested in hearing about him nor had he been happy that his human was speaking about another man.

He had ended that discussion quickly.

At the very least, Grima knew Julius wouldn't approach without an ulterior motive.

So automatically, he was on guard.

"Look what the cat dragged in."

His worm had already chided him about injuring others in the Order of Heroes, and as impudent as their lecture was, they were much easier to deal with when they weren't upset.

So he didn't crush the bug before him immediately.

Grima continued to stare at the man, maybe he could stare a hole through him, perhaps he'd disintegrate if he tried hard enough.

"Slithering off to your little pet?"

Grima was starting to get angry, he already didn't like being approached by pests but he especially didn't like when they started involving you.

"What do you want, worm?"

The annoyance in his tone was clear.

"Oh...nothing..I was just curious about how long you intend to play the human? How long you intend to pretend with that little summoner...?"

Grima growled,

"You don't know anything, worm. Stay out of my sight and I won't rip you to pieces. Come near what's mine and I can assure you that I'll have no qualms about ending whatever pathetic life you have."

A malicious purple aura was beginning to radiate from Grima, his eyes were glowing red and the air around him was suffocating enough that any other person would be on the ground begging for breath.

Julius however wasn't even fazed.

"Hmm..tamed you, have they?" He laughed,

"Any other day, you'd have already made well of your word...hah! How cute. The human taming the beast. Not that it'll last long."

Grima's smirk was almost feral,

"Is that a threat?"

Julius scoffed,

"Oh, please. As if I need to bother, you'll lose them either way."

Grima frowned, now confused,

"What are you babbling about, worm?"

Julius's smirk fell for a moment, then he studied Grima for a second before breaking into a loud howl,

"Oh this is too rich! You don't even realize it, do you?"

Julius cackled, clearly finding something very amusing. So much so that he had to clear the tears from his eyes from laughing so hard.

Grima stood baffled, any anger he had was now just confusion. Last he checked, most humans didn't behave this way. He considered just turning around and leaving this lunatic behind in favor of finding his human.

You were strange, but you were a bearable strange.

"You're a dragon! They're a human!"

Julius had to take a breath to speak,

"They'll die years before you ever do! To a dragon, a human life is merely a blink of an eye-"

Julius broke into another fit of laughter,

"That precious little human of yours is just like the rest of them, they'll wither away with age and there'll be nothing left but a lonely dragon and a skull. The end of the little Summoner."

Julius watched in glee as Grima was hit with the realization. The anger, confusion, and dread all in one. Grima hated such confounding emotions, he hated how he felt a chill at Julius's words. Hated how he felt as though someone's cold and clammy hands had raked down his spine, and he loathed the churning of his stomach at the thought of you leaving him behind.

Curse this frail human body, prone to every damning emotion known to man.

Julius stood with an impish grin as Grima snarled at him, that previous malevolent aura returning full force. He seemed to be awaiting a show, the complete explosion of Grima's wrath, but it didn't come.

He watched in surprise as Grima turned away from him and stormed down the hall, eyes a beading red, and his face set in a deep frown.

Disappointed, and with his entertainment gone, he huffed.

"How dull."

__________

Grima hurried his steps once he was out of Julius's sight. As much as he had wanted to rip the tongue from that fool's mouth, he was much too overcome with the urge to see his humans face.

He made his way to your room, surely by now you were done with whatever useless strategy meeting the worms had dragged you into. Along the way, he had managed to slow the frantic breathing he didn't realize he had developed.

However, as he neared your door Julius's words had rang in his ears

"-there'll be nothing left but a lonely dragon and a skull."

He shook his head, brushing the thought aside but when he gripped the doorhandle, the image of your smiling face morphing into that skull had flashed in his mind causing him to slam the door open, nearly breaking it off it's hinges.

The force of him opening the door had you nearly falling from your chair, the squeak you made had him locking his eyes onto your form.

"Gri-"

You tried to ask what the hell was going on but the intensity of Grima's gaze caught you off guard. That, and he charged towards you so fast you didn't have time to word questions.

He pulled you out of your chair by your wrist, the terrain maps you were looking at previously were now fluttering to the ground.

Grima scanned your face, for what you didn't know but he seemed to have found it since his tense shoulders relaxed. All at once, his frown melted away and he just looked drained.

Were all human emotions so taxing?

Pathetic.

You stayed quiet as Grima leaned forward to rest his head on your shoulder, clearly something was wrong with him, he often would coil himself around you in a show of dominance but he was being so...tame that you knew something had happened.

"Is something wrong?"

You wrapped an arm around him while your other raised to stroke his disheveled hair. If it wasn't the eyes and demeanor that made him distinct from Robin then the ruffled mess of white hair he always had, did.

He responded only by turning his head into the crook of your neck, inhaling your scent.

You toyed with his hair for a couple more seconds before turning the wrist that he held so that your hand held his. You lead him to your bed where you sat upright in the middle of it, knowing he'd just plop himself on top of you like he always did.

And he did, although this time, rather than throw himself on you haphazardly, he wrapped his arms around your waist and laid his head over your chest, listening to the steady beat of your heart.

You are so stupid to allow him near you, he could crush you in a split second.

You're so foolish, foolish and naive.

Stupid, foolish, naive, and warm.

"Grima...what happened?"

He let out a low growl, and for a moment you thought he wouldn't tell you. But he rocketed up to face you, clearly annoyed and angry.

"You're going to leave me."

"Huh?"

"You're going to perish."

"I..Excuse me?"

You stared at him incredulously, was..was he threatening you...??

"Grima what are you..."

You trailed off as you put the pieces together, "You're going to leave me."...oh...

"I see..so that's what this is about..." You smiled at him sadly, unsure of what to say. You couldn't lie to him, it was true. Eventually, time would take you away, it happened to every human. It would happen to you too.

Still, Grima hated that look on you. Before, he might have laughed at such an expression, but now he loathed it. Your incessant optimism was no where to be seen, and it perturbed him.

"Grima."

You called his attention, maybe you couldn't change the circumstances but maybe you could soothe him a little. You couldn't imagine his turmoil, the one human who managed to weasel their way into your life is bound to die by nature's laws.

You held his face tenderly, letting a thumb ghost over his cheek. You sighed and Grima watched intently.

"You know..." crimson eyes watched as your smile went from sad and sympathetic to honest and a light happiness.

"Even if my life may seem short...I..I wouldn't trade it for a longer life where I wasn't with you."

The stabbing pain was immediate, was this normal in a human host? To feel like you're being ripped in two?

He felt like a piece of him was being crushed, like he was losing, surrendering, laying down while what was his was being taken from him.

"No." he muttered, just low enough that you could hear.

"I-...No??"

You really wish he would elaborate sometimes but what can you expect from the Fell Dragon that does as he pleases-

"No, I refuse." he hissed.

Before you could ask what he meant, he tangled a hand in your hair and pulled you into a hungry territorial kiss. Caught completely off guard by his change in mannerisms, he managed to slip his tongue past your lips, ridding you of breath with the fervor of which his mouth claimed yours.

When he had reluctantly pulled away, he allowed you a brief moment to breathe before immediately pushing you down against your bed.

Caged between his arms, you watched as he licked his lips in anticipation.

"I won't let you go so easily, I won't- I refuse to relinquish what belongs to me."

You had squirmed your way into his life, cemented your place in it, made him feel what he was not meant to, and never asked anything of him. You became something that he was not willing to part with and nothing was going to stand in his way.

If he had to challenge time, then so be it.

And he knew how to start, by marking his possession.

_________

Julius made his way through the halls, looking for the next being to terrorize for fun.

Only to halt when he heard your laugh further down the hall, he grinned wickedly and with a little skip in step he moved in the direction he heard you.

His impish smile fell at the sight of you and Grima walking past at the end of the hall.

Grima caught his gaze and let a triumphant smirk take over his features, "I win." was splayed out on his face and for a moment Grima considered going over to rip off Julius's head for his previous impudent display.

But if he did, he would have to remove his hand from where it was intertwined with yours.

So he settled for extending his middle finger (something he learned from his summoner) and pointing it at the baffled Julius watching from afar.

Julius knew not what the gesture meant but he felt insulted anyway.

As the two of you walked further away from Julius, the Fell Dragon reflected on what had transpired. He had been claiming you when it happened, in the midst of marring your skin with his lips and making you his mate at last, he had felt it.

The interlacing of your life force.

You both had been confused at first, but then you felt the tug of an invisible bond, a stronger connection between the two of you. You had laughed, the solution to a problem that had arose as quickly as it had been solved was sitting in front of the two of you and the prospect that Grima had picked a fight with Time- a metaphysical thing- had finally registered.

The Fell Dragon unabashed, watched the little creature below him giggle, a human that belonged to him in now both body and spirit. When you had finished your fit of laughter, you had looked up at him and uttered 3 little words that had him going far beyond consummating your bond.

Yes, he had won it all.

Solved his problem through making your body his, showed off to the maggot that instigated this, your affection seemed to have doubled, and he found a new pastime that he very much intended to indulge in much more than he had.

A gentle squeeze on his hand pulled him out of his thoughts, turning to look at you, he was slightly blinded by the brilliant smile you had flashed him.

Hnn..

Grima was hit with the sudden urge to reenact what had occurred in your bedroom. Looking ahead, he took notice of the broom closet further down the hall.

How perfect...

__________

"So your plan failed spectacularly."

Julius narrowed his eyes at the new arrival standing next to him, watching you and the reptile walk away.

Valter.

"Hmph. That lizard only strengthened his clutches on them. I was sure at the very least that it would cause a rift between them.

Ugh, how droll...no matter, I shall make them mine eventually. He's merely a place holder."

Valter laughed.

"Yours? Perhaps you haven't noticed but the Summoner is my prey."

Julius scoffed,

"Surely you jest, I've made it clear that I intend to lay my hands upon them."

The air was dangerous, one waiting for the other to make a move. A lance and a tome at the ready, neither afraid to end a life.

But the tension dissipated as the loud threatening rumble of a dragon was heard in the distance...

[literaryeagle]

This book is the Spider-Man Vs. Venom Omnibus. It's a huge hardcover compilation (1160 pages!) of comics from Venom's time as a Spider-Man villain. (There are other books for Venom's escapades as an antihero, which I will get to in future posts.) So if you're new to Venom and want to start from the very beginning, I recommend this book. You'll see how Spider-Man obtained a new black costume and then rejected it once he discovered that it was actually an alien symbiote, and how the symbiote joined with Eddie Brock to become Venom! You'll also see how Eddie treated the symbiote with more compassion than Spider-Man did... I'm just saying.

Oh, and in addition to the Spider-Man rivalry stuff, this book also includes some stories about Venom's encounters with other characters, such as Wolverine. The introduction of Carnage is in here as well, and also the 14 part crossover event Maximum Carnage. So if you want to see Spider-Man team up with Venom to take down an even greater threat, that's here, too! It's a very useful book for catching up with the early adventures.

I won't be writing a super detailed review, because this book is massive and the amount of spare time I have is... well, definitely not massive. So instead, I will wrap up this mini-review with a summary of what I liked, what I didn't like, and also some points of interest for Symbrock fans. I guess we'll call this format "The Good, the Bad, and the Symbrock", ha ha! Keep reading for the rest of the review!

The Good:

-The humor! David Michelinie's writing especially had me laughing out loud a number of times.

-Some of the art was pretty cool, and I really liked how Mark Bagley drew Eddie.

-It was a pleasant surprise to see that Louise Simonson wrote "'Til Death Do Us Part" (the story where Spider-Man used church bells to separate from the symbiote, and then the symbiote still saved his life anyway). I used to read Star Wars comics, so I recognized her name from Star Wars: River of Chaos.

-The symbiote made Eddie's clothes even when he was not in Venom mode. Keeping that in mind while looking at Eddie's outfits was so much fun. That flowered shirt... tee hee!

-Venom singing. Heck yeah.

-Eddie loves amusement parks! I just thought that was a cute detail. I guess we can't apply that to the movie version of Eddie, though, since he's scared of heights. Hey wait, that could be a fan fic idea for the movieverse... The symbiote helps Eddie to overcome his fear of heights, and then they go on a date to an amusement park!

The Bad:

Some of the dialogue was pretty cheesy. To be fair, maybe that's normal for superhero comics, or at least superhero comics of that time period. Most of my comic book experience is with manga or Star Wars comics, so I'm new to reading Marvel superhero stuff. I'm eager to learn, though, which is why I'm reading these Venom stories now!

The Symbrock:

-When it looked like the symbiote had been killed, Eddie cried over the symbiote's remains and said "We... w-we're... dead!" Even Spider-Man remarked to himself that the symbiote had given its life to save Eddie. (Don't worry, the symbiote survived, in case that wasn't obvious from the bazillion Venom comic stories that came out afterwards, heh.)

-Upon believing that Spider-Man was dead, Eddie decided to retire from being Venom, staying on an island paradise where he and the symbiote could live together in peace and happiness. Awww. That ended once they found out that Spider-Man was actually alive, but still... awww.

-When fighting with Darkhawk, Venom explained "We are two-in-one, Hawk. One from Earth -- one from the stars -- Married in a way no human can ever under -- Whoa!" (Darn it, Darkhawk, let Venom finish! And yes, the lettering in the comic really did place emphasis on the words that I put into bold italics, including the word "Married".)

-In a flashback story about Venom's first adventure (taking place shortly after Spider-Man had separated from the symbiote), Eddie and the symbiote were surrounded by flames. Instead of escaping on his own, Eddie assured the symbiote by saying "Don't worry. I won't abandon you."

-In the last story of this book, Eddie said to the symbiote "As one, working together, we were unstoppable! So forever more we'll be that one!" (Although I guess Eddie saying "forever" is actually rather bittersweet, knowing what comes later... maybe.)

-Towards the end of the book you can find Danny Fingeroth's introduction to the Spider-Man: Venom Returns trade paperback, which included these great words, "Instead of his just appearing in one storyline, fandom told us: Bring back Eddie Brock and his symbiotic soul mate. So we did. And each time you've wanted more."

Well, that's it for this review. If you have questions about this book, feel free to ask. Also, I am currently reading a colossal book that collects a bunch of Venom's adventures as an antihero, so I will be sure to review one that when I'm done. Stay tuned!

[eeshalaurel]

Finding Home Within Me

I have learned to find Home within Me. I am ok Being me and with me,  my identity is not tied to how my house looks or where it is.  I have learned to find safety In my Being`ness, Safety and home In my breath and in being Present with me whatever the outer circumstances ~  ~ This Spirit and Light and Spark and Flame of God Light that Lives within this dear body shines and glows and is home to me.   As I breathe into my heart and have even a notion to connect with this God Light, there Is Light.  Always there is Light and it grows brighter as I breathe into my heart.    And God said, let there be light, and there was and is Light.  Va Yomer Elohim,  Vaya hee Or,     Vaya hee Or.  

But my body has needs.  This dear body that is still living here on this planet needs to be warm in the winter and able to get out of the heat in the summer time.  This dear body that has kept on living through 50 years of Lupus, Systemic Lupus and two divorces, and family all rejecting me and a huge church family disowning me leaving a man who none of the elders in the church would even try to deal with. Leaving this man and such a nice house that I had papered and curtained and stained the wood and created a home for our family.  When I left to get the children and me away from emotional abuse and disregard disgust - they could not deal with the tiny little house in a lower class neighborhood and with being with me while their dad was telling them that I was crazy, maybe I would get help.   So they left and moved back into the nice house.      That was probably the most devastating time of this life.. I was a Mother thru and thru.  I loved being with me children each stage even the terrible twos with a baby.  Friends in the church would talk of not being able to wait until their child could walk or go to preschool or to kindergarden -  I would tell them......   ...  ..  No, 

This Is the Perfect Time, this time is to be cherished each moment loving these precious little beings who still look at you as if you are their whole world and it is  so amazing to see what new thing they discover every day. And they are so much fun most of the time. And it is so good to me their mother.      Then was Then,  Now is Now..   Now I am 70 years old.   These beautiful children grew up and have their lives and act as if I do not exist.  Tim will have nothing to do with me.  No one gives me a reason.  It is a great mystery.  And Nancy is busy busy with her life and sends me a gift thru the mail Christmas and Mother's Day - this year beautiful roses in a box at the front door - they are lovely, I added greens from the bushes outside - and for my birthday.  I get a short email reply sometimes.  maybe once a year a little conversation on the phone of her telling me some things about her life and her job and avoiding anything about my life.    I love them each so much every day, I see their heart lights and the good dear people they each are, and I love and cherish them. 

  But my body and my psyche has needs - and the continuing loss of my children in my life is like a part of me gone missing.   My older brother wanted assurances that he would not have to come down here to handle anything when I am dead.  I have my body donated to science when I pass on, so no one has to do or spend anything.  The middle brother lives in a tiny place on his own on disability, a brilliant person ill equipped for being out in the world.  I do not hear back form him, he is doing his best.  

Little brother Robbie, such a light and kind sweet hearted being managed to make his way our of out disabling childhood and get trained to me a machinist and made good money and loved motorcycles and was excellent at dirt racing. He went on trips with friends to other places to ride their bikes on curing mountain roads.  He was a favorite and a strength to this group for many many years until he could no longer find a medication to deal with his depression and kept missing work and lost his job.  He found others but could not keep the so he sold the bikes and lost the community and sold his dear house and all most of his things and then his precious dog died and he moved into a little box of an apartment.  He still could use his homemade gear shift and pedals and do online virtual racing from home.. He was very good and loved in this community.  But the Television broke and he quit paying for a phone and ran out of money to pay the rent.  He had applied for disability with no good results.  So 5 years ago her ended his own life..      

Fortunately, I was able to find a way to be at the crematorium with his body inside of a white box.  I had been tuning in and not being able to connect with him to help him to come out of this trauma to help him cross over. I knew I had to be with his body.   There was a sweet and kind man at the crematorium that gave me time alone with Rob.  I brought an older helmet still at his apartment and his harmonica.  I described the helmet to him and played a bit on his Homer Hamonica and told him how very much I love him. I told him that I totally understood why he did this and did not blame him. I told him his brothers were ok with it all too and that we all love him so much.  I felt all the hairs my arms dance and my heart felt his presence there with me.  then I intended and sensed my river of light from the heart of Gaia thru my heart Light and up to Source Light and then his river of light joining mine.  I sensed and  saw our maternal grandfather standing at the opening gates of heaven leaning out with his arms to call Robbie to him.  There beside him jumping about was Baby the precious little black and white dog so excited to see his human again,  Behind them standing there was my mother waiting for her youngest boy.  All of Robbie's Presence and Soul zoomed up that column of Light and was Home.    On one of the last mornings in his apartment, I awoke to see Robbie standing in a bright sunny wide space standing tall and confident and happy and looking at me with his eyes and heart with thanks and love.   He let me know he is Home and safe and all is well.     In my inner world I am so very safe and loved and at home.  I have died several times and know what it feels like to be Me but outside of this body.  OH it is so glorious~ just viscerally remembering that expansion and freedom not catches my breath.   I am that I am a unique Being of Light and Love and Power.  

 I  was  so very happy to be out of this body after dealing with the pain and limitations and collapsings.   The four shining beings around me who were very familiar to me told me that I had to go back into my body and to be here on the planet.  I argued with them.. No way!   I cannot continue to life like this.  If you want me to say something Stephen right there by my body is good at channeling, he can channel me.  I was told that my Soul plan and all I had gone thru had prepared me to Be Present on the planet at this time.  They said it was essential for me to be Here in my Presence on Earth Now.  And then I was re-entering this body.  This does NOT Feel good at all.  

 Being out of my body and then having to come back into it happened another time several months later with 4 energy workers around my dead body being so annoyed at me for not letting them call the paramedics.   I started back into form but it hurt so so so much that I popped back out to the four shining beings blocking my path to go Home.  So I took a deep breath like before jumping into cold water and became corporeal again.    these friends stayed annoyed at me and left me at the empty home I was staying in while one of their relatives was out of town.  I recuperated enough to get my things together in my car and left to go and live out of my car in the woods at various places for the next two years.    Living out of my car in the woods with bears and scary noises and no friends wanting to talk to be because it was too scary to think of me being a woman alone in the woods ~ I came to realize that I needed to find my safe place within me.   This was September of 1995.    

  I stopped writing and got my box containing my journals from the years of being homeless.  The box was way on top shelf in the back.. moving things, balancing stretching moving christmas boxes out of the way catching the edge of the box and pushing and pulling and it finally moves a bit.  ( Oh were is my person or personal assistant :-)  )    I go the box out without falling and opened it to find my journals from 1995 and 1996 into 1997 with the corresponding Mayan DreamSpell calendars.     My first notebook telling of my journey starts with First Night.  It reads rather nicely ~ hmmm ` this is not so bad.  :-)       Now my body has  needs ~  to use my Thumper massager and pain ointment and helpful herbs and heating pad and lying down to rest from this.    And so: the Realization of what may be an obstacle belief in me that could keep me from finding a good place to live that I sat down to share, will wait till another time.  I close with shining Love and smiles to you whoever finds this and actually reads my rambling posts or at least this one.   Thank you.    I do not know if comments can be left here in Tumblr or if it shows how to contact me  - probably things I need to set up somehow..  ( where is that personal assistant or one who loves and adores and cares for and helps me and is in return blessed and loved and adored )    I have done what I could for now and that must be good enough my dear BeLoveds  Eesha Laurel   5,11,'19 @ 1:17 pm.

(this posted to Tumblr same day about 2:00 after finding some art to post above and below ) 

[kevintheradioguy]

The thing that happened on one of the afterparties

This story, as I write it, kind of has the r/thathappened feel, but it's absolutely legit. I have a fun life, it seems. I am changing all the names for the sake of anonymity, because, although the main character of the story was weird and maybe a bit in the wrong here, she did not do it out of spite, and just didn't realise certain things about how the world works. So I cannot blame her, and only can hope she'll grow up a little bit.

Thing number one I want to get out of the way. About six years ago I have moved to Russia, to live with my fiancé. We were in a long-distance relationship for a very long time, travelling to see each other, before I found a job there and moved; but what I am trying to say is that she has only the basic level of English, therefore, most of the story that follows is me translating her words, since I didn't know the entire thing, as she spoke the most with this white knight girl. This is also in a need of noting, since everything going on was in Russian, so when I say that someone doesn't know English to say something, keep in mind that the original line that I translated was not in English to begin with.

Thing number two is also the start of the story. Don't kinkshame. Yes, we are in open relationships, and no, I don't want to hear anything about it. We're not children that 'experiment', we've been together for a long time, and practically married at this point, and we feel very comfortable not putting the equal sign between love and sex. If anyone doesn't get it - rest assured, I as well cannot get why would you be so jealous about a person you care for having fun, so let's leave it at that: we both don't get each other, so let's just enjoy the story. Another thing to point is that she's bisexual, which is obvious from the story, but I have to point out as well.

So, we all have the image of rock concert afterparties going all kinky. Stars picking up some girls and boys and it all turning in huge orgies. And that is... half-true. Me and my girl, - we'll be calling her Jay here, - have the same tastes in music, art, architecture, and many more, therefore so we always go to the same concerts, museums, and seminars. We have met and befriended a German Rock band few years back, and have been in tight contact ever since, so we are automatically invited to all the afterparties they have, specifically with one of the members we have the most contact is, who girls usually find the cutest of all, so he gets some huge female attention. Let's call this guy A, because that is what his name starts with and I have no active imagination! Now, we both knew what the afterparty would be about, and since I wasn't in the mood for any of that, and Jay doesn't want to go alone, we tried to lie my way out by saying we have our salaries delayed, and thus - no money for the tickets, but then the band sends us invitations - something that is absolutely not nice to ignore, so we're in a need to go.

So, the concert went pretty cheerful. As usual, some people waited for the band in the corridor, some took photos, me, Jay and A chatted a bit, and then us and two other girls decided to heat to the hotel, because what the F else would we do, if the rest of the band wasn't in for the afterparty? One of the girls was absolutely gorgeous, and Jay and her (I wasn't in the mood, so kind of just followed around, occasionally serving as an interpreter when they could not convey a certain message to A) managed to kind of befriend each other from the very first minute. We'll call her Hel. The other girl was a bit weird, but at that time it was just a theory A GAME THEO-- ahem! - she is always very quiet, but while I am a friendly quiet more of a tired type, she was all mysteriously quiet, and A, if we had to walk somewhere, had to drag her along by her hand, because she wouldn't go without him holding her like that. I asked if she was okay, thinking that maybe she's scared, and didn't really want to be in this mess we're about to go for, and I have to lead her away and call a taxi, and she just nodded - she was okay. Well, all-right, I thought, everybody's got their quirks.

The organisers, as usual, didn't realise that A's "I'll be with friends tonight" meant not one person, but four, so there weren't enough taxis called, and so we had to stand outside, in the cold, in front of a closed club, for twenty minutes, while the wind howled mercilessly. When you come to a rock concert at seven, and go out of the doors at half past midnight, you don't expect such a huge leap down in temperatures. We were very lucky that at this point the weird girl didn't show all her weirdness, and we managed to successfully put her in the car with other musicians, and take the next taxi for ourselves (Jay, Hel, me, and A), so at least the trip there was fun.

So, we get into a hotel, and went for registration. Had to stand there for a very-very long time, because they had this odd system where you could only bring no more than two friends into one number, so A had to rent another one so we're all allowed in. As the registration is going, we just stand there and chat, making jokes and giggling at the office. I mostly speak to A< as we have no language barrier between us, but the juiciest part is going on with the girls. As Jay later told me, Hel was telling stories about how last time Halestorm came over, and she managed to seduce a lead singer, and is still absolutely in awe with her. And after that this weird girl comes closer to Jay, and asks what do people usually do in hotel numbers in these situations? Well, Jay, being kind of a naïve girl herself, genuinely thinks the girl is joking, because how can you not know what happens in a hotel number, when a famous musician invites a guy and three girls in? You could've dismissed the most unbelievable options way before you drove here. So she replies: "Sex, and alcohol, and rock-n-roll, of course!" And that girl replies something like "Wow-wow-wow, I am already scared, I didn't expect this, tee-hee-hee!" while her eyes are as huge as a doe's, as if she never heard any of these words before, and she's all giggles. And you know, Jay still thinks that's a joke. That she has this sense of humor. A weird one, but we don't judge.

The girl called herself Ren, which kind of made everyone cringe. A weird fleeting thought ran through my mind about being fifteen, being dark and gloomy, slicing your wrists on the cemeteries right after drinking Red Bull secretly mixed with beer while sitting in the shadow of your own house so mum won't see. And it confirmed, seeing how she was talking about herself under the "I'm not like the others" sauce, peppered with "I am special" curry. Which was especially funny after we realised that her real name was not Ren, but Nancy. And this Nancy stands in front of us, and tells to the girls how evil and badass she is when she drinks, to the point of crawling up the lantern poles, not remembering where she lives, wanting to kill everyone, and eating concrete. The smell of teenage idiocy became stronger...

Meanwhile, I notice how A starts to eye her passport given to reception lady for registration. Although he doesn't understand a single shit she's saying, he kind of feels this teenish aroma in the air, and gently asks where in the name of Rod Stewart can he see a birth date in her passport? After finding it, he relaxes a little, finding out she's not under age, and after about forty minutes of trying to hurry up the sleepy receptionist lady, we go upstairs.

It is half past one in the night, and we suddenly realise we're out of any alcohol. Even beer. Not a single drop besides things we took from the club, and the laws stands that you cannot buy alcohol in shops after 11pm and before 8am. But we have to keep the action going, relax, start having fun, after all. So, we decide we'll play spin the bottle for a wish. Small, cute things, like parodying strip-tease or barking like a dog. During this, Hel says she not only likes boys, but girls too, and I see Jay's eyes sparkle to that, and her forgetting about Nancy.

So, we play. It's funny, it's jolly, and fun. We make up cute stupid things to do. A has to lick the entire bottle, because he wasn't lucky with the wish. We tell stories about the previous afterparties which always went funnier than expected. And Nancy, as she listens, makes huge, surprised eyes, when she realises her gorgeous bass player A unexpectedly had sex with women! And not even one at a time! And not even once before! For some reason, this was news to her after a group of two men and three women basically barged into the number. "What a twist!", quoting Robot Chicken. Twist indeed, seeing how fast she tried to get to making out with him.

