#slash quake

[devilrose]

Collection: characters in red, 2020-2024

Top to bottom, left to right: May (Pokemon) - Lance (Pokemon) Visor (Quake III Arena) - Lavinia (Record of Agarest War) Titania (Fire Emblem 9 & 10) - Lukas (Fire Emblem: Shadows of Valentia) Lyude (Baten Kaitos) - Juste Belmont (Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance) Slash (Quake III Arena) - Flame Atronach (The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion)

See, I am a hummingbird. It's official. You show me a character in red and I will scream out of my little beak MINE!! I don't know whether to be amazed or ashamed by how consistent my tastes in characters are.

If you love my art, please consider offering me some fruit juice and a bouquet of hibiscus flowers.

[helpallthenamesaretaken]

moral of the story: dont mention percys mom and lukes dad while youre about to fight/fighting them

[oneirataxia-girl]

pov you might just be an itty bitty bit too obsessed with your own ocs

[mftango]

Wanted to do 10 different franchises to, just for good measure

Name ten female characters you like, you get zapped if it's jsut a male character you call a babygirl or other feminine nicknames because I can't see people calling Lestat coquette again

[knight-hiccup]

𝐌𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐌 | Hiccup x F!Reader 6

This is Chapter 6 to book 1 to this Hiccup series -> Masterlist here. Previous Chapter : Next Chapter

Pairing: Hiccup x female! reader Genre: romance, fantasy, suspense, drama, angst, dark, vioIence, friends to lovers, dark themes, heavy Viking lore, Norse mythology, canon divergence, slow burn Word count: 13.3k Warnings: This will have the lore of the films + shows but with much darker themes. Gore/blood, mentions of death, Norse mythology, some realistic dragon themes, more realistic scenarios, and mature themes starting at the point httyd 2 ark comes in, so, ofc NSFW. Any other warnings will be properly tagged upon story progression. A/N: Reader description not described besides clothing true to Viking/httyd fashion from time to time.

CHAPTER 6

The lookout tower stood like a sentinel above Berk, its weathered silhouette rising stark against the bruised purple of the evening sky. The village homes sprawled below, their dark outlines softened by the fading light, while the tower's rough-hewn stair planks groaned and creaked under your boots as you climbed.

Gobber was ahead, his heavy steps thudding with purpose, his hammer-hand swinging at his side. At the top, Hiccup's lanky frame was already sprawled beside the fire pit, one leg stretched out lazily as he poked at the glowing embers with a stick. The flames caught in his auburn hair, casting a warm, flickering glow across his sharp features as he glanced up, a spark of curiosity in his green eyes.

The wind up here was a soft howl, curling around the tower and tugging at the edges of your tunic with invisible fingers. It carried the faint, briny tang of the sea, mingling with the sharp snap of the fire as its heat reached out to lick at your chilled hands. You dropped onto a log beside Gobber, the wood rough against your legs, and the three of you settled into a loose circle.

Below, Berk glittered in the dusk, its torchlights flickering like stars swallowed by the encroaching night. The warmth of the fire seeped into your bones, chasing away the day's lingering aches, and for a moment, the world felt still—save for the crackle of the flames and the distant murmur of the village winding down.

Hiccup broke the quiet first, his grin flashing quick and bright as he leaned forward, elbows digging into his knees. His eyes darted between you and Gobber, still buzzing with the restless energy of the day's Gronckle chaos.

"Alright, I missed her trial—spill it, what happened? She won't give me details," he demanded, his voice edged with impatience as he jerked his chin toward you.

You shifted on the log, feeling the faint itch of the still healing Nadder scar beneath your sleeve, a quiet reminder of the morning's madness. Gobber barked a laugh, the sound rough and booming, his stump thudding against the log as he adjusted his bulk. His weathered face split into a proud, toothy grin, the firelight dancing across the deep lines etched there.

"Aye, ye should've seen it, lad—she kept rollin' and dodgin' that beast till it wheezed and finally flopped over, belly up like a bloated fish!" he roared, his hammer-hand slashing through the air in broad, dramatic arcs as he mimed your every duck and weave.

His voice thickened with relish, savoring the retelling, and you couldn't help the small, tight smile that tugged at your lips. You shrugged it off, brushing your hands together as if to shake away the attention.

"It's nothing, though—" you started, redirecting the focus with a quick nod toward Hiccup.

"Hiccup took it out in seconds. That was incredible." Your tone stayed steady, but there was a quiet pride laced beneath it, one you couldn't quite bury. 

Hiccup ducked his head, a flush creeping up his neck as the firelight caught the faint pink in his cheeks. Gobber wasn't letting it go, though—his laugh rumbled deeper, a gravelly quake as he clapped Hiccup's shoulder hard enough to jostle him forward. 

"Aye, I've never seen that in me life! Dropped that Gronckle like a sack o' spuds!" he crowed, then turned to you, his eyes softening, the edges crinkling with something warm.

"Both o' ye made me real proud today—I couldn't be prouder o' how far ye've come, ye scrappy wee double-team misfits." The words hit like a weight, sinking into the cracks the day had carved out, and you caught Hiccup's gaze across the fire. 

His grin softened too, a flicker of shared history passing between you—late nights in the forge, the secrets behind his wild tactics—all unspoken but thrumming in the quiet space you shared.

Gobber tossed another log onto the pile, sending a burst of sparks spiraling into the night as he launched into a dozen new tales from his own trial days. "Took a Monstrous Nightmare's tail to the face, I did, and still swung me axe!" he bellowed, his voice a gravelly roar that rolled over the wind. 

You doubled over, laughter tearing from your chest, hands clutching your ribs as the absurd image took root in your mind.

Hiccup snorted dryly, leaning close to mutter, "More like the Nightmare thought it was shooing a gnat." His words were quick and low, barely cutting through the fire's snap, but Gobber caught them. 

His good hand swung out, clipping Hiccup's shoulder in a mock cuff, his weathered face creasing with a wide, unrepentant grin. The night stretched on like that—stories piling atop one another, each more outrageous than the last. Hiccup threw himself into his recounting, arms and shoulders carving the air in exaggerated sweeps as he spun his version of the day's chaos, peppered with embellishments you could spot from a mile off. 

When asked, you cut in, voice calm but firm, detailing the Gronckle's lava blast—the heat licking so close it left a faint char on your boot leather. Gobber's cackle wove through it all, a deep, jagged sound that echoed into the air, his broad chest swelling with pride as he watched you and Hiccup trade barbs and memories, the firelight painting long shadows across his gleaming, weathered face and smiling eyes.

The next morning came swiftly, the taste of fresh fruits—sweet and sharp—still clinging to your tongue as you finished breakfast. You joined the others, your boots scuffing the dirt as you trudged toward the arena for another Nadder trial. The early light spilled across Berk's uneven sprawl, casting long, familiar, jagged shadows that stretched over the rocky ground. 

The air buzzed with a restless energy as you reached the arena, the clash erupting almost the moment you were all in position. Gobber's voice rang out, sharp and commanding—strike hard, stay sharp, don't falter—and you felt your grip tighten around the leather strap of your shield as the gate rattled open with a groan. 

The Nadder exploded into view, a vivid blaze of color against the drab stone walls. Its scales shimmered in sharp blues and golds, catching the morning sun as it lunged forward, spines bristling. Astrid was on it in a heartbeat, her movements a honed blur as she charged with lethal precision. 

Her axe arced high, glinting as it poised to cleave through the thick muscle of the dragon's neck, the air thrumming with the force of her intent. The Nadder reared to meet her, its talons gouging the stone—until Hiccup outpaced her. He stood unmoving—gently dropping his chosen weapon to the ground as the beast charged at him head on. 

With a trick he'd honed with Toothless the day before, he scratched the dragon under its chin, out of sight from the others. The Nadder froze, then slumped into a sudden stupor, its vivid frame collapsing before it could lash out again. It hit the ground at Hiccup's feet, limbs loose, breath shallow—almost relaxed—its fall so perfectly timed that Astrid's blade halted just shy of its scaled throat, the air still vibrating from her swing. 

You were right there near him when it happened, the two of you locking eyes as identical wide grins split your faces. The thrill of it surged through you, electric and wild, and you tilted your head toward him, nodding in pure, unrestrained delight. The arena pulsed with anticipation, the crowd's cheers swelling until the gates creaked open once more. 

A flood of people poured through—children scrambling forward, warriors clapping, onlookers shouting—their voices rising in a chaotic roar. They swarmed Hiccup, encircling him, their hands slapping his shoulders, their words tumbling over one another in a frantic bid to be heard, all woven with admiration for his feat. You hung back at the crowd's edge, watching, their praise a living thing that drowned out the quieter sounds of the morning.

The day rolled on, the scene shifting in your mind as the sun climbed higher. After the arena's chaos faded, you found yourself wandering Berk's winding paths, the salty breeze tugging at your hair and cooling the sweat on your skin. You'd caught Hiccup's eye earlier, a silent pact passing between you—no words, just a flicker of understanding in his glance.

Later, when the village settled into its usual clamor of Hooligan life—shouts, clanging hammers, the distant bellow of dragons—you became his conspirator. With a quick check over your shoulder to ensure no one was watching, you helped him slip away from Berk's prying eyes. Together, you wove through the familiar maze of wooden houses and rocky outcrops, your footsteps soft against the earth as you guided him toward the forest's edge. 

The trees loomed as you reached the outskirts, their gnarled branches tangling overhead to form a canopy that dappled the ground with shifting light. You paused there, shooting him a knowing look before stepping back to stand guard. He vanished into the undergrowth, his lanky frame swallowed by the green as he headed for the secluded spot where Toothless waited, the wilderness low croon drifting faintly through the leaves. 

You lingered behind, leaning against a tree trunk, your senses sharp for any rustle or shout from approaching villagers. You'd promised to cover for him, to give him a break from the constant eyes and expectations, and you were ready—armed with a quick lie about an errand or a chore if anyone asked. 

The forest stretched out before you, alive with the chirps of birds and the snap of twigs, and as Hiccup disappeared to train with Toothless in peace, you turned back toward home, the weight of the day settling into something steady and sure. 

The Great Hall was alive with its usual clamor in the night, a sprawling cavern of noise and warmth carved out of Berk's heart. The grand tables stretched long and wide beneath the vaulted stone ceiling, their scarred wooden surfaces gleaming faintly under the flickering light of the iron chandeliers overhead and the surrounding hearths.

The air thrummed with the low roar of voices—Vikings swapping tales, clinking mugs, and barking laughter that echoed off the stone walls. You sat alone at one of the tables near the center, your usual spot, legs dangling off the bench as you traced a finger along a groove in the wood. 

The seat beside you was empty, saved as always for Hiccup—another quiet ritual between you, unspoken but understood. Your eyes flicked toward the heavy doors every so often, waiting for that familiar lanky figure to slip through. 

The doors creaked open at last, and there he was—Hiccup, his auburn hair a little wild from the wind, his green eyes scanning the room until they landed on you. A quick grin tugged at his lips, and he wove through the chaos, dodging a burly Viking hefting a tray of roast and sidestepping a spilled mug of mead. 

You shifted slightly, making room as he reached the table and dropped onto the bench beside you with a small, relieved huff. "Saved me a spot again, huh?" he said, his voice light but carrying that dry edge you knew so well. You smirked, nudging him with your elbow.

"Someone's gotta keep you from standing in a corner all night." 

Before he could fire back, the air shifted—boots scuffed the floor, and a shadow loomed as Snotlout plopped down on Hiccup's other side with a loud thud, his broad frame jostling the table. 

"Well, well, if it ain't the dragon tamer himself!" he crowed, clapping Hiccup's shoulder hard enough to make him wince. 

You barely had time to laugh before the others descended like a storm. Fishlegs shuffled in, his round face flushed with excitement as he clutched a battered notebook, already rambling about Hiccups arena achievements. Tuffnut and Ruffnut barreled over next, shoving each other with Tuffnut simply running across his own table as they claimed spots across from Hiccup, their elbows—and feet—knocking mugs aside. 

A handful of other teens—some you knew, some you didn't—swarmed in too, along with a few older Vikings, their voices rising in a chaotic tangle of questions and boasts about Hiccup's latest stunt.

You leaned back, watching the tide roll in, when one of the teens—a wiry kid with a mop of blond hair—pushed forward, her shoulder slamming into yours without a glance. The force sent you sliding off the bench, your hands shooting out behind you to catch yourself. Your palms hit the cold stone floor, keeping your head from smacking the edge of the table as you landed with a muffled grunt. 

The kid didn't notice, already scrambling into your spot beside Hiccup, her voice loud and eager as she jabbered about dragon training in a flirtatious way. The crowd tightened around Hiccup, a wall of bodies and noise, their hands clapping his back, their words tripping over each other in a frenzy of admiration. 

You sat there for a beat, palms pressed to the floor, legs splayed out as you blinked up at the mess. Hiccup's head poked out from the throng, his eyes wide and darting toward you, a flicker of panic crossing his face as he mouthed something—maybe an apology, maybe your name—but it was swallowed by the din. 

You didn't wait to figure it out. Crawling backward, you slid out from under the tangle of boots and elbows, the rough stone scraping your knees as you pulled yourself free of the chaos. The crowd didn't part, didn't even notice, too busy pressing in around a very overwhelmed Hiccup, whose hands flailed faintly as he tried to answer three questions at once. 

But you weren't mad—no heat flared in your chest; no scowl twisted your face. Instead, a snort bubbled up, sharp and involuntary, and you clapped a hand over your mouth to stifle it as you rose to your feet. Brushing the dust off your tunic, you glanced back at Hiccup—his lanky frame half-buried under the mob, his expression a mix of nerves and resignation—and another laugh slipped out, muffled against your palm. 

Shaking your head, you turned toward the far end of the hall, weaving through the scattered Vikings and trays of half-eaten food. The kitchen loomed ahead, its wide archway spilling out the warm scent of bread and stew, and you slipped inside without a backward glance. 

The noise of the hall dulled as the kitchen's heat wrapped around you, the clatter of pots and the low hum of the cooks taking over. You snagged a wooden spoon from a rack and stepped toward the hearth, where a pot of something savory bubbled away. 

Hiccup would survive out there—he always did, even if he'd be a jittery mess by the end of it. For now, you'd leave him to his admirers, a faint smirk tugging at your lips as you stirred the stew, the steam rising to meet you. Let them fawn over him; you'd catch up later. 

The night had deepened over Berk after you had gone home. The sky a thick quilt of stars pricked against the black that shown the unknown—almost as if Asgard was in reach. You were sprawled by the hearth in your small home, the fire's glow painting the rough wooden walls in soft oranges and golds. 

The warmth seeped into the floorboards beneath you, chasing off the evening chill as you poked at the embers with a stick, coaxing a few more sparks to life. The village outside had quieted, the distant clatter of the Great Hall fading into a low hum, when a soft knock rattled your back door. You tilted your head, brow furrowing, and hauled yourself up, brushing soot off your hands as you crossed the room. 

Peeking through the crack, you spotted Hiccup—his lanky frame hunched slightly, hands stuffed into his gilet like he wasn't sure what to do with them. His auburn hair was a mess, windswept from who-knows-what, and his green eyes flicked up to meet yours as you swung the door wide. 

"Hey," he started, voice a little sheepish, "I, uh—just wanted to say sorry. For earlier. You know, the whole. . .table thing." He gestured vaguely, like he could mime the chaos of the Great Hall into existence. 

You snorted, leaning against the door frame with a lopsided grin, waving him off before he could ramble himself into a knot. "Forget it, Hiccup. I'm fine—floor's not so bad once you get used to it." 

You stepped back, jerking your head toward the hearth. "Come in already, it's freezing. How'd the flight test go with Toothless? You've got that look—like you either crashed into something or figured out how to fly upside down." 

He ducked inside, a small laugh slipping out as he trailed you to the fire. "No crashes this time, promise. Went better than I thought, actually." 

He dropped onto the floor beside you, stretching his legs out as the warmth curled around you both. "We tweaked the tail fin again—got a smoother turn out of it. He's fast, too. Like, really fast. I think he's showing off half the time." 

