#retor gaming

[virtuality500]

[retrogamingblog2]

[arconinternet]

Mind Vomit (DOS, Zandor 12, 2003)

You can play it in your browser here, or preferably here.

[starminzoo]

🗒 ❛ drabble: kang yeosang x female reader ༉‧₊˚✧

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you hate him so why were kissing him? you hate him so why were you letting him touch you? you hate him so were you ok with him holding you close to him? and you had nil answer to these questions and mind too fuzzy to even give a shit about who you were kissing. yeosang. kang yeosang your sworn enemy since freshman year. when you both were picked out in the ridiculous game you guys were playing (7 minutes in heaven) you retored back claiming that you would rather slather your hands in your own shit and clap then be locked up in a room with him.

but alas here you were with him locked up in the closet but you were slammed against the door and your said enemy literally devouring your mouth and for some reason you were enjoying it. maybe it was because you hadn't had a good dick in months too busy studying that why you were so riled up and the mere action had you whimpering in his mouth and grinding on his leg which was situated between your thighs "you are enjoying this a bit too much aren't you" "shut up asshole" yeosang just giggled and went for your neck leaving small blotches behind , you arched your neck giving him more space to continue his assault on your neck

but just as he was about to reach your sweet spot the door swung open causing you to fall back but his quick reflexes came in handy and he pulled you back into him, it took less then minute for you to snap back into reality so you immediately pushed him back and walked out the closet "this changes nothing between us" you made your remark sternly but he just smirked in response and muttered a small "sure princess" and walked away.

[at1nys-blog]

Freedom

pt.1

Pairing: Crows x fem!reader; Pekka Rollins x daughter!reader

Summary: leaving home is not easy, not when your father is no other than Pekka Rollins but help cames in the name of Kaz Brekker.

Masterlist

Part 2

You didn't know when everything changed. Maybe it was when Alby your little brother came into the dynamics of the family and you were left on the sides. Maybe it was when you went out, not saying a word to anyone and came back way after dinner. Or it was when you spoke back to your father about your ideal future and dreams.

You wanted to see the world, you wanted to escape the golden cage you were raised in. You wanted freedom and to write your own story, away from your father's name.

You had spent three weeks, strolling around the streets of Katterdam trying to remember every turn to the Crows Club so when the time was right you would ask for help to Kaz Brekker.

"Where are you going?" asked Alby seeing you heading out the farm

"Just taking a walk. Tell mother I'll be back for dinner." you said, taking your sachet you walked out ready to walk around the market of Katterdam.

Unknown to you, the second you walked into the market, both Inej and Jesper started to follow you. The first by jumping from roof to roof, while the latter walking around the streets of the city always some miles of distance to not drag your attention into him.

It was after some time, when the sun was finally down, and you were mere blocks away from the Crows Club that you felt someone following you in the dark, and before you could phantom what was happening strong arms shoved you into a lateral hallway, hidden from curios eyes but a couple.

"Little Rollins, what are you doing here all alone?" you recognized the voice as of one of your father's underlings, you had heard his voice too many times to not recognise it.

"Out for a walk. Everyone at home knows that" you retored.

"Not your father. He got a glimpse of you in the market and asked me to follow you. For some protection, you undersatand right?" you were happy that you didn't went into Kaz's club sooner or at this point your father's men were going to let all Hell let loose. "Now, why would you take a walk here and not around your pretty farm?" you were ready, you had thought something like this would happen so you studied and memorized the best answers to give.

"I like to see what the sellers have in their stalls. I might be in need of new clothes or fabbric, but what do you understand." he lifted an arm and you were ready to get hitten, pretty sure your father gave them permission to hit you, but it never came.

"Hitting a pretty lady in a dark halley like this is not very gentlemanly, isn't now?" said a voice behind you, followed by shot of his gun. The bullet flying very close to the man's hand making him falling back and finally realising you from his grip.

"This has nothing to do with you." he said, running to get him, but the sharpshooter was faster and fired another shot at his opponents, this time hitting the man in his right shoulder blade. Another shoot, another gasp leaving your lips and this time the man that attacked you mere seconds ago was now standing on the ground, grounting for the pain, but it lasted less than a minute becuase the gunslinger ended his soffuring with yet another shoot.

"Now..." a knive was on your throat in a second, the scare making you jump out of your skin. "why Pekka Rollins' daughter is coming to town every single day?" the voice behind you asked but the only thing you said before anything else was asking if she was Inej Ghafa, Kaz's Wraith. "How do you know my name?"

"My father is obsessed with you guys, he is always like Kaz Brekker and his crows this and Kaz Brekker and his crows that. Is annoying." you said trying to light up the mood of the situation you currently were.

"I like her."

"Thanks, I like your guns' game." you complimented the man. "Now, if is not too much to ask I would like to see Kaz. I need some help" you added. Inej and Jesper looked at each other unsure of what to do next. You, Pekka Rollins' daughter, their boss' enemy, were asking to see him.

"Jesper, this is stupid. Do you know how many things could go wrong? What if Rollin's man are following us?" said Inej, once she met up with the boy inside the club.

"You would have noticed" you and Jesper said in unison, the guy smiled at you saying how much he loved all of this, the Wraith rolled her eyes and walked in the back of the club to get Kaz. "keep the wood up, people like to talk and if they see you are here with me chaos will unfold." he said, your hands fell on the table in front of you and so your head.

"I'm sorry to bother you but I really need the help. If I go somewhere else my fath-" you weren't able to finish your sentence that gloved hand gripped your wrist and dragged you away from the bar.

Entering a little studio, you managed to understand Kaz's studio, the man you were trying to reach all this time closed the door with such sstrenght you thought he broke it, but no.

"You want me dead?" he said first thing first sitting in his chair. You were about to answer but he was faster. "Coming here as nothing happened, after weeks keeping an eye on me and my club." of course he noticed, why would he? "Are you here to spy on me for your father?"

"NO" you screamed. "No, for all Saints no. I know you don't believe me, for I share his last name but please give the benefit of the doubt and..." you cleared your throat, you had to choose your words wisely, it was of no help imposing your reasoning to him. "Could you at least hear what I have to say? Why I came for your help?" he run his hand over his blonde hair, sighing but letting you talking.

After saying everything he asked you to wait there and most importantly to not touch a single thing in the room. He gave you a quick glance before leaving and locking the door behind. You thought it was for precaution, you thought too many drunk people had walked into his private room exchanging it for a bathroom or whatever else.

You were growing impatient when louds noises started to come from the other side of the door and then you heard him. Your father, asking Kaz where his daughter was. The rest of the conversation didn't reach your ears, even because the beats of your heart was audible on top of everything. You started to look around, in a desperate need of a spot where to hide in case your father were to search the studio. Nothing. You started panicking, tears forming in your eyes as nothing seemed a good option.

It was when they came to the door that you thought you were doomed. You heard the key rumbling at the door and the handle moving a few times, you thought you were done. You pictured your father's face looking at you, mad like never before. You felt your skin burning at the thought of the beating. You felt ashemed at the thought of his insults. Thankfully Inej came in and helped you climbing to the roof of the Club. She hugged you, hidding your frame, you were shaking, scared that something could go wrong.

"Don't worry. We will help you." with that you started to silently sob into her shirt, both happy and relieved that everything was going as you planned.

[magical-oppas]

HES SO DUMB

no one:

Gavi:

[tay-tay-everlark13]

Okay, so I have a very fast retoric question. I'm right now annotating catching fire (again, 'cause I have so many things to say), and I thought that I have to write this. (yeah, no one wants to listen to me anymore, that's why I'm doing this)

I'm just wondering, how Katniss could do all of these stuff to Peeta, and still saying, that she does not love him. I mean, she saved his life multiple times. I get it, in the the first games, she believed in the thing, that she's oving this to him. But then, in the Quarter Qell, she still wanted to save him, even tho the price of this was her life. She wanted him to live rather than her. Even tho she still had Prim, and her mother, and Gale. He meant to her more, his life meant to her more.

Which take us to the second thing I wanted to say. That after their first games Katniss made Peeta her priority. He was more important to her even than Prim, for which she has been through all of this things. She was ready to kill herself, just so he can live. And then, when she found out, that 13 didn't save him and he was in the Capitol, she was ready to watch the world burning, because they didn't save her man. GOD. Or the time, when she said that if she knew that Peeta was killed, that he doesn't live anymore, she would run away to the forest. But she didn't do that, 'cause she wasn't sure if he was dead. But she could leave all of this; Prim, Gale, her mom, the war, just because she didn't want to live without Peeta. She didn't want to fight in the war without him or live in the new safe place without him. Like, I have no words.