So she starts at Jay, and asks "But what if he's contagious!", which makes me facepalm so hard, I actually hurt my own eye with a slap. And Jay replies that that' of course, is possible, but highly unlikely, since he always, always uses condoms - a thing that would put people to an ease after hearing, but it absolutely terrifies Nancy! So, still thinking Nancy just has this sense of humour, Jay jokes, asking "Why, what did you suspect musicians do with beautiful women in their hotel rooms?" to which she replies "But he's a whore! Tell him! Tell him he's a whore!" She cannot say this on her own, because she doesn't even know English, - let alone German, - prepositions. And that's not even a joke, she knows absolutely nothing in English, even though she's almost 20, she cannot even say "hello". But she really, really wants to call A a whore. We, of course, did not call him that, although he himself managed to learn how to pronounce the word very quickly due to her insistence.

After about fifth such request, we all start suspect this is not her sense of humour. Nancy seems to be getting upset, but we cannot in the life of ours determine what is she upset about. But does she leave? Of course she doesn't.

After about another half an hour of the spin-the-bottle game, A's bottle lands on one of the girls (I forget which one), and he wishes for her to kiss him. So, Nancy/Ren stands up, all huffing and puffing, and declares she refuses to play such games, and instead she is going to sit there, on the bed, and look miserable, turning her back to us demonstratively. We kind of poked her a little about it, and shrugged it off, because everyone else had fun, and we wanted to keep it going. And after a while, everyone kind of forgot she was even there.

Time passes, and Jay suddenly starts to poke Hel, A, and me, making big, expressive eyes, and gently nodding to the bed. We remember there were five of us in the room. We realise there is sniffling coming from the bed. We realise that if we won't act now, Nancy will start wailing. So everyone stops, and approaches her, as starts asking what was wrong and why Nancy is crying. Perhaps she wants to join the game, and if not, maybe she wants to go home? We ask softly, and gently, not to damage this delicate young soul she has. Hel asks if she should call a taxi. A through me explains that it's not a problem to check out, and, in fact, there are no problems at all to begin with! Everything for you, my child! I, meanwhile, think that she might have gotten the impression that she is forced to get in on with two males and two females (even though I made it abundantly clear I am not in for anything and would probably sit in the corner and make witty remarks), so try to explain that no one forces her to do anything - this isn't how this works! Guys! This is not how it works! No one forces anyone to do anything during an orgy! It's all clear consent!

And then she turns, looking like a dying swan, hit right in the heart by an arrow, and starts to show off. She wants to leave.  But she does not. She doesn't want a cab, but she isn't going to stay here. She is not having fun, but she doesn't want to. Instead, she decides she wants to talk to A instead. Alone. Without knowing English. Or German. And she looks like a loyal puppy, insulted to her core.

So for the next forty minutes Nancy, using their phone and google translate, was messaging A! Without telling anyone anything. We managed to take turns in taking a shower, and change clothes, and chat... now, it sounds fair, but can you imagine yourself in such a situation, stopping the action midway to message with a person right next to you, while everyone else are left to sit there and wait? For forty to sixty minutes.

So, after these forty to sixty minutes passed, she finally made a decision, giving all of us a proud "Hmf!", turning around, and leaving, as she slammed the door behind her... but not before Hel called and paid for her taxi.

Of course, we were around A in seconds, asking what the bloody hell that was. He didn't want to talk, but tiredness, insistence, and as I now think someone getting the hand of his phone, the picture was painted. Apparently, Nancy and A got acquainted through some social media, as A is running band's fan group somewhere, and she was a member. They had a weird google-translated chat, and, after a while, he invited her to the concert. He's a generous fella, it seems, giving out invitations to lots of people he enjoys talking to. And Nancy was also a very pretty lady. A very pretty lady who also was expecting... let's call it, a private session. Made herself some fantasies, probably even imagined how she's moving to Germany with A, settles down, and has half-a-dozen kids. And then suddenly, Jay and Hel come over, dragging another dude with them. And her precious A is not a prince from her young daydreams, but an adult popular guy who loves women and women love him back. And she suddenly realises she's not this unique snowflake who was invited to her prince's temporarily hotel chambers, but one of many. Giant disappointment. Crumbling hopes. Imaginary divorce. Whoring A. Sluts Jay and Hel. Faggot me. Her dreams got broken over the cruel reality.

So while all of us tried to help her to get down to a taxi, were trying to cheer her up, inquire what happened, pushing A to at least see her to the cab (at that point A was quite fed up himself, and was hoping she'll just decide to leave or stay), she used google translate to make A force us all out, and never see us again, and be only with her. And, of course, he said no. In all languages he knew even. Because, one, that's not fair. Two, it's not cool. Three, he knows me and Jay for a few years. Four, because for at least an hour two absolutely beautiful women in bathrobes  with nothing underneath are waiting for him, ready to start having all kinds of kinky fun without any kind of mindfuck.

She took a lot of our time, which might have been spent at least on sleep if nothing else.

What really made me review certain things, however, was A's behaviour. Now, it's hard to explain, as we're friends, but I don't really like A that much. I know the romantic people out there would puff their chests and tell about me allowing him to spend time with my woman while I should be a jealous asshole instead, but the truth is, I am getting drowned in his energy. He's overactive, and he's jolly, and too immature for me, and that irritates me quite a bit. I know A's a great person, and I can see why people love him as much as they do, but I cannot stand a lot of him. I am getting crushed by the energy of his. So, I generally say I don't really like him. What made me change my mind and gain so much respect towards him (and I admit, I became less confrontational with/about him ever since), was the fact that he was so obviously irritated, but he never showed it to Nancy. He never screamed, or growled, not a single sarcastic remark, not a single swear or rude word - always gentle, and always smiling, always soft, and tactful. You just have to respect a man after this, while you yourself have quite a patience, but would absolutely tell that girl to just fuck off.

TL;DR: a girl comes to a rock musician's hotel room with a group of other people for an orgy, tries to force him to get everyone out, because she has dreams about him being her prince charming, and living with him together happily ever after.

[askdawnandvern]

A Lamb Among Wolves Ch:27

So we've got a long one this week, and this is only really part one of three when it comes to a portion of the story I'm dubbing as "Girls Night". Part two is equally as long, if not longer. And there's a palette cleanse between part 2 and three where we will be dropping in on the boys. There would probably be more portions of boys night, and maybe there still will, but honestly I just want to get through act two of the story and move on already. Even though I know a number of you would like this story, and especially bits like this to go one forever.

My apologies for posting relatively late today, its kind of looking like a hectic week what with Thanksgiving approaching. I spent most of today running all over doing prep for it only to come home and have a bad health issue crop up pretty hard. I don't want to go into details but it's making things a bit harder when I have to force myself to rest because of it. I have things to draw, passages to write, and I can't let it get in the way of that but it does sometimes. I really hope you like this chapter. It was fun to write, and I hope it proves as fun to read. But, lets dive in, this bad boy is long enough as it is without me rambling...

Chapter Twenty Seven: Girls Night: Rule Breakers

"But enough stallin' sis." Ada grinned widely at the ewe. "You gonna spill it or what?"

"She doesn't have to if she doesn't want to!" Vanna said with a huff, her muzzle still flushed with red. "Lay off Ada!"

Dawn hadn't even registered Ada's provoking statement, she had been far too lost in thought over the confirmation that Vanna had indeed broken the Hunter house rule. Vanna, who on all accounts seemed to be the most responsible and rule abiding out of all the Hunter girls, had willingly defied Audrey's wishes. It was simply impossible for the ewe's mind to parse. Dawn was stuck staring at Vanna in shock as the feline's eyes met hers again. Vanna's ears flattened against her head as she shrunk deeper into her shoulders.

"I mean...I um..." Vanna sputtered as the ewe's senses returned, making Dawn aware of the gawking stare she had levied at the tigress. The ewe quickly turned her gaze away, trying to play it off with an awkward cough. "Things happen sometimes, right? We don't need to say anything more!"

"Youse are just tryin to save yer own hide kit kat!" Ada cackled. " If old fluff ball doesn't have to tell, den needa do youse right?"

"No!" Vanna snapped back, drawing a paw over her scalp frantically before slipping back into a more confident posture. The large tigress folded her arms, glowering at the still smugly grinning hyena. "I mean, it's wrong to try to pressure someone into talking about something they aren't comfortable sharing!"

"Vanna's right." That had come from Qali. The petite fox was now curled up at the foot of her bed, clutching a pillow tightly as she eyed the rest of the group. The fox frowned for just a moment as she spoke, letting out a disappointed sigh before her smile suddenly returned.

"That's why we should tell her about when we broke the rule first!" She happily chirped, giving her pillow a tighter squeeze. "That way it will make her way more comfortable about sharing her own story!"

"Now wait a min-"

"That ain't a bad idea Snowball!" Ada cut Vanna off. The hyeness flashed the big cat another smug grin before shifting her attention back to the arctic fox.

"Why don'cha start us off, and we'll go around da room?" Ada added.

Qali's response was an eager one, the diminutive arctic fox stowing her pillow behind her before giving the mattress a few more playful bounces as she clapped her paws together.

"Oh, okay!" The fox chirped happily as she settled back onto her mattress. Resting one paw against her cheek, the vixen placed a finger to her lower lip, tapping it lightly. She seemed to be thinking over just how to begin, rolling her eyes back slightly as she softly 'hmm'd' to herself. While this was going on, Vanna had simply placed her head in her paw, her shoulders slumped in seeming defeat. Dawn wasn't keen on the prospect of retelling the exact details of her own lurid exercise with Vernon in the field, but she would be lying if she said she was uninterested in hearing the other girls own stories, especially Vanna's.

With a sudden snap of a finger, Dawns attention was drawn back to Qali. The vixen was now leaned up to the edge of the bed, both her arms now prone against the mattress as she flashed a wide grin.

"Alright, so this was the last time we were out, back when Trenny first graduated." Qali said. "You remember Dawn, I mentioned it in the truck."

Dawn nodded softly, moving closer to the foot of her bed as she prepared to give the vixen her full attention. Easing around Vanna, the ewe slid up to the edge, sitting herself in much the same way Qali had.

"You mean the first time you met Audrey and Dorian?" Dawn asked in shock.

Qali gave a brisk and energetic nod.

Dawn placed a hoof to her lips to hide her surprised expression. The stories had just gotten started and already it had turned out that the ewe had not been alone when it came to tainting her first official family meeting. Although considering Qali's general personality, the ewe felt that perhaps she shouldn't have been so shocked.

"We had been out here for...hmm..." Qali murmured as she once again brought a claw to her chin, tapping it questioningly. "It had to be two days at most." Qali affirmed with a soft nod.

"Ol' Auddey wanted me and Trenny to help clean out the closet in the boys room." She placed a paw against her cheek. "Move some of the more important stuff out to the barn and yadda, yadda, something." Qali waved her other paw dismissively.

"You mean the room downstairs right?" Dawn asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "The closet that looks like a bomb went off inside of it?"

Qali nodded without missing a beat. "Hee hee, I guess it went back to being a dump pretty quick huh?" Qali chuckled. "But I assure you Trenny had straightened it up."

"Anyway..." The fox continued. "We had just moved a few things out to the barn and Trenny was already in the closet by the time I got back inside." Qali raised a paw. "So I slipped in to the closet after him and closed the door behind me. No big deal, we had been doin' that all day right?" Qali asked.

Dawn nodded slightly despite the fact the question was clearly rhetorical.

"So we get a bunch more boxes together, and we go to carry 'em out." Qali continued.

"So like two for you den squirt?" Ada chuckled.

Qali glared back at the large hyeness briefly. "Yeah, so?" Qali snorted. "They were big boxes!" Qali crossed her arms.

"I'm sure dey were." Ada mocked, rolling her eyes as she teased the vixen.

"Let's see you come down to my families farm and lug around a fifty pound tree before makin' judgements!" Qali snapped. "And those boxes were holding your mates weight lifting set by the way!"

"Yeah, yeah, sure, sure." Ada said, a clear tone of disinterest lacing her reply as she waved a paw. "Just go on wit da story already."

Qali furrowed her brow before turning her attention back to the group at large.  The fox let out an annoyed huff.

"So, anyway..." Qali muttered flashing the large canid one more nasty glare before continuing. "Trenny goes to open the door, and what do you know, it's stuck."

"So you were locked in?" Dawn asked.

"The door doesn't have a lock." Qali corrected. "But the wood frame tends to warp in the summer..." The fox trailed off, tapping a claw to her chin. "At least that's what Auddey told me later."

"So what did you do?" Dawn questioned.

"I tink she made it pretty clear in da beginning what she did. Weren't youse payin' attention?" Ada chuckled.

Dawn shook her head dismissively. " I mean, what did you do to try to get out?"

Qali shrugged. "Everything really." The arctic fox sighed. "Trenny and me tried calling for help, prying it open, everything short of breaking the door down. Mostly because Trenny wasn't keen on the idea of having to pay to replace the door himself." Qali rolled her eyes. "Of course ol' Auddey was out picking up groceries at the time, so we were just going to have to wait it out."

"Lamb sakes..." Dawn murmured quietly.

"And the worst part was that the closet wasn't connected to the house's air vents." Qali groaned. "It was stifling in there, all the built up Summer humidity was locked inside that tiny room."

Dawn grimaced sharply at the thought. Just a few weeks prior to their visit to the Hunter Ranch, the central air conditioning unit in her and Vernon's shared apartment had broken down, and the couple was forced to endure a week at the mercy of the stifling humidity that built up in their rainforest adjacent home. It was torture, although the ewe was grateful that they at least didn't live in Sahara Square. But for an arctic fox, who's fur was thick and built to combat the cold, Dawn could only imagine being subjected to overbearing humidity was that much worse.

"So naturally we ended up stripping down to little more then underwear and over-shirts." Qali giggled. "Well at least I did, Trenton was holding out."

"Probably because he was trying to avoid puttin' himself in a situation that might lead to rutting." Vanna finally spoke, although her response was low and quiet.

"Didn't woik." Ada chuckled.

"So there we were, killing time by playing board games and junk while we prayed for Mama Hunter to get home." Qali continued. " And it was soooo boring..."

"Not a fan of board games I take it?" Dawn asked.

"Not this girl." Qali chirped, pointing a thumb to her pelt. "I like active stuff, like taking walks, swimming, and snow sports especially. I'm an excellent snow boarder!" The fox said proudly. "But musty old board games where you have to sit and take turns and wait a whole bunch practically puts me to sleep."

Ada laughed. " I hear dat."

"So when we started playing cards....well..." Qali grinned widely. "I decided to try to make it interesting." The diminutive foxed waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

"O-oh?" Dawn asked, her curiosity peaked despite knowing where the vixen's story was inevitable leading. "How so?"

"Strip poker." Qali giggled.

"Nice." Ada replied with an impish grin.

"And I lost..." Qali added with a mischievous grin of her own.

Dawn placed her hooves over her mouth. "O-ho my." Dawn said, doing her best to suppress her own smile.

"On purpose." Vanna added.

"Of course on purpose!" Qali giggled. "Why else would I want to play?"

Vanna simply rolled her eyes.

"Now I thought you said ya'll were already stripped down to yer undergarments." Malcolm chuckled.

Qali smirked. "It was a short game." The diminutive fox giggled. "He was skeptical of course, but with a worried frown and a playful bat of my eyes I was able to convince him it was just to make him more comfortable. To get him out of that stifling clothing and relax a bit." Qali feigned an innocent expression, flicking a paw lazily. "He thought I just wanted to help, but instead I was out to hustle him." Qali brought her paw to her lips as a blush began to form on her muzzle.

"Ya'll tricked him?" Malcolm said with a quiet laugh. "And how'd ya manage that? I thought ya'll said you didn't care fer parlor games and the like?" The russet wolf raised an eyebrow.

"Just because I don't like them doesn't mean I don't know how to play them!" Qali laughed. "My Dad was a card shark, and he passed that on to me and my sisters." Qali grinned evilly. "I just hadn't told Trenny at the time."

"Ohhh!" Ada cooed knowingly. "Bad foxy."

Qali giggled in response.

"So what happened?" Malcolm pressed, the wolf hiding his grin behind clenched paws.

"Well I was out of clothes, so I had to bet something." Qali cooed. "So I told Trenny if he beat me with his next hand, well..." Qali's smile grew practically cheshiren in size, practically stretching from ear to ear. "Let's just say I told him I'd wrap my muzzle around mount Trenny for a while."

Dawn raised an eyebrow in confusion breifly. "Mount Tre-?" As realization hit the ewe, a deep crimson blush rapidly followed. Qali offered a simply nod in response, as if to further affirm the ewe's conclusion as to just what part of Trenton's body the diminutive fox was hinting at.

"Again, he was totally against it at first." Qali smirked. "But a bit of my best fast talking, some fluttering of the eyelids, and the distracting view that I was going out of my way to show off he caved pretty quickly." The fox snickered. "By the time I was cramming cards into his paws he wasn't putting up much of a fight."

"You naughty goil!" Ada laughed.

"B-but didn't you...?" Dawn cleared her throat awkwardly as her bashfulness strangled her words. "You said you tricked him...y-you hustled him?" Dawn asked.

Qali chuckled. "Well you see..." Qali could barely keep her giggling under control as her own blush deepened. "If I won, Trenny was gonna have to...well do it to me instead."

Dawn let out an 'oohhh' as she placed her hooves over her muzzle.

"Datta goil!" Ada clapped, letting out a barking laugh.

"So he lost the bet then?" Malcolm chuckled.

Qali gave a brisk nod. "And let me tell you, Trenny knows how to work that tongue!" The vixen smacked her lips. "He had me up against the closet door, screaming his name at the top of my lungs while I rode his muzzle!" Qali giggled. "My legs were so tightly wrapped around his head, I'm surprised he didn't pass out!" The fox rolled backwards on her mattress as a giggling fit ensued. Qali kicked her tiny legs as she continued to laugh, taking deep breaths as she tried to compose herself.

Finally seeming to catch her breath, the vixen sat back up. Qali let out a few more weak chuckles as she wiped a tear from her eye.

"It was amazing." Qali cooed. "Until the door opened and the two of us spilled out right in front of Mama Hunter."

Dawn felt herself reflexively cringe at the mere prospect of being in Qali's position. Despite breaking the house rule, at the very least the couple hadn't been found mid-mating by Audrey. She had barely been able to look the she-wolf in the eyes just from her easily deducing what the couple had been up too outside. If Audrey had found them while Vernon's snout was buried in the ewe, Dawn was certain she would never be able to make eye contact with her again.

Ada was the first to bust out laughing, her hyena like cackle loud and uproarious as she rolled on her own mattress. Qali was quick to join the large canid, followed by Malcolm shortly there-after.

"Phew..." Qali said, composing herself once more as the others laughter died away. "Talk about getting caught with you pants down."

Ada let out another sharp laugh. "Good one Snowball!"

Dawn leaned forward, her attention remaining fixed on Qali.

"So what did you do?" Dawn asked nervously.

Qali lolled her shoulders before letting out a tired sigh. " Honestly, I was pretty ashamed." Qali shook her head dismissively. "I was luckly ol' Auddey let me off lightly."

"She told you to go 'think about what ya'll done', right?" Malcom asked.

Qali gave a meek nod. "Yep, and I did. I felt super terrible afterwards, especially because it was mostly my fault."

"It takes two to tango..." Dawn mumbled softly as she chewed at her hooves.

"That's exactly what she said to me!" Qali chirped, pointing a claw Dawn's way as she rolled slightly in her seat, rocking back and forth. "She even called me Ms. Pelagere for a while, like I had lost status with her..."

"Trust..." Dawn added, causing the fox to nod her head in agreement.

"I had like, tarnished her trust in me." Qali sighed. "And it certainly didn't come off as respectful."

"Dat's puttin' it lightly." Ada added with a chuckle.

"It was another two days before we were back to first names." Qali lamented. "And boy did that suck."

"W-what about Trent?" Dawn asked.

Qali chuckled. "Not only did he have to finish cleaning the closet, but he spent the rest of the day organizin' the attic by his lonesome." The vixen shook her head. "No AC up there either, poor Trenny."

"Lamb sakes..." Dawn uttered. Qali more or less had been through the same, if not a worse situation than she had. The fox even had to endure two days more of the She-wolf's cold shoulder. Then again, despite what the diminutive fox expressed, Dawn had a hard time picturing the cheery, excitable fox being significantly down about the affair, at least not for very long. She just seemed far too happy a mammal to let such a thing weigh on her as much as Dawn had. Then again, the ewe had a lot of other guilty feelings weighing on her already before Audrey had come to scold her.

"Yeah, yeah." Ada scoffed. "I'm shure da mook was feelin' real lousy and down when he was wearin' you as a muzzle."

Qali let out a soft giggle which faded away into more of a sorrowful sigh. "I still felt bad though, for Trenny, and for how I made Auddey feel." The fox offered a weak grin. "Auddey's such a sweety, and I hated that I put her in such a position."

"I hear that." Malcolm sighed. "I know I felt the same way when me and Xavey got caught."

"Speakin' of..." Ada grinned. "I'd say you're up 'Buddabuns', unless Kit Kat wants ta go foist?" Ada grinned evilly, her glance shifting back to the massive tigress. Vanna grimaced sharply, turning her head away from Ada as she let out a scoff.

"Aw c'mon Vanna, we're all sisters here." Malcolm paused for a moment, glancing down at himself briefly before offering an awkward smile to the group. "Well, mostly."

Ada and Qali giggled at the pudgy wolf's words.

With a tired groan, Malcolm shifted his body toward the rest of the group, laying on his side. The red wolf leaned his head on paw, while allowing the other to drape over his gut. His paw idly scratching at the baby blue fabric as he let out a comfortable sigh.

"Xavey and I had been an item fer about a year at that point if I remember correctly." Malcolm tapped a claw to his chin as he rolled his eyes. The wolf seemingly trying to recall a more concrete memory. "Yessir', it was just shy of a year!" The wolf declared, returning his paw to it's resting place on his stomach. "By then we had visited a few times, so I knew Momma Hunter purty well by then. But this was the first time we were gonna be spendin' the whole week at the ranch. It was Courtship Day break, so we finally had that kind of time free from work to take a real vacation. And I was really lookin' forward to the holiday festivities."

"Courtship Day ain't supposed ta be for couples like youse!" Ada snarked. "It's supposed to be about gettin' new couples togeddah! Not celebratin' bein' a long term ting." The hyenas shook her head.

"Yeah, Ostara is the holiday for celebrating long term relationships." Qali added, raising an eyebrow curiously. "Right?"

Vanna and Dawn nodded in confirmation.

Malcolm chuckled. "I know that!" The wolf replied. "But I was more so lookin' forward to the town festival, more so the cook-off and bake-off aspects of it!" Malcolm ran a paw though his russet hair. "I was kinda eager to throw down with some of the local chefs, and see what they were made of." The wolf declared proudly. "And gettin to taste a bunch of specialty foods and deserts you can't get most other places was a purty enticin' prospect too." Malcolm ran his tongue across his maw, patting his belly affectionately.

Dawn raised an eyebrow curiously. "I thought you said you two were coming to the ranch for a 'vacation'." The ewe adjusted her glasses slightly. "Participating in a series of cook-offs sounds like a lot of work."

Malcolm laughed. "When yer line of work is also yer favorite hobby, the line between the two gets real blurry." The wolf sighed. " 'Sides, cookin fer contests is a lot less pressure than running a diner. More fun and free wheelin', and ya'll don't have a buncha customers breathin' down yer neck."

Dawn understood where the wolf is coming from, or at least could somewhat understand. While she had yet to publish her first book, writing had always been a fun hobby for her. It was something she freely pursued in her downtime for her own enjoyment from her adolescence onward, and even if she never shared any of those works with those around her, the time spent writing them had never seemed like a waste. Now that she was staring down the barrel of releasing a book for public consumption, she found herself wondering just how she would be able to properly delineate 'work writing' from 'play writing', or if there could be any clear distinction at all from that point on. One thing the ewe was certain of was that even if her writing career ultimately flopped, she would still find herself writing for fun regardless.

"Anyhow..." Malcolm sighed, scratching his belly again. "Once Xavey and I first came out to the Ranch, we had a few days of preppin' before the 'Courtship Festival' opened up officially. So Momma Hunter and I went out and entered in to all the contests we were plannin' on participatin' in, and then we basically spent the whole day in the Kitchen cookin' up a storm." Malcolm chuckled. "We were practicin', honin' our skills and tradin' recipes and tips while Xavey just stood there and watched."

"Why?" Dawn asked. "Xavier didn't want to help?"

Malcolm let out a hard laugh. "Didn't want to? Darlin' he wasn't allowed to!" The russet wolf let out another jovial laugh. "I love my 'Fluffybuns' to death, but that boy can't cook worth a damn." Malcolm shook his head. "If I even let him hold a wisk it'd probly' catch fire, that's how bad he is. When it comes to baking, well that boy is practically the Anti-Crust."

Ada let out a cackle of her own. "Nice pun on dat one 'Buddabuns!'"

Malcolm bowed his head as if bowing for applause in response to Ada before letting out a contented sigh.

"But he didn't want to be alone all day, at least until Pa got back from the precinct. So he stayed and cheered us on." Malcolm smiled warmly.

"So what happened?" Ada smirked. "C'mon, get to da good stuff!" The hyeness said with a sharp snort as she slapped her knee.

"I'm gettin' to it, hold yer horses there city girl!" Malcolm chuckled, pushing his hair away from his eyes.

"Yeah, c'mon!" Qali added. "I haven't heard this one yet!"

Vanna was quick to shush the pair, her eyes were stern and serious as she glared at the hyena and fox until they went silent. Despite Vanna's previous stance on spilling their collective guts when it came to their most intimate moments, the glint behind the tigress' eyes shone with interest as she returned her attention to Malcolm.

Malcolm sighed. "Alright, so we had been baking fer hours at this point. Pies, cakes, pred cuisine, all sorts of goodies."

"The Kitchen must have smelled amazing..." Qali said dreamily as she leaned her head in her paws. The diminutive fox kicked her legs idly as her attention remained on the chubby wolf.

"Yeah, to be a fly on the wall on dat day..." Ada smirked. "For da smells and da show!" Ada chuckled.

Malcolm shook his head, a grin crawling across his muzzle. "Anyway, I remember I wanted to show Momma Hunter how to cook up some 'de-licious' raspberry tortes. They're kind of a staple food fer Courtship Day. But by then, we had pretty much used up all the supplies we'd need to keep cookin'."

Malcolm extended his paw, holding it up as he eyed the group. "So naturally, someone had to pick up more flour, sugar and so on to keep us bakin'" The wolf waved his paw. "And since Ma Hunter doesn't like to let anyone else drive her truck aside from Papa Hunter, she was the one who decided to go get the ingredients we needed."

Malcolm raised an eyebrow, a sly smirk crossing his muzzle. "That left me and Xavey alone to monitor the food that was still cookin'."

"So is that when you two-?"

Malcolm held up a paw, effectively silencing Qali's burgeoning curiosity.

"Now don't get ahead of me Darlin'." Malcolm chuckled. "I'm gettin' there. I promise."

Malcolm let out another groan as he sat up, placing his paws on his knees as he crossed his legs into a seated pose.

"Now, I wanna start off by sayin' the last thing I had on my mind was breakin' the house rule. I wasn't even thinking about sex. I was more concerned about the pies in the oven than anythin' else."

"Sure you was." Ada rolled her eyes.

"I wasn't!" Malcolm affirmed. "Although I can't say fer certain if Xavey didn't either, it certainly didn't seem like he was thinkin' it at the time anyway." Malcolm sighed, drawing his paw through his hair again. "We spent most of the time just talkin' while I kept busy workin' on the food we still had supplies fer."

A mischievous smile crawled across Malcolm's muzzle. "Then, I accidently dropped a spoon I was using." The wolf brought a paw to his chin. "It was covered in batter, and on it's way to the floor it smudged on Xavey's pants before landin' right between his paws."

Qali was already rolling in her seat eagerly as she eyed Malcolm with an intense focus. The arctic fox seemingly giddy with anticipation as she rocked in place.

"I take it prissy pants was none to pleased about the stain?" Ada quirked an eyebrow.

"Oh Xavey was none too pleased. He hates gettin' food on his clothes, even the less than fancy stuff." Malcolm chuckled. "So while he's flippin' his lid, I'm reachin' fer the spoon and cursin' the fact I wasted a good bit a batter that was glopped onto the thing." Malcolm shook his head dismissively. "I finally get a grip on it, and as I'm going to stand up, my muzzle bumps right under Xavey's crotch."

Dawn blushed slightly as she brought her hooves to her muzzle. Despite the fact that she had known where the story had been heading from the get go still did little to prepare her for when the pudgy wolf got to the 'meat' of his story.

"Oh my..." She said quietly. The ewe could pretty much assume where things were going from here.

