#the way this yans need to protect me from myself is crazy

[tnsophiaonly]

No don't—!

cw: suicide mentions. and concerning obsessive paragraphs.

Yandere Character: I implore you, my dearest darling, to allow me to shield you from the evils that lurk in the shadows of our world. The vileness that seeks to corrupt and defile your purity must never succeed in its wretched pursuit. It is my sworn duty to safeguard you from harm and keep you safe from the wickedness that plagues your existence.

I vow to protect you from the dangers that threaten to extinguish your light, the darkness that wishes to snuff out your flame, and the malice that seethes for the chance to ruin you. I shall be your shield, your sword, and your fortress, as we wage a never-ending quest to destroy the forces that seek to cause you harm.

Do not fear, my love, for I am here to keep you safe. I shall be at your side, ready to defend you against any foe that dares to threaten your purity. I will be your guardian, your ally, your protector, your husband/wife/spouse, your soulmate, your lover and your everything, standing firmly by your side as we face the challenges of this world together.

Suicidal!Darling/Reader: *chuckle* Good luck protecting me from myself first.

[ghostieyanyan]

Is it ok if I can ask for a yandere Rollo Flamme? I like the idea of Rollo because he’s already based off a yandere villain so it makes sense. And I think Rolli would like to get close to Yuu cuz they don’t have any magic so they’re seen as ‘pure’ in Rollo’s eyes. Maybe Rollo can be seen trying hard to control his urges at the fireplace or he captured MC and tried to burn them at the stake like in the movie? Your choice.

hehehe... why not just add salt to injure? what if mc has pyrophobia, a fear of fire?

~Let the fire purify you~

Yan!Rollo x Pyrophobia!Mc

Warnings: Fire, burning, kidnapping, anxiety attack, chains, gag, breakdown,

~~~

Rollo hated magic... with a passion. A passion that burned so bright that hurricanes, rainstorms, floods, and tsunami together couldn't extinguish this flame of pure hatred.

How does no one sees the danger of magic? How many lives have to be taken in the hand of magic for people to understand this is a problem? He guesses that its one of humanities sin, playing dumb, playing ignorant, until it becomes someone they care about that gets hurt. its always like that... why could people just see things through his lenses BEFORE someone got hurt...

But for now, he just has to do gods work for everyone else, until they see things his ways...

He had a plan. a plan that will solve this problem before it could get worst. The plan to get rid of magic, from one of the most powerful mages in twisted wonderland, to the student "prodigies" of that sick, sinful school, to the townsfolks of Fleur city, to every inch of Twisted wonderland.

With this crazy plan, he'll make, no, he'll force everyone to see how he sees life should be. he didnt care on who got hurt-

until-

he met Night Raven College's gem in the rock, their Perfect. When all the students were introducing themselves, when it was your turn. He swore the world stopped and he would have swore on his life that he saw wings and a halo on you. You looked, spoke, and acted like an angel. you even allow these sinful... beasts... breathe the same air as you. then you have an ACTUAL beast as a familiar. don't tell grim that.

your heart and soul must be made out of pure gold. he has to protect it at all cost. he will use his own body to shield you from magical blast and then some to keep your purity in tact. he will move mountains and redivert lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans for you. Rollo Flamme will make you into his deity that he worships.

~

All the students decided to split into groups and explore Fleur City, after they got changed.

to say Rollo thought you looked breathe taking in your glorious masquerade outfit was an understatement. he was about to come up to you and compliment you, maybe even starting small talk with you but a certain lizard decided to be the first to do so...

Of course that monster would be charmed by an angel like you. Evil loves to tempt with good.

no matter, he'll just have to see you another time but if he gets too busy..? He'll make time for you.

~

Rollo lead you into his office, you didn't mind too much because he was telling you all about the school's history and art. it is a really pretty school, it gives very romantic feelings.

when you finally made it into his office, you froze at the doorway at seeing the fire place. Rollo quickly notices and puts out the flame with a very helpful near by bucket. You were grateful that Rollo was very accommodating to your fears.

you thanked him and sat down across from him while Rollo sat in his chair.

"I'm very sorry for asking you to meet me at this ungodly hour but i just needed your input on something and if i didn't ask you, i would have had a sleepless night tossing and turning." Rollo said as he got everything on his desk organized.

"hehe, its alright. I just happen to have a restless night myself.. but i don't mind the company."

"oh my that sounds awful. what seems to be troubling you?"

"w-well.."

It was really hard to tell someone you only just recently met that you had a "bad feeling" about something and how so far, in twisted wonderland, its always comes true...

"well.. i think... maybe, its just the 'sleeping at a new place' feeling and I'm just not getting use to it. but I'm sure its fine. heh.."

"hmm.."

Rollo seemed satisfied with that answer and continues, by leaning towards you on the desk.

"i know i asked you about this before, but id like to discuss it with you more in depth... hmm?"

since Rollo put out the fire place, there was only a small lamp on the desk to shine light in the room. you kind of wished that the fire place was still lit... cause everything in this scenario was telling you to run and never look back..

"o-okay..? what would you like to know..?"

Rollo smiled and leaned back into his chair.

"as a magicless student in a full school of magical.. mages, aren't you scared they might... turn and hurt you..?"

the way he worded that made you feel more unnerved.. you trusted your friends in Night Raven College. Even the ones that did try to hurt you, they still came to your defense and help and protected you when you needed them.. you trusted them with your life and having this man tell you "you shouldn't because they can use magic" was... laughable...

"no.. because they've earn my trust and I've earn theirs..!"

"Earned..?"

Rollo's face darkened as you stood up from the chair you were sitting in.

"I'm sorry Rollo. Thank you for your hospitality but i have to go."

you start walking to the door but stopped.

"with however you feel about magic, i wont sit down and let you disrespect them just because they possess a special ability and i don't. It doesn't make them less of a person. Magic or no magic."

you walked to the door but before you could even touch the doorknob, you feel a body press against your back, pinning you against the door. you couldn't even move, much less move the door.

"I'm sorry my sweet angel~... i guess.. I'll just have to show you myself then~"

you see a quick purple blur and then tightness around your throat. Rollo was using his signature purple and gold handkerchief to strangle you! you tried to struggle. you tired to jab your elbow into his chest but his uniform was too thick for it to do any good.

You started to feel light headed then everything you saw was slowly turning black. the last thing you saw was Rollo, and the insanity in his eyes.

~

you had so many questions...

why you? was it because you don't have magic so you were "easy"? aren't there other people in twisted wonderland without magic? you just happened to go to a school "for" magic users so of course you'll see it a lot.

what's so bad about magic? ya it almost killed you here and there but it also almost killed either the user or other people around you.. but afterwards everything would have been fine. Plus you didn't blame the magic for those situations. you couldn't even say you blamed the user. some deserved the blame.. but not everyone..

how did you get here..? probably from your big mouth, you should have been smart when you were talking to Rollo. he was already giving you weird vibes and you just had to make it worst

you had more questions but you knew none of them would get answered..

you started to slowly open your eyes..

where are you..? what's this sound..? why cant you move..?

you slowly looked around, you remember this place... Rollo showed you, with your friends. the big bell, the bell of Solace. you noticed that you were alone though..

you looked around some more, you looked out from where you sat on the floor. it was dark out but with an orange hue... was the sun rising..? what's going on?

you went to take a step, to look out but something stopped you. a cold hand..? no..? a chain?!

if you weren't fully awake then, now you are! the chain was short, at least 2 feet long from the floor, it was attached to both your ankles. you could only go so far out.

what happened?! what's going on?!?

you started breathing heavily, tears started to form. you felt so confused, so lost. someone, anyone, please hel-

"oh my dear! you're awake."

your blood became ice, you looked up to see an uncomfortably happy Rollo.. he had a basket of breads and fruits.

"i was so worried that you'll never wake up. I'm very happy you did~"

with a heavy chest, you spoke.

"what's going on, Rollo!? Why are we here? why am i-?"

"oh within time my dear angel~ we just have to wait for those flowers to do their miracles. in the meantime, eat. you've been sleeping for a while and-"

"flowers..? what are you-...? Rollo...."

you took a deep breathe to try to settle your nerves.

"Please, Rollo... I'm scared. please tell me what's going on."

he looks at you and sighed, placing the basket down on a near by table. He then walked over to you and sat beside you, motioning you to come closer to him.

You did. you don't really have a choice right now..

"I'm making our perfect little world my love~ our paradise~"

you looked at the man like he was crazy. he was, at this point. But he continues.

"the Crimson flowers, the one that looks like fire, the flowers i shown you when you toured the city, they have the ability to take a mage's magic until they are just magicless people.. like you."

you stared at him but he kept smiling.

"magicless.. like me..?"

"yes my dear, then everyone in this world would have to understand magic is like a poisonous weed that has to be pulled out. or it'll spread to the other crops."

you just stared. you couldn't bare to keep looking at him so you turned to look at anything else..

magicless like you... no.. this isn't right. this cant happened!

Rollo thought the conversation was over and sat up to get the basket.

"Before this started, i made sure to get some food. i thought you'll be hungry so-"

"...mon...ster..."

Rollo froze. he was facing the backet and didn't turn around.

"excuse me..?"

you stood up, leaning against the wall, as best as you could. You knew your big mouth was gonna put you in a tough situation again but- what were you suppose to do?

"you, Rollo Flamme, are a monster."

he slowly turned to you, his eyes screamed murder. even if your body is shaking, from fear, from anxiety, from anger, maybe all of them at once's, but you kept your eye contact with Rollo.

You knew a comment like that will hurt him. you knew you couldn't physically harm him but you just wanted to hurt him like he planned to do the same to everyone you cared for..

the silence was deafening.

Rollo took some slow steps to you and leaned down to your level.

"take. that. back."

"no. cause i didn't say anything wrong.."

you hear Rollo take a deep breath and he quickly snaked his hand to grab the nape of your neck. you let out a gasp, from the sudden movement. he straighten his posture and brought you to his eye level.

"it's seems that those... mages.. have filled you with their poison. I'll just have to purify you myself. don't say i didn't warn you, my angel.."

he dragged you to a window and made you look outside. the entire city was filled with those flowers but... the looks of those flowers... made it look like you were in the middle of a raging firestorm. you felt your stomach drop. you felt cold shivers, and you didn't even realized that tears were falling. when you looked more, you noticed that the "fire" was slowly climbing the tower you were in.

you were about to let out a blood curdling scream but you were stopped by Rollo tying that purple handkerchief into a makeshift gag for you.

After that, he threw you, face down into the ground. Your body was shivering from fear so intensely, to the point that it feels like you lost complete control over your body. you couldn't even fight back when Rollo tied your hands together.

"i, really, am sorry for this my sweet angel~ but i have to get rid of the poison that those mages put in you... you have to be purified."

Rollo walked off and came back holding a fireplace poker. it was glowing red and you could see smoke coming off of it. where he got that, you didn't know but your attempt to get away from him was met with a wall against your back.

you felt your head spin, you were trembling to no return, the hot tears wouldn't stop, and the makeshift gag he put on you was now soak with tears, saliva, and snot.

Rollo kept walking towards you, in an agonizing slow pace.

"don't worry, my angel love~ after this, all will be forgiven~"

when he went to grab your face, he-

"MC!!"

those are.. familiar voices.. you know those voices..

"tch.. i suppose your punishment will have to wait my love. apparently, ill have to finish these pesky mages off myself."

[pianocat939]

Random disorganized spider brainrot:

Tw: stalking, obsessive little mfs, delusional (it's Pavitr.), mentions of anxiety, psychological break(?),

Pavitr screams Prince Charming from Cinderella, and no I don't mean in a sense he's charming (ok he is but-) more so he would put in an ungodly amount of effort to have his affections reciprocated. He'll do/get everything you need without you even asking him because he knows you so well without even stalking you.

Miles. Miles gives "I know this is totally wrong, but I also want to indulge myself, and also my anxiety is also killing me." Like he wants to obsess over and stalk you, but he knows it's wrong and he shouldn't do it. But here's the thing, the urge and need to indulge himself eats away at his mind. To the point he hits a moment where either he breaks and goes crazy with his obsessions or literally cancels out his feelings entirely. He's like a wild card, as depicted in the movies somewhat.

Gwensie hides her feelings (this is obvious) but here's what I personally think, despite her hiding her feelings, she secretly stalks you. Not like in a creepy obsessive way, more so a protective way. Because after what happened with Peter she isn't going to risk losing you too. Listen listen- she doesn't get too attached to others in the movie, but as a yan I think she becomes overprotective.

(That's all I got for now)

[yoshikoooo]

Yan Reader x Childe

Warning: Contains material that may be harmful or traumatizing to some readers ⚠️❗❗

Synopsis: Basically You ravaging on some poor guys who happened to hurt Childe.

♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥

“Childe!”

You called in concern unto the mans name as You saw How bloody mess was he again.

"I.. I’m fine"

He weakly said as He leaned at the wall and eventually Sat down. You had many questions to ask, Yet you know its not the time for it, You quickly run to get The first aid kit and ran back to him who was Still on the entrance of your home.

You rushed to open the box and started treating his wounds. You took a deep sigh before talking.

"What happened?"

You Looked at him, A Dangerous smile Curved up your lips, It did sent shivers to the mans body, but he also loved this side of you, Ah~ how he wished you could be more rough with him-

You asked, the tenderness and care present as you tried to be careful with his new wounds, careful enough not to hurt him.

"Nothing much-"

"Darling~ I'm asking you a Question~"

Despite Your Wide smile, The voice within it was scary, It was intimidating, as if a black aura would surely appear behind you, ready to devour the man alive if He dared to lie once again. The ginger man just sigh deeply as he knew You were not going to give up until he spoke the truth.

"I was just killing some Ruin guards on the way, When I got ambushed by some Fatui, They were definitely the traitors That I heard From la signora. At the same time, I was on the mission To also get rid of them, but They weren't that easy to catch since they had visions with them too. When I got them cornered up, Ruin guards suddenly Popped up and Went after me, it was chaotic that they even took that chance to run away... Tsk, I'll make sure to really kill them later. "

He said as His eyes darken at the thought of Killing them. He surely won't just give them death Easily, He's surely going to toy with them until They themselves beg for death like a Damn Worm on the ground, Begging to be stepped at and be crushed to death, Well you would surely do the same.

although, You on the other hand, was furious and enraged at hearing at the news.

'huh? Who dares to touch what's mine?'

You thought as You gritted your teeth, Childe didn't know this side of you, and Surely, You Only have this side For childe. If the brunette man knew this side of you, Oh boy, He would surely love to see the scene wherein you spout sweet, crazy nothings such as claiming him as yours and that no one would touch him and only you, Although hidden in the dark, He Know nothing About you being such a psychotic woman that would crush and smash every being that dared to come in between you both. He only knew you as the Kind and adorable you, one that would be afraid to point a knife to someone nor even dare kill an animal without hesitating. It wasn't his fault for not knowing the other side of you, after all It was your choice to hide it, as a ugly part of you was afraid to show him such Dirty side of you, You were simply just too good with hiding things, Too good that felt like you were trained professionally.

"So.. You're heading out again..? With these injuries..?"

You asked innocently as you poked the wound on his chest softly.

"Haha, I know I'm pushing myself, But there's nothing to worry about, cause Once I finish my business with those guys, I will surely take a Rest!"

He tried to reassure you, and you just nodded, playing along with him.

"Sure, But at least eat before You head out, And I'm not done bandaging your arms since We runned out of bandages, I'll just head out and buy more."

You said calmly as you placed a kiss on his cheeks and he did the same.

"Be fast~"

He said with a cheeky smile making your lips curve upward unconsciously. After that, you head out, The smile on your face faded as you looked up to see the dark sky, wherein the moonlight blessed the land with its light together with the stars, You went to the pharmacy and bought bandages as you told him you would, you also added some other things, But you didn't head straight to home, You Headed straight to a building, A tall and Guarded one at that.

Masked mans Walked up to you.