And that is not even half of things Katniss did, that showed us how much she cared about Peeta, how much she LOVED Peeta. That's so pretty, it hurts.

[x--ghost--x]

YO! I JUST READ YOUR CAUGHT FIC AND MA'AM??? WHAT WAS THIS BLESS TO MY EYES LIKE- 🥺🥺❤️❤️❤️

I really like your writing and i have this idea on my mind for soo fricking long. I already send this for like,three people but no one make it. You are my last hope 🥺

Ok ok ok,the idea and scenario is:

Rise!Leo x blind reader (alredy looking cute right??? But wait,her me out here. And ah,reader can be female,preferable)

Leo always visited her exactly because she's blind so the reader wouldn't mind about him been a turtle for obvious reasons,but one day reader goes "i wanna know how you look like,can i touch your face?" and of course this boy PANIC cuz the blindness is what making this friendship possible. Even afraid,Leo allow her to feel his face finally knowing about the mutant thing. Now,you would think "she gross out didn't she?"

Ha!

No!

Reader just say "i don't care about your look or aparence,i love you for who you are"

Yep,she confess,like it's nothing and this boy is flabbergasted. Of course he confess too like,who wouldn't after this??? And the kissie kiss in the end for the ⭐️flavor⭐️

What you think? Good enough to write?

ASJDJSJD THANK YOU SM♡

And this idea is so cute omg, I actually wanted to write something similar for Leo cuz I had idea like that and now I have an excuse to write it!

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Love is blind

Leo gently knocked on the window, standing on a fire escape and leaned on the railing. He tapped his foot to the rhythm of the song playing constantly in his head for all day, looking at the bright lights of passing cars below him. Today's night was really nice, warm wind, clear dark sky and the thought of seeing the person he's been waiting to talk to for almost the entire week. The turtle was busy trying to keep the city as safe as he and his brothers could, not having much of free time.

Leo tugged on the material of his blue bandana when he heard a soft click of opening the window. He looked up and smiled noticing a familiar figure.

"Hello there. Long time no see, Leo."

He chuckled at the obvious joke, walking up to the windowsill you were leaning on.

"Well, hello to you too." he crooked his head to the side (not like you actually could see tho). "How did you know it was me?"

"Who else would knock on my window in the middle of the night?" you retored with a smile appearing on your lips.

The turtle made a humming sound comedically information you of him thinking hard on your question, which caused you to let out a quiet giggle, knowing that louder noise could bring unwanted attention. He grinned at that softly, happy he was able to make you laugh.

He knew, despite your constant assuring, that it made you upset when he wasn't able to visit for longer periods of time. He didn't blame you, really, he was equally upset about the thought but he couldn't just tell you why he was away for so long. Was he supposed to just say that he's fighting crime being a ninja mutant turtle? Yeah, sure, that won't happen.

The only thing making this friendship possible was the fact that you couldn't see who he was - who most would be scared of or feel grossed out. And you literally couldn't see.

Sometimes, Leo felt bad for thinking that your blindness was something good. After all, he wished you could see the beauty this world had to offer, how many cool places he would have shown you! The turtle could've only imagine how nice it would have been watching Lou Jitsu movies with you or playing console games or holding hands and looking into each other's eyes- no, wait, he needs to get his head out of the clouds.

'But this can't happen' is what he thought. Not when he's so different than you.

Unfortunately, these thoughts didn't stop the warm feeling that blossomed in his chest when he was with you.

"Hmm, you do have a point." he spoke when a smirk appeared on his face. "Unless you have someone else visiting you at night?"

"Of course not! You're the only one, Leo." you snorted backing away from the window. "Would you like to come in?"

"Yeah, very much." his cheeks started to feel warm as he hoisted himself on a windowsill and jumped inside the building.

He walked up to the nightstand and flicked on the small lamp, dim light scattering around the room. He sat on his usual spot at the foot of the bed and watched as you closed the window. Every time he looked at you the only thing on his mind was how sad it was there you couldn't see how beautiful you are. Therefore, Leo swore to himself to compliment you often, even if you only saw that as a joking flirt.

He sighed, looking away. He really shouldn't get his hopes up.

After a while, the turtle felt the mattress dip as you sat beside him, resting your back on the wall.

"Everything okay?" you asked concerned.

"Yeah, it's fine." he answered quickly. Leo didn't want you to worry so he changed the topic. "How have you been the past week? Anything interesting happened?"

For some reason, he seemed somehow off today but you decided to not push on if he didn't want to talk about it.

"Ah, it was boring as always without someone's constant nagging over my ear." you laughed hearing an offended gasp beside you. "But nothing really happened. How about you, Leo?"

"Well, me and my brothers were pretty busy with stuff, but I managed to get a hold on that game I've been talking to you about last time!" he excitedly waved his hands in the air, his gaze landing on your face.

You smiled, happy he cheered up.

"Oh, yeah, I remember! The one based on the Lou Jitsu movie, right? Tell me about it!"

"Yes, this one! So, when I started the game..."

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"He did what-" you tried to take a breath while hugging a pillow to your chest, laughing uncontrollably and almost falling of your bed.

"THAT WAS EXACTLY MY REACTION WHEN RAPH TOLD ME-" the red-eared turtle was already halfway on the floor, also trying his hardest to control the cackling leaving his mouth.

After almost a two hours of catching up with each other's lives, Leo brought up his genius brother's latest incident with trying to improve the mobility of a toaster - whatever that meant. Apparently, the poor device ended up exploding, causing the destruction of some part of the kitchen. Leo wasn't home at the time so you could imagine his shock seeing the oldest brother making Donnie clean the dark smudges off the walls.

"You really don't have any boring days with your family, huh?" you asked jokingly, wiping the small tears that formed on the corners of your eyes.

Couple more chuckles after, the blue-bandana turtle lifted himself back by your side on the soft cushion as his gaze drifted to your face. He always loved hearing the sound of your laughter, how you couldn't calm yourself down sometimes, the way your wide grin caused the corners of your eyes to crinkle and that happy glint in your usually dull pupils- He's getting ahead of himself again, isn't he?

Covering the bottom of his reddening face (even if it wasn't necessary), he sighted and, apparently, to loudly because concern immediately appeared on your face.

"Leo," you started gently. "are you sure everything is okay?"

Your worried tone somehow struck right through his chest because he struggled to not pour out everything that's been on his mind lately. You were his safe space, someone who would listen to him spilling the contents of his mind, willing to help or just be there for him. Of course, he had his brothers but there were some things that he found difficult to talk to them. But you always knew what he wanted- no, needed to hear.

And Leo was scared of how much you affected him.

"Uh," that's why he did what he found to be the easiest move - bottle his feelings up. "Yeah, everything is good, just a little tired."

You frowned. Knowing from the start that something has been bothering him, you didn't pry, hoping he would eventually told you himself. Though, he started to rebuild the wall that you worked so hard on putting down. You won't let him isolate his feelings like that again.

After a brief silence, you stopped messing with your fingers and filled with determination (get the reference pls), you turned to fully face him.

"Leo, I want to know how you look like." you stated firmly but your voice faltered saying the next sentence. "Can I touch your face?"

He was not expecting that at all. Or maybe just decided to ignore the possibility of this situation for the good of his mental health. That turtle absolutely did not know how to react to that so his body decided that panic is the best option.

"I mean- if you don't feel comfortable with that, then I'm not forcing you or anything! Yeah, that probably sounded weird anyway-" as the answer for his silence you started to frantically wave your hands before your chest. "I just thought that- or maybe, like, I haven't thought at all-"

"Okay."

You stopped your rambling hearing the quiet breathy answer.

"...you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

Soft humm left your mouth as you slowly started to lift your hands. Nervousness filled you, you never asked how he looked like before nor did you care, but now, sitting with him in your room and enjoying yourselves, you slowly started to realize your desire to know more about him - all of him. You wanted to see him.

Leo was the only one who treated you like any other person, not a little child who couldn't do anything on it's own. He was the one who never failed to make your day better with just his mere presence.

I wished to tell him how much he meant to you.

Suddenly, you felt a cold skin pressing to your wrists making you aware of how you stopped all your movements for couple of seconds. Small gasp left your lips at the roughness of his hands and how gently they hold yours. They felt so unusual, their size and temperature were so different of yours, making questions rise in your brain but never leaving your mouth.

