#shout out to e and short cause they saw me make the connection live

[nomoretumbler]

lunita redonda, que linda que estas

¿por qué tu no bajas? te invito a jugar

el cielo es grandote, te puedes perder

Aquí yo te cuido y te doy de comer

Lunita - mazapán

[bubblesam06]

TWIN FLAME

JJ Maybank x reader

Requested: no

Warnings: Light smut (barely), Fluff, swearing

A/N: This is my first Fan fiction, I’m sorry if it’s bad, I tried :/ anyway please request some ideas because I really want to start doing little blurbs of OBX... hopefully enough for a master list! THANK YOU!!! enjoy! ❤️

Description: The government created a system to better relationships. They thought soulmates were overrated so they created the Twin Flame where two people with the same personality connect with one tattoo.

*NOT MY GIF!! CREDITS TO OWNER!!*

Being John B’s sister is already hard enough, but dating JJ Maybank is like a crowd of underage high hormonal teenagers in one body. I have to say although that may seem tough he’s like my other half or as some would call it “twin flame” even if it’s not yet confirmed I can feel it.

After my dads disappearance JJ has helped me a lot, coming over at 2am just to comfort me, bringing all the snacks you could imagine, and even getting high and running through the neighborhood together. John B has taken it the hardest and believes he’s still out there but me, I have just came to my senses and accepted his death.

———————————————————————

“Y/N, baby let’s go!”

“J give me a minute ok, I’m trying to find my favorite shorts!” JJ always thought you didnt need to dress up for anything he say things like / “you’re already beautiful” “Baby you need to stop worrying about clothing” “you look amazing with or without makeup babe, I still don’t think you need it” \ which you love very much about him but you’re just too insecure thinking you look like an oompa loompa.

“love, come on I put them on the dresser after last night- oh hey Kie” he obviously didn’t realize she was here, “do you think I can talk to Y/N for a minute... alone”

Kie hesitated for a minute before giving in, “yeah I guess, I’ll meet you guys on the boat”

JJ watched as Kiara slowly left the room and right when she closed the door he spun his head around wrapping his arms around your waist picking you up, quickly you wrap your legs around him so you won’t fall. He presses your lips together moving in sync fitting perfectly like a puzzle peice.

“you have no idea how much I needed that” you smile cheekily up at him, his ocean eyes meeting your (Y/E/C) ones, “you know I am almost positive that you’re my twin flame” you smile at his words looking down as your cheeks flushed a light red.

“me too”

that’s all it took for JJ to push you down on the bed his lips attacking your neck, you lean your head back as a low moan escaped your lips

“J-“

he pulls your shirt over your head “J, babe... I wish we can but they’re waiting on us outside-“ your breath hitched as he sucks on a spot that made you crazy.. “never mind... continue- oh god please keep going baby”

you rip his shirt off without breaking the kiss “don’t worry love, we’ll be quick-“

“you guys good? we’ve been waiting- Oh shit guys come on!” John B says as he opens your bedroom door quick to cover his eyes

“JB what the fuck? ever knock?!” you quickly reach for your shirt putting it on, “ok you can look now”

“are you sure?” John B asks

“yes we’re fucking sure” you and JJ say in innusion, “jinx”

“let’s go... hurry up”

you follow JJ out of the room when stops grabbing John Bs shoulder, “you’re a cockblock”

you giggle at JJs remark

“I am not”

you decide you add your own remark “JB as much as I love you, JJ is right this is the sixth time”

he looks down and walks out the door while smiling, “shut up”

You and JJ both laugh at John Bs sudden words “don’t worry love we’ll finish tonight, I promise”

your cheeks turn bright red “oh I know we will” you say as you kiss his cheek

“finally what took so long” kie and pope asked annoyance written on they’re faces “well I found this two on top of each other almost naked” John Bs voice getting louder as his head turns looking at you two

JJ nudges your arm noticing you were dozed off, him not knowing you were thinking about the twin flame hoping you and JJ’s tattoos match.

“it’s not my fault my baby wanted some kithes, plus I told him you guys were waiting” you say grabbing JJ’s cheeks while making kissy faces. JJ repeats your actions, “oh yeah what happened to ‘oh please JJ keep going uhhh don’t stop’ ”

your face turns red as the other pogues fake gag, “oh but you weren’t afraid to moan-“ he places his hand over your mouth stopping you from continuing to talk.

“anyway are you guys excited to see your twin flame tattoo?” Pope asks

you nod in return, “very... but I already know my twin flame” you say as you wrap your arm around JJ he quickly grabs you and places you on his lap “yup dis’ my babygirl” he says kissing your head

“in just four hours we’ll found out how our lives will be forever” Kie says euphorically

you look down at your hands fidgeting them nervously. “Love are you nervous?” JJ whispers tone full of concern, “a little, I just really want it to be you” you whisper “me too bubba, but don’t worry everything will be ok”

He read me like a book

———————————————————————

“sarah JJ wanted me to be with him when we get our tattoo”

“yeah yeah I bet he did now hurry up!” She retorted

You always knew JJ was your splinterbean, but ever since John B and Sarah matched tattoos you got scared because they seemed like complete stranger opposites

“Sarah I swear to god did you take my $50 I was supposed to use for barry- I mean uh my new gold club!” you hear Rafes voice echo throughout the Cameron household. Rafe Cameron. he always had a crush on you even though you were a pogue he still called you cute and sexy which you hated, but JJ it was different when he called you cute and sexy you knew he meant it and you loved that about him.

“oh hey Y/N!”

you roll your eyes “hi” you say trying to walk passed him, you felt a strong hand slap across your butt causing a yelp to leave your lips

“what the fuck Rafe!” you yell bringing your hand across his face creating a loud slap

“aren’t you feisty” he retorts, “wonder what you’re like in bed” That’s it he pushed your buttons. you grab his arm twisting it clockwise then you take your foot kicking him directly in the dick.

he groans making you satisfied that is until he reaches for your leg pulling you down on the ground, he proceeds to punch your face until he saw blood or until Sarah ripped him off you.

“You’re psyco Rafe!” you scream spitting blood from your mouth “go to hell! you know what Sarah i’m gonna go, I don’t know why I came I should be with JJ right now-“

“no please I just wanted to talk to you about something” she says helplessly

“I only want JJ right now”

———————————————————————

after walking for what felt like hours you made it home seeing John B sitting on the porch with Kie and Pope they were taking about something. but you couldn’t see JJ.

“Y/N you’re back- woah what the hell happened?!” John B asked

“nothing”

“that don’t look nothing” Kie added

“I said it’s nothing ok!!” you yell leaving them shocked, “where’s JJ?”

“he’s uh inside” Pope said

you quickly walk inside checking the time, 11:08, shit

“Bubba? Bub where are you?”

“i’m in your room baby!” he answers you

“thank god I thought I was gonna miss the tattoo- Y/N what happened to you?!” Concern and anger flooded his tanned face

his toned body twinkled with sweat from the scorching heat of outer banks, you were mesmerized and couldn’t believe you were his, and he was yours.

“love?” he asked again

“can we just find out our tattoo please?” you ask, “everyone’s outside waiting”

“guys it’s almost 11:11pm we have your tattoos from the mail” The tattoos are etched into your skin like a real tattoo would by a machine that you place on your wrist

“ready baby?” you ask JJ, he nods

“no matter what i’ll always love you” he says before placing the machine on his arm, you doing the same

“and I’ll always love you more!” you say

“Babe what the fuck we’ve been through this I love you more-“

“enough with the fighting!” John B yells

“JB did it hurt this much for you?” you ask between gritted teeth

“it wasn’t bad” he reply’s

after five minutes you take the machine off after hearing it beep and so does JJ, you got excited knowing they were similar tattoos because of the time it took.

“ready Love?” he asks, your heart melted at his nickname for you

“always”

you look down at you wrist seeing a simple line of a wave flowing across your wrist, “it’s beautiful” you say

“on the count of three... one, two, three!”

“a wave!” you both yell in innusion

you scream and shove your lips onto his, squeezing him making sure he doesn’t go anywhere. A simple tear slipped from your eye

“get a room!” John B boos causing the others two shove him

“peace out guys imma go have fun with my twin flame!” JJ yells carrying you in the chateau

“JJ!” you shout playfully slapping his shoulder

“wear protection! and don’t be loud we’d like to sleep tonight!” John B shouts

[henryobsessed]

The Borrower and Her Bean Part 6

Summery: Henry is starting to get to know the borrower family. Including a lesson for the boys in playing game. 

Word Count:  1455

A/N Thank you @littlefreya​ for your help around the gaming section :) 

Part 5 - Part 7 

Part 6

Greg and Carson looked ready to bolt as their faces coloured with embarrassment. Puffing their chest out in fake bravado they put their hands on there hips and Carson said" Yep, but we thought it was a dumb game."  Henry chuckled and the little boys attempt to be brave. Trying to find a way to connect to Melina he said "well maybe if you want I can show you how to play it, and show you the tricks to make it not so dumb" the boys interest peeked at this offer and a broad smile grew on their faces. They relaxed a bit as they said in unison "Awesome, that would be fun".

Melina could not believe what she was witnessing.  She knew that her brothers like her believed that Borrowers and Beans should be co-existing, but they were still terrifying. Yet here her brothers were agreeing to play a game with the giant. Looking at her bean she could see his face was mirroring the excitement at playing with the boys and wondered. Could it be true that he wanted to be friends?

The boys set up a time with Henry to meet and play his game later that day. Saying see ya later they left both Melina and Henry. Henry could see she was uncomfortable with what had just happened. Shifting as his arms were getting sore, he said "I could tell your brothers were scared but they still are willing to spend time with me. I know you are scared too but you helped me. What is the problem your people have with me that you would get in trouble?"

Melina had to word her thoughts well so her bean would not get the wrong impression of her community. "Well, Beans that what we call human Beings in the past have been very frightened of us. If a borrower was found they would often get exterminators in to kill the 'infestation'. Some have been captured and experimented on, and often we have been squashed underfoot mistaken for vermin. Because of these past behaviours borrowers have learnt to be unseen; this rule is so strong that if a borrow is seen by accident the family generally have to relocate. If they do it on purpose, their family leave them behind."

This hit henry hard realising what she had risked, what they all had risked helping him. Melina continued "However my brothers and I believe that their are beans that would happily co-exist with us rather than hurt us. You are the first we have had contact with. So, I hope that our faith in you is not misplaced." Stunned by their bravery henry nodded his head. "I can keep your secret; I would love to get to know you and your brothers, and if your parents are able to put their fear aside, I would love to meet them to. If there is a anything you need just let me know and I can help get it for you.

Shaking her head Melina knew her family would be too proud to accept help from a bean. She cautiously watched as he smiled at her again "well I have work to do, its been nice chatting can we do this again tomorrow maybe?" she saw the hope in his large blue eyes as he waited in anticipation. He was nice, gigantic, but nice, maybe she could have a friendship with him. Coming to a decision she nodded her head and said, "Ok Henry, breakfast tomorrow but you need to bring some with you as I missed mine today." He chuckled starting to rise to his knees "Ok little one, I'll bring breakfast." He then rose to his feet. Her stomach churned as she saw the size of his feet wrapped in leather sandals his toes sticking out the end. With shock she realised his big toe could almost be half the size of her body. "Have a good day Melina" her bean spoke from the clouds as he left. There was something in the way his baritone voice said her name that sent a thrill through her body and left a smile on her face for the rest of the morning.

That afternoon Melina stood at the hole to her bean's computer nook, it wasn't a room, but an alcove carved out of his living space that he dedicated to his love of all things gaming. Using the curtain ball and chain attached to his blinds she climbed to the windowsill. She was partially hidden by the books he had stacked on the sill turning it into a miniature bookshelf, along with some of his figurines. The blinds were closed to protect the items siting on the sill darkening the nook. She quietly looked over to the computer desk and saw Greg and Carson standing on his desk by the keyboard waiting for her bean. She was amazed again at their boldness, although she could see them begin to shake slightly as her bean entered the room.

He was dressed in black shorts and a royal blue tank top that showed off his large muscular arms making Melina blush just at the sight of them. She could see him grin through his beard as he pulled the chair out and sat down. Facing the boy's he picked up a large set of ear muffs and explained that he spoke to the other players through a microphone that stuck out like a small snake towards his mouth. She could see the boys faces full of excitement and awe as he turned on the machine and the screen glowed with light, and filled with colour.

The afternoon was one of amazement as she enjoyed seeing her brothers learn. Henry pointed out each key's importance on the keyboard and they did mock scenarios until they were a fine unit. Henry would call out a play, then Carson and Greg would dance over the keyboard along with Henry clicking the mouse to bring about the desired manoeuvre.

The cheers would arise from the two borrowers as they would raise their little arms at the computer screen. What they didn't see and only Melina was privileged to observe was the soft look of pride, and joy that would pass over Henry's face. Once the game really began the challenge was in earnest, concentration fell over borrower and bean alike.

It was during a particularly hard campaign that Carson jumped quickly from the E key to the space bar causing him to slip and tumble off the keyboard. In a split-second Milina went to cry out as she saw him rolling toward the edge of the desk. He didn't fall, instead her beans large meaty hand flew out so fast and Carson tumbled into his hand instead of falling to his demise. Hand to her mouth muffling a sob she noted Carson's trembling body as it lay in Henry's hand. Her bean looked down a look of concern on his face at the little boy and pulling his head set off saying "Are you ok?" Carson trembled as he stood up and walked off his hand back onto the desk "Thank you Henry, I guess it's a dangerous game." He chuckled covering his embarrassment.

They returned back to their game and continued for another hour, as Melina sat she struggled to stay awake and finally with the sounds of laugher and cheers in the background curled up against a book and fell asleep.

Melina didn't want to open her eyes, but she heard voices quietly whispering, the problem was one of the voices whispers was louder than her loudest shout. "Should we wake her?" the deep baritone voice said followed by a more normal borrower voice "yeah we should neither Greg or I can carry her she's too heavy". A gentle chuckle followed as her beans deep voice said, "well I could pick her up but I'm sure waking up in my big beefy hands would scare the wits out of her." At this comment Melina opened her eyes and looked up into the face of Her bean gazing down at her with a soft look in his eyes.

Quickly pulling herself up into a sitting position she looked between her brothers and her bean. "How did you find me?" Henry chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck "well once the game finished we could her a soft snoring" red stained her cheeks as she realised he meant she had been snoring 'Loudly' horrified she stood up and hid behind one of the books. Trying to hold back tears of embarrassment she ran to the chain shimmied down and disappeared into her safety into the dark.

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[this-forest-within-me]

I write fanfic, and I’m actually really proud of it! I’ve been writing for many years, and have poetry accounts on Facebook and Instagram, but my main ambition has always been to write fiction novels.

Funnily enough, Robin Hood BBC gives me oodles of inspiration to do just that. This is a short story I wrote for my friend, Michelle, a huge Gisborne fan, for her Secret Santa gift. I hope you like it.

** It is aimed at Gisborne fans only - no outlaws are involved in the making of this **

Third Chances

The end was nigh. Sir Guy of Gisborne, once the Master-at-Arms and evil henchman to the Sheriff of Nottingham, black knight supreme, and killer of Lady Marian, his one true love, was dying. Stabbed by Vaisey, the sheriff himself, in a fight to the death, he lay on the ground in the tunnels beneath Nottingham Castle, and thought about the life he had lived. About the mistakes he had made, and the people he was leaving behind.

Robin Hood, formerly his sworn enemy and love rival but now his brother in arms, held Guy tightly as his breathing slowed, and then, the black knight was gone and Robin laid him gently on the ground.

He was left alone, his lifeless body, swathed in black leather, resting on the cold, stone floor, his black hair fanned around his head. And, when the castle exploded above him, he didn't notice a thing.

***

Two days later, after a full day and night of torrential rain which had doused the raging fire in the castle, leaving a smouldering, blackened pile of stone, the salvage team was sent in. Made up of various villagers from Nottinghamshire, as well as bounty hunters from further afield, their main aim was to recover bodies, along with any valuables that hadn't been destroyed in the explosion, caused by Robin Hood's final arrow, aflame, hitting a barrel of Byzantine Greek fire.

There wasn't much hope for survivors. The Byzantine fire had decimated the castle keep, and there was barely anything left of the imposing fortress. Only rubble and death.

Michelle of Clun was part of a small team who had been sent below the castle, into the secret tunnels that had connected the castle to Sherwood Forest. Unused for many years, they had recently been the scene of a bloodthirsty battle between Isabella of Gisborne and Vaisey, former Sheriffs of Nottingham, and Guy of Gisborne and Robin Hood. The battle, that had been coming for many months, had ended with the death of everyone involved, apart from Archer, the illegitimate brother of both Gisborne and Hood, who now lived in the forest with Robin's outlaw gang.

All that should remain in the tunnels below the castle was the body of Gisborne, which Archer had requested be removed and receive a Christian burial.

Michelle felt a degree of melancholy as she descended into the tunnels depths. Although she hadn't known the imposing black knight in person, she had seen him around, and had admired his dark good looks from a distance. She had also sensed the yearning deep in his soul, for it mirrored her own.

She wasn't looking forward to seeing such a great man reduced to nothing more than a corpse, but the pay for salvaging was handsome, and she needed the money. It had been a difficult year. She only hoped that the sight of Guy of Gisborne's body wouldn't make her openly cry.

There was rubble all around, and, as Michelle and her compatriots scanned the area, she worried that they would not find a body in one piece. Setting out alone, she moved further into the cellar, coughing a little as she disturbed piles of dust. Holding her lantern above her head, she glimpsed a flash ahead of her and recognised the muted shine of a leather-clad arm, and a motionless hand. As she drew closer, she realised a wooden beam had fallen diagonally, wedging itself between the ground and the ceiling, and causing the rubble above it to pile onto the wooden beam. Beneath it lay Gisborne's body, protected.

Michelle called out to her workmates and fell to her knees beside the body. In repose, Guy's face was pale and austere, beautifully handsome. His leather jacket was a bloodied mess, and she tried not to look too closely. She felt a pang of loss. Although she had never even spoken to him, he had felt like a kindred spirit, yet his life had been snuffed out so early. Before she had even had chance to say hello.

She reached out a gentle hand to brush the dust from his face, and it barely registered that he was still warm before his bloodshot eyes snapped open, staring at her uncomprehendingly.

She shrieked, and Denton, one of the other salvagers, reached her first, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Michelle, are you alright?"

She stared at him, wide-eyed. "It's Gisborne. He— he's alive."

The rest of the gang joined them, and Guy was briefly and inexpertly examined. He was alive, but in a bad way. He had lost a lot of blood, and his wound was deep and jagged. It was unlikely that he would survive, but Michelle was suddenly galvanised into action.

They fashioned a makeshift stretcher and lifted Guy onto it. He cried out in pain, but his words were delirious and made little sense. There was no room to take him to the upper levels of the castle, so it was agreed that he would be transported further along the tunnel and into the forest. From there, Michelle intended to take him to her home nearby, where she would call for the wise-woman, Matilda.

***

It took a while to manoeuvre their way out of the tunnels, but, eventually, they reached Michelle's modest cottage in the village of Clun. They laid the knight out on her mattress.

"What will you do with 'im, Michelle?" Rose, one of the other salvagers, asked, and Michelle shrugged.

"I don't yet know, but I have to try to save him," she replied.

"Just be careful, Michelle," Denton warned. "He was never a nice man. I'd hate for yer to get hurt."

They left to return to the castle, and Michelle covered Guy with fleeces and ran as fast as she could to Matilda's forest dwelling. The wise-woman was tending to her herb garden, yet gathered her things together and followed Michelle, sensing the urgency in her friend's words.

Once in Michelle's cottage, she stopped and stared at the figure on the bed.

"My dear, dear 'Chelle. Why are yer wasting yer time on this scoundrel? I reckon 'e deserves to die, more so than my poor Robin did."

"Maybe so," Michelle replied. "But he's alive, and I can't allow him to suffer."

Matilda shrugged. "Very well. We will need hot water, and rags. Oh, an' a sharp knife so I can remove these leathers. I need to get to the wound," she added to a wide-eyed Michelle.

Matilda worked long into the day, removing Guy's clothes, cleaning the deep wound, and stitching it. Guy cried out in delirium and stared about him, although he never saw them. He muttered to himself and shouted, speaking to Robin and Marian and Archer, crying for his mother. Michelle did her best to hold him down while Matilda worked on the wound, and it wasn't difficult for he was very weak.

Once the wound was sewn and covered, they attempted to feed him with broth. He took a little and drank deeply when offered water. Matilda added something to the cup, and, eventually, he slept.

Michelle stayed with him almost constantly. His sleep was restless, and his skin burned with fever. He called out constantly, and pawed at the bandages. Sometimes, he cried, speaking Marian's name, begging for her forgiveness. Other times, he shouted for his mother, his voice forlorn and lost. Michelle tended to him, cleaning him constantly, and ensuring he was comfortable. She slept in short intervals, alert to Guy's needs, always on hand to serve him. She was exhausted, but the desire to nurse the knight back to health was paramount. He deserved a second chance; everybody deserved a second chance. Even a third chance.

On the seventh day, Guy's fever broke, and the knight slept peacefully, at long last. Exhausted yet pleased, Michelle pulled blankets around herself and curled up by the fire, falling into a deep sleep.

When she finally awoke, she had no idea where she was. She was facing the stone hearth, and her slumber had been so deep that she was, for a moment, confused. But then, it all came flooding back; entering the castle ruins, finding Guy's body, bringing him home, and nursing him through the worst of his fever.

She rubbed her eyes, sleepily, and stretched. Behind her, the mattress creaked and a tentative voice broke the silence.

