#thanks for the shout out raz

[gelatinous-globster]

🤭🤭🤭

[shiningwonderland]

Ren Jinguji (Repeat)

Translator: Nadie (Twitter: NmoniaG)

Proofreader: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

Editor: Snail (Twitter: herbert_snail)

QA: Rei (Twitter: wolfe_raine)

True Love End - With a Cantabile Kiss

Such a grand and magnificent voice. His technique was endlessly mesmerizing to everyone who listens.

Jinguji-san pushed the senses he was born with to the maximum. It was his greatest performance yet.

He had perfected not only the song but also every single move he made.

He had fully grasped how the audience saw and heard him and made his moves accordingly.

Even without seeing his movements, his voice alone was enough to feel the expression in his singing.

Each word was so clear that it went straight to the heart.

He made everyone here realize that once a prodigy like him puts effort into something, they're unbeatable.

Jinguji-san, you kept your promise to me.

"No matter what I have to sacrifice, I'll become a professional." You made me realize the weight of those words.

Before he went on stage, he told me that I'll understand when I hear the song.

After hearing his song, I understand that he used all his power to make my dream of debuting together come true.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Female Student A: Amazing... Not only was he cool and kind, but he's also such a talented person... I've never seen Ren-kun so passionate.

Male Student A: That was really awesome! There's no way anyone could beat him. Even if you scoured the globe, I doubt you could find anyone who could beat his voice.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Ren... you... I see now that this is a great song. I understand why you were so confident in it. You are an even more wonderful singer than our mother.

After the song ends, Jinguji-san bows deeply to the audience, then winks and throws them a kiss.

"WAAAH—!"

Almost every woman screams at the top of their lungs.

Jinguji-san makes his way to the edge of the stage, smiling at the shouts of joy as he goes.

Soon all the contestants had their turn, so now all we have to do is wait for the result.

The winner of the graduation audition will be determined by the votes of the audience and the nine judges, which include the principal.

Each of the nine judges can award up to ten points for a performance.

The audience votes for their favorite performance. First place with the most votes gets ten points, second place nine, and so on up to tenth place.

The winners will be the ones who have the most points from the two voting systems combined. They will be hired by the Shining Agency as a new idol and can take the next step towards becoming a top idol.

Students who don't win but score at least 85 points can still be hired by the Shining Agency.

There are also agents from other agencies watching the graduation audition…

Even if you don't get a chance to join the Shining Agency, you might still get scouted by other agencies.

If that's true, then that's good to know.

But it's different for me now. If I don't win, I can't become a professional.

Jinguji-san's singing and performance were perfect.

But the composition was made by me... I wonder if it could make full use of Jinguji-san's true strength...

The more amazing Jinguji-san becomes, the more anxious I get.

Ryuya Hyuga: The winner of this year's graduation audition is… Ren Jinguji!

An astonishing amount of cheering and applause erupts from the audience. And it is all directed at Jinguji-san.

Ryuya Hyuga: Here is your trophy. You imbued that song with your signature charm, complete with a stellar performance.

Ren Jinguji: Well, it's just that easy if I really try.

Ryuya Hyuga: Really, you... Well, you're not wrong. Honestly, you should have just done that from the beginning.

Ren Jinguji: That's different. It's the song that let me go all the way. It brought out my real strength, no, even more of my appeal.

Ryuya Hyuga: That so? In that case, you won this time because of the song.

Ren Jinguji: —And let's not forget the girls at the venue who cheered me on... Thank you… It's all thanks to everyone's support.

And with that, Jinguji-san lifts the trophy up high and winks at the audience.

This results in more shrill cheering.

Shining Saotome: You have secured such a large number of fans even before you made your debut? I expected nothing less!

Ren Jinguji: Well, it's more that the ladies can't get enough of me. But... there are more important things than that... Right?

Jinguji-san turns his attention to me while I'm still in the wing of the stage and flashes me a broad smile. My heartbeat quickens just by our eyes meeting.

When I heard this song earlier, I felt this overflowing love. I felt like I couldn't hold back those feelings anymore.

Although I had decided for us to remain partners as idol and composer...

I might accidentally tell him I love him again if I met him now.

I didn't know what to do, so I escaped from the wing of the stage without saying a word to Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: …!

Our gazes only met for a moment, but as I was turning, I saw his eyes widen in surprise. He was about to say something.

Unable to stop, I leave this place behind.

I hurry away without a word, but it is for the best.

I can't possibly cause him more trouble after he has worked so hard, and I don't want to disappoint him.

But… I love him… I love him so much…

I can't stop these feelings, so it's better if we don't meet for now...

The door opens with a clatter and Jinguji-san bursts into the classroom.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san!!

He must have been in a hurry. His shoulders heave with his ragged breathing.

Ren Jinguji: There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you, Lady. My goodness, why did you disappear so suddenly... Hah, hah...

Ren Jinguji: Did my song… not reach your heart?

Haruka Nanami: That's impossible! It clearly reached my heart!

Haruka Nanami: Your feelings about your desire to become a professional reached me to a painful degree. That's why I want to continue working with you...

Haruka Nanami: As your partner, I'll try not to cause you any trouble. So please let me stay with you!

… That… should be enough…

My love for him will only burden him. So this is enough.

Jinguji-san responds to my words by pushing his hair up with a troubled expression on his face.

Ren Jinguji: You're wrong... That's not what I was trying to convey... Besides, if that was the case, why did you run away?

Haruka Nanami: Ah, um... I'm sorry... I... got scared...

Haruka Nanami: I didn't know what to do... Listening to your song made my love for you overflow, I couldn't hold it back...

Ren Jinguji: …

Haruka Nanami: I have to organize my feelings.

Ren Jinguji: …

Haruka Nanami: With that in mind… I…

Ren Jinguji: …

Haruka Nanami: …

Ren Jinguji: … You were… scared? That should be my line.

Haruka Nanami: What…?

Ren Jinguji: … I was also scared… this whole time…

He was scared? Him?

Why…? I look intently at Jinguji-san's face.

Ren Jinguji: …

Haruka Nanami: …

Ren Jinguji: …

But he remains with a troubled expression on his face, looks as if he wants to say something, and then bites his lip hard.

Could it be because I said the word "love" again?

Could he be thinking of ending our partnership right now?

He has already told me that he is going to pretend that he did not hear it.

As professionals, our relationship should stay as composer and idol.

Just because I was irresponsible and confessed again... He must be completely fed up with me by now...

Haruka Nanami: … I'm sorry...

Unconsciously, my tears overflow.

Ren Jinguji: Why are you apologizing? There's nothing to apologize for. You're the one person I never want to make cry, and yet how did it end up this way…?

Ren Jinguji: —! … Despite loving you so much.

He mutters softly in a trembling voice, his fist slightly shaking.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…? What did you just say…?

I think I misheard. This cannot be true.

Ren Jinguji: It's so strange... I've whispered words of love so many times, and yet... When I'm in front of the person I really care about, I can't say a single decent line.

He hugs me, squeezing me tightly.

Ren Jinguji: … Haruka… I love you…

Ren Jinguji: It's hopeless, I can't think of any other words than these. But I was always so afraid... I was afraid you'd break if I touched you...

Ren Jinguji: I have never really loved someone like this. I didn't have the confidence to cherish anyone either.

Ren Jinguji: I never realized I was such a cowardly human being. The more I loved you, the more I was afraid of losing you... to the point where I couldn't touch you.

Jinguji-san…? A coward…?

Ren Jinguji: I wanted to treat you kindly, but I couldn't control these feelings well, so I ended up hurting you with my insincere attitude and words. All of this in spite of the fact that I love you very much.

Ren Jinguji: I was irritated because I was forcibly suppressing those emotions, and sometimes I even lashed out at you. Despite that, you were always kind and honest with me.

Ren Jinguji: Since I'm saying this all of a sudden, you may not believe me. But I'm going to say it as many times as it takes until you do. I'm in love with you and I cherish you very much.

Haruka Nanami: …!

Ren Jinguji: I've been in love with you ever since that day in August when you composed a song just for me. I love you so much, I’m losing my mind.

Ren Jinguji: No matter what, I wanted your dream to come true, I wanted you to become a composer. Helping you achieve this dream was my only expression of love...

Ren Jinguji: I misunderstood you, spun my wheels, and hurt you over and over again. I felt like I was being torn to pieces when I pushed you away while you were lost, hurting and barely holding on.

Ren Jinguji: Back then, however, I thought this was for the best. Because I know that spoiling people meaninglessly can make them useless so easily.

He did that… for me?

Ren Jinguji: Out of all people I didn't want you to become like that. I knew you could have collapsed under the circumstances, but I tried desperately to suppress the urge to hug you.

Ren Jinguji: I forced myself to act cold to you. But in reality, all I wanted was to embrace you, kiss you and let you cry as much as you want in my arms...

Ren Jinguji: I was depressed because I thought you hated me. I comforted myself by telling myself that as long as the results were good, I'd be okay. Now that your dream has come true, I can no longer hide my feelings.

Ren Jinguji: I love you. I can love no one but you. I love you so, so much that it's unbearable! I love you… I love you with all my heart.

He hugs me so tightly and whispers "I love you" in my ear over and over again.

Haruka Nanami: There are times when one song can convey a message better than a thousand words.

I lift my head and look into Jinguji-san's eyes.

Ren Jinguji: Huh…?

Haruka Nanami: Since the moment I heard your song I knew it. You conveyed it to me. But I was simply too scared to admit it…

Haruka Nanami: But what if I misunderstood? I didn't want to be shocked and gave up before believing it. I ran away, but now I don't doubt it anymore.

I understand without a doubt that he loves me deeply.

Ren Jinguji: Am I really enough? Are you really fine with me?

Haruka Nanami: … Yes.

I nod my head deeply.

A smile spreads over his whole face and he hugs me tightly once more.

Ren Jinguji: Thank you, Lady. I will definitely... make you happy.

He mumbles in a husky voice. His hand trembles as he gently combs through my hair.

Ren Jinguji: I love you... I love you, Haruka. So much, it's suffocating... Sorry, I can't hold back anymore...

After giving me a peck-like kiss, he smiles oh-so-softly for just a split second before leaning in for another one, longer and more passionate this time.

Haruka Nanami: … Nh…

We felt each other for what seemed like an eternity before slowly parting our lips.

And then we strongly and tightly embraced each other.

Ren Jinguji: I've… lost my composure. I'm so lame... But I like you so much that even my composure dissolves.

We look at each other and then kiss again. Then we stare intently at each other once again.

Ren Jinguji: Nh… Huff. Lady… We'll be together forever now. I won't let you go until the day I die. I'll never let you go...

Jinguji-san whispers into my ear.

And, at that moment.

Shining Saotome: Thanks, I've heard every last word!

The principal comes breaking through the ceiling of the classroom.

Haruka Nanami: What?! P-Principal!!!

Ren Jinguji: Boss… The mood was so good just now. Did you come here to interrupt us?

The moment Jinguji-san saw the principal's face, he returned to his usual composure.

Shining Saotome: YES, that's riiight! Canoodling in the classroom is a big Non Non Non!

Ren Jinguji: Excuse me, at least say that we were having a passionate moment.

Jinguji-san suddenly flashes a calm smile.

Haruka Nanami: J-Jinguji-san, you can't say that!

Ren Jinguji: It's okay, Lady. We can't hide anything from the boss, so there's no need to keep up appearances. Besides, no matter what anyone tells me, I'm not going to stop loving you.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san…

Shining Saotome: Ignoring me and creating this rosy atmosphere is also a Non Non Non!

Haruka Nanami: Oh, s-sorry…

Ren Jinguji: So? What do you want to do? Expel us? Or maybe withdraw our victory? 

Jinguji-san asks, to which the principal sinks into deep thought with a "Hm."

Shining Saotome: … To do so now would only mean that society would look at ME with cold eyes...

Shining Saotome: That song was already exposed to the public. In addition, it was decided that this song would become a commercial song as soon as it won.

Shining Saotome: Things kept changing because of me, so I can't go back on my words. This song will be played on all the TV stations like crazy.

Shining Saotome: You guys will become the center of attention. You will be so famous that I can't fire you just because you love each other.

Ren Jinguji: Hmph. I was expecting you to say that, Boss.

Shining Saotome: But to think that you, someone who was raised without knowing love, got to find it here at my academy… Fate is an interesting thing.

Shining Saotome: Normally, I would pull you apart, even if it's by force... However, I believe you will grow stronger by loving each other.

Shining Saotome: Besides, your love can't be stopped even if I were to try. Looks like you two have already overcome quite a few obstacles.

The principal suddenly flashes a kind smile and looks at me.

Shining Saotome: I'm sure you'll be able to handle idol-work and "love" well at the same time.

Ren Jinguji: Naturally!

Jinguji-san's smile is brimming with confidence.

Shining Saotome: …"Naturally," you say? There you have it. Then let me see with my own eyes the future you are heading for.

Shining Saotome: I'm going to make a special exception for you just this once. BUT! Make sure the people around you don't find out!

Ren Jinguji: O.K., Boss. I'll show you my flawless acting.

Shining Saotome: I have high expectations for you!

And like that, the principal leaves the classroom.

Ren Jinguji: We should also get going. I can't pledge my love to you here properly.

Jinguji-san softly pulls me closer by my shoulder and starts walking.

Seiichiro Jinguji: There you were, Ren. You weren't in your room, so I looked everywhere for you.

Now Jinguji-san's big brother has appeared.

Ren Jinguji: What did you come here for?

Seiichiro Jinguji: I went to see Saotome earlier. Technically, I'm still your guardian, so I came to affix my seal on the letter of consent.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Starting tomorrow, you'll be a full-fledged member of the Shining Agency. Isn't that great?

Ren Jinguji: Thanks, I guess.

Seiichiro Jinguji: It was a great song. You shone so brightly. You seemed so bored of your life until now, but I'm glad you've finally found something important to you.

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, singing… and the love of my life.

Jinguji-san glances at me fleetingly.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I see... That's great to hear.

Ren Jinguji: Great to hear...? Do you really think so? It could be the source of a scandal.

He wrinkles his face, looking unconvinced.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I know you'll be fine. And if you love her, then I'm sure you won't try to expose her to the inane mass media.

Seiichiro Jinguji: And to be honest, I'm relieved. I wasn't sure if you could really love someone since you never received parental love.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Looks like that worry was unnecessary. Your eyes... they’re kinder now. That's why you're going to be okay now.

He flashes a kind smile. It's a smile that looks a lot like Jinguji-san's.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Besides, that person is no longer here. He had us at his mercy for too long. You’re free now.

Ren Jinguji: Free…? Brother, what are you talking about—

Seiichiro Jinguji: Well, I'm the heir, so I have to inherit the conglomerate. But you can live your life however you want, Ren...

Seiichiro Jinguji: I won't let anyone complain as long as I'm the head of the conglomerate.

Ren Jinguji: Brother... I always thought you hated me. I thought you hated me just like Daddy did...

Jinguji-san mutters in a dumbfounded tone.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I could never hate you. You are my precious little brother.

Seiichiro Jinguji: It’s true, we haven't had a conversation like this for a long time. Our age difference is quite big, and it seems that we have neglected to try to understand each other.

Seiichiro Jinguji: And... I'm sorry, I couldn't protect you because I couldn't stand up to our father. I'll make sure to protect you from now on.

Ren Jinguji: No need. From now on, I'll start a new life with my lady. So I don't need your help.

Jinguji-san tightly grasps my hand.

Ren Jinguji: It's enough for you to watch over me, brother. I'll go my own way without losing my way. So don't worry.

Seiichiro Jinguji: You have grown up, Ren. That must be thanks to you, Nanami-san. Looks like I'm in the way here, so I'll leave now... I wish you every happiness.

Haruka Nanami: Your big brother was a nice person after all. He really cares for you, Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: Seems like it… He was always next to me, but I was so busy thinking about myself that I never noticed his real feelings. Looks like I've still got a lot to learn.

Ren Jinguji: I did not notice his affection when we were close. I notice it now at a time when we are separated. There was nothing I could give back to him...

Haruka Nanami: That’s fine! You can just focus on restoring your bond, one day at a time!

Haruka Nanami: We can work hard and help revive your brother's company together!

Haruka Nanami: For you and your brother, this would be like a collaboration!

Haruka Nanami: There are so many things we could do! …Oh, we should make a song first! —!! I just got inspiration for one phrase!

Haruka Nanami: I have to write it down… Um, where is my notebook…

Ren Jinguji: Here are your music sheets. You always work so hard. Not just for yourself, but for others as well. That's one of the reasons why I fell in love with you.

Jinguji-san hands me blank music sheets and a mechanical pencil.

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you very much! Um…

Ren Jinguji: You really are such a music lover... But... That's why you shine the brightest when you compose.

He whispers into my ear and gently pats my head.

Jinguji-san stays by my side and watches me tenderly until I've finished writing the composition.

Ren Jinguji: Ohhh… This is good. This song is just your style, it's nice.

Jinguji-san smiles happily at the finished sheet music.

Ren Jinguji: Oh, that's right. Lady, do you have some time later? I want you to spend some time with me.

Haruka Nanami: Of course!!

Haruka Nanami: U-um… Is it really okay for me to be here?

At Jinguji-san's insistence, I went to the boys' dormitory and to Jinguji-san's room.

Ren Jinguji: We're going to be saying goodbye to this place soon, so I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to make some memories while we still can.

He pulls me closer by my shoulder and kisses me on my cheek.

Haruka Nanami: Memories…?

What? What kind of memories?

He hugs me tightly from behind and whispers into my ear.

His breath tickles my ear and my body shudders instinctively.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… This is also Hijirikawa-sama's room... Won't it bother him if he comes back and I'm here...?

Ren Jinguji: Don't worry, he won't be back today. He'll be eating somewhere else with his father and little sister, since they've come to visit.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… I see…

Ren Jinguji: So... yeah. You get it, right? I can't contain myself anymore.

Jinguji-san puts his palm on mine and intertwines our fingers.

The heat I feel through our firmly joined hands reaches deep into my heart.

Ren Jinguji: I love you, Lady. I would like to do anything for you. What would you like? What do you demand from me? 

Haruka Nanami: Ah…um… I would be happy if we could stay together... I can't think of anything else... Um, I'm happy right now...

Ren Jinguji: How modest. I can't think like that. Lift your head… Nh…!

Haruka Nanami: …!

The kiss is so fiery I might melt.

Ren Jinguji: Just being together isn't enough. I want to touch you, kiss you and leave my marks all over your body to show that you're mine. Nh…

Haruka Nanami: … Ah…!

Jinguji-san's lips trace a line from my nape to the back of my neck.

Ren Jinguji: I love you. It's the first time I've ever loved someone like this.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… I… I love you too.

Loving someone for the first time and being loved for the first time can be quite confusing.

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, I know, Lady.

He hugs me securely and kisses the area around my eye.

Ren Jinguji: I want to treat you carefully, but at the same time I want to hug you so tight you might break. Even I am at a loss as to what to do.

Ren Jinguji: Surprisingly, I seem to be quite clumsy. I want to be gentle, but I can't hold back. I love you so much it's driving me crazy. All I want is you.

With his eyes gazing directly at me, I can feel my heart beating fast, thumping hard in my chest.

Ren Jinguji: I can't imagine a life without love or a future without you.

His arms tighten around me.

At this rate, he might hear my uncontrollable heartbeat.

Ren Jinguji: I'll keep saying it with my voice, with my hands, with my eyes. I love you. No one else, only you… Nh…

Haruka Nanami: … Nn…

It's an intense kiss that almost leaves me gasping for air, making me dizzy.

But it's so pleasant that I want to devote all of myself to him.

Haruka Nanami: … Ah…!

Everything is spinning, and the moment I start to wobble, Jinguji-san supports me lightly.

Ren Jinguji: … Huff… huff… Sorry, I guess that was a bit too passionate.

Haruka Nanami: … Ah… no… I also… want to feel you more… So…

Ren Jinguji: Are you sure you should say that? Remember, there's just the two of us here. You can't be sure what I'm going to do.

Ren Jinguji: Not even I seem to be able to hold back these emotions anymore. Will you still say yes to me? Are you sure, Haruka?

Haruka Nanami: … Yes.

Ren Jinguji: I love every part of you. I will cherish you more than anyone else in the world, so please... become mine. Nh—

And then Jinguji-san kisses me so passionately that I almost lose my mind.

Such fiery, intense and passionate love melts my heart. The time we spend in this delirium passes in the blink of an eye.

After that, Jinguji-san's workload increased every day. And so did his popularity.

I support him as his own special composer and his partner.

While things have been hectic, there has been no time for just Jinguji-san and I. But I'm happy that we're working hard together.

And then, one day…

Jinguji-san invited me to a party venue.

When I woke up this morning, I found a dress in my room with a note on it that said: "I want you to wear this dress and come to the party."

Confused, I put the dress on and hurried to the party venue.

Ren Jinguji: I've been waiting for you, Princess. Mm-hm, my choice was perfect. You look beautiful in this dress.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… What is this?

Ren Jinguji: Happy Birthday.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…? Oh… Today is my birthday…

My birthday… He remembered it.

Ren Jinguji: Come on. You even forgot your own birthday? Are you, by chance, working too hard again?

Haruka Nanami: But I won't forget your birthday… It's February 14th, Valentine's Day.

Ren Jinguji: Correct. As a result, I mostly get chocolate for my birthday. That's not too bad, but I would have preferred it to fall on a different day.

Haruka Nanami: In that case, I'll make something that isn't chocolate. Is there anything you want?

Ren Jinguji: That's an easy one. What I want is you, Haruka.

He takes my hand and kisses it.

Haruka Nanami: M-me? B-but wasn't I already yours…?

Haruka Nanami: I mean… Since I'm technically your… girlfriend…

Aaah, I'm blushing.

Since we started working together, Jinguji-san has been shining brighter and brighter. Is it really okay for someone like me to call herself his girlfriend?

From time to time, I get insecure about it. 

Ren Jinguji: Yes, you are my girlfriend… for now.

For now... Yes, he's right. The day may come when I'm not his girlfriend anymore.

Since Jinguji-san is so wonderful, I have these wistful thoughts occasionally.

I still want to stay as his partner. Even if this might sound greedy.

At least, let me give him my music.

Ren Jinguji: Why are you making such a sad face? Come on, lift your face, Princess. My future wife is not supposed to look so sad.

Haruka Nanami: What…?