With a soft look in his eyes, the turtle began to lead your hands to his face, closing his eyelids and trying to calm himself down. Shiver went down through his body as he felt your warm palms on his cheeks, fingers gently tracing on his skin. His own hands left your wrists thinking you'll going to pull away soon with disgusted expression oh your face, telling him to get out and never come here again. Leo tried to prepare himself for this outcome but he knew that nothing would stop his heart from breaking.

But instead of rejection his eyes snapped open at the quiet 'wow' and the feeling of your hands attentively studying his cheeks, snout, corners of his mouth and soft material of his iconic blue bandana.

"What are you?" you muttered still amazed, no revulsion behind your words, only pure curiosity of experiencing something new.

"A turtle." he answered equally as quiet. "Mutant turtle exactly."

"So you have a shell?" you asked stopping your movements.

Leo nodded but upon realizing you couldn't see that he lowly hummed making your palms slide down his neck and to his back.

"Can you hide in it? Or is it to small? Wait, should I even ask about that? Oh no, did I do something inappropriate-"

"NO! No, it's okay!" he quickly assured you. "I can easily hide in it. Uh, but..."

Your hands found his face again and rested on his cheeks as you waited for him to go on.

"Don't you feel... grossed out? Disgusted? I'm not human, I'm so different form you and- " he paused to take a deep breath, preparing himself for the next words leaving his mouth. "I probably should apologize. I should told you sooner but I used that fact that your not able to tell who I am to keep this friendship. And if you don't want to end it because of me being a mutant then for being selfish liar and that's completely valid-"

"Leonardo Hamato."

The turtle stopped hearing his full name and a small smile on your lips.

"I don't care." breathy laugh leaving you after hearing his confused noise. "I love you for who you are, you know. The one who is there for me when I'm lonely, who makes me laugh and not feel like I'm all alone there. So why would I care if in addition you're a mutant turtle, which, by the way, is like insanely cool."

His brain has stopped working. Wow, good job on breaking him.

"You, what- huh-" the poor turtle tripped in his word not being able to form an understandable sentence, his face becoming warmer and warmer every second.

"Are you okay, Leo?" you asked feeling the unnatural heat from his face.

"Huh? Yeah! I am, hah- yeah, I'm okay, sorry. It's just," he reached and lightly grabbed on one of your wrists. "I wasn't expecting that... If anything, I thought I would be the one to told you I love you. That is, if you wouldn't have freaked out haha..."

You laughed, not as nervous as he did, bringing your other hand to cover your face. You could understand him thought, why he was hesitant to tell you. Most people would sure have freaked out. But you're not 'most people'.

"Hey," you caught his attention, softness in your voice. "can I kiss you?"

You are going to kill him, he thought.

"Woah, you're really straightforward today, huh?" he asked teasingly hoping that would cover the noticeable embarrassment.

"Day?"

"Yeah." he confirmed chuckling. "We were talking so long the sun is already rising."

"Oh well." you shrugged. "I guess it's the perfect moment then."

Without any other warning you moved forward, your lips pressing softly to his. Warm sensation pulled in your chest, your own cheeks now heating up. It didn't take long for Leo to kiss you back lifting his free hand to lay on the back of your head, softly creasing your hair.

After several seconds that felt like an eternity, you pulled away taking a breathe, wide smile plastered in your face.

"So, are we now..?" Leo asked with the same grin, eyes sparkling with adoration.

"Hmm, I don't know, are we?" you teased tilting your head.

He laughed tugging your closer to him, wrapping his arms around you.

"Yeah, we definitely are."

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Why can't I just write a fic in few days than a month or something

Anyway, I hope you liked it!

[zswackeyworld]

I am bored and dont have my drawing tablet. So im posting a script I sent in once that was never used.

do with this as you will

"The very hungry caterpillar"Frank: well this lepidoptera larva must grow to be a very big Rhopalocera thats for sure."In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf" Frank:Well lets see what happens to the chorion"One sunday morning the warm sun came up and -pop!- out the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar" Frank:I wonder if howdy was as hungry as this larve. Joke hungry that is.."he started to look for some food" Frank: even though he just ate through his chorion.."on monday he ate through one apple" frank: howdy could never! Ill tell you! Cause he'd sell it for a light chuckle but then he dosent even laugh! *fusterated huff before contineing*"But he was still hungry" On tuesday he ate through two pears"Wonder how much howdy would charge for those.. "but he was still hungry" Julie: Hiya frank! Lets play a game! Frank: Julie not now. Julie: Why not? Frank: cause I'm reading. Julie: Lets go play frank!! Come on!! Frank: how about you read with me instead. Julie: ... Ok! What are we reading? Frank: The very Hungry Caterpillar. Julie: *gasp* LIKE HOWDY!! Frank: yes yes now let me contine"On Wednesday he ate through 3 plums, but he was still hungry" Frank: Did you know that there is a kind of weeliv called Plum Curculio that, as the name suggests, eat plums. Julie: No I didn't! Frank: well you want to know why you should never put a group of curculios near a plum? Julie: WHY? WHY? WHY? Frank: because then the plums will be Curculio-ed! Julie: *takes a moment to understand the joke then starts bursting out laughing* Frank: thats one joke howdy would never adcept. "On thursday he ate through 4 strawberries but he was still hungry" Julie:ooo starwberries! Frank: on fridays he ate through 5 oranges but he was still hungry On Saturday he ate through oke peice of chocolate cake, an ice cream cone, Julie: one pickle, a slice of swiss cheese and salami! Frank: a lollipop, a slice of cherry pie, a cupcake Both: and one slice of water melon Julie: thats a lot of food Frank: thats woukd cost the best joke we had ever thought of! Julie: poor caterpillar must had got sick Frank: yes. Yes he did. But the next day was sunday again. The caterpillar ate through oke nice green leaf and after that me felt much better Frank: always eat your greens kids. Now he wasn't hungry anymore- and he wasent little anymore. Julie: He was a big, fat caterpillar. wait can caterpillars even get fat? Frank: no they actually cant because-Julie: that was retorical frank Frank: oh so moving on he bulit as small home that some call a cacoon but i call a chrysalis which he stayed in there for around 3 weeks. Then nibbled a hole in the chrysalis pushed his way out" Julie: Annnndddd? Frank: became a beutiful butterfly. unlike howdy because he's to much of a stickler for prices for that!

[fandomscompilation]

The story of two broken souls (Kaz Brekker x Reader) Part 10

Fandom: Six of Crows

Pairing: eventual Kaz Brekker x Reader

Warnings: mentions of knives, mentions of Pekka

A/N: Hello! Another part is here. We're getting into plotline of the show. Working on both series at the same time is kinda hard, but I'll post another part for Kirigan soon too. Enjoy this one and let me know what you think!

Taglist: @d34drapunzel @coldheartedmar @igakc

Gif is not mine!

Finding a way through the Fold was the main topic between Crows. Kaz tried to make me come with them to the people who might know something, but I managed to stay at the bar. Going around with them would make people see me as a new addition to their group. But when the three of them failed I made a decision, that might cost me my life.

"Long time no see." I smirked at the woman who was carefully picking her fruits.

"What do you want?" She frowned looking slightly scared.

"Can't say hello to an old friend." I quirked an eyebrow making her huff in irritation.

"We were never friends." She spat making me sigh tiredly.

"You're right. I didn't really make a good first impression. But you can't really blame me, I was quiet angered when we met." I pointed out while she bought some type of sweet fruit and started to walk around the stalls.

"What do you want?" She asked again making me cheer inside.

"I've got a job at one of the clubs. I work the bar and I remember you telling me about your love for card games." I said watching her carefully. "Come by, I'll get you a drink. On my tab of course." I smiled while she hesitated.

"Alright. Any drink I want?" She asked after a second making me chuckle.

"Any drink you want." I winked before putting a small card of the Crow Club in her hand.

I walked into the Club and maneuvered my way to the table Kaz, Inej and Jesper were occupying. I nodded at them but didn't say much before Rotty brought me my drink.

"Here's what I don't get." Jesper started making Inej and I exchange glances.

"We're going to be here all night." She teased playing with her knife.

"Rude." He replied making me smile lightly. "Why haven't they tried going under it? Just dig a tunnel." Jesper said sitting upright.

"Tried that. More than a century ago." Kaz informed leaning on his cane. "Something.. heard them digging."

"It was made hundreds of years ago by that crazy Grisha.."

"The Black Heretic." Inej butted in and I looked away to the Club.

"The one who controls shadow. They've got one in their army now, don't they?" Jesper continued not minding Inej's words. "General Kirigan?"

"Your point?" Inej asked furrowing her eyebrows.

"If one of his kind made it, can't he unmake it?" He asked like it was the obvious thing. I huffed shaking my head.