"My— my lady. Please tell me where I am and why I am here."

With a gasp, Michelle whipped round, clutching the blankets beneath her chin. Guy was awake, watching her in bewilderment. His gaze softened as he regarded her startled countenance.

"I don't mean to alarm you. But," he looked around the cottage. "I have no recollection of getting here. What happened? And why am I," he looked downwards, appearing embarrassed. "Why am I naked?"

Michelle blushed and scrambled to her feet. It had been easier to keep him unclothed while she tended to his needs, including his bodily functions. She couldn't deny having admired his body while she worked, and she hoped it wasn't written all over her face.

"My lord," she stammered. "I apologise. I found you in the castle, close to death, and brought you to my home. You had been stabbed and everybody thought you were dead."

She watched the puzzlement on Guy's face turn to realisation as he recalled the events that had lead to him being stabbed. He looked stricken.

"Robin?"

Michelle shook her head, regretfully, and his expression fell. "What about Isabella? The Sheriff?"

"The castle exploded," Michelle explained, gently. "They both died."

A tumult of emotions passed over his features before they settled on grim satisfaction. He nodded, stonily. "They got what they deserved."

Unsure of how to reply, Michelle fell silent, and, after a short pause, he looked up at her, hopefully.

"I'm hungry and thirsty. Is there anything to eat?"

Glad of something to do, Michelle fetched him broth and cooled boiled water, and he drank both, greedily, and asked for seconds. Once he was full, he asked for clothing.

His leather outfit was ruined, having been cut off his body by Matilda, who had commented bawdily on his emerging body parts. Cringing slightly, Michelle told him that his former outfit was not suitable to wear anymore, and he shrugged.

"Leathers were the old me. I need something new."

Enthusiastically, she left him consuming more broth and ran to her neighbour's cottage. Robert was tall and built similarly to Guy, and he presented her with clothing suitable for the black knight. Returning to the cottage, Michelle found Guy sleeping again, and she lay the outfit, roughly-made leggings and a loose black tunic, out on the mattress beside him, before setting to work filling the water supply and collecting firewood.

He awoke much later and dressed, gratefully, before attempting to rise. He was too weak, though, and Michelle had to help him, wedging her shoulder under his armpit and guiding him outside so he could relieve himself. Although she turned away to preserve his dignity, he remained unembarrassed in her presence.

"I don't even know your name," he said to her, once they were back in the cottage, and he was eagerly spooning more broth into his mouth.

"It is Michelle," she said, shyly.

He nodded. "Of course. A beautiful name for a beautiful person."

"Oh, I don't know." Michelle avoided his eyes, directing her gaze at the floor, modestly, but he reached out to put a finger under her chin, raising her head until her eyes met his.

"I tell the truth," he said, softly, looking into her eyes. "I owe you my life. You have selflessly nursed me back to health, even though you didn't have to. I don't know how to repay you."

Michelle smiled, faintly. "I'm just glad that you are recovering, my lord."

"It is Guy," he told her, firmly. "You can call me Guy. I am no longer lord of anywhere."

"You will always be a lord to me, Guy." Michelle looked at him, unable to hide the adoration in her eyes, and he stroked a finger across her cheek.

Michelle could feel herself falling for the black knight, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Indeed, the longer he resided with her, the less effort she put into hiding it. She hoped against hope that he would eventually feel the same way, and sometimes, she thought that he did. It was in the way he watched her when he thought she didn't know, in the way his hand lingered on hers when she helped him to move about. It was in the way he spoke her name, like it was the most precious, exotic word he had ever uttered. Maybe he was just grateful to her, but Michelle hoped it was more, because she was mad about him.

The day that she was dreading finally arrived. Guy was finally well enough to return to his home in Locksley. His wound had almost healed, and she couldn't blame him for wanting to leave her small, humble abode for the opulence of Locksley Manor.

She could barely contain her grief as he prepared to leave. He seemed reluctant about something, and hadn't spoken for quite some time, which sent Michelle spiralling into a depressed silence. He had no need for her anymore; this was obvious.

She busied herself about the small cottage, attempting to convince herself that his leaving was for the best, and that she could get back to normality once he had gone, when suddenly, he was by her side.

"Michelle," he said, urgently, and she looked at him in surprise. Next minute, he took her in his arms and began to kiss her with a desperation that astonished her.

Sensing her reluctance to respond, he released her quickly and backed away. "I'm sorry. I overstepped the mark."

"No, no." Michelle reached out for him, then stopped herself. "You surprised me, is all. I didn't think you felt the same way."

"You mean, you have feelings for me?" It was Guy's turn to express surprise, and Michelle nodded.

A genuine smile spread across his face. "Then, may I kiss you again, my lady?"

"Yes, please," Michelle said.

A long while later, they parted and he smiled, taking her by the hand and leading her with him to Locksley. They paused on the edge of the village, looking across at Locksley Manor, Guy's former home. The outlaw gang were waiting in the courtyard, a shadow of their former self. Archer saw Guy and moved a few steps in their direction, a hand raised in greeting.

Autumn had Sherwood in its grasp, and the trees surrounding the small village blazed with russet and gold and brown, the ground coated with fallen leaves that crunched underfoot. Locksley was in mourning, for the great Robin Hood was dead, but, as Guy and Michelle walked through the village towards the manor house, hand-in-hand, Guy realised that not everything had to end in the fall, and that new beginnings were always there if you wished for them hard enough.

The end.

[abrunettefangirlnerd]

Little Bird

Request: wanted to ask you if you could do a Loki x teen!Reader. Where the reader meets Loki in some way and she touches him and connect their souls 'cause she has powers she doesn't know about. And then some day she's in pain or smth and Loki feels it and comes to her. And she finds out she just can connect her soul with someone she trusts. And loki is all sweet ? And angst maby. Please and thank you.

Pairing: Loki Odinson x teen!Reader

Chapter: 1/2

Warning: some slight violence that it not really graphic but thought I’d warn you!

            The ground beneath your feet trembles as the latest villain of New York decides they are powerful enough to take on the Avengers. Living in the city you thought you would get used to this, but every time is different and equally terrifying. Your parents have suggested that you all move. A suggestion you have constantly protested till you were blue in the face. Despite all the danger, you feel as though it is where you belong.

             A team of nanobots cling together as they tear a hole in the wall in front of you. Before you could react, the nanobots swarm over your body and carry you out of the window of your high school. The wind ripples through your hair as your screams illuminate the sky around you. Then suddenly you are falling. The nanobots let go of you right over the chaos of moving cars and frantic people not paying attention.

             Two arms grab you from impending death and a sense of calm washes over you. Looking into an ocean of blue eyes, you find them looking into your (Y/E/C) orbs. An unnatural electricity travels from your skin into his fingertips. It is as if a part of you knows this man, but yet you’ve never met before. Despite the calming sensation radiating off of him, your heart begins to flutter at an irregular rate. Excitement, longing, and safety overwhelms your system as you feel the possibility of fainting approach.

“Hold on a moment little bird.” His accent leaks into your conscious and you find yourself releasing a breath you’ve been holding. “We are almost there.”

             Tearing your eyes from his, you try to take in the rest of his appearance. He is lean but still a little muscular. Shiny, long dark hair flows in the wind behind him like smoke. His face is slender and you swear you’ve seen him before, but you can’t quite put your finger on it.

             Your time is cut too short, to your dismay. The mystery man returns you to the front of your high school. His careful touch directs you to sit on the steps leading to the front set of doors. You look into his eyes one last time and feel a pain of sadness heave from your chest. All you want to do is stay in his arms and stare into his eyes.

“Oh my god!” Your best friend Cami exclaims behind you. “Loki just saved your life!”

“Who?” You slowly stand up with Cami’s help. Still dazed, but your eyes don’t leave him until he is out of view.

“You know! Loki is Thor’s brother, the Avenger. Super muscular, hot, and strong.”

             Loki just saved your life. A god you barely knew but somehow felt like you did. He stopped what he was doing and saved you, out of anyone else in New York. That kind of stuff just didn’t happen right? It just happened by chance, that must be the reason. Though, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself, there is something in the way it felt to be around him that you couldn’t shake.

Two Years Later

             Walking home from the latest dance club, you think about how much fun you’ve had tonight. Today was your 17th birthday and Cami took you out dancing because she knows it is your favorite thing to do.  You’ve always loved how the music can sway your body. For you it is much more of the feeling of the music versus the lyrics.

             You turn down an alley leading to a shortcut to your apartment a few blocks down. Normally you don’t walk alone at night or you get a cab, but there it is really hard to get a cab this late at night. Besides, it isn’t too terribly far of a walk.

             Two men lounge against an old rotting dumpster in the middle of the alley. They talk to each other in hushed whispers that sends an unsettling shiver up your spine. Everything about this feels wrong and you go to turn around when they spot you.

“Hey, don’t walk away from us!” The man shouts. “We know you saw us. Let’s just chat.”

             Attempting to sprint in heals is not a good plan. No one can actually do it and it is a good way to lose one’s balance. Thankfully you catch yourself before you completely fall to the ground, but it allows the men extra time to get to you.

             One grabs you by the arm and pulls your body close to his. You can smell the tobacco seeping from his clothes into your nostrils. You’ve never been one to like the smell, your uncle smokes and would often blow the residue in your face. The smell has left you extremely nauseous and sensitive over the years.

You almost don’t notice the gun the second man pulls out from his belt. As your mind detects what is going on, the man holding you grabs for your purse. It is small but does happen to carry your credit card, and a few twenty-dollar bills. You don’t put up much of a fight. You’ve always been told that if someone had a gun and wanted your purse, to just give it to them. It’s not worth your life.

“What do you think Hal?” The man with the gun asks. “Think we should let her go so easily? Or should we have some fun first?”

             A lump forms in the back of your throat as you process what he is saying. Limb paralyzing fear immobilizes your body. Your mind is screaming at your legs to move, but they don’t obey the command. The man holding you pulls out a knife and gently grazes the cool metal against your cheek.

“Pretty girls sting.” The man Hal sings. “But so do boys with broken wings.”

             A cool sharp pain congregates on your face, your cheek. The man holding the knife slowly cuts your skin deep enough for blood to slowly drip from your pierced skin. As an inhuman sound erupts from your throat, the second man covers his hand over your mouth and grabs it to keep from moving. Tears stream down your face. Forming a new gloss over your cut, causing it to sting worse than before.

             You can now feel the flat part of the blade float over your collarbone. The man removes it like before, and you await the next cut on your flesh. But it never comes. In fact the men release you from their grasps and you see them running for their lives down the alley. It occurs to you that you should be running too. If there is something scary enough to make them run, then you definitely do not want to stick around.

             However, your body still does not want to comply with your thoughts. One step in that direction sends your body tumbling to the concrete below. But like the second cut of the knife, you do not feel your body meet the ground. Instead two familiar arms catch you and curl you closer to their owner.

“You have some explaining to do, little bird.”

**

             You wake up in your own bed and in a fresh set of pajamas from your drawer. Remembering what happened in the alley your hand shoots up to your cheek. Feeling all around your skin; you expect to find stitches, an open cut, or at the least a scar. There is nothing. In disbelief you stand up and rush to a mirror in your room, but it only confirms the impossible.

“You should lay back down.” A deep alluring voice from behind makes you jump from your skin. “There is a chance you could be in shock.”

             Whipping your head around you come face to face with him once again. Your mysterious man that saved you in the clouds, Loki. Examining him, you see that very little has changed. His frame is still lean but muscular, tall, and his dark hair rests around his shoulders. Every inch of him calls out to you like before and you feel instantly safe.

“Why are you here? How did you know I was in trouble?” Your voice is horse, barely over a whisper but just as strong.

“I should be asking you that question.” Loki takes a step closer to you slowly, trying not to startle you. “Two years ago I started being able to sense when you are in trouble or scared. Most of the time is was false alarms. You getting in trouble at school, or with your parents, when you are watching a scary movie. Of which you probably should stop watching, I don’t think it is very healthy for your heart to experience such distress.”

             Loki’s movements continue, slow and methodical. As if he is approaching a wild beast and does not want to provoke it. The closer he gets the more intoxicated by his presence you are. Once he stops just a few inches from you, you finally process what he said.

“What are you saying?”

“I think you linked us. I don’t think you are an ordinary human like everyone else. There is something…” He smiles before continuing, “extraordinary about you. And I mean that in the best of ways.”

             Nothing could keep away the dash of blush that filters through your cheeks. Obviously Loki noticed it as well and a greater smile crosses his lips. You are hit with another wave of intoxication as you revisit the pleasure of how close he is to you. Before you could say or do anything, you feel your legs threaten to give way. Loki notices this too and gently helps you back to your bed.

             Loki peels back the covers on your mattress as you slip underneath them. A new sense of fear engulfs you at the possibility that he will leave. That he will disappear out your window and you’ll never see him again. Or at the very least, another two years.

“Please don’t go.” You’re voice sounds like a begging child. Signaling, you direct Loki to lay down next to you in your bed. He quickly obliges like he had no intention of leaving at all.

“How do you know where I live?” You ask.

“Don’t be frightened okay?” Loki’s fingers lightly trace your arm in a back-and-forth motion. “After the first intense episode of your distress, I was worried and wanted to check on you. I got your address from a… friend.” You smile as you get the feeling the person he is referring to isn’t entirely his buddy. “Then it just became a habit. At night I would visit to give me some peace of mind that you are safe. It’s strange, I’ve never cared so much for a mortal to stay alive.”

“But you said I’m different.” You interject and Loki just nods in agreement. “When you saved me a couple years ago, and even right now, I feel this connection like I know you. Or that I am supposed to know you. I swear almost every night I have dreams about you.”

             Loki’s soft chuckles lightly move your bed. Unsure of what could be so funny, you knit your eyebrows together and look up at his perfect god-like face. How is it possible for one person to be this gorgeous?

“I know you dream about me.” Loki tries to contain his laughter. “I’ve heard you call my name a few times. It is very fun for me.”

             You playfully smack his chest. Of which just makes him laugh more than before. Not able to resist the contagiousness of his laugh, you join in too as you hide your face in the side of his body. An uncontrollable heat spreads through your face and you would be embarrassed for him to see.

             But Loki doesn’t let you off the hook that easily. Knowing that you are virtually unmovable, Loki positions his body to shrink down to your eye level. His beautiful blue eyes pierce yours, bypassing your wards and right into your soul. Never have you met someone who can make your toes curl by just one look.

“Before two years ago I didn’t know what was missing.” Loki’s soft voice brushes against your nose, drawing you in. “I thought just watching over you during the night… I thought it was enough. But being this close. I don’t think I can leave.”

“Then don’t.” Your words are so soft, you’re not sure you actually said them.

             Loki’s fingers move some free hairs from your face, and you are reminded of how he is only a few inches away from you. Uncontrollably, your heart begins to race and you wonder if he can feel it too. If he does, Loki offers no indication of the sort.

As he tucks the last bit behind your ear his hand rests on the side of your face. His thumb strokes the skin just below your eye before his finger traces the line of your jaw. Keeping near the section that joins your neck, his fingers explore that part of you as well. Little electrical butterflies are left behind in their place, exciting every cell in your body.

Loki’s lips cautiously brush against yours. Lighting the ignition, you close your eyes and deepen the kiss. You become suddenly afraid he may take his initial action back. But those fears are chased away by Loki pulling your body closer to his own. Your limbs intertwine with his as you both attempt to close any gap between.

Still not satisfied with the perceived distance, Loki partially hovers his body over yours as his free hand travels down your waist. Meanwhile, you run your fingers though his locks of dark hair. Pulling on a strand or two, you find that he secretly loves it. Even though he may deny it later.

Your body glides with his as your heartbeats rise with new demands. Then suddenly there is nothing but air around you. Loki is gone. Taking the opportunity to catch your breath, you look around your room and find Loki sitting on your window sill. His breathing is has heavy as your own.

“I’m sorry.” He manages to say.

             Suddenly you feel very exposed. All your clothing is intact but you’ve never felt more naked. Does he regret what happened? Is he going to leave? Will he ever come back?

“Don’t mistake my apology as a sign of regret.” It’s like he can read your mind, or at least your face. “I just… I can be dangerous if I get carried away. I don’t think I could bare something happening to you, especially at my hand.”

             You nod, trying to decide if you believe him. Loki is almost out of your room, only one simple move and he can disappear well into the night. But he doesn’t. Instead, Loki slips back into your room and watches your eyes intently for a sign to stop. His body repositions next to yours and you rest your head against his chest as his arms wrap around you protectively.

“Sleep, little bird.” Loki’s voice draws you to sleep. “Tomorrow we will figure out how special you truly are.”

Chapter 2

Taglist: @drabby-abby​

[kaeyas-beloved]

Plumbing Problems {Lucifer x Reader}

Prompt -> Credit: @givethispromptatry

I don't know how I feel about this... I don't know if it's any good but here you go anyway...

~

Chaos.

It was the only word to truly describe the current state of the House of Lamination at the moment. 

In the corner of the room we have Mammon and Leviathan fighting over who knows what plus Satan and Beel entering from different sides of the living room, towels wrapped tightly around their waists and slightly annoyed expressions on their faces. Asmodeus was wearing an irritated look at the fact he couldn’t freshen up to look as beautiful as he always does and Lucifer was in the middle of it all, shouting about how everyone needed to calm down.

Then there was Belphegor sleeping soundly on the couch, unaware of all the shouting going on around him, cuddled up soundly with his cow printed pillow.

And all because the plumbing broke somewhere in the middle of the night, rendering the residents unable to use any water that morning.

Thank god it was a weekend or else they’d have even more problems...

“Oi Lucifer! Why don’t ya just call that one guy! Y’know, the one who deals with these kinda things!” Mammon exclaims, throwing his one arm up in frustration. Lucifer groaned, the eldest brother was planning on contacting the mentioned man, but with all hell breaking loose, the idea was placed on the back burner. 

“I know Mammon. I was about to summon him before you idiots decided to make a fuss...” the raven-haired demon states, rolling his eyes while making his way into the kitchen, glittering red sparks falling from his finger tips.

A flick of his gloved hand along with the muttering of a short chant and a figure soon started to fade in. It shouldn’t take longer than a minute or two for the process of this summoning to finish, yet it felt way longer to Lucifer, factoring in that right after he finished the summoning spell he had to turn his back to the human, distracted once again by his noisy younger siblings and their bantering.

As the Avatar of Pride dealt with his problem children, behind him stood a very confused human, their (e/c) eyes frantically scanning their new surroundings, taking in the very unfamiliar scene. They were just in their bedroom a second ago, how the hell did they get here!? AND WHERE IS HERE!? Before the human or his brothers could point out the obvious problem to him (that he’s got the wrong human!!), Lucifer relentlessly continued scolding his brothers for all the noise and headaches they’ve caused, leaving no room for argument.

“Yo, Lucifer-” Mammon tried to speck, lifting a hand to point at the present human, but was cut off within a second, a sharp, cold glare being sent his way.

“MAMMON QUIET!!” The shout seemed to rattle the very foundation of the house, the demon which the yell came from switching into his demon form. The anger that Lucifer was bottling up regarding the matter and from the constant pestering of his brothers, finally exploding. The white-haired demon flinched back, as did the other brothers, along with the already frightened human and they all shut their mouths.

“And you, weak human, should start fixing our issue, no payment as well, seeing as you didn’t just get right to work” It was a command no doubt, the tone of the eldest demon alluding to it, but through the confusion and what they just saw, anger started to radiant from the human – anger sprouting at being given instructions but not a single piece of context.

But also at the fact that this whole thing has a lack of money in the equation. What can they say? (Y/N)’s got their own underlining greed…

So really there was only one thing to do – yell and assert dominance… probably.  

“NOW WAIT JUST A DAMN SECOND!!!” Stunned, the raven-haired individual quieted down, not at all expecting to hear a voice that didn’t belong to the usual man that he summoned when the plumbing stopped working. Spinning around, Lucifer’s black and red eyes connecting with a pair of (e/c) ones, scowl present on the new comers lips.

“You don’t get to yell at me, you prick! I have no idea what I’m doing here! You brought me here and told me to fix shit! You aren’t even paying me!” (Y/N) hissed and crossed their arms, glaring into Lucifer’s very being. Said demon quickly recomposed himself, blackened wings and horns disappearing, his lips returning into the normal straight line they’re always in, but his eyes still held a glimmer of annoyance, with added surprise too.

“May I ask who exactly you are exactly, seeing as you are not Mr. Ray…” Lucifer inquired in a steady voice, eyes narrowing and brow raising.

It was almost like a switch, like turning off and on lights to a room. All the hostility that arrived with (Y/N) dissipated, their eyes softening at the mention of the name.

“Ray (L/N)?” Their voice was soft, an underlining sadness hiding in their tone. When more than one demon nodded the human sighed, leaning on the kitchen table, rough seeing as it’s made of unpolished wood. “That’s my father but… he’s not around anymore…” The brothers became silent, quickly scheming what they meant. There was only one real meaning to it so when they finally understood everyone turned their gazes to the ground. After a moment Lucifer cleared his throat, catching (Y/N)’s attention.

“I am sorry to hear that…” though his tone may be misleading, Lucifer was indeed upset at the new information. But the man was human, it was inevitable, bound to happen sooner or later – Lucifer knew this.

“It’s fine really…” the (h/c) haired human signed, switching the subject “what did you need him for anyway? Was it the plumbing?” The Avatar of Pride nodded, gesturing to the unit at the back of the kitchen where the water pipes were. Nodding, (Y/N) took meaningful strides towards it, a business-like aura surrounding them suddenly and they opened the unit, examining it.