Malcolm chuckled. "I got the batter from his pants on my snout, but more importantly I got a deep whiff of my 'Fluffybuns' delicious scent." Malcolm's eyelids drooped slightly as he stared off dreamily. "That virile, dusky earthen' scent that sent shivers down my spine."

Dawn gulped slightly as the wolf's description tickled at her memories of her mates own scent. In that moment she couldn't help but picture herself in the same situation, just inches away from Vernon's own wolfhood and drinking deeply of his musk. Dawn shuddered briefly, thanking the gods that although the thought was a stimulating one, at the very least her estrus was dulled enough for the sudden fantasy not to stir up too much agony in her loins.

"At that point Xavey had stopped fussin'." Malcolm continued. "We had both sorta locked eyes, and I could see we were more or less thinkin' the same thing." Malcolm grinned slyly. "Of course I couldn't resist a bit of teasin' first."

"What did you do?" Dawn asked, leaning forward slightly as she bit at her hoof.

Malcom chuckled. "Well, I batted my eyes at my lil' Xavey, and I said 'Aw, I'm sorry about the mess Darlin', how bout I clean ya'll up?'"

"And what did he do?" Qali was quick to ask, the fox now leaning well over the edge of her mattress as she watched the pudgy wolf.

Malcolm rolled his eyes. "My little wordsmith, master of the Animanglish Language, didn't say nothin'." Malcolm shook his head. "He stuttered and stammered a bit before finally givin' me a slow, shaky little pleadin' nod."

Malcolm licked his maw as his grin widened mischievously. "So I lapped that little bit of batter up....and then..." The wolf shook his head. "And then I opened up his pants, and started lappin' at my favorite dessert."

"Right in Audrey's Kitchen?" Dawn asked in shock.

Malcolm simply nodded, the smirk never leaving his muzzle.

"Right in front of the counter. I was down on my knees teasin' that poor boy seven ways to Sunday." Malcolm chuckled. "Xavey was making the cutest noises, he always does when I got him at my mercy like that." The chubby wolf said dreamily. "Like lil' half begs. Dyin' fer me to end his sufferin', but at the same time lovin' the teasin'."

Dawn's blush deepened as the wolf's tawdry tale went on. Even her romp in the corn field hadn't been as risky as what Malcolm and Xavier had done. Short of mating in Audrey's bedroom, the ewe couldn't imagine a more dangerous place to try to sneak in a rut than her Kitchen. At least, up until Vernon had howled the pair had the privacy of the night to more or less shield their deeds. It was unlikely that Audrey would have come looking for them unless they had been out for hours. But her Kitchen was surely asking to be caught.

"Unfortunately..." Malcolm's smile waivered as his ears began to sag. "From where I was...er...handlin' things, I couldn't exactly see the entrance of the Kitchen." Malcolm's voice grew quieter as a blush began to form on his muzzle. "O'course Xavey was in the perfect position' to meet Momma Hunter's eyes when she came back from the store."

Ada hissed as she sucked in a sharp breath. "Ohh..." The hyeness shook her head. "So you didn't know huh?"

Malcolm chuckled weakly. "I felt Xavey suddenly tense up, but I couldn't figure out why..." The pudgy wolf's blush deepened. "And I couldn't exactly ask him with my mouth fulla'...well...y'know..." The wolf trailed of, tapping his fingers together idly.

Malcolm placed his head in his paw. "He had to pull me off and turn my head around before I knew what was happinin'."

"Look's like youse two got caught wit Xavey's pants down!" Ada said, letting out a hyena-like cackle.

Malcolm kept his head down, clearly deeply ashamed of Audrey catching the couple like that. "I was purty much on a full name basis fer the rest of the holiday." Malcolm sighed. "And as fer Xavey, well he was on dish duty fer the rest of the trip. Which considerin' how much we were bakin', well...it was a tall order."

As Malcolm's story sunk in, Dawn was having a hard time deciding which story had been the worse of the two. Each one prominently featured being caught mid-act by Audrey, a fate the ewe mentally held up in her mind as worse than death. More or less the couples had been caught committing the same crime against the house rule, but was catching your son with his girlfriend riding his face better or worse than catching your son on the receiving end of oral? Either way, if there was one thing Dawn could glean from the stories for certain, it was the fact that even if Vernon had successfully limited their escapade in the field to taking care of Dawn's problem, the trouble they faced would have been more or less the same. Despite that Xavier could, from a legal standpoint argue that the house rule only technically mentions rutting, clearly it wouldn't fly in Mother Hunter's courtroom. And that fact was readily apparent in Malcolm's story.

"I just felt so ashamed when Momma Hunter' eyes fell on me. She looked so hurt..." Malcolm sighed. "And when she called me 'Mr. Hackett', it cut me deep."

"I know how that feels..." Dawn murmured, reflecting on how painful it had felt when Audrey had simply referred to her as Ms. Bellwether. Even thinking about it now, despite the fact that she had more or less made amends with the she-wolf, it made her feel just as hollow and sick as when she had first heard it.

"I'll betcha do." Ada said with a smirk. "O'course I don't, cause I'm da only one wit da curtsy and dezenzy to control myself."

Once again Ada reaffirmed that she remained the only Hunter girl not to break the house rule. But it was an idea that Dawn couldn't wrap her head around. While she had no real reason to doubt the hyeness statements, her attitude and the way she carried herself made Ada seem the least likely to care about things like Audrey's house rule, or even what Audrey might think of her. She didn't want to pass judgment, but at the same time she couldn't help feeling like there was no way she was telling the truth.

"I find that kind of hard to believe." Dawn said without thinking, only to quickly bring her hooves to her muzzle. She hadn't meant to let it slip out, but now that she had said it, it hung in the open air awaiting an answer.

Ada cackled. "Well it's tru dere fuzzy butt!" The hyeness flipped her black and white hair out of her eyes. "Whaddya tink I'm some kinda impulsive animal who can't control herself?" Ada raised herself off the mattress slightly as she threw Dawn a sharp glare. "Dat because I look like sum sorta trouble maker I can't follow da rules?"

Ada's tone was sharp and stern, and Dawn was quick to jump to her feet at the sudden accusation. The ewe held her hooves out defensively.

"No! No!" Dawn stammered, terrified that she so easily offended her new sister, especially after what she had done for her earlier in the day. Dawn clasped her hooves together pleadingly as she tried to think of a way to explain herself.

"I mean, I...I didn't-"

Ada let out a hyena-like cackle as she rolled backwards on her bed, kicking her feet slightly as she held her stomach. Dawn simply stood staring in shock and confusion, unsure of what to make of Ada's sudden change in tone as the hyeness managed to right herself. Ada wiped a stray tear from her eye as she tried to stifle her laughter.

"Oh Mam'!" Ada giggled. "I had you goin huh!? Da look on your face was priceless!" The hyeness wiped another stray tear from her eye as she tried to compose herself.

"Ada, that isn't funny." Vanna said tersely, throwing a glare of her own at the hyena.

Ada scoffed. "Ah, you have no sensa humor Kit Kat!" The canid replied, waiving the massive cat off dismissively with a paw. "'Sides I have to razz da newest Hunta goil, it's part of da hazin'!"

Dawn eased back down into her seat, still somewhat confused as she found herself looking back and for the between the tigress and the hyena. Ada was still laughing, but Vanna's cold stare remained rigid and unrelenting, and slowly the smile dissipated from Ada's muzzle. With a harsh and irritated sigh, Ada turned her attention back to the ewe.

"Ugh. Fine." Ada grumbled. " I was just funnin' whicha Fluff Butt, I know I don't really seem da type give a pile of dung about wedder or not I care what mammals tink of me, but I do." Ada rolled her eyes slightly, but her tone remained firms and earnest. "'Specially da Huntas." Ada smiled, but there was a strange sadness behind her eyes. Almost as if admitting that had hurt her to some degree. The ewe felt the desire to press her new sister on what had caused that somber change in her tone, but decided better of it as the hyeness was quick to continue.

"So when I tells ya I swear on my own eyes I never broke da rule, I mean it." Ada grinned confidently.

"It's true." Vanna said with a tired sigh as she turned her attention back to the ewe. "As unlikely as it would seem, Ada is the only one of us here who hasn't..."Vanna closed her eyes briefly, gritting her teeth for a moment before continuing. "Made a bad decision."

"Speakin' of dat..." Ada's grin grew to almost Cheshire like proportions. "I'd say it's your turn Kit Kat."

Vanna quickly turned back to the hyeness, crossing her arms in defiance.

"I'd rather not." Vanna stated simply. "In fact I never agreed to."

"Aw c'mon sis!" Qali chirped. "I'm dying to know!"

Vanna shook her head briskly, opting to remain silent.

Malcolm raised an eyebrow. "C'mon now Sis, it's only fair ain't it?"

Vanna grimaced. "Fair?" The tigress spat. "Nobody forced the two of you to tell those stories. So why should I have to embarrass myself just because the two of you decided to do the same?"

Dawn could see the tigress was growing increasingly irritated. By now Vanna had risen to her feet, walking away from Dawn's bed as she glared at the other members of the group. Her ears flattened tightly against her head as she sneered.

"What a kitten!" Ada snickered.

"I am not!" Vanna spat back, reaching a paw for the pillow on what was presumably her mattress. The large feline lifted it off the bed, clutching it with her paws as she eyed the hyena across from her.

"And whaddya gonna do now?" Ada chuckled. "Gonna belt me wit a pillow?"

Vanna hissed as she glared at the hyeness. "If you don't shut your yap I might ju-"

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." Dawn was quick to interject, hoping that she would diffuse the situation. As much as she was intrigued to hear what had happened between Vanna and Zach, the ewe was more keen on avoiding a bedroom brawl breaking out between the two females.

"I-I can understand if I-it's too embarrassing." The ewe frowned, looking at her feet as she stood up on her mattress. "I won't hold it against you." Dawn sighed. "I certainly know the feeling."

The tension seemed to ease as the two sisters turned their attention Dawn's way, Vanna going so far as to let the pillow hang loosely from one paw as she frowned back toward the ewe. But what was even more surprising was that Ada was sporting a frown of her own. The hyeness placed a paw behind her head, scratching awkwardly as she grit her teeth.

"Ah geeze..." Ada whined. "If youse are both gonna be dat way about it, den I don't wanna hold your paws to da fire." Ada crossed her arms. "I was only playin'."

"It's alright." Dawn replied, adjusting her glasses. "Besides, I've decide I..." The ewe trailed off as she struggled to find her words. "Well, I've decided I'm willing to talk about what happened with Vernon and me outside, despite how embarrassed I am in retrospect."

Dawn had surprised herself with her sudden decision. Perhaps it was the fact that Malcolm and Qali had been so willing to open up about their own misdeeds, or Vanna's need to rise to Dawn's defense regardless of what stake she had in it. Or perhaps it was even the fact that when it came down to it, Ada had been more than willing to let her off the hook when it came to telling her tale. But regardless, Dawn felt much more comfortable knowing she was more or less among friends who had been through the same thing, and could even find humor in it. It made the ewe feel confident enough to press forward with her own embarrassing and shameful ordeal.

But Dawn found she wasn't the only one surprised by her statement. Ada was looking back at her in bemused shock, while Qali seemed to be brimming with overwhelming joy. Malcolm too, wore a bemused and playful grin. But the most startled was Vanna, the large and unusually unexpressive tigress' jaw now hanging open in shock as she stared back at Dawn in an almost terrified surprise.

"YES!" Qali chirped, bouncing on her mattress a few times as she held on to the headboard.

"Well look at dat." Ada smirked, crossing her arms again. " Lil' lamb is steppin' up to da plate!"

Ada laid back down onto her mattress, resting her head on a paw as she grinned back expectantly at Dawn.

"Youse got more spunk den I had ya pegged for wools." Ada snickered. With that, the hyeness flicked her free paw in the ewe's direction. "Youse can start when your ready, take ya time sis."

Dawn sat back down on the bed, taking a long sigh as she tried to steel herself for opening up about the debacle in the field. It certainly was not her proudest moment, but she knew confronting it like this was a good way to cope with it. She had learned as much in therapy when it came to recounting and reliving her criminal past. The only way to work through it was to acknowledge and reflect on it, and sometimes sharing it with those you love and trust was the best way to move past it. The ewe took another deep breath as she tried to figure out just where to start her story. Finally settling on what seemed like the most appropriate point, Dawn took a final deep breath.

"Well, as you all are prob-"

"Wait!"

Dawn blinked rapidly in surprise. That had come from Vanna, the large tigress now holding a paw out toward the ewe to signal her to stop.

Vanna sighed harshly, running her free paw down her face as she cursed quietly to herself.

"If you are going to tell your story..." Vanna muttered. "T-then I guess I should at least share mine." Vanna grimaced sharply.

Dawn stared at the tigress in silent confusion for a few moments before managing to find her words again. "V-Vanna, you don't have-"

"No, I do." Vanna sighed. "It would be wrong for everyone else to open up about this stuff, and I'm the only one who stays out of it." Vanna shook her head. "I-I just, I don't like to think about what I did. I'm very...I'm ashamed."

"Hey Sis, relax." Ada said coolly. The hyeness' tone was surprisingly sincere as she eyed the large feline in concern. "If its got ya dat twisted den-"

"No." Vanna sighed, shaking her head dismissively. "I can do it. I can."

With that, the tigress plopped down harshly on to her mattress, causing it to groan under the sudden harsh strain. Vanna placed a paw over her face, looking down at the floor as she began her story.

"Zach and I had been working together for a year before we officially became a couple." Vanna said calmly, her eyes remaining locked to the floor. "But working in the Police Department, and being his partner, well...I saw a lot of the ranch on my off hours."

Vanna slowly eased her way back onto the bed, until she laid flat against it. The big cat was now staring at the ceiling as she rested her head on the pink plaid printed pillow at the head of her bed.

"I was more or less a part of the family by Ma and Pa Hunter's standards. So when Zach and I announced we had become mates, well..." Vanna smirked. "They were overjoyed."

"Aww..." Qali cooed, her grin widening as she rested her head on her paws. The diminutive fox was now hanging off the edge of her bed in the direction of the tigress', watching her intently despite being partially upside-down.

"But that's really only important to note so you have some idea of how long we had been together before..." Vanna shook her head slowly as she let out a terse sigh. "Before the whole incident happened."

Dawn had now creeped up to the foot of her bed, lying prone much like Ada was. The ewe rested a hoof against her cheek as she listened intently. The tone of Vanna's voice clearly told Dawn just how hard the story was for her to share, the wavering and sighing indicative of her mortifying embarrassment. But this only did more to capture Dawn's interest. If the normally stoic and reserved Vanna was so overwhelming ashamed of when she had broken the house rule, especially after Malcolm and Qali had told their own rather lurid and shocking stories, then how much worse could her own tale stand to be? How could anything be worse that getting caught in the act by Mother Hunter?

"This was about a year after we had officially become mates." Vanna continued. "So about two years of knowing Ma and Pa pretty well by the time this happened."

Vanna squeezed the bridge of her muzzle with her fingers. "Long enough for them both to grow to trust me." Vanna allowed her arms to flop lifelessly to her sides. "And I went and soiled that trust."

Vanna's tone was heavy and somber, leaving her statement to bask in deathly silence as soon as it had left her muzzle. The quiet lingered for what seemed like minutes before the tigress suddenly shot up from her bed.

"It was my fault!" Vanna lamented. " It was all on me! I took Auddey's trust and faith in me, and I threw it away in favor of my gnawing, primal urges!" Vanna groaned.

"Hey, dial it back a notch sis'." Ada said with concern. "Look at everyone else here, dey all fell into da same ting. It's like Auddey says, 'takes two to tango.'"

"Yeah, don't be so hard on yerself there Vanna." Malcolm added.

Vanna simply fell back into the mattress again, placing a paw over her face.

"No, it really was my fault." Vanna sighed quietly. "There was no excuse for my behavior. I could have avoided it all so simply, but I chose to do something stupid."

Dawn had heard enough. Based on her experiences with Dr. Gnu, she could easily recognize the obvious signs of a mammal in need of someone to reassure her. This particular incident seemed to weigh heavy on the normally stoic cat's chest, and the ewe knew through experience that having someone close by to help coax her through retelling the story and easing her fears as she worked through each leg of it. Vanna needed someone to lean on now more than ever.

The ewe slid off her bed carefully before scurrying her way over to Vanna's bedside. With only some slight difficulty, Dawn managed to clamber her way up onto the side of the larger mattress frame. As Dawn settled her self in by the large felines side, only then did Vanna seem to notice her presence, raising an eyebrow curiously at the ewe now seated by her side. Dawn did her best to mimic the pose she often saw her therapist sit in, to convey an air of professionalism and concern through sheer body language before speaking.

"It's alright Vanna." Dawn said softly. "I'm sure it wasn't your fault, and even if it was..." Dawn glanced briefly around at the other girls and Malcolm before gesturing a hoof toward them "We're all sisters here. No one is judging you."

That seemed to have been enough to ease the troubled feline somewhat as she slowly laid her head against the pillow once more. With a deep and shuddering sigh, the tigress continued.

"It was around the time of the Harvest Festival." Vanna placed a paw over her face. "Ma Hunter had asked for Zach and my help to clear space in the barn for the corn cobs we'd be picking later that day."

Dawn nodded reassuringly, gesturing for the feline to continue her difficult tale.

"I-It..." Vanna stuttered slightly, taking a moment to clear her throat before continuing. "It had been unseasonably warm that year. A Saharan Summer, at least that was what most mammals call it."

Vanna slowly drew her paw down her face, placing it at her side as she let out another long and tired sigh.

"And well...that sort of....well..." Dawn could hear the tigress audibly gulp. "Kind of trigged an early heat for me..."

Dawn placed a hoof to her muzzle to hide her shock. Of all the motives she had assumed could be the root cause of Vanna and Zach's indiscretion, the last thing she had considered was that the tigress may have been at the mercy of the same forces of nature that she had been enduring just hours before. Vanna seemed far too strong, too composed to imagine her faltering under even the worst a remnant estrus had to offer. And yet here she was, more or less confirming that she has succumbed to the same vice as Dawn.

"Ma Hunter was out, she was picking up supplies." Vanna sighed. "And Pa was at the station." Vanna mumbled, wiping her paw across her eyes. "We were all alone."

Ada was now leaning in almost as far as Qali was, the large hyeness now practically hanging off her mattress.

"Yeah?" Ada's eyes were wide. "And den what?"

"I had been dealing with my estrus all day...and between the late summer heat, and the ache, and the gnawing desire...I just...." Vanna brought a paw up to her mouth, biting down softly on a finger as she struggled to get the words out. Dawn reached a hoof out, placing it on Vanna's shoulder comfortingly. The ewe offered a meek smile.

"You couldn't help yourself?" Dawn asked.

Vanna nodded. "I had an idea...a fool proof plan..."

Dawn had to stifle a giggle from slipping out. In that moment, Vanna had reminded her of Vernon, and his own 'fool proof plan' that had gone so awry. It appeared that the large and seemingly unflappable tigress' had more in common with her brother in-law than she knew.

"What was the plan?" Qali asked, eagerness lacing her tone.

Vanna let out a sorrowful grown, laying the back of her paw across her face.

"I-I was gonna take him in the barn..." Vanna grumbled. "Hold him down and have my way with him right there on the floor."

"Mhh..." Malcolm cooed. "Vanna, you wildcat you."

The tigress let out another groan, and Dawn could see a blush forming on her muzzle. The ewe continued to gingerly pat her shoulder.

"There, there Vanna." Dawn smiled softly. "It's okay."

"I even went so far to plan how to stifle that dumb mutt's howl, even though Ma and Pa were too far away to hear it." Vanna continued.

"How!? How!?" Qali chirped. By now the fox had completely left her mattress, and was now clambering her way on the other side of Vanna's bed. The petite fox now leaned over Vanna, her smile ear to ear as she excitedly awaited an answer.

Vanna let out another groan, covering her face with both paws.

"I...stuffed...mrmr...mrr..." Vanna's words trailed of inaudibly.

"I'm sorry, didn't catch dat." Ada grinned, placing her paw to her ear in the direction of the shrinking tigress.

Vanna replied again, even more quietly, but now there was an edge on her mumbling. As if she was trying to force the words out through pain.

"I'm sorry what?" Ada repeated.

"MY PANTIES!" The tigress snarled, causing the girls to jump in their respective pelts. "I STUFFED MY PANTIES IN HIS MOUTH TO SHUT HIM UP!"

With the tigress' loud and sudden admission, came shock, then horror as Vanna realized just how loud she had revealed her method of muzzling Zach. The tigress quickly covered her face with her paws again, her blush practically glowing despite her attempts at covering it up.

The room remained quiet for what seemed like an eternity, the awkward void created by Vanna's outburst leaving everyone in the room struck dumb. Even Ada, despite her wide smirk, seemed to be biting her tongue if she had any witty remarks bubbling below the surface.

Dawn had covered her face with her hooves. Though the ewe was blushing fiercely, she was more concerned about covering up the slight, shaky smile that was now creeping across her muzzle. Despite how woeful and agonizing the tigress' admission had sounded, the mental image of Zach being choked into silence by the big cat's unmentionables was patently hilarious. Dawn cleared her throat sharply in an effort to shake away the urge to giggle. It took a few hard coughs, but eventually the ewe was able to regain her composure.

"And I take it...?" The ewe trailed off, unable to bring herself to finish her question.

"He didn't even see it coming." Vanna mumbled. "He put down one of the corn buckets, turned around, and I just...I lunged at him."

"Did he fight?" Malcolm asked with a laugh.

Vanna let out a sigh. "Not for very long..." Vanna placed her paw over her face. "Especially when he figured out what was going on."

Qali broke into a giggle fit, giving the somber tigress a playful nudge as she rocked back and forth on the balls of her knees. The diminutive fox was clearly eating up the scandalous nature of Vanna's tawdry tryst. Vanna only mustered another lamenting groan at the arctic fox's gesture.

"Okay, okay..." Qali wheezed, trying to catch her breath as her giggling subsided. "I only have one question for you Kit Kat." The fox said with a wide smile.

Vanna grumbled a soft, inaudible series of words before finally ending in a long, and agonizingly drawn out "Whaaaaat? "

"Did it work?" Qali quirked an eyebrow curiously. "The panty thing?"

Vanna removed her paw, turning to face the eager fox. The tigress stared back at Qali in quiet disbelief, her mouth opening briefly only to close without uttering so much as a single word. Her response however, seemed to had failed to register with Qali, as the vixen was still staring back at Vanna expectantly.

"Well?" Qali added.

Vanna closed her eyes sharply, letting out an irritated huff as she turned back toward Dawn. The tigress' blush had only managed to grow a deeper crimson in response to the curious fox's question. Dawn watched as her grimace deepened, Vanna seemingly straining herself to force an answer out.

"Yes." Vanna said softly.

"Awesome!" Qali responded, rubbing her paws together excitedly. " I wonder if I can make that work with Trenny?" The vixen wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

"Please, your panties are so tiny he'd probably breade 'em in by accident." Ada said with a chuckle.

The fox seemed to deflate slightly, her ears sagging as a frown crawled across her muzzle. "Aw mam', you're probably right." Qali sighed, flopping down against the bed sheet with a dull 'thwump'. She remained face down, her muzzle buried into the mattress for a moment before slowly raising it back up and leaning it on her paws.

"Maybe I can use my shirt..." The fox quietly mused to herself as her tail lazily flipped from one side to the other.

"Just buy a gag, it's da easiest solution." Ada added with a smirk.

"I'm not walking into one of 'those' stores." Qali whined, raising her eyebrows slightly as she emphasized the word. "Especially back in Fox's Glen! Everyone would know about it!"

"Y'know there is such a thing as shoppin' online Darlin'" Malcolm added with a chuckle.

"I know bu-"

"So I take it Mother Hunter caught you around then?" Dawn cut the vixen off. The ewe knew this story was hard enough for Vanna to get through without it being drawn out by idle chat amongst the Hunter girls. She had made it this far, and Dawn was keen on hearing exactly what ultimately exposed Vanna's misdeed to Audrey. " She walked into the barn and found you like Malcolm and Qali?"

Vanna winced slightly at Dawn's words. The ewe tried to meet her gaze, but the tigress' eyes kept shifting away.

"Nooo...." Vanna mumbled softly.

Dawn quirked an eyebrow in confusion. If Audrey hadn't caught them in the act, and if the crude gag Vanna had come up with had kept Zach's howl from carrying across the farmlands, then how had the She-wolf caught them?

"Was it the smell?" Dawn asked, trying to put together the means which had proven to be the couples undoing. "You didn't shower afterwards and Audrey could smell the pheromones?"

The tigress continued to avert Dawn's gaze as the ewe tried to figure out the mystery. Vanna let out a quiet groan as she shifted away from Dawn. Now laying on her back, the tigress stared up at the ceiling.

"Nooo...." Vanna repeated, even more quietly than before.

Dawn scratched her chin, puzzled. She was out of guesses, and summarily perplexed. If she couldn't guess it, then it might take hours to finally extract the information from the tigress. And unlike Dr.Gnu, Dawn couldn't exactly schedule to pick up the session the following week.

"Oh dis is gonna be juicy." Ada cut the silence with her snarking tone. The hyeness was now leaning on a paw, grinning in the direction of the group now amassed on Vanna's bed. Ada wiggled her eyebrow playfully. "C'mon kitty, it'll make ya feel betta. Just let it out already!"

Vanna let out another groan, placing her paws over her face and letting out a mournful snarl before allowing them to fall to her sides. The large feline took a long, deep breath before letting out a long sigh.

"I...." Vanna said quietly. "I told her."

Dawn blinked in surprise, tilting her head slightly as she tried to parse what the tigress had told her.

"W-what?' Dawn uttered.

"I told Audrey." Vanna whined.

"You told her?" Qali asked.

Vanna suddenly sat up, her sudden movement nearly knocking Dawn and Qali off the bed in the process. The large feline let out a sharp hiss as she placed her paws on top of her head. "YES, I TOLD HER!" Vanna snarled. "I TOLD HER AS SOON AS SHE GOT HOME! I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF!"

The tigress turned to Dawn, nearly scaring the ewe out of her wool at the sudden rapid movement. Vanna looked at her with mournful and pleading eyes, her lip quivering slightly as if she were about to start sobbing.

"I went in with my best poker face, doing my best to look as innocent as possible while I helped her unpack groceries." Vanna mumbled. "I was so sure Mother Hunter would see right through me, right through my attempts at deception. But instead, she seemed completely oblivious."

"So whats da problem?" Ada asked. "It was woikin' wasn't it?"

Vanna let out a sorrowful sigh. "She was her usual happy self, and that's what made it worse." Vanna visibly cringed as she continued her tale. "Every smile, every time she called me 'Darlin', it felt like my insides were being torn to shreds with guilt."

"It just got worse and worse until I couldn't take it anymore, I just completely fell apart." Vanna whimpered. "I couldn't bear to look Auddey in the eyes knowing that I was lying to her!" The tigress put her head in her paw. "And when she noticed and asked me what was wrong I just...I just..."

"You couldn't lie." Dawn asked.

"I broke down, falling to my knees and telling her everything!" Vanna slapped a paw over her face, only to slowly drag it down her face as she let out an agonizing groan. "I wrapped my arms around her waist and begged forgiveness!" Vanna began to raise her voice, the tigress becoming increasingly upset. "I was so ashamed of myself!"

Dawn was flabbergasted, only able to watch the tigress in deafened shock as she continued.

"She said 'it takes two to tango' but I know the truth! It was my fault!" Vanna lamented.

"Aw, lighten up pussy cat. Zach coulda-"

"The trailer was only three miles away! We could have easily went home!" Vanna groaned. "But no! I had to have him right there!" The tigress dragged her paw down her face, turning her head to the ceiling as she let out a shuddering sigh.

"I'm a trained officer, and I let my baser urges get the better of me. I caved to my own lurid desires and broken the trust Ma Hunter had put in me." Vanna shook her head. "I never felt so weak and foolish." Vanna's looked down at her paws, her head slumping in defeat.

"Tch, dial it back Kit Kat, don't be so ova dramatic." Ada shook her head. "It's just a rut."

The tigress let out a weary sigh, placing a paw over her eyes once more.

"At the very least Audrey was willing to forgive me for being honest." Vanna sighed. "She still called me Vanna despite how I had clearly broken her trust."

"Aw, no fair!" Qali whined, a pout forming on her muzzle. "What do we have to do to get that kind of treatment?"

"Zach was less fortunate..." Vanna continued, ignoring Qali's objection. "He was forced to finish the barn work on his own."