Ren Jinguji: Ah, I guess I'm taking things a bit too far for now. But... one day... I'd like to live with you.

Ren Jinguji: I can't imagine a life without love or a future without you. I'll definitely make you happy, so please entrust your life to me...

Haruka Nanami: … Okay.

Ren Jinguji: Thank you, I love you, Lady!

Jinguji-san smiles happily and kisses me on my lips.

Ren Jinguji: The ballroom belongs to us tonight. Let's have fun and dance the night away.

Haruka Nanami: Yes…

And then we go hand in hand and dance to our hearts' content.

Sometimes we caress each other, whisper to each other, or hold each other close.

To spend a time like this together, alone, is the greatest treasure.

And the best birthday present of all.

Fin

[aquato-family-circus]

Hey! I hope it isn't rude or anything, but I wanted to ask your opinion on the Psychoanuts Art Book. I'm thinking of getting it for myself but the price tag hurts a bit, and Im wary of buying something this expensive without having an idea of how good it is.

Ps. I don't really care about spoilers, so whatever you want to say about the book will be helpful, part of me really wants to know if there's concept art for PSI King's Sensorium bc it's my favorite level

Thank you for your time!

definitely not rude at all!! I'd be happy to give a brief review of the book as is

first of all, this is quite possibly the biggest art book in my whole collection, page count AND size wise. I'm not sure if it's because most of my other art books are for movies & tv shows, while this is a video game, but a lot of the former cap out at around 200 pages

this book has 400 pages, and a lot of those pages are almost just exclusively showing off the art so you get a lot of really satisfying 2 page spreads

it's really thick tall and heavy with a solid, cool looking hard cover, nice binding & good quality paper, looking at the art itself is really pleasing

honestly one of my only complaints is that reading it is a bit annoying physically bc i have to find a good position to comfortably put it in 😂 its so heavy!! and if you do get it be sure to find a tall bookshelf for it, mine just barely fits so it is possible

the contents themselves are basically all I'd been hoping for, there's soooo much artwork and a lot of commentary both from the author herself + loads from the development staff.

notable example that i liked a lot: the folks double fine had consulted for the mental health sensitivity provide commentary for the new mental enemies, very illuminating stuff!

also do NOT worry, they have Psi King Sensorium concept art!

The contents they cover here are really thorough, there's a little bit here for everyone!

5 stars, I only mind a little bit that it got delayed a few times because I think the book itself is 100% worth the price if you're invested in this game and interested at all in video game development

[side note: having watched the psychodessy is not necessary but makes reading the art book extra interesting bc I recognize a lot of the development team's names now! shout out to gigi's super cute art style i love those tiny raz's]

[mysteryverse6]

Mystery kids remake comic pt 2: 2 episode

(-The kids head out and eventually find themselves in a misty part of the forest, trudging through a shallow swamp that comes up against a cliff wall and features the entrance to a cave overhung with moss. The entrance is totally filled by the stream that feeds into the marsh, and Raz isn’t exactly pleased.)

Razputin Aquato: (Nervously) “Uh, oh boy. Um, I’m gonna stand guard outside. Y’know, in case the monster isn’t actually… home at the moment?”

Norman Babcock: “It’s not a bad idea.”

Dipper pines: “Good thinking Raz. Alright, everyone else, follow me!”

(Raz and Lili exchange a meaningful look before the rest of the group ventures under the draping moss and into the cavern. It’s totally pitch black until someone finally turns on a flashlight, and the large, ornamented interior is revealed—it’s fully decked in beautiful stalagmites and stalactites and columns and crystals, and the kids gasp in collective awe.)

Mabel pines: “It’s so… beautiful… how could some slimy old worm live in here?”

Coraline Jones: (Warily) “Sometimes things that look nice hide something rotten. Keep your eyes open.”

Kris Dremurr: There is a fork ahead what to do

Dipper pines:Yes, according to the diary it says that there is a fork there, but then they join into one line, so who goes left or right?

Norman Babcock: Neil and I will probably go to the right.

Dipper pines: Well then it's decided you go to the right

(They venture further into the cave, investigating every nook and cranny, occasionally finding grim evidence there is a creature living here: bones of animals it’s probably consumed. Neil and Norman are searching one corner together; Norman picks up a long bone and grimaces as a trail of clear slime drips off. )

Norman Babcock:(Disgusted) “Eugh…”

Neil Downe:“I sure hope I’m not allergic to that…”

(A clatter comes from somewhere above, and the two look up, frightened. The Glowwyrm is perched on a ledge above them, and bares a mouth glowing livid green and filled with white fangs with a hiss.)

Norman Babcock: (Tenuously) “I think we’re about to find out.”

(Meanwhile Dipper pines and Mabel pines and Wybie Lovat are examining the slimy shed skin of a snake but suddenly Norman Babcock and Neil Downe interrupt, shouting about snakes, the three point their flashlights directly at the snakes and shouting)

Dipper pines and Mabel pines: AAAAA

Wybie Lovat: AAA Glowwyrm

Neil Downe:Save yourself

(Coraline Jones and Lili Zanotto hear)

Coraline Jones: What happened there?

Lili Zanotto: Probably in those

(all four escape and Lili Zanotto stops the worm with a psi shield but for how long)

Lili Zanotto: Um guys I can't hold on for that long I need Raz

Coraline Jones: Well then

Kris Dremurr:RUN

(everyone runs and the snake chases after him and in the meantime Razputin Aquato walks back and forth out of boredom and notices something unusual and it is a giant female statue, the head was unusual there were two faces but the first was like a mask and a perfect figure with three arms the fourth was broken and the hair was lush and answered)

Razputin Aquato:Wow, what a beauty!? And no one noticed this beauty, I wonder if Dipper and Mabel know about it

(But he is interrupted by screams, he looks at the cave and Susie and Kris Dremurr come out and hit right on Raz and fall, more children come)

Neil Downe: I think the worst is already behind us.

Dipper pines: You should have told me that

(And the three girls run away but Lili Zanotto stumbles and falls, getting up she sees how the snake is preparing to attack but the psi shield leaves him but already Razputin Aquato and Lili Zanotto knocks him out)

Coraline Jones: “Well Dipper, I have to hand it to you. There’s definitely more to this town than an insane dentist and rumors on the internet.”

Dipper pines:“Thank you, thank you. Well, now that we caught it, what should we do with it?”

Lili Zanotto:“Good luck with that. Have you seen how much slime this thing is covered in?”

(A big glob drips off right in front of Mabel, and she looks disgusted.)

Mabel pines: “New idea: give this thing to Gideon.”

Dipper pines:“It’s definitely just as slimy.”

Susie: Great idea Mabel

Norman Babcock: “That seems a little mean…”

(They look at him oddly, and he smirks.)

Norman Babcock: “No one should have to put up with Gideon.”

(Dipper pines smirks and opens the jar and takes some slime and leaves and Razputin Aquato throws the nasty worm into the cave and closes it with logs and Neil Downe examines the sip)

Neil Downe: “I am definitely allergic.”

Wybie Lovat:“Looks like poison ivy to me, and I guess you could say everyone’s allergic to that.”

Neil Downe: “Well that’s a relief. But I’m gonna need all the anti-itch cream when we get back.”

(They leave some time later they finally arrived at the Mystery Shack)

Kris Dremurr:Finally we have arrived

(But suddenly Kris Dreemurr notices some letter)

Kris Dremurr:There's some note here.

Mabel pines:I'm first

(She takes the letter and recognizes the handwriting and reads it and when she finishes she is horrified (to be continued))

[millylotus]

Rasberries & Lemon Delights

Country Boy!Danny x Emo Punk!Duke

Danny[18] goes to live with Aunt Alicia on the family farm for a gap year, which just so happens to be in Smallville. He’s been there since January. A town in the middle of nowhere with at least a nice small population of people, it's not a big jump from small town Amity Park.

Duke[18] doesn’t usually visit the Kents but he had nothing better to do and Damian[16] wanted to go see Jon[15] for the summer, so roadtrip it was. Besides, Duke didn’t have much else to do and Martha & Jonathan had invited him to stay as well. It’ll be fun to just get away from the constant buzz of Gotham.

The Palad Family Farm has a rasberry orchard [it should be spelled this way or like raz(s)berry, not fucking RASPberry I had to fucking look this up, it’s only ever been spelled rasberry in my head, english can go suck my dick [sorry bout that anyways]] with a couple chikens and cow and a produce garden. it’s off to the side compared to the others in Smallville, separated by a line of trees that you might be able to call a forest. Their closest neighbors are the Kents, and that’s through the trees.

For this AU i changed the boys’ appearance a little bit

Duke is less emo-punk and more punk-emo when it comes to his aesthetic

Danny’s bigger in the muscle aspect kinda like a toned down version of Jack

About a week into their stay Danny comes over to the Kent’s to bring over some rasberries as a gift.

The kids just so happen to be hanging out outside when he walks up.

Duke sat lounging on a chair he’d dragged out to the front lawn, reading his book which sat heavy between his cross legs.

Damian and Jon were further into the brush chatting and messing around.

The only thing really odd were the sunglasses the brothers wore, heavily shaded and thick, with the bright Kansas sun and being from one of the gloomiest cities of the world it was practically a necessity.

Jon paused as he spoke and looked down the road, both brothers turned their heads in interest.

A couple meters down the road a young man Duke’s age was walking their way, a straw garden hat on his head, holding a crate in his arms.

The kryptonian smiled and stood up waving at the approaching stranger, “Hey Danny!” he shouted in greeting.

The stranger whose name was evidently named Danny walked up the driveway to the Kent house.

“Hey Jon! Who are your friends?” He said with a smile.

“Damian and Duke, family friends. They’re visiting for the summer.” Jon said happily as he pointed at each sibling.

Damian stood up and walked over to Jon’s side ��Nice to meet you” . His voice was as flat as it always was with strangers.

Duke nodded at Danny, “Sup.”

Danny nodded back with a smile, before turning back to Jon, “Me and Aunt Alicia harvested some rasberries yesterday, we got a lot and where wondering if y’all wanted some.”

Jon’s face lit up like a star, “Fuck yeah! Ma’s gonna love ‘em! Come on!”

Jon took Damian’s hand and pulled him back to the house, Damian and Danny following. Duke sighed and decided to go as well, closing his book he stood up and caught up with them. He ended up walking side by side with Danny.

Danny looks down to the shorter boy walking by his side. Duke is gorgeous in an ethereal way, brown eyes almost glowing under his sunnies, winged with perfect black eyeliner. His face was stoic in the same way Damian’s was, little to no emotion shown. It didn’t take away from his serene and chill vibes though.

Duke glances up at Danny, and the taller boy quickly looks away to the Kent house, face flushed.

He almost missed the playful smirk that spread on Duke’s face.

Ma thanks Danny for the raspberry and ropes him into chatting for a bit with the boys adding little commentary and things

Duke’s trying to not be obvious about staring at Danny’s muscles

Dami & Jon notice of course

Jon and Dami glanced at each other as Duke tried to grab their attention, desperately trying to make them stop whatever they were scheming.

“Hey Danny?” Jon says

Danny looks towards the teen, “Yeah?”

“Damian and Duke kinda just got to Smallville and they haven’t even gone all that deep into the fields, – Jon leans in a bit with a wide smile – We could go out tomorrow and us country kids could show them around?”

“I wouldn’t mind that, how ‘bout ‘round after 10?” Danny afford with a smile.

Danny shows them around the area near his family’s farm

Damian and Jon end up scurrying off to let Danny & Duke be alone, of course they’re watching from the sidelines

Duke pretends to be externally calm but is kinda freaking out on the inside his internal monologue is “Hot Boy Hot Boy That was so fucking weird don’t say that again God he’s so fucking funny I kinda wanna kiss him”

Danny is much the same, but he’s not very good at hiding how flustered he is, he’s smiling like a goof and his face is all flushed “Pretty Boy Cute Boy Pretty Goth Boy I have a type Ancients I wanna kiss him”

Duke is not so subtly flirting with Danny, complementing his muscle, being actively interested when Danny talks about the farm and his friends back home

Danny’s also flirting back of course, drifting closer to Duke, asking him about Gotham and his friend, the book he was reading yesterday

When they get to the Palad family farm, Jon and Dami had already gotten there and where drinking some sweet tea with Alicia

Alicia is of course entertained with Danny’s crush, and watches as he and Duke walk around the rasberry orchard

When Jon and the brothers have to go back Duke and Danny trade numbers, even though they’ll probably talk again tomorrow and basically the rest of the summer

They’re both smitten with each other

Duke and Damian are in the attic of the Kent farmhouse, each on their own twin bed on either side of the room

Duke: *yearning sigh*

Dami *teasing*: You like the Palad boy don’t you?

Duke *suspicious*: No ... Whatcha gonna do about it?

Dami: Oh nothing it’s just funny, you always said you wouldn’t fall for someone on the family type list

Duke: What are you- *realization* oh OH! Screw you, you can’t say shit Dames! *chucks pillow at Dami who’s laughing* I see how you look at Jon *teasing*

Dami: Shush! Don’t say that he could hear you!

Duke *smirking* : Or what? not my country boy to worry about

Dami groans and flops into pillow tossing back Duke’s pillow & flipping him off

Duke laughs and lays onto his back, staring up at the ceiling with a smile, before closing his eyes and going to sleep

Danny and Alicia are eating dinner

Alicia: So the Wayne boys, I only really got to talk to Damian, what’s Duke like?

Danny *excited*: Oh he’s so cool! He’s reading this romance novel right now. Sounds really cool, so I might drop by the library to check if they have it!

As Danny talks about Duke, Alicia watches him with a smile

Alicia: When are you gonna go out and see him again?

Danny: Not sure, but I hope sooner or later

Alicia: mmm, If you like so much you better ask him out soon

Danny *high pitched*: What!

Alicia *laughing*: Duke’s the new mysterious pretty boy in town. The other kids your age will be falling over themselves to get to know him

Danny tries not to let himself look stressed, Alicia shakes her head fondly

Alicia: Don’t worry to much kid, Duke already seems to like you, you’ve got a good chance of winning his heart

Danny sighs at his food

Danny: I hope so

I don’t know where I wanna put this but like Alicia has a weird reputation in Smallville

She doesn’t leave her farm very often, only for big events like the Farmers market

And she has most of everything she needs for food at her farm

If she does need to buy something she’ll pop into town at the weirdest of times and leave quickly

When Danny comes around this doesn’t really change, he goes out into town more than her

There were a couple rumors about Ms.Alicia’s nephew staying for awhile

Danny’s been basically the line connecting Alicia and the rest of town

Anyway back to the main plot!

What Alicia said is true, the few other college kids visiting their family in Smallville do want to get closer to Duke

Duke doesn’t really mind, since he’s always kinda been popular, but he insists on staying with Danny at all times

Danny sometimes feels jealous so he often does things to catch Duke’s attention, even though he knows he doesn’t have to do much

When Summer Farmer’s Market time rolls around a bunch of farmers in Smallville drive to the bigger town nearby Dolmeny Town

Alicia & Danny have their own stand selling more rasberry desserts & treats, along with some little carved statues that Danny makes

The Kents also have a stand, selling breads, a few milk products, and flowers pressed and or fresh from Ma’s garden

The stands are like right across from each other as well, both in the food section

Danny & Duke  staring at each other from across the street, going over to each other’s stands to buy a few things

Duke complementing the rasberry pastries, and Danny promises to save some for him later

It ends up becoming a a date, they meet up near the end of the day, Duke brings a bouquet he made and Danny brings some rasberry scones

They sit at a bench and just start talking about themselves learning more about each other

Cute stuff like that, by the end of it they’re holding hands when Danny walks Duke back to the Kent’s at the end of the day

I have other date ideas, as well. Maybe there’s a party or concert going on in Dolmeny that Danny found out about and they go there. I think they’d have similar music tastes

Going to a cafe, and talking about their favorite foods

The library, where Duke gets Danny to read some of the romance novels he loves

Duke buying some gotham brand lemon candy for Danny, like the really sour stuff cause Danny mentioned he liked sour stuff

Going to the lake for a beach day with the others

Just hanging out together

Danny fixing Duke’s makeup cause he’s done it for Sam before

Of course I want a scene or part where the rest of the Superfam and Batfam, and the Fentons plus Sam & Tucker of course

Come over to visit their family in Smallville for the summer, like a week or even just a day or two

Jazz, Tuck & Sam meeting Duke for the first time and him & Sam immediately getting along

Conner dragging the kids to a bigger concert than they’ve ever been to before

Batfam mildly hazing Danny because they can

The Fentons being able to play wrestle with the Supers with no real problem cause of liminal bullshit

The three families having a big dinner on the last day with barbecue and such, it’s basically a feast with how many people and food is there

Danny & Duke walk away near the end and go for a walk together

The sun’s set and the sky is filled with stars, as Danny talks on about the constellations and planets the two sit together

Eventually they get to talking about what will happen when the summer's over, Danny’s going to either Caltech or Princeton and Duke will be going back to Gotham U for his second year

Princeton’s in Gotham, so it would keep them closer, but Caltech has the first best Space Science program in the country

Duke doesn’t want to affect such a big decision in Danny’s life, and Danny really wants to go to Caltech

Danny chooses Caltech [Cause he deserves it gosh darnit! and if their relationship doesn’t pan out at least they have a whole country between them]

They end the night with a kiss!

THE END

I think this the first one with a proper ending! :D

DEADLIGHTS MASTERPOST, GENERAL NOTES, MEMES, AO3

[who-is-shades]

raz dnd 45

its been a few hours. they are losing their minds they need to get out of this room. the butler goes to see if thats ok. zen is playing solitaire, parsley is pacing. after a while the butler comes back and says they can come see senna!

they see papyrus in there. wheatley runs over and barely avoids tackling her xD 2 guards suddenly grab wheatley since he just rushed the queen xD "oh hello!" good job wheatley. senna raises her hand a little and they let him go. she does not hug him back. she feels small to him.

teya is just watching. parsley walks up and sits on the end of her bed. zen walks over and asks how shes doing. shes just looking out the window. like a dead fish. one of the doctors steps up. (reminder parsley has no eyebrows) he says shes stable just needs rest in spite of her draconic mutations.

senna raises her hand and says leave us. they look at each other uncomfortably but nod and leave except for papyrus. teya aint talking she distrusts papyrus that much lol. bunch of jackasses standing in a circle.

theres a murmering outside and in comes 2 guards and a man! bright blue eyes like ice, snow white wavy hair, high elf. parsley squints at him instantly lol. senna is very noticibly not looking at him, wheatley joins her lol. he goes up to senna and kneels beside the bed.

"Senna, its been so very long since ive last seen you. I see you have changed in your time away, but that still doesnt change the love i have for you." Wheatley looks at him weirdly. Seeing senna not respond to him, he simply stands up and looks at everyone else. he bows "greetings to all of you, i hear you are friends of senna?"

parsley speaks up "yeah and who the fuck are you?" "I apologize for not introducing myself, my name is Cimbus, i am the king here." parsley AND wheatley arent fond of him for some reason xD he thanks them for watching over senna. senna is shaking very slightly and wheatley touches her arm.

he welcomes them to the kingdom and gives them permission to wander the grounds if they want. cimbus asks papyrus to join him as he leaves to work. he stares at senna for a second and then leaves.

parsley shouts 'is that your husband?!' wheatley says he doesnt like that guy! parsley offers to kill him and senna says no he isnt a bad guy. android says she seems pretty shaken. she says she hasnt seen him in 400 years, and was just shocked how unchanged he was. wheatley pats her head.

senna gazes at teya but looks back down.. 'so...whats going on?' thanks teya. wheatley asks if shes going to be alright. 'that depends what you mean.' she looks out the window and says it looks like rain. wheatley squints looking out the window. senna grabs a cane and slowly shuffles herself up. her cleric stuff is stacked in the corner. shes wearing a slightly fancier dress now.

wheatley helps her stand up. "well, i may as show you around..." wheatley pushes her to teya and then squints out the window. 'i swear ive been here before?' wheatley lore fuck yeah. senna shuffles over to her cleric stuff and touching the token to the stuff to put it away.

wheatley asks the kingdom name again. Serkonos. hes making an awful metal noise. wheatley snaps and says he apprenticed to be an artificer here?! like 2 ships passing in the night! senna calls lexaeus a little fuck for taking an apprentice only after she left lol she calls him a roach. "thats why you and parsley are friends!" thanks wheatley xD

time for a tour! senna points out random stuff along the way. steampunky magical vibes fuck yeah. wheatley also points stuff out lol. a golem walks by carrying stuff. senna reminds parsley to pick out a spot for a house.

zen asks teya what she thinks. teya says its certaintly interesting and busy. wheatley is uncomfortable with the city constructs. android says it reminds him of novis, just more magical. senna looks like she wants to say something but doesnt.

we come across a house that looks like a shoe. senna just opens the door and walks in. parsley is like wtf why does it look like a boot, and cheers that were just breaking in lol. theres a bunch of mechanical animals running around! wheatley inspects it and says his work has improved. android wants to see! hes impressed!

senna smacks the wall with her cane and calls for the roach to come on out. we hear a big yawn 'whos knocking?' robotic dragonflies buzz around parsley xD an old man with bad hair comes down. he looks homeless xD 'you couldve just said something!' he sees us and greets us and asks who the hell are we? parsley says its a robbery xD 'i knew this would happen one day!' mechanical bugs fall from the roof! senna calls him a fuckhead and tells him to call off his bugs.

he looks at wheatley and knows that giant eye anywhere xD 'maybe you shouldnt make friends with robbers.' wheatley calls him master xD he wouldve fixed him up if he showed up. he asks teya if shes a witch xD teya stop stealing names XD he says she cant have his name hes using it! unles she gets him a better name xD 'what kind of witch are you?' hes not much for magic types lol.

he asks senna who the fuck she is. she flips him off and says she will beat his face in if he calls her her highness again xD parsley keeps laughing hes having a good time. lexaeus looks at zen and android and is very interested! wheatley reminds him not to touch strangers without asking. robotic cats circle and meow at teya lol.

android says no inspection damn. zen says ok xD senna tells lex to be gentle with him. hes impressed! wheatley wanders around. senna examines the decorations cause she KNOWS he didnt do it himself. wheatley wants to show off his old prototypes lol.

lex asks who made him hes very impressed. wheatley runs in with a robotic bird, his first prototype! it goes tweet :3 android gives them a look to keep the mission a secret xD lex calls the craftsmanship impeccable. android looks at zen and says it reminds him of father in the early days awwww. very particular about his work.

lex taught wheatley everything he knows :3 senna calls him a prick for only getting an apprentice after she left xD wheatley lifts his dress to show lex his new upgrades! custom ordered? wheatley stop digging a hole lol. senna calls lex a fucking dinosaur lol. 'says the one that looks like a dinosaur.' meet spacecore! he can think for himself!

lex picks up SP and examines him. good design. hes not keen on machines being made self aware like that. SP looks at him and says fetch? XD hes already here so oh well xD he suddenly realizes that zen talked, hes sentient XD there are worse names he says xD

zen says its a bit much to get into who made them but they were made with love lol. maybe one day lex can know about him. android says hes speaking too much lol. teya in sylvain tells zen hes saying too much lol.

senna asks if he took any apprentices after wheatley. nah hes too busy working. lots of rich snobs want mechanical pets lol. one of those robot dogs barrels in and runs teya down lol. lex goes 'wait apprentice yeah i got one of those!' 'are they any good?' 'of course they are if im teaching them!' wheatley says 'someone else could stand you?'