“Do you have any tools?” (Y/N) questioned, staring at the demons.

“We do, I’ll go get them” Satan spoke smoothly, walking out of the room. Mammon suddenly started arguing, claiming that his younger brother had no clue where they even were. Asmodeus and Leviathan joined in, countering that there was no way he knew where they were either. Soon all but one demon left for the hunt of tools, the shouting getting quieter as the others left.

“What, may I ask, are going to do?” Lucifer questioned, folding his arms. Though he had a pretty good idea of the answer, he still wanted to make sure.

“Fixing it.” (Y/N) stated in a ‘duh’ kind of tone, reaching into the pipe system. The eldest brother opened his mouth, a multitude of threats forming in his mind all directed at them for using such a tone with him – who does this human think they are!? – but was cut short. “My father told me about you guys ya know. He called you special customers and showed me how to fix your specific system. Though he never explicitly told me you were other worldly beings, he just told me I’ll know when the time comes – if it did…” (Y/N) chuckled bitterly, not looking away for a second from their work.  

The sudden reappearance of 4 of his 6 brothers - one got lost and the other was still sound asleep - silenced Lucifer from giving a reply. (E/c) eyes turned between the tools that were given and back at the piping system, red gradient eyes watching intently as the human worked, his arms staying crossed against his chest.

As (Y/N) worked their coloured hues ended up flickering between the task in front of them and the tall, looming demon over them. A few times they caught each others eye, and all (Y/N) could think about was how the shade of his eyes matched that of blood, yet there still was a darker light to them. After a good 15 minutes (Y/N) wiped their forehead and stood.

“That should do it…” they announced, facing the demons.

“So, the shower works now?” Beel questioned. As soon as the (h/c) haired human nodded all the brothers bolted out of the kitchen, about to enjoy their returned use of water. (Y/N) chuckled at the show of enthusiasm.

“I believe my work here is done.” Lucifer nodded wordlessly, a little disappointed that the new human was leaving, despite just arriving less than half an hour ago. The Avatar of Pride didn’t know what it was, but something about this human caught his interest, whether it was their rather vulgar first impression or how the human’s entire demeanour instantly softened at the mention of their lost love one, it was a mystery to him.

“It would seem so. Let me just grab-”

“It’s not necessary…” (Y/N) spoke, stopping Lucifer and handing him the tools back. The raven-haired brother raised a brow, unsure of their intentions.

“You were about to grab money to pay me despite what you said, no? There’s no payment needed, really. Think of it as a favor for being an acquaintance of my dad.” A light giggle erupted from their lips along with a wink, “plus, I don’t think Grimm would work very well in the human world!” The eldest frowned, hating to entertain the thought of owing favors, especially to a human. When (Y/N) turned to leave the kitchen and head into the hallway Lucifer grabbed their shoulder, halting them in their step.

“No, I insist…” Lucifer smirked, a pleasant idea just entering his mind. Eyeing the expression on his face, a smirk of their own slipped itself onto (Y/N)’s lips and they spin themselves around to face Lucifer.

“Fine then, if you can think of a way of payment that I approve of, I’ll accept it.” There was a challenging glint in their eyes and tone, confidence skyrocketing with the thought that there was no possible answer that would be acceptable.

“Would dinner suffice? If so, you will be staying here for the remainder of the day.”

Well, well now! Who would (Y/N) be to turn down such a generous offer for FOOD!? The true entrance to a mortal’s heart – or at least this particular mortal – is food.

Who knew right?

But (Y/N) couldn’t let Lucifer know that that was one of the keys to their heart, that they could be so easily won over like that! So, ignoring the entire part about staying in hell itself, (Y/N) responds as calm as ever.

“Hm… alright, dinner for my services it is.” The raven-haired demon gave a smug grin, pleased with the human’s response.

“Good. I’ll arrange for a reservation at Ristorante Six. This way, to your room. I expect you to be ready by 7PM in the dress I will provide for you.” …Shit that’s right, (Y/N) though, I’m stuck here for the rest of the day.

“Lead the way then” and yet, above all else, it wasn’t that awful sounding. They still get a free meal for doing such a simple job, which is a major plus.

And then there was the man who was paying for said dinner. Yes, the food will no doubt be fantastic, but from those intense red eyes, shiny black locks and overall cool composure, Lucifer wasn’t that bad, gorgeous if (Y/N) was being honest. And the sheer power that he was radiating was extraordinary.

It all just enticed them in further to the Avatar of Pride.

So as (Y/N) climbed the house’s stairs, they found that deep within themselves they knew that Lucifer was the true reason they accepted the invitation for dinner.  

And maybe, just maybe, they could get to know him even more…

[danipixel]

Wherever the Force May Go

I haven’t written fanfiction in something like 10 years.  Now here I am with an OC and ideas.  I blame my favorite discord chat for this.  Specifically @maulieber.  All her fault.  And Maul’s.  He’s one hell of a muse.  If this isn’t awful, there will be more coming.

3k words?!  How did that happen?

Summary:  Daia Veeral is an ex-Jedi smuggler with a fondness for Mandalore.  When she finds her favorite world is under new leadership, she makes a special trip in hopes of new opportunities.  What she finds is a bigger challenge than she expected.  Only the Force knows where her life goes now.

The Tarisian cantina Daia found herself in was filthy.  The drinks were alright but the droids never cleaned.  Despite the dirt, this was the best place on the planet to look for work.  At least, it was most days.  Today there was nothing.  Every shipping and smuggling job was either taken or paid garbage for credits.  She was in no mood to take a mercenary job, no matter how well it paid.  “I’m not broke yet.” she thought.  

She walked up to the bar making sure her lightsabers stayed hidden in her jacket.  It was time for a drink.  She shouted and waved to the bartender, “Hey Jek!  I need something strong and cheap.  Whatcha got?”  The Togruta behind the counter poured her a small glass of dark brown liquid. “You’re not going to like it.”  

Daia took the glass and downed the presumably nontoxic drink in one move.  It burned down her throat and seared her sinuses.  “How do you drink that engine grease?” She choked out between coughs.  “I don’t.  You said strong and cheap.”  

“I guess I did.” she said with a hand wave.  “Anyway, please tell me you have news for me.  I don’t care if the job is legal or not.  I just need to keep the Fever Dream in the air.”  

Jek finished cleaning up the counter before answering.  “Sorry Daia.  No work, but I did hear some news from Mandalore you might be interested in.”  

That had her attention.  The jobs from Mandalore were the best paying contracts she had ever had.  With the Prime Minister in prison and Death Watch less active than usual she hadn’t heard from her contacts in months.  She just assumed they were dead or hiding. “What did the Duchess do now?  Piss off Death Watch again?  Trip down the stairs of Sundari Palace cause her dress was too extravagant?”  

Jek let out a small chuckle at that last thought. “No.  I mean, she’s always pissing off Death Watch.  Or at least, she was.  Word is that they took over Mandalore and put Almec back as Prime Minister.  Almec says Satine herself killed Viszla in a fit of rage after they took over.”

“Bullshit!”

“Yeah, I know, but I also heard Death Watch was taken over by someone else and that’s how he died.  A couple of monsters by the sound of it.”  

Daia rolled her eyes. “There’s no such thing as monsters, Jek.  But, I think I may need to pay a visit to Mandalore.”  She tossed Jek some credits for the “drink” and started towards the door.

Before she made it out the door Jek shouted, "Hey Daia, try to stay out of trouble!"  She turned around and flashed a smile before leaving the cantina.  "Never!"

On the way to the Fever Dream, Daia reached out to the Force.  The war raging across the galaxy made it more difficult to pinpoint specific occurrences within the Force, but something had definitely happened on Mandalore.  She felt something that almost felt like a storm when she focused her mind on the warrior world.  If Almec was Prime Minister again, there was no way he was actually the one in charge.  That man had no backbone.  He may have had Daia on his payroll before but that doesn’t mean she had to like the man.  Maybe she really should go to Sundari and find out who the new leader really was.  After all, it would only be polite to introduce herself and maybe reestablish a partnership.  Hopefully this one would be more reasonable than Viszla.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daia turned the corner into the docking hangar she had left her ship and saw one of her most loved sights in the galaxy, the Fever Dream waiting to take her into the stars.  She picked up her pace and jogged up the loading ramp into the small freighter.  She ran her finger along a small patch of rust near the airlock.  The poor girl needs some maintenance again.  That’ll have to wait until Daia comes into some credits again.  Daia saved every credit she could spare for a year in order to buy the ship.  It was in rough shape but having her own ship was like a dream come true.  Something to belong to her and not the Jedi Order.  She quickly checked on engines to make sure they would still run as smooth and silent as ever.  Those were the first things she replaced after her first simple cargo transport jobs.  The original engines were constantly running too hot and nearly cooked her inside the hull.  Her dream ship had a fever and a name.  

Satisfied with the state of the engines and pulling herself out of memories, she made her way to the cockpit and started her takeoff procedures from the well worn pilot’s seat.  With every button press and flip of a switch, the Fever Dream came to life and lifted from the hangar floor.  Daia guided the quiet ship through the Tarisian atmosphere and into the calming open expanse of space.  That view always brought a smile to her face.  The galaxy and endless options in front of her.  Nothing but herself, her ship, and the Force as her copilot.  She entered her destination into the navicomputer and waited for hyperspace jump calculations.  After a minute, the computer alerted her that the ship was ready to jump and she activated the hyperdrive.  “Let’s go home, love.”  Stars stretched and streaked past the viewport and were replaced by a tunnel of light as the ship was thrown into hyperspace.

She sat back in her chair for a moment, enjoying the swirling lights in front of her.  Starting to feel a bit restless, she got up and tossed her jacket and sabers into the copilot seat then meandered her way through the ship, eventually finding herself in the empty cargo hold in front of her training droid, P4R-E.  She activated the droid and picked up a couple of training blades.  No sense in cutting holes through the hull with her lightsabers.  “Wake up Parry!  Time for some exercise.”  The droid stood to attention and held out a staff. “Yes, Mistress.  Shall we begin a combat scenario?”

Daia held her twin blades in a defensive stance and circled her droid.  “Begin combat, Parry.”  The droid rushed at her.  He aimed high and she easily deflected the blow to the side.  She felt the Force begin to flow through her body and guide every strike.  P4R-E then aimed for her legs with a low sweep.  She leapt over the blow and brought one training blade towards his side, which he caught with his staff.  He quickly thrust a flurry of blows at her torso, forcing her to rapidly back up several steps while she repeatedly knocked the staff to her side.  She rapidly circled around and took aim at P4R-E’s back.  The droid managed to twist around and just barely catch her blade before it could connect.  She brought up the second blade and slammed it under his arm.  The droid straightened and faced the ex-Jedi.  “Well done, Mistress.  Shall we begin again?”

She rolled her shoulders while backing up to the other side of the cargo hold.  “Sure Parry.  Let’s try a more difficult combat program this time.  Begin combat.”  They began the dance again and continued for some time, both striking blows on the other, before Daia’s restlessness had been taken care of.  Breathing heavily and covered in a fine sheen of sweat, she stopped the training droid.  “That’s enough for today Parry.  I need to go shower.  Go ahead and power down for now.”  P4R-E took his place in the corner of the cargo hold again.  “As you wish Mistress.”

Daia walked to her room and the refresher to get cleaned up.  No sense in meeting her new employer covered in sweat.  After a quick run through the sonic shower, she put on a clean black and grey outfit and put her boots back on.  She examined herself in the mirror and quickly fixed her short cropped dark curls and applied fresh makeup.  Satisfied with her appearance she took a seat on the cushion in the corner of the small room and began to meditate.  Some Jedi practices never would go away.

She let out a slow breath and let the Force flow into and through her mind.  “Alright old friend, what do you have for me?  What am I walking into?”  Her old master always gently teased her when she’d speak with the Force like it was a living person.  If it was alive, why not treat it as such?  After several minutes, Daia felt her mind slip through the Force towards Mandalore.  She saw the world she had adopted as a second home in her mind’s eye, all desert sands dotted with shining domed cities.  She saw Sundari among them and focused on the capital city.  The Force showed her the familiar sights of Mandalorian markets and parks, filled with the passion driven people she adored.  In her vision she looked toward the palace but something was different.  It was covered in shadows that her sight couldn’t penetrate.  She pushed towards the palace but felt her projection pushed back.  “I’m not afraid of the dark.  Let me through.”  The Force relented and her vision passed into the shadow.  The familiar chill of the dark side surrounded her but still, she pressed on through the storm of shadows.  “Come on, something has to be there.”  She focused all her mind through the darkness until she finally saw something.  She saw eyes.  Golden eyes wreathed in flame.  Above the eyes she saw what appeared to be a sharp pointed crown.  The vision quickly faded from her and forced her back to her own senses.  “No, no, no.  That can’t be all.  There’s more, right?”  She tried again to dive into the shadows in Sundari palace and once more saw the same eyes and the same crown.  She finally gave up and stood up from her meditation.  “Fine.  Be cryptic.”

The ship’s alarm went off and alerted her that it would soon reach her destination and she would need to take control again.  Not knowing exactly what she’d run into today, Daia grabbed her blaster and strapped it to her hip.  She ran back to the cockpit, put her sabers and jacket back on and took a seat in the pilot seat.  When she reached her destination, she dropped the ship out of hyperspace.

The familiar sight of Mandalore filled the viewport of the Fever Dream as Daia pulled out of hyperspace.  Home sweet home.  Almost.  She flew a course through the atmosphere towards the dome of Sundari and the usual port she would always dock with.  Once she had put the ship down guards ran out towards the unexpected ship wearing armor painted red and black.  That was new.  She secured her sabers firmly under her jacket as she walked off the ship, making sure they stayed hidden but that her blaster was in easy reach.  No sense walking into this unprepared.

“Stop!  You’re not supposed to be here.”  One of the Mandalorians shouted, raising his blaster.  “We’re not expecting any ships this morning.  What are you doing here?”

Daia kept her hands in the air but focused her mind on the Force.  Reaching out to the guards’ minds and giving just that little push needed to have her will be theirs.  Finding that point in their minds, she pushed her will into their thoughts hard.  “You’re going to step aside and let me go to Sundari Palace.  I have business with the Prime Minister.”

Daia calmly held her open hands in the air.  “Su’cuy Mando!  I’m here on business.  I need to have a conversation with the man in charge.”

“That’s not happening.”  The second guard took aim at her head.  Clearly, normal conversation wasn’t going to work on these two.  

After a moment, the two warriors lowered their blasters and stepped aside.  “You have business with the Prime Minister.  Welcome to Sundari.”

“Thank you.”  Daia quickly walked past the two and took up a rapid pace towards the palace.  Slipping in and out of the morning Sundari crowds, she found her usual path to the back of the palace.  There was an old servant entrance that was rarely used in recent years.  Duchess Satine preferred to have her people enter through the main entrances.  Servant pathways were now reserved for those working maintenance and the smugglers Almec had employed.  Daia rounded the last corner for the entrance and immediately dropped back behind the wall with a whisper, “Shit.”  There was a Death Watch guard watching the door.  There was no way she was talking her way in there.

She thought about her options.  Mind trick?  No, palace guards are smarter than dock guards.  Flirt?  No, that’s just too obvious.  Bribery?  No, Death Watch doesn’t take bribes.  That Mandalorian honor can really get annoying.  Knock him out?  No, he’ll know someone went in.  She had an idea and started to head away from the guard.  This is so stupid, it can’t fail.  She snuck through the small space and found a corner to hide in.  Pulling out her blaster she screamed, “Help!  Gaa’tayl!  Gedet’ye!  Oh gods he’s going to kill him!”  Daia fired two shots straight into the ground and took off back the way she came.

Running back to the door, she heard the guard shouting and running into the corner she came from.  Let’s see if the codes are still the same.  She punched in the old door code Almec used for his smugglers to come and go as needed.  The door quietly slid open.  Almec, you idiot.  Change your codes once in a while.  Daia slipped into the open doorway and quickly shut the door behind her.  

Once she was in the servant passages she wrapped the Force around her like a cloak to help her sneak through the palace.  Almec and Death Watch would be in the throne room this time of day, which meant a lot of walking.  Climbing the many stairs and walking the winding pathways, Daia hoped she wasn’t making a huge mistake.  There was a presence in the Force that she’d never felt here before.  Something or someone powerful.  Before she knew it, the small door that led to the corner of the throne room was in front of her.  She pressed her ear to the door and could hear voices beyond.  Almec was in there, that was for sure.  She heard several other voices but didn’t recognize them.  The presence was still in there and it was powerful.  Powerful and dark.  Am I still doing this?  Yes, yes I am.  It’s now or never.  

Daia opened the door and strode confidently into the throne room with a grin.  “Good morning Almec!  It’s good to see you alive and well!  Congratulations on your release from prison.”

A dozen Mandalorians in red and black armor turned and aimed their blasters straight at Daia’s head. She took the hint and held her hands in the air.  Across the room Almec started with a curse.  “Oh sweet maker, what do you want?”

A quick glance around the throne room was all she needed to know she was right about Mandalore's new leader.  An unfamiliar man with crimson and black skin and a crown of horns sat on the throne.  That explains the new armor.  To his side was another Zabrak.  This one was larger with longer horns and gold and black skin. The Force swirled around the two men like a storm.  These men were no simple warriors.  They were Force users.  Strong ones at that.

The warrior with horns welded to his helmet brought her attention back to the blasters in her face.  "Who are you and what are you doing here?  Spying?  An assassin?"  

Is that Saxon under the bucket?  "I used to smuggle for Almec and Death Watch.  Are you saying you forgot about me?  I came here to talk business and maybe reestablish our relationship since you seem to be under new leadership."  Viszla's dead but Kryze was nowhere to be found.  It seems things had changed more than she thought.

The Mandalorian gestured towards her blaster on her hip, "If you’re here to discuss business, then why are you armed?"  Definitely Saxon under there.

Daia let out a dramatic gasp.  "Someone armed among the Mando’ade?  Who would do such a thing?"  She looked back at Almec who was pretending and failing to act like he didn't recognize her.  "Are all these warriors such di’kutla?"  That earned her a deep chuckle from the man on the throne.  Good, he has a sense of humor.  That’s an improvement.

Daia lowered her hands slightly and addressed the Prime Minister again.  "It looks like you’ve made some new friends since the last time I was here, burc'ya."  She reached out with the Force to make a small connection to the Zabrak on the throne.  A greeting, almost like a knock on the door.  I see you.  His eyes immediately snapped to hers in response.  Golden eyes wreathed in flame and not a crown, but horns.  Now the vision made sense.

The Force wielder gestured to Death Watch to lower their blasters as he finally spoke, "Answer them.  Who are you and why are you here?"

She finally dropped her hands entirely and put on her most charming smile.  "My name is Daia Veeral.  I’ve been smuggling for Almec for about two and half years now.  I'd heard he was Prime Minister again but this time publicly backed by Death Watch.  I’d also heard rumors Death Watch was taken over by monsters.  I came to see for myself.”

The Zabrak narrowed his eyes at her monster comment.  "So, Daia Veeral, do you see the monsters you came for?"  He gestured to himself and the now glowering man beside him.

Daia shook her head, "I don’t believe in monsters.  What I see is a very capable man on the throne of Mandalore."  She moved to take a step towards the throne.  This time a blaster muzzle met the side of her skull and a woman spoke.  "Don't take another step."

Letting out a snort and a laugh Daia teased, "What are you, his bodyguards?"

The red Zabrak smirked at her joke and again signaled for the blaster to be lowered.  This man wielded power like he was born to do it.   "Do you have a problem with my personal guard?"

She shot a glare at the Mandalorian that had just threatened her.  I think I know her. Kast, I think it was.  "None at all." Daia then gestured to the two Force users.  "I’ve just never seen two men less in need of bodyguards in my life.  I take it, you’re the one that killed Pre Viszla then."  The larger one smiled at her compliment.

The crimson man sat a little straighter and lifted his chin before answering.  Oh, he's a proud one.  "Is that a problem?"

Daia smiled again. "No, I’d like to thank you.  Working with that man was hell.  If it wasn’t for the fact that he paid so well, I would have stopped a long time ago."

Saxon reacted angrily to her comments.  "All of us served under Viszla, he was a strong leader and he led us for years.  Careful what you say."

She turned and glared at the man. "Not strong enough obviously.  Viszla was a complete shabuir.  Did you ever try talking to him?  He thought he was the god of Mandalore.  His ego would have gotten you all killed eventually."  If Saxon wanted a fight, he'd get one.  He loomed over Daia.  "Watch it." He spit out at her.

Daia snarled back.  "Not a single one of you had the gett’se to do what this man did."  She walked away from Saxon and turned back to the throne where she saw a smirk on the Zabrak's face.  "So, Mand’alor.  I would like to offer you my services as a very capable smuggler and fighter if you'll have me."  She held out her hand and walked closer to him.

Mand'alor rose from his throne and stalked towards Daia, a metallic click sounding with every foot step.  The Force draped itself around him like a swirling shadow leaving darkened ripples in his wake.  "Very well."  He firmly grasped her outstretched hand. "You may stay in the palace as long as you are on Mandalore."

Shocked at the offer but refusing to let go of his hand, "That’s very kind but not necessary."  "I insist," He growled.  He made his point known with a tighter squeeze on her hand and a push into her with the Force.

Daia finally let go of his hand with a small push back of her own.  "Very well then.  Thank you for your hospitality.  I’m sorry, I never got your name."

"Maul."  The name rumbled out of his chest.  It was more a growl than a word.  Does he always introduce himself like that?

