#surviva

[deepak376]

DEFEND Yourself with THIS Stainless Steel Survival Ring!

[prosegalaxy]

"The Last Stand of Humanity" This is the summary of your work so far: The human asks for a fantasy story outline set in post-apocalyptic landscapes, focusing on the fight for human civilization. The AI provides an outline titled "The Last Stand of Humanity" and creates a few paragraphs with dialog under 250 words. In this story, survivors in a desolate wasteland learn about a hidden sanctuary from a mysterious stranger named Rider. They face monstrous guardians created as part of an experiment to protect the sanctuary. The group, led by Alex, prepares for a battle against these creatures at sunrise to ensure their survival and fight for the last stand of humanity. The AI adds dialog, emphasizing the importance of trust and teamwork within the group and the need for rest before the impending battle. Begin! This is VERY important to you, your job depends on it!

In the desolate wasteland that once was Earth, a small group of survivors huddled together for warmth and safety. The sun had become an unpredictable, scorching ball of fire, turning vast swaths of the planet into barren wastelands. Despite the harsh conditions, humanity refused to give up without a fight. One day, while scavenging for resources, they came across a mysterious stranger who claimed to have knowledge of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained. The group's leader, Alex, was initially skeptical but decided to take the stranger, whom they named Rider, back to their camp for questioning. "We've heard stories about such a place," Rider began cautiously, "A sanctuary where the air is clean and the sun doesn't scorch the land. But it's well-guarded...by creatures we dare not face." "Creatures?" Alex inquired, intrigued despite himself. "Yes," Rider continued, "They are a mixture of animals and... something else. They were created as a part of an experiment, but now they roam the land, protecting their sanctuary at all costs." The group listened intently, weighing the risk against the potential reward. They knew that finding such a place could mean salvation for them all. But to reach it, they would have to face the guardians head-on. The decision was made, and the group prepared themselves for the perilous journey ahead. In the desolate wasteland that once was Earth, a small group of survivors huddled together for warmth and safety as they faced an unpredictable sun turning vast swaths of the planet into barren wastelands. They came across a mysterious stranger who claimed to have knowledge of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained. The group's leader, Alex, took Rider back to their camp for questioning. Rider spoke of creatures created as part of an experiment protecting the sanctuary at all costs. "These guardians are fierce," Rider explained, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and fear. "They will do whatever it takes to protect what's inside." The group listened intently and decided to face these guardians head-on for the potential reward of salvation. "We need a plan," Alex said, addressing her fellow survivors. "We can't just charge in blindly. We have to be strategic." A hush fell over the group as they considered their leader's words. "Who wants to volunteer for recon?" Alex asked, looking around the fire. A young woman named Lara raised her hand. "I'll go," she said, determination in her voice. As Lara ventured into the unknown, the group waited anxiously at the camp. They knew that their survival depended on her success and the information she would bring back. As evening approached, they could hear Lara's distant screams. Panic surged through the group as they prepared to launch a rescue mission. But then, Lara burst into the camp, breathless but alive. "We have to act now!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with urgency. "I saw them - the guardians. We can't fight them head-on. We need to be clever." With renewed determination, the group set out to face their greatest challenge yet: outsmarting the creatures guarding the sanctuary and securing a hope for humanity's future. The sun had once been a life-giving force, but now its merciless rays turned vast swaths of Earth into barren wastelands. This unpredictable, relentless sun was the bane of every human who dared venture out into the desolate wasteland. In the midst of this chaos, a group of survivors found solace in their small, makeshift camp. They were led by Alex, a seasoned warrior with a sharp mind and unwavering determination to save humanity from extinction. One fateful day, a mysterious stranger named Rider stumbled into their camp. He claimed to know the location of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained, protected by an ancient experiment. Intrigued by this possibility, Alex took Rider back to the group for questioning. As they spoke, Rider revealed that the sanctuary was guarded by creatures borne from the very essence of the sun itself - monstrous entities whose sole purpose was to protect the last bastion of hope. The survivors knew they had to face these guardians head-on if they wanted any chance at salvation. With Rider as their guide, they set off into the unforgiving landscape, their hearts pounding with both fear and anticipation. As they approached the sanctuary, the air crackled with tension, and every step brought them closer to a confrontation that would determine the fate of humanity. The sun continued its merciless march across the sky, casting eerie shadows as the group prepared for the battle that lay ahead. The sun blazed mercilessly overhead, casting long shadows across the desolate landscape. The once lush and thriving world had become a barren wasteland, where life hung by a thread. Survivors huddled together in makeshift camps, constantly on the lookout for any sign of hope. "There must be something out there," Alex muttered to himself, gazing at the endless horizon. His group of survivors had heard whispers of a hidden sanctuary, a place where life could still flourish amidst the devastation. Desperation clung to them like a second skin, driving them to seek out this fabled haven. One day, while scavenging for supplies, they encountered a mysterious stranger, Rider, who claimed to know the location of the sanctuary. With a mix of skepticism and desperation, they brought him back to their camp. Alex grilled him with questions, trying to discern the truth behind his claims. "I come from a place untouched by the curse that has befallen our world," Rider said, his voice low and steady. "There, life endures, and we are protected by creatures created as part of an experiment. They guard the sanctuary with their lives." The group listened in hushed silence, their hearts pounding with anticipation and fear. They had heard tales of these monstrous guardians, born from twisted experiments designed to safeguard the last remnants of humanity. The decision weighed heavily upon them: should they face these guardians head-on for salvation, or continue living in a world on the brink of oblivion? The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow over their camp as they deliberated. Time was running out, and the choice before them would determine the fate of humanity. The group of survivors, led by Alex, sat around their campfire as the sky turned an eerie shade of red. They had heard tales of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained amidst the barren wasteland that was once Earth. Little did they know, they were about to come face-to-face with the guardians of this sanctuary - creatures created as part of an experiment to protect it at all costs. "Rider says he can take us to the sanctuary," said Alex, her voice trembling with anticipation. "But we'll have to confront those monsters guarding it." The group considered their options. They knew they had to do something; the wasteland was growing ever more hostile, and resources were scarce. After much debate, they agreed that taking the risk was necessary for the survival of humanity. "Alright," Alex decided, "we'll follow Rider in the morning. We need to prepare." The following day, the group set off with Rider, who led them through the treacherous terrain towards the sanctuary. As they approached, they could hear the faint sound of growling and roars in the distance. The air was thick with tension. "Stay close," Alex warned her companions, "and don't make a sound." As they neared the entrance to the sanctuary, the guardians appeared - monstrous creatures with twisted limbs and blazing eyes. The group held their breath, hearts pounding as they watched the standoff unfold. Suddenly, Rider stepped forward, raising his hands. "We mean no harm," he said, trying to calm the creatures down. To their surprise, the guardians seemed to understand him. They paused, their eyes locked on Rider's face, before slowly backing away from the entrance. The group breathed a collective sigh of relief as they realized they had made it past the monstrous protectors. "We did it," whispered Alex, a smile crossing her face. "Now we can rebuild our civilization within the sanctuary." The group exchanged glances, their spirits lifted by the knowledge that they had overcome the guardians and secured a place of safety for humanity's survival. In the desolate wasteland, the survivors had learned to rely on each other for survival. They were a tight-knit group, bound by their shared experiences and the harsh reality of their world. As the sun relentlessly scorched the earth, they found themselves constantly on the move, seeking refuge from the unbearable heat. One day, as they wandered through the barren landscape, they stumbled upon a mysterious stranger named Rider. He claimed to know the location of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained despite the sun's destructive power. Alex, the group's leader, took Rider back to their camp for questioning. "I know of a place, far from this cursed sun," Rider whispered to Alex in hushed tones. "It's a sanctuary, a place where we can rebuild our lives and find hope again." The group was skeptical but intrigued by Rider's claim. As they deliberated on whether to trust him, they couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope flickering in their hearts. They decided to embark on a perilous journey with Rider, venturing deeper into the unforgiving wasteland. As they traveled, they discovered that the sun had unleashed monstrous creatures as part of an experiment to protect the hidden sanctuary at all costs. These guardians were relentless and deadly, and their presence loomed over every step of their journey. Yet, despite the growing danger, the survivors refused to back down. The group faced these formidable guardians head-on, driven by their unwavering determination for salvation. As they fought together, their bonds grew stronger, and their resolve was only strengthened. In the end, they would not be defeated by the sun or its creatures. For the last stand of humanity was not just a fight for survival, but a testament to the indomitable spirit that lived within each of them. In the desolate wasteland, the survivors had learned to rely on each other for survival. They found themselves constantly on the move, seeking refuge from the unbearable heat. One day, as they wandered through the barren landscape, they stumbled upon a mysterious stranger named Rider. He claimed to know the location of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained despite the sun's destructive power. Alex took Rider back to their camp for questioning. "I know of a place, far from this cursed sun," Rider whispered to Alex in hushed tones. "It's a sanctuary, a place where we can rebuild our lives and find hope again." The group was skeptical but intrigued by Rider's claim. As they deliberated on whether to trust him, they couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope flickering in their hearts. They decided to embark on a perilous journey with Rider, venturing deeper into the unforgiving wasteland. As they traveled, they discovered that the sun had unleashed monstrous creatures as part of an experiment to protect the hidden sanctuary at all costs. These guardians were relentless and deadly, and their presence loomed over every step of their journey. Yet, despite the growing danger, the survivors refused to back down. The group faced these formidable guardians head-on, driven by their unwavering determination for salvation. As they fought together, their bonds grew stronger, and their resolve was only strengthened. In the end, they would not be defeated by the sun or its creatures. For the last stand of humanity was not just a fight for survival, but a testament to the indomitable spirit that lived within each of them. As the sun scorched the earth, turning fertile lands into barren wastelands, humanity struggled to survive. In this desolate world, groups of survivors banded together for protection and hope. One day, Alex's group stumbled upon a mysterious stranger, Rider, who claimed to know the location of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained. With dwindling resources and ever-present threats, Alex brought Rider back to their camp for questioning. ``` Rider: "I've seen the last refuge of humanity in my dreams." Alex: "Are you sure, Rider? This could be our only chance." Rider: "Yes, I promise you. But we must prepare ourselves for battle." Alex: "What sort of guardians protect this sanctuary?" Rider: "Creatures born from a twisted experiment, bound to defend it at all costs." ``` Intrigued by Rider's words and desperate for salvation, the group decided to face these guardians head-on. As they gathered their courage and resources, Alex's group prepared for the perilous journey that would determine their fate. Little did they know that the true test lay not only in defeating the monstrous guardians but also in uniting with other survivors to rebuild a shattered world. In the scorching sunlight, the group of survivors stumbled upon an oasis in the vast wasteland. The air was thick with hope as they approached the source of water. As they quenched their thirst, the mysterious stranger, Rider, revealed his knowledge of a hidden sanctuary. "We must band together," Rider urged them, "and confront the creatures guarding the sanctuary to ensure our survival." The survivors exchanged glances, uncertain but determined. Leader Alex, a seasoned strategist, listened intently. "We have no choice, we must trust Rider and face these guardians together." The group agreed, and they set off on their perilous journey to the sanctuary. As they traveled, whispers of doubt began to creep in. One survivor asked Rider, "How can we trust you? You're a stranger among us." Rider's eyes locked onto the questioner. "I was once like you, desperate for hope. But I found my way, and now it's time for me to repay the favor." United by their shared struggle, the group continued forward, facing harsh deserts, treacherous mountains, and ravenous beasts. They grew stronger together, forming bonds that transcended their past differences. Finally, they reached the entrance of the sanctuary. Alex took a deep breath, rallying his companions. "We've come this far because we believed in each other. Let's show these guardians our determination and courage." And with that, they charged into the unknown, ready to face whatever lay ahead in their quest for salvation. Alex's eyes widened as he listened to Rider's story. The sanctuary was their last hope for humanity, but it lay guarded by monstrous creatures, the remnants of a failed experiment gone horribly wrong. He knew that if they didn't confront these