Vanna let out a weak and shuddering sigh. "But despite what Audrey said, I still felt so badly." Vanna muttered. "That regardless of what she said to try to ease my fears, I still feel like I had damaged the trust between us."

Dawn was shocked to say the least. Through the retelling of her story, Vanna had been the most emotive the ewe had ever seen her. It was amazing how much guilt the felines affair had left weighing on her heart. But considering how kind and accepting Audrey was, it wasn't hard to see why the tigress felt so bad. Dawn had only really known the she-wolf for two whole days, and she had felt sick with guilt over breaking the house rule. But Vanna had gone at least two years of unspoken trust before breaking down and defying Mother Hunter's wishes. Two years of growing close and getting to know each other, getting used to seeing Audrey as her Mother. Despite how preposterous it may have sounded to the other girls, Dawn could see herself just as easily following Vanna's footsteps had she been in her sole-pads.

"I let the heat get the better of me." Vanna sighed. "I should have been stronger."

Dawn placed a hoof on the large felines knee, causing Vanna to look up at the ewe. Dawn offered a warm smile in response.

"You aren't alone Vanna." The lamb sighed. "I let the heat get the better of me too."

"I knew I smelled sumtin' funny on da ride out to da fair!" Ada chimed in, flashing Dawn a smug grin.

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Well I think your mate made it more than obvious at breakfast this morning, didn't he?"

Ada grimaced slightly, running a paw through her mane of hair. "Y-yeah, sorry about dat Fluff." Ada muttered. "He really shouldn'ta putcha on blast like dat."

Dawn shook her head dismissively. "It's fine, it's all over with anyhow." With that, the ewe turned her attention back to the sullen tigress.

"I should have been stronger too. I should have resisted the urge to rut." Dawn said sadly. "But it was so agonizing, and then...well...Vernon just wanted to help."

"Wait! Wait!" Qali piped up. "Start from the beginning! How'd you get from the picnic to the rutting!?" The fox had now crawled over Vanna's leg, leaning her chest on it as she eyed Dawn expectantly.

Dawn rolled her eyes at the chipper fox, the ewe let out a bemused sigh as she placed her hooves in her lap.

"Well..." Dawn muttered, shaking off the last of her nervous jitters as best as she could before continuing. "First off, I had been dealing with my remnant-estrus all day."

Dawn began to wring her hooves as she recounted the lurid anguish she had spent the day enduring. "Between the hot flashes, the chills...." Dawn bit her lip. "And the burning, unrelenting, gnawing..." Dawn shook her head sharply to keep focused. "sufficed to say on top of everything else that had been going on today I felt absolutely miserable."

"I can imagine." Ada muttered. "One time I had a twelve hower shift at da hospital durin' my heat last year." The hyeness ran a paw through her hair. "I swear I felt so bad I wanted to crawl into one a dem morgue shelves with da rest of da dead guys." Ada said with a chuckle.

"So naturally, on the picnic I was still more or less suffering." Dawn sighed. " I was sweating bullets under my wool, squirming in my seat as I tried to keep from focusing too much on Vernon's....well...body..."

Dawn shook her head softly. "But Vernon already knew what I was going through, and he was worried about me." Dawn rolled her eyes. "And so, he suggested trying something out..."

"Heh Heh." Ada chuckled. "Just like Kit Kat huh?"

Vanna let out another lamenting grumble.

"Well if that was the case we wouldn't have heard Vernon's howl now would we?" Malcolm added.

"The whole point of Vernon's plan was that he'd never...I mean..." Dawn held her hooves out. "He was going to help me out. Just me."

"Ahh..." Malcolm, Ada and Qali said in unison.

"Of course I know now that even if that plan had worked out, it still would have qualified as breaking the house rule if your stories are anything to go by." Dawn gestured to Malcolm and Qali, both of whom nodded in response.

"But Vernon was so worried, he just wanted me to be able to enjoy the rest of the trip." Dawn sighed. "And I wasn't in a strong position to say no to the idea. My estrus was eating away at my brain." Dawn raised a hoof simply to let it flop at her side. " I couldn't think straight, I just wanted an out!"

With that, Dawn looked back up at Vanna, flashing her a sympathetic glance.

"And when it came down to it, I pushed Vernon to....well...finish the job." Dawn said sadly. "Just like you did with Zach."

"I take it he got ya too close, but couldn't work ya over without gettin' in dere huh?" Ada grinned knowingly.

Dawn blushed, covering her muzzle with her hooves. But despite the embarrassment, she found herself smirking slightly. Slowly the ewe managed to nod her head affirming.

"I...I was supposed to hold his muzzle shut..." Dawn mumbled. "But as you can probably tell..."

"That didn't work out so well." Qali said with a giggle.

Dawn sighed. "I just felt so awful afterwards." Dawn shook her head. "I mean everyone heard us. Audrey had heard us. And it was my fault Vernon had howled." Dawn placed her hooves back in her lap.

"When Audrey called me Miss Bellwether, that hurt the most." The ewe lamented. "It felt like a knife had cut me. The feeling that I had ruined the trust I had worked so hard to build over such a foolish thing."

Dawn looked up to Vanna, her eyes shimmering slightly as tears started to well behind her lenses.

"Audrey thought I was stronger than that. And I felt like I should have been." Dawn smiled softly. "Just like you did."

For the first time since Vanna had poured her soul out to the ewe about her time in the barn, a smile began to form on the large cats face. It was a small, furtive smile, but it was clear the ewe had managed to help ease some of her pain.

"And then of course there's Vernon, who's been doing nothing but trying to make sure I have a good time." Dawn sighed, turning her attention back to the group at large. "My faltering just made more trouble for him." The ewe shook her head. "The gods knows he's got enough of that already with Dorian..." Dawn paused, her memories drifting back to thoughts of the study, the stench of brandy and the cruelty of the wolf's words. Dawn shuddered briefly, trying to shoo the painful memory back into hiding.

"And Yuri." Qali added.

"Hey, he ain't dat bad." Ada interjected. That managed to earned a dull stare from the other girls, all aside from Dawn who simply gave the hyeness a curious glare. After a moment, Ada let out a derisive snort.

"Well, not all da time!" She huffed, crossing her arms defensively.

"Still, I don't want to put anything else on Vernon." Dawn continued, bringing the groups attention back to her. "My Puppy Love had more than enough already."

Qali let out a soft, amorous sigh as she smiled widely at Dawn. "You two are so cute together." Qali cooed. "'Puppy Love', 'Honey Lamb'" The fox playfully exaggerated the pet names.

"Yeah, ya'll two see almost as tight as me and Xavey." Malcolm said with a chuckle.

Dawn smiled warmly as she thought of Vernon. Her poor little Puppy Love who was doing everything in his power to try to give her the ultimate North Meadowlands experience. Fighting a battle against his Father that the wolf couldn't know was bound to lose no matter what he did. All for her sake, all to make her feel like a part of the family. To show her that she belonged, that they fit together.

"He's my soulmate." Dawn sighed warmly. "I love him."

Qali let out another adoring sigh.

"When did you know?" She asked.

"Hmm?" Dawn replied.

"When did you know you loved him?" The diminutive fox added. "That he was the one?"

Dawn smiled warmly at the unusually focused fox. Qali was now leaning on her paws as she stared back at the ewe in childlike wonder. Unlike getting the story of what had happened in the cornfield of her chest, this was one story Dawn knew how to tell.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 81

valentines day is fast approaching, and the true cross kids face a new foe

[[cont from part 80]]