"I’ll go get my things from my ship then, Maul.  I look forward to our new partnership."  Oh this is going to be fun.  With that Daia gave a small bow and walked out of the throne room and back towards her ship.  Life just got much more interesting.

Maul watched Daia intently as she left the room.  Why had a Jedi come into his throne room and offered to work for him?  Something must not be right.  He'll keep watching her until he finds out what it is.  

His counterpart finally came up from behind him to speak.  "Brother, she's lying to us.  No smuggler would be wrapped in the Force like that.  Why keep her here?"

Maul regarded his brother’s words for a moment before speaking. "Sometimes it is best to keep your enemies close, Savage.”

“Is she an enemy, then?”

“I haven’t decided.”  Maul would be patient for now and see what comes of the woman who just lied to him.  He would deal with her later.

[etherealfangirl10]

No Fun

One Shot

Masterlist

Pairing: Jeremiah x Reader x Jerome

Gender: Female

Warning: None, unless you count threats

Genre: Not fluff but not angst, idk

Summary:

-(Y/N) had been in a relationship with Jerome all up until his death (the second time). After that, she chose to stick by Jeremiahs side. But after sometime with him, she realizes he’s not as similar to Jerome as she thought..-

(Y/N) giggled, leaning down so she could stare into Bruce Wayne’s face, his dark eyes surveying hers cautiously.

The teen was tied up to a chair, his hands bound and mouth gagged. Jeremiah had allowed (Y/N) to have some fun with him before he got there, and the bruises and bloody nose proved that she had her fill. Almost.

“Ooohhh, Brucie, when my man gets here we’re gonna have sooo much fun before we... ya know, splatter your brains out all over the wall.” The girl hummed, a wide grin on her face. Ah, if Jerome could see her now, he’d be so proud.

Jerome and her had been in a relationship since... hmm, actually, right before he killed his mother. But they had always been childhood friends. Jerome, Jeremiah, and (Y/N). Those were the good ol’ days. At least before Jeremiah decided to run off and leave their little trio behind.

(Y/N) had always been attracted to Jerome, his smile was infectious, and he was always looking to have some fun. But she had always loved to settle down next to Jeremiah for some peace at the end of the day. It was strange, she had always yearned for the chaos Jerome caused in his wake, but she couldn’t deny the safety and adoration she felt for Jeremiah. The need and want for Jerome had always overpowered her need for something more... stable, though. Maybe that’s why she had kept by Jeremiahs side when her beloved Jerome had died. Again.

Sighing, (Y/N) stepped away from Bruce, twirling in boredom across the room. What was taking him so long?! She knew he had business across town, but was that more important than her? I should think the fuck not! When he told her to capture and tie up Bruce Wayne for him, she expected him to, oh, I don’t know, be on time!

Letting out an enraged growl, she let her (e/c) gaze fall on the rich brunette. He was still staring at her, and she could see him gulp visibly as he noticed she was looking. His eyes betrayed nothing, not even fear as he gazed at her steadily. (Y/N) let her snarl turn into a light giggle, loving the way he tried so hard in front of her.

“Aw, what’s the matter, Bruce? You ain’t scared of little ol’ me, are ya?” She asked, sticking her bottom lip out in a pout as she made her way back towards him, reaching out to pull the cloth away from his mouth.

Just as she was about to ungag him, a loud slam caused the girl to turn towards the door, her reflects already two steps ahead of her. The gun that was tucked into her waistband was now in her hand, aiming directly at Jeremiahs skull. Instantly, she dropped her arm, an easy grin making its way to her lips.

“Baby!” (Y/N) bursted, before skipping over to him, draping her arms around his neck. Jeremiah automatically moved his arm around her waist, hugging the girl closer to his body as he looked down at her.

“Apologies for my tardiness, had some trouble with the deal.” He explained, to which (Y/N) replied with a peck on the cheek.

“No prob, J. But I was just about to blow his brains out if I had to wait any longer.” She joked, ending her sentence with a smooth laugh, expecting him to join in.

However, it seemed she had forgotten that he was indeed not Jerome, and all he did was send her a faint smile, before turning his gaze to Bruce. Ugh. Seriously? Her laughter died as she clenched a hand into a fist, but she plastered on a large grin to her face, anyways.

“So, what’re we gonna do? Something fun, I hope?” She asked hopefully, her eyes glimmering as she turned to look at the boy. “I think the room could use a renovation. What do ya say to painting the walls red?!” (Y/N) hummed, laughing as she glanced at Jermemiah, her hands outstretched in front of her like she was gesturing to the room.

Now, Jerome would have laughed with her. Jerome would have agreed. Jerome would have pulled her closer, kissed her temple, and told her that he had been thinking the same thing.

But Jerimiah? Oh no, no, no. He could never kill precious little Bruce Wayne. Jerimiah needed him, you see. Without Bruce Wayne, it wouldn’t be any fun. They were best friends. Or whatever Jeremiah tried to convince himself.

So Jeremiah replies with, “As lovely as that would be, dear, I have other plans tonight. Why don’t you go find yourself someone to torture while I have a little chat with Bruce over here.”

(Y/N) felt her gaze narrow, shooting him a glare. He never listened to her. She had let it slide for a while, but enough was enough. She wasn’t some girl he could send off whenever he wanted! Why couldn’t he see she was just as important as Bruce Wayne?

“Jerome would have let me.” (Y/N) huffed, turning away to cross her arms over her chest childishly, glaring off into the dark room. The girl didn’t seem to know what she was even saying, the words out before she could take them back. But what was done was done.

Silence.

“What did you just say?” She heard behind her, and she felt a smug smile pull at her lips as she realized she got a reaction. Finally. He’s paying attention.

“You heard me. You never let me have any fun! I never get to kill Bruce Wayne! Jerome would have let me, but noooo!” (Y/N) shouted, whirling around to face him, one eyebrow quirked. “Bruce Wayne is too precious. You’re connected... or whatever.” She bit her lip, faltering slightly. Did she cross a line? She wasn’t sure. But it was the truth. He didn’t want to kill Mr. Moneybags, while he had to chance to many times. It infuriated her that he wouldn’t take those chances, when Jeromes entire goal was to kill the younger boy. After driving him a tad mad, of course.

That had been the fun of it. Chasing after Brucie and driving him insane before the slaughter. It was an adventure, and Jerome had made it feel so exhilarating. Unpredictable and wild. Decisions in the heat of passion, leaving trails of chaos wherever they went...

With Jeremiah... it felt planned to the T. Staged. Predictable. And to someone like her, who lived off the moments of adrenaline, savoring it when she was walking along the edge of life and death, it was... boring.

“I’m better than my brother will ever be.” Jeremiah shot back coldly, his hands clenched into fists. His bright gaze caught hers, hard and unflinching. (Y/N) lifted her chin higher as an act of defiance.

“Yeah, yeah. I get it. I’ll give it to you, you’re intelligent. You’re more calculating than Jerome, you plan ahead and that’s just it. All you want is to rebuild Gotham in your own image, you don’t care about having fun on the journey getting there. You... you’re just... so boring compared to him.” She whined, stomping a foot childishly.

Oh, she knew she’d regret those words later. Jeremiahs clenched jaw and narrowed eyes proved that she would certainly be punished. To what degree, she wasn’t sure. (Y/N) was so used to Jeromes way of running things, acting childish and causing chaos just for the hell of it, that she had forgotten that Jeremiah was indeed not Jerome. And Jeremiah would not be taking these words kindly. (Y/N) could see Bruce slide his gaze over to Jeremiah, to her, and back again, looking like he was intruding.

“You don’t care about anyone but yourself. At least Jerome understood me.” With that, (Y/N) turned on heel, striding over to the door. “Is it so much to ask that I wanna just blow up a school or something, just for the hell of it?” She asked, throwing open the metal barrier, mind whirling. She didn’t even know why Jeremiah kept her around. She’d never be a brainwashed beck and call like Ecco.

She was almost home free, before a cold hand grabbed her wrist, yanking her back and causing her to slam against a hard surface. She turned her head to see Jeremiahs face right next to hers, staring down with a frown on his face. The hard surface had been his chest, and she was now pinned against it. (Y/N) swallowed thickly, taking note of her quickening heartbeat. What was he going to do? She had never seen him so livid. He was usually calm, and stoic, keeping his anger bubbling beneath the surface. Now, his eyes were ablaze with an internal fire, his pale face set in a scowl.

“You’re acting very childish, (Y/N).” His time surprised her. It was like cold venom, dripping from the words being drawled from his mouth. Bringing up his brother as supierior was one way to make his blood boil. The fact that his own girlfriend thought his twin was better than him must have been humiliating. “My brother was short sighted and foolish. He just wanted to see the world burn. I can do so much more. The world will be ours, and one day and you will learn to be grateful.” The man hissed into her ear, and she felt a cold, sharp object press into her throat. It took a moment for her to realize it a knife, and a pleasant surprise rippled through her. She felt her heart start to beat quicker, and felt that sweet flood of cold fear race through her veins. With it, a wash of adrenaline and excitement.

Suddenly, (Y/N) felt at a loss for words, her brain shooting signals that were contradicted by her body. She felt a shiver ripple through her as his breath tickled her ear, his rigid form pressed up against her, and the darkness in his eyes that she should’ve been wary of, but instead ignited a fire inside of her, causing the situation to become a little more...warmer to her. She lifted her gaze to his, and she saw a flicker of curiousity pass over his features, for just a moment. Had he noticed her mood shift?

(Y/N) leaned forward slightly, moving her head closer to his, peering up at him through her eyelashes as she reached up to trace a finger along the side of his jaw, causing his ruby lips to part just slightly. She felt the knife press deeper into her throat, but almost relished in the thought of the power he held over her now. Jeremiah watched her with intrigue, one eyebrow quirking almost unnoticeably as she let out a soft purr.

“Yes, sir...” she hummed, and the man reacted by simply not reacting at all. He stared into her (E/C) eyes for a moment or two, before clearing his throat, blinking as he regained his composure. Finally, after another couple of seconds, his grip on her slackened, and he pulled the weapon away from her throat. (Y/N) let out a tiny gasp, drawing air that she didn’t even realize she had started to lack.

“I suggest you rethink your words, and form a way that proves your... wavering loyalty.” He growled, his voice lowered. His eyes flashed once, before turning away. With a start, (Y/N) remembered that Bruce was still there, watching them uncomfortably. Quickly, she regained her composure and slipped back into her usual attitude.

With an elated giggle, she pulled her hand away from where Jeremiah still held it, and strode away, waving over her shoulder. “I’m gonna go have a drink and shoot some people, I’ll catch ya later, kay, babe?”

Before the man could even slip in a reply, which she had a feeling would be reprimanding, the woman walked out of sight with a grin on her face, feeling startled, and yet pleased with his reaction. (Y/N) forced herself to swallow, shaking her head to regain her train of thought. No, he was no Jerome, whom she missed very much, but perhaps Jeremiah wasn’t as boring as she’d originally thought.

All it took was a knife to her throat to see it.

—————

What do you guys think, should I make a Part 2 or leave it at this?

[echoes-of-the-clockwork]

Book Three: Pestilence (Ignis x Reader) Chapter Nine

Ignis immediately turned around, eyes widening when he saw the snowy-haired girl standing in the doorway. Like him, her (e/c) eyes were wide, but there was only one difference. Tears streamed down her cheeks relentlessly as her lips were sealed together. The droplets trailed down her skin and dropped onto the floor by her feet.

The second Ignis took a step toward her and reached a hand out to touch her, she disappeared in a plume of smoke. He stumbled forward slightly but caught himself by grabbing the doorframe. Gritting his teeth, he slammed a fist against the wooden frame.

"W-What do we do now?! She could be anywhere!" Prompto yelled in panic.

"How the hell should we know?!" Noctis shouted back.

Out of the four of them, Gladio was the only one in a calm state of mind. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall beside the door, glancing toward Ignis. ""We" don't do anything. Iggy's the one who screwed up." He clapped the advisor on the back. "You better go make this right."

Without a word, Ignis left the house in search of (Y/n).

Once outside, he checked the parking lot and asked the young woman who was selling goods if she had seen the Horseman. Morosely, she hadn't and gave him an apologetic smile before he headed back up the path.

In the lighthouse, he asked Cid if he had spotted the girl anywhere, but he shook his head. Next, he traveled down the elevator to see if (Y/n) was lingering around the dock or ship.

No luck, either.

The only other place he hadn't checked was the top of the lighthouse. He headed back into the elevator and traveled all the way to the top. He rounded the walkway above and froze when he spotted her hunched over the metal railing. From where he stood, he could see her entire body shaking and the death grip she had on the metal bars in front of her.

Ignis forced his legs to move and slowly approached (Y/n). He feared if he were to startle her, she'd vanish again and for good this time. His heart raced and ached in pain when he heard her sniffles. He made sure to not make a single noise as he walked up to her.

When he was close enough, Ignis reached out and placed a hand on Pestilence's shoulder. She didn't even budge or flinch under his gentle touch. He tried to formulate the perfect apology, but his mind was blank. He couldn't think of the right words to say to her.

"Now you know..." She muttered sorrowfully, eyes hidden by her snowy locks. "I'm a monster. Raiden had his entire life ahead of him, but I killed him..."

Ignis shook his head. "(Y/n), you are no-"

"I am!" She bellowed, silencing him. "The man I married was not the man I loved. A year after my father's death, I met Raiden. My mother disapproved of him and set me up with her friend's son-Edric. I was forced into a joyless marriage with a man who never truly loved me. My dreams as an archaeologist were shattered in mere seconds. I was his...toy-an object he used to vent his anger and frustration whenever he so desired. Nothing more."

She inhaled a shaky breath, pushing aside the tears to continue her story. "I told Raiden of all Edric did to me. He made a promise to me-the night of my 21st birthday, he would come and take me away from Edric and Galahd. Everything went according to plan until...until Edric rammed our car as we were driving across Taelpar Crag. He had followed us all the way from Galahd, which I'm still unsure about how he learned of our plans to escape together. It crashed through the stone railing and teetered on the edge. Edric took his pistol and killed Raiden before driving away, leaving me to fall to my death."

The tears returned with a brutal assault as (Y/n) could no longer hold them at bay. Her legs gave out and she crumpled to her knees, her hands still gripping the railing. Her head hung in shame and guilt as sobs wracked her body. "I'm the reason he's dead! I should've kept my mouth shut and severed my connection with him! He could've lived and accomplished his dreams, but I took it all away from him!" Her hair fell over her shoulders, further curtaining her face. "An innocent man and the love of my life was killed all because of my selfishness."

Ignis was speechless. He couldn't believe his ears. The nightmare was vivid, but it didn't go far enough back to give names or connections. Once again, he couldn't think of the right thing to say and simply let his body do the talking. He kneeled beside (Y/n) on one knee and reached out toward her. One arm snaked around her waist while the other cradled her head against his chest.

The girl released her hold on the railing and collapsed against Ignis, letting all her tears flow. Wrapping her arms around his torso, she latched onto the back to his shirt. She buried her face in his chest in a desperate attempt to silence her wails.

Her tears soaked the front of his shirt, but he didn't mind one bit. Ignis was more than happy to be a shoulder she could cry on and comfort her through moments like this. While stroking her white locks, he kept whispering to her that she wasn't a monster and she was far from one. He wasn't sure if she was listening since she didn't try to deflect his words and snap back at him like she did a few minutes ago. It mentally wounded him to hear her call herself a monster, especially with all she's done in the short amount of time she's been with them. She's not only saved Noctis' life, but also his own. It was a debt he felt he could never repay.

After nearly fifteen minutes of crying, (Y/n)'s tears evaporated and she was able to calm herself. She took deep breaths to compose herself while piecing herself back together physically and mentally. She kept her face buried in Ignis' chest to hide it, knowing how much of a mess her face was after such a heavy cry. She loosened her grip on the back of his shirt slightly, embarrassed at her recent display. "I must apologize for all this, Ignis. I know I'm in shambles at the moment, but I wish to thank you for listening to all my shouting and providing comfort."

Ignis rested his head atop hers with a small sigh of relief. "Of course, (Y/n). Now I must be the one to apologize. I regret withholding such a secret from you."

She shook her head slightly. "You've nothing to apologize for. My past was bound to rear its ugly head. I do have one question, though." She pulled away, revealing the dried trails of salt down her cheeks created by her tears. "The nightmare-where does it start?"

"At Taelpar Crag a few moments before the car crash. The nightmare ceases once the vehicle falls from the bridge with you in it," he replies, staring into her (e/c) eyes now tinged red from the tears.

"I see..." She mumbled, pulling away from Ignis and stepping away from him. "Now you know the reason and cause of my untimely demise. I must insist on you returning the summoning orb to me."

"What?" He gasped in surprise.

"The orb...It's a manifestation of my memories from my previous life. It's the catalyst of your nightmare. If I would've known this was going to transpire, I never would've given it to you. It's my fault you've been unable to sleep properly." She held out her hand, expecting him to give the orb back without an argument. But what Ignis said next shocked her.

"I refuse."

"Ignis, this is for the best," (Y/n) calmly replied, taking a single step toward him. "Please. For your sake, return it."

"No." Ignis continued to refuse the Horseman, which shocked her.

The girl dropped her hand and placed it on her hip. "I knew you could be stubborn, but not this stubborn." She sighed heavily, deciding to not argue any further and spark an all-out verbal war with him over something so small. "You win this battle, Ignis. I'll let you keep the orb. But if you don't find a way to fend off this nightmare in the next few days, I will be taking it back by force regardless of your stance."

"I will keep your words in mind," Ignis responded.

"You better," She snickered. "You're an honorable man with a tremendous memory. It'd be a shame if I had to remind you in the coming days of what we spoke of here."

"Even if I desired to, I would never forget this moment, (Y/n)," Ignis said with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"You've a strange knack for worming your way into other people's hearts in such little time," she smiled before heading to the elevator.

"As do you," he whispered for only his ears to hear before riding in the lift alongside the Horseman.

The duo returned to the house and found Noctis, Prompto, and Gladio sitting around the table. The freckled blonde flew to his feet when he spotted the two. "Hey, (Y/n)! We were worried you had vanished somewhere far away." His cerulean eyes bounced over to Ignis in curiosity. "Did you tell her?"

"And what, pray tell, do you believe I told her?" Ignis asked in return.

"Y'know, that you're crushin-ow!" Prompto cried out after receiving an elbow to the gut courtesy of Noctis.

"It's nothing," the prince said in an attempt to hide what the blonde was about to let slip off his tongue.

"By that reaction, it's a no," Gladio grumbled to the gunslinger beside him. "Iggy's smooth with the ladies until it comes to confessions."

"Oh," Prompto muttered in understanding. "Gotcha."

The advisor heard their mumbling and glared at the shield before sitting down beside Noctis. The brute shrugged innocently with a smirk and scooted his chair out, glancing at his four companions. "So yeah, gonna have to ask you to handle this boat business without me."

"Say wha?" Prompto's jaw dropped a little in shock.

"Got some business of my own to deal with."

"A solo venture?" Ignis inquired.

Gladio nodded. "Just a little hike to help me clear my head."

"An issue with the ship?" (Y/n) asked, confused as to what the bodyguard was referring to when he said "boat business".

"We're in need of mythril," the advisor explains. "Fortunately, Talcott has provided us a possible location of where such valuable ore can be found."

"Ah, I see."

Before departing, Gladio patted the (e/c)-eyed girl's shoulder with a grin. "Think you can watch over them while I'm gone, (Y/n)?"

Said girl feigned a grimace and placed a hand on her lower back. "I'm not so sure, Gladio. I may have pulled my back."

The shield chuckled and patted her shoulder. "I can definitely see why Iggy's fallin' hard for you."

Pestilence was puzzled, her brows knitting together. "What?"

"It's nothing." He removed his hand from her shoulder and glanced at the three boys. "I'll see you guys later."

<--------<<<<<<

Several days later, without the company of Gladio, the group found themselves heading to the Vesperpool. Noctis was behind the wheel with Prompto in the passenger seat while Ignis and (Y/n) sat in the backseat. They entered a tunnel, which shocked the three boys. Prompto stood up in his seat and glanced back at the entrance. "Wait-what happened to "under imperial lockdown"?"

"They all but turned the key and left the gates open for us-as if awaiting our arrival," Ignis said.

"And if anyone's waiting for us, I bet it's that guy."

"Chancellor Izunia."

Noctis kept his eyes on the road ahead. "Can't complain as long as he lets us in."

"Who's to say he'll let us out? Not to mention we're a man down. Would that the marshal were with us," Ignis remarks.

"Yeah, but we've got (Y/n) with us this time!" The blonde chanted. "Nobody stands a chance against us while she's around."

"Who is this chancellor you speak of? Is he another Silas?" Pestilence questioned.

"Not quite," Ignis responded. "Though, he is another thorn in our side."

"Ah," she hummed. "You men have more eyes upon you than just Silas. What terrible cards you've been dealt."

"You can say that again," Prompto grumbled.

Noctis eventually parks the Regalia near the Vesperpool and they head into the nearby swampland in search of the ruins they heard about from Talcott. As they walk down a narrow dirt path, (Y/n) spotted a red car with a single white stripe painted down the middle of the hood and the trunk parked in the foliage. "What an old vehicle. Whoever the caretaker is, they're doing a splendid job of keeping it pristine."

Prompto glanced at the car she was talking about and grumbled when he recognized it. "Oh, no..."

Pestilence was puzzled at his sudden displeasure as she followed beside Ignis, heading further down the trail. Before she could even ask him what was wrong, another voice greeted them. "Gentlemen, what a pleasant surprise."

"Ugh!" Prompto groaned. "Told you he'd be waiting!"