Frisk?! Sennas face falls. Lex says he taught them so they would leave him alone xD Their at home with their father. senna lowers herself into a chair. Dans, their father! Lex says hes old af for a dwarf lol. He says he looked young once somehow. Wheatley comments on spingledorf. Lex knows spingledorf lol.

frisk is, and i quote, very determined. senna has her head in her hands. 'age finally catching up to you?' 'stfu lex' zen puts a hand on her shoulder. 'old memories?' 'i never shouldve brought you back here.' senna says she has something to do and goes out the door. wheatley runs after her.

teya goes wtf just happaned. android says you all just like to mope. he says turn your negative feelings into anger lol. senna is just sitting on the steps outside. zen asks if they should go after them. android says it wont do any good, she wont say anything. teya says they wont get answers from anyone else. he asks lex how senna and frisk are related? he shrugs and says their a recent apprentice.

teya failed to remember lol. wheatley is sitting with senna. she fidgets with his hand. senna asks him to tell her how to be brave. she isnt brave at all. shes so afraid. it was a mistake to bring them all here. he wraps his arms around her. 'whatever happens we'll make through it together.' she gets back up and nervously asks if he wants to meet frisk.

she peeks her head back into the house and asks if they wanna go on a trip. androids petting a mechanical rabbit omg. wheatley takes pictures and asks zen to send them to everyone else xD teya looks at lex and tells him she does necromancy and asks if he wants to see. he says its kinda like what he does but not as good lol. she wants a handshake. wheatley snaps at her and senna says she cant stop her being arrested. she deal 11 damage the fucker.

senna is desperately doing cpr. he wheezes and gets up, he just wanted to scare teya holy shit. she shakes him hard and says hes not allowed to die yet you old fuck she cares about him the PoS. parsley dies laughing xD lex pats wheatley and says teya is rude lol. 'im an old man, that probably wouldve killed anyone else. dont do that.'

android says shes being too non-chalant. teyas becoming a real bitch lately i cant believe senna still loves her. toxic yuri. wheatley keeps clinging to lex lol. hes working on his best creation yet. he brings back something big. its a big mechanical bear! FREDDY FA-

hes not done with it yet, needs a powerful crystal. personal project. senna says he should name him fred. he says he was thinking fritz. yeah were all fucking nerds. Ferdinand fuck yeah. senna says to make sure to keep its safety nets on before messing with it. he wants to make something bigger like an elephant.

senna says he smells like shit go take a shower lol. wheatley scolds him for not taking care of himself xD he drags him outside to a restaurant to get food lol. android whispers to zen and android goes out the door. zen ushers teya and parsley out the door lol. we know your criminals get out. parsley fake whispers to senna that zen is gonna rob it lol. he starts pushing them out the door lol. once he pushes them out then exists after 10 seconds. he claims he doesnt steal lol.

senna pinky promises not to tell anyone lol. we all roll insight xD he isnt lying weird. following zen! senna messages teya wondering if zen told god about lex, and how lex is her favorite old grumpy fart cause hes not fake. she also says to watch their food and drink.

zen picks up parsley and teya since their being little shits lol. parsley bites him lol. dead weight xD teya yells their being kidnapped xD senna just shakes her head no ones gonna help them xD

zen sees people looking and says 'kids amirite?' parsley is pissed xD he cant escape! teya just looks dead lol. the crowd thinks shes drunk lol. zen says hes taking her to the crematorium. wheatley just sighs. hes pissed and storms off. zen tells parsley he should apologize. he keeps carrying teya's body xD he muses 'he could help' and he gets the spinglephone! zen sits outside the restaurant and reads teya his holy scripture since shes stuck there for now xD

teya surrenders and wakes back up xD time to go find wheatley!

[razputin-vodello-au-archives]

Two questions 1. what was the immediate reactions of the other interns after hearing Raz had been slapped by a lady at a grocery. 2. Has anyone told the Aquatos about the incident.

Author's note: Reference to a fic I wrote. Link here, if you haven't read it.

[Adam] Concern, obviously, which is the proper reaction when some crazy carlin gives a wack to Raz.

[Gisu] Followed swiftly by righteous anger. Some of us more than the other. Norma was-

[Norma] (Embaressed) Don't ...

[Gisu] (Pretends she didn't hear Norma) Norma was fuming! She was about ready to go to the police station and get the woman's address.

[Sam] And that's not even figure of speech.

[Norma] Guys ...

[Morris] She had her coat on and everything. Just shouting all the way. She was almost out, before Hollis had to stop her.

[Norma] (Groans)

[Raz] Don't be like that, Norma. I was kinda flattered.

[Norma] Thanks Raz. And now the anon mentioned it, has ...anyone said anything to the Aquatos?

[Lizzie] I haven't. Frazie never mentioned it or anything?

[Norma] No. Raz?

[Raz] I haven't told them yet. I never really saw a reason to...

[Sam] Should we tell them?

[Lizzie] Eh ...

[Adam] You're looking spooked, Liz.

[Lizzie] Yeah, you would too if you'd remember how much of a fury Mrs. Aquato can be.

[Morris] Oooh yeah ....she's gonna pop when she hears the story.

(Long pause)

[Raz] Maybe ...we'll wait for a better time?

[finalboyfinn]

Who do you think initiates the first move between bruce and vance and what do you think they did?

hiii anon! thank you for this ask. sorry i took so long with it... weirdly i havent thought much of this 💭💭 i have this own little idea in my empty hollow head. anyone else should say their own take on it frfr im... rlly tired rn ill edit this in the morning after i post it ,,, which is brave im afraid this whole thing is incompetent.

it's... technically bruce? he plays the long game. bruce is a gentleman, charming fella. a gentleman who thinks subtlety goes a longggg way. he's a hopeless romantic too. i hc that vance isn't that good at determining what's platonic and what's romantic so bro just thinks bruce is just showing more care this week than others (he doesnt want to give himself false hope). bruce picks flowers out of his mother's garden, compliments vance all the time, is by his side the majority of time basically helping vance do stuff that he is perfectly capable of.

("...i can fix my own damn choker." vance grumbles, standing still as bruce clasps the green choker back around his neck. "i know! i just like doing things for you." bruce grins, fidgeting with material before backing off. not before styling his hair back in place though!)

because that's what bruce has been taught to do if you like someone and BOYY, does he does he in— cautiously. like petting an unfamiliar dog for the time, you let it smell your hand first. and that goes on, and on, and on til vance finally gets the hint when bruce gets a little miffed by vance's lack of... reaction ☠️☠️

"do you like me or something?" vance says, staring at handpicked bouquet of daises in bruce's hand like they're from a different planet. the flowers torn up by their roots, dirt scattering on the pavement. bruce could SCREAM.

"well, yeah." he's smiling but it's strained.

"why didn't you say something?"

"i thought i was being really obvious."

"you weren't." he was. he really was.

"uh, i dunno what to say, man. i'm really sorry, we can forget—"

"we should go out." vance cuts through bruce's fumbled apology. he's deliberately not looking at bruce's face. he's staring at slowly drooping flowers like they've personally offended him.

"what?"

"friday. go see a movie. together. i'll pay."

bruce accepts of course but all he's really thinking is 'i could have done that the whole time?'

[falsepsychictales]

Some random next-gen psychonauts headcanons i came up with

-Milla becomes grand head after Truman retires. (Hollis turned down the job because she doesn’t need that kind of stress, thank you very much.)

-Bobby Zilch runs a bar/restraunt/psychic cage fighting arena called Bobby’s Punch and Lunch. It’s technically legal, since all the fighters sign waivers, but he likes to pretend it isn’t. On a few occasions, he’s been known to shout things along the lines of “You’ll never take me alive!” to psychonauts who were just there for the curly fries.

-On the subject of shady restaurants, Sam operates one known as Sam’s Extremely Legal Diner. It’s popular among the sort of people who like to brag about having eaten locally-grown organic slime mold stew.

-Norma and Benny are mission partners and besties. They love talking shit about other psychonauts

-Elton becomes a cryptozoologist, famous for proving the existence of Sassclops.

-Milka’s invisibility makes her one of the best agents the psychonauts have. Quite a few coworkers assume she’s nothing more than an urban legend, which is just fine by her. 

-Kitty Catherine Bubai heads a cult of psychic vampires. “Psychic vampirism” is an advanced and highly illegal technique that enhances one’s own powers through the use of a powerful psychic victim and a large syringe. She leans very hard into the vampire aesthetic. Anyone who calls her “Kitty” or points out that her fangs are made of plastic is at risk of being vampire hissed at and/or having their cerebral-spinal fluid stolen.

-Lili proposes marriage to Raz. He responds with “Marry? You mean like.... Wife?”

[flame-cat]

ok one person liked the post so here is

Raz' Mind

the inside of what looks like a massive oversized aquato dome, piled high with bags of all kinds. the floor is damp and the height of the ceiling makes you feel like an ant. hectic and cluttered.

the first time you see raz is immediately, running around sorting bags to go to certain places in his mind. upon reading the labels, they belong to various people raz cares about- lili, the interns, his family, the psychonauts. there are none belonging to raz himself that he carries. when you find one that has his name on it, he quickly throws it against an ever-growing pile stuck against a wall. the pile looks like its barely holding back a cracked brick wall that is leaking water. when asked about it, raz says he will "get to it later." you can see why- the stack he carries is at least three times as tall as him, and five times as heavy by the way he struggles with it.

if you offer to help, he'll say "really? you dont have to, ive got it handled." if you insist, he'll be extremely grateful, showing you a small pile you can start on. its not as hard as it looks, especially with multiple people. there are many shortcuts you can take as you flit around out of the tent into other areas- layouts of all of the places raz has been. its all surface-level and nothing seems wrong. the only caveat is the lack of other people.

the "raz" pile shudders ominously.

once you go through a pile, raz will thank you and give you an item- the item varies based on how many piles youve gone through. each time you sort through a pile, you need to go back to raz and ask to help again. each time he will thank you profusely, still leaving most of the work for himself. however, once a pile is sorted, another will quickly take its place; a never-ending litany of responsibilities and distractions that raz has to deal with all by himself. there is no end in sight. when asked, raz will say hed rather do this than... and trail off as he glances at his own pile.

if you try to go through the pile labelled as his, he'll quickly stop you, shouting that he can take care of that himself later. if you insist, he will be extremely nervous but say you can if you really want to- before youre suddenly accosted by enemies! hes been holding the censors, doubts, regrets, bad moods, panic attacks, and judgements back so they won't attack you, but this stressor has finally let them all out.

once you clear them out, a leak will spring in the pile. then another, and another. the tent is flooding, and raz is desperately trying to plug the holes. at this point he will finally try getting you to leave, because you "dont need to deal with this." the only sure way to move forward is to take one of the bags in the pile and open it. once opened, youre transferred inside, and you get to see whats really going on in here.

Bag #1: the Beginning

the first bag is the memory of when raz decided to run away. you enter in complete darkness, the only light coming from underneath the tent flap in front of you. you hear muffled arguing. if you go out, you see raz and his dad arguing, mr. aquato holding up a flyer. you hear the argument play out, finishing when Augustus rips apart the flyer, saying "youre no son of mine." raz looks stricken and then runs off into a tent, presumably his own.

if you follow him, you see the inside of his tent. raz quietly tells you how much that rejection hurt him, how he tried to just forget about it and move forward. he shifts aside the entrance flap of the tent and shows you a slideshow of himself alone on the road, desperately searching for the camp and eventually making his way inside.

"i made great new friends. i saved the world. i proved him wrong. he even said he was proud of me. so... why do i still...?"

he closes the entrance, and plunged into darkness, you emerge from the bag.

Bag #2: Pressure

the second bag is more of a rapid-fire collection of scenes. it begins in the rebraining room with ford. hes telling raz hes the only one who can do this. raz looks conflicted for a moment before nodding.

the scene shifts, and now we're outside of the asylum with lili. the building begins shuddering and falling apart. a giant piece falls, rushing forwards to crush the preteens-

raz falls through the darkness into the meat circus. his dad is there, much larger, and the room is flooding. if you go up the ladder, a massive chopping knife almost cleaves you in half, wielded by ollie's massive monster dad. he swings downwards again, the knife obscures your vision-

raz opens his eyes in loboto's laboratory in the rhombus of ruin. the water is climbing, hes still strapped down, and no one else is able to help. the camera zooms out, out, out. hes alone in here. the camera goes up, and you emerge from the water...

now youre in trumans grotto. truman is telling raz that he cant tell anyone about maligula. the scenes only alteration are the puppet strings truman holds tied to raz. the boy nods. the camera turns, going behind truman, and he turns into...

ford cruller, this time at green needle gulch. once more telling raz he's the only one who can help him.

raz turns and sees the deluge. he runs into the forest, narrowly dodging water and heavy objects. raz's voice cuts through the cacophany:

"i know it doesnt matter now, but..."

a hand reaches towards him from a cyclone, yanks him in, hes drowning, hes...

the scene fades to black. raz's voice, again, hesitant and small:

"... i was really scared."

and out of the bag you go.

Bag #3: Judgement

the third bag is small and short. raz is sitting alone in a void, curled up, knees tucked close to his body. he looks very small. in the background are voices, all things hes heard before.

"... only problem was YOU..."

"... wouldnt have FOUND you..."

"... betrayed the family..."

if approached, raz says this:

"i have to be better."

and out you go.

[huntingingoodwill]

IM BACK

☕️🛏 with shelby reader x eddie pls <3 am i an eddie simp absolutely yes. ITS EDDIE LIKE WHAT?!!

what's up raz mon frère thank u for the request! here's your little eddie ditty i hope it is more than sufficient.

send in build a blurb asks :)

masterlist | built blurbs (tommy/jon crane one shots)

a/n : for those who dk eddie's an oc i made for my series accessory to matrimony :))) man's in this but it takes place outside the accessory to matrimony "universe"/narrative! eddie's sis isn't married to tom here. for the story's sake i've given the sibs full names. didn't go into their backstories here (maybe a hc post for them one day but i don't think ppl would,, care HAHA alws kicked arnd the possibility ed's adopted and i have a whole backstory w/ hcs for that but you can disregard that concept if you'd like just my brain thinking thoughts i'll be quiet shhhh) anyway! i hope you enjoy <3

“I’m here for Edward Yang!” You shouted. The lounge’s patrons glanced at you, your clothes clinging to your frame, drenched hair falling into your eyes. It was raining sheets outside and you were unlucky enough to be caught in it. The guests immediately turned back around, chattering as they ignored you. You frowned. Being a Shelby, anyone in Birmingham would’ve fallen at your feet by now. But you weren’t in Birmingham anymore. You were in London, by instruction of Tommy, delivering an important letter to an important man. Trust your brother to send you out in miserable weather, embarrassing yourself in the turf of said important man, standing in his family’s hotel, soaked and raving, nobody paying you any attention. You felt a bloom of annoyance and determination in your chest. You’d deliver this damn letter. You stepped onto a table, aiming your pistol at the ceiling. “I said, I’m here-”

“So dramatic. Like your brothers.” A woman purred. The room fell silent, achieving what you couldn’t, even as you screamed and waved your gun around. She hung off her chair, a vicious, playful gleam in her eyes as she looked over you, a smile dancing on her lips. Tommy told you she might be there. You remembered him sighing, irritated as he recalled Eddie and his sister. They took care of their family’s business in England. Always a step ahead of the Shelbys, standing in the way of your family’s interests. The two had met your brothers in a few tense business meetings. “Quite the pair.” Tommy had grumbled. They were powerful, and managed to get under Tommy’s skin, but you wouldn’t let them do the same to you.

She sat beside a man whose back faced you, only his coiffed hair and broad shoulders beneath his tailored suit visible to you. Eddie’s calm voice cut through the quiet. “You pull that trigger and your family foots the bill to repair the hole in the ceiling. I don’t think your brothers would appreciate that. They’ve got quite the temper. Hopefully you haven’t inherited it, Miss Shelby.” You huffed. This was the important man Tommy spoke of? He didn’t even turn to look at you, the pompous bastard.

You leapt off the table, striding toward them. “Tommy Shelby says hello.” You tossed the envelope on his table. He finally deigned to look at you, a bit amusedly.

“Tommy Shelby should save his breath on greetings and buy you an umbrella.” His sister quipped, earning a snort from Eddie.

“I can buy my own umbrella. Your brother could buy me a drink.” You retorted. That seemed to entertain them, smiling at each other as Eddie called for a waiter.

“A towel and some dry clothes for Miss Shelby, please.” He nodded at you. “Have a seat with Ronnie and I. Your brothers and I aren’t exactly pals, but I’m not cruel. Can’t have a lady die of hypothermia on the premises, even if it’s a Shelby.” He and Ronnie chuckled and you exhaled sharply, exasperated. He turned back to the waiter. “Bottle of whiskey for the table and cigarettes, thank you. If her brother’s any indication, she’ll have quite the propensity for tobacco. And I’m sorry, but the absence of the guests from the lounge, please.” He announced, prompting everyone to scurry out the room. You stood, impressed but hesitant. You had just wanted to get this over and done with, leave their territory as soon as possible. But knowing the letter’s contents, you knew you’d have to play nice. You sat, reluctant.

“You aren’t wearing that silly hat. I thought that was Shelby uniform.” Ronnie smiled, before gasping dramatically. “Poor thing. Did they disown you?”

You fixed a smile on your face. Play along, (Y/N). “If I were your brother I’d disown you for less.”

She cackled at your response, Edward smirking as he scanned the letter.

“Trust me, I’ve tried.” He remarked.

“Mister Yang, this is all very… pleasant, but I’m here for a reason. We both understand how important this matter is.” You said with feigned geniality. You had snuck a peek of the letter on the way over. An offer of a truce, a merger. They had tried once before, marriage being arranged between Tommy and Ronnie as collateral. But it was broken off, Tommy stubbornly refusing to meet the demands of the Yangs. Together they’d be stronger, but truthfully, the Shelbys needed them. Finally, Tommy gave in. They’d fulfill the requests of the Yangs in return for shared power and protection between the two families. You thought Tommy had gone insane. Who was to say they wouldn’t take advantage, stamp the Shelbys out? But it was what Tommy wanted, so you’d put on a show of diplomacy for them.

Ronnie peeked over Eddie’s shoulder, and you tried to figure out their expressions as they read, waiting in anticipation.

“Handwritten. Romantic.” Eddie mumbled. “Maybe you should’ve married him after all.”

“I’m not into short guys.” She grinned, eliciting a quiet chuckle from you, as much as you tried to resist it. “Autographed, too.” She ran her finger over Tommy’s signature. “We should frame it, hang it in the lobby.” They smiled at each other as you tapped your foot impatiently.

Finally, Eddie looked up at you, his placid expression frustrating you. “Do you like champagne, Miss Shelby?”

“Only when served with good news, Mister Yang.” You prodded.

“Call me Eddie. Our families are… partners, now.” His voice faltered a little. He seemed unenthusiastic about the merger too, but you knew, despite your suspicions, he could be of a lot of help to you. And the Shelbys could be a lot of help to him. Two of the most powerful families in England. A smile spread across your face, one you were unable to combat.

“Call me (Y/N). Dom Perignon?”

-

You watched Eddie as he hugged his sister through her car window. She’d soon return to their family home. Fine by you, one less Yang to deal with. Your initial excitement about their acceptance of the proposed merger was soon paired with underlying hesitancy. You were allies with the Yangs now, and had to act like it, but you couldn’t help but drag your feet a little. What if Tommy was wrong? You bit your lip as you watched them talk, paranoid it’d be about you.

“Bye, partner!” Ronnie laughed as her car pulled away.

“Walk with me, (Y/N).” Eddie spoke, marching into the hotel. You paused, hating to follow his orders already. You groaned inwardly, trailing after him. “I ought to… take care of my partners.” He bit out, a slight reluctance lacing his words. You figured his annoyance with your brothers meant he hoped he never had to deal with a Shelby again. But here you were. Despite a bit of unwillingness, he seemed to be taking it in stride, though. “Usually, I’d set you up in a suite of your own. However, since the Shelbys always have perfect timing-” He grinned at you, and you shot him a withering look. “The hotel’s fully booked tonight. My sister’s suite is being prepared to be taken up by a guest, and besides, you wouldn’t have wanted to stay there without the staff touching it first, she’s the messy type so it would've been a fucking sty.” He flung open a door. “You can sleep in my suite tonight.”

You marveled at the spacious room, every inch of it finely decorated. You felt his eyes on you and you cleared your throat, hiding your amazement. “It’s a fucking sty.” You smiled, his laughter ringing out across the room.

-

You swung the door open to reveal Eddie. “Here to keep an eye on me?” You smirked. You’d just gotten out of the bath, having finished changing into dry, clean clothes. Eddie had taken his leave as you got ready, but he was back again, beaming at you as you let him past the doorway. You couldn't really blame him, it was his room after all. “We’re partners now. You can trust me.”

“Can I?” He smiled, cocking an eyebrow as he pulled up a chair.

You rolled your eyes, grabbing your pistol. You caught Eddie tensing up and you chuckled, unloading the bullets and handing the empty gun to him. “If you aren't going to trust me, you can stand guard. In case I get up to anything suspicious.”

He aimed the gun at you, squinting as if nailing down his target. He crossed his legs casually, the juxtaposition of his stance with the gun making you laugh. “And you trust me that much?” His mouth twisted into a smile. “I could get bullets. Or, in times of desperation, I’ve got a great throwing arm.” He joked, shaking out his hand as if warming up, pretending to prepare to hurl the gun at you.