Yumi: "Everyone buckled in?" shiori: uu! lord death: yep! Yumi: *starts the engine, backs out* "Just stop by the store, pick up some groceries...Maybe get Shiori a treat while we're out." lord death: ^^ Yumi: *smiles, heads out* "Busy week for you?" lord death: yeah. sorting files and missions and what not. Yumi: "Need help?" *reaches a stop light* lord death: it'd be appreciated. ^^ -elsewhere- mikan: *resting in asura's lap* UuU Asura: "...Comfy?" mikan: *she nods* this is nice. Asura: "Hmm..." *strokes her head* mikan: u////u Asura: *cheek smooch* mikan: hmhm~ <3 Asura: *strokes her face* mikan: *kiss* Asura: =\\\\\\\= "Mmm..." *returns the kiss* mikan: are you happy? Asura: "Yes..." -elsewhere- Yukio: "..." *studying a blood sample* seiya: hard at work, okumura? Yukio: "!!! Y-Yes..." *smiles* "Just reviewing old samples." seiya: ah. Yukio: *puts the sample away in a file* "How's everything?" seiya: i've been well. miss kamiki asked me to help tutor her with her studies, and i was more than happy to help. us tamers have to look out for each other, especially since we have a kindred bond. beni: *Yawn* Yukio: "Glad you're helping Kamiki...Beni? Are you okay?" beni: *bark* ^^ Yukio: ^^; "Any plans for the festival?" seiya: well, since we're both on the festival staff, i might tend the haunted house. Yukio: "...Oh, right: I'll be busy with staff work, too." seiya: that might make it hard for the classmates asking you out. *chuckles* Yukio: -\\\-;;; "...I'm not sure about that happening." adrian: ohoho, well arent you a heartbreaker~ ^^ Yukio: -\\\\- "Please." gilda: ^^; Yukio: "Well, let me know if I can help." -elsewhere- Patty: [how's teaching goin, sis?] liz: [good. on break ATM] Patty: [i put the kids to naptime and prepping their snacks] *attaches a pic of apple slices and PB+J sandwiches* liz: [aw. cute. ^^] Patty: [i know right?! ^w^ see u at home l8r?] liz: [yep] Patty: [c u then!] -elsewhere- Konro: *sweating nervously, smiling, shaking* seamstress: *sewing wedding kimonos* fufu, you seem happy, commander. Konro: "I'm just honored to give away the groom." seamstress: *smiles* he's like a son to you. Konro: *nods* "And that's why I want to give him the best wedding possible." seamstress: and soon, we'll have a little benimaru running around, ohoho~ Konro: ^\\\\\^ -elsewhere- Assi: "Zzzz..." setsuna: *cooking dinner* Shotaro: "Can I help?" setsuna: of course. can you get the plates set out? Shotaro: "On it!" *walks to the shelves* Yohei: "What's for dinner?" setsuna: spaghetti neopolitan. nea: ?? o^o~? Shinoda: "Nooooot what you're thinking." nea: =3= boo. Shotaro: "I'm sure we got some cold foods..." *opens the freezer* -yep, they do- nea: yay. TTuTT Shotaro: "Which you want to start with? Gazpacho?" -elsewhere- Chuuya: "..." naoya: *knocks* we got food and we're having some dinner together in the main room. you hungry? Chuuya: "...Coming..." sonia: *following naoya* come on, papa. Chuuya: *weak smile* "Right..." sonia: .... Chuuya: "..." ("Is this what you wanted, Rain? This...just doesn't seem to be enough for her...I...") mito: *purrs and nuzzles chuuya's leg* Chuuya: "..." *pets her* "Gonna need to get you your food, too..." -elsewhere- Kunikida: "Behave yourself while you visit Kirako." aya: i will. ^^ sylvia: .... *shuffling* atsushi: *smiles* Kyoka: *nods* *knocks on Kirako's door* kirako: come on in, kiddos. ^^ kenji: thanks miss kirako. ^^ Kyoka: "We brought you a thank-you gift." *holds up a stack of books* kirako: aww, how sweet. ^^ sylvia: *looking around* *The titles include some children's books--including 'Baby's First Assassination Guide'* kirako:... ^^; Kyoka: "Want water, Sylvia?" sylvia: um i-if its not any trouble... Kyoka: "I'm sure it's fine with Miss Kirako..." *opens the cabinet, takes out glasses* -elsewhere- Arthur: *reading "A Knight's Guide to Electricity"* maki: ok, who is writing all these weird books? Arthur: "I just buy them and read them--I don't question them." maki:..o...kay then... -elsewhere- Steinbeck: *wringing out his wet clothes* -_-;;; "I said the treasure needed to be liquidated--and you literally threw it into the river..." twain: listen, as soon as we get back, i promise i'll make it up to you. Steinbeck: "How?" *counting the coins* *mutters* "I think we're missing two..." twain: i have an idea, and i know it will make you happy. ^^ Steinbeck: "...Do I need to slap you preemptively for pervy thoughts?" twain: it's nothing lewd! jeez, what do you think i am? Steinbeck: *stare* "...You don't want me to answer." twain: *pout* emily: well, in any case, the sooner we get home, the better. -elsewhere- Belkia: "Ready for our date~?" ayami: *she nods* ^///^ lavender: have fun you two~ Belkia: "Oh, we intend to..." *takes Ayami's hand* ayami: hehe~ naho: use protection, pervs! Belkia: ^\\\^;;;; "Naho, please..." naho: *raises a brow at him* Belkia: "So, where to first, Lovely? Dancing or dinner?" -elsewhere- Rino: T~T *slumped over* "My poor back..." mikami: do you need to lie down, miss rino? ryuuko: you shouldnt overwork yourself. Rino: "I don't--it's the boss that overworks me..." *tries to lie on the couch, moaning* "Ouchie..." mikami: we'll see what we can do to help you. Rino: "I'd like that...But you two have your own work." ryuuko: we still want to help. you're our friend after all. Rino: "..." Q\\\Q "Th-Thanks..." mikami: any time. ^^ -elsewhere- Kishiri: "--then Mom finally noticed how close she was to the edge! She almost backed the car up off the cliff if I hadn't said, 'Mom, we're going over.'" vivian: oh goodness! Kishiri: "Hee hee...Fam never lets me forget that one..." tao: you think _that_ was a crazy one? the other day a centipede got in and i hit it with the fly swatter, but it was an old fly swatter, so when i hit it, the swatter EXPLODED into pieces! Kishiri: "Woooooow...Or a really strong swing." -elsewhere- Kuro: *yawns* "Scoot over..." *crawls more under the blanket* mahiru: *hug* zzzzzz Kuro: =\\\\\= "Mmm..." *yawns* mahiru: mm.....mom...... Kuro: "???" mahiru: *whine* Kuro: "..." *POOF* *hug* mahiru: *calming down* Kuro: *strokes his back* "..." ("What the heck...") mahiru: *chest nuzzle* Kuro: .\\\\. "...???" *continues stroking* mahiru: zzzzzz -warm...- Kuro: =\\\\= ("Thank goodness...I can go back to sleep...") *but he's still stroking him* "..." *nuzzles* -elsewhere- Magaki: <Hello.> tsubaki: how are you? Magaki: "As well as I can...given circumstances." tsubaki: i see. anything new happening? Magaki: "...I finished the lessons in the English book. Thank you. Do you have another one?" tsubaki: *hands it to them* well done, magaki. ^^ Magaki: *nods* "Thank you...I wanted to know..." tsubaki: ?? Magaki: "Have you heard anything from...others about how long I'll be here?" tsubaki:....i havent asked yet. Magaki: "I see..." -elsewhere- Karim: "Okay, that'll be it for training. Dismissed." foien: so i spoke with the commander the other day. Karim: "Oh?" foien: he's spoken with a few engineers to commission a new arm for me. Karim: "Wow! ...You're going to go with it?" foien: may as well. Karim: "Hmm...When you meeting them?" foien: sometime this week. Karim: "Good luck...Need me to take over anything while you're out?" -elsewhere- shinra: .......... Relan: "Shinra?" shinra: hm? Relan: "We brought you some water..." shinra:....thanks....*glances up* iris:....... shinra:.....you're.....really iris....right? iris: *nods* shinra:.....*shaking* i dont feel so good...... Relan: "Well, that's one reason to rest a bit...And I assure you, this is Iris." shinra:....im scared. iris:.....cant say i blame you.....i-if this thing really did look like me.... Relan: "But it wasn't. And we'll figure this out...The Commander has people looking into this." shinra: mm.......am i.....gonna die? iris: its ok shinra. *holds his hand* Relan: *nods* *pat* -elsewhere- Kunikida: *leans back* ("With Aya and the others visiting Kirako, I can unwind and re-organize what I have--") -knock- Kunikida: "..." -_-# *looks out the peephole* ranpo: can i come in? Kunikida: *opens the door* "Of course." ranpo: *plops onto the bed face first* *grooooan* Kunikida: "...Okay. Rest." ranpo: zzzzzz Kunikida: "..." *sighs* *sets a blanket over him* ranpo: *muttering* no....dont do it......if you.....the agency will..... Kunikida: "???" -elsewhere- Kafka: *tapping files* "Busy busy busy--" hans: back to work already? Kafka: "I must. If I left it to everyone else, nothing would be organized--" *vigorously sharpening a pencil* hans: i...see... ._.; Kafka: "..." *taps the tip of the pencil* "OUCH! Okay...sharp enough..." *starts taking notes* "Did you have an assignment? Maybe paperwork to file? Something to type up? Database updates?" hans: at the given moment no, im just here to laminate some papers and write out some assignments. Kafka: "Ah. Well, the laminator has been misbehaving." *evil glare at the machine* "If it continues...I'll punish it." *eye shine* hans: ._.; o..kay then. Laminator: *inanimate Q____Q;;; sweatdrop reaction* Kafka: "...Is the boss happy?" hans: he seems content..... 7//////7 Kafka: "..." -\\\- "I see...Well, good. That'll make work easier until I catch up on work..." *pulls out a file--with glitter* "...Walter just had to upset my organizing method..." -elsewhere- etta: *getting ready for the next show* Leroux: "All set? Or shall we bring you some water?" etta: something to drink. im parched. Leroux: "Right oh!" *pours a glass* "I thought the last performance went well. What did you think?" etta: sure did, all thanks to you as well. ^^ Leroux: "D'aw, that's so sweet--because it's true." ^w^ etta: ^^ christine: *says nothing as she is a doll* Leroux: "Any plans this evening?" etta: well goethe said there was a party at the mansion tonight! Leroux: "Oh, goodie! I hope he won't mind Christine coming along~" christine: ..... etta: im sure he'd be fine with it. ^^; Leroux: "Well, give the performance of your life, sweetie--then we'll celebrate!" -elsewhere- Kyoka: *watching* "Don't go in there, you fool." *watching the movie sylvia: 0~0;;;; aya: watch out, mrs brisby! Kyoka: "I said not to..." *noms on kettle popcorn* -elsewhere- Meme: ^w^ *nom* tsugumi: tasty right? ao: indeed it is. ^^ Meme: "Mm-mm! Good work!" tsugumi: ^///^ *looks at anya* Anya: "..." *nom* mio: your gonna be ok. Anya: "...Th-Thanks..." *sips* -4 days later- stocking: wow, security's really beefed up this year. shura: yeah, just as a precaution. Yukio: "..." *looks around* -elsewhere- shiemi: how does my costume look guys? madoka: looks great. ^^ -there is a girl near by with....two sticks?- girl: hmmm, lets see....hoho! what have we here! *the sticks are pointing to....rin's butt?* Rin: *whistling, sorting through kitchen knives* girl: excuse me, okumura was it? do you have a demon with you right now? madoka: 0-0;;;; shiemi: >->;;;;; it's probably his cat! girl: oh? a cait sith, right? can i see them?? *shiny eyes* madoka: um, who are you exactly? girl: right! totes slipped my mind. call me annabelle warren, demon researcher and occult club member! Rin: *finally notices* "Oh! Hey, ladies!" *waves* madoka + shiemi + annabelle: *sweatdrop* -and so- stocking: *enjoying cotton candy* ~<3 Kid: "Like it?" *takes a piece* stocking: so good~<3 Kid: *nom* "Indeed..." *looks around* -seems pretty busy- Kid: "Lots of people to follow..." stocking: still, got to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. -elsewhere- izumo: ..... Paku: "I'll be heading out now..." izumo: have fun..... Paku: "...I can't convince you to go?" izumo: no can do. got exams to worry about. you have fun.........*lightbulb* OH RIGHT FUCK. -and so- izumo: still cant believe you talked me into this, okumura. Rin: "But you're so good with numbers and math and stuff! And the customers love you!" izumo: well, im here now, right? Rin: ^w^ "I knew I could trust you..." izumo: ..... -that evening- izumo: finally on break.... *phew* ???: "Come here." izumo: ??? *turns* Nemu: "Right now..." izumo: takara? what the heck are you doing here all by yourself like a weirdo? Nemu: *sighs* "I don't have time for this--" *POOF* izumo: ??.... !!!! *It's a small fox doll* izumo: w-where...where did you get that?! Nemu: "..." -elsewhere- Triple A: "Damn you, talk!" *kick* exorcist: grk- ngh.... Triple A: "How many of you are here?" lewin: jeez artie, dont kill the guy before he talks. exorcist: p-please i....i dont know anything... Triple A: "And given his reticence to speak, doesn't that indicate there _are_ more? We find them, we learn more..." -kchnk- lewin: ??? Triple A: "What the devil?" Exorcist #1: "We're locked in!" spy:....cant have you....getting in the way...... Triple A: "...You assume we can't get out?" -commotion outside the door- ???: "Stay where you are!" spy: !!! child: d-dad? whats going on? spy: !!! please! leave them out of this! Triple A: "...Lewin...Did you know about this?" lewin: yeah, i figured we'd have something like this happen, so i planned ahead. True Cross Exorcist #1: *takes the child by the shoulders* spy: within the hour! t-they're going to capture a student in death city, she's important to our goal! Triple A: "Name?" spy: …izumo kamiki. -elsewhere- izumo: why do you have that?! a-are you- Yukio: "???" shura: everyone, we need to find izumo and get her to safety. seiya: !!! adrian: it'll be better if we went into teams. i'll go with shima! ^^ Shima: .\\\. "R-Really?" adrian: come along now~ hehe~ Bon: "??? ...How the heck did he get a date?" shura: shiemi, kaname, you're on a team too. shiemi: we should ask paku. madoka: *nods* Rin: "What about me?" shura: you go with yukio. seiya: bon and konekomaru will be on a team, as will shura and i. Rin: "On it! I'll take the high ground--" Yukio: "Hold on! We should--" *Rin is already leaping up* -elsewhere- izumo: *pant pant* g...give it back! Nemu: "..." *tosses it* "Of course. After all, she gave it to me..." izumo: ??!! y-your lying! its a charm to keep her safe! what did you do to her? who even are you?! -she's reaching into her pocket- Nemu: "COORDINATOR!!!" izumo: for what? Nemu: "...The Illuminati wants you." izumo:... AS IF! -fox summon- Nemu: *sighs* "They told me not to get you injured--" *Suddenly, a giant robot toy appears* Nemu: "Go, my metamorphosing mech warrior Centogaia!!!" izumo: .... !!!! are you kidding me?! "Centogaia": "BEEP BEEP--Missile Punch!!!" *One hand explodes off Centogaia at Izumo* izumo: *braces for impact* *SLASH* izumo: !!! adrian: sorry for being late~<3 Shima: "All that Splatoon paid off...So stop bullying Izumo! It is fated that I won't let you have her!" izumo: miss fawkes! and pink hair?! adrian: if you dont so mind, we're your escorts for the evening, hehehe~ Nemu: "LIKE HELL I'M LETTING THIS HAPPEN! Centogaia! Crush them! Get her!" Centogaia: "BEEP BEEP! Squish them--" Shima: "Well, guess we have no choice..." *picks up Izumo* izumo: o////o h-h-hey! adrian: *le dodge* oop! too slow! Shima: "Girishu chiribikiri...Tadanouun sarabashadoro dashaya. Satanbaya stanbata. Zohatta sohatta sowaka...So hurry up and help me, Yamantaka!" yamantaka: ABOUT TIME! izumo: !!!!! -yamantaka fights off the robot, giving of black flames- Shima: "World class demon...KNOCK ITS PLASTIC HEAD OFF!" yamantaka: BURN IN HELLFIRE MOTHERFUCKER! izumo:...*JAWDROP* Shima: "..." *tired exhale* "D-Damn...Forgot how much energy that takes..." adrian: not bad, shima~ hehe~ Shima: ^\\\^ "I try..." izumo:....um....guys? adrian: nyeh?... OwO;;;; oh, bunnies. Nemu: "FLUFFY TOY BUNNY MODEL TOYS--ATTACK!" izumo:... time to run? adrian: yep! Shima: "Yamantaka, follow! Cover us!" -BOOOOM- madoka: !!! up there! *magical girl mode and picks up shiemi, jumping up* izumo: w-wha...what just.....taka...ra? Shima: "A familiar of mine. My black flames...only attack the demon...or the soul inside. Kind of like certain weapons..." *winks* "Only my familiar is cooler than any demon weapon." izumo:... adrian: *looks at nemu* ... Nemu: *knocked back, lying down, unconscious* izumo: did you....kill him? Nemu: "..." *EYES OPEN WIDE* izumo: !!!!! *All but Nemu are knocked back* izumo: URK- adrian: WOAH! Shima: "DAMN!" *knocked back* izumo: w-what was..... !! Nemu: *groaning, sitting up* izumo: takara? *The hand puppet moves up to Nemu's face* Puppet: "Shhh...Go back to sleep..." izumo: !!!!!! adrian: so it was the doll in control the whole time, eh? i wonder who the puppet really was...~ izumo: .....stay here and hold him off! im getting help! adrian:....sorry izumo, but...... -adrian's horns, wings, tails, and markings appear- pazuzu: im afraid we cant let you do that~<3 izumo: ??!!! m-miss...fawkes? *SLICE* izumo: ......*collapses* pazuzu: shh, there there, it wont hurt long... -pink arrows shoot down at them- pazuzu: oh? Shima: "???" *picks up Izumo* "We heading out?" pazuzu: may as well. madoka: oh no you dont! *fires arrows* shiemi: !!!!!! Shima: "??? ..." *smiles* "That wasn't very nice, Shiemi. Could you ask Madoka to stop?" shiemi: how about _you_ stop and let go of izumo! Shima: "Can't...Got my orders." madoka: how can you do this? isnt izumo your friends? and what about bon and konekomaru? and your family? Shima: "It's...a bit complicated." ^^; "I was just told to watch you all. Honestly, this is the first time they told me to do something like this. Hope I did it well..." madoka: then i'll smack some sense into you! *fires* Shima: "EEP!" *dodges, holding Izumo* "And risk hurting her?!" madoka: !! -a helicopter has appeared- shiemi: !!!! nee! intercept them! Nee: "Nee!" *vines form out, grabbing Shima and Pazuzu by the ankles* pazuzu: !!! Shima: "?! H-Hey...This isn't quite what I had in mind..." madoka: unhand her. Shima: "You're going to make me look bad." shiemi: you already made yourself look bad! Shima: "I just said I can't--why are you making me repeat myself, Madoka? I know you're cute and all, but I can't forgive monotony..." Nemu: "..." -the helicopter has arrived- illuminati member: i see you brought the girl. excellent job. Shima: "D'aw, thanks..." madoka: !!! Nemu: "..." Shima: "So, we'll get Izumo out of here and--" *SLICE* Shima: "..." *a strand of hair falls...on blue fire* "..." QwQ "H-How--" Rin: "..." *death glare* "Shima...WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, MAN?!" -FREEEEEEEEEN- madoka: EEP! Rin: "GAH!" Shima: "...Huh. Really? Right now?" konekomaru: >-< Bon: *covering his eyes* stocking: *angel mode* *glaring at illuminati goons* Shima: OwO "...All kinds of cuteness wanting to attack us...Not how I wanted this to go..." pazuzu: aw, how cute, the taint blood princess decided to play with us too~ Shima: ^w^;; "Maybe don't pester Stocking, Pazuzu? She looks pissed..." stocking: i dont know what that light was just now, or what you guys think your doing, but you need to stop this shit right now. besides, i dont think my dad would appreciate you insulting me like that. ???: *someone talking, their mouth full* "Nope. Not at all." stocking:... with food in your mouth? REALLY? =_=; Mephisto: *swallows* "I was in the middle of something. I did not expect the Illuminati to provoke us so soon. Hmm...Lord Death is going to talk my ear off about this..." ???: "HELLO, ALL." Mephisto: -_-# stocking: what the hell? *The light above assumes the form of a bird, speaking...* Light Bird: "I did not mean to be so rude..." *The light crashes down like lightning, assuming the form of a human* stocking: what the fuck?! madoka: ??!! ???: "Greetings...I am Lucifer." Bon: "?!!! The light bringer..." stocking: ...im gonna go out on a limb and say your the head of the enemy group, right? Mephisto: ^^; "Now, now, sweetie...Let's not be so rude to my brother..." stocking:.........dad........WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. Rin: "IS THERE LITERALLY NO ONE IN THIS FAMILY WITH SOME BLACK SHEEP IN IT?!!!" Mephisto: ^^;;;;;;;; "Brother...Why have you come out here? Was it the dry arid air, something to help you with that cough?" stocking: ....whatever, i'll question this later. what are you doing here _uncle_? Lucifer: *cough* "N-No...It was something else. But it is a bit of a family reunion..." Rin: "...Oh, God..." Mephisto: "..." *eyeroll* "Here we go..." Lucifer: "Today, I declare our war on the True Cross and its allies who would get in the way of our goal: to bring back Father." stocking: ?? Lucifer: "We will bring back Satan--and Assiah and Gehenna will be one again." stocking: what do you mean _again_? Lucifer: "Your father has not told you? That is disappointing...I was hoping he would help us..." stocking: *looks at mephisto* Mephisto: "..." *looking serious* stocking:....dad? Lucifer: "In the beginning--the beginning, as far as any of you need to know--there was unity. Then light appeared, and from it darkness was identified. Assiah and Gehenna were cleaved from each other, and from it spread inequality...Is this the world you wanted, Brother? The one where being a demon made you persecuted? Where even one drop of demon blood made you hated?" Mephisto: *smiling...but his right-hand shakes slightly* stocking: ........ pazuzu: even more so if one were to have the blood of demon _and_ angel, a taint blooded freak that shouldnt even exist~ stocking: *tenses up* Lucifer: *stares at Pazuzu* pazuzu: whaaat? its truuue~ Lucifer: *sighs* "Brother...Join me. With your help, we can make this world equal for all..." Mephisto: *smiles* "You call it equal...and I agree, this world is by no means equal. And I am happy to join with anyone to bring about such a world." Lucifer: "...And you think I wouldn't?" stocking: d-dad? Mephisto: "I've seen, firsthand, the 'equality' Father created: a caste system of demons, each clawing up over the other to reach for the Sun and Heavens. This 'equality' you bring back is simply another hierarchy with you on top, like the rank Illuminati has always been." Lucifer: "..." madoka: *still attacking shima* GIVE IZUMO BACK! Shima: *holding Izumo carefully* "H-Hey now! You'll cut up poor Izumo!" madoka: just give her back already! what does she have to do with any of this?? Shima: "Beats me! I just know the Boss said it's part of the plan--" Mephisto: "That word...'inequality.' I assume you mean the caste system in place in this world? But there is one more reason..." *smiles--before he bellows, blowing wind across the rooftop* "YOU DARED TO INSULT MY CHILDREN!" *The wind knocks over Shima* Shima: Q_Q *trying to keep balance* *The wind knocks down Lucifer* pazuzu: OwO;;;;; Lucifer: "!!!" *coughs blood* illuminati member: !!! sir! Lucifer: "D-Doctor..." pazuzu: shimaaaa lets get out of here already! Shima: "R-Right..." *carries Izumo* Rin: "?!!! Do something, Mephisto!" Mephisto: *smiling...and looks at Rin* "If I could, wouldn't I have done so by now?" Rin: "!!! ...Then I'm glad I'm too stupid to let logic hold me back..." *rushes forward* stocking: *charges as well* Shima: "..." *sighs* "What a drag..." *walks forward, calmly, standing before the Illuminati to give them cover* pazuzu: *TAIL SWIPE AT RIN AND STOCKING* Rin: *dodges* "YOU STUPID PIECE OF SHIT!" *slams a foot at Pazuzu's head* pazuzu: *unfazed* go on~ get mad at me and hit me with all you have~ -the helicopter starts up- Rin: "!!!" *looks back to see Shima bringing Izumo onto the helicopter* Shima: "..." Rin: "SHIMA! Bring her back, or I'll--" Shima: *looks back* "--kill me?" Rin: "..." madoka: ..... Shima: "..." *smiles sadly* "I'll give you some advice. If you want to get stronger, you're going to have to be ready to kill me...and other humans...because that is who the Illuminati recruits." madoka: *stomach drops* ???: "Shima..." Shima: "???" "...Bon..." Bon: "What kind of a joke is this...WHAT THE HELL, SHIMA?!" Shima: "...My friends...Thank you." konekomaru: *too stunned to move* Shima: "I value the trust you put into me, for all this time..." *smiles* "But that is as far as it got." Bon: "!!!" pazuzu: i should go too... it was fun, stocking, teaching with you....*pokes her nose* boop~ *flies away* stocking: .... Shima: "See you soon." *waves, as he enters the helicopter* Bon: *shaking...* "SHIMA! YOU THINK I'LL ACCEPT THIS!" *runs at the helicopter* *The doors close behind Shima...who promptly collapses* -the helicopter takes off- stocking: *wings out* oh no you don- *FWOOOM* stocking: !! Rin: *looks up* "...What the hell is that?" stocking:.... !!!!!! shura: mother-... *over intercom* EVACUATE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS, NOW! *There is...a hole in the sky...and something...no...multiple demons are passing through it* stocking: shit! Mephisto: "When Lucifer arrived...the barrier between worlds weakened at just this spot..." shura: luckily, the rest of the city is unscathed. for the time being. madoka: what do we do now? Mephisto: *smiles at Madoka* "I don't suppose you're offering your services to my meager forces again, are you?" madoka:...*nods* stocking: so whats the plan, dad? Mephisto: "Excellent! That puts my mind at greater ease." *looks to Stocking* "I will need you and Yukio to lead the exwires to rescue Izumo." stocking: right. shiemi: we're going now? Yukio: "Just us? What about back-up?" Mephisto: "Yes, now. And don't worry--I already have someone lined up to go with you!" shiemi: really? Mephisto: "Yes." *holds up Nemu* shura:................................................what? Rin: "??? Wait, Bunny Dude? What can he do--" Mephisto: "He's an upper first-class exorcist I personally recruited~" Rin: "..." *stabbed in the heart* "Wh-When am I ever going to advance..." konekomaru:.....*glasses crack of shock* Bon: *all color has faded from him* Yukio: "..." stocking: ._.;; *doesnt even know her own rank* shiemi: ??? madoka: what about shima? Mephisto: "I'm afraid I do not know what has happened with him...but we must accept that Shima was an Illuminati spy--" konekomaru: we cant prove that! Mephisto: "I would think what you just witnessed was proof enough..." *COLLAR CLUTCH* Mephisto: "??" konekomaru: even so, we're bringing both izumo _and_ shima back! Rin: *nods* Mephisto: "..." *sighs* "Focus on bringing Izumo back. Shima's return will just be the dessert..." stocking: *nods* alright, lets move out! -at the train station- stocking: everyone ready? Paku: *watching them* shiemi: *looks at paku and nods* stocking: *hugs kid* the timing of this mission couldnt be worse. Kid: "We'll make it up...Just come back, with everyone." stocking: i will. *kiss* i love you, kid. dont ever forget that, ok? Kid: "..." *wiping his eyes* "D-Don't say that...Just come back..." stocking:...right. Kid: *smiles weakly* Paku: "Shiemi...Bring her home." -and so- shiemi: we're going back to japan? Yukio: "Our source located them near Inari Shrine in the Shimane Prefecture." konekomaru: so we're flying again? stocking: yep. we've contacted someone in the japan branch to drive us there. madoka: so how do we know that's where they are? Nemu: "I planted a doll on Izumo to track her..." madoka: i see. stocking: so the illuminati is a thing after all....yukio, you're the experienced teacher here. exposition time would be nice. Rin: "Yeah, I've heard so much about them: Gravity Falls, Gargoyles, Wikipedia articles--" Yukio: -_-; "That's fiction. This is real life." Yukio: "This iteration was founded 200 years ago., a secret society associated with demons. True Cross has investigated...and found they are a terrorist organization." konekomaru: ......renzou.... Rin: "Konekomaru...You think he..." konekomaru: i dont think so. call it a gut feeling or whatever, but i think renzou still is on our side. madoka:.... -and so- shiemi: so any idea who our driver is? stocking: not a clue. Rin: "...Um...Guys? Someone's holding a sign with Bon's name on it..." Bon: "?!" konekomaru: oh! ???: "Ryu!!!" Bon: -______- konekomaru: long time no see, yoshikuni. ^^; shiemi: ? stocking: friend of yours? Bon: "I mean--" Yoshikuni: "I'm a childhood friend of Ryu! I've been in love with him since then." shiemi: o.o madoka: oh my. Bon: "COULD YOU NOT RIGHT NOW?!" Yoshikuni: "Fufu--I'm just kidding! When we were kids, we'd say we would get married. But I would never hold Bon to that--right, sweetums?" Bon: -\\\\\\- "I'm dead. I'm dead..." konekomaru: *sweatdrop* stocking: .....aaaanyway, i assume you're our ride? Yoshikuni: "Right on. I'll get you there on time..." -and so- Rin: *pushed against Bon in the back seat* "Scoot over, man..." Bon: "..." shiemi: roomy. madoka: *checking map* Rin: "..." *stare* "Your frowny face is pissing me off, Bon..." Bon: "..." *looks out the window* Rin: "...You know what...STOP BEING SO CALM!" *Rin kicks Bon--so hard that the door flies off, and Bon with it* konekomaru: D8> Yukio: "WHY DID YOU KICK HIM THAT HARD?!" Rin: "It's not my fault the door is this flimsy!" Yukio: *looks out the window* "Please tell me he landed in something soft--" Bon: *dripping wet, his hair over his eyes* =_= "..." konekomaru: ._.; stocking: yikes. Rin: "..." *gets out of the car when they pull over* "Could you just stop with the sad sack schtick?! This is--" Bon: "Not. About. You." Rin: "..." Bon: "Shima...is like family. And it is family's responsibility... if it comes down to it..." *lifts up his head* "I'll kill him, then myself in retribution." Rin: "... ... ...BWA HA HA HA HA HA!" Bon: "!!! Shut up!" Rin: *wipes his tears* "Oh, man...You're like I was...when I wanted to die..." madoka: ....... Rin: "I'm glad...someone is worried about him, like you all were worried for me. So don't stop that..." Bon: "..." *shivering* konekomaru: *smiles* Rin: "...Hey, it's okay to cry--" Bon: "I'M NOT CRYING! I'M THINKING HOW I'M GOING TO RIP SHIMA'S LIMBS OFF AND BEAT HIM TO DEATH WITH THEM!" Rin: "That's the spirit!" -elsewhere...- ???: "Help..." izumo: ??? ???: "...not happy...Why..." izumo:....m...mom?.... ???: "Why...won't you help me?" -...shut up...this....everything.....its your fault!- ???: "Sister?" izumo: !!!! tsukumo? Tsukumo: "Are you crying?" izumo: n-no im fine. *hugs* its going to be ok, its going to be- *wakes up* ah! *She's in a medical room, attached to an IV drip* izumo: nnh.... ???: "Hey, you're up!" izumo: *glances.....and glares* you..... Shima: *smiles* "Thirsty?" *shakes an unopened bottle of water* izumo:.....*looks away* Shima: "Oh, and FYI--I didn't undress you. The nurses did that...and I was kind of unconscious." *opens and sips from the bottle* izumo: ................ Shima: "...So, since you're up, you ready to talk to the higher-ups?" izumo: ....... *A rattle is heard approaching the open door...* izumo:......!!!!! ???: "I-Izumo? Help..." izumo: <m....moth...er?> *Restrained to a wheelchair is a woman, bandaged all over, looking dazed, brought in by a nurse* ???: "It's quite unfortunate...that this hag deteriorated faster than expected." izumo: ???!!! *A short, portly doctor enters* ???: "So we needed to bring you in..." izumo: you....you piece of shit! ???: "That's Dr. Gedouin to you, Izumo..." *smiles* "You've grown up quite a bit." izumo: this wasnt.......to become an exorcist, i just needed title of 'tamer second class' right?! Gedouin: "About that...we found a workaround." izumo: ?? what do you mean? Gedouin: "Our 'guinea pig--'" *rests a hand on Izumo's mother's shoulder* "--led me to the brilliant insight how to proceed without you needing to complete your training. The spirit recognizes the Kamiki bloodline, so we just need a Kamiki...Any Kamiki..." izumo: ....... Gedouin: "Your poor mother is no longer able to proceed...So I'm left with two choices." izumo: *shaking* Gedouin: "..." *turns* "Nurse. Bring Tsukumo--" izumo: NO! i-i'll do it! just leave her out of this! Gedouin: *smiles* "Good..." *small laugh* "I had hoped it would be you. After all, Tsukumo is too small, and not as developed...in her training as you." izumo:..... Gedouin: "But you need your sleep right now. Tomorrow, I'll complete your examination. If I find no problems, we'll proceed..." *licks his lip slightly* "Until then..." *carts Izumo's mother...* Izumo's Mother: "Help..." izumo:.....*trembling* Shima: "...Izumo, the charms in this room prevent use of your familiars. Please behave. If you follow his orders, I'm sure it...won't be so bad." ^^; izumo:.......fuck you. Shima: "..." *looks* "May I have a moment with her?" illuminati member: we'll be watching... *exits* felisia: .... Mephisto: "..." *offers a hand* felisia:...*hug*......will she be alright? Mephisto: "She's our child, isn't she? She has this..." -phone call- Mephisto: *answers* "Report." stocking: we're here.....the shrine is a lot more....erm....flashy, than i was expecting. *A fox mascot walks up, doing a little dance in front of Stocking* Fox mascot: OwO *dance dance dance* stocking:.... Rin: *shiny eyes* "Madoka, can we buy one? Pweeeeeease?" madoka: *checks her money* i think so. ^^ Rin: "Score!" Mephisto: "That is to be expected. Please ask Takara for assistance." -and so- Yukio: "??? Where did Takara go?" stocking: hmm.... *reviewing the pamphlet* ???: "Such a good visit..." stocking: .... ._.; you too?! *Nemu is dressed in tourist merchandise--and holding a tall fox puppet* stocking: *siiigh* Yukio: "So instead of helping us, you were off buying cheap souvenirs--" Nemu: "It was 1.2 million yen." Yukio: .__________. stocking: ............................................... *siiiiiiiiighs* Nemu: " 'I pray to Inari, god of the harvest, to fulfill my prayers--'" mike: ugh, what do you want no-....hn? you’re not the inexperienced brat, who even are you people? shiemi: we're izumo's friends. mike: so? Rin: o_____O "..." *whispers* "He put the freaking fox demon into that doll!!!" Nemu: "TELL US EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE AND IZUMO!!!" mike: and why should i? Nemu: "If you don't, we'll just ask someone else. Maybe a more worthy demon..." mike: O-O# ..... very well then. -elsewhere- izumo: ...... Shima: *smiles* "When I first joined the Academy...they told me you were some important person's daughter. But I didn't know how cute you would be..." izumo: you piece of shit. WHY WOULD YOU EVEN SIDE WITH THEM?! Shima: "...Because I hate everything." *smiles* izumo:....*grabs him by the neck* HOW THE HELL CAN YOU SAY SOMETHING SO STUPID?! THEY'RE YOUR FRIENDS, AREN'T THEY?! BON, KONEKOMARU, YOUR FAMILY, UNAGI, DONT THEY MEAN A THING TO YOU?! Shima: "...When Todo approached me to join the Academy...I felt so much hate towards everyone...Bon...Konekomaru...My brothers..." izumo:...... Shima: "...!!! B-But not you and Unagi! I can never be mad at ladies..." izumo: fuck off. the others, they're your friends.....right?! so then why betray them??! Shima: "...Heh...You got really passionate right then about 'friends.' I didn't see that coming! I thought you and I were the same." izumo: ......... Shima: "...Oh! I forgot..." *takes out a small fox doll* This was in your uniform..." izumo:....................... Shima: *places it in her hand* *turns and leaves* izumo:.....(i guess i deserve this......because im a real damn idiot....) *tears falling* {-….10…..9…..8….7…..6…..5….4….3….2…1….-} {Kamiki: "Izumo! Help me!"} {izumo: -n-;} {Kamiki: "Everyone is avoiding me like they hate meeeee!!!"} {izumo: of course they do, they disagree with your actions. *feeding tsukumo*} {tsukumo: *babble*} {Kamiki: T~T "So mean...Why won't you help your mother? Without Souji here, I need someone to listen to me..."} {izumo: get a grip, will you? usually its daughters asking for their mother's help, not the other way around!} {Kamiki: "Because a daughter should help their mother! I'm so busy with the housework--"} {???: your breakfast, lady tamamo.} {Kamiki: "Thank you, dear~"} {izumo: -_-;} {Kamiki: "You all love to serve me, yes~?"} {fox spirits: indeed, lady tamamo!} {izumo: DONT CODDLE HER! D8<} {-...-} {School Master: "Oh. It's you..."} {izumo: im here to drop off tsukumo kamiki?} {School Master: "...Okay." *turns her back, walks ahead*} {Tsukumo: Q_Q } {izumo:...tsukumo? whats wrong?} {Tsukumo: *hug* "I don't wanna! >~< } {izumo: its ok. do you still have your good luck charm?} {Tsukumo: *sniff* *nods*} {izumo: *smiles* then you wont be lonely. its ok.} {Tsukumo: "...Will I see you after?"} {izumo: of course....} {-...-} {Student: "She's talking to herself again...Ha ha..."} {izumo:....*running back home* .... ??? (who're those people?) } {???: "Ah, there she is...Little Izumo..."} {woman: hello miss kamiki. ^^} {izumo: ???} {woman: we're researchers from a demon research association, the illuminati.} {izumo: demons?} {woman: the creatures most people cant see, like your foxes.} {izumo: they're not demons! they're youkai! you-kai!} {???: *eyeroll*} {woman:....mind if we have a chat?} {izumo:....no thanks, i dont talk to strangers.} {woman: if you want to talk, here. *hands her a card; Maria Yoshida*} {-....-} {izumo: mom! we're home!} {Kamiki: "IZUMO! I need you to watch your sister..."} {izumo: ??} {Kamiki: "Souji wants to meet with me! It should be a good date..."} {izumo:....} {-...-} {souji: so yeah, they're planning some urbanization of the area.} {Kamiki: "Oh, wow...That would bring more visitors to the temple~"} {souji: indeed.} {Kamiki: *leans*} {souji: ?? tamamo?} {Kamiki: "Come home with me..."} {souji: eh??} {Kamiki: "We can play like we're sharing our home...And the children want to meet you."} {souji: tamamo...i.....} {Kamiki: "Yes~?"} {souji: i dont _want_ to see them.} {Kamiki: "...What?"} {souji: i do like you, but if you keep going on like that, i wont want to see you either.} {Kamiki: *eyes staring at him, glossy* "..."} {-something broke....inside my mom that day-} {izumo: mom, your barely home anymore, tsukumo's lonely!} {Kamiki: "SHUT UP! It's your fault..."} {izumo:......} {-...-} {Priest: "Chief Priest! Open the door!"} {izumo: ??? whats going on?} {???: "M-My Sou..."} {Priest: "??!!! W-what the hell--"} {*SLASH*} {*blood splatter*} {izumo: ??!! *running* mom?! mom?!} {*There is a figure with white hair...black eyes...a foxlike nose*} {izumo:...m...mo...m?} {???: "...Here...in Tama's path again...Getting in her way..." *turns, glaring at Izumo*} {izumo: !!!! *backing way* mom?} {Kamiki: "...YOU MADE SOUJI GO AWAY! If only I had NEVER HAD YOU!"} {izumo: .....} {*Kamiki lunges at Izumo, knocking down a wall*} {izumo: !!! tsukumo!!} {*Kamiki spots Tsukumo...and readies a claw over her daughter--*} {izumo: STOP IT!!} {*Kamiki brings down her claws*} {-one of the foxes grabs tsukumo and gets her away-} {izumo: !!! mike!} {Kamiki: "!!! You poor excuse for a divine servant!" *lunges against at her children*} mike: izumo, take your sister and run!} {izumo: *doing so* come on!} {Kamiki: *cackling growl*} {-outside-} {izumo: *dialing a number...* come on....} {???: yes?} {izumo: please! ninetales has possessed my mom! please help her!!} -….- madoka: *shocked* shiemi: *tears falling* izumo.... stocking: so they kept her family hostage and experimented on her mother?.... Yukio: "..." *pats Shiemi's shoulder* Rin: "...Then we just need to find this lab...Let's go!" shiemi: do you know where the lab is, mike? mike: underground. Rin: "???! Where underground, though?" *looking all over from the roof* -...- {izumo:...tsukumo?....tsukumo?!} {*The room is empty but Izumo*} {*The door's lock clicks open*} {izumo: ???} {*Yoshida appears*} {Yoshida: "..."} {izumo: where's tsukumo?!} {Yoshida: "Izumo...Listen to me...I sent her away--"} {izumo: ???!!!} {Yoshida: "For her safety, I put her up for adoption, so that they...so that they couldn't..."} {izumo: couldnt WHAT?!} {Yoshida: "..." *shakes her head* "They can't experiment on your mother anymore...So they want her children..."} {izumo: *her stomach drops*} {Yoshida: "...I came to tell you...because we are escaping. Stay here while I finish preparations..."} {izumo: dont you lock me in here!} {Yoshida: "..." *nods* "Okay...but don't open this door until I get back to get us out of here. Agreed?"} {izumo:....} {-...-} {Yoshida: *in one of the rooms, downloading items to a USB* "..." ("I was so wrong...This is inhuman, more than I thought...")} {???: "Yoshida?"} {Yoshida: "!!!"} {Gedouin: "You're up late~"} {Yoshida: "Sorry. I was double-checking files I misplaced--"} {Gedouin: "That's not all that you misplaced..."} {Yoshida: "?!!!"} {izumo: let me go!} {Gedouin: "Hmm...Someone forgot to lock the doors..."} {Yoshida: "..."} {izumo: ......} {Gedouin: "Let's review the evidence. First, you knew I was going to work with young Izumo here. Second, the search history on your computer shows you were looking up ADOPTION. AGENCIES. Third...you really think I'm this stupid..."} {Yoshida: "..." *glances at Izumo*} {izumo:.........DONT JUST STAND THERE, RUN!!} {Yoshida: "!!!" *takes off--*} {Gedouin: "Seize her!"} {*Guards grab Yoshida--and knock her to the floor*} {Yoshida: *grunts, struggling*} {Gedouin: *approaches Yoshida* "..." *slams his heel onto Yoshida's head*} {Yoshida: "UMPH!"} {Gedouin: "You betrayed me!" *KICK* "You betrayed this lab!" *KICK* "You betrayed...Lucifer!" *slams his foot into her mouth*} {Gedouin: *pant pant, doubled over* "Y-You!" *points to a guard* "Elixir 1021, now."} {Yoshida: "!!!" *starts crying*} {Gedouin: "Ah, good...You _do_ remember. This concoction developed from our experiments on Tamamo has amazing potential. If it works--and I'm a genius, so of course it will--it will make you my first immortal, my dear Yoshida...But, if you're body rejects it...Well, it'll have to be closed-casket."} {Yoshida: *muttering*} {Gedouin: "I can't hear you--"} {Yoshida: "DON'T DO THIS TO ME! D-Do it...Do it to her! Do it to Izumo!"} {izumo: *heart drops*} {Gedouin: "...Say the oath..."} {Yoshida: "W-We will guide the world...to unity...No demons...No humans...One world...We-We brave warriors...no matter the trial...will go forth...I pledge...I PLEDGE! Please, don't kill me!"} {Gedouin: "..." *takes her chin* *smiles* "Good...We need to have followers..."} {Yoshida: *shudders...but smiles*} {*INJECT*} {Yoshida: "!!!"} {izumo: !!!!!} {Gedouin: "Because...they make the best martyrs..."} {Yoshida: "..." *the color fades from her eyes*" ..." *seizes, twitching, falling to the floor*} {izumo:......} {Yoshida: *panting...as her skin turns deathly white...and then starts to crackle* "N-N-N-"} {scientist: *backing away*} {Gedouin: "Keep the cameras rolling...We'll add it to the file."} {izumo: *shaking*} {Yoshida: *ripping at her arm, as if trying to claw it off...as her fingers fall off* "NOOOOOO--" *the skin along her mouth falls away, exposing teeth*} izumo: *sobbing, clutching the fox doll* -outside- madoka: there it is. dream town inari. stocking: everyone stay close. Yukio: *looks* "Sure enough...Illuminati uniformed guards--" *MUNCH* Yukio: "!!!" *turns* Rin: *nom nom nom--* "???" stocking: you brought snacks from the plane here?! Rin: "Na-uh! I bought these in town! The soba is great..." shiemi: *shoves grass sandwich into his mouth* Rin: "UMPH!" -and so- guard:.....hey. Rin: *walks up with Kuro* madoka: excuse us, we were looking for the bathroom? Guard #2: "Proof of residence, please?" madoka: oh, we're from out of town. -something smacks the guard in the face.....a rock?- konekomaru: *armed with slingshot* Guard #2: "Ouch!" *clutching his nose* guard: what the heck? Rin: "???" Yukio: "Remember--they are humans. No killing." -one pummeling of guards later- Bon: "...'Satan Slash'?" Rin: >3< "I couldn't think of a name in time!" madoka: i thought it was cool. stocking:...........oh my god. -_-; Rin: -\\\\- "Let's just get through this maze of villainy and rescue Izumo--" *throws open the doors* "...My God, it's horrifying..." -the inside of the building is....a mall? rather empty though- Bon: "...I always knew malls were evil." Rin: *nods* Yukio: -_-# "Stop." stocking: no one's here.....no.... keep on your toes. Rin: *nods* "...!!! Stocking, look..." stocking: *glances* *Someone is walking...* Rin: "Someone we could talk to..." stocking: um. excuse me, miss? ???: *moans* madoka: are you ok ma'am? *She turns--and has blood pouring out her mouth* madoka: o________________o;;;;; stocking: .... konekomaru: .... shiemi: ..... *The eyes are discolored...the skin is corroding...