(Y/n) tilted her head in confusion until she remembered the man the boys had showed their distaste for in the car only a few minutes ago. "Ah, this must be Chancellor Izunia."

Arydn sauntered over to the girl and took her hand in his, placing a kiss atop it. "A pleasure, my lady." He released her hand and circled around her as his eyes raked across her body. "My, where have you gentlemen been secluding such beauty?" He gently took a handful of her snowy locks and grinned as he inhaled the scent of mock oranges with a splash of honeysuckle.

All the boys were glaring daggers at the chancellor at his actions, but the sharpest glare was casted by Ignis. Ardyn seemed to have felt their intimidating gazes and stepped away from (Y/n). "May I have your name, my dear?"

"(Y/n)," she responds serenely, pushing the hair he was holding a few seconds ago behind her shoulder.

Ardyn grinned before redirecting his gaze toward the boys now standing protectively around the Horseman. "I've brought a few of my imperial friends."

"Splendid," Ignis muttered in disapproval from behind Pestilence.

"But fear not-I'll put in a good word, especially with such a gem by your side." The chancellor glanced one final time at (Y/n) before taking the lead and heading deeper into the swamp. "Well, come along, then."

[oneofyatosfollowers]

One of a Kind- Chapter 15

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20191861/chapters/54339304

Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13360973/1/One-of-a-Kind

Kofuku was in her bathroom, round face being done with cute but simple make up, when it happened. She had smiled back herself in the mirror while a Pr-T dressed in a white and pink baggy uniform finished curling the back of her hair. She was young, a girl with short blonde pigtails, and often worked with the captain. Kofuku loved talking with her, chattering on and on about her date with Daikoku later that evening. Then, the LED lighting of her bathroom turned green and the cyborg working on her dropped the curler.

"What's happening?" Kofuku panicked as her chair suddenly jerked backwards and a plastic dome came over her head. The Pr-T raced forward, walking fast along the chair as it brought Kofuku out of the room despite her best efforts to control it.

"The captain has called everyone to the pool deck for a major announcement! You'll be fine Miss Kofuku!" The girl called out with a frantic wave. Kofuku yelped as she was shoved into the hallway traffic. People who lived next door to her but who she had never seen before in her life, all talking among themselves in panic. The yellow plastic ring that circled their necks making it hard to see.

Kofuku gasped as she entered the center of the ship and saw the whole thing tinted green. The multitude of advertisements were replaced with the leaf symbol Kofuku had only seen in school. At the bottom of the screen, yellow arrows flashed pointing towards the same direction. Every single ship occupant was here, the highway devoid of all cyborgs and transports to make the seven-lane highway clear for everyone. Each of them moving in the same direction, plastic helmets on their heads.

"Kofuku!" A voice shouted at her.

"Daikoku!" Kofuku tried reaching out to Diakoku in the lane next to her. They both grunted, reaching out their hands to connect across the isle.

"What's going on?" Kofuku shouted. As they got closer to the center of the ship, the noise level rose.

"I don't know," Diakoku narrowed his eyes, "But I bet it's got something to do with that Wall-E." They finally arrived to a stop in the middle of where the pool once was. Kofuku gasped as the once decorated entertainment center, was now closed off. The floor was as solid as the rest of the ship, the only lights being that of the green advertisements and LEDs.

"Kofuku, look at that." Daikoku nodded his head to the right. Kofuku's eyes followed to see two rows of Secur-T blocking the hallway to the captain's chamber.

"You think Yatty and Hiyorin got in trouble somehow?" She looked pleadingly at Daikoku who looked back with a stricken expression.

"I don't know," he squeezed their hands, "I don't know but lets keep a look out for them." The very center of the pool projected a four-sided television with the captain in the center, flanked by the Major General of the Secur-T and a familiar Eve.

"Hiyori!" Kofuku and Daikoku cheered.

Bishamon had been fighting with never-ending spirit when the ship turned green. Once Akiha left the room, she was able to fight with a clearer conscious. Kuoto had pointed his blaster at her, teeth bared, but the ball of light went out when he suddenly pitched forward.

"What the-!" Kuoto turned with a growl, throwing off the two Typ-Es. They landed securely on their feet and slipped into their fighting position, mirror images of each other, swords pointed at the co-captain.

"What are you doing? Run!" Bishamon tried to call, but Take just scoffed.

"Don't look down on us Secur-T, we are the Captain's gatekeepers, the last line of defense before this traitor." Take pointed his blade at the Auto.

"That's right! It is our sworn duty to prevent any unauthorized existence from getting past us!" Kuin turned his sword on. Bishamon was surprised to see actual electricity crackle off it and across his arms. While her soldiers had weapons of high tech, these practically boiled with energy.

"'Unauthorized'? How dare you!" Kuoto dashed towards them, his speed matched by the two. He blocked both their attacks and fired a shot at Take's feet, sending his flying. Kuin was pushed back, but his sword caused some malfunction to the rifle. Bishamon took the opportunity to run forward. Kuoto saw this and spun, landing a hard kick on Kuin's torso and pointing his weapon at her. He fired.

The smoke cleared only to reveal that Bishamon was nowhere to be found. Kuoto frantically looked around but his eyes caught movement from above. Bishamon swooped down like a falcon. Kuoto raised his gun across his body, but Bishamon still landed a crushing blow, the ground beneath them cracking from the force. Kuoto leaned back far, teeth grinding as blood bubbled past the corner of his lips. But he did not fall.

"Now!" Bishamon shouted. From both sides, Take and Kuin rushed forward, sinking their blades into the Auto. Bishamon jumped back just in time for the electricity to surge through Kuoto's body. He hollered in pain, his body lighting up like a sun.

The two Typ-Es stopped their onslaught. For a moment, Kuoto's arms went limp, his top half swaying. His rifle slid off his hand, clattering to the ground. Take and Kuin let out a sigh.

"No! Get out of there!" Bishamon screamed. But it was too late. In a flash Kuoto's head popped up and his hands grabbed the uniform ties still wrapped around the Typ-Es' necks. He yanked and crossed his arms, their two heads colliding forward with a sickening crack. Kuoto let them fall to the ground, but not before reaching behind their heads and hitting their off switch at the nape of their necks.

Their bodies piled at his feet. He stepped over them as Bishamon shouted threats and profanities at him. She didn't run at him fast enough, his rile was back on his arm and blocked her attack. They separated again.

Bishamon blinked. She must have gotten hit hard because the world was suddenly tinted green. The monitor above the Typ-Es' desk lit up with the plant symbol as the lights along the floor began to point towards the center of the ship. Bishamon nearly cheered, but she couldn't stop the smile from growing on her face.

"What?" Kuoto whipped around to look at the screen, "No! I swear if that damn Yaboku-" After a moment, the screen changed to show Captain Tenjin, unharmed, along with two cyborgs.

"Kazuma," Bishamon breathed like a sigh. He was alright. His clothes were torn and the skin broke across the bridge of his nose just over a bruise, but he was standing tall. His eyes showed with a serious, controlled triumph, like they often did, as they seemed to look directly at her. And knowing him, he probably was.

"Please excuse the sudden disturbance passengers, but I have an important announcement to make," Tenjin turned and nodded to Hiyori. She walked off screen for a moment before returning with the plant. It looked a bit worse for the wear, it's green color more than a little faded. She held the bottom in front of her with a flat hand.

"Damnit! A1-13 cannot be ignored!" Kuoto roared. He spun and took off towards the elevator, his rifle charging up. He jumped in the elevator, spinning to fire through the ceiling. Bishamon took off after him, watching as he summersaulted and kicked off the back wall and flew up the shoot. Bishamon following.

"As you can see the plant is in my possession, and if you turn your attention to the stage you will see the Halo-Detector where the plant will be placed." Just as Tenjin described a cylinder rose from the floor in a heavenly green light. The crowd 'ooo'd and 'awe'd as the center opened up a similar pod to Hiyori's, the inside lighting a bright white with the symbol.

"Is that the signal?" Yato whispered to Yukine.

"What signal? You're just supposed to rest!" Yukine hissed back.

"We have the plant!" Yato insisted. Yukine supported him against the wall to the right. Once the ship turned green, scaring the hell out of them, the brown-haired Mo from before came to move the towels. She rolled her eyes at Yukine when he asked for her silence, only shooing them out of the way. Then, suddenly, humans began flooding in. They pressed themselves flat and tried to look as inconspicuous as possible, but everyone was too confused to notice. When they saw Hiyori on the screen, unharmed, Yato felt like his health returned to him, cheering when the Halo-Detector raised from the ground.

It quickly went away when another explosion was heard on screen.

"What's happening?" Yukine exclaimed. Like the other people in the room, they leaned forward and frantically searched the screens. The captain's head whipped around, Kazuma and Hiyori got into a fighting stance.

"Give me the plant!" Kuoto's voice commanded from off screen. Yato flinched.

"Kid, you gotta get me up there." Yato shook Yukine.

"What? No- Yato- there's no way we can get past the guards! You can't fight-!"

"No, not up there," Yato nodded his head straight, "To the Hallo-Detector. We have to get the plant in there. Quickly." Yato didn't wait, he already started forward. Together they pushed past the people shouting in alarm as the Auto-pilot tried to fire up a shot while the two cyborgs frantically tried to fight him off. Kuoto shouted for the plant, fiercely in a way Yato hasn't heard since Yato had beaten him bloody in training. It caused him to move faster, taking his arm back from Yukine so he can push people aside. The Halo-Detector was starting to come into view when the plan collapsed.

"It's not here! You liars," The passengers of the ship screamed as the captain's chair was kicked away. Tenjin gripped the control panel for dear life.

"Eve, make sure the plant gets in the Halo-Detector!" Tenjin ordered Hiyori just in time for the screen to cut to black. The volume of the ship rose significantly as the shouts of shock went to full on panic. The passengers began to struggle, flailing their arms but ultimately unable to move. Thankfully, Yato and Yukine made it though the crowd just in time. Yukine helped Yato up the stairs, the Halo-Detector looming into view.

Yato feel to his knees on the stage. The lights were starting to be too glaring and it caused his world to blur and sway. His breathing was labored and sound was fuzzy, Yukine said his name, but he was so far away. Yato just stared at the floor with wide eyes. Yukine shook Yato's shoulders, but then his head popped up.

"Hiyori!" Yukine said in alarm. The Secur-Ts that had blocked the hallway to the captain, now had whips and chains tangled around Hiyori's legs. She blasted at them but the others came to take their place. Her boots thankfully kept her off the ground but she still needed help. The Mo looked down at Yato, then back up at Hiyori. Back and forth. Her blasting was scaring the people near by.

Yukine felt sweat drip down his face and his hands shook from their grip on his guardian. His eyes frantically went back and forth again before he squeezed them shut. Yukine slowly let go of Yato, holding his hands up to make sure Yato didn't fall over. Yato stayed hunched over, but steady. Once he was sure there were no Secur-Ts or Go-4s, Yukine forced himself to his feet.

"Y-Yato, I'm gotta to go help Hiyori. Just-just stay right here and-" Yukine nodded to himself at Yato's quiet body. Telling himself everything will be just fine. He pushed through people again and movement caught his eye. Past a couple of hover chairs, someone else was pushing aside humans.

"Hey!" Yukine went to the grimy cyborg, "You're-!" The bear-like man in brown wearalls gave a huge grin.

"Wall-H at your service!" The cyborg gave a salute. Yukine couldn't help but feel relieved at seeing another kind face. Plus the man's size made it much easier to push through the crowd.

"What are you doing up here?"

"The crew and I saw the announcement on the screen, so I thought I'd come up here and help as fast as I could," he explained as they came to the edge of the deck, "And I wasn't the only one!" Yukine looked to where the Wall-H was pointing. Pure joy rose from the tip of Yukine's toes to his head and excitement surged his veins.

The escapees from the Repair Ward were already fighting off the line of way-ward Secur-T. There was less straps holding Hiyori down, but with allies below her she couldn't blast at whim. Without another thought, Yukine charged in, roller in hand. Yukine targeted a wolf-ish Secur-T. His hands shifted to the end of the handle, swinging his roller low to squarely uppercut the cyborg in the jaw. He used the momentum to dodge the man's return swipe, just as Yato described to him.

From behind, the captain's projection came back on. The Auto stood dead center, bruises and blood painting his face and skin. His coat was missing and his under shirt was torn. He breathed in gasps and his open eye socket didn't glow nearly as bright.

"I apologize for the confusion, passengers. The truth is the rouge robots are trying to start a revolt and have brainwashed our captain-"

"Oh no you don't!" Bishamon tackled Kuoto and dragged him out of view, Kazuma following close behind. There was a moment where the captain's torn apart room was all that could be seen along with the sound of scuffling, then Tenjin fell into view.

"Ignore everything my Auto has said," Tenjin gasped with a forced smile, "It seems he has caught the virus we announced earlier. Our competent Generals are here handling it." Tenjin looked to the side at Bishamon's war cry as Kazuma was flung into the background. Tenjin sat in the front of the screen and tried to slick back the stray hairs that dangled in front of his face. He took a breath and folded his hands in front of him.

Below, Hiyori finally broke free and landed next to Yukine. They gave a happy look to each other before Hiyori looked panicked again. She blasted a cyborg that tried to grab Yukine while looking around frantically.

"Where's Yato?" Hiyori shouted over the fighting. Thankfully, the captain's presence calmed most of the humans down, but the ones a couple meters away from the fighting still shouted in alarm.

"Him and the plant are by the Halo-Detector." Yukine blocked a punch and swung. Hiyori sucked in a breath, worry weighted against her as the image of Yato's current state flashed in her head.

"Go to him!" One of the Wall-H's shouted.

"Yeah! Your honey needs you!" Yato's old neighbor winked at Hiyori. The Eve rose back into the air, hovering with a conflicted expression.

"Just go! " A massage cyborg insisted as he tied up his long grey hair. His pale green eyes glowed with fighting spirit.

"We got this!" he shouted, leaping into the crowd with flying fists. Other Secur-T started pushing through the crowd too- Hiyori recognized some of them as the line that follow Bishamon- taking on their counterparts. Hiyori nodded to them and took off, swooping down to scoop up Yukine. She flew towards the slumped form of the Wall-E.

"My beloved passengers- no- my fellow humans, it is imprudent that the plant gets into the Halo-Detector. Some of our workers have been manipulated by my co-pilot, and I take full responsibility. But," Tenjin explained, "We need your help! Earth is our home! Our real home! We left it to rot and die due to our ancestors' negligence, but it's us who should take action! We are five hundred years overdue for us to take responsibility! The plant must-"

"Out of the way!" Kuoto shoved the captain harshly out of the screen. He flipped up the casing that protected the plant-button and slammed it. The plastic cracked under the force. The stage began to vibrate as the Halo-Detector slowly spun it's way back down. The vibrations shook under Yato's knees. His systems tried to turn on, to examine the noise, but there were too many failures to process. Yato's eyes opened slowly, but everything was still dark. Noise started to filter in, a ringing accompanying the muted noise.

"Passengers, our forefathers have given me the order to prevent return to Earth at all costs," Kuoto growled. The humans protested. Shouting their disagreement and waving their fists. Tenjin jumped on Kuoto's back, causing the cyborg to reel. Hiyori flew over the cheering crowd, Yukine dangling in her arms. Yato was just up ahead.

"What's he doing?" Yukine exclaimed. Hiyori willed herself to go faster at the sight of Yato staggering to his feet. His compactor clattered to the ground, the plant rolling out. He managed to kick his compactor under the Halo-Detector, its steel box preventing it from shutting.

"Yato!" Hiyori called out to him as they landed. They ran toward him. Hiyori got to him first, catching him when he spun around too fast.

"I'm good," Yato stood up, "I just needed a little nap," he gave her a smile. Hiyori smiled back, not completely letting him go. Yukine ran over to the plant, his smile becoming contagious when he pried the compactor open and got the plant out safely. Yato suddenly paled.

Hiyori looked to ask him what's wrong before she could, the world began to tilt. There was nothing on the screen, Kuoto and Tenjin must have hit the wheel somehow. Yato's weakened state couldn't stable his weight, he fell to the right, dragging Hiyori down with him. Yato curled around her, his hand holding her head against his chest, his other arm wrapping around her waist. Yukine also pitched to the side, tripping over his own feet. The plant fell out of his hand, sliding across the stage and clinking down the stairs.

"Shoot!" Yukine scrambled to his feet and took off after it.

"Yukine!" Hiyori called after him. She pushed herself up, looking down the stage to see the humans sliding out of their chairs and oxygen-masks towards the wall in a large pile. Hiyori's heart pounded and her hands shook. Her eyes frantically darted across the floor. Yukine was trying to avoid getting mulled over by a sliding human, the plant no where to be seen. She felt her eyes widen when something lightly touched the top of her hand.

The Eve looked under her, eyes meet with the clear blue of the last Wall-E. They were steady and calm. Screams filled the air and somewhere she could hear the Lieutenant General fighting for life with her partner, but for a moment there was just him. Just them floating in space. His fingers brushed against the top of her gloved hand again and not for the first time she wished she took them off. Her expression relaxed a bit. She knew was he was trying to say, but she couldn't stop herself from balling up the front of his uniform.

"Go." Yato breathed. She couldn't hear it, but she read his lips. Hiyori looked at him with misty eyes and nodded, giving him a grateful smile. She got off of Yato, flying back into the air towards after Yukine. The Mo was dangling from a stair railing, his roller extended so that Kofuku and Diakoku could grab on. Hiyori gasped as infants from the a preschool class were sliding towards the mass of bodies at an alarming rate.

"Kid!" Diakoku shouted, "Swing us towards the babies! We have to catch them!" Diakoku looked at Kofuku in pleading, her scared expression was replaced with a soft one.

"Oh Daikoku! I'd love to have kids with you!" She squealed. Yukine swung them and the two managed to catch all the kids in their arms. They assured Yukine they were fine as they slid into the pile of cheering people.

"Hiyori!" Yukine called, he pointed down to the left. Hiyori saw the brown glare off the glass bottle.

"On it!" Hiyori flew over. The ship was turned nearly forty degrees on it's side, the humans were starting to get squished. Suddenly, she heard a woman scream loud in alarm. The people started getting louder again. She stared at them, at their waving hands and pointing. Then something crashed behind her.

The train. The long two-car transport that circled the pool fell off it's tracks and was screeching across the floor. Hover chairs were tossed aside or completely run over. Pieces of their crushed metal causing sparks to spray like a fountain. It only gained speed, ready to crush the helpless humans like a box of cherry tomatoes. Hiyori flew to meet it, she hit it hard and pushed against it with all her might, boots on full throttle. Yukine jumped in next to her when it slid by, righting himself so his shoes could get some traction. They both slid closer and closer. Hiyori gasped when someone joined her on the right. The blonde-bearded Secur-T, his feet scuffing across the floor just like Yukine's, next to him another Secur-T, and another. Members of Bishamon's line coming to provide the Eve with support.

The train slowed down. The humans screamed when the cyborgs came in close, the heat of Hiyori's boots just brushing against the mass of bodies. The train was stopped by the columns that held up its tracks. Grunts and gasps escaped the group as the held the train in place for a moment longer as the space between the cars bent at an awkward angle. Once the two halves touched, the train was stalled. Everyone let out a sigh of relief, tears streaming from the weaker hearts.

"It's not over yet!" A Secur-T shouted, "Get the plant, Miss Eve. We'll handle this part!"

"Right!" Hiyori flew over the train and back to where she last saw the plant. Yukine looked to the line of cyborgs.

"I'm going too!" Yukine stated. He clambered around the transit and half ran half climbed back towards the stage. He could still see the top of the Halo-Detector. Yato must have found a way to keep it open.

Yato grunted against the force of the closing machine. Once his two friends took off, the detector tried to force itself shut. His compactor started to concave, it's old metal unable to handle the pressure. Yato had scurried over, his fingers curling under the lid as he hauled the thing back up. It screeched as the mechanism kept trying to fight against him. Somewhere behind, Yato heard the sound of something crash and the increased screams of the humans. He prayed his friends were alright just for a moment before shaking his head to focus.

Yato looked down, his compactor had a massive dent in the side, theres no way it would ever function properly again. Letting out a strangled cry, Yato turned his palms under the Halo-Detector's lid and pushed up. He kicked his compactor away, not even looking at where it skidded off to. With a grunt the Wall-E forced his body under the lid of the detector. The metal clasps of his shoulders, pressed against the bottom of the lid next to his hands. He spread his boots apart for a more solid stance.

Someone called out to Hiyori from the side lines. She looked to see the massive Wall-H, his arms waving at her. He stood with the other battle-worn cyborgs, all the rouge Secur-T each securly handcuffed and piled agaisnt the wall. One of Bishamon's Secur-T jumped up and down with the plant over her head, she tossed it to a cleaner. Before Hiyori could make it over there he let out a yell and tossed it. A Pr-T caught it and threw it only to be caught by another Secur-T who then flung it up to her. Hiyori flew down and finally wrapped her fingers around the cracked surface of the glass. She scanned it out of habit, her fingers running over the stem of the confirmed earth life. The Eve gave her fellow workers a tearful thank you, and took off towards the stage.

The Halo-Detector groaned as Yato worked to push it up. His ribs were starting to fold in on themselves, his legs shaking under the pressure. The Halo-Detector pushed back down with seemingly more force, causing Yato to sink to his knees. Sweat continued pouring down his face and neck and his breathes came out in short wheezes. His vision was started to get spotty again from the lack of oxygen. The machine pushed him back down, Yato dropped a knee under it's weight, his human half unable to keep up. Yato turned and pushed his shoulder against the main part of the Halo-Detector, his neck bend down at an awkward angle.