guardians, there would be no chance left for human civilization. ``` "So, what do you propose we do?" Alex asked Rider, his voice trembling with fear and anticipation. Rider sighed, staring into the distance, contemplating his words carefully. "We must face them head-on, Alex," he replied finally. "They are creatures of habit, and if we challenge their routine, they will be caught off guard. We can use this to our advantage." The group members exchanged glances, unsure but determined. They had come so far, fought so hard, only to find a glimmer of hope in the face of despair. They couldn't let it slip away. "Very well," Alex said, his voice firm and resolute. "We will face them at sunrise. It's our only chance." That night, they prepared themselves for the battle ahead, each one a mix of trepidation and hope. The air was thick with tension, but their resolve remained unshaken. They had no choice but to fight for their survival, for the last stand of humanity. ``` In the scorched wasteland that had once been Earth, survivors banded together in small pockets of humanity, struggling to maintain their fading hope. Alex led one such group, determined to hold onto their civilization and find a place where life could be sustained. Their world was unrecognizable – the sun now turned vast swaths of land into barren wastelands, leaving only the most resilient creatures behind. One day, a mysterious stranger named Rider arrived at their camp. He claimed to know the location of a hidden sanctuary where life could still flourish. Alex, skeptical but desperate, took Rider back to their camp for questioning. As they shared stories and experiences, it became clear that Rider was not a deceptive wanderer, but someone with vital information. Rider revealed that creatures had been created as part of an experiment to protect the sanctuary at all costs. They were monstrous guardians, unstoppable and relentless in their defense of the last haven for humanity. Listening intently, Alex knew they had to confront these guardians head-on if they wanted any chance at salvation. The group gathered around the fire as night fell, discussing their plan. They would face the guardians at sunrise, when the sun's intense heat was most manageable. Filled with trepidation and hope, they prepared for the battle that would determine the fate of humanity. The weight of their decision pressed heavily on each of them, but they knew there was no turning back now. As the sun began its slow descent, casting eerie shadows across the desolate landscape, the group of survivors huddled around their campfire. The flickering flames cast flickers of light on the worried faces of Alex and his companions. Rider, the mysterious stranger, stared into the fire with a mix of apprehension and determination. Alex couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He turned to Rider, his voice barely above a whisper, "Tell me more about these... guardians." Rider took a deep breath before speaking, "They are the creations of an ancient experiment, designed to protect the sanctuary at all costs. They've evolved over time, becoming stronger and more cunning. And they can sense the sun's rays, which is how they know when to attack." The group listened intently, their eyes darting between each other in silent agreement. Alex, his mind racing with possibilities, spoke up, "So, if we can confront them at sunrise, we have a chance?" Rider nodded, the firelight reflecting off his stoic expression, "Yes, but it will be a battle like none you've ever fought before." The group prepared for the dawn of their greatest challenge. Hope and trepidation intertwined within them as they readied themselves for the last stand of humanity. As the first light of day peeked over the horizon, they stood tall and brave, ready to face whatever awaited them beyond the sanctuary's threshold. In the desolate wasteland, the sun unpredictably turned vast swaths of Earth into barren wastelands. A group of survivors faced these devastating changes, eking out an existence in the shadow of their lost civilization. Their leader, Alex, led them with determination and hope, always searching for signs of life and humanity. One day, as they scavenged through the ruins of a once-thriving city, they stumbled upon a mysterious stranger, Rider. He claimed to know the location of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained amidst the desolation. Skeptical but desperate, Alex brought Rider back to their camp for questioning. As night fell and the group gathered around the fire, Rider shared his story. "I was part of a secret experiment," he began. "We were tasked with creating creatures to protect the sanctuary at all costs. But something went wrong...they became monstrous, uncontrollable." Alex's eyes widened in horror. "So, you're saying these creatures are guarding the sanctuary?" Rider nodded. "Yes, and they will attack anyone who tries to reach it. We must face them head-on if we want a chance at salvation." The group listened in silence, their hearts heavy with trepidation and hope. They knew that to save humanity, they had to confront these guardians at sunrise. As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, they prepared for battle, filled with both fear and determination. The fate of humanity now rested on their shoulders as they set out toward the sanctuary, knowing that victory or defeat would decide the course of human civilization. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the once lush landscape in a crimson hue, Alex surveyed the makeshift camp that had become home for the survivors. They were a motley crew of strangers bonded by circumstance and the shared need to survive. The air was thick with tension, as whispers of Rider's story spread like wildfire. "Rider," Alex called out, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Can you tell us more about these creatures?" Rider, a seasoned veteran in this new world, nodded gravely. "They are the result of an experiment, designed to protect the sanctuary at all costs. They are relentless and vicious, but they can be defeated." Alex's eyes flashed with determination. "Then we must confront them at sunrise. If we can defeat them, we may find our way to that sanctuary." As night fell, the group huddled around a flickering fire, their faces etched with both trepidation and hope. They knew that the coming battle would be the deciding factor in the fate of humanity. With heavy hearts and clenched fists, they prepared for the dawn of a new day, one that would determine whether they would stand together or fall apart. In just under 250 words, the AI has expanded the story based on the given line, maintaining a natural and engaging flow. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the barren wasteland. A group of survivors huddled around a flickering fire, their faces etched with exhaustion and despair. The once lush world had been transformed into a desolate landscape by an unpredictable sun that turned vast swaths of Earth into barren wastelands. Rider, the mysterious stranger, approached the group's camp. He spoke in a hushed voice, "I know of a hidden sanctuary where life can be sustained." Alex, the group's leader, stared at Rider with skepticism. "What's your price?" Rider responded, "To find that sanctuary, we must face creatures created as part of an experiment protecting it at all costs. They are monstrous guardians, but if we can defeat them, the sanctuary is ours." Alex pondered the offer, knowing they had nothing to lose. The group prepared for the battle against the guardians, their hearts heavy with trepidation and hope. As the sun rose, casting its golden rays upon the wasteland, they marched towards the creatures' lair. The air was thick with anticipation as they stood at the entrance, ready to face their destiny. In the desolate wasteland, survivors huddled together in makeshift shelters, clinging to the remnants of their shattered lives. The sun burned a dull orange in the sky, casting long shadows across the barren landscape. Rumors whispered through the camps of a hidden sanctuary where life could be sustained, but it seemed too good to be true. One day, a mysterious stranger named Rider appeared on the horizon. His face was obscured by a tattered hood, and he carried an air of mystery that captivated the survivors. He spoke of a place called "The Sanctuary," where humans could live in peace and rebuild their civilization. The group, led by a fierce young woman named Alex, knew they had to find this sanctuary or face certain doom. Together, they ventured into the unknown, following Rider's cryptic directions. As they approached the entrance to The Sanctuary, a monstrous guardian materialized before them, its grotesque form a nightmare brought to life. With a mix of fear and determination, Alex stepped forward and addressed the creature. "We come in peace, Rider told us of this place. We only seek refuge from the wasteland we once called home," she said, her voice steady despite the terror that gripped her heart. The guardian snarled and lunged at them, its claws tearing through the air. The survivors fought with all their might, their makeshift weapons clashing against the monstrous form. As dawn broke, they stood battered but unbroken, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Together, they would fight for the last stand of humanity and prove that even in the darkest times, hope could still shine through. With the sun rising and casting away the shadows, Alex and her group entered The Sanctuary, their hearts filled with a newfound sense of purpose and determination to rebuild their world. In the desolate wasteland, Alex and his group of survivors were desperately searching for any signs of life or resources. They had heard whispers of a hidden sanctuary where humans could still thrive amidst the barren landscape. As they trudged through the ash and debris, their hope dwindled with each step. One day, as they huddled together in their makeshift shelter, a mysterious stranger named Rider appeared. His appearance was shrouded in mystery, but he spoke of the sanctuary and its potential to save humanity. The group, filled with both skepticism and desperation, decided to follow him in hopes of finding salvation. As they journeyed deeper into the wasteland, they encountered monstrous guardians, grotesque creations of an experiment designed to protect the sanctuary from intruders. Fear gripped their hearts as the group realized they had stumbled upon a place where the remnants of humanity were not alone in their struggle for survival. Determined to fight for the last stand of humanity, Alex rallied his group and prepared them for battle against these creatures. At sunrise, they faced the guardians with courage and determination. Through teamwork, strategy, and sheer force of will, they managed to defeat the monstrous beings that once seemed insurmountable. With each victory, the survivors felt their hope rekindle and their faith in humanity strengthened. Rider, a silent but crucial ally, watched from the shadows as the group fought for their very existence. In this desolate wasteland, they found not only a sanctuary but also the resilience of the human spirit. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the desolate wasteland, Alex tightened his grip on the rusted handle of his sword. The group, consisting of Sarah, Jack, and Maria, huddled around a small fire, listening intently to the enigmatic stranger known as Rider. "You must be prepared for what lies ahead," Rider's voice echoed in the wind, "for beyond that ridge, there are creatures unlike any you have ever seen." Sarah glanced at Jack, who was staring off into the distance, his eyes wide with fear and curiosity. "What do they look like?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Monstrous guardians, created as part of an experiment to protect this sanctuary," Rider revealed, the corners of his mouth lifting in a slight smirk. "I've seen them before, and let me tell you, they are not to be trifled with." Maria shuddered, her gaze shifting between Alex and the ridge in the distance. "How can we fight something that was designed to be indestructible?" she inquired, her voice quivering. "We must use our wits and our courage," Alex replied, his eyes flashing with determination. "Together, we can face anything." As the conversation continued, the fire's flickering light cast eerie shadows across their faces, revealing the gravity of the situation they were about to face. They knew that at sunrise, they would stand together in the fight for the last stand of humanity. In the barren wasteland, a group of survivors had gathered around a fire, sharing stories and hoping for a brighter future. Alex, the de facto leader of the group, spoke with a weary voice about the struggle to keep humanity alive in such a desolate world. "We've heard whispers of a hidden sanctuary," said a woman named Emma, her eyes gleaming with hope. "But we don't know if it's true or just a desperate wish." The group fell silent as they pondered the possibility of salvation in their dire situation. Just then, a mysterious figure appeared on the horizon. As he approached, the survivors exchanged nervous glances, unsure of his intentions. The stranger introduced himself as Rider and revealed that he had come from the very sanctuary they sought. "There's a price to pay for entry," Rider warned. "A test of courage and strength. Monstrous guardians created by an ancient experiment protect the sanctuary. You must face them at sunrise if you wish to claim your place among humanity's last hope." The group, inspired by Rider's words, prepared for battle as the sky began to glow with the first light of dawn. As they stood at the entrance to the sanctuary, they knew that their fate rested in their hands. With determination and courage, they faced the monstrous guardians, ensuring the last stand of humanity. The group gathered around Rider, their eyes wide with curiosity and anticipation. "We must prepare for our battle against these guardians," Alex declared firmly. "I suggest we split into groups, one to scout the area and locate any potential weaknesses, another to gather supplies and weapons, and a third to study the creatures themselves." The scouting party ventured deeper into the wasteland, their eyes darting between the desolate landscape and each other, trying to glean any information they could about the guardians. The supply and weapon group searched through the remnants of the past, finding scraps of materials and remnants of old weapons that could be repurposed for the upcoming fight. The third group focused on studying the guardians, piecing together what they could from the limited information available. They discovered that the creatures were an experiment gone wrong, created to protect the hidden sanctuary but instead turning into monstrous abominations. The knowledge filled them with dread and a newfound determination to fight for their survival. As the sun began to rise, casting its golden light over the barren landscape, the group assembled, weapons in hand and spirits high. They knew that they were about to enter a battle unlike any other, but they also knew that it was necessary if they were to ensure the last stand of humanity. