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talesofsonicasura · 3 years ago

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Stone Novas

Ch 4: Exposition

Astra's secret is revealed to Team Monkie Kid much to her dismay! A challenge is wagered, plots are formed and soon wills shall be tested. CH3 CH5

Megapolis' Docks, Secret Base

To say Astra was upset would be an understatement. She was thoroughly pissed off for one good reason. Sun Wukong, Monkey King and 'Great Sage Equal To Heaven' didn't know how to keep his mouth shut. And the feeling to flay him grew as Mei poked at the Frontier Brain.

All of them had hustled back to the Secret Base after MK had blurted out her otherworldly origins. Luckily, no one else was there to hear it. When the young man had accidentally sent himself flying out of the Weather Station, not only did Wukong appear to take away his invulnerability but also told him about her Battle Observatory.

He didn't mention Macaque oddly enough or her taking his clothes, no doubt to keep some of his pride. The reactions from Sandy, Pigsy, Tang and Mei were expected once they got back into the base after a silent ride. Dumbfounded disbelief from MK's boss, curiosity from Tang, awe and wonderment from Sandy, as for Mei…

"Are you human or is this a disguise?! Wouldn't that make Bao Chang, Lupe, Mars, and that giant bird Siegfried alien animals?! Are there any dragon Pokemon where you're from?" A thousand questions alongside her wild poking and prodding. Astra didn't mind someone being curious but this was aggravating.

Having enough with the mildly rude treatment, the redhead grabbed Mei's hand tightly. "I would love to talk if you stop scrutinizing me like a Noctowl pellet." Astra let the raven quickly scoot away, slightly embarrassed but still had that same vigor. The Frontier Brain massaged her head, carefully picking her next words before speaking.

"I am human but from an alternate Earth. Instead of demons, we have Pokemon that can be found everywhere whether it be land, sea, sky and even space itself. During my free time, I usually explore various worlds by traveling through Ultra Space but I am actually the Frontier Brain for the Battle Observatory."

Mk had heard about the facility Astra owned from the Monkey King although neither of them knew what it really meant. Picking up on the young man's confusion, the ginger continued her explanation. "Where I'm from we have something called Pokemon Battles."

Mars connected his tail into the base's computer, the screen switching to display a battle between two trainers and their respective Pokemon: a bipedal rhinoceros covered in orange stone plates and a smaller bipedal chinchilla with large white fur that curled like locks of hair.

"Trainers bring out their Pokemon to battle and give them instructions. When all Pokemon on the opponent's team is unable to battle, the Trainer whose team is left standing wins. No Pokemon are forced to battle without their consent and no killing is allowed." The chinchilla-like Pokemon took down the much larger opponent with a strong blow to the head, spirals appearing on the eyes of the knocked out rhinoceros Pokemon.

Mars then changed the screen to display six different buildings, one of them being the Battle Observatory. A picture of Astra stood in front of the observatory as a shadow silhouette stood at the other 5 facilities. "There are tournaments that test the mettle of both Trainers and their Pokemon, the Pokemon League but we'll be discussing my domain, the Battle Frontier."

Battle Frontier, just two words that sent a shiver down the spines of everyone in the room. MK, unlike the rest of his companions, had a look of determination but also hope in his eyes. Something that made the redhead smile brightly.

"Trainers have to face the Frontier Brains, powerful trainers and their Pokemon that can rival the strength of the Champion for each respective region. Those who defeat a Frontier Brain, earn a symbol of their success, a badge for that gym. If someone manages to collect 5 of these badges, then they can become a Frontier Brain for their own facility. This is my badge, the Nova Badge!"

Astra then took something out of her pocket. It was a metal badge that resembled a fiery meteor from the red flame locale surrounding the yellow star shape and the center was a gray X bearing sharpened edges similar to a stake.

"Only those with conviction to face the burning flames of tribulation and strife can earn this badge. One of the reasons many trainers call me the Battle Frontier's Shooting Star." The redhead didn't even flinch when MK and his companions had suddenly gotten into personal space.

"Woah! That is the coolest thing I have ever seen. It looks really well made too! I wish I had my own badge but I really don't like fighting." Sandy stated with mild disappointment. Astra patted the big aquatic demon on the side and gave him a kind grin. "I can make you a custom badge if you want, Sandy. Send me a design and I'll have it ready in a few days."

The redhead chuckled at the sudden bone crushing hug she had gotten from a very happy Sandy. Pigsy was a bit indifferent to the whole otherworld thing. "As long as you come in peace then I don't really care about your origins. Plus you have a good head on your shoulders considering what happened back at the Weather Station."

Every member of the Monkie Kid team knew where the restaurant owner was getting at. All of them would've been captured by Red Son after MK got taken out of the fight. They couldn't forget about the people that might have been hurt or worse without Astra's intervention.

Something that raised a question for a certain bandana wearing young man. "Hey Astra, can I talk with you outside for a moment?" The Frontier Brain gave MK a confused look before nodding. Mars could fill in any questions the rest of the group had anyway. Neither of them said a word until the two adults were back on the boat.

It was here that Astra saw the brunette's carefree attitude dissolve into disappointment and shame. She had a bad feeling about this. "Do you think I'm worthy enough to be the Monkie Kid?" Now the Frontier Brain really hated where this was going.

"Back at the Weather Station, I was practically useless during the whole thing. I hurt Sandy with the staff and nearly got everyone captured because of my invulnerability ego. I even flung myself out of the building with my own weapon! Sometimes I feel like being able to pick up the Monkey King's Staff was a huge fluke. I…"

MK didn't get to finish when Astra gently caressed his cheek, a warm motherly expression on her face. "It's ok to feel like this, MK. You are new to this whole experience but I know for damn sure that your achievements aren't fake! I read about you saving the city from that huge Demon Bull King fiasco some time ago."

She pulled him into a side hug and turned to the open ocean. "When I first started out as a trainer, sometimes I doubted if I could even become a Frontier Brain. There were times that I wanted to give up but my friends and my Pokemon gave me the courage to keep trying. Look at me now, I achieved my goal alongside my faithful partners. Remember that 'the strongest mountain started as a stone.'"