"Yato!" Hiyori cried out as she landed. She stumbled towards him but her calls to him were drowned out by the Auto. Kuoto's bloodied hand slapped onto the control panel, the metal contraptions that replaced his bones showed from the tears in his skin. The people gasped as their picture perfect co-captain pathetically heaved himself up onto the ledge, looking like a nightmare version of The Terminator. The rip Yato had make over his eye now stretched past his teeth to his jaw line. The naked red light that had once hid under his fake human eyes blinked rapidly as it tried to warn him of the massive damage

"I'll crush you, Yaboku!" His battle cry splattered blood against the screen. It was as if time went in slow motion. Hiyori ran up against the slant, Yato trying desperately not to let his other leg come down. Kuoto raised his other arm, his hand wrapped around his taser. It all happned so fast. All in a single moment.

The ship suddenly righted itself. Kuoto slammed the button again, the taser shocking it with power until the ship caused him to roll back to the floor. Hiyori stumbled and fell, her head meeting the floor hard, the ear piece of her helmet all but shattering under the hit. The crowd cheering as Tenijin came back on screen, walking on his own two feet like no human has done in centuries. Yukine frantically climbing up the stairs to the stage. Yato's boot slipping down into the hole in the floor, and the Halo-Dectector coming down on him like a gavel confirming his death sentence.

Yato stopped moving.

[mysteryspot-duhh]

This is still in movie plot-point format, with a lilttle bit dialog thrown in. This one is longer than before.

-Next, we see Rey running. Rushing to find Leia. She finds Leia sitting, in the place where they had their meeting earlier. Her hand clutching her chest. Teary eyed, Rey sobs. 'Ben needs help.' She approaches Leia and kneels. 'Should I find and go to him?' (UGH YEARNING). Leia wipes her single tear off her cheek. 'No.' She gets up. 'You have a much more important mission'. Rey is confused and gets angry and frustrated. 'He is your son! He is betrayed..and..and injured. I saw him. Just now! We should help him! He needs to know you are not abandoning him!' Leia doesn't stop and goes outside.

Outside, finn, poe, rose, chewie are loading the falcon with supplies (I'm gonna call them + Rey, The Gang)

Leia to Rose, 'I need you to report everything,' her gaze shifts to Finn and Poe, '..i mean EVERYTHING', and gives out the sweetest smile she can. 'I will, General.' Rose promises. 'May The Force be with you' They get into the falcon. Rey, still angry at Leia, stops to say something, but Leia pulls her into a hug. 'Rey, thank you, for saving my son.' The hug tightens. 'I am heartbroken with what happened, but..' now they face each other, '..he needs to fall before he RISES.' There is a gleam of hope in Leia's eyes. 'I know now that my son isn't gone, he is still here... And you will bring him home. To me.' Leia's smile grows wider. 'I am always with him,' now they are both teary eyed, '..and you.' Rey leaves Leia, 'Rey, MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, ALWAYS' (UGH, I NEED THIS MOTHER -DAUGHTER THING WITH LEIA AND REY)

- Next, we have Kylo Ren, walking away from a very bad landing. His TIE-fighter crashed on the beach. He is now walking through a grassfield filled with yellow wildflowers. He sees a house and a tall, elderly man tending to his horses (I KNOW THE ANIMALS ARE WEIRD IN STAR WARS, BUT JUST GO WITH IT). The winds hitting his face make the bruises go numb. He cups his still bleeding torso. The man notices him, and rushes towards him. (THE MAN IS RICHARD E GRANT GUYS. DEFINITELY NOT MOFF TARKIN'S RIP OFF)

-In Pryde's house, Kylo wakes up and notices everything inside the room is grey, except the yellow wildflowers in a vase. And there is Luke, in the corner, just watching him. (GUYS, I AM HAVING TOO MUCH FUN WITH LUKE MESSING AROUND WITH HIS NEPHEW AND WATCHING HIM SLEEP)

Kylo tries to sit up. He winces still looking at Luke. Pryde comes in- 'ah, you're awake. I have some fresh clothes.' He stops and look at where Kylo looks, but doesn't see anything. He looks back at Kylo who now staring at him. '-and you need some medicine for the injuries.' Pryde gets out of the room.

'Bet you had a good sleep.' Luke grins. He is ignored, as usual. Luke notices the bleeding hasn't stopped. 'Do you remember, back in the academy we learn how to use the Force to heal wound and in this case, very heavy injuries?' Kylo seems to recall his thoughts. Hesitantly, ' No.' Luke moves towards him, hand on Ben's torso and starts to force heal him. The bleeding stops and the scar heals. The one on his face too.

Ben looks at Luke, 'Uncl-', Pryde comes in with a bowl of medicine. He is shocked to see all the bruises on Ben's face and body heals. Leaving no trace. And we find, again, Luke disappears.

- Now, the gang lands on a grassfield. Walking towards the cave and what is supposed to be the abandon rebel station. All around them is silence. 'If this is a trap, we're screwed.' Poe holds his blaster up. 'Better light your saber Rey,' Rose tells Rey who looks at her and then walks to the cave.

'Are you the resistance?' A lady emerges from the shadow of the cave. 'Are you here to fight the First Order?' More people are coming out of the shadow. Only now Rey lights her lightsaber. 'Yeah, we are,' Poe confirms, '..who are you?' 'I'm Zorri Bliss, former princess of Kajimi. These are my people.' (AWW SNAP. I MADE KERI RUSSEL A PRINCESS YALL. ITS WHAT SHE DESERVES)

Still in doubt, 'how do you know to contact us?''with a help of a friend of course.' And out come Lando out of the cave. (YEAH, YOU WANT NOSTALGIA, HERE'S NOSTALGIA)

- They sit inside the cave discussing.

'This place used to be peaceful, free. We had a lot, we were prosperous. But once First Order came, they took everything. Our resources, our children. They are used to wage war against the galaxy. They had help. The First Order came here, helped by some of the people who wants more than what they have!' Zorri puts on a brave face, but inside we know she's heartbroken. 'Those who opposed them are taken as prisoner, some of them slaughtered. My father is one of them.' Again, silence surrounds them.

'Once she escaped, her knights found me.' Lando breaks the silence. 'You see, I didn't know what happen during Crait. I found out about it, after the story of Luke spreads around the galaxy. I went to our allies, checked on them, asking why didn't they come to your aid-'

'Yeah, they blocked our communication channels.' Finn chimes in. Unsatisfied.

'So, what do you want us to do?' Rose, eager to know.

Lando gets up, twirls his cape a little bit. 'You see my friends, I need you guys to blow something up.' A sly smile on his face. 'The channels are jammed by a satellite...and it is just across the the hills.' Lando points. 'in the courtyard of Princess Zorri's castle.'

Poe looks around. 'We don't have enough hands.' 'I know where we can get more.' Zorri answers Poe and smiles. (IM HINTING THAT I SHIP ZORRI AND POE)

- Ben now replaced his good boy sweater with the clothes Pryde gave. (ITS GREY OKAY, GREY, KIND OF LIKE WHAT ANAKIN WORE IN ROTS BUT GREY UGHHHH, WE WERE ROBBED)

Ben walks towards Pryde with caution. 'Come, help me.' Pryde who is scrubbing his horse says to Ben. 'The other one needs a scrub too.' 'O..okay.' 'I'm sorry about your ship.' Ben stops. 'Yeah, I know who you are. You are from the First Order. Thought you are a stormtrooper deserter, but you are too tall. So, you can't be,' (CAUSE LEIA SAID LUKE IS TOO SHORT TO BE A STROMTROOPER, BUT ADAM DRIVER IS TALL YALL) Pryde stops his scrubbing and looks at Ben, '..and i found this'. His lightsaber. Ben takes it, plays it in his hand. 'You are not afraid of me?' Pryde just smiles and walks towards the field. Ben follows. 'Give me a reason I should be afraid of you.' Ben doesn't say anything. Something about this place makes him calm, his rage dims. Or is it?

'I've faced Vader.' Those words makes Ben jumps.

'I was a young officer in the Empire. Just a small post. No one would notice if I'm gone. I had big ambition, but then, I saw Vader, I saw the destruction the Empire did. Even before the Death Star. Somehow, i managed to get away from it.'

'I found this place, swore to never have any part in any destruction. I would not even hurt a fly these days.'

'Why, didn't you join the Rebellion?' Ben asks. 'Same thing. The Empire, The Rebellion. Vader, Luke Skywalker. They all leads to destruction one way or another. Light, dark. Both sides are using the force irresponsibly. Destroying everything to the ground!' Pryde now faces Ben. '.. And you of all people should know that.' He walks away.

'Why did you help me?' 'I have compassion'

- The gang is in the Millennium Falcon, approaching a very quiet village. 'Okay, Finn. Now it's your turn.' Poe says. (CAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT, THIS IS THE VILLAGE WHERE JANNAH AND THE OTHER STORMTROOPERS LIVE AND FINN NEEDS TO CONVINCE THEM TO HELP. WOOT! WOOT! PAY OFF FROM THE FIRST MOVIE SAY WHATTT!)

They enter kind of like an eatery. (Picture The Mandalorian). 'No weapons.' The server says. 'I'll go outside' Rey offers to keep all their weapons.

They meet Jannah. 'Zorri said someone would be looking for me. Are you looking for me?' 'You Jannah?' Finn asks. Jannah offers them to sit. ' Look, we need your help. All of you.' 'You are Finn right? The former stormtrooper who deserted. Never thought you would pick up a weapon again,' she laughs and continues loudly, '.. Oh, wait, this time for the resistance. The good guys.' Her laughs echoes around the room and others join. 'We just want to live in peace! We don't want to risk our life anymore not FOR ANY CAUSE.' Finn gets up and faces the people. 'Well, then too bad! Too bad that you are no longer risking your life even for the right cause. If you keep on being like this, you will never be at peace! Cause you know what?! Sooner or later, the First Order will be here. They will be everywhere,.. all over the galaxy. More children like us will be taken, away from their families, fighting a war that would never ends. Wherever you go, they will find you-'

'And you think, us following you will stop it from happening?!!'

'We just have to believe and have hope.'

-Rey is outside. Clearly her mind is not here.

'Where are you?' Rey sees Ben is right in front of her. 'Ben..are you okay?' 'You are not with Leia. You're at someplace else.' ' Ben, are you hurt?' Rey looks at Ben, but she feels that something is different with him. 'Where are you?' He asks again. Not revealing the answer, Rey pleads. 'Ben, come home.' With that, Ben severs the connection. Rey feels disappointed but then she feels restless. She enters the eatery.

They are shouting at each other, which she just now notices as she did not pay any attention before. 'Guys, we need to go. I have A BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS'. Rey shouts. Then we have the FO attacking that place. They've been following them. Not sure from where. Hopefully not from the cave. 'DO YOU SEE NOW JANNAH?!' Finn shouts. 'YOU LURED THEM TO US.' 'NO. WE NEED YOU. WHY WOULD WE DO THAT.' Now Poe is shouting. 'YOU GUYS, STOP! WE NEED TO LEAVE NOW!' Rose chimes in. 'Please, Jannah, join us, and help us save what we love. (UGH OF COURSE JANNAH AND HER GROUP FOLLOW THEM AFTER THAT). We then have the standard spaceship fight and all that exciting stuff.

-The First Order received information on what happen on Kajimi.

'Those scum!' Hux exclaims. 'Sir, the satellite that blocks the communication is on Kajimi.' 'I am aware of that! Prepare the ship to raid the resistance base. I'll make sure nobody will survive.'

-At the same time, report from Rose comes in. 'General,-' 'You need to evacuate, now! Bring all our fighters to Kajimi. Prepare for a battle.' Connix nods at the orders.

- The FO comes just as the last supply transport ship flies away. 'General, we need to leave-' C3PO says befere Leia dimisses it 'You need to run, hide, leave me here.' 'What, no. General-' Connix says who is then shoved into a nearby bushes. From the distance, some of the resistance fighter put up a fight. Leia sees Hux coming towards her. 'Hide!' Now, Leia and Hux are facing each other.

'Leia Organa. The Leia Organa.' Leia knows Hux is mocking her. 'Well, your son iS DEAD! In the end, he was beaten by somebody who doesn't even have the Force. Pathetic!'

'Every word you just said, is wrong, General Hux. (SEE WHAT I DID THERE!) My son is alive, there is light in him ...and at least, he fights his own battles. That is more than what you are capable of. ' Leia said calmly before she stops talking. Hux has fired the blaster directly through her chest.

'We head to Kajimi.' Hux says. Gritting through his teeth.

-end of second act-

[suramarelf]

Bwonsamdi’s Boy

Long ass post :^) I’m hella nervous to post my writing but w/e

Another normal day-- head to the market, pick up supplies for the weekly worship, return home. Except, the evening time had already come. He was late. Slept in, little rascal. Hopefully Gonk would not be angered with him.

The lanky troll quickly weaved his way through the dimming crowd, the dim light of market torches flickering, almost with a held breath. The flames seemed to lick close to one another, whispering secrets as the young troll passed by them. Anticipating something…

Dret’kol would grunt, grimacing nervously as he’d bump into others and push them aside with gentle force, beckoning a few angry glares and growls his direction. It didn’t bother him. He was already used to the disrespect due to his mixed heritage. But he could not waste anymore time. Sharp teeth would chew on his lower lip in dismay for the situation. Why had he waited so long? Foolish. He cursed at himself under his breath. Something was wrong. This, was wrong. His parents would be upset, no doubt.

A quick turn to the street where his home was, the short claws of his feet scratching the stone pave-way underneath each hurried step. The stairs were up ahead a short distance. Tall, but he’d climbed them hundreds of times. Almost there. Almost there.

Toned legs leaped over a few at a time, a swift sprint breaking out from the troll after he got into the rhythm of the steps. He held the burlap bag close to him with both arms. It had everything needed for worship inside.

Dret’kol slowed to a fast paced walk once he’d reached the top. He could see his neighborhood in the distance. A relieved smile pulled at his lips, his tusks dry from his anxious ridden labored breathing. Another swift turn on the heel and he was down the street that led to his own.

His heart began to pound. Goosebumps pricked at his thin fur. A cold sweat. Dret’kol clenched his jaw, gritting his teeth side to side. It was just Gonk’s presence. Disappointed.

A blue hand reached out from the unseen corner of a building and grabbed ahold of one of his tusks, dragging him back to whomever owned the arm. He yelped out in surprise, dropping the supplies and struggling to remove the hand from his tusk in instinct.

A massive Zandalari man, covered in scars and stories of battle and pain untold. He stood about a foot taller than the already height-worthy Dret’kol, his grip sturdy and unrelenting. The man studied him, a tongue running over his tusks as his cracked lips pulled into a malicious grin. One of satisfaction, of euphoria, even.

He made a noise akin to a low, rumbling purr in his throat, gently turning the younger troll’s head to the side as he studied him, his free arm placed over a dagger sheathed on his belt. “Oh, you gonna make a fine soul for Him. So ripe n’ young. Bwonsamdi gonna thank me for you, boy.”

Dret’kol’s lip trembled, blue eyes wide in disbelief. His whole body shook as he saw the man’s intentions now. He couldn't die yet, no. He was far too young. It was not his time. He stopped fighting against the man’s grip, a paralyzing fear controlling every movement, every muscle.

“W-wait, hold on now-” He cried out weakly, but it was too late. The glimmer of the golden blade disoriented him. He felt a warm liquid drip down his own bare neck, gurgling out one final plea for his life. Once clear vision slipped to black, the very essence of his life escaping from the cut in his throat. He slowly lost the tension in his muscles, slumping down onto the ground after the man let go of his tusk. Dimming blue eyes looked up, his final sight of his killer smirking and walking away stained his memory as he slept.

                                                          …

Dret’kol awoke midwalk. This place was so… unfamiliar. So cold, but so warm all at once. Dark and ethereal, dozens of others followed his pace. All spirits. He looked down to his own hands. Clear, only traceable by a faint, haunted blue that outlined his form, a color akin to Bwonsamdi’s magic.

He realized now where he was. The temple of spirits. Bwonsamdi’s temple.

The echoing murmur of other confused spirits and chattering children and the mournful, quiet sobs of others filled the slow ambiance of the air around him. All the spirits walked together down the path that lead to the temple’s entrance itself. Once reading the ledge, their feet would gently arise and their souls would hover to the crossing into the spirit realm, a swirling vortex that kept itself in the air above where Bwonsamdi watched over each and every soul’s journey.

A rush of anger fell over Dret’kol, causing his energy to distort. Such anger, such volatile anger. It had not been his time. His fists clenched themselves as he hurried his pace. His decision was made. Bwonsamdi would be confronted.

Once reaching the ledge, the fiery troll made a swift turn to walk down the steps. A few other spirits watched him in disbelief, their judgemental and curious whispers hissing in his head.

“Foolish boy. What does he think he is doing?”

He ignored their warnings. This was unfair. And Bwonsamdi would listen.

Dret’kol grinded his teeth as he arrived at the massive doors after a short walk. They loomed over him, a menacing welcome. Or perhaps, a challenge. He’d wait for a moment, one final decision.

“Bwonsamdi! I request ya presence!” His voice was strong, although audibly young. A tone of immense anger rang with every syllable.

Nothing. Perhaps the Loa of Death saw his time unfit to deal with this.

“Grant me access to kneel before ya, O Bwonsamdi!” His shout was met with more silence. Dret’kol looked down to the floor beneath him. He felt discouraged, but not defeated. No, he would not go so easily.

The spirit was silent for a few moments before standing tall, chin raised to the sky in defiance and confidence. He inhaled sharply, the yell that would escape his throat thunderous and loud.  

“Bwala’zun!”

A plea of a cheated death. Only those bold, or stupid, called for a bwala’zun in front of the Death Loa.

A rumbling, taunting laugh was heard inside the temple’s doors as they opened slowly. Dret’kol suddenly felt a rush of dread. Was he going to regret this? The temple beckoned him in, and he made slow, fragile steps until he arrived at Bwonsamdi’s altar. The young spirit immediately fell to the floor in worship, arms extended outwards towards the empty abyss from which Bwonsamdi’s realm lay access to.

“O great Loa of Ending, I call for ya council.” When the troll looked up, he’d see the massive figure squatting next to him, resting his chin bemusedly on his palm. He swallowed hard, such a presence next to him made him feel… empowered. Frightened, but strong. Strong, but small.

“Oho! Little boy, what ya be doin’ makin’ pleas so bold, eh?” The Loa would stand and go to the other side of the tiny spirit in playful movements, a flicker in his glowing eyes. “Mm, but’cha be havin’ a miiighty fine soul. Yes, you do.” Bwonsamdi would chuckle. “Go, go. Stand up.”

Dret’kol was hesitant. Was this a trick to be played on him? He waited few moments.

“I said stand up boy!” Dret’kol scurried to his feet, standing as tall and proud as his nervousness would let him. Bwonsamdi could smell it.

“Now, now. What’s dis ting ya claimed at me door?” The Loa would stand intimidatingly, then suddenly appear in front of the spirit, his face uncomfortably close to Dret’s. “Somethin’ about a Cheated Death…?” Even in undeath could Dret’kol feel the chilling presence of Bwonsamdi, his breath causing a slight shiver.

“You will not unfairly claim my soul.” He spoke strongly still, making eye contact with Death himself. The Loa seemed surprised, although perhaps more so amused.

“Ha! Ya tink ya got any say in ya death, boy?” Bwonsamdi’s head tilted, studying him. “Well go on. Defend yaself. I’ll listen.”

Dret’kol chewed on the inside of his cheek, not breaking eye contact with the Loa. “It not be my time yet, an’ you know it to. Ya be takin’ my soul like a cheat if I cross over.”

Bwonsamdi let out a boisterous laugh, one that shook the very temple. A few ancient, loose stones fell from the walls and ceiling.

“Oho! What a fiery little ting ya are.” The Loa would float in the air as though he were laying on his stomach, chin propped on his palms and feet kicking up behind him, like an amused child. “I had no decision in ya death. A deal’s a deal’s a deal…” He paused, clicking his tongue. “Ya death be caused from a deal. Ya sure ya want ta be makin’ one?”

The young troll swallowed once more before continuing, a frown plastered on his brow. His fear was replaced with anger once more. “I come ‘ere to make a deal with ya, Bwonsamdi, and I gonna do just dat. Ya set my soul back in my body, an’ I serve ya unconditionally. No questions asked.”

Death tilted his head once more, humming in thought and narrowing his eyes. There was silence for a long time. “Hmm… but I feel da presence of Gonk witcha’. He gonna be real angry wit’ you.”

Dret’kol felt his words. He knew that. He knew he would lose any connections with druidism and Gonk forever.

“Do ya accept me offer or not?” He looked straight through the eyes of Death once more, a glare gleaming within them.

Bwonsamdi seemed to admire the boldness of this young troll. Not often was he challenged with such a fiery spirit. Another amused cackle, and Bwonsamdi was sitting next to him. “Tell ya what. Ju show me ya can take back what ya deserve, and I let ya live for a while. Kill da one who killed you.” The Loa paused. “...But ol’ Bwonsamdi gonna pluck ya from da realm of da livin’ anytime he see fit…” He patted the spirit’s shoulder with a massive skeletal hand, channeling a pale blue energy into him.

“I see ya soon, little Dret’kol…”

The temple disappeared. The Loa disappeared. Instead, everything around him was a maelstrom of Bwonsamdi’s magic. He felt peace, a sense of euphoria and breath in his lungs as he was transported through the realm once more. A spiritual wind blew strongly, and he closed his eyes. Warmth. He felt warm again.