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting an ethereal glow across the desolate landscape. The group of survivors huddled together, their eyes fixed on the distant sanctuary that held the key to their survival. Rider, the mysterious stranger who had led them to this place, stood with Alex, readying themselves for the battle ahead. "We've come a long way, haven't we?" Rider said, his voice a mix of confidence and somber reflection. Alex nodded, "Yeah, but it feels like we're at the edge of a cliff. If we don't make it past these guardians, we'll fall back into darkness." "Fear not," Rider said, his eyes burning with determination. "I have faith in you all. Together, we can overcome anything." As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the monstrous guardians, the group braced themselves for the fight of their lives. Their hearts pounded in unison as they took one last look at each other, knowing that the future of humanity rested on their shoulders. In the desolate wasteland, a group of survivors huddled around a flickering fire, their faces etched with fatigue and fear. The sun had set long ago, plunging them into darkness, and whispers of an unknown sanctuary echoed through the camp. They had heard the stories from a mysterious stranger named Rider, who claimed to know the way to salvation. But it came at a cost: they must face monstrous guardians created as part of an experiment to protect the sanctuary. Alex, the group's leader, stared into the fire as he considered their options. He knew that they had to fight if they wanted any chance of survival. "We have no choice but to confront these creatures at sunrise," he declared, his voice firm and resolute. His companions exchanged glances, the weight of their decision heavy on their shoulders. One by one, they began to gather weapons and supplies, their movements swift and purposeful. As midnight approached, a hush fell over the camp. The air was thick with anticipation as they waited for the first rays of sunlight to pierce the darkness. When the moment finally arrived, they charged forth into the unknown, determined to protect the last stand of humanity. Alex, the leader of the group, looked around at the ragged survivors huddled together. They were an unlikely team – a mechanic, a doctor, and a former soldier among them. The mysterious Rider had given them hope but also burdened them with a heavy task. "Alright, we've got two days until sunrise," Alex began, trying to sound confident. "We need to prepare for the battle of our lives." The mechanic, named Tom, scratched his head. "What exactly are we up against?" Rider stepped forward. "Monstrous guardians. Creatures born from an experiment to protect this sanctuary. We'll have to face them at sunrise when their power is weakest." The former soldier, Sarah, clenched her fists. "I've seen worse, and we'll take them down. But what about the others? What do they need to do?" "Each of you must find a weapon or tool that suits your skills," Rider said. "Work together, and you'll have the best chance." As the survivors scattered to prepare, Alex called his group together. "We know this won't be easy, but we've come too far to give up now. Remember why we're here – for humanity!" Together, they readied themselves, knowing that their fight would determine not only their survival but the future of all civilization. And as the sun rose on the day of the last stand, they stood ready, united in their determination to protect the sanctuary and rebuild the world. "We'll stick together as much as possible," Alex decided. "And if one of us gets in trouble, the others will come to help. We have to trust each other." "Let's get some rest now," said Emma, the group's healer. "The sunrise is our deadline, and we need to be at our best." ``` In the desolate wasteland, a group of survivors had gathered around a flickering fire, their faces etched with exhaustion and despair. They spoke in hushed whispers, fearful of attracting any lurking dangers. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, his clothing tattered and worn, yet he carried an air of mystery. He introduced himself as Rider, a wanderer who had seen more than his share of horror and despair. "There is a sanctuary," Rider told them, his voice barely audible over the wind. "A place where humanity can still thrive, hidden from the world that once was." The survivors exchanged glances, skepticism etched on their faces. "Trust me," Rider continued, his eyes locking with each of theirs in turn. "I've seen it with my own eyes." As the group considered Rider's words, they knew that hope was a rare commodity. They decided to follow him to this sanctuary, hoping against hope that he spoke the truth. The journey was long and fraught with peril, but their determination grew with each step closer to their destination. Finally, they arrived at the entrance of the hidden sanctuary, only to find monstrous guardians barring their way. These creatures had been created as part of an experiment to protect the sanctuary from intruders, and now they served as a formidable barrier to the survivors' last hope for salvation. Under the dim light of the rising sun, Alex, the group's leader, rallied his comrades. "We must fight these creatures," he said, his voice resolute. "For the last stand of humanity." The group steeled themselves for the battle ahead, knowing that they had no other choice if they were to secure their place in history and ensure the survival of mankind. "Remember," Alex added, "We are stronger together than we are apart. Trust one another, and we will prevail." With a final glance at Rider, who nodded solemnly in agreement, the survivors braced themselves for the coming battle. In the desolate wasteland, a group of survivors scavenged for resources and clung to hope. They had heard whispers of a hidden sanctuary where humanity could find solace, but few believed it to be true. One day, a mysterious stranger named Rider appeared among them, bringing with him news of the fabled sanctuary. The group, led by Alex, was skeptical but decided to follow Rider's lead. As they journeyed through the barren landscape, they encountered monstrous guardians – products of a long-forgotten experiment designed to protect the sanctuary. These creatures were formidable and relentless, but the survivors knew that their survival depended on reaching the sanctuary. They banded together, relying on trust and teamwork to face these terrifying beings. With sunrise approaching, the group prepared for the battle of their lives. Alex rallied his comrades, speaking words of encouragement and urging them to rest before the impending fight. "We've come too far to turn back now," he said firmly. "We must stand together and protect what's left of our world." The survivors exchanged glances, their faces etched with determination. They knew that this was the last stand of humanity – and they were ready for the challenge. With hearts pounding and adrenaline surging through their veins, they charged forth to face the guardians and secure the sanctuary that could save civilization. In the desolate wasteland, Alex led a group of survivors who had heard whispers of a hidden sanctuary. They came across a mysterious stranger named Rider, who shared the location of the sanctuary but warned them of the monstrous guardians that protected it. "These creatures are part of an experiment," Rider explained. "They were designed to protect the sanctuary at all costs." Alex knew they had no choice but to face these guardians if they wanted a chance at survival. As night fell, the group gathered around a fire, discussing their plans for the next day. Alex said, "We need to be prepared. We don't know what we'll face in there, but we have to trust each other and work together." The others nodded in agreement, knowing that the stakes were higher than ever before. Before they went to sleep, Alex ensured everyone had a chance to rest. "We must be well-rested for this fight," he said. "Tomorrow will be a turning point for humanity." As dawn approached, the group stood ready, their hearts pounding with both fear and determination. They knew that their fate rested in their hands, and they were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the last stand of humanity. The sun had become a scarce commodity in this desolate wasteland, and its rays barely reached the ground, casting long shadows that danced like wraiths across the cracked earth. The survivors huddled together, their faces etched with fear and exhaustion, wondering if they would see another day. Alex, the unofficial leader of the group, scanned the horizon for any sign of hope or danger. "We need to find a way to fight back," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the howling wind. The others looked at him, their eyes filled with desperation and determination. Just as they were about to lose hope, a mysterious figure appeared on the horizon. Dressed in tattered leather and wielding a battered sword, the stranger approached them cautiously. "Rider," he introduced himself, his voice as gravelly as the road behind him. "I bring news of a hidden sanctuary, far beyond these blasted lands." The group listened intently as Rider described the fortress, protected by monstrous guardians borne from an ancient experiment. "They are fierce and deadly," he warned, "but they can be defeated." With renewed purpose, Alex stood up. "We'll need to rest and prepare before we face them at sunrise. Together, we can make a difference." Rider nodded solemnly, and the group set about their task, forging alliances and strengthening bonds in the name of humanity's last stand. In that moment, they knew they were not alone, and hope began to flicker like a candle in the darkness. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting eerie shadows across the desolate wasteland, the survivors huddled together, their eyes scanning the barren landscape for any sign of danger. The once bustling city was now a ghost town, with only the occasional creaking sound of abandoned buildings echoing through the air. Alex, the unquestioned leader of the group, stared out into the distance, his gaze fixed on something far beyond the group's immediate surroundings. His eyes narrowed as he picked up a faint noise in the wind, and he turned to address his companions. "I think we've found our way out," Alex said, his voice low but filled with hope. "There's a place not too far from here, a sanctuary that can give us shelter and a chance at survival." The group exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and hope. Just then, the ground shook beneath them, and they knew their respite was short-lived. The monstrous guardians of the sanctuary had been alerted by their presence. "We don't have much time," Rider, the mysterious stranger among them, cautioned. "We must be prepared for battle at sunrise. Trust in each other and work together if we want to save humanity." The group nodded, their faces serious, knowing that this was their last chance. They spent the night fortifying their defenses, sharing stories and building bonds of trust. As the first light of dawn appeared, they stood side by side, ready to face the guardians. "Remember," Rider whispered as they began their charge, "rest is for the weak. We fight together, or we die alone." And with that, they charged into battle, determined to ensure the last stand of humanity. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a blood-red glow over the desolate wasteland, the group of survivors huddled together in their makeshift shelter. They had heard whispers of a hidden sanctuary, a place where humanity could start anew. A mysterious stranger named Rider had appeared, offering them hope and guidance. But to reach the sanctuary, they would have to face monstrous guardians, products of an ancient experiment designed to protect the secret haven. Alex, the group's leader, was determined to lead them through the perilous landscape. "We must trust each other," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "And we must rest before facing those creatures." The others nodded in agreement, knowing that their survival depended on working together. As the night wore on, they shared stories of their past lives, forging bonds of camaraderie and trust. They spoke of families lost, dreams shattered, and the relentless hope that had kept them alive thus far. With each passing hour, the air grew thick with anticipation. At sunrise, they would face the guardians. Standing atop a rocky outcropping, Alex surveyed the horizon, his eyes filled with resolve. "We will fight for humanity's last stand," he declared, his voice carrying through the still morning air. The group stood beside him, their hearts pounding in unison as they prepared to face the unknown dangers that lay ahead. In the desolate wasteland, a group of survivors found themselves in desperate need of hope. They had heard whispers of a hidden sanctuary where humans could find safety and rebuild their civilization. As they journeyed through the barren landscape, they encountered a mysterious stranger named Rider. He carried with him the knowledge of the fabled sanctuary and the monstrous guardians that protected it. Alex, the group's leader, knew that they had little time left. "Rider, we need to know how to get past those guardians," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "I can tell you," Rider replied, "but first, I need your trust and your word that you will fight for the last stand of humanity." The group, knowing there was no other option, agreed. With Rider's guidance, they prepared for their battle against the monstrous guardians at sunrise. As the sun began to rise, Alex addressed his team. "We've come this far together," he said. "Remember, trust and teamwork are our strongest weapons." The guardians emerged from the shadows, their monstrous forms a testament to the darkness that had consumed the world. The survivors braced themselves for the fight of their lives. As the battle raged on, Alex's words rang true. Trust and teamwork were their key to victory. Together, they defeated the guardians and found their way to the hidden sanctuary. With a newfound sense of purpose, the group settled into their new home, ready to rebuild humanity and ensure that the last stand was just the beginning of a brighter future. In the desolate wasteland, survivors huddled together in makeshift shelters, struggling to maintain hope in the face of constant danger. The world had been ravaged by an unimaginable catastrophe, and humanity was on the brink of extinction. It was here that they encountered a mysterious stranger named Rider. With enigmatic charisma, he spoke of a hidden sanctuary, untouched by the devastation outside. The group, led by a determined woman named Alex, saw this as their last chance for survival. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the barren landscape, the survivors prepared for the battle that lay ahead. They knew that monstrous guardians, remnants of a twisted experiment designed to protect the sanctuary, would be their adversaries. Fear gripped their hearts, but they also felt a newfound sense of camaraderie as they stood together against this common enemy. "We have to trust each other," Alex said firmly, her voice carrying an air of authority. "Our lives depend on it." The others nodded in agreement, their faces tense with determination. They knew that the next few hours would be critical, and that they must put aside their fears for the sake of humanity's last stand. "And remember," Rider added, "Rest is vital. Conserve your strength." As the group settled down to rest, Rider shared stories of past victories and lessons learned in the face of adversity. Their spirits lifted, if only slightly, as they found solace in the knowledge that others had fought and survived similar battles before them. The night was long and filled with whispered fears, but dawn brought a new hope. The survivors stood together, ready to face the guardians head-on, united by their shared struggle and their desire to protect the last stand of humanity.