MK then felt something metallic in his hand and stared down in shock to see a colorless Nova Badge sitting on his open palm. "I want you to hold onto this badge, little Kubfu. When you have found and mastered your full potential, face my team to fully complete that badge. If the Monkey King's training isn't sufficient, I won't mind stepping in for some proper training."

Astra's grin sharpened, the sun making her apple green eyes glow like emeralds and her flaming red hair burn like fire. "I might not have magical powers but I definitely can teach you how to wield a staff. A lot of my Pokemon would also love to help you master your newfound magic. What do you say MK? Want to take your training to the next level?"

The young man looked at the Frontier Brain. His uncertainty became hardened determination. "Please teach me how to become stronger!" MK bowed his head in respect, a sign of a student ready to learn under their master. Astra's smile grew from the young man's response. Now she had a few things to do before she started training MK.

Flower Fruit Mountain, Water Curtain Cave

Siegfried let out a mighty caw as he soared through the air. The Frontier Brain was currently seated on the Raven's Pokemon back with her goggles keeping any volcanic ash away from her eyes. All of the monkeys who saw the large Steel/Flying Type quickly scattered or watched Siegfried fly through the curtain of a waterfall.

This particular waterfall was shielding a cavern that held a small wooden shack within its stone walls, Sun Wukong's home. Once Siegfried landed and was recalled to his Pokeball, Astra went over to the house. She had spotted a large ancient mural to the side depicting Wukong alongside three other people.

A pig demon, fish demon, and a human monk riding on the back of a horse as Wukong sat on top of his cloud with a fillet on his head. It was quite eerie but not for the soft golden glow that lined the characters. No, it was the fact that they looked too much like Pigsy, Sandy and Tang that unnerved the redhead.

Astra walked up to the door of the small home and gave it a hard knock. The door opened to show a disgruntled looking Monkey King who was probably asleep earlier from the yellow pjs decorated in peaches. The demon quickly straightened himself upon seeing those apple green eyes glare into his own ambers. "Fancy seeing you here, Astra. Want to come in?" Wukong nervously laughed, he knew he was in hot water.

"You told MK about my origins WITHOUT my permission, jackass! What in the absolute Distortion World were you thinking?!" The redhead harshly poked the monkey's chest, every word burning with rage. The Monkey King raised his hands innocently despite Astra looking ready to skin his hide.

"I can't keep such information from my successor! MK had the right to know and I trust the kid to keep a secret." Wukong took a step back when the Frontier Brain snarled and dragged him down by his pajama shirt so they were at eye level.

"You are an idiot of the highest caliber and a poor teacher! I read the story about MK fighting that giant bull demon and saw him recklessly using your staff back at the Weather Station. Have you even given him proper training at all?!" Astra hissed, glaring daggers into the demon's fiery amber eyes.

Wukong nervously smiled at the accusation which didn't help with what he said next. "The kid did defeat Demon Bull King and came out of both fights completely fine. We've been practicing some hand to hand combat too. MK just needs to believe in himself, even just a tiny smidge." The Monkey King's world turned upside down in seconds as he hit the ground.

Astra sat on top of him, her legs straddled between his so he couldn't move while she held him up to her face with an iron grip. "You are an incompetent fool that clearly doesn't know what he's doing! Did you know MK asked me if he was even worthy of being your successor? That he thought of his achievements as a mere fluke, you insufferable Stunfisk?!"

Wukong's smile dissolved into a shameful frown. Did he really make his student believe that he was a failure? The mere thought made his heart sink. "I'll be taking over MK's training from now on since it's clear you are ill suited for the task." He instantly froze. Did she really just…?

"What do you mean you're taking over?" A look of anger and shock crossed Sun Wukong from the Frontier Brain's words. Astra didn't seem to care about the Monkey King's growing temper. "You heard me. Unless you start taking MK's training seriously, then my Pokemon and I will do it instead. I may not have powers but I can teach him to wield a staff. My team can handle the magic part since you're shit for this job."

Rage boiled underneath the demon's skin. What gave this human the right to say he was an unsuitable teacher? It's his powers and his staff! Who did she think she was to say that to the Monkey King, Great Sage Equal To Heaven, Sun Wukong?!! He'd- The monkey demon immediately stamped that thought before it could continue and instead turned his head away.

This wasn't about him. It was about his student MK. Astra had a point, the young man wasn't ready at all and if a tougher opponent came along… The look of remorse on Wukong's face was enough for the redhead's rage to slowly simmer down.

"How about a compromise? If you are that serious about helping MK, then battle Bao Chang." Sun Wukong immediately looked at the human woman in surprise. "It is said that someone's true intentions can be revealed in the heat of battle. Clash with my darling Monferno at the Battle Observatory on the morning of next week and show me how far you will truly go for your disciple."

The redhead got off the Monkey King so he could get back onto his feet. He could see in those apple green eyes that Astra wasn't fooling around. His only chance. "Alright. I'll accept your challenge. Where do we meet up since we're going back to your world?" Wukong's question only got him a chuckle from the Frontier Brain.

"Ask your apprentice, he'll tell you." With that said, Astra walked away from his home leaving the Monkey King to his thoughts.

Megapolis, Astra's House

The sound of a hammer hitting steel echoed across the small forest. It was from Bao Chang who was fastening a brand new windowsill to the upper floor of the old house, a paintbrush wrapped around his tail too. Astra and some of her Pokemon decided to fix up their brand new home after returning from Flower Fruit Mountain.

Bao Chang worked on replacing the windows, Lupe disposed of any garbage he found, Mars scanned for any issues with the infrastructure and Siegfried helped transport any of the heavy goods such as furniture or any stuff that can be exchanged for extra cash. Aniani kept watch in case of an accident or intruder, as for Astra…

"Sticky Web, Arachne!" A large blob of webbing struck the worn pillar. The substance slipped it into the cracks with the wood, Astra then placed a large metal sheet onto the sticky goo. "El Dorado, melt that metal a bit with Incinerate!" Quickly stepping back as a stream of fire hit the steel plate.