You climbed into bed, staring at him past the barrel of the gun. “I guess we both don’t know whether to trust each other. But Tommy trusts you. I think that's worth something. We’re allies now, Eddie. We’ll take care of each other. So I don’t think you will get the bullets. And if you do decide to toss that at me in my sleep, I’ll throw these right back at you with a force so incredible I won’t need that gun.” You smiled, shaking your fistful of bullets.

“Shelby strength never ceases to amaze.” He grinned. “Maybe I will have some faith in you. Anyway, I can’t stay here all night. I’ve got a lobby to sleep in. Those rugs seem quite plush. I used to roll Ronnie up in them, leave her on the floor for hours.”

“You’re crueler than I thought.” You laughed.

“She deserved it.”

You looked at the shadows of his face in the soft light of the room. He wasn’t that awful after all. His lips pulled into a gentle smile. You hesitated. Were you really going to do this? Literally, sleep with the enemy? Well, not the enemy anymore. An ally. You sighed. “You could sleep here. We’ll share. It’s what we do now, isn’t it? Share. Business opportunities, influence, beds. Same thing."

“And let you throw those bullets at me at close range?” He cocked an eyebrow, clicking his tongue disapprovingly as he spun the pistol round, pushing it into his waistband with a dramatic flair. You groaned, trying to conceal your laughter. He paused as he looked at the bed, finally giving in and lying down next to you as you both stared at the ceiling, slipping into a comfortable silence.

You placed the gun back into his hand, pulling his arm up to aim it at your side. “Just in case I get up to no good, partner.”

[shiningwonderland]

Syo Kurusu (Repeat)

Translator: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

Editor: Snail (Twitter: herbert_snail)

True Love Ending — Harmony of Tears

Syo-kun sang a cute pop song with all his might.

To be honest, I think he wanted to sing a cooler sounding song.

He suggested that I should make a song that takes advantage of his appearance and voice.

The things you want to do and what you are actually good at are different.

He said that if he was going to compete, he should try to meet everyone's expectations.

That's why the song he's singing is very much like him.

It's cute, but at the same time, stylish.

Female Student A: What's this? It's such a cute song, but I'm starting to cry.

Female Student B: Yeah, me too… This is such an amazing song… I feel happy just listening to it. 

Male Student A: That guy's a shorty, but he's amazing… I'm nowhere near as good as him.

Syo-kun is using this performance to proclaim with all his might that this is who he is.

That he's this charming.

He doesn't let on that he has a heart condition. He grabs people's hearts with his energetic singing and doesn't let them go.

Then…

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chan… This is the first time I've ever seen him like this… He’s… become strong…

It seems that Syo-kun's feelings have reached Kaoru-kun.

Syo Kurusu: Haa, haa, haa… Thank you for watching!

Syo-kun screams out after he finishes singing, out of breath.

At that moment…

Yeeeah! Shouts of joy and applause ring out and continue for some time.

Syo-kun walks over to where the other contestants are in the corner of the stage.

Without hesitation, I run to the stage and stand by his side to hold him up.

He should be in so much pain that he could fall over at any moment… but Syo-kun's smile never fades. He keeps standing where he is.

For the graduation audition, nine judges, including the principal, and the audience vote on who wins.

The nine judges give a score up to ten points each.

The audience votes on which student they think was the best, and the student that gets the most votes from the audience gets another ten points. Second place gets nine points, and it goes down to tenth place.

The person who gets the most points overall gets first place, becomes a new idol in the Shining Agency, then aims to become the top idol.

For the students who don't win first place, anyone that gets more than 85 points can still join the Shining Agency.

Furthermore, there are people from other agencies that come to watch our audition…

Even if we don't get into the Shining Agency, there's a chance that another agency would ask us to join them.

But I'm sure that Syo-kun wouldn't be satisfied unless he's number 1…

Syo-kun shined so brightly just now, so I'm sure it'll be fine. We can win…

Ryuya Hyuga: We’re ready to announce the results… The winner of this year's graduation audition is Syo Kurusu!

When his name is called, Syo makes a wide grin and lets go of my hand.

He takes in a deep breath and slowly walks to the center of the stage.

Ryuya Hyuga: You did great. You really put in your 100% into that song. 

Syo Kurusu: I am honored! Thank you very much!

Syo takes the trophy into his hands with utmost confidence that it's what he’s deserved all along.

Ryuya Hyuga: You've really grown, kid. You're not the kid that needs to be protected by somebody. You're a grown man who can protect someone with that strong back of yours.

When Hyuga-sensei makes a satisfied grin, tears well up in Syo-kun's eyes.

He must be feeling emotional from being praised by his hero he looks up to.

Shining Saotome: Once your body becomes healthy, you'll be perfect! Get properly cured, you hear?

Syo Kurusu: Roger!

After that, we immediately go to the classroom that has been designated as a break room.

Syo Kurusu: … Haa, haa, haa… Damn it, this needs to calm down… Ha, haa, haa, haa…

Syo-kun's heart is at its limit. He didn't stop smiling on stage, but he must've been in extreme pain.

Haruka Nanami: Let's take a break, okay?

I hug Syo-kun tightly.

Syo Kurusu: … Ha, ha… I'm being so uncool… We won so… I wanted to hug you to celebrate…

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun…

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chan! So you are having an attack… Here, take this. Also, take this and this.

Kaoru-kun takes out medicine and a bottle of water from his bag and makes Syo-kun drink it.

Kaoru Kurusu: My word, you always push yourself too far, Syo-chan… I felt like I was watching your life shorten. Nonetheless… your song was great.

Haruka Nanami: Kaoru…kun?

Kaoru Kurusu: You've become stronger, Syo-chan. You aren't just putting a front anymore. You really have become strong.

Your song proved that to me.

But… if you go overboard and collapse again, that'll all be for nothing.

You've been an idiot ever since we were kids… Your personality hasn't changed even if you've become stronger.

Syo Kurusu: … Haa… Idiot… It takes one… to know one…

Kaoru Kurusu: You're in that much pain and that's all you got to say? You really are stupid…

I can't keep up with you. Go to the States or wherever.

Haruka Nanami: Kaoru-kun…

Kaoru Kurusu: Then… once your stupidity and heart both get cured, sing me a song again.

I believe with the way you are now, you will definitely be cured.

Syo Kurusu: Yeah… You can count on me… It's a promise.

He grins and passes out in my arms with a sigh of relief.

Haruka Nanami: Are you… absolutely sure?

Kaoru Kurusu: Yes. Even if he were to never undergo surgery, it doesn't seem that he'll give up trying to become an idol.

Even if I were to try to stop him, he'll do whatever it takes to get his way. If he's just going to collapse from pain every time, I would rather want him to get cured right away.

I didn't believe him at first, but now I have no more doubt in my mind that Syo-chan will survive…

Haruka Nanami: Yes, I think so too.

Kaoru Kurusu: I wanted to cure him myself… but as long as Syo-chan becomes healthy, I'm fine with anything. 

As for you, are you fine with being left alone? You care about Syo-chan just about as much as me… no, even more than me…

Haruka Nanami: I'll be fine. I can wait because I believe in him.

Kaoru Kurusu: I see… You're strong. You must be the reason why Syo-chan became strong, too. I'm a little jealous.

I'm going now. Tell Syo-chan congratulations for me after he wakes up.

Haruka Nanami: Yes, I will.

Kaoru-kun has given Syo-kun permission to go to the States.

Thank you.

Today, Syo-kun flies to the States.

Syo Kurusu: … It's time… I have to go. Don't cry when I'm not around to keep you company, okay?

He pats my head twice.

Haruka Nanami: Yes… I'll do my best.

I feel like I'll burst into tears at any moment…

But I know that would just cause trouble for Syo-kun… I hold back my tears by clenching my hand into a fist.

Syo-kun grins and lets go of my hand.

No. I don't want him to go.

That thought almost leaves my lips but I keep it inside.

Haruka Nanami: U-Um… Here's a charm for you…

My hands trembling, I give Syo a small bag containing a crystal.

Syo Kurusu: A charm? That’s so like you. Here, have this.

Syo-kun takes off his hat and places it on my head. 

Haruka Nanami:  Huh…?

Syo Kurusu: Think of this as me. It's like a charm, I guess.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you…

I shouldn't cry, but… I feel like my tears are going to overflow at any moment. I need to hold them in.

I need to see him off with a smile. Tears, please listen to me, don't fall…

Syo Kurusu: Don't get the wrong idea. I'm only lending this to you, got it? Give it back to me once I return.

Haruka Nanami: Okay.

So this is really goodbye…

Syo Kurusu: Don't give me that miserable look. Smile! I'm about to go on a new journey!

Haruka Nanami: … Okay.

I hold in my tears and force a smile.

Syo-kun smiles and embraces me tightly.

Syo Kurusu: Good! You're a great partner! … Or rather, should I call you my girlfriend? I get a little embarrassed at the thought, though…

He grabs my shoulders and looks at me in the eyes.

Syo Kurusu: Now that I think about it, I haven’t acted much like a real boyfriend to you yet…

Syo-kun pauses to think and then kisses me on the forehead.

Haruka Nanami: Syo…kun?

Syo Kurusu: Once I get back, I'll give you a proper kiss on the lips! Pray that my surgery will go well!

Haruka Nanami: Of course!

I nod, then Syo-kun flashes a satisfied smile and runs towards the gate.

Natsuki Shinomiya: He left.

Kaoru Kurusu: … Yeah. Syo-chan never drops his guard, does he? Oh well, that's just him being him.

Haruka Nanami: Shinomiya-san, Kaoru-kun… If you came, why didn't you say anything?

Kaoru Kurusu: We thought it would be bad to interrupt.

Nanami-san, you did your very best. You can cry now.

Haruka Nanami: But Syo-kun told me not to cry…

Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes, that's why today, you should part with your tears.

When Shinomiya-san rubs my head, my tears overflow.

I begin to bawl.

Several months pass with no message from Syo-kun.

I have texted him several times, but he has never replied, and he wouldn't pick up his calls.

I have no idea if he's doing well, or when the surgery is, or if he has been cured…

I know nothing at all. I want to see him and hear his voice. I'm just so, so lonely.

I promised him that I wouldn't cry, but there have been many times when my tears would almost overflow.

It'll be okay, I'm sure of it. Syo-kun will come back better than ever.

It'll be okay…

I've told myself that repeatedly and endured my anxiety. The only thing I can do is believe and wait for him…

Haruka Nanami: A text? … Syo-kun?

This is the first text I got from Syo-kun ever since he went to the States…

"The surgery was a success! I'll be back soon!"

The text is brief, which is very much like him.

Haruka Nanami: He's… coming back…

I'm so happy that tears almost fall from my eyes.

Soon after…

… A phone call?

Haruka Nanami: Yes? Hello? Who is this?

Syo Kurusu: Hey, it's me. Did you see my text? Sorry, I didn't have much battery left, so I couldn't type more than that.

That's why I'm calling you now through a public phone. Um… ahh, I can't word! A-Anyway, I'll be back!

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun!

I haven't heard his voice in such a long time.

Syo Kurusu: … Sorry that I've taken so long to reply. I knew if I heard your voice, I’d want to go home as soon as possible… so I decided to wait until I was fully recovered before contacting you, but it took so long.

I just realized that I could've just sent you a text, too… Sorry. I'm actually at the airport right now. I'm about to get on the plane.

Haruka Nanami: Huh…? You mean you're at the Los Angeles airport?

Syo Kurusu: Yeah, I'll arrive at Narita in twelve hours. … Do you want to see me as soon as possible?

Select The Phrase!

1) 会いたい。I want to see you.

Syo Kurusu: I see! I'll be back as soon as possible! There's a flight that arrives a little before five o' clock, so wait at Narita for me!

Haruka Nanami: Okay! I'll be there, so come back soon!

I'll get to see Syo-kun in half a day's time. He's finally coming back!

2) 無理しなくていいよ。Don't push yourself.

Syo Kurusu: Huh? Don't you want to see me as soon as possible?

Haruka Nanami: Of course I do, but if something happens if you rush, I…

Syo Kurusu: What do you mean by that? Anyway, I'll reserve a flight, so go to Narita! I'll arrive just a little before five o' clock. Wait at the airport for me!

Haruka Nanami: Okay! I'll start preparing right now! I'll go as soon as possible!

I can finally see him… He'll be recovered and well!

I come to the airport two hours before Syo-kun's flight is about to arrive.

I couldn't wait any longer.

I'm so happy that I'll get to see Syo-kun today… I feel like I'm going to cry.

If I end up sobbing when he arrives, he'll surely berate me for crying…

Syo-kun… I want to see you soon.

As I watch the arrival gate, the people around me make an uproar. 

Haruka Nanami: What happened?

I become inexplicably anxious.

My gut instinct turns out to be right.

There is news that the plane that Syo-kun took crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

Haruka Nanami: No… Why? That can't be.

Why? The surgery went well…

We were going to spend so much time together…

And yet… there was a crash? This must be a mistake.

There's no way. Syo-kun, you must be okay, right?

I ask Syo-kun, wherever he is, as I tightly hug the hat he lent me.

…

No matter how many times I look at the news, the plane that crashed is still the same plane that Syo-kun boarded.

Even the follow-up news did not update that information.

There is no report whether or not there are survivors.

Even so, I kept praying. Please, save Syo-kun.

Please let me see him at least one more time.

He has tried so hard to get a chance at happiness. Don't let his life end here.

Haruka Nanami: It's because I told him that I want to see him as soon as possible…

If I just told him that he could take his time, or that he could board the next day, this wouldn't have happened…

Haruka Nanami: I'm so sorry…

The tears I have been holding back fall one by one, until they all start overflowing.

I promised him that I wouldn't cry.

And yet…

My tears soak his hat that I'm holding in my arms.

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun…

Syo Kurusu: Did you call me?

Haruka Nanami: Huh…?

I raise my head and see Syo-kun before me.

Haruka Nanami: How…? Syo-kun, is that really you…?

I doubt what I'm seeing and for a moment, and think it's a dream.

Syo Kurusu: Of course it's me. I'm standing right here! Also, why are you crying? I forbade you from doing that.

Haruka Nanami: But your plane… It crashed… Why are you here?

Syo Kurusu: You told me to come as soon as possible! Someone canceled their seat on an earlier flight, so I switched over to that.

Haruka Nanami: … So you really are Syo-kun? You're not a ghost, right?

I reach out and touch his cheek.

He's warm. He really is alive.

He's alive and right in front of me.

Syo Kurusu: Don't kill me off! Also, stop crying! I won't go die and leave you behind!

He embraces me tightly.

Haruka Nanami: Okay.

Syo Kurusu: I told you that I'll protect you. You're such a crybaby. Have you started crying more easily when I haven't been around?

Haruka Nanami: Yes, that might be true… I've been very lonely. I wanted to see you as soon as possible.

Syo Kurusu: I wanted to see you too. I wanted to hug you this whole time. I felt like I was going to go crazy when I wasn't with you.

I've come to realize that I want and need you so badly. I'll keep holding onto you. I won't let anyone else touch you.

You're mine for the rest of your life! I'll be with you forever, and I want you to keep smiling beside me.

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

I smile and Syo-kun smiles back.

Syo Kurusu: Thank you, Haruka! I love you!

Haruka Nanami: Ah…

Syo's lips brush mine for a brief moment.

Syo Kurusu: Ah, hold on– I wasn't thinking! Redo! Give me one more chance! Haruka, I'm in love with you! I will make you happy, so be with me forever…

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I love you too, Syo-kun.

Syo-kun grins and leans in.

Syo Kurusu: Mm…

Haruka Nanami: Mm…

Unlike the kiss from a moment ago, this one is passionate.

Syo Kurusu: I love you. I'll be with you always!

We hug tightly once more.

After that, I work hard to support Syo-kun to achieve good results.

The principal gives us a pass and allows us to date each other as long as we keep our relationship a secret.

Now with a more physically resilient body, Syo-kun begins to incorporate more dancing while singing.

We still can't tell everyone that we're dating, but…

I'm happy just holding onto his warm, steadfast hand…

I want to be by his side as his partner for the rest of my life, forever and ever… for all of eternity…

I LOVE YOU!

Thank you for playing.

Fin.

[shielddrake]

Those Who Hurt You The Most Ch. 1 - Lull Before the Storm

Oh boy. So, like many others, I can't stop thinking about Psychonauts 2, and so I write fanfic for it. It's just that simple.

I usually outline a story before I start posting, but I'm outlining as I go for this one. I've got about nine chapters outlined so far, so this story will be at least that long. Suggestions for improvements and/or ideas are welcome and appreciated!

There's going to be quite a bit of family and friend interactions in here, both positive and negative, so be prepared for that.

Usual Disclaimer: I don't own the Psychonauts franchise. Also, I'm not a psychologist/psychiatrist, so I apologize in advance for anything that is inaccurate in regards to anything in those fields. I'm trying my hardest to be accurate, but I could miss things. Constructive criticism on this is also appreciated.

Lastly, spoiler alert for Psychonauts 2! You have been warned.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy!

“Thank you all for coming today!” Truman Zanotto, the Grand Head of the Psychonauts, declared to the atrium of the Motherlobe. “I am pleased so many are here to celebrate the Psychonauts' twenty-first anniversary!”

“Psychonauts is old enough to drink!” Someone shouted from the crowd, bringing about a few chuckles from the rest of the agents.

Truman ignored whoever that was. “Now, we have a lot to go over tonight, and I’d like to start with going over a few advancements we’ve achieved in the past year.”

With a wave of his hand, Truman brought up a screen large behind him. It was big enough to completely cover the doors leading to the classroom, nerve center and agents’ quarters. He clapped his hands and the lights went down, allowing everyone to see the screen more clearly. Truman cleared his throat.

“First, we have Larry to thank for his work in the Telepathy Department,” he began. “His efforts have created a method to increase communication range two hundred percent…”

There was a long speech that went on for a good forty-five minutes, and to be honest Frazie tuned out most of it. While she was sure it was fascinating for the Psychonauts, and certainly for her younger brother Raz, she was not interested in hearing about this stuff. She had spent the last year in the Psychonauts’ intern program, learning a lot about her psychic powers and how to use them responsibly. But that was over and now Frazie was eager to get back home to the Aquato Family Circus on a regular basis.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Truman turned the lights of the atrium back on. Frazie blinked to help her eyes adjust.

“And now, I would like to invite our Second Head of the Psychonauts, Hollis Forsythe, to present our interns.”

There was a round of applause as Hollis took the stage, which was only a few steps higher than the center of the room. She briefly shook hands with Truman before turning her attention to the rest of the Psychonauts.

“Thank you. Now I know you’re all eager to get to socializing—”

“And food!”

Hollis paused, an annoyed expression on her face. “So I will keep this short. I would like to congratulate this year’s graduating intern class!”

As Hollis announced the names of each intern, they joined her on the stage to receive their junior agent badges. There was much more applauding and cheering this time around, possibly because a few of the interns were children of a few Psychonauts. Frazie recognized the name Mikhail Bulgakov, who not only was her fellow intern but also a friend of Raz from Whispering Rock Psychic Summer Camp. There was Autumn Harper, Gema Ayerbe, Sidney Marks, Barnaby Goldberg and Isaac Wright as well. Why they announced the names in non-alphabetical order was a mystery, but she wasn’t in charge and Frazie wasn’t about to question Agent Forsythe’s methods.

But finally, it came.

“And last but not least, Frazie Aquato.”

Thanking the stars that Hollis respected her request to not announce her full name, Frazie walked up to join the new junior agents. The crowd gave them a round of praise as they all took a bow together.

The noise emanating from where her family stood was particularly deafening. Frazie couldn’t keep the smile off her face at the proud expression on her parents’ faces. It had taken time, but both Augustus and Donatella had eventually (and with much prodding from her brother) had accepted her as a psychic and agreed to let her intern at the Motherlobe.

The applause slowed as they left the stage, with Hollis giving a few final claps once Frazie rejoined her family. She waited until the room was quiet again, or as quiet as it could get, before speaking again.

“Now, before we wrap up, I would like to announce a special award,” Hollis revealed, her hands behind her back. “In acknowledgment of both his achievements in the field as well as recognition as our most improved junior agent. Please give a round of applause for Razputin Aquato.”

The young man in question grinned as he walked up to the stage. Raz stood straight and proud she pinned another badge to his jacket. It was the same one he wore ever since his hazing at the beginning of his intern program a year ago. Frazie supposed that actually made it Sasha Nein’s jacket, but Raz seemed to have claimed it for his own. The older Psychonaut hadn’t asked for it back, so she wasn’t going to sweat the details.

Frazie noticed how her older brother Dion’s support was rather half-hearted. His clapping lasted only a few seconds before giving up entirely and crossing his arms over his chest. Gisu, Raz’s fellow junior agent, was whistling in celebration. She immediately stopped when she spotted Dion sulking.

“Is that really any way to congratulate your own brother?” Gisu asked. “Even Norma admits that the kid deserves it. He’s been working his butt off.”

Dion huffed. “Raz gets enough attention from everyone else. He doesn’t need me fawning over him too.”

Frazie stopped herself from slapping her only older sibling upside the head.

After that, the presentation ended and the socialization began. Most of the other Psychonauts avoided the Aquatos, as they were still quite…cautious about the circus family, to say it kindly. They accepted Raz eagerly enough after the whole Maligula incident, and Frazie as well to an extent. But the rest of the family? They were still an unknown. Frazier was sure their circus attire played a role in that too.

Among the number of cautious Psychonauts was not Hollis Forsythe. She kept to the Aquatos throughout most of the party, conversing with the occasional other agent who came up to them. Or perhaps she was supervising them to prevent another fire from breaking out. Frazie could never be certain.

“Augustus is not allowed in the Noodle Bowl after that incident,” Hollis explained to everyone. “The autumn decorations still need to be replaced.”

“I did offer to repair the painted pinecones,” Augustus protested, but only weakly. He still took responsibility for that. “And I haven’t had an incident like that since then.”

“Dad, what about the—” Mirtala started, but Augustus put a hand over her mouth.

“I don’t think the Second Head needs to know about that, Tala.”

Augustus smiled at Hollis, who rolled her eyes but couldn’t keep the smile from her face. At least she knew he was trying. Augustus was actually one of her more enthusiastic students, as well as oldest. It was easy to see where Raz got it.