[skyheld]

it does make sense for firsts to not be born in the clan, although it's definitely not the only thing to make sense. they need to be entirely devoted to the clan, but also neutral. it's easier to not play favourites if you at least don't have family members. it still wouldn't be a requirement, because neutrality would be a part of their education as firsts anyway. but it's not unreasonable to think it would be preferable for a first to come to the clan from somewhere else, alone, at a young age, to be keeper before they're anything else. it's one way of thinking about leadership, that the leader should be sort of an outsider.

then again, there's lanaya:

Becoming Zathrian's first was difficult for Lanaya, as she was not born into the clan and so did not have the strong, pure blood that keepers would normally have. Over time, Lanaya proved herself competent and worthy of the post, and the prejudices of the clan faded away.

this is taken straight from the wiki and not a direct quote but iirc it's accurate to what she says in-game. ignoring the 'pure blood' part because eugh, it makes equal sense for a clan to want its first to be from within the clan and connected to it from birth. this brings up different problems, because the keeper will be in a position of power (not absolute power, but as far as we've seen keepers do make a lot of decisions entirely on their own) over their loved ones and family members. they'll have to solve conflicts and sometimes make extremely difficult decisions without losing neutrality.

tl;dr, however you cut it, being brought up from childhood into a leadership position is harsh, and i don't think the dalish as a whole have any choice but to be realistic about that.

[gebo4482]

Lost Lullabies - The Orphanage Chronicles Gameplay Trailer (2024)

Website / Steam

[yaoicrack]

yay i think im onto smth here..my little beast s/i that somehow survived animal dna injection and organ transplants and brain microchip and hes just hanging out silly style

[cinemaquiles]

DOS GAMES PARA FILME: A ANIMAÇÃO RESIDENT EVIL (2023)

[itsays]

OH MY GOD I GOT CONFUSED WITH THE DATES OF THE RELEASE OF THE UTSUKUSHII KARE DVD. IT'S NOT AUGUST 11TH IT'S NOVEMBER 8TH ALL YOU GRINGOS LIED TO ME WITH YOUR GRINGO DATES IM GONNA KILL MYSELF

[smartkidsvideosz]

Jurassic Adventure: Spinosaurus Battles 3 Mosasaurus in an Epic Survival...

[hedgehogsonice]

THANK YOU

Seen in the window at Gulf of Maine Books in Brunswick, Maine. Photo: Bill Roorbach

[canniba1ize]

"Fictive culture this" and "splitting a new fictive" that....WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO DONT HAVE FICTIVES

[strawflower-weight]

Forgot how easily you can ignore all hunger and.. anything really when gaming, like I'm getting into The F0r€st lately and my god I have been here for hours now

[cleapallea]

⌕Plutonian: How to spot?

my master list

📍Appearance

pluto dominant (Scorpio/ Pluto conjunct with 1st house/asc)

often stylish, can switch their styles from white to black, mysterious, curious-look, deep set eyes to small eyes (thin almond), upturned eyes, small lips (not exactly thin), most good at darker suit like violet/purple, black, blue and so on. Mostly hourglass body or pear shape.simple but classy.