"Have you ever put out fire by adding more fire?" She retored while Kaz eyed me carefully.

"Then what's the opposite?" Jesper really didn't knew things involving Grisha.

"A Sun Summoner." Inej said softly with hope in her tone.

"I found her, I finally found her. I can make Ravka better now." I frowned with his voice echoing inside my head. Was he talking about the Sun Summoner? Did really manage to find them after all those years? Did he already make them believe his words? Were they going to willingly follow his plan?

"Boss, boss." I snapped back and noticed Rotty coming up." We intercepted a note from Dreesen." I smirked his way as a good job sign.

"Did you now?" Kaz leaned back slightly, making me wish he was a bit less professional when it came to us.

"It's for the owner of the Orchid. Says they require the services of a Heartrender. Tonight." He informed and we glanced at each other.

"A Heartrender? Why?" Kaz asked confused and I bit my lip. I wasn't a Crow and I didn't want to cross the Fold, no need in helping them out.

"Doesn't say. Just they need it before midnight." He supplied making me huff. I got up leaning on the barrier behind Inej. Kaz will probably find a way to make me work with them tonight.

"You don't bring in a Heartrender unless you need an answer out of someone who isn't willing to talk." Brekker finally caught up to all the information he had. "That's how we get this job before anyone else." I heard his chair scrape the floors lightly. "Bring Dreesen a Heartrender."

"Boss, just one problem." Rotty spoke up making all of us turn to him again. "Pekka Rollins knows." My gaze met Kaz's in a second. He quietly repeated the name before walking away.

As much as I wasn't willing to cross the Fold, getting the job from under Pekka's nose would be a nice touch. I watched Kaz climb the stairs to his voice. He was already getting in the role of the Bastard of the Barrel, oh how I missed this guy.

[doodlesbf]

Chain lore

Wind

Age: (during journey) 12

(After journey) 13 almost 14

Hair color: blonde with a hair strand of blue

Eyes color: (I'm not sure of his eye color since in game is black)

Skin: very tan

Relationship: none he's not interested in that kind of thing

Weapons?: sword,shield and magic instrument

Info: link lives on outcast Island with his grandma, sister aryll til the day he turn 12 and seen his sister taken by a giant bird while he was rescue a pirate girl and lucky the pirate argee to help him locate his sister (like the game). Link eventually learn of the Triforce piece he hold and adventure to unlock the master sword power but have to stop half way when he heard of tetra been caught by Ganondorf and when to save her only to met him in person the very first time and since the sword wasn't power up he was actually scared for his life but he and tetra saved by the (bird people? I forgot what their called). Link continue his quest to power the sword then face Ganondorf again under water were hyrule is truly is and he learns that Ganondorf only wanted the Triforce to grant his wish to retore true hyrule so his people can survive and he didn't want to harm the children but king that was link boat ruin Ganondorf plans which Ganondorf lost his chance went crazy try to kill the children but link with luck win but watch the land under the water disappear by the water as well as the king boat. After that link decided to go with tetra to look for a new land to build hyrule like game end.

[hotcupoteckla]

Everybody's heard of the "Steelie Wheelie Automobile-y" meme

and now I want an 8 bit style video game where you have to run around and punch people in the face to take their bikes at the World's Fair in Chicago

and it devolves into a plotline where you have to solve disappearances and eventually investigate murders from dead bodies found in Lake Michigan, while still running from police, yknow for all the bike thefts and alleyway robberies you committed earlier in the game

and this whole while you've been staying at this really luxe hotel and the owner is the guy who keeps giving you the side quests involving the murders with an odd level of information about them, ever increasing amounts, and so you start to suspect him. Also the building always has areas shut down for renovations that you can't get around,

and you lose some access to the different areas of the world's fair that's going on and you debate maybe moving hotels, but it gives you max health restoration rate, so like every night you sleep in this hotel, the Police meter goes down and you're able to retore All your health, which you value, because there is hardly any healing in the game,

and if you don't heal wounds within a day time Frame you can get an increasing percentage chance of Infection with each day that passes, so this is a CRUCIAL decision to your game play,

and you keep finding new areas in the hotel that get less classy and stylish as the game goes on, and you start losing chunks of time, and if you don't discover the Secret Passages before the Fair closes (30 days), you wake up in the dungeon of the hotelier murderer HH Holmes.

H

I haven't decided if you should play as HH from the beginning or if you're just a victim of his. Maybe it could be a choice for the story of the game.

[legends-of-time]

The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 25: September 1921

Masterlist

A year has passed. Many positive things have happened, Mary and Matthew have celebrated their 1st anniversary and Tom and Emma with their second. Ivy is now 1 year and 4 months while Sybbie is 1 year and 1 month. Other positives are that Mary and Emma find themselves pregnant. By September 1921, Mary is 8 months and nearing the end while Emma is just 4 months and still in the more early stages.

They all deeply miss Sybil. The anniversary of her death began with a celebration for little Sybbie and later on a recollection of her late mother. Emma is glad she's finding footing with her new family after the loss of one of her best friends.

Emma and Billy stand with their young daughters, pointing out the servants as they go about their business.

With the autumn beginning, it is the start of the deer stalking season. All the staff are preparing for the family to leave for their regular holiday to Duneagle, the home of Lady Rose MacClare and her parents, Hugh MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire and Susan MacClare, Marchioness of Flintshire, for a summer break at Duneagle Castle in the Highlands of Scotland, leaving most of their servants back at home. It is quite a significant trip as the family hadn't been since before the war.

Mr Bates, Anna, Mr Molesley, and Miss O'Brien are also making the trip. Tom, Emma and Billy remain at Downton after not being invited, which they don't mind.

——

They all sit down for breakfast in the Dining room before they head off. Robert sits at the head with Mary, Emma and Cora on his left, Edith, Matthew and Tom on his left and Billy opposite on the other end. Thomas stands in the corner looking very prim in his under butler outfit.

There's a call for Edith and she leaves to take it before returning.

"Who was it?" Her mother asks.

"My editor, Michael Gregson," Edith answers as she takes her seat. Emma can already see Robert pulling a face at the sound of the man's name. Honestly, after a year you would've thought he would have come round to the idea of his daughter writing for a newspaper. "He's realised he'll be in Scotland at the same time as us."

"Don't tell me he'll be near Duneagle," Mary remarks.

"Apparently." Mary and Emma share a look though Emma's is kinder.

"What a coincidence." Emma jokes with a smile. Matthew gives her and Mary a scolding look.

Edith raises an eyebrow. "Yes, isn't it?"

"Maybe we can ask him over," Cora suggests. "We want to meet him, don't we, Robert?"

Robert sighs and thankfully Matthew changes the conversation. "Why are the Flintshires based in Scotland when the title's Welsh?"

"Oh, Shrimpie's grandmother was Countess of Newtonmoor in her own right. It's now their courtesy title." Robert explains.

"Dare one ask why he's called Shrimpie?" Billy asks with a smile.

"It was a Nursery game. Louisa was a lobster, Agatha was a shark, which is easy to believe, and I suppose Shrimpie was a shrimp." Robert answers.

"Is he very small?" Tom asks. Matthew chuckles.

"No, but he was the youngest," Mary replies. Mr Carson walks in to relieve Thomas of his position in the corner.

"I'm sorry you three won't be with us," Cora says to Tom, Billy and Emma.

"It's all right. We'll have lots to do." Emma reassures her. She has appreciated how Cora has taken a mothering role with the three of them, which Emma has missed. "We have the children too."

"And why should they ask us? We don't know them at all." Her husband adds.

"Nor do I, really." Matthew remarks.

"Are you sure you should be going?" Robert asks his eldest with concern.

Mary sighs with annoyance, not that Emma blames her considering this has been a never ending topic since Mary had declared she's not being left behind. "Don't be a spoilsport. I still have a month." Mr Carson harrumphs. "You don't want me to go, either?"

"I think you should take good care of yourself, Milady. That's all." The butler replies.

"I agree." Her father says.

"Well, Emma supports me." Mary retorts leading to a few raised eyebrows in Emma's direction.

"Um, well, they say women can exercise up to the day before delivery." Emma awkwardly explains. She receives a suggestive look from her husband to which she rolls her eyes.

"Right, let's get started," Robert announces. "I told Mama we'd be on the platform at quarter to, and we're late."

——

At the Station, it seems to be organised chaos as luggage is loaded up and everyone is finding their seats. Emma has already said goodbye to Anna and Mr Bates and now stands with Cora and Isobel near the front of the train when Edith and Violet approach. The Dowager had, in her own funny way, conceded and gave permission for Emma to call her by her given name since Emma seems to call the rest of the family by such names she had said.