“In any case, it’s still good to see two of your children doing so well.” Hollis turned her attention back to Raz and Frazie. “Your family has produced psychics with…exceptional potential. I’m curious to see where they will go in the future.”

Frazie hummed. “Sorry Agent Forsythe, but I think I’m done with the Psychonaut thing.”

Raz spun around to look at his older sister. “What?”

“I’m going back to the circus,” Frazie explained. “I’m happy I’ve learned everything I have, but I prefer the acrobat life.”

“I thought we were going to be going on missions together,” Raz complained, giving her puppy eyes. “Two Agent Aquatos working together!”

“Raz, being a Psychonaut is your thing, not mine,” Frazie insisted.

“Come on!”

“Zip it, Raspy!” Her tone went harder as he opened his mouth to protest again.

“When do I get to join?” Queepie jumped in. Literally. He placed himself in the middle of the circle of adults and teens (and a few children) and started jumping up and down. “When’s it my turn?”

“Not for a while, young man,” Hollis answered. “You’re still too young.”

“How young is too young?” Queepie asked.

“How old are you?”

“Seven.”

“That young.”

“But Raz was ten when he became a Psychonaut!”

Raz’s eyes widened. Was his little brother trying to take the title of Youngest Psychonaut Ever from him?

“Your brother was an intern first, and there were…extenuating circumstances.” Hollis glanced at Raz out of the corner of her eye, and Raz tried to keep the grimace off his face. He knew very well what she was referring to. “An exception I’m not willing to make again.”

“You’ll be doing this soon enough, Son,” Augustus reassured him.

“There are enough Psychonauts in my family as it is,” Donatella declared, speaking up for the first time in the conversation. Frazie found this surprising since her mother was usually the most outspoken person in the room. She suspected it had to do with trying to keep the peace between her and Hollis. “Remember, we still have a show next week, Razputin. If your psychic business makes you late..."

She let her sentence trail off at the warning.

“I remember, Mom,” Raz said with a smile. He’d been doing all right balancing being a Psychonaut and performing in the Aquato Family Circus. Of course, having access to the Psychonauts’ jet made it much easier. “Next Sunday.”

"And don't forget to practice in the meantime!"

"I know, Mom!"

Donatello chuckled. “I hope so, Pootie.”

Raz somehow managed to keep the groan from escaping his mouth at the nickname. Dion, on the other hand, grunted and had to bite his tongue.

Two older guests walked up to the already rather large group. One stood far above everyone, lean as a sapling. The other was her opposite, being very short and barely taller than Raz himself. It never ceased to amuse Raz at their contrary appearances but not contrary personalities. They complimented each other perfectly.

“Congratulations on the award, Razputin,” Cassie said, giving the young man a hug. “If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

“Yes. Well done, young man,” Compton added. “I must say I’m rather impressed at the progress you’ve made in only a year.”

“Well,” Raz dragged out. “I’ve had some pretty awesome teachers.”

“Brownnoser,” came the voice of Raz’s (Sort of? Maybe?) girlfriend Lili, standing with her father Truman as she gave him a small punch in the shoulder. “You can brag about it more after you’ve perfected the Clairvoyance Jump of yours.”

“Clairvoyance Jump?” Truman inquired. Raz’s cheeks went a little pink.

“It’s a technique I’m working on that I started figuring out at the Rhombus of Ruin,” the acrobat described. “It allows for long-distance Clairvoyance through several brains in a row.”

“I’ve heard of some psychics doing that, but I don’t believe it’s been perfected into a teachable power yet,” Truman acknowledged. “It’s wonderful to see a young psychic working so hard to advance our knowledge.”

“That’s my boy,” Augustus said, rubbing Raz's hair with pride while his wife looked a little exasperated.

Donatella still hadn’t said much during the party, other than her pestering Raz about the future show. Frazie was starting to wonder if her mother was feeling ill. She did spot Donatella giving Hollis a few displeased looks, and according to Raz the two of them didn’t get along very well. Was she trying to keep the peace by keeping her mouth shut around Agent Forsythe? That didn’t seem much like their incredibly outspoken and extroverted mother.

This concern did not distract Frazie enough that she didn’t spot the small cheek kiss Lili gave Raz once Truman had turned his back. She held back a giggle at her brother's flush.

There was a sudden silence in the entire atrium. Raz raised his head to look around to see if he could find the cause, his mind immediately going to a possible threat. His guard went down when he saw exactly the cause of the Psychonauts staring at the entrance. Many of them dropped their jaws open.

Bob Zanotto stood there with a small, nervous grin. He appeared to have gotten around to at least trimming his beard, making him look not quite so old. He finally replaced his broken glasses, making his eyes look larger. He also looked like he had lost a little bit of weight, and he smelled much cleaner than Raz remembered. Raz’s eyes moved down Bob’s arm to his hand, which he kept enveloped by another.

That hand then led up to the arm of none other than Helmut Fullbear. He looked much like he did when Raz had recovered his mind from Otto’s lab. His coat was still as extravagant as ever, and he cut his hair ever so slightly. His namesake sat on his head, looking freshly polished.

Raz ran up to them. “Bob! Helmut! You found your body!”

“It certainly took long enough,” Helmut joked. He gave Bob’s hand a squeezed and the two continued into the main area of the atrium. Helmut's legs wobbled a bit in his stride. “And I’m still getting used to having my body back.”

“Brain re-integration going okay?”

“As good as it can be.”

“Bob! You’re looking well!” Cassie shouted, loud enough for everyone to hear. She gave him a tight hug. “I haven’t seen you look this good in years!”

“Well, turns out that spending months digging in a frozen lake is good exercise,” Bob jested, rubbing the back of his neck. “Lost a bit of weight doing that.”

“Honey, you are perfect as you are, but we’re still getting you that treadmill,” Helmut teased. “I worry about your cholesterol at our age.”

The group laughed at the teasing until a stuttered cough rang out through the still-silent room. Truman slowly walked up to his uncle, looking more embarrassed than Raz had ever seen Lili’s father look. He waited until Bob finally walked over to him and slowly embraced his nephew. Truman immediately returned it, gripping the older man’s back with tight fingers.

“I’m so sorry.” Raz was only able to make out the whisper Bob said to Truman.

Truman shook his head. “Don’t be sorry. I should have done more. I’m just happy you’re doing so much better.”

“Every day is a challenge, but I am doing better.” Bob released his nephew as Helmut walked up to them, and he and Truman firmly shook hands.

With that, the tension in the room dispersed. Everyone returned to their own conversations, which no doubt going to turn into gossip before the night was over.

The part continued, and Raz eventually made his way over to the buffet table. He could practically hear his mother’s voice telling him to eat something healthy and full of protein before he stuffed himself with candy or chocolate. As he was about to reach for the famous honey pepper boar bacon, Helmut walked up to him, followed by his father. Raz’s cheeks hurt from the smile that spread across his face. This was a night of joy, to be certain.

“Helmut! You’ve got to have this bacon!” he announced. He immediately tried to take it back. “But, uh, maybe a small amount at first?”

Helmut let out a big laugh. “Razputin, my boy, you have quite the heart. But I’m actually here for another reason.”

“Huh? And what’s that?”

“There’s someone else who wants to talk to you.” Helmut gestured to Augustus. “Both of you. A couple of someones actually. They’re outside by Otto’s lab.”

Raz glanced at his dad, who shrugged, looking as confused as he felt. Helmut returned to Bob’s side as father and son left the Motherlode. They hopped across the floating platforms to the building housing Otto’s lab. Even now, Raz felt a little uneasy going there, knowing that the inventor kept a vault full of deceased agents’ brains there. And the idea that Otto thought Raz’s brain would one day be in there as well…Ew.

Raz didn’t think twice about that though once he saw Ford Cruller and Lucrecia Mux, his Nona, holding hands. Both of them looked a little nervous, but they did manage to smile as the two other psychics approached.

“Nona! Ford!” Raz sprinted forward to grab Nona in a tight but still gentle hug. She patted the back of his head in response, closing her eyes as she felt her grandnephew in her arms again. Raz gave her one last squeeze before grabbing Ford around the waist. “I didn’t know if you were coming or not!”

“Sorry we’re a little late,” Ford said. “Lucy was taking her time doing her hair.”

“Oh hush, Crully,” Lucy teased back. “I had to spend half an hour convincing you to come at all. Don’t go blaming me.”

Augustus was keeping his distance, glancing back and forth between the ground and the couple. Raz watched his father with concern, knowing he still had a little trouble in regards to how Ford had modified his memories against his will as a child. Augustus had spent the last year on-and-off with the Psychonauts and their available therapists to come to terms with this and what transpired a year ago. Or at least that’s what Augustus told his family. Raz really wasn’t sure what kind of progress he had made, and he didn’t want to push the topic if his dad wasn’t up to it.

The one who finally broke the silence was Ford. He walked over to Augustus, followed closely by Lucy and Raz, and he bowed his head to the younger man.

“Augustus, I haven’t had the chance, or really the courage, to talk to you before now,” he began. He took a deep breath. “But I guess it’s better late than never to say how sorry I am—”

“Ford Cruller.” Augustus put his hand on the old man’s shoulder, prompting Ford to meet his gaze. “I have been through the gamut of emotions over the last year. I've been angry, sad, disappointed, confused, disgusted…and a lot of other things. But I have learned one very important thing: There is no point staying angry with someone who hurt you, especially if they show regret for it. It keeps bringing up old wounds when we should be able to move forward.”

Augustus put his hand forward, and Ford hesitated for a single moment before shaking it with his own. They both let out a breath that Raz was sure neither knew they were holding. Augustus then moved on to Lucy, who had stayed behind to let Ford have his say first. He didn’t even pause in kneeling and hugging her. After a moment of the two embracing each other, Augustus pulled away with a smile.

“Lucy, you may be my aunt, but the memories we made together when you were my mother, or my acting mother, were real,” he described. “You're my aunt-mother, and nothing will change that.”

The tears finally started falling from Lucrecia’s eyes, and she buried her face in her nephew’s chest. Ford hugged her from the other side, with one hand on Augustus’ back. Raz wiped away his own tears, and was taken aback when a telekinesis hand grabbed him and placed him smack in the middle of the family hug. Augustus released his son and grabbed his with his physical hand, not letting go of his family.

Once the four psychics had their fill of hugs, Raz jumped in front of Lucy.

“Nona! I have something really cool to show you!”

“Is it that…you know?” Augustus probed mysteriously.

Raz grinned. “Yup.”

“What’s that?” Ford asked.

“I’ve been practicing with Lizzie on this a lot, and I’ve gotten pretty good at it.” Raz headed to the edge of the platform. “Watch this!”

“Stay away from the—” Lucy began, out of habit, but stopped when Raz jumped over the edge and into the small lake below.

Or rather, he would have landed in the water if the Hand of Galochio hadn’t sprung up and held him in place. Raz did a couple of tumbles and flips with the Hand, followed by a matching handstand and handstand walk over the water, with flourishes of water sprays and streams going all over the place at the same time. He ended his little show a bit of juggling of small balls of water, which exploded into rain with a clap of his hands.

The three adults applauded as Raz gave a bow and used the water to step back down to the dock. He was wringing his hands as he returned to Lucy.

“Whatcha think?”

“That was amazing, Pootie!” she praised.

“A showstopper for certain!” Ford added.

Augustus patted his son’s shoulder. “He’s been working on that show for weeks.”

“You’ve obviously worked hard on it,” Lucy said. “How many hours a week?”

“Um, a lot?” Raz answered with a crooked smile. “I didn’t keep track.”

“It’s comforting to see you using water again,” she continued. “But remember how dangerous it can be, Razputin.”

The preteen nodded. “I know, Nona. I just don’t want water to be a bad part of our lives anymore.”

“We're all performing a few water acts in the circus now,” Augustus informed them. “Would you like to come see? We have a show next week.”

“It would be wonderful to see the family perform again.” Lucy looked up at her elderly boyfriend. “What do you think, Crully?”

“You don’t think they’d mind if I came?” Ford asked.

“Of course not!” Raz asserted. “I know mom’s been wondering about you. And Tala and Queepie have been asking about Nona a lot. They miss you.”

“We better not disappoint them then,” Lucy conceded.

“Even better, let’s go back inside. I think it’s about time our Nona formally introduced her boyfriend to the family,” Augustus teased. “By the way, Ford, we need to have a talk about your intensions towards my aunt-mother.”

“Gussy!” Lucy gave her nephew-son a pretend scandalous expression.

Raz groaned and rolled his eyes. “Now I know where he gets it from.”

Ford levitated the adults over the water back to the Motherlobe, while Raz did a few hops with the Hand of Galochio to join them. As they did so, a figure kept to the shadows as he turned off his psychic invisibility. He kept an eye on Razputin as he watched the boy return to the Psychonauts’ party. The figure bit his tongue to keep quiet until he was sure the psychics were out of both hearing and telepathy range. One he was sure they were, he put his fingers up to his temple.

“Minister, I have news to report,” he telepathically called. “I think you’ll be very interested to hear about this."

[razputin-vodello-au-archives]

The fic about the day that lady slapped Razputin's cheek.

Hey, I finally got around to write this. Enjoy!

Setting: Around September-october, when Raz has just joined the Intern Program.

Even Psychonauts had to do grocery shoppings from time to time. Even super Agents like Milla Vodello. It brought a sense of ...normalcy to their incredible lives. So that's why she was at the local supermarket today, her son Razputin and Intern and surrogate sister Lizzie Natividad in tow. Lizzie was carrying her own grocery basket, filled with snacks and other stuff for herself and the Interns.

“Just need a few more things and we're done, darlings.” She said, going over her grocery list.

“Yup, I almost got everything too.” Lizzie said.

Raz let out a breath and tugged Milla's dress. “Mom, can I go walk in the shop before we go?” Raz said, a smile forming on his lips. “You know, in case you forgot something?”

Milla giggled. “You mean, 'go the candy aisle to get some candy that I have neglected to put in my cart'?” She asked with a knowing grin.

Raz looked to the floor with a blush.

Milla shook her head in amusement. “Go. But only one thing, okay?” She said sternly. “I don't want you having an upset stomach.”

Raz smiled brightly. “Yes mom, thanks mom.” He turned on his heels and started to run off.

“Hey, slow down, Pooter!” Lizzie shouted after him, catching up to him in a few steps. “I'll come with. Otherwise you might get lost.”

Raz rolled his eyes.“I have been to this store before, you know.”

Lizzie ruffled Raz's hair. “Yes, but I need to get something from the aisle in the same direction.” She said matter-of-factly. “So I'm coming with.”

“What are you getting?” Raz asked curiously.

A mischievous grin played on Lizzie lips. “Something from the 'girly aisle'.” She said. “You wanna come? You can help me pick out tam-”

“NO, I'm fine.” Raz said quickly, a blush spreading on his cheeks.

Lizzie cackled. She looked over her shoulder, making sure Milla couldn't hear her. “And while you pick out some candy, pick out something extra. My treat. A little something to celebrate you joining us in the Intern Program.”

“You already gave me a gift.” Raz said, shaking the dark aqua shoulder bag he was carrying.

Lizzie grinned. “Yeah, we did, as in the Interns gave you a gift we all pooled money for together. ” She leaned down and booped his nose. “This is a small gift from me, ya hear me? And no-one needs to know about it.”

Raz grinned. “You're a great big sister, Lizzie.”

“I'm the best.” Lizzie replied. She patted him on the back. “Now get going, Milla's waiting for us.”

Raz nodded and quickly ran to the candy aisle.

Raz was just looking over what he would get, when he felt a something, probably another person's shopping cart, painfully collide with his sides.

“Ouch!” Raz yelped. He turned around to the the owner of the cart. It was a big lady, dressed in what his mom would have called 'trashy, cheap clothes', whom didn't seem at all shocked that she just almost knocked over a child. Raz rubbed his aching side. “Hey, that hu-”

“Can't you look out where you're going?!” The lady suddenly shouted. “Honestly, kids these days don't even have the slightest bit of manners! You should be ashamed.”

Raz blinked in bewildered disbelief. “Me?” He asked. “It was y-”

The lady took a big step and was suddenly right in front of him. She leaned down and jabbed a finger hard into his chest. “Well, aren't you going to apologize?” Raz could smell something on her breath. He recognized the smell. He was sure it was the same beverage Sasha sometimes drinks. But lady seemed to have drank an entire bottle at once not too long before.

Razputin rubbed the place she jabbed her finger at. He was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the lady's loud voice. Where was his mom? Why was Lizzie taking so long? He could hear people in the aisle next to him, who must have heard the commotion. He hoped they would visit this one soon. He cleared his throat. “But it was you th-” He began weakly, despite looking the woman straight in the eyes.

“Don't you dare take that tone of voice against me, brat.” She shouted. People had starting coming into the aisle. They were seeing what was happening, but seemed reluctant to step in.

“But it was YOU th-”

SLAP!

It all went so fast, Raz hardly registered what just happened. An impact. Pain. Something stung his cheek. He stood there, shocked, unable to say anything.

“There, that will teach you to respect your betters.” The lady said, sounding profoundly proud of herself.

Lizzie had heard the commotion while she was picking out her items, but only had ran back to the candy aisle when she heard that Raz's voice was part of the commotion. She was just back in time – to see the woman slapped Raz across the cheek.

“RAZ!” she shouted and ran to him. She knee slid in front of him, holding his face between two hands. She turned her head to the woman, eyes blazing anger. “What's your damage, lady?!” She angrily shouted.

The lady started justifying her action, but Lizzie immediately ignored her. She turned her attention back to Razputin, who hadn't said a word. He just looked up at Lizzie, his eyes watery and confused. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, like he wanted to say something, but was too shell-shocked to actually vocalize something.

“C'mon, say something, Poots.” She urged calmly. A red, hand-shaped mark was forming on his cheek. She noticed a small cut also, which was bleeding slightly. That woman must've hit him with her nails or a ring.

Lizzie had always felt that the expression 'making ones blood boil' never really applied to her. When she gets angry, like really furious, her blood doesn't boils. No, her veins fill with ice. She growled. Only one thought was going through her mind.

She has hurt my little brother!

Lizzie started to turn around, with every intention to introduce this lady to the pain that cryokinesis could cause filling her body. A hand on her shoulder stopped her murderous crusade. She looked up. Crud. It was Milla. She had her eyes locked on the woman, who was not impressed.

Lizzie anger vanished in an instant, replaced with guilt. “Milla, I swear I was just gone for a few moments and I tried to get back when I heard, but-”

“Miss Natividad, I asked you to do something, eu não?” Milla asked, still her eyes on the woman.

The woman scoffed. “Of course it's a foreigner that doesn't have control over their brats, why am I not surprised.”

Lizzie opened her mouth to pepper the bi ...woman with some harsh language of her own, when stopper her in her tracks. “Lizzie, I will not repeat myself a third time.”

A new sort of coldness filled Lizzie's veins. Not anger, this time. This time, it was pure dread. Despite the polite smile that was on Milla's lips, her stiff posture and aloof attitude betrayed otherwise. Lizzie could feel it, Milla absolutely radiated anger – no, fury, right now. She had experienced something like this before, after she accidentally gave an 8-year old Razputin a black eye with a Cryokinetic formed snowball, which had an unintentional frozen center. Milla wasn't the one for yelling or scolding – usually – but man, did she receive a guilt trip.

Lizzie didn't feel like wasting anymore time, lest she wanted to be at the end of Milla Vodello's wrath. She grabbed Raz and without uttering another word, ran out of the aisle, holding him close to her chest. She ran until she found a quiet place at the back of the store.

First checking no-one was around to bother them for a second, she then placed Raz on the ground. He hadn't said anything yet. This worried Lizzie. Normally he was so chatty. “Raz, you okay. Okay, dumb question.” She let out a forced chuckle. Raz still didn't answer, she just looked at the floor. Lizzie hoped this was just a reaction because of the slap and not because his basophobia got triggered.

She knelt down to his eye-level. “Raz?” She asked gently. “C'mon Poots, talk to me.” She gently placed a hand on his cheek, but quickly took it off when he hissed in pain. “Yeah, I guess it must sting a bit.” She looked around for something cold to put against his cheek. She didn't feel like going asking any of the employers or find the freezers. But …

“Hey Raz, wanna see a neat trick?” Lizzie asked, holding her hand up, wiggling her fingers. Raz gasped softly as he saw her hand pale a bit and vapor, like the ones from dry ice, flowing from her fingers. Lizzie chuckled. “Introducing: my Frost Hand. Cool huh? Been practicing that one. I wanted to use it to prank people – Y'know, putting my freezing hand against their neck when they aren't watching – but I guess practical applications have their uses too.”

She gently placed her freezing hand against his red cheek again. Raz flinched a bit, didn't seem to mind it as much.

“There, that should feel better soon.” She frowned when she heard him sniffle. She sighed and gave a sympathetic smile. “It's okay, let it out, Raz.”

Raz looked up at Lizzie, tears forming in her eyes. “W-why did she do that?” He asked softly.

Before Lizzie could form an answer, a gruff voice suddenly spoke up.“Egh, don't look too much into it, kiddo.”

Lizzie almost couldn't believe her eyes when she looked up. There was a old man with a cart approaching them and Lizzie could only describe him as 'if Santa was a biker and worked out 5 times a week'. The man had a snow-white big, bushy beard and was dressed in a green leather jacket, decorated with all sorts of pins and spikes. Lizzie would bet real money on it that he probably was covered in badass tattoos. Raz seemed impressed, and Lizzie would be lying if she'd deny she was too.

“I saw what happened.” He gave a grunt and nodded his head toward Raz. “Yer little brother doing okay, missy?”

Lizzie chuckled meekly – and had no idea why she was so shy all of the sudden. “He will be, but he is not my brother.” She rolled her eyes when Raz gave her a look. “Well, he kinda is, but not really. Uhm ...he-”

The man raised his hand with another low grunt. “Say no more, I get it.” He said. “It's a bond thing, amirite? A deeper connection than labels can give. Had a friend like that once.” He sighed, took out a cane out of his cart and approached the two with a slight limp. “Well, brother or not, like I said: don't worry too much about what that ...lady – not the word I'd use, but there's kids around – said. She'd the kind of woman that enjoys the smell of her own farts too much.”

Lizzie burst out in laughter and even Raz giggled. Lizzie couldn't deny she felt a bit better and she was sure Raz would too. “That's one way to put it.” Lizzie said between giggles. Didn't you just say something about 'kids being around'?”