His eyes lit up, hands gesturing in quick, excited arcs as he talked, and you couldn't help but smile at the way he came alive, the nervous edge melting off him. 

"Showing off, huh? Sounds like someone else I know," you say, nudging his boot with yours. He shot you a mock glare, but the corner of his mouth twitched up, betraying him. "Yeah, well, he's got the wings for it. I'm just along for the ride." 

He leaned back on his hands, the firelight catching the faint freckles dusting his cheeks. "You should've seen him—he's learning quick. Few mistakes were made so I need to add a few more things to the straps. Nearly lost my stomach a few times, but it was. . .I dunno, amazing."

"Amazing," you echoed, softer, resting your chin on your knees as you watched him. "You're getting good at this, Hiccup. Toothless is lucky to have you." He blinked at you, caught off guard, and a flush crept up his neck, pink against the glow. 

"I—uh, thanks," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his head. "He's the real star, though."

The conversation drifted from there, easy and quiet—bits about the wind, the way Toothless warbled when he was pleased, a dumb joke about Tuffnut tripping over his own spear earlier. The fire crackled lower, its warmth pulling at your eyelids, and you didn't notice when your words started to slur, or when Hiccup's voice softened into a hum. 

Your shoulder brushed his as you both sank lower, the floorboards cradling you like an old friend. Before long, the steady rhythm of the hearth lulled you both under, your breathing syncing as you drifted offside by side. 

Hiccup stirred first, the faint gray of pre-dawn creeping through the window cracks. His eyes fluttered open, groggy, and he froze as the world came into focus. You were close—really close—your head tilted toward him, one arm tucked under your cheek, the other resting near his hand. Your face was soft in sleep, lips parted slightly, and a strand of hair had fallen across your cheek to your nose, fluttering with each breath. The fire had dulled to embers, but the warmth still lingered, wrapping you both in its fading embrace. 

His heart did a hard flip, heat rushing to his face so fast he was sure it'd wake you up. Red crept from his ears to his cheeks, a blazing flush he couldn't stop, and he swallowed hard, barely daring to move. You looked. . .peaceful. Too peaceful to disturb. 

His gaze darted around, landing on the bear skin draped over a nearby stool—thick and shaggy, one of Gobber's old hunting trophies. Careful not to jostle you, he reached for it, his fingers fumbling as he tugged it free. He draped it over you, tucking it gently around your shoulders, the fur swallowing you in a cozy heap. You shifted slightly, a small hum escaping, but didn't wake, and Hiccup let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. 

He sat there a moment longer, knees pulled up, watching the way the dawn light brushed your face. A dumb, lopsided smile tugged at his lips—soft and unguarded, the kind he'd never let anyone catch. Then, with a quiet creak, he pushed himself up, brushing off his tunic. 

Toothless was waiting at the cove, and the next match against the Terrible Terror loomed just hours away. He slipped out the door, casting one last glance back at you—curled up under the bear skin, warm and safe—and his grin widened just a little before he headed into the cool morning air, already itching to take to the sky again. 

A few hours had passed since the quiet warmth of your hearth, and now you stood near the center of the training grounds, the caked dirt beneath your boots packed hard from countless scuffles. Gobber was beside you, his broad frame leaning on his hammer-hand as he grumbled under his breath, his eye narrowed at something in the distance.

The others—Astrid, Snotlout, Fishlegs, Tuffnut, and Ruffnut—were scattered around the arena, half-dazed from the early hour. Astrid was sharpening her axe with slow, methodical strokes, focused. Snotlout sprawled against a barrel, snoring faintly, while Fishlegs mumbled dragon facts in a doze nodding off, his notebook slipping from his lap. The twins were off in a corner, lazily tossing a rock back and forth, their laughter muted and sluggish. 

You crossed your arms, eyebrow quirked as you nudged Gobber with your elbow. "Alright, out with it—what's got you muttering like a cranky old goat? You've been pacing around for ten minutes making us wait." 

He huffed, his long mustache bristling as he shot you a sidelong glare, but there was a twitch at the corner of his mouth that betrayed him. "Oi, watch it, lass—I've fought dragons bigger'n yer head with less lip," he shot back, his voice a low growl. 

You grinned wider, undeterred. "Yeah, and I've dodged Nadders faster than you can swing that thing. Come on, Gobber, spit it out already." 

He shifted his weight, the stump of his leg thudding against the ground as he glanced around, making sure the others were too out of it to eavesdrop. "Yer gonna make me say it, aren't ye?" he muttered, rubbing his good hand over his face. 

You leaned in, eyes glinting with mischief. "Yep. You're squirming like a worm on a hook—just tell me." 

He groaned, then finally bent closer, his voice dropping to a rough whisper. "One o' the Terrible Terrors—it's gone. Slipped right outta the cage somehow. Thing's probably scamperin' around the Berk right now, and I'm supposed to be runnin' this blasted match!"

His tone was thick with exasperation, his brow creasing deep as he waved his hammer-hand toward the rows of locked pens. 

You blinked, then bit back a laugh, straightening up as the weight of it sank in. "What, seriously? One of those little menaces got loose?" 

Gobber's scowl deepened, his good hand jabbing the air. "Aye, and don't ye dare laugh, ye wee troublemaker—it's upsettin' me whole plan!" Before you could tease him further, a breathless huff cut through the air, and Hiccup stumbled into view, panting as he skidded to a stop beside Gobber. 

His hair was a wild tangle, his cheeks flushed from running, and he bent over, hands on his knees, gulping air. "Sorry—sorry. Sorry. I'm late. Too—I—I. . .too-k a detour. . .over the cliffs—," he managed between breaths, shooting you a quick, sheepish grin with wide eyes as he almost said Toothless aloud. 

You snorted, shaking your head, then turned back to Gobber, resting a hand on his arm. "Hey, it's fine, alright? The three of us'll handle it later—me, Hiccup, and you. We'll track down that sneaky little Terror before it chews through half the village." 

You kept your tone light, reassuring, and Gobber's shoulders slumped slightly, though his grumble didn't quite fade. "Aye, ye'd better. I'm not explainin' this to Stoick if it sets fire to somethin'." 

Hiccup straightened, catching his breath, and quirked a brow at you. "Wait, what'd I miss? What's loose?" You smirked, leaning closer to him. "One of the Terrors pulled a jailbreak. Gobber's having a meltdown about it." 

Hiccup's eyes widened, then a laugh bubbled out of him, short and bright. "Oh, great. That's. . .that's perfect timing." Gobber swatted at him with his good hand, missing by a hair. 

"Oi, none o' that cheek, lad—ye're helpin' fix this mess!" Hiccup dodged, still grinning, and you couldn't help but join in, the three of you forming a little knot of conspiratorial energy amidst the sleepy arena. 

But the moment didn't last long. A horn blared from the edge of the grounds, sharp and insistent, signaling the start of the challenge. The others jolted awake—or at least tried to—Snotlout snorting himself upright, Astrid snapping her axe to her side, and the twins stumbling to their feet with bleary curses. 

Gobber straightened, his grumpiness shifting to focus as he barked, "Right, ye lot—up and at 'em! Terrible Terror match starts now, and don't ye dare slack!

You shot Hiccup a quick look, your grin turning sly. "Guess the hunt's on hold. Let's survive this first." He nodded, still catching his breath, and the challenge kicked off—minus one sneaky Terror still unaccounted for. 

The arena buzzed with a restless energy then as you all gathered in a loose semicircle before the large cage, its iron bars scratched and dented from years of dragon-wrangling. A tiny door, no bigger than a breadbox, was set into the base—just the right size for the smallest beast in the lineup. 

The others shuffled into place beside you, still shaking off the morning haze. Astrid gripped her axe with a sleepy scowl, Snotlout flexed his shoulders like he was about to wrestle the thing barehanded, and Fishlegs clutched his notebook—hiding behind it as his eyes looked over, muttering to himself. Tuffnut and Ruffnut jostled each other, snickering as they craned their necks to peek inside. 

"Meet the Terrible Terror!" Gobber bellowed, his voice cutting through the chatter like a war horn as he pushed a bar down. 

He thumped his hammer-hand against the cage for emphasis, the clang echoing off the timber walls. You and Hiccup turned toward the pens just as the tiny door rattled open with a squeak, revealing a flash of scales and a pair of glinting eyes. The little dragon shot out like an arrow, all sharp claws and flapping wings, smaller than a housecat but twice as feral. 

"Ha! It's like the size of my—!" Tuffnut started, his grin wide and cocky, but before he could finish, the Terror launched itself at his face. 

It latched onto his nose with a snarl, tiny teeth sinking in as Tuffnut flailed, his shouts bouncing around the arena. "Get it off! Get it off!" 

The crowd erupted—Ruffnut doubled over cackling, Snotlout barked a laugh, and even Astrid's lips twitched as Tuffnut stumbled in circles, swatting at the dragon like it was a persistent fly. You bit back a grin, glancing at Hiccup, who was already moving. In one smooth, practiced motion, he hefted his shield, angling it just so to catch the sun's glare. 

A bright dot of light flickered to life on the stone floor, darting and dancing as he tilted the shield with steady hands. The Terror froze mid-gnaw, its head snapping toward the speck like a cat spotting a moth. Tuffnut yelped as it released his nose and took off, wings delighted, claws prancing as it chased the elusive glow in frantic loops around the ground.

"Wow—he's better than you ever were!" Tuffnut said to a glaring Astrid.

Hiccup kept his cool, stepping lightly as he guided the little beast in a winding path, the light dot skittering across the ground. You watched, half-amazed, half-amused, as he led it back toward the cage, calm as if he were herding a stray lamb. The Terror darted through the tiny door with a final triumphant snap of its jaws, and Hiccup dropped his foot onto the hatch, pinning it shut with a soft thud. 

The dragon scrabbled inside, letting out a muffled squawk, but the door held firm. He held his shield close, then turned to face you, his lips curling into a lopsided smile that lit up his whole face—proud, a little shy, and aimed right at you. 

You couldn't help it; a laugh slipped out, bright and warm, and you shook your head as you met his gaze. "Nice trick," you called over the lingering chaos, Tuffnut still rubbing his nose and muttering curses behind you. 

Hiccup shrugged, his grin widening as he stepped closer, the shield dangling at his side. "Figured it'd work. I'll explain later," His eyes sparkled with that quiet mischief you knew so well.

The next day dawned quieter than most, a rare break before the trial that would whittle the trainees down to the final two—those who'd face the last challenge and earn the right to kill a dragon. The weight of it hung in the air, but for now, you let it slip away, your boots crunching over the mossy stones as you descended into the cove alone. 

Toothless was already there of course, sprawled out on a slab of sun-warmed rock, his black scales glinting faintly in the dappled light filtering through the trees. His tail flicked lazily—happily as you approached.

You sank down beside him, resting a hand on his broad, smooth head. "Hey, you big beauty," you murmured, your fingers tracing the ridges above his nose. Toothless let out a low, rumbling purr, his lids drifting shut as he leaned into your touch. 

It was his favorite—something about the slow, steady strokes always melted him into a puddle of contentment, and you couldn't help but smile as his breathing deepened, the sound vibrating through your palm. You shifted closer, sitting cross-legged as you kept up the rhythm, the cove's stillness wrapping around you both like a blanket.

"Just you and me for a bit, huh?" you said softly, and he huffed a warm breath, nuzzling your hand.

You'd been there a while—longer than usual, lost in the quiet—when a rustle broke through the trees. Toothless's ears perked, his eyes snapping open, and you turned just as Hiccup stumbled into the clearing, panting hard. 

His chest heaved, his hair a sweaty mess plastered to his forehead, and he kept throwing quick, jittery glances over his shoulder like something might burst out of the forest behind him. Toothless leapt up, bounding over with a startled warble, his head tilting as he sniffed at Hiccup's tunic. 

You stood, brushing off your knees, your brow furrowing. "Hiccup, what's wrong? You look like you just outran a swarm of Terrors."

He waved a hand, still catching his breath as he dropped the bundle of gear he'd been clutching under one arm. "It's—whew—nothing, really. Just. . .Astrid." He straightened, wiping his brow with his sleeve. 

"I was walking through the woods, heading here like we planned, and she was out there training—chopping logs with that axe like they owed her gold. She spotted me, and I—I didn't know if she'd follow, so I took the long way around. You know, through the ravine, past the old oak? No one's behind me, though—I checked." 

Toothless snorted, nudging Hiccup's side with his snout, and you laughed, the tension easing out of your shoulders. "You're paranoid. She's probably still terrorizing that poor stump."

Hiccup grinned, sheepish but relieved, and plopped down onto the grass beside the gear—a tangle of leather straps, ropes and metal fittings for Toothless's saddle and tail. 

"Yeah, well, better safe than interrogated. She's got a way of staring right through you." He patted Toothless's flank as the dragon flopped back down, already nosing at the pile of equipment. 

You settled next to them, picking up a strap to untangle it. "So, what's the plan? Finish the tail rig today?" 

Hiccup nodded, his energy shifting as he launched into it. "Yep—got the new counterweight figured out. Should make the turns sharper without throwing him off balance. Oh, and I tweaked the saddle straps—less chafing for him, more grip for me."

The day slipped by like that, the two of you hunched over the gear in the cove's soft light. You handed him tools, held pieces in place while he tinkered, and listened as he rambled about drag coefficients and wind resistance—his excitement kept you hooked. 

Toothless sprawled nearby, occasionally nudging the saddle with a curious grunt as Hiccup tested fittings on him. By afternoon, it was ready, and Hiccup took him up for flight tests—short loops at first, then longer swoops over the cove's cliffs. You sat on the rock, shielding your eyes against the sun as they soared, Toothless's wings cutting the air with a grace that made your chest ache. 

"Looking good!" you shouted as they landed, Hiccup sliding off with a triumphant grin, his hair even wilder than before.

Twilight crept in as you finally packed up, the sky bruising purple and gold over the treetops. You and Hiccup climbed out of the cove together, gear slung over his shoulder, Toothless bounding off toward his own hideout. At the fork in the path, you paused, turning to him. 

"See you tomorrow, dragon boy. Don't let Astrid catch you sneaking around again." He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"No promises. Night." You waved, heading your separate ways—him toward the village center, you toward your small house near the forge. 

The familiar outline of your home came into view, but something tugged at your gut as you neared—the door was ajar, half-open against the frame. Your steps slowed, a prickle of unease crawling up your spine. You'd shut it tight that morning, hadn't you? Hand hovering to grab a rock on the ground, you nudged the door wider with your foot, peering into the dim interior. 

The hearth glowed low, casting long shadows across the floor, and the faint bubble of your fish stew pot hummed from the fire—just as you'd left it, simmering slow and steady. No one was there. No boot prints, no overturned chairs—just the quiet creak of the house settling. You let out a breath, shaking your head at yourself as you stepped inside and latched the door firm. 

"Getting jumpy over nothing," you muttered, stirring the stew with a faint smile, the warmth of the day still lingering in your bones. 

You reached for a wooden bowl from the stack by the hearth, the rough grain familiar under your fingertips, and ladled a steaming portion of fish stew from the pot. The rich, salty aroma curled up with the heat as you carried it to the table, setting it down with a soft clunk. 

The day's fatigue tugged at you, a dull ache in your shoulders from training and tinkering with Hiccup, so you turned back toward the pantry nook. "Bread and ale," you mumbled to yourself, rubbing your eyes as you shuffled off to fetch them, the floorboards creaking under your boots.

The small shelf in the corner held a loaf of crusty, soft bread and a clay jug of ale, and you grabbed them both, balancing the loaf under your arm as you headed back. But when you stepped up to the table, your brows knit together. The bowl sat there, empty—licked clean, not a drop of stew left clinging to the sides. 

You blinked, tilting your head. "Didn't I—?" you started, then shook it off with a huff, a tired laugh slipping out. "Gods, I'm losing it. Must be more beat than I thought." 