"Miss Y/n, Do you need something?"

They asked as they bowed to showed respect.

"I Need to talk with la signora, Is she busy~?"

You asked and gave a soft and intimidating smile, as if taking a "No" would surely be the end of them, Making it hard for the Fatui infront of you to talk.

"Hm~? Y/n, Do you need something?"

A woman's voice asked as you looked at the right side to see La signora walking towards you while her platinum blonde hair sways and smile.

"Ah~  signora~ I apologize for the sudden visit" You politely said as You smiled at the tall and fair lady Infront of you.

"It's fine, Lets take this to my office"

She said as she started walking ahead, Letting you follow behind.

The trip on your way to her office was quiet and tense.

She opened the door and the both of you went inside.

"Go ahead and take a seat"

She ordered as she went to her own sit. You Obediently followed.

"Now, State your business"

She sternly said, making you gulp hardly.

" The mission Childe took, Mind If I take over it?"

You headed straight to the point making signora Look at You for awhile before A small chuckle came out.

"Eh? Was The mission too much for the Ginger boy?"

She asked as she leaned her chin on the palm of her hand.

"Of course not, He could Slice their throat in one go If some pest didn't dare to intervene."

You said as you tried defending Your lover, You can't possibly let his fellow harbinger look down on him. only you are allowed to do that to him-

"Yes, of course he can, I heard Ruin guards Suddenly entered the scene and that's where It went All Astray from the plan the Boy had."

She said as she seemed to know the whole situation. She paused as she think about your Question again and smiled as she made the decision.

" Its Fine If you take over, although, I wonder if That childe would Even Allow you to take over~? "

She asked as her light gray eyes sparkled with amusement. She was definitely enjoying this.

"Of course, he surely won't...But in the first place , I wonder if he would even Know about it"

You smiled making the woman Chuckle.

"Ain't you such a Bad girl? letting your boyfriend be in the dark, making a fool out of him?"

She suddenly said making you  look at her, displeased at what she said. as if she didn't do the same-

"I'm simply protecting my Beloved childe from the impurities this world has to give."

You said and gave a smile in the end, she just laughed softly.

"Should I send some backups?"

She Asked as she looked at her nails, You stood up.

"No thank You... But a help From you would be nice"

You said and smiled innocently. Making the Lady Look at you, as if she knew What you were asking her for help.

"Do I need to bring their Heads for proof?"

You asked and tilted your head onto the side.

"Their mask and vision is fine"

She answered and sigh deeply before she continued.

"Sure, I’ll help to cover up your involvement in this, You can leave now"

She stated making you smile widely.

"I appreciate it... then This humble one shall excuse herself."

You said as you bowed politely, then you went out as you heard a soft chuckle from the Lady. You thanked the archons as she was willing to cooperate, Your relation with La signora wasn't that bad, It was somehow sort of like a big sister and sister relationship. Although the difference was the Danger lurking behind your backs.

You finally Headed straight home to see your Lovely Childe.

A smile Reached Your lips as you simply thought about childe , You twist the doorknob open and went in, Closing it afterwards.

"That took you long~"

You saw childe pouting on the couch. You placed the things you bought on the table.

"Sorry~ I also looked into some Ointments that would surely heal your wounds faster"

You said as you kissed his cheeks and sat beside him. He slip his arm to your shoulder making you look at childe who was already staring at you, sorrow and mournful feeling evidently filling his eyes.

"Am I really allowed to be with you..?"

He suddenly asked as His beautiful ocean eyes stayed lifeless, Lips curved down. Your  heart quickly shattered as you looked at how the air of melancholy surrounded the Man in front of you. You didn't like how his lips would turn downward and the light on his eyes would just disappear like a  trace of smoke. This state of him makes him vulnerable, yet you knew, He too only has this side for you, knowing that, A whole sense of relief filled you and your eyes soften.

"I love you, Childe, only you and always you.."

You said genuinely and lovingly, it was short yet his lips finally curved upward making him smile in satisfactory as if It was the right words he wanted to hear.

"I love you too"

He said as he kissed you passionately and deeply, You knew where this is heading, Yet you guys can't possibly do it when he's injured so You pushed him lightly. Once you pulled away he seemed kind of disappointed, You chuckled lightly as how adorable he is.

"I Hope you're not forgetting something."

You said and pointed at the bandages and poke his chest again making him pout like a cute little puppy, You love him so much, Too much that You can't resist the feelings of Killing someone whenever They try to harm or converse with Your Beloved childe.

Once you finished bandaging his arms, You mentioned to brew him some Chamomile tea which he agreed to drink before leaving.

"Chamomile Will help you calm down, Since I know You might push yourself again and Make more wounds"

You nag softly and gave him his drink.

"Yes, Yes~ I'll be careful~"

He playfully said making you nod as if You didn't knew He would literally Injure his self more but you know, That won't happen tonight. You were literally at your limit. Almost every week, he would come home to you with a new wound, and Sometimes You saw How some Fatui talk behind His back, It irritated you. You were itching to Kill them all this time. It was as if those feelings were a a Festering Poison twisting everything Your humane features were.

You patted his head as he drink the tea. Then you drank yours as well.

"wah~ This taste Good~"

He said as leaned back at the couch making himself more comfortable. You smiled as the medicine is working, you actually put some soporific drugs in his tea. You noticed how His eyes seemed to fight his eyelids back from closing.

"Childe? Are you sleepy?"

You asked as you feign ignorance, Your tone never changing, He nodded in response.

"then, take a nap, I'll wake you up after an hour then"

You innocently said as you smiled and caressed his face, You can hear him humming in response as He fell on the pillow. You took a blanket and placed it on him, carefully tucking him in.

You knew the medicine won't work That much for childe, so you decided to work fast, You kissed his forehead and Putted on your coat, Heading outside to Find those Bastards.

"Time to hunt some animals"

Signora Gave you The latest information They have on The Traitors and you quickly went To The place. It's been awhile since you've been active so You felt Excited.

═════════•°•⚠•°•═════════

You smiled and Looked around the area.

'Where are they..-"

You grinned ear to ear as You saw a small camp With some fatui who was gravely injured probably due to Childe.

You walked towards it and they began to be alerted.

" State Your name! "

They shouted as You saw their visions glow while they quickly went to a awkward fighting stance.

" I was right.. These sh*ts really doesn't deserve his time.."

You mumbled as Your vision glow, without even them processing what happened, Their Toes Was already frozen, and You took that chance to take their Vision. Protest and resistance were heard from the two.

‘Hydro.. pyro..’

"heh...So You're the Dogs who Tried to kill MY Childe right..?"

You asked as you tilted your head on the side, making the both man Tremble in fear, They didn't bother to speak a word nor even Move.

That ticked you off. The forest around you started to froze, The green leaves turning Icy Blue, Their brown trunks are now Frozen, the ground getting covered in ice as if you turned a part of the forest into a part of dragonspine.

"Hey, Who do you think you guys are? You're both just some useless sh*t who was given a vision. That's all. Nothing special. Yet I, myself don't understand your idiotic actions that led you to Infiltrate the fatui and even dare to Touch What's mine."

You said while Playing with their visions.

"who would've thought You guys were just some spineless bastard who just got lucky By scratching My beloved childe"

You went to them and took their Mask Off.

Tsk.

"Now, I know what's the use of this mask for"

You disgustingly looked at them and started to back away and sat on a Chair.

"Y-You.. Y-You Monster!"

One of them shouted as He tried to Devour you with his Hydro, but within a snap of fingers it all got frozen, making the man Look at you with horrified eyes.

"eh.. If You want to live, Then try harder with that pea brain of yours. At this rate, A damn hilichurl might be stronger than you despite the both of you having visions. Tsk.. in the first place why the F*ck does someone like you deserve a vision?"

You said while you brush the Imaginary dirt on your coat. You looked at them sternly, as they just Tremble like a damn mouse who got trapped.

" Ah~ This is boring"

You yawned as you looked at the Beautiful moon.

"I'll be kind enough to Teach you guys a lesson before getting rid of you both."

You stretched and summoned 5 Cryo swords, flying around in a high speed as they purposely Miss and Scratch the two fatui.

"aagh!"

"N-No!- Ah!"

Groans and hiss of pain Are heard and You just watched them cry and beg for you to stop.

"What do you mean 'stop?' you Disreputable creatures dares touch what's mine with your dirty hands. you even dared scratch it, You must have wanted to die badly right? Its alright, I'm here, I'll give you all the pain and death you want~!”

You laughed as their groanings continued, Blood Staining the ground and even splashes as they get Scratched deeply. The cryo sword were like dancing waltz, it was beautiful, Every Turn and moves would have red Staining The beautiful color of Ice.

Looking at the scene, Anyone would describe you as a psychotic woman who enjoys Gore and violence. Well they might not be wrong about that since you are actually enjoying the gore scene in front of you, Those thugs that dared to scratch Your one and only childe, Are now screaming in pain, and begging you to stop.

'Ah~ how pleasurable to the ears.'

'Maybe if they didn't bother touching what's mine, They wouldn't have ended up like a damn dirty Pig.'

Minutes passed and it suddenly started to dull you out.

"Speak"

You demanded them as the cryo swords stopped dancing, as if the music on the background Finally ended.

"P-Pleas...e.... K-Kill.. Me! Kill me!"

One of them pleaded as Blood Continued dripping down on his body. You laughed.

"pfft...Don't you know that You look so Pathetic Right now?! Are you guys really the said traitors that even a harbinger had a hard time catching? HAHA! I bet if childe saw this, he would be laughing till He's on his knees."

You said as you hold your stomach trying to gain your Posture back.

"Fine~ since I'm now in a good mood , I'll give you the death you want~"

You simply said as the other person smiled in relief.

You snap your fingers and suddenly, Cryo swords began forming ontop of them, 10....15....26....30.. 37...40...45 and it continued.

You could see how their eyes widened in horror once again.

“W-Why..?! W-Why are you D-Doing this?! We’ve d-done nothing wrong..! “

One of them suddenly asked a question as he screamed in despair making you smile widely.

"hmm..? What do you mean? This is entirely all for love~”

You said and chuckled slightly as You saw how The life in their eyes seemed to fade and perish in an instant.

You snap your fingers once again and one by one, the swords began falling. It was as if Raining swords. What a sight to behold indeed.

You saw how the 2 figure in front of you get stabbed every second, Blood beautifully staining the frozen ground again but harshly this time, and their screaming joining in, making You smile in satisfactory.

You stood up and decided to go back. You called the fatui who was definitely spectating from the orders of La signora down.

"At your service!"

He bowed on one knee.

"The mission is finished"

You said as You handed the Masks and visions to the man.

"I'll relay the Message"

He said and disappeared. You started sprinting back to your house. Throwing the coat away somewhere.

Once you opened the door slowly, You got greeted by childe who is barely standing up on the entrance of your house. He looked confused and hurt, and it sort of pained you.

"Y-Y/n...? Why..?"

He asked as there was confusion evident in his voice. Is he suspecting you? No way. Before he say another word, You cupped his face, as you smiled softly

"A fellow subordinate of yours came to report, Since I felt bad waking you up, I decided to go instead-"

You were cutted off when he took your shoulders, gripping it tightly, making the both of you fell down, despite the medicine working, he still had this enormous strength within him.

"Did Those Sh*ts touch you?"

He asked in a stern voice, A voice that would literally murder anyone. It surely send shivers down your spine, and you clearly liked it.

You smiled to reassure him.

"No, Actually he reported that, Those guys you were after, was found dead, It seems their injuries was so deep that They probably died of blood loss"

You patted his head and he sigh out of relief, leaning towards you as he felt his legs giving up.

"That's good to hear.."

He said as he digged his head unto your neck. you nodded and caressed his head. The warmth Of his body seemed to calm you down too.

" Shall we head to the bedroom? you seem tired."

You concernedly asked as you help him stand up, walking towards the bedroom you both share. once you placed the man on the bed, you joined him as well.

"Rest well, Childe~"

You Whispered and kissed his forehead.

"I love.. you too.. Y/n"

You heard him mumbled  sleepily as his eyes finally closed, drifting to dreamland. You stared at childe, The only man that would make you go Crazy If someone dared to steal him from you. He was precious to you, enough that You would surely damn the entire world for him just to make him happy. you would surely despise the Gods and resent destiny If that is what makes him happy. If ever he wanted to burn Liyue, crush mondstadt to pieces and Turn Inazuma to nothing but specks of ashes, You would love to stand beside him and see the artwork The both of you made while Satisfactory pasted on both of your faces.

 "You're only mine childe... After all... No one else will ever love you as much as I do. "

You mumbled and gave another peck on his lips and closed your eyes to drift to sleep.

⚛》》»»»◈«««《《⚛

Hi~ It's been awhile, I had aLoT~ of fun writing this, and I hope You did as well in reading it..

I'm so awkward sh*t.

Well, Anyways, You can't spell slaughter without any laughter ~

[bibbykins]

Tandem Heartbeats and Close Calls

A/N: Hi everyone! I had started this little drabble forever ago and recently finished it in a half-asleep stupor, so I hope you can forgive the quality. It’s not my best work, but I do want to give the time I spent finishing it justice by posting. Also, I know a ton of people want some sort of part two or continuance for Embroidery, and I do too, so until I can muster a proper part-two, please enjoy this drabble... which is also me committing myself to a series of fight/make up drabbles for the soft yan boys. Either way, I hope you all enjoy and have a lovely day/night!

Pairing: Soft Yandere! (Embroidery) Kim Taehyung x Reader

Word Count: 2.2k

Warnings: toxic relationship, unhealthy relationship, panic attack, sensory overload meltdown/reaction, mean/degrading words, dissociation (kinda), emotional manipulation- this is not a depiction of a good or healthy couple this is an installment in the dark romance that I write for a mature (18+ since the first installment is rated as such) audience and do not wish nor intend for anyone to glorify or strive for this kind of relationship and I do not think anyone in BTS would act like this at all IRL, this is a work of fiction depicting a relationship that could not exist as such or functionally IRL,I could go on for days about this but please know that much. Also if I left out anything else I should add in the warnings I am so sorry and please let me know. 

Summary: He just wanted to stand up for you and you just wanted to stand on your own. The thought of you doing anything on your own, without him,  shakes him to his very core. 

You hated tension. You hated anger and the silence that came from having no words to properly express emotions. Yet, here you were with Taehyung, sitting in  his living room as he paced wildly, the both of you still in your work clothes. The disagreement turned full-blown fight stemming from an issue that seemed so silly to you.

You looked at your nails, chipping off the polish as you spoke, “I don’t see why you’re overreacting to misogyny in the workplace like this.” You mumbled, "And mad at me for it." You huffed, only earning a scoff from the pacing man.

“I don’t see why you’re so intent on being pushed around by lazy workers.” He seethed, “Youngmin knows better than to throw his work on you, he’s a production manager!”

You fought the urge to roll your eyes at this. You already knew that. You were just about to tell Youngmin that before Taehyung stepped in needlessly. This had definitely not been the first time people dumped work on you purely because you were a capable secretary and someone who looked like a pushover. You knew how to handle these situations, regardless if you ended up doing the work. Taehyung, however, seemed to not have any such faith in you considering the scene he made on the entire accounting floor, embarrassing the life out of you.

“That doesn’t give you the right to make a scene on my behalf.” You hissed back, "I can stand up for myself, if you just gave me the chance."

Taehyung scoffed and it made your eyebrow twitch at his patronizing demeanor, “Well, what else do I do if you’re being pushed around?” You huffed at the comment.

“I’m not being pushed around.” You tried to reason but Taehyung wouldn’t have it.

“Well, I’m the one making sure of that!” You flinched at the volume of his voice, but he didn’t catch it from his pacing while you stood, making him freeze.