"Have you got everything?" Isobel asks Violet.

"Well, if I haven't, it's too late now." Violet remarks then glances over her shoulder. "Do you think it's wise to leave them here unsupervised?" Emma looks to see Robert talking to both Billy and Tom, who is holding Isis' leash. Probably giving them strict instructions on how to look after the dog.

"What do you mean?" Cora asks.

"Well, I know they're house-broken, more or less and Emma will watch them, but I don't want freedom to go to his head." Violet worries.

"I'll keep an eye on them as well. They and Emma can come to dinner tonight." Isobel suggests.

"Oh. Well, that's one day taken care of. Only nine to go!" Violet remarks.

"Don't worry, I'll be around," Emma reassures her with an amused smile as she boards the train.

——

"I'm sure I don't know." Mrs Hughes' voice is heard coming from one of the bedrooms, Billy's, that Emma passes as she walks to put things away after coming from the station.

"I wonder what Lady Flintshire made of her cousin's daughter eloping with an engineer," Edna remarks. Edna Braithwaite is a new addition to Downton after having recently joined as a new general maid. Emma is not sure what to make of her. In a way, with some information from Gemma, she seems to be wishing for a better life like Ethel but seems more conniving about it.

It seems they talking about Sybil, which causes Emma to pause and listen.

"It's not your place to wonder." Mrs Hughes reminds her.

"What was she like?" Edna asks softly.

"She was a sweet, kind person. And a real beauty. Inside and out." Emma smiles softly with tears in her eyes.

"You'd think she could have done better." This causes Emma to sombre up and step into the room.

"But SHE didn't think she could do better, and that's what matters," Emma says shortly as she steps inside. The two in the room whip round to look at her. Edna seems to have been changing the sheets reminding Emma of the old days of her, Gemma, Gwen and Anna doing this job.

"Mrs Branson." Mrs Hughes greets with an amused smile.

"Mrs Hughes."

"He's nice looking, I'll give him that," Edna remarks. Emma narrows her eyes at her.

"I don't think you're required to give him anything." Mrs Hughes snaps.

——

Emma, Billy and Tom have lunch together in the Dining room. It is odd to be in this house without the family and for it to feel so empty despite all the people downstairs. They are chatting away with each other when Edna, carrying a tray interrupts.

"Oh," she says, pausing when she sees they are still in here and Emma then realises they have been in here longer than usual, "Mr Carson sent me up to clear. He thought you'd be out of here."

"We should be," Billy says, smiling kindly at her.

"Seems sad for you all to be left behind all on your own," Edna says to them but Emma can't help but feel she's more looking at Billy than her and Tom, particularly after the conversation she had heard earlier.

"We're used to it," Tom remarks. Edna flickers her eyes to him then looks away towards Billy in a dismissive action. Emma is beginning to really not like this girl.

"Yes. Yes, of course. You would be. It must be very hard for you Mr Prior." Emma is surprised at how direct she's being, Emma was never like this when she was a maid though back then she was used to this world and was still figuring it out.

Billy looks sad and also startled at her statement. "Don't worry about me." He hurriedly says as they all stand.

"Well," Emma interrupts Edna's staring, "there's plenty to do."

"You're the new maid, aren't you?" Tom then asks. Usually, Emma likes how friendly her husband is with everyone but this time she's not happy. "What's your name?"

"Edna. Edna Braithwaite."

The three vacate the room as Tom gives his wife a questioning look. She shakes her head. There's nothing to worry about just yet.

——

Billy, Emma and Tom go to the Crawley house that evening to eat with Isobel and afterwards sit in her Drawing room to have some tea.

"I hope you'll come here whenever you like," Isobel says. She and Billy sit in chairs on either side of the settee Emma and Tom sit on. "It must be odd, being alone in that great house."

"Well, we're not alone." Emma corrects. "There are people Tom and I know well. Except they're all downstairs, and we're up."

"Well, why not take the opportunity to spend some time with them?" Isobel suggests.

"I don't think old Lady Grantham would approve of that," Tom remarks causing Emma and Billy to chuckle.

"No," Isobel agrees, "but I doubt she approves of the working class learning to read." They chuckle. "But can I take this chance to say to all of you that you've managed a very delicate transition superbly?"

"Thank you," Billy says softly.

"But don't be too eager to please." Isobel continues. "You have a new identity. And I don't mean because you're not a chauffeur or a maid or an engineer at the low standings anymore. Tom as the agent of this estate, Emma as a nurse at Downton Hospital and Billy being a higher standing engineer, you all have a perfect right to talk to anyone who works under you. Anyone you choose."

"That's quite a speech," Emma says feeling quite touched.

"I mean it. You all have positions now, and you're entitled to use them."

——

They return to Downton and to cause the least disruption, they take the servants' entrance.

"Mr Branson, Emma, Mr Prior?" Mrs Hughes calls as she steps out of her Sitting room behind them.

"Sorry Mrs Hughes, we didn't want to drag one of you upstairs to open the door." Emma apologises and the fact that she feels weird doing it without the family here.

"That was kind." Mrs Hughes says before adding, "Oh, I wondered if you would allow the maids to clean during the day while the family's in Scotland?"

"You don't need our permission, Mrs Hughes," Billy tells her.

"But I do." Mrs Hughes insists awkwardly and it is, then three ordering the servants about? Bizarre. "And if any of you want to use a particular room, then please let me know and we'll vacate it at once."

"Thank you, Mrs Hughes," Tom says. "Good night."

Emma and Billy mutter their own.

"Good night, Mr Branson, Emma, Mr Prior."

——

The next day to save the awkwardness and all the work for the servants, Emma, Billy and Tom decide to go to the Grantham Arms for lunch. Emma is honestly looking forward to it as she is getting away to sit with people of the real world.

Emma and Tom are late because Ivy was fussing but ask Billy to go ahead with Isis so she can get a good walk in and they'll catch up.

"Good afternoon, George." Tom greets as they enter and walk over to the bar. "The usual sandwiches, please."

"Anything else extra for the missus?" George asks.

"I'm good George, thank you," Emma says. George nods and walks away.

Emma glances around to see if Billy has arrived and spots Edna talking with Billy as they sit at a table together. Emma nudges Tom to get his attention.

"Hello." Tom greets.

Emma frowns a bit when she notices Billy looks a little alarmed and startled and she wonders what Edna could've possibly said to him.

"Edna has invited us to join the servants downstairs for dinner one night." Billy pipes up.

"That's nice to hear," Tom says with a smile as he and Emma sit down. Emma can't help but think Edna looks a little displeased with their arrival.

"Yes, very nice, but we don't want to distract you from your work," Emma says as kindly as possible. "I hear Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes are giving you all extra work now the house is a bit more empty."

Edna doesn't look pleased but excuses herself, giving a lingering look to Billy before leaving.

Emma tries to enjoy her lunch with Tom and Billy but she can't help but think about Edna. She would like to have dinner with the servants but is unsure now, particularly considering it seems to have become Edna's idea.

——

Tom and Emma go for a walk to have a look around the ground that afternoon and had warned Billy they would be late for dinner that evening. Emma had spent that morning resting, as pregnancy seems to always make her tired, and spending time with Ivy and Sybbie in the Nursery.

"I worry about the new maid Edna," Emma says to her husband as they walk back to the house.

"Why? I thought you would like a modern woman." Tom comments confused.

"Well, yeah but think she's after something and it's like she'll get it through any means," Emma says. "I can't help but feel like she's trying to manipulate Billy in some sort of way."

"You're overthinking, love. I doubt Mrs Hughes would allow it." Tom reassures her.

"True," Emma murmurs though she wonders if something will happen before. "Thomas has told me about a fair in Thirsk. This Friday he says. Apparently, a group of them from downstairs are going. Why don't we?"

"Why not."

Emma isn't so sure about Tom's dismissiveness of Edna when they come back to join Billy to find him looking visibly shaken as he sits at the table.

——

Billy had become insistent on the dining downstairs and when Tom backs him up, Emma can't say no, especially when she herself missing sitting with those downstairs despite not all of them being at Downton right now.

"Oh, how can I help, Mrs Branson?" Mrs Hughes asks as Emma enters the Servants' Hall. While the woman often calls Emma by her first name, she understands that Mrs Hughes wouldn't do so in front of the other servants, particularly the new ones.