Shrugging, you turned back to the pot, snagging another bowl from the stack. You scooped up a fresh serving, the ladle scraping the bottom as you muttered, "No more stew gremlins tonight." You yawned.

You set the new bowl on the table, careful this time, but as you shifted to grab the bread, your wooden spoon slipped from your fingers. It clattered to the floor, and you sighed, bending down to snatch it up. Your knees creaked as you straightened, brushing the spoon against your tunic—and then you froze.

A pair of huge, bright yellow eyes stared back at you from across the table, glowing like twin lanterns in the dim light. They were wide and unblinking, set in a small, scaly face smeared with fish stew, the mess dripping from its jaws. 

Your breath caught, heart lurching as you locked eyes with the creature. It was a Terrible Terror—the one that'd slipped the arena cages, no doubt. Its scales shimmered a deep, mottled gray and orange, and its left wing hung limp at an odd angle, the membrane torn and bruised from its escape. 

For a long minute, you just stared at each other, the silence thick between you. The dragon didn't flinch, her tongue flicking out to lick around her stew-smeared mouth, then darting up to swipe across one eye like a lizard. With a sudden twitch, she skittered back, hopping off the table and retreating a few steps, her tail flicking nervously. 

"Whoa, whoa, hey," you whispered, keeping your voice low and soft as you raised a hand. "It's okay, little buddy. I won't hurt you. Here—look." 

Moving slow, you edged toward the pot, fishing out a small chunk of fish from the stew with your fingers with a hiss from the heat. The scent wafted up, sharp and briny, and you held it out, arm steady despite the quick thump of your pulse. She froze, her yellow eyes narrowing as she tracked the offering. She crept forward, claws clicking faintly on the floor, her broken wing dragging slightly—cautious, just like Toothless had been with you that first time. 

Then, in a flash, she lunged, snatching the fish from your hand with a snap of her jaws. You flinched, jerking back as her teeth grazed your fingertips—not hard, but enough to startle you. 

"Easy!" you yelped, shaking out your hand, but the little thing just sat there, chewing her prize with quick, jerky bites. Her gaze flicked up to meet yours, and her tail gave a slow, tentative wag, the tip brushing the floor like a shy apology. 

You exhaled, a grin tugging at your lips as the tension melted away. "Well, you're a bold little menace, aren't you?" 

She tilted her head, licking her chops clean, and something warm bloomed in your chest. Those big, unblinking eyes, that little wag—she was a scrappy thing, fierce despite her smaller than normal Terrible Terror size and her busted wing. 

You sank down to sit cross-legged on the floor, resting your chin in your hand as you watched her. "Guess you're staying for dinner, huh, little one?" you murmured, and she chirped—a small, raspy sound—before inching closer, her tail wagging a bit faster. 

You were hooked, plain and simple, already smitten with the tiny terror who'd broken into your house and stolen your stew. 

You stayed there on the floor, the warmth of the hearth seeping through the wood and into your legs as the dragon finished another piece of fish, her tiny tongue darting out to swipe the last bits from her scaly snout. She gave a small, satisfied huff, her bright yellow eyes blinking slowly as she studied you.

You held still, barely breathing, not wanting to spook her off. Then, to your surprise, she shuffled closer, her claws tapping a faint rhythm on the floorboards. Her broken wing dragged a little, but she didn't seem to mind, her focus locked on you with that unblinking stare.

Before you could react, she hopped up, her small body surprisingly light as she clambered into your lap. She circled thrice, like a cat picking its spot, then flopped down with a soft thud, tucking her good wing against her side. Her head settled against your knee, and a low, rumbling purr vibrated through her, the sound so deep for something so small it made you laugh under your breath. 

"Oh, you're making yourself at home now, huh?" you murmured, resting a tentative hand on her back. Her scales were smooth and warm under your palm, and she didn't flinch—just leaned into the touch, her tail curling lazily around your wrist like a little bracelet. 

You sat there for a while, stroking her gently as her purring deepened, her eyes drifting shut. The firelight danced across her scales, picking out flecks of red and orange you hadn't noticed before, and that busted wing twitched faintly as she relaxed. She was a mess—stew still smeared on her snout, one wing drooping—but there was something about her, fierce and fragile all at once, that tugged at you hard. 

"You're a tough little thing, aren't you, little Menace?" you whispered, your fingers tracing the ridge of her spine. She let out a sleepy chirp, nuzzling closer, and your heart did a soft, helpless flip.

But as the quiet stretched on, a thought sparked in your mind, sharp and insistent. Hiccup. You needed to tell him—right now. He'd know what to do about that wing, how to help her, and besides, he'd lose his mind over this. A Terrible Terror sneaking into your house?

Escaping the arena and picking you to crash with? He'd be halfway between thrilled and jealous, probably already sketching out a splint in his head. You glanced down at Menace—the name you thought fitting in the moment—still curled up in your lap, her breathing slow and steady, and bit your lip. 

"Guess I can't just leave you here," you muttered, half to her, half to yourself. 

Careful not to jostle her too much, you slid your hands beneath her small frame, lifting her as you stood. She stirred, cracking one eye open with a grumbly warble, but didn't fight it—just nestled deeper into your arms, her tail flicking once before going still. You grabbed your cloak from the hook by the door, draping it over your shoulders with one hand, and stepped out into the cool air, Menace cradled against your chest. 

The village was hushed, the last streaks of daylight fading over the rooftops, and you set off toward Hiccup's place, your mind racing with how you'd break the news. "Wait till he sees you, little troublemaker," you said softly, grinning as Menace purred against you, oblivious to the excitement she'd just sparked. 

The twilight had deepened as you slipped through Berk's winding paths, the sky now a bruised purple streaked with fading gold turning night. Menace stayed nestled in your arms, her small, warm weight pressed against your chest beneath the cloak you'd draped over her. Her purring had softened to a faint hum, her broken wing tucked awkwardly against her side as she dozed. 

You kept your steps light, boots barely scuffing the dirt as you wove between the shadowed outlines of houses. The village was mostly quiet, but the occasional clatter of a shutting door or the low murmur of a lookout's voice kept you on edge. You ducked behind a stack of barrels as a burly Viking trudged by, his torch blazing, then darted across an open stretch when the coast was clear, sticking to the darker edges where the torchlight didn't reach. 

Hiccup's giant house loomed ahead, its slanted roof and cluttered forge annex unmistakable even in the dim. You crept up to the door, glancing over your shoulder one last time—no one in sight, no footsteps trailing you. Adjusting Menace carefully, you rapped your knuckles against the wood, a quick, sharp knock that cut through the stillness. 

The sound barely faded before the door creaked open, and Hiccup stood there, blinking at you in the faint glow spilling from inside. He wasn't asleep—his hair was tousled, sure, but his eyes were bright, and he held a half-whittled stick in one hand, a knife in the other, like he'd been fidgeting by the fire sharpening his pencils. 

"Hey, what're you—?" he started, but you didn't wait for him to finish. 

You brushed past him, Menace still hidden under your cloak, and muttered, "Shut the door," as you stepped into the warmth of his home. 

He froze for a second, brow furrowing in confusion, but obeyed, pushing the door closed with a soft thud. "Uh, okay, sure—but what's going on? What're you doing here?" he asked, setting the stick and knife on a nearby table as he turned to you, his voice a mix of curiosity and mild alarm. 

You didn't answer right away. Instead, you shifted your cloak aside with a flourish, revealing Menace cradled in your arms. Her yellow eyes cracked open at the movement, glinting in the firelight, and a smear of fish stew still clung to her snout. Hiccup's jaw dropped, his eyes widening as he took a step closer, his voice dropping to a hushed, incredulous whisper.

"No way—is that—? A Terrible Terror? What are doing with it?" He leaned in, hands hovering like he wasn't sure where to start, his astonishment spilling out in a rush. "Where did—? How did—? Is that the one from the arena?" 

You grinned, nodding as you adjusted Menace so he could see her better. "Yep. This little Menace snuck in, licked my stew bowl clean before I even noticed her—ate most my stew. Think she's the escapee Gobber was losing his mind over." 

Hiccup let out a soft, disbelieving laugh, his gaze flicking between you and the dragon. "Unbelievable. She just happened to choose your house. Guessing it must've been the fish then. That's—wow." 

He reached out tentatively, fingers brushing the air near her head. Menace tilted her chin up, eyeing him warily, then flicked her tongue out to lick her stew-smeared jaw, unimpressed. 

"Careful, she's quick," you warned, smirking as you shifted her weight. 

Hiccup tried again, slower this time, his hand inching closer until he grazed the top of her head. She didn't snap—just huffed a tiny, raspy chirp and leaned into it, her eyes half-closing as that low purr rumbled up again.

Hiccup's face lit up, a grin spreading wide as he whispered, "Oh, she likes that. Look at her—little Menace, huh?" He glanced at you, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Her wing's busted, though—see that bend? We could fix it. Some leather, maybe a light splint. . ." 

You nodded, easing down onto a bench by the hearth, Menace still purring in your lap. "Hoped you'd say that. Couldn't just leave her there—and I knew you'd want in on this."

Hiccup crouched beside you, already reaching for a scrap of parchment on the table, his mind clearly racing. "Oh, I'm in. This is—gods, this is incredible. She's so tiny—look at her!"

His hushed whispers bubbled with awe as he scratched gently under her chin, earning another pleased warble from Menace. You couldn't help but laugh softly, the two of you huddled there in the flickering light, plotting over your unexpected new friend like kids with a secret treasure. 

Hiding Menace turned into a daily test of stealth and patience, one you hadn't quite bargained for when you'd taken her in. Leaving her in your house wasn't an option—not with Gobber's complete disregard for privacy. The man had a habit of barging in at dawn, bucket of ice water in hand, ready to douse you awake like he'd done since you were old enough to stumble over your own feet. 

"Keeps ye sharp!" he'd bellow, grinning as you sputtered and cursed. 

So, after a hushed debate by Hiccup's hearth, you and he decided the cove was the safest bet—Toothless's domain, tucked away from prying eyes. You bundled Menace in your cloak again, her little body squirming as you carried her through the village outskirts, Hiccup leading the way with a lantern he invented dimmed low to dodge any late-night lookouts.

The first meeting between Toothless and Menace was. . .tense. Toothless had eyed her with a wary growl, his ears flat as she skittered out of your arms onto the cove's mossy floor. Menace, fearless despite her size, puffed up and hissed right back, her broken wing twitching—her tiny roar fearsome. 

You and Hiccup hovered nearby, ready to intervene, but after a few sniffs and a tentative nudge from Toothless's snout, they settled. Soon, they were sprawled out together—though not without Menace trying to swipe Toothless's fish portions every chance she got. Her tiny jaws snapped at his pile, and he'd grumble, nudging her away with a paw until you started bringing extra, piling her own little stash to keep the peace. 

"She's a thief," Hiccup laughed one day, tossing her another fish, "but she's our thief." 

Days blurred into a rhythm after that—Hiccup running flight tests with Toothless, tweaking the saddle and tail fin while you slipped off to the woods alone, hurling daggers at makeshift targets carved into trees. The blades thunked into the bark with satisfying precision, though you'd never turn them on a dragon—not after Menace, not after Toothless. 

You kept up appearances in the arena too, training under Gobber's watchful eye with the others, all to mask the secret growing in the cove. But the final trial loomed closer, the one that'd cut the trainees down to two, and the air in Berk thickened with anticipation for it and excitement for Stoick and the rest of Berk's return.

The day arrived sharp and cold; the arena packed with villagers craning to see the last stand. You stood in the center with Ruffnut and Tuffnut, the three of you ringed by towering wooden walls as Gobber's voice boomed overhead. 

"Last trial, ye lot! Two stand, the rest falls—don't muck it up!" 

The gate rattled open, and a thick, acrid smoke poured in, curling around your boots as the Hideous Zippleback slithered free. Its two heads hissed in unison—one spitting green gas, the other sparking flame—and the crowd roared as the chaos erupted.

You darted left, shield up, as a jet of fire scorched the area where you'd stood. Ruffnut charged right, howling a battle cry, her mace swinging wild as she aimed for the gas head.

"I've got this ugly one!" she shouted, but the Zippleback was faster—its sparking head whipped around, igniting the gas in a blinding flare. 

She dove, rolling under the blast, but came up too close. The gas head lunged, snapping at her heels, and she tripped, sprawling forward with a curse as it stole her boot. 

"Ruffnut's out!" Gobber bellowed as a pair of Vikings hauled her off, her protests echoing through the smoke.

It was just you and Tuffnut now, back-to-back as the Zippleback circled, its twin heads weaving through the haze. 

"This is awesome!" Tuffnut yelled, grinning like a lunatic as he hefted his spear. "Let's ram it!" He charged, spear-first, aiming for the sparking head, but the gas head reared up, blasting a cloud that choked the air. You coughed, ducking low as sparks flew, and saw the flame head twist toward Tuffnut. 

"Move, Tuffnut!" you shouted, sprinting forward. He didn't see it—the fire licked out, a blazing arc as the dragons claws thrashed out, and you threw yourself at him, slamming into his side. You both hit the ground hard, rolling as the flames roared overhead, singeing the edge of your tunic.

Tuffnut blinked up at you, sprawled in the ground, his jaw slack. "You. . .saved me?" he managed, voice cracking with shock. 

You shoved off him, grimacing as a sharp sting flared in your arm—the old Nadder scar, reopened, blood seeping through your sleeve where the beast clawed you. 

"Don't get used to it," you muttered, clutching the wound as you staggered up. But the Zippleback wasn't done—its heads swung toward you, gas hissing, and you stumbled, vision blurring from the smoke and pain. 

"Enough!" Gobber's roar cut through, and the gatekeepers rushed in, chains clanking as they wrangled the dragon back. 

"She's out—get her to Gothi!" Hands grabbed you, pulling you from the arena as the crowd murmured, and you gritted your teeth in anger, blood dripping down your arm.

The next thing you knew, you were propped on a bench outside a little way from the arena, Gothi's gnarled hands working fast—smearing a pungent salve over the gash, her staff tapping your shoulder to hold still. Hiccup was there in an instant, shoving through the onlookers, his face pale and pinched with worry. 

"Hey—hey, you okay?" he asked, dropping to his knees beside you, his hand finding yours without hesitation. 

His fingers curled tight around yours, warm despite the chill, and you felt your cheeks heat even through the sting of Gothi's stitching. "I'm fine, Hiccup," you said, voice rough but steady, though your own flush crept up your neck at how close he was—how he didn't let go. 

He blushed too, pink spreading across his freckles, but his grip stayed firm, his thumb brushing your knuckles absently. "You scared me out there," he muttered, eyes darting to your arm as Gothi wrapped it in cloth. "That was—gods, you didn't have to jump in like that." 

You smirked, wincing as Gothi tugged the bandage tight. "Had to. Tuffnut's too dumb to save himself."

Hiccup laughed, short and shaky, and squeezed your hand again, his worry melting into something softer as he stayed right there, blushing and steadfast, until Gothi shooed him back with a grunt. 

The trials were finally over—at least for you, the arena settling into a tense hush as the dust and smoke long cleared. You stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the other trainees—Snotlout, Fishlegs, Tuffnut, Ruffnut, Astrid, and Hiccup—your arm still throbbing under Gothi's fresh bandages, the ache a dull reminder of the Zippleback—and the Nadders' chaos.

The crowd ringed the edges, their murmurs buzzing like flies as Gobber limped forward, his hammer-hand raised to quiet them. His weathered face split into a grin, his voice booming over the grounds. 

"Right, ye scrappy lot—time to name the final two!" He said and wasted no time, "Hiccup and Astrid, ye've earned it. Next challenge: the Nadder. Winner gets the honor o' slayin' the Monstrous Nightmare!"

A roar erupted from the villagers, cheers and stomps shaking the timber walls. Astrid's jaw tightened, her eyes glinting with determination, while Hiccup shifted beside you, his expression a mix of nerves and something unreadable. You nudged him with your good elbow, smiling. 

"Told you you'd make it." He shot you a quick, lopsided grin, but before he could reply, the crowd started to disperse, and you both turned to slip away, eager to dodge the inevitable swarm of Hiccups new attention.