* konekomaru: ZOMBIE! AND NOT THE MR SID KIND EITHER!! Yukio: "It's a ghoul!" *aims--* Ghoul: "Huuuuuuungry..." madoka: is it...talking? Yukio: "!!!" *fires* Rin: Q__Q "A talking ghoul?" Yukio: "Zombie." konekomaru: so it is like mr sid then... Rin: "I ALREADY ESTABLISHED THAT! WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?!" stocking: certain zombies have their soul still bound to their body after death, be it naturally or artificially. in this case, im going to assume the latter. Yukio: *nods* "These zombies are more like parasites than just demons inhabiting bodies--hence, the human is still in there..." Rin: "So why not exorcise the parasite out?" stocking: its not that simple. they've already rotted to the point of no return. Yukio: *nods* "Once in necrosis, Sid is the only known case of having his soul persist. This...is a dead body. It is best to put her at rest..." Bon: "...Look at the name tag...'Experiment'..." konekomaru: um.....guysss? Zombie: "..." *eyes open and stare at Konekomaru* -theres more than one- stocking:....ok, lets ballroom blitz these fuckers. Zombie 2: "Hunger..." Yukio: "Then go for the head--" Rin: *looks behind* "!!! Like the one...you already shot?!" Zombie 1: *standing up again* Yukio: "!!!" konekomaru: new plan. SLASH AND RUN YO! Bon: "And find the entrance to the underground!" -elsewhere- Lucifer: "..." *yawns* *shifts in his hospital bed* -elsewhere- madoka: *pant pant* i think....we're safe now.... Rin: "For now...But we still haven't found the entrance." *taps his sword on the floor* madoka: ....i just hope the others are alright. -elsewhere- stocking: ugh...ow.....hello? Yukio: "Stocking?" stocking: oh, thank goodness. where are the others? Yukio: "I don't know..." -the doors open- stocking: ?? ...!!!!!! shiemi: nnnh?....!!!! Rin: "What the H is that stuff?!" madoka: *fires arrows* shiemi: nee! barrier! Nee: "NEE!" *summons vines* Chimera 1: *claws at the vine barrier* konekomaru: s-someone help! Chimera 2: *drools over Konekomaru* *Banging is heard against the wall next to Konekomaru* konekomaru: ??!! *BLAST* Chimera 2: "???!!!" *A giant paw smacks Chimera 2 into the wall* konekomaru: thanks kuro! -BOOOOM from another wall as vines burst in- shiemi: koneko! kuro! Kuro: <I'm hungry! Why is there no food?!> *looks up* *sniffs* Chimera 1: *collapsed under the vines* shiemi: *offers grass sandwich* Kuro: "..." T~T -elsewhere- Yukio: "On your left!" *bang bang bang* stocking: *slice* damn, this thing keeps regenerating. Yukio: "..." *light bulb* *takes something out of his jacket...* stocking: *flies up* go for it! Yukio: *tosses up the rope* chimera: *ROOOAR* Yukio: "PULL!" stocking: *doing so* Yukio: "Now slice and blow it up! It'll regenerate into the floor itself!" *fires shots* stocking: *x slash* Yukio: *kicks into the Chimera's head* chimera: *shrieeek* Yukio: *HEAD SHOT* chimera: *falls* Yukio: *loud sigh* "Good work." shiemi: yuki? stocking? are you in there? stocking: shiemi good timing! Yukio: "Who is with you?" konekomaru: im here! Yukio: "Hmm...How did you escape?" konekomaru: shiemi saved my butt. shiemi: ehehe. ^^; konekomaru: and kuro's here too. Kuro: *stomach growl* <Thanks...> Yukio: "Find an escape path?" shiemi: not yet, but we should get the others out too. Yukio: "Right. All of you, follow the path. Stocking and I will cut ourselves out." konekomaru:.....!!! shiemi, you get the others out, i'll be right back. *runs* stocking: *slashes ceiling* what the.....!!! YOU! Shima: "Hey, Stocking. You're looking great." stocking: dont give me that shit. *glances* oh dear GOD what the hell is THAT?! Gedoin: -_-; "That's hurtful, even coming from a future experiment candidate..." stocking: ??!! shiemi: !? Gedoin: "Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Dr. Michael Gedoin, and I am a genius." ^w^ stocking: oh good god you're as bad as an eyesore as grossman. *swords out* please drop dead immediately. Gedoin: D:< "YOU FLESHY INSULTING DEMON/ANGEL HYDRID! WHEN I AM THROUGH PLANTING THE FOX SPIRIT INTO IZUMO, I'LL TIE YOU DOWN TO A TABLE AND DETERMINE WHERE THE ANGEL STARTS AND THE DEMON BEGINS!" *stamps his foot* >3< Shima: ._.; "Um...Spoilers, boss?" stocking: cute but that isnt gonna happen. tell you what. you surrender izumo /and probably shima too/ and let me slice you into gibs, and we'll be on our merry way, ok? Shima: "D'aw, I knew you loved me." ^w^ "...But I'm not leaving here." konekomaru: then we'll just drag you back by the ear like usual. -DOUBLE BOOM- shiemi: O-O; Rin: "BOOM, BABY!" Bon: -_-; "I can't believe you're still on with that..." madoka: ok, we're out! Yukio: "...You three are late." stocking: took you long enough! Bon: -_-# Rin: "!!! Hey! We were working as fast as we can?! What were y'all up to? We were-- ...Is that a demon?" stocking:...if your referring to that...._thing_ next to shima, that's just an insult to demons all over. shame on you. Rin: -3- "I'm demon, too...It's hard to keep track of them all. Not like I got a Pokedex or something..." Gedoin: -_-# "I'm human, you uncultured swine. Shima, fetch Izumo." Shima: *salute* "Ay-ay!" madoka: *helping nemu out* stocking: ..... (something seems off about this....) Gedoin: "Vermin...infesting this facility...Obstructing my progress to unlock immortality..." stocking: immortality, huh? Yukio: "And unlocking that secret from Izumo...to make an elixir...which means those zombies were attempts to create immortals..." Gedoin: *sneers* shiemi: y-you... you.... rotten sack of CRAP! Gedoin: *smiles* "Dear, I think you underestimate the gullibility of tourists...especially those who can't even taste mind-altering substances in what they consume or imbibe." stocking: *glares* Rin: "Those zombies...were the tourists...who ate the food..." *feels his forehead* konekomaru: just touch the back of your throat and puke it out! Rin: "...I-I'm fine! I'm a demon! I can handle that stuff, Konekomaru!" >3< Gedoin: "It was Lord Lucifer's compassion that allowed such meals to be prepared...so that the subjects would feel less pain during the experiments towards immortality..." stocking: you're horrible. Gedoin: "Hmm...'Horrible' does come from the root word regarding 'that which stimulates the body,' so you aren't wrong..." -elsewhere- izumo: .... Shima: "..." shiemi:....!! izumo! Rin: "What is she wearing?" Yukio: "...!!! For a ceremony..." stocking: *jumps up* hold on! izumo: ?! *SLICE* *BLOCKED* stocking: damn. rin! hold off shima, bon and i will go for izumo! Bon: "Right!" Rin: "On it!" *leaps up* Shima: "Oh, good...I didn't want to have to hit a woman..." Rin: "YOU'LL BE HITTING NOTHING, YOU SON OF A--" *PUNCH* Rin: "!!!" *coughs up blood* madoka: !!! *jumps up* Shima: "..." *grabs Rin by the hair--and throws him at the wall* Rin: "AAAAAAH--" madoka: *nice catch* Rin: "Th-Thanks..." Shima: "..." *prepares a stance* Rin: "...Look, Madoka. This is how a friend welcomes us..." Stocking: izumo! lets go! Bon: "We're going to get you out--" izumo: forget it. stocking: ?! izumo: this is _my_ problem to deal with! i'll handle it myself. Bon: "Would you stop being so stubborn?!" izumo: ..... Bon: "Can't you just trust us?!" izumo: how can i trust anyone with this? {Yoshido: "Can't you trust me?"} {Izumo's Mother: "Help..."} izumo: i couldnt rely on them, so why should i rely on you?! Bon: "...Gah! You're still so stubborn!" *punches an Illuminati guard* Illuminati: "UMPH!" *falls off the railing* stocking: *lift* izumo: h-hey! Bon: "Good thing we're stubborn too--" *punches through more guards* guard 2: *wilhelm scream* Bon: "Okumura! Slice a path out of--" *Dark energy swirls around Bon's neck--choking him* izumo: !! Shima: *controlling his familiar* "...I am your friend. So I am asking you, as a friend...Stop. Please." *looks at Izumo and Stocking* "This is how it has to be..." stocking: let him go! izumo: why dont you help him then? isnt he your friend too? why focus on me?! stocking: then why are you crying? izumo: ??!!....ah.....ah..... i have to.....f-for....for.... stocking: ??? izumo: my...my sister.... a-and my mother.... stocking: ?! Shima: *lowers Bon, unconscious* "..." *marches up to Izumo, past Stocking* izumo:...... Shima: "Then do it for them..." *rests a hand on her shoulder* stocking:......do you know where izumo's mother and sister are? Shima: *turns, smiles* "Her mom's right this way..." stocking:.... rin! Rin: *rushes at Shima* Shima: *sighs* *pushes Izumo gently aside, assumes a battle pose, and--* Rin: *leaps over Shima* Shima: "?!!" Rin: *--and runs into the room...* izumo: !!!! wait! she's possessed by the ninetails! Rin: "Like I can't handle that--" ???: "Daiitoku funnu youketsu..." stocking: ?? *Yamantaka emerges again--and knocks Rin off the walkway* Rin: "?!!!!" *BLAST* *Sounds of metal crunching are heard--as something looms over the others* madoka: rin!! stocking: ??!!....you have to be shitting me. *The chimeras emerged...now in one towering mass* Yukio: "Everyone, get onto Kuro!" stocking: *picks up izumo and hops on* -underground- scientist:...whats taking them so long? *BLAST* scientist: FKHYHDJH>J *A blue flame explodes throughout the lab* scientist: EEEK! *A figure falls through the flames--* Rin: "AAAAAAAAAH--" *And falls flat on his face* Rin: "..." *lifts himself up, looks around* "???" *looks at one scientist* "Yo, doc? Where's Mrs. Kamiki?" tamamo: *groan* Rin: "Oh, sweet--that answers that question..." *gets up, walks to her* "Ma'am?" tamamo: nnnhnn... Rin: "It's okay...I'm going to get you--" Gendoin: "FOOL!" Rin: "???" *looks* "...Who, me?" Gendoin: "SON OF SATAN! YOU WILL NOT LEAVE HERE WITH MY EXPERIMENTS! FOR THE BENEFITS OF LORD LUCIFER, THE LIGHT BRINGER, OUR GLORIOUS LEADER, I--" Rin: "SHUUUUUUUUUT UUUUUUUUUUP!!!" Gendoin: .w.; *Rin's fist slams into Gendoin's cheek--knocking him across the floor* Gendoin: X~X Rin: "..." *shakes his hand off* "Blech...All covered in sweat...Human, demon--like I give a shit...I just know one thing...I can't stand to see someone tortured...and I can't stand to see someone cry..." *aims his sword at Gendoin* "But for you, I'll make an exception..." tamamo: *muttering* Gendoin: "P-Please...I have so much progress left--" Rin: "After what you did to her...to Izumo...No..." tamamo: *SCREEEEEEECH* -upstairs- izumo: !!!! mom?? Yukio: "...Oh no..." tamamo: *rushing up the stairs, screaming* Yukio: "...The nine tails..." izumo: *tears falling* tamamo: *heavy breathing* pl....ease.....end......me..... Yukio: "...Izumo...Your family knows the most about exorcising the Nine Tails..." izumo: i dont....know what to do.... Yukio: "...We have to contain the Nine Tails...As long as it is within your mother, she is contained--" ???: "Fufufu~" izumo: ?! Gendoin: *climbs up* "I can think of a few ways..." Rin: "?!!! Hey! You get back here!" Gendoin: "This vessel cannot contain it...So you have your choice: the Nine Tails is released, the old vessel dies...or we find a younger one." izumo:......*shaking* tamamo:.....no......this ends....with me.......*shambles over to izumo....and hugs her* im just glad.....i saw you one more time....mama loves you...so much.... izumo:.....m-mom..... Gendoin: "!!! Now wait a minute--she is the property of the Illuminati! You can't just--" Rin: *chokes Gendoin* "I said quiet..." tamamo:......*takes an empty syringe from him..........and jabs her neck* Bon: "!!!" Rin: "?!" izumo: mo....MOM!! tamamo: *collapses and twitches...........before going still* izumo: u...uuuu.....*breaks down sobbing* MOM!!!! stocking: *shocked* madoka: ...... Rin: "..." *lets go of Gendoin, leaving him on the floor...approaches with Madoka...limping* Bon: "..." Gendoin: "..." *whimpers...then starts crying* madoka:....do you regret what all you've done? Gendoin: "...Yes...I regret it all...I regret every mistake they all made...to prevent me from seizing the Nine Tails' power..." Yukio: *checking the corpse* stocking:............. Gendoin: "This was...my one chance to earn Lucifer's blessing..." *stands, starts limping* stocking:................ Gendoin: "I'll just have to get back to the drawing board..." -SHIV- stocking:......*demonic glare* get the hell out of my sight. Gendoin: "..." *coughs up blood, looks down at the blade through his chest* "N-No...I'm special...You can't do this to me..." -sword right through the head- stocking: ....... Gendoin: "..." *smiles...and collapses* stocking: *knocks him off the walkway* ........still an eyesore to the very end.... Bon: "..." *looks at Izumo* izumo:.............. madoka:...come on! lets go! ???: *clap clap clap* madoka: ?? stocking: ?! ???: "Great work, Stocking. Although, I should be mad, since we were kind of coworkers." Bon: "?!!! Shima!" shiemi: you! Shima: "Well..." *picks up a box* "I guess Lucifer will need this...Thanks for giving us enough to start with, though. That was really cool." shiemi: oh no you dont! *begins to run after him* Shima: *sighs* "Shiemi, please..." *holds up a hand* -is that....ballroom blitz playing? is it...getting louder?- Shima: "??? ...Oh, fu--" kinzou: RENZOOOOOOOOU!!!! YOU ARE SOOOOOO GROUNDEEEEED!!!! Shima: .____.;;; "...That's only if you can catch me, bro." *looks at Shiemi, winks* "Well, guess we'll have to do this again next time~" shiemi: *flips him off* izumo: wait! tsukumo...w-where is- Shima: >3< "So mean..." *looks at Izumo...smiles* "Didn't you hear? She was adopted." izumo:...... Shima: "Well, until we meet again...and that'll be soon enough” -the next morning- shiemi: so stocking went home, as did rin and madoka... Yukio: "...I am sending Bon to Kyoto to speak with the Shima family. You should return to Death City as well..." izumo: ...... i'll stay for now.....attend mom's funeral.... Yukio: "...Izumo...I'm sorry." izumo:......i still dont know where tsukumo is......if she's happy... ???: "Of course she is." izumo: ?? Nemu: *the rabbit puppet has a key in its mouth, which drops into Izumo's hand* "A gift from my benefactor...to show you where that Illuminati woman placed your sister." izumo:...... Nemu: "You should know...that the woman put your sister in the care of True Cross--" izumo: ?? why didnt you tell me?! Yukio: "?!!!" ("Mephisto?") Nemu: "I was instructed not to. If you knew, that attention would alert the Illuminati where to find your sister, wouldn't it?" izumo:......right....... -elsewhere- Bon: "..." *stands outside the door* izumo: *exits*..... Bon: "...Hey." *picks up a duffle bag* izumo:...hey......t-thanks....for not giving up on me....i guess..... Bon: "...It was everyone who didn't give up on you. You know how hard-headed those fools are..." izumo:...yeah...... Bon: "...You eat?" izumo:....not yet.... Bon: "...I'm heading to Kyoto and was going to have some noodles before the trip. Come on." izumo:....thanks, bon. -elsewhere- Rin: *looking out the window* madoka:....*holds his hand* Rin: "..." *small squeeze* madoka:....*lean* you ok? Rin: "Yeah...Just thinking how Yukio and I...never got to say goodbye..." madoka:....... Rin: "...I always wish I could have met her..." madoka:....im sure she was a wonderful person. Rin: "..." *shakes his head* "I don't know...People who fall for devils seem...kind of suspect." madoka: *smile* i fell for you, didnt i? ^^ Rin: "..." *nods* "So..." madoka: *kiss on the cheek* Rin: -\\\\- *sniffs, wipes his eyes* -elsewhere- Kid: "..." stocking: *hugs kid* im home. Kid: *pat pat* "I'm glad..." stocking: guess we can still spend valentines together, huh? Kid: *smiles* "Anytime..." *strokes her face* stocking: *chuckles, tearing up* our first valentines as a married couple, and i almost missed it. Kid: "..." *holds her* "It's okay..." stocking: *kiss* Kid: *smooch* -elsewhere- mrs shima: *stunned* Bon: "..." *bows* "I'm so sorry..." kinzou: i dont want to believe it either, but i saw it with my own two eyes... mamushi:....i dont think i should tell unagi about this, it would break her heart. Bon: *nods* "For now, the Academy is trying to keep it under wraps--but with social media, it's going to come out..." mamushi:.... Mr. Shima: "Thank you, Bon...I'll see you out..." Bon: "..." *walks with him and Kinzou* Mr. Shima: "..." *nods to Kinzou* "Tell him..." Bon: "???" kinzou: .... its ok. *whispers* he's on our side. Bon: "..." *slow head turn* "What did you say?" *grabs Kinzou by the collar* kinzou: SHHHHH *whispers* he's our eyes on the inside! Bon: *whispers* "You knew about the Illuminati? You knew all they were doing--and you let Renzou help them?!" kinzou: its a long complicated story. we'll explain later. Bon: "...I hope the Illuminati doesn't kill him...because when I see him again...I might." -elsewhere- ???: *coughing* *The man in the mask stumbles to the floor* -elsewhere- *A man in a cloak enters the cemetery* -silence....- *He approaches a gravestone* ???: "...I'm failing, Rain." -......- Chuuya: "I was supposed to give Sonia what she needed...what she deserves. Now...once again, we are assaulted by outside forces." -....- Chuuya: "...I'm considering my options carefully...but right now, I don't want to be logical...I want to give into what I feel...And...I'm scared..." -.....- Chuuya: "...What we learned about...about him...I want to kill him. Even if it burned down the entire Mafia...I want him to die." -......- Chuuya: "..." *shudders* "Why now...Why is this happening?" -...........- Chuuya: "..." *cries, covering his face* -......- Chuuya: *sits there, just passing the time with his head in his hands* -silence....- Chuuya: *inhales* "...I can't do this to Sonia..." -.....- Chuuya: "..." *shakes his head* "I don't like it..." -......- Chuuya: "...but I don't see another choice..." -....- Chuuya: "..." *stands up, rests a hand on the gravestone* "I will..." -.....- Chuuya: "She'll be safe...I promise." -elsewhere- leo:......ngh...*stumbling....throwing up into a trash can* *cough cough* pushkin: <easy now.> *holding her hair back* katya: *pats her back* <jeez, dinner didnt go well with you last night?> leo: *panting* <i...i dont know....p-perhaps its just a bug...> Gin: "...Leo...A word?" leo: ...y-yes? Gin: *walks with her, holding her up* "...How are things with you and Motojiro?" leo:....*smiles* well. Gin: *nods* "...I am going to ask a potentially invasive question." leo: what do you mean? Gin: "...Have you been intimate?" leo: *blushing....remembering*....yes. Gin: "...Protection?" leo:.......*covers her mouth* you dont think i-....d-do you? Gin: "That is up to a trained professional to determine." leo: .....r-right. Gin: "...I know we are underground, but we'll find a way..." -elsewhere- Vulcan: *enters Deathbucks* "I know, I know--I'm late--" Kepuri: "No kidding!" >3< Yohei: *sips his coffee* Dr. John: ^^;; Stein: "..." miranda: *washing dishes and humming* Vulcan: "The patient is meeting us here?" foien: hello. ^^ serina: *nods* Vulcan: "...Hey." Dr. John: "Welcome, Foien. How are you?" foien: nervous, but given whats going on, hard not to be, haha. Yohei: *nods* "Well, I took what Fear Factory and...someone else had developed in limb replacements--" Kepuri: "--which I perfected." *beaming* Vulcan: *eyeroll* "And I re-designed to be powered by your flame abilities, if need be" Stein: *lays out the blueprint for Foien* foien: neat. Dr. John: "It's a lot to take in, so you can look over it..." foien: i appreciate it. serina: and i'll be here as medical assistance and moral support. foien: aww. ^///^ Stein: "We just have to finalize a date...John will lead on it, I'm there as backup." -elsewhere- kirako: morning, kids. ^^ *making breakfast* atsushi: morning mom. kenji: good mornin' aya: mornin' Kyoka: "Good morning." sylvia: *nods* Kyoka: "Need any assistance?" -elsewhere- Walter: *rings a doorbell* "..." *looking around* goethe: zzzz <hans. check the door. the bed is too cozy.> hans: *sweatdrop* *answers* yes? Walter: "Top of the mornin' to ya!" *holds up mail* "I brought this in!" hans: oh, thank you. Walter: "Any assignments to pass along to the others?" -elsewhere- mahiru:....*yaaaawn* Kuro: "Zzz..." mahiru:..... O.O Kuro: "Mmm..." mahiru: um. kuro? Kuro: *opens one eye* "...What?" mahiru: >/////////< why are you in human form in bed with me? Kuro: "...It was warm, comfy, and bigger." mahiru:.... .//////.;;;; Kuro: "...So, what's for breakfast?" -elsewhere- Belkia: =w= *humming* ayami: zzzz.... -she has some bandages on her neck- Belkia: *cuddles...kiss behind the ear* ayami: mmm, hmhm~ Belkia: ^^;; "Sorry..." ayami: hmm? oh this? its fine. Belkia: "I just...get a little excited..." ayami: *hug* u///u it felt nice. Belkia: *strokes her back* "Okay...I really enjoyed last night..." ayami: i enjoyed it too~ -elsewhere- Mikuni: *munching on Valentine's chocolates* =w= "Say 'aw,' Abel..." abel: *doesnt say anything cause she's a doll.* Mikuni: "...Oh! You want me to have it? Well, it'll go straight to my hips, but for you, anything." *pops another chocolate into his mouth* >w< "Ooooo, caramel! Good call..." abel: .... -elsewhere- Daisy: *grumbling, looking out the window* louisa: everything alright? Daisy: "Just finding it gross out today--all the lovey-dovey Valentine shit." louisa: ah, i see. ^^; Daisy: "And you just know Fitz is going to head to the shops as soon as all the candy is 50 percent off...He ask you to do that already?" -elsewhere- misono: *has a party hat on* -_-; shinoa: happy valentines slash birthday~ ^^ Lily: *blows party favor* misono: -///- jeez. mahiru: ^^ Hugh + Kuro: *staring at the cake* "..." licht: *nom* thank you for inviting us to the festivities, king of hearts. Hyde: *scooping ice cream onto his slice* "Totes." -elsewhere- Todoroki: *holding a small bag* "..." fuyumi: oh? Todoroki: "Yes. A classmate gave it to me." *hands it to Fuyumi* fuyumi: oh, um. *blink* Todoroki: "I wasn't going to eat them, and I politely thanked the classmate." fuyumi: ah. Todoroki: *sits down* "How were your students today?" -elsewhere- Izuku: ^\\\^ "Thanks..." tsuyu: ^^ glad you like them. Izuku: "They're really cute! I love them!" tsuyu: it took me a while to decide what to make. i was considering frog shaped, but that might be a bit cliche and also kinda cannibalistic, so i opted for the lily pad shape. Izuku: .w.;;; "Good call." *pats her hand* tsuyu: ^v^ -elsewhere- Bakugo: "TAKE IT AND LIKE IT!" >\\\\< *hands a gift bag* itsuka: oh, thanks! ^^ Bakugo: >\\\\\< "Good! You're welcome!" itsuka: *smooch on the cheek* -elsewhere- Giriko: "Okay, kiddo--come over here!" *holds out his arms* anna: *trying to crawl over* Giriko: "You can do it!" anna: ba! Giriko: "Daddy! Yep! Crawl on over to Daddy..." -she made it- arachne: yay! you did it. ^^ *claps* anna: ^o^ Giriko: *picks her up* "Growing girl--getting better every day." *hug* -elsewhere- Free: *covered in flour* "I think that's enough dough..." ^^; milia: *aCHOO* eruka: *snaps pic* Free: "Heh...Let's pop one of these into the oven...See how it turns out." -elsewhere- erina: .~.;;; Guard: "??? Working here today?" erina: *salutes, hiding something in her pocket* y-yes! Guard: "That sucks...No date for Valentine's?" erina: guess not. ^^;;; Guard: "Dang. Yeah, I'm missing my date night...Gonna have to make it up later." *half-hearted salute* "Good luck with the prisoner." erina: you too, haha... *waits for them to leave....slides the chocolate in the slot* Fyodor: "???" *looks up* erina: h-hope you like this. >////<; Fyodor: "..." *smiles* "Thank you..." erina: .//////. Fyodor: *opens the box* "Oh my..." -its a box of heart shaped white chocolates with a note that reads 'hope you like them. i worked pretty hard on them'- Fyodor: "..." *picks one up, looks it all over* "..." *slowly puts it in his mouth* erina: how is it? Fyodor: "Not bad..." erina: t-thanks. .//////. Fyodor: *smiles* "Thank you..." *licks a bit of the white chocolate off his finger* -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "I know it's not very pricy or anything..." kim: *nom*....yummy =u= Jacqueline: *smiles* "Glad you like them..." -elsewhere- Ivan: "..." zoey: *making chocolates to send to fyodor. mixed with her own blood* Gogol: <What is with this holiday for some people?> yana: <dont ask me. love does some fucked up shit to some people.> Gogol: <Oh? Is that what you call what the nurse is doing--'love'?> yana: ..... <as i said. 'fucked up shit'.> Gogol: <Jeez, I need a more positive example...Haven't you seen good instances?> yana:......................<hell if i'd know...> *turns to her side* Gogol: "???" <Huh...Not even an inanimate object? For example...> *hugs himself* <I just love my coat!> >w< elizaveta: <it's a nice coat.> ^^ <right leila?> 'leila': *click* <its a nice and fancy coat if i do say so myself, hoho!> Gogol: <Hee hee...> -elsewhere- lana: edgaaar~ Poe: "???" lana: *smooooch and hands him a notebook* hope you like it~ Poe: ^\\\\^ "Of course--I can't wait to fill it up with love poems..." lana: ^///^ -elsewhere- Arthur: *holding up a chocolate sword* "...I love you." tamaki: >////< oh my gosh. Arthur: "This is amazing...I can slice down dragons _and_ coat them in delicious chocolate before preparing the meal." -elsewhere- Yumi: *hug* lord death: =//////= *purrs* Yumi: *strokes his head* "My reaper..." lord death: *snuggles* =////w////=~<3 Yumi: *strokes him* *kisses his lips* lord death: mmmm~<3 u////u Yumi: *rubs his hip--with a small scratch* lord death: *happy shiver* Yumi: *kisses his neck* -elsewhere- Meme: *knocking on doors* "We have Valentine's cookies!" rowena: thank you, miss meme. ^^ Meme: "You're welcome!" *holds up a bat cookie* "Spooky..." -elsewhere- sonia: *petting mito* Chuuya: *enters* mito: *mreow* sonia: *smiles at him* Chuuya: "..." *weak smile* sonia: *hug* Chuuya: *hug* "How are you?" sonia: ok...did you see mama? Chuuya: *nods* "I did...I'm sorry you weren't there..." sonia: what did you and mama talk about? Chuuya: "We...talked about you." sonia: ...... Chuuya: "...Do you miss school?" sonia:.....not really. Chuuya: "...Well, that wasn't what I was expecting...I thought you liked school." sonia:....it was ok....but i couldnt relate to the other kids... Chuuya: "...Well, you do need to learn...So we have to figure out how you're going to do that..." sonia:....... Chuuya: "And I'm not the best at enough subjects..." *scratches his cheek* "I think I'll need to bring in some help with home schooling..." sonia:.....*hugs* Chuuya: "!!! ..." *pat pat* sonia: i love you, papa. Chuuya: "I love you, too..." *hug* "I guess I'll have to figure out who to teach you science--" *BOOM* Chuuya: ._.;;; ayako: its cool! no one died! this time at least. miura: -_-; Motojiro: *pops in* "Chuuya! I got new music!" *his sleeve is on fire* "I was going to listen to it after finish my art project, writing some poetry, and engaging in some P.E., Care to join?!" *his hair is now on fire* Chuuya: .______.;;;; "..." ("...He'd still be a better teacher than other former Mafia members...") ayako: how much damn free time do you even have?! Motojiro: "I multitask!" *fire is now going to his pants* Gin: "...Hence the explosion." leo: D8> *has a fire extinguisher out* Chuuya: "...Kajii, do you like teaching?" Motojiro: "Sure I do! I got certification! But I can't teach pottery." *grim face* "Never again..." Chuuya: .____.;;; *looks at Sonia* "...Would you like Kajii as a teacher?" sonia: can i? *shiny eyes* Chuuya: "..." *smiles* "Sure!" sonia: *beaming smile* Chuuya: "Okay...But Kajii, be safe with her. I don't want Sonia hurt." Motojiro: "I swear, I will take care of Sonia like she's my own child!" leo:...r-right... >////>;;;; Motojiro: "??? Lemondrop? Are you well?" leo: ?? oh, of course, motojiro. ^^ -elsewhere- Kafka: *opens the door to his apartment, marches inside...falls onto the couch pillow...lets out a small groan* -silence- etta pillow: *says nothing, as it is a pillow* Kafka: "..." *holds the pillow, hugs it* -no answer- Kafka: "...I hate Valentine's Day..." -...- Kafka: "Everyone else is happy...No one would ever want me. No one wants me. I'm not fun or attractive or...anything." -the pillow remains silent- Kafka: *closes his eyes* "...I wish I was dead….I can't even do that well...I'm going to just be alone...I'm not like Goethe or anyone who can get a relationship to work...I'm only good at work." -at least the pillow still loves you- Kafka: "..." *looks at the pillow's face* -such a sweet, darling face...- Kafka: "..." *blinks away tears...nears the pillow's face...* -...- Kafka: *smooch* >\\\\< -if the pillow had blood, it would be blushing- Kafka: *small moan, as he holds the pillow close, kisses again* "Oh, Etta..." *shifts on the couch, hugging the pillow, kisses the pillow again--* Walter: "Dude, you got it baaaaaaaaad..." Kafka: O_________o *awkward look back...* "...How long?" Walter: "Before you took your pants off, thank goodness..." *munching on a Pop Tart* Kafka: "...Why are you here?" Walter: "Mom had a hot date, so she needed the apartment." Kafka: "...Gross." Walter: "I know, right?!" ^w^ Kafka: "...Could I have, like, five minutes?" Walter: "Sure thing. I'll heat up a pizza." Kafka: "Y-Yeah, thanks..." -elsewhere- Kid: *hug* stocking: hehe~<3 Kid: "Happy Valentine's Day, sweetness..." stocking: happy valentines to you too~ *slides up under his shirt* Kid: *moans* "Oh, yes..." stocking: *licking his chest* Kid: "A-Aaaaaah~" >\\\\\\< stocking: yeah, you like that, dont you~? Kid: "Y-Yes...I want your lips right there..." stocking: *kiss* *sliding her hand down his pants* Kid: .\\\\\. *small squeak* stocking: *smirks and squeezes tightly* Kid: *gasps* "...Oh my~" stocking: does that feel good, honey~? Kid: "It feels amazing..." *moaning, squirming* stocking: *rubbing and licking a nipple* Kid: *louder moan...he's getting harder in her hand* stocking: good boy~ Kid: "I-I want to be good for you, my queen..." stocking: *smirks* close your eyes, its gonna be a long night~ -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *staring out the window* "..." -...- -someone is exiting a shop across the street....its tsubaki!- Mr. Tsubaki: "!!!" QwQ "..." *watches* -you know you cant go see her now...- Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *paws at the window* {tsubaki: hehe~ *snuggles the fox* ^///^} {Mr. Tsubaki: ^w^ *licks her hand*} {tsubaki: *snuggles*} {*POOF*} {tsubaki: o///o} {Mr. Tsubaki: *stares into her eyes...smiles*} {tsubaki:...*smiles and leans in*} Mr. Tsubaki: *sniff* ("I-I miss her so much...") mary: time to eat ^^.....toby? hey, whats wrong, toby? *pet pet* Mr. Tsubaki: Q____Q *whimpers, pawing the window* mary: do you want to go out for a walk? Mr. Tsubaki: *wagging his tail* mary: ok, leash time! Mr. Tsubaki: *walks up, lowering his head for the leash* -and so- Mr. Tsubaki: *looking around* tsubaki: *checking phone* Mr. Tsubaki: OWO;;; -she doesnt seem to notice- Mr. Tsubaki: *tugging on the leash* mary: woah! toby, easy boy! tsubaki: ?? *glances* Mr. Tsubaki: *small fox yip* tsubaki: *eyes widened in disbelief* Mr. Tsubaki: OwO *wagging his tail* mary: *was dragged and is all banged up* im ok. tsubaki: ....oh, what a cute fox. *sad smile. she remembers* Mr. Tsubaki: *not even noticing Mary* QwQ *leans his head to her feet* tsubaki: *kneels down and pets his head* mary: thanks, his name's toby. ^^ Mr. Tsubaki: =w= *wagging faster* mary: aww, he likes you! tsubaki: hehe, he sure does... Mr. Tsubaki: *nuzzles her hand, soft pant* -elsewhere- atsushi: *nom* >///< thanks lucy! this tastes amazing! Lucy: ^\\\^ "I'm glad to hear. I took a long time working on the recipe--and Kirako was really helpful!" atsushi: its the first time i ever got valentines chocolate so....thanks for being my first. ^///^ Lucy: .\\\\. *scoots closer* "...No one ever did this for you?" atsushi: not really, no. Lucy: "...Me neither." >\\\\> "I was so plain looking...and...well, you know my backstory." atsushi:....*holds her hands* Lucy: .\\\\\\. "..." *sniff* atsushi: *bright pink in the face* t-the moon looks beautiful tonight, doesnt it? >////< Lucy: "???" *looks* "...Yeah. In it's own creepy way..." atsushi: ^///w///^;;;;;; Lucy: "..." *leans closer* atsushi: *leans* >////~////<;;;; Lucy: "..." *smooch* atsushi: .... u/////////////////u *tiger tail pops out and curls into half a heart shape* Lucy: ^\\\\\^ *hug, cuddle* atsushi: *purrs* Lucy: *strokes his head, scratches behind his ear* atsushi: *dopey giggling as his leg thumps violently* Lucy: "Hee hee...Look at you...You're ready to bounce." -elsewhere- Vulcan: "I'm home..." karin: how did it go? Vulcan: "Our patient is in good spirits--so, surgery's up to the other docs." karin: good job. ^^ *pat on the back* Vulcan: ^\\\^ "Thanks...How've things been here?" -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: *staring out the window with a glass of scotch* "..." louisa: everything alright, sir? Fitzgerald: "...I miss them." louisa:...*pap pap* -elsewhere- twain: *yAAAAWN* finally back home! *slumps into bed* zzzzzzzzzzz Benimaru: *smooch* Steinbeck: *dragging two treasure chests and a bag* -_-# "Lazy sack of..." ebie: zzzz oscar: finally home. Hemingway: *carrying Ebie in* *whispers* "Yep...Can't wait to get my new pet into the fishtank..." *holding a bag...with a piranha* emily: .-.; baum: time for bed. dorothy: *being carried on his back, asleep* Piranha: *biting at the bag towards Hemingway* Hemingway: ^w^ Steinbeck: *nods* "Meeting tomorrow before dinner." -after everyone else went to bad- emily: um...mr steinbeck? *hands him something, a card* here. Steinbeck: "???" *looks it over* -its a valentines card- emily: i know its a bit last minute but, happy valentines day, sir. *exits*... .///.; Steinbeck: ._.;;; -elsewhere- kirei: zzzzz *snuggles up to benimaru* Benimaru: =\\\\= *holds her* -elsewhere- Tsuyuki: *yawns* tsurugi: >u> -a tiny little bot comes rolling up to tsuyuki- Tsuyuki: "..." *picks it up* -happy valentines. <3 -the name is smudged- - tinker: *waves* Tsuyuki: "..." *waves* tinker: success! Jun: "...Hello." takuto: hi mommy! ^u^ -the grave is silent- Jun: "Takuto and I wanted to see you." *looks at Takuto* "Need a moment?" takuto: *puts down a card* we made cards in class today. Jun: "Yours turned out great..." -...- Jun: "...Takuto and I...are glad to be here..." takuto: *looks around* Jun: "...We wish you were here." -....- Jun: "..." *rests a hand on the tombstone* -a warm feeling passes over him- Jun: "..." *looks behind him* -nothing there...- Jun: "..." *sad smile...pats Takuto* takuto: *waves his lion plushies hand* bye bye, mama. love you! Jun: *nods* "We love you..." -elsewhere- Black Star: "Zzz..." tsubaki:....*snuggle* Black Star: =\\\w\\\= *hug* -elsewhere- Asura: "Happy Valentine's Day." *holds up a beating human heart* mikan: aww, how sweet. *smooch* Asura: =\\\\= mikan: hehe~<3 ^///^ Asura: *cuddles, purrs* -morning- stocking: so that's my report. Mephisto: *sips tea* "Thank you for it." stocking: ....you know something, dont you? Mephisto: *sweet smile* "Don't I always~?" stocking: well do you think you could at least tell me? if not as a teacher, then at least as your daughter? Mephisto: "...How long do you think demons live?" stocking: ....a long time? Mephisto: "Yet you saw the condition of Lucifer. Why do you think he was so sickly?" stocking:...... Mephisto: "To be a demon is to be eternal...but not the body." stocking: ....dad.... Mephisto: *smiles* "Lucifer's body is older, and he is more powerful...and he wants no time waiting for his body to regenerate, hence his pursuit of that Elixir." stocking: ....... Mephisto: "And it didn't take a genius to realize the Light Bringer was leading the Illuminati--it's in the name, after all. So, what would you do if you wanted to know more about a secret organization?" stocking: send someone to infiltrat-..... *lightbulb* Mephisto: *claps* "Brilliant~" stocking: .......please tell me our spy is adrian. Mephisto: "Why would you think it's Adrian?" stocking: at least she's not shima. Mephisto: "True. But almost no one would suspect some fool like Shima was in the Illuminati...or could be a double agent." stocking: ......fair point. Mephisto: "It was a good thing I had some contingency plans for Izumo..." stocking: including her getting kidnapped? Mephisto: "Well...I'm looking at my contingency plan." stocking: *sweatdrop* Mephisto: "If Izumo was captured, who better than her teacher and classmates to save her?" stocking:...*small smile* right..........do you know where mom is right now? Mephisto: "She was roaming the halls." stocking: kay, thanks. *exits* felisia: hm? stocking? whats u- stocking: *tight hug* felisia: ah! stocking:....thanks for being my mom.... felisia:...*smiles and hugs back* -elsewhere- sylvia: s-so im....starting school? Kyoka: *nods* "I think you'll fit in well." sylvia: .~.;;; Kyoka: "...Did you used to go to school?" sylvia: i-i was...home schooled....m-most of the time... Kyoka: "..." *nods* "Not so different...The Mafia had me focused more on missions." sylvia:...o-oh..... Kyoka: "So it took some getting used to. But we have friends there..." sylvia: i-i-i see..... Kyoka: "And the teachers are mostly harmless." sylvia: ... Kyoka: "Just avoid Dr. Stein." sylvia: ??? Kyoka: "He's not hard to miss. He has a screw through his head." sylvia: oh, h-he was the man a-at miss etta's show a while back, r-right? Kyoka: *nods* "Him." sylvia: o-ok. Kyoka: "Stick to Miss Marie." sylvia: w-who's that? Kyoka: "She's one of the other teachers. She's really polite and helpful. She has long blonde hair and rants about dating." sylvia:...i-i see.. Kyoka: *pulls out a page* "Let's write up your course schedule. I think one or two ability courses will help." sylvia: o-ok. Kyoka: "Do you like gym?" sylvia: i-im not really g-good at it. Kyoka: "Any hobbies like art or pottery?" sylvia: i'm not...really good at anything. Kyoka: "...Then this is an opportunity to try new things. Want to take pottery with me?" sylvia: um....i-i guess so? Kyoka: "Okay." *writes down pottery for the day and time* "I'll try to make sure someone you know is in each class." sylvia: o-ok... Kyoka: "I would tell you to avoid the Mafia, but I haven't seen them..." sylvia: ... Kyoka: "Hmm...Let's get something at the cafeteria. I'll show you how to order." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "What you gonna wear to the wedding, Fang?" fang-hua: well, since it's going to be a more traditional style, i might get something at the town's seamstress. Tsukiyo: ._.; "...Oh...I...ordered online." fang-hua: ^^; to each their own, i guess. Tsukiyo: "I hope it looks good--" Konro: "Mail call!" *hands a package to Tsukiyo* Tsukiyo: ._____.;;; fang-hua: a lot faster than most packages. -elsewhere- Vulcan: "You keep bugs?" Kepuri: "You design robotics themed around animals?" Vulcan: *nods* "I even made a firefly-themed lantern." Kepuri: "..." Vulcan: "..." Kepuri + Vulcan: *TOTALLY PLATONIC SOBBING HUG* "KINDRED SPIRIT!" lisa + akaderu: *sweatdrop* yu: ^^; akaderu: all they need is a fish type to complete the triforce. lisa:....what? akaderu: n-nothing. -elsewhere- Anya: "..." Fitzgerald: "..." Anya + Fitzgerald: "YOU AGAIN?! UNHAND THAT HEAVILY DISCOUNTED COMMONERS' AFTER-VALENTINE'S DAY CANDY!" tsugumi: oh no. *sweatdrop* louisa: lord francis please. Anya: "Royal Kick!" *Anya knocks down a display for St. Patrick's Day* -elsewhere- inka: *grooooan* so bored =3= Panda: "Want to go to the batting cages?" inka: sure, why not. sasori: *grunt of agreement* inka: oooi, sancho, you coming with or not? Sancho: *already has a baseball helmet on...and football pads...and a hockey stick* "Coming." inka: we-he-hell, arent _you_ prepared? Sancho: "I don't want a repeat of last time..." {Sancho: "Okay! Throw it!"} {Panda: "Okay!" *holding a bowling ball*} {Sancho: *readies the bat--*} Panda: "...I said I was sorry." sasori:.... Panda: "But I bet Sasori is great at the batting cages!" Sancho: "Ever play?" sasori:....i prefer football. [note: she means soccer] Sancho: "Oh, then you can borrow my pads!" *takes off the football pads* Panda: "And get her a helmet." sasori: ??? why would i need a helmet? Panda: "Because football is hardcore! I know you're a badass, but you got to protect your head before someone tackles you! Oh! And I'll need the body paint and the rainbow wig..." sasori:...............*looks at inka, confused* inka: ?? Sancho: "Tailgate! Cheerleaders! 50 yard line! Overpriced stadium consumables!" sasori: oh....are you guys thinking american football? what _i_ meant is what you guys apparently call 'soccer'. for some reason. Panda: "...Ooooooooo! So, hooligans!" sasori: -_-#; -elsewhere- kirara: and that concludes today's lesson. esther: another job well done, kirara. ^^ kirara: indeed. *sigh* *knock knock* esther: hmm? oh, perhaps one of your students forgot something? *opens the door* yes? ^^ *Someone is standing there with a bunny head* esther: oh? kirara: -_-; hello, tezca. Tezca: *muffled* "D'aw, how did you guess?" *takes off the bunny head--and there is a bear head underneath* kirara: call it a wild guess. enrique: ^u^ Tezca: "Then I'll just have to try harder...How was class?" kirara: fortunately no one was injured. this time. *glares at esther* esther: hehe. ^^; Tezca: "Been a little too excited?" esther: i do apologize, i can be a bit intense in combat, hoho~ kirara: ... Tezca: "Well, this is a school to prep kids for death battles..." kirara: right. esther: a sad but true reality. *getting tea ready* Tezca: *sits at a student's chair* "What's up for the rest of your days today, you two?" kirara: the school day isnt over yet. -_-; Tezca: "Can I hang out here? I need to hide because of this--" *knocks his fist on the bunny mask* kirara:................tezca? what did you do this time? Tezca: "Look, I thought the rabbit mask would be a good alibi, and I did not consider the feelings of other people who may not appreciate our Lagomorpha friends." kirara: oh no. you didnt show this mask to _that_ person, right?! Tezca: "I didn't _show_ them. I just happened to be wearing it in public." *BANG BANG BANG* Tezca: OwO;; mami: *GLARE* *The door breaks down under the weight of the attacks* Ragnarok: "HEE HEE HEE! TIME TO SLICE THIS BEAR!" Tezca: *hides behind Kirara* kirara: -_-; -elsewhere- Kunikida: "..." *pouring tea* kirako: thanks, kunikida. ^^ Kunikida: "You're welcome. How are you?" kirako: doing well. *rubs her stomach* Kunikida: "Did you have an appointment recently?" kirako: *she nods* Kunikida: "And...the child is in good health?" kirako: yes...fukuzawa agreed to be a godfather for them. Kunikida: "Wonderful. That is an excellent choice." *sips* "...I cannot imagine what you are feeling." kirako: yeah.....have you ever considered having children? Kunikida: "...I don't think it would happen." kirako: you never know. aya seems to consider you a father figure. {sasaki: *holding kunikida close* doppo...please....i want to feel good tonight...*tears falling*} {Kunikida: *holding her* "..."} Kunikida: "...Hmm. I am simply keeping an eye on Aya...That's...all." kirako: ....kunikida? is something wrong? Kunikida: "..." *looks at her* "It's...not something I want to burden you with." kirako: ..... Kunikida: "...I just don't think I'm cut out for any of this." kirako: ?? Kunikida: "...I think I'm cursed when it comes to romance or...children." kirako: ....*pap pap* Kunikida: "...It's not right...not for any of them." kirako:....it'll be ok. Kunikida: "..." *looks at his book* -elsewhere- Black Star: "Hurry up, Soul--we'll miss the trailers!" soul: coming, coming. *following suit* tsubaki: ^^; Sakuya: "Hope it's better than the sequel..." *carrying trays of snacks* -elsewhere- Kafka: *nom* -n- leroux: feeling crabby? Kafka: *small grunt* "Yeah..." leroux: because valentines day? Kafka: "N-No!" =\\\\= leroux: well, christine and i had a wonderful time yesterday~ i took her dancing, we got dinner, went on a stroll through a garden, *sigh* it was magnifique~<3 Kafka: "...YOU'RE DATING A DOLL!" leroux: isnt she just~ *snuggles christine* christine: *says nothing, as, as stated before, she is a doll* Kafka: "..." *wraps up his leftovers* "I've lost my appetite." leroux: OwO~? Kafka: *opens the door, walks through--* *SMOOSH CLING* Kafka: "GAH! What the hell?!" *moving his hands through something transparent* wilhelm: SUCCESS! Jakob: "Great work!" Kafka: "YOU SMALL LITTLE GNATS!" wilhelm: *runs off, giggling* Jakob: "Wait for me!" Kafka: *rips through, chases* leroux: *sigh* i hope we can have kids one day, <my dearest~> *nuzzles the doll* Kafka: *runs back in* "WHEN PIGS FLY!" *runs back out* "GET BACK HERE, YOU BASTARDS!" leroux:....h-he's just jealous. -elsewhere- Haumea: *tracing a finger along a map* ???: are we close? Haumea: "Very..." ???: .....*feeling for heat signatures* Haumea: "...Take your time..." ???: there's two people. Haumea: "Anything interesting?" ???: they seem to be just talking... Haumea: =_= "Boo...Wish I could hear..." ???: i cannot hear them either. -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "--and it's not that I miss school or the Were Tiger, but I think about how this no-kill policy has compromised so much of what I *ramble ramble ramble* " higuchi: mmhmm. *nods* Akutagawa: " *ramble ramble* --then I got found by that nice kid--" higuchi: *listening* Akutagawa: "--and I don't know why they didn't report me..." higuchi: maybe they didnt know? Akutagawa: "I hope not. I was trying to cover my path..." higuchi: hmm... Akutagawa: "..." *opens a dumpster* higuchi: *peers* *There is stale bread still wrapped and unsold, as well as some misshapen apples* higuchi: hm.... Akutagawa: "Beggers can't be choosers..." *grabs an apple* higuchi: *examining the apples and bread* Akutagawa: "...You okay?" higuchi:....y-yeah... -elsewhere-