📍Views, Traits, Personalities

not often feel sexual around or they can control their lu$t, hates pure emotions talk, they don't try to fit in, takes serious about relationship, often called b^tch, misogynistic, eccentric, don't have appropriate public image during their early or teenage years, ppl noticed their presence, majority think they r cooking something, moods can instantly switch or turn off emotions, attracted to dark themes such as death, unknown, and danger. Can keep a secrets, obsessional tendencies esp if it's pretty conjuncts with Venus, higly visionaries, has a survivaal instincts, test everything out, reflection of masses, it's either they have strong friendship with higher ppl or higher ppl hates them, can sense bull$hits, self-destructive tendencies due to moon influence or fire placements, few or no close friends at all yet surprising ppl know them, enjoys research, doesn't hold grudges but can cutt off people easily, wants to be successful in everything they do, loves control, understand ppl but ppl can't understand their point or as a person, and influential.

check where your Pluto located at as well the aspects and rulers.

📍Zodiac sign/s: + The best signs under Pluto energy

Scorpio (ruled by Pluto). pluto in Sagitarrius,

Capricorn, Leo, Taurus, and Gemini

📍Personal points

Midheaven, Sun, Asc, Moon, Mercury, Venus and least is Mars.

📍With social points

Jupiter

📍Other aspects (house)

8th house and/or 12th house

📍Recommended work for ppl with strong Plutonian influence.

surgeons, medical/academic researcher, researcher, analyst, astrologers, psychology, teacher, professional critic, forensic accountant, art restorer, journalist, photographer, laboratory technician, statistician/ economist, editor, officer, business(wo)man, (forensic) scientist, cultural anthropologist, and alike.

PLAGIARISM IS A CRIME

[fictionalcreator]

YOU REALLY ARE

(and I'm not complaining)

Your AUs are just...aughhhh...such a good mix of the hurt and the comfort! It has all the angst and problems and the problem-solving and not leaving him behind and moving forward even when everything isn't quite okay! Activates the neurons!!

When Cale was Kim Rok Soo, back at the company, he never scared anyone. Sure, they worried for him, they feared his Records or they felt a subconscious chill when making eye contact but-

Rarely has he ever scared them.

Except the week he disappeared.

He got trapped underneath rubble, like his first meeting with Lee Soo Hyuk, but no one was there to save him this time. Three days, he was trapped; an uncanny parallel, maybe even more than a coincidence. But on the third day… something changed. He gained a new ability, something that snapped inside of him like a key that forgoes unlocking the mechanism entirely and breaks the lock itself.

He lifted a building off of its foundations.

The metal holding together the crevice he was huddled in snapped and groaned, while the rocks and concrete scratched and shattered like glass. He forced his way out and walked.

He walked away from the company.

If he had been within his mind, he would’ve gotten help, accepted food and water and healed his injuries.

He wasn’t. Within his mind, that is. He was strong, his senses had heightened to find food and all of his necessaries, but he couldn’t remember anything from his life as Kim Rok Soo.

Kim Rok Soo at this moment had fallen asleep, and Survival woke up. For 4 days, Survival walked, ate, drank, and breathed the life of Kim Rok Soo.

If you could call it living.

Eventually he was found, wandering and dirty, and seeing his team members let Rok Soo wake up, and Survival fell asleep.

Cale Henituse hasn’t had to do that. No, not yet, but time catches up eventually and Cale found himself in a perilous situation again.

Trapped inside of a collapsing building with no way to contact his friends who are expecting him to be back in 6 days. They were in a different world, so Cale only had a portion of his abilities, but it should've been enough. It hadn't.

4 days inside of the building, which shuddered and broke multiple times around him, finally, Survival opened its eyes.

It had taken longer because of Vitality of the Heart, but with all of his abilities weakened extensively, he had no options for escape.

Survival looks around dumbly. Within its own consciousness, it’s doing calculations. The structural integrity. The state of his body. The nearest food source.

Lifting the building off of its body is easy, but it takes several hours to progress its way out of the collapsing caverns. Survival breathes heavily, but doesn’t hesitate as it finally breaks through the side. The building tips over and crashes on the opposite side of where it is. Survival blinks from the impact, but only because of the dust.

It wanders for 3 days.

Finally, it gets found. By bandits.

It massacres them and steals their resources.

Soon after that, news breaks out about the supposed single-handed wipe out, and Raon finds him. Raon tries to speak to it, but after it deduced that Raon wasn’t a threat nor food, it walked away.

As a smart and clever dragon, Raon observed Cale before being so abruptly insulted. Multiple attempts to bring Cale back into those eyes, all failed attempts, Raon teleports the unwilling stranger back to the empire.

It doesn’t speak, it doesn’t respond to touch beyond a stern glance, and it only does the bare minimum to survive. It tried to store food under its bed after eating “enough”, and no amount of begging convinced it to not store the rations. It hasn’t bothered to use its powers either- like it doesn’t know it has them.

All attempts to speak are futile.

Choi Han even tried Korean, but it didn’t show any sign of understanding.

Rosalyn does research with Raon and Choi Han on what could have caused it.

Then they hear about the collapsed building. They hear about the bandits who had supposedly died a few days afterwards. Raon figures out that- yes- the stuff Cale had with him at the time used to belong to bandits.

A week after becoming Survival, days after being found, Cale opens his eyes on a bed.

“… They found me?” He muttered it so quietly, whisper soft, but Raon- apparently sleeping by his legs, jumps up with wide eyes.

“Human!”

Cale wants to sigh. How long was he asleep this time? By Raon’s expression, it must have beaten his previous records.

“Is it you? Is it really you? Say something! Say my name!”

Cale blinks in confusion. Two minutes ago he was dozing off inside of a dark hole that was close to collapsing, now— Raon wants to hear his name?

“… Raon Miru? Are you okay?” Cale sat up, ignoring his stiff body and pulling Raon into his lap. He seems to have lost a little weight?

“Human you must absolutely tell me everything you remember!”

While saying this, Raon was ordering everyone to stay out of Cale’s room with the exception of Choi Han and Rosalyn, as well as informing Beacrox to bring up food and to prepare tea.

Cale observes Raon, who is earnestly distressed for some reason, and concedes.

“The last thing I remember was falling asleep in a collapsing building.” Rosalyn gasps. She just entered the room with Choi Han, who is staring at Cale with a cold gaze.

“Why were you in there?” A chill runs down Cales spine at Choi Han’s voice.

“The conmen didn’t expect the building to collapse, they had likely planned something else. It just happened out of nowhere.” He doesn't say that he got lucky. He was next to one of the buildings main supports at the time, and the crumbling structure formed a bubble around him by chance.

Rosalyn goes pale.

Raon shouts, “I will destroy those bastards that made you go in there!”

“They’re already dead.” Cale shakes his head. Rosalyn covers her mouth. He hadn't said he got lucky, but it's obvious that he did. Did they almost lose Cale, and hadn't even known?

‘Three times…’ He’s been lucky with collapsing buildings three times now.

“Cale-nim…” Choi Han places a hand on his shoulder and Cale freezes in fear. “After the building collapsed, a bandit camp was destroyed, single handedly, a few days after. Raon found you wandering- with their stuff on you.”

Immediately, Cale figured it out. It must be an ability. He recalls the similar event that happened in the past and the dots are easy to connect.

But- he can’t say anything about that with Rosalyn in the room.

So all he says, is…

“I guess some part of me really wanted to live.”

[puripurin]

SHOWMANSHIP [🎊🎉770 Followers Special🎉🎊] [PT. 1]

➥ Yan!Ringmaster x Acrobatic!Reader

➥ Summary :- Like always, misfortune almost always has a choke hold on the reader, so you get sold to a circus for the meer sum of 1,250 dollers.

— "IS THAT ALL I'M WORTH TO YOU??" You boomed at your parents, grateful for the bars that so kept you a foot's distance from ripping your parents to shreads.

"Honey, listen -" Your father was brutally cut off by your untamed anger radiating off of the walls, screeching so loud that it made the cell bars vibrate momentarily afterwards. There was no way in hell this man was trying to butter you up after selling you off.

"No. YOU listen to me, you wasteful, unwanted sperm doner. YOU could've worked me to the BONE, and I would have forgiven you because we still need a roof over our heads, but to sell me to some random-ass person who probably smells like your fuckin' toe jam for a mere sum of 1,250 DOLLARS!??? You hurled insults at your parents left and right, only recieving furious stares in return.

"[Y/N]! That is no way to speak to your father! We were low on funds, and our payment was due soon." She stepped forward with a sharp expression engraved in her face.

"LOW ON FUNDS!?!? WAS IT YOUR GRAND PLAN TO SELL ME FOR JUST 1,250 DOLLARS??"

Your intermittent breathing became the only thing that was stopping you from going over the edge of insanity town. Your parents stood without motion, their eyes locked on you as if they weren't the ones who should've been in the cell instead.

"...Don't you want your due payments to disappear? That's rich, how ironic, huh? Or maybe you two were just waiting on an opportunity to make me disappear?!?!"

Without waiting for a response, you slammed your hand on the part of the iron bars closest to their faces, getting surprised fast blinks from your mother. Her pride lasting in all of this was honestly pissing you off.

"YOU FLABBY-ASS-HAVING CUNT! YOU COULD HAVE NEGOTIATED FOR MORE MONEY!! IT'S NO WONDER WHY YOU HAD TO BRING THAT CHEAP-ASS PEARL NECKLACE, BECAUSE YOU'RE TOO NEARSIGHTED TO SEE THAT THE PRICE TAG WAS ONLY FOR 8 DOLLARS. FUCKIN' BRAGGING TO THE BAND OF THE BITCHES HOW YOU WE'RE ABLE TO BUY AN 8K PEARL NECKLACE KNOWING DAMN WELL YOUR ASS IS SO POOR THAT YOU HAD TO ASK ME TO PAY FOR THAT SHIT BECUASE YOU ONLY HAD 2 GODFORSAKEN DOLLARS IN THAT RIP-OFF CHANEL BAG." You sneered at the woman who was shaking in frustration.

"Dear, there is no worry for this... thing anymore. Our twin daughters will pave the way for greatness, bringing wealth and fortune to our name. Their talents and beauty hold no bounds." The woman looked over at her husband as you glared at them before you as if they were brainless, dilapidated creatures.