You'd barely taken two steps when Tuffnut and Ruffnut loomed into your path, their broad frames blocking the way out. The air went awkward fast—silence stretching as Tuffnut shuffled his feet, staring at the ground like it might swallow him. Ruffnut crossed her arms, smirking faintly, but said nothing. 

You and Hiccup exchanged a glance, unsure what was coming, until Tuffnut finally mumbled, "Uh. . .thanks. Y'know, for. . .pushin' me outta the way back there." 

He jerked his chin toward your bandaged arm, his voice dropping lower. "Would've got my face slashed. So. . .yeah," He scratched the back of his neck, avoiding your eyes, while Ruffnut gave you a quick, sharp nod—her version of approval—before nudging her brother.

"C'mon, dummy," she muttered, and they trudged off, leaving you and Hiccup blinking after them. 

You pressed your lips together, a snort threatening to break free as Hiccup's shoulders shook beside you. "Did Tuffnut just. . .thank me?" you whispered, and Hiccup choked out a laugh, covering his mouth. "I think he did. Mark the day." 

The two of you stood there, giggling under your breath, the absurdity cutting through the tension. Somehow, you managed to weave through the arena's edge without Hiccup's growing pack of admirers swallowing him whole—Snotlout was busy flexing for a gaggle of kids, and Fishlegs was rambling to anyone who'd listen, giving you a clear shot to the exit.

But before you could get far, Gothi's small, hunched figure stepped into your path, her staff tapping the ground with purpose. Gobber lumbered up behind her, scratching his beard as he translated her flurry of gestures. 

"She says ye've gotta rest that arm, lass. No arguin'—or else." Gothi's milky eyes narrowed at you, her gnarled hand jabbing the air for emphasis, and you sighed, shoulders slumping.

"Fine," you muttered, disappointed but too tired to fight it. Hiccup frowned beside you, his brow creasing, but nodded. 

"Guess I'll head alone, then. Check on Toothless and Menace." His voice was light when you both were out of sight, but something flickered in his eyes—worry, maybe, or frustration.

You started toward your house, Hiccup falling into step beside you until you reached the shadowed patch near your door. He stopped suddenly, his frown deepening, and before you could ask what was wrong, he pulled you into a tight hug. His arms wrapped around you hard, his face burying into your shoulder as his breath hitched against your tunic. 

"You've gotta be more careful," he mumbled, his voice low and rough, edged with an anger that caught you off guard. "I mean it—stop throwing yourself into stuff like that." He squeezed you tighter, hiding his face, and you felt your own cheeks flush, your hands hovering before settling awkwardly on his back. 

"Hiccup, I'm—" you started, but he pulled away just as fast, stepping back with his head ducked low. You caught a glimpse of red creeping up his ears before he turned, muttering a quick, "See you later," and bolted off toward the woods, his lanky frame disappearing into the dusk. 

You stood there, heart thumping, a slow grin tugging at your lips as you shook your head and pushed your door open. The house was quiet, the new pot of stew still simmering faintly, and you sank onto a stool, replaying that hug—his sudden, fierce worry, the way he'd hidden his blush—with a warmth spreading through you that had nothing to do with the hearth. 

That same day turn night, the village hushed under a blanket of stars and the occasional creak of settling timber. You were half-dozing by the hearth, the embers casting a faint glow across the room, when a sharp knock jolted you upright. It came from the back door—and at this point you knew it was Hiccup since this became a ritual between you both now.

His knock anyways was quick, insistent, not the casual rap of a neighbor. You crept over, peering through the opened door. Your heart lurched as Hiccup's familiar silhouette filled the gap, but then your eyes widened—Toothless loomed behind him, his massive black shape barely squeezed into the narrow alley, eyes glinting in the dark. 

You yanked the door open, hissing, "Hiccup, what the hell? Why'd you bring him?" 

Your voice was a harsh whisper, darting a glance around to make sure no one was lurking. Hiccup stumbled in, Toothless nudging past the frame with a low grumble, his tail flicking dangerously close to your stew pot as he could barely fit in the home. 

"I didn't have a choice!" Hiccup shot back, equally quiet but flustered, his hands flailing as he pointed to the saddle strapped across Toothless's back. "Look—the hook's jammed. I can't get it off without a tool, and I couldn't just leave him in the cove like this!" 

You groaned, pinching the bridge of your nose as you shut the door behind them, careful not to let it slam. "Great. So you thought dragging a dragon through the village at midnight was the smart move? He can't stay in my house." 

He scowled, crossing his arms. "Oh, like you'd have a better plan. I tried prying it loose—nearly took my finger off!" Toothless huffed, shifting impatiently, and you waved a hand at him. 

"Fine, fine—forge it is. Try to keep him quiet." Hiccup nodded, grabbing the rope that bind him to the dragon in the first place as you led the way out the back, the three of you slipping into the shadows toward the forge. 

Your house sits mere steps from the forge, its squat frame dwarfed by the sprawling workshop where you and Hiccup now steer—a space that offers the Night Fury more room to stretch, though its open sprawl conceals him far less than the tight walls of your home ever could. 

You slip inside, the air sharp with the tang of wood dust, and it's only as you cross the threshold that Toothless spots a battered bucket perched beside tools, its dull gleam promising fish. He lunges, snatching it on his snout before hurling it aside—it strikes the dirt floor and into tools with a jarring clang that echoes off the rafters, splintering the quiet. 

You stiffen, breath catching, as Hiccup's eyes flare wide; he grabs the dragon's head, pulling it low with a sharp tug. "Toothless!" he snaps under his breath, voice a strained rasp, but the damage is done—sound hangs heavy in the air, a signal neither of you can call back but Hiccup makes quick on his actions to try and pry the metal apart on the rope anyways.

"Hiccup? Are you in there?" Astrid's voice cut through the night, sharp and suspicious, her boots crunching closer from the shadows. 

You cursed under your breath, holding Toothless as still as possible as Hiccup panicked. Before you could stop him—or even think—he bolted for the window-door, slamming it shut behind him to block Astrid's view, leaving you and Toothless crouched in the dark. 

"Astrid! Hey! Hi, Astrid. Hi! Astrid! Hi—Astrid," he stammered, his voice pitching higher with every word as he leaned against the frame, trying to look casual. 

You rolled your eyes, pressing a hand to Toothless's snout as he rumbled, but the dragon stilled, sensing the tension, his big eyes blinking at you obediently before he peered around to spot a sheep. 

"Idiot—you should've let me talk," you muttered, facepalming as you peeked through a crack in the wall. 

Outside, Astrid stood with her arms crossed, staring at Hiccup like he'd grown a second head. 

"I normally don't care what people do, but you're acting weird," she said, her tone flat but her eyes narrowing. 

Toothless shifted beside you, tugging the jammed strap, and Hiccup jolted backward with a loud "OH!" as the hook yanked him off-balance. Astrid's brow furrowed deeper. 

"Well. . .weirder," she added, studying him like he was some village dork about to confess a prank. 

Hiccup flashed a strained grin, hands clasped tight around his frame as Toothless tugged again—and again—each pull jerking him harder—higher. You held your breath, keeping Toothless's head low, until the dragon gave one final, impatient yank. The strap snapped free, and Hiccup flew backward into the forge, the doors banging shut as he crashed into a pile of scrap metal with a muffled yelp. 

He and Toothless immediately hopped out of there and out of sight as you winced, scrambling to your feet. Outside, Astrid blinked, then marched forward, ripping the wooden panel windows wide open. You stood there, caught mid-step, and waved awkwardly as her sharp gaze landed on you.

"Hey. . .What's up? Astrid," you said, forcing a grin. 

She didn't smile back, her hands on her hips. "Where'd he go? Did you just yank him up?" she demanded, glancing around the forge's shadowed corners. 

You scrambled, the lie tumbling out fast. "Did I?—Yes. Sometimes when he—just pisses me off I. . .Just have to give him a mighty wedgie! Ya'know? What can I say?" You shrugged, leaning casually against the workbench like it was no big deal, even as your pulse hammered. 

Astrid raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Where is he?" 

You waved a hand vaguely toward the back. "Went off holding his backside. Probably sulking somewhere. Mayhaps. . ." You answer, just as you witnessed the dragon, and his boy fly off right in front of you across the yard. 

She stared at you a beat longer, then huffed. "Aren't you supposed to be resting?" she asked, nodding at your bandaged arm. 

You grinned wider, deflecting. "Oh, you know me—can't sit still. Just. . .checking on some tools." 

She rolled her eyes, muttering something about "weirdos" under her breath, then turned on her heel and stalked off into the night. You let out a shaky breath, slumping against the bench. Trying your best to calm your heart.

The next day the cove was quiet that afternoon, the air thick with the scent of pine and dirt as you and Hiccup lingered by the rocks. Berk buzzed with life beyond the trees—the rest of the village had returned from their hundredth attempt at finding the dragons nest unsuccessfully—but Hiccup's shoulders had tensed at the thought of facing them. 

Especially his father. You caught the way his jaw had tightened, his fingers fidgeting with his journal back in Berk, and before he even said it, you knew what was coming. 

"Hey," he murmured, glancing at you with those green eyes, half-pleading, half-mischievous. "Wanna sneak off with me? Just. . .avoid all that for a bit?" 

You nodded your head in agreement. You couldn't say no—not to that look, not to the chance to dodge the chaos of Berk together. So you did. Slipping through the woods, you kept to the shadows until you reached the cove's edge.

The afternoon sun slanting through the trees and painting the mossy rocks in warm gold. Toothless sprawled nearby, gnawing lazily on a fish while Menace perched on a boulder, her good wing fluttering as she watched him with greedy eyes even though she had three large ones at her side.

You leaned against a rock, arms crossed, as you had brought up what ypu said to Astrid—to try to get his mind off of his dad. Grinning as Hiccup paced in front of you, now stewing over last night's fiasco. 

"A wedgie?" he asked, his face flushing red with embarrassment as he shot you a look, half-exasperated, half-amused. 

"That was the best excuse you could come up with in front of her?" He sighed, brushing imaginary scrap off his tunic like he could still feel the forge's chaos clinging to him.

You smirked, nudging Toothless as the dragon warbled softly, lifting his head to nuzzle your leg. "Worked, didn't it? You're welcome," you said, your tone smug as you tilted your head at him. 

"Astrid bought it—or at least didn't care enough to keep poking. I'd call that a win." 

Hiccup groaned, dragging a hand down his face, but a laugh slipped out despite himself, bright and unguarded. "Yeah, a win where I look like a total dork who can't walk straight," he muttered, though his grin betrayed how little he actually minded. 

He shook his head, the embarrassment fading as he turned to Toothless, who'd finished his fish and was now stretching his wings with an eager rumble. "Alright, enough about my imaginary backside trauma," Hiccup said, clapping his hands together. "We've got bigger things today." 

He swung a leg over Toothless's saddle, settling into place as he checked the straps—newly fixed after last night's jam. "Biggest flight test yet. New tail fin angle, tighter turns—gonna see how far we can push it." His eyes sparkled with that familiar mix of nerves and excitement, his hands already adjusting the reins. 

You stepped closer, resting a hand on Toothless's flank as the dragon huffed, ready to go. "You sure it's all set? What if it goes wrong?" your voice softened as you watched him double-check the gear. "I mean—what if your backside can't handle it and you fall off?"

He shot you a mock glare over his shoulder. "Very funny. Yes, it's set—thanks to you not wedgie-ing me into next week." 

You laughed, stepping back as Toothless shifted, his wings flexing in anticipation. "Go knock the sky out, then. I'll keep Menace from staging a fish heist down here." 

And before he could leave you place a hand on his, "Be careful Hiccup. Please,"

Hiccup nodded, his smile widening as he clicked his tongue. "Hold on tight, bud," he murmured, and Toothless launched upward with a powerful beat of his wings, kicking up a gust that ruffled your hair. 

You shielded your eyes, watching as they soared higher, Hiccup leaning into the wind as Toothless banked sharply, testing the new rig. Their silhouettes shrank against the vast blue, disappearing and you couldn't help the swell of pride in your chest—mixed with a little ache, knowing he was heading into something big, something you couldn't follow. For now, though, you turned back to Menace, who chirped indignantly at Toothless's empty fish pile, and you tossed her a spare chunk with a laugh, settling in to wait. 

When he returned, the sun was dipping rather low, casting long shadows across the cove. Toothless landed with a triumphant thud, his tongue lolling out like a pleased pup, and Hiccup slid off the saddle, grinning wider than you'd seen in days. They both radiated a quiet, buzzing joy, but you squinted as he stepped closer—his hair was a mess, singed at the edges, and faint smudges of soot streaked his face and tunic. 

"Do. . .I want to know what happened?" you asked, arching a brow as you crossed your arms. 

Hiccup chuckled, shaking his head as he brushed a hand through his charred bangs, dislodging a few blackened strands. "Lost my cheat-sheet," he said, his tone light but edged with a sheepish pride. 

You blinked, startled. "What?! Oh no, now you're going to have to redo it all?" 

He waved a hand, still grinning as he leaned against Toothless, who huffed a warm breath. "Nope. Toothless and I no longer need it. We mastered it all—every turn, every dive. Just us now." 

You stared, caught between disbelief and awe. "Wait, seriously? You just. . .figured it out up there? No notes, no nothing?" 

He nodded, his smile turning smug as he patted Toothless's snout. "Yep. Took a few close calls—but we mastered it and got too excited—hence the, uh, singeing—but we've got it down. Perfect sync. Had to take a break after though, eat some grub. Met a few Terrors along the way." 

Toothless crooned, nuzzling Hiccup's hand, and you laughed, shaking your head. "You're insane, you know that? Both of you." 

"Maybe," Hiccup said, his eyes glinting as he glanced at Toothless. 

The dragon's ears perked, and they exchanged a look—a quick, knowing flicker that you almost missed. "But it's worth it. Flying like that. . .It's freedom. Nothing else comes close."

You opened your mouth to reply, distracted by the way he lit up talking about it, when Toothless shifted behind you. You didn't notice at first—Hiccup kept talking, his voice animated. "We hit this one gust, right? Thought it'd throw us off, but Toothless adjusted mid-air, and—" 

Before you could process it, Toothless swooped low, his sleek body sliding under you in one fluid motion. Your feet left the ground, and suddenly you were perched on the saddle—your first time ever on Toothless, or any dragon. You froze, hands flailing as you registered the warm scales beneath you, the faint creak of the leather. 

"Hiccup, what—?!" you yelped, but he was already there, swinging up behind you in a heartbeat. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you tight against him so you couldn't squirm free, and your face flared red, heat rushing to your cheeks as his chest pressed to your back. 

"Since we mastered it," he teased, his voice low and warm right by your ear, "we think it's time you finally get to know what it's like to fly." 

You twisted to glare at him, "Barely!" but he couldn't see your blush—not with how he held you, his chin tucked over your shoulder. "Hiccup, no!" you protested, gripping the saddle's edged grip he made as panic spiked through you. 

Too late. Toothless launched into the air with a powerful beat of his wings, the ground dropping away as you screamed—a sharp, startled sound that ripped through the cove. Hiccup's laugh rang out behind you, bright and unrestrained, while Toothless soared higher, his tongue flapping out like a gleeful dog's. 

The wind roared past, tugging at your hair, your tunic, your everything, and you clung to the saddle, heart hammering as the world tilted wildly below. Hiccup's arms tightened around you, steadying you, and despite your protests, a shaky laugh bubbled up, caught somewhere between terror and exhilaration. 

"You're dead for this!" you shouted over the rush, but his answering grin—unseen but felt—told you he knew you didn't mean it. 

The initial shock of Toothless's takeoff faded into a wild, rushing blur as the dragon climbed higher above the clouds, his wings slicing through the air with a steady, powerful rhythm. Your scream tapered off, dissolving into a breathless gasp as you gripped the saddle's hand grip, knuckles white against the leather. 