The intense flame caused the alloy to slowly curl around the pillar's surface until it was fully enveloped. Another stream of fire went down where the two ends to the sheet metal converged, sealing it together. With a short inspection of the plating, Astra gave a thumbs up to the two Pokemon responsible.

One Pokemon was a shockingly large black spider around 12'3 in size, six long yellow legs with the bottom half black that had medium sized water bubbles on each joint, a big water bubble that encased their head, two large blue eyes bearing light blue horizontal wave shaped pupils with three smaller triangle blue eyes on the forehead, four large fangs at the bottom of the head, a vertical tannish brown streak with two horizontal ones on the top of the abdomen and a small yellow stinger on their rear.

The other one was a 1'3 dark gold gremlin, eyes were light gold diamonds cut in an hexagon shape, two fin like ears bearing two points on each side of their head, a small emerald on their chest alongside a small jade and light gold crystals on the back, three fingered claws, three fur like spikes on the elbows and three toed bearing sharp claws. On their left arm was a dark violet wristband that held a black, red and violet jewel inside.

"Looks pretty stable. Got a few more support pillars to go, think you can handle it Arachne and El Dorado?" Astra first looked at the large spider then to the small gremlin Pokemon. The large spider Pokemon named Arachne did a small nod while the little gremlin El Dorado gave a thumbs up.

The Frontier Brain shortly paused as a serious expression overtook her face. Her focus was on the corner of the room that was unnaturally darker than the others. "Arachne, Bubblebeam over there!" The large spider took a deep breath before letting loose a rapid stream of dark blue bubbles.

In seconds, a purple outlined shadow cudgel emerges and promptly bursts every single bubble with a single swing. Macaque took a step out of the shadows, clearly impressed from the fang filled grin on his face. Astra only sighed at the sight of the shadow demon.

"I guess you do have some decent senses to detect me. Nice improvement on this dumpster pile by the way." The Frontier Brain rolled her eyes at the intruding monkey, both Pokemon beside her had their guard up. A sight that made Macaque chuckle.

"Usually I am not that defensive unless near a potential threat. I just didn't know that you used to eat humans before we met." Astra spoke, her arms crossed and an offensive edge to her voice. Dismissing the shadow cudgel from his hands, the demon gave the redhead a mischievous look.

"I knew you overheard me and Sun Wukong the other night instead of going to your room. Had me surprised when you still treated my wounds while keeping calm from your steady heartbeat. Pretty brave and bold, Apple." Macaque walked closer until he was standing in front of the Frontier Brain.

The demon could still hear her heart remain steady despite their close proximity, a thought that made his tail wag happily. "What do you want, Macaque? Because I'm pretty sure spying on someone isn't a proper visit." Astra didn't feel like playing around at the moment. One demon had already gotten on her nerves, she didn't need two.

"Straight to the point I see! What I want is to train under your tutelage." Astra looked at the shadow demon like he was crazy. She let Macaque continue with his explanation. "My clash with the Monkey King proved my training methods are ineffective, training dummies can only do so much. What's a better sparring partner other than a Frontier Brain?"

The redhead kept her eyes on the monkey as he circled around her, Arachne and El Dorado stayed silent. Both Pokemon were waiting for any sign of a threat. "So how about a deal? I help around your observatory and you let me battle your Pokemon in exchange. I can even help fix up this rusty junk heap as a bonus." Macaque offered, a calm yet manic grin etched on his face.

Astra mulled over the proposition in her head. She wasn't stupid or naive. Macaque and Wukong had a nasty history paired with a mile wide grudge. There was also the chance of manipulation for the Frontier Brain since the monkey demon might have abandonment issues, inferiority complex and probably low esteem.

Taking his offer could lead to two scenarios. He'll end up taking revenge on Sun Wukong, possibly dragging anyone associated with the Monkey King into it. Or two, she could learn their history and might be able to help both demons before their sour relationship leads to a much bigger problem down the road.

Whatever the case, these two needed help. "Fine but you must listen to what I say and respect any rules that I make. By the way, if you try to use whatever you learn against some innocent soul…" Astra's eyes sharpened, her teeth on full display from the huge snarl and a dark aura came off the redhead in waves.

The sudden malice was enough for Macaque to take a step back in instinctual fright. "I won't hesitate to show you why I'm the most feared amongst my peers in the Battle Frontier. Angels, demons or gods, nothing will save you from my wrath. Got it, little Alolan Rattata?" The shadow demon quickly nodded at the Frontier Brain's threat.

In seconds the frightening aura quickly vanished as Astra clapped her hands happily. "Splendid. For now, you'll be helping El Dorado and Arachne with enforcing the support beams. Arachne is my dear Araquanid while El Dorado is my sweet Sableye." Both Pokemon waved a hand or leg in Arachne's case in greeting to the demon monkey.

Macaque was about to say something when the redhead threw two small cards at him. Quickly catching them, dark amber slightly widened to see they were Pokedex Entries for the two Pokemon before him. Although the one for El Dorado looked different since the Sableye in that picture was violet instead of gold.

"'Araquanid, the Water Bubble Pokemon. Bug/Water Type. The water bubble around Araquanid's head can be used to carry Pokemon they consider as friends to safety or drown potential prey. It has a habit of storing things it likes in its water bubble so their trainers have to be extra careful to not get dragged in. This Pokemon likes to savor its meal and can also launch the bubbles from its legs as another way to capture live prey.'" Macaque looked warily at the giant spider before reading the other card.

"'Sableye, the Darkness Pokemon. A Ghost/Dark Type-'" The demon monkey went silent for a few seconds. 'What in the absolute hell?' Macaque shoved the thought in the back of his head before continuing his low mutters.

"'-It digs up gems with its sharp claws then uses its sharp teeth to devour them in the deep darkness of caverns. This diet caused Sableye's eyes to become gemstones and some of that material to float to the surface of their bodies. It's feared for the misconception that these Pokemon can steal the souls of people when their eyes glow a sinister color in the dark.'"