“Then why are you the only one pushing me around?!” You huffed, tears in your eyes while Taehyung felt his heart crack. You had never yelled at him before, let alone cried because if him. The same realization seemed to dawn on you as you faltered for a moment, “I-I can handle things myself sometimes, you know.” You spoke incredulously, “I was a person of my own before you, do you not get that?!”

“Oh yeah? Who?” He snapped and you gasped lightly. Is this what he genuinely thought about you? Did your own boyfriend think so low of you and you couldn't see it, “I just remember you being a receptionist that cried on the phone and couldn’t be bothered to so much as make her own lunch, so what were you, if not mine?” He finished his words with a hard glare fixated at you which immediately softened at your glassy eyes with betrayal lying in your pupils

"How could you say that to me?!" You seethed, your eyes void of any affection or love for the man before you, making him freeze, “Do you know how hard I’ve worked to be who I am, and that person is not just your girlfriend, do you want me to prove it?!" Your words felt like a veiled threat, like you would leave him and he felt your words like a spear to the heart.

He could not let that happen, under any circumstances. You could not leave him. He could never allow it. You were his world, his everything, his reason for existing.

Going into panic mode, the man spoke in a hushed tone “Baby, I didn’t mean-

You held your hand up, silencing him as you shook your head, “I need some time to, you know, figure out who I am." You spoke sarcastically but voice quiet as you shuffled to the door.

"W-What do you mean?" He tried to keep the panic in his voice at bay as you slipped on your shoes.

You shrugged, "I don't know." An honest answer did make the situation less frightening for the both of you. What the fuck did you mean? What the fuck were you going to do by yourself?

Wrong answer. In order for you to leave this place, he had to know you loved him and would still continue to do so.

"You know I love you, my Venus, right?" His restraint was hanging by a thread as he watched you slip on your shoes.

"Right." You spoke, barely above a whisper.

Strike two. You didn't say it back. Why would you not say it back? How could you not say it back?! Taehyung watched his nightmare unfold at his own hand. You were slipping away from him, and for the first time, he had no idea what to do.

"I don't want you to go home this late, my love." He took slow steps toward you as your shaky hands tied your shoes, not accustomed to this kind of conflict, "I can just sleep on the couch, and you can..."

You whimpered as you couldn't tie your damn shoes. Your hands were shaking along with the rest of your form as you couldn't focus on the task at hand. You were overstimulated to say the least by everything. From the work day, to the scene, to the fight, to the brokeness of everything around you. Taehyung and you rarely ever fought and each time it was mentally exhausted, but it had never been this bad. You had never felt so sub-human and worthless. Were you just an accessory this whole time?

Had Taehyung loved you or just your company? You felt like a burden to him and just like a shitty excuse of a human all around. What the hell are you if not his? Maybe he was right.

A whine sounded from your closed lips as tears fell to the ground. Your shaky hands had paused on your laces completely, the knots tangled and resembling nothing like the bunny ears you needed. Goodness, you couldn't even tie your damn shoes correctly. 

Taehyung's words evidently fell on def years as only distressed sounds and whines came from you. The word was blurrying from your tears and just being overwhelmed all around as your chest squeezed around itself and you opened your mouth to choke on a sob before two hands covered your ears, pushing your face into a familiar chest.

You fought against the embrace before falling on your bottom and defeatedly ceasing your struggles as you focused on the quickened heartbeat your partner had. Why was he so panicked? Surely you were not significant enough to make the ever cool Kim Taehyung's self-confidence shake, right? His heart was pounding furiously, just like yours, though. You thought back to his comment about tandem heart beats on your first night together. Now, the reasoning didn't sound so crazy as the synchronous heartbeats you both shared resounded between your forms. Your sobs evolved into just heavy breaths as your shoulders relaxed a bit, signaling the man holding you to pull back a bit. His hands slid down to cup your cheeks and stroked them softly, a sad smile adorning his beautiful face.

"It's okay, baby, it's okay, hm?" He kissed your forehead, eyes glossy as he pulled back, laying his forehead on yours, "I'm so fucking sorry I was being such a piece of shit." His voice shook, "Fuck, I never meant to hurt you like that, I didn't even mean what I said. I was just fucking projecting because I was nothing until you came into my life-"

"What a lie." You sniffled, "You have always been Kim Taehyung, campus prince, successful businessman, a fucking CEO- board member- whatever." You sighed out, "You've always been something-"

"None of that meant anything to me, barely does now, I never cared about anything until I met you." He breathed shakily, "I love you so much and you brought so much color to my world and I felt like all I had to offer you was protection and I have no damn idea how to be of use to you while you're so effortlessly the focal point of my existence." 

Your breath hitched at this, "I-I… What the hell are you talking about?" You huffed out, "This whole night I have felt like such a burden, like I was just a pet for you to look after, like I would be nothing without you- like you said-" Pain flashed across his face. He did say that. He didn’t mean it, but he said it and it affected you.

"Shit, I did not mean that at all, please believe me." He begged, voice cracking, "I am nothing if not yours, I can't take care of myself without you, my life is nothing without you in it." You opened your mouth to protest but he continued after a heavy breath, "I remember you as the receptionist who didn't care who liked her and who didn't, but you were still so shamelessly human and it was, and still is, fucking beautiful to see, you are so dedicated and hard-working. I felt the only way I could even get involved with you was through anonymous lunches because I was too cowardly to just approach you. Why would you like me to begin with? You never once needed me, but I have spent years now, needing you so shamelessly and it makes me feel so small when you don't need my help and I lash out like a child about it and say things I don't fucking mean, at all." He took a deep breath, "I love you more than anything, more than life itself, and I never want to make you feel like anything less than a fucking goddess and I'm so sorry I fucked up so bad." You couldn't find words as he gave you a short kiss on your nose before pulling away, averting his eyes as his cheeks glistened and he focused his hand on your shoes, "If you still need time on your own, I understand, and...and I will respect that." He spoke softly, defeated, as he gently undid the tangle of knots on your left shoe before beginning to tie it correctly, "Is that too tight?" He murmured.

You shook your head, tears heavy on your cheeks, "Stop, Tae-Tae." You pleaded softly but he could hardly register your words until you laid a hand on his, making him look up at you.

You studied his face, tears fresh on his cheeks with stains beginning to dry from previous ones, "Baby?" His voice was so broken.

"You can just take off the shoes, I-I want to lay down." You looked at him as he met your eyes with hopefully ones, "With you. I want to lay down… with you." He nodded before gingerly taking your shoes off, as if to give you time to change your mind, "I love you Tae-Tae, I really fucking do, and it's so scary because I want to be perfect for you like you are for me and I feel like I keep falling short and so to hear you say that earlier it just…" You shrugged, not sure how to vocalize how you felt.

He sighed, "I really didn't mean it, but it doesn't change the fact that I said it." He began to take off the other shoe, "I do think you're perfect and I need to be better with my stupid fucking insecurity about it and stop being such a dick." He slipped the other shoe off before pulling you into a tight embrace, "I love you, so much, and I would give up everything in a heartbeat just to be with you." You held him back, giving him peace of mind after being so vulnerable.

Your body was exhausted as he carried you to his bedroom. You could barely help him as he dressed you for bed and tucked you in carefully before sliding in next to you. He cradled you delicately in his arms, not squeezing until you held him against you tighter, "I forgive you." You whispered against his chest, "I love you, I really do."

"Thank you so much, my Venus." He sighed in relief at your words, "I love you too, so fucking much." He leant down as you kissed his lips softly. 

Taehyung lightly admonished himself for a moment. He nearly lost you. He could never let that happen again from his own foolishness. He couldn't live without you. He would never fuck up like that again, and he wouldn't. He vowed to never make a scene like that. He had to do that shit in private, obviously. He slipped up, but he would not be so obnoxious again. 

Before he could continue to curse his stupidity, you snuggled against him, "G'night, my love." You murmured and he relaxed instantly, head cleared with only thoughts of how much he loved you.

"Sweet dreams, my Venus." He kissed the crown of your head and you hummed in delight at the gesture before he joined you in closing his eyes and drifting away into a peaceful sleep after one of the scariest nights of his life.

Thankfully, Taehyung never made the same mistake twice. Especially a mistake so critical. Who knows what he would’ve had to do if you were dead set on leaving him? Again, thankfully, neither you, nor Taehyung, would not find out. Not that Taehyung  planned for you to ever find out just how far he was willing to go to keep you with him, to keep your requited love, to keep both of your hearts beating, together.

Masterlist

Donate to my ko-fi (if you want to ofc)

[amenomiko]

Linguist MC Gets Angry

Nobunaga - East Malaysia (Borneo)

It was that moment when he lift her chin during their argument with "You have become very bold in lecturing me, aren't you, fireball?" And he expect for her to pout, or maybe sulk, just like she always do, but..

"OI. Ko pikir ko siapa oh??" (Translated: Oi. Who do you think you are??)

He blinked. Thrice. "..What-"

"Lucky charm la, bebola api la. Sa sumbat nasi lemak dalam pantat kau biar ko jadi api naga sana nah baru ko tau apa maciam jadi fireball. BUDUH la ko sana!" (Translated: Lucky charm, fireball. I will shove nasi lemak in your asshole and let you become a fire dragon so you know how a fireball is! IDIOT!)

Then she roll her eyes, flipping her hair before stomping off angrily, leaving bewildered Nobunaga alone in his Tenshu. "As expected of my lucky charm.. She is very unique indeed. Hmph."

Somehow he is happy. Not knowing what he is called just now.

Hideyoshi - Indonesian

"MC! Stop running in the hallway!"

"MC! Don't carry those stuffs! What if you fall and scrap your knees??"

God..! Another day, another nagging. What is he? Disciplinary teacher??

"MC--"

She fumed, turning to him with a gritted teeth, "Iya udahlah. Brisik, lebay banget sih. Cerewet betul orangnya. Anjir." (Translated : Yes, enough already. So noisy-- you are overreacting. Such a naggy person. You dog.) then earn a very confused Hideyoshi.

He literally froze, even when she look at him, up and down, shaking her head and continue with her task in hand.

It took him few minutes to realize that she is somehow cursing him, ...in a weird language.

Masamune - Korean

MC is a lucky woman. She got a handsome lover, the most good looking warlord (as voted by the women of Azuchi town), which is Date Masamune.

She would always be happy and giddy around him. If this is an animated world, she could see flying hearts all around her when he is nearby. But today..

Is not the best day. EVER.

Everything pisses her off. Ah yes, it's just what you think. That damn time of the month. Oh gosh she is angry, she was so, so angry thanks to her mood swings, and was trying her best not to show it away. Which she failed miserably.

Masamune had brought her to the tea house, not knowing she was cursing the whole time when she was walking. "Let's get an anmitsu, shall we? They say it was good as they imported those 'ice cream' thing." She smiled (not reaching her eyes) and nodded.

He had realized this; it could be those time of the month again, he thought. But maybe with some sweets and kisses, she would be better. Ah..! Good timing. The dessert has arrived and he instantly let her have a taste first. And another perfect timing. There was a stain of vanilla near her lips.

"Kitten."

"..Hm-"

His lips pressed against hers, aiming for the vanilla, yet also a sweet gesture that makes the people around them gasped. However..

"....YA!!" (Translated : HEY!!)

SMACK!

"OPPA MICHYEOSS-EO?? AISH- JINJJA!" (Translated : Oppa (A way to call a lover other than brother) are you crazy?? Aish- really!!"

His only eye widen like plate, taken aback and rub his painful cheek that were smacked by her. "K-Kitten- I didn't mean to--" What language is that anyway??

"Wait..! Lass!"

She already walk away, back to the castle before he realized it.

Note taken. No affection should be given when she is in a bad mood. "Ahh.. That time of the month is horrifying indeed.."

Mitsuhide - West Malaysian (Semenanjung)

If Mitsuhide could choose one thing that he like about MC, it would be (obviously) her interesting reactions to his teasings. Her angry face, her pouting face, and her frowning is his favorite, yet there's one thing he always be curious about.

She never get angry. As in really, really angry. Especially towards him. Sometimes he think she is too pure for him, loving him to the point she won't do such thing no matter how hurt she is.

"AMBOI." (Translated : Interjection word used to express angry/admiration/wonder feelings. But in this case, it's for feeling angry)

'Amboi' what now? For as long as he live, such word is new to him. He read her gesture-- furious expression, hands on hips,.. Ah, it could be an angry word? "I believe I require for you to explain what does that mean. Is it a new language other than Japanese back in your time--""Hang diam." (Translated : You be quiet.)

Miraculously he stopped, somehow feeling uncharacteristically nervous to her unknown language. She huffed, shaking her head, "Hang ni memang dah takda keja ka hah? Dok asyik nak cuba buat aku marah. HAH tahniah pada hang la aku dah marah ni. Perangai poyo. Nasib hang hensem kalau tak dah lama aku hantaq hang ni pi kahwin ngan Hideyoshi. Hisshhhh!" (Translated : Don't you have any other work to do, huh? Do nothing but keep on trying to make me angry. HAH. Congratulations to you, I AM angry. You act like a damn show-off. Thankfully you are handsome or else I would've sent you to get married with Hideyoshi. Hisshhhh!)

"....." He watched her turn around with a groan, and couldn't bring himself to call out for her. Trying to understand what she's trying to say (which obviously NOTHING), all he can understand is the word 'Hideyoshi'. "Somehow I don't think it's a good thing."

Duh.

Ieyasu - Chinese

"How many times do I have to tell you to NOT overdo it?"

"But-"

He takes the bow and arrow from her, despite the adorable way she pouted; which is very hard for him.

...Not knowing she was not pouting, but being angry. Seriously angry.

"I know you are worried about me, but just give me chance to learn more about this..! Bow and arrow is way better than a sword itself don't you agree?"

"No."

"It is not for the purpose of killing, obviously. It's for me to protect myself! I'm determined to do it! H-hey wait..!"

He already walk away from her, giving the weapon to a nearby vassal before continuing with a grunt, "No means no. I've told you that there's no such need to do so as I will be the one to protect you, have you forgotten that?"

"Of course I didn't! But let me just--"

"No buts."

"Ieyasu--..!!"

"...No."

"Stop right there!"

He ignored her, and continue to walk yet about to give another answer when she suddenly shout on top of her lungs;

"Ni zhè wángù de háozū. Ni yiwéi ni shì shéi? Ni bixū ganxié wo méiyou zài ni yan li sāi jièmò!" (Translated : You stubborn porcupine. Who do you think you are? You have to thank me for not stuffing mustard in your eyes!")

...in a weird language.

Making the nearby vassal goes (　☉д⊙)?? until the bow and arrow in his hands loosen its grip.

"Hmf! Fine!"

Ieyasu swallowed the lump in his throat, he didn't know why but he got a feeling he will be sleeping in a different bedchamber tonight. Obviously.

Mitsunari - Romanian

Being a chatelaine; particularly appointed to be the tactician's assistant, is NOT easy.

Yeah, okay. He is the less complaining type. The one who is easy to discuss with, and the one who won't make your eyes roll. Haha. Ha. Ha. Nope.

Mitsunari as a whole is easy. But to ask him to eat is NOT easy. There were time when he mistook MC's hair as ramen, and her fingers as crab stick, to MC's misery. It will take half of her life to successfully feed him completely, making the bowl empty until there's no rice grain left.

Eyes glaring at the book in his hands, MC tried for another method. "Mitsunari. Look at me."

"....."

She take the book away from him. "Mitsunari. Look. Here."

"....Hm? Oh- oh..! Hello princess I didn't see you there-"

His cheeks were then cupped tightly with her hands as she said with a gritted teeth; "Hei! Vrei să-ți dau una peste față cu un dicționar sau cu un morcov. Alege!" (Translated : Hey! Do you want me to smack your face with a 1000 pages of dictionary or a carrot? Choose!) ...while squeezing her cheeks inwards until his face literally goes like this ( O)3(O ).

"Mmh- mmmh- mmm." He nodded, silently gulped to the flare of glare in her eyes.

"(눈‸눈)....(❁´◡`❁) Good!" And she hopped away happily, placing his meal in front of him before tossing away such book from his room (which got a handful of nagging session because the book accidentally knocked on passing Hideyoshi).