The man made a dismissing grunt. “I'm an old man who only got a few good years on the earth left.” He said. He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound Lizzie could swear she felt resonate in her chest. “If I had'ta think about everything I said before I said it, things wouldn't be much fun.”

He grunted again. He turned to Raz. “Anyway kiddo, you got nothing to worry about. You did nothing wrong. I saw how that woman run her cart into you and then ...well, know. I would've had my hand around her throat and dangling in the air like a worm on a fishing hook, if it weren't for this leg o' mine.” He struck the end of his cane against right leg. It made a metallic sound. He gave another rumbling chuckle when he saw Raz's eyes widen as he stared at the leg.

Lizzie pinched his arm, making him yelp. “Don't stare.” she hissed at him. The old man was being nice, it would only be fair to be nice in return.

The man let out a single, barking laugh. “Don't worry about it.” He said, a smile forming behind his massive beard. “Anyway, ….” He knelt down with a grunt. “Open and close your mouth a few times?”

Raz did as asked.

“Anything hurting?”

Raz shook his head.

“Does speaking hurt?”

Raz chuckled a little. “No.”

The man grunted approvingly. “Wiggle your jaw side to side, carefully.”

Raz did as instructed. “Doesn't hurt ...much.”

The man grumbled. “Now, carefully clench your jaw.” He said. “But if it hurts, Stop, you hear me.”

Raz clenched his jaw a few time. There was no pain.

The man nodded approvingly and rose up again – with the necessary grunts and whispered curses. “Well, nothing seems to be broken.” He smiled behind his beard. “You're gonna be fine, son.”

He looked over his shoulder. “Seems someone did the sensible thing and called the boys in blue.” He said. Lizzie gazed over the man's enormous shoulders. A police car had pulled up and now a police officer was making his way to the entrance.

Lizzie made a sound. “Hope he's here to arrest the b-”

“Kids around.” The man grunted, a chuckle escaping his mouth nevertheless. He leaned on his cane for a few second and then walked to his cart again. “Well, I better get over there, since I saw the whole thing go down. You kids wait here, y'hear me?”

Lizzie saluted. “Yessir.” She chuckled as the man turned around.

“Wait, we never asked your name, sir.” Raz said.

The man looked over his shoulder. “My friends call me Rhino.”

“Well, Rhino....thanks” Lizzie said.

Rhino gave a friendly nod, took his cart and soon vanished out of view.

Lizzie placed her Frost Hand against Razputin's cheek again. She gave him a small, sisterly smile. “How is the cheek now? Feeling any better?”

Raz looked up with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “A little.” He said. He leaned into Lizzie's hand. “This is helping a lot though.”

Lizzie opened her mouth to say something, but then noticed that a man – an employee of the store, judging by his 'uniform' – approached them.

“You Lizzie and Razputin?” He asked. He smiled friendly when Lizzie nodded. “Your mother and the police are dealing with the ...incident. I have no idea how long that will take, but in the meantime, if you would follow me, I said to her that I would let you wait in our Break Room.”

Lizzie nodded, not even trying to correct the man about Milla being her mother, stood up and pulled Raz to his feet. “Lead the way, man.”

About three quarter of an hour had passed without much news. Lizzie and Raz had made themselves comfortable on the old couch of the break room, helping themselves to the drinks and unclaimed snacks in the fridge.

“You think it's going to take much longer?” Raz asked. As if on cue, the door opened and a tired-looking Milla entered. Her face lit up with a smile when she saw Raz. “Raz, querido!” In a few tall steps, she stood by the couch and knelt down. She took Raz's chin and gently turned his head to the side. She made a sound when she saw the light bruising on his cheek, but didn't comment. She turned his head again, making him look in her eyes. “Does it hurt, darling?”

Raz shook his head. “A little in the beginning, but it doesn't anymore.” A grin spread on his face. “Lizzie used a new trick to cool down my cheek.”

Milla smiled. “Did she now?” She turned to Lizzie. “Lizzie, I can't thank you enough for being her for Raz.”

Lizzie made a dismissive sound. “Forget about it.” She said, waving a hand. “How did that lady end up? We saw the police arriving. Did they take her to the slammer?”

Milla shook her head with a giggle. “Yes, the police have taken her to the station.” She said. “Yes, for ...the incident, but also for public intoxication, disturbing the peace, refusing to co-operate...” She let out a deep sigh. “She made the entire thing into a circus. That was not a pleasant experience, at all.”

She sighed again, before smiling. “Anyway, in the meantime, I have done the rest of the groceries and paid for everything. Including yours, Lizzie.”

Lizzie jumped up from the couch. “You did?” She asked. “But I brought my own money. You shouldn't ha-”

Milla lifted up Lizzie beanie, placed a kiss on her forehead and promptly pulled her into a hug. “I did an there is nothing you can say that would change my mind.” She said. “IF you weren't here for Raz ...” She kissed Lizzie cheek and rose up. “Thank you, darling. For being such a good big sister to Razputin. He is lucky to have you for one.”

Lizzie rested her hand on her cheek. “Y-yeah, no problem, Milla.” she managed to utter out.

Raz giggled. “Your cheeks are really getting red, Lizzie.”

“Shut up, Pooter.” she said, grinning despite herself.

Milla giggled. “Okay, I think we had more than enough excitement for one day.” She said. “Let's go back to the Motherlobe, shall we?”

“Yeah, I can't wait to tell this story to the others.” Lizzie said, holding out her hand for Raz to take it. “Norma's gonna throw a flipping fit.”

“I think she won't let me out of her sight for DAYS after hearing what happened.”

Milla shook her head with a smile. She sighed silently. Raz was truly lucky to have siblings like the Lizzie, Norma and the other Interns. She had been a bit worried about him joining the Intern Program, but after witnessing Lizzie today... She would have nothing to worry about. He was going to be fine with them.

[nosakaya]

I really love your Kanato and Yui one shot story 💕💕 Can you write more one shot story of this ship??

[Eng - English]

Kanato Sakamaki x yui komorifirst write such a shot here

Thank you for ordering, I hope you like it ^^

~~ ~~

Yui, hated being stalked by sadistic vampires who wanted to destroy her.

She felt that somewhere deep down she had given up.

Yui, so you were here? - a voice rang out near her, Kanato. She lifted her head from under the roses that gave her some hope in this place. That, maybe someday she would meet her father again, and get out of here.

"...someday. "

- oh, kanato- kun," she said.

- You must be such a gaudy bond that I don't like it - he replied looking at her with disdain.

She was like trapped from where, they were, the predator and she was the prey. There was no way out.

- I'm sorry - she said towards the vampire looking at him.

- DO YOU THINK IF YOU APOLOGIZE, IT WILL MAKE ME FEEL BETTER?!!!    - The purple-haired man yelled at her.

" I just that it's for the best... " thought the blonde haired girl looking up with pink eyes.

- Well it doesn't matter anymore as, an apology I'll take your blood," he announced, satisfied with the situation.

After a while, he moved closer to the blonde girl biting into her neck.

- Kanato - kun... It hurts... - I groaned.

- Shut up, now is the time for punishment! - He growled at her even more biting into her neck.

The blonde cried out in pain. Tears fell from her eyes.

Which Kanato licked away.

- Not only that, your blood is tasty, your tears are sweet too. - He added with a laugh

- Please, cry more!!! - he ordered her by shouting at her.

Yui flinched at the cry.

- But, I don't know how to cry on cue. - she recounted.

The vampire, didn't like that answer at all.

- WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T CRY? - He yelled at the blonde. Whose face turned sad.

- I'm sorry," she said.

- SHUT UP!!! NOW I WILL FINISH YOUR PUNISHMENT!!! - he shouted.

Then brutally, he bit into her neck making the blonde, desperately scream in pain.

Kanato was upset when yui recently, started spending more time with Subaru. He was jealous of her.                He wouldn't let her get away from him ever. She is his property.

- That hurts... - I groaned.

jealous of her.    He will never let her get away from him. She is his property.

- It hurts... - I groaned.

- Be quiet and maybe Subaru will come to your rescue? - he said mockingly but you could hear the fury in his voice.

Yui's eyes, we will widen with astonishment " what was he talking about? "

- kanato, kun what are you talking about? - she asked the vampire. 

To him those words were a lie he hated liars.

Kanato kun grabbed her hand tightly he could break it now.

- kanato kun! It hurts," I said desperately.

After a moment, he loosened his grip, not letting her move away from him.

Yui, for a moment, was napping because of Kanato.

- Did it hurt? I'm sorry," he said then started licking her hand. He bit into her finger.

- kanato hurts... Stop... - She howled, once again similar words that were true. The vampire's bite hurt terribly.

- I can make it hurt less," he announced.

After a while, yui felt no pain, but a pleasant sensation.

She was surprised, because none of the vampires, except him, offered her this. Only kanato- kun did.

Yui, she believed kanato kun, really was a good person. Although he was very unkind to her, and could be scary.

Yui, felt kanato suddenly bite into her neck, causing her to be pulled out of her own thoughts she felt dazed for a moment.

Yui, felt Kanato suddenly bite into her neck, causing her to be pulled out of her own thoughts feeling dazed for a moment.

- Tell me, what were you thinking about? - he asked the question.

- I was thinking, oh kanato kun, that you are a really nice person. - She confessed to the vampire.

She heard Kanato laugh,

- I'm so glad you're thinking about me all the time, he said.

- That means you're all mine and no one else's," the vampire said happily.

- You're right.

-I'm glad you admit it, at last. You belong to me," he said firmly.

Kanato stroked her head, "I'm not giving mine away.

Kanato stroked her head, mine I won't give to anyone.

Yui smiled at Kanato.

- I would make such a pretty doll out of you, but then I wouldn't be able to drink your warm blood. Or feel your body heat," he said.

Yui was glad to hear him say that. She didn't want to be a kanato doll. I don't want to belong to kanato doll collection, from the corpse it passed her

- to know your face is so pathetic, kanato said

- poor my pathetic yui - he added.

"No one else will ever have her.

You are mine forever. "

After which kanato kissed yui with a tender kiss.

~~ ~~

[ pl - polish ]

Dziękuję, za zamówienie ^^ mam nadzieję że ci się spodoba

Yui, nienawidziła być prześladowana przez sadystyczne wampiry które chcieli ją zniszczyć.

Czuła, że gdzieś w głębi duszy się podała.

Yui, więc tu byłaś? - rozległej się niedaleko niej głos, kanato. Uniosła głowę spod róż które dawały jej, w tym miejscu jakaś nadzieję. Że, może kiedyś jeszcze spotka swojego ojca, i się stąd wydostanie.

" kiedyś.. "

- oh, kanato- kun - powiedziała

- Musisz być tak chałasliwa  więź że tego nie lubię - odpowiedział patrząc na nią z pogarda.

Była jak w pułapce z wkórej, oni byli, drapieżnika a ona ofiarą. Która nie ma już wyjścia.

- przepraszam - rzekła w stronę wampira patrząc na niego.

- MYŚLISZ, ŻE JEŚLI PRZEPROSISZ TO POCZUJĘ SIĘ LEPIEJ ?!!  - Fioletowo - włosy, wrzasnał na nią.

" ja po prostu że tak będzie najlepiej.. " myślałam blond włosa dziewczyna patrząc różowymi oczami.

- Cóż to już nie ważne jako, przeprosiny wezmę twoją krew - oznajmił, zadowolony sytuacją.

Po chwili, przybliżył się do blondynki wgryzając się w jej szyję.

- Kanato - kun.. To boli.. - jęknęłam.

- Milcz, teraz  czas kary! - Warknął na nią jeszczę bardziej wgryzając się w jej szyję.

Blondynka, zawyła z bólu. Z jej oczu, poleciały łzy.

Które kanato zlizał.

- Nie tylko, twoja krew jest smaczna, łzy też są słodkie. - Dodał  śmiejąc się

- proszę, płacz więcej!! - kazał jej krzycząc na nia.

Yui, wzdrygneła się na krzyk.

- Ale, ja nie mogę płakać na zawołanie. - opowiedziała.

Wampirowi, ta odpowiedź się w ogóle się nie spodobała.

- JAK TO NIE MOŻESZ KAŻAŁEM, CI PŁAKAĆ!! - Wrzasnał na blondynkę. Której twarz posmutniałam.

- przepraszam - wydobyła

- ZAMKNIJ SIĘ!! TERAZ DOKOŃCZĘ TWOJĄ KARĘ!! - Krzyknął.

Następnie brutalnie, wygryzł się w jej szyję przez co blondynka, krzyknęła z bólu rozpaczliwie.

Kanato był zdenerwowany gdy yui ostatnio, zaczęłam spędzać więcej czasu z subaru. Był zazdrosny o nią.  Nie pozwoli jej uciec nigdy od niego. Jest jego własnością.

- To boli... - jęknęłam.

- bądź cicho a może subaru przyjdzie ci na ratunek? - powiedział z kpinął jednak w jego głosie można było usłyszeć wściekłość.

Oczy yui, rozszerzymy się ze zdiwienia  " o czym on  mówił? "

- kanato, kun o czym ty mówisz? - zapytała wampira. 

Dla niego te słowa były kłamstwem nienawidził kłamców.

Kanato kun chwycił ją mocno za rękę ze mógłby ją teraz złamać.

- kanato kun! To boli - powiedziałam rozpaczliwie.

Po chwili rozluznił uścisk, nie pozwalając się jej ruszyć z dala od niego.

Yui, przez chwilę drzała z powodu kanato.

- czy to bolało? Przepraszam - powiedział po czym zaczął lizać jej rękę. Wgrył siesię w jej palec.

- kanato boli.. Przestać.. - wyjąkałą, kolejny raz podobne słowa które były prawdą. Ugryzienie wampira strasznie bolało.

- Mogę sprawić ze będzie mniej bolało -  oznajmił

Po chwili, yui nie czułam bólu a zupełnie, przyjemne uczucie.

Była tym zdiwiona z żaden z wampirów oprócz niego, nie zaproponował jej tego. Tylko kanato- kun to zrobił.

Yui, wierzyła ze kanato kun, naprawdę był dobrą osobą. Choć był bardzo dla niej niemiły, i potrafi być  straszny.

Yui, poczułam ze nagle kanato wygryzł się jej w szyję, przez co została wyrwana z własnych rozmyślen czuła się oszolomiona przez chwilę.

- Powiedz o czym myślałaś? - zadał pytanie

- ja myslalam, o kanato kun ze jesteś naprawdę miła osobą. - Wyznała w stronę wampira.

Usłyszała śmiech kanato,

- Bardzo się cieszę ze myślisz cały czas o mnie - rzekł.

- To znaczy ze cała jesteś, moja i nikogo innego - oznajmił zadowolony wampir

- masz rację - odparła

-Cieszę się ze to przyznajesz, wkońcu. Należysz do mnie - stwierdził stanowczo.

Kanato, pogłaskał ją po głowie, moja nikomu nie oddam.

Yui uśmiechneła się do kanato.

- zrobiłbym z ciebie taką ładną  lalkę, ale wtedy nie mógłbym pić twojej cieplej krwi. Ani poczuć twojego ciepła ciała - rzekł

Yui ucieszyło, ze to powiedz. Nie chciała być lalka kanato. Nie chcę należeć do kolekcji lalek kanato, z trupów to ją przekazało..

- żebyś wiedziała swoją twarz jest taka żałosna - powiedział kanato

- biedna moja żałosna yui - dodał.

"Nikt inny  nigdy nie będzie jej miał.

Jesteś moją na zawsze. "

Po czym kanato pocałował yui czułym pocałunkiem.

[otagamerkorin]

Trial by Fire (including very little actual fire and honestly just a whole lot of snow)

Merry (very belated) Christmas @blasphemousfungus! I was your secret santa for @kibasniper‘s Psychonauts Secret Santa! Unfortunately, due to a lotta stuff going on in my life, your present isn’t completely done yet, but here’s the first (honestly kinda massive) chapter of it! I plan on putting it up on AO3 as well, so I’ll ping you then too! For reference, this was highly inspired by mystery_notebook (or I think they might be @tvguts on here?) fic Like It Used To Be, But Better, which is amazing and you should totally check it out. Anyways, I really hope you enjoy it!

Edit: Just realized I completely forgot to give it a title. Whoops.

When they had gone into the asylum, none of the members of Thorney Towers had expected to come back out not only dear friends with a 10 year old, but also under the close monitor of an organization of secret psychic agents.  Initially is had only been to ensure that being around Loboto while in such delicate condition hadn’t left any lasting damage. Luckily from what they’d been able to work out from the fours scattered memories of the time, the dentist hadn’t involved them in any of his experiments, but better safe than sorry. The surveillance really hadn’t gotten in the way of their new lives much. A few calls a week, the occasional in-person check in to see how they were doing, not much to write home about in the grand scheme of things.

After a time though, things had begun to get...interesting.

It was actually Boyd who kicked the whole thing off, so to say. It had been a day like any other, possibly even more quiet and domestic than usual considering they’d just hit the weekend. According to the other three, he’d simply been drying dishes after dinner that night when a wayward mug has slipped off the counter behind him. The resulting crash has two effects. 1.) The former nightguard jumped about three feet off the ground with a startled shriek. And 2.) The dishtowel in his hands promptly burst into flames. Luckily he’d dropped the flaming cloth into surprise and a bit of group panic and rapid stomping has quickly put out the blaze, leaving the four gathered in the small kitchen, staring down at its burnt remains.

The lot of them, Boyd especially, were dumbfounded by the whole event and immediately phoned up their new psychic associates, if only to make sure they weren’t all going crazy again. There had to be some mundane explanation for this, right? But after a few quick tests from Sasha, it was official: Boyd was most definitely a psychic.

Signs from the others quickly followed.  Fred would frequently find papers and pens floating in orbit around him whenever he got embroiled in his nursing reinstatement exams. Edgar would sometimes find those around him caught up in a sort of bewildering mental fog, leaving them staring around in confusion. And while Gloria had always had quite the green thumb, now the plants in her garden flourished with just the touch of her hand, the woman assaulted with a hundred whispered voices of delight whenever she appeared at the gate with her watering can. Lili was especially happy about the latter, having never met a fellow connoisseur of florakinesis until that point, let alone one who was so friendly.

To say everyone, both Psychonaut and otherwise, was baffled was an understatement. None of the four had shown an signs of psychic powers earlier in life. So why now?

It was Razputin of all people who offered a hypothesis.  They were all aware that the large amount of  Psitanium around the camp and asylum had been less that helpful for the fours delicate mental state, what with the whole “making the sane less sane” thing and all. Perhaps though, the other half of the phrase may also be in play. What if being around all that Psitanium has brought whatever deeply buried psychic powers the four shared to the surface?

Honestly, it was the best they had to go on. There were hardly any cases of spontaneous psychic manifestation in those beyond adolescence and the four weren’t showing any of the usual symptom relating to those sort of circumstances.

Regardless, it didn’t change the fact that the organization now had a whole mess of new psychics in the mix who needed training.

Which is what brought Milla to the front gates of the Von Gouten Arts Academy for Girls (formally Hagatha Home) bright and early one Wednesday morning. The former actress had bought the dilapidated old academy around a year ago using some of the wealth she’s amassed during her glory years. (It was amazing how much interest a saving account left to sit could accrue.) Since then she’d been fixing the place up, hiring teachers and generally getting the place running even better than before, eventually joined in her endeavors by the other three Thorney Towers residents when they moved onto the grounds with her.

Milla found herself smiling up at the stylized “VG” woven into the metal of the newly installed gate in the stone fence that surrounded the property. Gloria really was doing an excellent job with the place. Rolling her window down, the Mental Minx leaned out and pressed the button of the call box installed in the fence wall. For a moment there was silence and then a familiar voice crackled to life on the other end.

“Good morning! Do you have an appointment?”

“Well, I would certainly hope so Darling.” Milla teased and she could practically hear the smile in Boyd’s voice when he replied.

“Dang, is it really Wednesday already? Well, head right on up Mrs. Vodello! I’ll let the rest of the gang know you’re coming.”

There was a buzz and the whirring of mechanisms as the gate opened and allowed access to the road beyond. Continuing on down the path, she soon found herself pulling into the large round driveway in front of the building. A group of students tending to one of the flower beds out front waved as she parked and stepped out of the car, Boyd likewise stepping out of the guard shack nearby and making his way over.

“Good morning to you Ms. Vodello! You the only one here today?”

“Not quite.” She replied with a chuckle, just in time for the back door of the car to fly open and Raz to stick his grinning face out around it.

“Hi Boyd!”

“Hey, good to see you too Raz! Come on inside, the rest of the gang should be on their way.” He replied with a grin, reaching down to ruffle the boy’s hair as he led them inside.

For as horrid as the place had apparently originally been ran, the former owner had at least had good architectural sense, and the large oak front doors opened into a soaring foyer, complete with a grand spiral staircase. One that Gloria was already beginning to make her way down as the doors closed behind them.

“Well good morning Ms. Vodello! And to you too Raz dear!” The former actress beamed, taking Boyd’s offered arm as she stepped down the last few stairs.

“You came at just the right time. I just finished up with morning announcements. Please, feel free to head right over to the practice room, the rest of the boys should already be on their way. Oh, and I’ve also had some snacks from the dining hall sent on ahead. I hope you both like blueberry muffins!”

“That sounds just delightful darling!” Milla replied cheerfully, smiling wider when she saw the stars in Raz’s eyes at the mention of food. Milla sidled up beside the actress as they started down into one of the academy’s wings, one of Gloria’s arms still linked with Boyd’s.

“So how have the plants been treating you darling?”

“Oh, better everyday! My garden is thriving and I think I’m really starting to get a good hold of this whole telepathy thing! Getting it across to all my little lovelies that there’s really no need to shout every time I come in hasn’t been easy, but I think it’s finally starting to stick. The roses and lilies are still a horrible bunch of gossips, but I doubt there’s much I’ll ever be able to do about that.” She replied with a laugh.

“They do come in useful to make sure none of the students are pulling anything they shouldn’t though!”

“That’s wonderful to hear! How about you Boyd? Have you been making any process in your off-time?” Milla asked, the guard rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Yeah, a bit. It ain’t exactly been fast progress, but one step at a time you know? But hey! At least I haven’t accidentally lit up anything important again since you taught me those exercises. There’s only so many times I can almost burn down Edgar’s classroom before it starts to get ridiculous.”

Milla smiled softly, reaching over to pat the guard on the back.