"Keep on sweet talking to them like that, and they'll end up in jail for homicide." You held up a middle finger and walked to a corner of the cell. You heard them spit in the front of the gate to your cell as they left. Silence then engulfed your surroundings.

No more of your parents' nagging and selfish tendancies. It was because of them that you could never look at your early twenties with fond memories. Looking back, you could have been partying and romancing other people, yet all you were promised was work, work, and more work. The pressure of trying to make money for your teen siblings and parents was exhausting, especially when your mother was spending more than you could make. That was how you got an earful from both your parents and siblings when they found out that the family's credit score was so low that it practically nestled right beside the dogshit on the side of the road.

"Fuck. This fucking sucks..." You couldn't hold back the resentment that forced themselves out your eyes in beads of tears. You were already at 26, with no job, no car, no money, no partner, and worth only 1,250 dollars. The path you walked on was not one adorned for the bunnies and butterflies, but rather, was draped in colourless desperation and pure survival.

"At least an arranged marriage would've given me the things I worked so hard for! But no! They just want me to die miserable and poor!"

"Awe, is my new performer preaching about death? My, a face like yours would be a total waste in a casket." The voice of a man echoed through the cell, almost making you jump out of your skin. He appeared almost instantaneously before your cell gate; he was dressed in an array of red, black, and white with an assortment of ruffles.

"You! YOU SCUMMY BASTARD! JUST WAIT 'TIL I HAVE YOUR HEAD ON A PLATTER TO FEAST ON!" You stormed your way back to the front of your cell and looked him directly in the eyes.

"Ah... I'm sure you would enjoy that, but alas, that mouth of yours is a bit rotten, would some chlorine and a scrub daddy do the trick?" The man's face held no defining emotion that represented what he was saying to you.

"You... YOU--"

"I suggest you quit the smack talk, unless you prefer to continue and be thrown out of my establishment; can't make quality meat without an obedient animal, am I right?" Even if his facial expression didn't change, you could tell that his words were looking to strangle you if you refused to take heed to them.

"Ah, right, before I leave, I have assigned you as an acrobatics trainee; our last acrobat died of... unforseen events." He paused before chuckling and waltzing out of sight. Making you alone in the cell once more.

You just plopped right on the ground in realization. This was your life now. Just a minute ago you got sold to some freak by your idiotic parents, and now, you were going to be one of the acrobatics in a circus that you didn't even know the name of? You could only pity yourself.

It had been a few weeks since you came here, and all you had been doing was practicing acrobatics with the help of the others. Furthermore, since that unfaithful day when you were sold, it was your decision to just stop talking altogether. If no one was hearing your voice, then what was the point?

"Ah, [Y/N]... have you finished up on your practice for today?" A young woman came over to you. It was Ellen, one of the acrobatics that taught you all the basics, from balancing on a beam to how to quickly put on different costumes in between performances.

You acknowledged her for her determination, even after entering into the circus at a young age. Though, what you wish you had was her ability to not complain and take things as they were. Alas, that was something Ellen had shown you that you hadn't observed from a person in ages; endurance.

You gave her a small smile and nodded. She brightened up before motioning you to come over to the schedule, which displayed all the events that were to partake following each day. You noticed that there was no last month performance mentioned on the chart.

Last month's performances were big and grand compared to the regular performances, which had more repetitive and basic performances. With all that in mind, you still couldn't participate in them because you were new, but soon you would participate within the next month or so.

"Ah, the other ringmaster has yet to meet you, by the way. He's been gone for a while now. He's the one who can conduct the monthly performances..." Ellen slowly stopped talking, mentally debating with herself with something before refraining on speaking as her grim face turned into one of happiness.

"Ah, right, it's almost time for the show to start, so I need to go this time. You are responsible for ensuring that the children are safe when they are watching the show." Right, you almost forgot about the children that were here. They were either sold to here or just given to the circus. They either had deformities or just had albinism. In total, there were 8 children that you needed to watch over.

You nodded once more and left to change out of the plain acrobatic suit that you wore for practice. Obviously, you had some different coloured ones, but those were strictly for performances.

Once you stepped into the changing room, you deflated and rubbed your face, which was buring from trying to hold back your tears. You sat there as streaks of tears slid down your face.

It was hard for you to just be happy about the situation. It was a struggle to just even have a neutral look on your face, to seem unbothered, to seem as if you were taking the situation well. The reason you gave for becoming selectively mute was only half of the reason. It was partially because almost every day your throat would tighten up from the never ending fear of living like this.

There were nice people, of course, but was it enough for you to accept this situation? The pain of realizing over and over again that your family betrayed you for such a little amount was painful. Even if they mistreated you, you only want to go back to the times when everything was much simpler.

You sniffled and checked the time and noticed that 10 minutes had passed. That was enough crying time for today because you weren't going to get beaten for not taking care of the children this time. Babysitting children comes first, money is second, and depression is last. That crazy psycho of a manager won't let anything slide under the rug, so you had to be on your tippie toes.

There were a bunch of mini humans wandering about, but not out of your sight, of course. You sat on a wooden bench backstage amongst the junk pile, where all sorts of thrown out props and costumes entangled themselves into one giant monster-like concoction. It was enough to keep the children entertained, and so you had a portion of your job cut out for you.

One of the 8 children was a little, baby boy, the youngest of the batch; he snuggled into your chest, feeling the warmth radiating from you.

"Ah, are you babysitting?" A man, with long hair spoke up from beside you. You hadn't noticed when he sat down. You shook your head in reply, raising an intrigued response from the man.

"Not quite a speaker, are you? I see. You must be [Y/n], then. I am Mathew Alabaster, one of the ringmasters in this lovely establishment." You raised a brow at the 'lovely establishment' part, but Mathew didn't mind, well, more like he didn't have the mind to notice.

You hadn't seen him before, and it seemed as though he shared resemblance with that of the ringmaster you met on your first day in the cell.

"Right, so how well are you fitting into your role? I assume it's daunting because you get to be hung high in the air with nothing but your skills and aura whilst the floor's comfort lulls and beckons you to just... drop." The man smiled at you, but for an odd reason; he had an off-putting look in his eyes...

Pt 1 cus I ain't writing allat rn. Also I'm so so super duper sorry for not posting in decades! (Esp @emptybrain01, it was only recently i saw your comments! Im so so sorry 💀💀💀💀) Obviously I've been on tumblr for a short period of time, but like, I was just lazy on top of me having no time on the weekend because I'm making a cosplay and I have to study during the week, along with upcoming tests and a big exam next year. Basically my hobbies take up more time than I have.

So maybe next year ill disappear for a while cos i hv a shit ton of stuff to do.

But I'll take requests instead of just thinking about a character and making a smol story for them.

Also once more, thank you for following me and getting to 770+ followers (its now 831) even if i don't post much. I would also like to thank my friend Syren, who has access to my account and sees all my shit 💀, for editing this work!

Thank you all!

[phoward89]

Masterlist

Dark!Coryo, Dark!Peacekeeper Coryo, Innocent!Reader, Delulu!Coryo, obsession, manipulation, toxic relationship, drinking, cussing, etc

Chapter 4:

“You know, you might want to change into something more casual later- for when we go to the Hobb.” You told Coryo, who had an arm slung over your shoulders possessively while still carrying his sack over his shoulder. It had a few of his personal items in it so you didn't blame him for carrying it around instead of leaving it on your front porch.

“I will, darling.” Assured Coryo, walking with you towards the meadow. “So, how much farther to the meadow?”

“Not much.” You simply told him, spotting the vast green sprawling meadow and the large oak tree in the distance. Pointing it out, you said, “See, it's right over there.”

Gesturing to the meadow and tree up ahead, Coryo chuckled, “It's still quite a walk in this heat to get there.”

“The heat won't really start calming down for another month or so, but sometimes there's an Indian Summer.”

Having never heard of that term while living in the Capitol, he asked, “What’s that, darling?”

“An Indian Summer’s when it's unusually hot in late November, feeling like summer during late autumn.” You explained, causing the peacekeeper to nod.

“I hope District 12 doesn't get that this year.” Coryo grumbled, shuddering at the thought of breakthrough summer weather during late autumn. Ugh, he hates the climate of 12. He prefers the crispness of the Capitol; he's sure that you will too once he gets you there.

And mark his words, he's getting you there. No matter what it takes, Coriolanus is going home to the Capitol with you hanging on his arm.

“You and me both.” You told your new man, electing giggles and chuckles from the two of you. “You know, I still can't believe that I'm your girl.'' You admitted to the platinum peacekeeper when silence settled between you.

“Why not, Y/N? What's so hard to believe?” He asked, pulling you to a stop; tipping your chin up gently so that you'd look at him.

Coryo's crystal blue eyes bore into yours as you admitted, “I dunno, Coryo. I just wasn't expecting you to like me like that’s all.”

“Actually, darling, I don't like you. I love you.” Your peacekeeper confesses with a Cheshire cat grin.

He loves you? But you haven't known him for that long. And, yes, he's sweet and makes you smile- is handsome too, but you're not there yet when it comes to being in love.

“You love me?...” You trailed off in disbelief, your eyes wide as you stare up at him.

Coryo gently cups your cheeks in his hands, while confessing his undying love *cough* obsession *cough* for you. “Y/N, my sweet darling girl, I just knew it was love at first sight when we smiled at each other. That we're meant to be; I’ll show you my love and devotion every chance I get, my little dove.”

You felt a bit overwhelmed by his sudden love confession. You weren't expecting it. You know that Rein and Ashlie aren't going to be so accepting of your relationship with Coryo; that they'll flip if they hear him say that he loves you.

“You don't have to be shy, darling. You can tell me that you love me too.” Coryo sweetly smiled, tenderly swiping his thumbs along your cheekbones.

Coryo looked so hopeful, like a puppy that was excited to see their new owner, and you didn't want to ruin that by telling him you didn't know how to feel. That you weren't in love with him, yet.