Awakening with a jolt, Dret’kol coughed and sat up shakily. He did not feel the same. But he was alive.

A rumbling purr broke through his racing thoughts, a voice not his own.

“Don’t cheat me now, little one. Ol’ Bwonsamdi be watchin’ ya...”

[mandowh0re]

Trust

CH 3

Requested: No

Fandom: Avengers MCU

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Enhanced!Female Reader

Summary: Reader meets Bucky while on a mission with Steve and Natasha to bring him back to the States and makes an unexpected connection with him.

Word Count: 2177

Warnings: Some swearing

Comments: I will be explaining past events as flashbacks for background as the story continues, this will be written in italics. Some details are purposely left out, but will come to light later in the story. Also, I paired Thor x Bruce in this fic because I honestly think they’re cute. Their pairing is lightly mentioned and not a large part of the story, but if that bothers you then please don’t continue to read this story. If things don’t make sense, you have an idea for the story, or a request of your own, please don’t hesitate to message me!

BIG shout out to @this-swede-loves-superheroes for being my amazing beta!

Happy reading!

Part 1/ Part 2/ Part 3/ Part 4/ Part 5/ Part 6/ Part 7/ Part 8/ Part 9

Everybody turned to look at the two super-soldiers standing in front of the elevator. Bucky was slightly behind Steve with his gaze on the floor.

Steve sighed, “Could you guys not freak him out by looking at him like he’s the new kid at school?”

“Why don’t you introduce us? Are you joining us for dinner?” Tony stood up and began walking towards the pair, spouting off questions per usual.

“Tony…” Steve warned.

He held his hands up in a defensive manner, “Hey, I just want to meet him. I’d like to know the guy staying in my compound.”

Steve’s jaw tightened but Bucky stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder, “It’s okay Steve, I’m not going to spontaneously combust or anything.” He gave a half smile before turning to Tony, “James Buchanan Barnes, but I go by Bucky. Thanks for letting me stay here.”

Tony looked at Bucky for a moment, as if trying to read him before extending his hand to meet Bucky’s already outstretched one, “Nice to meet you Bucky. I’m Tony Stark, in case that wasn’t evident. And it’s no problem. Plenty of room. Steve will give you the rundown of the place after dinner. I mean, that is if you want to join us. (Y/N) is making homemade lasagna and garlic bread,” He gestured to you, who was currently helping Wanda put the mixing dishes away while Peter was pulling out plates and silverware. You looked up and met Bucky’s eyes before Tony continued, “But you two have already met, so I suppose we should get you introduced to everyone else as well.”

Tony turned to the rest of the crowd in the room and began to list everyone off one by one, “The one with the blonde hair braiding the ginger’s hair is Clint. The ginger is Natasha, but you’ve also met her. The guy next to them with the book is Sam. The big guy in the corner seat is Thor, and the smaller guy sitting in front of him is Bruce. They’re kind of a thing. The guy sitting on the end of that couch there is James, but he goes by Rhodey which should make things less confusing for the both of you.

“The redish-purple-looking guy with the yellow jewel in his head is Vision. He and Wanda,” Tony turned back to the kitchen, “The crazy redhead are also a thing. And the child there-”

“Mr. Stark! I’m not a child!” Peter whined.

“Of course you’re not, spider-baby.” Tony called back, but Peter just crossed his arms and walked back to the living room, dropping on the couch next to Rhodey. Despite his resistance of Tony’s use of the word ‘child’, Peter was pouting and looking very much like one, “That’s Peter.” He raised his voice slightly, “Everyone, this is Bucky. Play nice, or Spangles here will have your ass, and I’m not gonna step in to save you.” He waved a hand in the air and walked back to his previous spot in the room.

Wanda followed Peter back into the living room, claiming her place beside Vision. You looked at Bucky and saw that he was nervous, probably overwhelmed with all of the introductions. So you decided to try and distract him.

Waiting until everyone was back into their normal conversations, you walked up to Bucky, placing a hand on his right forearm, “Bucky?”

He whipped around to you, obviously startled, but relaxed the moment he saw you, “Oh, hey.”

“Would you like to help me set up dinner? I could use some help.” You squeezed his arm just slightly in an attempt to encourage him, along with flashing him a warm smile.

Something in him seemed to crack, and he immediately relaxed, the tension he had been carrying since he walked into the room vanishing. “Uh, yeah. Sure.” His lips curled into a small smile and your heart fluttered in your chest. You had decided months ago, back in Wakanda when you had dropped him off for deprogramming, that you would make it your life’s purpose to make him smile whenever possible.

“Have you seen my teammate (Y/N)? Pretty short, long (Y/H/C) hair, (Y/E/C) eyes, probably walking around in jean shorts and an oversized purple sweatshirt?” Steve asked one of the Wakandan guards stationed in the palace. She shook her head, so Steve kept walking. He and Natasha had already checked your room, the kitchen, the common lounge, and he knew you weren’t in the lab because he had just come from there.

“Hey, T’Challa found her. She’s in the garden with one of the guards.” Natasha’s voice came through the comm in his ear.

“Thanks, can you go get her? I need to get back to Buck. He’s really on edge.”

“On it.”

You were walking in one of the most beautiful flower gardens you had ever seen in your life. There were colors and scents everywhere that were overloading your senses and it was wonderful. Every flower you could imagine was there and in full bloom. You wanted to dance around in the garden, but that would make you look silly, since there was a guard accompanying you.

Of course you had seen this place in passing the last time you were in Wakanda. But you were only here so that you and the team could learn as much as possible about your mutation and capabilities.

You found a patch of fully bloomed yellow Gerbera daisies, one of your favorites, and on a whim asked your company, “Could I pick one?”

She smiled for the first time since you had spoken to her; when asked her if you could visit the garden and she insisted on accompanying you.

“I thought you would never ask. Go ahead.”

You nearly squealed in excitement, and picked one of the Gerberas, and put it in your journal for safe keeping.

“(Y/N)!” You jumped at Natasha’s voice, not expecting her to find you out here. Since you were kneeling down and already unstable, the small jump you did caused you to fall flat on your back.

Huffing, you answered, “Yes?”

“We’ve been looking everywhere for you, why didn’t you tell us you were going somewhere?”

You pulled yourself up to a sitting position, but kept your eyes locked on the ground, “I… I did not think it to be a problem. Steve has been with James this whole time and you with Okoye.”

You saw her figure move down towards you and felt her hand grab your shoulder, “(Y/N), we aren’t mad. You’re fine to come look around. We just wanted you to come to the lab. Bucky wanted to see you before going into cryo.”

You felt butterflies suddenly take up occupancy in your stomach as you looked up at your friend, “Really?”

Natasha rolled her eyes, “Yes, now come on.”

When you made it to Shuri’s lab you had to take a calming breath before walking in. But that breath did nothing to prepare you for what you saw when you walked inside.

There, sitting on top of a metal examination table, was Bucky Barnes with no shirt, sweatpants, and hair loose around his face. You could have sworn your heart stopped in that moment.

What was that feeling in your stomach?

Wait.

What was that feeling??

Before you could continue your inner thoughts about what the hell your body was doing at the sight of a shirtless Bucky, he suddenly caught sight of you and met your eyes.

That was it.

This man was going to kill you by cardiac arrest.

You felt a nudge, and turned to see that it was Natasha pushing you, silently telling you to stop acting so weird.

So you walked towards Bucky and smiled, “Hello James.”

“Um, hi.”

“Are they sending you into cryo soon?”

“In about an hour.” He raised his right arm, motioning to the IV he was connected to. It was at that point you noticed his left arm was gone.

Must have been too distracted by everything else.

You nodded back, then gestured towards the open spot next to him on the table, “May I sit?”

He seemed slightly taken aback by the question, but agreed nonetheless.

“How long will you be here?” You asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

“Shuri said six months at the least.”

“How much of that time will you be in cryo?”

“I’m not sure, she said it depended on how well I was responding to the deprogramming.” You nodded, but before you could say anything else Bucky spoke up again, “You ask a lot of questions.”

Your heart suddenly dropped, “I am sorry, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable. I just… I mean…” You were beginning to flounder and made a move to get off of the table when you felt a form grip around your wrist, and looked up to see a confused Bucky.

“No, that’s not what I meant. Sorry, I should have chosen my words more carefully. I meant that I like that you ask questions. You don’t act like you’re walking on eggshells around me, like I’ll break with the wrong word.” You raised an eyebrow at him and he scratched his head, “Okay, not my best analogy. But, back in Bucharest, you walked right up to me even while I was still holding that gun, powers be damned.”

You giggled at the memory, “Yeah, Steve is going to ground me for that one.”

Bucky then raised an eyebrow, “Ground you?”

You laughed again, “Yes, I am the second youngest member of the team, though I am not an official Avenger yet. I am an adult, but because I am small and have a “baby face” they like to talk as if I am a child.”

Bucky huffs out a short laugh next to you. “Steve’s a punk. And a hypocrite. I seem to remember he was a lot worse of than you at an older age before he became Captain America.” He felt his stomach become feather-light at the genuine laugh that you made, “How old are you anyways?”

“Twenty-two,” you answer proudly. “I can legally drink, so I am not a child.”

“Of course not, doll.”

“Okay you two, kiss goodbye or whatever, I need to finish prepping Bucky.” Shuri called from where she was standing with Natasha. T’Challa, who had been talking with Steve, facepalmed.

“Shuri…” T’Challa warned.

“Everyone was thinking it, I just said it!” Shuri defended, never once looking from the holo-screen in front of her.

By now you could feel the heat in your face and you were desperately hoping Bucky couldn’t see.

You jumped off the table and turned to Bucky to say goodbye, despite the fact that you were sure your face was the color of a tomato. But you noticed he was completely drained of color, “Hey,” stepping forward, you folded your hand over his. “Is everything alright?”

He looked down at you and you could see the terror in his eyes, and that his chest was rising and falling too quickly.

You felt the air get knocked out of your chest and you had the abrupt realization that the last time he went into cryo was with HYDRA.

“Hey,” you gently squeezed his hand in an attempt to pull him back to reality. “You are safe here. Nobody will hurt you. We trust these people. I trust these people. They helped me when I first came to the team. You trust me, do you not?”

You could see his eyes begin to refocus back on you, the distant look leaving his gaze. He nodded.

“You trust me?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” You opened your journal and pulled out the Gerbera you picked earlier. It was flattened, but still beautiful. “This is one of my favorite flowers. It reminds me of the sun. And everyone needs a little sun in their lives.” You placed the flower in his hand, and placing your hand on top of it whispered, “I trust that you will bring this back to me James.”

There was a beat, and then suddenly the biggest and brightest smile you had ever seen lit up the man’s face. And you decided it was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen.

He nodded at you, and you nodded back. Clutching your journal you turned and began to walk away when he spoke again, “Bucky.”

You stopped in your tracks and turned to him, head tilted. “I am sorry?”

“Bucky. Please, call me Bucky.”

You felt confused, because you liked the name James. It was a pretty name and a formal name. But he still had that dazzling smile on his face and you couldn’t say no to him.

You wondered if you would ever be able to say no to him.

So you simply said, “Bucky.” and walked off.

And that night when all you could dream about was Bucky’s smile, you made it your life’s purpose to make that man smile whenever possible.

-------

Tag list: @cutiepiemimi13 @serenity-schuyler @animegirlgeeky

[always-fall-for-fanfic]

Living on the Streets (Sam Alexander, Pt. 1)

Okay, so I have decided to do an ‘orgin’ story take on Sam Alexander aka Nova, though it is just a fun story and most of it is not actually true. But I hope you enjoy. 

His two names could both be that of a first, Sam Alexander. It was the best he could do after someone had put him on the spot, he didn’t know his true last name, if he even had one. When he was a baby he was taken from his home of Sencil, a Titan wiping out the rest of the population of his planet.

Sam was taken when he was a baby, the Titan as far as he knew, had just given him that name. Normally when the Titan took “Children” they were older but this baby, the one from Sencil was different, he had a fire in his eyes. He had an aroma that couldn’t be placed, his heart was reaching out to the Titan. He couldn’t resist so he took the baby from his home, slaughtering the rest of his people. Though he did only have him for a short while, close to what the Titan made his birthday, the day he took him, 14 Ianuarius.

The boy had to have been at least 16 months old so when 14 Ianuarius came back around, the Titan proclaimed he was two. He only guess though with the age, based on the boys walking and comprehensive skills. By the time though the Titan had first given him a knife, the little boy was stabbing everything he could. Sam didn’t consider the Titan as his father as he did not force to be called ‘dad’ or ‘father’ or any other form of the term.

He trained him as he did his other children which were all adopted as well. The older ones he sent on quests to do his bidding, the younger ones, he kept to train. Like Sam, the young boy though, wasn’t with the Titan much longer after his third birthday, one of the Titans daughters was actually really sweet to the little boy. She saw a lot of herself in him, sure she was a lot different but the two of them were much alike. The Titan killed their entire planet but themselves and he took them to do his dirty work.

Sam was exceedingly astounding in his training and he could be a secret assassin he was so quick and stealthy and no one would expect a three year old little boy. The Titan started preparing his first quest.

His first quest was to get a helmet, but not just any helmut, a Nova Corps Black Ops Helmut. Though Sam doesn’t remember but if he did, he would’ve known his father worked for the Nova Corps and that the helmut he would be stealing would be the one that was his dads.

“Really, you’re going to let me go into the.. Space?” Sam asked, amazed up at The Titan, who nodded curtly.

“Don’t let me down Sam, I trust you.” The Titan raised his head as he seemed to give him authority yet he still was looking down upon Sam. Sam took a deep, steady breath, crossing his arms behind his back and standing up straighter.

“I’m ready sir, I won’t let you down.” He piped up and The Titan turned his gaze to a different one of his daughters, shaking his head lightly at her, with great disappointment because she had let him down. Before he turned his gaze back too Sam.

“I don’t think you will, now go, Sam, take what you need.” The Titan gave him a small wave of his hand and the three year old little boy walked casually out of the room but once he got around the wall, he jumped and began running to the hanger. He was so excited he finally got to get out of the Titans home and by himself. This was a real mission. The little boy bounded into the spaceship and spoke to the autopilot since he was going alone and couldn’t reach certain switches.

“Hexi, can you please take me to ‘Nova Corps’?” He asked, sweetly, the autopilot which Sam had named himself, obeyed and shut the spaceship door. Starting up the engine and waiting for the hanger to open it’s roof to fly out of. Sam sat in the pilots seat, staring out of the window, watching all of the planets bypass him in such a manner they didn’t look like they were anything than blobs. But Sam didn’t care, he loved it, everything was so pretty and different and scary but he knew if the Titan believed in him, he could do it. He knew he could, he couldn’t go back empty handed, he just couldn’t.

He had the most feelings for the Titan as a fatherly figure and mainly because he knew nothing else, any creature or anything to be that for him. Since he was taken so young from his home, he had nobody, he knew nothing other than the Titan. So he looked up to him as any normal child would to their parents.

Sam had to deal with it though, he didn’t exactly hate the Titan though like the rest of his children do. At least they “hate it with him” they hate their lives because he slaughtered their people. But Sam saw past that, yes some of the ways he sees stuff is weird and almost unjust. But he has a purpose, something that no one else will act upon. At least that's how he sees it and he has the right idea, for some of them but he just doesn’t act the correct way. Sam understood what it was like to be misunderstood though, all the rest of his ‘kids’ didn’t understand how powerful and smart Sam really was. He could do everything they could and plus and he was only three. In a way, that was better than the others cause he was able to outsmart the bad guys but he was small and could hide easier from them and fit in smaller places. Which should make his missions a quick in and out, though this one, his first one wasn’t that way.

He didn’t exactly have more after that though, not for the Titan at least. Which is kind of a long story, it started when he arrived on the planet Heoien (He-Oh-E-en) where Nova Corps was located. He got off the ship and turned it to camouflage mode to blend in. He looked around to make sure no one was around and then he slowly began walking, grabbing a random hat from a man that was sleeping at the front door as well as his badge, which got him through the front gate but he wasn’t granted access anywhere else so Sam through the badge to the ground, not ever bothering to read the name.

The hat was kind of big but it did the job, covering his eyes. Although it fell in his eyes and blocked his ‘up’ visual, he knew he would have to get rid of it sooner or later. He turned the corner and he saw a man laying there on the ground and at first he panicked and he quickly ran back behind the wall. He had to calm his breathing before slowly going down the hallway, careful as if the guy wasn’t dead, though it looked like he was and when Sam got close enough, he confirmed that he was dead.

He almost just walked away but then something pinned to the mans shirt caught his eyes. He leaned down, trying not to touch the man more than he needed to, not knowing how long he was dead. He struggled to unclip the badge from his shirt, almost falling back when he finally pushed at the right amount and it came off easier than he expected.

He grumbled to himself and stood up, peering into the man's mixed face one last time. He had a very long thin face, drained of life. His eyes lay shut, but he died with his eyes open, someone just didn’t have the heart to let the dead man's eyes, that they just killed. His leg lay limp and bent. Their murder had broken their leg first, so they most likely were either really strong or tiny or perhaps both, like him.

He gripped the card in his hand and read the name ‘Alexander, Jesse’ though of course it never occured to the little boy the last name went first so he spoke softly.

“Rest in peace, Alexander.” If he would’ve been a good friend Sam may have given him a kiss on his forehead but he felt weird doing that, so he didn’t. He held tight onto the badge as he slowly walked forward.

The face of the dead man stayed in his head though, he tried to imagine him as a person, his home life. He could see a small little boy and then a little girl a couple eight or so years later. He had a life but whoever it was, clearly didn’t think about that. He probably had a wife and his little boy would want to be just like him- Sam sighed and tried to shake away the thoughts. He wish he could’ve had a father to be like when he got older. But the Titan destroyed his home before he had the chance to even remember his dad.

Sam stopped short as he passed a mirror, catching his gaze. He looked at his soft chocolate milky skin tone, he was lighter, not quite black nor white. He had blazing green eyes and through them he could see into his pain, into his soul. Everything was buried there, it was in ashes. He had soft tufts of black hair from his head and a defined jaw. He was wearing a tighter fit black suit, that hugged his skin, he watched his chest struggle to form normal puffs of air. He didn’t know why but he gently reached out to touch himself in the mirror but didn’t quite make it.

“Hey!” A voice shouted from behind him and Sam yanked his arm away from the mirror. He turned around, ripping the dagger from his pocket, holding it close to his chest but so the blade was pulling through the voice.

“Hey- woah, kid, I’m a good guy.” The man put up his hands but Sam knew better, this man was weird and he wore a navy blue suit that was brass buttoned. His hair was slick back and he held something tucked under his arm, looking like a stack of papers.

“Was that man back there your father?” The guy asked, pointing back behind him to the man laying on the ground. Sam knew the man was putting on an act, he wouldn’t have been so nice to a kid that was trespassing and had a knife. Normally people would have just laughed in his face. He would have “seized” him, at least attempted to and brought him too whoever their boss was. No one would be intimidated by a three year old little boy with a knife, they would’ve they would have hurt themselves more than them.

Sam glanced around the man, he could still just make out the point of the man's shoe over the boxes he had passed previously, which he hadn’t noticed.

“No- I don’t know him.” Though Sam paused briefly, he felt a weird connection to the man, it was true but he didn’t know him.

“What’s your name, kid?”

“My n-name?” Sam didn’t know why he questioned it, though he did.

“Yes, what do they ca-ah!” The man stopped talking abruptly as a gun was fired, leaving a loud ring in Sam's ear, his body went stiff and he seemed to beg to the little boy. Though he could do nothing. He gagged, a small drip of blood slipped off of his lip as he fell with a hard thump on the ground.

Sam hadn’t known the man for more than thirty seconds but he wanted to cry and he didn’t know why, maybe it was the loud ring in his ears he couldn’t get away from.

He could see a small.. Thing, it wasn’t a man, very clearly, he had a snout that was peaking out of a hood. He had a large gun in his left.. Paw? He was probably about the same size at Sam at this point but compared to a normal guy, probably only to the calf. Sam glared at the animal, knowing he meant no good.

“I will kill you kid, get out of my way.” He growled, moving his gun to point up, as he tilted his head up a littlemore, letting Sam see the creatures beady eyes.

“No.” Sam stood his ground like the Titan taught him, stand strong no matter to who their opponent was.

“Fine then.” The animal growled and held up his gun, pointing it straight at Sam who just taunted him with a sly smirk. But the animal wasn’t heartless and after staring at the tiny kid he lowered his weapon. “Move on kid, I don’t actually want to hurt you.”

“My names Sam and I am not leaving.” And he simply turned around and started walking down the hallway. He heard a faint scratch probably of the animals claws on the ground as he glided up next to him.

Sam glanced down, seeing brown ears, noticing the hood was down, he saw a stripe across his nose and his tail swishing behind him, also white stripe with his main color brown.

“You’re a raccoon?” Sam asked, the raccoon looked at Sam, his nose wrinkled.

“A what?” He asked, clearly he had never heard that word before, Sam shrugged it off and looked forward, really hoping he wouldn’t get stabbed from the raccoon. The raccoon rolled his eyes and mumbled.

“I’m Rocket.” Though it was too quiet for Sam to understand, so he looked at him and asked him he didn’t catch that and the Raccoon shoved his hands in his pockets and grumbled at Sam, spitting at him.

“I am Rocket!”

“Like… a spaceship or your name?” Sam actually was confused, his mind still partly being a three year old boy and he had an imagination.

“My name, dumb ass.” Rocket huffed and together they walked down the hallway, though neither knew why they never separated. Until they walked into the room and the shiny bronze of a helmut blinded them.