Kenshin - East Malaysia (Kadazan)

He is strucked with nightmare again. Nightmare of MC leaving him, but it was.......

Ridiculous.

"I saw an animal, similar to Motonari's pet. But bigger. We were about to get married, and it came. Placing you in its pouch, jumping away no matter how I've tried to reach to you. Even with my fastest horse-- I- I couldn't--"

MC watched as he cupped his face, being emotionally emotional, secretly pursed her lips to hold back her anger. Yes. Anger. It was not of pity but anger.

First, she had a rough day lately. Lack of sleep, that's for sure.

Second, when she FINALLY get some rest, certain good looking dragon shakes her in the middle of the night, telling a story about a kangaroo kidnapping her during their wedding.

Problem is--

They are already married for fu- fish sake.

"I see now. There there. It's just a silly nightmare. You will be fine."

"It's not MC..! You were kidnapped..! Just like those days when you were attacked and I wasn't there-- and--"

"Yes, yes, I understand. Now let's forget about it slowly and once you get some sleep those dream is nothing more than a dream itsel-"

"I can't forgive myself..! MC-- I--"

"Kada agagau, Avantang tanak laja do kusai! Siodop noh ku tih!" (Translated : Shut up handsome prince! I want to sleep!) She said under one breath, and with a grumpy huff, she takes all the blanket and sleep facing the other side.

Meanwhile, Kenshin: (　ﾟдﾟ).... (He was dumbfounded until sunrise)

Shingen - Tagalog

She had found herself being kabedon-ed again.

In any other normal days, this is how he start their daily routine - flirting session. Her eyes stared at those openly broad chest in front of her, ah that is so nice. That will be a very nice feeling if she could feel it with her palms now but--

Ah, she is tired. Her body feels like a log-- heavy and tired, and slumpy. It is as if all, ALL the fatigue in the world just slapped her-- no, just KICKED her on her lower belly area; yes, that time of the month is coming soon. There comes the usual pre-menstrual syndromes, she feels fatigued, clumsy, and most importantly,.... irritation. Irritated to the point his handsome voice couldn't reach her ears.

He then let out a chuckle, lifting her chin to kiss it, when her already bored eyes changed into menacing ones as she grunted, "Hoy! Dyan ka lang, poging oso na to. Subukan mo kong halikan, pagtatatadyakan ko kalamnan mo hanggang walang matira!" (Translated : Hey! Stop right there you charming bear, if you dare to kiss me I will kick your guts until there's nothing left.).

It instantly send jolt of cold shivers all over him, hands automatically back away from her and legs took a step back cautiously. "I- I'm.. sorry..?"

"Hmn (눈‸눈). You are lucky. For now."

Shingen gulped, lips pressed tight as he watch her go with the same scowl on her face all the way. "Somehow I... Escaped a death warning.. Maybe? Heheh. Heh. Uhm--" Feigning a cough, he pats his chest to calm his rapid heart beat of fear.

Yukimura - English (Just assume all this while they were speaking Japanese and suddenly she let out this language)

"H-hey wait-- MC..!!" He chased after her, who have been stomping her way off from another of their short arguments of the week. Yukimura realizes this, it's good for relationship bond they say, but he can't help but to be afraid of it. Usually it will be him to start it, but this time,...it came from her.

With "Get away from me, damn it!" As a morning greeting. All of sudden. Making him confused, thinking if he had offended her a day before, of which he just came back from long mission that took him a week. And to assume he will be greeted with a hug, or a kiss, or maybe a word of "I miss you" plus a cute smile of hers, is indeed wrong.

"MC please..! Just tell me what's going on?? Did I make you wait for too long? But I have informed you that I will be in a long missio-- hey MC did you hear me?? Just stop stomping off like a REAL wild boar will you--"

Ah. She stopped. That is definitely an ultimate magic word.

"Inform-- informed you say--" He stared at her trembling fists, but before he could hold her shoulders, he was startled to her change in language--

"(English) Informed MY FOOT! There's no single letter coming, NONE! I don't see any damn birds nor eagle or those pelican whatever bird that is assigned to send your letter! I've been worried sick, and you came back yesterday to just casually slipped into the bed to sleep?? To. Just. Sleep?? Even without KISSING or HUGGING ME?? YOU- YOU- *sniffs* EEEHHHEEEE ˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥A˂̣̣̥ )‧º·˚!!"

"Wha- wha- WHAT LANGUAGE ARE YOU SPEAKING AUDJSHDKSKSF (　☉д⊙) SPARE ME WILL YOU--"

Too late. Shingen and the others has appeared to separate him away from her, and Sasuke has made him feel EXTRA guilty after translating it.

Sasuke - Nepali

Sasuke blinked at his wife, who is currently glaring at him. "MC, you look like those meme with a bald man with hands on hips." He said casually, earning a loud sigh from her as reaction.

"I believe you are still injured from your previous trap check in the ceiling, and I believe I've told you to have a meal and rest, so why are you still here, sitting on your futon, and clean your weapons?"

"...MC, you will be a good inspector because you have a very detailed report (´・_・｀)👌."

"..Honey. I am NOT in the MOOD to be playing around now ʕʘ̅͜ʘ̅ʔ."

Pressing his lips shut in instant, he nodded at her while placing his weapon away. "I apologize, MC. I will eat my lunch now, as you wished. I wouldn't want to make my wife worried."

She huffed through her nose, pursing her lips before narrowing his eyes at him. "Really? You promise."

"Yes. ..But may I have the permission to clean another set of my shuriken and kunai, I will be rest assured if I do so--"

"...SARUTOBI SASUKE! TYO FERI GARA ANI MA TIMRO SISA SANO THUKRAMA FUTAERA TIMRO CHAMAL SANGA MISAUCHU (　☉д⊙)!" (Translated : Do that again and I will break your glasses into small pieces and mix it with your rice!)

"....." The box of weapon in his hands fell, despite having expressionless emotion on his face.

"EAT. NOW." She groaned before stomping away angrily, continuing to curse in any other languages.

Meanwhile, Sasuke who turned to his phone after MC stomped away be like

"...If only my phone is alive. I want to translate that (´◦_◦｀)."

[inkribbon796]

Alea Iacta Est Ch. 2: The Still Hourglass

Summary: The hunt for Dark’s newest spawnlings is on.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3

King was dead to the world, completely asleep when his phone began to ring, the custom ringtone of the chorus from “I Love Myself” by the Wannadies playing.

Grumbling in anger, King blindly fumbled for his phone and answered it, “Fuck you, Ills, what time is it?”

“Seven,” Illinois answered over the phone as King dragged his hand across his face. “Look, I wouldn’t have called if I couldn’t find Host, Dark’s got more spawnlings, I need help finding them.”

“I’m going back to bed,” King decided.

“No! Kay, please,” Illinois begged and that was what started actually waking King up, Illinois really sounded that desperate. “Dad’s not doing well, I need to find them.”

“Okay, okay,” King reached over for his glasses, starting to accidentally signal to Lunky that it was time to get up and the spawnling started screeching. “I’m up, just buy me a coffee.”

“After this is all done, I’ll buy you whatever the hell you want,” Illinois promised.

Across the other side of the Egoton portion of town, Mark, Amy, and Ethan had already gotten up.

It was foggy from a rare summer cold spell. They were having an earlier day than usual since they were scheduled for an earlier patrol later.

They had their dogs with them and were talking about random topics while on a run in their normal clothes. Or at least Mark was shit talking and Ethan was shit talking to him back. Either way it was a calm morning.

Then Spencer stopped almost dead, tugging the leash as he stared down the street. The dog began growling, Ethan could physically see the hairs on the little shepherd standing up.

“Ethan?” Mark slowed down but he was still a good twenty feet away from him with Amy and their dogs. Chica was whining and Henry was just staring silently at the same direction Spencer was growling in.

“I don’t know, he just stopped,” Ethan looked around for any trouble. He saw what was wrong a bit too late. There was a patch of darker fog creeping towards him, about the size of a small mountain bike, much bigger than how he’d started out as a dinner plate sized cloud.

Spencer had smelt him but Ethan didn’t see him coming until the spawnling pounced.

A flash of aura, coated in words moved through the group and the dogs were suddenly gone, back home and fully rested and fed after their walk. But their owners didn’t move with them.

Ethan suddenly became aware that it got hard to breathe. Mark and Amy ran over to try and help Ethan when they were jumped by similar aura clouds, Mark trying to fly out of the crowd but he felt something almost pin him in place.

After a bit of a struggle the fog began to get burned away in the morning summer heat and the three heroes stood there, pushed to the back of their own minds.

“That was way more difficult than I thought it was going to be,” Mark heard himself say.

Ethan heard a bubbling laugh come from his own throat, “Let’s split up and see who can cause the most damage. I bet it’s me.”

“Eat shit, you’re on,” the demon controlling Mark spat and immediately turned tail and ran, Amy watching them both run off in different directions before the demon used her flight to take off into the sky. The Host watching the three of them go.

What most heroes woke up to was chaos. It didn’t take long for them to realize that, one, it was Silver and Crank causing the problem; and, two, they were being controlled by demons.

Not that the pair of demons let themselves get caught. The trio of demons had already been going crazy consuming aura before they took their bodies. The death troll had already risen to ten before the heroes’ bodies had been hijacked. Now things were getting worse with a super strong hero who could fly and one who could turn invisible being controlled by demons.

Marvin ran out with Chase in the hopes of finding Silver because Crank had gone invisible and some accounts said he had slipped into the river and was refusing to be drawn back out. Bing was on the hunt with Oliver and Logan to find Crank.

But it was Illinois who had joined the search with King who found one of the trio first.

“What do yeh mean there’s a third one ‘a these fookers?”[1] Marvin demanded, his voice coming over King’s communicator.

“There were three of them,” Illinois explained. “Just don’t kill them, let me trap them and—”

Illinois paused as he watched a woman walk towards them, cautious and careful.

The adventurer froze at the cloud of aura around her, the spawnling was already so much bigger and more powerful than when they had escaped the Manor.

“Might have found one, Marv, call you back,” King warned and lowered his communicator.

“Hey,” Illinois greeted.

“Hi,” she smiled back. “Where’s the pink one?”

“You mean Wil?” Illinois asked.

The spawnling had Amy nod, “Yes, I like his aura more.”

Illinois smiled in triumph and took out one of the pieces of chalk, laced with Dark’s aura, that he used to open up portals. “Alright we’ll just head back home and—”

Thick black and white aura began to cloud around the demon’s human host, a threat, “Not so fast.”

“I’m not doing anything wrong,” Illinois started trying to move in front of King. “I can take us back to the Manor, you can calm down. Both of them are there.”

The spawnling was quiet before dropping her host, Amy falling away and crashing to the ground in a semi-conscious daze. The spawnling still looked like her, her outfit part white and part black,

“You got a name?” Illinois asked.

“Tempus,” she introduced, stepping away from Amy as the hero began to shakily pick herself up. King moved slowly to get to her and pull her away.

“You okay?” King began to whisper as Illinois drew open a portal and made sure to show it led back to the Manor and he walked through first, Tempus following him into the Manor’s entrance hall.

“Okay, you know where the other two are?” Illinois asked her.

Tempus gave a noncommittal shrug, looking around the Manor.

“I’m trying to keep them from being killed, I would appreciate a little help,” Illinois barked at her.

The argument was cut off before it could even begin as Illinois heard Dark and Wil arguing as Dark was coming down the stairs.

“For the last time, I’m fine, I’ve been asleep far too long,” Dark dismissed, his aura curled protectively around him.

“At least grab something to eat,” Wil insisted before the two of them saw Illinois and Tempus. “Oh, hello.”

“We’re still trying to find the other two,” Illinois told Dark as he walked over. “They’re causing a scene all over town.”

“I noticed,” Dark told him hesitantly. “Hello, my dear.”

Tempus was extremely hesitant about approaching him, as if he’d strike out against her. An action Dark had neither the heart nor drive to do now that she held her own sentience, and Wil’s aura still was palpable amidst her own.

“Sweetie?” Wil rushed over and picked her up, twirling her around, before setting her back down and cupping her face gently in his hands. “You’ve gotten so big. It seems like just yesterday you could fit in the palm of my hand.”

“They separated this morning, Wil,” Dark reminded sharply. “Your name, my dear?”

She smiled at him, “Tempus.”

“And where are your siblings, Tempus?” Dark asked.

“I saw them a little bit ago, but I don’t know where they are now,” Tempus admitted as the group heard an audible gasp from the top of the stairs.

The four of them saw Yan, leaning over the railing of the stairs and staring at Tempus. When Tempus looked back at her, Yan ducked a little bit.

“Yan come meet your sister, Tempus,” Wilford cheerfully introduced.

Yan came down the stairs nervously ducked behind Dark, who was eyeing his new sister carefully.

There was a little bit of tense silence as Yan peeked out from behind Dark. “Can we be friends and have sleepovers and makeovers?” Yan asked Tempus.

“Well see,” Tempus allowed but smiled at Yan. Yan’s eyes got all big and hopeful.

As the situation defused, Illinois walked over to Dark and began debriefing him on the current situation.

“—and pretty sure we’re going to have to fish the other one out of the river,” Illinois concluded.

“Right, the sooner the better,” Dark agreed, and threw open a portal.

Illinois, however, caught the fact that his hand was shaking as he did so. “No, you should go back to bed, I’ll take care of it.”

“I’ve been in bed for far too long today, stay with your father,” Dark walked through a portal, and Illinois followed him before he could close it fast enough.

“What are you doing?” Dark demanded.

“Staying with my father,” Illinois didn’t break eye contact. “If you’re not going back to bed, like you should, then neither am I.”

“I shouldn’t be in bed, I don’t need to sleep,” Dark scoffed defensively. “I am fine.”

“I’m not going to watch you almost die again,” Illinois told him.

“If I died then I was too weak to handle it in the first place,” Dark scoffed.

“No it’ll be because you pushed yourself too far, why can’t you just let us take care of you, Dad,” Illinois ordered.

“I am not your father,” Dark spat, his mental walls coming up.

“Then who is it? Because it sure as shit isn’t Wil!” Illinois shouted in anger. “He was never my dad, it was always yours!”

Dark’s next words lodged in his throat, and with his already weakened state, he couldn’t stop his blue soul from reaching out for Illinois.

The effect was almost instantaneous, the adventurer felt the impact of such overwhelming emotions that it immediately brought tears to his eyes. The burden of pain, loss, fear, longing, and the need to never let go.

Illinois reached out and pulled Dark in for a hug, the Entity trying frantically to pull his blue soul back into compliance. He wanted to reach out and destroy something, to point to it and warn everyone that he was still dangerous.

But the only thing in his arms was Illinois, and his mind stalled.

When Dark could finally get the soul under control, or at least not screaming in his mind as much, he found he had a new problem, Illinois’s aura was latched into his. Even as Illinois started to pull back, he held on, “You know, even if I was calling Wil “Dad”, I am allowed to have two dads.”

“Stop,” Dark told him, realizing that his own voice was choked up, instinctively looking around to see if anyone was watching them. Thankfully the answer was no. “Don’t give me this so it can get ripped away.”

Illinois leaned back so he could look Dark dead in the eyes, “You’re my dad, and nothing is going to change that, I promise.”

Dark held onto Illinois’s arm, trying desperately not to get even more, impossibly, emotionally attached than he already was.

He was failing. Miserably. Happily.

Illinois smiled again and Dark couldn’t help but get a little hopeful. “Come on, let’s go find those two runts before they get themselves killed.”

With that Illinois led Dark away as they followed the sounds of chaos.

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

Accessibility Translations:

1. What do you mean there’s a third one of these fuckers?

[kaoru-takaida]

FFXIV Fanfiction Chapter: No Simple Solution...