The shadow demon paused to look at the card then the small Darkness Pokemon. He blinked a few times before pocketing the Pokedex entries into his jeans. Macaque had a feeling this won't be the only time Astra decides to make him feel uneasy. Shrugging his shoulders, the monkey resigned himself to his fate and got to work with the repairs.

Megapolis, Flaming Foundry

Deep underneath Megapolis, there laid a massive factory unknown to others. This facility was the Flaming Foundry, where every mechanical creation was manufactured to assist the Demon Bull Family. A family of three who seeked to rule the world in an age of darkness and fire: Princess Iron Fan, her husband Demon Bull King and their child Red Son.

Standing in front of a large screen was Red Son alongside two others. One was a huge minotaur type bull demon around 15 in size, powerful bulging muscles to red violet fur that seemed to almost synthetic, bottom jaw covered in a heavy steel plate with similar steel under burning yellow eyes, a gold bull nose ring, gear similar to that of a barbarian: steel pauldrons, multiple straps on the chest that held a gold furnace like slot at the center, dark grey pelt around the waist similar to a barbarian's, slightly long tail, sharp clawed fingers, large fangs and strong gray hooved feet.

The other was a woman about a ft taller than Red Son, soft tan complexion, two large black horns on both sides of her head, long raven hair, red lipstick on full lips, thin but buxom form hidden under a beautiful red traditional Chinese dress, and heeled sandals. They were Red Son's parents, Princess Iron Fan and Demon Bull King. Red Son seemed mostly healed from his encounter with Team Monkie Kid minus a few bandages.

All three of them were watching the large monitor, it was on the news which covered the Weather Station. The broadcast was about none other than two of Astra's Pokemon rescuing civilians who were trapped inside. "-No one knows what these strange creatures were but the families of those who were trapped inside are truly grateful for their assistance."

Red Son then changed the feed to camera footage from the Weather Station, most of the audio was fried courtesy of Mars' hacking the mainframe earlier. "I can see why your plan went asunder, my dear son. You said this woman's name was Astra?" PIF questioned, looking at her only child.

The red haired demon did a short nod before answering. "Yes from what Noodle Boy called her during our battle. All those creatures appear to follow her command; unlike Noodle Boy's group, she's very competent in both strategy and execution. The marks of a tactician."

DBK looked inquisitively at the footage. His attention darted from Bao Chang tearing apart their soldiers using various elements, to Lupe destroying his troops with powerful acid then blasting his son away in a giant laser, Mars stealthily hack into the Weather Station's mainframe and finally Astra's conversion of a broom handle into a weapon that melted through titanium steel. He's seen that type of cleverness before, it got him trapped underneath a mountain for 500 years.

"It appears the little thief has made a powerful and dangerous ally. Get as much information on this 'Shooting Star Astra' and 'Battle Frontier'. Even better if you somehow manage to capture her." DBK glared at the Frontier Brain's picture, a dark grimace on his face.

"This human woman could change everything."

And that's it! Sun Wukong has been challenged by Astra while Macaque and MK are accepted for training as things slowly begin to change in the background with some of the LMK villains.

Astra isn't someone who would beat around the bush when seeing a possible problem. Especially considering her status as a Frontier Brain and just how dangerous this new world is proving to be.

She is the type who wants to be prepared for the worst. To her, Sun Wukong and Macaque's 'relationship' is an issue just as bad as MK's current training routine.

Moving onto Astra's Pokemon, her team is the Pokemon she had caught during her journey to become a Frontier Brain, not exclusively just six Pokemon. Her Pokemon has two different movesets which is reserved for either exploration or gym battles. I'm bringing this up now to not only clear up any confusion but especially for upcoming chapters.

And for anyone questioning why Astra didn't do anything to Sandy for hugging her, it's because only touches with any romantic sort of sense are a trigger. Stuff like hugs don't bother Astra.

Next chapter is the battle with Sun Wukong! Before I go, I am currently working on a story for my Broken Toys AU! Someone asked if I was going to release all the information first before writing it.

The answer is actually no. I will be posting some stuff for the au like the monsters MK has and his relationship to them but the really juicy ones will be coming once a few chapters are posted.

Until next time folks, see you back in Megapolis.

New Pokemon added! El Dorado the Sableye and Arachne the Araquanid

Astra's team: Bao Chang (Monferno), Siegfried (Corviknight), Lupe (Garbodor), Aniani (Necrozma), Arachne (Araquanid), Mukasa (Zarude), El Dorado (Shiny!Sableye).

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uhgoodmoni · 4 years ago

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Nothing that Lasts Forever

A BTS Horror Fanfiction

Ao3 link - Wattpad link - Soundtrack

Trailer - ch1 - ch2 - ch3 - ch4 - ch5 - ch6 - ch7 - ch8 - ch9

Warnings: Major Character Death, Blood, Demons, Fighting, Verbal and Physical Abuse, Mention of marijuana, Death, Cursing, Fire, Unintentional Self-harm, Gore. Yoongi’s injury

Chapter 4: People

Yoongi’s POV

“YOONGI.”

I blink, staring up at the dark ceiling. Did someone call my name? With a deep sigh, I reach for my phone. 3:33 am. 85% charge. It’s still chilly despite having the blankets tucked in all around me.

“YOONGI.” My body jolts up in a sitting position. My heart beats faster, breaths longer. It came from down the hall. The voice was Hobi’s. He wasn’t calling for me. He was screaming. I slide myself from under the covers, my bare feet sinking to the floor. My eyes twitch at the cold, I reach for some socks in my bag, quickly sliding them over my feet.

I stand, holding myself up with my bed trying to adjust to the darkness. As I near the door I flip my switch but the light doesn’t come on. Still holding my phone, I turn on the flashlight. The living room’s yellow light shines into the end of the hall. I glance at Jungkook’s room. Door open. Hoseok’s room. Door open. What is going on?