“Well, learning to fully control one’s powers can be a long path. It took me years to master my own skillset. Like you said, it’s just one step at a time. I think you’ve made wonderful progress though, and I’m very proud of you darling.” She mused and the man flushed a bit at her praise and mumbled a word of thanks, tugging his hat low over his eyes bashfully as Gloria gave him a smile.

The group of four quickly found themselves at the extra dance studio in the buildings far west they’d assigned at their practice room, and upon stepping inside found Fred and Edgar already waiting for them.

“Oh, hey Ms. Milla. And you too Raz. Sorry, gimme just a sec to finish up some papers.” The tall school counselor called over distractedly, scribbling away on a clipboard from where he was sitting on a nearby bench.

“Apologies for my rather ruffled appearance as well, mi amigos.” Edgar chimed in, wiping his hands down with a long-since-stained painting cloth. Both his hands and the old shirt he wore were splattered with the stuff, having somehow even managed to get some on his face and hair.

“You caught me in the middle of a bit of early morning painting.”

“Just be sure to remember and get some rest dear. We can’t have our best art teacher burning the candle at both ends.” Gloria replied with a smile as she strode over, reaching up to stroke away a smudge of paint on his cheek. The artist gave a soft smile as he leaned into the touch.

“Oh course mi amour.”

“Good. And that goes for your too Fred. Don’t think I haven’t noticed a certain someone sneaking out of bed early the last few mornings.” She called over, and the counselor jumped a bit at being called out, flushing bashfully as he looked at her over the edge of the clipboard.

“Right, you’re right. So, what’s the plan for today Ms. Milla? Seeing as how Mr. Dark and Serious isn’t here, I assume we’re working on our levitation?” Fred asked, setting aside the clipboard as he pushed himself to his feet, the Brazilian woman giving a laugh at his joke.

“Oh come now, Sasha isn’t that bad. But you are correct! Today we’re going to be working more on your levitation!” She replied, settling back as though sitting upon an invisible chair and crossing her legs as she floated up a few feet above the ground.

“Now, last time you all managed to manifest a “Levitation Ball” as we like to call it. This time we’ll be taking the next step and practicing our ability to balance atop them. Razputin darling, if you would demonstrate?” The Mental Minx requested and the young psychic nodded, raising a hand above his head.  A large ball of swirling orange energy formed in his palm and he tossed it down, easily jumping up and balancing atop it.

“Now then, we aren’t all trained acrobats like Razputin here, so it might take a while to find your balance and get the hang of it. Consider it like balancing on a medicine ball. Remember, thinking lighter, rounder, happier thoughts can help in manifesting the ball more easily. Go ahead and give it a try! And please let me know if you need any help at all.”

Early on in these lessons the group had felt a bit silly to be using psychic instruction methods typically meant for children, but they’d gotten over it quickly enough. After all, most psychics got their powers much younger than the lot of them were, so starting at a lower level of instruction was only appropriate. It helped that the simple exercises really worked wonders too.

Though that didn’t mean it was gonna be easy. Forming the ball was one thing. Staying on was another.

A fact the group quickly discovered.

Fred gave a squeak as his light blue orb suddenly slid forward, taking the foot he’d just managed to plant atop it along with it, threatening to pull the man into a split as he hopped forward to follow it. In his defense, Edgar and Boyd didn’t seem to be doing much better. The latter had managed to get atop his off-white bubble, but was now swaying about wildly as he tried to keep balanced, arms windmilling in an attempt to steady himself. The former was having much the same troubles, quickly getting dumped back onto the floor each time he attempted to clamber up.

Gloria was the only one of the bunch who seemed to be making much progress. The woman had moved over to one of the practice room’s ballet bars and was gripping it for stability as she gingerly set one foot on her own ball. With a small grunt she hefted herself up, the orb wiggling worryingly beneath her for a moment before stilling.

“There you go! You’re doing wonderful darling!” Milla cheered her on, clapping encouragingly as the other woman smiled.

“Why thank you Milla dear. After some of the ridiculous shoes I’ve had to wear in my years on the stage, this isn’t so bad.” Gloria replied, putting her arms out to balance as her stance wavered a bit.

“Oof! Well, I’m glad one of us seems to be getting it, mi amor. This is far less easy than Señorita Vodello makes it look.” Edgar replied with a grunt, the wind getting knocked out of him as he fell to the ground once more. Milla let out a thoughtful hum, tapping her lips as she watched the struggling group. Suddenly her eyes flashed with inspiration and she snapped her fingers with a grin.

“Well, I think I may know a way to help.”

The whole group, including Raz, whom had rolled over to try and help Boyd stay upright, turned to look at her in interest.

“I’d like you all to form two, smaller levitation balls instead of one.” She directed, miming the shape of two basketball sized orbs.

“Uh, ok. But how is that gonna help?” Fred asked, already focusing on trying to reform his ball into two even as he tiled his head in confusion.

“Well, as you know, those like me, who’ve had a lot of practice, don’t require a physical representation of their levitation in order to float. Most of those who do tend to only create a singular orb to assist them, so they can don’t have to split their focus. I’ve found that others though, who have a nice grip on the psychic side of things, but are having a harder time managing the physical part, tend to prefer use two. Think of them a bit like ice or roller skates.”

“Oh, I think I see what you mean amiga!” Edgar replied in excitement, focusing till his deep red ball split into two smaller ones. Carefully, he stepped atop on, managing to balance one-footed long enough to successfully stabilize himself using the other. Cautiously, he rolled forward a few feet, face splitting into a smile as he managed to keep his balance.

“Well, well, this actually is easier.”

The others quickly followed his example, and the slight adjustment seemed to do wonders. Soon Gloria was twirling lazy loops around the room like a proper skater, Edgar trailing a bit more slowly, but no less enthusiastically, after her. Fred seemed to be doing a tad bit better than before, but was still gripping tight to a much more steady Boyd’s shoulders as the two slowly drifted in circles, Fred’s long legs doing their damnedest to keep him upright.

“Never been great at skating either, but this is a bit better I guess.” The counselor murmured, glancing up to find his partner giving him an encouraging smile.

“Hey, it just takes a little practice! I’m sure you’ll levitating like a pro in no time!” Raz encouraged, giving a whoop of delight as Gloria grabbed him and twirled him around as he glided past.

“Impressive, but I’m afraid we’re going to have to cut the class short for today.”

The whole group gave a jump at the sudden voice, Fred giving a yelp as the levitation bubbles below him popped and dropped him on his ass, and they all turned to see Sasha standing in the now open doorway.

“Sasha, darling! What are you doing here? Didn’t you have other business today?” Milla asked in confusion, drifting over to help Fred up, and the German sighed seriously.

“Yes, but I just got a call from the headquarters. It seems...that Agent Pandor has disappeared.”

Milla gave a gasp, pressing both hands to her mouth, and Raz cocked his head in confusion.

“Uhhh, who’s Agent Pandor?”

“Ms. Tanya Pandor. One of the Psychonauts junior agents and a specialist in subterfuge and information gathering. I’m afraid you haven’t had the opportunity to meet yet.”

“But isn’t Tanya on vacation right now?” Milla asked and Sasha nodded.

“Yes, she had gone skiing at a lodge up in Colorado. The HQ asked her to check in regularly for security reasons. According to what I was briefed with, reports dropped off a few days ago. After a few failed attempts to get ahold of her, eventually the HQ resorted to calling the lodge itself to check in on her, thinking maybe she’d fallen sick. When they checked her room however, the whole thing was empty. It’s as though she just vanished.”

“Oh my! That sounds troubling indeed!” Gloria gasped, mirroring Milla as she held a hand to her mouth dramatically, and the German nodded.

“It certainly is. While Ms. Pandor wasn’t one of our top agents, her skills are none the less important to the Psychonauts and her disappearing is far from ideal. Finding out what happened to her has been assigned as our team’s top priority.”

“Well, is there anything we could do to help?” Fred piped up and the two senior agents looked over at him in confusion.

“What do you mean darling?” Milla asked and the counselor fidgeted nervously with the hem of his shirt as he replied.

“Well, I mean we’re technically part of the Psychonauts to now, even if we’re just in training, right? So that means this agent is one of our buddies too. And it’s only right to try and help out our friends whenever we can right?”

“I agree!” Edgar exclaimed, clapping a hand down on his companion’s shoulder as he turned to face the assembled agents.

“If there’s anything we can do to help and find this missing girl, we’re more than happy to do so!”

Boyd and Gloria nodded along in agreement as Sasha’s gaze scanned over them, the German man’s head tilting in thought.

“Well, I suppose more eyes on the ground would certainly help. And since Mrs. Pandor wasn’t on a mission or anything, this could be a fairly safe environment for you all to get some field experience...”

“Well, I think it sounds like a great idea!” Raz chipped in, folding his arms and nodding wisely, earning an eye roll and a sigh from the older agent.

“...Very well, I suppose it couldn’t hurt.”

“Excellent! Don’t you all worry, I’ll get all the arrangements handled! Just be ready to go in a few hours and remember to pack warmly!” Milla replied, clapping her hands together cheerfully, as Raz gave out a quiet cheer.

The three agents departed quickly after that, leaving the group to make arrangements. It took a bit of scrambling to get everything organized with the rest of the schools staff, but soon enough they found themselves packing.

“I sure hope that poor gal is ok. Hopefully we can find her quick.” Boyd mused, leaning hard onto his suitcase in order to try and get it to lock around the mound of sweaters and other winterwear inside.

“Oh, I’m sure she’s just fine Boyd dear. Those Psychonauts are a tough bunch after all. No doubt she’ll appreciate your concern when we do find her though.” Gloria reassured him, folding up a thick woolen dress to tuck into one of her own bags.

“I must admit, I’m a bit excited. I’ve never been to a ski lodge before.” Edgar pipped up, an excited smile on his face as Fred let out an amused laugh.

“Can’t say I have either. Well, cept for this one time back in college. And with all the drinks that weekend, I can barely remember it. I’m sure it’s not gotta be anything tooooo over the top. Those places always talk themselves up.”

*

“Holy hell, they were not talking this place up.”  Fred muttered, his and the rest of the motley crews jaws dropping open in shock as they leaned out the windows of the truck to stare at the vista unfolding before them.

The place was really less of a lodge and more of a small village, what with the amount of connected buildings that made it up. The whole residence was constructed of pale wood, stone and brass, all woven together into a beautiful work of architectural engineering at the base of the snowy mountain. As they pulled into the parking lot at the place’s edge, they passed beneath a large ornate arch reading “Goldsmuth Lodge and Resort”.

“Yeah, Tanya does not mess around when it comes to her vacations. No really surprised, that girl barely gets any time off.” Oleander agreed, nodding in appreciating at the sight as the car slowed. When Milla and Sasha had announced their new plan to the other higher-up, the man had been assigned to the case as an additional supervisor, as well as another pair of eyes. Raz had tried to convince Lili to come along as well, but apparently there was few things the girl hated more than cold weather, not too much of a surprise coming from a florapath, so his requests had fallen on deaf ears.

Once their oversized vehicle had stopped, their collective group spilled out to stretch, several backs popping after the lengthy ride. They couldn’t very well retain their cover if they came flying in on a Psychonauts jet after all, so they’d been forced to stash it at one of the organizations safe houses and drive the rest of the way instead.

“Well then, let’s unpack and get checked in. The sooner we can find Ms. Pandor, the better.” Sasha announced, adjusting his glasses as he scanned the large plaza for the proper entrance.

There was suddenly a yelp and the sound of tumbling luggage from the rear of the vehicle. Glancing around the back of the truck, they found a mound of bags and suitcases that had no doubt tumbled free when the hatch had opened. A moment later a bag fell away as a familiar blue head popped up out of the pile and swiveled to look at them, the figure immediately giving them a sheepish smile, a hand also emerging from the pile to give them an awkward wave.

“I still can’t believe you convinced HQ to let us bring Loboto along.” Raz mused in amusement, Oleander shaking his head as he walked over to help extract the rehabilitated (in progress) criminal from his luggage prison.

“Well, Cagliosto is certainly in desperate need of some outside socialization. A relaxing place like this could be perfectly helpful with his recovery, darling!” Milla replied with a chuckle as she watched Morry lever the skinnier man up and almost fall over himself in the process. The former mad scientist quickly grabbed the agent by the front of his coat in a panic to keep him upright, the two flushing as the motion inadvertently tugged them chest to chest. Sasha gave as an amused eyeroll as the German could feasibly manage, while Milla and Raz gave a quiet giggle at his side. The two former villains had been dancing around each other for months now, much to the amusement, and occasionally frustration, of everyone watching.

“Well, like Sasha said, the sooner we get inside, the sooner we can really start enjoying ourselves. Here, let me help you there dear.” Gloria smiled, the rest of the group trailing after her as she stepped up to help retrieve the fallen luggage, Loboto giving her a thankful, if sheepish smile in return. While the four had long since forgiven Caligosto for all the asylum business (after all, he had been cursed at the time with, as he himself put it, the “insanity of a manatee”), things were still pretty awkward between them. Gloria though, every friendly, had doing her best to help bridge the gap in the meantime.

It took a bit to gather up all the luggage, and even longer to find the right entrance, but eventually they managed. The walk there had been interesting at least. Everywhere they looked, there was some new, interesting winter activity the place seemed to offer, from ice skating to toboggan rental. Their own rather modge-podge group was also getting a number of curious onlookers, which was far from ideal, but there wasn’t much they could do about it really.

The lodge’s lobby was wonderfully warm compared to the wintery chill outside, and they could already feel the scattered flakes of snow melting on their coats as they strode up to the main desk.

“Hello there! Can I help you ladies and gentlemen?” The brunette behind the desk asked with a smile, Sasha plucking his glasses off to wipe away the fog they’d accrued from the heat inside as he spoke.

“Reservations for Nein, Vodello and Gouten.”

“Alright then, just a moment!”

The young woman’s finger flew along the keyboard in a blur for several moment’s before she paused, biting her lip in concern.

“Oh, well there seems to be a small problem. You ladies and gentlemen called for a reservation rather last minute and it seems your rooms aren’t quite ready yet. My deepest apologies. You are all more than welcome to wait in the lodges lounge till they’re ready, free of charge.” She replied, giving an apologetic bow of her head as she gestured towards a pair of open doors nearby.

“Oh, it’s no problem at all darling!” Milla replied, waving a hand nonchalantly.

“Apologies for the rather sudden reservations. Our little trip was a bit of a recent development.”

“Thank you for your understanding Ms. I’ll come and inform you once your rooms are ready.”

The lounge was somehow even more impressive than the grand lobby they’d just stepped out of. He place was lit in a dim but cozy manner, a long bar stretching along one wall. The rest of the space was filled with a number of comfortable tables, armchairs and couches that encircled a handful of square open-sided pillar fireplaces that dotted the room here and there. With an excited “ooo!”, Raz rushed off to look around with Loboto trailing after him, the bunch chuckling at his antics as Sasha glanced around.

“How about you all stay here for a bit? We need to ask around the staff and see if we can find anything regarding Ms. Pandor’s disappearance.” He proposed after a moment.

“Are you sure? Is there any way we can help?” Boyd asked, fidgeting nervously.

“No, it would be best if you aren’t seen with us too much while we’re actively investigating. To help avoid casting suspicion on you lot as well and all.”

“Keep your eyes and ears open while we’re gone soldiers! Always vigilant!” Oleander commanded, giving them a little salute as the trio went off. Shaking her head in amusement at their antics, Gloria gestured toward the bar.

“Care for some drinks while we wait boys?”

Despite the lodge’s rather bustling crowd, there were only a few people at the bar and they were easily able to find seats.

“Hello there folks, what can I get you?” The bartender, a man looking somewhere in his 30’s, asked.

“Hot Chocolate!”

Gloria’s yelp of surprise at the sudden shout quickly devolved into giggles as Raz and the former villain popped up beside her, clambering up onto the next stools.

“And a cider for me sir.”

As the bartender went to work assembling the groups drink orders, he glanced over at them with a smile.

“Don’t think I’ve seen you folks around before. Welcome. What’s the occasion for the visit?”

The group glanced at each other, all trying their best to hide their slight panic. They hadn’t exactly been properly prepped for people asking them about their motives yet after all.

“Oh, uh, we, uh, came to visit with a friend we heard was staying here.” Boyd stuttered nervously. Picking up on what he was trying, Gloria slipped straight into her old actress skills and gave a sigh.

“Yes, a Ms. Tanya Pandor. She’s one of our old students. Unfortunately, it seems that we may have just missed her.”

The bartender paused, tapping his chin in thought.

“Ms. Pandor you say? Actually, I do remember her. Very exuberant. And you heard right, she seems to have left already. Was the talk of the staff rumor mill for a day or two actually. Some of her coworkers called asking to speak with her on some matter, but when the staff went up to let her know about the call, she was nowhere to bee seen. Must have left damn late at night for nobody to notice her. Which is odd really...”

“Odd, how?” Loboto asked, the group jumping a moment at his voice, seemingly having forgotten he was there, before leaning towards the bartender in interest, the man glancing around before lowering his voice.

“Well, we’re really not supposed to divulge things about the other guests, so you didn’t hear this from me, but I may have been one of the last people to see her. You see, I was assigned as a ski slope guard that day, you know, to watch and make sure nobody got injured and needed medical attention. I was stationed on one of our more challenging hills, the Black Diamond one, when I saw Ms. Pandor go whipping by. I know it has her because she had a very distinctive ski jacket she always seemed to be wearing. This whole black, purple and gold affair. Plus she has been very kind and gracious to the staff. We tend to remember those sorts of things. Anyways, she gave me a wave as she went past and seemed to be having the time of her life. It seems so strange that she would leave so abruptly without saying anything. I do hope something didn’t upset her.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much about it, dear.” Gloria replied with a smile, waving a hand nonchalantly.

“Tanya has always been the spirited type, zipping from place to place. Just a little lightning bolt.”

“Yes, she certainly did seem like that type. I’m sure you’re right. Ah, that’s right, your drinks!”

The group was quickly presented with their fine beverages, including a healthy topping of whipped cream and sprinkles for Raz and Loboto’s chocolatey treats. Edgar and Gloria’s cider was just as delicious, rich and warm. (Fred and Boyd’s spiked eggnog was perhaps not the most professional thing to be drinking during a spy investigation, but nobody was about to call them out on it.) For a time they sat at the bar, chatting away to the bartender about the various activities around the lodge, before Raz suddenly caught the shape of their other companions watching them from a nearby doorway. Nudging Gloria, he nodded over towards them, and the woman took the hint, turning to the bartender with a smile.

“Well, I’m afraid we must be going now dear. We can’t spend all vacation here in the lounge after all. Thank you for the lovely time.”

“My pleasure Ms. I hope to see you all again soon.” He replied with a nod and smile as they stepped away from the bar, his eyes widening in surprise and delight when he noticed the generous tip the group had left tucked under one of the empty mugs.

Following their missing members lead, the group ducked over into a more private corner of the lounge to meet them.

“Did you guys find anything?” Raz asked quietly, Sasha giving a frustrated sigh in return.

“No, unfortunately not. None of the night staff noticed her leaving that day. Which leaves us back at square one.”

“Well, luckily for you, we just might have a clue.” Fred replied with a smile, the trio looking over at him in surprise.

“Wait, really?!” Oleander exclaimed and the counselor gave him an unamused look.

“Geez buddy, give us some credit. We’re not completely useless. But yeah, apparently somebody saw Tanya out on one of the ski slopes earlier that day. Whatcha wanna bet there might be some sort of clue somewhere out there?” He replied, Oleander reaching up to stroke his mustache in thought as he considered the other man’s words.

“I’d say you’d probably be right on the money. Maybe Pandor saw something out there that made her haul ass out of here, though I’ve never known her for the scaredy cat type. And that would still leave the question of where she went.  But it’s a lead.”

“How’s about this?” Sasha pipped up, waving a hand to get all their attention.

“The three of us have worked out with the management to take a look in Ms. Pandor’s room, see if she maybe left some sort of clue behind. While we’re doing that, you six could head out onto the slopes and take a look around. A group of casual vacation goers, including a child, would likely draw a lot less attention than the three of us for the time being.”

“Well, I think it sounds like a marvelous plan!” Loboto replied exuberantly, pausing and rubbing his neck sheepishly when they all turned to look at him.

“If that’s alright with you all of course.”

He was met with a chorus of headshakes and “no, that’d be fine”s, so he grinned once more and nodded in satisfaction.

“Sounds like a plan then!”

“Just please all be careful.” Milla replied, eyes full of concern, and Raz gave her a comforting smile.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be ok! Besides, whenever are we not careful?”

The 50-yard stare of no doubt Whispering Rock related war flashbacks that she gave him in return spoke volumes.

*

“Thank god for government provided tailoring. Trying to find snow wear for proportions like mine is hellish.” Fred sighed quietly in satisfaction, adjusting his perfectly fitting ski jacket to a chorus of chuckles. The 6 of them were currently waiting in line at the equipment rental shop. Once they’d gotten their luggage up to the rooms and finally unpacked, they’d found the new sets of winter gear amongst their belongings, perfectly tailored and clearly a gift from the Psychonauts organization. How said organization knew their measurements was a mystery they neither had, nor wanted, the answer to.

“I must admit, they are rather fetching, aren’t they?” Gloria replied with a smile, giving a little twirl to let the hem of her longer coat poof out for a moment like the skirt of a dress.

Eventually the line cleared out enough for them to enter the small store displaying the various types of equipment available for rental and purchase. Splitting up to look, they all quickly selected their preferred styles. It didn’t take long for most of them to reconvene near the counter, each carrying a fairly simple pair of skis. There was no need for the super high-grade stuff, none of them were professionals after all. When Raz came running back with a snowboard, none of them were really that surprised. Skis had seemed a bit boring for the boy’s exuberant personality to begin with. What did draw their shock however was when Fred came trotting up behind the young psychic, a long light blue board slung over his shoulder.

“Uh, mi amor, are you sure that’s what you meant to get?” Edgar asked, eyeing the board in equal parts confusion and concern, and Fred laughed in return.

“Oh yeah, don’t worry about it. Never said I had been using skis when I went someplace like this back in college. Always been useless with them. Snowboards were a different story though. Used to skateboard a lot back in high school too. Now let’s go see if I’ve still got any of that old muscle memory still rattling around.”