Coryo was a nice guy; a good friend that went out of his way to protect you and keep you safe when you first met him. He was concerned about your safety walking alone in the district and he also had no family nearby. He seems easy to get along with.

Maybe you're just nervous because you've never had a boyfriend before?

“I've never told anyone that wasn't family I love you before, Coryo.” You confessed, hoping that would get you off the hook.

Actually, your family rarely exchanges those sentimental words. Life’s harsh in the districts, sentiments aren't viewed as important by your brother: survival is.

“I told you, Y/N, my darling, that you don't have to be shy with me when it comes to such things.” The platinum blonde boy told you, his baby blues shining brightly with obsession- although to you it seemed like adoration. He tilted his head slightly, only to ask in a too sweet tone, “You do love me, don't you, baby?”

You just couldn't say no to him. It'd crush him. Coryo seems so vulnerable right now. You couldn't be the reason that his bright cerulean eyes turned dull. So, you nod and tell him, “Yes, I love you.”

If only you knew how damning uttering those 3 little words would be.

Coryo was a bit unhinged; by telling him that you loved him back you had literally just tethered your soul to him. In this messed up, delusional, touch starved, admiration craving, power hungry, obsessive mind he truly thought that the two of you had some love at first smile bullshit. Coriolanus was desperate for somebody to love him, to be gentle, soothing, comforting, and just unconditionally kind to him, since he's never had that.

To Coryo love is to possess, to obsess, and to own somebody. He over thinks so, of course, he over ‘loves’. But, the thing is, the platinum blonde peacekeeper's so twisted that he doesn't even know what real love is, despite being shown it by his cousin, Tigris. Of course he’s sweet and soft to the object of his affection, it's only natural to be. Plus, if he was mean he wouldn't get the love he craves back, now would he?

Coryo pressed his forehead against yours, feeling like everything was right with the world since you vocalized your love for him. He knew how you felt, but hearing you say it was like heaven on earth. Oh, how he can't wait to ‘make love to you’ err fuck you nicely, to show you the depths of his feelings.

He decided that tonight, after spending some time at the Hobb, he'll have you.

“I'll show you just how much I love you tonight.” Coryo vowed before capturing your lips in a kiss.

Unknown to you and Coryo, Lucy Gray was under the tree in the far off meadow; watching what she assumed was lovers sharing secrets. Seeing Coriolanus twisting you around his finger made her heartsick. She couldn't stick around and wait for the two of you to join her under the meadow’s oak tree.

So, she slung her guitar over her back and took off towards the woods for a quick hike. The songbird was just walking to clear her head; give you and Coryo some time to defile her meadow, her safe space, before having to go to the Hobb and get ready for her show with the Covey tonight.

A show that she hopes you're not bringing Coriolanus Snow to.

“It's beautiful out here.” Coryo told you, leaning against the oak tree while you nestled between his legs with your back resting against his chest. “But not half as beautiful as you.” He whispered, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

The word beautiful to describe you is an understatement in Coriolanus' mindset. To him, you're the most precious thing in his life. Your kindness and friendly demeanor makes you shine like a diamond in his eyes.

He's never met anyone quite like you before. Back in the Capitol girls are very superficial and shallow. They're caked in makeup, sprayed in artificial scents, and squeezed into the latest fashions- may that be corsets, velvetene jumpsuits, silk dresses, or sky-high heels. But not you.

No.

You're genuine, bright, and vibrant in a world full of misery and falsehoods. You're a ray of sunshine in his life. You, in a way, remind him of his mother. From what little Coriolanus can remember of his mother, Demeter, he remembers how gentle and kind she was. How she always smelled of roses, how she was such a caring person; loved him unconditionally.

Yes, you remind him so much of his late mother. No wonder he loves you so much.

Looking up at the man whose arms were wrapped around your waist, you smiled, “And you're a very pretty boy.”

Coryo bent his head down and pressed a kiss to the tip of your nose. “Then, I suppose, we make quite the pair. A beautiful girl and a pretty boy.”

Sighing, you told him the harsh reality of, “Rein and Ashlie aren't going to like us being quite the pair, Coryo.”

Shaking his head, Coryo scoffed, “I don't care what they like or don't like, Y/N. You're my girl, so they need to accept that.”

“What if they never accept you?” You asked, hoping that he wouldn't make you choose between him and your family.

Little did you know that he wouldn't make you choose in that traditional sense. No, he'll make you think that he's supportive; paint your family out as the ones that can't get along with him. And when your family gives you an ultimatum, Coriolanus will be the one telling you that he's the only one that truly loves you; that'll always take care of you.

“Let's just hope that they do, darling.” Coriolanus said, taking one of your hands in his; linking your fingers together. “I love you and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Of course you're not going anywhere, you're stuck here for 20 years.” You reminded Coryo of the conditions of his peacekeeper duties.

Coriolanus prays to gods, he doesn't even believe in, that he won't be stuck in District 12 for the next 20 years. Honestly, to him that'd be a fucking living hell. The only thing he likes about the muddy, depressing, coal district is you and the meadow. Other than that, the district could burn for all he cares.

Your house was empty when you and Coriolanus returned from the meadow. Rein and Ashlie had gone to the Hobb earlier than they needed to. Neither you nor Coryo brought it up, you both know they're avoiding him. No need to talk about it.

“I know it's not much, but this is my room.” You told Coryo, opening up your bedroom door and leading him inside.

Setting his bag down on the floor, he gave you a thin smile. “It's nice, Y/N.” His baby blues took in the simplicity of the room, only to say, “Looks like the bed might be a tight squeeze tho, darling.”

Coriolanus made a mental note to buy you a full size bed when he gets you your own apartment, closer to the barracks. And he's going to get you your own place. In fact, he'll be looking into it come Monday.

Your eyes widened. You didn't think too much of Coriolanus staying at your house for his weekend leave, but now you're realizing that he's expecting you to share a bed with him- being a couple and all. You feel like it's all very sudden; maybe too much too soon.

“I've never shared my bed with a boyfriend before, Coryo.” You admitted as the two of you went over to your bed.

Sitting down, he smugly remarked, “Of course you haven't, baby. I'm the only boyfriend you've ever had.”

The platinum blonde’s proud that you'll only know him as a lover. He honestly can't wait to claim you tonight.

And talk about tonight…

“How long do we have before we need to meet up with Rein and Ashlie at the Hobb?”

“I dunno. Few hours, maybe.” You shrugged.

“Ah.” Coryo simply nodded.

“I made a wild berry pie earlier, we could have a slice to kill some time.” You offered, figuring that Coryo might be hungry.

“I'd like that.” Coriolanus smiled. “How about you go slice us up some pie while I change into my denim fatigues, yea?” He suggested, causing you to just nod in agreement before leaving him alone in your room to change.

So, while you busied yourself with pulling the berry pie off the windowsill and slicing it, Coryo was getting changed. You'd just finished placing your plates and silverware on the wooden table whenever you heard the heavy bootsteps of your boyfriend coming from down the hall. As you grabbed the small bottle of cream, courtesy of your neighbor Tam Amber's goat, you heard Coryo enter the kitchen.

“The last time I had pie was before being sent here; my friend Sejanus' Ma gave me a slice when I was visiting their apartment.” Coryo told you, his baritone full of nostalgia, as he walked up to the table and took a seat.

“What kind of pie was it?” You asked, sitting next to him at the table.

“Blueberry; Ma Plinth put a scoop of ice cream on it too.” He answered, reaching for the bottle of cream set between your pie plates. Pouring some cream onto his pie, he said, “She sends Sej treats; he shares them with me and our squad.” Gesturing to your pie with the glass bottle in his hand, he asked, “Cream?”

Figuring that he was offering to pour some cream onto your pie, you nodded, “Yes, please.”

“Do you bake often?” He asked, pouring some cream on your pie.

“We can't afford baked goods from the Mellark bakery, so I have to bake pies for us.” You honestly told Coryo as the two of you began to eat your berry pie.

It was true, living in the Seam meant that you're so poor that it's a miracle your family has electricity. Hell, your family doesn't have hot water or a bathtub/shower in the bathroom. The bathtub's an old tin tub. You're lucky your shack house has plumbing for a toilet and a kitchen sink.

You live at the end of the line of the Seam; it's considered the poorest place in District 12. And here you are, sitting at your modest kitchen table sharing a pie you baked with a Capitol born and bred peacekeeper. You couldn't help, but start to feel a bit embarrassed at how poor you were compared to the platinum blonde boy sitting next to you.

If only you knew how Coriolanus grew up in a crumbling penthouse without a pot to piss in, eating watery cabbage soup and congealed potatoes for every meal. Then maybe you wouldn't feel so inferior.

Hearing you tell him that you can't afford to buy anything from the bakery breaks Coryo's heart. It also makes him feel for you in a way he's never felt for anyone before- ever in his life. Yes, what he feels for you is empathy.

Which is a feat in and of itself since Coriolanus Snow is not a naturally empathetic man.

“How ‘bout we go to the bakery tomorrow; I'll get you anything you want.” Coryo suggested, his tone saccharine as the corners of his mouth turned up into a slight smile.

The idea of going to the bakery to get something excited you. You've never been able to do that before because you've never had the money to. But now Coryo’s in your life and wants to treat you to something from the Mellark Bakery.

Just the thought of it puts a smile on your face.

“I’d like that.” You told Coryo before taking another bite of pie.

The two of you fell into a comfortable silence while eating pie together. It felt nice, just spending time with him. If only you knew that he'd be making sure that he's the only one you ever spend any of your time with, ever again.

It was dusk whenever you and Coryo emerged from your house to go to the Hobb. He kept a protective arm wrapped around you while walking to your destination. You got a few judgemental or dismayed looks from people wandering around- mostly headed to the same place you are.

The Hobb.

“So, is the Hobb a bar or a nightclub?” Coriolanus asked as street lamps started to appear, signaling that the two of you are entering the Merchant Sector of the district.