I hop quickly to Koo’s room, peering in. “Jungkook?” The bed is a mess, but no one is in it. I look back down the hall. Sliding quickly over to the next room. The silence is thick only my own heartbeat permeates it. I peer past the door. The bed is still neat, no one in it. My head pops back into the hallways. There’s another door. One that wasn’t there before.

My feet are stuck in place. The frame of the door leads to darkness. No actual door between the house and whatever was there. What do I even do? Okay. I call for Hobi.

“Hoseok?” I speak out to the house. My voice makes the air shutter, that being the only noise.

“Yoongi!” His voice is softer this time, coming from the… hole in the wall.

I try and breathe evenly, taking one step towards the door. Though it doesn’t make any sense, I’m not going to try and make sense of it. I reach the door. A step. Wooden and rotten, the same color as the wood on the back of the cabin. I swallow, the light from the living room only illuminating three steps down. I can’t tell how far down it goes. It’s just black.

“Hoseok?” I mumble, my arms rigid at my side. The wall of black starts at the fourth. The cold of the floor seeps through the thin fabric of my socks. It shutters through my feet and my legs. Dread gropes at my body. My breaths getting faster.

“Yoongi?” Hoseok's voice cries from further down in the dark. “Please help me.” his voice is soft. He sounds like he’s been crying.

I stare downwards. Hobi’s down there. In the dark. I’ve never been scared of the dark. Not until this moment. Not a sliver of light reaches past the third step. It’s just. Nothing. There’s nothing there.

Just take a step. For Hobi. I look back in the hallway, checking my back. I take one step, the wood aching underneath my foot. It’s much colder one step down already. The wood is stiff as though it hasn’t been stepped on in years. Cold, untouched by warm air.

My flashlight. I raise my phone, shining down a few steps. Cobwebs cling to the wall and the steps as they go further. A breeze from an unknown source chills the air as I take another step. The air smells of damp soil, and rot. I breathe slowly through my mouth, taking one step at a time.

“Hobi?” I whisper. He might not have even heard it. How far down is he? Why is he here? Slowly I raise the flashlight trying to get the room, as I step further down. A glimmer. There. I focus the flashlight at the bottom of the stairs. One pair of eyes.

“Yoongi?” He’s laying on the floor, leaning on the bottom stairs. His skin is pale in the dark green. Blue tinted against the stone next to him. The foundation of the very cabin around us. His face is distorted.

“Shit.” I rush down the rest of the stairs, finding his side. The light shines onto his face. He’s scratched his cheek, and has dirt smudged over his forehead. Clean marks come from his eyes, he has been crying. “Hobi what the fuck?” He coughs, grabbing my leg as I lean down next to him. “Jungkook.” I shake my head.

“I… I don’t know where he is.” I mutter, wrapping my arms around him. I try to help him sit up but he yelps, digging his nails into my knee. I stop, holding him in place.

He groans, “It’s my ankle.” He sniffles and I hover my phone over it. It is incredibly swollen, and red. “He pushed me down the stairs.” He frowns, more tears coming down his eyes. “He wasn’t being himself.” He sighs, adjusting himself into a seated position next to me.

“What happened?” I swallow, looking around us, the room’s outline coming into view. The walls were of a grey stone, sloppily painted white. There didn’t seem to be any furniture. Some broken wood pallets strewn in the corner.

He shakes his head. “I woke up and he was just standing there.” Clearing his throat, he leans on me. “He walked out of the room so I went after. I couldn’t find him but I saw that there was a way down the stairs. I was about to turn and get you but he shoved me down here.”

I stare back up the stairs, the light from the living room staring back. “Where did he go after that?” I mumble. “We should get out of here,” I add, gripping Hobi’s underarms, and attempting to lift him. He holds his breath as we stand together, his hand clutches my waist for stability.

Lifting his right leg behind him we take on the daunting stairs. Each step laborious as I pull him along with me. Falling down the stairs… he’s likely in pain all over his body now. We pull through the door, shuffling to the couch.

“What the fuck is happening?” Hobi cries as he settles on the couch. I stay silent. There’s nothing to say. “What do we do?” He says much quieter as I sit next to him. I look around the room. Jungkook. Where would he have gone?

“I don’t know.” I shut my eyes. We can’t stay here, that's obvious. Hobi wouldn’t be much use searching for Jungkook. But we can’t leave him. “Let's get the car ready.” Hoseok nods slowly, mulling it over.

“Koo..” I pat his leg and assure him that I would look for him, but right now we needed to get our shit in the car and be ready to drive away. So we did. We slid our shoes on, Hobi layering on extra socks on his right foot. He then gathered our necessary kitchen supplies, leaving behind our rubbish and things we don’t care about. I dragged out their suitcases, stuffing the things scattered in the rooms. Hobi stuck as close as possible with his limp, following me a few hobbles so we could see each other at all times. He was more spooked than I that's for certain. But Jungkook hadn’t shoved me down a flight of stairs.

“My phone?” He asks, nodding to his room. I shake my head. I emptied everything. He shrugged, deciding to give it up as he helps take a smaller bag outside while I haul two of the suitcases. Using his keys he unlocks the door, us fumbling through the dark to get to it. I shove the bags in not caring for organization. I rush in and out taking the last of the necessities and tossing them in the back.

Hobi leans against the back door, arms crossed, defending him from the chill air. I stare at him for a minute. A sniffle escapes his nose. He shuts his eyes, pursing his lips in an attempt to stay collected.

“Get in the car.” He looks up after my order. I put his keys in his hand. “Get in the car. Lock the door. And don't open it for anyone.” I clench my teeth thinking about my next words, “Not even Jungkook unless he’s with me.” I maintain eye contact while he takes in the information. He squeezes his hands. Open them. Squeezes them.

“Okay.” He whispers into the wind, opening the passenger, and collapsing into the seat. The door shuts. The lock clicks. And his face looks at me sorrowfully. I breathe. It’ll be fine. I’ll find Jungkook and whatever just happened will be left behind us.

I break my eyes from his. Turning around to face the cabin, I try to collect myself. Jungkook. Why would he push Hobi? The moon lights the walls, a blue-grey. Where would he have gone? There was no sign of him in the house.