*contains Shadowbringers spoilers and patch 5.5 spoilers*

Tius watches in despair as Alphinaud and G'raha both heal Kaoru. Kaoru, who is shaking and struggling for breath on the floor of the Solar. They had been talking about recent events, and about strategy. When the now turned Lalafell had suddenly collapsed on the floor, unable to move or breathe. Moments later, she was in Dawn's Respite, sleeping to regain her strength. Hope, Y'Shtola, and G'raha enter the hallway where they see Tius peeking in through the cracked door where Alphinaud is keeping a temporary watch on Kaoru.

Given his recent struggles with the Arenvald incident, Tius had decided Alphinaud would be her caretaker for now. Maybe to help harden his resolve, since it was obvious to all the Scions he was slowly regressing and his confidence was wavering. Hope steps forward, breaking the silence. "Tius?" Tius turns to look at them. He takes one last glance into the room and then walks forward, meeting them. "We've all been racking our brains and researching as hard as we can to break Kaoru from her curse."

Tius nods. Y'Shtola puts a hand to her head, supported by her other arm tucked underneath. "There had been somewhat of a breakthrough. A theory, in other words." Tius's ears rise slightly. Y'Shtola puts a hand of reasoning out. "You recall the skill I've employed twice now, a forbidden arte dubbed 'Flow'." Tius nods.

"You used it when you all were attacked during the Bloody Banquet in Ul'dah. And then once more on the First to avoid dying when you fell down a chasm." Tius explains. Y'Shtola nods.

"The spell is a way to slip oneself into the Lifestream and traverse the Aetherial Sea." She begins. "Traversing it is dangerous, but the effects on the body and soul are even more hazardous." Y'Shtola scowls. "However, it requires the flesh be temporarily broken down to be carried, and then reconstructed upon resurfacing." Tius gasps slightly.

"We think it possible for her body to reconstruct itself and be purified by the Lifestream, thus returning her to her natural form." G'raha concludes. He puts up a finger. "Tis all speculation, mind you. But we'd have all the help we can get with Master Matoya, ourselves, and the Seedseer, Kan-E-Senna present were anything to go awry."

"Urianger is convincing her as we speak." Hope tells Tius. "If we're gonna attempt this, we'll have to do it as soon as possible." Tius clenches his fists though.

"But wait a second…" Tius begins. "Y'Shtola came out of it blind. What kind of thing could happen to Kaoru if we stick her into the Lifestream?" Tius asks. "And how are we even gonna keep her from getting lost? We had to jump through hoops and luck out looking for Y'Shtola. What if we lose her too?"

Y'Shtola gestures to Tius. "That's where you come in." Tius cocks an eyebrow. "We think that you can serve as her tether. Her emotional and spiritual attachment to the world."

"Will that be enough?"

G'raha is the one that sighs now. "I wish there was more we could tell you, but the simple fact of the matter is that we just don't know. And that we're running out of time." Tius scowls. G'raha puts a hand on his shoulder. "Would you like me to tell her? Or would you rather?" Tius looks down at the floor. But unexpectedly, he looks up at G'raha and nods. G'raha blinks, looking slightly surprised, ears flinching upward. He then swallows hard, and nods now, looking determined.

Hope and Tius watch through the cracked door as G'raha gives Kaoru and Alphinaud the news. However, Kaoru nods and says she'll do it, without hesitation. A fiery determination in her eyes. Alphinaud is the one to ask her if she was sure, looking worried. But it's clear her mind is made up. Hope looks at Tius. "Why didn't you tell her yourself?"

Tius steps away from the doorway, looking down at his boots. "It's… becoming clearer and clearer to me recently that… I'm not able to be what Kaoru needs." Hope's jaw drops. She looks back into the room, where her own partner is clenching his fists in disdain of himself. "I'm not able to do anything for her. For anyone. And if G'raha can be that for a while, at least I know she'll have the support she needs. But…" Hope looks back at Tius. "I will become what she needs. Because I love her, and she deserves it."

Hope can't help but smile. But it's short lived, because this makes her look back at Alphinaud. Being… what someone needs, huh?

Alphinaud sets a tome down on the table, looking perplexed. He puts a hand to his chin, deep in thought. But drops his hands to his sides. His fists begin to shake slightly and he scowls now. He scoffs before swiping along the top of the table, sliding the scrolls and tomes all onto the floor. One of the scrolls roll an extra bit and stops, tapping against someone's boot.

Alphinaud looks up to see Hope, standing there. A concerned expression on her face. He gasps a bit, before looking down at the floor, clearly embarrassed and regretful. Hope reaches down and starts picking up scrolls, sitting daintily on the floor, her legs tucked under her. Alphinaud, a sour look on his face, kneels down and begins to help. "Kaoru and Tius went with G'raha to see Kan-E-Senna and E-Sumi-Yan." Hope tells him. He doesn't say anything. He reaches for another scroll, but Hope puts a hand on his, making him stop. "Alphinaud…" He remains silent still. Hope set the Tomes and scrolls aside and took his hand now. "Are you gonna talk to me?"

Alphinaud sighs slightly. He closes his eyes. "I… I just…" He begins. Alphinaud relaxes his shoulders before opening his eyes to look at Hope, his eyebrows pursed. It was a look that broke Hope's heart. But Hope remembers Tius's words. She closes her eyes before leaning forward and reaching up to Alphinaud.

She then gently pulls his head to her shoulder, taking him by surprise. "I'm here." She tells him. She places her hand on his head and begins stroking his hair. His breath catches in his throat. "Whatever you need to do. Wherever you need to go. Whatever you need. I am here to be that." Tears well in Alphinaud's eyes. "I'm here for you."

He drops the scrolls and tomes in his arms, and suddenly clings to Hope, burying his face into her right shoulder. He sobs once. "I just want to be as strong as you. Strong enough to help everybody and anybody. And fend for myself." He says betweens sobs. "But… when Arenvald…" He sniffles. "A-And what Fordola said…"

Hope opens her eyes. "What Fordola said may be true. But it doesn't make it right." Alphinaud pulls away slightly, their faces ilms from each other. Hope scowls. "Yes. We can't save everyone." Alphinaud looks down at the floor. "Yes, bad things happen and without any reason. Yes, sometimes we lose." Hope takes Alphinaud's face by the chin, making him face her. His expression softens. "But, Alphinaud, we have to try. Because you're right. All life is precious. All life is worth protecting." Hope pushes a few strands of his bangs away from his eyes. “And what happened to Arenvald?” Hope shakes her head. “There was nothing any of us could do.” Alphinaud closes his eyes, resting his cheek against her hand. “Arenvald made the decision. And he’d make it again if he had a chance. You know this, too, right?” Alphinaud nods, and then looks at her again. The sound of the door opening interrupts them. The two look over at the door as an unsuspecting Estinien walks into the room. “Estinien…” Hope and Alphinaud look at one another. They take a second to remember their position, and both of them instantly blushes.

Alphinaud pulls away from Hope, blushing and wiping his eyes. Hope grimaces, fussing with her hair, face red. “Dare I ask,” Alphinaud begins, clearing his throat,” was there aught you needed from us?”

Estinien nods. "It's time."

Alphinaud and Hope look at each other, exchanging worried looks.

Tius is silent, sitting on the ground next to G'raha. Kaoru, wearing a hempen camisole and slacks, walks over to the two Miquote males. She has a smile on her face. One that almost makes Tius forget the crazy thing they're about to attempt. "Don't look so worried you guys." Kaoru tells them. She sits on the grass. She looks at Tius. "I trust your will, Tius." She turns to G'raha. "And your knowledge, Raha."

Tius sighs, forcing a smile on his face. He looks at G'raha. "Let's do our best!" He says, a little louder than he'd intended. But it worked, making G'raha smile and nod too.

"Right!"

Half a bell later, Kaoru was laying on the grass, her head propped up on Tius's lap as she began to nod off. "I love you, Tius." She tells him with a smile. He gives her a determined scowl.

"We've got ya. So just try and focus on getting back." She gives one last smile before her eyes close and she gently falls asleep.

The sleep potion she'd drank a head of time would lull her to slumber, making it so she could focus on her soul rather than her body. It would be like a lucid dream to her. Whist that happens, the others would plunge her into the Lifestream, as it broke down her flesh and purify it. As soon as they were able, they will quickly pull her from the Lifestream and hopefully her true form would return

But with all the moving parts, everyone would need to concentrate their hardest and try their best. Here at one of the oldest trees in the Twelveswood, the Lifestream was heavy here. Tius's connection would be a tether to keep her here and it would be ideal to pull her out. Y'Shtola looks at Kan-E-Senna and E-Sumi-Yan.

E-Sumi-Yan nods now. "Let us begin." He says. Y'Shtola begins to power her aether, muttering sacred words. E-Sumi-Yan and Kan-E-Senna remove their canes, readying themselves. Tius grips Kaoru's hand in anticipation. G'raha grimaces, tensed at the suspense.

A glowing orb of magic forms in Y'Shtola's hands, drafty winds spiraling from the area. "Ready." She says. Tius sets Kaoru's head down on the grass and takes a step back. Y'Shtola kneels down next to her, and places the orb of magic over Kaoru. It sat there for but a moment before it sucked Kaoru in and vanished with a flowing surge of wind.

Tius folds his hands, focusing on his connection to Kaoru. His love. The oddest feeling was he could feel her. Her warmth, her kindness, her selflessness. E-Sumi-Yan and Kan-E-Senna look around at the glowing lights now forming around them. Bouts of Aether made visible by the magicks being used. "Which one is she?" E-Sumi-Yan wonders aloud.

Tius glances at G'raha. Who's closed his eyes and is praying. But this was a mistake… because glancing over gave Tius a tinge of jealousy… and doubt. And within that one moment between seconds, without realizing, Kaoru's connection slipped from Tius and faded. Tius gasps suddenly. The lights of aether fade quickly. Everyone present gasp in shock. "I lost her!"

G'raha's eyes snap open. "What?!"

Everyone looks around quickly for a flicker of visible aether. But when no one finds one, E-Sumi-Yan scoffs. "We must yank her out! Kan-E-Senna I'll need your help!"

Kaoru is sitting in the darkness. Swirling lights spiral around her. She can hear her heartbeat. It was faint, and weak. Too weak it would seem… She thinks to herself. The light is right there. She knew the others were looking for her. But she didn't have the strength to walk forward. She sighs. "I… tire of this charade…"

Footsteps ring behind her. "So… you've decided to give up on that particular fantasy, have you?" A voice asks her.

Kaoru smiles to herself. "Not exactly." She stands up slowly, her back facing the darkness and the voice within it. She frowns. "The last time I faced you with this same predicament, I countered thinking in my soul that the Light was just, and the only good in life. But after treating with the people on the First… and now finding out more about Hydaelyn…" She scowls. "But now I know that that mindset would only bring ruin to those around me." She turns and looks at the owner of the voice. Their jaw is dropped, and they look confused, taken aback. "I've… made quite a mess of things. And because of my stubbornness and mistakes, I put others at risk and worried many people." She scoffs. "You included."

The voice hisses a second, feigning disgust. "What is this sentimental rabble?" They demand. "Spill it already! Why did you summon me?" Kaoru gives them a sad smile.

"I'm not strong enough to go back. Not right now." She begins. "So… I would ask you a favor…"

Alphinaud and Alisaie rush through the Inn hall. They spot E-Sumi-Yan. He notices them and holds up a hand, stopping them. "Brother E-Sumi-Yan…" Alisaie begins.

"Tell us, were they successful?" Alphinaud asks for the birth of them. E-Sumi-Yan scowls slightly, his young face looking serious.

"Yes, and no." He says. "It worked to a degree. But there were a few… complications." The twins exchange worried glances. He puts his hand down at his side. "Pray… do not expect much." He tells them, a disappointed look on his face.

The twins step past E-Sumi-Yan where they look into the Inn room. Everyone but G'raha and Tius turn to look at them. Hope speaks first. "Hi, you two." She begins. They both look at Kan-E-Senna to her left. She nods and they walk forward again. Kaoru is seated in bed, in a hempen tunic and under the covers. Only… something didn't seem right. Her features were slightly different, brighter eyes with no Limbal Rings, darker highlights. Which was no surprise if her body had really been "reset" as they had thought it would be. Kaoru did not have the Limbal Rings when they were children but gained them as their preteen years came. However, something did not seem right…

"Kaoru?" Alisaie asks. Kaoru looks over to them.

She cocks an eyebrow. "Not… exactly…" She tells them. Even the tone of her voice, the way she said those two words, was different… The twins both automatically knew without any further explanation: This was not their childhood friend, but someone else entirely.

So the question was: What happened to Kaoru?

A/N:

Hope Gallant played by @louderthanthedj

[ashelbygirl]

Dishonorable intentions. | Thomas Shelby x Reader Imagine.

Part II.

*Sidenotes: I was inspired and some anons asked me to do the second part of dishonorable intentions, soooo here it is! I’ve decided it’ll have more parts so hope you enjoy it.

*Resume: You and Tommy go on your first date.

Thomas lit another cigarette. Feeling the smoke in his lungs gave him a sense of calmness. A feeling he really needed in that exact moment. They were counted the times that Thomas Shelby had been nervous: when Hughes kidnapped Charlie, in the tunnels when he was in the war, in the birth of Charlie and Ruby and another time: when he saw YN for the very first time. YN in the war. YN as a nurse. He hit the cigarette again. Fuck. How long was she going to make him wait?

He wasn’t going to lie, he never thought a girl like YN would accept to go on a date with him. You could tell from miles away that they were completely different from the other.

First we have Thomas. The all mighty, Thomas Shelby. The son of an Irish immigrant man and a Romani gipsy woman, born and raced in Small Heath, Birmingham, England. He was in his late 30s about to jump to the 40s. A charmer by nature and way to intelligent for his time. A man who grew up without shoes to wear or food to eat, a man who growing up only had bread and lard when he dreamt and hoped that maybe one day, he’ll be able to do and have whatever he wanted. He worked hard until he created his own empire, but Tommy knew that no amount of money allows you to pass through the steel sheets that separates one class from another. He knew it cause he had lived it. But even when he born with nothing, he became one of the most powerful men in all Europe. He was brilliant, aggressive but rational, he knew what he wanted and he didn’t ask permission, he does what he wants and takes what he needs. A genius, a womanizer, millionaire, CEO of multiples business, philanthropist, and yet, he didn’t felt worthy of dating someone like YN. He dated Greta, Grace, May, Lizzie, Tatiana, Jessie, and many more, but he never felt unworthy to have them, to be with them. Only with YN.

And then we have YN. YN Casiraghi was born and raised in London. A 22 year old Heiress of one of the most influential and wealthiest families in Europe. YN was passionate about everything that could make her feel free and liberated. She loved to travel, to read, to study, to work, to learn. Her dream was to become an independent woman who didn’t have to depend of a man. YN was a free spirit. Determinate and stubborn, yet free and playful, flirty and seductive, intelligent and fearless. Growing up YN had everything she wanted or needed, she grew up being spoiled but never being a brat or a mean girl. She was a good girl and everyone wanted to be her or be with her. YN was special. Everyone loved YN, not just because she was beautiful and smart, a popular socialite who knew everyone and ruled every place she went to. They loved her because she was sweet, because she always tried to help, because she wasn’t selfish or shallow, because she cared.

YN Casiraghi and Thomas Shelby. When black meets white. When yin meets yan. When two worlds collide.

YN closed the door behind her, and with a smile she started to walk towards Tommy. . Thomas glanced toward the entrance of her house...and his mouth dries. She’s standing on the entrance, and for a second he doesn’t realize it’s her. She looked exquisite: her hair falls in soft waves to her breast on one side, and on the other it’s pinned back so it’s easier to see her delicate jawline and the gentle curve of her slender neck. She’s wearing high heels and a tight light blue dress that accentuates her alluring figure. Wow. Her lips in her classical red lipstick. A red that could drive any man crazy, including Thomas Shelby. The closer she was to him, the more his heart skipped a beat.

-Hi.-YN chuckled. Damn. Thomas Shelby looked way more handsome than he had years before when she last saw him.

-Hello love.-Tommy spoke after extinguish the fire of his cigar by throwing it away.-So, are you ready sweetheart?-He extended his hand so she could take it and help her get to the car.