Thomas stands by the bells, Jimmy and Alfred polishing the silverware further down the table, Daisy seems to be sorting the cups and plates with the help of Anne and Edna has a box open next to her though Emma can't see entirely what she is doing. Mrs Hughes' words draw attention to her. Alfred and Jimmy abruptly stand while Anne and Daisy spin around. Edna sits in her seat, looking at Emma with a judging look. Emma had hoped Gemma would be here but clearly she is busy.

"I was thinking... It's just..." Emma stumbles. While she had used to be one of them, it had been so long and there are now many faces who did not know her when she was a maid.

"Yes?" Mrs Hughes prompts encouragingly.

"I, well we, Mr Branson, Mr Prior and I, thought we'd come down for supper tonight. Catch up with your news." Emma suggests. Her eyes flicker to Edna and she doesn't like the pleased and smug look that appears on the maid's face.

Mrs Hughes looks surprised but quickly continues. "If you would like to, of course, you'd be very welcome. We don't eat late while the family's away, so dinner will be at about eight o'clock."

Emma nods hurriedly, she glances towards Thomas, who gives her a small smile and then says, "I'll see you then." And quickly leaves.

——

"He's what?" Emma hears Mr Carson spit out as she, Tom and Billy approach the Butler's Pantry that evening.

"It's only meant to be friendly." Comes Mrs Hughes replies before Tom knocks on the door and the three enter.

"Good evening, Mr Carson. I don't expect you to approve." Tom greets. Mr Carson glares at him and Billy but only gives a simple disapproving glance to Emma.

"Well, now, come along in." Mrs Hughes urges and practically pushes out of the room.

——

"Know what you're going to wear?" Edna asks. Emma, unfortunately, has to sit directly across from Edna with Jimmy on her left and Tom on her right.

"Nothing good, that's for sure." Gemma remarks from Edna's left.

"I'll keep an eye on the place," Billy says as he sits on Tom's right.

"Oh, don't say you're not coming." Edna suddenly says before quietening quickly when she seems to realise she's overstepping. Thomas glances at her observingly and Emma is glad someone else is noticing. "I-I thought you could drive us."

"There is no need for impertinence, Edna, thank you." Mrs Hughes reprimands her pointedly from Thomas' left.

"Plus, Mr Branson can drive," Emma adds, frowning at Edna.

"No, it's fine. There's lots of us and Mr Branson has already been teaching me. I'll be happy to get you all there." Billy reassures quickly.

"But who'll stay here?" Gemma asks.

"I will." Mr Carson announces.

"You don't want to come to the fair?" Alfred questions.

"I would sooner chew broken glass."

Jimmy and Alfred look pleased with the reply but Emma sees Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes sharing an amused look and realises that it was intentional.

——

The next day is the fair. All of Thirsk and then some seem to be there. These kinds of fairs are good as it is free to enter and only spent how much you wanted to. Emma knows that she won't be going on any of the rides as it'll make her nauseous, which annoys her to no end.

"I said I'd meet him at his stall." Mrs Patmore says as they all slow to take in the scene in front of them. Him being Mrs Patmore's fancy man according to Gemma.

"What's that?" Mrs Hughes asks her, gesturing to the bundle Mrs Patmore carries.

"He asked me to bring sandwiches."

"Can I come?" Alfred asks. "I want to find out where the best food stalls are."

"Why don't we all go?" Mrs Hughes suggests.

"Here's something for us," Jimmy says, taking notice of a sign for tug of war. "Alfred? Mr Branson? Mr Prior? Let's give it a go."

"I don't mind," Tom remarks.

"What about you?" Alfred asks Thomas.

Jimmy snickers. "Isn't it a bit rough for Mr Barrow?"

"Oh, I think I could manage." Thomas retorts as he walks away. Emma raises a pointed eyebrow at Jimmy before following him with Tom close behind.

——

"Any side bets before we begin?" A man calls. He stands in the tug of war, which is marked by some rope creating a rectangular shape. Jimmy, Alfred, Tom, Billy and Thomas stand at one end of a long piece of rope while an equal amount of men stand at the other. The man talking stands at the middle where some fabric has been tied around the rope at the midway point.

"Who'd bet on them?" A man at the front of the opposite team remarks smugly. The rest of his team share similar expressions. Emma doesn't like it and shares an unhappy look with Gemma who stands beside her.

Gemma has been clinging to her side ever since Tom had left it to join in on the tug of war and Emma can't help but feel like, after seeing her husband and Gemma talking, that the maid had been assigned to keep an eye on her.

"What odds would you give us?" Jimmy replies unbothered.

"10 to one." The first man says.

"Right. A quid on the Downton team." Jimmy declares. Emma raises her eyebrows in surprise. Jimmy seems very sure of the Downton group's capabilities.

The opposite team laughs while Jimmy hands the money to the man who had declared the odds. "Any more? Ready?" He picks up the rope where the fabric is tied.

"One moment." Jimmy stops him and turns to a plump man that stands next to Mrs Patmore on the opposite side to Emma. Must be her fancy man. "Mr Tufton, you'll join our team, won't you? As a Downton supplier?"

"If you want us, lad, aye." Mr Tufton takes off his jacket and hat to Mrs Patmore and walks to the end of the rope, just in front of where Emma stands. He turns to two female spectators standing nearby. "Good afternoon, ladies. You all right? They need abut of muscle, so they sent for Tufton. Go on, feel that muscle." He offers his arm to the two females who remark how strong he is and Emma is in shock at his blatant flirting while Mrs Patmore, who he had invited, stands nearby.

"Gentleman, take the strain! Pull!" The man lets go of the rope and the teams begin pulling.

Emma joins in the cheering of the crowd while also admiring how nice her husband looks with the sleeves rolled up and muscles straining.

"Come on, lads!" Daisy is yelling.

"Come on, boys!" Edna cries.

"Mr Tufton!" Mrs Patmore yells cheerfully.

The man who had let go of the rope is looking increasingly annoyed and stressed with the opposing team or it looks that way with how he's yelling at the team.

Eventually, the Downton team are successful as they tumble backwards with the rope, pulling the opposing team forward onto the ground.

"I declare the Downton team the winner!"

Emma cheers and claps. She smiles happily when she sees the beaming smile on her husband's face.

——

While Emma will be too nauseous to go on the swinging boats and swings, she can go on the carousel. She rides next to Tom, having to grip his arm as she accidentally slides too far towards him as she laughs and enjoys herself. Her laughter is cut short however when she sees Edna gripping onto Billy a few seats ahead.

Emma takes a turn at the coconut saloon with Gemma before also finding Isobel and Dr Clarkson at the fair. The Doctor checks in on her health before joining in with other men with trying out some bikes and Isobel draws Emma into blowing up some balloons though Emma completely fails at it as she's never been good at it.

Other things worry Emma though. Mr Tufton seemingly flirting with every woman he sees when Mrs Patmore's back is turned, Edna's continued flirtation with an uncomfortable Billy and how an increasingly drunk Jimmy keeps flashing his cash about like there's no tomorrow.

The good atmosphere is broken when a frantic Jimmy barges into Emma as he pushes through the crowd.

"Oi watch it!" Tom exclaims, pulling Emma away from Jimmy.

"Sorry, Mrs Branson," Jimmy mutters but Emma can see he is distracted. His eyes dart over the crowd determinedly.

"Jimmy? What is it? What's wrong?" Emma questions.

"Where's Dr Clarkson?" Jimmy asks instead.

Emma looks around and spots Isobel with Dr Clarkson sitting at a table under some covering, having a drink. "Over there. But what's—"

She doesn't get a chance to finish as Jimmy runs off in the Doctor's direction.

"What's going on?" Tom wonders.

"Let's find out." Emma decides.

They get near enough to hear Jimmy yell, "Doctor! Doctor, you've got to come now!"

"What is it?" Dr Clarkson questions as he and Isobel stand.

"It's Thomas. Please!"

At those words, Emma's eyes widen in panic and she breaks out into a run after Jimmy, Dr Clarkson and Isobel despite Tom's protests and Billy's once he starts to chew after her himself when he sees the commotion.

——

They come across a beaten up Thomas lying under a bridge. Emma gasps in shock and immediately begins assessing his injuries and helping Dr Clarkson by whipping blood from Thomas' face.

Not only are Dr Clarkson, Emma, Isobel, Jimmy, Tom and Billy surrounding Thomas but Edna, Mrs Hughes and Alfred have joined them as well.

"Is there any chance of apprehending these men?" Isobel questions.

"Not really." Alfred murmurs.

"But why did you get into a fight? It's not like you." Mrs Hughes says to Thomas. Emma sees Thomas looking over her shoulder, she turns to see Jimmy staring back at him. What's going on there?

"What have they taken?" Tom asks.