“Jungkook!” I went to the right side of the house. The forest was even darker than earlier. Not even the moon shines through the trees. I’d rather not get myself lost. I shout for him again, walking to the opposite side. The wind picks up, blowing frozen air through my clothes. The soles of my shoes sink into the mulch. “Jungkook!” No sign of him. not that Hoseok knew where he went.

I run my hands down my jacket. Glance back at the car, too dark to see inside. Okay. I step back to the cabin door, sighing as I open it. As much as I hate to go in alone, it would be pointless to make Hobi tag along. The air from inside is still much warmer than it is outside. Even with the lights on and the friendly interior it’s not such an inviting vacation home anymore. Not when the open door to the abyss is swallowing the room in front of me.

“Jungkook?” My voice radiates through the house. I shudder, at the silence. I reach for the logs at the door, propping it open. No chance I’m getting stuck in here. Need an easy way out. I take a step forward. Who am I kidding?

I’m only up against Jungkook.

Whatever happened, we can fix this. Another step, the wood shifting beneath my feet. Again I can feel my heart. Leaping, stretching. Trying to escape. I clench my fist. I know. I know. My brain and my heart are telling me to turn around. I can wait in the car for Jungkook. But if he’s injured? What caused him to lash out? Sleepwalking? All of this seems so strange. Why would he run? I roll my jaw. I don't understand. My whole body clenches. My lungs are struggling to open, breaths becoming small and fast.

“Jungko…” My breath nags at my throat, it's stuck, but only because the energy in the room has shifted. The air is stagnant, warmer than before and there’s no smell. Despite the furniture and decorations, it’s empty. I am standing in an empty room. If I just reached out to touch the coffee table, it would faze right through. My shoes are glued to the floor, my legs rigid, torso stiff, arms stuck. I try to moisten my mouth with saliva, swirling my tongue in my mouth. What’s happening? The lids of my eyes pull outwards around the cornea. It’s straining, drying, but I can’t bring myself to blink. Why? My heart is the only part of my body that isn’t stuck in place. Booming in my ears, and hammering against my sternum. Hitting the nail each time. Shifting my eyes to the right, I catch a glimpse of the mirror. My reflection.

Is his heart racing too?

I make eye contact with myself. My chest rises. Falls. In the glass, I blink. In the glass. My eyes still dry.

What.

Rises.

The.

Falls.

Fuck.

Rises.

I watch him turn his head.

Falls.

Blink again.

Rises.

Curl his mouth into a smile.

Falls.

“Yoongi.”

I swallow, blinking over and over, licking my lips. All the feeling in my body returns to me, and my eyes finally meet Jungkooks. His jaw is clenched, staring down with intent. His right sleeve is ripped, a scuff mark on his neck. He’s only in socks, already coated in dirt.

“Jungkook?” I heave out the words with a breath. I shake myself, turning to the mirror where my regular reflection has returned. Holy shit. Back to Jungkook. “What’s going on here?”

His back stiffens out, “What’s something only you would know about me?”

I stretch my neck. What? “Out of everything that you’ve put us through? What kinda game are you..”

“Answer my fucking question.” I shift back. He’s never raised his voice to me, Never. I lick my lips, okay I’ll answer the question. Jungkook’s stance doesn’t change. He’s holding himself as though ready to book it or tackle me to the ground. I’m not sure which I’d prefer.

“I…” He’s not giving me time to think. Something only he and I know?

He loosens his jaw, “The lyrics of your song that made me cry.” I blink. What? “That night, after Jin hyung was talking about enlistment.” He swallows, glancing to the floor. I nod. Jin was trying to get us to talk about the upcoming years. Jungkook wasn’t having it. At the same time, I was working on my second mixtape. Jungkook came to me…

“There is nothing that lasts forever in this world”

“Everything is just happening passing by” He lets out with a sigh, taking steps towards me. I stay rigid as he presses himself into me. “Thank god.” His body trembles against mine, and I finally relax against him, folding my arms around his back. I don’t understand why he would ask that but I don’t care.

“We need to go,” I say, squeezing his shoulder. “Hoseok is in the car.” His chin nods into my neck, and slowly he pulls himself off of me. He looks me in the eye. Glancing over to the mirror.

“Okay.” He says, shifting back to me before we head out the door. Our feet hit the mulch, Jungkook should have grabbed his shoes, but I hadn’t seen them. I stop. Jungkook walks a few steps ahead of me, looking back at me as I stand. My teeth tear into my bottom lip, drawing blood. Fuck. My breaths speed up again. Rising. Falling. No. No. My fingers strain themselves as I clench to my pants. No. No.

“What?” Jungkook mutters looking back to where I was staring.

No. No. The upper light of the car illuminates the seats, switched on to: door open. Fuck. Fuck. My lip throbs, as I stare out in front of me. The light falls out into the gravel, coming in through the open passenger door. The yellow shines, dancing over the curves of the leather seat. Empty.

#bts #bts jeon jeongguk #jeonjungkook #bts fic #My writing #bts horror #horror #thriller #bts smut #bts hoseok #bts min yoongi

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andiandyandee · 4 years ago

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Chicanery Ch. 2

Ayyyeee, Look who’s finally fucking posting lmaoo For the RECORD This has been Written for like 4 months and is on my ao3, and I’m a MORON

Preface Ch1 Ch2 (You are Here) Ch3

Remus and Roman were… weird. That was probably unfair to say since Janus had really only known them for a few days and had spent even less time than that actually around them, but they had a dynamic that he couldn’t figure out. They either hated or loved each other, he was sure, but it seemed to vary from moment to moment. Case in point, they were currently arguing, insults flying, but they were still sitting across from each other at the kitchen table, working in tandem on their homework. Neither Logan nor Patton seemed phased by this in the slightest, but Janus was. There were constant disagreements that seemed totally nonsensical, but they also occasionally came off as a two-bodied single-cell organism. One would start laughing, and the other would know why, despite it having nothing to do with the topic at hand, or they would be humming the same song in different rooms, or they would sit together, quietly, not acknowledging each other at all but their legs would be pressed together or they’d be back to back or one would be laying across the other in a way that any other kids in the homes would have lost their minds over. Janus did not understand. But even beyond that, fake arguments were what always set Janus on edge. Case in point, The colors of English.