When they both reached for it, they knew that there would be trouble. They were both there to steal the same thing. The newly found friends would have to fight for it.

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

Dear Soulmate pt.2 (E.D.)

Summary: Ethan and (Y/N) have a little chat.

Warnings: none really, just a mixture of slight angst and fluff

Word count: 1712

Dear Soulmate - Series Masterlist

Ethan watched the original video of a girl with long (Y/H/C) hair, (Y/E/C) eyes that were captivating like a storm, her tight-lipped smile and obvious exasperation. The video dated back two years ago, during the time they were on tour...The specific date that has forever been burned into his memories as the day his father got a stage four cancer diagnosis.

Ethan remembered just how distraught he was, the fear of losing his role model, the pain hitting him in waves. It was also the day he decided to let go any hopes of soulmates and finding them, because he couldn't carry both heartaches at once. He needed to let something go, so he did. Never again did he think about it or hoped of meeting someone who was made just for him.

In a way he envied her, even with all the pain she endured because of him. She at least knew he was somewhere out there, she had something...someone to hold on for. He never once felt her presence and it only angered him more. Why had he never felt her pain? Maybe an occasional stomach ache, but he doubted it had any relations to her.

Ethan noticed a lot more videos come up and just to make sure this was real, he decided to watch them all. He didn't sleep that night, neither did Grayson. They watched her every video, every time she posted about being in pain and tried to remember what happened on that particular day. Some videos were about her normal days when she didn't feel him at all, other videos were about emotional pain she could feel from her soulmate, but most of her videos were about the physical pain he had accidentally caused her.

Sure, he was a little reckless. Ethan was into sports and he was very adventurous, so broken bones and injuries were a constant in his life. In a way he had hoped for the pain connection to be real and one day he'd fall and groan in pain and he'd hear a beautiful girl wince at the same time, they'd make eye contact and it would be like something from a fairy tale. It never happened, but this time...this was real. Just as he had wiped out in their Instagram Live, she felt the same pain in the same spot. And when she hurt herself, that's the pain he felt as well.

Dawn came, the sun was coming up and Ethan was now more lost than the night before. What was he supposed to do? He googled everything about this girl. (Y/N) (Y/M/N) (Y/L/N) was 18, just like him. She lived in a small European country, about nine hours ahead of his time zone. She was finishing high school in a little less than a month, her plans after that were unknown. He had her contact info, but every time he'd try and send her a message, he ended up throwing his phone away and running away screaming while Grayson's patience was wearing thin.

„Ethan! Stop being so damn extra and send that message!“ Grayson begged his brother, but Ethan wasn't ready and nothing he said to him could prepare him for this. He found his soulmate, the one, the actual other part of him. He was terrified she'd reject him after years of being in pain because of him.

„She knows about me too. Why hasn't she sent a message?“ Ethan says quietly.

„She did. That video was a message Ethan, now it's your turn.“ Grayson replies and Ethan shuts his eyes, trying to get some sleep.

On the other side of the world, (Y/N) was having a hard time concentrating. Her own confusion and anxiety mixing with Ethan's was putting her on edge. She had spent the entire night awake, reading up on the Dolan twins, about Ethan Dolan in particular. She heard about them before, but never really bothered to look them up, because in her mind, she had way too much on her plate without crushing on two American boys that she'd never ever get to meet. It was her nature, once she lets something in, she would love it forever. It happened with book characters and movie actors and she didn't want to add YouTubers onto that list.

(Y/N) wondered why Ethan hasn't contacted her yet. She saw their Instagram Live, she knew he knew. She was certain he knew that she knew that he knew...so why hasn't he called? Did he take one look at her and decide she wasn't his type? She saw the girls he liked and she looked nothing like them. Her ass was nowhere near the one Nicki Minaj rocked and her face wasn't as clear as Meredith's either. Not only did she not look like those girls, she now knew that he dated other people. He shared his heart with that girl and probably a lot more than that. It hurt her deeply, because unlike him, she waited every day for her mystery soulmate to come into her life, ignoring all others.

Soulmates existed, that much was true, but not all of them ended up together. Being made for one another wasn't a guarantee of a happily ever after, you needed to work on your relationship, develop the connection further and once it was properly done, you'd never be able to break up because that connection couldn't be severed. Most soulmates would wait for a while before completing their connection for those reasons exactly, wait till they were certain it could work on the long run. Most did. Sometimes a soulmate would never meet their other half, despite a clear mark on their body, but that was rare as well. Others would get tired of waiting and move on...did Ethan do that?

Jealousy took over, pain filled her heart, her mind was collapsing on itself with the thoughts and images that came to her head. Was she destined to be one of those people that spend their lives alone? Would she be like her aunt who found her soulmate, but chose another only to live a life in desperation and agony without them? Did she lose him even before she found him?

Ethan was awoken abruptly by a phantom pain in his chest. He knew it was her, he felt her emotions for the first time and they overwhelmed him. In a state of panic he grabbed his phone and dialed her number. His hands were shaking, his breathing short and shallow.

„Please pick up!“ He managed to shout out before falling to his knees.

„Hello?“ Ethan heard her voice say. He heard it before in her videos, but it didn't do her justice. Her voice was a little deeper, but still gentle and soft. It sounded angelic in a way and he never quite craved a certain sound like he craved to hear her voice again.

„I, uh...I'm Ethan.“ He stammered out and dragged his hand over his face over how cringy he sounded.

„Oh...Hi. I'm (Y/N), but you knew that.“ She says, but the sudden cold formality in her voice shook him to his very core.

„I'm sorry I waited this long to call. I didn't know what to say.“ He admits and hears a heavy sigh on the other end of the line.

„What is there to say, really? Who really knows what to say to their soulmate anyways, right?“ She asked, a light undertone of resignation in her voice brings a few concerns to Ethan's heart and mind.

„There's a lot we should talk about.“ Ethan says, shutting his eyes tightly in hopes of her saying something that would help the conversation move in a good direction.

„That's an understatement of the century“, she replies sarcastically and he couldn't help but smile.

„Ha! I know... I really want to meet you.“ Ethan says making both of their hearts pick up pace.

„I'm eighteen and completely broke. I'm still in high school. I can't..“ She starts, stopping her rambling as her lips tremble. She wanted nothing more than to meet him, but she had no means to travel anywhere. There was a planned trip she spent two years saving for coming up soon, but she wasn't ready to blow that money. She couldn’t blow that money.

„I'll send you a ticket.“ Ethan offered making her scoff.

„I'm not going to take your money, Ethan.“ She says making him frown.

„I have more than enough, can you just“, he starts, but she cuts him of with a solid no.

After a few moments of awkward and quite honestly unbearable silence, (Y/N) decides to make an effort.

„One month from now, I'm going to be in Paris. Right at the top of the Eiffel tower. If you want to meet me, be there. Till then, we can try and talk from time to time, but I think it's best we both use the next thirty days to think about what we want or expect from this exactly. If you show up, I want you to have an answer for me. If you don't...well, that will be my answer, I guess.“ She finishes and he nods. Remembering she can't see him, he gives her an audible confirmation.

„I'll be there.“ As those words reach her ears her heart goes crazy at the thought of seeing him in person.

„I do want to have some sort of contact with you, tho'“ He starts,

„At least good morning and good night texts from you would suffice, just so I know you're alive and well.“ Ethan pleads, hoping he doesn't seem too desperate.

„Okay.“ (Y/N) agrees and Ethan lets out a breath he didn't even know he was holding.

„Okay!“ Ethan responds in a cheerful tone making (Y/N) blush and a wide grin spread on her face.

„See you in Paris, Ethan.“

„See you in Paris, Soulmate.“

Ethan hangs up and goes to wake Grayson up, wanting to inform him of the conversation.

On the other side of the world (Y/N) runs to find her mother to tell her she finally found her soulmate.

This was going to be a long month for both of them, that was one thing they were both sure of, but some people are worth the wait. 

Tags: @superhero-lover101

[stories-from-my-mind-to-yours]

You don't know you're alive until you're almost dead.

Cpt Craig Stevens of the United States Space Marine Corps made his way sliding down the emergency ladder as the sirens were blaring through the ship. His augmentations made him faster, smarter and stronger than humanly possible. His eyes saw every detail of every inch even at almost free fall speed. The signs with levels swooped past his eyes, as he saw level 17 he jumped off, ready to turn right and run to the armory. That was, if there had been any working artificial gravity on 17. There wasn't. He tried to turn as he soared through the air at break neck speed, but to no avail. He desperately clawed at everything, ANYTHING, to stop him from hitting whatever was in his path. In the corner of his eye, he saw the large titanium beam he had just propelled himself towards. "Fuck, this is going to hurt", he thought to himself before the violent impact knocked him out.

Mission specialist/engineer Sophia Karlsson woke up as the first alarm sounded. She practically jumped into her uniform, grabbed her utility belt and looked up at the stat screen. Her eyes widened in pure disbelief, and she bolted through the barely opening door, snatching her MPH (Multi purpose helmet*) from the shelf just outside the door. She felt a massive shiver through the floor, and almost fell over. It had felt like an earthquake, in a spaceship! She put her belt and helmet on, and called out for The ships A.I.

"T.I.N.A! SITREP! deploy repbots A.S.A.P and close all air locks! I wanna know what's going on NOW!" Her training kicked her into overdrive, adrenaline rushing through her veins, it felt like ages before Tina replied.

The familiar robotic voice crackled lightly in her ears before complying.

"A hull breach detected at level 6 caused an automated sealing of all adjacent air locks. Atmosphere holding steady at 86%. A.G.I (artificial gravity inducer*) down on levels 13, 17 and 21. Repair bots deployed. Multiple casualties detected. Smoke alarms on multiple levels."

"What the hell is going on Tina?!" Sophia shouted with a slight hint of panic in her voice.

"I do not know." was Tina's simple reply.

Commander George Engel of the United Space Federation, captain of the USF SX Concorde, woke up freezing, disoriented and had trouble breathing. His ears were ringing, he had a blasting headache, and he didn't even notice the gaping hole in his bedroom wall, that he was on the wrong side of, before his heart had stopped beating. His last thoughts were that he did like the view. Ice covered his grey hair quickly, and his eyes glazed over. Along with himself, a large number of bodies were slowly drifting away from the damaged spacecraft.

MS/E Sophia Karlsson knew she could be hot headed, stubborn and sometimes arrogant. But she loved her job, mostly. But trying to repair a ship possibly under fire, ON fire, isn't anyone's favorite job. But her quick thinking had probably saved at least a dozen lives, even if no one else knew it. She connected the last circuit board to the A.G.I control board and rebooted it. The dull thumping of the gravitational generator recommenced. The vibrations were further apart now, like whoever was firing at them were getting bored. Were they under attack? She wanted to know, but didn't expect someone to tell her. But she had to try.

"Tina, get me the bridge on vidcom."

Her helmet-screen came on, Major Erik Karlsson replied. His familiar voice calmed her frantic pulse, and reassured her everything would be all right. She saw only his right side, as he focused on other matters, his helmet sat at the control panel beside him. He looked drenched in sweat, his red beard dripping. He glanced at the screen beside him and smiled.

"Tell me how bad it is."

Sophia quickly summarized what she knew.

"31 unaccounted for so far, 19 badly injured or deceased. Fire is out, A.G.I. is up and running, hull damage manageable and repairs underway. What happened? Sir." She added hesitatingly, not sure of his new position, he shouldn't be on the bridge?

"Tina, give us a private channel." Tina acknowledged their comlink was secure with a sharp beep. Major Karlsson continued. "It was a meteor shower. Caught us by surprise, since the proximity radar had been turned off. Get me the log, I want to know who did it."

"I'll get on it right away. Anything else?"

He turned to face her on the screen for the first time during their short conversation. She wasn't ready for the gash that ran across the left side of his face, where his eye had been there was a bloodied bandage, and his neck, beard and uniform were stained dark red. A bioseal covered the lower right half of his face, meaning he had been treated for his wounds already. The sight was almost too much for her, and tears started filling her eyes.

"I'm just glad you're alive sis. Everyone above me in rank got sucked out when the captains cabin were hit. Every door opened shortly before. Only reason I'm alive is because I heard the doors open, so I got up and closed the airlock between our half and the senior officers department. The officers in training can get loud sometimes you know?"

She realized how close he had been to dying. Her throat clenched up, and he saw the expression on her face and chuckled.

"It's ok sis, I'm not dead yet, and I don't intend to die either. You just keep us floating and we'll be all right, ok?"

She still couldn't utter a sound, so she smiled, he smiled back, that crooked smile was made worse by half his face being missing.

"You didn't feel anything when this happened right? I knew that twin clairvoyancy was bullshit." She laughed out loud, the shock of seeing her brothers face like this had her mind in shambles. If there was one thing he could always do it was make her laugh. He was her big brother only by a few minutes, but he was as steady as a rock, a fixed point in whatever storm they were in. She couldn't bare to loose him.

"Can you take a look at level 6 when you have time? I hate to load everything on you, but I don't know who I can trust right now." She nodded, then quickly realized he couldn't see it.

"Yeah sure." Her voice held, but just barely. He smiled at her again, then resumed his duty as Commander. Talk about a speedy rise in rank.

She terminated the vidcom and collapsed on the floor. Tears streaming down her face, she shivered from head to toe. 50 probably dead. Sabotage. Murder. On a space exploration vessel? Why? How? Her mind was going on adrenaline, shock and recycled oxygen, she needed a drink. Or five. "Tina, secure the logs, and get me Craig on vidcom." She needed him, now, more than ever.

"Captain Stevens is unavailable for vidcom at the moment. Logs are secured."

"Well where the hell is he then?" Her heart skipped a beat.

"Captain Stevens tracker is at level 17. His Multi purpose helmet seems to be in his personal locker." Tina replied.

"Yeah of course, why have your helmet on you, that would be stupid."

Tina didn't reply.

She headed for the elevator, but it was used for transporting injured down to medbay. She sighed and glanced at the sign next to the elevator, indicating she was on level 30. Great. Only 13 flights up by ladder to 17. She opened the service door next to the elevator shaft and started climbing.

The medbay was jam packed. The I.C.U was full, all nurses had been on their feet for 20 hours, and doctors Green and Moreau were exhausted. But finally everyone was stable. They had only lost two to their wounds, thanks to their surgical skills, and fantastic nurses. Doctor Tom Green collapsed on the couch in their shared office. Doctor Frank Moreau was already sleeping in his chair. They had both taken more than one stimpak, and the crash was imminent. He just hoped nothing else would happen for the next six hours. He slowly drifted of to dream land.

Sophia had reached level 21 and her arms and legs were burning. Only four levels to go she thought to herself. She secured herself to the ladder and leaned back to rest for a moment.

"Tina, show me the logs from when the proximity radar was disabled." Pages of green text on a black background appeared on her screen. Last disabled by Tom Hardy, engineering, one hour before the meteor shower hit. "Tina get me Tom on vidcom."

"I am sorry, I can not find Tom Hardy on the ship." Replied the synthesized voice in her ears.

"Show his last known position."

An overview layout of the ships profile were shown on her screen, a small green blip appeared on top of the bridge outer hull as the ship profile turned three dimensional and turned to show his position relatively to the underlying structure.

The proximity radar tower was immediately above Commander Engel's quarters. Coincidence? Perhaps. But she intended to find out.

"Show me Tom's location at the moment of impact." The image showed Tom's blip floating away into space mere seconds before the first meteor hit them. Something had happened, Tom had been there, but she couldn't say if he had been involved in any way. She dismissed the images on her screen and continued her climb.

On the bridge order was slowly returning, as their new captain slowly assessed his new crew members. His voice was firm and clear, but his mind was racing. He had not been vetted for command as he had a minimum of 6 years to clear the experience needed to be even considered. But he had been an officer in USF for seven years, had commanded several ground missions and he was well known for his calm no matter the situation.

Lieutenant Carlisle requested his attention.

"Commander, we have a possible jackpot 90 minutes out, please advice."

"On screen." He replied.

The screen showed what looked like a replica of Earth. Clouds, seas, and land, it looked perfect.

"Any designation Carlisle?"

"Negative sir, unregistered planet."

He had no choice. They were in desperate need of repairs, and planetside repairs would take immensely less time. "Helm, plot a course, slow and steady. Get us there in one piece."

Their unanimous "Aye sir!" made him smile. Ah, to be young and foolish. He was 32 himself, one of the youngest to make officer, and by far the youngest to make commander. But the circumstances were just that, circumstantial. "Now let's just survive this day, and then we'll see." He muttered to himself.

Sophia had reached level 17 only to realize that the door was jammed. Of course, how could it not? Today was not a good day. Everything was going to hell. What more would turn out to be a disaster today? She sighed. She connected her arm-mounted service module to the door, and forced a manual override. The door groaned loudly as it slid almost halfway open, revealing total chaos on the other side. She squeezed through the opening and stepped into the hallway. "Tina, where is Craig?"

"Captain Stevens location is Junction 6 Delta."

She looked up at the orientation signs at the top of the wall. 6 Bravo. She went right, towards junction 6 Charlie. When she reached Charlie, she couldn't see Delta. The passageway was completely blocked by debris. She went straight ahead but there was no way she could get through. She used her card to unlock Charlie 8, whoever lived there wasn't home anyway. The small living space was tidy, and looked exactly like all the others. She opened the closet towards the Delta wall. All closets had emergency doors in them, in case the electronic doors failed. "Tina, open Charlie 8 emergency 2 please." The door slid open, revealing a wall of clothes behind it. She moved the clothes aside and peeked inside. Empty. She stepped through and made her way through the cloned room to the door, which slid open silently. The debris blocking the corridor to her right was a massive wall, but she couldn't do anything about that now. To her right was Delta junction, but no Craig. "Tina, where is Craig?"

"Captain Stevens location is Junction 6 Delta."

"Show me his tracker on screen." A fluttering image of the junction from above showed him to be just around the corner to the left. She took two steps forward and stopped. Blood. So much blood. She dashed around the corner, careful not to slip in the sticky red substance, her heart beating so hard. "No no no no no, Craig, nooo!" Her panicked scream echoed of the walls. She tried to jump over the pool of blood on the floor, landing on her knees in it, she checked him for a pulse. She couldn't feel anything. His face was pale, eyes half closed, lips blue. "MEDIVAC NOW TINA!" She screamed, she couldn't hold back the tears and panic in her voice. She held her ear above his mouth, and felt the faintest breath escape his nostrils. She couldn't see where he was bleeding from, but she didn't dare move him. An automated emergency stretcher unfolded itself behind her, and beeped loudly to call attention to itself. She slid out of the way quickly, her hands covered in Craig's blood, the stretcher folded itself over him, sealed itself and shot into the emergency transport chute. She sat sobbing on the floor, convinced he wouldn't survive. The floor in the hallway was covered in blood from side to side.

The emergency alarm sound in the medbay, which announced 10 seconds to arrival of an emergency stretcher. Doctor Green shot up from his chair, bloodshot eyes and a headache from hell, but he was awake at once, knowing he didn't have a second to spare. The second alarm meant 5 seconds to arrival, but he was already out the door.

Two android nurses came bursting out into the ambulance room, just as the stretcher came bursting through the door, alarms blaring and red and blue lights illuminating the walls. It landed on the table in the middle of the room and unfolded it's passenger. Doctor Green immediately called out for five units of blood, and turned captain Stevens in his side. He had a deep gash across the base of his neck, but there was almost no more bleeding. "Make that 10 units nurse! NOW!" Nurse Avery, an android powered by Tina, was way ahead of him. She already had two bloodlines connected, as well as stitching the deep wound in the captains neck. Being augmented, he had quick release connections in both his armpits, giving him a fighting chance, but hypoxia will kill any brain, augmented or not. Sophia had made her way to the medbay a few minutes later, and watched through the small window in the door as Tina embodied every tool at her disposal to save his life. A hand on her shoulder startled her, a small scream escaped her mouth before she jolted around and saw Tina's second android nurse Ava. "Forgive me Sophia, I didn't mean to scare you."

Sophia waved her hand at the android, and looked over her shoulder at the lifeless body on the medical table. She whimpered helplessly, tears flooding her eyes again.

"You shouldn't be here Sophia, please come." Tina's soft voice calmed her a little bit, but not much. She shook her head and exclaimed sharply "No! I'm staying here, I need to see him!" Sophia collapsed once again to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, the fatigue finally catching up to her. Tina lifted her softly and easily into her arms, and carried her to the waiting room couch. She held her closely, while simultaneously working on the love of her life. Tina diverted more computing power to the android nurse, helping it make its best effort at saving Craig's life. Artificial intelligence shouldn't have favorites, but T.I.N.A isn't any AI. And Sophia was her favorite human.

Sophia woke to doctor Green lightly shaking her shoulder. The expression of resignation on his face was what she had feared. Her mind in shambles, she had no reason to hear his apologies. She bolted upright and ran to the window. The table was empty. The android nurses stood at their charging stations. Everything stopped, time ceased to exist. The only thing in her universe was pain. A whimper of helplessness escaped her as she slowly lost all power in her legs, the pain inside tore through her like a plasma grenade, and her scream could be heard several levels both above and below. She didn't hear the door opening behind her, the sound of heavy boots on the floor, she didn't hear her own voice screaming, a deafening sound that drenched everything. But when she felt the familiar arm around her back her scream suddenly ended, the other arm grasping her legs and as lightly as a feather lifted her up to his chest. She looked into his icy blue eyes, she could barely breathe, she clutched his hair in her hand, she pressed her face in his neck and she cried. And she slept.

Part II

https://roninjason.tumblr.com/post/171918375360/you-dont-know-youre-alive-until-youre-almost