[jolienjoyswriting]

Mortem In Contumeliam FFVI, Ch. X

Chapter 10 of "Mortem In Contumeliam Final Fantasy VI," a Final Fantasy VI fan fiction story.

Just gonna say this, now: those with a sensitive constitution may want to skip a few-dozen paragraphs – or, maybe skip the chapter, itself.  It's… violent. That being said… I had a lot of fun writing this one.  Maybe… too much?  Uwee hee hee~

Word count: 5,717 – Character count: 32,976 Originally written: July 22nd, 2019 Significantly revised on: July 31st, 2019

Finally, peace is achieved!  Or, so it seems…

Final Fantasy VI, Wedge, Biggs, and related characters, scenarios, and properties created by Square Soft, Inc. and © Square Enix Co, Ltd.

[ ← Prev. Chapter | Next Chapter →> ]

    Despite the anger and threats, Celes did follow Wedge back out of the woods and, just like the soldier had promised, he reported her actions to General Christophe.  Much like Wedge, the general didn’t seem terribly interested in the “Kefka conspiracy,” simply escorting the traitor to a holding cell below deck with a promise to deal with her when they got back to Vector.  And, that was the end of that situation, for the time.

    Later that day, the soldiers at the ship were given a report via radio: the party of Lock and Tina, joined by the Blue Mage named Stragos and the precocious youth named Lilum, had found the Eidolons that ravaged Vector hiding in a cave.  Why were they hiding?  Because… they were ashamed of themselves.     As Tina and Stragos explained, the Eidolon who had attacked the down, as well as Setzer’s Blackjack airship, hadn’t intended to do so.  Those who attacked had been waiting at the gate of the Eidolon World, anxious for a chance to find their missing brethren and rescue them.  When the gate was opened by Tina, something snapped in each of their minds and they went into a frenzy!  It was only after the damage had been done that they regained control of themselves.

    But, why hide in that particular cavern?  As it just so happened, the aptly-named “Eidolon Holy Land” was actually a place of high magic and, in the center of the cave, rested statues the old gods of all: The Warring Triad!  The Eidolons, feeling the familiar sensation of high magic, fled there to regroup and formulate a plan to fix the chaos they’d caused.  And, it was there that Lock’s company found the magical beings.

    The following day, “A-Team” had escorted the Eidolons out of the cavern and through the woods.  After meeting with the general’s “B-Team” – a team comprised of himself and the Magitek Soldier named Wedge, by that point – the entire group headed to the northeast.  That afternoon… a prelude to a meeting of minds like none other took place.

    On one side of the Samasa town square were the humans – well, mostly.  Standing behind the Gestahlian envoy of General Christophe and his remaining soldier was Tina, a half-Eidolon… Lock, a wandering treasure hunter… the old mage, Stragos, and a young girl, Lilum.     “I am Leo,  an Imperial general,” the general greeted.  “May I ask your name?”     “I am Yura.”     That was the answer of the man-shaped being with long, white hair and covered in light-brown fur with some spikes protruding from his head and elbows.  He seemed to be the representing speaker on the other side – the side of the Eidolons, who were fantastic shapes and many sizes – much like Leo was representing the humans.

    “We have done… horrific things to you all…” the magical being said with a long sigh and a look of shame on his face.  “It would be unthinkable to ask forgiveness, but…”     “No.  We understand,” Leo assured him.  “We have no interest in condemning you for mistakes made.  On the contrary; we are ashamed for thinking of you as no more than a source of power for war!  To ask for forgiveness for our actions is truly what is unthinkable.”     “I…”     The Eidolon seemed at a loss of words, for a moment.     “We… are grateful,” he finally managed to say.  “Thank you.”

    “Well, that’s that, then.”

    Tina looked beside her.  Lock was dusting his hands and looking proud of himself.     “We found the Eidolons, so our job’s done!” he said to no one in particular.  “Hey, maybe we can finally take a break from all this ‘end of the world’ biz, huh?”     He turned to his companion with a cheesy grin.  The blond-haired girl couldn’t help but smile.  She, too, hoped for a reprieve from all the chaos of the last month.

    “I cannot thank you enough for your help,” General Christophe said as he returned to the quartet.  “Tina.  Lock.  Stragos and Lilum.  This would not be possible without you.”     Lock sniffed, rubbing his nose and grinning.  “It’s no big deal, Leo!”     “On the contrary.  This could be the start of something very big!”     “If you say so…  Say, where’s Celes?  I have… a couple words for her.”     “Ah…”  Leo gave a sad sort of frown.  “Walk this way, please.”     Tina gave a blink as Lock walked away with Leo.  A moment later, she turned her head to the other side.  His loyal soldier had walked up beside her without a word.

    “Hello, again, Mister Wedge,” she greeted with a smile.     The Magitek Soldier faintly smiled at the girl, tipping his helmet to her.     “You’re, uh, lookin’ pretty good for someone who wandered the entire region on-foot.”     “It was… peaceful.  Mostly…”  She fidgeted before asking, “H-how have you been?”     “It’s… been an interesting time,” was all he felt like telling her.  “Hanging out with Leo’s been mostly fun.  Not a huge fan of Celes, but she’s not a huge fan of me, so!”     She tilted her head, curious about what he meant.  However, she let it pass.     “Where’s your friend, Mister Biggs?” she asked.  “I didn’t see him on the ship, earlier.”     Wedge finally frowned.  “You’re, uh… you’re not gonna see much of him, anymore…”     All-at-once, Tina gave a sympathetic frown of her own.     “I’m so sorry…”     “I’d be lying if I said ‘it’s okay…’”     He paused, thinking about what happened.     “I’ll… be alright,“ he said after a few moments.  “I’m gonna have to be…”     “Have you talked to my dad, at all?”  She reached over, putting a hand on his shoulder.  “If you’re ever feeling sad or lonely…”     “Oh!  Actually… I forgot he was with me.”  The soldier smiled and patted his chest as he said, “He’s so quiet, it’s like he’s practically not even here!”     There was another pause.  Wedge noticed Tina tilting her head with a look of intense concentration…  He was about to ask what she was doing…     “Ah–!”     When she suddenly threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

    “T… Tina…?” he said with a heavy blush.  “What–”     “No matter what happens…” she whispered in a soft, warm way, “I’ll never stop believing in you…  Don’t ever doubt yourself, Mister Wedge…  You’re smarter… braver… stronger than you think.  I know because… so am I.  At least…”     She leaned back, giving him the sweetest sort of smile.     “That’s what my dad told me.”     “Your, uh… your dad is pretty smart,” was Wedge’s reply.  He pulled an arm free, then gently ruffled the girl’s hair as he added, “I should talk to him, sometime.  Who knows…  Maybe, he’ll stop being so shy and actually talk back!”     Tina giggled before hugging the soldier a little more.  Not long after… he draped his free arm around her, returning the gesture – though, not quite as tightly.  And, that moment lasted…     “Hold that pose!”     Until another voice broke the peace.

    Wedge looked around… then, he looked down.  Standing nearby was a much younger girl with short, golden hair.  She wore an airy, blue beret with a gold, circular pattern and some feathers coming off the top, a small cloak with a brooch on the collar, a form-fitting, black bustier top, and yellow, silken pants with blue boots.  Curiously… she was also writing something onto what looked like a small pad of paper.

    “Can I help you…?” he asked as he and Tina both looked her way.     “No-no, just stay like that for abooout…”  She paused.  “That long!”     Suddenly, she tucked her pad under her beret, then put the quill onto her hat.     “You get Lilum’s blessing!” she said, giving a thumbs-up and a wink, then wandered off.     “Um… thanks…?” the soldier awkwardly replied.     As Tina gave another giggle, he asked her what that was all about.     “That was Lilum,” the girl explained as she finally stopped hugging him.  “She likes to draw and paint, so I guess she was sketching us for later?”     “I… see.”     The affectionate blond smiled and shrugged, then she stared at her friend, prompting him to start a new topic.

    “Guess we’re headed back to Vector, huh?”     “I guess so!” Tina chipperly replied.  “I’m looking forward to it.”     “Really?”  Wedge tilted his head.  “Why?  What’s in Vector?”     “Peace between humanity and Eidolon-kind!”     “O– oh-oh, yeah!  Heh, yeah – me, too!”     Though, honestly, he was mostly just looking forward to his “date…”     “Once we have peace… then, maybe…”     He gave another blink.  Tina was slowly strutting around him with her arms behind her back and a soft smile on her face.  She was also looking right at him the whole time.     “We can have coffee… like you offered?”  She brightly smiled as she told him, “I don’t like coffee very much… but, I’m looking forward to spending time with you!”     Wedge made a lot of random vowel sounds, completely thrown off-guard by that statement.  He had not expected her to bring it up… much less seem tot excited about it.  Eventually, though… he just smiled right back, giving a thumbs-up.

        The atmosphere was very light as the group prepared to head out of the village and back to the boat.  Lock and Leo seemed engrossed in conversation, though neither seemed to be smiling.  Stragos and Lilum were talking, the latter sketching the various magical creatures who would pose for her while the former told her not to bother them and apologized on her behalf.  Even a few of the townsfolk seemed interested in what was going on and, to Leo and Wedge’s surprise, exposed themselves as magic-users as they exchanged techniques with some of the Eidolons.

    After his business with Lock, Leo had walked over to Tina and Wedge, talking to the former for a little while the latter simply listened.  Suddenly, though, the lattermost realized…     “Hang on…  Why didn’t the rest of the soldiers come with us?”     Not a second after he asked, a haunting laugh ripped through the area, alerting everyone in the square!  Then… who should arrive from the south but the owner of the laugh.

    “General Kefka?!”

    Following his entrance, the group heard the familiar clatter of metal feet stomping their way.  As they ran into the area, one of them ran right through Kefka, bowling him over… but, he didn’t seem to care as he got right back up and laughed, again.  Soon, it became painfully obvious that the disgraced general had prepared for a big fight…  When all the noise died down, the group saw that several Magitek Armor units had arrived along with a legion of foot soldiers.      Seeing the great number of units puzzled Wedge.  There had only been two armor units on the ship and a handful of brown-suits.  But, there had to be six-or-seven armor units and at least four times as many soldiers on-foot, surrounding the area and blocking off all exits.  This did not go unnoticed by another person near him.

    “Kefka?!  You’re supposed to be in prison!” Leo shouted as he ran over to meet the colorfully-clothed man.  “Where did all these troops come from?!  How did you even get here?”     “Well, Leo, I just flew in from Vector,” the man in the clown makeup told him, “and, boy, are my arms tired!  Hyo-ho-hooo!!”     “What are you even doing here…?”     “I thought I’d take the Empire’s newest ship out for a cruise,” he said in a much calmer voice, “and come here and do some light shopping– oh, what do you think I’m here for, fool?!”     “Pecan pie and a glass of lemonade?” Lock smartly suggested.     “Oh.”  He grinned.  “Oh, I like him.”     Kefka flicked a finger toward the man in the bandanna.     “Kill him, first.”

    With no warning other than the threat, the Magitek Armor pilots moved into position, then let loose torrents of magic-powered beams of fire, ice, lightning, and raw energy, tearing holes in buildings, scorching the grass and stone of the square, and burning everything that was flammable… even some things that weren’t!  No one had been prepared for an attack and, despite putting up a decent fight, everyone who dared to counter the soldiers wa either killed or knocked unconscious.  Even Lock’s group took some heavy blows, the party of four knocked senseless!