“Look, Prince Pudwhacker-”

“Oh, that’s a new one, nice.”

“-Thanks, I read it somewhere- You can NOT tell me that English is red. That is the most imbecilic, idiotic, incongruous… Nah, that one doesn’t really make sense, does it? I’ll ask Logan about it later. But anyway. English is YELLOW.”

“It’s red and you’re wrong.”

“A compelling argument.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Roman smirked, and Remus dove over the table, snatching his English book on the way. Not only was their homework scattered across the dining room, but Remus was also somehow now sitting on top of Roman, textbook raised. Janus wanted to stop him, but panic cemented him in place, and all he could do is watch in horror as Remus… gently hit Roman in the chest with it.

“English,” Thwack, “is,” Thwack, “YELLOW,” Thwack, “you,” Thwack, “monster,” Thwack. They were both giggling. Remus seemed to notice Janus then, and clearly mistook the horror and panic for general confusion and anxiety because he grinned dopily and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll clean it up! As soon as Ro admits English is yellow!”

“It’s red, Remus!”

“You only think that because red is your favorite color and English is your favorite subject! You know objectively that it SHOULD be yellow!”

“Objectively? Oh my god, we’ve been back four days and you sound like Specks squared again! You make ONE pun, and I will hide glitter in your beanies.”

“I’ll sew your socks shut again. Bet.”

“Jay! Tiebreaker! What color is English?” Both twins looked at him expectantly. He thought back to his English book, which had a brown paper cover on it. What color even was it? Purple?

“I think my English textbook might be purple.” He said, timidly.

“Nooooooo” Remus groaned. “Not the book, the subject! If you had to pick a folder and notebook for your English Class, what color would you use?” Janus felt like this was a test he was about to fail, but… he actually did agree with Remus.

“Probably yellow? I guess? I think Math would be red.” Roman groaned dramatically while Remus cheered.

“Jay is my new favorite, you’ve been replaced,” Remus smirked at Roman.

“I can’t believe you betrayed me! In my own home! You wound me, sir!” Roman cried dramatically, gesturing at Janus. The front door opened then, and all three teenagers were met with a look of exasperation from Logan.

“Anyone care to explain, or?” Janus tried to apologize, but he was cut off with a continuation of the conversation.

“Nerdy Wolverine! What color is English?”

“Yellow, obviously” And then, hell broke loose. Again. Because Remus began laughing, and Roman flipped them over, and somewhere between him grabbing a cushion from the closest chair and hitting Remus, Janus lunged forward.

He had no idea what his plan was, because Remus had clearly not hurt Roman with a textbook, and a pillow wasn’t going to do damage, anyway, but he had jerked himself forward just enough to be noticeable. He hadn’t even made it across the room before he stopped himself. At most, he had moved three steps, but Remus, Roman, and Logan were all staring at him. But then Remus snorted.

“He grabbed the cushion, not the chair, Jan. Take a deep breath.” And Janus did. Did he think Roman was going to grab the chair? Probably not. But that was a good excuse, and so he nodded.

“Sorry, I…”

“Don’t worry, Duke Doomwatcher always assumes the worst too.” He waves his hand vaguely “It’s a... What, panic response? Right? No worries. I solemnly swear I am not actually going to bash his head in for miscoloring his English folder.”

“Wouldn’t that be fun though?” Remus grinned wickedly, “Grey matter everywhere.” He swung his hands out in a sweeping gesture. “Maybe that’s the correct color for English.”

“No brain goo on the dining room floor, I’m not cleaning that up.” Logan rolled his eyes, placing a hand on Janus’ shoulder and guiding him into the kitchen with him. “And besides, that’d clearly be the Anatomy Folder color. Now clean this mess up.” He added over his shoulder. He shook his head at Janus, guiding him to a seat at the breakfast table. “I will never stop apologizing for those two, I’m sure. I promise, they’re great kids.” Janus actually laughed

“I can’t tell if they like each other”

“Oh, they’re best friends.” Logan shrugged, “Insofar as I can tell, the insults and fighting are signs of affection and bonding? It’s apparently quite common amongst most biological siblings. According to my parents, my brother and I behaved similarly as children, though we had outgrown it by our late teens.” Logan sat tea in front of Janus. “Are you alright? You seemed a bit panicked.”

“I.. I’m not sure. Their dynamic stresses me out.” Logan nodded, not looking surprised.

“You will unfortunately get used to it. I just hope they don’t pull you into it, too. The last thing this household needs is three of you having a good time, however will we cope?” Logan said with a deadpan expression, sipping his own tea.

“Ha, ha. You’re hilarious Mr. Sanders.” Janus snarked, rolling his eyes. “Is the subject argument a common one, or?”

“Oh, once every five to seven months it comes back up in conversation. I haven’t the faintest idea why.” Logan shrugged. “They usually have it in class though, so I’m at least grateful I don’t have to pretend to give them detention this time.”

“Pretend?”

“Well I’m not really going to punish teenagers for acting like teenagers, but I do typically like to let the class think they’re getting in trouble so they're less inclined to misbehave in general,” Logan explained with a shrug. “It’s not really necessary, these kids are as a rule well behaved, but it’s good practice and makes the board happy anyway.”

“I’m pretty sure a kid once set one of our science teachers on fire and didn’t even get like, chastised,” Janus said mostly conversationally, but Logan looked mostly horrified. “I mean, the teacher was fine. But the detention room has mold in it so they really can only suspend you, expel you, or pretend like it didn’t happen, so usually, we just act like it doesn’t happen.”

“Can I ask you a question, Janus?” Logan had an ‘about to make an offer that gave Janus anxiety’ look on his face again.

“I.. guess?”

“Is there any particular fondness you hold for your current school that keeps you there? Would you be opposed to transferring?” Janus’ brain was short-circuiting again.