-I’m YN, not your love and surely not your sweetheart, love.-The girl smiled one last time before she started walking to the Bentley parked in front of her house. She didn’t even waited for Thomas to open the door for her. She opened herself and got in the car. Thomas didn’t took long to follow. He started the car and away they go.

The ride was pretty fast before they arrived to the Hotel Café Royal, a place that both of them knew very well. It was an hotel where everyone who was a somebody hanged out.

Winston Churchill, Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, Einstein, Henry Ford, George Washington, Charles Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, you name it.

When YN got off the car, she couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes. It wasn’t funny anymore, almost every guy she went out on a date with, thought it was a great idea to have a first date in that same place. Every fucking time. When Tommy got to her side he put his hand in her waist, pushing a bit so she could start walking into the hotel. And YN could’ve sworn that electricity ran through her whole body. It wasn’t normal how nervous he could make her with a simple gesture.

-Cmon lov... YN.-Tommy killed a smile that was starting to appear on his face. She was something else. She reminded him of Dangerous, one of his most loving horses, she wasn’t scared to take what she wanted, she wasn’t afraid to do whatever that would please her, cause if freedom could be a person, it would be YN.

The both entered to the Oscar Wilde salon, filled with aristocrats and important people who tried to impress each other. The hostess and a waiter took YN and Thomas to their table, the best table in the whole place. A table with a view. YN was a sucker for a killer view, but at the end of the day, it was a view she knew way to well.

-Here you go Mr. Shelby and Mrs. Casiraghi. So, can I bring you something to drink?-The young man asked with a smile, you could tell the poor thing was really nervous. He has to serve two of the most important clients of the Hotel.

-I’ll have a glass of Sancerre.-The girl spoke with confidence, after turning his gaze to the blue eyed.

-I’ll have a whiskey. Irish.-The kid left as quickly as possible, trying to bring their drinks asap. Thomas got closer to her. -You look stunning.- He said in a whisper, and kissed her cheek. Closing his eyes, Him savoring her scent; she smelled heavenly. It didn’t took long before YN started to blush, she was very used to men giving her compliments of all kind, but there was something in the way Thomas did it that drove her crazy.

-You look pretty good too, I’m glad to see you in one piece, I’ll admit that the last time I saw you, I didn’t though you’ll make it.-She spoke with clarity, something that Tommy was starting to appreciate. Tommy chuckled, even when he was pretty used to having a poker face and nothing and no one surprised him, she did. She was something different. -So how did you found me? And what took you so long?

A smile appeared on Tommy and a minute later, the drinks were in their hands.

-Well, well, you play no games, don’t you?... When I finally went back to Birmingham, where I’m from, I wasn’t the man you met. Everything changed in me. I became a different man, all my believes, my ideas, my feelings and emotions died in France, stayed in France. But, when I came back I started looking for you and to be honest, it wasn’t hard, you’re kind of a celebrity. I know that princes, dukes, ministers, rich gals, and almost every man with eyes would kill to be by your side. I know you’re well educated, you’re probably the only woman I know that went to college. I know who you are. So now tell me, would you even say hello to the man I was before I became who I am now? No YN, you wouldn’t. Cause at the end of the day I’m not a man who could’ve dated you, cause I didn’t had anything to offer you. So how was I supposed to chase a woman like you? Let’s be honest love, you’re out of my league. -Thomas sipped from his whisky, his eyes never leaving hers.- I started my company, doing bets, protecting people, doing business and everything else for two reasons, the first one is cause I always wanted to give my family everything they deserved and the second, cause I want to get myself anything I want, anything I desire, and guess what? I desire you, YN. I want you. I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you in France.- She didn’t say a word. To be honest, she was pretty amused.

The dinner went by fast. Not much talk between them but also, they couldn’t keep their gaze to themselves. They ate and have one or two laughs. Everything was going okay. It was average. But YN always wanted more than average.

-So now that you’ve tried to impress me and clearly failed, why don’t you take me to somewhere that I can actually have fun. Somewhere you actually enjoy, somewhere we can be ourselves and stop pretending. Show me where would Thomas Shelby take a girl to have a little fun?

-You won’t like it. I’m not sure you’ll like my world.

-Hmm... I’m feeling adventurous.- a smile appeared on her face, she was challenging him.

-Okay... cmon...-He stood up after leaving some cash on the table, giving the young waiter, the tip of his life. And for the first time on the whole night YN took his hand. They drove away and YN could see how the streets of London changed from the safest and prettiest ones to the dangerous and poorest. She loved to be out of her comfort zone. Thomas parked his car and she could notice a few blocks away from they parked, lights that attracted everyone.

-A pub? You brought me to a freakin pub?

-Oi! This isn’t like a pub you’ve probably been to. This is not the type of gals you interact with. This are working men, men who fought in France, men who don’t care about money or your last name... trust me, you’ll have a blast. I promise.

-And if I don’t?-She asked challenging him again. She loved to play.

-If you don’t have fun, you’ll decide where we go the next time... but if you do have fun, I’ll kiss you.

-Who says there’s going to be a second date?

-Its a feeling love... now let’s go.

Thomas couldn’t take his eyes away from her while she walked. He had been waiting for this moment all day and looked thru out the day, repeatedly at his watch. This feels like a first date, and in a way it is, but Tommy didn’t do first dates, not until her. He had never taken a prospect girl out to dinner. He had sat through interminable meetings that day, bought a business, and fired three people. Nothing He had done today, including almost killing a man, dispelled the anxiety Tommy had wrestled with all day. That power is in the hands of YN. YN made him anxious, he hadn’t even taste her but he was already addicted.

As they entered the pub fulled with men who feared, loved and respected Thomas, everything got quiet. Not a soul would dare to speak.

-Fellas. Is this a funeral or why the scary faces? Cmon! Drinks are on me today! You deserve it! -

Every man in the room cheered, but Thomas only noticed the admiring glances from those same men, and in the case of one handsome, athletic guy, overt appreciation of his date. It’s not something Tommy have dealt with before...and to be honest, he didn’t liked it. It seemed that that night, all the men only had eyes for Miss YN. They walked while Thomas gave them a withering look that send them in retreat from the room. Taking her hand, he lead her to the bar.

-Mr. Shelby! So nice to see ya again-An old man smiled to the couple.

-What would you like to drink?- Tommy is rewarded with a knowing smile as she sits down.

-I’ll have whatever you’ll have, please.

-Two whiskeys, Irish, Tom.- Tommy said to the bartender before they slide into a booth. Thomas sitting right next to her.

-So... you’re quite de celebrity aren’t you?-She smiles to him while making fun on him. YN actually was surprised of all the love Thomas Shelby received and yet, he didn’t seem to care.

They drank the whole night, she sang to him, and he danced with her. They talked, for hours. They went to the roof of the pub and watch some fireworks. YN talked about college, about art, about her favorite books, about her fears, she even talked about Alex. Tommy talked about his family, about the company, about Ruby and Charlie, he talked about his childhood, about the games he played with his brothers, about the war. It was so easy to talk to each other. It felt like they’ve always known each other. YN was everything Tommy always wanted, she wasn’t afraid of thinking for herself, she was smart and she was passionate about almost everything that intrigued her. She was fearless and a little bit reckless, yet caring and loving. And she laughed, she laughed about everything and it was really easy for her to make new friends. She loved to party and to have fun. She wasn’t scared to be herself in a world that tells you who you are supposed to be. Fuck. Thomas really liked her. And Tommy was everything YN always craved. A rational man who didn’t fear his instincts. A man who cared about his family and everyone he loved. He was powerful and a control freak, but with her he let go. He was free and wasn’t scared of anything. He does what he wants and takes what he wants. He has ambitions and damn he’s intelligent. Oh and he’s gorgeous.

They laughed and talked for hours and hours, until it was early in the morning. 5 am marked the clock, but they wanted so much of each other that time didn’t seem to care. But they had stuff to do, even if the dreamt of staying in that little booth their whole lives, real life was starting out there.

-Let’s go YN, I’ll take you home.-He took her hand and they started to walk in the still dark sky, out of the pub they acted as if they still were in their bubble.

-I don’t want this to end...-She spoke while walking before she stopped to look at Tommy.-I feel so liberated when I’m with you.

-Well did you have fun?-Thomas asked the girl while he cornered her to a wall. Her back hitting lightly the wall. Him getting closer to her. Bodies brushing into one and other.

-Are you kidding me? This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time...-She smiled to him and Tommy could’ve sworn he could feel his heart race.

-Good. That’s good. Cause know I’m going to be able to do something I’ve been wanted to do since the first time I saw you in France.-And with that being said, Thomas kissed the red lips of the girl who had been teasing him all night. And god she felt so good. She was a goddess, of that Tommy was sure. And she tasted so heavenly.

-You’re going to be the death of me love...-Thomas said in a whisper before driving YN to her house and ending their beautiful night.

[tazzmanien]

Every Day the Protagonist Wants to Capture Me - Review

I finished Every Day the Protagonist Wants to Capture Me during winter break and it took me a while to write a review for reasons.

Did I enjoy the novel? -   Well kinda. Would I recommend it? -   Not really. Would I like that others read it, so that I can talk to someone about it and gush over Xie Xi, Fu Chongyi, Wei Ciyin and Demon Lord Yan Heng? -   A huge YES!

But let's get in the details for a bit here... SPOILERS AHEAD!

The good:

Length - Happy it was relatively short; reasons in the bad.

Pace - The pace at the beginning was quite fast, which was nice for the fact that I really didn't want to read a book about a 13 year old child falling in love. I’m not big on teenager love stories. But ... see the bad.

Narration - point of view - I love how the inner monologue of Chu Yu is written, so that it could also be interpreted as the narrator voicing his own thoughts. I caught myself thinking “the narrator is funny” several times, before figuring out that this was actually Chu Yu thinking.

World - Not sure about this point. I would have probably liked the world if it were described better at times.

Fights - The fights were actually really fun to read. Very simple, yet entertaining. 

Characters

Chu Yu our main guy - A simple soul that did not particularly receive a privileged treatment from mother nature when he was created; a moron I gladly adopted within seconds. We must be related I think. I love him. Why? Well, I can complain about cliches all I want, at the end I always end up liking the most cliche characters (Chu Yu) or the biggest or craziest villains. I loved the fact that he did pretty much gave up on his aloof act. I don’t think I would have liked reading about another unapproachable older and wiser figure transmigrator. BTW pretending to be dead to avoid the enemy could be a genius move from me, love you for that lil brother. It was also nice that he got the protagonist plot armor at some point.

Xie Xi our mains love - At the beginning he was “The Cutest™ with cheeks made for pinching” and later became “naughty flirting master say one word and I'm all yours”. No but honestly, at 16 he already had the flirting skills of an immortal master! It made me a little uncomfortable to be this into his flirting. Even if you don't give this book a chance, then at least read the wine incident (chapters 16 - 18). I'm still blushing thinking about it. I once wrote and am still standing by it:  "Xie Xi, you are not flirting with me and aren't even real and yet I’m blushing like crazy. How about you grow up a little and then come to reality and pay me a visit" And honestly he only got a) better at it and b) more blatant over the course of the novel.

For the rest ... Even though there were characters that did not get enough screen time or story, there were a few that I really really loved, like Wei Ciyin (a sensual lil bastard), Demon Lord Yan Heng (I mean wouldn’t you fall in love with a stunning demon lord whose laughter sounds like crows above a burial mound in the middle of the night?) and Fu Zhongyi (you beautiful creature, you and your lil adorable fox awwww). Worth mentioning:

007 System - My queen! (I decided it had to be a woman.) I loved that there was a comment function in this system. Although towards the end it wasn't used as much and in general it could have been used more effectively in my opinion. Nevertheless, a nice touch.

Chu Sheng - If you think Chu Yu is dumb, well then just wait til you get to know his overprotective brother. He would even win an idiot competition against me, which should tell you all you need to know. Love him nonetheless. Also he deserved better! To have to do the things he had to, is really devastating! I am a proud member of the “protect Chu Sheng squad” and will forever love the fact that Fu Zhongyi exists!

Insects (would you count them as characters?) - You know what, I have no issue with insects in general, but swarming insects are a thing I could gladly live without. There were a few chapters that gave me the creeps. I guess this would be called good writing, as it arouses emotions from the reader. It had the same effect as the face disease in Tian Guan Ci Fu on me. So a “negative” good I guess?

Couples 

Main couple - First and most important Koala snuggling will never be a boring couple trademark. I was a little nervous that the beginning would drag and we would have to watch a 13 years old child falling in love with a grownup for too long. So I was glad they skipped that part soon. They got together quite fast after the skip, which was more of a negative thing for the overall story, but it also was kinda nice to read more on how they grew as a couple. For example how Chu Yu showed more and more love over time. So even though the story suffered it was kinda nice to follow this couple.

Other couple - Chu Sheng and  Fu Zhongyi were even a better couple in my opinion, but unfortunately we didn’t get enough of them. 

Side-plots - A few side-plots were kinda nice I must say, but could have had more detail and better transitioning into the big plot.

The bad:

Writing style - The writing style, or maybe partially the translation (which I don't believe as they did a terrific job with SVSSS), is not my thing. Short sentences, with little to no flowing transitions in the writing. Many things don’t get describe at all, like the surrounding, the looks of characters or any background information about why certain things were happening. But it is quite an easy read, maybe exactly because it’s written this simply. Still it took me a little to get used to it and finish it.

Pace - The time jumps were, well how to describe it? Sudden, weirdly placed and paced and mostly never really effectively used for shock effects (even though the author surely had those intentions). There was this one jump where Chu Yu was talking with Wei Ciyins father (forgot his name) and then it just cut the scene to the future and it never got resolved satisfyingly. It should have been important, but when it was mentioned again later it was just ... well boring.

World - As written above, the world was not really described in detail, so I’m not sure about this point.

Characters 

The novel had a decent amount of characters and should have been able to build their side stories properly, however, was not able to deliver many details for most of them. I think only for that reason I was kinda bored whenever Shizun Lu Qingan or what was his boyfriends name again appeared.

Chibi Chu Yu was fun, but stayed for far too long for my taste.

Xie Xi - At times he didn't seem very bright, which put me off somehow. After he got together with Chu Yu he lost most of his "screen time" and whenever he appeared it was just to ask for fish (papapa). To be honest the plot could have ended without him, as he had no importance in the second part of the novel, which was very mehh I mean why write a strong, charming, troubled and loving character and just make him this second grade s** obsessed fangirl annoying our main guy. Okay, yes, he did that to Song Jingyi and had one decent high grade fight, but this was not enough for my taste.

Wei Ciyin - I don’t know what it is about picturing Wei Ciyin with his devilishly beautiful face, dressed only in a snow-white inner robe, lying on top of a cluster of flowers while drinking wine, but that part got stuck in my head and I was so disappointed to find out, he was just an unimportant sort of villain canon fodder and had not much of an important story overall.

Villains in general - Well, what to say about the villains? They were strong, mystic, menacing and cruel, but somehow the whole novel felt like the author was not sure who the big bad boss was supposed to be and jumped from one canon fodder villain to another and "killed" off the supposedly strongest villain Demon Lord Yan Heng within 2 chapters. Why? He was amazing! Give me a whole novel about this character only, NOW! In the end there was a red string throughout the whole story, but it was not as good as it could have been, exactly due to the fact that the villains were so unconnected somehow. Well, I should probably mention Song Jingyi, who was a decent a-hole at least.

Couples

Main couple - Even though I was happy we got a time skip early in the story. The main couple got together waaaaaay too early for the story to be able to go on without a very intriguing plot, which the story unfortunately did not have.

Other couples - Even though it seems like a nice fan service, I think it is quite boring to give every character a love interest (reciprocated or not doesn’t matter). So some of them just were kinda meh in the end.

Plot - It felt like the novel was full of subplots. The big plot lost all its drive due to the way the novel was written. At the end of the book you can clearly see a red string throughout the whole story, but while reading it all just felt unconnected, like a collection of short stories. The mains couple love was the driving factor, but the fact that they got together in the first half (or was it even third) just killed the suspense totally and felt like those american shows that drag on for 8 seasons, when you would have loved it to stop at season 3.