    “Kefka!!”

    As the raid rolled on, the madman who started it had found something to occupy his time: attacking an innocent woman and her child!  When he heard a voice call his name, he looked up from kicking the woman in the head, then turned around.  General Christophe had run over to him, again.     “What do you think you’re doing?!” Leo angrily shouted.     “Hee, hee, hee…”  He grinned before singing, “Emperor’s ooorderrrs.”     Leo went wide-eyed.  “What?!”     “���Bring back the Eidolon as Magicite.’  That’s what he said, yes, indeed!  Now, behold!  I’ve developed a top-secret technique to reduce those pesky, fight-y beasties into nice, bite-sized Magicite for easy carrying!”

    Kefka whipped his cape around and set his eyes on something.  Leo’s eyes focused on his viewpoint and, over in the distance, he could see that Yura had gathered the other Eidolons behind a building.  From what he could gather, Yura, being the eldest of the younglings, was trying to comfort them – they all looked absolutely terrified!

    “Gods of life giveth, gods of life taketh away!  Death!!”     Yura turned around… only to go wide-eyed.  Before he could even think about reacting… he felt something cold touch him.  Briefly, he looked up to the grim, semi-translucent specter looming overhead, scythe in-hand and a black cowl over its frightening, skeletal body.  He tried to scream… tried to breathe… but, in a near-instant, he found his body failing him.  Then…     “Nooooo…!!”     A younger Eidolon screamed.  Yura’s body exploded into stardust before being drawn upward to where his soul was hanging.  It was there that it formed and crystallized in a bright flash of light… before that crystal flew across the town and into the waiting hands of evil, itself.  Not a second later, he leveled his mad grin and narrowed eyes at the other creatures.

    “Boo.”

    Kefka barely had to whisper a single word to send the Eidolons scattering!     “How stupid!!” he cackled.  A second later, he stopped laughing and turned around, staring at General Christophe with a cool, almost bored expression.     “How… how could you…?” the general asked, his face crestfallen.     “Well, first, I had to inject myself with the right Eidolon blood,” the colorful whacko explained with his usual jovial demeanor.  “Then, I had to master my new magical powers!  It wasn’t easy, let me tell you!  So many good soldiers sacrificed themselves to– oh, oh!  Do you mean ‘How could you possibly know how that when an Eidolon dies, it becomes Magicite which can then be used to give someone magical abilities and skills?’  Well… we had a little help…”     He looked beyond the general, wickedly grinning as his eyes focused on a new target.  Leo slowly turned around… only to gasp as he realized who he was looking at.     “Wedge…?!”

    The soldier went wide-eyed, looking as surprised as Leo!  Almost immediately, he shook his head and waved his hands in a “no” gesture.  He wanted absolutely nothing to do with Kefka!     “Wait, that’s not–?  Oh, this is embarrassing!” the armored magician said with a laugh.  “Where’s my little lackey?  What’s his name?  ‘Biggles?’  ‘Bixby?’”     “‘Biggs…?!’” Wedge shouted in surprise.     “Yes, that’s his name!  Ah, Sir Biggsda has been quite the diligent little minion!”     “Y… you’re lying!” he screamed.  “Biggs would never–”     “Why, if it wasn’t for him, the Empire never would have figured out that Eidolons are more valuable dead than alive!!  Uwee hee hee… now, where is my little soldier boy?  I’d like to thank him, personally!  Here, Biggsda!  Come here, boy!”     Kefka started whistling and patting his legs, trying to call Biggs… who, apparently, had been working for him the whole time.

    “Kefka!!”     “E’yeeeees?”     The mad general whipped his head toward Wedge and gave him a wide-eyed, attentive look.  The soldier had drawn Celes’ “borrowed” sword, holding it with both hands.  He didn’t know if he was more furious with Kefka for treating his best friend like a lap-dog… or, with Celes for her “insane” theory being true.  He just knew he had to take it out on someone!

    “This… is for Biiiiiggs…!!”     General Christophe gave a blink.  Wedge had run all the way over to Kefka and taken a swipe at him.  However…     “Bad dog!  No treats for you!”     The sorcerous madman had deflected it with a polearm.  A second later…     “Wedge!!”     The soldier was knocked clear across the village by a fireball from the sky!     “Kefka, you– what?”     And, just like that… Kefka walked away, seemingly disinterested in following up.

    “Poo, this village is no fun!” he said in a pouty way.  “Burn it all to ashes!!  Let’s see if we can’t make something more interesting from what remains!”     Without a word, the soldier Kefka had moved over to – as well as all the others – walked into town.  Everyone riding armor set their weapons to use only fire while the foot soldiers ripped limbs off trees and loose planks from buildings, setting those ablaze before using them against the town.  And, as everything started catching fire… Kefka just laughed.

    “Kefka!” Leo shouted as he ran over to the former general, again.  “Stop this!  Now!”     “‘Oh, Kefka, stop!’” he said in a mocking town.  “‘Oh, you’re such a bad-bad man!  How could you be so evil?’”     It seemed like he was going to laugh… but, his face went deathly serious, instead.     “Get him out of my face.”     “What…?!”     And, before he could turn around to see his assailant… Leo was bashed over the head with a chunk of wood by a random, nameless soldier, immediately falling unconscious.

    Just two nights prior, the village of Samasa experienced a fire at the house of a rich child.  As Stragos and the others found out… he had invited Lilum over to show off his wealth and, in an attempt to impress her, accidentally ignited a storage room of Fire Rods with a poorly-planned Fire spell.  But, even that blaze was nothing compared to what Kefka was doing…     The first thing he did was order the tree in the town square burned.  From there, other trees were burned for no other reason than “they’re ugly.”  The elder’s house to the northwest was ransacked and robbed of anything worth money, then razed to the ground along with the nearby vegetable garden – Kefka always hated vegetables.  The house near that caught fire, shortly after, which gave the madman the idea to burn the others, himself.  It was no surprise to his soldiers when he accidentally caught himself on fire, but after rolling on the ground and dousing his cape, he ordered the soldiers to start smashing through the flaming cottages and generally ruin everything to a point of being unrecognizable.  But, before Kefka could make sure that happened…     “Kefka!!”     A familiar voice called out to him.

    “Welcome back!” he laughed as he watched Leo run up, yet again.  “Enjoy your nap?”     Though Kefka was laughing… Leo was not.     “I cannot… will not… overlook your actions, any longer!” he shouted, drawing his sparkling blade.  “Prison is too good for you!  Prepare yourself!!”     His opponent just yawned… then, he smirked.     “Come at me.”

    All action in the village came to a stop as the sound of Leo’s Crystal Sword and Kefka’s Partisan clashed time-and-time-again.  Between the former’s strength and the latter’s agility, the two were evenly-matched in physical combat… which is why Kefka decided to cheat.     “Have this!” he shouted as he started launching quickfire spells at the general.  “And, this!  And, this– and, this– and, this– and, thiiis!!”     Leo rolled out of the way as a fireball crashed to the ground, scorching a wide area around the point-of-impact.  The bolt of lightning that followed it zapped the burning tree he ran under, which also served as a shield to absorb the other three spells – Bio, Drain, and Poison.     “Dammit!  Hold still and take your punishment like a good boy!” Kefka angrily yelled.     “You, first!”

    The Magitek Knight tilted his head, readying another spell when he noticed the general closing his eyes.     “Shock!!”     General Christophe spun his sword around before vanishing from sight!     “What the hell?!  Where did you– gyaaah!!”     Suddenly, Kefka felt something cut him from the side.  Before he could turn to see what happened, he was struck from the other side.     “No– wuh– nooo!!”     Several more marks cut his body before a virtual whirlwind of slashes ripped his clothes and tore his flesh!  He tried to resist… tried to run… but, it was too late.  In a flash of light even brighter than Eidolon becoming Magicite… the mad mage was brought to the ground, battered, bruised, embarrassed, and utterly defeated.

    “I can’t believe it had to come to this…” Leo muttered as he stood over the ruined body of his opponent.  He was about to roll the dead man over… when he noticed.     “No blood…  What…?”     “That’s Leo for you, putting me through all this!  Hah!”     He looked around.  Kefka’s body had vanished, but his voice could still be heard…     “Kefka…?!” the general angrily shouted after catching his breath.  “Where are you…?!  Show yourself!!”     “Emperor Gestahl… oh, Emperor Gestahl…  Yooooo-hoo…”     He gave a blink.  “E-Emperor Gestahl…?”     “Come here, please…” the voice beckoned before fading into indecipherable mumbling.  Not long after…     “Leo.”     The general spun around.  Out of nowhere… Emperor Gestahl had arrived!

    “E-Emperor!” he said taking a knee.     “Ah, Leo… my most trusted general…”     “Emperor…”  Leo looked up with a frown.  “Kefka, he–”     “I apologize for having deceived you.”     “W-what…?”  He had to blink, at that.     “Your journey to this place…  Your recruitment of our former enemies…  All of this… was simply to obtain more Magicite for the war effort.”     “I… I… no…”     The general was speechless.  He couldn’t believe what he was hearing…

    “You do understand my motives… don’t you?”     “I… I don’t–”     “No-no… don’t say it, Leo.”  Gestahl waved a hand and offered a somber sort of smile.  “It is not as though I do not understand your feelings.  I simply… do not care.”     He gave another blink…  “You… don’t care…?”     “Hee, hee, hee… you heard our leader!” Kefka’s voice suddenly rang out.  “He doesn’t caaare!  Our main goal is collecting Magicite, now – in any way possible!”     “B… but…  Emperor, was all this talk of peace…?  Was it all just a lie?”

    General Christophe’s head hung low as he ruminated on the words of his emperor.  Nothing made sense, to him…  The Emperor had sounded so sincere about meeting with the Eidolons… only to release Kefka to come in behind him and attack everyone in sight?     “This doesn’t make sense… this doesn’t make sense!!” he roared, pounding the stone under his feet.  “If this has been your goal all along, then… then, why bother going to such lengths?!  Why the lies?!  Why did you even bother sending me and my men on all those missions to seek out living Eidolons?!     “Don’t worry yourself with such trivial thoughts,” Gestahl said as he bent down, meeting his general at eye level.  “Your job is done.”     Leo looked up, staring into the emperor’s eyes.  “What…?”

    “Leo… I would like you to take some time off.”     The color left the general’s face.  There was a sharp pain at his side and he felt sick…  A second later, he looked down to see…     “A… poisoned dagger…?”     “Yes… some time off…  A very… veeery looong time, uwee hee hee hee hee!!”

    To the general’s horror, the face of Emperor Gestahl was changing…  Slowly, it shifted into the white, maniacal face of the man who had set the village on fire.     “K… Kefka…!”     The insane man chuckled and gave a grin.  “Surprise!”

    Leo reached for his sheathed sword only to be kicked in the chin as Kefka backflipped away.  When he looked up, he saw that his opponent was taking slow, heel-to-toe strides toward him, holding another dagger in his hand and licking his lips…     “The me you beat…” he explained in a calm, sinister voice.  “That was an illusion of me!”     “No…” the general gasped.  Slowly, he got to his feet… only to keel over backward.     “And, that spineless Emperor Gestahl?  Oh, you had better believe that he was fake, too!  So, tell me, Leeeeeooo…”     Leo rapidly panted, a look of terror on his face as Kefka knelt beside him…     “How can you be a general…” he whispered, “if you can’t even tell the difference… between an illusion and the genuine article…?”

    General Christophe scuttled backward, drawing his sword only for Kefka to stand and snap-kick it out of his hand.  He continued scuttling until he found himself out of places to go.  With his back against a building wall, he looked up, watching the villain get closer-and-closer…     “You’ve always been so pretentious, so self-righteous…!” he hissed, his smile all-but-gone and curled into a horrible frown.  “And, you’re always…”     Suddenly, he pounced at the general, stabbing him right in the neck with a dull dagger.     “Always…!”     He growled as he yanked it out and stabbed Leo’s chest straight through his armor.     “Always-always-always…!” he half-shrieked as he jammed the knife in a couple of other places before throwing it away.  When he pulled Leo up by his collar, he shoved his colorless face into the generals, eyes locked onto his.     “Always…” he whispered, “acting like such a goody-two-shoes…”     “K… Kefka…”     Leo gasped, coughing up blood onto the clown-like criminal’s face.  He didn’t seem to notice as Kefka licked it up…     “Honorless… haa…” he said in a raspy, weak tone.  He probably had more to say… but, he was in no condition to say it.

    “Hee…”     Slowly, the maniacal man let the general down, leaving him on his deathbed.     “It’s going to be sooo saaad, telling the Emperor that you betrayed him.”     Kefka stood up, brushing himself off and adjusting his cloak.     “That’s what I’d say if it didn’t bring me such joy!”     He spun around, looking over the village for a moment.     “Burn, burn, and don’t stop burning until you’re nothing more than an ugly stain!!”     The man laughed… then, he spun back around, drawing another dagger.     “I wonder how many more holes I can put in you before you stop bleeding…?”     He rubbed the flat of the blade against his cheek, then gave it a long, almost passionate sort of lick from the tip of the edge and down to its hilt.     “I guess there’s only one way to find out!”     With that…     “Die, die, die!!”     Kefka continued to mutilate the already-dead body of the finest general to ever serve the Gestahlin Empire. –––––

    “Th-th-this is insane…!!  Wh-wh-what am I even doing here!!  I… I need to get out of here!!  I can’t run!!  I’m a loyal soldier!!  What if I just helped out?!  Why would I do that?!  I’m not cut out to serve this empire!!  I need to leave!!  I want my mommy!!  This is all my dad’s fault!!  What’s going on – who am I…?!  I– I–”

    As the village of Samasa continued to crackle and burn, and amidst the horrifying noises of a blade being repeatedly… relentlessly… plunged into flesh, a survivor had curled into a fetal position, holding his head and breathing uncontrollably.  He had been knocked unconscious… only to wake up just as General Christophe met his grizzly end.  Seeing the village burning… hearing those horrifying noises… the whole situation had thrown him into a state of panic – he didn’t know what to do… where to go… or even where he was!  In short: his mind had shattered.

    “Help…” the man wearing orange-red armor whispered to no one.  “Somebody, help…”     “Eh?  What’s that?”     The soldier yelped, slamming his eyes close and curling up even tighter.  He could hear… something – something he couldn’t have identified even if he wasn’t losing his mind.  But, that wasn’t what made him flinch.  He was sure… so very sure… that Kefka had realized he was hiding in the well and come to murder him, too!  However…     “What’s this tingly feeling…  Magic?  Powerful magic…!  Hee hee… hee-hee!!”     He couldn’t have been more wrong.

    “H-hang on!” squeaked a tiny voice from the other side of town.     “We're coming to save you!!” another, deeper voice called.     “Hurry!!  Hurry up!!  There’s no time!”

    Hearing those voices call out, brave and true, briefly snapped the soldier in the well out of his mind-break.  A moment later, he peeked out… only to go wide-eyed.     “Well, well…” Kefka said with a smirk.  “If it isn’t the Eidolons!”

    Just as the lunatic had said, the Eidolon younglings had found their courage and flew into the horrible scene, attacking soldiers, casting magic at their vehicles and just generally trying to help.  Unfortunately for them… it did little to deter the person who’d ordered the attack.

    “I’ll be honest,” Kefka laughed, “I was surprised at your sudden arrival… but, now that you’re here, allow me to give you a proper welcome!  After all…”     His eyes narrowed and his smirk turned dark.     “It means you’re giving li’l ol’ me even more Magicite presents.  Hee-hee.”

    The soldier in the well wanted to cry out… he wanted to shout for the Eidolons to fly away.  But, something trapped his voice in his throat.  Was it fear?  No, it was something deeper than that…  Even though he’d regained his wits… he was still terrified nearly to death.  All he could do was continue to watch the horrible events unfold as they did.

    “So, since you all want to be turned to Magicite,” Kefka continued after a moment, “I’ll do just that!  But, first… let’s neutralize those pesky magic powers of yours, hm?”     The madman started quietly chanting…  Not long after, he threw his hands into the air, sending out a blinding flash of light that caused the hidden soldier to fall down the well with another splash!  By the time he climbed back up and looked around… he noticed that all the other soldiers… had vanished without a trace.  Even their Magitek Armor had vanished!  Moreover, Kefka seemed to have an odd glow about him…     “Now, O Eidolons…” the deranged magic-knight called, “Humor me as I really cut loose!  Oh, I’m going to enjoy this!”

    Kefka chanted, throwing his hands in the air like he just didn’t care!  Each time he did, voids of darkness flew across the area, each homing in on a random creature flying through the air.  As soon as it made contact, the Eidolon took their last breath before bursting and reforming into Magicite, then flying right into Kefka’s waiting mitts, just like Yura had.  And… the evil man just laughed-and-laughed each time he caught one.  It was almost like a game to him – in fact, the one time he did miss a crystal, he loudly cursed at himself… only to keep going.

    “Oh?  You intend to fight li’l ol’ me?” he said after the sixth-or-seventh successful catch.  Something was heading his way…  “Well, by all means!”     Just like that, a massive man-beast with horrible, curled horns and nasty, sharp teeth came down with an earth-shaking crash, snarling at Kefka… who just yawned and grinned.

    “You monster…!” the Eidolon roared as it stood up, revealing its full height to be that of a small house.  “You took the lives of my brothers and sisters, and for what?!  What did we ever do to you?!”     “Imbecile,” the madman scoffed.  “I can’t belieeeve you Eidolons don’t realize that you’re just tools and nothing more!”     “You’re the tool!!” the massive creature retorted.  “Have this!!”

    He waved a hand, a small blaze engulfing his opponent.  When the flames cleared… Kefka was still standing there, laughing.     “What…  Th-that’s not possible!”     “Anything is possible… with enough imaaagination!” he taunted.     “Imagine this, then!”     With a wave of both hands, the ground tore open, slashing Kefka with a super-heated blade of fire!  But, just like before, he was not only unaffected…     “That tickles!”     But, unimpressed.

    “I will end you for what you’ve done!!” the Eidolon screamed, sounding somewhat like a child throwing a temper tantrum.  Regardless, he was done playing around.     He clapped his hands together then shakily pulled them apart, revealing a growing ball of fire between them.  It grew larger-and-larger, scorching the ground and causing the very air to quiver from its heat.  After a moment of charging, he brought it into one hand and threw it into the air… only for it to streak at Kefka like a meteor, hitting him squarely and violently exploding!     The fireball demolished a nearby building and throwing what was left of Leo’s body far away!  The soldier in the well felt its effects, too, losing his grip on the suddenly-scalding stones and hitting the water for the third time.  He tried to climb back up only to flinch and drop down – his well had become something of a steam bath, from that attack… but, he didn’t dare try to escape.  Something far worse than being boiled alive was up there…

    “Pitiful…!” he heard Kefka scoff.  “You couldn't possibly beat me with something like that, hee hee!”     “You… you survived?!” the Eidolon asked, sounding dumbfounded.     “Of course, I did!” was the man’s reply.  “Now, turn to Magicite and, together, we will forge the Magical Empire of Kefka Palazzo!!”     “N-nuts to this–!  I’m outta here!!”

    The soldier finally worked up the nerve to climb back up… only to duck back down a second later!  The fiery beast had run right over the well, thankfully avoiding it…     “Boop!”     Not a long after…     “No…”     He gasped his last breath and broke apart, becoming Magicite before going to Kefka’s waiting, grabby hands.

    “Oho ho ho!” he chuckled.  “This one’s warm to the touch!  How very gratifying!”     He gave a nasty sort of laugh… then, he sighed.     “I’m bored, now.  Who’d have guessed Eidolons were such weak creatures?  It’s no fun fighting if you’re not even going to try!  So, let me save you the embarrassment…”

    The soldier in the well watched as Kefka channeled his energy.  Moments later, a series of dark orbs flew away from his hands.  The sky flashed a series of bright colors… then, Kefka found himself with an armload of freshly-made Magicite.

[cherryblossomcheesecake]

How Rare & Beautiful: Chapter 2 - A FFXV OC Fanfic

Getting kinda generous with the chapters here. Two days in a row now, but fair warning, this is only because I'm on reading week and I'm actually balancing assignments well right now. We're still kinda building up Soo-Min as a character in this chapter but hopefully if all goes well, next chapter will feature some familiar faces. I'm also trying to keep to a consistent word count, anywhere between 1,700 to 2,000 is what I how to write per chapter, besides special chapters that just have to exceed that limit. This is mostly done for the readers benefit do y'all can get chapters faster, while being an obtainable goal for me. Hope you enjoy this new chapter. I highly recommend that you listen to "frostfall" on youtube as it was this chapter's inspiration and complements it well. WORD COUNT: 1,805 words POSTED: 02.21.17 Master List Previous Chapter

Frostfall - Jeremy Soule

I let Miss Renata fuss over me for the next day before she allowed me to be around the other children again. Even then, if the other children were being too loud around me, they were shooed away by the old woman or her husband.

I took refuge in the books the couple kept around the house and occasionally the newspaper, if Mr Faustus was finished with them for the day. Through them, I had learned that I had ended up in a realm called Eos, and was currently living in Insomnia, the Crown city of the kingdom of Lucis.

In order to help me "remember", Miss Renata had gone over my details on file with me. In this world, I had been born to some Goryean immigrants and left on the foster home doorstep at 9 months old. The old couple had named me Cassia when I was brought here 8 years ago, but at the thought of using a name that was not my own, I demanded to use the name I knew as my own. With a lot of grumbling and sighing on the old couple's part, they reluctantly changed my name to Soo-Min.

While I had been recovering from my head injury, the other children living in the foster home had attempted to get me to participate in their games. I tried to be involved as best I could and play the part of an eight year old, but more often than not I found myself nose deep in a book about the history of Lucis and the Royal family.

But Miss Renata and Mr Faustus were concerned for me, and how reclusive I was becoming. The elderly couple went out of their way to try and speak with me, to get me involved with the other children's games. I only smiled and asked for more books to read. Eventually, the couple gave up and began giving me books in place of dolls and games. The other children also gave up in trying to include me in games, unable to come up with something that would hold my interest for longer than five minutes

Every once in awhile, there would be a hype about how potential adopters would be stopping by and take a child home. But I never really took part in it; I was a strange kid who wanted to read instead of play, and more often than not, the couple usually wasn't interested in adopting an immigrant.

It was one of those days where a couple was coming to potentially adopt, and the house was in a frenzy trying to get everyone and everything in order. I had dressed nicely as Miss Renata had requested and set up the dining room table with some refreshments with one of the older girls earlier this morning.

I sat on a couch in the sitting room, reading a battered copy of The Cosmogony, in an attempt to learn about the beliefs of the people of Eos. The Astrals were a fascinating subject and I was so thoroughly engrossed in the old tome that I was unaware of someone sitting down beside me.

"I always found that the young people never truly appreciated the legends of the Six like they used to. It's refreshing to see a child so engrossed in their tales." I startled at the sound of the stranger's voice, looking away from the book to my left.

Sitting on the left end of the couch was a man somewhere in his late thirties, wearing a casual suit as he smiled gently at me. His hair was a golden shade of blonde, with kind green eyes staring down at me. I jolted as I realized that he was waiting for me to respond.

"Oh, um… I like reading just about anything, especially since I hit my head a month ago and can't remember what was taught in school." I explained quietly, looking down at the book that lay in my lap.

"What would your favourite genre of reading be? Mine would probably be crime novels, if I'm being truly honest." the man stated with ease, leaning an elbow against the arm of the couch.

"Probably history and the Cosmogony. Since they're both interesting and important, of course." I offered, looking up with a small smile, "The legend of the rejected king is one of my favourites."

"Well, that's refreshing to hear. Not many learn about that one after preschool... " the man mused, trailing off as he caught sight of a woman lingering in the doorway.

"Ah, Myung-Hee, come here. I'd like you to meet someone, sweetheart." the man called out to the woman, who smiled lightly as she approached the two of us. The small woman was dressed in a pretty blouse and a loose skirt, her dark hair piled up on her head to reveal her brown eyes, features attributed to Goryean heritage. The woman took a seat across from us in one of the armchairs that littered the room, smiling lightly at the man beside me.

"This is my wife, Han Myung-Hee. I'm Aetius Farron, forgot to introduce myself earlier." the man introduced with a chuckle, shaking his head at his forgetfulness.

"Soo-Min." I offered, bowing my head lightly in return. Myung-Hee laughed lightly, looking between her husband and me.

"So, Soo-Min-ssi, has my husband been talking your ear off about books? He'll chat about his obsession with anyone he can." the woman asked with a laugh, a slight accent staining her words, but understandable nonetheless.

"Actually, it's nice to talk about books for once. None of the other children want to hear about the Six or old legends, they just want to play all the time. So I'm often alone and reading." I replied with a sad smile, looking down at the Cosmogony resting in my lap.

"Sometimes being alone with a book is the best thing in the world." came Aetius' response, the man trying to be helpful in some way as he patted my head with a heavy hand. I looked up again, forcing a warmer smile onto my face.

"So, what do you do for work?" I asked out of honest curiosity, as the couple had been the first adults to have an extended conversation with me when looking to adopt. And considering I actually liked them, I might as well put in some effort.

"We both work up at the Citadel, actually. Myung-Hee is one of the Prince's caretakers and I work in the Crownsguard." the blonde-haired man replied, looking at me carefully as he answered my question. I nodded lightly, my shoulder-length black hair swaying around me.

"I've only seen pictures of it in my history books on the Lucian Royal family and the kingdom itself, but it looks so amazing. And the fact that it's ages old makes it even more awesome, in my opinion. It's so cool that you get to work there." I gushed, my love for old buildings flooding my tone with admiration. Myung-Hee chuckled at my enthusiasm, smiling fondly at me.

"Yes, it's quite the honour to be working in such grandeur. Though I must admit the magic tends to wear off when you're trying to wrangle the Prince into his bath or attempting to get him to eat vegetables occasionally." the woman said, laughter apparent in her tone as she spoke fondly of the Prince.

"Between you and me, my wife has the fun job out of the two of us." Aetius mock whispered from behind his hand, driving me into a small fit of giggles.

"I'm sure brandishing a sword and beating up other members of the guard are just as fun, dear." Myung-Hee countered with a wide smile, brushing invisible dust from her skirt as she and her husband stood from their seats.

"It's been a pleasure, Soo-Min. But my husband and I have to speak to Miss Renata and Mr Faustus, enjoy the rest of your day." the woman said, Aetius ruffling my hair before standing and guiding his wife out of the living room in search of the two caretakers.

After the sounds of their steps had faded, I set my book on the couch beside me and followed in their wake. Tailing the couple to the dining room, I lingered just outside the doorway as they spoke with Miss Renata and Mr Faustus.

"Are you sure you wish to adopt her? The poor child has been a handful ever since she hit her head and awoke with no memory of anything. She is trying to relearn eight years of information and we need to be sure that you aware of this added commitment." Mr Faustus cautioned the couple, his voice stern.

"We're quite capable of handling her, Mr Faustus. She'll have the best education available and we'll treat her as if we were her parents from birth." Aetius assured the elder man, taking on a professional tone that he hadn't use with me.

"My husband and I are aware of how special of a girl Soo-Min is, the conversation we shared in the living room is proof enough. We believe that we can give her what she needs to succeed. We're positive we want to adopt her." Myung-Hee said, unfaltering in her words as she spoke to the older couple. I smiled brightly at the thought of the nice couple adopting me, excited and hopeful that my caretakers wouldn't deny this opportunity.

With a heavy sigh, Miss Renata finally spoke after a moment of silence.

"Very well, once Soo-Min has agreed to the adoption, we'll sign the paperwork. We must put her feelings and opinions into consideration as well, Faustus." The man grunted lightly in response, "Very well then, I'll go fetch the kid."

Before he could stand for his seat, I stepped into the room, much to the surprise of the adults.

"I'm sorry for eavesdropping but I couldn't help it. I wanted to know if Aetius and Myung-Hee were planning to adopt me." I apologized, bowing my head slightly as I spoke.

"It's alright, child. But do you agree to your adoption? It's a lot to process for most children, let alone one in your situation." Mis Renata questioned, her gray gaze sweeping over me in concern.

"Yes, ma'am. Nothing would make me happier than to go home with them." I spoke calmly with a smile on my face, praying to the Six that Miss Renata wouldn't find a reason to doubt my sincerity.

"Very well then. Go collect your things then, we have paperwork to sign." the old woman sighed, standing from her chair to retrieve my file from the office. Myung-Hee and Aetius smiled happily at me before I disappeared out of the dining room and up the stairs to my room to collect my things.

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