Hiccup's arms stayed locked around your waist, his hold firm but gentle, anchoring you against the dizzying ascent. His chest pressed warm and solid against your back, and though your face still burned red from the sudden closeness, you couldn't turn to see his expression—not that you'd dare with the world spinning below you. 

The wind whipped past, as they took you, tugging at your hair and stinging your eyes, but Hiccup's voice cut through it, low and teasing near your ear. "See? Not so bad, right?" 

You wanted to snap something back—some sharp retort about how you'd strangle him later—but the words caught in your throat as Toothless leveled out, gliding smoothly into the open sky. The cove shrank to a speck beneath you, Berk's jagged cliffs blurring into the horizon as the sun dipped low, spilling molten rose gold across the sea. 

You felt Hiccup's breath hitch slightly, his grip tightening just a fraction, and then he went quiet—no more teasing, no more quips. Just the two of you, wrapped in the vast silence of the sky, the only sounds the soft whoosh of Toothless's wings and the distant crash of waves far below. 

He guided Toothless higher still, the dragon's sleek body weaving through wisps of cloud that brushed cool and damp against your skin. You reached out instinctively, fingers grazing the mist, and a small, awed laugh escaped you as the clouds parted around your hand like smoke. Hiccup's arms shifted, one hand reaching to touch the clouds with you and the other sliding down to rest over yours on the saddle, his calloused fingers brushing yours in a way that sent a shiver up your spine—though you blamed it on the altitude. 

"Told you it's like nothing else," he murmured, his voice softer now, almost reverent, as if he didn't want to break the spell of the moment. You nodded, too caught up to speak, your eyes fixed on the endless stretch of sky ahead. 

The sun sank lower, its last rays igniting the clouds in a blaze of pink and orange, and then it slipped away entirely, leaving the world bathed in the deep indigo of twilight. Toothless tilted upward, climbing until you broke through the final layer of clouds, and there it was—the aurora. 

Ribbons of green and violet shimmered across the night sky, curling and dancing like living light, their glow reflecting faintly in Toothless's wide eyes. Your breath caught, and you felt Hiccup's chin rest lightly on your shoulder, his warmth seeping through your tunic as he took it in too.

"Hiccup. . ." you whispered, barely audible, and he hummed in quiet agreement, his voice a low rumble against your back. 

Neither of you spoke for a long stretch, the silence between you heavy but not awkward—something deeper, something unspoken weaving itself into the space. His hand stayed over yours, thumb brushing absently against your knuckles, and his other arm tightened around your waist as Toothless dipped slightly, skimming the edge of a cloud. 

The sudden drop made your stomach lurch, and you yelped, clutching the saddle harder. Hiccup laughed softly, his breath warm against your neck, and you felt his heartbeat quicken against your spine—or maybe it was yours, thudding loud in your ears. 

"Got you," he said, his tone gentle, steadying, and you relaxed into him despite yourself, the fear melting into a strange, quiet trust. 

Up here, with the aurora painting the sky and the clouds drifting like a sea of light below, it was just you and him—no Berk, no trials, no expectations. Toothless banked gently, his wings catching the wind as he soared along the aurora's edge, and Hiccup's hold never wavered. 

His cheek brushed yours briefly as he leaned forward to adjust the reins, and your face flared again, though the darkness hid it. You wondered if he felt it too—this stillness, this closeness—but he didn't say anything, just kept you tucked against him as the night deepened around you. 

For Hiccup, something shifted in that quiet. His heart skipped, a sharp, sudden jolt as Toothless swooped low again, the drop tugging at his chest. He chalked it up to the thrill—the rush of the dive, the way the wind roared past—but it lingered, warm and unfamiliar, as he pressed himself closer to you. 

He didn’t recognize it for what it was, not yet—didn’t connect the way his pulse raced to the feel of you in his arms, the soft sound of your laugh still echoing in his mind. He just knew he didn’t want to let go, not yet, not when the sky felt infinite, and you were right there with him. 

Toothless eventually descended, the flight easing into a slow glide as he circled back toward the cove. The aurora still shimmered faintly above as you touched down but not nearly as magnificent from being so close moments ago. Hiccup finally loosened his hold. He slid off first, offering you a hand with a grin—less teasing now, more genuine, his eyes bright in the dim light. You took it, your legs shaky as you dismounted, the grass cool and damp beneath your boots and for a second, your fingers lingered in his, neither of you pulling away.

“So. . .worth it?” he asked, his voice quiet but hopeful, like he needed to hear it. 

You laughed, breathless, brushing hair from your face as you nodded. “Yeah. Definitely worth it.”

Toothless flopped down nearby, rolling onto his back with a contented warble, and you both turned to him, breaking the moment with soft chuckles.

“Guess we’re not the only ones who had fun,” you said, and Hiccup smiled, nudging your shoulder lightly. 

“Told you he’s a show-off.” The night settled around you, calm and good, the memory of the flight—of that quiet, unspoken closeness—tucked away like a secret neither of you was ready to name, but both of you felt all the same. 

This is Chapter 6 to book 1 to this Hiccup series -> Masterlist here. Previous Chapter : Next Chapter

Gifs/edits, dividers + template credit to #uservampyr my co-writer + beta reader ♡

Lovely tag list ~ @kikikittykis

[vulpixisananimal]

[A:3 C:63]

(Odile)

(You dived behind a bookcase as you saw Perci hold out his scissors sign. Lightless slashes that look almost like pen ink cut through the bookshelf around you. Really? Pen mightier than the sword?)

(Oh I could do worse, how about fire? You hold your sign out, and tilt it. Fire in a library would be a disaster, no?)

(You feel heat, and jump from where you’re hiding down the isles of books, and run. Looking behind you what was once the same library as everything else was ablaze! Gems, aren’t you here to dominate my mind? Why destroy it!!)

(Oh don’t worry, you step forward, moving the blaze towards Odile as you did. I’ll be sure to rebuild it.)

(In your own image, I presume? You stop and turn, focus, Odile. You hold your palm out, a clear geometrical wall forms between you and the blaze.)

(Oh yes, good! No need to run, Madame! Face it!)

(What do you want, Percival? I come to you seeking a deal and here you are making a mess of my library! Focus, you think, and focus. You push against the fire, contain it.)

(Information, for one. You’re walking on the air, looking down on Odile as she controls the blaze. Information on every little thing you did on your journey.)

(You box in the fire, cutting off its oxygen supply, and extinguishing it. And for two?)

(For two, to see if you have what it takes. You snip your scissors sign, and multiple lanterns around the library burst into flames.)

(Gems alive! This is a test, isn’t it! Test for. . . The heat. The library is still on fire. Of course, why would you keep lanterns in a library like this! Libraries are flammable. Think, think! You run through the isles of books, after a few steps you begin to float on the air once again.)

(Tick tock, Madame.)

(Once you’re about a foot in the air, you see Perci floating a few yards away, hands behind his back, watching. You look away, tch, think, think. . . If this is a test, it’s for what? You extinguished one fire, and more appeared. So the test was to put them out, and ensure they don’t come back. How were you to do that?)

(In fact, how was he manipulating your mind so easily? Causing fires from exploding your lanterns. You look back at Perci, and the library aisle is different, and Perci is gone again. Gems alive, it’s like he knew this place better than you ever did.)

(You walk on. What did he tell you, before this? “I don’t think vast is an accurate enough-” no, not that. “allow me to show you!” So it’s a test that he endured. “Are you so tied to your own self image to not experiment a little, Madame?” Of course not! You’ve changed before, after all. And you didn’t want to bother with body craft just to change your own self- wait, why would you bother with body craft! It’s all in your head!!)

(Oh you foolish old lady, of course you’re not bound by your crafts here! Or any conventional logic at all! Gems alive you’re floating after all! If you’re not bound by that logic or science, or your crafts, how should you act? How did you first extinguish that fire? By starving it of oxygen. Fire cannot live without air.)

(Just as a library is a tinderbox for fire.)

(So, it’s, it’s. . . Cause, and effect? No, no it’s internal logic! An experiment, you reach into your pocket, there should be a coin in there, as there always seems to be. Low and behold you pull out a coin! You let it fall, and it falls slowly.)

(As you look down, your stomach drops. You’re dozens of feet above the library shelves. Your knees quake, and your stomach was doing cartwheels, you needed down down down NOW! Close your eyes, and, take, a step, forward.)

(Oh come now, Odile. A fear of heights? Why didn’t you tell me so, I could help with that, after all.)

(Shut. Up. Walk, down. Down. You’re walking along. You feel ground beneath you. You’re walking. And, since you’re walking, you must be on the ground, yes? You open your eyes again.)

(Yes, you’re on the ground. You let out a sigh of relief and lean on a bookshelf. That felt far too real, more real than it ever had before. Before, it would just give you the shakes, being so high up in your mind. But that was. . . That was something else.)

(It’s because of how deep you are, Madame. You walk through a secret passage ending up in front of Odile. A library always has a secret passage. You’re so deep in your own mind, Madame, that it might as well be real.)

(Ah, I see. You pull a book from your shelf, a memory. Theoretically, the mind stops differentiating from a headspace and realspace, but no-one has been able to get that deep into their consciousness. The closest examples have been from those who have a good sense of the inner mind, or, well, are plural.)

(Quite, there’s a barrier of consciousness that is near impossible to pass, where on some level, you know it is all in your mind. Mind craft lets you break the barrier for yourself or others. Now, Madame, how do you plan on putting that fire out?)

(Ha! What fire? Don’t you know? The lanterns hung in Ka Bue libraries are crafted with a simple craft spell to extinguish itself if the fire inside it goes out of control. And I don’t smell smoke, so there is no fire, there never was. Because why would there be a fire in a place as carefully kept as a library.)

(Aha! Well done, Madame! You softly clap as you watch her get to her feet. The mind follows an internal chain of logic.)

(And so a coin falls slowly because even if I know all things fall at the same rate, on some level it feels as if it should fall slowly. You stand fully, glaring down at him. Extending that logic, you look as you are because someone did some great harm to you in the past. You cannot let go of your scars, can you.)

(. . . You are annoyingly observant.)

(And you aren’t able to change what you look like, even if you tried. That’s what that bitterness was earlier, wasn’t it?)

(Yes, it was. Although I’ll have you know I look much better now than what I once did.)

(I’m inclined to believe you, Percival. Now I passed your test, what else do you want from me?)

(Passed? Oh no, that was me giving you a study guide dear. You look at your wrists as you talk. Without that lesson on cause and effect, the real test would kill you in a second.)

(That gets your attention, you raise an eyebrow. Oh? And what would be so terrifying that you would give a study guide to your enemy?)

(Well, you wanted to learn Mind Craft, no? You turn and walk down the hall of books. Follow me.)

(Hesitantly, you follow. Well you did say that I was, what was it again? Absolutely brilliant?)

(That I did. You turn down dark halls.)

(And you were lying when you said you wouldn’t hand me a knife for me to use against you?)

(Half-truth, I wouldn’t just hand it to you. But I more want to see if you know how to not cut yourself.)

(Cut myself? Ha! It is dangerous, after all. My friend's poor state is evidence enough. So what is this test?)

(You ignore her, and continue walking. You eventually find a door in the dark corner of the library. There’s a lock on it.)

(. . .)

(Scared, madame?)

(No.)

(Good. You turn to her. You see, Odile, in order to learn true mind craft there is another mental barrier you must overcome.)

(You glare at the door. It was made of old, oak wood. Thick, and sturdy. You didn’t like this door. So, you wanted me to face that barrier, and best it.)

(Correct. You grab the lock on the door, and with a twist break it off. From this moment forward, anything you see will not be of my doing. It will all be your own thoughts, and your own mind. Are we clear?)

(. . . Why are-)

(Are. We. Clear.)

(. . . . . We are clear.)

(Good. You turn the handle of the door, and push it open. Good luck, madame.)

(The door opened to, nothing. A black, endless void. A cold wind blew from it, you didn’t like it. You glance at Perci. He waited, patiently. His broken nose, scared body, droopy eye, whatever this test was, it was brutal.)

(. . . . You step forward. The door closes behind you.)

(. . . . . . . . You walk.)

(. . . . . . . . . . Hello?)

(. . . No response. You keep walking.)

(. . . . . . . .)

(Gems, was this a trick from Perci? Just a ploy to get you distracted so he could pilfer your memories!)

(. . . . . . . . .)

(No, no this wasn’t a trick. You knew this wasn’t a trick. It’s all in your mind, after all.)

(. . . . . . . . .)

(That was certainly what he was doing now, however. Trick or not, by the time you’re done he would know as much as you do. Gems alive. . .)

(. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .)

(. . . . . . . . . . You stop. You hear, footsteps behind you-)

{Naoki.}

(Your body freezes, your throat tightens, your fingers go numb. You’re stuck in place as you hear that voice, that name, right, behind you.)

{How do you like Vaugarde, Naoki? Do you fit in yet? Have you found your family yet? No? Of course you haven’t. No-one could consider you family.}

(T-that’s, not- You feel a cold yet gentle touch on your shoulder.)

{It’s true. Of course it’s true. We are just like our mother, aren’t we? Thinking that abandoning everything we had, everyone we had, would make us fit in. Of course, no-one would love us, really. No-one could ever love you.}

(LIAR!! You turn and swipe at the thing touching you, and freeze, once again.)

(It’s. . . . .)

{You talk wrong, walk wrong, speak wrong. Everything about you is wrong. Everyone can see it. You don’t fit in, you don’t belong, and this is no home for you. Look into your mirror, Naoki, even a new name can’t save you from your fate. And what an ironic meaning that name has.}

(STOP CALLING ME THAT!!)

{Naoki, Honesty and integrity. No, that doesn’t embody you at all. Look at you, you’re saving the world for a laugh and basking in the glory while your own father grows more and more forgotten. You took the gems that his ashes gave birth to and threw his name away. You abandoned him, abandoned your family. The only place that would accept a monster like you is oblivion.}

(I, I would never- you feel for the gems, your earrings.)

(They’re not there.)

{They never were. Why would your self image include someone you care not for?}

(You hold out a palm, geometric attacks fly at it. It does nothing.)

{Do you even care about them? You only agreed to travel because the alternative was an eternity of looping time. Once that traveler is sated, you’ll leave your ‘family’ as easily as you did the last. Just. Like. Her.}

(I’M NOTHING LIKE HER!! WHAT, WHAT ARE YOU!!)

{You know how to find out.}

(. . . . You analyse the enemy.)

(Folie à deux.)

{You should save them the pain.}

(You take a step back, the ground cracks beneath you. No, no the whole world is shattering! The figure steps towards you.)

{You should save their little hearts the pain, and let them go.}

(The walls shatter and give way to the sky. The floor cracks and shatters into dust, revealing the ground. The ground that was miles below you. You freeze, a crack forms beneath your feet, and that too gives way.)

(In your fall, you grab onto the very edge of the void you were once standing on. The clouds below you were so far, and the stars above so close. If you reached just a bit more, you’re sure you could touch them.)

(The figure looms above you.)

{They would be so much happier without such a burden in their lives.}

(Your hand feels numb, your body feels, weak.)

{No more Naoki making life harder, taking food that isn’t yours, a bed you don’t need, a liability that only drags them down.}

(You, don’t, you don’t want to.)

{Don’t you feel bad for all the trouble you’ve caused? Don’t you feel bad for all the harm, all the bitterness? You want to be a hero, don’t you?}

(. . . . . Y-you. . .)

{Let. Go.}

(. . . . . .)

(You. . . .)

(You let go.)

(The world goes silent. You feel the wind against your skin, your hair, your soul.)

(You’re falling, and when you hit the ground. . .)

(. . . . . . . . You’ll. . . . . .)

(. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .)

(It’s. . . For. . .)

(. . . . . . .)

(. . . . .)

(. . .)

(. .--)

[NO!]

(Your eyes snap open as someone grabs your hand, you’re, you’re not falling?! What?! Who-)

[BY EVERY STAR IN THE SKY and EVERY PHASE OF THE MOON!! Just WHAT do you think you’re DOING??!?]