"Every penny I had, but it wasn't much." Thomas gasps out.

"Is anything broken?" Mrs Hughes asks Dr Clarkson.

"I don't think so." The Doctor replies.

"So, he'll be all right?" Jimmy then asks surprising Emma. His whole behaviour when he came barging through the crowd looking for Dr Clarkson has been surprising considering the rocky relationship Emma knows he and Thomas share.

"We ought to get him home." Emma declares.

"Mr Branson and I will fetch the wagonettes," Billy says, he and Tom leave.

"I'll help him," Alfred says. He assists Dr Clarkson to lift Thomas up while Emma anxiously hovers. Thomas groans in pain.

"Lean on me," Alfred says as he guides Thomas out of the dip they are all gathered in.

Emma helps Dr Clarkson in looking after Thomas once back at Downton and makes sure Thomas is comfortable in his bed before leaving him to rest. He had confessed to her when it's just the two of them that he hadn't simply gotten into a fight but was saving Jimmy. Emma hopes this means the two of them will get along better in the future now.

——

The next day they get a call saying that Mary and Anna are returning. Emma feels immediately feels concerned about Mary but she is reassured that Mary is just unsettled and needs to return to rest.

Emma hears from Billy that Edna has been fired but is leaving with a good reference. Emma thinks it's because of Billy that she's getting a good reference and is also glad that she wasn't the only one that noticed Edna's behaviour.

Emma is anxious to go to Mary once she gets to the Station. Tom insists that they stay and at least have a decent lunch, reminding Emma that if the birth is really imminent, she will need her strength to help Mary get through it.

They are only just finishing, with Billy joining them, about two hours later, when news comes from the train station: Mary and Anna have arrived safely, but Mary has requested to go directly to the Hospital.

Tom, Billy and Emma bolt up from their seats.

"Get what you need," Tom says. "I'll get the car ready."

Emma nods and then runs upstairs for her nursing uniform. She also grabs a bag then goes to Mary's room and grabs a nightshirt, a dressing gown and a handful of toiletries. She has been by Mary's side through check-ups and will be mad if she isn't with her today as she gives birth. Once everything is packed, she runs downstairs. Tom is waiting in the car, already running, while Mr Carson holds the front door open for her with Billy anxiously standing beside him. She doesn't blame him as this is the first birth in the family after Sybil.

"We'll telephone with news once we know the situation." She says to the butler. "And the rest of the family are probably on their way back by now."

"Not to worry, Mrs Branson, we'll have the house ready for their return." Mr Carson replies.

——

When Tom and Emma arrive at the Hospital, only minutes after Mary, who is still in the Entrance Hall with Anna waiting for the duty nurse to direct her to a room, the first words out of Mary's mouth are, "This is your fault." Emma rolls her eyes knowing she's not being entirely serious.

"Lady Mary, we're ready." The group turns to see Dr Clarkson gesturing for them to follow him down the Hall.

Before she does so, Mary looks at Tom. "We left the luggage at the train station."

"I'll get it. Don't worry." He reassures her, even before she asks the question.

"I have some things from the house," Emma says. "But probably not everything you need."

"Why don't I go with him," Anna suggests. "I can unpack and bring back what's needed for yourself and the baby."

"And call Duneagle," Mary adds.

"Don't they know?!" Emma exclaims.

"We sent word from the train station, just after we called the house, but I'd like to know for sure that Matthew's on his way," Mary explains.

"I'll call to say you're back safe but that they should come back as well, if they haven't left already," Tom tells her.

"Pardon me." Dr Clarkson interrupts. "I know plans have to be made, but if the child really is on his way, we should make Lady Mary as comfortable as possible as soon as possible."

"Of course," Emma says. "Go on, darling." She adds, gesturing to Tom that he be on his way.

——

Mary is settled into a small bed in a private room, at the very end of the Hospital, away from the main ward where she'll have privacy and quiet. Emma goes into the nurses' quarters to change into her uniform, glad to not have to use the corset as she's pregnant, and when she returns, Dr Clarkson has just finished his examination.

"And your pain, how often are you feeling it now?" He asks the mother-to-be.

Mary thinks for a moment. "Every quarter of an hour, maybe? I felt it an hour or so before we pulled into the train station. It's what prompted me to come here."

Dr Clarkson nods. "Well, it's still early on. If you wanted to go home—"

"No," Mary says firmly. "Unless you're prepared to tell me that the baby is not going to be born this week, I won't leave the Hospital without him— or her." Emma knows it's important for Mary and the estate, but she really wishes Mary won't pin all her hopes on the baby being a boy.

"Well, I can't promise that it'll be today, but tomorrow surely." Dr Clarkson explains. Considering what happened with Sybil, extra care is needed this time around so it's better for Mary to stay put.

"Thank you, Dr Clarkson," Emma says, stepping forward. "I'll stay with her. You won't need to alter staffing for the Hospital at the moment."

"Thank you, Nurse Branson." Turning to Mary, he adds, "I can't imagine you'll be in better hands."

Mary smiles. "I quite agree."

Once he is gone from the room, Emma comes over and sits on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Anxious to have it done with now," Mary remarks. Emma chuckles, she knows that feeling. "But apparently, I'm just at the start. He did say that nothing looked out of order, not like..."

Emma smiles sadly. "Not like Sybil?" Mary nods, as if afraid to say something more. Emma takes Mary's hand. "You should hope that it all goes smoothly. You needn't feel guilty if it does."

Mary doesn't look quite cheered yet. "I just wish I'd known more. I would have spoken up, supported Mama, Billy and you."

Emma shakes her head and dismissively waves her hand. "Don't dwell on that now, we can't change the past. Just focus on keeping calm and resting. You'll need all your strength soon enough."

"Will you be here with me tonight?" Mary shakily asks.

Emma smiles. "Of course."

——

Mary has a fitful night's sleep, with the pains growing closer together and growing in intensity. She is tired but in good spirits and seems ready for what comes next in every respect save for Matthew's absence.

Emma remains with her all night, taking only a small rest in the early hours of the morning, when Isobel, who had arrived in the afternoon after being alerted, comes to check on Mary again and offers to give Emma a reprieve. Emma only sleeps for several hours, but by the time she wakes up, she can see that the baby's arrival will happen likely no later than that very afternoon.

——

"I wish Matthew were here." Mary huffs as Isobel sits by her side, holding her hand. Emma wipes her forehead with a towel. "It's funny. I feel as if I'm only half myself without him."

"He'll be arriving soon I bet," Emma reassures.

"And you won't want him in the room till it's all over, trust me!" Isobel says with a grin Mary huffs a laugh out.

"I had Tom in the room. I felt he aught to suffer a little." Emma remarks.

Mary laughs again but then groans in pain. "Oh!"

"It won't be long now," Isobel reassures her.

"We must ring Carson. He'll be in such a state." Mary says.

"I will," Isobel tells her.

"I shouldn't have gone up north. How could I be so stupid?" Mary laments.

"The baby will be well Mary. It's going to only be slightly early but that's okay, we'll look after them." Emma reassures her softly. Mary nods and gives her a thankful smile.

——

Mary's delivery goes off without complication. She gives birth to a son. He weighs a healthy seven pounds, with bright blue eyes and features that suggest he will grow up to be the spitting image of his father.

Mary, being her father's daughter, is immediately pleased that she has borne an heir on her first try. Emma is too happy for her to point out the silliness of the notion that boys are more important and lets Mary bask in her success.

Emma calls to tell Mr Carson and he's a blubbering mess.

"Thank you. Thank you very much." He says earnestly.

Emma laughs. "We'll keep you posted."

"Thank you very much indeed." He ends the call and it is then Emma realises that he never asked about the sex. Oh well.

——

"He's perfect," Emma says as she watches Mary hold the tiny creature, cleaned and bundled into a blanket.

Mary has nothing to say for several minutes. Her eyes cloud over with tears, but there is no crying, only relief and love. Emma smiles on seeing the usually stoic woman allowing herself to be this emotional.

"Is he really all right? There's nothing wrong?" Mary asks frantically out without taking her eyes off her son.

"Like I said, he's perfect." Emma answers.

"He is, isn't he?" Mary says, beaming.

"Do you know what you'll call him?"

"Not yet," Mary replies. "We haven't settled on one. I liked Alistair, after great-grandpapa. Matthew was partial to George."

"Well, Matthew should be here soon enough, and you can decide. In the meantime, I have spoken with Mr Carson, so they'll have the news at home when they arrive." Emma tells her.

But Mary is too taken with the bundle in her arms to say anything in response. Emma can only smile at the sight of the enamoured mother.