But my biggest disappointment in this novel is not what you might think... It is actually this: Xie Xi was asking Chu Yu “let’s do it” like at least 100 times before their first time. So of course I was hoping that before they actually have their first time, Chu Yu asks Xie Xi the same thing in retour. That would have been perfect. At some point he said something like "are you not going to do it”, which was ok, but not THE THING!

Conclusion:

Lots of potential, but not the best. Still I liked it a little. I’d call it guilty pleasure, if for nothing else then at least for Xie Xi.

[lilacnestor-blog]

The Difficult Concept of Caring

Ship: antiaverage (anti and chase) 

(platonic? romantic? you decide cause i sure can’t)

TW: talk about suicide attempts, mentions of depression, talk about abusive relationships, talk about panic attacks/mental breakdowns, self-hate

Words: 2488

Anti and Chase talk about Yanderiplier’s obsession with Anti, and things get heated. People get angry, backstories are talked about, and demons have issues.

Anti knew about Yanderiplier’s unhealthy obsession with him. Whenever he and the rest of the Septic Egos would have meetings with the Egoipliers, he could feel Yan’s eyes on him, boring into his skin. He tried to avoid making eye contact with her, but he was always uncomfortable at those meetings, especially because she’d always try to corner him afterwards. She was in love with him, she told him, and he was in love with her, she claimed. He just “needed time to see that.” She creeped him the fuck out, and he’d never admit it, but she scared him more than Darkiplier. Dark was an evil, ruthless megalomaniac, who was prone to fits of rage when things didn’t go his way. But Yan was insane. She knew she was insane, and she embraced it. She was unpredictable, and her rage could rival that of Dark’s. There was nothing you could do to keep her stable, you had to walk on eggshells around her, because the smallest thing could set her off.

When the Septic Egos came back from the latest meeting, Anti was equal parts exhausted and enraged. “I can’t keep dealing with her bullshit. I mean, I don’t want to set her off, I don’t need any new scars, but I can’t keep doing this.”

He collapsed on the couch in the home that the seven egos shared, and Chase sat down beside him as the other egos dispersed to their rooms, this being a common occurrence for Anti. “Hey, it’s going to be alright. At least the next meeting isn’t for a month and you don’t have to see her until then. I know what it’s like to have toxic people in your life, and even if you want to, it can be hard to cut them out. Believe me, I don’t like her either. The way she looks at you, it’s like she wants to kill you, but then she spouts her love confessions? You don’t do that if you really love someone. Even if they don’t love you back, you should never try to make them feel uncomfortable, especially that’s your way of trying to make them love you. I almost feel bad for her, because she truly doesn’t know how to love someone healthily. And something tells me that no matter how many people try to teach her what love should be, she’ll never learn. It’s just her personality.”

“Yeah, that was real comforting, now I feel bad for the little shit.”

“Sorry, I’m not good at comforting people. It’s usually you comforting me, because I’m usually the one who breaks down in the middle of a conversation for no good reason.”

“Stop putting yourself down. You have a perfectly good reason for your breakdowns. One, you work yourself too damn hard on your tv show, and two, you have depression, which we’re trying to treat. It’s perfectly normal for it to get to be too much for you every now and then.”

“Shut up, this is supposed to be about you, not me.”

“Well I’m sorry that I like talking about you.”

“Look, let’s just get back to the whole situation with you and Yan, okay? I think the reason this keeps going on is that because you aren’t denying her “love confessions”, she thinks it’s okay to keep trying.”

“I’m not denying the fucking things because I don’t want to set her off! I’ve already got a scar on my neck, I don’t need any more from her. I’ve seen her with that fucking katana. I don’t like saying this, but she scares the hell out of me. I don’t want her to go crazy and hurt me, or any of you guys. Especially you. I see the way she fucking glares at you whenever you go to speak in front of everyone at meetings. Maybe it’s because I’m closer to you than I am to the others, maybe she just doesn’t like you, but if she got herself into a rage, I could see her going off on you. She could seriously hurt you.”

“Anti, I can take care of myself-“

“I don’t care if you can or can’t. As an ego, she’s more powerful than you are. She’s a horror ego like me and Dark are, you’re a comedy ego, like Bim Trimmer or King of the Squirrels. Yes, you have a little horror in you, but that’s just because you needed to fuck with your audience a little bit. She’s insane, unstable, and carries a weapon on her pretty much 24/7. You’re relatively sane, emotional, and the closest thing you have to a weapon is a nerf gun.”

“Yeah, but that’s only because *someone* won’t let me have guns in the house anymore.”

“Don’t try to joke with me about that. I was scared. You almost died that day, okay? And we still don’t know if you’re a regenerative ego like I am. We don’t know if you can die for good, so I took precautions so that we wouldn’t fucking find out.”

“I’m sorry I was just trying make light of the situation. I know you’re worried about me and all that, but if I’m the one who almost died, then I’m the one who can make whatever jokes I want about the situation. Or do you want me to be so sheltered that I cry every time suicide is mentioned?”

“What the fuck has gotten into you?”

“Maybe I just don’t like the fact that you’re always calling me weak. Always thinking I need to be protected. You’re almost as bad as the fandom. I’m not some stupid fucking cinnamon roll, Anti. I’m an adult. I went through hell and back before you met me, and I’ve survived this long. I don’t need your help.”

“You don’t need MY help? I’m sorry, but who was the person who helped you through becoming an ego when you first got here? Who learned how to deal with your mental breakdowns and your panic attacks and help you through them? Who built your confidence up enough to face your abusive ex-wife in court? Who helped you through months of hearings and lies and breakdowns? Who was there at your bedside for hours after you attempted suicide and Schneep was trying to bring you back? Who got you on medication for your depression? Face it, Chase, if it wasn’t for me, you’d be dead, alone, or both.”

He knew he shouldn’t have said that. Oh god, what had he done. He had always been a person of violent words, that was what he was created for. But he thought he was getting better. He just got carried away, he was so frustrated that Chase lashed out at him, when really it was his fault for telling him not to joke about the damn thing. What he should’ve said was that he didn’t think Chase was weak, or needed to be protected. He just cared about him, but didn’t want to say it. Because things didn’t go well if it was a demon who cared about you. And Anti really was a demon; he’d just proved it with his biting words. And now Chase was crying, with that hurt look in his eyes that told him that he’d fucked up badly. Because if Chase was so hurt that he didn’t even have it in him to be angry, then he’d crossed a line that he didn’t want to.

“I see how you feel about me then. I’m just dependent on you, like, like a fucking parasite. You’re right that I’d be dead or alone without you, but maybe I’d be better off that way. If you don’t want me to need you, then I don’t want to need you. Maybe I should just leave. I’ll be forgotten by the community eventually if I’m not used for videos, and I can’t be used for videos if I’m not here. You’ll be better off without me hanging off you all the time.” Chase said the words chokingly, between sobs, with eyes that were dull with hurt, almost even betrayal.

And Antisepticeye, feared demon, horror ego, the most powerful of the Septic Egos, who didn’t feel pain or death, started to cry. He’d only cried one other time, and no one had seen it. He’d cried after he heard that Chase was dying, that he’d put a bullet through his head after the final verdict had made him pay copious amounts of money to his emotionally abusive ex-wife in child support, and had lost all visitation rights to his children because she’d said that he’d been making everything up about the abuse, and was a compulsive liar who couldn’t be trusted with children. Except Anti hadn’t known that until after Chase was in the hospital; it was the one hearing he hadn’t gone to because Dark and Wil had pulled him into a meeting for just the three of them. He’d told Chase that he’d ditch them to come, but Chase had insisted that he’d be okay, that it looked like everything was coming out fine. But everything was not fine, and Anti had cried that day, thinking that the last words he would ever hear Chase say would be, “Everything’s going to be okay, go to your big shot meeting. I’ll be fine with this one.” Schneep had seen him with puffy eyes when he walked into the hospital room after he’d finished operating, but didn’t say anything, because Anti looked like he would’ve slit the doctor’s throat. When Chase woke up, it had been one of the few true good things that had ever happened in Anti’s life. And he was so grateful that fate, luck, or whatever higher power had let him have Chase back.

And now here he was, months later, saying things that had killed the spirit inside Chase’s eyes, knowing so fundamentally that he’d fucked up, that he would do anything to make the situation better, being faced head on with the fact that he cared so much about Chase, that he couldn’t handle it. He started to cry, and he cried inky black tears that showed the world that he was inhuman, a demon to be feared, even at his weakest moments.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so fucking sorry that the word doesn’t even make sense anymore. You are not a parasite, you don’t cling to me, and you are not defined by what I’ve done. You were so brave through everything you went through, and I was just on the sidelines. I twisted it so that it seemed like you were defined by me, that you were nothing without me, but you aren’t. You’re everything, with or without me. I’m just scared, and that doesn’t excuse a single fucking thing I said. I’m just a scared little demon who can’t stand up to some bitch with an obsession with me because I’m too afraid someone’s going to get hurt. I never wanted to treat you like you’re weak, or needed protecting. I just cared about you and didn’t know how to show it, so I became overprotective of you. I was manipulative and horrible and convinced you that you needed protecting, and when you realized you didn’t, that you were your own person, I lashed out at you and tried to break you.

I really am just as bad as Yan. You would be better off without me. I speak without thinking and then hold my regrets in because I don’t want to say I was wrong but I am saying it, everything about how I treat you is wrong. I’ve got so many issues with myself and how I treat others, and even when I’m trying to play nice it all leaks out. You don’t deserve to have to be around me, when all I do is tear you down and make you cry and break your spirit. If it’s anyone who should be leaving, it’s me, but I can’t, because I’m rooted to this fucking place, to the channel, to Jack, and to being an ego. I can’t exist in the real world because I’m not human, but I shouldn’t exist here, because I shouldn’t exist at all. I’m a heartless demon whose only purpose is to be violent and over the top, I should’ve known that trying to get close to people would only hurt them, but fuck, I care about you, and even though I shouldn’t, even though it’s not good for you, and that I’ll just end up hurting you again and again, I can’t seem to stop caring.”

Anti closed his eyes as black tears still leaked our of them. He put his head down on the couch and just sobbed because he’d never known a pain like this. He’d felt pain the day that Chase had almost died, but that was different. That was loss. This was heartbreak and self loathing and the scared feeling of pouring your heart out to someone, hoping they’ll accept your apology and that they won’t just leave. But then he felt a soft, warm feeling, a slight pressure on his right hand, which rested on the couch cushion. He opened his eyes and saw that Chase was still crying, but he was smiling too, and he had his hand on top of Anti’s. He looked at Chase in confusion, unsure of what this meant.

“Anti. You are manipulative and violent sometimes, but it’s in your nature. It’s how you were created to be. But every time you realize what you’re doing is hurting someone, you stop. You apologize to them, and you try to make the situation and your behavior better. You don’t know how to express your emotions safely, without manipulating or hurting someone, but you’re trying to learn. It’s not that you want to be a bad person, it’s just your preset. The fact that you are trying, truly trying to be good, tells me you deserve to be here. Yes you’re manipulative and violent, but you’re also caring and supportive. You’ve helped me through so much. You’ve always been at my side every step of the way, making sure I’m doing alright. And I care about you so much. You have your issues, but you’re fixing them. Me, I’m just selfish and weak. I don’t know why you’d ever care about someone like me.”

“You’re not selfish or weak. You’re the bravest person I know. You’ve gone through everything that life has thrown at you and you haven’t complained. You’ve been all smiles even on your worst days. Even when it’s been unhealthy and I’ve had to pry the mask or happiness off your face to help you through things, you just want to make other people happy. You’re not selfish or weak, you’re brave and loving. And that is why I care about you.”

[etherealliberation-blog]

I took off the "statcounter" app to this blog so I can no longer see who goes on to it & when That was big for me in this letting go process. Not checking and seeing if this person still cares enough about me to check this blog is a big step forward. In a way, I feel like this blog is back for me & me only, because I will no longer see if anyone I know reads my writing. Some days are really good, other days are really bad. I think it would be a bit easier if I had some sort of closure to this situation, but I don't. I still have so many questions left simply unanswered, and there are times where I question if it was a lie. I swing back and forth between searing hatred and loving compassion. One half of me thinks this person unconsciously loves to destroy to me to prove something to his ego, another thinks it's just so much fear that it's overwhelming. I just don't know anything and I think that's why I'm driven so crazy. Part of me feels that I'm crazy, but I know I'm not. Anyone would be driven crazy by this situation. I guess I'm just trying to detach from it the best I can. I have a tendency to place my self worth in the way that others treat me, and I can attach myself to others like that. Whatever people do to another human being says more about them than it does about the other person. The way you treat others clearly reflects how you feel about yourself in the moment. Things will balance out. They always do. Just right now, this really sucks. I mean, it really fucking sucks. But, the good news is, is that I'm starting to see a pattern in the way that this person treated me and the way my father treats me, so I can begin to psychically heal that trauma and not attract another situation like this back into my life. I know it will take some time, but clarity and serenity will surround me again. I will do my best to try and choose myself in each moment, because lately I definitely seem to lose control of my well being to my emotions. This person is unconsciously helping me heal a lot. And, although there is no communication I can feel my healing feel him too. But, the thing is, I'm sick of always being the one doing this work on myself and my partner not wanting to do their own work. I deserve to receive a healing. In that way, I felt like I always had to be the strong masculine presence in the relationship. To me, masculinity doesn't mean how many girls you get/how much money you make, its more over the "yan" energy a man exudes. I want to be taken care of. I want to feel protected. I want to know I can go to my man if I'm sad and feel safe. I want my needs to matter and me not have to sacrifice my well being. I don't want to feel like I just have to be this puppy that just loves a person and put my needs on the line while they have their cake and eat it too. That just isn't how relationships OR friendships work. Other people have feelings too. My feelings deserve to be validated and acted upon.

[3ternalove-blog1]

Chapter 14

Ye Hua waited for me patiently the following day to bring me to Nine Heavens. While walking out, we came across Li Jing, who was still waiting for me at the entrance of Qing Qiu.

“Zhe Yan was right” - Ye Hua said to me. “What ought to be concluded should be concluded as soon as possible”. It’s funny how Ye Hua could be angry at Bi Fang but be so cool towards Li Jing.

“If you are the only one to think it’s over, it does not mean it is truly over” - he continued.

Wow, Ye Hua. Since when you are so good in relationship problems?

“It seems like you have a lot of experience” - I teased him.

He got a little pissed. “I’ll wait for you up ahead” - he said and walked off.

I sighed.

Li Jing and Ye Hua greeted each other without saying anything.

I braced myself. Let’s get over and done with. He looked like he’s been having the same expression since the battle I last saw him 70,000 years ago.

“A-Yin, I thought.. I thought you would never see me again. Are your injuries fine now?”

“I’m sorry for worrying you, Ghost Lord. I have always been tough. These minor injuries are nothing”

He sounded relived. “Then that’s good”. And he took out the Soul Jade.

I looked at the jade then to him. “What is the meaning of this, Ghost Lord?”

“I made a grave mistake in a moment of weakness. Take this soul jade now and place it in Mo Yuan’s mouth. Then you no longer need to use your heart’s blood”

Took you 70,000 years to realised that, Li Jing?

“Thank you for your good intentions, Ghost Lord. It’s just that Shifu’s body no longer need to be preserved with my blood. This treasure, you best take it back and take good care of it”

“A-Yin.. is it really not possible for us to return to the way we were?” - he asked in a hopeful voice.

I walked into the pavilion and took a seat.

“You are only devoting all of your attention to me because you see that I didn’t kill myself by running head first into a wall after I was abandoned but instead I’m living well as I am now. So you must had think that I never cared for you and that is why you keep hounding me”

“A-Yin, do you think I only feel bitterness towards you?”

“I’m afraid talking peacefully as we are now will not happen again after today. So it would be best to clarify things today”

I turned to look at him. Li Jing, my husband is waiting for me up ahead.

“70,000 years ago, I did experience my first taste of love because of you. Because it was my first time, I was not like the experienced ones and naturally acted rather indifferent and passive. Nevertheless, I was indeed brimming with affection for you”

Li Jing stared at me like he didn’t know what was going on.