(The stranger who grabbed you has a fancy vest, a long sleeved undershirt, glasses, and dark hair in a ponytail. There was a large vine wrapped around their leg which pulled you up and out of the void. And suddenly, you’re collapsed on the floor of your headspace, Perci a few feet in front of you, and the stranger to your side.)

(W-what, WHAT?!?! WHO, HOW-)

[PERCIVAL FUCKING MONET! You twirl your pen in your hands, stepping forward with a wrath the Universe would be proud of. I am going to KILL YOU!!]

(You try to stand, but your legs still feel numb. Vertigo.)

(I, I sealed you away!! How, HOW?!? You draw your swords from nowhere and slash at them with your lightless ink. How are you here!! HOW?!?!)

[You move quickly, dodging the slashes and rushing Perci.]

(hhAA-?!)

[THIS IS FOR THE GARDEN, ASSHOLE!!!]

(The stranger slams a fist into Percis face.)

(And in a blink, you’re back in reality.)

(WHAM.)

(Ramos had grabbed Perci by the back of his head and had slammed his face into the table.)

(WHAM. WHAM. WHAM. WHAM.)

“ARE YOU FUCKING SORRY YET?!?” (Ramos yells. WHAM. And they throw Perci back, blood pouring from his nose.)

(You check for your earrings. Good, they’re still there. You stood up, but quickly felt nauseous. Gems alive your head, you just suffered the mental version of whiplash. Going from one thing to-)

“Hey! Lady!” (Your head snaps up. Ramos was looking at you- wait. Their hair is in a ponytail, how they dressed was different, and they had a pair of dark glasses on. They smiled at you) “You alright? You can have an existential crisis later but if you can still fight I’m gonna need you.”

“You. . .” (You shake your head.) “. . . Ramos?”

(The smile spreads to a grin.) “The one and only!”

[devilrose]

Slash & the BFG10K

Every time I draw her she gets cool new clothes.

[groupiewhoreee]

Hi! if you have time would you write getting caught with izzy smut cause he needed you so bad

hiii!!!!! omg surr! i'd love to do this! also i have been getting so many izzy requests LMAO people are just so downbad for izzy ig

Heat Of The Moment

Pairing: Izzy Stradlin x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Smut, P in V, unprotected sex, just smut.

Summary: In request by a lovely anon <3

Note: I didn't read over this or anything since I was busy at the moment! So its bad.

One of Izzy's hands were entangled in your hair, tugging it ever so slightly and yanking your head backwards. His other hand was rested on your hip, gently caressing your curves that you had to offer. Soft, but yet quiet moans of pleasure escaped the airplane bathroom, grunts, and low pitched groans could be hear too, mixing together with your moans. Your legs shook, and quaked, as you were leant over the small sink that was cramped into the tiny bathroom. He pounded away at you at a rough but fast pace. "Fuck, Izzy-" You moaned out in a high pitch, your voice cracked alongside it. Izzy took his hand / fingers out of your hair, releasing his grip and immediately over to your mouth, covering it. "Shh, be quiet baby. You don't want them to hear, don't you? Unless you want them to hear.." Izzy chuckled lightly into your ear, continuing to go at a rough pace. You simply nodded, moaning into his hand as it was muffled. You didn't know if the other boys were awake, yet. Izzy sweet-talked you, "Your so pretty baby, I just can't resist you.. wearing skirts so short," He hummed with a smirk. Before you got into the bathroom with the male, Axl, Duff, Steven, and Slash were all asleep, snoring away. You assumed they couldn't hear you. .. or maybe they could? You let out a pleasured sigh, your eyes rolled back into your head. Izzy's mouth went to your neck, sucking at the skin, and making purple, but almost pink love bites. He bit into your skin, leaving harsh bite marks. You were close, and Izzy was too. "I'm close, sweetheart." He hummed in your ear, before going back to burying his face into your neck, his long and flowing black hair fell over his face.

Maybe after a minute or two, you climaxed, and cum dripped down your thighs. Izzy still wasn't there yet, so he continued to thrust into you. Little did you know, you didn't lock the bathroom door. Why? You forgot since it was so rushed,, and he needed you. Bad. Izzy grunted, about to cum until Axl, opened the airplane door. You two immediately looked over at him. "-Holy shit," Axl said, now covering his eyes, but he began to laugh. "I see you two we're having fun?" He asked to you, and you frowned. "Get out!" You shouted. "Okay okay, jesus, i'm leaving. Maybe lock the door next time, dumbass." Axl rolled his eyes, and closed it. After a minute, Izzy went back at it and came inside of you, not asking if you wanted him to or not. You two got all dressed and ready, and when you guys walked out, they were all snickering and staring at you. Axl had told all of them what happened. "So I-" Duff didn't get to finish, "-Shut up." Izzy huffed and went to sit with you in the very back. He let you have the window seat and held your hand. "Sorry, I forgot to lock it. I just needed you so bad," He chuckled. "It's okay," you hummed in reply. "I love you, babe." He told you, and kissed your cheek. "I love you too, Izzy," You replied and kissed his nose.

[habizuh-studios]

THE NEWEST BSD CHAPTER HOLY FUCKKKK (SPOILERS!!)

THERE'S NO WAY THEY KILLED AKUTAGAWA AGAIN. NO FUCKING WAY… AND IG THE SWORDS CAN BE DESTROYED WITHOUT KILLING AKINARI? i mean that's the only reason tsuki-no-gozen wasn't relavant until now, right? also, the parallels with akinari and mini atsushi… AUGH MY HEART. not to mention the BEAUTIFUL transition from atsushi about to slash akinari (which, tbh, i don't think he'll do) and ame-no-gozen… bro if akutagawa genuinely dies i might have a heart attack. i love shin soukoku too much vro 💔 ANOTHER THING. aku's hallucination of dazai looks so happy. like, genuinely the happiest i've ever seen him in the main manga. like, ik that that's what akutgawa wished for, kinda like how atsushi wished for the headmaster to give him advvice and be a parental figure but like. come on dude. you can't do this to me.

july. we have to wait until JULY…….. quaking in my boots. what the fuork….

[margoteve]

How to Eat Life, Chapter 5: The Fight for Reality

Summary: We take a closer look at what Marigold has been up to.

Characters: Original Characters, Isao Shinomiya, Neutralisation Bureau Board, mention of Kafka Hibino.

Read on AO3

A/N: Sorry, this chapter has much less Kafka, I promise he will show up next chapter though! Hope you enjoyed it, sharing and commenting mean so much to me! Thank you. And especially HUGE thanks to @sophiacloud28, without whom this story wouldn't be half as good as it is. Especially this chapter.

Tag list: @quinowskie @mechazushi @kafkahibinomybeloved @sonicasura (anyone who wants to be on or off the list let me know ((or remind me lol)))

Chapter 1 Previous chapter Next Chapter

Today would have been ideal for a hike in the woods. The sun was bright, high in the sky, while the day was cool. The breeze rustled the leaves, promising a nice, comfortable lunch. The only thing was… everything else.

No animals. No sounds. Shadows stretched unnaturally and darker than they should be, certainly for this hour.

Marigold followed a trail. She came from a nearly empty village, slowly approaching the writhing, enormous mass of smoke and darkness.

"Found you," Marigold muttered and unsheathed her swords.

The hair at the back of her neck stood up as the beast's focus shifted to her. The air cracked with energy.

Level six, and from the distorted cackle it gave as it noticed her, it was happy to see her.

The roar was the only warning she got. A spiny limb formed and swayed above its head before it came at her at frightening speeds. With seconds to spare, she jumped and bounced off a tree that the Null annihilated soon after. Using the momentum, Marigold spun and chopped the limb off. The creature bellowed and swiped at her again with a new one - a thorny bear-like paw that missed Marigold by inches, tearing into the foliage.

No time to waste. She took off to run circles around the creature that showed no sign of stopping. She leapt, dove, and spun to avoid the new thorny limbs, cutting down those that came her way. A distorted growl was her answer before the Null lurched forward to snap at her while taking out the terrain. Marigold only grinned as he dodged again and slashed.

A squeal of pain. The Null turned around and tried to kick her back with its new horse-like limbs. Unfortunately, Marigold only moved away and used the legs to her advantage. Soaring over the creature, she curled into a ball and plummeted down, blade piercing through the back.

The roar that followed might send whatever animals were left into a panic, but it was worth it.

New tentacles immediately sprang up and attacked. Holding onto the hilt of her planted sword, the vampire used the other to deflect the limbs. It didn't last, though. The Null bucked wildly, the ground quaking under the hooves as dust rose. It even ran through the thickest of the trees to shake her off. And, a second later, she was.

It trampled. Nothing. It shifted, turned to look into the trees. Something akin to a growl followed before Marigold was left to escape a barrage of giant needles.

Using the branches above her, she tried. She leapt from branch to branch, crown to crown. Most of the needles shot past her. Some bounced off her armour. But two found their target in her arm and leg.

With a shout of pain, she let go of the branch and worked on snapping the needles. She'd barely finished that when she was sent flying thanks to a boulder, yelping as she landed. A whistle was her next warning, and she could only roll over before a sharp claw could pierce through her. In the cloud of splintered rock and dirt, she crouched and took off. With her remaining sword, Marigold danced between the onslaught of the new limbs before deflecting a snap of a fanged maw. She slipped under the Null and tore through its underbelly, the beast roaring and rearing in pain.

Marigold acted fast. Her sword began to vibrate and crackle. She swiped, and a wave of dark energy surged in a crescent. The force pushed the already embedded blade further in. It split the beast's shadow armour open, revealing its writhing core. She leapt and pushed her sword further into it.

It cracked. Another deadly screech tore through the forest. The shadows attempted to, in vain, reform. A vortex spilt from the core. All attempts at expansion were met with nothing. Reality finally collapsed and exploded. The sky briefly dimmed before the sun poured back into the battle-scorched clearing.

Marigold fell to her knees. A cold snap brushed over her. "Rrrhevensshhh, jeneraaalll," it hissed at her, forcing her head up in surprise.

She was bleeding. She couldn't catch her breath. And yet, it didn't matter.

"That's fucking new…" she whispered as terrifying realisation dawned upon her.

The survey mission was over. She immediately contacted Nikolai.

"Missed me already? I didn't expect you to call back so soon!" His jovial tone greeted her. A beat later, he noticed her face. "What's wrong?"

She swallowed with difficulty as she leaned against a tree. "We're having a code red. I'm coming back now."

After the fight in the forest, Marigold cut her stay in Kafka's world short and returned to the Empire post-haste. As much as she wanted to be there when he and Reno would be taking the exam, this was more important.

"Could you please stop pacing? You're gonna burn a hole in my carpet. And it's new."

Marigold looked up in the direction of the gently reprimanding voice.

Empress Audrey, Fifth Upon the Throne, was a small woman, standing at five foot four, with black curly hair, warm brown skin, and topaz-yellow eyes. Her features were those of a sweetheart woman in her very early twenties, but her pointed ears and sharp fangs betrayed her true nature. She was now focused on the reports Marigold had written over the course of all the months she had spent in sector 568 of the Upper Crown of the Multiverse Tree.

"This is concerning, Audrey. A level nine can talk, not a six. This was definitely a six. And we've never had a Null jump a level after the core was pierced." Marigold placed her hands on her hips and gestured to the reports at the desk. "Something is wrong with that sector. The energy levels are fucked too. It's cracking at the seams, all while going back to normal a second later. Like something is testing the breach. Normally, by now, we'd be dealing with a stampede."

"I'm aware, I've read as much." Audrey raised the tablet in her hand and wiggled it a little. "It's unusual." She propped her cheek with her fist as she returned to reading it.

Marigold snorted, "To say the least!" She started pacing again.

"Stop. Pacing," Audrey chided, this time sharper. "What did the nerds in R&D say about the core pieces you delivered?"

"Sahviz is running all the possible tests," Marigold replied, ignoring the scolding. "Audrey, if you fail with the Quints in the 83.439 and this ends up in a war, we might need to give up ground. Honestly, it might even be better to lose some–"

"I'm aware." Audrey's tone was ice cold. "But I refuse to give them even a damn inch." Her fist curled, and she punched her chair, shattering the armrest. "That's why I'm doing all I can in that sector to minimise the damage."

"I know you do. But you weren't on that battlefield during the previous invasion." Marigold's voice trembled at the memory. "One level nine takes a whole army group, may I remind you. If it's a bunch of eights, we might struggle, but we should be fine. But…" She ran both her hands over her head, messing up her braids.

"But you fear it is more than one?" Audrey raised her eyebrow at her.

"Yes." Marigold straightened up.

Audrey's jaw flexed as she thought through her decision. She trusted Marigold's instincts. They never failed before. If the Nulls are cooperating, if a group of level nines was creating an organised front. It would be a tragedy.

"If I succeed, we might be able to recruit some forces," she said, trying to be optimistic. "You mentioned this felt somehow personal?" Audrey reached for her fountain pen and a piece of paper. It was old school, but it helped her gather her thoughts better. Plus, she needed to write down the executive order anyway.

"Yes, like it was directed at me specifically." The memory of that still gave her chills.

"Should we quarantine you?" Audrey paused to look at her. "Friedrich could take over. Or Elle."

"No." Marigold shook her head. "He's on his honeymoon now. Elle just came back from her assignment. Plus… I feel like I need to get this thing to a conclusion personally."

"What do you suggest then?" Audrey leaned back in her chair.

"I want to take a squad, maybe a platoon, and go back," Marigold began to lay down her idea. "I finally nailed a pattern to which these cracks in reality happen. If I'm right, the next one will pop in a couple of months at Tachikawa base. In the meantime, I'll have more people to send to more locations in small groups and try to contain the situation as much as possible. If they are after me, it should help."

Audrey scribbled it down on the paper. It was logical. Marigold using herself as bait could make it potentially easier to contain. "Fine, a platoon sounds reasonable. I'll give you one active and put the second one on standby. Make your selection and I'll sign off on it."

"Thank you." Marigold nodded. "I'll take on some medical personnel as well."

"Understandably." The Empress added that to her list. "One medic per two-three people team?"

"Yes."

"I will also draw you a permit to interact with whichever authorities down there you will need. In case you need cannon fodder or just to warn the idiots off."

"As charming as always," Marigold snorted.

"I am charming when I need it," Audrey said without a pause. "I told you before, you can always get what you want if–"

"If they think you're too young and stupid or when you have the bigger balls," Marigold recited. "I remember."

Audrey smirked. "And I always have the bigger balls."

A spell of silence fell between them. Just the scratching of the pen over the paper filled it. Marigold thought for a moment about her next words. "Audrey? When you sent me there, did you expect this outcome?" she asked.

Audrey paused her writing for a split second before returning. "No, I just wanted to get you to take a break so the medics would stop bugging me about you. Thought it would be a neat trick. Guess it horribly backfired…"

Marigold snorted. "How dare you try and get me to relax?" she joked.

"Sure, sure, whatever," Audrey smirked, looking at her from the corner of her eye. "I am your mother after all. I must look after you."

"You are not, and it's not. Not anymore." Marigold shook her head.

"Am so. Says the vampire code of conduct, the sire is the parent." Audrey pointed at her with the pen.

"You never gave me candy for my birthday," Marigold teased.

Audrey gasped in mock offence, clutching her chest. "I tried to give you an arm candy but you told me to fuck off!"

"When was that?" Marigold frowned, trying to recall that particular event.

"Eeeeehhh…. Like 3 thousand cycles ago?" Audrey scratched her head with the pen.

"I don't remember that." Marigold's frown deepened and turned into a concerned one.

"You were pretty wasted." Audrey wiggled her eyebrows.

"Damn…"

Audrey grinned, then returned to her multitude of reports."Yeah, anyway - so who is Kafka Hibino and Reno Ichikawa, and why am I seeing them on medical research permission with your signature on it?" She glanced over the top of the tablet screen.

Marigold sighed. Yep, there it is. "I promised to help a civilian. I only shared the bare necessities, no breach."

Audrey seemed disappointed. "And here I hoped you'd get laid."