“Like, to the school where you teach? Where the twins go?”

“Presumably. There is also the Vocational School, if that’s more your route, though you don’t seem to be much for physical labor.”

“I mean.. I guess? That would be fine? I don’t mind staying at my current school, either, though.”

“Transferring will mean you will get to sleep in slightly on weekdays, as you’ll be able to ride with the twins and me, or if you so desire you could ride the bus I suppose, plus you would be in a better-funded school with more extracurriculars, more specialized classes, and plenty of opportunities for you to find peers that partake in your interests. You don’t seem to enjoy any of your current classmates and frankly, your school's ratings are abysmal. And beyond that, we need more students for the debate team and I think you will make an excellent candidate” He said that last sentence very quickly.

“You want me to transfer schools so your debate team will... Be better?” But Janus could see the humor in Logan’s eyes, and realized he was being teased.

“And also so you will have a better education!” Logan insisted with a grin, trying and failing to maintain the charade.

“Well, I have always wanted to be a professional arguer.” Janus shrugged. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

#sanders sides #Janus Sanders #logan sanders #patton sanders #roman sanders #remus sanders #Adoption AU #Teen Janus #Foster AU #teen remus #teen roman #Brothers analogical #parent logicality #ask to tag #ask to be tagged //

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misstrashchan · 5 years ago

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Salem, Adam, and The Man With Two Souls, Pt 1

So, Salem and Adam being parallels was something I noticed back in volume six. And it's interesting because before volume 6 Kerry said that we'd feel sympathetic for a character we hadn't before. And the most obvious candidate for that was Salem, whose backstory and descent into villainy we saw in full during the Lost Fable.

But seeing Adam without the mask on, the SDC brand scar on his face, told us his tragic story in of itself. Both of their stories showed us how monsters are made, not born. And both of their lives and fates were toyed with cruelly by those who would deem fit to judge and control them.

But the more I started looking the more I was suprised at just how much they parallel each other, particularly in their relationship with Blake and Oz. And how those two were more similar than I realised as well. So I thought I'd just go through them all because if I don't I might explode.

(1) Convincing Blake and Ozma that they could change the world for the better, when in reality they simply want the power to rule over everyone and force others to submit to them.

"He always assured me that what we were doing would make the world a better place. But of course, his idea of a perfect future turned out to be not so perfect for everyone." - Blake, Volume 2 Chapter 10

"We could become the New Gods of this world. Our powers surpass all others. Our souls transcend death. We can mold these lands into whatever we want. Whatever you want. Create the paradise the old Gods could not."- Salem, Volume 6 Chapter 3

"You and I were going to change the world, remember? We were destined to light the fires of revolution!"- Adam, Volume 3 Chapter 11

(2) Blake and Oz being doubtful of Adam and Salem and whether they're doing the right thing

"Just how many more accidents are their going to be?"

"I don't know. I'm out there fighting for us and when you fight, people get hurt."- Blake and Adam, Adam Short

"Are we sure this is right?"

"You said we needed to bring humanity together. In order to do that, we have to spread our word. And destroy those who would deny it."- Ozma and Salem, Volume 6 Chapter 3

(3) Believing that other humans are lesser than them and impossible to redeem.

"I never wanted this! I wanted equality, I wanted peace!

"What you want is impossible!" - Volume 3 Chapter 11, Blake and Adam

"Ozma told Salem everything. The true reason the God of Light had brought him back. The relics that lay scattered around the world. And the day of judgement he had been told to prepare for."

"Don't you see? None of that matters anymore. Why spend our lives trying to redeem these humans, when we can replace them with what they could never be?" - Volume 6 Chapter 3

"We can win a war against the humans. Not only because we have the support of Hazel's master, but because the faunus are the dominant species of this planet. We have everything humans have and more. Humans shouldn't just fear the faunus. They should serve the faunus."- Adam, Volume 5 Chapter 2

(4) Blake and Ozma realising their partners had become monsters.

"I had someone very dear to me change. It wasn't in an instant. Little choices that began to pile up. He told me not to worry."- Blake, Volume 3, Chapter 8

"Salem lives. But the woman you hold dear in your memories is gone. Heed this warning. Where you seek comfort, you will only find pain."- Volume 6 Chapter 3

(5) Salem and Adam's cruelty driving Blake and Ozma to try and leave them.

(6) As soon as they get the opportunity to, Salem and Adam physically confront Ozma and Blake and attack them out of anger for trying to run away from them.

(7) They then attempt to kill them, only failing because of Oz's reincarnation and Blake's semblance allowing them to escape death.

(God I still hate this moment so fucking much, Blake I am so sorry)

(Okay, it's officially feeling emo for Blake and Oz hours lads)

"We finally had freedom" - Salem Vol 6 Ch3

"This could have been our day, can't you see that?" - Adam Vol 3 Ch11

And all of what Ozma went through puts this scene in Volume 2 Chapter 2 between Ozpin and Blake into an entirely different light. And then I realised at the start of the Black trailer you see a crow. As in Qrow, who was likely spying for Ozpin. And we know that's probably how he knew about Blake being in the White Fang, but you have to wonder how much else he knew about Blake, about who her parents were, or her relationship with Adam.

But even if he didn't know the whole picture, just knowing what he went through with Salem, how he tried to protect his children, how his trauma affects him even now, suspecting that Blake was not just an ex White Fang member, but recognising an abuse victim who was still a child. A child who lost half their childhood, and at this point in the story was struggling in between the person Adam thought she was and wanted her to be, and the person who she wants to be. A metaphorical struggle between two souls.

And then there's Ozpin's words at the end to her here:

I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING.

Anyways, Blake and Oz are both abuse victims and anyone who says otherwise I will come and eat your bones, thank you very much.

Yeah there's gonna be a part 2, probably sometime before the next episode, because I have some things I need to say specifically about Salem before she rolls up to Atlas at any given moment. But I'm bad at timekeeping so don't be surprised if there isn't.

#salem #adam taurus #ozma #ozpin #blake belladona #the man with two souls #rwby meta #rwby

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