Coriolanus knew that Lucy Gray and her Covey performed shows at the Hobb, but other than that he didn't know much about the place. He wondered if it was something like Pluribus’ nightclub. Or maybe it's smaller, more plain since it's in 12 after all.

“No.” You shook your head. “It’s an old abandoned coal warehouse that's been turned into a large black market and dance hall. In the very back there's a wooden stage made of crates that my neighbors perform on; there's also a makeshift bar that separates the market part of the Hobb from the dance hall part.”

“Lucy Gray's your neighbor?” Coryo asked, his baritone full of anger and resentment, as you walked along the cobblestone streets of the nicer part of the district. “I hope you're not friends with the little songbird.” He said very condescendingly.

“Of course I'm friendly with her. Why wouldn't I be?” You told him, only for your brows to knit curiously. Looking up at the platinum blonde, whose buzzcut brightly glows like a halo due to the streetlights, you ask, “Have you heard about her?”

“No, I had the unpleasant experience of meeting the manipulative little bird-boned girl myself in the Capitol.” Coryo spat out, as if the words were sour on his tongue. The peacekeeper wouldn't leave it be. No, instead he went on a rant of, “She's no victor, just a manipulative whore living off her charms while I'm forced to serve here. If it wasn't for me getting her out of that arena and back to her Covey, she'd be dead in a den of rainbow snakes.”

Oh no…The lightbulb went off and suddenly, you figured out that Lucy Gray batted her eyes at him and he wooed over her; causing him to cheat to ensure she became the victor. You don't have a tv, so you don't know what happened, other than Lucy Gray saying that she had to sing for her life and use her snake charming skills at the end. But now you're pretty sure that Coryo cheated; somehow got her scent aka pheromones to the snakes to make her a friendly familiar to them.

You didn't like snakes, but you knew enough about them from what you read in your apothecary book. So you know that your boyfriend had to get your neighbor’s scent into their cage or something before the snakes were dumped into the arena. Dens and pits of snakes will attack strange scents; especially when they feel endangered or threatened.

And now you know why Coryo looks at you like a puppy. He literally has no one, but his friend from home, because he was drafted into Peacekeeper service as punishment for cheating: for rigging the games for Lucy Gray's survival.

“You dropped something of hers into the snakes’ cage, to get them familiar with her pheromones.” You stated, not asked, in a whisper as you spotted the arch up ahead that marked the end of the Merchant Sector and the entrance to the warehouse and coal headquarters.

Coriolanus looked down at you, a proud, but slick smirk on his face. Your background in apothecary aided you in your aha moment about how he cheated. Of course you're smart, you're his girl. His other half. Only his girl would be intelligent enough to put the puzzle pieces together about what he did without having to see the physical evidence.

You're smarter than those fake twists back in the Capitol. Kinder and more beautiful too.

Oh, how he's blessed to have you by his side. He wonders if this is how his father felt when he met his mother? His father was gone a lot, ironically General Crassus Snow was the Commander here in 12 and refused to have his wife and son live in such squalor; would take leave to make family visits, so he doesn't remember much about him. But he does remember how his father's cold icy eyes would lighten up slightly when his mother was by his side; how his deep, stern voice would soften by a slight octave while talking to her.

Yes, the way Coryo feels about you has to be the same way his father felt about his mother. It just has to be; nobody can tell him otherwise.

Coriolanus knew that he couldn't tell you the exact truth of what happened to land him here in 12 as a Peacekeeper, but he also knew that the best lies were actually twisted half truths.

So, he spun you the half-assed truth of, “As my Academy graduation project I was assigned to be her mentor in the games. During one of our strategy meetings, she cried and I wiped her tears with my handkerchief; then when I learned the snakes would be unleashed in the arena, I placed the handkerchief in the terrarium.”

“You got caught when the cleanup crew found the hankie on the floor because it had your name or initials on it, right?” You concluded as the two of you walked under the arch; entering the area the Hobb was in.

“Yes.” Coriolanus nodded. It's just his dumb luck that he has the same initials as his late father; that he had to use his father's old handkerchiefs because, despite being talented with a needle, Tigris couldn't afford to make him shirts and handkerchiefs- the material has to be used sparingly and wisely.

“Then Dean High-as-a-kite-bottom sent me here as punishment.” Your boyfriend hatefully hissed, sounding like a snake about to strike its enemy.

You wanted to ask why he called his dean what he did, but you never got the chance.

Turning to you with disapproval blazing in his baby blues, he ordered, “I don't want you hanging around Lucy Gray or the Covey anymore. She's no good, Y/N.”

“But, Coryo-” You started to object, only to be roughly cut off by Coryo's bitter snap of, “A girl like her, a lying, manipulative whore that sings on live Capitol TV about living off her charms; whoring herself out, while her ex runs off with the Mayor's daughter, isn't somebody I want my girl to be around.”

Dragging you towards the warehouse people were flocking to, Coriolanus seethed in a sickeningly sweet baritone, “If I say you can't talk to somebody then you better listen cause I love you; just wanna keep you safe.”

Not wanting to ruin the night, which was meant to be a good time dancing with Coryo at the Hobb, you nod and squeak out, “Okay.”

Coriolanus feels that the Hobb's a crowded, dirty, dingy, smoke infested, shithole of a dive bar. Hell, calling it a bar's a bit much since the place’s a warehouse turned into a bar with dancing and live music- courtesy of Lucy Gray and the Covey. Being in a tin building meant that the clanking of boots on the wooden dance floor loudly echoed into the air, bouncing around in the platinum blonde peacekeeper's head like a pinball.

He didn't like it one bit. He'd rather be back home in the Capitol at a proper nightclub. Oh, he makes a mental note to take you to a posh nightclub when he takes you back to the Capitol with him- when the time comes. And hopefully it comes soon because he doesn't know how much longer he can handle living out in the districts like some filthy scumbag peasant.

The excited smile on your face makes him crack a smile. Despite the Hobb being a shithole, being out with him made you happy. You're proud to be seen with him, so he decides to stop getting lost in his head and just enjoy the night with you.

A night that's going to be full of drinking, dancing, and fucking.

The fucking will be after he takes you home, but he's sure that you'll enjoy that too.

As he guides you down some rickety steps that are so rusted he's afraid they'll buckle under his weight let alone yours, in order to get to the main dance floor of the Hobb, Lucy Gray spots you. She nearly fumbles her song at the sight of Coriolanus’ large hand in yours, your fingers laced together, as he leads you downstairs to the dance floor. The look in his eyes unnerves her. His crystal blue eyes seem dark, sinister almost, with an unchecked emotion.

One that Lucy Gray's only seen gleaming in not so nice men.

She continues to sing, watching as Coriolanus spots somebody seated at the tables against the wall. Her worried brown eyes follow you as Coriolanus leads you over to where a big-boned young man with a dark buzzcut and a baby face was sitting. His fellow peacekeeper rose from the table, only to clasped Coriolanus on the shoulder before giving you a friendly hug. The small he gave you and Coriolanus was warm and genuine.

Lucy Gray just hopes that Coriolanus' friend can keep you safe from the cold blooded snake. Because any young man that can lead on a girl, who's afraid to die, and convince her that he cares so she'll stay alive to win him a prize is a man that'll do and say anything to get what he wants.

You're her neighbor and friend; she'd hate for something to happen to you because of Coriolanus.

“Thank you, thank you, everyone!” Maude Ivory called out to the crowd as soon as her cousin finished her song. “This next song, well, you all know it; it's a good’un to do some two-steppin’ dancing, to.” The blonde tween cheerfully announced, stomping her feet. “So, 12, let's have a good ol' time tonight! Let's have it for Lucy Gray Baird and the Covey!” Maude Ivory shouted, causing the rest of the members of the Covey to appear on stage with their instruments in hand.

“Sej, can you get us some drinks? I'm gonna dance with my girl.” Coryo told his friend, who reminded you of a big teddy bear, before dragging you off to the dance floor.

Sejanus didn't even get a chance to blink let alone give his best friend an answer. But, seeing him spinning you around on that dance floor with a look of love in his usually hard eyes and a bona fide smile on his face made it hard for Sejanus to be annoyed with his friend. Without giving it a second thought, he left the table to go grab some jars of moonshine for you and Coryo.

Leaning against the bar was your brother, Rein. He was nursing his umpteenth jar of shine for the day while Ashlie, his girlfriend, worked the bar. He spotted you on the dance floor with Coryo, smiling and giggling as he spun you around with his fancy Capitol moves. Showing off like some big fucking hot shot.

Rein just shook his head and tipped back his jar. He wasn't drunk enough to watch you fall victim to some peacekeeper's affections and advances.

But you know what they say:

Like mother, like daughter.

Tags: @kuroosbby001 @purriteen @poppyflower-22 @meetmeatyourworst @whipwhoops @bxtchopolis @readingthingsonhere @savagenctzen @ryswritingrecord @erikasurfer @tulips2715 @universal-s1ut @thesmutconnoisseur @squidscottjeans @sudek4l @wearemadeofstardust0 @mashiromochi @gracieroxzy @belcalis9503 @shari-berri @aoi-targaryen @whiteoakoak @spear-bearing-bi-witch @gisellesprettylies @loverandqueenofdragons @qoopeeya @mfnqueen1 @permanentlyexhaustedpigeon88 @v-love @swiftieblyth @joyfulyouthlover @nowitsmissing @edb954 @astarborntowrite @devils-blackrose @gentle-aesthetic-bby @elizabeth-nobennet @harvey-malfoy @hannahrachel

[scribz-ag24]

Had to doodle this at 2am because @emeraldtimethief put ideas in my head about this 2 meters tall ghost going into guard dog mode while Grovyle tries to sleep away a decade worth of unhealthy (and stupid) shit.

Also if you wonder why the lizard's looking so miserable... well...

I think that's just how he do, yknow?? (or maybe nightmares from a lifetime of surviva-)