Marigold threw her hands up. "Why is everyone invested in my love life?"

"Friedrich just got hitched, so we have that relationship drama over. Meanwhile, you have been single for the past couple of hundred years and are my spawn, so…" Audrey grinned.

Marigold groaned. "Grow up, stars only know you had enough time for that."

"Are you implying I'm old?" Audrey narrowed her eyes at her.

"You're not young, that's for sure," Marigold smirked.

"I'm beautiful and immortal!" Audrey shot up in her chair.

"Eh, overrated." Marigold made a 'so-so' motion with her hand.

"I'm going to ground you," Audrey threatened her.

"One." Marigold lifted a finger. "I'm too old to be grounded. Two." She added another finger. "You're not my mother."

"Mother-adjacent!!" Audrey slammed a hand down. "And!" She pointed to Margold. "And your Empress!"

"Eh." Marigold shrugged. She always knew how to push the shorter woman's buttons. A little payback.

Audrey was about to retort when suddenly the door opened and Audrey's attendant, an 8-foot-tall ifrit, walked in. His fiery mane was brushed neatly, his beard trimmed and elegant. He was dressed in black and silver livery with some red accents.

"Your Imperial Highness, your five o'clock is here, waiting in the Green Room," he announced.

Audrey immediately calmed down. She brushed her dress and folded the paper she had written the orders. She took some of the melted wax she always had ready on her desk and poured it over the paper to finally seal it with an imperial seal. "Thank you, Krieg," she told him. "Marigold, here's all we discussed. Bring it to the Archivists, and you can begin your preparation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a minister to chew up." She smiled diabolically and, with the utmost grace, glided out of the office.

On her way out, she gave Marigold a small smile and a wink.

Sometimes Marigold felt bad for poking fun at Audrey but then she remembered that the Empress had way too many yes-men and boot-lickers. Audrey herself knew that and appreciated the bickering to an extent. Both women knew the timing and place for such things. Marigold still respected Audrey for everything she did for her, even though she sometimes didn't agree with her politics.

Free to do what she needed, the Marshal General left the office after her Empress and went to look for her platoon.

Director General Shinomiya stared intently at the strange woman before him. Marshal General Marigold. She was dressed in a black, military-looking uniform with medals and stars pinned on her chest. A half cape thrown over her left shoulder with what he assumed was the insignia of a snake wrapped around a rose. She looked more like a cosplayer to him. Yet her presence was that of a serious military commander. Isao himself was fighting the urge to straighten up and salute.

"If what you are saying is true, how have we not detected them before?" One of the brass members, a man in a lab coat, asked.

"Technological issue. Plus, like I said, the creatures annihilate the memory of anything they destroy," the envoy explained. "If a survivor remembered the attack, no one else would. Most cases end in institutionalisation. Seeing a Null is like, to explain in layman's terms, for ci— for humans like seeing Cthulhu. Your mind would shatter in direct exposition." Her tone was even, without any dramatisation, simply stating a fact.

A couple of the men snorted in disbelief.

"I'm sorry but this is a bunch of bullshit and delusions." Another high-ranking officer spoke. "You are wasting our time."

Nothing changed in the woman's demeanour. The subtle air of superiority remained.

"I believe there is a misunderstanding," she said slowly. "You assume I want something from you, esteemed board of Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defence Force." The way she spoke the word 'esteemed' might have been an insult if there hadn't been something terrifying in it. "I came here to warn you and inform you. My plans, whether you believe me or not, won't change. I merely wish for you to acknowledge our presence in your world and keep your soldiers away from mine. For your sake." The last part was benevolently added.

Isao carefully weighed all they had heard so far. An invisible enemy they couldn't detect or defend against. An ally who came out of nowhere, with no country backing her up. It was suspicious.

"Is that all you wish from us?" Isao finally asked.

Marigold's eyes fixed on him. "No. But that is what I need for now. If you'd like me to report to you our movements, I can provide that to an extent."

"That would be acceptable. What other demands would you have?" Isao pressed further.

"Access to Tachikawa base. Our intelligence suggests that in a few months, there will be an incident. To prevent or minimise the damage, we'd like to be on site to assist."

A murmur went through the room. A few men yelled out their opposition, calling her 'delusional' or 'insolent'. She ignored them, her eyes firmly fixed on Isao.

They waited until the majority of the board calmed down.

"I'd like you to wait outside until we reach a decision, Marshal General," Isao said.

Marigold gave them a shallow bow and left the room, unsurprised when she heard arguments explode, making her almost regret having sensitive hearing.

The truth was, this was a courtesy visit. She had already gotten the permission from the Japanese Emperor and Prime Minister to act. Still, she wanted to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

She checked her phone. While she was away in the Imperial palace, her phone was cut off from this world signal. When she returned, there were messages from Kafka. With everything happening, she didn't have time to read them, but now she had a moment.

[Kafka] I passed the written! No surprise there, but hey, still got it!

Attached was a photo of him grinning while holding the acceptance letter to the second part of the exam.

[Kafka] In 10 days, we're doing the physical. How are you?

[Kafka] your phone must be out of reach, huh? Hope things aren't too hard on you.

[Kafka] we're getting another new hire. He is a strange one. Kinda aloof but then again Ichikawa was kinda like that at first ;)

[Kafka] still no reception?

[Kafka] Hope you are doing okay. Kick those monster butts!

[Kafka] the exam is tomorrow. I am kinda stressing out. I ate too much, but I still have that tea you left at my place. I hope I can make it. Be safe.

[Kafka] we are going in now! I know you won't see this, but wish me luck!

[Kafka] holy fuck that was tough as shit! I don't think I would have placed in the middle without your help! Fuck.

[Kafka] Ichikawa said this year's got some crazy talents applying. So thank you!

[Kafka] the aptitude test was the worst. We thought it would be a kaiju clean-up, but nope! We had to subjugate the kaiju!

[Kafka] They gave us the suits the officers wear. Did you know they are made out of kaiju material? Wild! I got 2% release force! Those guns are super heavy, by the way.

[Kafka] but worst part - something happened and the dead kaiju came to life! I had to transform and fight the undead honju. That was scary!

[Kafka] oh, and I accidentally revealed myself to a girl called Kikoru Shinomiya.

Marigold paused and sighed. Of course he did.

[Kafka] she promised not to tell anyone. She's a good kid, I can tell.

[Kafka] I really hope you are okay. Text me as soon as you can, yeah?

[Kafka] I passed!! As a Cadet, but I'm in!!

[Kafka] I still can't believe it. We just opened the letters with Ichikawa. This is the best day of my life. I swear I am not going to blow this up this time.

[Kafka] thank you, Mari. I wish you were here to celebrate with us.

There were more texts. Kafka talked about packing up, photos of him in his military blues. He looked rather handsome in them. She smiled at the messages. He did it. Of course he did. She never doubted him.

She tapped to respond, but then she paused. He made it. He was now in the Defence Force. Wouldn't his knowing her become an issue for him? If someone found out, could it jeopardise him? She was a military representative of a foreign force, no matter how you looked at it. It could bring more scrutiny onto him. She didn't want that.

Should she block his number then? It's not like he needed her anymore. He had Ichikawa, that Kikoru girl, most likely too. The whole squad he was in.

Before she reached a decision, the door opened.

Well, time to face those bozos again.

"Wish me luck, Kafka," she thought to herself and stepped inside.

[moociaoafterdark]

From my "Ferrus can get infected with the Flayer Virus" posting and reading through the short story that inspired this AU/theory, I had been reminded just how... fucking horrifying an awakening Necron complex is from non-Necron POV. Most people have no clue what Necrons are and how they even work, so it makes the description of newly awakened legion on undead machines, described as nightmares that surpass even those of the Warp, that much more horrifying.

The ragged band of surviving acolytes, now at half-strength, clustered around the inquisitor in a defensive cordon. The Death Spectres bolstered them, anchoring their position with their power-armoured presence. Achairas used his last two magazines to assist his brothers in dispersing the surrounding onslaught, stepping out of the defensive ring to slash down any creature that managed to come through. And then, just like that, the assault was over. The remnants of the xenos simply phased out of reality, and those still standing disappeared back into the tunnels they’d come from. The rushing water subsided, and Achairas lowered his sword. Any respite they might have gained was short-lived as a tectonic shudder lurched the entire chamber, and the dull humming grew in intensity. ‘The tomb…’ Vemek’s servo-skull chattered, emerging from its high hiding place. ‘Something is happening. My readings indicate more and more of the superstructure seems to be coming online…’ ‘Coming online?’ Astolyev growled, signalling the group to advance with due haste. ‘Yes, the other parts of the ruin are… powering up.’ ‘Then we make haste,’ Achairas commanded. ‘Whatever this structure is, we cannot allow it to awaken! Its threat is clear enough. We must end this!’

The tunnel converged into a larger passage, angling steadily down. More scarabs flitted to and fro, most of them avoiding the advancing group. The cavernous hexagonal hall continued on for a great distance, its end lost in the emerald gloom. All the while, the humming grew louder and louder, and the quakes grew in intensity and frequency, hobbling those not blessed with the stability granted by power armour with each tremor. More phantom auspex blips followed, but the device was rapidly becoming unusable, flickering in and out from moment to moment. ‘I’m afraid we don’t have long,’ Vemek’s servo-skull chirped. ‘Immense power fluctuations det–’ The crackling voice was cut off suddenly as the entire chamber shook, and a deafening roar echoed from further down. Several of the acolytes staggered and fell, their balance stolen by the seismic activity. All of the prisms and luminescent nodes on the floor and walls flared, painfully illuminating the darkness. Achairas’ auto-senses adjusted almost immediately, as did the acolytes’ photo-visors. An energy surge disrupted everything, and for a moment, his vision became crackling static, and his power armour seized up. Thankfully, its internal dampening systems quickly compensated. ‘Vemek?’ Astolyev called over the din of the tremors, shuddering as his own augmetics similarly restored functionality.

‘Status report!’ There was no response, and moments later Vemek’s servo-skull clattered to the ground, its delicate circuitry evidently fried. ‘Throne of Terra, let’s move!’ the inquisitor shouted, and the group advanced, jogging down the massive tunnel towards the newly growing source of blinding jade at its end. The tunnel led them into what could only be the heart of the tomb, an open space of staggering size. More than half a mile across, the chamber resembled an amphitheatre of massive proportions. It was an inverted ziggurat, the ceiling soaring hundreds of feet above them. Massive pylons loomed in concentric circles around a central, colossal obelisk rising to a quarter of the height of the cavern. The obelisk was covered in gleaming geometric runes and prisms burning with the brightness of green suns. Even Achairas’ auto-senses could not adjust, and he was forced to look away. Millions of scarabs moved about in a wanton manner, scuttling along the walls and descending steps. More of the sinuous mantis constructs darted about while arachnoid machines the size of light tanks drifted between the smaller pillars jutting up everywhere. Achairas saw packs of metallic humanoids stalking about below, some draped in tattered flesh, others not. They seemed to chitter and claw at each other in fits of madness. It was some advantage as, at this distance, they had yet to notice their intruders. ‘This is it!’ Astolyev called over the distorted vox-net, gesturing at the central obelisk. ‘The power source!’ Beams of energy lanced from the contained emeralds to immense prisms set into sockets on the walls, each a blinding solar flare that sent waves of heat and static resonating through the entire chamber. Around the obelisk, at the dead centre of the inverted ziggurat, was an elevated ring, and Achairas’ magnified vision noted four more metallic skeletons working on panels within its interior. They were adorned differently, with elaborate crests, and were slightly smaller and more hunched than the xenos they had fought. ‘Inquisitor, can you assess what we are seeing?’ Achairas shouted into his vox. Astolyev’s answer was interrupted by another sudden lurch and an increase in gravity, sending everyone but the Space Marines sprawling. Even the Death Spectres were hobbled. Surging gravity was a sensation Achairas knew all too well. The tomb was rising. Somehow.

[dogblessyoutascha]

HOW HAS IT BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE I'VE DRAWN THESE TWO??? CRIMES! Anyways 500 word drabble under the cut.

Elendil’s horse was forced out from under him with a sundering blow — his sword quick to follow as he was swarmed with orcs. From every direction they came, overwhelming the trees and the earth in dozens until there was no more riding trail to follow.

The palantir had foretold of Elendil’s own narrow escape from the quaking of Numenor’s fall. It spoke of a forest he did not recognize and a trail he was to wander alone. Without his children. Without Tar-Miriel. Without any close family friends. His only company was a borrowed horse, once belonging to a dead compatriot, and the vast forests of Middle Earth.

It would be easy to give in to this, but he had failed to be calm before the storm. He had failed to weather so many trials and tribulations that a stubbornness took hold and demanded of Elendil that he at least manage this one simple task. He swore an oath.

Catching himself on his feet, Elendil ducked lower than his back would normally allow in order to dodge the swing of a mace…

… And to fetch a dagger from his boot.

The blade was comically small in his hand, but it was all he needed to set things right. Stripped of his titles or not, his body never forgot its training. Not as he smashed two orcs’ heads together and certainly not as he whirled around to slash at the next nearest foe. These creatures were a blur of motion in his eyes, nothing familiar about their techniques that he could count on.

Only one being stood steady on the field, and Elendil made certain to keep watch upon him as he grew closer. He’d seen the tainted elf before when first he rode in aid of the Southlanders, but that man, Adar, had been the quarry of Galadriel and Halbrand. If he had survived the volcano erupting-

-A lump welled up within Elendil’s throat. Elendil wanted nothing more than to find Isildur here. To find him alive. To no longer be alone.

The moment Adar was in reach, Elendil grabbed the elf’s shoulder with one hand and spun him into an easy submission. With one arm, he pinned Adar’s shoulders. With the other, Elendil pressed the tip of his blade into Adar’s neck — as strangely pliable as it was. Adar leaned back into Elendil’s grasp, humor obvious in the rumble he emitted.

“Twice in one season? Lucky me.” Adar’s droll words took Elendil aback, causing concern to overwrite the ferocity of his expression.

Lowering his voice, Elendil spoke practically into Adar’s cheek. “Twice? Do you find yourself in this position often?”

“Define often.” It was a simple quip as Adar’s body pressed tighter to Elendil’s until their armor grinded together as scales on steel. As Elendil’s fingers gripped Adar’s shoulder tighter and his dagger drew blood, Adar simply tilted his head to meet Elendil’s gaze. “All humor aside-” Adar swapped his languages to Sindarin so fluidly that it took Elendil’s mind a moment to catch up. “You do not wander these roads aimlessly. We meet on this day to aid one another against a larger threat.”

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 4 - Bear

            It took days to climb the mountain, hurtling every obstacle and defeating any and all demons that blocked their path. The monkey proved to be an exceptional fighter, taking on every threat with an unshakable determination. With such dangers lurking around every corner, Jen was thankful he allowed her to travel with him. He never spoke but also never rejected her company; as long as she kept up and stayed out of the way, her presence seemed tolerated. Jen only hoped whatever mission he was on would aid in her own quest to find a way home.

            Countless struggles later, they reached the top of the mountain. One of the demons had put up a challenging fight but retreated as a dark cloud once Monkey gained the upper hand. Crumpled stone steps led the way to a once magnificent temple, now left in ruins on the mountain peak. High walls of stone encircled the space, cracked and covered in creeping vines. Ancient trees loomed along the path, gnarled and twisted from the roots up. In the center of it all was a towering pagoda, and overseer to the temple’s decline. To make the desolation worse, everything had been set ablaze, filling the air with smoke and overwhelming heat.

            A booming voice echoed off the walls, taunting and cackling as the black gust of wind returned. When it crashed to the ground, the shape it took wasn’t the manlike demon from before. Instead, a giant bear, dark as night with bloodred eyes, roared before thundering towards them. Jen only had time to see a raised paw before she was shoved to one side, Monkey dodging the other way. The bear demon crashed into the arched gateway, collapsing the entrance and trapping both of them inside.

            Within seconds, Monkey had recovered and launched into the fight, leaving Jen to find a hiding spot. Between the fire, the smoke, and the constant tremors of the warriors trading blows, it was hard to navigate the battleground, much less vacate it. As the fight escalated, Jen took shelter behind one of the burning trees.