She steps outside of the room, to let them be alone. Once she has closed the door, Emma finally allows the tears she had been holding back to roll down her cheeks, tears of joy, relief and exhaustion all mixed together.

"You did well, Nurse Branson."

Emma jumps and her head snaps towards the voice. Dr Clarkson stands there smiling.

She lets out a watery chuckle. "Thank you. Don't know why I'm crying." Emma wipes her cheeks. "I'm blaming the hormones."

"Perhaps, but it could be a relief after all that has happened." Dr Clarkson suggests.

"Maybe, but I warn you, there'll be more tears when the father arrives," Emma remarks.

"I do not doubt it." He chuckles.

——

As it turns out, Matthew misses his son's birth only by a little over an hour. Emma and Isobel linger by the entrance, waiting for him to appear. Matthew bursts through the Hospital doors, hands shaking and looking like he is about to collapse when he sees the two of them. His features draw together in desperation as he looks at them expectantly. They guide him down the corridor to the room Mary and the baby are in.

"She's fine." His mother says. "So is he. They're both fine."

His shoulders drop in relief and his emotions seem to turn into one of jubilation. He kisses Isobel on the cheek before abruptly doing the same to Emma, which catches her by surprise causing her to laugh. Tears are wetting his eyes as he stumbles to the door of Mary's room. Emma shakes her head at him with a chuckle.

Isobel lets out her own. "We better let the new family be alone though I better go to Downton, keep at bay."

"Quite right."

Isobel leaves to return to Downton while Emma lingers on the other side of the door that contains the happy family.

——

Emma has just closed the door behind her when she hears footsteps coming up the hallway. Her face brightens for a moment at the sight of Robert and her husband.

"What are you doing here?" She chuckles. "Can't believe it's really a boy and come to see for yourself, have you?"

But the teasing question is only just out of her mouth when Robert steps into the light and Emma sees his face. His eyes are red-rimmed as if he has been crying recently. Tom's face is equally solemn and downcast. Emma turns her head to seek his eyes out, but he just looks away.

"What is it?" Emma asks.

"Is she awake?" Robert asks instead.

Emma's heart begins to race and dread begins to pool in the pit of her stomach. "What is it, Robert?"

"Is she awake? Is the baby with her?"

"He's with the nurse. What's wrong?" Emma can't take this suspense anymore.

Robert and Tom look at each other and Tom nods.

"Tom?" Emma asks, looking at her husband expecting to find the usual comfort in his eyes and seeing fear and resignation instead. Robert moves to open the door. "Robert, please..."

But Robert ignores Emma and goes in, pushing the door closed behind him. Emma, now growing angry, turns the knob but feels Tom's hand over hers. She looks into his eyes again.

He closes his eyes and sighs. "Matthew is dead."

Emma shakes her head as if shaking the thought away, not accepting what she'd just heard.

"I'm sorry, love."

"But—"

"It was a motoring accident, just a few miles from here. I-I saw it."

Emma brings her hands to her face and crumples into Tom's chest. After a moment, she pulls her arms down and around Tom's waist and the two stand there comforting one another for several minutes before Emma's grief becomes concern for Mary. Abruptly, she pushes Tom away and moves to open the door once again. This time he doesn't stop her, and when she does Mary is standing there, on the other side.

The two women look at one another for a long moment before Mary says, "I need to see him."

Emma numbly nods and steps aside to let Mary step out of the room.

Immediately, Robert speaks up, "Emma, bring her back here. She needs to lie down!"

Emma hesitates for a second before turning to Tom. "Where is he?" Tom looks torn. "Tell me or I'll just look myself."

Tom nods, resigned, and turns to guide them toward the basement room that serves as the Hospital's morgue. Emma grips Mary's arms and guides the woman along the corridors.

Robert, on their heels, "Tom, Emma, this is ridiculous. Stop at once!" But he is ignored.

It is a short walk, to the end of the Hall and down the stairs. Neither Tom nor Emma speak to Mary. Mary seems to be barely registering what's around her. Emma pulling her along seems the only reason she's moving along with them.

When they arrive, the door to the room is open. Mary steps forward, but Emma puts her hand on her arm, stopping her.

"Are you sure?" She asks her. Emma doesn't know how this'll help.

"I need to see him," Mary says firmly.

"You can't unsee it," Emma warns her. "I won't stop you, but I need you to tell me you're sure."

"I need to see him," Mary repeats. It seems to be the only thing her mind is set on. She steps into the room. Emma tries to walk in with her but Tom holds her back.

Mary walks to the only bed on which there appears to be a body. The bed is low to the ground. Mary hesitates then before bending over, grabbing a fistful of the sheet and pulling it away unceremoniously. She squeezes her eyes shut immediately and looks away. Robert pushes past Emma, who had put her hands over her eyes and turned into her husband's chest once more, and is at Mary's side in an instant. He puts his arm around her to pull her away, but she stops him.

"Wait," Mary says quietly. She kneels and, with her sleeve, begins to clean off the blood coming out of his right ear. She runs her fingers through his hair several times then she closes his eyes. She stands and breaks down into tears before fainting in her father's arms.

——

A/N: I'm sorry to those who probably wanted me to save Matthew but I just wanted to show how the whole story is about Emma travelling back in time and how she reacts to Downton and how the world is affected by her presence. This isn't an alternative 'what if' where they survive.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

[saphushia]

i'm sure u meant most of this as retorical but imma use it to infodump anyways

ALRIGHT SO digimon are technically creatures that exist in a kind of cyberspace (or in some series a different dimension that is accessed through cyberspace), but for simplicity's sake you can understand them basically as creatures that exist in another dimension that is closely tied to the 'real' world. the vast majority are fully sentient and capable of human speech (mostly it's just the baby digimon that can't talk, but there are some other cases where they're more animal-like in behavior. but in general it's safe to assume any digimon is sentient and can talk no matter how much they just look like some animal)

most digimon just kinda. live their lives. some wander the forest and hunt other digimon and others live in communities and villages that they build and maintain themselves with 0 human influence. typically when they evolve it's a one and done deal and they're now forever that evolution (like with pokemon) (until/unless they evolve again. there's USUALLY 6 evolution stages but most digimon don't reach the final stages unless partnered with a human)

SOME digimon though become partners to humans (usually it's a one digimon per human kind of thing), typically either thru fate/destiny (technically it's more complicated than that but it varies by series and explaining it fully will only be more confusing) matching them with a human partner they'll be able to resonate and form a bond with, or by naturally meeting a human that they just hit it off with and decide to stay with. through having a bond with a human, and (usually) a device called a digivice (in the fate/destiny scenario this comes as a package deal with getting a digimon partner) they're able to temporarily evolve to further stages, and then de-evolve back to their previous stage (typically they stay in the 3rd stage most of the time, with the first 2 being baby stages).

so it's not really a 'capture a human woman and use them to fight animals' situation, but rather a 'befriend a sapient animal and then through the power of friendship it turns into a super strong human woman to beat up other animals to protect you' type deal.

on the evolution side of things- digimon evolutions are often less straightforward than pokemon evolutions. some of them DO have pretty straightforward progression, like agumon-

but then some of them are also wierd as hell like tailmon

they also have branching evolutions, unlike (most) pokemon, so 2 digimon of the same species might evolve into 2 different digimon. by which i mean... well, here's a tiny selection of other evolution paths for tailmon

usually they don't change their evolution even after de-evolving. so like, if your cat evolves into a woman it's not going to be a bug or a different woman next time you evolve it (it's different in some of the games for y'know. gameplay reasons. but i'm mostly referring to the lore of the various tv series here)

it's also generally implied that how they're raised impacts their evolution path. this can mean that if someone is cruel to their digimon partner it will evolve into a bloodthirsty monster (though typically this is reversible and if they de-evolve and you start raising them with care they'll evolve differently next time)

theres a lot more lore thats very confusing out of context (what the thing i'm nebulously referring to fate/destiny here ACTUALLY is, fusion and armor evolution, crests, hybrids, reincarnation, etc...) but like that's the basic gist of how digimon work

so you get isekai'd and get a government assigned talking monster friend who turns into a bigger monster or sometimes a human person to fight off other monsters and monster-humans trying to kill you for whatever personal reason they have to try to kill you. simple

I love digimon cause u can say shit like 'the gun digimon' or 'the bondage digimon' and it's like yeah man there's at least 5 of those. which one

[cornshaq7897]

Continuing with this years Halloween themed Play it Throughs its Addams Family Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt for the SNES and pretty fun platformer.

[sinus-game]

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