As a group that was inexperienced, and in some of their cases completely unfamiliar, with the equipment, getting into their rented pieces ended up a tad more challenging than intended. Boyd nearly poked himself in the eye with one of his poles and Raz promptly fell backwards into a snowdrift after figuring out how hook his boots into the board, but eventually they managed to get their nonsense together enough to try and get in line for the ski-lift that would take them up to the Black Slope.

Try being the key word.

Just as they were in the process of settling themselves at the back of the line, a slightly nervous voice called out behind them.

“Hmm, now I don’t claim to be an expert on skiing, but something tells me this isn’t how it’s supposed to go.”

Turning to look back, they found Loboto had not only somehow managed to put both of his skis on backwards, but was now also slowly sliding away from them down the slight decline, ski poles digging into the snow in an attempt to stop himself. Boyd, being the closest to him, darted out to try and grab the man, but missed his hand by a hair, and he began to pick up speed.

“Whoa! Look out there!”

Someone suddenly darted behind the former mad scientist, catching him by the shoulders and stopping his uncontrolled journey. As the person carefully pushed the man back up towards the group, they got a better look at them. It was a young man in his early 20’s, with pale skin and messy sandy blonde hair.

“There ya go!” He announced, settling the dentist back in front of the rest of the group and crouching. down to look at his skis.

“Ah, here’s your problem! Here, this should help.”

With deft fingers, he unhooked Loboto from the skis, flipped them around and had him step back in, hooking him securely into place.

“Uh, thank you. I’m a bit of a beginner.” The blue skinned villain thanked him, cheeks flushing the tiniest bit of dark blue in embarrassment, the younger man glancing over at the sign announcing the coming hill at his words.

“Well, I wouldn’t exactly recommend this hill to someone still getting their snow legs, but I can’t fault you for wanting to jump into the challenge head first!” He replied with a merry laugh.

“Oh, don’t worry, we’ll be very careful. Thank you for your help, Mr...?” Gloria replied, the young man jumping to attention when he realized her pause was requesting and answer and reaching out a hand to shake.

“Oh, just call me Josh! A pleasure to meet you folks!”

He quickly exchanged handshakes with them all, Raz included, as the line to the chair lift drew shorter.

“You certainly seem to know your stuff.” Edgar complemented him, glancing over as Loboto turned his ankle this way and that to look at the ski mechanism in fascination.

“I would certainly hope so, considering all the years I’ve worked here! I know all the ins and outs like the back of my hand!”

“Well isn’t that wonderful. This seems like a splendid place to work.” Gloria replied with a smile.

“Oh it is, I couldn’t be luckier. Oh, looks like it’s you guys turn!”

Turning to look, they found the couple behind them settling into their chair on the lift, the next one incoming. As they stepped up to wait on it, Josh stepped away, giving them a wave as he turned to leave.

“Hopefully I see you guys around! If you’ve got any questions, just let me know. If want to know anything about the lodge or hills, I’m your guy!”

“We definitely will!” Fred called after him, the group raising their arms to wave back, before prepping to climb aboard the lift.

The benches ended up only being able to fit 3 people, so they ended up separated into two groups, Fred, Boyd and Edgar in the first chair, with Raz, Gloria and Caligosto grabbing the second. For the former, the ride up was honestly pretty pleasant and peaceful, the view from up so high showing them a beautiful vista.

“Wow, we really are up high huh?” Boyd, wondered out loud, glancing down over the side of the chair at the forest spread out below them.

“Si, we certainly are. Hmm, I wonder, is this the sort of view you normally have mi amor?” Edgar asked, looking at the lanky man between them with a cheeky smirk. Fred gave the painter an unamused look as on his other side Boyd let out a snorted laugh, breaking into giggles.

“Seriously? Your pulling out the tall guy jokes?”

With a grin and chuckle, the Hispanic man leaned up to give the taller man a peck on the cheek as their other partner leaned against his shoulder in a giggling fit.

“Apologies mi amor, I couldn’t resist.”

In the other chair however, things were going...less pleasantly.

Raz gazed down at the trees below as they rode along, humming some song the piano player in the lobby had been playing. Feeling something bump his leg, he glanced over, seeing Loboto’s legs jittering back and forth enough to jostle against him. Now that he thought about it, the whole man was shaking. Glancing up at the dentist’s face, he found the older man’s gaze fixed straight down at the ground. His hands were fisted in and tugging nervously at the strings of his ski hat (they’d all agreed the shower cap might be a bit too conspicuous), causing the large pop pom on top to bounce rhythmically. And judging by his harsh breathing, the guy was probably about 2 steps away from hyperventilating.

“Um, Loboto?” The young boy asked, seeming to snap the dentist out of his daze, at least partially, both he and Gloria looking over at him.

“Are you ok?”

“Now that I notice, you do seem a bit...tense, dear. Are you feeling alright?” Gloria added gently

“Oh, just fine! Happy as a clam! No reason at all to feel nervous!” He replied exuberantly, the smile on his face horribly forced, eyes darting to the drop below them every few seconds.

Raz stared at him, mind puzzling over the info. The slightly loony man was usually fairly fearless, sometimes to the point of his own peril. So what could have gotten him so stirred up?

Glancing down at the ground far below them, something suddenly clicked in the boy’s head. A memory rose to the front of his mind, one of a night at an asylum what seemed so long ago, and a certain dentist’s supposed demise at the hands of a turtle powered tank. Raz felt the pit of his stomach drop, guilt sweeping over him at the realization.

“Uh, hey, is there any way this about the time you...you know?” Raz asked gently, hand gestures miming the image of a person falling off something, and flinched when the man’s head snapped around to look at him, smile wide.

“What?! No, no, of course not!...Maybe...probably...” He replied, his vibrato visibly deflating as he tried his best not to look down.

“Oh, Loboto dear, it’s alright. There’s nothing to worry about.” Gloria fretted, catching onto the issue and reaching out to pat the blue man’s back.

“Yeah, these ski lifts are like, totally safe!” Raz exclaimed, in an attempt to help.

As though mocking them, the lift jerked for a moment, sending them swinging a bit. Loboto sucked in a sharp breath at the motion, hand instinctively tightening where it had been wrapped lightly around Raz’s forearm in a grip that would definitely be leaving bruises the next day. Gloria grimaced when she saw Raz wince, raising a hand to tap her chin in thought.

“Oh dear, well this isn’t good.”

After a moment an idea hit her, and she leaned over to catch the mad dentist’s gaze smiling gently.

“Loboto dear, have I ever told you about the first time I ever took to the stage?”

The man paused in his panicking, seeming to calm slightly as he gave her a confused look, Raz looking at her in equal confusion but seeming to roll with it.

“Um, not that I’m aware of?”

“Well, let me tell you. I’ve preformed on hundreds of stages of the years, all over the world. The theater was my lifeblood. But the first time I performed in front of people, oh, I was terrified.”

“R-Really?” The man replied, eyes widening.

“Oh, absolutely. It was the worst case of stage fright I ever felt. I was absolutely petrified. My palms were sweaty, my head was spinning. I completely froze up on stage. And that wasn’t the only time. No no, I’ve had stage fright hundreds of times in my career. I almost refused to go on stage for my own awards ceremony, I was so nervous. But let me tell you something very important I’ve learned.”

She leaned in close, taking the man’s hands gently in her own, both he and Raz leaning in in fascination.

“There’s nothing wrong with being afraid. Everyone fears something. I’m scared of messing up on stage, overwhelmingly so. Young Raz here has his own fears, as do you. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Being brave doesn’t mean the absence of fear. Anyone who says so is an idiot. No, to be brave is to look fear in the face and still continue on in spite of it.”

Leaning back, she looked out at the forest surrounding them.

“This really is a lovely view, isn’t it?”

“Yes...Yes I suppose it is.” The dentist replied quietly, gazing out at the landscape around them seemingly with new eyes. He still seemed nervous certainly, gaze fixed firmly on the horizon in an attempt not to look down, but his shaking had stopped and his breathing had steadied. From behind his back, Raz gave the actress two big thumbs up and a grin.

As they neared the peak of the hill, they could the others laughing about something in the chair ahead of them, quickly hurrying off of it to make room as they reached the landing. As soon as it was their turn, Loboto practically threw himself off the ski lift, clearly trying to reach Terra Firma as quickly as possible. Gloria and Raz followed at a more normal rate behind him, pausing for a moment when the boy looked up at her.

“Not gonna lie, that was kinda awesome.”

“Why thank you my dear.” She replied sweetly, before giving him a little grin and leaning in closer as she lowered her voice.

“I’ve had a lot of practice at that speech. You’d be amazed how many new actors and actresses get opening night jitters. Still works like a charm.”

Leaving the boy to sputter in surprise for a moment, she skied on to where the others were waiting at the hills peak.

“So, what’s the plan?” Fred asked, adjusting his feet in the snowboard as Raz caught back up with them.

“Keep together and keep our eyes out for anything suspicious I guess?” The boy replied with a shrug, earning a nod from the rest of the group.

“Sounds like a plan bud.”

After some quick adjustment of clothing, equipment and whatever else, they set off.

It became quickly apparent that none of them were even close to professional skiers, though some were faring better than others. Fred’s muscle memory did seem to be kicking in, handling his snowboard with surprisingly few complications, while Gloria’s seemingly natural graceful-ness was doing her skis well. Raz took a spill every now and them, but likewise, his acrobat training seemed to be translating pretty well to snow-sports.

The others weren’t faring quite as well. Edgar seemed to be developing a habit of falling over onto his back pretty often, his large upper body pulling him over whenever he began to lose his balance, while Boyd seemed to be having the opposite problem, having taken more than a few headers face first into the snow already. Loboto was surprisingly staying up pretty well, perhaps his long legs were to blame for his better balance, but every few second he would begin to weave wildly back and forth on the slope before correcting himself, only for the cycle to repeat again shortly thereafter. The whole lot of them were certainly getting a lot of curious looks from the more advanced skiers that would occasionally pass them, the occasional trail guard they passed seeming even more concerned.

With all the chaos, it’s a wonder any of them ever saw anything.

“Whoa, wait everybody!” Raz suddenly cried about halfway down the trail, skidding to a sudden stop. He was nearly bowled over by the others in their attempts to stop, Edgar managing to fall onto his back once more and slid a few feet past him with an exasperated sigh.

“Dios mio, this is becoming tiring. What’s the matter mi amigo?”

“Look at those trees over there.” He replied, pointing to part of the forest that lined either side of the path. Glancing to where he pointed, they spotted what he seemed to be gesturing to. A swath of low branches in a certain area were snapped and bent, as though something had run into them or pulled them out of the way.

“Yeah, that definitely looks like it could be something.” Boyd replied with the critical eye of a security guard, the whole group moving off the path and towards the woodland to examine them. Upon closer inspection, there was most definitely something amiss. While the branches closer to the path broke inwards towards the forest, others further in seemed to break outwards.

“Hey, what’s that?” Raz asked, squinting further into the woodland. Unhooking himself from the snowboard, he darted further into the trees, moving to the edge of the breakage, and crouching down, seemingly digging around near one large trees roots. After a moment he seemed to free whatever he was holding and started back in the others direction.

“Look at this guys.”

He held it up for them to see, the group leaning in for a closer look. It seemed to be a long scrap of torn fabric, patterned in thick, alternating purple and black stripes, with a flash of gold along one edge.

“What do you guys think it is?” Boyd asked in bewilderment, squinting at the piece. Beside him, Edgar gave a sudden small gasp.

“Wait, didn’t that bartender say that Señorita Pandor wore a jacket in these colors?”

The group gapped at him for a moment before turning back to the scrap with renewed interest.

“Holy hell guys, I think we just found an actual clue.” Fred sputtered in amazement, Raz’s eyes lighting up.

“Hey maybe there’s more stuff to find back there! Come on, let’s go look!” the boy crowed, moving to run back into the trees.

He didn’t get very far though, as the wind suddenly kicked up, nearly knocking him over as it ripped through the trees with a swirl of snow.

“Geeze, I though trees were good for avoiding wind. Come on!”

He tried to take a few more steps forwards, only to get knocked back by another gust, being forced to take a few steps back to the group this time. Quickly the wind began to build, howling around the lot of them and kicking up the snow into near white out conditions.

“Damn, they’ve got some crazy weather in these parts!” Boyd called over the noise, Fred replying as he threw up his arms as much as he could to block his face.

“Not the sort I’ve ever seen before!”

“Wait.”

They all quieted, turning to look over Loboto, who was currently looking around in confusion.

“Now, I may have been called crazy one or twice in the past, but does anyone else hear something odd?”

The group stilled, listening hard over the wind. All at the same time, they seemed to catch it, Fred glancing around the group in sudden nervousness.

“Does that sound like growling to anyone else?”

Indeed, the sound mixed in amongst the howling of the wind was much deeper and guttural, rumbling through the air.

Crack

They all froze at the loud sound of splintering wood, all slowly turning in unison to look deeper into the woods. A shape appeared through the blur of snow, the growling growing louder and the shape becoming clearer as it drew towards them. Eventually it stopped at the edge of the broken branches and their hearts all collectively stopped as they made out what it was.

A massive beast, easily 8 or 9 feet tall, bipedal, and clothed in long white hair, only it’s slightly darker face and palms peeking out through the thick fur. For a long, drawn-out moment, there was nothing but the howling of the wind. The only thing to interrupt it was a tiny, likely instinctual whisper from Raz.

“Holy shit.”

The beast didn’t seem to like that very much and its growl deepened. With one massive hand, it reached up and tore a branch from the tree beside it with the sound of screeching wood, before reaching back and hurling it at the group. With a collective cry of surprise and panic they all managed to throw themselves out of the way of it, the large chunk of wood landing amongst the other broken branches nearby. Its failure seemed to enrage the beast even more and it reached down, clawing and tearing a truly gargantuan chunk of snow up out of the ground. It lifted it up and above its head, clearly reeling back to launch it at them, and Raz let out another, this time very foreign sounding, curse.

“Oh, that looks like a real bad time! Boyd! I’m gonna need some help!”

With that, the boy darted out in front of the rest of the group, the security guard seeming to pick up on his plan and following along behind him. Just as the beast hurled the massive snowball, Raz threw his hands up to conjure a psychic shield, Boyd’s own hands joining just beside his to release a spray of flame outside the barrier just as it contacted.

The snow clump exploded around them. Most of it dissolved into steam under the sudden onslaught of the fire, what remained splattering against the curved wall of psychic force in a spray of water and slush, flying off on either side of the group.

“Where is it?! Can anybody see what it’s doing?!” Raz called out, trying to squint through the cloud of steam now surrounding them.

“I don’t know, I can’t see!” Boyd replied, waving his hands to put out the small flames sparking on his gloves.

As the steam was cleared by the slowly calming wind, Raz blinked in surprise at the scene before him, shield disappearing as he lowered his hands.

The beast had vanished, seemingly into thin air.

For a moment they all simply sat there, most of the group having fallen to the ground in the scramble to get out of harm’s way, the air thick with unspoken disbelief. Till finally, Fred said what they’d all been thinking.

“Was that a goddamn yeti???”

“In my professional dentist opinion...yes.” Loboto replied, staring equally slack jawed at the spot.

“What?? Where did it go?? A beast that big does not simply disappear into thin air??” Edgar sputtered, clambering back to his feet as though a higher viewpoint would somehow reveal the 9 foot tall creatures hiding place.

“I...I don’t...-“

“Oi! What are you lot doing back there!?”

The whole group let out a collection of shrieks and yelps at the sudden shout, whipping around to look behind them.

An older man armed with a hefty walking stick stood at the edge of the ski trail, staring into the woods at them with a grumpy scowl on his face.

“Wha- who are you?!” Raz asked, at a loss for words, and the old man’s expression seemed to sour even further.

“Ambrose. I’m the grounds keeper here. And I should be asking you the same thing!”

“Did...Did you see...?” Boyd asked, dazed by his seeming unconcern for the fucking yeti that had been in front of them 20 seconds before. The old man leaned to glance at the place he was gesturing to, brow creasing.

“See? I don’t see anything. All I see is a bunch of troublemakers putzing about in the woods. Get out of there! You’re supposed to stay on the trail!”

Like a bunch of scolded children, they all quickly gathered themselves and scurried back out onto the path in front of the man, who pointed an angry finger at them.

“Now don’t let me go catchin you messing about in there again, understood?”

They all obediently nodded and, seemingly satisfied, he turned away with a nod, grumbling the likes of “people these days” as he slowly hiked further up the path.

“...Ok, so we’re all in agreement that we gotta tell the rest of the gang about that right?” Fred asked, seemingly still dumbfounded, and was answered by a chorus of nods.

The rest of the trip down the hill was largely uneventful. Somehow, an encounter with a mythical creature has seemingly improved their snow-sports skills, and they managed not to have any more major spills on the rest of the way down the mountain. The sun was setting by the time they reached the bottom and, after getting their equipment situated, the six ventured back through the main lodge in search of their three companions.

They did eventually find them back in the lounge, tucked away in a corner table with their drinks.

“Ah, hello everyone!” Milla greeted them with a smile and wave as they made their way over.

“Did you have a good day out on the slopes?”

“Uh, yeah, it was, uh, pretty, pretty good.” Fred replied, sharing a look with others.

“How’s about you guys?”

Sasha gestured for them to sit, voice lowered as he spoke.

“Well, we looked over Ms. Pandor’s room and it was just as empty as we’d been told. Not a trace of her. The only things we found was the Psychonauts bug she put in the rooms phone when she got here. Which means that she likely didn’t leave willingly, if she didn’t have the chance to remove it. That or she simply forgot it when she left.”

“Yeah, and that sort of absentminded-ness doesn’t sound like her. Girl might leave her workspace a mess, but I’ve been on missions with her before, and she’s a neat freak when it comes to hotels and stuff. All the tidying she does, she probably leaves them cleaner than it was when she got there. Gotta ask her if she’s got some sort of service industry trauma from college or something...” Oleander added, trailing off into rambling at the end.

“So did you six find anything out on the slopes?”

The group glanced at each other and eventually it was Gloria who haltingly began, realizing just how insane what she was about to say was going to sound.

“Well, there may have been a bit of an incident out on the trails...”

“We got attacked by a yeti!” Raz suddenly blurted, bringing the conversation to a screeching halt. Sasha turned to look at him with a truly flummoxed expression, seemingly completely thrown for a loop at the boys’ words.

“...R...Run that by me again??”

“Well, it’s a bit of a long story.” Boyd replied with a sigh.

It took quite a while to explain the events that had befallen them all, added to by the fact that dinner arrived in the middle of it, but eventually they got the whole incident out in the open, the three senior agents staring at them in bewilderment by the end.

“Are you sure it wasn’t some sort of polar bear or something? Those things can get big as hell when they’re on their hind legs.” Oleander offered and Gloria shook her head.

“Now I know how this all sounds, Agent Oleander, but we know what we saw, and that was most definitely not a bear.”

“Plus, we found this!” Raz added, reaching into his jacket and pulling out the fabric scrap, handing it over to the trio.

“The bartender we talked to said he saw her wearing a coat like that!”

“Well, I’ll admit, this definitely looks like Tanny’s sorta style.” Oleander admitted with a shrug, handing it over to Sasha to look at.

“Regardless of what this beast you saw might be, there is most definitely more going on here than a simple wayward agent.” The german acquiesced.

“Well, how’s about we all get a good night sleep and continue the investigation tomorrow. You all must be exhausted.” Milla offered kindly and Edgar gave a groan as he stretched, back popping loudly.

“After the beating we took out there, you don’t know the half of it Ms. Milla.”

Luckily for them, their rooms at the lodge were, just like the rest of the property, amazing. They’d been separated across 4 adjacent, and connected, rooms, with the senior agents sharing one and the former asylum members another, leaving Loboto and Raz to bunk solitarily. Their mother organization had, knowing and being blessedly supportive all sorts of relationships, even been kind enough to book the four a California King, while Sasha, Milla and Oleander were more than happy to settle for a King.

“Ugh, we literally just started doing spy stuff and I already feel like an old man waiting for retirement.” Fred groaned, stretching and feeling some muscle in his back twinge.

“Hehe, implying you aren’t already an old man.” Edgar teased him with a chuckle from where he was kneeling in massage position over the lanky man’s hips, his own aching back already having been kindly tended to by Gloria before her bath.

“Hey, keep up that talk and I’ll have to revoke smooching privileges.” The counselor shot back, pointing a finger over his shoulder threateningly at the larger man, even as he melted blissfully beneath he ministrations of the artist’s talented hands. Edgar finally managed to work out the last knot at the base of the man’s spine and Fred gave a little groan of relief, going boneless on the mattress beneath him.

“You boys better not be having too much fun in there without me!” Gloria called from the bathroom and Edgar laughed, smoothing his hands lovingly up and down the thinner man’s back a few times before climbing off him.

“Alright, all done. Time to move mi amor.”

Fred gave a little grumble that sounded a lot like “Sleepy. Don’t wanna.” and the painter rolled his eyes fondly, grabbing him and, like an owner with a lazy puppy, simply dragged him out of the way, patting the spot that opened up.

“Your turn.” He called over to Boyd, who’d been looking out onto the rooms snow covered balcony that overlooked the lodge’s main square, and the guard abandoned his post with a grin.

“Oh thank goodness.” He replied, shucking his shirt off and flopping onto the bed with a sigh, sending the nearby Fred bouncing slightly. He gave another grateful sigh as he folded his arms beneath his head and Edgar set to work.

“Damn, today was a crazy day. The more I think about it the less it makes sense.” He mused, earning a snorted laugh from a slightly more awake Fred as the man reached out to run a sleepy hand through the guard’s hair.

“That’s an understatement.”

“Well, I must admit, I find it all a little bit exciting.”

The three men glanced back to find Gloria emerging from the large bathroom, dressed in a fluffy towel and currently braiding her long damp hair.

“Yes, there’s a been a bit of danger I suppose, but what adventure doesn’t have some danger?”

“Sure as hell beats grading papers at least.” Fred agreed, earning a collective laugh.

“Would you like one when I’m done, mi bella?” Edgar asked, gesturing to the massage in progress, and Gloria shook her head, stooping down to give him a kiss on the cheek regardless.

“No, but it’s sweet of you to ask.”

Soon enough they all found themselves properly prepared for bed, lights flipped off, and beneath the plush covers of the bed, tangling together in the warm heap they’d so quickly become accustomed to.

“Goodnight you guys. Love you.” Fred murmured sleepily, answered by a small chorus of similar sentiments.

Before long, the four found themselves drifting off, eager to see what new, and potentially yeti-related, adventures awaited them in the morning.