            The bear was the size of a building, each heavy step shaking the ground. But while he was larger, Monkey using his smaller size to his advantage. Every dodge and strike from his staff irritated the demon more and more. Until his composure snapped. Stomping his massive paws, the ground quaked and plumes of fire exploded all around like fiery geysers. One close to Jen’s hiding place sent her scrambling out of reach with a yelp.

            Too late, she realized her mistake. She was sprawled out in the open, nothing to hide her from the demon’s glowing red eyes. A menacing grin was Jen’s only warning before he lunged. Terror froze her in place; she couldn’t move, couldn’t blink, couldn’t even scream. Flame covered claws slashed down at her, the light and heat stinging her teary eyes.  

            At the last second, the paw was struck by Monkey’s staff, diverting the attack. A second strike landed on the bear’s nose, staggering him back. Before he could recover, the golden light of Monkey’s freezing spell held him in petrified rage.

            Jen had barely blinked before she was scooped off the ground and rushed across the flaming courtyard. Monkey hurried into the pagoda, stopping inside the doorway to set Jen on the ground. His dark eyes held a newfound concern as they scanned over her shaky form.

            “I’m fine,” Jen mumbled, just as much to herself as to him.

            Outside, the spell broke with a sound like tinkling glass. An enraged roar followed. Glancing between Jen and the door, Monkey looked conflicted, his tail lashing in agitation.

            “Go, I’ll be fine,” Jen said, forcing a small smile. Monkey frowned, not quite convinced so she gave him a small shove. “I’ll wait here. Just be careful, okay?”

            Nodding in agreement, Monkey gripped his staff and disappeared out the door to finish the fight. Soon enough, the bear was on the ground, groveling in utter defeat.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------(More Black Myth Wukong specific stuff. This was a fun one to write but I was so tired by the end. I'm enjoying getting to develop Jen's character through these. Everyone else's OC have been so fun to see, it makes me wish I could draw.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journeytober Master List

[p-receh]

Since my previous posts talked about elementals. I want to write an essay about them from my perspective and possible theories and headcanon I gathered so far. It might not be accurate so fill me in if you want to add or correct some of it. I love open discussion ^^

I've seen some people thought that in the early season, all elementals had not have characteristics but changed after Halilintar's incident.

Boboiboy's emotions under circumstances not only triggered the true self of available elementals, but it also awakened the other elemental powers as well(hence how the rest 4 were born) like what anon said here.

This is gonna be looooong ted talk so I have to spilt this in two parts!

What I want to talk about is how interesting their character development throughout the series. Starting with the original trio!

(That 3rd picture lasted for a few minutes... I didn't even notice their communication at first. :'()

Their development was that drastic in the youth era. The unstoppable "the fun, the serious and the tough one"(edit: more like, "The Striker, Tacklerer, and The Goal Keeper in soccer terms. Don't ask why I thought about this a lot) which sparks Boboiboy as the hero of Pulau Rintis. But, it's starting to decrease during Galaxy onwards.

I know I know they need to blend with the others as well. (They got most of the screen time in every series after all). I already talked about it here.

(People say this year indirectly the reunion of this trio I guess? Windara and Gentaraju animated arc? ...

but... aaah well... my head's spinning right now >_<)

Halilintar/Thunderstorm.

What more to say about this person? haha, I've already talked about it from anon in the first link I put on before and this one.

But still, from the very first moment he arrived till today, I am almost certain my hypothesis then and now is coming true. Being just created as "the cool, serious" side of Boboiboy, This 'talk less, do slash more' guy unknowingly becomes the tsundere eldest due to his tragic incident.

He is such a supportive person behind that murder mask. Seeing rare moments that he actually cares for others whenever he can is an absolute miracle. God, the season 2 comic and Sori continuingly showed his soft side from youth era. wtf my 12-year-old me is screaming right now! aaarghh! :3

(But that face in ep 5 when he's strangled lmaooooo X'D)

Taufan/Cyclone

One of my favorite things that I know about him is he enjoys whenever he's out. He truly loves all the thrilling fights, if not get the vibe, he instantly goes into a bad mood. Every poster I saw about him, always with his smile and never faded. That's why I was shocked when I saw his decision in Windara's arc. Finally, the man he always wanted to be, bravely giving it all in one v one fight. I'm so proud of him! T^T

His easygoing attitude reminds me of a certain hedgehog I knew hehe...both resemble the wind itself right? :] (I need to draw them in June)

Leading the Troublemaker trio is always fun to watch. And the fact that he looks at Hali as his role model is really cute! Despite him and Hali being the first two elements who had civil fights before, a bit sad these two are independent on their own from Galaxy onwards :'(

Gempa/Quake

Gempa got me confirmation that he is the leader of the elementals from the very first fight till now. I can see why he has the closest resemblance to Boboiboy himself (hence the hat position :] ).

To be fair, Gempa is the only elemental that I see no difference with Boboiboy. And with being one of the strongest elementals(with embedded two giant stone hands), he sure is a low-profile person and easily blends with other elementals. Now I know why he gets the title "Mama Gempa". He is unknowingly taking too much care of every elementals like a family ^^)' .

Even tho he's the last power to be introduced(in this trio) and sometimes people see him as a lone wolf in the group, he's natural at giving orders. The others actually listen to him and get scolded if they messed up! Like how parents do! X'D

How about the Temper Duo?

(Why monsta didn't put this dialog to Sori? :''(( )

How fitting the theme song of movie 2 titled Fire and water as well? Hehe.

Being the first two powers to be fused(the coolest name, "Frostfire" :} ), these two are what most people like to call "The polar opposites". The ones that used two hoodies in the youth era(except now only Ice wears it), the ones that had back-to-back introductions (exactly after Fire arrived, water showed up in the next episode, Galaxy season 1 also showcased the exact same pattern), the only two powers survived in movie 2, and even their own original masters lived in the same planet.

I'd say if these elementals do be brothers, these two were most likely born twins. (I know I may be late to this headcanon but hey why not? :/)

Blaze

The gremlin boi who got more screentime in sori than his partner. I absolutely adore this boy in Galaxy onwards. His wild and reckless traits are always the main attraction whenever I watch his combat style. I still think since season 3 and movie 1 He should've gotten a brass knuckle type as a weapon than the fire disc. He's a close combat brawler, right?

Anyway, he might be the one who hasn't changed much since his youth until now. In fact, I'd say he is a pretty consistent character from the start. Only gets wilder and cheekier to his fellow elementals tehee~. But that's the beauty of having a friend like Blaze. If done right, Blaze could shock you with his kindness and care deeply for others. Just like how he did with Duri once he accidentally broke Duri's plant in one of Boboiboy's official posts. (Sori ep 3 and comic made my day lmao)

Ais/Ice

If I can relate to one elemental, I choose Ice. He likes to eat yet is frightened to get fat like he did in his youth era; a very sleepy person; also an introverted person but he is confident when surrounded by his closest circle. And most of my friends are usually the Blaze type. So I can understand how to handle that person ^^)'

Ehem. Ice's first tier, Air/Water, got me confused at first. Mainly how he summons his power. Somehow Ice fixed that issue. Making his right arm purely made of ice is genius. My headcanon is every weapon or power he uses comes from his right arm. His cannon comes from his right arm, the same as the bow & arrow one. Even so, many scenes contradict that(Boboiboy is an ambidextrous guy).

Can I say I'm glad from Galaxy onwards he's a bit more open than in his youth era or just me? This doesn't count during the transition mode. All I see now is that he showed more emotions than Hali. (Also whoever decided Ice's tears become snowflakes, I salute you sir)

Last but not least! The Photosynthesis duo!

(I talk about this scene before but holy shit this scene is always mesmerizing to watch)

Duri and Solar were also made me adore them if not because of season 2 & Sori. Okay, I have to confess first to avoid misconception:

I was disappointed when Duri and Solar showed up in movie 1.

My selfish youth still took some time to get used to with Fire and Water in season 3. And all I think was negative reactions when Duri and Solar showed up. That's... also the reason why I went on hiatus.

Luckily, hence the word "was" I put it there.

I'm very grateful that they reset his watch back to start, so then they can at least make a proper debut with both Duri and Solar in Galaxy series. I much prefer that method. (That last episode was truly huge, I'm shocked they went that grand)

Therefore, Sori could continue to make the audience know better about these two! Pretty creative I'd say! I can see why the last three episodes are fan favorites. Me personally love eps 5 & 6.

Duri/Thorn

The most unique symbol to draw to, Duri truly shines in galaxy 2 comic and Sori. His debut in galaxy 1--oh wait, in Eid Fitri's short video after movie 1 made me confused with Taufan at first. Even though he's got more screen time than Solar, Duri still surprised people with the recent series. Who knew his childish and clumsy features could do unverbal damage to enemies by his words? Count me in! He might not do that to his friends and families, but he will delightedly do so with Solar :D

And thanks to Sori, I can now differentiate between Taufan and Duri more clearly. His design in Sori especially the last three is my fav. I love what Monsta did the effects on his arms. Since he doesn't has a signature weapon, they create a 2D flash-winded green leaf around his arm like a coil. That is a very cute detail for Duri.

A bit surprised when every elemental went to serious mode in Windara's arc, only Duri still managed to find fun in the battle. Heck even Taufan dropped his smile during that.

Solar

Being the trump card of the group, I can see why he is the last elemental to be introduced, both in movie 1 and galaxy series. The hardest one to obtain his 2nd tier that requires proper research and pure luck, Solar's traits are also what makes him interesting. To be honest I didn't expect his characteristic to be like this, at all. And somehow very matched with his design and attack as well. Every aspect is strangely in synch I'm astonished. (Adding a visor to his 2nd tier is uhh *chef's kiss B=) )

Also, I love that his attacks use his finger that's also kinda easter egg of the famous "Ray Gun!" shot attack from Yu Yu Hakusho(look it up, there's a live-action ver if you want to know the short ver of the series. The anime itself is legendary to all weebs out there).

Regardless of his limited screentime in every series. I'm very much grateful Monsta treats him equally. His timing in Sori is exceptional and his popularization bursting successfully. My only hope he didn't get cut in Windara and let all elementals showed up. When was the last time Boboiboy did that without splitting to 7?....

... Well if you count heptasplit part, the last time he did that was in Movie 1. That's 9 years ago.

Now we're done here? Nice! Onto the theory part in reblog!

[scrunckled-idiot]

(chat please it took me so long to figure this out)

So uhhg ughm uh-

I got the idea of A survival tf2 horror game based off this post by @the-sound-of-progress (bbg please you haven’t posed in 8 months ☹)

Like my brain is fucked so I like um i- ghuh just hear my idea out please chat-

So the premise of the game is to steal a randomised amount of randomised weapons (min 10 to 15) scattered around the battlefield in 25 or something minuets while giant medic stalks around. Like the game description would be something like:

“what was going to be just a quick and easy heist of stealing some valuable weapons from that freaky base near your town, turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse. as the bases medic has found an interesting way to defend the base at night. Stay out of sight and evade his clutches as you navigate the abandoned battlefield, collect all weapons, and escape back to your vehicle.”

Or something. Like I kept thinking of game mechanics, unique death animations, and achievements for it to. Damn fucking autism. Like firstly how medic would function based on the images.

Medics mechanics and how to counter them:

medic is giant, which means he’ll be slow, right? Makes sense so you could probably outrun him… as long as your sprint meter doesn’t run out. (refillable with MRE packs). In that case, try and take cover in the nearest building.

You’re still not safe yet if you hide in a building. Either medic will wait until you come out (random chance that he will or not), which you can tell he is or not by listening for his breathing or watching for his shadow. Or he’ll try to reach his hand inside and grab you, counter this by pressing against the wall next to the opening.

If you’re atop of a building, he will try to swipe at you or use his bone saw to slash over the roof. Just go further to the middle of the roof to avoid them or just duck.

If he does manage to grab you, time will slow down and you will have a 5 second window to mash the jump button to “wiggle free” or something.

you can bait him to go somewhere else by using walkie talkies. can only use this trick a minimum amount of times before he learns ts a trick.

tid-bits:

At the end of the game it will tell you the total cost of the weapons you stole was, how long it took you, how many MRE packs you ate, and other cool stuff perhaps.

He will hide behind corners of buildings and jump out at you. No counter to this, just a cool jumpscare while he laughs like a fucking madman.

Some Cool and unique death scenes when you’re caught. depending on range:

Long range: shooting a big-ass needle at you from his crossbow, throwing a boulder at you.

Close range: stomped to death, crushed to death, eaten, getting picked up and thunder-cunted into the stratosphere like a baseball, sliced by his bone saw, getting carried away in a comically sized jar.

Player will restart in the spawn rooms or back at the gate if they die.

You’ll know he’s near when the ground starts quaking.

ending cutscene will either have you successfully drive away after stealing the required amount of weapons, or have medic stomp your car while you try to escape if you don't steal the required amounts of weapons. or a secret ending where he follows you home and kills you since you've seen too much (canon ending). not sure what triggers the endings yet.

THERE IS A TIME LIMIT SO YOU CANT CAMP IT OUT PUSSY!!!

Achievements (shitty names tbh someone come up with something better ong):

An apple a day, keeps the doctor away- don’t die once during the whole run

monk diet- don’t eat a single MRE pack during the whole run.

Wiggly woo- escape medics grasp every time you’re caught.

by the skin of your teeth- escape with the good ending.

midnight snack- get the bad ending

you didn't see anything- get the secret ending

Uhhhh… some other ones I cant think of yet. sorry :(

I wanted to do voice lines as well but I couldn’t do it, felt cringe. He’d mostly just use voice lines from the game anyway. Typical laughter and taunts. And Probably some cool things that im not creative enough to think about. Maybe deaths will also have a zestier variant just to awaken something in someone. But ye, just something I came up with within the span of a day. Now wanting this to be real and not fiction :( maybe some kids doing game design in my collage will bring my idea to life? Idk man no promises.

Thank you for listening to me autistically ramble about my tf2 g/t horror game pitch. that is all.

Well, off to hang myself! Watch and lear-

*gak*

[yelesomeblue]

Finally part 5 of Fazbear "wins" but not really.

Here we go based in @sinclairmaxwellao3 "Lambs and Slaughters" mafia au fanfiction

After using magic to rip Fazbear off of Moon, Kill Code showed no mercy in using a few binding spells to pin the bear to the wall and with a clenched fist and a sharp yanking motion ripped the robotic Bear's core from his chest. He watched with cold clinical eyes as the life slowly faded from the sick bastard's eyes. Kill Code quickly turned his attention to his trembling moonlight. He snapped the golden chains tying up Moon's arms and broke the ones connecting his ankles then scooped him up into his arms holding him close. Moon's form quaked and shook in the larger animatronic's arms as he sobbed silently, the only sounds being his vents roaring as they worked overtime to cool him down.

The Bloodmoon twins launched themselves toward Moonrise and Sun. The twin with the star hat slammed into Moonrise with all the force of a semi truck while the twin with the striped hat snatched up Sun before he could fall and hit the ground. The star twin proceeded to duke it out with Moonrise, he ripped off half of Moonrise's right arm, slash his side with his claws, and he's pretty sure he dislocated one of his knees. Moonrise wasn't about to go down easy and managed to stab the star twin in the eye. The twin screamed in pain and rage and plunged his hands into Moonrise's chest and started ripping out whatever he could grab.

Sun flinched hard when the twin screamed and let out soft wheezing sobs. The striped twin held him closer tucking his head under his chin and whispering soothing words though he glanced to his twin in concern but found he had already finished and was walking back over to them.

"We're leaving," Kill Code commanded walking out the ruined doorway with Moon cradled in his arms. The twins followed right behind carrying their own precious cargo. Eclipse and Ruin fell into step with their family as they left this godforsaken building A message was sent for the repair bay to be prepped.

(Got a little bit carried away bit here y'all go, hope y'all enjoyed this little thing my mind dreamt up)