“As you know, there was some animosity between our two tribes. So during that period of time, I tried to think of it everyday how I could persuade my parents to allow me to marry you. At that time, I had thought of a good reason, so I happily wrote it down in fear that I would forget it. Now to think back, it was truly absurd”

I had tears in my eyes. I can’t figure out what tears it was.

“And you” - I continued. “When my feelings for you were at the strongest, you knocked me down. You only saw that I let it go so easily but you did not see how sad and miserable I was”

“When my shifu passed away that year, with my hurting heart, I went to Grand Ziming Palace to borrow the soul jade from you. You will never understand how much courage I had to summon up. Nor you will ever understand how much disappointment you left me with”

“It wasn’t like that” - he stood down eye level to me. “I did not know you were seriously injured at that time. If you had told me that you were using blood from your heart to preserve Mo Yuan’s body, I would never have withheld it from you”

Oh, so you’ll only give it to me if I was injured? What Xuan Nu said about you being jealous..

“I didn’t give you the soul jade then because I knew you were protecting Mo Yuan. Yes, I envy him. I envy Mo Yuan. But A-Yin, I actually.. I have never forgotten you”

Argh, can you stop that like.. NOW?

He grab my hands. “Can you forgive me?”

I shake off his hand. I really don’t want Ye Hua to have crazy thoughts.

How can I forgive you after what you had done to me?

“Ghost Lord, you say today that you never forgot me. That is only because you are always searching for things you cannot attain or that you have lost. Once you possess them, you no longer cherish them”

“Are you saying this just to lessen your own guilt?”

GUILT?

“Actually you never loved me, have you? You were able to let go so easily when Xuan Nu and I was together. You already hated me, didn’t you?”

You didn’t know how I almost burned down Kulun Mountain because of you. How drunk I got, how sad I was.

“But who doesn’t make mistakes? You are the love of my life. Why can’t you forgive me?”

“After what you did that year, do you still expect me to share a husband with Xuan Nu? After leaving Grand Ziming Palace, I did blame and hated you. But when I lost too much blood in Yanhua Cave and my life was hanging by a thread, I discovered that your face was not what I saw in my head. That was when I knew my heartbreak was over”

“A-Yin, don’t say any more”

I gave him a final look. “Li Jing. You are indeed the only man that I wholeheartedly loved in all my 140,000 years”. I sigh. “It’s just that too much time had passed. We cannot return to the way we were”. And I’m married to another man. He is the one I love wholeheartedly now.

“I understood this is too late. And.. you aren’t at the same place waiting for me” - he said sadly.

“From now on, we are acquaintances” - I walked away without turning back. “Farewell”

Ye Hua was waiting for me at the bridge. I tried to smile I walked towards him.

“They were clearly such sweet words” - he said. “But how come they sounded so heartbreaking when it’s coming from you?”

Ah, so you did eavesdrop.

I changed the topic. Whatever that concerned with Li Jing, will be left behind starting now.

“Look at the sky. I’m afraid it will be raining soon. We should hurry”

********************

We arrived to Nine Heavens without saying much. As much as I’m curious to what has changed, I’m also afraid about what to come.

The Nine Heavens is strangely empty. As far as I can remember, there were guards everywhere. But not today.

“Even Qing Qiu’s entrance has Mi Qu guarding it. But this Great Heaven holding 36 heavens doesn’t have someone guarding the door? It’s a little strange”

Ye Hua just smiled. “The Supreme Vulnerable Sovereign began a sermon today. I suppose they all have left to attend the assembly”

Oh? How coincident. Or did you planned this out so I won’t come across anyone?

“So there is an assembly?”

We kept walking till we reach Xiwu Palace. This place seriously brings back so much.. memories.

“I heard the Heavenly Lord granted you the name Xiwu Palace when you were establishing your official residence when you were 30,000 years old” - I said to him. Actually, it was Nai Nai who told me about it when I was still Su Su living at Xiwu Palace.

“That’s correct”

“But why is it so dim inside?” - I asked him. As I can remember, it wasn’t like that. “It is like the Crystal Palace of the Eastern Sea during the banquet”

“That’s because you can’t stand bright lights” - he said, his mood suddenly changed.

“Because of me?”. Oh, he must had remember about my eyes.

He held his right hand out. “Qian Qian”

Without questioning, I took his hand. He pulled me to his arms.

“I’ll bring you inside” - he said and carried me inside.

“Who knew that to get to Nine Heavens, I had to jump in instead of walking through the front entrance?”

Ye Hua laughed. “To walk in from the front, all the halls high and low would have been alerted. All the commotion would have been annoying. It wouldn’t have been as convenient as jumping in”

How considerate of you.

“That’s reasonable” - I smiled at him. Then I remembered something. “Oh yes. We are here early today. Jia Yun has not delivered your official documents yet. Don’t tell me you didn’t tell him not to send them to Qing Qiu so he’d save his trip?”

Ye Hua smiled sheepishly. He just looked at me without saying anything.

“We came back late yesterday. Have you made any progress on the official reports that have piled up?” - I continued asking him.

He cleared his throat and smiled.

Opps. Did I sound too obvious that I’m paying attention to him?

I quickly look away and changed the subject. “You were right. It’s a good thing we didn’t enter through the front door and alert the other immortals. Otherwise it would have been very troublesome”

“Hmm”

“I have something to discuss with you”

“Qian Qian, you sounded serious. What is it about?”

“It isn’t anything serious” - I said, walking towards his study. “I will be recuperating here for a few days. Since I came in secret, I mustn’t have you arrange chambers for me with great fanfare. Why don’t I stay with Riceball for two days?”

“You want to stay in A-Li’s Qingyun Hall?”

Duh. Or else I stay with you at Zichen Hall? 

“Er.. would it be inconvenient?”

“I have already prepared chambers for you”

Oh. As I was trying hard to avoid the place, there I have to go back to the same place.

I nodded and looked down. I didn’t want to show him the fear in my eyes as I’ve blocked all the bad memories away.

“Oh, by the way, about my shifu..”

“No one else will now”

I felt assured. I’m sure he won’t be telling anyone else in the Celestial Palace. At least not for now.

As I have guessed, he took me to Hall of Beautiful Youth. The only difference when we entered is that there are Peach Blossom trees planted on both sides of the entrance.

“You have Peach Blossoms here as well? Were they brought over from the Heavenly Peach Garden?” - I asked him curiously.

“I planted this 300 years ago”

Oh. You did?

“Only this year have they finally blossomed for the very first time”

Double ‘Oh’

“300 years for the first blossom? You sure have patience”

Like the patience and love you have for me.

I walked into my previous chamber, not knowing what to expect. I prayed hard that I won’t break down.

Nai Nai appeared. “High Goddess, have some tea” - she said and she looked up. “Your Highness!” - she cried. “Your Highness, it really is you! I’ve waited for you for 300 years. You’ve finally returned!”

I’ve missed you too, Nai Nai. But for now, please forgive me.

I looked at Ye Hua.

“Crown Prince’s Soul Gathering Lamp is truly a sacred item! Your Highness looks no different at all!” - she continued.

Ye Hua, when we talk, we need to talk about this Soul Gathering Lamp. I’m super curious about it.

“Nai Nai” - he called her. “This is Qing Qiu’s High Goddess Bai Qian. She will be staying here for a few days. You will attend to her. Stand up”

Nai Nai looked at me in disbelieved. She finally let go of my sleeves.

“She will be going to the Lord of Numinous Treasure’s Heavenly Spring” - he explained. “Go make preparations”

“Yes” - she said and excused herself.

“Rest for now. I’ll bring A-Li here” - he said to me.

“Okay”

I looked around the chamber. Nothing has changed. Everything is still where it was, 300 years ago. I went around, touching all the furniture and things that were once mine.

Then, I remembered about Su Jin.

I walked out of the hall to find Nai Nai outside in the garden.

“Has the Crown Prince always liked peach blossom so much?” - I asked her. As I can remember, he did not mention anything about liking it before.

“My lady really liked peach blossoms. After she left, the Crown Prince planted these trees all over the hall”

Oh, he planted all these for me?

“Mother!” - A-Li ran over to me.

“You’re here” - I greeted him.

Nai Nai dropped her tray of flowers.

“Nai Nai, what’s wrong?” - A-Li asked her.

“It’s nothing. My hand slipped. Please forgive me” - she said to me.

“It’s fine” - I said to her. I still have plenty to thank her for. Especially for taking good care of A-Li all these years.

“Mother, I want a hug” - A-Li begged.

I looked at Ye Hua. He smiled at me. But with Nai Nai around and we just pretended that I’m not A-Li’s mother, let’s just keep it that way for now.

“Er.. I’m not feeling too well. Have your father hug you instead”

He looked at his father, then back to me.

“A-Li know. You’re going to have another baby, aren’t you?”

HUH?!

Ye Hua seems amused at his choice of words while I was just.. dumbfounded. We looked at each other.

“That’s what is written in the books” - A-Li explained. “It said a madam was with a child and her family wouldn’t allow her to hold a child from another family because they were afraid that it would.. would.. ah yes, disturb the fetus”

I glanced at Ye Hua. How in the world did he get these books to read?!

“You are only as tall as a garlic sprouts” - I said to my son. How come you know about disturbing a fetus?”

Ye Hua suddenly got all serious. “A-Li” - he turned him around. “Who gave you that book?”

“It was Cheng Yu who gave it to me”

“That Cheng Yu again”

I laughed. “This Cheng Yu is sure an interesting person” - I said to Ye Hua.

“Even if High Goddess is pregnant, why would you be blushing, Little Prince?” - Nai Nai suddenly asked.

We turned to him.

“I’m delighted. If Mother has a baby, then I won’t be the youngest in Heaven anymore!” - he exclaimed.

Ye Hua walked nearer with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Qian Qian, why don’t we have one as soon as we are married?”

Right. Easy said then done. Er, I mean, easy said. The pain is unbearable. If only you know how much I called for you the last time I gave birth to A-Li.

“If you are the only to give birth to the baby, I would be very happy to help” - I teased him.

Ye Hua tried to say something but nothing came out.

“Since A-Li is here, why don’t we all go to the Heavenly’s Spring?” - I changed the topic.

[inkribbon796]

Moonlight Meetup

EGOTOBER  2019: DAY 25

Prompt: Moonlight

Word Count: 1084

Summary: Bim meets up with his sister after being separated for a bit.

Note the First: Bim is canonically a cannibal, he eats a guy’s cooked liver, no on-screen murder takes place, but if you’re not comfortable with it, I get it.

Second: There’s no really fandom-wide consents about what Yan is, so I went with how I view Yan and used the she/her pronouns.

    Bim was sitting in Dark’s main office, feet up on his desk, twisting in Dark’s swivel chair a bit, but not enough to need to take his feet off the desk.

    Right as he was getting bored of waiting for Dark, because he could be doing anything right now and he was stuck in his Old Man’s office. 

    Bim got onto his phone and started to dial Dark’s number when the door opened.

    “I didn’t intend for you to be so sloppy about it,” Dark retorted as he walked in with someone Bim recognized from his childhood and pictures. Yan, one of Dark’s Lieutenants. Yan was in her typical outfit, a Japanese school girl outfit, the navy skirt barely reaching her knees.

    Yan gasped in pure joy when she saw Bim. It had been almost a year since the two of them had seen each other.

    “Nice,” Bim smiled, “see you finally ditched the suits the Old Man tried to put us all in.”

    “Bim, just for five seconds could you act like an adult,” Dark glared at Bim. “Get your feet off my desk.”

    “It’s comfy,” Bim reminded.

    Dark frowned disapprovingly, and with a finger pushed Bim’s feet off him desk. “Off,” Dark summoned Bim’s chair from the Void, as well as chair for Yan. He frowned in disgust as he brushed some dirt off the top of his desk.

    “I do paperwork on this,” Dark grimaced, before Bim could make a joke, the greyscaled supervillain continued talking. “Bim, Yan, I would like to formally introduce you to each other again.”

    “You still a man eater?” Yan joked.

    Bim flashed his teeth, “You still killing other girls?”

    Loudly clearing his throat, Dark brought attention back to him, “The whole reason I am bringing you back together is because, now that you’re old enough, I am formally promoting you both as my new Lieutenants.”

    “Who died this time?” Yan smiled.

    “No one trustworthy,” Dark answered coldly. “They had a wire.”

    “Yikes,” Bim grinned. “Did you save the liver?”

    “Afterward,” Dark warned. “Don’t fail me or I shunt you two back up in the Void.”

    “You can’t take me back, I did my time,” Yan complained.

    “Wasn’t the old deal I go there on the weekends? I still have three hours left.” Bim rolled his eyes.

    “That was a joke Wil made,” Dark reminded, more than a bit of ice in his tone. “You live at the Manor.”

    “Yeah thanks, the place is like a Gordian knot of nightmares,” Bim scoffed. “You lucked out Yan, I’ve gotten lost trying to find the bathroom in the dead of night.”

    “Focus you two,” Dark demanded.

    “We got our promotions, what else are we supposed to do?” Bim asked. “You said we’d be getting these ten years ago.”

    “Your first official mission as my Lieutenants will be to find our two wayward Lost Ones. Bim you’ll find Kay and bring him to me, and Yan you are going to bring to me Arthur. If bringing him in alive is too hazardous to problematic you are to kill him and bring me whatever notebooks he has on hand.”

    “Guess you don’t want it for his Dear Dairy entries,” Bim quipped. “If he’s got state secrets, let me take care of him.”

    “If you finish your mission before Yan can bring Arthur in, then we can talk about that,” Dark promised.

    “I’ll hold you to that,” Bim warned.

    Dark took out two pictures, “Bim, these are of Kay, I had someone age up his old photos. I know he still lives somewhere in the city. I suspect close to the outskirts of town given how much he used to love the park.”

    “Alright,” Bim stood up to get them, leaning against Dark’s desk as he studied them

    “Yan, Arthur is working with the heroes, he was in an accident and has been in hiding ever since,” Dark warned. “I suspect he lives at their base in order to have snuck past me for so long. Kay’s a natural recluse, Arthur never was.”

    “Artie’s loss really,” Yan shrugged, standing up. “He shouldn’t have joined them. I’ll bring him in even if I have to do it kicking and screaming.”

    “You have to be careful, you know what he’s capable of, witness protect or not,” Dark demanded. “Can I trust you two with this on your own? I can bring Google in.”

    “I’m not letting the killer robot take credit for finding him,” Bim huffed. “I’ll bring him in, but first I’m grabbing that liver out of the fridge.”

    “Go ahead, I labeled and dated it for you,” Dark dismisses. “I’m sure the two of you want to catch up.”

    With a quick goodbye, the two headed over to the break room.

    “So, long time no see,” Yan told him as they were walking in. There was a one way window that allowed them to see out, but no one could look in. It was midnight, a shocking clear night. The moonlight filtered in weakly.

    “Yeah, I was starting to think something had happened to you,” Bim joked as he opened the fridge and pulled out a Tupperware container with Bim’s name on it. “Ugh he already cooked it.”

    “You were going to eat that raw?” Yan chuckled.

    “I like to cook them myself,” Bim answered, already throwing his food in the microwave. “The Old Man can’t cook to save his life, but neither can Dad either so that’s not really a big surprise.”

    “Ugh, don’t remind me, I remember when I used to live with you guys. Couldn’t get out of that place fast enough.” Yan scoffed. Then the other Lieutenant seemed to think about something, she looked uncomfortable. “You know what happened to the other three guys? Kay and Arthur, I get, but Dark never talks about the other three.”

    “Not sure, something about the three of them going crazy, I don’t know where they went,” Bim looked equally uncomfortable. “The Old Man never liked talking about it.”

    After Bim’s liver was done heating, the two started talking about the various adventures they’d been up to since Dark had separated Bim the others. Yan joking about the hell she and Arthur used to raise before he defected. Just enjoying the reprieve while it lasted.